A39678:192
The reasonableness of personal reformation, and the necessity of conversion
The reasonableness of personal reformation, and the necessity of conversion; the true methods of making all men happy in this world, and in the world to come Seasonably discoursed, and earnestly pressed upon this licentious age. By J.F. a sincere lover of his native country, and the souls of men.The reasonableness of personal reformation, and the necessity of conversion; the true methods of making all men happy in this world, and in the world to come Seasonably discoursed, and earnestly pressed upon this licentious age. By J.F. a sincere lover of his native countrey, and the souls of men.
London: printed for Thomas Cockerill, 1691
THE REASONABLENESS OF Personal Reformation, › Chapter 3 › Section 8
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
The Case truly and plainly standing thus, […] morally impossible to make Debauchery the p••per Badge and Character of Gentility. For m•• of Eminency above the Vulgar, are more […] bliged than they to shun all base and sordid Actions: And as their Honour increaseth, so do th• obligations to Temperance and Sobriety increase and strengthen upon them proport•••nably.
The Case truly and plainly standing thus, 〈…〉 morally impossible to make Debauchery the p••per Badge and Character of Gentility. For m•• of Eminency above the Vulgar, are more 〈…〉 bliged than they to shun all base and sordid Ac•ons: And as their Honour increaseth, so do th• obligations to Temperance and Sobriety e••crease and strengthen upon them proport•••nably.
'Twas therefore a right and rational Observation of Hi•rome, I see nothing desirable in Nobi••• (saith he) but this, that such men are bound by a•• tain kind of necessity, not to degenerate from, or s••• the glory and honour of their renowned Ancest••• And the Reason is strong and evident. For Virtue being that which first differenced their Blo•• from others, they are obliged by all the val•• they have for the honour of their Blood and milies, to shun those Vices which stain that honour and dignity. And what Vice can dishono and debase them more, than profane Swearing For if the Arms of many Noble Families ha been reversed for Treason against the King; '[…] irrational to imagine, that Treason against th King of Kings, should add a new mark of honour: And what is Blasphemy but Treason against God? 'Tis plain then from the true R and Character of a Gentleman, profane Swea ing neither first raised, nor can preserve and continue, but rather blots and exposes their Reputation and Honour.