(5.) Another doctrine, which is contrary to the holiness of God, is that of purgatory, and prayers for the dead, which they are as tenacious of, as Demetrius, and his fellow-craftsmen, were of the image of Diana, at Ephesus, the destruction whereof would endanger their craft, Acts xix. 25, 27. so, if this doctrine should be disregarded, it would bring no small detriment to them. But that which renders it most abominable, is, that it extenuates the demerit of sin, and supposes it possible for others to do that for them by their prayers, which they neglected to do whilst they were alive, who, from this presumptuous supposition, did not see an absolute necessity of holiness to salvation. These, and many other doctrines, which might have been mentioned, cast the highest reflection on the holiness of God, and not only evince the justice and necessity of the reformation, but oblige, us to maintain the contrary doctrines. If it be objected, by way of reprisal, that there are many doctrines, which we maintain, that lead to licentiousness, I hope we shall be able to exculpate ourselves; but this we reserve for its proper place, that we may avoid the repetition of things, which we shall be obliged to insist on elsewhere. 3. Let us not practically deny, or cast contempt on this divine perfection; which we may be said to do. (1.) When we live without God in the world, as though we were under no obligation to holiness. The purity of the divine nature is proposed in scripture, not only as a motive, but, so far as conformity to it is possible, as an exemplar of holiness: and therefore we are exhorted to be holy, not only _because he is holy_, but _as he is holy_, 1 Pet. i. 15, 16. or so far as the image of God in man consists therein; therefore they who live without God in the world, being _alienated from his life_, _viz._ _his holiness, and giving themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness_, regard not the holiness of his nature or law. These sin presumptuously, and accordingly, are said to _reproach the Lord_, Numb. xv. 30. as though he was a God that had pleasure in wickedness; or if they conclude him to be infinitely offended with it, they regard not the consequence of being the objects of his displeasure, and fiery indignation. (2.) Men reflect on the holiness of God when they complain of religion, as though it were too strict and severe a thing; a yoke that sits very uneasy upon them, which they resolve to keep at the greatest distance from, especially unless they may have some abatements made, or indulgence given, to live in the commission of some beloved lusts. These cannot bear a faithful reprover: thus Ahab hated Micaiah, _because he did not prophesy good concerning him, but evil_; and the people did not like to hear of the holiness of God; therefore they desire that the prophets would _cause the Holy One of Israel to cease before them_, Isa. xxx. 11. and to this we may add,