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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
have_v exalt_v they_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o many_o christian_n be_v still_o in_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o heathen_n or_o very_o near_o it_o be_v dead_a in_o their_o sin_n and_o follow_v the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n but_o this_o can_v be_v say_v only_o of_o bad_a christian_n and_o not_o of_o those_o who_o have_v feel_v the_o divine_a and_o sanctify_a virtue_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n 3._o it_o will_v be_v further_o say_v that_o we_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o man_n without_o exception_n be_v sinner_n because_o that_o be_v st._n john_n doctrine_n 1.8_o doctrine_n john_n 1.8_o if_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n which_o no_o man_n deny_v because_o it_o be_v too_o evident_a both_o from_o scripture_n and_o experience_n but_o we_o must_v take_v care_n to_o understand_v this_o proposition_n aright_o that_o all_o man_n be_v sinner_n and_o that_o we_o explain_v it_o so_o as_o that_o it_o may_v comport_v with_o that_o just_a difference_n we_o be_v to_o make_v between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n else_o under_o a_o pretence_n that_o all_o man_n be_v sinner_n the_o distinction_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n will_v be_v take_v away_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o remark_n upon_o this_o occasion_n that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o give_v the_o name_n of_o sinner_n to_o all_o man_n but_o only_o to_o the_o wicked_a and_o impious_a this_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o psalm_n when_o we_o say_v then_o that_o we_o be_v all_o poor_a sinner_n we_o must_v know_v in_o what_o sense_n we_o say_v it_o as_o to_o these_o word_n if_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o it_o be_v visible_a that_o st._n john_n say_v this_o upon_o two_o account_n which_o relate_v to_o two_o sort_n of_o sin_n into_o which_o man_n may_v fall_v first_o there_o be_v great_a sin_n there_o be_v that_o corruption_n in_o which_o man_n live_v before_o their_o conversion_n in_o this_o regard_n st._n john_n may_v say_v to_o those_o he_o write_v to_o who_o be_v new_o convert_v christian_n that_o they_o be_v all_o sinner_n mean_v that_o they_o have_v all_o be_v so_o for_o indeed_o both_o gentile_n and_o jew_n have_v be_v extreme_o corrupt_a second_o there_o be_v sin_n into_o which_o those_o who_o regeneration_n be_v not_o yet_o perfect_a may_v fall_v as_o fhere_o be_v infirmity_n from_o which_o the_o most_o regenerate_a man_n be_v not_o free_a in_o this_o sense_n all_o man_n be_v sinner_n and_o the_o christian_n to_o who_o st._n john_n direct_v his_o epistle_n be_v all_o sinner_n also_o though_o already_o convert_v but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o a_o true_a christian_a sin_n like_o other_o man_n and_o whether_o he_o who_o be_v a_o sinner_n take_v that_o word_n according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a use_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v to_o say_v one_o in_o who_o sin_n reign_v be_v a_o true_a christian_a that_o can_v never_o be_v say_v to_o this_o purpose_n we_o may_v hear_v st._n john_n himself_o in_o the_o iii_o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o epistle_n where_o he_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n that_o whoever_o sin_v be_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o by_o this_o we_o may_v know_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v not_o these_o word_n very_o plain_a who_o can_v have_v the_o confidence_n after_o this_o to_o excuse_v corruption_n by_o say_v we_o be_v all_o sinner_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o only_o say_v that_o we_o be_v all_o sinner_n by_o these_o man_n but_o beside_o that_o we_o be_v all_o great_a wretched_a and_o abominable_a sinner_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o man_n who_o have_v such_o sentiment_n shall_v be_v so_o corrupt_a 4._o but_o to_o this_o there_o be_v a_o reply_n at_o hand_n to_o show_v that_o the_o just_a man_n be_v guilty_a of_o very_o frequent_a sin_n and_o it_o be_v take_v from_o these_o word_n the_o just_a man_n sin_n seven_o time_n a_o day_n i_o may_v let_v this_o alone_a because_o i_o be_o engage_v only_o to_o answer_v those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v wrest_v into_o a_o ill_a sense_n about_o this_o matter_n and_o this_o that_o the_o just_a man_n sin_n seven_o time_n a_o day_n be_v not_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o bible_n those_o who_o quote_v these_o word_n as_o if_o they_o be_v scripture_n will_v pretend_v no_o doubt_n that_o they_o be_v contain_v in_o prov._n xxiv_o 16._o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o like_o this_o in_o the_o sacred_a text._n these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o solomon_n a_o just_a man_n fall_v seven_o time_n and_o rise_v up_o again_o but_o the_o wield_v shall_v fall_v into_o mischief_n solomon_n speak_v of_o the_o frequent_a affliction_n of_o good_a man_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o ill_a usage_n they_o meet_v with_o from_o wicked_a men._n in_o the_o 15_o verse_n he_o address_v himself_o to_o the_o wicked_a and_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o they_o to_o lay_v wait_v for_o and_o to_o persecute_v the_o just_a for_o add_v he_o a_o just_a man_n fall_v seven_o time_n and_o rise_v up_o again_o but_o the_o wicked_a shall_v fall_v into_o mischief_n and_o perish_v the_o meaning_n be_v that_o god_n take_v care_n of_o the_o just_a and_o that_o if_o he_o permit_v that_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o many_o calamity_n he_o do_v likewise_o deliver_v they_o this_o be_v assert_v almost_o in_o the_o same_o word_n psal_n xxxvii_o 24._o though_o the_o just_a fall_n he_o shall_v not_o be_v utter_o cast_v down_o for_o the_o lord_n uphold_v he_o with_o his_o hand_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n we_o be_v tell_v job_n v._n 19_o he_o shall_v deliver_v thou_o in_o six_o trouble_n yea_o in_o seven_o there_o shall_v no_o evil_a touch_n thou_o this_o admit_v of_o no_o difficulty_n and_o all_o interpreter_n be_v agree_v about_o it_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o as_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v every_o thing_n which_o excuse_v corruption_n this_o proverb_n that_o the_o just_a man_n sin_n seven_o time_n a_o day_n prevail_v and_o pass_v for_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v it_o not_o a_o lamentable_a thing_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v thus_o obstinate_o bend_v to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n into_o a_o sense_n favourable_a to_o corruption_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v dare_v to_o falsify_v it_o at_o this_o rate_n there_o be_v many_o falsifying_n in_o the_o way_n of_o cite_v this_o passage_n 1._o whereas_o solomon_n say_v only_o the_o just_a he_o be_v make_v to_o say_v the_o just_a man_n to_o give_v the_o great_a force_n and_o extent_n to_o this_o sentence_n to_o debase_v piety_n the_o more_o and_o to_o insinuate_v that_o the_o best_a and_o holy_a man_n be_v great_a sinner_n 2._o solomon_n be_v make_v to_o say_v that_o the_o just_a sin_n but_o he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o say_v only_o that_o the_o just_a fall_n i_o know_v that_o to_o fall_v signify_v sometime_o to_o sin_n but_o fall_v denote_v likewise_o very_o frequent_o to_o be_v afflict_v and_o a_o man_n be_v blind_a who_o do_v hot_a see_v that_o in_o this_o text_n the_o word_n fall_n be_v use_v in_o this_o second_o sense_n the_o 17_o verse_n which_o come_v immediate_o after_o that_o which_o we_o be_v now_o examine_v prove_v it_o beyond_o exception_n rejoice_v not_o when_o thy_o enemy_n fall_v etc._n etc._n beside_o those_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o sacred_a style_n know_v that_o it_o do_v not_o usual_o express_v the_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n to_o which_o the_o just_a be_v subject_a by_o the_o word_n fall_v that_o word_n import_v common_o the_o fall_n of_o wicked_a men._n 3._o solomon_n be_v make_v to_o say_v that_o the_o just_a man_n sin_n seven_o time_n a_o day_n this_o be_v another_o falsify_v a_o addition_n to_o the_o text_n which_o be_v of_o no_o small_a consequence_n seven_o time_n a_o day_n be_v not_o in_o the_o text_n there_o be_v only_o seven_o time_n every_o body_n know_v that_o seven_o time_n signify_v many_o time_n and_o so_o the_o meaning_n will_v be_v that_o the_o just_o do_v nothing_o else_o but_o transgress_v that_o many_o time_n a_o day_n he_o fall_v into_o sin_n but_o who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o this_o will_v be_v the_o description_n of_o a_o man_n in_o who_o sin_n reign_v and_o who_o be_v habitual_o engage_v in_o it_o and_o not_o the_o character_n of_o a_o good_a man_n i_o do_v not_o say_v but_o that_o just_a man_n have_v their_o weak_a side_n and_o fall_v sometime_o into_o sin_n this_o happen_v more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o regeneration_n but_o it_o be_v impious_a to_o say_v that_o their_o life_n be_v spend_v in_o continual_a sin_n and_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
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