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They, then, are but abandoned and ungrateful wretches, in deep and
fast bondage to that malign spirit, who complain and murmur that men
are rescued by the name of Christ from the hellish thraldom of these
unclean spirits, and from a participation in their punishment, and are
brought out of the night of pestilential ungodliness into the light of
most healthful piety. Only such men could murmur that the masses flock
to the churches and their chaste acts of worship, where a seemly
separation of the sexes is observed; where they learn how they may so
spend this earthly life, as to merit a blessed eternity hereafter;
where Holy Scripture and instruction in righteousness are proclaimed
from a raised platform in presence of all, that both they who do the
word may hear to their salvation, and they who do it not may hear to
judgment. And though some enter who scoff at such precepts, all their
petulance is either quenched by a sudden change, or is restrained
through fear or shame. For no filthy and wicked action is there set
forth to be gazed at or to be imitated; but either the precepts of the
true God are recommended, His miracles narrated, His gifts
praised, or His benefits implored.
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