in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v sometime_o mistake_v and_o because_o he_o be_v a_o honest_a man_n will_n if_o there_o be_v occasion_n suffer_v for_o that_o mistake_n but_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n suffer_v be_v of_o a_o different_a nature_n and_o such_o as_o they_o can_v not_o be_v mistake_v about_o a_o great_a part_n of_o what_o they_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n be_v plain_a and_o open_a matter_n of_o fact_n that_o they_o see_v their_o saviour_n frequent_o do_v miracle_n that_o they_o see_v he_o heal_v the_o sick_a cast_v out_o devil_n raise_v the_o dead_a by_o his_o bare_a word_n that_o they_o see_v the_o wonder_n at_o his_o own_o death_n that_o they_o see_v he_o frequent_o after_o his_o resurrection_n that_o he_o give_v they_o such_o and_o such_o instruction_n to_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n that_o they_o see_v the_o miraculous_a effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n at_o the_o day_n of_o peutecost_n that_o they_o hear_v the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o their_o friend_n and_o acquaintance_n who_o they_o know_v before_o to_o speak_v with_o tongue_n they_o have_v never_o be_v teach_v that_o this_o gift_n and_o that_o of_o work_v other_o miracle_n be_v common_a in_o the_o church_n and_o frequent_o and_o open_o exercise_v these_o be_v plain_a and_o open_a matter_n of_o fact_n such_o as_o they_o can_v not_o mistake_v in_o such_o as_o must_v be_v true_a or_o else_o the_o most_o impudent_a lie_n that_o ever_o be_v tell_v and_o yet_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o do_v so_o joyful_o suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o and_o undergo_v all_o that_o be_v hard_a to_o human_a nature_n to_o conclude_v this_o head_n there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n imagine_v why_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n shall_v choose_v such_o part_n to_o act_v in_o the_o world_n without_o a_o full_a conviction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o say_v as_o for_o our_o bless_a saviour_n he_o be_v to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o sorrow_n and_o acquaint_v with_o grief_n to_o live_v a_o mean_a and_o a_o despise_a life_n and_o at_o last_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o for_o the_o sin_n of_o his_o people_n which_o certain_o be_v no_o eligible_a part_n unless_o upon_o those_o noble_a motive_n upon_o which_o we_o suppose_v he_o undertake_v it_o and_o as_o for_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v what_o shall_v make_v they_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n run_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n with_o so_o much_o zeal_n preach_v with_o so_o much_o concern_v and_o suffer_v bond_n and_o imprisonment_n ignominy_n and_o contempt_n and_o at_o last_o death_n itself_o with_o so_o much_o joy_n unless_o they_o be_v full_o satisfy_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o those_o great_a thing_n they_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n this_o be_v plain_o the_o case_n of_o the_o first_o preacher_n and_o promoter_n of_o christianity_n we_o may_v from_o hence_o infer_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v no_o politic_a invention_n or_o trick_n of_o state_n to_o serve_v any_o end_n or_o design_n of_o government_n upon_o the_o people_n this_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a common_a objection_n against_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o art_n of_o governor_n to_o keep_v people_n in_o order_n and_o so_o to_o serve_v their_o turn_n of_o they_o and_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o to_o person_n who_o do_v not_o examine_v thing_n to_o the_o bottom_n there_o have_v be_v occasion_n give_v to_o make_v this_o objection_n for_o in_o most_o age_n and_o nation_n person_n in_o authority_n as_o well_o as_o private_a man_n have_v serve_v their_o own_o design_n under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n sometime_o by_o invent_v thing_n to_o work_v upon_o people_n superstition_n at_o other_o time_n by_o encourage_v party_n or_o any_o particular_a opinion_n as_o may_v best_o serve_v their_o own_o interest_n these_o thing_n no_o question_n have_v be_v frequent_o do_v and_o therefore_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o suspect_v any_o thing_n if_o we_o can_v give_v no_o better_o a_o account_n of_o its_o original_a but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o argue_v from_o hence_o against_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o say_v it_o be_v all_o a_o politic_a device_n i_o desire_v they_o will_v not_o be_v too_o hasty_a but_o consider_v well_o what_o they_o mean_v by_o religion_n as_o for_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o god_n be_v the_o maker_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v worship_v and_o serve_v by_o his_o creature_n that_o man_n be_v to_o be_v just_a and_o honest_a and_o true_a to_o their_o word_n and_o the_o like_a these_o be_v thing_n we_o have_v plain_a reason_n for_o and_o therefore_o these_o though_o they_o may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o serve_v a_o turn_v yet_o can_v be_v invention_n of_o state_n and_o as_o for_o the_o christian_a religion_n none_o of_o its_o enemy_n ever_o pretend_v that_o it_o come_v into_o the_o world_n in_o this_o manner_n all_o that_o state_n or_o kingdom_n have_v to_o do_v with_o it_o for_o several_a age_n be_v only_o to_o persecute_v it_o and_o its_o professor_n not_o but_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v have_v be_v since_o make_v use_n of_o to_o serve_v design_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o and_o have_v have_v several_a thing_n add_v to_o it_o with_o that_o prospect_n but_o i_o now_o speak_v only_o for_o so_o much_o of_o it_o as_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a as_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v in_o history_n and_o no_o man_n that_o i_o know_v of_o ever_o yet_o pretend_v the_o contrary_a that_o this_o be_v no_o such_o invention_n and_o if_o they_o will_v but_o grant_v we_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n we_o will_v grant_v they_o if_o they_o please_v that_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v only_a trick_n and_o design_n 2._o since_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o apostle_n and_o first_o preacher_n of_o christianity_n can_v propose_v no_o worldly_a interest_n to_o themselves_o in_o what_o they_o do_v but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n meet_v with_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n bond_n and_o imprisonment_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o go_v very_o zealous_o and_o cheerful_o on_o as_o long_o as_o their_o persecutor_n will_v let_v they_o live_v we_o may_v from_o thence_o infer_v that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v not_o to_o serve_v any_o end_n or_o design_n of_o their_o own_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a there_o can_v be_v no_o priest-craft_n here_o and_o therefore_o whatever_o may_v be_v lay_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o after-age_n in_o this_o kind_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v here_o the_o christian_a religion_n must_v be_v free_v from_o this_o aspersion_n and_o this_o be_v at_o once_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o the_o whole_a method_n of_o argue_v use_v in_o that_o pamphlet_n i_o have_v reflect_v upon_o that_o suppose_v the_o worst_a that_o all_o those_o ill_a thing_n he_o say_v of_o the_o clergy_n be_v indeed_o true_a that_o be_v real_o nothing_o to_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v either_o true_a or_o false_a many_o hundred_o year_n ago_o and_o can_v now_o be_v make_v either_o by_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v do_v now_o the_o credit_n of_o it_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o present_a time_n or_o person_n or_o any_o thing_n they_o can_v do_v but_o upon_o the_o character_n of_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o it_o and_o upon_o what_o they_o do_v if_o they_o be_v man_n of_o integrity_n and_o honesty_n and_o do_v and_o see_v do_v what_o they_o tell_v we_o than_o this_o religion_n must_v be_v true_a and_o therefore_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v inquire_v after_o but_o he_o that_o will_v but_o reflect_v a_o little_a upon_o what_o have_v be_v say_v can_v hardly_o doubt_v of_o that_o unless_o human_a nature_n be_v a_o different_a thing_n then_o from_o what_o it_o be_v now_o and_o man_n have_v then_o as_o strong_a a_o desire_n to_o undergo_v contempt_n and_o suffering_n and_o death_n itself_o without_o any_o reason_n as_o we_o see_v they_o have_v now_o to_o avoid_v they_o it_o be_v therefore_o no_o reflection_n upon_o christianity_n that_o the_o clergy_n now_o live_v and_o live_v handsome_o by_o their_o profession_n time_n be_v when_o their_o religion_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o persecution_n and_o then_o none_o suffer_v so_o much_o as_o they_o for_o it_o and_o i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o a_o great_a number_n of_o they_o will_v cheerful_o do_v the_o same_o now_o shall_v god_n call_v they_o to_o it_o but_o the_o time_n be_v alter_v our_o religion_n be_v now_o encourage_v and_o when_o that_o be_v so_o certain_o both_o god_n and_o nature_n and_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n require_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o shall_v
be_v encourage_v too_o it_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o some_o as_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o throw_v away_o any_o thing_n a_o minister_n can_v say_v without_o consider_v because_o they_o say_v it_o be_v his_o trade_n the_o thing_n by_o which_o he_o get_v his_o live_n and_o therefore_o that_o he_o must_v talk_v so_o to_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o reply_v in_o a_o word_n that_o it_o be_v absurd_a enough_o that_o since_o heathen_n have_v do_v persecute_v their_o minister_n they_o will_v believe_v their_o religion_n unless_o christian_n themselves_o will_v persecute_v they_o too_o but_o however_o this_o be_v whatever_o minister_n may_v get_v now_o by_o their_o religion_n the_o first_o minister_n of_o it_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a do_v not_o get_v any_o thing_n by_o it_o but_o the_o save_v of_o their_o soul_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v question_v believe_v they_o 3._o from_o what_o be_v lay_v down_o before_o we_o may_v infer_v that_o as_o our_o religion_n can_v not_o be_v a_o invention_n of_o state_n nor_o a_o invention_n of_o those_o who_o preach_v it_o so_o neither_o can_v it_o come_v from_o enthusiasm_n or_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v be_v pretend_v beside_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o doubt_v of_o their_o be_v honest_a man_n and_o real_o believe_v what_o they_o say_v to_o be_v true_a so_o that_o there_o remain_v nothing_o but_o to_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v deceieve_v or_o no._n but_o as_o i_o show_v before_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o preach_v and_o such_o as_o confirm_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v plain_a and_o open_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o those_o repeat_v in_o so_o many_o instance_n that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v as_o may_v appear_v to_o any_o that_o will_v but_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v say_v before_o or_o read_v careful_o over_o the_o history_n record_v in_o the_o evangelist_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n matter_n of_o opinion_n and_o speculation_n may_v easy_o be_v impose_v upon_o fanciful_a people_n but_o such_o a_o series_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n can_v be_v impose_v upon_o man_n sight_n and_o hear_v and_o yet_o if_o those_o be_v true_a all_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o religion_n must_v be_v true_a too_o 4._o this_o show_v we_o a_o manifest_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n and_o some_o that_o have_v be_v since_o pretend_v in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o popish_a error_n that_o the_o apostle_n plain_o can_v have_v no_o interest_n to_o invent_v or_o relate_v matter_n false_o if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v their_o religion_n true_a it_o be_v their_o interest_n to_o lay_v it_o down_o and_o have_v nothing_o more_o to_o do_v with_o it_o but_o as_o for_o the_o other_o to_o say_v no_o worse_o of_o they_o they_o do_v evident_o serve_v a_o turn_v and_o what_o do_v so_o unless_o there_o be_v very_o good_a evidence_n for_o it_o we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o suspect_v have_v do_v in_o short_a with_o what_o i_o design_v to_o speak_v to_o about_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o will_v now_o serious_o address_v myself_o to_o those_o who_o have_v any_o doubt_n about_o these_o matter_n and_o especial_o to_o those_o who_o set_v up_o for_o deism_n in_o england_n the_o matter_n be_v certain_o of_o very_o great_a consequence_n and_o what_o we_o be_v all_o very_a much_o concern_v in_o and_o therefore_o do_v at_o least_o deserve_v a_o serious_a examination_n and_o not_o to_o be_v slight_o pass_v over_o or_o make_v matter_n of_o jest_n as_o have_v be_v the_o custom_n of_o too_o many_o who_o i_o believe_v have_v little_o consider_v whether_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a or_o no_o or_o what_o the_o importance_n of_o they_o be_v suppose_v they_o be_v true_a but_o a_o man_n have_v need_n be_v very_o sure_a before_o he_o venture_v to_o affront_n god_n and_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v to_o we_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n i_o desire_v therefore_o they_o will_v consider_v with_o i_o these_o few_o thing_n 1._o that_o suppose_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_a it_o must_v be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a thing_n to_o be_v a_o infidel_n it_o be_v a_o common_a opinion_n in_o this_o age_n that_o man_n be_v under_o no_o law_n or_o obligation_n as_o to_o their_o belief_n and_o opinion_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v punish_v for_o they_o let_v they_o be_v what_o they_o will_v and_o this_o make_v they_o easy_o declare_v for_o or_o against_o any_o thing_n as_o humour_n or_o inclination_n lead_v they_o without_o much_o consider_v the_o matter_n and_o indeed_o so_o far_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n that_o god_n require_v no_o man_n to_o believe_v without_o evidence_n and_o if_o a_o man_n know_v what_o he_o do_v he_o can_v believe_v any_o thing_n but_o so_o far_o as_o he_o find_v it_o true_a but_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o god_n may_v command_v his_o creature_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o some_o thing_n at_o their_o peril_n and_o if_o their_o disbelief_n of_o what_o he_o reveal_v come_v by_o their_o own_o fault_n this_o be_v then_o as_o criminal_a as_o any_o other_o immorality_n and_o therefore_o our_o religion_n frequent_o reckon_v infidelity_n among_o those_o sin_n for_o which_o man_n shall_v be_v punish_v in_o the_o other_o world_n the_o very_a word_n by_o which_o our_o saviour_n give_v his_o apostle_n commission_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n show_v this_o go_v you_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v by_o which_o i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v every_o one_o that_o have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v to_o he_o but_o either_o through_o negligence_n or_o fear_v of_o persecution_n or_o some_o other_o corruption_n of_o heart_n remain_v still_o in_o his_o unbelief_n and_o st._n john_n in_o rev._n 21.8_o reckon_v up_o unbeliever_n among_o those_o that_o shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n but_o the_o fearful_a and_o unbelieving_a and_o the_o abominable_a and_o murderer_n and_o whoremonger_n and_o sorcerer_n and_o idolater_n and_o all_o liar_n shall_v have_v their_o portion_n in_o the_o lake_n that_o burn_v with_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n what_o god_n will_v do_v with_o those_o that_o never_o hear_v of_o the_o gospel_n he_o have_v no_o where_o tell_v we_o no_o question_n but_o he_o will_v deal_v with_o they_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o god_n have_v no_o where_o promise_v heaven_n but_o upon_o condition_n of_o faith_n in_o christ_n that_o be_v a_o free_a gift_n which_o he_o can_v dispose_v of_o on_o what_o condition_n he_o please_v and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o live_v under_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o through_o any_o fault_n of_o their_o own_o remain_v infidel_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n infidelity_n be_v in_o such_o a_o sin_n of_o as_o dangerous_a a_o nature_n as_o any_o sin_n whatever_o and_o therefore_o a_o man_n have_v need_n be_v very_o sure_a and_o have_v examine_v the_o matter_n very_o thorough_o before_o he_o set_v up_o for_o a_o infidel_n when_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o be_v like_a to_o be_v so_o terrible_a if_o the_o christian_a religion_n shall_v prove_v true_a at_o last_o 2._o i_o desire_v they_o will_v consider_v how_o little_a reason_n there_o be_v why_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v proud_a or_o fond_a either_o of_o be_v or_o be_v count_v a_o infidel_n the_o great_a principle_n of_o infidelity_n at_o present_a be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o future_a state_n no_o such_o thing_n as_o reward_n or_o punishment_n in_o the_o other_o world_n now_o suppose_v this_o may_v be_v prove_v true_a what_o will_v the_o infidel_n get_v by_o all_o this_o he_o will_v only_o prove_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o mean_a pitiful_a and_o contemptible_a creature_n a_o creature_n the_o most_o awkward_o make_v of_o any_o in_o the_o whole_a creation_n a_o creature_n which_o be_v to_o be_v include_v within_o the_o space_n of_o a_o few_o year_n and_o spend_v almost_o all_o that_o time_n either_o in_o little_a folly_n or_o vain_a hope_n or_o toilsome_a care_n either_o in_o fruitless_a desire_n or_o insipid_a enjoyment_n either_o in_o real_a suffering_n or_o imaginary_a fear_n or_o something_o or_o other_o of_o that_o kind_n and_o when_o this_o short_a impertinent_a scene_n be_v end_v must_v then_o only_o become_v a_o little_a dirt_n as_o mean_v contemptible_a dirt_n as_o any_o he_o now_o tread_v
upon_o methinks_v this_o be_v but_o a_o poor_a pitiful_a thing_n and_o a_o melancholy_a prospect_n to_o any_o that_o regard_v the_o dignity_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o yet_o be_v the_o very_o best_a that_o such_o a_o man_n can_v propose_v and_o a_o favour_n that_o after_o all_o he_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o this_o be_v indeed_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v much_o better_a than_o to_o be_v eternal_o miserable_a and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o so_o many_o wicked_a man_n fly_v to_o it_o as_o their_o refuge_n and_o indeed_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n of_o it_o if_o either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o be_v unavoidable_a but_o since_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n this_o may_v be_v avoid_v only_o by_o leave_v our_o sin_n it_o must_v be_v great_a stupidity_n for_o a_o man_n to_o look_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v his_o interest_n to_o die_v like_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v so_o he_o may_v but_o indulge_v himself_o a_o little_a while_n here_o rather_o than_o have_v the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n true_a according_a to_o which_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o and_o in_o prospect_n of_o that_o to_o make_v his_o life_n very_o comfortable_a in_o this_o world_n 3._o i_o will_v desire_v they_o to_o consider_v serious_o whether_o they_o have_v think_v upon_o the_o matter_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v whether_o they_o have_v thorough_o and_o with_o attention_n weigh_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o argument_n for_o they_o to_o see_v whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o no._n it_o be_v plain_a that_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v the_o belief_n of_o many_o wise_a consider_v man_n for_o several_a age_n who_o have_v venture_v all_o they_o have_v in_o the_o world_n upon_o it_o and_o lose_v all_o for_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o matter_n shall_v be_v at_o least_o well_o examine_v before_o they_o venture_v to_o declare_v against_o it_o for_o before_o that_o be_v do_v they_o can_v tell_v but_o after_o all_o it_o may_v prove_v true_a and_o if_o it_o do_v they_o be_v undo_v for_o ever_o but_o then_o the_o business_n must_v not_o be_v weigh_v slight_o or_o put_v off_o with_o a_o jest_n or_o judge_v only_o by_o objection_n which_o wit_n may_v raise_v against_o any_o thing_n and_o of_o which_o perhaps_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o sublimity_n of_o the_o matter_n we_o be_v not_o proper_a judge_n but_o the_o whole_a evidence_n must_v be_v take_v together_o and_o after_o all_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v strict_a demonstration_n in_o a_o case_n which_o suppose_v it_o true_a will_v not_o admit_v of_o it_o but_o be_v content_a with_o such_o reason_n and_o proof_n as_o a_o honest_a impartial_a man_n will_v be_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o kind_n but_o above_o all_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o purge_v our_o mind_n from_o all_o earthly_a and_o sensual_a passion_n we_o must_v endeavour_v after_o a_o great_a sincerity_n and_o purity_n of_o soul_n for_o religion_n the_o christian_a religion_n especial_o be_v a_o thing_n of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o sublime_a nature_n direct_o contrary_a to_o all_o those_o mean_a passion_n and_o inclination_n that_o debase_v the_o soul_n and_o therefore_o till_o that_o be_v purify_v a_o man_n be_v no_o proper_a judge_n in_o this_o matter_n he_o can_v relish_v or_o see_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o religion_n common_a sense_n must_v indeed_o judge_v of_o the_o external_a argument_n that_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o from_o they_o a_o very_a wicked_a man_n may_v conclude_v that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n but_o still_o a_o man_n can_v hardly_o discern_v at_o least_o not_o taste_v and_o inward_o feel_v the_o excellency_n of_o it_o without_o purity_n of_o soul_n which_o must_v take_v away_o much_o of_o the_o force_n of_o those_o argument_n bring_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o to_o conclude_v this_o matter_n a_o guilty_a defile_a soul_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o a_o party_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v a_o judge_n consider_v therefore_o serious_o with_o yourselves_o whether_o all_o this_o i_o have_v now_o speak_v of_o have_v be_v do_v and_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o the_o great_a madness_n in_o the_o world_n to_o venture_v your_o soul_n upon_o it_o if_o it_o have_v not_o have_v now_o finish_v what_o i_o design_v i_o will_v humble_o take_v leave_n before_o i_o conclude_v in_o a_o few_o word_n to_o address_v myself_o to_o the_o reverend_a clergy_n of_o this_o kingdom_n who_o be_v the_o person_n principal_o strike_v at_o in_o that_o pamphlet_n upon_o which_o i_o have_v be_v reflect_v that_o since_o their_o enemy_n take_v all_o occasion_n not_o only_o to_o make_v they_o vile_a but_o from_o thence_o also_o to_o reflect_v upon_o our_o holy_a religion_n they_o will_v make_v it_o their_o great_a care_n to_o cut_v off_o all_o such_o occasion_n from_o those_o who_o seek_v it_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a misfortune_n to_o the_o present_v establish_v church_n that_o it_o have_v have_v so_o many_o enemy_n of_o all_o sort_n who_o have_v be_v ready_a to_o pry_v into_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o the_o clergy_n to_o expose_v all_o their_o fail_n and_o misrepresent_v thing_n that_o may_v well_o bear_v a_o good_a construction_n not_o after_o all_o but_o that_o in_o so_o great_a a_o body_n of_o man_n we_o must_v expect_v there_o will_v be_v some_o neither_o so_o good_a nor_o so_o wise_a and_o discreet_a as_o the_o true_a friend_n of_o religion_n will_v be_v glad_a to_o see_v they_o but_o i_o hope_v that_o if_o there_o have_v be_v any_o who_o have_v not_o hitherto_o be_v so_o careful_a as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v they_o will_v now_o especial_o lay_v to_o heart_n the_o great_a obligation_n their_o holy_a profession_n bring_v upon_o they_o because_o not_o only_o their_o own_o honour_n and_o that_o of_o the_o church_n but_o even_o of_o our_o common_a christianity_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o a_o grave_n and_o serious_a a_o diligent_a and_o industrious_a a_o peaceable_a and_o unanimous_a clergy_n be_v the_o likely_a mean_n to_o recover_v the_o reputation_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v it_o sensible_o lovely_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n every_o loose_a or_o careless_a ambitious_a or_o contentious_a clergyman_n do_v indeed_o only_o expose_v and_o betray_v that_o cause_n which_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o promote_v but_o especial_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o essential_a to_o our_o religion_n than_o meekness_n and_o love_n and_o gentleness_n so_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o shock_v than_o to_o see_v the_o contrary_a character_n appear_v in_o the_o sermon_n or_o write_n of_o churchman_n though_o it_o be_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v very_o bad_a for_o person_n of_o that_o holy_a profession_n to_o be_v guilty_a of_o vice_n in_o the_o private_a conduct_n of_o their_o life_n but_o to_o preach_v or_o to_o write_v bitter_o against_o each_o other_o be_v to_o proclaim_v to_o the_o world_n a_o spirit_n direct_o contrary_a to_o that_o of_o their_o religion_n and_o to_o call_v as_o many_o as_o they_o can_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o in_o short_a religion_n be_v a_o thing_n can_v be_v long_o keep_v up_o as_o secular_a faction_n may_v be_v by_o interest_n or_o grandeur_n or_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o kind_n no_o it_o must_v have_v real_a internal_a esteem_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n otherwise_o the_o effect_n be_v very_o like_a to_o be_v that_o they_o will_v leave_v that_o for_o some_o other_o or_o else_o look_v upon_o all_o religion_n to_o be_v only_a trick_n and_o design_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o no_o action_n of_o man_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o make_v that_o religion_n to_o be_v true_a or_o false_a now_o which_o be_v determinate_o one_o of_o they_o many_o hundred_o year_n ago_o but_o it_o be_v not_o every_o body_n that_o either_o can_v or_o will_v consider_v thing_n aright_o that_o require_v some_o pain_n and_o time_n and_o freedom_n from_o prejudice_n but_o a_o good_a life_n especial_o in_o clergyman_n be_v a_o sensible_a and_o a_o visible_a thing_n every_o body_n know_v that_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o make_v man_n pious_a and_o holy_a and_o therefore_o they_o will_v very_o natural_o incline_v there_o where_o they_o see_v most_o of_o that_o to_o conclude_v all_o in_o a_o word_n the_o best_a way_n that_o either_o minister_n or_o people_n can_v serve_v their_o religion_n be_v by_o adorn_v it_o with_o a_o holy_a conversation_n and_o it_o concern_v all_o as_o they_o will_v at_o the_o great_a day_n answer_v for_o the_o scandal_n bring_v upon_o it_o that_o they_o do_v not_o by_o their_o ill_a life_n and_o as_o much_o as_o possible_a not_o by_o any_o indiscretion_n cause_n the_o enemy_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o blaspheme_n finis_fw-la
bring_v in_o in_o the_o late_a reign_n and_o encourage_v during_o that_o time_n both_o in_o clergy_n and_o people_n and_o in_o order_n perhaps_o to_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o popery_n carry_v on_o so_o far_o then_o that_o it_o be_v now_o a_o very_a hard_a matter_n to_o reform_v it_o 2._o another_o thing_n that_o much_o promote_v it_o be_v the_o division_n and_o faction_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n the_o grol_v enthusiasm_n of_o the_o late_a time_n and_o the_o many_o ill_a thing_n do_v under_o the_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n and_o then_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o open_a profaneness_n of_o some_o in_o opposition_n to_o they_o add_v to_o this_o that_o both_o side_n too_o much_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o expose_v one_o another_o and_o so_o make_v each_o other_o appear_v indeed_o much_o worse_a than_o they_o be_v by_o which_o mean_n great_a occasion_n be_v give_v to_o ill_a man_n first_o to_o look_v on_o all_o side_n as_o knave_n and_o then_o to_o laugh_v at_o all_o pretence_n to_o religion_n 3._o another_o thing_n that_o accidental_o come_v in_o to_o help_v it_o forward_o may_v be_v this_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n such_o offence_n be_v give_v and_o there_o be_v such_o great_a corruption_n of_o manner_n mr._n hobbs_n philosophy_n and_o that_o of_o some_o other_o come_v much_o in_o vogue_n which_o bring_v in_o some_o loose_a principle_n and_o encourage_v man_n in_o a_o sceptical_a humour_n and_o make_v they_o suspect_v every_o thing_n and_o when_o once_o man_n of_o ill_a life_n be_v unhinged_a in_o their_o principle_n they_o will_v hardly_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o think_v deep_a enough_o to_o set_v themselves_o right_a again_o especial_o when_o their_o religion_n be_v so_o contradictory_n to_o their_o lust_n 4._o another_o thing_n that_o may_v have_v promote_v it_o be_v the_o detection_n of_o the_o gross_a forgery_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o to_o miracle_n and_o other_o thing_n which_o though_o find_v out_o in_o the_o last_o age_n yet_o then_o only_o increase_v man_n zeal_n against_o popery_n but_o now_o when_o man_n be_v become_v more_o indifferent_a in_o religion_n it_o have_v a_o very_a different_a effect_n and_o incline_v many_o people_n to_o suspect_v the_o evidence_n of_o christianity_n itself_o though_o very_o absurd_o the_o case_n be_v so_o very_o different_a 5._o another_o great_a cause_n of_o it_o may_v be_v this_o that_o religion_n have_v be_v open_o expose_v common_o in_o our_o play_n they_o have_v not_o indeed_o bring_v our_o saviour_n upon_o the_o stage_n and_o expose_v he_o in_o person_n but_o it_o have_v be_v almost_o as_o bad_a they_o have_v make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o laugh_v at_o the_o true_a life_n of_o religion_n at_o all_o sense_n of_o conscience_n or_o talk_v serious_o about_o spiritual_a matter_n they_o have_v encourage_v looseness_n and_o debauchery_n and_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o make_v they_o as_o easy_a to_o the_o world_n as_o possible_a in_o short_a the_o whole_a genius_n and_o spirit_n of_o our_o modern_a play_n be_v as_o contrary_a to_o that_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o darkness_n be_v to_o light_n and_o then_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o people_n that_o be_v much_o conversant_a in_o these_o do_v in_o some_o time_n lose_v all_o sense_n of_o the_o other_o 6._o i_o shall_v name_v at_o present_a but_o this_o one_o more_o which_o though_o not_o much_o take_v notice_n of_o may_v have_v have_v a_o considerable_a influence_n this_o way_n upon_o young_a gentleman_n especial_o and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o by_o the_o false_a law_n of_o honour_n now_o in_o vogue_n they_o see_v they_o can_v live_v and_o act_v like_o gentleman_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n keep_v to_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o their_o religion_n christ_n command_v we_o to_o forgive_v injury_n not_o to_o render_v evil_a for_o evil_n but_o if_o a_o gentleman_n at_o present_n will_v cut_v his_o neighbour_n throat_n for_o a_o small_a affront_n he_o must_v be_v content_v to_o suffer_v himself_o what_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o be_v bear_v to_o be_v expose_v and_o count_v a_o coward_n and_o be_v perhaps_o kick_v out_o of_o company_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o christian_a religion_n be_v real_o in_o a_o state_n of_o persecution_n now_o this_o be_v a_o great_a snare_n to_o young_a gentleman_n and_o must_v make_v very_o many_o of_o they_o resolve_v rather_o to_o leave_v their_o religion_n in_o that_o point_n than_o undergo_v what_o be_v so_o hard_a to_o be_v bear_v and_o though_o the_o case_n do_v never_o happen_v to_o they_o yet_o the_o very_a resolution_n must_v debauch_v the_o conscience_n take_v away_o much_o if_o not_o all_o the_o authority_n religion_n have_v over_o it_o which_o must_v needs_o make_v that_o very_o uneasy_a and_o so_o incline_v he_o for_o his_o own_o quiet_a to_o throw_v it_o quite_o off_o or_o come_v to_o despise_v it_o as_o not_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o a_o gentleman_n have_v our_o author_n design_n be_v to_o give_v we_o a_o full_a account_n of_o the_o growth_n of_o deism_n in_o england_n he_o can_v hardly_o have_v miss_v either_o of_o these_o or_o some_o other_o cause_n beside_o those_o he_o mention_n which_o i_o shall_v now_o take_v the_o liberty_n a_o little_a to_o reflect_v upon_o he_o lay_v then_o the_o whole_a gild_n of_o the_o growth_n of_o deism_n upon_o the_o clergy_n a_o very_a severe_a charge_n and_o which_o if_o true_a must_v just_o make_v they_o the_o hatred_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man._n certain_o clergyman_n of_o all_o person_n aught_o to_o take_v care_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o may_v not_o if_o possible_a so_o much_o as_o by_o any_o infirmity_n prejudice_n man_n against_o that_o holy_a religion_n which_o they_o be_v commissioned_n by_o god_n to_o keep_v up_o and_o propagate_v in_o the_o world_n and_o they_o will_v have_v very_o much_o to_o answer_v for_o to_o their_o great_a master_n if_o they_o do_v like_o eli_n son_n make_v themselves_o vile_a and_o make_v people_n abhor_v the_o offering_n of_o the_o lord_n but_o then_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v so_o great_a a_o sin_n in_o they_o to_o make_v themselves_o vile_a it_o be_v so_o in_o other_o to_o endeavour_v to_o render_v they_o so_o for_o if_o they_o be_v make_v vile_a and_o contemptible_a the_o mischief_n and_o prejudice_n to_o religion_n be_v the_o same_o whether_o they_o be_v make_v so_o by_o their_o own_o fault_n or_o other_o people_n the_o very_a same_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o minister_n to_o take_v care_n of_o themselves_o the_o same_o lie_v upon_o other_o people_n not_o to_o defame_v they_o or_o misrepresent_v their_o action_n or_o aggravate_v their_o infirmity_n because_o upon_o their_o reputation_n the_o good_a of_o religion_n do_v indeed_o very_o much_o depend_v if_o they_o lose_v their_o reputation_n by_o their_o own_o fault_n they_o must_v be_v accountable_a for_o all_o the_o ill_a effect_n of_o it_o but_o if_o other_o people_n will_v do_v it_o either_o by_o invent_v or_o aggravate_v matter_n the_o gild_n must_v light_v there_o where_o the_o fault_n be_v i_o will_v therefore_o once_o more_o apply_v myself_o to_o our_o author_n that_o he_o will_v serious_o ask_v his_o own_o conscience_n whether_o though_o he_o represent_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o deism_n to_o be_v the_o ill_a opinion_n man_n have_v of_o clergyman_n yet_o he_o do_v not_o in_o this_o pamphlet_n make_v it_o his_o endeavour_n to_o render_v they_o as_o vile_a as_o he_o can_v and_o who_o work_n he_o can_v suppose_v he_o have_v be_v do_v in_o it_o for_o either_o the_o foundation_n of_o his_o book_n must_v be_v simple_a and_o impertinent_a that_o the_o ill_a opinion_n the_o world_n have_v of_o clergyman_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o growth_n of_o deism_n or_o else_o he_o himself_o must_v grant_v that_o the_o expose_v they_o with_o so_o much_o virulence_n must_v certain_o serve_v the_o same_o end_n 2._o i_o will_v ask_v he_o whether_o he_o have_v observe_v those_o rule_n in_o this_o pamphlet_n which_o every_o honest_a man_n shall_v observe_v when_o he_o speak_v ill_a of_o any_o and_o much_o more_o in_o a_o case_n of_o such_o importance_n as_o this_o be_v every_o man_n that_o will_v meddle_v with_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n shall_v take_v care_n 1._o that_o he_o speak_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v exact_a truth_n 2._o that_o he_o relate_v matter_n in_o a_o plain_a and_o natural_a way_n without_o put_v false_a colour_n upon_o they_o without_o put_v in_o or_o leave_v out_o circumstance_n that_o may_v quite_o alter_v the_o matter_n that_o he_o do_v aggravate_v little_a thing_n or_o use_v tragical_a or_o ridiculous_a expression_n to_o disguise_n but_o in_o short_a that_o he_o represent_v thing_n as_o they_o real_o be_v 3._o when_o a_o
as_o this_o and_o nothing_o but_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o god_n concur_v with_o they_o can_v ever_o have_v bring_v it_o to_o effect_v the_o less_o internal_a credibility_n there_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o the_o more_o external_a evidence_n be_v necessary_a to_o gain_v they_o belief_n especial_o if_o for_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o man_n must_v go_v against_o their_o former_a prejudices_fw-la and_o hazard_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o they_o have_v i_o have_v now_o consider_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o deism_n assign_v by_o our_o author_n there_o be_v some_o other_o matter_n still_o behind_o but_o it_o be_v not_o my_o intent_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v find_v fault_n with_o in_o his_o pamphlet_n but_o only_o to_o make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o those_o calumny_n or_o mistake_v in_o it_o that_o be_v like_a to_o do_v the_o great_a mischief_n as_o for_o those_o thing_n that_o remain_v they_o be_v either_o only_a 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wrath_n of_o man_n work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n do_v not_o need_v the_o passion_n of_o man_n to_o defend_v it_o and_o whoever_o bring_v they_o into_o the_o controverfie_n whatever_o good_a he_o may_v do_v it_o one_o way_n will_v certain_o do_v it_o prejudice_n another_o have_v now_o dismiss_v our_o author_n i_o think_v it_o proper_a before_o i_o conclude_v to_o prevent_v any_o prejudice_n which_o such_o a_o representation_n of_o thing_n as_o he_o have_v give_v may_v do_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o say_v something_o to_o that_o in_o do_v this_o i_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o those_o many_o argument_n common_o bring_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o such_o as_o the_o exact_a fulfil_n of_o the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n concern_v the_o birth_n and_o life_n and_o death_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n the_o many_o miracle_n that_o be_v do_v in_o confirmation_n of_o this_o religion_n for_o several_a age_n together_o especial_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n himself_o from_o the_o dead_a the_o purity_n of_o its_o precept_n the_o nobleness_n and_o excellency_n of_o its_o promise_n the_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a nature_n of_o it_o which_o whoever_o well_o consider_v will_v find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o doctrine_n worthy_a the_o care_n of_o a_o good_a god_n these_o thing_n have_v be_v large_o insist_v upon_o by_o other_o and_o do_v indeed_o effectual_o prove_v what_o they_o be_v bring_v for_o but_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a pass_v they_o over_o and_o desire_v leave_v only_o to_o insist_v upon_o this_o one_o thing_n which_o i_o choose_v to_o do_v because_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o the_o whole_a method_n of_o argue_v which_o our_o author_n put_v in_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o deist_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o the_o person_n who_o be_v the_o first_o preacher_n and_o promoter_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o who_o have_v deliver_v we_o a_o account_n of_o the_o miracle_n do_v in_o confirmation_n of_o it_o be_v person_n who_o can_v not_o propose_v to_o themselves_o any_o interest_n of_o their_o own_o in_o what_o they_o do_v they_o can_v have_v no_o expectation_n but_o of_o that_o reward_n which_o their_o religion_n promise_v they_o in_o the_o other_o world_n as_o for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o we_o see_v plain_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o they_o their_o master_n have_v tell_v they_o that_o persecution_n be_v like_a to_o be_v the_o portion_n of_o his_o disciple_n which_o according_o they_o do_v very_o sufficient_o meet_v with_o be_v persecute_v from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o till_o at_o last_o they_o lay_v down_o their_o life_n in_o confirmation_n of_o that_o truth_n they_o have_v preach_v but_o we_o see_v however_o that_o while_o they_o have_v their_o life_n they_o go_v very_o zealous_o and_o cheerful_o on_o be_v joyful_a if_o they_o can_v but_o do_v their_o master_n business_n and_o contribute_v towards_o the_o save_n of_o soul_n whatever_o become_v of_o themselves_o of_o this_o s._n paul_n give_v we_o a_o pathetical_a account_n in_o his_o farewel-speech_n to_o the_o church_n of_o ephesus_n as_o you_o may_v see_v at_o large_a in_o the_o 20_o chapter_n of_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n you_o know_v say_v he_o from_o the_o first_o day_n that_o i_o come_v into_o asia_n how_o i_o have_v be_v with_o you_o at_o all_o time_n serve_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o lowliness_n and_o many_o tear_n and_o temptation_n which_o happen_v to_o i_o from_o the_o lie_v in_o wait_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o now_o behold_v be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n i_o go_v up_o to_o jerusalem_n not_o know_v what_o shall_v befall_v i_o there_o only_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v tell_v i_o that_o in_o every_o city_n bond_n and_o imprisonment_n abide_v i_o but_o i_o regard_v not_o these_o thing_n neither_o count_v i_o my_o life_n dear_a so_o i_o may_v but_o finish_v my_o course_n with_o joy_n and_o the_o ministry_n that_o i_o have_v receive_v of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n these_o and_o many_o other_o thing_n he_o there_o speak_v to_o they_o with_o that_o air_n of_o seriousness_n and_o concern_v and_o true_a greatness_n of_o soul_n which_o become_v a_o apostle_n of_o christ_n and_o plain_o show_v that_o he_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n the_o truth_n be_v it_o seem_v to_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o zeal_n and_o earnestness_n to_o promote_v that_o which_o they_o be_v not_o full_o convince_v in_o their_o conscience_n to_o be_v true_a and_o much_o more_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v with_o so_o much_o joy_n suffer_v for_o that_o which_o if_o it_o be_v false_a they_o must_v know_v to_o be_v a_o imposture_n and_o a_o impudent_a lye_n but_o it_o may_v be_v some_o may_v object_v that_o the_o bare_a suffer_v for_o any_o cause_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o because_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o religion_n but_o what_o have_v have_v those_o who_o have_v suffer_v for_o it_o and_o therefore_o if_o that_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o religion_n it_o will_v prove_v contradiction_n to_o be_v true_a it_o be_v a_o very_a common_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o see_v some_o man_n suffer_v for_o affirm_v and_o other_o for_o deny_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o this_o it_o may_v be_v answer_v that_o there_o seem_v in_o several_a respect_n to_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n for_o their_o religion_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o any_o other_o party_n but_o this_o i_o will_v not_o insist_v upon_o all_o that_o i_o will_v prove_v from_o their_o suffering_n be_v that_o they_o be_v honest_a man_n and_o do_v real_o believe_v that_o for_o which_o they_o suffer_v to_o be_v truth_n and_o this_o i_o think_v can_v well_o be_v deny_v if_o we_o grant_v they_o to_o have_v have_v flesh_n and_o blood_n as_o we_o now_o have_v and_o this_o may_v perhaps_o be_v say_v for_o those_o that_o suffer_v on_o other_o account_n that_o they_o be_v honest_a man_n too_o and_o therefore_o the_o best_a way_n to_o see_v the_o difference_n be_v to_o consider_v the_o different_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o which_o they_o suffer_v as_o for_o matter_n of_o opinion_n or_o the_o sense_n of_o doubtful_a expression_n in_o a_o book_n or_o the_o like_a these_o be_v case_n in_o which_o a_o honest_a man_n may_v be_v mistake_v and_o therefore_o if_o he_o suffer_v in_o such_o a_o case_n though_o it_o may_v prove_v he_o a_o honest_a man_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o prove_v he_o to_o be_v in_o the_o right_a because_o in_o case_n of_o this_o kind_n the_o honest_a man_n
reflection_n upon_o a_o pamphlet_n entitle_v a_o account_n of_o the_o growth_n of_o deism_n in_o england_n reflection_n upon_o a_o pamphlet_n entitle_v a_o account_n of_o the_o growth_n of_o deism_n in_o england_n together_o with_o some_o consideration_n about_o the_o christian_a religion_n qui_fw-la bonâ_fw-la fide_fw-la colit_fw-la deos_fw-la amat_fw-la &_o sacerdotes_fw-la stat._n epist_n dedic_n in_o v._o lib._n sylu._n london_n print_v for_o john_n newton_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n over-against_o the_o inner-temple-gate_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1696._o reflection_n upon_o a_o pamphlet_n entitle_v a_o account_n of_o the_o growth_n of_o deism_n in_o england_n it_o have_v now_o for_o a_o great_a while_n be_v the_o complaint_n of_o good_a man_n that_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n grow_v mighty_o among_o we_o which_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a melancholy_a consideration_n but_o i_o be_o afraid_a be_v but_o too_o true_a do_v not_o the_o profane_a and_o blasphemous_a discourse_n which_o one_o be_v often_o force_v to_o hear_v sufficient_o show_v this_o the_o air_n and_o humour_n of_o the_o age_n be_v so_o very_o different_a from_o that_o seriousness_n plainness_n and_o simplicity_n which_o a_o through_o belief_n and_o consideration_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n will_v inspire_v man_n with_o that_o one_o who_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o difference_n can_v easy_o imagine_v that_o this_o religion_n be_v so_o general_o believe_v as_o it_o be_v profess_v add_v to_o this_o the_o great_a corruption_n of_o manner_n the_o great_a difficulty_n there_o be_v to_o breed_v up_o young_a people_n sober_o and_o virtuous_o or_o to_o find_v those_o of_o riper_n year_n who_o be_v man_n of_o honesty_n integrity_n and_o public_a spirit_n to_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o service_n of_o their_o country_n now_o when_o a_o nation_n be_v so_o much_o corrupt_v as_o we_o be_v at_o present_a it_o can_v hardly_o proceed_v but_o from_o one_o of_o these_o two_o cause_n either_o first_o from_o a_o corruption_n in_o their_o religion_n by_o make_v that_o consist_v in_o outward_a observation_n or_o give_v man_n hope_n to_o please_v god_n and_o get_v to_o heaven_n by_o some_o other_o method_n beside_o real_a holiness_n and_o a_o care_n of_o their_o life_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o conscience_n be_v leave_v loose_a in_o that_o respect_n or_o else_o second_o from_o a_o disbelief_n of_o the_o religion_n itself_o for_o though_o some_o man_n make_v a_o shift_n to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v a_o uneasy_a thing_n to_o go_v against_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o a_o general_a corruption_n of_o manner_n can_v hardly_o be_v without_o one_o of_o these_o two_o cause_n which_o leave_v man_n at_o liberty_n to_o indulge_v themselves_o without_o disturbance_n from_o it_o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o religion_n by_o make_v that_o consist_v in_o outward_a observation_n or_o give_v man_n hope_n of_o get_n to_o heaven_n by_o any_o other_o method_n but_o real_a holiness_n of_o life_n it_o be_v what_o can_v be_v charge_v upon_o the_o present_a age_n or_o church_n wherein_o whatever_o zeal_n may_v have_v be_v show_v upon_o other_o account_n for_o thing_n in_o themselves_o indifferent_a yet_o it_o have_v always_o be_v plain_o teach_v that_o nothing_o but_o inward_a piety_n can_v recommend_v we_o to_o god_n or_o make_v our_o peace_n with_o he_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o get_v to_o heaven_n without_o the_o real_a reformation_n of_o our_o life_n and_o these_o thing_n have_v be_v show_v so_o distinct_o plain_o and_o clear_o both_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o superstitious_a observation_n of_o popery_n and_o to_o some_o popular_a error_n about_o religion_n among_o ourselves_o that_o perhaps_o no_o age_n can_v show_v the_o like_a as_o may_v appear_v to_o any_o that_o have_v be_v but_o a_o little_a conversant_a in_o the_o sermon_n and_o book_n that_o have_v be_v publish_v by_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o i_o believe_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o so_o many_o loose_a people_n have_v make_v infidelity_n their_o resuge_n be_v because_o it_o have_v be_v so_o clear_o show_v they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n for_o such_o person_n from_o our_o religion_n which_o they_o will_v not_o so_o easy_o have_v leave_v have_v we_o have_v but_o any_o trick_n to_o save_v they_o and_o let_v they_o enjoy_v their_o sin_n together_o and_o therefore_o we_o see_v that_o most_o of_o our_o debauch_a people_n take_v this_o way_n contrary_a to_o what_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o some_o other_o country_n where_o people_n of_o as_o ill_a moral_n as_o they_o yet_o speak_v with_o reverence_n and_o respect_n about_o their_o religion_n of_o which_o difference_n i_o can_v think_v of_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o this_o that_o the_o one_o have_v no_o hope_n from_o his_o religion_n and_o therefore_o treat_v it_o according_o the_o other_o have_v still_o some_o reserve_v in_o his_o eye_n that_o may_v stand_v he_o in_o stead_n 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have_v a_o reverence_n for_o such_o a_o religion_n as_o this_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n such_o person_n if_o they_o live_v in_o country_n where_o this_o be_v degenerate_v into_o outward_a useless_a observation_n where_o man_n may_v get_v their_o sin_n pardon_v and_o make_v their_o peace_n with_o god_n by_o such_o thing_n as_o even_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v have_v no_o regard_n to_o no_o wonder_n if_o they_o can_v esteem_v it_o and_o if_o they_o have_v opportunity_n to_o know_v nothing_o of_o christianity_n but_o as_o it_o be_v thus_o practise_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n at_o all_o if_o they_o do_v fall_v into_o deism_n as_o our_o traveller_n tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a common_a thing_n among_o such_o person_n in_o italy_n and_o some_o other_o country_n there_o have_v late_o appear_v a_o pamphlet_n which_o pretend_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o growth_n of_o deism_n in_o england_n that_o be_v indeed_o the_o title_n of_o it_o but_o i_o believe_v not_o the_o author_n design_n who_o seem_v to_o have_v have_v no_o other_o aim_n but_o to_o say_v as_o many_o ugly_a thing_n as_o he_o can_v against_o the_o present_a establish_v church_n and_o clergy_n whether_o the_o author_n be_v a_o christian_n or_o no_o i_o shall_v not_o pretend_v to_o determine_v i_o will_v willing_o suppose_v he_o be_v since_o he_o seem_v to_o say_v so_o but_o i_o believe_v he_o himself_o will_v not_o deny_v that_o he_o have_v more_o zeal_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o he_o have_v for_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o if_o he_o be_v a_o christian_n i_o will_v leave_v it_o upon_o his_o conscience_n how_o he_o will_v be_v able_a to_o answer_v it_o to_o jesus_n christ_n that_o he_o shall_v with_o such_o aggravate_v circumstance_n and_o so_o much_o virulence_n expose_v that_o to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o world_n which_o he_o himself_o say_v common_o make_v man_n deist_n and_o yet_o be_v at_o so_o very_o little_a pain_n to_o give_v any_o antidote_n against_o it_o it_o look_v as_o if_o he_o be_v uneasy_a that_o such_o good_a argument_n against_o christianity_n shall_v lie_v hide_v only_o among_o his_o club_n of_o atheist_n and_o deist_n and_o that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o try_v how_o many_o proselyte_n they_o be_v like_a to_o gain_v by_o be_v expose_v to_o public_a view_n our_o author_n design_n be_v only_o to_o expose_v christianity_n or_o else_o expose_v the_o clergy_n which_o i_o rather_o believe_v we_o can_v expect_v a_o full_a account_n of_o the_o growth_n of_o deism_n from_o he_o i_o shall_v therefore_o first_o in_o short_a take_v notice_n of_o what_o i_o judge_v to_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o it_o and_o then_o consider_v those_o assign_v by_o his_o author_n 1._o the_o great_a and_o chief_a cause_n of_o deism_n at_o present_a be_v the_o general_a corruption_n of_o manner_n
the_o government_n to_o frame_v the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n in_o as_o general_a term_n as_o they_o can_v and_o to_o give_v as_o great_a a_o latitude_n to_o the_o different_a opinion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o man_n as_o possible_a for_o which_o they_o have_v this_o very_a good_a reason_n that_o the_o government_n be_v so_o apparent_o for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o kingdom_n and_o so_o necessary_a to_o its_o preservation_n that_o all_o lover_n of_o their_o country_n will_v be_v glad_a to_o join_v with_o it_o if_o so_o be_v there_o be_v nothing_o to_o shock_v their_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o to_o gain_v all_o sort_n of_o people_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o allow_v as_o great_a a_o latitude_n for_o that_o as_o they_o can_v and_o the_o same_o reason_n will_v hold_v still_o for_o the_o government_n bless_a be_v god_n be_v still_o in_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v the_o desire_n of_o all_o lover_n of_o peace_n to_o preserve_v it_o unless_o the_o government_n make_v they_o enemy_n to_o it_o by_o its_o first_o become_v enemy_n to_o they_o by_o shock_v their_o conscience_n and_o turn_v they_o out_o of_o employment_n as_o person_n not_o fit_a to_o be_v trust_v and_o certain_o it_o must_v be_v the_o interest_n of_o any_o government_n to_o make_v itself_o as_o many_o friend_n as_o it_o can_v which_o be_v most_o effectual_o do_v by_o study_v in_o all_o it_o do_v the_o public_a good_a and_o next_o to_o that_o by_o provoke_v and_o disoblige_v as_o few_o as_o possible_a i_o do_v question_v but_o several_a true_a lover_n of_o the_o king_n and_o government_n may_v have_v desire_v and_o promote_v such_o a_o oath_n of_o abjuration_n but_o upon_o consider_v the_o matter_n as_o far_o as_o my_o understanding_n will_v go_v i_o can_v think_v of_o any_o advantage_n it_o be_v like_a to_o bring_v for_o it_o will_v not_o make_v the_o king_n one_o friend_n he_o have_v not_o before_o but_o no_o body_n can_v tell_v how_o many_o enemy_n it_o may_v raise_v all_o the_o good_a that_o be_v like_a to_o come_v by_o it_o be_v that_o we_o may_v then_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o man_n but_o how_o be_v able_a to_o distinguish_v not_o who_o be_v friend_n to_o the_o government_n and_o who_o be_v not_o but_o who_o be_v for_o it_o upon_o one_o principle_n and_o who_o be_v for_o it_o upon_o another_o which_o will_v be_v knowledge_n dear_a enough_o buy_v if_o it_o must_v be_v by_o provoke_v all_o those_o who_o do_v not_o come_v into_o the_o government_n upon_o one_o and_o the_o same_o principle_n though_o it_o be_v the_o right_n in_o short_a multiplicity_n of_o oath_n have_v always_o a_o ill_a influence_n upon_o religion_n and_o do_v natural_o tend_v to_o take_v away_o that_o reverence_n which_o man_n shall_v have_v for_o a_o thing_n of_o so_o sacred_a a_o nature_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o thing_n very_o worthy_a the_o care_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o nation_n to_o look_v into_o that_o great_a number_n of_o oath_n of_o all_o sort_n which_o man_n in_o any_o employment_n be_v to_o take_v and_o which_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n be_v reckon_v only_a thing_n of_o course_n and_o therefore_o though_o not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n yet_o by_o accident_n be_v apt_a to_o ensnare_v man_n conscience_n to_o make_v they_o either_o swallow_v they_o down_o without_o consider_v or_o else_o set_v their_o wit_n at_o work_n for_o such_o salvo_n and_o interpretation_n as_o make_v the_o oath_n vain_a and_o useless_a and_o be_v very_o contrary_a to_o that_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n with_o which_o man_n shall_v enter_v into_o so_o sacred_a a_o obligation_n to_o conclude_v this_o matter_n if_o such_o a_o oath_n shall_v be_v impose_v and_o upon_o that_o be_v general_o take_v by_o the_o clergy_n and_o their_o friend_n this_o author_n will_v be_v for_o write_v another_o pamphlet_n about_o deism_n and_o tell_v all_o the_o world_n they_o have_v renounce_v their_o principle_n which_o though_o it_o be_v false_a if_o he_o mean_v any_o principle_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o however_o such_o a_o clamour_n as_o this_o will_v very_o likely_o be_v a_o great_a prejudice_n to_o religion_n but_o if_o on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o shall_v general_o refuse_v it_o than_o they_o will_v be_v represent_v as_o enemy_n to_o the_o government_n and_o consider_v the_o common_a resentment_n and_o passion_n of_o human_a nature_n perhaps_o many_o of_o they_o be_v make_v so_o which_o may_v prove_v no_o more_o for_o the_o true_a interest_n of_o the_o state_n than_o it_o will_v of_o the_o church_n i_o have_v dwell_v the_o long_a upon_o this_o because_o it_o be_v frequent_o make_v use_n of_o as_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o clergy_n not_o be_v in_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o government_n because_o many_o of_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v against_o such_o a_o oath_n but_o i_o hope_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o may_v appear_v that_o true_a lover_n of_o the_o king_n and_o government_n may_v be_v against_o it_o too_o and_o the_o more_o against_o it_o for_o their_o be_v so_o but_o i_o now_o come_v to_o consider_v another_o of_o those_o cause_n of_o deism_n mention_v by_o our_o author_n which_o be_v the_o great_a zeal_n the_o clergy_n have_v show_v for_o modes_n and_o ceremony_n and_o other_o thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n who_o he_o say_v have_v be_v more_o concern_v about_o they_o than_o about_o the_o substantial_a point_n of_o piety_n and_o holiness_n which_o he_o be_v please_v to_o call_v priestcrast_n or_o the_o carry_n on_o a_o interest_n of_o their_o own_o under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n about_o which_o matter_n he_o quote_v two_o passage_n out_o of_o sir_n matthew_n hale_n letter_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v only_o reply_v that_o sir_n matthew_n do_v in_o those_o passage_n talk_v like_o himself_o that_o be_v like_o one_o of_o the_o best_a christian_n this_o age_n have_v produce_v and_o have_v our_o author_n speak_v about_o these_o matter_n with_o that_o spirit_n and_o concern_v for_o religion_n the_o good_a judge_n do_v he_o shall_v have_v have_v no_o reflection_n from_o i_o it_o have_v be_v often_o matter_n of_o great_a concern_v to_o i_o to_o consider_v the_o infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n how_o apt_a man_n have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n to_o fall_v into_o superstition_n to_o leave_v off_o the_o thought_n of_o piety_n and_o holiness_n the_o subdue_a their_o passion_n and_o the_o sanctification_n of_o their_o soul_n together_o with_o the_o other_o noble_a virtue_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n meekness_n and_o humility_n and_o the_o like_a which_o even_o common_a reason_n will_v teach_v we_o must_v be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o please_v a_o holy_a and_o good_a god_n and_o instead_o of_o these_o to_o expect_v to_o recommend_v themselves_o to_o he_o by_o little_a trick_n and_o observation_n of_o their_o own_o invent_v but_o especial_o it_o have_v be_v a_o great_a trouble_v that_o so_o pure_a and_o holy_a a_o religion_n as_o that_o which_o christ_n have_v deliver_v to_o we_o shall_v suffer_v so_o much_o under_o the_o same_o fate_n much_o of_o this_o may_v have_v be_v owe_v to_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n and_o more_o i_o be_o afraid_a to_o the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n when_o man_n have_v be_v unwilling_a to_o take_v so_o much_o pain_n as_o to_o deny_v their_o appetite_n and_o govern_v their_o soul_n under_o the_o influence_n of_o religion_n but_o yet_o still_o desire_v to_o please_v god_n and_o get_v to_o heaven_n which_o because_o they_o will_v not_o do_v one_o way_n they_o must_v artempt_v to_o do_v another_o this_o have_v in_o most_o age_n give_v man_n a_o strong_a bend_v to_o superstition_n as_o be_v their_o only_a refuge_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v chief_o that_o it_o be_v so_o hard_a a_o matter_n to_o keep_v any_o nation_n from_o run_v into_o this_o or_o else_o into_o irreligion_n and_o atheism_n man_n be_v so_o apt_a upon_o these_o account_n to_o run_v into_o superstition_n of_o themselves_o this_o may_v have_v be_v help_v forward_o by_o the_o ignorance_n of_o some_o and_o the_o design_n of_o some_o other_o of_o those_o who_o shall_v have_v teach_v they_o better_o and_o when_o corruption_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v once_o bring_v in_o it_o will_v hardly_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o those_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o better_a to_o remove_v they_o again_o as_o i_o remember_v st._n austin_n make_v a_o great_a complaint_n of_o this_o kind_n against_o the_o christian_n of_o his_o time_n that_o they_o be_v so_o set_v upon_o many_o superstitious_a observation_n that_o he_o dare_v not_o oppose_v they_o as_o see_v he_o be_v only_o like_a to_o lose_v himself_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o do_v any_o good_a upon_o they_o but_o not_o to_o dwell_v upon_o this_o any_o long_o
the_o power_n of_o the_o clergy_n the_o other_o two_o be_v about_o the_o homily_n and_o the_o book_n of_o consecration_n of_o archbishop_n and_o bishop_n etc._n etc._n i_o shall_v therefore_o take_v notice_n only_o of_o those_o two_o and_o wait_v for_o the_o three_o till_o he_o explain_v his_o mind_n more_o full_o the_o first_o article_n i_o believe_v that_o he_o drive_v at_o be_v the_o twenty_o the_o word_n of_o which_o be_v these_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o decree_v rite_n or_o ceremony_n and_o authority_n in_o controversy_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o the_o church_n to_o ordain_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o god_n word_n write_v neither_o may_v it_o so_o expound_v one_o place_n of_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o another_o wherefore_o although_o the_o church_n be_v a_o witness_n and_o a_o keeper_n of_o holy_a writ_n yet_o as_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o decree_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o same_o so_o beside_o the_o same_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o enforce_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v for_o necessity_n of_o salvation_n the_o other_o article_n i_o believe_v may_v be_v the_o thirty_o four_o which_o i_o shall_v here_o repeat_v at_o large_a too_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o tradition_n and_o ceremony_n be_v in_o all_o place_n one_o or_o utter_o like_a for_o at_o all_o time_n they_o have_v be_v divers_a and_o may_v be_v change_v according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o country_n and_o man_n manner_n so_o that_o nothing_o be_v ordain_v against_o god_n word_n whosoever_o through_o his_o private_a judgement_n willing_o and_o purposely_o do_v open_o break_v the_o tradition_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o be_v ordain_v and_o approve_v by_o common_a authority_n aught_o to_o be_v rebuke_v open_o that_o other_o may_v fear_v to_o do_v the_o like_a as_o one_o that_o offend_v against_o the_o common_a order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o burt_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n and_o wound_v the_o conscience_n of_o weak_a brethren_n every_o particular_a or_o national_a church_n have_v authority_n to_o ordain_v change_n and_o abolish_v ceremony_n or_o rite_n of_o the_o church_n ordain_v only_o by_o man_n authority_n so_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v do_v to_o edisy_v this_o be_v not_o indeed_o the_o first_o time_n that_o these_o article_n have_v be_v censure_v but_o if_o right_o understand_v i_o can_v see_v that_o they_o contain_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o what_o all_o establish_a church_n i_o ever_o hear_v of_o do_v either_o claim_v express_o or_o at_o least_o in_o their_o practice_n and_o no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v high_o reasonable_a to_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o decree_v rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o authority_n in_o controversy_n of_o faith_n as_o for_o the_o first_o part_n of_o it_o the_o power_n of_o the_o church_n in_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n it_o will_v come_v in_o under_o the_o other_o article_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v pass_v it_o here_o but_o as_o to_o the_o other_o part_n her_o authority_n in_o controversy_n of_o faith_n i_o desire_v to_o observe_v first_o that_o the_o church_n do_v not_o here_o claim_v any_o infallibility_n to_o herself_o in_o determine_v such_o controversy_n she_o be_v so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o in_o the_o very_a next_o article_n she_o say_v 21._o art_n 21._o that_o even_o general_a council_n may_v err_v and_o be_v deceive_v 2._o i_o will_v observe_v that_o the_o church_n do_v not_o here_o decree_v that_o private_a christian_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n as_o matter_n of_o faith_n mere_o upon_o her_o authority_n but_o the_o church_n must_v bring_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n for_o what_o she_o say_v when_o and_o not_o before_o she_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v this_o she_o declare_v in_o the_o same_o article_n even_o of_o general_n council_n 21._o art_n 21._o wherefore_o thing_n ordain_v by_o they_o as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n have_v neither_o strength_n nor_o authority_n unless_o it_o may_v be_v declare_v that_o they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o therefore_o 3._o our_o church_n allow_v all_o her_o member_n to_o examine_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o she_o teach_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n nay_o more_o encourage_v they_o to_o do_v it_o only_o advise_v that_o this_o be_v do_v with_o modesty_n and_o humility_n to_o this_o end_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v translate_v into_o our_o mother-tongue_n and_o read_v in_o our_o church_n and_o every_o body_n may_v have_v they_o at_o home_o and_o read_v they_o as_o much_o as_o they_o please_v and_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v in_o our_o church_n frequent_o exhort_v to_o do_v so_o and_o that_o not_o only_o as_o a_o thing_n which_o they_o may_v do_v but_o as_o a_o thing_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v 4._o i_o will_v observe_v that_o though_o our_o church_n have_v for_o the_o instruction_n and_o edification_n of_o her_o member_n draw_v up_o her_o opinion_n of_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o thirty_o nine_o article_n yet_o she_o no_o where_n require_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o from_o the_o people_n that_o join_v in_o communion_n with_o she_o neither_o do_v she_o excommunicate_v every_o body_n that_o do_v not_o believe_v just_a as_o she_o believe_v if_o man_n will_v but_o be_v modest_a and_o not_o open_o oppose_v though_o she_o take_v care_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o what_o be_v the_o truth_n yet_o they_o may_v enjoy_v a_o great_a liberty_n in_o their_o opinion_n and_o still_o live_v in_o her_o communion_n so_o that_o the_o mean_v of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o article_n seem_v to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o god_n have_v give_v the_o bishop_n and_o other_o minister_n of_o the_o word_n authority_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o by_o this_o make_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o instruct_v those_o under_o their_o care_n in_o the_o true_a faith_n and_o that_o if_o any_o controversy_n happen_v about_o the_o faith_n they_o have_v by_o this_o their_o commission_n authority_n and_o by_o it_o god_n have_v make_v it_o their_o duty_n to_o declare_v their_o judgement_n in_o the_o case_n which_o may_v be_v do_v either_o by_o preach_v or_o by_o write_v either_o single_a or_o in_o a_o body_n as_o in_o discretion_n they_o see_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v that_o when_o they_o have_v thus_o declare_v their_o judgement_n especial_o if_o this_o be_v do_v by_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o any_o place_n their_o determination_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v with_o reverence_n and_o respect_n by_o the_o people_n under_o their_o care_n not_o that_o they_o be_v for_o that_o reason_n bind_v to_o believe_v it_o true_a but_o they_o be_v to_o carry_v themselves_o modest_o and_o humble_o to_o examine_v the_o matter_n sedate_o first_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o no_o and_o if_o 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tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n and_o yet_o give_v the_o name_n and_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n to_o the_o father_n to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n how_o far_o each_o of_o these_o be_v distinct_a from_o the_o other_o it_o no_o where_o tell_v we_o only_o that_o each_o of_o they_o be_v god_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n here_o then_o we_o must_v stick_v that_o the_o father_n be_v god_n the_o son_n be_v god_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n god_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o three_o god_n but_o one_o god_n and_o must_v conclude_v with_o ourselves_o that_o there_o be_v some_o way_n which_o god_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v to_o we_o perhaps_o because_o we_o be_v not_o now_o capable_a of_o understand_v it_o whereby_o these_o three_o be_v one_o now_o in_o all_o this_o there_o be_v no_o absurdity_n or_o contradiction_n but_o the_o only_a difficulty_n be_v whether_o this_o be_v sufficient_a but_o if_o god_n have_v reveal_v this_o and_o reveal_v no_o more_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o difficulty_n this_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o gratify_v man_n curiosity_n or_o to_o answer_v all_o those_o question_n that_o we_o will_v indeed_o be_v glad_a to_o hear_v resolve_v but_o without_o go_v far_o here_o be_v sufficient_a in_o this_o to_o answer_v those_o end_n which_o we_o may_v suppose_v god_n have_v in_o reveal_v it_o for_o 1._o if_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v god_n here_o be_v sufficient_a foundation_n for_o divine_a worship_n to_o be_v pay_v to_o each_o of_o them_o so_o that_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v not_o as_o our_o author_n represent_v it_o a_o doctrine_n of_o mere_a speculation_n but_o be_v a_o foundation_n of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a religious_a duty_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n if_o jesus_n christ_n be_v represent_v to_o i_o in_o scripture_n as_o god_n as_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o i_o ought_v then_o to_o worship_v he_o though_o i_o do_v know_v 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