Religion our true interest, or, Practical notes upon the third chapter of Malachi the…Religion our true interest, or, Practical notes upon the third chapter of Malachy the…

4. He who Fears God dares not commit sin, though it might bring him in Emolument. Gain is the Golden bait with which Satan fisheth for Souls: this was the last temptation the Devil used to Christ, All this will I give thee, Mat. 4.9. How many bow down to the Golden Image! Joshua who could stop the course of the Sun, could not stop Achan in his pursuit after the wedge of Gold^†. But he who Fears God dares not sin to get preferment: David durst not touch the Lords anointed though he knew he was to reign next, 2 Sam. 26.23. A Godly man is assured that a full Purse is but a poor recompense for a wounded Conscience. If any shall go to choke him with Steeples, he saith as Peter, Acts 8.20. Thy money perish with thee.

4. He who Fears God dares not commit sin, though it might bring him in Emolument. Gain is the Golden bait with which Satan fisheth for Souls: this was the last temptation the Devil used to Christ, All this will I give thee, Mat. 4.9. How many bow down to the Golden Image! Ioshua who could stop the course of the Sun, could not stop Achan in his pursuit after the wedge of Gold^†. But he who Fears God dares not sin to get preferment: David durst not touch the Lords anointed though he knew he was to reign next, 2 Sam. 26.23. A Godly man is assured that a full Purse is but a poor recompence for a wounded Conscience. If any shall go to choak him with Steeples, he saith as Peter, Acts 8.20. Thy mony perish with thee.

1. †Cui nihil satis est, eidem nihil turpe. Tacitus.