The world hath always had thoughts of Religion clean contrary to what it is and doth. Most men are so mad as to think a Religious life madness; as if Religion did but make men melancholy and dull their spirits, and make them look wrinkled with sorrow and care long before they are wrinkled with age; as if it did but depress mens spirits, put an end to all their joys and pleasures, and incapacitate men to be great and glorious in this world: insomuch that he who makes conscience of his ways, is looked upon, but as one of God Almighty's fools. Alas, what a mistake is this! Can there be greater and better joy then rejoicing in the Lord, joy in the holy Ghost, unspeakable and full of glory? Can there be better cheer then a good conscience? If ⟨p. 243⟩Saints mourn and are sorrowful, 'tis because they are no better, and they are the better for that; for godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation, never to be repented of; Religion takes no man off from any thing that is good; and is it not good to be taken off from evil? Is it cowardice to be afraid of sin? Blessed is he that so feareth always: Is not he stronger that overcometh himself, then he that overcometh a City? Is it folly to be wise to salvation? Is it loss to be godly? When as indeed godliness is the great and only gain. Is it not better to be poor with honesty, then to be rich by knavery? To which of the Saints will ye turn? Surely they that condemn Religion never were religious. Ask Abraham, Moses, &c. if the ways of God be not pleasantness, and his paths peace; if his yoke be not easy, and his burden light? Ah Lord, whatever others call wisdom, let this be ⟨p. 144⟩mine to fear thee, and to depart from evil; let godliness be my gain; while others take care to be great, let me take care to be good: while others seek Conquests over men, let me fight the good fight of faith, whereby I may conquer the world, and the evil man my self; and if this be to be vile, let me be more vile; if this be to be a fool, let me be a fool. Dear Lord, if none will love thee, yet let me love thee. 'Tis better to go to Heaven, though alone, then to go to hell with company: as long as I am happy, I care not though the world think me miserable.
The world hath alwaies had thoughts of Religion clean contrary to what it is and doth. Most men are so mad as to think a Religious life madnesse; as if Religion did but make men melancholy and dull their spirits, and make them look wrinkled with sorrow and care long before they are wrinkled with age; as if it did but depresse mens spirits, put an end to all their joyes and pleasures, and incapacitate men to be great and glorious in this world: insomuch that he who makes conscience of his waies, is lookt upon, but as one of God Almighties fools. Alas, what a mistake is this! Can there be greater and better joy then rejoycing in the Lord, joy in the holy Ghost, unspeakable and full of glory? Can there be better chear then a good conscience? If ⟨p. 243⟩Saints mourn and are sorrowful, 'tis because they are no better, and they are the better for that; for godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation, never to be repented of; Religion takes no man off from any thing that is good; and is it not good to be taken off from evil? Is it cowardise to be afraid of sin? Blessed is he that so feareth alwaies: Is not he stronger that overcometh himself, then he that overcometh a City? Is it folly to be wise to salvation? Is it losse to be godly? When as indeed godliness is the great and onely gain. Is it not better to be poor with honesty, then to be rich by knavery? To which of the Saints will ye turn? Surely they that condemn Religion never were religious. Ask Abraham, Moses, &c. if the waies of God be not pleasantness, and his paths peace; if his yoke be not easie, and his burthen light? Ah Lord, whatever others call wisdome, let this be ⟨p. 144⟩mine to fear thee, and to depart from evil; let godlinesse be my gain; while others take care to be great, let me take care to be good: while others seek Conquests over men, let me fight the good fight of faith, whereby I may conquer the world, and the evil man my self; and if this be to be vile, let me be more vile; if this be to be a fool, let me be a fool. Dear Lord, if none will love thee, yet let me love thee. 'Tis better to goe to Heaven, though alone, then to goe to hell with company: as long as I am happy, I care not though the world think me miserable.
