Selected quad for the lemma: england_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
england_n abandon_v church_n way_n 25 3 4.0934 3 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A60955 Twelve sermons preached upon several occasions. The second volume by Robert South. South, Robert, 1634-1716. 1694 (1694) Wing S4746; ESTC R39098 202,579 660

There are 5 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

judge_n have_v absolve_v nor_o absolve_v who_o his_o judge_n have_v condemn_v whatsoever_o the_o people_n and_o republican_n may_v now_o from_o this_o principle_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o conscience_n stand_v found_v upon_o its_o vicegerency_n and_o deputation_n under_o god_n several_n very_o important_a inference_n may_v or_o rather_o indeed_o unavoidable_o must_v ensue_v two_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v single_a out_o and_o speak_v of_o as_o first_o we_o collect_v from_o hence_o the_o absurdity_n and_o impertinence_n and_o second_o the_o impudence_n and_o impiety_n of_o most_o of_o those_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n which_o have_v bear_v such_o a_o mighty_a sway_n all_o the_o world_n over_o and_o in_o these_o poor_a nation_n especial_o 1._o and_o first_o for_o the_o absurdity_n and_o impertinence_n of_o they_o what_o a_o rattle_n and_o a_o noise_n have_v this_o word_n conscience_n make_v how_o many_o battle_n have_v it_o fight_v how_o many_o church_n have_v it_o rob_v ruin_a and_o reform_v to_o ash_n how_o many_o law_n have_v it_o trample_v upon_o dispense_v with_o and_o address_v against_o and_o in_o a_o word_n how_o many_o government_n have_v it_o over-turned_n such_o be_v the_o mischievous_a force_n of_o a_o plausible_a word_n apply_v to_o a_o detestable_a thing_n the_o allegation_n or_o plea_n of_o conscience_n ought_v never_o to_o be_v admit_v bare_o for_o itself_o for_o when_o a_o thing_n oblige_v only_o by_o a_o borrow_a authority_n it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o allege_v it_o for_o its_o own_o take_v a_o lieutenant_n a_o commissioner_n or_o ambassador_n of_o any_o prince_n and_o so_o far_o as_o he_o represent_v his_o prince_n all_o that_o he_o do_v or_o declare_v under_o that_o capacity_n have_v the_o same_o force_n and_o validity_n as_o if_o actual_o do_v or_o declare_v by_o the_o prince_n himself_o in_o person_n but_o then_o how_o far_o do_v this_o reach_n why_o just_o so_o far_o as_o he_o keep_v close_o to_o his_o instruction_n but_o when_o he_o once_o baulk_v they_o though_o what_o he_o do_v may_v be_v indeed_o a_o public_a crime_n or_o a_o national_a mischief_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o private_a act_n and_o the_o doer_n of_o it_o may_v chance_v to_o pay_v his_o head_n for_o his_o presumption_n for_o still_o as_o great_a as_o the_o authority_n of_o such_o kind_n of_o person_n be_v it_o be_v not_o found_v upon_o their_o own_o will_n nor_o upon_o their_o own_o judgement_n but_o upon_o their_o commission_n in_o like_a manner_n every_o dictate_v of_o this_o vicegerent_n of_o god_n where_o it_o have_v a_o divine_a word_n or_o precept_n to_o back_o it_o carry_v a_o divine_a authority_n with_o it_o but_o if_o no_o such_o word_n can_v be_v produce_v it_o may_v indeed_o be_v a_o strong_a opinion_n or_o persuasion_n but_o it_o be_v not_o conscience_n and_o no_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n have_v do_v more_o mischief_n and_o cause_v more_o delusion_n among_o man_n than_o their_o not_o distinguish_v between_o conscience_n and_o mere_a opinion_n or_o persuasion_n conscience_n be_v a_o latin_a word_n though_o with_o a_o english_a termination_n and_o according_a to_o the_o very_a notation_n of_o it_o import_v a_o double_a or_o joint_a knowledge_n to_o wit_n one_o of_o a_o divine_a law_n or_o rule_n and_o the_o other_o of_o a_o man_n be_v own_o action_n and_o so_o be_v proper_o the_o application_n of_o a_o general_n law_n to_o a_o particular_a instance_n of_o practice_n the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o example_n say_v thou_o shall_v not_o steal_v and_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n tell_v he_o that_o the_o take_n of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n from_o a_o person_n lawful_o possess_v of_o it_o be_v steal_v whereupon_o the_o conscience_n join_v the_o knowledge_n of_o both_o these_o together_o pronounce_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n that_o such_o a_o particular_a action_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v do_v and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a procedure_n of_o conscience_n always_o suppose_v a_o law_n from_o god_n before_o it_o pretend_v to_o lay_v any_o obligation_n upon_o man_n for_o still_o i_o aver_v that_o conscience_n neither_o be_v nor_o aught_o to_o be_v its_o own_o rule_n i_o question_v not_o i_o confess_v but_o mere_a opinion_n or_o persuasion_n may_v be_v every_o whit_n as_o strong_a and_o have_v as_o forcible_a a_o influence_n upon_o a_o man_n action_n as_o conscience_n itself_o but_o then_o we_o know_v strength_n or_o force_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o authority_n quite_o another_o as_o a_o rogue_n upon_o the_o highway_n may_v have_v as_o strong_a a_o arm_n and_o take_v off_o a_o man_n head_n as_o cleverly_o as_o the_o executioner_n but_o then_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a disparity_n in_o the_o two_o action_n when_o one_o of_o they_o be_v murder_n and_o the_o other_o justice_n nay_o and_o our_o saviour_n himself_o tell_v his_o disciple_n that_o man_n shall_v both_o kill_v they_o and_o think_v that_o in_o so_o do_v they_o do_v god_n service_n so_o that_o here_o we_o see_v be_v a_o full_a opinion_n and_o persuasion_n and_o a_o very_a zealous_a one_o too_o of_o the_o high_a meritoriousness_n of_o what_o they_o do_v but_o still_o there_o be_v no_o law_n no_o word_n or_o command_n of_o god_n to_o ground_n it_o upon_o and_o consequent_o it_o be_v not_o conscience_n now_o the_o notion_n of_o conscience_n thus_o state_v if_o firm_o keep_v to_o and_o thorough_o drive_v home_o will_v effectual_o baffle_v and_o confound_v all_o those_o senseless_a though_o clamorous_a pretence_n of_o the_o schismatical_a opposer_n of_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n in_o defence_n of_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o speak_v so_o much_o as_o one_o syllable_n against_o the_o indulgence_n and_o toleration_n grant_v to_o these_o men._n no_o since_o they_o have_v it_o let_v they_o in_o god_n name_n enjoy_v it_o and_o the_o government_n make_v the_o best_a of_o it_o but_o since_o i_o can_v find_v that_o the_o law_n which_o tolerate_v they_o in_o their_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o it_o do_v no_o more_o do_v at_o all_o forbid_v we_o to_o defend_v we_o it_o be_v earnest_o to_o be_v wish_v that_o all_o hearty_a lover_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v assert_v its_o excellent_a constitution_n more_o vigorous_o now_o than_o ever_o and_o especial_o in_o such_o congregation_n as_o this_o in_o which_o there_o be_v so_o many_o young_a person_n upon_o the_o well_o or_o ill_a principling_n of_o who_o next_o under_o god_n depend_v the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o this_o church_n and_o state_n for_o if_o such_o shall_v be_v general_o prevail_v upon_o by_o hope_n or_o fear_n by_o base_a example_n by_o trim_v and_o time-serving_a which_o be_v but_o two_o word_n for_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o abandon_v and_o betray_v the_o church_n of_o england_n by_o nauseat_v her_o pious_a prudent_a and_o wholesome_a order_n of_o which_o i_o have_v see_v some_o scurvy_a instance_n we_o may_v rest_v assure_v that_o this_o will_v certain_o produce_v confusion_n and_o that_o confusion_n will_v as_o certain_o end_v in_o popery_n and_o therefore_o since_o the_o liturgy_n rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o our_o church_n have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v so_o much_o cavil_v and_o strike_v at_o and_o all_o upon_o a_o plea_n of_o conscience_n it_o will_v concern_v we_o as_o become_v man_n of_o sense_n serious_o to_o examine_v the_o force_n of_o this_o plea_n which_o our_o adversary_n be_v still_o set_v up_o against_o we_o as_o the_o grand_a pillar_n and_o buttress_n of_o the_o good_a old_a cause_n of_o nonconformity_n for_o come_v to_o any_o dissent_v brother_n and_o ask_v he_o why_o can_v you_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n oh_o say_v he_o it_o be_v against_o my_o conscience_n my_o conscience_n will_v not_o suffer_v i_o to_o pray_v by_o a_o set-form_n to_o kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n to_o hear_v divine_a service_n read_v by_o one_o in_o a_o surplice_n or_o to_o use_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n or_o the_o like_a very_o well_o and_o be_v this_o the_o case_n then_o that_o it_o be_v all_o pure_a conscience_n that_o keep_v you_o from_o comply_v with_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o the_o church_n in_o these_o matter_n if_o so_o then_o produce_v i_o some_o word_n or_o law_n of_o god_n forbid_v these_o thing_n for_o conscience_n never_o command_v or_o forbid_v any_o thing_n authentical_o but_o there_o be_v some_o law_n of_o god_n which_o command_v or_o forbid_v it_o first_o conscience_n as_o might_n be_v easy_o show_v be_v no_o distinct_a power_n or_o faculty_n from_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n itself_o apply_v the_o general_n rule_n of_o god_n law_n to_o particular_a case_n and_o action_n this_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o show_v i_o such_o a_o law_n and_o that_o either_o as_o a_o necessary_a dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n or_o a_o positive_a
a_o manner_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o scripture_n either_o command_n or_o allow_v of_o as_o for_o any_o other_o kind_n of_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n upon_o the_o best_a enquiry_n that_o i_o can_v make_v into_o these_o matter_n i_o can_v find_v none_o and_o if_o some_o say_v as_o i_o know_v they_o both_o impudent_o and_o blasphemous_o do_v that_o to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o have_v the_o spirit_n immediate_o inspire_v they_o and_o by_o such_o inspiration_n speak_v within_o they_o and_o so_o dictate_v their_o prayer_n to_o they_o let_v they_o either_o produce_v plain_a scripture_n or_o do_v a_o miracle_n to_o prove_v this_o by_o but_o till_o then_o he_o who_o shall_v consider_v what_o kind_n of_o prayer_n these_o pretender_n to_o the_o spirit_n have_v be_v notable_a for_o will_v find_v that_o they_o have_v as_o little_a cause_n to_o father_n their_o prayer_n as_o their_o practice_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v certain_a and_o i_o do_v particular_o recommend_v they_o to_o your_o observation_n one_o that_o this_o way_n of_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n as_o they_o call_v it_o be_v begin_v and_o first_o bring_v into_o use_n here_o in_o england_n in_o queen_n elizabeth_n day_n by_o a_o popish_a priest_n and_o dominican_n friar_n one_o faithful_a commin_n by_o name_n who_o counterfeit_v himself_o a_o protestant_n and_o a_o zealot_n of_o the_o high_a form_n set_v up_o this_o new_a spiritual_a way_n of_o pray_v with_o a_o design_n to_o bring_v the_o people_n first_o to_o a_o contempt_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o a_o utter_a hatred_n and_o disuse_n of_o our_o common-prayer_n which_o he_o still_o revile_v as_o only_o a_o translation_n of_o the_o mass_n thereby_o to_o distract_v man_n mind_n and_o to_o divide_v our_o church_n and_o this_o he_o do_v with_o such_o success_n that_o we_o have_v live_v to_o see_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o labour_n in_o the_o utter_a subversion_n of_o church_n and_o state_n which_o hellish_a negotiation_n when_o this_o malicious_a hypocrite_n come_v to_o rome_n to_o give_v the_o pope_n a_o account_n of_o he_o receive_v of_o he_o as_o so_o notable_a a_o service_n well_o deserve_v beside_o a_o thousand_o thanks_o two_o thousand_o ducat_n for_o his_o pain_n so_o that_o now_o you_o see_v here_o the_o original_a of_o this_o extempore-way_n of_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n the_o other_o thing_n that_o i_o will_v observe_v to_o you_o be_v that_o in_o the_o neighbour_n nation_n of_o scotland_n one_o of_o the_o great_a rediviv_n monster_n of_o man_n that_o i_o believe_v ever_o live_v and_o actual_o in_o league_n with_o the_o devil_n be_v yet_o by_o the_o confession_n of_o all_o that_o hear_v he_o the_o most_o excellent_a at_o this_o extempore-way_n of_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o any_o man_n in_o his_o time_n none_o be_v able_a to_o come_v near_o he_o or_o to_o compare_v with_o he_o but_o sure_o now_o he_o who_o shall_v venture_v to_o ascribe_v the_o prayer_n of_o such_o a_o wretch_n make_v up_o of_o adultery_n incest_n witchcraft_n and_o other_o villainy_n not_o to_o be_v name_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n may_v as_o well_o strike_v in_o with_o the_o pharisee_n and_o ascribe_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o devil_n and_o thus_o have_v show_v both_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v mean_v by_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o what_o ought_v not_o can_v be_v mean_v by_o it_o let_v we_o now_o see_v whether_o a_o set-form_n or_o this_o extemporary-way_n be_v the_o great_a hinderer_n and_o stinter_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o three_o assertion_n 1._o that_o the_o soul_n or_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v but_o of_o a_o limit_a nature_n in_o all_o its_o work_n and_o consequent_o can_v supply_v two_o distinct_a faculty_n at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o the_o same_o height_n of_o operation_n 2_o lie_n that_o the_o find_v word_n and_o expression_n for_o prayer_n be_v the_o proper_a business_n of_o the_o brain_n and_o the_o invention_n and_o that_o the_o find_v devotion_n and_o affection_n to_o accompany_v and_o go_v along_o with_o those_o expression_n be_v proper_o the_o work_n and_o business_n of_o the_o heart_n 3_o lie_n that_o this_o devotion_n and_o affection_n be_v indispensable_o require_v in_o prayer_n as_o the_o principal_a and_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o and_o that_o in_o which_o the_o spirituality_n of_o it_o do_v most_o proper_o consist_v now_o from_o these_o three_o thing_n put_v together_o this_o must_v natural_o and_o necessary_o follow_v that_o as_o spiritual_a prayer_n or_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n take_v in_o the_o right_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n consist_v proper_o in_o that_o affection_n and_o devotion_n that_o the_o heart_n exercise_n and_o employ_v in_o the_o work_n of_o prayer_n so_o whatsoever_o give_v the_o soul_n scope_n and_o liberty_n to_o exercise_v and_o employ_v this_o affection_n and_o devotion_n that_o do_v most_o effectual_o help_v and_o enlarge_v the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n and_o whatsoever_o divert_v the_o soul_n from_o employ_v such_o affection_n and_o devotion_n that_o do_v most_o direct_o stint_v and_o hinder_v it_o according_o let_v this_o now_o be_v our_o rule_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o a_o set-form_n and_o of_o the_o extempore-way_n in_o the_o present_a business_n as_o for_o a_o set-form_n in_o which_o the_o word_n be_v ready_a prepare_v to_o our_o hand_n the_o soul_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o work_n of_o raise_v the_o affection_n and_o devotion_n to_o go_v along_o with_o those_o word_n so_o that_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v take_v up_o in_o apply_v the_o heart_n to_o this_o great_a duty_n and_o it_o be_v the_o exercise_n of_o the_o heart_n as_o have_v be_v already_o show_v that_o be_v true_o and_o proper_o a_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n on_o the_o contrary_a in_o all_o extempore-prayer_n the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v call_v off_o from_o deal_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o affection_n and_o that_o both_o in_o the_o speaker_n and_o in_o the_o hearer_n both_o in_o he_o who_o make_v and_o in_o he_o who_o be_v to_o join_v in_o such_o prayer_n and_o first_o for_o the_o minister_n who_o make_v and_o utter_v such_o extempore-prayer_n he_o be_v whole_o employ_v his_o invention_n both_o to_o conceive_v matter_n and_o to_o find_v word_n and_o expression_n to_o clothe_v it_o in_o this_o be_v certain_o the_o work_n which_o take_v up_o his_o mind_n in_o this_o exercise_n and_o since_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n mind_n be_v such_o that_o it_o can_v with_o the_o same_o vigour_n at_o the_o same_o time_n attend_v the_o work_n of_o invention_n and_o that_o of_o raise_v the_o affection_n also_o nor_o measure_v out_o the_o same_o supply_n of_o spirit_n and_o intention_n for_o the_o carry_v on_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o head_n and_o those_o of_o the_o heart_n too_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o while_o the_o head_n be_v so_o much_o employ_v the_o heart_n must_v be_v idle_a and_o very_o little_o employ_v and_o perhaps_o not_o at_o all_o and_o consequent_o if_o to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o pray_v with_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o affection_n it_o be_v also_o as_o certain_a that_o while_o a_o man_n pray_v extempore_o he_o do_v not_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n nay_o the_o very_a truth_n of_o it_o be_v that_o while_o he_o be_v so_o do_v he_o be_v not_o pray_v at_o all_o but_o he_o be_v study_v he_o be_v beat_v his_o brain_n while_o he_o shall_v be_v draw_v out_o his_o affection_n and_o then_o for_o the_o people_n that_o be_v to_o hear_v and_o join_v with_o he_o in_o such_o prayer_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o they_o not_o know_v beforehand_o what_o the_o minister_n will_v say_v must_v as_o soon_o as_o they_o do_v hear_v he_o present_o busy_a and_o bestir_v their_o mind_n both_o to_o apprehend_v and_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o what_o they_o hear_v and_o withal_o to_o judge_v whether_o it_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o to_o be_v fit_a for_o they_o to_o join_v and_o concur_v with_o he_o in_o so_o that_o the_o people_n also_o be_v by_o this_o course_n put_v to_o study_v and_o to_o employ_v their_o apprehend_n and_o judge_a faculty_n while_o they_o shall_v be_v exert_v their_o affection_n and_o devotion_n and_o consequent_o by_o this_o mean_n the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v stint_v as_o well_o in_o the_o congregation_n that_o follow_v as_o in_o the_o minister_n who_o first_o conceive_v a_o prayer_n after_o their_o extempore-way_n which_o be_v a_o truth_n so_o clear_a and_o indeed_o self-evident_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v need_v any_o further_a argument_n to_o demonstrate_v or_o make_v it_o out_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o
distinct_a petition_n add_v to_o this_o the_o excellent_a contrivance_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o liturgy_n into_o alternate_a response_n by_o which_o mean_n the_o people_n be_v put_v to_o bear_v a_o considerable_a share_n in_o the_o whole_a service_n which_o make_v it_o almost_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v only_o idle_a hearer_n or_o which_o be_v worse_o mere_a looker_n on_o as_o they_o be_v very_o often_o and_o may_v be_v always_o if_o they_o can_v but_o keep_v their_o eye_n open_a at_o the_o long_a tedious_a prayer_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v that_o which_o make_v and_o denominate_v our_o liturgy_n true_o and_o proper_o a_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n for_o i_o think_v i_o may_v true_o avouch_v how_o strange_a soever_o it_o may_v seem_v at_o first_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o common_a or_o joint-prayer_n anywhere_o among_o the_o principal_a dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o in_o the_o romish_a communion_n the_o priest_n say_v over_o the_o appoint_a prayer_n only_o to_o himself_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n not_o hear_v a_o word_n of_o what_o he_o say_v repeat_v also_o their_o own_o particular_a prayer_n to_o themselves_o and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v go_v their_o way_n not_o all_o at_o once_o as_o neither_o do_v they_o come_v at_o once_o but_o scatter_o one_o after_o another_o according_a as_o they_o have_v finish_v their_o devotion_n and_o then_o for_o the_o nonconformist_n their_o prayer_n be_v all_o extempore_o it_o be_v as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o hardly_o possible_a for_o any_o and_o utter_o impossible_a for_o all_o to_o join_v in_o they_o for_o sure_o people_n can_v join_v in_o a_o prayer_n before_o they_o understand_v it_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o all_o capacity_n shall_v present_o and_o immediate_o understand_v what_o they_o hear_v when_o possible_o holderforth_a himself_n understand_v not_o what_o he_o say_v from_o all_o which_o we_o may_v venture_v to_o conclude_v that_o that_o excellent_a thing_n common-prayer_n which_o be_v the_o joint_a address_n of_o a_o whole_a congregation_n with_o unite_a voice_n as_o well_o as_o heart_n send_v up_o their_o devotion_n to_o almighty_a god_n be_v nowhere_o to_o be_v find_v in_o these_o kingdom_n but_o in_o that_o best_a and_o near_a copy_n of_o primitive_a christian_a worship_n the_o divine_a service_n as_o it_o be_v perform_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n as_o for_o those_o long_a prayer_n so_o frequent_o use_v by_o some_o before_o their_o sermon_n the_o constitution_n and_o canon_n of_o our_o church_n be_v not_o at_o all_o responsible_a for_o they_o have_v provide_v we_o better_a thing_n and_o with_o great_a wisdom_n appoint_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v use_v by_o all_o before_o their_o sermon_n but_o as_o for_o this_o way_n of_o pray_v now_o general_o in_o use_n as_o it_o be_v first_o take_v up_o upon_o a_o humour_n of_o novelty_n and_o popularity_n and_o by_o the_o same_o carry_v on_o till_o it_o have_v pass_v into_o a_o custom_n and_o so_o put_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n first_o out_o of_o use_n and_o then_o out_o of_o countenance_n also_o so_o if_o it_o be_v right_o consider_v it_o will_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v find_v a_o very_a senseless_a and_o absurd_a practice_n for_o can_v there_o be_v any_o sense_n or_o propriety_n in_o beginning_n a_o new_a tedious_a prayer_n in_o the_o pulpit_n just_a after_o the_o church_n have_v for_o near_o a_o hour_n together_o with_o great_a variety_n of_o office_n suitable_a to_o all_o the_o need_v of_o the_o congregation_n be_v pray_v for_o all_o that_o can_v possible_o be_v fit_a for_o christian_n to_o pray_v for_o nothing_o certain_o can_v be_v more_o irrational_a for_o which_o cause_n among_o many_o more_o that_o old_a sober_a form_n of_o bid_v prayer_n which_o both_o against_o law_n and_o reason_n have_v be_v justle_v out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o this_o upstart_n puritanical_a encroachment_n aught_o with_o great_a reason_n to_o be_v restore_v by_o authority_n and_o both_o the_o use_n and_o user_n of_o it_o by_o a_o strict_a and_o solemn_a reinforcement_n of_o the_o canon_n upon_o all_o without_o exception_n be_v rescue_v from_o that_o unjust_a scorn_n of_o the_o factious_a and_o ignorant_a which_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o contrary_a usurp_a custom_n will_v otherwise_o expose_v they_o to_o for_o sure_o it_o can_v neither_o be_v decency_n nor_o order_n for_o our_o clergy_n to_o conform_v to_o the_o fanatic_n as_o many_o in_o their_o prayer_n before_o sermon_n nowadays_o do_v and_o thus_o have_v account_v for_o the_o prayer_n of_o our_o church_n according_a to_o the_o great_a rule_n prescribe_v in_o the_o text_n let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o let_v we_o now_o according_a to_o the_o same_o consider_v also_o the_o way_n of_o pray_v so_o much_o use_v and_o applaud_v by_o such_o as_o have_v renounce_v the_o communion_n and_o liturgy_n of_o our_o church_n and_o it_o be_v but_o reason_n that_o they_o shall_v bring_v we_o something_o better_a in_o the_o room_n of_o what_o they_o have_v so_o disdainful_o cast_v off_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a be_v not_o all_o their_o prayer_n exact_o after_o the_o heathenish_a and_o pharisaical_a copy_n always_o notable_a for_o those_o two_o thing_n length_n and_o tautology_n two_o whole_a hour_n for_o one_o prayer_n at_o a_o fast_a use_v to_o be_v reckon_v but_o a_o moderate_a do_v and_o that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n fraught_v with_o such_o irreverent_a blasphemous_a expression_n that_o to_o repeat_v they_o will_v profane_v the_o place_n i_o be_o speak_v in_o and_o indeed_o they_o seldom_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o such_o a_o day_n as_o their_o phrase_n be_v but_o they_o leave_v the_o church_n in_o need_n of_o a_o new_a consecration_n add_v to_o this_o the_o incoherence_n and_o confusion_n the_o endless_a repetition_n and_o the_o unsufferable_a nonsense_n that_o never_o fail_v to_o hold_v out_o even_o with_o their_o utmost_a prolixity_n so_o that_o in_o all_o their_o long_a fast_n from_o first_o to_o last_o from_o seven_o in_o the_o morning_n to_o seven_o in_o the_o evening_n which_o be_v their_o measure_n the_o pulpit_n be_v always_o the_o empty_a thing_n in_o the_o church_n and_o i_o never_o know_v such_o a_o fast_o keep_v by_o they_o but_o their_o hearer_n have_v cause_n to_o begin_v a_o thanksgiving_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o have_v do_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v when_o i_o consider_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n so_o full_a of_o ramble_n and_o inconsequence_n and_o in_o every_o respect_n so_o very_a like_o the_o language_n of_o a_o dream_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o their_o carriage_n of_o themselves_o in_o prayer_n with_o their_o eye_n for_o the_o most_o part_n shut_z and_o their_o arm_n stretch_v out_o in_o yawn_a posture_n a_o man_n that_o shall_v hear_v any_o of_o they_o pray_v might_n by_o a_o very_a pardonable_a error_n be_v induce_v to_o think_v that_o he_o be_v all_o the_o time_n hear_v one_o talk_v in_o his_o sleep_n beside_o the_o strange_a virtue_n which_o their_o prayer_n have_v to_o procure_v sleep_n in_o other_o too_o so_o that_o he_o who_o shall_v be_v present_a at_o all_o their_o long_a cant_n will_v show_v a_o great_a ability_n in_o watch_v than_o ever_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o in_o pray_v if_o he_o can_v forbear_v sleep_v have_v so_o strong_a a_o provocation_n to_o it_o and_o so_o fair_a a_o excuse_n for_o it_o in_o a_o word_n such_o be_v their_o prayer_n both_o for_o matter_n and_o expression_n that_o can_v any_o one_o true_o and_o exact_o write_v they_o out_o it_o will_v be_v the_o shrewd_a and_o most_o effectual_a way_n of_o write_v against_o they_o that_o can_v possible_o be_v think_v of_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v thus_o trouble_v either_o you_o or_o myself_o by_o rake_v into_o the_o dirt_n and_o dunghill_n of_o these_o man_n devotion_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o any_o thing_n either_o do_v or_o say_v by_o they_o in_o the_o late_a time_n of_o confusion_n for_o as_o they_o have_v the_o king_n be_v so_o i_o wish_v they_o god_n pardon_n also_o for_o both_o who_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o have_v offend_v much_o more_o than_o they_o have_v both_o king_n put_v together_o but_o that_o which_o have_v provoke_v i_o thus_o to_o rip_v up_o and_o expose_v to_o you_o their_o nauseous_a and_o ridiculous_a way_n of_o address_v to_o god_n even_o upon_o the_o most_o solemn_a occasion_n be_v that_o intolerable_o rude_a and_o unprovoke_v insolence_n and_o scurrility_n with_o which_o they_o be_v every_o day_n reproach_v and_o scoff_v at_o our_o liturgy_n and_o the_o user_n of_o it_o and_o thereby_o alienate_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n from_o it_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n that_o many_o thousand_o be_v draw_v by_o
fellow-artist_n act_v 19_o 25._o it_o be_v by_o this_o craft_n that_o they_o get_v their_o wealth_n so_o long_a experience_n have_v find_v it_o true_a of_o the_o unthinking_a mobile_n that_o the_o close_o they_o shut_v their_o eye_n the_o wide_a they_o open_v their_o hand_n but_o this_o base_a trade_n the_o church_n of_o england_n always_o abhor_v and_o for_o that_o cause_n as_o to_o its_o temporal_a advantage_n have_v fare_v according_o and_o by_o this_o time_n may_v be_v think_v fit_a for_o another_o reformation_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v three_o notable_a way_n by_o which_o the_o philosopher_n and_o learned_a man_n among_o the_o gentile_n hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n as_o first_o that_o they_o do_v not_o practise_v up_o to_o it_o 2_o that_o they_o do_v not_o improve_v it_o and_o 3_o and_o last_o that_o they_o conceal_v and_o dissemble_v it_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v they_o to_o great_a enormity_n for_o change_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n into_o a_o lie_n they_o become_v like_o those_o who_o by_o often_o repeat_v a_o lie_n to_o other_o come_v at_o length_n to_o believe_v it_o themselves_o they_o own_v the_o idolatrous_a worship_n of_o god_n so_o long_o till_o by_o degree_n even_o in_o spite_n of_o reason_n and_o nature_n they_o think_v that_o he_o ought_v so_o to_o be_v worship_v but_o this_o stop_v not_o here_o for_o as_o one_o wickedness_n be_v natural_o a_o step_n and_o introduction_n to_o another_o so_o from_o absurd_a and_o senseless_a devotion_n they_o pass_v into_o vile_a affection_n practise_v vice_n against_o nature_n and_o that_o in_o such_o strange_a and_o abominable_a instance_n of_o sin_n that_o nothing_o can_v equal_v the_o corruption_n of_o their_o manner_n but_o the_o delusion_n of_o their_o judgement_n both_o of_o they_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a cause_n of_o one_o another_o the_o consideration_n of_o which_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v make_v man_n cautious_a and_o fearful_a how_o they_o suppress_v or_o debauch_v that_o spark_n of_o natural_a light_n which_o god_n have_v set_v up_o in_o their_o soul_n when_o nature_n be_v in_o the_o dark_a it_o will_v venture_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n and_o god_n know_v how_o far_o the_o spirit_n of_o infatuation_n may_v prevail_v upon_o the_o heart_n when_o it_o come_v once_o to_o court_n and_o love_v a_o delusion_n some_o man_n hug_v a_o error_n because_o it_o gratify_v they_o in_o a_o free_a enjoyment_n of_o their_o sensuality_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n god_n in_o judgement_n suffer_v they_o to_o be_v plunge_v into_o foul_a and_o grosser_n error_n such_o as_o even_o unman_v and_o strip_v they_o of_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o reason_n and_o sober_a discourse_n for_o sure_o it_o can_v be_v no_o ordinary_a declension_n of_o nature_n that_o can_v bring_v some_o man_n after_o a_o ingenuous_a education_n in_o art_n and_o philosophy_n to_o place_v their_o summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la upon_o their_o trencher_n and_o their_o utmost_a felicity_n in_o wine_n and_o woman_n and_o those_o lust_n and_o pleasure_n which_o a_o swine_n or_o a_o goat_n have_v as_o full_a and_o quick_a a_o sense_n of_o as_o the_o great_a statesman_n or_o the_o best_a philosopher_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o this_o be_v the_o custom_n this_o the_o know_a voice_n of_o most_o of_o the_o gentile_n dum_fw-la vivimus_fw-la vivamus_fw-la let_v we_o eat_v and_o drink_v to_o day_n for_o to_o morrow_n we_o must_v die_v that_o soul_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o comprehensive_a of_o both_o world_n and_o capable_a of_o look_v into_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o nature_n of_o dive_v into_o the_o depth_n beneath_o and_o of_o understand_v the_o motion_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o star_n above_o even_o this_o glorious_a active_a thing_n do_v they_o confine_v within_o the_o pitiful_a compass_n of_o the_o present_a fruition_n forbid_v it_o to_o take_v a_o prospect_n so_o far_o as_o into_o the_o morrow_n as_o if_o to_o think_v to_o contemplate_v or_o be_v serious_a have_v be_v high_a treason_n against_o the_o empire_n and_o prerogative_n of_o sense_n usurp_v the_o throne_n of_o their_o baffle_a and_o depose_v reason_n and_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o even_o nowadays_o there_o be_v often_o see_v such_o a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o former_a and_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o some_o man_n life_n that_o those_o who_o first_o step_v forth_o into_o the_o world_n with_o high_a and_o promise_a ability_n vigorous_a intellectual_n and_o clear_a moral_n come_v at_o length_n to_o grow_v sot_n and_o epicure_n mean_v in_o their_o discourse_n and_o dirty_a in_o their_o practice_n but_o that_o as_o by_o degree_n they_o remit_v of_o their_o industry_n loathe_v their_o business_n and_o give_v way_n to_o their_o pleasure_n they_o let_v fall_v those_o generous_a principle_n which_o in_o their_o youthful_a day_n have_v bear_v they_o upon_o the_o wing_n and_o raise_v they_o to_o worthy_a and_o great_a thought_n which_o thought_n and_o principle_n not_o be_v keep_v up_o and_o cherish_v but_o smother_v in_o sensual_a delight_n god_n for_o that_o cause_n suffer_v they_o to_o flag_n and_o sink_v into_o low_a and_o inglorious_a satisfaction_n and_o to_o enjoy_v themselves_o more_o in_o a_o revel_n or_o a_o merry-meeting_n a_o strumpet_n or_o a_o tavern_n than_o in_o be_v useful_a to_o a_o church_n or_o a_o nation_n in_o be_v a_o public_a good_a to_o society_n and_o a_o benefit_n to_o mankind_n the_o part_n that_o god_n give_v they_o they_o hold_v in_o unrighteousness_n sloth_n and_o sensuality_n and_o this_o make_v god_n to_o desert_n and_o abandon_v they_o to_o themselves_o so_o that_o they_o have_v have_v a_o dote_a and_o a_o decrepit_a reason_n long_o before_o age_n have_v give_v they_o such_o a_o body_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v hearty_o wish_v that_o such_o young_a person_n as_o hear_v i_o now_o will_v lodge_v this_o one_o observation_n deep_a in_o their_o mind_n viz._n that_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v join_v wisdom_n and_o virtue_n by_o such_o a_o near_a cognation_n or_o rather_o such_o a_o inseparable_a connexion_n that_o a_o wise_a a_o prudent_a and_o a_o honourable_a old_a age_n be_v seldom_o or_o never_o find_v but_o as_o the_o reward_n and_o effect_v of_o a_o sober_a a_o virtuous_a and_o a_o well-spent_a youth_n 4._o i_o descend_v now_o to_o the_o four_o and_o last_o thing_n propose_v namely_o the_o judgement_n or_o rather_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n penal_o consequent_a upon_o the_o person_n here_o charge_v by_o the_o apostle_n with_o idolatry_n which_o be_v that_o they_o be_v without_o excuse_n after_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v natural_a for_o the_o sinner_n to_o apprehend_v himself_o in_o danger_n and_o upon_o such_o apprehension_n to_o provide_v for_o his_o safety_n and_o defence_n and_o that_o must_v be_v one_o of_o these_o two_o way_n viz._n either_o by_o plead_v his_o innocence_n or_o by_o use_v his_o power_n but_o since_o it_o will_v be_v infinite_o in_o vain_a for_o a_o finite_a power_n to_o contend_v with_o a_o infinite_a innocence_n if_o any_o thing_n must_v be_v his_o plea_n and_o that_o must_v be_v either_o by_o a_o absolute_a denial_n or_o at_o least_o by_o a_o extenuation_n or_o diminution_n of_o his_o sin_n though_o indeed_o this_o course_n will_v be_v find_v altogether_o as_o absurd_a as_o the_o other_o can_v be_v it_o be_v everywhit_n as_o irrational_a for_o a_o sinner_n to_o plead_v his_o innocence_n before_o omniscience_n as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o oppose_v his_o power_n to_o omnipotence_n however_o the_o last_o refuge_n of_o a_o guilty_a person_n be_v to_o take_v shelter_n under_o a_o excuse_n and_o so_o to_o mitigate_v if_o he_o can_v divert_v the_o blow_n it_o be_v the_o method_n of_o the_o great_a pattern_n and_o parent_n of_o all_o sinner_n adam_n first_o to_o hide_v and_o then_o to_o excuse_v himself_o to_o wrap_v the_o apple_n in_o the_o leaf_n and_o to_o give_v his_o case_n a_o gloss_n at_o least_o though_o not_o a_o defence_n but_o now_o when_o the_o sinner_n shall_v be_v strip_v of_o this_o also_o have_v all_o his_o excuse_n blow_v away_o be_v stab_v with_o his_o own_o argument_n and_o as_o it_o be_v sacrifice_v upon_o that_o very_a altar_n which_o he_o flee_v to_o for_o succour_v this_o sure_o be_v the_o height_n and_o crisis_n of_o a_o forlorn_a condition_n yet_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o malefactor_n who_o stand_v here_o arraign_v in_o the_o text_n this_o be_v the_o consummation_n of_o their_o doom_n that_o they_o be_v person_n not_o only_o unfit_a for_o a_o pardon_n but_o even_o for_o a_o plea_n now_o a_o excuse_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o import_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o sin_n 2._o the_o extenuation_n of_o its_o gild_n as_o for_o the_o sin_n itself_o we_o have_v already_o hear_v what_o that_o be_v
will_v condemn_v he_o in_o the_o other_o and_o consequent_o he_o who_o place_n his_o salvation_n upon_o this_o ground_n will_v find_v himself_o like_o a_o imprison_a and_o condemn_a malefactor_n who_o in_o the_o night_n dream_n that_o he_o be_v release_v but_o in_o the_o morning_n find_v himself_o lead_v to_o the_o gallow_n 4_o lie_n and_o last_o no_o advantage_n from_o external_n church-membership_n or_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n can_v of_o themselves_o give_v a_o man_n confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o yet_o perhaps_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n which_o man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v general_o more_o cheat_v themselves_o with_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o this_o who_o because_o they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o abraham_n as_o it_o be_v ready_o acknowledge_v by_o our_o saviour_n john_n 8._o 37._o and_o because_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n rom._n 3._o 2._o together_o with_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o promise_n rom._n 9_o 4._o that_o be_v in_o other_o word_n because_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o professor_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n while_o all_o the_o world_n about_o they_o lay_v wallow_v in_o ignorance_n heathenism_n and_o idolatry_n they_o conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o god_n be_v so_o fond_a of_o they_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o villainy_n and_o immorality_n they_o be_v still_o the_o darling_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o only_a heir_n apparent_a of_o salvation_n they_o think_v it_o seem_v god_n and_o themselves_o link_v together_o in_o so_o fast_o but_o withal_o so_o strange_a a_o covenant_n that_o although_o they_o never_o perform_v their_o part_n of_o it_o god_n be_v yet_o bind_v to_o make_v good_a every_o tittle_n of_o he_o and_o this_o make_v john_n the_o baptist_n set_v himself_o with_o so_o much_o acrimony_n and_o indignation_n to_o baffle_v this_o senseless_a arrogant_a conceit_n of_o they_o which_o make_v they_o huff_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n as_o a_o thing_n below_o they_o and_o not_o at_o all_o belong_v to_o they_o in_o matth._n 3._o v._n 9_o think_v not_o say_v he_o to_o say_v within_o yourselves_o we_o have_v abraham_n to_o our_o father_n this_o he_o know_v lay_v deep_a in_o their_o heart_n and_o be_v still_o in_o their_o mouth_n and_o keep_v they_o insolent_a and_o impenitent_a under_o sin_n of_o the_o high_a and_o most_o clamorous_a gild_n though_o our_o saviour_n himself_o also_o not_o long_o after_o this_o assure_v they_o that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a stock_n and_o parentage_n from_o that_o which_o they_o boast_v of_o and_o that_o whosoever_o be_v their_o father_n upon_o the_o natural_a account_n the_o devil_n be_v certain_o so_o upon_o a_o moral_a in_o like_a manner_n how_o vain_o do_v the_o romanist_n pride_n and_o value_v themselves_o upon_o the_o name_n of_o catholic_n of_o the_o catholic_n religion_n and_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n though_o a_o title_n no_o more_o applicable_a to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o a_o man_n finger_n when_o it_o be_v swell_v and_o putrefy_a can_v be_v call_v his_o whole_a body_n a_o church_n which_o allow_v salvation_n to_o none_o without_o it_o nor_o award_v damnation_n to_o almost_o any_o within_o it_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o former_a empty_a plea_n serve_v the_o sottish_a jew_n so_o no_o wonder_n if_o this_o equal_o serve_v these_o to_o put_v they_o into_o a_o fool_n paradise_n by_o feed_v their_o hope_n without_o change_v their_o life_n and_o as_o a_o excellent_a expedient_a first_o to_o assure_v they_o of_o heaven_n and_o then_o to_o bring_v they_o easy_o to_o it_o and_o so_o in_o a_o word_n to_o save_v both_o their_o soul_n and_o their_o sin_n too_o and_o to_o show_v how_o the_o same_o cheat_n run_v through_o all_o profession_n though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o dress_n none_o be_v more_o powerful_o and_o gross_o under_o it_o than_o another_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o on_o the_o contrary_a place_v their_o whole_a acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o indeed_o their_o whole_a religion_n upon_o a_o mighty_a zeal_n or_o rather_o outcry_n against_o popery_n and_o superstition_n verbal_o indeed_o utter_v against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o real_o mean_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o which_o sort_v of_o person_n i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o but_o this_o and_o that_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o meekness_n namely_o that_o zeal_n and_o noise_n against_o popery_n and_o real_a service_n for_o it_o be_v no_o such_o inconsistent_a thing_n as_o some_o may_v imagine_v indeed_o no_o more_o than_o invective_n against_o papist_n and_o solemn_a address_n of_o thanks_o to_o they_o for_o that_o very_a thing_n by_o which_o they_o will_v have_v bring_v in_o popery_n upon_o we_o and_o if_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n do_v not_o yet_o know_v so_o much_o thanks_o to_o they_o for_o it_o we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v and_o so_o may_v they_o themselves_o too_o in_o due_a time_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o by_o way_n of_o sarcasm_n to_o reproach_v they_o i_o leave_v that_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o will_v do_v it_o more_o effectual_o but_o by_o way_n of_o charity_n to_o warn_v they_o for_o let_v they_o be_v assure_v that_o this_o whole_a scene_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o be_v as_o real_o superstition_n and_o as_o false_a a_o bottom_n to_o rest_v their_o soul_n upon_o as_o either_o the_o jew_n allege_v abraham_n for_o their_o father_n while_o the_o devil_n claim_v they_o for_o his_o child_n or_o the_o papist_n rely_v upon_o their_o indulgence_n their_o saint_n merit_n and_o supererogation_n and_o such_o other_o foppery_n as_o can_v never_o settle_v nor_o indeed_o so_o much_o as_o reach_v the_o conscience_n and_o much_o less_o recommend_v it_o to_o that_o judge_n who_o be_v not_o to_o be_v flam_v off_o with_o word_n and_o phrase_n and_o name_n though_o take_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o nay_o and_o i_o shall_v proceed_v yet_o further_o it_o be_v not_o a_o man_n be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n itself_o though_o undoubted_o the_o pure_a and_o best_a reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n indeed_o so_o well_o reform_v that_o it_o will_v be_v find_v a_o much_o easy_a work_n to_o alter_v than_o to_o better_v its_o constitution_n i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o a_o man_n be_v even_o of_o this_o excellent_a church_n which_o can_v of_o itself_o clear_a account_n between_o god_n and_o his_o conscience_n since_o bare_a communion_n with_o a_o good_a church_n can_v never_o alone_o make_v a_o good_a man_n for_o if_o it_o can_v i_o be_o sure_a we_o shall_v have_v no_o bad_a one_o in_o we_o and_o much_o less_o such_o as_o will_v betray_v it_o so_o that_o we_o see_v here_o that_o it_o be_v but_o too_o manifest_a that_o man_n of_o all_o church_n sect_n and_o persuasion_n be_v strange_o apt_a to_o flatter_v and_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o what_o they_o believe_v and_o what_o they_o profess_v and_o if_o we_o thorough_o consider_v the_o matter_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o fallacy_n to_o lie_v in_o this_o that_o those_o religious_a institution_n which_o god_n design_v only_o for_o mean_n help_n and_o advantage_n to_o promote_v and_o further_a man_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n they_o look_v upon_o rather_o as_o a_o privilege_n to_o serve_v they_o instead_o of_o it_o and_o real_o to_o commute_v for_o it_o this_o be_v the_o very_a case_n and_o a_o fatal_a self-imposture_n it_o be_v certain_o and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o defeat_v the_o design_n and_o destroy_v the_o force_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v four_o several_a uncertain_a and_o deceitful_a rule_n which_o man_n be_v prone_a to_o judge_v of_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n by_o but_o now_o have_v we_o any_o better_a or_o more_o certain_a to_o substitute_n and_o recommend_v in_o the_o room_n of_o they_o why_o yes_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o apostle_n a_o man_n be_v own_o heart_n or_o conscience_n be_v that_o which_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v able_a to_o give_v he_o confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o heart_n know_v that_o by_o itself_o which_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n beside_o can_v give_v it_o any_o knowledge_n of_o and_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o it_o can_v have_v no_o foundation_n to_o build_v any_o true_a confidence_n upon_o conscience_n under_o god_n be_v the_o only_a competent_a judge_n of_o what_o the_o soul_n have_v do_v and_o what_o it_o have_v not_o do_v what_o gild_n it_o have_v contract_v and_o what_o it_o have_v not_o as_o it_o be_v in_o 1_o corinth_n 2._o 11._o what_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o conscience_n be_v its_o own_o counsellor_n the_o sole_a master_n of_o its_o own_o