essence_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v take_v away_o and_o in_o proportion_n as_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v weaken_v so_o much_o be_v the_o power_n and_o beauty_n of_o that_o holy_a religion_n which_o christ_n bring_v into_o the_o world_n lessen_v religion_n contain_v doctrine_n precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n it_o do_v altogether_o depend_v upon_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o another_o life_n and_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v but_o if_o you_o banish_v out_o of_o religion_n the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o good_a work_n you_o attack_v it_o in_o all_o its_o part_n and_o you_o undermine_v its_o very_a foundation_n for_o this_o make_v the_o knowledge_n of_o its_o doctrine_n vain_a and_o needless_a it_o turn_v its_o precept_n into_o bare_a counsel_n the_o promise_v of_o it_o which_o be_v conditional_a and_o suppose_v obedience_n cease_v to_o be_v promise_n the_o threat_n which_o god_n denounce_v against_o sinner_n be_v but_o empty_a menace_n which_o god_n make_v only_o to_o fright_v man_n but_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o execute_v this_o destroy_v the_o chief_a and_o strong_a proof_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o another_o life_n it_o ruin_v that_o great_a argument_n for_o religion_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o from_o the_o desert_n of_o both_o and_o it_o contradict_v the_o necessity_n the_o nature_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o last_o judgement_n all_o this_o may_v easy_o be_v demonstrate_v this_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n may_v likewise_o be_v prove_v from_o the_o plain_a declaration_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o it_o may_v be_v show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n more_o clear_o and_o frequent_o inculcate_v than_o this_o in_o holy_a writ_n but_o not_o to_o engage_v in_o these_o particular_n which_o do_v not_o proper_o belong_v to_o my_o purpose_n i_o shall_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o either_o that_o be_v true_a or_o there_o be_v nothing_o true_a in_o religion_n yet_o how_o clear_a soever_o this_o truth_n may_v be_v it_o be_v but_o little_o know_v and_o man_n be_v not_o much_o persuade_v of_o it_o no_o man_n indeed_o do_v flat_o and_o without_o some_o preamble_n deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n every_o teacher_n profess_v that_o to_o be_v his_o doctrine_n all_o christian_n in_o show_n at_o least_o be_v agree_v about_o it_o but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o explain_v their_o mean_v clear_o concern_v this_o necessity_n when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o application_n or_o to_o practice_n or_o when_o they_o establish_v other_o doctrine_n they_o contradict_v themselves_o they_o hesitate_n upon_o the_o matter_n or_o they_o explain_v it_o with_o certain_a restriction_n which_o sooth_n man_n in_o security_n and_o dispose_v they_o to_o believe_v that_o salvation_n may_v be_v obtain_v without_o good_a work_n which_o overthrow_v their_o necessity_n nay_o some_o frame_n to_o themselves_o such_o a_o notion_n of_o religion_n as_o even_o exclude_v good_a work_n this_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o though_o this_o entire_a and_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v not_o suppose_v yet_o this_o will_v not_o present_o open_v a_o door_n to_o licentiousness_n since_o there_o remain_v other_o sufficient_a motive_n to_o holiness_n such_o as_o those_o which_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o justice_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n from_o the_o gratitude_n and_o love_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n from_o the_o edification_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o from_o our_o call_v and_o duty_n i_o answer_v that_o these_o motive_n be_v very_o just_a and_o press_a and_o that_o they_o necessary_o enter_v into_o that_o obedience_n which_o all_o true_a christian_n pay_v to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n i_o acknowledge_v beside_o that_o they_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o inspire_v all_o man_n with_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n if_o they_o do_v all_o govern_v themselves_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o justice_n but_o these_o be_v not_o the_o only_a motive_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v urge_v god_n propose_v other_o beside_o he_o promise_v he_o threaten_v he_o declare_v 14._o declare_v heb._n xii_o 14._o that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v his_o face_n which_o import_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o sure_o as_o man_n general_o be_v there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o upon_o who_o those_o motive_n take_v from_o decency_n justice_n gratitude_n duty_n or_o the_o edification_n of_o our_o neighbour_n will_v have_v very_o little_a force_n the_o most_o honourable_a motive_n be_v not_o always_o the_o most_o effectual_a man_n be_v so_o corrupt_a be_v so_o many_o way_n and_o by_o so_o strong_a a_o bias_n carry_v towards_o evil_n that_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o he_o without_o a_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o abstain_v from_o it_o but_o how_o much_o less_o will_v he_o refrain_v from_o sin_n if_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o control_v his_o inclination_n and_o to_o confine_v himself_o to_o a_o kind_n of_o life_n which_o appear_v unpleasant_a and_o melancholy_a to_o he_o now_o as_o this_o be_v the_o disposition_n in_o which_o most_o people_n be_v we_o need_v no_o long_o wonder_n why_o there_o be_v so_o little_a religion_n and_o piety_n among_o men._n 2._o if_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o practice_v those_o duty_n which_o we_o do_v not_o think_v necessary_a especial_o when_o they_o cross_v our_o inclination_n it_o be_v yet_o hard_o to_o practice_v they_o when_o we_o do_v not_o know_v they_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o do_v good_a or_o to_o avoid_v evil_a if_o we_o do_v not_o know_v the_o good_a that_o we_o shall_v do_v and_o the_o evil_n we_o ought_v to_o shun_v now_o in_o this_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n want_v instruction_n every_o body_n speak_v of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n but_o few_o man_n know_v what_o they_o be_v the_o common_a people_n be_v little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n or_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a moral_n this_o must_v be_v confess_v and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v ingenuous_o own_v it_o i_o can_v but_o enter_v here_o into_o some_o particular_n to_o prove_v this_o ignorance_n 1._o there_o be_v some_o essential_a duty_n unknown_a to_o a_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n and_o which_o be_v never_o think_v of_o by_o a_o infinity_n of_o men._n i_o will_v allege_v for_o a_o instance_n one_o of_o the_o plain_a and_o of_o the_o most_o necessary_a duty_n of_o morality_n and_o that_o be_v restitution_n though_o the_o scripture_n shall_v not_o express_o enjoin_v it_o we_o need_v but_o consult_v reason_n and_o natural_a justice_n to_o be_v convince_v that_o he_o who_o have_v do_v a_o injury_n to_o another_o man_n by_o take_v from_o he_o any_o part_n of_o his_o property_n be_v bind_v to_o make_v up_o that_o damage_n by_o restore_v to_o he_o whatever_o he_o have_v wrong_v he_o of_o there_o be_v every_o day_n occasion_n enough_o to_o make_v restitution_n nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o for_o one_o man_n to_o appropriate_v to_o himself_o by_o unlawful_a mean_n what_o belong_v to_o another_o and_o yet_o in_o many_o place_n restitution_n be_v a_o thing_n without_o precedent_n but_o this_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v at_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v thousand_o of_o christian_n who_o never_o hear_v a_o word_n of_o this_o duty_n this_o matter_n be_v so_o little_o know_v and_o the_o people_n be_v so_o little_o instruct_v about_o it_o that_o a_o treatise_n concern_v restitution_n write_v by_o mr._n la_o placette_n have_v be_v publish_v some_o year_n since_o it_o have_v be_v read_v as_o a_o very_a singular_a book_n the_o subject_a whereof_o be_v new_a and_o curious_a nay_o some_o have_v go_v so_o far_o as_o to_o censure_v this_o doctrine_n of_o restitution_n pretend_v that_o it_o be_v novel_a and_o too_o severe_a such_o a_o pitch_n of_o ignorance_n be_v man_n arrive_v at_o in_o matter_n of_o morality_n and_o this_o be_v not_o the_o only_a duty_n which_o be_v not_o understand_v there_o be_v many_o other_o beside_o either_o among_o those_o which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n or_o among_o those_o which_o be_v particular_a to_o every_o call_v and_o which_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o man_n be_v ever_o teach_v or_o ever_o make_v the_o least_o reflection_n upon_o now_o a_o man_n must_v needs_o neglect_v the_o duty_n that_o he_o do_v not_o know_v 2._o there_o be_v divers_a sin_n which_o be_v not_o common_o rank_v among_o sin_n or_o which_o man_n do_v not_o think_v to_o be_v damn_v sin_n of_o this_o number_n be_v lie_v and_o unsincerity_n either_o in_o discourse_n or_o in_o deal_n among_o these_o
fall_v very_o short_a of_o that_o knowledge_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v and_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o live_v in_o shameful_a and_o deplorable_a ignorance_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o piety_n be_v so_o much_o want_v among_o they_o and_o why_o they_o be_v so_o deprave_v and_o vicious_a which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o make_v appear_v in_o order_n to_o this_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o two_o head_n first_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n second_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o inquire_v whether_o with_o respect_n to_o these_o christian_n be_v furnish_v with_o necessary_a information_n i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v very_o little_o instruct_v i._o in_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o ii_o in_o what_o relate_v to_o manner_n and_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n the_o reflection_n i_o shall_v bestow_v upon_o both_o these_o head_n will_v i_o hope_v clear_o prove_v that_o among_o those_o vast_a multitude_n of_o man_n who_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n there_o be_v very_o few_o who_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o religion_n from_o whence_o it_o will_v be_v natural_a to_o conclude_v that_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v very_o corrupt_a i._o to_o begin_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n we_o must_v distinguish_v two_o sort_n of_o truth_n in_o religion_n the_o general_n and_o the_o particular_a truth_n the_o general_a truth_n be_v those_o upon_o which_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n be_v found_v such_o as_o these_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o the_o bible_n be_v a_o divine_a book_n and_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_a by_o particular_a truth_n i_o mean_v the_o various_a doctrine_n which_o religion_n contain_v and_o which_o be_v the_o part_n of_o it_o but_o which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n depend_v upon_o the_o general_a truth_n as_o upon_o their_o principle_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o justification_n and_o many_o other_o be_v of_o this_o number_n now_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o ignorance_n of_o christian_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o truth_n 1._o every_o man_n who_o make_v use_v of_o his_o reason_n may_v easy_o apprehend_v that_o the_o general_a truth_n be_v the_o most_o important_a that_o they_o be_v those_o of_o which_o one_o ought_v chief_o to_o be_v persuade_v and_o that_o without_o these_o general_a truth_n the_o particular_a one_o will_v be_v useless_a nay_o will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o truth_n to_o inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o sacrament_n or_o how_o a_o man_n can_v be_v justify_v one_o must_v believe_v first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o religion_n for_o if_o i_o be_o not_o convince_v of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v signify_v little_a to_o i_o whether_o or_o not_o there_o be_v any_o sacrament_n and_o all_o the_o time_n i_o shall_v employ_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o enquiry_n will_v be_v lose_v this_o first_o reflection_n do_v already_o discover_v to_o we_o a_o essential_a and_o capital_a defect_n a_o great_a many_o christian_n want_v instruction_n concern_v the_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n they_o do_v not_o sufficient_o consider_v the_o certainty_n and_o importance_n of_o it_o their_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n do_v seldom_o go_v further_o than_o the_o particular_a truth_n of_o it_o and_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o general_n this_o be_v so_o common_a a_o fault_n that_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v even_o in_o those_o whole_a profession_n it_o be_v to_o study_v religion_n and_o to_o teach_v it_o to_o other_o some_o have_v spend_v the_o best_a part_n of_o their_o life_n in_o the_o study_n of_o divinity_n or_o in_o expound_v the_o scripture_n who_o never_o serious_o examine_v the_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n or_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n some_o be_v master_n of_o the_o principal_a controversy_n which_o divide_v christian_n who_o will_v stand_v mute_a if_o they_o be_v call_v back_o to_o the_o first_o element_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o they_o be_v to_o maintain_v against_o a_o infidel_n that_o there_o be_v a_o religion_n or_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_a the_o people_n enter_v yet_o less_o than_o the_o divine_n into_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o general_a truth_n and_o there_o be_v very_o few_o who_o either_o attend_v to_o they_o or_o indeed_o believe_v they_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o yet_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n depend_v upon_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n concern_v the_o principle_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o which_o render_v the_o particular_a truth_n effectual_a to_o salvation_n and_o which_o beget_v piety_n and_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n when_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o religion_n propose_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v certain_a he_o immediate_o receive_v with_o reverence_n whatsoever_o it_o teach_v he_o feel_v a_o inclination_n in_o himself_o to_o observe_v its_o precept_n and_o he_o believe_v a_o judgement_n and_o another_o life_n as_o if_o he_o see_v they_o before_o his_o eye_n such_o be_v the_o efficacy_n of_o a_o true_a faith_n and_o of_o a_o steady_a persuasion_n about_o fundamental_a truth_n but_o without_o this_o persuasion_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a not_o to_o say_v impossible_a to_o adhere_v sincere_o to_o religion_n and_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a source_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_n it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v object_v that_o all_o christian_n receive_v the_o general_a truth_n of_o their_o creed_n and_o that_o these_o be_v not_o question_v but_o by_o pagan_n and_o atheist_n upon_o which_o i_o shall_v make_v two_o reflection_n 1._o it_o be_v but_o too_o true_a that_o in_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v at_o this_o day_n a_o great_a number_n of_o person_n who_o entertain_v very_o loose_a opinion_n and_o that_o do_v at_o least_o border_n upon_o atheism_n these_o pernicious_a tenet_n be_v spread_v wide_a than_o some_o people_n think_v not_o only_o the_o libertine_n be_v infect_v with_o they_o but_o even_o the_o common_a people_n all_o the_o profane_a man_n and_o deist_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v at_o court_n in_o army_n or_o among_o the_o learned_a there_o be_v some_o in_o town_n among_o the_o vulgar_a and_o even_o among_o country_n clown_n if_o we_o examine_v a_o little_a the_o discourse_n and_o apprehension_n of_o man_n especial_o of_o those_o who_o life_n be_v irregular_a if_o we_o do_v but_o begin_v to_o reason_n with_o they_o and_o press_v they_o we_o may_v soon_o perceive_v the_o principle_n of_o incredulity_n and_o atheism_n in_o many_o of_o they_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o they_o be_v not_o thorough_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o another_o life_n or_o that_o if_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o impiety_n which_o attack_n directly_z the_o very_a foundation_n of_o religion_n they_o harbour_v at_o least_o this_o fancy_n that_o god_n do_v not_o narrow_o observe_v man_n deportment_n that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v so_o severe_a as_o to_o damn_v they_o for_o some_o sin_n they_o have_v commit_v and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o such_o great_a harm_n in_o gratify_v once_o passion_n and_o live_v at_o the_o usual_a rate_n of_o the_o world_n these_o and_o the_o like_a sentiment_n be_v general_a enough_o and_o yet_o they_o lead_v the_o straight_a way_n to_o deism_n and_o tend_v plain_o to_o the_o subversion_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v be_v therefore_o high_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o root_v out_o such_o dangerous_a error_n careful_o to_o establish_v these_o great_a truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o this_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n and_o that_o whatever_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o of_o another_o life_n be_v most_o certain_a this_o i_o say_v will_v be_v altogether_o needful_a if_o it_o be_v but_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o those_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v and_o their_o number_n be_v great_a than_o be_v common_o imagine_v 2_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o though_o christian_n profess_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n yet_o that_o belief_n be_v not_o lively_a and_o strong_a enough_o in_o they_o all_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o question_n that_o most_o christian_n be_v so_o only_o because_o they_o be_v engage_v by_o their_o birth_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n but_o that_o after_o all_o they_o know_v very_o little_a of_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o it_o they_o will_v in_o like_a manner_n have_v be_v jew_n or_o pagan_n if_o they_o have_v be_v bear_v in_o judaisme_n or_o paganism_n so_o that_o proper_o speak_v they_o can_v be_v say_v to_o
christian_n ought_v to_o know_v be_v that_o god_n have_v place_v he_o in_o this_o world_n not_o to_o offend_v but_o to_o glorify_v and_o serve_v he_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o every_o where_o that_o this_o life_n be_v the_o time_n which_o god_n give_v we_o to_o sanctify_v ourselves_o in_o that_o this_o earth_n be_v the_o place_n where_o christian_a virtue_n be_v to_o be_v pracise_v that_o now_o be_v the_o time_n to_o labour_v to_o walk_v to_o fight_v and_o to_o sow_v if_o we_o intend_v to_o obtain_v salvation_n and_o that_o whoever_o neglect_v these_o duty_n shall_v be_v shut_v out_o of_o heaven_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v these_o opportunity_n will_v be_v over_o the_o door_n will_v be_v shut_v and_o the_o sentence_n which_o god_n shall_v pronounce_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n will_v be_v found_v upon_o that_o which_o man_n do_v in_o this_o life_n nay_o we_o may_v draw_v a_o argument_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o holiness_n itself_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v not_o refer_v to_o another_o life_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o god_n prescribe_v such_o as_o repentance_n patience_n chastity_n sobriety_n almsgiving_n and_o hope_v can_v be_v practise_v in_o heaven_n here_o then_o be_v the_o time_n the_o place_n and_o the_o opportunity_n to_o perform_v these_o duty_n let_v we_o reflect_v upon_o what_o st._n paul_n say_v in_o his_o epistle_n to_o titus_n chap._n 11._o there_o he_o declare_v that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n teach_v man_n to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n that_o be_v in_o this_o life_n and_o upon_o earth_n and_o then_o he_o add_v look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n he_o make_v a_o distinction_n between_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o christian_a between_o this_o world_n and_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v this_o life_n be_v the_o time_n and_o this_o world_n the_o place_n wherein_o we_o ought_v to_o practice_v temperance_n justice_n and_o godliness_n it_o must_v not_o be_v ask_v where_o the_o difference_n than_o lie_v between_o this_o life_n and_o the_o other_o between_o grace_n and_o glory_n for_o the_o difference_n be_v great_a and_o sensible_a enough_o in_o other_o respect_n in_o the_o next_o life_n we_o shall_v be_v perfect_o holy_a our_o holiness_n will_v be_v of_o another_o nature_n than_o it_o be_v here_o we_o shall_v be_v like_o the_o angel_n and_o as_o we_o shall_v practice_v no_o long_o a_o great_a many_o duty_n which_o we_o practise_v here_o on_o earth_n so_o we_o shall_v exercise_v many_o virtue_n which_o can_v be_v exercise_v in_o this_o life_n 4._o i_o ought_v not_o to_o omit_v here_o another_o maxim_n which_o be_v not_o only_o very_o common_a but_o be_v likewise_o most_o pernicious_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o use_n that_o be_v make_v of_o it_o some_o say_v that_o there_o be_v always_o and_o that_o there_o will_v always_o be_v corruption_n that_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o world_n that_o man_n will_v always_o be_v man_n and_o that_o the_o world_n will_v not_o change_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o dwell_v a_o little_a upon_o this_o maxim_n because_o it_o be_v specious_a and_o tend_v as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a to_o make_v man_n believe_v that_o corruption_n be_v necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a it_o have_v beside_o a_o general_a influence_n upon_o the_o subject_a matter_n and_o design_n of_o this_o book_n for_o it_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n to_o descant_v upon_o the_o source_n of_o corruption_n if_o there_o be_v no_o amendment_n to_o be_v hope_v for_o i_o have_v four_o thing_n to_o say_v upon_o this_o maxim_n 1._o the_o inference_n which_o be_v make_v from_o it_o be_v absurd_a for_o though_o a_o evil_n be_v general_a it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v ourselves_o free_a from_o it_o unless_o it_o be_v a_o evil_a from_o which_o man_n can_v not_o possible_o preserve_v themselves_o there_o have_v be_v always_o and_o there_o will_v always_o be_v disease_n in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o no_o man_n hitherto_o have_v be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o maintain_v that_o the_o precaution_n and_o remedy_n which_o be_v use_v against_o disease_n be_v altogether_o useless_a thus_o though_o corruption_n reign_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o that_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o man_n ought_v to_o use_v their_o best_a endeavour_n to_o escape_v it_o and_o it_o do_v not_o prove_v but_o that_o they_o may_v actual_o avoid_v it_o if_o they_o use_v those_o mean_n which_o god_n afford_v they_o to_o that_o end_n 2._o this_o maxim_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o false_a supposition_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o have_v be_v always_o and_o that_o there_o will_v always_o be_v corruption_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o this_o corruption_n be_v alike_o at_o all_o time_n or_o that_o thing_n be_v always_o to_o be_v in_o the_o same_o state_n they_o now_o be_v in_o this_o be_v a_o false_a supposition_n and_o contrary_a to_o experience_n as_o may_v easy_o be_v prove_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o time_n past_a the_o present_a and_o the_o future_a first_o when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o past_a age_n we_o can_v say_v that_o all_o time_n have_v be_v alike_o in_o reference_n to_o religion_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o before_o christ_n come_n the_o world_n be_v plunge_v in_o a_o general_a corruption_n and_o that_o the_o state_n of_o it_o have_v be_v considerable_o alter_v by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o gospel_n can_v any_o one_o deny_v but_o that_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v pure_a than_o the_o church_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o nine_o or_o ten_o century_n at_o this_o day_n though_o there_o be_v a_o general_a dissoluteness_n yet_o there_o be_v more_o or_o less_o corruption_n in_o some_o place_n than_o in_o other_o it_o be_v true_a in_o fact_n that_o where_o the_o gospel_n be_v due_o preach_v and_o where_o there_o be_v some_o order_n and_o discipline_n leave_v there_o appear_v more_o piety_n and_o religion_n than_o in_o other_o place_n as_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v we_o must_v not_o think_v it_o impossible_a to_o restore_v thing_n to_o a_o better_a state_n or_o imagine_v that_o the_o world_n will_v always_o continue_v as_o it_o be_v though_o the_o mean_n be_v use_v which_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o reform_v it_o for_o this_o will_v no_o soon_o be_v do_v but_o corruption_n will_v abate_v as_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o book_n 3._o this_o maxim_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o scripture_n often_o speak_v of_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o world_n but_o do_v it_o always_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o christian_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o renounce_v it_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o the_o sinful_a course_n which_o the_o world_n lie_v in_o eph._n 11._o but_o he_o suppose_v that_o the_o ephesian_n do_v no_o long_o follow_v those_o course_n after_o they_o be_v convert_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o same_o apostle_n command_v we_o 12.2_o we_o rom._n 12.2_o not_o to_o be_v conform_v to_o this_o present_a world_n and_o st._n james_n when_o he_o describe_v the_o spirit_n and_o character_n of_o that_o 7._o that_o jam_fw-la 1.2_o 7._o pure_a and_o undefiled_a religion_n which_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n he_o tell_v we_o among_o other_o thing_n that_o it_o consist_v in_o man_n keep_v himself_o unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n 4._o in_o the_o last_o place_n this_o maxim_n be_v extreme_o dangerous_a in_o that_o sense_n and_o design_n in_o which_o it_o be_v propose_v it_o lead_v to_o impiety_n it_o rob_v religion_n of_o all_o its_o power_n and_o it_o furnish_v libertine_n with_o a_o plea_n which_o do_v entire_o justify_v they_o for_o in_o short_a either_o corruption_n may_v be_v remedy_v and_o man_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o a_o more_o christian_a life_n or_o it_o may_v not_o if_o it_o can_v be_v remedy_v this_o maxim_n be_v true_a and_o profane_a man_n be_v in_o the_o right_n but_o in_o that_o case_n i_o say_v it_o again_o religion_n be_v but_o a_o name_n for_o if_o no_o stop_n can_v be_v give_v to_o corruption_n if_o thing_n must_v still_o go_v on_o at_o the_o same_o rate_n why_o do_v we_o talk_v of_o religion_n or_o why_o do_v we_o preach_v the_o gospel_n we_o may_v teach_v and_o exhort_v as_o long_o as_o we_o please_v but_o for_o all_o that_o there_o will_v be_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o sin_n man_n will_v always_o be_v what_o they_o be_v and_o the_o world_n will_v not_o alter_v what_o notion_n must_v this_o give_v we_o
that_o you_o shall_v obey_v it_o in_o the_o lust_n hereof_o the_o apostle_n pursue_v these_o exhortation_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chapter_n 2._o the_o promise_n and_o instance_n of_o god_n mercy_n be_v frequent_o also_o take_v in_o a_o sense_n which_o favour_v corruption_n and_o security_n all_o that_o the_o gospel_n say_v upon_o this_o head_n be_v interpret_v by_o vicious_a man_n as_o if_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o give_v man_n a_o licence_n to_o sin_n to_o this_o purpose_n the_o instance_n of_o that_o woman_n who_o be_v a_o sinner_n of_o zacheus_n and_o the_o convert_a thief_n be_v often_o allege_v as_o likewise_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o prodigal_a son_n of_o the_o publican_n and_o of_o the_o labourer_n and_o from_o these_o instance_n as_o well_o as_o from_o our_o saviour_n declaration_n 11.13_o declaration_n mat._n 11.13_o that_o he_o be_v not_o come_v to_o call_v the_o righteous_a but_o sinner_n to_o repentance_n it_o be_v conclude_v that_o the_o great_a sinner_n may_v obtain_v salvation_n as_o well_o as_o the_o just_a but_o if_o those_o who_o quote_v these_o instance_n do_v narrow_o examine_v they_o they_o will_v read_v in_o they_o their_o own_o condemnation_n for_o first_o all_o these_o sinner_n mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n do_v repent_v and_o be_v convert_v that_o woman_n who_o have_v be_v a_o notorious_a sinner_n express_v the_o most_o lively_a sorrow_n the_o publican_n smite_v his_o breast_n the_o prodigal_n come_v to_o himself_o again_o and_o detest_v his_o former_a excess_n zacheus_n if_o he_o be_v a_o unjust_a man_n restore_v fourfold_a from_o these_o instance_n we_o may_v very_o well_o infer_v that_o god_n never_o reject_v return_v sinner_n but_o even_o this_o be_v a_o invincible_a argument_n that_o there_o be_v no_o mercy_n for_o those_o who_o persist_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o that_o too_o in_o hope_n of_o pardon_n beside_o we_o must_v know_v that_o our_o saviour_n design_n in_o all_o these_o parable_n and_o instance_n be_v to_o inform_v man_n that_o he_o be_v come_v to_o invite_v the_o great_a sinner_n to_o repentance_n and_o especial_o to_o let_v the_o jew_n understand_v that_o for_o all_o the_o high_a opinion_n they_o have_v of_o their_o own_o dignity_n and_o merit_n the_o heathen_n who_o live_v in_o the_o great_a corruption_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v into_o god_n covenaâ—_n and_o to_o have_v a_o share_n in_o his_o favour_n which_o actual_o happen_v to_o all_o those_o heathen_n who_o do_v believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n these_o instance_n and_o parable_n then_o represent_v the_o stare_v man_n be_v in_o at_o that_o time_n and_o not_o the_o state_n of_o those_o who_o be_v enter_v already_o into_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o can_v never_o be_v say_v too_o much_o nor_o remember_v too_o often_o in_o the_o read_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o those_o heathen_n who_o never_o hear_v a_o word_n of_o god_n or_o jesus_n christâ—_n and_o christian_n who_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o church_n and_o live_v in_o the_o covenant_n with_o god_n thus_o i_o think_v i_o have_v examine_v those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v most_o common_o abuse_v by_o the_o libertine_n if_o i_o have_v omit_v any_o i_o hope_v what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o this_o chapter_n may_v serve_v to_o suggest_v pertinent_a and_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o they_o cause_n v._o a_o false_a modesty_n corruption_n be_v not_o whole_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o that_o ignorance_n or_o to_o those_o prejudices_fw-la and_o loose_a opinion_n which_o prevail_v among_o christian_n for_o man_n do_v not_o always_o sin_n through_o want_n of_o knowledge_n or_o out_o of_o mere_a wantonness_n and_o libertinism_n there_o be_v many_o who_o acknowledge_v the_o viciousness_n of_o the_o age_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o yet_o they_o neglect_v their_o dury_n entire_o or_o at_o least_o they_o be_v very_o remiss_a in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o act_v for_o the_o most_o part_n against_o their_o own_o persuasion_n there_o must_v be_v then_o other_o spring_n of_o corruption_n in_o man_n beside_o those_o which_o we_o have_v hitherto_o discover_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o search_v into_o these_o and_o to_o find_v out_o if_o possible_a why_o many_o person_n who_o want_v no_o instruction_n and_o be_v solicit_v by_o the_o motion_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n to_o embrace_v the_o side_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n do_v not_o withstand_v continue_v in_o vice_n and_o corruption_n this_o seem_v to_o proceed_v chief_o from_o two_o disposition_n which_o man_n be_v common_o iâ—_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o be_v restrain_v by_o a_o ill_a shame_n from_o act_v suitable_o to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o put_v off_o their_o conversion_n hope_v that_o they_o shall_v one_o day_n make_v up_o all_o the_o irregularity_n of_o their_o conduct_n by_o repentance_n i_o look_v upon_o these_o two_o disposition_n as_o two_o of_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o corruption_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v in_o may_v be_v proper_a to_o consider_v they_o both_o distinct_o i_o design_v to_o treat_v of_o false_a modesty_n in_o this_o chapter_n and_o to_o show_v 1._o the_o nature_n and_o 2._o the_o effect_n of_o it_o 1._o by_o false_a modesty_n i_o mean_v that_o shame_n which_o hinder_v man_n to_o do_v that_o which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n i_o call_v this_o shame_n vicious_a or_o illl_v to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o another_o kind_n of_o shame_n which_o be_v good_a and_o commendable_a which_o consist_v in_o be_v ashamed_a to_o do_v ill_a thing_n if_o false_a shame_n be_v a_o source_n of_o corruption_n that_o other_o shame_n which_o restrain_v from_o evil_a be_v a_o principle_n of_o virtue_n and_o a_o preservative_n against_o sin_n and_o therefore_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o careful_o cherish_v and_o maintain_v as_o vicious_a shame_n shall_v be_v avoid_v or_o shake_v off_o for_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o commendable_a shame_n be_v go_v innocency_n be_v irrecoverable_o lose_v it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o character_n of_o sinner_n in_o scripture_n that_o their_o wickedness_n raise_v no_o blush_a or_o confusion_n in_o they_o i_o say_v then_o that_o this_o false_a shame_n keep_v man_n from_o do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n what_o they_o know_v and_o approve_v to_o be_v their_o duty_n and_o it_o be_v under_o that_o notion_n particular_o that_o i_o be_o to_o consider_v it_o here_o it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n to_o speak_v of_o that_o shame_n which_o arise_v from_o ignorance_n or_o contempt_n and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o those_o profane_a and_o worldly_a man_n who_o because_o they_o do_v not_o know_v religion_n or_o judge_v it_o unworthy_a of_o their_o application_n think_v it_o a_o disgrace_n to_o follow_v its_o maxim_n i_o refer_v such_o man_n to_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o book_n and_o to_o some_o further_a consideration_n which_o i_o be_o to_o insist_v upon_o elsewhere_o the_o shame_n i_o speak_v of_o at_o present_a suppose_v some_o knowledge_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o some_o value_n for_o and_o inclination_n to_o piety_n from_o whence_o it_o appear_v how_o dangerous_a the_o effect_n of_o that_o shame_n be_v and_o how_o important_a it_o be_v to_o know_v and_o observe_v they_o since_o it_o seduce_v and_o corrupt_v even_o those_o who_o be_v none_o of_o the_o worst_a man_n and_o of_o who_o otherwise_o we_o may_v reasonable_o hope_v well_o now_o to_o apprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o vicious_a shame_n it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o shame_v common_o spring_v from_o two_o cause_n sometime_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o be_v ashamed_a of_o or_o from_o the_o opinion_n we_o have_v of_o it_o thus_o man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o thing_n which_o either_o be_v or_o appear_v dishonest_a in_o their_o nature_n but_o sometime_o also_o shame_n be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o regard_n we_o bear_v to_o other_o man_n judgement_n and_o then_o we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o do_v thing_n which_o may_v bring_v contempt_n upon_o we_o and_o disgrace_v we_o in_o the_o world_n one_o may_v soon_o perceive_v that_o the_o shame_n that_o be_v vicious_a do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o first_o of_o these_o cause_n religion_n have_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o be_v shameful_a arid_a dishonest_a for_o far_o from_o that_o it_o be_v of_o all_o thing_n the_o most_o comely_a and_o honourable_a and_o the_o most_o worthy_a of_o a_o man_n and_o it_o appear_v such_o even_o to_o those_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o a_o groundless_a shame_n dare_v not_o practice_v the_o rule_n of_o it_o the_o true_a cause_n then_o of_o this_o false_a modesty_n be_v a_o feeble_a regard_n to_o man_n judgement_n and_o a_o fear_n of_o fall_v under_o their_o contempt_n
who_o can_v tell_v whether_o his_o conversion_n be_v not_o begin_v either_o before_o he_o be_v take_v or_o in_o the_o prison_n where_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o he_o be_v keep_v for_o some_o time_n before_o the_o feast_n of_o passover_n over_o but_o if_o his_o conversion_n must_v needs_o be_v sudden_a and_o wrought_v only_o a_o few_o minute_n before_o his_o death_n if_o we_o must_v of_o necessity_n ascribe_v it_o to_o a_o miraculous_a inspiration_n and_o to_o those_o singular_a circumstance_n which_o he_o then_o happen_v to_o be_v in_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o see_v what_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o this_o instance_n since_o no_o man_n live_a can_v assure_v himself_o that_o any_o such_o thing_n will_v befall_v he_o but_o be_v that_o as_o it_o will_v we_o shall_v i_o think_v observe_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o state_n of_o this_o thief_n and_o that_o of_o a_o christian_a this_o poor_a wretch_n have_v not_o be_v call_v before_o as_o christian_n be_v he_o have_v never_o know_v our_o saviour_n or_o at_o least_o he_o have_v not_o profess_v his_o religion_n he_o have_v not_o have_v that_o ilumination_n and_o those_o opportunity_n which_o grace_n offer_v every_o day_n to_o those_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v and_o so_o his_o repentance_n though_o it_o come_v late_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v as_o effectual_a to_o salvation_n as_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_n who_o embrace_v christianity_n in_o their_o ripe_a year_n and_o who_o happen_v to_o die_v immediate_o after_o baptism_n i_o shall_v say_v a_o word_n or_o two_o upon_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o labourer_n where_o we_o read_v xx._n read_v mat._n xx._n that_o those_o who_o go_v to_o work_v in_o the_o vineyard_n only_o a_o hour_n before_o sunset_n receive_v the_o same_o wage_n with_o those_o who_o have_v be_v at_o work_n ever_o since_o the_o morning_n from_o this_o sinner_n imagine_v it_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o a_o invincible_a argument_n that_o those_o who_o repent_v but_o a_o little_a before_o death_n will_v obtain_v the_o same_o reward_n with_o those_o whole_a life_n have_v be_v regular_a but_o this_o be_v not_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n in_o that_o parable_n it_o signify_v only_o that_o those_o who_o god_n shall_v call_v last_o and_o who_o shall_v answer_v his_o call_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o covenant_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o those_o who_o have_v be_v call_v to_o it_o before_o and_o that_o the_o heathen_n shall_v share_v in_o the_o same_o privilege_n with_o the_o jew_n though_o the_o jew_n have_v be_v in_o covenant_n with_o god_n a_o great_a while_n before_o the_o heathen_n this_o our_o saviour_n declare_v in_o these_o word_n which_o conclude_v the_o parable_n so_o the_o last_o shall_v be_v first_o and_o the_o first_o last_n here_o be_v nothing_o that_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o those_o christian_n who_o delay_n their_o conversion_n they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o same_o case_n with_o the_o labourer_n who_o be_v send_v but_o late_o into_o the_o vineyard_n those_o labourer_n go_v no_o soon_o because_o no_o man_n have_v hire_v they_o but_o they_o go_v as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v send_v i_o say_v christian_n be_v not_o in_o this_o case_n since_o they_o have_v be_v call_v in_o the_o morning_n and_o at_o all_o the_o hour_n of_o the_o day_n be_v bear_v and_o have_v always_o live_v in_o the_o church_n i_o have_v be_v somewhat_o large_a in_o show_v how_o unreasonable_a and_o dangerous_a the_o proceed_v of_o those_o man_n be_v who_o pretend_v to_o repent_v only_o at_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n but_o all_o those_o who_o put_v off_o their_o conversion_n do_v not_o put_v it_o off_o so_o far_o there_o be_v many_o who_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o stay_v till_o the_o extremity_n and_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o repent_v betimes_o they_o propose_v to_o go_v about_o it_o in_o a_o little_a time_n and_o they_o hope_v that_o they_o shall_v repent_v soon_o enough_o not_o to_o be_v surprise_v by_o death_n under_o a_o total_a harden_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o they_o do_v nothing_o towards_o their_o conversion_n this_o way_n of_o delay_v be_v a_o illusion_n which_o do_v not_o appear_v so_o gross_a and_o dangerous_a as_o the_o former_a because_o it_o suppose_v some_o inclination_n to_o good_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v no_o better_a than_o a_o artifice_n of_o the_o heart_n a_o trick_n of_o self-love_n by_o which_o a_o man_n deceive_v and_o blind_v himself_o nay_o in_o some_o respect_n the_o state_n of_o these_o last_o be_v more_o criminal_a and_o dangerous_a than_o that_o of_o the_o first_o it_o be_v more_o criminal_a because_o they_o do_v not_o what_o they_o approve_v of_o and_o because_o they_o sin_n against_o the_o constant_a admonition_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o do_v not_o perform_v their_o resolution_n and_o their_o promise_n but_o it_o be_v likewise_o more_o dangerous_a for_o with_o this_o intention_n to_o repent_v in_o a_o little_a time_n they_o think_v themselves_o much_o better_a than_o those_o who_o be_v resolve_v to_o repent_v only_o upon_o their_o deathbed_n they_o applaud_v themselves_o for_o such_o a_o sense_n of_o piety_n as_o they_o have_v and_o they_o judge_v that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o quite_o in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n at_o least_o they_o be_v not_o far_o from_o it_o now_o one_o may_v easy_o see_v that_o such_o a_o opinion_n of_o themselves_o can_v only_o lay_v their_o conscience_n asleep_a and_o inspire_v they_o with_o presumption_n and_o security_n but_o all_o thing_n consider_v they_o go_v no_o far_o with_o these_o good_a disposition_n than_o those_o who_o without_o shuffle_n refer_v the_o whole_a matter_n to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n all_o the_o difference_n be_v that_o the_o latter_a do_v all_o at_o once_o what_o the_o other_o do_v successive_o and_o therefore_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v in_o this_o chapter_n may_v almost_o whole_o be_v apply_v to_o these_o last_o they_o run_v the_o same_o risk_n with_o those_o who_o design_n to_o repent_v only_o upon_o extremity_n since_o death_n may_v surprise_v they_o before_o they_o have_v execute_v their_o good_a resolution_n they_o have_v as_o little_a love_n for_o god_n and_o be_v as_o much_o addict_v to_o their_o lust_n that_o which_o deceive_v they_o be_v that_o they_o fancy_n that_o there_o be_v in_o they_o a_o sincere_a purpose_n of_o conversion_n but_o if_o this_o intention_n be_v sincere_a how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o they_o do_v not_o repent_v when_o a_o man_n be_v resolve_v upon_o a_o thing_n when_o his_o heart_n be_v in_o it_o when_o he_o desire_v it_o in_o good_a earnest_n he_o go_v about_o it_o without_o lose_a time_n but_o when_o a_o man_n use_v delay_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o he_o be_v not_o well_o resolve_v yet_o a_o resolution_n which_o no_o effect_n follow_v be_v not_o a_o fix_a and_o settle_a resolution_n this_o purpose_n of_o conversion_n be_v therefore_o but_o one_o of_o those_o waver_a design_n and_o project_n which_o be_v form_v every_o day_n but_o never_o accomplish_v it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o general_n and_o unactive_a intention_n which_o may_v perhaps_o be_v find_v in_o all_o men._n but_o other_o sort_n of_o purpose_n be_v necessary_a for_o a_o man_n who_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v salvation_n be_v not_o obtain_v by_o bare_a design_n and_o project_n but_o by_o the_o actual_a practice_n of_o holiness_n now_o man_n may_v easy_o be_v undeceive_v and_o convince_v themselves_o of_o the_o un-sincerity_n of_o all_o those_o resolution_n they_o make_v in_o relation_n to_o repentance_n if_o they_o do_v but_o reflect_v upon_o the_o time_n past_a and_o ask_v themselves_o whether_o they_o have_v not_o be_v very_o near_o in_o the_o same_o sentiment_n and_o resolution_n for_o some_o year_n together_o and_o yet_o these_o sentiment_n have_v produce_v nothing_o and_o those_o resolution_n have_v make_v no_o change_n in_o they_o they_o be_v still_o in_o the_o same_o state_n and_o perhaps_o far_o from_o conversion_n than_o ever_o must_v not_o man_n blindfold_v themselves_o when_o they_o do_v not_o see_v that_o it_o will_v still_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o the_o future_a and_o that_o life_n will_v slip_v away_o in_o perpetual_a delay_n for_o what_o can_v they_o promise_v to_o themselves_o from_o the_o time_n to_o come_v and_o what_o ground_n have_v they_o to_o hope_v that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v like_o the_o time_n past_a be_v they_o more_o firm_o resolve_v than_o they_o be_v before_o when_o will_v this_o resolution_n be_v put_v in_o practice_n will_v it_o be_v in_o a_o month_n or_o in_o a_o year_n they_o must_v confess_v they_o do_v not_o know_v when_o it_o will_v be_v so_o that_o when_o they_o promise_v to_o repent_v they_o do_v not_o know_v what_o they_o promise_v nay_o they_o can_v tell_v whether_o they_o promise_v any_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
eye_n of_o some_o wise_a person_n who_o may_v observe_v their_o deportment_n i_o do_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o these_o consideration_n because_o they_o will_v carry_v i_o too_o far_o neither_o do_v i_o speak_v here_o of_o encouragement_n correction_n and_o example_n nor_o of_o some_o other_o mean_n which_o may_v be_v very_o useful_o take_v in_o hand_n for_o regulate_v the_o conduct_n of_o child_n because_o these_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o already_o there_o be_v ground_n enough_o to_o conclude_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o corruption_n proceed_v primary_o and_o chief_o from_o the_o ill_a education_n of_o youth_n the_o ordinary_a education_n of_o child_n be_v not_o christian_n what_o wonder_n be_v it_o that_o true_a christianity_n and_o folid_a virtue_n shall_v be_v so_o scarce_o the_o first_o impression_n be_v the_o strong_a the_o principle_n which_o have_v be_v imbibe_v in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o life_n do_v not_o wear_v out_o afterward_o and_o those_o who_o have_v not_o a_o good_a education_n be_v not_o often_o know_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o regular_a in_o their_o conduct_n let_v it_o not_o be_v object_v here_o what_o many_o be_v wont_a to_o allege_v upon_o this_o subject_a that_o the_o error_n of_o education_n be_v not_o so_o considerable_a but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v correct_v afterward_o and_o that_o wisdom_n come_v with_o year_n thus_o those_o man_n reason_n who_o only_o examine_v thing_n superficial_o but_o such_o person_n do_v never_o serious_o reflect_v upon_o man_n temper_n upon_o the_o manner_n how_o ill_a habit_n be_v form_v or_o upon_o experience_n almost_o all_o good_a or_o ill_a habit_n begin_v in_o infancy_n and_o they_o grow_v strong_a afterward_o the_o age_n which_o succeed_v youth_n be_v so_o far_o from_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o education_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o long_o a_o man_n live_v the_o more_o difficult_a it_o be_v for_o he_o to_o return_v to_o virtue_n if_o he_o do_v not_o set_v out_o well_o at_o first_o for_o beside_o that_o habit_n be_v then_o strong_a and_o deep_o root_v business_n do_v also_o come_v with_o age_n and_o people_n have_v no_o long_o that_o leisure_n and_o freedom_n which_o they_o have_v when_o they_o be_v young_a those_o therefore_o who_o do_v not_o take_v right_a measure_n early_o and_o who_o launch_v into_o the_o world_n with_o ill_a principle_n be_v still_o grow_v worse_a instead_o of_o amend_v this_o be_v verify_v by_o daily_a experience_n age_n seldom_o alter_v man_n for_o the_o better_a i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o people_n who_o be_v neglect_v in_o their_o infancy_n or_o who_o youth_n have_v be_v unruly_a be_v sometime_o know_v to_o change_v their_o manner_n and_o their_o conduct_n when_o they_o come_v to_o a_o ripe_a age._n but_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v how_o this_o change_n happen_v and_o what_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v in_o some_o it_o be_v a_o thorough_a change_n and_o a_o sincere_a return_n to_o virtue_n god_n sometime_o work_v conversion_n in_o the_o great_a sinner_n and_o he_o do_v this_o common_o by_o affliction_n sickness_n and_o pain_n but_o such_o kind_n of_o conversion_n be_v not_o very_o frequent_a the_o change_n which_o we_o think_v we_o observe_v both_o in_o ourselves_o and_o other_o be_v not_o always_o sincere_a it_o be_v often_o no_o more_o than_o a_o effect_n of_o age_n of_o the_o state_n we_o be_v in_o or_o of_o custom_n age_n do_v two_o thing_n it_o deaden_v the_o passion_n and_o it_o change_v they_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o youth_n passion_n be_v violent_a and_o make_v a_o great_a stir_n when_o the_o prime_a of_o life_n be_v over_o a_o man_n perhaps_o be_v no_o long_o a_o libertine_n or_o a_o deboshee_n but_o his_o exterior_a only_a be_v reform_v the_o same_o principle_n of_o corruption_n remain_v in_o his_o heart_n he_o that_o be_v sensual_a and_o give_v to_o lewdness_n moderate_v himself_o but_o still_o his_o heart_n and_o his_o imagination_n be_v defile_v he_o that_o be_v profane_a and_o impious_a do_v no_o long_o profess_v libertinism_n open_o he_o practise_v some_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o for_o all_o that_o he_o have_v no_o more_o devotion_n or_o faith_n than_o before_o age_n do_v likewise_o change_v man_n passion_n and_o inclination_n young_a people_n have_v their_o passion_n and_o suppose_v these_o shall_v abate_v about_o forty_o or_o fifty_o or_o even_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v quite_o leave_v off_o which_o yet_o happen_v but_o seldom_o there_o be_v other_o passion_n which_o succeed_v those_o of_o youth_n and_o which_o work_n the_o strong_a because_o they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o mistrust_v and_o because_o they_o make_v less_o noise_n and_o be_v hide_v under_o the_o pretence_n of_o a_o lawful_a call_v thus_o we_o see_v often_o that_o libertine_n and_o deboshee_n end_n with_o ambition_n and_o covetousness_n the_o world_n call_v the_o change_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o those_o man_n conversion_n and_o amendment_n a_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v reclaim_v from_o the_o error_n of_o his_o young_a day_n when_o his_o conduct_n be_v no_o long_o scandalous_a or_o manifest_o criminal_a but_o if_o he_o be_v free_a from_o the_o fault_n of_o his_o youth_n he_o be_v guilty_a of_o other_o which_o he_o have_v not_o then_o he_o be_v no_o long_o dissolute_a but_o he_o be_v a_o slave_n to_o ambition_n he_o be_v covetous_a unjust_a and_o wed_v to_o the_o world_n more_o than_o ever_o nay_o all_o thing_n well_o consider_v he_o be_v worse_a than_o he_o be_v in_o his_o youth_n since_o he_o have_v run_v from_o one_o vice_n into_o another_o and_o load_v himself_o with_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o several_a stage_n of_o life_n we_o be_v not_o to_o imagine_v that_o every_o alteration_n which_o age_n make_v in_o man_n conduct_n and_o manner_n be_v a_o true_a conversion_n the_o various_a state_n calling_n and_o profession_n of_o man_n do_v likewise_o put_v many_o of_o they_o upon_o alter_v their_o way_n of_o live_v and_o make_v they_o give_v over_o those_o excess_n to_o which_o they_o have_v be_v addict_v for_o some_o time_n as_o soon_o as_o a_o man_n come_v to_o be_v the_o master_n of_o a_o family_n or_o to_o be_v prefer_v to_o place_n he_o must_v of_o hecessity_n grow_v more_o regular_a in_o his_o conduct_n and_o forsake_v several_a disorder_n which_o he_o allow_v himself_o in_o before_o he_o become_v more_o â—erious_a he_o apply_v himself_o close_a to_o labour_n â—e_v life_n more_o retire_v and_o he_o take_v leave_v of_o â—he_n amusement_n of_o youth_n honour_n decency_n interest_n the_o necessity_n of_o make_v a_o family_n and_o other_o consideration_n oblige_v he_o to_o â—his_n but_o religion_n have_v not_o always_o a_o share_n in_o â—his_fw-la change_n lasty_a a_o habit_n of_o sin_v do_v often_o blind_a â—nd_n hard_a man_n to_o that_o degree_n that_o they_o imagine_v there_o be_v a_o sincere_a amendment_n in_o â—hem_n when_o there_o be_v none_o at_o all_o nay_o when_o â—hey_n be_v more_o corrupt_a than_o when_o they_o be_v young_a man_n at_o first_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o fault_n conscience_n check_v they_o for_o the_o sin_n â—hey_n commit_v but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n they_o perceive_v they_o no_o more_o conscience_n grow_v sear_v â—nd_v they_o sin_n without_o be_v aware_a of_o it_o habit_n seldom_o fail_v to_o produce_v this_o effect_n of_o which_o we_o see_v a_o thousand_o instance_n in_o old_a sinner_n all_o this_o show_v that_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o conduct_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n be_v lay_v in_o youth_n â—nd_v that_o the_o chief_a reason_n why_o man_n live_v ill_a be_v because_o they_o have_v not_o be_v well_o educate_v i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o mention_v the_o remedy_n of_o this_o cause_n of_o corruption_n i_o have_v observe_v they_o all_o along_o in_o show_v the_o fault_n which_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o education_n of_o youth_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v before_o i_o dismiss_v the_o subject_a that_o all_o this_o do_v proper_o concern_v master_n of_o family_n and_o pastor_n it_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v wish_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o parent_n will_v take_v more_o care_n than_o they_o do_v to_o breed_v their_o child_n well_o and_o that_o in_o this_o they_o will_v proceed_v by_o the_o rule_n which_o reason_n and_o religion_n prescribe_v they_o be_v mistake_v if_o they_o think_v they_o may_v excuse_v themselves_o from_o this_o obligation_n which_o both_o nature_n and_o piety_n lie_v upon_o they_o and_o which_o can_v be_v neglect_v without_o a_o sin_n but_o the_o carelessness_n of_o parent_n in_o this_o point_n may_v very_o just_o be_v wonder_v at_o the_o education_n of_o their_o child_n be_v general_o that_o of_o all_o thing_n which_o they_o mind_v the_o least_o and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v that_o they_o themselves_o want_v religion_n and_o piety_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a in_o the_o
for_o morality_n it_o be_v there_o touch_v but_o very_o superficial_o and_o yet_o these_o be_v essential_a article_n in_o divinity_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o those_o who_o be_v call_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o guide_v a_o church_n or_o to_o direct_v man_n conscience_n 3._o divinity-book_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n too_o scholastical_a the_o method_n of_o the_o schoolmen_n way_n of_o handle_v divinity_n may_v just_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o defiance_n to_o sense_n and_o religion_n yet_o that_o method_n have_v prevail_v to_o that_o degree_n that_o for_o some_o age_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o swerve_v from_o it_o of_o late_a year_n indeed_o the_o school_n man_n have_v lose_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o heir_n credit_n and_o in_o divinity_n as_o well_o as_o in_o philosophy_n many_o person_n have_v no_o long_o that_o blind_a deference_n for_o they_o which_o be_v pay_v heretofore_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o a_o great_a number_n of_o divine_n do_v still_o set_v up_o that_o method_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o it_o be_v still_o as_o it_o be_v sacred_a in_o college_n and_o university_n common-place_n to_o this_o day_n savour_v too_o much_o of_o the_o barbarism_n of_o the_o school_n and_o we_o find_v there_o but_o too_o many_o remainder_n of_o that_o dry_a and_o crabbed_a theology_n which_o have_v its_o birth_n in_o the_o age_n of_o ignorance_n instead_o of_o those_o simple_a and_o clear_a idea_n which_o render_v the_o truth_n and_o majesty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n sensible_a and_o which_o satisfy_v a_o man_n reason_n and_o move_v his_o heart_n we_o meet_v with_o nothing_o in_o several_a body_n of_o divinity_n but_o metaphisical_a notion_n curious_a and_o needless_a question_n distinction_n and_o obscure_a term_n in_o a_o word_n we_o find_v there_o such_o intricate_a theology_n that_o the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o if_o they_o come_v into_o the_o world_n again_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v it_o without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o particular_a revelation_n this_o scholastic_a divinity_n have_v do_v more_o mischief_n to_o religion_n than_o we_o be_v able_a to_o express_v there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v more_o corrupt_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o have_v more_o obscure_v matter_n multiply_v controversy_n disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n or_o give_v rise_v to_o so_o many_o heresy_n and_o schism_n this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o confirm_v so_o many_o ecclesiastic_n in_o their_o ignorance_n and_o prejudices_fw-la and_o which_o keep_v they_o from_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o solid_a part_n of_o divinity_n and_o to_o that_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o sanctify_v men._n now_o all_o these_o defect_n be_v visible_a cause_n of_o corruption_n which_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o this_o single_a consideration_n that_o it_o be_v in_o common-place_n that_o churchman_n learn_v their_o divinity_n suppose_v then_o that_o those_o book_n do_v not_o give_v they_o a_o true_a idea_n of_o religion_n what_o religion_n or_o what_o divinity_n can_v such_o man_n teach_v their_o people_n one_o scholastic_a and_o injudicious_a author_n who_o be_v in_o credit_n in_o country_n and_o who_o be_v patronise_v by_o a_o professor_n be_v enough_o to_o spoil_v the_o mind_n of_o young_a divine_n and_o to_o bring_v into_o repute_n the_o most_o absurd_a and_o dangerous_a opinion_n and_o system_n though_o catechism_n be_v not_o usual_o reckon_v among_o divinity-book_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v useless_a to_o say_v something_o of_o they_o here_o some_o great_a man_n have_v bestow_v their_o pain_n upon_o work_n of_o this_o kind_a to_o very_o good_a purpose_n and_o yet_o in_o this_o respect_n there_o be_v stall_v something_o to_o be_v desire_v for_o public_a edification_n 1._o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o those_o subject_n shall_v only_o be_v treat_v in_o catechism_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v handle_v there_o and_o that_o all_o the_o matter_n and_o question_n which_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o people_n and_o of_o child_n or_o which_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n shall_v be_v banish_v from_o thence_o 2._o that_o some_o essential_a article_n about_o which_o catechism_n be_v very_a jejune_n shall_v be_v add_v to_o they_o and_o particular_o these_o three_o a_o general_a idea_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n the_o main_a proof_n of_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o exact_a explication_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n this_o last_o article_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n extreme_o neglect_v in_o catechism_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o dry_a and_o superficial_a than_o what_o they_o say_v upon_o the_o decalogue_n 3._o it_o will_v be_v fit_v to_o make_v some_o alteration_n in_o the_o method_n observe_v in_o catechism_n for_o they_o be_v not_o all_o familiar_a enough_o school_n term_n or_o figurative_a phrase_n be_v use_v in_o they_o which_o either_o the_o people_n do_v not_o understand_v or_o to_o which_o they_o affix_v false_a idea_n for_o instance_n i_o will_v not_o have_v it_o say_v that_o the_o eucharist_n be_v the_o symbol_n of_o our_o spiritual_a nourishment_n and_o of_o our_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n for_o beside_o that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o exact_a definition_n this_o style_n be_v not_o proper_a for_o a_o catechism_n these_o word_n symbol_n spiritual_a nourishment_n union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n be_v figurative_a and_o obscure_a term_n will_v not_o the_o thing_n be_v plain_o both_o to_o child_n and_o to_o every_o body_n if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o the_o eucharist_n be_v a_o sacred_a action_n and_o cerremony_n wherein_o christian_n eat_v bread_n and_o drink_n wine_n which_o be_v distribute_v in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o he_o in_o those_o work_n which_o be_v intend_v for_o youth_n and_o for_o the_o common_a people_n it_o concern_v and_o author_n to_o be_v clear_a and_o accurate_a to_o omit_v nothing_o that_o be_v essential_a to_o say_v nothing_o that_o be_v needless_a to_o use_v plain_a and_o proper_a expression_n and_o to_o propose_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v natural_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v apprehend_v catechism_n be_v design_v to_o give_v child_n the_o first_o tincture_n and_o idea_n of_o religion_n now_o those_o idea_n we_o know_v common_o stick_v by_o they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v if_o then_o they_o be_v not_o clear_a and_o true_a it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o they_o ever_o to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o religion_n iii_o the_o three_o sort_n of_o book_n be_v those_o of_o morality_n this_o important_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o regulate_v manner_n have_v be_v treat_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o solidity_n and_o force_n in_o several_a excellent_a work_n nay_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o morality_n be_v more_o cultivate_v of_o late_a than_o it_o have_v be_v heretofore_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o the_o good_a book_n of_o morality_n we_o have_v at_o this_o day_n be_v of_o a_o more_o general_a usefulness_n than_o they_o be_v the_o best_a work_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v above_o the_o people_n capacity_n there_o be_v various_a thing_n in_o they_o relate_v either_o to_o the_o reason_v part_n the_o turn_n of_o thought_n or_o the_o style_n which_o can_v be_v understand_v but_o by_o know_v and_o discern_v person_n almost_o all_o the_o able_a man_n who_o write_v upon_o moral_n have_v this_o fault_n that_o they_o speak_v too_o much_o like_o ingenuous_a man_n and_o do_v not_o accommodate_v themselves_o enough_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o reader_n they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v useful_a to_o every_o body_n that_o what_o seem_v clear_a to_o they_o be_v obscure_a to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o peruse_v their_o write_n and_o that_o a_o book_n of_o morality_n which_o be_v only_o understand_v by_o man_n of_o part_n of_o learning_n be_v of_o a_o very_a limit_a usefulness_n they_o shall_v therefore_o at_o least_o in_o some_o of_o their_o work_n endeavour_v to_o speak_v in_o a_o popular_a manner_n and_o to_o handle_v matter_n with_o all_o possible_a clearness_n and_o simplicity_n this_o will_v be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o they_o and_o the_o do_v it_o well_o will_v i_o think_v require_v all_o the_o ability_n part_n and_o talent_n of_o the_o best_a writer_n it_o be_v more_o difficult_a than_o be_v seem_v to_o speak_v or_o write_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v all_o that_o be_v proper_a to_o be_v say_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v intelligible_a to_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n but_o if_o there_o be_v good_a book_n of_o morality_n there_o be_v many_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n which_o have_v considerable_a fault_n in_o they_o and_o those_o fault_n be_v of_o great_a consequence_n because_o morality_n ill_o explain_v 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