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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
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 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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 principal_a 1._o the_o first_o and_o the_o most_o essential_a be_v the_o not_o expound_v of_o scripture_n according_a to_o its_o true_a mean_v and_o this_o fault_n which_o be_v but_o too_o frequent_a in_o commentary_n proceed_v chief_o from_o two_o cause_n 1._o that_o expositor_n do_v not_o apprehend_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n and_o 2._o that_o they_o enter_v with_o prejudices_fw-la upon_o the_o read_n of_o scripture_n the_o true_a way_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n be_v to_o know_v the_o scope_n of_o it_o and_o never_o to_o swerve_v from_o that_o good_a sense_n and_o piety_n join_v with_o the_o study_n of_o language_n history_n and_o antiquity_n be_v here_o very_o serviceable_a a_o commentator_n ought_v in_o a_o manner_n to_o transport_v himself_o into_o those_o place_n and_o time_n in_o which_o the_o sacred_a author_n live_v he_o shall_v fancy_v himself_o in_o their_o circumstance_n and_o consider_v what_o their_o design_n be_v when_o they_o speak_v or_o write_v what_o person_n they_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o and_o what_o notion_n knowledge_n or_o custom_n do_v then_o obtain_v but_o those_o who_o be_v ignorane_n of_o these_o thing_n set_v about_o expound_v the_o scripture_n can_v hardly_o do_v it_o with_o success_n it_o be_v a_o wonder_n if_o they_o do_v not_o miss_v the_o true_a mark_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o obtrude_v force_v and_o very_o often_o false_a gloss_n upon_o their_o reader_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n many_o author_n apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o examine_n of_o scripture_n with_o a_o mind_n full_a of_o prejudices_fw-la they_o explain_v in_o by_o the_o present_a notion_n of_o the_o world_n nothing_o be_v more_o usual_a with_o commentator_n than_o to_o make_v the_o faithful_a under_o the_o old_a testament_n speak_v as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v as_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o christian_n be_v and_o as_o if_o those_o question_n and_o dispute_n which_o be_v treat_v in_o common-place_n of_o divinity_n have_v be_v agitate_a at_o that_o time_n when_o those_o expositor_n for_o instance_n meet_v with_o the_o world_n righteous_a or_o righteousness_n in_o the_o psalm_n they_o fancy_v that_o david_n have_v in_o his_o thought_n all_o that_o divine_n have_v vent_v concern_v justification_n and_o upon_o this_o supposal_n what_o do_v they_o not_o say_v or_o what_o do_v they_o not_o make_v preacher_n say_v it_o have_v be_v observe_v that_o almost_o all_o commentator_n be_v partial_a and_o endeavour_v to_o put_v upon_o the_o scripture_n a_o sense_n that_o favour_v the_o opinion_n of_o their_o respective_a sect_n this_o spirit_n of_o a_o party_n be_v chief_o remarkable_a in_o some_o of_o those_o commentary_n which_o these_o last_o century_n have_v produce_v 2._o the_o second_o rule_n of_o a_o commentator_n shall_v be_v to_o expound_v clear_o and_o familiar_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o never_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o a_o mystical_a exposition_n but_o in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n direct_v we_o to_o look_v for_o it_o and_o yet_o a_o great_a many_o author_n do_v almost_o entire_o forsake_v the_o literal_a sense_n to_o pursue_v mystical_a explication_n in_o their_o opinion_n every_o thing_n be_v mystical_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n especial_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o be_v not_o content_v with_o unfolding_a the_o true_a mystery_n and_o prophecy_n which_o manifest_o relate_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o they_o turn_v all_o thing_n into_o figure_n they_o find_v mystery_n allegory_n type_n and_o prophecy_n every_o where_o even_o in_o the_o plain_a discourse_n this_o they_o call_v search_v and_o dive_v into_o the_o scripture_n but_o this_o way_n of_o expound_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o fountain_n of_o illusion_n for_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v not_o explain_v those_o pretend_a mystery_n so_o they_o must_v be_v put_v to_o their_o guess_n and_o beholden_a to_o their_o 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
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
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
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
fall_v very_o short_a of_o that_o knowledge_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v and_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o live_v in_o shameful_a and_o deplorable_a ignorance_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o piety_n be_v so_o much_o want_v among_o they_o and_o why_o they_o be_v so_o deprave_v and_o vicious_a which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o make_v appear_v in_o order_n to_o this_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o two_o head_n first_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n second_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o inquire_v whether_o with_o respect_n to_o these_o christian_n be_v furnish_v with_o necessary_a information_n i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v very_o little_o instruct_v i._o in_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o ii_o in_o what_o relate_v to_o manner_n and_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n the_o reflection_n i_o shall_v bestow_v upon_o both_o these_o head_n will_v i_o hope_v clear_o prove_v that_o among_o those_o vast_a multitude_n of_o man_n who_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n there_o be_v very_o few_o who_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o religion_n from_o whence_o it_o will_v be_v natural_a to_o conclude_v that_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v very_o corrupt_a i._o to_o begin_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n we_o must_v distinguish_v two_o sort_n of_o truth_n in_o religion_n the_o general_n and_o the_o particular_a truth_n the_o general_a truth_n be_v those_o upon_o which_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n be_v found_v such_o as_o these_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o the_o bible_n be_v a_o divine_a book_n and_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_a by_o particular_a truth_n i_o mean_v the_o various_a doctrine_n which_o religion_n contain_v and_o which_o be_v the_o part_n of_o it_o but_o which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n depend_v upon_o the_o general_a truth_n as_o upon_o their_o principle_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o justification_n and_o many_o other_o be_v of_o this_o number_n now_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o ignorance_n of_o christian_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o truth_n 1._o every_o man_n who_o make_v use_v of_o his_o reason_n may_v easy_o apprehend_v that_o the_o general_a truth_n be_v the_o most_o important_a that_o they_o be_v those_o of_o which_o one_o ought_v chief_o to_o be_v persuade_v and_o that_o without_o these_o general_a truth_n the_o particular_a one_o will_v be_v useless_a nay_o will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o truth_n to_o inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o sacrament_n or_o how_o a_o man_n can_v be_v justify_v one_o must_v believe_v first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o religion_n for_o if_o i_o be_o not_o convince_v of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v signify_v little_a to_o i_o whether_o or_o not_o there_o be_v any_o sacrament_n and_o all_o the_o time_n i_o shall_v employ_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o enquiry_n will_v be_v lose_v this_o first_o reflection_n do_v already_o discover_v to_o we_o a_o essential_a and_o capital_a defect_n a_o great_a many_o christian_n want_v instruction_n concern_v the_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n they_o do_v not_o sufficient_o consider_v the_o certainty_n and_o importance_n of_o it_o their_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n do_v seldom_o go_v further_o than_o the_o particular_a truth_n of_o it_o and_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o general_n this_o be_v so_o common_a a_o fault_n that_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v even_o in_o those_o whole_a profession_n it_o be_v to_o study_v religion_n and_o to_o teach_v it_o to_o other_o some_o have_v spend_v the_o best_a part_n of_o their_o life_n in_o the_o study_n of_o divinity_n or_o in_o expound_v the_o scripture_n who_o never_o serious_o examine_v the_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n or_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n some_o be_v master_n of_o the_o principal_a controversy_n which_o divide_v christian_n who_o will_v stand_v mute_a if_o they_o be_v call_v back_o to_o the_o first_o element_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o they_o be_v to_o maintain_v against_o a_o infidel_n that_o there_o be_v a_o religion_n or_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_a the_o people_n enter_v yet_o less_o than_o the_o divine_n into_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o general_a truth_n and_o there_o be_v very_o few_o who_o either_o attend_v to_o they_o or_o indeed_o believe_v they_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o yet_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n depend_v upon_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n concern_v the_o principle_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o which_o render_v the_o particular_a truth_n effectual_a to_o salvation_n and_o which_o beget_v piety_n and_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n when_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o religion_n propose_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v certain_a he_o immediate_o receive_v with_o reverence_n whatsoever_o it_o teach_v he_o feel_v a_o inclination_n in_o himself_o to_o observe_v its_o precept_n and_o he_o believe_v a_o judgement_n and_o another_o life_n as_o if_o he_o see_v they_o before_o his_o eye_n such_o be_v the_o efficacy_n of_o a_o true_a faith_n and_o of_o a_o steady_a persuasion_n about_o fundamental_a truth_n but_o without_o this_o persuasion_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a not_o to_o say_v impossible_a to_o adhere_v sincere_o to_o religion_n and_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a source_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_n it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v object_v that_o all_o christian_n receive_v the_o general_a truth_n of_o their_o creed_n and_o that_o these_o be_v not_o question_v but_o by_o pagan_n and_o atheist_n upon_o which_o i_o shall_v make_v two_o reflection_n 1._o it_o be_v but_o too_o true_a that_o in_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v at_o this_o day_n a_o great_a number_n of_o person_n who_o entertain_v very_o loose_a opinion_n and_o that_o do_v at_o least_o border_n upon_o atheism_n these_o pernicious_a tenet_n be_v spread_v wide_a than_o some_o people_n think_v not_o only_o the_o libertine_n be_v infect_v with_o they_o but_o even_o the_o common_a people_n all_o the_o profane_a man_n and_o deist_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v at_o court_n in_o army_n or_o among_o the_o learned_a there_o be_v some_o in_o town_n among_o the_o vulgar_a and_o even_o among_o country_n clown_n if_o we_o examine_v a_o little_a the_o discourse_n and_o apprehension_n of_o man_n especial_o of_o those_o who_o life_n be_v irregular_a if_o we_o do_v but_o begin_v to_o reason_n with_o they_o and_o press_v they_o we_o may_v soon_o perceive_v the_o principle_n of_o incredulity_n and_o atheism_n in_o many_o of_o they_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o they_o be_v not_o thorough_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o another_o life_n or_o that_o if_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o impiety_n which_o attack_n directly_z the_o very_a foundation_n of_o religion_n they_o harbour_v at_o least_o this_o fancy_n that_o god_n do_v not_o narrow_o observe_v man_n deportment_n that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v so_o severe_a as_o to_o damn_v they_o for_o some_o sin_n they_o have_v commit_v and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o such_o great_a harm_n in_o gratify_v once_o passion_n and_o live_v at_o the_o usual_a rate_n of_o the_o world_n these_o and_o the_o like_a sentiment_n be_v general_a enough_o and_o yet_o they_o lead_v the_o straight_a way_n to_o deism_n and_o tend_v plain_o to_o the_o subversion_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v be_v therefore_o high_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o root_v out_o such_o dangerous_a error_n careful_o to_o establish_v these_o great_a truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o this_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n and_o that_o whatever_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o of_o another_o life_n be_v most_o certain_a this_o i_o say_v will_v be_v altogether_o needful_a if_o it_o be_v but_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o those_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v and_o their_o number_n be_v great_a than_o be_v common_o imagine_v 2_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o though_o christian_n profess_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n yet_o that_o belief_n be_v not_o lively_a and_o strong_a enough_o in_o they_o all_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o question_n that_o most_o christian_n be_v so_o only_o because_o they_o be_v engage_v by_o their_o birth_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n but_o that_o after_o all_o they_o know_v very_o little_a of_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o it_o they_o will_v in_o like_a manner_n have_v be_v jew_n or_o pagan_n if_o they_o have_v be_v bear_v in_o judaisme_n or_o paganism_n so_o that_o proper_o speak_v they_o can_v be_v say_v to_o
by_o many_o person_n of_o eminent_a learning_n and_o piety_n and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o i_o desire_v all_o those_o who_o have_v a_o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o take_v into_o their_o serious_a consideration_n cause_n iii_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o clergy_n in_o search_v after_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o piety_n we_o can_v but_o inquire_v whether_o corruption_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n pastor_n be_v appoint_v to_o oppose_v the_o progress_n of_o vice_n and_o to_o be_v public_a fountain_n of_o instruction_n edification_n and_o good_a example_n so_o that_o in_o truth_n their_o ministry_n be_v of_o most_o excellent_a use_n when_o due_o exercise_v but_o when_o vice_n reign_v when_o scandal_n multiply_v that_o general_a corruption_n be_v if_o not_o a_o certain_a proof_n at_o least_o a_o strong_a presumption_n that_o there_o be_v some_o fault_n in_o pastor_n if_o we_o will_v be_v satisfy_v about_o this_o 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fault_n commit_v in_o sermon_n be_v either_o in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o or_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o handle_v they_o 1._o the_o matter_n handle_v in_o sermon_n be_v either_o of_o doctrine_n or_o morality_n what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n may_v serve_v to_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o defect_n in_o preach_v with_o relation_n to_o these_o two_o head_n those_o who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n do_v not_o sufficient_o instruct_v the_o people_n neither_o in_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n nor_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o as_o catechise_n be_v proper_o design_v for_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o truth_n and_o duty_n i_o think_v ignorance_n and_o corruption_n chief_o proceed_v from_o this_o that_o in_o most_o church_n thing_n be_v not_o well_o order_v with_o reference_n to_o catechise_n they_o be_v neither_o frequent_a enough_o nor_o so_o proper_a for_o instruction_n as_o they_o shall_v be_v beside_o catechise_v be_v almost_o every_o where_o neglect_v if_o not_o despise_v the_o common_a notion_n be_v that_o catechism_n be_v only_o for_o child_n and_o for_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o people_n the_o function_n of_o a_o catechist_n which_o be_v ancient_o so_o considerable_a in_o the_o church_n be_v look_v upon_o now_o as_o a_o function_n of_o no_o great_a importance_n and_o it_o be_v usual_o commit_v to_o person_n of_o the_o least_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n these_o fault_n may_v easy_o be_v remedy_v one_o of_o the_o most_o useful_a establishment_n in_o church_n will_v be_v to_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o catechism_n and_o to_o appoint_v they_o instead_o of_o the_o sermon_n but_o to_o render_v they_o more_o useful_a and_o more_o frequent_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o establish_v two_o sort_n of_o they_o in_o those_o of_o the_o first_o sort_v the_o element_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v explain_v in_o a_o easy_a and_o familiar_a manner_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o child_n and_o of_o the_o less-knowing_a part_n of_o christian_n the_o other_o shall_v be_v for_o those_o who_o have_v attain_v a_o high_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n and_o in_o these_o matter_n that_o have_v be_v propose_v but_o general_o before_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o and_o exact_o handle_v but_o if_o it_o be_v think_v that_o a_o establishment_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o that_o the_o multiply_a of_o catechise_n may_v meet_v with_o difficulty_n and_o obstruction_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a at_o least_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o great_a number_n of_o person_n who_o never_o assist_v at_o those_o exercise_n that_o minister_n shall_v he_o oblige_v to_o preach_v upon_o the_o same_o subject_n which_o be_v common_o treat_v in_o catechism_n as_o for_o sermon_n the_o church_n will_v reap_v more_o benefit_n from_o they_o if_o preacher_n do_v always_o show_v true_a judgement_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o matter_n they_o handle_v we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o all_o sort_n of_o subject_n be_v instructive_a alike_o and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o speak_v of_o god_n in_o a_o sermon_n and_o to_o take_v a_o text_n out_o of_o scripture_n every_o subject_a aught_o to_o be_v propose_v and_o press_v according_a to_o its_o importance_n to_o insist_v upon_o matter_n of_o lesser_a moment_n whilst_o those_o which_o it_o most_o concern_v christian_n to_o be_v inform_v about_o be_v neglect_v be_v to_o swerve_v from_o the_o true_a intendment_n of_o preach_v but_o because_o all_o preacher_n have_v not_o the_o capacity_n to_o make_v this_o choice_n it_o will_v be_v fit_v that_o part_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o discourse_n shall_v be_v appoint_v and_o prescribe_v to_o they_o by_o a_o law_n for_o when_o they_o be_v tie_v to_o no_o rule_n when_o they_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o preach_v upon_o any_o subject_a which_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o choose_v it_o happen_v that_o many_o instead_o of_o handle_v the_o most_o important_a thing_n in_o religion_n and_o of_o consult_v the_o present_a state_n and_o necessity_n of_o their_o flock_n apply_v themselves_o to_o various_a subject_n which_o be_v of_o no_o great_a edification_n preacher_n for_o the_o most_o part_n consult_v only_o their_o own_o inclination_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o matter_n and_o when_o they_o pitch_v upon_o a_o subject_a it_o be_v rather_o because_o it_o please_v they_o and_o because_o they_o apprehend_v a_o facility_n in_o treat_v it_o than_o out_o of_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o congregation_n those_o who_o be_v fond_a of_o mystery_n and_o allegory_n apply_v their_o time_n and_o study_n to_o the_o expound_v of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o to_o the_o unfolding_n of_o the_o type_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n those_o who_o be_v give_v to_o dispute_v fill_v their_o sermon_n with_o nothing_o else_o but_o controversy_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o speculative_a divine_n who_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o father_n and_o history_n they_o entertain_v the_o people_n with_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a subject_n of_o their_o meditation_n and_o study_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o such_o thing_n ought_v never_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o they_o may_v sometime_o be_v touch_v upon_o provide_v this_o be_v do_v judicious_o but_o they_o have_v a_o sorry_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o preach_v who_o make_v those_o matter_n their_o main_a business_n and_o fancy_n they_o have_v entire_o fulfil_v all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n ministry_n when_o they_o have_v preach_v upon_o type_n or_o controversy_n what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v may_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o choice_n of_o text_n 16._o text_n 2_o tim._n iii_o 16._o all_o scripture_n indeed_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v be_v profitable_a for_o instruction_n that_o divine_a book_n contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v useful_a but_o yet_o the_o various_a usefulness_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v and_o it_o must_v be_v own_v that_o some_o place_n be_v more_o useful_a and_o instructive_a than_o other_o some_o difference_n be_v to_o be_v make_v between_o those_o book_n and_o chapter_n which_o explain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o redemption_n the_o design_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n or_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o those_o which_o serve_v only_o to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o order_n of_o time_n and_o to_o confirm_v the_o certainty_n of_o history_n these_o last_o have_v their_o use_n since_o the_o truth_n of_o history_n be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n but_o those_o place_n be_v more_o useful_a which_o treat_v of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v or_o to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n it_o be_v of_o another_o sort_n of_o importance_n to_o explain_v the_o gospel_n than_o to_o preach_v upon_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n or_o ruth_n or_o upon_o some_o
common_o leave_v their_o innocency_n 5._o the_o mean_n of_o procure_v to_o child_n a_o happy_a education_n be_v not_o use_v as_o they_o shall_v be_v these_o mean_n be_v instruction_n encouragement_n and_o correction_n instruction_n be_v very_o much_o neglect_v as_o i_o shall_v more_o particular_o show_v when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o education_n of_o youth_n with_o reference_n to_o religion_n parent_n seldom_o give_v good_a direction_n to_o their_o child_n to_o teach_v they_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o live_v they_o do_v worse_o they_o train_v they_o up_o to_o ill_a thing_n and_o give_v they_o bad_a instruction_n by_o the_o discourse_n and_o the_o maxim_n they_o utter_v in_o the_o hear_n of_o their_o child_n they_o infuse_v sentiment_n and_o principle_n of_o covetousness_n pride_n sensuality_n and_o dissimulation_n into_o they_o they_o teach_v they_o to_o act_v upon_o the_o motive_n of_o interest_n and_o passion_n or_o by_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o false_a honour_n nay_o they_o do_v sometime_o direct_o teach_v they_o vice_n they_o encourage_v they_o to_o lie_v and_o cheat_n to_o be_v revengeful_a and_o passionate_a so_o that_o young_a people_n be_v not_o only_o destitute_a of_o good_a instruction_n but_o they_o be_v beside_o infect_v from_o their_o infancy_n with_o several_a most_o pernicious_a principle_n i_o need_v not_o say_v what_o the_o consequence_n of_o such_o a_o education_n be_v like_a to_o be_v if_o few_o child_n be_v form_v to_o virtue_n by_o instruction_n few_o be_v make_v virtuous_a by_o the_o good_a example_n of_o their_o parent_n it_o be_v much_o when_o this_o example_n be_v not_o bad_a and_o dangerous_a in_o most_o family_n child_n see_v nothing_o that_o savour_v of_o christianity_n except_o some_o external_a act_n of_o religion_n they_o observe_v that_o every_o one_o of_o the_o family_n be_v employ_v about_o temporal_a thing_n the_o discourse_n they_o hear_v turn_v altogether_o on_o interest_n or_o some_o trifle_a subject_n they_o be_v witness_n of_o a_o great_a many_o disorder_n of_o the_o heat_n and_o quarrel_n of_o their_o father_n and_o mother_n of_o their_o avarice_n their_o swear_v their_o lie_v their_o intemperance_n their_o impiety_n and_o their_o want_n of_o respect_n for_o religion_n these_o be_v the_o example_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n child_n have_v before_o their_o eye_n and_o which_o corrupt_v they_o more_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o at_o that_o age_n almost_o every_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o imitation_n and_o example_n and_o no_o example_n make_v more_o impression_n upon_o they_o than_o the_o example_n of_o their_o parent_n because_o it_o be_v always_o in_o sight_n and_o they_o think_v beside_o they_o can_v do_v amiss_o as_o long_o as_o they_o copy_n after_o it_o it_o be_v very_o useful_a in_o educate_v child_n to_o encourage_v they_o i_o mean_v not_o only_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v exhort_v and_o incite_v to_o their_o duty_n and_o that_o from_o the_o motive_n of_o honour_n and_o from_o the_o pleasure_n that_o attend_v the_o do_v of_o it_o but_o that_o likewise_o we_o shall_v express_v our_o satisfaction_n and_o our_o love_n and_o esteem_v of_o they_o when_o they_o do_v as_o we_o will_v have_v they_o a_o word_n of_o praise_n a_o little_a reward_n inspire_v new_a ardour_n into_o they_o we_o may_v do_v what_o we_o please_v with_o child_n when_o we_o can_v prevail_v upon_o they_o with_o gentle_a method_n and_o win_v their_o love_n they_o then_o accustom_v themselves_o betimes_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n out_o of_o inclination_n and_o from_o noble_a and_o generous_a view_n but_o to_o use_v always_o severity_n towards_o child_n and_o to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o their_o endeavour_n to_o do_v well_o be_v the_o way_n to_o discourage_v they_o and_o to_o extinguish_v in_o they_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n yet_o severity_n be_v necessary_a and_o upon_o some_o occasion_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o forbear_v rigour_n and_o correction_n those_o indulgent_a parent_n who_o be_v restrain_v by_o a_o false_a tenderness_n can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o chastise_v their_o child_n do_v infallible_o ruin_v they_o but_o if_o the_o want_n of_o correction_n and_o discipline_n make_v child_n unruly_a chastisement_n ill_o dispense_v produce_v the_o same_o effect_n there_o be_v common_o three_o fault_n commit_v in_o the_o correct_v of_o child_n the_o first_o relate_v to_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o they_o be_v chastise_v correction_n shall_v not_o be_v use_v but_o for_o those_o fault_n which_o have_v something_o of_o vice_n in_o they_o as_o when_o child_n be_v guilty_a of_o malice_n of_o some_o ill_a habit_n or_o of_o great_a negligence_n and_o even_o then_o we_o shall_v not_o proceed_v to_o chastisement_n but_o after_o we_o have_v try_v other_o way_n to_o no_o purpose_n but_o this_o rule_n be_v little_o observe_v child_n be_v punish_v for_o all_o sort_n of_o fault_n indifferent_o and_o very_o often_o for_o small_a one_o they_o will_v sometime_o be_v severe_o chastise_v because_o they_o can_v not_o say_v their_o lesson_n without_o book_n or_o for_o some_o other_o little_a disorder_n they_o have_v do_v in_o the_o house_n through_o imprudence_n and_o without_o malice_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n fault_n against_o piety_n and_o good_a manner_n shall_v be_v pass_v over_o these_o correction_n produce_v several_a ill_a effect_n and_o especial_o this_o that_o child_n form_n to_o themselves_o false_a notion_n of_o their_o duty_n the_o fancy_n that_o the_o fault_n for_o which_o they_o be_v punish_v be_v the_o most_o considerable_a and_o that_o there_o be_v more_o hurt_n in_o spoil_v their_o clothes_n or_o in_o miss_v a_o word_n of_o their_o lesson_n that_o in_o lie_v or_o in_o pray_v without_o attention_n which_o lessen_v in_o they_o the_o abhorrence_n of_o vice_n the_o second_o error_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o correction_n inflict_v upon_o child_n be_v when_o no_o other_o chastisement_n be_v use_v but_o those_o which_o make_v the_o body_n smart_n such_o correction_n without_o doubt_n be_v useful_a and_o necessary_a because_o child_n be_v chief_o move_v by_o those_o thing_n which_o strike_v the_o sense_n but_o they_o be_v not_o the_o only_a one_o to_o which_o recourse_n be_v to_o be_v have_v to_o beat_v child_n every_o time_n they_o do_v amiss_o be_v to_o use_v they_o like_o beast_n there_o be_v other_o way_n of_o punish_v be_v mortify_v they_o the_o most_o profitable_a correction_n be_v those_o which_o excite_v in_o they_o sorrow_n and_o shame_n for_o the_o ill_a they_o have_v do_v last_o there_o be_v a_o error_n in_o the_o chastise_v of_o child_n when_o they_o be_v not_o correct_v with_o discretion_n and_o gentleness_n prudence_n and_o even_a justice_n require_v that_o regard_n shall_v be_v have_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o fault_n to_o the_o disposition_n they_o be_v in_o and_o to_o other_o circumstance_n and_o it_o become_v that_o love_n which_o a_o father_n owe_v his_o child_n to_o correct_v they_o with_o lenity_n and_o moderation_n and_o to_o forbear_v excessive_a severity_n child_n shall_v perceive_v the_o tenderness_n of_o their_o parent_n even_o in_o their_o correction_n and_o be_v make_v sensible_a that_o it_o be_v with_o reluctancy_n and_o only_o in_o order_n to_o their_o good_a that_o they_o treat_v they_o with_o some_o rigour_n if_o chastisement_n be_v dispense_v with_o these_o caution_n they_o will_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o cause_n pain_n beget_v in_o child_n mind_n a_o sorrow_n for_o have_v do_v amiss_o and_o they_o will_v make_v they_o love_v their_o parent_n even_o while_o they_o be_v punish_v they_o but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n parent_n or_o those_o who_o have_v a_o authority_n over_o child_n chastise_v they_o without_o discretion_n and_o with_o a_o rigour_n which_o border_n upon_o cruelty_n they_o punish_v they_o rather_o out_o of_o passion_n spite_n or_o revenge_n than_o upon_o wise_a and_o sober_a consideration_n such_o a_o proceed_n discourage_v and_o provoke_v child_n and_o it_o make_v they_o hate_v their_o duty_n i_o confess_v this_o method_n may_v strike_v terror_n into_o they_o and_o curb_n they_o a_o little_a but_o they_o grow_v the_o more_o stout_a and_o incorrigible_a by_o it_o and_o they_o will_v certain_o run_v into_o licentiouness_n assoon_o as_o they_o be_v no_o long_o restrain_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v hitherto_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o man_n corruption_n be_v a_o consequence_n of_o the_o education_n they_o have_v in_o their_o youth_n but_o this_o will_v yet_o more_o evident_o appear_v by_o the_o reflection_n i_o be_o now_o go_v to_o make_v upon_o the_o way_n of_o bring_v up_o child_n in_o religion_n and_o piety_n we_o be_v here_o to_o consider_v education_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o two_o end_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o educate_v of_o youth_n first_o in_o the_o knowledgwe_n and_o then_o in_o the_o
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
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 not_o give_v they_o a_o true_a idea_n of_o religion_n what_o religion_n or_o what_o divinity_n can_v such_o man_n teach_v their_o people_n one_o scholastic_a and_o injudicious_a author_n who_o be_v in_o credit_n in_o country_n and_o who_o be_v patronise_v by_o a_o professor_n be_v enough_o to_o spoil_v the_o mind_n of_o young_a divine_n and_o to_o bring_v into_o repute_n the_o most_o absurd_a and_o dangerous_a opinion_n and_o system_n though_o catechism_n be_v not_o usual_o reckon_v among_o divinity-book_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v useless_a to_o say_v something_o of_o they_o here_o some_o great_a man_n have_v bestow_v their_o pain_n upon_o work_n of_o this_o kind_a to_o very_o good_a purpose_n and_o yet_o in_o this_o respect_n there_o be_v stall_v something_o to_o be_v desire_v for_o public_a edification_n 1._o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o those_o subject_n shall_v only_o be_v treat_v in_o catechism_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v handle_v there_o and_o that_o all_o the_o matter_n 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 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