The Godly Man's Picture

2 If you would hold on in godliness, be deliberate and judicious, weigh things well in the balance, Luke 14. 28. Which of you intending to build a Tower, sitteth not dow• first, and counteth the cost: Think with your selves, what it will cost you to be godly, you must expect the hatred of the world, Joh. 15. 19. the wicked hate the godly for their piety▪ 'tis strange they should do so; do we hate a flower because it is sweet? the godly are hated for the perfume of their graces; is a Virgin hated for her beauty? the wicked hate the godly for the beauty of holiness, which shines in them; and secret hatred will break forth into open violence, 2 Tim. 3. 12. Christians must count the cost before they build; why are people so hasty in laying ⟨p. 305⟩down Religion, but because they were so hasty in taking it up?

2 If you would hold on in godliness, be deliberate and judicious, weigh things well in the ballance, Luke 14. 28. Which of you intending to build a Tower, sitteth not dow• first, and counteth the cost: Think with your selves, what it will cost you to be godly, you must expect the hatred of the world, Ioh. 15. 19. the wicked hate the godly for their piety▪ 'tis strange they should do so; do we hate a flower because it is sweet? the godly are hated for the perfume of their graces; is a Virgin hated for her beauty? the wicked hate the godly for the beauty of holiness, which shines in them; and secret hatred will break forth into open violence, 2 Tim. 3. 12. Christians must count the cost before they build; why are people so hasty in laying ⟨p. 305⟩