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…

Let this be for a Lamentation, that the fear of God is so vanished. Where almost is it to be found? Some fear shame, others fear danger, but where is he who fears a Deity? Diogenes came into a full Market with a Candle and Lantern; they asked him what he sought? saith he, Hominem quaero, I seek a man; that is, a wise man. So in the Crowd of people we may go and seek a man fearing God.

Let this be for a Lamentation, that the fear of God is so vanished. Where almost is it to be found? Some fear shame, others fear danger, but where is he who fears a Deity? Diogenes came into a full Market with a Candle and Lanthorn; they asked him what he sought? saith he, Hominem quaero, I seek a man; that is, a wise man. So in the Crowd of people we may go and seek a man fearing God.

And not only among the Commonalty, but even among Professors how sew fear God in truth! Profession is often made a Mantle to cover sin. Absalom palliated his Treason with a Religious Vow. 2 Sam. 15.7. The Pharisees made long Prayer a preface to Oppression, Mat. 23.14. This is sordid, to carry on wicked designs sublarva Pictatis, under a pretext of Piety. The Snow covers many a dung-hill. A snowy white Profession covers many a foul heart. The sins of ⟨p. 25⟩Professors are more odious. Thistles are bad in a Field, but worse in a Garden. The sins of the wicked anger God, but the sins of Professors Grieve him.

And not only among the Commonalty, but even among Professors how sew fear God in truth! Profession is often made a Mantle to cover sin. Absalom palliated his Treason with a Religious Vow. 2 Sam. 15.7. The Pharisees made long Prayer a preface to Oppression,