that_o they_o offend_v god_n at_o every_o foot_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v what_o man_n will_v establish_v from_o this_o maxim_n that_o the_o just_a man_n sin_n seven_o time_n a_o day_n those_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o quote_v the_o scripture_n shall_v neither_o add_v to_o nor_o diminish_v from_o it_o they_o shall_v not_o alter_v the_o word_n nor_o divide_v sentence_n from_o what_o go_v before_o and_o what_o follow_v for_o otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o absurdity_n or_o impiety_n which_o may_v not_o be_v prove_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 5._o but_o our_o adversary_n will_v say_v whether_o that_o place_n be_v allege_v right_a or_o wrong_n it_o do_v not_o matter_n much_o since_o there_o be_v other_o which_z say_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o strong_a expression_n do_v not_o st._n paul_n say_v rom._n vii_o vii_o vii_o rom._n vii_o i_o be_o carnal_a sell_v under_o sin_n for_o in_o i_o dwell_v no_o good_a thing_n for_o that_o which_o i_o do_v i_o allow_v not_o and_o what_o i_o will_v that_o do_v i_o not_o but_o what_o i_o hate_v that_o do_v i._o i_o see_v a_o law_n in_o my_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o my_o mind_n and_o bring_v i_o into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v in_o my_o member_n o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n if_o st._n paul_n himself_o speak_v after_o this_o manner_n who_o can_v deny_v that_o the_o great_a saint_n fall_v into_o very_o heinous_a sin_n and_o have_v still_o a_o large_a stock_n of_o corruption_n in_o they_o those_o who_o draw_v this_o inference_n from_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n make_v he_o speak_v that_o which_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o his_o thought_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o say_v any_o thing_n that_o favour_v the_o cause_n of_o sinner_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a his_o design_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o to_o make_v man_n sensible_a of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o reference_n to_o sanctification_n he_o have_v this_o in_o his_o view_n in_o the_o vii_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n where_o he_o represent_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o corrupt_a and_o a_o regenerate_v man_n and_o between_o the_o condition_n of_o man_n under_o the_o law_n and_o his_o state_n under_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o all_o he_o say_v of_o the_o carnal_a man_n sell_v under_o sin_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o corrupt_a man_n live_v under_o the_o law_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o divine_n otherwise_o able_a and_o pious_a man_n have_v think_v that_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o himself_o in_o this_o chapter_n and_o that_o he_o represent_v there_o what_o pass_v within_o a_o regenerate_v man_n but_o i_o know_v likewise_o that_o a_o great_a many_o orthodox_n divine_v have_v reject_v that_o exposition_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o h_o a_o sad_a thing_n that_o when_o a_o place_n be_v capable_a of_o two_o sense_n man_n shall_v pitch_v upon_o that_o which_o come_v near_o to_o the_o pretension_n of_o sinner_n i_o do_v not_o intend_v here_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o dispute_n nor_o to_o offend_v those_o of_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o they_o have_v no_o design_n to_o countenance_v corruption_n but_o as_o in_o all_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o seek_v the_o truth_n and_o as_o the_o truth_n here_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o piety_n so_o i_o entreat_v those_o who_o may_v have_v scruple_n concern_v those_o word_n to_o make_v these_o follow_a reflection_n 1._o let_v they_o serious_o and_o impartial_o consider_v whether_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o st._n paul_n be_v a_o carnal_a man_n fold_n under_o sin_n a_o man_n who_o do_v no_o good_a but_o evil_n and_o a_o man_n involve_v in_o death_n these_o be_v the_o strong_a expression_n which_o can_v be_v use_v and_o which_o the_o scripture_n use_v to_o give_v as_o the_o character_n of_o wicked_a and_o impious_a man_n to_o believe_v this_o of_o st._n paul_n be_v so_o very_o hard_o that_o a_o man_n must_v be_v able_a to_o digest_v any_o thing_n who_o be_v not_o startle_v at_o it_o 2._o i_o desire_v they_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o drift_n of_o st._n paul_n he_o have_v undertake_v to_o show_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n do_v not_o introduce_v licentiousness_n this_o he_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o whole_a vi_o chapter_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o read_n it_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o in_o the_o vii_o chapter_n he_o shall_v overturn_v all_o that_o he_o have_v establish_v in_o the_o precede_a \_o and_o say_v that_o the_o holy_a man_n be_v captivate_v to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n if_o this_o be_v st._n paul_n doctrine_n what_o become_v of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n to_o produce_v holiness_n and_o how_o can_v he_o have_v answer_v that_o objection_n which_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o chap._n vi_o 1._o and_o 15._o shall_v we_o continue_v in_o sin_n shall_v we_o sin_v we_o that_o be_v under_o grace_n st._n paul_n ought_v to_o have_v grant_v the_o objection_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o most_o regenerate_v be_v sell_v to_o sin_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o the_o vii_o chapter_n he_o go_v on_o to_o prove_v what_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o already_o to_o wit_n that_o the_o gospel_n sanctify_v man_n and_o not_o only_o this_o but_o that_o the_o gospel_n alone_o can_v sanctify_v man_n and_o that_o the_o law_n can_v not_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o whole_a chapter_n in_o the_o very_a first_fw-mi four_o verse_n he_o show_v that_o christian_n be_v no_o long_o under_o the_o law_n nor_o consequent_o under_o sin_n and_o that_o they_o be_v dead_a to_o the_o law_n that_o they_o may_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o god_n he_o express_v himself_o more_o clear_o yet_o in_o the_o 5_o verse_n where_o he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o considerable_a difference_n between_o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o law_n and_o those_o who_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n he_o plain_o distinguish_v these_o two_o state_n and_o the_o time_n pass_v from_o the_o present_a when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n say_v he_o the_o motion_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v by_o the_o law_n do_v work_v in_o our_o member_n to_o bring_v forth_o unto_o death_n but_o now_o we_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o law_n that_o we_o shall_v serve_v in_o newness_n of_o spirit_n these_o be_v the_o two_o state_n the_o sit_v pass_v be_v a_o state_n of_o corruption_n the_o presect_v state_n be_v a_o state_n of_o holiness_n but_o as_o it_o may_v have_v be_v infer_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o law_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o sin_n the_o apostle_n refute_v that_o imagination_n from_o the_o seven_o to_o the_o 14_o verse_n after_o this_o he_o describe_v the_o miserable_a condition_n of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v not_o regenerate_v by_o grace_n and_o who_o still_o be_v under_o the_o law_n he_o begin_v to_o do_v this_o from_o the_o 14_o verse_n by_o fay_v the_o law_n be_v spiritual_a but_o i_o be_o carnal_a sell_v under_o sin_n etc._n etc._n and_o here_o no_o doubt_n it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o st_n paul_n speak_v of_o himself_o and_o not_o of_o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o law_n for_o say_v he_o i_o be_o carnal_a etc._n etc._n but_o one_o may_v easy_o see_v that_o the_o apostle_n use_v here_o a_o way_n of_o speak_v which_o be_v very_o ordidinary_a in_o discourse_n and_o by_o which_o he_o that_o speak_v put_v himself_n in_o the_o room_n of_o those_o he_o speak_v of_o and_o st._n paul_n have_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o express_v himself_o in_o this_o manner_n because_o he_o have_v be_v himself_o under_o the_o law_n before_o he_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n there_o be_v many_o instance_n in_o scripture_n of_o this_o way_n of_o speak_v and_o we_o find_v one_o in_o this_o very_a chapter_n which_o be_v beyond_o exception_n st_n paul_n say_v in_o the_o 9th_o verse_n i_o be_v alive_a without_o the_o law_n once_o etc._n etc._n if_o we_o do_v not_o admit_v here_o a_o figurative_a expression_n or_o if_o these_o word_n be_v strict_o take_v then_o we_o must_v say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o this_o apostle_n be_v without_o law_n which_o be_v both_o false_a and_o ridiculous_a as_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o when_o he_o say_v ver._n 9th_o i_o be_v without_o law_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o state_n of_o those_o man_n to_o wliom_n the_o law_n be_v not_o give_v so_o it_o be_v unquestionalbe_n that_o when_o he_o say_v i_o be_o carnal_a etc._n etc._n he_o describe_v the_o state_n of_o a_o
that_o you_o shall_v obey_v it_o in_o the_o lust_n hereof_o the_o apostle_n pursue_v these_o exhortation_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n 2._o the_o promise_n and_o instance_n of_o god_n mercy_n be_v frequent_o also_o take_v in_o a_o sense_n which_o favour_v corruption_n and_o security_n all_o that_o the_o gospel_n say_v upon_o this_o head_n be_v interpret_v by_o vicious_a man_n as_o if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o give_v man_n a_o licence_n to_o sin_n to_o this_o purpose_n the_o instance_n of_o that_o woman_n who_o be_v a_o sinner_n of_o zacheus_n and_o the_o convert_a thief_n be_v often_o allege_v as_o likewise_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n of_o the_o publican_n and_o of_o the_o labourer_n and_o from_o these_o instance_n as_o well_o as_o from_o our_o saviour_n declaration_n 11.13_o declaration_n mat._n 11.13_o that_o he_o be_v not_o come_v to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n it_o be_v conclude_v that_o the_o great_a sinner_n may_v obtain_v salvation_n as_o well_o as_o the_o just_a but_o if_o those_o who_o quote_v these_o instance_n do_v narrow_o examine_v they_o they_o will_v read_v in_o they_o their_o own_o condemnation_n for_o first_o all_o these_o sinner_n mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n do_v repent_v and_o be_v convert_v that_o woman_n who_o have_v be_v a_o notorious_a sinner_n express_v the_o most_o lively_a sorrow_n the_o publican_n smite_v his_o breast_n the_o prodigal_n come_v to_o himself_o again_o and_o detest_v his_o former_a excess_n zacheus_n if_o he_o be_v a_o unjust_a man_n restore_v fourfold_a from_o these_o instance_n we_o may_v very_o well_o infer_v that_o god_n never_o reject_v return_v sinner_n but_o even_o this_o be_v a_o invincible_a argument_n that_o there_o be_v no_o mercy_n for_o those_o who_o persist_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o that_o too_o in_o hope_n of_o pardon_n beside_o we_o must_v know_v that_o our_o saviour_n design_n in_o all_o these_o parable_n and_o instance_n be_v to_o inform_v man_n that_o he_o be_v come_v to_o invite_v the_o great_a sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o especial_o to_o let_v the_o jew_n understand_v that_o for_o all_o the_o high_a opinion_n they_o have_v of_o their_o own_o dignity_n and_o merit_n the_o heathen_n who_o live_v in_o the_o great_a corruption_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o god_n covenaâ—_n and_o to_o have_v a_o share_n in_o his_o favour_n which_o actual_o happen_v to_o all_o those_o heathen_n who_o do_v believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n these_o instance_n and_o parable_n then_o represent_v the_o stare_v man_n be_v in_o at_o that_o time_n and_o not_o the_o state_n of_o those_o who_o be_v enter_v already_o into_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o can_v never_o be_v say_v too_o much_o nor_o remember_v too_o often_o in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o those_o heathen_n who_o never_o hear_v a_o word_n of_o god_n or_o jesus_n christâ—_n and_o christian_n who_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o church_n and_o live_v in_o the_o covenant_n with_o god_n thus_o i_o think_v i_o have_v examine_v those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v most_o common_o abuse_v by_o the_o libertine_n if_o i_o have_v omit_v any_o i_o hope_v what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o this_o chapter_n may_v serve_v to_o suggest_v pertinent_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o they_o cause_n v._o a_o false_a modesty_n corruption_n be_v not_o whole_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o that_o ignorance_n or_o to_o those_o prejudices_fw-la and_o loose_a opinion_n which_o prevail_v among_o christian_n for_o man_n do_v not_o always_o sin_n through_o want_n of_o knowledge_n or_o out_o of_o mere_a wantonness_n and_o libertinism_n there_o be_v many_o who_o acknowledge_v the_o viciousness_n of_o the_o age_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o yet_o they_o neglect_v their_o dury_n entire_o or_o at_o least_o they_o be_v very_o remiss_a in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o act_v for_o the_o most_o part_n against_o their_o own_o persuasion_n there_o must_v be_v then_o other_o spring_n of_o corruption_n in_o man_n beside_o those_o which_o we_o have_v hitherto_o discover_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o search_v into_o these_o and_o to_o find_v out_o if_o possible_a why_o many_o person_n who_o want_v no_o instruction_n and_o be_v solicit_v by_o the_o motion_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n to_o embrace_v the_o side_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n do_v not_o withstand_v continue_v in_o vice_n and_o corruption_n this_o seem_v to_o proceed_v chief_o from_o two_o disposition_n which_o man_n be_v common_o iâ—_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o be_v restrain_v by_o a_o ill_a shame_n from_o act_v suitable_o to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o put_v off_o their_o conversion_n hope_v that_o they_o shall_v one_o day_n make_v up_o all_o the_o irregularity_n of_o their_o conduct_n by_o repentance_n i_o look_v upon_o these_o two_o disposition_n as_o two_o of_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o corruption_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v in_o may_v be_v proper_a to_o consider_v they_o both_o distinct_o i_o design_v to_o treat_v of_o false_a modesty_n in_o this_o chapter_n and_o to_o show_v 1._o the_o nature_n and_o 2._o the_o effect_n of_o it_o 1._o by_o false_a modesty_n i_o mean_v that_o shame_n which_o hinder_v man_n to_o do_v that_o which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n i_o call_v this_o shame_n vicious_a or_o illl_v to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o another_o kind_n of_o shame_n which_o be_v good_a and_o commendable_a which_o consist_v in_o be_v ashamed_a to_o do_v ill_a thing_n if_o false_a shame_n be_v a_o source_n of_o corruption_n that_o other_o shame_n which_o restrain_v from_o evil_a be_v a_o principle_n of_o virtue_n and_o a_o preservative_n against_o sin_n and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o careful_o cherish_v and_o maintain_v as_o vicious_a shame_n shall_v be_v avoid_v or_o shake_v off_o for_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o commendable_a shame_n be_v go_v innocency_n be_v irrecoverable_o lose_v it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o character_n of_o sinner_n in_o scripture_n that_o their_o wickedness_n raise_v no_o blush_a or_o confusion_n in_o they_o i_o say_v then_o that_o this_o false_a shame_n keep_v man_n from_o do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n what_o they_o know_v and_o approve_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v under_o that_o notion_n particular_o that_o i_o be_o to_o consider_v it_o here_o it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n to_o speak_v of_o that_o shame_n which_o arise_v from_o ignorance_n or_o contempt_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o those_o profane_a and_o worldly_a man_n who_o because_o they_o do_v not_o know_v religion_n or_o judge_v it_o unworthy_a of_o their_o application_n think_v it_o a_o disgrace_n to_o follow_v its_o maxim_n i_o refer_v such_o man_n to_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n and_o to_o some_o further_a consideration_n which_o i_o be_o to_o insist_v upon_o elsewhere_o the_o shame_n i_o speak_v of_o at_o present_a suppose_v some_o knowledge_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o some_o value_n for_o and_o inclination_n to_o piety_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v how_o dangerous_a the_o effect_n of_o that_o shame_n be_v and_o how_o important_a it_o be_v to_o know_v and_o observe_v they_o since_o it_o seduce_v and_o corrupt_v even_o those_o who_o be_v none_o of_o the_o worst_a man_n and_o of_o who_o otherwise_o we_o may_v reasonable_o hope_v well_o now_o to_o apprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o vicious_a shame_n it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o shame_v common_o spring_v from_o two_o cause_n sometime_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o be_v ashamed_a of_o or_o from_o the_o opinion_n we_o have_v of_o it_o thus_o man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o thing_n which_o either_o be_v or_o appear_v dishonest_a in_o their_o nature_n but_o sometime_o also_o shame_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o regard_n we_o bear_v to_o other_o man_n judgement_n and_o then_o we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o do_v thing_n which_o may_v bring_v contempt_n upon_o we_o and_o disgrace_v we_o in_o the_o world_n one_o may_v soon_o perceive_v that_o the_o shame_n that_o be_v vicious_a do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o first_o of_o these_o cause_n religion_n have_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o be_v shameful_a arid_a dishonest_a for_o far_o from_o that_o it_o be_v of_o all_o thing_n the_o most_o comely_a and_o honourable_a and_o the_o most_o worthy_a of_o a_o man_n and_o it_o appear_v such_o even_o to_o those_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o a_o groundless_a shame_n dare_v not_o practice_v the_o rule_n of_o it_o the_o true_a cause_n then_o of_o this_o false_a modesty_n be_v a_o feeble_a regard_n to_o man_n judgement_n and_o a_o fear_n of_o fall_v under_o their_o contempt_n
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
behalf_n that_o these_o illusion_n will_v not_o have_v grow_v so_o common_a if_o there_o have_v not_o teen_n a_o general_a and_o in_o some_o measure_n a_o incurable_a corruption_n in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o see_v every_o where_o a_o prodigious_a decay_n of_o piety_n and_o little_a hope_n of_o amendment_n for_o what_o may_v we_o not_o say_v of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o christianity_n there_o be_v in_o many_o place_n a_o ignorant_a and_o superstitious_a clergy_n and_o people_n who_o whole_a religion_n consist_v in_o ceremony_n and_o in_o devotion_n which_o be_v mere_o external_n and_o often_o ridiculous_a above_o all_o there_o appear_v in_o those_o place_n a_o deluge_n of_o immorality_n be_v it_o then_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o quietism_n and_o fanaticism_n shall_v rear_v up_o their_o head_n in_o such_o place_n these_o gross_a abuse_n do_v not_o indeed_o prevail_v everywhere_o but_o general_o speak_v there_o be_v but_o little_a of_o true_a piety_n among_o christian_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o order_n or_o discipline_n leave_v among_o they_o man_n live_v as_o they_o please_v the_o sacrament_n be_v profane_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v trample_v under_o foot_n charity_n and_o honesty_n be_v almost_o entire_o banish_v no_o man_n set_v about_o the_o redress_v of_o these_o disorder_n churchman_n make_v it_o their_o capital_a business_n to_o maintain_v their_o dispute_n and_o their_o tenet_n and_o they_o apply_v themselves_o but_o faint_o to_o the_o reform_v of_o manner_n religion_n be_v upon_o this_o foot_n many_o who_o have_v good_a intention_n can_v not_o but_o perceive_v that_o this_o be_v not_o true_a and_o genuine_a christianity_n but_o because_o they_o see_v no_o likelihood_n of_o thing_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o better_a posture_n or_o because_o they_o want_v capacity_n to_o find_v out_o the_o occasion_n and_o remedy_n of_o so_o great_a a_o evil_a or_o last_o because_o they_o be_v man_n of_o weak_a part_n they_o hearken_v to_o those_o who_o propose_v to_o they_o this_o mystical_a piety_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o progress_n of_o fanaticism_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o some_o person_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n be_v engage_v in_o that_o party_n and_o therefore_o the_o true_a way_n to_o reclaim_v they_o will_v be_v to_o re-establish_a order_n in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o labour_v for_o the_o reformation_n of_o manner_n as_o long_o as_o these_o be_v neglect_v all_o the_o precaution_n and_o method_n use_v against_o fanatick_n by_o the_o clergy_n or_o by_o the_o magistrate_n will_v either_o prove_v unsuccesful_a or_o be_v find_v contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n but_o after_o all_o this_o spirit_n of_o fanaticism_n be_v high_o pernicious_a for_o first_o it_o open_v a_o gap_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o licentiousness_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o mischiess_n which_o may_v redound_v from_o thence_o upon_o civil_a society_n mystical_a piety_n be_v at_o large_a fountain_n of_o illusion_n it_o lead_v man_n into_o endless_a error_n and_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o turn_v all_o religion_n upside_o down_o for_o as_o it_o be_v lodge_v only_o in_o inward_a sentiment_n it_o can_v happen_v otherwise_o but_o that_o vast_a number_n of_o man_n who_o either_o want_n knowledge_n or_o strength_n of_o part_n will_v take_v the_o wander_n of_o their_o own_o fancy_n for_o divine_a inspiration_n i_o know_v that_o some_o of_o those_o contemplative_a man_n acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o read_v it_o careful_o but_o the_o mischief_n be_v that_o through_o their_o prejudices_fw-la they_o fix_v a_o wrong_a sense_n upon_o it_o so_o that_o what_o they_o read_v do_v but_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o error_n their_o exposition_n be_v very_o singular_a they_o do_v not_o affix_v to_o word_n the_o same_o idea_n which_o other_o man_n do_v they_o forsake_v the_o literal_a sense_n to_o run_v after_o mystical_a explication_n suitable_a to_o their_o preconceive_a notion_n they_o reject_v or_o make_v very_a light_n of_o those_o help_n which_o the_o knowledge_n of_o language_n history_n and_o the_o scope_n of_o sacred_a writer_n afford_v and_o it_o be_v one_o of_o their_o principle_n that_o woman_n mechanic_n and_o the_o most_o simple_a people_n be_v able_a to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n as_o well_o if_o not_o better_o than_o the_o most_o learned_a doctor_n 2._o fanaticism_n be_v a_o evil_n which_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v remedy_v a_o heretic_n or_o a_o profane_a person_n may_v soon_o be_v undeceive_v than_o a_o man_n intoxicate_v with_o mystical_a devotion_n for_o these_o will_v reason_n but_o the_o other_o will_v hearken_v to_o no_o reason_v so_o that_o he_o be_v proof_n against_o all_o the_o argument_n which_o can_v be_v offer_v to_o he_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o dispute_v with_o people_n who_o look_v on_o all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o their_o mind_n as_o ignorant_a man_n who_o think_v themselves_o illuminate_v above_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o who_o return_v no_o other_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n urge_v against_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v otherwise_o persuade_v in_o their_o mind_n there_o be_v no_o good_a to_o be_v do_v upon_o they_o either_o by_o reason_v or_o by_o sense_n of_o which_o they_o make_v but_o little_a use_n or_o even_o by_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o they_o seek_v nothing_o less_o than_o the_o literal_a meaning_n 3._o though_o mystical_a man_n profess_v a_o sublime_a piety_n yet_o their_o principle_n favour_n corruption_n more_o than_o one_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v how_o can_v we_o reconcile_v those_o maxim_n concern_v contemplation_n inanition_n and_o silence_n with_o that_o activity_n zeal_n and_o fervour_n which_o the_o scripture_n recommend_v if_o man_n be_v a_o mere_a nothing_o if_o he_o be_v to_o wait_v patient_o till_o god_n work_v his_o will_n in_o he_o and_o speak_v to_o his_o soul_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o exhort_v man_n and_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o they_o to_o use_v any_o endeavour_n on_o their_o part_n beside_o that_o contempt_n of_o outward_a mean_n which_o the_o mystic_n express_v make_v way_n for_o a_o total_a neglect_n of_o devotion_n introduce_v disorder_n and_o licentiousness_n and_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o god_n design_n who_o think_v fit_a to_o prescribe_v the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o fanaticism_n be_v commodious_a enough_o for_o sinner_n so_o that_o i_o do_v not_o wonder_v that_o some_o of_o they_o shall_v go_v over_o to_o that_o party_n a_o devotion_n which_o consist_v in_o acknowledge_v a_o man_n own_o nothingness_n or_o in_o contemplation_n and_o silence_n be_v much_o more_o acceptable_a to_o a_o corrupt_a person_n than_o a_o exact_a morality_n which_o oblige_v a_o man_n to_o do_v act_n of_o repentance_n to_o put_v his_o own_o hand_n to_o the_o work_n and_o to_o set_v about_o the_o reform_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o practise_v of_o christian_a virtue_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n fanaticism_n make_v religion_n contemptible_a because_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n confound_v true_a with_o mystical_a piety_n they_o fancy_n that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v devout_a without_o be_v something_o visionary_a and_o enthusiastical_a and_o that_o devotion_n do_v not_o well_o agree_v with_o sense_n and_o reason_n the_o prejudices_fw-la i_o have_v mention_v in_o this_o chapter_n be_v not_o the_o only_a one_o which_o foment_n and_o cherish_v corruption_n some_o other_o may_v have_v be_v add_v but_o they_o may_v more_o convenient_o be_v range_v under_o the_o title_n of_o some_o of_o the_o follow_a chapter_n what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o this_o do_v yet_o far_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a instruction_n which_o may_v conquer_v these_o prejudices_fw-la and_o give_v man_n true_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n cause_n iii_o the_o maxim_n and_o sentiment_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o authorize_v corruption_n it_o have_v be_v show_v in_o two_o precede_a chapter_n that_o man_n be_v general_o involve_v in_o ignorance_n and_o that_o they_o entertain_v such_o notion_n concern_v religion_n and_o piety_n as_o must_v of_o necessity_n maintain_v corruption_n in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o be_v likewise_o possess_v with_o divers_a particular_a maxim_n and_o sentiment_n which_o lead_v direct_o to_o libertinism_n a_o modern_a author_n very_o well_o observe_v preface_n observe_v new_a moral_a essay_n tom._n 1._o in_o the_o preface_n that_o people_n be_v not_o only_o very_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o extent_n of_o that_o purity_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v but_o that_o they_o be_v beside_o full_a of_o maxim_n incomparable_o more_o pernicious_a than_o error_n of_o pure_a speculation_n these_o maxim_n do_v the_o more_o certain_o produce_v corruption_n because_o they_o be_v use_v to_o authorize_v and_o countenance_v it_o and_o in_o fact_n man_n blindness_n and_o licentiousness_n be_v come_v to_o that_o
exaggerate_v the_o number_n and_o greatness_n of_o their_o sin_n but_o there_o be_v enough_o of_o other_o inducement_n and_o motive_n to_o humility_n without_o thus_o confound_a vice_n with_o virtue_n it_o will_v be_v a_o pretty_a sort_n of_o humility_n for_o a_o man_n to_o live_v in_o sin_n to_o be_v at_o defiance_n with_o god_n to_o do_v nothing_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o then_o with_o all_o this_o to_o confess_v himself_o a_o miserable_a sinner_n pride_n and_o presumption_n shall_v not_o be_v encourage_v but_o yet_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o humble_v man_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o turn_v they_o into_o block_n or_o to_o confound_v a_o good_a man_n with_o a_o profligate_n sinner_n when_o we_o inveigh_v against_o the_o pride_n of_o man_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o sink_v his_o courage_n for_o that_o will_v immediate_o make_v he_o incapable_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a under_o colour_n of_o honour_v god_n we_o must_v not_o dishonour_v his_o workmanship_n speak_v slight_o of_o his_o gift_n and_o overlook_v his_o image_n in_o those_o who_o bear_v it_o in_o a_o double_a capacity_n as_o they_o be_v man_n and_o as_o they_o be_v christian_n it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o pride_n to_o arrogate_v any_o thing_n to_o ourselves_o which_o we_o have_v not_o or_o which_o do_v not_o come_v from_o we_o but_o it_o be_v a_o false_a humility_n it_o be_v hypocrisy_n not_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o we_o it_o be_v object_v that_o some_o presume_v much_o upon_o themselves_o that_o man_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o flatter_v himself_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n the_o pharisee_n be_v mention_v who_o trust_v in_o their_o own_o righteousness_n to_o this_o i_o reply_v that_o those_o presumptuous_a person_n be_v hypocrite_n who_o have_v no_o solid_a piety_n i_o say_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n beat_v down_o that_o pride_n and_o that_o the_o pharisee_n have_v nothing_o but_o a_o external_a righteousness_n a_o deceitful_a and_o hypocritical_a sanctity_n it_o be_v therefore_o without_o reason_n that_o man_n cry_v down_o holiness_n and_o pretend_v that_o the_o study_n of_o goodwork_n beget_v presumption_n because_o there_o have_v be_v and_o there_o still_o be_v hypocrite_n if_o we_o may_v say_v where_o pride_n be_v to_o be_v find_v it_o be_v in_o those_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a moralist_n who_o make_v all_o these_o objection_n those_o man_n ascribe_v very_o little_a to_o goodwork_n and_o yet_o what_o opinion_n do_v they_o not_o entertain_v of_o themselves_o they_o fancy_v themselves_o god_n favourite_n and_o the_o true_o humble_a man_n and_o all_o this_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o stock_n of_o confidence_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o worse_o they_o judge_v rash_o of_o those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o live_v better_a than_o themselves_o and_o they_o make_v bold_a to_o call_v they_o pharisees_n and_o hypocrite_n be_v not_o this_o a_o most_o intolerable_a presumption_n and_o boldness_n 3._o the_o abettor_n of_o corruption_n insist_v mighty_o upon_o this_o maxim_n that_o excess_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v condemn_v and_o that_o piety_n when_o carry_v too_o far_o degenerate_v into_o superstition_n and_o hypocrisy_n it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o libertine_n speak_v after_o this_o manner_n many_o who_o will_v be_v think_v wise_a and_o rational_a man_n use_v the_o same_o language_n they_o pretend_v to_o virtue_n they_o condemn_v atheism_n and_o impiety_n but_o they_o likewise_o condemn_v those_o who_o will_v tie_v man_n to_o the_o strict_a practice_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n in_o all_o thing_n say_v they_o a_o just_a medium_fw-la be_v to_o be_v observe_v the_o worst_a of_o it_o be_v that_o some_o moralist_n give_v a_o occasion_n to_o these_o opinion_n by_o the_o picture_n they_o make_v of_o hypocritical_a and_o superstitious_a men._n they_o represent_v they_o as_o man_n who_o carry_v all_o the_o appearance_n of_o devout_a person_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o hypocrisy_n go_v beyond_o true_a devotion_n and_o they_o be_v not_o aware_a that_o by_o this_o they_o turn_v religion_n into_o ridicule_n and_o render_v it_o odious_a this_o maxim_n as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a be_v found_v upon_o the_o un-accurate_a notion_n which_o most_o people_n have_v concern_v moral_n for_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o every_o man_n who_o examine_v this_o matter_n with_o some_o care_n 1._o that_o piety_n can_v never_o be_v carry_v too_o far_o and_o that_o we_o can_v never_o do_v too_o much_o in_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o in_o compliance_n with_o our_o duty_n and_o 2._o that_o piety_n and_o superstition_n or_o hypocrisy_n be_v thing_n opposite_a to_o one_o another_o so_o that_o to_o imagine_v that_o a_o diligent_a and_o earnest_a application_n to_o piety_n lead_v man_n to_o superstition_n or_o hypocrisy_n be_v amonstrous_a absurdity_n and_o the_o high_a contradiction_n that_o can_v be_v maintain_v it_o be_v just_a as_o if_o one_o shall_v say_v that_o gold_n or_o silver_n by_o be_v very_o much_o refine_v may_v at_o last_o degenerate_a into_o lead_n or_o earth_n how_o or_o which_o way_n can_v piety_n turn_v to_o superstition_n or_o hypocrisy_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v conceive_v as_o long_o as_o meâ—_n reason_n upon_o true_a principle_n they_o may_v pursue_v they_o with_o assurance_n and_o without_o fear_n of_o run_v themselves_o into_o false_a or_o dangerous_a consequence_n man_n will_v never_o fall_v into_o superstition_n or_o hypocrisy_n by_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o the_o more_o true_a piety_n a_o man_n have_v he_o will_v find_v himself_o at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o superstition_n and_o hypocrisy_n and_o a_o superstitious_a person_n be_v so_o far_o from_o outstrip_v a_o good_a man_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o come_v infinite_o behind_o he_o solid_a virtue_n be_v always_o attend_v with_o these_o two_o character_n first_o it_o be_v sincere_a and_o from_o the_o heart_n and_o by_o that_o it_o destroy_v hypocrisy_n instead_o of_o produce_v it_o and_o then_o second_o it_o be_v well-informed_n and_o rational_a it_o fill_v the_o mind_n and_o heart_n with_o true_a notion_n with_o great_a and_o elevate_a view_n and_o so_o it_o set_v man_n at_o a_o infinite_a distance_n from_o those_o mean_a ignorant_a and_o trifle_a thing_n which_o the_o superstitious_a be_v take_v up_o withal_o let_v we_o conclude_v then_o that_o hypocritical_a and_o superstitious_a man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v too_o much_o piety_n that_o they_o have_v none_o at_o all_o if_o it_o happen_v sometime_o as_o it_o certain_o do_v that_o man_n who_o have_v a_o sound_n and_o honest_a heart_n be_v somewhat_o give_v to_o a_o odd_a kind_n of_o devotion_n which_o in_o some_o respect_n savour_n of_o superstition_n this_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o piety_n itself_o but_o from_o a_o defect_n in_o those_o that_o profess_v it_o who_o may_v either_o want_v knowledge_n or_o force_v of_o mind_n though_o man_n endeavour_v to_o defend_v corruption_n with_o those_o maxim_n i_o have_v relate_v yet_o as_o these_o maxim_n may_v easy_o be_v confute_v so_o they_o be_v sometime_o force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o depravation_n of_o the_o agnostus_n be_v great_a and_o that_o the_o life_n of_o christian_n be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o religion_n but_o for_o all_o this_o they_o do_v not_o give_v up_o the_o cause_n they_o betake_v themselves_o to_o various_a excuse_n by_o which_o they_o think_v to_o exempt_v themselves_o from_o their_o duty_n or_o at_o least_o to_o lessen_v and_o extenuate_v the_o sin_n of_o not_o observe_v it_o these_o excuse_n must_v needs_o maintain_v they_o in_o security_n they_o be_v beside_o very_o common_a and_o even_o pass_v frequent_o for_o good_a and_o just_a therefore_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v proper_a to_o refute_v they_o too_o in_o this_o chapter_n it_o will_v be_v a_o difficult_a task_n to_o reckon_v up_o all_o the_o excuse_n which_o be_v allege_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o corruption_n and_o to_o trace_v out_o all_o the_o doubling_n and_o artifices_fw-la of_o man_n heart_n upon_o this_o matter_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o mention_v those_o which_o be_v most_o general_a and_o ordinary_a 1._o it_o be_v customary_a to_o excuse_v corruption_n by_o say_v that_o we_o be_v man_n and_o not_o angel_n this_o excuse_n may_v be_v destroy_v by_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v but_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o dwell_v a_o little_a upon_o it_o it_o be_v say_v then_o that_o we_o be_v man_n and_o not_o angel_n and_o that_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a truth_n but_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o justify_v or_o excuse_v by_o that_o the_o ill_a life_n of_o christian_n for_o first_o that_o very_a thing_n that_o we_o be_v man_n oblige_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n instead_o of_o exempt_n we_o from_o it_o we_o be_v man_n and_o as_o such_o we_o have_v a_o reason_n
man_n endeavour_v to_o excuse_v themselves_o by_o lay_v the_o sin_n they_o commit_v upon_o the_o great_a number_n and_o the_o force_n of_o temptation_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a say_v they_o to_o avoid_v sin_n we_o be_v so_o many_o way_n draw_v into_o it_o temptation_n be_v so_o strong_a and_o so_o frequent_a that_o we_o must_v go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n if_o we_o will_v preserve_v our_o innocence_n sometime_o they_o impute_v to_o the_o devil_n the_o sin_n which_o they_o fall_v into_o and_o at_o other_o time_n so_o great_a be_v their_o audaciousness_n that_o they_o throw_v they_o upon_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n all_o these_o excuse_n be_v trifle_v and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v impious_a for_o to_o begin_v with_o that_o which_o be_v borrow_v from_o the_o multitude_n and_o strength_n of_o temptation_n it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o number_n of_o temptation_n be_v so_o great_a that_o their_o force_n be_v irresistible_a temptation_n be_v frequent_a i_o confess_v but_o it_o be_v a_o error_n to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o snare_n and_o solicitation_n to_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n this_o will_v give_v we_o a_o strange_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o work_n and_o in_o that_o case_n man_n condition_n will_v be_v very_o miserable_a it_o be_v certain_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o the_o opportunity_n and_o solicitation_n to_o good_a be_v very_o common_a especial_o in_o relation_n to_o christian_n who_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o object_n and_o motive_n call_v back_o to_o god_n and_o to_o their_o duty_n even_o temptation_n themselves_o give_v they_o occasion_n of_o do_v good_n god_n supply_v they_o abundant_o with_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o life_n and_o godliness_n as_o we_o be_v tell_v 2_o pet._n 1._o certain_o we_o be_v to_o presume_v that_o if_o god_n permit_v that_o man_n shall_v here_o meet_v with_o temptation_n and_o opportunity_n of_o undo_n themselves_o he_o offer_v they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n many_o occasion_n and_o inducement_n to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o salvation_n so_o that_o the_o great_a number_n of_o solicitation_n to_o good_a do_v already_o destroy_v the_o excuse_n which_o be_v take_v from_o the_o great_a number_n of_o temptation_n neither_o be_v it_o more_o reasonable_a to_o complain_v of_o the_o strength_n of_o those_o temptation_n such_o a_o complaint_n be_v very_o unseemly_a from_o christian_n who_o be_v appoint_v to_o overcome_v the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o all_o other_o temptation_n when_o all_o thing_n be_v well_o consider_v it_o will_v appear_v that_o it_o be_v within_o ourselves_o in_o our_o own_o negligence_n and_o in_o the_o perverseness_n of_o our_o will_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v for_o that_o which_o make_v temptation_n so_o strong_a and_o too_o hard_o for_o we_o they_o have_v no_o more_o strength_n than_o we_o give_v they_o st._n james_n have_v decide_v this_o question_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o shall_v stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o those_o who_o seek_v the_o cause_n of_o evil_a any_o where_o else_o but_o in_o their_o own_o heart_n 1.14_o heart_n 1_o jam._n 1.14_o every_o man_n say_v he_o be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v the_o devil_n have_v no_o more_o power_n over_o we_o than_o temptation_n have_v for_o he_o can_v but_o tempt_v we_o but_o yet_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o ascribe_v to_o he_o a_o kind_n of_o omnipotence_n according_a to_o the_o vulgar_a opinion_n one_o will_v think_v that_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o sin_n that_o be_v commit_v that_o he_o be_v every_o where_o and_o that_o man_n be_v but_o his_o instrument_n which_o he_o use_v at_o pleasure_n if_o this_o be_v true_a man_n be_v indeed_o to_o be_v pity_v and_o it_o will_v be_v some_o excuse_n to_o those_o who_o live_v ill_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o no_o such_o thing_n but_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o temerity_n be_v to_o charge_n god_n and_o providence_n with_o our_o sin_n thus_o some_o man_n be_v wont_v to_o say_v such_o a_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v because_o god_n will_v have_v it_o so_o and_o such_o another_o thing_n do_v not_o happen_v because_o it_o do_v not_o please_v god_n that_o it_o shall_v when_o this_o excuse_n be_v make_v with_o relation_n to_o sin_n it_o amount_v to_o the_o most_o horrid_a of_o blasphemy_n it_o lay_v upon_o god_n all_o the_o evil_a that_o happen_v and_o make_v he_o the_o author_n of_o it_o for_o either_o this_o excuse_n signify_v nothing_o or_o else_o it_o import_v that_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o what_o happen_v and_o not_o we_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o because_o man_n pretend_v to_o excuse_v themselves_o with_o say_v god_n will_v have_v it_o so_o in_o a_o word_n here_o be_v no_o middle_a way_n either_o the_o cause_n of_o sin_n be_v in_o man_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v in_o man_n he_o can_v accuse_v no_o body_n else_o but_o himself_o he_o can_v clear_v himself_o by_o say_v god_n will_v or_o will_v not_o have_v it_o so_o if_o the_o cause_n of_o sin_n be_v not_o in_o man_n he_o be_v discharge_v and_o all_o the_o evil_a light_n upon_o god_n it_o be_v a_o astonish_a thing_n that_o man_n who_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v infinite_o holy_a and_o just_a can_v entertain_v such_o thought_n 4._o another_o excuse_n be_v often_o allege_a and_o it_o be_v fetch_v from_o common_a practice_n custom_n and_o example_n that_o which_o be_v general_o do_v be_v think_v to_o be_v innocent_a or_o at_o least_o pardonable_a but_o the_o greatness_n and_o the_o universality_n of_o corruption_n excuse_v no_o body_n custom_n and_o example_n can_v make_v any_o thing_n lawful_a which_o be_v bad_a where_o there_o be_v a_o express_a law_n it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o plead_v practice_n to_o the_o contrary_a custom_n or_o number_n exempt_v no_o man_n from_o do_v that_o which_o god_n command_v and_o will_v never_o protect_v he_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n custom_n and_o example_n be_v so_o far_o from_o excuse_v vice_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a this_o very_a thing_n that_o the_o custom_n be_v bad_a aught_o to_o make_v man_n sensible_a how_o necessary_a it_o be_v to_o set_v about_o a_o good_a reformation_n 5._o but_o if_o man_n think_v that_o example_n and_o custom_n excuse_v they_o they_o fancy_v themselves_o yet_o much_o more_o excusable_a when_o they_o can_v allege_v the_o example_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o good_a men._n the_o libertine_n triumph_v here_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o say_v they_o to_o recommend_v holiness_n so_o strict_o and_o to_o enforce_v it_o with_o such_o severe_a penalty_n when_o he_o see_v many_o good_a man_n follow_v a_o course_n give_v opposite_a to_o those_o maxim_n and_o to_o that_o exact_a morality_n but_o they_o ought_v to_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v extreme_a hard_a or_o rather_o impossible_a to_o know_v certain_o whether_o a_o man_n be_v true_o a_o good_a man_n or_o not_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o this_o unless_o we_o know_v man_n heart_n which_o belong_v only_o to_o god_n this_o reflection_n do_v already_o defeat_v the_o excuse_n which_o be_v borrow_v from_o the_o sin_n of_o good_a men._n we_o frequent_o imagine_v the_o person_n who_o sin_n to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n when_o he_o be_v but_o a_o hypocrite_n or_o a_o atheist_n indeed_o piety_n and_o charity_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v think_v the_o best_a of_o our_o neighbour_n especial_o of_o those_o in_o who_o the_o mark_n of_o solid_a piety_n and_o virtue_n appear_v but_o neither_o charity_n nor_o piety_n oblige_v we_o to_o confound_v vice_n with_o godliness_n or_o to_o call_v evil_a good_n sin_n be_v sin_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v condemn_v wherever_o we_o meet_v with_o it_o and_o more_o particular_o in_o those_o who_o pass_v for_o better_a man_n than_o other_o when_o man_n who_o seem_v to_o be_v pious_a fall_n into_o such_o sin_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o regeneration_n we_o ought_v to_o think_v that_o those_o man_n either_o give_v the_o lie_n to_o their_o character_n and_o be_v not_o what_o we_o take_v they_o for_o and_o then_o we_o may_v apply_v to_o they_o the_o word_n of_o ezekiel_n chap._n xxxiii_o ver_fw-la 18._o when_o the_o righteous_a turn_v from_o his_o righteousness_n and_o commit_v iniquity_n he_o shall_v even_o die_v thereby_o or_o else_o we_o must_v think_v that_o though_o they_o have_v some_o piety_n it_o be_v but_o weak_a as_o yet_o so_o that_o they_o be_v not_o what_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v but_o however_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v positive_a in_o this_o that_o the_o example_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o will_v excuse_v no_o man_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n 6._o another_o very_a common_a evasion_n by_o which_o man_n endeavour_v to_o excuse_v the_o neglect_n and_o omission_n
upon_o which_o they_o have_v most_o reason_n to_o reproach_n themselves_o as_o be_v well_o know_v to_o those_o who_o make_v any_o reflection_n upon_o their_o conduct_n and_o if_o this_o shame_n be_v able_a to_o spoil_v those_o who_o other_o wise_a be_v virtuous_a and_o to_o extinguish_v their_o zeal_n and_o piety_n we_o ought_v to_o reckon_v it_o among_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o corruption_n 3._o shame_n may_v lead_v man_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o wickedness_n for_o beside_o that_o a_o man_n sin_n against_o his_o conscience_n when_o for_o fear_v of_o man_n he_o dare_v not_o do_v his_o duty_n beside_o that_o he_o offend_v god_n in_o a_o very_a provoke_a manner_n when_o he_o be_v ashamed_a to_o obey_v he_o and_o fear_n man_n more_o than_o he_o i_o say_v that_o this_o shame_n be_v apt_a to_o betray_v he_o into_o the_o great_a est_fw-fr enormity_n a_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o every_o thing_n when_o he_o become_v a_o slave_n to_o other_o man_n judgement_n and_o when_o complaisance_n or_o humane_a consideration_n have_v a_o great_a force_n upon_o he_o than_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n and_o his_o duty_n whenever_o a_o man_n dare_v not_o appear_v good_a he_o dare_v appear_v in_o some_o measure_n wicked_a and_o when_o he_o tie_v to_o virtue_n a_o idea_n of_o honour_n to_o vice_n and_o from_o comply_v in_o every_o thing_n with_o the_o opinion_n of_o loose_a and_o profane_a person_n 1._o man_n do_v not_o arrive_v of_o a_o sudden_a at_o this_o degree_n of_o corruption_n false_a shame_n carry_v they_o to_o it_o by_o little_a and_o little_a it_o make_v one_o sin_n at_o first_o through_o complaisance_n though_o with_o some_o reluctancy_n by_o this_o conscience_n grow_v weak_a a_o man_n contract_v the_o habit_n of_o slight_v its_o suggestion_n and_o vice_n become_v more_o familiar_a to_o he_o then_o he_o begin_v to_o sin_v more_o bold_o the_o shame_n of_o do_v good_a increase_v and_o the_o shame_n of_o sin_v grow_v less_o in_o a_o little_a time_n he_o come_v to_o do_v out_o of_o custom_n and_o inclination_n what_o he_o do_v before_o but_o seldom_o and_o with_o some_o inward_a conflict_n from_o thence_o he_o proceed_v to_o a_o open_a contempt_n of_o piety_n and_o so_o he_o forsake_v a_o interest_n to_o which_o he_o be_v well_o affect_v at_o first_o but_o which_o this_o shame_n have_v make_v he_o dislike_v thus_o many_o person_n who_o have_v good_a disposition_n in_o their_o youth_n be_v let_v loose_a into_o the_o world_n have_v lose_v their_o innocence_n and_o be_v turn_v libertine_n and_o atheist_n now_o this_o false_a modesty_n be_v so_o pernicious_a we_o can_v never_o labour_v too_o much_o to_o prevent_v its_o ill_a effect_n and_o this_o we_o shall_v succeed_v in_o if_o we_o serious_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n both_o of_o error_n and_o cowardice_n in_o the_o sentiment_n and_o conduct_n of_o those_o who_o be_v hinder_v by_o shame_n from_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o conscience_n first_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o error_n in_o their_o procede_v this_o shame_n be_v found_v upon_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o judgement_n which_o the_o world_n make_v of_o piety_n but_o if_o those_o who_o despise_v religion_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n as_o they_o most_o certain_o be_v if_o it_o be_v extravagance_n and_o folly_n in_o they_o to_o pass_v a_o false_a judgement_n upon_o piety_n it_o be_v a_o much_o great_a madness_n in_o those_o who_o understand_v better_a thing_n to_o subscribe_v to_o a_o judgement_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a and_o to_o make_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o action_n if_o virtue_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a just_a necessary_a acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o useful_a to_o those_o who_o practice_v it_o if_o with_o it_o we_o can_v fail_v of_o happiness_n and_o if_o without_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o dread_a and_o terror_n why_o shall_v we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o it_o a_o wise_a man_n ought_v to_o esteem_v that_o which_o deserve_v esteem_n and_o if_o ignorant_a and_o corrupt_a people_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n he_o ought_v to_o set_v himself_o above_o their_o judgement_n and_o to_o despise_v the_o contempt_n of_o the_o senseless_a multitude_n the_o judgement_n of_o man_n can_v make_v that_o just_a which_o be_v unjust_a nor_o supersede_n the_o necessity_n of_o what_o be_v necessary_a so_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v of_o no_o weight_n in_o so_o important_a a_o concernment_n as_o that_o of_o our_o salvation_n our_o happiness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v decide_v by_o man_n esteem_n or_o contempt_n and_o the_o approbation_n of_o god_n and_o our_o conscience_n be_v infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o their_o groundless_a opinion_n but_o if_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o error_n in_o vicious_a shame_n there_o be_v likewise_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o cowardice_n in_o it_o nothing_o be_v more_o base_a and_o unworthy_a than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o desert_n the_o interest_n of_o virtue_n when_o he_o be_v solicit_v by_o his_o own_o conscience_n to_o adhere_v to_o it_o not_o to_o have_v resolution_n enough_o to_o do_v his_o duty_n in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n to_o submit_v his_o reason_n and_o conscience_n to_o the_o caprice_n of_o other_o and_o to_o depress_v himself_o beâ—ow_o the_o vile_a thing_n in_o die_v world_n and_o â—on_v the_o other_o it_o be_v to_o have_v great_a regard_n for_o man_n than_o for_o god_n and_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o abject_a than_o this_o proceed_v be_v not_o this_o shameful_a cowardice_n in_o a_o christian_a who_o be_v call_v to_o profess_v open_o his_o religion_n and_o faith_n and_o who_o ought_v to_o think_v it_o his_o glory_n to_o maintain_v the_o cause_n of_o virtue_n and_o justice_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o contradiction_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o age_n that_o threaten_v which_o our_o saviour_n have_v denounce_v against_o those_o who_o shall_v not_o have_v the_o courage_n to_o embrace_v the_o christian_a profession_n or_o shall_v abandon_v it_o belong_v also_o to_o those_o mean-spirited_n christian_n we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o 38._o of_o mat._n viii_o 38._o whosoever_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o also_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o the_o holy_a angel_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a remedy_n against_o this_o false_a shame_n be_v then_o to_o be_v possess_v with_o the_o follow_a reflection_n before_o all_o thing_n to_o have_v a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o certainty_n and_o importance_n of_o religion_n to_o consider_v that_o it_o propose_v to_o we_o infinite_a reward_n but_o that_o those_o reward_n be_v reserve_v only_o for_o those_o who_o have_v the_o courage_n to_o observe_v its_o precept_n to_o think_v what_o pleasure_n and_o glory_n it_o be_v to_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n and_o of_o one_o own_o conscience_n to_o fix_v deep_o this_o great_a truth_n in_o our_o mind_n that_o man_n judgement_n be_v very_o inconsiderable_a that_o our_o felicity_n depend_v neither_o upon_o their_o esteem_n nor_o contempt_n and_o to_o remember_v that_o the_o scripture_n call_v the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n fool_n and_o that_o a_o time_n will_v come_v when_o shame_n confusion_n and_o misery_n shall_v fall_v to_o the_o lot_n of_o those_o despiser_n of_o religion_n while_o ii_o while_o rom._n ii_o glory_n honour_n and_o peace_n shall_v be_v to_o every_o one_o that_o do_v good_a 2._o we_o shall_v easy_o conquer_v this_o shame_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o danger_n of_o incur_v man_n contempt_n or_o hatred_n by_o do_v our_o duty_n be_v not_o always_o so_o great_a as_o we_o may_v imagine_v i_o confess_v piety_n be_v often_o despise_v but_o yet_o it_o frequent_o command_v respect_n even_o those_o who_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o their_o example_n shall_v not_o be_v follow_v can_v help_v have_v a_o secret_a esteem_n and_o veneration_n for_o good_a men._n when_o zeal_n be_v accompany_v with_o meekness_n and_o discretion_n there_o be_v no_o fear_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v make_v himself_o odious_a or_o ridiculous_a by_o practise_v virtue_n a_o christian_a deportment_n be_v so_o far_o from_o expose_v man_n always_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o frequent_o happen_v that_o those_o who_o will_v avoid_v this_o contempt_n by_o neglect_v their_o duty_n do_v thereby_o bring_v it_o upon_o themselves_o 3._o there_o may_v be_v yet_o another_o remedy_n against_o this_o vicious_a shame_n and_o that_o be_v the_o example_n of_o man_n of_o authority_n whatever_o they_o approve_v or_o do_v be_v repute_v honourable_a in_o the_o world_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n what_o they_o despise_v or_o neglect_v
be_v think_v mean_a and_o disgraceful_a it_o will_v therefore_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o they_o to_o correct_v the_o notion_n which_o man_n common_o have_v of_o religion_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o shall_v love_v and_o honour_v it_o other_o man_n will_v no_o long_o be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o but_o will_v place_v their_o glory_n in_o practise_v it_o this_o i_o be_o to_o enlarge_v upon_o in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n cause_n vi_o the_o delay_n of_o repentance_n i_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o any_o illusion_n be_v more_o ordinary_a or_o contribute_v more_o to_o the_o support_n of_o vice_n in_o the_o world_n than_o that_o which_o i_o design_v to_o attack_v in_o this_o chapter_n and_o that_o be_v the_o delay_v repentance_n we_o must_v not_o believe_v that_o man_n be_v so_o blind_a and_o so_o harden_v as_o never_o to_o think_v of_o their_o salvation_n there_o be_v few_o who_o have_v not_o a_o general_a intention_n to_o obtain_v it_o even_o â—mong_a those_o who_o live_v ill_a many_o be_v convince_v that_o conversion_n be_v necessary_a and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o then_o they_o do_v notrepent_v i_o answer_v that_o so_o unreasonable_a a_o proceed_v which_o seem_v so_o contradictory_n to_o itself_o aught_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o hope_n they_o entertain_v of_o clear_v all_o score_n one_o day_n by_o repentance_n and_o of_o obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o all_o their_o sin_n through_o the_o divine_a mercy_n this_o be_v the_o true_a cause_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v that_o deceitful_a hope_n which_o frustrate_v all_o the_o endeavour_n that_o be_v use_v to_o make_v man_n for_o sake_n their_o vicious_a habit_n the_o delay_n of_o conversion_n ought_v therefore_o to_o be_v place_v among_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o bad_a life_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o importance_n of_o this_o subject_a have_v make_v i_o resolve_v to_o bestow_v a_o particular_a chapter_n upon_o it_o now_o to_o handle_v this_o matter_n right_a we_o be_v to_o observe_v two_o different_a way_n of_o put_v off_o conversion_n for_o all_o man_n do_v not_o delay_v it_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o the_o same_o sentiment_n and_o disposition_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v in_o they_o all_o some_o put_v it_o off_o to_o a_o remote_a time_n and_o to_o the_o very_a end_n of_o their_o life_n other_o do_v not_o adjourn_v it_o so_o long_o they_o design_v to_o go_v about_o it_o a_o good_a while_n before_o death_n at_o least_o they_o hope_v so_o and_o they_o put_v it_o off_o to_o a_o undetermined_a time_n the_o first_o sin_n proper_o in_o hope_n of_o pardon_n but_o the_o other_o sin_n in_o hope_n of_o repentance_n the_o former_a deceive_v themselves_o more_o gross_o they_o think_v that_o in_o order_n to_o be_v save_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o beg_v for_o mercy_n and_o to_o repent_v though_o never_o so_o late_o the_o illusion_n of_o the_o other_o be_v more_o subtle_a they_o conceive_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o reform_v and_o to_o forsake_v sin_n but_o for_o all_o that_o they_o do_v not_o convert_v themselves_o though_o these_o two_o way_n of_o delay_v have_v a_o affinity_n with_o one_o another_o and_o may_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n be_v encounter_v with_o the_o same_o argument_n yet_o i_o shall_v consider_v they_o here_o separately_z man_n common_o entertain_v this_o opinion_n that_o if_o they_o do_v but_o repent_v at_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n their_o sin_n will_v be_v no_o hindrance_n to_o their_o salvation_n they_o allot_v for_o this_o repentance_n the_o approach_n of_o death_n old-age_n or_o the_o time_n of_o sickness_n and_o they_o suppose_v that_o then_o they_o shall_v fit_v themselves_o for_o a_o christian_a death_n by_o confess_v their_o sin_n and_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o divine_a mercy_n it_o be_v not_o i_o think_v needful_a to_o prove_v that_o this_o opinion_n be_v very_o common_a for_o who_o can_v deny_v it_o neither_o will_v i_o go_v about_o to_o show_v that_o it_o feed_v corruption_n and_o encourage_v security_n by_o propose_v to_o man_n such_o a_o method_n of_o salvation_n as_o leave_v they_o at_o liberty_n to_o live_v still_o in_o sin_n for_o that_o be_v self-evident_a it_o be_v more_o important_a to_o let_v man_n see_v how_o false_a and_o dangerous_a a_o imagination_n that_o be_v which_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o so_o they_o repent_v before_o death_n they_o shall_v avoid_v damnation_n and_o be_v save_v in_o order_n to_o this_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o discover_v the_o principle_n they_o act_n upon_o and_o to_o unfold_v the_o true_a sentiment_n of_o their_o heart_n the_o delay_n of_o repentance_n include_v two_o different_a motion_n the_o one_o carry_v a_o man_n towards_o salvation_n and_o the_o other_o towards_o sin_n on_o the_o one_o have_v man_n be_v neither_o such_o a_o enemy_n to_o himself_o as_o to_o be_v altogether_o unconcern_v about_o his_o salvation_n nor_o so_o as_o blind_v not_o to_o perceive_v that_o repentance_n be_v necessary_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n he_o be_v so_o addict_v to_o his_o lust_n that_o he_o can_v resolve_v to_o renounce_v they_o in_o perplexity_n self-love_n find_v he_o out_o a_o expedient_a by_o which_o he_o thing_n to_o reconcile_v with_o his_o appetite_n the_o care_n of_o his_o salvation_n and_o that_o be_v that_o if_o he_o sin_v yet_o he_o intend_v to_o repent_v but_o here_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o man_n put_v a_o cheat_n upon_o himself_o and_o that_o such_o sentiment_n proceed_v only_o from_o self-love_n and_o from_o a_o strong_a affection_n to_o sin_n nothing_o else_o but_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o die_v and_o of_o give_v a_o account_n to_o god_n oblige_v he_o to_o destin_a the_o end_n of_o his_o life_n to_o act_n of_o repentance_n for_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o virtue_n have_v any_o share_n in_o this_o conduct_n be_v it_o any_o love_n or_o regard_n to_o god_n that_o make_v a_o man_n desire_v he_o in_o his_o last_o extremity_n and_o when_o he_o can_v enjoy_v the_o world_n no_o long_o this_o show_v that_o a_o man_n think_v of_o god_n only_o because_o he_o expect_v salvation_n at_o his_o hand_n which_o be_v to_o deal_v with_o he_o as_o with_o a_o enemy_n to_o who_o we_o surrender_v ourselves_o as_o late_a and_o upon_o as_o good_a term_n as_o we_o can_v and_o only_o that_o we_o may_v not_o perish_v such_o a_o delay_n include_v a_o positive_a resolution_n to_o offend_v god_n and_o to_o gratify_v one_o passion_n at_o least_o for_o the_o present_a he_o that_o think_v to_o repent_v hereafter_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o repent_v now_o he_o allot_v the_o present_a time_n for_o the_o satisfy_n of_o his_o lust_n and_o for_o the_o commit_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o his_o future_a repentance_n this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v fix_v and_o certain_a in_o his_o resolution_n for_o as_o to_o what_o he_o promise_v for_o the_o future_a it_o be_v most_o uncertain_a and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o thing_n right_a he_o promise_v nothing_o at_o all_o for_o he_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o he_o shall_v not_o die_v very_o soon_o nor_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v in_o case_n he_o live_v sometime_o long_o the_o hazard_n to_o which_o a_o man_n expose_v himself_o by_o this_o delay_n be_v evident_a in_o order_n to_o a_o complete_a repentance_n two_o thing_n be_v requisite_a the_o first_o be_v to_o have_v time_n and_o opportunity_n to_o repent_v the_o second_o be_v to_o make_v use_n of_o that_o time_n and_o opportunity_n those_o who_o put_v off_o their_o conversion_n to_o the_o last_o must_v suppose_v that_o they_o shall_v have_v these_o two_o advantage_n but_o these_o thing_n be_v extreme_o uncertain_a and_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v sure_a of_o they_o 1._o no_o man_n can_v promise_v himself_o that_o he_o shall_v have_v time_n and_o opportunity_n to_o repent_v at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o life_n it_o be_v true_a in_o fact_n that_o more_o than_o one_o half_n of_o mankind_n die_v without_o have_v time_n to_o prepare_v for_o death_n if_o we_o reckon_v up_o all_o those_o who_o be_v snatch_v away_o in_o a_o instant_a by_o unforeseen_a accident_n or_o a_o sudden_a death_n all_o those_o who_o perish_v in_o war_n all_o those_o who_o be_v seize_v with_o distemper_n which_o take_v away_o their_o sense_n all_o those_o who_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n do_v not_o move_v to_o repentance_n because_o they_o do_v not_o apprehend_v themselves_o in_o any_o danger_n of_o die_v and_o if_o we_o add_v to_o these_o those_o who_o only_a preparation_n be_v to_o have_v a_o minister_n to_o pray_v by_o their_o bedside_n when_o they_o can_v hardly_o hear_v a_o few_o word_n of_o
his_o passion_n as_o much_o as_o he_o may_v with_o decency_n and_o without_o danger_n if_o he_o have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o gratify_v his_o sensuality_n his_o covetousness_n his_o pride_n or_o any_o other_o wicked_a affection_n he_o will_v glad_o embrace_v it_o this_o be_v what_o a_o man_n will_v do_v to_o damn_v himself_o and_o be_v it_o not_o what_o a_o great_a many_o actual_o do_v i_o confess_v no_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o so_o wild_a a_o resolution_n as_o to_o design_n to_o damn_v himself_o but_o a_o man_n sufficient_o damn_v himself_o when_o he_o take_v no_o care_n of_o his_o salvation_n and_o when_o he_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o will_v infallible_o bring_v his_o perdition_n after_o they_o the_o sloth_n and_o negligence_n of_o man_n in_o the_o concern_v of_o their_o soul_n be_v one_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o their_o corruption_n it_o will_v be_v high_o necessary_a to_o remedy_v that_o negligence_n and_o to_o inspire_v they_o with_o zeal_n for_o religion_n but_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o succeed_v in_o this_o laziness_n be_v attend_v with_o a_o certain_a sweetness_n to_o which_o man_n give_v up_o themselves_o with_o pleasure_n the_o slothful_a do_v love_n and_o delight_n in_o rest_n they_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v egg_v on_o to_o labour_n this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o habit_n which_o be_v most_o difficult_a to_o be_v conquer_v and_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n there_o be_v but_o little_a hope_n of_o those_o in_o who_o it_o be_v grow_v inveterate_a it_o be_v a_o great_a task_n to_o rouse_v they_o out_o of_o that_o slulggish_a and_o lethargic_a temper_n god_n must_v interpose_v by_o a_o particular_a grace_n by_o great_a affliction_n or_o by_o some_o other_o extraordinary_a method_n but_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o altogether_o impossible_a to_o overcome_v this_o sinful_a and_o dangerous_a sloth_n or_o to_o preserve_v those_o from_o it_o who_o it_o have_v not_o seize_v as_o yet_o serious_n reflection_n upon_o the_o importance_n of_o salvation_n and_o upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o work_v at_o it_o may_v produce_v that_o effect_n man_n will_v not_o live_v in_o this_o carelessness_n but_o that_o either_o they_o do_v not_o apprehend_v of_o what_o consequence_n it_o be_v to_o be_v save_v or_o that_o they_o imagine_v there_o be_v not_o much_o to_o be_v do_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o salvation_n these_o two_o prejudices_fw-la maintain_v their_o laziness_n nothing_o can_v therefore_o be_v more_o useful_a than_o to_o convince_v they_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n that_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n than_o religion_n and_o that_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v the_o high_a of_o all_o concernment_n and_o to_o let_v they_o see_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o this_o felicity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v attain_v but_o by_o assiduous_a care_n and_o a_o exact_a observation_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n i_o know_v it_o be_v difficult_a to_o make_v man_n serious_o enter_v upon_o these_o reflection_n but_o yet_o they_o ought_v still_o to_o be_v lay_v before_o they_o and_o we_o shall_v not_o give_v over_o if_o they_o have_v no_o effect_n at_o one_o time_n there_o be_v circumstance_n in_o which_o they_o will_v prove_v successful_a i_o think_v few_o will_v continue_v in_o this_o sluggish_a disposition_n if_o they_o do_v represent_v to_o themselves_o what_o notion_n and_o thought_n they_o shall_v have_v at_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n every_o man_n be_v satisfy_v that_o he_o must_v die_v one_o day_n and_o that_o his_o condition_n will_v then_o be_v the_o happy_a that_o can_v be_v conceive_v if_o he_o have_v make_v use_n of_o the_o time_n and_o opportunity_n he_o have_v to_o secure_v his_o salvation_n but_o that_o if_o he_o have_v neglect_v these_o mean_n he_o shall_v find_v himself_o in_o strange_a agony_n and_o be_v reduce_v to_o dismal_a extremity_n when_o death_n appear_v when_o the_o world_n vanish_v a_o man_n be_v then_o whole_o take_v up_o with_o religion_n he_o will_v give_v then_o all_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v in_o his_o possession_n to_o secure_v to_o himself_o a_o better_a life_n now_o since_o we_o all_o know_v that_o this_o must_v one_o day_n be_v our_o case_n wisdom_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v overcome_v betimes_o that_o negligence_n of_o which_o the_o consequence_n will_v be_v so_o fatal_a and_o that_o we_o shall_v apply_v ourselves_o with_o earnestness_n and_o pleasure_n to_o that_o work_n upon_o which_o our_o sovereign_a felicity_n depend_v cause_v viii_o worldly_n business_n negligence_n common_o proceed_v either_o from_o indifference_n or_o from_o distraction_n we_o neglect_v those_o thing_n which_o we_o look_v upon_o with_o indifference_n but_o we_o frequent_o also_o neglect_v thing_n of_o moment_n because_o we_o be_v distract_v by_o other_o care_n these_o be_v the_o two_o cause_n of_o man_n carelessness_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n piety_n be_v indifferent_a to_o they_o they_o neither_o know_v the_o nature_n nor_o the_o excellency_n of_o it_o the_o duty_n which_o it_o proscribe_v do_v not_o appear_v very_o pleasant_a or_o necessary_a to_o they_o they_o love_v and_o esteem_v only_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n all_o this_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o be_v distract_v by_o temporal_a care_n which_o rob_v they_o of_o the_o leisure_n and_o freedom_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o study_n and_o practice_n of_o religion_n worldly_n business_n therefore_o be_v another_o source_n of_o corruption_n as_o i_o hope_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o the_o follow_a consideration_n i_o reckon_v among_o worldly_a employment_n all_o those_o care_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o world_n or_o this_o present_a life_n whether_o they_o take_v up_o the_o body_n or_o the_o mind_n there_o be_v temporal_a care_n which_o proper_o take_v up_o the_o body_n such_o be_v the_o care_n of_o mechanic_n or_o husbandman_n and_o there_o be_v other_o sâ—â—ular_a care_n which_o chief_o employ_v the_o mind_n such_o be_v the_o study_n of_o humane_a learning_n of_o politic_n or_o philosophy_n these_o last_o as_o well_o as_o the_o first_o aught_o to_o be_v count_v worldly_a business_n nay_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o temporal_a employment_n that_o the_o care_n which_o take_v up_o the_o mind_n be_v sometime_o the_o more_o dangerous_a while_o the_o body_n be_v at_o work_n the_o mind_n may_v be_v at_o liberty_n but_o when_o the_o mind_n be_v employ_v when_o the_o heart_n be_v distract_v and_o possess_v with_o temporal_a care_n it_o be_v much_o hard_a for_o the_o thought_n of_o religion_n to_o enter_v or_o to_o make_v any_o impression_n upon_o a_o man._n but_o whether_o these_o employment_n relate_v to_o the_o mind_n or_o to_o the_o body_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v that_o they_o be_v of_o themselves_o hindrance_n to_o piety_n for_o this_o imagination_n will_v be_v a_o very_a gross_a error_n worldly_n business_n be_v lawful_a and_o necessary_a and_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o neglect_v it_o since_o that_o will_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o order_n which_o god_n have_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n nay_o it_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o our_o salvation_n it_o may_v divert_v ill_a thought_n it_o may_v take_v off_o man_n from_o trifle_v and_o vicious_a employment_n and_o it_o may_v serve_v to_o mortify_v the_o body_n and_o to_o banish_v idleness_n which_o be_v the_o spring_n of_o all_o manner_n of_o vice_n i_o make_v this_o remark_n because_o some_o people_n fancy_n that_o in_o order_n to_o be_v save_v it_o must_v be_v necessary_a to_o live_v in_o a_o absolute_a retirement_n to_o lay_v aside_o all_o temporal_a care_n and_o to_o give_v up_o ourselves_o whole_o to_o spiritual_a exercise_n to_o read_v contemplation_n meditation_n and_o prayer_n but_o those_o who_o do_v thus_o stretch_v the_o obligation_n of_o renounce_v the_o world_n and_o insist_v so_o much_o upon_o a_o retire_a and_o contemplative_a life_n do_v not_o i_o doubt_v very_o well_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o piety_n nor_o do_v any_o great_a service_n to_o it_o sometime_o by_o endeavouring-to_a spiritualise_v man_n too_o much_o we_o spoil_v all_o and_o we_o make_v piety_n appear_v ridiculous_a or_o impracticable_a we_o shall_v always_o remember_v that_o piety_n be_v make_v for_o man._n now_o it_o be_v not_o one_o in_o fifty_o that_o can_v thus_o embrace_v retirement_n and_o absolute_o renounce_v the_o world_n i_o be_o far_o from_o condemn_v retirement_n it_o be_v sometime_o very_o seasonable_a and_o i_o think_v it_o in_o some_o sense_n necessary_a to_o all_o man_n there_o be_v some_o person_n who_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o their_o salvation_n or_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o choose_v a_o retire_a life_n disengage_v from_o temporal_a care_n other_o be_v call_v to_o that_o kind_n of_o life_n by_o the_o circumstance_n which_o providence_n
incline_v but_o yet_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o the_o various_a circumstance_n of_o time_n plate_n and_o of_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n contribute_v much_o to_o the_o progress_n of_o piety_n or_o of_o corruption_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v some_o happy_a circumstance_n and_o some_o time_n very_o favourable_a to_o piety_n as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v unhappy_a circumstance_n and_o time_n in_o which_o it_o be_v like_o a_o stranger_n upon_o earth_n the_o mean_n to_o promote_v it_o be_v then_o neither_o so_o effectual_a nor_o so_o frequent_a the_o design_n of_o this_o work_n oblige_v i_o to_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v think_v in_o this_o respect_n of_o the_o time_n we_o live_v in_o and_o whether_o this_o corruption_n which_o dishonour_v christianity_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o the_o time_n and_o from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n but_o we_o can_v succeed_v in_o this_o enquiry_n nor_o pass_v a_o sound_a judgement_n upon_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n without_o run_v back_o to_o its_o first_o origin_n and_o nature_n and_o without_o take_v a_o view_n of_o those_o age_n which_o be_v elapse_v since_o its_o first_o establishment_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o history_n be_v here_o of_o great_a use_n the_o scripture_n inform_v we_o what_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v and_o history_n show_v we_o the_o different_a state_n through_o which_o it_o have_v pass_v when_o we_o examine_v religion_n by_o these_o two_o rule_n we_o perceive_v that_o it_o neither_o have_v be_v nor_o will_v be_v always_o in_o the_o state_n it_o be_v now_o in_o it_o be_v fit_a in_o the_o sir_n place_n to_o seek_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o religion_n in_o scripture_n there_o it_o be_v that_o chistianity_n still_o subsist_v in_o all_o its_o beauty_n for_o neither_o the_o age_n which_o be_v past_a nor_o the_o change_n which_o have_v happen_v have_v be_v able_a to_o tarnish_v in_o the_o least_o the_o brightness_n of_o those_o native_a and_o lively_a colour_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n religion_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o holy_a write_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o four_o principal_a character_n in_o the_o â—dea_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o religion_n and_o these_o be_v truth_n holiness_n union_n and_o order_n 1._o the_o first_o and_o the_o chief_a character_n of_o this_o church_n and_o religion_n be_v the_o knowledge_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n this_o be_v what_o distinguish_v christianity_n from_o false_a religion_n the_o church_n be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n no_o long_o than_o while_o she_o retain_v the_o purity_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o evangelical_n doctrine_n it_o will_v be_v needless_a to_o prove_v this_o 2._o the_o sacred_a writer_n represent_v the_o church_n as_o a_o society_n altogether_o holy_a they_o name_v she_o ii_o she_o eph._n v._o 27._o pet_n ii_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n a_o glorious_a spouse_n have_v neither_o spot_n nor_o wrinkle_n nor_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o be_v holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n they_o call_v she_o xii_o she_o heb._n xii_o the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n a_o holy_a nation_n and_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n they_o give_v to_o christian_n the_o glorious_a title_n of_o king_n priest_n saint_n elect_a child_n of_o god_n and_o new_a man_n they_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o of_o a_o people_n separate_v from_o the_o world_n and_o its_o vice_n dedicate_v to_o god_n and_o to_o good_a work_n and_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n temperance_n justice_n charity_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n 3._o union_n and_o love_n be_v the_o three_o character_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o speak_v to_o we_o of_o many_o church_n but_o of_o one_o of_o which_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v member_n in_o what_o place_n soever_o they_o may_v be_v st._n paul_n say_v that_o there_o be_v buâ—_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n and_o one_o god_n the_o apostle_n enjoin_v above_o all_o thing_n union_n and_o charity_n and_o they_o give_v many_o precept_n to_o maintain_v these_o and_o to_o make_v they_o flourish_v among_o christian_n 4._o as_o holiness_n and_o union_n can_v be_v preserve_v where_o there_o be_v no_o order_n so_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o well_o regulate_v society_n in_o which_o every_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v in_o a_o convenient_a and_o orderly_a manner_n and_o in_o fact_n there_o be_v in_o the_o sacred_a write_n many_o law_n to_o this_o purpose_n we_o find_v there_o several_a regulation_n concern_v the_o way_n in_o which_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o concern_v the_o call_n of_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n and_o the_o principal_a function_n of_o their_o office_n the_o scripture_n do_v beside_o appoint_v the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n the_o manner_n of_o proceed_v in_o relation_n to_o scandalous_a sinner_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o public_a alms._n it_o prescribe_v the_o chief_a act_n of_o religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n prayer_n fast_v sacrament_n preach_v and_o some_o other_o head_n all_o these_o law_n be_v design_v to_o establish_v order_n and_o piety_n in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o banish_v confusion_n and_o scandal_n out_o of_o it_o and_o this_o order_n can_v be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a since_o the_o apostle_n have_v give_v we_o law_n about_o it_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o show_v that_o most_o christian_a society_n be_v hardly_o to_o be_v know_v by_o these_o mark_n but_o before_o we_o come_v to_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o observe_v the_o different_a state_n through_o which_o the_o church_n have_v pass_v from_o her_o infancy_n to_o this_o time_n ii_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o church_n in_o her_o infancy_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n be_v very_o pure_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o follow_v but_o yet_o must_v take_v heed_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o we_o do_v not_o form_v to_o ourselves_o too_o advantageous_a a_o idea_n of_o it_o as_o if_o christianity_n have_v be_v then_o in_o its_o utmost_a purity_n and_o perfection_n the_o church_n in_o her_o beginning_n do_v consist_v of_o jew_n and_o heathen_n these_o man_n embrace_v christianity_n do_v not_o so_o entire_o strip_v themselves_o of_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o custom_n but_o that_o they_o bring_v with_o they_o into_o the_o church_n some_o of_o the_o notion_n of_o judaisme_n and_o even_o of_o gentilism_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o this_o be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o those_o heresy_n which_o do_v stain_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o moral_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o several_a disorder_n which_o happen_v in_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n beside_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o minister_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o able_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o persecution_n and_o of_o the_o obstacle_n they_o meet_v with_o to_o regulate_v all_o thing_n as_o they_o will_v have_v do_v if_o the_o church_n have_v be_v in_o peace_n we_o need_v not_o therefore_o wonder_v if_o we_o find_v imperfection_n and_o defect_n apparent_a enough_o in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o it_o be_v of_o some_o importance_n to_o observe_v this_o not_o only_o that_o we_o may_v have_v true_a apprehension_n concern_v this_o matter_n but_o that_o we_o may_v beside_o obviate_v a_o unhappy_a consequence_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o present_a corruption_n from_o what_o have_v be_v know_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n no_o doubt_n but_o there_o be_v disorder_n and_o scandal_n at_o that_o time_n but_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o the_o church_n be_v then_o make_v up_o of_o man_n who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v bear_v and_o have_v live_v in_o paganism_n and_o who_o life_n have_v be_v spend_v in_o the_o thick_a darkness_n of_o ignorance_n and_o vice_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o the_o church_n be_v then_o more_o holy_a and_o pure_a than_o she_o have_v be_v since_o or_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o most_o place_n this_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n which_o can_v reasonable_o be_v contest_v for_o beside_o that_o it_o may_v be_v verify_v from_o the_o testimony_n which_o the_o sacred_a and_o some_o of_o the_o heathen_a author_n bear_v to_o the_o innocency_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o that_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o man_n be_v keep_v in_o awe_n while_o the_o apostle_n be_v alive_a in_o the_o time_n of_o miracle_n besidesall_n this_o i_o say_v there_o be_v two_o considereation_n which_o prove_v that_o corrupton_n can_v not_o be_v then_o so_o great_a or_o so_o
hospitality_n from_o mind_v their_o function_n as_o they_o ought_v and_o from_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o it_o with_o authority_n and_o zeal_n it_o force_v they_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o several_a mean_a or_o unlawful_a method_n to_o supply_v their_o necessity_n and_o those_o of_o their_o family_n and_o to_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o comport_v with_o their_o employment_n from_o thence_o proceed_v likewise_o the_o want_n of_o able_a minister_n a_o great_a many_o person_n who_o may_v have_v the_o necessary_a talent_n qualification_n and_o mean_n to_o be_v very_o useful_a in_o the_o church_n take_v a_o disgust_n at_o that_o profession_n by_o the_o fear_n of_o contempt_n or_o poverty_n as_o long_o as_o thing_n be_v in_o this_o state_n religion_n will_v be_v despise_v and_o corruption_n will_v still_o be_v in_o vogue_n it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o remove_v this_o cause_n of_o corruption_n as_o it_o be_v to_o detest_v it_o the_o re-establish_a of_o order_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n extreme_o difficult_a to_o this_o end_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a that_o prince_n arid_a churchman_n shall_v act_v in_o conjunction_n but_o there_o be_v few_o christian_a prince_n who_o lay_v this_o to_o heart_n and_o divine_n have_v quite_o other_o thing_n in_o their_o thought_n their_o great_a business_n be_v to_o maintain_v what_o be_v establish_v and_o to_o dispute_v with_o those_o who_o find_v fault_n with_o it_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n knowledge_n or_o resolution_n be_v want_v and_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o of_o honesty_n or_o greatness_n of_o soul_n to_o confess_v the_o truth_n few_o writer_n have_v the_o courage_n to_o speak_v so_o impartial_o as_o the_o famous_a author_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o reformation_n in_o england_n have_v do_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o his_o second_o volume_n it_o be_v think_v by_o many_o person_n that_o all_o will_v be_v ruin_v if_o the_o least_o alteration_n be_v make_v some_o of_o those_o defect_n which_o have_v be_v mention_v in_o this_o chapter_n be_v now_o become_v inviolable_a custom_n and_o law_n every_o body_n fancy_v true_a and_o pure_a christianity_n to_o be_v that_o which_o obtain_v in_o his_o country_n or_o in_o the_o society_n he_o live_v in_o and_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o put_v to_o the_o question_n whether_o or_o not_o some_o thing_n shall_v be_v alter_v as_o long_o as_o christian_n be_v possess_v with_o these_o prejudices_fw-la we_o must_v not_o expect_v to_o see_v christianity_n restore_v to_o a_o entire_a purity_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n that_o christian_n will_v open_v their_o eye_n at_o last_o and_o that_o divine_n will_v grow_v sensible_a of_o the_o necessity_n of_o mind_v these_o thing_n the_o main_a point_n here_o be_v to_o shake_v off_o all_o prejudice_n and_o to_o consider_v thing_n in_o their_o nature_n and_o original_a our_o saviour_n have_v leave_v we_o a_o excellent_a rule_n when_o speak_v of_o the_o abuse_n which_o have_v be_v so_o long_o receive_v among_o the_o jew_n in_o reference_n to_o marriage_n he_o tell_v we_o xix_o place_v =_o foot_n n_o =_o *_o mat._n xix_o that_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o this_o maxim_n be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o a_o lover_n of_o truth_n and_o virtue_n shall_v always_o have_v it_o before_o his_o eye_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o we_o shall_v still_o appeal_v to_o it_o and_o that_o instead_o of_o govern_v ourselves_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o present_a time_n we_o shall_v run_v up_o to_o the_o ancient_a constitution_n and_o compare_v what_o be_v do_v at_o this_o day_n with_o that_o which_o have_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v this_o will_v be_v the_o true_a way_n to_o reform_v abuse_n and_o to_o draw_v near_o to_o perfection_n and_o to_o bring_v thing_n back_o into_o the_o natural_a and_o primitive_a channel_n cause_n ii_o the_o want_n of_o discipline_n it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n in_o this_o chapter_n to_o speak_v of_o church_n discipline_n in_o general_n i_o shall_v only_o insist_v upon_o that_o part_n of_o it_o the_o end_n of_o which_o be_v to_o regulate_v the_o manner_n of_o christian_n and_o this_o be_v a_o important_a matter_n the_o want_n of_o discipline_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a imperfection_n which_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o one_o of_o the_o most_o evident_a and_o general_a cause_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_n but_o because_o some_o man_n have_v pretend_v that_o discipline_n such_o as_o i_o suppose_v it_o in_o this_o chapter_n be_v a_o humane_a and_o arbitrary_a institution_n the_o observation_n of_o which_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o may_v be_v dangerous_a i_o think_v it_o proper_a to_o say_v something_o here_o concern_v the_o original_a and_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v certain_a in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o all_o society_n and_o body_n have_v a_o right_a to_o establish_v a_o order_n to_o regulate_v themselves_o by_o and_o to_o provide_v for_o their_o security_n and_o preservation_n when_o several_a man_n or_o people_n unite_z to_z form_n a_o body_n they_o have_v power_n to_o make_v law_n and_o regulation_n to_o which_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o body_n may_v be_v tie_v and_o to_o exclude_v those_o from_o their_o communion_n who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o they_o but_o these_o law_n ought_v not_o to_o clash_v with_o other_o law_n already_o establish_v nor_o with_o just_a and_o acknowledge_v right_n i_o think_v this_o power_n which_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o mean_a of_o society_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o the_o church_n and_o this_o prove_v already_o that_o the_o church_n have_v a_o right_a to_o appoint_v a_o discipline_n to_o which_o all_o her_o member_n shall_v he_o subject_v provide_v that_o discipline_n do_v not_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n prejudice_v public_a tranquillity_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n nor_o any_o way_n contradict_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o as_o discipline_n be_v not_o liable_a to_o either_o of_o these_o inconvenience_n but_o do_v rather_o perfect_o agree_v with_o the_o welfare_n of_o civil_a society_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o will_v be_v prove_v hereafter_o so_o the_o establish_n of_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v equal_o lawful_a and_o necessary_a ii_o but_o further_o discipline_n be_v a_o order_n which_o have_v god_n for_o its_o author_n we_o find_v the_o institution_n of_o it_o in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o in_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o apostle_n i_o shall_v recite_v the_o chief_a of_o these_o 1._o in_o st._n matthews_n gospel_n chap._n xviii_o 15_o 16_o 17._o we_o read_v these_o word_n if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o of_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o have_v gain_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o these_o word_n we_o must_v know_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o enact_v here_o a_o new_a law_n and_o that_o a_o order_n like_o that_o which_o be_v here_o prescribe_v be_v already_o observe_v among_o the_o jew_n but_o here_o as_o upon_o many_o occasion_n our_o saviour_n do_v comply_v with_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o that_o nation_n because_o he_o judge_v that_o those_o custom_n be_v good_a and_o fit_a for_o his_o view_n and_o purpose_n the_o first_o christian_n do_v the_o same_o in_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o government_n they_o do_v form_v the_o christian_a church_n upon_o the_o model_n of_o the_o jewish_a assembly_n and_o upon_o the_o method_n which_o be_v there_o observe_v this_o be_v the_o key_n of_o the_o place_n i_o have_v now_o quote_v our_o saviour_n approve_v the_o jewish_a practice_n and_o enjoin_v his_o disciple_n to_o observe_v the_o same_o order_n among_o they_o it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o that_o this_o be_v his_o mean_v for_o he_o speak_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o it_o appear_v by_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o passage_n and_o by_o the_o sequel_n of_o his_o discourse_n that_o he_o be_v give_v here_o a_o law_n which_o concern_v the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o he_o proper_o speak_v of_o private_a difference_n but_o what_o he_o say_v aught_o to_o apply_v to_o
this_o knowledge_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o chief_a study_n of_o those_o who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n but_o the_o sure_a and_o the_o most_o compendious_a way_n to_o know_v man_n heart_n aright_o be_v to_o consult_v our_o own_o to_o reflect_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o to_o have_v a_o spotless_a conscience_n without_o this_o a_o man_n be_v still_o a_o novice_n and_o a_o bungler_n in_o preach_v and_o so_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n in_o private_a exhortation_n in_o the_o visit_n of_o the_o sick_a in_o prayer_n and_o in_o all_o other_o pastoral_n function_n there_o be_v still_o something_o defective_a when_o a_o man_n do_v not_o perform_v they_o out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o charity_n but_o only_o to_o discharge_v the_o outward_a obligation_n which_o his_o office_n lay_v upon_o he_o pious_a and_o good_a churchman_n who_o be_v not_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n destitute_a of_o gift_n fulfil_v much_o better_a the_o duty_n of_o their_o ministry_n a_o pastor_n who_o love_v his_o profession_n who_o lay_v the_o function_n of_o it_o to_o heart_n who_o be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o who_o practise_v the_o rule_n of_o it_o who_o in_o private_a humble_v himself_o before_o god_n and_o ardent_o implore_v his_o blessing_n â—ho_n be_v ever_o intent_n upon_o seek_v mean_n to_o edify_v the_o church_n who_o turn_v all_o his_o meditation_n that_o way_n who_o think_v day_n and_o night_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o his_o flock_n must_v needs_o be_v successful_a he_o have_v in_o himself_o the_o principle_n of_o all_o benediction_n and_o happy_a success_n when_o he_o be_v speak_v or_o exhort_v it_o be_v his_o heart_n that_o speak_v and_o the_o language_n of_o the_o heart_n have_v a_o kind_n of_o eloquence_n and_o perswasiveness_n in_o it_o which_o be_v soon_o discern_v by_o the_o hearer_n and_o which_o always_o raise_v a_o pious_a and_o a_o zealous_a preacher_n above_o a_o mercenary_a and_o hypocritical_a one_o the_o want_n of_o piety_n in_o pastor_n be_v therefore_o the_o principal_a source_n of_o the_o fault_n they_o commit_v and_o of_o the_o mischief_n which_o proceed_v from_o their_o remissness_n whosoever_o will_v serious_o and_o without_o prejudice_n consider_v all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v must_v own_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_n be_v chief_o to_o bâ—_n find_v in_o the_o clergy_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v to_o speak_v here_o of_o all_o churchman_n indifferent_o we_o must_v do_v right_a to_o some_o who_o distinguish_v themselves_o by_o their_o talent_n their_o zeal_n and_o the_o holiness_n of_o their_o life_n but_o the_o number_n of_o these_o be_v not_o considerable_a enough_o to_o stop_v the_o course_n of_o those_o disorder_n which_o be_v occasion_v in_o the_o church_n by_o the_o vast_a multitude_n of_o remiss_a and_o corrupt_a pastor_n these_o pull_v down_o what_o the_o other_o endeavour_v to_o build_v up_o some_o perhaps_o will_v ask_v whence_o do_v all_o these_o fault_n of_o the_o clergy_n proceed_v in_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n i_o have_v three_o thing_n to_o say_v 1._o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v think_v strange_a that_o pastor_n shall_v not_o fulfil_v all_o the_o obligation_n of_o their_o office_n as_o thing_n be_v constitute_v almost_o every_o where_n with_o relation_n to_o discipline_n to_o the_o inspection_n and_o authority_n over_o private_a person_n to_o the_o visit_v of_o the_o sick_a and_o to_o some_o other_o part_n of_o their_o employment_n they_o can_v if_o they_o will_v discharge_v their_o duty_n neither_o the_o magistrate_n nor_o the_o people_n will_v suffer_v it_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o defect_n of_o pastor_n be_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o contempt_n and_o abasement_n which_o their_o office_n be_v bring_v under_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o poverty_n they_o live_v in_o this_o contempt_n and_o poverty_n discourage_v a_o great_a many_o who_o may_v otherwise_o considerable_o edify_v the_o church_n and_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n why_o multitude_n who_o have_v neither_o education_n nor_o talent_n nor_o estate_n dedicate_v themselves_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v common_o imagine_v that_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v good_a enough_o for_o the_o church_n and_o whereas_o the_o jew_n do_v offer_v their_o most_o excellent_a thing_n to_o god_n among_o christian_n what_o be_v least_o value_v be_v consecrate_a to_o god_n and_o the_o church_n some_o be_v devote_v to_o the_o holy_a and_o the_o most_o exalt_a of_o all_o profession_n who_o will_v not_o be_v think_v capable_a of_o a_o employment_n of_o any_o consideration_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n if_o then_o we_o intend_v to_o remedy_v the_o fault_n of_o the_o clergy_n we_o shall_v begin_v with_o redress_v what_o be_v defective_a in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n in_o general_n 2._o many_o ecclesiastic_n fail_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o call_v because_o they_o do_v not_o know_v what_o it_o oblige_v they_o to_o and_o this_o they_o do_v not_o know_v because_o it_o be_v never_o teach_v they_o there_o be_v indeed_o school_n academy_n and_o university_n which_o be_v design_v to_o instruct_v those_o young_a man_n who_o aspire_v to_o this_o profession_n but_o i_o can_v tell_v whether_o school_n and_o academy_n as_o they_o be_v order_v almost_o every_o where_o do_v not_o do_v more_o hurt_n than_o good_a for_o first_o as_o to_z manner_n young_a people_n live_v there_o licentious_o and_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o own_o conduct_n the_o care_n of_o master_n and_o professor_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o the_o regulate_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o disciple_n and_o this_o disorder_n be_v so_o great_a that_o in_o several_a university_n of_o europe_n the_o scholar_n and_o student_n make_v public_a profession_n of_o dissoluteness_n they_o not_o only_o live_v there_o irregular_o but_o they_o have_v privilege_n which_o give_v they_o a_o right_a to_o commit_v with_o impunity_n all_o manner_n of_o insolence_n brutality_n and_o scandal_n and_o which_o exempt_v they_o from_o the_o magistrate_n jurisdiction_n it_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o christianity_n that_o prince_n and_o churchman_n shall_v not_o have_v yet_o abolish_v those_o custom_n and_o establishment_n which_o smell_v so_o rank_a of_o the_o ignorance_n and_o barbarism_n of_o the_o heathen_n and_o yet_o these_o university_n be_v the_o nursery_n out_o of_o which_o pastor_n doctor_n and_o professor_n be_v take_v those_o scholar_n who_o neither_o have_v birth_n nor_o sense_n of_o virtue_n or_o honour_n and_o who_o have_v spend_v their_o youth_n in_o licentiousness_n and_o debauchery_n spread_v themselves_o into_o all_o church_n and_o become_v the_o depositary_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n the_o arbitrator_n of_o religion_n as_o to_o the_o study_n which_o be_v pursue_v at_o university_n i_o observe_v in_o they_o these_o two_o fault_n the_o first_o relate_v to_o the_o method_n of_o teach_v divinity_n be_v treat_v there_o and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n explain_v in_o a_o scholastical_a and_o altogether_o speculative_a manner_n common_a place_n be_v read_v which_o be_v full_a of_o school-term_n and_o of_o question_n not_o very_o material_a there_o young_a man_n learn_v to_o dispute_v upon_o every_o thing_n and_o to_o resolve_v all_o religion_n into_o controversy_n now_o this_o method_n ruin_v they_o it_o give_v they_o intricate_a and_o false_a notion_n of_o divinity_n and_o it_o beget_v in_o they_o disposition_n direct_o opposite_a to_o those_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o find_v out_o truth_n the_o other_o fault_n be_v more_o essential_a little_a or_o no_o care_n be_v take_v in_o academy_n to_o teach_v those_o who_o dedicate_v themselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n several_a thing_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o will_v be_v very_o necessary_a to_o they_o the_o study_n of_o history_n and_o of_o church_n antiquity_n be_v neglect_v there_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o most_o divine_n may_v be_v compare_v with_o people_n who_o have_v never_o travel_v know_v no_o other_o custom_n or_o way_n of_o live_v but_o those_o which_o obtain_v in_o their_o country_n as_o soon_o as_o you_o take_v these_o divine_n out_o of_o their_o common-place_n they_o be_v in_o a_o maâ—â—_n and_o every_o thing_n seem_v new_a and_o singular_a to_o they_o morality_n be_v not_o teach_v in_o divinity-school_n but_o in_o a_o superficial_a and_o scholastics_n manner_n and_o in_o many_o academy_n it_o be_v noâ—_n teach_v at_o all_o they_o seldom_o speak_v there_o of_o discipline_n they_o give_v few_o or_o no_o instruction_n concern_v the_o manner_n of_o exercise_v the_o pastoral_a care_n or_o of_o govern_v the_o church_n so_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o be_v admit_v into_o this_o office_n enter_v into_o it_o without_o know_v wherein_o it_o consist_v all_o the_o notion_n they_o have_v of_o it_o be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o profession_n which_o oblige_v they_o to_o preach_v and_o to_o
shall_v go_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n be_v invest_v with_o civil_a authority_n and_o a_o very_a great_a authority_n too_o the_o jewish_a priest_n hold_v a_o considerable_a rank_n in_o the_o state_n as_o well_o as_o in_o religion_n if_o upon_o some_o occasion_n king_n have_v depose_v priest_n upon_o other_o occasion_n priest_n have_v oppose_v king_n and_o alter_v the_o government_n xxvi_o government_n see_v chron._n xxiii_o and_o xxvi_o so_o that_o without_o press_v too_o much_o those_o instance_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o best_a way_n be_v to_o consult_v the_o new_a and_o to_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o whosoever_o examine_v without_o prejudice_n those_o sacred_a book_n which_o have_v be_v write_v since_o the_o come_v of_o our_o saviour_n will_v acknowledge_v that_o thing_n be_v now_o alter_v and_o that_o magistrate_n have_v but_o a_o limit_a authority_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o the_o scripture_n never_o mention_n they_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o government_n of_o it_o 3_o and_o yet_o as_o the_o authority_n of_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n it_o ought_v still_o to_o subsist_v entire_a and_o therefore_o they_o have_v a_o unquestionable_a right_n to_o take_v care_n that_o nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o their_o lawful_a authority_n and_o of_o public_a tranquillity_n and_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n do_v not_o stretch_v their_o authority_n beyond_o spiritual_a thing_n the_o honour_n and_o the_o safety_n of_o religion_n require_v that_o this_o principle_n shall_v be_v lay_v down_o for_o religion_n as_o be_v say_v before_o ought_v not_o to_o disturb_v society_n and_o true_a religion_n will_v never_o disturb_v it_o if_o then_o any_o christian_n or_o churchman_n under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n shall_v break_v in_o upon_o the_o civil_a government_n and_o the_o public_a peace_n king_n and_o prince_n have_v a_o right_a to_o restrain_v they_o and_o then_o they_o do_v not_o oppose_v religion_n but_o those_o only_o who_o abuse_n and_o dishonour_v it_o after_o these_o consideration_n i_o think_v any_o man_n be_v able_a to_o judge_v whether_o the_o decay_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n be_v not_o in_o part_n to_o be_v impute_v to_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n we_o need_v but_o inquire_v whether_o both_o in_o civil_a and_o religious_a matter_n they_o observe_v the_o duty_n i_o have_v now_o describe_v i_o say_v no_o more_o of_o this_o because_o every_o body_n be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o application_n but_o i_o must_v add_v that_o if_o the_o want_n of_o zeal_n in_o magistrate_n be_v enough_o to_o introduce_v confusion_n and_o vice_n into_o the_o church_n the_o mischief_n be_v much_o great_a when_o not_o only_o they_o do_v not_o what_o they_o ought_v for_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n but_o when_o they_o use_v their_o authority_n beside_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o it_o i_o can_v forbear_v mention_v here_o two_o great_a abuse_n the_o first_o be_v when_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n assume_v the_o whole_a authority_n to_o themselves_o so_o that_o except_o preach_v and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n they_o will_v do_v every_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n when_o they_o presume_v to_o determine_v article_n of_o faith_n to_o rule_v the_o conscience_n of_o their_o subject_n and_o to_o force_v they_o to_o embrace_v one_o persuasion_n rather_o than_o another_o when_o they_o will_v by_o all_o mean_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o call_v pastor_n without_o regard_n to_o that_o right_n of_o the_o church_n and_o churchman_n which_o be_v establish_v in_o scripture_n and_o confirn_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n when_o they_o seize_v upon_o church-estate_n though_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o fear_v that_o wealth_n shall_v corrupt_v their_o clergy_n and_o though_o such_o revenue_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o several_a pious_a uses_n and_o particular_o to_o the_o relief_n of_o country-churche_n most_o of_o which_o be_v not_o sufficient_o edify_v for_o want_v of_o necessary_a endowment_n and_o fund_n a_o great_a deal_n may_v be_v say_v about_o that_o which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o last_o century_n with_o relation_n to_o church-revenue_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o people_n have_v be_v a_o little_a more_o scrupulous_a than_o they_o be_v when_o they_o invade_v the_o possession_n of_o the_o church_n and_o confound_v they_o with_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o state_n beside_o this_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n be_v fatal_a to_o the_o church_n when_o he_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o true_a discipline_n and_o when_o he_o substitute_n such_o regulation_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a in_o the_o room_n of_o apostolical_a law_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a obstruction_n to_o the_o restore_n of_o apostolical_a discipline_n though_o the_o church_n and_o her_o pastor_n shall_v be_v willing_a to_o observe_v the_o ancient_a order_n and_o to_o oppose_v corruption_n by_o those_o mean_n which_o the_o gospel_n enjoin_v yet_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v if_o those_o who_o have_v the_o authority_n in_o their_o hand_n will_v not_o give_v way_n to_o it_o the_o church_n be_v not_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o resist_v and_o to_o make_v head_n against_o the_o magistrate_n when_o he_o use_v force_n and_o she_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o if_o she_o can_v the_o second_o abuse_n be_v when_o the_o magistrate_n make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o abase_v religion_n in_o the_o person_n of_o its_o minister_n by_o despoil_v they_o as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v of_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v procure_v they_o respect_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n this_o policy_n be_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o the_o promote_a of_o piety_n as_o it_o be_v common_a now_o adays_o in_o several_a christian_a dominion_n it_o be_v well_o do_v of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o preserve_v his_o authority_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o clergy_n from_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o their_o call_v but_o from_o thence_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o trample_v they_o under_o foot_n to_o bring_v they_o under_o a_o general_a contempt_n and_o to_o vilify_v their_o character_n which_o after_o all_o be_v sacred_a and_o venerable_a this_o be_v to_o sacrifice_v religion_n to_o policy_n and_o pride_n and_o this_o proceed_v be_v a_o manifest_a cause_n of_o the_o contempt_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o corruption_n which_o necessary_o follow_v that_o contempt_n since_o common_o nothing_o be_v more_o despise_v in_o the_o world_n than_o that_o which_o great_a man_n despise_v i_o declare_v it_o once_o more_o by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v i_o do_v not_o mean_v to_o detract_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o respect_n due_a to_o civil_a power_n neither_o do_v i_o speak_v of_o all_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n among_o who_o there_o be_v some_o who_o have_v piety_n and_o zeal_n and_o who_o labour_n with_o success_n for_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v speak_v the_o truth_n so_o that_o i_o can_v not_o but_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o cause_n of_o corruption_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o if_o christian_a magistrate_n will_v be_v please_v to_o make_v serious_a reflection_n upon_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v soon_o see_v a_o end_n of_o some_o of_o these_o disorder_n and_o that_o a_o happy_a time_n will_v come_v when_o they_o will_v use_v their_o authority_n to_o advance_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o restore_v truth_n piety_n and_o peace_n among_o christian_n cause_n v._o education_n nothing_o be_v more_o natural_a than_o to_o look_v for_o the_o original_a of_o corruption_n in_o the_o time_n at_o which_o it_o begin_v i_o mean_v in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o life_n it_o be_v not_o only_a when_o man_n have_v attain_v to_o a_o ripeness_n of_o age_n that_o they_o be_v incline_v to_o vice_n but_o that_o inclination_n discover_v itself_o from_o their_o youth_n the_o root_n of_o that_o ignorance_n of_o those_o prejudices_fw-la and_o of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o ill_a disposition_n they_o be_v in_o may_v be_v find_v in_o their_o tender_a year_n we_o have_v need_v then_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o beginning_n of_o life_n and_o seek_v in_o youth_n and_o in_o infancy_n itself_o the_o source_n of_o corruption_n when_o we_o enter_v upon_o this_o enquiry_n and_o consider_v that_o man_n if_o nothing_o restrain_v they_o will_v run_v into_o vice_n from_o their_o youth_n out_o of_o a_o propension_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o we_o can_v but_o perceive_v at_o first_o sight_n that_o there_o must_v be_v in_o
unhappiness_n for_o child_n that_o in_o this_o respect_n they_o be_v so_o much_o neglect_v man_n have_v not_o the_o patience_n to_o reason_n with_o they_o and_o to_o teach_v they_o to_o speak_v and_o to_o act_n wise_o they_o be_v suffer_v to_o be_v among_o people_n who_o can_v neither_o speak_v nor_o reason_n they_o converse_v for_o the_o most_o part_n only_o with_o servant_n or_o other_o child_n by_o this_o mean_n they_o accustom_v themselves_o to_o take_v up_o false_a notion_n to_o judge_v of_o thing_n only_o by_o their_o appearance_n to_o resolve_v rash_o and_o without_o consideration_n and_o to_o be_v govern_v only_o by_o their_o sense_n passion_n or_o prejudices_fw-la from_o thence_o proceed_v almost_o all_o the_o fault_n which_o they_o commit_v afterward_o but_o this_o be_v especial_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o affection_n which_o man_n bear_v to_o sin_n and_o to_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n the_o first_o quality_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v to_o be_v a_o rational_a man_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o man_n who_o can_v make_v use_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o who_o have_v no_o sense_n shall_v judge_v aright_o of_o spiritual_a thing_n curb_v his_o passion_n renounce_v his_o prejudices_fw-la and_o constant_o follow_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o duty_n 3._o i_o shall_v not_o here_o enumerate_v all_o the_o particular_a fault_n which_o be_v suffer_v in_o child_n but_o there_o be_v two_o which_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o because_o i_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o cause_n of_o most_o of_o the_o passion_n and_o vice_n so_o which_o man_n be_v addict_v first_o there_o be_v no_o sufficient_a endeavour_n use_v to_o make_v child_n tractable_a and_o to_o subject_v they_o to_o the_o will_n of_o other_o the_o groundwork_n of_o a_o good_a education_n be_v to_o keep_v they_o in_o awe_n and_o obedience_n and_o not_o to_o let_v they_o grow_v independent_a and_o obstinate_a in_o their_o own_o will_n and_o passion_n so_o that_o when_o we_o command_v or_o forbid_v they_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v by_o all_o mean_v necessary_a to_o make_v they_o obey_v when_o we_o observe_v in_o they_o too_o strong_a a_o inclination_n to_o any_o thing_n though_o the_o thing_n be_v innocent_a yet_o because_o they_o desire_v it_o too_o earnest_o they_o be_v not_o always_o to_o be_v indulge_v in_o it_o but_o care_n be_v to_o be_v take_v that_o when_o we_o cross_v their_o will_n we_o do_v it_o with_o mildness_n and_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v give_v they_o to_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v with_o reason_n and_o for_o their_o good_a we_o oppose_v they_o and_o not_o out_o of_o humour_n or_o only_o to_o vex_v they_o when_o child_n be_v thus_o deal_v with_o they_o may_v be_v turn_v which_o way_n soever_o we_o please_v it_o keep_v they_o from_o stubbornness_n and_o self-love_n it_o teach_v they_o to_o overcome_v their_o desire_n to_o submit_v to_o correction_n and_o to_o follow_v the_o advice_n which_o be_v give_v they_o in_o a_o word_n tractableness_n in_o a_o child_n be_v a_o disposition_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o virtue_n but_o no_o good_a can_v be_v expect_v from_o a_o child_n who_o be_v not_o docile_a and_o obedient_a if_o he_o be_v permit_v while_o young_a to_o be_v independent_a and_o to_o do_v what_o he_o list_v he_o will_v be_v much_o more_o absolute_a when_o he_o come_v to_o a_o ripe_a age._n the_o other_o fault_n which_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o prevent_v be_v the_o love_n of_o the_o body_n and_o of_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n a_o carnal_a temper_n be_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n itself_o the_o root_n of_o all_o vice_n but_o the_o first_o rise_v of_o that_o irregular_a affection_n which_o man_n bear_v to_o every_o thing_n that_o gratify_v their_o body_n be_v in_o their_o infancy_n for_o beside_o that_o child_n govern_v themselves_o only_o by_o sense_n that_o bias_n they_o have_v towards_o sensible_a thing_n be_v forfeit_v by_o the_o sensual_a education_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o they_o none_o but_o gross_a and_o material_a object_n be_v propose_v to_o they_o they_o be_v entertain_v only_o with_o those_o thing_n which_o affect_v the_o sense_n and_o no_o idea_n but_o those_o of_o bodily_a pleasure_n or_o pain_n be_v excite_v in_o they_o the_o promise_n and_o '_o threat_v the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o be_v use_v to_o gain_v upon_o they_o relate_v only_o to_o corporeal_a thing_n and_o here_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v omit_v that_o they_o be_v chief_o spoil_v by_o be_v indulge_v in_o gluttony_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o clothes_n these_o be_v the_o two_o first_o passion_n of_o child_n the_o two_o inclination_n by_o which_o they_o begin_v to_o grow_v corrupt_a and_o to_o love_v the_o world_n nothing_o make_v so_o much_o impression_n upon_o they_o as_o that_o which_o affect_v their_o eye_n or_o their_o palate_n if_o child_n be_v use_v to_o a_o simplicity_n of_o diet_n and_o apparel_n this_o will_v preserve_v they_o from_o 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the_o way_n of_o breed_v up_o child_n of_o the_o better_a sort_n make_v they_o soft_a effeminate_a and_o lover_n of_o pleasure_n the_o fruit_n of_o such_o a_o education_n be_v that_o child_n become_v slave_n to_o their_o body_n and_o to_o their_o sense_n they_o be_v take_v with_o nothing_o but_o bodily_a pleasure_n and_o worldly_a thing_n from_o thence_o spring_n in_o process_n of_o time_n intemperance_n uncleanness_n pride_n covetousness_n and_o most_o of_o the_o great_a kind_n of_o sin_n this_o be_v likewise_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o indevotion_n and_o of_o the_o little_a relish_n which_o man_n find_v in_o spiritual_a thing_n particular_o in_o religion_n and_o piety_n a_o sensual_a education_n occasion_n all_o these_o evil_n 4._o it_o will_v not_o be_v improper_a to_o observe_v here_o that_o frequent_o the_o education_n which_o be_v give_v to_o those_o child_n who_o be_v destine_v to_o science_n and_o considerable_a employment_n either_o in_o the_o church_n or_o in_o civil_a society_n do_v but_o corrupt_v their_o inclination_n they_o be_v send_v to_o college_n and_o university_n where_o be_v trust_v with_o themselves_o they_o live_v in_o independence_n and_o libertinism_n and_o they_o be_v send_v thither_o at_o a_o age_n in_o which_o without_o a_o kind_n of_o miracle_n they_o can_v fail_v of_o be_v undo_v they_o be_v as_o it_o be_v emancipate_v from_o the_o inspection_n of_o their_o parent_n they_o be_v expose_v without_o defence_n to_o the_o most_o dangerous_a seduction_n and_o that_o at_o the_o very_a time_n when_o they_o be_v the_o most_o unfit_a to_o regulate_v their_o conduct_n and_o the_o most_o susceptible_a of_o ill_a impression_n and_o vicious_a example_n child_n will_v be_v much_o better_o educate_v with_o relation_n both_o to_o science_n and_o good_a manner_n if_o their_o parent_n do_v not_o make_v so_o much_o haste_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o spur_v they_o on_o to_o study_n till_o their_o judgement_n be_v a_o little_a form_v and_o especial_o if_o they_o take_v care_n to_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n before_o they_o be_v send_v from_o home_n some_o alteration_n shall_v likewise_o be_v make_v in_o college_n for_o the_o very_a study_n which_o youth_n pursue_v there_o be_v instrumental_a to_o debauch_v they_o they_o learn_v latin_a and_o obscenity_n together_o author_n be_v put_v into_o their_o hand_n the_o reading_z of_o who_o raise_v impure_a idea_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o as_o if_o there_o be_v a_o design_n to_o stifle_v in_o they_o all_o sense_n of_o modesty_n they_o be_v make_v to_o interpret_v and_o to_o rehearse_v very_o undecent_a thing_n when_o all_o be_v well_o consider_v young_a people_n acquire_v but_o little_a of_o useful_a learning_n in_o college_n and_o academy_n at_o the_o rate_n they_o live_v and_o study_v in_o those_o place_n and_o there_o too_o they_o
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it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o man_n be_v particular_o draw_v into_o evil_n by_o example_n and_o custom_n if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o primary_n or_o the_o only_a spring_n of_o corruption_n it_o be_v at_o least_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a source_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o proper_a to_o consider_v this_o matter_n here_o with_o some_o attention_n all_o that_o i_o be_o to_o say_v in_o this_o chapter_n be_v found_v upon_o these_o two_o supposition_n 1._o i_o suppose_v that_o man_n love_v to_o act_v by_o imitation_n and_o that_o example_n be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v the_o great_a force_n upon_o their_o mind_n but_o when_o the_o example_n be_v general_a and_o support_v by_o custom_n and_o multitude_n they_o be_v yet_o more_o incline_v to_o follow_v it_o they_o not_o only_o conform_v to_o custom_n but_o they_o think_v it_o beside_o just_a and_o lawful_a to_o do_v so_o general_n use_v be_v to_o they_o instead_o of_o law_n by_o which_o they_o judge_v of_o what_o be_v innocent_a and_o forbid_a and_o that_o which_o do_v yet_o more_o forcible_o determine_v they_o to_o follow_v example_n and_o the_o great_a number_n be_v that_o they_o think_v it_o a_o disgrace_n to_o do_v otherwise_o so_o that_o the_o fear_v of_o contempt_n add_v to_o their_o inclination_n make_v they_o perfect_a slave_n to_o custom_n if_o some_o remnant_n of_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n do_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o imagine_v that_o there_o be_v no_o hurt_v in_o comply_v in_o all_o thing_n with_o custom_n however_o they_o comfort_v themselves_o with_o the_o thought_n that_o the_o evil_a they_o do_v be_v not_o very_o great_a and_o that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o innocent_a they_o be_v excusable_a at_o least_o when_o they_o can_v plead_v example_n and_o common_a practice_n in_o their_o own_o behalf_n i_o suppose_v 2_o that_o example_n and_o custom_n be_v bad_a for_o the_o most_o part_n this_o i_o think_v needs_o not_o be_v prove_v and_o if_o it_o do_v this_o whole_a treatise_n may_v afford_v we_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o it_o since_o ignorance_n prejudices_fw-la false_a maxim_n and_o all_o the_o other_o cause_n of_o corruption_n i_o have_v mention_v be_v so_o many_o disposition_n sentiment_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v grow_v customary_a and_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o most_o general_a use_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o needful_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o ill_a example_n be_v very_o great_a and_o that_o custom_n be_v general_o vicious_a as_o it_o be_v to_o show_v that_o under_o the_o shelter_n of_o example_n and_o custom_n corruption_n be_v still_o spread_v far_o in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o church_n in_o order_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o power_n of_o custom_n and_o example_n in_o these_o three_o respect_n with_o relation_n 1._o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n 2_o to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o 3_o to_o manner_n what_o i_o be_o to_o say_v upon_o these_o three_o head_n will_v discover_v the_o source_n of_o those_o three_o great_a imperfection_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o mean_v error_n want_v of_o order_n and_o the_o bad_a life_n of_o christian_n 1._o matter_n of_o faith_n shall_v not_o be_v subject_v to_o the_o tyranny_n of_o custom_n religion_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o man_n fancy_n and_o opinion_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v eternal_a truth_n it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o immutable_a principle_n and_o it_o be_v not_o more_o liable_a to_o change_v than_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o we_o see_v but_o too_o frequent_o that_o in_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o in_o worldy_a affair_n example_n be_v more_o prevalent_a than_o either_o reason_n justice_n or_o truth_n man_n do_v scarce_o ever_o examine_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o custom_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o sentiment_n by_o this_o rule_n the_o determine_v what_o be_v true_a of_o false_a what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v or_o to_o reject_v and_o this_o prejudice_n be_v so_o strong_a and_o man_n have_v carry_v it_o so_o far_o that_o multitude_n and_o custom_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o proof_n and_o character_n whereby_o christian_n be_v to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o error_n and_o to_o judge_v what_o side_n they_o be_v to_o choose_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o people_n do_v not_o perceive_v that_o certain_a doctrine_n be_v palpable_a error_n and_o monstrous_a tenet_n we_o wonder_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a in_o so_o learned_a and_o refine_v a_o age_n as_o this_o be_v that_o the_o gross_a fable_n and_o extravagance_n shall_v still_o go_v down_o with_o man_n of_o part_n for_o divine_a truth_n and_o adorable_a mystery_n a_o time_n will_v come_v when_o posterity_n will_v hardly_o believe_v that_o ever_o such_o opinion_n be_v receive_v or_o that_o ever_o man_n do_v in_o earnest_a dispute_n for_o or_o against_o such_o or_o such_o a_o tenet_n it_o be_v only_o the_o prejudice_n of_o example_n and_o multitude_n which_o do_v blind_a man_n at_o this_o day_n they_o have_v be_v nurse_v up_o and_o educate_v in_o those_o persuasion_n they_o see_v they_o obtain_v among_o numerous_a society_n and_o that_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o their_o obstinacy_n in_o error_n nothing_o but_o this_o inclination_n of_o man_n to_o follow_v custom_n keep_v up_o in_o the_o church_n those_o dispute_n which_o rend_v it_o into_o so_o many_o different_a sect_n the_o principle_n and_o design_n of_o most_o dispute_n be_v no_o other_o but_o that_o man_n will_v maintain_v at_o any_o rate_n the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o party_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v those_o who_o be_v in_o error_n instead_o of_o be_v undeceive_v be_v more_o and_o more_o confirm_v in_o it_o every_o body_n swallow_v without_o chew_v all_o that_o be_v profess_v in_o the_o society_n or_o communion_n in_o which_o he_o live_v and_o condemn_v without_o examination_n the_o opinion_n which_o be_v maintain_v by_o small_a number_n or_o by_o person_n of_o another_o country_n or_o society_n those_o who_o be_v prepossess_v do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o make_v it_o a_o question_n whether_o they_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v and_o whether_o the_o truth_n may_v not_o be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o allege_v to_o such_o people_n the_o most_o invincible_a reason_n to_o press_v they_o with_o express_a declaration_n of_o scripture_n or_o with_o un_fw-fr answerable_a objection_n for_o either_o they_o do_v not_o attend_v to_o all_o this_o or_o if_o they_o examine_v those_o reason_n and_o objection_n it_o be_v with_o a_o mind_n full_a of_o prejudices_fw-la and_o resolve_v beforehand_o to_o think_v they_o frivolous_a and_o not_o to_o alter_v their_o sentiment_n they_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o some_o sorry_a argument_n or_o wretched_a answer_n if_o any_o scruple_n and_o difficulty_n remain_v they_o shake_v they_o off_o in_o a_o trice_n and_o set_v their_o conscience_n at_o 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