be_v the_o more_o reasonable_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o in_o such_o eager_a pursuit_n after_o this_o world_n we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o enjoy_v it_o and_o while_o all_o our_o time_n be_v employ_v to_o get_v we_o have_v none_o leave_v wherein_o to_o possess_v what_o we_o have_v get_v it_o be_v certain_a all_o the_o goodness_n there_o be_v in_o riches_n lie_v in_o their_o usefullness_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v only_o bonum_fw-la in_o ordine_fw-la ad_fw-la aliud_fw-la a_o good_a by_o reason_n of_o their_o conduciveness_n to_o somewhat_o else_o from_o whence_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o he_o who_o lose_v the_o use_n of_o his_o estate_n lose_v all_o the_o good_a there_o be_v in_o it_o so_o that_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v ever_o plod_v contrive_v turmoil_a further_n to_o enrich_v himself_o when_o by_o god_n good_a providence_n he_o have_v wherewithal_o comfortable_o and_o competent_o to_o sustain_v himself_o and_o he_o be_v only_o to_o deprive_v himself_o of_o that_o good_a which_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o his_o hand_n to_o enjoy_v for_o that_o which_o will_v never_o be_v good_a to_o he_o that_o be_v for_o more_o wealth_n which_o when_o he_o have_v he_o will_v never_o have_v a_o heart_n or_o time_n to_o use_v that_o be_v he_o will_v never_o reap_v good_a of_o it_o so_o that_o whether_o a_o man_n respect_v his_o present_a or_o future_a felicity_n it_o be_v evident_a he_o lose_v the_o one_o and_o very_o much_o infringe_n the_o other_o by_o such_o restless_a encumbrance_n and_o devotedness_n to_o this_o world_n affair_n to_o convince_v furhter_n how_o reasonable_a the_o take_n the_o former_a counsel_n of_o reduce_v our_o business_n to_o a_o consistency_n or_o compossibility_n with_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v it_o be_v well_o worth_a consideration_n that_o such_o a_o merciless_a pursuit_n of_o this_o world_n which_o exclude_v our_o duty_n to_o god_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o provoke_v he_o to_o blast_v from_o heaven_n all_o our_o design_n and_o labour_n this_o neglect_n will_v make_v our_o very_a plow_a sin_n that_o which_o otherwise_o be_v our_o innocent_a call_n and_o the_o follow_v it_o our_o duty_n be_v hereby_o render_v abominable_a and_o a_o provocation_n he_o therefore_o that_o will_v work_v to_o prosper_v shall_v not_o so_o work_v as_o not_o to_o pray_v devotion_n always_o in_o great_a proportion_n further_a the_o success_n than_o divert_v or_o hinder_v our_o employment_n to_o conclude_v this_o point_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o in_o all_o this_o discourse_n against_o the_o encroachment_n of_o worldly_a affair_n upon_o our_o time_n and_o devotion_n nothing_o have_v be_v say_v to_o direct_v the_o redeem_n of_o time_n by_o fast_v and_o watch_v and_o such_o self-denying_a mean_n in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v not_o judge_v proper_a to_o the_o case_n for_o neither_o be_v it_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o he_o who_o can_v impetrate_v of_o himself_o abstinence_n from_o needless_a encumbrance_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o divine_a duty_n for_o the_o same_o will_v abstain_v from_o eat_v or_o sleep_v or_o any_o such_o which_o seem_v necessary_a act_n of_o life_n nor_o can_v he_o be_v think_v a_o fit_a hearer_n of_o such_o doctrine_n which_o lead_v a_o man_n to_o retrench_v himself_o of_o what_o he_o lawful_o may_v do_v of_o which_o nature_n be_v eat_v and_o sleep_v etc._n etc._n who_o have_v not_o yet_o learned_a to_o deny_v himself_o of_o what_o be_v confess_o sinful_a viz._n immoderate_a pursuit_n of_o this_o world_n and_o place_v his_o whole_a time_n and_o therefore_o happiness_n therein_o this_o may_v therefore_o be_v sufficient_a for_o remedy_v those_o impediment_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o come_v from_o worldly_a care_n and_o business_n sect._n 3_o another_o original_n though_o still_o resolve_v into_o the_o same_o general_a the_o world_n another_o original_a i_o say_v of_o the_o neglect_n of_o divine_a worship_n be_v pleasure_n and_o the_o pursuit_n thereof_o so_o eager_o follow_v by_o many_o that_o as_o before_o say_v of_o wealth_n the_o grand_a occasion_n of_o business_n they_o either_o have_v not_o time_n or_o else_o when_o they_o have_v that_o not_o mind_n dispose_v to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o any_o devout_a entertainment_n all_o those_o pleasure_n which_o can_v be_v presume_v impediment_n of_o this_o nature_n must_v be_v either_o sensual_a or_o intellectual_a for_o certain_o that_o pleasure_n which_o arise_v from_o conscience_n if_o it_o may_v be_v abstract_v from_o intellectual_a pleasure_n as_o possible_o in_o a_o strict_a sense_n take_v intellectual_a pleasure_n only_o for_o that_o which_o proceed_v from_o speculation_n it_o may_v the_o pleasure_n i_o say_v of_o conscience_n will_v never_o dissuade_v a_o man_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n sect_n 4_o now_o as_o to_o all_o pleasure_n of_o either_o nature_n apt_a to_o prejudice_v devotion_n it_o be_v certain_o enough_o to_o take_v any_o sober_a and_o considerate_a man_n mind_n off_o they_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v for_o if_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a for_o the_o pursuit_n of_o wealth_n to_o neglect_n god_n and_o provision_n for_o heaven_n it_o be_v much_o more_o unreasonable_a to_o do_v it_o for_o the_o sake_n or_o pursuit_n of_o pleasure_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v by_o all_o who_o have_v brain_n to_o know_v and_o heart_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n that_o next_o to_o virtue_n and_o the_o good_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o quiet_a and_o content_a that_o arise_v from_o thence_o or_o if_o we_o will_v speak_v in_o a_o holy_a character_n next_o to_o grace_v and_o wisdom_n and_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o sense_n thereof_o the_o most_o real_a good_a that_o can_v be_v attain_v in_o this_o life_n be_v a_o ample_a at_o least_o a_o competent_a estate_n riches_n be_v no_o trifle_n if_o compare_v to_o any_o thing_n but_o these_o and_o it_o be_v the_o make_v thing_n that_o can_v be_v for_o any_o man_n of_o straighten_a fortune_n to_o think_v or_o design_n while_o such_o to_o enjoy_v his_o pleasure_n whether_o they_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o gentleman_n or_o student_n i_o can_v command_v the_o world_n to_o be_v obedient_a that_o i_o may_v have_v my_o will_n that_o be_v to_o say_v my_o pleasure_n nor_o can_v i_o command_v my_o mind_n to_o think_v coherent_o that_o i_o may_v catch_v my_o pursue_a notion_n if_o i_o want_v due_a supply_n of_o necessary_n he_o that_o will_v be_v a_o epicure_n must_v first_o provide_v a_o large_a purse_n and_o therefore_o apicius_n do_v but_o act_v reasonable_o and_o congruous_o to_o his_o own_o principle_n when_o after_o the_o consumption_n of_o so_o vast_a a_o treasure_n view_v the_o comparative_o so_o small_a remain_v he_o choose_v a_o voluntary_a death_n for_o fear_v of_o see_v the_o necessary_a end_n of_o his_o pleasure_n in_o the_o end_n of_o his_o estate_n the_o consequent_a of_o which_o be_v possible_o more_o than_o we_o be_v at_o first_o ware_n of_o to_o wit_n that_o he_o who_o will_v pursue_v his_o pleasure_n otherwise_o than_o a_o man_n mad_a and_o beside_o reason_n and_o sense_n must_v not_o only_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o pursuit_n of_o his_o pleasure_n so_o much_o time_n as_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n but_o over_o and_o above_o so_o much_o as_o may_v suffice_v for_o such_o study_n and_o labour_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o secure_v he_o a_o estate_n for_o the_o aliment_n and_o support_v of_o those_o pleasure_n he_o pursue_v and_o this_o consequence_n i_o say_v be_v good_a for_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o what_o be_v say_v under_o the_o former_a head_n that_o he_o who_o will_v have_v but_o so_o much_o business_n as_o a_o reasonable_a man_n shall_v have_v aught_o to_o have_v no_o more_o than_o what_o may_v well_o consist_v with_o sacred_a office_n and_o it_o be_v also_o evident_a by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o this_o head_n that_o he_o who_o will_v pursue_v his_o pleasure_n so_o as_o that_o he_o may_v enjoy_v they_o aught_o to_o pursue_v they_o no_o far_o than_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o dispatch_n of_o such_o business_n as_o may_v get_v or_o secure_v a_o estate_n suitable_a to_o the_o pleasure_n he_o design_n if_o therefore_o i_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o forbear_v pleasure_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o secondary_a and_o subordinate_a good_a that_o be_v a_o estate_n whensoever_o it_o can_v be_v have_v if_o my_o pleasure_n be_v still_o pursue_v much_o more_o ought_v i_o to_o forbear_v it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o first_o supreme_a good_a when_o the_o pursuit_n of_o my_o pleasure_n cast_v i_o upon_o the_o neglect_n of_o that_o viz._n god_n and_o his_o worship_n rather_o than_o have_v neglect_v which_o i_o shall_v have_v neglect_v a_o great_a good_a than_o my_o pleasure_n viz_o the_o get_n and_o secure_v a_o estate_n sect._n 5_o but_o to_o speak_v somewhat_o more_o
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
which_o betray_v we_o to_o horrid_a neglect_n of_o this_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n have_v we_o not_o many_o time_n profess_v so_o much_o to_o god_n and_o that_o with_o so_o passionate_a sense_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o profession_n that_o we_o have_v conceive_v no_o small_a indignation_n against_o ourselves_o for_o this_o our_o confess_a negligence_n can_v we_o therefore_o now_o allow_v more_o credit_n to_o a_o flight_n suggestion_n of_o the_o father_n of_o lie_n touch_v the_o needlessness_n of_o what_o we_o have_v not_o only_o find_v most_o beneficial_a but_o have_v be_v persuade_v to_o in_o our_o most_o serious_a thought_n than_o we_o do_v to_o those_o divine_a evidence_n which_o wrought_v in_o we_o those_o persuasion_n to_o our_o clear_a judgement_n of_o they_o nay_o to_o our_o own_o experience_n and_o former_a sense_n and_o will_v we_o be_v so_o greedy_a to_o believe_v the_o devil_n and_o to_o be_v deceive_v into_o what_o at_o another_o time_n we_o will_v call_v sin_n and_o destruction_n as_o for_o the_o fondness_n of_o that_o deceit_n to_o give_v the_o lie_n to_o god_n our_o own_o conscience_n and_o experience_n and_o all_o this_o that_o we_o may_v only_o rescind_v our_o own_o confession_n and_o vow_n and_o practise_v that_o negligence_n which_o we_o have_v abhor_v and_o shall_v again_o abhor_v ourselves_o for_o let_v a_o man_n but_o weigh_v these_o thing_n serious_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o such_o consideration_n will_v set_v he_o beyond_o the_o hurt_n of_o this_o second_o diabolical_a stratagem_n against_o devotion_n sect._n 6_o beside_o these_o mention_a impediment_n by_o which_o the_o devil_n endeavour_v to_o keep_v we_o from_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o due_a devotion_n there_o be_v other_o lesser_a diversion_n which_o he_o give_v we_o in_o it_o to_o take_v we_o off_o it_o when_o engage_v therein_o and_o of_o this_o nature_n be_v those_o various_a and_o almost_o numberless_a extravagant_a thought_n which_o he_o cast_v at_o such_o time_n into_o our_o mind_n that_o all_o the_o ramble_n of_o thought_n in_o divine_a worship_n be_v not_o to_o be_v lay_v at_o the_o devil_n door_n but_o many_o of_o they_o more_o just_o chargeable_a on_o the_o levity_n and_o unsetledness_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n be_v most_o certain_a yet_o be_v it_o not_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o as_o the_o devil_n be_v able_a to_o inject_v new_a thought_n into_o our_o mind_n and_o many_o time_n alter_v former_a so_o he_o be_v not_o want_v on_o this_o occasion_n to_o strain_v his_o chain_n to_o the_o last_o link_n and_o to_o distract_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o his_o permission_n notwithstanding_o it_o will_v be_v more_o profitable_a for_o we_o to_o inquire_v how_o we_o may_v remedy_v in_o general_a this_o evil_n of_o extravagant_a or_o sinful_a thought_n amid_o our_o devotion_n than_o curious_o examine_v whence_o they_o come_v sect_n 7_o and_o general_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o best_a way_n to_o deliver_v ourselves_o from_o this_o evil_a be_v as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v to_o prevent_v it_o by_o take_v care_n we_o come_v always_o prepare_v and_o with_o as_o compose_v and_o settle_a mind_n as_o we_o can_v to_o worship_v god_n he_o need_v not_o a_o devil_n to_o divert_v his_o soul_n in_o holy_a duty_n who_o come_v fresh_a to_o they_o from_o worldly_a employment_n thought_n or_o discourse_n when_o a_o lady_n have_v be_v two_o or_o three_o hour_n a_o dress_n before_o she_o see_v her_o closet_n or_o come_v to_o the_o congregation_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o in_o her_o prayer_n she_o be_v often_o solicitous_a lest_o she_o discompose_v her_o face_n or_o attire_n the_o same_o be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o other_o who_o much_o busy_a themselves_o in_o any_o like_o unnecessary_a and_o for_o such_o time_n improper_a employment_n let_v this_o then_o be_v their_o care_n who_o will_v secure_v their_o mind_n against_o diabolical_a injection_n that_o before_o their_o apply_v themselves_o to_o divine_a worship_n they_o call_v home_o their_o thought_n and_o compose_v as_o they_o can_v their_o spirit_n that_o so_o their_o soul_n be_v attent_a to_o what_o they_o be_v about_o may_v be_v more_o uncapable_a for_o the_o enemy_n to_o fasten_v his_o design_n upon_o among_o the_o particular_a evil_a thought_n infest_v we_o in_o divine_a worship_n which_o we_o may_v more_o proper_o reckon_v cast_v into_o we_o by_o the_o devil_n be_v especial_o to_o be_v note_v that_o pride_n and_o conceitedness_n of_o our_o own_o performance_n which_o too_o often_o tickle_v we_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o holy_a duty_n and_o as_o dead_a fly_n do_v precious_a ointment_n taint_v the_o otherwise_o sweet_a savour_n of_o our_o devotion_n a_o evil_a to_o which_o we_o be_v then_o most_o subject_a when_o we_o have_v otherwise_o do_v best_o and_o shall_v most_o please_v heaven_n of_o which_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v both_o jealous_a and_o careful_a and_o for_o the_o remedy_n of_o it_o first_o let_v we_o return_v a_o little_a back_n to_o our_o own_o confession_n and_o in_o they_o view_v the_o guilt_n and_o unworthiness_n by_o they_o charge_v on_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v there_o or_o in_o the_o register_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n find_v sin_n vast_o numerous_a and_o of_o very_o heinous_a nature_n which_o have_v run_v through_o every_o part_n of_o our_o life_n and_o vitiate_v every_o of_o our_o faculty_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o be_v all_o our_o sin_n of_o ignorance_n infirmity_n surreption_n or_o surprisal_n strike_v off_o the_o score_n and_o we_o only_o to_o account_v for_o presumptuous_a and_o more_o deliberate_a commission_n and_o omission_n our_o guilt_n for_o these_o sole_o be_v so_o great_a that_o consider_v all_o the_o advantage_n of_o virtue_n which_o we_o have_v have_v we_o can_v but_o admire_v that_o divine_a vengeance_n have_v not_o make_v we_o example_n and_o beside_o act_n of_o sin_n what_o a_o number_n of_o dreadful_a evil_n now_o habitual_o root_v in_o we_o and_o very_o far_o from_o be_v mortify_v now_o be_v it_o possible_a person_n thus_o vicious_a can_v be_v conceit_v of_o their_o virtue_n if_o after_o this_o any_o titillation_n of_o self-conceit_n remain_v second_o let_v we_o weigh_v how_o unproportionable_a the_o excellency_n of_o our_o better_a act_n be_v to_o the_o heinousness_n of_o our_o bad_a one_o of_o our_o good_a deed_n as_o already_o say_v there_o be_v none_o pure_a none_o but_o what_o be_v miserable_o imperfect_a and_o of_o like_a nature_n be_v all_o our_o habitual_a excellency_n and_o virtue_n in_o a_o poor_a mean_a degree_n and_o rather_o inclination_n or_o disposition_n to_o virtue_n than_o habit_n of_o it_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a our_o sin_n most_o of_o they_o be_v so_o pure_o such_o that_o they_o scarce_o or_o not_o at_o all_o admit_v excuse_n and_o we_o ourselves_o be_v or_o have_v be_v sensible_a of_o it_o and_o as_o in_o nature_n so_o in_o number_n our_o vicious_a act_n exceed_v our_o good_a one_o to_o one_o tear_n drop_v for_o any_o sin_n we_o may_v reckon_v twenty_o sin_n commit_v and_o can_v a_o person_n clothe_v with_o such_o a_o body_n of_o guilt_n be_v proud_a of_o a_o rag_n or_o two_o of_o his_o own_o righteousness_n a_o rag_n i_o say_v for_o let_v that_o three_o be_v consider_v that_o even_o our_o best_a act_n be_v miserable_o taint_v and_o these_o especial_o which_o we_o be_v now_o apt_a to_o be_v conceit_v of_o by_o these_o very_a conceit_n become_v defile_v the_o better_a we_o think_v of_o they_o the_o worse_o they_o be_v and_o our_o opinion_n of_o they_o detract_v from_o their_o real_a worth_n shall_v we_o then_o so_o guilty_a wretch_n who_o virtue_n be_v so_o mean_a and_o few_o harbour_v those_o conceit_n which_o will_v further_o soil_v those_o our_o very_a virtue_n these_o thing_n due_o weigh_v it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v may_v repress_v this_o tumour_n and_o so_o the_o way_n be_v clear_a to_o remove_v all_o those_o impediment_n of_o divine_a worship_n which_o may_v be_v think_v to_o proceed_v proper_o from_o the_o devil_n chap._n iii_o §_o 1._o impediment_n of_o divine_a worship_n from_o the_o world_n 1._o care_v and_o business_n §_o 2._o remedy_n herein_o §_o 3._o 2._o pleasure_n in_o general_n §_o 4._o a_o general_a remedy_n §_o 5._o pleasure_n particular_a first_o city_n pleasure_n 1._o company_n §_o 6._o remedy_n §_o 7._o a_o necessary_a caution_n in_o society_n touch_v evil_a communication_n §_o 8._o 2._o the_o entertainment_n of_o the_o stage_n §_o 9_o the_o case_n of_o go_v to_o play_n determine_v §_o 10._o advise_v for_o remedy_n §_o 11._o of_o more_o private_a masque_n and_o ball_n §_o 12._o second_o country_n pleasure_n hunt_v §_o 13._o advice_n for_o remedy_n §_o 14._o hawk_v horseracing_a etc._n etc._n when_o immoderate_a §_o 15._o game_n too_o much_o though_o at_o home_n §_o 16._o remedy_n §_o 17._o intellectual_a pleasure_n
when_o impediment_n temperate_v §_o 18._o worldly_n vanity_n impediment_n §_o 19_o vanity_n in_o apparel_n state_v §_o 20._o remedy_n by_o way_n of_o dissuasion_n sect._n 1_o we_o be_v next_o to_o consider_v those_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o world_n and_o those_o be_v either_o care_n and_o business_n or_o pleasure_n or_o vanity_n first_o many_o man_n encumber_v their_o head_n with_o so_o many_o care_n and_o their_o hand_n with_o so_o many_o business_n that_o they_o either_o have_v no_o time_n for_o the_o daily_a worship_n of_o god_n or_o when_o they_o be_v at_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o attend_v it_o with_o present_a and_o heedful_a mind_n brief_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o such_o encumbrance_n be_v double_o prejudicial_a to_o devotion_n first_o in_o that_o they_o keep_v man_n from_o it_o by_o engross_a their_o time_n to_o they_o and_o then_o in_o that_o they_o indispose_v man_n for_o it_o yet_o be_v the_o evil_a common_a and_o no_o so_o universal_a plea_n in_o excuse_n of_o neglect_v devotion_n as_o that_o man_n have_v not_o leisure_n for_o it_o sect._n 2_o now_o for_o remedy_n hereof_o first_o it_o will_v sure_o redress_v this_o evil_a if_o man_n will_v set_v bound_n to_o their_o own_o desire_n and_o sit_v down_o quiet_o at_o length_n think_v they_o have_v enough_o when_o true_o they_o have_v so_o the_o immoderate_a thirst_n of_o wealth_n create_v above_o half_a the_o business_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v general_o in_o all_o case_n a_o truth_n that_o nature_n be_v content_a with_o much_o less_o than_o opinion_n and_o life_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o it_o consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n man_n possess_v but_o in_o their_o suffice_a themselves_o therein_o we_o see_v man_n of_o estate_n in_o a_o manner_n boundless_a as_o unhappy_a daily_a as_o man_n of_o mean_a condition_n some_o of_o they_o want_v heart_n to_o use_v a_o little_a of_o their_o much_o and_o other_o run_v out_o of_o their_o all_o which_o be_v so_o ample_a that_o we_o wonder_v their_o luxury_n can_v find_v way_n to_o consume_v it_o and_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a he_o who_o want_v two_o or_o three_o thousand_o a_o year_n more_o than_o i_o do_v to_o live_v by_o the_o accession_n of_o so_o much_o more_o than_o i_o have_v be_v still_o no_o rich_a than_o i_o i_o have_v what_o i_o want_v and_o he_o no_o more_o the_o most_o infallible_a way_n then_o to_o be_v rich_a be_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o moderate_a provision_n and_o when_o those_o be_v attain_v to_o set_v a_o period_n at_o once_o to_o our_o desire_n and_o design_n of_o get_v in_o sum_n therefore_o but_o cut_v off_o those_o business_n which_o thy_o own_o unsatiable_a mind_n put_v thou_o upon_o and_o thou_o will_v have_v leisure_n as_o well_o as_o otherman_n consider_v second_o whether_o this_o excuse_n of_o want_n of_o leisure_n be_v not_o notwithstanding_o all_o business_n rather_o a_o pretence_n than_o reality_n it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o upon_o mature_a and_o impartial_a consideration_n it_o will_v be_v so_o find_v to_o be_v for_o as_o otherwise_o elsewhere_o speak_v what_o man_n be_v there_o of_o so_o full_a employment_n for_o every_o hour_n who_o upon_o due_a examination_n of_o himself_o when_o night_n and_o his_o sleep_a time_n be_v now_o come_v may_v not_o write_v down_o between_o that_o and_o the_o time_n he_o awake_v some_o hour_n or_o hour_n either_o lose_v or_o pitiful_o trifle_v away_o if_o haply_o this_o do_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v one_o day_n yet_o do_v it_o not_o another_o and_o suppose_v this_o account_n be_v true_o keep_v but_o one_o week_n the_o sum_n of_o lose_a hour_n will_v amount_v to_o no_o contemptible_a number_n now_o if_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o may_v discover_v a_o considerable_a portion_n of_o time_n daily_a or_o common_o devour_v by_o trifle_n impertinency_n business_n either_o needless_o seek_v or_o treat_v or_o foolish_o lenghten_v must_v we_o not_o acknowledge_v our_o want_n of_o leisure_n for_o divine_a worship_n a_o fault_n of_o our_o own_o and_o so_o not_o capable_a to_o excuse_v that_o other_o fault_n of_o negligence_n which_o it_o occasion_v and_o when_o we_o consider_v due_o the_o original_a fault_n of_o mispending_a good_a hour_n can_v we_o think_v it_o venial_a will_v good_a conscience_n acquit_v in_o this_o case_n thus_o as_o it_o ought_v state_v i_o can_v find_v time_n ample_o enough_o to_o eat_v to_o drink_v to_o sleep_v and_o further_o for_o exercise_v sufficient_a to_o maintain_v health_n alacrity_n sprightness_n of_o mind_n and_o beside_o all_o these_o i_o can_v find_v time_n for_o idle_a visit_n and_o many_o a_o impertinency_n but_o for_o one_o half_a of_o my_o christian_a duty_n that_o be_v for_o my_o duty_n to_o god_n main_o i_o can_v find_v no_o leisure_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o i_o want_v it_o that_o be_v i_o have_v time_n for_o any_o thing_n but_o to_o be_v a_o good_a christian_n will_v i_o say_v this_o case_n pass_v with_o the_o approbation_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n or_o rather_o be_v not_o this_o the_o honest_a verdict_n which_o such_o a_o conscience_n will_v bring_v in_o whereas_o thou_o have_v time_n competent_a for_o thy_o ordinary_a employment_n and_o divine_a office_n thou_o well_o enough_o husband_v the_o time_n thou_o have_v for_o the_o former_a and_o as_o to_o that_o time_n due_a to_o the_o latter_a when_o thou_o have_v misspend_v it_o and_o i_o good_a conscience_n accuse_v the_o of_o this_o irreparable_a prodigality_n to_o stop_v my_o mouth_n and_o excuse_v thyself_o thou_o plead_v multiplicity_n of_o business_n so_o that_o in_o sum_n this_o plea_n of_o want_n of_o leisure_n be_v only_o a_o wicked_a devise_n to_o choke_v conscience_n that_o be_v to_o cheat_v ourselves_o and_o no_o legitimate_a defence_n for_o our_o neglect_n of_o divine_a worship_n but_o suppose_v in_o this_o case_n conscience_n shall_v excuse_v which_o yet_o be_v evident_a if_o sound_n she_o will_v not_o yet_o the_o time_n now_o apace_o draw_v on_o when_o every_o work_n shall_v be_v bring_v into_o judgement_n and_o the_o book_n shall_v be_v open_v suppose_v the_o book_n as_o they_o can_v be_v no_o less_o god_n omniscience_n and_o my_o own_o conscience_n both_o as_o to_o what_o concern_v i_o make_v manifest_a and_o as_o it_o be_v legible_a if_o my_o conscience_n shall_v have_v be_v by_o my_o design_a opposition_n or_o sophistication_n of_o it_o delude_v to_o acquit_v i_o in_o this_o behalf_n will_v the_o divine_a all-seeing_a eye_n be_v thus_o impose_v upon_o as_o at_o that_o day_n to_o say_v the_o same_o with_o my_o abuse_a conscience_n it_o infallibility_n as_o easy_o seduce_v as_o this_o trifle_n which_o i_o call_v myself_o the_o honest_a consideration_n of_o this_o can_v sure_o be_v without_o its_o efficacy_n last_o suppose_v which_o be_v difficult_o supposable_a that_o all_o a_o man_n good_a hour_n or_o active_a time_n shall_v be_v engross_v to_o a_o multitude_n and_o crowd_n of_o business_n yet_o even_o in_o this_o case_n can_v he_o possible_o satisfy_v his_o own_o judgement_n or_o be_v reconcile_v with_o himself_o for_o the_o neglect_v among_o all_o thing_n only_a god_n that_o be_v account_v or_o treat_v as_o unnecessary_a the_o only_a or_o great_a necessary_a thing_n in_o short_a either_o have_v we_o place_v happiness_n in_o this_o world_n or_o in_o that_o unseen_a one_o to_o come_v if_o it_o be_v in_o that_o where_o our_o treasure_n be_v there_o our_o heart_n will_v be_v also_o or_o at_o least_o must_v be_v often_o but_o it_o it_o so_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o touch_v god_n and_o the_o world_n above_o our_o heart_n can_v find_v no_o time_n to_o busy_v themselves_o when_o we_o please_v to_o be_v honest_a to_o ourselves_o and_o no_o long_o bribe_v our_o own_o judgement_n we_o may_v and_o must_v throw_v up_o all_o our_o pretence_n and_o hope_n to_o a_o future_a and_o invisible_a treasure_n for_o have_v we_o any_o such_o it_o will_v have_v more_o room_n in_o our_o serious_a consideration_n and_o pursuit_n so_o that_o in_o fine_a the_o matter_n be_v evident_o reduce_v hither_o that_o either_o our_o more_o leisurely_o time_n which_o common_o we_o idle_o spend_v if_o any_o such_o we_o have_v must_v be_v employ_v upon_o sacred_a duty_n or_o if_o we_o have_v none_o such_o then_o that_o so_o much_o time_n as_o may_v suffice_v for_o these_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o our_o immoderate_a and_o more_o than_o needful_a employment_n and_o dedicate_v to_o those_o duty_n otherwise_o we_o can_v no_o long_o with_o any_o face_n pretend_v to_o be_v candidate_n for_o heaven_n or_o of_o the_o number_n of_o they_o who_o have_v here_o only_a tabernacle_n seek_v a_o city_n which_o have_v foundation_n who_o maker_n and_o builder_n be_v god_n and_o this_o latter_a of_o retrench_v the_o extravagant_a and_o needless_a variety_n and_o multitude_n of_o business_n will_v
say_v for_o who_o the_o consideration_n of_o a_o future_a dreadful_a account_n as_o well_o for_o time_n as_o money_n not_o only_o prodigal_o waste_v but_o know_o too_o to_o the_o foster_a and_o strengthen_v those_o lust_n which_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v mortify_v and_o to_o the_o make_v man_n self_n a_o reproach_n to_o his_o condition_n who_o i_o say_v the_o consideration_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v not_o move_v there_o be_v little_a hope_n from_o any_o other_o imaginable_a topick_n to_o persuade_v to_o amendment_n and_o persuasion_n be_v the_o main_a we_o at_o present_a design_n for_o if_o this_o be_v effect_v the_o evil_n be_v remedy_v it_o be_v evident_o in_o any_o man_n power_n to_o hold_v his_o hand_n who_o will_v and_o as_o easy_a to_o call_v for_o a_o bible_n as_o a_o pack_n of_o card_n or_o a_o pair_n of_o table_n sect._n 17_o we_o have_v now_o do_v with_o those_o pleasure_n which_o may_v be_v reckon_v sensual_a of_o the_o intellectual_a or_o study_v pleasure_n be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o divine_a worship_n it_o so_o rare_o fall_v out_o and_o be_v so_o little_a to_o be_v expect_v that_o these_o paper_n shall_v be_v peruse_v by_o person_n in_o that_o behalf_n concern_v that_o i_o may_v forbear_v whole_o to_o speak_v yet_o because_o i_o know_v not_o what_o success_n a_o line_n or_o two_o may_v have_v i_o desire_v such_o person_n who_o through_o intensiveness_n and_o over-eagerness_n of_o study_n neglect_v divine_a worship_n to_o consider_v first_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o the_o learned_a world_n that_o clear_a mind_n be_v the_o most_o capable_a subject_n of_o all_o intellectual_a excellency_n take_v reason_n where_o vindicate_v from_o the_o sway_n of_o pitiful_a appetite_n and_o headlong_a passion_n prejudices_fw-la and_o the_o like_a take_v it_o where_o assert_v into_o its_o freedom_n and_o serenity_n and_o how_o like_o a_o angel_n do_v she_o mount_v now_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o daily_a invocation_n of_o god_n and_o contemplation_n of_o a_o pure_a spiritual_a world_n must_v needs_o enfranchise_v and_o ennoble_v the_o mind_n for_o if_o the_o contemplation_n of_o abstract_n quantity_n and_o their_o various_a case_n and_o consequent_n have_v ever_o deserve_o be_v esteem_v a_o vast_a clear_a of_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n how_o much_o more_o of_o claritude_n must_v she_o conceive_v from_o that_o science_n which_o not_o only_o build_v upon_o very_o pure_a and_o abstract_a principle_n but_o present_o quit_v the_o grosser_n notion_n of_o all_o quantity_n and_o matter_n carry_v she_o into_o the_o contemplation_n of_o spiritual_a being_n and_o power_n and_o both_o show_v she_o that_o she_o be_v such_o herself_o and_o capable_a of_o the_o perfectious_a she_o consider_v and_o withal_o assure_v she_o of_o a_o most_o infallible_a mean_n of_o raise_v she_o to_o those_o perfection_n to_o a_o little_a godship_n or_o divinity_n viz._n virtue_n and_o holiness_n by_o which_o beautify_v here_o she_o shall_v shine_v in_o eternal_a glory_n and_o bliss_n while_o therefore_o a_o student_n worship_n god_n he_o only_o qualify_v his_o mind_n for_o a_o high_a rise_n and_o quick_a and_o more_o noble_a dispatch_n again_o second_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o any_o discreet_a and_o pious_a person_n order_n it_o become_v in_o a_o measure_n true_o study_v or_o a_o mean_n and_o method_n to_o advance_v knowledge_n for_o that_o worship_n be_v either_o public_a or_o private_a touch_v the_o private_a there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n in_o the_o public_a beside_o prayer_n and_o hymn_n which_o require_v attention_n and_o suitable_a thought_n do_v certain_o much_o improve_v intellectual_n there_o be_v read_v of_o what_o be_v so_o impregnate_n with_o mystery_n as_o that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v old_a there_o be_v also_o preach_v and_o he_o must_v be_v a_o person_n of_o vast_a proficiency_n who_o if_o sober_o attent_a will_v not_o gain_v something_o by_o so_o long_a a_o discourse_n as_o a_o sermon_n which_o if_o it_o be_v such_o as_o it_o ought_v it_o must_v be_v confess_v edificatory_a and_o improve_n but_o how_o weak_a soever_o either_o reminded_a the_o hearer_n of_o somewhat_o and_o bring_v thing_n into_o memory_n be_v next_o if_o not_o equivalent_a to_o instruct_v or_o bring_v either_o somewhat_o else_o new_a or_o its_o fault_n which_o whosoever_o have_v observe_v be_v thereby_o instruct_v to_o avoid_v and_o very_o it_o be_v no_o inconsiderable_a advantage_n to_o a_o student_n to_o see_v the_o defect_n of_o other_o reason_v the_o vice_n of_o stile_n elocution_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o in_o sum_n as_o the_o weak_a plainness_n sermon_n may_v direct_o improve_v many_o plain_a and_o weak_a capacity_n so_o by_o accident_n it_o may_v improve_v a_o good_a proficient_a if_o studious_o attentive_a in_o that_o hereby_o he_o learn_v to_o do_v better_a and_o so_o consequent_o even_o this_o part_n of_o divine_a worship_n turn_v to_o the_o same_o account_n with_o study_n to_o which_o three_o it_o be_v deserve_o to_o be_v add_v that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o divine_a thought_n and_o of_o holy_a employment_n thus_o equivalent_a to_o study_v can_v be_v inferior_a to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o any_o other_o study_n whatsoever_o but_o do_v certain_o surpass_v it_o especial_o to_o mind_n due_o prepare_v for_o such_o refine_a contemplation_n and_o exercise_v therein_o the_o overcome_v the_o seem_a difficulty_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o a_o mathematical_a problem_n by_o comprehend_v its_o demonstration_n be_v a_o vast_a and_o pure_a pleasure_n it_o be_v true_a but_o can_v distinct_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o spiritual_a life_n can_v the_o apprehend_n as_o reconcile_v seem_o contrariant_n perfection_n while_o they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v but_o one_o simple_a harmonious_a law_n of_o goodness_n can_v i_o say_v notion_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v less_o pleasant_a especial_o where_o the_o difficulty_n be_v many_o time_n great_a than_o that_o of_o the_o other_o and_o the_o matter_n always_o more_o lofty_a now_o put_v all_o this_o together_o be_v the_o divine_a worship_n devout_o and_o as_o it_o ought_v perform_v of_o so_o perfective_a a_o nature_n to_o man_n mind_n do_v it_o participate_v of_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o belove_a study_n and_o be_v as_o a_o kind_n of_o study_n of_o high_a pleasure_n than_o be_v other_o study_n shall_v not_o then_o all_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o persuade_v any_o of_o those_o sweet_a mind_n for_o sweet_a certain_o and_o pure_a they_o be_v who_o be_v thus_o intent_n on_o intellectual_a improve_n themselves_o to_o take_v in_o also_o into_o their_o design_n of_o such_o improvement_n this_o most_o excellent_a proper_a and_o delicious_a mien_n of_o devotion_n that_o be_v not_o to_o neglect_v divine_a worship_n for_o more_o common_a contemplation_n and_o inquiry_n sect._n 18_o we_o have_v thus_o then_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v what_o hindrance_n pleasure_n whether_o sensual_a and_o so_o of_o the_o city_n and_o country_n or_o intellectual_a common_o give_v to_o devotion_n the_o three_o and_o last_o kind_n of_o hindrance_n which_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n receive_v from_o the_o world_n be_v from_o what_o we_o name_v vanity_n the_o pomp_n and_o state_n of_o the_o age_n we_o be_v fall_v into_o the_o ancient_a simplicity_n of_o our_o forefather_n be_v so_o wear_v out_o of_o date_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o natural_a decency_n and_o modesty_n so_o alter_v or_o destroy_v that_o it_o be_v now_o a_o great_a piece_n of_o skill_n to_o understand_v what_o be_v handsome_a or_o to_o know_v so_o much_o of_o the_o world_n as_o not_o to_o be_v ridiculous_a almost_o in_o every_o word_n look_v step_z motion_n or_o action_n such_o variety_n of_o new_a mode_n in_o speak_n bowing_z walk_v eat_a and_o above_o all_o in_o clothing_n that_o man_n seem_v degenerate_a all_o into_o puppet_n and_o player_n now_o all_o these_o modish_a pomp_n be_v but_o new_a devourer_n of_o good_a time_n of_o which_o no_o small_a part_n be_v spend_v to_o get_v the_o right_a knack_n of_o they_o and_o then_o more_o daily_o in_o their_o practice_n sect._n 19_o to_o wave_v all_o other_o point_n of_o vanity_n many_o of_o which_o we_o have_v already_o touch_v under_o other_o name_n the_o excessive_a vanity_n in_o apparel_n be_v grow_v the_o most_o notorious_a and_o so_o high_a that_o a_o multitude_n especial_o of_o one_o sex_n if_o they_o shall_v haply_o pray_v in_o the_o afternoon_n it_o be_v sure_a they_o can_v in_o the_o morning_n for_o that_o be_v all_o employ_v in_o dress_v and_o which_o be_v the_o more_o monstrous_a this_o evil_n be_v not_o only_o frequent_v among_o such_o who_o more_o liberal_a estate_n afford_v they_o leisure_n and_o can_v bear_v the_o expense_n but_o even_o among_o person_n of_o mean_a condition_n who_o have_v nothing_o to_o support_v themselves_o but_o their_o own_o labour_n though_o they_o neglect_v
respect_n gallantry_n be_v still_o honour_v first_o i_o say_v honour_v thus_o gain_v be_v the_o most_o trivial_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v give_v only_o by_o some_o foolish_a woman_n and_o child_n or_o person_n as_o weak_a and_o contemptible_a and_o therefore_o not_o fit_a to_o be_v put_v in_o the_o scale_n with_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o our_o soul_n and_o second_o that_o it_o be_v sinful_a for_o people_n to_o affect_v respect_n and_o honour_n above_o their_o degree_n for_o a_o citizen_n wife_n or_o daughter_n or_o haply_o a_o chambermaid_n to_o expect_v to_o draw_v by_o their_o proud_a bravery_n the_o honour_n due_a to_o a_o lady_n or_o some_o noble_a personage_n be_v no_o less_o a_o iniquity_n than_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a and_o foolish_a let_v 20_o 1_o cor._n 7._o 20_o every_o one_o abide_v and_o keep_v themselves_o within_o the_o same_o call_n wherein_o they_o be_v call_v now_o these_o be_v the_o most_o colourable_a plea_n this_o vanity_n can_v pretend_v too_o and_o none_o of_o they_o hold_v i_o conclude_v the_o question_n must_v be_v answer_v by_o every_o impartial_a considerer_n in_o the_o negative_a the_o solicitous_a gawdy_a artificial_a dress_n of_o the_o age_n can_v have_v no_o good_a end_n and_o will_v any_o person_n in_o their_o wit_n spend_v their_o time_n in_o that_o which_o they_o can_v imagine_v any_o good_a end_n off_o add_v hereto_o second_o that_o it_o be_v certain_a it_o have_v many_o ill_a end_n and_o effect_n it_o be_v design_v by_o many_o though_o few_o in_o this_o case_n guilty_a have_v so_o hardy_a face_n as_o to_o confess_v it_o to_o quicken_v and_o incite_v wanton_a lust_n it_o have_v actual_o betray_v the_o chastity_n and_o honour_n of_o many_o a_o before-innocent_a beauty_n which_o while_o it_o have_v expose_v to_o the_o gaze_n and_o set_v off_o in_o a_o way_n suit_v the_o humour_n of_o lustful_a man_n it_o have_v put_v those_o man_n upon_o restless_a importunity_n and_o plot_n by_o which_o the_o resolution_n of_o the_o weak_a sex_n of_o force_n possible_o sufficient_a to_o have_v withstand_v less_o rampant_a temptation_n or_o address_n have_v be_v at_o length_n overcome_v and_o once_o baffle_v have_v never_o recover_v itself_o but_o become_v debauch_v to_o eternal_a infamy_n where_o this_o do_v not_o follow_v yet_o be_v it_o evident_a it_o breed_v in_o they_o pride_n and_o a_o vain_a admire_v of_o themselves_o and_o scorn_v other_o with_o several_a like_o evil_n no_o wise_n tolerable_a again_o three_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v that_o it_o certain_o have_v much_o guilt_n in_o it_o though_o those_o sad_a consequent_n shall_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v it_o partake_v of_o prodigality_n ambition_n envy_v or_o vie_v other_o robe_v the_o poor_a and_o more_o sin_n than_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o enumerate_v the_o mere_a extravagancy_n person_n of_o good_a condition_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o in_o these_o costly_a vanity_n make_v they_o think_v sometime_o find_v all_o too_o little_a for_o themselves_o and_o while_o they_o thus_o sumptuous_o array_v themselves_o they_o almost_o starve_v those_o who_o they_o shall_v relieve_v not_o seldom_o those_o who_o they_o shall_v maintain_v for_o even_o the_o family_n sometime_o fare_v worse_o for_o the_o luxurious_a pride_n of_o the_o mistress_n or_o master_n to_o conclude_v last_o we_o ought_v and_o must_v account_v these_o part_n of_o the_o pomp_n and_o vanity_n of_o this_o wicked_a world_n which_o in_o our_o baptism_n we_o do_v renounce_v there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n imaginable_a which_o we_o can_v more_o proper_o style_n by_o these_o name_n than_o such_o fruitless_a excess_n in_o this_o case_n to_o sum_v up_o all_o then_o can_v any_o person_n who_o consider_v these_o thing_n get_v leave_n of_o conscience_n and_o reason_n to_o besot_v themselves_o on_o a_o practice_n which_o can_v have_v no_o good_a design_n have_v many_o ill_a end_n and_o effect_n be_v beside_o in_o itself_o fraught_v with_o guilt_n and_o most_o sacred_o renounce_v by_o the_o person_n peccant_a can_v any_o i_o say_v do_v this_o when_o beside_o all_o the_o mention_v injury_n do_v unto_o themselves_o and_o other_o this_o also_o be_v add_v to_o the_o sum_n that_o hereby_o they_o be_v induce_v to_o neglect_n god_n and_o their_o soul_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o through_o employment_n otherwise_o and_o in_o itself_o good_a or_o innocent_a be_v not_o tolerarable_a can_v it_o be_v excuse_v that_o any_o become_v guilty_a hereof_o for_o that_o which_o be_v manifest_o wicked_a chap._n iu._n §_o 1._o the_o sum_n of_o impediment_n arise_v from_o corrupt_a nature_n §_o 2._o sloth_n and_o sensuality_n §_o 3._o remedy_n hereof_o §_o 4._o persuasive_n to_o the_o former_a practice_n §_o 5._o vnsetledness_n of_o mind_n and_o employment_n impediment_n §_o 6._o their_o remedy_n §_o 7._o passion_n and_o inordinate_a affection_n impediment_n §_o 8._o their_o remedy_n sect._n 1_o the_o three_o order_n of_o impediment_n unto_o devotion_n and_o the_o divine_a worship_n be_v of_o such_o as_o spring_v from_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o here_o chief_o we_o be_v to_o reckon_v sloth_n and_o sensuality_n levity_n or_o vnsetledness_n and_o lust_n or_o any_o kind_n of_o inordinate_a affection_n sect._n 2_o first_o many_o person_n who_o either_o not_o have_v or_o not_o be_v capable_a off_o business_n to_o detain_v they_o from_o the_o daily_a and_o orderly_a worship_n of_o god_n do_v yet_o so_o give_v themselves_o over_o to_o ease_n and_o grossness_n that_o they_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o give_v disturbance_n or_o interruption_n to_o their_o belove_a lazy_a quiet_n by_o so_o much_o employment_n and_o intention_n of_o spirit_n as_o prayer_n meditation_n and_o other_o divine_a office_n do_v require_v it_o be_v long_o possible_o before_o they_o can_v leave_v their_o bed_n well_o be_v it_o if_o eight_o or_o nine_o a_o clock_n see_v they_o up_o and_o dress_v then_o a_o full_a breakfast_n or_o a_o large_a morning_n draught_n present_o make_v they_o unfit_a for_o any_o thing_n but_o a_o walk_n to_o get_v they_o a_o stomach_n for_o dinner_n that_o perhaps_o be_v end_v by_o two_o or_o three_o a_o clock_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o afternoon_n pass_v partly_o in_o idle_a talk_n partly_o in_o sleep_n or_o haply_o a_o game_n at_o card_n or_o table_n and_o in_o the_o end_n a_o little_a air_v themselves_o be_v necessary_a the_o better_a to_o prepare_v for_o a_o delicate_a supper_n which_o have_v be_v one_o of_o their_o great_a study_n in_o the_o day_n to_o devise_v or_o which_o be_v now_o more_o the_o mode_n to_o they_o who_o dine_v especial_o in_o city_n for_o some_o collation_n or_o evening_n debauch_v and_o have_v thus_o entertain_v their_o sense_n till_o night_n be_v far_o come_v on_o sleep_n be_v ready_a to_o lock_v they_o up_o when_o they_o betake_v themselves_o to_o bed_n or_o what_o further_o sensuality_n they_o can_v contrive_v and_o so_o have_v only_o so_o much_o to_o prove_v they_o alive_a as_o move_v in_o such_o a_o idle_a circle_n import_v the_o next_o day_n a_o little_a before_o noon_n a_o man_n may_v find_v they_o perhaps_o ready_a to_o come_v out_o of_o their_o chamber_n now_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v whoever_o yield_v himself_o to_o or_o true_o affect_v this_o kind_n of_o life_n if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o wrong_a to_o so_o worthy_a a_o name_n to_o bestow_v it_o on_o so_o dull_a a_o state_n will_v scarce_o ever_o be_v fit_a for_o divine_a office_n or_o step_v so_o much_o out_o of_o his_o road_n as_o to_o attempt_v to_o undertake_v they_o though_o therefore_o it_o may_v deserve_o be_v fear_v lest_o such_o person_n be_v too_o stupid_a and_o gross_a to_o admit_v of_o good_a advice_n and_o reason_n and_o therefore_o past_a cure_n yet_o for_o their_o sake_n who_o may_v be_v only_o in_o a_o condition_n of_o temptation_n to_o such_o a_o life_n we_o will_v consider_v what_o remedy_n this_o evil_n be_v capable_a off_o and_o it_o be_v certain_a if_o man_n have_v but_o a_o mind_n to_o be_v cure_v hereof_o the_o cure_n be_v more_o than_o half_o effect_v i_o mean_v if_o they_o will_v but_o stir_v up_o their_o spirit_n and_o attempt_v the_o mastery_n of_o this_o lethargy_n they_o have_v live_v in_o if_o they_o will_v but_o consider_v they_o have_v noble_a active_a sprightly_a power_n and_o set_v these_o power_n on_o work_n the_o slothful_a sensuallife_n just_a like_o a_o drowsy_a fit_n by_o rise_v and_o stir_v a_o turn_n or_o two_o be_v thereby_o shake_v off_o and_o those_o who_o say_v they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v so_o bely_v god_n and_o nature_n and_o themselves_o albeit_o it_o be_v not_o whole_o and_o main_o in_o our_o own_o power_n as_o consider_v we_o in_o a_o pure_a natural_a estate_n to_o rescue_v ourselves_o out_o of_o that_o vassalage_n which_o we_o be_v in_o by_o sin_n yet_o no_o sober_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
admit_v general_o what_o it_o in_o this_o case_n prescribe_v sect._n 2_o first_o i_o affirm_v it_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n in_o such_o thing_n which_o he_o require_v of_o he_o in_o order_n to_o his_o future_a happiness_n and_o in_o default_n of_o which_o man_n become_v after_o this_o life_n necessary_o miserable_a or_o in_o the_o word_n of_o a_o adversary_n that_o the_o supreme_a god_n have_v deliver_v oracle_n with_o a_o intent_n to_o oblige_v mankind_n and_o i_o affirm_v it_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v this_o because_o it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o facile_a and_o suppose_v the_o providence_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o supreme_a god_n which_o be_v grant_v to_o we_o necessary_a certain_a it_o be_v nothing_o can_v circumscribe_v the_o power_n of_o a_o almighty_a agent_n but_o the_o make_n contradiction_n together_o true_a or_o by_o which_o we_o mean_v the_o same_o impossibility_n now_o what_o contradiction_n be_v there_o here_o that_o the_o supreme_a god_n shall_v signify_v his_o sovereign_n will_v nay_o be_v it_o not_o contradictious_a to_o say_v it_o be_v not_o possible_a he_o shall_v for_o as_o it_o be_v beyond_o control_v demand_v who_o make_v the_o eye_n shall_v he_o not_o see_v who_o plant_v the_o ear_n shall_v not_o he_o hear_v so_o be_v that_o also_o as_o irrefragable_a who_o make_v the_o tongue_n shall_v not_o he_o speak_v who_o give_v man_n a_o power_n and_o mean_n to_o signify_v his_o conception_n shall_v he_o only_o be_v leave_v in_o a_o necessity_n of_o eternal_a silence_n or_o a_o impossibility_n of_o utter_v his_o great_a mind_n possible_a than_o it_o be_v and_o further_o be_v it_o not_o contradictious_a to_o think_v it_o difficult_a he_o who_o make_v all_o the_o sense_n and_o so_o contrive_v his_o creature_n man_n as_o that_o he_o shall_v general_o take_v in_o his_o knowledge_n by_o his_o sense_n shall_v he_o be_v more_o unable_a to_o communicate_v to_o he_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n by_o his_o sense_n than_o by_o the_o intricate_a and_o more_o perplex_v and_o dubious_a ratiocination_n of_o his_o mind_n beside_o what_o can_v be_v dsfficult_a to_o he_o who_o nothing_o can_v hinder_v and_o what_o can_v hinder_v he_o to_o who_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o annihilate_v what_o hinder_v as_o support_v it_o in_o that_o be_v which_o it_o never_o have_v nor_o maintain_v without_o his_o influence_n thus_o far_o then_o reasonable_a this_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v because_o possible_a and_o facile_a and_o i_o say_v suppose_v what_o be_v on_o both_o hand_n allow_v the_o providence_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o supreme_a god_n it_o be_v necessary_a his_o will_n shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o matter_n which_o be_v of_o such_o concernment_n to_o mankind_n as_o that_o upon_o they_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o a_o immortal_a soul_n depend_v for_o admit_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n we_o have_v admit_v he_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o the_o rule_n which_o he_o exercise_v over_o every_o thing_n if_o it_o be_v not_o tyrannical_a and_o arbitrary_a must_v be_v suppose_v suit_v with_o its_o nature_n he_o govern_v therefore_o his_o reasonable_a creature_n by_o a_o law_n that_o be_v by_o a_o certain_a rule_n of_o life_n prescribe_v to_o he_o to_o which_o rule_n if_o he_o square_v and_o conform_v his_o way_n he_o shall_v be_v happy_a but_o if_o he_o prove_v refractory_a miserable_a now_o that_o god_n shall_v require_v obedience_n to_o a_o law_n and_o that_o too_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o everlasting_a misery_n and_o yet_o this_o law_n never_o be_v promulge_v but_o reserve_v in_o the_o arcane_a of_o his_o own_o unsearchable_a mind_n be_v tyranny_n altogether_o irreconcilable_a with_o justice_n sect._n 3_o nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v bring_v to_o invalidate_v this_o necessity_n as_o far_o as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o see_v except_o it_o shall_v be_v bold_o say_v either_o that_o god_n require_v nothing_o of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o his_o happiness_n or_o nothing_o but_o what_o he_o may_v sufficient_o see_v and_o know_v by_o consult_v his_o own_o mind_n the_o first_o of_o which_o i_o can_v think_v any_o person_n will_v so_o forfeit_v humanity_n as_o to_o venture_v on_o and_o the_o second_o those_z against_o who_o our_o discourse_n proceed_v can_v if_o they_o will_v be_v constant_a to_o themselves_o pretend_v the_o first_o i_o say_v i_o do_v not_o conceive_v any_o man_n can_v persuade_v himself_o to_o say_v at_o least_o to_o believe_v for_o let_v we_o consider_v its_o contradictiousness_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o pretension_n to_o reason_n suppose_v any_o who_o will_v be_v think_v a_o rational_a person_n to_o aver_v god_n require_v nothing_o of_o he_o nor_o any_o man_n in_o order_n to_o his_o happiness_n yet_o be_v that_o man_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n conscious_a unto_o himself_o possible_o conceit_v of_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o be_v we_o suppose_v he_o to_o believe_v a_o creator_n conceiu_v himself_o endue_v with_o this_o reason_n by_o that_o creator_n that_o be_v by_o god_n i_o say_v then_o be_v he_o believe_v god_n require_v of_o he_o nothing_o in_o order_n to_o his_o happiness_n he_o believe_v god_n give_v he_o his_o reason_n either_o not_o to_o use_v it_o or_o if_o he_o please_v to_o abuse_v it_o for_o if_o he_o believe_v god_n give_v it_o he_o to_o use_v in_o any_o way_n so_o as_o not_o abuse_v it_o he_o must_v believe_v god_n give_v it_o he_o to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v do_v thing_n worthy_a of_o it_o that_o be_v be_v virtuous_a and_o thereby_o seek_v his_o own_o felicity_n but_o this_o he_o pretend_v to_o disbelieve_v for_o he_o avow_v god_n require_v of_o he_o nothing_o in_o order_n to_o his_o happiness_n therefore_o not_o the_o right_a use_n of_o his_o reason_n so_o that_o in_o fine_a if_o he_o believe_v any_o thing_n he_o must_v believe_v god_n give_v he_o reason_n to_o abuse_v it_o and_o by_o action_n contrary_a to_o its_o dictate_v reproach_n both_o it_o and_o its_o author_n or_o else_o that_o he_o give_v it_o he_o for_o no_o use_n at_o all_o nor_o be_v he_o with_o all_o his_o intellectual_a excellency_n design_v to_o any_o noble_a purpose_n than_o the_o vile_a hog_n he_o behold_v in_o his_o own_o dung_n and_o that_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n especial_o of_o so_o great_a moment_n as_o reason_n shall_v be_v in_o vain_a he_o must_v be_v strange_o unreasonable_a and_o as_o i_o before_o say_v have_v forfeit_v humanity_n that_o can_v affirm_v again_o if_o these_o gross_a consequent_n can_v be_v avoid_v which_o i_o see_v not_o how_o they_o can_v yet_o be_v this_o proposition_n most_o contrary_a to_o those_o other_o allow_v principle_n of_o those_o with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v for_o if_o god_n require_v nothing_o of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n it_o must_v follow_v that_o all_o man_n do_v what_o they_o please_v shall_v be_v happy_a or_o do_v what_o they_o please_v miserable_a as_o it_o chance_v and_o so_o consequent_o that_o either_o first_o god_n care_v not_o at_o all_o for_o mankind_n for_o if_o he_o do_v care_n for_o they_o he_o will_v not_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o great_a concernment_n have_v leave_v they_o expose_v toso_n wild_a hap_n have_v as_o be_v suppose_v neither_o in_o a_o natural_a nor_o supernatural_a way_n afford_v they_o any_o light_n to_o direct_v they_o to_o happiness_n which_o destroy_v divine_a providence_n above_o suppose_a or_o second_o that_o without_o any_o consideration_n whether_o the_o man_n have_v do_v well_o or_o ill_o he_o place_v some_o of_o they_o in_o happiness_n other_o in_o misery_n according_a to_o his_o own_o humour_n which_o destroy_v divine_a justice_n for_o even_o the_o supralapsarian_o as_o we_o call_v they_o allow_v &_o all_o man_n must_v that_o god_n can_v with_o a_o salvo_fw-la to_o his_o justice_n damn_v a_o man_n without_o respect_n to_o his_o crime_n albeit_o those_o doctor_n name_v pretend_v he_o may_v reprobate_a man_n or_o pass_v they_o by_o absolute_o and_o without_o any_o such_o respect_n i_o say_v the_o one_o of_o those_o two_o must_v follow_v for_o if_o nothing_o be_v require_v of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o his_o happiness_n notwithstanding_o man_n become_v happy_a this_o he_o obtain_v either_o by_o a_o happy_a hit_n or_o by_o course_n of_o nature_n or_o by_o god_n determination_n and_o providence_n a_o four_o way_n i_o think_v can_v be_v assign_v if_o the_o first_o than_o the_o first_o consequent_a before_o name_n stand_v and_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n if_o the_o second_o viz._n that_o nothing_o be_v require_v of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o his_o happiness_n yet_o man_n by_o course_n of_o nature_n become_v happy_a it_o must_v then_o follow_v all_o man_n become_v happy_a which_o be_v contrary_a to_o another_o allow_a principle_n of_o different_a estate_n if_o the_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
and_o fresh_a tradition_n suffice_v not_o to_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o virtue_n in_o the_o world_n as_o by_o effect_n be_v evident_a when_o it_o be_v once_o as_o by_o adam_n even_o after_o his_o fall_n it_o can_v but_o be_v conceive_v to_o have_v be_v excellent_o though_o perhaps_o not_o most_o perfect_o know_v much_o less_o than_o do_v or_o ever_o will_v it_o single_o suffice_v now_o let_v we_o view_v the_o sacred_a record_n touch_v those_o age_n as_o become_v we_o we_o will_v with_o the_o ancient_n suppose_v adam_n and_o eve_n receive_v to_o grace_n and_o to_o have_v live_v holy_a person_n touch_v abel_n enoch_n and_o noah_n it_o be_v express_o record_v they_o be_v touch_v seth_n albeit_o the_o author_n of_o the_o eleven_o to_o the_o hebrew_n put_v neither_o he_o nor_o adam_n into_o his_o registry_n of_o saint_n we_o will_v believe_v as_o much_o because_o such_o be_v the_o original_a ambiguity_n of_o that_o text_n gen._n iu._n vlt._n that_o it_o may_v in_o a_o manner_n with_o equal_a probability_n import_v as_o well_v he_o to_o have_v be_v a_o author_n unto_o man_n of_o assemble_v themselves_o for_o the_o public_a worship_n or_o call_n upon_o god_n or_o he_o and_o his_o posterity_n because_o of_o better_a moral_n than_o the_o rest_n to_o have_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o be_v repute_v the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n as_o on_o the_o other_o and_o worse_a side_n that_o he_o be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o fall_v into_o such_o a_o age_n wherein_o the_o name_n of_o god_n begin_v to_o be_v profane_v by_o be_v give_v to_o idol_n by_o this_o computation_n in_o above_o a_o thovand_a half_n of_o year_n we_o have_v five_o or_o six_o virtuous_a person_n the_o two_o first_o of_o which_o be_v make_v such_o and_o have_v revelation_n and_o the_o rest_n may_v in_o all_o likelihood_n be_v think_v to_o have_v be_v such_o rather_o by_o institution_n and_o the_o lively_a report_n and_o attestation_n of_o the_o truth_n from_o their_o parent_n or_o parent_n who_o immediate_o or_o near_o reach_v the_o beginning_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v equivalent_a in_o a_o sort_n to_o revelation_n than_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o own_o natural_a light_n if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o world_n be_v undoubted_o more_o full_o people_v than_o scripture_n record_v and_o so_o that_o there_o be_v far_o more_o saint_n than_o what_o we_o read_v of_o i_o only_o say_v that_o it_o be_v monstrous_o absurd_a and_o uncharitable_a not_o to_o grant_v either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o it_o be_v the_o scripture_n business_n in_o that_o part_n chief_o to_o set_v down_o the_o line_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o somewhat_o of_o necessary_a chronology_n yet_o that_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o even_o from_o the_o beginning_n virtuous_a man_n be_v rare_a cain_n of_o who_o posterity_n we_o read_v not_o any_o good_a be_v soon_o upon_o the_o murder_n of_o his_o brother_n abel_n in_o as_o good_a a_o forwardness_n to_o people_n the_o world_n as_o adam_n and_o eve_n his_o parent_n and_o even_o of_o adam_n other_o child_n notwithstanding_o his_o institution_n many_o loose_a but_o that_o it_o be_v certain_a admit_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n there_o be_v among_o all_o mankind_n than_o certain_o vast_o numerous_a scarce_a two_o virtuous_a man_n beside_o himself_o and_o as_o before_o say_v both_o he_o and_o any_o other_o such_o most_o likely_a rather_o bring_v to_o virtue_n by_o traditionary_a precept_n as_o before_o say_v equivalent_a to_o revelation_n than_o by_o mere_a power_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v yet_o further_o considerable_a that_o after_o this_o prodigious_o exemplary_a vengeance_n of_o the_o flood_n which_o sweep_v away_o in_o a_o manner_n the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n neither_o can_v the_o preach_n of_o noah_n nor_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o deluge_n or_o any_o like_a tradition_n without_o a_o express_a reveal_v and_o consign_v law_n keep_v man_n in_o any_o tolerable_a morality_n whole_a country_n can_v not_o afford_v five_o virtuous_a person_n to_o save_v they_o nay_o lot_n appear_v to_o have_v be_v the_o only_a good_a man_n through_o all_o pentapolis_n so_o that_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o any_o mean_n by_o the_o effect_n they_o general_o produce_v in_o order_n to_o their_o end_n and_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o assign_v a_o better_a measure_n to_o judge_v they_o by_o we_o must_v say_v natural_a reason_n be_v of_o itself_o insufficient_a to_o lead_v mankind_n to_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o virtue_n sect._n 6_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o have_v be_v ever_o the_o far_o lesser_a part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o which_o revelation_n have_v be_v vouchsafe_v consequent_o there_o will_v still_o lie_v something_o of_o a_o imputation_n on_o divine_a justice_n for_o leave_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n under_o insufficient_a provision_n for_o their_o happiness_n it_o be_v easy_o answer_v that_o though_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o assign_v those_o place_n of_o the_o know_a and_o inhabit_v world_n where_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v the_o gospel_n have_v be_v never_o preach_v and_o sure_o it_o be_v none_o of_o god_n fault_n if_o man_n will_v not_o receive_v nor_o retain_v it_o yet_o that_o it_o be_v but_o just_a with_o god_n not_o to_o vouchsafe_v man_n supernatural_a mean_n where_o they_o do_v wilful_o suppress_v pervert_v and_o abuse_v the_o natural_a though_o not_o of_o themselves_o sufficient_a yet_o preparatory_a and_o introductory_a to_o the_o other_o and_o that_o divine_a justice_n in_o the_o deny_v these_o dignation_n have_v observe_v this_o method_n our_o sacred_a book_n do_v pretend_v when_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o even_o as_o man_n have_v not_o like_v to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n god_n have_v give_v they_o over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n that_o be_v he_o have_v punish_v wilful_a ignorance_n and_o error_n by_o indulge_v or_o let_v they_o alone_o of_o which_o sin_n we_o have_v all_o reason_n to_o conclude_v the_o most_o benight_a world_n notorious_o guilty_a and_o so_o consequent_o divine_a justice_n must_v be_v acquit_v to_o conclude_v this_o point_n then_o god_n require_v we_o under_o pain_n of_o eternal_a misery_n to_o be_v virtuous_a the_o rule_n of_o which_o and_o how_o indispensable_a our_o obligation_n to_o it_o we_o can_v sufficient_o know_v by_o sole_a light_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v without_o revelation_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n as_o a_o rule_n in_o this_o case_n if_o he_o be_v just_a for_o to_o inflict_v endless_a misery_n upon_o we_o for_o not_o obey_v that_o law_n or_o follow_v that_o rule_n of_o which_o we_o never_o can_v come_v to_o sufficient_a notice_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o own_o conceal_v it_o from_o we_o be_v tyrannical_a but_o as_o on_o all_o hand_n such_o imputation_n to_o the_o supreme_a god_n be_v abhor_v so_o be_v it_o too_o confess_v that_o vicious_a man_n by_o the_o decree_n sentence_n or_o will_v of_o god_n be_v hereafter_o miserable_a therefore_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v have_v reveal_v his_o will_n and_o consequent_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v he_o have_v which_o be_v our_o first_o position_n sect._n 7_o and_o our_o second_o which_o will_v be_v less_o troublesome_a be_v 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 for_o as_o we_o have_v conclude_v revelation_n upon_o its_o necessity_n suppose_v divine_a providence_n and_o justice_n so_o where_o necessity_n pinch_v most_o as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v there_o ought_v the_o revelation_n to_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o definitive_a but_o of_o all_o point_n of_o humane_a duty_n it_o be_v most_o of_o all_o beyond_o the_o sphere_n of_o man_n reason_n of_o itself_o to_o find_v out_o how_o the_o supreme_a god_n will_v be_v worship_v therefore_o ought_v revelation_n most_o clear_o to_o have_v determine_v this_o matter_n all_o virtue_n must_v either_o respect_n god_n our_o self_n or_o other_o what_o become_v our_o self_n or_o be_v that_o honour_n care_n and_o reverence_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v ourselves_o we_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n collect_v partly_o from_o the_o end_n to_o which_o nature_n have_v fit_v our_o power_n and_o faculty_n partly_o from_o the_o natural_a habitude_n and_o conveniency_n of_o thing_n but_o because_o single_a judgement_n may_v fail_v and_o mistake_v in_o their_o reason_n and_o conclusion_n more_o safe_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o reflect_v on_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o mankind_n seem_v agree_v but_o i_o confess_v as_o before_o intimate_v the_o rule_n uncertain_a because_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o find_v this_o consent_n of_o mankind_n and_o possible_a to_o find_v much_o consent_n in_o vice_n again_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n i_o owe_v to_o mankind_n i_o may_v
in_o some_o measure_n collect_v partly_o by_o the_o former_a rule_n and_o partly_o by_o consider_v what_o thing_n conciliate_v maintain_v and_o preserve_v humane_a society_n but_o here_o again_o be_v danger_n of_o destructive_o ere_v because_o many_o society_n have_v be_v contract_v and_o enter_v upon_o bad_a condition_n design_n and_o law_n which_o though_o a_o wise_a man_n who_o look_v from_o beginning_n to_o the_o end_n may_v in_o many_o point_n discern_v because_o possible_o he_o may_v discern_v the_o vice_n they_o have_v combine_v in_o to_o have_v destroy_v those_o society_n yet_o the_o wise_a not_o be_v omniscient_a and_o the_o most_o of_o the_o world_n not_o be_v wise_a but_o consider_v thing_n by_o half_n or_o scarce_o so_o therefore_o even_o in_o this_o point_n as_o before_o say_v will_v revelation_n be_v necessary_a but_o now_o as_o to_o what_o concern_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o be_v collectible_a from_o contemplation_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o my_o own_o be_v that_o i_o owe_v he_o homage_n and_o aught_o to_o acknowledge_v it_o but_o how_o i_o shall_v pay_v it_o how_o he_o will_v accept_v this_o homage_n testify_v whether_o by_o a_o bare_a profession_n of_o it_o to_o the_o world_n or_o by_o some_o acknowledgement_n of_o it_o direct_v to_o he_o and_o then_o of_o what_o nature_n those_o whether_o make_v by_o sacrifice_n and_o of_o what_o and_o how_o whether_o by_o slay_v the_o sacrifice_n to_o deter_v man_n from_o real_a guilt_n by_o punish_v the_o imputative_a and_o so_o by_o burn_v it_o or_o else_o give_v it_o to_o the_o poor_a that_o want_v it_o as_o constitute_v by_o their_o poverty_n god_n receiver_n which_o may_v seem_v more_o reasonable_a and_o then_o how_o often_o this_o must_v be_v do_v how_o much_o time_n spend_v in_o this_o worship_n whether_o this_o mute_a acknowledgement_n will_v suffice_v these_o and_o a_o multitude_n of_o such_o point_n i_o can_v never_o know_v but_o by_o know_v the_o will_n of_o this_o god_n and_o this_o will_v i_o can_v never_o know_v except_o he_o will_v in_o this_o point_n signify_v it_o beside_o daily_a experience_n teach_v we_o all_o superior_n best_o like_o those_o testimony_n of_o homage_n which_o themselves_o appoint_v have_v divine_a oracle_n therefore_o appoint_v none_o mankind_n may_v just_o have_v doubt_v the_o pay_v this_o or_o that_o or_o any_o because_o the_o act_n material_o might_n more_o offend_v than_o the_o intention_n and_o formality_n please_v in_o sum_n then_o it_o be_v as_o before_o say_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v some_o revelation_n there_o be_v and_o beside_o most_o necessary_a that_o in_o the_o case_n of_o divine_a worship_n above_o any_o other_o the_o particular_a office_n shall_v by_o revelation_n be_v determine_v because_o they_o can_v less_o than_o any_o other_o office_n nay_o not_o possible_o be_v satisfactory_o find_v otherwise_o and_o be_v in_o danger_n even_o as_o to_o what_o may_v be_v conjecture_v to_o be_v total_o neglect_v except_o particular_o define_v it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a nay_o we_o be_v by_o reason_n enforce_v to_o believe_v divine_a oracle_n have_v determine_v or_o deliver_v to_o the_o world_n divine_a worship_n which_o be_v the_o second_o position_n sect._n 8_o the_o three_o have_v two_o part_n and_o affirm_v first_o that_o holy_a scripture_n pretend_v to_o prescribe_v by_o what_o act_v god_n will_v be_v worship_v and_o as_o to_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o thing_n be_v notorious_a above_o one_o three_o of_o the_o pentateuch_n be_v take_v up_o in_o give_v order_n touch_v those_o service_n which_o god_n then_o require_v of_o that_o people_n to_o who_o it_o be_v direct_v now_o for_o the_o new_a testament_n if_o i_o say_v that_o beside_o that_o pure_o inward_a worship_n of_o faith_n and_o hope_v and_o love_n and_o the_o sweet_a conspiracy_n of_o other_o christian_a grace_n it_o require_v of_o we_o to_o worship_n god_n by_o prayer_n by_o devout_a frequent_v the_o ministration_n of_o his_o word_n and_o sacrament_n and_o general_o to_o acknowledge_v god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n by_o a_o public_a confession_n and_o profession_n of_o christian_a faith_n i_o do_v suppose_v i_o need_v fear_v no_o contradiction_n all_o these_o be_v not_o only_o express_o specify_v therein_o but_o make_v matter_n of_o particular_a precept_n which_o enjoin_v they_o as_o part_v of_o the_o condition_n of_o happiness_n and_o under_o pain_n of_o eternal_a misery_n wherefore_o as_o to_o this_o point_n of_o holy_a scripture_n pretence_n it_o will_v be_v needless_a to_o speak_v far_o second_o that_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o admit_v the_o prescription_n of_o holy_a scripture_n in_o this_o case_n i_o affirm_v from_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o verity_n of_o scripture_n i_o intend_v not_o here_o to_o expatiate_v upon_o the_o know_a argument_n which_o be_v of_o that_o common_a place_n but_o assert_v only_o that_o scripture_n ought_v in_o reason_n to_o be_v receive_v first_o as_o be_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o a_o infallible_a authority_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o it_o just_o have_v from_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o common_a argument_n which_o enforce_v it_o touch_v which_o more_o will_v be_v say_v in_o a_o place_n more_o proper_a when_o we_o come_v particular_o to_o consider_v the_o christian_a worship_n and_o then_o second_o not_o be_v at_o all_o obnoxious_a to_o those_o challenge_n which_o the_o theist_n otherwise_o call_v the_o new_a modish_a atheist_n make_v against_o all_o divine_a oracle_n and_o they_o be_v brief_o these_o you_o be_v to_o prove_v say_v they_o that_o the_o supreme_a god_n do_v utter_a oracle_n or_o ever_o speak_v with_o a_o articulate_a voice_n that_o he_o who_o hear_v the_o oracle_n be_v then_o himself_o sed_fw-la neque_fw-la externatum_fw-la nec_fw-la delirum_fw-la nec_fw-la semisomnem_fw-la fuisse_fw-la that_o it_o be_v intend_v to_o oblige_v all_o mankind_n that_o this_o oracle_n be_v by_o he_o who_o hear_v it_o faithful_o rehearse_v to_o the_o people_n or_o if_o need_v record_v and_o last_o that_o the_o original_a copy_n be_v with_o such_o fidelity_n preserve_v as_o that_o transcription_n may_v at_o all_o time_n be_v rectify_v by_o it_o as_o to_o all_o which_o we_o say_v they_o be_v partly_o prove_v already_o and_o partly_o needless_a to_o be_v prove_v by_o we_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o impertinence_n to_o our_o cause_n the_o necessity_n of_o divine_a revelation_n have_v be_v above_o make_v out_o that_o the_o supreme_a god_n shall_v immediate_o by_o himself_o speak_v with_o a_o artioulate_a voice_n we_o do_v not_o or_o need_v not_o pretend_v for_o in_o himself_o he_o be_v a_o pure_a mind_n and_o as_o such_o we_o ascribe_v not_o to_o he_o immediate_o the_o action_n of_o a_o body_n such_o as_o speech_n be_v but_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o cause_v a_o articulate_a voice_n by_o a_o thousand_o mean_n which_o omniscience_n can_v contrive_v to_o be_v utter_v and_o direct_v as_o from_o he_o and_o as_o infallible_o as_o if_o immediate_o from_o he_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o by_o destroy_v almightiness_n or_o imagine_v he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v what_o in_o the_o creation_n he_o do_v and_o what_o they_o say_v against_o we_o make_v it_o in_o some_o degree_n necessary_a this_o shall_v be_v do_v how_o say_v they_o know_v you_o the_o author_n of_o these_o oracle_n not_o to_o have_v be_v some_o evil_a angel_n we_o say_v it_o consist_v not_o with_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o power_n which_o be_v grant_v we_o to_o suffer_v a_o evil_a angel_n to_o abuse_v mankind_n by_o oracle_n and_o not_o to_o have_v oppose_v the_o like_a undeceiveable_a mean_n of_o oracle_n beside_o evil_a angel_n will_v never_o have_v so_o strict_o teach_v and_o enjoin_v virtue_n that_o be_v destroy_v their_o own_o kingdom_n sufficient_a than_o it_o be_v to_o any_o oracle_n we_o pretend_v to_o that_o the_o supreme_a god_n cause_v a_o articulate_a voice_n to_o be_v utter_v and_o direct_v as_o from_o he_o and_o this_o be_v both_o very_a facile_a and_o as_o say_v upon_o our_o adversary_n suggestion_n needful_a then_o as_o to_o all_o oracle_n we_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v pronounce_v as_o from_o heaven_n we_o pretend_v not_o any_o one_o priest_n to_o have_v be_v the_o sole_a auditor_n of_o they_o and_o so_o the_o challenge_n of_o dotage_n or_o be_v half_o a_o sleep_n prove_v only_o that_o they_o who_o make_v it_o against_o christianity_n be_v themselves_o either_o more_o than_o half_a so_o or_o beside_o themselves_o and_o question_n we_o pretend_v the_o decalogue_n pronounce_v as_o from_o god_n and_o a_o whole_a nation_n to_o have_v be_v auditor_n and_o the_o circumstance_n such_o as_o leave_v no_o possible_a suspicion_n of_o a_o cheat_n thunder_z and_o lightning_n and_o the_o sound_n of_o trumpet_n for_o a_o long_a space_n wax_v loud_a and_o loud_o and_o a_o thick_a cloud_n upon_o the_o mount_n and_o then_o
only_a mean_n of_o grace_n though_o therefore_o the_o sole_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v insufficient_a to_o ingenerate_a virtue_n yet_o when_o in_o conjunction_n with_o prayer_n sacrament_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o argue_v it_o of_o such_o insufficiency_n especial_o when_o even_o those_o scripture_n themselves_o teach_v we_o that_o where_o all_o these_o outward_a mean_n be_v vouchsafe_v that_o inward_a supernatural_a divine_a power_n which_o we_o call_v the_o holy_a spirit_n accompany_v if_o it_o be_v not_o withstand_v and_o by_o frequent_a quench_v final_o impede_v to_o work_v the_o excellent_a effect_n we_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v then_o notwithstanding_o this_o suggestion_n most_o reasonable_a necessary_a and_o available_a to_o virtue_n to_o worship_n god_n by_o hear_v and_o search_v scripture_n sect._n 5_o to_o those_o three_o office_n specify_v if_o any_o other_o so_o pure_o of_o positive_a nature_n may_v be_v add_v among_o what_o we_o christian_n pretend_v to_o be_v in_o strictness_n obligatory_a to_o all_o i_o take_v the_o most_o likely_a to_o be_v public_a confession_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o upon_o occasion_n the_o scripture_n do_v require_v it_o and_o the_o law_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n make_v it_o a_o daily_a part_n of_o our_o public_a worship_n now_o as_o to_o it_o we_o say_v that_o if_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n apt_a to_o oblige_v and_o incite_v to_o virtue_n as_o already_o declare_v then_o certain_o inasmuch_o as_o every_o close_a and_o frequent_a view_n of_o premise_n more_o intimate_o imprint_n their_o conclusion_n the_o solemn_a repetition_n and_o own_v those_o doctrine_n must_v needs_o draw_v out_o that_o their_o influence_n and_o make_v they_o more_o fresh_a and_o lively_o operative_a upon_o our_o mind_n to_o all_o virtue_n beside_o what_o a_o eternal_a obligation_n to_o perseverance_n and_o constancy_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o so_o to_o all_o virtue_n consequent_a from_o it_o that_o be_v certain_o all_o natural_a virtue_n whatsoever_o must_v this_o lay_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o have_v all_o so_o often_o before_o god_n angel_n and_o man_n profess_v and_o avow_v our_o serious_a belief_n and_o adhaesion_n to_o these_o principle_n who_o can_v easy_o turn_v apostate_n from_o what_o he_o have_v so_o sacred_o and_o so_o frequent_o upon_o so_o great_a evidence_n as_o all_o intelligent_a person_n have_v of_o the_o christian_a faith_n give_v full_a assent_n and_o consent_n unto_o plain_o then_o it_o be_v upon_o a_o particular_a view_n of_o all_o the_o office_n of_o positive_a worship_n which_o christian_n pretend_v to_o that_o beside_o the_o stamp_n of_o divine_a authority_n their_o conduciveness_n to_o virtue_n make_v they_o most_o reasonable_a and_o necessary_a for_o a_o close_a then_o to_o this_o second_o part_n of_o our_o discourse_n inasmuch_o as_o these_o holy_a office_n speak_v of_o be_v to_o be_v by_o all_o christian_n some_o of_o they_o every_o day_n and_o therein_o more_o than_o once_o all_o of_o they_o except_o baptism_n often_o repeat_v nor_o do_v any_o one_o pay_v the_o worship_n he_o owe_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n we_o hold_v to_o if_o he_o once_o or_o seldom_o pray_v meditate_v hear_v communicate_v and_o confess_v and_o inasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v already_o evident_a every_o due_a iteration_n of_o each_o of_o they_o make_v deep_a impression_n of_o or_o towards_o virtue_n it_o be_v i_o have_v almost_o say_v beyond_o contradiction_n prove_v that_o who_o so_o addict_v himself_o to_o the_o due_a and_o orderly_a practice_n of_o the_o christian_a positive_a worship_n that_o be_v be_v devout_a must_v thereby_o attain_v unto_o and_o grow_v in_o all_o natural_a as_o well_o as_o christian_a virtue_n and_o then_o let_v they_o look_v to_o it_o who_o cry_v up_o natural_a virtue_n as_o the_o only_a true_a or_o necessary_a worship_n of_o the_o supreme_a god_n how_o they_o will_v approve_v themselves_o either_o friend_n to_o virtue_n which_o they_o pretend_v so_o much_o to_o admire_v or_o worshipper_n of_o god_n to_o who_o they_o will_v seem_v the_o only_a true_a and_o rational_a devote_v sure_o the_o imaginary_a honour_n which_o they_o think_v they_o thus_o give_v to_o virtue_n be_v but_o a_o very_a unproportionable_a recompense_n for_o that_o real_a damage_n which_o it_o must_v needs_o sustain_v by_o have_v all_o those_o office_n lift_v out_o which_o god_n appoint_v the_o church_n ever_o practise_v and_o by_o long_a practice_n find_v to_o be_v the_o most_o sovereign_a mean_n and_o preservative_n of_o virtue_n and_o without_o which_o it_o will_v present_o languish_v into_o a_o empty_a name_n have_v little_a footing_n or_o interest_n any_o where_o save_v only_o in_o man_n discourse_n and_o then_o as_o to_o god_n it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o see_v how_o they_o can_v approve_v themselves_o worshipper_n sect._n 3_o of_o he_o when_o they_o deny_v at_o least_o decry_v vilify_v and_o slight_v that_o worship_n which_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n contrive_v and_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n enact_v as_o most_o proper_a not_o only_o to_o express_v in_o a_o way_n acceptable_a to_o he_o the_o homage_n which_o we_o owe_v but_o to_o secure_v to_o we_o what_o only_o can_v constitute_v we_o happy_a holy_a and_o virtuous_a mind_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o three_o general_a head_n §_o 1._o a_o positive_a worship_n certain_a from_o scripture_n and_o scripture_n certain_a from_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n §_o 2._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n evident_a from_o the_o history_n of_o it_o §_o 3._o before_o christ_n §_o 4._o evident_a from_o the_o history_n of_o it_o in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n §_o 5._o evident_a from_o the_o history_n of_o its_o progress_n and_o state_n since_o §_o 6._o a_o recapitulatory_a conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a sect._n 1_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o we_o have_v hitherto_o clear_v be_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o worship_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o positive_a nature_n and_o that_o all_o those_o office_n of_o such_o worship_n which_o christian_n observe_v be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o be_v observe_v because_o necessary_a as_o so_o many_o mean_n to_o the_o propagate_a virtue_n but_o though_o something_o have_v be_v say_v above_o on_o the_o refutative_a part_n to_o vindicate_v the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o the_o christian_a oracle_n from_o those_o imputation_n and_o exception_n which_o be_v bring_v by_o some_o in_o common_a against_o all_o divine_a revelation_n which_o in_o the_o end_n assert_v those_o office_n which_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v unto_o we_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n yet_o little_a or_o nothing_o hitherto_o have_v be_v bring_v in_o a_o probative_a way_n to_o evince_v either_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n or_o of_o those_o office_n from_o thence_o now_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o the_o office_n can_v i_o presume_v be_v doubt_v admit_v the_o divine_a authority_n or_o truth_n of_o scripture_n or_o in_o case_n it_o shall_v we_o have_v make_v it_o sufficient_o evident_a from_o scripture_n as_o to_o each_o particular_a in_o another_o tract_n to_o devotion_n method_n for_o private_a devotion_n which_o this_o discourse_n refer_v and_o then_o general_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n can_v be_v question_v admit_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n among_o mankind_n as_o a_o true_a religion_n beside_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v suppose_v natural_a as_o we_o have_v above_o prove_v there_o be_v that_o religion_n must_v be_v the_o true_a one_o which_o the_o supreme_a god_n ordain_v so_o that_o to_o say_v the_o christian_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n be_v to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v ordain_v by_o god_n if_o therefore_o christian_a religion_n be_v ordain_v by_o god_n as_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n then_o must_v those_o oracle_n or_o record_n which_o do_v contain_v the_o particular_n or_o office_n whereof_o this_o religion_n be_v make_v up_o contain_v such_o thing_n as_o the_o supreme_a god_n enjoin_v to_o man_n which_o be_v all_o that_o at_o present_a we_o mean_v by_o the_o general_a truth_n of_o scripture_n i_o have_v use_v the_o term_n of_o general_a truth_n to_o avoid_v what_o may_v be_v object_v touch_v various_a reading_n which_o if_o various_a and_o so_o various_a as_o we_o know_v they_o be_v in_o both_o testament_n some_o must_v be_v false_a but_o this_o as_o above_o say_v prejudices_fw-la not_o our_o cause_n so_o that_o in_o fine_a to_o say_v the_o christian_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o to_o say_v holy_a scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n or_o true_a in_o our_o sense_n be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o all_o christian_n in_o common_a do_v agree_v that_o scripture_n contain_v the_o essential_o and_o body_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o all_o who_o acknowledge_v
which_o he_o have_v be_v tell_v christian_a religion_n be_v assert_v he_o most_o acute_o answer_v se_fw-la il_fw-fr mondo_fw-la si_fw-mi rivuolse_o all_o christianesmo_n diss'io_fw-it senza_fw-it miracoli_fw-la questo_fw-la uno_fw-la e'tal_n chegli_fw-it alteri_fw-la non_fw-la sonoil_n centesmo_fw-la vhe_fw-it tu_fw-la entrasti_fw-la povero_fw-la &_o digiuno_fw-it in_o campo_fw-it a_o seminar_n la_fw-fr bvona_fw-la pianta_fw-it vhe_fw-it fu_fw-it gia_fw-it vite_fw-la &_o hora_fw-la è_fw-it fatta_fw-it pruno_fw-it which_o if_o we_o will_v transpose_v the_o stanza_n as_o will_v be_v more_o consonant_n to_o the_o order_n of_o our_o last_o argument_n we_o may_v not_o unfit_o thus_o render_v thou_o now_o bless_a saint_n then_o fisher_n poor_a forlorn_a into_o the_o world_n as_o a_o large_a field_n do_v go_v a_o heavenly_a plant_n to_o sow_v a_o plant_n of_o old_a a_o vine_n now_o turn_v a_o thorn_n and_o have_v the_o world_n prove_v convert_v and_o submiss_a without_o miraculous_a proof_n to_o what_o be_v teach_v all_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v will_v not_o have_v be_v the_o hundred_o part_n of_o this_o in_o sum_n then_o if_o no_o person_n consider_v the_o progress_n and_o state_n of_o christianity_n since_o the_o departure_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a founder_n thereof_o can_v see_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a it_o shall_v have_v take_v root_n so_o deep_o and_o so_o wide_o spread_v its_o branch_n as_o we_o be_v by_o so_o much_o of_o the_o story_n of_o it_o as_o be_v undoubted_a convince_v it_o have_v except_o a_o divine_a power_n have_v as_o well_o support_v and_o nourish_v as_o at_o first_o plant_v it_o and_o it_o be_v together_o grant_v as_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n or_o divinity_n of_o that_o giver_n to_o uphold_v foster_n and_o propagate_v the_o great_a abuse_n of_o mankind_n as_o christianity_n be_v except_o it_o be_v true_a that_o ever_o be_v we_o must_v then_o conclude_v christian_a religion_n be_v from_o god_n that_o be_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n sect._n 6_o to_o conclude_v then_o the_o whole_a upon_o the_o view_n of_o the_o history_n of_o christian_a religion_n before_o under_z and_o since_o christ_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o within_o each_o of_o these_o three_o period_n there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o it_o certain_a and_o beyond_o all_o scruple_n and_o question_n to_o man_n who_o will_v believe_v any_o thing_n beside_o their_o own_o eye_n as_o enforce_v we_o to_o conclude_v jesus_n christ_n be_v send_v from_o heaven_n and_o do_v deliver_v unto_o the_o world_n the_o true_a religion_n that_o be_v such_o a_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n as_o that_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o approve_v of_o and_o will_v accept_v a_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n i_o mean_v matter_n of_o fact_n at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n as_o it_o be_v that_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n can_v be_v prove_v by_o no_o other_o mean_n but_o either_o by_o visible_a monument_n of_o it_o or_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o to_o who_o it_o be_v first_o impart_v with_o a_o satisfactory_a or_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o its_o be_v divine_a hand_a and_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o this_o evidence_n to_o they_o must_v be_v either_o that_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o one_o who_o they_o be_v sure_o come_v from_o heaven_n or_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o heaven_n to_o attest_v its_o own_o doctrine_n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v as_o a_o eternal_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o distinctive_a mark_n of_o any_o doctrine_n so_o pretend_v the_o consonancy_n of_o such_o doctrine_n to_o the_o supreme_a principle_n of_o reason_n sanctity_n and_o justice_n each_o of_o these_o evidence_n have_v we_o see_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v still_o extant_a in_o the_o world_n monument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o several_a point_n of_o the_o history_n sepulcher_n temple_n etc._n etc._n which_o prove_v there_o be_v such_o person_n or_o doctor_n as_o we_o pretend_v then_o the_o testimony_n be_v not_o of_o one_o or_o a_o few_o but_o of_o many_o hundred_o in_o the_o primitive_a age_n of_o nation_n and_o age_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n since_o by_o a_o constant_a and_o invariant_n tradition_n the_o first_o witness_n have_v evidence_n more_o than_o can_v be_v utter_v that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n come_v from_o heaven_n and_o they_o see_v he_o return_v to_o heaven_n and_o enter_v into_o that_o glory_n which_o he_o promise_v they_o and_o take_v possession_n of_o that_o power_n which_o he_o tell_v they_o he_o be_v to_o receive_v thing_n which_o befall_v not_o the_o founder_n of_o any_o other_o religion_n no_o not_o moses_n himself_o who_o only_o be_v bury_v no_o one_o know_v where_n they_o see_v great_a and_o various_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o they_o wrought_v such_o themselves_z as_o be_v promise_v to_o they_o they_o shall_v and_o all_o this_o confess_v even_o in_o the_o primitive_a age_n by_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o this_o religion_n the_o success_n of_o this_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o great_a miracle_n of_o all_o then_o as_o to_o those_o point_n which_o the_o precept_n of_o this_o religion_n impose_v they_o be_v either_o duty_n natural_a or_o positive_a the_o natural_a by_o be_v so_o be_v most_o consonant_a to_o reason_n and_o though_o the_o precept_n which_o enjoin_v they_o be_v rule_n of_o high_a sanctity_n and_o justice_n than_o mere_a reason_n will_v or_o can_v have_v give_v yet_o be_v give_v they_o be_v such_o as_o it_o must_v needs_o approve_v and_o as_o to_o all_o positive_a office_n their_o reasonableness_n and_o conduciveness_n to_o virtue_n we_o have_v see_v particular_o there_o have_v therefore_o as_o great_a evidence_n be_v give_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n as_o any_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n can_v at_o such_o distance_n from_o its_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o world_n receive_v and_o far_o great_a than_o of_o any_o other_o past_a matter_n of_o fact_n whatsoever_o which_o we_o believe_v wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v be_v just_a to_o our_o reason_n we_o must_v conclude_v it_o true_a and_o if_o it_o be_v true_a as_o above_o make_v out_o holy_a scripture_n be_v true_a also_o and_o if_o that_o be_v true_a than_o we_o be_v oblige_v as_o much_o as_o by_o divine_a authority_n we_o can_v be_v to_o prayer_n sacrament_n hear_v read_v or_o meditate_v holy_a scripture_n the_o particular_a office_n of_o christian_a positive_a worship_n and_o then_o that_o opinion_n which_o pretend_v it_o sufficient_a man_n live_v honest_o nor_o need_v they_o concern_v or_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o go_v to_o prayer_n frequent_v sacrament_n and_o sermon_n and_o such_o devotion_n be_v not_o as_o it_o will_v be_v think_v a_o more_o free_a and_o generous_a strain_n of_o christianity_n but_o a_o plain_a principle_n of_o impiety_n direct_o injurious_a to_o god_n in_o breed_v man_n to_o the_o neglect_n of_o pay_v he_o what_o be_v his_o due_n that_o be_v what_o he_o require_v and_o subversive_a of_o christian_a religion_n the_o positive_a precept_n of_o which_o of_o no_o less_o divine_a authority_n then_o the_o natural_a it_o flat_o contrariate_n and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o neglect_n or_o not_o performance_n of_o natural_a duty_n while_o it_o destroy_v or_o lift_v out_o those_o mean_n and_o help_n which_o divine_a wisdom_n prescribe_v to_o further_a and_o secure_v such_o performance_n i_o mean_v positive_a office_n of_o worship_n the_o great_a mean_a to_o virtue_n and_o so_o we_o have_v prove_v what_o we_o undertake_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 end_n errata_fw-la note_v the_o discourse_n be_v transpose_v and_o the_o second_o be_v intend_v first_o therefore_o p._n 27._o l._n 12._o read_v discourse_n follow_v p._n 29._o l._n 7._o read_v primitive_a p._n 33._o l._n 12._o r._n two_o p._n 51._o l._n last_o r._n create_v p._n 53._o 19_o r._n thee_o p._n 65._o l._n 4._o r._n mad_a p._n 77._o l._n 17._o r._n run_v on_o one_o p._n 105._o l._n 14._o r._n game_n p._n 112._o l._n 2._o r._n in_o other_o p._n 118._o l._n 12._o r._n plain_a p._n 121._o l._n 3._o r._n mean_v p._n 141._o l._n 9_o r._n of_o employment_n p._n 144._o l._n 12._o r._n affect_n p._n 148._o l._n 4._o r._n act_n p._n 163._o l._n 7._o r._n vein_n p._n 167._o l._n 9_o r._n persist_v p._n 172._o l._n 12._o r._n in_o six_o p._n 212._o ult_n r._n pretend_o