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nature_n call_v law_n moral_a 2,598 5 9.2562 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A53501 A treatise concerning the causes of the present corruption of Christians and the remedies thereof; Traité des sources de la corruption qui règne aujourd'hui parmi les Chrestiens. English Ostervald, Jean Frédéric, 1663-1747.; Mutel, Charles. 1700 (1700) Wing O532; ESTC R11917 234,448 610

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give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o dispute_n with_o st._n peter_n and_o of_o his_o reprove_v he_o for_o his_o too_o great_a compliance_n with_o the_o jew_n he_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n why_o have_v not_o than_o difference_n be_v observe_v which_o st_n paul_n make_v about_o work_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n he_o call_v they_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n or_o bare_o work_v but_o when_o he_o treat_v of_o the_o work_n which_o the_o gospel_n prescribe_v he_o call_v they_o good_a work_n because_o they_o be_v real_o good_a holy_a and_o profitable_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o this_o title_n of_o good_a work_n be_v never_o bestow_v upon_o the_o work_v of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o consider_v in_o themselves_o have_v nothing_o of_o goodness_n or_o holiness_n in_o they_o in_o a_o word_n good_a work_n in_o st._n paul_n stile_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n than_o bare_o work_v or_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n if_o this_o have_v be_v consider_v such_o great_a ●ains_n need_v not_o to_o have_v be_v take_v to_o make_v 3.27_o make_v rom._n 3.27_o st._n paul_n agree_v with_o st._n james_n 11.16_o james_n galat._n 11.16_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n 11.24_o law_n jam._n 11.24_o and_o st._n james_n ●hat_n man_n be_v justify_v by_o work_n and_o not_o by_o faith_n ●nly_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n between_o these_o two_o apostle_n both_o follow_v one_o hypothesis_n and_o argue_v upon_o the_o same_o principle_n st._n paul_n dispute_v against_o the_o jew_n who_o will_v tie_v christian_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n ●●ffrms_n that_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v sufficient_a provide_v it_o bring_v forth_o good_a work_n be_v ●nd_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o observe_v the_o moysaicall_a rite_n st._n james_n 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that_o he_o do_v not_o love_v holiness_n so_o much_o now_o as_o he_o do_v heretofore_o of_o that_o sin_n be_v become_v less_o odious_a to_o he_o since_o it_o be_v expiate_v by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n but_o it_o be_v say_v we_o be_v no_o more_o under_o the_o law_n what_o be_v christian_n then_o a_o lawless_a people_n on_o the_o contrary_n we_o be_v under_o the_o law_n i_o mean_v under_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n under_o 8.2_o under_o rom._n 8.2_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n which_o make_v we_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n but_o let_v we_o hear_v st._n paul_n himself_o in_o what_o sense_n and_o respect_n do_v he_o say_v that_o we_o be_v no_o more_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n he_o say_v this_o precise_o to_o show_v that_o
pass_n that_o not_o be_v content_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o vice_n they_o do_v beside_o plead_v authority_n for_o a_o ill_a life_n they_o proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o defend_v the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n they_o dispute_v with_o those_o that_o condemn_v they_o and_o they_o vent_v such_o maxim_n and_o sentiment_n as_o if_o we_o believe_v they_o will_v justify_v or_o at_o least_o excuse_v all_o their_o disorder_n i_o can_v not_o omit_v here_o the_o examine_n of_o those_o maxim_n since_o their_o effect_n be_v so_o pernicious_a i_o shall_v therefore_o observe_v they_o as_o the_o three_o cause_n of_o corruption_n the_o maxim_n and._n sentiment_n which_o favour_n corruption_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o be_v visible_o profane_a and_o impious_a such_o be_v a_o great_a many_o maxim_n of_o the_o libertine_n which_o go_v for_o currant_n in_o the_o world_n but_o there_o be_v other_o which_o man_n pretend_v to_o draw_v from_o religion_n i_o shall_v insist_v particular_o upon_o the_o 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to_o apply_v himself_o to_o good_a work_n the_o four_o and_o the_o last_o include_v those_o which_o be_v allege_v to_o excuse_v corruption_n but_o as_o it_o be_v not_o less_o necessary_a to_o know_v the_o remedy_n against_o corruption_n than_o to_o discover_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o only_o mention_v but_o as_o i_o go_v on_o confute_v those_o maxim_n although_o nothing_o be_v more_o clear_o assert_v in_o the_o gospel_n than_o the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n yet_o christian_n entertain_v many_o opinion_n which_o destroy_v this_o necessity_n and_o which_o consequent_o open_v a_o door_n to_o licentiousness_n the_o necessity_n of_o goodwork_n can_v be_v overthrow_v but_o one_o of_o these_o two_o way_n either_o by_o say_v that_o god_n do_v not_o require_v they_o or_o else_o by_o maintain_v that_o though_o god_n require_v they_o yet_o a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v without_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o 1._o in_o order_n to_o prove_v that_o god_n do_v not_o require_v 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detestation_n of_o sin_n in_o true_a conversion_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n but_o this_o be_v false_a if_o by_o repentance_n we_o mean_v only_o a_o general_a confession_n of_o sin_n accompany_v with_o some_o sense_n of_o grief_n and_o fear_n whereby_o sinner_n hope_v at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n to_o atone_v for_o all_o the_o disorder_n of_o a_o vicious_a life_n i_o will_v show_v here_o that_o this_o be_v no_o save_v repentance_n but_o that_o i_o be_o to_o handle_v this_o matter_n purposely_o in_o another_o chapter_n if_o man_n common_o neglect_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o very_o necessary_a they_o apply_v themselves_o much_o less_o to_o those_o which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v impossible_a now_o this_o be_v the_o notion_n which_o man_n common_o have_v of_o piety_n it_o be_v say_v first_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v so_o holy_a and_o to_o do_v that_o whi●_n god_n command_v a_o great_a many_o like_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n very_o 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which_o distinguish_v we_o from_o brute_n and_o a_o conscience_n which_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a we_o ought_v then_o to_o live_v according_a to_o reason_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o conscience_n and_o to_o do_v that_o which_o become_v the_o nature_n of_o man._n we_o be_v man_n and_o by_o consequence_n mortal_a we_o know_v we_o be_v not_o to_o live_v always_o in_o this_o world_n and_o know_v this_o we_o must_v either_o think_v of_o another_o life_n or_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o no_o other_o end_n than_o that_o of_o beast_n which_o follow_v their_o instinct_n while_o they_o live_v and_o then_o die_v never_o to_o live_v again_o we_o be_v man_n but_o we_o be_v not_o independent_a we_o have_v a_o creator_n and_o a_o master_n and_o as_o we_o be_v endue_v beside_o with_o understanding_n we_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o our_o action_n before_o his_o tribunal_n it_o be_v therefore_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n to_o live_v like_o a_o creature_n that_o depend_v upon_o god_n and_o that_o must_v be_v judge_v so_o that_o this_o consideration_n that_o we_o be_v man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o excuse_v that_o it_o condemn_v corruption_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v weak_a men._n this_o be_v very_o true_a our_o nature_n be_v frail_a and_o have_v beside_o a_o strong_a bias_n to_o evil_n but_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o as_o to_o weak_a man_n he_o command_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v proportion_v to_o that_o state_n of_o imperfection_n we_o be_v in_o beside_o this_o excuse_n do_v not_o at_o all_o become_v christian_n to_o say_v we_o be_v weak_a man_n be_v to_o show_v we_o have_v but_o little_a sense_n of_o god_n kindness_n towards_o we_o we_o be_v not_o only_a man_n but_o we_o be_v christian_n too_o and_o this_o quality_n raise_v we_o above_o the_o natural_a condition_n of_o man_n it_o make_v we_o new_a man_n and_o new_a creature_n why_o do_v we_o then_o forget_v the_o glory_n to_o which_o god_n have_v exalt_v our_o nature_n through_o jesus_n christ_n why_o will_v we_o still_o lie_v down_o under_o the_o burden_n of_o frail_a and_o corrupt_a nature_n it_o be_v further_a say_v that_o we_o be_v not_o angel_n but_o neither_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n command_v we_o when_o god_n give_v we_o his_o law_n he_o know_v he_o give_v they_o to_o man_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v admirable_o suit_v to_o our_o present_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n if_o we_o be_v angel_n god_n will_v give_v we_o quite_o other_o law_n the_o gospel_n will_v be_v abolish_v and_o the_o world_n shall_v continue_v no_o long_o in_o the_o state_n it_o be_v in_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o absurd_a imagination_n to_o think_v that_o one_o can_v perform_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n without_o be_v of_o a_o angelical_a nature_n let_v we_o then_o no_o long_o pretend_v that_o because_o we_o be_v man_n we_o be_v too_o weak_a to_o observe_v the_o duty_n which_o religion_n prescribe_v th●●_n excuse_n charge_v god_n with_o injustice_n as_o if_o he_o do_v require_v from_o we_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o agreeable_a with_o our_o nature_n and_o condition_n it_o be_v injurious_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n i●_n be_v false_a since_o the_o scripture_n declare_v that_o grace_n regenerate_v and_o strengthen_v we_o and_o that_o it_o make_v we_o able_a to_o overcome_v the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o to_o free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o last_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o experience_n for_o those_o many_o saint_n and_o good_a man_n who_o practise_v the_o most_o 5.17_o most_o jam._n 5.17_o sublime_a and_o difficult_a duty_n of_o piety_n be_v man_n as_o we_o be_v and_o as_o the_o 12.1_o the_o heb._n 12.1_o sacred_a writer_n observe_v they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o infirmitte_v with_o we_o and_o many_o of_o they_o perhaps_o have_v not_o those_o advantage_n which_o we_o have_v 2._o it_o be_v often_o allege_a as_o a_o excuse_n that_o no_o man_n be_v perfect_a and_o that_o every_o one_o have_v his_o fault_n this_o be_v say_v every_o day_n and_o some_o pretend_v with_o that_o say_n to_o excuse_v every_o thing_n excuse_n for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v something_o of_o truth_n in_o they_o this_o proposition_n that_o no_o man_n perfect_a be_v very_o true_a in_o one_o sense_n and_o altogether_o false_a in_o another_o no_o man_n certain_o be_v perfect_a in_o the_o strict_a sense_n of_o that_o word_n or_o as_o it_o import_v a_o full_a and_o accomplish_a perfection_n free_a from_o all_o defect_n such_o a_o perfection_n be_v to_o be_v have_v no_o where_o else_o but_o in_o heaven_n but_o there_o be_v a_o perfection_n commence_v or_o begin_v of_o which_o a_o man_n redeem_a and_o sanctify_a by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v capable_a if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o why_o shall_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o 5.23_o we_o mat._n 5.48_o phil._n 1.10_o 1_o thess_n 5.23_o to_o be_v perfect_a why_o shall_v they_o tell_v we_o 5.9_o we_o 1_o john_n 5.9_o that_o he_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o sin_n and_o that_o a_o christian_n be_v 11.21_o be_v 1_o cor._n 1.8_o 2_o tim._n 11.21_o thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n if_o you_o ask_v who_o those_o perfect_a man_n be_v i_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v those_o who_o aspire_v to_o perfection_n in_o who_o sin_n do_v not_o reign_n who_o do_v not_o allow_v themselves_o in_o any_o vicious_a habit_n who_o sincere_o and_o honest_o apply_v themselves_o to_o holiness_n and_o have_v accustom_v themselves_o to_o practice_v 〈…〉_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o with_o delight_n whoever_o be_v arrive_v at_o such_o a_o state_n have_v attain_v tha●_n perfection_n which_o be_v attainable_a in_o this_o life_n and_o to_o which_o christian_n be_v call_v by_o the_o gospel_n though_o there_o remain_v still_o in_o he_o some_o infirmity_n inseparable_a from_o humane_a nature_n and_o never_o total_o to_o be_v root_v out_o before_o he_o get_v to_o heaven_n we_o can_v be_v perfect_a in_o that_o first_o and_o strict_a sense_n i_o have_v mention_v but_o we_o may_v be_v perfect_a and_o god_n will_v have_v we_o be_v so_o in_o the_o second_o and_o evangelical_n sense_n of_o that_o word_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o frivolous_a excuse_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o corrupt_a man_n to_o say_v that_o no_o man_n be_v perfect_a and_o that_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o the_o perfection_n or_o to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n for_o this_o be_v to_o shift_v the_o question_n because_o that_o be_v not_o the_o perfection_n which_o god_n require_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o fix_v a_o false_a and_o absurd_a sense_n upon_o god_n commandment_n that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o pretence_n not_o to_o obey_v they_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o christian_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n will_v have_v they_o do_v and_o which_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v in_o this_o world_n this_o be_v the_o perfection_n to_o which_o he_o call_v we_o we_o may_v apply_v very_o near_o the_o same_o answer_n to_o that_o other_o excuse_v that_o every_o body_n have_v his_o fault_n there_o be_v fault_n which_o do_v not_o destroy_v piety_n and_o god_n be_v gracious_o please_v not_o to_o impute_v such_o fault_n to_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n no_o man_n ●s_v free_a from_o fault_n but_o there_o be_v another_o ●ort_n of_o fault_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v call_v bare_a fault_n or_o defect_n those_o be_v the_o vice_n and_o passion_n which_o can_v consist_v with_o piety_n the_o great_a the_o reign_v the_o habitual_a or_o deliberate_a sin_n true_a christian_n be_v free_a from_o such_o fault_n and_o those_o who_o be_v not_o free_a from_o they_o be_v not_o true_a christian_n if_o this_o maxim_n that_o every_o one_o have_v his_o fault_n be_v not_o thus_o explain_v we_o must_v speak_v no_o long_o of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n for_o this_o excuse_n will_v serve_v for_o all_o sin_n and_o acquit_v every_o body_n if_o a_o man_n be_v give_v to_o swear_v if_o he_o be_v revengeful_a passionate_a or_o false_a if_o he_o commit_v adultery_n it_o be_v but_o say_v every_o one_o have_v his_o fault_n and_o no_o man_n be_v perfect_a such_o language_n from_o a_o man_n full_a of_o vicious_a habit_n be_v unsufferable_a what_o dismal_a consequence_n will_v not_o libertine_n draw_v from_o such_o a_o principle_n we_o must_v therefore_o understand_v this_o proposition_n in_o the_o sense_n and_o with_o those_o restriction_n i_o have_v observe_v and_o then_o it_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o comfort_v good_a man_n but_o it_o will_v never_o excuse_v those_o who_o be_v vicious_a 3._o
they_o sift_v all_o the_o word_n and_o examine_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o it_o with_o the_o utmost_a nicety_n in_o a_o word_n they_o drain_v the_o subject_a but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o application_n they_o content_v themselves_o with_o two_o or_o three_o general_n use_v they_o address_v to_o their_o auditory_a some_o loose_a exhortation_n to_o a_o good_a life_n even_o when_o they_o be_v to_o speak_v upon_o a_o moral_a subject_n they_o confine_v themselves_o for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o general_a consideration_n nothing_o be_v particularise_v or_o treat_v with_o the_o necessary_a exactness_n now_o generality_n be_v of_o no_o great_a use_n in_o matter_n of_o morality_n to_o say_v in_o general_a term_n that_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v good_a and_o to_o declaim_v against_o sensuality_n or_o covetousness_n be_v that_o which_o will_v convince_v no_o man._n it_o be_v not_o bawl_v or_o send_v sinner_n to_o hell_n that_o be_v likely_a to_o win_v upon_o they_o if_o shall_v be_v distinct_o show_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n virtue_n and_o vice_n shall_v be_v characterise_a and_o their_o various_a kind_n and_n degree_n observe_v particular_a rule_n ought_v to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o hearer_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v furnish_v with_o necessary_a motive_n and_o direction_n we_o be_v to_o confute_v their_o mistake_v and_o to_o obviate_v their_o objection_n and_o excuse_n till_o we_o come_v to_o this_o preach_v will_v be_v attend_v with_o little_a success_n 2._o the_o moral_a discourse_n of_o preacher_n be_v often_o defective_a for_o beside_o that_o they_o handle_v morality_n in_o a_o superficial_a manner_n there_o be_v some_o essential_a article_n which_o they_o seldom_o or_o never_o speak_v of_o among_o which_o we_o may_v reckon_v restitution_n the_o morality_n of_o preacher_n turn_v almost_o altogether_o upon_o four_o or_o five_o head_n they_o attach_v only_o some_o of_o the_o grosser_n sin_n such_o as_o blasphemy_n uncleanness_n and_o such_o other_o vice_n but_o this_o be_v to_o confine_v themselves_o to_o the_o first_o element_n of_o piety_n and_o morality_n true_a morality_n go_v a_o great_a deal_n further_o piety_n do_v not_o only_o banish_v the_o more_o heinous_a sin_n it_o do_v beside_o fill_v the_o heart_n with_o a_o sincere_a love_n of_o virtue_n it_o soften_v and_o rectify_v the_o inclination_n it_o produce_v in_o a_o man_n gentleness_n humility_n patience_n resignation_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n divine_a love_n tranquillity_n under_o all_o event_n charity_n towards_o other_o man_n and_o a_o zeal_n for_o justice_n and_o goodness_n this_o be_v the_o main_a of_o piety_n this_o be_v what_o shall_v be_v incessant_o lay_v before_o christian_n to_o make_v they_o apprehend_v the_o extent_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o moral_n of_o the_o gospel_n 3._o the_o moral_a discourse_n of_o preacher_n be_v false_a 1._o when_o they_o be_v too_o remiss_a 2._o when_o they_o be_v too_o severe_a and_o 3._o when_o they_o be_v contradictory_n their_o morality_n be_v too_o remiss_a when_o it_o do_v not_o propose_v all_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n in_o their_o full_a latitude_n when_o it_o flatter_v sinner_n or_o do_v not_o sufficient_o awaken_v their_o conscience_n it_o be_v over-severe_a when_o it_o raise_v groundless_a scruple_n in_o man_n mind_n when_o it_o represent_v as_o a_o sin_n that_o which_o be_v not_o real_o so_o or_o when_o it_o make_v a_o necessary_a duty_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o may_v be_v omit_v without_o danger_n preacher_n likewise_o overdo_v thing_n in_o the_o picture_n they_o draw_v for_o virtue_n and_o vice_n if_o they_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o covetousness_n or_o forbid_a pleasure_n they_o strive_v to_o make_v of_o these_o the_o most_o hideous_a picture_n they_o can_v they_o paint_v out_o a_o covetous_a or_o a_o voluptuous_a man_n as_o a_o monster_n they_o affect_v the_o most_o lively_a description_n and_o figure_n and_o their_o sermon_n be_v load_v with_o every_o thing_n that_o their_o collection_n afford_v upon_o the_o subject_n but_o all_o this_o be_v only_a noise_n and_o so_o much_o breath_n spend_v in_o vain_a such_o morality_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o voluptuous_a or_o covetous_a man_n from_o pursue_v his_o ordinary_a course_n it_o be_v rather_o apt_a to_o harden_v he_o in_o it_o because_o as_o he_o do_v not_o see_v himself_o in_o the_o dismal_a picture_n which_o be_v make_v of_o these_o vice_n so_o he_o think_v himself_o free_a from_o they_o or_o at_o least_o not_o very_o guilty_a of_o they_o last_o preacher_n do_v sometime_o deliver_v contradictory_n moral_n have_v not_o sufficient_o meditate_a upon_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o morality_n they_o run_v themselves_o into_o contradiction_n they_o say_v one_o thing_n in_o one_o place_n and_o the_o contrary_a in_o another_o they_o lay_v down_o principle_n which_o destroy_v the_o consequence_n they_o will_v draw_v from_o they_o or_o they_o draw_v consequence_n which_o over-turn_a the_o principle_n they_o have_v lay_v down_o ii_o the_o fault_n i_o have_v hitherto_o observe_v relate_v to_o the_o matter_n of_o preach_v those_o which_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o manner_n be_v not_o indeed_o so_o essential_a but_o yet_o they_o be_v important_a enough_o to_o deserve_v some_o notice_n here_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o preach_v pure_a doctrine_n and_o good_a morality_n if_o this_o be_v not_o do_v in_o a_o proper_a way_n to_o instruct_v and_o to_o persuade_v the_o most_o important_a truth_n lose_v their_o force_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o man_n who_o either_o can_v speak_v of_o they_o in_o a_o suitable_a manner_n or_o express_v they_o obscure_o and_o so_o likewise_o the_o way_n of_o exhort_v and_o censure_v be_v often_o the_o reason_n why_o exhortation_n and_o censure_n prove_v ineffectual_a either_o they_o be_v not_o accurate_a or_o convince_a enough_o or_o they_o be_v gold_n and_o languid_a or_o they_o be_v not_o season_v with_o prudence_n and_o mildness_n but_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o fire_n which_o have_v more_o of_o anger_n and_o indiscretion_n than_o of_o true_a zeal_n in_o it_o and_o which_o offend_v more_o than_o it_o affect_v or_o persuade_v the_o hearer_n divers_a consideration_n may_v be_v here_o insist_v upon_o concern_v the_o way_n of_o preach_v but_o i_o think_v what_o be_v most_o material_a to_o be_v say_v on_o this_o subject_a may_v be_v reduce_v to_o this_o one_o thing_n that_o the_o manner_n of_o preach_v be_v not_o simple_a and_o natural_a enough_o the_o way_n of_o preach_v shall_v correspond_v with_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n and_o sermon_n which_o be_v to_o inform_v the_o understanding_n and_o to_o move_v the_o heart_n this_o end_n be_v attain_v by_o those_o who_o think_v and_o speak_v clear_o and_o natural_o when_o every_o thing_n in_o reason_v method_n style_n and_o exterior_a be_v regulate_v by_o nature_n and_o true_a sense_n but_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v long_o ago_o to_o preacher_n be_v particular_o apt_a to_o fail_v in_o this_o respect_n false_a and_o confuse_a idea_n un-accurate_a reason_n strain_v or_o impertinent_a reflection_n force_v and_o unnatural_a expression_n be_v almost_o become_v the_o property_n of_o that_o order_n of_o men._n one_o will_v think_v that_o most_o preacher_n take_v pain_n not_o to_o follow_v nature_n as_o if_o a_o man_n be_v too_o soon_o in_o the_o pulpit_n but_o he_o must_v speak_v no_o long_o like_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n as_o if_o the_o part_n of_o a_o preacher_n be_v something_o like_o that_o of_o a_o prophet_n among_o the_o jew_n nay_o this_o be_v pass_v into_o a_o proverb_n so_o that_o odd_a way_n and_o injudicious_a reflection_n be_v call_v way_n and_o reflection_n of_o preacher_n 1._o if_o nature_n be_v consult_v and_o it_o man_n do_v consider_v the_o end_n of_o preach_v they_o will_v see_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o the_o method_n which_o be_v follow_v by_o many_o in_o the_o explain_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o compose_n of_o sermon_n have_v need_n be_v reform_v in_o some_o respect_n and_o that_o it_o do_v not_o agree_v so_o well_o as_o it_o shall_v with_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o instance_n why_o shall_v time_n be_v waste_v in_o exordium_n and_o preliminary_n why_o shall_v a_o preacher_n dwell_v upon_o the_o explain_n of_o word_n and_o phrase_n which_o every_o body_n understand_v or_o upon_o press_v the_o least_o circumstance_n of_o a_o text_n what_o signify_v those_o needless_a digression_n those_o objection_n which_o no_o body_n think_v of_o those_o citation_n and_o story_n which_o in_o some_o country_n fill_v up_o sermon_n and_o so_o many_o other_o small_a nicety_n which_o clog_n these_o kind_n of_o discourse_n all_o this_o may_v be_v let_v alone_o without_o prejudice_n to_o public_a edification_n 2._o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o consult_v nature_n that_o preacher_n be_v obscure_a sometime_o the_o obscurity_n of_o their_o sermon_n arise_v from_o the_o thing_n
next_o place_n that_o pastor_n shall_v discharge_v their_o duty_n with_o relation_n to_o young_a people_n and_o that_o to_o this_o end_n in_o all_o place_n and_o church_n the_o necessary_a order_n and_o method_n be_v establish_v for_o instruct_v the_o people_n and_o particular_o child_n i_o remark_n this_o because_o in_o this_o respect_n thing_n be_v not_o well_o order_v so_o that_o in_o many_o place_n such_o help_n andmean_n be_v very_o much_o want_v it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o opportunity_n of_o instruction_n and_o the_o help_n to_o piety_n be_v mighty_a scarce_o in_o the_o country_n and_o in_o village_n school_n be_v there_o manage_v at_o a_o very_a ordinary_a rate_n and_o many_o place_n have_v no_o school_n at_o all_o whereby_o it_o happen_v that_o many_o person_n can_v so_o much_o as_o read_v there_o likewise_o divine_a service_n be_v but_o seldom_o perform_v and_o very_o careless_o too_o the_o minister_n who_o be_v appoint_v in_o those_o place_n be_v general_o either_o man_n of_o little_a worth_n or_o man_n who_o do_v not_o watch_v over_o their_o flock_n as_o they_o ought_v and_o who_o be_v remiss_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n these_o be_v the_o essential_a defect_n which_o shall_v be_v remedy_v by_o those_o who_o have_v authority_n in_o church_n or_o state_n above_o all_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o churchman_n shall_v have_v a_o strict_a inspection_n over_o school_n and_o family_n and_o that_o catechise_n be_v more_o frequent_a than_o they_o be_v young_a people_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o chief_a object_n of_o the_o care_n of_o pastor_n no_o part_n of_o their_o office_n be_v more_o useful_a or_o reward_v their_o labour_n with_o better_a success_n than_o that_o their_o endeavour_n to_o mend_v those_o who_o be_v come_v to_o age_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o little_a purpose_n but_o what_o they_o do_v for_o child_n ●s_a of_o great_a benefit_n if_o therefore_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o if_o they_o wish_v to_o see_v a_o change_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n let_v they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o instruct_n of_o youth_n and_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o form_v a_o new_a gneration_n among_o the_o particular_a establishment_n which_o may_v be_v make_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o young_a people_n there_o be_v one_o which_o will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o which_o seem_v to_o i_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o that_o be_v that_o with_o relation_n to_o child_n who_o have_v attain_v the_o age_n of_o discretion_n the_o same_o order_n shall_v be_v observe_v for_o their_o admission_n to_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n when_o catechuman_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n this_o admission_n be_v very_o solemn_a a_o long_a probation_n and_o instruction_n go_v before_o it_o the_o catechuman_n be_v require_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o the_o bind_v themselves_o by_o solemn_a promise_n and_o vow_n to_o renounce_v the_o world_n and_o to_o live_v holy_a no_o such_o thing_n be_v do_v at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n because_o young_a child_n be_v baptize_v but_o what_o be_v not_o do_v at_o the_o time_n of_o baptism_n shall_v be_v do_v when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n and_o true_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a profession_n a_o promise_n in_o due_a form_n on_o the_o child_n part_n i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o we_o can_v well_o answer_v what_o be_v object_v by_o some_o against_o infant-baptism_n which_o yet_o be_v a_o good_a and_o laudable_a practice_n a_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n against_o his_o will_n or_o without_o his_o knowledge_n this_o engagement_n be_v a_o personal_a thing_n be_v which_o every_o bold_a shall_v act_v and_o answer_v for_o himself_o when_o child_n be_v baptize_v they_o know_v nothing_o of_o what_o be_v do_v to_o they_o it_o be_v there_o fore_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o year_n of_o reason_n they_o shall_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v the_o engagement_n they_o come_v under_o by_o their_o baptism_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o knowledge_n and_o choice_n now_o the_o fit_a time_n for_o such_o a_o confirmation_n and_o promise_n be_v when_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n the_o order_n then_o which_o i_o mean_v be_v this_o first_o that_o when_o child_n desire_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n they_o shall_v be_v instruct_v for_o some_o week_n before_o and_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o shall_v be_v inform_v of_o the_o sacredness_n and_o importance_n of_o this_o action_n and_o of_o the_o promise_n they_o be_v to_o make_v that_o so_o they_o may_v prepare_v for_o it_o betimes_o in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v examine_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v public_o render_v a_o account_n of_o their_o faith_n this_o examination_n be_v over_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v require_v to_o renew_v and_o confirm_v in_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a manner_n their_o baptismal_a vow_n to_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o his_o work_n the_o world_n and_o the_o pomp_n of_o it_o the_o flesh_n and_o its_o lust_n and_o to_o promise_v that_o they_o will_v live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o then_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o communion_n by_o benediction_n and_o prayer_n it_o will_v no_o doubt_n seem_v to_o some_o that_o i_o be_o here_o propose_v a_o novelty_n and_o that_o too_o not_o very_o necessary_a that_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o all_o this_o solemnity_n that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o examine_v and_o exhort_v child_n in_o private_a and_o that_o this_o confirmation_n of_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n be_v include_v and_o suppose_v in_o the_o admission_n to_o the_o sacrament_n to_o this_o i_o say_v that_o the_o order_n i_o propose_v will_v be_v think_v a_o novelty_n by_o none_o but_o such_o as_o do_v not_o know_v what_o be_v ancient_o practise_v and_o who_o call_v innovation_n every_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o country_n or_o their_o church_n this_o be_v a_o imitation_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o the_o apostolical_a order_n and_o beside_o this_o establishment_n be_v altogether_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o i_o have_v just_a now_o make_v it_o appear_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o for_o what_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o child_n be_v examine_v and_o admit_v in_o private_a i_o answer_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o be_v so_o great_a that_o in_o many_o church_n this_o admission_n and_o the_o examination_n which_o precede_v it_o be_v but_o three_o or_o four_o hour_n work_v and_o sometime_o less_o pastor_n and_o those_o to_o who_o this_o function_n be_v commit_v do_v often_o go_v about_o it_o very_o negligent_o they_o content_v themselves_o with_o some_o question_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n relate_v only_o to_o doctrine_n and_o controversy_n the_o address_n to_o chidren_n general_a exhortation_n to_o piety_n but_o they_o take_v no_o care_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o moral_n or_o to_o examine_v their_o conduct_n they_o do_v not_o require_v of_o they_o a_o express_a ratification_n of_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n i_o know_v there_o be_v pastor_n who_o do_v their_o duty_n but_o the_o best_a thing_n will_v be_v to_o have_v this_o form_n of_o examination_n and_o admission_n regulate_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v in_o the_o breast_n of_o every_o minister_n to_o do_v in_o this_o matter_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a and_o that_o all_o this_o may_v be_v do_v the_o more_o orderly_o it_o will_v be_v fit_v that_o according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n some_o person_n shall_v be_v appoint_v on_o purpose_n to_o instruct_v young_a people_n and_o catechuman_n what_o care_v soever_o may_v be_v take_v of_o child_n and_o whatever_o may_v be_v do_v for_o they_o in_o private_a instruction_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o public_a and_o solemn_a exhortation_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o promise_v on_o the_o other_o will_v make_v a_o much_o great_a impression_n upon_o they_o they_o will_v then_o look_v upon_o their_o admission_n with_o respect_n they_o will_v remember_v it_o all_o their_o life_n and_o this_o solemnity_n will_v prove_v as_o useful_a and_o edify_a to_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o young_a people_n i_o offer_v this_o with_o the_o great_a confidence_n because_o a_o order_n like_o this_o have_v be_v settle_v of_o late_a in_o some_o church_n and_o be_v there_o observe_v
capable_a of_o do_v more_o hurt_n than_o good_a 1._o a_o author_n who_o treat_v of_o morality_n shall_v always_o have_v these_o two_o rule_n in_o his_o view_n 1._o to_o explain_v exact_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o it_o prescribe_v and_o 2._o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o duty_n now_o these_o two_o rule_n have_v not_o be_v sufficient_o observe_v by_o all_o those_o who_o have_v publish_v moral_a book_n 1._o they_o do_v not_o always_o represent_v with_o due_a exactness_n the_o nature_n of_o vice_n or_o virtue_n either_o the_o notion_n they_o give_v of_o they_o be_v not_o true_a or_o they_o be_v too_o general_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o be_v not_o accurate_a enough_o in_o describe_v the_o true_a character_n of_o each_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o do_v not_o distinguish_v their_o various_a kind_n and_n degree_n which_o yet_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v if_o they_o intend_v that_o man_n shall_v know_v their_o own_o picture_n 2._o they_o do_v not_o press_v man_n enough_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n the_o end_n of_o morality_n be_v to_o work_v upon_o man_n heart_n and_o passion_n in_o order_n to_o compass_v this_o end_n two_o thing_n be_v necessary_a 1._o that_o all_o those_o great_a motive_n which_o the_o gospel_n afford_v shall_v be_v strong_o urge_v and_o 2._o that_o the_o false_a reason_n and_o motive_n which_o engage_v man_n into_o the_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o give_v they_o any_o aversion_n to_o holiness_n shall_v be_v confute_v moral_n can_v be_v useful_o handle_v without_o the_o observation_n of_o these_o two_o maxim_n the_o second_o especial_o for_o the_o reason_n why_o many_o be_v not_o prevail_v upon_o by_o the_o argument_n and_o motive_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o they_o be_v because_o they_o be_v hinder_v by_o other_o argument_n and_o motive_n a_o reader_n frame_v in_o himself_o a_o hundred_o objection_n against_o what_o he_o read_v in_o a_o book_n of_o morality_n man_n heart_n be_v no_o soon_o incline_v to_o any_o vice_n but_o it_o grow_v fertile_a in_o evasion_n reason_n and_o pretence_n every_o sinner_n have_v his_o excuse_n and_o his_o shift_n if_o these_o who_o teach_v morality_n do_v not_o obviate_v those_o objection_n and_o destroy_v those_o excuse_n they_o can_v never_o obtain_v their_o design_n but_o this_o be_v a_o trouble_n which_o few_o author_n care_n to_o take_v upon_o they_o 2._o book_n of_o moral_n will_v produce_v more_o fruit_n than_o they_o do_v if_o the_o morality_n they_o teach_v be_v neither_o too_o much_o relax_v nor_o too_o severe_a morality_n be_v relax_v when_o it_o do_v not_o propose_v the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n in_o their_o full_a extent_n or_o when_o it_o do_v not_o assert_v the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o those_o duty_n it_o be_v strain_v and_o too_o severe_a when_o it_o impose_v duty_n which_o god_n have_v not_o command_v or_o which_o can_v possible_o be_v practise_v and_o when_o it_o rank_n among_o sin_n thing_n which_o be_v innocent_a i_o touch_v this_o only_a by_o the_o by_o because_o i_o have_v speak_v already_o in_o some_o other_o place_n of_o this_o treatise_n both_o of_o the_o remiss_a and_o over_o severe_a notion_n which_o man_n form_n to_o themselves_o about_o religion_n see_v part_n i._o cause_n i._o art_n ii_o and_o cause_v ii_o art_n v._o vi_o and_o part_v ii_o cause_v iii_o art_n i._n 3._o some_o of_o the_o author_n who_o handle_v morality_n be_v guilty_a of_o another_o fault_n and_o that_o be_v a_o want_n of_o accuracy_n and_o exactness_n in_o their_o idea_n and_o reason_n they_o do_v not_o consider_v enough_o whether_o every_o thing_n they_o advance_v be_v strict_o solid_a and_o true_a whether_o the_o principle_n they_o lie_v down_o will_v hold_v whether_o their_o maxim_n be_v not_o stretch_v too_o far_o or_o absurd_a whether_o they_o do_v not_o contradict_v themselves_o whether_o they_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o frivolous_a reason_n whether_o nothing_o be_v false_a or_o mean_a in_o the_o motive_n they_o urge_v in_o a_o word_n whither_o or_o not_o their_o work_n will_v be_v able_a to_o stand_v the_o censure_n of_o a_o judicious_a reader_n moralist_n as_o well_o as_o the_o generality_n of_o preacher_n be_v a_o little_a too_o much_o carry_v away_o by_o the_o heat_n of_o their_o imagination_n and_o zeal_n and_o they_o do_v not_o reason_n enough_o they_o often_o go_v about_o to_o move_v people_n with_o rhethorical_a figure_n rather_o than_o by_o dint_n of_o reason_n and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a method_n in_o matter_n of_o morality_n it_o chief_o concern_v a_o man_n to_o speak_v and_o to_o argue_v close_o without_o this_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v either_o convince_v the_o mind_n or_o produce_v a_o solid_a and_o disern_a piety_n 4._o the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o book_n of_o morality_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v several_a important_a subject_n which_o have_v not_o hitherto_o be_v treat_v as_o they_o ought_v or_o if_o they_o have_v it_o be_v in_o work_n which_o be_v not_o read_v by_o the_o people_n those_o who_o study_n morality_n be_v often_o sensible_a of_o this_o defect_n and_o complain_v just_o that_o they_o do_v not_o find_v in_o book_n all_o the_o light_n and_o help_v they_o look_v for_o there_o it_o be_v but_o of_o late_a that_o any_o thing_n have_v be_v write_v with_o exactness_n in_o french_a upon_o restitution_n who_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o a_o good_a book_n concern_v impurity_n will_v be_v high_o useful_a this_o sin_n be_v exceed_o common_a but_o it_o be_v one_o of_o those_o about_o which_o the_o people_n be_v the_o least_o instruct_v if_o christian_n understand_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o vice_n its_o consequence_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o those_o who_o have_v fall_v into_o it_o they_o will_v certain_o avoid_v it_o more_o careful_o than_o they_o do_v i_o may_v say_v the_o same_o of_o injustice_n of_o swear_v and_o of_o some_o other_o subject_n iv_o i_o come_v in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o book_n of_o devotion_n it_o be_v very_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n of_o they_o because_o of_o all_o the_o book_n of_o religion_n they_o be_v those_o which_o be_v the_o most_o read_v 1._o i_o can_v help_v say_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o there_o be_v book_n of_o devotion_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o introduce_v corruption_n of_o manner_n and_o divert_v christian_n from_o the_o study_n of_o holiness_n we_o may_v easy_o apprehend_v how_o there_o shall_v be_v book_n of_o this_o kind_n if_o we_o confider_v that_o many_o even_o among_o divine_n think_v it_o dangerous_a to_o insist_v upon_o good_a work_n and_o to_o press_v morality_n and_o there_o be_v book_n of_o devotion_n which_o be_v make_v on_o purpose_n to_o maintain_v so_o strange_a a_o opinion_n some_o author_n have_v teach_v that_o true_a devotion_n and_o solid_a piety_n be_v not_o that_o which_o consist_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o good_a work_n they_o have_v write_v that_o the_o 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