desperate_a and_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o reprobation_n and_o damnation_n other_o have_v conceit_v that_o they_o be_v give_v up_o to_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o they_o have_v take_v the_o disorder_n of_o imagination_n for_o certain_a sign_n of_o their_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o evil_a spirit_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o it_o be_v that_o such_o indiscreet_a discourse_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o alarm_n good_a than_o wicked_a men._n in_o fine_a i_o reckon_v among_o the_o book_n which_o fright_v man_n without_o cause_n all_o those_o which_o contain_v too_o rigid_a and_o austere_a maxim_n of_o devotion_n and_o morality_n 5._o piety_n will_v be_v better_o know_v and_o more_o esteem_v than_o it_o be_v if_o book_n of_o devotion_n be_v always_o write_v with_o judgement_n and_o good_a sense_n and_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o they_o but_o what_o upon_o a_o severe_a examination_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v strict_o true_a those_o who_o set_v about_o work_v of_o this_o nature_n do_v general_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o move_v the_o heart_n and_o to_o excite_v sentiment_n of_o piety_n this_o be_v a_o good_a design_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o force_n of_o reason_n the_o evidence_n of_o proof_n the_o greatness_n of_o the_o object_n propose_v and_o the_o clearness_n and_o solidity_n of_o what_o a_o man_n say_v which_o do_v true_o affect_v the_o heart_n this_o be_v what_o judicious_a author_n chief_o mind_n and_o thereby_o many_o have_v have_v good_a success_n in_o those_o excellent_a work_n which_o they_o have_v enrich_v the_o public_a with_o but_o other_o writer_n do_v not_o consider_v this_o they_o rather_o choose_v to_o say_v tender_a and_o pathetical_a thing_n than_o to_o think_v or_o speak_v with_o exactness_n they_o consult_v imagination_n more_o than_o good_a sense_n they_o pour_v out_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o meditation_n or_o in_o the_o fervency_n of_o their_o zeal_n seem_v to_o they_o proper_a to_o move_v to_o melt_v to_o comfort_v or_o to_o terrify_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v weak_a place_n in_o their_o book_n and_o thought_n which_o appear_v mean_a and_o even_o false_a to_o discern_a reader_n contradiction_n and_o such_o like_a defect_n for_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o produce_v only_o a_o confuse_a and_o not_o a_o very_a rational_a devotion_n in_o those_o who_o read_v and_o relish_v they_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o expose_v religion_n to_o the_o flout_n and_o contempt_n of_o libertine_n we_o be_v often_o trouble_v and_o scandalize_v to_o find_v that_o some_o man_n of_o part_n express_v but_o little_a esteem_n for_o book_n of_o piety_n we_o hear_v it_o say_v every_o day_n that_o those_o book_n be_v only_o good_a for_o woman_n and_o for_o the_o vulgar_a this_o contempt_n chief_o proceed_v from_o a_o profane_a humour_n and_o from_o libertinism_n but_o it_o spring_v likewise_o from_o the_o want_n of_o exactness_n and_o solidity_n which_o be_v observable_a in_o some_o book_n of_o devotion_n 6._o divers_a consideration_n may_v be_v offer_v here_o about_o those_o book_n which_o contain_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n but_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o these_o two_o which_o appear_v to_o i_o the_o most_o material_a the_o first_o be_v that_o those_o kind_n of_o form_n make_v all_o sort_n of_o person_n indifferent_o and_o even_o good_a man_n say_v thing_n which_o can_v agree_v but_o to_o the_o great_a and_o the_o most_o notorious_a sinner_n which_o give_v people_n this_o dangerous_a notion_n that_o all_o man_n without_o except_v the_o regenerate_v be_v extreme_o corrupt_a in_o divers_a prayer_n we_o plain_o see_v that_o those_o who_o compose_v they_o have_v no_o other_o design_n than_o to_o draw_v the_o picture_n of_o the_o most_o heinous_a sinner_n and_o that_o they_o suppose_v all_o man_n engage_v in_o a_o deep_a corruption_n and_o in_o the_o most_o criminal_a disorder_n exaggeration_n and_o hyperbole_n be_v so_o little_o spare_v by_o some_o people_n upon_o this_o head_n that_o they_o utter_v absurdity_n and_o falsehood_n in_o their_o prayer_n as_o when_o they_o say_v that_o ever_o since_o we_o be_v bear_v we_o have_v be_v continual_o and_o every_o moment_n offend_v god_n by_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o such_o prayer_n may_v have_v their_o use_n provide_v nothing_o be_v say_v in_o they_o that_o be_v extravagant_a or_o contrary_a to_o truth_n and_o common_a sense_n they_o fit_v great_a number_n of_o person_n there_o be_v but_o too_o many_o of_o those_o wretched_a christian_n who_o can_v never_o sufficient_o bewail_v the_o enormity_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o irregularity_n of_o their_o conduct_n i_o know_v beside_o that_o all_o man_n be_v sinner_n and_o that_o the_o best_a of_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o humble_a and_o abase_v themselves_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o weakness_n and_o unworthiness_n nevertheless_o since_o the_o scripture_n make_v a_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n it_o be_v at_o least_o a_o great_a piece_n of_o imprudence_n to_o appoint_v the_o same_o language_n for_o both_o and_o to_o make_v they_o all_o speak_v as_o if_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o horrid_a crime_n and_o as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o one_o good_a man_n in_o the_o world_n this_o take_v away_o the_o distinction_n between_o the_o sinner_n and_o the_o righteous_a for_o if_o these_o prayer_n be_v proper_a for_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n if_o all_o that_o be_v say_v in_o they_o be_v true_a it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o distinguish_v a_o good_a man_n from_o a_o bad_a and_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o his_o convert_v grace_n or_o to_o make_v any_o promise_n of_o amendment_n to_o he_o all_o those_o lesson_n of_o holiness_n which_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o be_v but_o fine_a idea_n all_o man_n be_v upon_o the_o matter_n equal_o bad_a and_o they_o may_v all_o be_v the_o object_n of_o god_n mercy_n how_o irregular_a soever_o their_o deportment_n may_v be_v these_o be_v the_o inference_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o those_o form_n of_o devotion_n i_o have_v mention_v and_o which_o sinner_n do_v actual_o draw_v from_o they_o from_o all_o this_o i_o conclude_v that_o in_o such_o work_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o distinguish_v person_n and_o condition_n and_o this_o according_o have_v be_v judicious_o observe_v by_o some_o author_n the_o other_o consideration_n relate_v to_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n these_o be_v not_o always_o plain_a enough_o they_o be_v sometime_o study_v discourse_n which_o have_v more_o of_o art_n and_o wit_n than_o of_o affection_n in_o they_o and_o we_o may_v easy_o discern_v how_o far_o most_o prayer_n be_v remove_v from_o a_o due_a simplicity_n if_o we_o compare_v they_o with_o those_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o holy_a scripture_n or_o with_o the_o ancient_a way_n of_o pray_v which_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o church_n and_o of_o which_o we_o may_v judge_v by_o the_o liturgy_n which_o be_v now_o use_v or_o which_o have_v reach_v to_o we_o prayer_n be_v neither_o so_o intricate_a then_o nor_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v now_o long_o preamble_n be_v not_o use_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o prayer_n and_o man_n do_v not_o they_o by_o so_o many_o wind_a approach_n the_o throne_n of_o grace_n to_o confess_v their_o sin_n and_o to_o beg_v pardon_n for_o they_o prayer_n than_o be_v short_a simple_a and_o natural_a much_o fit_v to_o excite_v devotion_n to_o lift_v up_o the_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o to_o nourish_v piety_n and_o zeal_n than_o many_o form_n which_o obtain_v at_o this_o day_n 7._o of_o all_o the_o book_n of_o piety_n none_o be_v more_o careful_o read_v and_o none_o perhaps_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o conduct_n and_o manner_n of_o christian_n than_o the_o book_n of_o preparation_n for_o the_o holy_a communion_n the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o important_a act_n of_o religion_n and_o one_o of_o the_o most_o efficacious_a mean_n to_o promote_v piety_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o book_n which_o people_n read_v in_o order_n to_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o that_o sacred_a action_n contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a use_n of_o the_o eucharist_n and_o by_o consequence_n to_o the_o good_a or_o ill_a life_n of_o christian_n now_o what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o the_o other_o book_n of_o devotion_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o these_o some_o book_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v extraordinary_a good_a but_o there_o be_v other_o in_o which_o among_o many_o good_a thing_n some_o defect_n be_v observable_a and_o particular_o these_o three_o 1._o all_o the_o book_n of_o preparation_n for_o the_o holy_a communion_n be_v not_o instructive_a
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
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
thought_n and_o a_o multiplicity_n of_o design_n and_o business_n break_v in_o upon_o his_o mind_n and_o take_v possession_n of_o his_o heart_n he_o be_v fill_v with_o these_o thing_n all_o the_o day_n he_o follow_v and_o plod_v upon_o they_o without_o distraction_n or_o interaction_n and_o how_o be_v it_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o amidst_o all_o this_o hurry_n and_o turmoil_v he_o shall_v find_v that_o recollection_n that_o tranquillity_n and_o that_o elevation_n without_o which_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n be_v but_o mere_a hypocrisy_n whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o man_n bring_v so_o little_a attention_n and_o sincerity_n with_o they_o to_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n why_o do_v sermon_n produce_v so_o little_a fruit_n why_o do_v the_o most_o certain_a and_o important_a truth_n of_o religion_n the_o clear_a and_o the_o most_o solid_a reason_n make_v either_o no_o impression_n at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o not_o last_v one_o upon_o the_o hearer_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o in_o the_o most_o solemn_a devotion_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o holy_a communion_n it_o be_v so_o difficult_a for_o man_n to_o lift_v up_o their_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o to_o shake_v off_o a_o thousand_o idle_a or_o sinful_a thought_n which_o come_v then_o to_o amuse_v and_o distract_v they_o and_o last_o why_o do_v those_o vow_n and_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v even_o with_o some_o sincerity_n prove_v so_o ineffectual_a why_o do_v the_o best_a resolution_n vanish_v so_o easy_o and_o so_o soon_o all_o this_o come_v from_o man_n be_v too_o much_o take_v up_o with_o temporal_a care_n 3._o these_o excessive_a care_n do_v not_o only_o distract_v the_o mind_n but_o they_o do_v beside_o direct_o obstruct_v sanctification_n and_o lead_v man_n into_o sin_n for_o first_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o love_v religion_n and_o virtue_n when_o the_o heart_n be_v set_v upon_o the_o world_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o 22._o we_o mat._n vi_o 22._o that_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n and_o st._n john_n declare_v 15._o declare_v john_n ii_o 15._o that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n be_v not_o in_o those_o who_o love_v the_o world_n there_o be_v such_o a_o opposition_n between_o bodily_a and_o spiritual_a exercise_n that_o those_o who_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o first_o be_v incapable_a of_o the_o other_o worldly_n occupation_n render_v man_n carnal_a sensual_a and_o dull_a they_o keep_v up_o ignorance_n and_o foment_n sloth_n and_o they_o weigh_v down_o all_o their_o inclination_n and_o thought_n to_o the_o earth_n so_o that_o they_o must_v be_v careless_a and_o indifferent_a about_o spiritual_a object_n and_o heavenly_a concern_v and_o indeed_o they_o be_v very_o ill_o dispose_v to_o value_v those_o good_a thnig_n as_o they_o deserve_v or_o to_o seek_v they_o with_o that_o eagerness_n and_o sincerity_n which_o they_o ought_v can_v we_o think_v that_o man_n who_o propose_v nothing_o else_o to_o themselves_o but_o the_o amass_n of_o wealth_n the_o make_v their_o court_n or_o the_o canvas_n for_o place_n and_o who_o live_v and_o toil_v only_o for_o such_o thing_n shall_v have_v a_o due_a sense_n of_o the_o concern_v of_o their_o salvation_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o imagine_v it_o but_o further_a religion_n do_v not_o allow_v christian_n to_o love_v the_o world_n or_o to_o cleave_v to_o it_o vii_o it_o 1_o cor._n vii_o it_o require_v that_o they_o shall_v possess_v temporal_a good_n as_o not_o possess_v they_o and_o that_o they_o shall_v use_v the_o world_n as_o not_o abuse_v it_o because_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o figure_n of_o the_o world_n pass_v away_o and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o folly_n to_o fix_v their_o heart_n upon_o vain_a and_o transitory_a enjoyment_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o ought_v to_o aspire_v chief_o to_o the_o possession_n of_o solid_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n to_o be_v therefore_o take_v up_o only_o with_o earthly_a thing_n and_o to_o let_v they_o enter_v too_o deep_a into_o one_o heart_n be_v a_o disposition_n quite_o contrary_a to_o that_o which_o a_o christian_a ought_v to_o be_v in_o 4._o last_o a_o excessive_a application_n to_o temporal_a affair_n hurry_v a_o man_n into_o many_o disorder_n we_o need_v but_o reflect_v a_o little_a to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o a_o man_n who_o be_v fill_v only_o with_o the_o thought_n and_o solicitude_n of_o this_o life_n must_v be_v a_o slave_n to_o his_o sense_n and_o passion_n and_o that_o he_o lay_v himself_o open_v every_o moment_n to_o a_o thousand_o temptation_n which_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o withstand_v though_o his_o employment_n be_v lawful_a in_o themselves_o yet_o he_o make_v they_o criminal_a because_o to_o he_o they_o be_v only_o mean_v of_o gratify_v his_o appetite_n and_o the_o great_a mischief_n be_v that_o when_o a_o man_n be_v once_o enter_v upon_o that_o course_n he_o still_o confirm_v himself_o in_o it_o so_o that_o at_o last_o he_o can_v leave_v it_o off_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n his_o passion_n be_v still_o mount_v high_o on_o the_o other_o business_n and_o toil_n grow_v upon_o he_o he_o first_o proposo_n a_o end_n to_o himself_o and_o then_o he_o will_v bring_v it_o about_o at_o any_o rate_n as_o be_v engage_v in_o honour_n and_o by_o interest_n not_o do_o desist_v if_o he_o meet_v with_o obstacle_n he_o will_v do_v any_o thing_n to_o surmount_v they_o if_o he_o succeed_v success_n animate_v he_o with_o new_a ardour_n he_o be_v for_o go_v further_o in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v a_o endless_a labour_n a_o continual_a succession_n of_o care_n which_o be_v still_o grow_v great_a and_o which_o end_n only_o with_o his_o life_n from_o all_o this_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o abuse_n of_o worldly_a business_n be_v most_o dangerous_a and_o that_o if_o we_o will_v not_o have_v it_o obstruct_v our_o salvation_n we_o ought_v to_o observe_v these_o three_o rule_n the_o first_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v pursue_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n with_o moderation_n one_o of_o the_o most_o useful_a direction_n for_o a_o happy_a life_n be_v this_o to_o lay_v nothing_o too_o much_o to_o heart_n the_o way_n to_o preserve_v our_o innocence_n and_o tranquillity_n be_v to_o crave_v nothing_o too_o eager_o not_o to_o rejoice_v excessive_o at_o any_o prosperity_n not_o to_o be_v deject_v above_o measure_n for_o any_o disaster_n which_o may_v happen_v and_o not_o to_o be_v too_o hot_a and_o peremptory_a upon_o any_o design_n the_o second_o caution_n to_o be_v use_v be_v the_o avoid_v multiplicity_n of_o business_n and_o excess_n of_o employment_n as_o much_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o call_v every_o one_o shall_v consider_v what_o he_o be_v fit_a for_o and_o what_o he_o be_v call_v to_o and_o go_v no_o far_o in_o the_o last_o place_n wisdom_n require_v that_o among_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n we_o shall_v reserve_v the_o necessary_a time_n and_o care_n to_o pay_v what_o we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o to_o mind_v our_o salvation_n the_o most_o important_a of_o all_o concern_v to_o this_o end_n it_o be_v very_o useful_a to_o have_v certain_a time_n of_o retirement_n and_o leisure_n and_o to_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o make_v now_o and_o then_o even_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o temporal_a employment_n such_o reflection_n as_o may_v call_v we_o back_o to_o our_o duty_n and_o be_v like_o a_o counterpoise_n to_o that_o bias_n which_o carry_v we_o towards_o sensible_a object_n let_v we_o often_o think_v that_o we_o be_v mortal_a that_o we_o have_v a_o soul_n and_o that_o there_o be_v another_o life_n after_o this_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o all_o our_o worldly_a care_n terminate_v in_o and_o what_o judgement_n we_o shall_v make_v of_o they_o upon_o our_o deathbed_n these_o reflection_n will_v put_v we_o upon_o wise_a and_o moderate_a course_n and_o so_o we_o shall_v avoid_v innumerable_a disorder_n and_o misery_n which_o man_n fall_v into_o by_o their_o too_o great_a application_n to_o temporal_a business_n cause_n ix_o man_n particular_a calling_n though_o we_o have_v see_v already_o that_o corruption_n have_v its_o source_n in_o the_o abuse_n of_o worldly_a business_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v proper_a to_o insist_v a_o little_a more_o upon_o this_o matter_n and_o to_o consider_v it_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o different_a state_n and_o calling_n which_o man_n be_v engage_v in_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o worldly_a business_n we_o mean_v chief_o those_o thing_n about_o which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o life_n be_v spend_v now_o those_o occupation_n must_v needs_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o particular_a kind_n of_o life_n which_o a_o man_n follow_v and_o so_o every_o man_n kind_n of_o life_n may_v be_v a_o source_n or_o at_o least_o a_o accidental_a cause_n of_o corruption_n as_o the_o world_n be_v constitute_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v
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
of_o good_a thing_n be_v sprinkle_v with_o that_o spirit_n of_o fanaticism_n i_o shall_v not_o stand_v to_o give_v here_o the_o character_n of_o those_o book_n nor_o to_o show_v the_o mischief_n they_o may_v do_v in_o relation_n to_o libertine_n or_o to_o those_o person_n who_o want_v either_o knowledge_n or_o a_o discern_a judgement_n because_o i_o will_v not_o repeat_v what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o mystical_a piety_n part_n i._o cause_n ii_o art_n viii_o 3._o some_o author_n who_o have_v put_v out_o book_n of_o piety_n have_v make_v it_o their_o whole_a business_n to_o administer_v comfort_n those_o who_o read_v their_o work_n may_v easy_o see_v that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o comfortable_a side_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o their_o principal_a design_n be_v to_o fill_v their_o reader_n with_o confidence_n hope_n and_o joy_n without_o doubt_v it_o be_v a_o laudable_a and_o pious_a design_n to_o use_v one_o endeavour_n to_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a and_o particular_o good_a man_n and_o i_o confess_v that_o we_o find_v in_o the_o book_n which_o have_v be_v compose_v with_o that_o view_n many_o edify_a thing_n and_o noble_a sentiment_n of_o piety_n but_o for_o all_o that_o those_o book_n may_v easy_o inspire_v man_n with_o security_n when_o the_o consolation_n which_o they_o dispense_v be_v not_o attend_v with_o great_a circumspection_n and_o prudence_n i_o can_v wish_v that_o all_o those_o who_o have_v publish_v book_n of_o this_o kind_n have_v well_o consider_v these_o two_o follow_a truth_n the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o comfort_n which_o religion_n afford_v belong_v only_o to_o true_a christian_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o comforter_n careful_o to_o distinguish_v person_n and_o to_o mark_v clear_o who_o those_o be_v that_o have_v aright_o to_o religious_a comfort_n the_o second_o be_v that_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o sanctify_v as_o it_o be_v to_o comfort_n man_n nay_o that_o the_o sanctify_a they_o be_v the_o more_o necessary_a of_o the_o two_o because_o holiness_n be_v more_o essential_a to_o a_o good_a man_n than_o consolation_n and_o joy_n and_o also_o because_o man_n be_v much_o more_o incline_v to_o presume_v than_o to_o condemn_v themselves_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v but_o few_o who_o want_v comfort_n in_o comparison_n with_o those_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v testify_v the_o consolation_n of_o which_o the_o book_n of_o piety_n be_v full_a be_v intend_v either_o for_o afflict_a person_n or_o for_o sinner_n as_o for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v better_a to_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o make_v a_o good_a life_n of_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o examine_v and_o amend_v their_o life_n than_o to_o discourse_v to_o they_o upon_o some_o general_a topick_n of_o comfort_n which_o perhaps_o will_v only_o lay_v they_o fast_o asleep_o in_o security_n and_o which_o be_v beside_o general_o misapply_v for_o all_o that_o the_o gospel_n say_v of_o affliction_n be_v common_o lay_v together_o and_o that_o too_o with_o no_o great_a judgement_n and_o what_o be_v say_v only_o of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o faithful_a who_o suffer_v for_o christ_n sake_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o affliction_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o mankind_n it_o be_v much_o more_o necessary_a to_o teach_v man_n how_o to_o die_v well_o than_o to_o fortify_v they_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n nay_o we_o can_v give_v they_o a_o more_o substantial_a comfort_n than_o if_o we_o persuade_v they_o to_o live_v well_o since_o a_o good_a life_n will_v most_o certain_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o happy_a death_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v particular_o cautious_a when_o we_o comfort_v sinner_n and_o give_v they_o assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o do_v with_o great_a circumspection_n we_o may_v easy_o harden_v and_o ruin_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o we_o be_v comfort_v they_o this_o be_v the_o mischief_n of_o those_o book_n which_o speak_v but_o little_a of_o repentance_n and_o insist_v much_o upon_o confidence_n who_o only_a design_n it_o be_v to_o encourage_v the_o great_a sinner_n and_o to_o exhort_v they_o to_o a_o bold_a reliance_n upon_o god_n mercy_n without_o fear_v either_o the_o heinousness_n or_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o sin_n such_o consolation_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o good_a sense_n but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o propose_v with_o due_a explication_n and_o restriction_n vast_a number_n of_o people_n will_v abuse_v they_o that_o which_o have_v be_v write_v by_o some_o author_n in_o book_n of_o devotion_n concern_v sin_n and_o good_a work_n be_v apt_a to_o lead_v man_n into_o this_o fancy_n that_o good_a work_n signify_v nothing_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n and_o that_o sin_n do_v not_o obstruct_v it_o under_o pretence_n of_o answer_v the_o accusation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o the_o law_n these_o author_n enervate_a the_o strong_a argument_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n they_o confute_v the_o declaration_n of_o scripture_n concern_v sanctification_n and_o they_o destroy_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o precept_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o what_o they_o call_v the_o accusation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o the_o law_n be_v sometime_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o just_a apprehension_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n which_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o shall_v be_v cherish_v and_o fortify_v to_o bring_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n instead_o of_o be_v remove_v by_o ill_o dispense_v consolation_n it_o be_v say_v to_o this_o that_o sinner_n be_v not_o to_o be_v drive_v to_o despair_n but_o do_v we_o make_v sinner_n desperate_a by_o say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n when_o real_o they_o be_v not_o do_v we_o not_o comfort_v they_o enough_o when_o we_o exhort_v they_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o god_n mercy_n and_o to_o repent_v what_o if_o we_o shall_v by_o unseasonable_a consolation_n fill_v they_o with_o a_o vain_a and_o groundless_a confidence_n will_v not_o that_o security_n ruin_v they_o more_o certain_o than_o desperation_n to_o make_v man_n fearless_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o undo_v they_o after_o all_o i_o can_v imagine_v why_o people_n shall_v talk_v so_o much_o of_o despair_n and_o seem_v so_o huge_o afraid_a of_o it_o by_o the_o endeavour_n use_v in_o book_n and_o sermon_n to_o keep_v sinner_n from_o it_o one_o will_v think_v that_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o fear_v on_o that_o hand_n and_o that_o nothing_o be_v more_o ordinary_a than_o for_o man_n to_o despair_v of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o unusual_a for_o one_o sinner_n who_o be_v terrify_v with_o his_o sin_n thousand_o be_v undo_v by_o security_n it_o be_v remarkable_a than_o the_o scripture_n speak_v but_o seldom_o of_o despair_n and_o when_o we_o have_v well_o examine_v all_o the_o place_n which_o be_v think_v to_o mention_v it_o we_o shall_v not_o find_v many_o that_o speak_v positive_o of_o it_o many_o churchman_n who_o have_v cure_n of_o soul_n confess_v that_o they_o never_o see_v any_o person_n afflict_v with_o despair_n and_o as_o for_o the_o instance_n which_o be_v allege_v to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o what_o be_v call_v desperation_n be_v common_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o fit_a of_o the_o spleen_n and_o a_o effect_n of_o grief_n and_o melancholy_n so_o that_o those_o who_o make_v long_a discourse_n to_o prevent_v sinner_n fall_v into_o despair_n take_v great_a pain_n to_o little_a purpose_n and_o do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n fight_v with_o a_o shadow_n 4._o there_o be_v another_o fault_n in_o some_o book_n of_o devotion_n quite_o contrary_a to_o this_o i_o have_v now_o observe_v which_o be_v that_o they_o terrify_v their_o reader_n without_o reason_n if_o author_n otherwise_o pious_a and_o learned_a have_v not_o speak_v in_o their_o write_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o reprobation_n despair_n the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o some_o other_o matter_n many_o people_n will_v have_v be_v free_a from_o those_o terrible_a fright_v which_o the_o indiscreet_a handle_n of_o those_o subject_n do_v throw_v they_o into_o the_o read_n of_o such_o book_n have_v occasion_v and_o do_v still_o produce_v great_a mischief_n when_o they_o be_v read_v by_o man_n of_o weak_a head_n that_o be_v incline_v to_o melancholy_a and_o the_o number_n of_o such_o person_n be_v very_o considerable_a some_o have_v fancy_v they_o have_v commit_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v possess_v with_o that_o dismal_a thought_n they_o have_v spend_v their_o life_n in_o dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o which_o nothing_o can_v cure_v they_o other_o have_v imagine_v that_o their_o case_n cure_v they_o other_o have_v imagine_v that_o their_o case_n be_v