Selected quad for the lemma: religion_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n exercise_v good_a great_a 252 4 2.0921 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A40084 The principles and practices of certain moderate divines of the Church of England (greatly mis-understood), truly represented and defended wherein ... some controversies, of no mean importance, are succinctly discussed : in a free discourse between two intimate friends : in three parts. Fowler, Edward, 1632-1714. 1670 (1670) Wing F1711; ESTC R17783 120,188 376

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they_o be_v condemn_v by_o some_o who_o without_o any_o reason_n take_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a son_n of_o the_o church_n as_o false_a friend_n to_o she_o and_o that_o as_o by_o acknowledge_v no_o more_o they_o anger_v that_o extreme_a so_o by_o grant_v so_o much_o conscience_n they_o no_o less_o displease_v the_o other_o but_o to_o proceed_v these_o person_n be_v not_o more_o for_o obedience_n to_o all_o lawful_a command_n of_o authority_n than_o desirous_a that_o mercy_n and_o indulgence_n shall_v be_v show_v towards_o those_o who_o conscience_n will_v not_o permit_v they_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o will_n of_o their_o governor_n in_o some_o thing_n disputable_a philal._n but_o do_v they_o not_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v most_o unfit_a that_o seditious_a practice_n shall_v pass_v unpunished_a theoph._n yes_o that_o they_o do_v conscience_n and_o do_v believe_v that_o those_o dissenter_n from_o the_o establish_a way_n of_o religion_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v or_o deal_v with_o as_o man_n of_o tender_a conscience_n who_o be_v not_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a modest_a and_o charitable_a in_o their_o behaviour_n towards_o those_o that_o be_v not_o of_o their_o way_n and_o mind_n and_o that_o think_v it_o not_o enough_o not_o to_o obey_v but_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v likewise_o confront_v authority_n and_o refuse_v to_o yield_v obedience_n in_o those_o thing_n against_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n that_o carry_v any_o show_n of_o reason_n philal._n i_o suppose_v they_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o extreme_o desirable_a that_o if_o our_o governor_n shall_v see_v it_o good_a the_o term_n of_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o likewise_o of_o exercise_v the_o ministerial_a function_n therein_o may_v be_v so_o enlarge_v as_o to_o take_v in_o all_o that_o be_v of_o any_o reason_n sobriety_n and_o moderation_n theoph._n i_o wonder_v that_o all_o wise_a man_n shall_v not_o it_o be_v so_o 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phoenomenon_n than_o that_o of_o the_o philosopher_n a_o wise_a man_n be_v the_o great_a prodigy_n and_o i_o believe_v they_o the_o only_a sort_n of_o man_n that_o be_v in_o any_o likelihood_n of_o or_o qualify_v for_o the_o repair_n of_o our_o present_a dangerous_a breach_n and_o cure_v our_o very_a ill_a presage_a animosity_n theoph._n for_o my_o part_n i_o must_v profess_v to_o you_o that_o i_o can_v scarce_o persuade_v myself_o once_o to_o hope_n that_o there_o may_v be_v any_o prevention_n of_o our_o utter_a confusion_n but_o that_o it_o have_v please_v the_o divine_a providence_n to_o raise_v up_o among_o we_o so_o considerable_a a_o number_n of_o such_o good_a spirit_a and_o generous_o mind_a person_n the_o thought_n whereof_o be_v my_o best_a antidote_n against_o despondence_n philal._n that_o they_o chief_o design_v the_o propagation_n of_o truth_n and_o true_a goodness_n and_o not_o any_o private_a selfish_a interest_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o have_v cause_n to_o conclude_v for_o the_o practice_n and_o principle_n that_o distinguish_v they_o from_o other_o man_n have_v never_o yet_o in_o any_o time_n be_v the_o way_n to_o raise_v any_o but_o the_o contrary_n theoph._n it_o be_v certain_a they_o have_v not_o enemy_n and_o the_o great_a reason_n why_o the_o bigot_n of_o our_o several_a party_n do_v chief_o set_v themselves_o against_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v because_o they_o be_v aware_a that_o of_o all_o their_o other_o adversary_n there_o be_v none_o that_o do_v they_o so_o much_o disservice_n as_o do_v these_o by_o show_v that_o those_o thing_n they_o raise_v such_o a_o dust_n about_o and_o make_v such_o a_o hideous_a stir_n and_o noise_n signify_v nothing_o what_o ere_o they_o pretend_v to_o the_o promote_a of_o true_a religion_n the_o advancement_n of_o christ_n kingdom_n and_o the_o real_a and_o true_a welfare_n of_o his_o church_n but_o be_v available_a only_o to_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o such_o little_a narrow_a and_o low_a design_n 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as_o those_o kind_n of_o man_n profess_v against_o these_o person_n party_n i_o observe_v there_o be_v prudent_a and_o moderate_a man_n in_o some_o of_o the_o party_n that_o have_v a_o reverend_a esteem_n of_o they_o and_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o man_n very_o valuable_a which_o sober_a person_n be_v no_o less_o honour_v and_o love_v by_o they_o also_o between_o who_o the_o difference_n in_o opinion_n be_v so_o inconsiderable_a that_o it_o be_v pity_v there_o shall_v be_v any_o distinction_n of_o name_n between_o they_o philal._n and_o if_o the_o generality_n of_o each_o of_o our_o party_n be_v as_o true_a to_o the_o cause_n of_o christ_n jesus_n and_o so_o self-denying_a as_o to_o prefer_v his_o interest_n before_o their_o own_o i_o question_v not_o but_o that_o they_o and_o their_o principle_n will_v find_v incomparable_o more_o friend_n among_o they_o than_o they_o do_v now_o enemy_n theoph._n but_o whereas_o i_o now_o speak_v of_o the_o distinction_n of_o name_n by_o i_o must_v 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that_o will_v con_v a_o preacher_n little_a thanks_o for_o insist_v on_o that_o topick_n for_o they_o tell_v we_o very_o weak_o that_o only_a faith_n be_v to_o be_v set_v on_o work_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n not_o reason_n theoph._n very_o weak_o indeed_o religion_n it_o seem_v those_o man_n will_v have_v we_o believe_v our_o religion_n we_o know_v not_o why_o and_o so_o we_o shall_v be_v wise_a believer_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v i_o of_o their_o opinion_n i_o doubt_v i_o shall_v be_v shrewd_o tempt_v to_o prefer_v no_o one_o religion_n before_o another_o and_o to_o think_v none_o so_o absurd_a as_o that_o i_o shall_v need_v to_o stick_v upon_o that_o account_n at_o entertain_v it_o philal._n i_o great_o fear_v that_o mahometanism_n itself_o will_v bid_v as_o fair_a for_o my_o belief_n as_o christianity_n do_v i_o think_v as_o they_o do_v but_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o imagine_v that_o reason_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v in_o religion_n that_o i_o be_o most_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v nowhere_o to_o so_o good_a purpose_n employ_v as_o it_o be_v there_o but_o how_o do_v you_o understand_v that_o place_n consider_v which_o these_o enemy_n of_o reason_n i_o think_v lay_v the_o great_a stress_n on_o in_o their_o cavil_n against_o it_o viz._n the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n to_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v where_o by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v i_o know_v not_o why_o translate_v the_o natural_a man_n they_o understand_v the_o rational_a or_o as_o some_o of_o they_o love_n to_o word_n it_o the_o sou_o man_n but_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n theoph._n those_o word_n of_o s._n paul_n be_v strange_o misunderstand_v by_o they_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o they_o that_o with_o the_o least_o show_n of_o probability_n tend_v to_o serve_v those_o man_n absurd_a hypothesis_n for_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v proper_o signify_v animalis_fw-la and_o this_o word_n never_o signify_v a_o sou_o man_n in_o their_o sense_n but_o in_o the_o quite_o contrary_a for_o a_o animal_n man_n be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o give_v himself_o up_o to_o the_o government_n of_o his_o inferior_a faculty_n or_o a_o carnal_a sensual_a man_n so_o that_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o man_n of_o reason_n that_o he_o be_v most_o irrational_a it_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o this_o that_o the_o apostle_n say_v receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n he_o be_v drown_v in_o sensuality_n can_v have_v no_o gusto_n of_o can_v relish_v such_o thing_n that_o be_v while_o he_o remain_v so_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o he_o can_v have_v no_o right_a understanding_n no_o clear_a perception_n of_o they_o and_o they_o sound_v in_o his_o ear_n like_v very_o odd_a thing_n also_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v impute_v to_o this_o that_o 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the_o whole_a design_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o st._n gregory_n nyssen_n make_v to_o be_v its_o very_a definition_n as_o no_o one_o that_o considerative_o read_v the_o book_n wherein_o it_o be_v contain_v can_v at_o all_o doubt_n second_o proposition_n the_o other_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v but_o few_o be_v impose_v as_o help_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o foremention_v they_o be_v not_o require_v for_o themselves_o but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o great_a essential_o of_o religion_n and_o it_o may_v be_v easy_o make_v good_a that_o there_o be_v none_o of_o they_o of_o a_o mere_o positive_a nature_n except_o the_o two_o sacrament_n which_o yet_o be_v appoint_v for_o very_o great_a end_n and_o purpose_n and_o be_v most_o excellent_a help_n to_o the_o attain_n of_o true_a holiness_n and_o that_o wherein_o the_o power_n and_o life_n of_o religion_n consist_v and_o not_o only_a trial_n of_o obedience_n meditation_n prayer_n read_v and_o hear_v 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the_o gospel_n our_o saviour_n have_v give_v a_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o it_o by_o his_o own_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o plain_a term_n preach_v it_o now_o you_o need_v not_o be_v tell_v that_o several_a of_o the_o learned_a heathen_n have_v by_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o humane_a soul_n make_v that_o doctrine_n high_o probable_a and_o that_o even_o the_o more_o brutish_a sort_n of_o they_o have_v general_o if_o not_o universal_o a_o sense_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v you_o know_v also_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o day_n of_o judgement_n they_o be_v no_o stranger_n to_o justin_n martyr_n true_o tell_v the_o greek_n in_o his_o oration_n to_o they_o that_o not_o only_o the_o prophet_n and_o other_o divine_a person_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o also_o those_o that_o be_v account_v wise_a among_o the_o heathen_n both_o the_o poet_n and_o philosopher_n do_v acknowledge_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v after_o death_n 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sin_n what_o other_o end_n can_v they_o serve_v by_o this_o mean_n beside_o render_v the_o religion_n of_o christ_n jesus_n most_o amiable_a and_o effectual_a as_o to_o its_o great_a intent_n philal._n for_o my_o part_n abuse_v i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o imagine_v how_o they_o can_v propose_v to_o themselves_o any_o other_o and_o what_o you_o say_v last_o bring_v to_o my_o remembrance_n another_o argument_n that_o will_v convince_v any_o candid_a person_n that_o it_o be_v at_o least_o most_o high_o probable_a that_o they_o be_v in_o be_v represent_v as_o be_v say_v very_o unjust_o deal_v with_o viz._n that_o none_o have_v with_o more_o strength_n of_o reason_n demonstrate_v that_o the_o grand_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o make_v man_n good_a not_o to_o intoxicate_a their_o brain_n with_o notion_n or_o furnish_v their_o head_n with_o a_o system_a of_o opinion_n but_o to_o reform_v man_n life_n and_o purify_v their_o nature_n which_o noble_a principle_n together_o with_o the_o 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from_o who_o he_o receive_v this_o answer_n that_o jesus_n christ_n have_v not_o in_o this_o nation_n a_o great_a enemy_n and_o that_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o life_n be_v that_o which_o put_v he_o into_o a_o capacity_n of_o do_v so_o much_o the_o more_o mischief_n theoph._n the_o story_n you_o have_v tell_v i_o i_o shall_v have_v look_v upon_o as_o not_o incredible_a have_v a_o less_o faithworthy_a person_n relate_v it_o than_o yourself_o for_o i_o have_v often_o observe_v that_o scandalous_a minister_n of_o which_o there_o be_v too_o many_o the_o more_o be_v the_o pity_n though_o the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v compute_v by_o those_o that_o glad_o take_v all_o advantage_n to_o bespatter_n and_o fling_v dirt_n in_o the_o face_n of_o their_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastical_a governor_n to_o be_v far_o great_a than_o i_o be_o very_o persuade_v it_o be_v i_o say_v i_o have_v often_o observe_v that_o scandalous_a minister_n have_v the_o good_a luck_n better_o to_o escape_v the_o tongue_n 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prince_n and_o saviour_n man_n will_v have_v of_o themselves_o conclude_v faith_n in_o he_o their_o duty_n when_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o that_o truth_n though_o there_o have_v be_v no_o precept_n to_o make_v it_o so_o which_o be_v so_o plain_a that_o i_o shall_v disparage_v your_o intellectual_n in_o use_v more_o word_n to_o clear_v it_o to_o you_o philal._n it_o be_v indeed_o so_o plain_a that_o i_o be_o ashamed_a i_o ask_v the_o question_n theoph._n but_o if_o you_o please_v philalethes_n i_o will_v more_o particular_o and_o distinct_o though_o very_o brief_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v such_o as_o reason_n will_v we_o consult_v it_o will_v prompt_v to_o we_o philal._n you_o can_v show_v the_o strength_n of_o your_o own_o reason_n upon_o a_o noble_a subject_n theoph._n a_o very_a small_a pittance_n of_o it_o that_o be_v so_o little_a as_o i_o be_o master_n of_o be_v sufficient_a to_o enable_v any_o one_o with_o ease_n to_o perform_v this_o 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those_o premise_n and_o these_o conclusion_n that_o a_o man_n can_v believe_v the_o one_o and_o except_o he_o be_v stark_o mad_a doubt_v the_o other_o we_o can_v more_o easy_o apprehend_v this_o argument_n to_o be_v necessary_o true_a viz._n this_o figure_n be_v a_o circle_n therefore_o all_o its_o part_n be_v equal_o distant_a from_o the_o centre_n than_o this_o god_n be_v our_o creator_n preserver_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o we_o ought_v so_o as_o be_v now_o say_v to_o behave_v ourselves_o towards_o he_o nay_o we_o can_v hardly_o think_v of_o that_o premiss_a but_o this_o conclusion_n will_v come_v into_o our_o mind_n whether_o we_o will_v or_o no._n and_o then_o for_o righteousness_n which_o imply_v our_o duty_n to_o our_o neighbour_n that_o rule_n of_o our_o saviour_n what_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v to_o you_o that_o do_v you_o to_o they_o which_o severus_n express_v in_o negative_a term_n quod_fw-la tibi_fw-la fieri_fw-la non_fw-la vis_fw-la alt●●●_n ne_fw-la feceris_fw-la it_o be_v as_o self-evident_a 〈◊〉_d principle_n as_o any_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o moral_n and_o this_o will_v teach_v we_o to_o be_v just_a most_o severe_o just_a to_o every_o body_n and_o to_o be_v kind_a and_o merciful_a to_o those_o that_o be_v in_o need_n now_o these_o two_o include_v all_o that_o the_o gospel_n require_v in_o reference_n to_o one_o another_o and_o then_o for_o sobriety_n that_o comprehend_v our_o whole_a duty_n to_o our_o selus_fw-la the_o mere_a principle_n of_o self-love_n will_v teach_v a_o man_n that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v intemperate_a in_o any_o kind_n he_o by_o this_o mean_n abuse_v himself_o and_o the_o very_a knowledge_n of_o our_o selus_fw-la and_o what_o excellent_a creature_n we_o be_v will_v convince_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o set_v our_o heart_n upon_o or_o place_v our_o happiness_n in_o any_o earthly_a thing_n therefore_o this_o be_v one_o rule_n among_o the_o several_a excellent_a one_o in_o the_o pythagoraean_a golden_a verse_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d above_o all_o thing_n revere_n thyself_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o do_v or_o may_v know_v that_o his_o soul_n be_v too_o noble_a a_o creature_n to_o glut_v itself_o with_o base_a corporeal_a pleasure_n and_o that_o his_o understanding_n be_v too_o sublime_a a_o faculty_n to_o subject_n itself_o to_o his_o brutish_a appetite_n and_o that_o god_n as_o the_o philosopher_n speak_v endue_v he_o with_o that_o to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o prince_n and_o ruler_n within_o he_o and_o with_o this_o to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o subject_a and_o rule_v to_o be_v the_o servant_n not_o master_n of_o his_o mind_n there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o feel_v his_o soul_n too_o big_a for_o these_o terrestrial_a thing_n and_o that_o they_o be_v never_o able_a to_o fill_v its_o vast_a capacity_n now_o what_o be_v we_o enjoin_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o relate_v to_o our_o selus_fw-la but_o be_v to_o be_v reduce_v to_o one_o of_o these_o nay_o to_o this_o one_o head_n of_o inordinate_a affection_n and_o in_o short_a for_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o we_o have_v protract_v our_o discourse_n upon_o this_o subject_a to_o too_o great_a a_o length_n i_o know_v no_o duty_n enjoin_v in_o the_o gospel_n beside_o that_o of_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o two_o sacrament_n but_o may_v be_v find_v as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o at_o least_o commend_v as_o noble_a perfection_n heathen_n in_o some_o one_o or_o other_o of_o the_o heathenish_a write_n as_o may_v be_v particular_o show_v but_o that_o it_o will_v take_v up_o too_o much_o time_n philal._n what_o say_v you_o to_o meek_a bear_n and_o put_v up_o affront_v but_o especial_o to_o love_v malicious_a enemy_n and_o render_v good_a for_o evil_n theoph._n both_o these_o may_v be_v find_v in_o they_o if_o not_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o indispensable_a duty_n yet_o as_o great_o become_v we_o most_o high_o commendable_a and_o signification_n of_o a_o brave_o generous_a and_o virtuous_a mind_n the_o instance_n of_o the_o former_a be_v so_o many_o that_o you_o can_v be_v a_o stranger_n to_o they_o nor_o any_o that_o have_v read_v but_o that_o little_a book_n that_o be_v wear_v out_o in_o schoolboy_n hand_n tully_n office_n nay_o plato_n bring_v in_o socrates_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o that_o to_o which_o all_o man_n be_v absolute_o oblige_v injury_n say_v he_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o no_o mean_n ve_o by_o no_o mean_n nor_o may_v it_o be_v repay_v to_o he_o that_o do_v a_o injury_n as_o the_o vulgar_a think_v for_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v commit_v upon_o no_o pretence_n and_o what_o think_v you_o of_o that_o speech_n of_o cato_n if_o a_o ass_n kick_v i_o shall_v i_o again_o kick_v he_o he_o thereby_o intimate_v that_o it_o be_v unworthy_a of_o he_o to_o be_v revengeful_a at_o least_o towards_o some_o sort_n of_o people_n and_o as_o to_o the_o late_a i_o remember_v that_o origen_n in_o his_o eight_o book_n against_o celsus_n give_v 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believer_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o most_o dismal_a punishment_n to_o those_o that_o shall_v persist_v in_o impenitence_n and_o unbelief_n etc._n etc._n philal._n you_o need_v say_v no_o more_o than_o you_o have_v do_v to_o make_v the_o christian_a a_o most_o incomparable_a religion_n but_o do_v you_o not_o say_v too_o much_o under_o the_o former_a head_n in_o affirm_v that_o therein_o be_v contain_v our_o whole_a duty_n so_o as_o that_o we_o need_v do_v no_o more_o than_o read_v the_o gospel_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o for_o there_o be_v very_o many_o moral_a case_n wherein_o man_n be_v force_v to_o use_v their_o reason_n to_o the_o utmost_a and_o also_o to_o call_v in_o the_o assistance_n of_o other_o man_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o their_o duty_n in_o they_o theoph._n sure_o philalethes_n you_o can_v not_o think_v i_o so_o extreme_o weak_a as_o to_o mean_v by_o what_o i_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n descend_v minutely_o to_o determine_v all_o possible_a case_n in_o particular_a for_o this_o can_v be_v do_v in_o book_n they_o be_v infinite_a and_o vary_v with_o man_n innumerable_a circumstance_n but_o this_o be_v my_o meaning_n that_o the_o particular_a duty_n man_n be_v constant_o oblige_v to_o be_v all_o plain_o there_o revel_v and_o in_o the_o most_o express_a term_n and_o i_o add_v that_o there_o be_v also_o general_a rule_n lay_v down_o whereby_o all_o emergent_a case_n may_v be_v determine_v and_o such_o as_o ordinary_o occur_v at_o least_o for_o the_o most_o part_n with_o the_o great_a ease_n but_o to_o go_v on_o etc._n to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o require_v but_o what_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o our_o rational_a faculty_n tend_v as_o much_o to_o magnify_v god_n goodness_n to_o we_o and_o to_o commend_v the_o gospel_n as_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v say_v and_o shall_v it_o consist_v much_o of_o perfect_o new_a precept_n which_o the_o world_n can_v never_o before_o so_o much_o as_o once_o have_v 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own_o good_a see_v the_o imposition_n wherein_o as_o i_o say_v consist_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v but_o just_a so_o many_o as_o obedience_n to_o which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o consider_v much_o more_o than_o to_o the_o qualify_a of_o we_o for_o the_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o himself_o in_o blessedness_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v enjoin_v only_o as_o help_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o obey_v they_o philal._n belief_n but_o do_v those_o preacher_n content_v themselves_o to_o show_v that_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v very_o reasonable_a i_o have_v be_v inform_v that_o they_o rise_v high_o in_o this_o attempt_n and_o that_o sometime_o they_o undertake_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o point_n of_o mere_a belief_n and_o even_o the_o most_o mysterious_a too_o be_v so_o and_o endeavour_v to_o level_v they_o with_o man_n shallow_a capacity_n theoph._n this_o philalethes_n be_v partly_o true_a and_o partly_o as_o false_a it_o be_v in_o a_o sense_n true_a that_o 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they_o be_v revel_v there_o be_v nothing_o sure_o in_o they_o that_o right_o understand_v sound_v so_o harsh_o but_o that_o our_o reason_n may_v admit_v of_o it_o and_o close_o with_o it_o but_o do_v they_o not_o as_o i_o say_v i_o have_v hear_v go_v about_o to_o bring_v down_o all_o such_o point_n to_o man_n capacity_n capacity_n theoph._n that_o be_v you_o assure_v be_v a_o notorious_a calumny_n for_o they_o only_o say_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v all_o such_o as_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o make_v sense_n of_o and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o they_o that_o be_v opposite_a to_o our_o reason_n religion_n but_o they_o most_o free_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v such_o mystery_n as_o be_v so_o sublime_a as_o much_o to_o exceed_v our_o apprehension_n and_o that_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v comprehend_v by_o the_o most_o rational_a person_n and_o this_o acknowledgement_n they_o have_v well_o prove_v be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o our_o saviour_n 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friend_n that_o they_o assert_v more_o concern_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o speculative_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n than_o that_o they_o be_v only_o not_o inconsistent_a with_o reason_n but_o moreover_o that_o they_o be_v very_o suitable_a to_o it_o dictate_v theoph._n i_o thank_v you_o for_o help_v my_o memory_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o many_o other_o particular_n your_o information_n be_v very_o true_a as_o to_o many_o of_o the_o weighty_a point_n reason_n and_o there_o be_v no_o wise_a man_n but_o will_v assert_v the_o same_o for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o heathen_n have_v a_o notion_n of_o they_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v say_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o light_v by_o the_o gospel_n i._n e._n to_o give_v mankind_n full_a satisfaction_n in_o that_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o sole_a prerogative_n of_o
that_o divers_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n such_o as_o he_o there_o enumerate_v viz._n god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n be_v so_o high_a and_o admirable_a that_o we_o can_v dive_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o they_o or_o full_o comprehend_v they_o nor_o can_v have_v so_o much_o as_o once_o think_v of_o they_o have_v they_o not_o be_v from_o heaven_n make_v know_v but_o that_o be_v revel_v they_o be_v still_o to_o reason_n unintelligible_a and_o can_v be_v sufficient_o understand_v thereby_o he_o have_v assert_v no_o such_o thing_n now_o of_o these_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o former_a those_o preacher_n have_v no_o less_o than_o any_o discover_v the_o great_a weakness_n and_o vanity_n and_o when_o they_o have_v occasion_n make_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o those_o who_o notion_n of_o divers_a article_n of_o faith_n be_v so_o express_v as_o that_o no_o man_n that_o make_v good_a use_n of_o his_o reason_n can_v tell_v what_o to_o make_v of_o they_o deserve_v nothing_o less_o than_o the_o title_n of_o spiritual_a preacher_n and_o profound_a divine_n as_o they_o be_v by_o many_o account_v and_o that_o they_o in_o stead_n of_o be_v so_o bewray_v very_o great_a ignorance_n of_o the_o gospel_n philal._n and_o without_o question_n they_o do_v no_o small_a mischief_n but_o render_v our_o religion_n which_o you_o have_v show_v be_v so_o high_o reasonable_a great_o suspect_v by_o many_o of_o the_o wary_a sort_n of_o people_n theoph._n i_o remember_v that_o erasmus_n complain_v of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o nicene_n council_n that_o it_o be_v then_o a_o matter_n of_o great_a wit_n and_o cunning_a to_o be_v a_o christian._n and_o a_o matter_n it_o be_v most_o worthy_a to_o be_v complain_v of_o scripture_n for_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n never_o make_v it_o so_o he_o have_v make_v christianity_n so_o much_o at_o least_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o carry_v man_n to_o heaven_n so_o plain_a that_o a_o honest_a heart_n 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you_o so_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o can_v never_o think_v of_o this_o mischief_n but_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o be_v much_o move_v and_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n i_o give_v myself_o leave_v to_o be_v angry_a upon_o such_o account_n i_o wish_v that_o no_o much_o slight_a occasion_n can_v ever_o make_v i_o so_o and_o then_o of_o all_o my_o sin_n i_o shall_v least_o bewail_v that_o of_o passion_n well_o philalethes_n i_o be_o sure_a that_o our_o doctrine_n be_v a_o mighty_a incentive_a to_o holiness_n and_o the_o other_o a_o no_o less_o obstacle_n as_o many_o as_o there_o be_v who_o true_a goodness_n do_v antidote_n they_o against_o the_o poison_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a test_n and_o standard_n whereby_o i_o examine_v point_n of_o controversy_n i_o consider_v which_o of_o the_o opposite_n tend_v most_o to_o the_o advancement_n of_o real_a holiness_n which_o i_o have_v more_o than_o once_o have_v occasion_n to_o tell_v you_o point_n be_v the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o 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to_o resolve_v upon_o the_o cast_n off_o and_o reject_v their_o nation_n in_o general_n that_o be_v to_o put_v they_o into_o the_o same_o circumstance_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o some_o respect_n into_o worse_a viz_o to_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o good_a land_n and_o even_o to_o cause_v they_o to_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o nation_n or_o body_n politic_a but_o to_o be_v disperse_v here_o and_o there_o up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o necessary_o deprive_v of_o the_o extraordinary_a advantage_n for_o their_o soul_n they_o have_v a_o enjoyment_n of_o which_o be_v there_o sum_v up_o together_o with_o not_o a_o few_o temporal_a one_o they_o have_v be_v a_o people_n own_a by_o god_n above_o all_o other_o and_o his_o most_o special_a favourite_n i_o say_v have_v do_v this_o in_o the_o five_o first_o verse_n it_o follow_v in_o the_o 6._o not_o as_o though_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v take_v none_o effect_n for_o they_o be_v not_o all_o israel_n 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as_o at_o present_v it_o be_v may_v be_v very_o good_a i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o philalethes_n that_o these_o man_n temper_n and_o free_a principle_n be_v of_o no_o late_a stand_n etc._n for_o they_o be_v no_o whit_n young_a than_o christianity_n itself_o nor_o yet_o than_o the_o bless_a founder_n of_o it_o who_o be_v he_o now_o upon_o the_o earth_n and_o conversant_a here_o among_o we_o will_v i_o doubt_v narrow_o escape_v the_o reproach_n of_o the_o long_a name_n as_o much_o as_o those_o that_o in_o spite_n and_o contempt_n use_v it_o pretend_v to_o be_v his_o only_a friend_n and_o follower_n for_o i_o may_v show_v in_o several_a instance_n that_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o they_o be_v accuse_v for_o be_v that_o the_o zealous_a pharisees_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n endure_v he_o as_o particular_o his_o free_a conversation_n void_a of_o all_o sourness_n saviour_n starchtness_n &_o affectation_n his_o condemn_v their_o ostentatious_a show_n 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and_o for_o many_o year_n after_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v the_o temper_n and_o spirit_n we_o have_v be_v describe_v mighty_o prevail_v but_o as_o the_o christian_a world_n grow_v worse_a and_o worse_o which_o be_v especial_o after_o it_o come_v to_o be_v free_v from_o persecution_n and_o to_o enjoy_v rest_n and_o prosperity_n it_o more_o and_o more_o decay_a and_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n grow_v miserable_o narrow_a soul_v and_o contentious_a with_o each_o other_o about_o little_a matter_n and_o rigorous_o to_o impose_v their_o own_o private_a conceit_n upon_o their_o brethren_n and_o pronounce_v those_o heretic_n that_o will_v not_o receive_v and_o admit_v of_o they_o to_o lay_v a_o great_a stress_n upon_o that_o which_o they_o please_v to_o call_v orthodoxy_n than_o upon_o a_o innocent_a and_o holy_a life_n to_o evaporate_v religion_n into_o mere_a air_n and_o speculation_n to_o burden_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n with_o unprofitable_a &_o needless_a ceremony_n and_o by_o overmuch_a pomp_n and_o gaudery_n to_o rob_v it_o of_o its_o primitive_a simplicity_n and_o spirituality_n and_o in_o a_o word_n quite_o to_o forget_v the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o christ_n gospel_n power_n so_o that_o the_o excellent_a spirit_n we_o awhile_o since_o commend_v seem_v to_o be_v utter_o lose_v in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n bear_v the_o sway_n the_o very_a great_a decay_n of_o it_o be_v that_o to_o which_o he_o be_v first_o behold_v for_o his_o power_n but_o bless_a be_v god_n it_o have_v be_v much_o revive_v in_o the_o church_n it_o which_o have_v throw_v off_o his_o yoke_n though_o there_o be_v yet_o but_o few_o in_o these_o neither_o in_o who_o it_o be_v in_o that_o measure_n and_o degree_n discernible_a that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o most_o ancient_a christian_n and_o the_o generality_n of_o our_o great_a professor_n be_v still_o very_o defective_a in_o it_o and_o even_o most_o good_a man_n in_o too_o many_o instance_n yet_o to_o seek_v for_o it_o philal._n if_o it_o be_v once_o in_o some_o good_a measure_n prevalent_a in_o the_o protestant_a world_n i_o be_o persuade_v we_o shall_v soon_o see_v those_o very_a bless_a day_n that_o have_v be_v so_o much_o talk_v of_o and_o that_o all_o pious_a soul_n and_o good_a christian_n long_o for_o it_o theoph._n i_o very_o believe_v we_o shall_v and_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o much_o long_o wait_v for_o the_o downfall_n of_o the_o visible_a antichrist_n if_o the_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a one_o who_o seat_n be_v erect_v in_o our_o own_o breast_n be_v once_o fall_v this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v like_a as_o long_o as_o it_o continue_v to_o keep_v the_o other_o in_o his_o chair_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o our_o prayer_n and_o other_o endeavour_n to_o pluck_v he_o thence_o but_o my_o dear_a philalethes_n it_o be_v high_a time_n now_o to_o conclude_v this_o discourse_n and_o refresh_v ourselves_o with_o a_o short_a supper_n for_o we_o can_v but_o 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