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strict_a and_o severe_a and_o this_o interchangeable_o and_o often_o i_o shall_v much_o question_v his_o strictness_n whether_o it_o be_v sincere_a if_o his_o sense_n of_o piety_n be_v real_a it_o will_v be_v more_o last_a and_o uniform_a and_o therefore_o without_o breach_n of_o charity_n i_o think_v i_o may_v look_v on_o he_o in_o his_o great_a severity_n rather_o to_o act_v a_o part_n on_o a_o stage_n and_o to_o serve_v a_o present_a turn_n and_o occasion_n than_o to_o be_v real_o in_o his_o mind_n what_o such_o strictness_n will_v represent_v he_o and_o therefore_o whatever_o true_a devotion_n be_v in_o any_o of_o that_o communion_n aught_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o somewhat_o else_o than_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o that_o church_n for_o even_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v use_v to_o boast_v most_o of_o which_o i_o have_v mention_v already_o we_o shall_v easy_o find_v to_o have_v little_a that_o be_v true_o commendable_a much_o that_o be_v great_o faulty_a in_o they_o 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public_a place_n of_o retirement_n for_o devout_a people_n as_o they_o be_v call_v be_v again_o ever_o settle_v among_o we_o for_o though_o we_o be_v not_o so_o rash_a as_o utter_o to_o abhor_v and_o throw_v away_o every_o thing_n that_o at_o any_o time_n have_v be_v abuse_v to_o superstition_n yet_o we_o be_v very_o well_o content_v that_o monastery_n shall_v never_o be_v rebuilt_a among_o we_o for_o we_o do_v not_o look_v on_o the_o life_n of_o monk_n as_o any_o great_a help_n to_o devotion_n or_o a_o instance_n of_o true_a religion_n prevail_v where_o they_o be_v find_v much_o less_o that_o they_o be_v necessary_a in_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o they_o almost_o three_o century_n pass_v without_o any_o mention_n of_o they_o in_o ecclesiastical_a history_n antony_n and_o paul_n in_o the_o dioclesian_n persecution_n be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o the_o first_o of_o that_o way_n we_o read_v indeed_o of_o some_o that_o do_v lead_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a severe_a course_n and_o deny_v themselves_o much_o of_o the_o perhaps_o lawful_a pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n in_o respect_n to_o religion_n and_o the_o other_o life_n but_o these_o be_v not_o monk_n or_o the_o modern_a ascetick_n though_o it_o have_v be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o more_o instance_n than_o this_o to_o impose_v some_o new_a thing_n on_o the_o world_n upon_o the_o reputation_n of_o some_o good_a and_o reverend_a old_a name_n for_o the_o life_n of_o the_o ancient_a ascetick_n or_o mortify_v man_n differ_v much_o from_o the_o present_a monk_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o find_v not_o that_o they_o engage_v themselves_o in_o a_o solemn_a vow_n distinct_a from_o or_o above_o that_o of_o their_o baptism_n for_o whatever_o their_o general_a
such_o as_o these_o 1._o they_o blame_v the_o reformation_n in_o general_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o the_o want_n of_o monastery_n and_o such_o other_o religious_a house_n which_o be_v so_o numerous_a in_o the_o popish_a country_n where_o holy_a man_n and_o woman_n be_v shut_v up_o and_o have_v bid_v adieu_o to_o the_o world_n live_v as_o in_o heaven_n in_o constant_a exercise_n of_o praise_v of_o god_n night_n and_o day_n and_o of_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o the_o church_n and_o state_n and_o particular_a christian_n as_o well_o as_o themselves_o and_o who_o be_v not_o only_o so_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o constancy_n of_o their_o prayer_n but_o also_o by_o their_o example_n put_v other_o in_o mind_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o do_v likewise_o and_o by_o the_o severity_n of_o their_o life_n as_o to_o diet_n garb_n and_o other_o circumstance_n live_v in_o a_o constant_a practice_n of_o that_o self-denial_n which_o be_v command_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v so_o practise_v by_o holy_a man_n almost_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v constant_a preacher_n of_o holiness_n and_o mortification_n who_o though_o they_o do_v indeed_o stay_v here_o in_o the_o world_n below_o yet_o converse_v not_o in_o it_o but_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n out_o of_o it_o and_o live_v above_o it_o 2._o they_o sometime_o also_o boast_v of_o the_o extraordinary_a charity_n and_o liberality_n to_o all_o good_a and_o holy_a use_v press_v and_o practise_v among_o they_o which_o be_v but_o spare_o use_v say_v they_o among_o the_o protestant_n especial_o their_o excessive_a expense_n and_o cost_n in_o building_n and_o endow_v monastery_n erect_v church_n chapel_n and_o cross_n their_o so_o pompous_a adorn_v the_o place_n dedicate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n beside_o their_o charitable_a assistance_n and_o relief_n which_o they_o afford_v to_o the_o body_n of_o the_o live_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o no_o 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religion_n but_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o their_o being_n less_o addict_v to_o this_o world_n when_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o their_o time_n be_v spend_v in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o that_o piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o their_o business_n and_o employment_n 4._o they_o urge_v also_o the_o multitude_n of_o picture_n and_o image_n of_o several_a famous_a man_n and_o woman_n who_o have_v in_o a_o eminent_a manner_n serve_v and_o please_v god_n and_o be_v instrumental_a in_o convert_v the_o world_n as_o very_o proper_a assistance_n of_o a_o man_n devotion_n instruct_v some_o they_o be_v the_o book_n of_o the_o unlearned_a and_o sensible_o affect_v and_o allure_a all_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o the_o person_n who_o they_o represent_v 5._o sometime_o they_o commend_v their_o church_n for_o the_o fast_n and_o other_o act_n of_o severity_n and_o mortification_n use_v not_o only_o by_o the_o monk_n and_o regulars_n but_o by_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o church_n on_o set_a day_n of_o the_o week_n or_o season_n of_o the_o year_n as_o well_o as_o such_o austerity_n as_o be_v enjoin_v by_o their_o confessor_n by_o way_n of_o penance_n their_o go_v barefoot_a and_o bareheaded_a in_o procession_n their_o whip_n and_o lash_v themselves_o their_o draw_v great_a chain_n and_o weight_n after_o they_o as_o great_a and_o proper_a instance_n of_o self-denial_n and_o devotion_n 6._o they_o place_v also_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o religion_n in_o philgrimage_n which_o the_o more_o devout_a sort_n take_v and_o spend_v their_o estate_n and_o sometime_o their_o life_n in_o to_o jerusalem_n rome_n loretto_n mount-ferrat_a to_o st._n thomas_n at_z canterbury_z st._n winefrid_n well_o or_o some_o such_o other_o place_n where_o some_o extraordinary_a person_n have_v live_v or_o some_o strange_a relic_n be_v leave_v or_o where_o they_o reckon_v god_n have_v on_o some_o occasion_n or_o other_o wonderful_o manifest_v himself_o and_o they_o reckon_v that_o the_o very_a visit_n or_o kiss_v these_o be_v either_o a_o argument_n of_o true_o devout_a mind_n or_o that_o which_o will_v make_v they_o so_o and_o their_o manual_n or_o book_n which_o their_o priest_n give_v into_o the_o people_n hand_n do_v not_o fail_v by_o all_o the_o art_n imaginable_a to_o endeavour_v to_o screw_v up_o man_n devotion_n even_o to_o rapture_n and_o ecstasy_n in_o commendation_n of_o these_o practice_n and_o order_n even_o as_o if_o they_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o true_a religion_n and_o devotion_n without_o these_o and_o that_o where_o there_o be_v these_o thing_n practise_v it_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n that_o the_o mind_n be_v affect_v as_o it_o ought_v and_o piety_n flourish_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n and_o beside_o these_o matter_n of_o practice_n there_o be_v also_o several_a doctrine_n and_o opinion_n peculiar_a to_o themselves_o whichthey_a reckon_v do_v natural_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o true_a devotion_n as_o 7._o their_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o intercession_n of_o saint_n for_o we_o and_o the_o advantage_n of_o invocation_n or_o prayer_n to_o they_o and_o that_o we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n want_v one_o of_o the_o great_a encouragement_n to_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n that_o can_v be_v who_o neither_o own_a nor_o make_v use_n of_o these_o help_n and_o therefore_o that_o we_o can_v have_v such_o hope_n of_o success_n and_o blessing_n as_o they_o have_v 8._o their_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o merit_n of_o good_a work_n and_o supererogation_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n in_o their_o esteem_n for_o the_o more_o worth_a you_o suppose_v in_o any_o action_n the_o great_a encouragement_n be_v there_o to_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o sure_o it_o must_v be_v a_o most_o irresistible_a motive_n to_o devotion_n to_o persuade_v man_n that_o the_o worth_n and_o value_n of_o it_o be_v such_o as_o that_o you_o may_v by_o it_o purchase_v heaven_n not_o only_o for_o yourselves_o but_o for_o other_o also_o 9_o their_o belief_n of_o purgatory_n and_o of_o the_o validity_n of_o prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a do_v natural_o tend_v to_o excite_v man_n to_o devotion_n say_v they_o for_o here_o be_v a_o great_a scope_n and_o occasion_n for_o our_o prayer_n we_o may_v hope_v to_o be_v instrumental_a to_o more_o good_a more_o person_n to_o be_v relieve_v and_o help_v by_o our_o prayer_n than_o be_v suppose_v in_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 10._o and_o especial_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o confession_n penance_n and_o absolution_n they_o look_v on_o as_o so_o necessary_a to_o devotion_n that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n with_o they_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o show_n of_o it_o where_o these_o be_v not_o receive_v and_o practise_v for_o a_o particular_a confession_n of_o all_o sin_n to_o a_o priest_n be_v so_o strict_o require_v they_o say_v be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o a_o sense_n of_o and_o shame_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o penance_n be_v also_o impose_v present_o on_o they_o will_v sure_o make_v man_n to_o be_v more_o afraid_a of_o sin_v again_o when_o they_o see_v it_o must_v cost_v they_o so_o dear_a and_o that_o they_o may_v not_o despair_v or_o despond_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o multitude_n or_o weight_n of_o their_o former_a sin_n but_o may_v be_v encourage_v to_o strive_v more_o earnest_o against_o sin_n for_o the_o future_a the_o priest_n give_v they_o absolution_n of_o what_o be_v pass_v at_o the_o same_o time_n encourage_v their_o hope_n as_o well_o as_o exciting_a their_o fear_n and_o endeavour_v by_o the_o same_o method_n both_o to_o allure_v to_o force_v and_o to_o shame_v man_n into_o amendment_n last_o they_o insist_v much_o also_o on_o the_o validity_n of_o their_o ordination_n the_o truth_n and_o succession_n unity_n
aught_o to_o be_v esteem_v a_o very_a bad_a man_n and_o so_o the_o command_v of_o scripture_n enjoin_v we_o to_o take_v care_n to_o do_v good_a as_o well_o as_o to_o abstain_v from_o evil_a else_o we_o shall_v be_v reckon_v among_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n we_o be_v sure_a that_o public_a service_n ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o private_a the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o man_n be_v more_o advance_v by_o it_o and_o therefore_o though_o that_o man_n that_o live_v in_o a_o wilderness_n and_o serve_v god_n there_o when_o he_o be_v force_v to_o it_o by_o persecution_n may_v hope_v for_o a_o blessing_n though_o he_o be_v alone_o and_o neither_o worship_v god_n in_o public_a nor_o give_v a_o good_a example_n to_o the_o world_n yet_o he_o that_o run_v into_o a_o wilderness_n to_o be_v wonder_v at_o and_o admire_v and_o neglect_v the_o ordinary_a and_o most_o useful_a way_n of_o serve_v god_n there_o be_v too_o much_o reason_n to_o fear_n he_o have_v his_o reward_n at_o lest_o how_o far_o soever_o it_o may_v please_v god_n to_o pardon_v his_o blind_a zeal_n and_o want_v of_o discretion_n yet_o certain_o this_o example_n of_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v recommend_v to_o all_o as_o a_o rule_n for_o they_o to_o walk_v by_o the_o first_o monk_n we_o grant_v be_v very_o good_a and_o pious_a man_n and_o be_v compel_v to_o forsake_v their_o house_n and_o live_v in_o solitude_n but_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o make_v their_o manner_n of_o life_n a_o pattern_n to_o be_v follow_v in_o the_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a age_n of_o the_o church_n for_o this_o will_v be_v to_o show_v ourselves_o insensible_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o we_o in_o give_v we_o the_o liberty_n of_o serve_v he_o free_o and_o open_o and_o that_o we_o dare_v profess_v our_o religion_n without_o fear_n of_o lose_v our_o life_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o shall_v still_o choose_v to_o celebrate_v the_o sacrament_n in_o a_o upper_a room_n because_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n do_v so_o and_o shall_v have_v our_o religious_a assembly_n in_o crypts_n and_o vault_n under_o ground_n because_o the_o first_o christian_n in_o time_n of_o difficulty_n and_o persecution_n often_o dare_v use_v no_o other_o and_o as_o the_o solitude_n of_o a_o monastic_a life_n be_v no_o proper_a asfistnce_n or_o expression_n of_o true_a devotion_n be_v not_o know_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o afterward_o be_v not_o take_v up_o of_o choice_n but_o by_o necessity_n so_o also_o in_o the_o last_o place_n i_o observe_v that_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o live_v which_o be_v give_v we_o by_o himself_o and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n never_o enjoin_v or_o suppose_v any_o such_o thing_n we_o be_v always_o suppose_v to_o live_v in_o company_n and_o society_n and_o accorp_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o apostle_n be_v adapt_v to_o the_o common_a case_n of_o man_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o such_o as_o converse_v free_o in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o it_o have_v be_v very_o wise_o order_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v new_a and_o distinct_a rule_n make_v for_o those_o that_o delight_n in_o this_o solitary_a and_o monastic_a way_n of_o life_n for_o they_o be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o man_n as_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n have_v no_o proper_a rule_n for_o second_o and_o i_o be_o afraid_a that_o there_o be_v as_o little_a true_a devotion_n in_o their_o so_o frequent_a and_o constant_a prayer_n enjoin_v and_o practise_v in_o their_o monastery_n though_o this_o be_v confess_o what_o be_v most_o commendable_a in_o their_o way_n of_o life_n and_o be_v the_o only_a way_n by_o which_o they_o themselves_o can_v pretend_v to_o do_v any_o good_a in_o the_o world_n if_o i_o except_v those_o which_o be_v but_o very_o few_o that_o workwith_o their_o hand_n praise_n and_o prayer_n be_v therefore_o acceptable_a with_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o volunrary_a expression_n of_o our_o soul_n a_o freewill_n offer_n and_o sacrifice_n which_o we_o offer_v to_o god_n in_o consideration_n of_o his_o infinite_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n in_o himself_o his_o former_a undeserved_a goodness_n to_o we_o and_o our_o liableness_n to_o he_o now_o the_o constant_a prayer_n use_v in_o their_o monastery_n in_o more_o particular_n than_o one_o come_v short_a of_o that_o true_a devotion_n due_a from_o man_n to_o their_o maker_n for_o first_o they_o be_v as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v force_v on_o a_o rational_a be_v and_o on_o that_o account_n must_v needs_o lose_v much_o of_o their_o worth_n and_o acceptableness_n the_o monk_n be_v oblige_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o several_a order_n to_o say_v such_o and_o such_o prayer_n and_o just_a at_o such_o and_o such_o time_n whatever_o devotion_n or_o intention_n of_o mind_n they_o have_v and_o they_o be_v severe_o punish_v if_o they_o fail_v of_o they_o exact_o at_o midnight_n at_o two_o or_o three_o a_o clock_n in_o the_o morning_n so_o very_o often_o and_o at_o so_o very_o unseasonable_a time_n that_o many_o have_v confess_v this_o strictness_n of_o their_o devotion_n to_o be_v of_o all_o the_o great_a burden_n of_o their_o life_n and_o yet_o this_o they_o must_v do_v in_o imitation_n of_o some_o holy_a man_n of_o old_a who_o be_v record_v to_o have_v pray_v at_o these_o hour_n whereas_o these_o man_n devotion_n be_v not_o warm_a enough_o to_o keep_v they_o awake_v when_o they_o be_v at_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o these_o prayer_n not_o be_v the_o free_a emanation_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n methinks_v the_o praise_n of_o they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o due_a to_o the_o monk_n themselves_o as_o to_o the_o head_n and_o founder_n of_o their_o order_n who_o oblige_v they_o to_o such_o rule_n and_o their_o devotion_n be_v little_o more_o praiseworthy_a than_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n at_o avignon_n and_o several_a other_o place_n who_o be_v once_o in_o a_o week_n force_v to_o go_v to_o church_n and_o hear_v a_o sermou_v as_o these_o monk_n be_v at_o least_o to_o sit_v there_o whilst_o a_o sermon_n be_v preach_v and_o return_v home_o as_o good_a christian_n as_o they_o go_v thither_o but_o then_o they_o be_v not_o only_o thus_o strict_o oblige_v to_o such_o hour_n of_o prayer_n for_o that_o be_v somewhat_o tolerable_a they_o may_v possible_o be_v intent_n on_o their_o prayer_n notwithstanding_o but_o they_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n teach_v that_o they_o need_v only_o say_v the_o word_n with_o their_o mouth_n it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o their_o mind_n shall_v go_v along_o with_o they_o and_o this_o together_o with_o the_o other_o must_v needs_o spoil_v all_o true_a devotion_n the_o frequency_n and_o unseasonableness_n of_o their_o prayer_n will_v make_v it_o very_o difficult_a for_o they_o to_o attend_v as_o they_o ought_v and_o their_o doctrine_n concern_v the_o no-necessity_n of_o attention_n at_o prayer_n will_v certain_o make_v they_o to_o yield_v to_o these_o difficulty_n and_o so_o there_o may_v be_v abundance_n of_o word_n say_v but_o no_o devotion_n perform_v beside_o all_o this_o they_o have_v a_o way_n of_o be_v ease_v of_o this_o trouble_n of_o the_o prayer_n for_o according_a to_o their_o casuist_n it_o be_v allowable_a for_o a_o man_n to_o get_v or_o hire_v another_o to_o say_v his_o prayer_n for_o he_o at_o least_o he_o may_v be_v dispense_v with_o by_o his_o superior_a and_o this_o dispensation_n be_v good_a whether_o there_o be_v a_o just_a reason_n or_o occasion_n for_o it_o or_o no_o according_a to_o a_o excellent_a maxim_n of_o they_o non_fw-la ad_fw-la valo_n rem_fw-la sed_fw-la ad_fw-la justitiam_fw-la requiritur_fw-la causa_fw-la and_o if_o after_o all_o this_o man_n still_o will_v be_v more_o than_o they_o need_v strict_a in_o their_o prayer_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o order_n they_o almost_o constant_o offend_v in_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o their_o devotion_n for_o they_o do_v they_o not_o so_o much_o to_o benefit_v the_o world_n or_o work_v themselves_o up_o to_o a_o better_a temper_n of_o mind_n but_o to_o perform_v a_o task_n impose_v on_o they_o and_o which_o they_o have_v vow_v to_o perform_v or_o especial_o to_o merit_v by_o their_o work_n for_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v that_o this_o strictness_n in_o devotion_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o their_o salvation_n for_o else_o why_o do_v they_o not_o enjoin_v it_o to_o all_o see_v all_o have_v the_o same_o need_n of_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o the_o sole_a end_n of_o all_o this_o strictness_n and_o constancy_n in_o prayer_n be_v only_o to_o get_v heaven_n for_o other_o which_o opinion_n beside_o that_o it_o will_v mighty_o discourage_v man_n of_o a_o ordinary_a charity_n
a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n especial_o as_o compare_v with_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o which_o it_o be_v show_v that_o whatever_o the_o romanist_n pretend_v there_o be_v not_o so_o true_a devotion_n among_o they_o nor_o such_o rational_a provision_n for_o it_o nor_o encouragement_n to_o it_o as_o in_o the_o church_n establish_v by_o law_n among_o we_o london_n print_v for_o benj._n take_v at_o the_o ship_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1685._o errata_fw-la p._n 13._o l._n 18._o r._n monkery_n p._n 16._o l._n 29._o r._n assistance_n p._n 25._o l._n 20._o r._n seal_v for_o seat_n p._n 37._o l._n 25._o r._n rev._n 19.10_o p._n 40._o l._n 10._o r._n destroy_v for_o remove_v p._n 45._o l._n 31._o r._n punish_v for_o promise_a p._n 46._o l._n ult_n r._n depend_v p._n 47._o l._n 30_o 31._o r._n decision_n for_o devision_n p._n 48._o l._n 29._o r._n severe_a for_o secure_v p._n 50._o l._n 31._o r._n for_o p._n 51._o l._n 21._o r._n loath_a for_o loath_a p._n 63._o l._n 22._o r._n especial_a for_o especial_o p._n 64._o l._n 27._o r._n and_o for_o or_o p._n 65._o l._n ult_n r._n camere_n for_o camaerae_fw-la a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o great_a commendation_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o any_o church_n or_o body_n of_o christian_n that_o a_o man_n can_v with_o truth_n affirm_v of_o it_o that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o profess_v the_o rule_n and_o order_n under_o which_o they_o live_v that_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n tend_v direct_o to_o make_v man_n more_o pious_a and_o devout_a more_o penitent_a and_o mortify_a more_o heavenly_a mind_a and_o every_o way_n of_o better_a life_n than_o the_o way_n and_o profession_n of_o other_o christian_n for_o to_o work_v man_n up_o to_o this_o holy_a frame_n and_o disposition_n be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o intend_v to_o govern_v man_n action_n and_o reform_v their_o temper_n as_o well_o as_o to_o inform_v their_o understanding_n and_o direct_v their_o belief_n and_o in_o this_o particular_a it_o differ_v much_o from_o all_o the_o ethic_n of_o the_o learned_a heathen_a for_o whereas_o they_o design_v especial_o to_o exalt_v the_o passion_n and_o to_o raise_v up_o the_o mind_n above_o itself_o by_o commend_v the_o high_a and_o pompous_a virtue_n thereby_o to_o stir_v man_n up_o to_o great_a design_n and_o to_o appear_v bold_a and_o brave_a in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n the_o gospel_n be_v most_o frequent_a in_o commendation_n of_o the_o humble_a lowly_a and_o mortify_a virtue_n which_o will_v reduce_v the_o mind_n to_o itself_o and_o keep_v man_n within_o due_a bound_n and_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o god_n and_o to_o live_v in_o a_o due_a regard_n to_o another_o life_n now_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v more_o often_o urge_v for_o herself_o or_o with_o great_a confidence_n pretend_v to_o excel_v the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o than_o by_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v that_o the_o frame_n of_o their_o church_n be_v more_o fit_v for_o the_o exciting_a of_o devotion_n and_o a_o good_a life_n than_o we_o be_v and_o so_o they_o will_v boast_v of_o their_o severe_a rule_n and_o order_n the_o austerity_n of_o their_o fast_n and_o penance_n the_o strict_a and_o mortify_v life_n the_o constancy_n and_o incessancy_n of_o devotion_n use_v among_o they_o and_o will_v thence_o infer_v that_o that_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o best_a religion_n or_o way_n of_o serve_v god_n in_o which_o these_o practice_n be_v enjoin_v and_o observe_v that_o the_o tree_n must_v needs_o be_v good_a by_o such_o excellent_a fruit_n and_o that_o if_o all_o other_o argument_n fail_v yet_o they_o say_v they_o have_v this_o to_o show_v for_o themselves_o that_o in_o their_o communion_n there_o be_v at_o least_o somewhat_o more_o like_a that_o great_a self-denial_n and_o mortification_n so_o often_o make_v necessary_a under_o the_o gospel_n than_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o reform_a church_n or_o particular_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n now_o lay_v aside_o all_o dispute_n concern_v point_n of_o doctrine_n in_o controversy_n between_o they_o and_o we_o in_o which_o it_o have_v be_v abundant_o show_v that_o they_o err_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o in_o what_o they_o differ_v from_o we_o they_o differ_v also_o from_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o the_o best_a age_n i_o will_v confine_v myself_o to_o examine_v their_o pretence_n to_o devotion_n where_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o will_v sufficient_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v as_o much_o deficient_a also_o in_o regularity_n of_o practice_n that_o there_o be_v not_o that_o true_a foundation_n lay_v for_o such_o devotion_n as_o god_n accept_v nor_o that_o strict_a provision_n make_v for_o it_o nor_o that_o real_a practice_n of_o it_o which_o they_o will_v make_v we_o believe_v but_o that_o even_o the_o best_a which_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v such_o as_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n befit_v a_o true_o christian_a spirit_n i_o will_v discourse_v in_o this_o method_n 1._o i_o will_v instance_n in_o the_o several_a expression_n of_o devotion_n the_o motive_n to_o it_o or_o assistance_n of_o it_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretend_v to_o and_o on_o which_o she_o be_v use_v to_o magnify_v herself_o 2._o i_o will_v allege_v the_o just_a exception_n which_o we_o have_v against_o such_o their_o pretence_n 3._o and_o then_o show_v that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o encourage_v true_a devotion_n that_o many_o thing_n both_o in_o their_o doctrine_n and_o discipline_n direct_o tend_v to_o the_o destruction_n of_o it_o 4._o i_o will_v show_v what_o excellent_a provision_n be_v make_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o devotion_n and_o what_o stress_n be_v lay_v on_o it_o and_o on_o a_o good_a life_n among_o we_o first_o though_o devotion_n be_v proper_o and_o chief_o in_o the_o mind_n a_o due_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a if_o it_o stop_v there_o for_o there_o be_v certain_a outward_a act_n which_o be_v either_o in_o themselves_o natural_a and_o proper_a expression_n or_o else_o be_v strict_o require_v of_o we_o by_o god_n as_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o devout_a temper_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o these_o be_v call_v act_n of_o devotion_n and_o all_o the_o commendation_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o any_o church_n on_o account_n of_o devotion_n must_v be_v either_o that_o there_o be_v a_o true_a foundation_n lay_v for_o it_o in_o man_n mind_n or_o constant_a provision_n make_v for_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o it_o all_o necessary_a encouragement_n give_v to_o it_o and_o a_o suitable_o strict_a and_o regular_a practice_n of_o it_o observable_a among_o they_o and_o there_o be_v several_a thing_n which_o be_v not_o at_o all_o insist_v on_o by_o we_o which_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n boast_v of_o as_o serve_v to_o some_o or_o all_o of_o these_o purpose_n which_o i_o shall_v represent_v as_o fair_o as_o i_o can_v that_o we_o may_v see_v what_o there_o be_v in_o that_o church_n that_o do_v answer_v such_o great_a pretence_n for_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n oftentimes_o instead_o of_o dispute_n endeavour_v to_o work_v on_o our_o people_n and_o too_o often_o prevail_v by_o appeal_n to_o matter_n of_o practice_n visible_a to_o every_o one_o eye_n a_o argument_n to_o which_o man_n need_v not_o use_v their_o reason_n but_o their_o sense_n and_o this_o will_n say_v they_o sufficient_o convince_v any_o of_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o way_n for_o here_o be_v several_a thing_n use_v as_o instance_n and_o expression_n of_o devotion_n very_o acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o suitable_a to_o a_o good_a christian_a temper_n which_o be_v either_o not_o at_o all_o use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o at_o least_o not_o in_o that_o degree_n and_o measure_n and_o yet_o all_o those_o that_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n say_v they_o be_v use_v among_o we_o for_o we_o not_o only_o enjoin_v and_o practice_v constant_a use_n of_o prayer_n public_a and_o private_a together_o with_o read_v and_o preach_v of_o the_o word_n sacrament_n and_o what_o ever_o be_v use_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o we_o have_v beside_o several_a thing_n which_o be_v as_o well_o proper_a expression_n of_o devotion_n as_o help_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v not_o use_v among_o the_o protestant_n the_o principal_a thing_n which_o they_o urge_v be_v
course_n of_o life_n be_v they_o will_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o break_v their_o rule_n sometime_o in_o order_n to_o extraordinary_a charity_n or_o when_o a_o occasion_n offer_v itself_o of_o do_v more_o good_a as_o be_v record_v particular_o concern_v spiridion_n a_o bishop_n in_o cyprus_n nor_o do_v we_o find_v that_o they_o always_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o state_n of_o life_n but_o take_v such_o a_o severe_a course_n on_o themselves_o at_o some_o particular_a time_n and_o on_o some_o special_a occasion_n as_o the_o nazarite_n of_o old_a do_v to_o humble_a and_o bring_v their_o body_n under_o and_z as_o st._n paul_n advise_v the_o marry_v but_o not_o to_o continue_v always_o so_o lest_o satan_n shall_v tempt_v they_o and_o they_o reckon_v it_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n praiseworthy_a for_o every_o act_n of_o mortification_n to_o be_v voluntary_a than_o that_o they_o shall_v once_o for_o all_o force_n themselves_o to_o it_o and_o therefore_o still_o retain_v a_o power_n to_o themselves_o and_o do_v vary_v from_o this_o method-sometimes_a and_o on_o occaosin_n will_v indulge_v themselves_o a_o great_a though_o still_o a_o lawful_a liberty_n they_o take_v not_o on_o they_o the_o vow_n of_o poverty_n nor_o place_v perfection_n in_o beggary_n but_o reckon_v every_o creature_n of_o god_n to_o be_v good_a and_o even_o the_o outward_a good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n to_o be_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n if_o they_o be_v well_o employ_v according_a to_o 1_o pet._n 4.10_o and_o remember_v that_o say_v of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n act_v 20_o 35._o it_o be_v more_o bless_a to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v nor_o do_v they_o vow_v what_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n now_o call_v chastity_n but_o reckon_v themselves_o as_o chaste_a in_o wedlock_n and_o as_o for_o obedience_n the_o three_o part_n of_o the_o monk_n vow_v they_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o obey_v the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o know_v not_o of_o any_o other_o obedience_n due_a from_o they_o but_o only_o to_o their_o governor_n in_o church_n and_o state_n who_o lawful_a command_v they_o reckon_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o in_o order_n to_o the_o more_o regular_a administration_n of_o affair_n and_o the_o more_o peaceable_a government_n of_o the_o world_n much_o less_o have_v they_o any_o distinct_a rule_n to_o be_v set_v up_o in_o competition_n with_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o urge_v as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n make_v even_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n of_o none_o effect_n as_o many_o of_o the_o monk_n rule_v apparent_o do_v as_o may_v be_v easy_o make_v to_o appear_v such_o religious_a man_n as_o these_o there_o be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n who_o practise_v a_o strict_a devotion_n than_o other_o that_o god_n name_n may_v be_v the_o more_o hallow_a by_o they_o the_o more_o it_o be_v profane_v by_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o be_v more_o than_o ordinary_a instant_n and_o constant_a in_o prayer_n for_o a_o blessing_n on_o the_o church_n and_o state_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n and_o by_o the_o strictness_n and_o severity_n of_o their_o life_n make_v some_o amends_o for_o the_o negligence_n and_o viciousness_n of_o the_o age_n in_o which_o they_o live_v and_o many_o such_o as_o these_o we_o doubt_v not_o be_v now_o among_o we_o who_o yet_o utter_o dislike_v the_o popish_a mankery_n and_o if_o by_o the_o monastic_a life_n all_o this_o be_v do_v and_o nothing_o else_o design_v it_o be_v just_o to_o be_v commend_v for_o let_v man_n deny_v themselves_o as_o much_o as_o they_o will_v and_o use_v their_o christian_a liberty_n to_o the_o restraint_n of_o themselves_o by_o a_o voluntary_a self_n denial_n and_o mortification_n to_o keep_v their_o body_n under_o and_o thereby_o get_v a_o better_a temper_n of_o mind_n but_o all_o this_o will_v not_o suffice_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o a_o man_n to_o live_v so_o strict_a and_o holy_a a_o life_n unless_o he_o enter_v into_o a_o vow_n particular_o to_o this_o purpose_n nay_o though_o a_o man_n do_v take_v on_o he_o all_o these_o vow_n of_o chastity_n poverty_n and_o obedience_n and_o though_o they_o be_v make_v to_o his_o bishop_n or_o confessor_n who_o one_o will_v think_v be_v the_o proper_a person_n in_o the_o case_n yet_o still_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v in_o this_o religious_a state_n unless_o he_o vow_v obedience_n to_o another_o kind_n of_o spiritual_a jurisdiction_n so_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o the_o live_n so_o strict_o nor_o vow_v to_o live_v strict_o as_o the_o most_o severe_a monk_n but_o it_o be_v their_o be_v of_o a_o particular_a order_n and_o live_v under_o such_o and_o such_o rule_n that_o be_v so_o meritorious_a so_o that_o by_o monkery_n indeed_o monkery_n be_v encourage_v and_o some_o politic_a and_o secular_a design_n answer_v but_o the_o advancement_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v not_o principal_o design_v or_o intend_v but_o to_o discourse_v more_o distinct_o of_o it_o in_o a_o monastic_a life_n these_o three_o thing_n be_v especial_o remarkable_a first_o the_o seclude_v and_o perhaps_o eremetical_a way_n of_o live_v which_o they_o lead_v second_o the_o constancy_n and_o regularity_n of_o devotion_n practise_v there_o three_o the_o severity_n of_o their_o rule_n and_o austerity_n of_o their_o life_n but_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o there_o be_v little_a of_o true_a devotion_n that_o i_o can_v discover_v in_o any_o of_o these_o first_o their_o be_v shut_v up_o from_o the_o world_n or_o live_v in_o desert_n be_v no_o very_o proper_a instance_n of_o their_o devotion_n or_o agreeable_a to_o the_o design_n of_o christianity_n for_o a_o man_n shall_v converse_v in_o the_o world_n else_o he_o can_v so_o well_o understand_v it_o what_o be_v amiss_o or_o want_v in_o it_o nor_o how_o even_o to_o apply_v and_o place_v the_o emphasis_n of_o his_o prayer_n a_o man_n that_o live_v in_o a_o wilderness_n or_o shut_v up_o always_o in_o a_o monastery_n it_o be_v possible_a that_o he_o may_v keep_v himself_o free_a from_o the_o defilement_n of_o the_o world_n but_o yet_o it_o must_v be_v look_v on_o as_o much_o more_o noble_a and_o commendable_a to_o converse_v in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o to_o avoid_v the_o pollution_n of_o it_o and_o though_o by_o such_o a_o seclude_v life_n he_o may_v escape_v one_o kind_n of_o temptation_n yet_o still_o he_o will_v be_v at_o least_o as_o liable_a to_o the_o two_o other_o that_o arise_v from_o the_o devil_n or_o his_o own_o flesh_n and_o temper_n as_o ever_o and_o if_o he_o avoid_v some_o sin_n yet_o still_o he_o will_v be_v more_o subject_a to_o other_o sourness_n moroseness_n melancholy_a censoriousness_n spiritual_a pride_n and_o other_o sin_n of_o as_o high_a a_o nature_n as_o those_o which_o by_o be_v shut_v up_o from_o the_o world_n he_o pretend_v to_o avoid_v and_o yet_o such_o as_o these_o be_v general_o legible_a and_o observable_a in_o the_o very_a look_n conversation_n and_o carriage_n of_o monk_n and_o hermit_n indeed_o retiredness_n sometime_o be_v a_o excellent_a help_n to_o the_o mind_n by_o give_v it_o time_n to_o recollect_v itself_o and_o to_o reflect_v on_o its_o former_a miscarriage_n and_o the_o better_a to_o prepare_v itself_o for_o its_o future_a encounter_n in_o the_o world_n but_o a_o man_n may_v exceed_v in_o the_o measure_n and_o degree_n of_o this_o as_o well_o as_o of_o other_o convenicy_n and_o lawful_a enjoyment_n and_o so_o it_o may_v become_v a_o snare_n and_o a_o evil_a to_o he_o for_o the_o mind_n will_v natural_o be_v as_o much_o tire_v with_o solitude_n as_o with_o business_n beside_o that_o the_o devil_n be_v always_o most_o busy_a when_o man_n be_v idle_a and_o diversion_n and_o recreation_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o most_o temper_n as_o health_n and_o cheerfulness_n be_v and_o fit_v a_o man_n even_o for_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o keep_n the_o mind_n in_o a_o constant_a bent_n though_o of_o devotion_n will_v in_o a_o short_a time_n weaken_v its_o spring_n and_o dull_v its_o edge_n and_o the_o act_n of_o devotion_n in_o such_o a_o mind_n will_n it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v be_v rather_o a_o formal_a piece_n of_o drudgery_n than_o a_o reasonable_a service_n and_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o by_o be_v confine_v to_o a_o monastery_n a_o man_n may_v better_o escape_v the_o defilement_n of_o any_o kind_n of_o sin_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o he_o can_v be_v in_o so_o much_o capacity_n of_o do_v good_a in_o the_o world_n as_o if_o he_o converse_v free_o with_o it_o and_o sozomon_n quote_v it_o as_o a_o most_o remarkable_a say_v of_o some_o of_o the_o first_o monk_n 12._o soc._n l._n 1._o c._n 12._o that_o he_o that_o abstain_v from_o evil_a but_o do_v no_o good_a
from_o be_v very_a intent_n on_o what_o they_o do_v when_o they_o be_v sensible_a they_o labour_v only_o for_o another_o it_o countenance_v also_o a_o false_a and_o dangerous_a doctrine_n concern_v the_o merit_n of_o good_a work_n and_o incourage_v all_o vicious_a practice_n in_o other_o man_n who_o will_v hope_v to_o be_v save_v though_o not_o by_o their_o own_o prayer_n yet_o by_o the_o prayer_n of_o these_o holy_a monk_n say_v for_o they_o so_o that_o on_o many_o account_n there_o be_v little_a of_o true_a devotion_n to_o be_v find_v in_o that_o constant_a course_n of_o prayer_n say_v so_o regular_o by_o the_o monk_n and_o hermit_n not_o to_o mention_v several_a other_o particular_n concern_v the_o frame_n and_o language_n of_o their_o prayer_n the_o object_n or_o person_n worship_v or_o pray_v to_o the_o person_n pray_v for_o and_o the_o like_a which_o i_o may_v have_v occasion_n to_o mention_v afterward_o which_o be_v put_v together_o do_v abundant_o show_v the_o impropriety_n and_o the_o worthlessness_n of_o such_o devotion_n three_o and_o as_o to_o the_o austerity_n of_o the_o life_n of_o their_o monk_n and_o nun_n the_o punishment_n which_o they_o inflict_v on_o themselves_o as_o they_o profess_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n by_o coarse_a and_o uneasy_a garment_n scanty_a food_n and_o fare_v long_o and_o tedious_a watch_n frequent_a and_o cruel_a whip_n and_o lashing_n and_o other_o such_o course_n and_o harsh_a treatment_n which_o they_o use_v towards_o their_o own_o body_n i_o confess_v i_o pity_v they_o but_o can_v discern_v little_a or_o no_o true_a christian_a devotion_n in_o they_o for_o all_o severity_n to_o our_o body_n be_v not_o devotion_n or_o any_o part_n of_o that_o self-denial_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v nor_o be_v this_o of_o they_o though_o they_o pretend_v it_o to_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n but_o their_o insist_v so_o strict_o on_o it_o and_o value_v themselves_o so_o much_o on_o it_o be_v of_o very_o bad_a consequence_n to_o religion_n all_o punishment_n which_o man_n inflict_v on_o themselves_o be_v not_o religion_n nor_o commendable_a nor_o be_v the_o patient_a bear_n of_o it_o always_o a_o sign_n of_o a_o true_a christian_a temper_n christ_n have_v no_o where_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o that_o can_v fast_o long_a or_o endure_v most_o lash_n be_v the_o best_a man_n but_o he_o that_o govern_v himself_o and_o his_o life_n best_a we_o have_v strange_a instance_n of_o this_o insensibleness_n of_o pain_n in_o many_o of_o the_o worst_a principle_n and_o most_o profligate_v conscience_n the_o devil_n have_v his_o martyr_n as_o well_o as_o god_n and_o if_o the_o voluntary_o inflict_v punishment_n on_o themselves_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o devotion_n the_o priest_n of_o baal_n 1_o king_n 18_o must_v have_v be_v a_o very_a devout_a generation_n of_o men._n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o any_o religious_a commendation_n of_o a_o man_n that_o he_o can_v stout_o whip_v or_o lash_v himself_o or_o bear_v it_o from_o another_o without_o flinch_v such_o a_o man_n may_v have_v make_v a_o good_a gladiator_n but_o seem_v not_o so_o well_o qualify_v for_o a_o christian_n nor_o be_v all_o punishment_n which_o man_n inflict_v on_o themselves_o and_o say_v they_o do_v it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n always_o a_o sign_n of_o true_a devotion_n for_o in_o other_o case_n it_o be_v not_o man_n say_v that_o they_o design_v well_o which_o will_v make_v their_o action_n acceptable_a with_o god_n but_o it_o be_v their_o do_v what_o he_o have_v command_v and_o for_o the_o end_n which_o he_o design_v and_o intend_v with_o which_o he_o be_v well_o please_v and_o it_o too_o often_o happen_v that_o man_n do_v action_n have_v a_o show_n of_o sanctity_n and_o of_o great_a self-denial_n which_o yet_o be_v receive_v by_o god_n only_o with_o a_o who_o have_v require_v this_o at_o your_o hand_n self-denial_n indeed_o be_v command_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v necessary_a also_o to_o many_o and_o excellent_a purpose_n to_o subdue_v a_o man_n passion_n and_o affection_n and_o to_o bring_v he_o to_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o himself_o to_o put_v a_o man_n in_o mind_n of_o leave_v the_o pleasant_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n sensible_o to_o affect_v he_o with_o the_o condition_n of_o those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n and_o always_o want_v they_o and_o to_o inure_v he_o to_o bear_v patient_o the_o adverse_a thing_n or_o whatever_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o lay_v upon_o he_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v have_v a_o mind_n always_o ready_a and_o prepare_v to_o lose_v all_o for_o christ_n and_o therefore_o he_o ought_v often_o to_o deny_v himself_o somewhat_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n that_o he_o may_v give_v full_a proof_n to_o himself_o that_o his_o mind_n be_v affect_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o by_o voluntary_a act_n of_o this_o nature_n he_o preserve_v a_o power_n over_o himself_o and_o be_v much_o the_o more_o fit_v for_o all_o the_o accident_n of_o life_n and_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n but_o let_v a_o man_n have_v a_o care_n that_o he_o keep_v within_o due_a bound_n he_o may_v exceed_v and_o transgress_v both_o in_o the_o measure_n and_o in_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o such_o mortification_n he_o exceed_v in_o the_o measure_n of_o it_o when_o he_o inflict_v such_o severity_n on_o himself_o as_o shall_v render_v he_o unfit_a for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o useless_a in_o his_o place_n god_n delight_v not_o in_o the_o punishment_n of_o his_o creature_n but_o desire_v their_o good_a here_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o their_o great_a good_a hereafter_o and_o though_o he_o require_v self-denial_n of_o we_o it_o be_v only_o in_o such_o a_o measure_n as_o be_v for_o our_o good_a in_o order_n to_o the_o better_n of_o our_o temper_n and_o to_o cut_v off_o the_o occasion_n of_o sin_n in_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n in_o any_o man_n on_o this_o pretence_n to_o render_v his_o life_n so_o uneasy_a to_o himself_o as_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o serve_v god_n content_o cheerful_o and_o without_o distraction_n as_o a_o man_n may_v be_v to_o blame_v also_o for_o his_o charity_n when_o without_o a_o just_a occasion_n he_o throw_v or_o give_v away_o all_o for_o if_o this_o course_n be_v allow_v or_o follow_v the_o worst_a people_n and_o they_o that_o know_v least_o how_o to_o use_v a_o estate_n well_o will_v be_v the_o rich_a and_o owner_n of_o all_o and_o the_o only_a person_n in_o authority_n and_o power_n and_o he_o transgress_v also_o in_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o such_o severity_n when_o he_o pretend_v to_o merit_v by_o it_o and_o hope_n to_o buy_v heaven_n which_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n with_o a_o few_o lash_n or_o a_o little_a money_n and_o i_o have_v too_o much_o reason_n to_o undervalue_v and_o dislike_v the_o severity_n of_o the_o monk_n on_o both_o these_o account_n they_o often_o tie_v themselves_o up_o to_o such_o degree_n of_o strictness_n as_o be_v above_o the_o measure_n of_o a_o man_n and_o consequent_o not_o to_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n and_o devotion_n and_o they_o always_o design_v to_o purchase_v heaven_n for_o themselves_o or_o other_o by_o the_o merit_n of_o such_o suffering_n at_o the_o same_o time_n undervalue_v the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o overvalue_a their_o own_o and_o yet_o make_v they_o of_o less_o worth_n in_o god_n esteem_n than_o else_o they_o will_v be_v by_o their_o own_o set_n so_o high_a a_o price_n upon_o they_o and_o beside_o all_o this_o their_o insist_v so_o strict_o on_o these_o piece_n of_o austerity_n and_o place_v such_o religion_n and_o persection_n in_o they_o be_v of_o very_o ill_a consequence_n to_o other_o purpose_n it_o make_v man_n to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o mean_n as_o the_o end_n to_o content_v themselves_o with_o have_v perform_v their_o fast_n their_o number_n of_o prayer_n and_o lash_n without_o ever_o aim_v at_o any_o 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the_o person_n who_o thus_o confine_v and_o shut_v up_o their_o child_n and_o relation_n be_v like_a to_o the_o persecutor_n who_o in_o the_o like_a manner_n shut_v up_o st._n cyprian_n which_o certain_o be_v cruelty_n in_o they_o though_o by_o so_o do_v they_o give_v he_o a_o great_a opportunity_n for_o private_a devotion_n so_o that_o in_o truth_n i_o look_v on_o the_o monastery_n as_o they_o be_v now_o order_v to_o be_v rather_o a_o kind_n of_o prison_n and_o place_n of_o punishment_n than_o convenient_a place_n of_o retirement_n in_o order_n to_o the_o free_a and_o more_o undisturbed_a exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o devotion_n and_o if_o i_o be_o not_o mistake_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n herself_o whatever_o she_o pretend_v real_o think_v so_o of_o they_o for_o the_o worst_a punishment_n that_o she_o inflict_v on_o a_o priest_n for_o one_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o offence_n viz._n for_o his_o violate_v the_o seat_n of_o confession_n be_v that_o he_o shall_v be_v condemn_v to_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o a_o monastery_n and_o i_o dare_v say_v that_o he_o and_o i_o agree_v in_o think_v that_o to_o be_v a_o severe_a punishment_n rather_o than_o a_o help_v to_o devotion_n second_o and_o if_o the_o multitude_n of_o monastery_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v no_o certain_a sign_n of_o devotion_n flourish_v among_o they_o they_o have_v little_a reason_n to_o boast_v of_o their_o work_n of_o charity_n for_o it_o be_v most_o plain_a that_o the_o big_a part_n of_o their_o charity_n be_v turn_v this_o way_n to_o the_o building_n and_o endow_v monastery_n and_o to_o the_o encouragement_n of_o the_o monastic_a way_n of_o live_v but_o beside_o this_o though_o i_o be_o very_o loath_a to_o find_v fault_n with_o any_o pretence_n to_o charity_n yet_o i_o have_v too_o much_o reason_n on_o many_o account_n to_o think_v very_o mean_o of_o all_o that_o which_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o whatever_o have_v be_v give_v to_o that_o church_n under_o the_o name_n of_o charity_n and_o be_v now_o enjoy_v by_o it_o have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v ill_o get_v and_o be_v as_o ill_o employ_v and_o here_o i_o will_v not_o treat_v of_o the_o temporal_a power_n of_o the_o pope_n himself_o and_o of_o the_o several_a principality_n which_o he_o stand_v possess_v of_o in_o italy_n and_o france_n for_o they_o can_v be_v range_v under_o the_o head_n of_o charity_n according_a to_o my_o acception_n of_o the_o word_n though_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o make_v to_o appear_v that_o they_o have_v general_o be_v get_v by_o unjust_a and_o unlawful_a or_o at_o best_o by_o harsh_a and_o cruel_a mean_n and_o such_o as_o one_o will_v not_o expect_v from_o the_o succesfor_a of_o st._n peter_n but_o i_o concern_v myself_o with_o small_a and_o more_o private_a benefaction_n and_o gift_n though_o these_o be_v so_o considerable_a that_o general_o a_o three_o part_n often_o half_a the_o land_n of_o a_o country_n be_v the_o propriety_n of_o the_o church_n now_o all_o this_o be_v get_v chief_o from_o man_n that_o be_v die_v who_o can_v keep_v their_o riches_n no_o long_o and_o therefore_o who_o do_v not_o so_o much_o give_v this_o from_o themselves_o as_o from_o their_o heir_n and_o be_v especial_o as_o it_o be_v to_o buy_v heaven_n and_o a_o man_n must_v have_v a_o most_o despicable_a esteem_n of_o heaven_n who_o will_v not_o give_v all_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n when_o he_o can_v no_o long_o use_v or_o enjoy_v they_o for_o the_o purchase_n of_o it_o and_o what_o be_v give_v from_o so_o bad_a a_o principle_n be_v common_o apply_v to_o as_o bad_a a_o purpose_n it_o be_v a_o common_a observation_n that_o in_o all_o the_o popish_a country_n the_o poor_a be_v the_o most_o miserable_a in_o the_o world_n and_o
a_o fast_a be_v it_o wine_n or_o chocolat_a and_o because_o it_o be_v not_o wholesome_a to_o drink_v without_o eat_v you_o may_v eat_v two_o ounce_n of_o bread_n for_o that_o be_v but_o a_o quarter_n of_o a_o meal_n and_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v chance_v to_o break_v his_o vow_n of_o fast_v thus_o he_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o fast_v another_o day_n for_o it_o unless_o on_o a_o new_a obligation_n and_o if_o all_o this_o be_v too_o hard_a you_o may_v be_v dispense_v with_o for_o your_o whole_a life_n and_o that_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o just_a cause_n for_o it_o or_o no._n nay_o servant_n though_o they_o eat_v never_o so_o gluttonous_o of_o the_o scrap_n they_o break_v no_o fast_a indeed_o there_o need_v be_v no_o rule_n set_v down_o concern_v the_o poor_a people_n observe_v fast_n day_n they_o be_v keep_v low_o enough_o without_o they_o and_o as_o for_o the_o rich_a their_o fast_n be_v mock-fasting_a to_o fast_o to_o luxury_n with_o wine_n and_o fish_n and_o sweetmeat_n be_v not_o this_o great_a self-denial_n if_o any_o therefore_o be_v still_o true_o mortify_v when_o they_o can_v thus_o help_v it_o i_o must_v rather_o commend_v their_o own_o piety_n and_o devout_a temper_n than_o the_o rule_n and_o order_n of_o their_o church_n which_o give_v so_o much_o liberty_n that_o a_o man_n must_v have_v a_o very_a cross-grained_a appetite_n or_o be_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n sensual_a not_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o comply_v with_o it_o we_o find_v then_o no_o fault_n with_o fast_v be_v enjoin_v and_o at_o set_a season_n for_o we_o ourselves_o commend_v and_o practice_v it_o but_o let_v it_o not_o be_v to_o play_v trick_n but_o for_o true_a and_o real_a mortification_n and_o for_o the_o proper_a end_n of_o mortification_n to_o humble_v the_o body_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o to_o bring_v the_o mind_n to_o a_o better_a temper_n and_o to_o these_o end_n be_v fast_v command_v by_o our_o church_n but_o not_o as_o if_o we_o look_v on_o this_o or_o that_o kind_n of_o meat_n to_o be_v unholy_a or_o design_v to_o purchase_v heaven_n by_o our_o abstinence_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v 6._o and_o as_o for_o their_o pilgrimage_n and_o worship_n of_o relic_n they_o must_v needs_o have_v less_o pretence_n to_o religion_n for_o their_o fast_n and_o other_o austerity_n somewhat_o resemble_v true_a christian_a duty_n but_o these_o have_v no_o show_n that_o way_n if_o pilgrimage_n be_v enjoin_v for_o penance_n than_o there_o be_v no_o thanks_o due_a to_o the_o person_n perform_v it_o if_o it_o be_v voluntary_a there_o be_v no_o true_a devotion_n in_o it_o for_o the_o worth_n of_o it_o must_v consist_v in_o some_o of_o these_o reason_n viz._n either_o first_o that_o god_n be_v more_o present_a or_o second_o more_o propitious_a in_o one_o public_a place_n of_o worship_n than_o another_o both_o which_o be_v contrary_a either_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o his_o declaration_n in_o scripture_n when_o he_o say_v in_o every_o place_n a_o pure_a offer_n shall_v be_v offer_v to_o he_o mal._n 1.11_o and_o where_o ever_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v toge-in_a christ_n name_n he_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o matt._n 18.20_o and_o the_o teach_n otherwise_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o revive_v judaisme_n which_o allow_v god_n as_o to_o some_o case_n to_o be_v serve_v acceptable_o only_a in_o one_o place_n or_o three_o that_o the_o saint_n be_v more_o present_a or_o propitious_a here_o than_o any_o where_o else_o but_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o devotion_n to_o god_n not_o to_o the_o saint_n or_o four_o that_o it_o be_v their_o punish_a themselves_o that_o be_v so_o acceptable_a but_o that_o have_v be_v sufficient_o discard_v already_o or_o five_o that_o go_v so_o far_o and_o take_v such_o pain_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o their_o love_n but_o a_o man_n may_v show_v his_o love_n to_o god_n and_o to_o his_o saint_n too_o by_o more_o proper_a instance_n and_o do_v more_o good_a by_o it_o which_o god_n to_o be_v sure_a will_v better_o accept_v and_o the_o saint_n if_o he_o be_v a_o saint_n will_v like_v as_o well_o and_o therefore_o the_o make_v such_o account_n of_o pilgrimage_n seem_v rather_o to_o favour_v the_o mahometan_a than_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o the_o go_n on_o pilgrimage_n to_o mecca_n be_v one_o of_o the_o five_o indispensable_a point_n of_o the_o mahometan_a superstition_n and_o as_o for_o the_o veneration_n of_o relic_n all_o the_o world_n know_v what_o a_o cheat_n be_v put_v on_o man_n in_o vend_v any_o old_a rot_a bone_n or_o piece_n of_o cloth_n etc._n etc._n for_o a_o relic_n of_o this_o or_o that_o saint_n so_o that_o according_a to_o a_o moderate_a computation_n i_o suppose_v scarce_o one_o in_o a_o hundred_o be_v true_a and_o some_o have_v plead_v they_o need_v not_o be_v true_a now_o whatever_o devotion_n be_v perform_v to_o or_o on_o occasion_n of_o these_o relic_n can_v be_v commendable_a only_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o devout_a temper_n of_o the_o person_n which_o i_o think_v might_n as_o acceptable_o show_v itself_o in_o any_o other_o proper_a time_n and_o place_n and_o there_o be_v require_v a_o long_a series_n of_o consequence_n before_o the_o sight_n of_o st._n joseph_n axe_n or_o any_o such_o other_o of_o their_o relic_n can_v be_v pretend_v to_o raise_v a_o man_n devotion_n but_o it_o be_v the_o chief_a trade_n at_o rome_n to_o sell_v feign_v piece_n of_o antiquity_n and_o other_o such_o worthless_a trinket_n at_o a_o high_a rate_n i_o the_o less_o wonder_n that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o esteem_n for_o relic_n for_o it_o be_v for_o their_o profit_n to_o keep_v up_o the_o value_n of_o they_o they_o be_v the_o principal_a commodity_n of_o the_o place_n 7._o and_o the_o belief_n which_o they_o have_v of_o the_o saint_n hear_v they_o and_o their_o practice_n of_o pray_v to_o they_o be_v no_o proper_a encouragement_n or_o instance_n of_o true_a devotion_n for_o all_o devotion_n be_v proper_o towards_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o make_v address_n to_o any_o other_o can_v possible_o have_v any_o direct_a tendency_n to_o exalt_v our_o devotion_n to_o he_o but_o be_v real_o a_o great_a hindrance_n for_o it_o take_v man_n mind_n off_o from_o god_n and_o set_v they_o on_o his_o creature_n and_o the_o same_o time_n that_o be_v spend_v in_o prayer_n to_o they_o sure_o be_v better_a spend_v in_o pray_v to_o god_n who_o be_v more_o present_a with_o we_o hear_v we_o better_o and_o love_v we_o more_o and_o man_n go_v to_o saint_n when_o god_n be_v present_a natural_o tend_v to_o provoke_v god_n jealousy_n for_o he_o declare_v himself_o jealous_a as_o to_o his_o worship_n particular_o to_o set_v they_o up_o in_o competition_n with_o god_n and_o to_o create_v in_o man_n a_o opinion_n that_o they_o be_v more_o easy_o entreat_v and_o ready_a to_o do_v we_o a_o kindness_n than_o he_o be_v and_o therefore_o though_o man_n may_v fear_v god_n more_o yet_o they_o will_v rather_o love_v the_o saint_n and_o love_n be_v the_o true_a 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whether_o he_o will_v perform_v any_o penance_n for_o his_o sin_n nâ—y_o indeed_o so_o loath_a be_v they_o to_o appear_v severe_a against_o sin_n or_o cruel_a to_o the_o sinner_n that_o when_o in_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n some_o will_v have_v revive_v this_o discipline_n by_o enact_v public_a penance_n they_o be_v violent_o oppose_v and_o overrule_v tho_o st._n gregory_n a_o pope_n of_o rome_n have_v hold_v it_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a right_n and_o their_o casuist_n since_o teach_v that_o a_o confessor_n can_v or_o ought_v not_o to_o enjoin_v a_o public_a penance_n so_o that_o by_o this_o mean_v a_o man_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v put_v to_o the_o blush_n for_o his_o sin_n for_o no_o such_o penance_n must_v be_v impose_v by_o which_o the_o sin_n may_v be_v know_v and_o he_o be_v sure_a