A plea for the Godly

2 Br. Learn then that it is no disparagement ¹to any person to be righteous, seeing it casts a splendour and renown on him, and makes him more excellent than others: Some are loth to espouse Religion, because they think it will be a stain to their reputation; but you see how righteousness doth emblazon ones Scutcheon, and give him a supereminency above others. Novarinus relates of an ancient King who invited a company of poor Christians, and set them above some of his Nobles; and being asked why he showed so much respect to men of such mean birth and extract? he replied, I must needs honour these as the Children of the high God, they will be Kings and Princes with me in another world. Theodosius thought it a greater renown to be Membrum Christi, than Caput Imperii; a Member of Christ, than the head of an Empire. The righteous are highly in favour ⟨p. 56⟩with God, and he hath enrolled their names in the Book of Life, Phil. 4. 3. It was a custom among the Romans to write down the names of their Senators in a Book, therefore they were called Patres Conscripti; this is the honour of the righteous, their names are written among the Courtiers of Heaven. Believers in regard of their mystical Union with Christ, have a kind of excellency above the Angels, the Angels are Morning Stars, Job 38. 7. but these are Clothed with the Sun^*: Can it be any shame to be listed among the Saints, when God is not ashamed to be called their God? Heb. 11. 16.

2 Br. Learn then that it is no disparagement ¹to any person to be righteous, seeing it casts a splendor and renown on him, and makes him more excellent than others: Some are loth to espouse Religion, because they think it will be a stain to their reputation; but you see how righteousness doth emblazon ones Scutcheon, and give him a supereminency above others. Novarinus relates of an ancient King who invited a company of poor Christians, and set them above some of his Nobles; and being ask'd why he showed so much respect to men of such mean birth and extract? he replied, I must needs honour these as the Children of the high God, they will be Kings and Princes with me in another world. Theodosius thought it a greater renown to be Membrum Christi, than Caput Imperii; a Member of Christ, than the head of an Empire. The righteous are highly in favour