practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n fast_v being_n enjoin_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o establish_v by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o several_a age_n there_o be_v reason_n to_o wonder_v that_o in_o some_o place_n this_o duty_n shall_v be_v almost_o out_o of_o date_n for_o as_o to_o solemn_a fast_n which_o be_v celebrate_v from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o seldom_o enough_o those_o be_v not_o proper_o the_o fast_n of_o which_o the_o gospel_n speak_v and_o which_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o ancient_n they_o be_v act_n of_o public_a humiliation_n design_v for_o time_n of_o calamity_n or_o of_o extraordinary_a devotion_n and_o the_o use_n of_o these_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v too_o frequent_a because_o custom_n be_v apt_a to_o lessen_v their_o effect_n but_o i_o mean_v those_o fast_n which_o be_v help_n to_o devotition_n and_o holiness_n and_o mean_n to_o mortify_v the_o body_n and_o to_o dispose_v man_n to_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n uniformity_n in_o divine_a worship_n will_v be_v another_o very_a necessary_a establishment_n it_o will_v show_v the_o unity_n of_o faith_n it_o will_v render_v religion_n venerable_a and_o prevent_v those_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n which_o be_v inevitable_a when_o rite_n and_o practice_n quite_o different_a nay_o sometime_o contrary_a to_o one_o another_o be_v observe_v in_o several_a church_n last_o care_n shall_v be_v take_v that_o divine_a service_n may_v be_v perform_v every_o where_o in_o a_o orderly_a grave_n and_o decent_a manner_n the_o exterior_a of_o religion_n have_v a_o great_a influence_n than_o we_o imagine_v upon_o the_o essence_n of_o it_o beside_o that_o we_o save_v a_o express_a law_n 40._o law_n 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 40._o which_o say_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n indeed_o pageantry_n and_o pomp_n the_o great_a number_n of_o ceremony_n and_o whatever_o savour_v of_o superstition_n aught_o to_o be_v avoid_v as_o well_o as_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o essence_n of_o evangelical_n worship_n and_o it_o be_v better_a to_o fall_v into_o a_o excess_n of_o simplicity_n than_o to_o clog_n religion_n with_o too_o many_o ceremony_n but_o yet_o under_o pretence_n of_o simplicity_n we_o be_v not_o to_o run_v into_o confusion_n and_o to_o neglect_v the_o external_o of_o religion_n and_o divine_a service_n if_o we_o shall_v examine_v by_o this_o rule_n what_o be_v do_v in_o some_o church_n with_o relation_n for_o instance_n to_o the_o law_n and_o form_n of_o public_a assembly_n to_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o the_o person_n who_o receive_v the_o communion_n and_o who_o officiate_n we_o may_v find_v there_o several_a thing_n to_o be_v rectify_v and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o useful_a to_o take_v this_o into_o consideration_n for_o the_o want_n of_o gravity_n and_o decency_n and_o a_o dry_a and_o careless_a perform_v of_o public_a worship_n render_v religion_n despicable_a and_o make_v the_o people_n who_o common_o judge_v of_o thing_n by_o their_o outside_n to_o entertain_v a_o mean_a notion_n of_o divine_a service_n which_o produce_v the_o contempt_n of_o religion_n and_o by_o consequence_n ill_a manner_n vi_o this_o contempt_n of_o religion_n be_v another_o fault_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v pass_v over_o in_o silence_n it_o have_v be_v always_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o mankind_n that_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v honour_v and_o respect_v the_o heathen_a religion_n as_o false_a as_o they_o be_v do_v attract_v the_o veneration_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v see_v at_o this_o day_n among_o the_o several_a nation_n of_o infidel_n certain_o then_o the_o christian_a religion_n deserve_v all_o the_o veneration_n and_o respect_n which_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o in_o many_o place_n it_o be_v fall_v of_o late_a into_o a_o very_a great_a outward_a meanness_n man_n be_v accustom_v themselves_o to_o look_v with_o indifference_n and_o with_o haughtiness_n and_o scorn_n upon_o every_o thing_n which_o have_v some_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o religion_n this_o appear_v especial_o in_o the_o contempt_n which_o be_v express_v towards_o the_o clergy_n though_o the_o scripture_n represent_v their_o office_n as_o a_o most_o excellent_a and_o honourable_a employment_n though_o it_o enjoin_v christian_n to_o 13._o to_o heb._n xiii_o 27._o 1_o thess_n v._o 13._o honour_n love_n and_o reverence_n those_o who_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o yet_o the_o ecclesiastical_a order_n be_v general_o but_o little_o honour_v and_o what_o be_v more_o surprise_v it_o be_v most_o depress_a and_o abase_v in_o those_o church_n which_o otherwise_o profess_v a_o pure_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n than_o other_o christian_a society_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o all_o church_n in_o general_a but_o whoever_o see_v what_o be_v practise_v in_o many_o place_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n to_o strip_v the_o clergy_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o of_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v render_v they_o venerable_a to_o the_o people_n and_o to_o set_v they_o upon_o a_o low_a and_o contemptible_a foot_n their_o character_n be_v become_v abject_a if_o not_o odious_a and_o it_o become_v so_o more_o and_o more_o every_o day_n that_o which_o make_v it_o more_o despicable_a be_v the_o poverty_n which_o many_o of_o they_o be_v force_v to_o live_v in_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o find_v out_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o contempt_n it_o may_v be_v just_o charge_v upon_o the_o clergy_n themselves_o their_o character_n be_v become_v vile_a because_o they_o support_v it_o but_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o man_n have_v a_o right_a to_o despise_v they_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v be_v to_o endeavour_v the_o reclaim_n of_o they_o if_o under_o pretence_n of_o person_n be_v unworthy_a or_o of_o some_o abuse_n in_o office_n it_o be_v lawful_a to_o despise_v the_o profession_n themselves_o will_v not_o even_o magistracy_n be_v often_o the_o vile_a of_o all_o employment_n may_v we_o not_o say_v beside_o that_o churchman_n do_v not_o well_o maintain_v their_o character_n because_o they_o be_v despise_v a_o office_n which_o be_v slight_v will_v never_o be_v well_o discharge_v it_o be_v seldom_o that_o great_a worth_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o a_o post_n which_o be_v little_o honour_v or_o rather_o much_o despise_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o this_o contempt_n be_v the_o manner_n in_o which_o thing_n be_v order_v in_o the_o last_o century_n persecution_n poverty_n and_o the_o opposition_n of_o the_o high_a power_n be_v at_o first_o great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o establish_n of_o good_a order_n prince_n and_o great_a man_n do_v possess_v themselves_o of_o the_o revenue_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n nothing_o be_v leave_v to_o churchman_n but_o the_o care_n of_o make_v sermon_n and_o of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v turn_v into_o bare_a preacher_n a_o character_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v not_o very_o fit_a to_o create_v respect_n i_o say_v nothing_o here_o of_o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n because_o i_o be_o to_o speak_v of_o these_o more_o large_o by_o and_o by_o this_o abasement_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o ministry_n be_v a_o visible_a cause_n of_o corruption_n as_o soon_o as_o sacred_a thing_n be_v disregard_v impiety_n must_v needs_o prevail_v especial_o if_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n be_v despise_v than_o religion_n can_v have_v no_o great_a force_n upon_o man_n mind_n the_o master_n can_v be_v honour_v when_o his_o servant_n be_v slight_v man_n who_o be_v without_o authority_n can_v contain_v the_o people_n in_o their_o duty_n whatsoever_o come_v from_o a_o abject_a person_n who_o be_v neither_o belove_v nor_o esteem_v can_v never_o be_v receive_v with_o submission_n the_o contempt_n of_o pastor_n draw_v of_o necessity_n after_o it_o the_o contempt_n of_o divine_a service_n of_o preach_v and_o of_o other_o sacred_a function_n the_o poverty_n of_o churchman_n be_v not_o much_o less_o fatal_a to_o the_o church_n than_o the_o immense_a and_o excessive_a riches_n which_o do_v former_o corrupt_v the_o clergy_n for_o beside_o that_o in_o those_o time_n and_o place_n in_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v predominant_a and_o profess_v by_o person_n of_o quality_n poverty_n make_v the_o minister_n of_o religion_n contemptible_a to_o the_o people_n and_o even_o to_o great_a man_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o those_o circumstance_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o minister_n shall_v live_v with_o some_o credit_n beside_o this_o i_o say_v that_o poverty_n disable_v they_o from_o exercise_v
general_a as_o it_o be_v now_o these_o consideration_n be_v found_v upon_o two_o undeniable_a fact_n 1._o that_o the_o church_n be_v then_o persecute_v and_o 2._o that_o discipline_n be_v then_o exercise_v in_o it_o these_o be_v two_o powerful_a mean_n to_o remove_v vice_n and_o scandal_n from_o the_o church_n we_o may_v easy_o imagine_v that_o man_n who_o love_v the_o world_n and_o their_o sin_n will_v not_o have_v embrace_v christiany_n at_o a_o time_n when_o whosoever_o become_v a_o christian_a do_v by_o that_o very_a thing_n expose_v himself_o to_o persecution_n torment_n and_o death_n this_o do_v fright_v away_o the_o great_a number_n of_o wicked_a and_o impious_a person_n but_o if_o any_o of_o these_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n discipline_n for_o the_o most_o part_n drive_v they_o out_o when_o they_o make_v themselves_o notorious_a by_o a_o scandalous_a life_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o judge_v that_o in_o such_o circumstance_n there_o be_v more_o piety_n at_o that_o time_n than_o we_o observe_v now_o in_o the_o church_n the_o first_o christian_n be_v sincere_a in_o their_o profession_n be_v instruct_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o apostolical_a man_n they_o place_v the_o christian_a religion_n chief_o in_o a_o good_a life_n to_o which_o they_o do_v solemn_o engage_v themselves_o by_o baptism_n they_o be_v unite_v among_o themselves_o they_o govern_v themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n by_o the_o prescript_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o much_o as_o the_o persecution_n give_v they_o leave_v and_o they_o do_v with_o courage_n lie_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o truth_n such_o be_v the_o christianity_n of_o the_o first_o age_n but_o the_o church_n do_v not_o continue_v long_o in_o that_o state_n before_o this_o zeal_n of_o those_o primitive_a christians_n begin_v to_o cool_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n persecution_n cease_v and_o on_o the_o other_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n be_v slacken_v these_o two_o fence_n be_v pluck_v up_o and_o the_o emperor_n turn_v christian_n the_o corruption_n of_o the_o world_n break_v in_o upon_o the_o church_n divers_a abuse_n creep_v into_o doctrine_n discipline_n worship_n and_o manner_n till_o the_o church_n fall_v at_o last_o into_o such_o a_o dismal_a darkness_n of_o ignorance_n superstition_n and_o vice_n that_o christianity_n seem_v almost_o quite_o extinct_a and_o destroy_v all_o those_o who_o have_v any_o true_a sense_n of_o religiion_n do_v lament_v this_o they_o complain_v open_o of_o it_o and_o they_o long_v for_o a_o good_a reformation_n this_o be_v the_o state_n which_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n be_v in_o for_o some_o century_n it_o do_v not_o please_v god_n that_o those_o time_n of_o ignorance_n shall_v last_v for_o ever_o that_o darkness_n begin_v to_o be_v disperse_v in_o the_o last_o century_n then_o it_o be_v that_o learning_n and_o language_n revive_v and_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o have_v be_v for_o a_o great_a while_n a_o book_n unknown_a to_o the_o people_n be_v rescue_v out_o of_o that_o obscurity_n in_o which_o the_o barbarism_n of_o former_a age_n have_v bury_v it_o man_n do_v perceive_v that_o divers_a error_n have_v be_v introduce_v into_o religion_n they_o discover_v several_a abuse_n they_o go_v about_o to_o redress_v they_o and_o they_o succeed_v so_o far_o that_o in_o this_o respect_n christianity_n be_v restore_v to_o its_o purity_n but_o that_o great_a work_n can_v not_o be_v finish_v so_o that_o at_o this_o day_n they_o church_n and_o religion_n be_v not_o yet_o bring_v to_o that_o state_n of_o perfection_n which_o they_o may_v be_v in_o iii_o for_o to_o come_v now_o to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v certain_a first_o that_o many_o christian_a church_n be_v still_o very_o near_o in_o the_o same_o darkness_n man_n be_v in_o some_o age_n ago_o i_o shall_v say_v nothing_o of_o the_o sink_n of_o christianity_n in_o asia_n and_o africa_n there_o be_v more_o knowledge_n in_o europe_n but_o yet_o in_o many_o place_n we_o may_v observe_v almost_o all_o those_o disorder_n which_o prevail_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gross_a ignorance_n nay_o our_o age_n be_v more_o unhappy_a than_o the_o precedent_n in_o that_o those_o abuse_n have_v be_v confirm_v and_o authorize_v by_o law_n and_o be_v now_o support_v by_o force_n how_o many_o country_n and_o church_n be_v there_o where_o the_o people_n know_v almost_o nothing_o of_o the_o gospel_n where_o religion_n be_v reduce_v to_o childish_a and_o superstitious_a devotion_n and_o practice_n where_o the_o most_o ridiculous_a thing_n be_v believe_v and_o the_o most_o shameful_a error_n receive_v where_o the_o looseness_n of_o manner_n may_v almost_o be_v parallel_v with_o heathenism_n where_o the_o most_o execrable_a crime_n be_v commit_v in_o a_o word_n where_o the_o ignorance_n both_o of_o the_o people_n and_o clergy_n be_v general_a except_v only_o some_o few_o understand_a man_n who_o be_v sensible_a of_o these_o disorder_n but_o be_v restrain_v by_o fear_n from_o discover_v their_o sentiment_n from_o those_o place_n corruption_n spread_v to_o other_o and_o it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o show_v by_o several_a instance_n that_o the_o cause_n of_o impiety_n ignorance_n and_o vice_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o those_o place_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o fountain_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o all_o church_n for_o some_o there_o be_v where_o religion_n be_v not_o so_o corrupt_v and_o where_o a_o pure_a christianity_n be_v profess_v but_o yet_o let_v we_o inquire_v in_o the_o second_o place_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o christian_a society_n where_o nothing_o be_v want_v or_o to_o be_v desire_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n and_o where_o it_o will_v not_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v some_o alteration_n and_o constitution_n in_o order_n to_o come_v near_o to_o perfection_n this_o deserve_v to_o be_v examine_v with_o care_n and_o without_o prepossession_n we_o ought_v here_o to_o lay_v aside_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o party_n and_o ingenuous_o to_o acknowledge_v defect_n where_o they_o be_v for_o else_o if_o every_o one_o be_v wed_v to_o the_o society_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o member_n nothing_o can_v ever_o be_v remedy_v for_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v defect_n what_o remedy_n can_v be_v use_v if_o we_o be_v all_o possess_v with_o this_o prejudice_n that_o all_o be_v perfect_a in_o our_o society_n be_v not_o this_o the_o way_n to_o canonize_v abuse_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o restore_n of_o order_n and_o first_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o there_o shall_v still_o be_v imperfection_n in_o the_o pure_a society_n it_o will_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o miracle_n if_o there_o be_v none_o remain_v god_n do_v not_o always_o think_v fit_a to_o finish_v his_o work_n all_o at_o once_o unless_o he_o have_v make_v use_n of_o inspire_a man_n such_o as_o the_o prophet_n or_o the_o apostle_n be_v it_o be_v impossible_a so_o to_o attain_v perfection_n and_o to_o provide_v for_o every_o thing_n at_o first_o dash_n that_o nothing_o more_o shall_v be_v desire_v beside_o circumstance_n be_v so_o much_o alter_v that_o it_o seemâ—_n necessary_a to_o change_v several_a thing_n that_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o last_o age._n it_o be_v further_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o though_o christian_n do_v long_o for_o a_o good_a reformation_n yet_o great_a difficulty_n be_v to_o be_v overcome_v to_o bring_v it_o about_o man_n mind_n be_v not_o much_o enlighten_v they_o be_v just_a creep_v out_o of_o darkness_n and_o a_o long_a custom_n have_v almost_o obliterated_a the_o true_a idea_n of_o religion_n almost_o all_o those_o who_o be_v in_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n do_v obstinate_o defend_v the_o abuse_n which_o all_o good_a man_n think_v it_o necessary_a to_o redress_v extreme_a severity_n be_v use_v towards_o those_o who_o desire_v this_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n all_o this_o do_v terrify_v a_o great_a many_o well-meaning_a person_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o in_o several_a place_n those_o who_o have_v courage_n enough_o to_o condemn_v the_o abuse_n open_o be_v not_o able_a for_o want_v of_o mean_n to_o do_v all_o that_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n require_v they_o be_v fain_o in_o those_o place_n to_o yield_v something_o to_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o time_n and_o to_o settle_v thing_n as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v till_o a_o more_o favourable_a oppotunity_n some_o church_n come_v near_o to_o perfection_n than_o other_o but_o howsoever_o if_o we_o will_v pass_v a_o right_a judgement_n upon_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n we_o ought_v to_o examine_v the_o thing_n in_o itself_o and_o without_o partiality_n upon_o this_o i_o shall_v offer_v here_o some_o general_a consideration_n and_o refer_v to_o the_o follow_a chapter_n some_o head_n which_o will_v
explain_v text_n it_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n school_n and_o university_n shall_v be_v reform_v and_o that_o the_o manner_n and_o study_n of_o young_a people_n shall_v be_v better_o regulate_v in_o those_o place_n this_o reformation_n will_v not_o be_v impossible_a if_o divine_n and_o professor_n will_v use_v their_o endeavour_n about_o it_o but_o those_o kind_n of_o establishment_n be_v not_o easy_o alter_v the_o ordinary_a method_n be_v continue_v and_o thing_n be_v do_v as_o they_o be_v of_o old_a because_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o keep_v their_o place_n and_o the_o stipend_n which_o be_v annex_v to_o they_o 3._o the_o three_o and_o principal_a remedy_n will_v be_v to_o use_v great_a caution_n than_o be_v common_o do_v when_o man_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o ecclesiastical_a office_n the_o first_o qualification_n to_o which_o according_a to_o st._n paul_n regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v be_v probity_n and_o integrity_n of_o life_n the_o person_n therefore_o who_o offer_v themselves_o shall_v in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v examine_v in_o relation_n to_o manner_n and_o to_o all_o those_o moral_a disposition_n which_o st._n paul_n require_v in_o they_o and_o those_o shall_v be_v exclude_v in_o who_o they_o be_v not_o find_v but_o this_o article_n be_v common_o slubber_v over_o and_o a_o young_a man_n must_v have_v be_v very_o dissolute_a if_o he_o be_v refuse_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o immorality_n so_o that_o the_o most_o sacred_a of_o all_o character_n be_v confer_v upon_o many_o person_n who_o according_a to_o the_o divine_a law_n aught_o to_o be_v reject_v the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o examination_n of_o canditates_fw-la relate_v to_o their_o ability_n and_o talent_n now_o in_o order_n to_o judge_v of_o their_o capacity_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o inquire_v whether_o they_o know_v their_o common-place-book_n or_o whether_o they_o can_v make_v a_o sermon_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a beside_o to_o examine_v they_o about_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n about_o history_n discipline_n the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o morality_n all_o these_o be_v important_a matter_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v of_o daily_a use_n with_o reference_n to_o practice_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o sacred_a ministry_n but_o they_o be_v not_o insist_v upon_o the_o examination_n turn_v upon_o some_o trial_n about_o preach_v and_o upon_o some_o head_n of_o divinity_n which_o be_v scholastical_o handle_v by_o argument_n and_o distinction_n after_o which_o if_o the_o canditate_fw-la have_v satify_v in_o some_o measure_n ordination_n follow_v now_o when_o such_o insufficient_a person_n be_v once_o admit_v the_o mischief_n be_v do_v and_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n these_o man_n be_v afterward_o appoint_v pastor_n in_o church_n where_o for_o 30_o or_o 40_o year_n they_o destroy_v more_o than_o they_o edify_v how_o many_o church_n be_v there_o thus_o ill_o provide_v where_o the_o people_n live_v in_o gross_a ignorance_n where_o the_o youth_n be_v lose_v for_o want_n of_o instruction_n and_o where_o a_o thousand_o crime_n be_v commit_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o this_o evil_a be_v in_o the_o ordination_n of_o pastor_n it_o will_v no_o doubt_n be_v object_v that_o if_o none_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v but_o those_o who_o have_v all_o the_o necessary_a qualification_n there_o will_v not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o pastor_n for_o all_o the_o church_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o though_o this_o shall_v happen_v yet_o it_o be_v better_a to_o run_v into_o this_o inconvenience_n than_o to_o break_v the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n a_o small_a number_n of_o select_a pastor_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o a_o multitude_n of_o unworthy_a labourer_n we_o be_v still_o to_o do_v what_o god_n command_v and_o to_o leave_v the_o the_o event_n to_o providence_n but_o after_o all_o this_o scarcity_n of_o pastor_n be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v fear_v such_o a_o strictness_n will_v only_o discourage_v those_o who_o will_v never_o have_v be_v useful_a in_o the_o church_n and_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n high_o commendable_a to_o dishearten_v such_o person_n but_o this_o exactness_n will_v encourage_v those_o who_o be_v able_a to_o do_v well_o and_o the_o ministry_n will_v be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o esteem_v and_o seek_v after_o cause_n iu._n the_o defect_n of_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n if_o it_o have_v be_v possible_a without_o a_o essential_a omission_n not_o to_o have_v detect_v this_o cause_n of_o corruption_n i_o will_v have_v pass_v it_o over_o in_o silence_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o speak_v of_o the_o high_a power_n but_o with_o great_a discretion_n and_o respect_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o without_o some_o kind_n of_o reluctancy_n that_o i_o suppose_v in_o the_o title_n of_o this_o chapter_n that_o one_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n but_o if_o i_o have_v suppress_v this_o i_o shall_v have_v dissemble_v a_o most_o important_a truth_n and_o omit_v one_o of_o the_o head_n which_o be_v the_o most_o necessary_a to_o be_v insist_v upon_o in_o a_o work_n of_o this_o nature_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o rank_n which_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n hold_v they_o have_v always_o a_o great_a share_n in_o the_o good_a or_o ill_a manner_n of_o the_o people_n and_o so_o i_o can_v excuse_v myself_o from_o show_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_n may_v partly_o be_v impute_v to_o those_o who_o be_v ordain_v for_o the_o government_n of_o civil_a society_n in_o order_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v offer_v some_o reflection_n upon_o the_o duty_n of_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n consider_v 1._o as_o civil_a and_o 2._o as_o christian_a magistrate_n although_o the_o institution_n of_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n do_v proper_o relate_v to_o civil_a matter_n yet_o the_o manner_n of_o govern_v their_o people_n have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n this_o can_v be_v question_v if_o we_o suppose_v this_o principle_n that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o religion_n be_v also_o the_o author_n of_o civil_a society_n and_o magistracy_n it_o be_v st._n paul_n doctrine_n xiii_o doctrine_n rom._n xiii_o that_o there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o power_n that_o be_v be_v ordain_v of_o god_n if_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o civil_a society_n he_o be_v also_o the_o author_n of_o those_o law_n upon_o which_o both_o religion_n and_o civil_a society_n be_v found_v now_o god_n be_v always_o consistent_a with_o himself_o the_o law_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o can_v contradict_v one_o another_o and_o this_o show_v already_o not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v no_o opposition_n between_o religion_n and_o civil_a society_n but_o that_o these_o two_o thing_n have_v beside_o a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o one_o another_o this_o will_v yet_o more_o clear_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o religion_n do_v not_o cut_v off_o christian_n from_o the_o society_n of_o other_o man_n and_o that_o the_o church_n do_v not_o constitute_v a_o state_n by_o itself_o to_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o civil_a society_n but_o that_o those_o who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v likewise_o member_n of_o civil_a society_n so_o that_o the_o same_o man_n be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n both_o a_o christian_n and_o a_o citizen_n but_o it_o be_v chief_o necessary_a to_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n 1._o it_o be_v to_o be_v preach_v to_o all_o man_n and_o to_o be_v receive_v by_o all_o the_o world_n without_o distinction_n of_o nation_n kingdom_n or_o state_n in_o order_n to_o this_o two_o thing_n be_v necessary_a first_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o in_o religion_n contrary_a to_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o state_n and_o of_o civil_a society_n for_o else_o god_n by_o order_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v preach_v will_v have_v destroy_v his_o own_o work_n christianity_n can_v not_o have_v take_v foot_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o first_o christian_n will_v have_v be_v just_o look_v upon_o as_o seditious_a person_n but_o it_o be_v not_o less_o necessary_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o repugnant_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o natural_a constitution_n of_o state_n and_o civil_a society_n otherwise_o god_n by_o establish_v society_n will_v have_v put_v a_o insuperable_a obstacle_n to_o the_o plant_n of_o the_o gospel_n unless_o the_o civil_a order_n and_o government_n have_v be_v alter_v but_o our_o saviour_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o there_o be_v to_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n by_o declare_v xviii_o declare_v john_n xviii_o that_o his_o kingdom_n be_v not_o of_o this_o world_n and_o by_o command_v his_o follower_n xxii_o
be_v much_o advance_v as_o long_o as_o the_o evil_n be_v not_o take_v in_o its_o cause_n and_o as_o long_o as_o such_o principle_n and_o abuse_n continue_v among_o christian_n as_o be_v and_o will_v always_o be_v obstacle_n to_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n last_o i_o consider_v that_o this_o matter_n have_v not_o yet_o be_v thorough_o handle_v by_o any_o author_n at_o least_o that_o i_o know_v of_o of_o those_o who_o have_v touch_v upon_o it_o in_o their_o book_n some_o have_v confine_v themselves_o to_o consideration_n pure_o moral_a and_o other_o to_o theological_a reflection_n upon_o the_o error_n which_o be_v in_o vogue_n or_o upon_o the_o controversy_n which_o divide_v christian_n but_o they_o have_v omit_v many_o thing_n which_o seem_v essential_a no_o doubt_n because_o they_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o treat_v this_o subject_a purposely_o or_o because_o they_o do_v not_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o whole_a extent_n of_o it_o as_o these_o consideration_n have_v make_v i_o wish_v for_o a_o long_a while_n that_o among_o so_o many_o able_a man_n who_o write_v about_o religion_n some_o may_v undertake_v so_o important_a a_o subject_n so_o they_o have_v determine_v i_o to_o publish_v these_o essay_n upon_o the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n hope_v that_o other_o will_v apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o full_a discussion_n of_o those_o matter_n which_o be_v here_o but_o imperfect_o hint_v at_o but_o that_o the_o scope_n of_o this_o treatise_n may_v be_v the_o better_o understand_v and_o that_o no_o body_n may_v expect_v that_o in_o it_o which_o according_a to_o the_o scheme_n i_o form_v to_o myself_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v a_o place_n here_o i_o shall_v acquaint_v the_o reader_n with_o one_o thing_n which_o he_o may_v perhaps_o have_v foresee_v from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v i_o do_v not_o propose_v to_o myself_o to_o handle_v this_o matter_n in_o the_o way_n of_o the_o divinity_n school_n no_o man_n therefore_o ought_v to_o wonder_n if_o i_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o state_n in_o which_o all_o man_n be_v bear_v nor_o of_o that_o inclination_n to_o vice_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o they_o for_o though_o this_o be_v the_o first_o original_a of_o corruption_n yet_o certain_o this_o corruption_n will_v be_v much_o less_o if_o christian_n do_v use_v the_o mean_n which_o god_n afford_v they_o to_o overcome_v it_o and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o other_o source_n which_o feed_v and_o strengthen_v that_o vicious_a propensity_n beside_o i_o do_v not_o consider_v corruption_n in_o general_n as_o it_o be_v common_a to_o all_o mankind_n but_o i_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_n in_o particular_a neither_o do_v i_o design_n to_o write_v a_o moral_a treatise_n so_o that_o it_o must_v not_o be_v expect_v that_o i_o shall_v discourse_v of_o self-love_n and_o pride_n and_o of_o all_o the_o other_o passion_n which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a occasion_n of_o man_n sin_n or_o that_o i_o shall_v trace_v out_o all_o the_o particular_a cause_n of_o every_o sin_n this_o will_v carry_v i_o too_o far_o and_o such_o thing_n have_v be_v often_o examine_v i_o therefore_o apply_v myself_o only_o to_o the_o general_a cause_n and_o i_o manage_v the_o the_o matter_n thus_o i_o divide_v this_o work_n into_o two_o part_n because_o the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n may_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n i_o shall_v call_v those_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n particular_a or_o internal_a because_o they_o be_v within_o we_o and_o to_o be_v find_v in_o every_o particular_a man_n that_o live_v ill_a those_o of_o the_o second_o sort_n which_o be_v more_o general_a i_o name_v external_n because_o they_o proceed_v rather_o from_o certain_a outward_a circumstance_n and_o from_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o the_o time_n than_o from_o the_o fault_n of_o particular_a person_n the_o cause_n i_o shall_v treat_v of_o in_o the_o first_o part_n be_v no_o other_o but_o the_o ill_a disposition_n in_o which_o most_o christian_n be_v and_o which_o hinder_v their_o apply_v themselves_o to_o piety_n and_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v observe_v nine_o i._o ignorance_n ii_o prejudices_fw-la and_o false_a notion_n concern_v religion_n iii_o some_o opinion_n and_o and_o maxim_n which_o be_v use_v to_o authorize_v corruption_n iv_o the_o abuse_n of_o holy_a scripture_n v._o a_o false_a modesty_n vi_o the_o delay_v repentance_n vii_o man_n sloth_n and_o negligence_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n viii_o worldly_n business_n ix_o man_n particular_a calling_n the_o cause_n to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o second_o part_n be_v these_o seven_o i._o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o religion_n in_o general_n ii_o the_o want_n of_o discipline_n iii_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o clergy_n iv_o the_o defect_n of_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n v._o education_n vi_o example_n and_o custom_n vii_o book_n i_o declare_v here_o that_o in_o discourse_v upon_o these_o source_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v to_o tax_v all_o christian_n without_o exception_n so_o when_o i_o speak_v of_o ignorance_n and_o of_o prejudices_fw-la common_o receive_v know_v and_o learned_a man_n be_v except_v and_o when_o i_o observe_v certain_a defect_n in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o the_o church_n and_o of_o religion_n in_o discipline_n in_o clergyman_n or_o in_o christian_a magistrate_n i_o suppose_v those_o fault_n obtain_v more_o in_o some_o place_n than_o in_o other_o in_o short_a whoever_o shall_v apply_v what_o be_v say_v in_o this_o treatise_n to_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n and_o church_n will_v certain_o mistake_v my_o design_n and_o now_o i_o must_v desire_v those_o who_o may_v chance_v to_o see_v this_o book_n to_o examine_v serious_o what_o 〈◊〉_d propose_v in_o it_o no_o lover_n of_o truth_n or_o religion_n can_v refuse_v his_o attention_n to_o a_o subject_a of_o this_o nature_n but_o i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v more_o particular_o welcome_a to_o churchman_n and_o divine_n who_o be_v call_v by_o their_o function_n to_o set_v themselves_o against_o corruption_n and_o to_o endeavour_v all_o they_o can_v to_o promote_v piety_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o conclude_v i_o hearty_o implore_v his_o blessing_n upon_o this_o work_n who_o put_v it_o into_o my_o heart_n to_o set_v about_o it_o and_o who_o be_v my_o witness_n with_o what_o design_n and_o intention_n i_o publish_v it_o a_o treatise_n concern_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o present_a corruption_n of_o christian_o part_n i._o cause_n i._o ignorance_n when_o a_o man_n think_v of_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o corruption_n which_o overruns_a the_o christian_a world_n the_o first_o which_o offer_v itself_o to_o his_o mind_n be_v ignorance_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o it_o our_o notion_n and_o knowledge_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o our_o action_n we_o can_v never_o love_v a_o thing_n or_o adhere_v to_o it_o when_o it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o or_o when_o it_o be_v but_o imperfect_o know_v to_o we_o suppose_v then_o that_o man_n be_v ignorant_a or_o very_o little_a instruct_v in_o religion_n there_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v corrupt_a for_o they_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n when_o they_o appear_v to_o be_v extreme_o corrupt_a we_o may_v conclude_v that_o they_o want_v instruction_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o corruption_n proceed_v sometime_o from_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o heart_n which_o resist_v the_o light_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o that_o man_n frequent_o act_n against_o their_o knowledge_n but_o it_o may_v safe_o be_v say_v that_o if_o christian_n be_v well_o instruct_v they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o corrupt_a and_o that_o wherever_o a_o extraordinary_a corruption_n be_v visible_a there_o be_v likewise_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o ignorance_n this_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o god_n conduct_n in_o the_o establish_n the_o christian_a religion_n when_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o those_o disorder_n wherein_o the_o heathen_n live_v before_o their_o conversion_n they_o ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o darkness_n of_o their_o mind_n 18._o mind_n eph._n iu._n 18._o the_o gentile_n say_v st._n paul_n have_v their_o understanding_n darken_v be_v alienate_v from_o the_o life_n of_o god_n through_o the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o they_o because_o of_o the_o blindness_n of_o their_o heart_n the_o same_o apostle_n call_v the_o time_n which_o precede_v the_o come_v of_o of_o christ_n the_o time_n of_o ignorance_n and_o the_o first_o thing_n which_o god_n do_v to_o change_v the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o rescue_v it_o from_o corruption_n be_v to_o dispel_v the_o cloud_n of_o their_o ignorance_n and_o to_o enlighten_v they_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n although_o christian_n can_v be_v charge_v with_o so_o gross_a a_o ignorance_n as_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_n yet_o they_o
goodness_n of_o god_n who_o have_v so_o well_o provide_v for_o the_o necessity_n of_o man_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o set_v bound_n to_o our_o curiosity_n and_o to_o fortify_v our_o faith_n against_o those_o doubt_n which_o may_v start_v up_o in_o our_o mind_n by_o reason_n of_o so_o many_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o as_o therefore_o of_o all_o truth_n none_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n or_o of_o a_o more_o entire_a certainty_n than_o those_o which_o religion_n depend_v upon_o so_o the_o proof_n of_o those_o truth_n ought_v to_o be_v simple_a evident_a and_o suit_v to_o all_o man_n capacity_n thus_o when_o in_o order_n to_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n we_o allege_v for_o instance_n the_o state_n and_o order_n in_o which_o the_o world_n subsist_v when_o we_o show_v that_o the_o world_n can_v be_v eternal_a and_o that_o thing_n have_v a_o beginning_n when_o we_o establish_v the_o inspiration_n of_o scripture_n by_o the_o prophecy_n it_o contain_v which_o be_v undoubted_o write_v before_o their_o accomplishment_n when_o we_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o the_o truth_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o history_n and_o demonstrate_v that_o if_o the_o fact_n upon_o which_o religion_n be_v found_v be_v not_o certain_a there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o certainty_n in_o the_o world_n in_o respect_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v past_a and_o that_o if_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v reject_v there_o be_v no_o witness_n or_o historian_n who_o may_v not_o be_v reject_v upon_o better_a ground_n when_o we_o confirm_v the_o sacred_a history_n by_o the_o concur_v testimony_n of_o pagan_a writer_n and_o by_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o the_o most_o unquestionable_a monument_n which_o past_a age_n can_v afford_v when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v plant_v in_o the_o world_n and_o upon_o the_o alteration_n it_o have_v make_v in_o it_o when_o we_o insist_v upon_o the_o character_n of_o truth_n sincerity_n and_o divinity_n which_o be_v observable_a in_o the_o scripture_n in_o short_a when_o we_o take_v religion_n to_o piece_n and_o make_v man_n see_v and_o feel_v that_o its_o doctrine_n its_o precept_n its_o promise_n and_o its_o threaten_n have_v nothing_o in_o they_o that_o be_v absurd_a or_o bad_a or_o contrary_a to_o our_o natural_a apprehension_n nothing_o but_o what_o perfect_o agree_v with_o sound_a reason_n and_o the_o sentiment_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v advantageous_a to_o particular_a person_n and_o to_o society_n when_o i_o say_v we_o urge_v these_o proof_n and_o other_o like_v they_o and_o have_v the_o art_n of_o propose_v they_o in_o a_o clear_a and_o judicious_a method_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o contain_v nothing_o that_o be_v very_o difficult_a these_o be_v the_o clear_a and_o the_o strong_a proof_n that_o can_v be_v use_v in_o a_o subject_a of_o this_o nature_n and_o the_o argument_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o establish_v these_o proof_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n so_o natural_a and_o so_o conform_v to_o the_o idea_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a sense_n that_o there_o be_v few_o even_o of_o the_o vulgar_a who_o may_v not_o apprehend_v they_o if_o not_o perfect_o and_o in_o their_o whole_a extent_n which_o be_v reserve_v to_o man_n of_o a_o large_a capacity_n yet_o so_o far_o at_o least_o as_o sufficient_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o force_n if_o then_o difficulty_n and_o obscurity_n be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o discussion_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v because_o this_o matter_n be_v neglect_v and_o the_o people_n be_v little_o inform_v but_o if_o the_o same_o care_n have_v be_v take_v to_o instruct_v christian_n in_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o explain_v and_o clear_v particular_a one_o they_o will_v have_v another_o kind_n of_o persuasion_n than_o they_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n these_o great_a and_o sublime_a truth_n have_v without_o comparison_n more_o suitableness_n and_o affinity_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o heart_n than_o many_o obscure_a difficult_a and_o less_o necessary_a thing_n which_o yet_o have_v be_v effectual_o teach_v they_o 4_o but_o against_o this_o experience_n may_v possible_o be_v object_v it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v christian_n who_o most_o certain_o have_v piety_n and_o yet_o do_v never_o meditate_v much_o upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n i._o answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a how_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o pious_a christian_a without_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n for_o at_o this_o rate_n piety_n will_v be_v but_o mere_a conceit_n and_o enthusiasm_n and_o we_o must_v say_v notwithstanding_o all_o that_o scripture_n and_o reason_n tell_v we_o to_o the_o contrary_a that_o man_n be_v christian_n without_o knowledge_n or_o reason_n it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o but_o that_o good_a man_n must_v have_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v have_v a_o lively_a sense_n that_o these_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a and_o the_o most_o important_a of_o all_o truth_n if_o we_o inquire_v what_o principle_n it_o be_v which_o produce_v piety_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o most_o simple_a people_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o be_v a_o unmovable_a persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n a_o judgement_n a_o heaven_n and_o a_o hell_n which_o persuasion_n be_v necessary_o found_v upon_o some_o of_o the_o proof_n i_o have_v hint_v at_o i_o grant_v which_o no_o doubt_n will_v be_v object_v to_o i_o that_o in_o many_o this_o persuasion_n be_v not_o clear_a enough_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o result_n of_o a_o particular_a examination_n but_o this_o do_v not_o lessen_v the_o force_n of_o my_o argument_n for_o though_o the_o persuasion_n of_o good_a man_n shall_v not_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o so_o well_o ground_v as_o it_o may_v be_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v but_o that_o it_o be_v sincere_a a_o man_n may_v be_v convince_v of_o a_o truth_n though_o he_o do_v not_o discover_v all_o the_o certainty_n and_o all_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o though_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o answer_v all_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o so_o that_o still_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o general_a truth_n of_o it_o after_o all_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v good_a man_n who_o be_v not_o so_o well_o instruct_v upon_o this_o head_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v and_o this_o defect_n of_o instruction_n this_o imperfection_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a cause_n of_o the_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n of_o their_o piety_n thus_o we_o may_v frequent_o observe_v in_o their_o conduct_n such_o weakness_n and_o opinion_n as_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o pure_a light_n of_o faith_n and_o with_o the_o exactness_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v part_n of_o the_o unhappiness_n we_o lament_v and_o of_o that_o corruption_n of_o which_o we_o seek_v the_o cause_n but_o no_o man_n will_v dispute_v but_o that_o if_o the_o same_o person_n have_v more_o instruction_n they_o will_v carry_v virtue_n much_o far_a than_o they_o do_v the_o degree_n of_o piety_n do_v ordinary_o follow_v the_o degree_n of_o faith_n where_o there_o be_v no_o faith_n there_o be_v no_o piety_n and_o where_o faith_n be_v weak_a and_o faint_a piety_n be_v languid_a and_o defective_a this_o be_v the_o general_a state_n and_o character_n of_o christian_n at_o this_o time_n either_o downright_a impiety_n or_o 〈◊〉_d piety_n that_o be_v both_o feeble_a and_o imperfect_a 5_o in_o the_o last_o place_n some_o will_v perhaps_o object_n here_o that_o incredulity_n be_v the_o effect_n â—ather_o than_o the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n and_o that_o atheism_n do_v not_o produce_v corruption_n but_o corruption_n atheism_n to_o this_o 〈◊〉_d say_v that_o these_o two_o thing_n do_v mutual_o uphold_v and_o support_v each_o other_o many_o fall_n into_o infidelity_n because_o their_o heart_n be_v vitiate_a their_o licentious_a way_n of_o live_v take_v they_o off_o from_o inquire_v into_o religion_n and_o hinder_v their_o believe_v of_o divine_a truth_n but_o it_o be_v not_o less_o certain_a â—hat_n one_o of_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o disorder_n of_o christian_n be_v that_o either_o they_o do_v â—ot_n believe_v at_o all_o or_o that_o they_o believe_v weak_o and_o confuse_o and_o this_o can_v â—e_v reasonable_o contest_v ii_o here_o be_v then_o the_o first_o and_o the_o principal_a defect_n that_o man_n be_v not_o sufficient_o â—â—structed_v in_o the_o general_a truth_n and_o principle_n of_o
behalf_n that_o these_o illusion_n will_v not_o have_v grow_v so_o common_a if_o there_o have_v not_o teen_n a_o general_a and_o in_o some_o measure_n a_o incurable_a corruption_n in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o see_v every_o where_o a_o prodigious_a decay_n of_o piety_n and_o little_a hope_n of_o amendment_n for_o what_o may_v we_o not_o say_v of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o christianity_n there_o be_v in_o many_o place_n a_o ignorant_a and_o superstitious_a clergy_n and_o people_n who_o whole_a religion_n consist_v in_o ceremony_n and_o in_o devotion_n which_o be_v mere_o external_n and_o often_o ridiculous_a above_o all_o there_o appear_v in_o those_o place_n a_o deluge_n of_o immorality_n be_v it_o then_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o quietism_n and_o fanaticism_n shall_v rear_v up_o their_o head_n in_o such_o place_n these_o gross_a abuse_n do_v not_o indeed_o prevail_v everywhere_o but_o general_o speak_v there_o be_v but_o little_a of_o true_a piety_n among_o christian_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o order_n or_o discipline_n leave_v among_o they_o man_n live_v as_o they_o please_v the_o sacrament_n be_v profane_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v trample_v under_o foot_n charity_n and_o honesty_n be_v almost_o entire_o banish_v no_o man_n set_v about_o the_o redress_v of_o these_o disorder_n churchman_n make_v it_o their_o capital_a business_n to_o maintain_v their_o dispute_n and_o their_o tenet_n and_o they_o apply_v themselves_o but_o faint_o to_o the_o reform_v of_o manner_n religion_n be_v upon_o this_o foot_n many_o who_o have_v good_a intention_n can_v not_o but_o perceive_v that_o this_o be_v not_o true_a and_o genuine_a christianity_n but_o because_o they_o see_v no_o likelihood_n of_o thing_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o better_a posture_n or_o because_o they_o want_v capacity_n to_o find_v out_o the_o occasion_n and_o remedy_n of_o so_o great_a a_o evil_a or_o last_o because_o they_o be_v man_n of_o weak_a part_n they_o hearken_v to_o those_o who_o propose_v to_o they_o this_o mystical_a piety_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o progress_n of_o fanaticism_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o some_o person_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n be_v engage_v in_o that_o party_n and_o therefore_o the_o true_a way_n to_o reclaim_v they_o will_v be_v to_o re-establish_a order_n in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o labour_v for_o the_o reformation_n of_o manner_n as_o long_o as_o these_o be_v neglect_v all_o the_o precaution_n and_o method_n use_v against_o fanatick_n by_o the_o clergy_n or_o by_o the_o magistrate_n will_v either_o prove_v unsuccesful_a or_o be_v find_v contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n but_o after_o all_o this_o spirit_n of_o fanaticism_n be_v high_o pernicious_a for_o first_o it_o open_v a_o gap_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o licentiousness_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o mischiess_n which_o may_v redound_v from_o thence_o upon_o civil_a society_n mystical_a piety_n be_v at_o large_a fountain_n of_o illusion_n it_o lead_v man_n into_o endless_a error_n and_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o turn_v all_o religion_n upside_o down_o for_o as_o it_o be_v lodge_v only_o in_o inward_a sentiment_n it_o can_v happen_v otherwise_o but_o that_o vast_a number_n of_o man_n who_o either_o want_n knowledge_n or_o strength_n of_o part_n will_v take_v the_o wander_n of_o their_o own_o fancy_n for_o divine_a inspiration_n i_o know_v that_o some_o of_o those_o contemplative_a man_n acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o read_v it_o careful_o but_o the_o mischief_n be_v that_o through_o their_o prejudices_fw-la they_o fix_v a_o wrong_a sense_n upon_o it_o so_o that_o what_o they_o read_v do_v but_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o error_n their_o exposition_n be_v very_o singular_a they_o do_v not_o affix_v to_o word_n the_o same_o idea_n which_o other_o man_n do_v they_o forsake_v the_o literal_a sense_n to_o run_v after_o mystical_a explication_n suitable_a to_o their_o preconceive_a notion_n they_o reject_v or_o make_v very_a light_n of_o those_o help_n which_o the_o knowledge_n of_o language_n history_n and_o the_o scope_n of_o sacred_a writer_n afford_v and_o it_o be_v one_o of_o their_o principle_n that_o woman_n mechanic_n and_o the_o most_o simple_a people_n be_v able_a to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n as_o well_o if_o not_o better_o than_o the_o most_o learned_a doctor_n 2._o fanaticism_n be_v a_o evil_n which_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v remedy_v a_o heretic_n or_o a_o profane_a person_n may_v soon_o be_v undeceive_v than_o a_o man_n intoxicate_v with_o mystical_a devotion_n for_o these_o will_v reason_n but_o the_o other_o will_v hearken_v to_o no_o reason_v so_o that_o he_o be_v proof_n against_o all_o the_o argument_n which_o can_v be_v offer_v to_o he_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o dispute_v with_o people_n who_o look_v on_o all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o their_o mind_n as_o ignorant_a man_n who_o think_v themselves_o illuminate_v above_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o who_o return_v no_o other_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n urge_v against_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v otherwise_o persuade_v in_o their_o mind_n there_o be_v no_o good_a to_o be_v do_v upon_o they_o either_o by_o reason_v or_o by_o sense_n of_o which_o they_o make_v but_o little_a use_n or_o even_o by_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o they_o seek_v nothing_o less_o than_o the_o literal_a meaning_n 3._o though_o mystical_a man_n profess_v a_o sublime_a piety_n yet_o their_o principle_n favour_n corruption_n more_o than_o one_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v how_o can_v we_o reconcile_v those_o maxim_n concern_v contemplation_n inanition_n and_o silence_n with_o that_o activity_n zeal_n and_o fervour_n which_o the_o scripture_n recommend_v if_o man_n be_v a_o mere_a nothing_o if_o he_o be_v to_o wait_v patient_o till_o god_n work_v his_o will_n in_o he_o and_o speak_v to_o his_o soul_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o exhort_v man_n and_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o they_o to_o use_v any_o endeavour_n on_o their_o part_n beside_o that_o contempt_n of_o outward_a mean_n which_o the_o mystic_n express_v make_v way_n for_o a_o total_a neglect_n of_o devotion_n introduce_v disorder_n and_o licentiousness_n and_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o god_n design_n who_o think_v fit_a to_o prescribe_v the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o fanaticism_n be_v commodious_a enough_o for_o sinner_n so_o that_o i_o do_v not_o wonder_v that_o some_o of_o they_o shall_v go_v over_o to_o that_o party_n a_o devotion_n which_o consist_v in_o acknowledge_v a_o man_n own_o nothingness_n or_o in_o contemplation_n and_o silence_n be_v much_o more_o acceptable_a to_o a_o corrupt_a person_n than_o a_o exact_a morality_n which_o oblige_v a_o man_n to_o do_v act_n of_o repentance_n to_o put_v his_o own_o hand_n to_o the_o work_n and_o to_o set_v about_o the_o reform_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o practise_v of_o christian_a virtue_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n fanaticism_n make_v religion_n contemptible_a because_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n confound_v true_a with_o mystical_a piety_n they_o fancy_n that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v devout_a without_o be_v something_o visionary_a and_o enthusiastical_a and_o that_o devotion_n do_v not_o well_o agree_v with_o sense_n and_o reason_n the_o prejudices_fw-la i_o have_v mention_v in_o this_o chapter_n be_v not_o the_o only_a one_o which_o foment_n and_o cherish_v corruption_n some_o other_o may_v have_v be_v add_v but_o they_o may_v more_o convenient_o be_v range_v under_o the_o title_n of_o some_o of_o the_o follow_a chapter_n what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o this_o do_v yet_o far_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a instruction_n which_o may_v conquer_v these_o prejudices_fw-la and_o give_v man_n true_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n cause_n iii_o the_o maxim_n and_o sentiment_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o authorize_v corruption_n it_o have_v be_v show_v in_o two_o precede_a chapter_n that_o man_n be_v general_o involve_v in_o ignorance_n and_o that_o they_o entertain_v such_o notion_n concern_v religion_n and_o piety_n as_o must_v of_o necessity_n maintain_v corruption_n in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o be_v likewise_o possess_v with_o divers_a particular_a maxim_n and_o sentiment_n which_o lead_v direct_o to_o libertinism_n a_o modern_a author_n very_o well_o observe_v preface_n observe_v new_a moral_a essay_n tom._n 1._o in_o the_o preface_n that_o people_n be_v not_o only_o very_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o extent_n of_o that_o purity_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v but_o that_o they_o be_v beside_o full_a of_o maxim_n incomparable_o more_o pernicious_a than_o error_n of_o pure_a speculation_n these_o maxim_n do_v the_o more_o certain_o produce_v corruption_n because_o they_o be_v use_v to_o authorize_v and_o countenance_v it_o and_o in_o fact_n man_n blindness_n and_o licentiousness_n be_v come_v to_o that_o
pass_n that_o not_o be_v content_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o vice_n they_o do_v beside_o plead_v authority_n for_o a_o ill_a life_n they_o proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o defend_v the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n they_o dispute_v with_o those_o that_o condemn_v they_o and_o they_o vent_v such_o maxim_n and_o sentiment_n as_o if_o we_o believe_v they_o will_v justify_v or_o at_o least_o excuse_v all_o their_o disorder_n i_o can_v not_o omit_v here_o the_o examine_n of_o those_o maxim_n since_o their_o effect_n be_v so_o pernicious_a i_o shall_v therefore_o observe_v they_o as_o the_o three_o cause_n of_o corruption_n the_o maxim_n and._n sentiment_n which_o favour_n corruption_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o be_v visible_o profane_a and_o impious_a such_o be_v a_o great_a many_o maxim_n of_o the_o libertine_n which_o go_v for_o currant_n in_o the_o world_n but_o there_o be_v other_o which_o man_n pretend_v to_o draw_v from_o religion_n i_o shall_v insist_v particular_o upon_o the_o latter_a because_o as_o they_o be_v take_v from_o religion_n itself_o they_o be_v by_o much_o the_o more_o dangerous_a when_o profane_a people_n undertake_v to_o defend_v vice_n with_o maxim_n which_o be_v manifest_o impious_a we_o stand_v upon_o our_o guard_n against_o they_o and_o we_o may_v confute_v they_o by_o the_o maxim_n of_o religion_n but_o when_o they_o employ_v religion_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o vice_n the_o danger_n of_o be_v feduce_v be_v infinite_o great_a i_o shall_v reduce_v the_o maxim_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o authorize_v corruption_n to_o these_o four_o order_n i_o rank_v those_o in_o the_o first_o order_n by_o which_o man_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o holiness_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a the_o second_o order_n contain_v those_o which_o tend_v to_o show_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n be_v impossible_a the_o three_o comprehend_v those_o which_o insinuate_v that_o it_o be_v dangerous_a for_o a_o man_n to_o apply_v himself_o to_o good_a work_n the_o four_o and_o the_o last_o include_v those_o which_o be_v allege_v to_o excuse_v corruption_n but_o as_o it_o be_v not_o less_o necessary_a to_o know_v the_o remedy_n against_o corruption_n than_o to_o discover_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o only_o mention_v but_o as_o i_o go_v on_o confute_v those_o maxim_n although_o nothing_o be_v more_o clear_o assert_v in_o the_o gospel_n than_o the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n yet_o christian_n entertain_v many_o opinion_n which_o destroy_v this_o necessity_n and_o which_o consequent_o open_v a_o door_n to_o licentiousness_n the_o necessity_n of_o goodwork_n can_v be_v overthrow_v but_o one_o of_o these_o two_o way_n either_o by_o say_v that_o god_n do_v not_o require_v they_o or_o else_o by_o maintain_v that_o though_o god_n require_v they_o yet_o a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v without_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o 1._o in_o order_n to_o prove_v that_o god_n do_v not_o require_v sanctity_n and_o goodwork_n as_o a_o condition_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n these_o two_o maxim_n be_v abuse_v 1._o that_o we_o be_v not_o save_v by_o our_o work_n and_o 2._o that_o faith_n be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n the_o first_o of_o these_o maxim_n be_v intend_v to_o exclude_v goodwork_n and_o by_o the_o second_o man_n will_v substitute_v another_o mean_a for_o obtain_v salvation_n i_o refer_v the_o discuss_n of_o these_o two_o maxim_n to_o the_o next_o chapter_n because_o they_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n ii_o man_n endeavour_v to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o though_o they_o neglect_v holiness_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v exclude_v from_o salvation_n and_o that_o which_o contribute_v most_o to_o flatter_v they_o in_o this_o imagination_n be_v first_o the_o notion_n they_o have_v form_v to_o themselves_o of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n god_n say_v they_o be_v good_a and_o will_v not_o judge_v we_o with_o the_o utmost_a rigour_n this_o be_v say_v every_o day_n and_o it_o make_v every_o body_n hope_v for_o salvation_n the_o divine_a mercy_n indeed_o be_v without_o question_n the_o only_a ground_n we_o have_v to_o hope_v for_o salvation_n but_o the_o vile_a affront_n we_o can_v offer_v to_o that_o mercy_n be_v to_o make_v it_o a_o occasion_n of_o security_n because_o god_n be_v good_a and_o merciful_a must_v not_o we_o therefore_o endeavour_v to_o please_v he_o may_v we_o free_o offend_v he_o because_o he_o be_v good_a and_o we_o hope_v he_o will_v forgive_v we_o those_o who_o reason_n at_o this_o rate_n understand_v very_o little_a what_o the_o divine_a mercy_n be_v they_o must_v suppose_v that_o it_o extend_v indifferent_o to_o all_o man_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o their_o obedience_n or_o disobedience_n but_o this_o supposition_n be_v evident_o false_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o effect_n of_o god_n mercy_n be_v promise_v only_o to_o those_o who_o fear_v he_o and_o depart_v from_o evil_n and_o by_o consequence_n it_o be_v a_o false_a and_o pernicious_a maxim_n to_o say_v so_o much_o holiness_n be_v not_o necessary_a god_n be_v good_a and_o he_o will_v not_o mark_v severe_o what_o be_v do_v amiss_o this_o be_v to_o ascribe_v to_o god_n a_o easiness_n and_o a_o connivance_n utter_o unbecoming_a the_o sovereign_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v say_v beside_o that_o god_n will_v not_o judge_v we_o rigorous_o that_o indeed_o be_v true_a god_n be_v indulgent_a towards_o we_o and_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o which_o god_n have_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o our_o present_a condition_n and_o weakness_n but_o it_o be_v likewise_o certain_a that_o god_n will_v judge_v we_o according_a to_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o no_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v for_o those_o who_o do_v not_o fulfil_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o this_o condition_n be_v a_o true_a faith_n incite_v we_o to_o holiness_n this_o must_v be_v grant_v and_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v the_o necessity_n of_o perform_v this_o condition_n and_o of_o lead_v a_o holy_a life_n or_o else_o the_o gospel_n be_v but_o a_o jest_n and_o we_o must_v say_v that_o god_n do_v not_o speak_v serious_o in_o it_o that_o indeed_o he_o prescribe_v certain_a condition_n that_o he_o command_v and_o threaten_v but_o that_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o be_v to_o be_v strict_o understand_v so_o that_o though_o a_o man_n do_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o condition_n which_o god_n require_v yet_o he_o shall_v feel_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o clemency_n if_o this_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o christian_a religion_n 2._o it_o will_v no_o doubt_n be_v reply_v that_o provide_v vide_v a_o man_n repent_v and_o ask_v god_n forgiveness_n he_o shall_v be_v save_v this_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a truth_n so_o by_o repentance_n we_o mean_v that_o which_o the_o gospel_n require_v and_o which_o consist_v in_o a_o sincere_a detestation_n of_o sin_n in_o true_a conversion_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n but_o this_o be_v false_a if_o by_o repentance_n we_o mean_v only_o a_o general_a confession_n of_o sin_n accompany_v with_o some_o sense_n of_o grief_n and_o fear_n whereby_o sinner_n hope_v at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n to_o atone_v for_o all_o the_o disorder_n of_o a_o vicious_a life_n i_o will_v show_v here_o that_o this_o be_v no_o save_v repentance_n but_o that_o i_o be_o to_o handle_v this_o matter_n purposely_o in_o another_o chapter_n if_o man_n common_o neglect_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o very_o necessary_a they_o apply_v themselves_o much_o less_o to_o those_o which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v impossible_a now_o this_o be_v the_o notion_n which_o man_n common_o have_v of_o piety_n it_o be_v say_v first_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v so_o holy_a and_o to_o do_v that_o whiâ—_n god_n command_v a_o great_a many_o like_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n very_o well_o and_o acknowledge_v their_o justice_n and_o excellency_n will_v to_o god_n say_v they_o we_o may_v live_v thus_o but_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v it_o and_o be_v possess_v with_o this_o opinion_n they_o use_v no_o endeavour_n to_o practice_v those_o duty_n which_o they_o own_v to_o be_v just_o or_o to_o attain_v to_o that_o holiness_n to_o which_o god_n call_v they_o and_o indeed_o what_o man_n will_v attempt_v that_o which_o he_o look_v upon_o as_o impossible_a now_o what_o be_v say_v of_o man_n incapacity_n to_o do_v good_a be_v very_o true_a when_o we_o speak_v of_o man_n consider_v bare_o as_o man_n in_o the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o nature_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o those_o who_o god_n have_v rescue_v out_o of_o that_o state_n and_o call_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v incapable_a to_o arrive_v at_o that_o degree_n
thing_n they_o will_v say_v perhaps_o that_o they_o hope_v to_o confirm_v themselves_o in_o a_o good_a purpose_n but_o what_o do_v they_o find_v this_o hope_n upon_o what_o do_v they_o wait_v for_o and_o what_o new_a thing_n do_v the_o imagine_v will_v happen_v to_o they_o have_v they_o any_o assurance_n that_o god_n will_v use_v for_o their_o conversion_n other_o mean_n and_o motive_n than_o those_o which_o he_o have_v use_v already_o nay_o how_o do_v they_o know_v but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o those_o mean_n and_o help_v which_o hitherto_o have_v be_v tender_v they_o how_o can_v they_o tell_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o time_n to_o come_v for_o they_o and_o whether_o their_o life_n be_v not_o just_o ready_a to_o end_v all_o this_o be_v very_o uncertain_a but_o what_o be_v certain_o true_a be_v this_o that_o through_o so_o many_o procrastination_n their_o heart_n grow_v hard_a and_o their_o return_n to_o virtue_n become_v more_o difficult_a the_o love_n of_o sin_n increase_v by_o the_o habit_n of_o sin_v and_o the_o mean_v appoint_v to_o work_v repentance_n lose_v something_o of_o their_o force_n every_o day_n these_o consideration_n do_v evident_o show_v that_o the_o defer_v of_o conversion_n be_v a_o error_n as_o gross_a as_o it_o be_v dangerous_a i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v useless_a to_o conclude_v this_o chapter_n with_o observe_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o put_v off_o their_o conversion_n be_v because_o they_o look_v upon_o repentance_n as_o a_o austere_a and_o melancholy_a duty_n and_o this_o notion_n must_v needs_o put_v they_o upon_o defer_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o it_o be_v therefore_o of_o the_o great_a moment_n to_o destroy_v that_o prejudice_n and_o to_o show_v on_o the_o contrary_a that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o sad_a and_o deplorable_a condition_n it_o be_v that_o of_o a_o man_n who_o live_v in_o sin_n for_o that_o be_v either_o a_o state_n of_o fear_n and_o uncertainty_n or_o of_o security_n and_o insensibility_n such_o a_o man_n can_v have_v no_o solid_a peace_n of_o conscience_n during_o his_o life_n and_o what_o agitation_n must_v he_o fall_v into_o when_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n and_o of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v happen_v to_o make_v some_o lively_a impression_n upon_o his_o mind_n for_o grant_v that_o then_o he_o may_v use_v some_o endeavour_n to_o dispose_v himself_o to_o repentance_n yet_o beside_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o late_a repentance_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n to_o end_v one_o life_n in_o those_o struggle_v and_o terror_n which_o must_v needs_o accompany_v such_o a_o repentance_n a_o man_n who_o delay_v his_o conversion_n prolong_v his_o misery_n and_o make_v it_o great_a and_o more_o incurable_a but_o joy_n and_o tranquillity_n be_v the_o portion_n of_o a_o pure_a conscience_n there_o be_v no_o felicity_n or_o contentment_n like_o that_o of_o a_o soul_n which_o be_v free_v from_o the_o bondage_n of_o sin_n repentance_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o grow_v sweet_a and_o more_o perfect_a according_a to_o the_o progress_n we_o make_v in_o virtue_n then_o it_o be_v that_o a_o man_n be_v happy_a in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o life_n beside_o that_o he_o have_v the_o comfort_n of_o be_v support_v at_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n with_o that_o peace_n and_o joy_n which_o flow_v from_o a_o well_o ground_a confidence_n in_o the_o divine_a mercy_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o from_o a_o steady_a hope_n of_o immortality_n cause_n vii_o man_n sloth_n and_o negligence_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v natural_a and_o ordinary_a to_o man_n to_o be_v unconcern_v about_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v not_o know_v or_o of_o which_o they_o do_v not_o apprehend_v the_o use_n and_o necessity_n and_o so_o we_o may_v easy_o conceive_v that_o man_n live_v in_o ignorance_n and_o be_v possess_v with_o those_o notion_n i_o have_v now_o confute_v must_v needs_o be_v very_o negligent_a and_o slothful_a in_o what_o relate_v to_o religion_n but_o as_o this_o sloth_n consider_v in_o itself_o be_v a_o visible_a cause_n of_o corruption_n so_o it_o will_v be_v fit_v to_o take_v particular_a notice_n of_o it_o in_o this_o chapter_n i_o suppose_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o attain_v the_o end_n which_o religion_n propose_v to_o he_o without_o use_v the_o proper_a mean_n which_o lead_v to_o that_o end_n in_o religious_a as_o well_o as_o in_o worldly_a concern_v nothing_o be_v to_o be_v have_v without_o labour_n and_o care_n as_o there_o be_v mean_v appoint_v for_o preserve_v the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n so_o there_o be_v some_o ordain_v for_o maintain_v the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o last_o mean_n be_v of_o the_o two_o the_o more_o necessary_a because_o there_o be_v more_o care_n and_o forecast_v requisite_a in_o order_n to_o salvation_n about_o preserve_v the_o life_n of_o die_v soul_n than_o for_o support_v that_o of_o the_o body_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o more_o excellent_a any_o thing_n be_v the_o more_o it_o require_v our_o care_n but_o beside_o that_o we_o see_v the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n be_v easy_o preserve_v a_o natural_a inclination_n prompt_v we_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o subsistence_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o supply_v our_o bodily_a want_n offer_v themselves_o to_o we_o as_o it_o be_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o spiritual_a life_n consider_v our_o proneness_n to_o evil_a and_o the_o present_a state_n we_o be_v in_o we_o can_v avoid_v be_v undo_v if_o we_o neglect_v the_o necessary_a care_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o if_o we_o follow_v all_o the_o bents_z and_o propension_n of_o our_o nature_n religion_n oblige_v we_o upon_o many_o occasion_n to_o resist_v our_o inclination_n and_o to_o offer_v violence_n to_o ourselves_o it_o require_v self-denial_n watchfulness_n and_o labour_n it_o lay_v many_o duty_n upon_o we_o and_o it_o prescribe_v divers_a mean_n without_o the_o use_n of_o which_o we_o can_v but_o continue_v still_o in_o corruption_n and_o death_n i_o shall_v then_o but_o just_a name_n the_o chief_a of_o those_o duty_n and_o mean_n before_o all_o thing_n a_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v instruct_v he_o ought_v to_o know_v with_o some_o exactness_n both_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n now_o this_o knowledge_n can_v be_v acquire_v without_o hear_v read_v meditation_n or_o some_o other_o care_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o religion_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o bare_a knowledge_n but_o chief_o in_o practice_n none_o of_o those_o mean_n shall_v be_v neglect_v which_o be_v proper_a to_o divert_v man_n from_o vice_n and_o to_o spur_v they_o on_o virtue_n these_o mean_n be_v very_o many_o but_o they_o be_v all_o comprehend_v under_o these_o two_o principal_a head_n the_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n and_o the_o circumspection_n which_o every_o person_n ought_v to_o use_v the_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n be_v mighty_a help_n to_o piety_n and_o salvation_n i_o mean_v such_o as_o meditation_n read_v and_o particular_o prayer_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o essential_a act_n of_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o one_o of_o the_o most_o efficacious_a mean_n to_o advance_v holiness_n there_o be_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n several_a method_n of_o circumspection_n and_o care_n which_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o foreseeing_a &_o shun_v the_o occasion_n which_o may_v draw_v we_o into_o sin_n the_o seek_v those_o opportunity_n and_o aid_n which_o promote_v piety_n the_o not_o be_v overmuch_o concern_v about_o the_o body_n the_o cherish_v good_a thought_n and_o the_o resist_a evil_a one_o but_o above_o all_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n that_o every_o one_o shall_v endeavour_v thorough_o to_o know_v himself_o which_o he_o can_v do_v but_o by_o examine_v his_o present_a state_n and_o by_o reflect_v serious_o and_o frequent_o upon_o his_o action_n and_o word_n and_o upon_o the_o thought_n and_o motion_n of_o his_o heart_n all_o these_o care_n be_v essential_a and_o necessary_a for_o without_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o be_v religious_a and_o pious_a as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o live_v and_o subsist_v with_o out_o nourishment_n a_o man_n who_o will_v neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v must_v needs_o die_v in_o a_o little_a time_n and_o so_o the_o spiritual_a life_n will_v soon_o be_v extinct_a if_o the_o only_a mean_n which_o can_v support_v it_o be_v not_o use_v let_v we_o see_v now_o whether_o these_o care_n and_o mean_n which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v necessary_a be_v make_v use_n of_o it_o be_v so_o visible_a that_o they_o be_v almost_o total_o neglect_v that_o i_o need_v
hospitality_n from_o mind_v their_o function_n as_o they_o ought_v and_o from_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o it_o with_o authority_n and_o zeal_n it_o force_v they_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o several_a mean_a or_o unlawful_a method_n to_o supply_v their_o necessity_n and_o those_o of_o their_o family_n and_o to_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o comport_v with_o their_o employment_n from_o thence_o proceed_v likewise_o the_o want_n of_o able_a minister_n a_o great_a many_o person_n who_o may_v have_v the_o necessary_a talent_n qualification_n and_o mean_n to_o be_v very_o useful_a in_o the_o church_n take_v a_o disgust_n at_o that_o profession_n by_o the_o fear_n of_o contempt_n or_o poverty_n as_o long_o as_o thing_n be_v in_o this_o state_n religion_n will_v be_v despise_v and_o corruption_n will_v still_o be_v in_o vogue_n it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o remove_v this_o cause_n of_o corruption_n as_o it_o be_v to_o detest_v it_o the_o re-establish_a of_o order_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n extreme_o difficult_a to_o this_o end_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a that_o prince_n arid_a churchman_n shall_v act_v in_o conjunction_n but_o there_o be_v few_o christian_a prince_n who_o lay_v this_o to_o heart_n and_o divine_n have_v quite_o other_o thing_n in_o their_o thought_n their_o great_a business_n be_v to_o maintain_v what_o be_v establish_v and_o to_o dispute_v with_o those_o who_o find_v fault_n with_o it_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n knowledge_n or_o resolution_n be_v want_v and_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o of_o honesty_n or_o greatness_n of_o soul_n to_o confess_v the_o truth_n few_o writer_n have_v the_o courage_n to_o speak_v so_o impartial_o as_o the_o famous_a author_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o reformation_n in_o england_n have_v do_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o his_o second_o volume_n it_o be_v think_v by_o many_o person_n that_o all_o will_v be_v ruin_v if_o the_o least_o alteration_n be_v make_v some_o of_o those_o defect_n which_o have_v be_v mention_v in_o this_o chapter_n be_v now_o become_v inviolable_a custom_n and_o law_n every_o body_n fancy_v true_a and_o pure_a christianity_n to_o be_v that_o which_o obtain_v in_o his_o country_n or_o in_o the_o society_n he_o live_v in_o and_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o put_v to_o the_o question_n whether_o or_o not_o some_o thing_n shall_v be_v alter_v as_o long_o as_o christian_n be_v possess_v with_o these_o prejudices_fw-la we_o must_v not_o expect_v to_o see_v christianity_n restore_v to_o a_o entire_a purity_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n that_o christian_n will_v open_v their_o eye_n at_o last_o and_o that_o divine_n will_v grow_v sensible_a of_o the_o necessity_n of_o mind_v these_o thing_n the_o main_a point_n here_o be_v to_o shake_v off_o all_o prejudice_n and_o to_o consider_v thing_n in_o their_o nature_n and_o original_a our_o saviour_n have_v leave_v we_o a_o excellent_a rule_n when_o speak_v of_o the_o abuse_n which_o have_v be_v so_o long_o receive_v among_o the_o jew_n in_o reference_n to_o marriage_n he_o tell_v we_o xix_o place_v =_o foot_n n_o =_o *_o mat._n xix_o that_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o this_o maxim_n be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o a_o lover_n of_o truth_n and_o virtue_n shall_v always_o have_v it_o before_o his_o eye_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o we_o shall_v still_o appeal_v to_o it_o and_o that_o instead_o of_o govern_v ourselves_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o present_a time_n we_o shall_v run_v up_o to_o the_o ancient_a constitution_n and_o compare_v what_o be_v do_v at_o this_o day_n with_o that_o which_o have_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v this_o will_v be_v the_o true_a way_n to_o reform_v abuse_n and_o to_o draw_v near_o to_o perfection_n and_o to_o bring_v thing_n back_o into_o the_o natural_a and_o primitive_a channel_n cause_n ii_o the_o want_n of_o discipline_n it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n in_o this_o chapter_n to_o speak_v of_o church_n discipline_n in_o general_n i_o shall_v only_o insist_v upon_o that_o part_n of_o it_o the_o end_n of_o which_o be_v to_o regulate_v the_o manner_n of_o christian_n and_o this_o be_v a_o important_a matter_n the_o want_n of_o discipline_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a imperfection_n which_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o one_o of_o the_o most_o evident_a and_o general_a cause_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_n but_o because_o some_o man_n have_v pretend_v that_o discipline_n such_o as_o i_o suppose_v it_o in_o this_o chapter_n be_v a_o humane_a and_o arbitrary_a institution_n the_o observation_n of_o which_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o may_v be_v dangerous_a i_o think_v it_o proper_a to_o say_v something_o here_o concern_v the_o original_a and_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v certain_a in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o all_o society_n and_o body_n have_v a_o right_a to_o establish_v a_o order_n to_o regulate_v themselves_o by_o and_o to_o provide_v for_o their_o security_n and_o preservation_n when_o several_a man_n or_o people_n unite_z to_z form_n a_o body_n they_o have_v power_n to_o make_v law_n and_o regulation_n to_o which_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o body_n may_v be_v tie_v and_o to_o exclude_v those_o from_o their_o communion_n who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o they_o but_o these_o law_n ought_v not_o to_o clash_v with_o other_o law_n already_o establish_v nor_o with_o just_a and_o acknowledge_v right_n i_o think_v this_o power_n which_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o mean_a of_o society_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o the_o church_n and_o this_o prove_v already_o that_o the_o church_n have_v a_o right_a to_o appoint_v a_o discipline_n to_o which_o all_o her_o member_n shall_v he_o subject_v provide_v that_o discipline_n do_v not_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n prejudice_v public_a tranquillity_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n nor_o any_o way_n contradict_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o as_o discipline_n be_v not_o liable_a to_o either_o of_o these_o inconvenience_n but_o do_v rather_o perfect_o agree_v with_o the_o welfare_n of_o civil_a society_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o will_v be_v prove_v hereafter_o so_o the_o establish_n of_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v equal_o lawful_a and_o necessary_a ii_o but_o further_o discipline_n be_v a_o order_n which_o have_v god_n for_o its_o author_n we_o find_v the_o institution_n of_o it_o in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o in_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o apostle_n i_o shall_v recite_v the_o chief_a of_o these_o 1._o in_o st._n matthews_n gospel_n chap._n xviii_o 15_o 16_o 17._o we_o read_v these_o word_n if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o of_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o have_v gain_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o these_o word_n we_o must_v know_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o enact_v here_o a_o new_a law_n and_o that_o a_o order_n like_o that_o which_o be_v here_o prescribe_v be_v already_o observe_v among_o the_o jew_n but_o here_o as_o upon_o many_o occasion_n our_o saviour_n do_v comply_v with_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o that_o nation_n because_o he_o judge_v that_o those_o custom_n be_v good_a and_o fit_a for_o his_o view_n and_o purpose_n the_o first_o christian_n do_v the_o same_o in_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o government_n they_o do_v form_v the_o christian_a church_n upon_o the_o model_n of_o the_o jewish_a assembly_n and_o upon_o the_o method_n which_o be_v there_o observe_v this_o be_v the_o key_n of_o the_o place_n i_o have_v now_o quote_v our_o saviour_n approve_v the_o jewish_a practice_n and_o enjoin_v his_o disciple_n to_o observe_v the_o same_o order_n among_o they_o it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o that_o this_o be_v his_o mean_v for_o he_o speak_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o it_o appear_v by_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o passage_n and_o by_o the_o sequel_n of_o his_o discourse_n that_o he_o be_v give_v here_o a_o law_n which_o concern_v the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o he_o proper_o speak_v of_o private_a difference_n but_o what_o he_o say_v aught_o to_o apply_v to_o
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
common_o leave_v their_o innocency_n 5._o the_o mean_n of_o procure_v to_o child_n a_o happy_a education_n be_v not_o use_v as_o they_o shall_v be_v these_o mean_n be_v instruction_n encouragement_n and_o correction_n instruction_n be_v very_o much_o neglect_v as_o i_o shall_v more_o particular_o show_v when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o education_n of_o youth_n with_o reference_n to_o religion_n parent_n seldom_o give_v good_a direction_n to_o their_o child_n to_o teach_v they_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o live_v they_o do_v worse_o they_o train_v they_o up_o to_o ill_a thing_n and_o give_v they_o bad_a instruction_n by_o the_o discourse_n and_o the_o maxim_n they_o utter_v in_o the_o hear_n of_o their_o child_n they_o infuse_v sentiment_n and_o principle_n of_o covetousness_n pride_n sensuality_n and_o dissimulation_n into_o they_o they_o teach_v they_o to_o act_v upon_o the_o motive_n of_o interest_n and_o passion_n or_o by_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o false_a honour_n nay_o they_o do_v sometime_o direct_o teach_v they_o vice_n they_o encourage_v they_o to_o lie_v and_o cheat_n to_o be_v revengeful_a and_o passionate_a so_o that_o young_a people_n be_v not_o only_o destitute_a of_o good_a instruction_n but_o they_o be_v beside_o infect_v from_o their_o infancy_n with_o several_a most_o pernicious_a principle_n i_o need_v not_o say_v what_o the_o consequence_n of_o such_o a_o education_n be_v like_a to_o be_v if_o few_o child_n be_v form_v to_o virtue_n by_o instruction_n few_o be_v make_v virtuous_a by_o the_o good_a example_n of_o their_o parent_n it_o be_v much_o when_o this_o example_n be_v not_o bad_a and_o dangerous_a in_o most_o family_n child_n see_v nothing_o that_o savour_v of_o christianity_n except_o some_o external_a act_n of_o religion_n they_o observe_v that_o every_o one_o of_o the_o family_n be_v employ_v about_o temporal_a thing_n the_o discourse_n they_o hear_v turn_v altogether_o on_o interest_n or_o some_o trifle_a subject_n they_o be_v witness_n of_o a_o great_a many_o disorder_n of_o the_o heat_n and_o quarrel_n of_o their_o father_n and_o mother_n of_o their_o avarice_n their_o swear_v their_o lie_v their_o intemperance_n their_o impiety_n and_o their_o want_n of_o respect_n for_o religion_n these_o be_v the_o example_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n child_n have_v before_o their_o eye_n and_o which_o corrupt_v they_o more_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o at_o that_o age_n almost_o every_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o imitation_n and_o example_n and_o no_o example_n make_v more_o impression_n upon_o they_o than_o the_o example_n of_o their_o parent_n because_o it_o be_v always_o in_o sight_n and_o they_o think_v beside_o they_o can_v do_v amiss_o as_o long_o as_o they_o copy_n after_o it_o it_o be_v very_o useful_a in_o educate_v child_n to_o encourage_v they_o i_o mean_v not_o only_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v exhort_v and_o incite_v to_o their_o duty_n and_o that_o from_o the_o motive_n of_o honour_n and_o from_o the_o pleasure_n that_o attend_v the_o do_v of_o it_o but_o that_o likewise_o we_o shall_v express_v our_o satisfaction_n and_o our_o love_n and_o esteem_v of_o they_o when_o they_o do_v as_o we_o will_v have_v they_o a_o word_n of_o praise_n a_o little_a reward_n inspire_v new_a ardour_n into_o they_o we_o may_v do_v what_o we_o please_v with_o child_n when_o we_o can_v prevail_v upon_o they_o with_o gentle_a method_n and_o win_v their_o love_n they_o then_o accustom_v themselves_o betimes_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n out_o of_o inclination_n and_o from_o noble_a and_o generous_a view_n but_o to_o use_v always_o severity_n towards_o child_n and_o to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o their_o endeavour_n to_o do_v well_o be_v the_o way_n to_o discourage_v they_o and_o to_o extinguish_v in_o they_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n yet_o severity_n be_v necessary_a and_o upon_o some_o occasion_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o forbear_v rigour_n and_o correction_n those_o indulgent_a parent_n who_o be_v restrain_v by_o a_o false_a tenderness_n can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o chastise_v their_o child_n do_v infallible_o ruin_v they_o but_o if_o the_o want_n of_o correction_n and_o discipline_n make_v child_n unruly_a chastisement_n ill_o dispense_v produce_v the_o same_o effect_n there_o be_v common_o three_o fault_n commit_v in_o the_o correct_v of_o child_n the_o first_o relate_v to_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o they_o be_v chastise_v correction_n shall_v not_o be_v use_v but_o for_o those_o fault_n which_o have_v something_o of_o vice_n in_o they_o as_o when_o child_n be_v guilty_a of_o malice_n of_o some_o ill_a habit_n or_o of_o great_a negligence_n and_o even_o then_o we_o shall_v not_o proceed_v to_o chastisement_n but_o after_o we_o have_v try_v other_o way_n to_o no_o purpose_n but_o this_o rule_n be_v little_o observe_v child_n be_v punish_v for_o all_o sort_n of_o fault_n indifferent_o and_o very_o often_o for_o small_a one_o they_o will_v sometime_o be_v severe_o chastise_v because_o they_o can_v not_o say_v their_o lesson_n without_o book_n or_o for_o some_o other_o little_a disorder_n they_o have_v do_v in_o the_o house_n through_o imprudence_n and_o without_o malice_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n fault_n against_o piety_n and_o good_a manner_n shall_v be_v pass_v over_o these_o correction_n produce_v several_a ill_a effect_n and_o especial_o this_o that_o child_n form_n to_o themselves_o false_a notion_n of_o their_o duty_n the_o fancy_n that_o the_o fault_n for_o which_o they_o be_v punish_v be_v the_o most_o considerable_a and_o that_o there_o be_v more_o hurt_n in_o spoil_v their_o clothes_n or_o in_o miss_v a_o word_n of_o their_o lesson_n that_o in_o lie_v or_o in_o pray_v without_o attention_n which_o lessen_v in_o they_o the_o abhorrence_n of_o vice_n the_o second_o error_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o correction_n inflict_v upon_o child_n be_v when_o no_o other_o chastisement_n be_v use_v but_o those_o which_o make_v the_o body_n smart_n such_o correction_n without_o doubt_n be_v useful_a and_o necessary_a because_o child_n be_v chief_o move_v by_o those_o thing_n which_o strike_v the_o sense_n but_o they_o be_v not_o the_o only_a one_o to_o which_o recourse_n be_v to_o be_v have_v to_o beat_v child_n every_o time_n they_o do_v amiss_o be_v to_o use_v they_o like_o beast_n there_o be_v other_o way_n of_o punish_v be_v mortify_v they_o the_o most_o profitable_a correction_n be_v those_o which_o excite_v in_o they_o sorrow_n and_o shame_n for_o the_o ill_a they_o have_v do_v last_o there_o be_v a_o error_n in_o the_o chastise_v of_o child_n when_o they_o be_v not_o correct_v with_o discretion_n and_o gentleness_n prudence_n and_o even_a justice_n require_v that_o regard_n shall_v be_v have_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o fault_n to_o the_o disposition_n they_o be_v in_o and_o to_o other_o circumstance_n and_o it_o become_v that_o love_n which_o a_o father_n owe_v his_o child_n to_o correct_v they_o with_o lenity_n and_o moderation_n and_o to_o forbear_v excessive_a severity_n child_n shall_v perceive_v the_o tenderness_n of_o their_o parent_n even_o in_o their_o correction_n and_o be_v make_v sensible_a that_o it_o be_v with_o reluctancy_n and_o only_o in_o order_n to_o their_o good_a that_o they_o treat_v they_o with_o some_o rigour_n if_o chastisement_n be_v dispense_v with_o these_o caution_n they_o will_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o cause_n pain_n beget_v in_o child_n mind_n a_o sorrow_n for_o have_v do_v amiss_o and_o they_o will_v make_v they_o love_v their_o parent_n even_o while_o they_o be_v punish_v they_o but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n parent_n or_o those_o who_o have_v a_o authority_n over_o child_n chastise_v they_o without_o discretion_n and_o with_o a_o rigour_n which_o border_n upon_o cruelty_n they_o punish_v they_o rather_o out_o of_o passion_n spite_n or_o revenge_n than_o upon_o wise_a and_o sober_a consideration_n such_o a_o proceed_n discourage_v and_o provoke_v child_n and_o it_o make_v they_o hate_v their_o duty_n i_o confess_v this_o method_n may_v strike_v terror_n into_o they_o and_o curb_n they_o a_o little_a but_o they_o grow_v the_o more_o stout_a and_o incorrigible_a by_o it_o and_o they_o will_v certain_o run_v into_o licentiouness_n assoon_o as_o they_o be_v no_o long_o restrain_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v hitherto_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o man_n corruption_n be_v a_o consequence_n of_o the_o education_n they_o have_v in_o their_o youth_n but_o this_o will_v yet_o more_o evident_o appear_v by_o the_o reflection_n i_o be_o now_o go_v to_o make_v upon_o the_o way_n of_o bring_v up_o child_n in_o religion_n and_o piety_n we_o be_v here_o to_o consider_v education_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o two_o end_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o educate_v of_o youth_n first_o in_o the_o knowledgwe_n and_o then_o in_o the_o
very_a particular_a attention_n i_o have_v already_o touch_v they_o by_o the_o by_o but_o i_o will_v propose_v they_o more_o distinct_o here_o 1._o that_o common_a opinion_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o embrace_v the_o sentiment_n and_o the_o way_n of_o live_v which_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o world_n be_v that_o which_o make_v corruption_n spread_v and_o insinuate_v itself_o every_o where_n man_n make_v it_o a_o law_n to_o themselves_o and_o repute_v it_o honourable_a to_o comply_v with_o custom_n it_o be_v lay_v down_o for_o a_o maxim_n that_o we_o must_v live_v as_o other_o do_v and_o accommodate_v ourselves_o to_o the_o fashion_n which_o be_v establish_v and_o that_o it_o will_v make_v we_o ridiculous_a if_o in_o behaviour_n and_o manner_n we_o shall_v differ_v from_o the_o age_n and_o the_o place_n we_o live_v in_o i_o do_v not_o absolute_o reject_v this_o maxim_n because_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o very_a good_a sense_n a_o christian_n shall_v not_o profess_v a_o unsociable_a piety_n he_o may_v lawful_o observe_v certain_a decence_n and_o comply_v to_o a_o certain_a degree_n with_o the_o opinion_n and_o manner_n of_o those_o he_o converse_v with_o nay_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v this_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n but_o such_o a_o compliance_n and_o such_o regard_n become_v criminal_a when_o they_o engage_v he_o to_o act_v against_o duty_n and_o conscience_n if_o the_o custom_n be_v bad_a he_o ought_v to_o depart_v from_o it_o and_o to_o do_v in_o spite_n of_o it_o whatsoever_o god_n command_v he_o do_v not_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a who_o have_v not_o the_o courage_n to_o do_v this_o and_o yet_o few_o people_n be_v capable_a of_o this_o resolution_n the_o great_a part_n be_v overcome_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o multitude_n the_o regard_n they_o bear_v to_o the_o example_n and_o judgement_n of_o other_o produces_z in_o they_o a_o false_a shame_n which_o hinder_v they_o from_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o prompt_v they_o to_o evil_a notwithstanding_o all_o the_o check_n of_o conscience_n and_o nothing_o be_v so_o fatal_a and_o pernicious_a in_o the_o state_n of_o those_o who_o thus_o comply_v with_o custom_n as_o that_o they_o become_v such_o habitual_a slave_n to_o it_o that_o they_o be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o alter_v their_o conduct_n when_o a_o man_n be_v once_o get_v into_o a_o certain_a course_n of_o life_n in_o the_o world_n he_o pursue_v it_o and_o he_o be_v still_o engage_v deep_o into_o it_o till_o at_o last_o he_o come_v under_o a_o kind_n of_o impossibility_n of_o leave_v it_o though_o he_o will_v because_o in_o order_n to_o that_o he_o must_v break_v off_o those_o tie_n and_o engagement_n which_o he_o have_v be_v contract_v for_o a_o great_a while_n he_o must_v withdraw_v from_o divers_a company_n and_o enter_v quite_o upon_o another_o way_n of_o live_v now_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o if_o ever_o that_o people_n can_v resolve_v upon_o all_o this_o 2._o even_o those_o person_n who_o be_v well_o dispose_v be_v shake_v by_o example_n and_o custom_n i_o say_v something_o of_o this_o in_o the_o chapter_n of_o false-shame_n a_o great_a many_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o side_n of_o the_o multitude_n be_v not_o the_o best_a and_o that_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o age_n do_v not_o agree_v with_o religion_n but_o they_o dare_v not_o swerve_v from_o custom_n the_o fear_n of_o be_v hate_v reproach_v or_o despise_v restrain_v they_o and_o frequent_o extort_v sinful_a compliance_n from_o they_o i_o shall_v take_v notice_n to_o this_o purpose_n of_o what_o happen_v every_o day_n to_o young_a people_n who_o parent_n have_v endeavour_v to_o breed_v up_o to_o piety_n and_o good_a manner_n when_o they_o first_o go_v out_o of_o their_o father_n house_n they_o be_v ashamed_a and_o afraid_a of_o do_v ill_a thing_n sin_n raise_v some_o kind_n of_o horror_n in_o they_o with_o these_o disposition_n they_o launch_v into_o the_o world_n they_o be_v place_v either_o in_o the_o army_n or_o at_o court._n and_o there_o they_o do_v not_o find_v those_o maxim_n of_o piety_n practise_v which_o have_v be_v infuse_v into_o they_o but_o they_o have_v only_o ill_a example_n before_o their_o eye_n they_o see_v there_o person_n who_o have_v be_v recommend_v to_o they_o for_o behave_v themselves_o upon_o who_o their_o promotion_n and_o fortune_n depend_v and_o who_o be_v repute_v honest_a man_n they_o see_v such_o person_n i_o say_v live_v in_o a_o licentious_a manner_n this_o at_o first_o surprise_v and_o trouble_v they_o their_o conscience_n hold_v out_o for_o a_o while_n but_o example_n do_v insensible_o lessen_v in_o they_o the_o aborrence_n of_o vice_n their_o good_a disposition_n vanish_v in_o a_o little_a time_n and_o at_o last_o they_o swim_v with_o the_o stream_n they_o embolden_v themselves_o in_o ill_a thing_n and_o they_o become_v finish_v libertine_n they_o do_v in_o like_a manner_n drink_v in_o the_o atheistical_a sentiment_n which_o common_o be_v in_o fashion_n among_o person_n of_o quality_n if_o they_o be_v but_o tell_v that_o man_n of_o wit_n and_o quality_n do_v not_o believe_v a_o thing_n or_o that_o they_o entertain_v any_o opinion_n that_o be_v enough_o to_o make_v they_o embrace_v that_o opinion_n and_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n 3._o in_o the_o last_o place_n man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o if_o custom_n do_v not_o justify_v it_o do_v at_o least_o excuse_n vice_n and_o that_o if_o they_o do_v amiss_o in_o the_o follow_v the_o general_a practice_n it_o be_v but_o a_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n which_o god_n will_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o be_v the_o last_o refuge_n of_o a_o great_a many_o person_n they_o will_v own_v that_o man_n manner_n be_v very_o much_o deprave_v and_o that_o there_o be_v little_a of_o true_a piety_n among_o they_o but_o they_o will_v say_v this_o be_v the_o fashion_n now_o a-days_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o world_n and_o he_o can_v be_v very_o guilty_a who_o do_v only_o what_o other_o do_v nay_o several_a man_n who_o be_v not_o libertine_n and_o who_o see_v what_o shall_v be_v do_v for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o promote_a of_o piety_n fancy_n themselves_o under_o no_o obligation_n to_o oppose_v custom_n their_o excuse_n be_v that_o it_o signify_v nothing_o to_o strive_v against_o a_o torrent_n so_o that_o sloth_n and_o timorousness_n together_o magnify_v the_o difficulty_n which_o their_o imagination_n represent_v to_o they_o they_o make_v no_o effort_n and_o they_o let_v thing_n go_v on_o at_o the_o usual_a rate_n while_o custom_n corrupt_v and_o blind_v some_o it_o intimidate_n and_o discourage_v other_o and_o thus_o vice_n and_o disorder_n be_v still_o take_v deep_a root_n now_o two_o sort_n of_o remedy_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o this_o cause_n of_o corruption_n to_o wit_n particular_a and_o general_a remedy_n the_o particular_a remedy_n be_v those_o caution_n which_o every_o body_n ought_v to_o use_v to_o prevent_v his_o be_v seduce_v by_o example_n and_o custom_n there_o be_v two_o principal_a mean_n for_o a_o man_n to_o keep_v himself_o free_a from_o this_o seduction_n the_o first_o be_v to_o avoid_v ill_a example_n as_o much_o as_o possible_a to_o withdraw_v from_o those_o conversation_n and_o to_o abstain_v from_o those_o employment_n which_o draw_v man_n into_o sin_n and_o to_o choose_v a_o kind_n of_o life_n which_o may_v not_o engage_v we_o too_o far_o into_o the_o world_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o seek_v after_o good_a example_n and_o to_o be_v conversant_a with_o virtuous_a person_n end_n person_n see_v part._n i._n cause_n iii_o artic._n ii_o 4._o etc._n etc._n cause_n v._o art_n two_o about_o the_o end_n but_o as_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o circumspection_n we_o can_v avoid_v be_v often_o tempt_v by_o ill_a example_n so_o we_o ought_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o arm_n and_o fortify_v ourselves_o against_o this_o temptation_n by_o strong_o possess_v our_o mind_n with_o the_o sentiment_n which_o religion_n inspire_v i_o have_v show_v elsewhere_o what_o judgement_n a_o christian_n ought_v to_o make_v of_o custom_n and_o man_n opinion_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o god_n have_v set_v we_o a_o law_n by_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v we_o and_o have_v give_v we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o law_n and_o powerful_a encouragement_n to_o make_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o deportment_n neither_o example_n nor_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o world_n can_v any_o way_n excuse_v we_o from_o do_v what_o god_n command_v or_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o punishment_n which_o our_o disobedience_n deserve_v those_o who_o have_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o custom_n than_o to_o their_o duty_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o inexcusable_a because_o the_o gospel_n express_o forbid_v we_o to_o govern_v ourselves_o by_o the_o practice_n or_o example_n of_o
the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n st._n paul_n exhort_v christian_n fourteen_o christian_n rom._n xii_o eph._n two_o and_o iu._n tit._n ii_o mat._n vii_o xiii_o fourteen_o not_o to_o be_v conform_v to_o this_o present_a world_n not_o to_o walk_v after_o the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n not_o to_o follow_v other_o man_n way_n of_o live_v to_o renounce_v the_o world_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o it_o our_o saviour_n enjoin_v his_o disciple_n to_o avoid_v the_o wide_a gate_n and_o the_o broad_a way_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o to_o strike_v into_o the_o narrow_a path_n which_o be_v walk_v in_o but_o by_o a_o few_o these_o be_v reflection_n which_o every_o man_n who_o believe_v the_o gospel_n will_v frequent_o and_o serious_o make_v and_o which_o shall_v serve_v he_o for_o remedy_n against_o the_o temptation_n arise_v from_o example_n and_o custom_n there_o be_v other_o general_a remedy_n which_o tend_v to_o lessen_v the_o number_n of_o bad_a example_n and_o to_o alter_v the_o custom_n and_o usage_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o though_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o to_o go_v about_o the_o abolish_n of_o that_o which_o be_v establish_v by_o a_o general_a custom_n and_o a_o long_o use_v be_v to_o attempt_v and_o impossibility_n and_o though_o we_o can_v expect_v that_o this_o cause_n of_o corruption_n shall_v be_v entire_o remove_v yet_o the_o difficulty_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o it_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n be_v overcome_v this_o we_o may_v have_v reason_n to_o hope_v for_o if_o first_o those_o who_o know_v and_o love_v their_o duty_n will_v discharge_v it_o with_o courage_n and_o if_o they_o do_v add_v to_o their_o knowledge_n a_o zeal_n support_v by_o prudence_n and_o firmness_n how_o great_a soever_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o man_n may_v be_v there_o be_v still_o something_o in_o virtue_n which_o attract_v their_o respect_n and_o their_o love_n the_o endeavour_n of_o good_a man_n against_o vice_n be_v always_o attend_v with_o some_o success_n if_o the_o benefit_n of_o their_o exhortation_n and_o good_a example_n do_v not_o reach_v far_o they_o may_v at_o least_o be_v useful_a to_o their_o family_n and_o their_o acquaintance_n but_o something_o more_o than_o this_o be_v requisite_a to_o reform_v general_a custom_n and_o practice_n and_o none_o can_v do_v this_o more_o easy_o and_o effectual_o than_o those_o who_o be_v raise_v above_o other_o man_n and_o who_o be_v in_o public_a station_n i_o say_v therefore_o second_o that_o if_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n will_v use_v their_o authority_n to_o this_o end_n and_o be_v exemplary_a themselves_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o world_n will_v considerable_o abate_v and_o bad_a example_n will_v neither_o be_v so_o frequent_a nor_o so_o forcible_a as_o they_o be_v it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o banish_v the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o custom_n which_o be_v common_o receive_v and_o to_o establish_v contrary_a one_o the_o care_n and_o example_n of_o pastor_n be_v likewise_o a_o most_o efficacious_a remedy_n if_o they_o do_v instruct_v christian_n as_o they_o ought_v if_o they_o do_v oppose_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age_n with_o the_o pure_a maxim_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o they_o do_v set_v themselves_o against_o abuse_n if_o they_o do_v endeavour_v in_o public_a and_o in_o private_a to_o bring_v all_o those_o that_o err_v into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n if_o they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o instruct_n of_o youth_n and_o if_o their_o manner_n be_v edify_v and_o exemplary_a there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o they_o will_v soon_o stop_v the_o current_n of_o vice_n and_o scandal_n it_o shall_v be_v their_o chief_a care_n to_o oppose_v abuse_n and_o ill_a custom_n in_o their_o beginning_n because_o when_o they_o have_v once_o take_v root_n the_o remedy_n be_v much_o more_o difficult_a in_o fine_a as_o custom_n be_v establish_v by_o degree_n so_o they_o be_v not_o abolish_v all_o at_o once_o and_o therefore_o those_o who_o do_v not_o succeed_v at_o first_o in_o so_o good_a a_o design_n ought_v not_o present_o to_o be_v discourage_v and_o to_o grow_v weary_a cause_n vii_o book_n this_o be_v the_o last_o cause_n of_o corruption_n which_o i_o shall_v mention_v but_o without_o question_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o generaland_n of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a book_n be_v as_o many_o public_a fountain_n from_o which_o vast_a number_n of_o notion_n and_o sentiment_n which_o be_v common_o receive_v among_o man_n and_o which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o their_o action_n diffuse_v themselves_o into_o the_o world_n and_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o among_o a_o infinity_n of_o book_n a_o great_a many_o must_v be_v bad_a so_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o book_n contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o corruption_n if_o man_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n be_v ignorant_a and_o full_a of_o prejudices_fw-la if_o they_o have_v loose_a and_o impious_a notion_n concern_v religion_n if_o great_a defect_n be_v observable_a both_o in_o the_o live_v of_o christian_n and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a if_o the_o people_n be_v ill_o instruct_v and_o child_n be_v ill_o educate_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o these_o disorder_n be_v partly_o to_o be_v find_v in_o book_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o most_o important_a subject_n which_o i_o be_o to_o handle_v in_o this_o chapter_n but_o it_o be_v likewise_o a_o very_a large_a one_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o prodigious_a multitude_n of_o book_n which_o i_o may_v have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o speak_v of_o here_o but_o i_o must_v confine_v my_o self_n to_o that_o which_o be_v most_o material_a to_o be_v say_v upon_o this_o head_n i_o shall_v speak_v 1._o of_o ill_a book_n and_o 2._o of_o book_n of_o religion_n the_o number_n of_o bad_a book_n be_v infinite_a and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o give_v a_o catalogue_n of_o they_o but_o i_o think_v that_o among_o all_o the_o sort_n of_o ill_a book_n none_o do_v great_a mischief_n in_o the_o world_n than_o either_o those_o which_o lead_v to_o irreligion_n and_o impiety_n or_o those_o which_o be_v impure_a and_o filthy_a the_o first_o attack_v faith_n and_o the_o other_o corrupt_a manner_n 1._o the_o most_o dangerous_a of_o all_o book_n be_v those_o which_o attack_v religion_n such_o be_v not_o only_o all_o the_o book_n of_o atheist_n and_o deist_n but_o such_o be_v likewise_o all_o those_o work_n which_o tend_v to_o overthrow_v either_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o the_o fact_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n or_o the_o difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n or_o any_o other_o principle_n of_o religion_n frank_n also_o in_o the_o same_o order_n the_o book_n which_o introduce_v scepticism_n and_o the_o design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o render_v the_o principle_n of_o faith_n or_o morality_n uncertain_a and_o dubious_a those_o book_n in_o which_o impiety_n appear_v bare-faced_n be_v not_o the_o most_o pernicious_a few_o person_n ever_o dare_v maintain_v atheism_n open_o or_o deny_v direct_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n and_o beside_o avow_a atheist_n and_o deist_n have_v not_o many_o follower_n their_o opinion_n raise_v horror_n and_o a_o man_n mind_n rebel_v against_o they_o but_o those_o man_n who_o though_o they_o do_v not_o open_o espouse_v the_o cause_n of_o impiety_n but_o pretend_v all_o the_o while_n that_o the_o acknowledge_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o religion_n do_v yet_o shake_v the_o principal_a truth_n of_o faith_n those_o man_n i_o say_v diffuse_v a_o much_o more_o subtle_a and_o dangerous_a poison_n and_o this_o may_v be_v particular_o say_v of_o the_o sceptic_n in_o the_o main_a they_o drive_v at_o the_o same_o thing_n with_o the_o atheist_n they_o assault_v religion_n with_o the_o same_o weapon_n and_o make_v the_o same_o objection_n there_o be_v only_o this_o difference_n that_o the_o atheist_n decide_v the_o question_n and_o deny_v whereas_o the_o sceptic_a after_o he_o have_v muster_v up_o all_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o atheist_n and_o start_v a_o thousand_o scruple_n leaf_n in_o some_o manner_n the_o question_n undetermined_a he_o only_o insinuate_v that_o there_o be_v no_o solid_a answer_n to_o those_o difficulty_n and_o then_o he_o conclude_v with_o a_o false_a modesty_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o dare_v not_o embrace_v either_o side_n and_o that_o which_o way_n soever_o a_o man_n turn_v himself_o he_o meet_v with_o nothing_o but_o obscurity_n and_o uncertainty_n this_o differ_v little_a from_o atheism_n and_o it_o do_v natural_o lead_v to_o incredulity_n it_o be_v a_o astonish_a thing_n that_o book_n contain_v such_o pernicious_a principle_n shall_v have_v be_v publish_v and_o that_o libertinism_n in_o opinion_n about_o religion_n shall_v have_v grow_v up_o to_o that_o pitch_n which_o we_o
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