The Causes of the Decay of Christian Piety (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1667. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... lousiy contribute, take up every one of us his dry Bones and bring it to. the Prophet, or rather to Him who spake by that Prophet, to breath upon them, till at last they be cemented and inspirited in active Duty to mew forth the Praises of that God who hath call'd us out cf darkness into his marvellous light, I Pet- 2.9. CHAP. VI. jf survey of the DEGREESMischiefs arising from Partial Obedience* AN0 TH E R sort of preposterous Considerers there are, by whom the power and force of Christianity is no less obstructed: and tnose are they that contrive not how they may most comply with it, but how they may best bend it to comport with them. That rebate its edge, or turn it only against such of their corruptions as they have least kindness for. That weigh the Precepts with no other design but that of taking the lightest: those to .which their constitutions or other circumstances carry least repugnance; and come unto the Gospel not to as a law, but to a Market; cheapen what they best. like, and leave the rest for other customers. THAT thus it is with, many needs no other proof than the variety visible in the lives of several profeflbrs. One man behaves himself mo I defily, destly, and tells you his religion commands him humility, yet at the same time transgrcslcs the as strict precept of Justice, and will defraud him he bows to. On the contrary another is Just but Insolent, and though his Sentence do not bend, expects his Clients mould. That man jjjHSLthe purity of his religion in visiting the fatherless and widows, yet disclaims it again by not keeping himself unspotted of the world. This person is Abstemious but Uncharitable, will drink no wine but thirsts for bloud. He prays much, yet curses more; whilest he is meek but indevout. Now while the Rule is one and