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that_o never_o fail_v to_o hold_v out_o even_o with_o their_o utmost_a prolixity_n so_o that_o in_o all_o their_o long_a fast_n from_o first_o to_o last_o from_o seven_o in_o the_o morning_n to_o seven_o in_o the_o evening_n which_o be_v their_o measure_n the_o pulpit_n be_v always_o the_o empty_a thing_n in_o the_o church_n and_o i_o never_o know_v such_o a_o fast_o keep_v by_o they_o but_o their_o hearer_n have_v cause_n to_o begin_v a_o thanksgiving_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o have_v do_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v when_o i_o consider_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n so_o full_a of_o ramble_n and_o inconsequence_n and_o in_o every_o respect_n so_o very_a like_o the_o language_n of_o a_o dream_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o their_o carriage_n of_o themselves_o in_o prayer_n with_o their_o eye_n for_o the_o most_o part_n shut_z and_o their_o arm_n stretch_v out_o in_o yawn_a posture_n a_o man_n that_o shall_v hear_v any_o of_o they_o pray_v might_n by_o a_o very_a pardonable_a error_n be_v induce_v to_o think_v that_o he_o be_v all_o the_o time_n hear_v one_o talk_v in_o his_o sleep_n beside_o the_o strange_a virtue_n which_o their_o prayer_n have_v to_o procure_v sleep_n in_o other_o too_o so_o that_o he_o who_o shall_v be_v present_a at_o all_o their_o long_a cant_n will_v show_v a_o great_a ability_n in_o watch_v than_o ever_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o in_o pray_v if_o he_o can_v forbear_v sleep_v have_v so_o strong_a a_o provocation_n to_o it_o and_o so_o fair_a a_o excuse_n for_o it_o in_o a_o word_n such_o be_v their_o prayer_n both_o for_o matter_n and_o expression_n that_o can_v any_o one_o true_o and_o exact_o write_v they_o out_o it_o will_v be_v the_o shrewd_a and_o most_o effectual_a way_n of_o write_v against_o they_o that_o can_v possible_o be_v think_v of_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v thus_o trouble_v either_o you_o or_o myself_o by_o rake_v into_o the_o dirt_n and_o dunghill_n of_o these_o man_n devotion_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o any_o thing_n either_o do_v or_o say_v by_o they_o in_o the_o late_a time_n of_o confusion_n for_o as_o they_o have_v the_o king_n be_v so_o i_o wish_v they_o god_n pardon_n also_o for_o both_o who_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o have_v offend_v much_o more_o than_o they_o have_v both_o king_n put_v together_o but_o that_o which_o have_v provoke_v i_o thus_o to_o rip_v up_o and_o expose_v to_o you_o their_o nauseous_a and_o ridiculous_a way_n of_o address_v to_o god_n even_o upon_o the_o most_o solemn_a occasion_n be_v that_o intolerable_o rude_a and_o unprovoke_v insolence_n and_o scurrility_n with_o which_o they_o be_v every_o day_n reproach_v and_o scoff_v at_o our_o liturgy_n and_o the_o user_n of_o it_o and_o thereby_o alienate_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n from_o it_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n that_o many_o thousand_o be_v draw_v by_o
sufficiency_n in_o god_n to_o do_v it_o for_o he_o and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o all_o principle_n both_o of_o reason_n and_o religion_n than_o that_o a_o creature_n endue_v with_o understanding_n and_o will_n shall_v acknowledge_v that_o dependence_n upon_o his_o maker_n by_o a_o free_a act_n of_o choice_n which_o other_o creature_n have_v upon_o he_o only_o by_o necessity_n of_o nature_n but_o still_o there_o be_v one_o objection_n more_o against_o our_o forego_n assertion_n viz._n that_o prayer_n obtain_v the_o thing_n pray_v for_o only_o as_o a_o condition_n and_o not_o by_o way_n of_o importunity_n or_o persuasion_n for_o be_v not_o prayer_n say_v to_o prevail_v by_o frequency_n luke_n 18._o 7._o and_o by_o fervency_n or_o earnestness_n in_o james_n 5._o v_o 16._o and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o fair_a proof_n that_o god_n be_v importune_v and_o persuade_v into_o a_o grant_n of_o our_o petition_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v two_o thing_n 1._o that_o wheresoever_o god_n be_v say_v to_o answer_v prayer_n either_o for_o their_o frequency_n or_o fervency_n it_o be_v speak_v of_o he_o only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o consequent_o aught_o to_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o the_o effect_n or_o issue_n of_o such_o prayer_n in_o the_o success_n certain_o attend_v they_o and_o not_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o efficiency_n that_o it_o be_v by_o persuade_v or_o work_v upon_o the_o passion_n as_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v frequent_a fervent_a and_o importunate_a prayer_n be_v as_o certain_o follow_v with_o god_n grant_n of_o the_o thing_n pray_v for_o as_o man_n use_v to_o grant_v that_o which_o be_v overcome_v by_o excessive_a importunity_n and_o persuasion_n they_o can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o deny_v 2_o lie_n i_o answer_v further_o that_o frequency_n and_o fervency_n of_o prayer_n prove_v effectual_a to_o procure_v of_o god_n the_o thing_n pray_v for_o upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o as_o they_o be_v act_n of_o dependence_n upon_o god_n which_o dependence_n we_o have_v already_o prove_v to_o be_v that_o thing_n essential_o include_v in_o prayer_n for_o which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o make_v prayer_n the_o condition_n upon_o which_o he_o determine_v to_o grant_v man_n such_o thing_n as_o they_o need_v and_o due_o apply_v to_o he_o for_o so_o that_o still_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o persuasion_n in_o the_o case_n and_o thus_o have_v show_v and_o i_o hope_v full_o and_o clear_o how_o prayer_n operate_v towards_o the_o obtain_n of_o the_o divine_a blessing_n namely_o as_o a_o condition_n appoint_v by_o god_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o no_o otherwise_o and_o withal_o for_o what_o reason_n it_o be_v single_v out_o of_o all_o other_o act_n of_o a_o rational_a nature_n to_o be_v this_o condition_n namely_o because_o it_o be_v the_o grand_a instance_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n dependence_n upon_o god_n we_o shall_v now_o from_o the_o same_o principle_n infer_v also_o upon_o what_o account_n the_o high_a reverence_n of_o god_n be_v so_o indispensable_o require_v of_o we_o in_o prayer_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o irreverence_n so_o diametrical_o opposite_a to_o and_o destructive_a of_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o and_o it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v upon_o this_o thaâ—_n in_o what_o degree_n any_o one_o lay_n aside_o his_o reverence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o same_o he_o also_o quit_v his_o dependence_n upon_o he_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o every_o irreverent_a act_n a_o man_n treat_v god_n as_o if_o he_o have_v indeed_o no_o need_n of_o he_o and_o behave_v himself_o as_o if_o he_o stand_v upon_o his_o own_o bottom_n absolute_a and_o self-sufficient_a this_o be_v the_o natural_a language_n the_o true_a signification_n and_o import_n of_o all_o irreverence_n now_o in_o all_o address_n either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n by_o speech_n our_o reverence_n to_o they_o must_v consist_v of_o and_o show_v itself_o in_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o a_o careful_a regulation_n of_o our_o thought_n that_o be_v to_o dictate_v and_o to_o govern_v our_o word_n which_o be_v do_v by_o premeditation_n and_o second_o a_o due_a order_n of_o our_o word_n that_o be_v to_o proceed_v from_o and_o to_o express_v our_o thought_n which_o be_v do_v by_o pertinence_n and_o brevity_n of_o expression_n david_n direct_v his_o prayer_n to_o god_n join_v these_o two_o together_o as_o the_o two_o great_a integral_a part_n of_o it_o in_o psalm_n 19_o 14._o let_v the_o word_n of_o my_o mouth_n and_o the_o meditation_n of_o my_o heart_n be_v acceptable_a in_o thy_o sight_n o_o lord_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v his_o prayer_n adequate_o and_o entire_o consist_v of_o those_o two_o thing_n meditation_n and_o expression_n as_o it_o be_v the_o matter_n and_o form_n of_o that_o noble_a composure_n there_o be_v no_o mention_n at_o all_o of_o distortion_n of_o face_n sanctify_a grimace_n solemn_a wink_v or_o foam_v at_o the_o mouth_n and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o be_v circumstance_n of_o prayer_n of_o a_o late_a date_n and_o bring_v into_o request_n by_o those_o fantastic_a zealot_n who_o have_v a_o way_n of_o pray_v as_o astonish_v to_o the_o eye_n as_o to_o the_o ear_n of_o those_o that_o hear_v they_o well_o then_o the_o first_o ingredient_n of_o a_o pious_a and_o reverential_a prayer_n be_v a_o previous_a regulation_n of_o the_o thought_n as_o the_o text_n express_v it_o most_o emphatical_o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n that_o be_v in_o other_o word_n let_v it_o not_o venture_v to_o throw_v out_o its_o crude_a extemporary_a sudden_a and_o misshape_a conception_n in_o the_o face_n of_o infinite_a perfection_n let_v not_o thy_o heart_n conceive_v and_o bring_v forth_o together_o this_o be_v monstrous_a and_o unnatural_a all_o abortion_n be_v from_o infirmity_n and_o defect_n and_o time_n be_v require_v to_o form_v the_o issue_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o the_o body_n the_o fitness_n or_o unfitness_n of_o the_o first_o thought_n can_v be_v judge_v of_o but_o by_o reflection_n of_o the_o second_o and_o be_v the_o invention_n never_o so_o fruitful_a yet_o in_o the_o mind_n as_o in_o the_o earth_n that_o which_o be_v cast_v into_o it_o must_v lie_v hide_v and_o cover_v for_o a_o while_n before_o it_o can_v be_v fit_a to_o shoot_v forth_o these_o be_v the_o method_n of_o nature_n and_o it_o be_v seldom_o but_o the_o act_n of_o religion_n conform_v to_o they_o he_o who_o be_v to_o pray_v will_v he_o serious_o judge_v of_o the_o work_n that_o be_v before_o he_o have_v more_o to_o consider_v of_o than_o either_o his_o heart_n can_v hold_v or_o his_o head_n well_o turn_v itself_o to_o prayer_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o the_o hard_a work_n that_o a_o man_n have_v to_o do_v in_o this_o world_n and_o be_v ever_o any_o thing_n difficult_a or_o glorious_a achieve_v by_o a_o sudden_a cast_n of_o a_o thought_n a_o fly_a stricture_n of_o the_o imagination_n presence_n of_o mind_n be_v indeed_o good_a but_o have_v be_v not_o so_o and_o therefore_o let_v this_o be_v conclude_v upon_o that_o in_o the_o business_n of_o prayer_n to_o pretend_v to_o reverence_n when_o there_o be_v no_o premeditation_n be_v both_o impudence_n and_o contradiction_n now_o this_o premeditation_n ought_v to_o respect_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o the_o person_n who_o we_o pray_v to_o 2._o the_o matter_n of_o our_o prayer_n and_o 3_o lie_n the_o order_n and_o disposition_n of_o they_o 1._o and_o first_o for_o the_o person_n who_o we_o pray_v to_o the_o same_o be_v to_o employ_v who_o must_v needs_o also_o nonplus_n and_o astonish_v thy_o meditation_n and_o be_v make_v the_o object_n of_o thy_o thought_n who_o infinite_o transcend_v they_o for_o all_o the_o know_v and_o reason_v faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v utter_o baffle_v and_o at_o a_o loss_n when_o they_o offer_v at_o any_o idea_n of_o the_o great_a god_n nevertheless_o since_o it_o be_v hard_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o imprint_v a_o awe_n upon_o the_o affection_n without_o suitable_a notion_n first_o form_v in_o the_o apprehension_n we_o must_v in_o our_o prayer_n endeavour_v at_o least_o to_o bring_v these_o as_o near_o to_o god_n as_o we_o can_v by_o consider_v such_o of_o his_o divine_a perfection_n as_o have_v by_o their_o effect_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n manifest_v themselves_o to_o our_o sense_n and_o in_o a_o much_o great_a to_o the_o discourse_n of_o our_o reason_n as_o first_o consider_v with_o thyself_o how_o great_a and_o glorious_a a_o be_v that_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o raise_v so_o vast_a and_o beautiful_a a_o fabric_n as_o this_o of_o the_o world_n out_o of_o nothing_o with_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o mouth_n and_o can_v and_o will_v with_o the_o same_o reduce_v it_o to_o nothing_o again_o and_o
that_o we_o shall_v manage_v they_o with_o sense_n and_o reason_n fineness_n be_v not_o expect_v but_o decency_n be_v and_o though_o we_o can_v declaim_v as_o orator_n yet_o he_o will_v have_v we_o speak_v like_o man_n and_o tender_v he_o the_o result_v of_o that_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n that_o essential_o constitute_v a_o rational_a nature_n but_o i_o shall_v brief_o cast_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v upon_o this_o particular_a into_o these_o follow_a assertion_n 1._o that_o nothing_o can_v express_v our_o reverence_n to_o god_n in_o prayer_n that_o will_v pass_v for_o irreverence_n towards_o a_o great_a man._n let_v any_o subject_a tender_a his_o prince_n a_o petition_n fraught_v with_o nonsense_n and_o incoherence_n confusion_n and_o impertinence_n and_o can_v he_o expect_v that_o majesty_n shall_v answer_v it_o with_o any_o thing_n but_o a_o deaf_a ear_n a_o frown_a eye_n or_o at_o best_a vouchsafe_v it_o in_o any_o other_o reward_n but_o by_o a_o gracious_a oblivion_n to_o forgive_v the_o person_n and_o to_o forget_v the_o petition_n 2_o lie_n nothing_o absurd_a and_o irrational_a and_o such_o as_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v despise_v can_v be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n in_o prayer_n solomon_n express_o tell_v we_o in_o ecclesiaste_n 5._o v_o 4._o that_o god_n have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o fool_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o a_o infinite_a wisdom_n shall_v the_o scripture_n all_o along_o express_v sin_n and_o wickedness_n by_o the_o name_n of_o folly_n and_o therefore_o certain_o folly_n be_v too_o near_o of_o kin_n to_o it_o to_o find_v any_o approbation_n from_o god_n in_o so_o great_a a_o duty_n it_o be_v the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o not_o of_o the_o head_n that_o be_v the_o best_a enditer_n of_o our_o petition_n that_o which_o proceed_v from_o the_o latter_a be_v undoubted_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o fool_n and_o god_n be_v never_o more_o weary_a of_o sacrifice_n than_o when_o a_o fool_n be_v the_o priest_n and_o folly_n the_o oblation_n 3_o lie_n and_o last_o nothing_o rude_a slight_a and_o careless_a or_o indeed_o less_o than_o the_o very_o best_a that_o a_o man_n can_v offer_v can_v be_v acceptable_a or_o please_v to_o god_n in_o prayer_n if_o you_o offer_v the_o blind_a for_o sacrifice_n be_v it_o not_o evil_a if_o you_o offer_v the_o lame_a and_o the_o sick_a be_v it_o not_o evil_a offer_v it_o now_o to_o thy_o governor_n and_o see_v whether_o he_o will_v be_v please_v with_o thou_o or_o accept_v thy_o person_n say_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n malachi_n 1._o 8._o god_n rigid_o expect_v a_o return_n of_o his_o own_o gift_n and_o where_o he_o have_v give_v ability_n will_v be_v serve_v by_o act_n proportionable_a to_o it_o and_o he_o who_o have_v part_n to_o raise_v and_o propagate_v his_o own_o honour_n by_o but_o none_o to_o employ_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o he_o that_o give_v they_o do_v as_o i_o may_v so_o express_v it_o refuse_v to_o wear_v god_n livery_n in_o his_o own_o service_n add_v sacrilege_n to_o profaneness_n strip_n and_o starve_v his_o devotion_n and_o in_o a_o word_n fall_v direct_o under_o the_o dint_n of_o that_o curse_n denounce_v in_o the_o last_o verse_n of_o the_o 1_o st_z of_o malachi_n curse_v be_v the_o deceiver_n that_o have_v in_o his_o flock_n a_o male_a and_o vow_v and_o sacrifice_v to_o the_o lord_n a_o corrupt_a thing_n the_o same_o be_v here_o both_o the_o deceiver_n and_o the_o deceive_v too_o for_o god_n very_o well_o know_v what_o he_o give_v man_n and_o why_o and_o where_o he_o have_v bestwoe_v judgement_n learning_n and_o utterance_n will_v not_o endure_v that_o man_n shall_v be_v accurate_a in_o their_o discourse_n and_o loose_v in_o their_o devotion_n or_o think_v that_o the_o great_a author_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n will_v be_v put_v off_o with_o ramble_n and_o confuse_a talk_n babble_n and_o tautology_n and_o thus_o much_o for_o the_o order_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o prayer_n which_o certain_o require_v precedent_a thought_n and_o meditation_n god_n have_v declare_v himself_o the_o god_n of_o order_n in_o all_o thing_n and_o will_v have_v it_o observe_v in_o what_o he_o command_v other_o as_o well_o as_o in_o what_o he_o do_v himself_o order_n be_v the_o great_a rule_n or_o art_n by_o which_o god_n make_v the_o world_n and_o by_o which_o he_o still_o govern_v it_o nay_o the_o world_n itself_o be_v nothing_o else_o and_o all_o this_o glorious_a system_n of_o thing_n be_v but_o the_o chaos_n put_v into_o order_n and_o how_o then_o can_v god_n who_o have_v so_o eminent_o own_v himself_o concern_v for_o this_o excellent_a thing_n brook_v such_o absurdity_n and_o confusion_n as_o the_o slovenly_a and_o profane_a negligence_n of_o some_o treat_v he_o with_o in_o their_o most_o solemn_a address_n to_o he_o all_o which_o be_v the_o natural_a unavoidable_a consequent_a of_o unpreparedness_n and_o want_v of_o premeditation_n without_o which_o whosoever_o presume_v to_o pray_v can_v be_v so_o proper_o say_v to_o approach_v to_o as_o to_o break_v in_o upon_o god_n and_o sure_o he_o who_o be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o do_v so_o have_v no_o reason_n in_o the_o earth_n to_o expect_v that_o the_o success_n which_o follow_v his_o prayer_n shall_v be_v great_a than_o the_o preparation_n that_o go_v before_o they_o now_o from_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o discourse_v of_o this_o first_o and_o grand_a qualification_n of_o a_o pious_a and_o devout_a prayer_n to_o wit_n premeditation_n of_o thought_n what_o can_v be_v so_o natural_o and_o so_o useful_o infer_v as_o the_o high_a expediency_n or_o rather_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o a_o set-form_n of_o prayer_n to_o guide_v our_o devotion_n by_o we_o have_v live_v in_o a_o age_n that_o have_v despise_v contradict_v and_o counter-acted_n all_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n in_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o their_o duty_n both_o to_o god_n and_o man_n and_o of_o their_o behaviour_n both_o in_o matter_n civil_a and_o religious_a but_o in_o nothing_o more_o scandalous_o than_o in_o their_o vile_a abuse_n of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o prayer_n concern_v which_o though_o it_o may_v with_o the_o clear_a truth_n be_v affirm_v that_o there_o have_v be_v no_o church_n yet_o of_o any_o account_n in_o the_o christian_a world_n but_o what_o have_v govern_v its_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n by_o a_o liturgy_n or_o set-form_n of_o prayer_n yet_o these_o enthusiastic_a innovator_n the_o bold_a and_o blind_a reformer_n of_o all_o antiquity_n and_o wise_a than_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n beside_o introduce_v into_o the_o room_n of_o it_o a_o saucy_a senseless_a extemporary_a way_n of_o speak_v to_o god_n affirm_v that_o this_o be_v a_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o that_o the_o use_v of_o all_o set-form_n be_v stint_v of_o the_o spirit_n a_o pretence_n i_o confess_v popular_a and_o plausible_a enough_o with_o such_o idiot_n as_o take_v the_o sound_n of_o word_n for_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o but_o for_o the_o full_a confutation_n of_o it_o which_o i_o hope_v shall_v be_v do_v both_o easy_o and_o brief_o too_o i_o shall_v advance_v this_o one_o assertion_n in_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o that_o namely_o that_o the_o pray_v by_o a_o set-form_n be_v not_o a_o stint_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o pray_v extempore_o true_o and_o proper_o be_v so_o for_o the_o prove_v and_o make_v out_o of_o which_o we_o will_v first_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n a_o thing_n much_o talk_v of_o but_o not_o so_o convenient_a for_o the_o talker_n of_o it_o and_o pretender_n to_o it_o to_o have_v it_o right_o state_v and_o understand_v in_o short_a it_o include_v in_o it_o these_o two_o thing_n 1_o sy_n a_o pray_v with_o the_o heart_n which_o be_v sometime_o call_v the_o spirit_n or_o inward_a man_n and_o so_o it_o be_v proper_o oppose_v to_o hypocritical_a lip-devotion_n in_o which_o the_o heart_n or_o spirit_n do_v not_o go_v along_o with_o a_o man_n word_n 2_o lie_n it_o include_v in_o it_o also_o a_o pray_v according_a to_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v by_o god_n holy_a spirit_n and_o hold_v forth_o to_o we_o in_o his_o reveal_v word_n which_o word_n be_v both_o dictate_v and_o confirm_v by_o this_o spirit_n and_o so_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o pray_v unlawful_o or_o unwarrantable_o and_o that_o either_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n or_o manner_n of_o our_o prayer_n as_o when_o we_o desire_v of_o god_n such_o thing_n or_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v in_o his_o holy_a word_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n warrant_v or_o approve_v of_o so_o that_o to_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n signify_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o but_o to_o pray_v know_o hearty_o and_o affectionate_o for_o such_o thing_n and_o in_o such_o
a_o professor_n to_o a_o candidate_n these_o be_v the_o man_n here_o intend_v by_o st._n paul_n man_n famous_a in_o their_o respective_a age_n the_o great_a favourite_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o top_n and_o masterpiece_n of_o art_n man_n who_o aspire_v intellectual_n have_v raise_v they_o above_o the_o common_a level_n and_o make_v they_o high_o by_o the_o head_n than_o the_o world_n round_o about_o they_o man_n of_o a_o polite_a reason_n and_o a_o notion_n refine_v and_o enlarge_v by_o meditation_n such_o as_o with_o all_o these_o advantage_n of_o part_n and_o study_n have_v be_v toil_v and_o plod_v many_o year_n to_o outwit_n and_o deceive_v themselves_o sit_v up_o many_o night_n and_o spend_v many_o day_n to_o impose_v a_o fallacy_n upon_o their_o reason_n and_o in_o a_o word_n run_v the_o round_a of_o all_o the_o art_n and_o science_n to_o arrive_v at_o length_n at_o a_o glorious_a and_o elaborate_a folly_n even_o these_o i_o say_v these_o grandee_n and_o giant_n in_o knowledge_n who_o thus_o look_v down_o as_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o laugh_v at_o all_o beside_o themselves_o as_o barbarous_a and_o insignificant_a as_o quick_a and_o sagacious_a as_o they_o be_v to_o look_v into_o the_o little_a intrigue_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n which_o a_o man_n may_v saluâ_fw-la suentiâ_fw-la or_o at_o least_o saluâ_fw-la animâ_fw-la ignorare_fw-la yet_o blunder_v and_o stumble_v about_o their_o grand_a and_o principal_a concern_v the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n sink_v into_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o ridiculous_a instance_n of_o idolatry_n even_o so_o far_o as_o to_o worship_n the_o great_a god_n under_o the_o form_n of_o beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n to_o adore_v eternity_n and_o immensity_n in_o a_o brute_n or_o a_o plant_n or_o some_o vile_a thing_n bow_v down_o in_o their_o adoration_n to_o such_o thing_n as_o they_o will_v scarce_o otherwise_o have_v bow_v down_o to_o take_v up_o nay_o and_o to_o rear_v temple_n and_o make_v altar_n to_o fear_n lust_n and_o revenge_n there_o be_v scarce_o a_o corrupt_a passion_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o a_o distemper_n of_o the_o body_n but_o what_o they_o worship_v so_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v expect_v that_o they_o shall_v ever_o repent_v of_o those_o sin_n which_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o deify_v nor_o mortify_v those_o corrupt_a affection_n to_o which_o they_o ascribe_v a_o kind_n of_o divinity_n and_o immortality_n by_o all_o which_o they_o fall_v into_o a_o great_a absurdity_n in_o matter_n of_o practice_n than_o ever_o any_o one_o of_o they_o do_v in_o point_n of_o opinion_n which_o yet_o certain_o be_v very_o hard_o namely_o that_o have_v confess_v a_o god_n and_o allow_v he_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o god_n to_o wit_n a_o infinite_a power_n and_o a_o eternal_a godhead_n they_o yet_o deny_v he_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n thus_o reverse_v the_o great_a truth_n they_o have_v subscribe_v to_o in_o speculation_n by_o a_o brutish_a senseless_a devotion_n manage_v with_o a_o great_a prostration_n of_o reason_n than_o of_o body_n have_v the_o poor_a vulgar_a rout_n only_o who_o be_v hold_v under_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o prepossession_n of_o education_n be_v abuse_v into_o such_o idolatrous_a superstition_n as_o to_o adore_v a_o marble_n or_o a_o golden_a deity_n it_o may_v have_v be_v detest_v indeed_o or_o pity_v but_o not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o but_o for_o the_o stoa_n the_o academy_n or_o the_o peripaton_n to_o own_o such_o a_o paradox_n for_o a_o aristotle_n or_o a_o plato_n to_o think_v their_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d their_o eternal_a mind_n or_o universal_a spirit_n to_o be_v find_v in_o or_o serve_v by_o the_o image_n of_o fourfooted_a beast_n for_o the_o stagirite_n to_o recognize_v his_o god_n in_o his_o own_o book_n de_fw-fr animalibus_fw-la this_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v without_o excuse_n and_o how_o will_v these_o man_n answer_v for_o their_o sin_n who_o stand_v thus_o condemn_v for_o their_o devotion_n and_o thus_o from_o the_o person_n here_o charge_v by_o the_o apostle_n with_o the_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n pass_v we_o now_o to_o the_o 3d._a thing_n propose_v namely_o the_o cause_n or_o reason_n of_o their_o fall_n into_o this_o sin_n and_o that_o be_v their_o hold_v of_o the_o truth_n in_o righteousness_n for_o the_o make_n out_o of_o which_o we_o must_v inquire_v into_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o what_o be_v the_o truth_n here_o speak_v of_o 2._o how_o they_o hold_v it_o in_o unrighteousness_n for_o the_o first_o of_o they_o there_o be_v these_o six_o great_a truth_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o the_o gentile_a philosopher_n stand_v accountable_a for_o as_o 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n a_o be_v distinct_a from_o this_o visible_a material_a world_n infinite_o perfect_a omniscient_a omnipotent_a eternal_a transcendent_o good_a and_o holy_a for_o all_o this_o be_v include_v in_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n and_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n write_v with_o a_o sunbeam_n clear_a and_o legible_a to_o all_o mankind_n and_o receive_v by_o universal_a consent_n 2._o that_o this_o god_n be_v the_o maker_n and_o governor_n of_o this_o visible_a world_n the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o very_a order_n of_o cause_n the_o great_a argument_n by_o which_o natural_a reason_n evince_v a_o god_n it_o be_v necessary_a in_o such_o a_o order_n or_o chain_n of_o cause_n to_o ascend_v to_o and_o terminate_v in_o some_o first_o which_o shall_v be_v the_o original_a of_o motion_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n but_o itself_o be_v cause_v by_o none_o and_o then_o that_o god_n also_o govern_v the_o world_n this_o follow_v from_o the_o other_o for_o that_o a_o creature_n shall_v not_o depend_v upon_o its_o creator_n in_o all_o respect_n in_o which_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o depend_v upon_o he_o among_o which_o to_o be_v govern_v by_o he_o be_v certain_o one_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o common_a order_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o those_o essential_a relation_n which_o by_o virtue_n thereof_o they_o bear_v to_o one_o another_o and_o consequent_o absurd_a and_o impossible_a so_o that_o upon_o a_o bare_a principle_n of_o reason_n creation_n must_v needs_o infer_v providence_n and_o god_n make_v the_o world_n irrefragable_o prove_v that_o he_o govern_v it_o too_o or_o that_o a_o be_v of_o a_o dependent_a nature_n remain_v nevertheless_o independent_a upon_o he_o in_o that_o respect_n beside_o all_o which_o it_o be_v also_o certain_a that_o the_o heathen_n do_v actual_o acknowledge_v the_o world_n govern_v by_o a_o supreme_a mind_n which_o knowledge_n whether_o they_o have_v it_o from_o tradition_n or_o the_o discourse_n of_o reason_n they_o stand_v however_o equal_o accountable_a for_o upon_o either_o account_n 3_o lie_n that_o this_o god_n or_o supreme_a be_v be_v to_o be_v worship_v for_o this_o be_v found_v upon_o his_o omnipotence_n and_o his_o providence_n since_o he_o who_o can_v preserve_v or_o destroy_v as_o he_o please_v and_o withal_o govern_v the_o world_n ought_v sure_o to_o be_v depend_v upon_o by_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o obnoxious_a to_o his_o power_n and_o subject_a to_o his_o government_n which_o dependence_n can_v not_o manifest_v itself_o but_o by_o act_n of_o worship_n homage_n and_o address_v to_o the_o person_n thus_o depend_v upon_o 4_o lie_n that_o this_o god_n be_v to_o be_v worship_v or_o address_v to_o by_o virtuous_a and_o pious_a practice_n for_o so_o much_o his_o essential_a holiness_n require_v and_o those_o innate_a notion_n of_o turpe_fw-la &_o honestum_fw-la write_v in_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o man_n and_o join_v with_o the_o apprehension_n they_o have_v of_o the_o infinite_a purity_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n can_v not_o but_o suggest_v 5_o lie_n that_o upon_o any_o deviation_n from_o virtue_n and_o piety_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o rational_a creature_n so_o deviate_a to_o condemn_v renounce_v and_o be_v sorry_a for_o every_o such_o deviation_n that_o be_v in_o other_o word_n to_o repent_v of_o it_o what_o indeed_o the_o issue_n or_o effect_v of_o such_o a_o repentance_n may_v be_v bare_a reason_n can_v not_o of_o itself_o discover_v but_o that_o a_o peccant_a creature_n shall_v disapprove_v and_o repent_v of_o every_o violation_n of_o and_o declination_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o just_a and_o honest_a this_o right_a reason_n discourse_v upon_o the_o stock_n of_o its_o own_o principle_n can_v not_o but_o infer_v and_o the_o conscience_n of_o every_o man_n before_o it_o be_v debauch_v and_o harden_v by_o habitual_a sin_n will_v recoil_v after_o the_o do_v of_o a_o evil_a action_n and_o acquit_v he_o after_o a_o good_n 6_o lie_n and_o last_o that_o every_o such_o deviation_n from_o duty_n render_v the_o person_n so_o deviate_a liable_a and_o obnoxious_a to_o punishment_n i_o do_v not_o
heaven_n do_v they_o not_o make_v the_o narrow_a way_n much_o narrow_a and_o contract_v the_o gate_n which_o lead_v to_o life_n to_o the_o straightness_n of_o a_o needle_n be_v eye_n and_o now_o if_o god_n will_v fit_v thou_o for_o this_o passage_n by_o take_v off_o thy_o load_n and_o empty_v thy_o bag_n and_o so_o suit_v the_o narrowness_n of_o thy_o fortune_n to_o the_o narrowness_n of_o the_o way_n thou_o be_v to_o pass_v be_v there_o any_o thing_n but_o mercy_n in_o all_o this_o nay_o be_v not_o the_o riches_n of_o his_o mercy_n conspicuous_a in_o the_o poverty_n of_o thy_o condition_n thou_o who_o repine_v at_o the_o plenty_n and_o splendour_n of_o thy_o neighbour_n at_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o income_n and_o the_o magnificence_n of_o his_o retinue_n consider_v what_o be_v frequent_o the_o dismal_a wretched_a consequence_n of_o all_o this_o and_o thou_o will_v have_v little_a cause_n to_o envy_n this_o gaudy_a great_a one_o or_o to_o wish_v thyself_o in_o his_o room_n for_o do_v we_o not_o often_o hear_v of_o this_o or_o that_o young_a heir_n new_o come_v to_o his_o father_n vast_a estate_n a_o happy_a man_n no_o doubt_n but_o do_v not_o the_o town_n present_o ring_v of_o his_o debauchery_n his_o blasphemy_n and_o his_o murder_n be_v not_o his_o riches_n and_o his_o lewdness_n talk_v of_o together_o and_o the_o odiousness_n of_o one_o heighten_v and_o set_v off_o by_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o other_o be_v not_o his_o oath_n his_o riot_n and_o other_o villainy_n reckon_v by_o as_o many_o thousand_o as_o his_o estate_n now_o consider_v have_v this_o grand_a debauchee_n this_o glister_a monster_n be_v bear_v to_o thy_o poverty_n and_o mean_a circumstance_n he_o can_v not_o have_v contract_v such_o a_o clamorous_a gild_n he_o can_v not_o have_v be_v so_o bad_a nor_o perhaps_o have_v thy_o birth_n enstate_v thou_o in_o the_o same_o wealth_n and_o greatness_n will_v thou_o have_v be_v at_o all_o better_a this_o god_n foresee_v and_o know_v in_o the_o order_n both_o of_o he_o and_o thy_o condition_n and_o which_o of_o the_o two_o now_o can_v we_o think_v be_v the_o great_a debtor_n to_o his_o prevent_v mercy_n lordly_a sin_n require_v lordly_a estate_n to_o support_v they_o and_o where_o providence_n deny_v the_o latter_a it_o cut_v off_o all_o temptation_n to_o the_o former_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v by_o particular_a instance_n what_o cause_v man_n have_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o and_o submit_v to_o the_o harsh_a dispensation_n that_o providence_n can_v measure_v out_o to_o they_o in_o this_o life_n and_o with_o what_o satisfaction_n or_o rather_o gratitude_n that_o aught_o to_o be_v endure_v by_o which_o the_o great_a of_o mischief_n be_v prevent_v the_o great_a physician_n of_o soul_n sometime_o can_v cure_v without_o cut_v we_o sin_n have_v fester_v inward_o and_o he_o must_v lance_n the_o impostume_n to_o let_v out_o death_n with_o the_o suppuration_n he_o who_o tie_v a_o mad-man_n hand_n or_o take_v away_o his_o sword_n love_v his_o person_n while_o he_o disarm_v his_o frenzy_n and_o whether_o by_o health_n or_o sickness_n honour_n or_o disgrace_n wealth_n or_o poverty_n life_n or_o death_n mercy_n be_v still_o contrive_v act_v and_o carry_v on_o the_o spiritual_a good_a of_o all_o those_o who_o love_n god_n and_o be_v love_v by_o he_o to_o who_o therefore_o be_v render_v and_o ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o praise_n may_v majesty_n and_o dominion_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n a_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o measure_n of_o conscience_n in_o two_o sermon_n on_o 1_o john_n iii_o 21._o preach_v before_o the_o university_n at_o christ-church_n oxon._n the_o first_o preach_v on_o the_o 1_o st_z of_o nou._n 1691._o 1_o john_n iii_o 21._o belove_a if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o we_o have_v confidence_n towards_o god_n as_o nothing_o can_v be_v of_o more_o moment_n so_o few_o thing_n doubtless_o be_v of_o more_o difficulty_n than_o for_o man_n to_o be_v rational_o satisfy_v about_o the_o estate_n of_o their_o soul_n with_o reference_n to_o god_n and_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o eternity_n in_o their_o judgement_n about_o which_o if_o they_o err_v final_o it_o be_v like_o a_o man_n miss_v his_o cast_n when_o he_o throw_v dice_n for_o his_o life_n his_o be_v his_o happiness_n and_o all_o that_o he_o do_v or_o can_v enjoy_v in_o the_o world_n be_v involve_v in_o the_o error_n of_o one_o throw_v and_o therefore_o it_o may_v very_o well_o deserve_v our_o best_a skill_n and_o care_n to_o inquire_v into_o those_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o may_v guide_v our_o judgement_n in_o so_o weighty_a a_o affair_n both_o with_o safety_n and_o success_n and_o this_o i_o think_v can_v be_v better_a do_v than_o by_o separate_v the_o false_a and_o fallacious_a from_o the_o true_a and_o certain_a for_o if_o the_o rule_n we_o judge_v by_o be_v uncertain_a it_o be_v odds_o but_o we_o shall_v judge_v wrong_a and_o if_o we_o shall_v judge_v right_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o proper_o skill_n but_o chance_n not_o a_o true_a judgement_n but_o a_o lucky_a hit_v which_o certain_o the_o eternal_a interest_n of_o a_o immortal_a soul_n be_v of_o much_o too_o high_a a_o value_n to_o be_v leave_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o first_o of_o all_o then_o he_o who_o will_v pass_v such_o a_o judgement_n upon_o his_o condition_n as_o shall_v be_v ratify_v in_o heaven_n and_o confirm_v at_o that_o great_a tribunal_n from_o which_o there_o lie_v no_o appeal_n will_v find_v himself_o woeful_o deceive_v if_o he_o judge_n of_o his_o spiritual_a estate_n by_o any_o of_o these_o four_o follow_a measure_n as_o 1._o the_o general_a esteem_n of_o the_o world_n concern_v he_o he_o who_o owe_v his_o piety_n to_o fame_n and_o hear-say_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o salvation_n to_o popular_a voice_n and_o opinion_n build_v his_o house_n not_o only_o upon_o the_o sand_n but_o which_o be_v worse_o upon_o the_o wind_n and_o write_v the_o deed_n by_o which_o he_o hold_v his_o estate_n upon_o the_o face_n of_o a_o river_n he_o make_v a_o bodily_a eye_n the_o judge_n of_o thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v see_v and_o humour_n and_o ignorance_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n both_o think_v and_o speak_v by_o the_o great_a proof_n of_o his_o justification_n but_o sure_o no_o man_n have_v the_o estate_n of_o his_o soul_n draw_v upon_o his_o face_n nor_o the_o decree_n of_o his_o election_n write_v upon_o his_o forehead_n he_o who_o will_v know_v a_o man_n thorough_o must_v follow_v he_o into_o the_o closet_n of_o his_o heart_n the_o door_n of_o which_o be_v keep_v shut_v to_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o the_o inspection_n of_o which_o be_v only_o the_o prerogative_n of_o omniscience_n the_o favourable_a opinion_n and_o good_a word_n of_o man_n to_o some_o person_n especial_o come_v oftentimes_o at_o a_o very_a easy_a rate_n and_o by_o a_o few_o demure_a look_n and_o affect_v whine_v set_v off_o with_o some_o odd_a devotional_a posture_n and_o grimaces_n and_o such_o other_o little_a art_n of_o dissimulation_n cunning_a man_n will_v do_v wonder_n and_o commence_v present_o hero_n for_o sanctity_n self-denial_n and_o sincerity_n while_o within_o perhaps_o they_o be_v as_o proud_a as_o lucifer_n as_o covetous_a as_o demas_n as_o false_a as_o judas_n and_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o conversation_n act_n and_o be_v act_v not_o by_o devotion_n but_o design_n so_o that_o for_o aught_o i_o see_v though_o the_o moysaicall_a part_n of_o judaism_n be_v abolish_v among_o christian_n the_o pharisaical_a part_n of_o it_o never_o will_n a_o grave_n staunch_a skilful_o manage_v face_n set_v upon_o a_o grasp_a aspire_a mind_n have_v get_v many_o a_o sly_a formalist_n the_o reputation_n of_o a_o primitive_a and_o severe_a piety_n forsooth_o and_o make_v many_o such_o mountebank_n pass_v admire_v even_o for_o saint_n upon_o earth_n as_o the_o word_n be_v who_o be_v like_a to_o be_v so_o nowhere_o else_o but_o a_o man_n who_o have_v never_o see_v the_o stately_a outside_n of_o a_o tomb_n or_o paint_a sepulchre_n before_o may_v very_o well_o be_v excuse_v if_o he_o take_v it_o rather_o for_o the_o repository_n of_o some_o rich_a treasure_n than_o of_o a_o noisome_a corpse_n but_o shall_v he_o but_o once_o open_a and_o rake_v into_o it_o though_o he_o can_v not_o see_v he_o will_v quick_o smell_v out_o his_o mistake_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v nothing_o but_o appearance_n nothing_o but_o show_n and_o surface_n and_o many_o make_v it_o their_o business_n their_o study_n and_o concern_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o who_o have_v for_o many_o year_n together_o deceive_v all_o about_o they_o be_v at_o last_o willing_a to_o deceive_v themselves_o too_o and_o by_o a_o long_a immemorial_n practice_n and_o as_o it_o be_v prescription_n
which_o be_v out_o of_o the_o compass_n of_o any_o man_n power_n be_v to_o that_o man_n impossible_a he_o therefore_o who_o exert_v all_o the_o power_n and_o faculty_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o ply_v all_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n in_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n which_o god_n have_v vouchsafe_v he_o may_v rest_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o his_o conscience_n so_o inform_v as_o a_o warrantable_a guide_n of_o those_o action_n which_o he_o must_v account_v to_o god_n for_o and_o if_o by_o follow_v such_o a_o guide_n he_o fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n the_o ditch_n shall_v never_o drown_v he_o or_o if_o it_o shall_v the_o man_n perish_v not_o by_o his_o sin_n but_o by_o his_o misfortune_n in_o a_o word_n he_o who_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o utmost_a of_o his_o duty_n that_o he_o can_v and_o practice_n the_o utmost_a that_o he_o know_v have_v the_o equity_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o great_a god_n to_o stand_v as_o a_o mighty_a wall_n or_o rampart_n between_o he_o and_o damnation_n for_o any_o error_n or_o infirmity_n which_o the_o frailty_n of_o his_o condition_n have_v invincible_o and_o therefore_o inculpable_o expose_v he_o to_o and_o if_o a_o conscience_n thus_o qualify_v and_o inform_v be_v not_o the_o measure_n by_o which_o a_o man_n may_v take_v a_o true_a estimate_n of_o his_o absolution_n before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n all_o the_o understanding_n of_o humane_a nature_n can_v find_v out_o any_o ground_n for_o the_o sinner_n to_o pitch_v the_o sole_a of_o his_o foot_n upon_o or_o rest_v his_o conscience_n with_o any_o assurance_n but_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o plunge_v of_o infinite_a doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n suspicion_n and_o misgiving_n both_o as_o to_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o present_a duty_n and_o the_o final_a issue_n of_o his_o future_a reward_n let_v this_o conclusion_n therefore_o stand_v as_o the_o firm_a result_n of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o what_o be_v to_o follow_v that_o such_o a_o conscience_n as_o have_v not_o be_v want_v to_o itself_o in_o endeavour_v to_o get_v the_o utmost_a and_o clear_a information_n about_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o its_o power_n advantage_n and_o opportunity_n can_v afford_v it_o be_v that_o great_a internal_a judge_n who_o absolution_n be_v a_o rational_a and_o sure_a ground_n of_o confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o so_o i_o pass_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v we_o may_v get_v our_o heart_n or_o conscience_n thus_o inform_v and_o afterward_o preserve_v and_o keep_v it_o so_o in_o order_n to_o which_o among_o many_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v allege_v as_o high_o useful_a and_o conduce_v to_o this_o great_a work_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o these_o four_o as_o 1._o let_v a_o man_n careful_o attend_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o all_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a morality_n so_o as_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o they_o for_o though_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o as_o a_o guide_n universal_o sufficient_a to_o direct_v we_o what_o to_o do_v yet_o it_o be_v general_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o and_o obey_v where_o it_o tell_v we_o what_o we_o be_v not_o to_o do_v it_o be_v indeed_o but_o a_o weak_a and_o diminutive_a light_n compare_v to_o revelation_n but_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o a_o star_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sun_n nevertheless_o as_o weak_a and_o as_o small_a as_o it_o be_v it_o be_v a_o light_n always_o at_o hand_n and_o though_o enclose_v as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o dark_a lantern_n may_v yet_o be_v of_o singular_a use_n to_o prevent_v many_o a_o foul_a step_n and_o to_o keep_v we_o from_o many_o a_o dangerous_a fall_n and_o every_o man_n bring_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o this_o light_n into_o the_o world_n with_o he_o that_o though_o it_o can_v bring_v he_o to_o heaven_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v true_a to_o it_o it_o will_v carry_v he_o a_o great_a way_n indeed_o so_o far_o that_o if_o he_o follow_v it_o faithful_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o shall_v meet_v with_o another_o light_n which_o shall_v carry_v he_o quite_o through_o how_o far_o it_o may_v be_v improve_v be_v evident_a from_o that_o high_a and_o refine_a morality_n which_o shine_v forth_o both_o in_o the_o life_n and_o write_n of_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a heathen_n who_o yet_o have_v no_o other_o light_n but_o this_o both_o to_o live_v and_o to_o write_v by_o for_o how_o great_a a_o man_n in_o virtue_n be_v cato_n of_o who_o the_o historian_n give_v this_o glorious_a character_n esse_fw-la quam_fw-la videri_fw-la bone_fw-la malebat_fw-la and_o of_o what_o a_o impregnable_a integrity_n be_v fabricius_n of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o attempt_v to_o turn_v the_o sun_n out_o of_o his_o course_n as_o to_o bring_v fabricius_n to_o do_v a_o base_a or_o a_o dishonest_a action_n and_o then_o for_o their_o write_n what_o admirable_a thing_n occur_v in_o the_o remain_v of_o pythagoras_n and_o the_o book_n of_o plato_n and_o of_o several_a other_o philosopher_n short_a i_o confess_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n but_o general_o above_o the_o life_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v so_o ought_v not_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o we_o as_o a_o rich_a and_o a_o noble_a talon_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o we_o must_v account_v to_o god_n for_o for_o it_o be_v certain_o from_o he_o it_o be_v a_o ray_n of_o divinity_n dart_v into_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o solomon_n call_v it_o and_o god_n never_o light_v we_o up_o a_o candle_n either_o to_o put_v out_o or_o to_o sleep_v by_o if_o it_o be_v make_v conscious_a to_o a_o work_n of_o darkness_n it_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o discover_v and_o reprove_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o check_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v revere_v as_o the_o echo_n of_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n for_o whatsoever_o conscience_n bind_v here_o on_o earth_n will_v be_v certain_o bind_v there_o too_o and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a vanity_n to_o hope_v or_o imagine_v that_o either_o law_n or_o gospel_n will_v absolve_v what_o natural_a conscience_n condemn_v no_o man_n ever_o yet_o offend_v his_o own_o conscience_n but_o first_o or_o last_o it_o be_v revenge_v upon_o he_o for_o it_o so_o that_o it_o will_v concern_v a_o man_n to_o treat_v this_o great_a principle_n awful_o and_o wary_o by_o still_o observe_v what_o it_o command_v but_o especial_o what_o it_o forbid_v and_o if_o he_o will_v have_v it_o always_o a_o faithful_a and_o sincere_a monitor_n to_o he_o let_v he_o be_v sure_a never_o to_o turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n to_o it_o for_o not_o to_o hear_v it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o silence_v it_o let_v he_o strict_o observe_v the_o first_o stir_n and_o intimation_n the_o first_o hint_n and_o whisper_v of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o pass_v in_o his_o heart_n and_o this_o will_v keep_v conscience_n so_o quick_a and_o vigilant_a and_o ready_a to_o give_v a_o man_n true_a alarm_n upon_o the_o least_o approach_v of_o his_o spiritual_a enemy_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v hardly_o capable_a of_o a_o great_a surprise_n on_o the_o contrary_a if_o a_o man_n accustom_n himself_o to_o slight_a or_o pass_v over_o these_o first_o motion_n to_o good_a or_o shrink_n of_o his_o conscience_n from_o evil_a which_o original_o be_v as_o natural_a to_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n as_o the_o appetite_n of_o hunger_n and_o thirst_v be_v to_o the_o stomach_n conscience_n will_v by_o degree_n grow_v dull_a and_o unconcerned_a and_o from_o not_o spy_v out_o mote_n come_v at_o length_n to_o overlook_a beam_n from_o carelessness_n it_o shall_v fall_v into_o a_o slumber_n and_o from_o a_o slumber_n it_o shall_v settle_v into_o a_o deep_a and_o long_a sleep_n till_o at_o last_o perhaps_o it_o sleep_v itself_o into_o a_o lethargy_n and_o that_o such_o a_o one_o that_o nothing_o but_o hell_n and_o judgement_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o awaken_v it_o for_o long_a disuse_n of_o any_o thing_n make_v for_o action_n will_v in_o time_n take_v away_o the_o very_a use_n of_o it_o as_o i_o have_v read_v of_o one_o who_o have_v for_o a_o disguise_n keep_v one_o of_o his_o eye_n a_o long_a time_n cover_v when_o he_o take_v off_o the_o cover_v find_v his_o eye_n indeed_o where_o it_o be_v but_o his_o sight_n be_v go_v he_o who_o will_v keep_v his_o conscience_n awake_a must_v be_v careful_a to_o keep_v it_o stir_v 2._o let_v a_o man_n be_v very_o tender_a and_o regardful_a of_o every_o pious_a motion_n and_o suggestion_n make_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o his_o heart_n i_o do_v not_o hereby_o go_v about_o to_o establish_v enthusiasm_n or_o such_o fantastic_a pretence_n