The Drunkards Character, Section 191
§ 191.
SEcondly,2 Of persons. touching persons.
First, they account the sincere Christian, which walkes according to the rule of Gods word, an Hypocrite, Iob. 4. 6. and the greatest Hypocrite, who is a Christian in name only, they acquit of Hypocrisie, Isay. 66. 3.
2 They thinke such enemies to the state' who are greatest friends, yea, props of the State; and those friends, who are the greatest enemies, 1 King. 18. 17. 18. Gen. 39. 5. 20. Iob. 22. 30. Isay, 6. 13.
3 They account themselves the most valiant and couragious, because they are apt to fight upon every idle quarrell, be it but the lye; which is the greatest pusillanimity, or, at most, but stupid and desperate madnesse, and shewes that their lives are but little worth, seeing they will sell them so good cheape; when they are the basest cowards, and vilest whitelivers in a countrey, not daring to suffer for Christ, or, in a good cause so much as a poore Nick-name; how much le…e would they burne at a stake for him (as the Martyrs did, even weake women) which is the only true valour? and yet contrarily, account the righteous, who are as bold as a Lyon, so their cause be good, Pro. 28. 1. the most hen-hearted and …earefullest.
4 They account Gods people the most dumpish and melancholy of all others; when indeed, they are, or have cause to be the only joyfull people alive, Psal. 4. 7. Heb. 10. 34. Iob. 20. 5. Eccles. 9. 7. Matth. 13. 44. Luke, 1. 44. 47. and 2. 10. Iohn, 16. 22. Acts, 13. 52. Rom. 14. 17. and 15. 13. 2 Cor. 7. 4. Gal. 5. 22. Iames, 1. 2. 1 Iohn, 1. 4. &c.
5 They take themselves to be wise, because they are wise to doe evill; and thinke the Godly simple, because they are wise only to that which is good, Rom. 16. 19. not considering, that wisdome is as the waters, of which, some descend from above, and some spring from beneath, Iames, 3. 15. 17.
6 Such as by faith and true repentance are purged from their filthinesse in the blood of Christ, and walke in newnesse of life, they thinke pure in their owne eyes; though indeed, they esteeme their very righteousnesse but as a menstruous cloth, I say, 64. 6. when it is themselves that are pure in their owne conceits, as wanting the light of Gods Spirit, and the eye of faith.
Thirdly,3 Their judgement & practise is quite contrary to Gods word. touching their judgement and practise joyntly.
First, they glory in their shame, Phil. 3. 19. I meane, their wickednesse, Gen. 19. 34. and are ashamed of that which should be their only glory and crowne of rejoycing, viz. holinesse.
2 Whereas the mercy of God is the chiefe motive, to make his children feare him, Psal. 130. 4. they make it the only motive, for them to continue in sinne, Iude, 4.
3 Whereas the Godly render them good for evill; they againe, render them the greatest evill for the greatest good, Psal. 35. 12. to 16. Acts, 7. 52. to 60. persecute them to the death, for shewing them the way to eternall life, Acts, 5. 30. to 34. Ier. 18. 20.
4 Even their very mercy and kindnesse is cruelty, Pro. 12. 10. witnesse the drunkards love, to his friend; the adulterers, to her whom he defiles; the pitifull man, who gives or obtaines a pardon for the murtherer, which not only betrayes the parties soule, but makes the whole land guilty of blood; and lastly, he who makes offers of preferment to a Protestant, so he will become a Roman Catholike; these and many the like are cruell mercies.
5 They reject the Commandements of God, Marke, 7. 8. 9. that they may observe the traditions of men, and give heede unto Spirits of error, and doctrines of Devills, 1 Tim. 4. 1.
6 And lastly, they thinke they doe God good service, in wronging and killing of his children, Iohn, 16. 2. as Paul did, in persecuting; and the Iewes in executing Christ.