thing_n they_o will_v say_v perhaps_o that_o they_o hope_v to_o confirm_v themselves_o in_o a_o good_a purpose_n but_o what_o do_v they_o find_v this_o hope_n upon_o what_o do_v they_o wait_v for_o and_o what_o new_a thing_n do_v the_o imagine_v will_v happen_v to_o they_o have_v they_o any_o assurance_n that_o god_n will_v use_v for_o their_o conversion_n other_o mean_n and_o motive_n than_o those_o which_o he_o have_v use_v already_o nay_o how_o do_v they_o know_v but_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o those_o mean_n and_o help_v which_o hitherto_o have_v be_v tender_v they_o how_o can_v they_o tell_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o time_n to_o come_v for_o they_o and_o whether_o their_o life_n be_v not_o just_o ready_a to_o end_v all_o this_o be_v very_o uncertain_a but_o what_o be_v certain_o true_a be_v this_o that_o through_o so_o many_o procrastination_n their_o heart_n grow_v hard_a and_o their_o return_n to_o virtue_n become_v more_o difficult_a the_o love_n of_o sin_n increase_v by_o the_o habit_n of_o sin_v and_o the_o mean_v appoint_v to_o work_v repentance_n lose_v something_o of_o their_o force_n every_o day_n these_o consideration_n do_v evident_o show_v that_o the_o defer_v of_o conversion_n be_v a_o error_n as_o gross_a as_o it_o be_v dangerous_a i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o be_v useless_a to_o conclude_v this_o chapter_n with_o observe_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o put_v off_o their_o conversion_n be_v because_o they_o look_v upon_o repentance_n as_o a_o austere_a and_o melancholy_a duty_n and_o this_o notion_n must_v needs_o put_v they_o upon_o defer_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o it_o be_v therefore_o of_o the_o great_a moment_n to_o destroy_v that_o prejudice_n and_o to_o show_v on_o the_o contrary_a that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o sad_a and_o deplorable_a condition_n it_o be_v that_o of_o a_o man_n who_o live_v in_o sin_n for_o that_o be_v either_o a_o state_n of_o fear_n and_o uncertainty_n or_o of_o security_n and_o insensibility_n such_o a_o man_n can_v have_v no_o solid_a peace_n of_o conscience_n during_o his_o life_n and_o what_o agitation_n must_v he_o fall_v into_o when_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n and_o of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v happen_v to_o make_v some_o lively_a impression_n upon_o his_o mind_n for_o grant_v that_o then_o he_o may_v use_v some_o endeavour_n to_o dispose_v himself_o to_o repentance_n yet_o beside_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o late_a repentance_n it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n to_o end_v one_o life_n in_o those_o struggle_v and_o terror_n which_o must_v needs_o accompany_v such_o a_o repentance_n a_o man_n who_o delay_v his_o conversion_n prolong_v his_o misery_n and_o make_v it_o great_a and_o more_o incurable_a but_o joy_n and_o tranquillity_n be_v the_o portion_n of_o a_o pure_a conscience_n there_o be_v no_o felicity_n or_o contentment_n like_o that_o of_o a_o soul_n which_o be_v free_v from_o the_o bondage_n of_o sin_n repentance_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o that_o happiness_n which_o grow_v sweet_a and_o more_o perfect_a according_a to_o the_o progress_n we_o make_v in_o virtue_n then_o it_o be_v that_o a_o man_n be_v happy_a in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o life_n beside_o that_o he_o have_v the_o comfort_n of_o be_v support_v at_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n with_o that_o peace_n and_o joy_n which_o flow_v from_o a_o well_o ground_a confidence_n in_o the_o divine_a mercy_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o from_o a_o steady_a hope_n of_o immortality_n cause_n vii_o man_n sloth_n and_o negligence_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v natural_a and_o ordinary_a to_o man_n to_o be_v unconcern_v about_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v not_o know_v or_o of_o which_o they_o do_v not_o apprehend_v the_o use_n and_o necessity_n and_o so_o we_o may_v easy_o conceive_v that_o man_n live_v in_o ignorance_n and_o be_v possess_v with_o those_o notion_n i_o have_v now_o confute_v must_v needs_o be_v very_o negligent_a and_o slothful_a in_o what_o relate_v to_o religion_n but_o as_o this_o sloth_n consider_v in_o itself_o be_v a_o visible_a cause_n of_o corruption_n so_o it_o will_v be_v fit_v to_o take_v particular_a notice_n of_o it_o in_o this_o chapter_n i_o suppose_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o attain_v the_o end_n which_o religion_n propose_v to_o he_o without_o use_v the_o proper_a mean_n which_o lead_v to_o that_o end_n in_o religious_a as_o well_o as_o in_o worldly_a concern_v nothing_o be_v to_o be_v have_v without_o labour_n and_o care_n as_o there_o be_v mean_v appoint_v for_o preserve_v the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n so_o there_o be_v some_o ordain_v for_o maintain_v the_o life_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o last_o mean_n be_v of_o the_o two_o the_o more_o necessary_a because_o there_o be_v more_o care_n and_o forecast_v requisite_a in_o order_n to_o salvation_n about_o preserve_v the_o life_n of_o die_v soul_n than_o for_o support_v that_o of_o the_o body_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o more_o excellent_a any_o thing_n be_v the_o more_o it_o require_v our_o care_n but_o beside_o that_o we_o see_v the_o life_n of_o the_o body_n be_v easy_o preserve_v a_o natural_a inclination_n prompt_v we_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o our_o subsistence_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o supply_v our_o bodily_a want_n offer_v themselves_o to_o we_o as_o it_o be_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o spiritual_a life_n consider_v our_o proneness_n to_o evil_a and_o the_o present_a state_n we_o be_v in_o we_o can_v avoid_v be_v undo_v if_o we_o neglect_v the_o necessary_a care_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o if_o we_o follow_v all_o the_o bents_z and_o propension_n of_o our_o nature_n religion_n oblige_v we_o upon_o many_o occasion_n to_o resist_v our_o inclination_n and_o to_o offer_v violence_n to_o ourselves_o it_o require_v self-denial_n watchfulness_n and_o labour_n it_o lay_v many_o duty_n upon_o we_o and_o it_o prescribe_v divers_a mean_n without_o the_o use_n of_o which_o we_o can_v but_o continue_v still_o in_o corruption_n and_o death_n i_o shall_v then_o but_o just_a name_n the_o chief_a of_o those_o duty_n and_o mean_n before_o all_o thing_n a_o christian_n ought_v to_o be_v instruct_v he_o ought_v to_o know_v with_o some_o exactness_n both_o the_o truth_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n now_o this_o knowledge_n can_v be_v acquire_v without_o hear_v read_v meditation_n or_o some_o other_o care_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o religion_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o bare_a knowledge_n but_o chief_o in_o practice_n none_o of_o those_o mean_n shall_v be_v neglect_v which_o be_v proper_a to_o divert_v man_n from_o vice_n and_o to_o spur_v they_o on_o virtue_n these_o mean_n be_v very_o many_o but_o they_o be_v all_o comprehend_v under_o these_o two_o principal_a head_n the_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n and_o the_o circumspection_n which_o every_o person_n ought_v to_o use_v the_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n be_v mighty_a help_n to_o piety_n and_o salvation_n i_o mean_v such_o as_o meditation_n read_v and_o particular_o prayer_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o essential_a act_n of_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o one_o of_o the_o most_o efficacious_a mean_n to_o advance_v holiness_n there_o be_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n several_a method_n of_o circumspection_n and_o care_n which_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n as_o for_o instance_n the_o foreseeing_a &_o shun_v the_o occasion_n which_o may_v draw_v we_o into_o sin_n the_o seek_v those_o opportunity_n and_o aid_n which_o promote_v piety_n the_o not_o be_v overmuch_o concern_v about_o the_o body_n the_o cherish_v good_a thought_n and_o the_o resist_a evil_a one_o but_o above_o all_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n that_o every_o one_o shall_v endeavour_v thorough_o to_o know_v himself_o which_o he_o can_v do_v but_o by_o examine_v his_o present_a state_n and_o by_o reflect_v serious_o and_o frequent_o upon_o his_o action_n and_o word_n and_o upon_o the_o thought_n and_o motion_n of_o his_o heart_n all_o these_o care_n be_v essential_a and_o necessary_a for_o without_o the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o be_v religious_a and_o pious_a as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o live_v and_o subsist_v with_o out_o nourishment_n a_o man_n who_o will_v neither_o eat_v nor_o drink_v must_v needs_o die_v in_o a_o little_a time_n and_o so_o the_o spiritual_a life_n will_v soon_o be_v extinct_a if_o the_o only_a mean_n which_o can_v support_v it_o be_v not_o use_v let_v we_o see_v now_o whether_o these_o care_n and_o mean_n which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v necessary_a be_v make_v use_n of_o it_o be_v so_o visible_a that_o they_o be_v almost_o total_o neglect_v that_o i_o need_v
namely_o that_o when_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o faith_n be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o word_n faith_n in_o this_o proposition_n that_o true_a faith_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v now_o if_o we_o ask_v what_o that_o faith_n be_v and_o by_o what_o mark_v it_o may_v be_v know_v all_o the_o apostle_n will_v unanimous_o tell_v we_o that_o true_a faith_n produce_v a_o holy_a life_n and_o that_o it_o discover_v itself_o by_o all_o manner_n of_o good_a work_n they_o assign_v good_a work_n as_o the_o essential_a mark_n and_o character_n that_o distinguish_v a_o save_n from_o a_o hypocritical_a faith_n by_o that_o very_a thing_n therefore_o that_o the_o gospel_n require_v faith_n it_o do_v likewise_o require_v good_a work_n since_o faith_n can_v be_v without_o work_n and_o by_o consequence_n the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o fancy_n that_o faith_n be_v sufficient_a without_o work_n be_v evident_o absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n itself_o but_o to_o set_v this_o matter_n still_o in_o a_o clear_a light_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o take_v notice_n here_o of_o two_o mistake_v which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o run_v into_o when_o they_o speak_v of_o faith_n and_o good_a work_n the_o first_o be_v that_o they_o separate_v faith_n from_o work_n they_o look_v upon_o faith_n as_o a_o thing_n quite_o different_a from_o work_n and_o which_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o they_o or_o rather_o they_o oppose_v faith_n to_o work_n as_o if_o these_o two_o thing_n be_v contrary_a to_o each_o other_o a_o corrupt_a man_n will_v say_v i_o confess_v that_o i_o have_v not_o good_a work_n but_o however_o i_o have_v faith_n those_o who_o speak_v thus_o suppose_v that_o they_o may_v have_v faith_n though_o they_o have_v not_o work_n but_o st._n james_n have_v direct_o confute_v this_o imagination_n ii_o imagination_n jam._n ii_o what_o do_v it_o profit_n my_o brethren_n though_o a_o man_n say_v he_o have_v faith_n and_o have_v not_o work_n can_v faith_n save_v he_o if_o faith_n have_v not_o work_n it_o be_v dead_a be_v alone_o who_o can_v after_o this_o separate_a save_a faith_n from_o good_a work_n can_v we_o separate_v that_o from_o faith_n which_o god_n have_v declare_v to_o be_v inseparable_a from_o it_o it_o show_v that_o man_n be_v strange_o blind_v with_o ignorance_n and_o prejudice_n when_o at_o this_o time_n of_o day_n we_o be_v fain_o to_o prove_v thing_n so_o plain_a and_o questionable_a the_o second_o illusion_n be_v that_o man_n place_n faith_n in_o confidence_n alone_o and_o many_o define_v it_o by_o that_o they_o fancy_n that_o to_o have_v faith_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v merciful_a and_o to_o rely_v upon_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n because_o faith_n embrace_v the_o promise_v of_o the_o gospel_n the_o natural_a effect_n of_o which_o promise_n be_v to_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o assurance_n and_o tranquillity_n it_o be_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n true_a faith_n be_v attend_v with_o confidence_n but_o confidence_n be_v not_o the_o whole_a of_o faith_n and_o i_o can_v imagine_v what_o part_n of_o god_n word_n countenance_n that_o notion_n which_o place_n the_o essence_n of_o faith_n in_o confidence_n alone_o the_o faith_n which_o the_o gospel_n speak_v of_o consist_v in_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n in_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n as_o true_a and_o in_o make_v profession_n of_o it_o in_o do_v his_o commandment_n and_o hope_v for_o salvation_n from_o he_o but_o the_o resolve_v all_o faith_n and_o religion_n into_o act_n of_o confidence_n be_v the_o most_o extravagant_a conceit_n that_o can_v enter_v into_o a_o man_n head_n if_o this_o notion_n be_v true_a it_o will_v follow_v from_o it_o that_o in_o order_n to_o be_v save_v it_o be_v enough_o before_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v save_v which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o say_v that_o whoever_o will_v have_v a_o right_a to_o confide_v in_o god_n needs_o do_v no_o more_o in_o order_n to_o that_o than_o actual_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o that_o be_v a_o most_o ridiculous_a thought_n which_o turn_v all_o religion_n into_o a_o strong_a fancy_n before_o we_o believe_v a_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o know_v why_o we_o shall_v believe_v it_o and_o have_v good_a reason_n and_o solid_a ground_n for_o our_o belief_n before_o we_o trust_v in_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o satisfy_v ourselves_o that_o we_o have_v a_o right_a to_o confide_v in_o he_o for_o can_v a_o man_n be_v save_v only_o because_o without_o any_o ground_n or_o reason_n he_o fancy_n that_o he_o shall_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o rely_v upon_o god_n but_o according_a to_o his_o promise_n now_o god_n have_v promise_v nothing_o to_o those_o who_o live_v and_o be_v harden_v in_o sin_n far_o from_o promise_v any_o thing_n to_o they_o he_o threaten_v they_o with_o inevitable_a ruin_n what_o claim_n or_o title_n than_o can_v a_o obdurate_a sinner_n have_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n what_o confidence_n can_v he_o repose_v in_o god_n promise_n as_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v impenitent_a none_o at_o all_o except_o we_o suppose_v in_o god_n a_o general_a decree_n to_o save_v indifferent_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n it_o must_v not_o be_v say_v that_o these_o consideration_n be_v apt_a to_o alarm_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o man_n conscience_n for_o they_o will_v alarm_n none_o of_o those_o who_o be_v animate_v with_o true_a faith_n and_o sincere_a piety_n and_o as_o to_o other_o we_o do_v they_o a_o great_a piece_n of_o service_n when_o we_o awaken_v and_o terrify_v they_o out_o of_o that_o false_a quiet_a into_o which_o a_o groundless_a confidence_n have_v betray_v they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o teach_v that_o confidence_n be_v the_o most_o essential_a thing_n to_o faith_n for_o by_o this_o we_o may_v alarm_n some_o good_a man_n who_o either_o through_o melancholy_n or_o want_n of_o instruction_n be_v destitute_a of_o confidence_n and_o inward_a peace_n and_o it_o have_v certain_o happen_v that_o several_a pious_a person_n be_v fall_v into_o black_a thought_n and_o sad_a scruple_n concern_v their_o salvation_n and_o that_o they_o have_v in_o some_o measure_n despond_v because_o they_o do_v not_o find_v confidence_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o love_n of_o god_n in_o themselves_o from_o all_o these_o reflection_n it_o do_v evident_o appear_v that_o faith_n never_o ought_v nor_o can_v be_v separate_v from_o good_a work_n and_o that_o christian_n be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o ap_o themselves_o to_o good_a work_n as_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o to_o have_v faith_n but_o now_o if_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o st._n paulâ—hen_o â—hen_z oppose_v faith_n to_o work_n and_o why_o he_o exclude_v work_n when_o he_o treat_v of_o justification_n i_o answer_v that_o the_o apostle_n â—ins_v at_o two_o thing_n by_o this_o his_o design_n â—s_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o work_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n and_o foundation_n of_o man_n salvation_n â—ut_v that_o it_o flow_v from_o the_o pure_a mercy_n of_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n this_o he_o prove_v with_o respect_n both_o to_o the_o heathen_n and_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o his_o epistle_n â—o_o the_o roman_n but_o he_o do_v not_o mean_a to_o say_v â—hat_n good_a work_n be_v not_o necessary_a under_o â—he_n covenant_n of_o grace_n his_o expression_n be_v too_o clear_a to_o leave_v the_o least_o room_n for_o any_o doubt_n about_o this_o matter_n to_o reâ—eject_v the_o meritoriousness_n of_o good_a work_n â—s_v one_o thing_n and_o to_o deny_v their_o necessity_n be_v â—nother_n but_o 2_o because_o it_o may_v be_v obâ—ected_v that_o st._n paul_n do_v entire_o exclude_v work_n and_o that_o he_o use_v expression_n which_o imply_v that_o christian_n be_v no_o long_o oblige_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o that_o they_o have_v no_o influence_n on_o man_n salvation_n either_o as_o cause_n or_o condition_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a be_v oppose_v to_o faith_n therefore_o i_o add_v that_o he_o speak_v thus_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n and_o especial_o to_o circumcision_n there_o be_v many_o in_o st._n paul_n time_n who_o assert_v that_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o observe_v those_o legal_a ordinance_n it_o be_v about_o the_o question_n that_o the_o apostle_n meet_v a_o jerusalem_n and_o determine_v xv._o determine_v acts._n xv._o that_o christian_n 〈◊〉_d justify_v by_o faith_n only_o and_o that_o the_o yoke_n of_o moysaicall_a ordinance_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v up_o on_o they_o the_o same_o conroverly_n be_v handle_v by_o st._n paul_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o galatian_n where_o
man_n to_o be_v too_o just_a or_o too_o wise_a and_o whether_o there_o can_v be_v a_o vicious_a excess_n in_o righteousness_n or_o wisdom_n if_o a_o man_n may_v be_v over-righteous_a he_o may_v likewise_o love_v god_n too_o much_o for_o to_o be_v righteous_a and_o to_o love_n god_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n now_o god_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o heart_n and_o consequent_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v as_o righteous_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o to_o be_v but_o far_o from_o be_v over-righteous_a we_o can_v never_o be_v righteous_a enough_o and_o if_o we_o can_v never_o be_v righteous_a enough_o be_v there_o any_o occasion_n to_o exhort_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v over-righteous_a i_o wish_v man_n have_v at_o least_o that_o reverence_n for_o the_o scripture_n as_o not_o to_o make_v it_o speak_v absurdity_n i_o know_v the_o ordinary_a evasion_n vicious_a man_n will_v say_v that_o when_o piety_n run_v to_o excess_n it_o lead_v to_o superstition_n or_o pride_n and_o become_v troublesome_a and_o ridiculous_a every_o body_n say_v that_o but_o without_o reason_n i_o have_v refute_v that_o opinion_n and_o show_v that_o true_a piety_n never_o degenerate_v into_o superstition_n or_o pride_n and_o that_o devout_a man_n who_o be_v superstitious_a or_o troublesome_a have_v but_o a_o false_a devotion_n or_o a_o misguide_a zeal_n this_o may_v direct_v we_o to_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o sentence_n in_o question_n solomon_n do_v not_o speak_v here_o of_o true_a justice_n and_o wisdom_n for_o whether_o he_o may_v have_v a_o eye_n here_o upon_o superstitious_a or_o hypocritical_a person_n who_o righteousness_n be_v but_o imaginary_a which_o sense_n be_v adopt_v by_o many_o interpreter_n or_o whether_o he_o speak_v of_o those_o who_o exercise_n justice_n with_o too_o much_o severity_n as_o some_o think_v or_o whether_o as_o it_o be_v conceive_v by_o other_o he_o give_v this_o advice_n to_o busy_a and_o presumptuous_a people_n who_o meddle_v in_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o concern_v they_o and_o fancy_v themselves_o able_a to_o determine_v all_o matter_n however_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o solomon_n do_v not_o speak_v here_o of_o good_a man_n who_o exact_o follow_v the_o rule_n of_o true_a justice_n and_o wisdom_n if_o we_o stick_v to_o the_o last_o of_o these_o three_o exposition_n which_o seem_v to_o agree_v best_a with_o solomon_n design_n then_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o place_n be_v clear_a and_o rational_a and_o have_v nothing_o in_o it_o contrary_a to_o piety_n whereas_o the_o sense_n which_o be_v put_v upon_o these_o word_n by_o the_o libertine_n be_v both_o absurd_a and_o impious_a those_o who_o will_v either_o justify_v or_o excuse_v corruption_n use_v to_o object_n in_o the_o second_o place_n that_o since_o the_o scripture_n teach_v that_o all_o man_n and_o even_o good_a man_n be_v deep_o engage_v in_o corruption_n it_o must_v follow_v from_o thence_o that_o holiness_n and_o goodwork_n be_v not_o so_o very_o necessary_a and_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o be_v impossible_a now_o to_o prove_v this_o universal_a corruption_n of_o all_o man_n they_o bring_v several_a declaration_n of_o scripture_n and_o this_o among_o the_o rest_n there_o be_v not_o one_o that_o do_v good_a no_o not_o one_o etc._n etc._n psal_n 14._o rom._n 3._o if_o their_o meaning_n in_o cite_v these_o word_n be_v only_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n altogether_o free_a from_o sin_n and_o if_o it_o be_v grant_v on_o the_o otherhand_n that_o good_a man_n do_v not_o sin_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o the_o wicked_a do_v i_o will_v not_o quarrel_n much_o about_o this_o interpretation_n though_o not_o altogether_o exact_a or_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o david_n in_o the_o 19_o psalm_n but_o there_o be_v another_o design_n in_o it_o which_o be_v to_o infer_v from_o these_o word_n that_o man_n differ_v very_o little_a from_o one_o another_o that_o they_o be_v all_o guilty_a of_o many_o great_a sin_n and_o that_o none_o do_v or_o can_v practice_v the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n in_o a_o word_n this_o be_v intend_v for_o the_o apology_n of_o corruption_n and_o to_o silence_v those_o who_o oppose_v it_o if_o what_o david_n say_v in_o this_o place_n be_v to_o be_v strict_o understand_v it_o will_v follow_v that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o good_a man_n upon_o earth_n that_o all_o man_n be_v pervert_v that_o they_o be_v all_o become_v abominable_a by_o their_o sin_n and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o single_a person_n that_o be_v just_a or_o that_o fear_n god_n but_o this_o consequence_n raise_v horror_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o truth_n and_o experience_n and_o to_o what_o the_o scripture_n declare_v in_o a_o thousand_o place_n where_o it_o speak_v of_o good_a man_n and_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o wicked_a nay_o this_o consequence_n may_v be_v destroy_v from_o what_o we_o read_v in_o that_o very_a psalm_n which_o mention_n the_o just_a who_o be_v protect_v by_o god_n and_o the_o wicked_a who_o persecute_v they_o this_o complaint_n of_o david_n must_v therefore_o be_v understand_v with_o some_o restriction_n by_o read_v the_o fourteen_o psalm_n we_o may_v perceive_v that_o david_n intend_v to_o describe_v in_o it_o the_o extreme_a corruption_n of_o man_n in_o his_o time_n there_o he_o draw_v the_o picture_n of_o impiety_n and_o atheism_n and_o speak_v of_o those_o fool_n who_o say_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o who_o life_n be_v a_o continue_a chain_n of_o sin_n it_o must_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o when_o st._n paul_n cite_v these_o word_n out_o of_o the_o fourteen_o psalm_n in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n chap._n iii_o he_o do_v it_o with_o a_o design_n to_o show_v that_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o much_o better_a than_o the_o heathen_n and_o that_o they_o have_v as_o much_o need_n of_o a_o saviour_n 9_o saviour_n v._o 9_o what_o then_o be_v we_o better_o than_o they_o no_o in_o no_o wise_a for_o we_o have_v before_o prove_v both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o they_o be_v all_o under_o sin_n this_o be_v the_o assertion_n which_o st._n paul_n maintain_v and_o which_o he_o prove_v from_o that_o complaint_n which_o david_n make_v of_o old_a 19_o old_a v._o 19_o there_o be_v not_o one_o that_o do_v good_a etc._n etc._n from_o whence_o he_o conclude_v that_o all_o mouth_n must_v be_v stop_v and_o that_o all_o the_o world_n be_v become_v guilty_a before_o god_n so_o that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n can_v neither_o justify_v nor_o sanctify_v the_o jew_n but_o he_o teach_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o christ_n be_v come_v to_o rescue_v man_n out_o of_o that_o miserable_a condition_n and_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n if_o we_o must_v dill_n say_v of_o christian_n that_o there_o be_v none_o that_o do_v good_a no_o not_o one_o 2._o this_o answer_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o that_o place_n in_o the_o ephesian_n where_o it_o be_v say_v i._n say_v ephes_n ii_o 1._o i._n that_o we_o be_v dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n for_o to_o the_o same_o end_n these_o word_n be_v quote_v i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o all_o man_n abstract_v from_o the_o divine_a grace_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o dead_a in_o their_o sin_n that_o be_v st._n paul_n meaning_n in_o that_o place_n he_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o natural_a state_n of_o man_n and_o particular_o of_o heathen_n which_o be_v a_o state_n of_o corruption_n and_o death_n in_o which_o they_o have_v perish_v have_v not_o god_n take_v pity_n upon_o they_o but_o the_o apostle_n intend_v to_o make_v the_o ephesian_n sensible_a of_o that_o unparalleled_a mercy_n of_o god_n by_o which_o they_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n be_v but_o poor_a heathen_n before_o who_o be_v dead_a in_o their_o sin_n and_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n he_o do_v not_o say_v to_o they_o you_o be_v dead_a in_o your_o sin_n it_o be_v falsify_v the_o text_n to_o cite_v it_o so_o and_o to_o say_v we_o be_v dead_a in_o our_o sin_n but_o you_o be_v dead_a he_o speak_v of_o the_o time_n past_o when_o they_o be_v heathen_n &c_n heathen_n and_o 5._o &c_n &c_n among_o who_o say_v he_o speak_v of_o the_o jew_n we_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o time_n past_a in_o the_o lust_n of_o our_o flesh_n fulfil_v the_o desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o mind_n but_o now_o he_o add_v god_n have_v quicken_v we_o together_o with_o christ_n both_o you_o that_o be_v heathen_n and_o we_o that_o be_v jew_n be_v raise_v again_o from_o this_o spiritual_a death_n by_o virtue_n of_o god_n great_a mercy_n this_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o place_n which_o give_v we_o a_o lively_a idea_n of_o man_n natural_a corruption_n and_o of_o that_o happy_a state_n to_o which_o christ_n
not_o be_v very_o large_a upon_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o man_n take_v little_a care_n of_o be_v instruct_v and_o of_o get_v information_n and_o knowledge_n about_o religion_n the_o far_o great_a part_n either_o can_v read_v or_o never_o apply_v themselves_o to_o any_o useful_a instructive_a read_n few_o harken_v to_o the_o instruction_n that_o be_v give_v they_o and_o few_o yet_o examine_v or_o reflect_v upon_o they_o carnal_a lust_n and_o secular_a business_n do_v so_o engross_v they_o that_o they_o seldom_o or_o never_o give_v themselves_o to_o search_v the_o truth_n they_o general_o have_v a_o aversion_n to_o spiritual_a thing_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o will_v rather_o believe_v implicit_o what_o be_v tell_v they_o than_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o not_o and_o they_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o careless_a about_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n many_o will_v think_v it_o a_o punishment_n if_o they_o be_v make_v to_o read_v or_o to_o meditate_v they_o never_o do_v those_o thing_n but_o with_o reluctancy_n and_o as_o seldom_o as_o they_o can_v they_o go_v about_o prayer_n especial_o with_o a_o strange_a indifference_n and_o a_o criminal_a indevotion_n in_o short_a very_o few_o take_v the_o necessary_a care_n to_o preserve_v themselves_o from_o vice_n and_o to_o behave_v themselves_o with_o regularity_n and_o caution_n very_o few_o seek_v the_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a and_o avoid_v the_o temptation_n to_o which_o the_o common_a condition_n of_o man_n or_o their_o own_o particular_a circumstance_n expose_v they_o and_o the_o great_a number_n be_v slave_n to_o their_o body_n and_o whole_o take_v up_o with_o earthly_a thing_n one_o of_o the_o most_o sensible_a and_o fatal_a effect_n of_o this_o negligence_n be_v that_o those_o person_n use_v no_o manner_n of_o endeavour_n to_o know_v themselves_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o if_o ever_o that_o they_o reflect_v upon_o what_o pass_v within_o they_o upon_o their_o thought_n their_o inclination_n the_o motion_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o the_o principle_n they_o act_n upon_o or_o that_o they_o take_v a_o review_n of_o their_o word_n and_o action_n they_o do_v not_o consider_v whether_o they_o have_v within_o they_o the_o character_n of_o good_a man_n or_o of_o wicked_a and_o hypocritical_a person_n in_o a_o word_n almost_o all_o of_o they_o live_v without_o reflection_n man_n carelessness_n about_o religion_n be_v there_o fore_o extreme_o great_a but_o they_o proceed_v otherwise_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n about_o which_o they_o be_v as_o active_a and_o laborious_a as_o they_o be_v lazy_a and_o cold_a in_o reference_n to_o true_a piety_n they_o will_v do_v every_o thing_n for_o their_o body_n and_o nothing_o for_o their_o soul_n they_o spare_v no_o industry_n or_o diligence_n they_o omit_v nothing_o to_o promote_v their_o temporal_a concern_v if_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v by_o their_o conduct_n we_o will_v think_v that_o the_o supreme_a good_a be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o earthly_a advantage_n and_o that_o salvation_n be_v the_o least_o important_a of_o all_o thing_n i_o need_v not_o say_v what_o effect_n such_o a_o negligence_n must_v produce_v the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n be_v ignorant_a in_o their_o duty_n have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o themselves_o decline_v the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o without_o which_o he_o declare_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v save_v and_o wear_v out_o their_o life_n in_o this_o ignorance_n and_o sloth_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o they_o can_v have_v any_o religion_n or_o piety_n and_o so_o there_o must_v be_v a_o general_a corruption_n among_o they_o i_o say_v it_o must_v be_v so_o unless_o god_n shall_v work_v miracle_n or_o rather_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o invert_v the_o order_n and_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v establish_v but_o because_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o christian_n do_v not_o live_v like_o atheist_n and_o that_o their_o negligence_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o i_o represent_v it_o let_v we_o consider_v a_o little_a what_o sort_n of_o care_n they_o bestow_v upon_o the_o concern_v of_o their_o soul_n certain_o there_o be_v some_o person_n who_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o this_o negligence_n but_o except_v these_o what_o be_v it_o which_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n do_v in_o order_n to_o their_o salvation_n very_o little_a or_o nothing_o they_o pray_v they_o assist_v sometime_o at_o divine_a service_n and_o at_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o religion_n they_o hear_v sermon_n they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o they_o perform_v some_o other_o duty_n of_o this_o nature_n this_o be_v all_o which_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o great_a part_n amount_v to_o but_o first_o these_o be_v not_o only_o the_o duty_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v practise_v there_o be_v other_o which_z be_v not_o less_o essential_a and_o which_o yet_o be_v general_o neglect_v such_o as_o meditation_n read_v self-examination_n to_o say_v nothing_o here_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o sanctificatification_n so_o that_o if_o some_o act_n of_o religion_n be_v perform_v other_o be_v quite_o omit_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o proceed_v may_v easy_o be_v discover_v there_o be_v a_o law_n and_o a_o custom_n which_o oblige_v all_o person_n to_o some_o act_n of_o religion_n to_o pray_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o go_v now_o and_o then_o to_o church_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v entire_o neglect_v these_o external_a duty_n he_o will_v be_v think_v a_o atheist_n but_o there_o be_v neither_o custom_n nor_o law_n nor_o worldly_a decency_n which_o oblige_v a_o man_n to_o meditate_v to_o examine_v his_o own_o conscience_n or_o to_o watch_v over_o his_o conduct_n and_o therefore_o these_o duty_n be_v leave_v to_o every_o one_o direction_n be_v very_o little_o observe_v as_o to_o the_o other_o duty_n which_o christian_n form_n in_o some_o measure_n the_o want_n of_o sincerity_n in_o they_o do_v most_o common_o turn_v they_o into_o so_o many_o act_n of_o hypocrisy_n they_o perhaps_o say_v some_o prayer_n in_o the_o morning_n but_o this_o be_v do_v without_o devotion_n hasty_o with_o distraction_n and_o weariness_n and_o only_o to_o get_v rid_v of_o it_o after_o they_o think_v no_o more_o of_o god_n all_o the_o day_n but_o be_v altogether_o busy_v about_o the_o world_n and_o their_o passion_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n they_o pray_v with_o great_a wander_a of_o thought_n than_o in_o the_o morning_n if_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o they_o go_v to_o church_n or_o hear_v a_o sermon_n they_o do_v not_o give_v a_o quarter_n of_o a_o hour_n close_a attention_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v or_o do_v in_o the_o public_a assembly_n in_o many_o place_n the_o whole_a devotion_n of_o the_o people_n consist_v in_o be_v present_a at_o some_o sermon_n which_o be_v as_o little_a insructive_a as_o they_o be_v mind_v or_o hearken_v to_o the_o use_n which_o be_v make_v of_o the_o sacrament_n especial_o of_o the_o eucharist_n convert_v they_o into_o vain_a ceremony_n and_o make_v they_o rather_o obstacle_n than_o help_v to_o salvation_n as_o to_o the_o mortify_n of_o the_o body_n by_o reasonable_a abstinence_n fast_v and_o retirement_n it_o be_v a_o unknown_a duty_n the_o indifference_n of_o christian_n be_v therefore_o but_o too_o palpable_a what_o they_o do_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n be_v very_o little_a and_o yet_o they_o do_v that_o little_a so_o ill_a that_o it_o be_v not_o much_o more_o beneficial_a to_o they_o than_o if_o they_o do_v nothing_o at_o all_o and_o now_o what_o may_v not_o be_v say_v if_o after_o have_v thus_o show_v that_o what_o man_n do_v for_o their_o salvation_n be_v next_o to_o nothing_o i_o shall_v undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v almost_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o damnation_n and_o that_o they_o be_v as_o zealous_a and_o industrious_a for_o their_o ruin_n as_o they_o be_v slothful_a and_o negligent_a in_o what_o be_v requisite_a to_o preserve_v they_o there_o be_v mean_n to_o corrupt_a as_o well_o as_o to_o sanctify_v ourselves_o the_o mean_n of_o corruption_n and_o perdition_n be_v ignorance_n want_v of_o attention_n neglect_v of_o devotion_n the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o flesh_n unruly_a passion_n temptation_n and_o ill_a example_n now_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n be_v so_o monstrous_o frantic_a as_o to_o form_v the_o design_n of_o damn_v himself_o what_o will_v such_o a_o man_n do_v he_o will_v neglect_v the_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n he_o will_v not_o pray_v at_o all_o or_o he_o will_v pray_v only_o with_o his_o lip_n he_o will_v profane_v the_o sacrament_n by_o a_o unsanctify_v use_n of_o they_o he_o will_v only_o mind_v his_o body_n and_o this_o present_a life_n he_o will_v give_v loose_a reins_o to_o
they_o a_o certain_a principle_n of_o corruption_n which_o make_v they_o thus_o prone_a to_o ill_a thing_n but_o if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o this_o matter_n with_o any_o attention_n we_o may_v likewise_o be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v impossible_a to_o rectify_v at_o least_o in_o part_n that_o vicious_a inclination_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o fatal_a consequence_n of_o it_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o education_n and_o that_o it_o be_v chief_o the_o wrong_a method_n of_o educate_v child_n which_o feed_v that_o disposition_n to_o evil_a and_o which_o increase_v and_o strengthen_v it_o this_o be_v what_o i_o intend_v to_o show_v in_o this_o chapter_n i_o hope_v to_o make_v it_o clear_o appear_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o education_n they_o have_v in_o their_o youth_n and_o that_o consider_v how_o child_n be_v bring_v up_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o ignorance_n and_o vice_n must_v general_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o general_a reflection_n upon_o the_o education_n of_o child_n and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n i_o shall_v speak_v of_o their_o education_n with_o a_o particular_a regard_n to_o religion_n and_o piety_n my_o first_o reflection_n be_v that_o the_o world_n consist_v for_o the_o most_o part_n of_o people_n who_o have_v no_o education_n and_o who_o unhappiness_n it_o be_v to_o have_v be_v whole_o neglect_v in_o their_o youth_n this_o may_v particular_o be_v observe_v among_o person_n of_o mean_a birth_n every_o body_n know_v that_o such_o kind_n of_o people_n have_v no_o manner_n of_o education_n that_o from_o their_o childhood_n they_o be_v abandon_v to_o themselves_o without_o either_o instruction_n correction_n or_o any_o other_o help_n and_o that_o live_n with_o ignorant_a gross_a and_o vicious_a parent_n between_o worldly_a business_n and_o ill_a example_n they_o spend_v their_o youth_n almost_o like_a brute_n this_o first_o reflection_n which_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o many_o thousand_o christian_n discover_v to_o we_o already_o a_o plain_a reason_n of_o the_o extreme_a corruption_n which_o appear_v in_o their_o manner_n we_o wonder_v sometime_o that_o man_n be_v so_o deprave_v and_o that_o great_a multitude_n of_o they_o have_v almost_o no_o sense_n at_o all_o either_o of_o religion_n or_o conscience_n or_o of_o reason_n and_o humanity_n we_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v among_o christian_n impious_a person_n blasphemer_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n thief_n poisoner_n man_n who_o defile_v themselves_o with_o the_o most_o infamous_a sin_n and_o who_o make_v conscience_n of_o nothing_o one_o will_v think_v humane_a nature_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o enormity_n and_o yet_o they_o commit_v by_o a_o great_a many_o but_o we_o may_v easy_o apprehend_v how_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v if_o we_o consider_v what_o education_n those_o person_n have_v instead_o of_o be_v bring_v up_o like_o christian_n they_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o be_v educate_v like_o rational_a creature_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n have_v be_v extinguish_v in_o they_o from_o their_o very_a infancy_n so_o that_o have_v scare_v any_o notion_n of_o good_a or_o evil_a they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o vice_n without_o scruple_n or_o remorse_n almost_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o heathen_n do_v of_o old_a ii_o but_o as_o this_o total_a defect_n of_o education_n be_v not_o universal_a so_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v in_o the_o second_o place_n how_o child_n be_v breed_v up_o and_o to_o observe_v here_o the_o principal_a fault_n which_o be_v commit_v about_o their_o education_n 1._o the_o education_n of_o child_n be_v not_o begin_v soon_o enough_o nothing_o be_v do_v to_o they_o in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o their_o life_n as_o soon_o as_o child_n begin_v to_o have_v some_o kind_n of_o reason_n the_o first_o principle_n of_o virtue_n shall_v be_v instill_a into_o they_o for_o though_o the_o idea_n and_o action_n of_o young_a child_n be_v very_o confuse_v yet_o it_o be_v in_o infancy_n that_o passion_n and_o habit_n begin_v to_o spring_v up_o at_o 3_o or_o 4_o year_n old_a child_n give_v some_o sign_n of_o what_o they_o be_v to_o be_v all_o their_o life_n and_o from_o that_o time_n it_o may_v be_v know_v what_o their_o predominant_a inclination_n will_v be_v if_o that_o time_n be_v well_o improve_v it_o will_v be_v a_o easy_a and_o compendious_a way_n to_o give_v child_n a_o good_a education_n they_o may_v then_o without_o any_o great_a trouble_n be_v make_v to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o without_o much_o time_n and_o difficulty_n when_o they_o be_v once_o come_v to_o 14_o or_o 15_o some_o little_a care_n and_o gentle_a correction_n may_v stifle_v a_o passion_n in_o its_o birth_n be_v may_v cure_v anger_n and_o stubbornness_n in_o a_o child_n it_o may_v soften_v his_o inclination_n and_o make_v he_o obedient_a and_o towardly_a a_o little_a caution_n use_v about_o his_o diet_n may_v render_v he_o sober_a and_o temperate_a for_o his_o whole_a life_n but_o that_o time_n which_o be_v so_o precious_a be_v that_o wherein_o child_n be_v most_o neglect_v this_o delay_n of_o education_n proceed_v from_o two_o cause_n 1._o that_o man_n have_v not_o a_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o education_n of_o child_n and_o of_o the_o end_n to_o be_v aim_v at_o in_o it_o it_o be_v common_o imagine_v that_o the_o breed_n up_o of_o child_n be_v the_o teach_v they_o latin_n learning_n a_o trade_n or_o some_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v usual_o teach_v they_o in_o order_n to_o sit_v they_o for_o those_o calling_n to_o which_o they_o be_v design_v and_o as_o child_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o apply_v themselves_o to_o art_n and_o science_n before_o a_o certain_a age_n so_o their_o education_n be_v defer_v till_o then_o but_o if_o man_n do_v well_o understand_v that_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o education_n be_v to_o form_v the_o judgement_n and_o the_o temper_n of_o child_n they_o will_v not_o stay_v so_o long_o before_o they_o take_v care_n of_o they_o 2._o the_o first_o year_n of_o child_n be_v neglect_v and_o their_o conduct_n then_o be_v not_o much_o mind_v because_o vice_n do_v not_o then_o show_v itself_o in_o all_o its_o deformity_n all_o that_o they_o do_v be_v then_o look_v upon_o as_o innocent_a and_o every_o thing_n in_o they_o appear_v pleasant_a not_o except_v their_o very_a fault_n if_o they_o be_v too_o lively_a or_o of_o a_o resolute_a humour_n if_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v in_o a_o passion_n to_o lie_v to_o speak_v undecent_a and_o filthy_a word_n to_o do_v little_a sly_a naught_o trick_n all_o this_o for_o the_o most_o part_n make_v only_a people_n laugh_v commend_v and_o applaud_v they_o it_o be_v not_o consider_v that_o these_o be_v the_o forerunner_n of_o vice_n and_o that_o these_o beginning_n call_v for_o a_o speedy_a remedy_n young_a child_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o crime_n impiety_n uncleanness_n cruelty_n and_o premeditate_a malice_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o they_o but_o if_o we_o narrow_o observe_v they_o we_o may_v spy_v out_o the_o seed_n and_o the_o budding_n of_o those_o vice_n in_o their_o action_n and_o manner_n this_o be_v not_o much_o take_v notice_n of_o passion_n and_o ill_a habit_n be_v suffer_v to_o grow_v quiet_o during_o childhood_n and_o they_o be_v quite_o form_v and_o settle_v before_o they_o be_v observe_v at_o seven_o or_o eight_o year_n of_o age_n innocency_n be_v already_o lose_v and_o the_o heart_n be_v corrupt_v people_z begin_v to_o think_v of_o educate_v their_o child_n when_o the_o fit_a season_n for_o education_n be_v past_a and_o when_o they_o have_v already_o those_o principle_n of_o corruption_n in_o they_o which_o they_o will_v never_o shake_v off_o 2._o there_o be_v no_o care_n take_v to_o form_v the_o mind_n and_o judgement_n of_o child_n reason_n be_v the_o most_o essential_a property_n of_o man_n be_v that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v chief_o cultivate_v in_o young_a people_n and_o all_o that_o they_o be_v teach_v beside_o be_v of_o little_a use_n if_o they_o be_v not_o accustom_v to_o this_o great_a labour_n be_v use_v to_o learn_v they_o language_n and_o science_n their_o memory_n be_v exercise_v they_o be_v load_v with_o several_a instruction_n their_o head_n be_v fill_v with_o a_o multitude_n of_o word_n and_o idea_n but_o it_o will_v be_v without_o comparison_n more_o important_a to_o cultivate_v their_o judgement_n whatever_o they_o may_v be_v design_v for_o no_o great_a good_n can_v be_v procure_v to_o they_o than_o to_o make_v they_o able_a to_o pass_v a_o sound_a judgement_n upon_o thing_n and_o to_o govern_v themselves_o by_o reason_n true_a sense_n be_v necessary_a at_o all_o time_n and_o it_o be_v of_o a_o general_a usefulness_n in_o our_o whole_a life_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o
practice_n of_o religion_n i._o the_o consideration_n to_o be_v insist_v on_o concern_v the_o first_o head_n relate_v either_o to_o the_o thing_n which_o child_n be_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o or_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o instruct_v they_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o thing_n themselves_o there_o be_v two_o article_n upon_o which_o the_o instruction_n of_o youth_n ought_v to_o depend_v and_o those_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n the_o chief_a rule_n to_o be_v observe_v with_o relation_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o insist_v upon_o those_o which_o be_v the_o most_o necessary_a and_o to_o give_v a_o distinct_a notion_n of_o they_o to_o child_n and_o here_o two_o fault_n be_v commit_v the_o first_o be_v when_o they_o be_v not_o instruct_v in_o all_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v in_o order_n to_o be_v a_o christian_a the_o second_o be_v when_o such_o instruction_n be_v propose_v to_o they_o as_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o their_o age_n or_o even_o useless_a to_o explain_v my_o mean_v a_o little_a further_o i_o say_v first_o that_o there_o be_v some_o essential_a thing_n which_o child_n be_v not_o at_o all_o or_o but_o imperfect_o teach_v among_o these_o we_o may_v reckon_v the_o knowledge_n of_o sacred_a history_n religion_n be_v found_v upon_o history_n religion_n be_v found_v upon_o history_n and_o fact_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a that_o instruction_n shall_v begin_v at_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o at_o the_o main_a event_n which_o be_v relate_v both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n so_o that_o child_n may_v know_v at_o least_o in_o general_n the_o principal_a age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o most_o remarkable_a thing_n which_o do_v happen_v from_o the_o creation_n to_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n what_o the_o flood_n be_v what_o be_v the_o egyptian_a and_o the_o babilonish_a captivity_n what_o time_n moses_n david_n the_o patriarch_n and_o the_o prophet_n live_v in_o what_o sort_n of_o people_n the_o heathen_n and_o the_o jew_n be_v and_o what_o kind_n of_o life_n our_o saviour_n lead_v it_o must_v not_o be_v say_v that_o history_n be_v above_o the_o capacity_n of_o child_n for_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v to_o they_o the_o easy_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o harken_v to_o with_o the_o great_a pleasure_n and_o which_o they_o remember_v best_a nothing_o do_v more_o smooth_o enter_v into_o their_o mind_n than_o history_n all_o the_o thing_n i_o have_v not_o mention_v may_v be_v teach_v they_o in_o a_o week_n and_o this_o knowledge_n be_v as_o necessary_a as_o it_o be_v easy_o acquire_v a_o man_n can_v never_o understand_v his_o religion_n well_o or_o be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o its_o truth_n if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v the_o fact_n which_o be_v suppose_n we_o see_v that_o it_o be_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o history_n that_o god_n choose_v to_o instruct_v mankind_n and_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n make_v up_o the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n that_o in_o catechism_n and_o other_o instruction_n give_v to_o youth_n history_n shall_v be_v so_o little_o insist_v upon_o this_o be_v visible_o one_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o profound_a ignorance_n which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n live_v in_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o understand_v almost_o nothing_o of_o what_o they_o read_v or_o hear_v in_o sermon_n and_o why_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v teach_v make_v so_o little_a impression_n upon_o they_o teach_v child_n history_n give_v they_o beforehand_o some_o notion_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n but_o yet_o these_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n ought_v to_o be_v propose_v to_o they_o separately_z that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o more_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o they_o above_o all_o thing_n great_a care_n shall_v be_v take_v to_o imprint_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v instruct_v the_o knowledge_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n but_o this_o likewise_o be_v not_o do_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o catechism_n as_o well_o as_o in_o sermon_n particular_a truth_n be_v dwell_v upon_o and_o the_o general_a one_o be_v touch_v only_o by_o the_o by_o this_o be_v a_o fault_n i_o have_v observe_v in_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o this_o work_n now_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o child_n be_v suffer_v to_o be_v ignorant_a about_o many_o important_a article_n they_o be_v perplex_v with_o divers_a useless_a or_o not_o very_o necessary_a instruction_n instead_o of_o limit_v they_o to_o the_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n their_o mind_n and_o memory_n be_v fill_v up_o with_o many_o thing_n which_o they_o may_v safe_o be_v ignorant_a of_o some_o will_v have_v they_o understand_v the_o dispute_n of_o divine_n concern_v the_o most_o curious_a and_o abstruse_a question_n and_o they_o be_v make_v to_o get_v several_a thing_n by_o heart_n which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o which_o be_v of_o no_o great_a use_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n child_n learn_v these_o thing_n and_o say_v they_o without_o book_n and_o be_v possess_v with_o the_o conceit_n that_o they_o be_v as_o many_o article_n of_o faith_n they_o rank_n among_o divine_a truth_n school_n term_n and_o doctrine_n of_o which_o they_o neither_o apprehend_v the_o certainty_n nor_o the_o use_n and_o thus_o have_v none_o but_o intricate_a idea_n about_o religion_n they_o do_v not_o perceive_v the_o beauty_n the_o solidity_n or_o the_o excellence_n of_o it_o and_o they_o have_v neither_o true_a love_n nor_o respect_n for_o it_o when_o child_n be_v once_o instruct_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v particular_o necessary_a to_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a sort_n of_o duty_n in_o religion_n first_o the_o duty_n conceme_v divine_a worship_n or_o service_n and_o then_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n the_o first_o be_v adoration_n the_o honour_n which_o be_v pay_v to_o god_n prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n but_o as_o these_o duty_n may_v be_v perform_v either_o outward_o or_o in_o wardly_a it_o be_v of_o very_o great_a moment_n to_o make_v child_n apprehend_v that_o brayer_n and_o all_o the_o other_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n aught_o to_o proceed_v from_o the_o heart_n that_o iu._n that_o john_n iu._n god_n will_v be_v serve_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o that_o without_o this_o the_o worship_n which_o be_v pay_v to_o he_o either_o in_o private_a or_o in_o public_a do_v only_o provoke_v his_o displeasure_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o therefore_o to_o tell_v child_n that_o they_o must_v pray_v to_o god_n or_o go_v to_o church_n and_o to_o teach_v they_o some_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v say_v at_o certain_a time_n and_o hour_n all_o this_o be_v but_o external_a and_o if_o we_o go_v no_o far_o if_o we_o do_v not_o careful_o inform_v they_o that_o true_a worship_n be_v internal_a and_o spiritual_a we_o shall_v make_v but_o hypocrite_n of_o they_o by_o tench_a they_o to_o pray_v and_o to_o perform_v religious_a acts._n the_o fault_n then_o which_o be_v commit_v in_o this_o point_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o we_o may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o hypocrisy_n and_o indevotion_n be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o negligence_n the_o religion_n of_o most_o christian_n consist_v only_o in_o some_o external_a action_n they_o think_v they_o have_v fulfil_v their_o duty_n when_o they_o have_v recite_v some_o prayer_n or_o be_v present_a at_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n though_o in_o all_o they_o do_v this_o kind_n they_o have_v neither_o attention_n nor_o elevation_n of_o heart_n but_o this_o error_n which_o be_v so_o capital_a and_o yet_o so_o common_a arise_v chief_o from_o hence_o that_o child_n be_v form_v only_o to_o a_o mere_a outside_n devotion_n and_o worship_n young_a people_n be_v not_o much_o better_o instruct_v in_o moral_a duty_n i_o shall_v not_o enter_v here_o upon_o all_o the_o consideration_n which_o the_o subject_n may_v afford_v because_o i_o have_v treat_v of_o the_o want_n of_o instruction_n concern_v moral_n in_o several_a place_n of_o this_o treatise_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o 1_o chap._n of_o the_o first_o part._n yet_o i_o must_v say_v that_o this_o defect_n proceed_v from_o the_o instruction_n which_o be_v give_v to_o youth_n much_o great_a care_n be_v take_v to_o inform_v they_o about_o the_o doctrine_n than_o about_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n the_o question_n concern_v the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o other_o point_n of_o doctrine_n be_v handle_v and_o examine_v large_o enough_o in_o catechism_n and_o controversy_n be_v not_o forget_v but_o the_o ten_o commandment_n be_v explain_v in_o so_o
succinct_a and_o superficial_a a_o manner_n that_o we_o do_v not_o find_v there_o so_o much_o as_o the_o name_n of_o a_o great_a many_o vice_n virtue_n and_o duty_n child_n who_o shall_v be_v raise_v up_o to_o christian_a perfection_n be_v only_o teach_v the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o from_o the_o explication_n which_o be_v give_v of_o these_o they_o gather_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v idolater_n blasphemer_n or_o profane_a person_n that_o they_o shall_v neither_o commit_v murder_n nor_o adultery_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o steal_v or_o bear_v false_a witness_n but_o how_o many_o other_o duty_n be_v there_o of_o which_o they_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o notion_n they_o be_v not_o teach_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v gentle_a humble_a sincere_a charitable_a pure_a sober_a and_o patient_a many_o person_n because_o they_o be_v never_o instruct_v in_o these_o virtue_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a ornament_n of_o a_o christian_a do_v not_o practice_v or_o so_o much_o as_o know_v they_o we_o be_v to_o impute_v to_o these_o slight_a and_o defective_a instruction_n that_o opinion_n which_o be_v common_o receive_v that_o whosoever_o be_v free_a from_o those_o six_o or_o seven_o great_a sin_n forbid_v in_o the_o decalogue_n be_v a_o good_a man._n 2._o the_o success_n of_o instruction_n depend_v in_o the_o second_o place_n upon_o the_o method_n and_o way_n of_o teach_v the_o method_n of_o teach_v shall_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n be_v clear_a and_o proportion_v to_o the_o age_n and_o capacity_n of_o child_n and_o on_o the_o other_o it_o shall_v be_v delightful_a and_o fit_a to_o make_v they_o love_v religion_n by_o this_o two_o end_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v aim_v at_o will_v be_v attain_v the_o mind_n will_v be_v enlighten_v and_o the_o heart_n move_v what_o be_v clear_a inform_v the_o mind_n and_o what_o be_v delightful_a win_v the_o heart_n and_o inspire_v into_o it_o a_o strong_a affection_n for_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o 1._o perspicuity_n be_v never_o more_o necessary_a than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o instruct_v of_o youth_n child_n have_v no_o idea_n as_o yet_o of_o most_o thing_n and_o not_o be_v use_v to_o the_o signification_n of_o word_n can_v understand_v what_o be_v say_v to_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v deliver_v with_o much_o clearness_n and_o simplicity_n and_o unless_o every_o thing_n be_v avoid_v which_o may_v puzzle_v or_o seem_v obscure_a to_o they_o this_o perspicuity_n result_v first_o from_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v teach_v it_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n be_v always_o clear_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a whatsoever_o be_v obscure_a and_o difficult_a be_v not_o very_o necessary_a so_o that_o provide_v instruction_n go_v no_o far_a than_o essential_a doctrine_n and_o duty_n it_o can_v be_v very_o hard_a for_o child_n to_o apprehend_v what_o be_v say_v to_o they_o second_o clear_a expression_n and_o plain_a and_o popular_a way_n of_o speak_v produce_v distinct_a idea_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v instruct_v but_o a_o dark_a or_o too_o high_a a_o style_n figurative_a or_o learned_a phrase_n spoil_v the_o fruit_n of_o instruction_n last_o order_n and_o method_n contribute_v mighty_o to_o clearness_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o child_n shall_v be_v load_v at_o first_o with_o many_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n general_a instruction_n the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o simple_a idea_n aught_o to_o go_v foremost_a and_o then_o particular_a instruction_n and_o more_o complex_fw-la idea_n may_v be_v propose_v but_o still_o with_o a_o due_a regard_n to_o the_o age_n capacity_n and_o progress_n of_o child_n 2._o instruction_n be_v to_o be_v deliver_v in_o a_o delightful_a manner_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o insinuate_v ourselves_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o child_n nothing_o win_v more_o upon_o they_o than_o a_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a way_n of_o speak_v and_o nothing_o give_v they_o so_o much_o disgust_v as_o roughness_n and_o severity_n if_o religion_n be_v represent_v to_o they_o with_o a_o attractive_a aspect_n they_o will_v certain_o embrace_v it_o with_o eagerness_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n those_o who_o teach_v or_o speak_v to_o they_o of_o religion_n do_v it_o with_o a_o air_n of_o severity_n and_o a_o dismal_a tone_n and_o with_o those_o circumstance_n which_o make_v they_o averse_a to_o it_o command_n threaten_n and_o constraint_n be_v use_v to_o make_v they_o take_v their_o catechism_n or_o say_v their_o prayer_n if_o they_o fail_v to_o do_v this_o their_o teacher_n be_v angry_a and_o beat_v they_o when_o we_o exhort_v they_o to_o piety_n in_o stead_n of_o go_v about_o this_o with_o such_o a_o gentleness_n as_o may_v make_v virtue_n amiable_a to_o they_o we_o speak_v in_o a_o harsh_a and_o chide_a manner_n the_o effect_n of_o this_o be_v that_o child_n see_v nothing_o in_o religion_n that_o be_v entice_a take_v up_o a_o prejudice_n against_o it_o they_o look_v upon_o that_o instruction_n to_o which_o they_o be_v compel_v as_o a_o hard_a piece_n of_o labour_n and_o drudgery_n religion_n be_v no_o soon_o mention_v but_o it_o damp_n their_o good_a humour_n they_o do_v nothing_o but_o by_o constraint_n and_o against_o their_o will_n they_o free_v themselves_o from_o that_o constraint_n assoon_o as_o they_o can_v and_o they_o bear_v during_o their_o whole_a life_n a_o aversion_n or_o at_o least_o a_o indifference_n to_o religion_n ii_o i_o have_v be_v discourse_v hitherto_o of_o what_o relate_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n and_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v clear_o prove_v that_o general_o speak_v child_n be_v ill_o instruct_v i_o be_o now_o to_o consider_v education_n with_o relation_n to_o practice_n for_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o infuse_v into_o young_a people_n a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n if_o they_o be_v noâ—_n teach_v to_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o that_o knowledge_n and_o to_o direct_v it_o to_o its_o true_a end_n which_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n but_o it_o be_v seldom_o that_o the_o care_n of_o parent_n and_o of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o instruct_n of_o child_n go_v so_o far_o if_o they_o take_v some_o care_n about_o their_o instruction_n they_o general_o neglect_v they_o as_o to_o the_o practical_a part_n and_o they_o little_o inquire_v whether_o they_o live_v according_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o religion_n now_o instruction_n thus_o dispense_v do_v not_o only_o prove_v useless_a but_o they_o may_v likewise_o make_v child_n double_o wicked_a and_o fill_v they_o with_o the_o most_o dangerous_a prejudices_fw-la when_o child_n observe_v that_o religion_n be_v propose_v to_o they_o only_o in_o a_o historical_a and_o speculative_a manner_n and_o that_o provide_v they_o remember_v what_o be_v tell_v they_o and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o they_o be_v commend_v for_o be_v well_o skill_v in_o religion_n and_o that_o as_o for_o the_o rest_n they_o be_v permit_v to_o live_v as_o they_o please_v and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o chide_v though_o they_o do_v not_o practice_v what_o they_o be_v teach_v they_o conclude_v from_o all_o this_o that_o religion_n consist_v whole_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o profession_n of_o certain_a truth_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o frame_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o accustom_v themselves_o beside_o to_o slight_v their_o knowledge_n and_o to_o act_v against_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n these_o pernicious_a sentiment_n be_v infuse_v into_o child_n when_o instruction_n be_v not_o direct_v to_o practice_n to_o prevent_v so_o great_a a_o evil_a these_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v 1._o the_o design_n of_o propose_v the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n to_o child_n shall_v be_v to_o beget_v in_o they_o a_o love_n and_o a_o respect_n for_o they_o and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o we_o shall_v let_v they_o see_v their_o certainty_n their_o importance_n and_o their_o use_n it_o ought_v then_o to_o be_v careful_o inculcate_v to_o they_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o true_a and_o certain_a nothing_o of_o great_a importance_n or_o that_o concern_v we_o near_o than_o religion_n and_o that_o in_o comparison_n with_o it_o all_o that_o we_o see_v in_o the_o world_n be_v of_o very_o little_a or_o no_o consequence_n and_o last_o that_o it_o be_v reveal_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o make_v we_o good_a and_o to_o conduct_v we_o to_o the_o high_a bessedness_n by_o this_o method_n instruction_n will_v always_o terminate_v in_o practice_n by_o teach_v child_n to_o know_v god_n we_o shall_v excite_v in_o they_o a_o love_n and_o reverence_n towards_o that_o supreme_a be_v by_o speak_v to_o they_o of_o providence_n we_o shall_v make_v they_o apprehend_v that_o god_n
for_o morality_n it_o be_v there_o touch_v but_o very_o superficial_o and_o yet_o these_o be_v essential_a article_n in_o divinity_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o those_o who_o be_v call_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o guide_v a_o church_n or_o to_o direct_v man_n conscience_n 3._o divinity-book_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n too_o scholastical_a the_o method_n of_o the_o schoolmen_n way_n of_o handle_v divinity_n may_v just_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o defiance_n to_o sense_n and_o religion_n yet_o that_o method_n have_v prevail_v to_o that_o degree_n that_o for_o some_o age_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o swerve_v from_o it_o of_o late_a year_n indeed_o the_o school_n man_n have_v lose_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o heir_n credit_n and_o in_o divinity_n as_o well_o as_o in_o philosophy_n many_o person_n have_v no_o long_o that_o blind_a deference_n for_o they_o which_o be_v pay_v heretofore_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o a_o great_a number_n of_o divine_n do_v still_o set_v up_o that_o method_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o it_o be_v still_o as_o it_o be_v sacred_a in_o college_n and_o university_n common-place_n to_o this_o day_n savour_v too_o much_o of_o the_o barbarism_n of_o the_o school_n and_o we_o find_v there_o but_o too_o many_o remainder_n of_o that_o dry_a and_o crabbed_a theology_n which_o have_v its_o birth_n in_o the_o age_n of_o ignorance_n instead_o of_o those_o simple_a and_o clear_a idea_n which_o render_v the_o truth_n and_o majesty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n sensible_a and_o which_o satisfy_v a_o man_n reason_n and_o move_v his_o heart_n we_o meet_v with_o nothing_o in_o several_a body_n of_o divinity_n but_o metaphisical_a notion_n curious_a and_o needless_a question_n distinction_n and_o obscure_a term_n in_o a_o word_n we_o find_v there_o such_o intricate_a theology_n that_o the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o if_o they_o come_v into_o the_o world_n again_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v it_o without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o particular_a revelation_n this_o scholastic_a divinity_n have_v do_v more_o mischief_n to_o religion_n than_o we_o be_v able_a to_o express_v there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v more_o corrupt_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o have_v more_o obscure_v matter_n multiply_v controversy_n disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n or_o give_v rise_v to_o so_o many_o heresy_n and_o schism_n this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o confirm_v so_o many_o ecclesiastic_n in_o their_o ignorance_n and_o prejudices_fw-la and_o which_o keep_v they_o from_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o solid_a part_n of_o divinity_n and_o to_o that_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o sanctify_v men._n now_o all_o these_o defect_n be_v visible_a cause_n of_o corruption_n which_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o this_o single_a consideration_n that_o it_o be_v in_o common-place_n that_o churchman_n learn_v their_o divinity_n suppose_v then_o that_o those_o book_n do_v not_o give_v they_o a_o true_a idea_n of_o religion_n what_o religion_n or_o what_o divinity_n can_v such_o man_n teach_v their_o people_n one_o scholastic_a and_o injudicious_a author_n who_o be_v in_o credit_n in_o country_n and_o who_o be_v patronise_v by_o a_o professor_n be_v enough_o to_o spoil_v the_o mind_n of_o young_a divine_n and_o to_o bring_v into_o repute_n the_o most_o absurd_a and_o dangerous_a opinion_n and_o system_n though_o catechism_n be_v not_o usual_o reckon_v among_o divinity-book_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v useless_a to_o say_v something_o of_o they_o here_o some_o great_a man_n have_v bestow_v their_o pain_n upon_o work_n of_o this_o kind_a to_o very_o good_a purpose_n and_o yet_o in_o this_o respect_n there_o be_v stall_v something_o to_o be_v desire_v for_o public_a edification_n 1._o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o those_o subject_n shall_v only_o be_v treat_v in_o catechism_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v handle_v there_o and_o that_o all_o the_o matter_n and_o question_n which_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o people_n and_o of_o child_n or_o which_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n shall_v be_v banish_v from_o thence_o 2._o that_o some_o essential_a article_n about_o which_o catechism_n be_v very_a jejune_n shall_v be_v add_v to_o they_o and_o particular_o these_o three_o a_o general_a idea_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n the_o main_a proof_n of_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o exact_a explication_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n this_o last_o article_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n extreme_o neglect_v in_o catechism_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o dry_a and_o superficial_a than_o what_o they_o say_v upon_o the_o decalogue_n 3._o it_o will_v be_v fit_v to_o make_v some_o alteration_n in_o the_o method_n observe_v in_o catechism_n for_o they_o be_v not_o all_o familiar_a enough_o school_n term_n or_o figurative_a phrase_n be_v use_v in_o they_o which_o either_o the_o people_n do_v not_o 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