the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n st._n paul_n exhort_v christian_n fourteen_o christian_n rom._n xii_o eph._n two_o and_o iu._n tit._n ii_o mat._n vii_o xiii_o fourteen_o not_o to_o be_v conform_v to_o this_o present_a world_n not_o to_o walk_v after_o the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n not_o to_o follow_v other_o man_n way_n of_o live_v to_o renounce_v the_o world_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o it_o our_o saviour_n enjoin_v his_o disciple_n to_o avoid_v the_o wide_a gate_n and_o the_o broad_a way_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o to_o strike_v into_o the_o narrow_a path_n which_o be_v walk_v in_o but_o by_o a_o few_o these_o be_v reflection_n which_o every_o man_n who_o believe_v the_o gospel_n will_v frequent_o and_o serious_o make_v and_o which_o shall_v serve_v he_o for_o remedy_n against_o the_o temptation_n arise_v from_o example_n and_o custom_n there_o be_v other_o general_a remedy_n which_o tend_v to_o lessen_v the_o number_n of_o bad_a example_n and_o to_o alter_v the_o custom_n and_o usage_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o though_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o to_o go_v about_o the_o abolish_n of_o that_o which_o be_v establish_v by_o a_o general_a custom_n and_o a_o long_o use_v be_v to_o attempt_v and_o impossibility_n and_o though_o we_o can_v expect_v that_o this_o cause_n of_o corruption_n shall_v be_v entire_o remove_v yet_o the_o difficulty_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o it_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n be_v overcome_v this_o we_o may_v have_v reason_n to_o hope_v for_o if_o first_o those_o who_o know_v and_o love_v their_o duty_n will_v discharge_v it_o with_o courage_n and_o if_o they_o do_v add_v to_o their_o knowledge_n a_o zeal_n support_v by_o prudence_n and_o firmness_n how_o great_a soever_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o man_n may_v be_v there_o be_v still_o something_o in_o virtue_n which_o attract_v their_o respect_n and_o their_o love_n the_o endeavour_n of_o good_a man_n against_o vice_n be_v always_o attend_v with_o some_o success_n if_o the_o benefit_n of_o their_o exhortation_n and_o good_a example_n do_v not_o reach_v far_o they_o may_v at_o least_o be_v useful_a to_o their_o family_n and_o their_o acquaintance_n but_o something_o more_o than_o this_o be_v requisite_a to_o reform_v general_a custom_n and_o practice_n and_o none_o can_v do_v this_o more_o easy_o and_o effectual_o than_o those_o who_o be_v raise_v above_o other_o man_n and_o who_o be_v in_o public_a station_n i_o say_v therefore_o second_o that_o if_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n will_v use_v their_o authority_n to_o this_o end_n and_o be_v exemplary_a themselves_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o world_n will_v considerable_o abate_v and_o bad_a example_n will_v neither_o be_v so_o frequent_a nor_o so_o forcible_a as_o they_o be_v it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o banish_v the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o custom_n which_o be_v common_o receive_v and_o to_o establish_v contrary_a one_o the_o care_n and_o example_n of_o pastor_n be_v likewise_o a_o most_o efficacious_a remedy_n if_o they_o do_v instruct_v christian_n as_o they_o ought_v if_o they_o do_v oppose_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age_n with_o the_o pure_a maxim_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o they_o do_v set_v themselves_o against_o abuse_n if_o they_o do_v endeavour_v in_o public_a and_o in_o private_a to_o bring_v all_o those_o that_o err_v into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n if_o they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o instruct_n of_o youth_n and_o if_o their_o manner_n be_v edify_v and_o exemplary_a there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o they_o will_v soon_o stop_v the_o current_n of_o vice_n and_o scandal_n it_o shall_v be_v their_o chief_a care_n to_o oppose_v abuse_n and_o ill_a custom_n in_o their_o beginning_n because_o when_o they_o have_v once_o take_v root_n the_o remedy_n be_v much_o more_o difficult_a in_o fine_a as_o custom_n be_v establish_v by_o degree_n so_o they_o be_v not_o abolish_v all_o at_o once_o and_o therefore_o those_o who_o do_v not_o succeed_v at_o first_o in_o so_o good_a a_o design_n ought_v not_o present_o to_o be_v discourage_v and_o to_o grow_v weary_a cause_n vii_o book_n this_o be_v the_o last_o cause_n of_o corruption_n which_o i_o shall_v mention_v but_o without_o question_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o generaland_n of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a book_n be_v as_o many_o public_a fountain_n from_o which_o vast_a number_n of_o notion_n and_o sentiment_n which_o be_v common_o receive_v among_o man_n and_o which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o their_o action_n diffuse_v themselves_o into_o the_o world_n and_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o among_o a_o infinity_n of_o book_n a_o great_a many_o must_v be_v bad_a so_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o book_n contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o corruption_n if_o man_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n be_v ignorant_a and_o full_a of_o prejudices_fw-la if_o they_o have_v loose_a and_o impious_a notion_n concern_v religion_n if_o great_a defect_n be_v observable_a both_o in_o the_o live_v of_o christian_n and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a if_o the_o people_n be_v ill_o instruct_v and_o child_n be_v ill_o educate_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o these_o disorder_n be_v partly_o to_o be_v find_v in_o book_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o most_o important_a subject_n which_o i_o be_o to_o handle_v in_o this_o chapter_n but_o it_o be_v likewise_o a_o very_a large_a one_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o prodigious_a multitude_n of_o book_n which_o i_o may_v have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o speak_v of_o here_o but_o i_o must_v confine_v my_o self_n to_o that_o which_o be_v most_o material_a to_o be_v say_v upon_o this_o head_n i_o shall_v speak_v 1._o of_o ill_a book_n and_o 2._o of_o book_n of_o religion_n the_o number_n of_o bad_a book_n be_v infinite_a and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o give_v a_o catalogue_n of_o they_o but_o i_o think_v that_o among_o all_o the_o sort_n of_o ill_a book_n none_o do_v great_a mischief_n in_o the_o world_n than_o either_o those_o which_o lead_v to_o irreligion_n and_o impiety_n or_o those_o which_o be_v impure_a and_o filthy_a the_o first_o attack_v faith_n and_o the_o other_o corrupt_a manner_n 1._o the_o most_o dangerous_a of_o all_o book_n be_v those_o which_o attack_v religion_n such_o be_v not_o only_o all_o the_o book_n of_o atheist_n and_o deist_n but_o such_o be_v likewise_o all_o those_o work_n which_o tend_v to_o overthrow_v either_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o the_o fact_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n or_o the_o difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n or_o any_o other_o principle_n of_o religion_n frank_n also_o in_o the_o same_o order_n the_o book_n which_o introduce_v scepticism_n and_o the_o design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o render_v the_o principle_n of_o faith_n or_o morality_n uncertain_a and_o dubious_a those_o book_n in_o which_o impiety_n appear_v bare-faced_n be_v not_o the_o most_o pernicious_a few_o person_n ever_o dare_v maintain_v atheism_n open_o or_o deny_v direct_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n and_o beside_o avow_a atheist_n and_o deist_n have_v not_o many_o follower_n their_o opinion_n raise_v horror_n and_o a_o man_n mind_n rebel_v against_o they_o but_o those_o man_n who_o though_o they_o do_v not_o open_o espouse_v the_o cause_n of_o impiety_n but_o pretend_v all_o the_o while_n that_o the_o acknowledge_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o religion_n do_v yet_o shake_v the_o principal_a truth_n of_o faith_n those_o man_n i_o say_v diffuse_v a_o much_o more_o subtle_a and_o dangerous_a poison_n and_o this_o may_v be_v particular_o say_v of_o the_o sceptic_n in_o the_o main_a they_o drive_v at_o the_o same_o thing_n with_o the_o atheist_n they_o assault_v religion_n with_o the_o same_o weapon_n and_o make_v the_o same_o objection_n there_o be_v only_o this_o difference_n that_o the_o atheist_n decide_v the_o question_n and_o deny_v whereas_o the_o sceptic_a after_o he_o have_v muster_v up_o all_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o atheist_n and_o start_v a_o thousand_o scruple_n leaf_n in_o some_o manner_n the_o question_n undetermined_a he_o only_o insinuate_v that_o there_o be_v no_o solid_a answer_n to_o those_o difficulty_n and_o then_o he_o conclude_v with_o a_o false_a modesty_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o dare_v not_o embrace_v either_o side_n and_o that_o which_o way_n soever_o a_o man_n turn_v himself_o he_o meet_v with_o nothing_o but_o obscurity_n and_o uncertainty_n this_o differ_v little_a from_o atheism_n and_o it_o do_v natural_o lead_v to_o incredulity_n it_o be_v a_o astonish_a thing_n that_o book_n contain_v such_o pernicious_a principle_n shall_v have_v be_v publish_v and_o that_o libertinism_n in_o opinion_n about_o religion_n shall_v have_v grow_v up_o to_o that_o pitch_n which_o we_o
desperate_a and_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o reprobation_n and_o damnation_n other_o have_v conceit_v that_o they_o be_v give_v up_o to_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o they_o have_v take_v the_o disorder_n of_o imagination_n for_o certain_a sign_n of_o their_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o evil_a spirit_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o it_o be_v that_o such_o indiscreet_a discourse_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o alarm_n good_a than_o wicked_a men._n in_o fine_a i_o reckon_v among_o the_o book_n which_o fright_v man_n without_o cause_n all_o those_o which_o contain_v too_o rigid_a and_o austere_a maxim_n of_o devotion_n and_o morality_n 5._o piety_n will_v be_v better_o know_v and_o more_o esteem_v than_o it_o be_v if_o book_n of_o devotion_n be_v always_o write_v with_o judgement_n and_o good_a sense_n and_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o they_o but_o what_o upon_o a_o severe_a examination_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v strict_o true_a those_o who_o set_v about_o work_v of_o this_o nature_n do_v general_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o move_v the_o heart_n and_o to_o excite_v sentiment_n of_o piety_n this_o be_v a_o good_a design_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o force_n of_o reason_n the_o evidence_n of_o proof_n the_o greatness_n of_o the_o object_n propose_v and_o the_o clearness_n and_o solidity_n of_o what_o a_o man_n say_v which_o do_v true_o affect_v the_o heart_n this_o be_v what_o judicious_a author_n chief_o mind_n and_o thereby_o many_o have_v have_v good_a success_n in_o those_o excellent_a work_n which_o they_o have_v enrich_v the_o public_a with_o but_o other_o writer_n do_v not_o consider_v this_o they_o rather_o choose_v to_o say_v tender_a and_o pathetical_a thing_n than_o to_o think_v or_o speak_v with_o exactness_n they_o consult_v imagination_n more_o than_o good_a sense_n they_o pour_v out_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o meditation_n or_o in_o the_o fervency_n of_o their_o zeal_n seem_v to_o they_o proper_a to_o move_v to_o melt_v to_o comfort_v or_o to_o terrify_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v weak_a place_n in_o their_o book_n and_o thought_n which_o appear_v mean_a and_o even_o false_a to_o discern_a reader_n contradiction_n and_o such_o like_a defect_n for_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o produce_v only_o a_o confuse_a and_o not_o a_o very_a rational_a devotion_n in_o those_o who_o read_v and_o relish_v they_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o expose_v religion_n to_o the_o flout_n and_o contempt_n of_o libertine_n we_o be_v often_o trouble_v and_o scandalize_v to_o find_v that_o some_o man_n of_o part_n express_v but_o little_a esteem_n for_o book_n of_o piety_n we_o hear_v it_o say_v every_o day_n that_o those_o book_n be_v only_o good_a for_o woman_n and_o for_o the_o vulgar_a this_o contempt_n chief_o proceed_v from_o a_o profane_a humour_n and_o from_o libertinism_n but_o it_o spring_v likewise_o from_o the_o want_n of_o exactness_n and_o solidity_n which_o be_v observable_a in_o some_o book_n of_o devotion_n 6._o divers_a consideration_n may_v be_v offer_v here_o about_o those_o book_n which_o contain_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n but_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o these_o two_o which_o appear_v to_o i_o the_o most_o material_a the_o first_o be_v that_o those_o kind_n of_o form_n make_v all_o sort_n of_o person_n indifferent_o and_o even_o good_a man_n say_v thing_n which_o can_v agree_v but_o to_o the_o great_a and_o the_o most_o notorious_a sinner_n which_o give_v people_n this_o dangerous_a notion_n that_o all_o man_n without_o except_v the_o regenerate_v be_v extreme_o corrupt_a in_o divers_a prayer_n we_o plain_o see_v that_o those_o who_o compose_v they_o have_v no_o other_o design_n than_o to_o draw_v the_o picture_n of_o the_o most_o heinous_a sinner_n and_o that_o they_o suppose_v all_o man_n engage_v in_o a_o deep_a corruption_n and_o in_o the_o most_o criminal_a disorder_n exaggeration_n and_o hyperbole_n be_v so_o little_o spare_v by_o some_o people_n upon_o this_o head_n that_o they_o utter_v absurdity_n and_o falsehood_n in_o their_o prayer_n as_o when_o they_o say_v that_o ever_o since_o we_o be_v bear_v we_o have_v be_v continual_o and_o every_o moment_n offend_v god_n by_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o such_o prayer_n may_v have_v their_o use_n provide_v nothing_o be_v say_v in_o they_o that_o be_v extravagant_a or_o contrary_a to_o truth_n and_o common_a sense_n they_o fit_v great_a number_n of_o person_n there_o be_v but_o too_o many_o of_o those_o wretched_a christian_n who_o can_v never_o sufficient_o bewail_v the_o enormity_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o irregularity_n of_o their_o conduct_n i_o know_v beside_o that_o all_o man_n be_v sinner_n and_o that_o the_o best_a of_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o humble_a and_o abase_v themselves_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o weakness_n and_o unworthiness_n nevertheless_o since_o the_o scripture_n make_v a_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n it_o be_v at_o least_o a_o great_a piece_n of_o imprudence_n to_o appoint_v the_o same_o language_n for_o both_o and_o to_o make_v they_o all_o speak_v as_o if_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o horrid_a crime_n and_o as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o one_o good_a man_n in_o the_o world_n this_o take_v away_o the_o distinction_n between_o the_o sinner_n and_o the_o righteous_a for_o if_o these_o prayer_n be_v proper_a for_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n if_o all_o that_o be_v say_v in_o they_o be_v true_a it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o distinguish_v a_o good_a man_n from_o a_o bad_a and_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o his_o convert_v grace_n or_o to_o make_v any_o promise_n of_o amendment_n to_o he_o all_o those_o lesson_n of_o holiness_n which_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o be_v but_o fine_a idea_n all_o man_n be_v upon_o the_o matter_n equal_o bad_a and_o they_o may_v all_o be_v the_o object_n of_o god_n mercy_n how_o irregular_a soever_o their_o deportment_n may_v be_v these_o be_v the_o inference_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o those_o form_n of_o devotion_n i_o have_v mention_v and_o which_o sinner_n do_v actual_o draw_v from_o they_o from_o all_o this_o i_o conclude_v that_o in_o such_o work_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o distinguish_v person_n and_o condition_n and_o this_o according_o have_v be_v judicious_o observe_v by_o some_o author_n the_o other_o consideration_n relate_v to_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n these_o be_v not_o always_o plain_a enough_o they_o be_v sometime_o study_v discourse_n which_o have_v more_o of_o art_n and_o wit_n than_o of_o affection_n in_o they_o and_o we_o may_v easy_o discern_v how_o far_o most_o prayer_n be_v remove_v from_o a_o due_a simplicity_n if_o we_o compare_v they_o with_o those_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o holy_a scripture_n or_o with_o the_o ancient_a way_n of_o pray_v which_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o church_n and_o of_o which_o we_o may_v judge_v by_o the_o liturgy_n which_o be_v now_o use_v or_o which_o have_v reach_v to_o we_o prayer_n be_v neither_o so_o intricate_a then_o nor_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v now_o long_o preamble_n be_v not_o use_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o prayer_n and_o man_n do_v not_o they_o by_o so_o many_o wind_a approach_n the_o throne_n of_o grace_n to_o confess_v their_o sin_n and_o to_o beg_v pardon_n for_o they_o prayer_n than_o be_v short_a simple_a and_o natural_a much_o fit_v to_o excite_v devotion_n to_o lift_v up_o the_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o to_o nourish_v piety_n and_o zeal_n than_o many_o form_n which_o obtain_v at_o this_o day_n 7._o of_o all_o the_o book_n of_o piety_n none_o be_v more_o careful_o read_v and_o none_o perhaps_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o conduct_n and_o manner_n of_o christian_n than_o the_o book_n of_o preparation_n for_o the_o holy_a communion_n the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o important_a act_n of_o religion_n and_o one_o of_o the_o most_o efficacious_a mean_n to_o promote_v piety_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o book_n which_o people_n read_v in_o order_n to_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o that_o sacred_a action_n contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a use_n of_o the_o eucharist_n and_o by_o consequence_n to_o the_o good_a or_o ill_a life_n of_o christian_n now_o what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o the_o other_o book_n of_o devotion_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o these_o some_o book_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v extraordinary_a good_a but_o there_o be_v other_o in_o which_o among_o many_o good_a thing_n some_o defect_n be_v observable_a and_o particular_o these_o three_o 1._o all_o the_o book_n of_o preparation_n for_o the_o holy_a communion_n be_v not_o instructive_a
be_v enough_o to_o fill_v they_o with_o a_o good_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o now_o when_o man_n be_v thus_o blind_v by_o self-love_n and_o do_v not_o know_v themselves_o there_o be_v but_o little_a hope_n of_o they_o and_o they_o will_v undoubted_o fall_v into_o a_o state_n of_o security_n these_o consideration_n plain_o show_v if_o i_o â—m_n not_o mistake_v that_o man_n for_o the_o most_o â—art_n live_v in_o very_o great_a ignorance_n but_o i_o â—hink_v myself_o bind_v to_o answer_v a_o objection_n which_o may_v be_v offer_v against_o what_o have_v â—een_n say_v some_o will_v think_v no_o doubt_n â—â—at_v it_o be_v very_o difficult_a for_o man_n to_o be_v so_o â—ell_o instruct_v as_o i_o suppose_v they_o ought_v to_o â—e_v and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o capable_a â—f_n such_o a_o exact_a kowledge_v of_o morality_n to_o satisfy_v those_o who_o make_v this_o objection_n and_o to_o clear_v this_o matter_n full_o i_o observe_v first_o that_o by_o all_o i_o have_v say_v i_o do_v â—â—y_o no_o mean_n pretend_v that_o all_o christian_n â—â—an_z or_o aught_o to_o be_v equal_o instruct_v i_o â—now_v that_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o knowledge_n â—nd_v that_o in_o morality_n as_o well_o as_o in_o doctrine_n divine_n and_o man_n of_o part_n go_v a_o â—reat_a way_n beyond_o the_o bulk_n of_o mankind_n it_o 〈◊〉_d sufficient_a for_o every_o one_o to_o be_v instruct_v accord_v to_o his_o capacity_n and_o his_o condition_n â—ut_v after_o all_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o morality_n â—s_v necssary_a to_o every_o body_n or_o else_o we_o must_v â—â—rike_v several_a precept_n out_o of_o the_o gospel_n â—nless_a we_o imagine_v that_o those_o precept_n be_v intend_v only_o for_o a_o small_a number_n of_o learned_a and_o subtle_a man_n which_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o our_o saviour_n word_n who_o say_v that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v design_v for_o all_o mankind_n for_o the_o little_a one_o and_o the_o simple_a rather_o than_o for_o 8._o for_o mat._n xi_o 25_o 1_o cor._n x._o john_n vi_o 45._o 1_o thess_n v._o 20._o phil._n iu._n 8._o 2_o pet._n ii_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a there_o be_v no_o christian_a but_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a man_n and_o teach_v of_o god_n when_o st._n paul_n say_v prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n when_o st._n peter_n exhort_v christian_n to_o add_v to_o their_o faith_n all_o christian_a virtue_n to_o grow_v and_o abound_v in_o all_o these_o virtue_n such_o exhortation_n do_v belong_v equal_o to_o all_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n it_o must_v not_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v man_n in_o the_o world_n of_o very_a dull_a and_o shallow_a capacity_n and_o that_o country_n people_n and_o mechanic_n can_v comprehend_v all_o these_o maxim_n of_o morality_n this_o be_v not_o so_o difficult_a as_o it_o be_v imagine_v the_o duty_n of_o morality_n be_v clear_a they_o present_o affect_v a_o man_n because_o they_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o common_a notice_n and_o sentiment_n of_o conscience_n choose_v what_o part_n of_o morality_n you_o please_v and_o you_o may_v with_o due_a endeavour_n make_v either_o a_o handy-crafts-man_n or_o a_o day-labourer_n apprehend_v it_o so_o you_o confine_v yourself_o to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o such_o people_n in_o their_o several_a calling_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o subtle_a or_o difficult_a in_o the_o rule_n of_o morality_n than_o there_o be_v in_o a_o hundred_o dexterity_n and_o shift_n which_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n and_o which_o common_a people_n can_v attain_v to_o without_o any_o great_a pain_n if_o therefore_o man_n understanding_n be_v so_o gross_a and_o stupid_a in_o moral_a matter_n be_v not_o because_o these_o matter_n be_v above_o their_o reach_n but_o because_o they_o be_v never_o teach_v they_o â—or_a never_o apply_v themselves_o to_o they_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o what_o man_n may_v be_v by_o what_o they_o be_v the_o best_a ground_n become_v barren_a when_o it_o be_v not_o cultivate_v if_o thing_n be_v well_o order_v among_o christian_n in_o relation_n especial_o to_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o education_n of_o child_n the_o generality_n of_o they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o stupid_a and_o ignorant_a as_o they_o be_v we_o may_v therefore_o conclude_v that_o ignorance_n be_v one_o of_o the_o general_a cause_n of_o corruption_n christian_n be_v ill_o inform_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o duty_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o want_v instruction_n both_o as_o to_o faith_n and_o manner_n they_o must_v needs_o live_v in_o a_o great_a neglect_n of_o religious_a matter_n it_o may_v be_v ask_v whence_o do_v this_o ignorance_n proceed_v i_o shall_v observe_v three_o principal_a cause_n of_o it_o the_o first_o be_v education_n the_o way_n in_o which_o child_n be_v breed_v up_o do_v infallible_o lead_v to_o ignorance_n the_o second_o be_v the_o want_n of_o mean_n to_o get_v good_a instruction_n and_o particular_o the_o defect_n of_o those_o instruction_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o christian_n in_o sermon_n catechism_n and_o book_n the_o three_o be_v the_o sloth_n and_o carelessness_n of_o man_n who_o will_v be_v at_o no_o pain_n to_o acquire_v necessary_a knowledge_n we_o may_v bestow_v very_o weighty_a consideration_n upon_o every_o one_o of_o these_o three_o head_n but_o since_o they_o will_v again_o come_v in_o our_o way_n in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o treatise_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o have_v point_v at_o they_o in_o this_o place_n as_o the_o three_o main_a source_n of_o ignorance_n in_o truth_n if_o man_n be_v ill_o educate_v if_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o instruction_n and_o take_v no_o care_n about_o it_o whence_o shall_v they_o have_v sufficient_a knowledge_n unless_o they_o be_v instruct_v by_o miracle_n by_o revelation_n and_o inspiration_n they_o can_v but_o be_v ignorant_a and_o corrupt_a but_o now_o if_o ignorance_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o corruption_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o first_o remedy_n to_o be_v use_v against_o corruption_n be_v the_o remove_v that_o ignorance_n it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o begin_v at_o if_o we_o will_v bring_v back_o christian_n to_o a_o life_n worthy_a of_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v exhortation_n censure_n and_o all_o other_o such_o method_n will_v signify_v nothing_o as_o long_o as_o man_n mind_n be_v not_o prepare_v by_o proper_a instruction_n from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v in_o this_o chapter_n it_o may_v be_v gather_v that_o the_o right_a way_n to_o instruct_v man_n be_v before_o all_o thing_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v they_o sensible_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a or_o of_o great_a consequence_n in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n the_o belief_n of_o the_o general_a truth_n ought_v especial_o to_o be_v well_o fix_v in_o their_o mind_n as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n a_o providence_n a_o judgement_n and_o another_o life_n after_o this_o we_o must_v proceed_v to_o the_o particular_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o we_o go_v on_o in_o explain_v they_o we_o ought_v to_o show_v what_o influence_n those_o truth_n have_v upon_o holiness_n and_o salvation_n but_o the_o most_o important_a thing_n of_o all_o when_o these_o truth_n be_v settle_v be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v man_n happy_a that_o the_o scope_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o make_v man_n true_o good_a and_o that_o without_o piety_n and_o good_a work_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n it_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o recommend_v sanctification_n in_o general_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o must_v beside_o be_v distinct_o explain_v it_o must_v be_v show_v which_o be_v the_o general_a and_o particular_a obligation_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o what_o sin_n be_v contrary_a to_o these_o and_o here_o those_o who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o instruct_v the_o people_n aught_o to_o be_v as_o particular_a as_o possible_o they_o can_v show_v upon_o each_o virtue_n and_o vice_n what_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o several_a character_n kind_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o and_o propose_v likewise_o the_o motive_n which_o shall_v discourage_v man_n from_o those_o vice_n and_o prompt_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o opposite_a virtue_n as_o also_o the_o
now_o see_v it_o at_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n do_v never_o oppose_v it_o with_o so_o much_o subtlety_n and_o with_o such_o vigorous_a effort_n as_o some_o christian_n do_v at_o this_o day_n some_o book_n appear_v from_o time_n to_o time_n which_o be_v only_a collection_n of_o all_o the_o objection_n of_o heathen_n and_o atheist_n against_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n against_o providence_n the_o divinity_n of_o scripture_n the_o truth_n of_o sacred_a history_n the_o foundation_n of_o morality_n and_o many_o other_o important_a head_n so_o that_o impiety_n be_v now_o arrive_v at_o its_o great_a height_n it_o may_v be_v more_o general_a but_o we_o can_v imagine_v how_o it_o can_v rise_v high_o and_o this_o occasion_n a_o very_a considerable_a objection_n it_o may_v be_v ask_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o incredulity_n and_o sceptism_n shall_v appear_v in_o so_o know_v a_o age_n as_o this_o be_v and_o that_o man_n of_o part_n and_o learning_n shall_v entertain_v such_o impious_a sentiment_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o dwell_v a_o little_a upon_o the_o examine_n of_o this_o difficulty_n because_o it_o it_o so_o apt_a to_o perplex_v many_o the_o infidel_n urge_v it_o with_o great_a assurance_n and_o they_o pretend_v to_o infer_v for_o it_o that_o religion_n can_v and_o a_o philosophical_a and_o learned_a age_n and_o that_o none_o but_o the_o mob_n and_o the_o credulous_a part_n of_o mankind_n believe_v it_o they_o say_v that_o ignorant_a age_n be_v the_o most_o favourable_a time_n to_o religion_n that_o then_o every_o thing_n be_v believe_v but_o that_o since_o man_n have_v begin_v to_o examine_v matter_n a_o little_a more_o narrow_o they_o be_v become_v incredulous_a but_o any_o reasonable_a man_n who_o do_v not_o love_n wrangle_v may_v easy_o be_v satisfy_v upon_o this_o point_n first_o infidel_n have_v no_o ground_n to_o suppose_v that_o man_n have_v more_o faith_n in_o the_o age_n of_o ignorance_n than_o they_o have_v now_o for_o this_o supposition_n be_v altogether_o false_a there_o be_v but_o little_a faith_n in_o those_o age_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o faith_n a_o silly_a credulity_n which_o make_v the_o gross_a imposture_n to_o pass_v the_o current_n for_o certain_a and_o even_o for_o divine_a truth_n the_o infidel_n do_v likewise_o suppose_v false_o that_o the_o learning_n of_o a_o age_n more_o enlighten_v that_o the_o precedent_n be_v prejudicial_a to_o religion_n for_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o have_v do_v great_a service_n to_o it_o if_o some_o subtle_a spirit_n have_v attack_v it_o a_o great_a many_o know_v and_o judicious_a person_n of_o extraordinary_a erudition_n and_o eminent_a worth_n have_v illustrate_v and_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o with_o great_a solidity_n of_o argument_n than_o ever_o be_v know_v before_o this_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o those_o who_o make_v objection_n against_o religion_n be_v learned_a that_o the_o be_v philosophical_a man_n who_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n reason_v true_a and_o can_v distinguish_v truth_n from_o error_n let_v it_o be_v so_o but_o then_o i_o ask_v those_o who_o urge_v this_o objection_n how_o it_o happen_v that_o we_o see_v every_o day_n man_n of_o part_n and_o sense_n who_o yet_o will_v obstinate_o maintain_v palpable_a error_n and_o refuse_v to_o yield_v to_o the_o evidence_n of_o some_o truth_n which_o be_v clear_a as_o the_o sun_n to_o this_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v say_v but_o that_o such_o man_n be_v not_o so_o know_v and_o perspicacious_a as_o they_o shall_v be_v or_o that_o they_o do_v not_o make_v that_o use_n which_o they_o ought_v of_o their_o part_n and_o judgement_n i_o confess_v that_o indeed_o a_o man_n must_v have_v some_o part_n and_o subtilty_n to_o be_v able_a to_o find_v difficulty_n every_o where_n but_o that_o man_n make_v a_o wretched_a use_n of_o his_o part_n when_o they_o serve_v he_o only_o to_o wrangle_v about_o the_o most_o certain_a truth_n those_o which_o the_o infidel_n call_v strong_a objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n be_v but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n vain_a subtlety_n and_o mere_a slight_v of_o wit_n which_o may_v be_v use_v alike_o upon_o all_o sort_n of_o subject_n that_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o name_v here_o some_o or_o those_o truth_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v think_v unquestionable_a and_o which_o no_o man_n though_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n can_v doubt_v of_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o same_o objection_n by_o which_o the_o infidel_n attack_v religion_n may_v be_v turn_v against_o such_o truth_n or_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o subtlety_n of_o scepticism_n may_v puzzle_v a_o man_n who_o shall_v maintain_v that_o there_o be_v heretofore_o a_o emperor_n at_o rome_n call_v augustus_n or_o who_o shall_v believe_v with_o all_o mankind_n that_o parent_n ought_v to_o love_v their_o child_n and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o murder_v a_o poor_a wretch_n who_o be_v beg_v a_o alm_n i_o say_v a_o man_n who_o maintain_v these_o truth_n may_v be_v hard_o put_v to_o it_o before_o he_o can_v get_v rid_v of_o all_o the_o question_n of_o a_o captious_a sophister_n but_o do_v it_o follow_v from_o thence_o that_o this_o man_n be_v mistake_v it_o be_v to_o be_v imagine_v that_o a_o man_n can_v doubt_v in_o good_a earnest_n whither_o or_o not_o there_o be_v ever_o at_o rome_n a_o emperor_n name_v augustus_n or_o whether_o parent_n ought_v to_o love_v their_o child_n will_v any_o ever_o be_v so_o extravagant_a as_o to_o believe_v serious_o that_o it_o be_v indifferent_a whether_o we_o cut_v a_o poor_a man_n throat_n or_o give_v he_o a_o alm_n the_o subtlety_n of_o argument_n signify_v nothing_o against_o fact_n which_o be_v well_o aver_v or_o against_o those_o natural_a sentiment_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o mankind_n now_o religion_n be_v found_v upon_o fact_n and_o its_o principle_n be_v in_o part_n natural_a truth_n and_o sentiment_n which_o we_o must_v needs_o feel_v and_o believe_v at_o all_o time_n he_o that_o will_v destroy_v religion_n must_v confute_v those_o fact_n and_o sentiment_n and_o infidelity_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o philosophical_a knowledge_n be_v very_o much_o extol_v by_o the_o infidel_n they_o pretend_v chief_o to_o a_o great_a exactness_n in_o reason_v and_o yet_o they_o visible_o run_v counter_a to_o right_a reason_n and_o transgress_v the_o rule_n which_o true_a philosophy_n prescribe_v it_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n to_o judge_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v false_a or_o dubious_a because_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o it_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o no_o man_n know_v all_o thing_n or_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v all_o objection_n and_o that_o what_o seem_v obscure_a to_o one_o man_n will_v appear_v very_o clear_a to_o another_o when_o we_o have_v reason_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o believe_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a when_o its_o proof_n be_v strong_a and_o more_o numerous_a than_o its_o difficulty_n and_o when_o there_o be_v proof_n which_o upon_o other_o occasion_n be_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v our_o judgement_n true_a sense_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v yield_v to_o such_o a_o evidence_n this_o method_n be_v particular_o to_o be_v follow_v when_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n be_v of_o some_o moment_n in_o such_o thing_n we_o be_v wont_v to_o govern_v ourselves_o by_o the_o great_a evidence_n and_o to_o choose_v the_o safe_a side_n what_o can_v be_v therefore_o more_o irrational_a than_o to_o hazard_v eternity_n and_o to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n up_o on_o such_o consideration_n as_o will_v have_v no_o weight_n with_o we_o and_o as_o will_v not_o stop_v we_o a_o minute_n in_o the_o ordinary_a affair_n of_o this_o life_n further_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o good_a sense_n to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o distinct_a idea_n or_o which_o we_o do_v not_o thorough_o know_v man_n who_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o their_o soul_n or_o of_o a_o hundred_o thing_n they_o see_v before_o their_o eye_n will_v yet_o talk_v at_o random_n about_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o god_n act_v or_o foresee_v future_a evant_n about_o what_o god_n ought_v or_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v do_v for_o the_o orderly_a dispose_n of_o all_o thing_n about_o the_o end_n which_o that_o supreme_a be_v propose_v to_o itself_o and_o about_o the_o mean_n which_o may_v conduce_v to_o those_o ends._n this_o be_v the_o height_n of_o extravagance_n and_o temerity_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v at_o this_o rate_n that_o the_o infidel_n reason_n i_o must_v add_v beside_o that_o man_n of_o part_n be_v
subject_a to_o the_o same_o passion_n with_o the_o vulgar_a and_o that_o those_o passion_n hinder_v they_o from_o discern_v the_o truth_n these_o maker_n of_o objection_n who_o pretend_v to_o politeness_n and_o wit_n be_v not_o general_o sound_v at_o heart_n but_o they_o love_v licentiousness_n they_o be_v not_o addict_v perhaps_o to_o a_o gross_a and_o shameful_a but_o to_o a_o more_o refine_a libertinism_n they_o observe_v a_o little_a decorum_n but_o they_o do_v not_o relish_v the_o maxim_n of_o devotion_n and_o piety_n and_o they_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v tie_v to_o they_o vanity_n have_v likewise_o a_o great_a share_n in_o their_o conduct_n a_o great_a many_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v for_o their_o credit_n to_o distinguish_v themselves_o from_o the_o vulgar_a and_o not_o to_o believe_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v believe_v by_o the_o people_n and_o when_o they_o have_v once_o embrace_v this_o way_n and_o set_v up_o for_o sceptic_n in_o the_o world_n they_o think_v themselves_o bind_v in_o point_n of_o honour_n to_o maintain_v that_o character_n man_n of_o knowledge_n be_v sometime_o govern_v by_o many_o prejudices_fw-la and_o false_a motive_n a_o preconceive_a notion_n or_o a_o mere_a circumstance_n be_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v they_o to_o the_o embrace_v of_o a_o opinion_n what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o conduct_n of_o prince_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o opinion_n and_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o learned_a war_n and_o such_o other_o great_a event_n upon_o which_o the_o fate_n of_o nation_n depend_v and_o which_o make_v so_o much_o stir_v in_o the_o world_n do_v not_o always_o proceed_v from_o wise_a and_o mature_a deliberation_n sometime_o they_o be_v but_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o passion_n of_o a_o humour_n or_o of_o some_o particular_a circumstance_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o learned_a we_o think_v too_o well_o of_o they_o if_o we_o fancy_v that_o they_o be_v always_o determine_v by_o the_o great_a weight_n of_o reason_n the_o motive_n which_o prompt_v they_o to_o maintain_v certain_a opinion_n be_v often_o very_o slight_a they_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o this_o they_o think_v themselves_o guide_v by_o reason_n and_o they_o do_v not_o perceive_v the_o true_a principle_n of_o their_o action_n or_o judgement_n if_o infidel_n do_v strict_o examine_v themselves_o they_o will_v find_v perhaps_o that_o their_o scruple_n be_v first_o raise_v and_o have_v be_v maintain_v since_o either_o by_o some_o book_n they_o read_v when_o they_o be_v young_a or_o by_o the_o love_n they_o have_v for_o some_o person_n or_o by_o their_o aversion_n to_o other_o or_o by_o some_o ill_a treatment_n they_o have_v meet_v with_o or_o by_o the_o praise_n which_o have_v be_v give_v they_o for_o their_o wit_n or_o by_o some_o prejudice_n they_o have_v conceive_v against_o religion_n in_o general_n when_o they_o hear_v it_o ill_o defend_v or_o against_o certain_a tenet_n which_o be_v particular_a to_o the_o society_n they_o live_v in_o and_o manifest_o absurd_a or_o by_o some_o other_o motion_n of_o this_o nature_n if_o we_o call_v to_o mind_n in_o the_o last_o place_n what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o wit_n that_o few_o christian_n apply_v themselves_o sincere_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o general_a truth_n and_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n we_o shall_v not_o wonder_v that_o among_o so_o many_o who_o never_o inquire_v into_o the_o proof_n of_o religion_n some_o shall_v be_v inveigle_v by_o the_o objection_n of_o libertine_n and_o fall_v into_o infidelity_n i_o have_v in_o a_o manner_n step_v out_o of_o my_o way_n but_o this_o digression_n be_v not_o impertinent_a since_o these_o consideration_n may_v serve_v as_o a_o remedy_n against_o incredulity_n and_o scepticism_n which_o some_o author_n will_v fain_o establish_v by_o their_o write_n one_o will_v think_v that_o every_o body_n shall_v abhor_v those_o impious_a book_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v read_v and_o like_v by_o many_o person_n young_a people_n especial_o who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n love_v novelty_n and_o be_v incline_v to_o vanity_n and_o licentiousness_n do_v easy_o imbibe_n the_o principle_n which_o be_v scatter_v through_o such_o book_n they_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o the_o genteelness_n the_o wit_n and_o some_o kind_n of_o learning_n which_o they_o common_o find_v there_o be_v not_o well_o ground_v in_o religion_n they_o be_v strike_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o infidel_n they_o very_o first_o objection_n puzzle_v they_o they_o begin_v to_o doubt_v of_o many_o thing_n and_o in_o a_o little_a time_n they_o become_v thorough-paced_n sceptic_n i_o leave_v any_o one_o to_o judge_v what_o effect_n this_o may_v produce_v in_o a_o age_n so_o prone_a to_o vice_n as_o this_o be_v and_o if_o young_a people_n can_v avoid_v be_v corrupt_v when_o they_o be_v no_o long_o restrain_v by_o religion_n and_o conscience_n there_o be_v no_o condition_n more_o remediless_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o state_n more_o deplorable_a than_o when_o incredulity_n be_v join_v with_o dissoluteness_n of_o manner_n people_z then_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v reclaim_v age_n and_o ill_a life_n fortify_v their_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n and_o they_o continue_v in_o that_o state_n to_o their_o die_a day_n this_o be_v the_o fruit_n which_o many_o reap_v from_o the_o read_n of_o those_o pernicious_a book_n but_o it_o be_v not_o all_o the_o mischief_n which_o be_v occasion_v by_o such_o write_n they_o may_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o many_o who_o have_v no_o great_a compass_n of_o knowledge_n and_o beget_v several_a scruple_n in_o the_o mind_n even_o of_o good_a men._n after_o these_o reflection_n i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o no_o book_n be_v more_o dangerous_a than_o these_o and_o that_o to_o have_v the_o confidence_n of_o publish_v they_o be_v a_o superlative_a degree_n of_o impiety_n ii_o the_o book_n i_o have_v now_o speak_v of_o assault_n religion_n and_o piety_n in_o general_n and_o by_o consequence_n open_v a_o door_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o disorder_n and_o vice_n there_o be_v other_o which_o though_o they_o do_v not_o attack_v the_o principle_n of_o faith_n do_v yet_o introduce_v licentiousness_n of_o manner_n it_o will_v be_v a_o long_a work_n if_o i_o shall_v specify_v here_o their_o several_a sort_n which_o be_v as_o many_o as_o there_o be_v vice_n passion_n or_o receive_v error_n among_o man_n this_o be_v a_o detail_n which_o i_o can_v enter_v into_o be_v then_o force_v to_o stint_v myself_o i_o shall_v only_o speak_v of_o impure_a book_n and_o i_o choose_v this_o particular_a species_n of_o ill_a book_n because_o the_o number_n of_o these_o be_v not_o only_o very_o great_a but_o because_o they_o be_v those_o likewise_o which_o do_v most_o general_o corrupt_v men._n their_o number_n be_v prodigious_a first_o we_o have_v the_o obscene_a book_n of_o the_o heathen_a which_o be_v not_o only_o read_v by_o man_n but_o be_v put_v likewise_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o youth_n some_o people_n be_v so_o infatuate_v with_o these_o book_n that_o they_o fancy_v a_o man_n can_v be_v a_o master_n of_o greek_a or_o latin_a unless_o he_o have_v read_v all_o the_o obscenity_n write_v in_o those_o two_o language_n which_o be_v as_o extravagant_a a_o opinion_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v pretend_v that_o whosever_v design_n to_o acquire_v a_o thorough_a knowledge_n of_o the_o french_a or_o of_o any_o other_o live_a language_n and_o to_o be_v able_a to_o speak_v and_o write_v elegant_o in_o it_o must_v read_v all_o the_o lewd_a poem_n and_o all_o the_o scandalous_a book_n which_o this_o age_n have_v produce_v second_o beside_o impure_a book_n of_o pagan_a author_n we_o have_v those_o that_o be_v write_v by_o christian_n the_o world_n be_v ove-run_a with_o book_n of_o this_o stamp_n their_o number_n increase_v every_o day_n and_o their_o amaze_a multitude_n be_v one_o of_o the_o strong_a proof_n of_o the_o extreme_a corruption_n of_o the_o time_n it_o be_v the_o last_o degree_n of_o impudence_n to_o write_v in_o that_o style_n and_o then_o to_o disperse_v it_o in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o press_n the_o dissolution_n must_v need_v be_v very_o great_a when_o this_o be_v do_v so_o free_o and_o so_o often_o as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o age._n nothing_o can_v be_v imagine_v more_o lascivious_a or_o execrable_a than_o some_o book_n which_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v publish_v from_o time_n to_o time_n paganism_n do_v never_o produce_v any_o thing_n more_o abominable_a upon_o the_o head_n of_o impurity_n than_o several_a work_n which_o be_v hatch_v in_o the_o very_a bosom_n of_o christianity_n so_o that_o in_o this_o respect_v christian_n have_v no_o cause_n to_o reproach_n heathen_n these_o detestable_a book_n be_v not_o the_o only_a impure_a one_o nor_o perhaps_o the_o more_o dangerous_a vast_a number_n of_o other_o be_v currant_n
in_o the_o world_n what_o be_v so_o many_o book_n of_o love_n and_o gallantry_n so_o many_o scandalous_a novel_n either_o feign_v or_o true_a and_o so_o many_o licentious_a piece_n of_o poetry_n but_o the_o production_n of_o that_o spirit_n of_o impurity_n and_o dissoluteness_n which_o prevail_v in_o this_o age_n nay_o even_o book_n of_o learning_n which_o treat_v of_o serious_a subject_n have_v a_o mixture_n of_o impurity_n this_o infection_n be_v diffuse_v through_o all_o sort_n of_o book_n and_o appear_v every_o day_n in_o some_o new_a shape_n as_o the_o number_n of_o impure_a book_n be_v great_a so_o their_o effect_n be_v most_o pernicious_a and_o none_o ought_v to_o wonder_v that_o i_o shall_v assign_v these_o book_n as_o one_o of_o the_o general_a cause_n of_o corruption_n no_o bad_a book_n be_v more_o general_o read_v than_o these_o none_o can_v with_o more_o reason_n be_v call_v public_a fountain_n of_o vice_n and_o dissoluteness_n the_o mischief_n they_o do_v in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v imagine_v they_o prove_v to_o a_o infinity_n of_o person_n but_o especial_o to_o young_a people_n school_n of_o licentiousness_n it_o be_v by_o the_o read_n of_o they_o that_o youth_n learn_v to_o know_v and_o to_o love_v vice_n that_o age_n be_v prone_a to_o pleasure_n and_o to_o every_o thing_n that_o gratify_v sense_n and_o that_o inclination_n be_v so_o much_o the_o strong_a because_o it_o be_v cherish_v and_o fortify_v by_o a_o education_n altogether_o sensual_a and_o because_o young_a people_n for_o want_n of_o good_a instruction_n have_v not_o much_o piety_n nor_o any_o great_a aversion_n to_o vice_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v easy_o judge_v that_o they_o be_v susceptible_a of_o those_o passion_n which_o gratify_v sensuality_n and_o that_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o they_o to_o resist_v those_o impression_n which_o the_o read_n of_o impure_a book_n convey_v into_o their_o mind_n we_o see_v in_o fact_n that_o uncleanness_n be_v common_o the_o first_o sin_n and_o the_o first_o passion_n which_o seduce_v man_n in_o their_o youth_n and_o which_o engage_v they_o into_o vice_n for_o their_o whole_a life_n for_o it_o seldom_o happen_v but_o that_o all_o the_o age_n of_o life_n retain_v a_o spice_n of_o the_o irregularity_n of_o youth_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o these_o book_n have_v their_o advocate_n many_o person_n reckon_v that_o there_o be_v no_o harm_n either_o in_o read_v or_o even_o in_o publish_v they_o if_o we_o believe_v some_o author_n who_o infect_v the_o public_a with_o book_n full_a of_o obscenity_n none_o but_o fantastical_a people_n posseff_v with_o a_o ridiculous_a and_o precise_a devotion_n find_v fault_n with_o those_o who_o write_v upon_o this_o subject_a and_o in_o defence_n of_o their_o opinion_n they_o allege_v this_o maxim_n 15._o maxim_n tit._n 1._o 15._o to_o the_o pure_a all_o thing_n be_v pure_a as_o if_o st._n paul_n who_o do_v not_o allow_v christian_n so_o much_o as_o to_o speak_v a_o undecent_a word_n do_v permit_v they_o to_o read_v and_o write_v thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o modesty_n and_o may_v occasion_v scandal_n from_o this_o maxim_n they_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o be_v those_o book_n that_o offend_v modesty_n or_o religion_n and_o they_o protest_v that_o for_o their_o part_n the_o reading_z of_o they_o do_v not_o defile_v their_o imagination_n i_o do_v not_o know_v the_o particular_a frame_n of_o those_o man_n heart_n perhaps_o impure_a idea_n and_o lascivious_a object_n be_v grow_v so_o familiar_a to_o they_o that_o they_o do_v no_o long_o perceive_v that_o such_o idea_n and_o object_n make_v any_o impression_n upon_o they_o but_o it_o be_v unconceivable_a how_o people_n can_v preserve_v a_o chaste_a heart_n when_o they_o delight_v in_o write_v or_o read_v filthy_a thing_n after_o all_o though_o they_o read_v of_o such_o work_n shall_v have_v no_o ill_a effect_n upon_o some_o person_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o more_o who_o will_v make_v a_o ill_a use_n of_o they_o and_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v every_o many_o who_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o religion_n to_o detest_v impure_a book_n what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v will_v be_v grant_v by_o many_o but_o it_o will_v be_v think_v that_o to_o rank_a book_n of_o love_n and_o gallantry_n among_o impure_a book_n and_o to_o condemn_v the_o read_n of_o they_o be_v something_o to_o severe_a i_o confess_v that_o all_o those_o book_n be_v not_o equal_o bad_a and_o that_o some_o do_v not_o hurt_v modesty_n so_o visible_o as_o other_o do_v but_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o many_o in_o which_o a_o spirit_n of_o impurity_n and_o licentiousness_n may_v not_o be_v observe_v that_o love_n which_o make_v the_o subject_a of_o so_o many_o book_n be_v nothing_o else_o at_o bottom_n but_o a_o impure_a and_o irregular_a passion_n of_o which_o the_o gospel_n oblige_v we_o to_o stifle_v the_o very_a first_o motion_n what_o the_o world_n call_v a_o mere_a intrigue_n of_o gallantry_n be_v sometime_o a_o pretty_a large_a step_n towards_o the_o sin_n of_o adultery_n sin_n indeed_o may_v be_v disguise_v in_o those_o book_n under_o another_o name_n and_o may_v be_v dress_v in_o a_o modest_a garb_n but_o that_o make_v it_o slide_v the_o more_o easy_o into_o the_o mind_n it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o dally_v with_o thing_n which_o deserve_v the_o almost_o aversion_n of_o a_o christian_a and_o it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a but_o that_o the_o horror_n of_o impurity_n and_o of_o every_o thing_n that_o come_v near_o it_o must_v insensible_o abate_v in_o any_o one_o who_o be_v addict_v to_o such_o readins_n there_o be_v two_o maxim_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o decide_v this_o matter_n the_o one_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o abstain_v from_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_n the_o other_o that_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a we_o ought_v to_o avoid_v whatsoever_o may_v prove_v a_o scandal_n or_o a_o occasion_n of_o fall_v to_o any_o body_n especial_o when_o the_o scandal_n may_v be_v foresee_v now_o here_o be_v at_o least_o the_o appearance_n of_o evil_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o divers_a person_n will_v make_v a_o ill_a use_n of_o those_o book_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o read_v arid_a publish_v of_o they_o can_v be_v excuse_v but_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o maintain_v etc._n *_o 1_o theff_n v._o xxii_o see_v rom._n fourteen_o 1._o cop._n x._o etc._n etc._n that_o the_o book_n in_o question_n may_v be_v read_v without_o sin_n it_o be_v pretend_v beside_o that_o the_o read_n of_o they_o be_v useful_a and_o necessary_a to_o open_v the_o mind_n of_o young_a people_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o valuable_a quality_n to_o have_v quick_a and_o well-fashioned_a part_n but_o there_o be_v other_o book_n which_o may_v be_v read_v without_o danger_n and_o which_o be_v much_o fit_a to_o form_v the_o mind_n and_o judgement_n of_o young_a people_n than_o book_n of_o gallantry_n the_o read_n of_o which_o every_o body_n know_v have_v often_o spoil_v the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v give_v to_o it_o the_o great_a mischief_n that_o attend_v this_o kind_n of_o read_v be_v that_o it_o corrupt_v the_o heart_n and_o sully_n the_o imagination_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o it_o open_v the_o mind_n now_o it_o be_v better_a to_o have_v a_o little_a less_o of_o that_o fashionableness_n and_o politeness_n of_o part_n which_o be_v so_o much_o esteem_v in_o the_o world_n than_o to_o acquire_v it_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o one_o innocency_n but_o some_o people_n do_v not_o stop_v here_o they_o proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o say_v that_o these_o book_n be_v useful_a even_o in_o reference_n to_o religion_n and_o that_o they_o be_v proper_a to_o restrain_v youth_n from_o vice_n because_o we_o see_v in_o they_o the_o folly_n and_o misfortune_n which_o irregular_a passion_n betray_v man_n into_o i_o can_v hardly_o think_v that_o this_o be_v allege_v in_o earnest_n it_o be_v a_o strange_a sort_n of_o remedy_n against_o impurity_n to_o make_v agreeable_a picture_n of_o love_n and_o to_o represent_v minutely_o and_o in_o a_o natural_a and_o insinuate_a manner_n all_o the_o motion_n which_o that_o passion_n excite_v in_o those_o who_o be_v possess_v with_o it_o we_o must_v be_v very_o ill_o acquaint_v with_o the_o temper_n of_o man_n and_o particular_o of_o young_a people_n if_o we_o can_v fancy_v that_o the_o read_n of_o such_o book_n will_v put_v they_o upon_o moral_a reflection_n and_o inspire_v they_o with_o a_o aversion_n to_o vice_n daily_a experience_n show_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o vain_a or_o false_a than_o such_o a_o imagination_n it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o at_o least_o those_o book_n ought_v to_o be_v except_v in_o which_o among_o love-matter_n and_o licentious_a subject_n the_o reader_n meet_v with_o fine_a morality_n which_o may_v however_o serve_v for_o a_o
capable_a of_o do_v more_o hurt_n than_o good_a 1._o a_o author_n who_o treat_v of_o morality_n shall_v always_o have_v these_o two_o rule_n in_o his_o view_n 1._o to_o explain_v exact_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o it_o prescribe_v and_o 2._o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o duty_n now_o these_o two_o rule_n have_v not_o be_v sufficient_o observe_v by_o all_o those_o who_o have_v publish_v moral_a book_n 1._o they_o do_v not_o always_o represent_v with_o due_a exactness_n the_o nature_n of_o vice_n or_o virtue_n either_o the_o notion_n they_o give_v of_o they_o be_v not_o true_a or_o they_o be_v too_o general_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o be_v not_o accurate_a enough_o in_o describe_v the_o true_a character_n of_o each_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o do_v not_o distinguish_v their_o various_a kind_n and_n degree_n which_o yet_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v if_o they_o intend_v that_o man_n shall_v know_v their_o own_o picture_n 2._o they_o do_v not_o press_v man_n enough_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n the_o end_n of_o morality_n be_v to_o work_v upon_o man_n heart_n and_o passion_n in_o order_n to_o compass_v this_o end_n two_o thing_n be_v necessary_a 1._o that_o all_o those_o great_a motive_n which_o the_o gospel_n afford_v shall_v be_v strong_o urge_v and_o 2._o that_o the_o false_a reason_n and_o motive_n which_o engage_v man_n into_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o give_v they_o any_o aversion_n to_o holiness_n shall_v be_v confute_v moral_n can_v be_v useful_o handle_v without_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o two_o maxim_n the_o second_o especial_o for_o the_o reason_n why_o many_o be_v not_o prevail_v upon_o by_o the_o argument_n and_o motive_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o be_v because_o they_o be_v hinder_v by_o other_o argument_n and_o motive_n a_o reader_n frame_v in_o himself_o a_o hundred_o objection_n against_o what_o he_o read_v in_o a_o book_n of_o morality_n man_n heart_n be_v no_o soon_o incline_v to_o any_o vice_n but_o it_o grow_v fertile_a in_o evasion_n reason_n and_o pretence_n every_o sinner_n have_v his_o excuse_n and_o his_o shift_n if_o these_o who_o teach_v morality_n do_v not_o obviate_v those_o objection_n and_o destroy_v those_o excuse_n they_o can_v never_o obtain_v their_o design_n but_o this_o be_v a_o trouble_n which_o few_o author_n care_n to_o take_v upon_o they_o 2._o book_n of_o moral_n will_v produce_v more_o fruit_n than_o they_o do_v if_o the_o morality_n they_o teach_v be_v neither_o too_o much_o relax_v nor_o too_o severe_a morality_n be_v relax_v when_o it_o do_v not_o propose_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n in_o their_o full_a extent_n or_o when_o it_o do_v not_o assert_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o those_o duty_n it_o be_v strain_v and_o too_o severe_a when_o it_o impose_v duty_n which_o god_n have_v not_o command_v or_o which_o can_v possible_o be_v practise_v and_o when_o it_o rank_n among_o sin_n thing_n which_o be_v innocent_a i_o touch_v this_o only_a by_o the_o by_o because_o i_o have_v speak_v already_o in_o some_o other_o place_n of_o this_o treatise_n both_o of_o the_o remiss_a and_o over_o severe_a notion_n which_o man_n form_n to_o themselves_o about_o religion_n see_v part_n i._o cause_n i._o art_n ii_o and_o cause_v ii_o art_n v._o vi_o and_o part_v ii_o cause_v iii_o art_n i._n 3._o some_o of_o the_o author_n who_o handle_v morality_n be_v guilty_a of_o another_o fault_n and_o that_o be_v a_o want_n of_o accuracy_n and_o exactness_n in_o their_o idea_n and_o reason_n they_o do_v not_o consider_v enough_o whether_o every_o thing_n they_o advance_v be_v strict_o solid_a and_o true_a whether_o the_o principle_n they_o lie_v down_o will_v hold_v whether_o their_o maxim_n be_v not_o stretch_v too_o far_o or_o absurd_a whether_o they_o do_v not_o contradict_v themselves_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o frivolous_a reason_n whether_o nothing_o be_v false_a or_o mean_a in_o the_o motive_n they_o urge_v in_o a_o word_n whither_o or_o not_o their_o work_n will_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v the_o censure_n of_o a_o judicious_a reader_n moralist_n as_o well_o as_o the_o generality_n of_o preacher_n be_v a_o little_a too_o much_o carry_v away_o by_o the_o heat_n of_o their_o imagination_n and_o zeal_n and_o they_o do_v not_o reason_n enough_o they_o often_o go_v about_o to_o move_v people_n with_o rhethorical_a figure_n rather_o than_o by_o dint_n of_o reason_n and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a method_n in_o matter_n of_o morality_n it_o chief_o concern_v a_o man_n to_o speak_v and_o to_o argue_v close_o without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v either_o convince_v the_o mind_n or_o produce_v a_o solid_a and_o disern_a piety_n 4._o the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o book_n of_o morality_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v several_a important_a subject_n which_o have_v not_o hitherto_o be_v treat_v as_o they_o ought_v or_o if_o they_o have_v it_o be_v in_o work_n which_o be_v not_o read_v by_o the_o people_n those_o who_o study_n morality_n be_v often_o sensible_a of_o this_o defect_n and_o complain_v just_o that_o they_o do_v not_o find_v in_o book_n all_o the_o light_n and_o help_v they_o look_v for_o there_o it_o be_v but_o of_o late_a that_o any_o thing_n have_v be_v write_v with_o exactness_n in_o french_a upon_o restitution_n who_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o a_o good_a book_n concern_v impurity_n will_v be_v high_o useful_a this_o sin_n be_v exceed_o common_a but_o it_o be_v one_o of_o those_o about_o which_o the_o people_n be_v the_o least_o instruct_v if_o christian_n understand_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o vice_n its_o consequence_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o those_o who_o have_v fall_v into_o it_o they_o will_v certain_o avoid_v it_o more_o careful_o than_o they_o do_v i_o may_v say_v the_o same_o of_o injustice_n of_o swear_v and_o of_o some_o other_o subject_n iv_o i_o come_v in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o book_n of_o devotion_n it_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n of_o they_o because_o of_o all_o the_o book_n of_o religion_n they_o be_v those_o which_o be_v the_o most_o read_v 1._o i_o can_v help_v say_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o there_o be_v book_n of_o devotion_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o introduce_v corruption_n of_o manner_n and_o divert_v christian_n from_o the_o study_n of_o holiness_n we_o may_v easy_o apprehend_v how_o there_o shall_v be_v book_n of_o this_o kind_n if_o we_o confider_v that_o many_o even_o among_o divine_n think_v it_o dangerous_a to_o insist_v upon_o good_a work_n and_o to_o press_v morality_n and_o there_o be_v book_n of_o devotion_n which_o be_v make_v on_o purpose_n to_o maintain_v so_o strange_a a_o opinion_n some_o author_n have_v teach_v that_o true_a devotion_n and_o solid_a piety_n be_v not_o that_o which_o consist_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o good_a work_n they_o have_v write_v that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o represent_v good_a work_n as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n overthrow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n that_o work_n can_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n that_o all_o we_o have_v to_o do_v now_o under_o the_o gospel_n covenant_n be_v to_o receive_v and_o to_o accept_v of_o the_o salvation_n purchase_v for_o we_o and_o that_o the_o gospel_n require_v work_n only_o from_o the_o motive_n of_o gratitude_n and_o love_n nay_o those_o author_n enter_v into_o dispute_n they_o refute_v the_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o exhortation_n promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o scripture_n which_o may_v be_v urge_v against_o they_o and_o they_o tax_v with_o pharisaism_n or_o pelagianism_n those_o who_o be_v of_o a_o opinion_n contrary_a to_o their_o i_o can_v think_v the_o author_n of_o such_o book_n do_v publish_v they_o with_o ill_a intention_n but_o i_o can_v wish_v they_o have_v abstain_v from_o write_v thing_n which_o give_v such_o mighty_a advantage_n of_o libertine_n and_o which_o may_v blast_v the_o fruit_n of_o all_o the_o book_n of_o morality_n and_o of_o all_o the_o exhortation_n which_o â—â—e_v address_v to_o sinner_n and_o yet_o these_o book_n be_v print_v and_o which_o be_v more_o surprise_v those_o divine_n who_o be_v so_o rigid_a and_o scrupulous_a in_o point_n of_o book_n and_o sentiment_n do_v not_o oppose_v the_o publish_n of_o such_o work_n but_o they_o suffer_v they_o quiet_o to_o pass_v for_o current_n in_o the_o world_n 2._o the_o book_n of_o mystical_a devotion_n be_v likewise_o most_o dangerous_a and_o their_o number_n be_v great_a than_o we_o imagine_v for_o to_o say_v nothing_o of_o those_o in_o which_o mystical_a and_o fanatical_a principle_n be_v open_o propose_v many_o work_n which_o be_v otherwise_o full_a
and_o solid_a enough_o we_o find_v nothing_o else_o in_o some_o of_o they_o but_o a_o heap_n of_o thought_n which_o have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o one_o another_o of_o rhetorical_a figure_n allegory_n and_o comparison_n fetch_v from_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o from_o profane_a history_n these_o thing_n may_v have_v their_o use_n they_o may_v be_v place_n in_o a_o sermon_n but_o not_o to_o say_v that_o sometime_o those_o thought_n and_o comparison_n be_v not_o very_o apposite_a or_o suitable_a to_o the_o subject_a i_o shall_v only_o observe_v that_o something_o more_o than_o this_o be_v necessary_a to_o stir_v up_o devotion_n in_o the_o communicant_o i_o do_v but_o just_a name_n this_o because_o i_o have_v deliver_v my_o opinion_n more_o at_o large_a concern_v this_o defect_n in_o my_o three_o reflection_n upon_o book_n of_o morality_n and_o in_o the_o 5_o upon_o book_n of_o devotion_n 2._o other_o book_n of_o preparation_n be_v too_o general_a they_o only_o consider_v in_o the_o lump_n the_o duty_n of_o christian_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o communion_n they_o speak_v of_o self-examination_n repentance_n faith_n and_o charity_n but_o all_o this_o be_v of_o no_o great_a use_n to_o many_o gross_a and_o ignorant_a christian_n who_o neither_o know_v those_o duty_n nor_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v perform_v beside_o all_o those_o who_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n be_v not_o in_o the_o same_o condition_n some_o be_v good_a man_n and_o other_o impious_a and_o hypocritical_a person_n there_o be_v likewise_o several_a degree_n of_o good_a man_n as_o well_o as_o of_o hypocrite_n and_o ungodly_a person_n and_o the_o same_o man_n may_v be_v better_a or_o worse_o at_o one_o time_n than_o he_o be_v at_o another_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v fit_v that_o book_n of_o preparation_n be_v compose_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o every_o reader_n may_v be_v lead_v by_o they_o into_o those_o reflection_n which_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o state_n he_o be_v in_o it_o be_v a_o gross_a error_n to_o imagine_v that_o a_o general_a preparation_n or_o discourse_n concern_v the_o receive_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v proper_a for_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n i_o confess_v that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o all_o the_o book_n of_o preparation_n some_o we_o have_v which_o be_v particular_a enough_o the_o true_a character_n by_o which_o every_o man_n may_v know_v his_o own_o state_n be_v very_o exact_o describe_v by_o some_o author_n but_o it_o be_v a_o unhappiness_n that_o such_o work_n be_v not_o better_o calculate_v for_o the_o use_n of_o the_o common_a people_n 3._o i_o think_v i_o may_v safe_o say_v in_o the_o three_o place_n that_o the_o too_o severe_a notion_n which_o some_o book_n give_v of_o the_o communion_n be_v one_o of_o the_o cause_n why_o so_o many_o people_n do_v neither_o live_v nor_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n as_o they_o ought_v it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n that_o the_o mind_n of_o christian_n shall_v be_v fill_v with_o so_o many_o scruple_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o sacrament_n by_o inconsiderate_a discourse_n and_o over-strained_n maxim_n writer_n and_o preacher_n do_v sometime_o speak_v of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n as_o if_o every_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v full_a of_o snare_n and_o as_o if_o hell_n and_o damnation_n be_v constant_o wait_v about_o it_o they_o represent_v the_o communion_n as_o so_o extraordinary_a so_o difficult_a and_o so_o dangerous_a a_o action_n that_o those_o who_o read_v or_o hear_v those_o discourse_n be_v tempt_v to_o keep_v off_o from_o the_o holy_a table_n and_o despair_v of_o partake_v of_o it_o as_o they_o ought_v so_o that_o whereas_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o but_o joy_n when_o the_o eucharist_n be_v celebrate_v in_o the_o church_n many_o be_v then_o agitate_a with_o extreme_a perplexity_n and_o terror_n by_o this_o indiscreet_a severity_n it_o happen_v that_o many_o good_a man_n receive_v the_o sacrament_n without_o comfort_n because_o their_o conscience_n be_v disturb_v with_o divers_a scruple_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o read_n of_o those_o book_n there_o be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o pious_a christian_n who_o never_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n but_o with_o strange_a apprehension_n and_o dread_n in_o so_o much_o that_o several_a think_v they_o receive_v it_o to_o their_o condemnation_n nay_o this_o discourage_v likewise_o many_o sinner_n who_o have_v some_o inclination_n to_o good_a and_o some_o desire_n to_o set_v about_o the_o work_n of_o repentance_n indeed_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n not_o to_o flatter_v sinner_n in_o their_o vice_n nor_o to_o propose_v to_o they_o too_o easy_a a_o devotion_n and_o morality_n it_o be_v very_o fit_a in_o my_o judgement_n to_o give_v they_o a_o great_a idea_n of_o the_o purity_n which_o be_v require_v in_o so_o holy_a and_o solemn_a a_o action_n as_o the_o communion_n be_v and_o of_o the_o state_n which_o a_o christian_a ought_v then_o to_o be_v in_o but_o as_o this_o state_n of_o purity_n and_o holiness_n be_v attain_v only_o by_o degree_n that_o idea_n how_o true_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v be_v apt_a to_o fright_v a_o sinner_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o conversion_n because_o he_o do_v not_o find_v in_o himself_o at_o first_o all_o the_o character_n of_o true_a repentance_n and_o sincere_a regeneration_n he_o ought_v therefore_o to_o be_v inform_v that_o the_o beginning_n of_o repentance_n be_v weak_a that_o it_o have_v its_o degree_n and_o its_o progress_n and_o so_o that_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v dishearten_v that_o god_n will_v accept_v of_o his_o devotion_n and_o endeavour_n provide_v his_o repentance_n increase_v afterward_o and_o he_o forsake_v his_o sin_n honest_o the_o matter_n be_v over_o do_v in_o point_n of_o devotion_n and_o morality_n not_o only_a when_o we_o propose_v rule_n which_o be_v too_o rigid_a but_o also_o when_o we_o say_v thing_n which_o though_o true_a and_o consonant_a to_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o sufficient_o accommodate_v to_o the_o state_n of_o those_o we_o speak_v to_o these_o be_v the_o principal_a reflection_n i_o think_v fit_a to_o bestow_v both_o upon_o book_n of_o religion_n and_o upon_o bad_a book_n all_o that_o remain_v now_o be_v to_o inquire_v what_o remedy_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n the_o sure_a of_o all_o will_v be_v to_o exterminate_v all_o the_o ill_a book_n and_o to_o take_v care_n that_o none_o such_o shall_v be_v make_v for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v but_o as_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v hope_v the_o only_a remedy_n which_o can_v be_v try_v be_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n to_o prevent_v as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v the_o effect_n of_o bad_a book_n and_o on_o the_o other_o to_o engage_v man_n to_o read_v and_o to_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o good_a book_n the_o book_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o religion_n and_o good_a manner_n may_v easy_o be_v know_v but_o how_o to_o keep_v man_n from_o read_v and_o be_v corrupt_v by_o they_o be_v the_o difficulty_n and_o in_o all_o probability_n this_o be_v a_o point_n which_o will_v never_o be_v entire_o gain_v yet_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o prevent_v in_o some_o measure_n the_o mischief_n which_o those_o book_n occasion_n in_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o this_o it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o take_v care_n in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o young_a people_n may_v not_o read_v book_n which_o inspire_v libertinism_n to_o this_o end_n the_o author_n who_o have_v write_v thing_n repugnant_a to_o modesty_n and_o honesty_n shall_v be_v expel_v the_o school_n it_o be_v a_o surprise_v thing_n that_o the_o ecclesiastic_n who_o have_v the_o direction_n of_o academy_n and_o college_n and_o who_o be_v bind_v by_o their_o character_n to_o redress_v this_o abuse_n have_v not_o do_v it_o yet_o in_o the_o next_o place_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o in_o family_n book_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o corrupt_v youth_n shall_v be_v take_v out_o of_o their_o way_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v indulge_v in_o dangerous_a readins_n as_o for_o the_o rest_n i_o see_v no_o other_o remedy_n but_o that_o preacher_n shall_v strong_o insist_v in_o their_o sermon_n upon_o the_o reason_n which_o ought_v to_o make_v christian_n averse_v to_o the_o read_n of_o ill_a book_n i_o i_o know_v that_o all_o these_o precaution_n will_v not_o whole_o suppress_v those_o book_n nor_o prevent_v their_o be_v read_v by_o divers_a person_n but_o we_o may_v however_o gain_v thus_o much_o that_o ill_a book_n shall_v not_o be_v so_o free_o and_o so_o common_o read_v as_o they_o be_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v do_v less_o hurt_v as_o for_o book_n of_o religion_n every_o one_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o discern_v those_o which_o be_v good_a and_o to_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o they_o indeed_o the_o discern_a and_o the_o choice_n of_o book_n of_o
religion_n be_v attend_v with_o some_o difficulty_n the_o general_a rule_n be_v to_o choose_v those_o which_o be_v instructive_a and_o edify_a every_o body_n will_v own_v this_o to_o be_v a_o good_a rule_n but_o all_o man_n do_v not_o agree_v in_o the_o application_n of_o it_o what_o seem_v edify_v to_o some_o appear_v quite_o otherwise_o to_o other_o in_o point_n of_o religion_n all_o man_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n since_o they_o be_v all_o bind_v to_o believe_v the_o same_o truth_n and_o practice_v the_o same_o duty_n but_o their_o taste_n be_v different_a because_o many_o of_o they_o have_v a_o vitiate_a palate_n to_o speak_v my_o mind_n upon_o this_o subject_a i_o think_v that_o christian_n shall_v chief_o stick_v to_o those_o book_n which_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o which_o establish_v by_o solid_a argument_n the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o those_o which_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o exact_a view_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n to_o these_o it_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o add_v the_o work_n in_o which_o we_o find_v the_o example_n of_o person_n eminent_a for_o their_o piety_n and_o virtue_n such_o example_n be_v very_o efficacious_a to_o excite_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o be_v good_a and_o they_o prove_v a_o great_a preservative_n against_o the_o scandal_n occasion_v by_o bad_a example_n and_o against_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age._n but_o not_o to_o enlarge_v further_o upon_o the_o choice_n of_o book_n i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o this_o chapter_n a_o judicious_a choice_n of_o book_n be_v once_o make_v the_o next_o thing_n be_v to_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o they_o and_o here_o two_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v 1._o a_o man_n shall_v read_v with_o judgement_n and_o 2._o he_o shall_v read_v in_o order_n to_o practice_n 1._o what_o book_n soever_o we_o read_v it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o read_v it_o with_o discretion_n and_o judgement_n we_o be_v command_v in_o scripture_n i._n scripture_n 1_o thes_n v._o xxi_o 1_o joh._n iu_o i._n to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a to_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n this_o caution_n be_v to_o be_v use_v lest_o we_o fall_v into_o error_n since_o every_o author_n be_v a_o man_n and_o by_o consequence_n may_v sometime_o be_v mistake_v the_o common_a people_n do_v particular_o need_v this_o advice_n because_o they_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v read_v in_o book_n especial_o in_o book_n of_o devotion_n be_v true_a but_o though_o a_o book_n shall_v contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v good_a discretion_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o just_a application_n of_o the_o content_n of_o it_o to_o out_o self_n because_o that_o which_o be_v proper_a for_o some_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o other_o the_o not_o observe_v this_o rule_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o some_o reader_n who_o have_v a_o pure_a but_o a_o timorous_a and_o shortsighted_a conscience_n be_v terrify_v without_o cause_n and_o apply_v to_o themselves_o what_o be_v say_v only_o of_o wicked_a man_n when_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n harden_a sinner_n deceive_v themselves_o with_o vain_a hope_n by_o adapt_a to_o themselves_o what_o relate_v only_o to_o good_a men._n 2._o we_o ought_v to_o read_v in_o order_n to_o practice_n and_o that_o we_o may_v grow_v better_a this_o be_v the_o more_o important_a rule_n of_o the_o two_o and_o that_o which_o distinguish_v true_a from_o hypocritical_a devotion_n many_o be_v very_o regular_a and_o constant_a in_o read_v and_o they_o seldom_o fail_v to_o do_v it_o morning_n and_o evening_n but_o the_o deportment_n of_o those_o person_n who_o be_v so_o assiduous_a in_o the_o peruse_n of_o good_a book_n be_v not_o always_o agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o devotion_n and_o piety_n when_o they_o be_v but_o just_a come_v from_o their_o read_n we_o find_v they_o often_o sour_a peevish_a and_o passionate_a after_o they_o have_v read_v in_o the_o morning_n they_o spend_v the_o day_n in_o slander_v game_n or_o idleness_n and_o they_o avoid_v only_o the_o grosser_n and_o the_o more_o noisy_a sin_n there_o be_v reader_n of_o another_o character_n they_o read_v and_o even_o delight_n in_o the_o read_n of_o book_n of_o religion_n they_o like_v well_o enough_o those_o work_n which_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o treat_v of_o moral_n they_o speak_v of_o they_o advantageous_o and_o they_o will_v say_v fine_a thing_n concern_v the_o abuse_n which_o be_v creep_v into_o religion_n and_o upon_o the_o necessity_n and_o the_o beauty_n of_o moral_n but_o all_o this_o terminate_v only_o in_o a_o vain_a and_o fruitless_a approbation_n which_o they_o give_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o after_o all_o they_o reform_v nothing_o in_o their_o life_n such_o readins_n be_v but_o mere_a amusement_n and_o they_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o rock_v conscience_n into_o a_o most_o dangerous_a sleep_n the_o end_n of_o read_v as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o all_o religion_n aught_o to_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n i._o shall_v here_o observe_v last_o of_o all_o that_o christian_n have_v a_o book_n which_o alone_o may_v suffice_v to_o preserve_v they_o from_o the_o danger_n of_o ill_a book_n and_o to_o secure_v they_o against_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age_n if_o they_o do_v use_v it_o as_o they_o ought_v i_o mean_v the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v the_o best_a of_o all_o book_n a_o work_n divine_o inspire_v which_o contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o true_a and_o wherein_o we_o find_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o instruct_v and_o to_o sanctify_v men._n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v 1._o that_o the_o translation_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v render_v more_o perfect_a so_o that_o they_o may_v express_v the_o sense_n of_o sacred_a author_n with_o all_o possible_a exactness_n all_o those_o who_o have_v study_v the_o original_a text_n of_o the_o bible_n will_v own_v that_o this_o be_v a_o necessary_a work_n and_o that_o the_o translation_n need_v some_o amendment_n and_o so_o we_o see_v according_o that_o now_o and_o then_o divine_n and_o translator_n apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o correct_v of_o they_o 2._o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o have_v exact_a translation_n of_o scripture_n if_o man_n can_v not_o read_v it_o i_o have_v already_o remark_v it_o elsewhere_o as_o a_o cry_n and_o shameful_a abuse_n that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o read_v this_o abuse_n shall_v have_v be_v reform_v long_o ago_o and_o this_o may_v easy_o be_v do_v if_o every_o pastor_n do_v endeavour_v it_o in_o his_o own_o church_n and_o if_o the_o magistrate_n do_v lend_v a_o help_a hand_n towards_o it_o 3._o the_o holy_a scripture_n shall_v be_v read_v more_o than_o it_o be_v and_o man_n shall_v make_v that_o use_n of_o it_o for_o which_o it_o be_v give_v other_o book_n be_v only_a stream_n but_o when_o we_o read_v the_o scripture_n we_o drink_v at_o the_o very_a fountainhead_n humane_a book_n have_v their_o fault_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v read_v with_o great_a discretion_n but_o this_o divine_a book_n be_v most_o perfect_a it_o be_v a_o guide_n to_o who_o conduct_n we_o may_v give_v up_o ourselves_o without_o fear_n or_o danger_n this_o be_v certain_a be_v it_o not_o strange_a that_o the_o best_a of_o all_o book_n shall_v be_v the_o most_o neglect_a in_o many_o country_n the_o bible_n be_v a_o book_n unknown_a to_o the_o people_n in_o other_o place_n the_o read_n of_o it_o be_v permit_v but_o with_o great_a caution_n as_o if_o it_o be_v dangerous_a for_o christian_n to_o reveal_v a_o book_n by_o which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o men._n in_o those_o place_n where_o christian_n have_v a_o entire_a liberty_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n great_a multitude_n make_v no_o advantage_n of_o that_o freedom_n many_o that_o be_v addict_v to_o read_v leave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o other_o book_n in_o a_o word_n very_o few_o read_v it_o with_o suitable_a disposition_n and_o with_o a_o sincere_a design_n of_o learning_n the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o of_o grow_v the_o better_a by_o it_o and_o thus_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v destitute_a of_o the_o most_o efficacious_a mean_a and_o remedy_n which_o the_o divine_a goodness_n have_v afford_v to_o man_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o the_o contagion_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o make_v they_o happy_a and_o so_o we_o need_v not_o wonder_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_n shall_v be_v such_o as_o
be_v much_o advance_v as_o long_o as_o the_o evil_n be_v not_o take_v in_o its_o cause_n and_o as_o long_o as_o such_o principle_n and_o abuse_n continue_v among_o christian_n as_o be_v and_o will_v always_o be_v obstacle_n to_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n last_o i_o consider_v that_o this_o matter_n have_v not_o yet_o be_v thorough_o handle_v by_o any_o author_n at_o least_o that_o i_o know_v of_o of_o those_o who_o have_v touch_v upon_o it_o in_o their_o book_n some_o have_v confine_v themselves_o to_o consideration_n pure_o moral_a and_o other_o to_o theological_a reflection_n upon_o the_o error_n which_o be_v in_o vogue_n or_o upon_o the_o controversy_n which_o divide_v christian_n but_o they_o have_v omit_v many_o thing_n which_o seem_v essential_a no_o doubt_n because_o they_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o treat_v this_o subject_a purposely_o or_o because_o they_o do_v not_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o whole_a extent_n of_o it_o as_o these_o consideration_n have_v make_v i_o wish_v for_o a_o long_a while_n that_o among_o so_o many_o able_a man_n who_o write_v about_o religion_n some_o may_v undertake_v so_o important_a a_o subject_n so_o they_o have_v determine_v i_o to_o publish_v these_o essay_n upon_o the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n hope_v that_o other_o will_v apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o full_a discussion_n of_o those_o matter_n which_o be_v here_o but_o imperfect_o hint_v at_o but_o that_o the_o scope_n of_o this_o treatise_n may_v be_v the_o better_o understand_v and_o that_o no_o body_n may_v expect_v that_o in_o it_o which_o according_a to_o the_o scheme_n i_o form_v to_o myself_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v a_o place_n here_o i_o shall_v acquaint_v the_o reader_n with_o one_o thing_n which_o he_o may_v perhaps_o have_v foresee_v from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v i_o do_v not_o propose_v to_o myself_o to_o handle_v this_o matter_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o divinity_n school_n no_o man_n therefore_o ought_v to_o wonder_n if_o i_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o state_n in_o which_o all_o man_n be_v bear_v nor_o of_o that_o inclination_n to_o vice_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o they_o for_o though_o this_o be_v the_o first_o original_a of_o corruption_n yet_o certain_o this_o corruption_n will_v be_v much_o less_o if_o christian_n do_v use_v the_o mean_n which_o god_n afford_v they_o to_o overcome_v it_o and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o other_o source_n which_o feed_v and_o strengthen_v that_o vicious_a propensity_n beside_o i_o do_v not_o consider_v corruption_n in_o general_n as_o it_o be_v common_a to_o all_o mankind_n but_o i_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_n in_o particular_a neither_o do_v i_o design_n to_o write_v a_o moral_a treatise_n so_o that_o it_o must_v not_o be_v expect_v that_o i_o shall_v discourse_v of_o self-love_n and_o pride_n and_o of_o all_o the_o other_o passion_n which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a occasion_n of_o man_n sin_n or_o that_o i_o shall_v trace_v out_o all_o the_o particular_a cause_n of_o every_o sin_n this_o will_v carry_v i_o too_o far_o and_o such_o thing_n have_v be_v often_o examine_v i_o therefore_o apply_v myself_o only_o to_o the_o general_a cause_n and_o i_o manage_v the_o the_o matter_n thus_o i_o divide_v this_o work_n into_o two_o part_n because_o the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n may_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n i_o shall_v call_v those_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n particular_a or_o internal_a because_o they_o be_v within_o we_o and_o to_o be_v find_v in_o every_o particular_a man_n that_o live_v ill_a those_o of_o the_o second_o sort_n which_o be_v more_o general_a i_o name_v external_n because_o they_o proceed_v rather_o from_o certain_a outward_a circumstance_n and_o from_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o the_o time_n than_o from_o the_o fault_n of_o particular_a person_n the_o cause_n i_o shall_v treat_v of_o in_o the_o first_o part_n be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o ill_a disposition_n in_o which_o most_o christian_n be_v and_o which_o hinder_v their_o apply_v themselves_o to_o piety_n and_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v observe_v nine_o i._o ignorance_n ii_o prejudices_fw-la and_o false_a notion_n concern_v religion_n iii_o some_o opinion_n and_o and_o maxim_n which_o be_v use_v to_o authorize_v corruption_n iv_o the_o abuse_n of_o holy_a scripture_n v._o a_o false_a modesty_n vi_o the_o delay_v repentance_n vii_o man_n sloth_n and_o negligence_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n viii_o worldly_n business_n ix_o man_n particular_a calling_n the_o cause_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o second_o part_n be_v these_o seven_o i._o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o religion_n in_o general_n ii_o the_o want_n of_o discipline_n iii_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o clergy_n iv_o the_o defect_n of_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n v._o education_n vi_o example_n and_o custom_n vii_o book_n i_o declare_v here_o that_o in_o discourse_v upon_o these_o source_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v to_o tax_v all_o christian_n without_o exception_n so_o when_o i_o speak_v of_o ignorance_n and_o of_o prejudices_fw-la common_o receive_v know_v and_o learned_a man_n be_v except_v and_o when_o i_o observe_v certain_a defect_n in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o the_o church_n and_o of_o religion_n in_o discipline_n in_o clergyman_n or_o in_o christian_a magistrate_n i_o suppose_v those_o fault_n obtain_v more_o in_o some_o place_n than_o in_o other_o in_o short_a whoever_o shall_v apply_v what_o be_v say_v in_o this_o treatise_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n and_o church_n will_v certain_o mistake_v my_o design_n and_o now_o i_o must_v desire_v those_o who_o may_v chance_v to_o see_v this_o book_n to_o examine_v serious_o what_o 〈◊〉_d propose_v in_o it_o no_o lover_n of_o truth_n or_o religion_n can_v refuse_v his_o attention_n to_o a_o subject_a of_o this_o nature_n but_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v more_o particular_o welcome_a to_o churchman_n and_o divine_n who_o be_v call_v by_o their_o function_n to_o set_v themselves_o against_o corruption_n and_o to_o endeavour_v all_o they_o can_v to_o promote_v piety_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o conclude_v i_o hearty_o implore_v his_o blessing_n upon_o this_o work_n who_o put_v it_o into_o my_o heart_n to_o set_v about_o it_o and_o who_o be_v my_o witness_n with_o what_o design_n and_o intention_n i_o publish_v it_o a_o treatise_n concern_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o present_a corruption_n of_o christian_o part_n i._o cause_n i._o ignorance_n when_o a_o man_n think_v of_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o corruption_n which_o overruns_a the_o christian_a world_n the_o first_o which_o offer_v itself_o to_o his_o mind_n be_v ignorance_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o it_o our_o notion_n and_o knowledge_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o our_o action_n we_o can_v never_o love_v a_o thing_n or_o adhere_v to_o it_o when_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o or_o when_o it_o be_v but_o imperfect_o know_v to_o we_o suppose_v then_o that_o man_n be_v ignorant_a or_o very_o little_a instruct_v in_o religion_n there_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v corrupt_a for_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n when_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v extreme_o corrupt_a we_o may_v conclude_v that_o they_o want_v instruction_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o corruption_n proceed_v sometime_o from_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o resist_v the_o light_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o that_o man_n frequent_o act_n against_o their_o knowledge_n but_o it_o may_v safe_o be_v say_v that_o if_o christian_n be_v well_o instruct_v they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o corrupt_a and_o that_o wherever_o a_o extraordinary_a corruption_n be_v visible_a there_o be_v likewise_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o ignorance_n this_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o god_n conduct_n in_o the_o establish_n the_o christian_a religion_n when_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o those_o disorder_n wherein_o the_o heathen_n live_v before_o their_o conversion_n they_o ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o darkness_n of_o their_o mind_n 18._o mind_n eph._n iu._n 18._o the_o gentile_n say_v st._n paul_n have_v their_o understanding_n darken_v be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n through_o the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o they_o because_o of_o the_o blindness_n of_o their_o heart_n the_o same_o apostle_n call_v the_o time_n which_o precede_v the_o come_v of_o of_o christ_n the_o time_n of_o ignorance_n and_o the_o first_o thing_n which_o god_n do_v to_o change_v the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o rescue_v it_o from_o corruption_n be_v to_o dispel_v the_o cloud_n of_o their_o ignorance_n and_o to_o enlighten_v they_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n although_o christian_n can_v be_v charge_v with_o so_o gross_a a_o ignorance_n as_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_n yet_o they_o
essence_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v take_v away_o and_o in_o proportion_n as_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v weaken_v so_o much_o be_v the_o power_n and_o beauty_n of_o that_o holy_a religion_n which_o christ_n bring_v into_o the_o world_n lessen_v religion_n contain_v doctrine_n precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n it_o do_v altogether_o depend_v upon_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o another_o life_n and_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v but_o if_o you_o banish_v out_o of_o religion_n the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o good_a work_n you_o attack_v it_o in_o all_o its_o part_n and_o you_o undermine_v its_o very_a foundation_n for_o this_o make_v the_o knowledge_n of_o its_o doctrine_n vain_a and_o needless_a it_o turn_v its_o precept_n into_o bare_a counsel_n the_o promise_v of_o it_o which_o be_v conditional_a and_o suppose_v obedience_n cease_v to_o be_v promise_n the_o threat_n which_o god_n denounce_v against_o sinner_n be_v but_o empty_a menace_n which_o god_n make_v only_o to_o fright_v man_n but_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o execute_v this_o destroy_v the_o chief_a and_o strong_a proof_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o another_o life_n it_o ruin_v that_o great_a argument_n for_o religion_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o from_o the_o desert_n of_o both_o and_o it_o contradict_v the_o necessity_n the_o nature_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o last_o judgement_n all_o this_o may_v easy_o be_v demonstrate_v this_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n may_v likewise_o be_v prove_v from_o the_o plain_a declaration_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o it_o may_v be_v show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n more_o clear_o and_o frequent_o inculcate_v than_o this_o in_o holy_a writ_n but_o not_o to_o engage_v in_o these_o particular_n which_o do_v not_o proper_o belong_v to_o my_o purpose_n i_o shall_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o either_o that_o be_v true_a or_o there_o be_v nothing_o true_a in_o religion_n yet_o how_o clear_a soever_o this_o truth_n may_v be_v it_o be_v but_o little_o know_v and_o man_n be_v not_o much_o persuade_v of_o it_o no_o man_n indeed_o do_v flat_o and_o without_o some_o preamble_n deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n every_o teacher_n profess_v that_o to_o be_v his_o doctrine_n all_o christian_n in_o show_n at_o least_o be_v agree_v about_o it_o but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o explain_v their_o mean_v clear_o concern_v this_o necessity_n when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o application_n or_o to_o practice_n or_o when_o they_o establish_v other_o doctrine_n they_o contradict_v themselves_o they_o hesitate_n upon_o the_o matter_n or_o they_o explain_v it_o with_o certain_a restriction_n which_o sooth_n man_n in_o security_n and_o dispose_v they_o to_o believe_v that_o salvation_n may_v be_v obtain_v without_o good_a work_n which_o overthrow_v their_o necessity_n nay_o some_o frame_n to_o themselves_o such_o a_o notion_n of_o religion_n as_o even_o exclude_v good_a work_n this_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o though_o this_o entire_a and_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v not_o suppose_v yet_o this_o will_v not_o present_o open_v a_o door_n to_o licentiousness_n since_o there_o remain_v other_o sufficient_a motive_n to_o holiness_n such_o as_o those_o which_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o justice_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n from_o the_o gratitude_n and_o love_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n from_o the_o edification_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o from_o our_o call_v and_o duty_n i_o answer_v that_o these_o motive_n be_v very_o just_a and_o press_a and_o that_o they_o necessary_o enter_v into_o that_o obedience_n which_o all_o true_a christian_n pay_v to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n i_o acknowledge_v beside_o that_o they_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o inspire_v all_o man_n with_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n if_o they_o do_v all_o govern_v themselves_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o justice_n but_o these_o be_v not_o the_o only_a motive_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v urge_v god_n propose_v other_o beside_o he_o promise_v he_o threaten_v he_o declare_v 14._o declare_v heb._n xii_o 14._o that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v his_o face_n which_o import_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o sure_o as_o man_n general_o be_v there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o upon_o who_o those_o motive_n take_v from_o decency_n justice_n gratitude_n duty_n or_o the_o edification_n of_o our_o neighbour_n will_v have_v very_o little_a force_n the_o most_o honourable_a motive_n be_v not_o always_o the_o most_o effectual_a man_n be_v so_o corrupt_a be_v so_o many_o way_n and_o by_o so_o strong_a a_o bias_n carry_v towards_o evil_n that_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o he_o without_o a_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o abstain_v from_o it_o but_o how_o much_o less_o will_v he_o refrain_v from_o sin_n if_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o control_v his_o inclination_n and_o to_o confine_v himself_o to_o a_o kind_n of_o life_n which_o appear_v unpleasant_a and_o melancholy_a to_o he_o now_o as_o this_o be_v the_o disposition_n in_o which_o most_o people_n be_v we_o need_v no_o long_o wonder_n why_o there_o be_v so_o little_a religion_n and_o piety_n among_o men._n 2._o if_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o practice_v those_o duty_n which_o we_o do_v not_o think_v necessary_a especial_o when_o they_o cross_v our_o inclination_n it_o be_v yet_o hard_o to_o practice_v they_o when_o we_o do_v not_o know_v they_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o do_v good_a or_o to_o avoid_v evil_a if_o we_o do_v not_o know_v the_o good_a that_o we_o shall_v do_v and_o the_o evil_n we_o ought_v to_o shun_v now_o in_o this_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n want_v instruction_n every_o body_n speak_v of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n but_o few_o man_n know_v what_o they_o be_v the_o common_a people_n be_v little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n or_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a moral_n this_o must_v be_v confess_v and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v ingenuous_o own_v it_o i_o can_v but_o enter_v here_o into_o some_o particular_n to_o prove_v this_o ignorance_n 1._o there_o be_v some_o essential_a duty_n unknown_a to_o a_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n and_o which_o be_v never_o think_v of_o by_o a_o infinity_n of_o men._n i_o will_v allege_v for_o a_o instance_n one_o of_o the_o plain_a and_o of_o the_o most_o necessary_a duty_n of_o morality_n and_o that_o be_v restitution_n though_o the_o scripture_n shall_v not_o express_o enjoin_v it_o we_o need_v but_o consult_v reason_n and_o natural_a justice_n to_o be_v convince_v that_o he_o who_o have_v do_v a_o injury_n to_o another_o man_n by_o take_v from_o he_o any_o part_n of_o his_o property_n be_v bind_v to_o make_v up_o that_o damage_n by_o restore_v to_o he_o whatever_o he_o have_v wrong_v he_o of_o there_o be_v every_o day_n occasion_n enough_o to_o make_v restitution_n nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o for_o one_o man_n to_o appropriate_v to_o himself_o by_o unlawful_a mean_n what_o belong_v to_o another_o and_o yet_o in_o many_o place_n restitution_n be_v a_o thing_n without_o precedent_n but_o this_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v at_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v thousand_o of_o christian_n who_o never_o hear_v a_o word_n of_o this_o duty_n this_o matter_n be_v so_o little_o know_v and_o the_o people_n be_v so_o little_o instruct_v about_o it_o that_o a_o treatise_n concern_v restitution_n write_v by_o mr._n la_o placette_n have_v be_v publish_v some_o year_n since_o it_o have_v be_v read_v as_o a_o very_a singular_a book_n the_o subject_a whereof_o be_v new_a and_o curious_a nay_o some_o have_v go_v so_o far_o as_o to_o censure_v this_o doctrine_n of_o restitution_n pretend_v that_o it_o be_v novel_a and_o too_o severe_a such_o a_o pitch_n of_o ignorance_n be_v man_n arrive_v at_o in_o matter_n of_o morality_n and_o this_o be_v not_o the_o only_a duty_n which_o be_v not_o understand_v there_o be_v many_o other_o beside_o either_o among_o those_o which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n or_o among_o those_o which_o be_v particular_a to_o every_o call_v and_o which_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o man_n be_v ever_o teach_v or_o ever_o make_v the_o least_o reflection_n upon_o now_o a_o man_n must_v needs_o neglect_v the_o duty_n that_o he_o do_v not_o know_v 2._o there_o be_v divers_a sin_n which_o be_v not_o common_o rank_v among_o sin_n or_o which_o man_n do_v not_o think_v to_o be_v damn_v sin_n of_o this_o number_n be_v lie_v and_o unsincerity_n either_o in_o discourse_n or_o in_o deal_n among_o these_o
body_n or_o of_o this_o present_a life_n because_o they_o be_v accustom_v â—o_o be_v govern_v only_o by_o their_o sense_n and_o â—hat_n be_v enough_o to_o represent_v piety_n to_o they_o â—s_v sour_a and_o distaful_a not_o only_o because_o it_o â—oes_v not_o procure_v to_o they_o those_o gross_a pleasure_n but_o because_o it_o do_v likewise_o in_o many_o â—ases_v oblige_v they_o to_o renounce_v they_o the_o second_o reason_n why_o man_n entertain_v this_o prejudice_n against_o piety_n be_v that_o it_o 〈◊〉_d not_o represent_v to_o they_o in_o its_o true_a shapâ—_n and_o here_o first_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o he_o do_v by_o the_o false_a pretender_n to_o devotion_n who_o affect_v a_o mournful_a and_o severe_a outward_a appearance_n and_o who_o behaviour_n be_v ofteâ—_n intolerable_o stern_a and_o savage_a in_o the_o nexâ—_n place_n profane_a man_n contribute_v to_o this_o mischief_n for_o as_o they_o neither_o know_v nor_o louâ—_n religion_n so_o they_o make_v odious_a picture_n oâ—_n it_o and_o they_o take_v a_o delight_n in_o carry_v the_o notion_n of_o devotion_n too_o far_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v ridiculous_a three_o there_o be_v several_a well-meaning_a person_n who_o zeal_n be_v not_o regulate_v and_o soften_v by_o a_o discreet_a and_o prudent_a knowledge_n give_v a_o occasion_n to_o those_o unfavourable_a judgement_n which_o the_o world_n pass_v upon_o piety_n such_o people_n think_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o devout_a person_n never_o to_o be_v see_v but_o in_o a_o austere_a appearance_n and_o with_o a_o deject_a look_n they_o be_v continual_o censure_v and_o never_o please_v their_o zeal_n be_v either_o superstitious_a scrupulous_a or_o ignorant_a sharp_a or_o unseasonable_a and_o so_o it_o be_v extreme_o apt_a to_o alienate_v man_n mind_n from_o devotion_n and_o piety_n four_o some_o divine_n and_o moralist_n confirm_v this_o prejudice_n by_o their_o way_n of_o recommend_v the_o practice_n of_o piety_n both_o in_o their_o public_a discourse_n and_o in_o their_o â—ooks_n religion_n and_o its_o duty_n be_v ofâ—en_o propose_v to_o the_o people_n from_o the_o pulpit_n in_o such_o a_o severe_a and_o frightful_a manner_n â—s_a be_v not_o very_o fit_a to_o make_v it_o appear_v lovely_a â—o_o man_n who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v already_o a_o prejudice_n against_o it_o we_o find_v too_o rigid_a a_o morality_n and_o several_a strain_a maxim_n in_o many_o sermon_n and_o book_n of_o devotion_n and_o it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v of_o some_o â—â—se_n to_o give_v here_o some_o instance_n of_o this_o â—ind_n when_o worldly-minded_n man_n be_v tell_v â—hat_n salvation_n be_v a_o most_o difficult_a thing_n â—nd_v that_o whoever_o will_v obtain_v it_o aught_o to_o â—pend_v his_o life_n in_o perpetual_a mourning_n this_o be_v no_o great_a attractive_a to_o gain_v they_o â—o_o the_o love_n of_o religion_n such_o maxim_n may_v be_v true_a in_o some_o respect_n but_o they_o be_v false_a and_o extravagant_a when_o they_o be_v propose_v without_o distinction_n or_o explication_n by_o the_o description_n which_o be_v sometime_o make_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o devotion_n one_o will_v think_v that_o a_o man_n can_v live_v like_o a_o christian_a without_o lay_v aside_o all_o secular_a concern_v and_o business_n and_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o solitude_n and_o retirement_n now_o this_o be_v what_o few_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o beside_o it_o be_v against_o the_o order_n of_o providence_n which_o have_v place_v we_o in_o the_o world_n to_o live_v and_o labour_v in_o it_o and_o to_o enjoy_v the_o good_a thing_n which_o the_o divine_a liberality_n have_v provide_v for_o we_o that_o which_o be_v assert_v by_o some_o moralist_n concern_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o their_o zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n suppose_v that_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o think_v actual_o upon_o god_n at_o all_o time_n and_o to_o have_v a_o positive_a intention_n to_o promote_v his_o glory_n in_o all_o the_o action_n of_o their_o life_n but_o such_o morality_n to_o say_v no_o more_o be_v absurd_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v reduce_v to_o practice_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v god_n always_o in_o his_o thought_n and_o to_o make_v pious_a reflection_n upon_o every_o step_n he_o take_v or_o every_o word_n he_o speak_v and_o there_o be_v such_o action_n in_o life_n which_o can_v without_o profanation_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n by_o a_o direct_a intention_n st._n paul_n indeed_o enjoin_v we_o 31._o we_o 1_o cor._n x._o 31._o to_o do_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o this_o rule_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o utmost_a strictness_n nor_o extend_v to_o all_o particular_a action_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o have_v a_o sincere_a and_o general_a intention_n to_o procure_v god_n glory_n and_o to_o do_v one_o duty_n upon_o all_o occasion_n in_o order_n to_o which_o these_o four_o thing_n be_v necessary_a 1._o that_o we_o shall_v not_o fail_v to_o think_v of_o god_n actual_o in_o all_o those_o action_n that_o require_v it_o 2._o that_o if_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o present_a state_n we_o be_v in_o we_o can_v think_v on_o god_n at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o our_o action_n we_o shall_v at_o least_o think_v often_o upon_o he_o and_o make_v frequent_a reflection_n upon_o our_o own_o conduct_n 3._o that_o in_o indifferent_a action_n we_o shall_v not_o abuse_v our_o liberty_n but_o demean_v ourselves_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n which_o the_o gospel_n prescribe_v and_o that_o we_o shall_v especial_o have_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o our_o neighbour_n it_o be_v particular_o in_o that_o sense_n that_o this_o commandment_n of_o do_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v 4._o that_o we_o shall_v love_v god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o chief_a care_n and_o endeavour_n to_o obey_v he_o and_o to_o advance_v his_o glory_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n how_o many_o scruple_n have_v be_v infuse_v into_o man_n mind_n by_o strain_v the_o sense_n of_o this_o declaration_n of_o our_o saviour_n 36._o saviour_n mat._n xii_o 36._o man_n shall_v give_v a_o account_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n of_o every_o idle_a word_n that_o they_o shall_v speak_v what_o inference_n have_v not_o be_v draw_v from_o this_o place_n to_o fill_v good_a man_n with_o dread_n and_o terror_n it_o be_v expound_v as_o if_o all_o discourse_n which_o neither_o contribute_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n nor_o to_o the_o edification_n of_o our_o neighbour_n nor_o to_o the_o promote_a of_o our_o own_o salvation_n be_v those_o idle_a word_n of_o which_o man_n be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n to_o god_n and_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o word_n pure_o idle_a be_v always_o sinful_a or_o that_o they_o deserve_v the_o severe_a threaten_n which_o our_o saviour_n denounce_v here_o we_o can_v forbear_v talk_v every_o day_n of_o many_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o hold_v several_a discourse_n which_o do_v neither_o good_a nor_o harm_n indeed_o if_o this_o shall_v grow_v into_o a_o habit_n if_o we_o shall_v for_o the_o most_o part_n speak_v only_o of_o trifle_v and_o frivolous_a thing_n it_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n but_o i_o do_v not_o apprehend_v what_o hurt_n there_o can_v be_v in_o talk_v now_o and_o then_o of_o news_n of_o rain_n or_o of_o the_o wether_n certain_o these_o be_v not_o the_o word_n which_o be_v mean_v in_o this_o declaration_n the_o place_n where_o we_o find_v it_o and_o the_o term_n in_o which_o it_o be_v conceive_v do_v manifest_o show_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n to_o be_v this_o that_o man_n shall_v give_v a_o account_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o wicked_a and_o impious_a word_n which_o they_o have_v speak_v and_o that_o the_o pharisee_n particular_o shall_v be_v answerable_a to_o god_n for_o the_o blasphemy_n which_o they_o utter_v against_o his_o miracle_n these_o strain_a maxim_n produce_v very_o pernicious_a effect_n they_o expose_v piety_n to_o the_o flout_n and_o contempt_n of_o libertine_n and_o they_o discourage_v great_a number_n from_o it_o young_a people_n especial_o be_v by_o this_o mean_v disgu_v with_o religion_n and_o they_o take_v up_o a_o aversion_n to_o it_o which_o they_o seldom_o shake_v off_o afterward_o they_o accustom_v themselves_o in_o that_o age_n which_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o pleasure_n to_o look_v upon_o piety_n under_o a_o austere_a and_o melancholy_a form_n whilst_o on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o their_o passion_n they_o see_v nothing_o but_o sweetness_n and_o charm_n between_o these_o two_o object_n one_o of_o which_o be_v so_o entice_a and_o the_o other_o so_o disgustful_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o imagine_v which_o side_n they_o will_v choose_v they_o run_v into_o the_o embrace_n
of_o the_o world_n with_o the_o full_a swing_n of_o their_o affection_n but_o as_o to_o religion_n they_o must_v be_v urge_v and_o drive_v and_o it_o be_v much_o if_o they_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o make_v some_o step_n towards_o it_o even_o good_a man_n be_v discourage_v by_o this_o excessive_a severity_n do_v not_o make_v that_o progress_n in_o sanctification_n which_o otherwise_o they_o may_v their_o conscience_n be_v disturb_v with_o troublesome_a scruple_n and_o continual_a fear_n it_o be_v therefore_o very_o necessary_a to_o remove_v this_o prejudice_n by_o represent_v virtue_n and_o piety_n under_o that_o easy_a and_o agreeable_a shape_n which_o be_v natural_a to_o they_o and_o by_o propose_v such_o idea_n of_o religion_n as_o may_v neither_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n produce_v security_n and_o lull_v man_n conscience_n asleep_a nor_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n involve_v they_o in_o groundless_a scruple_n but_o if_o man_n be_v averse_a to_o thing_n austere_a and_o painful_a they_o be_v wont_v likewise_o to_o despise_v those_o who_o they_o think_v have_v somewhat_o what_o in_o they_o that_o be_v mean_a and_o ridiculous_a and_o there_o be_v many_o who_o have_v such_o a_o opinion_n of_o piety_n which_o proceed_v first_o from_o the_o ignorance_n and_o corruption_n of_o man_n who_o because_o they_o be_v not_o well_o acquaint_v with_o religion_n or_o be_v possess_v with_o false_a notion_n of_o honour_n look_v with_o contempt_n upon_o every_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o prevail_a custom_n and_o maxim_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n beside_o that_o libertine_n do_v sometime_o observe_v either_o in_o that_o religion_n which_o obtain_v in_o the_o society_n wherein_o they_o live_v or_o in_o the_o deportment_n of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o reputation_n of_o be_v devout_a several_a thing_n which_o lead_v they_o into_o this_o opinion_n with_o relation_n to_o doctrine_n they_o find_v certain_a article_n which_o man_n of_o good_a sense_n can_v digest_v and_o they_o perceive_v manifest_a abuse_n in_o the_o worship_n they_o see_v the_o people_n amuse_v with_o childish_a devotion_n which_o savour_n of_o nothing_o else_o but_o superstition_n credulity_n or_o bigotry_n some_o of_o those_o who_o do_v profess_v devotion_n seem_v to_o they_o to_o hold_v opinion_n contrary_a to_o sound_v reason_n and_o to_o have_v some_o odd_a and_o ridiculous_a way_n with_o they_o they_o perhaps_o observe_v in_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n several_a whimsy_n ignorances_n and_o weakness_n they_o do_v not_o always_o find_v the_o best_a sense_n in_o discourse_n of_o piety_n neither_o do_v they_o think_v the_o idea_n which_o be_v give_v they_o of_o religion_n and_o its_o duty_n to_o be_v true_a rational_a or_o satisfactory_a from_o all_o this_o they_o conclude_v that_o to_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o it_o will_v be_v a_o disgrace_n to_o they_o that_o it_o be_v calculate_v only_o for_o the_o vulgar_a and_o for_o weak_a mind_n and_o that_o the_o be_v neither_o pious_a nor_o devout_a argue_v a_o strength_n and_o a_o greatness_n of_o soul_n this_o certain_o be_v a_o most_o false_a and_o unjust_a prejudice_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o serious_a nor_o more_o worthy_a of_o esteem_n and_o respect_n than_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v the_o high_a pitch_n of_o injustice_n to_o take_v a_o estimate_n of_o it_o by_o the_o error_n and_o weakness_n of_o men._n but_o yet_o this_o prejudice_n be_v very_o common_a last_o we_o be_v to_o rank_v among_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o false_a notion_n of_o man_n concern_v religion_n the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o be_v infatuate_v with_o mystical_a piety_n and_o fanaticism_n and_o it_o be_v the_o more_o necessary_a to_o caution_n man_n against_o those_o opinion_n because_o they_o be_v grow_v of_o late_a year_n to_o be_v very_o common_a fanaticism_n spread_v very_o much_o and_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o country_n in_o europe_n where_o it_o do_v not_o obtain_v under_o various_a denomination_n and_o where_o it_o have_v not_o occasion_v some_o disturbance_n it_o will_v be_v difficult_a to_o give_v here_o a_o exaâ—â—_n account_v of_o mystical_a piety_n and_o fanaticism_n it_o be_v a_o subject_a upon_o which_o we_o can_v speak_v very_o clear_o because_o we_o can_v hardly_o have_v perspicuous_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o it_o beside_o that_o the_o mystic_n be_v not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o they_o be_v a_o sect_n which_o be_v subdivide_v almost_o to_o infinity_o for_o not_o to_o mention_v the_o anabaptist_n the_o quaker_n the_o quietist_n and_o all_o those_o who_o come_v up_o to_o the_o height_n of_o fanatical_a extravagance_n there_o be_v many_o particular_a sect_n which_o will_v scorn_v the_o name_n and_o yet_o be_v whole_o or_o in_o part_n possess_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o fanatic_n but_o in_o the_o main_a here_o be_v their_o character_n they_o be_v almost_o all_o agree_v in_o one_o thing_n which_o be_v that_o they_o make_v but_o very_o little_a count_n of_o outward_a mean_n and_o of_o those_o act_n which_o concern_v the_o exterior_a of_o religion_n such_o be_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n government_n discipline_n preach_v liturgy_n and_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n all_o these_o if_o we_o believe_v they_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o first_o element_n of_o piety_n which_o be_v useful_a only_o to_o imperfect_a christian_n they_o have_v no_o great_a esteem_n neither_o for_o those_o labour_n and_o study_n by_o which_o man_n endeavour_v to_o acquire_v knowledge_n they_o reason_n little_a about_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o allege_v no_o other_o argument_n for_o the_o article_n of_o their_o belief_n but_o the_o inward_a sense_n they_o have_v of_o they_o they_o do_v not_o condemn_v morality_n and_o goodwork_n but_o among_o themselves_o they_o speak_v but_o feeble_o of_o they_o and_o in_o such_o a_o strain_n as_o lessen_v considerable_o their_o usefulness_n and_o necessity_n they_o say_v that_o our_o work_n be_v nothing_o but_o desilement_n and_o abomination_n that_o god_n do_v not_o look_v upon_o work_n and_o that_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o his_o condition_n by_o they_o but_o that_o all_o depend_v upon_o faith_n and_o a_o union_n with_o god_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o book_n which_o lie_v a_o great_a stress_n upon_o the_o practice_n of_o christian_a virtue_n do_v not_o relish_v best_o with_o they_o they_o prefer_v contemplation_n meditation_n and_o inward_a recollection_n before_o a_o active_a life_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o morality_n nay_o there_o be_v some_o who_o think_v that_o all_o the_o care_n which_o man_n use_v and_o all_o the_o effort_n that_o they_o make_v to_o advance_v in_o piety_n signify_v but_o little_a according_a to_o they_o the_o way_n to_o perfection_n and_o solid_a virtue_n be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o inaction_n to_o go_v out_o of_o himself_o to_o annihilate_v himself_o to_o have_v neither_o thought_n nor_o desire_n nor_o will_v but_o to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v dead_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n for_o thus_o they_o express_v themselves_o in_o figurative_a and_o mysterious_a word_n under_o pretence_n of_o ascribe_v all_o to_o god_n they_o assert_v that_o man_n be_v a_o mere_a nothing_o and_o a_o abyss_n of_o misery_n that_o in_o order_n to_o be_v happy_a it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o nothingness_n and_o to_o wait_v in_o silence_n and_o tranquillity_n till_o god_n be_v please_v to_o work_v his_o will_n in_o we_o and_o that_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v thus_o in_o the_o state_n of_o inaction_n and_o entire_o abandon_v itself_o to_o god_n than_o it_o be_v that_o god_n speak_v to_o and_o operate_v in_o it_o what_o they_o say_v concern_v man_n nothingness_n do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o most_o of_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n and_o look_v upon_o the_o rest_n of_o christian_n as_o carnal_a man_n who_o be_v yet_o in_o darkness_n and_o who_o never_o taste_v that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o heavenly_a gift_n i_o may_v relate_v here_o their_o refine_n upon_o divine_a love_n and_o upon_o prayer_n but_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v sufficient_a to_o discover_v the_o spirit_n and_o character_n of_o fanaticism_n i_o be_o far_o from_o charge_v all_o those_o who_o hold_v these_o opinion_n with_o hypocrisy_n and_o impiety_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v good_a man_n among_o they_o who_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o their_o error_n so_o that_o i_o can_v but_o blame_v the_o severity_n which_o be_v use_v towards_o they_o in_o some_o place_n and_o the_o odious_a imputation_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o they_o in_o order_n to_o vilify_v they_o all_o without_o distinction_n if_o they_o err_v it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n through_o weakness_n and_o prepossession_n rather_o than_o through_o malice_n nay_o it_o may_v be_v say_v in_o their_o
preservative_n but_o these_o book_n be_v not_o much_o better_a than_o the_o other_o nay_o i_o can_v tell_v whether_o they_o be_v not_o more_o dangerous_a those_o morality_n be_v very_o ill_o place_v and_o few_o people_n be_v the_o better_a for_o they_o it_o be_v a_o very_a suspicious_a kind_n of_o morality_n which_o come_v from_o the_o pen_n of_o those_o author_n who_o write_v indifferent_o upon_o matter_n of_o love_n and_o religious_a subject_n who_o sometime_o seem_v to_o be_v libertine_n and_o sometime_o devout_a who_o after_o they_o have_v say_v a_o hundred_o licentious_a thing_n give_v you_o the_o history_n of_o a_o great_a many_o disorder_n and_o relate_v several_a scandalous_a passage_n entertain_v you_o with_o devotion_n and_o piety_n this_o be_v a_o monstrous_a mixture_n if_o those_o author_n be_v true_o religious_a they_o will_v forbear_v write_v those_o thing_n which_o religion_n condemn_v and_o which_o scandalize_v the_o public_a such_o book_n be_v particular_o fit_a to_o confirm_v worldly_a man_n in_o their_o opinion_n that_o gallantry_n provide_v it_o do_v not_o proceed_v to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o crime_n be_v no_o great_a sin_n and_o to_o persuade_v young_a people_n that_o they_o may_v easy_o grow_v devout_a here_o after_o though_o they_o now_o spend_v their_o youth_n in_o libertinism_n from_o all_o these_o consideration_n i_o infer_v that_o let_v people_n say_v what_o they_o will_v all_o the_o book_n which_o present_v their_o reader_n with_o impurity_n either_o bare-faced_n or_o under_o some_o veil_n be_v extreme_o pernicious_a have_v thus_o discourse_v of_o ill_a book_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o book_n of_o religion_n it_o may_v seem_v at_o first_o that_o i_o shall_v rather_o seek_v in_o these_o the_o remedy_n than_o the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n indeed_o the_o end_n of_o religious_a book_n shall_v be_v to_o banish_v corruption_n and_o to_o establish_v piety_n in_o the_o world_n and_o there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o which_o attack_z ignorance_n and_o vice_n with_o success_n and_o which_o may_v prove_v excellent_a preservative_n against_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age._n but_o i_o hope_v no_o body_n will_v take_v it_o amiss_o if_o i_o say_v that_o there_o be_v book_n of_o religion_n which_o do_v not_o conduce_v much_o to_o the_o promote_a of_o piety_n nay_o that_o some_o prove_v a_o hindrance_n to_o it_o this_o i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o show_v i_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o any_o particular_a book_n i_o will_v only_o offer_v some_o general_a consideration_n which_o my_o reader_n may_v apply_v as_o they_o see_v cause_n it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n to_o rank_n among_o bad_a book_n all_o those_o work_n to_o which_o some_o of_o the_o follow_a reflection_n may_v be_v apply_v some_o indeed_o be_v downright_o bad_a but_o may_v be_v in_o several_a respect_n good_a and_o useful_a though_o they_o have_v their_o fault_n and_o as_o good_a book_n ought_v to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o bad_a one_o so_o it_o be_v not_o less_o necessary_a to_o discern_v what_o be_v good_a in_o every_o book_n from_o what_o be_v naught_o or_o useless_a the_o book_n of_o religion_n which_o i_o think_v aught_o here_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o be_v of_o four_o sort_n 1._o those_o which_o explain_v the_o scripture_n 2._o the_o book_n of_o divinity_n 3._o the_o book_n of_o morality_n 4._o the_o book_n of_o devotion_n 1._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o among_o the_o book_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n there_o be_v some_o very_a good_a one_o and_o that_o we_o have_v at_o this_o day_n great_a help_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o it_o ought_v likewise_o to_o be_v grant_v that_o some_o of_o those_o book_n which_o be_v design_v for_o the_o expound_v of_o scripture_n do_v only_o obscure_v and_o perplex_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v tedious_a to_o mention_v here_o all_o the_o defect_n of_o that_o kind_n of_o write_v i_o shall_v therefore_o observe_v only_o the_o 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imagination_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o they_o and_o he_o that_o be_v the_o most_o copious_a or_o lucky_a in_o his_o conjecture_n be_v the_o great_a man._n now_o i_o leave_v any_o one_o to_o judge_v whether_o commentator_n who_o follow_v no_o other_o guide_n but_o their_o imagination_n can_v avoid_v be_v very_o frequent_o mistake_v and_o give_v a_o great_a many_o handle_v to_o libertine_n and_o infidel_n 3._o we_o be_v not_o to_o forget_v here_o the_o school-commentators_a the_o holy_a scripture_n shall_v be_v expound_v in_o a_o simple_a and_o popular_a manner_n and_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v give_v for_o the_o instruction_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o man_n and_o that_o the_o discourse_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v address_v to_o the_o common_a people_n and_o to_o such_o person_n as_o be_v far_o from_o be_v philosopher_n nothing_o therefore_o seem_v more_o repugnant_a to_o the_o
design_n of_o scripture_n than_o to_o explain_v it_o philosophical_o and_o which_o be_v worse_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o a_o false_a philosophy_n as_o divers_a commentator_n do_v they_o make_v use_v of_o the_o method_n notion_n and_o term_n of_o the_o school_n to_o find_v out_o the_o mean_v of_o the_o sacred_a write_n they_o apply_v to_o all_o subject_n the_o rule_n prescribe_v by_o the_o schoolman_n they_o careful_o distinguish_v in_o a_o text_n those_o thing_n which_o be_v call_v in_o the_o school_n materia_fw-la forma_fw-la causa_fw-la efficiens_fw-la finis_fw-la subjectum_fw-la adjunctum_fw-la etc._n etc._n they_o seek_v in_o all_o reason_v the_o major_n the_o minor_a and_o they_o conclusion_n as_o if_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o inspire_v the_o sacred_a author_n have_v follow_v the_o scheme_n of_o aristotle_n logic_n and_o have_v intend_v to_o make_v syllogism_n in_o mood_n and_o figure_n i_o say_v nothing_o here_o of_o that_o spirit_n of_o dispute_n and_o wrangle_a 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it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o defect_n of_o commentary_n contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n but_o commentary_n be_v the_o store_n from_o which_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v draw_v and_o from_o which_o preacher_n common_o take_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o sermon_n few_o of_o they_o endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o text_n by_o their_o own_o industry_n they_o consult_v their_o commentary_n like_o oracle_n and_o they_o blind_o follow_v their_o decision_n it_o be_v therefore_o high_o requisite_a that_o these_o book_n shall_v not_o lead_v into_o error_n those_o who_o have_v recourse_n to_o they_o when_o a_o bound_v man_n lead_v another_o they_o both_o fall_n into_o the_o ditch_n if_o then_o the_o guide_n to_o who_o conduct_n preacher_n give_v up_o themselves_o be_v deceitful_a and_o false_a the_o word_n of_o god_n will_v neither_o be_v well_o understand_v nor_o well_o preach_v and_o both_o preacher_n and_o people_n will_v err_v ii_o it_o be_v with_o divinity-book_n as_o with_o commentary_n some_o be_v good_a and_o other_o bad_a the_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n which_o we_o see_v among_o author_n be_v a_o proof_n of_o what_o i_o say_v some_o maintain_v as_o divine_a truth_n thing_n which_o other_o reject_v as_o false_a and_o pernicious_a sentiment_n so_o that_o there_o must_v be_v no_o small_a error_n on_o one_o side_n or_o the_o other_o all_o divine_n will_v own_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o remark_n but_o it_o be_v here_o of_o no_o use_n because_o it_o do_v not_o decide_v which_o book_n of_o divinity_n be_v good_a and_o which_o be_v bad_a every_o body_n will_v pretend_v that_o the_o bad_a book_n be_v those_o which_o teach_v a_o doctrine_n contrary_n to_o that_o which_o obtain_v in_o the_o society_n to_o which_o he_o belong_v in_o order_n to_o know_v who_o be_v in_o the_o right_n or_o in_o the_o wrong_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o judge_v here_o upon_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o examination_n of_o all_o the_o controversy_n which_o divide_v christian_n but_o this_o i_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n take_v upon_o i_o to_o do_v it_o will_v be_v fit_a for_o i_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o those_o fault_n which_o be_v common_a to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o divinity-book_n i_o shall_v say_v nothing_o but_o what_o must_v needs_o be_v own_v by_o all_o the_o sensible_a divine_n of_o any_o party_n and_o the_o reflection_n i_o be_o to_o make_v though_o general_n may_v perhaps_o be_v of_o some_o use_n to_o direct_v our_o judgement_n concern_v the_o doctrine_n itself_o contain_v in_o those_o book_n 1._o almost_o all_o the_o author_n who_o have_v write_v of_o divinity_n have_v make_v of_o it_o upon_o the_o matter_n a_o science_n of_o mere_a speculation_n they_o establish_v certain_a doctrine_n they_o deliver_v their_o opinion_n they_o prove_v they_o as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v they_o treat_v of_o controversy_n and_o confute_v their_o adversary_n but_o they_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o have_v meditate_a much_o upon_o the_o use_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v with_o relation_n to_o piety_n and_o salvation_n they_o be_v very_o short_a upon_o this_o head_n which_o yet_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o all_o they_o be_v not_o by_o half_a so_o solicitous_a to_o assert_v the_o duty_n as_o they_o be_v to_o maintain_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n now_o this_o be_v not_o teach_v divinity_n the_o design_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o teach_v man_n how_o they_o ought_v to_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o make_v they_o holy_a and_o happy_a if_o this_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o handle_n of_o divinity_n and_o if_o care_n be_v take_v to_o show_v what_o relation_n all_o the_o part_n of_o religion_n have_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o holiness_n and_o felicity_n of_o man_n there_o will_v be_v much_o more_o piety_n than_o there_o be_v now_o among_o christian_n those_o who_o study_n divinity_n will_v learn_v betimes_o to_o direct_v it_o to_o its_o true_a end_n and_o this_o will_v likewise_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o distinguish_v material_a from_o insignificant_a point_n and_o question_n and_o to_o ease_v religion_n of_o all_o those_o needless_a dispute_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a cause_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_n 2._o what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v lead_v i_o to_o a_o second_o observation_n which_o be_v that_o as_o several_a thing_n may_v be_v leave_v out_o of_o divinity-book_n so_o other_o thing_n be_v want_v which_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o add_v to_o they_o for_o the_o purpose_n common-place_n do_v not_o insist_v much_o upon_o on_o the_o general_a truth_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n they_o scarce_o give_v we_o any_o instruction_n about_o church-discipline_n and_o government_n or_o about_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n as_o
for_o morality_n it_o be_v there_o touch_v but_o very_o superficial_o and_o yet_o these_o be_v essential_a article_n in_o divinity_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o those_o who_o be_v call_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o guide_v a_o church_n or_o to_o direct_v man_n conscience_n 3._o divinity-book_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n too_o scholastical_a the_o method_n of_o the_o schoolmen_n way_n of_o handle_v divinity_n may_v just_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o defiance_n to_o sense_n and_o religion_n yet_o that_o method_n have_v prevail_v to_o that_o degree_n that_o for_o some_o age_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o swerve_v from_o it_o of_o late_a year_n indeed_o the_o school_n man_n have_v lose_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o heir_n credit_n and_o in_o divinity_n as_o well_o as_o in_o philosophy_n many_o person_n have_v no_o long_o that_o blind_a deference_n for_o they_o which_o be_v pay_v heretofore_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o a_o great_a number_n of_o divine_n do_v still_o set_v up_o that_o method_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o it_o be_v still_o as_o it_o be_v sacred_a in_o college_n and_o university_n common-place_n to_o this_o day_n savour_v too_o much_o of_o the_o barbarism_n of_o the_o school_n and_o we_o find_v there_o but_o too_o many_o remainder_n of_o that_o dry_a and_o crabbed_a theology_n which_o have_v its_o birth_n in_o the_o age_n of_o ignorance_n instead_o of_o those_o simple_a and_o clear_a idea_n which_o render_v the_o truth_n and_o majesty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n sensible_a and_o which_o satisfy_v a_o man_n reason_n and_o move_v his_o heart_n we_o meet_v with_o nothing_o in_o several_a body_n of_o divinity_n but_o metaphisical_a notion_n curious_a and_o needless_a question_n distinction_n and_o obscure_a term_n in_o a_o word_n we_o find_v there_o such_o intricate_a theology_n that_o the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o if_o they_o come_v into_o the_o world_n again_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v it_o without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o particular_a revelation_n this_o scholastic_a divinity_n have_v do_v more_o mischief_n to_o religion_n than_o we_o be_v able_a to_o express_v there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v more_o corrupt_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o have_v more_o obscure_v matter_n multiply_v controversy_n disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n or_o give_v rise_v to_o so_o many_o heresy_n and_o schism_n this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o confirm_v so_o many_o ecclesiastic_n in_o their_o ignorance_n and_o prejudices_fw-la and_o which_o keep_v they_o from_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o solid_a part_n of_o divinity_n and_o to_o that_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o sanctify_v men._n now_o all_o these_o defect_n be_v visible_a cause_n of_o corruption_n which_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o this_o single_a consideration_n that_o it_o be_v in_o common-place_n that_o churchman_n learn_v their_o divinity_n suppose_v then_o that_o those_o book_n do_v 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and_o question_n which_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o people_n and_o of_o child_n or_o which_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n shall_v be_v banish_v from_o thence_o 2._o that_o some_o essential_a article_n about_o which_o catechism_n be_v very_a jejune_n shall_v be_v add_v to_o they_o and_o particular_o these_o three_o a_o general_a idea_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n the_o main_a proof_n of_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o exact_a explication_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n this_o last_o article_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n extreme_o neglect_v in_o catechism_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o dry_a and_o superficial_a than_o what_o they_o say_v upon_o the_o decalogue_n 3._o it_o will_v be_v fit_v to_o make_v some_o alteration_n in_o the_o method_n observe_v in_o catechism_n for_o they_o be_v not_o all_o familiar_a enough_o school_n term_n or_o figurative_a phrase_n be_v use_v in_o they_o which_o either_o the_o people_n do_v not_o understand_v or_o to_o which_o they_o affix_v false_a idea_n for_o instance_n i_o will_v not_o have_v it_o say_v that_o the_o eucharist_n be_v the_o symbol_n of_o our_o spiritual_a nourishment_n and_o of_o our_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n for_o beside_o that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o exact_a definition_n this_o style_n be_v not_o proper_a for_o a_o catechism_n these_o word_n symbol_n spiritual_a nourishment_n union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n be_v figurative_a and_o obscure_a term_n will_v not_o the_o thing_n be_v plain_o both_o to_o child_n and_o to_o every_o body_n if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o the_o eucharist_n be_v a_o sacred_a action_n and_o cerremony_n wherein_o christian_n eat_v bread_n and_o drink_n wine_n which_o be_v distribute_v in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o he_o in_o those_o work_n which_o be_v intend_v for_o youth_n and_o for_o the_o common_a people_n it_o concern_v and_o author_n to_o be_v clear_a and_o accurate_a to_o omit_v nothing_o that_o be_v essential_a to_o say_v nothing_o that_o be_v needless_a to_o use_v plain_a and_o proper_a expression_n and_o to_o propose_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v natural_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v apprehend_v catechism_n be_v design_v to_o give_v child_n the_o first_o tincture_n and_o idea_n of_o religion_n now_o those_o idea_n we_o know_v common_o stick_v by_o they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v if_o then_o they_o be_v not_o clear_a and_o true_a it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o they_o ever_o to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o religion_n iii_o the_o three_o sort_n of_o book_n be_v those_o of_o morality_n this_o important_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o regulate_v manner_n have_v be_v treat_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o solidity_n and_o force_n in_o several_a excellent_a work_n nay_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o morality_n be_v more_o cultivate_v of_o late_a than_o it_o have_v be_v heretofore_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o the_o good_a book_n of_o morality_n we_o have_v at_o this_o day_n be_v of_o a_o more_o general_a usefulness_n than_o they_o be_v the_o best_a work_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v above_o the_o people_n capacity_n there_o be_v various_a thing_n in_o they_o relate_v either_o to_o the_o reason_v part_n the_o turn_n of_o thought_n or_o the_o style_n which_o can_v be_v understand_v but_o by_o know_v and_o discern_v person_n almost_o all_o the_o able_a man_n who_o write_v upon_o moral_n have_v this_o fault_n that_o they_o speak_v too_o much_o like_o ingenuous_a man_n and_o do_v not_o accommodate_v themselves_o enough_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o reader_n they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v useful_a to_o every_o body_n that_o what_o seem_v clear_a to_o they_o be_v obscure_a to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o peruse_v their_o write_n and_o that_o a_o book_n of_o morality_n which_o be_v only_o understand_v by_o man_n of_o part_n of_o learning_n be_v of_o a_o very_a limit_a usefulness_n they_o shall_v therefore_o at_o least_o in_o some_o of_o their_o work_n endeavour_v to_o speak_v in_o a_o popular_a manner_n and_o to_o handle_v matter_n with_o all_o possible_a clearness_n and_o simplicity_n this_o will_v be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o they_o and_o the_o do_v it_o well_o will_v i_o think_v require_v all_o the_o ability_n part_n and_o talent_n of_o the_o best_a writer_n it_o be_v more_o difficult_a than_o be_v seem_v to_o speak_v or_o write_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v all_o that_o be_v proper_a to_o be_v say_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v intelligible_a to_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n but_o if_o there_o be_v good_a book_n of_o morality_n there_o be_v many_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n which_o have_v considerable_a fault_n in_o they_o and_o those_o fault_n be_v of_o great_a consequence_n because_o morality_n ill_o explain_v be_v
of_o good_a thing_n be_v sprinkle_v with_o that_o spirit_n of_o fanaticism_n i_o shall_v not_o stand_v to_o give_v here_o the_o character_n of_o those_o book_n nor_o to_o show_v the_o mischief_n they_o may_v do_v in_o relation_n to_o libertine_n or_o to_o those_o person_n who_o want_v either_o knowledge_n or_o a_o discern_a judgement_n because_o i_o will_v not_o repeat_v what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o mystical_a piety_n part_n i._o cause_n ii_o art_n viii_o 3._o some_o author_n who_o have_v put_v out_o book_n of_o piety_n have_v make_v it_o their_o whole_a business_n to_o administer_v comfort_n those_o who_o read_v their_o work_n may_v easy_o see_v that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o comfortable_a side_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o their_o principal_a design_n be_v to_o fill_v their_o reader_n with_o confidence_n hope_n and_o joy_n without_o doubt_v it_o be_v a_o laudable_a and_o pious_a design_n to_o use_v one_o endeavour_n to_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a and_o particular_o good_a man_n and_o i_o confess_v that_o we_o find_v in_o the_o book_n which_o have_v be_v compose_v with_o that_o view_n many_o edify_a thing_n and_o noble_a sentiment_n of_o piety_n but_o for_o all_o that_o those_o book_n may_v easy_o inspire_v man_n with_o security_n when_o the_o consolation_n which_o they_o dispense_v be_v not_o attend_v with_o great_a circumspection_n and_o prudence_n i_o can_v wish_v that_o all_o those_o who_o have_v publish_v book_n of_o this_o kind_n have_v well_o consider_v these_o two_o follow_a truth_n the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o comfort_n which_o religion_n afford_v belong_v only_o to_o true_a christian_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o comforter_n careful_o to_o distinguish_v person_n and_o to_o mark_v clear_o who_o those_o be_v that_o have_v aright_o to_o religious_a comfort_n the_o second_o be_v that_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o sanctify_v as_o it_o be_v to_o comfort_n man_n nay_o that_o the_o sanctify_a they_o be_v the_o more_o necessary_a of_o the_o two_o because_o holiness_n be_v more_o essential_a to_o a_o good_a man_n than_o consolation_n and_o joy_n and_o also_o because_o man_n be_v much_o more_o incline_v to_o presume_v than_o to_o condemn_v themselves_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v but_o few_o who_o want_v comfort_n in_o comparison_n with_o those_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v testify_v the_o consolation_n of_o which_o the_o book_n of_o piety_n be_v full_a be_v intend_v either_o for_o afflict_a person_n or_o for_o sinner_n as_o for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v better_a to_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o make_v a_o good_a life_n of_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o examine_v and_o amend_v their_o life_n than_o to_o discourse_v to_o they_o upon_o some_o general_a topick_n of_o comfort_n which_o perhaps_o will_v only_o lay_v they_o fast_o asleep_o in_o security_n and_o which_o be_v beside_o general_o misapply_v for_o all_o that_o the_o gospel_n say_v of_o affliction_n be_v common_o lay_v together_o and_o that_o too_o with_o no_o great_a judgement_n and_o what_o be_v say_v only_o of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o faithful_a who_o suffer_v for_o christ_n sake_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o affliction_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o mankind_n it_o be_v much_o more_o necessary_a to_o teach_v man_n how_o to_o die_v well_o than_o to_o fortify_v they_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n nay_o we_o can_v give_v they_o a_o more_o substantial_a comfort_n than_o if_o we_o persuade_v they_o to_o live_v well_o since_o a_o good_a life_n will_v most_o certain_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o happy_a death_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v particular_o cautious_a when_o we_o comfort_v sinner_n and_o give_v they_o assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o do_v with_o great_a circumspection_n we_o may_v easy_o harden_v and_o ruin_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o we_o be_v comfort_v they_o this_o be_v the_o mischief_n of_o those_o book_n which_o speak_v but_o little_a of_o repentance_n and_o insist_v much_o upon_o confidence_n who_o only_a design_n it_o be_v to_o encourage_v the_o great_a sinner_n and_o to_o exhort_v they_o to_o a_o bold_a reliance_n upon_o god_n mercy_n without_o fear_v either_o the_o heinousness_n or_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o sin_n such_o consolation_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o good_a sense_n but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o propose_v with_o due_a explication_n and_o restriction_n vast_a number_n of_o people_n will_v abuse_v they_o that_o which_o have_v be_v write_v by_o some_o author_n in_o book_n of_o devotion_n concern_v sin_n and_o good_a work_n be_v apt_a to_o lead_v man_n into_o this_o fancy_n that_o good_a work_n signify_v nothing_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n and_o that_o sin_n do_v not_o obstruct_v it_o under_o pretence_n of_o answer_v the_o accusation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o the_o law_n these_o author_n enervate_a the_o strong_a argument_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n they_o confute_v the_o declaration_n of_o scripture_n concern_v sanctification_n and_o they_o destroy_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o precept_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o what_o they_o call_v the_o accusation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o the_o law_n be_v sometime_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o just_a apprehension_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n which_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o shall_v be_v cherish_v and_o fortify_v to_o bring_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n instead_o of_o be_v remove_v by_o ill_o dispense_v consolation_n it_o be_v say_v to_o this_o that_o sinner_n be_v not_o to_o be_v drive_v to_o despair_n but_o do_v we_o make_v sinner_n desperate_a by_o say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n when_o real_o they_o be_v not_o do_v we_o not_o comfort_v they_o enough_o when_o we_o exhort_v they_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o god_n mercy_n and_o to_o repent_v what_o if_o we_o shall_v by_o unseasonable_a consolation_n fill_v they_o with_o a_o vain_a and_o groundless_a confidence_n will_v not_o that_o security_n ruin_v they_o more_o certain_o than_o desperation_n to_o make_v man_n fearless_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o undo_v they_o after_o all_o i_o can_v imagine_v why_o people_n shall_v talk_v so_o much_o of_o despair_n and_o seem_v so_o huge_o afraid_a of_o it_o by_o the_o endeavour_n use_v in_o book_n and_o sermon_n to_o keep_v sinner_n from_o it_o one_o will_v think_v that_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o fear_v on_o that_o hand_n and_o that_o nothing_o be_v more_o ordinary_a than_o for_o man_n to_o despair_v of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o unusual_a for_o one_o sinner_n who_o be_v terrify_v with_o his_o sin_n thousand_o be_v undo_v by_o security_n it_o be_v remarkable_a than_o the_o scripture_n speak_v but_o seldom_o of_o despair_n and_o when_o we_o have_v well_o examine_v all_o the_o place_n which_o be_v think_v to_o mention_v it_o we_o shall_v not_o find_v many_o that_o speak_v positive_o of_o it_o many_o churchman_n who_o have_v cure_n of_o soul_n confess_v that_o they_o never_o see_v any_o person_n afflict_v with_o despair_n and_o as_o for_o the_o instance_n which_o be_v allege_v to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o what_o be_v call_v desperation_n be_v common_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o fit_a of_o the_o spleen_n and_o a_o effect_n of_o grief_n and_o melancholy_n so_o that_o those_o who_o make_v long_a discourse_n to_o prevent_v sinner_n fall_v into_o despair_n take_v great_a pain_n to_o little_a purpose_n and_o do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n fight_v with_o a_o shadow_n 4._o there_o be_v another_o fault_n in_o some_o book_n of_o devotion_n quite_o contrary_a to_o this_o i_o have_v now_o observe_v which_o be_v that_o they_o terrify_v their_o reader_n without_o reason_n if_o author_n otherwise_o pious_a and_o learned_a have_v not_o speak_v in_o their_o write_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o reprobation_n despair_n the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o some_o other_o matter_n many_o people_n will_v have_v be_v free_a from_o those_o terrible_a fright_v which_o the_o indiscreet_a handle_n of_o those_o subject_n do_v throw_v they_o into_o the_o read_n of_o such_o book_n have_v occasion_v and_o do_v still_o produce_v great_a mischief_n when_o they_o be_v read_v by_o man_n of_o weak_a head_n that_o be_v incline_v to_o melancholy_a and_o the_o number_n of_o such_o person_n be_v very_o considerable_a some_o have_v fancy_v they_o have_v commit_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v possess_v with_o that_o dismal_a thought_n they_o have_v spend_v their_o life_n in_o dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o which_o nothing_o can_v cure_v they_o other_o have_v imagine_v that_o their_o case_n cure_v they_o other_o have_v imagine_v that_o their_o case_n be_v
it_o have_v be_v represent_v in_o this_o work_n the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o treatise_n this_o be_v what_o i_o have_v propose_v to_o say_v concern_v the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n i_o may_v have_v be_v large_a upon_o these_o matter_n and_o have_v add_v many_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v not_o touch_v this_o be_v a_o very_a copious_a field_n and_o a_o subject_a which_o can_v hardly_o be_v exhaust_v yet_o i_o think_v i_o have_v observe_v what_o be_v most_o material_a but_o it_o will_v be_v to_o little_a purpose_n to_o have_v detect_v the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n if_o those_o cause_n do_v still_o subsist_v and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v this_o work_n with_o a_o earnest_a entreaty_n to_o my_o reader_n that_o they_o will_v make_v serious_a reflection_n upon_o it_o and_o that_o if_o they_o find_v that_o in_o fact_n corruption_n proceed_v from_o those_o cause_n i_o have_v mention_v they_o will_v strive_v to_o remove_v they_o the_o undertake_n will_v no_o doubt_n appear_v very_o difficult_a to_o many_o they_o will_v own_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v but_o they_o will_v look_v upon_o the_o design_n of_o oppose_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age_n as_o vain_a and_o chimerical_a they_o will_v say_v that_o all_o this_o be_v very_o fine_a in_o the_o theory_n but_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v impossible_a i_o confess_v here_o be_v some_o difficulty_n but_o yet_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o what_o i_o have_v propose_v may_v successful_o be_v do_v at_o least_o in_o some_o respect_n but_o the_o general_a cause_n of_o corruption_n can_v scarce_o be_v remedy_v but_o by_o public_a person_n i_o therefore_o apply_v myself_o here_o particular_o to_o divine_n and_o to_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o i_o conjure_v they_o to_o make_v it_o their_o serious_a business_n to_o discover_v and_o to_o stop_v the_o spring_n of_o corruption_n let_v they_o turn_v all_o their_o endeavour_n that_o way_n let_v they_o labour_n to_o dispel_v the_o ignorance_n and_o prejudices_fw-la which_o so_o many_o christian_n live_v in_o and_o to_o confute_v those_o maxim_n and_o sentiment_n which_o feed_v security_n and_o libertinism_n let_v they_o press_v with_o zeal_n the_o restore_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n let_v they_o incessant_o lie_v before_o the_o people_n and_o the_o magistrate_n the_o necessity_n of_o redress_v several_a abuse_n which_o be_v now_o in_o vogue_n let_v they_o inculcate_v these_o thing_n and_o insist_v upon_o they_o with_o zeal_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o prudence_n and_o charity_n let_v they_o concert_v measure_n among_o themselves_o let_v they_o act_v unanimous_o in_o so_o noble_a a_o design_n above_o all_o thing_n let_v they_o take_v care_n to_o season_v young_a people_n with_o good_a instruction_n and_o to_o inspire_v they_o with_o sentiment_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n these_o be_v the_o solicitude_n which_o become_v the_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n these_o be_v erterprise_n worthy_a of_o their_o character_n and_o their_o zeal_n and_o the_o thing_n which_o ought_v chief_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o clergy_n but_o let_v they_o not_o be_v discourage_v by_o the_o difficulty_n they_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o they_o will_v still_o gain_v something_o even_o when_o they_o may_v fancy_v they_o labour_v in_o vain_a if_o they_o do_v not_o obtain_v all_o that_o they_o desire_v if_o they_o do_v not_o cure_v the_o whole_a evil_n they_o will_v remove_v at_o least_o some_o part_n of_o it_o so_o holy_a a_o enterprise_n will_v soon_o or_o late_a be_v fortunate_a in_o the_o issue_n and_o god_n will_v pour_v down_o a_o blessing_n upon_o those_o mean_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v appoint_v one_o will_v think_v that_o providence_n be_v at_o work_n to_o bring_v about_o happy_a time_n and_o that_o thing_n be_v tend_v that_o way_n this_o be_v a_o age_n of_o knowledge_n and_o religion_n be_v now_o better_o prove_v and_o explain_v than_o ever_o it_o be_v there_o be_v a_o considerable_a number_n of_o judicious_a and_o learned_a divine_n and_o pastor_n who_o be_v deep_o grieve_v to_o see_v the_o present_a face_n of_o thing_n and_o who_o be_v sensible_a how_o necessary_a it_o will_v be_v to_o oppose_v corruption_n so_o many_o book_n which_o be_v write_v on_o purpose_n to_o revive_v true_a christianity_n and_o to_o bring_v man_n to_o holiness_n seem_v to_o bode_v some_o bless_a revolution_n and_o to_o argue_v a_o general_a disposition_n towards_o it_o god_n who_o preside_v over_o all_o thing_n and_o particular_o over_o that_o which_o concern_v religion_n bless_v the_o design_n and_o endeavour_n of_o all_o those_o who_o have_v good_a intention_n and_o grant_v that_o we_o may_v quick_o see_v truth_n piety_n peace_n and_o order_n entire_o restore_v among_o christian_n finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o r._n chiswell_n scriptorum_n ecclesiasticorum_n historia_fw-la literaria_fw-la facili_fw-la &_o prespicua_fw-la methodo_fw-la digesta_fw-la in_o 2_o vol._n fol._n authore_fw-la gul._n cave_fw-la s._n t._n p._n his_o primitive_a christianity_n 5_o edit_n 8_o his_o dissertation_n concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n by_o bishop_n metropolitan_n and_o patiâ—â—ons_n 8_o archbishop_n tenison_n conference_n with_o pulton_n the_o jesuit_n his_o nine_o sermon_n on_o several_a occasion_n seven_o volume_n of_o archbishop_n tillotson_n sermon_n publish_v from_o the_o original_n by_o dr._n barker_n vol._n one_a of_o sincerity_n and_o constancy_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n 3d_o edition_n correct_v 1700._o vol._n 2d_o and_o 3d_o on_o several_a occasion_n second_o edition_n correct_v 1700._o vol._n four_o of_o natural_a and_o institute_v religion_n etc._n etc._n second_o edition_n correct_v 1700._o vol._n 5_o prove_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n etc._n etc._n second_o edition_n correct_v 1700._o volume_n 6_o and_o seven_o upon_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n second_o edition_n correct_v 1700._o ten_o sermon_n on_o several_a occasion_n by_o bishop_n patrick_n his_o heart_n ease_n or_o remedy_n against_o all_o trouble_n the_o seven_o edition_n 1699._o his_o commentary_n on_o genesis_n exodus_fw-la leviticus_n and_o number_n in_o four_o volume_n his_o commentary_n on_o duteronomy_n 1700._o valentine_n private_a devotion_n the_o 26_o edition_n 169â—_n wharton_n sermon_n in_o lambeth-chappel_n in_o 2_o vol._n 8_o with_o his_o life_n the_o second_o edition_n 1700._o dr._n conant_n sermon_n in_o two_o vol._n 8_o publish_a bishop_n williams_n dr._n wake_v of_o preparation_n for_o death_n the_o 6_o edition_n 1699._o dr._n fryer_n nine_o year_n travel_n into_o india_n and_o persia_n illustrate_v with_o copper_n plate_n fol._n 1698._o bishop_n willams_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o worship_v god_n by_o the_o common-prayer_n with_o several_a other_o discourse_n mr._n tulley_n discourse_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o thought_n the_o 3d_o edition_n 12_o 1699._o the_o life_n of_o henry_n chichele_n archbishop_n of_o cantâ—â—â—ury_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a relation_n of_o many_o remarkable_a pasâ—â—â—â—_n in_o the_o reign_v of_o henry_n v._o and_o vi_o king_n of_o england_n write_a in_o latin_a by_o arthur_n duck_n l._n l._n d._n chancellor_n of_o the_o diocese_n of_o london_n and_o advocate_n of_o the_o court_n of_o honour_n now_o make_v english_a and_o a_o table_n of_o content_n annex_v 8_o 1699._o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a church_n against_o the_o unitarian_n in_o the_o controversy_n upon_o the_o holy_a trinity_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n with_o a_o table_n of_o matter_n and_o a_o table_n of_o text_n of_o scripture_n occasional_o explain_v by_o peter_n alix_n d._n d._n short_a memorial_n of_o thomas_n lord_n fairfax_n write_v by_o himself_o publish_a 1699._o the_o life_n of_o john_n whitgift_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n in_o the_o time_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n and_o king_n james_n i._o write_v by_o sir_n geo._n paul_n comptroler_n of_o his_o grace_n household_n to_o which_o be_v annex_v a_o treatise_n entitle_v conspiracy_n for_o pretend_a reformation_n write_v in_o the_o year_n 1591._o by_o richard_n cousin_n l._n l._n d._n dean_n of_o the_o arch_n and_o official_a principal_n to_o archbishop_n whitgift_n 8o._o 1699._o a_o exposition_n of_o the_o 39_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o dr._n burnet_n bishop_n of_o sarum_n fol._n 1700._o his_o sermon_n to_o the_o society_n for_o reformation_n of_o manner_n march_n 25._o 1700._o a_o practical_a discourse_n of_o religious_a assembly_n by_o dr._n william_n sherlock_n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n the_o 3d._a edition_n 1700._o ☜_o several_a discourse_n of_o repentance_n by_o the_o most_o reverend_a dr._n john_n tillotson_n late_a archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n be_v the_o eight_o volume_n publish_a by_o dr._n barker_n 1700._o in_o the_o press_n the_o four_o and_o last_o part_n of_o mr._n rvshworth_n historical_a collection_n contain_v the_o principal_a matter_n which_o happen_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o year_n 1645._o where_o the_o three_o part_n end_v to_o the_o death_n of_o king_n charles_n the_o first_o 1684._o impartial_o relate_v set_v forth_o only_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o order_n of_o time_n without_o observation_n or_o reflection_n fit_v for_o the_o press_n in_o his_o life-time_n to_o which_o will_v be_v add_v exact_v alphabetical_a table_n