ill_a daughter_n of_o a_o bad_a mother_n a_o debauch_a and_o a_o dissolute_a conscience_n and_o consequent_o partake_v of_o all_o its_o natural_a bane_n and_o malignity_n even_o as_o all_o other_o bad_a effect_n do_v of_o the_o malignant_a nature_n of_o their_o bad_a cause_n but_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v by_o consider_v the_o particular_a evil_n which_o man_n inconstancy_n to_o and_o proneness_n to_o revolt_v from_o the_o true_a religion_n imply_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o these_o five_o instance_n 1._o the_o great_a impiety_n of_o it_o 2._o the_o desperate_a folly_n of_o it_o 3._o the_o foul_a dishonesty_n of_o it_o 4._o the_o shameful_a cowardice_n of_o it_o 5._o the_o vast_a hazard_n and_o insecurity_n of_o it_o 1._o consider_v the_o great_a impiety_n of_o it_o he_o who_o can_v part_v with_o his_o religion_n or_o any_o principle_n of_o it_o upon_o any_o other_o term_n than_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o it_o be_v either_o a_o downright_a atheist_n who_o believe_v no_o religion_n to_o be_v true_a govern_v himself_o by_o this_o principle_n that_o the_o wise_a course_n be_v to_o profess_v none_o but_o that_o which_o be_v uppermost_a and_o most_o for_o his_o interest_n or_o a_o profane_a and_o impious_a wretch_n who_o though_o he_o believe_v his_o own_o religion_n true_a exchange_n it_o for_o another_o which_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v false_a upon_o no_o other_o consideration_n but_o so_o much_o temporal_a advantage_n to_o boot_v by_o which_o he_o plain_o declare_v that_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o his_o estimation_n the_o odds_o between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n the_o declaration_n of_o god_n and_o the_o imposture_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v so_o inconsiderable_a that_o the_o least_o addition_n of_o the_o transitory_a good_n of_o this_o world_n to_o the_o late_a render_v it_o of_o sufficient_a weight_n to_o turn_v the_o scale_n against_o the_o former_a and_o that_o for_o his_o part_n he_o be_v not_o much_o concern_v whether_o the_o almighty_a be_v his_o friend_n or_o foe_n and_o provide_v he_o may_v but_o enjoy_v his_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n a_o few_o year_n long_o here_o he_o be_v very_o well_o content_v to_o part_n with_o all_o his_o hope_n and_o interest_n in_o god_n for_o ever_o for_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a construction_n of_o man_n apostasy_n from_o the_o true_a religion_n in_o consideration_n of_o their_o worldly_a interest_n that_o that_o interest_n be_v in_o their_o esteem_n far_o more_o eligible_a than_o god_n with_o all_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o be_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n than_o without_o preferment_n and_o that_o that_o man_n make_v a_o very_a good_a bargain_n who_o get_v a_o good_a place_n in_o exchange_n for_o his_o maker_n and_o with_o the_o treacherous_a judas_n fell_v his_o saviour_n though_o it_o be_v but_o for_o thirty_o piece_n of_o silver_n which_o be_v such_o a_o monstrous_a degree_n of_o impiety_n as_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o scare_v and_o affright_v the_o most_o courageous_a sinner_n that_o have_v but_o the_o least_o apprehension_n of_o god_n or_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n but_o then_o 2._o consider_v the_o desperate_a folly_n of_o man_n abandon_v their_o religion_n in_o compliance_n with_o their_o vicious_a affection_n for_o he_o who_o without_o through_o conviction_n abandon_v the_o profession_n of_o his_o religion_n whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a do_v together_o with_o that_o most_o certain_o abandon_v all_o the_o bless_a reward_n and_o incur_v all_o the_o dreadful_a penalty_n that_o true_a religion_n promise_n and_o denounce_v because_o though_o his_o religion_n perhaps_o may_v be_v false_a yet_o in_o renounce_v it_o whilst_o he_o believe_v it_o true_a his_o will_n do_v as_o malicious_o renounce_v the_o true_a religion_n as_o if_o it_o real_o be_v so_o he_o think_v it_o true_a and_o yet_o renounce_v it_o by_o which_o he_o plain_o declare_v that_o if_o it_o have_v be_v true_a he_o will_v have_v renounce_v it_o so_o that_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o he_o his_o will_n be_v the_o same_o his_o crime_n and_o gild_n the_o same_o it_o be_v true_a religion_n he_o intentional_o renounce_v and_o therefore_o in_o so_o do_v he_o do_v intentional_o renounce_v all_o his_o concern_v and_o interest_n in_o true_a religion_n now_o what_o a_o desperate_a piece_n of_o folly_n be_v this_o for_o a_o man_n to_o part_v with_o all_o his_o stock_n in_o the_o common_a bank_n of_o religion_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o down_o right_a shame_n and_o imposture_n be_v of_o everlasting_a moment_n and_o concern_v to_o he_o only_o for_o a_o present_a gratification_n of_o some_o vain_a and_o unreasonable_a lust_n to_o divorce_v himself_o for_o ever_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o quit_v all_o title_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n only_o to_o curry_v a_o short-lived_a favour_n with_o man_n with_o man_n who_o breath_n be_v in_o their_o nostril_n and_o who_o within_o a_o few_o day_n or_o year_n must_v go_v off_o the_o stage_n and_o leave_v we_o here_o perhaps_o forlorn_a and_o destitute_a to_o part_v with_o all_o my_o glorious_a hope_n of_o heaven_n which_o be_v my_o best_a heaven_n upon_o earth_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o with_o heaven_n itself_o where_o i_o have_v treasure_n of_o bliss_n sufficient_a to_o maintain_v i_o in_o a_o most_o happy_a port_n to_o eternal_a age_n only_o to_o gain_v or_o secure_v a_o transitory_a estate_n or_o preferment_n which_o while_o i_o have_v it_o can_v make_v i_o happy_a and_o from_o which_o erelong_o i_o shall_v be_v tear_v and_o divide_v and_o not_o be_v a_o farthing_n the_o better_a for_o forever_o to_o expose_v one_o self_n as_o a_o public_a spectacle_n of_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n to_o god_n and_o angel_n and_o all_o the_o wise_a and_o good_a part_n of_o the_o rational_a world_n for_o a_o short_a extemporary_a blaze_n of_o pompous_a splendour_n and_o greatness_n which_o lie_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o every_o counter-blast_n of_o fortune_n and_o in_o all_o probability_n will_v ever_o long_o expire_v in_o smoke_n and_o stink_n wretchedness_n and_o infamy_n to_o plunge_v one_o self_n headlong_o into_o all_o the_o agony_n and_o torment_n the_o horror_n and_o desperation_n of_o a_o woeful_a eternity_n only_o to_o escape_v a_o short_a persecution_n and_o a_o glorious_a martyrdom_n when_o a_o little_a after_o perhaps_o i_o shall_v suffer_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o and_o long_o under_o the_o gout_n or_o stone_n or_o strangury_n without_o the_o comfort_n of_o die_v in_o a_o brave_a cause_n and_o be_v assure_v of_o a_o immortal_a recompense_n than_o i_o can_v have_v do_v under_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o executioner_n with_o it_o and_o yet_o all_o these_o mad_a prank_n that_o man_n play_v at_o once_o who_o abandon_v his_o religion_n in_o compliance_n with_o his_o lust_n 3._o consider_v the_o soul_n dishonesty_n of_o it_o for_o beside_o that_o our_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o sacred_a pledge_n commit_v to_o we_o by_o god_n for_o our_o own_o use_n and_o the_o use_v of_o our_o late_a posterity_n we_o can_v vicous_o desert_v and_o abandon_v it_o without_o betray_v of_o god_n and_o falsify_v our_o trust_n to_o he_o and_o which_o be_v worse_o without_o squander_v away_o the_o most_o inestimable_a good_a that_o ever_o he_o commit_v to_o man_n upon_o our_o own_o base_a lust_n and_o his_o most_o execrable_a enemy_n which_o be_v dishonesty_n blacken_v with_o the_o foul_a ingratitude_n beside_o this_o i_o say_v by_o forsake_v our_o religion_n in_o compliance_n with_o any_o lewd_a affection_n we_o not_o only_o do_v a_o dishonest_a thing_n at_o present_a but_o also_o total_o discard_v the_o obligation_n to_o honesty_n for_o the_o future_a for_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v rational_o oblige_v a_o man_n to_o be_v thorough_o honest_a but_o only_a his_o religion_n or_o inward_a sense_n that_o it_o be_v his_o indispensable_a duty_n towards_o god_n before_o who_o righteous_a tribunal_n he_o must_v one_o day_n give_v a_o account_n of_o all_o his_o action_n the_o two_o great_a motive_n of_o humane_a action_n be_v religion_n and_o worldly_a interest_n now_o as_o for_o religion_n that_o consist_v of_o fix_a and_o unalterable_a principle_n which_o will_v by_o no_o mean_n ply_v or_o bend_v to_o the_o alteration_n of_o outward_a affair_n and_o circumstance_n but_o do_v in_o all_o condition_n move_v and_o oblige_v we_o with_o equal_a force_n and_o vigour_n whereas_o worldly_a interest_n be_v a_o fickle_a and_o mutable_a thing_n that_o vary_v and_o alter_v with_o every_o outward_a turn_n and_o revolution_n so_o that_o that_o which_o be_v my_o interest_n to_o day_n may_v prove_v my_o damage_n to_o morrow_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v whatever_o part_n i_o act_v to_o
day_n it_o will_v oblige_v i_o to_o act_v the_o contrary_a to_o morrow_n when_o therefore_o a_o man_n have_v let_v go_v his_o religion_n and_o have_v nothing_o but_o his_o interest_n to_o hold_v he_o it_o be_v cross_a or_o pile_n for_o the_o future_a whether_o you_o find_v he_o a_o honest_a man_n or_o a_o knave_n because_o from_o henceforth_o he_o will_v be_v knave_n or_o honest_a according_a as_o it_o serve_v his_o turn_n and_o that_o which_o serve_v his_o turn_n to_o day_n may_v prove_v his_o loss_n and_o prejudice_n to_o morrow_n so_o that_o whether_o to_o day_n or_o to_o morrow_n he_o prove_v a_o true_a man_n or_o a_o cheat_n whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o die_n of_o fortune_n and_o you_o must_v consult_v his_o star_n to_o find_v the_o lucky_a hour_n or_o moment_n when_o you_o may_v safe_o trust_v he_o for_o after_o the_o wretch_n have_v be_v so_o perfidious_a as_o to_o renounce_v his_o god_n and_o his_o religion_n he_o have_v no_o one_o principle_n remain_v in_o he_o upon_o which_o you_o can_v fasten_v any_o last_a confidence_n as_o for_o his_o interest_n that_o be_v such_o a_o fickle_a and_o inconstant_a thing_n that_o there_o be_v no_o trust_v it_o if_o it_o plead_v for_o you_o now_o the_o next_o turn_v of_o affair_n it_o may_v be_v retain_v against_o you_o and_o the_o man_n be_v get_v joose_a from_o all_o the_o tie_v and_o obligation_n of_o fidelity_n you_o may_v be_v sure_a he_o will_v stick_v at_o nothing_o be_v it_o never_o so_o foul_a that_o his_o present_a interest_n invite_v he_o to_o to_o serve_v himself_o he_o will_v make_v no_o bone_n whenever_o he_o have_v a_o fair_a opportunity_n to_o cheat_v and_o betray_v his_o own_o father_n or_o supplant_v his_o dear_a friend_n or_o benefactor_n and_o what_o shall_v hinder_v he_o his_o conscience_n and_o religion_n be_v go_v and_o with_o they_o all_o bind_a principle_n of_o truth_n and_o honesty_n for_o when_o a_o man_n forsake_v his_o religion_n out_o of_o any_o vicous_a affection_n he_o do_v in_o effect_n make_v this_o public_a declaration_n to_o the_o world_n by_o this_o my_o own_o act_n and_o deed_n i_o do_v here_o for_o ever_o renounce_v all_o the_o obligation_n to_o honesty_n and_o fair_a deal_v with_o god_n or_o man_n and_o be_o resolve_v for_o the_o future_a to_o be_v deaf_a and_o inexorable_a to_o all_o the_o importunity_n of_o conscience_n and_o religion_n from_o henceforth_o i_o will_v listen_v to_o no_o other_o call_v but_o that_o of_o my_o worldly_a interest_n when_o that_o bid_v i_o be_v honest_a i_o will_v be_v honest_a and_o when_o it_o bid_v i_o play_v the_o knave_n i_o will_v play_v the_o knave_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o future_a i_o warn_v all_o that_o know_v i_o to_o trust_v i_o no_o far_o than_o they_o can_v make_v it_o my_o interest_n to_o be_v true_a and_o not_o to_o venture_v the_o most_o trifle_a matter_n in_o which_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v wrong_v either_o upon_o my_o faith_n or_o word_n or_o oath_n without_o demand_v of_o i_o such_o ample_a security_n as_o may_v render_v it_o impossible_a for_o i_o to_o wrong_v they_o without_o wrong_v myself_o for_o this_o be_v the_o principle_n i_o now_o intend_v to_o live_v by_o that_o be_v always_o best_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v do_v that_o be_v most_o subservient_fw-fr to_o my_o present_a interest_n this_o in_o construction_n of_o fact_n be_v the_o profession_n which_o that_o man_n take_v up_o who_o in_o compliance_n with_o any_o vicious_a affection_n abandon_v the_o profession_n of_o his_o religion_n 4._o consider_v the_o shameful_a cowardice_n of_o it_o the_o advantage_n of_o true_a religion_n be_v great_a enough_o to_o encourage_v a_o mind_n of_o any_o constancy_n or_o firmness_n to_o charge_n through_o the_o great_a difficulty_n the_o world_n can_v interpose_v between_o they_o and_o he_o who_o that_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n will_v ever_o boggle_v to_o wade_v through_o a_o narrow_a shallow_a stream_n of_o temporary_a suffering_n whilst_o on_o the_o far_a shore_n he_o behold_v a_o heaven_n of_o immortal_a joy_n ready_a to_o receive_v and_o reward_v he_o but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o turn_v his_o back_n and_o run_v away_o from_o god_n and_o heaven_n for_o fear_n only_o of_o be_v disappoint_v by_o some_o lewd_a or_o covetous_a or_o ambitious_a hope_n be_v such_o a_o instance_n of_o vile_a prostitute_v baseness_n as_o be_v beneath_o even_a contempt_n and_o derision_n for_o what_o danger_n or_o difficulty_n dare_v that_o wretch_n encounter_n that_o dare_v not_o stand_v by_o his_o religion_n in_o which_o he_o confess_v all_o his_o future_a hope_n be_v involve_v for_o fear_v of_o lose_v such_o a_o place_n or_o be_v disappoint_v of_o such_o a_o preferment_n which_o within_o a_o few_o day_n or_o year_n he_o know_v very_o well_o he_o must_v lose_v for_o ever_o he_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n capable_a of_o be_v scare_v out_o of_o his_o religion_n by_o such_o mean_a consideration_n as_o these_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o only_a to_o be_v make_v the_o football_n of_o fortune_n to_o be_v kick_v up_o and_o down_o upon_o her_o scornful_a toe_n at_o pleasure_n who_o by_o threaten_v he_o with_o the_o small_a evil_n can_v huff_v he_o out_o of_o the_o great_a good_a and_o find_v he_o a_o wretched_a passive_a thing_n that_o have_v not_o strength_n enough_o to_o resist_v her_o weak_a impression_n make_v he_o her_o sport_n and_o recreation_n and_o turn_v he_o into_o any_o thing_n and_o toss_v he_o whither_o she_o please_v from_o truth_n to_o fashood_n from_o god_n to_o the_o devil_n and_o from_o heaven_n to_o hell_n without_o the_o least_o control_v or_o opposition_n for_o the_o poor_a man_n soul_n be_v grow_v so_o tender_a and_o effeminate_a that_o for_o the_o great_a good_a in_o all_o the_o world_n he_o can_v endure_v the_o least_o air_n of_o suffer_v to_o blow_v upon_o he_o tell_v he_o of_o suffer_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o it_o fright_v and_o appall_v he_o present_v but_o a_o persecution_n at_o his_o breast_n and_o bid_v he_o stand_v and_o deliver_v and_o the_o crest-fallen_a pultroon_n be_v present_o ready_a to_o cry_v out_o o_o spare_v my_o life_n spare_v my_o skin_n and_o take_v my_o religion_n take_v my_o god_n and_o all_o my_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o immortality_n and_o who_o but_o a_o infamous_a coward_n will_v ever_o endure_v to_o be_v hector_v out_o of_o so_o vast_a a_o good_a by_o the_o weak_a and_o impotent_a evil_n of_o this_o world_n which_o if_o they_o do_v their_o worst_a can_n only_o rob_v he_o of_o a_o few_o transitory_a enjoyment_n which_o without_o their_o constraint_n he_o must_v ere_o long_o take_v his_o leave_n of_o for_o ever_o how_o ridiculous_o mean-spirited_n will_v it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o deliver_v up_o his_o purse_n to_o a_o thief_n who_o he_o know_v have_v no_o other_o weapon_n but_o a_o slender_a switch_n to_o hurt_v and_o offend_v he_o but_o for_o a_o man_n to_o deliver_v up_o his_o religion_n and_o with_o that_o his_o god_n and_o his_o heaven_n at_o the_o demand_n of_o a_o short_a skindeep_a affliction_n which_o can_v only_o disease_v he_o for_o a_o few_o moment_n and_o shall_v then_o determine_v in_o everlasting_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o mean_a and_o ridiculous_a 5._o and_o last_o consider_v the_o vast_a hazard_n and_o insecurity_n of_o a_o man_n part_v with_o his_o religion_n in_o compliance_n with_o his_o vicious_a affection_n for_o that_o which_o move_v he_o to_o it_o be_v only_o his_o prospect_n of_o live_v at_o ease_n a_o few_o year_n long_o or_o gratify_v some_o covetous_a desire_n or_o ambition_n but_o whether_o he_o obtain_v these_o end_n by_o part_v with_o his_o religion_n be_v vast_o hazardous_a and_o insecure_a perhaps_o when_o i_o have_v act_v this_o implous_a and_o perfidious_a part_n i_o may_v be_v cast_v into_o such_o circumstance_n as_o may_v force_v i_o upon_o impartial_a reflection_n and_o make_v i_o see_v whether_o i_o will_v or_o no_o the_o blackness_n and_o 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sacred_a and_o good_a as_o no_o man_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o who_o be_v not_o utter_o abandon_v of_o all_o his_o natural_a sense_n of_o religion_n and_o relish_v of_o good_a and_o evil_a but_o yet_o perhaps_o you_o may_v be_v tempt_v to_o change_v with_o the_o prospect_n of_o such_o advantage_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o calamity_n on_o the_o other_o which_o though_o it_o do_v not_o obtain_v of_o you_o that_o base_a and_o wicked_a resolution_n yet_o do_v so_o far_o prevail_v as_o to_o engage_v you_o upon_o a_o fresh_a enquiry_n to_o try_v whether_o upon_o second_o thought_n and_o better_a consideration_n you_o can_v satisfy_v your_o own_o mind_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n you_o be_v invite_v to_o turn_v to_o that_o so_o you_o may_v if_o possible_a comply_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n and_o secure_v your_o interest_n in_o do_v your_o duty_n and_o thus_o far_o you_o be_v safe_a enough_o but_o before_o you_o proceed_v any_o far_a it_o concern_v you_o as_o you_o 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with_o god_n complacency_n it_o proceed_v not_o upon_o principle_n of_o mere_a policy_n or_o prudence_n which_o require_v we_o to_o act_v this_o way_n now_o and_o anon_o the_o contrary_a as_o circumstance_n after_o but_o upon_o the_o awful_a principle_n of_o divinity_n which_o oblige_v we_o by_o all_o that_o we_o can_v hope_v or_o fear_v for_o ever_o and_o require_v of_o we_o the_o self_n same_o thing_n and_o action_n in_o all_o circumstance_n and_o the_o sole_a reason_n it_o insist_o on_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o pleasure_n or_o displeasure_n can_v make_v we_o happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o ever_o the_o voice_n of_o conscience_n be_v not_o this_o i_o judge_v most_o expedient_a for_o thou_o to_o do_v and_o this_o to_o avoid_v but_o this_o thou_o must_v do_v and_o this_o avoid_v as_o thou_o tender_v the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o dread_a his_o everlasting_a hatred_n and_o revenge_n and_o it_o be_v no_o less_o than_o eternal_a bliss_n that_o conscience_n allure_v our_o hope_n with_o and_o eternal_a vengeance_n that_o it_o alarm_n our_o fear_n with_o and_o if_o man_n will_v not_o be_v withhold_v by_o such_o powerful_a restraint_n as_o these_o what_o can_v withhold_v they_o whilst_o therefore_o a_o man_n cherish_v his_o conscience_n by_o comply_v with_o it_o and_o follow_v its_o direction_n this_o if_o any_o thing_n will_v secure_v his_o steadfastness_n to_o the_o truth_n against_o all_o temptation_n whilst_o this_o have_v any_o power_n over_o he_o he_o will_v as_o soon_o eat_v fire_n as_o sacrifice_v his_o faith_n to_o his_o interest_n for_o for_o a_o man_n to_o renounce_v his_o religion_n upon_o any_o prospect_n of_o temporal_a gain_n or_o loss_n be_v such_o a_o flagitious_a violation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v sacred_a such_o a_o monstrous_a instance_n of_o high-treason_n against_o god_n such_o a_o open_a blasphemy_n of_o his_o truth_n such_o a_o bold_a defiance_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o in_o a_o word_n such_o a_o complication_n of_o vile_a perfidy_n base_a ingratitude_n and_o impious_a falsehood_n that_o but_o to_o think_v of_o it_o be_v like_o look_v down_o from_o a_o stupendous_a precipice_n that_o swim_v the_o head_n and_o strike_v the_o mind_n with_o horror_n and_o amazement_n so_o that_o while_o a_o man_n conscience_n have_v any_o power_n over_o he_o he_o will_v no_o more_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v with_o himself_o to_o commit_v the_o one_o than_o to_o throw_v himself_o headlong_a down_o from_o the_o other_o whilst_o he_o be_v under_o the_o horror_n of_o the_o prospect_n and_o he_o will_v find_v it_o so_o much_o more_o easy_a to_o endure_v the_o worst_a of_o persecution_n than_o to_o commit_v such_o a_o outrage_n and_o violence_n on_o his_o conscience_n and_o undergo_v those_o horrible_a reflection_n and_o sting_a remorse_n that_o must_v follow_v it_o but_o after_o a_o man_n by_o wilful_a sin_v have_v often_o wound_v
earth_n if_o to_o keep_v in_o a_o whole_a skin_n i_o shall_v bring_v upon_o myself_o the_o intolerable_a anguish_n of_o a_o wound_a spirit_n if_o to_o escape_v be_v reject_v disgrace_v and_o discountenance_v by_o man_n i_o shall_v expose_v myself_o to_o the_o perpetual_a clamour_n and_o reproach_n of_o my_o own_o conscience_n if_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v shall_v happen_v as_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a they_o may_v i_o shall_v find_v myself_o miserable_o disappoint_v of_o that_o ease_n and_o quiet_a enjoyment_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o i_o base_o abandon_v my_o religion_n i_o shall_v find_v that_o to_o save_v my_o garment_n from_o be_v singe_v i_o have_v throw_v my_o body_n into_o a_o consume_a flame_n and_o only_o expose_v my_o breast_n to_o save_v my_o buckler_n but_o then_o suppose_v this_o shall_v not_o happen_v suppose_v my_o conscience_n shall_v be_v stupid_a and_o insensible_a enough_o to_o bear_v the_o gild_n of_o my_o apostasy_n without_o remorse_n or_o relent_a yet_o my_o prospect_n of_o gain_n and_o advancement_n in_o this_o world_n be_v extreme_o hazardous_a and_o insecure_a for_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o they_o to_o who_o religion_n i_o turn_v and_o upon_o who_o favour_n i_o depend_v will_v by_o one_o mean_n or_o other_o discover_v my_o falsehood_n and_o insincerity_n and_o if_o in_o the_o course_n of_o my_o action_n or_o any_o other_o suspicious_a indication_n they_o shall_v find_v cause_n to_o be_v jealous_a that_o i_o embrace_v their_o religion_n only_o to_o serve_v my_o interest_n and_o against_o the_o persuasion_n of_o my_o own_o mind_n if_o they_o be_v wise_a they_o will_v treat_v i_o as_o a_o dangerous_a person_n upon_o who_o there_o be_v no_o reliance_n for_o how_o can_v they_o imagine_v that_o i_o shall_v be_v true_a to_o they_o who_o have_v be_v false_a to_o my_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o proverb_n among_o the_o jew_n that_o proselyte_n be_v not_o to_o be_v trust_v to_o the_o ten_o generation_n and_o by_o too_o many_o woeful_a instance_n in_o our_o own_o neighbourhood_n we_o find_v it_o a_o maxim_n in_o some_o man_n politic_n that_o a_o new_a convert_n be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v trust_v than_o a_o old_a heretic_n and_o though_o for_o a_o while_o they_o may_v think_v fit_a to_o use_v i_o as_o a_o proper_a tool_n to_o serve_v a_o present_a design_n yet_o to_o be_v sure_o they_o will_v use_v i_o to_o long_o than_o they_o needs_o must_v and_o when_o i_o have_v do_v their_o work_n i_o must_v expect_v to_o be_v thrust_v out_o to_o make_v room_n for_o such_o as_o they_o can_v more_o safe_o depend_v on_o and_o if_o this_o shall_v not_o happen_v as_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a it_o may_v yet_o see_v all_o humane_a affair_n be_v liable_a to_o perpetual_a turn_v and_o mutability_n perhaps_o upon_o the_o next_o revolution_n a_o contrary_a interest_n may_v appear_v upon_o the_o stage_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v find_v myself_o desert_v of_o all_o my_o present_n support_v and_o dependency_n and_o like_o a_o forlorn_a wretch_n utter_o abandon_v both_o by_o god_n and_o man_n without_o any_o other_o company_n to_o entertain_v i_o in_o this_o my_o mournful_a solitude_n beside_o the_o woeful_a remembrance_n of_o my_o gild_n and_o shame_n to_o such_o infinite_a uncertainty_n of_o obtain_v their_o end_n be_v those_o miserable_a man_n expose_v who_o desert_n their_o religion_n in_o pursuit_n of_o their_o worldly_a interest_n and_o so_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o inference_n but_o then_o 2._o from_o hence_o i_o infer_v how_o cautious_a a_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o change_v his_o religion_n or_o any_o principle_n of_o it_o lest_o that_o which_o induce_v he_o to_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o his_o conviction_n as_o his_o profligate_n conscience_n i_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o man_n be_v always_o to_o maintain_v the_o same_o persuasion_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o such_o a_o obligation_n will_v as_o effectual_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o false_a religion_n as_o of_o true_a whatever_o some_o man_n pretend_v we_o be_v all_o of_o we_o from_o top_n to_o bottom_n a_o company_n of_o fallible_a creature_n and_o if_o we_o be_v in_o a_o error_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a we_o may_v it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o endeavour_v to_o be_v better_o inform_v nor_o do_v i_o deny_v but_o a_o honest-minded_n man_n without_o be_v in_o the_o least_o influence_v by_o a_o bad_a conscience_n may_v be_v innocent_o or_o at_o least_o pitiable_o seduce_v from_o truth_n to_o error_n by_o false_a colour_n and_o probable_a appearance_n for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a sagacity_n to_o distinguish_v between_o sophistry_n and_o true_a reason_n but_o if_o in_o compliance_n with_o any_o vicious_a affection_n or_o in_o pusuit_n of_o any_o worldly_a interest_n a_o man_n desert_n the_o truth_n and_o take_v up_o false_a and_o erroneous_a principle_n his_o error_n be_v no_o long_o imputable_a to_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o understanding_n but_o to_o the_o wickedness_n of_o his_o will_n and_o a_o wilful_a error_n in_o his_o faith_n will_v prove_v as_o fatal_a and_o as_o damnable_a to_o he_o as_o a_o wilful_a wickedness_n in_o his_o manner_n and_o when_o ever_o his_o wretched_a soul_n shall_v appear_v before_o the_o great_a searcher_n of_o heart_n it_o shall_v certain_o be_v treat_v by_o he_o as_o a_o wilful_a apostate_n that_o have_v perfidious_o renounce_v his_o baptismal_a vow_n and_o abjure_v his_o god_n his_o saviour_n truth_n and_o religion_n and_o see_v it_o be_v thus_o it_o very_o high_o concern_v man_n as_o they_o love_v themselves_o or_o have_v any_o regard_n of_o their_o own_o everlasting_a wellbeing_a not_o to_o desert_v their_o religion_n or_o any_o principle_n of_o it_o upon_o any_o other_o motive_n than_o a_o thorough_a conviction_n of_o its_o falsehood_n not_o to_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v seduce_v from_o it_o by_o any_o temporal_a interest_n or_o vicious_a affection_n lest_o in_o so_o do_v they_o reprobate_v themselves_o from_o god_n and_o all_o the_o bless_a hope_n of_o a_o glorious_a eternity_n hereafter_o for_o when_o man_n be_v upon_o change_v their_o persuasion_n in_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o ordinary_a thing_n for_o their_o interest_n and_o passion_n so_o to_o intermingle_v with_o their_o reason_n that_o without_o some_o care_n and_o observation_n of_o themselves_o they_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v which_o of_o the_o two_o have_v the_o great_a influence_n upon_o they_o insomuch_o that_o i_o be_o very_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o careless_a and_o unreflect_a people_n that_o be_v hurry_v mere_o by_o their_o interest_n and_o passion_n out_o of_o one_o religious_a persuasion_n into_o another_o who_o yet_o through_o gross_a neglect_n and_o inobservance_n of_o themselves_o believe_v themselves_o to_o be_v convert_v upon_o pure_a reason_n and_o conviction_n perhaps_o upon_o the_o solicitation_n of_o worldly_a interest_n their_o mind_n be_v wrought_v into_o a_o strong_a inclination_n to_o a_o change_n insomuch_o that_o they_o vehement_o wish_v that_o they_o can_v but_o satisfy_v their_o reason_n and_o conscience_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o that_o new_a persuasion_n which_o these_o their_o importunate_a passion_n so_o earnest_o invite_v they_o to_o embrace_v and_o then_o with_o this_o strong_a bias_n of_o worldly_a interest_n upon_o their_o mind_n away_o they_o run_v hunt_v after_o reason_n and_o argument_n to_o convince_v and_o satisfy_v themselves_o and_o if_o in_o this_o heat_n of_o affection_n they_o can_v but_o light_a upon_o any_o little_a show_n of_o probability_n that_o will_v quick_o improve_v they_o into_o irrefragable_a proof_n and_o demonstration_n for_o when_o a_o man_n inquire_v whether_o such_o a_o doctrine_n be_v true_a with_o a_o strong_a inclination_n of_o will_n to_o find_v it_o so_o he_o will_v be_v afraid_a to_o consult_v the_o reason_n and_o argument_n against_o it_o lest_o they_o shall_v convince_v he_o that_o it_o be_v false_a and_o thereby_o defeat_v his_o inclination_n and_o when_o once_o a_o man_n be_v so_o prepossess_v as_o that_o he_o will_v listen_v only_o to_o one_o side_n of_o the_o question_n be_v that_o side_n never_o so_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a it_o be_v a_o hard_a case_n if_o he_o can_v find_v reason_n enough_o to_o wheadle_n himself_o into_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o for_o his_o very_a inclination_n to_o believe_v it_o will_v deter_v he_o from_o enter_v into_o a_o strict_a examination_n of_o those_o reason_n and_o be_v afraid_a to_o examine_v they_o too_o far_o lest_o he_o shall_v find_v they_o false_a and_o unconcluding_a if_o he_o can_v but_o discern_v the_o least_o colour_n of_o probability_n in_o their_o first_o view_n and_o appearance_n that_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v he_o and_o render_v he_o a_o warm_a and_o zealous_a convert_n for_o indeed_o the_o man_n be_v a_o convert_n in_o his_o
resemblance_n of_o a_o sincere_a conversion_n for_o till_o his_o interest_n strike_v in_o with_o they_o they_o signify_v nothing_o with_o he_o make_v not_o the_o least_o impression_n on_o his_o mind_n but_o be_v back_v with_o that_o all_o on_o a_o sudden_a they_o be_v wondrous_a cogent_n and_o persuasive_a from_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o receive_v their_o strength_n and_o force_n from_o his_o interest_n without_o the_o air_n of_o which_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o operate_v and_o consequent_o that_o the_o change_n of_o his_o faith_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o overrule_a interest_n of_o his_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o the_o prevalence_n of_o reason_n and_o sincere_a conviction_n for_o it_o be_v that_o interest_n that_o strong_o incline_v he_o to_o change_v before_o ever_o he_o know_v any_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o than_o it_o be_v that_o inclination_n that_o make_v his_o reason_n and_o create_v his_o conviction_n and_o let_v he_o talk_v what_o he_o please_v of_o reason_n scripture_n and_o authority_n if_o he_o be_v strong_o incline_v to_o change_v before_o he_o be_v move_v to_o it_o by_o reason_n and_o evidence_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o prevail_a motive_n of_o his_o conversion_n be_v either_o the_o fear_n of_o lose_v some_o good_a warm_a place_n or_o the_o hope_n of_o gain_v some_o important_a station_n or_o preferment_n and_o if_o this_o be_v find_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o case_n when_o he_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n it_o have_v be_v a_o thousand_o time_n better_o for_o he_o that_o he_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v for_o than_o he_o will_v be_v find_v a_o base_a deserter_n of_o his_o god_n a_o treacherous_a judas_n to_o his_o saviour_n and_o a_o perfidious_a renegado_n from_o his_o religion_n and_o according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o gild_n receive_v his_o portion_n of_o damnation_n 4._o consider_v whether_o before_o you_o entertain_v any_o intention_n to_o change_v you_o be_v full_o resolve_v impartial_o to_o consult_v both_o side_n of_o the_o question_n i_o doubt_v there_o be_v too_o many_o among_o we_o that_o first_o resolve_v to_o change_v their_o religion_n and_o then_o begin_v to_o inquire_v after_o reason_n and_o argument_n against_o it_o and_o that_o their_o resolution_n to_o change_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o sincere_a conviction_n that_o their_o conviction_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o their_o resolution_n first_o some_o vile_a affection_n or_o some_o temporal_a interest_n recommend_v another_o religion_n to_o they_o that_o either_o give_v they_o leave_v to_o be_v wicked_a without_o remorse_n or_o disturbance_n or_o promise_v they_o gain_n and_o advancement_n upon_o which_o they_o resolve_v right_a or_o wrong_n to_o entertain_v and_o embrace_v it_o and_o then_o to_o excuse_v themselves_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n or_o to_o vindicate_v their_o reputation_n to_o the_o world_n from_o the_o scandal_n of_o be_v downright_a apostate_n they_o fall_v a_o hunt_n after_o reason_n and_o argument_n to_o convince_v themselves_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o or_o at_o least_o to_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o their_o interest_n but_o their_o conviction_n that_o turn_v they_o and_o when_o man_n thus_o resolve_v first_o and_o inquire_v afterward_o to_o be_v sure_a their_o enquiry_n will_v be_v very_o partial_a for_o be_v full_o resolve_v to_o change_v their_o religion_n upon_o some_o vicious_a or_o secular_a motive_n it_o be_v become_v their_o interest_n to_o pick_v holes_n in_o it_o and_o to_o reason_n or_o cavil_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o and_o this_o make_v they_o shy_a of_o bring_v the_o matter_n under_o a_o fair_a and_o impartial_a examination_n lest_o while_o they_o be_v seek_v reason_n to_o overthrow_v their_o faith_n they_o shall_v find_v reason_n to_o establish_v and_o confirm_v it_o so_o that_o they_o begin_v their_o enquiry_n with_o these_o secret_a intention_n we_o will_v listen_v only_o to_o one_o side_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o leave_v the_o other_o to_o shift_v for_o itself_o and_o seek_v for_o as_o many_o argument_n as_o we_o can_v against_o our_o religion_n but_o none_o for_o it_o we_o will_v read_v the_o book_n and_o consult_v the_o teacher_n of_o one_o side_n only_o viz._n the_o opposite_a side_n to_o our_o present_a belief_n and_o persuasion_n and_o if_o among_o they_o we_o can_v but_o find_v argument_n enough_o to_o render_v the_o contrary_a persuasion_n any_o way_n probable_a we_o will_v submit_v our_o faith_n to_o it_o without_o any_o far_a enquiry_n and_o not_o trouble_v ourselves_o to_o examine_v the_o evidence_n on_o the_o other_o side_n for_o fear_v we_o shall_v be_v convince_v in_o spite_n of_o our_o tooth_n that_o the_o truth_n lie_v there_o and_o then_o our_o conscience_n will_v never_o let_v we_o be_v quiet_a but_o be_v perpetual_o clamour_v against_o we_o for_o base_a and_o impious_a apostate_n that_o this_o be_v the_o foul_a and_o hypocritical_a intention_n of_o too_o many_o among_o we_o be_v notorious_a enough_o by_o their_o practice_n they_o leap_v from_o church_n to_o church_n and_o from_o one_o communion_n to_o another_o without_o any_o pause_v or_o consideration_n they_o be_v with_o we_o to_o day_n and_o go_v from_o we_o to_o morrow_n and_o be_v such_o mushroom_n extemporary_a convert_v that_o before_o ever_o we_o hear_v they_o doubt_v of_o their_o own_o they_o be_v confirm_v in_o a_o contrary_a religion_n in_o short_a they_o steal_v out_o of_o their_o religion_n so_o soft_o and_o with_o so_o little_a noise_n that_o they_o be_v common_o go_v before_o ever_o we_o hear_v they_o be_v go_v as_o if_o they_o be_v afraid_a we_o shall_v stop_v and_o detain_v they_o by_o better_a reason_n and_o full_a conviction_n whereas_o have_v these_o man_n any_o conscience_n or_o honesty_n in_o they_o they_o will_v consider_v that_o religion_n be_v a_o thing_n too_o sacred_a and_o serious_a to_o be_v thus_o dally_v and_o trifle_v with_o and_o that_o to_o change_v one_o religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a importance_n as_o require_v a_o long_a and_o through_o consideration_n and_o a_o very_a clear_a and_o full_a conviction_n of_o mind_n that_o there_o be_v too_o much_o depend_v upon_o it_o to_o part_v with_o it_o upon_o slight_a pretence_n and_o that_o it_o concern_v they_o as_o much_o as_o a_o eternity_n of_o bliss_n amount_v to_o not_o to_o desert_v it_o upon_o any_o other_o inducement_n but_o that_o of_o a_o through_o well-weighed_a persuasion_n of_o conscience_n and_o if_o they_o have_v have_v any_o such_o honest_a thought_n about_o they_o while_o they_o be_v under_o the_o temptation_n to_o change_v they_o will_v never_o have_v admit_v any_o doubt_n of_o their_o religion_n but_o upon_o great_a and_o palpable_a evidence_n and_o then_o they_o will_v have_v doubt_v long_o before_o they_o will_v have_v conclude_v against_o it_o and_o not_o have_v precipiate_v their_o judgement_n hand_n over_o head_n into_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n till_o they_o have_v first_o apply_v themselves_o for_o resolution_n again_o and_o again_o to_o their_o old_a guide_n and_o pastor_n and_o with_o all_o due_a deference_n to_o their_o authority_n have_v strict_o examine_v all_o their_o reason_n and_o answer_n till_o they_o have_v thorough_o inspect_v their_o argument_n pro_fw-la and_o con_v and_o equal_o hear_v both_o side_n of_o the_o cause_n till_o they_o have_v read_v advise_v and_o consult_v on_o both_o side_n and_o weigh_v the_o whole_a matter_n over_o and_o over_o with_o the_o great_a care_n and_o exactness_n but_o when_o man_n run_v away_o from_o their_o religion_n in_o a_o instant_a without_o ever_o observe_v this_o regular_a process_n of_o sincere_a inquiry_n it_o be_v a_o plain_a case_n that_o their_o will_n be_v resolve_v before_o their_o understanding_n and_o that_o they_o be_v convert_v before_o ever_o they_o be_v convince_v and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v not_o reason_n and_o conviction_n that_o turn_v they_o but_o lust_n or_o interest_n for_o though_o when_o they_o be_v turn_v they_o may_v perhaps_o be_v very_o diligent_a to_o seek_v conviction_n yet_o this_o be_v only_o a_o aftergame_n which_o they_o be_v fain_o to_o play_v to_o save_v their_o conscience_n or_o their_o reputation_n 5._o consider_v before_o you_o entertain_v any_o intention_n to_o change_v whether_o it_o be_v your_o unfeigned_a intention_n whatever_o shall_v happen_v to_o you_o to_o adhere_v to_o that_o side_n which_o shall_v appear_v most_o reasonable_a perhaps_o you_o be_v not_o yet_o arrive_v to_o that_o height_n of_o impiety_n as_o to_o resolve_v right_a or_o wrong_n to_o change_v your_o religion_n whether_o you_o find_v it_o true_a or_o false_a upon_o a_o just_a and_o fair_a examination_n for_o this_o be_v such_o a_o horrible_a defiance_n of_o god_n such_o a_o express_a and_o absolute_a renunciation_n of_o all_o that_o be_v
he_o be_v a_o traitor_n to_o himself_o that_o either_o take_v up_o his_o religion_n without_o examination_n or_o that_o upon_o examination_n refuse_v to_o be_v sway_v by_o the_o strong_a reason_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o christian_n to_o turn_v infidel_n that_o be_v but_o so_o honest_a to_o himself_o as_o first_o to_o examine_v careful_o the_o reason_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o then_o to_o resolve_v sincere_o not_o to_o reject_v it_o till_o better_a reason_n appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a but_o if_o either_o through_o their_o wilful_a ignorance_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o christianity_n or_o vicious_a prejudice_n against_o the_o purity_n of_o it_o they_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v seduce_v into_o apostasy_n they_o be_v false_a traitor_n to_o themselves_o and_o as_o such_o be_v just_o liable_a to_o all_o those_o eternal_a damage_n they_o expose_v themselves_o to_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v say_v of_o those_o that_o draw-back_a that_o be_v apostatise_v from_o christianity_n not_o only_o that_o god_n soul_n shall_v have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o they_o but_o also_o that_o they_o draw_v back_o to_o perdition_n heb._n 10.38_o 39_o and_o 2_o pet._n 2.20_o it_o be_v say_v of_o those_o apostate_n that_o their_o latter_a end_n be_v worse_a than_o the_o beginning_n and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v better_a for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v know_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n which_o imply_v that_o apostate_n from_o christianity_n do_v not_o only_o forfeit_v their_o soul_n but_o that_o without_o repentance_n they_o will_v be_v for_o ever_o forfeit_v to_o the_o most_o wretched_a condition_n even_o to_o the_o nethermost_a degree_n of_o perdition_n 2_o we_o lose_v our_o soul_n when_o notwithstanding_o we_o do_v still_o believe_v and_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n we_o do_v cowardly_o renounce_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o for_o when_o once_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n we_o be_v thereby_o oblige_v not_o to_o renounce_v the_o profession_n of_o it_o whatsoever_o hazard_v it_o may_v expose_v we_o to_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o if_o we_o deny_v he_o before_o man_n he_o will_v also_o deny_v we_o before_o his_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n mat._n 10.33_o and_o st._n paul_n also_o have_v warn_v we_o that_o if_o we_o deny_v christ_n he_o will_v also_o dany_v we_o 2_o tim._n 2.12_o that_o be_v that_o he_o will_v reject_v and_o abandon_v we_o before_o god_n and_o angel_n to_o everlasting_a misery_n and_o damnation_n for_o so_o st._n john_n assure_v we_o rev._n 2.8_o that_o the_o fearful_a and_o unbelieving_a i.e._n the_o fainthearted_a coward_n that_o for_o fear_n of_o persecution_n renounce_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v have_v their_o part_n in_o the_o lake_n which_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n not_o that_o in_o time_n of_o persecution_n we_o be_v always_o bind_v to_o make_v a_o actual_a profession_n and_o publication_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o run_v to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o our_o persecutor_n before_o we_o be_v send_v for_o and_o accuse_v ourselves_o of_o those_o doctrine_n for_o which_o we_o be_v persecute_v but_o whenever_o we_o be_v apprehend_v accuse_v and_o examine_v by_o they_o either_o upon_o knowledge_n or_o suspicion_n we_o be_v bind_v under_o the_o penalty_n of_o forfeit_v our_o soul_n to_o own_o and_o confess_v our_o faith_n and_o not_o to_o deny_v any_o doctrine_n or_o article_n of_o it_o whatsoever_o the_o consequence_n may_v be_v for_o in_o this_o case_n to_o deny_v our_o belief_n be_v not_o only_o a_o wilful_a lie_n which_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o damnable_a crime_n but_o a_o act_n of_o high-treason_n against_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n for_o by_o renounce_v any_o doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v reveal_v and_o commit_v to_o we_o we_o do_v not_o only_o betray_v his_o trust_n but_o blaspheme_v his_o veracity_n to_o deny_v what_o we_o believe_v he_o have_v reveal_v be_v in_o effect_n to_o declare_v he_o a_o cheat_n and_o a_o impostor_n and_o have_v thus_o incur_v the_o gild_n of_o so_o black_a a_o treason_n against_o our_o saviour_n and_o wilful_o persist_v in_o it_o what_o can_v we_o expect_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v but_o the_o eternal_a loss_n and_o perdition_n of_o our_o soul_n 3_o we_o forsake_v christ_n to_o the_o loss_n and_o forfeiture_n of_o our_o soul_n when_o by_o obstinate_a heresy_n we_o add_v to_o or_o subtract_v from_o that_o heavenly_a doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v reveal_v to_o we_o by_o heresy_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v bare_o a_o false_a opinion_n in_o our_o religion_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o great_a or_o lesser_a moment_n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o same_o error_n may_v be_v a_o innocent_a mistake_n in_o one_o man_n and_o a_o damnable_a heresy_n in_o another_o that_o in_o the_o one_o it_o may_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o weak_a understanding_n but_o in_o the_o other_o of_o a_o perverse_a and_o obstinate_a will_n and_o when_o the_o understanding_n mislead_v the_o will_v it_o be_v weakness_n but_o when_o the_o will_n mislead_v the_o understanding_n it_o be_v wickedness_n for_o simple_a error_n be_v only_o a_o defect_n of_o understanding_n which_o in_o a_o fallible_a creature_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o inculpable_a as_o sickness_n in_o a_o mortal_a one_o but_o heresy_n be_v a_o fault_n of_o the_o will_n which_o be_v the_o only_a subject_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n when_o therefore_o by_o the_o wicked_a prejudice_n of_o our_o corrupt_a will_n against_o the_o purity_n of_o christianity_n our_o understanding_n be_v betray_v into_o loose_a and_o erroneous_a principle_n when_o we_o understand_v by_o our_o vicious_a affection_n and_o adapt_v our_o opinion_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o our_o lust_n when_o we_o believe_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o darling_n vice_n and_o suffer_v our_o own_o factious_a covetous_a and_o extravagant_a passion_n either_o to_o tempt_v we_o to_o profess_v those_o erreneous_a opinion_n which_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v or_o to_o prejudice_v we_o into_o a_o belief_n of_o they_o then_o be_v our_o error_n no_o long_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o understanding_n but_o to_o the_o wickedness_n of_o our_o will_n which_o improve_v our_o error_n into_o a_o damnable_a heresy_n for_o he_o will_v be_v a_o wicked_a man_n though_o he_o be_v not_o a_o heretic_n that_o harbour_v those_o sinful_a lust_n which_o betray_v he_o into_o heresy_n but_o by_o be_v a_o heretic_n he_o be_v much_o more_o wicked_a because_o now_o he_o be_v wicked_a under_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n and_o cloak_n his_o impiety_n with_o the_o garment_n of_o righteousness_n and_o what_o great_a profaneness_n can_v any_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o than_o to_o make_v his_o religion_n a_o bawd_n to_o procure_v for_o his_o lust_n so_o that_o if_o out_o of_o a_o vicious_a propension_n of_o will_n we_o obstinate_o persist_v in_o any_o religious_a error_n we_o be_v not_o only_o guilty_a of_o that_o wicked_a propension_n which_o be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_a to_o ruin_v our_o soul_n but_o we_o be_v also_o accountable_a for_o vitiate_a our_o religion_n with_o those_o erroneous_a mixture_n by_o which_o we_o have_v render_v it_o a_o shelter_n and_o protection_n to_o our_o lust_n and_o what_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o will_v be_v st._n judas_n will_v inform_v we_o who_o speak_v of_o certain_a heretic_n who_o to_o gratify_v their_o own_o wicked_a inclination_n have_v sophisticated_a christianity_n with_o sundry_a black_a and_o poisonous_a principle_n pronounce_v this_o fearful_a doom_n on_o they_o for_o who_o be_v reserve_v the_o blackness_n of_o darkness_n for_o ever_o ver_fw-la 13._o 4_o and_o last_o we_o forsake_v christ_n to_o the_o loss_n and_o forfeiture_n of_o our_o soul_n when_o by_o any_o wilful_a course_n of_o disobedience_n we_o do_v virtual_o renounce_v the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n for_o whilst_o we_o continue_v in_o any_o course_n of_o wilful_a sin_n we_o live_v in_o a_o open_a rebellion_n to_o our_o saviour_n and_o do_v by_o our_o action_n declare_v that_o we_o will_v not_o have_v he_o to_o reign_v over_o we_o and_o according_o tit._n 1.16_o the_o abominable_a and_o disobedient_a be_v say_v to_o deny_v god_n in_o their_o work_n even_o while_o they_o profess_v to_o know_v he_o and_o what_o the_o fate_n of_o such_o will_v be_v st._n paul_n have_v forewarn_v we_o rom._n 2.8_o 9_o but_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v contentious_a and_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n but_o obey_v unrighteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a of_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o of_o the_o gentile_a and_o the_o same_o apostle_n speak_v of_o these_o obstinate_a
rebel_n who_o live_v and_o persist_v in_o a_o open_a defiance_n to_o our_o saviour_n authority_n tell_v we_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v punish_v with_o everlasting_a destruction_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n 2._o thes_n 1.8_o 9_o but_o before_o we_o dismiss_v this_o argument_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a more_o particular_o to_o explain_v what_o those_o wilful_a course_n of_o sin_n be_v by_o which_o they_o thus_o renounce_v he_o all_o which_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o we_o renounce_v the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n when_o we_o sin_n against_o he_o out_o of_o wilful_a ignorance_n of_o they_o second_o when_o we_o sin_v on_o against_o he_o out_o of_o wilful_a inconsideration_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o they_o three_o when_o we_o persist_v in_o our_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n and_o consideration_n 1._o we_o virtual_o renounce_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n when_o we_o sin_v on_o against_o he_o out_o of_o wilful_a ignorance_n of_o his_o law_n for_o the_o law_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o which_o the_o great_a line_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v describe_v be_v so_o plain_a and_o legible_a that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v long_o excusable_o ignorant_a of_o they_o but_o if_o our_o ignorance_n proceed_v either_o first_o from_o a_o profane_a and_o profligate_v mind_n that_o be_v altogether_o regardless_o of_o god_n and_o have_v utter_o wear_v off_o its_o natural_a sense_n of_o religion_n and_o so_o neither_o heed_v it_o nor_o concern_v itself_o about_o it_o but_o be_v become_v quite_o deaf_a to_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o instruction_n or_o if_o it_o proceed_v second_o from_o the_o vicious_a prejudice_n of_o our_o will_n and_o we_o industrious_o set_v ourselves_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o darling_n lust_n to_o exclude_v from_o our_o mind_n all_o the_o mean_n of_o conviction_n and_o either_o studious_o to_o avoid_v all_o thought_n of_o religion_n that_o we_o may_v sin_v on_o without_o disturbance_n which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o those_o that_o be_v open_o profane_a and_o irreligious_a or_o to_o use_v all_o possible_a art_n to_o wheedle_n our_o understanding_n into_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v most_o indulgent_a to_o our_o lust_n which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o false_a pretender_n to_o religion_n if_o i_o say_v our_o ignorance_n of_o christ_n law_n proceed_v from_o either_o of_o these_o cause_n it_o will_v no_o more_o excuse_v our_o fall_n into_o sin_n than_o the_o want_n of_o light_n will_v a_o man_n fall_v into_o a_o ditch_n that_o shut_v his_o eye_n at_o noon_n and_o wink_v on_o purpose_n lest_o he_o shall_v see_v and_o escape_v the_o danger_n that_o be_v before_o he_o but_o then_o 2_o we_o virtual_o renounce_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n when_o we_o sin_v on_o against_o he_o out_o of_o a_o wilful_a inconsideration_n of_o our_o obligation_n to_o obey_v he_o for_o we_o be_v reasonable_a creature_n be_v bind_v by_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o act_v considerate_o especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o importance_n to_o we_o so_o that_o if_o we_o miscarry_v herein_o through_o wilful_a inconsideration_n we_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o inexcusable_a as_o if_o we_o have_v considerate_o betray_v ourselves_o now_o wilful_a inconsideration_n be_v either_o actual_a or_o habitual_a actual_a be_v either_o first_o when_o notwithstandin_fw-mi we_o have_v be_v sufficient_o warn_v by_o precedent_n surprise_v we_o take_v no_o care_n for_o the_o future_a for_o though_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v we_o shall_v always_o keep_v so_o strict_a a_o guard_n upon_o ourselves_o as_o never_o to_o be_v surprise_v by_o a_o enemy_n yet_o when_o we_o have_v be_v overtake_v there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n we_o shall_v take_v warning_n by_o it_o and_o grow_v more_o wary_a and_o vigilant_a for_o the_o future_a that_o we_o shall_v awaken_v in_o our_o mind_n such_o consideration_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o prevent_v our_o be_v surprise_v again_o which_o if_o we_o do_v not_o our_o next_o surprise_n will_v be_v inexcusable_a and_o if_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o lapse_n which_o be_v perhaps_o but_o a_o innocent_a error_n or_o at_o most_o but_o a_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n do_v not_o make_v we_o more_o careful_a of_o ourselves_o for_o the_o future_a the_o next_o will_v be_v a_o wilful_a fall_n or_o else_o in_o the_o second_o place_n this_o actual_a wilful_a inconsideration_n be_v when_o upon_o the_o present_n of_o any_o belove_a temptation_n we_o either_o quench_v the_o good_a motion_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o refuse_v to_o consider_v the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o the_o sin_n we_o be_v tempt_v to_o lest_o we_o shall_v be_v thereby_o deter_v from_o commit_v it_o or_o purposely_o contrive_v to_o basfle_v our_o own_o consideration_n by_o oppose_v it_o either_o with_o some_o ungrounded_a hope_n of_o impunity_n or_o some_o fallacious_a promise_n of_o future_a amendment_n and_o if_o to_o make_v way_n for_o our_o sin_n we_o do_v either_o of_o these_o way_n wilful_o drive_v all_o good_a thought_n from_o our_o mind_n lest_o they_o shall_v disturb_v and_o interupt_v we_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o our_o inconsideration_n be_v to_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o wickedness_n of_o our_o will_n and_o not_o into_o the_o weakness_n and_o infirmity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o he_o that_o will_v not_o consider_v because_o he_o will_v sin_v and_o afterward_o extenuate_v his_o sin_n by_o his_o inconsideration_n urge_v one_o sin_n in_o excuse_n for_o another_o and_o make_v that_o which_o be_v his_o fault_n his_o apology_n whensoever_o therefore_o we_o sin_v out_o of_o any_o actual_a and_o wilful_a inconsideration_n we_o sin_v wilful_o and_o consequent_o do_v thereby_o virtual_o renounce_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n the_o final_a event_n of_o which_o without_o our_o repentance_n will_v be_v our_o everlasting_a ruin_n and_o perdition_n but_o then_o beside_o this_o actual_a there_o be_v also_o a_o habitual_a inconsideration_n which_o be_v wilful_a and_o that_o be_v when_o by_o often_o stifle_v the_o conviction_n of_o our_o conscience_n we_o have_v sear_v they_o into_o a_o deep_a insensibility_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a so_o as_o that_o now_o we_o sin_v on_o without_o any_o remorse_n or_o reluctancy_n and_o return_v to_o our_o lust_n with_o the_o same_o indifferency_n as_o we_o do_v to_o our_o bed_n or_o our_o table_n without_o either_o consider_v what_o we_o be_v do_v or_o reflect_v on_o what_o we_o have_v do_v and_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o palliate_v our_o sin_n that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a aggravation_n of_o it_o for_o as_o it_o be_v no_o excuse_n that_o we_o sin_n out_o of_o a_o evil_a habit_n which_o we_o voluntary_o contract_v by_o frequent_a act_n of_o sin_n so_o neither_o will_v it_o at_o all_o excuse_n we_o that_o we_o sin_n out_o of_o a_o habitual_a inconsideration_n which_o we_o wilful_o contract_v by_o often_o refuse_v to_o consider_v but_o as_o vicious_a habit_n have_v a_o proper_a evil_a and_o guiltiness_n in_o they_o distinct_a from_o those_o vicious_a act_n that_o produce_v they_o so_o habitual_a inconsideration_n have_v in_o it_o a_o peculiar_a venom_n of_o its_o own_o beyond_o what_o be_v in_o those_o actual_a inconsideration_n whereby_o it_o be_v acquire_v and_o according_o it_o be_v describe_v in_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o worst_a the_o most_o desperate_a and_o incurable_a state_n of_o a_o sinner_n it_o be_v call_v a_o reprobate-mind_n rom._n 1.28_o 29._o a_o scare_v conscience_n 1_o tim._n 4.2_o a_o hard_a and_o unrelenting_a heart_n that_o treasure_v we_o wrath_n against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n rom._n 2.5_o so_o that_o if_o we_o go_v on_o in_o sin_n without_o consider_v with_o a_o mind_n habitual_o regardless_o and_o insensible_a we_o be_v harden_v and_o inveterate_a rebel_n that_o have_v not_o only_o renounce_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o have_v also_o forfeit_v our_o self_n and_o that_o almost_o irreparable_o against_o all_o his_o method_n of_o conquer_a and_o subdue_a we_o but_o then_o 3_o and_o last_o we_o virtual_o renounce_v the_o authority_n of_o our_o saviour_n when_o we_o persist_v in_o our_o sin_n against_o knowledge_n and_o consideration_n for_o to_o sin_v on_o obstinate_o against_o knowledge_n and_o consideration_n argue_v a_o invincible_a malice_n of_o will_n for_o though_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o ignorant_a and_o inconsiderate_a sinner_n be_v very_o sad_a and_o deplorable_a yet_o there_o be_v much_o more_o hope_n of_o he_o because_o he_o have_v never_o yet_o have_v the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o knowledge_n and_o consideration_n which_o perhaps_o if_o ever_o he_o be_v bring_v to_o experience_n may_v prove_v a_o successful_a mean_n of_o his_o cure_n and_o reformation_n but_o the_o know_v and_o considerate_a sinner_n have_v try_v and_o
single_a man_n will_v open_o testify_v a_o know_a lie_n without_o some_o temptation_n induce_v he_o thereunto_o much_o less_o that_o so_o many_o hundred_o of_o person_n as_o the_o eye-witness_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n be_v shall_v conspire_v to_o cheat_v the_o world_n not_o only_a when_o they_o have_v no_o temptation_n to_o it_o but_o when_o they_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n against_o it_o for_o they_o see_v their_o master_n suffer_v a_o shameful_a death_n before_o their_o eye_n by_o which_o they_o may_v easy_o divine_v what_o their_o own_o fate_n will_v be_v if_o they_o persevere_v to_o preach_v up_o his_o miracle_n and_o doctrine_n which_o they_o can_v not_o resolve_v to_o do_v without_o bid_v adieu_o to_o all_o their_o temporal_a hope_n and_o engage_v themselves_o to_o undergo_v all_o the_o misery_n and_o calamity_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o they_o testify_v what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a they_o transgress_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o thereby_o forfeit_v all_o their_o hope_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v and_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o so_o many_o man_n shall_v at_o the_o same_o time_n so_o unanimous_o agree_v to_o report_n and_o testify_v the_o miracle_n of_o a_o man_n who_o they_o have_v late_o see_v crucify_v before_o their_o eye_n when_o they_o know_v in_o their_o own_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v all_o a_o mere_a forgery_n and_o can_v not_o but_o foresee_v that_o by_o persist_v in_o it_o they_o shall_v incur_v a_o inevitable_a ruin_n in_o this_o life_n and_o a_o eternal_a damnation_n in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v be_v there_o ever_o such_o a_o desperate_a piece_n of_o madness_n hear_v of_o from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n to_o this_o day_n and_o yet_o this_o monstrous_a thing_n which_o be_v by_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o incredible_a than_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n we_o must_v not_o only_o imagine_v may_v be_v but_o believe_v that_o it_o real_o be_v or_o else_o confess_v that_o st._n john_n say_v true_a here_o that_o they_o do_v see_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o miracle_n which_o be_v so_o undoubted_a a_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n wherefore_o since_o we_o be_v compass_v about_o with_o such_o a_o cloud_n of_o witness_n let_v we_o by_o a_o lively_a and_o vigorous_a faith_n adhere_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v find_v it_o quick_a and_o mighty_a through_o god_n to_o the_o cast_v down_o the_o strong_a hold_v of_o our_o vicious_a habit_n and_o implant_n in_o we_o all_o those_o divine_a disposition_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o qualify_v we_o for_o those_o endless_a joy_n which_o our_o bless_a lord_n have_v promise_v to_o and_o prepare_v for_o we_o 3._o they_o see_v the_o glory_n of_o that_o divine_a and_o incomparable_a doctrine_n which_o he_o teach_v from_o whence_o i_o infer_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o man_n entertain_v mean_a and_o contemptible_a opinion_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n since_o it_o be_v so_o excellent_a in_o itself_o that_o it_o be_v a_o glory_n to_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o we_o have_v a_o sort_n of_o man_n among_o we_o who_o will_v fain_o be_v account_v the_o wit_n and_o virtuoso_n of_o the_o age_n who_o pretend_v to_o acknowledge_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o yet_o open_o profess_v a_o very_a mean_a and_o contemptible_a opinion_n of_o christianity_n and_o take_v all_o occasion_n to_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o ridiculous_a fiction_n fit_a only_a to_o be_v impose_v upon_o the_o credulous_a vulgar_a but_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v of_o these_o mighty_a man_n of_o reason_n what_o plausible_a pretence_n they_o can_v urge_v for_o this_o their_o bold_a and_o blasphemous_a censure_n be_v it_o because_o christianity_n be_v a_o reveal_v religion_n or_o because_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o that_o be_v unworthy_a of_o god_n who_o we_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o revealer_n of_o it_o or_o because_o there_o want_v credible_a evidence_n of_o its_o be_v reveal_v by_o he_o if_o they_o pretend_v to_o reject_v it_o because_o it_o be_v a_o reveal_v religion_n i_o will_v beseech_v they_o to_o consider_v how_o it_o can_v have_v comport_v with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n never_o to_o make_v any_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n when_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v lose_v in_o such_o a_o midnight_n of_o ignorance_n in_o respect_n of_o natural_a religion_n how_o even_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o the_o deity_n be_v corrupt_v into_o all_o manner_n of_o folly_n and_o vanity_n and_o man_n have_v form_v religion_n not_o only_o hateful_a to_o god_n but_o nauseous_a to_o all_o that_o be_v wise_a among_o themselves_o and_o how_o defective_a also_o they_o be_v in_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a precept_n of_o morality_n have_v at_o last_o consecrate_v their_o vice_n and_o enthrone_v they_o among_o the_o grace_n of_o religion_n in_o which_o miserable_a state_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o expect_v a_o revelation_n that_o it_o be_v hardly_o possible_a to_o vindicate_v god_n goodness_n without_o suppose_v it_o for_o shall_v he_o have_v for_o ever_o leave_v mankind_n in_o this_o bewildered_a state_n without_o revelation_n he_o will_v have_v be_v more_o want_v to_o man_n who_o be_v the_o noble_a of_o all_o his_o earthly_a creature_n than_o he_o be_v to_o the_o most_o contemptible_a animal_n for_o to_o his_o mean_a creature_n he_o have_v give_v sufficient_a ability_n to_o attain_v the_o high_a end_n of_o their_o being_n which_o mankind_n can_v hardly_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v in_o his_o corrupt_a degegenerate_a state_n without_o suppose_v a_o new_a revelation_n from_o heaven_n for_o we_o have_v a_o innate_a notion_n within_o we_o of_o a_o supreme_a be_v above_o we_o that_o be_v superlative_o good_a and_o endue_v with_o all_o possible_a perfection_n our_o natural_a reason_n dictate_v to_o we_o that_o to_o converse_v with_o and_o enjoy_v he_o for_o ever_o be_v the_o high_a good_a that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o the_o most_o suitable_a to_o our_o rational_a nature_n but_o by_o what_o mean_v we_o may_v be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o in_o this_o state_n of_o revolt_n whereinto_o we_o be_v fall_v and_o how_o at_o length_n we_o may_v arrive_v to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o can_v never_o have_v be_v sufficient_o make_v know_v to_o we_o in_o this_o maze_n of_o ignorance_n wherein_o we_o be_v involve_v without_o some_o divine_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o to_o suppose_v revelation_n unreasonable_a in_o our_o miserable_a state_n and_o circumstance_n be_v to_o suppose_v it_o unreasonable_a for_o the_o great_a and_o good_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n to_o furnish_v his_o noble_a creature_n man_n with_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o obtain_v his_o most_o excellent_a end_n and_o if_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o revelation_n because_o it_o be_v so_o high_o reasonable_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v let_v we_o consider_v which_o of_o all_o the_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v from_o god_n be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o then_o i_o doubt_v not_o if_o we_o impartial_o compare_v they_o but_o our_o reason_n will_v soon_o give_v its_o vote_n for_o christianity_n if_o you_o inquire_v for_o this_o revelation_n of_o the_o enthusiastic_a poet_n of_o the_o heathen_a how_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a be_v that_o religion_n which_o we_o find_v in_o the_o theology_n of_o hesiod_n the_o hymn_n of_o orpheus_n the_o ode_n of_o pindar_n and_o the_o poem_n of_o homer_n virgil_n and_o ovid_n if_o you_o consult_v the_o heathen_a oracle_n of_o delphos_n dodona_n and_o jupiter_n hammon_n how_o vain_a and_o frivolous_a how_o uncertain_a and_o fallacious_a be_v all_o their_o response_n beside_o that_o the_o book_n and_o record_n of_o they_o be_v long_o since_o perish_v and_o consume_v if_o you_o inquire_v for_o this_o revelation_n in_o the_o old_a roman_a theology_n which_o numa_n pretend_v to_o receive_v from_o his_o goddess_n egeria_n that_o also_o be_v lose_v be_v burn_v by_o the_o roman_a senate_n as_o valerius_n maximus_n tell_v we_o for_o that_o it_o contain_v many_o thing_n in_o it_o not_o only_o destructive_a to_o the_o god_n and_o religion_n of_o other_o country_n but_o also_o to_o his_o own_o and_o the_o roman_a profession_n or_o shall_v we_o confront_v christianity_n with_o the_o koran_n of_o mahomet_n which_o he_o often_o pretend_v to_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n there_o we_o shall_v find_v every_o page_n almost_o abound_v with_o monstrous_a cheat_n and_o imposture_n the_o whole_a be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o confuse_a medley_n of_o impious_a and_o contemptible_a foppery_n heap_v
understanding_n so_o long_o as_o a_o man_n live_v in_o any_o know_a sin_n he_o do_v not_o only_o live_v without_o but_o against_o his_o reason_n which_o instead_o of_o be_v the_o guide_n of_o his_o action_n have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o do_v with_o they_o but_o like_o a_o idle_a spectator_n do_v only_o behold_v the_o brutish_a scene_n without_o any_o part_n or_o concern_v in_o it_o and_o whilst_o a_o man_n thus_o abandon_v himself_o to_o the_o government_n of_o his_o own_o blind_a will_n and_o live_v not_o only_o in_o the_o perpetual_a neglect_n but_o contempt_n of_o his_o reason_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o not_o to_o waste_v and_o impair_v it_o for_o as_o our_o rational_a faculty_n be_v improve_v and_o perfect_v by_o exercise_n so_o they_o natural_o languish_v and_o decay_n through_o disuse_n and_o inactivity_n and_o consequent_o the_o less_o use_v we_o make_v of_o they_o in_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n which_o be_v their_o proper_a office_n and_o employment_n like_o stand_v water_n they_o must_v corrupt_v and_o putrify_v and_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o impure_a lust_n but_o do_v by_o its_o own_o natural_a efficacy_n disable_v man_n reason_n and_o understanding_n for_o while_o we_o be_v in_o these_o body_n our_o mind_n be_v fain_o to_o work_v by_o bodily_a instrument_n and_o to_o make_v use_n of_o brain_n and_o blood_n and_o spirit_n in_o all_o its_o operation_n and_o according_a as_o their_o temper_n be_v good_a or_o bad_a its_o operation_n will_v be_v more_o or_o less_o perfect_a but_o while_o a_o man_n indulge_v himself_o in_o any_o impure_a affection_n that_o will_v natural_o distemper_v these_o organ_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o indispose_v they_o for_o the_o use_v of_o his_o reason_n for_o so_o madness_n which_o be_v such_o a_o distemperature_n of_o the_o brain_n and_o blood_n and_o spirit_n do_v whole_o alienate_v they_o from_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n and_o discourse_n be_v usual_o find_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o some_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a affection_n such_o as_o pride_n or_o covetousness_n anger_n or_o fearfulness_n jealousy_n or_o lust_n and_o if_o these_o passion_n be_v once_o arrive_v to_o their_o utmost_a rage_n and_o excess_n do_v so_o often_o run_v into_o downright_a madness_n and_o distraction_n to_o be_v sure_o every_o inordinate_a degree_n of_o they_o must_v be_v a_o tendency_n towards_o it_o a_o great_a disturbance_n of_o mind_n though_o not_o a_o total_a distraction_n and_o how_o much_o they_o exceed_v their_o due_a bound_n and_o measure_n by_o so_o much_o they_o must_v taint_v and_o vitiate_v these_o necessary_a instrument_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o reason_n thus_o every_o inordinate_a lust_n do_v by_o a_o natural_a influence_n disturb_v man_n reason_n and_o sully_v the_o clearness_n of_o their_o discern_a faculty_n so_o that_o what_o clearness_n be_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o body_n that_o purity_n from_o vicious_a affection_n be_v to_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n it_o 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religion_n that_o will_v permit_v you_o to_o sin_n in_o quiet_a or_o at_o least_o prove_v more_o indulgent_a to_o your_o lust_n for_o if_o this_o be_v your_o temper_n you_o be_v in_o very_o great_a danger_n of_o be_v betray_v by_o it_o into_o any_o false_a and_o corrupt_a religion_n that_o shall_v be_v tender_v you_o in_o exchange_n for_o your_o own_o for_o if_o this_o other_o religion_n offer_v but_o any_o fair_a term_n to_o your_o vicious_a affection_n or_o propose_v but_o any_o expedient_a how_o to_o accommodate_v the_o vexatious_a quarrel_n between_o they_o and_o your_o conscience_n if_o it_o do_v but_o any_o way_n reconcile_v your_o hope_n of_o heaven_n to_o your_o vicious_a manner_n by_o direct_v you_o to_o some_o easy_a term_n of_o salvation_n than_o that_o of_o forsake_v all_o unrighteousness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n if_o it_o will_v but_o admit_v of_o any_o commutation_n of_o that_o 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real_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v a_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o its_o holiness_n which_o be_v a_o inseparable_a concomitant_a of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o for_o you_o to_o desert_n it_o upon_o this_o motive_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o pronounce_v it_o a_o false_a religion_n because_o it_o give_v you_o a_o sensible_a experiment_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o reality_n 3._o when_o you_o fall_v under_o any_o temptation_n to_o change_v your_o religion_n consider_v whether_o that_o which_o give_v you_o the_o first_o inclination_n to_o change_n be_v not_o some_o temporal_a interest_n whether_o before_o ever_o you_o admit_v any_o thought_n of_o a_o change_n you_o do_v not_o perceive_v another_o religion_n appear_v upon_o the_o stage_n attend_v with_o all_o the_o fair_a hope_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o world_n and_o whether_o this_o prospect_n do_v not_o first_o suggest_v to_o you_o a_o great_a inclination_n to_o enter_v into_o its_o retinue_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o even_o worldly_a consideration_n may_v so_o far_a influence_n honest_a mind_n as_o to_o put_v they_o upon_o a_o more_o severe_a and_o impartial_a scrutiny_n of_o their_o present_a persuasion_n in_o religion_n and_o unless_o it_o be_v in_o case_n of_o palpable_a truth_n or_o falsehood_n it_o be_v but_o honest_a prudence_n when_o a_o man_n be_v temporal_a interest_n lie_v at_o stake_n to_o take_v care_n that_o he_o be_v sure_a of_o his_o hand_n that_o he_o do_v not_o throw_v it_o away_o upon_o a_o false_a persuasion_n in_o a_o fit_a of_o blind_a humour_n or_o obstinacy_n and_o sacrifice_n that_o to_o a_o erroneus_fw-la judgement_n which_o he_o owe_v to_o no_o other_o altar_n but_o truth_n be_v and_o indeed_o before_o i_o throw_v myself_o upon_o any_o suffer_a whether_o it_o be_v loss_n or_o pain_n i_o be_o bind_v in_o conscience_n diligent_o to_o inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v for_o truth_n or_o righteousness_n sake_n lest_o instead_o of_o receive_v the_o crown_n 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the_o true_a vine_n and_o i_o be_o the_o door_n do_v as_o substantial_o prove_v that_o christ_n bear_v grape_n and_o turn_v upon_o hinge_n now_o every_o thing_n will_v appear_v to_o i_o in_o a_o quite_o different_a guise_n from_o what_o it_o do_v before_o and_o i_o shall_v fancy_v that_o i_o spy_v demonstration_n where_o before_o i_o can_v only_o discern_v probability_n for_o a_o good_a sum_n of_o money_n or_o a_o rich_a preferment_n be_v a_o strange_a clear_a of_o some_o man_n eyesight_n thus_o when_o a_o man_n begin_v to_o think_v of_o change_v his_o religion_n under_o the_o powerful_a influence_n of_o his_o worldly_a interest_n that_o be_v usual_o the_o only_a effectual_a reason_n that_o lead_v and_o persuade_v he_o as_o for_o other_o reason_n they_o only_o serve_v for_o form-sake_n to_o disguise_v the_o foul_a apostasy_n into_o some_o