A97353:840
The second part of The nonconformists plea for peace being an account of their…
The second part of The nonconformists plea for peace being an account of their principles about civil and ecclesiastical authority and obedience ... : mostly written many years past, and now published to save our lives and the kingdoms peace, from the false and bloody plotters ... / by Richard Baxter.
London: printed for John Hancock, 1680
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
35. And sin is so far from being ever the better, for being found in a Noah, a David, or a Peter, that it hath manifold aggravations in such, which it hath not in other sorts of men. And it is no less abhorred of God, who is not reconcilable to the sins of any: However we still know that the failings of a froward and careless child or friend, are not so mortal as the contempt of a despiser, or the malignity of an enemy.
35. And sin is so far from being ever the better, for being found in a Noah, a David, or a Peter, that it hath manifold aggravations in such, which it hath not in other sorts of men. And it is no less abhorred of God, who is not reconcileable to the sins of any: However we still know that the failings of a froward and careless child or friend, are not so mortal as the contempt of a despiser, or the malignity of an enemy.
36. We do also with lamentation confess, that besides the multitude of common hypocrites which are in all the Christian Churches, who by open sensuality and profaneness do show that they dissemble in professing Christianity, there are also many Hypocrites who profess a greater zeal and forwardness in Religion, who at the heart are Lovers of this present world, and slaves to the flesh, and use Religious shows and forms, but to quiet their Consciences ⟨p. 200⟩with a deceitful hope, that they may have heaven for a reserve, when they can keep the world no longer. And these are the men that most dishonour religion by pride and Rebellions and scandals and heresies, who indeed are numbered by the searcher of hearts amongst the enemies of religion.
36. We do also with lamentation confess, that besides the multitude of common hypocrites which are in all the Christian Churches, who by open sensuality and prophaness do shew that they dissemble in professing Christianity, there are also many Hypocrites who profess a greater zeal and forwardness in Religion, who at the heart are Lovers of this present world, and slaves to the flesh, and use Religious shews and forms, but to quiet their Consciences