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…

6. He who Fears God dares not do that which is of evil report, though possibly the thing in it self may be no sin. 1 Cor. 6.1. Dare any of you having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust? Yes, might some say, what sin is it to have a just cause brought before unbelievers, that it may be decided? O but, might the Apostle reply, though the thing in it self be lawful, yet because it sounds ill, and exposeth your Religion to the Scorn and insult of unbelievers, ⟨p. 53⟩you that Fear God should not dare to do it. It were better to decide it by a prudent arbitration. 1 Cor. 6.12. All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient.

7. He who Fears God is not only afraid of evil actions, but to offend God in his Thoughts. Deut. 19.6. Beware that there be not a thought in thy wicked heart, &c. To think of sin with delight is to act it over in the fancy, this is Culpable. A man may think himself into Hell. What were the Apostate Angels damned for, was it for any more than Proud thoughts? This is the first note of Trial, He who reverenceth a Deity flies from Sin. It is a saying of Anselm, If Sin were on one side and Hell on the other, I would rather leap into Hell than willingly sin against God.

2. He who Fears God, walks by Rule rather than Example: Example is for the most part corrupt. Examples of great men are influential