The Godly Man's Picture

4 Praise is a more distinguishing work; by this a Christian excels all the infernal spirits; dost thou talk of God? so can the Devil, he brought Scripture to Christ; dost thou profess religion? so can the Devil, he transforms himself into an Angel of light; dost thou fast? he never eats; dost thou believe? the Devils have a faith of assent, they believe and tremble, Jam. 2. 19. but, as ⟨p. 182⟩Moses wrought such a miracle, as none of the Magicians could do the like; so here is a work Christians may be doing, which none of the Devils can do, and that is the work of thanksgiving; they blaspheme, but do not bless; Satan hath his fiery darts, but not his harp and viol.

4 Praise is a more distinguishing work; by this a Christian excels all the infernall spirits; dost thou talk of God? so can the Devil, hee brought Scripture to Christ; dost thou profess religion? so can the Devil, he transforms himself into an Angel of light; dost thou fast? he never eats; dost thou beleeve? the Devils have a faith of assent, they believe and tremble, Iam. 2. 19. but, as ⟨p. 182⟩Moses wrought such a miracle, as none of the Magicians could do the like; so here is a work Christians may be doing, which none of the Devils can do, and that is the work of thanksgiving; they blaspheme, but do not bless; Satan hath his fiery darts, but not his harp and viol.

Use 1 See here the true genius and complexion of a godly man,¹ he is much in doxologies and praises.² 'Tis a saying of Lactantius, he cannot be a good man, who is unthankful to