The Works of Dr. John Tillotson, Late Archbishop of Canterbury. Vol. 09

The plain truth of the matter is, men had rather religion should be any thing, than what indeed it is, the thwarting and crossing of our vicious inclinations, the curing of our evil and corrupt affections; the due care and government of our unruly appetites and passions, the sincere endeavour and constant practice of all holiness and virtue in our lives; and, therefore, they had much rather have some thing that might handsomely palliate and excuse their evil inclinations, than to extirpate them and cut them up: and rather than reform and amend their vicious lives, make God an honourable amends and compensation for them in some other way.