namely_o that_o when_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o faith_n be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o word_n faith_n in_o this_o proposition_n that_o true_a faith_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v now_o if_o we_o ask_v what_o that_o faith_n be_v and_o by_o what_o mark_v it_o may_v be_v know_v all_o the_o apostle_n will_v unanimous_o tell_v we_o that_o true_a faith_n produce_v a_o holy_a life_n and_o that_o it_o discover_v itself_o by_o all_o manner_n of_o good_a work_n they_o assign_v good_a work_n as_o the_o essential_a mark_n and_o character_n that_o distinguish_v a_o save_n from_o a_o hypocritical_a faith_n by_o that_o very_a thing_n therefore_o that_o the_o gospel_n require_v faith_n it_o do_v likewise_o require_v good_a work_n since_o faith_n can_v be_v without_o work_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o fancy_n that_o faith_n be_v sufficient_a without_o work_n be_v evident_o absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n itself_o but_o to_o set_v this_o matter_n still_o in_o a_o clear_a light_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o take_v notice_n here_o of_o two_o mistake_v which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o run_v into_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n the_o first_o be_v that_o they_o separate_v faith_n from_o work_n they_o look_v upon_o faith_n as_o a_o thing_n quite_o different_a from_o work_n and_o which_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o they_o or_o rather_o they_o oppose_v faith_n to_o work_n as_o if_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v contrary_a to_o each_o other_o a_o corrupt_a man_n will_v say_v i_o confess_v that_o i_o have_v not_o good_a work_n but_o however_o i_o have_v faith_n those_o who_o speak_v thus_o suppose_v that_o they_o may_v have_v faith_n though_o they_o have_v not_o work_n but_o st._n james_n have_v direct_o confute_v this_o imagination_n ii_o imagination_n jam._n ii_o what_o do_v it_o profit_n my_o brethren_n though_o a_o man_n say_v he_o have_v faith_n and_o have_v not_o work_n can_v faith_n save_v he_o if_o faith_n have_v not_o work_n it_o be_v dead_a be_v alone_o who_o can_v after_o this_o separate_a save_a faith_n from_o good_a work_n can_v we_o separate_v that_o from_o faith_n which_o god_n have_v declare_v to_o be_v inseparable_a from_o it_o it_o show_v that_o man_n be_v strange_o blind_v with_o ignorance_n and_o prejudice_n when_o at_o this_o time_n of_o day_n we_o be_v fain_o to_o prove_v thing_n so_o plain_a and_o questionable_a the_o second_o illusion_n be_v that_o man_n place_n faith_n in_o confidence_n alone_o and_o many_o define_v it_o by_o that_o they_o fancy_n that_o to_o have_v faith_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v merciful_a and_o to_o rely_v upon_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n because_o faith_n embrace_v the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n the_o natural_a effect_n of_o which_o promise_n be_v to_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o assurance_n and_o tranquillity_n it_o be_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n true_a faith_n be_v attend_v with_o confidence_n but_o confidence_n be_v not_o the_o whole_a of_o faith_n and_o i_o can_v imagine_v what_o part_n of_o god_n word_n countenance_n that_o notion_n which_o place_n the_o essence_n of_o faith_n in_o confidence_n alone_o the_o faith_n which_o the_o gospel_n speak_v of_o consist_v in_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n in_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n as_o true_a and_o in_o make_v profession_n of_o it_o in_o do_v his_o commandment_n and_o hope_v for_o salvation_n from_o he_o but_o the_o resolve_v all_o faith_n and_o religion_n into_o act_n of_o confidence_n be_v the_o most_o extravagant_a conceit_n that_o can_v enter_v into_o a_o man_n head_n if_o this_o notion_n be_v true_a it_o will_v follow_v from_o it_o that_o in_o order_n to_o be_v save_v it_o be_v enough_o before_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o say_v that_o whoever_o will_v have_v a_o right_a to_o confide_v in_o god_n needs_o do_v no_o more_o in_o order_n to_o that_o than_o actual_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o that_o be_v a_o most_o ridiculous_a thought_n which_o turn_v all_o religion_n into_o a_o strong_a fancy_n before_o we_o believe_v a_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o know_v why_o we_o shall_v believe_v it_o and_o have_v good_a reason_n and_o solid_a ground_n for_o our_o belief_n before_o we_o trust_v in_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o that_o we_o have_v a_o right_a to_o confide_v in_o he_o for_o can_v a_o man_n be_v save_v only_o because_o without_o any_o ground_n or_o reason_n he_o fancy_n that_o he_o shall_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o rely_v upon_o god_n but_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n now_o god_n have_v promise_v nothing_o to_o those_o who_o live_v and_o be_v harden_v in_o sin_n far_o from_o promise_v any_o thing_n to_o they_o he_o threaten_v they_o with_o inevitable_a ruin_n what_o claim_n or_o title_n than_o can_v a_o obdurate_a sinner_n have_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n what_o confidence_n can_v he_o repose_v in_o god_n promise_n as_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v impenitent_a none_o at_o all_o except_o we_o suppose_v in_o god_n a_o general_a decree_n to_o save_v indifferent_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n it_o must_v not_o be_v say_v that_o these_o consideration_n be_v apt_a to_o alarm_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o man_n conscience_n for_o they_o will_v alarm_n none_o of_o those_o who_o be_v animate_v with_o true_a faith_n and_o sincere_a piety_n and_o as_o to_o other_o we_o do_v they_o a_o great_a piece_n of_o service_n when_o we_o awaken_v and_o terrify_v they_o out_o of_o that_o false_a quiet_a into_o which_o a_o groundless_a confidence_n have_v betray_v they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o teach_v that_o confidence_n be_v the_o most_o essential_a thing_n to_o faith_n for_o by_o this_o we_o may_v alarm_n some_o good_a man_n who_o either_o through_o melancholy_n or_o want_n of_o instruction_n be_v destitute_a of_o confidence_n and_o inward_a peace_n and_o it_o have_v certain_o happen_v that_o several_a pious_a person_n be_v fall_v into_o black_a thought_n and_o sad_a scruple_n concern_v their_o salvation_n and_o that_o they_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n despond_v because_o they_o do_v not_o find_v confidence_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o from_o all_o these_o reflection_n it_o do_v evident_o appear_v that_o faith_n never_o ought_v nor_o can_v be_v separate_v from_o good_a work_n and_o that_o christian_n be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o ap_o themselves_o to_o good_a work_n as_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o to_o have_v faith_n but_o now_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o st._n paulâ—hen_o â—hen_z oppose_v faith_n to_o work_n and_o why_o he_o exclude_v work_n when_o he_o treat_v of_o justification_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n â—ins_v at_o two_o thing_n by_o this_o his_o design_n â—s_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o work_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n and_o foundation_n of_o man_n salvation_n â—ut_v that_o it_o flow_v from_o the_o pure_a mercy_n of_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n this_o he_o prove_v with_o respect_n both_o to_o the_o heathen_n and_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o his_o epistle_n â—o_o the_o roman_n but_o he_o do_v not_o mean_a to_o say_v â—hat_n good_a work_n be_v not_o necessary_a under_o â—he_n covenant_n of_o grace_n his_o expression_n be_v too_o clear_a to_o leave_v the_o least_o room_n for_o any_o doubt_n about_o this_o matter_n to_o reâ—eject_v the_o meritoriousness_n of_o good_a work_n â—s_v one_o thing_n and_o to_o deny_v their_o necessity_n be_v â—nother_n but_o 2_o because_o it_o may_v be_v obâ—ected_v that_o st._n paul_n do_v entire_o exclude_v work_n and_o that_o he_o use_v expression_n which_o imply_v that_o christian_n be_v no_o long_o oblige_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o that_o they_o have_v no_o influence_n on_o man_n salvation_n either_o as_o cause_n or_o condition_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a be_v oppose_v to_o faith_n therefore_o i_o add_v that_o he_o speak_v thus_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o especial_o to_o circumcision_n there_o be_v many_o in_o st._n paul_n time_n who_o assert_v that_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o observe_v those_o legal_a ordinance_n it_o be_v about_o the_o question_n that_o the_o apostle_n meet_v a_o jerusalem_n and_o determine_v xv._o determine_v acts._n xv._o that_o christian_n 〈◊〉_d justify_v by_o faith_n only_o and_o that_o the_o yoke_n of_o moysaicall_a ordinance_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v up_o on_o they_o the_o same_o conroverly_n be_v handle_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n where_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
a_o treatise_n concern_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o present_a corruption_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o remedy_n thereof_o part_n i._n london_n print_v for_o ri._n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n s_o churchyard_n 1700._o to_o the_o right_n reverend_a gilbert_n lord_n bishop_n of_o sarum_n chancellor_n of_o the_o most_o noble_a order_n of_o the_o garter_n my_o lord_n the_o treatise_n i_o now_o humble_o offer_v to_o your_o lordship_n in_o english_a have_v meet_v with_o a_o very_a great_a and_o general_a applause_n in_o french_a a_o second_o edition_n of_o it_o be_v desire_v in_o less_o than_o two_o month_n after_o the_o first_o and_o it_o be_v already_o translate_v into_o more_o language_n than_o one_o but_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o weigh_v more_o than_o any_o other_o commendation_n be_v the_o high_a value_n your_o lordship_n set_v upon_o this_o book_n for_o if_o the_o most_o accomplish_v writer_n be_v the_o best_a judge_n of_o other_o man_n work_n there_o 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this_o whoever_o inquire_v into_o the_o notion_n and_o manner_n of_o christian_n must_v have_v no_o great_a share_n of_o sincerity_n or_o judgement_n if_o he_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o religion_n have_v but_o littil_a influence_n upon_o their_o mind_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o amaze_a contradiction_n between_o their_o life_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n this_o corruption_n be_v so_o evident_a and_o so_o general_o confess_v that_o i_o need_v not_o stand_v to_o prove_v it_o take_v it_o then_o for_o grant_v that_o christian_n live_v in_o a_o great_a neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o corruption_n and_o to_o consider_v what_o remedy_n shall_v be_v apply_v to_o it_o this_o be_v what_o i_o intend_v to_o do_v in_o this_o treatise_n in_o hope_n that_o such_o a_o enquiry_n will_v not_o be_v altogether_o unuseful_a for_o first_o it_o may_v contribute_v to_o maintain_v the_o honour_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o confute_v infidel_n and_o libertine_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o despise_v it_o because_o its_o precept_n be_v little_o practise_v if_o religion_n say_v they_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o it_o have_v so_o little_a efficacy_n and_o that_o there_o appear_v so_o much_o disorder_n and_o licentiousness_n among_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o to_o undeceive_v such_o man_n and_o to_o infuse_v into_o they_o a_o great_a respect_n for_o religion_n it_o be_v of_o very_o great_a importance_n to_o discover_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o piety_n and_o to_o show_v that_o if_o man_n be_v corrupt_v it_o be_v not_o because_o christ_n religion_n be_v insufficient_a to_o introduce_v virtue_n and_o order_n into_o the_o world_n but_o that_o this_o evil_n flow_v from_o some_o other_o cause_n and_o that_o if_o christian_n do_v what_o they_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o do_v true_a piety_n will_v not_o be_v so_o uncommon_a as_o it_o be_v among_o they_o a_o second_o advantage_n which_o may_v be_v reap_v from_o this_o enquiry_n be_v this_o it_o will_v appear_v by_o it_o that_o how_o great_a soever_o the_o corruption_n may_v be_v it_o be_v not_o however_o as_o many_o imagine_v past_a remedy_n which_o imagination_n be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a prejudice_n while_o man_n look_v on_o it_o as_o impossible_a to_o stem_v the_o tide_n of_o corruption_n and_o to_o re-establish_a order_n and_o purity_n of_o manner_n in_o the_o world_n they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o attempt_v it_o they_o let_v thing_n go_v on_o at_o the_o same_o rate_n and_o so_o the_o disorder_n increase_v and_o spread_v far_a it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o we_o corruption_n be_v great_a general_a and_o inveterate_a but_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o incurable_a disease_n the_o fountain_n of_o it_o may_v easy_o be_v discover_v and_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o stop_v they_o i_o hope_v this_o will_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o who_o shall_v attentive_o and_o without_o prepossession_n consider_v what_o be_v propose_v in_o this_o work_n three_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n more_o likely_a to_o remove_v this_o corruption_n than_o to_o cut_v off_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o sure_a as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o compendious_a method_n one_o of_o the_o main_a reason_n why_o so_o many_o excellent_a book_n design_v to_o inspire_v man_n with_o a_o love_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n have_v not_o all_o the_o effect_n that_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o they_o be_v that_o the_o author_n do_v not_o sufficient_o observe_v the_o general_a cause_n of_o the_o depravation_n of_o manner_n it_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n to_o deplore_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age_n to_o exhort_v man_n and_o to_o give_v they_o fine_a lesson_n of_o morality_n the_o work_n of_o reformation_n can_v
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 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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
of_o their_o duty_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o profess_v devotion_n and_o piety_n this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a plea_n of_o man_n of_o business_n of_o worldling_n of_o young_a people_n of_o courtier_n of_o military_a man_n and_o of_o a_o great_a many_o beside_o in_o all_o condition_n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o devotion_n they_o cry_v we_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o world_n and_o with_o this_o shift_n they_o not_o only_o think_v themselves_o excusable_a for_o neglect_v piety_n but_o they_o fancy_v they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o neglect_v it_o and_o that_o they_o do_v a_o great_a deal_n if_o they_o observe_v some_o of_o the_o external_n duty_n of_o it_o one_o can_v hardly_o believe_v that_o these_o person_n be_v in_o carnest_n when_o they_o make_v such_o a_o excuse_n it_o astonish_v a_o man_n to_o find_v christian_n who_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o say_v that_o piety_n be_v not_o their_o business_n that_o they_o be_v of_o another_o profession_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o at_o leisure_n to_o be_v devout_a i_o fancy_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o deceive_v those_o who_o who_o allege_v this_o excuse_n 1._o that_o they_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v what_o devotion_n be_v they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o very_a austere_a and_o singular_a way_n of_o live_v from_o whence_o they_o conclude_v that_o but_o few_o people_n be_v able_a to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o it_o and_o so_o they_o turn_v it_o over_o to_o the_o clergy_n to_o woman_n or_o to_o those_o who_o have_v much_o leisure_n i_o have_v observe_v already_o the_o falseness_n of_o this_o prejudice_n and_o show_v that_o piety_n be_v neither_o singular_a nor_o austere_a 2._o the_o other_o cause_n of_o their_o error_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o piety_n be_v every_o body_n business_n and_o that_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v practise_v by_o all_o men._n not_o but_o that_o secular_a occupation_n and_o calling_n do_v frequent_o obstruct_v piety_n and_o engage_v man_n in_o vice_n and_o therefore_o a_o christian_a shall_v never_o be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n as_o thereby_o to_o disable_v himself_o from_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n but_o after_o all_o a_o man_n may_v live_v like_o a_o good_a christian_a in_o any_o lawful_a call_v and_o in_o that_o sense_n proper_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n teach_v they_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n 11._o world_n tit._n ii_o 11._o do_v those_o who_o plead_v it_o for_o a_o excuse_n that_o they_o do_v not_o profess_v devotion_n imagine_v that_o there_o be_v two_o way_n to_o go_v to_o heaven_n the_o one_o for_o devour_v and_o the_o other_o for_o worldly_a man_n the_o one_o narrow_a and_o the_o other_o broad_a do_v they_o think_v that_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n do_v not_o concern_v all_o man_n that_o there_o be_v respect_n of_o person_n with_o god_n or_o that_o he_o dispense_v with_o his_o own_o law_n how_o can_v they_o prove_v these_o distinction_n be_v not_o we_o all_o christian_n have_v not_o we_o all_o be_v baptise_v do_v not_o god_n give_v we_o all_o the_o same_o law_n or_o have_v some_o more_o reason_n to_o love_n god_n than_o other_o and_o ought_v not_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o our_o salvation_n to_o be_v equal_o dear_a to_o we_o all_o i_o grant_v that_o those_o who_o have_v great_a opportunity_n and_o more_o leisure_n than_o other_o aught_o to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o advantage_n but_o i_o maintain_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o none_o stand_v in_o great_a need_n of_o piety_n than_o those_o who_o say_v we_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o world_n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o devotion_n it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o devout_a that_o their_o condition_n be_v very_o sad_a and_o the_o more_o they_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o world_n the_o great_a be_v the_o temptation_n and_o distraction_n to_o which_o they_o be_v liable_a now_o he_o that_o be_v expose_v to_o a_o storm_n have_v need_n take_v more_o care_n than_o he_o who_o enjoy_v a_o calm_a these_o be_v the_o principal_a maxim_n and_o sentiment_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o authorize_v corruption_n whoever_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o be_v say_v and_o do_v in_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o these_o and_o the_o like_a maxim_n be_v vent_v abroad_o every_o day_n so_o that_o in_o order_n to_o obstruct_v the_o progress_n of_o corruption_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o undeceive_v man_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o sentiment_n and_o to_o oppose_v that_o criminal_a boldness_n which_o shameful_o corrup_n the_o truth_n of_o reilgion_n and_o turn_n impiety_n into_o religious_a maxim_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n cause_n iu._n the_o abuse_n of_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v a_o dare_a piece_n of_o confidence_n to_o authorize_v corruption_n with_o maxim_n borrow_v from_o religion_n but_o it_o be_v the_o last_o degree_n of_o audaciousness_n and_o impiety_n to_o turn_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o such_o a_o scandalous_a use_n and_o to_o seek_v in_o that_o divine_a book_n pretence_n and_o apology_n for_o vice_n and_o yet_o the_o extravagance_n and_o temerity_n of_o many_o bad_a christian_n come_v up_o to_o this_o pitch_n several_a declaration_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v make_v by_o they_o as_o many_o maxim_n under_o which_o they_o think_v to_o shelter_v themselves_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v they_o there_o be_v nothing_o either_o in_o their_o practice_n or_o opinion_n but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n and_o intention_n of_o god_n himself_o this_o abuse_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o design_v to_o show_v in_o this_o chapter_n to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n and_o it_o can_v he_o too_o serious_o consider_v the_o passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v abuse_v to_o this_o purpose_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o four_o head_n the_o first_o comprehend_v the_o place_n which_o be_v bring_v against_o the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n under_o the_o second_o we_o will_v examine_v those_o declaration_n of_o scripture_n by_o which_o some_o endeavour_n to_o prove_v that_o all_o man_n without_o exception_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o corruption_n which_o subject_n they_o to_o sin_n in_o the_o three_o place_n we_o shall_v answer_v the_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o example_n of_o those_o saint_n who_o sin_n be_v record_v in_o scripture_n and_o last_o we_o shall_v make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o those_o scrippture_n in_o which_o the_o divine_a mercy_n be_v promise_v to_o the_o great_a sinner_n there_o be_v divers_a passage_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v ill_o understand_v lead_v many_o into_o this_o persuasion_n that_o good_a work_n be_v not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o first_o nothing_o be_v more_o confident_o allege_v to_o this_o purpose_n than_o what_o we_o read_v in_o many_o place_n etc._n place_n rom._n iii_o etc._n etc._n that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o our_o work_n no_o doctrine_n be_v more_o clear_o and_o express_o deliver_v in_o the_o gospel_n than_o that_o of_o justification_n by_o faith_n but_o it_o be_v a_o pervert_v of_o this_o doctrine_n to_o conclude_v from_o it_o that_o salvation_n may_v be_v obtain_v without_o good_a work_n this_o conclusion_n must_v needs_o be_v false_a since_o the_o gospel_n enjoin_v good_a work_n as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n st_o paul_n tell_v we_o that_o 14._o that_o heb._n xx._n 14._o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n and_o do_v not_o that_o import_n that_o none_o shall_v be_v save_v without_o holiness_n and_o good_a work_n the_o same_o apostle_n teach_v we_o that_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o man_n shall_v be_v admit_v into_o or_o exclude_v from_o heaven_n god_n will_v have_v a_o regard_n to_o their_o work_n to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n which_o they_o shall_v have_v do_v 6._o do_v rom._n 11._o 6._o god_n will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n 10._o work_n 2_o cor._n v._o 10._o we_o must_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v do_v whether_o good_a or_o bad_a this_o be_v very_o positive_a and_o therefore_o since_o there_o can_v be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o scripture_n here_o be_v enough_o already_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n have_v nothing_o in_o it_o which_o destroy_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n but_o it_o will_v appear_v yet_o less_o difficult_a to_o reconcile_v these_o two_o doctrine_n if_o we_o suppose_v that_o which_o no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o contest_v
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
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
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 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preservative_n but_o these_o book_n be_v not_o much_o better_a than_o the_o other_o nay_o i_o can_v tell_v whether_o they_o be_v not_o more_o dangerous_a those_o morality_n be_v very_o ill_o place_v and_o few_o people_n be_v the_o better_a for_o they_o it_o be_v a_o very_a suspicious_a kind_n of_o morality_n which_o come_v from_o the_o pen_n of_o those_o author_n who_o write_v indifferent_o upon_o matter_n of_o love_n and_o religious_a subject_n who_o sometime_o seem_v to_o be_v libertine_n and_o sometime_o devout_a who_o after_o they_o have_v say_v a_o hundred_o licentious_a thing_n give_v you_o the_o history_n of_o a_o great_a many_o disorder_n and_o relate_v several_a scandalous_a passage_n entertain_v you_o with_o devotion_n and_o piety_n this_o be_v a_o monstrous_a mixture_n if_o those_o author_n be_v true_o religious_a they_o will_v forbear_v write_v those_o thing_n which_o religion_n condemn_v and_o which_o scandalize_v the_o public_a such_o book_n be_v particular_o fit_a to_o 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write_v what_o person_n they_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o and_o what_o notion_n knowledge_n or_o custom_n do_v then_o obtain_v but_o those_o who_o be_v ignorane_n of_o these_o thing_n set_v about_o expound_v the_o scripture_n can_v hardly_o do_v it_o with_o success_n it_o be_v a_o wonder_n if_o they_o do_v not_o miss_v the_o true_a mark_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o obtrude_v force_v and_o very_o often_o false_a gloss_n upon_o their_o reader_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n many_o author_n apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o examine_n of_o scripture_n with_o a_o mind_n full_a of_o prejudices_fw-la they_o explain_v in_o by_o the_o present_a notion_n of_o the_o world_n nothing_o be_v more_o usual_a with_o commentator_n than_o to_o make_v the_o faithful_a under_o the_o old_a testament_n speak_v as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v as_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o christian_n be_v and_o as_o if_o those_o question_n and_o dispute_n which_o be_v treat_v in_o common-place_n of_o divinity_n have_v be_v agitate_a at_o that_o time_n when_o those_o expositor_n for_o instance_n meet_v with_o the_o world_n righteous_a or_o righteousness_n in_o the_o psalm_n they_o fancy_v that_o david_n have_v in_o his_o thought_n all_o that_o divine_n have_v vent_v concern_v justification_n and_o upon_o this_o supposal_n what_o do_v they_o not_o say_v or_o what_o do_v they_o not_o make_v preacher_n say_v it_o have_v be_v observe_v that_o almost_o all_o commentator_n be_v partial_a and_o endeavour_v to_o put_v upon_o the_o scripture_n a_o sense_n that_o favour_v the_o opinion_n of_o their_o respective_a sect_n this_o spirit_n of_o a_o party_n be_v chief_o remarkable_a in_o some_o of_o those_o commentary_n which_o these_o last_o century_n have_v produce_v 2._o the_o second_o rule_n of_o a_o commentator_n shall_v be_v to_o expound_v clear_o and_o familiar_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o never_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o a_o mystical_a exposition_n but_o in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n direct_v we_o to_o look_v for_o it_o and_o yet_o a_o great_a many_o author_n do_v almost_o entire_o forsake_v the_o literal_a sense_n to_o pursue_v mystical_a explication_n in_o their_o opinion_n every_o thing_n be_v mystical_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n especial_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o be_v not_o content_v with_o unfolding_a the_o true_a mystery_n and_o prophecy_n which_o manifest_o relate_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o they_o turn_v all_o thing_n into_o figure_n they_o find_v mystery_n allegory_n type_n and_o prophecy_n every_o where_o even_o in_o the_o plain_a discourse_n this_o they_o call_v search_v and_o dive_v into_o the_o scripture_n but_o this_o way_n of_o expound_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o fountain_n of_o illusion_n for_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v not_o explain_v those_o pretend_a mystery_n so_o they_o must_v be_v put_v to_o their_o guess_n and_o beholden_a to_o their_o 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of_o good_a thing_n be_v sprinkle_v with_o that_o spirit_n of_o fanaticism_n i_o shall_v not_o stand_v to_o give_v here_o the_o character_n of_o those_o book_n nor_o to_o show_v the_o mischief_n they_o may_v do_v in_o relation_n to_o libertine_n or_o to_o those_o person_n who_o want_v either_o knowledge_n or_o a_o discern_a judgement_n because_o i_o will_v not_o repeat_v what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o mystical_a piety_n part_n i._o cause_n ii_o art_n viii_o 3._o some_o author_n who_o have_v put_v out_o book_n of_o piety_n have_v make_v it_o their_o whole_a business_n to_o administer_v comfort_n those_o who_o read_v their_o work_n may_v easy_o see_v that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o comfortable_a side_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o their_o principal_a design_n be_v to_o fill_v their_o reader_n with_o confidence_n hope_n and_o joy_n without_o doubt_v it_o be_v a_o laudable_a and_o pious_a design_n to_o use_v one_o endeavour_n to_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a and_o particular_o good_a man_n and_o i_o confess_v that_o we_o find_v in_o the_o book_n which_o have_v be_v compose_v with_o that_o view_n many_o edify_a thing_n and_o noble_a sentiment_n of_o piety_n but_o for_o all_o that_o those_o book_n may_v easy_o inspire_v man_n with_o security_n when_o the_o consolation_n which_o they_o dispense_v be_v not_o attend_v with_o great_a circumspection_n and_o prudence_n i_o can_v wish_v that_o all_o those_o who_o have_v publish_v book_n of_o this_o kind_n have_v well_o consider_v these_o two_o follow_a truth_n the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o comfort_n which_o religion_n afford_v belong_v only_o to_o true_a christian_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o comforter_n careful_o to_o distinguish_v person_n and_o to_o mark_v clear_o who_o those_o be_v that_o have_v aright_o to_o religious_a comfort_n the_o second_o be_v that_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o sanctify_v as_o it_o be_v to_o comfort_n man_n nay_o that_o the_o sanctify_a they_o be_v the_o more_o necessary_a of_o the_o two_o because_o holiness_n be_v more_o essential_a to_o a_o good_a man_n than_o consolation_n and_o joy_n and_o also_o because_o man_n be_v much_o more_o incline_v to_o presume_v than_o to_o condemn_v themselves_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v but_o few_o who_o want_v comfort_n in_o comparison_n with_o those_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v testify_v the_o consolation_n of_o which_o the_o book_n of_o piety_n be_v full_a be_v intend_v either_o for_o afflict_a person_n or_o for_o sinner_n as_o for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v better_a to_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o make_v a_o good_a life_n of_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o examine_v and_o amend_v their_o life_n than_o to_o discourse_v to_o they_o upon_o some_o general_a topick_n of_o comfort_n which_o perhaps_o will_v only_o lay_v they_o fast_o asleep_o in_o security_n and_o which_o be_v beside_o general_o misapply_v for_o all_o that_o the_o gospel_n say_v of_o affliction_n be_v common_o lay_v together_o and_o that_o too_o with_o no_o great_a judgement_n and_o what_o be_v say_v only_o of_o the_o affliction_n of_o the_o faithful_a who_o suffer_v for_o christ_n sake_n be_v apply_v to_o the_o affliction_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o mankind_n it_o be_v much_o more_o necessary_a to_o teach_v man_n how_o to_o die_v well_o than_o to_o fortify_v they_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n nay_o we_o can_v give_v they_o a_o more_o substantial_a comfort_n than_o if_o we_o persuade_v they_o to_o live_v well_o since_o a_o good_a life_n will_v most_o certain_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o happy_a death_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v particular_o cautious_a when_o we_o comfort_v sinner_n and_o give_v they_o assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n for_o if_o this_o be_v not_o do_v with_o great_a circumspection_n we_o may_v easy_o harden_v and_o ruin_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o we_o be_v comfort_v they_o this_o be_v the_o mischief_n of_o those_o book_n which_o speak_v but_o little_a of_o repentance_n and_o insist_v much_o upon_o confidence_n who_o only_a design_n it_o be_v to_o encourage_v the_o great_a sinner_n and_o to_o exhort_v they_o to_o a_o bold_a reliance_n upon_o god_n mercy_n without_o fear_v either_o the_o heinousness_n or_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o sin_n such_o consolation_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o good_a sense_n but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o propose_v with_o due_a explication_n and_o restriction_n vast_a number_n of_o people_n will_v abuse_v they_o that_o which_o have_v be_v write_v by_o some_o author_n in_o book_n of_o devotion_n concern_v sin_n and_o good_a work_n be_v apt_a to_o lead_v man_n into_o this_o fancy_n that_o good_a work_n signify_v nothing_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n and_o that_o sin_n do_v not_o obstruct_v it_o under_o pretence_n of_o answer_v the_o accusation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o the_o law_n these_o author_n enervate_a the_o strong_a argument_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n they_o confute_v the_o declaration_n of_o scripture_n concern_v sanctification_n and_o they_o destroy_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o precept_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o what_o they_o call_v the_o accusation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o the_o law_n be_v sometime_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o just_a apprehension_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n which_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o shall_v be_v cherish_v and_o fortify_v to_o bring_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n instead_o of_o be_v remove_v by_o ill_o dispense_v consolation_n it_o be_v say_v to_o this_o that_o sinner_n be_v not_o to_o be_v drive_v to_o despair_n but_o do_v we_o make_v sinner_n desperate_a by_o say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n when_o real_o they_o be_v not_o do_v we_o not_o comfort_v they_o enough_o when_o we_o exhort_v they_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o god_n mercy_n and_o to_o repent_v what_o if_o we_o shall_v by_o unseasonable_a consolation_n fill_v they_o with_o a_o vain_a and_o groundless_a confidence_n will_v not_o that_o security_n ruin_v they_o more_o certain_o than_o desperation_n to_o make_v man_n fearless_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o undo_v they_o after_o all_o i_o can_v imagine_v why_o people_n shall_v talk_v so_o much_o of_o despair_n and_o seem_v so_o huge_o afraid_a of_o it_o by_o the_o endeavour_n use_v in_o book_n and_o sermon_n to_o keep_v sinner_n from_o it_o one_o will_v think_v that_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o fear_v on_o that_o hand_n and_o that_o nothing_o be_v more_o ordinary_a than_o for_o man_n to_o despair_v of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o unusual_a for_o one_o sinner_n who_o be_v terrify_v with_o his_o sin_n thousand_o be_v undo_v by_o security_n it_o be_v remarkable_a than_o the_o scripture_n speak_v but_o seldom_o of_o despair_n and_o when_o we_o have_v well_o examine_v all_o the_o place_n which_o be_v think_v to_o mention_v it_o we_o shall_v not_o find_v many_o that_o speak_v positive_o of_o it_o many_o churchman_n who_o have_v cure_n of_o soul_n confess_v that_o they_o never_o see_v any_o person_n afflict_v with_o despair_n and_o as_o for_o the_o instance_n which_o be_v allege_v to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o what_o be_v call_v desperation_n be_v common_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o fit_a of_o the_o spleen_n and_o a_o effect_n of_o grief_n and_o melancholy_n so_o that_o those_o who_o make_v long_a discourse_n to_o prevent_v sinner_n fall_v into_o despair_n take_v great_a pain_n to_o little_a purpose_n and_o do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n fight_v with_o a_o shadow_n 4._o there_o be_v another_o fault_n in_o some_o book_n of_o devotion_n quite_o contrary_a to_o this_o i_o have_v now_o observe_v which_o be_v that_o they_o terrify_v their_o reader_n without_o reason_n if_o author_n otherwise_o pious_a and_o learned_a have_v not_o speak_v in_o their_o write_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o reprobation_n despair_n the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o some_o other_o matter_n many_o people_n will_v have_v be_v free_a from_o those_o terrible_a fright_v which_o the_o indiscreet_a handle_n of_o those_o subject_n do_v throw_v they_o into_o the_o read_n of_o such_o book_n have_v occasion_v and_o do_v still_o produce_v great_a mischief_n when_o they_o be_v read_v by_o man_n of_o weak_a head_n that_o be_v incline_v to_o melancholy_a and_o the_o number_n of_o such_o person_n be_v very_o considerable_a some_o have_v fancy_v they_o have_v commit_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v possess_v with_o that_o dismal_a thought_n they_o have_v spend_v their_o life_n in_o dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o which_o nothing_o can_v cure_v they_o other_o have_v imagine_v that_o their_o case_n cure_v they_o other_o have_v imagine_v that_o their_o case_n be_v
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
it_o have_v be_v represent_v in_o this_o work_n the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o treatise_n this_o be_v what_o i_o have_v propose_v to_o say_v concern_v the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n i_o may_v have_v be_v large_a upon_o these_o matter_n and_o have_v add_v many_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v not_o touch_v this_o be_v a_o very_a copious_a field_n and_o a_o subject_a which_o can_v hardly_o be_v exhaust_v yet_o i_o think_v i_o have_v observe_v what_o be_v most_o material_a but_o it_o will_v be_v to_o little_a purpose_n to_o have_v detect_v the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n if_o those_o cause_n do_v still_o subsist_v and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v this_o work_n with_o a_o earnest_a entreaty_n to_o my_o reader_n that_o they_o will_v make_v serious_a reflection_n upon_o it_o and_o that_o if_o they_o find_v that_o in_o fact_n corruption_n proceed_v from_o those_o cause_n i_o have_v mention_v they_o will_v strive_v to_o remove_v they_o the_o undertake_n will_v no_o doubt_n appear_v very_o difficult_a to_o many_o they_o will_v own_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v but_o they_o will_v look_v upon_o the_o design_n of_o oppose_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age_n as_o vain_a and_o chimerical_a they_o will_v say_v that_o all_o this_o be_v very_o fine_a in_o the_o theory_n but_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v impossible_a i_o confess_v here_o be_v some_o difficulty_n but_o yet_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o what_o i_o have_v propose_v may_v successful_o be_v do_v at_o least_o in_o some_o respect_n but_o the_o general_a cause_n of_o corruption_n can_v scarce_o be_v remedy_v but_o by_o public_a person_n i_o therefore_o apply_v myself_o here_o particular_o to_o divine_n and_o to_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o i_o conjure_v they_o to_o make_v it_o their_o serious_a business_n to_o discover_v and_o to_o stop_v the_o spring_n of_o corruption_n let_v they_o turn_v all_o their_o endeavour_n that_o way_n let_v they_o labour_n to_o dispel_v the_o ignorance_n and_o prejudices_fw-la which_o so_o many_o christian_n live_v in_o and_o to_o confute_v those_o maxim_n and_o sentiment_n which_o feed_v security_n and_o libertinism_n let_v they_o press_v with_o zeal_n the_o restore_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n let_v they_o incessant_o lie_v before_o the_o people_n and_o the_o magistrate_n the_o necessity_n of_o redress_v several_a abuse_n which_o be_v now_o in_o vogue_n let_v they_o inculcate_v these_o thing_n and_o insist_v upon_o they_o with_o zeal_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n with_o prudence_n and_o charity_n let_v they_o concert_v measure_n among_o themselves_o let_v they_o act_v unanimous_o in_o so_o noble_a a_o design_n above_o all_o thing_n let_v they_o take_v care_n to_o season_v young_a people_n with_o good_a instruction_n and_o to_o inspire_v they_o with_o sentiment_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n these_o be_v the_o solicitude_n which_o become_v the_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n these_o be_v erterprise_n worthy_a of_o their_o character_n and_o their_o zeal_n and_o the_o thing_n which_o ought_v chief_o to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o clergy_n but_o let_v they_o not_o be_v discourage_v by_o the_o difficulty_n they_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v with_o they_o will_v still_o gain_v something_o even_o when_o they_o may_v fancy_v they_o labour_v in_o vain_a if_o they_o do_v not_o obtain_v all_o that_o they_o desire_v if_o they_o do_v not_o cure_v the_o whole_a evil_n they_o will_v remove_v at_o least_o some_o part_n of_o it_o so_o holy_a a_o enterprise_n will_v soon_o or_o late_a be_v fortunate_a in_o the_o issue_n and_o god_n will_v pour_v down_o a_o blessing_n upon_o those_o mean_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v appoint_v one_o will_v think_v that_o providence_n be_v at_o work_n to_o bring_v about_o happy_a time_n and_o that_o thing_n be_v tend_v that_o way_n this_o be_v a_o age_n of_o knowledge_n and_o religion_n be_v now_o better_o prove_v and_o explain_v than_o ever_o it_o be_v there_o be_v a_o considerable_a number_n of_o judicious_a and_o learned_a divine_n and_o pastor_n who_o be_v deep_o grieve_v to_o see_v the_o present_a face_n of_o thing_n and_o who_o be_v sensible_a how_o necessary_a it_o will_v be_v to_o oppose_v corruption_n so_o many_o book_n which_o be_v write_v on_o purpose_n to_o revive_v true_a christianity_n and_o to_o bring_v man_n to_o holiness_n seem_v to_o bode_v some_o bless_a revolution_n and_o to_o argue_v a_o general_a disposition_n towards_o it_o god_n who_o preside_v over_o all_o thing_n and_o particular_o over_o that_o which_o concern_v religion_n bless_v the_o design_n and_o endeavour_n of_o all_o those_o who_o have_v good_a intention_n and_o grant_v that_o we_o may_v quick_o see_v truth_n piety_n peace_n and_o order_n entire_o restore_v among_o christian_n finis_fw-la book_n print_v for_o r._n chiswell_n scriptorum_n ecclesiasticorum_n historia_fw-la literaria_fw-la facili_fw-la &_o prespicua_fw-la methodo_fw-la digesta_fw-la in_o 2_o vol._n fol._n authore_fw-la gul._n cave_fw-la s._n t._n p._n his_o primitive_a christianity_n 5_o edit_n 8_o his_o dissertation_n concern_v the_o government_n of_o the_o ancient_a church_n by_o bishop_n metropolitan_n and_o patiâ—â—ons_n 8_o archbishop_n tenison_n conference_n with_o pulton_n the_o jesuit_n his_o nine_o sermon_n on_o several_a occasion_n seven_o volume_n of_o archbishop_n tillotson_n sermon_n publish_v from_o the_o original_n by_o dr._n barker_n vol._n one_a of_o sincerity_n and_o constancy_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n 3d_o edition_n correct_v 1700._o vol._n 2d_o and_o 3d_o on_o several_a occasion_n second_o edition_n correct_v 1700._o vol._n four_o of_o natural_a and_o institute_v religion_n etc._n etc._n second_o edition_n correct_v 1700._o vol._n 5_o prove_v jesus_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n etc._n etc._n second_o edition_n correct_v 1700._o volume_n 6_o and_o seven_o upon_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n second_o edition_n correct_v 1700._o ten_o sermon_n on_o several_a occasion_n by_o bishop_n patrick_n his_o heart_n ease_n or_o remedy_n against_o all_o trouble_n the_o seven_o edition_n 1699._o his_o commentary_n on_o genesis_n exodus_fw-la leviticus_n and_o number_n in_o four_o volume_n his_o commentary_n on_o duteronomy_n 1700._o valentine_n private_a devotion_n the_o 26_o edition_n 169â—_n wharton_n sermon_n in_o lambeth-chappel_n in_o 2_o vol._n 8_o with_o his_o life_n the_o second_o edition_n 1700._o dr._n conant_n sermon_n in_o two_o vol._n 8_o publish_a bishop_n williams_n dr._n wake_v of_o preparation_n for_o death_n the_o 6_o edition_n 1699._o dr._n fryer_n nine_o year_n travel_n into_o india_n and_o persia_n illustrate_v with_o copper_n plate_n fol._n 1698._o bishop_n willams_n of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o worship_v god_n by_o the_o common-prayer_n with_o several_a other_o discourse_n mr._n tulley_n discourse_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o thought_n the_o 3d_o edition_n 12_o 1699._o the_o life_n of_o henry_n chichele_n archbishop_n of_o cantâ—â—â—ury_n in_o which_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a relation_n of_o many_o remarkable_a pasâ—â—â—â—_n in_o the_o reign_v of_o henry_n v._o and_o vi_o king_n of_o england_n write_a in_o latin_a by_o arthur_n duck_n l._n l._n d._n chancellor_n of_o the_o diocese_n of_o london_n and_o advocate_n of_o the_o court_n of_o honour_n now_o make_v english_a and_o a_o table_n of_o content_n annex_v 8_o 1699._o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o ancient_a jewish_a church_n against_o the_o unitarian_n in_o the_o controversy_n upon_o the_o holy_a trinity_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n with_o a_o table_n of_o matter_n and_o a_o table_n of_o text_n of_o scripture_n occasional_o explain_v by_o peter_n alix_n d._n d._n short_a memorial_n of_o thomas_n lord_n fairfax_n write_v by_o himself_o publish_a 1699._o the_o life_n of_o john_n whitgift_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n in_o the_o time_n of_o queen_n elizabeth_n and_o king_n james_n i._o write_v by_o sir_n geo._n paul_n comptroler_n of_o his_o grace_n household_n to_o which_o be_v annex_v a_o treatise_n entitle_v conspiracy_n for_o pretend_a reformation_n write_v in_o the_o year_n 1591._o by_o richard_n cousin_n l._n l._n d._n dean_n of_o the_o arch_n and_o official_a principal_n to_o archbishop_n whitgift_n 8o._o 1699._o a_o exposition_n of_o the_o 39_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o dr._n burnet_n bishop_n of_o sarum_n fol._n 1700._o his_o sermon_n to_o the_o society_n for_o reformation_n of_o manner_n march_n 25._o 1700._o a_o practical_a discourse_n of_o religious_a assembly_n by_o dr._n william_n sherlock_n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n the_o 3d._a edition_n 1700._o ☜_o several_a discourse_n of_o repentance_n by_o the_o most_o reverend_a dr._n john_n tillotson_n late_a archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n be_v the_o eight_o volume_n publish_a by_o dr._n barker_n 1700._o in_o the_o press_n the_o four_o and_o last_o part_n of_o mr._n rvshworth_n historical_a collection_n contain_v the_o principal_a matter_n which_o happen_v from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o year_n 1645._o where_o the_o three_o part_n end_v to_o the_o death_n of_o king_n charles_n the_o first_o 1684._o impartial_o relate_v set_v forth_o only_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o order_n of_o time_n without_o observation_n or_o reflection_n fit_v for_o the_o press_n in_o his_o life-time_n to_o which_o will_v be_v add_v exact_v alphabetical_a table_n