Godlinesse, a great mystery, and why so. [ 1279]
THe World hath her mysteries in all Arts and Trades (yea,* 1.1 Mechanical ap∣pertaining to this life) which are imparted to none but filiis scientiae, Ap∣prentices to them; These have their mysteries; have them, nay, are nothing but mysteries: So they delight to stile themselves by such and such a Mystery,* 1.2 such and such a Craft, &c. Now if Godlinesse be great gain, and profitable unto all things, a Trade of good return, and in request with all good Men, then to be allow'd her Mysteries: At least such as all other trades have: And the rather for that,* 1.3 that there is Mysterium iniquitatis, a Mystery of iniquity; so that it would be somewhat hard if there were not Mysterium pietatis, a My••••ery of Godlinesse to encounter it: That Babylon should be allowed the name of a Mystery,* 1.4 and Sion not; that there should be profunda Satanae, deep things of Sa∣tans, and there should not be deep and profound things of God and Godlinesse for the Spirit to search out and dive into, Apoc. 2. 24.