Complete. Number LXXII. of “Microcosmography.”

A PROFANE man is one that denies God as far as the law gives him leave; that is, only does not say so in downright terms, for so far he may go. A man that does the greatest sins calmly, and as the ordinary actions of life, and as calmly discourses of it again. He will tell you his business is to break such a commandment, and the breaking of the commandment shall tempt him to it. His words are but so many vomitings cast up to the loathsomeness of the hearers, only those of his company loathe it not. He will take upon him with oaths to pelt some tenderer man out of his company, and makes good sport at his conquest over the Puritan fool. The Scripture supplies him for jests, and he reads it on purpose to be thus merry; he will prove you his sin out of the Bible, and then ask if you will not take that authority. He never sees the church but of purpose to sleep in it, or when some silly man preaches, with whom he means to make sport; and is most jocund in the church. One that nicknames clergymen with all the terms of reproach, as “rat, black coat,” and the like; which he will be sure to keep up, and never calls them by other: that sings psalms when he is drunk, and cries God mercy in mockery, for he must do it. He is one seems to dare God in all his actions, but indeed would outdare the opinion of him, which would else turn him desperate; for atheism is the refuge of such sinners, whose repentance would be only to hang themselves.