two_o discourse_n for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o christian_a piety_n and_o devotion_n the_o former_a assert_v the_o necessity_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o a_o positive_a worship_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o christian_n the_o late_a consider_v the_o common_a hindrance_n of_o devotion_n and_o the_o divine_a worship_n with_o their_o respective_a remedy_n by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o method_n of_o private_a devotion_n london_n print_v by_o j._n m._n for_o john_n martin_n at_o the_o bell_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1671._o imprimatur_fw-la exit_fw-la aedib_n lamb._n dec._n 5._o 1670._o tho._n tomkyns_n reverendissimo_fw-la in_o christo_fw-la patri_fw-la ac_fw-la domino_fw-la domino_fw-la gilberto_n divinâ_fw-la providentiâ_fw-la archiepisc_n cant._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la domesticis_fw-la to_o the_o reader_n a_o account_n of_o the_o occasion_n design_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o work_n the_o true_a and_o sole_a occasion_n of_o the_o two_o follow_a discourse_n be_v the_o desire_n of_o a_o reverend_n and_o exemplary_o pious_a person_n to_o i_o upon_o the_o three_o edition_n of_o the_o method_n of_o private_a devotion_n that_o i_o will_v insert_v some_o thing_n thereinto_o brief_o and_o by_o the_o by_o to_o caution_n many_o otherwise_o devout_a of_o frequent_v play_n and_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o such_o vanity_n which_o too_o often_o prove_v not_o only_a impediment_n to_o devotion_n but_o as_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o be_v order_v the_o bane_n of_o good_a mind_n this_o when_o i_o have_v a_o little_a thought_n upon_o i_o do_v not_o at_o the_o first_o see_v a_o place_n to_o my_o mind_n for_o such_o insertion_n then_o i_o conceive_v not_o the_o stage_n to_o be_v the_o only_a nor_o perhaps_o most_o common_a impediment_n of_o devotion_n and_o far_o i_o judge_v that_o shall_v i_o only_o have_v brief_o touch_v the_o subject_n intimate_v two_o edition_n of_o that_o book_n be_v then_o but_o late_o buy_v off_o those_o which_o be_v by_o they_o furnish_v will_v scarce_o buy_v book_n of_o the_o three_o for_o the_o addition_n of_o a_o few_o line_n and_o possible_o other_o but_o slight_o remark_n so_o brief_a suggestion_n beside_o last_o i_o soon_o see_v that_o to_o enumerate_v and_o remove_v the_o common_a hindrance_n of_o devotion_n will_v take_v up_o more_o room_n and_o pain_n than_o be_v consistent_a with_o such_o a_o insertion_n i_o resolve_v therefore_o on_o a_o distinct_a treatise_n and_o remember_v that_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o some_o piece_n by_o man_n of_o high_o pretend_a reason_n and_o learning_n which_o allow_v a_o natural_a religion_n comprise_v in_o a_o few_o principle_n that_o run_v through_o all_o religion_n bold_o assert_v all_o the_o doctrine_n and_o office_n particular_a to_o each_o to_o be_v only_o of_o humane_a and_o politic_a institution_n and_o consequent_o no_o christian_n positive_a worship_n of_o divine_a authority_n nor_o any_o point_n by_o christianity_n a_o duty_n which_o be_v not_o and_o be_v not_o such_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o withal_o reflect_v on_o the_o usual_a discourse_n of_o the_o hectorly_n rationalist_n of_o our_o age_n who_o greedy_o lick_v up_o and_o as_o rash_o vent_v those_o other_o spittle_n i_o think_v this_o plausible_a suggestion_n of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o a_o general_a fairness_n or_o imaginary_a virtue_n to_o be_v the_o most_o malignant_a and_o pestilent_a prepossession_n against_o all_o devotion_n and_o divine_a worship_n as_o be_v a_o plain_a subversion_n of_o its_o several_a office_n and_o therefore_o resolve_v first_o and_o by_o itself_o to_o accost_v it_o as_o require_v more_o of_o discourse_n and_o then_o those_o other_o more_o vulgar_a impediment_n each_o in_o their_o order_n thus_o come_v one_o intend_a tract_n to_o be_v break_v into_o two_o piece_n now_o as_o to_o what_o i_o have_v do_v in_o my_o attempt_n on_o both_o my_o reader_n be_v to_o be_v advertise_v that_o he_o expect_v not_o first_o high_a notion_n or_o style_n than_o such_o which_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o address_v to_o popular_a or_o middle_a capacity_n the_o philosopher_n have_v tell_v we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o i_o handle_v these_o subject_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o man_n of_o moderate_a attainment_n man_n of_o true_o high_a learning_n be_v above_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o such_o opinion_n as_o i_o engage_v nor_o second_o strict_a demonstration_n than_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v give_v of_o such_o subject_n the_o substance_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v make_v up_o of_o article_n historical_a doctrinal_a or_o moral_a and_o the_o evidence_n of_o each_o different_a according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o each_o of_o the_o historical_a point_n as_o the_o birth_n life_n crucifixion_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v not_o nor_o pretend_v to_o have_v great_a evidence_n than_o tradition_n or_o testimony_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a and_o that_o not_o only_o consign_v in_o writing_n but_o attest_v by_o many_o visible_a event_n and_o monument_n of_o the_o doctrinal_a article_n such_o as_o the_o creation_n the_o life_n everlasting_a and_o different_a estate_n therein_o we_o have_v first_o the_o same_o evidence_n as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n and_o we_o have_v beside_o for_o some_o of_o they_o the_o demonstrative_a or_o most_o high_o probable_a ratiocination_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o other_o of_o they_o which_o be_v not_o thus_o demonstrable_a be_v evident_a consequent_n of_o those_o that_o be_v thus_o from_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o generation_n we_o be_v enforce_v to_o conclude_v a_o first_o cause_n or_o a_o creator_n of_o all_o from_o the_o first_o and_o experience_a act_n and_o property_n of_o our_o soul_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v their_o immateriality_n and_o thence_o their_o incorruptibility_n or_o immortality_n from_o the_o creation_n nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o thing_n follow_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o the_o creator_n his_o justice_n and_o providence_n and_o from_o providence_n justice_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o humane_a soul_n consider_v the_o different_a life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o how_o here_o they_o carry_v all_o away_o be_v consequent_a a_o difference_n of_o estate_n in_o that_o future_a immortal_a life_n that_o be_v a_o heaven_n and_o hell_n i_o may_v run_v the_o chain_n to_o a_o far_o great_a length_n but_o last_o as_o to_o the_o moral_a point_n of_o christianity_n we_o have_v for_o they_o first_o the_o common_a evidence_n of_o both_o the_o former_a tradition_n and_o testimony_n that_o they_o be_v institute_v by_o god_n we_o have_v beside_o a_o intrinsical_a evidence_n for_o they_o found_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o their_o congruency_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n whence_o arise_v that_o approbation_n which_o natural_a conscience_n can_v but_o give_v unto_o they_o we_o be_v not_o able_a but_o to_o commend_v and_o approve_v temperance_n chastity_n meekness_n mercifullness_n justice_n and_o piety_n though_o possible_o by_o reason_n of_o carnal_a custom_n or_o interest_n we_o have_v no_o great_a stomach_n to_o practice_v they_o and_o hence_o if_o we_o do_v not_o conclude_v that_o the_o law_n which_o enact_v these_o be_v the_o law_n of_o our_o creator_n as_o methinks_v we_o shall_v yet_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v they_o fit_a to_o be_v enact_v by_o he_o and_o worthy_a of_o he_o and_o then_o this_o together_o with_o the_o testimony_n which_o they_o otherwise_o receive_v will_v enforce_v their_o reception_n now_o as_o to_o those_o christian_a duty_n which_o be_v of_o a_o positive_a nature_n their_o singular_a conduciveness_n to_o virtue_n will_v speak_v they_o most_o meet_a and_o proper_a for_o observation_n so_o that_o if_o the_o holy_a creator_n will_v enact_v any_o outward_a worship_n it_o be_v fit_a these_o shall_v be_v it_o as_o so_o high_o tend_v to_o the_o natural_a and_o eternal_a part_n of_o morality_n and_o then_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o inviolable_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v almost_o the_o world_n superad_v thereto_o will_v make_v up_o a_o plea_n beyond_o all_o rational_a contradiction_n for_o our_o embrace_v also_o this_o part_n of_o christianity_n by_o all_o which_o it_o may_v soon_o be_v perceive_v what_o necessity_n of_o the_o divine_a positive_a worship_n i_o assert_v in_o the_o part_n of_o the_o former_a follow_a discourse_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n have_v suppose_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o providence_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o both_o which_o be_v grant_v even_o by_o the_o worst_a who_o acknowledge_v any_o religion_n i_o assert_v a_o sufficient_a revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o therefore_o a_o determine_n of_o the_o office_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o be_v if_o not_o a_o necessary_a yet_o most_o high_o probable_a consequent_a from_o thence_o in_o the_o second_o admitting_z that_o so_o high_o applaud_v principle_n and_o if_o right_o state_v true_o worthy_a heroical_a and_o evangelical_n that_o virtue_n be_v the_o great_a
soul_n with_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n and_o replenish_v our_o conscience_n with_o serenity_n and_o glorious_a joy_n we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o see_v heaven_n though_o not_o with_o st._n stephen_n open_v yet_o with_o st._n paul_n prepare_v for_o we_o and_o bless_v god_n not_o so_o much_o for_o make_v it_o as_o make_v the_o way_n thither_o piety_n and_o virtue_n we_o shall_v so_o transform_v our_o life_n as_o well_o as_o our_o self_n that_o to_o live_v will_v be_v but_o to_o conquer_v and_o we_o only_o seem_v to_o pass_v as_o it_o be_v from_o one_o heaven_n to_o another_o the_o end_n the_o reasonableness_n and_o necessity_n of_o a_o positive_a worship_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o christian_a worship_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hierocl_n london_n print_v for_o john_n martin_n at_o the_o bell_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n m_n dc_o lxxi_o a_o discourse_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o a_o positive_a worship_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o christian_a worship_n the_o introduction_n propound_v the_o general_a head_n of_o the_o discourse_n remember_v that_o all_o conclusion_n beget_v so_o much_o the_o faint_a persuasion_n by_o how_o much_o in_o their_o deduction_n we_o have_v proceed_v to_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o first_o and_o necessary_a principle_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v in_o the_o cause_n undertake_v to_o keep_v as_o near_o to_o indubitable_a or_o allow_v foundation_n as_o i_o can_v and_o if_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o evident_a upon_o the_o admit_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n that_o we_o be_v enforce_v to_o believe_v some_o such_o revelation_n as_o christian_n pretend_v to_o must_v have_v be_v and_o by_o they_o the_o institution_n of_o a_o positive_a worship_n and_o further_o upon_o view_n of_o the_o suppose_a positive_a worship_n if_o it_o appear_v in_o all_o its_o part_n to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o the_o supreme_a god_n proceed_v not_o arbitrary_o and_o by_o a_o mere_a sovereign_a power_n or_o humour_n in_o its_o institution_n but_o therefore_o appoint_v this_o or_o that_o rather_o than_o another_o office_n because_o apt_a to_o secure_v the_o good_a of_o man_n that_o be_v to_o plant_v and_o radicate_v virtue_n in_o he_o between_o which_o and_o humane_a happiness_n there_o be_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n which_o himself_o before_o such_o institution_n have_v frame_v a_o necessary_a connexion_n i_o conceive_v i_o have_v do_v enough_o to_o persuade_v any_o rational_a person_n that_o he_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o pay_v such_o positive_a worship_n which_o by_o such_o institution_n and_o its_o own_o natural_a conducency_n to_o his_o happiness_n he_o perceive_v to_o oblige_v he_o that_o be_v i_o have_v evidence_v the_o necessity_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o a_o positive_a worship_n and_o of_o such_o a_o one_o as_o we_o pretend_v to_o and_o more_o particular_o as_o to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n if_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o its_o history_n lie_v so_o that_o we_o can_v with_o any_o tolerable_a sobriety_n disbelieve_v either_o the_o history_n or_o the_o doctrine_n which_o it_o implicate_v the_o very_a tradition_n itself_o carry_v in_o itself_o so_o convictive_a evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n i_o may_v then_o conclude_v that_o we_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o receive_v and_o practice_n particular_o every_o such_o particular_a office_n of_o worship_n as_o that_o christian_a doctrine_n prescribe_v and_o none_o other_o and_o though_o i_o shall_v not_o adventure_v to_o call_v these_o demonstration_n yet_o i_o hope_v by_o such_o time_n as_o i_o shall_v have_v do_v they_o will_v be_v find_v for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o come_v as_o little_a short_a of_o such_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o my_o subject_n will_v admit_v brief_o and_o distinct_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v allow_v that_o positive_a worship_n be_v to_o be_v pay_v if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o by_o the_o supreme_a god_n institute_v and_o command_v now_o i_o pretend_v that_o first_o the_o institution_n of_o some_o positive_a worship_n follow_v admit_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n that_o second_o in_o that_o positive_a worship_n suppose_v by_o christian_n obligatory_a there_o be_v such_o conducency_n to_o virtue_n on_o all_o hand_n acknowledge_v the_o principal_a necessary_a as_o render_v that_o worship_n most_o fit_a to_o oblige_v we_o and_o every_o way_n most_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o last_o beside_o this_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o this_o particular_a worship_n de_fw-fr facto_fw-la be_v irrefragable_o evident_a from_o the_o certainty_n and_o undeniableness_n of_o the_o history_n of_o christianity_n and_o of_o the_o scripture_n chap._n i._n §_o 1._o a_o full_a proposal_n of_o the_o first_o point_n viz._n that_o some_o positive_a worship_n there_o must_v be_v and_o three_o proposition_n to_o evince_v it_o §_o 2._o the_o first_o proposition_n prove_v §_o 3._o a_o objection_n answer_v §_o 4._o a_o second_o answer_v §_o 5._o a_o illustration_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o reason_n to_o bring_v man_n general_o to_o virtue_n out_o of_o history_n §_o 6._o a_o three_o objection_n answer_v §_o 7._o the_o second_o proposition_n prove_v §_o 8._o the_o three_o proposition_n prove_v §_o 9_o objection_n in_o common_a against_o revelation_n and_o divine_a record_n answer_v it_o be_v not_o unusual_a for_o stubborn_a dogmatist_n when_o force_v from_o some_o belove_a principle_n by_o their_o detect_v absurdity_n to_o seem_v liberal_o to_o grant_v what_o they_o be_v no_o long_o able_a to_o deny_v and_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o concession_n in_o common_a appearance_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o their_o cause_n to_o pretend_v their_o cause_n no_o whit_n enfeeble_v and_o their_o persuasion_n as_o unshaken_a as_o ever_o thus_o to_o omit_v the_o trace_v this_o practice_n in_o man_n of_o other_o interest_n than_o those_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o many_o pretend_a master_n of_o reason_n who_o a_o long_a time_n will_v fain_o have_v persuade_v themselves_o and_o the_o world_n that_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n or_o provident_a creator_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o different_a estate_n in_o that_o immortal_a life_n be_v but_o the_o fraud_n of_o priest_n or_o stratagem_n of_o some_o deep_a politician_n see_v now_o that_o they_o can_v no_o long_o maintain_v their_o doctrine_n against_o that_o convictive_a evidence_n which_o enforce_v their_o contrary_n be_v content_a at_o last_o to_o admit_v a_o creed_n consist_v of_o these_o article_n name_v and_o generous_o allow_v what_o against_o their_o will_n they_o see_v demonstrate_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o stiff_o contend_v that_o the_o only_a worship_n of_o this_o god_n and_o sole_a condition_n of_o such_o immortal_a happiness_n be_v virtue_n nor_o do_v man_n need_v prayer_n or_o sacrament_n or_o priest_n or_o what_o they_o will_v be_v content_a to_o have_v name_v appendant_a cheat_n and_o then_o as_o to_o the_o name_n of_o virtue_n that_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a so_o to_o explain_v as_o to_o leave_v a_o latitude_n for_o their_o own_o vice_n so_o that_o in_o fine_a though_o some_o of_o the_o outwork_n of_o this_o troy_n be_v yield_v upon_o constraint_n yet_o the_o body_n of_o the_o city_n be_v keep_v strong_o the_o helena_n still_o hold_v in_o fast_a embrace_n they_o may_v be_v as_o pretend_v by_o the_o warranty_n of_o reason_n as_o profane_v and_o scornful_a of_o religion_n at_o least_o of_o the_o christian_a worship_n and_o so_o in_o the_o end_n of_o all_o virtue_n pure_o christian_n such_o as_o mortification_n self-denial_n etc._n etc._n as_o ever_o they_o be_v against_o these_o we_o say_v that_o if_o they_o will_v be_v reasonable_a and_o impartial_a and_o admit_v the_o same_o evidence_n in_o this_o case_n as_o they_o do_v in_o other_o of_o like_a nature_n beside_o that_o natural_a worship_n of_o god_n which_o consist_v in_o virtue_n and_o pure_o natural_a acknowledgement_n of_o he_o both_o they_o and_o all_o man_n must_v confess_v office_n of_o divine_a worship_n by_o positive_a right_n such_o as_o in_o christianity_n be_v prayer_n and_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n which_o thing_n we_o trust_v to_o make_v out_o by_o these_o follow_a proposition_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o man_n touch_v such_o thing_n which_o he_o require_v of_o he_o in_o order_n to_o his_o happiness_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v such_o revelation_n shall_v determine_v the_o office_n of_o divine_a worship_n 3._o that_o holy_a scripture_n or_o that_o revelation_n which_o acquaint_v we_o what_o god_n require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n pretend_v to_o prescribe_v to_o we_o by_o what_o act_v god_n will_v be_v worship_v and_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o
content_a to_o enjoy_v it_o only_o so_o far_o as_o be_v reasonable_a and_o just_a that_o be_v first_o if_o we_o will_v keep_v our_o good_a hour_n entire_a to_o these_o serious_a purpose_n and_o spend_v those_o on_o society_n which_o be_v unfit_a for_o other_o employment_n such_o be_v possible_o some_o hour_n after_o meal_n after_o wearyness_n with_o business_n etc._n etc._n and_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o ready_a to_o do_v this_o if_o second_o we_o will_v resolve_v the_o contrary_a practice_n to_o be_v what_o true_o it_o be_v loss_n of_o time_n and_o beside_o that_o even_o of_o pleasure_n too_o for_o society_n will_v be_v the_o sweet_a if_o rare_a and_o beside_o do_v business_n be_v industrious_a and_o pay_v duty_n to_o god_n be_v far_o a_o great_a pleasure_n to_o one_o who_o be_v use_v to_o it_o and_o so_o be_v a_o competent_a judge_n than_o be_v society_n itself_o to_o any_o one_o sect._n 7_o before_o we_o pass_v this_o head_n of_o converse_n we_o must_v admonish_v and_o conjure_v all_o those_o who_o will_v preserve_v that_o little_a integrity_n of_o life_n or_o devoutness_n of_o mind_n which_o they_o have_v or_o will_v not_o plain_o grow_v worse_o than_o already_o they_o be_v that_o they_o observe_v this_o as_o a_o most_o constant_a and_o indispensable_a caution_n that_o in_o no_o company_n which_o they_o keep_v they_o tolerate_v corrupt_a and_o lewd_a discourse_n but_o either_o reprove_v and_o break_v it_o off_o or_o if_o they_o can_v modest_o be_v go_v it_o be_v a_o observation_n of_o so_o much_o truth_n that_o out_o of_o a_o comedy_n st._n paul_n transcribe_v it_o into_o scripture_n for_o a_o infallible_a axiom_n evil_a communication_n corrupt_v good_a manner_n and_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v there_o have_v be_v very_o few_o person_n ever_o of_o any_o sobriety_n debauch_a but_o the_o first_o degree_n of_o debauchery_n be_v by_o this_o mean_v convey_v first_o they_o pollute_v their_o mouth_n than_o their_o heart_n and_o hand_n sect._n 8_o as_o a_o second_o city_n pleasure_n though_o among_o we_o for_o the_o most_o part_n proper_a but_o to_o one_o of_o our_o city_n i_o must_v reckon_v the_o entertainment_n of_o the_o stage_n play_n mask_n and_o the_o like_a which_o not_o seldom_o be_v double_o impediment_n to_o devotion_n first_o by_o the_o time_n they_o engross_v and_o after_o too_o often_o by_o the_o indisposition_n they_o induce_v notorious_o disorder_v if_o not_o deprave_v and_o sometime_o debauch_v worthy_a and_o liberal_a mind_n sect._n 9_o the_o mere_a mention_n of_o the_o stage_n likely_a perhaps_o to_o startle_v some_o lay_v a_o kind_n of_o necessity_n upon_o i_o to_o say_v something_o in_o resolution_n of_o the_o case_n whether_o it_o be_v at_o all_o lawful_a at_o least_o expedient_a for_o a_o devout_a and_o serious_a person_n to_o divert_v himself_o with_o any_o such_o entertainment_n for_o satisfaction_n of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o better_a ground_n to_o lay_v than_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n who_o lawfullness_n be_v question_v now_o a_o play_n say_v the_o master_n of_o that_o profession_n be_v a_o just_a and_o lively_a image_n of_o humane_a nature_n represent_v its_o passion_n and_o humour_n and_o the_o change_n of_o fortune_n to_o which_o it_o be_v subject_a for_o the_o delight_n and_o instruction_n of_o mankind_n which_o description_n do_v the_o writer_n of_o play_n attend_v to_o in_o all_o their_o poem_n so_o that_o no_o work_n may_v come_v upon_o the_o stage_n to_o which_o this_o description_n will_v not_o agree_v i_o believe_v the_o stage_n will_v have_v few_o enemy_n but_o fool_n especial_o if_o by_o delight_n and_o instruction_n they_o mean_v as_o i_o believe_v they_o will_v be_v think_v to_o do_v such_o of_o both_o as_o be_v harmless_a but_o notwithstanding_o this_o plausible_a account_n they_o will_v seem_v to_o give_v we_o it_o be_v sure_a very_o many_o of_o their_o poem_n little_a answer_n it_o represent_v scarce_o humane_a nature_n but_o the_o bestial_a at_o least_o such_o passion_n and_o humour_n which_o be_v the_o reproach_n of_o it_o and_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v represent_v but_o conceal_v because_o teach_v while_o express_v and_o it_o be_v general_o true_a the_o vitious_a person_n be_v still_o make_v the_o most_o facetious_a only_a mirth_n be_v make_v with_o vice_n and_o it_o so_o exhibit_v as_o for_o the_o general_a will_v make_v man_n rather_o pity_v than_o abhor_v it_o i_o affix_v not_o this_o censure_n to_o all_o play_n though_o i_o fear_v many_o or_o most_o of_o our_o late_a comedy_n deserve_v it_o the_o matter_n then_o thus_o stand_v that_o our_o dramatic_a master_n write_v not_o what_o they_o ought_v and_o pretend_v but_o what_o the_o most_o ingenious_a vice_n resent_v and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a venture_n if_o i_o come_v to_o the_o stage_n whether_o i_o behold_v and_o hear_v not_o thing_n unfit_a to_o be_v represent_v i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o the_o case_n propound_v can_v be_v with_o safety_n otherwise_o resolve_v than_o as_o follow_v first_o be_v i_o well_o assure_v that_o a_o cleanly_a and_o ingenious_a poem_n be_v to_o be_v present_v and_o have_v i_o leisure_n for_o such_o a_o diversion_n i_o do_v not_o know_v a_o more_o worthy_a pleasure_n the_o pretty_a plunge_n of_o the_o plot_n the_o moral_n and_o prudential_o all_o along_o intersper_v the_o refinedness_n of_o the_o language_n the_o lustre_n which_o lively_a action_n add_v to_o they_o all_o be_v singular_a not_o only_o delight_v but_o profit_n but_o then_o even_o here_o be_v caution_n to_o be_v observe_v first_o touch_v the_o time_n spend_v that_o the_o return_v home_o be_v seasonable_a and_o recreation_n justle_v not_o out_o our_o duty_n or_o more_o necessary_a business_n as_o it_o do_v with_o those_o who_o after_o the_o play_n general_o the_o tavern_n or_o the_o park_n take_v up_o till_o satiety_n of_o pleasure_n render_v they_o unfit_a for_o any_o thing_n but_o sleep_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v not_o a_o guilt_n of_o the_o stage_n but_o yet_o too_o often_o a_o consequent_a or_o appendant_a of_o its_o entertainment_n and_o second_o that_o this_o be_v not_o every_o day_n practice_n and_o instead_o of_o diversion_n commence_v a_o part_n of_o business_n and_o last_o that_o respect_n be_v have_v of_o our_o place_n condition_n age_n and_o like_a circumstance_n and_o gravity_n not_o forfeit_v which_o because_o the_o vulgar_a be_v not_o the_o just_a judge_n may_v happen_v especial_o at_o public_a representation_n to_o person_n who_o otherwise_o may_v have_v lawful_o be_v spectator_n this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o i_o can_v think_v allowable_a as_o to_o this_o matter_n now_o on_o the_o otherside_n first_o to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o lewd_a and_o gross_a farrumination_n of_o debauchery_n and_o all_o irreligiousness_n of_o the_o time_n such_o as_o they_o say_v the_o most_o take_a comedy_n of_o late_a be_v be_v unworthy_a of_o a_o christian_a spirit_n and_o many_o way_n sinful_a first_o against_o my_o self_n who_o i_o can_v tell_v how_o far_o by_o this_o mean_v i_o debauch_v it_o be_v most_o certain_a as_o so_o late_o admonish_v evil_a communication_n corrupt_v good_a manner_n and_o in_o such_o work_v i_o be_o sure_a of_o some_o of_o the_o vile_a that_o can_v be_v pick_v up_o in_o town_n second_o against_o other_o who_o by_o my_o example_n i_o embolden_v and_o encourage_v to_o the_o same_o wrong_v of_o themselves_o three_o against_o the_o author_n and_o actor_n who_o damnable_a composure_n and_o action_n i_o after_o a_o sort_n authorise_v and_o therein_o nestle_v they_o up_o second_o to_o venture_v myself_o upon_o what_o chance_v to_o be_v present_v be_v general_o to_o expose_v myself_o to_o all_o the_o guilt_n above_o touch_v and_o therefore_o not_o at_o all_o tolerable_a and_o by_o the_o by_o i_o can_v but_o say_v it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v by_o all_o and_o endeavour_v by_o those_o who_o place_n capacitate_v they_o for_o so_o excellent_a a_o service_n that_o stage_n sober_o may_v be_v retrench_v and_o confine_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o modesty_n and_o reverence_n to_o holy_a thing_n otherwise_o they_o will_v propagate_v vice_n fast_o then_o half_a the_o pulpit_n in_o town_n can_v virtue_n sect._n 10_o what_o then_o be_v lawful_a what_o sinful_a in_o this_o case_n we_o have_v endeavour_v plain_o to_o state_n and_o we_o hope_v be_v sufficient_o see_v as_o to_o the_o remedy_n of_o this_o evil_a it_o be_v plain_a and_o in_o our_o own_o power_n it_o be_v but_o stay_v at_o home_n or_o otherwise_o employ_v or_o divert_v ourselves_o we_o may_v either_o exchange_v this_o pleasure_n with_o another_o more_o innocent_a or_o with_o business_n more_o necessary_a and_o to_o persuade_v we_o hereunto_o first_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o triple_a guilt_n in_o allow_v ourselves_o so_o hazardous_a pleasure_n and_o of_o the_o mischief_n thence_o accrue_v unto_o
three_o that_o man_n become_v happy_a by_o the_o determination_n and_o allotment_n of_o god_n that_o must_v be_v either_o respective_a or_o irrespective_a if_o irrespective_n than_o our_o second_o consequent_a stand_n and_o god_n be_v unjust_a in_o damn_v or_o allot_v misery_n that_o be_v the_o high_a punishment_n without_o respect_n to_o sin_n if_o it_o be_v respective_a to_o the_o person_n life_n manner_n or_o temper_n than_o somewhat_o be_v require_v of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o their_o happiness_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v virtuous_a or_o some_o such_o thing_n upon_o respect_n unto_o which_o god_n will_v adjudge_v such_o person_n unto_o happiness_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n we_o contend_v for_o it_o remain_v then_o that_o god_n require_v something_o of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o his_o happiness_n sect._n 4_o but_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n indeed_o do_v require_v something_o of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o bliss_n but_o yet_o that_o only_o such_o which_o general_o man_n reason_n will_v suggest_v to_o they_o without_o revelation_n as_o to_o that_o i_o say_v that_o it_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o principle_n before_o in_o common_a suppose_v and_o i_o may_v add_v also_o not_o with_o what_o have_v be_v evince_v in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o former_a objection_n first_o it_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o principle_n before_o in_o common_a suppose_v for_o it_o be_v agree_v if_o not_o prove_v that_o he_o require_v of_o man_n to_o be_v virtuous_a now_o that_o a_o man_n in_o a_o pure_a natural_a estate_n and_o unacquainted_a with_o any_o divine_a oracle_n shall_v attain_v a_o exact_a or_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o all_o necessary_a virtue_n be_v unreasonable_a to_o affirm_v and_o contrary_a to_o the_o experience_n of_o mankind_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n as_o to_o virtue_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v to_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o first_o the_o nature_n and_o particular_a kind_n of_o it_o and_o second_o the_o obligation_n which_o lie_v upon_o man_n to_o pursue_v it_o and_o who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o either_o of_o these_o two_o either_o can_v or_o will_v never_o be_v virtuous_a now_o though_o we_o who_o stand_v upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o hill_n have_v even_o by_o reason_n a_o prospect_n of_o both_o these_o that_o be_v have_v consult_v divine_a oracle_n and_o humane_a monument_n touch_v these_o matter_n see_v the_o connexion_n and_o dependence_n of_o virtue_n and_o happiness_n and_o again_o the_o reasonableness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o particular_a virtue_n yet_o that_o those_o who_o grope_v after_o truth_n in_o the_o black_a and_o foggy_a bottom_n of_o barbarity_n or_o heathenism_n have_v sufficiency_n of_o light_n by_o innate_a reason_n without_o the_o ray_n of_o revelation_n to_o see_v all_o this_o be_v i_o say_v extravagant_a to_o affirm_v and_o contrary_a to_o what_o we_o see_v by_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n to_o have_v happen_v for_o consult_v the_o attainment_n of_o such_o as_o we_o speak_v of_o what_o dismal_a shape_n will_v virtue_n wear_v a_o face_n as_o grim_a as_o a_o gorgon_n and_o which_o will_v make_v we_o overrun_v it_o if_o it_o do_v not_o astonish_v we_o too_o much_o be_v we_o only_o to_o receive_v it_o by_o the_o pourtraicture_a of_o some_o of_o our_o old_a druid_n or_o other_o like_a foreign_a master_n of_o the_o barbarous_a philosophic_a moral_n a_o aristides_n it_o may_v be_v in_o a_o athens_n a_o civilise_a place_n and_o a_o city_n long_o devote_v to_o all_o literature_n and_o inquiry_n reason_v himself_o into_o strict_a justice_n but_o this_o too_o with_o much_o more_o rigour_n and_o cynicism_n than_o he_o need_v and_o a_o socrates_n it_o may_v be_v himself_o into_o more_o universal_a virtue_n but_o have_v these_o even_o with_o such_o advantage_n the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o necessary_a or_o if_o they_o have_v can_v it_o be_v say_v they_o see_v the_o indispensable_a obligation_n which_o lie_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o they_o know_v how_o then_o do_v socrates_n when_o he_o have_v arrive_v at_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o intolerableness_n of_o idolatry_n and_o the_o heathenish_a worship_n and_o more_o sober_a notion_n of_o the_o deity_n yet_o in_o a_o manner_n to_o his_o last_o frequent_a their_o public_a altar_n and_o temple_n to_o take_v he_o in_o the_o word_n of_o his_o most_o zealous_a patriot_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d xenophon_n xenophon_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o sacrifice_v to_o their_o god_n both_o at_o home_n and_o at_o their_o common_a city_n altar_n he_o use_v too_o the_o very_a heathenish_a divination_n how_o then_o also_o do_v our_o deserve_o admire_a stoic_a give_v it_o as_o a_o precept_n it_o be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a matter_n epictetus_n epictetus_n of_o all_o religion_n to_o have_v true_a conception_n of_o the_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d notwithstanding_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o offer_v drink-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o first-fruit_n according_a to_o their_o country_n usage_n evident_a it_o be_v these_o the_o best_a of_o the_o natural_a morallist_n either_o know_v not_o that_o worship_v of_o idol_n and_o devil_n when_o they_o know_v the_o true_a god_n be_v a_o intolerable_a evil_n or_o that_o they_o dissemble_v it_o and_o teach_v contrary_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o not_o to_o speak_v yet_o of_o a_o positive_a worship_n that_o some_o acknowledgement_n or_o natural_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v a_o necessary_a part_n of_o virtue_n these_o man_n though_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o the_o true_a god_n not_o that_o we_o read_v of_o worship_n he_o on_o the_o contrary_a worship_n false_a god_n and_o teach_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v so_o which_o certain_o they_o never_o will_v have_v do_v have_v they_o either_o sufficient_o know_v that_o to_o be_v virtue_n or_o the_o indispensableness_n of_o their_o own_o obligation_n to_o it_o and_o yet_o alas_o what_o be_v these_o to_o the_o mass_n of_o mankind_n two_o or_o three_o to_o million_o of_o legion_n have_v these_o extraordinary_a person_n reason_n raise_v by_o all_o their_o advantage_n and_o in_o all_o probability_n from_o tradition_n which_o if_o pursue_v to_o their_o fountain_n head_n most_o likely_o derive_v from_o revelation_n and_o scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a guide_n to_o virtue_n as_o to_o they_o yet_o can_v we_o not_o but_o conclude_v revelation_n necessary_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n that_o be_v to_o all_o the_o world_n except_o three_o or_o four_o but_o we_o find_v it_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v even_o these_o man_n ignorant_a of_o some_o necessary_a virtue_n that_o be_v of_o what_o be_v of_o such_o concernment_n to_o they_o as_o that_o their_o happiness_n do_v depend_v thereupon_o nor_o can_v we_o christian_n conclude_v these_o man_n save_v by_o god_n common_a way_n but_o by_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a act_n of_o grace_n almighty_a mercy_n dispense_n with_o their_o ignorance_n possible_o their_o infelicity_n more_o than_o fault_n and_o pardon_v those_o vice_n in_o they_o which_o be_v its_o natural_a consequent_n sect._n 5_o this_o point_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o mere_a natural_a light_n to_o lead_v man_n general_o to_o virtue_n and_o so_o its_o insufficiency_n also_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o happiness_n will_v be_v more_o clear_o illustrate_v by_o the_o history_n of_o mankind_n in_o those_o age_n wherein_o they_o have_v little_a or_o none_o other_o guidance_n which_o although_o it_o be_v not_o where_o extant_a save_v in_o scripture_n yet_o be_v that_o we_o here_o produce_v it_o as_o a_o illustratory_n and_o corroborative_n rather_o than_o a_o principal_a proof_n no_o adversary_n can_v just_o tax_v we_o of_o prevaricate_a for_o our_o touch_v upon_o it_o between_o the_o creation_n a_o point_n suppose_a to_o be_v agree_v on_o and_o the_o flood_n if_o any_o such_o there_o be_v that_o be_v for_o the_o space_n of_o about_o 1657._o year_n it_o be_v not_o pretend_v there_o be_v extant_a any_o such_o thing_n as_o divine_a oracle_n for_o the_o guide_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n can_v not_o but_o be_v much_o fresh_a in_o the_o world_n than_o without_o supernatural_a mean_n they_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v in_o after_o age_n because_o two_o or_o three_o man_n life_n may_v reach_v from_o the_o begin_n beyond_o the_o end_n of_o the_o suppose_v old_a world_n so_o that_o several_a person_n alive_a at_o or_o little_a before_o the_o flood_n may_v be_v able_a to_o report_v what_o they_o immediate_o learn_v of_o adam_n their_o father_n or_o grand_a father_n who_o undoubted_o some_o of_o they_o may_v personal_o have_v know_v this_o be_v only_o a_o advantage_n to_o our_o cause_n for_o if_o natural_a reason_n with_o the_o help_n of_o so_o lively_a