(seq. 106)

(86)

this implyd, that we might be wicked
moderately. &c

14. The last deceit is the inventing of
evasions how to elude such argument
whether from the scripture or from
sound reason, as make against our sin

Chapter XVII. 213.

Seven deceits of the heart in perswad
ing to the omission of good.

The first is the disfiguring of virtue
with sins deformities. As before the
ugly face of sin was painted with the
fair colours of virtue & holiness so
here, on the contrary, the beautiful
face face of virtue is all to be slurred
& smeared over with the black soot
of those services, which seem to have so
affinity with it. Thus conscience of
sin in traduced as precise niceness
& needless scruputosity - Obedience
to Gods laws is thot the basest bon
-dage, {Psalms} 2. - just severity hears ill
under the name of merciless severity
Zeal is censured for hypocrisy, rash
madness - Patience for stupidity &
cowardice - Humility for baseness