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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
duty_n according_a church_n word_n 982 5 3.8217 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A53501 A treatise concerning the causes of the present corruption of Christians and the remedies thereof; Traité des sources de la corruption qui règne aujourd'hui parmi les Chrestiens. English Ostervald, Jean Frédéric, 1663-1747.; Mutel, Charles. 1700 (1700) Wing O532; ESTC R11917 234,448 610

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direction_n which_o may_v facilitate_v the_o performance_n of_o all_o these_o duty_n when_o teacher_n shall_v go_v thus_o to_o work_v they_o will_v soon_o perceive_v some_o amendment_n god_n blessing_n will_v accompany_v the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v christian_n be_v right_o inform_v will_n of_o their_o own_o accord_n apply_v themselves_o virtue_n to_o corruption_n will_v lessen_v by_o degree_n and_o christianity_n recover_v its_o ancient_a lustre_n will_v begin_v to_o appear_v with_o another_o face_n than_o it_o do_v at_o this_o day_n cause_n ii_o prejudices_fw-la and_o false_a notion_n concern_v religion_n how_o ignorant_a and_o corrupt_a soever_o man_n may_v be_v they_o can_v live_v absolute_o without_o religion_n very_o few_o at_o least_o can_v go_v so_o far_o if_o they_o be_v hinder_v by_o their_o corruption_n to_o know_v and_o practice_v pure_a christianity_n yet_o a_o remnant_n of_o light_n and_o conscience_n within_o they_o do_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o run_v themselves_o whole_o into_o irreligion_n and_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o thought_n of_o salvation_n but_o to_o reconcile_v these_o two_o principle_n of_o which_o one_o draw_v they_o off_o from_o religion_n and_o the_o other_o lead_v they_o to_o it_o they_o form_n to_o themselves_o such_o idea_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o their_o inclination_n and_o flatter_v their_o security_n and_o be_v possess_v with_o those_o idea_n they_o confirm_v themselves_o more_o and_o more_o in_o their_o corruption_n these_o false_a notion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la be_v worse_o than_o ignorance_n and_o prove_v a_o great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o revive_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n it_o be_v better_a to_o deal_v with_o man_n who_o be_v simple_o ignorant_a than_o with_o people_n who_o have_v wrong_a apprehension_n and_o be_v full_a of_o prejudices_fw-la the_o former_a being_n not_o prepossess_v may_v more_o easy_o be_v reclaim_v but_o it_o be_v much_o hard_a to_o prevail_v upon_o preingage_v person_n especial_o in_o point_n of_o religion_n because_o while_o they_o maintain_v their_o error_n they_o fancy_v they_o defend_v the_o truth_n and_o that_o they_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n false_a notion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la in_o religion_n be_v therefore_o one_o of_o those_o cause_n of_o corruption_n which_o it_o concern_v we_o most_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o point_v at_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o in_o this_o chapter_n the_o first_o i_o shall_v name_v be_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o think_v that_o religion_n be_v intend_v only_o to_o comfort_v man_n and_o to_o render_v they_o happy_a and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o man_n shall_v common_o resolve_v all_o religion_n into_o this_o the_o desire_n of_o happiness_n be_v natural_a to_o man_n and_o as_o they_o be_v sensible_a upon_o serious_a consideration_n that_o perfect_a happiness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v obtain_v in_o this_o world_n if_o it_o be_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o that_o they_o must_v die_v they_o seek_v in_o religion_n some_o consolation_n and_o remedy_n against_o that_o fatal_a necessity_n of_o quit_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o present_a life_n indeed_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o corruption_n shall_v restrain_v they_o from_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n but_o they_o rely_v upon_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n which_o religion_n give_v to_o man_n and_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o their_o sin_n will_v not_o obstruct_v their_o felicity_n this_o be_v proper_o the_o notion_n which_o man_n entertain_v of_o religion_n and_o that_o which_o they_o think_v it_o be_v good_a for_o but_o that_o religion_n shall_v indispensable_o oblige_v man_n to_o fear_n god_n and_o to_o live_v well_o and_o that_o without_o this_o there_o be_v neither_o true_a religion_n nor_o happiness_n be_v that_o which_o be_v not_o common_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o 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to_o define_v religion_n by_o the_o ordinary_a apprehension_n which_o man_n have_v of_o it_o i_o will_v say_v that_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o mean_a to_o bring_v sinner_n to_o heaven_n and_o to_o make_v man_n eternal_o happy_a whatsoever_o their_o course_n and_o manner_n of_o life_n may_v be_v but_o man_n will_v not_o so_o easy_o promise_v themselves_o salvation_n if_o they_o have_v not_o very_o mean_a and_o imperfect_a idea_n of_o religion_n i_o shall_v therefore_o observe_v second_o that_o man_n common_o place_n christianity_n either_o in_o bare_a knowledge_n or_o in_o a_o external_a profession_n or_o in_o confidence_n but_o holiness_n do_v not_o make_v a_o part_n of_o their_o notion_n of_o religion_n or_o at_o best_o it_o make_v but_o a_o very_a inconsiderable_a part_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o knowledge_n be_v essential_a to_o religion_n and_o that_o as_o it_o hold_v the_o first_o rank_n in_o it_o so_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o all_o nay_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o engage_v man_n to_o holiness_n without_o lay_v first_o in_o they_o the_o foundation_n of_o good_a and_o sound_a doctrine_n this_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n a_o outward_a and_o public_a profession_n be_v likewise_o essential_a to_o religion_n for_o one_o can_v be_v a_o christian_n without_o it_o and_o further_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o religion_n inspire_v confidence_n peace_n and_o joy_n the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o salvation_n he_o have_v procure_v for_o we_o must_v natural_o produce_v these_o effect_n knowledge_n profession_n and_o confidence_n be_v therefore_o include_v in_o the_o idea_n of_o religion_n but_o as_o necessary_a as_o they_o be_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a knowledge_n be_v not_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n since_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o it_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o a_o save_a knowledge_n but_o when_o it_o produce_v piety_n and_o charity_n the_o definition_n which_o st._n paul_n give_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n according_a to_o godliness_n we_o may_v read_v what_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o concern_v that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v void_a of_o charity_n 1_o cor._n xiii_o as_o for_o a_o outward_a profession_n it_o be_v altogether_o useless_a without_o sanctity_n a_o hypocrite_n may_v live_v in_o the_o church_n and_o perform_v even_o with_o applause_n the_o external_a duty_n of_o piety_n this_o we_o may_v likewise_o learn_v from_o scripture_n and_o daily_a experience_n last_o all_o confidence_n which_o be_v not_o support_v by_o piety_n be_v vain_a and_o deceitful_a the_o bare_a persuasion_n that_o one_o shall_v be_v save_v give_v no_o man_n a_o right_n to_o salvation_n a_o very_a wicked_a person_n may_v without_o any_o ground_n rely_v upon_o god_n mercy_n and_o this_o be_v what_o divine_v call_v presumption_n and_o security_n 1._o *_o tit._n i._o 1._o but_o though_o all_o this_o be_v very_o plain_a both_o from_o scripture_n and_o good_a sense_n yet_o man_n entertain_v opinion_n contrary_a to_o it_o a_o great_a many_o think_v themselves_o christian_n because_o they_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n i_o do_v not_o inquire_v here_o whether_o all_o those_o who_o think_v they_o know_v religion_n do_v real_o know_v it_o but_o howsoever_o this_o knowledge_n true_a or_o false_a make_v many_o judge_n most_o favourable_o of_o themselves_o it_o do_v so_o puff_n they_o up_o that_o they_o look_v on_o themselves_o as_o the_o stay_v and_o supporter_n of_o religion_n other_o of_o who_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a number_n imagine_v that_o so_o they_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n they_o need_v not_o fear_v any_o thing_n concern_v their_o salvation_n especial_o if_o this_o outward_a profession_n be_v attend_v with_o some_o apparent_a
all_o those_o disorder_n which_o may_v happen_v in_o the_o church_n and_o particular_o to_o scandal_n and_o sure_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o we_o may_v proceed_v in_o the_o method_n here_o enjoin_v when_o the_o case_n be_v only_o concern_v some_o difference_n between_o private_a man_n we_o have_v much_o more_o right_a to_o do_v so_o relation_n to_o with_o public_a sin_n since_o they_o be_v case_n which_o concern_v the_o whole_a church_n and_o that_o direct_o and_o which_o do_v yet_o more_o proper_o belong_v to_o her_o cognisance_n than_o the_o quarrel_n of_o private_a men._n the_o mean_v of_o christ_n be_v then_o that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o order_n in_o his_o church_n for_o the_o remove_n of_o scandal_n he_o suppose_v that_o the_o church_n have_v a_o right_a to_o interpose_v upon_o those_o occasion_n and_o he_o command_v that_o those_o who_o shall_v refuse_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o if_o they_o be_v her_o member_n no_o long_o and_o that_o communication_n with_o they_o shall_v be_v avoid_v this_o be_v the_o import_n of_o these_o word_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o publican_n 2._o the_o v._o chapter_n of_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o the_o corinthian_n ver_fw-la 2_o 3_o 4._o decide_v this_o matter_n st._n paul_n have_v be_v inform_v that_o there_o be_v a_o man_n among_o the_o corinthian_n who_o live_v in_o incest_n he_o write_v about_o it_o to_o that_o church_n and_o first_o he_o reprove_v they_o for_o not_o have_v cut_v off_o from_o their_o communion_n the_o person_n who_o have_v commit_v so_o infamous_a a_o action_n in_o the_o next_o place_n he_o do_v himself_o excommunicate_v that_o man_n and_o deliver_v he_o up_o to_o satan_n i_o know_v that_o perhaps_o this_o power_n of_o deliver_v up_o to_o satan_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o apostle_n and_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o extraordinary_a punishment_n which_o they_o have_v a_o power_n to_o inflict_v upon_o 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appoint_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o reference_n to_o they_o which_o be_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o christian_n and_o that_o their_o company_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v there_o can_v be_v a_o clear_a and_o express_a law_n if_o this_o be_v not_o so_o 3._o there_o be_v some_o other_o place_n which_o have_v no_o ambiguity_n in_o they_o 2_o thess_n iii_o 6._o we_o command_v you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n this_o preface_n be_v remarkable_a here_o be_v a_o law_n in_o due_a form_n which_o the_o apostle_n be_v go_v to_o deliver_v he_o propose_v it_o by_o way_n of_o command_n and_o he_o interpose_v the_o auhority_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n we_o command_v you_o in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o you_o withdraw_v yourselves_o from_o every_o brother_n that_o walk_v disorderly_a and_o not_o after_o the_o tradition_n which_o he_o receive_v of_o we_o this_o law_n be_v repeat_v for_o 14._o if_o 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place_n be_v not_o so_o positive_a and_o so_o clear_a as_o they_o be_v yet_o we_o may_v be_v asssure_v that_o this_o be_v their_o true_a meaning_n because_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n in_o which_o the_o whole_a primitive_a church_n understand_v they_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o age_n in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o apostle_n amount_v to_o a_o demonstration_n which_o can_v be_v withstand_v beside_o that_o we_o be_v to_o presume_v that_o what_o have_v be_v practise_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o time_n of_o her_o purity_n be_v settle_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o or_o by_o apostolical_a man_n so_o that_o we_o ought_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a to_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o it_o now_o we_o know_v that_o discipline_n be_v observe_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n notwithstanding_o the_o
thus_o swear_v drunkenness_n and_o the_o great_a of_o other_o clamorous_a sin_n may_v be_v suppress_v if_o great_a man_n please_v be_v it_o not_o observe_v beside_o that_o when_o a_o prince_n be_v devout_a devotion_n come_v into_o fashion_n it_o may_v be_v that_o this_o devotion_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o example_n of_o prince_n be_v not_o always_o sincere_a but_o at_o least_o it_o regulate_v manner_n as_o to_o the_o exterior_a and_o such_o a_o outward_a reformation_n may_v be_v a_o step_n towards_o true_a devotion_n however_o this_o show_v that_o the_o opinion_n and_o example_n of_o man_n in_o authority_n have_v a_o great_a power_n and_o sure_o if_o by_o their_o credit_n they_o can_v make_v vice_n itself_o to_o be_v honour_v will_v it_o not_o be_v much_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o make_v other_o man_n honour_v virtue_n since_o it_o be_v honourable_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o express_v of_o what_o consequence_n the_o example_n of_o great_a man_n be_v either_o for_o good_a or_o evil._n a_o prince_n who_o be_v vicious_a cruel_a dissolute_a artificious_a or_o unjust_a be_v enough_o to_o infect_v a_o whole_a state_n in_o a_o very_a little_a time_n to_o banish_v piety_n from_o it_o and_o to_o bring_v into_o repute_n drunkenness_n lewdnese_n cheat_v indevotion_n and_o all_o the_o other_o vice_n which_o he_o allow_v himself_o in_o this_o we_o find_v by_o daily_a experience_n such_o as_o the_o prince_n be_v so_o be_v those_o about_o he_o and_o from_o these_o the_o evil_a spread_v upon_o the_o whole_a people_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o credit_n and_o authority_n to_o which_o they_o be_v raise_v and_o of_o the_o influence_n they_o have_v upon_o public_a and_o private_a affair_n what_o may_v not_o be_v say_v here_o of_o the_o life_n which_o be_v lead_v in_o the_o court_n of_o prince_n except_v some_o few_o court_n where_o licentiousness_n be_v not_o suffer_v that_o kind_n of_o life_n which_o be_v follow_v at_o court_n for_o the_o generality_n agree_v little_a with_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n people_z live_v there_o altogether_o in_o a_o loose_a and_o worldly_a manner_n in_o luxury_n idleness_n pomp_n and_o pleasure_n there_o the_o strong_a and_o the_o most_o entice_a temptation_n be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o and_o the_o most_o criminal_a intrigue_n adultery_n itself_o be_v rather_o a_o matter_n of_o raillery_n than_o reproach_n it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o insinuate_v himself_o into_o the_o favour_n of_o prince_n and_o to_o advance_v his_o fortune_n at_o court_n unless_o he_o make_v it_o his_o maxim_n to_o dissemble_v his_o sentiment_n and_o to_o speak_v direct_o against_o his_o own_o thought_n the_o worst_a of_o it_o be_v that_o from_o thence_o corruption_n diffuse_v itself_o almost_o every_o where_n so_o that_o many_o disorder_n which_o be_v in_o vogue_n will_v be_v unknown_a or_o at_o least_o very_a rare_a in_o the_o world_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v introduce_v by_o that_o licentiousness_n which_o reign_v in_o the_o court_n of_o prince_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o endeavour_n which_o christian_a magistrate_n ought_v to_o use_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o revive_n of_o piety_n these_o endeavour_n relate_v either_o to_o civil_a matter_n or_o to_o religion_n 1._o in_o civil_a matter_n it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o restrain_v libertinism_n and_o corruption_n by_o regulate_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o subject_n either_o by_o repeal_n the_o law_n and_o custom_n which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o religion_n and_o which_o engage_v the_o people_n into_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o by_o reform_v the_o abuse_n which_o be_v introduce_v from_o time_n to_o time_n particular_o those_o which_o creep_v into_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n in_o relation_n to_o all_o these_o thing_n there_o be_v several_a fault_n which_o the_o church_n can_v provide_v against_o and_o which_o nothing_o can_v remedy_v but_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n 2._o the_o other_o care_n relate_v direct_o to_o religion_n 1._o prince_n and_o king_n profess_v christianity_n be_v bind_v to_o procure_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n they_o ought_v to_o set_v about_o the_o establish_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n provide_v that_o in_o order_n to_o that_o they_o use_v no_o mean_n but_o such_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o gospel_n they_o ought_v by_o their_o authority_n to_o see_v that_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n want_v nothing_o of_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o maintain_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n that_o divine_a service_n be_v due_o perform_v that_o there_o be_v both_o place_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o person_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n that_o those_o person_n may_v subsist_v honourable_o that_o they_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o keep_v themselves_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o call_v they_o must_v not_o suffer_v church_n good_n or_o revenve_n to_o be_v apply_v to_o use_n mere_o civil_a and_o when_o these_o revenue_n be_v not_o sufficient_a it_o become_v their_o piety_n and_o justice_n to_o allot_v some_o part_n of_o the_o public_a revenue_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o fine_a as_o to_z manner_n i_o observe_v before_o that_o they_o may_v easy_o give_v a_o stop_n to_o vice_n and_o impiety_n to_o luxury_n swear_v and_o other_o scandal_n which_o dishonour_v the_o church_n and_o if_o they_o can_v do_v this_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o do_v all_o that_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o magistrate_n who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o protect_v it_o to_o maintain_v the_o order_n which_o god_n have_v establish_v in_o it_o and_o not_o to_o suffer_v any_o breach_n to_o be_v make_v there_o so_o that_o though_o they_o may_v regulate_v many_o thing_n which_o concern_v religion_n and_o though_o the_o church_n owe_v they_o a_o great_a regard_n yet_o they_o can_v without_o usurpation_n and_o injustice_n arrogate_v to_o themselves_o the_o whole_a authority_n with_o relation_n to_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n they_o be_v neither_o the_o prince_n nor_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o be_v the_o prince_n and_o the_o head_n of_o civil_a society_n a_o authority_n superior_a to_o they_o have_v institute_v religion_n pastor_n and_o discipline_n there_o be_v a_o law_n enact_v by_o the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n which_o clear_o determine_v the_o right_n and_o duty_n both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o all_o these_o be_v sacred_a thing_n which_o earthly_a power_n be_v not_o to_o meddle_v with_o they_o be_v law_n which_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n do_v submit_v to_o when_o they_o become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n to_o these_o i_o mean_v still_o essential_a thing_n appoint_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o have_v acquire_v no_o right_n by_o embrace_v christianity_n since_o he_o who_o become_v member_n of_o a_o society_n can_v by_o that_o acquire_v a_o right_a to_o alter_v the_o natural_a form_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n show_v that_o a_o prince_n who_o profess_v true_a religion_n may_v interpose_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o but_o we_o must_v take_v care_v not_o to_o carry_v this_o instance_n too_o far_o as_o those_o do_v who_o ascribe_v to_o the_o magistrate_n a_o supreme_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n who_o allow_v he_o a_o right_a to_o order_v every_o thing_n there_o not_o except_v discipline_n the_o call_n of_o pastor_n nor_o even_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n for_o beside_o that_o under_o the_o law_n king_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n the_o judge_n of_o every_o thing_n which_o concern_v religion_n we_o be_v not_o to_o argue_v altogether_o about_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n among_o ●●e_z jew_n the_o church_n and_o the_o state_n be_v mix_v together_o and_o in_o some_o measure_n undistinguished_a from_o one_o another_o that_o mere_o spiritual_a society_n which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n and_o which_o be_v confine_v to_o no_o state_n or_o people_n or_o any_o particular_a form_n of_o civil_a government_n be_v proper_o erect_v since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n god_n act_v among_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o civil_a magistrate_n the_o law_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n external_a law_n which_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o be_v maintain_v by_o force_n and_o authority_n the_o right_n of_o divine_a service_n and_o the_o function_n of_o priest_n be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o evangelical_n worship_n and_o from_o the_o office_n of_o christian_a pastor_n after_o all_o if_o we_o
christianity_n i_o say_v that_o the_o particular_a truth_n and_o the_o part_n of_o religion_n be_v better_o know_v which_o do_v not_o imply_v but_o that_o in_o this_o respect_n too_o ignoran●●_n be_v very_o great_a and_o general_a 1._o i_o shall_v not_o scruple_n to_o say_v that_o the●_n be_v prodigious_a number_n of_o people_n wh●●●_n scarce_o have_v any_o knowledge_n at_o all_o of_o th●●_n doctrine_n of_o religion_n if_o all_o christian●_n be_v oblige_v to_o render_v a_o account_n of_o thei●_n faith_n if_o they_o be_v examine_v upon_o th●_n article_n of_o their_o belief_n or_o the_o main_a fact●_n relate_v in_o sacred_a history_n there_o will_v appear_v in_o most_o of_o they_o such_o a_o astonish_a ignorance_n or_o such_o confuse_a and_o intrica●●_n idea_n that_o one_o will_v hardly_o think_v the●_n more_o know_v than_o if_o they_o live_v in_o th●●_n darkness_n of_o heathenism_n and_o what_o religion_n what_o piety_n can_v we_o look_v for_o amon●_n such_o man_n but_o beside_o this_o gross_a and_o palpable_a ignorance_n there_o be_v several_a defect_n of_o instruction_n to_o be_v observe_v even_o in_o thos●_n who_o have_v or_o fancy_n that_o they_o have_v mo●●_n knowledge_n than_o other_o i_o shall_v particular_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o two_o one_a those_o who_o exceed_v the_o ordinary_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n have_v yet_o often_o bu●_n a_o false_a kind_n of_o light_n either_o they_o do_v not_o know_v those_o truth_n which_o they_o shoul●_n know_v or_o else_o they_o know_v they_o not_o aright_o they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o christianity_n or_o which_o ●●e_v less_o considerable_a than_o other_o which_o ●●ey_n do_v not_o study_v thus_o in_o all_o christian_a society_n instruction_n be_v common_o place_v in_o ●●e_z knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o opi●●ions_n particular_a to_o every_o one_o be_v own_o sect_n ●nd_v party_n whoever_o be_v able_a to_o debate_v ●ose_a point_n and_o be_v skill_v in_o controverse_n be_v say_v to_o understand_v his_o religion_n ●hese_fw-mi matter_n may_v perhaps_o have_v their_o ●●se_n but_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o ●en_n be_v more_o concern_v to_o know_v because_o ●hey_n be_v more_o conduce_v to_o piety_n and_o ●et_o they_o be_v almost_o constant_o neglect_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o error_n be_v that_o the_o various_a importance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o due_o weigh_v and_o that_o religion_n be_v not_o study_v in_o a_o orderly_a method_n very_o few_o person_n distinguish_v between_o the_o more_o and_o the_o less_o necessary_a thing_n between_o the_o most_o useful_a subject_n and_o those_o which_o be_v of_o little_a edification_n most_o man_n study_v religion_n without_o rule_n and_o to_o no_o purpose_n and_o so_o run_v out_o upon_o many_o unprotable_a subject_n that_o which_o be_v call_v learning_n in_o divinity_n or_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n be_v frequent_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o heap_n of_o notion_n which_o have_v no_o influence_n upon_o piety_n or_o respect_n to_o man_n salvation_n it_o be_v but_o a_o confuse_a medley_n wherein_o the_o least_o necessary_a thing_n be_v blend_v without_o choice_n and_o distinction_n with_o the_o most_o important_a i_o do_v not_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o perplex_a and_o unaccurate_a idea_n which_o man_n often_o have_v about_o these_o matter_n i_o pass_v by_o the_o false_a reason_n which_o be_v sometime_o use_v to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n as_o well_o as_o those_o mist_n which_o the_o school-divinity_n have_v cast_v upon_o the_o gospel_n i_o do_v only_o observe_v that_o the_o knowledge_n which_o most_o man_n have_v of_o religion_n be_v not_o very_o fit_a to_o make_v they_o sensible_a of_o the_o beauty_n of_o it_o so_o that_o when_o all_o be_v do_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o it_o shall_v seem_v to_o many_o a_o obscure_a crabbed_a unpleasant_a and_o intricate_a science_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v have_v so_o little_a effect_n upon_o man_n mind_n 2_o the_o other_o fault_n be_v that_o man_n content_v themselves_o with_o bare_a instruction_n or_o with_o the_o simple_a knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a truth_n while_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o use_n if_o they_o do_v but_o know_v in_o a_o historical_a manner_n what_o be_v believe_v by_o christian_n and_o be_v able_a to_o reason_n about_o it_o and_o to_o discern_v truth_n from_o error_n they_o think_v themselves_o sufficient_o instruct_v but_o these_o instruction_n do_v not_o reach_v the_o heart_n among_o that_o small_a number_n of_o person_n who_o have_v some_o knowledge_n there_o be_v but_o few_o who_o consider_v that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v to_o a_o holy_a life_n as_o to_o its_o proper_a end_n and_o intendment_n and_o they_o be_v few_o yet_o who_o actual_o direct_v it_o to_o that_o end_n and_o make_v it_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o reform_v of_o their_o life_n and_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o great_a many_o of_o those_o who_o be_v best_a acquaint_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n have_v yet_o but_o a_o imperfect_a and_o barren_a knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o that_o with_o all_o their_o attainment_n they_o live_v still_o in_o the_o darkness_n of_o corruption_n and_o vice_n ii_o hitherto_o we_o have_v consider_v ignorance_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n which_o the_o christian_a faith_n embrace_n let_v we_o now_o view_v this_o ignorance_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o duty_n which_o christianity_n prescribe_v upon_o this_o second_o head_n we_o shall_v discover_v yet_o a_o great_a ignorance_n than_o upon_o the_o first_o for_o after_o all_o something_o may_v be_v do_v when_o we_o be_v only_o to_o infuse_v into_o man_n some_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n it_o be_v usual_a enough_o to_o see_v very_o ill_a man_n who_o in_o this_o regard_n be_v not_o destitute_a of_o light_n but_o it_o be_v much_o hard_a to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n we_o may_v apply_v here_o these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n 20._o saviour_n john_n iii_o 19_o 20._o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v the_o maxim_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o its_o morality_n condemn_v sinner_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o care_v to_o be_v inform_v about_o they_o those_o who_o love_v the_o world_n and_o their_o sin_n be_v glad_a if_o they_o can_v enjoy_v the_o sweet_n of_o these_o without_o disturbance_n and_o interruption_n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v not_o inquire_v much_o into_o the_o moral_a precept_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v loath_a to_o come_v at_o such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o will_v disclose_v to_o they_o the_o turpitude_n of_o vice_n and_o breed_v disquiet_a and_o remorse_n in_o they_o ignorance_n beget_v security_n the_o more_o ignorant_a a_o man_n be_v the_o few_o sting_n he_o feel_v in_o his_o conscience_n and_o the_o more_o pleasure_n he_o take_v in_o his_o sin_n the_o very_a shadow_n of_o evil_n fright_v a_o well-instructed_n christian_n but_o crime_n itself_o do_v not_o daunt_v one_o who_o be_v ignorant_a he_o do_v not_o hear_v within_o himself_o those_o alarm_n or_o reproach_n which_o be_v either_o the_o preservative_n against_o sin_n or_o the_o remedy_n of_o it_o from_o this_o it_o may_v be_v judge_v already_o that_o man_n be_v general_o very_o little_o instruct_v in_o what_o concern_v manner_n but_o that_o we_o may_v ●he_n better_o understand_v how_o great_a the_o ignorance_n be_v in_o this_o matter_n it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o whoever_o will_v perform_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n must_v be_v persuade_v of_o their_o necessity_n and_o acquaint_v with_o their_o nature_n one_o can_v imagine_v how_o they_o can_v be_v practise_v by_o a_o man_n who_o either_o do_v not_o know_v they_o or_o do_v not_o think_v they_o necessary_a this_o be_v the_o plain_a reason_n why_o man_n do_v so_o little_o addict_v themselves_o to_o piety_n they_o know_v neither_o its_o necessity_n nor_o its_o nature_n 1._o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o those_o fact_n and_o doctrine_n which_o religion_n propose_v so_o the_o groundwork_n of_o piety_n be_v to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o christianity_n require_v without_o this_o persuasion_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o resign_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n now_o one_o will_v think_v that_o all_o christian_n shall_v be_v full_o convince_v of_o this_o necessity_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o certain_a truth_n in_o christianity_n it_o be_v this_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o good_a work_n be_v necessary_a good_a work_n do_v so_o immediate_o belong_v to_o the_o design_n and_o the_o
be_v betray_v into_o the_o speak_a or_o write_v of_o such_o thing_n either_o through_o some_o prejudice_n or_o through_o the_o heat_n of_o dispute_n but_o after_o all_o if_o these_o proposition_n be_v strict_o take_v and_o set_v out_o in_o their_o true_a colour_n they_o can_v not_o but_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o false_a rash_a scandalous_a and_o capable_a of_o produce_v most_o dismal_a effect_n especial_o be_v assert_v by_o divine_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o judge_v charitable_o of_o the_o intention_n of_o their_o author_n we_o may_v just_o say_v that_o those_o who_o dare_v disparage_v morality_n and_o insinuate_v that_o the_o press_v it_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o heresy_n do_v themselves_o publish_v a_o most_o pernicious_a heresy_n can_v it_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o heresy_n to_o insist_v upon_o that_o which_o our_o saviour_n have_v so_o vehement_o press_v which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n he_o in●●●●●●s_v in_o his_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n 7._o mount_n mat._n 5.6_o 7._o which_o the_o apostle_n perpetual_o ●●ge_v in_o their_o epistle_n 3.8_o epistle_n 1_o tim._n ●_o 5_o ●_o john_n 3.8_o and_o declare_v to_o be_v the_o end_n of_o our_o whole_a religion_n and_o the_o character_n whereby_o the_o child_n of_o god_n be_v discriminate_v from_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o without_o which_o both_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n assure_v we_o 12.14_o we_o mat._n 7.21_o heb._n 12.14_o that_o no_o man_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n by_o this_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v as_o much_o strike_v at_o and_o injure_v as_o piety_n itself_o it_o give_v one_o a_o indignation_n to_o see_v that_o the_o honour_n of_o defend_v virtue_n and_o piety_n shall_v be_v yield_v up_o to_o heretic_n to_o say_v that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n heretic_n be_v strong_a upon_o the_o head_n of_o morality_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n to_o give_v up_o the_o cause_n it_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o error_n and_o it_o do_v base_o to_o ascribe_v that_o to_o heresy_n which_o belong_v to_o true_a religion_n and_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o allege_v that_o some_o heretic_n have_v write_v upon_o morality_n with_o good_a success_n for_o grant_v this_o to_o be_v true_a it_o be_v not_o a_o token_n of_o their_o heresy_n on_o the_o contrary_a so_o far_o they_o be_v orthodox_n some_o orthodox_n christian_n have_v recommend_v morality_n as_o much_o and_o better_a than_o the_o heretic_n because_o they_o have_v establish_v it_o upon_o the_o foundation_n and_o motive_n which_o pure_a doctrine_n afford_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o have_v always_o be_v heretic_n who_o do_v subvert_v and_o ruin_v morality_n as_o for_o instance_n those_o who_o be_v describe_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o the_o 2d_o to_o timothy_n and_o by_o st._n peter_n in_o his_o second_o epistle_n it_o be_v then_o very_a unreasonable_a to_o say_v that_o a_o thing_n which_o neither_o agree_v to_o all_o heretic_n nor_o to_o heretic_n alone_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o heresy_n there_o be_v much_o more_o reason_n to_o charge_v those_o who_o speak_v so_o injurious_o of_o morality_n with_o maintain_v a_o heresy_n which_o come_v very_o near_o that_o of_o the_o gnostic_n who_o be_v oppose_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o condemn_v and_o detest_a by_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o corrupter_n of_o the_o moral_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o though_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n reject_v the_o opinion_n i_o have_v now_o mention_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o excellency_n of_o morality_n yet_o they_o form_n to_o themselves_o too_o easy_a a_o notion_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o this_o be_v another_o prejudice_n which_o do_v not_o a_o little_a contribute_v to_o that_o neglect_n of_o piety_n they_o live_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o those_o who_o think_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n be_v easy_a be_v true_a in_o the_o main_a 5.3_o main_a 1_o j●hn_n 5.3_o god_n commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a 11.30_o grievous_a mat._n 11.30_o and_o christ_n yoke_n be_v easy_a and_o his_o burden_n light_n we_o shall_v therefore_o always_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o lead_v a_o good_a life_n and_o to_o work_v out_o one_o salvation_n but_o the_o error_n lie_v in_o imagine_v too_o great_a a_o easiness_n in_o this_o and_o in_o not_o consider_v aright_o the_o nature_n and_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n there_o be_v but_o few_o who_o notion_n in_o this_o matter_n come_v up_o to_o the_o standard_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o that_o perfection_n which_o christian_n be_v to_o aim_v at_o few_o understand_v to_o what_o degree_n the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n be_v to_o be_v carry_v as_o for_o the_o purpose_n what_o sort_n of_o justice_n equity_n honesty_n disinterestedness_n purity_n or_o charity_n become_v a_o professor_n of_o christ_n religion_n instead_o of_o rise_v up_o to_o that_o high_a and_o sublime_a pitch_n of_o morality_n which_o the_o gospel_n demand_v and_o instead_o of_o be_v act_v by_o noble_a view_n and_o design_n worthy_a of_o christianity_n man_n common_o take_v up_o with_o mean_a and_o slight_a apprehension_n of_o it_o according_a to_o the_o general_a opinion_n a_o very_a extraordinary_a and_o elevate_a virtue_n be_v not_o requisite_a in_o order_n to_o be_v a_o good_a man._n it_o be_v enough_o for_o a_o man_n if_o he_o be_v not_o a_o notorious_a villain_n or_o a_o profligate_n wretch_n and_o if_o he_o observe_v some_o of_o those_o duty_n which_o have_v a_o show_n of_o sanctity_n thus_o holiness_n be_v reduce_v to_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o virtue_n or_o rather_o to_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v bring_v to_o very_o little_a and_o yet_o that_o little_a be_v often_o neglect_v for_o man_n never_o go_v so_o far_o in_o practice_n as_o they_o do_v in_o speculation_n they_o always_o do_v less_o than_o they_o think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o do_v so_o that_o their_o action_n still_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o idea_n which_o they_o form_n of_o their_o duty_n 6._o what_o judgement_n then_o be_v we_o to_o make_v of_o christian_n now_o a-days_o though_o they_o shall_v act_n suitable_o to_o their_o notion_n of_o piety_n and_o morality_n yet_o they_o will_v discharge_v their_o duty_n but_o very_o indifferent_o because_o that_o notion_n be_v but_o low_a and_o defective_a but_o yet_o as_o mean_v and_o imperfect_a as_o it_o be_v their_o practice_n do_v not_o reach_v it_o they_o frequent_o allow_v themselves_o in_o thing_n which_o be_v against_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o though_o they_o violate_v the_o clear_a and_o the_o easy_a rule_n of_o virtue_n yet_o they_o fancy_v those_o to_o be_v sin_n from_o which_o no_o man_n be_v free_a and_o which_o will_v however_o be_v forgive_v at_o this_o rate_n corruption_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o great_a but_o as_o man_n often_o form_n to_o themselves_o too_o easy_a a_o notion_n of_o piety_n so_o they_o have_v sometime_o too_o severe_a a_o idea_n of_o it_o it_o may_v perhaps_o seem_v at_o first_o sight_n that_o it_o be_v not_o very_o necessary_a to_o remark_n and_o confute_v this_o prejudice_n the_o general_a depravation_n of_o manner_n seem_v to_o make_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o notion_n which_o prevail_v at_o this_o time_n be_v not_o the_o rigid_a one_o and_o that_o man_n do_v not_o much_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o the_o rule_n of_o too_o austere_a a_o devotion_n or_o morality_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v usual_a enough_o for_o man_n to_o run_v into_o this_o other_o extreme_a and_o such_o a_o excessive_a severity_n be_v not_o so_o inconsistent_a as_o it_o may_v be_v think_v with_o the_o corruption_n of_o manner_n for_o though_o many_o frame_n to_o themselves_o too_o hard_o and_o rigid_a a_o notion_n 〈◊〉_d piety_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o think_v themselves_o bind_v to_o live_v according_a to_o it_o but_o ●●ey_n leave_v those_o maxim_n to_o the_o devout_a use_v they_o imagine_v that_o so_o much_o piety_n be_v ●ot_n necessary_a so_o that_o they_o fashion_n to_o themselves_o a_o commodious_a religion_n and_o ●●ch_a a_o morality_n as_o have_v nothing_o that_o be_v troublesome_a or_o difficult_a in_o it_o howsoever_o there_o be_v many_o who_o look_v ●pon_o piety_n as_o a_o austere_a thing_n they_o con●●ive_v it_o to_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o all_o joy_n and_o that_o 〈◊〉_d debar_v man_n of_o all_o pleasure_n so_o that_o it_o ●roduces_v nothing_o but_o sadness_n and_o melancholy_a and_o they_o be_v beside_o possess_v ●ith_n this_o error_n that_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v sleasie_a and_o difficult_a or_o even_o impossible_a ●ut_fw-la why_o do_v man_n judge_v of_o piety_n with_o so_o ●uch_o prepossession_n and_o injustice_n this_o procee_v from_o two_o cause_n the_o first_o be_v their_o carnal_a disposition_n they_o be_v incapable_a of_o relish_v any_o other_o pleasure_n but_o those_o of_o the_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
man_n to_o be_v too_o just_a or_o too_o wise_a and_o whether_o there_o can_v be_v a_o vicious_a excess_n in_o righteousness_n or_o wisdom_n if_o a_o man_n may_v be_v over-righteous_a he_o may_v likewise_o love_v god_n too_o much_o for_o to_o be_v righteous_a and_o to_o love_n god_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n now_o god_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o consequent_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v as_o righteous_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o be_v but_o far_o from_o be_v over-righteous_a we_o can_v never_o be_v righteous_a enough_o and_o if_o we_o can_v never_o be_v righteous_a enough_o be_v there_o any_o occasion_n to_o exhort_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v over-righteous_a i_o wish_v man_n have_v at_o least_o that_o reverence_n for_o the_o scripture_n as_o not_o to_o make_v it_o speak_v absurdity_n i_o know_v the_o ordinary_a evasion_n vicious_a man_n will_v say_v that_o when_o piety_n run_v to_o excess_n it_o lead_v to_o superstition_n or_o pride_n and_o become_v troublesome_a and_o ridiculous_a every_o body_n say_v that_o but_o without_o reason_n i_o have_v refute_v that_o opinion_n and_o show_v that_o true_a piety_n never_o degenerate_v into_o superstition_n or_o pride_n and_o that_o devout_a man_n who_o be_v superstitious_a or_o troublesome_a have_v but_o a_o false_a devotion_n or_o a_o misguide_a zeal_n this_o may_v direct_v we_o to_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o sentence_n in_o question_n solomon_n do_v not_o speak_v here_o of_o true_a justice_n and_o wisdom_n for_o whether_o he_o may_v have_v a_o eye_n here_o upon_o superstitious_a or_o hypocritical_a person_n who_o righteousness_n be_v but_o imaginary_a which_o sense_n be_v adopt_v by_o many_o interpreter_n or_o whether_o he_o speak_v of_o those_o who_o exercise_n justice_n with_o too_o much_o severity_n as_o some_o think_v or_o whether_o as_o it_o be_v conceive_v by_o other_o he_o give_v this_o advice_n to_o busy_a and_o presumptuous_a people_n who_o meddle_v in_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o concern_v they_o and_o fancy_v themselves_o able_a to_o determine_v all_o matter_n however_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o solomon_n do_v not_o speak_v here_o of_o good_a man_n who_o exact_o follow_v the_o rule_n of_o true_a justice_n and_o wisdom_n if_o we_o stick_v to_o the_o last_o of_o these_o three_o exposition_n which_o seem_v to_o agree_v best_a with_o solomon_n design_n then_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o place_n be_v clear_a and_o rational_a and_o have_v nothing_o in_o it_o contrary_a to_o piety_n whereas_o the_o sense_n which_o be_v put_v upon_o these_o word_n by_o the_o libertine_n be_v both_o absurd_a and_o impious_a those_o who_o will_v either_o justify_v or_o excuse_v corruption_n use_v to_o object_n in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o since_o the_o scripture_n teach_v that_o all_o man_n and_o even_o good_a man_n be_v deep_o engage_v in_o corruption_n it_o must_v follow_v from_o thence_o that_o holiness_n and_o goodwork_n be_v not_o so_o very_o necessary_a and_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o be_v impossible_a now_o to_o prove_v this_o universal_a corruption_n of_o all_o man_n they_o bring_v several_a declaration_n of_o scripture_n and_o this_o among_o the_o rest_n there_o be_v not_o one_o that_o do_v good_a no_o not_o one_o etc._n etc._n psal_n 14._o rom._n 3._o if_o their_o meaning_n in_o cite_v these_o word_n be_v only_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n altogether_o free_a from_o sin_n and_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v on_o the_o otherhand_n that_o good_a man_n do_v not_o sin_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o the_o wicked_a do_v i_o will_v not_o quarrel_n much_o about_o this_o interpretation_n though_o not_o altogether_o exact_a or_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o david_n in_o the_o 19_o psalm_n but_o there_o be_v another_o design_n in_o it_o which_o be_v to_o infer_v from_o these_o word_n that_o man_n differ_v very_o little_a from_o one_o another_o that_o they_o be_v all_o guilty_a of_o many_o great_a sin_n and_o that_o none_o do_v or_o can_v practice_v the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n in_o a_o word_n this_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o apology_n of_o corruption_n and_o to_o silence_v those_o who_o oppose_v it_o if_o what_o david_n say_v in_o this_o place_n be_v to_o be_v strict_o understand_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o good_a man_n upon_o earth_n that_o all_o man_n be_v pervert_v that_o they_o be_v all_o become_v abominable_a by_o their_o sin_n and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o single_a person_n that_o be_v just_a or_o that_o fear_n god_n but_o this_o consequence_n raise_v horror_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o truth_n and_o experience_n and_o to_o what_o the_o scripture_n declare_v in_o a_o thousand_o place_n where_o it_o speak_v of_o good_a man_n and_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o wicked_a nay_o this_o consequence_n may_v be_v destroy_v from_o what_o we_o read_v in_o that_o very_a psalm_n which_o mention_n the_o just_a who_o be_v protect_v by_o god_n and_o the_o wicked_a who_o persecute_v they_o this_o complaint_n of_o david_n must_v therefore_o be_v understand_v with_o some_o restriction_n by_o read_v the_o fourteen_o psalm_n we_o may_v perceive_v that_o david_n intend_v to_o describe_v in_o it_o the_o extreme_a corruption_n of_o man_n in_o his_o time_n there_o he_o draw_v the_o picture_n of_o impiety_n and_o atheism_n and_o speak_v of_o those_o fool_n who_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o who_o life_n be_v a_o continue_a chain_n of_o sin_n it_o must_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o when_o st._n paul_n cite_v these_o word_n out_o of_o the_o fourteen_o psalm_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n chap._n iii_o he_o do_v it_o with_o a_o design_n to_o show_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o much_o better_a than_o the_o heathen_n and_o that_o they_o have_v as_o much_o need_n of_o a_o saviour_n 9_o saviour_n v._o 9_o what_o then_o be_v we_o better_o than_o they_o no_o in_o no_o wise_a for_o we_o have_v before_o prove_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o they_o be_v all_o under_o sin_n this_o be_v the_o assertion_n which_o st._n paul_n maintain_v and_o which_o he_o prove_v from_o that_o complaint_n which_o david_n make_v of_o old_a 19_o old_a v._o 19_o there_o be_v not_o one_o that_o do_v good_a etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o he_o conclude_v that_o all_o mouth_n must_v be_v stop_v and_o that_o all_o the_o world_n be_v become_v guilty_a before_o god_n so_o that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n can_v neither_o justify_v nor_o sanctify_v the_o jew_n but_o he_o teach_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o christ_n be_v come_v to_o rescue_v man_n out_o of_o that_o miserable_a condition_n and_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n if_o we_o must_v dill_n say_v of_o christian_n that_o there_o be_v none_o that_o do_v good_a no_o not_o one_o 2._o this_o answer_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o that_o place_n in_o the_o ephesian_n where_o it_o be_v say_v i._n say_v ephes_n ii_o 1._o i._n that_o we_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n for_o to_o the_o same_o end_n these_o word_n be_v quote_v i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o all_o man_n abstract_v from_o the_o divine_a grace_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o dead_a in_o their_o sin_n that_o be_v st._n paul_n meaning_n in_o that_o place_n he_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o natural_a state_n of_o man_n and_o particular_o of_o heathen_n which_o be_v a_o state_n of_o corruption_n and_o death_n in_o which_o they_o have_v perish_v have_v not_o god_n take_v pity_n upon_o they_o but_o the_o apostle_n intend_v to_o make_v the_o ephesian_n sensible_a of_o that_o unparalleled_a mercy_n of_o god_n by_o which_o they_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n be_v but_o poor_a heathen_n before_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o their_o sin_n and_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n he_o do_v not_o say_v to_o they_o you_o be_v dead_a in_o your_o sin_n it_o be_v falsify_v the_o text_n to_o cite_v it_o so_o and_o to_o say_v we_o be_v dead_a in_o our_o sin_n but_o you_o be_v dead_a he_o speak_v of_o the_o time_n past_o when_o they_o be_v heathen_n &c_n heathen_n and_o 5._o &c_n &c_n among_o who_o say_v he_o speak_v of_o the_o jew_n we_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o time_n past_a in_o the_o lust_n of_o our_o flesh_n fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o mind_n but_o now_o he_o add_v god_n have_v quicken_v we_o together_o with_o christ_n both_o you_o that_o be_v heathen_n and_o we_o that_o be_v jew_n be_v raise_v again_o from_o this_o spiritual_a death_n by_o virtue_n of_o god_n great_a mercy_n this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o place_n which_o give_v we_o a_o lively_a idea_n of_o man_n natural_a corruption_n and_o of_o that_o happy_a state_n to_o which_o christ_n
they_o speak_v of_o when_o they_o be_v obscure_a in_o themselves_o but_o at_o other_o time_n this_o obscurity_n proceed_v from_o their_o not_o have_v distinct_a idea_n of_o the_o subject_n they_o treat_v their_o style_n and_o language_n do_v also_o contribute_v much_o to_o make_v they_o dark_a some_o use_n scholastical_a word_n and_o term_n of_o art_n which_o be_v arabic_a to_o the_o people_n other_o delight_v in_o figurative_a and_o improper_a expression_n which_o present_a false_a idea_n to_o the_o mind_n now_o they_o may_v avoid_v all_o these_o fault_n if_o they_o do_v not_o forsake_v nature_n and_o simplicity_n but_o some_o preacher_n affect_v the_o say_n new_a and_o singular_a thing_n and_o they_o will_v be_v sorry_a if_o they_o have_v make_v use_n of_o simple_a and_o common_a idea_n reason_v and_o expression_n which_o yet_o be_v the_o clear_a and_o the_o best_a 3._o false_a eloquence_n proceed_v from_o the_o same_o source_n preacher_n common_o aim_v at_o eloquence_n and_o it_o be_v to_o compass_v this_o end_n that_o they_o take_v such_o pain_n in_o the_o compose_n and_o delivery_n of_o their_o sermon_n and_o that_o they_o affect_v a_o style_n a_o pronunciation_n and_o gesture_n which_o become_v a_o stage-player_n or_o a_o profane_a orator_n much_o better_a than_o a_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n i_o may_v remark_n here_o that_o this_o affection_n of_o eloquence_n be_v not_o very_o suitable_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o piety_n which_o shall_v animate_v a_o clergyman_n but_o not_o to_o moralize_v upon_o this_o i_o shall_v observe_v that_o these_o preacher_n miss_v their_o mark_n by_o make_v so_o much_o work_n and_o by_o use_v such_o mighty_a endeavour_n to_o hit_v it_o true_a eloquence_n the_o force_n of_o a_o discourse_n a_o elevate_a and_o sublime_a style_n consist_v in_o follow_v nature_n nothing_o admit_v of_o great_a vehemence_n and_o loftiness_n than_o the_o subject_n which_o religion_n afford_v let_v a_o preacher_n be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o these_o let_v he_o go_v about_o they_o in_o a_o easy_a and_o natural_a way_n but_o especial_o let_v he_o feel_v and_o be_v thorough_o affect_v with_o they_o and_o he_o need_v not_o trouble_v himself_o about_o any_o other_o help_v he_o will_v despise_v all_o the_o false_a sparkle_a and_o the_o vain_a ornament_n of_o insipid_a and_o boyish_a eloquence_n and_o he_o will_v not_o be_v capable_a of_o speak_v like_o a_o gramar_n scholar_n or_o a_o declaimer_n all_o that_o which_o cost_v preacher_n so_o much_o labour_n flight_n of_o wit_n refine_a thought_n ingenuous_a description_n polite_a language_n all_o that_o i_o say_v be_v very_o mean_v by_o such_o thing_n they_o may_v raise_v at_o most_o a_o vain_a admiration_n but_o they_o will_v never_o instruct_v nor_o convert_v a_o sinner_n one_o dram_n of_o good_a sense_n be_v worth_a more_o than_o all_o that_o 4._o some_o preacher_n run_v into_o another_o extreme_a their_o way_n of_o preach_v be_v neglect_v and_o course_n they_o think_v to_o justify_v themselves_o by_o say_v that_o they_o be_v simple_a and_o popular_a that_o they_o speak_v natural_o and_o without_o art_n but_o they_o swerve_v as_o much_o from_o nature_n as_o the_o other_o and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o fault_n to_o be_v affect_v it_o be_v another_o to_o be_v flat_a homely_a and_o barbarous_a it_o be_v as_o much_o against_o nature_n to_o use_v ridiculous_a and_o offensive_a gesture_n tone_n and_o way_n or_o to_o stand_v without_o motion_n or_o action_n in_o the_o pulpit_n as_o it_o be_v to_o play_v the_o declaimer_n there_o i_o may_v add_v other_o consideration_n about_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o the_o gospel_n ought_v to_o be_v preach_v but_o i_o shall_v engage_v too_o far_o in_o this_o subject_a we_o may_v judge_v now_o whether_o ignorance_n and_o corruption_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o defect_n of_o those_o who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o people_n have_v scarce_o any_o notion_n of_o religion_n but_o what_o they_o gather_v from_o sermon_n if_o sermon_n then_o be_v not_o instructive_a and_o edify_v either_o because_o all_o the_o truth_n and_o duty_n of_o christianity_n not_o be_v propose_v in_o they_o or_o because_o they_o be_v ill_o propose_v the_o people_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v very_o much_o in_o the_o dark_a i_o shall_v say_v one_o word_n more_o concern_v the_o instruction_n which_o pastor_n owe_v their_o flock_n public_a instruction_n how_o useful_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v be_v not_o sufficient_a the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n require_v that_o upon_o certain_a occasion_n pastor_n shall_v likewise_o instruct_v in_o private_a this_o necessity_n of_o private_a instruction_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o follow_a argument_n 1._o if_o there_o be_v none_o but_o public_a instruction_n and_o exhortation_n what_o instruction_n can_v a_o great_a many_o person_n receive_v who_o either_o do_v not_o frequent_v or_o do_v not_o hearken_v to_o sermon_n what_o will_v become_v of_o those_o who_o hear_v but_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o they_o hear_v or_o who_o understand_v it_o but_o forget_v it_o present_o and_o so_o do_v not_o practice_v it_o 2._o all_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v in_o sermon_n how_o particular_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v yet_o still_o many_o thing_n remain_v untouched_a nay_o there_o be_v matter_n which_o a_o preacher_n can_v bring_v into_o the_o pulpit_n can_v he_o enumerate_v all_o the_o case_n in_o which_o injustice_n may_v be_v commit_v or_o restitution_n be_v to_o be_v make_v can_v he_o specify_v those_o infinite_a fraud_n which_o be_v practise_v in_o man_n several_a calling_n and_o trade_n can_v all_o case_n of_o conscience_n about_o which_o the_o hearer_n want_v instruction_n be_v decide_v in_o a_o sermon_n dare_v we_o insist_v in_o the_o pulpit_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o impurity_n and_o may_v not_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o reason_n why_o that_o sin_n be_v so_o common_a if_o christian_n then_o have_v no_o opportunity_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o private_a about_o these_o article_n they_o will_v be_v ignorant_a with_o relation_n to_o they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v 3._o in_o order_n to_o good_a instruction_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o teacher_n and_o those_o who_o be_v teach_v shall_v communicate_v their_o thought_n to_o one_o another_o for_o the_o hearer_n may_v have_v their_o doubt_n they_o may_v sometime_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n by_o reason_n of_o something_o which_o they_o do_v not_o know_v or_o of_o some_o difficulty_n which_o start_v up_o in_o their_o mind_n some_o have_v be_v hear_v sermon_n for_o these_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o year_n who_o yet_o entertain_v scruple_n and_o doubt_n concern_v the_o fundamental_o of_o religiom_n if_o such_o person_n receive_v no_o other_o information_n they_o will_v not_o be_v move_v by_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v in_o public_a but_o they_o will_v retain_v their_o scruple_n to_o their_o die_a day_n all_o this_o show_v that_o private_a instruction_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o pastoral_n care_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o will_v certain_o be_v very_o useful_a not_o only_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n but_o also_o to_o keep_v the_o clergy_n from_o grow_v remiss_a and_o to_o make_v they_o more_o diligent_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n for_o when_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o preach_v sermon_n it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v consider_v man_n propension_n to_o laziness_n that_o they_o will_v become_v negligent_a it_o be_v therefore_o a_o unhappiness_n that_o private_a instruction_n shall_v be_v almost_o out_o of_o use_n and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v so_o little_a communication_n about_o religious_a matter_n between_o the_o people_n and_o their_o minister_n we_o have_v no_o instruction_n remain_v but_o what_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o pulpit_n and_o that_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a even_o though_o sermon_n be_v such_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o when_o private_a instruction_n be_v want_v and_o when_o sermon_n be_v defective_a beside_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n be_v destitute_a of_o necessary_a information_n and_o aid_n must_v live_v in_o corruption_n ii_o the_o second_o function_n of_o pastor_n which_o shall_v perhaps_o be_v name_v in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v the_o conduct_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o this_o i_o observe_v first_o that_o those_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n who_o confine_v it_o to_o preach_v there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o preach_v be_v quite_o lay_v aside_o and_o when_o churchman_n do_v only_o perform_v divine_a service_n but_o now_o a-days_o in_o many_o church_n the_o whole_a ministry_n be_v place_v in_o the_o business_n of_o sermon_n and_o the_o ecclesiastic_n be_v look_v upon_o not_o as_o pastor_n but_o preacher_n as_o man_n who_o office_n it_o be_v upon_o certain_a day_n and_o hour_n to_o speak_v in_o the_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
succinct_a and_o superficial_a a_o manner_n that_o we_o do_v not_o find_v there_o so_o much_o as_o the_o name_n of_o a_o great_a many_o vice_n virtue_n and_o duty_n child_n who_o shall_v be_v raise_v up_o to_o christian_a perfection_n be_v only_o teach_v the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o from_o the_o explication_n which_o be_v give_v of_o these_o they_o gather_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v idolater_n blasphemer_n or_o profane_a person_n that_o they_o shall_v neither_o commit_v murder_n nor_o adultery_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o steal_v or_o bear_v false_a witness_n but_o how_o many_o other_o duty_n be_v there_o of_o which_o they_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o notion_n they_o be_v not_o teach_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v gentle_a humble_a sincere_a charitable_a pure_a sober_a and_o patient_a many_o person_n because_o they_o be_v never_o instruct_v in_o these_o virtue_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a ornament_n of_o a_o christian_a do_v not_o practice_v or_o so_o much_o as_o know_v they_o we_o be_v to_o impute_v to_o these_o slight_a and_o defective_a instruction_n that_o opinion_n which_o be_v common_o receive_v that_o whosoever_o be_v free_a from_o those_o six_o or_o seven_o great_a sin_n forbid_v in_o the_o decalogue_n be_v a_o good_a man._n 2._o the_o success_n of_o instruction_n depend_v in_o the_o second_o place_n upon_o the_o method_n and_o way_n of_o teach_v the_o method_n of_o teach_v shall_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n be_v clear_a and_o proportion_v to_o the_o age_n and_o capacity_n of_o child_n and_o on_o the_o other_o it_o shall_v be_v delightful_a and_o fit_a to_o make_v they_o love_v religion_n by_o this_o two_o end_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v aim_v at_o will_v be_v attain_v the_o mind_n will_v be_v enlighten_v and_o the_o heart_n move_v what_o be_v clear_a inform_v the_o mind_n and_o what_o be_v delightful_a win_v the_o heart_n and_o inspire_v into_o it_o a_o strong_a affection_n for_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o 1._o perspicuity_n be_v never_o more_o necessary_a than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o instruct_v of_o youth_n child_n have_v no_o idea_n as_o yet_o of_o most_o thing_n and_o not_o be_v use_v to_o the_o signification_n of_o word_n can_v understand_v what_o be_v say_v to_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v deliver_v with_o much_o clearness_n and_o simplicity_n and_o unless_o every_o thing_n be_v avoid_v which_o may_v puzzle_v or_o seem_v obscure_a to_o they_o this_o perspicuity_n result_v first_o from_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v teach_v it_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n be_v always_o clear_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a whatsoever_o be_v obscure_a and_o difficult_a be_v not_o very_o necessary_a so_o that_o provide_v instruction_n go_v no_o far_a than_o essential_a doctrine_n and_o duty_n it_o can_v be_v very_o hard_a for_o child_n to_o apprehend_v what_o be_v say_v to_o they_o second_o clear_a expression_n and_o plain_a and_o popular_a way_n of_o speak_v produce_v distinct_a idea_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v instruct_v but_o a_o dark_a or_o too_o high_a a_o style_n figurative_a or_o learned_a phrase_n spoil_v the_o fruit_n of_o instruction_n last_o order_n and_o method_n contribute_v mighty_o to_o clearness_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o child_n shall_v be_v load_v at_o first_o with_o many_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n general_a instruction_n the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o simple_a idea_n aught_o to_o go_v foremost_a and_o then_o particular_a instruction_n and_o more_o complex_fw-la idea_n may_v be_v propose_v but_o still_o with_o a_o due_a regard_n to_o the_o age_n capacity_n and_o progress_n of_o child_n 2._o instruction_n be_v to_o be_v deliver_v in_o a_o delightful_a manner_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o insinuate_v ourselves_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o child_n nothing_o win_v more_o upon_o they_o than_o a_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a way_n of_o speak_v and_o nothing_o give_v they_o so_o much_o disgust_v as_o roughness_n and_o 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