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…

Though the Times are sad, they have no fear in regard of the public: Doth not God call us to trembling? our sins are the fiery Comets that presage evil. May not we fear the Glory is departing? may not we fear the ⟨p. 26⟩death of Religion before the birth of Reformation? May not we fear some portentous calamity should bring up the rear of former Judgments? and (as the Prophet Ezekiel saith,) Should me then make-mirth? Ezek. 21.10^*. But Jovial spirits have banished the fear of God. Amos 6.4, 5. That lye upon beds of Ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, that drink wine in Bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief Ointments. Sinners whose hearts are hardened with soft pleasures, let them have their lusts, and farewell Christ and his Gospel. Jude 12. Feeding themselves without fear. But they Forget death will bring in the reckoning, and they must pay the reckoning in Hell. The Great Turk when he intends the death of any of his Bashaws, invites them to a Sumptuous Feast, and then causeth them to be taken away from the Table and strangled: so Satan Gluts men with sinful pastimes and delights, and then strangles them. Foolish Gallants are like the Fish that swim pleasantly through the Silver streams of Jordan, till at last they fall into the dead Sea^*.

Though the Times are sad, they have no fear in regard of the publique: Doth not God call us to trembling? our sins are the fiery Comets that presage evil. May not we fear the Glory is departing? may not we fear the ⟨p. 26⟩death of Religion before the birth of Reformation? May not we fear some portentous calamity should bring up the rear of former Judgments? and (as the Prophet Ezekiel saith,) Should me then make-mirth? Ezek. 21.10^*