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
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
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 ignoranâ—â—_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 theâ—_n be_v prodigious_a number_n of_o people_n whâ—â—â—_n scarce_o have_v any_o knowledge_n at_o all_o of_o thâ—â—_n doctrine_n of_o religion_n if_o all_o christianâ—_n be_v oblige_v to_o render_v a_o account_n of_o theiâ—_n faith_n if_o they_o be_v examine_v upon_o thâ—_n article_n of_o their_o belief_n or_o the_o main_a factâ—_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 intricaâ—â—_n idea_n that_o one_o will_v hardly_o think_v theâ—_n more_o know_v than_o if_o they_o live_v in_o thâ—â—_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 amonâ—_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 thosâ—_n who_o have_v or_o fancy_n that_o they_o have_v moâ—â—_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 buâ—_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 shoulâ—_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 â—â—e_v less_o considerable_a than_o other_o which_o â—â—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 â—â—e_z knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o opiâ—â—ions_n particular_a to_o every_o one_o be_v own_o sect_n â—nd_v party_n whoever_o be_v able_a to_o debate_v â—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 â—hese_fw-mi matter_n may_v perhaps_o have_v their_o â—â—se_n but_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o â—en_n be_v more_o concern_v to_o know_v because_o â—hey_n be_v more_o conduce_v to_o piety_n and_o â—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 â—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
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
be_v enough_o to_o fill_v they_o with_o a_o good_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o now_o when_o man_n be_v thus_o blind_v by_o self-love_n and_o do_v not_o know_v themselves_o there_o be_v but_o little_a hope_n of_o they_o and_o they_o will_v undoubted_o fall_v into_o a_o state_n of_o security_n these_o consideration_n plain_o show_v if_o i_o â—m_n not_o mistake_v that_o man_n for_o the_o most_o â—art_n live_v in_o very_o great_a ignorance_n but_o i_o â—hink_v myself_o bind_v to_o answer_v a_o objection_n which_o may_v be_v offer_v against_o what_o have_v â—een_n say_v some_o will_v think_v no_o doubt_n â—â—at_v it_o be_v very_o difficult_a for_o man_n to_o be_v so_o â—ell_o instruct_v as_o i_o suppose_v they_o ought_v to_o â—e_v and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o capable_a â—f_n such_o a_o exact_a kowledge_v of_o morality_n to_o satisfy_v those_o who_o make_v this_o objection_n and_o to_o clear_v this_o matter_n full_o i_o observe_v first_o that_o by_o all_o i_o have_v say_v i_o do_v â—â—y_o no_o mean_n pretend_v that_o all_o christian_n â—â—an_z or_o aught_o to_o be_v equal_o instruct_v i_o â—now_v that_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o knowledge_n â—nd_v that_o in_o morality_n as_o well_o as_o in_o doctrine_n divine_n and_o man_n of_o part_n go_v a_o â—reat_a way_n beyond_o the_o bulk_n of_o mankind_n it_o 〈◊〉_d sufficient_a for_o every_o one_o to_o be_v instruct_v accord_v to_o his_o capacity_n and_o his_o condition_n â—ut_v after_o all_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o morality_n â—s_v necssary_a to_o every_o body_n or_o else_o we_o must_v â—â—rike_v several_a precept_n out_o of_o the_o gospel_n â—nless_a we_o imagine_v that_o those_o precept_n be_v intend_v only_o for_o a_o small_a number_n of_o learned_a and_o subtle_a man_n which_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o our_o saviour_n word_n who_o say_v that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v design_v for_o all_o mankind_n for_o the_o little_a one_o and_o the_o simple_a rather_o than_o for_o 8._o for_o mat._n xi_o 25_o 1_o cor._n x._o john_n vi_o 45._o 1_o thess_n v._o 20._o phil._n iu._n 8._o 2_o pet._n ii_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a there_o be_v no_o christian_a but_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a man_n and_o teach_v of_o god_n when_o st._n paul_n say_v prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n when_o st._n peter_n exhort_v christian_n to_o add_v to_o their_o faith_n all_o christian_a virtue_n to_o grow_v and_o abound_v in_o all_o these_o virtue_n such_o exhortation_n do_v belong_v equal_o to_o all_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n it_o must_v not_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v man_n in_o the_o world_n of_o very_a dull_a and_o shallow_a capacity_n and_o that_o country_n people_n and_o mechanic_n can_v comprehend_v all_o these_o maxim_n of_o morality_n this_o be_v not_o so_o difficult_a as_o it_o be_v imagine_v the_o duty_n of_o morality_n be_v clear_a they_o present_o affect_v a_o man_n because_o they_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o common_a notice_n and_o sentiment_n of_o conscience_n choose_v what_o part_n of_o morality_n you_o please_v and_o you_o may_v with_o due_a endeavour_n make_v either_o a_o handy-crafts-man_n or_o a_o day-labourer_n apprehend_v it_o so_o you_o confine_v yourself_o to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o such_o people_n in_o their_o several_a calling_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o subtle_a or_o difficult_a in_o the_o rule_n of_o morality_n than_o there_o be_v in_o a_o hundred_o dexterity_n and_o shift_n which_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n and_o which_o common_a people_n can_v attain_v to_o without_o any_o great_a pain_n if_o therefore_o man_n understanding_n be_v so_o gross_a and_o stupid_a in_o moral_a matter_n be_v not_o because_o these_o matter_n be_v above_o their_o reach_n but_o because_o they_o be_v never_o teach_v they_o â—or_a never_o apply_v themselves_o to_o they_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o what_o man_n may_v be_v by_o what_o they_o be_v the_o best_a ground_n become_v barren_a when_o it_o be_v not_o cultivate_v if_o thing_n be_v well_o order_v among_o christian_n in_o relation_n especial_o to_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o education_n of_o child_n the_o generality_n of_o they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o stupid_a and_o ignorant_a as_o they_o be_v we_o may_v therefore_o conclude_v that_o ignorance_n be_v one_o of_o the_o general_a cause_n of_o corruption_n christian_n be_v ill_o inform_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o duty_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o want_v instruction_n both_o as_o to_o faith_n and_o manner_n they_o must_v needs_o live_v in_o a_o great_a neglect_n of_o religious_a matter_n it_o may_v be_v ask_v whence_o do_v this_o ignorance_n proceed_v i_o shall_v observe_v three_o principal_a cause_n of_o it_o the_o first_o be_v education_n the_o way_n in_o which_o child_n be_v breed_v up_o do_v infallible_o lead_v to_o ignorance_n the_o second_o be_v the_o want_n of_o mean_n to_o get_v good_a instruction_n and_o particular_o the_o defect_n of_o those_o instruction_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o christian_n in_o sermon_n catechism_n and_o book_n the_o three_o be_v the_o sloth_n and_o carelessness_n of_o man_n who_o will_v be_v at_o no_o pain_n to_o acquire_v necessary_a knowledge_n we_o may_v bestow_v very_o weighty_a consideration_n upon_o every_o one_o of_o these_o three_o head_n but_o since_o they_o will_v again_o come_v in_o our_o way_n in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o treatise_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o have_v point_v at_o they_o in_o this_o place_n as_o the_o three_o main_a source_n of_o ignorance_n in_o truth_n if_o man_n be_v ill_o educate_v if_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o instruction_n and_o take_v no_o care_n about_o it_o whence_o shall_v they_o have_v sufficient_a knowledge_n unless_o they_o be_v instruct_v by_o miracle_n by_o revelation_n and_o inspiration_n they_o can_v but_o be_v ignorant_a and_o corrupt_a but_o now_o if_o ignorance_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o corruption_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o first_o remedy_n to_o be_v use_v against_o corruption_n be_v the_o remove_v that_o ignorance_n it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o begin_v at_o if_o we_o will_v bring_v back_o christian_n to_o a_o life_n worthy_a of_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v exhortation_n censure_n and_o all_o other_o such_o method_n will_v signify_v nothing_o as_o long_o as_o man_n mind_n be_v not_o prepare_v by_o proper_a instruction_n from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v in_o this_o chapter_n it_o may_v be_v gather_v that_o the_o right_a way_n to_o instruct_v man_n be_v before_o all_o thing_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v they_o sensible_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a or_o of_o great_a consequence_n in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n the_o belief_n of_o the_o general_a truth_n ought_v especial_o to_o be_v well_o fix_v in_o their_o mind_n as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n a_o providence_n a_o judgement_n and_o another_o life_n after_o this_o we_o must_v proceed_v to_o the_o particular_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o we_o go_v on_o in_o explain_v they_o we_o ought_v to_o show_v what_o influence_n those_o truth_n have_v upon_o holiness_n and_o salvation_n but_o the_o most_o important_a thing_n of_o all_o when_o these_o truth_n be_v settle_v be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v man_n happy_a that_o the_o scope_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o make_v man_n true_o good_a and_o that_o without_o piety_n and_o good_a work_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n it_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o recommend_v sanctification_n in_o general_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o must_v beside_o be_v distinct_o explain_v it_o must_v be_v show_v which_o be_v the_o general_a and_o particular_a obligation_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o what_o sin_n be_v contrary_a to_o these_o and_o here_o those_o who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o instruct_v the_o people_n aught_o to_o be_v as_o particular_a as_o possible_o they_o can_v show_v upon_o each_o virtue_n and_o vice_n what_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o several_a character_n kind_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o and_o propose_v likewise_o the_o motive_n which_o shall_v discourage_v man_n from_o those_o vice_n and_o prompt_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o opposite_a virtue_n as_o also_o the_o
body_n or_o of_o this_o present_a life_n because_o they_o be_v accustom_v â—o_o be_v govern_v only_o by_o their_o sense_n and_o â—hat_n be_v enough_o to_o represent_v piety_n to_o they_o â—s_v sour_a and_o distaful_a not_o only_o because_o it_o â—oes_v not_o procure_v to_o they_o those_o gross_a pleasure_n but_o because_o it_o do_v likewise_o in_o many_o â—ases_v oblige_v they_o to_o renounce_v they_o the_o second_o reason_n why_o man_n entertain_v this_o prejudice_n against_o piety_n be_v that_o it_o 〈◊〉_d not_o represent_v to_o they_o in_o its_o true_a shapâ—_n and_o here_o first_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o he_o do_v by_o the_o false_a pretender_n to_o devotion_n who_o affect_v a_o mournful_a and_o severe_a outward_a appearance_n and_o who_o behaviour_n be_v ofteâ—_n intolerable_o stern_a and_o savage_a in_o the_o nexâ—_n place_n profane_a man_n contribute_v to_o this_o mischief_n for_o as_o they_o neither_o know_v nor_o louâ—_n religion_n so_o they_o make_v odious_a picture_n oâ—_n it_o and_o they_o take_v a_o delight_n in_o carry_v the_o notion_n of_o devotion_n too_o far_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v ridiculous_a three_o there_o be_v several_a well-meaning_a person_n who_o zeal_n be_v not_o regulate_v and_o soften_v by_o a_o discreet_a and_o prudent_a knowledge_n give_v a_o occasion_n to_o those_o unfavourable_a judgement_n which_o the_o world_n pass_v upon_o piety_n such_o people_n think_v that_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o devout_a person_n never_o to_o be_v see_v but_o in_o a_o austere_a appearance_n and_o with_o a_o deject_a look_n they_o be_v continual_o censure_v and_o never_o please_v their_o zeal_n be_v either_o superstitious_a scrupulous_a or_o ignorant_a sharp_a or_o unseasonable_a and_o so_o it_o be_v extreme_o apt_a to_o alienate_v man_n mind_n from_o devotion_n and_o piety_n four_o some_o divine_n and_o moralist_n confirm_v this_o prejudice_n by_o their_o way_n of_o recommend_v the_o practice_n of_o piety_n both_o in_o their_o public_a discourse_n and_o in_o their_o â—ooks_n religion_n and_o its_o duty_n be_v ofâ—en_o propose_v to_o the_o people_n from_o the_o pulpit_n in_o such_o a_o severe_a and_o frightful_a manner_n â—s_a be_v not_o very_o fit_a to_o make_v it_o appear_v lovely_a â—o_o man_n who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v already_o a_o prejudice_n against_o it_o we_o find_v too_o rigid_a a_o morality_n and_o several_a strain_a maxim_n in_o many_o sermon_n and_o book_n of_o devotion_n and_o it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v of_o some_o â—â—se_n to_o give_v here_o some_o instance_n of_o this_o â—ind_n when_o worldly-minded_n man_n be_v tell_v â—hat_n salvation_n be_v a_o most_o difficult_a thing_n â—nd_v that_o whoever_o will_v obtain_v it_o aught_o to_o â—pend_v his_o life_n in_o perpetual_a mourning_n this_o be_v no_o great_a attractive_a to_o gain_v they_o â—o_o the_o love_n of_o religion_n such_o maxim_n may_v be_v true_a in_o some_o respect_n but_o they_o be_v false_a and_o extravagant_a when_o they_o be_v propose_v without_o distinction_n or_o explication_n by_o the_o description_n which_o be_v sometime_o make_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o devotion_n one_o will_v think_v that_o a_o man_n can_v live_v like_o a_o christian_a without_o lay_v aside_o all_o secular_a concern_v and_o business_n and_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o solitude_n and_o retirement_n now_o this_o be_v what_o few_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o beside_o it_o be_v against_o the_o order_n of_o providence_n which_o have_v place_v we_o in_o the_o world_n to_o live_v and_o labour_v in_o it_o and_o to_o enjoy_v the_o good_a thing_n which_o the_o divine_a liberality_n have_v provide_v for_o we_o that_o which_o be_v assert_v by_o some_o moralist_n concern_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o their_o zeal_n for_o his_o glory_n suppose_v that_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o think_v actual_o upon_o god_n at_o all_o time_n and_o to_o have_v a_o positive_a intention_n to_o promote_v his_o glory_n in_o all_o the_o action_n of_o their_o life_n but_o such_o morality_n to_o say_v no_o more_o be_v absurd_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v reduce_v to_o practice_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o have_v god_n always_o in_o his_o thought_n and_o to_o make_v pious_a reflection_n upon_o every_o step_n he_o take_v or_o every_o word_n he_o speak_v and_o there_o be_v such_o action_n in_o life_n which_o can_v without_o profanation_n be_v refer_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n by_o a_o direct_a intention_n st._n paul_n indeed_o enjoin_v we_o 31._o we_o 1_o cor._n x._o 31._o to_o do_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n but_o this_o rule_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o utmost_a strictness_n nor_o extend_v to_o all_o particular_a action_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o have_v a_o sincere_a and_o general_a intention_n to_o procure_v god_n glory_n and_o to_o do_v one_o duty_n upon_o all_o occasion_n in_o order_n to_o which_o these_o four_o thing_n be_v necessary_a 1._o that_o we_o shall_v not_o fail_v to_o think_v of_o god_n actual_o in_o all_o those_o action_n that_o require_v it_o 2._o that_o if_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o present_a state_n we_o be_v in_o we_o can_v think_v on_o god_n at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o our_o action_n we_o shall_v at_o least_o think_v often_o upon_o he_o and_o make_v frequent_a reflection_n upon_o our_o own_o conduct_n 3._o that_o in_o indifferent_a action_n we_o shall_v not_o abuse_v our_o liberty_n but_o demean_v ourselves_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n which_o the_o gospel_n prescribe_v and_o that_o we_o shall_v especial_o have_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o our_o neighbour_n it_o be_v particular_o in_o that_o sense_n that_o this_o commandment_n of_o do_v all_o thing_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v 4._o that_o we_o shall_v love_v god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v our_o chief_a care_n and_o endeavour_n to_o obey_v he_o and_o to_o advance_v his_o glory_n to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n how_o many_o scruple_n have_v be_v infuse_v into_o man_n mind_n by_o strain_v the_o sense_n of_o this_o declaration_n of_o our_o saviour_n 36._o saviour_n mat._n xii_o 36._o man_n shall_v give_v a_o account_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n of_o every_o idle_a word_n that_o they_o shall_v speak_v what_o inference_n have_v not_o be_v draw_v from_o this_o place_n to_o fill_v good_a man_n with_o dread_n and_o terror_n it_o be_v expound_v as_o if_o all_o discourse_n which_o neither_o contribute_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n nor_o to_o the_o edification_n of_o our_o neighbour_n nor_o to_o the_o promote_a of_o our_o own_o salvation_n be_v those_o idle_a word_n of_o which_o man_n be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n to_o god_n and_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o word_n pure_o idle_a be_v always_o sinful_a or_o that_o they_o deserve_v the_o severe_a threaten_n which_o our_o saviour_n denounce_v here_o we_o can_v forbear_v talk_v every_o day_n of_o many_o indifferent_a thing_n and_o hold_v several_a discourse_n which_o do_v neither_o good_a nor_o harm_n indeed_o if_o this_o shall_v grow_v into_o a_o habit_n if_o we_o shall_v for_o the_o most_o part_n speak_v only_o of_o trifle_v and_o frivolous_a thing_n it_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n but_o i_o do_v not_o apprehend_v what_o hurt_n there_o can_v be_v in_o talk_v now_o and_o then_o of_o news_n of_o rain_n or_o of_o the_o wether_n certain_o these_o be_v not_o the_o word_n which_o be_v mean_v in_o this_o declaration_n the_o place_n where_o we_o find_v it_o and_o the_o term_n in_o which_o it_o be_v conceive_v do_v manifest_o show_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n to_o be_v this_o that_o man_n shall_v give_v a_o account_n at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n of_o all_o the_o wicked_a and_o impious_a word_n which_o they_o have_v speak_v and_o that_o the_o pharisee_n particular_o shall_v be_v answerable_a to_o god_n for_o the_o blasphemy_n which_o they_o utter_v against_o his_o miracle_n these_o strain_a maxim_n produce_v very_o pernicious_a effect_n they_o expose_v piety_n to_o the_o flout_n and_o contempt_n of_o libertine_n and_o they_o discourage_v great_a number_n from_o it_o young_a people_n especial_o be_v by_o this_o mean_v disgu_v with_o religion_n and_o they_o take_v up_o a_o aversion_n to_o it_o which_o they_o seldom_o shake_v off_o afterward_o they_o accustom_v themselves_o in_o that_o age_n which_o be_v so_o sensible_a of_o pleasure_n to_o look_v upon_o piety_n under_o a_o austere_a and_o melancholy_a form_n whilst_o on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o their_o passion_n they_o see_v nothing_o but_o sweetness_n and_o charm_n between_o these_o two_o object_n one_o of_o which_o be_v so_o entice_a and_o the_o other_o so_o disgustful_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o imagine_v which_o side_n they_o will_v choose_v they_o run_v into_o the_o embrace_n
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
upon_o which_o they_o have_v most_o reason_n to_o reproach_n themselves_o as_o be_v well_o know_v to_o those_o who_o make_v any_o reflection_n upon_o their_o conduct_n and_o if_o this_o shame_n be_v able_a to_o spoil_v those_o who_o other_o wise_a be_v virtuous_a and_o to_o extinguish_v their_o zeal_n and_o piety_n we_o ought_v to_o reckon_v it_o among_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o corruption_n 3._o shame_n may_v lead_v man_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o wickedness_n for_o beside_o that_o a_o man_n sin_n against_o his_o conscience_n when_o for_o fear_v of_o man_n he_o dare_v not_o do_v his_o duty_n beside_o that_o he_o offend_v god_n in_o a_o very_a provoke_a manner_n when_o he_o be_v ashamed_a to_o obey_v he_o and_o fear_n man_n more_o than_o he_o i_o say_v that_o this_o shame_n be_v apt_a to_o betray_v he_o into_o the_o great_a est_fw-fr enormity_n a_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o every_o thing_n when_o he_o become_v a_o slave_n to_o other_o man_n judgement_n and_o when_o complaisance_n or_o humane_a consideration_n have_v a_o great_a force_n upon_o he_o than_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n and_o his_o duty_n whenever_o a_o man_n dare_v not_o appear_v good_a he_o dare_v appear_v in_o some_o measure_n wicked_a and_o when_o he_o tie_v to_o virtue_n a_o idea_n of_o honour_n to_o vice_n and_o from_o comply_v in_o every_o thing_n with_o the_o opinion_n of_o loose_a and_o profane_a person_n 1._o man_n do_v not_o arrive_v of_o a_o sudden_a at_o this_o degree_n of_o corruption_n false_a shame_n carry_v they_o to_o it_o by_o little_a and_o little_a it_o make_v one_o sin_n at_o first_o through_o complaisance_n though_o with_o some_o reluctancy_n by_o this_o conscience_n grow_v weak_a a_o man_n contract_v the_o habit_n of_o slight_v its_o suggestion_n and_o vice_n become_v more_o familiar_a to_o he_o then_o he_o begin_v to_o sin_v more_o bold_o the_o shame_n of_o do_v good_a increase_v and_o the_o shame_n of_o sin_v grow_v less_o in_o a_o little_a time_n he_o come_v to_o do_v out_o of_o custom_n and_o inclination_n what_o he_o do_v before_o but_o seldom_o and_o with_o some_o inward_a conflict_n from_o thence_o he_o proceed_v to_o a_o open_a contempt_n of_o piety_n and_o so_o he_o forsake_v a_o interest_n to_o which_o he_o be_v well_o affect_v at_o first_o but_o which_o this_o shame_n have_v make_v he_o dislike_v thus_o many_o person_n who_o have_v good_a disposition_n in_o their_o youth_n be_v let_v loose_a into_o the_o world_n have_v lose_v their_o innocence_n and_o be_v turn_v libertine_n and_o atheist_n now_o this_o false_a modesty_n be_v so_o pernicious_a we_o can_v never_o labour_v too_o much_o to_o prevent_v its_o ill_a effect_n and_o this_o we_o shall_v succeed_v in_o if_o we_o serious_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n both_o of_o error_n and_o cowardice_n in_o the_o sentiment_n and_o conduct_n of_o those_o who_o be_v hinder_v by_o shame_n from_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o conscience_n first_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o error_n in_o their_o procede_v this_o shame_n be_v found_v upon_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o judgement_n which_o the_o world_n make_v of_o piety_n but_o if_o those_o who_o despise_v religion_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n as_o they_o most_o certain_o be_v if_o it_o be_v extravagance_n and_o folly_n in_o they_o to_o pass_v a_o false_a judgement_n upon_o piety_n it_o be_v a_o much_o great_a madness_n in_o those_o who_o understand_v better_a thing_n to_o subscribe_v to_o a_o judgement_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a and_o to_o make_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o action_n if_o virtue_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a just_a necessary_a acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o useful_a to_o those_o who_o practice_v it_o if_o with_o it_o we_o can_v fail_v of_o happiness_n and_o if_o without_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o dread_a and_o terror_n why_o shall_v we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o it_o a_o wise_a man_n ought_v to_o esteem_v that_o which_o deserve_v esteem_n and_o if_o ignorant_a and_o corrupt_a people_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n he_o ought_v to_o set_v himself_o above_o their_o judgement_n and_o to_o despise_v the_o contempt_n of_o the_o senseless_a multitude_n the_o judgement_n of_o man_n can_v make_v that_o just_a which_o be_v unjust_a nor_o supersede_n the_o necessity_n of_o what_o be_v necessary_a so_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v of_o no_o weight_n in_o so_o important_a a_o concernment_n as_o that_o of_o our_o salvation_n our_o happiness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v decide_v by_o man_n esteem_n or_o contempt_n and_o the_o approbation_n of_o god_n and_o our_o conscience_n be_v infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o their_o groundless_a opinion_n but_o if_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o error_n in_o vicious_a shame_n there_o be_v likewise_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o cowardice_n in_o it_o nothing_o be_v more_o base_a and_o unworthy_a than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o desert_n the_o interest_n of_o virtue_n when_o he_o be_v solicit_v by_o his_o own_o conscience_n to_o adhere_v to_o it_o not_o to_o have_v resolution_n enough_o to_o do_v his_o duty_n in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n to_o submit_v his_o reason_n and_o conscience_n to_o the_o caprice_n of_o other_o and_o to_o depress_v himself_o beâ—ow_o the_o vile_a thing_n in_o die_v world_n and_o â—on_v the_o other_o it_o be_v to_o have_v great_a regard_n for_o man_n than_o for_o god_n and_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o abject_a than_o this_o proceed_v be_v not_o this_o shameful_a cowardice_n in_o a_o christian_a who_o be_v call_v to_o profess_v open_o his_o religion_n and_o faith_n and_o who_o ought_v to_o think_v it_o his_o glory_n to_o maintain_v the_o cause_n of_o virtue_n and_o justice_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o contradiction_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o age_n that_o threaten_v which_o our_o saviour_n have_v denounce_v against_o those_o who_o shall_v not_o have_v the_o courage_n to_o embrace_v the_o christian_a profession_n or_o shall_v abandon_v it_o belong_v also_o to_o those_o mean-spirited_n christian_n we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o 38._o of_o mat._n viii_o 38._o whosoever_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o also_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o the_o holy_a angel_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a remedy_n against_o this_o false_a shame_n be_v then_o to_o be_v possess_v with_o the_o follow_a reflection_n before_o all_o thing_n to_o have_v a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o certainty_n and_o importance_n of_o religion_n to_o consider_v that_o it_o propose_v to_o we_o infinite_a reward_n but_o that_o those_o reward_n be_v reserve_v only_o for_o those_o who_o have_v the_o courage_n to_o observe_v its_o precept_n to_o think_v what_o pleasure_n and_o glory_n it_o be_v to_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n and_o of_o one_o own_o conscience_n to_o fix_v deep_o this_o great_a truth_n in_o our_o mind_n that_o man_n judgement_n be_v very_o inconsiderable_a that_o our_o felicity_n depend_v neither_o upon_o their_o esteem_n nor_o contempt_n and_o to_o remember_v that_o the_o scripture_n call_v the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n fool_n and_o that_o a_o time_n will_v come_v when_o shame_n confusion_n and_o misery_n shall_v fall_v to_o the_o lot_n of_o those_o despiser_n of_o religion_n while_o ii_o while_o rom._n ii_o glory_n honour_n and_o peace_n shall_v be_v to_o every_o one_o that_o do_v good_a 2._o we_o shall_v easy_o conquer_v this_o shame_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o danger_n of_o incur_v man_n contempt_n or_o hatred_n by_o do_v our_o duty_n be_v not_o always_o so_o great_a as_o we_o may_v imagine_v i_o confess_v piety_n be_v often_o despise_v but_o yet_o it_o frequent_o command_v respect_n even_o those_o who_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o their_o example_n shall_v not_o be_v follow_v can_v help_v have_v a_o secret_a esteem_n and_o veneration_n for_o good_a men._n when_o zeal_n be_v accompany_v with_o meekness_n and_o discretion_n there_o be_v no_o fear_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v make_v himself_o odious_a or_o ridiculous_a by_o practise_v virtue_n a_o christian_a deportment_n be_v so_o far_o from_o expose_v man_n always_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o frequent_o happen_v that_o those_o who_o will_v avoid_v this_o contempt_n by_o neglect_v their_o duty_n do_v thereby_o bring_v it_o upon_o themselves_o 3._o there_o may_v be_v yet_o another_o remedy_n against_o this_o vicious_a shame_n and_o that_o be_v the_o example_n of_o man_n of_o authority_n whatever_o they_o approve_v or_o do_v be_v repute_v honourable_a in_o the_o world_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n what_o they_o despise_v or_o neglect_v
not_o be_v very_o large_a upon_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o man_n take_v little_a care_n of_o be_v instruct_v and_o of_o get_v information_n and_o knowledge_n about_o religion_n the_o far_o great_a part_n either_o can_v read_v or_o never_o apply_v themselves_o to_o any_o useful_a instructive_a read_n few_o harken_v to_o the_o instruction_n that_o be_v give_v they_o and_o few_o yet_o examine_v or_o reflect_v upon_o they_o carnal_a lust_n and_o secular_a business_n do_v so_o engross_v they_o that_o they_o seldom_o or_o never_o give_v themselves_o to_o search_v the_o truth_n they_o general_o have_v a_o aversion_n to_o spiritual_a thing_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o will_v rather_o believe_v implicit_o what_o be_v tell_v they_o than_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o not_o and_o they_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o careless_a about_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n many_o will_v think_v it_o a_o punishment_n if_o they_o be_v make_v to_o read_v or_o to_o meditate_v they_o never_o do_v those_o thing_n but_o with_o reluctancy_n and_o as_o seldom_o as_o they_o can_v they_o go_v about_o prayer_n especial_o with_o a_o strange_a indifference_n and_o a_o criminal_a indevotion_n in_o short_a very_o few_o take_v the_o necessary_a care_n to_o preserve_v themselves_o from_o vice_n and_o to_o behave_v themselves_o with_o regularity_n and_o caution_n very_o few_o seek_v the_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a and_o avoid_v the_o temptation_n to_o which_o the_o common_a condition_n of_o man_n or_o their_o own_o particular_a circumstance_n expose_v they_o and_o the_o great_a number_n be_v slave_n to_o their_o body_n and_o whole_o take_v up_o with_o earthly_a thing_n one_o of_o the_o most_o sensible_a and_o fatal_a effect_n of_o this_o negligence_n be_v that_o those_o person_n use_v no_o manner_n of_o endeavour_n to_o know_v themselves_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o if_o ever_o that_o they_o reflect_v upon_o what_o pass_v within_o they_o upon_o their_o thought_n their_o inclination_n the_o motion_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o the_o principle_n they_o act_n upon_o or_o that_o they_o take_v a_o review_n of_o their_o word_n and_o action_n they_o do_v not_o consider_v whether_o they_o have_v within_o they_o the_o character_n of_o good_a man_n or_o of_o wicked_a and_o hypocritical_a person_n in_o a_o word_n almost_o all_o of_o they_o live_v without_o reflection_n man_n carelessness_n about_o religion_n be_v there_o fore_o extreme_o great_a but_o they_o proceed_v otherwise_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n about_o which_o they_o be_v as_o active_a and_o laborious_a as_o they_o be_v lazy_a and_o cold_a in_o reference_n to_o true_a piety_n they_o will_v do_v every_o thing_n for_o their_o body_n and_o nothing_o for_o their_o soul_n they_o spare_v no_o industry_n or_o diligence_n they_o omit_v nothing_o to_o promote_v their_o temporal_a concern_v if_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v by_o their_o conduct_n we_o will_v think_v that_o the_o supreme_a good_a be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o earthly_a advantage_n and_o that_o salvation_n be_v the_o least_o important_a of_o all_o thing_n i_o need_v not_o say_v what_o effect_n such_o a_o negligence_n must_v produce_v the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n be_v ignorant_a in_o their_o duty_n have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o themselves_o decline_v the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o without_o which_o he_o declare_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v save_v and_o wear_v out_o their_o life_n in_o this_o ignorance_n and_o sloth_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o they_o can_v have_v any_o religion_n or_o piety_n and_o so_o there_o must_v be_v a_o general_a corruption_n among_o they_o i_o say_v it_o must_v be_v so_o unless_o god_n shall_v work_v miracle_n or_o rather_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o invert_v the_o order_n and_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v establish_v but_o because_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o christian_n do_v not_o live_v like_o atheist_n and_o that_o their_o negligence_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o i_o represent_v it_o let_v we_o consider_v a_o little_a what_o sort_n of_o care_n they_o bestow_v upon_o the_o concern_v of_o their_o soul_n certain_o there_o be_v some_o person_n who_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o this_o negligence_n but_o except_v these_o what_o be_v it_o which_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n do_v in_o order_n to_o their_o salvation_n very_o little_a or_o nothing_o they_o pray_v they_o assist_v sometime_o at_o divine_a service_n and_o at_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o religion_n they_o hear_v sermon_n they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o they_o perform_v some_o other_o duty_n of_o this_o nature_n this_o be_v all_o which_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o great_a part_n amount_v to_o but_o first_o these_o be_v not_o only_o the_o duty_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v practise_v there_o be_v other_o which_z be_v not_o less_o essential_a and_o which_o yet_o be_v general_o neglect_v such_o as_o meditation_n read_v self-examination_n to_o say_v nothing_o here_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o sanctificatification_n so_o that_o if_o some_o act_n of_o religion_n be_v perform_v other_o be_v quite_o omit_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o proceed_v may_v easy_o be_v discover_v there_o be_v a_o law_n and_o a_o custom_n which_o oblige_v all_o person_n to_o some_o act_n of_o religion_n to_o pray_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o go_v now_o and_o then_o to_o church_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v entire_o neglect_v these_o external_a duty_n he_o will_v be_v think_v a_o atheist_n but_o there_o be_v neither_o custom_n nor_o law_n nor_o worldly_a decency_n which_o oblige_v a_o man_n to_o meditate_v to_o examine_v his_o own_o conscience_n or_o to_o watch_v over_o his_o conduct_n and_o therefore_o these_o duty_n be_v leave_v to_o every_o one_o direction_n be_v very_o little_o observe_v as_o to_o the_o other_o duty_n which_o christian_n form_n in_o some_o measure_n the_o want_n of_o sincerity_n in_o they_o do_v most_o common_o turn_v they_o into_o so_o many_o act_n of_o hypocrisy_n they_o perhaps_o say_v some_o prayer_n in_o the_o morning_n but_o this_o be_v do_v without_o devotion_n hasty_o with_o distraction_n and_o weariness_n and_o only_o to_o get_v rid_v of_o it_o after_o they_o think_v no_o more_o of_o god_n all_o the_o day_n but_o be_v altogether_o busy_v about_o the_o world_n and_o their_o passion_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n they_o pray_v with_o great_a wander_a of_o thought_n than_o in_o the_o morning_n if_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o they_o go_v to_o church_n or_o hear_v a_o sermon_n they_o do_v not_o give_v a_o quarter_n of_o a_o hour_n close_a attention_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v or_o do_v in_o the_o public_a assembly_n in_o many_o place_n the_o whole_a devotion_n of_o the_o people_n consist_v in_o be_v present_a at_o some_o sermon_n which_o be_v as_o little_a insructive_a as_o they_o be_v mind_v or_o hearken_v to_o the_o use_n which_o be_v make_v of_o the_o sacrament_n especial_o of_o the_o eucharist_n convert_v they_o into_o vain_a ceremony_n and_o make_v they_o rather_o obstacle_n than_o help_v to_o salvation_n as_o to_o the_o mortify_n of_o the_o body_n by_o reasonable_a abstinence_n fast_v and_o retirement_n it_o be_v a_o unknown_a duty_n the_o indifference_n of_o christian_n be_v therefore_o but_o too_o palpable_a what_o they_o do_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n be_v very_o little_a and_o yet_o they_o do_v that_o little_a so_o ill_a that_o it_o be_v not_o much_o more_o beneficial_a to_o they_o than_o if_o they_o do_v nothing_o at_o all_o and_o now_o what_o may_v not_o be_v say_v if_o after_o have_v thus_o show_v that_o what_o man_n do_v for_o their_o salvation_n be_v next_o to_o nothing_o i_o shall_v undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v almost_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o damnation_n and_o that_o they_o be_v as_o zealous_a and_o industrious_a for_o their_o ruin_n as_o they_o be_v slothful_a and_o negligent_a in_o what_o be_v requisite_a to_o preserve_v they_o there_o be_v mean_n to_o corrupt_a as_o well_o as_o to_o sanctify_v ourselves_o the_o mean_n of_o corruption_n and_o perdition_n be_v ignorance_n want_v of_o attention_n neglect_v of_o devotion_n the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o flesh_n unruly_a passion_n temptation_n and_o ill_a example_n now_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n be_v so_o monstrous_o frantic_a as_o to_o form_v the_o design_n of_o damn_v himself_o what_o will_v such_o a_o man_n do_v he_o will_v neglect_v the_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n he_o will_v not_o pray_v at_o all_o or_o he_o will_v pray_v only_o with_o his_o lip_n he_o will_v profane_v the_o sacrament_n by_o a_o unsanctify_v use_n of_o they_o he_o will_v only_o mind_v his_o body_n and_o this_o present_a life_n he_o will_v give_v loose_a reins_o to_o
place_n of_o the_o prophet_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o some_o have_v think_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v equal_o rich_a every_o where_o that_o all_o doctrine_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o all_o text_n that_o those_o chapter_n and_o verse_n which_o seem_v the_o most_o barren_a and_o where_o there_o appear_v nothing_o extraordinary_a contain_v mystery_n and_o treasure_n which_o may_v exhaust_v even_o the_o meditation_n of_o angel_n but_o this_o conceit_n be_v so_o absurd_a and_o repugnant_a to_o sense_n that_o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o worth_a my_o while_n to_o confute_v it_o moral_n be_v so_o essential_a a_o part_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v very_o particular_o insist_v upon_o by_o preacher_n and_o yet_o few_o do_v it_o so_o that_o morality_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o superficial_o handle_v in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o sermon_n this_o fault_n in_o preacher_n proceed_v from_o several_a cause_n some_o have_v a_o prejudice_n against_o morality_n and_o think_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o other_o who_o be_v conceit_v with_o vain_a learning_n imagine_v that_o to_o preach_v moral_n argue_v but_o a_o ordinary_a measure_n of_o part_n and_o little_a skill_n in_o divinity_n and_o that_o it_o become_v they_o better_a to_o soar_v after_o high_a speculation_n and_o to_o dive_v into_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o most_o sublime_a theology_n this_o custom_n of_o insist_v more_o upon_o doctrine_n than_o moral_n proceed_v also_o from_o another_o cause_n which_o be_v that_o in_o this_o last_o age_n divine_n be_v fain_o to_o be_v continual_o explain_v and_o dispute_v and_o so_o the_o same_o method_n have_v be_v follow_v ever_o since_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v beside_o that_o many_o divine_n neglect_v morality_n because_o the_o treat_v of_o it_o be_v more_o difficult_a than_o the_o explain_v doctrinal_a matter_n let_v those_o supercilious_a and_o speculative_a divine_n say_v what_o they_o will_v the_o right_a handle_n of_o morality_n be_v the_o hard_a thing_n in_o preach_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o explain_v a_o text_n or_o a_o point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o a_o man_n must_v be_v very_o mean_o gift_v if_o with_o the_o help_n of_o a_o commentary_n or_o a_o commons-place_n he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v the_o feat_n and_o to_o furnish_v out_o his_o hour_n but_o to_o preach_v moral_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n i_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v a_o way_n of_o preach_a morality_n which_o require_v no_o great_a pain_n if_o man_n content_v themselves_o with_o deliver_v moral_a saying_n concern_v vice_n and_o virtue_n this_o may_v be_v do_v without_o much_o labour_n but_o when_o a_o preacher_n pursue_v true_a morality_n when_o he_o be_v to_o master_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o reform_v the_o manner_n of_o a_o whole_a congregation_n to_o encounter_v the_o inclination_n of_o his_o hearer_n and_o to_o make_v they_o renounce_v their_o passion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la then_o it_o be_v that_o he_o meet_v with_o many_o and_o great_a difficulty_n this_o be_v a_o inexhaustible_a spring_n of_o labour_n and_o mediation_n and_o a_o task_n which_o few_o preacher_n care_v 〈◊〉_d take_v upon_o they_o in_o religion_n doctrine_n shall_v never_o be_v separate_v from_o morality_n nor_o one_o of_o these_o prefer_v before_o the_o other_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o insist_v more_o upon_o morality_n than_o upon_o doctrine_n not_o only_o because_o the_o design_n of_o our_o whole_a religion_n be_v to_o make_v we_o good_a man_n but_o also_o because_o morality_n can_v effectual_o be_v teach_v without_o be_v much_o dwell_v upon_o it_o be_v only_o by_o enlarge_n on_o matter_n and_o enter_v into_o many_o particular_n that_o the_o two_o end_n of_o morality_n be_v to_o be_v attain_v which_o be_v instruct_v man_n in_o their_o duty_n and_o persuade_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o morality_n be_v of_o a_o vast_a extent_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o consider_v how_o many_o duty_n be_v comprise_v under_o these_o three_o head_n of_o christian_a moral_n piety_n justice_n and_o temperance_n beside_o these_o duty_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n there_o be_v some_o particular_a one_o relate_v to_o the_o different_a condition_n calling_n age_n and_o state_n which_o man_n be_v in_o and_o how_o many_o thing_n be_v there_o to_o be_v consider_v upon_o all_o these_o head_n this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o these_o duty_n vary_v infinite_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o diversity_n of_o circumstance_n there_o be_v almost_o as_o many_o different_a disposition_n as_o there_o be_v person_n among_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o man_n who_o be_v addict_v to_o the_o same_o vice_n there_o be_v hardly_o two_o who_o be_v vicious_a in_o the_o same_o degree_n and_o manner_n it_o be_v therefore_o requisite_a that_o preacher_n shall_v descend_v into_o particular_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v so_o characterise_v duty_n virtue_n and_o vice_n that_o every_o one_o may_v know_v himself_o in_o the_o description_n and_o yet_o this_o relate_v only_o to_o bare_a instruction_n now_o if_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o intend_v to_o engage_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o duty_n there_o new_a difficulty_n will_v arise_v and_o no_o good_a success_n can_v be_v expect_v but_o from_o assiduous_a care_n and_o constant_a labour_n there_o be_v in_o man_n heart_n so_o many_o different_a disposition_n and_o motion_n so_o many_o illusion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la so_o many_o wind_n and_o artifices_fw-la that_o a_o very_a particular_a application_n be_v require_v for_o we_o to_o insinuate_v ourselves_o into_o it_o when_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v teach_v thing_n need_v not_o be_v so_o minutely_o handle_v and_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n to_o use_v such_o mighty_a endeavour_n nay_o the_o be_v very_o particular_a may_v be_v a_o fault_n he_o that_o will_v instruct_v so_o he_o be_v clear_a shall_v rather_o be_v short_a than_o prolix_a the_o hearer_n do_v easy_o apprehend_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v propose_v to_o they_o and_o the_o most_o corrupt_a man_n be_v able_a to_o discern_v truth_n from_o error_n a_o libertine_n will_v find_v who_o be_v in_o the_o right_n or_o in_o the_o wrong_n in_o a_o dispute_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a a_o thing_n to_o touch_v the_o heart_n or_o to_o conquer_v inveterate_a habit_n what_o tully_n say_v in_o his_o dialogue_n of_o the_o orator_n deserve_v to_o be_v insert_v here_o it_o be_v this_o possunt_fw-la this_o cicero_n de_fw-fr orat._n lib._n 2._o non_fw-la enim_fw-la sicut_fw-la argumentum_fw-la simul_fw-la atque_fw-la positum_fw-la est_fw-la arripitur_fw-la alterumque_fw-la &_o tertium_fw-la poscitur_fw-la ita_fw-la misericordiam_fw-la aut_fw-la invidiam_fw-la aut_fw-la iracundiam_fw-la simulatque_fw-la intuleris_fw-la possis_fw-la commovere_fw-la argumentam_fw-la enim_fw-la ipsa_fw-la ratione_fw-la confirmat_fw-la quae_fw-la simul_fw-la atque_fw-la emissa_fw-la est_fw-la adhaerescit_fw-la illud_fw-la autem_fw-la genus_fw-la orationis_fw-la non_fw-la cognitionem_fw-la judicis_fw-la sed_fw-la perturbationem_fw-la requirit_fw-la quam_fw-la consequi_fw-la nisi_fw-la multa_fw-la &_o varia_fw-la &_o copiosa_fw-la &_o simili_fw-la contentione_n orationis_fw-la nemo_fw-la potest_fw-la quare_fw-la qui_fw-la aut_fw-la breviter_fw-la aut_fw-la summisse_fw-la dicunt_fw-la docere_fw-la judicem_fw-la possunt_fw-la commovere_fw-la non_fw-la possunt_fw-la passion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v excite_v in_o a_o moment_n as_o a_o proof_n do_v present_o persuade_v so_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v propose_v a_o proof_n be_v confirm_v by_o reason_n and_o reason_n clear_o set_v out_o make_v a_o impression_n immediate_o but_o when_o we_o intend_v to_o raise_v the_o passion_n the_o success_n do_v not_o so_o much_o depend_v upon_o the_o conviction_n as_o upon_o the_o perturbation_n of_o the_o mind_n oratory_n can_v have_v its_o effect_n then_o without_o prolixity_n variety_n copiousness_n and_o vehemence_n of_o discourse_n those_o therefore_o who_o speak_v brief_o and_o calm_o be_v fit_a to_o instruct_v but_o not_o to_o move_v from_o these_o reflection_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o method_n of_o those_o preacher_n who_o be_v large_a upon_o the_o explication_n of_o doctrine_n and_o succinct_a upon_o moral_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o true_a way_n of_o preach_v and_o that_o those_o do_v very_o ill_o understand_v what_o morality_n be_v who_o either_o despise_v it_o or_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o easy_a thing_n in_o preach_v we_o may_v likewise_o apprehend_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v what_o be_v the_o most_o ordinary_a fault_n of_o preacher_n when_o they_o treat_v of_o moral_n i_o shall_v observe_v three_o of_o they_o their_o morality_n be_v too_o general_a it_o be_v defective_a and_o it_o be_v sometime_o false_a 1._o many_o preacher_n be_v too_o general_a in_o handle_v morality_n this_o be_v the_o head_n which_o be_v the_o most_o slight_o touch_v upon_o they_o spend_v the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o sermon_n in_o explain_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o text_n
follower_n mat._n xxii_o to_o render_v to_o caesar_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v caesar_n 2._o one_o of_o the_o chief_a precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v xiii_o be_v rom._n xiii_o that_o all_o man_n shall_v obey_v and_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n now_o this_o precept_n can_v not_o possible_o be_v observe_v if_o in_o the_o natural_a establishment_n of_o civil_a society_n there_o be_v something_o incompatible_a with_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n vi_o christianity_n mat._n vi_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n when_o they_o command_v contrary_a thing_n but_o st._n paul_n go_v further_a he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o preservation_n of_o king_n and_o the_o submit_v to_o their_o authory_n be_v a_o mean_a for_o christian_n *_o to_o lead_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n 3._o it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o whatever_o be_v good_a and_o just_a in_o the_o civil_a be_v so_o likewise_o in_o the_o religious_a society_n and_o that_o whatever_o be_v prescribe_v by_o religion_n be_v just_a and_o even_o beneficial_a to_o civil_a society_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o civil_a law_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o do_v perfect_o agree_v with_o the_o principle_n and_o moral_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o evident_a proof_n of_o this_o be_v that_o when_o christian_a emperor_n and_o lawgiver_n do_v set_v about_o the_o make_n of_o law_n and_o constitution_n they_o retain_v the_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n receive_v among_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o greek_n in_o the_o time_n of_o heathenism_n and_o to_o this_o day_n the_o old_a roman_a law_n be_v follow_v among_o christian_n except_v some_o law_n which_o have_v be_v alter_v or_o abrogate_a either_o because_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o natural_a justice_n and_o equity_n or_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o a_o general_a and_o necessary_a use_n 4._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o religion_n and_o civil_a society_n do_v mutual_o support_v one_o another_o when_o both_o be_v well_o regulate_v religion_n contribute_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o society_n by_o render_v the_o authority_n of_o prince_n more_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a and_o the_o good_a order_n of_o society_n contribute_v to_o the_o welfare_n and_o the_o progress_n of_o religion_n let_v we_o suppose_v a_o magistrate_n who_o love_v piety_n and_o justice_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o at_o the_o same_o i_o that_o he_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n ii_o religion_n 1_o tim._n ii_o he_o strengthen_v the_o welfare_n of_o society_n and_o that_o he_o can_v procure_v the_o good_a of_o society_n without_o advance_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n if_o we_o suppose_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n a_o magistrate_n who_o do_v not_o act_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o justice_n it_o be_v visible_a that_o by_o suffer_a religion_n to_o be_v violate_v or_o despise_v he_o shake_v the_o sure_a foundation_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o of_o public_a tranquillity_n and_o that_o by_o fail_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o office_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o justice_n he_o make_v the_o people_n grow_v vicious_a and_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o piety_n from_o these_o consideration_n it_o do_v manifest_o appear_v that_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n may_v either_o procure_v great_a advantage_n to_o religion_n or_o do_v it_o a_o considerable_a prejudice_n and_o that_o they_o be_v in_o part_n the_o author_n of_o the_o corruption_n which_o reign_v in_o the_o world_n when_o civil-society_n be_v well_o govern_v man_n be_v dispose_v by_o that_o very_a thing_n to_o practice_v the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n in_o proportion_n as_o the_o people_n be_v well_o order_v they_o be_v more_o tractable_a and_o susceptible_a of_o the_o impression_n of_o piety_n as_o they_o be_v use_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o magistrate_n they_o do_v the_o more_o easy_o submit_v to_o the_o holy_a discipline_n of_o christ_n yea_o and_o by_o obey_v civil-law_n they_o do_v already_o discharge_v some_o part_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o when_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n either_o through_o ignorance_n or_o want_v of_o probity_n and_o virtue_n give_v way_n to_o the_o violation_n of_o justice_n and_o good_a order_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o religion_n must_v suffer_v by_o it_o for_o beside_o that_o the_o people_n can_v break_v the_o civil-law_n without_o violate_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n how_o can_v they_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n when_o they_o do_v not_o discharge_v those_o of_o nature_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o persuade_v people_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o do_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o justice_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o man_n who_o do_v not_o order_v their_o outward_a action_n aright_o shall_v regulate_v their_o thought_n and_o resist_v their_o passion_n or_o that_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o first_o element_n of_o virtue_n they_o shall_v come_v up_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o most_o sublime_a precept_n of_o christian_a moral_n beside_o the_o want_n of_o order_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n and_o government_n draw_v after_o it_o all_o kind_n of_o disorder_n with_o relation_n to_o manner_n such_o as_o dishonesty_n and_o what_o be_v most_o dangerous_a a_o spirit_n of_o libertinism_n and_o independence_n which_o make_v man_n untoward_a and_o refractory_a to_o good_a discipline_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v here_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n life_n be_v take_v up_o with_o civil_a matter_n all_o person_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v the_o magistrate_n and_o few_o be_v altogether_o free_a from_o law-suit_n and_o business_n so_o that_o when_o the_o people_n be_v not_o well_o govern_v with_o relation_n to_o civil_a thing_n they_o do_v so_o accustom_v themselves_o to_o live_v without_o rule_n of_o restraint_n that_o religion_n can_v no_o long_o have_v any_o power_n over_o they_o the_o neglect_n and_o remissness_n of_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n do_v occasion_n all_o this_o mischief_n but_o if_o the_o bare_a carelessness_n of_o magistrate_n be_v so_o fatal_a to_o society_n how_o must_v it_o be_v when_o they_o themselves_o be_v vicious_a and_o unjust_a either_o in_o their_o own_o particular_a conduct_n or_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n the_o great_a unhappiness_n that_o can_v befall_v any_o people_n be_v when_o those_o who_o be_v invest_v with_o the_o supreme_a authority_n favour_n injustice_n and_o vice_n it_o may_v be_v say_v then_o that_o the_o public_a fountain_n be_v poison_v the_o whole_a state_n be_v order_v by_o the_o sovereign_n they_o be_v those_o from_o who_o the_o law_n receive_v their_o force_n who_o appoint_v judge_n and_o magistrate_n and_o who_o regulate_v the_o administration_n of_o justice_n when_o inferior_a magistrate_n prevaricate_v this_o may_v be_v remedy_v by_o the_o sovereign_n but_o when_o the_o sovereign_n himself_o fail_v in_o his_o duty_n no_o redress_n can_v be_v expect_v not_o but_o that_o subordinate_a officer_n and_o magistrate_n may_v likewise_o occasion_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o mischief_n if_o we_o suppose_v in_o a_o province_n or_o a_o town_n magistrate_n and_o judge_n who_o want_v integrity_n who_o consult_v only_o their_o profit_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n who_o be_v not_o proof_n against_o bribe_n who_o administer_v justice_n from_o a_o principle_n of_o covetousness_n or_o passion_n who_o act_n by_o recommendation_n or_o favour_n and_o who_o be_v full_a of_o artifice_n and_o dissimulation_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o introduce_v and_o authorise_v wickedness_n throughout_o their_o whole_a jurisdiction_n to_o pervert_v right_o to_o banish_v justice_n and_o honesty_n from_o all_o court_n to_o make_v way_n for_o knavery_n and_o litigiousness_n for_o the_o protract_n of_o suit_n the_o abuse_n and_o violation_n of_o oath_n and_o many_o other_o disorder_n then_o it_o be_v that_o vice_n be_v in_o fashion_n and_o repute_n that_o virtue_n and_o innocency_n be_v oppress_v and_o that_o the_o people_n grow_v corrupt_a now_o all_o this_o be_v a_o direct_a undermine_v of_o religion_n and_o piety_n let_v any_o body_n judge_n whether_o i_o have_v not_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age_n may_v be_v impute_v to_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n but_o all_o these_o evil_n be_v yet_o more_o unavoidable_a when_o the_o prince_n or_o magistrate_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n a_o heathen_a magistrate_n have_v not_o by_o much_o that_o influence_n upon_o religion_n and_o manner_n that_o a_o christian_n have_v the_o church_n be_v pure_a and_o more_o separate_v from_o the_o world_n when_o the_o superior_a power_n be_v contrary_a to_o it_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o emperor_n have_v embrace_v christianity_n piety_n
practice_n of_o religion_n i._o the_o consideration_n to_o be_v insist_v on_o concern_v the_o first_o head_n relate_v either_o to_o the_o thing_n which_o child_n be_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o or_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o instruct_v they_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o thing_n themselves_o there_o be_v two_o article_n upon_o which_o the_o instruction_n of_o youth_n ought_v to_o depend_v and_o those_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n the_o chief_a rule_n to_o be_v observe_v with_o relation_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o insist_v upon_o those_o which_o be_v the_o most_o necessary_a and_o to_o give_v a_o distinct_a notion_n of_o they_o to_o child_n and_o here_o two_o fault_n be_v commit_v the_o first_o be_v when_o they_o be_v not_o instruct_v in_o all_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v in_o order_n to_o be_v a_o christian_a the_o second_o be_v when_o such_o instruction_n be_v propose_v to_o they_o as_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o their_o age_n or_o even_o useless_a to_o explain_v my_o mean_v a_o little_a further_o i_o say_v first_o that_o there_o be_v some_o essential_a thing_n which_o child_n be_v not_o at_o all_o or_o but_o imperfect_o teach_v among_o these_o we_o may_v reckon_v the_o knowledge_n of_o sacred_a history_n religion_n be_v found_v upon_o history_n religion_n be_v found_v upon_o history_n and_o fact_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a that_o instruction_n shall_v begin_v at_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o at_o the_o main_a event_n which_o be_v relate_v both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n so_o that_o child_n may_v know_v at_o least_o in_o general_n the_o principal_a age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o most_o remarkable_a thing_n which_o do_v happen_v from_o the_o creation_n to_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n what_o the_o flood_n be_v what_o be_v the_o egyptian_a and_o the_o babilonish_a captivity_n what_o time_n moses_n david_n the_o patriarch_n and_o the_o prophet_n live_v in_o what_o sort_n of_o people_n the_o heathen_n and_o the_o jew_n be_v and_o what_o kind_n of_o life_n our_o saviour_n lead_v it_o must_v not_o be_v say_v that_o history_n be_v above_o the_o capacity_n of_o child_n for_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v to_o they_o the_o easy_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o harken_v to_o with_o the_o great_a pleasure_n and_o which_o they_o remember_v best_a nothing_o do_v more_o smooth_o enter_v into_o their_o mind_n than_o history_n all_o the_o thing_n i_o have_v not_o mention_v may_v be_v teach_v they_o in_o a_o week_n and_o this_o knowledge_n be_v as_o necessary_a as_o it_o be_v easy_o acquire_v a_o man_n can_v never_o understand_v his_o religion_n well_o or_o be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o its_o truth_n if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v the_o fact_n which_o be_v suppose_n we_o see_v that_o it_o be_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o history_n that_o god_n choose_v to_o instruct_v mankind_n and_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n make_v up_o the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n that_o in_o catechism_n and_o other_o instruction_n give_v to_o youth_n history_n shall_v be_v so_o little_o insist_v upon_o this_o be_v visible_o one_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o profound_a ignorance_n which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n live_v in_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o understand_v almost_o nothing_o of_o what_o they_o read_v or_o hear_v in_o sermon_n and_o why_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v teach_v make_v so_o little_a impression_n upon_o they_o teach_v child_n history_n give_v they_o beforehand_o some_o notion_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n but_o yet_o these_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n ought_v to_o be_v propose_v to_o they_o separately_z that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o more_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o they_o above_o all_o thing_n great_a care_n shall_v be_v take_v to_o imprint_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v instruct_v the_o knowledge_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n but_o this_o likewise_o be_v not_o do_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o catechism_n as_o well_o as_o in_o sermon_n particular_a truth_n be_v dwell_v upon_o and_o the_o general_a one_o be_v touch_v only_o by_o the_o by_o this_o be_v a_o fault_n i_o have_v observe_v in_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o this_o work_n now_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o child_n be_v suffer_v to_o be_v ignorant_a about_o many_o important_a article_n they_o be_v perplex_v with_o divers_a useless_a or_o not_o very_o necessary_a instruction_n instead_o of_o limit_v they_o to_o the_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n their_o mind_n and_o memory_n be_v fill_v up_o with_o many_o thing_n which_o they_o may_v safe_o be_v ignorant_a of_o some_o will_v have_v they_o understand_v the_o dispute_n of_o divine_n concern_v the_o most_o curious_a and_o abstruse_a question_n and_o they_o be_v make_v to_o get_v several_a thing_n by_o heart_n which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o which_o be_v of_o no_o great_a use_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n child_n learn_v these_o thing_n and_o say_v they_o without_o book_n and_o be_v possess_v with_o the_o conceit_n that_o they_o be_v as_o many_o article_n of_o faith_n they_o rank_n among_o divine_a truth_n school_n term_n and_o doctrine_n of_o which_o they_o neither_o apprehend_v the_o certainty_n nor_o the_o use_n and_o thus_o have_v none_o but_o intricate_a idea_n about_o religion_n they_o do_v not_o perceive_v the_o beauty_n the_o solidity_n or_o the_o excellence_n of_o it_o and_o they_o have_v neither_o true_a love_n nor_o respect_n for_o it_o when_o child_n be_v once_o instruct_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v particular_o necessary_a to_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a sort_n of_o duty_n in_o religion_n first_o the_o duty_n conceme_v divine_a worship_n or_o service_n and_o then_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n the_o first_o be_v adoration_n the_o honour_n which_o be_v pay_v to_o god_n prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n but_o as_o these_o duty_n may_v be_v perform_v either_o outward_o or_o in_o wardly_a it_o be_v of_o very_o great_a moment_n to_o make_v child_n apprehend_v that_o brayer_n and_o all_o the_o other_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n aught_o to_o proceed_v from_o the_o heart_n that_o iu._n that_o john_n iu._n god_n will_v be_v serve_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o that_o without_o this_o the_o worship_n which_o be_v pay_v to_o he_o either_o in_o private_a or_o in_o public_a do_v only_o provoke_v his_o displeasure_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o therefore_o to_o tell_v child_n that_o they_o must_v pray_v to_o god_n or_o go_v to_o church_n and_o to_o teach_v they_o some_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v say_v at_o certain_a time_n and_o hour_n all_o this_o be_v but_o external_a and_o if_o we_o go_v no_o far_o if_o we_o do_v not_o careful_o inform_v they_o that_o true_a worship_n be_v internal_a and_o spiritual_a we_o shall_v make_v but_o hypocrite_n of_o they_o by_o tench_a they_o to_o pray_v and_o to_o perform_v religious_a acts._n the_o fault_n then_o which_o be_v commit_v in_o this_o point_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o we_o may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o hypocrisy_n and_o indevotion_n be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o negligence_n the_o religion_n of_o most_o christian_n consist_v only_o in_o some_o external_a action_n they_o think_v they_o have_v fulfil_v their_o duty_n when_o they_o have_v recite_v some_o prayer_n or_o be_v present_a at_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n though_o in_o all_o they_o do_v this_o kind_n they_o have_v neither_o attention_n nor_o elevation_n of_o heart_n but_o this_o error_n which_o be_v so_o capital_a and_o yet_o so_o common_a arise_v chief_o from_o hence_o that_o child_n be_v form_v only_o to_o a_o mere_a outside_n devotion_n and_o worship_n young_a people_n be_v not_o much_o better_o instruct_v in_o moral_a duty_n i_o shall_v not_o enter_v here_o upon_o all_o the_o consideration_n which_o the_o subject_n may_v afford_v because_o i_o have_v treat_v of_o the_o want_n of_o instruction_n concern_v moral_n in_o several_a place_n of_o this_o treatise_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o 1_o chap._n of_o the_o first_o part._n yet_o i_o must_v say_v that_o this_o defect_n proceed_v from_o the_o instruction_n which_o be_v give_v to_o youth_n much_o great_a care_n be_v take_v to_o inform_v they_o about_o the_o doctrine_n than_o about_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n the_o question_n concern_v the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o other_o point_n of_o doctrine_n be_v handle_v and_o examine_v large_o enough_o in_o catechism_n and_o controversy_n be_v not_o forget_v but_o the_o ten_o commandment_n be_v explain_v in_o so_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 severity_n if_o religion_n be_v represent_v to_o they_o with_o a_o attractive_a aspect_n they_o will_v certain_o embrace_v it_o with_o eagerness_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n those_o who_o teach_v or_o speak_v to_o they_o of_o religion_n do_v it_o with_o a_o air_n of_o severity_n and_o a_o dismal_a tone_n and_o with_o those_o circumstance_n which_o make_v they_o averse_a to_o it_o command_n threaten_n and_o constraint_n be_v use_v to_o make_v they_o take_v their_o catechism_n or_o say_v their_o prayer_n if_o they_o fail_v to_o do_v this_o their_o teacher_n be_v angry_a and_o beat_v they_o when_o we_o exhort_v they_o to_o piety_n in_o stead_n of_o go_v about_o this_o with_o such_o a_o gentleness_n as_o may_v make_v virtue_n amiable_a to_o they_o we_o speak_v in_o a_o harsh_a and_o chide_a manner_n the_o effect_n of_o this_o be_v that_o child_n see_v nothing_o in_o religion_n that_o be_v entice_a take_v up_o a_o prejudice_n against_o it_o they_o look_v upon_o that_o instruction_n to_o which_o they_o be_v compel_v as_o a_o hard_a piece_n of_o labour_n and_o drudgery_n religion_n be_v no_o soon_o mention_v but_o it_o damp_n their_o good_a humour_n they_o do_v nothing_o but_o by_o constraint_n and_o against_o their_o will_n they_o free_v themselves_o from_o that_o constraint_n assoon_o as_o they_o can_v and_o they_o bear_v during_o their_o whole_a life_n a_o aversion_n or_o at_o least_o a_o indifference_n to_o religion_n ii_o i_o have_v be_v discourse_v hitherto_o of_o what_o relate_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n and_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v clear_o prove_v that_o general_o speak_v child_n be_v ill_o instruct_v i_o be_o now_o to_o consider_v education_n with_o relation_n to_o practice_n for_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o infuse_v into_o young_a people_n a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n if_o they_o be_v noâ—_n teach_v to_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o that_o knowledge_n and_o to_o direct_v it_o to_o its_o true_a end_n which_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n but_o it_o be_v seldom_o that_o the_o care_n of_o parent_n and_o of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o instruct_n of_o child_n go_v so_o far_o if_o they_o take_v some_o care_n about_o their_o instruction_n they_o general_o neglect_v they_o as_o to_o the_o practical_a part_n and_o they_o little_o inquire_v whether_o they_o live_v according_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o religion_n now_o instruction_n thus_o dispense_v do_v not_o only_o prove_v useless_a but_o they_o may_v likewise_o make_v child_n double_o wicked_a and_o fill_v they_o with_o the_o most_o dangerous_a prejudices_fw-la when_o child_n observe_v that_o religion_n be_v propose_v to_o they_o only_o in_o a_o historical_a and_o speculative_a manner_n and_o that_o provide_v they_o remember_v what_o be_v tell_v they_o and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o they_o be_v commend_v for_o be_v well_o skill_v in_o religion_n and_o that_o as_o for_o the_o rest_n they_o be_v permit_v to_o live_v as_o they_o please_v and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o chide_v though_o they_o do_v not_o practice_v what_o they_o be_v teach_v they_o conclude_v from_o all_o this_o that_o religion_n consist_v whole_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o profession_n of_o certain_a truth_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o frame_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o accustom_v themselves_o beside_o to_o slight_v their_o knowledge_n and_o to_o act_v against_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n these_o pernicious_a sentiment_n be_v infuse_v into_o child_n when_o instruction_n be_v not_o direct_v to_o practice_n to_o prevent_v so_o great_a a_o evil_a these_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v 1._o the_o design_n of_o propose_v the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n to_o child_n shall_v be_v to_o beget_v in_o they_o a_o love_n and_o a_o respect_n for_o they_o and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o we_o shall_v let_v they_o see_v their_o certainty_n their_o importance_n and_o their_o use_n it_o ought_v then_o to_o be_v careful_o inculcate_v to_o they_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o true_a and_o certain_a nothing_o of_o great_a importance_n or_o that_o concern_v we_o near_o than_o religion_n and_o that_o in_o comparison_n with_o it_o all_o that_o we_o see_v in_o the_o world_n be_v of_o very_o little_a or_o no_o consequence_n and_o last_o that_o it_o be_v reveal_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o make_v we_o good_a and_o to_o conduct_v we_o to_o the_o high_a bessedness_n by_o this_o method_n instruction_n will_v always_o terminate_v in_o practice_n by_o teach_v child_n to_o know_v god_n we_o shall_v excite_v in_o they_o a_o love_n and_o reverence_n towards_o that_o supreme_a be_v by_o speak_v to_o they_o of_o providence_n we_o shall_v make_v they_o apprehend_v that_o god_n
see_v every_o thing_n and_o what_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o depend_v upon_o and_o to_o fear_v he_o by_o tell_v they_o the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o shall_v make_v they_o observe_v in_o those_o various_a event_n the_o effect_n of_o god_n wisdom_n of_o his_o goodness_n power_n and_o justice_n in_o explain_v to_o they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sacrament_n we_o shall_v chief_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o make_v they_o understand_v what_o these_o sacred_a ceremony_n oblige_v christian_n to_o what_o a_o august_n and_o venerable_n thing_n baptism_n be_v and_o what_o purity_n be_v require_v in_o those_o who_o be_v baptize_v and_o so_o when_o we_o speak_v to_o child_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o suffering_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o a_o future_a judgement_n of_o the_o punishment_n and_o reward_n of_o another_o life_n and_o of_o all_o the_o other_o truth_n we_o shall_v do_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v stir_v they_o up_o to_o piety_n and_o holiness_n 2._o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o ought_v to_o engage_v child_n to_o the_o practice_n and_o observation_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n with_o relation_n both_o to_o worship_n and_o manner_n and_o first_o it_o be_v altogether_o necessary_a to_o teach_v they_o to_o render_v to_o god_n the_o worship_n that_o be_v due_a to_o he_o there_o be_v few_o christian_a family_n where_o something_o be_v not_o do_v with_o this_o intention_n child_n be_v make_v to_o learn_v some_o prayer_n to_o say_v they_o morning_n and_o evening_n and_o to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o public_a and_o private_a exercise_n of_o piety_n but_o the_o main_n shall_v be_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o sincerity_n in_o divine-service_n lest_o they_o fall_v into_o impiety_n and_o hypocrisy_n the_o great_a endeavour_n shall_v be_v to_o accustom_v they_o to_o pray_v with_o attention_n and_o reverence_n this_o may_v at_o first_o seem_v difficult_a we_o neither_o see_v the_o heart_n of_o child_n nor_o can_v regulate_v the_o motion_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o i_o think_v there_o be_v way_n to_o fix_v their_o mind_n which_o may_v be_v successful_o use_v and_o i_o hope_v my_o reader_n will_v not_o think_v it_o amiss_o if_o i_o dwell_v a_o little_a upon_o this_o head_n consider_v the_o importance_n of_o it_o 1._o i_o will_v not_o have_v child_n pray_v before_o they_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o what_o they_o be_v do_v there_o be_v a_o custom_n establish_v every_o where_o which_o i_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o first_o cause_n of_o indevotion_n and_o that_o be_v to_o make_v little_a child_n recite_v prayer_n and_o long_o one_o too_o i_o do_v not_o apprehend_v the_o use_n of_o this_o nor_o where_o the_o inconvenience_n will_v be_v if_o child_n do_v not_o pray_v at_o a_o age_n when_o they_o can_v hardly_o speak_v a_o articulate_a word_n it_o will_v be_v time_n enough_o to_o make_v they_o pray_v when_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o some_o reflection_n if_o we_o do_v wait_v till_o then_o they_o may_v pray_v with_o attention_n and_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o they_o will_v do_v it_o with_o pleasure_n and_o reverence_n child_n think_v it_o a_o honour_n to_o do_v what_o be_v do_v by_o man_n if_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o pray_v till_o they_o come_v to_o a_o certain_a age_n they_o will_v look_v upon_o pray_v as_o a_o particular_a privilege_n but_o when_o they_o be_v make_v to_o pray_v before_o they_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o what_o they_o do_v it_o put_v this_o notion_n into_o their_o head_n that_o pray_v in_o nothing_o else_o but_o recite_v of_o prayer_n and_o beside_o that_o obligation_n which_o be_v lay_v upon_o they_o to_o perform_v regular_o a_o duty_n of_o which_o they_o do_v not_o yet_o understand_v the_o necessity_n or_o the_o use_n make_v that_o they_o only_o observe_v it_o out_o of_o custom_n 2._o i_o can_v wish_v that_o when_o we_o begin_v to_o make_v child_n pray_v we_o shall_v teach_v they_o plain_a and_o short_a prayer_n wherein_o they_o may_v say_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o understand_v two_o or_o three_o sentence_n be_v enough_o in_o those_o beginning_n and_o as_o they_o grow_v in_o year_n long_a prayer_n may_v be_v prescribe_v they_o brevity_n be_v to_o every_o body_n a_o help_n to_o devotion_n but_o child_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o long_a attention_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o long_a prayer_n be_v not_o at_o all_o fit_a for_o they_o 3._o it_o will_v be_v very_o useful_a to_o discourse_n with_o they_o about_o the_o excellency_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o make_v they_o apprehend_v what_o a_o honour_n it_o be_v for_o we_o to_o speak_v to_o god_n and_o to_o lay_v open_a our_o necessity_n before_o he_o 4._o in_o order_n to_o accustom_v child_n to_o look_v upon_o prayer_n with_o reverence_n and_o to_o go_v about_o it_o with_o seriousness_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v allow_v to_o pray_v when_o they_o be_v strong_o posseff_v with_o some_o passion_n or_o object_n or_o when_o they_o have_v commit_v a_o considerable_a fault_n against_o piety_n 5._o it_o be_v particular_o necessary_a to_o regulate_v and_o observe_v their_o behaviour_n and_o look_n while_o they_o be_v at_o prayer_n and_o then_o likewise_o to_o express_v a_o reverence_n ourselves_o and_o to_o say_v or_o do_v nothing_o that_o may_v give_v they_o any_o distraction_n it_o be_v a_o custom_n as_o bad_a as_o it_o be_v ordinary_a in_o family_n to_o go_v to_o and_o fro_o to_o be_v busy_a and_o to_o talk_v all_o the_o while_n that_o child_n be_v say_v their_o prayer_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o amid_o all_o that_o noise_n which_o will_v even_o hinder_v old_a people_n to_o pray_v as_o they_o ought_v child_n who_o thought_n be_v so_o ramble_v shall_v not_o be_v distract_v and_o what_o reverence_n can_v be_v expect_v from_o they_o about_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n when_o their_o father_n and_o mother_n who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d show_v none_o at_o all_o this_o be_v what_o i_o have_v to_o observe_v concern_v prayer_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n as_o to_o what_o concern_v the_o duty_n of_o morality_n very_o particular_a care_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v to_o make_v child_n observe_v they_o the_o first_o mean_v to_o be_v use_v next_o to_o instruction_n be_v to_o exhort_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o to_o represent_v to_o they_o that_o piety_n and_o holiness_n be_v the_o essential_a character_n of_o a_o christian_n but_o the_o exhortation_n direct_v to_o they_o will_v have_v no_o great_a effect_n if_o they_o be_v not_o dispense_v with_o prudence_n sometime_o parent_n spoil_v all_o though_o they_o mean_v well_o they_o exhort_v and_o chide_v at_o every_o turn_n they_o be_v perpetual_o admonish_v and_o moralize_v by_o this_o they_o give_v a_o disgust_n to_o their_o child_n instead_o of_o win_v upon_o they_o exhortation_n ought_v to_o be_v accompany_v with_o discretion_n and_o gentleness_n above_o all_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o persuade_v and_o to_o prevail_v upon_o child_n by_o reason_n that_o so_o be_v convince_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n of_o the_o justice_n beauty_n and_o usefulness_n of_o virtue_n they_o may_v practice_v it_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n out_o of_o inclination_n and_o with_o pleasure_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o exhort_v child_n as_o be_v fit_v it_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o temper_n and_o to_o observe_v which_o be_v their_o predominant_a inclination_n that_o if_o those_o inclination_n be_v good_a they_o may_v be_v cultivate_v and_o if_o bad_a correct_v and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o know_v the_o temper_n of_o child_n because_o they_o deal_v ingenuous_o and_o have_v not_o yet_o â—â—arned_a the_o art_n of_o dissemble_v if_o man_n do_v make_v this_o their_o study_n if_o they_o do_v take_v hold_n of_o the_o good_a disposition_n which_o may_v be_v in_o child_n if_o they_o do_v apply_v themselves_o to_o oppose_v the_o predominant_a fault_n to_o which_o either_o their_o age_n or_o their_o constitution_n incline_v they_o they_o will_v preserve_v they_o from_o many_o vice_n and_o make_v they_o great_a proficient_n in_o virtue_n beside_o this_o parent_n either_o by_o themselves_o or_o other_o ought_v to_o watch_v over_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o child_n and_o to_o inquire_v strict_o whether_o they_o practise_v the_o lesson_n which_o be_v give_v they_o whether_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o do_v ill_a thing_n whether_o they_o forbear_v those_o fault_n for_o which_o they_o have_v be_v reprove_v whether_o they_o resist_v their_o vicious_a inclination_n whether_o they_o be_v gentle_a sober_a humble_a and_o moderate_a in_o their_o discourse_n action_n and_o behaviour_n to_o this_o end_v it_o be_v very_o proper_a that_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v too_o much_o liberty_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n under_o the_o
or_o hatred_n piety_n be_v little_o practise_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v despise_v and_o it_o be_v hate_v and_o these_o be_v the_o three_o principal_a cause_n of_o vicious_a shame_n 1._o piety_n be_v little_o practise_v in_o the_o world_n few_o people_n love_n or_o practice_v it_o now_o a_o man_n be_v very_o incline_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v common_o do_v he_o think_v it_o be_v safe_a and_o most_o honourable_a to_o side_n with_o the_o multitude_n he_o be_v afraid_a of_o make_v himself_o ridiculous_a by_o be_v singular_a it_o be_v a_o maxim_n general_o receive_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o comply_v with_o custom_n and_o to_o do_v as_o other_o do_v the_o reason_n then_o why_o many_o have_v not_o the_o courage_n to_o be_v on_o the_o side_n of_o religion_n be_v because_o that_o side_n be_v desert_v and_o abandon_v 2._o piety_n be_v often_o despise_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o mean_a and_o disgraceful_a thing_n the_o strictness_n of_o a_o man_n who_o act_v upon_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o conscience_n be_v impute_v to_o weakness_n of_o mind_n singularity_n of_o humour_n or_o caprice_n and_o sometime_o to_o hypocrisy_n and_o pride_n those_o who_o profess_v devotion_n and_o piety_n be_v turn_v into_o ridicule_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v think_v honourable_a to_o comply_v in_o every_o thing_n with_o the_o way_n and_o fashion_n of_o the_o age._n though_o these_o sentiment_n be_v very_o unjust_a yet_o they_o make_v a_o great_a impression_n because_o few_o people_n have_v firmness_n enough_o to_o slight_v the_o judgement_n and_o contempt_n of_o men._n we_o have_v natural_o a_o quick_a sense_n of_o honour_n and_o nothing_o be_v so_o unsupportable_a to_o self-love_n as_o contempt_n so_o that_o this_o temptation_n be_v dangerous_a and_o it_o easy_o produce_v in_o a_o man_n a_o false_a shame_n which_o divert_v he_o from_o religion_n 3._o piety_n do_v likewise_o procure_v the_o hatred_n of_o the_o world_n because_o a_o good_a life_n accuse_v condemn_v and_o reproach_n those_o who_o live_v ill_o beside_o religion_n oblige_v we_o sometime_o to_o do_v thing_n which_o displease_v and_o offend_v men._n how_o cautious_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v much_o if_o upon_o many_o occasion_n it_o do_v not_o stir_v up_o their_o jealousy_n their_o hatred_n or_o their_o spleen_n a_o good_a man_n be_v often_o bind_v to_o refuse_v what_o be_v desire_v of_o he_o he_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o maxim_n of_o that_o mean_a and_o fawn_a complaisance_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o get_v every_o body_n love_n many_o for_o this_o reason_n neglect_v piety_n they_o dare_v not_o let_v shine_v a_o light_n which_o discover_v the_o weakness_n and_o error_n of_o other_o and_o fear_v and_o shame_n together_o make_v they_o think_v that_o it_o will_v be_v ill-breeding_a as_o well_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o imprudence_n to_o follow_v a_o course_n of_o life_n which_o may_v render_v they_o odious_a from_o these_o consideration_n it_o appear_v already_o that_o this_o shame_n be_v one_o of_o the_o general_a fountain_n of_o corruption_n and_o that_o it_o can_v produce_v none_o but_o very_o ill_a effect_n first_o upon_o those_o in_o who_o it_o be_v and_o next_o upon_o other_o men._n 1._o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o vicious_a shame_n be_v to_o dissuade_v a_o man_n from_o his_o duty_n and_o to_o draw_v he_o into_o sin_n it_o make_v his_o knowledge_n useless_a it_o frustrate_v the_o warning_n which_o his_o conscience_n give_v he_o and_o so_o it_o extinguish_v in_o he_o the_o principle_n of_o virtue_n those_o who_o be_v possess_v with_o this_o shame_n dare_v neither_o speak_v nor_o act_n as_o they_o ought_v they_o dissemble_v their_o true_a sentiment_n they_o offer_v violence_n to_o their_o conscience_n they_o have_v not_o the_o courage_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n or_o to_o reprove_v their_o neighbour_n when_o occasion_n require_v they_o be_v loath_a to_o confess_v or_o to_o amend_v their_o fault_n in_o a_o word_n they_o frequent_o neglect_v the_o most_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n and_o all_o this_o because_o they_o be_v check_v by_o a_o false_a shame_n but_o if_o this_o shame_n hinder_v we_o to_o do_v good_a it_o do_v as_o forcible_o prompt_v we_o to_o evil_a as_o soon_o as_o a_o man_n think_v it_o a_o disgrace_n to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o distinguish_v himself_o by_o a_o christian_a deportment_n he_o present_o conceive_v likewise_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o shame_n to_o he_o not_o to_o imitate_v the_o irregularity_n of_o other_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o applaud_v sin_n that_o we_o be_v carry_v away_o by_o the_o solicitation_n or_o example_n of_o person_n of_o authority_n that_o we_o can_v withstand_v the_o entreaty_n of_o friend_n that_o we_o engage_v in_o unjust_a erterprise_n or_o criminal_a diversion_n and_o that_o we_o fall_v into_o many_o other_o wicked_a practice_n a_o very_a little_a reflection_n upon_o ourselves_o will_v easy_o convince_v we_o that_o shame_n produce_v all_o these_o effect_n a_o heathen_a author_n plutarch_n author_n plutarch_n have_v prove_v long_o ago_o in_o a_o excellent_a tract_n that_o false_a modesty_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a obstacle_n to_o virtue_n and_o that_o man_n commit_v many_o fault_n and_o bring_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o mischief_n upon_o themselves_o only_o because_o they_o dare_v not_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o other_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o shame_n be_v not_o less_o fatal_a in_o respect_n of_o other_o men._n as_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o regard_n we_o bear_v to_o their_o judgement_n so_o it_o usual_o show_v itself_o in_o their_o company_n so_o that_o we_o can_v but_o scandalize_v and_o corrupt_v they_o when_o we_o govern_v ourselves_o by_o the_o suggestion_n of_o this_o false_a shame_n for_o not_o to_o mention_v here_o the_o scandal_n which_o this_o give_v to_o good_a man_n those_o very_a person_n for_o who_o sake_n we_o use_v such_o sinful_a compliance_n and_o who_o despise_v religion_n conceive_v yet_o a_o great_a contempt_n of_o it_o when_o they_o see_v that_o those_o who_o ought_v to_o support_v its_o interest_n be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o and_o dare_v not_o open_o profess_v it_o they_o judge_v that_o piety_n must_v be_v indeed_o a_o very_a mean_a and_o contemptible_a thing_n and_o when_o they_o observe_v that_o man_n be_v afraid_a to_o displease_v they_o they_o take_v such_o a_o ascendent_n over_o they_o that_o virtue_n dare_v no_o more_o appear_v in_o their_o presence_n beside_o that_o such_o a_o indulgence_n towards_o vice_n give_v a_o new_a force_n to_o it_o if_o vicious_a man_n be_v not_o reprove_v it_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o ill_a habit_n if_o they_o be_v imitate_v they_o be_v authorize_v if_o we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v our_o fault_n before_o they_o we_o do_v not_o heal_v the_o scandal_n which_o we_o have_v give_v they_o and_o that_o be_v the_o great_a for_o have_v be_v occasion_v by_o man_n who_o be_v think_v pious_a and_o not_o by_o libertine_n but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o sensible_a of_o the_o pernicious_a effect_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o shame_n we_o ought_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o three_o thing_n which_o be_v very_o remarkable_a in_o this_o matter_n 1._o shame_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o have_v a_o absolute_a power_n over_o a_o man._n other_o passion_n may_v more_o easy_o be_v resist_v but_o when_o shame_n have_v gain_v a_o ascendent_n over_o the_o mind_n it_o be_v extreme_a hard_o to_o be_v conquer_v especial_o if_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o regard_n we_o have_v for_o man_n for_o when_o it_o arise_v from_o a_o natural_a disposition_n it_o may_v soon_o be_v overcome_v the_o great_a threat_n and_o promise_n will_v not_o sometime_o shame_v a_o man_n who_o will_v present_o yield_v if_o shame_n can_v be_v excite_v within_o he_o how_o often_o do_v we_o find_v the_o most_o vigorous_a effort_n we_o can_v make_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o our_o best_a resolution_n quite_o dash_v by_o a_o silly_a bashfulness_n a_o jest_n a_o bare_a look_v or_o a_o slight_a apprehension_n of_o be_v think_v ridiculous_a or_o a_o bigot_n be_v sometime_o enough_o to_o confound_v we_o and_o to_o make_v all_o our_o good_a purpose_n vanish_v 2._o it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o shame_n we_o speak_v of_o here_o restrain_v those_o person_n who_o in_o their_o heart_n be_v incline_v to_o virtue_n those_o who_o live_v in_o a_o profound_a ignorance_n or_o in_o a_o total_a obduration_n be_v not_o susceptible_a of_o this_o shame_n it_o suppose_v as_o have_v be_v say_v some_o remainder_n of_o conscience_n and_o knowledge_n solicit_v man_n to_o his_o duty_n but_o it_o overcome_v that_o knowledge_n and_o those_o good_a sentiment_n we_o be_v to_o impute_v to_o this_o vicious_a shame_n a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o good_a man_n and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o article_n
next_o place_n that_o pastor_n shall_v discharge_v their_o duty_n with_o relation_n to_o young_a people_n and_o that_o to_o this_o end_n in_o all_o place_n and_o church_n the_o necessary_a order_n and_o method_n be_v establish_v for_o instruct_v the_o people_n and_o particular_o child_n i_o remark_n this_o because_o in_o this_o respect_n thing_n be_v not_o well_o order_v so_o that_o in_o many_o place_n such_o help_n andmean_n be_v very_o much_o want_v it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o opportunity_n of_o instruction_n and_o the_o help_n to_o piety_n be_v mighty_a scarce_o in_o the_o country_n and_o in_o village_n school_n be_v there_o manage_v at_o a_o very_a ordinary_a rate_n and_o many_o place_n have_v no_o school_n at_o all_o whereby_o it_o happen_v that_o many_o person_n can_v so_o much_o as_o read_v there_o likewise_o divine_a service_n be_v but_o seldom_o perform_v and_o very_o careless_o too_o the_o minister_n who_o be_v appoint_v in_o those_o place_n be_v general_o either_o man_n of_o little_a worth_n or_o man_n who_o do_v not_o watch_v over_o their_o flock_n as_o they_o ought_v and_o who_o be_v remiss_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n these_o be_v the_o essential_a defect_n which_o shall_v be_v remedy_v by_o those_o who_o have_v authority_n in_o church_n or_o state_n above_o all_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o churchman_n shall_v have_v a_o strict_a inspection_n over_o school_n and_o family_n and_o that_o catechise_n be_v more_o frequent_a than_o they_o be_v young_a people_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o chief_a object_n of_o the_o care_n of_o pastor_n no_o part_n of_o their_o office_n be_v more_o useful_a or_o reward_v their_o labour_n with_o better_a success_n than_o that_o their_o endeavour_n to_o mend_v those_o who_o be_v come_v to_o age_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o little_a purpose_n but_o what_o they_o do_v for_o child_n â—s_a of_o great_a benefit_n if_o therefore_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o if_o they_o wish_v to_o see_v a_o change_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n let_v they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o instruct_n of_o youth_n and_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o form_v a_o new_a gneration_n among_o the_o particular_a establishment_n which_o may_v be_v make_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o young_a people_n there_o be_v one_o which_o will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o which_o seem_v to_o i_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o that_o be_v that_o with_o relation_n to_o child_n who_o have_v attain_v the_o age_n of_o discretion_n the_o same_o order_n shall_v be_v observe_v for_o their_o admission_n to_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n when_o catechuman_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n this_o admission_n be_v very_o solemn_a a_o long_a probation_n and_o instruction_n go_v before_o it_o the_o catechuman_n be_v require_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o the_o bind_v themselves_o by_o solemn_a promise_n and_o vow_n to_o renounce_v the_o world_n and_o to_o live_v holy_a no_o such_o thing_n be_v do_v at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n because_o young_a child_n be_v baptize_v but_o what_o be_v not_o do_v at_o the_o time_n of_o baptism_n shall_v be_v do_v when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n and_o true_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a profession_n a_o promise_n in_o due_a form_n on_o the_o child_n part_n i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o we_o can_v well_o answer_v what_o be_v object_v by_o some_o against_o infant-baptism_n which_o yet_o be_v a_o good_a and_o laudable_a practice_n a_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n against_o his_o will_n or_o without_o his_o knowledge_n this_o engagement_n be_v a_o personal_a thing_n be_v which_o every_o bold_a shall_v act_v and_o answer_v for_o himself_o when_o child_n be_v baptize_v they_o know_v nothing_o of_o what_o be_v do_v to_o they_o it_o be_v there_o fore_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o year_n of_o reason_n they_o shall_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v the_o engagement_n they_o come_v under_o by_o their_o baptism_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o knowledge_n and_o choice_n now_o the_o fit_a time_n for_o such_o a_o confirmation_n and_o promise_n be_v when_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n the_o order_n then_o which_o i_o mean_v be_v this_o first_o that_o when_o child_n desire_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n they_o shall_v be_v instruct_v for_o some_o week_n before_o and_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o shall_v be_v inform_v of_o the_o sacredness_n and_o importance_n of_o this_o action_n and_o of_o the_o promise_n they_o be_v to_o make_v that_o so_o they_o may_v prepare_v for_o it_o betimes_o in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v examine_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v public_o render_v a_o account_n of_o their_o faith_n this_o examination_n be_v over_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v require_v to_o renew_v and_o confirm_v in_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a manner_n their_o baptismal_a vow_n to_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o his_o work_n the_o world_n and_o the_o pomp_n of_o it_o the_o flesh_n and_o its_o lust_n and_o to_o promise_v that_o they_o will_v live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o then_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o communion_n by_o benediction_n and_o prayer_n it_o will_v no_o doubt_n seem_v to_o some_o that_o i_o be_o here_o propose_v a_o novelty_n and_o that_o too_o not_o very_o necessary_a that_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o all_o this_o solemnity_n that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o examine_v and_o exhort_v child_n in_o private_a and_o that_o this_o confirmation_n of_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n be_v include_v and_o suppose_v in_o the_o admission_n to_o the_o sacrament_n to_o this_o i_o say_v that_o the_o order_n i_o propose_v will_v be_v think_v a_o novelty_n by_o none_o but_o such_o as_o do_v not_o know_v what_o be_v ancient_o practise_v and_o who_o call_v innovation_n every_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o country_n or_o their_o church_n this_o be_v a_o imitation_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o the_o apostolical_a order_n and_o beside_o this_o establishment_n be_v altogether_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o i_o have_v just_a now_o make_v it_o appear_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o for_o what_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o child_n be_v examine_v and_o admit_v in_o private_a i_o answer_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o be_v so_o great_a that_o in_o many_o church_n this_o admission_n and_o the_o examination_n which_o precede_v it_o be_v but_o three_o or_o four_o hour_n work_v and_o sometime_o less_o pastor_n and_o those_o to_o who_o this_o function_n be_v commit_v do_v often_o go_v about_o it_o very_o negligent_o they_o content_v themselves_o with_o some_o question_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n relate_v only_o to_o doctrine_n and_o controversy_n the_o address_n to_o chidren_n general_a exhortation_n to_o piety_n but_o they_o take_v no_o care_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o moral_n or_o to_o examine_v their_o conduct_n they_o do_v not_o require_v of_o they_o a_o express_a ratification_n of_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n i_o know_v there_o be_v pastor_n who_o do_v their_o duty_n but_o the_o best_a thing_n will_v be_v to_o have_v this_o form_n of_o examination_n and_o admission_n regulate_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v in_o the_o breast_n of_o every_o minister_n to_o do_v in_o this_o matter_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a and_o that_o all_o this_o may_v be_v do_v the_o more_o orderly_o it_o will_v be_v fit_v that_o according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n some_o person_n shall_v be_v appoint_v on_o purpose_n to_o instruct_v young_a people_n and_o catechuman_n what_o care_v soever_o may_v be_v take_v of_o child_n and_o whatever_o may_v be_v do_v for_o they_o in_o private_a instruction_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o public_a and_o solemn_a exhortation_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o promise_v on_o the_o other_o will_v make_v a_o much_o great_a impression_n upon_o they_o they_o will_v then_o look_v upon_o their_o admission_n with_o respect_n they_o will_v remember_v it_o all_o their_o life_n and_o this_o solemnity_n will_v prove_v as_o useful_a and_o edify_a to_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o young_a people_n i_o offer_v this_o with_o the_o great_a confidence_n because_o a_o order_n like_o this_o have_v be_v settle_v of_o late_a in_o some_o church_n and_o be_v there_o observe_v