his_o business_n or_o a_o mechanic_n his_o trade_n no_o great_a inconveniency_n will_v ensue_v from_o thence_o in_o relation_n to_o society_n but_o when_o public_a employment_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n who_o be_v not_o qualify_v for_o they_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o tell_v how_o much_o mischief_n be_v occasion_v by_o it_o be_v it_o not_o for_o instance_n a_o lamentable_a thing_n that_o so_o many_o person_n shall_v dedicate_v themselves_o to_o the_o church_n who_o want_v the_o talent_n requisite_a for_o so_o high_a a_o function_n and_o that_o so_o many_o who_o may_v do_v great_a service_n in_o that_o profession_n do_v not_o embrace_v it_o by_o this_o it_o happen_v that_o some_o of_o those_o who_o be_v place_v at_o the_o helm_n in_o several_a church_n want_v both_o learning_n and_o probity_n and_o that_o religion_n be_v very_o ill_o administer_v so_o that_o the_o people_n be_v without_o instruction_n or_o conduct_n live_v in_o ignorance_n and_o disorder_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o office_n of_o magistrate_n when_o it_o be_v entrust_v to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o proper_a for_o it_o 2._o lawful_a calling_n may_v prove_v great_a occasion_n of_o corruption_n and_o disorder_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o those_o who_o embrace_v they_o and_o of_o the_o public_a when_o they_o be_v ill_o exercise_v when_o the_o duty_n annex_v to_o they_o be_v neglect_v when_o man_n do_v not_o watch_v against_o the_o temptation_n which_o be_v particular_a to_o they_o and_o when_o they_o look_v upon_o they_o only_o as_o mean_n to_o gratify_v their_o inclination_n to_o get_v money_n to_o have_v a_o rank_n to_o gain_v credit_n or_o to_o humour_v some_o other_o passion_n i_o may_v enter_v here_o upon_o many_o particular_n but_o because_o this_o will_v lead_v i_o too_o far_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o a_o few_o instance_n it_o will_v be_v very_o proper_a to_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o profession_n of_o churchman_n and_o of_o the_o office_n of_o prince_n magistrate_n and_o judge_n and_o to_o show_v how_o pernicious_a both_o these_o kind_n of_o life_n prove_v often_o not_o only_o to_o those_o who_o be_v raise_v to_o they_o but_o likewise_o to_o church_n and_o state_n but_o these_o two_o article_n be_v of_o too_o great_a moment_n to_o be_v touch_v upon_o only_o by_o the_o by_o they_o be_v two_o general_a spring_n of_o corruption_n which_o deserve_v to_o be_v purposely_o handle_v and_o which_o be_v to_o have_v a_o place_n in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o book_n the_o profession_n of_o military_a man_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o life_n which_o corrupt_v vast_a multitude_n i_o do_v not_o condemn_v the_o profession_n in_o general_n it_o be_v lawful_a a_o man_n may_v live_v in_o it_o like_o a_o christian_a and_o there_o be_v person_n in_o military_a employment_n of_o a_o solid_a virtue_n and_o a_o exemplary_a piety_n but_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o number_n of_o those_o person_n be_v not_o great_a and_o that_o for_o the_o generality_n the_o maxim_n and_o deportment_n of_o the_o man_n of_o that_o profession_n agree_v very_o little_a with_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n those_o who_o follow_v the_o employment_n of_o war_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n man_n of_o loose_a and_o vicious_a principle_n every_o body_n know_v that_o if_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n some_o good_a man_n be_v find_v to_o embrace_v this_o profession_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v the_o ordinary_a receptacle_n and_o the_o last_o shift_n of_o idle_a and_o debauch_a people_n and_o of_o those_o who_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o poverty_n and_o misery_n beside_o how_o do_v man_n live_v in_o that_o profession_n save_v some_o few_o disorder_n which_o military_a discipline_n do_v not_o allow_v of_o every_o thing_n be_v lawful_a there_o i_o speak_v of_o what_o be_v common_o observe_v to_o spend_v their_o life_n in_o idleness_n and_o game_n be_v the_o least_o fault_n of_o soldier_n lewdness_n be_v a_o thing_n about_o which_o no_o great_a scruple_n be_v make_v among_o they_o the_o same_o may_v almost_o be_v say_v of_o injustice_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o common_o officer_n do_v not_o thrive_v but_o the_o soldier_n pay_v for_o it_o i_o say_v nothing_o of_o unjust_a war_n nor_o of_o the_o cruelty_n and_o inhumanity_n which_o often_o attend_v that_o kind_n of_o life_n because_o i_o will_v not_o enlarge_v upon_o this_o subject_a but_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a and_o every_o consider_a person_n will_v own_v that_o after_o the_o rate_n that_o military_a man_n live_v almost_o every_o where_n war_n be_v the_o school_n of_o vice_n and_o that_o the_o prodigious_a number_n of_o those_o who_o follow_v that_o employment_n be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o corruption_n and_o debauchery_n commerce_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o lawful_a and_o necessary_a profession_n of_o life_n not_o only_o society_n but_o religion_n itself_o may_v reap_v great_a advantage_n from_o it_o but_o yet_o this_o call_v have_v its_o danger_n and_o temptation_n and_o it_o be_v exercise_v by_o many_o in_o a_o way_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o good_a conscience_n as_o the_o only_a end_n of_o traffic_n be_v gain_n and_o as_o the_o opportunity_n of_o get_v by_o unlawful_a method_n which_o may_v be_v practise_v with_o impunity_n offer_v themselves_o every_o day_n so_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o if_o a_o merchant_n have_v not_o a_o strict_a and_o well-informed_n conscience_n and_o virtue_n enough_o to_o resist_v the_o perpetual_a temptation_n to_o which_o his_o call_v expose_v he_o he_o will_v forfeit_v his_o innocence_n and_o violate_v every_o minute_n the_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n of_o charity_n truth_n and_o honesty_n there_o be_v few_o calling_n more_o innocent_a and_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o order_n which_o god_n do_v establish_v at_o first_o than_o the_o employment_n of_o those_o who_o exercise_n mechanic_n trade_n and_o get_v their_o livelihood_n by_o bodily_a labour_n and_o yet_o this_o kind_n of_o life_n prove_v to_o a_o great_a many_o a_o occasion_n to_o vice_n because_o they_o do_v not_o arm_v themselves_o against_o the_o temptation_n and_o sin_n which_o be_v ordinary_a in_o those_o calling_n it_o be_v almost_o the_o general_a character_n of_o this_o order_n of_o man_n to_o mind_v nothing_o but_o the_o world_n to_o labour_v only_o for_o their_o body_n and_o to_o do_v nothing_o for_o their_o soul_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a that_o they_o know_v their_o religion_n very_o little_a that_o they_o be_v gross_a sensual_a give_v to_o intemperance_n and_o several_a other_o excess_n they_o be_v apt_a beside_o to_o be_v unjust_a and_o false_a they_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o do_v their_o work_n ill_o of_o lie_v and_o detain_v what_o be_v not_o they_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o petty_a fraud_n and_o little_a knavish_a trick_n use_v in_o every_o trade_n which_o be_v think_v innocent_a and_o lawful_a way_n of_o gain_n now_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o all_o this_o do_v not_o contribute_v a_o little_a towards_o corruption_n what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o the_o employment_n of_o life_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o different_a state_n man_n be_v in_o with_o relation_n to_o age_n condition_n and_o their_o way_n of_o live_v all_o these_o be_v so_o many_o occasion_n and_o circumstance_n which_o may_v divert_v they_o from_o their_o duty_n thus_o youth_n have_v its_o particular_a temptation_n young_a people_n be_v vain_a presumptuous_a sensual_a give_v to_o pleasure_n violent_a and_o bold_a in_o their_o passion_n they_o be_v likewise_o imprudent_a and_o fickle_a because_o they_o want_v knowledge_n and_o experience_n be_v thus_o dispose_v at_o that_o age_n they_o will_v almost_o infallible_o unless_o prevent_v by_o a_o good_a education_n corrupt_v themselves_o and_o contract_v ill_a habit_n which_o will_v stick_v by_o they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v daily_o experience_n show_v we_o that_o youth_n ill_o spend_v be_v the_o source_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o a_o great_a many_o for_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o whole_a life_n old_a people_n be_v common_o covetous_a morose_n suspicious_a wed_v to_o the_o opinion_n they_o have_v once_o embrace_v and_o most_o deep_o engage_v in_o their_o vicious_a custom_n their_o passion_n be_v not_o so_o boisterous_a but_o they_o be_v more_o last_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v cure_v than_o those_o of_o young_a people_n and_o from_o this_o we_o may_v judge_v that_o if_o reason_n and_o religion_n do_v not_o correct_v those_o fault_n of_o old_a people_n that_o age_n which_o ought_v chief_o to_o be_v employ_v in_o prepare_v for_o death_n will_v prove_v a_o obstacle_n to_o piety_n and_o salvation_n the_o rich_a as_o st._n paul_n observe_v *_o 17._o 1_o tim._n v._o 17._o be_v proud_a and_o high-minded_a they_o be_v apt_a beside_o to_o be_v slothful_a they_o love_v to_o satisfy_v their_o passion_n be_v full_a of_o self-love_n
behalf_n that_o these_o illusion_n will_v not_o have_v grow_v so_o common_a if_o there_o have_v not_o teen_n a_o general_a and_o in_o some_o measure_n a_o incurable_a corruption_n in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o see_v every_o where_o a_o prodigious_a decay_n of_o piety_n and_o little_a hope_n of_o amendment_n for_o what_o may_v we_o not_o say_v of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o christianity_n there_o be_v in_o many_o place_n a_o ignorant_a and_o superstitious_a clergy_n and_o people_n who_o whole_a religion_n consist_v in_o ceremony_n and_o in_o devotion_n which_o be_v mere_o external_n and_o often_o ridiculous_a above_o all_o there_o appear_v in_o those_o place_n a_o deluge_n of_o immorality_n be_v it_o then_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o quietism_n and_o fanaticism_n shall_v rear_v up_o their_o head_n in_o such_o place_n these_o gross_a abuse_n do_v not_o indeed_o prevail_v everywhere_o but_o general_o speak_v there_o be_v but_o little_a of_o true_a piety_n among_o christian_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o order_n or_o discipline_n leave_v among_o they_o man_n live_v as_o they_o please_v the_o sacrament_n be_v profane_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v trample_v under_o foot_n charity_n and_o honesty_n be_v almost_o entire_o banish_v no_o man_n set_v about_o the_o redress_v of_o these_o disorder_n churchman_n make_v it_o their_o capital_a business_n to_o maintain_v their_o dispute_n and_o their_o tenet_n and_o they_o apply_v themselves_o but_o faint_o to_o the_o reform_v of_o manner_n religion_n be_v upon_o this_o foot_n many_o who_o have_v good_a intention_n can_v not_o but_o perceive_v that_o this_o be_v not_o true_a and_o genuine_a christianity_n but_o because_o they_o see_v no_o likelihood_n of_o thing_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o better_a posture_n or_o because_o they_o want_v capacity_n to_o find_v out_o the_o occasion_n and_o remedy_n of_o so_o great_a a_o evil_a or_o last_o because_o they_o be_v man_n of_o weak_a part_n they_o hearken_v to_o those_o who_o propose_v to_o they_o this_o mystical_a piety_n this_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o progress_n of_o fanaticism_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o some_o person_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n be_v engage_v in_o that_o party_n and_o therefore_o the_o true_a way_n to_o reclaim_v they_o will_v be_v to_o re-establish_a order_n in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o labour_v for_o the_o reformation_n of_o manner_n as_o long_o as_o these_o be_v neglect_v all_o the_o precaution_n and_o method_n use_v against_o fanatick_n by_o the_o clergy_n or_o by_o the_o magistrate_n will_v either_o prove_v unsuccesful_a or_o be_v find_v contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n but_o after_o all_o this_o spirit_n of_o fanaticism_n be_v high_o pernicious_a for_o first_o it_o open_v a_o gap_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o licentiousness_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o mischiess_n which_o may_v redound_v from_o thence_o upon_o civil_a society_n mystical_a piety_n be_v at_o large_a fountain_n of_o illusion_n it_o lead_v man_n into_o endless_a error_n and_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o turn_v all_o religion_n upside_o down_o for_o as_o it_o be_v lodge_v only_o in_o inward_a sentiment_n it_o can_v happen_v otherwise_o but_o that_o vast_a number_n of_o man_n who_o either_o want_n knowledge_n or_o strength_n of_o part_n will_v take_v the_o wander_n of_o their_o own_o fancy_n for_o divine_a inspiration_n i_o know_v that_o some_o of_o those_o contemplative_a man_n acknowledge_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o read_v it_o careful_o but_o the_o mischief_n be_v that_o through_o their_o prejudices_fw-la they_o fix_v a_o wrong_a sense_n upon_o it_o so_o that_o what_o they_o read_v do_v but_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o error_n their_o exposition_n be_v very_o singular_a they_o do_v not_o affix_v to_o word_n the_o same_o idea_n which_o other_o man_n do_v they_o forsake_v the_o literal_a sense_n to_o run_v after_o mystical_a explication_n suitable_a to_o their_o preconceive_a notion_n they_o reject_v or_o make_v very_a light_n of_o those_o help_n which_o the_o knowledge_n of_o language_n history_n and_o the_o scope_n of_o sacred_a writer_n afford_v and_o it_o be_v one_o of_o their_o principle_n that_o woman_n mechanic_n and_o the_o most_o simple_a people_n be_v able_a to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n as_o well_o if_o not_o better_o than_o the_o most_o learned_a doctor_n 2._o fanaticism_n be_v a_o evil_n which_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v remedy_v a_o heretic_n or_o a_o profane_a person_n may_v soon_o be_v undeceive_v than_o a_o man_n intoxicate_v with_o mystical_a devotion_n for_o these_o will_v reason_n but_o the_o other_o will_v hearken_v to_o no_o reason_v so_o that_o he_o be_v proof_n against_o all_o the_o argument_n which_o can_v be_v offer_v to_o he_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o dispute_v with_o people_n who_o look_v on_o all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o of_o their_o mind_n as_o ignorant_a man_n who_o think_v themselves_o illuminate_v above_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o who_o return_v no_o other_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n urge_v against_o they_o but_o that_o they_o be_v otherwise_o persuade_v in_o their_o mind_n there_o be_v no_o good_a to_o be_v do_v upon_o they_o either_o by_o reason_v or_o by_o sense_n of_o which_o they_o make_v but_o little_a use_n or_o even_o by_o the_o scripture_n wherein_o they_o seek_v nothing_o less_o than_o the_o literal_a meaning_n 3._o though_o mystical_a man_n profess_v a_o sublime_a piety_n yet_o their_o principle_n favour_n corruption_n more_o than_o one_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v how_o can_v we_o reconcile_v those_o maxim_n concern_v contemplation_n inanition_n and_o silence_n with_o that_o activity_n zeal_n and_o fervour_n which_o the_o scripture_n recommend_v if_o man_n be_v a_o mere_a nothing_o if_o he_o be_v to_o wait_v patient_o till_o god_n work_v his_o will_n in_o he_o and_o speak_v to_o his_o soul_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o exhort_v man_n and_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o they_o to_o use_v any_o endeavour_n on_o their_o part_n beside_o that_o contempt_n of_o outward_a mean_n which_o the_o mystic_n express_v make_v way_n for_o a_o total_a neglect_n of_o devotion_n introduce_v disorder_n and_o licentiousness_n and_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o god_n design_n who_o think_v fit_a to_o prescribe_v the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n i_o may_v add_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o fanaticism_n be_v commodious_a enough_o for_o sinner_n so_o that_o i_o do_v not_o wonder_v that_o some_o of_o they_o shall_v go_v over_o to_o that_o party_n a_o devotion_n which_o consist_v in_o acknowledge_v a_o man_n own_o nothingness_n or_o in_o contemplation_n and_o silence_n be_v much_o more_o acceptable_a to_o a_o corrupt_a person_n than_o a_o exact_a morality_n which_o oblige_v a_o man_n to_o do_v act_n of_o repentance_n to_o put_v his_o own_o hand_n to_o the_o work_n and_o to_o set_v about_o the_o reform_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o practise_v of_o christian_a virtue_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n fanaticism_n make_v religion_n contemptible_a because_o the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n confound_v true_a with_o mystical_a piety_n they_o fancy_n that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v devout_a without_o be_v something_o visionary_a and_o enthusiastical_a and_o that_o devotion_n do_v not_o well_o agree_v with_o sense_n and_o reason_n the_o prejudices_fw-la i_o have_v mention_v in_o this_o chapter_n be_v not_o the_o only_a one_o which_o foment_n and_o cherish_v corruption_n some_o other_o may_v have_v be_v add_v but_o they_o may_v more_o convenient_o be_v range_v under_o the_o title_n of_o some_o of_o the_o follow_a chapter_n what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o this_o do_v yet_o far_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a instruction_n which_o may_v conquer_v these_o prejudices_fw-la and_o give_v man_n true_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n cause_n iii_o the_o maxim_n and_o sentiment_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o authorize_v corruption_n it_o have_v be_v show_v in_o two_o precede_a chapter_n that_o man_n be_v general_o involve_v in_o ignorance_n and_o that_o they_o entertain_v such_o notion_n concern_v religion_n and_o piety_n as_o must_v of_o necessity_n maintain_v corruption_n in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o be_v likewise_o possess_v with_o divers_a particular_a maxim_n and_o sentiment_n which_o lead_v direct_o to_o libertinism_n a_o modern_a author_n very_o well_o observe_v preface_n observe_v new_a moral_a essay_n tom._n 1._o in_o the_o preface_n that_o people_n be_v not_o only_o very_o little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o extent_n of_o that_o purity_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v but_o that_o they_o be_v beside_o full_a of_o maxim_n incomparable_o more_o pernicious_a than_o error_n of_o pure_a speculation_n these_o maxim_n do_v the_o more_o certain_o produce_v corruption_n because_o they_o be_v use_v to_o authorize_v and_o countenance_v it_o and_o in_o fact_n man_n blindness_n and_o licentiousness_n be_v come_v to_o that_o
upon_o which_o they_o have_v most_o reason_n to_o reproach_n themselves_o as_o be_v well_o know_v to_o those_o who_o make_v any_o reflection_n upon_o their_o conduct_n and_o if_o this_o shame_n be_v able_a to_o spoil_v those_o who_o other_o wise_a be_v virtuous_a and_o to_o extinguish_v their_o zeal_n and_o piety_n we_o ought_v to_o reckon_v it_o among_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o corruption_n 3._o shame_n may_v lead_v man_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o wickedness_n for_o beside_o that_o a_o man_n sin_n against_o his_o conscience_n when_o for_o fear_v of_o man_n he_o dare_v not_o do_v his_o duty_n beside_o that_o he_o offend_v god_n in_o a_o very_a provoke_a manner_n when_o he_o be_v ashamed_a to_o obey_v he_o and_o fear_n man_n more_o than_o he_o i_o say_v that_o this_o shame_n be_v apt_a to_o betray_v he_o into_o the_o great_a est_fw-fr enormity_n a_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o every_o thing_n when_o he_o become_v a_o slave_n to_o other_o man_n judgement_n and_o when_o complaisance_n or_o humane_a consideration_n have_v a_o great_a force_n upon_o he_o than_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n and_o his_o duty_n whenever_o a_o man_n dare_v not_o appear_v good_a he_o dare_v appear_v in_o some_o measure_n wicked_a and_o when_o he_o tie_v to_o virtue_n a_o idea_n of_o honour_n to_o vice_n and_o from_o comply_v in_o every_o thing_n with_o the_o opinion_n of_o loose_a and_o profane_a person_n 1._o man_n do_v not_o arrive_v of_o a_o sudden_a at_o this_o degree_n of_o corruption_n false_a shame_n carry_v they_o to_o it_o by_o little_a and_o little_a it_o make_v one_o sin_n at_o first_o through_o complaisance_n though_o with_o some_o reluctancy_n by_o this_o conscience_n grow_v weak_a a_o man_n contract_v the_o habit_n of_o slight_v its_o suggestion_n and_o vice_n become_v more_o familiar_a to_o he_o then_o he_o begin_v to_o sin_v more_o bold_o the_o shame_n of_o do_v good_a increase_v and_o the_o shame_n of_o sin_v grow_v less_o in_o a_o little_a time_n he_o come_v to_o do_v out_o of_o custom_n and_o inclination_n what_o he_o do_v before_o but_o seldom_o and_o with_o some_o inward_a conflict_n from_o thence_o he_o proceed_v to_o a_o open_a contempt_n of_o piety_n and_o so_o he_o forsake_v a_o interest_n to_o which_o he_o be_v well_o affect_v at_o first_o but_o which_o this_o shame_n have_v make_v he_o dislike_v thus_o many_o person_n who_o have_v good_a disposition_n in_o their_o youth_n be_v let_v loose_a into_o the_o world_n have_v lose_v their_o innocence_n and_o be_v turn_v libertine_n and_o atheist_n now_o this_o false_a modesty_n be_v so_o pernicious_a we_o can_v never_o labour_v too_o much_o to_o prevent_v its_o ill_a effect_n and_o this_o we_o shall_v succeed_v in_o if_o we_o serious_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n both_o of_o error_n and_o cowardice_n in_o the_o sentiment_n and_o conduct_n of_o those_o who_o be_v hinder_v by_o shame_n from_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o conscience_n first_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o error_n in_o their_o procede_v this_o shame_n be_v found_v upon_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o judgement_n which_o the_o world_n make_v of_o piety_n but_o if_o those_o who_o despise_v religion_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n as_o they_o most_o certain_o be_v if_o it_o be_v extravagance_n and_o folly_n in_o they_o to_o pass_v a_o false_a judgement_n upon_o piety_n it_o be_v a_o much_o great_a madness_n in_o those_o who_o understand_v better_a thing_n to_o subscribe_v to_o a_o judgement_n which_o they_o know_v to_o be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a and_o to_o make_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o action_n if_o virtue_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a just_a necessary_a acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o useful_a to_o those_o who_o practice_v it_o if_o with_o it_o we_o can_v fail_v of_o happiness_n and_o if_o without_o it_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o dread_a and_o terror_n why_o shall_v we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o it_o a_o wise_a man_n ought_v to_o esteem_v that_o which_o deserve_v esteem_n and_o if_o ignorant_a and_o corrupt_a people_n be_v of_o another_o mind_n he_o ought_v to_o set_v himself_o above_o their_o judgement_n and_o to_o despise_v the_o contempt_n of_o the_o senseless_a multitude_n the_o judgement_n of_o man_n can_v make_v that_o just_a which_o be_v unjust_a nor_o supersede_n the_o necessity_n of_o what_o be_v necessary_a so_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v of_o no_o weight_n in_o so_o important_a a_o concernment_n as_o that_o of_o our_o salvation_n our_o happiness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v decide_v by_o man_n esteem_n or_o contempt_n and_o the_o approbation_n of_o god_n and_o our_o conscience_n be_v infinite_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o their_o groundless_a opinion_n but_o if_o there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o error_n in_o vicious_a shame_n there_o be_v likewise_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o cowardice_n in_o it_o nothing_o be_v more_o base_a and_o unworthy_a than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o desert_n the_o interest_n of_o virtue_n when_o he_o be_v solicit_v by_o his_o own_o conscience_n to_o adhere_v to_o it_o not_o to_o have_v resolution_n enough_o to_o do_v his_o duty_n in_o such_o a_o case_n be_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n to_o submit_v his_o reason_n and_o conscience_n to_o the_o caprice_n of_o other_o and_o to_o depress_v himself_o beâ—ow_o the_o vile_a thing_n in_o die_v world_n and_o â—on_v the_o other_o it_o be_v to_o have_v great_a regard_n for_o man_n than_o for_o god_n and_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o abject_a than_o this_o proceed_v be_v not_o this_o shameful_a cowardice_n in_o a_o christian_a who_o be_v call_v to_o profess_v open_o his_o religion_n and_o faith_n and_o who_o ought_v to_o think_v it_o his_o glory_n to_o maintain_v the_o cause_n of_o virtue_n and_o justice_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o contradiction_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o age_n that_o threaten_v which_o our_o saviour_n have_v denounce_v against_o those_o who_o shall_v not_o have_v the_o courage_n to_o embrace_v the_o christian_a profession_n or_o shall_v abandon_v it_o belong_v also_o to_o those_o mean-spirited_n christian_n we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o 38._o of_o mat._n viii_o 38._o whosoever_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a of_o i_o and_o of_o my_o word_n in_o this_o adulterous_a and_o sinful_a generation_n of_o he_o also_o shall_v the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v ashamed_a when_o he_o come_v in_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o father_n with_o the_o holy_a angel_n the_o first_o and_o chief_a remedy_n against_o this_o false_a shame_n be_v then_o to_o be_v possess_v with_o the_o follow_a reflection_n before_o all_o thing_n to_o have_v a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o certainty_n and_o importance_n of_o religion_n to_o consider_v that_o it_o propose_v to_o we_o infinite_a reward_n but_o that_o those_o reward_n be_v reserve_v only_o for_o those_o who_o have_v the_o courage_n to_o observe_v its_o precept_n to_o think_v what_o pleasure_n and_o glory_n it_o be_v to_o be_v approve_v of_o god_n and_o of_o one_o own_o conscience_n to_o fix_v deep_o this_o great_a truth_n in_o our_o mind_n that_o man_n judgement_n be_v very_o inconsiderable_a that_o our_o felicity_n depend_v neither_o upon_o their_o esteem_n nor_o contempt_n and_o to_o remember_v that_o the_o scripture_n call_v the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n fool_n and_o that_o a_o time_n will_v come_v when_o shame_n confusion_n and_o misery_n shall_v fall_v to_o the_o lot_n of_o those_o despiser_n of_o religion_n while_o ii_o while_o rom._n ii_o glory_n honour_n and_o peace_n shall_v be_v to_o every_o one_o that_o do_v good_a 2._o we_o shall_v easy_o conquer_v this_o shame_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o the_o danger_n of_o incur_v man_n contempt_n or_o hatred_n by_o do_v our_o duty_n be_v not_o always_o so_o great_a as_o we_o may_v imagine_v i_o confess_v piety_n be_v often_o despise_v but_o yet_o it_o frequent_o command_v respect_n even_o those_o who_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o their_o example_n shall_v not_o be_v follow_v can_v help_v have_v a_o secret_a esteem_n and_o veneration_n for_o good_a men._n when_o zeal_n be_v accompany_v with_o meekness_n and_o discretion_n there_o be_v no_o fear_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v make_v himself_o odious_a or_o ridiculous_a by_o practise_v virtue_n a_o christian_a deportment_n be_v so_o far_o from_o expose_v man_n always_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o world_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o frequent_o happen_v that_o those_o who_o will_v avoid_v this_o contempt_n by_o neglect_v their_o duty_n do_v thereby_o bring_v it_o upon_o themselves_o 3._o there_o may_v be_v yet_o another_o remedy_n against_o this_o vicious_a shame_n and_o that_o be_v the_o example_n of_o man_n of_o authority_n whatever_o they_o approve_v or_o do_v be_v repute_v honourable_a in_o the_o world_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n what_o they_o despise_v or_o neglect_v
general_a as_o it_o be_v now_o these_o consideration_n be_v found_v upon_o two_o undeniable_a fact_n 1._o that_o the_o church_n be_v then_o persecute_v and_o 2._o that_o discipline_n be_v then_o exercise_v in_o it_o these_o be_v two_o powerful_a mean_n to_o remove_v vice_n and_o scandal_n from_o the_o church_n we_o may_v easy_o imagine_v that_o man_n who_o love_v the_o world_n and_o their_o sin_n will_v not_o have_v embrace_v christiany_n at_o a_o time_n when_o whosoever_o become_v a_o christian_a do_v by_o that_o very_a thing_n expose_v himself_o to_o persecution_n torment_n and_o death_n this_o do_v fright_v away_o the_o great_a number_n of_o wicked_a and_o impious_a person_n but_o if_o any_o of_o these_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n discipline_n for_o the_o most_o part_n drive_v they_o out_o when_o they_o make_v themselves_o notorious_a by_o a_o scandalous_a life_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o judge_v that_o in_o such_o circumstance_n there_o be_v more_o piety_n at_o that_o time_n than_o we_o observe_v now_o in_o the_o church_n the_o first_o christian_n be_v sincere_a in_o their_o profession_n be_v instruct_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o apostolical_a man_n they_o place_v the_o christian_a religion_n chief_o in_o a_o good_a life_n to_o which_o they_o do_v solemn_o engage_v themselves_o by_o baptism_n they_o be_v unite_v among_o themselves_o they_o govern_v themselves_o in_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n by_o the_o prescript_n of_o the_o apostle_n as_o much_o as_o the_o persecution_n give_v they_o leave_v and_o they_o do_v with_o courage_n lie_v down_o their_o life_n for_o the_o truth_n such_o be_v the_o christianity_n of_o the_o first_o age_n but_o the_o church_n do_v not_o continue_v long_o in_o that_o state_n before_o this_o zeal_n of_o those_o primitive_a christians_n begin_v to_o cool_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n persecution_n cease_v and_o on_o the_o other_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n be_v slacken_v these_o two_o fence_n be_v pluck_v up_o and_o the_o emperor_n turn_v christian_n the_o corruption_n of_o the_o world_n break_v in_o upon_o the_o church_n divers_a abuse_n creep_v into_o doctrine_n discipline_n worship_n and_o manner_n till_o the_o church_n fall_v at_o last_o into_o such_o a_o dismal_a darkness_n of_o ignorance_n superstition_n and_o vice_n that_o christianity_n seem_v almost_o quite_o extinct_a and_o destroy_v all_o those_o who_o have_v any_o true_a sense_n of_o religiion_n do_v lament_v this_o they_o complain_v open_o of_o it_o and_o they_o long_v for_o a_o good_a reformation_n this_o be_v the_o state_n which_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n be_v in_o for_o some_o century_n it_o do_v not_o please_v god_n that_o those_o time_n of_o ignorance_n shall_v last_v for_o ever_o that_o darkness_n begin_v to_o be_v disperse_v in_o the_o last_o century_n then_o it_o be_v that_o learning_n and_o language_n revive_v and_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o have_v be_v for_o a_o great_a while_n a_o book_n unknown_a to_o the_o people_n be_v rescue_v out_o of_o that_o obscurity_n in_o which_o the_o barbarism_n of_o former_a age_n have_v bury_v it_o man_n do_v perceive_v that_o divers_a error_n have_v be_v introduce_v into_o religion_n they_o discover_v several_a abuse_n they_o go_v about_o to_o redress_v they_o and_o they_o succeed_v so_o far_o that_o in_o this_o respect_n christianity_n be_v restore_v to_o its_o purity_n but_o that_o great_a work_n can_v not_o be_v finish_v so_o that_o at_o this_o day_n they_o church_n and_o religion_n be_v not_o yet_o bring_v to_o that_o state_n of_o perfection_n which_o they_o may_v be_v in_o iii_o for_o to_o come_v now_o to_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v certain_a first_o that_o many_o christian_a church_n be_v still_o very_o near_o in_o the_o same_o darkness_n man_n be_v in_o some_o age_n ago_o i_o shall_v say_v nothing_o of_o the_o sink_n of_o christianity_n in_o asia_n and_o africa_n there_o be_v more_o knowledge_n in_o europe_n but_o yet_o in_o many_o place_n we_o may_v observe_v almost_o all_o those_o disorder_n which_o prevail_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gross_a ignorance_n nay_o our_o age_n be_v more_o unhappy_a than_o the_o precedent_n in_o that_o those_o abuse_n have_v be_v confirm_v and_o authorize_v by_o law_n and_o be_v now_o support_v by_o force_n how_o many_o country_n and_o church_n be_v there_o where_o the_o people_n know_v almost_o nothing_o of_o the_o gospel_n where_o religion_n be_v reduce_v to_o childish_a and_o superstitious_a devotion_n and_o practice_n where_o the_o most_o ridiculous_a thing_n be_v believe_v and_o the_o most_o shameful_a error_n receive_v where_o the_o looseness_n of_o manner_n may_v almost_o be_v parallel_v with_o heathenism_n where_o the_o most_o execrable_a crime_n be_v commit_v in_o a_o word_n where_o the_o ignorance_n both_o of_o the_o people_n and_o clergy_n be_v general_a except_v only_o some_o few_o understand_a man_n who_o be_v sensible_a of_o these_o disorder_n but_o be_v restrain_v by_o fear_n from_o discover_v their_o sentiment_n from_o those_o place_n corruption_n spread_v to_o other_o and_o it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o show_v by_o several_a instance_n that_o the_o cause_n of_o impiety_n ignorance_n and_o vice_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o those_o place_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o fountain_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o all_o church_n for_o some_o there_o be_v where_o religion_n be_v not_o so_o corrupt_v and_o where_o a_o pure_a christianity_n be_v profess_v but_o yet_o let_v we_o inquire_v in_o the_o second_o place_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o christian_a society_n where_o nothing_o be_v want_v or_o to_o be_v desire_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n and_o where_o it_o will_v not_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v some_o alteration_n and_o constitution_n in_o order_n to_o come_v near_o to_o perfection_n this_o deserve_v to_o be_v examine_v with_o care_n and_o without_o prepossession_n we_o ought_v here_o to_o lay_v aside_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o party_n and_o ingenuous_o to_o acknowledge_v defect_n where_o they_o be_v for_o else_o if_o every_o one_o be_v wed_v to_o the_o society_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o member_n nothing_o can_v ever_o be_v remedy_v for_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v defect_n what_o remedy_n can_v be_v use_v if_o we_o be_v all_o possess_v with_o this_o prejudice_n that_o all_o be_v perfect_a in_o our_o society_n be_v not_o this_o the_o way_n to_o canonize_v abuse_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o restore_n of_o order_n and_o first_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v if_o there_o shall_v still_o be_v imperfection_n in_o the_o pure_a society_n it_o will_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o miracle_n if_o there_o be_v none_o remain_v god_n do_v not_o always_o think_v fit_a to_o finish_v his_o work_n all_o at_o once_o unless_o he_o have_v make_v use_n of_o inspire_a man_n such_o as_o the_o prophet_n or_o the_o apostle_n be_v it_o be_v impossible_a so_o to_o attain_v perfection_n and_o to_o provide_v for_o every_o thing_n at_o first_o dash_n that_o nothing_o more_o shall_v be_v desire_v beside_o circumstance_n be_v so_o much_o alter_v that_o it_o seemâ—_n necessary_a to_o change_v several_a thing_n that_o be_v leave_v in_o the_o last_o age._n it_o be_v further_a to_o be_v consider_v that_o though_o christian_n do_v long_o for_o a_o good_a reformation_n yet_o great_a difficulty_n be_v to_o be_v overcome_v to_o bring_v it_o about_o man_n mind_n be_v not_o much_o enlighten_v they_o be_v just_a creep_v out_o of_o darkness_n and_o a_o long_a custom_n have_v almost_o obliterated_a the_o true_a idea_n of_o religion_n almost_o all_o those_o who_o be_v in_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n do_v obstinate_o defend_v the_o abuse_n which_o all_o good_a man_n think_v it_o necessary_a to_o redress_v extreme_a severity_n be_v use_v towards_o those_o who_o desire_v this_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n all_o this_o do_v terrify_v a_o great_a many_o well-meaning_a person_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o in_o several_a place_n those_o who_o have_v courage_n enough_o to_o condemn_v the_o abuse_n open_o be_v not_o able_a for_o want_v of_o mean_n to_o do_v all_o that_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n require_v they_o be_v fain_o in_o those_o place_n to_o yield_v something_o to_o the_o iniquity_n of_o the_o time_n and_o to_o settle_v thing_n as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v till_o a_o more_o favourable_a oppotunity_n some_o church_n come_v near_o to_o perfection_n than_o other_o but_o howsoever_o if_o we_o will_v pass_v a_o right_a judgement_n upon_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n we_o ought_v to_o examine_v the_o thing_n in_o itself_o and_o without_o partiality_n upon_o this_o i_o shall_v offer_v here_o some_o general_a consideration_n and_o refer_v to_o the_o follow_a chapter_n some_o head_n which_o will_v
uncertainty_n and_o obscurity_n in_o a_o religion_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o controversy_n and_o different_a opinion_n the_o want_n of_o union_n be_v then_o a_o most_o considerable_a imperfection_n in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o some_o remedy_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o so_o great_a a_o evil_a and_o that_o those_o controversy_n which_o produce_v and_o cherish_v it_o may_v be_v turn_v out_o of_o door_n the_o way_n to_o compass_v this_o will_v be_v to_o endeavour_v in_o good_a earnest_n the_o reform_v of_o manner_n and_o the_o restore_n of_o order_n this_o great_a and_o noble_a design_n will_v no_o soon_o be_v pursue_v but_o man_n will_v be_v ashamed_a of_o all_o these_o contention_n they_o will_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o trifle_a amusement_n and_o find_v no_o relish_n in_o those_o dispute_n which_o to_o say_v the_o truth_n do_v only_o employ_v such_o person_n as_o be_v conceit_v with_o vain_a learning_n and_o narrow-spirited_n man_n who_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o large_a and_o high_a view_v iv_o if_o we_o examine_v the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n with_o relation_n to_o order_n there_o we_o must_v ingenuous_o confess_v that_o great_a defect_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o discipline_n christian_n ought_v to_o regulate_v themselves_o first_o by_o the_o law_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v set_v they_o and_o then_o by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o of_o the_o pure_a antiquity_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o what_o have_v be_v practise_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o do_v beside_o agree_v with_o the_o rule_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v have_v a_o great_a regard_n pay_v to_o it_o by_o all_o christian_n now_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o most_o church_n have_v considerable_o depart_v from_o that_o ancient_a order_n to_o prove_v this_o by_o some_o instance_n it_o be_v certain_a in_o fact_n that_o the_o ecclesiastical_a order_n and_o government_n which_o obtain_v in_o many_o place_n be_v not_o such_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v none_o caâ—n_v be_v ignorant_a of_o this_o but_o those_o who_o be_v altogether_o unacquainted_a with_o antiquity_n or_o who_o be_v full_a of_o prejudices_fw-la find_v what_o they_o please_v in_o scripture_n and_o church-history_n can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o election_n of_o bishop_n or_o pastor_n be_v canonical_a as_o they_o be_v manage_v in_o many_o place_n arid_a that_o the_o practice_n and_o order_n establish_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v observe_v every_o where_o it_o be_v certain_a likewise_o that_o all_o church_n be_v not_o furnish_v with_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o person_n to_o perform_v divine-service_n and_o to_o instruct_v and_o edify_v the_o people_n when_o we_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o primitive_a church_n we_o find_v that_o though_o it_o be_v poor_a and_o persecute_v yet_o it_o have_v its_o bishop_n its_o priest_n its_o catechist_n and_o its_o widow_n at_o this_o time_n we_o see_v yet_o in_o several_a place_n that_o one_o single_a town_n maintain_v a_o great_a number_n of_o churchman_n who_o indeed_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v very_o insignificant_a but_o elsewhere_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o one_o single_a man_n do_v often_o perform_v all_o the_o ecclesiastical_a function_n nay_o sometime_o many_o church_n have_v but_o one_o pastor_n this_o disorder_n as_o well_o as_o many_o other_o proceed_v partly_o from_o the_o want_n of_o necessary_a mean_n and_o fund_n to_o supply_v the_o occasion_n of_o all_o church_n here_o it_o may_v be_v proper_a to_o speak_v of_o the_o pastoral_a function_n and_o of_o the_o administration_n of_o discipline_n but_o these_o two_o head_n be_v important_a i_o reserve_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v about_o they_o for_o the_o two_o next_o chapter_n we_o ought_v here_o not_o to_o omit_v the_o want_n of_o union_n and_o correspondence_n among_o church_n if_o they_o have_v more_o communication_n and_o intercourse_n one_o with_o another_o great_a advantage_n will_v follow_v from_o thence_o right_o measure_n may_v be_v take_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n and_o for_o the_o redress_v of_o abuse_n and_o scandal_n that_o uniformity_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a both_o in_o worship_n and_o in_o church-government_n and_o discipline_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o that_o will_v contribute_v much_o to_o the_o honour_n and_o safety_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n the_o church_n will_v appear_v then_o like_o a_o well-ordered_a society_n and_o like_o one_o body_n of_o which_o all_o the_o part_n shall_v maintain_v a_o relation_n to_o and_o a_o strict_a dependence_n upon_o one_o another_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o great_a unhappiness_n when_o church_n have_v little_a or_o no_o intercourse_n or_o communication_n one_o with_o another_o so_o that_o every_o one_o order_n its_o matter_n and_o custom_n the_o form_n of_o its_o worship_n and_o government_n within_o itself_o thus_o in_o many_o respect_n it_o will_v be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o thing_n be_v not_o altogether_o regulate_v in_o the_o church_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v with_o relation_n to_o order_n man_n be_v not_o sensible_a of_o these_o defect_n because_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o judge_v of_o religious_a matter_n by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o present_a time_n and_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o respective_a country_n beside_o that_o antiquity_n be_v but_o little_o know_v and_o yet_o these_o defect_n contribute_v more_o than_o be_v common_o imagine_v to_o the_o decay_n of_o piety_n and_o zeal_n the_o want_n of_o order_n in_o any_o society_n do_v most_o certain_o bring_v confusion_n and_o licentiousness_n into_o it_o v._o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o end_n and_o the_o essence_n of_o religion_n we_o can_v but_o inquire_v whether_o all_o thing_n be_v well_o regulate_v with_o relation_n to_o that_o to_o speak_v here_o only_o of_o the_o public_a worship_n it_o will_v be_v very_o necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v perform_v every_o where_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o the_o people_n may_v understand_v the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n to_o be_v adoration_n praise_n and_o the_o invocation_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o discharge_n of_o these_o duty_n be_v the_o end_n of_o public_a assembly_n i_o remark_n this_o particular_o because_o in_o many_o place_n devotion_n be_v place_v only_o in_o the_o hear_n of_o sermon_n church_n be_v proper_o nothing_o else_o but_o auditory_n people_n fancy_n that_o sermon_n be_v the_o chief_a thing_n they_o meet_v for_o and_o that_o preach_v be_v the_o principle_n function_n to_o be_v exercise_v by_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n the_o prayer_n and_o the_o psalm_n be_v look_v upon_o only_a as_o preliminary_n or_o circumstance_n to_o a_o sermon_n this_o be_v a_o dangerous_a notion_n because_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n it_o make_v christian_n neglect_n divine_a service_n and_o on_o the_o other_o it_o render_v religion_n contemptible_a when_o sermon_n be_v not_o so_o edify_v as_o they_o shall_v be_v which_o happen_v but_o too_o often_o and_o therefore_o it_o will_v not_o perhaps_o be_v amiss_o if_o as_o it_o be_v practise_v in_o several_a church_n divine_a service_n be_v distinguish_v from_o sermon_n by_o some_o circumstance_n of_o time_n or_o person_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v one_o thing_n to_o celebrate_v divine_a service_n and_o another_o to_o hear_v sermon_n several_a reflection_n may_v be_v offer_v here_o concern_v the_o principal_a thing_n relate_v to_o public_a worship_n such_o as_o form_n of_o prayer_n liturgy_n the_o manner_n of_o praise_v god_n and_o sacred_a hymn_n it_o will_v be_v a_o question_n worth_a the_o examine_n whether_o we_o ought_v in_o christian_a church_n to_o use_v only_a psalm_n and_o canticle_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n among_o which_o though_o some_o be_v most_o edify_a and_o full_a of_o excellent_a expression_n of_o piety_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o which_o relate_v altogether_o to_o some_o particular_a passage_n of_o those_o time_n or_o if_o they_o speak_v of_o christ_n it_o be_v only_o in_o a_o prophetical_a style_n very_o obscure_a to_o the_o people_n one_o will_v think_v that_o christian_a hymn_n which_o shall_v be_v sing_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n chief_o to_o celebrate_v the_o wonder_n of_o our_o redemption_n may_v be_v extraordinary_a useful_a to_o nourish_v piety_n and_o to_o stir_v up_o devotion_n as_o well_o as_o more_o agreeable_a to_o that_o which_o the_o apostle_n prescribe_v and_o which_o the_o primitve_n christian_n practise_v in_o their_o assembly_n will_v it_o not_o likewise_o be_v necessary_a to_o agree_v about_o give_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n to_o sick_a and_o die_a person_n and_o to_o restore_v the_o more_o frequent_a use_n of_o the_o eucharist_n acpord_v to_o the_o
for_o morality_n it_o be_v there_o touch_v but_o very_o superficial_o and_o yet_o these_o be_v essential_a article_n in_o divinity_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o those_o who_o be_v call_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o guide_v a_o church_n or_o to_o direct_v man_n conscience_n 3._o divinity-book_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n too_o scholastical_a the_o method_n of_o the_o schoolmen_n way_n of_o handle_v divinity_n may_v just_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o defiance_n to_o sense_n and_o religion_n yet_o that_o method_n have_v prevail_v to_o that_o degree_n that_o for_o some_o age_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o swerve_v from_o it_o of_o late_a year_n indeed_o the_o school_n man_n have_v lose_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o heir_n credit_n and_o in_o divinity_n as_o well_o as_o in_o philosophy_n many_o person_n have_v no_o long_o that_o blind_a deference_n for_o they_o which_o be_v pay_v heretofore_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o a_o great_a number_n of_o divine_n do_v still_o set_v up_o that_o method_n for_o their_o rule_n and_o it_o be_v still_o as_o it_o be_v sacred_a in_o college_n and_o university_n common-place_n to_o this_o day_n savour_v too_o much_o of_o the_o barbarism_n of_o the_o school_n and_o we_o find_v there_o but_o too_o many_o remainder_n of_o that_o dry_a and_o crabbed_a theology_n which_o have_v its_o birth_n in_o the_o age_n of_o ignorance_n instead_o of_o those_o simple_a and_o clear_a idea_n which_o render_v the_o truth_n and_o majesty_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n sensible_a and_o which_o satisfy_v a_o man_n reason_n and_o move_v his_o heart_n we_o meet_v with_o nothing_o in_o several_a body_n of_o divinity_n but_o metaphisical_a notion_n curious_a and_o needless_a question_n distinction_n and_o obscure_a term_n in_o a_o word_n we_o find_v there_o such_o intricate_a theology_n that_o the_o very_a apostle_n themselves_o if_o they_o come_v into_o the_o world_n again_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v it_o without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o particular_a revelation_n this_o scholastic_a divinity_n have_v do_v more_o mischief_n to_o religion_n than_o we_o be_v able_a to_o express_v there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v more_o corrupt_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o have_v more_o obscure_v matter_n multiply_v controversy_n disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n or_o give_v rise_v to_o so_o many_o heresy_n and_o schism_n this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o confirm_v so_o many_o ecclesiastic_n in_o their_o ignorance_n and_o prejudices_fw-la and_o which_o keep_v they_o from_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o solid_a part_n of_o divinity_n and_o to_o that_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o sanctify_v men._n now_o all_o these_o defect_n be_v visible_a cause_n of_o corruption_n which_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o this_o single_a consideration_n that_o it_o be_v in_o common-place_n that_o churchman_n learn_v their_o divinity_n suppose_v then_o that_o those_o book_n do_v not_o give_v they_o a_o true_a idea_n of_o religion_n what_o religion_n or_o what_o divinity_n can_v such_o man_n teach_v their_o people_n one_o scholastic_a and_o injudicious_a author_n who_o be_v in_o credit_n in_o country_n and_o who_o be_v patronise_v by_o a_o professor_n be_v enough_o to_o spoil_v the_o mind_n of_o young_a divine_n and_o to_o bring_v into_o repute_n the_o most_o absurd_a and_o dangerous_a opinion_n and_o system_n though_o catechism_n be_v not_o usual_o reckon_v among_o divinity-book_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v useless_a to_o say_v something_o of_o they_o here_o some_o great_a man_n have_v bestow_v their_o pain_n upon_o work_n of_o this_o kind_a to_o very_o good_a purpose_n and_o yet_o in_o this_o respect_n there_o be_v stall_v something_o to_o be_v desire_v for_o public_a edification_n 1._o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o those_o subject_n shall_v only_o be_v treat_v in_o catechism_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v handle_v there_o and_o that_o all_o the_o matter_n and_o question_n which_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o the_o people_n and_o of_o child_n or_o which_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n shall_v be_v banish_v from_o thence_o 2._o that_o some_o essential_a article_n about_o which_o catechism_n be_v very_a jejune_n shall_v be_v add_v to_o they_o and_o particular_o these_o three_o a_o general_a idea_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n the_o main_a proof_n of_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o exact_a explication_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n this_o last_o article_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n extreme_o neglect_v in_o catechism_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o dry_a and_o superficial_a than_o what_o they_o say_v upon_o the_o decalogue_n 3._o it_o will_v be_v fit_v to_o make_v some_o alteration_n in_o the_o method_n observe_v in_o catechism_n for_o they_o be_v not_o all_o familiar_a enough_o school_n term_n or_o figurative_a phrase_n be_v use_v in_o they_o which_o either_o the_o people_n do_v not_o understand_v or_o to_o which_o they_o affix_v false_a idea_n for_o instance_n i_o will_v not_o have_v it_o say_v that_o the_o eucharist_n be_v the_o symbol_n of_o our_o spiritual_a nourishment_n and_o of_o our_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n for_o beside_o that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o exact_a definition_n this_o style_n be_v not_o proper_a for_o a_o catechism_n these_o word_n symbol_n spiritual_a nourishment_n union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n be_v figurative_a and_o obscure_a term_n will_v not_o the_o thing_n be_v plain_o both_o to_o child_n and_o to_o every_o body_n if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o the_o eucharist_n be_v a_o sacred_a action_n and_o cerremony_n wherein_o christian_n eat_v bread_n and_o drink_n wine_n which_o be_v distribute_v in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o he_o in_o those_o work_n which_o be_v intend_v for_o youth_n and_o for_o the_o common_a people_n it_o concern_v and_o author_n to_o be_v clear_a and_o accurate_a to_o omit_v nothing_o that_o be_v essential_a to_o say_v nothing_o that_o be_v needless_a to_o use_v plain_a and_o proper_a expression_n and_o to_o propose_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v natural_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v apprehend_v catechism_n be_v design_v to_o give_v child_n the_o first_o tincture_n and_o idea_n of_o religion_n now_o those_o idea_n we_o know_v common_o stick_v by_o they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v if_o then_o they_o be_v not_o clear_a and_o true_a it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o they_o ever_o to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o religion_n iii_o the_o three_o sort_n of_o book_n be_v those_o of_o morality_n this_o important_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o regulate_v manner_n have_v be_v treat_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o solidity_n and_o force_n in_o several_a excellent_a work_n nay_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o morality_n be_v more_o cultivate_v of_o late_a than_o it_o have_v be_v heretofore_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o the_o good_a book_n of_o morality_n we_o have_v at_o this_o day_n be_v of_o a_o more_o general_a usefulness_n than_o they_o be_v the_o best_a work_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v above_o the_o people_n capacity_n there_o be_v various_a thing_n in_o they_o relate_v either_o to_o the_o reason_v part_n the_o turn_n of_o thought_n or_o the_o style_n which_o can_v be_v understand_v but_o by_o know_v and_o discern_v person_n almost_o all_o the_o able_a man_n who_o write_v upon_o moral_n have_v this_o fault_n that_o they_o speak_v too_o much_o like_o ingenuous_a man_n and_o do_v not_o accommodate_v themselves_o enough_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o reader_n they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v useful_a to_o every_o body_n that_o what_o seem_v clear_a to_o they_o be_v obscure_a to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o peruse_v their_o write_n and_o that_o a_o book_n of_o morality_n which_o be_v only_o understand_v by_o man_n of_o part_n of_o learning_n be_v of_o a_o very_a limit_a usefulness_n they_o shall_v therefore_o at_o least_o in_o some_o of_o their_o work_n endeavour_v to_o speak_v in_o a_o popular_a manner_n and_o to_o handle_v matter_n with_o all_o possible_a clearness_n and_o simplicity_n this_o will_v be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o they_o and_o the_o do_v it_o well_o will_v i_o think_v require_v all_o the_o ability_n part_n and_o talent_n of_o the_o best_a writer_n it_o be_v more_o difficult_a than_o be_v seem_v to_o speak_v or_o write_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v all_o that_o be_v proper_a to_o be_v say_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v intelligible_a to_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n but_o if_o there_o be_v good_a book_n of_o morality_n there_o be_v many_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n which_o have_v considerable_a fault_n in_o they_o and_o those_o fault_n be_v of_o great_a consequence_n because_o morality_n ill_o explain_v be_v
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which_o he_o think_v proper_a for_o his_o own_o church_n may_v not_o be_v likewise_o of_o good_a use_n to_o other_o and_o now_o my_o lord_n i_o do_v glad_o embrace_v this_o opportunity_n to_o make_v a_o public_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a obligation_n your_o lordship_n have_v lay_v upon_o i_o a_o post_n in_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n be_v not_o the_o great_a favour_n i_o have_v receive_v at_o your_o hand_n i_o reckon_v myself_o much_o more_o beholden_a to_o your_o lordship_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o your_o example_n and_o instruction_n which_o i_o have_v enjoy_v several_a year_n in_o your_o family_n but_o here_o i_o must_v make_v a_o full_a stop_n and_o how_o much_o soever_o i_o be_o incline_v to_o say_v a_o great_a deal_n upon_o the_o subject_n yet_o i_o know_v your_o lordship_n too_o well_o to_o venture_v on_o it_o for_o whatever_o i_o may_v think_v i_o know_v i_o must_v say_v nothing_o the_o best_a return_n i_o can_v make_v for_o the_o large_a 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this_o whoever_o inquire_v into_o the_o notion_n and_o manner_n of_o christian_n must_v have_v no_o great_a share_n of_o sincerity_n or_o judgement_n if_o he_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o religion_n have_v but_o littil_a influence_n upon_o their_o mind_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o amaze_a contradiction_n between_o their_o life_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n this_o corruption_n be_v so_o evident_a and_o so_o general_o confess_v that_o i_o need_v not_o stand_v to_o prove_v it_o take_v it_o then_o for_o grant_v that_o christian_n live_v in_o a_o great_a neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o corruption_n and_o to_o consider_v what_o remedy_n shall_v be_v apply_v to_o it_o this_o be_v what_o i_o intend_v to_o do_v in_o this_o treatise_n in_o hope_n that_o such_o a_o enquiry_n will_v not_o be_v altogether_o unuseful_a for_o first_o it_o may_v contribute_v to_o maintain_v the_o honour_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o confute_v infidel_n and_o libertine_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o despise_v it_o because_o its_o precept_n be_v little_o practise_v if_o religion_n say_v they_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o it_o have_v so_o little_a efficacy_n and_o that_o there_o appear_v so_o much_o disorder_n and_o licentiousness_n among_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o to_o undeceive_v such_o man_n and_o to_o infuse_v into_o they_o a_o great_a respect_n for_o religion_n it_o be_v of_o very_o great_a importance_n to_o discover_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o piety_n and_o to_o show_v that_o if_o man_n be_v corrupt_v it_o be_v not_o because_o christ_n religion_n be_v insufficient_a to_o introduce_v virtue_n and_o order_n into_o the_o world_n but_o that_o this_o evil_n flow_v from_o some_o other_o cause_n and_o that_o if_o christian_n do_v what_o they_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o do_v true_a piety_n will_v not_o be_v so_o uncommon_a as_o it_o be_v among_o they_o a_o second_o advantage_n which_o may_v be_v reap_v from_o this_o enquiry_n be_v this_o it_o will_v appear_v by_o it_o that_o how_o great_a soever_o the_o corruption_n may_v be_v it_o be_v not_o however_o as_o many_o imagine_v past_a remedy_n which_o imagination_n be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a prejudice_n while_o man_n look_v on_o it_o as_o impossible_a to_o stem_v the_o tide_n of_o corruption_n and_o to_o re-establish_a order_n and_o purity_n of_o manner_n in_o the_o world_n they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o attempt_v it_o they_o let_v thing_n go_v on_o at_o the_o same_o rate_n and_o so_o the_o disorder_n increase_v and_o spread_v far_a it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o we_o corruption_n be_v great_a general_a and_o inveterate_a but_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o incurable_a disease_n the_o fountain_n of_o it_o may_v easy_o be_v discover_v and_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o stop_v they_o i_o hope_v this_o will_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o who_o shall_v attentive_o and_o without_o prepossession_n consider_v what_o be_v propose_v in_o this_o work_n three_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n more_o likely_a to_o remove_v this_o corruption_n than_o to_o cut_v off_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o sure_a as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o compendious_a method_n one_o of_o the_o main_a reason_n why_o so_o many_o excellent_a book_n design_v to_o inspire_v man_n with_o a_o love_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n have_v not_o all_o the_o effect_n that_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o they_o be_v that_o the_o author_n do_v not_o sufficient_o observe_v the_o general_a cause_n of_o the_o depravation_n of_o manner_n it_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n to_o deplore_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age_n to_o exhort_v man_n and_o to_o give_v they_o fine_a lesson_n of_o morality_n the_o work_n of_o reformation_n can_v
fall_v very_o short_a of_o that_o knowledge_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v and_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o live_v in_o shameful_a and_o deplorable_a ignorance_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o piety_n be_v so_o much_o want_v among_o they_o and_o why_o they_o be_v so_o deprave_v and_o vicious_a which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o make_v appear_v in_o order_n to_o this_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o two_o head_n first_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n second_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o inquire_v whether_o with_o respect_n to_o these_o christian_n be_v furnish_v with_o necessary_a information_n i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v very_o little_o instruct_v i._o in_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o ii_o in_o what_o relate_v to_o manner_n and_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n the_o reflection_n i_o shall_v 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of_o christianity_n or_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n some_o be_v master_n of_o the_o principal_a controversy_n which_o divide_v christian_n who_o will_v stand_v mute_a if_o they_o be_v call_v back_o to_o the_o first_o element_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o they_o be_v to_o maintain_v against_o a_o infidel_n that_o there_o be_v a_o religion_n or_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_a the_o people_n enter_v yet_o less_o than_o the_o divine_n into_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o general_a truth_n and_o there_o be_v very_o few_o who_o either_o attend_v to_o they_o or_o indeed_o believe_v they_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o yet_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n depend_v upon_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n concern_v the_o principle_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o which_o render_v the_o particular_a truth_n effectual_a to_o salvation_n and_o which_o beget_v piety_n and_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n when_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o religion_n propose_v nothing_o but_o what_o 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day_n a_o great_a number_n of_o person_n who_o entertain_v very_o loose_a opinion_n and_o that_o do_v at_o least_o border_n upon_o atheism_n these_o pernicious_a tenet_n be_v spread_v wide_a than_o some_o people_n think_v not_o only_o the_o libertine_n be_v infect_v with_o they_o but_o even_o the_o common_a people_n all_o the_o profane_a man_n and_o deist_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v at_o court_n in_o army_n or_o among_o the_o learned_a there_o be_v some_o in_o town_n among_o the_o vulgar_a and_o even_o among_o country_n clown_n if_o we_o examine_v a_o little_a the_o discourse_n and_o apprehension_n of_o man_n especial_o of_o those_o who_o life_n be_v irregular_a if_o we_o do_v but_o begin_v to_o reason_n with_o they_o and_o press_v they_o we_o may_v soon_o perceive_v the_o principle_n of_o incredulity_n and_o atheism_n in_o many_o of_o they_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o they_o be_v not_o thorough_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o another_o life_n or_o that_o if_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o impiety_n which_o attack_n directly_z the_o very_a foundation_n of_o religion_n they_o harbour_v at_o least_o this_o fancy_n that_o god_n do_v not_o narrow_o observe_v man_n deportment_n that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v so_o severe_a as_o to_o damn_v they_o for_o some_o sin_n they_o have_v commit_v and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o such_o great_a harm_n in_o gratify_v once_o passion_n and_o live_v at_o the_o usual_a rate_n of_o the_o world_n these_o and_o the_o like_a sentiment_n be_v general_a enough_o and_o yet_o they_o lead_v the_o straight_a way_n to_o deism_n and_o tend_v plain_o to_o the_o subversion_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v be_v therefore_o high_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o root_v out_o such_o dangerous_a error_n careful_o to_o establish_v these_o great_a truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o this_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n and_o that_o whatever_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o of_o another_o life_n be_v most_o certain_a this_o i_o say_v will_v be_v altogether_o needful_a if_o it_o be_v but_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o those_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v and_o their_o number_n be_v great_a than_o be_v common_o imagine_v 2_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o though_o christian_n profess_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n yet_o that_o belief_n be_v not_o lively_a and_o strong_a enough_o in_o they_o all_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o question_n that_o most_o christian_n be_v so_o only_o because_o they_o be_v engage_v by_o their_o birth_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n but_o that_o after_o all_o they_o know_v very_o little_a of_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o it_o they_o will_v in_o like_a manner_n have_v be_v jew_n or_o pagan_n if_o they_o have_v be_v bear_v in_o judaisme_n or_o paganism_n so_o that_o proper_o speak_v they_o can_v be_v say_v to_o
have_v faith_n for_o faith_n be_v a_o persuasion_n to_o believe_v be_v to_o be_v persuade_v and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o believe_v a_o thing_n right_n without_o reason_n or_o examination_n that_o which_o be_v call_v faith_n be_v common_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o confuse_a and_o general_a opinion_n which_o make_v but_o very_o slight_a impression_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n but_o true_a faith_n be_v a_o great_a rarity_n among_o christian_n than_o we_o be_v aware_a of_o now_o as_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a principle_n of_o piety_n so_o a_o bad_a life_n do_v chief_o spring_n from_o want_n of_o faith_n and_o from_o incredulity_n and_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o infidel_n some_o deny_v and_o reject_v divine_a truth_n other_o do_v not_o quite_o deny_v they_o but_o they_o doubt_v and_o believe_v but_o weak_o the_o infidel_n who_o deny_v the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n be_v not_o many_o but_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o doubt_v and_o be_v not_o well_o persuade_v be_v very_o great_a this_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o divine_a truth_n and_o profess_v to_o believe_v they_o do_v yet_o act_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o faith_n and_o religion_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o their_o proceed_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n wonder_v at_o that_o people_n who_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o a_o religion_n shall_v live_v as_o if_o there_o be_v neither_o god_n nor_o religion_n upon_o this_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o say_v that_o sinner_n be_v not_o consistent_a with_o themselves_o and_o as_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o reconcile_v their_o practice_n with_o their_o belief_n we_o cry_v out_o that_o the_o depth_n of_o man_n heart_n be_v unsearchable_a but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o wonder_n in_o the_o case_n and_o the_o proceed_n of_o bad_a christian_n be_v not_o always_o so_o contradictory_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v i_o confess_v that_o man_n sin_n sometime_o against_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o that_o some_o who_o want_v not_o knowledge_n do_v yet_o live_v very_o iii_o this_o may_v proceed_v from_o inconsideration_n from_o the_o violence_n of_o their_o passion_n from_o too_o great_a a_o regard_n to_o their_o temporal_a interest_n from_o the_o flatter_a hope_n of_o pardon_n or_o some_o such_o principle_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n man_n act_n consonant_o and_o suitable_o to_o their_o belief_n and_o it_o be_v but_o seldom_o that_o in_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o life_n they_o behave_v themselves_o contrary_a to_o the_o sentiment_n and_o principle_n that_o possess_v they_o we_o suppose_v that_o bad_a christian_n believe_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o that_o we_o be_v mistake_v many_o of_o they_o want_v faith_n and_o be_v not_o full_o convince_v of_o those_o truth_n be_v it_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o so_o many_o person_n who_o live_v in_o sin_n who_o make_v conscience_n of_o nothing_o and_o who_o violate_v every_o minute_n the_o rule_n of_o their_o duty_n shall_v be_v thorough_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o see_v they_o and_o to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n from_o all_o this_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o general_a truth_n of_o religion_n be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a source_n of_o corruption_n some_o will_v say_v that_o these_o truth_n need_v not_o be_v prove_v and_o that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o first_o principle_n which_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v because_o they_o be_v imprint_v on_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o men._n but_o this_o objection_n be_v easy_o answer_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v just_o now_o i_o own_o that_o the_o idea_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n carry_v in_o they_o a_o natural_a evidence_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v demonstrable_a from_o reason_n and_o conscience_n and_o because_o there_o be_v principle_n in_o man_n by_o the_o help_n of_o which_o they_o may_v arrive_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n but_o these_o principle_n and_o idea_n have_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n stifle_v in_o many_o either_o through_o ill_a education_n or_o worldly_a business_n or_o vice_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n so_o that_o they_o feel_v the_o force_n and_o evidence_n of_o they_o but_o imperfect_o and_o some_o have_v no_o sense_n at_o all_o of_o they_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o excite_v and_o enlighten_v those_o idea_n to_o explain_v and_o establish_v those_o principle_n i_o acknowledge_v further_o that_o some_o part_n of_o those_o proof_n upon_o which_o religion_n be_v build_v lie_v open_a to_o all_o man_n eye_n but_o yet_o the_o ignorant_a and_o those_o who_o be_v take_v up_o with_o other_o object_n do_v not_o observe_v they_o they_o shall_v therefore_o be_v make_v to_o attend_v to_o they_o just_o as_o we_o make_v stupid_a and_o heedless_a people_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o beauty_n of_o a_o palace_n or_o the_o skill_n of_o a_o artist_n in_o some_o curious_a workmanship_n which_o will_v otherwise_o pass_v unobserved_a by_o they_o however_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v that_o the_o general_a truth_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v prove_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o reason_n upon_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o search_v into_o the_o proof_n of_o they_o where_o in_o order_n to_o convince_v man_n that_o there_o be_v a_o almighty_a and_o infinite_o good_a god_n it_o propose_v to_o they_o the_o beauty_n and_o wonder_n which_o shine_v in_o his_o work_n and_o exhort_v they_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o this_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o book_n of_o job_n in_o the_o xix_o and_o civ_o psal_n rom._n 1.19_o 20._o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n 3_o it_o may_v further_o be_v say_v that_o the_o proof_n of_o general_n truth_n be_v too_o difficult_a for_o the_o common_a people_n and_o that_o the_o learned_a only_o be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o discussion_n i_o grant_v that_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v all_o that_o have_v be_v write_v upon_o these_o matter_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o have_v a_o true_a faith_n without_o enter_v into_o the_o detail_n of_o all_o these_o proof_n and_o without_o follow_v with_o the_o utmost_a strictness_n all_o the_o deep_a and_o abstract_a reason_v which_o have_v be_v use_v to_o prove_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o think_v rather_o those_o matter_n ought_v to_o be_v treat_v with_o great_a discretion_n especial_o in_o sermon_n it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o imprudence_n to_o muster_v up_o in_o a_o public_a discourse_n all_o the_o objection_n of_o atheist_n or_o the_o subtlety_n of_o libertine_n these_o aught_o to_o be_v refer_v to_o private_a conference_n those_o who_o speak_v to_o the_o people_n must_v take_v heed_n lest_o by_o dispute_v and_o speculate_v too_o much_o they_o render_v the_o fundamental_a truth_n problematical_a and_o raise_v scruple_n in_o man_n mind_n they_o ought_v to_o build_v upon_o this_o principle_n that_o man_n be_v carry_v by_o a_o common_a and_o natural_a inclination_n to_o believe_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n to_o acknowledge_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o to_o own_o providence_n and_o the_o other_o truth_n of_o religion_n but_o for_o all_o that_o it_o may_v be_v very_o useful_a and_o necessary_a to_o confirm_v those_o truth_n to_o set_v they_o in_o the_o clear_a light_n and_o to_o convince_v the_o people_n of_o they_o as_o to_o what_o be_v say_v that_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o people_n capacity_n i_o answer_v that_o most_o of_o those_o proof_n be_v such_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o be_v either_o learned_a or_o a_o divine_a to_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o we_o ought_v to_o suppose_v here_o that_o the_o more_o important_a any_o truth_n be_v the_o clear_a and_o the_o easy_a the_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v i_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o all_o truth_n there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v most_o certain_a who_o proof_n be_v difficult_a and_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o common_a understanding_n such_o be_v many_o metaphysical_a truth_n and_o mathematical_a demonstration_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o truth_n be_v not_o necessary_a and_o a_o man_n without_o danger_n may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o i_o speak_v now_o only_o of_o those_o truth_n which_o it_o concern_v every_o person_n to_o know_v and_o which_o be_v of_o general_a usefulness_n and_o necessity_n these_o be_v always_o clear_a and_o easy_o prove_v and_o this_o by_o the_o by_o aught_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n to_o make_v we_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n and_o
goodness_n of_o god_n who_o have_v so_o well_o provide_v for_o the_o necessity_n of_o man_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o set_v bound_n to_o our_o curiosity_n and_o to_o fortify_v our_o faith_n against_o those_o doubt_n which_o may_v start_v up_o in_o our_o mind_n by_o reason_n of_o so_o many_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o as_o therefore_o of_o all_o truth_n none_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n or_o of_o a_o more_o entire_a certainty_n than_o those_o which_o religion_n depend_v upon_o so_o the_o proof_n of_o those_o truth_n ought_v to_o be_v simple_a evident_a and_o suit_v to_o all_o man_n capacity_n thus_o when_o in_o order_n to_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n we_o allege_v for_o instance_n the_o state_n and_o order_n in_o which_o the_o world_n subsist_v when_o we_o show_v that_o the_o world_n can_v be_v eternal_a and_o that_o thing_n have_v a_o beginning_n when_o we_o establish_v the_o inspiration_n of_o scripture_n by_o the_o prophecy_n it_o contain_v which_o be_v undoubted_o write_v before_o their_o accomplishment_n when_o we_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o the_o truth_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o history_n and_o demonstrate_v that_o if_o the_o fact_n upon_o which_o religion_n be_v found_v be_v not_o certain_a there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o certainty_n in_o the_o world_n in_o respect_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v past_a and_o that_o if_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v reject_v there_o be_v no_o witness_n or_o historian_n who_o may_v not_o be_v reject_v upon_o better_a ground_n when_o we_o confirm_v the_o sacred_a history_n by_o the_o concur_v testimony_n of_o pagan_a writer_n and_o by_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o the_o most_o unquestionable_a monument_n which_o past_a age_n can_v afford_v when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v plant_v in_o the_o world_n and_o upon_o the_o alteration_n it_o have_v make_v in_o it_o when_o we_o insist_v upon_o the_o character_n of_o truth_n sincerity_n and_o divinity_n which_o be_v observable_a in_o the_o scripture_n in_o short_a when_o we_o take_v religion_n to_o piece_n and_o make_v man_n see_v and_o feel_v that_o its_o doctrine_n its_o precept_n its_o promise_n and_o its_o threaten_n have_v nothing_o in_o they_o that_o be_v absurd_a or_o bad_a or_o contrary_a to_o our_o natural_a apprehension_n nothing_o but_o what_o perfect_o agree_v with_o sound_a reason_n and_o the_o sentiment_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v advantageous_a to_o particular_a person_n and_o to_o society_n when_o i_o say_v we_o urge_v these_o proof_n and_o other_o like_v they_o and_o have_v the_o art_n of_o propose_v they_o in_o a_o clear_a and_o judicious_a method_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o contain_v nothing_o that_o be_v very_o difficult_a these_o be_v the_o clear_a and_o the_o strong_a proof_n that_o can_v be_v use_v in_o a_o subject_a of_o this_o nature_n and_o the_o argument_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o establish_v these_o proof_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n so_o natural_a and_o so_o conform_v to_o the_o idea_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a sense_n that_o there_o be_v few_o even_o of_o the_o vulgar_a who_o may_v not_o apprehend_v they_o if_o not_o perfect_o and_o in_o their_o whole_a extent_n which_o be_v reserve_v to_o man_n of_o a_o large_a capacity_n yet_o so_o far_o at_o least_o as_o sufficient_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o force_n if_o then_o difficulty_n and_o obscurity_n be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o discussion_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v because_o this_o matter_n be_v neglect_v and_o the_o people_n be_v little_o inform_v but_o if_o the_o same_o care_n have_v be_v take_v to_o instruct_v christian_n in_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o explain_v and_o clear_v particular_a one_o they_o will_v have_v another_o kind_n of_o persuasion_n than_o they_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n these_o great_a and_o sublime_a truth_n have_v without_o comparison_n more_o suitableness_n and_o affinity_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o heart_n than_o many_o obscure_a difficult_a and_o less_o necessary_a thing_n which_o yet_o have_v be_v effectual_o teach_v they_o 4_o but_o against_o this_o experience_n may_v possible_o be_v object_v it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v christian_n who_o most_o certain_o have_v piety_n and_o yet_o do_v never_o meditate_v much_o upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n i._o answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a how_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o pious_a christian_a without_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n for_o at_o this_o rate_n piety_n will_v be_v but_o mere_a conceit_n and_o enthusiasm_n and_o we_o must_v say_v notwithstanding_o all_o that_o scripture_n and_o reason_n tell_v we_o to_o the_o contrary_a that_o man_n be_v christian_n without_o knowledge_n or_o reason_n it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o but_o that_o good_a man_n must_v have_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v have_v a_o lively_a sense_n that_o these_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a and_o the_o most_o important_a of_o all_o truth_n if_o we_o inquire_v what_o principle_n it_o be_v which_o produce_v piety_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o most_o simple_a people_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o be_v a_o unmovable_a persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n a_o judgement_n a_o heaven_n and_o a_o hell_n which_o persuasion_n be_v necessary_o found_v upon_o some_o of_o the_o proof_n i_o have_v hint_v at_o i_o grant_v which_o no_o doubt_n will_v be_v object_v to_o i_o that_o in_o many_o this_o persuasion_n be_v not_o clear_a enough_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o result_n of_o a_o particular_a examination_n but_o this_o do_v not_o lessen_v the_o force_n of_o my_o argument_n for_o though_o the_o persuasion_n of_o good_a man_n shall_v not_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o so_o well_o ground_v as_o it_o may_v be_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v but_o that_o it_o be_v sincere_a a_o man_n may_v be_v convince_v of_o a_o truth_n though_o he_o do_v not_o discover_v all_o the_o certainty_n and_o all_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o though_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o answer_v all_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o so_o that_o still_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o general_a truth_n of_o it_o after_o all_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v good_a man_n who_o be_v not_o so_o well_o instruct_v upon_o this_o head_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v and_o this_o defect_n of_o instruction_n this_o imperfection_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a cause_n of_o the_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n of_o their_o piety_n thus_o we_o may_v frequent_o observe_v in_o their_o conduct_n such_o weakness_n and_o opinion_n as_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o pure_a light_n of_o faith_n and_o with_o the_o exactness_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v part_n of_o the_o unhappiness_n we_o lament_v and_o of_o that_o corruption_n of_o which_o we_o seek_v the_o cause_n but_o no_o man_n will_v dispute_v but_o that_o if_o the_o same_o person_n have_v more_o instruction_n they_o will_v carry_v virtue_n much_o far_a than_o they_o do_v the_o degree_n of_o piety_n do_v ordinary_o follow_v the_o degree_n of_o faith_n where_o there_o be_v no_o faith_n there_o be_v no_o piety_n and_o where_o faith_n be_v weak_a and_o faint_a piety_n be_v languid_a and_o defective_a this_o be_v the_o general_a state_n and_o character_n of_o christian_n at_o this_o time_n either_o downright_a impiety_n or_o 〈◊〉_d piety_n that_o be_v both_o feeble_a and_o imperfect_a 5_o in_o the_o last_o place_n some_o will_v perhaps_o object_n here_o that_o incredulity_n be_v the_o effect_n â—ather_o than_o the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n and_o that_o atheism_n do_v not_o produce_v corruption_n but_o corruption_n atheism_n to_o this_o 〈◊〉_d say_v that_o these_o two_o thing_n do_v mutual_o uphold_v and_o support_v each_o other_o many_o fall_n into_o infidelity_n because_o their_o heart_n be_v vitiate_a their_o licentious_a way_n of_o live_v take_v they_o off_o from_o inquire_v into_o religion_n and_o hinder_v their_o believe_v of_o divine_a truth_n but_o it_o be_v not_o less_o certain_a â—hat_n one_o of_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o disorder_n of_o christian_n be_v that_o either_o they_o do_v â—ot_n believe_v at_o all_o or_o that_o they_o believe_v weak_o and_o confuse_o and_o this_o can_v â—e_v reasonable_o contest_v ii_o here_o be_v then_o the_o first_o and_o the_o principal_a defect_n that_o man_n be_v not_o sufficient_o â—â—structed_v in_o the_o general_a truth_n and_o principle_n of_o
christianity_n i_o say_v that_o the_o particular_a truth_n and_o the_o part_n of_o religion_n be_v better_o know_v which_o do_v not_o imply_v but_o that_o in_o this_o respect_n too_o ignoranâ—â—_n be_v very_o great_a and_o general_a 1._o i_o shall_v not_o scruple_n to_o say_v that_o theâ—_n be_v prodigious_a number_n of_o people_n whâ—â—â—_n scarce_o have_v any_o knowledge_n at_o all_o of_o thâ—â—_n doctrine_n of_o religion_n if_o all_o christianâ—_n be_v oblige_v to_o render_v a_o account_n of_o theiâ—_n faith_n if_o they_o be_v examine_v upon_o thâ—_n article_n of_o their_o belief_n or_o the_o main_a factâ—_n relate_v in_o sacred_a history_n there_o will_v appear_v in_o most_o of_o they_o such_o a_o astonish_a ignorance_n or_o such_o confuse_a and_o intricaâ—â—_n idea_n that_o one_o will_v hardly_o think_v theâ—_n more_o know_v than_o if_o they_o live_v in_o thâ—â—_n darkness_n of_o heathenism_n and_o what_o religion_n what_o piety_n can_v we_o look_v for_o amonâ—_n such_o man_n but_o beside_o this_o gross_a and_o palpable_a ignorance_n there_o be_v several_a defect_n of_o instruction_n to_o be_v observe_v even_o in_o thosâ—_n who_o have_v or_o fancy_n that_o they_o have_v moâ—â—_n knowledge_n than_o other_o i_o shall_v particular_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o two_o one_a those_o who_o exceed_v the_o ordinary_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n have_v yet_o often_o buâ—_n a_o false_a kind_n of_o light_n either_o they_o do_v not_o know_v those_o truth_n which_o they_o shoulâ—_n know_v or_o else_o they_o know_v they_o not_o aright_o they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o christianity_n or_o which_o â—â—e_v less_o considerable_a than_o other_o which_o â—â—ey_n do_v not_o study_v thus_o in_o all_o christian_a society_n instruction_n be_v common_o place_v in_o â—â—e_z knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o opiâ—â—ions_n particular_a to_o every_o one_o be_v own_o sect_n â—nd_v party_n whoever_o be_v able_a to_o debate_v â—ose_a point_n and_o be_v skill_v in_o controverse_n be_v say_v to_o understand_v his_o religion_n â—hese_fw-mi matter_n may_v perhaps_o have_v their_o â—â—se_n but_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o â—en_n be_v more_o concern_v to_o know_v because_o â—hey_n be_v more_o conduce_v to_o piety_n and_o â—et_o they_o be_v almost_o constant_o neglect_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o error_n be_v that_o the_o various_a importance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o due_o weigh_v and_o that_o religion_n be_v not_o study_v in_o a_o orderly_a method_n very_o few_o person_n distinguish_v between_o the_o more_o and_o the_o less_o necessary_a thing_n between_o the_o most_o useful_a subject_n and_o those_o which_o be_v of_o little_a edification_n most_o man_n study_v religion_n without_o rule_n and_o to_o no_o purpose_n and_o so_o run_v out_o upon_o many_o unprotable_a subject_n that_o which_o be_v call_v learning_n in_o divinity_n or_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n be_v frequent_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o heap_n of_o notion_n which_o have_v no_o influence_n upon_o piety_n or_o respect_n to_o man_n salvation_n it_o be_v but_o a_o confuse_a medley_n wherein_o the_o least_o necessary_a thing_n be_v blend_v without_o choice_n and_o distinction_n with_o the_o most_o important_a i_o do_v not_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o perplex_a and_o unaccurate_a idea_n which_o man_n often_o have_v about_o these_o matter_n i_o pass_v by_o the_o false_a reason_n which_o be_v sometime_o use_v to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n as_o well_o as_o those_o mist_n which_o the_o school-divinity_n have_v cast_v upon_o the_o gospel_n i_o do_v only_o observe_v that_o the_o knowledge_n which_o most_o man_n have_v of_o religion_n be_v not_o very_o fit_a to_o make_v they_o sensible_a of_o the_o beauty_n of_o it_o so_o that_o when_o all_o be_v do_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o it_o shall_v seem_v to_o many_o a_o obscure_a crabbed_a unpleasant_a and_o intricate_a science_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v have_v so_o little_a effect_n upon_o man_n mind_n 2_o the_o other_o fault_n be_v that_o man_n content_v themselves_o with_o bare_a instruction_n or_o with_o the_o simple_a knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a truth_n while_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o use_n if_o they_o do_v but_o know_v in_o a_o historical_a manner_n what_o be_v believe_v by_o christian_n and_o be_v able_a to_o reason_n about_o it_o and_o to_o discern_v truth_n from_o error_n they_o think_v themselves_o sufficient_o instruct_v but_o these_o instruction_n do_v not_o reach_v the_o heart_n among_o that_o small_a number_n of_o person_n who_o have_v some_o knowledge_n there_o be_v but_o few_o who_o consider_v that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v to_o a_o holy_a life_n as_o to_o its_o proper_a end_n and_o intendment_n and_o they_o be_v few_o yet_o who_o actual_o direct_v it_o to_o that_o end_n and_o make_v it_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o reform_v of_o their_o life_n and_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o great_a many_o of_o those_o who_o be_v best_a acquaint_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n have_v yet_o but_o a_o imperfect_a and_o barren_a knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o that_o with_o all_o their_o attainment_n they_o live_v still_o in_o the_o darkness_n of_o corruption_n and_o vice_n ii_o hitherto_o we_o have_v consider_v ignorance_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n which_o the_o christian_a faith_n embrace_n let_v we_o now_o view_v this_o ignorance_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o duty_n which_o christianity_n prescribe_v upon_o this_o second_o head_n we_o shall_v discover_v yet_o a_o great_a ignorance_n than_o upon_o the_o first_o for_o after_o all_o something_o may_v be_v do_v when_o we_o be_v only_o to_o infuse_v into_o man_n some_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n it_o be_v usual_a enough_o to_o see_v very_o ill_a man_n who_o in_o this_o regard_n be_v not_o destitute_a of_o light_n but_o it_o be_v much_o hard_a to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n we_o may_v apply_v here_o these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n 20._o saviour_n john_n iii_o 19_o 20._o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v the_o maxim_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o its_o morality_n condemn_v sinner_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o care_v to_o be_v inform_v about_o they_o those_o who_o love_v the_o world_n and_o their_o sin_n be_v glad_a if_o they_o can_v enjoy_v the_o sweet_n of_o these_o without_o disturbance_n and_o interruption_n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v not_o inquire_v much_o into_o the_o moral_a precept_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v loath_a to_o come_v at_o such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o will_v disclose_v to_o they_o the_o turpitude_n of_o vice_n and_o breed_v disquiet_a and_o remorse_n in_o they_o ignorance_n beget_v security_n the_o more_o ignorant_a a_o man_n be_v the_o few_o sting_n he_o feel_v in_o his_o conscience_n and_o the_o more_o pleasure_n he_o take_v in_o his_o sin_n the_o very_a shadow_n of_o evil_n fright_v a_o well-instructed_n christian_n but_o crime_n itself_o do_v not_o daunt_v one_o who_o be_v ignorant_a he_o do_v not_o hear_v within_o himself_o those_o alarm_n or_o reproach_n which_o be_v either_o the_o preservative_n against_o sin_n or_o the_o remedy_n of_o it_o from_o this_o it_o may_v be_v judge_v already_o that_o man_n be_v general_o very_o little_o instruct_v in_o what_o concern_v manner_n but_o that_o we_o may_v â—he_n better_o understand_v how_o great_a the_o ignorance_n be_v in_o this_o matter_n it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o whoever_o will_v perform_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n must_v be_v persuade_v of_o their_o necessity_n and_o acquaint_v with_o their_o nature_n one_o can_v imagine_v how_o they_o can_v be_v practise_v by_o a_o man_n who_o either_o do_v not_o know_v they_o or_o do_v not_o think_v they_o necessary_a this_o be_v the_o plain_a reason_n why_o man_n do_v so_o little_o addict_v themselves_o to_o piety_n they_o know_v neither_o its_o necessity_n nor_o its_o nature_n 1._o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o those_o fact_n and_o doctrine_n which_o religion_n propose_v so_o the_o groundwork_n of_o piety_n be_v to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o christianity_n require_v without_o this_o persuasion_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o resign_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n now_o one_o will_v think_v that_o all_o christian_n shall_v be_v full_o convince_v of_o this_o necessity_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o certain_a truth_n in_o christianity_n it_o be_v this_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o good_a work_n be_v necessary_a good_a work_n do_v so_o immediate_o belong_v to_o the_o design_n and_o the_o
essence_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v take_v away_o and_o in_o proportion_n as_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v weaken_v so_o much_o be_v the_o power_n and_o beauty_n of_o that_o holy_a religion_n which_o christ_n bring_v into_o the_o world_n lessen_v religion_n contain_v doctrine_n precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n it_o do_v altogether_o depend_v upon_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o another_o life_n and_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v but_o if_o you_o banish_v out_o of_o religion_n the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o good_a work_n you_o attack_v it_o in_o all_o its_o part_n and_o you_o undermine_v its_o very_a foundation_n for_o this_o make_v the_o knowledge_n of_o its_o doctrine_n vain_a and_o needless_a it_o turn_v its_o precept_n into_o bare_a counsel_n the_o promise_v of_o it_o which_o be_v conditional_a and_o suppose_v obedience_n cease_v to_o be_v promise_n the_o threat_n which_o god_n denounce_v against_o sinner_n be_v but_o empty_a menace_n which_o god_n make_v only_o to_o fright_v man_n but_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o execute_v this_o destroy_v the_o chief_a and_o strong_a proof_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o another_o life_n it_o ruin_v that_o great_a argument_n for_o religion_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o from_o the_o desert_n of_o both_o and_o it_o contradict_v the_o necessity_n the_o nature_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o last_o judgement_n all_o this_o may_v easy_o be_v demonstrate_v this_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n may_v likewise_o be_v prove_v from_o the_o plain_a declaration_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o it_o may_v be_v show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n more_o clear_o and_o frequent_o inculcate_v than_o this_o in_o holy_a writ_n but_o not_o to_o engage_v in_o these_o particular_n which_o do_v not_o proper_o belong_v to_o my_o purpose_n i_o shall_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o either_o that_o be_v true_a or_o there_o be_v nothing_o true_a in_o religion_n yet_o how_o clear_a soever_o this_o truth_n may_v be_v it_o be_v but_o little_o know_v and_o man_n be_v not_o much_o persuade_v of_o it_o no_o man_n indeed_o do_v flat_o and_o without_o some_o preamble_n deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n every_o teacher_n profess_v that_o to_o be_v his_o doctrine_n all_o christian_n in_o show_n at_o least_o be_v agree_v about_o it_o but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o explain_v their_o mean_v clear_o concern_v this_o necessity_n when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o application_n or_o to_o practice_n or_o when_o they_o establish_v other_o doctrine_n they_o contradict_v themselves_o they_o hesitate_n upon_o the_o matter_n or_o they_o explain_v it_o with_o certain_a restriction_n which_o sooth_n man_n in_o security_n and_o dispose_v they_o to_o believe_v that_o salvation_n may_v be_v obtain_v without_o good_a work_n which_o overthrow_v their_o necessity_n nay_o some_o frame_n to_o themselves_o such_o a_o notion_n of_o religion_n as_o even_o exclude_v good_a work_n this_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o though_o this_o entire_a and_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v not_o suppose_v yet_o this_o will_v not_o present_o open_v a_o door_n to_o licentiousness_n since_o there_o remain_v other_o sufficient_a motive_n to_o holiness_n such_o as_o those_o which_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o justice_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n from_o the_o gratitude_n and_o love_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n from_o the_o edification_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o from_o our_o call_v and_o duty_n i_o answer_v that_o these_o motive_n be_v very_o just_a and_o press_a and_o that_o they_o necessary_o enter_v into_o that_o obedience_n which_o all_o true_a christian_n pay_v to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n i_o acknowledge_v beside_o that_o they_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o inspire_v all_o man_n with_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n if_o they_o do_v all_o govern_v themselves_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o justice_n but_o these_o be_v not_o the_o only_a motive_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v urge_v god_n propose_v other_o beside_o he_o promise_v he_o threaten_v he_o declare_v 14._o declare_v heb._n xii_o 14._o that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v his_o face_n which_o import_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o sure_o as_o man_n general_o be_v there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o upon_o who_o those_o motive_n take_v from_o decency_n justice_n gratitude_n duty_n or_o the_o edification_n of_o our_o neighbour_n will_v have_v very_o little_a force_n the_o most_o honourable_a motive_n be_v not_o always_o the_o most_o effectual_a man_n be_v so_o corrupt_a be_v so_o many_o way_n and_o by_o so_o strong_a a_o bias_n carry_v towards_o evil_n that_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o he_o without_o a_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o abstain_v from_o it_o but_o how_o much_o less_o will_v he_o refrain_v from_o sin_n if_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o control_v his_o inclination_n and_o to_o confine_v himself_o to_o a_o kind_n of_o life_n which_o appear_v unpleasant_a and_o melancholy_a to_o he_o now_o as_o this_o be_v the_o disposition_n in_o which_o most_o people_n be_v we_o need_v no_o long_o wonder_n why_o there_o be_v so_o little_a religion_n and_o piety_n among_o men._n 2._o if_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o practice_v those_o duty_n which_o we_o do_v not_o think_v necessary_a especial_o when_o they_o cross_v our_o inclination_n it_o be_v yet_o hard_o to_o practice_v they_o when_o we_o do_v not_o know_v they_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o do_v good_a or_o to_o avoid_v evil_a if_o we_o do_v not_o know_v the_o good_a that_o we_o shall_v do_v and_o the_o evil_n we_o ought_v to_o shun_v now_o in_o this_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n want_v instruction_n every_o body_n speak_v of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n but_o few_o man_n know_v what_o they_o be_v the_o common_a people_n be_v little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n or_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a moral_n this_o must_v be_v confess_v and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v ingenuous_o own_v it_o i_o can_v but_o enter_v here_o into_o some_o particular_n to_o prove_v this_o ignorance_n 1._o there_o be_v some_o essential_a duty_n unknown_a to_o a_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n and_o which_o be_v never_o think_v of_o by_o a_o infinity_n of_o men._n i_o will_v allege_v for_o a_o instance_n one_o of_o the_o plain_a and_o of_o the_o most_o necessary_a duty_n of_o morality_n and_o that_o be_v restitution_n though_o the_o scripture_n shall_v not_o express_o enjoin_v it_o we_o need_v but_o consult_v reason_n and_o natural_a justice_n to_o be_v convince_v that_o he_o who_o have_v do_v a_o injury_n to_o another_o man_n by_o take_v from_o he_o any_o part_n of_o his_o property_n be_v bind_v to_o make_v up_o that_o damage_n by_o restore_v to_o he_o whatever_o he_o have_v wrong_v he_o of_o there_o be_v every_o day_n occasion_n enough_o to_o make_v restitution_n nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o for_o one_o man_n to_o appropriate_v to_o himself_o by_o unlawful_a mean_n what_o belong_v to_o another_o and_o yet_o in_o many_o place_n restitution_n be_v a_o thing_n without_o precedent_n but_o this_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v at_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v thousand_o of_o christian_n who_o never_o hear_v a_o word_n of_o this_o duty_n this_o matter_n be_v so_o little_o know_v and_o the_o people_n be_v so_o little_o instruct_v about_o it_o that_o a_o treatise_n concern_v restitution_n write_v by_o mr._n la_o placette_n have_v be_v publish_v some_o year_n since_o it_o have_v be_v read_v as_o a_o very_a singular_a book_n the_o subject_a whereof_o be_v new_a and_o curious_a nay_o some_o have_v go_v so_o far_o as_o to_o censure_v this_o doctrine_n of_o restitution_n pretend_v that_o it_o be_v novel_a and_o too_o severe_a such_o a_o pitch_n of_o ignorance_n be_v man_n arrive_v at_o in_o matter_n of_o morality_n and_o this_o be_v not_o the_o only_a duty_n which_o be_v not_o understand_v there_o be_v many_o other_o beside_o either_o among_o those_o which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n or_o among_o those_o which_o be_v particular_a to_o every_o call_v and_o which_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o man_n be_v ever_o teach_v or_o ever_o make_v the_o least_o reflection_n upon_o now_o a_o man_n must_v needs_o neglect_v the_o duty_n that_o he_o do_v not_o know_v 2._o there_o be_v divers_a sin_n which_o be_v not_o common_o rank_v among_o sin_n or_o which_o man_n do_v not_o think_v to_o be_v damn_v sin_n of_o this_o number_n be_v lie_v and_o unsincerity_n either_o in_o discourse_n or_o in_o deal_n among_o these_o
we_o may_v also_o reckon_v luxury_n sloth_n a_o soft_a and_o voluptuous_a life_n many_o indirect_a practice_n to_o grow_v rich_a which_o be_v establish_v and_o authorize_v by_o custom_n drunkenness_n which_o in_o some_o country_n be_v not_o esteem_v a_o vice_n and_o all_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v only_o commit_v by_o our_o thought_n christian_n now_o a-days_o think_v themselves_o innocent_a so_o they_o do_v not_o do_v thing_n manifest_o criminal_a they_o conceive_v that_o murder_n be_v a_o crime_n but_o they_o do_v not_o think_v themselves_o guilty_a for_o pass_v a_o rash_a judgement_n upon_o their_o neighbour_n or_o take_v up_o unjust_a suspicion_n of_o they_o they_o believe_v uncleanness_n to_o be_v a_o sin_n though_o even_o some_o be_v very_o indulgent_a to_o themselves_o upon_o this_o head_n but_o impure_a thought_n or_o sensuality_n go_v for_o nothing_o with_o they_o thus_o there_o be_v many_o sin_n which_o man_n be_v not_o instruct_v about_o and_o what_o wonder_n be_v it_o then_o if_o they_o commit_v they_o without_o scruple_n and_o if_o there_o be_v so_o much_o corruption_n in_o their_o manner_n 3._o there_o be_v some_o general_a maxim_n in_o morality_n without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o have_v a_o solid_a piety_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v almost_o universal_o unknown_a especial_o these_o two_o which_o describe_v to_o we_o the_o character_n of_o true_a holiness_n the_o first_o be_v that_o a_o habit_n of_o sin_n be_v a_o infallible_a token_n of_o a_o corrupt_a man_n and_o that_o any_o one_o habitual_a sin_n which_o a_o man_n do_v not_o forsake_v especial_o when_o he_o be_v warn_v of_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o shut_v he_o out_o of_o heaven_n this_o maxim_n be_v understand_v but_o by_o very_a few_o people_n most_o man_n be_v engage_v in_o vicious_a habit_n such_o as_o pray_v without_o attention_n swear_v fall_v into_o a_o passion_n or_o the_o like_a these_o habit_n grow_v strong_a with_o age_n man_n live_v and_o die_v in_o they_o and_o yet_o they_o think_v they_o die_v in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n the_o other_o maxim_n which_o be_v neither_o less_o important_a nor_o better_o know_v be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o sin_n and_o sin_n and_o between_o sinner_n and_o sinner_n that_o the_o frailty_n of_o good_a man_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o great_a and_o wilful_a sin_n of_o bad_a man_n another_o thing_n if_o man_n do_v not_o apprehend_v this_o difference_n they_o will_v confound_v virtue_n with_o vice_n and_o good_a man_n with_o impious_a wretch_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v little_o observe_v it_o be_v common_o believe_v that_o all_o man_n be_v sinner_n they_o be_v all_o upon_o the_o matter_n in_o the_o same_o condition_n and_o do_v sin_n all_o alike_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o great_a odds_o between_o they_o such_o notion_n must_v needs_o make_v way_n for_o libertinism_n 4_o if_o christian_n have_v some_o knowledge_n concern_v the_o duty_n of_o morality_n yet_o that_o knowledge_n be_v too_o general_a and_o superficial_a they_o know_v perhaps_o in_o the_o main_a that_o some_o sin_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v and_o some_o virtue_n to_o be_v practise_v but_o that_o they_o only_o know_v confuse_o they_o content_v themselves_o with_o some_o general_a idea_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n prove_v useless_a and_o insignificant_a the_o design_n of_o morality_n be_v to_o regulate_v man_n action_n in_o all_o the_o circumstance_n they_o may_v be_v in_o and_o to_o teach_v they_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o behave_v themselves_o in_o all_o the_o different_a case_n and_o emergency_n of_o life_n now_o as_o these_o case_n and_o circumstance_n be_v infinite_o various_a it_o be_v necessary_a that_o man_n shall_v know_v their_o duty_n with_o some_o exactness_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v have_v rule_n at_o hand_n applicable_a to_o all_o particular_a case_n by_o the_o help_n of_o which_o they_o may_v discern_v what_o be_v lawful_a from_o what_o be_v not_o for_o here_o superficial_a knowledge_n and_o general_a idea_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n because_o they_o do_v not_o determine_v particular_a case_n the_o principle_n of_o morality_n be_v clear_a but_o it_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v a_o just_a application_n of_o they_o and_o to_o draw_v right_a consequence_n from_o they_o every_o body_n acknowledge_v that_o wrong_n be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v to_o any_o man_n but_o few_o know_v what_o the_o do_v of_o wrong_n be_v there_o be_v innumerable_a way_n of_o violate_v justice_n in_o relation_n to_o our_o neighbour_n or_o of_o get_v money_n which_o be_v sinful_a and_o yet_o these_o be_v make_v use_n of_o every_o day_n and_o people_n think_v there_o be_v no_o harm_n in_o they_o and_o so_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o cheat_v extortion_n and_o injustice_n and_o they_o do_v not_o know_v it_o whence_o do_v this_o proceed_v but_o from_o ignorance_n or_o from_o those_o general_a and_o superficial_a notion_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o reason_n why_o some_o book_n and_o discourse_n of_o piety_n produce_v so_o little_a effect_n they_o handle_v thing_n only_o in_o the_o lump_n they_o treat_v of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n of_o temperance_n of_o covetousness_n and_o injustice_n they_o exhort_v and_o threaten_v but_o they_o usual_o go_v no_o further_o than_o generality_n and_o they_o seldom_o descend_v to_o those_o particular_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o inform_v and_o direct_v the_o conscience_n 5_o man_n be_v no_o less_o ignorant_a concern_v the_o degree_n than_o they_o be_v concern_v the_o part_n of_o holiness_n christian_n be_v not_o only_o oblige_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o many_o virtue_n but_o they_o ought_v beside_o that_o to_o practice_v they_o in_o the_o most_o perfect_a manner_n our_o saviour_n do_v not_o require_v in_o his_o disciple_n a_o mean_a and_o ordinary_a degree_n of_o holiness_n but_o he_o call_v they_o to_o perfection_n he_o demand_v that_o they_o shall_v â—arry_v virtue_n much_o far_o than_o either_o the_o heathen_n or_o the_o jew_n do_v that_o they_o shall_v practice_v charity_n even_o to_o the_o love_a of_o â—heir_a enemy_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o paâ—ient_a as_o to_o think_v it_o their_o happiness_n to_o suffer_v so_o humble_a as_o cheerful_o to_o bear_v contempt_n and_o injustice_n so_o pure_a as_o to_o banish_v â—ll_a uncleanness_n from_o their_o very_a thought_n â—nd_v so_o of_o all_o the_o other_o virtue_n but_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o christian_n be_v stranger_n â—o_o these_o idea_n of_o perfection_n they_o never_o â—new_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o christiaâ—ity_n they_o have_v neither_o tenderness_n of_o conscience_n nor_o elevate_a sentiment_n about_o morality_n they_o think_v they_o do_v much_o if_o â—hey_n observe_v that_o which_o be_v most_o simple_a â—nd_v easy_a in_o every_o virtue_n they_o confine_v themselves_o to_o that_o and_o aim_v at_o no_o other_o perfection_n so_o that_o sublime_a virtue_n and_o â—iety_n be_v not_o to_o be_v seek_v for_o among_o they_o 6_o last_o man_n ignorance_n do_v not_o â—nly_o appear_v in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o know_v their_o â—uty_n but_o it_o do_v likewise_o discover_v itself_o 〈◊〉_d this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o know_v themselves_o the_o knowledge_n of_o one_o self_n be_v a_o capital_a â—oint_n in_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o 〈◊〉_d be_v inform_v of_o one_o duty_n every_o one_o â—ust_z know_v beside_o whether_o he_o observe_v it_o â—â—r_n not_o whether_o he_o real_o have_v religion_n â—nd_a piety_n for_o upon_o this_o depend_v the_o judgement_n he_o be_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o and_o of_o his_o own_o condition_n now_o people_n be_v as_o much_o in_o the_o dark_a about_o this_o article_n as_o about_o the_o other_o i_o have_v mention_v the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n live_v without_o reflect_v upon_o themselves_o and_o in_o a_o prodigious_a unconcernedness_n about_o their_o spiritual_a state_n they_o do_v not_o trouble_v themselves_o to_o inquire_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o good_a or_o bad_a man_n whether_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_v of_o grace_n or_o of_o damnation_n or_o not_o or_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o take_v this_o into_o consideration_n they_o most_o common_o flatter_v themselves_o by_o pronounce_v too_o favourable_a a_o judgement_n upon_o their_o own_o condition_n there_o be_v many_o who_o bold_o rank_n themselves_o among_o good_a man_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v a_o solid_a reason_n of_o that_o opinion_n they_o have_v conceive_v of_o their_o own_o probity_n and_o virtue_n nay_o they_o be_v perhaps_o actual_o engage_v in_o vice_n and_o impiety_n if_o they_o be_v but_o free_a from_o noisy_a and_o scandalous_a sin_n if_o they_o feel_v now_o and_o then_o some_o good_a motion_n if_o they_o have_v some_o good_a quality_n or_o a_o inclination_n to_o some_o virtue_n or_o a_o abhorrence_n of_o some_o vice_n that_o
be_v enough_o to_o fill_v they_o with_o a_o good_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o now_o when_o man_n be_v thus_o blind_v by_o self-love_n and_o do_v not_o know_v themselves_o there_o be_v but_o little_a hope_n of_o they_o and_o they_o will_v undoubted_o fall_v into_o a_o state_n of_o security_n these_o consideration_n plain_o show_v if_o i_o â—m_n not_o mistake_v that_o man_n for_o the_o most_o â—art_n live_v in_o very_o great_a ignorance_n but_o i_o â—hink_v myself_o bind_v to_o answer_v a_o objection_n which_o may_v be_v offer_v against_o what_o have_v â—een_n say_v some_o will_v think_v no_o doubt_n â—â—at_v it_o be_v very_o difficult_a for_o man_n to_o be_v so_o â—ell_o instruct_v as_o i_o suppose_v they_o ought_v to_o â—e_v and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o capable_a â—f_n such_o a_o exact_a kowledge_v of_o morality_n to_o satisfy_v those_o who_o make_v this_o objection_n and_o to_o clear_v this_o matter_n full_o i_o observe_v first_o that_o by_o all_o i_o have_v say_v i_o do_v â—â—y_o no_o mean_n pretend_v that_o all_o christian_n â—â—an_z or_o aught_o to_o be_v equal_o instruct_v i_o â—now_v that_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o knowledge_n â—nd_v that_o in_o morality_n as_o well_o as_o in_o doctrine_n divine_n and_o man_n of_o part_n go_v a_o â—reat_a way_n beyond_o the_o bulk_n of_o mankind_n it_o 〈◊〉_d sufficient_a for_o every_o one_o to_o be_v instruct_v accord_v to_o his_o capacity_n and_o his_o condition_n â—ut_v after_o all_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o morality_n â—s_v necssary_a to_o every_o body_n or_o else_o we_o must_v â—â—rike_v several_a precept_n out_o of_o the_o gospel_n â—nless_a we_o imagine_v that_o those_o precept_n be_v intend_v only_o for_o a_o small_a number_n of_o learned_a and_o subtle_a man_n which_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o our_o saviour_n word_n who_o say_v that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v design_v for_o all_o mankind_n for_o the_o little_a one_o and_o the_o simple_a rather_o than_o for_o 8._o for_o mat._n xi_o 25_o 1_o cor._n x._o john_n vi_o 45._o 1_o thess_n v._o 20._o phil._n iu._n 8._o 2_o pet._n ii_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a there_o be_v no_o christian_a but_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a man_n and_o teach_v of_o god_n when_o st._n paul_n say_v prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n when_o st._n peter_n exhort_v christian_n to_o add_v to_o their_o faith_n all_o christian_a virtue_n to_o grow_v and_o abound_v in_o all_o these_o virtue_n such_o exhortation_n do_v belong_v equal_o to_o all_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n it_o must_v not_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v man_n in_o the_o world_n of_o very_a dull_a and_o shallow_a capacity_n and_o that_o country_n people_n and_o mechanic_n can_v comprehend_v all_o these_o maxim_n of_o morality_n this_o be_v not_o so_o difficult_a as_o it_o be_v imagine_v the_o duty_n of_o morality_n be_v clear_a they_o present_o affect_v a_o man_n because_o they_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o common_a notice_n and_o sentiment_n of_o conscience_n choose_v what_o part_n of_o morality_n you_o please_v and_o you_o may_v with_o due_a endeavour_n make_v either_o a_o handy-crafts-man_n or_o a_o day-labourer_n apprehend_v it_o so_o you_o confine_v yourself_o to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o such_o people_n in_o their_o several_a calling_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o subtle_a or_o difficult_a in_o the_o rule_n of_o morality_n than_o there_o be_v in_o a_o hundred_o dexterity_n and_o shift_n which_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n and_o which_o common_a people_n can_v attain_v to_o without_o any_o great_a pain_n if_o therefore_o man_n understanding_n be_v so_o gross_a and_o stupid_a in_o moral_a matter_n be_v not_o because_o these_o matter_n be_v above_o their_o reach_n but_o because_o they_o be_v never_o teach_v they_o â—or_a never_o apply_v themselves_o to_o they_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o what_o man_n may_v be_v by_o what_o they_o be_v the_o best_a ground_n become_v barren_a when_o it_o be_v not_o cultivate_v if_o thing_n be_v well_o order_v among_o christian_n in_o relation_n especial_o to_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o education_n of_o child_n the_o generality_n of_o they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o stupid_a and_o ignorant_a as_o they_o be_v we_o may_v therefore_o conclude_v that_o ignorance_n be_v one_o of_o the_o general_a cause_n of_o corruption_n christian_n be_v ill_o inform_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o duty_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o want_v instruction_n both_o as_o to_o faith_n and_o manner_n they_o must_v needs_o live_v in_o a_o great_a neglect_n of_o religious_a matter_n it_o may_v be_v ask_v whence_o do_v this_o ignorance_n proceed_v i_o shall_v observe_v three_o principal_a cause_n of_o it_o the_o first_o be_v education_n the_o way_n in_o which_o child_n be_v breed_v up_o do_v infallible_o lead_v to_o ignorance_n the_o second_o be_v the_o want_n of_o mean_n to_o get_v good_a instruction_n and_o particular_o the_o defect_n of_o those_o instruction_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o christian_n in_o sermon_n catechism_n and_o book_n the_o three_o be_v the_o sloth_n and_o carelessness_n of_o man_n who_o will_v be_v at_o no_o pain_n to_o acquire_v necessary_a knowledge_n we_o may_v bestow_v very_o weighty_a consideration_n upon_o every_o one_o of_o these_o three_o head_n but_o since_o they_o will_v again_o come_v in_o our_o way_n in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o treatise_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o have_v point_v at_o they_o in_o this_o place_n as_o the_o three_o main_a source_n of_o ignorance_n in_o truth_n if_o man_n be_v ill_o educate_v if_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o instruction_n and_o take_v no_o care_n about_o it_o whence_o shall_v they_o have_v sufficient_a knowledge_n unless_o they_o be_v instruct_v by_o miracle_n by_o revelation_n and_o inspiration_n they_o can_v but_o be_v ignorant_a and_o corrupt_a but_o now_o if_o ignorance_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o corruption_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o first_o remedy_n to_o be_v use_v against_o corruption_n be_v the_o remove_v that_o ignorance_n it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o begin_v at_o if_o we_o will_v bring_v back_o christian_n to_o a_o life_n worthy_a of_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v exhortation_n censure_n and_o all_o other_o such_o method_n will_v signify_v nothing_o as_o long_o as_o man_n mind_n be_v not_o prepare_v by_o proper_a instruction_n from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v in_o this_o chapter_n it_o may_v be_v gather_v that_o the_o right_a way_n to_o instruct_v man_n be_v before_o all_o thing_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v they_o sensible_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a or_o of_o great_a consequence_n in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n the_o belief_n of_o the_o general_a truth_n ought_v especial_o to_o be_v well_o fix_v in_o their_o mind_n as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n a_o providence_n a_o judgement_n and_o another_o life_n after_o this_o we_o must_v proceed_v to_o the_o particular_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o we_o go_v on_o in_o explain_v they_o we_o ought_v to_o show_v what_o influence_n those_o truth_n have_v upon_o holiness_n and_o salvation_n but_o the_o most_o important_a thing_n of_o all_o when_o these_o truth_n be_v settle_v be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v man_n happy_a that_o the_o scope_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o make_v man_n true_o good_a and_o that_o without_o piety_n and_o good_a work_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n it_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o recommend_v sanctification_n in_o general_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o must_v beside_o be_v distinct_o explain_v it_o must_v be_v show_v which_o be_v the_o general_a and_o particular_a obligation_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o what_o sin_n be_v contrary_a to_o these_o and_o here_o those_o who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o instruct_v the_o people_n aught_o to_o be_v as_o particular_a as_o possible_o they_o can_v show_v upon_o each_o virtue_n and_o vice_n what_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o several_a character_n kind_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o and_o propose_v likewise_o the_o motive_n which_o shall_v discourage_v man_n from_o those_o vice_n and_o prompt_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o opposite_a virtue_n as_o also_o the_o
direction_n which_o may_v facilitate_v the_o performance_n of_o all_o these_o duty_n when_o teacher_n shall_v go_v thus_o to_o work_v they_o will_v soon_o perceive_v some_o amendment_n god_n blessing_n will_v accompany_v the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o he_o have_v appoint_v christian_n be_v right_o inform_v will_n of_o their_o own_o accord_n apply_v themselves_o virtue_n to_o corruption_n will_v lessen_v by_o degree_n and_o christianity_n recover_v its_o ancient_a lustre_n will_v begin_v to_o appear_v with_o another_o face_n than_o it_o do_v at_o this_o day_n cause_n ii_o prejudices_fw-la and_o false_a notion_n concern_v religion_n how_o ignorant_a and_o corrupt_a soever_o man_n may_v be_v they_o can_v live_v absolute_o without_o religion_n very_o few_o at_o least_o can_v go_v so_o far_o if_o they_o be_v hinder_v by_o their_o corruption_n to_o know_v and_o practice_v pure_a christianity_n yet_o a_o remnant_n of_o light_n and_o conscience_n within_o they_o do_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o run_v themselves_o whole_o into_o irreligion_n and_o to_o lay_v aside_o all_o thought_n of_o salvation_n but_o to_o reconcile_v these_o two_o principle_n of_o which_o one_o draw_v they_o off_o from_o religion_n and_o the_o other_o lead_v they_o to_o it_o they_o form_n to_o themselves_o such_o idea_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o their_o inclination_n and_o flatter_v their_o security_n and_o be_v possess_v with_o those_o idea_n they_o confirm_v themselves_o more_o and_o more_o in_o their_o corruption_n these_o false_a notion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la be_v worse_o than_o ignorance_n and_o prove_v a_o great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o revive_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n it_o be_v better_a to_o deal_v with_o man_n who_o be_v simple_o ignorant_a than_o with_o people_n who_o have_v wrong_a apprehension_n and_o be_v full_a of_o prejudices_fw-la the_o former_a being_n not_o prepossess_v may_v more_o easy_o be_v reclaim_v but_o it_o be_v much_o hard_a to_o prevail_v upon_o preingage_v person_n especial_o in_o point_n of_o religion_n because_o while_o they_o maintain_v their_o error_n they_o fancy_v they_o defend_v the_o truth_n and_o that_o they_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n false_a notion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la in_o religion_n be_v therefore_o one_o of_o those_o cause_n of_o corruption_n which_o it_o concern_v we_o most_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o point_v at_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o in_o this_o chapter_n the_o first_o i_o shall_v name_v be_v the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o think_v that_o religion_n be_v intend_v only_o to_o comfort_v man_n and_o to_o render_v they_o happy_a and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o man_n shall_v common_o resolve_v all_o religion_n into_o this_o the_o desire_n of_o happiness_n be_v natural_a to_o man_n and_o as_o they_o be_v sensible_a upon_o serious_a consideration_n that_o perfect_a happiness_n be_v not_o to_o be_v obtain_v in_o this_o world_n if_o it_o be_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o that_o they_o must_v die_v they_o seek_v in_o religion_n some_o consolation_n and_o remedy_n against_o that_o fatal_a necessity_n of_o quit_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o this_o present_a life_n indeed_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o corruption_n shall_v restrain_v they_o from_o flatter_v themselves_o with_o the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n but_o they_o rely_v upon_o the_o assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n which_o religion_n give_v to_o man_n and_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o their_o sin_n will_v not_o obstruct_v their_o felicity_n this_o be_v proper_o the_o notion_n which_o man_n entertain_v of_o religion_n and_o that_o which_o they_o think_v it_o be_v good_a for_o but_o that_o religion_n shall_v indispensable_o oblige_v man_n to_o fear_n god_n and_o to_o live_v well_o and_o that_o without_o this_o there_o be_v neither_o true_a religion_n nor_o happiness_n be_v that_o which_o be_v not_o common_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o that_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o comfort_v man_n and_o to_o lead_v they_o to_o happiness_n this_o be_v god_n purpose_n in_o send_v his_o son_n to_o redeem_v the_o world_n but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o only_a end_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v intend_v beside_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sanctification_n of_o man_n and_o it_o do_v proper_o consist_v in_o the_o service_n and_o obedience_n which_o be_v pay_v to_o god_n salvation_n be_v a_o consequence_n of_o this_o service_n and_o a_o gratuitous_a reward_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o bestow_v upon_o those_o who_o honour_n and_o fear_v he_o nothing_o therefore_o be_v more_o absurd_a than_o the_o conceit_n of_o those_o who_o look_v only_o upon_o that_o side_n of_o religion_n which_o promise_v comfort_n and_o salvation_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o dangerous_a or_o more_o apt_a to_o make_v man_n remiss_a and_o careless_a in_o their_o duty_n yet_o this_o imagination_n be_v very_o common_a and_o if_o i_o be_v to_o define_v religion_n by_o the_o ordinary_a apprehension_n which_o man_n have_v of_o it_o i_o will_v say_v that_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o mean_a to_o bring_v sinner_n to_o heaven_n and_o to_o make_v man_n eternal_o happy_a whatsoever_o their_o course_n and_o manner_n of_o life_n may_v be_v but_o man_n will_v not_o so_o easy_o promise_v themselves_o salvation_n if_o they_o have_v not_o very_o mean_a and_o imperfect_a idea_n of_o religion_n i_o shall_v therefore_o observe_v second_o that_o man_n common_o place_n christianity_n either_o in_o bare_a knowledge_n or_o in_o a_o external_a profession_n or_o in_o confidence_n but_o holiness_n do_v not_o make_v a_o part_n of_o their_o notion_n of_o religion_n or_o at_o best_o it_o make_v but_o a_o very_a inconsiderable_a part_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o that_o knowledge_n be_v essential_a to_o religion_n and_o that_o as_o it_o hold_v the_o first_o rank_n in_o it_o so_o it_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o it_o all_o nay_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o engage_v man_n to_o holiness_n without_o lay_v first_o in_o they_o the_o foundation_n of_o good_a and_o sound_a doctrine_n this_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n a_o outward_a and_o public_a profession_n be_v likewise_o essential_a to_o religion_n for_o one_o can_v be_v a_o christian_n without_o it_o and_o further_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o religion_n inspire_v confidence_n peace_n and_o joy_n the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o salvation_n he_o have_v procure_v for_o we_o must_v natural_o produce_v these_o effect_n knowledge_n profession_n and_o confidence_n be_v therefore_o include_v in_o the_o idea_n of_o religion_n but_o as_o necessary_a as_o they_o be_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o sufficient_a knowledge_n be_v not_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n since_o the_o gospel_n as_o well_o as_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o it_o may_v be_v find_v in_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o a_o save_a knowledge_n but_o when_o it_o produce_v piety_n and_o charity_n the_o definition_n which_o st._n paul_n give_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n according_a to_o godliness_n we_o may_v read_v what_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o concern_v that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v void_a of_o charity_n 1_o cor._n xiii_o as_o for_o a_o outward_a profession_n it_o be_v altogether_o useless_a without_o sanctity_n a_o hypocrite_n may_v live_v in_o the_o church_n and_o perform_v even_o with_o applause_n the_o external_a duty_n of_o piety_n this_o we_o may_v likewise_o learn_v from_o scripture_n and_o daily_a experience_n last_o all_o confidence_n which_o be_v not_o support_v by_o piety_n be_v vain_a and_o deceitful_a the_o bare_a persuasion_n that_o one_o shall_v be_v save_v give_v no_o man_n a_o right_n to_o salvation_n a_o very_a wicked_a person_n may_v without_o any_o ground_n rely_v upon_o god_n mercy_n and_o this_o be_v what_o divine_v call_v presumption_n and_o security_n 1._o *_o tit._n i._o 1._o but_o though_o all_o this_o be_v very_o plain_a both_o from_o scripture_n and_o good_a sense_n yet_o man_n entertain_v opinion_n contrary_a to_o it_o a_o great_a many_o think_v themselves_o christian_n because_o they_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n i_o do_v not_o inquire_v here_o whether_o all_o those_o who_o think_v they_o know_v religion_n do_v real_o know_v it_o but_o howsoever_o this_o knowledge_n true_a or_o false_a make_v many_o judge_n most_o favourable_o of_o themselves_o it_o do_v so_o puff_n they_o up_o that_o they_o look_v on_o themselves_o as_o the_o stay_v and_o supporter_n of_o religion_n other_o of_o who_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a number_n imagine_v that_o so_o they_o profess_v the_o true_a religion_n they_o need_v not_o fear_v any_o thing_n concern_v their_o salvation_n especial_o if_o this_o outward_a profession_n be_v attend_v with_o some_o apparent_a
of_o the_o world_n with_o the_o full_a swing_n of_o their_o affection_n but_o as_o to_o religion_n they_o must_v be_v urge_v and_o drive_v and_o it_o be_v much_o if_o they_o can_v be_v bring_v to_o make_v some_o step_n towards_o it_o even_o good_a man_n be_v discourage_v by_o this_o excessive_a severity_n do_v not_o make_v that_o progress_n in_o sanctification_n which_o otherwise_o they_o may_v their_o conscience_n be_v disturb_v with_o troublesome_a scruple_n and_o continual_a fear_n it_o be_v therefore_o very_o necessary_a to_o remove_v this_o prejudice_n by_o represent_v virtue_n and_o piety_n under_o that_o easy_a and_o agreeable_a shape_n which_o be_v natural_a to_o they_o and_o by_o propose_v such_o idea_n of_o religion_n as_o may_v neither_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n produce_v security_n and_o lull_v man_n conscience_n asleep_a nor_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n involve_v they_o in_o groundless_a scruple_n but_o if_o man_n be_v averse_a to_o thing_n austere_a and_o painful_a they_o be_v wont_v likewise_o to_o despise_v those_o who_o they_o think_v have_v somewhat_o what_o in_o they_o that_o be_v mean_a and_o ridiculous_a and_o there_o be_v many_o who_o have_v such_o a_o opinion_n of_o piety_n which_o proceed_v first_o from_o the_o ignorance_n and_o corruption_n of_o man_n who_o because_o they_o be_v not_o well_o acquaint_v with_o religion_n or_o be_v possess_v with_o false_a notion_n of_o honour_n look_v with_o contempt_n upon_o every_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o prevail_a custom_n and_o maxim_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n beside_o that_o libertine_n do_v sometime_o observe_v either_o in_o that_o religion_n which_o obtain_v in_o the_o society_n wherein_o they_o live_v or_o in_o the_o deportment_n of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o reputation_n of_o be_v devout_a several_a thing_n which_o lead_v they_o into_o this_o opinion_n with_o relation_n to_o doctrine_n they_o find_v certain_a article_n which_o man_n of_o good_a sense_n can_v digest_v and_o they_o perceive_v manifest_a abuse_n in_o the_o worship_n they_o see_v the_o people_n amuse_v with_o childish_a devotion_n which_o savour_n of_o nothing_o else_o but_o superstition_n credulity_n or_o bigotry_n some_o of_o those_o who_o do_v profess_v devotion_n seem_v to_o they_o to_o hold_v opinion_n contrary_a to_o sound_v reason_n and_o to_o have_v some_o odd_a and_o ridiculous_a way_n with_o they_o they_o perhaps_o observe_v in_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n several_a whimsy_n ignorances_n and_o weakness_n they_o do_v not_o always_o find_v the_o best_a sense_n in_o discourse_n of_o piety_n neither_o do_v they_o think_v the_o idea_n which_o be_v give_v they_o of_o religion_n and_o its_o duty_n to_o be_v true_a rational_a or_o satisfactory_a from_o all_o this_o they_o conclude_v that_o to_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o it_o will_v be_v a_o disgrace_n to_o they_o that_o it_o be_v calculate_v only_o for_o the_o vulgar_a and_o for_o weak_a mind_n and_o that_o the_o be_v neither_o pious_a nor_o devout_a argue_v a_o strength_n and_o a_o greatness_n of_o soul_n this_o certain_o be_v a_o most_o false_a and_o unjust_a prejudice_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o serious_a nor_o more_o worthy_a of_o esteem_n and_o respect_n than_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v the_o high_a pitch_n of_o injustice_n to_o take_v a_o estimate_n of_o it_o by_o the_o error_n and_o weakness_n of_o men._n but_o yet_o this_o prejudice_n be_v very_o common_a last_o we_o be_v to_o rank_v among_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o false_a notion_n of_o man_n concern_v religion_n the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o be_v infatuate_v with_o mystical_a piety_n and_o fanaticism_n and_o it_o be_v the_o more_o necessary_a to_o caution_n man_n against_o those_o opinion_n because_o they_o be_v grow_v of_o late_a year_n to_o be_v very_o common_a fanaticism_n spread_v very_o much_o and_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o country_n in_o europe_n where_o it_o do_v not_o obtain_v under_o various_a denomination_n and_o where_o it_o have_v not_o occasion_v some_o disturbance_n it_o will_v be_v difficult_a to_o give_v here_o a_o exaâ—â—_n account_v of_o mystical_a piety_n and_o fanaticism_n it_o be_v a_o subject_a upon_o which_o we_o can_v speak_v very_o clear_o because_o we_o can_v hardly_o have_v perspicuous_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o it_o beside_o that_o the_o mystic_n be_v not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o they_o be_v a_o sect_n which_o be_v subdivide_v almost_o to_o infinity_o for_o not_o to_o mention_v the_o anabaptist_n the_o quaker_n the_o quietist_n and_o all_o those_o who_o come_v up_o to_o the_o height_n of_o fanatical_a extravagance_n there_o be_v many_o particular_a sect_n which_o will_v scorn_v the_o name_n and_o yet_o be_v whole_o or_o in_o part_n possess_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o fanatic_n but_o in_o the_o main_a here_o be_v their_o character_n they_o be_v almost_o all_o agree_v in_o one_o thing_n which_o be_v that_o they_o make_v but_o very_o little_a count_n of_o outward_a mean_n and_o of_o those_o act_n which_o concern_v the_o exterior_a of_o religion_n such_o be_v the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n government_n discipline_n preach_v liturgy_n and_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n all_o these_o if_o we_o believe_v they_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o the_o first_o element_n of_o piety_n which_o be_v useful_a only_o to_o imperfect_a christian_n they_o have_v no_o great_a esteem_n neither_o for_o those_o labour_n and_o study_n by_o which_o man_n endeavour_v to_o acquire_v knowledge_n they_o reason_n little_a about_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o allege_v no_o other_o argument_n for_o the_o article_n of_o their_o belief_n but_o the_o inward_a sense_n they_o have_v of_o they_o they_o do_v not_o condemn_v morality_n and_o goodwork_n but_o among_o themselves_o they_o speak_v but_o feeble_o of_o they_o and_o in_o such_o a_o strain_n as_o lessen_v considerable_o their_o usefulness_n and_o necessity_n they_o say_v that_o our_o work_n be_v nothing_o but_o desilement_n and_o abomination_n that_o god_n do_v not_o look_v upon_o work_n and_o that_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o his_o condition_n by_o they_o but_o that_o all_o depend_v upon_o faith_n and_o a_o union_n with_o god_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o those_o book_n which_o lie_v a_o great_a stress_n upon_o the_o practice_n of_o christian_a virtue_n do_v not_o relish_v best_o with_o they_o they_o prefer_v contemplation_n meditation_n and_o inward_a recollection_n before_o a_o active_a life_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o morality_n nay_o there_o be_v some_o who_o think_v that_o all_o the_o care_n which_o man_n use_v and_o all_o the_o effort_n that_o they_o make_v to_o advance_v in_o piety_n signify_v but_o little_a according_a to_o they_o the_o way_n to_o perfection_n and_o solid_a virtue_n be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o inaction_n to_o go_v out_o of_o himself_o to_o annihilate_v himself_o to_o have_v neither_o thought_n nor_o desire_n nor_o will_v but_o to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v dead_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n for_o thus_o they_o express_v themselves_o in_o figurative_a and_o mysterious_a word_n under_o pretence_n of_o ascribe_v all_o to_o god_n they_o assert_v that_o man_n be_v a_o mere_a nothing_o and_o a_o abyss_n of_o misery_n that_o in_o order_n to_o be_v happy_a it_o be_v enough_o for_o we_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o nothingness_n and_o to_o wait_v in_o silence_n and_o tranquillity_n till_o god_n be_v please_v to_o work_v his_o will_n in_o we_o and_o that_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v thus_o in_o the_o state_n of_o inaction_n and_o entire_o abandon_v itself_o to_o god_n than_o it_o be_v that_o god_n speak_v to_o and_o operate_v in_o it_o what_o they_o say_v concern_v man_n nothingness_n do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o most_o of_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o perfection_n and_o look_v upon_o the_o rest_n of_o christian_n as_o carnal_a man_n who_o be_v yet_o in_o darkness_n and_o who_o never_o taste_v that_o which_o they_o call_v the_o heavenly_a gift_n i_o may_v relate_v here_o their_o refine_n upon_o divine_a love_n and_o upon_o prayer_n but_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v sufficient_a to_o discover_v the_o spirit_n and_o character_n of_o fanaticism_n i_o be_o far_o from_o charge_v all_o those_o who_o hold_v these_o opinion_n with_o hypocrisy_n and_o impiety_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v good_a man_n among_o they_o who_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o their_o error_n so_o that_o i_o can_v but_o blame_v the_o severity_n which_o be_v use_v towards_o they_o in_o some_o place_n and_o the_o odious_a imputation_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o they_o in_o order_n to_o vilify_v they_o all_o without_o distinction_n if_o they_o err_v it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n through_o weakness_n and_o prepossession_n rather_o than_o through_o malice_n nay_o it_o may_v be_v say_v in_o their_o
pass_n that_o not_o be_v content_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o vice_n they_o do_v beside_o plead_v authority_n for_o a_o ill_a life_n they_o proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o defend_v the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n they_o dispute_v with_o those_o that_o condemn_v they_o and_o they_o vent_v such_o maxim_n and_o sentiment_n as_o if_o we_o believe_v they_o will_v justify_v or_o at_o least_o excuse_v all_o their_o disorder_n i_o can_v not_o omit_v here_o the_o examine_n of_o those_o maxim_n since_o their_o effect_n be_v so_o pernicious_a i_o shall_v therefore_o observe_v they_o as_o the_o three_o cause_n of_o corruption_n the_o maxim_n and._n sentiment_n which_o favour_n corruption_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o be_v visible_o profane_a and_o impious_a such_o be_v a_o great_a many_o maxim_n of_o the_o libertine_n which_o go_v for_o currant_n in_o the_o world_n but_o there_o be_v other_o which_o man_n pretend_v to_o draw_v from_o religion_n i_o shall_v insist_v particular_o upon_o the_o latter_a because_o as_o they_o be_v take_v from_o religion_n itself_o they_o be_v by_o much_o the_o more_o dangerous_a when_o profane_a people_n undertake_v to_o defend_v vice_n with_o maxim_n which_o be_v manifest_o impious_a we_o stand_v upon_o our_o guard_n against_o they_o and_o we_o may_v confute_v they_o by_o the_o maxim_n of_o religion_n but_o when_o they_o employ_v religion_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o vice_n the_o danger_n of_o be_v feduce_v be_v infinite_o great_a i_o shall_v reduce_v the_o maxim_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o authorize_v corruption_n to_o these_o four_o order_n i_o rank_v those_o in_o the_o first_o order_n by_o which_o man_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o holiness_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a the_o second_o order_n contain_v those_o which_o tend_v to_o show_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n be_v impossible_a the_o three_o comprehend_v those_o which_o insinuate_v that_o it_o be_v dangerous_a for_o a_o man_n to_o apply_v himself_o to_o good_a work_n the_o four_o and_o the_o last_o include_v those_o which_o be_v allege_v to_o excuse_v corruption_n but_o as_o it_o be_v not_o less_o necessary_a to_o know_v the_o remedy_n against_o corruption_n than_o to_o discover_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o only_o mention_v but_o as_o i_o go_v on_o confute_v those_o maxim_n although_o nothing_o be_v more_o clear_o assert_v in_o the_o gospel_n than_o the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n yet_o christian_n entertain_v many_o opinion_n which_o destroy_v this_o necessity_n and_o which_o consequent_o open_v a_o door_n to_o licentiousness_n the_o necessity_n of_o goodwork_n can_v be_v overthrow_v but_o one_o of_o these_o two_o way_n either_o by_o say_v that_o god_n do_v not_o require_v they_o or_o else_o by_o maintain_v that_o though_o god_n require_v they_o yet_o a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v without_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o 1._o in_o order_n to_o prove_v that_o god_n do_v not_o require_v sanctity_n and_o goodwork_n as_o a_o condition_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n these_o two_o maxim_n be_v abuse_v 1._o that_o we_o be_v not_o save_v by_o our_o work_n and_o 2._o that_o faith_n be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n the_o first_o of_o these_o maxim_n be_v intend_v to_o exclude_v goodwork_n and_o by_o the_o second_o man_n will_v substitute_v another_o mean_a for_o obtain_v salvation_n i_o refer_v the_o discuss_n of_o these_o two_o maxim_n to_o the_o next_o chapter_n because_o they_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n ii_o man_n endeavour_v to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o though_o they_o neglect_v holiness_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v exclude_v from_o salvation_n and_o that_o which_o contribute_v most_o to_o flatter_v they_o in_o this_o imagination_n be_v first_o the_o notion_n they_o have_v form_v to_o themselves_o of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n god_n say_v they_o be_v good_a and_o will_v not_o judge_v we_o with_o the_o utmost_a rigour_n this_o be_v say_v every_o day_n and_o it_o make_v every_o body_n hope_v for_o salvation_n the_o divine_a mercy_n indeed_o be_v without_o question_n the_o only_a ground_n we_o have_v to_o hope_v for_o salvation_n but_o the_o vile_a affront_n we_o can_v offer_v to_o that_o mercy_n be_v to_o make_v it_o a_o occasion_n of_o security_n because_o god_n be_v good_a and_o merciful_a must_v not_o we_o therefore_o endeavour_v to_o please_v he_o may_v we_o free_o offend_v he_o because_o he_o be_v good_a and_o we_o hope_v he_o will_v forgive_v we_o those_o who_o reason_n at_o this_o rate_n understand_v very_o little_a what_o the_o divine_a mercy_n be_v they_o must_v suppose_v that_o it_o extend_v indifferent_o to_o all_o man_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o their_o obedience_n or_o disobedience_n but_o this_o supposition_n be_v evident_o false_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o effect_n of_o god_n mercy_n be_v promise_v only_o to_o those_o who_o fear_v he_o and_o depart_v from_o evil_n and_o by_o consequence_n it_o be_v a_o false_a and_o pernicious_a maxim_n to_o say_v so_o much_o holiness_n be_v not_o necessary_a god_n be_v good_a and_o he_o will_v not_o mark_v severe_o what_o be_v do_v amiss_o this_o be_v to_o ascribe_v to_o god_n a_o easiness_n and_o a_o connivance_n utter_o unbecoming_a the_o sovereign_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v say_v beside_o that_o god_n will_v not_o judge_v we_o rigorous_o that_o indeed_o be_v true_a god_n be_v indulgent_a towards_o we_o and_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o which_o god_n have_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o our_o present_a condition_n and_o weakness_n but_o it_o be_v likewise_o certain_a that_o god_n will_v judge_v we_o according_a to_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o no_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v for_o those_o who_o do_v not_o fulfil_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o this_o condition_n be_v a_o true_a faith_n incite_v we_o to_o holiness_n this_o must_v be_v grant_v and_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v the_o necessity_n of_o perform_v this_o condition_n and_o of_o lead_v a_o holy_a life_n or_o else_o the_o gospel_n be_v but_o a_o jest_n and_o we_o must_v say_v that_o god_n do_v not_o speak_v serious_o in_o it_o that_o indeed_o he_o prescribe_v certain_a condition_n that_o he_o command_v and_o threaten_v but_o that_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o be_v to_o be_v strict_o understand_v so_o that_o though_o a_o man_n do_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o condition_n which_o god_n require_v yet_o he_o shall_v feel_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o clemency_n if_o this_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o christian_a religion_n 2._o it_o will_v no_o doubt_n be_v reply_v that_o provide_v vide_v a_o man_n repent_v and_o ask_v god_n forgiveness_n he_o shall_v be_v save_v this_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a truth_n so_o by_o repentance_n we_o mean_v that_o which_o the_o gospel_n require_v and_o which_o consist_v in_o a_o sincere_a detestation_n of_o sin_n in_o true_a conversion_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n but_o this_o be_v false_a if_o by_o repentance_n we_o mean_v only_o a_o general_a confession_n of_o sin_n accompany_v with_o some_o sense_n of_o grief_n and_o fear_n whereby_o sinner_n hope_v at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n to_o atone_v for_o all_o the_o disorder_n of_o a_o vicious_a life_n i_o will_v show_v here_o that_o this_o be_v no_o save_v repentance_n but_o that_o i_o be_o to_o handle_v this_o matter_n purposely_o in_o another_o chapter_n if_o man_n common_o neglect_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o very_o necessary_a they_o apply_v themselves_o much_o less_o to_o those_o which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v impossible_a now_o this_o be_v the_o notion_n which_o man_n common_o have_v of_o piety_n it_o be_v say_v first_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v so_o holy_a and_o to_o do_v that_o whiâ—_n god_n command_v a_o great_a many_o like_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n very_o well_o and_o acknowledge_v their_o justice_n and_o excellency_n will_v to_o god_n say_v they_o we_o may_v live_v thus_o but_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v it_o and_o be_v possess_v with_o this_o opinion_n they_o use_v no_o endeavour_n to_o practice_v those_o duty_n which_o they_o own_v to_o be_v just_o or_o to_o attain_v to_o that_o holiness_n to_o which_o god_n call_v they_o and_o indeed_o what_o man_n will_v attempt_v that_o which_o he_o look_v upon_o as_o impossible_a now_o what_o be_v say_v of_o man_n incapacity_n to_o do_v good_a be_v very_o true_a when_o we_o speak_v of_o man_n consider_v bare_o as_o man_n in_o the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o nature_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o those_o who_o god_n have_v rescue_v out_o of_o that_o state_n and_o call_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v incapable_a to_o arrive_v at_o that_o degree_n
of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o christianity_n or_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o its_o precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n i_o grant_v then_o that_o corruption_n be_v great_a that_o the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n be_v very_o bad_a and_o that_o in_o all_o probability_n there_o will_v always_o be_v wickedness_n upon_o earth_n but_o that_o this_o corruption_n shall_v be_v always_o the_o same_o so_o that_o no_o reformation_n can_v be_v hope_v be_v what_o can_v be_v maintain_v without_o affront_a religion_n without_o introduce_v fatality_n and_o extinguish_v all_o zeal_n among_o christian_n by_o the_o maxim_n we_o have_v hitherto_o examine_v man_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n be_v either_o of_o no_o great_a necessity_n or_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o there_o be_v some_o other_o which_o represent_v the_o study_n of_o virtue_n as_o dangerous_a so_o that_o here_o vicious_a man_n do_v not_o stand_v bare_o upon_o the_o defensive_a part_n but_o they_o attack_v their_o adversary_n who_o recommend_v the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n 1._o they_o pretend_v that_o we_o can_v insist_v so_o much_o upon_o work_n without_o obscure_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n we_o must_v ascribe_v all_o say_v they_o to_o mercy_n and_o nothing_o to_o our_o own_o righteousness_n there_o be_v no_o true_a christian_n but_o acknowledge_v that_o our_o salvation_n be_v entire_o owe_v to_o the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o reject_v the_o opinion_n which_o attribute_n any_o merit_n to_o goodwork_n it_o be_v that_o mercy_n which_o give_v we_o christ_n for_o our_o redeemer_n and_o our_o salvation_n be_v found_v upon_o that_o redemption_n it_o be_v that_o mercy_n which_o pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o those_o who_o believe_v and_o repent_v and_o which_o bear_v with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o regenerate_v christian_n and_o it_o be_v from_o the_o same_o mercy_n that_o we_o expect_v that_o glorious_a and_o un-merited_n reward_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o heaven_n for_o good_a men._n all_o these_o be_v as_o many_o act_n of_o the_o pure_a mercy_n of_o god_n but_o as_o we_o have_v show_v that_o the_o mercy_n which_o save_v we_o do_v not_o excuse_v we_o from_o goodwork_n so_o the_o necessity_n of_o goodwork_n do_v not_o lessen_v in_o the_o least_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n mercy_n unless_o we_o admit_v that_o there_o be_v contradiction_n in_o scripture_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o sanctification_n do_v perfect_o agree_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o truth_n to_o say_v that_o god_n give_v up_o his_o son_n to_o death_n in_o order_n to_o save_o man_n and_o that_o he_o will_v grant_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n to_o every_o believe_v and_o repent_v sinner_n be_v as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v say_v to_o magnify_v the_o divine_a mercy_n except_o we_o shall_v pretend_v that_o god_n will_v be_v more_o merciful_a if_o he_o do_v indifferent_o save_o all_o mankind_n and_o reward_v vice_n and_o virtue_n alike_o but_o this_o will_v be_v a_o horrid_a thought_n and_o no_o less_o than_o downright_a blasphemy_n then_o sinner_n may_v say_v indeed_o let_v we_o continue_v in_o sin_n that_o grace_n may_v abound_v let_v we_o suppose_v that_o a_o prince_n pardon_v a_o rebellious_a subject_n and_o that_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o confer_v the_o great_a honour_n and_o benefit_n upon_o he_o on_o condition_n that_o this_o subject_a shall_v accept_v of_o the_o pardon_n that_o be_v offer_v he_o and_o shall_v relapse_n no_o more_o into_o the_o same_o crime_n will_v any_o man_n be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o say_v that_o the_o clemency_n of_o that_o prince_n will_v be_v much_o great_a if_o he_o do_v grant_v his_o favour_n to_o this_o rebel_n though_o he_o shall_v persist_v in_o his_o crime_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o some_o man_n will_v have_v god_n do_v it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o any_o one_o shall_v think_v to_o honour_n god_n by_o such_o conceit_n as_o do_v not_o only_o injure_v his_o mercy_n but_o his_o other_o perfection_n too_o because_o god_n be_v merciful_a must_v we_o forget_v that_o he_o be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o must_v ascribe_v all_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n what_o then_o must_v we_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o his_o holiness_n his_o justice_n and_o his_o truth_n mu_o what_o the_o scripture_n tell_v of_o these_o last_o perfection_n be_v faint_o and_o tender_o expound_v whilst_o we_o press_v and_o serve_v up_o to_o the_o high_a pitch_n what_o it_o say_v of_o mercy_n as_o to_o what_o be_v add_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o ascribe_v nothing_o to_o our_o own_o righteousness_n it_o be_v unquestionable_o true_a but_o do_v we_o ascribe_v any_o thing_n to_o man_n when_o we_o say_v that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o to_o accept_v the_o favour_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o bestow_v upon_o he_o can_v any_o man_n say_v that_o the_o rebel_n i_o mention_v just_a now_o be_v the_o author_n of_o his_o own_o happiness_n and_o that_o he_o deserve_v the_o pardon_n grant_v he_o by_o his_o prince_n because_o he_o accept_v of_o it_o and_o fulfil_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v offer_v what_o reason_n then_o have_v a_o man_n to_o value_v himself_o upon_o his_o own_o righteousness_n or_o to_o arrogate_v any_o merit_n to_o himself_o since_o he_o be_v indebt_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n both_o for_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o progress_n of_o his_o sanctification_n in_o short_a we_o shall_v take_v heed_n that_o for_o fear_n of_o ascribe_v any_o thing_n to_o man_n we_o may_v not_o rob_v the_o divine_a grace_n of_o what_o belong_v to_o it_o by_o not_o acknowledge_v its_o gift_n and_o power_n in_o a_o regenerate_v man._n 2._o here_o be_v another_o maxim_n which_o be_v allege_v in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o precede_a and_o which_o aim_v at_o the_o same_o mark_n it_o be_v this_o that_o we_o must_v not_o speak_v so_o much_o of_o goodwork_n lest_o we_o inspire_v man_n with_o pride_n and_o presumption_n and_o to_o support_v this_o maxim_n it_o be_v usual_a to_o run_v out_o upon_o man_n inclination_n to_o pride_n and_o upon_o the_o heinousness_n of_o that_o sin_n but_o this_o maxim_n proceed_v only_o from_o the_o false_a and_o confuse_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v about_o religious_a matter_n either_o this_o maxim_n have_v no_o sense_n at_o all_o or_o else_o it_o mount_v to_o this_o that_o whosoever_o apply_v himself_o to_o holiness_n and_o goodwork_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o pride_n and_o that_o a_o neglect_n of_o virtue_n contain_v a_o man_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o humility_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v holy_a without_o humility_n and_o humble_a without_o holiness_n two_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o most_o ridiculous_a and_o contradictory_n that_o can_v be_v assert_v at_o this_o rate_n it_o will_v be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n and_o more_o safe_a to_o be_v otherwise_o by_o pursue_v virtue_n and_o holiness_n a_o man_n draw_v near_o to_o sin_n and_o to_o the_o great_a of_o sin_n i_o mean_v pride_n and_o by_o neglect_v holiness_n he_o attain_v humility_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a christian_a virtue_n if_o this_o be_v true_a all_o that_o we_o call_v vice_n or_o virtue_n be_v but_o a_o empty_a sound_n it_o be_v much_o that_o man_n shall_v not_o see_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o holiness_n without_o humility_n nor_o humility_n without_o holiness_n that_o where_o there_o be_v holiness_n there_o be_v humility_n and_o pride_n be_v exclude_v and_o that_o where_o pride_n be_v there_o be_v no_o true_a sanctification_n the_o holy_a a_o man_n grow_v he_o become_v the_o more_o humble_a and_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o come_v the_o near_a to_o pride_n by_o proceed_v in_o holliness_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o remove_v the_o far_o from_o it_o the_o instance_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o be_v both_o perfect_o holy_a and_o perfect_o humble_a be_v a_o proof_n that_o humility_n be_v not_o incompatible_a with_o holiness_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o humility_n be_v not_o well_o understand_v there_o be_v many_o who_o conceive_v no_o other_o humility_n but_o that_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o disorder_n of_o a_o vicious_a and_o irregular_a life_n so_o that_o when_o they_o will_v humble_v good_a man_n they_o rank_v they_o among_o the_o vile_a sinner_n they_o make_v they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o wickedness_n and_o abomination_n in_o they_o and_o that_o they_o have_v deserve_v eternal_a damnation_n by_o innumerable_a sin_n which_o they_o have_v commit_v every_o moment_n of_o their_o life_n and_o even_o by_o the_o best_a action_n they_o have_v do_v the_o strong_a expression_n and_o the_o most_o excessive_a hyperbole_n be_v scarce_o sufficient_a to_o
or_o hatred_n piety_n be_v little_o practise_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v despise_v and_o it_o be_v hate_v and_o these_o be_v the_o three_o principal_a cause_n of_o vicious_a shame_n 1._o piety_n be_v little_o practise_v in_o the_o world_n few_o people_n love_n or_o practice_v it_o now_o a_o man_n be_v very_o incline_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v common_o do_v he_o think_v it_o be_v safe_a and_o most_o honourable_a to_o side_n with_o the_o multitude_n he_o be_v afraid_a of_o make_v himself_o ridiculous_a by_o be_v singular_a it_o be_v a_o maxim_n general_o receive_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o comply_v with_o custom_n and_o to_o do_v as_o other_o do_v the_o reason_n then_o why_o many_o have_v not_o the_o courage_n to_o be_v on_o the_o side_n of_o religion_n be_v because_o that_o side_n be_v desert_v and_o abandon_v 2._o piety_n be_v often_o despise_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o mean_a and_o disgraceful_a thing_n the_o strictness_n of_o a_o man_n who_o act_v upon_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o conscience_n be_v impute_v to_o weakness_n of_o mind_n singularity_n of_o humour_n or_o caprice_n and_o sometime_o to_o hypocrisy_n and_o pride_n those_o who_o profess_v devotion_n and_o piety_n be_v turn_v into_o ridicule_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v think_v honourable_a to_o comply_v in_o every_o thing_n with_o the_o way_n and_o fashion_n of_o the_o age._n though_o these_o sentiment_n be_v very_o unjust_a yet_o they_o make_v a_o great_a impression_n because_o few_o people_n have_v firmness_n enough_o to_o slight_v the_o judgement_n and_o contempt_n of_o men._n we_o have_v natural_o a_o quick_a sense_n of_o honour_n and_o nothing_o be_v so_o unsupportable_a to_o self-love_n as_o contempt_n so_o that_o this_o temptation_n be_v dangerous_a and_o it_o easy_o produce_v in_o a_o man_n a_o false_a shame_n which_o divert_v he_o from_o religion_n 3._o piety_n do_v likewise_o procure_v the_o hatred_n of_o the_o world_n because_o a_o good_a life_n accuse_v condemn_v and_o reproach_n those_o who_o live_v ill_o beside_o religion_n oblige_v we_o sometime_o to_o do_v thing_n which_o displease_v and_o offend_v men._n how_o cautious_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v much_o if_o upon_o many_o occasion_n it_o do_v not_o stir_v up_o their_o jealousy_n their_o hatred_n or_o their_o spleen_n a_o good_a man_n be_v often_o bind_v to_o refuse_v what_o be_v desire_v of_o he_o he_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o maxim_n of_o that_o mean_a and_o fawn_a complaisance_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o get_v every_o body_n love_n many_o for_o this_o reason_n neglect_v piety_n they_o dare_v not_o let_v shine_v a_o light_n which_o discover_v the_o weakness_n and_o error_n of_o other_o and_o fear_v and_o shame_n together_o make_v they_o think_v that_o it_o will_v be_v ill-breeding_a as_o well_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o imprudence_n to_o follow_v a_o course_n of_o life_n which_o may_v render_v they_o odious_a from_o these_o consideration_n it_o appear_v already_o that_o this_o shame_n be_v one_o of_o the_o general_a fountain_n of_o corruption_n and_o that_o it_o can_v produce_v none_o but_o very_o ill_a effect_n first_o upon_o those_o in_o who_o it_o be_v and_o next_o upon_o other_o men._n 1._o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o vicious_a shame_n be_v to_o dissuade_v a_o man_n from_o his_o duty_n and_o to_o draw_v he_o into_o sin_n it_o make_v his_o knowledge_n useless_a it_o frustrate_v the_o warning_n which_o his_o conscience_n give_v he_o and_o so_o it_o extinguish_v in_o he_o the_o principle_n of_o virtue_n those_o who_o be_v possess_v with_o this_o shame_n dare_v neither_o speak_v nor_o act_n as_o they_o ought_v they_o dissemble_v their_o true_a sentiment_n they_o offer_v violence_n to_o their_o conscience_n they_o have_v not_o the_o courage_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n or_o to_o reprove_v their_o neighbour_n when_o occasion_n require_v they_o be_v loath_a to_o confess_v or_o to_o amend_v their_o fault_n in_o a_o word_n they_o frequent_o neglect_v the_o most_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n and_o all_o this_o because_o they_o be_v check_v by_o a_o false_a shame_n but_o if_o this_o shame_n hinder_v we_o to_o do_v good_a it_o do_v as_o forcible_o prompt_v we_o to_o evil_a as_o soon_o as_o a_o man_n think_v it_o a_o disgrace_n to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o distinguish_v himself_o by_o a_o christian_a deportment_n he_o present_o conceive_v likewise_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o shame_n to_o he_o not_o to_o imitate_v the_o irregularity_n of_o other_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o applaud_v sin_n that_o we_o be_v carry_v away_o by_o the_o solicitation_n or_o example_n of_o person_n of_o authority_n that_o we_o can_v withstand_v the_o entreaty_n of_o friend_n that_o we_o engage_v in_o unjust_a erterprise_n or_o criminal_a diversion_n and_o that_o we_o fall_v into_o many_o other_o wicked_a practice_n a_o very_a little_a reflection_n upon_o ourselves_o will_v easy_o convince_v we_o that_o shame_n produce_v all_o these_o effect_n a_o heathen_a author_n plutarch_n author_n plutarch_n have_v prove_v long_o ago_o in_o a_o excellent_a tract_n that_o false_a modesty_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a obstacle_n to_o virtue_n and_o that_o man_n commit_v many_o fault_n and_o bring_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o mischief_n upon_o themselves_o only_o because_o they_o dare_v not_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o other_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o shame_n be_v not_o less_o fatal_a in_o respect_n of_o other_o men._n as_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o regard_n we_o bear_v to_o their_o judgement_n so_o it_o usual_o show_v itself_o in_o their_o company_n so_o that_o we_o can_v but_o scandalize_v and_o corrupt_v they_o when_o we_o govern_v ourselves_o by_o the_o suggestion_n of_o this_o false_a shame_n for_o not_o to_o mention_v here_o the_o scandal_n which_o this_o give_v to_o good_a man_n those_o very_a person_n for_o who_o sake_n we_o use_v such_o sinful_a compliance_n and_o who_o despise_v religion_n conceive_v yet_o a_o great_a contempt_n of_o it_o when_o they_o see_v that_o those_o who_o ought_v to_o support_v its_o interest_n be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o and_o dare_v not_o open_o profess_v it_o they_o judge_v that_o piety_n must_v be_v indeed_o a_o very_a mean_a and_o contemptible_a thing_n and_o when_o they_o observe_v that_o man_n be_v afraid_a to_o displease_v they_o they_o take_v such_o a_o ascendent_n over_o they_o that_o virtue_n dare_v no_o more_o appear_v in_o their_o presence_n beside_o that_o such_o a_o indulgence_n towards_o vice_n give_v a_o new_a force_n to_o it_o if_o vicious_a man_n be_v not_o reprove_v it_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o ill_a habit_n if_o they_o be_v imitate_v they_o be_v authorize_v if_o we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v our_o fault_n before_o they_o we_o do_v not_o heal_v the_o scandal_n which_o we_o have_v give_v they_o and_o that_o be_v the_o great_a for_o have_v be_v occasion_v by_o man_n who_o be_v think_v pious_a and_o not_o by_o libertine_n but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o sensible_a of_o the_o pernicious_a effect_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o shame_n we_o ought_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o three_o thing_n which_o be_v very_o remarkable_a in_o this_o matter_n 1._o shame_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o have_v a_o absolute_a power_n over_o a_o man._n other_o passion_n may_v more_o easy_o be_v resist_v but_o when_o shame_n have_v gain_v a_o ascendent_n over_o the_o mind_n it_o be_v extreme_a hard_o to_o be_v conquer_v especial_o if_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o regard_n we_o have_v for_o man_n for_o when_o it_o arise_v from_o a_o natural_a disposition_n it_o may_v soon_o be_v overcome_v the_o great_a threat_n and_o promise_n will_v not_o sometime_o shame_v a_o man_n who_o will_v present_o yield_v if_o shame_n can_v be_v excite_v within_o he_o how_o often_o do_v we_o find_v the_o most_o vigorous_a effort_n we_o can_v make_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o our_o best_a resolution_n quite_o dash_v by_o a_o silly_a bashfulness_n a_o jest_n a_o bare_a look_v or_o a_o slight_a apprehension_n of_o be_v think_v ridiculous_a or_o a_o bigot_n be_v sometime_o enough_o to_o confound_v we_o and_o to_o make_v all_o our_o good_a purpose_n vanish_v 2._o it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o shame_n we_o speak_v of_o here_o restrain_v those_o person_n who_o in_o their_o heart_n be_v incline_v to_o virtue_n those_o who_o live_v in_o a_o profound_a ignorance_n or_o in_o a_o total_a obduration_n be_v not_o susceptible_a of_o this_o shame_n it_o suppose_v as_o have_v be_v say_v some_o remainder_n of_o conscience_n and_o knowledge_n solicit_v man_n to_o his_o duty_n but_o it_o overcome_v that_o knowledge_n and_o those_o good_a sentiment_n we_o be_v to_o impute_v to_o this_o vicious_a shame_n a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o good_a man_n and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o article_n
ready_a to_o restore_v the_o great_a sinner_n to_o his_o favour_n when_o they_o have_v recourse_n to_o his_o mercy_n and_o that_o there_o be_v express_a promise_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o assure_v we_o of_o this_o i_o grant_v it_o god_n never_o reject_v a_o repent_a sinner_n but_o before_o a_o man_n can_v build_v upon_o this_o the_o hope_n of_o be_v receive_v into_o god_n favour_n at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n he_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o he_o shall_v then_o sincere_o repent_v now_o i_o think_v i_o have_v demonstrate_v that_o this_o be_v what_o no_o man_n can_v depend_v upon_o as_o to_o the_o promise_n which_o be_v make_v to_o repentance_n in_o the_o gospel_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o they_o may_v be_v apply_v in_o a_o good_a sense_n to_o all_o sinner_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v make_v in_o favour_n of_o those_o who_o god_n be_v to_o call_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o chief_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o heathen_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v to_o assure_v all_o man_n that_o the_o sin_n they_o have_v commit_v shall_v not_o exclude_v they_o from_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n provide_v they_o do_v sincere_o mourn_v for_o they_o and_o part_n with_o they_o when_o the_o heathen_n come_v to_o baptism_n nothing_o else_o be_v require_v of_o they_o but_o that_o they_o shall_v repent_v and_o make_v a_o solemn_a vow_n of_o be_v holy_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v but_o as_o to_o christian_n it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o god_n demand_v nothing_o of_o they_o but_o repentance_n and_o sorrow_n for_o sin_n for_o he_o call_v they_o to_o holiness_n upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n preach_v repentance_n and_o by_o this_o we_o may_v know_v how_o much_o christianity_n be_v decay_v that_o repentance_n which_o consist_v in_o the_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o in_o a_o resolution_n to_o forsake_v they_o be_v the_o duty_n at_o which_o the_o heathen_n begin_v this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n require_v of_o they_o it_o be_v preparatory_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n st._n paul_n vi._n paul_n heb._n vi._n place_v the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n among_o the_o fundamental_a point_n and_o the_o first_o duty_n in_o which_o the_o catechuman_n be_v instruct_v before_o baptism_n but_o now_o christian_n look_v upon_o repentance_n as_o the_o duty_n with_o which_o they_o be_v to_o end_v their_o life_n that_o be_v to_o say_v they_o design_v to_o end_v where_o the_o heathen_n begin_v and_o to_o enter_v heaven_n at_o the_o same_o gate_n which_o admit_v pagan_n into_o the_o church_n 2._o it_o will_v be_v say_v further_o that_o sometime_o man_n who_o have_v live_v in_o sin_n die_v to_o all_o appearance_n in_o very_o good_a disposition_n to_o this_o i_o reply_v that_o we_o see_v a_o great_a many_o more_o of_o those_o person_n who_o die_v in_o a_o state_n of_o insensibility_n and_o that_o by_o consequence_n a_o sinner_n who_o put_v off_o his_o repentance_n have_v more_o reason_n to_o fear_v than_o to_o hope_v for_o who_o have_v tell_v he_o that_o the_o fate_n of_o these_o last_o will_v not_o be_v his_o and_o what_o sure_a presage_v can_v there_o be_v of_o so_o tragical_a a_o death_n than_o the_o present_a hardness_n of_o his_o heart_n beside_o i_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o it_o happen_v frequent_o as_o the_o objection_n seem_v to_o suppose_v that_o person_n who_o have_v live_v ill_o be_v well_o dispose_v when_o they_o die_v if_o repentance_n can_v be_v save_v and_o effectual_a when_o it_o begin_v only_o upon_o a_o deathbed_n every_o body_n must_v own_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o lively_a and_o deep_a attend_v with_o demonstration_n of_o the_o most_o bitter_a sorrow_n and_o with_o all_o the_o proof_n that_o a_o die_a man_n can_v give_v of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o conversion_n but_o we_o do_v not_o see_v many_o instance_n of_o this_o nature_n there_o be_v but_o few_o great_a sinner_n who_o express_v a_o lively_a compunction_n at_o their_o death_n or_o a_o sincere_a detestation_n of_o their_o sin_n who_o have_v a_o due_a sense_n of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o make_v reparation_n for_o it_o who_o practice_n restitution_n and_o edify_v all_o about_o they_o by_o discharge_v the_o other_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n it_o be_v but_o seldom_o that_o we_o see_v such_o penitent_n beside_o the_o expression_n of_o devotion_n and_o repentance_n which_o be_v use_v by_o die_a man_n be_v not_o always_o sincere_a it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v that_o their_o repentance_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o certain_a emotion_n which_o the_o necessity_n of_o die_v and_o the_o approach_n of_o god_n judgement_n must_v needs_o raise_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o every_o man_n who_o have_v his_o wit_n about_o he_o and_o have_v some_o idea_n of_o religion_n nothing_o be_v more_o deceitful_a than_o the_o judge_n of_o a_o man_n by_o what_o he_o either_o say_v or_o do_v when_o he_o be_v under_o the_o effect_n of_o fear_n or_o trouble_n it_o be_v common_o say_v of_o those_o who_o have_v give_v some_o sign_n of_o piety_n upon_o their_o deathbed_n that_o they_o have_v make_v a_o very_a christian_a end_n but_o there_o be_v often_o a_o great_a mistake_n in_o that_o judgement_n and_o to_o be_v satisfy_v of_o it_o we_o need_v but_o observe_v what_o happen_v to_o some_o who_o have_v escape_v death_n or_o some_o eminent_a danger_n while_o the_o peril_n last_v who_o can_v be_v more_o humble_a and_o holy_a than_o they_o they_o show_v so_o much_o devotion_n and_o utter_v such_o discourse_n that_o all_o the_o standard_n by_o be_v edisy_v by_o they_o their_o tear_n their_o prayer_n their_o protestation_n of_o amendment_n in_o a_o word_n their_o whole_a deportment_n have_v in_o all_o appearance_n so_o much_o of_o christian_a zeal_n in_o it_o that_o the_o beholder_n be_v strike_v with_o admiration_n but_o be_v there_o many_o of_o these_o who_o when_o the_o danger_n be_v over_o continue_v in_o the_o same_o disposition_n remember_v their_o promise_n or_o alter_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o former_a course_n of_o life_n almost_o all_o of_o they_o return_v to_o their_o old_a habit_n as_o soon_o as_o the_o calamity_n be_v past_a these_o be_v general_o the_o fruit_n of_o that_o repentance_n which_o be_v excite_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n in_o those_o who_o recover_v and_o what_o effect_n then_o can_v it_o have_v in_o respect_n of_o those_o that_o dye_n i_o confess_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o condemn_v any_o body_n but_o i_o think_v we_o shall_v not_o pronounce_v a_o definitive_a sentence_n in_o favour_n of_o those_o who_o have_v lead_v a_o ill_a life_n for_o though_o man_n judgement_n make_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a yet_o it_o may_v have_v a_o very_a pernicious_a effect_n upon_o the_o live_n who_o conclude_v from_o it_o that_o a_o man_n may_v die_v well_o though_o he_o have_v live_v ill_o and_o while_o i_o be_o upon_o this_o subject_a i_o must_v say_v that_o nothing_o contribute_v more_o to_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o these_o dangerous_a opinion_n than_o when_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n commend_v without_o discretion_n the_o piety_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v frequent_o do_v especial_o in_o great_a town_n and_o in_o the_o court_n of_o prince_n there_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o those_o place_n mean-spirited_n and_o unworthy_a preacher_n who_o prostitute_v their_o tongue_n and_o their_o pen_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o some_o person_n who_o have_v nothing_o of_o christianity_n in_o their_o life_n and_o who_o condition_n shall_v rather_o make_v a_o man_n tremble_v but_o if_o some_o remnant_n of_o shame_n restrain_v they_o from_o carry_v their_o flattery_n so_o far_o as_o to_o commend_v the_o life_n of_o those_o who_o panegyric_n they_o have_v undertake_v then_o they_o seek_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o praise_n in_o some_o sign_n of_o piety_n which_o those_o person_n give_v before_o they_o leave_v the_o world_n now_o i_o dare_v say_v that_o the_o most_o atheistical_a discourse_n and_o the_o corrupte_v maxim_n of_o libertine_n be_v not_o by_o much_o so_o subtle_a a_o poison_n as_o such_o kind_n of_o eulogy_n deliver_v before_o man_n who_o be_v engage_v in_o all_o the_o disorder_n of_o the_o age_n and_o then_o disperse_v through_o the_o world_n 3._o the_o instance_n of_o the_o convert_v thief_n who_o pray_v to_o our_o saviour_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o be_v receive_v into_o paradise_n be_v seldom_o forget_v but_o this_o instance_n be_v general_o very_o ill_o understand_v first_o it_o be_v suppose_v without_o any_o ground_n for_o it_o that_o this_o thief_n repent_v only_o upon_o the_o cross_n and_o that_o his_o conversion_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o sudden_a inspiration_n but_o
not_o be_v very_o large_a upon_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o man_n take_v little_a care_n of_o be_v instruct_v and_o of_o get_v information_n and_o knowledge_n about_o religion_n the_o far_o great_a part_n either_o can_v read_v or_o never_o apply_v themselves_o to_o any_o useful_a instructive_a read_n few_o harken_v to_o the_o instruction_n that_o be_v give_v they_o and_o few_o yet_o examine_v or_o reflect_v upon_o they_o carnal_a lust_n and_o secular_a business_n do_v so_o engross_v they_o that_o they_o seldom_o or_o never_o give_v themselves_o to_o search_v the_o truth_n they_o general_o have_v a_o aversion_n to_o spiritual_a thing_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o will_v rather_o believe_v implicit_o what_o be_v tell_v they_o than_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o not_o and_o they_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o careless_a about_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n many_o will_v think_v it_o a_o punishment_n if_o they_o be_v make_v to_o read_v or_o to_o meditate_v they_o never_o do_v those_o thing_n but_o with_o reluctancy_n and_o as_o seldom_o as_o they_o can_v they_o go_v about_o prayer_n especial_o with_o a_o strange_a indifference_n and_o a_o criminal_a indevotion_n in_o short_a very_o few_o take_v the_o necessary_a care_n to_o preserve_v themselves_o from_o vice_n and_o to_o behave_v themselves_o with_o regularity_n and_o caution_n very_o few_o seek_v the_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a and_o avoid_v the_o temptation_n to_o which_o the_o common_a condition_n of_o man_n or_o their_o own_o particular_a circumstance_n expose_v they_o and_o the_o great_a number_n be_v slave_n to_o their_o body_n and_o whole_o take_v up_o with_o earthly_a thing_n one_o of_o the_o most_o sensible_a and_o fatal_a effect_n of_o this_o negligence_n be_v that_o those_o person_n use_v no_o manner_n of_o endeavour_n to_o know_v themselves_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o if_o ever_o that_o they_o reflect_v upon_o what_o pass_v within_o they_o upon_o their_o thought_n their_o inclination_n the_o motion_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o the_o principle_n they_o act_n upon_o or_o that_o they_o take_v a_o review_n of_o their_o word_n and_o action_n they_o do_v not_o consider_v whether_o they_o have_v within_o they_o the_o character_n of_o good_a man_n or_o of_o wicked_a and_o hypocritical_a person_n in_o a_o word_n almost_o all_o of_o they_o live_v without_o reflection_n man_n carelessness_n about_o religion_n be_v there_o fore_o extreme_o great_a but_o they_o proceed_v otherwise_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n about_o which_o they_o be_v as_o active_a and_o laborious_a as_o they_o be_v lazy_a and_o cold_a in_o reference_n to_o true_a piety_n they_o will_v do_v every_o thing_n for_o their_o body_n and_o nothing_o for_o their_o soul_n they_o spare_v no_o industry_n or_o diligence_n they_o omit_v nothing_o to_o promote_v their_o temporal_a concern_v if_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v by_o their_o conduct_n we_o will_v think_v that_o the_o supreme_a good_a be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o earthly_a advantage_n and_o that_o salvation_n be_v the_o least_o important_a of_o all_o thing_n i_o need_v not_o say_v what_o effect_n such_o a_o negligence_n must_v produce_v the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n be_v ignorant_a in_o their_o duty_n have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o themselves_o decline_v the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o without_o which_o he_o declare_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v save_v and_o wear_v out_o their_o life_n in_o this_o ignorance_n and_o sloth_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o they_o can_v have_v any_o religion_n or_o piety_n and_o so_o there_o must_v be_v a_o general_a corruption_n among_o they_o i_o say_v it_o must_v be_v so_o unless_o god_n shall_v work_v miracle_n or_o rather_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o invert_v the_o order_n and_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v establish_v but_o because_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o christian_n do_v not_o live_v like_o atheist_n and_o that_o their_o negligence_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o i_o represent_v it_o let_v we_o consider_v a_o little_a what_o sort_n of_o care_n they_o bestow_v upon_o the_o concern_v of_o their_o soul_n certain_o there_o be_v some_o person_n who_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o this_o negligence_n but_o except_v these_o what_o be_v it_o which_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n do_v in_o order_n to_o their_o salvation_n very_o little_a or_o nothing_o they_o pray_v they_o assist_v sometime_o at_o divine_a service_n and_o at_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o religion_n they_o hear_v sermon_n they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o they_o perform_v some_o other_o duty_n of_o this_o nature_n this_o be_v all_o which_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o great_a part_n amount_v to_o but_o first_o these_o be_v not_o only_o the_o duty_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v practise_v there_o be_v other_o which_z be_v not_o less_o essential_a and_o which_o yet_o be_v general_o neglect_v such_o as_o meditation_n read_v self-examination_n to_o say_v nothing_o here_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o sanctificatification_n so_o that_o if_o some_o act_n of_o religion_n be_v perform_v other_o be_v quite_o omit_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o proceed_v may_v easy_o be_v discover_v there_o be_v a_o law_n and_o a_o custom_n which_o oblige_v all_o person_n to_o some_o act_n of_o religion_n to_o pray_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o go_v now_o and_o then_o to_o church_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v entire_o neglect_v these_o external_a duty_n he_o will_v be_v think_v a_o atheist_n but_o there_o be_v neither_o custom_n nor_o law_n nor_o worldly_a decency_n which_o oblige_v a_o man_n to_o meditate_v to_o examine_v his_o own_o conscience_n or_o to_o watch_v over_o his_o conduct_n and_o therefore_o these_o duty_n be_v leave_v to_o every_o one_o direction_n be_v very_o little_o observe_v as_o to_o the_o other_o duty_n which_o christian_n form_n in_o some_o measure_n the_o want_n of_o sincerity_n in_o they_o do_v most_o common_o turn_v they_o into_o so_o many_o act_n of_o hypocrisy_n they_o perhaps_o say_v some_o prayer_n in_o the_o morning_n but_o this_o be_v do_v without_o devotion_n hasty_o with_o distraction_n and_o weariness_n and_o only_o to_o get_v rid_v of_o it_o after_o they_o think_v no_o more_o of_o god_n all_o the_o day_n but_o be_v altogether_o busy_v about_o the_o world_n and_o their_o passion_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n they_o pray_v with_o great_a wander_a of_o thought_n than_o in_o the_o morning_n if_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o they_o go_v to_o church_n or_o hear_v a_o sermon_n they_o do_v not_o give_v a_o quarter_n of_o a_o hour_n close_a attention_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v or_o do_v in_o the_o public_a assembly_n in_o many_o place_n the_o whole_a devotion_n of_o the_o people_n consist_v in_o be_v present_a at_o some_o sermon_n which_o be_v as_o little_a insructive_a as_o they_o be_v mind_v or_o hearken_v to_o the_o use_n which_o be_v make_v of_o the_o sacrament_n especial_o of_o the_o eucharist_n convert_v they_o into_o vain_a ceremony_n and_o make_v they_o rather_o obstacle_n than_o help_v to_o salvation_n as_o to_o the_o mortify_n of_o the_o body_n by_o reasonable_a abstinence_n fast_v and_o retirement_n it_o be_v a_o unknown_a duty_n the_o indifference_n of_o christian_n be_v therefore_o but_o too_o palpable_a what_o they_o do_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n be_v very_o little_a and_o yet_o they_o do_v that_o little_a so_o ill_a that_o it_o be_v not_o much_o more_o beneficial_a to_o they_o than_o if_o they_o do_v nothing_o at_o all_o and_o now_o what_o may_v not_o be_v say_v if_o after_o have_v thus_o show_v that_o what_o man_n do_v for_o their_o salvation_n be_v next_o to_o nothing_o i_o shall_v undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v almost_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o damnation_n and_o that_o they_o be_v as_o zealous_a and_o industrious_a for_o their_o ruin_n as_o they_o be_v slothful_a and_o negligent_a in_o what_o be_v requisite_a to_o preserve_v they_o there_o be_v mean_n to_o corrupt_a as_o well_o as_o to_o sanctify_v ourselves_o the_o mean_n of_o corruption_n and_o perdition_n be_v ignorance_n want_v of_o attention_n neglect_v of_o devotion_n the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o flesh_n unruly_a passion_n temptation_n and_o ill_a example_n now_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n be_v so_o monstrous_o frantic_a as_o to_o form_v the_o design_n of_o damn_v himself_o what_o will_v such_o a_o man_n do_v he_o will_v neglect_v the_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n he_o will_v not_o pray_v at_o all_o or_o he_o will_v pray_v only_o with_o his_o lip_n he_o will_v profane_v the_o sacrament_n by_o a_o unsanctify_v use_n of_o they_o he_o will_v only_o mind_v his_o body_n and_o this_o present_a life_n he_o will_v give_v loose_a reins_o to_o
have_v place_v they_o in_o and_o beside_o there_o be_v no_o christian_a but_o aught_o to_o allow_v himself_o some_o time_n of_o retirement_n nay_o there_o be_v some_o temporal_a employment_n which_o do_v not_o hinder_v a_o man_n to_o live_v in_o a_o retire_a manner_n but_o after_o all_o it_o will_v be_v the_o ruin_n of_o society_n and_o of_o most_o christian_a virtue_n if_o every_o one_o shall_v live_v apart_o and_o busy_v himself_o only_o in_o spiritual_a exercise_n god_n do_v not_o require_v this_o he_o have_v create_v man_n to_o labour_n in_o the_o world_n and_o those_o who_o follow_v a_o honest_a employment_n in_o it_o act_n suitable_o to_o his_o will_n and_o sink_v their_o business_n may_v prove_v a_o help_n to_o their_o salvation_n i_o need_v not_o i_o think_v advertise_v the_o reader_n that_o i_o speak_v here_o only_o of_o lawful_a employment_n and_o not_o of_o those_o which_o be_v bad_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o religion_n and_o yet_o these_o last_o be_v very_o common_a but_o because_o every_o body_n may_v easy_o see_v that_o such_o occupation_n must_v unavoidable_o engage_v man_n in_o to_o sin_n i_o will_v make_v it_o my_o chief_a business_n to_o show_v that_o lawful_a and_o innocent_a employment_n prove_v to_o many_o person_n a_o hindrance_n to_o piety_n and_o salvation_n temporal_a employment_n then_o be_v not_o bad_a in_o themselves_o they_o can_v occasion_v corruption_n but_o by_o the_o abuse_n that_o be_v make_v of_o they_o now_o there_o be_v four_o fault_n which_o man_n commit_v in_o this_o matter_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v when_o they_o be_v entire_o take_v up_o with_o worldly_a thing_n we_o have_v show_v already_o that_o man_n live_v in_o a_o prodigious_a sloth_n and_o carelessness_n about_o religion_n and_o that_o they_o do_v almost_o nothing_o for_o their_o soul_n and_o their_o salvation_n from_o this_o it_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v be_v employ_v only_o about_o their_o body_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o this_o life_n and_o in_o fact_n if_o we_o inquire_v into_o their_o care_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o terminate_v in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o their_o temporal_a interest_n and_o this_o i_o think_v needs_o not_o be_v prove_v 2._o their_o heart_n sink_v too_o deep_a into_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n the_o business_n of_o life_n be_v innocent_a when_o it_o be_v follow_v with_o moderation_n but_o it_o divert_v man_n from_o piety_n when_o it_o be_v pursue_v more_o and_o with_o great_a eagerness_n than_o it_o deserve_v that_o excessive_a love_n of_o the_o world_n make_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o men._n instead_o of_o esteem_v temporal_a good_n in_o proportion_n to_o their_o worth_n and_o as_o remember_v that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o procure_v they_o true_a felicity_n in_o his_o of_n consider_v that_o they_o be_v not_o make_v for_o this_o life_n only_o and_o that_o they_o can_v long_o enjoy_v those_o advantage_n which_o they_o court_v they_o give_v up_o themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o world_n they_o set_v their_o heart_n and_o affection_n upon_o it_o and_o they_o act_v as_o if_o this_o life_n be_v the_o ultimate_a end_n of_o all_o their_o action_n they_o labour_v only_o for_o their_o body_n and_o for_o the_o gratify_n of_o their_o appetite_n this_o be_v the_o mark_v aim_v at_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n and_o project_n this_o be_v what_o inflame_v their_o desire_n and_o what_o excite_v in_o they_o the_o most_o violent_a passion_n of_o grief_n or_o joy_n of_o anxiety_n or_o impatience_n they_o be_v far_o from_o have_v such_o a_o hearty_a concern_v for_o religion_n and_o piety_n in_o relation_n to_o this_o their_o affection_n be_v faint_a and_o languid_a and_o they_o do_v nothing_o but_o with_o indifference_n or_o by_o constraint_n 3._o the_o three_o fault_n be_v when_o man_n be_v too_o much_o employ_v and_o when_o they_o overload_v themselves_o with_o business_n it_o be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o wisdom_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o tranquillity_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o another_o to_o avoid_v the_o excess_n and_o the_o hurry_n of_o business_n as_o much_o as_o possible_o we_o may_v without_o be_v want_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o our_o call_v to_o confine_v ourselves_o to_o necessary_a care_n and_o to_o wave_v all_o superfluous_a one_o man_n will_v live_v happy_a if_o they_o do_v but_o know_v what_o their_o profession_n require_v of_o they_o and_o limit_v themselves_o to_o it_o without_o meddle_v in_o that_o which_o do_v not_o concern_v they_o but_o here_o they_o observe_v no_o bound_n they_o will_v fly_v at_o all_o they_o will_v busy_v themselves_o about_o many_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o their_o province_n this_o without_o doubt_n be_v a_o dangerous_a disease_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o several_a disorder_n 4._o in_o the_o last_o place_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o to_o blame_v and_o that_o be_v when_o worldly_a business_n become_v a_o occasion_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o abuse_n that_o be_v make_v of_o it_o for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a ill_a disposition_n in_o a_o christian_n to_o be_v fond_a of_o the_o world_n most_o man_n be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o direct_v all_o the_o business_n of_o life_n to_o a_o bad_a end_n which_o be_v to_o satisfy_v and_o to_o inflame_v the_o more_o their_o irregular_a appetite_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n many_o erterprise_n and_o particular_a action_n of_o they_o which_o in_o themselves_o be_v innocent_a become_v evil_a and_o unlawful_a and_o engage_v they_o in_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n these_o consideration_n be_v prove_v already_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n vice_n proceed_v from_o their_o temporal_a affair_n but_o this_o will_v appear_v yet_o more_o clear_o by_o the_o follow_a reflection_n 1._o this_o excessive_a application_n to_o temporal_a concern_v engross_v almost_o our_o whole_a time_n so_o that_o it_o do_v not_o leave_v we_o a_o sufficient_a share_n of_o it_o to_o be_v spend_v in_o care_n of_o another_o nature_n man_n confess_v this_o themselves_o and_o plead_v it_o for_o a_o excuse_n they_o allege_v their_o business_n a_o man_n who_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o world_n will_v say_v i_o have_v no_o time_n to_o read_v or_o to_o perform_v the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n i_o have_v too_o much_o business_n my_o employ_v or_o my_o call_v do_v not_o leave_v i_o a_o minute_n of_o leisure_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o be_v too_o busy_a for_o the_o most_o part_n if_o they_o have_v any_o spare_a time_n some_o hour_n or_o some_o day_n of_o rest_n wherein_o the_o course_n of_o their_o ordinary_a employment_n be_v interrupt_v they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o improve_v to_o the_o best_a advantage_n those_o short_a interval_n of_o relaxation_n 2._o and_o true_o secular_a business_n do_v not_o only_o take_v away_o the_o best_a part_n of_o man_n time_n but_o it_o do_v beside_o distract_v their_o mind_n and_o invade_v their_o heart_n and_o affection_n when_o for_o a_o whole_a day_n or_o week_n the_o mind_n and_o body_n have_v be_v in_o agitation_n a_o man_n be_v weary_a and_o spend_v the_o activity_n of_o his_o thought_n be_v exhaust_v his_o head_n be_v too_o full_a to_o be_v clear_a he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o drive_v away_o in_o a_o instant_n so_o many_o worldly_a idea_n to_o calm_v his_o passion_n and_o to_o turn_v himself_o of_o the_o sudden_a to_o spiritual_a exercise_n so_o that_o he_o must_v either_o absolute_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o piety_n or_o perform_v they_o very_o ill_a when_o a_o man_n have_v bring_v himself_o to_o a_o habit_n of_o be_v employ_v only_o in_o worldly_a affair_n he_o be_v no_o long_a master_n of_o his_o own_o thought_n and_o motion_n it_o be_v with_o great_a difficulty_n if_o he_o can_v at_o all_o apply_v himself_o to_o object_n that_o be_v foreign_a to_o he_o those_o object_n affect_v he_o but_o weak_o he_o must_v make_v great_a effort_n before_o he_o can_v fasten_v upon_o they_o and_o if_o he_o fix_v there_o for_o a_o few_o moment_n it_o be_v a_o violent_a state_n in_o which_o he_o can_v continue_v long_o those_o thought_n of_o which_o he_o be_v constant_o full_a crowd_n in_o upon_o he_o and_o he_o return_v immediate_o to_o these_o thing_n which_o he_o love_v and_o which_o common_o take_v he_o up_o this_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o man_n love_v andrelish_v spiritual_a thing_n so_o little_a and_o why_o they_o think_v it_o so_o hard_a to_o subdue_v their_o mind_n with_o read_v attention_n and_o meditation_n this_o be_v particular_o the_o main_a source_n of_o indevotion_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n why_o be_v the_o mind_n so_o apt_a to_o wander_v in_o prayer_n the_o too_o great_a application_n to_o temporal_a affair_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o as_o soon_o as_o a_o man_n be_v awake_a in_o the_o morning_n a_o throng_n of_o
different_a profession_n among_o man_n that_o some_o shall_v cultivate_v the_o earth_n that_o other_o shall_v apply_v themselves_o to_o art_n and_o trade_n and_o that_o other_o shall_v exercise_v magistracy_n or_o traffic_n the_o difference_n of_o sex_n age_n condition_n and_o other_o circumstance_n create_v a_o great_a variety_n in_o relation_n to_o particular_a calling_n now_o this_o diversity_n of_o employ_v and_o condition_n be_v innocent_a in_o itself_o the_o world_n subsist_v and_o society_n be_v preserve_v by_o it_o but_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o disorder_n which_o happen_v in_o the_o world_n proceed_v from_o the_o kind_n of_o life_n which_o man_n choose_v and_o from_o the_o particular_a state_n they_o be_v in_o and_o that_o because_o they_o abuse_v it_o and_o do_v not_o demean_v themselves_o in_o it_o with_o caution_n and_o prudence_n the_o proof_n of_o this_o shall_v conclude_v the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o treatise_n but_o here_o we_o be_v to_o use_v some_o distinction_n there_o be_v calling_n which_o be_v bad_a in_o themselves_o and_o other_o which_o be_v lawful_a and_o innocent_a they_o be_v not_o all_o therefore_o equal_o dangerous_a and_o some_o produce_v corruption_n more_o necessary_o than_o other_o all_o profession_n or_o calling_n be_v not_o lawful_a some_o be_v unlawful_a and_o criminal_a the_o world_n be_v full_a of_o people_n who_o make_v sin_n itself_o their_o ordinary_a call_v and_o profession_n there_o be_v infinite_a number_n who_o instead_o of_o follow_v a_o honest_a employment_n subsist_v only_o by_o the_o sin_n which_o they_o commit_v themselves_o or_o which_o they_o make_v other_o commit_v this_o may_v easy_o be_v prove_v by_o abundance_n of_o instance_n how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o trade_n be_v a_o constant_a practice_n of_o obscenity_n lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n of_o artifice_n and_o intrigue_n lie_v and_o knavery_n how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o be_v profess_v usurer_n and_o cheat_n who_o be_v always_o employ_v in_o act_n of_o injustice_n cruelty_n and_o violence_n nay_o there_o be_v society_n form_v for_o that_o purpose_n the_o trade_n of_o robe_v of_o punish_v the_o innocent_a and_o that_o by_o commit_v rapine_n by_o sea_n and_o land_n be_v erect_v into_o a_o honourable_a and_o lawful_a employment_n many_o person_n be_v suffer_v at_o this_o day_n among_o christian_n who_o profession_n be_v former_o count_v infamous_a many_o be_v tolerate_v who_o be_v only_a minister_n of_o voluptuousness_n and_o who_o only_a business_n it_o be_v to_o introduce_v licentiousness_n of_o manner_n to_o corrupt_v the_o youth_n by_o train_v they_o up_o to_o the_o love_n of_o pleasure_n and_o to_o a_o luxurious_a and_o effeminate_a life_n and_o to_o furnish_v those_o who_o be_v incline_v to_o debauchery_n sensuality_n idleness_n or_o game_n with_o the_o mean_n to_o gratify_v their_o inclination_n now_o all_o these_o profession_n be_v not_o only_o inseparable_a from_o sin_n but_o they_o likewise_o make_v way_n for_o all_o kind_n of_o vice_n among_o christian_n we_o ought_v to_o pass_v almost_o the_o same_o judgement_n upon_o the_o way_n of_o live_v of_o those_o who_o without_o make_v a_o public_a profession_n of_o vice_n propose_v no_o other_o end_n to_o themselves_o in_o this_o world_n but_o the_o please_a of_o their_o appetite_n some_o have_v no_o other_o view_n than_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o life_n and_o they_o level_v their_o whole_a conduct_n at_o that_o mark._n other_o desire_v to_o grow_v rich_a or_o to_o raise_v themselves_o to_o honour_n make_v no_o scruple_n of_o use_v all_o the_o mean_n which_o interest_n ambition_n and_o injustice_n have_v establish_v in_o the_o world_n they_o make_v use_v of_o fraud_n violence_n and_o extortion_n it_o be_v their_o maxim_n and_o their_o study_n to_o dissemble_v their_o sentiment_n and_o to_o do_v mischief_n to_o those_o who_o stand_v in_o their_o way_n in_o a_o word_n they_o betake_v themselves_o to_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v further_o the_o success_n of_o their_o design_n such_o a_o method_n of_o life_n be_v manifest_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v high_o sinful_a since_o both_o the_o end_n of_o it_o and_o the_o mean_v use_v to_o obtain_v that_o end_n be_v so_o there_o be_v other_o kind_n of_o life_n which_o do_v not_o seem_v altogether_o so_o bad_a and_o yet_o be_v not_o much_o better_a this_o may_v particular_o be_v say_v of_o idleness_n the_o profession_n of_o many_o be_v to_o have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o to_o be_v as_o little_o employ_v as_o they_o can_v they_o think_v it_o the_o happy_a of_o all_o condition_n to_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v and_o to_o live_v at_o rest_n and_o free_a from_o action_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v unworthy_a of_o a_o man_n and_o much_o more_o of_o a_o christian_a to_o be_v useless_a in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o this_o idleness_n be_v shameful_a and_o culpable_a in_o itself_o it_o be_v much_o more_o so_o in_o its_o effect_n and_o consequence_n it_o betray_v man_n into_o frivolous_a or_o dangerous_a pastime_n for_o a_o man_n can_v be_v perfect_o idle_a the_o want_n of_o useful_a business_n must_v be_v supply_v with_o amusement_n and_o those_o amusement_n be_v general_o sinful_a thus_o we_o see_v multitude_n of_o people_n who_o except_v the_o time_n which_o they_o must_v needs_o bestow_v upon_o the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n and_o upon_o some_o external_a and_o indispensable_a act_n of_o religion_n consume_v the_o best_a part_n of_o their_o life_n at_o play_n or_o in_o diversion_n in_o unprofitable_a read_n and_o conversation_n in_o meet_v company_n in_o receive_v or_o return_v visit_n or_o in_o other_o such_o thing_n which_o though_o they_o be_v think_v innocent_a yet_o they_o enervate_v the_o mind_n they_o devour_v time_n they_o enslave_v a_o man_n to_o the_o opinion_n and_o mode_n of_o the_o world_n and_o they_o make_v he_o most_o frequent_o transgress_v the_o law_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o apply_v this_o to_o profess_a gamester_n to_o those_o who_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o trifle_a discourse_n and_o impertinent_a visit_n and_o to_o many_o other_o person_n i_o may_v easy_o show_v if_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o such_o a_o life_n have_v little_a of_o christianity_n in_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o to_o blame_v than_o be_v common_o believe_v thus_o man_n follow_v divers_a kind_n of_o life_n which_o be_v essential_o bad_a and_o wherein_o by_o consequence_n purity_n of_o heart_n and_o innocency_n of_o life_n can_v be_v preserve_v as_o to_o those_o kind_n of_o life_n and_o occupation_n which_o be_v lawful_a i_o may_v observe_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n man_n be_v too_o much_o wed_v to_o they_o and_o that_o they_o common_o abuse_v they_o but_o i_o will_v not_o press_v this_o consideration_n have_v show_v already_o in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n that_o too_o great_a application_n to_o temporal_a affair_n rob_v man_n both_o of_o the_o time_n and_o of_o that_o inclination_n and_o freedom_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o mind_n spiritual_a thing_n and_o that_o it_o make_v they_o dull_a earthly-minded_n sensual_a and_o slave_n to_o their_o passion_n to_o speak_v then_o only_o of_o what_o concern_v particular_a calling_n i_o shall_v observe_v these_o two_o general_a fault_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o great_a mischief_n that_o man_n embrace_v profession_n which_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o they_o every_o profession_n require_v some_o particular_a qualification_n and_o talent_n and_o since_o all_o man_n have_v not_o those_o qualification_n it_o follow_v that_o all_o man_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o all_o employment_n and_o that_o distinction_n and_o choice_n be_v to_o be_v use_v in_o pitch_v upon_o a_o profession_n the_o welfare_n of_o society_n and_o of_o particular_a person_n do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v upon_o that_o choice_n if_o no_o care_n be_v take_v of_o this_o employment_n must_v be_v ill_o discharge_v and_o from_o thence_o a_o great_a many_o disorder_n will_v arise_v both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n now_o if_o we_o take_v a_o survey_n of_o the_o different_a calling_n which_o man_n be_v engage_v in_o we_o will_v find_v that_o they_o be_v often_o destitute_a of_o those_o qualification_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o right_a discharge_n of_o they_o and_o the_o worst_a of_o it_o be_v that_o this_o happen_v in_o the_o most_o considerable_a employment_n and_o in_o those_o which_o may_v contribute_v most_o to_o the_o preserve_n of_o order_n and_o the_o encourage_n of_o virtue_n in_o the_o world_n as_o to_o profession_n of_o lesser_a importance_n the_o choice_n be_v much_o easy_a every_o body_n almost_o be_v capable_a of_o they_o and_o the_o fault_n which_o may_v be_v commit_v there_o be_v not_o of_o great_a consequence_n if_o a_o husbandman_n do_v not_o well_o understand_v
mind_v themselves_o in_o every_o thing_n and_o be_v little_o affect_v with_o the_o misery_n of_o other_o so_o that_o riches_n may_v easy_o spoil_v those_o who_o possess_v they_o and_o do_v actual_o spoil_v many_o the_o poor_a be_v almost_o all_o of_o they_o vicious_a because_o they_o be_v ignorant_a forsake_v from_o their_o infancy_n and_o grow_v up_o in_o want_n and_o idleness_n and_o among_o bad_a company_n they_o have_v little_a religion_n they_o will_v live_v without_o work_v they_o be_v give_v to_o steal_v and_o dishonesty_n envy_n fill_v their_o heart_n and_o they_o only_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o duty_n when_o they_o can_v do_v no_o mischief_n those_o who_o live_v un-confined_n and_o much_o in_o the_o world_n have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n little_a of_o a_o christian_a character_n they_o lie_v open_a to_o abundance_n of_o temptation_n and_o what_o be_v most_o dangerous_a in_o that_o kind_n of_o life_n be_v that_o a_o man_n have_v no_o soon_o embrace_v it_o but_o he_o think_v it_o honourable_a lawful_a and_o necessary_a he_o hearken_v no_o long_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n he_o be_v ashamed_a of_o they_o and_o govern_v himself_o only_o by_o the_o maxim_n of_o the_o world_n other_o lead_v a_o retire_a life_n they_o avoid_v great_a company_n and_o they_o seldom_o appear_v in_o public_a that_o state_n may_v have_v its_o advantage_n but_o it_o have_v its_o danger_n too_o those_o who_o live_v thus_o retire_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v themselves_o much_o better_a than_o other_o man_n because_o their_o conduct_n seem_v regular_a and_o free_a from_o scandal_n and_o this_o inspire_v they_o with_o a_o secret_a pride_n a_o great_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o a_o austere_a and_o imperious_a humour_n which_o make_v they_o apt_a to_o speak_v ill_a and_o to_o judge_v rash_o of_o other_o people_n and_o this_o drive_v charity_n gentleness_n and_o humility_n out_o of_o their_o heart_n i_o think_v i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o man_n various_a kind_n of_o life_n have_v a_o general_a influence_n upon_o the_o irregularity_n of_o their_o deportment_n but_o no_o make_v this_o truth_n yet_o more_o evident_a i_o shall_v add_v two_o reflection_n to_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o all_o the_o temptation_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o seduce_v man_n none_o be_v more_o dangerous_a than_o those_o which_o be_v 1._o necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a 2._o ordinary_a and_o frequent_a 3._o hide_a and_o imperceptible_a now_o the_o temptation_n arise_v from_o man_n particular_a calling_n have_v these_o three_o character_n 1._o they_o be_v necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a we_o may_v withstand_v they_o but_o we_o can_v avoid_v altogether_o be_v expose_v to_o they_o 2._o they_o be_v frequent_a and_o constant_a those_o employment_n in_o which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o life_n be_v spend_v offer_v they_o to_o we_o perpetual_o 3._o they_o be_v hide_v and_o imperceptible_a for_o beside_o that_o man_n reflect_v little_a upon_o what_o be_v ordinary_a and_o happen_v every_o day_n those_o temptation_n be_v varnish_v with_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o example_n and_o custom_n and_o even_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o call_v and_o of_o necessity_n thus_o a_o tradesman_n be_v necessary_o expose_v to_o the_o danger_n of_o wrong_v his_o neighbour_n and_o of_o transgress_v the_o rule_n of_o justice_n equity_n or_o sincerity_n the_o opportunity_n of_o do_v this_o return_n every_o minute_n and_o as_o often_o as_o he_o buy_v or_o sell_v this_o temptation_n be_v imperceptible_a and_o except_o he_o have_v a_o niceness_n of_o conscience_n he_o will_v not_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o by_o reason_n that_o his_o profession_n be_v innocent_a that_o he_o be_v allow_v to_o get_v and_o that_o most_o of_o the_o unlawful_a way_n of_o gain_n be_v authorize_v by_o custom_n 2._o the_o second_o reflection_n be_v that_o the_o great_a and_o the_o most_o insuperable_a obstacle_n to_o piety_n proceed_v for_o the_o most_o part_n from_o a_o man_n call_v it_o be_v that_o which_o obstruct_v more_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o man_n conversion_n we_o preach_v we_o exhort_v to_o repentance_n but_o to_o who_o do_v we_o speak_v we_o speak_v to_o man_n engage_v in_o profession_n which_o consider_v how_o they_o behave_v themselves_o in_o they_o divert_v they_o from_o piety_n and_o furnish_v they_o with_o a_o thousand_o opportunity_n of_o sin_v we_o speak_v to_o people_n who_o have_v choose_v already_o the_o course_n of_o their_o whole_a life_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o state_n they_o be_v in_o and_o to_o alter_v nothing_o in_o it_o and_o who_o have_v form_v to_o themselves_o that_o scheme_n of_o employment_n which_o they_o intend_v to_o follow_v at_o any_o rate_n we_o preach_v to_o people_n who_o arc_n no_o soon_o out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o meet_v at_o home_n and_o in_o their_o ordinary_a business_n with_o perpetual_a hindrance_n to_o holiness_n and_o with_o temptation_n which_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o will_v not_o withstand_v such_o hearer_n may_v be_v preach_v to_o long_a enough_o before_o they_o reap_v any_o fuit_fw-la from_o what_o they_o hear_v sermon_n be_v present_o go_v but_o the_o temptation_n arise_v from_o the_o profession_n which_o man_n choose_v be_v continual_a and_o last_o as_o long_o as_o their_o life_n they_o accompany_v a_o man_n every_o where_o he_o be_v not_o jealous_a of_o they_o he_o seek_v they_o he_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o they_o and_o he_o fancy_v he_o may_v lawful_o do_v so_o this_o be_v the_o visible_a occasion_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v so_o little_a efficacy_n upon_o man_n mind_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o chapter_n with_o two_o remark_n which_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o remedy_n against_o this_o source_n of_o corruption_n 1._o every_o one_o ought_v to_o examine_v the_o state_n and_o kind_a of_o life_n he_o be_v in_o that_o if_o this_o state_n have_v something_o in_o it_o that_o be_v evil_a or_o contrary_a to_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a he_o must_v alter_v and_o correct_v it_o if_o the_o profession_n be_v bad_a in_o itself_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v do_v but_o to_o quit_v it_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a we_o must_v take_v care_v not_o to_o render_v it_o dangerous_a or_o sinful_a either_o by_o neglect_v the_o duty_n to_o which_o it_o oblige_v we_o or_o by_o not_o avoid_v the_o snare_n and_o temptation_n that_o attend_v it_o or_o by_o make_v it_o a_o occasion_n and_o pretence_n to_o satisfy_v our_o inordinate_a affection_n i_o confess_v we_o may_v meet_v here_o with_o difficulty_n it_o be_v hard_a for_o a_o man_n to_o leave_v off_o a_o profession_n to_o go_v out_o of_o his_o ordinary_a road_n of_o life_n and_o to_o renounce_v some_o engagement_n when_o they_o be_v once_o form_v and_o yet_o this_o aught_o and_o may_v be_v do_v if_o those_o engagement_n be_v not_o lawful_a it_o be_v better_a we_o shall_v offer_v some_o violence_n to_o ourselves_o by_o break_v they_o off_o or_o by_o correct_v what_o be_v amiss_o in_o they_o than_o to_o run_v ourselves_o into_o infinite_a misery_n but_o the_o benway_n be_v to_o obviate_v the_o evil_a in_o its_o beginning_n therefore_o i_o say_v 2_o that_o since_o people_n use_v to_o resolve_v upon_o a_o profession_n while_o they_o be_v young_a that_o choice_n require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o prudence_n and_o caution_n for_o no_o less_o than_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n depend_v upon_o it_o but_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n to_o see_v how_o rash_o and_o inconsiderate_o this_o matter_n be_v go_v about_o interest_n chance_n passion_n the_o humour_n of_o parent_n or_o of_o young_a people_n be_v the_o thing_n which_o determine_v so_o important_a a_o choice_n it_o be_v not_o much_o consider_v whether_o a_o call_v be_v lawful_a or_o proper_a for_o he_o that_o embrace_v it_o little_a or_o no_o care_n be_v take_v to_o form_v the_o inclination_n of_o young_a person_n they_o be_v give_v up_o to_o their_o own_o conduct_n and_o to_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o that_o profession_n to_o which_o they_o be_v destine_v and_o thus_o we_o need_v no_o long_o wonder_n why_o employment_n be_v ill_o discharge_v why_o most_o people_n lose_v their_o innocence_n in_o they_o and_o why_o there_o be_v a_o general_a corruption_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o state_n and_o condition_n this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o man_n particular_a calling_n the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o part._n a_o treatise_n concern_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o present_a corruption_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o remedy_n of_o it_o part_n ii_o cause_n i._o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o religion_n in_o general_n piety_n be_v always_o necessary_a and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v never_o impossible_a to_o those_o who_o art_n well_o
incline_v but_o yet_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o the_o various_a circumstance_n of_o time_n plate_n and_o of_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n contribute_v much_o to_o the_o progress_n of_o piety_n or_o of_o corruption_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v some_o happy_a circumstance_n and_o some_o time_n very_o favourable_a to_o piety_n as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v unhappy_a circumstance_n and_o time_n in_o which_o it_o be_v like_o a_o stranger_n upon_o earth_n the_o mean_n to_o promote_v it_o be_v then_o neither_o so_o effectual_a nor_o so_o frequent_a the_o design_n of_o this_o work_n oblige_v i_o to_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v think_v in_o this_o respect_n of_o the_o time_n we_o live_v in_o and_o whether_o this_o corruption_n which_o dishonour_v christianity_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o the_o time_n and_o from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n but_o we_o can_v succeed_v in_o this_o enquiry_n nor_o pass_v a_o sound_a judgement_n upon_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n without_o run_v back_o to_o its_o first_o origin_n and_o nature_n and_o without_o take_v a_o view_n of_o those_o age_n which_o be_v elapse_v since_o its_o first_o establishment_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o history_n be_v here_o of_o great_a use_n the_o scripture_n inform_v we_o what_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v and_o history_n show_v we_o the_o different_a state_n through_o which_o it_o have_v pass_v when_o we_o examine_v religion_n by_o these_o two_o rule_n we_o perceive_v that_o it_o neither_o have_v be_v nor_o will_v be_v always_o in_o the_o state_n it_o be_v now_o in_o it_o be_v fit_a in_o the_o sir_n place_n to_o seek_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o religion_n in_o scripture_n there_o it_o be_v that_o chistianity_n still_o subsist_v in_o all_o its_o beauty_n for_o neither_o the_o age_n which_o be_v past_a nor_o the_o change_n which_o have_v happen_v have_v be_v able_a to_o tarnish_v in_o the_o least_o the_o brightness_n of_o those_o native_a and_o lively_a colour_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n religion_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o holy_a write_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o four_o principal_a character_n in_o the_o â—dea_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o religion_n and_o these_o be_v truth_n holiness_n union_n and_o order_n 1._o the_o first_o and_o the_o chief_a character_n of_o this_o church_n and_o religion_n be_v the_o knowledge_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n this_o be_v what_o distinguish_v christianity_n from_o false_a religion_n the_o church_n be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n no_o long_o than_o while_o she_o retain_v the_o purity_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o evangelical_n doctrine_n it_o will_v be_v needless_a to_o prove_v this_o 2._o the_o sacred_a writer_n represent_v the_o church_n as_o a_o society_n altogether_o holy_a they_o name_v she_o ii_o she_o eph._n v._o 27._o pet_n ii_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n a_o glorious_a spouse_n have_v neither_o spot_n nor_o wrinkle_n nor_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o be_v holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n they_o call_v she_o xii_o she_o heb._n xii_o the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n a_o holy_a nation_n and_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n they_o give_v to_o christian_n the_o glorious_a title_n of_o king_n priest_n saint_n elect_a child_n of_o god_n and_o new_a man_n they_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o of_o a_o people_n separate_v from_o the_o world_n and_o its_o vice_n dedicate_v to_o god_n and_o to_o good_a work_n and_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n temperance_n justice_n charity_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n 3._o union_n and_o love_n be_v the_o three_o character_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o speak_v to_o we_o of_o many_o church_n but_o of_o one_o of_o which_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v member_n in_o what_o place_n soever_o they_o may_v be_v st._n paul_n say_v that_o there_o be_v buâ—_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n and_o one_o god_n the_o apostle_n enjoin_v above_o all_o thing_n union_n and_o charity_n and_o they_o give_v many_o precept_n to_o maintain_v these_o and_o to_o make_v they_o flourish_v among_o christian_n 4._o as_o holiness_n and_o union_n can_v be_v preserve_v where_o there_o be_v no_o order_n so_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o well_o regulate_v society_n in_o which_o every_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v in_o a_o convenient_a and_o orderly_a manner_n and_o in_o fact_n there_o be_v in_o the_o sacred_a write_n many_o law_n to_o this_o purpose_n we_o find_v there_o several_a regulation_n concern_v the_o way_n in_o which_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o concern_v the_o call_n of_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n and_o the_o principal_a function_n of_o their_o office_n the_o scripture_n do_v beside_o appoint_v the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n the_o manner_n of_o proceed_v in_o relation_n to_o scandalous_a sinner_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o public_a alms._n it_o prescribe_v the_o chief_a act_n of_o religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n prayer_n fast_v sacrament_n preach_v and_o some_o other_o head_n all_o these_o law_n be_v design_v to_o establish_v order_n and_o piety_n in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o banish_v confusion_n and_o scandal_n out_o of_o it_o and_o this_o order_n can_v be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a since_o the_o apostle_n have_v give_v we_o law_n about_o it_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o show_v that_o most_o christian_a society_n be_v hardly_o to_o be_v know_v by_o these_o mark_n but_o before_o we_o come_v to_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o observe_v the_o different_a state_n through_o which_o the_o church_n have_v pass_v from_o her_o infancy_n to_o this_o time_n ii_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o church_n in_o her_o infancy_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n be_v very_o pure_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o follow_v but_o yet_o must_v take_v heed_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o we_o do_v not_o form_v to_o ourselves_o too_o advantageous_a a_o idea_n of_o it_o as_o if_o christianity_n have_v be_v then_o in_o its_o utmost_a purity_n and_o perfection_n the_o church_n in_o her_o beginning_n do_v consist_v of_o jew_n and_o heathen_n these_o man_n embrace_v christianity_n do_v not_o so_o entire_o strip_v themselves_o of_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o custom_n but_o that_o they_o bring_v with_o they_o into_o the_o church_n some_o of_o the_o notion_n of_o judaisme_n and_o even_o of_o gentilism_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o this_o be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o those_o heresy_n which_o do_v stain_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o moral_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o several_a disorder_n which_o happen_v in_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n beside_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o minister_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o able_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o persecution_n and_o of_o the_o obstacle_n they_o meet_v with_o to_o regulate_v all_o thing_n as_o they_o will_v have_v do_v if_o the_o church_n have_v be_v in_o peace_n we_o need_v not_o therefore_o wonder_v if_o we_o find_v imperfection_n and_o defect_n apparent_a enough_o in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o it_o be_v of_o some_o importance_n to_o observe_v this_o not_o only_o that_o we_o may_v have_v true_a apprehension_n concern_v this_o matter_n but_o that_o we_o may_v beside_o obviate_v a_o unhappy_a consequence_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o present_a corruption_n from_o what_o have_v be_v know_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n no_o doubt_n but_o there_o be_v disorder_n and_o scandal_n at_o that_o time_n but_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o the_o church_n be_v then_o make_v up_o of_o man_n who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v bear_v and_o have_v live_v in_o paganism_n and_o who_o life_n have_v be_v spend_v in_o the_o thick_a darkness_n of_o ignorance_n and_o vice_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o the_o church_n be_v then_o more_o holy_a and_o pure_a than_o she_o have_v be_v since_o or_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o most_o place_n this_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n which_o can_v reasonable_o be_v contest_v for_o beside_o that_o it_o may_v be_v verify_v from_o the_o testimony_n which_o the_o sacred_a and_o some_o of_o the_o heathen_a author_n bear_v to_o the_o innocency_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o that_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o man_n be_v keep_v in_o awe_n while_o the_o apostle_n be_v alive_a in_o the_o time_n of_o miracle_n besidesall_n this_o i_o say_v there_o be_v two_o considereation_n which_o prove_v that_o corrupton_n can_v not_o be_v then_o so_o great_a or_o so_o
practice_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n fast_v being_n enjoin_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o establish_v by_o the_o example_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o the_o universal_a practice_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n and_o of_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n for_o several_a age_n there_o be_v reason_n to_o wonder_v that_o in_o some_o place_n this_o duty_n shall_v be_v almost_o out_o of_o date_n for_o as_o to_o solemn_a fast_n which_o be_v celebrate_v from_o time_n to_o time_n and_o seldom_o enough_o those_o be_v not_o proper_o the_o fast_n of_o which_o the_o gospel_n speak_v and_o which_o be_v observe_v by_o the_o ancient_n they_o be_v act_n of_o public_a humiliation_n design_v for_o time_n of_o calamity_n or_o of_o extraordinary_a devotion_n and_o the_o use_n of_o these_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v too_o frequent_a because_o custom_n be_v apt_a to_o lessen_v their_o effect_n but_o i_o mean_v those_o fast_n which_o be_v help_n to_o devotition_n and_o holiness_n and_o mean_n to_o mortify_v the_o body_n and_o to_o dispose_v man_n to_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n uniformity_n in_o divine_a worship_n will_v be_v another_o very_a necessary_a establishment_n it_o will_v show_v the_o unity_n of_o faith_n it_o will_v render_v religion_n venerable_a and_o prevent_v those_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n which_o be_v inevitable_a when_o rite_n and_o practice_n quite_o different_a nay_o sometime_o contrary_a to_o one_o another_o be_v observe_v in_o several_a church_n last_o care_n shall_v be_v take_v that_o divine_a service_n may_v be_v perform_v every_o where_o in_o a_o orderly_a grave_n and_o decent_a manner_n the_o exterior_a of_o religion_n have_v a_o great_a influence_n than_o we_o imagine_v upon_o the_o essence_n of_o it_o beside_o that_o we_o save_v a_o express_a law_n 40._o law_n 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 40._o which_o say_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n indeed_o pageantry_n and_o pomp_n the_o great_a number_n of_o ceremony_n and_o whatever_o savour_v of_o superstition_n aught_o to_o be_v avoid_v as_o well_o as_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o essence_n of_o evangelical_n worship_n and_o it_o be_v better_a to_o fall_v into_o a_o excess_n of_o simplicity_n than_o to_o clog_n religion_n with_o too_o many_o ceremony_n but_o yet_o under_o pretence_n of_o simplicity_n we_o be_v not_o to_o run_v into_o confusion_n and_o to_o neglect_v the_o external_o of_o religion_n and_o divine_a service_n if_o we_o shall_v examine_v by_o this_o rule_n what_o be_v do_v in_o some_o church_n with_o relation_n for_o instance_n to_o the_o law_n and_o form_n of_o public_a assembly_n to_o the_o celebration_n of_o divine_a worship_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o the_o person_n who_o receive_v the_o communion_n and_o who_o officiate_n we_o may_v find_v there_o several_a thing_n to_o be_v rectify_v and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o useful_a to_o take_v this_o into_o consideration_n for_o the_o want_n of_o gravity_n and_o decency_n and_o a_o dry_a and_o careless_a perform_v of_o public_a worship_n render_v religion_n despicable_a and_o make_v the_o people_n who_o common_o judge_v of_o thing_n by_o their_o outside_n to_o entertain_v a_o mean_a notion_n of_o divine_a service_n which_o produce_v the_o contempt_n of_o religion_n and_o by_o consequence_n ill_a manner_n vi_o this_o contempt_n of_o religion_n be_v another_o fault_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v pass_v over_o in_o silence_n it_o have_v be_v always_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o mankind_n that_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v honour_v and_o respect_v the_o heathen_a religion_n as_o false_a as_o they_o be_v do_v attract_v the_o veneration_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v see_v at_o this_o day_n among_o the_o several_a nation_n of_o infidel_n certain_o then_o the_o christian_a religion_n deserve_v all_o the_o veneration_n and_o respect_n which_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o in_o many_o place_n it_o be_v fall_v of_o late_a into_o a_o very_a great_a outward_a meanness_n man_n be_v accustom_v themselves_o to_o look_v with_o indifference_n and_o with_o haughtiness_n and_o scorn_n upon_o every_o thing_n which_o have_v some_o relation_n to_o the_o church_n or_o to_o religion_n this_o appear_v especial_o in_o the_o contempt_n which_o be_v express_v towards_o the_o clergy_n though_o the_o scripture_n represent_v their_o office_n as_o a_o most_o excellent_a and_o honourable_a employment_n though_o it_o enjoin_v christian_n to_o 13._o to_o heb._n xiii_o 27._o 1_o thess_n v._o 13._o honour_n love_n and_o reverence_n those_o who_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o yet_o the_o ecclesiastical_a order_n be_v general_o but_o little_o honour_v and_o what_o be_v more_o surprise_v it_o be_v most_o depress_a and_o abase_v in_o those_o church_n which_o otherwise_o profess_v a_o pure_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n than_o other_o christian_a society_n i_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o all_o church_n in_o general_a but_o whoever_o see_v what_o be_v practise_v in_o many_o place_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o reformation_n of_o the_o church_n to_o strip_v the_o clergy_n of_o all_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o of_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v render_v they_o venerable_a to_o the_o people_n and_o to_o set_v they_o upon_o a_o low_a and_o contemptible_a foot_n their_o character_n be_v become_v abject_a if_o not_o odious_a and_o it_o become_v so_o more_o and_o more_o every_o day_n that_o which_o make_v it_o more_o despicable_a be_v the_o poverty_n which_o many_o of_o they_o be_v force_v to_o live_v in_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o find_v out_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o contempt_n it_o may_v be_v just_o charge_v upon_o the_o clergy_n themselves_o their_o character_n be_v become_v vile_a because_o they_o support_v it_o but_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o man_n have_v a_o right_a to_o despise_v they_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v be_v to_o endeavour_v the_o reclaim_n of_o they_o if_o under_o pretence_n of_o person_n be_v unworthy_a or_o of_o some_o abuse_n in_o office_n it_o be_v lawful_a to_o despise_v the_o profession_n themselves_o will_v not_o even_o magistracy_n be_v often_o the_o vile_a of_o all_o employment_n may_v we_o not_o say_v beside_o that_o churchman_n do_v not_o well_o maintain_v their_o character_n because_o they_o be_v despise_v a_o office_n which_o be_v slight_v will_v never_o be_v well_o discharge_v it_o be_v seldom_o that_o great_a worth_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o a_o post_n which_o be_v little_o honour_v or_o rather_o much_o despise_v the_o chief_a cause_n of_o this_o contempt_n be_v the_o manner_n in_o which_o thing_n be_v order_v in_o the_o last_o century_n persecution_n poverty_n and_o the_o opposition_n of_o the_o high_a power_n be_v at_o first_o great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o establish_n of_o good_a order_n prince_n and_o great_a man_n do_v possess_v themselves_o of_o the_o revenue_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n nothing_o be_v leave_v to_o churchman_n but_o the_o care_n of_o make_v sermon_n and_o of_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n they_o be_v turn_v into_o bare_a preacher_n a_o character_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v not_o very_o fit_a to_o create_v respect_n i_o say_v nothing_o here_o of_o the_o discipline_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n because_o i_o be_o to_o speak_v of_o these_o more_o large_o by_o and_o by_o this_o abasement_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o ministry_n be_v a_o visible_a cause_n of_o corruption_n as_o soon_o as_o sacred_a thing_n be_v disregard_v impiety_n must_v needs_o prevail_v especial_o if_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n be_v despise_v than_o religion_n can_v have_v no_o great_a force_n upon_o man_n mind_n the_o master_n can_v be_v honour_v when_o his_o servant_n be_v slight_v man_n who_o be_v without_o authority_n can_v contain_v the_o people_n in_o their_o duty_n whatsoever_o come_v from_o a_o abject_a person_n who_o be_v neither_o belove_v nor_o esteem_v can_v never_o be_v receive_v with_o submission_n the_o contempt_n of_o pastor_n draw_v of_o necessity_n after_o it_o the_o contempt_n of_o divine_a service_n of_o preach_v and_o of_o other_o sacred_a function_n the_o poverty_n of_o churchman_n be_v not_o much_o less_o fatal_a to_o the_o church_n than_o the_o immense_a and_o excessive_a riches_n which_o do_v former_o corrupt_v the_o clergy_n for_o beside_o that_o in_o those_o time_n and_o place_n in_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v predominant_a and_o profess_v by_o person_n of_o quality_n poverty_n make_v the_o minister_n of_o religion_n contemptible_a to_o the_o people_n and_o even_o to_o great_a man_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o those_o circumstance_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o minister_n shall_v live_v with_o some_o credit_n beside_o this_o i_o say_v that_o poverty_n disable_v they_o from_o exercise_v
unhappiness_n of_o the_o time_n and_o the_o perfecution_n this_o be_v unquestionable_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v and_o only_o say_v in_o short_a that_o then_o all_o those_o who_o embrace_v christianity_n be_v engage_v by_o a_o solemn_a vow_n to_o renounce_v the_o vice_n of_o the_o age_n and_o to_o lead_v a_o holy_a life_n that_o those_o who_o be_v baptise_a be_v not_o suffer_v to_o live_v disorderly_a that_o vicious_a person_n be_v debar_v the_o holy_a mystery_n that_o those_o who_o fall_v into_o great_a sin_n be_v excommunicate_v as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o be_v contumacious_a and_o incorrigible_a that_o such_o be_v not_o restore_v to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n but_o after_o various_a degree_n of_o penance_n and_o a_o public_a acknowledgement_n of_o their_o fault_n and_o that_o as_o to_o those_o who_o relapse_v they_o be_v receive_v only_o at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n very_o clear_a monument_n of_o this_o practice_n be_v still_o extant_a in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o old_a canon_n and_o decree_n of_o council_n this_o discipline_n must_v needs_o have_v be_v very_o severe_o observe_v since_o st._n ambrose_n be_v not_o afraid_a to_o put_v it_o in_o practice_n against_o the_o emperor_n theodosius_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v vary_v about_o certain_a circumstance_n that_o the_o penitent_n be_v treat_v sometime_o with_o more_o and_o sometime_o with_o less_o severity_n and_o that_o the_o time_n of_o their_o penance_n be_v long_a or_o short_a but_o as_o to_o the_o main_a or_o the_o essence_n of_o discipline_n it_o do_v always_o obtain_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o it_o be_v as_o little_o question_v then_o whether_o discipline_n ought_v to_o be_v observe_v as_o whether_o christian_n shall_v be_v baptise_a this_o usage_n among_o the_o first_o christian_n be_v at_o least_o a_o strong_a presumption_n in_o favour_n of_o discipline_n but_o it_o be_v consonant_n beside_o to_o what_o we_o read_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o there_o can_v remain_v any_o doubt_n about_o this_o matter_n iv_o in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o nature_n of_o discipline_n itself_o prove_v the_o usefulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o it_o all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o blind_v with_o prejudice_n must_v own_v that_o discipline_n consider_v in_o itself_o be_v altogether_o agreeable_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n 1._o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o promote_a of_o christ_n kingdom_n require_v order_n in_o the_o church_n who_o do_v not_o see_v but_o that_o if_o the_o church_n do_v tolerate_v scandalous_a person_n and_o take_v they_o into_o her_o bosom_n and_o make_v no_o difference_n between_o they_o and_o the_o faithful_a she_o may_v just_o be_v charge_v with_o all_o the_o disorder_n and_o scandal_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o live_v of_o bad_a christian_n and_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o infidel_n as_o a_o profane_a society_n where_o vice_n be_v permit_v but_o the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n be_v a_o authentic_a disow_n of_o vice_n whereby_o the_o church_n declare_v public_o that_o she_o do_v not_o allow_v of_o it_o 2._o discipline_n be_v a_o most_o efficacious_a mean_n to_o procure_v the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n a_o man_n must_v be_v very_o much_o harden_v when_o the_o be_v remove_v from_o the_o communion_n of_o christian_n do_v not_o reclaim_v he_o but_o when_o a_o scandalous_a person_n be_v suffer_v to_o live_v in_o the_o society_n of_o the_o faithful_a when_o he_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o same_o privilege_n with_o other_o member_n of_o the_o church_n this_o give_v he_o a_o occasion_n to_o harden_v himself_o in_o sin_n and_o to_o think_v that_o he_o be_v as_o good_a a_o christian_n and_o that_o he_o have_v as_o much_o right_n to_o salvation_n as_o other_o which_o be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a but_o withal_o a_o most_o common_a imagination_n 3._o discipline_n be_v useful_a to_o the_o church_n in_o general_n many_o who_o may_v otherwise_o have_v ill_a inclination_n be_v restrain_v by_o example_n or_o shame_n or_o fear_v or_o ever_o by_o conscience_n good_a man_n be_v thereby_o double_o edify_v since_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n this_o rigour_n confirm_v they_o in_o their_o duty_n and_o that_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o make_v reparation_n for_o the_o scandal_n which_o other_o man_n sin_n give_v they_o from_o all_o this_o i_o conclude_v that_o discipline_n be_v a_o sacred_a necessary_a and_o inviolable_a order_n it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o humane_a or_o arbitrary_a establishment_n which_o may_v be_v alter_v or_o which_o be_v only_o to_o continue_v for_o a_o time_n a_o order_n which_o have_v its_o original_a in_o the_o express_a law_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o which_o be_v appoint_v in_o scripture_n as_o a_o general_a law_n a_o order_n which_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o primitive_a and_o apostolical_a church_n a_o order_n which_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n and_o which_o perfect_o agree_v with_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n such_o a_o order_n certain_o aught_o to_o be_v follow_v as_o be_v of_o a_o necessary_a and_o indispensable_a obligation_n i_o say_v it_o again_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o positive_a than_o this_o in_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n discipline_n as_o well_o as_o the_o sacrament_n be_v found_v upon_o dvine_a institution_n and_o confirm_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n but_o in_o discipline_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o than_o in_o the_o sacrament_n for_o whereas_o the_o sacrament_n consider_v in_o themselves_o and_o without_o respect_n to_o the_o divine_a institution_n be_v thing_n indifferent_a and_o of_o no_o use_n discipline_n in_o itself_o be_v just_a and_o useful_a agreeable_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n as_o well_o as_o to_o plain_a reason_n and_o sense_n i_o have_v perhaps_o be_v too_o large_a upon_o this_o subject_a but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o discipline_n be_v necessary_a and_o institute_v by_o god_n since_o that_o be_v the_o ground_n i_o go_v upon_o in_o this_o whole_a chapter_n this_o sacred_a order_n which_o have_v be_v fettle_v in_o the_o beginning_n of_o christianity_n be_v alter_v in_o process_n of_o time_n and_o in_o this_o as_o in_o many_o other_o thing_n christian_n grow_v remiss_a this_o be_v do_v by_o degree_n for_o good_a law_n be_v not_o common_o abolish_v all_o at_o once_o but_o through_o insensible_a change_n we_o learn_v from_o ecclesiastical_a history_n that_o the_o slacken_n of_o discipline_n be_v chief_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o take_v away_o some_o public_a penance_n those_o penance_n be_v convert_v into_o private_a confession_n and_o penance_n at_o first_o this_o alteration_n be_v only_o concern_v some_o sin_n which_o be_v not_o think_v to_o deserve_v the_o utmost_a rigour_n of_o discipline_n for_o as_o to_o great_a sin_n such_o as_o murder_n and_o adultery_n the_o ancient_a order_n be_v still_o in_o force_n but_o at_o last_o about_o the_o end_n of_o the_o iv_o century_n public_a penance_n be_v abolish_v first_o in_o the_o eastern_a and_o sometime_o after_o in_o the_o western_a church_n instead_o of_o penance_n private_a satisfaction_n be_v appoint_v and_o then_o man_n unhappy_o begin_v to_o be_v more_o concern_v about_o the_o exterior_a of_o penance_n than_o about_o what_o be_v spiritual_a in_o it_o and_o fit_a to_o reclaim_v sinner_n this_o be_v do_v at_o first_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o relaxation_n or_o indulgence_n but_o that_o which_o at_o the_o beginning_n be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o exception_n to_o the_o law_n succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o law_n itself_o and_o from_o thence_o spring_v indulgence_n satisfaction_n penance_n auricular_a confession_n and_o many_o other_o practice_n which_o be_v but_o corruption_n of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n the_o bishop_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v distract_v by_o temporal_a care_n after_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o emperor_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n begin_v to_o neglect_v the_o essential_a part_n of_o their_o function_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o flock_n they_o be_v for_o humour_v great_a man_n who_o think_v it_o hard_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o public_a order_n this_o be_v a_o short_a account_n how_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v considerable_o adulterate_v in_o the_o point_n of_o discipline_n we_o be_v now_o to_o examine_v what_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n be_v with_o relation_n to_o discipline_n all_o the_o abuse_n which_o come_v up_o in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o ancient_a discipline_n do_v still_o subsist_v in_o most_o place_n both_o in_o the_o greek_a and_o in_o the_o latin_a church_n the_o canon_n and_o
by_o many_o person_n of_o eminent_a learning_n and_o piety_n and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o i_o desire_v all_o those_o who_o have_v a_o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n to_o take_v into_o their_o serious_a consideration_n cause_n iii_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o clergy_n in_o search_v after_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o piety_n we_o can_v but_o inquire_v whether_o corruption_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o pastor_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n pastor_n be_v appoint_v to_o oppose_v the_o progress_n of_o vice_n and_o to_o be_v public_a fountain_n of_o instruction_n edification_n and_o good_a example_n so_o that_o in_o truth_n their_o ministry_n be_v of_o most_o excellent_a use_n when_o due_o exercise_v but_o when_o vice_n reign_v when_o scandal_n multiply_v that_o general_a corruption_n be_v if_o not_o a_o certain_a proof_n at_o least_o a_o strong_a presumption_n that_o there_o be_v some_o fault_n in_o pastor_n if_o we_o will_v be_v satisfy_v about_o this_o matter_n we_o need_v but_o reflect_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o office_n and_o upon_o their_o way_n of_o discharge_v it_o this_o be_v what_o i_o design_n to_o inquire_v into_o in_o this_o chapter_n in_o order_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v consider_v 1._o what_o function_n and_o duty_n be_v annex_v to_o the_o office_n of_o pastor_n and_o 2._o what_o qualification_n be_v requisite_a in_o they_o to_o discharge_v it_o worthy_o there_o be_v two_o principal_a function_n incumbent_a on_o pastor_n instruction_n and_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n 1._o it_o will_v be_v needless_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o office_n of_o pastor_n oblige_v they_o to_o instruct_v the_o people_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n for_o this_o be_v beyond_o all_o question_n it_o will_v be_v fit_a to_o observe_v that_o the_o fruit_n of_o public_a instruction_n deliver_v in_o sermon_n depend_v upon_o two_o thing_n the_o matter_n treat_v of_o and_o the_o way_n of_o propose_v they_o so_o that_o the_o fault_n commit_v in_o sermon_n be_v either_o in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o or_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o handle_v they_o 1._o the_o matter_n handle_v in_o sermon_n be_v either_o of_o doctrine_n or_o morality_n what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o treatise_n may_v serve_v to_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o defect_n in_o preach_v with_o relation_n to_o these_o two_o head_n those_o who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n do_v not_o sufficient_o instruct_v the_o people_n neither_o in_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n nor_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o as_o catechise_n be_v proper_o design_v for_o the_o explication_n of_o these_o truth_n and_o duty_n i_o think_v ignorance_n and_o corruption_n chief_o proceed_v from_o this_o that_o in_o most_o church_n thing_n be_v not_o well_o order_v with_o reference_n to_o catechise_n they_o be_v neither_o frequent_a enough_o nor_o so_o proper_a for_o instruction_n as_o they_o shall_v be_v beside_o catechise_v be_v almost_o every_o where_o neglect_v if_o not_o despise_v the_o common_a notion_n be_v that_o catechism_n be_v only_o for_o child_n and_o for_o the_o mean_a sort_n of_o people_n the_o function_n of_o a_o catechist_n which_o be_v ancient_o so_o considerable_a in_o the_o church_n be_v look_v upon_o now_o as_o a_o function_n of_o no_o great_a importance_n and_o it_o be_v usual_o commit_v to_o person_n of_o the_o least_o knowledge_n and_o experience_n these_o fault_n may_v easy_o be_v remedy_v one_o of_o the_o most_o useful_a establishment_n in_o church_n will_v be_v to_o increase_v the_o number_n of_o catechism_n and_o to_o appoint_v they_o instead_o of_o the_o sermon_n but_o to_o render_v they_o more_o useful_a and_o more_o frequent_v it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o establish_v two_o sort_n of_o they_o in_o those_o of_o the_o first_o sort_v the_o element_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v explain_v in_o a_o easy_a and_o familiar_a manner_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o child_n and_o of_o the_o less-knowing_a part_n of_o christian_n the_o other_o shall_v be_v for_o those_o who_o have_v attain_v a_o high_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n and_o in_o these_o matter_n that_o have_v be_v propose_v but_o general_o before_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o and_o exact_o handle_v but_o if_o it_o be_v think_v that_o a_o establishment_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o that_o the_o multiply_a of_o catechise_n may_v meet_v with_o difficulty_n and_o obstruction_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a at_o least_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o great_a number_n of_o person_n who_o never_o assist_v at_o those_o exercise_n that_o minister_n shall_v he_o oblige_v to_o preach_v upon_o the_o same_o subject_n which_o be_v common_o treat_v in_o catechism_n as_o for_o sermon_n the_o church_n will_v reap_v more_o benefit_n from_o they_o if_o preacher_n do_v always_o show_v true_a judgement_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o matter_n they_o handle_v we_o must_v not_o think_v that_o all_o sort_n of_o subject_n be_v instructive_a alike_o and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o speak_v of_o god_n in_o a_o sermon_n and_o to_o take_v a_o text_n out_o of_o scripture_n every_o subject_a aught_o to_o be_v propose_v and_o press_v according_a to_o its_o importance_n to_o insist_v upon_o matter_n of_o lesser_a moment_n whilst_o those_o which_o it_o most_o concern_v christian_n to_o be_v inform_v about_o be_v neglect_v be_v to_o swerve_v from_o the_o true_a intendment_n of_o preach_v but_o because_o all_o preacher_n have_v not_o the_o capacity_n to_o make_v this_o choice_n it_o will_v be_v fit_v that_o part_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o discourse_n shall_v be_v appoint_v and_o prescribe_v to_o they_o by_o a_o law_n for_o when_o they_o be_v tie_v to_o no_o rule_n when_o they_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o preach_v upon_o any_o subject_a which_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o choose_v it_o happen_v that_o many_o instead_o of_o handle_v the_o most_o important_a thing_n in_o religion_n and_o of_o consult_v the_o present_a state_n and_o necessity_n of_o their_o flock_n apply_v themselves_o to_o various_a subject_n which_o be_v of_o no_o great_a edification_n preacher_n for_o the_o most_o part_n consult_v only_o their_o own_o inclination_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o their_o matter_n and_o when_o they_o pitch_v upon_o a_o subject_a it_o be_v rather_o because_o it_o please_v they_o and_o because_o they_o apprehend_v a_o facility_n in_o treat_v it_o than_o out_o of_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o necessity_n of_o their_o congregation_n those_o who_o be_v fond_a of_o mystery_n and_o allegory_n apply_v their_o time_n and_o study_n to_o the_o expound_v of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o to_o the_o unfolding_n of_o the_o type_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n those_o who_o be_v give_v to_o dispute_v fill_v their_o sermon_n with_o nothing_o else_o but_o controversy_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o speculative_a divine_n who_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o father_n and_o history_n they_o entertain_v the_o people_n with_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o ordinary_a subject_n of_o their_o meditation_n and_o study_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o such_o thing_n ought_v never_o to_o be_v speak_v of_o they_o may_v sometime_o be_v touch_v upon_o provide_v this_o be_v do_v judicious_o but_o they_o have_v a_o sorry_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o preach_v who_o make_v those_o matter_n their_o main_a business_n and_o fancy_n they_o have_v entire_o fulfil_v all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o gospel_n ministry_n when_o they_o have_v preach_v upon_o type_n or_o controversy_n what_o i_o have_v now_o say_v may_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o choice_n of_o text_n 16._o text_n 2_o tim._n iii_o 16._o all_o scripture_n indeed_o as_o st._n paul_n say_v be_v profitable_a for_o instruction_n that_o divine_a book_n contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v useful_a but_o yet_o the_o various_a usefulness_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v distinguish_v and_o it_o must_v be_v own_v that_o some_o place_n be_v more_o useful_a and_o instructive_a than_o other_o some_o difference_n be_v to_o be_v make_v between_o those_o book_n and_o chapter_n which_o explain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o redemption_n the_o design_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n or_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o those_o which_o serve_v only_o to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o order_n of_o time_n and_o to_o confirm_v the_o certainty_n of_o history_n these_o last_o have_v their_o use_n since_o the_o truth_n of_o history_n be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n but_o those_o place_n be_v more_o useful_a which_o treat_v of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v or_o to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o salvation_n it_o be_v of_o another_o sort_n of_o importance_n to_o explain_v the_o gospel_n than_o to_o preach_v upon_o the_o book_n of_o joshua_n or_o ruth_n or_o upon_o some_o
place_n of_o the_o prophet_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o some_o have_v think_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v equal_o rich_a every_o where_o that_o all_o doctrine_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o all_o text_n that_o those_o chapter_n and_o verse_n which_o seem_v the_o most_o barren_a and_o where_o there_o appear_v nothing_o extraordinary_a contain_v mystery_n and_o treasure_n which_o may_v exhaust_v even_o the_o meditation_n of_o angel_n but_o this_o conceit_n be_v so_o absurd_a and_o repugnant_a to_o sense_n that_o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o worth_a my_o while_n to_o confute_v it_o moral_n be_v so_o essential_a a_o part_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v very_o particular_o insist_v upon_o by_o preacher_n and_o yet_o few_o do_v it_o so_o that_o morality_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o superficial_o handle_v in_o the_o great_a part_n of_o sermon_n this_o fault_n in_o preacher_n proceed_v from_o several_a cause_n some_o have_v a_o prejudice_n against_o morality_n and_o think_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v insist_v on_o other_o who_o be_v conceit_v with_o vain_a learning_n imagine_v that_o to_o preach_v moral_n argue_v but_o a_o ordinary_a measure_n of_o part_n and_o little_a skill_n in_o divinity_n and_o that_o it_o become_v they_o better_a to_o soar_v after_o high_a speculation_n and_o to_o dive_v into_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o most_o sublime_a theology_n this_o custom_n of_o insist_v more_o upon_o doctrine_n than_o moral_n proceed_v also_o from_o another_o cause_n which_o be_v that_o in_o this_o last_o age_n divine_n be_v fain_o to_o be_v continual_o explain_v and_o dispute_v and_o so_o the_o same_o method_n have_v be_v follow_v ever_o since_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v beside_o that_o many_o divine_n neglect_v morality_n because_o the_o treat_v of_o it_o be_v more_o difficult_a than_o the_o explain_v doctrinal_a matter_n let_v those_o supercilious_a and_o speculative_a divine_n say_v what_o they_o will_v the_o right_a handle_n of_o morality_n be_v the_o hard_a thing_n in_o preach_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o explain_v a_o text_n or_o a_o point_n of_o doctrine_n and_o a_o man_n must_v be_v very_o mean_o gift_v if_o with_o the_o help_n of_o a_o commentary_n or_o a_o commons-place_n he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v the_o feat_n and_o to_o furnish_v out_o his_o hour_n but_o to_o preach_v moral_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n i_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v a_o way_n of_o preach_a morality_n which_o require_v no_o great_a pain_n if_o man_n content_v themselves_o with_o deliver_v moral_a saying_n concern_v vice_n and_o virtue_n this_o may_v be_v do_v without_o much_o labour_n but_o when_o a_o preacher_n pursue_v true_a morality_n when_o he_o be_v to_o master_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o reform_v the_o manner_n of_o a_o whole_a congregation_n to_o encounter_v the_o inclination_n of_o his_o hearer_n and_o to_o make_v they_o renounce_v their_o passion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la then_o it_o be_v that_o he_o meet_v with_o many_o and_o great_a difficulty_n this_o be_v a_o inexhaustible_a spring_n of_o labour_n and_o mediation_n and_o a_o task_n which_o few_o preacher_n care_v 〈◊〉_d take_v upon_o they_o in_o religion_n doctrine_n shall_v never_o be_v separate_v from_o morality_n nor_o one_o of_o these_o prefer_v before_o the_o other_o but_o yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o insist_v more_o upon_o morality_n than_o upon_o doctrine_n not_o only_o because_o the_o design_n of_o our_o whole_a religion_n be_v to_o make_v we_o good_a man_n but_o also_o because_o morality_n can_v effectual_o be_v teach_v without_o be_v much_o dwell_v upon_o it_o be_v only_o by_o enlarge_n on_o matter_n and_o enter_v into_o many_o particular_n that_o the_o two_o end_n of_o morality_n be_v to_o be_v attain_v which_o be_v instruct_v man_n in_o their_o duty_n and_o persuade_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o morality_n be_v of_o a_o vast_a extent_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o consider_v how_o many_o duty_n be_v comprise_v under_o these_o three_o head_n of_o christian_a moral_n piety_n justice_n and_o temperance_n beside_o these_o duty_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n there_o be_v some_o particular_a one_o relate_v to_o the_o different_a condition_n calling_n age_n and_o state_n which_o man_n be_v in_o and_o how_o many_o thing_n be_v there_o to_o be_v consider_v upon_o all_o these_o head_n this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o these_o duty_n vary_v infinite_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o diversity_n of_o circumstance_n there_o be_v almost_o as_o many_o different_a disposition_n as_o there_o be_v person_n among_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o man_n who_o be_v addict_v to_o the_o same_o vice_n there_o be_v hardly_o two_o who_o be_v vicious_a in_o the_o same_o degree_n and_o manner_n it_o be_v therefore_o requisite_a that_o preacher_n shall_v descend_v into_o particular_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v so_o characterise_v duty_n virtue_n and_o vice_n that_o every_o one_o may_v know_v himself_o in_o the_o description_n and_o yet_o this_o relate_v only_o to_o bare_a instruction_n now_o if_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o intend_v to_o engage_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o duty_n there_o new_a difficulty_n will_v arise_v and_o no_o good_a success_n can_v be_v expect_v but_o from_o assiduous_a care_n and_o constant_a labour_n there_o be_v in_o man_n heart_n so_o many_o different_a disposition_n and_o motion_n so_o many_o illusion_n and_o prejudices_fw-la so_o many_o wind_n and_o artifices_fw-la that_o a_o very_a particular_a application_n be_v require_v for_o we_o to_o insinuate_v ourselves_o into_o it_o when_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v teach_v thing_n need_v not_o be_v so_o minutely_o handle_v and_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n to_o use_v such_o mighty_a endeavour_n nay_o the_o be_v very_o particular_a may_v be_v a_o fault_n he_o that_o will_v instruct_v so_o he_o be_v clear_a shall_v rather_o be_v short_a than_o prolix_a the_o hearer_n do_v easy_o apprehend_v the_o truth_n which_o be_v propose_v to_o they_o and_o the_o most_o corrupt_a man_n be_v able_a to_o discern_v truth_n from_o error_n a_o libertine_n will_v find_v who_o be_v in_o the_o right_n or_o in_o the_o wrong_n in_o a_o dispute_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a a_o thing_n to_o touch_v the_o heart_n or_o to_o conquer_v inveterate_a habit_n what_o tully_n say_v in_o his_o dialogue_n of_o the_o orator_n deserve_v to_o be_v insert_v here_o it_o be_v this_o possunt_fw-la this_o cicero_n de_fw-fr orat._n lib._n 2._o non_fw-la enim_fw-la sicut_fw-la argumentum_fw-la simul_fw-la atque_fw-la positum_fw-la est_fw-la arripitur_fw-la alterumque_fw-la &_o tertium_fw-la poscitur_fw-la ita_fw-la misericordiam_fw-la aut_fw-la invidiam_fw-la aut_fw-la iracundiam_fw-la simulatque_fw-la intuleris_fw-la possis_fw-la commovere_fw-la argumentam_fw-la enim_fw-la ipsa_fw-la ratione_fw-la confirmat_fw-la quae_fw-la simul_fw-la atque_fw-la emissa_fw-la est_fw-la adhaerescit_fw-la illud_fw-la autem_fw-la genus_fw-la orationis_fw-la non_fw-la cognitionem_fw-la judicis_fw-la sed_fw-la perturbationem_fw-la requirit_fw-la quam_fw-la consequi_fw-la nisi_fw-la multa_fw-la &_o varia_fw-la &_o copiosa_fw-la &_o simili_fw-la contentione_n orationis_fw-la nemo_fw-la potest_fw-la quare_fw-la qui_fw-la aut_fw-la breviter_fw-la aut_fw-la summisse_fw-la dicunt_fw-la docere_fw-la judicem_fw-la possunt_fw-la commovere_fw-la non_fw-la possunt_fw-la passion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v excite_v in_o a_o moment_n as_o a_o proof_n do_v present_o persuade_v so_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v propose_v a_o proof_n be_v confirm_v by_o reason_n and_o reason_n clear_o set_v out_o make_v a_o impression_n immediate_o but_o when_o we_o intend_v to_o raise_v the_o passion_n the_o success_n do_v not_o so_o much_o depend_v upon_o the_o conviction_n as_o upon_o the_o perturbation_n of_o the_o mind_n oratory_n can_v have_v its_o effect_n then_o without_o prolixity_n variety_n copiousness_n and_o vehemence_n of_o discourse_n those_o therefore_o who_o speak_v brief_o and_o calm_o be_v fit_a to_o instruct_v but_o not_o to_o move_v from_o these_o reflection_n it_o appear_v that_o the_o method_n of_o those_o preacher_n who_o be_v large_a upon_o the_o explication_n of_o doctrine_n and_o succinct_a upon_o moral_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o true_a way_n of_o preach_v and_o that_o those_o do_v very_o ill_o understand_v what_o morality_n be_v who_o either_o despise_v it_o or_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o easy_a thing_n in_o preach_v we_o may_v likewise_o apprehend_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v what_o be_v the_o most_o ordinary_a fault_n of_o preacher_n when_o they_o treat_v of_o moral_n i_o shall_v observe_v three_o of_o they_o their_o morality_n be_v too_o general_a it_o be_v defective_a and_o it_o be_v sometime_o false_a 1._o many_o preacher_n be_v too_o general_a in_o handle_v morality_n this_o be_v the_o head_n which_o be_v the_o most_o slight_o touch_v upon_o they_o spend_v the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o sermon_n in_o explain_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o text_n
child_n in_o subjection_n with_o all_o gravity_n and_o who_o be_v not_o lift_v up_o with_o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n every_o body_n know_v how_o much_o may_v be_v say_v if_o the_o conduct_n of_o clergyman_n be_v to_o be_v examine_v upon_o all_o these_o head_n be_v not_o many_o of_o they_o scandalous_a by_o the_o irregularity_n of_o their_o manner_n how_o gross_a and_o shameful_a soever_o the_o sin_n of_o drunkenness_n may_v be_v yet_o do_v they_o never_o commit_v it_o and_o be_v not_o this_o vice_n very_o common_a among_o they_o in_o some_o country_n be_v not_o some_o of_o they_o furious_a and_o passionate_a in_o their_o action_n and_o word_n do_v we_o never_o observe_v in_o they_o a_o sordid_a covetousness_n and_o a_o excessive_a study_n of_o self-interest_n be_v their_o family_n always_o well_o order_v be_v not_o positiveness_n and_o pride_n very_o remarkable_a in_o some_o person_n of_o that_o profession_n be_v there_o not_o often_o just_a cause_n to_o complain_v that_o they_o be_v implacable_a in_o their_o hatred_n that_o they_o have_v little_a charity_n and_o that_o there_o be_v less_o prepossession_n and_o more_o of_o gentleness_n and_o true_a zeal_n to_o be_v find_v among_o lay-man_n than_o among_o divine_n i_o say_v nothing_o of_o some_o other_o fault_n which_o be_v not_o less_o scandalous_a in_o churchman_n as_o when_o they_o be_v give_v to_o swear_v when_o they_o be_v dissolute_a and_o undecent_o free_a in_o their_o word_n when_o they_o be_v wed_v to_o divertisement_n and_o pleasure_n worldly-minded_n lazy_a crafty_a unjust_a and_o censorious_a when_o such_o vice_n appear_v in_o the_o live_v of_o clergyman_n it_o be_v the_o great_a of_o scandal_n from_o that_o minute_n the_o gospel_n become_v of_o no_o effect_n in_o their_o mouth_n the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v trample_v upon_o the_o most_o sacred_a thing_n be_v no_o long_o respect_v divine_a worship_n and_o the_o sacrament_n be_v profane_v the_o ministry_n grow_v vile_a religion_n in_o general_a fall_n under_o contempt_n and_o the_o people_n be_v no_o long_o curb_v by_o the_o reverence_n due_a to_o it_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o a_o entire_a licentiousness_n i_o confess_v that_o christian_n ought_v to_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n rather_o than_o the_o example_n of_o their_o guide_n and_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o profit_v by_o the_o instruction_n of_o a_o man_n who_o do_v not_o practice_v what_o he_o teach_v but_o every_o body_n have_v not_o discretion_n and_o firmness_n enough_o to_o separate_v thus_o the_o doctrine_n from_o the_o example_n and_o not_o to_o be_v shake_v by_o the_o scandal_n occasion_v by_o churchman_n when_o their_o life_n and_o their_o preach_a contradict_v each_o other_o man_n be_v very_o much_o take_v with_o outside_n and_o govern_v themselves_o more_o by_o imitation_n than_o reason_n a_o great_a many_o person_n want_v nothing_o but_o pretext_n and_o excuse_n to_o justify_v they_o in_o ill_a thing_n and_o there_o be_v no_o pretence_n more_o specious_a than_o that_o which_o the_o ill_a life_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n afford_v when_o the_o people_n see_v man_n who_o be_v incessant_o speak_v of_o god_n and_o recommend_a piety_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o practice_v themselves_o what_o they_o preach_v they_o reject_v all_o that_o come_v from_o they_o they_o fancy_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v only_o for_o forms-sake_n and_o that_o the_o maxim_n of_o religion_n may_v be_v safe_o violate_v 2._o but_o st._n paul_n require_v somewhat_o more_o in_o pastor_n than_o not_o to_o be_v scandalous_a this_o be_v but_o the_o first_o and_o the_o low_a degree_n of_o probity_n he_o will_v have_v they_o beside_o to_o be_v adorn_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o virtue_n ii_o virtue_n 2_o tim._n iii_o etc._n etc._n tit._n i._n and_o ii_o to_o be_v vigilant_a prudent_a grave_a modest_a and_o give_v to_o hospitality_n gentle_a charitable_a lover_n of_o good_a man_n wise_a just_a holy_a and_o chaste_a show_v themselves_o in_o all_o thing_n pattern_n of_o good_a work_n of_o purity_n gravity_n and_o integrity_n and_o indeed_o pastor_n be_v not_o only_o appoint_v to_o instruct_v and_o govern_v their_o flock_n but_o they_o be_v oblige_v beside_o to_o set_v they_o a_o good_a example_n and_o to_o be_v their_o pattern_n and_o they_o do_v not_o edify_v less_o by_o their_o good_a example_n than_o by_o their_o exhortation_n the_o purity_n of_o their_o manner_n and_o the_o regularity_n of_o their_o conduct_n give_v a_o great_a weight_n to_o all_o the_o function_n of_o their_o ministry_n these_o make_v their_o person_n venerable_a and_o engage_v a_o great_a many_o to_o imitate_v they_o now_o whether_o these_o qualification_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o pastor_n every_o body_n may_v judge_v i_o except_o those_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v except_v but_o for_o the_o generality_n wherein_o do_v churchman_n differ_v from_o other_o man_n do_v they_o distinguish_v themselves_o by_o a_o regular_a and_o exemplary_a life_n their_o exterior_a indeed_o be_v something_o different_a they_o live_v more_o retire_v they_o preserve_v a_o little_a decorum_n though_o ever_o this_o be_v not_o do_v by_o all_o but_o as_o for_o the_o rest_n be_v they_o not_o as_o much_o addict_v to_o the_o world_n and_o take_v up_o with_o earthly_a thing_n have_v they_o not_o as_o many_o humane_a and_o secular_a view_n be_v they_o not_o as_o much_o wed_v to_o interest_n and_o other_o passion_n as_o the_o bulk_n of_o christian_n be_v 3._o this_o second_o degree_n of_o probity_n be_v not_o sufficient_a the_o life_n of_o a_o hypocrite_n may_v be_v blameless_a and_o even_a edify_n by_o compose_v his_o exterior_a he_o may_v pass_v for_o a_o saint_n there_o be_v therefore_o a_o three_o degree_n and_o that_o be_v the_o rectitude_n of_o the_o heart_n a_o good_a conscience_n a_o great_a measure_n of_o true_a piety_n devotion_n humility_n and_o zeal_n pastor_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o private_a inward_o and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n what_o they_o appear_v to_o other_o men._n and_o certain_o none_o can_v have_v great_a inducement_n to_o piety_n than_o a_o man_n who_o ordinary_a business_n it_o be_v to_o meditate_v upon_o religion_n to_o speak_v of_o it_o to_o other_o to_o reprove_v hypocrisy_n and_o vice_n to_o perform_v divine_a service_n to_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n to_o visit_v afflict_v and_o die_a people_n and_o to_o give_v a_o account_n to_o god_n of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o soul_n i_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o high_a degree_n of_o impiety_n and_o hypocrisy_n than_o when_o a_o man_n who_o be_v in_o these_o circumstance_n be_v not_o a_o good_a man._n such_o a_o man_n make_v but_o sport_n with_o the_o most_o sacred_a thing_n in_o religion_n he_o do_v proper_o play_v the_o part_n of_o a_o comedian_n and_o of_o a_o hypocrite_n all_o his_o life_n no_o profession_n damn_v more_o certain_o than_o that_o of_o a_o churchman_n when_o it_o be_v thus_o exercise_v it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v say_v that_o all_o these_o morality_n be_v nothing_o to_o my_o purpose_n that_o this_o three_o degree_n of_o probity_n be_v necessary_a only_o for_o the_o salvation_n of_o pastor_n in_o particular_a and_o that_o as_o the_o people_n be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o inward_a disposition_n of_o their_o teacher_n and_o be_v not_o able_a to_o distinguish_v true_a from_o counterfeit_a piety_n it_o be_v enough_o for_o their_o edification_n that_o the_o exterior_a shall_v be_v well_o regulate_v but_o those_o who_o think_v this_o be_v very_o much_o mistake_v this_o want_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n be_v capital_a and_o here_o we_o find_v the_o main_a cause_n of_o the_o remissness_n of_o pastor_n and_o of_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o people_n from_o whence_o do_v those_o fault_n proceed_v which_o we_o have_v observe_v in_o clergyman_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o lazy_a that_o other_o apply_v themselves_o to_o unprofitable_a subject_n and_o study_n that_o other_o preach_v only_o out_o of_o vanity_n and_o that_o their_o discourse_n be_v languid_a and_o jejune_n all_o this_o be_v because_o their_o heart_n be_v void_a of_o devotion_n and_o piety_n there_o be_v some_o preach_a matter_n and_o those_o too_o the_o most_o edify_v which_o can_v never_o be_v well_o manage_v but_o by_o a_o man_n animate_v with_o sincere_a piety_n those_o preacher_n who_o describe_v the_o beauty_n of_o virtue_n or_o the_o happy_a state_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n the_o hope_n of_o another_o life_n or_o the_o necessity_n of_o work_v out_o one_o salvation_n and_o who_o be_v not_o affect_v and_o pierce_v through_o with_o what_o they_o say_v do_v but_o stammer_v about_o these_o thing_n and_o they_o will_v hardly_o excite_v those_o motion_n in_o other_o man_n heart_n which_o they_o never_o feel_v in_o their_o own_o we_o can_v preach_v with_o success_n without_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o
and_o zeal_n do_v visible_o decay_v not_o but_o that_o religion_n may_v receive_v and_o have_v actual_o receive_v great_a help_n from_o christian_a magistrate_n they_o have_v sometime_o contribute_v very_o effectual_o to_o the_o promote_a of_o piety_n and_o those_o who_o do_v so_o deserve_v immortal_a honour_n but_o it_o must_v likewise_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o vice_n and_o ill_a example_n of_o christian_a magistrate_n corrupt_v the_o church_n more_o than_o if_o it_o be_v under_o heathen_a governor_n the_o duty_n of_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n as_o well_o as_o of_o all_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n be_v double_a they_o be_v bind_v first_o to_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o discharge_v the_o obligation_n which_o religion_n lay_v upon_o all_o man_n and_o second_o to_o take_v care_n that_o god_n may_v be_v serve_v and_o honour_v by_o all_o those_o who_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o authority_n 1._o every_o christian_n ought_v to_o serve_v god_n and_o to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o very_a thing_n then_o that_o a_o magistrate_n be_v christian_a oblige_v he_o to_o be_v a_o lover_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n it_o be_v a_o common_a notion_n especial_o among_o great_a man_n that_o piety_n and_o devotion_n do_v not_o become_v those_o who_o be_v exalt_v to_o dignity_n and_o that_o public_a person_n â—re_n not_o to_o be_v rule_v by_o the_o maxim_n of_o religion_n but_o whosoever_o maintain_v this_o opinion_n must_v deny_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o be_v either_o a_o atheist_n or_o a_o deist_n for_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o a_o christian_a prince_n or_o magistrate_n have_v as_o much_o need_n of_o piety_n as_o other_o man_n have_v he_o be_v bind_v to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n by_o the_o same_o duty_n and_o interest_n which_o engage_v private_a man_n to_o be_v so_o he_o have_v a_o soul_n to_o be_v save_v as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o as_o he_o be_v a_o public_a person_n he_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o conduct_n to_o that_o judge_n with_o who_o there_o be_v no_o acception_n of_o person_n and_o before_o who_o the_o great_a of_o monarch_n be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o mean_a of_o slave_n if_o the_o eminent_a station_n of_o a_o magistrate_n make_v some_o difference_n between_o he_o and_o christian_n of_o a_o low_a order_n that_o difference_n oblige_v he_o to_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o piety_n the_o character_n he_o bear_v require_v a_o great_a stock_n of_o virtue_n no_o small_a measure_n of_o probity_n be_v requisite_a to_o acquit_v himself_o worthy_o in_o that_o call_v to_o do_v no_o injustice_n not_o to_o seek_v in_o his_o dignity_n the_o mean_n to_o gratify_v his_o interest_n his_o vanity_n his_o pride_n or_o his_o other_o passion_n without_o a_o firm_a and_o solid_a virtue_n he_o can_v withstand_v those_o temptation_n which_o offer_v themselves_o every_o minute_n and_o which_o be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a and_o subtle_a because_o in_o those_o exalt_a post_n ill_a thing_n for_o the_o most_o part_n may_v be_v do_v with_o safety_n if_o we_o add_v to_o all_o this_o that_o a_o ill_a magistrate_n be_v answerable_a for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o disorder_n which_o happen_v and_o of_o the_o crime_n which_o be_v commit_v in_o society_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o magistracy_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o life_n wherein_o piety_n be_v extreme_o necessary_a and_o in_o which_o great_a circumspection_n and_o a_o sublime_a virtue_n be_v the_o only_a preservative_n against_o a_o thousand_o opportunity_n of_o transgress_v the_o duty_n of_o conscience_n and_o violate_v the_o most_o sacred_a law_n of_o religion_n and_o justice_n ii_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n to_o labour_v for_o the_o promote_a of_o virtue_n and_o the_o suppress_n of_o vice_n among_o men._n we_o have_v show_v already_o that_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n to_o do_v so_o since_o religion_n be_v the_o sure_a foundation_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o of_o the_o fidelity_n of_o their_o people_n but_o their_o duty_n do_v beside_o indispensable_o oblige_v they_o to_o this_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o this_o obligation_n lie_v upon_o they_o since_o every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o advance_v the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o edify_v his_o neighbour_n as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v in_o that_o state_n and_o condition_n he_o be_v in_o the_o duty_n here_o be_v answerable_a to_o the_o abilitry_n so_o that_o we_o may_v apply_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o maxim_n of_o the_o gospel_n xii_o gospel_n luke_n xii_o that_o to_o who_o soever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o much_o shall_v be_v require_v private_a man_n can_v do_v much_o towards_o promote_a the_o glory_n of_o god_n their_o zeal_n and_o good_a intention_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n useless_a it_o be_v not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o hinder_v general_a disorder_n this_o aught_o therefore_o to_o be_v do_v by_o man_n of_o authority_n and_o they_o may_v do_v it_o easy_o beside_o a_o christian_a magistrate_n be_v to_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v providence_n which_o raise_v he_o to_o the_o post_n he_o be_v in_o and_o that_o by_o consequence_n he_o be_v engage_v in_o justice_n and_o gratitude_n to_o use_v his_o authority_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n last_o will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n that_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n shall_v do_v no_o service_n to_o religion_n when_o king_n and_o prince_n who_o be_v not_o christian_a can_v do_v so_o much_o hurt_v to_o it_o now_o they_o may_v advance_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o banish_v corruption_n these_o two_o way_n 1._o by_o their_o example_n 2._o by_o their_o care_n 1._o by_o their_o example_n this_o method_n be_v of_o great_a efficacy_n example_n be_v very_o forcible_a but_o their_o effect_n depend_v for_o the_o most_o part_n upon_o the_o quality_n and_o character_n of_o the_o person_n they_o come_v from_o it_o have_v be_v make_v appear_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n how_o much_o benefit_n redound_v to_o the_o church_n from_o the_o good_a life_n and_o example_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o but_o the_o example_n of_o king_n prince_n and_o magistrate_n be_v in_o some_o respect_n of_o great_a weight_n when_o a_o churchman_n recommend_v virtue_n by_o a_o exemplary_a life_n it_o be_v often_o say_v that_o his_o profession_n oblige_v he_o to_o live_v so_o and_o this_o consideration_n make_v he_o to_o be_v example_n of_o little_a force_n upon_o worldly-minded_n men._n but_o when_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n be_v pious_a those_o man_n have_v no_o such_o thing_n to_o say_v the_o splendour_n and_o authority_n which_o surround_v greatness_n give_v much_o credit_n to_o every_o thing_n that_o come_v from_o great_a men._n they_o may_v sometime_o do_v more_o good_a with_o one_o word_n than_o a_o preacher_n can_v do_v by_o many_o sermon_n i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o work_n that_o one_o of_o the_o great_a obstacle_n to_o piety_n be_v a_o false_a shame_n which_o restrain_v man_n from_o do_v their_o duty_n for_o fear_v of_o be_v observe_v and_o despise_v and_o i_o be_o to_o show_v hereafter_o that_o custom_n have_v introduce_v among_o christian_n a_o great_a many_o maxim_n and_o practice_n contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n these_o two_o thing_n occasion_n corruption_n and_o till_o they_o be_v remedy_v vice_n and_o impiety_n must_v still_o reign_v but_o the_o example_n of_o great_a man_n be_v sufficient_a to_o remove_v almost_o entire_o both_o these_o spring_n of_o corruption_n they_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o honour_n and_o custom_n it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o make_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v repute_v shameful_a to_o be_v think_v honourable_a and_o to_o abolish_v that_o which_o be_v general_o receive_v so_o that_o how_o scarce_o and_o despesed_a soever_o piety_n may_v be_v a_o idea_n of_o honour_n will_v be_v affix_v to_o it_o if_o it_o be_v favour_v and_o profess_v by_o great_a man_n and_o that_o will_v be_v respect_v in_o they_o which_o in_o other_o be_v look_v upon_o with_o indifference_n or_o contempt_n that_o which_o have_v happen_v with_o relation_n to_o duel_n be_v a_o strong_a proof_n of_o what_o i_o say_v to_o decline_v fight_v a_o duel_n have_v be_v think_v for_o a_o long_a time_n a_o disgrace_n and_o a_o infamy_n a_o false_a notion_n of_o honour_n do_v then_o bear_v down_o the_o strong_a principle_n of_o nature_n reason_n and_o christianity_n and_o drive_v man_n to_o that_o excess_n of_o brutality_n and_o madness_n that_o they_o will_v cut_v one_o another_o throat_n for_o a_o trifle_n but_o in_o those_o place_n where_o christian_n prince_n have_v abolish_v duel_n people_n be_v now_o of_o another_o mind_n and_o think_v it_o no_o shame_n to_o refuse_v a_o challenge_n and_o
thus_o swear_v drunkenness_n and_o the_o great_a of_o other_o clamorous_a sin_n may_v be_v suppress_v if_o great_a man_n please_v be_v it_o not_o observe_v beside_o that_o when_o a_o prince_n be_v devout_a devotion_n come_v into_o fashion_n it_o may_v be_v that_o this_o devotion_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o example_n of_o prince_n be_v not_o always_o sincere_a but_o at_o least_o it_o regulate_v manner_n as_o to_o the_o exterior_a and_o such_o a_o outward_a reformation_n may_v be_v a_o step_n towards_o true_a devotion_n however_o this_o show_v that_o the_o opinion_n and_o example_n of_o man_n in_o authority_n have_v a_o great_a power_n and_o sure_o if_o by_o their_o credit_n they_o can_v make_v vice_n itself_o to_o be_v honour_v will_v it_o not_o be_v much_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o make_v other_o man_n honour_v virtue_n since_o it_o be_v honourable_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o express_v of_o what_o consequence_n the_o example_n of_o great_a man_n be_v either_o for_o good_a or_o evil._n a_o prince_n who_o be_v vicious_a cruel_a dissolute_a artificious_a or_o unjust_a be_v enough_o to_o infect_v a_o whole_a state_n in_o a_o very_a little_a time_n to_o banish_v piety_n from_o it_o and_o to_o bring_v into_o repute_n drunkenness_n lewdnese_n cheat_v indevotion_n and_o all_o the_o other_o vice_n which_o he_o allow_v himself_o in_o this_o we_o find_v by_o daily_a experience_n such_o as_o the_o prince_n be_v so_o be_v those_o about_o he_o and_o from_o these_o the_o evil_a spread_v upon_o the_o whole_a people_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o credit_n and_o authority_n to_o which_o they_o be_v raise_v and_o of_o the_o influence_n they_o have_v upon_o public_a and_o private_a affair_n what_o may_v not_o be_v say_v here_o of_o the_o life_n which_o be_v lead_v in_o the_o court_n of_o prince_n except_v some_o few_o court_n where_o licentiousness_n be_v not_o suffer_v that_o kind_n of_o life_n which_o be_v follow_v at_o court_n for_o the_o generality_n agree_v little_a with_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n people_z live_v there_o altogether_o in_o a_o loose_a and_o worldly_a manner_n in_o luxury_n idleness_n pomp_n and_o pleasure_n there_o the_o strong_a and_o the_o most_o entice_a temptation_n be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o and_o the_o most_o criminal_a intrigue_n adultery_n itself_o be_v rather_o a_o matter_n of_o raillery_n than_o reproach_n it_o be_v almost_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o insinuate_v himself_o into_o the_o favour_n of_o prince_n and_o to_o advance_v his_o fortune_n at_o court_n unless_o he_o make_v it_o his_o maxim_n to_o dissemble_v his_o sentiment_n and_o to_o speak_v direct_o against_o his_o own_o thought_n the_o worst_a of_o it_o be_v that_o from_o thence_o corruption_n diffuse_v itself_o almost_o every_o where_n so_o that_o many_o disorder_n which_o be_v in_o vogue_n will_v be_v unknown_a or_o at_o least_o very_a rare_a in_o the_o world_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v introduce_v by_o that_o licentiousness_n which_o reign_v in_o the_o court_n of_o prince_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o endeavour_n which_o christian_a magistrate_n ought_v to_o use_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o revive_n of_o piety_n these_o endeavour_n relate_v either_o to_o civil_a matter_n or_o to_o religion_n 1._o in_o civil_a matter_n it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o restrain_v libertinism_n and_o corruption_n by_o regulate_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o subject_n either_o by_o repeal_n the_o law_n and_o custom_n which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o religion_n and_o which_o engage_v the_o people_n into_o the_o violation_n of_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o by_o reform_v the_o abuse_n which_o be_v introduce_v from_o time_n to_o time_n particular_o those_o which_o creep_v into_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n in_o relation_n to_o all_o these_o thing_n there_o be_v several_a fault_n which_o the_o church_n can_v provide_v against_o and_o which_o nothing_o can_v remedy_v but_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n 2._o the_o other_o care_n relate_v direct_o to_o religion_n 1._o prince_n and_o king_n profess_v christianity_n be_v bind_v to_o procure_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o welfare_n of_o the_o church_n they_o ought_v to_o set_v about_o the_o establish_n of_o truth_n and_o peace_n provide_v that_o in_o order_n to_o that_o they_o use_v no_o mean_n but_o such_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o gospel_n they_o ought_v by_o their_o authority_n to_o see_v that_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n want_v nothing_o of_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o maintain_n of_o order_n and_o decency_n that_o divine_a service_n be_v due_o perform_v that_o there_o be_v both_o place_n for_o that_o purpose_n and_o a_o sufficient_a number_n of_o person_n to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n that_o those_o person_n may_v subsist_v honourable_o that_o they_o do_v their_o duty_n and_o keep_v themselves_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o call_v they_o must_v not_o suffer_v church_n good_n or_o revenve_n to_o be_v apply_v to_o use_n mere_o civil_a and_o when_o these_o revenue_n be_v not_o sufficient_a it_o become_v their_o piety_n and_o justice_n to_o allot_v some_o part_n of_o the_o public_a revenue_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n in_o fine_a as_o to_z manner_n i_o observe_v before_o that_o they_o may_v easy_o give_v a_o stop_n to_o vice_n and_o impiety_n to_o luxury_n swear_v and_o other_o scandal_n which_o dishonour_v the_o church_n and_o if_o they_o can_v do_v this_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v it_o every_o christian_a be_v bind_v to_o do_v all_o that_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n 2._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o magistrate_n who_o be_v member_n of_o the_o church_n aught_o to_o protect_v it_o to_o maintain_v the_o order_n which_o god_n have_v establish_v in_o it_o and_o not_o to_o suffer_v any_o breach_n to_o be_v make_v there_o so_o that_o though_o they_o may_v regulate_v many_o thing_n which_o concern_v religion_n and_o though_o the_o church_n owe_v they_o a_o great_a regard_n yet_o they_o can_v without_o usurpation_n and_o injustice_n arrogate_v to_o themselves_o the_o whole_a authority_n with_o relation_n to_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n they_o be_v neither_o the_o prince_n nor_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n as_o they_o be_v the_o prince_n and_o the_o head_n of_o civil_a society_n a_o authority_n superior_a to_o they_o have_v institute_v religion_n pastor_n and_o discipline_n there_o be_v a_o law_n enact_v by_o the_o king_n of_o king_n and_o the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n which_o clear_o determine_v the_o right_n and_o duty_n both_o of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o governor_n of_o it_o all_o these_o be_v sacred_a thing_n which_o earthly_a power_n be_v not_o to_o meddle_v with_o they_o be_v law_n which_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n do_v submit_v to_o when_o they_o become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n with_o respect_n to_o these_o i_o mean_v still_o essential_a thing_n appoint_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n they_o have_v acquire_v no_o right_n by_o embrace_v christianity_n since_o he_o who_o become_v member_n of_o a_o society_n can_v by_o that_o acquire_v a_o right_a to_o alter_v the_o natural_a form_n and_o constitution_n of_o it_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o king_n of_o judah_n show_v that_o a_o prince_n who_o profess_v true_a religion_n may_v interpose_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o but_o we_o must_v take_v care_v not_o to_o carry_v this_o instance_n too_o far_o as_o those_o do_v who_o ascribe_v to_o the_o magistrate_n a_o supreme_a authority_n in_o the_o church_n who_o allow_v he_o a_o right_a to_o order_v every_o thing_n there_o not_o except_v discipline_n the_o call_n of_o pastor_n nor_o even_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n for_o beside_o that_o under_o the_o law_n king_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n the_o judge_n of_o every_o thing_n which_o concern_v religion_n we_o be_v not_o to_o argue_v altogether_o about_o the_o christian_a religion_n from_o what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n among_o â—â—e_z jew_n the_o church_n and_o the_o state_n be_v mix_v together_o and_o in_o some_o measure_n undistinguished_a from_o one_o another_o that_o mere_o spiritual_a society_n which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n and_o which_o be_v confine_v to_o no_o state_n or_o people_n or_o any_o particular_a form_n of_o civil_a government_n be_v proper_o erect_v since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n god_n act_v among_o the_o jew_n as_o a_o civil_a magistrate_n the_o law_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n external_a law_n which_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o be_v maintain_v by_o force_n and_o authority_n the_o right_n of_o divine_a service_n and_o the_o function_n of_o priest_n be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o evangelical_n worship_n and_o from_o the_o office_n of_o christian_a pastor_n after_o all_o if_o we_o
shall_v go_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n be_v invest_v with_o civil_a authority_n and_o a_o very_a great_a authority_n too_o the_o jewish_a priest_n hold_v a_o considerable_a rank_n in_o the_o state_n as_o well_o as_o in_o religion_n if_o upon_o some_o occasion_n king_n have_v depose_v priest_n upon_o other_o occasion_n priest_n have_v oppose_v king_n and_o alter_v the_o government_n xxvi_o government_n see_v chron._n xxiii_o and_o xxvi_o so_o that_o without_o press_v too_o much_o those_o instance_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o best_a way_n be_v to_o consult_v the_o new_a and_o to_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o whosoever_o examine_v without_o prejudice_n those_o sacred_a book_n which_o have_v be_v write_v since_o the_o come_v of_o our_o saviour_n will_v acknowledge_v that_o thing_n be_v now_o alter_v and_o that_o magistrate_n have_v but_o a_o limit_a authority_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o the_o scripture_n never_o mention_n they_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o government_n of_o it_o 3_o and_o yet_o as_o the_o authority_n of_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n it_o ought_v still_o to_o subsist_v entire_a and_o therefore_o they_o have_v a_o unquestionable_a right_n to_o take_v care_n that_o nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o their_o lawful_a authority_n and_o of_o public_a tranquillity_n and_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n do_v not_o stretch_v their_o authority_n beyond_o spiritual_a thing_n the_o honour_n and_o the_o safety_n of_o religion_n require_v that_o this_o principle_n shall_v be_v lay_v down_o for_o religion_n as_o be_v say_v before_o ought_v not_o to_o disturb_v society_n and_o true_a religion_n will_v never_o disturb_v it_o if_o then_o any_o christian_n or_o churchman_n under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n shall_v break_v in_o upon_o the_o civil_a government_n and_o the_o public_a peace_n king_n and_o prince_n have_v a_o right_a to_o restrain_v they_o and_o then_o they_o do_v not_o oppose_v religion_n but_o those_o only_o who_o abuse_n and_o dishonour_v it_o after_o these_o consideration_n i_o think_v any_o man_n be_v able_a to_o judge_v whether_o the_o decay_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n be_v not_o in_o part_n to_o be_v impute_v to_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n we_o need_v but_o inquire_v whether_o both_o in_o civil_a and_o religious_a matter_n they_o observe_v the_o duty_n i_o have_v now_o describe_v i_o say_v no_o more_o of_o this_o because_o every_o body_n be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o application_n but_o i_o must_v add_v that_o if_o the_o want_n of_o zeal_n in_o magistrate_n be_v enough_o to_o introduce_v confusion_n and_o vice_n into_o the_o church_n the_o mischief_n be_v much_o great_a when_o not_o only_o they_o do_v not_o what_o they_o ought_v for_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n but_o when_o they_o use_v their_o authority_n beside_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o it_o i_o can_v forbear_v mention_v here_o two_o great_a abuse_n the_o first_o be_v when_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n assume_v the_o whole_a authority_n to_o themselves_o so_o that_o except_o preach_v and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n they_o will_v do_v every_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n when_o they_o presume_v to_o determine_v article_n of_o faith_n to_o rule_v the_o conscience_n of_o their_o subject_n and_o to_o force_v they_o to_o embrace_v one_o persuasion_n rather_o than_o another_o when_o they_o will_v by_o all_o mean_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o call_v pastor_n without_o regard_n to_o that_o right_n of_o the_o church_n and_o churchman_n which_o be_v establish_v in_o scripture_n and_o confirn_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n when_o they_o seize_v upon_o church-estate_n though_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o fear_v that_o wealth_n shall_v corrupt_v their_o clergy_n and_o though_o such_o revenue_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o several_a pious_a uses_n and_o particular_o to_o the_o relief_n of_o country-churche_n most_o of_o which_o be_v not_o sufficient_o edify_v for_o want_v of_o necessary_a endowment_n and_o fund_n a_o great_a deal_n may_v be_v say_v about_o that_o which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o last_o century_n with_o relation_n to_o church-revenue_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o people_n have_v be_v a_o little_a more_o scrupulous_a than_o they_o be_v when_o they_o invade_v the_o possession_n of_o the_o church_n and_o confound_v they_o with_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o state_n beside_o this_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n be_v fatal_a to_o the_o church_n when_o he_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o true_a discipline_n and_o when_o he_o substitute_n such_o regulation_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a in_o the_o room_n of_o apostolical_a law_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a obstruction_n to_o the_o restore_n of_o apostolical_a discipline_n though_o the_o church_n and_o her_o pastor_n shall_v be_v willing_a to_o observe_v the_o ancient_a order_n and_o to_o oppose_v corruption_n by_o those_o mean_n which_o the_o gospel_n enjoin_v yet_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v if_o those_o who_o have_v the_o authority_n in_o their_o hand_n will_v not_o give_v way_n to_o it_o the_o church_n be_v not_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o resist_v and_o to_o make_v head_n against_o the_o magistrate_n when_o he_o use_v force_n and_o she_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o if_o she_o can_v the_o second_o abuse_n be_v when_o the_o magistrate_n make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o abase_v religion_n in_o the_o person_n of_o its_o minister_n by_o despoil_v they_o as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v of_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v procure_v they_o respect_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n this_o policy_n be_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o the_o promote_a of_o piety_n as_o it_o be_v common_a now_o adays_o in_o several_a christian_a dominion_n it_o be_v well_o do_v of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o preserve_v his_o authority_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o clergy_n from_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o their_o call_v but_o from_o thence_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o trample_v they_o under_o foot_n to_o bring_v they_o under_o a_o general_a contempt_n and_o to_o vilify_v their_o character_n which_o after_o all_o be_v sacred_a and_o venerable_a this_o be_v to_o sacrifice_v religion_n to_o policy_n and_o pride_n and_o this_o proceed_v be_v a_o manifest_a cause_n of_o the_o contempt_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o corruption_n which_o necessary_o follow_v that_o contempt_n since_o common_o nothing_o be_v more_o despise_v in_o the_o world_n than_o that_o which_o great_a man_n despise_v i_o declare_v it_o once_o more_o by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v i_o do_v not_o mean_v to_o detract_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o respect_n due_a to_o civil_a power_n neither_o do_v i_o speak_v of_o all_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n among_o who_o there_o be_v some_o who_o have_v piety_n and_o zeal_n and_o who_o labour_n with_o success_n for_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v speak_v the_o truth_n so_o that_o i_o can_v not_o but_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o cause_n of_o corruption_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o if_o christian_a magistrate_n will_v be_v please_v to_o make_v serious_a reflection_n upon_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v soon_o see_v a_o end_n of_o some_o of_o these_o disorder_n and_o that_o a_o happy_a time_n will_v come_v when_o they_o will_v use_v their_o authority_n to_o advance_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o restore_v truth_n piety_n and_o peace_n among_o christian_n cause_n v._o education_n nothing_o be_v more_o natural_a than_o to_o look_v for_o the_o original_a of_o corruption_n in_o the_o time_n at_o which_o it_o begin_v i_o mean_v in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o life_n it_o be_v not_o only_a when_o man_n have_v attain_v to_o a_o ripeness_n of_o age_n that_o they_o be_v incline_v to_o vice_n but_o that_o inclination_n discover_v itself_o from_o their_o youth_n the_o root_n of_o that_o ignorance_n of_o those_o prejudices_fw-la and_o of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o ill_a disposition_n they_o be_v in_o may_v be_v find_v in_o their_o tender_a year_n we_o have_v need_v then_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o beginning_n of_o life_n and_o seek_v in_o youth_n and_o in_o infancy_n itself_o the_o source_n of_o corruption_n when_o we_o enter_v upon_o this_o enquiry_n and_o consider_v that_o man_n if_o nothing_o restrain_v they_o will_v run_v into_o vice_n from_o their_o youth_n out_o of_o a_o propension_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o we_o can_v but_o perceive_v at_o first_o sight_n that_o there_o must_v be_v in_o
common_o leave_v their_o innocency_n 5._o the_o mean_n of_o procure_v to_o child_n a_o happy_a education_n be_v not_o use_v as_o they_o shall_v be_v these_o mean_n be_v instruction_n encouragement_n and_o correction_n instruction_n be_v very_o much_o neglect_v as_o i_o shall_v more_o particular_o show_v when_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o education_n of_o youth_n with_o reference_n to_o religion_n parent_n seldom_o give_v good_a direction_n to_o their_o child_n to_o teach_v they_o how_o they_o ought_v to_o live_v they_o do_v worse_o they_o train_v they_o up_o to_o ill_a thing_n and_o give_v they_o bad_a instruction_n by_o the_o discourse_n and_o the_o maxim_n they_o utter_v in_o the_o hear_n of_o their_o child_n they_o infuse_v sentiment_n and_o principle_n of_o covetousness_n pride_n sensuality_n and_o dissimulation_n into_o they_o they_o teach_v they_o to_o act_v upon_o the_o motive_n of_o interest_n and_o passion_n or_o by_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o false_a honour_n nay_o they_o do_v sometime_o direct_o teach_v they_o vice_n they_o encourage_v they_o to_o lie_v and_o cheat_n to_o be_v revengeful_a and_o passionate_a so_o that_o young_a people_n be_v not_o only_o destitute_a of_o good_a instruction_n but_o they_o be_v beside_o infect_v from_o their_o infancy_n with_o several_a most_o pernicious_a principle_n i_o need_v not_o say_v what_o the_o consequence_n of_o such_o a_o education_n be_v like_a to_o be_v if_o few_o child_n be_v form_v to_o virtue_n by_o instruction_n few_o be_v make_v virtuous_a by_o the_o good_a example_n of_o their_o parent_n it_o be_v much_o when_o this_o example_n be_v not_o bad_a and_o dangerous_a in_o most_o family_n child_n see_v nothing_o that_o savour_v of_o christianity_n except_o some_o external_a act_n of_o religion_n they_o observe_v that_o every_o one_o of_o the_o family_n be_v employ_v about_o temporal_a thing_n the_o discourse_n they_o hear_v turn_v altogether_o on_o interest_n or_o some_o trifle_a subject_n they_o be_v witness_n of_o a_o great_a many_o disorder_n of_o the_o heat_n and_o quarrel_n of_o their_o father_n and_o mother_n of_o their_o avarice_n their_o swear_v their_o lie_v their_o intemperance_n their_o impiety_n and_o their_o want_n of_o respect_n for_o religion_n these_o be_v the_o example_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n child_n have_v before_o their_o eye_n and_o which_o corrupt_v they_o more_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o at_o that_o age_n almost_o every_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o imitation_n and_o example_n and_o no_o example_n make_v more_o impression_n upon_o they_o than_o the_o example_n of_o their_o parent_n because_o it_o be_v always_o in_o sight_n and_o they_o think_v beside_o they_o can_v do_v amiss_o as_o long_o as_o they_o copy_n after_o it_o it_o be_v very_o useful_a in_o educate_v child_n to_o encourage_v they_o i_o mean_v not_o only_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v exhort_v and_o incite_v to_o their_o duty_n and_o that_o from_o the_o motive_n of_o honour_n and_o from_o the_o pleasure_n that_o attend_v the_o do_v of_o it_o but_o that_o likewise_o we_o shall_v express_v our_o satisfaction_n and_o our_o love_n and_o esteem_v of_o they_o when_o they_o do_v as_o we_o will_v have_v they_o a_o word_n of_o praise_n a_o little_a reward_n inspire_v new_a ardour_n into_o they_o we_o may_v do_v what_o we_o please_v with_o child_n when_o we_o can_v prevail_v upon_o they_o with_o gentle_a method_n and_o win_v their_o love_n they_o then_o accustom_v themselves_o betimes_o to_o do_v their_o duty_n out_o of_o inclination_n and_o from_o noble_a and_o generous_a view_n but_o to_o use_v always_o severity_n towards_o child_n and_o to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o their_o endeavour_n to_o do_v well_o be_v the_o way_n to_o discourage_v they_o and_o to_o extinguish_v in_o they_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n yet_o severity_n be_v necessary_a and_o upon_o some_o occasion_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o forbear_v rigour_n and_o correction_n those_o indulgent_a parent_n who_o be_v restrain_v by_o a_o false_a tenderness_n can_v find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o chastise_v their_o child_n do_v infallible_o ruin_v they_o but_o if_o the_o want_n of_o correction_n and_o discipline_n make_v child_n unruly_a chastisement_n ill_o dispense_v produce_v the_o same_o effect_n there_o be_v common_o three_o fault_n commit_v in_o the_o correct_v of_o child_n the_o first_o relate_v to_o the_o cause_n for_o which_o they_o be_v chastise_v correction_n shall_v not_o be_v use_v but_o for_o those_o fault_n which_o have_v something_o of_o vice_n in_o they_o as_o when_o child_n be_v guilty_a of_o malice_n of_o some_o ill_a habit_n or_o of_o great_a negligence_n and_o even_o then_o we_o shall_v not_o proceed_v to_o chastisement_n but_o after_o we_o have_v try_v other_o way_n to_o no_o purpose_n but_o this_o rule_n be_v little_o observe_v child_n be_v punish_v for_o all_o sort_n of_o fault_n indifferent_o and_o very_o often_o for_o small_a one_o they_o will_v sometime_o be_v severe_o chastise_v because_o they_o can_v not_o say_v their_o lesson_n without_o book_n or_o for_o some_o other_o little_a disorder_n they_o have_v do_v in_o the_o house_n through_o imprudence_n and_o without_o malice_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n fault_n against_o piety_n and_o good_a manner_n shall_v be_v pass_v over_o these_o correction_n produce_v several_a ill_a effect_n and_o especial_o this_o that_o child_n form_n to_o themselves_o false_a notion_n of_o their_o duty_n the_o fancy_n that_o the_o fault_n for_o which_o they_o be_v punish_v be_v the_o most_o considerable_a and_o that_o there_o be_v more_o hurt_n in_o spoil_v their_o clothes_n or_o in_o miss_v a_o word_n of_o their_o lesson_n that_o in_o lie_v or_o in_o pray_v without_o attention_n which_o lessen_v in_o they_o the_o abhorrence_n of_o vice_n the_o second_o error_n which_o relate_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o correction_n inflict_v upon_o child_n be_v when_o no_o other_o chastisement_n be_v use_v but_o those_o which_o make_v the_o body_n smart_n such_o correction_n without_o doubt_n be_v useful_a and_o necessary_a because_o child_n be_v chief_o move_v by_o those_o thing_n which_o strike_v the_o sense_n but_o they_o be_v not_o the_o only_a one_o to_o which_o recourse_n be_v to_o be_v have_v to_o beat_v child_n every_o time_n they_o do_v amiss_o be_v to_o use_v they_o like_o beast_n there_o be_v other_o way_n of_o punish_v be_v mortify_v they_o the_o most_o profitable_a correction_n be_v those_o which_o excite_v in_o they_o sorrow_n and_o shame_n for_o the_o ill_a they_o have_v do_v last_o there_o be_v a_o error_n in_o the_o chastise_v of_o child_n when_o they_o be_v not_o correct_v with_o discretion_n and_o gentleness_n prudence_n and_o even_a justice_n require_v that_o regard_n shall_v be_v have_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o fault_n to_o the_o disposition_n they_o be_v in_o and_o to_o other_o circumstance_n and_o it_o become_v that_o love_n which_o a_o father_n owe_v his_o child_n to_o correct_v they_o with_o lenity_n and_o moderation_n and_o to_o forbear_v excessive_a severity_n child_n shall_v perceive_v the_o tenderness_n of_o their_o parent_n even_o in_o their_o correction_n and_o be_v make_v sensible_a that_o it_o be_v with_o reluctancy_n and_o only_o in_o order_n to_o their_o good_a that_o they_o treat_v they_o with_o some_o rigour_n if_o chastisement_n be_v dispense_v with_o these_o caution_n they_o will_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o cause_n pain_n beget_v in_o child_n mind_n a_o sorrow_n for_o have_v do_v amiss_o and_o they_o will_v make_v they_o love_v their_o parent_n even_o while_o they_o be_v punish_v they_o but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n parent_n or_o those_o who_o have_v a_o authority_n over_o child_n chastise_v they_o without_o discretion_n and_o with_o a_o rigour_n which_o border_n upon_o cruelty_n they_o punish_v they_o rather_o out_o of_o passion_n spite_n or_o revenge_n than_o upon_o wise_a and_o sober_a consideration_n such_o a_o proceed_n discourage_v and_o provoke_v child_n and_o it_o make_v they_o hate_v their_o duty_n i_o confess_v this_o method_n may_v strike_v terror_n into_o they_o and_o curb_n they_o a_o little_a but_o they_o grow_v the_o more_o stout_a and_o incorrigible_a by_o it_o and_o they_o will_v certain_o run_v into_o licentiouness_n assoon_o as_o they_o be_v no_o long_o restrain_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v hitherto_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o man_n corruption_n be_v a_o consequence_n of_o the_o education_n they_o have_v in_o their_o youth_n but_o this_o will_v yet_o more_o evident_o appear_v by_o the_o reflection_n i_o be_o now_o go_v to_o make_v upon_o the_o way_n of_o bring_v up_o child_n in_o religion_n and_o piety_n we_o be_v here_o to_o consider_v education_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o two_o end_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o educate_v of_o youth_n first_o in_o the_o knowledgwe_n and_o then_o in_o the_o
practice_n of_o religion_n i._o the_o consideration_n to_o be_v insist_v on_o concern_v the_o first_o head_n relate_v either_o to_o the_o thing_n which_o child_n be_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o or_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o instruct_v they_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o thing_n themselves_o there_o be_v two_o article_n upon_o which_o the_o instruction_n of_o youth_n ought_v to_o depend_v and_o those_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n the_o chief_a rule_n to_o be_v observe_v with_o relation_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o insist_v upon_o those_o which_o be_v the_o most_o necessary_a and_o to_o give_v a_o distinct_a notion_n of_o they_o to_o child_n and_o here_o two_o fault_n be_v commit_v the_o first_o be_v when_o they_o be_v not_o instruct_v in_o all_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v in_o order_n to_o be_v a_o christian_a the_o second_o be_v when_o such_o instruction_n be_v propose_v to_o they_o as_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o their_o age_n or_o even_o useless_a to_o explain_v my_o mean_v a_o little_a further_o i_o say_v first_o that_o there_o be_v some_o essential_a thing_n which_o child_n be_v not_o at_o all_o or_o but_o imperfect_o teach_v among_o these_o we_o may_v reckon_v the_o knowledge_n of_o sacred_a history_n religion_n be_v found_v upon_o history_n religion_n be_v found_v upon_o history_n and_o fact_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a that_o instruction_n shall_v begin_v at_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o at_o the_o main_a event_n which_o be_v relate_v both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n so_o that_o child_n may_v know_v at_o least_o in_o general_n the_o principal_a age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o most_o remarkable_a thing_n which_o do_v happen_v from_o the_o creation_n to_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n what_o the_o flood_n be_v what_o be_v the_o egyptian_a and_o the_o babilonish_a captivity_n what_o time_n moses_n david_n the_o patriarch_n and_o the_o prophet_n live_v in_o what_o sort_n of_o people_n the_o heathen_n and_o the_o jew_n be_v and_o what_o kind_n of_o life_n our_o saviour_n lead_v it_o must_v not_o be_v say_v that_o history_n be_v above_o the_o capacity_n of_o child_n for_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v to_o they_o the_o easy_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o harken_v to_o with_o the_o great_a pleasure_n and_o which_o they_o remember_v best_a nothing_o do_v more_o smooth_o enter_v into_o their_o mind_n than_o history_n all_o the_o thing_n i_o have_v not_o mention_v may_v be_v teach_v they_o in_o a_o week_n and_o this_o knowledge_n be_v as_o necessary_a as_o it_o be_v easy_o acquire_v a_o man_n can_v never_o understand_v his_o religion_n well_o or_o be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o its_o truth_n if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v the_o fact_n which_o be_v suppose_n we_o see_v that_o it_o be_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o history_n that_o god_n choose_v to_o instruct_v mankind_n and_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n make_v up_o the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n that_o in_o catechism_n and_o other_o instruction_n give_v to_o youth_n history_n shall_v be_v so_o little_o insist_v upon_o this_o be_v visible_o one_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o profound_a ignorance_n which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n live_v in_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o understand_v almost_o nothing_o of_o what_o they_o read_v or_o hear_v in_o sermon_n and_o why_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v teach_v make_v so_o little_a impression_n upon_o they_o teach_v child_n history_n give_v they_o beforehand_o some_o notion_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n but_o yet_o these_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n ought_v to_o be_v propose_v to_o they_o separately_z that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o more_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o they_o above_o all_o thing_n great_a care_n shall_v be_v take_v to_o imprint_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v instruct_v the_o knowledge_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n but_o this_o likewise_o be_v not_o do_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o catechism_n as_o well_o as_o in_o sermon_n particular_a truth_n be_v dwell_v upon_o and_o the_o general_a one_o be_v touch_v only_o by_o the_o by_o this_o be_v a_o fault_n i_o have_v observe_v in_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o this_o work_n now_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o child_n be_v suffer_v to_o be_v ignorant_a about_o many_o important_a article_n they_o be_v perplex_v with_o divers_a useless_a or_o not_o very_o necessary_a instruction_n instead_o of_o limit_v they_o to_o the_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n their_o mind_n and_o memory_n be_v fill_v up_o with_o many_o thing_n which_o they_o may_v safe_o be_v ignorant_a of_o some_o will_v have_v they_o understand_v the_o dispute_n of_o divine_n concern_v the_o most_o curious_a and_o abstruse_a question_n and_o they_o be_v make_v to_o get_v several_a thing_n by_o heart_n which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o which_o be_v of_o no_o great_a use_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n child_n learn_v these_o thing_n and_o say_v they_o without_o book_n and_o be_v possess_v with_o the_o conceit_n that_o they_o be_v as_o many_o article_n of_o faith_n they_o rank_n among_o divine_a truth_n school_n term_n and_o doctrine_n of_o which_o they_o neither_o apprehend_v the_o certainty_n nor_o the_o use_n and_o thus_o have_v none_o but_o intricate_a idea_n about_o religion_n they_o do_v not_o perceive_v the_o beauty_n the_o solidity_n or_o the_o excellence_n of_o it_o and_o they_o have_v neither_o true_a love_n nor_o respect_n for_o it_o when_o child_n be_v once_o instruct_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v particular_o necessary_a to_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a sort_n of_o duty_n in_o religion_n first_o the_o duty_n conceme_v divine_a worship_n or_o service_n and_o then_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n the_o first_o be_v adoration_n the_o honour_n which_o be_v pay_v to_o god_n prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n but_o as_o these_o duty_n may_v be_v perform_v either_o outward_o or_o in_o wardly_a it_o be_v of_o very_o great_a moment_n to_o make_v child_n apprehend_v that_o brayer_n and_o all_o the_o other_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n aught_o to_o proceed_v from_o the_o heart_n that_o iu._n that_o john_n iu._n god_n will_v be_v serve_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o that_o without_o this_o the_o worship_n which_o be_v pay_v to_o he_o either_o in_o private_a or_o in_o public_a do_v only_o provoke_v his_o displeasure_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o therefore_o to_o tell_v child_n that_o they_o must_v pray_v to_o god_n or_o go_v to_o church_n and_o to_o teach_v they_o some_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v say_v at_o certain_a time_n and_o hour_n all_o this_o be_v but_o external_a and_o if_o we_o go_v no_o far_o if_o we_o do_v not_o careful_o inform_v they_o that_o true_a worship_n be_v internal_a and_o spiritual_a we_o shall_v make_v but_o hypocrite_n of_o they_o by_o tench_a they_o to_o pray_v and_o to_o perform_v religious_a acts._n the_o fault_n then_o which_o be_v commit_v in_o this_o point_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o we_o may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o hypocrisy_n and_o indevotion_n be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o negligence_n the_o religion_n of_o most_o christian_n consist_v only_o in_o some_o external_a action_n they_o think_v they_o have_v fulfil_v their_o duty_n when_o they_o have_v recite_v some_o prayer_n or_o be_v present_a at_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n though_o in_o all_o they_o do_v this_o kind_n they_o have_v neither_o attention_n nor_o elevation_n of_o heart_n but_o this_o error_n which_o be_v so_o capital_a and_o yet_o so_o common_a arise_v chief_o from_o hence_o that_o child_n be_v form_v only_o to_o a_o mere_a outside_n devotion_n and_o worship_n young_a people_n be_v not_o much_o better_o instruct_v in_o moral_a duty_n i_o shall_v not_o enter_v here_o upon_o all_o the_o consideration_n which_o the_o subject_n may_v afford_v because_o i_o have_v treat_v of_o the_o want_n of_o instruction_n concern_v moral_n in_o several_a place_n of_o this_o treatise_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o 1_o chap._n of_o the_o first_o part._n yet_o i_o must_v say_v that_o this_o defect_n proceed_v from_o the_o instruction_n which_o be_v give_v to_o youth_n much_o great_a care_n be_v take_v to_o inform_v they_o about_o the_o doctrine_n than_o about_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n the_o question_n concern_v the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o other_o point_n of_o doctrine_n be_v handle_v and_o examine_v large_o enough_o in_o catechism_n and_o controversy_n be_v not_o forget_v but_o the_o ten_o commandment_n be_v explain_v in_o so_o
next_o place_n that_o pastor_n shall_v discharge_v their_o duty_n with_o relation_n to_o young_a people_n and_o that_o to_o this_o end_n in_o all_o place_n and_o church_n the_o necessary_a order_n and_o method_n be_v establish_v for_o instruct_v the_o people_n and_o particular_o child_n i_o remark_n this_o because_o in_o this_o respect_n thing_n be_v not_o well_o order_v so_o that_o in_o many_o place_n such_o help_n andmean_n be_v very_o much_o want_v it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o opportunity_n of_o instruction_n and_o the_o help_n to_o piety_n be_v mighty_a scarce_o in_o the_o country_n and_o in_o village_n school_n be_v there_o manage_v at_o a_o very_a ordinary_a rate_n and_o many_o place_n have_v no_o school_n at_o all_o whereby_o it_o happen_v that_o many_o person_n can_v so_o much_o as_o read_v there_o likewise_o divine_a service_n be_v but_o seldom_o perform_v and_o very_o careless_o too_o the_o minister_n who_o be_v appoint_v in_o those_o place_n be_v general_o either_o man_n of_o little_a worth_n or_o man_n who_o do_v not_o watch_v over_o their_o flock_n as_o they_o ought_v and_o who_o be_v remiss_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n these_o be_v the_o essential_a defect_n which_o shall_v be_v remedy_v by_o those_o who_o have_v authority_n in_o church_n or_o state_n above_o all_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o churchman_n shall_v have_v a_o strict_a inspection_n over_o school_n and_o family_n and_o that_o catechise_n be_v more_o frequent_a than_o they_o be_v young_a people_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o chief_a object_n of_o the_o care_n of_o pastor_n no_o part_n of_o their_o office_n be_v more_o useful_a or_o reward_v their_o labour_n with_o better_a success_n than_o that_o their_o endeavour_n to_o mend_v those_o who_o be_v come_v to_o age_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o little_a purpose_n but_o what_o they_o do_v for_o child_n â—s_a of_o great_a benefit_n if_o therefore_o they_o have_v a_o zeal_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o if_o they_o wish_v to_o see_v a_o change_n in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o church_n let_v they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o instruct_n of_o youth_n and_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o form_v a_o new_a gneration_n among_o the_o particular_a establishment_n which_o may_v be_v make_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o young_a people_n there_o be_v one_o which_o will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o which_o seem_v to_o i_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o that_o be_v that_o with_o relation_n to_o child_n who_o have_v attain_v the_o age_n of_o discretion_n the_o same_o order_n shall_v be_v observe_v for_o their_o admission_n to_o the_o sacrament_n which_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o primitive_a church_n when_o catechuman_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v into_o the_o church_n by_o baptism_n this_o admission_n be_v very_o solemn_a a_o long_a probation_n and_o instruction_n go_v before_o it_o the_o catechuman_n be_v require_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o the_o bind_v themselves_o by_o solemn_a promise_n and_o vow_n to_o renounce_v the_o world_n and_o to_o live_v holy_a no_o such_o thing_n be_v do_v at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o baptism_n because_o young_a child_n be_v baptize_v but_o what_o be_v not_o do_v at_o the_o time_n of_o baptism_n shall_v be_v do_v when_o they_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n and_o true_o if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a profession_n a_o promise_n in_o due_a form_n on_o the_o child_n part_n i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o we_o can_v well_o answer_v what_o be_v object_v by_o some_o against_o infant-baptism_n which_o yet_o be_v a_o good_a and_o laudable_a practice_n a_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n against_o his_o will_n or_o without_o his_o knowledge_n this_o engagement_n be_v a_o personal_a thing_n be_v which_o every_o bold_a shall_v act_v and_o answer_v for_o himself_o when_o child_n be_v baptize_v they_o know_v nothing_o of_o what_o be_v do_v to_o they_o it_o be_v there_o fore_o absolute_o necessary_a that_o when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o year_n of_o reason_n they_o shall_v ratify_v and_o confirm_v the_o engagement_n they_o come_v under_o by_o their_o baptism_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v become_v member_n of_o the_o church_n out_o of_o knowledge_n and_o choice_n now_o the_o fit_a time_n for_o such_o a_o confirmation_n and_o promise_n be_v when_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o participation_n of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n the_o order_n then_o which_o i_o mean_v be_v this_o first_o that_o when_o child_n desire_v to_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o sacrament_n they_o shall_v be_v instruct_v for_o some_o week_n before_o and_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o shall_v be_v inform_v of_o the_o sacredness_n and_o importance_n of_o this_o action_n and_o of_o the_o promise_n they_o be_v to_o make_v that_o so_o they_o may_v prepare_v for_o it_o betimes_o in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v examine_v and_o that_o they_o shall_v public_o render_v a_o account_n of_o their_o faith_n this_o examination_n be_v over_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v require_v to_o renew_v and_o confirm_v in_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a manner_n their_o baptismal_a vow_n to_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o his_o work_n the_o world_n and_o the_o pomp_n of_o it_o the_o flesh_n and_o its_o lust_n and_o to_o promise_v that_o they_o will_v live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o then_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o the_o communion_n by_o benediction_n and_o prayer_n it_o will_v no_o doubt_n seem_v to_o some_o that_o i_o be_o here_o propose_v a_o novelty_n and_o that_o too_o not_o very_o necessary_a that_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o all_o this_o solemnity_n that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o examine_v and_o exhort_v child_n in_o private_a and_o that_o this_o confirmation_n of_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n be_v include_v and_o suppose_v in_o the_o admission_n to_o the_o sacrament_n to_o this_o i_o say_v that_o the_o order_n i_o propose_v will_v be_v think_v a_o novelty_n by_o none_o but_o such_o as_o do_v not_o know_v what_o be_v ancient_o practise_v and_o who_o call_v innovation_n every_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o custom_n of_o their_o country_n or_o their_o church_n this_o be_v a_o imitation_n of_o the_o ancient_n and_o the_o apostolical_a order_n and_o beside_o this_o establishment_n be_v altogether_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o i_o have_v just_a now_o make_v it_o appear_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o for_o what_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o child_n be_v examine_v and_o admit_v in_o private_a i_o answer_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o be_v so_o great_a that_o in_o many_o church_n this_o admission_n and_o the_o examination_n which_o precede_v it_o be_v but_o three_o or_o four_o hour_n work_v and_o sometime_o less_o pastor_n and_o those_o to_o who_o this_o function_n be_v commit_v do_v often_o go_v about_o it_o very_o negligent_o they_o content_v themselves_o with_o some_o question_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n relate_v only_o to_o doctrine_n and_o controversy_n the_o address_n to_o chidren_n general_a exhortation_n to_o piety_n but_o they_o take_v no_o care_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o moral_n or_o to_o examine_v their_o conduct_n they_o do_v not_o require_v of_o they_o a_o express_a ratification_n of_o the_o baptismal_a vow_n i_o know_v there_o be_v pastor_n who_o do_v their_o duty_n but_o the_o best_a thing_n will_v be_v to_o have_v this_o form_n of_o examination_n and_o admission_n regulate_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v in_o the_o breast_n of_o every_o minister_n to_o do_v in_o this_o matter_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a and_o that_o all_o this_o may_v be_v do_v the_o more_o orderly_o it_o will_v be_v fit_v that_o according_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n some_o person_n shall_v be_v appoint_v on_o purpose_n to_o instruct_v young_a people_n and_o catechuman_n what_o care_v soever_o may_v be_v take_v of_o child_n and_o whatever_o may_v be_v do_v for_o they_o in_o private_a instruction_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o public_a and_o solemn_a exhortation_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o promise_v on_o the_o other_o will_v make_v a_o much_o great_a impression_n upon_o they_o they_o will_v then_o look_v upon_o their_o admission_n with_o respect_n they_o will_v remember_v it_o all_o their_o life_n and_o this_o solemnity_n will_v prove_v as_o useful_a and_o edify_a to_o the_o whole_a church_n as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o young_a people_n i_o offer_v this_o with_o the_o great_a confidence_n because_o a_o order_n like_o this_o have_v be_v settle_v of_o late_a in_o some_o church_n and_o be_v there_o observe_v
the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n st._n paul_n exhort_v christian_n fourteen_o christian_n rom._n xii_o eph._n two_o and_o iu._n tit._n ii_o mat._n vii_o xiii_o fourteen_o not_o to_o be_v conform_v to_o this_o present_a world_n not_o to_o walk_v after_o the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n not_o to_o follow_v other_o man_n way_n of_o live_v to_o renounce_v the_o world_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o it_o our_o saviour_n enjoin_v his_o disciple_n to_o avoid_v the_o wide_a gate_n and_o the_o broad_a way_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o to_o strike_v into_o the_o narrow_a path_n which_o be_v walk_v in_o but_o by_o a_o few_o these_o be_v reflection_n which_o every_o man_n who_o believe_v the_o gospel_n will_v frequent_o and_o serious_o make_v and_o which_o shall_v serve_v he_o for_o remedy_n against_o the_o temptation_n arise_v from_o example_n and_o custom_n there_o be_v other_o general_a remedy_n which_o tend_v to_o lessen_v the_o number_n of_o bad_a example_n and_o to_o alter_v the_o custom_n and_o usage_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o though_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o to_o go_v about_o the_o abolish_n of_o that_o which_o be_v establish_v by_o a_o general_a custom_n and_o a_o long_o use_v be_v to_o attempt_v and_o impossibility_n and_o though_o we_o can_v expect_v that_o this_o cause_n of_o corruption_n shall_v be_v entire_o remove_v yet_o the_o difficulty_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o it_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n be_v overcome_v this_o we_o may_v have_v reason_n to_o hope_v for_o if_o first_o those_o who_o know_v and_o love_v their_o duty_n will_v discharge_v it_o with_o courage_n and_o if_o they_o do_v add_v to_o their_o knowledge_n a_o zeal_n support_v by_o prudence_n and_o firmness_n how_o great_a soever_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o man_n may_v be_v there_o be_v still_o something_o in_o virtue_n which_o attract_v their_o respect_n and_o their_o love_n the_o endeavour_n of_o good_a man_n against_o vice_n be_v always_o attend_v with_o 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pastor_n be_v likewise_o a_o most_o efficacious_a remedy_n if_o they_o do_v instruct_v christian_n as_o they_o ought_v if_o they_o do_v oppose_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age_n with_o the_o pure_a maxim_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o they_o do_v set_v themselves_o against_o abuse_n if_o they_o do_v endeavour_v in_o public_a and_o in_o private_a to_o bring_v all_o those_o that_o err_v into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n if_o they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o instruct_n of_o youth_n and_o if_o their_o manner_n be_v edify_v and_o exemplary_a there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o they_o will_v soon_o stop_v the_o current_n of_o vice_n and_o scandal_n it_o shall_v be_v their_o chief_a care_n to_o oppose_v abuse_n and_o ill_a custom_n in_o their_o beginning_n because_o when_o they_o have_v once_o take_v root_n the_o remedy_n be_v much_o more_o difficult_a in_o fine_a as_o custom_n be_v establish_v by_o degree_n so_o they_o be_v not_o abolish_v all_o at_o once_o and_o therefore_o those_o who_o do_v not_o succeed_v at_o first_o in_o so_o good_a a_o design_n ought_v not_o present_o to_o be_v discourage_v and_o to_o grow_v weary_a cause_n vii_o book_n this_o be_v the_o last_o cause_n of_o corruption_n which_o i_o shall_v mention_v but_o without_o question_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o generaland_n of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a book_n be_v as_o many_o public_a fountain_n from_o which_o vast_a number_n of_o notion_n and_o sentiment_n which_o be_v common_o receive_v among_o man_n and_o which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o their_o action_n diffuse_v themselves_o into_o the_o world_n and_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o among_o a_o infinity_n of_o book_n a_o great_a many_o must_v be_v bad_a so_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o book_n contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o corruption_n if_o man_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n be_v ignorant_a and_o full_a of_o prejudices_fw-la if_o they_o have_v loose_a and_o impious_a 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sort_n of_o ill_a book_n none_o do_v great_a mischief_n in_o the_o world_n than_o either_o those_o which_o lead_v to_o irreligion_n and_o impiety_n or_o those_o which_o be_v impure_a and_o filthy_a the_o first_o attack_v faith_n and_o the_o other_o corrupt_a manner_n 1._o the_o most_o dangerous_a of_o all_o book_n be_v those_o which_o attack_v religion_n such_o be_v not_o only_o all_o the_o book_n of_o atheist_n and_o deist_n but_o such_o be_v likewise_o all_o those_o work_n which_o tend_v to_o overthrow_v either_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o the_o fact_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n or_o the_o difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n or_o any_o other_o principle_n of_o religion_n frank_n also_o in_o the_o same_o order_n the_o book_n which_o introduce_v scepticism_n and_o the_o design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o render_v the_o principle_n of_o faith_n or_o morality_n uncertain_a and_o dubious_a those_o book_n in_o which_o impiety_n appear_v bare-faced_n be_v not_o the_o most_o pernicious_a few_o person_n ever_o dare_v maintain_v atheism_n open_o or_o deny_v direct_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n and_o beside_o avow_a atheist_n and_o deist_n have_v not_o many_o follower_n their_o opinion_n raise_v horror_n and_o a_o man_n mind_n rebel_v against_o they_o but_o those_o man_n who_o though_o they_o do_v not_o open_o espouse_v the_o cause_n of_o impiety_n but_o pretend_v all_o the_o while_n that_o the_o acknowledge_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o religion_n do_v yet_o shake_v the_o principal_a truth_n of_o faith_n those_o man_n i_o say_v diffuse_v a_o much_o more_o subtle_a and_o dangerous_a poison_n and_o this_o may_v be_v particular_o say_v of_o the_o sceptic_n in_o the_o main_a they_o drive_v at_o the_o same_o thing_n with_o the_o atheist_n they_o assault_v religion_n with_o the_o same_o weapon_n and_o make_v the_o same_o objection_n there_o be_v only_o this_o difference_n that_o the_o atheist_n decide_v the_o question_n and_o deny_v whereas_o the_o sceptic_a after_o he_o have_v muster_v up_o all_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o atheist_n and_o start_v a_o thousand_o scruple_n leaf_n in_o some_o manner_n the_o question_n undetermined_a he_o only_o insinuate_v that_o there_o be_v no_o solid_a answer_n to_o those_o difficulty_n and_o then_o he_o conclude_v with_o a_o false_a modesty_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o dare_v not_o embrace_v either_o side_n and_o that_o which_o way_n soever_o a_o man_n turn_v himself_o he_o meet_v with_o nothing_o but_o obscurity_n and_o uncertainty_n this_o differ_v little_a from_o atheism_n and_o it_o do_v natural_o lead_v to_o incredulity_n it_o be_v a_o astonish_a thing_n that_o book_n contain_v such_o pernicious_a principle_n shall_v have_v be_v publish_v and_o that_o libertinism_n in_o opinion_n about_o religion_n shall_v have_v grow_v up_o to_o that_o pitch_n which_o we_o
now_o see_v it_o at_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n do_v never_o oppose_v it_o with_o so_o much_o subtlety_n and_o with_o such_o vigorous_a effort_n as_o some_o christian_n do_v at_o this_o day_n some_o book_n appear_v from_o time_n to_o time_n which_o be_v only_a collection_n of_o all_o the_o objection_n of_o heathen_n and_o atheist_n against_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n against_o providence_n the_o divinity_n of_o scripture_n the_o truth_n of_o sacred_a history_n the_o foundation_n of_o morality_n and_o many_o other_o important_a head_n so_o that_o impiety_n be_v now_o arrive_v at_o its_o great_a height_n it_o may_v be_v more_o general_a but_o we_o can_v imagine_v how_o it_o can_v rise_v high_o and_o this_o occasion_n a_o very_a considerable_a objection_n it_o may_v be_v ask_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o incredulity_n and_o sceptism_n shall_v appear_v in_o so_o know_v a_o age_n as_o this_o be_v and_o that_o man_n of_o part_n and_o learning_n shall_v entertain_v such_o impious_a sentiment_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o dwell_v a_o little_a upon_o the_o examine_n of_o this_o difficulty_n because_o it_o it_o so_o apt_a to_o perplex_v many_o the_o infidel_n urge_v it_o with_o great_a assurance_n and_o they_o pretend_v to_o infer_v for_o it_o that_o religion_n can_v and_o a_o philosophical_a and_o learned_a age_n and_o that_o none_o but_o the_o mob_n and_o the_o credulous_a part_n of_o mankind_n believe_v it_o they_o say_v that_o ignorant_a age_n be_v the_o most_o favourable_a time_n to_o religion_n that_o then_o every_o thing_n be_v believe_v but_o that_o since_o man_n have_v begin_v to_o examine_v matter_n a_o little_a more_o narrow_o they_o be_v become_v incredulous_a but_o any_o reasonable_a man_n who_o do_v not_o love_n wrangle_v may_v easy_o be_v satisfy_v upon_o this_o point_n first_o infidel_n have_v no_o ground_n to_o suppose_v that_o man_n have_v more_o faith_n in_o the_o age_n of_o ignorance_n than_o they_o have_v now_o for_o this_o 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that_o those_o who_o make_v objection_n against_o religion_n be_v learned_a that_o the_o be_v philosophical_a man_n who_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n reason_v true_a and_o can_v distinguish_v truth_n from_o error_n let_v it_o be_v so_o but_o then_o i_o ask_v those_o who_o urge_v this_o objection_n how_o it_o happen_v that_o we_o see_v every_o day_n man_n of_o part_n and_o sense_n who_o yet_o will_v obstinate_o maintain_v palpable_a error_n and_o refuse_v to_o yield_v to_o the_o evidence_n of_o some_o truth_n which_o be_v clear_a as_o the_o sun_n to_o this_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v say_v but_o that_o such_o man_n be_v not_o so_o know_v and_o perspicacious_a as_o they_o shall_v be_v or_o that_o they_o do_v not_o make_v that_o use_n which_o they_o ought_v of_o their_o part_n and_o judgement_n i_o confess_v that_o indeed_o a_o man_n must_v have_v some_o part_n and_o subtilty_n to_o be_v able_a to_o find_v difficulty_n every_o where_n but_o that_o man_n make_v a_o wretched_a use_n of_o his_o part_n when_o they_o serve_v he_o only_o to_o wrangle_v about_o the_o most_o certain_a truth_n those_o which_o the_o infidel_n call_v strong_a objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n be_v but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n vain_a subtlety_n and_o mere_a slight_v of_o wit_n which_o may_v be_v use_v alike_o upon_o all_o sort_n of_o subject_n that_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o name_v here_o some_o or_o those_o truth_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v think_v unquestionable_a and_o which_o no_o man_n though_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n can_v doubt_v of_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o same_o objection_n by_o which_o the_o infidel_n attack_v religion_n may_v be_v turn_v against_o such_o truth_n or_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o subtlety_n of_o scepticism_n may_v puzzle_v a_o man_n who_o shall_v maintain_v that_o there_o be_v heretofore_o a_o emperor_n at_o rome_n call_v augustus_n or_o who_o shall_v believe_v with_o all_o mankind_n that_o parent_n ought_v to_o love_v their_o child_n and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o murder_v a_o poor_a wretch_n who_o be_v beg_v a_o alm_n i_o say_v a_o man_n who_o maintain_v these_o truth_n may_v be_v hard_o put_v to_o it_o before_o he_o can_v get_v rid_v of_o all_o the_o question_n of_o a_o captious_a sophister_n but_o do_v it_o follow_v from_o thence_o that_o this_o man_n be_v mistake_v it_o be_v to_o be_v imagine_v that_o a_o man_n can_v doubt_v in_o good_a earnest_n whither_o or_o not_o there_o be_v ever_o at_o rome_n a_o emperor_n name_v augustus_n or_o whether_o parent_n ought_v to_o love_v their_o child_n will_v any_o ever_o be_v so_o extravagant_a as_o to_o believe_v serious_o that_o it_o be_v indifferent_a whether_o we_o cut_v a_o poor_a man_n throat_n or_o give_v he_o a_o alm_n the_o subtlety_n of_o argument_n signify_v nothing_o against_o fact_n which_o be_v well_o aver_v or_o against_o those_o natural_a sentiment_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o mankind_n now_o religion_n be_v found_v upon_o fact_n and_o its_o principle_n be_v in_o part_n natural_a truth_n and_o sentiment_n which_o we_o must_v needs_o feel_v and_o believe_v at_o all_o time_n he_o that_o will_v destroy_v religion_n must_v confute_v those_o fact_n and_o sentiment_n and_o infidelity_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o philosophical_a knowledge_n be_v very_o much_o extol_v by_o the_o infidel_n they_o pretend_v chief_o to_o a_o great_a exactness_n in_o reason_v and_o yet_o they_o visible_o run_v counter_a to_o right_a reason_n and_o transgress_v the_o rule_n which_o true_a philosophy_n prescribe_v it_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n to_o judge_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v false_a or_o dubious_a because_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o it_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o no_o man_n know_v all_o thing_n or_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v all_o objection_n and_o that_o what_o seem_v obscure_a to_o one_o man_n will_v appear_v very_o clear_a to_o another_o when_o we_o have_v reason_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o believe_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a when_o its_o proof_n be_v strong_a and_o more_o numerous_a than_o its_o difficulty_n and_o when_o there_o be_v proof_n which_o upon_o other_o occasion_n be_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v our_o judgement_n true_a sense_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v yield_v to_o such_o a_o evidence_n this_o method_n be_v particular_o to_o be_v follow_v when_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n be_v of_o some_o moment_n in_o such_o thing_n we_o be_v wont_v to_o govern_v ourselves_o by_o the_o great_a evidence_n and_o to_o choose_v the_o safe_a side_n what_o can_v be_v therefore_o more_o irrational_a than_o to_o hazard_v eternity_n and_o to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n up_o on_o such_o consideration_n as_o will_v have_v no_o weight_n with_o we_o and_o as_o will_v not_o stop_v we_o a_o minute_n in_o the_o ordinary_a affair_n of_o this_o life_n further_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o good_a sense_n to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o distinct_a idea_n or_o which_o we_o do_v not_o thorough_o know_v man_n who_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o their_o soul_n or_o of_o a_o hundred_o thing_n they_o see_v before_o their_o eye_n will_v yet_o talk_v at_o random_n about_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o god_n act_v or_o foresee_v future_a evant_n about_o what_o god_n ought_v or_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v do_v for_o the_o orderly_a dispose_n of_o all_o thing_n about_o the_o end_n which_o that_o supreme_a be_v propose_v to_o itself_o and_o about_o the_o mean_n which_o may_v conduce_v to_o those_o ends._n this_o be_v the_o height_n of_o extravagance_n and_o temerity_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v at_o this_o rate_n that_o the_o infidel_n reason_n i_o must_v add_v beside_o that_o man_n of_o part_n be_v
preservative_n but_o these_o book_n be_v not_o much_o better_a than_o the_o other_o nay_o i_o can_v tell_v whether_o they_o be_v not_o more_o dangerous_a those_o morality_n be_v very_o ill_o place_v and_o few_o people_n be_v the_o better_a for_o they_o it_o be_v a_o very_a suspicious_a kind_n of_o morality_n which_o come_v from_o the_o pen_n of_o those_o author_n who_o write_v indifferent_o upon_o matter_n of_o love_n and_o religious_a subject_n who_o sometime_o seem_v to_o be_v libertine_n and_o sometime_o devout_a who_o after_o they_o have_v say_v a_o hundred_o licentious_a thing_n give_v you_o the_o history_n of_o a_o great_a many_o disorder_n and_o relate_v several_a scandalous_a passage_n entertain_v you_o with_o devotion_n and_o piety_n this_o be_v a_o monstrous_a mixture_n if_o those_o author_n be_v true_o religious_a they_o will_v forbear_v write_v those_o thing_n which_o religion_n condemn_v and_o which_o scandalize_v the_o public_a such_o book_n be_v particular_o fit_a to_o confirm_v worldly_a man_n in_o their_o opinion_n that_o gallantry_n provide_v it_o do_v not_o proceed_v to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o crime_n be_v no_o great_a sin_n and_o to_o persuade_v young_a people_n that_o they_o may_v easy_o grow_v devout_a here_o after_o though_o they_o now_o spend_v their_o youth_n in_o libertinism_n from_o all_o these_o consideration_n i_o infer_v that_o let_v people_n say_v what_o they_o will_v all_o the_o book_n which_o present_v their_o reader_n with_o impurity_n either_o bare-faced_n or_o under_o some_o veil_n be_v extreme_o pernicious_a have_v thus_o discourse_v of_o ill_a book_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o book_n of_o religion_n it_o may_v seem_v at_o first_o that_o i_o shall_v rather_o seek_v in_o these_o the_o remedy_n than_o the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n indeed_o the_o end_n of_o religious_a book_n shall_v be_v to_o banish_v corruption_n and_o to_o establish_v piety_n in_o the_o world_n and_o there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o which_o attack_z ignorance_n and_o vice_n with_o success_n and_o which_o may_v prove_v excellent_a preservative_n against_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age._n but_o i_o hope_v no_o body_n will_v take_v it_o amiss_o if_o i_o say_v that_o there_o be_v book_n of_o religion_n which_o do_v not_o conduce_v much_o to_o the_o promote_a of_o piety_n nay_o that_o some_o prove_v a_o hindrance_n to_o it_o this_o i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o show_v i_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o any_o particular_a book_n i_o will_v only_o offer_v some_o general_a consideration_n which_o my_o reader_n may_v apply_v as_o they_o see_v cause_n it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n to_o rank_n among_o bad_a book_n all_o those_o work_n to_o which_o some_o of_o the_o follow_a reflection_n may_v be_v apply_v some_o indeed_o be_v downright_o bad_a but_o may_v be_v in_o several_a respect_n good_a and_o useful_a though_o they_o have_v their_o fault_n and_o as_o good_a book_n ought_v to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o bad_a one_o so_o it_o be_v not_o less_o necessary_a to_o discern_v what_o be_v good_a in_o every_o book_n from_o what_o be_v naught_o or_o useless_a the_o book_n of_o religion_n which_o i_o think_v aught_o here_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o be_v of_o four_o sort_n 1._o those_o which_o explain_v the_o scripture_n 2._o the_o book_n of_o divinity_n 3._o the_o book_n of_o morality_n 4._o the_o book_n of_o devotion_n 1._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o among_o the_o book_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n there_o be_v some_o very_a good_a one_o and_o that_o we_o have_v at_o this_o day_n great_a help_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o it_o ought_v likewise_o to_o be_v grant_v that_o some_o of_o those_o book_n which_o be_v design_v for_o the_o expound_v of_o scripture_n do_v only_o obscure_v and_o perplex_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v tedious_a to_o mention_v here_o all_o the_o defect_n of_o that_o kind_n of_o write_v i_o shall_v therefore_o observe_v only_o the_o principal_a 1._o the_o first_o and_o the_o most_o essential_a be_v the_o not_o expound_v of_o scripture_n according_a to_o its_o true_a mean_v and_o this_o fault_n which_o be_v but_o too_o frequent_a in_o commentary_n proceed_v chief_o from_o two_o cause_n 1._o that_o expositor_n do_v not_o apprehend_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n and_o 2._o that_o they_o enter_v with_o prejudices_fw-la upon_o the_o read_n of_o scripture_n the_o true_a way_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n be_v to_o know_v the_o scope_n of_o it_o and_o never_o to_o swerve_v from_o that_o good_a sense_n and_o piety_n join_v with_o the_o study_n of_o language_n history_n and_o antiquity_n be_v here_o very_o serviceable_a a_o commentator_n ought_v in_o a_o manner_n to_o transport_v himself_o into_o those_o place_n and_o time_n in_o which_o the_o sacred_a author_n live_v he_o shall_v fancy_v himself_o in_o their_o circumstance_n and_o consider_v what_o their_o design_n be_v when_o they_o speak_v or_o write_v what_o person_n they_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o and_o what_o notion_n knowledge_n or_o custom_n do_v then_o obtain_v but_o those_o who_o be_v ignorane_n of_o these_o thing_n set_v about_o expound_v the_o scripture_n can_v hardly_o do_v it_o with_o success_n it_o be_v a_o wonder_n if_o they_o do_v not_o miss_v the_o true_a mark_n and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o obtrude_v force_v and_o very_o often_o false_a gloss_n upon_o their_o reader_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n many_o author_n apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o examine_n of_o scripture_n with_o a_o mind_n full_a of_o prejudices_fw-la they_o explain_v in_o by_o the_o present_a notion_n of_o the_o world_n nothing_o be_v more_o usual_a with_o commentator_n than_o to_o make_v the_o faithful_a under_o the_o old_a testament_n speak_v as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v as_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o christian_n be_v and_o as_o if_o those_o question_n and_o dispute_n which_o be_v treat_v in_o common-place_n of_o divinity_n have_v be_v agitate_a at_o that_o time_n when_o those_o expositor_n for_o instance_n meet_v with_o the_o world_n righteous_a or_o righteousness_n in_o the_o psalm_n they_o fancy_v that_o david_n have_v in_o his_o thought_n all_o that_o divine_n have_v vent_v concern_v justification_n and_o upon_o this_o supposal_n what_o do_v they_o not_o say_v or_o what_o do_v they_o not_o make_v preacher_n say_v it_o have_v be_v observe_v that_o almost_o all_o commentator_n be_v partial_a and_o endeavour_v to_o put_v upon_o the_o scripture_n a_o sense_n that_o favour_v the_o opinion_n of_o their_o respective_a sect_n this_o spirit_n of_o a_o party_n be_v chief_o remarkable_a in_o some_o of_o those_o commentary_n which_o these_o last_o century_n have_v produce_v 2._o the_o second_o rule_n of_o a_o commentator_n shall_v be_v to_o expound_v clear_o and_o familiar_o the_o literal_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o never_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o a_o mystical_a exposition_n but_o in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n direct_v we_o to_o look_v for_o it_o and_o yet_o a_o great_a many_o author_n do_v almost_o entire_o forsake_v the_o literal_a sense_n to_o pursue_v mystical_a explication_n in_o their_o opinion_n every_o thing_n be_v mystical_a in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n especial_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n they_o be_v not_o content_v with_o unfolding_a the_o true_a mystery_n and_o prophecy_n which_o manifest_o relate_v to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o they_o turn_v all_o thing_n into_o figure_n they_o find_v mystery_n allegory_n type_n and_o prophecy_n every_o where_o even_o in_o the_o plain_a discourse_n this_o they_o call_v search_v and_o dive_v into_o the_o scripture_n but_o this_o way_n of_o expound_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v a_o fountain_n of_o illusion_n for_o as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v not_o explain_v those_o pretend_a mystery_n so_o they_o must_v be_v put_v to_o their_o guess_n and_o beholden_a to_o their_o imagination_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o they_o and_o he_o that_o be_v the_o most_o copious_a or_o lucky_a in_o his_o conjecture_n be_v the_o great_a man._n now_o i_o leave_v any_o one_o to_o judge_v whether_o commentator_n who_o follow_v no_o other_o guide_n but_o their_o imagination_n can_v avoid_v be_v very_o frequent_o mistake_v and_o give_v a_o great_a many_o handle_v to_o libertine_n and_o infidel_n 3._o we_o be_v not_o to_o forget_v here_o the_o school-commentators_a the_o holy_a scripture_n shall_v be_v expound_v in_o a_o simple_a and_o popular_a manner_n and_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v give_v for_o the_o instruction_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o all_o man_n and_o that_o the_o discourse_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v address_v to_o the_o common_a people_n and_o to_o such_o person_n as_o be_v far_o from_o be_v philosopher_n nothing_o therefore_o seem_v more_o repugnant_a to_o the_o
follower_n mat._n xxii_o to_o render_v to_o caesar_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v caesar_n 2._o one_o of_o the_o chief_a precept_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v xiii_o be_v rom._n xiii_o that_o all_o man_n shall_v obey_v and_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o high_a power_n now_o this_o precept_n can_v not_o possible_o be_v observe_v if_o in_o the_o natural_a establishment_n of_o civil_a society_n there_o be_v something_o incompatible_a with_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n vi_o christianity_n mat._n vi_o no_o man_n can_v serve_v two_o master_n when_o they_o command_v contrary_a thing_n but_o st._n paul_n go_v further_a he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o preservation_n of_o king_n and_o the_o submit_v to_o their_o authory_n be_v a_o mean_a for_o christian_n *_o to_o lead_v a_o quiet_a and_o peaceable_a life_n in_o all_o godliness_n and_o honesty_n 3._o it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o whatever_o be_v good_a and_o just_a in_o the_o civil_a be_v so_o likewise_o in_o the_o religious_a society_n and_o that_o whatever_o be_v prescribe_v by_o religion_n be_v just_a and_o even_o beneficial_a to_o civil_a society_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o civil_a law_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o do_v perfect_o agree_v with_o the_o principle_n and_o moral_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o evident_a proof_n of_o this_o be_v that_o when_o christian_a emperor_n and_o lawgiver_n do_v set_v about_o the_o make_n of_o law_n and_o constitution_n they_o retain_v the_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n receive_v among_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o greek_n in_o the_o time_n of_o heathenism_n and_o to_o this_o day_n the_o old_a roman_a law_n be_v follow_v among_o christian_n except_v some_o law_n which_o have_v be_v alter_v or_o abrogate_a either_o because_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o natural_a justice_n and_o equity_n or_o because_o they_o be_v not_o of_o a_o general_a and_o necessary_a use_n 4._o it_o be_v certain_a that_o religion_n and_o civil_a society_n do_v mutual_o support_v one_o another_o when_o both_o be_v well_o regulate_v religion_n contribute_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o society_n by_o render_v the_o authority_n of_o prince_n more_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a and_o the_o good_a order_n of_o society_n contribute_v to_o the_o welfare_n and_o the_o progress_n of_o religion_n let_v we_o suppose_v a_o magistrate_n who_o love_v piety_n and_o justice_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o at_o the_o same_o i_o that_o he_o promote_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n ii_o religion_n 1_o tim._n ii_o he_o strengthen_v the_o welfare_n of_o society_n and_o that_o he_o can_v procure_v the_o good_a of_o society_n without_o advance_v the_o interest_n of_o religion_n if_o we_o suppose_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n a_o magistrate_n who_o do_v not_o act_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o justice_n it_o be_v visible_a that_o by_o suffer_a religion_n to_o be_v violate_v or_o despise_v he_o shake_v the_o sure_a foundation_n of_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o of_o public_a tranquillity_n and_o that_o by_o fail_v in_o the_o duty_n of_o his_o office_n and_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o justice_n he_o make_v the_o people_n grow_v vicious_a and_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o piety_n from_o these_o consideration_n it_o do_v manifest_o appear_v that_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n may_v either_o procure_v great_a advantage_n to_o religion_n or_o do_v it_o a_o considerable_a prejudice_n and_o that_o they_o be_v in_o part_n the_o author_n of_o the_o corruption_n which_o reign_v in_o the_o world_n when_o civil-society_n be_v well_o govern_v man_n be_v dispose_v by_o that_o very_a thing_n to_o practice_v the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n in_o proportion_n as_o the_o people_n be_v well_o order_v they_o be_v more_o tractable_a and_o susceptible_a of_o the_o impression_n of_o piety_n as_o they_o be_v use_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o the_o law_n of_o the_o magistrate_n they_o do_v the_o more_o easy_o submit_v to_o the_o holy_a discipline_n of_o christ_n yea_o and_o by_o obey_v civil-law_n they_o do_v already_o discharge_v some_o part_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n but_o when_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n either_o through_o ignorance_n or_o want_v of_o probity_n and_o virtue_n give_v way_n to_o the_o violation_n of_o justice_n and_o good_a order_n it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o religion_n must_v suffer_v by_o it_o for_o beside_o that_o the_o people_n can_v break_v the_o civil-law_n without_o violate_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n how_o can_v they_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n when_o they_o do_v not_o discharge_v those_o of_o nature_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o persuade_v people_n to_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o do_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o law_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o justice_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o man_n who_o do_v not_o order_v their_o outward_a action_n aright_o shall_v regulate_v their_o thought_n and_o resist_v their_o passion_n or_o that_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o first_o element_n of_o virtue_n they_o shall_v come_v up_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o most_o sublime_a precept_n of_o christian_a moral_n beside_o the_o want_n of_o order_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n and_o government_n draw_v after_o it_o all_o kind_n of_o disorder_n with_o relation_n to_o manner_n such_o as_o dishonesty_n and_o what_o be_v most_o dangerous_a a_o spirit_n of_o libertinism_n and_o independence_n which_o make_v man_n untoward_a and_o refractory_a to_o good_a discipline_n we_o be_v to_o observe_v here_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n life_n be_v take_v up_o with_o civil_a matter_n all_o person_n be_v bind_v to_o obey_v the_o magistrate_n and_o few_o be_v altogether_o free_a from_o law-suit_n and_o business_n so_o that_o when_o the_o people_n be_v not_o well_o govern_v with_o relation_n to_o civil_a thing_n they_o do_v so_o accustom_v themselves_o to_o live_v without_o rule_n of_o restraint_n that_o religion_n can_v no_o long_o have_v any_o power_n over_o they_o the_o neglect_n and_o remissness_n of_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n do_v occasion_n all_o this_o mischief_n but_o if_o the_o bare_a carelessness_n of_o magistrate_n be_v so_o fatal_a to_o society_n how_o must_v it_o be_v when_o they_o themselves_o be_v vicious_a and_o unjust_a either_o in_o their_o own_o particular_a conduct_n or_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n the_o great_a unhappiness_n that_o can_v befall_v any_o people_n be_v when_o those_o who_o be_v invest_v with_o the_o supreme_a authority_n favour_n injustice_n and_o vice_n it_o may_v be_v say_v then_o that_o the_o public_a fountain_n be_v poison_v the_o whole_a state_n be_v order_v by_o the_o sovereign_n they_o be_v those_o from_o who_o the_o law_n receive_v their_o force_n who_o appoint_v judge_n and_o magistrate_n and_o who_o regulate_v the_o administration_n of_o justice_n when_o inferior_a magistrate_n prevaricate_v this_o may_v be_v remedy_v by_o the_o sovereign_n but_o when_o the_o sovereign_n himself_o fail_v in_o his_o duty_n no_o redress_n can_v be_v expect_v not_o but_o that_o subordinate_a officer_n and_o magistrate_n may_v likewise_o occasion_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o mischief_n if_o we_o suppose_v in_o a_o province_n or_o a_o town_n magistrate_n and_o judge_n who_o want_v integrity_n who_o consult_v only_o their_o profit_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n who_o be_v not_o proof_n against_o bribe_n who_o administer_v justice_n from_o a_o principle_n of_o covetousness_n or_o passion_n who_o act_n by_o recommendation_n or_o favour_n and_o who_o be_v full_a of_o artifice_n and_o dissimulation_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o introduce_v and_o authorise_v wickedness_n throughout_o their_o whole_a jurisdiction_n to_o pervert_v right_o to_o banish_v justice_n and_o honesty_n from_o all_o court_n to_o make_v way_n for_o knavery_n and_o litigiousness_n for_o the_o protract_n of_o suit_n the_o abuse_n and_o violation_n of_o oath_n and_o many_o other_o disorder_n then_o it_o be_v that_o vice_n be_v in_o fashion_n and_o repute_n that_o virtue_n and_o innocency_n be_v oppress_v and_o that_o the_o people_n grow_v corrupt_a now_o all_o this_o be_v a_o direct_a undermine_v of_o religion_n and_o piety_n let_v any_o body_n judge_n whether_o i_o have_v not_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age_n may_v be_v impute_v to_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n but_o all_o these_o evil_n be_v yet_o more_o unavoidable_a when_o the_o prince_n or_o magistrate_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o profess_v the_o christian_a religion_n a_o heathen_a magistrate_n have_v not_o by_o much_o that_o influence_n upon_o religion_n and_o manner_n that_o a_o christian_n have_v the_o church_n be_v pure_a and_o more_o separate_v from_o the_o world_n when_o the_o superior_a power_n be_v contrary_a to_o it_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o emperor_n have_v embrace_v christianity_n piety_n