a_o gentleman_n religion_n in_o three_o part_n the_o one_a contain_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n the_o second_o and_o 3d._n the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n both_o as_o to_o faith_n and_o practice_n with_o a_o appendix_n wherein_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o nothing_o contrary_a to_o our_o reason_n can_v possible_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o belief_n but_o that_o it_o be_v no_o just_a exception_n against_o some_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n that_o they_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n london_n print_v for_o a._n &_o j._n churchill_n in_o pater_fw-la noster_fw-la row_n and_o r_z sare_z at_o grays-inn_n gate_n in_o holborn_n 1698._o a_o gentleman_n religion_n with_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it._n in_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n in_o general_n be_v vindicate_v its_o simplicity_n assert_v and_o some_o introductory_n rule_n for_o the_o discover_n of_o its_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o precept_n be_v propose_v by_o a_o private_a gentleman_n london_n print_v for_o a._n and_o j._n churchil_n at_o the_o black_a swan_n in_o pater-noster-row_n 1698._o a_o gentleman_n religion_n with_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it._n part_n i._n i._o since_o almost_o all_o man_n however_o different_a in_o other_o opinion_n and_o interest_n have_v ever_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n to_o who_o power_n all_o thing_n be_v subject_a that_o the_o true_a service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v call_v religion_n shall_v be_v reward_v with_o future_a happiness_n and_o that_o the_o neglect_v and_o contempt_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v punish_v with_o future_a misery_n every_o man_n sure_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v thus_o much_o at_o least_o that_o what_o be_v so_o general_o and_o firm_o believe_v may_v be_v possible_o nay_o and_o be_v probable_o a_o truth_n and_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n and_o much_o more_o where_o there_o be_v a_o probability_n of_o a_o great_a good_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o great_a evil_n on_o the_o other_o there_o certain_o every_o man_n be_v content_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o he_o may_v not_o miss_v of_o the_o one_o if_o it_o be_v attainable_a nor_o fall_v into_o the_o other_o if_o it_o be_v avoidable_o i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a folly_n for_o any_o man_n to_o give_v over_o search_v after_o the_o true_a religion_n until_o he_o have_v find_v it_o except_o he_o be_v able_a to_o demonstrate_v either_o that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o else_o that_o there_o be_v no_o worship_n or_o service_n due_a to_o he_o ii_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o great_a and_o serious_a consequence_n no_o man_n that_o be_v wise_a will_v act_v by_o chance_n and_o at_o random_n without_o be_v able_a to_o give_v some_o reason_n for_o what_o he_o do_v for_o he_o that_o do_v any_o thing_n and_o know_v not_o why_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o do_v himself_o hurt_v than_o good_a because_o there_o be_v more_o way_n to_o the_o former_a than_o to_o the_o latter_a since_o therefore_o religion_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o importance_n that_o can_v be_v i_o conclude_v that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o choose_v his_o religion_n blind_o and_o by_o chance_n but_o that_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v some_o reason_n for_o what_o he_o profess_v whatever_o religion_n therefore_o a_o man_n be_v breed_v up_o in_o from_o his_o youth_n it_o certain_o be_v very_o fit_a for_o he_o when_o he_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n or_o the_o wrong_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n or_o hell_n iii_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o if_o he_o require_v any_o service_n or_o worship_n i._n e._n any_o religion_n from_o we_o it_o be_v undoubted_o for_o this_o end_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o trial_n of_o our_o faithfulness_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o now_o whosoever_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o prove_v his_o servant_n whether_o he_o will_v be_v faithful_a and_o obedient_a he_o will_v not_o give_v he_o such_o dark_a and_o intricate_a command_n as_o shall_v puzzle_v he_o to_o find_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o for_o how_o can_v a_o servant_n approve_v himself_o faithful_a and_o obedient_a if_o he_o be_v uncertain_a what_o it_o be_v that_o his_o master_n require_v from_o he_o but_o he_o will_v sure_o give_v he_o such_o command_n and_o direction_n as_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o be_v understand_v however_o difficult_a they_o may_v be_v to_o be_v enterprise_v or_o accomplish_v i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n which_o god_n require_v of_o any_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v easy_a enough_o for_o he_o to_o understand_v however_o hard_o they_o may_v be_v to_o be_v practise_v for_o otherwise_o religion_n will_v be_v a_o trial_n rather_o of_o a_o man_n wit_n and_o cunning_a than_o of_o his_o faithfulness_n and_o obedience_n and_o therefore_o also_o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o controversy_n about_o religion_n which_o at_o this_o day_n distract_v the_o world_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o any_o difficulty_n in_o or_o about_o the_o determination_n of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a in_o religion_n itself_o but_o partly_o from_o the_o pride_n of_o some_o learned_a man_n who_o have_v love_v to_o strat_v new_a and_o difficult_a question_n and_o to_o impose_v their_o private_a sentiment_n upon_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v be_v admire_v for_o their_o wit_n and_o subtilty_n partly_o from_o the_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n of_o some_o whether_o learned_a or_o unlearned_a who_o have_v find_v that_o their_o worldly_a interest_n will_v be_v better_o serve_v by_o some_o doctrine_n no_o matter_n how_o false_a and_o precarious_a than_o by_o other_o and_o partly_o from_o the_o prejudice_n of_o most_o man_n who_o be_v apt_a with_o great_a zeal_n and_o eagerness_n to_o contend_v for_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o from_o their_o childhood_n they_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o have_v a_o reverence_n for_o and_o i_o far_o conclude_v that_o whosoever_o have_v a_o sincere_a desire_n to_o embrace_v true_a religion_n must_v lay_v aside_o pride_n ambition_n covetousness_n and_o prejudice_n which_o will_v misguide_a he_o and_o follow_v his_o sober_a and_o unprejudicate_a reason_n which_o will_v ever_o lead_v he_o in_o the_o right_a way_n iv_o there_o be_v different_a sort_n or_o rather_o degree_n of_o assurance_n which_o man_n have_v concern_v thing_n some_o thing_n be_v evident_a of_o themselves_o without_o any_o proof_n some_o thing_n we_o be_v assure_v of_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o sense_n some_o thing_n we_o receive_v as_o truth_n because_o we_o find_v they_o to_o follow_v from_o other_o truth_n already_o receive_v and_o some_o thing_n we_o believe_v only_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o moreover_o some_o thing_n we_o be_v persuade_v of_o without_o any_o doubt_n or_o diffidence_n whereas_o other_o thing_n do_v seem_v at_o best_a to_o be_v but_o likely_a or_o probable_a and_o that_o too_o in_o a_o different_a degree_n according_a as_o their_o evidence_n be_v strong_a or_o weak_a now_o every_o sober_a man_n where_o he_o have_v certain_a evidence_n of_o a_o thing_n there_o he_o act_v with_o assurance_n where_o the_o matter_n be_v but_o probable_a there_o he_o proceed_v with_o caution_n but_o where_o a_o man_n be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o do_v one_o way_n or_o other_o and_o where_o the_o matter_n appear_v doubtful_a on_o both_o side_n there_o it_o become_v he_o to_o weigh_v the_o reason_n on_o both_o part_n with_o due_a consideration_n and_o according_a as_o he_o find_v the_o great_a probability_n to_o be_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n rather_o than_o the_o other_o so_o to_o square_v his_o action_n according_o since_o therefore_o every_o man_n must_v necessary_o either_o live_v religious_o or_o not_o live_v religious_o i_o conclude_v that_o if_o upon_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o matter_n there_o appear_v to_o be_v more_o probable_a reason_n and_o argument_n for_o religion_n than_o against_o it_o every_o wise_a and_o sober_a man_n must_v embrace_v religion_n this_o i_o say_v not_o but_o that_o i_o think_v there_o be_v even_o demonstrative_a argument_n for_o religion_n and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o probable_a one_o against_o it_o but_o because_o that_o which_o to_o i_o seem_v demonstrative_a to_o another_o may_v appear_v but_o probable_a i_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o note_v that_o every_o man_n in_o point_n of_o common_a prudence_n be_v oblige_v to_o follow_v religion_n if_o it_o do_v but_o appear_v more_o likely_a and_o probable_a to_o he_o than_o irreligion_n v._o whether_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o agent_n to_o produce_v a_o new_a
therefore_o ought_v always_o to_o pursue_v but_o he_o who_o in_o eat_v design_n no_o more_o than_o to_o gratify_v his_o sensual_a appetite_n or_o to_o pamper_v his_o body_n that_o he_o may_v have_v the_o great_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n act_n below_o or_o rather_o contrary_a to_o the_o end_n he_o be_v design_v for_o and_o may_v just_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v thus_o also_o a_o man_n may_v innocent_o be_v please_v to_o have_v the_o garment_n he_o wear_v decent_a and_o comely_a because_o the_o eye_n be_v natural_o gratify_v with_o the_o beauty_n of_o any_o object_n but_o if_o a_o man_n wear_v clothes_n which_o be_v more_o fine_a and_o costly_a than_o some_o other_o his_o reason_n ought_v to_o be_v that_o he_o may_v not_o according_a to_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o world_n be_v contemn_v for_o the_o meaness_n or_o sordidness_n of_o his_o apparel_n but_o endeavour_n by_o all_o fair_a way_n to_o preserve_v such_o a_o respect_n among_o man_n who_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o judge_v by_o the_o outward_a appearance_n as_o may_v enable_v he_o to_o do_v the_o more_o good_a in_o the_o world_n but_o he_o who_o clothes_n himself_o like_o the_o lily_n of_o the_o field_n or_o solomon_n in_o all_o his_o glory_n only_o that_o he_o may_v admire_v himself_o or_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o other_o for_o his_o remarkable_a finery_n be_v a_o vain_a person_n and_o act_n as_o foolish_o as_o the_o crow_n in_o the_o fable_n who_o clad_v himself_o in_o the_o peacock_n feather_n and_o what_o i_o have_v here_o say_v concern_v food_n and_o raiment_n may_v also_o be_v apply_v to_o riches_n and_o honour_n and_o to_o all_o pleasure_n which_o be_v not_o absolute_o unlawful_a and_o to_o every_o thing_n which_o man_n aim_v at_o or_o value_n in_o this_o world_n which_o they_o may_v lawful_o seek_v after_o and_o take_v delight_n in_o as_o far_o as_o they_o may_v be_v instrument_n of_o do_v good_a or_o be_v consistent_a with_o their_o christian_a duty_n but_o they_o must_v not_o place_v their_o happiness_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o in_o they_o for_o that_o will_v make_v they_o forgetful_a of_o heaven_n and_o necessary_o involve_v they_o in_o the_o sin_n of_o ambition_n covetousness_n voluptuousness_n etc._n etc._n 21._o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v whatsoever_o god_n command_v and_o patient_o to_o suffer_v whatsoever_o he_o in_o his_o providence_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o lay_v or_o inflict_v upon_o we_o so_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n be_v we_o certain_o bind_v to_o continue_v in_o this_o both_o do_v and_o patient_o suffer_v until_o such_o time_n as_o he_o shall_v be_v please_v of_o his_o own_o will_n to_o free_a and_o dismiss_v we_o from_o it_o from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o no_o man_n aught_o upon_o any_o account_n to_o lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o himself_o or_o voluntary_o contribute_v to_o the_o shorten_n of_o his_o own_o life_n because_o he_o know_v not_o but_o that_o god_n may_v be_v willing_a to_o exercise_v he_o yet_o far_o with_o suffering_n or_o other_o trial_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o good_a of_o his_o own_o soul_n nor_o ought_v any_o servant_n without_o leave_n or_o licence_n to_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o the_o service_n of_o his_o master_n and_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o forbid_v we_o to_o destroy_v our_o life_n shall_v also_o keep_v we_o from_o put_v they_o to_o any_o unreasonable_a or_o unnecessary_a hazard_n 22._o he_o who_o in_o duty_n be_v oblige_v to_o any_o thing_n lie_v also_o of_o nedessity_n under_o a_o obligation_n to_o qualify_v himself_o as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v and_o to_o seek_v after_o and_o make_v use_n of_o all_o such_o mean_n and_o instrument_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o better_a exceut_v and_o compass_v that_o same_o thing_n to_o which_o he_o be_v so_o oblige_v since_o than_o health_n of_o body_n knowledge_n and_o understanding_n and_o a_o competency_n of_o riches_n power_n and_o authority_n be_v necessary_a qualification_n and_o instrument_n for_o the_o better_a performance_n of_o many_o of_o those_o duty_n to_o which_o we_o stand_v oblige_v by_o god_n law_n it_o follow_v that_o these_o be_v thing_n which_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o capacity_n aught_o to_o seek_v and_o endeavour_v after_o but_o we_o must_v not_o strive_v nor_o seek_v for_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n by_o way_n or_o mean_n that_o be_v unlawful_a and_o wicked_a for_o that_o will_v be_v beforehand_o to_o destroy_v and_o frustrate_v the_o very_a end_n and_o design_n for_o which_o alone_o they_o be_v to_o be_v seek_v and_o desire_v namely_o virtue_n piety_n and_o the_o service_n of_o god_n 23._o on_o the_o other_o side_n whatsoever_o be_v a_o impediment_n or_o obstacle_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o necessary_a duty_n we_o be_v bind_v as_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o suppress_v or_o remove_v it_o out_o of_o the_o way_n now_o our_o reason_n be_v that_o which_o first_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n and_o always_o enable_v we_o right_o to_o understand_v and_o judge_v of_o our_o duty_n and_o since_o all_o violent_a passion_n and_o over-eager_a affection_n do_v disturb_v our_o reason_n and_o very_o much_o hinder_v the_o free_a use_n and_o exercise_v of_o it_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o ought_v always_o so_o to_o govern_v our_o passion_n and_o restrain_v all_o our_o affection_n as_o that_o they_o may_v be_v whole_o subservient_fw-fr to_z and_o never_o over-rule_v or_o mislead_v our_o reason_n 24._o since_o god_n be_v the_o creator_n and_o therefore_o also_o the_o absolute_a lord_n of_o all_o thing_n every_o thing_n certain_o aught_o by_o we_o to_o be_v always_o put_v and_o apply_v to_o that_o very_a same_o end_n and_o use_v and_o no_o other_o for_o which_o it_o be_v intend_v by_o he_o as_o far_o as_o we_o have_v any_o intimation_n of_o his_o design_n either_o from_o reason_n or_o revelation_n hence_o than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o those_o creature_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o to_o feed_v sustain_v and_o keep_v we_o in_o health_n that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o do_v our_o duty_n and_o labour_n in_o our_o several_a calling_n ought_v not_o at_o any_o time_n much_o less_o ordinary_o to_o be_v use_v to_o excess_n so_o as_o to_o impair_v our_o health_n or_o discompose_v our_o reason_n or_o any_o way_n hinder_v we_o in_o the_o performance_n of_o any_o duty_n and_o that_o faculty_n of_o generation_n which_o god_n have_v endow_v we_o with_o in_o order_n to_o the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v abuse_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o filthy_a sensual_a pleasure_n nor_o ought_v that_o plenty_n of_o creature_n which_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o for_o the_o service_n of_o all_o man_n without_o exception_n to_o be_v engross_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o any_o certain_a man_n so_o as_o that_o other_o shall_v want_v the_o necessary_n of_o life_n whilst_o they_o abound_v in_o superfluity_n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o gluttony_n and_o drunkenness_n lust_n and_o covetousness_n be_v sin_n and_o always_o to_o be_v avoid_v and_o therefore_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o temperance_n chastity_n charity_n and_o liberality_n be_v duty_n and_o always_o to_o be_v practise_v 25._o experience_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n be_v of_o a_o active_a nature_n and_o rather_o than_o be_v altogether_o idle_a will_v be_v apt_a to_o employ_v its_o self_n in_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a nor_o do_v a_o man_n ever_o lie_v more_o open_a to_o temptation_n than_o when_o he_o have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o do_v he_o therefore_o that_o will_v keep_v himself_o innocent_a must_v be_v careful_a always_o to_o avoid_v idleness_n for_o beside_o that_o idleness_n will_v prove_v a_o snare_n to_o we_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n and_o a_o sin_n when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o god_n work_n to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o public_a good_a of_o mankind_n that_o any_o man_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v his_o servant_n shall_v stand_v still_o and_o not_o put_v his_o help_a hand_n to_o the_o carry_v of_o it_o on_o but_o as_o we_o can_v say_v that_o a_o man_n be_v idle_a when_o he_o lie_v down_o to_o sleep_v that_o be_v thereby_o refresh_v he_o may_v be_v the_o better_a able_a again_o to_o labour_v so_o must_v we_o by_o no_o mean_n pass_v that_o censure_n on_o he_o who_o now_o and_o then_o spend_v some_o small_a portion_n of_o his_o time_n in_o some_o pleasant_a and_o innocent_a recreation_n that_o have_v his_o thought_n hereby_o a_o little_a relax_v and_o divert_v he_o may_v be_v the_o fit_a to_o return_v to_o business_n of_o moment_n and_o consequence_n but_o as_o for_o those_o person_n who_o whole_a life_n almost_o be_v nothing_o else_o
society_n have_v not_o certain_a law_n and_o rule_n to_o proceed_v by_o in_o all_o such_o case_n and_o some_o certain_a person_n to_o put_v those_o law_n in_o execution_n every_o man_n will_v take_v upon_o he_o to_o be_v his_o own_o judge_n and_o what_o may_v feem_v fit_a and_o reasonable_a to_o one_o may_v appear_v otherwise_o to_o another_o of_o a_o contrary_a interest_n from_o whence_o perpetual_a faction_n and_o confusion_n must_v needs_o follow_v but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o any_o one_o or_o more_o of_o such_o a_o society_n without_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o rest_n shall_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o make_v law_n for_o or_o exercise_v authority_n over_o the_o whole_a community_n for_o if_o it_o be_v in_o every_o man_n power_n to_o make_v himself_o a_o magistrate_n all_o may_v set_v up_o to_o be_v ruler_n and_o few_o or_o none_o will_v be_v subject_n which_o will_v bring_v in_o confusion_n and_o destroy_v the_o society_n but_o when_o the_o whole_a society_n do_v agree_v and_o consent_n that_o such_o certain_a person_n shall_v have_v the_o exercise_v of_o such_o certain_a power_n which_o original_o be_v in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o society_n itself_o it_o be_v then_o lawful_a for_o those_o person_n to_o act_v according_o and_o they_o who_o have_v consent_v to_o their_o authority_n be_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o consent_n oblige_v to_o pay_v obedience_n to_o they_o i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o the_o original_a of_o magistrate_n be_v from_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n since_o there_o be_v no_o other_o solid_a ground_n that_o i_o can_v find_v upon_o which_o to_o establish_v they_o and_o when_o once_o a_o legislative_a and_o executive_a power_n be_v thus_o settle_a and_o establish_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o a_o people_n who_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o and_o upon_o all_o occasion_n take_v shelter_n under_o its_o protection_n it_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o ratify_v and_o confirm_v by_o god_n own_o appointment_n and_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n be_v according_o to_o be_v pay_v to_o it_o by_o every_o particular_a person_n who_o abide_v within_o the_o precinct_n of_o its_o juridiction_n for_o this_o be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o the_o roman_a government_n which_o be_v in_o st._n paul_n time_n and_o there_o be_v exact_o the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o in_o all_o other_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n whatsoever_o 47._o since_o than_o magistracy_n derive_v itself_o whole_o from_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n from_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o original_a rule_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n and_o the_o subject_n obedience_n be_v that_o consent_n which_o the_o people_n have_v give_v or_o in_o other_o term_n those_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o place_n in_o which_o the_o body_n of_o the_o nation_n have_v acquiesce_v beyond_o which_o neither_o any_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o command_v nor_o be_v any_o subject_a bind_v to_o obey_v for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o can_v be_v no_o transgression_n nor_o any_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n nor_o consequent_o any_o right_a to_o command_v 48._o but_o if_o the_o legislative_a power_n of_o any_o nation_n do_v enact_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n or_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a no_o particular_a man_n can_v be_v bind_v to_o obey_v such_o a_o constitution_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o weigh_v more_o with_o we_o than_o that_o of_o any_o community_n whatsoever_o and_o it_o be_v express_o rule_v in_o scripture_n that_o we_o ought_v to_o obey_v god_n rather_o than_o man._n 49._o and_o the_o same_o reason_n viz._n self-preservation_n which_o allow_v a_o society_n thus_o settle_v into_o a_o government_n to_o punish_v malefactor_n within_o themselves_o must_v also_o justify_v they_o it_o by_o force_n of_o arm_n they_o defend_v themselves_o against_o any_o foreign_a enemy_n which_o will_v wrong_v or_o oppress_v they_o or_o endeavour_v to_o recover_v their_o right_n from_o those_o who_o have_v take_v it_o from_o they_o and_o refuse_v to_o restore_v it_o for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o a_o community_n to_o hope_v to_o subsist_v by_o maintain_v good_a order_n and_o discipline_n at_o home_n if_o all_o the_o while_o they_o must_v without_o remedy_n lie_v continual_o expose_v to_o the_o wrong_n and_o insult_v of_o every_o enemy_n which_o may_v assault_v they_o from_o abroad_o i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o war_n whether_o defensive_a or_o offensive_a may_v in_o many_o case_n be_v very_o just_a and_o lawful_a nor_o be_v there_o the_o least_o word_n throughout_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o may_v represent_v the_o profession_n of_o a_o soldier_n who_o fight_v under_o a_o lawful_a authority_n as_o any_o way_n contrary_a to_o religion_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n though_o such_o a_o man_n certain_o ought_v not_o only_o to_o exercise_v his_o call_n with_o as_o much_o mildness_n and_o humanity_n as_o can_v be_v consistent_a with_o the_o service_n of_o his_o country_n but_o also_o ever_o to_o satisfy_v himself_o first_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o cause_n in_o which_o he_o engage_v before_o he_o draw_v his_o sword_n in_o the_o quarrel_n for_o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v no_o hurt_n to_o any_o man_n whatsoever_o if_o we_o can_v avoid_v it_o so_o for_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n ought_v we_o not_o to_o become_v instrumental_a in_o any_o wrong_n or_o injustice_n which_o another_o man_n let_v he_o be_v who_o he_o will_v intend_v to_o do_v 50._o that_o a_o humble_a demeanour_n together_o with_o a_o reasonable_a diligence_n and_o a_o honest_a fidelity_n to_o his_o master_n be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o servant_n be_v most_o apparent_a because_o if_o a_o servant_n be_v either_o haughty_a negligent_a or_o unfaithful_a he_o cease_v in_o effect_n to_o be_v a_o servant_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o justice_n and_o humanity_n be_v no_o less_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o master_n towards_o his_o servant_n be_v altogether_o as_o clear_v because_o where_o these_o be_v not_o observe_v the_o condition_n of_o a_o servant_n must_v be_v intolerable_a and_o contrary_a to_o that_o comfortable_a state_n which_o we_o suppose_v god_n to_o design_n for_o all_o man_n and_o therefore_o for_o servant_n who_o be_v as_o much_o man_n and_o as_o much_o value_v by_o god_n and_o for_o who_o christ_n die_v as_o well_o as_o for_o their_o master_n 51._o that_o all_o christian_n be_v or_o according_a to_o christ_n institution_n ought_v to_o be_v combine_v together_o into_o one_o society_n which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n i_o have_v already_o say_v part_n 2._o §_o 40._o now_o in_o all_o such_o incorporate_a society_n these_o three_o thing_n be_v ever_o to_o be_v consider_v 1._o what_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o person_n or_o person_n who_o first_o gather_v and_o institute_v they_o 2._o what_o advantage_n accrue_v to_o those_o who_o become_v member_n of_o they_o and_o three_o what_o be_v the_o law_n and_o rule_n to_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o whole_a body_n and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o the_o design_n of_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o at_o the_o will_n of_o his_o heavenly_a father_n institute_v and_o embody_v the_o christian_a church_n be_v to_o purify_v unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n or_o in_o other_o term_n by_o this_o incorporation_n so_o make_v more_o effectual_o to_o promote_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n in_o the_o world_n the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o every_o true_a member_n of_o this_o church_n may_v propose_v to_o himself_o be_v the_o participation_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n here_o for_o the_o better_a performance_n of_o his_o duty_n and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n hereafter_o both_o which_o be_v promise_v to_o we_o by_o god_n in_o and_o through_o christ_n jesus_n our_o saviour_n and_o last_o the_o law_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v either_o 1._o the_o general_a law_n of_o piety_n and_o morality_n of_o which_o i_o have_v hitherto_o be_v give_v a_o account_n or_o 2._o such_o particular_a constitution_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o it_o consider_v as_o a_o congregat_v and_o incorporate_a body_n of_o man_n which_o i_o have_v reserve_v to_o be_v treat_v of_o in_o the_o last_o place_n of_o all_o 52._o the_o first_o thing_n which_o be_v incumbent_n on_o every_o man_n as_o or_o rather_o in_o order_n to_o become_v a_o member_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v to_o be_v baptize_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o ceremony_n be_v intend_v to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n of_o that_o purity_n and_o cleanness_n from_o sin_n to_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o bring_v our_o soul_n by_o a_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a life_n and_o although_o to_o wet_a or_o wash_v the_o body_n with_o water_n may_v
methinks_v it_o be_v a_o most_o shameful_a and_o deplorable_a thing_n that_o man_n common_o scruple_n not_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n which_o they_o will_v be_v afraid_a or_o ashamed_a it_o shall_v be_v know_v or_o even_o suspect_v of_o they_o by_o man_n like_o themselves_o 5._o since_o god_n be_v most_o true_a from_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v what_o soever_o he_o say_v or_o make_v know_v how_o improbable_a soever_o otherwise_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o we_o but_o the_o true_a estimate_n of_o such_o belief_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o clearness_n and_o strength_n of_o our_o speculative_a assent_n unto_o those_o truth_n which_o he_o have_v propose_v to_o our_o understanding_n for_o to_o receive_v a_o truth_n without_o any_o doubt_n or_o scruple_n which_o sometime_o do_v unaccountable_o force_v themselves_o upon_o we_o even_o in_o the_o clear_a case_n be_v not_o always_o in_o our_o power_n but_o rather_o by_o the_o constant_a suitableness_n of_o ourlive_n unto_o the_o profession_n of_o such_o doctrine_n as_o we_o receive_v and_o own_v and_o he_o who_o have_v but_o a_o weak_a faith_n and_o yet_o lead_v a_o good_a life_n although_o he_o be_v not_o qualify_v for_o doubtful_a disputation_n be_v nevertheless_o a_o true_a believer_n because_o his_o belief_n answer_v the_o main_a end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v virtue_n and_o morality_n part_n 1_o §_o 42._o nor_o can_v there_o for_o example_n be_v a_o better_a evidence_n that_o a_o man_n do_v real_o and_o sufficient_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v than_o when_o he_o be_v industrious_a and_o diligent_a in_o prepare_v for_o it_o whatever_o doubt_n or_o scruple_n he_o may_v have_v in_o point_n of_o speculation_n about_o it_o 6._o since_o god_n power_n be_v infinite_a and_o his_o authority_n uncontrollable_a it_o follow_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o fear_v he_o and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o of_o our_o natural_a propensity_n to_o sin_n because_o he_o have_v it_o always_o in_o his_o power_n to_o make_v we_o miserable_a here_o and_o eternal_o so_o hereafter_o but_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o fear_n god_n most_o that_o be_v most_o true_o who_o be_v possess_v with_o the_o great_a dread_n and_o terror_n at_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o wrath_n or_o judgement_n for_o then_o the_o devil_n who_o tremble_v or_o wicked_a wretch_n who_o despair_n of_o god_n mercy_n will_v be_v the_o best_a performer_n of_o this_o duty_n but_o he_o be_v the_o true_a fearer_n of_o god_n who_o always_o take_v the_o great_a care_n not_o to_o offend_v he_o the_o fear_n of_o he_o be_v never_o original_o design_v to_o torment_v and_o disquiet_v our_o mind_n but_o only_o to_o be_v such_o a_o check_n upon_o we_o as_o to_o keep_v we_o in_o due_a awe_n and_o obedience_n 7._o since_o every_o sin_n be_v a_o offence_n both_o against_o a_o gracious_a and_o a_o powerful_a god_n and_o of_o every_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o person_n who_o commit_v it_o and_o since_o nothing_o can_v possible_o be_v conceal_v from_o god_n it_o follow_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v deep_o concern_v and_o true_o sorrowful_a for_o every_o sin_n which_o we_o commit_v and_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o palliate_v or_o frame_v excuse_n for_o they_o but_o free_o to_o own_o and_o confess_v they_o to_o he_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o sorrow_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o passionateness_n of_o it_o or_o the_o tear_n which_o it_o produce_v which_o though_o sometime_o good_a sign_n yet_o too_o often_o produce_v but_o little_a effect_n but_o by_o the_o hearty_a reformation_n of_o life_n that_o follow_v and_o he_o only_o can_v be_v say_v to_o any_o purpose_n either_o to_o be_v sorry_a for_o his_o sin_n or_o to_o confess_v they_o to_o god_n who_o be_v careful_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v to_o forsake_v they_o 8._o since_o god_n be_v almighty_a he_o be_v certain_o able_a and_o since_o he_o love_v we_o he_o can_v but_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v best_a and_o fit_a for_o we_o if_o we_o by_o our_o own_o fault_n do_v not_o provoke_v he_o to_o the_o contrary_a from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o as_o long_o as_o we_o serve_v he_o faithful_o we_o ought_v in_o all_o our_o want_n and_o exigency_n to_o trust_v and_o rely_v upon_o he_o and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o relieve_v or_o help_v we_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o we_o desire_v we_o ought_v to_o bear_v whatever_o affliction_n we_o lie_v under_o patient_o and_o content_o as_o well_o know_v that_o god_n take_v no_o delight_n in_o grieve_v we_o but_o only_o correct_v and_o keep_v we_o under_o in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a good_a and_o to_o demonstrate_v our_o trust_n in_o god_n and_o submission_n to_o his_o chastise_v hand_n we_o must_v never_o attempt_v by_o any_o unlawful_a mean_n to_o supply_v any_o of_o our_o want_n or_o free_v ourselves_o from_o any_o even_o the_o most_o grievous_a pressure_n although_o at_o the_o same_o time_n honest_a labour_n and_o industry_n yet_o still_o with_o submission_n to_o god_n will_n for_o the_o compass_v of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v lawlful_a and_o good_a be_v not_o only_o allow_v but_o commend_v and_o require_v 9_o but_o since_o god_n be_v a_o free_a agent_n and_o since_o all_o the_o good_a which_o we_o have_v or_o be_v capable_a of_o come_v from_o he_o and_o depend_v altogether_o on_o his_o power_n and_o overrule_a providence_n we_o ought_v to_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o whatsoever_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o and_o that_o he_o will_v bless_v all_o our_o honest_a labour_n with_o success_n but_o because_o often_o if_o we_o have_v the_o very_a thing_n which_o we_o desire_v they_o will_v at_o the_o last_o tend_v to_o our_o hurt_n and_o because_o he_o know_v what_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o much_o better_a than_o we_o ourselves_o therefore_o we_o ought_v always_o to_o pray_v that_o his_o will_n shall_v ever_o take_v place_n rather_o than_o our_o own_o and_o since_o we_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o his_o love_n we_o ought_v to_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o we_o shall_v receive_v either_o the_o very_a thing_n we_o pray_v for_o or_o else_o that_o which_o be_v altogether_o as_o good_a for_o we_o if_o our_o sin_n obstruct_v it_o not_o 10._o and_o the_o very_a same_o consideration_n which_o prompt_v we_o to_o make_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o all_o our_o want_n do_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o return_v thanks_o unto_o he_o for_o all_o the_o blessing_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v among_o which_o those_o affliction_n which_o have_v at_o any_o time_n reclaim_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o our_o duty_n aught_o i_o think_v to_o be_v place_v in_o the_o chief_a rank_n and_o the_o only_a demonstration_n of_o a_o true_o thankful_a heart_n to_o god_n be_v the_o make_v a_o pious_a and_o honest_a use_n to_o his_o glory_n of_o all_o those_o blessing_n which_o we_o daily_o receive_v from_o he_o nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o absurd_a than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o pretend_v to_o give_v god_n thanks_o with_o his_o lip_n who_o do_v not_o also_o do_v it_o more_o to_o the_o purpose_n in_o his_o life_n 11._o as_o god_n justice_n and_o veracity_n be_v a_o reason_n beyond_o exception_n why_o we_o shall_v without_o anxiety_n depend_v on_o all_o his_o promise_n so_o the_o great_a promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v we_o be_v that_o of_o everlasting_a happiness_n for_o our_o more_o effectual_a attain_n unto_o which_o he_o have_v send_v his_o son_n our_o saviour_n christ_n jesus_n to_o suffer_v for_o we_o it_o be_v therefore_o according_o our_o duty_n to_o hope_v for_o eternal_a salvation_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o expect_v the_o performance_n of_o what_o god_n have_v promise_v and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o what_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o we_o but_o this_o hope_n be_v to_o be_v show_v not_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o confidence_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v in_o which_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o a_o man_n may_v deceive_v himself_o but_o by_o our_o constant_a care_n in_o due_o perform_v what_o god_n require_v on_o our_o part_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n for_o he_o only_o who_o be_v diligent_a in_o do_v the_o work_n do_v with_o any_o reason_n expect_v or_o hope_v for_o the_o promise_a reward_n 12._o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o pray_v unto_o god_n for_o all_o that_o we_o want_v and_o to_o hope_v for_o eternal_a salvation_n from_o he_o so_o the_o holy_a scripture_n direct_v we_o to_o ground_v all_o our_o hope_n of_o happiness_n upon_o the_o suffering_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o offer_v up_o all_o our_o prayer_n in_o his_o name_n
beneficence_n preserve_v and_o keep_v up_o among_o mankind_n now_o in_o order_n to_o discover_v these_o same_o law_n of_o right_n and_o property_n whereby_o every_o man_n be_v to_o know_v what_o be_v true_o his_o own_o i_o lay_v down_o this_o general_a rule_n as_o a_o thing_n most_o reasonable_a that_o whereas_o original_o every_o man_n right_n and_o title_n to_o every_o thing_n may_v be_v esteem_v equal_a god_n have_v give_v we_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o common_a and_o not_o by_o any_o act_n of_o he_o divide_v to_o each_o man_n his_o several_a property_n if_o there_o be_v any_o apparent_a or_o but_o probable_a ground_n why_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a thing_n shall_v be_v the_o property_n of_o one_o man_n rather_o than_o of_o another_o that_o ought_v so_o to_o determine_v the_o matter_n as_o to_o oblige_v all_o other_o man_n quiet_o to_o yield_v and_o suffer_v he_o to_o enjoy_v and_o use_v that_o same_o thing_n whatever_o it_o be_v as_o his_o own_o for_o where_o the_o balance_n stand_v exact_o even_o a_o small_a matter_n be_v enough_o to_o turn_v the_o scale_n to_o one_o side_n now_o in_o these_o follow_a case_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o determine_v a_o property_n in_o a_o thing_n to_o particular_a person_n viz._n 1._o when_o a_o man_n be_v the_o first_o that_o take_v actual_a possession_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o convert_v it_o to_o his_o own_o use_n for_o such_o a_o possession_n be_v a_o addition_n to_o his_o general_a right_n beyond_o what_o any_o other_o man_n who_o never_o be_v in_o possession_n can_v pretend_v and_o why_o shall_v i_o part_v with_o my_o possession_n to_o any_o other_o or_o he_o demand_v it_o from_o i_o except_o he_o be_v able_a to_o make_v out_o a_o better_a title_n than_o i_o to_o the_o thing_n in_o dispute_n 2._o when_o a_o man_n take_v possession_n of_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v actual_o reject_v and_o desert_v by_o he_o who_o last_o have_v the_o right_n to_o and_o possession_n of_o it_o for_o his_o case_n seem_v to_o be_v much_o the_o same_o with_o his_o who_o first_o take_v possession_n of_o a_o thing_n 3._o when_o a_o thing_n be_v give_v or_o in_o exchange_n make_v over_o to_z another_z by_o he_o who_o have_v before_o a_o just_a right_o thereto_o for_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a that_o every_o man_n shall_v have_v liberty_n to_o dispose_v of_o his_o own_o 4._o when_o a_o company_n of_o people_n do_v by_o a_o agreement_n make_v a_o partition_n of_o what_o be_v before_o in_o common_a among_o they_o all_o it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o every_o man_n shall_v acquiesce_v in_o that_o share_n which_o upon_o such_o a_o division_n shall_v fall_v to_o his_o lot_n 5._o when_o a_o man_n take_v care_n and_o pain_n to_o produce_v and_o rear_v any_o thing_n for_o his_o own_o use_n or_o profit_n it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o he_o and_o not_o another_o man_n against_o his_o consent_n shall_v enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o own_o labour_n and_o last_o where_o a_o society_n of_o people_n do_v submit_v their_o property_n unto_o a_o legislative_a power_n which_o be_v erect_v among_o they_o it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o herein_o they_o shall_v always_o be_v conclude_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o law_n of_o that_o community_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o rule_n for_o determine_v the_o right_n of_o man_n to_o particular_a thing_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o due_a care_n must_v be_v take_v to_o keep_v and_o observe_v they_o or_o else_o farewell_n all_o order_n and_o society_n 30._o where_o fidelity_n be_v want_v society_n can_v be_v true_o keep_v and_o preserve_v i_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o every_o man_n be_v oblige_v faithful_o to_o perform_v whatever_o he_o promise_v except_o the_o person_n to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v do_v free_o acquit_v and_o discharge_v he_o from_o it_o but_o if_o a_o man_n promise_v to_o do_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v sinful_a he_o ought_v not_o to_o keep_v such_o a_o promise_n as_o that_o as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o oath_n 31._o and_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o hurt_v no_o man_n to_o yield_v to_o every_o man_n his_o right_n and_o to_o keep_v our_o promise_n do_v plain_o show_v that_o he_o who_o wrong_v full_o hurt_v another_o or_o deprive_v he_o of_o his_o right_n or_o break_v his_o promise_n make_v to_o he_o oughts_z as_o far_o as_o he_o be_v able_a to_o make_v full_a restitution_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o person_n who_o he_o have_v thus_o injure_v for_o he_o that_o make_v a_o breach_n in_o humane_a society_n be_v doubtless_o oblige_v as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v to_o repair_v it_o 32._o where_o a_o proposition_n be_v literal_o false_a and_o yet_o speak_v with_o no_o manner_n of_o intention_n to_o deceive_v another_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v call_v a_o lie_n but_o he_o who_o assert_n any_o thing_n for_o a_o truth_n with_o a_o intent_n to_o make_v another_o believe_v it_o which_o be_v or_o for_o aught_o he_o know_v may_v be_v false_a he_o only_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o lyar._n now_o some_o have_v doubt_v whether_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o lie_n consist_v in_o the_o bare_a untruth_n or_o only_o in_o the_o injustice_n of_o it_o and_o from_o thence_o have_v be_v incline_v to_o believe_v that_o such_o a_o lie_n as_o do_v no_o hurt_n to_o any_o one_o not_o draw_v any_o manner_n of_o evil_a consequence_n after_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o sin_n and_o so_o much_o the_o less_o if_o it_o be_v tell_v with_o a_o real_a design_n only_o to_o do_v good_a or_o prevent_v mischief_n the_o nicety_n of_o this_o controversy_n i_o leave_v to_o be_v discuss_v by_o other_o but_o since_o humane_a society_n can_v be_v uphold_v without_o in_o many_o case_n a_o dependence_n upon_o one_o another_o veracity_n i_o may_v sure_o venture_v thus_o far_o to_o conolude_v viz._n that_o not_o only_o such_o a_o lie_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o damage_n of_o another_o but_o also_o such_o a_o lie_n however_o otherwise_o innocent_a as_o give_v occasion_n to_o render_v a_o man_n truth_n suspect_v in_o other_o case_n be_v to_o be_v repute_v unlawful_a if_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n yet_o at_o least_o before_o this_o because_o it_o be_v injurious_a to_o humane_a society_n and_o the_o same_o reason_n will_v hold_v as_o strong_o against_o all_o mental_a reservation_n and_o equivocal_a expression_n for_o what_o be_v humane_a society_n at_o any_o time_n the_o better_a for_o the_o literal_a truth_n of_o what_o a_o man_n say_v if_o other_o who_o be_v therein_o concern_v do_v not_o understand_v his_o true_a meaning_n by_o the_o word_n which_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o 33._o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a that_o every_o man_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o esteem_n and_o respect_n show_v he_o as_o may_v be_v proportionable_a to_o his_o virtue_n and_o good_a quality_n and_o as_o it_o be_v proper_a enough_o for_o a_o man_n by_o lawful_a way_n to_o assert_v his_o own_o reputation_n whenever_o it_o be_v unjust_o asperse_v so_o he_o ought_v to_o take_v especial_a care_n in_o the_o management_n of_o all_o his_o word_n and_o action_n that_o he_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o exalt_v or_o magnify_v himself_o or_o to_o despise_v or_o undervalue_v other_o beyond_o what_o be_v not_o only_o just_a and_o true_a but_o also_o necessary_a either_o for_o the_o bring_n about_o something_o that_o be_v good_a or_o the_o prevent_a something_o that_o be_v evil_a for_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n that_o give_v great_a disgust_n or_o help_v to_o render_v a_o man_n more_o odious_a to_o the_o world_n than_o a_o over-forwardness_n to_o praise_n and_o magnify_v himself_o and_o to_o undervalue_v other_o if_o he_o be_v not_o necessitate_v thereto_o by_o some_o very_a just_a reason_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n which_o reconcile_v a_o man_n more_o to_o the_o favour_n and_o good_a will_n of_o people_n than_o when_o he_o be_v not_o over_o apt_a to_o ascribe_v much_o to_o himself_o but_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v the_o utmost_a honour_n and_o respect_n to_o all_o other_o that_o in_o reason_n can_v be_v think_v due_a i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o pride_n be_v a_o sin_n and_o humility_n a_o duty_n because_o the_o former_a tend_v to_o disturb_v but_o the_o latter_a strengthener_n and_o confirm_v humane_a society_n 34._o what_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o he_o to_o do_v who_o have_v do_v wrong_a to_o another_o i_o have_v just_a now_o show_v but_o if_o another_o man_n wrong_v or_o any_o way_n endeavour_n to_o injure_v i_o as_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o i_o so_o for_o every_o man_n to_o stand_v upon_o my_o defence_n and_o use_v my_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o save_v myself_o from_o wrong_n or_o recover_v that_o
which_o be_v my_o right_n for_o otherwise_o all_o the_o good_a and_o honest_a man_n in_o the_o world_n will_v continual_o lie_v expose_v to_o the_o wrong_n and_o insult_v of_o any_o evil_a man_n who_o may_v have_v a_o mind_n to_o destroy_v they_o so_o i_o and_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v ready_a at_o any_o time_n to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o a_o adversary_n or_o enemy_n provide_v it_o may_v be_v upon_o such_o term_n as_o be_v consistent_a with_o our_o own_o safety_n nor_o ought_v any_o man_n upon_o any_o occasion_n to_o do_v any_o great_a harm_n to_o his_o keen_a enemy_n than_o what_o he_o apprehend_v to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o his_o own_o preservation_n for_o since_o society_n and_o peace_n among_o mankind_n be_v the_o will_n and_o design_n of_o almighty_a god_n if_o a_o breach_n be_v make_v therein_o by_o another_o i_o ought_v for_o my_o part_n to_o do_v nothing_o which_o may_v make_v it_o wide_o but_o ever_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o help_a hand_n to_o the_o close_n and_o make_v up_o of_o it_o 35._o hitherto_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o lay_v down_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o that_o duty_n which_o every_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o pay_v and_o perform_v to_o god_n to_o himself_o and_o to_o all_o other_o men._n now_o to_o deduce_v all_o the_o particular_a branch_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n from_o these_o main_a principle_n and_o to_o show_v how_o morality_n be_v improve_v and_o refine_v by_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n be_v a_o thing_n not_o dificult_a to_o be_v do_v but_o yet_o inconsistent_a with_o my_o design_a brevity_n for_o which_o therefore_o i_o must_v refer_v my_o reader_n to_o some_o of_o those_o book_n of_o christian_a piety_n wherein_o each_o particular_a of_o our_o duty_n be_v at_o large_a describe_v and_o press_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n if_o we_o will_v have_v a_o short_a abstract_n of_o our_o duty_n than_o what_o i_o have_v now_o be_v give_v the_o holy_a scripture_n furnish_v we_o with_o three_o rule_n then_o express_v and_o one_o imply_v from_o which_o every_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o do_v be_v easy_o deduee_v and_o they_o be_v 1._o that_o we_o shall_v love_v god_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n soul_n and_o strength_n 2._o that_o we_o shall_v true_o love_v ourselves_o that_o be_v to_o say_v so_o as_o always_o to_o aim_v at_o and_o pursue_v our_o true_a and_o chief_a happiness_n and_o 3._o that_o we_o shall_v love_v other_o as_o we_o do_v ourselves_o not_o with_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o love_n for_o that_o be_v not_o only_o unreasonable_a but_o impossible_a but_o with_o the_o same_o reality_n and_o sincerity_n or_o in_o other_o term_n that_o we_o shall_v ever_o do_v unto_o all_o other_o man_n what_o we_o will_v think_v reasonable_a that_o they_o shall_v do_v unto_o we_o if_o we_o be_v in_o their_o circumstance_n and_o they_o in_o we_o but_o beside_o these_o general_a duty_n which_o be_v indiscriminate_o incumbent_a upon_o all_o man_n there_o be_v divers_a particular_a one_o which_o do_v arise_v from_o those_o several_a relation_n which_o man_n may_v contract_v and_o bear_v to_o other_o of_o which_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o i_o give_v some_o brief_a account_n 36._o that_o god_n will_v have_v the_o generation_n of_o man_n continue_v and_o increase_v upon_o the_o earth_n be_v very_o evident_a as_o well_o from_o the_o natural_a inclination_n which_o he_o have_v implant_v in_o they_o as_o in_o all_o other_o live_v creature_n to_o propagate_v their_o kind_a as_o from_o that_o love_n and_o affection_n which_o be_v common_a to_o they_o with_o other_o creature_n towards_o those_o who_o spring_n from_o they_o but_o if_o mankind_n be_v propagate_v only_o by_o the_o exercise_n of_o wild_a and_o wander_a lust_n without_o confinement_n to_o any_o settle_a rule_n or_o law_n this_o will_v bring_v in_o such_o a_o deluge_n of_o confusion_n and_o disturbance_n as_o will_v unavoidable_o deprive_v they_o of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o satisfaction_n which_o at_o the_o present_a they_o do_v or_o may_v enjoy_v for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o settle_a marriage_n we_o can_v hardly_o suppose_v that_o ever_o there_o will_v be_v any_o sort_n of_o settle_a family_n which_o be_v the_o first_o beginning_n of_o society_n and_o regularity_n among_o man_n father_n will_v not_o know_v which_o be_v their_o own_o child_n and_o consequent_o will_v take_v no_o care_n to_o bring_v they_o up_o or_o provide_v for_o they_o and_o not_o only_o the_o pain_n of_o bear_v but_o the_o whole_a trouble_n of_o nourish_v reat_v and_o provide_v for_o child_n will_v lie_v whole_o upon_o the_o female_a sex_n who_o by_o themselves_o can_v but_o very_o imperfect_o perform_v that_o work_n as_o it_o shall_v be_v do_v since_o therefore_o god_n intend_v the_o comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o man_n even_o whilst_o they_o be_v here_o upon_o earth_n i_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v his_o will_n that_o mankind_n shall_v be_v propagate_v no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o settle_a marriage_n that_o be_v by_o a_o compact_a and_o agreement_n between_o the_o male_a and_o female_a and_o that_o under_o such_o rule_n as_o be_v fit_a and_o proper_a to_o promote_v the_o general_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v his_o great_a design_n ought_v ever_o also_o to_o be_v we_o 37._o that_o a_o woman_n shall_v have_v more_o than_o one_o husband_n at_o a_o time_n be_v notorious_o contrary_a to_o the_o design_n of_o marriage_n and_o therefore_o direct_o unlawful_a and_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v have_v more_o than_o one_o wife_n at_o a_o time_n the_o experience_n of_o many_o in_o former_a age_n and_o at_o this_o time_n in_o the_o eastern_a country_n do_v sufficient_o testify_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o peace_n and_o quietness_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n of_o every_o family_n and_o therefore_o not_o so_o agreeable_a to_o that_o universal_a friendship_n which_o ought_v ever_o to_o be_v preserve_v among_o man_n but_o especial_o among_o those_o who_o be_v so_o near_o ally_v together_o moreover_o if_o man_n and_o their_o wife_n shall_v have_v liberty_n to_o part_v one_o from_o the_o other_o whenever_o they_o please_v beside_o the_o confusion_n and_o disturbance_n which_o this_o also_o must_v breed_v in_o family_n especial_o where_o there_o be_v child_n in_o the_o case_n marriage_n will_v hardly_o differ_v from_o that_o wild_a and_o wander_a lust_n against_o which_o i_o have_v speak_v in_o the_o precede_a paragraph_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o although_o before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n if_o a_o man_n take_v more_o wife_n than_o one_o not_o for_o lust_n which_o be_v unlawful_a §_o 24._o but_o mere_o for_o propagation_n it_o may_v in_o some_o case_n be_v dispense_v with_o yet_o it_o ever_o be_v most_o please_a to_o god_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v have_v but_o one_o wife_n at_o a_o time_n and_o that_o nothing_o but_o death_n shall_v ever_o part_v a_o man_n and_o his_o wife_n except_o the_o evil_a behaviour_n of_o one_o party_n shall_v make_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o marriage_n compact_a and_o cohabitation_n not_o only_o something_o uneasy_a for_o that_o for_o peace_n and_o quietness_n sake_n shall_v be_v bear_v patient_o but_o downright_a intolerable_a but_o these_o thing_n which_o reason_n may_v perhaps_o but_o imperfect_o suggest_v the_o gospel_n have_v pass_v and_o establish_v into_o law_n viz._n that_o as_o every_o woman_n be_v to_o have_v but_o one_o husband_n for_n no_o man_n must_v have_v more_o than_o one_o wife_n at_o a_o time_n nor_o must_v any_o thing_n part_n man_n and_o wife_n but_o death_n except_o it_o be_v the_o case_n of_o adultery_n and_o better_o much_o it_o be_v that_o particular_a person_n shall_v sometime_o be_v force_v to_o labour_v under_o some_o inconvenience_n than_o that_o any_o such_o liberty_n shall_v be_v allow_v as_o tend_v to_o disturb_v and_o distract_v the_o world_n 38._o we_o general_o find_v that_o all_o man_n even_o heathen_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n and_o christian_n have_v conceive_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a abhorrence_n against_o the_o marriage_n of_o such_o person_n as_o be_v very_o near_o ally_v together_o within_o some_o certain_a degree_n of_o relation_n and_o since_o the_o world_n be_v wide_a enough_o for_o a_o man_n to_o choose_v a_o wife_n or_o a_o woman_n a_o husband_n those_o general_a rule_n which_o be_v give_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n of_o provide_v for_o thing_n honest_a not_o only_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n but_o of_o man_n also_o and_o of_o take_v care_n not_o only_o about_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v just_a and_o honest_a but_o also_o about_o such_o as_o be_v lovely_a and_o of_o good_a report_n shall_v teach_v we_o that_o no_o person_n shall_v engage_v in_o such_o a_o