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who_o be_v in_o heart_n and_o life_n obedient_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o be_v the_o observation_n as_o brief_o as_o may_v be_v to_o be_v treat_v of_o vicious_a and_o dissolute_a man_n wonder_v that_o all_o other_o be_v not_o like_o themselves_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v of_o but_o that_o they_o have_v their_o reason_n for_o it_o whatever_o they_o be_v and_o they_o be_v the_o same_o by_o which_o they_o use_v to_o justify_v and_o excuse_v themselves_o and_o all_o other_o who_o be_v draw_v to_o compliance_n with_o naughty_a manner_n and_o corrupt_v by_o evil_a example_n it_o shall_v be_v my_o business_n at_o this_o time_n to_o see_v what_o some_o of_o they_o be_v and_o to_o give_v the_o strong_a of_o they_o its_o full_a answer_n we_o may_v conceive_v some_o of_o they_o to_o be_v these_o they_o say_v then_o that_o as_o the_o world_n ever_o do_v and_o now_o go_v to_o be_v conscientious_a pious_a and_o virtuous_a be_v 1._o to_o be_v singular_a and_o to_o call_v all_o man_n eye_n and_o talk_v and_o censure_n towards_o we_o 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v solitary_a melancholy_n and_o cheerless_a when_o other_o be_v divert_v court_v and_o crowd_v with_o good_a company_n 3._o it_o be_v to_o be_v contemptible_a and_o ridiculous_a 4._o to_o be_v revile_v and_o persecute_v 5._o it_o be_v to_o undertake_v a_o impossible_a or_o at_o least_o a_o extreme_o difficult_a and_o consequent_o painful_a thing_n we_o have_v not_o time_n to_o speak_v any_o thing_n considerable_a to_o all_o these_o excuse_n for_o the_o present_a we_o will_v take_v only_o the_o three_o last_o and_o of_o they_o put_v the_o two_o first_o together_o more_o brief_o but_o the_o last_o of_o all_o which_o seem_v the_o best_a they_o have_v and_o be_v by_o experience_n find_v most_o to_o deter_v man_n from_o the_o resolution_n of_o undertake_v a_o virtuous_a life_n and_o bid_v a_o final_a farewell_n to_o vicious_a manner_n and_o company_n be_v that_o which_o we_o shall_v hear_v and_o answer_v more_o particular_o 1._o in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o to_o abstain_v from_o the_o evil_a manner_n and_o life_n of_o the_o bad_a to_o join_v ourselves_o to_o and_o practice_v with_o the_o good_a the_o first_o be_v the_o generality_n of_o man_n of_o all_o rank_n and_o condition_n will_v expose_v we_o to_o much_o contempt_n hatred_n and_o ill_a treatment_n we_o shall_v meet_v with_o neither_o favour_n nor_o justice_n such_o be_v the_o usage_n of_o the_o christian_n by_o the_o heathen_n here_o in_o the_o text_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d speak_v evil_a viz._n of_o the_o christian_n no_o doubt_v their_o tongue_n and_o their_o heart_n and_o their_o action_n go_v together_o they_o revile_v despise_v hate_a and_o ill_o use_v the_o christian_n because_o they_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o their_o abominable_a custom_n and_o practice_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n still_o in_o general_n though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o difference_n in_o degree_n and_o some_o circumstance_n between_o the_o bad_a and_o the_o good_a even_o of_o the_o same_o external_a profession_n of_o religion_n of_o which_o some_o of_o the_o cause_n in_o few_o word_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o foolish_a and_o false_a opinion_n of_o libertine_n especial_o if_o great_a who_o take_v licentiousness_n to_o be_v the_o privilege_n and_o property_n of_o their_o rank_n that_o religious_a and_o conscientious_a man_n be_v timorous_a and_o mean_v spirit_v because_o they_o dare_v not_o venture_v upon_o some_o action_n and_o course_n which_o they_o fear_v not_o when_o it_o true_o proceed_v from_o their_o judgement_n choice_n and_o a_o great_a mind_n or_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v proud_a and_o self-conceited_a think_v themselves_o wise_a than_o every_o body_n else_o and_o on_o purpose_n contradict_v common_a practice_n whereas_o it_o be_v true_a wisdom_n and_o good_a understanding_n to_o fear_n god_n and_o depart_v from_o evil_n it_o be_v piety_n to_o god_n charity_n and_o compassion_n to_o the_o world_n prudent_a care_n of_o their_o own_o great_a interest_n final_o they_o think_v that_o the_o opposite_a manner_n of_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n reproach_v they_o first_o these_o by_o their_o course_n of_o life_n which_o they_o take_v in_o effect_n call_v they_o fool_n or_o perverse_a weak_a or_o wilful_a which_o indeed_o be_v true_a but_o it_o be_v the_o necessary_a signification_n of_o their_o principle_n which_o they_o can_v help_v nor_o be_v they_o willing_a if_o they_o can_v because_o they_o hope_v it_o may_v at_o last_o prevail_v upon_o some_o of_o they_o to_o be_v wise_a and_o to_o do_v better_o at_o least_o they_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o appear_v in_o and_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o not_o any_o way_n to_o contribute_v to_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o few_o good_a or_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o many_o bad_a but_o let_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o unjust_a usage_n of_o the_o religious_a and_o conscientious_a be_v what_o they_o will_v it_o be_v confess_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a but_o it_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n either_o for_o the_o compliance_n of_o the_o good_a or_o for_o the_o wonder_n of_o the_o bad_a that_o they_o do_v not_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o better_a reason_n for_o virtue_n and_o live_v well_o than_o the_o please_a of_o man_n not_o one_o in_o 1000_o of_o which_o have_v any_o reason_n at_o all_o for_o what_o they_o be_v use_v do_v but_o only_a humour_n passion_n appetite_n and_o example_n of_o the_o most_o and_o worst_a it_o be_v true_a he_o that_o discreet_o and_o conscientious_o will_v not_o go_v with_o a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a may_v be_v evil_o speak_v of_o and_o ill_o use_v by_o the_o blind_a inconsiderate_a or_o cowardly_a but_o can_v never_o deserve_v it_o it_o be_v they_o who_o be_v the_o foolish_a and_o ofttimes_o perverse_a and_o wilful_a in_o their_o pernicious_a folly_n and_o therefore_o their_o quality_n to_o be_v despise_v and_o their_o person_n pity_v let_v man_n give_v i_o better_a reason_n than_o i_o have_v for_o what_o they_o do_v and_o i_o will_v follow_v and_o thank_v they_o too_o but_o this_o contempt_n of_o those_o who_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n but_o their_o confidence_n number_n and_o humour_n or_o blind_a passion_n and_o inclination_n be_v to_o be_v contemn_v and_o will_v never_o move_v a_o man_n of_o ordinary_a spirit_n or_o understanding_n who_o know_v what_o and_o for_o what_o reason_n he_o ought_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o argument_n for_o imitation_n of_o the_o many_o great_a or_o small_a in_o evil_a manner_n to_o avoid_v be_v neglect_v contemn_a despise_a frown_v upon_o or_o hate_v reach_v only_o the_o more_o mean_a and_o vulgar_a mind_n whatever_o they_o appear_v from_o which_o notwithstanding_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v secure_v by_o particular_o show_v and_o mind_v they_o of_o the_o folly_n and_o injustice_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n our_o neighbour_n and_o ourselves_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n to_o be_v make_v which_o be_v worst_a to_o be_v real_o a_o ill_a man_n and_o to_o be_v ill-spoken_a of_o or_o ill-used_a by_o ill_a man_n through_o pride_n and_o ill-nature_n or_o even_o by_o the_o better_a through_o mistake_n for_o we_o will_v take_v but_o that_o one_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o true_a interest_n and_o a_o prudent_a care_n of_o ourselves_o who_o will_v not_o take_v it_o for_o a_o reproach_n to_o be_v count_v like_o a_o silly_a sheep_n to_o drown_v for_o company_n or_o prefer_v be_v wicked_a and_o miserable_a with_o a_o multitude_n before_o be_v innocent_a and_o happy_a alone_a lest_o they_o shall_v scoff_n or_o be_v angry_a with_o they_o for_o cowardice_n or_o break_v company_n suppose_v nineteen_o of_o twenty_o shall_v in_o a_o frolic_a draw_v their_o blood_n or_o drink_v poison_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o health_n or_o endanger_v life_n do_v any_o man_n think_v himself_o under_o the_o least_o temptation_n to_o imitate_v such_o folly_n and_o madness_n lest_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v for_o a_o dastard_n or_o a_o ill_a companion_n these_o similitude_n be_v not_o impertinent_a or_o improper_a let_v man_n believe_v as_o they_o please_v for_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n continue_v in_o be_v and_o will_v be_v as_o sure_o the_o death_n and_o destruction_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o often_o of_o our_o body_n and_o estate_n altogether_o as_o some_o wound_n and_o potion_n be_v mortiferous_a to_o our_o body_n only_o add_v to_o this_o the_o consideration_n of_o piety_n to_o god_n and_o charity_n to_o men._n the_o good_a man_n who_o reckon_v himself_o bear_v for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o to_o do_v good_a to_o other_o as_o well_o as_o enjoy_v it_o himself_o reason_n
usual_o signify_v among_o we_o between_o god_n and_o the_o best_a of_o man_n or_o the_o most_o excellent_a angel_n be_v to_o give_v a_o very_a false_a idea_n of_o the_o case_n for_o to_o merit_v from_o any_o one_o be_v first_o to_o profit_n or_o advantage_v he_o some_o way_n and_o than_o it_o be_v to_o impart_v somewhat_o of_o his_o own_o and_o last_o he_o that_o receive_v the_o benefit_n be_v bind_v to_o requite_v it_o by_o some_o law_n without_o and_o superior_a to_o himself_o now_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o between_o god_n and_o his_o creature_n for_o can_v a_o man_n profit_v his_o maker_n a_o master_n indeed_o may_v be_v benefit_v by_o the_o labour_n and_o service_n of_o his_o servant_n next_o the_o strength_n industry_n and_o fidelity_n of_o the_o servant_n be_v his_o own_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o master_n he_o never_o have_v any_o of_o this_o from_o he_o but_o what_o have_v we_o which_o we_o have_v not_o receive_v from_o god_n our_o very_a be_v faculty_n liberty_n all_o kind_n of_o ability_n and_o capacity_n be_v they_o not_o the_o free_a gift_n of_o our_o great_a and_o good_a creator_n final_o what_o law_n be_v there_o superior_a to_o god_n own_o nature_n and_o will_n to_o oblige_v he_o to_o any_o action_n who_o can_v or_o aught_o to_o say_v to_o he_o what_o do_v thou_o not_o so_o much_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o irresistible_a power_n for_o there_o be_v no_o tyranny_n in_o heaven_n as_o his_o all_o comprehend_v wisdom_n his_o immutable_a righteousness_n and_o essential_a goodness_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o just_a and_o right_a eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a but_o it_o be_v therefore_o so_o because_o god_n be_v so_o it_o be_v eternal_o a_o property_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v as_o truth_n be_v of_o the_o divine_a understanding_n it_o be_v his_o own_o immutable_a nature_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a and_o fit_a that_o which_o we_o call_v right_a fit_a just_a be_v a_o due_a relation_n or_o habitude_n of_o all_o will_n action_n power_n to_o its_o object_n which_o object_n be_v bonum_fw-la good_a and_o that_o the_o great_a too_o in_o respect_n of_o intention_n extension_n and_o duration_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o respect_n this_o be_v the_o ultimate_a due_a end_n and_o object_n i_o say_v of_o all_o will_n action_n and_o power_n whatsoever_o but_o this_o relation_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v therefore_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a only_o because_o god_n be_v so_o it_o can_v never_o have_v exi_v without_o a_o subject_a and_o that_o subject_a the_o divine_a will_n exist_v necessary_o the_o very_a be_v or_o existence_n therefore_o of_o any_o such_o thing_n depend_v upon_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o divine_a will._n beside_o this_o relation_n which_o we_o call_v right_o and_o just_a be_v something_o wherefore_o it_o as_o all_o other_o something_n must_v have_v the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o active_a power_n or_o his_o nature_n for_o its_o cause_n but_o though_o right_a and_o just_o depend_v upon_o the_o divine_a will_n for_o its_o eternal_a existence_n yet_o we_o can_v conceive_v it_o ever_o separate_v from_o they_o or_o without_o they_o we_o can_v but_o conceive_v it_o a_o pure_a perfection_n and_o therefore_o can_v but_o attribute_v it_o to_o god_n a_o all-perfect_a be_v for_o a_o instance_n or_o application_n we_o say_v that_o the_o object_n of_o god_n will_n be_v always_o the_o universal_a good_a the_o good_a of_o all_o being_n the_o great_a good_a either_o fit_a or_o possible_a and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o he_o will_v benè_fw-la bonis_fw-la malè_fw-la malis_fw-la he_o justify_v the_o righteous_a and_o condemn_v the_o wicked_a he_o order_n and_o distribute_v respective_a recompense_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a the_o quantity_n quality_n time_n and_o other_o circumstance_n be_v to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n but_o this_o proceed_v from_o no_o cause_n without_o the_o divine_a will_n itself_o we_o can_v but_o conceive_v the_o divine_a will_n thus_o to_o act_v there_o be_v no_o power_n or_o will_n to_o determine_v or_o constrain_v it_o god_n nature_n be_v such_o that_o we_o can_v but_o conceive_v he_o to_o will_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v just_a and_o right_a for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o all_o reasonable_a being_n and_o yet_o most_o free_o because_o it_o be_v his_o own_o immutable_a nature_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o free_a than_o what_o be_v natural_a liberty_n in_o god_n be_v not_o a_o indifferency_n for_o that_o will_v be_v a_o imperfection_n but_o that_o infinite_a force_n and_o delight_n with_o which_o he_o act_v i_o have_v no_o better_a word_n to_o express_v my_o meaning_n by_o liberty_n and_o necessity_n therefore_o in_o god_n be_v not_o only_o consistent_a but_o inseparable_a it_o be_v right_a and_o just_a for_o god_n to_o reward_v the_o good_a who_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o observe_v his_o law_n which_o be_v the_o infallible_a rule_n and_o instance_n of_o what_o be_v right_a and_o just_a but_o we_o must_v not_o say_v god_n be_v bind_v to_o it_o or_o that_o those_o who_o be_v good_a merit_n it_o from_o he_o in_o a_o strict_a and_o most_o receive_a sense_n and_o common_a usage_n because_o that_o import_v as_o if_o he_o must_v do_v it_o whether_o he_o will_v or_o no_o and_o there_o be_v some_o law_n or_o person_n without_o or_o superior_a to_o himself_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o say_v that_o god_n most_o certain_o will_v do_v so_o because_o it_o be_v his_o own_o immutable_a nature_n to_o do_v it_o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n and_o his_o countenance_n behold_v the_o upright_a it_o be_v true_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o not_o useless_a or_o very_o impertinent_a digression_n that_o worthy_a quality_n and_o action_n i._n e._n such_o as_o do_v effect_n or_o but_o tend_v to_o the_o common_a good_a that_o be_v useful_a or_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n do_v just_o entitle_v any_o person_n to_o a_o reward_n such_o as_o honour_n power_n wealth_n or_o pleasurable_a life_n because_o those_o same_o quality_n and_o action_n be_v thereby_o maintain_v increase_v and_o propagate_v and_o consequent_o the_o best_a and_o happy_a state_n of_o the_o world_n further_v and_o advance_v every_o one_o in_o his_o place_n and_o according_a to_o his_o ability_n be_v bind_v to_o this_o but_o especial_o all_o sort_n of_o governor_n and_o such_o quality_n have_v and_o may_v with_o good_a reason_n obtain_v the_o name_n of_o merit_n among_o man_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o they_o in_o its_o most_o common_a and_o receive_a sense_n for_o they_o be_v the_o property_n of_o those_o who_o possess_v they_o they_o never_o receive_v they_o from_o other_o man_n they_o be_v beneficial_a and_o useful_a to_o man_n and_o there_o be_v a_o superior_a law_n and_o power_n to_o oblige_v and_o compel_v man_n to_o reward_v they_o none_o of_o which_o can_v be_v say_v in_o respect_n to_o god_n though_o it_o be_v a_o congruous_a and_o reasonable_a thing_n as_o be_v above_o mention_v god_n always_o do_v and_o always_o will_v necessary_o from_o his_o own_o nature_n will_n and_o act_n in_o such_o manner_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o mean_v by_o merit_v than_o that_o we_o may_v safe_o in_o such_o a_o sense_n be_v say_v to_o merit_v from_o god_n too_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v that_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o god_n be_v not_o unrighteous_a to_o forget_v your_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n heb._n 6._o 9_o and_o benceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v i_o at_o that_o day_n and_o not_o to_o i_o only_o but_o unto_o all_o they_o also_o that_o love_n his_o appear_v 2_o tim._n 4._o 8._o i_o e._n it_o be_v a_o congruous_a and_o fit_a thing_n of_o best_a effect_n certain_o in_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v so_o use_v by_o he_o i_o have_v be_v somewhat_o the_o long_a in_o this_o digression_n because_o i_o believe_v the_o whole_a controversy_n about_o merit_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o st._n paul_n with_o his_o christian_n and_o between_o the_o pontifician_n and_o the_o protestant_n may_v by_o the_o little_a that_o have_v be_v here_o say_v be_v easy_o clear_v and_o decide_v at_o last_o we_o conclude_v then_o with_o st._n paul_n and_o the_o gospel-doctrine_n against_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n and_o the_o legal_a doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v viz._n that_o we_o sinner_n be_v justify_v by_o god_n and_o more_o particular_o upon_o our_o repentance_n and_o perseverance_n in_o holiness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n pardon_v and_o save_v not_o by_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v do_v not_o by_o any_o
be_v to_o be_v honour_v but_o then_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v to_o direct_v and_o determine_v that_o power_n deserve_v it_o much_o more_o it_o be_v true_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n without_o power_n be_v moveless_a and_o ineffectual_a thing_n but_o then_o power_n without_o they_o may_v be_v most_o mischievous_a goodness_n without_o power_n if_o it_o can_v do_v no_o good_a yet_o it_o can_v do_v no_o harm_n but_o power_n without_o goodness_n may_v be_v use_v to_o make_v miserable_a if_o it_o be_v manage_v by_o cunning_a pride_n malice_n and_o ill-nature_n but_o above_o all_o be_v that_o person_n honourable_a and_o amiable_a where_o greatness_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n be_v in_o conjunction_n as_o it_o be_v in_o god_n with_o infinity_o the_o example_n of_o such_o work_n marvellous_a effect_n in_o their_o sphere_n and_o carry_v all_o before_o they_o they_o have_v great_a force_n to_o change_v the_o very_a inward_a spring_n and_o principle_n of_o man_n action_n their_o 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influence_n of_o bad_a example_n be_v their_o confidence_n promptness_n and_o fierceness_n good_a man_n more_o general_o unless_o they_o be_v very_o happy_a in_o the_o gift_n of_o eloquence_n quick_a apprehension_n and_o courage_n all_o together_o converse_v with_o caution_n and_o consequent_o be_v more_o spare_v in_o their_o speech_n and_o action_n more_o modest_a in_o their_o affirmation_n more_o tender_a of_o the_o reputation_n of_o their_o conduct_n more_o careful_a of_o their_o own_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n more_o solicitous_a concern_v the_o influence_n of_o their_o example_n now_o the_o confidence_n and_o boldness_n of_o bad_a example_n be_v usual_o accompany_v with_o some_o wit_n and_o freedom_n of_o speech_n and_o carriage_n and_o some_o passion_n always_o with_o more_o vigour_n and_o life_n which_o thing_n be_v more_o discernible_a and_o acceptable_a to_o most_o company_n than_o good_a sense_n and_o reason_n and_o often_o make_v so_o great_a a_o impression_n as_o 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be_v irresistible_a on_o the_o contrary_a calmness_n and_o reservedness_n seem_v lifeless_a dubious_a cowardly_a and_o even_o when_o they_o be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o wisdom_n and_o judgement_n yet_o they_o be_v grateful_a but_o to_o very_a few_o of_o the_o same_o temper_n and_o the_o example_n of_o such_o reach_n the_o generality_n with_o no_o force_n or_o with_o very_o little_a impression_n whence_o good_a man_n may_v be_v advise_v that_o there_o be_v place_n and_o reason_n sometime_o for_o freedom_n and_o a_o handsome_a confidence_n in_o conversation_n though_o many_o very_a wise_a may_v want_v that_o faculty_n manage_v with_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o measure_n seasonableness_n and_o other_o circumstance_n and_o with_o a_o design_n to_o convey_v as_o opportunity_n may_v serve_v some_o good_a sentiment_n and_o instruction_n it_o be_v a_o laudable_a and_o useful_a dexterity_n in_o conversation_n to_o communicate_v wise_a and_o virtuous_a thing_n with_o advantage_n and_o to_o convey_v it_o acceptable_o and_o particular_o with_o a_o seem_a heedlessness_n of_o what_o one_o be_v do_v when_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o main_a design_n to_o do_v it_o well_o like_v as_o the_o discreet_a physician_n may_v seem_v to_o his_o ungovernable_a patient_n to_o be_v do_v nothing_o of_o consequence_n when_o he_o design_v the_o administration_n of_o some_o effectual_a remedy_n for_o his_o disease_n 4._o the_o last_o cause_n we_o shall_v name_n be_v the_o most_o general_a corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n consist_v principal_o in_o prevail_a inclination_n to_o other_o object_n above_o those_o to_o religion_n virtue_n and_o wisdom_n the_o depravation_n and_o vitiosity_n of_o our_o active_a power_n be_v this_o that_o those_o appetite_n and_o inclination_n which_o shall_v be_v moderate_a governable_a and_o subservient_fw-fr be_v the_o most_o violent_a ungovernable_a and_o command_a though_o this_o cause_n be_v very_o general_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o remote_a but_o near_o and_o immediate_a this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o suppose_v good_a and_o bad_a example_n equal_a in_o number_n set_v before_o we_o and_o recommend_v alike_o advantageous_o we_o shall_v except_o here_o and_o there_o one_o secure_v by_o a_o rare_a felicity_n of_o temper_n or_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n without_o much_o deliberation_n enter_v ourselves_o into_o the_o worst_a company_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o if_o oration_n can_v be_v make_v with_o equal_a seem_a reason_n and_o eloquence_n for_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o we_o be_v the_o moderator_n perfect_o leave_v to_o our_o own_o liberty_n without_o the_o restraint_n of_o shame_n we_o shall_v soon_o hearty_o determine_v against_o virtue_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n at_o the_o bottom_n why_o one_o single_a example_n of_o one_o great_a man_n have_v more_o influence_n than_o twenty_o of_o the_o prudent_a and_o virtuous_a the_o wise_a and_o the_o good_a it_o be_v because_o our_o very_a opinion_n as_o well_o as_o our_o practice_n be_v pervert_v and_o corrupt_v we_o esteem_v admire_v and_o love_v power_n more_o than_o goodness_n to_o be_v great_a rather_o than_o good_a to_o do_v what_o we_o list_v rather_o than_o what_o we_o ought_v and_o then_o our_o general_a veneration_n and_o great_a opinion_n of_o the_o great_a incline_v we_o to_o a_o particular_a promiscuous_a approbation_n and_o imitation_n of_o what_o he_o be_v and_o do_v it_o be_v from_o this_o miserable_a inborn_a propension_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o vice_n heavy_a and_o forcible_a that_o if_o sometime_o by_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o celebrate_a example_n we_o be_v a_o little_a heave_v upward_o that_o be_v all_o and_o we_o present_o flop_n down_o again_o all_o at_o once_o and_o sometime_o they_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o move_v we_o and_o all_o their_o beauty_n and_o lustre_n no_o more_o affect_v we_o than_o if_o we_o be_v deaf_a or_o blind_a it_o be_v from_o hence_o till_o it_o be_v change_v that_o like_o the_o fill_v it_o by_o swine_n we_o will_v never_o learn_v to_o be_v clean_o though_o in_o the_o midst_n â—f_n a_o verdant_a meadow_n cover_v with_o innocent_a sheep_n if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o puddle_n where_o we_o may_v wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n or_o like_o some_o natural_o clownish_a and_o slovenly_a people_n who_o will_v never_o be_v teach_v any_o decent_a carriage_n and_o manner_n though_o always_o in_o the_o company_n of_o those_o who_o be_v gentile_a and_o well-bred_a oh_o the_o deplorable_a pravity_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n desperate_a and_o utter_o incurable_a without_o a_o merciful_a touch_n by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o the_o special_a powerful_a influence_n of_o his_o grace_n prevent_v follow_a assist_v our_o earnest_a prayer_n and_o serious_a endeavour_n without_o which_o the_o company_n of_o heaven_n itself_o will_v never_o mend_v they_o they_o will_v still_o retain_v the_o propension_n and_o inclination_n nay_o the_o action_n too_o if_o they_o can_v of_o devil_n and_o brute_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n these_o
rare_o come_v before_o we_o arrive_v at_o a_o age_n think_v fit_a to_o manage_v a_o estate_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o we_o then_o see_v it_o so_o that_o we_o have_v be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o example_n and_o be_v form_v usual_o by_o they_o before_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o discipline_n of_o a_o instructor_n or_o tutor_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o man_n seldom_o much_o change_v the_o inclination_n they_o have_v contract_v to_o that_o time_n and_o general_o if_o by_o good_a example_n and_o government_n we_o be_v well_o season_v and_o temper_v to_o that_o age_n or_o some_o few_o year_n beyond_o we_o seldom_o prove_v at_o least_o very_a bad_a although_o by_o long_a and_o frequent_a ill_a company_n and_o example_n too_o great_a a_o part_n may_v be_v undo_v again_o and_o sometime_o all_o spoil_v which_o be_v very_o rare_a because_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o obliterate_v those_o early_a character_n and_o impression_n so_o often_o repeat_v have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n but_o rather_o reprove_v they_o say_v the_o apostle_n in_o that_o excellent_a epistle_n eph._n 5._o 11._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n from_o the_o good_a you_o will_v learn_v good_a among_o the_o bad_a you_o will_v sure_o grow_v worse_o like_v to_o that_o of_o the_o wise_a man_n prov._n 13._o 20._o he_o that_o walk_v with_o wise_a man_n shall_v be_v wise_a but_o the_o companion_n of_o fool_n shall_v be_v destroy_v aspice_fw-la quid_fw-la faciunt_fw-la commercia_fw-la venerat_fw-la obses_fw-la the_o youth_n once_o be_v very_o innocent_a behold_v what_o he_o be_v now_o how_o strange_o change_v by_o lewd_a company_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d associate_n not_o thyself_o to_o a_o wicked_a man_n these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o say_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o wise_a sort_n of_o man_n which_o do_v but_o remind_v we_o of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o example_n upon_o our_o manner_n and_o that_o far_o beyond_o the_o power_n and_o force_v of_o all_o precept_n instruction_n and_o direction_n nor_o do_v i_o yet_o know_v how_o this_o prevalency_n of_o example_n may_v be_v prevent_v or_o remedy_v but_o either_o 1_o by_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a felicity_n of_o temper_n from_o the_o birth_n whereby_o we_o be_v incline_v to_o use_v our_o reason_n more_o than_o our_o sense_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o give_v precept_n and_o example_n too_o or_o 2._o by_o the_o providence_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o may_v happy_o order_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o life_n or_o even_o immediate_o work_v upon_o our_o mind_n and_o particular_o by_o affliction_n or_o final_o which_o be_v most_o in_o our_o own_o power_n by_o some_o considerable_a retirement_n from_o too_o frequent_a and_o tumultuous_a conversation_n and_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o read_v and_o think_v that_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o first_o general_n viz._n the_o reason_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o example_n against_o precept_n ii_o the_o second_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o prevail_a influence_n of_o bad_a example_n against_o good_a one_o why_o ill_a example_n do_v so_o much_o more_o harm_n than_o good_a one_o do_v good_a we_o may_v observe_v these_o among_o other_o 1._o evil_a example_n be_v infinite_o more_o numerous_a we_o can_v hardly_o light_v upon_o a_o good_a one_o we_o can_v hardly_o miss_v a_o bad_a one_o good_a one_o we_o can_v hardly_o see_v any_o bad_a one_o we_o can_v but_o see_v many_o the_o high_a and_o the_o low_a the_o rich_a and_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o middle_a too_o it_o have_v be_v think_v indeed_o that_o this_o last_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v general_o the_o most_o sober_a and_o religious_a because_o great_a and_o rich_a man_n think_v themselves_o above_o god_n and_o religion_n poor_a man_n below_o it_o the_o one_o behave_v themselves_o as_o if_o god_n almighty_n dare_v not_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o the_o other_o as_o if_o he_o will_v not_o both_o equal_o mistake_v but_o suppose_v it_o so_o yet_o bad_a example_n far_o outnumber_n the_o good_a among_o all_o rank_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n though_o of_o different_a vice_n according_a to_o their_o respective_a temptation_n of_o different_a particular_a vice_n but_o the_o same_o general_a want_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o virtue_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o all_o and_o now_o if_o the_o number_n of_o good_a example_n be_v so_o small_a in_o proportion_n to_o bad_a one_o how_o much_o great_a will_v the_o influence_n of_o these_o certain_o be_v for_o if_o we_o observe_v it_o be_v frequency_n and_o repetition_n of_o thought_n and_o affection_n and_o action_n which_o form_n our_o manner_n those_o object_n which_o we_o most_o frequent_o and_o general_o converse_v withal_o which_o possess_v our_o thought_n have_v the_o command_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o consequent_o our_o inclination_n and_o action_n we_o seldom_o think_v or_o talk_v of_o love_n hate_v desire_v delight_n in_o any_o but_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o in_o a_o family_n small_a or_o great_a and_o in_o palace_n themselves_o the_o single_a example_n even_o of_o one_o or_o two_o of_o the_o great_a in_o it_o though_o deserve_o honour_v and_o belove_v too_o do_v so_o little_a good_a upon_o all_o the_o rest_n though_o it_o will_v otherwise_o be_v far_o worse_o it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v very_o many_o against_o one_o and_o how_o much_o less_o be_v it_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o in_o a_o place_n consist_v of_o many_o score_n or_o hundred_o of_o family_n the_o example_n of_o one_o or_o two_o who_o business_n it_o shall_v be_v to_o back_v their_o instruction_n with_o good_a one_o shall_v have_v any_o visible_a good_a effect_n unless_o their_o number_n be_v increase_v which_o will_v become_v the_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a care_n too_o or_o some_o more_o be_v please_v to_o give_v their_o assistance_n and_o make_v up_o a_o number_n 2._o but_o second_o the_o greatness_n of_o bad_a example_n be_v another_o cause_n of_o their_o great_a influence_n i_o do_v not_o know_v but_o that_o in_o proportion_n to_o their_o number_n there_o may_v be_v as_o many_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a person_n in_o the_o superior_a as_o in_o the_o inferior_a rank_n of_o man_n and_o that_o with_o more_o judgement_n and_o generosity_n but_o still_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o great_a the_o potent_a the_o honourable_a the_o rich_a the_o more_o be_v the_o pity_n be_v of_o the_o bad_a side_n though_o in_o the_o whole_a lump_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n put_v together_o infinite_o the_o major_a part_n in_o their_o practice_n at_o least_o shall_v vote_n for_o the_o licentious_a and_o vicious_a side_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o have_v near_o the_o influence_n it_o now_o have_v be_v not_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o great_a on_o that_o side_n too_o and_o of_o the_o same_o party_n to_o head_n and_o lead_v they_o so_o that_o it_o appear_v it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o number_n of_o voter_n but_o also_o the_o power_n and_o greatness_n of_o they_o that_o make_v ill_a example_n go_v so_o far_o and_o prevail_v so_o much_o be_v it_o the_o property_n of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o inferior_a sort_n only_o to_o be_v irreligious_a immoral_a and_o dissolute_a we_o shall_v soon_o see_v that_o party_n decrease_v and_o general_o desert_n both_o in_o inward_a principle_n and_o outward_a practice_n one_o excellent_a example_n of_o a_o great_a man_n will_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d outweigh_v a_o great_a number_n of_o small_a one_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n far_o from_o wise_a first_o esteem_v the_o man_n and_o then_o the_o manner_n at_o least_o the_o dignity_n and_o height_n of_o a_o vicious_a man_n make_v that_o vice_n seem_v little_a and_o tolerable_a if_o not_o honourable_a which_o be_v it_o only_o see_v in_o those_o of_o low_a place_n will_v be_v think_v contemptible_a and_o punishable_a alea_n turpis_fw-la turpe_fw-la &_o adulterium_fw-la mediocribus_fw-la haec_fw-la tamen_fw-la illi_fw-la omnia_fw-la cùm_fw-la faciant_fw-la hilares_fw-la nitidique_fw-la vocantur_fw-la we_o admire_v man_n for_o their_o power_n pomp_n and_o wealth_n and_o then_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o they_o leave_v not_o out_o their_o very_a vice_n too_o like_a as_o the_o pagan_n of_o old_a not_o only_o deify_v their_o hero_n but_o build_v temple_n and_o erect_a altar_n to_o some_o of_o their_o flagitious_a action_n and_o abominable_a crime_n as_o tully_n somewhere_o complain_v on_o the_o contrary_a the_o poor_a and_o mean_a man_n action_n according_a to_o the_o wise-man_n little_a history_n eccl._n 9_o 14._o though_o never_o so_o wise_a and_o beneficial_a too_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n be_v not_o heed_v or_o soon_o forget_v indeed_o it_o be_v truth_n and_o reason_n and_o not_o vulgar_a opinion_n only_o that_o power_n and_o greatness_n ability_n to_o effect_n and_o bring_v to_o pass_v
word_n read_v and_o see_v what_o instruction_n they_o will_v afford_v we_o to_o discourse_v upon_o by_o the_o term_n fool_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o in_o the_o scripture_n general_o be_v not_o mean_v only_o a_o ignorant_a or_o erroneous_a person_n but_o also_o one_o who_o be_v wicked_a and_o of_o ill-manner_n because_o he_o know_v not_o or_o mistake_v his_o own_o interest_n as_o well_o as_o depart_v from_o his_o duty_n the_o hebrew_n word_n be_v here_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v he_o that_o do_v foul_a as_o well_o as_o foolish_a action_n so_o nabal_n be_v say_v to_o have_v do_v according_a to_o his_o name_n when_o he_o be_v so_o ungrateful_a and_o churlish_a to_o david_n as_o well_o as_o so_o foolish_a and_o imprudent_a that_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o abigail_n by_o spare_v a_o little_a he_o have_v lose_v all_o 1_o sam._n 25._o 25._o and_o the_o syriack_n version_n here_o render_v the_o hebrew_n word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._o e._n a_o unjust_a wicked_a and_o perverse_a man._n 2._o it_o follow_v have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n i._n e._n he_o have_v think_v so_o though_o perhaps_o he_o never_o dare_v to_o say_v so_o for_o that_o be_v blasphemy_n and_o therefore_o death_n by_o the_o jewish_a law_n 3._o there_o be_v no_o god_n i._n e._n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n real_o existent_a it_o be_v but_o a_o name_n or_o a_o imagination_n or_o if_o he_o be_v any_o where_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o present_a upon_o this_o earth_n he_o meddle_v not_o with_o humane_a affair_n some_o foolish_a wicked_a man_n in_o their_o thought_n deny_v either_o the_o be_v or_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n extend_v itself_o to_o this_o low_a world_n like_o the_o ancient_a sect_n of_o the_o epicurean_o among_o the_o greek_n long_o after_o these_o fool_n of_o the_o psalmist_n and_o consequent_o the_o true_a and_o necessary_a perfection_n and_o attribute_n of_o his_o nature_n his_o omnipresence_n omniscience_n omnipotence_n his_o universal_a goodness_n whereby_o he_o govern_v and_o direct_v the_o whole_a universe_n at_o once_o to_o the_o best_a end_n his_o sanctity_n justice_n and_o the_o like_a and_o further_o consequent_a to_o this_o they_o deny_v all_o distinction_n between_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_n right_a and_o wrong_n virtue_n and_o vice_n other_o than_o the_o present_a gratification_n and_o fulfil_v their_o own_o lust_n of_o haughtiness_n pride_n violence_n covetousness_n voluptuousness_n etc._n etc._n which_o sort_n of_o man_n the_o psalmist_n here_o more_o particular_o mean_v by_o the_o fool._n nay_o final_o hence_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o jew_n speak_v i._n e._n they_o deny_v their_o religion_n despise_v even_o the_o authority_n and_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o be_v judaical_a infidel_n as_o we_o nowadays_o be_v christian_n once_o which_o be_v the_o more_o usual_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n and_o restrain_v to_o reveal_v truth_n this_o last_o sense_n want_v not_o equal_a probability_n with_o the_o former_a for_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o mankind_n there_o have_v be_v many_o more_o who_o have_v question_v the_o providence_n and_o true_a attribute_n than_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n for_o want_v of_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o therefore_o the_o chaldee_n paraphrase_n seem_v not_o to_o have_v do_v amiss_o when_o it_o paraphrase_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v no_o dominion_n or_o government_n in_o the_o earth_n 4._o the_o word_n they_o be_v corrupt_v they_o have_v do_v abominable_a work_n etc._n etc._n may_v be_v look_v upon_o with_o the_o coherence_n either_o of_o a_o cause_n or_o a_o effect_n of_o the_o precede_a proposition_n the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v thus_o utter_v because_o they_o be_v corrupt_v etc._n etc._n therefore_o they_o have_v proceed_v to_o that_o extremity_n of_o folly_n and_o impudence_n as_o to_o think_v there_o be_v no_o god_n at_o all_o and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o see_v and_o know_v what_o they_o do_v or_o if_o he_o do_v yet_o he_o can_v or_o will_v not_o concern_v himself_o to_o punish_v they_o or_o we_o may_v read_v then_o to_o this_o sense_n foolish_a and_o lewd_a man_n have_v first_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o no_o providence_n which_o reach_v humane_a affair_n and_o then_o have_v let_v loose_v the_o reign_v to_o their_o lust_n which_o have_v carry_v they_o to_o the_o most_o wicked_a work_n and_o abominable_a practice_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v learn_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o they_o who_o deny_v the_o be_v or_o providence_n of_o god_n over_o mankind_n and_o the_o consequent_a truth_n mention_v be_v both_o ignorant_a and_o wicked_a or_o infidelity_n be_v the_o quality_n of_o vicious_a fool_n the_o fool_n etc._n etc._n 2._o that_o the_o deny_v of_o those_o great_a truth_n and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o cause_n of_o corrupt_a manner_n or_o infidelity_n be_v follow_v with_o still_o great_a corruption_n of_o manner_n and_o wickedness_n of_o practice_n to_o take_v the_o first_o of_o these_o among_o many_o head_n of_o discourse_n which_o have_v and_o may_v be_v handle_v in_o this_o great_a and_o most_o important_a argument_n i_o shall_v choose_v but_o these_o two_n one_a to_o observe_v some_o of_o the_o most_o frequent_a cause_n of_o this_o disease_n and_o 2_o to_o propose_v some_o remedy_n to_o prevent_v or_o suppress_v their_o efficacy_n and_o because_o those_o of_o both_o part_n be_v many_o to_o be_v name_v i_o shall_v be_v as_o brief_a as_o i_o can_v in_o each_o of_o they_o and_o do_v little_a more_o than_o enumerate_v they_o one_a the_o first_o cause_n then_o of_o this_o infidelity_n be_v ignorance_n a_o charge_n which_o perhaps_o they_o may_v wonder_v or_o smile_v at_o who_o have_v so_o often_o be_v by_o themselves_o and_o other_o take_v for_o more_o than_o ordinary_a wit_n and_o so_o indeed_o they_o be_v but_o it_o be_v in_o levity_n shallowness_n temerity_n self-conceit_n and_o boldness_n and_o some_o other_o as_o worthy_a quality_n to_o be_v mention_v and_o we_o affirm_v still_o that_o one_o of_o the_o lead_n and_o first_o cause_n of_o infidelity_n be_v great_a ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o being_n short_a of_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o material_a or_o corporeal_a world_n to_o believe_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o thing_n to_o exist_v without_o a_o god_n or_o a_o be_v who_o essence_n be_v to_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a and_o consequent_o necessary_o to_o exist_v himself_o and_o to_o be_v the_o productive_a and_o conservative_a cause_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o existent_n and_o then_o when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v it_o be_v to_o have_v lose_v the_o faculty_n of_o reason_v serious_o to_o deny_v those_o attribute_n of_o his_o nature_n before_o mention_v and_o his_o universal_a providence_n for_o it_o will_v be_v to_o ungod_o he_o again_o it_o must_v be_v from_o a_o gross_a ignorance_n more_o particular_o for_o any_o man_n to_o doubt_v his_o universal_a goodness_n whereby_o he_o dispose_v and_o order_v all_o thing_n for_o the_o best_a state_n of_o the_o universe_n of_o being_n in_o all_o its_o duration_n take_v together_o and_o consequent_o his_o justice_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v better_o with_o the_o good_a and_o righteous_a than_o with_o the_o evil_a and_o wicked_a all_o condition_n or_o their_o whole_a duration_n consider_v and_o comprehend_v it_o be_v from_o no_o better_a cause_n that_o any_o man_n question_n the_o immortality_n of_o humane_a soul_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o the_o unsuitableness_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n to_o annihilate_v they_o and_o it_o be_v far_o more_o incredible_a and_o further_o from_o all_o belief_n that_o god_n shall_v make_v our_o soul_n only_o for_o this_o point_n of_o time_n we_o live_v upon_o this_o earth_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v make_v all_o humane_a race_n to_o come_v into_o this_o world_n only_o to_o cry_v and_o die_v it_o be_v i_o say_v it_o again_o from_o a_o contemptible_a ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o body_n and_o spirit_n the_o nature_n of_o god_n the_o true_a end_n of_o all_o be_v life_n and_o action_n that_o these_o grand_a and_o fundamental_a verity_n be_v serious_o and_o ex_fw-la animo_fw-la dispute_v or_o deny_v by_o any_o it_o will_v be_v at_o present_a too_o tedious_a and_o impertinent_a to_o deduce_v at_o large_a the_o particular_a proof_n of_o these_o most_o important_a truth_n it_o have_v be_v especial_o in_o this_o last_o age_n excellent_o well_o perform_v to_o which_o in_o some_o thing_n a_o further_a addition_n may_v be_v make_v let_v infidel_n or_o sceptic_n sufficient_o
answer_v that_o first_o i_o think_v we_o may_v without_o vanity_n challenge_v all_o the_o power_n and_o force_v of_o their_o wit_n and_o learning_n to_o do_v its_o utmost_a let_v we_o see_v if_o they_o be_v in_o earnest_n whether_o they_o be_v not_o extreme_o ignorant_a and_o if_o we_o may_v have_v the_o leave_n or_o pardon_v of_o this_o royal_a audience_n to_o provoke_v they_o with_o a_o great_a but_o just_a reproach_n whether_o they_o be_v not_o both_o bold_a and_o blockish_a of_o which_o the_o second_o cause_n of_o infidelity_n will_v give_v some_o account_n 2_o and_o that_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o apprehend_v and_o conceive_v those_o intellectual_a object_n which_o be_v absolute_a such_o as_o be_v the_o property_n and_o action_n of_o god_n angel_n humane_a soul_n whence_o some_o have_v conclude_v they_o to_o be_v mere_a word_n and_o talk_v or_o mistake_v for_o some_o corporeal_a nature_n such_o be_v those_o who_o first_o beginning_n at_o the_o substantiality_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n proceed_v to_o deny_v the_o providence_n the_o attribute_n and_o at_o last_o the_o very_a be_v of_o god_n impudent_o affirm_v nothing_o can_v be_v conceive_v by_o we_o but_o body_n and_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o it_o this_o miserable_a infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n confine_n the_o noble_a soul_n of_o man_n to_o the_o most_o ignoble_a and_o dead_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n deprive_v it_o of_o its_o great_a pleasure_n and_o perfection_n and_o debase_v it_o both_o in_o its_o knowledge_n and_o manner_n in_o its_o perceptive_a and_o active_a power_n the_o man_n who_o be_v most_o liable_a to_o it_o be_v those_o of_o much_o secular_a business_n and_o employment_n perpetual_o take_v up_o with_o observation_n and_o reason_n and_o plod_v about_o sensible_a object_n and_o affair_n of_o this_o bodily_a life_n and_o some_o there_o be_v run_v so_o far_o to_o the_o extreme_a of_o this_o side_n as_o to_o give_v little_a either_o encouragement_n or_o opportunity_n to_o any_o other_o knowledge_n or_o employment_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n beside_o mechanic_n trade_n and_o civil_a justice_n as_o if_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v mere_a chimaera_n and_o unprofitable_a fruitless_a empty_a notion_n and_o nothing_o deserve_v our_o regard_n but_o only_o how_o to_o handle_v a_o tool_n well_o or_o to_o buy_v and_o sell_v or_o at_o the_o high_a to_o prevent_v or_o decide_v a_o controversy_n about_o a_o house_n field_n or_o fence_n and_o other_o little_a property_n which_o indeed_o be_v at_o present_a necessary_a and_o of_o great_a use_n for_o temporal_a plenty_n and_o peace_n but_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o good_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o the_o hope_n acquisition_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o immortality_n in_o the_o heaven_n alas_o how_o little_a do_v such_o man_n understand_v or_o consider_v that_o if_o all_o the_o furniture_n of_o this_o momentany_a bodily_a life_n be_v not_o design_v by_o god_n and_o use_v by_o we_o for_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a good_a thing_n it_o be_v scarce_o worth_a our_o come_n into_o be_v at_o all_o much_o less_o undergo_a the_o manifold_a uneasiness_n incommodity_n care_n and_o calamity_n of_o it_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o humour_n and_o genius_n in_o a_o nation_n to_o which_o lapse_v and_o degenerate_a mankind_n be_v prone_a enough_o for_o some_o small_a time_n prevail_v seem_v to_o be_v profound_a ignorance_n and_o oblivion_n of_o intellectual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n the_o increase_n of_o atheism_n irreligion_n and_o profaneness_n immorality_n in_o heart_n and_o life_n any_o further_a than_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o secular_a interest_n and_o restrain_v by_o the_o law_n of_o civil_a society_n for_o which_o one_o reason_n it_o seem_v high_o expedient_a or_o rather_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o set_v apart_o one_o order_n of_o man_n in_o considerable_a number_n with_o place_n and_o other_o proper_a and_o convenient_a circumstance_n to_o preserve_v and_o improve_v the_o knowledge_n and_o esteem_n of_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n among_o man_n otherwise_o true_o in_o great_a danger_n to_o be_v lose_v and_o without_o which_o we_o shall_v live_v like_o the_o fish_n and_o mole_n as_o ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n and_o privilege_n and_o felicity_n of_o the_o superior_a world_n infinite_o the_o vast_a and_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n as_o they_o be_v of_o we_o it_o be_v more_o than_o likely_a some_o man_n may_v be_v content_a with_o it_o but_o sure_o they_o will_v be_v so_o humane_a and_o charitable_a as_o not_o to_o hinder_v but_o to_o help_v those_o which_o be_v not_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o two_o great_a difference_n between_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v call_v barbarous_a and_o that_o which_o be_v civil_a be_v intellectuality_n and_o charity_n and_o so_o far_o as_o we_o lose_v either_o we_o return_v again_o to_o barbarism_n 3_o another_o most_o frequent_a and_o lamentable_a cause_n indeed_o of_o infidelity_n be_v licentiousness_n man_n will_v live_v as_o they_o listen_v and_o gratify_v and_o indulge_v their_o lust_n to_o the_o full_a without_o any_o fear_n restraint_n or_o allay_v and_o because_o their_o conscience_n be_v at_o first_o more_o or_o less_o troublesome_a they_o endeavour_v to_o bribe_v corrupt_a and_o bring_v they_o over_o to_o their_o party_n to_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o may_v safe_o and_o honest_o too_o follow_v such_o course_n for_o that_o which_o be_v ordinary_o believe_v say_v they_o and_o talk_v of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o difference_n of_o action_n except_o only_o from_o agreeableness_n and_o present_a pleasure_n of_o god_n his_o sanctity_n and_o justice_n of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n of_o reckon_n and_o recompense_n hereafter_o be_v but_o imagination_n and_o talk_n or_o false_a or_o at_o least_o dubious_a thing_n these_o man_n do_v the_o work_n thorough_o of_o debauch_v and_o eternal_o ruine_v themselves_o they_o do_v not_o only_o hire_v their_o conscience_n to_o be_v silent_a or_o stand_v neuter_n but_o to_o give_v their_o lust_n all_o possible_a assistance_n and_o encouragement_n like_o some_o who_o have_v fight_v desperate_o in_o a_o bad_a cause_n not_o without_o conscience_n but_o with_o one_o as_o bad_a as_o their_o cause_n and_o here_o these_o person_n who_o will_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v thus_o abuse_v by_o their_o lust_n ought_v timely_o to_o be_v aware_a in_o what_o great_a danger_n they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o but_o also_o the_o lord_n that_o make_v they_o with_o all_o religion_n that_o ever_o reason_n and_o nature_n have_v teach_v and_o consequent_o to_o be_v deny_v by_o they_o 4._o in_o man_n of_o a_o haughty_a spirit_n that_o very_a temper_n of_o they_o be_v a_o frequent_a cause_n of_o infidelity_n they_o will_v needs_o be_v uncontrollable_a by_o any_o and_o not_o endure_v any_o bound_n to_o their_o desire_n and_o enjoyment_n but_o what_o they_o please_v to_o set_v themselves_o it_o be_v for_o ordinary_a and_o low_a spirit_n and_o not_o for_o such_o great_a mind_n as_o they_o be_v so_o say_v their_o flatterer_n and_o they_o believe_v they_o to_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v restrain_v by_o any_o law_n of_o nature_n reason_n or_o religion_n or_o to_o depend_v upon_o any_o be_v whatsoever_o so_o much_o as_o to_o hope_v or_o fear_v from_o he_o and_o therefore_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n man_n who_o speak_v as_o big_a as_o pharaoh_n who_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o i_o shall_v obey_v he_o exod._n 5._o 2._o poor_a creature_n who_o though_o they_o be_v not_o a_o jot_n wise_a or_o better_o and_o true_o comparative_o very_o little_o great_a than_o other_o mean_a mortal_n yet_o they_o will_v aspire_v to_o the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n their_o creator_n to_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o essential_a sanctity_n immutable_a justice_n all_o comprehend_v wisdom_n and_o almighty_a power_n it_o only_o belong_v to_o know_v no_o other_o law_n but_o those_o of_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o will_n and_o to_o court_v no_o power_n superior_a to_o his_o own_o 5_o we_o may_v add_v to_o these_o a_o certain_a gayness_n of_o spirit_n in_o some_o man_n these_o hate_n all_o care_n attention_n reflection_n and_o foresight_n which_o contract_v the_o spirit_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o gather_v itself_o together_o and_o consequent_o they_o like_v not_o to_o hear_v of_o or_o believe_v nay_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o disbelieve_v every_o thing_n which_o may_v disturb_v the_o security_n or_o confine_v the_o liberty_n or_o darken_v the_o gaiety_n of_o their_o mind_n it_o be_v plain_a if_o we_o entertain_v and_o settle_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o great_a practical_a truth_n of_o reveal_v and_o natural_a religion_n they_o will_v oblige_v we_o to_o make_v use_n of_o some_o prudence_n and_o attention_n to_o direct_v our_o action_n by_o certain_a rule_n to_o a_o certain_a
end_n and_o not_o to_o leave_v ourselves_o to_o a_o tumultuous_a boonness_n of_o spirit_n and_o to_o the_o fortuitous_a tide_n or_o rush_n of_o our_o appetite_n and_o passion_n so_o it_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o ancient_a epicurean_o that_o their_o exclusion_n of_o their_o deity_n from_o humane_a affair_n be_v recommend_v by_o they_o as_o a_o comfortable_a dogm_n free_v man_n from_o all_o fear_n and_o solicitude_n to_o please_v or_o displease_v they_o 6_o sometime_o in_o some_o man_n infidelity_n have_v proceed_v from_o a_o sourness_n of_o mind_n great_a displeasure_n conceive_v and_o ferment_v into_o a_o impatience_n against_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n perhaps_o their_o impetuous_a desire_n have_v be_v cross_v their_o darling_n design_n break_v and_o their_o jolly_a hope_n frustrate_v or_o their_o sweet_a enjoyment_n sudden_o sweep_v away_o from_o they_o whence_o first_o they_o have_v entertain_v very_o hard_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n and_o break_v out_o into_o rude_a and_o unmannerly_a expression_n against_o they_o then_o in_o revenge_n proceed_v to_o wish_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o at_o last_o have_v think_v it_o more_o easy_a and_o safe_a to_o deny_v they_o 7_o in_o other_o again_o a_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n and_o despise_v what_o be_v common_a a_o humour_n of_o contradict_v of_o what_o be_v ordinary_o believe_v dispose_v to_o infidelity_n because_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n do_v believe_v those_o great_a truth_n so_o often_o mention_v therefore_o they_o will_v not_o they_o will_v seem_v more_o search_v or_o fortunate_a or_o bold_a in_o their_o discovery_n and_o opinion_n than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o they_o will_v appear_v to_o know_v or_o at_o least_o dare_v to_o say_v that_o which_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n have_v be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o that_o which_o if_o some_o few_o of_o the_o more_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a and_o penetrate_a have_v think_v as_o well_o as_o themselves_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o the_o courage_n to_o publish_v it_o now_o these_o man_n be_v under_o a_o far_o more_o dangerous_a prejudice_n from_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n and_o novelty_n than_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n who_o they_o usual_o despise_v be_v from_o antiquity_n custom_n and_o example_n if_o we_o consider_v both_o these_o abstract_o it_o be_v far_o safe_a to_o follow_v common_a receive_v opinion_n of_o many_o country_n and_o age_n especial_o if_o believe_v of_o great_a importance_n than_o the_o new_a invention_n of_o one_o or_o some_o few_o though_o both_o may_v be_v false_a yet_o if_o no_o other_o reason_n be_v consider_v the_o old_a be_v much_o more_o likely_a to_o be_v true_a than_o the_o new_a and_o i_o believe_v it_o be_v the_o experience_n of_o those_o who_o impartial_o examine_v thing_n that_o general_o the_o common_a and_o well_o near_o universal_o receive_v opinion_n of_o all_o place_n and_o age_n especial_o if_o think_v of_o great_a consequence_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a be_v at_o last_o find_v in_o the_o main_a part_n of_o they_o to_o be_v true_a and_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a employment_n of_o man_n of_o great_a wit_n and_o more_o than_o ordinary_a sagacity_n and_o capacity_n to_o conceive_v and_o deliver_v they_o more_o clear_o and_o distinct_o and_o to_o pare_v off_o and_o separate_v some_o absurdity_n and_o falsehood_n which_o may_v in_o some_o tract_n of_o time_n by_o pass_v through_o many_o unskilful_a hand_n have_v be_v fasten_v to_o they_o but_o of_o this_o more_o will_v be_v say_v when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o remedy_n of_o infidelity_n 8._o to_o add_v no_o more_o at_o present_a envy_n against_o the_o professor_n but_o of_o ingenuity_n philosophy_n and_o sobriety_n much_o more_o of_o religion_n and_o piety_n especial_o if_o attend_v with_o any_o thing_n of_o dignity_n reputation_n and_o revenue_n have_v be_v the_o cause_n i_o doubt_v in_o many_o ill-tempered_a and_o ill-living_a man_n of_o this_o infidelity_n some_o of_o these_o at_o first_o out_o of_o this_o ill-humour_n and_o quality_n feign_v to_o themselves_o and_o then_o industrious_o bring_v themselves_o to_o believe_v it_o that_o the_o thing_n be_v frivolous_a or_o false_a for_o which_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o religion_n have_v be_v think_v worthy_a of_o their_o reward_n of_o esteem_n honour_n and_o revenue_n and_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n or_o reason_n no_o other_o but_o that_o their_o eye_n be_v evil_a and_o they_o will_v not_o have_v they_o to_o enjoy_v they_o they_o do_v not_o well_o abide_v it_o to_o see_v they_o in_o possession_n of_o that_o which_o either_o they_o will_v have_v themselves_o whither_o deserve_o or_o not_o or_o at_o lest_o no_o body_n else_o other_o again_o speak_v mean_o or_o disgraceful_o of_o their_o doctrine_n opinion_n and_o profession_n because_o they_o spoil_v the_o reputation_n of_o their_o manner_n of_o life_n and_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o licentiousness_n and_o liberty_n which_o they_o profess_v practice_n and_o delight_n in_o hence_o it_o be_v they_o give_v they_o the_o bad_a and_o contemptible_a name_n of_o pedantry_n uncertainty_n or_o falsehood_n here_o we_o may_v take_v in_o another_o sort_n of_o man_n which_o be_v but_o servant_n and_o attendant_n to_o the_o former_a those_o viz._n who_o get_v their_o livelihood_n and_o sometime_o more_o by_o the_o excess_n contention_n quarrel_n perjury_n and_o other_o wickedness_n of_o the_o age._n these_o two_o as_o far_o as_o their_o wit_n and_o interest_n will_v go_v help_v on_o and_o promote_v the_o disbelief_n of_o all_o sober_a virtuous_a and_o religious_a principle_n these_o and_o other_o which_o may_v be_v still_o add_v be_v the_o inward_a cause_n and_o inherent_a in_o ourselves_o of_o unbelief_n and_o disbelief_n and_o which_o be_v most_o in_o our_o own_o power_n to_o prevent_v or_o remove_v there_o be_v also_o some_o other_o external_a and_o occasional_a such_o as_o the_o example_n of_o witty_a and_o acceptable_a company_n hypocrisy_n in_o religion_n both_o reveal_v and_o natural_a so_o take_v and_o seem_v at_o least_o especial_o in_o the_o teacher_n of_o they_o when_o man_n profess_v they_o believe_v their_o grand_a truth_n but_o do_v not_o live_v in_o any_o sort_n as_o if_o they_o do_v which_o accusation_n be_v partly_o false_a for_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n though_o they_o do_v not_o indeed_o live_v near_o up_o to_o their_o faith_n yet_o they_o will_v be_v much_o worse_o without_o it_o partly_o it_o be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o another_o cause_n viz._n heedlessness_n and_o want_n of_o application_n of_o their_o belief_n to_o their_o practice_n but_o perhaps_o few_o thing_n have_v be_v more_o a_o occasion_n of_o the_o infidelity_n of_o some_o man_n than_o the_o overzealous_a and_o blind_a credulity_n of_o other_o some_o man_n believe_v too_o much_o and_o otherwise_o than_o they_o ought_v and_o yet_o fierce_o impose_v it_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o other_o believe_v too_o little_a and_o sometime_o they_o who_o have_v most_o complain_v of_o scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n unbelief_n and_o disbelief_n which_o be_v different_a thing_n have_v contribute_v much_o to_o it_o themselves_o the_o introduce_v of_o many_o opinion_n of_o neither_o light_n or_o use_v or_o very_o little_a either_o way_n uncertain_a or_o trivial_a nay_o sometime_o not_o only_o just_o suspicious_a but_o manifest_o false_a and_o then_o the_o impose_v they_o under_o what_o penalty_n man_n have_v in_o their_o own_o power_n the_o least_o of_o which_o be_v common_o the_o censure_n and_o reproach_n of_o enemy_n or_o indifferent_n in_o religion_n heretic_n atheist_n infidel_n i_o say_v these_o have_v beget_v and_o extreme_o nourish_v scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n especial_o in_o this_o know_n and_o inquisitive_a age_n bold_a when_o they_o dare_v lurk_v and_o do_v more_o mischief_n ofttimes_o when_o they_o dare_v not_o show_v themselves_o because_o they_o can_v be_v examine_v and_o receive_v their_o answer_n this_o be_v the_o infirmity_n of_o those_o well-meaning_a man_n who_o will_v have_v every_o thing_n believe_v and_o impose_v too_o which_o seem_v to_o they_o to_o make_v for_o the_o honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o their_o religion_n not_o mind_v what_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n know_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a but_o it_o be_v the_o wickedness_n of_o those_o who_o do_v it_o for_o their_o own_o secular_a interest_n and_o care_v not_o how_o much_o mankind_n be_v abuse_v so_o that_o their_o domination_n be_v advance_v and_o secure_v at_o least_o they_o connive_v at_o it_o and_o let_v it_o pass_v this_o cause_n have_v its_o effect_n principal_o among_o the_o ingenious_a and_o witty_a the_o great_a and_o haughty_a but_o not_o wise_a and_o just_a who_o want_v either_o leisure_n or_o patience_n or_o capacity_n or_o probity_n to_o examine_v and_o distinguish_v thing_n they_o easy_o throw_v away_o the_o wheat_n with_o the_o chaff_n what_o be_v true_a and_o solid_a
with_o what_o be_v false_a and_o light_n it_o be_v also_o probity_n of_o mind_n they_o want_v who_o be_v licentious_o give_v and_o no_o great_a friend_n to_o any_o religion_n or_o truth_n either_o which_o may_v lay_v any_o restraint_n upon_o they_o in_o their_o opinion_n or_o practice_n glad_o take_v any_o advantage_n against_o they_o that_o man_n look_v upon_o all_o profess_v religion_n and_o conscience_n to_o be_v ignorant_a superstitious_a or_o cunning_a so_o that_o their_o example_n or_o reason_n be_v of_o no_o authority_n with_o they_o neither_o do_v this_o humour_n stop_v among_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n but_o it_o be_v soon_o convey_v into_o the_o vulgar_a too_o who_o soon_o learn_v to_o contemn_v religion_n and_o the_o priest_n especial_o in_o time_n of_o liberty_n wherefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v advise_v and_o sincere_o religious_a man_n wise_a and_o honest_a who_o hearty_o desire_v the_o advancement_n of_o true_a religion_n will_v so_o do_v that_o we_o be_v first_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o opinion_n in_o religion_n and_o be_v now_o careful_a and_o just_a to_o appear_v for_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v so_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n and_o when_o we_o can_v fair_o maintain_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v such_o though_o it_o appear_v never_o so_o much_o for_o the_o honour_n and_o interest_n of_o religion_n as_o many_o very_a false_a and_o forge_a thing_n have_v let_v it_o rest_v and_o go_v as_o it_o be_v till_o time_n may_v further_o discover_v and_o as_o for_o the_o vulgar_a it_o be_v sure_o their_o safe_a way_n to_o rely_v upon_o the_o conduct_n of_o such_o wise_a and_o honest_a man_n though_o they_o may_v be_v even_o exhort_v to_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n too_o if_o they_o can_v for_o it_o be_v much_o more_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o know_v who_o be_v such_o than_o to_o judge_v themselves_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n universal_a conveniency_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o thing_n to_o know_v who_o be_v the_o best_a guide_n than_o to_o guide_v themselves_o this_o plain_a deal_n without_o fraud_n or_o force_n will_v sure_o much_o advance_v the_o just_a esteem_n of_o religion_n and_o its_o minister_n and_o consequent_o its_o influence_n and_o efficacy_n we_o have_v but_o too_o much_o proof_n of_o this_o cause_n of_o infidelity_n from_o experience_n we_o have_v see_v some_o man_n and_o that_o of_o the_o first_o rank_n who_o have_v teach_v we_o such_o a_o god_n and_o that_o out_o of_o his_o own_o book_n which_o other_o judge_v to_o be_v a_o absolute_a impossibility_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o they_o will_v be_v the_o only_a orthodox_n and_o reprobate_a all_o those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v of_o their_o opinion_n many_o also_o be_v those_o who_o have_v make_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o most_o excellent_a collection_n of_o write_n which_o be_v ever_o extant_a to_o speak_v such_o thing_n which_o have_v cause_v other_o not_o brook_v their_o interpretation_n nor_o be_v sufficient_a to_o find_v out_o better_a themselves_o to_o have_v mean_a and_o injurious_a thought_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o if_o any_o pious_a man_n with_o the_o sincere_a intention_n and_o endeavour_n to_o preserve_v and_o vindicate_v their_o due_a honour_n by_o salve_v difficulty_n which_o seem_v to_o check_v reason_n do_v advance_v any_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o their_o settle_a opinion_n and_o system_n he_o be_v present_o irreligious_a and_o a_o severe_a atheist_n too_o severe_a censure_n whatever_o their_o mistake_n may_v be_v but_o they_o be_v much_o more_o numerous_a still_o who_o have_v make_v up_o such_o a_o hotchpotch_n in_o religion_n by_o their_o addition_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o pretend_a or_o enthusiastical_a revelation_n forge_v or_o false_a miracle_n tradition_n ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o infallibility_n as_o first_o to_o turn_v man_n stomach_n against_o it_o and_o at_o last_o to_o cause_v a_o great_a many_o quite_o to_o discharge_v themselves_o of_o it_o altogether_o but_o of_o these_o and_o such_o like_a i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o at_o present_a but_o go_v on_o to_o the_o next_o general_n head_n 2_o to_o propose_v some_o remedy_n proper_a to_o prevent_v or_o repress_v the_o influence_n of_o these_o cause_n of_o infidelity_n whereof_o some_o be_v more_o general_a some_o more_o particular_o relate_v to_o some_o cause_n and_o circumstance_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v one_a to_o advise_v and_o assist_v man_n to_o improve_v and_o advance_v their_o knowledge_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o for_o it_o seem_v just_a to_o deal_v so_o upright_o and_o plain_o with_o the_o world_n as_o not_o to_o make_v use_n of_o mere_a authority_n instead_o of_o understanding_n and_o reason_n where_o man_n be_v true_o capable_a and_o honest_a though_o where_o they_o be_v ignorant_a but_o yet_o conceit_v self-willed_a or_o dishonest_a in_o thing_n of_o importance_n and_o consequence_n authority_n must_v be_v allow_v to_o interpose_v for_o their_o own_o and_o the_o public_a good_a which_o otherwise_o will_v great_o suffer_v let_v therefore_o man_n know_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v and_o examine_v these_o great_a verity_n with_o the_o great_a severity_n assure_o the_o more_o they_o know_v the_o more_o reason_n they_o will_v see_v to_o believe_v they_o serious_o and_o resolute_o to_o live_v according_a to_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n say_v our_o saviour_n to_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n john_n 5._o 39_o to_o convince_v they_o that_o he_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n and_o the_o person_n to_o who_o all_o his_o character_n there_o do_v agree_v so_o say_v we_o search_v the_o scripture_n nature_n itself_o and_o reason_n too_o for_o they_o bear_v witness_n of_o all_o these_o great_a truth_n but_o then_o search_v they_o thorough_o examine_v they_o to_o the_o bottom_n see_v clear_o reason_n careful_o and_o just_o weigh_v all_o thing_n with_o indifferency_n and_o impartiality_n which_o will_v be_v present_o a_o direction_n by_o itself_o otherwise_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v erroneous_o interpret_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o conclude_v from_o they_o so_o may_v man_n here_o through_o want_n of_o patience_n and_o attention_n and_o apprehension_n err_v and_o mistake_v in_o their_o conclusion_n concern_v the_o great_a truth_n of_o morality_n and_o all_o religion_n we_o hearty_o desire_v that_o man_n faith_n and_o belief_n may_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o plain_a serious_a and_o deliberate_a conviction_n more_o than_o of_o custom_n where_o it_o may_v be_v and_o true_o then_o as_o well_o as_o when_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v another_o cause_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n great_a be_v its_o power_n and_o forcible_a its_o operation_n and_o life_n itself_o be_v at_o its_o devotion_n and_o service_n such_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o particular_o such_o be_v the_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n mention_v of_o saint_n thomas_n and_o saint_n peter_n when_o one_o cry_n out_o my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n and_o the_o other_o lord_z whither_o shall_v we_o go_v thou_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n let_v that_o then_o be_v the_o first_o remedy_n against_o infidelity_n viz._n the_o utmost_a improvement_n and_o best_a exercise_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o reason_n 2_o possess_v we_o our_o mind_n with_o a_o sincere_a and_o zealous_a honesty_n and_o probity_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v a_o strong_a habitual_a propension_n and_o inclination_n to_o that_o which_o be_v right_a and_o just_a this_o will_v have_v three_o effect_n very_o proper_a to_o beget_v or_o confirm_v a_o right_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o preserve_v we_o in_o it_o the_o first_o a_o fervent_a love_n of_o the_o truth_n the_o second_o a_o free_a and_o ingenuous_a acknowledgement_n of_o it_o wherever_o we_o discover_v it_o be_v it_o for_o we_o or_o be_v it_o against_o we_o three_o a_o desire_n to_o act_v suitable_a and_o live_v according_a to_o it_o i_o say_v a_o sincere_a and_o resolute_a probity_n have_v these_o effect_n for_o sure_o never_o any_o honest_a man_n doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v material_a more_o fit_a and_o just_a of_o better_a effect_n for_o a_o good_a man_n who_o will_v make_v good_a use_n of_o his_o knowledge_n to_o be_v know_v rather_o than_o ignorant_a or_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n rather_o than_o a_o lie_n in_o order_n to_o direct_v he_o in_o all_o his_o inward_a motion_n and_o outward_a action_n without_o the_o first_o we_o shall_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o to_o search_v or_o find_v the_o truth_n without_o the_o second_o when_o we_o know_v it_o we_o shall_v either_o not_o believe_v or_o deny_v it_o if_o possible_a or_o if_o by_o the_o clearness_n and_o evidence_n we_o can_v do_v that_o yet_o we_o shall_v turn_v our_o mind_n away_o from_o it_o final_o without_o the_o three_o we_o shall_v little_o esteem_v or_o