But all Flesh almost, hath corrupted its Ways. The Power of Religion, and the Experience of it in the Souls of Men being generally lost, the profession of it is of no great use, nor will long abide. Yea multitudes all the World over, seem to be weary of the Religion which themselves profess, so far as it is pleaded to be of Divine Revelation, be it true or false, unless it be where they have great secular advantages by their profession of it. There is no greater pretence of a flourishing State in Religion, than that of some Churches of the Roman Communion, especially one at this day. But if the account which is given us from among themselves concerning it be true, it is not much to be gloried in. For set aside the multitude of Atheists, Antiscripturists, ⟨image 23⟩and avowed Disbelievers of the supernatural Mysteries of the Gospel, and the Herd that remains influenced into an Hatred and persecution of the Truth by a combination of men upholding themselves and their way by extravagant secular Interests and Advantages, is not very highly considerable. Yea, their present height seems to be on a precipice. What inroads in other places, bold Opinions concerning the Authority of Scripture and the Demonstration of it, the Person and Office of Christ, the Holy Spirit and all his operations, with the Advancement of a pretence of Morality in opposition to Evangelical Grace in its Nature and Efficacy, are made every day, is known unto all who consider these things. And although the effects of this Poison discover themselves daily, in the decays of Piety, the increase of Immoralities of all sorts, and the abounding of flagitious Sins, exposing Nations unto the high Displeasure of God; Yet the security of most in this state of things, proclaims it self in various fruits of it, and can never be sufficiently deplored.
But all Flesh almost, hath corrupted its Ways. The Power of Religion, and the Experience of it in the Souls of Men being generally lost, the profession of it is of no great use, nor will long abide. Yea multitudes all the World over, seem to be weary of the Religion which themselves profess, so far as it is pleaded to be of Divine Revelation, be it true or false, unless it be where they have great secular advantages by their profession of it. There is no greater pretence of a flourishing State in Religion, than that of some Churches of the Roman Communion, especially one at this day. But if the account which is given us from among themselves concerning it be true, it is not much to be gloried in. For set aside the multitude of Atheists, Antiscripturists, ⟨image 23⟩and avowed Disbelievers of the supernatural Mysteries of the Gospel, and the Herd that remains influenced into an Hatred and persecution of the Truth by a combination of men upholding themselves and their way by extravagant secular Interests and Advantages, is not very highly considerable. Yea, their present height seems to be on a precipice. What inroads in other places, bold Opinions concerning the Authority of Scripture and the Demonstration of it, the Person and Office of Christ, the Holy Spirit and all his operations, with the Advancement of a pretence of Morality in opposition to Evangelical Grace in its Nature and Efficacy, are made every day, is known unto all who consider these things. And although the effects of this Poyson discover themselves daily, in the decays of Piety, the encrease of Immoralities of all sorts, and the abounding of flagitious Sins, exposing Nations unto the high Displeasure of God; Yet the security of most in this state of things, proclaims it self in various fruits of it, and can never be sufficiently deplored.
