Wisdom from Jeremy Taylor: "the simplicity of religion"

One thing more there is to be added as an instance to the simplicity of religion, and that is that we never deny our religion, or lie concerning our faith, nor tell our propositions and articles deceitfully, nor instruct novices or catechumens with fraud; but that when we teach them we do it honestly, justly and severely; not always to speak all, but never to speak otherwise than it is, nor to hide a truth from them whose souls are concerned in it that it be known ... The discovery of pious frauds, and the disclaiming of false, but profitable and rich propositions; the quitting honours fraudulently gotten and unjustly detained; the reducing every man to the perfect under standing of his own religion, so far as can concern his duty; the disallowing false miracles, legends, and fabulous stories, to cozen [i.e. deceive] the people into awfulness, fear, and superstition; these are parts of Christian simplicity which do integrate this duty. For religion hath strengths enough of its own to support itself; it needs not a devil for its advocate: it is the breath of God; and as it is purer than the beams of the morning, so it is stronger than a tempest, or the combination of all the winds, though united by the prince that ruleth in the air ... And he that tells a lie for his religion, or goes about by fraud and imposture to gain proselytes, either dares not trust his cause, or dares not trust God. True religion is open in its articles, honest in its prosecutions, just in its conduct, innocent when it is accused, ignorant of falsehood, sure in its truth, simple in its sayings.

From Taylor's sermon 'Of Christian Simplicity', Part I, in The Whole Works of Jeremy Taylor, Volume IV.

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