thou_o shall_v serious_o and_o frequent_o consider_v thing_n in_o thy_o own_o mind_n thou_o shall_v consult_v the_o choice_a book_n and_o converse_v with_o the_o wise_a and_o learnede_a and_o best_a of_o man_n thou_o shall_v humble_o study_v the_o mind_n and_o word_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v the_o humble_a that_o god_n will_v teach_v his_o way_n ps._n 25.9_o god_n resist_v the_o proud_a and_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a jam._n 4.6_o thou_o shall_v fervent_o and_o constant_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o resolution_n thou_o shall_v practice_v what_o thou_o do_v know_v if_o thou_o will_v learn_v what_o thou_o do_v not_o joh_n 7.17_o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v his_o will_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o god_n it_o be_v very_o likely_a the_o generalty_n of_o these_o objector_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o gross_a neglect_n of_o some_o or_o all_o these_o mean_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v intolerable_a arrogance_n and_o folly_n to_o conclude_v that_o because_o thou_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o all_o these_o mean_n can_v not_o resolve_v these_o thing_n therefore_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n who_o diligent_o use_v all_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o 2._o consider_v the_o confess_v darkness_n and_o shortness_n of_o man_n reason_n even_o in_o low_a thing_n it_o have_v be_v the_o complaint_n of_o all_o age_n that_o truth_n lie_v hide_v as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o deep_a pit_n which_o our_o eye_n can_v not_o reach_v one_o of_o the_o wisâ—â—t_n of_o man_n confess_v he_o know_v nothing_o and_o divers_a go_v high_a and_o this_o be_v their_o position_n nihil_fw-la scitur_fw-la nothing_o can_v be_v know_v there_o be_v nothing_o but_o conjecture_n and_o opinion_n in_o the_o world_n how_o many_o difficulty_n be_v there_o in_o nature_n which_o the_o great_a philosopher_n to_o this_o day_n be_v not_o able_a to_o resolve_v how_o many_o depth_n in_o policy_n which_o put_v the_o wise_a statesman_n to_o a_o nonplus_n and_o therefore_o what_o wonder_n be_v it_o if_o there_o be_v some_o insuperable_a difficulty_n in_o so_o sublime_a a_o knowledge_n as_o religion_n that_o treat_v of_o infinite_a eternal_a â—nd_n incomprehensible_a thing_n nay_o reason_n itself_o will_v allow_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o thing_n in_o religion_n above_o it_o 3._o consider_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o irreligion_n suppose_v there_o be_v some_o insoluble_a difficulty_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n what_o shall_v a_o man_n do_v shall_v he_o throw_v off_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o settle_v in_o down_o right_a atheism_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v too_o common_a a_o inference_n but_o if_o religion_n be_v the_o disease_n and_o this_o the_o remedy_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o remedy_n be_v worse_a than_o the_o disease_n one_o may_v just_o wonder_v at_o the_o impudence_n of_o these_o man_n that_o object_v the_o incredibility_n of_o religion_n when_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v devise_v more_o incredible_a thing_n than_o those_o which_o atheistical_a and_o irreligious_a man_n do_v swallow_v to_o give_v buâ—_n one_o instance_n that_o a_o dull_a heap_n of_o senseless_a matter_n shall_v of_o itself_o produce_v this_o goodly_a fabric_n of_o the_o high_a and_o the_o low_a world_n and_o digest_v its_o self_n into_o and_o constant_o preserve_v its_o self_n in_o this_o exquisite_a oâ—â—er_n in_o wâ—ich_a we_o see_v it_o and_o all_o without_o the_o direction_n or_o contrivance_n of_o a_o wise_a agent_n be_v beyond_o all_o the_o legend_n of_o the_o papist_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o all_o the_o fiction_n of_o the_o poet_n 2._o the_o insuperable_a difficulty_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v say_v they_o so_o many_o hard_a duty_n to_o be_v perform_v so_o many_o delight_n to_o be_v forsake_v so_o much_o time_n to_o be_v employ_v such_o labour_n loss_n and_o pain_n to_o be_v endure_v that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o attempt_v it_o for_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o go_v through_o it_o 1._o answ._n suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v reasonable_a and_o shall_v be_v cheerful_o embrace_v our_o very_a enemy_n be_v judge_n it_o have_v be_v say_v by_o some_o atheistical_a person_n to_o careless_a christian_n do_v i_o believe_v as_o you_o do_v i_o shall_v not_o live_v as_o you_o do_v do_v i_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o future_a state_n of_o unspeakable_a pleasure_n or_o torment_n i_o shall_v certain_o make_v it_o my_o great_a business_n to_o escape_v the_o one_o and_o secure_v the_o other_o i_o shall_v whole_o give_v myself_o to_o read_v pray_v hear_v and_o preparation_n for_o eternity_n i_o shall_v account_v no_o time_n too_o much_o no_o pain_n or_o hazard_n too_o great_a for_o so_o high_a a_o concern_v the_o truth_n be_v in_o this_o they_o speak_v great_a reason_n and_o it_o will_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o thousand_o of_o slothful_a and_o negligent_a christian_n who_o do_v indeed_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o yet_o be_v so_o cold_a and_o remiss_a therein_o that_o grudge_v to_o spend_v a_o little_a time_n or_o to_o deny_v themselves_o a_o little_a in_o their_o ease_n or_o recreation_n or_o worldly_a occasion_n that_o they_o may_v attend_v the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a and_o whoever_o thou_o be_v that_o believe_v these_o thing_n i._n e._n that_o be_v not_o a_o sottish_a atheist_n be_v for_o ever_o ashamed_a to_o mention_v this_o as_o a_o objection_n 2._o there_o be_v as_o great_a difficulty_n in_o a_o ungodly_a life_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n as_o there_o be_v no_o pleasure_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o a_o saint_n may_v enjoy_v those_o that_o be_v parallel_n or_o superior_a to_o they_o so_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n or_o inconvenience_n which_o a_o saâ—nt_n meet_v with_o in_o the_o way_n of_o god_n but_o sinner_n be_v frequent_o expose_v to_o the_o same_o or_o great_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o a_o vain_a world_n or_o base_a lust_n do_v religion_n require_v much_o of_o thy_o time_n so_o do_v the_o world_n thou_o must_v rise_v early_o and_o sit_v up_o late_o and_o eat_v the_o bread_n of_o carefulness_n and_o all_o this_o for_o trifle_a vanity_n for_o dream_n and_o shadow_n as_o indeed_o all_o worldly_a thing_n be_v why_o shall_v it_o be_v more_o troublesome_a to_o spend_v time_n in_o attendance_n upon_o god_n for_o substantial_a and_o eternal_a blessing_n than_o to_o spend_v time_n in_o attendance_n upon_o earthly_a court_n and_o prince_n in_o expectation_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o common_o they_o never_o obtain_v and_o if_o they_o do_v they_o can_v long_o enjoy_v they_o do_v religion_n command_v thou_o to_o honour_v the_o lord_n with_o thy_o substance_n and_o to_o lay_v out_o some_o part_n of_o thy_o treasure_n in_o charitable_a use_n do_v it_o sometime_o command_v thou_o to_o suffer_v the_o loss_n of_o all_o thing_n so_o do_v irreligion_n too_o and_o if_o a_o due_a estimate_n be_v take_v of_o the_o impression_n make_v upon_o man_n estate_n by_o their_o religion_n and_o by_o their_o lust_n if_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v say_v religion_n like_o saul_n have_v slay_v its_o thousand_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o may_v be_v say_v man_n lust_n like_o david_n have_v slay_v their_o ten_o thousand_o be_v it_o torment_v of_o body_n and_o death_n which_o religion_n sometime_o expose_v a_o man_n to_o and_o do_v not_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n betray_v they_o to_o the_o same_o inconvenience_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o the_o endless_a and_o easeless_a torment_n of_o the_o other_o world_n the_o single_a consideration_n whereof_o must_v needs_o to_o any_o prudent_a man_n infinite_o outweigh_v all_o which_o this_o world_n can_v offer_v or_o give_v if_o we_o look_v only_o to_o the_o present_a life_n universal_a experience_n show_v what_o havoc_n man_n lust_n make_v of_o their_o body_n how_o they_o do_v not_o only_o shorten_v and_o embitter_v man_n life_n but_o immature_o and_o violent_o snatch_v they_o away_o how_o many_o thousand_o die_v martyr_n to_o their_o lust_n and_o be_v burn_v with_o as_o keen_a a_o fire_n though_o not_o so_o honourable_a as_o that_o which_o the_o martyr_n be_v fry_v in_o 3._o religion_n be_v not_o so_o difficult_a as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v it_o seem_v indeed_o intolerable_a to_o stranger_n that_o understand_v it_o not_o but_o to_o those_o that_o have_v experience_n of_o it_o its_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o its_o path_n be_v peace_n prov._n 3.17_o and_o which_o of_o these_o two_o be_v most_o credible_a who_o testimony_n shall_v i_o take_v concern_v a_o country_n his_o that_o have_v only_o look_v upon_o it_o in_o a_o map_n and_o understand_v nothing_o but_o by_o hearsay_n or_o his_o who_o have_v diligent_o travel_v through_o it_o and_o make_v a_o
themselves_o and_o their_o own_o corruption_n where_o the_o shame_n of_o it_o ought_v whole_o to_o rest_n 3._o their_o wisdom_n help_v they_o to_o distinguish_v between_o thing_n and_o thing_n between_o error_n and_o error_n sin_n and_o sin_n and_o so_o they_o avoid_v the_o vulgar_a error_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n unto_o who_o every_o mistake_n of_o a_o professor_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o fundamental_a heresy_n every_o distemper_n the_o plague_n and_o every_o infirmity_n be_v the_o unpardonable_a sin_n whereby_o they_o do_v at_o once_o betray_v both_o deep_a ignorance_n and_o desperate_a malice_n but_o wise_a man_n distinguish_v they_o allow_v for_o the_o infirmity_n both_o of_o humane_a nature_n and_o of_o the_o christian_a state_n in_o this_o life_n as_o in_o reâ—son_n they_o ought_v and_o as_o the_o greâ—t_n god_n himself_o be_v please_v to_o do_v and_o therefore_o they_o neither_o so_o high_o censure_v the_o slip_n of_o professor_n as_o other_o do_v nor_o dare_v they_o charge_v any_o of_o they_o upon_o religion_n 2._o they_o justify_v religion_n because_o they_o be_v good_a and_o therefore_o judge_v just_o and_o impartial_o of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v sufficient_a religion_n beg_v no_o man_n vote_n it_o court_v no_o man_n favour_n but_o only_o demand_v justice_n and_o require_v a_o fair_a trial_n by_o equal_a judge_n which_o good_a man_n be_v they_o be_v not_o bribe_v and_o bias_v by_o prejudice_n lust_n or_o interest_n and_o therefore_o can_v discern_v the_o truth_n of_o thing_n and_o consequent_o the_o beauty_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o far_a prosecution_n of_o this_o doctrine_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v 1._o why_o we_o shall_v justify_v religion_n 2._o how_o we_o shall_v justify_v it_o and_o 3._o apply_v it_o for_o the_o first_o i_o shall_v enforce_v the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n by_o these_o reason_n 1._o we_o shall_v therefore_o justify_v religion_n because_o god_n justify_v it_o it_o be_v safe_a be_v on_o god_n side_n and_o let_v i_o be_v bold_a to_o affirm_v that_o suppose_v a_o man_n do_v find_v some_o difficulty_n in_o religion_n which_o he_o can_v not_o resolve_v and_o conquer_v yet_o he_o ought_v to_o submit_v to_o god_n wisdom_n by_o a_o implicit_a faith_n to_o believe_v what_o god_n say_v and_o by_o a_o blind_a obedience_n to_o do_v what_o god_n require_v though_o he_o see_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o for_o this_o be_v a_o respect_n which_o we_o usual_o pay_v to_o person_n eminent_a for_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n that_o we_o do_v not_o easy_o suspect_v or_o condemn_v their_o action_n though_o seem_o strange_a but_o rather_o put_v a_o favourable_a construction_n upon_o they_o just_o conclude_v that_o they_o see_v some_o reason_n for_o their_o action_n which_o we_o do_v not_o apprehend_v but_o here_o we_o have_v occasion_n to_o renew_v the_o old_a complaint_n concern_v man_n perverseness_n towards_o god_n multos_fw-la erga_fw-la homines_fw-la aequos_fw-la reperies_fw-la erga_fw-la deum_fw-la verò_fw-la neminem_fw-la we_o shall_v meet_v with_o many_o person_n that_o pass_v a_o equitable_a judgement_n upon_o the_o action_n of_o man_n that_o judge_v harsh_o and_o unrighteous_o concern_v the_o way_n of_o god_n now_o god_n justify_v religion_n 1._o by_o his_o word_n the_o justification_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o great_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o be_v not_o a_o line_n in_o it_o but_o have_v some_o plain_a tendency_n that_o way_n and_o all_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v record_v in_o scripture_n a_o great_a number_n whereof_o be_v also_o acknowledge_v by_o heathen_a author_n be_v so_o many_o unquestionable_a evidence_n that_o god_n do_v and_o that_o we_o shall_v justify_v religion_n 2._o by_o his_o work_n for_o although_o god_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o turn_v miracle_n into_o our_o daily_a bread_n nor_o immediate_o to_o punish_v every_o impudent_a malefactor_n who_o he_o reserve_v to_o sore_a punishment_n and_o who_o he_o never_o punish_v more_o dreadful_o than_o when_o he_o do_v forbear_v to_o punish_v they_o yet_o he_o have_v not_o leave_v himself_o nor_o religion_n without_o witness_n in_o divers_a age_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o in_o our_o age_n neither_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n have_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o the_o unrighteousness_n and_o ungodliness_n of_o man_n god_n have_v at_o sundry_a time_n and_o in_o divers_a manner_n immediate_o and_o extraordinary_o plead_v the_o cause_n of_o religion_n sometime_o by_o the_o miraculous_a preservation_n and_o deliverance_n of_o his_o people_n in_o extremity_n of_o danger_n and_o misery_n sometime_o by_o a_o stupendous_a discovery_n and_o remarkable_a punishment_n of_o the_o close_a crime_n of_o ungodly_a man_n as_o it_o have_v be_v the_o observation_n of_o all_o age_n concern_v murder_n and_o many_o other_o villainy_n of_o which_o innumerable_a instance_n may_v be_v give_v and_o confirm_v by_o most_o considerable_a and_o concurrent_a testimony_n which_o he_o that_o shall_v deny_v can_v without_o great_a folly_n and_o arrogance_n expect_v to_o be_v believe_v himself_o in_o any_o thing_n he_o affirm_v 2._o because_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o religion_n be_v and_o have_v be_v and_o will_v be_v force_v to_o justify_v it_o multitude_n of_o persecutor_n in_o the_o primitive_a time_n when_o they_o consider_v the_o holy_a life_n the_o constant_a and_o cheerful_a suffering_n of_o the_o christian_n do_v cry_v out_o great_z be_v tâ—e_v god_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o many_o be_v convert_v upon_o that_o occasion_n ungodly_a man_n be_v frequent_o compel_v by_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o by_o the_o irresistible_a evidence_n of_o thing_n to_o commend_v those_o holy_a and_o righteous_a way_n of_o god_n in_o which_o they_o will_v not_o walk_v it_o be_v true_a wicked_a man_n be_v general_o mad_a and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o prodigal_n when_o he_o be_v convert_v that_o he_o come_v to_o himself_o luke_n 15.17_o imply_v that_o till_o that_o time_n he_o have_v be_v beside_o himself_o take_v a_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o heat_n of_o his_o youth_n and_o lusâ—_n and_o you_o have_v as_o good_a meet_v a_o bear_n rob_v of_o her_o whelp_n and_o you_o may_v as_o soon_o pacify_v the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o then_o he_o act_v more_o like_o a_o brute_n than_o a_o man_n not_o only_o against_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n but_o against_o all_o the_o sentiment_n of_o reason_n and_o honour_n and_o interest_n he_o sacrifice_v all_o to_o a_o base_a and_o sordid_a lust_n and_o in_o these_o circumstance_n who_o will_v value_v his_o judgement_n but_o when_o the_o mad_a fit_n be_v over_o when_o he_o recover_v the_o use_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o conscience_n than_o you_o shall_v hear_v he_o justify_v religion_n and_o condemn_v himself_o when_o age_n and_o experience_n have_v make_v he_o wise_a when_o sickness_n and_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n make_v he_o serious_a and_o impartial_a than_o he_o change_v his_o note_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v gain_v to_o he_o he_o now_o account_v loss_n those_o lust_n which_o he_o former_o dote_v upon_o and_o use_v to_o chew_v under_o his_o tongue_n like_o a_o sweet_a morsel_n to_o think_v of_o with_o great_a delight_n he_o now_o abhor_v the_o very_a remembrance_n of_o those_o good_a man_n who_o he_o before_o despise_v he_o now_o embrace_v that_o religion_n which_o he_o trample_v under_o his_o foot_n as_o foolish_a and_o contemptible_a he_o now_o applaud_v as_o the_o only_a wisdom_n and_o wish_v in_o vain_a that_o it_o have_v be_v â—â—s_o choice_a and_o portion_n a_o instance_n whereof_o we_o have_v prov._n 5.11_o 12_o 13._o and_o lest_o thou_o mourn_v at_o the_o last_o when_o thy_o flesh_n and_o thy_o body_n be_v consume_v and_o say_v how_o have_v i_o hate_a instruction_n and_o my_o heart_n despise_a reproof_n and_o have_v not_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o my_o teacher_n nor_o incline_v my_o ear_n to_o they_o that_o instruct_v i_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v by_o some_o of_o the_o heathen_n that_o the_o soul_n when_o it_o be_v nigh_o its_o departure_n out_o of_o the_o body_n be_v more_o wise_a and_o apprehensive_a than_o it_o be_v before_o thus_o much_o be_v certain_a that_o then_o prejudice_n humour_n and_o deceit_n vanish_v and_o thing_n appear_v in_o their_o true_a and_o proper_a shape_n than_o man_n be_v in_o earnest_n and_o they_o judge_v impartial_o and_o then_o it_o be_v that_o they_o justify_v religion_n and_o this_o have_v not_o only_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o weak_a and_o foolish_a man_n as_o some_o ignorant_o object_n but_o of_o as_o great_a wit_n and_o deep_a statesman_n as_o the_o world_n have_v have_v that_o have_v then_o bewail_v their_o contempt_n of_o religion_n and_o give_v the_o deceitful_a world_n precedence_n before_o it_o 3._o you_o shall_v justify_v religion_n because_o the_o devil_n oppose_v it_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a from_o the_o experience_n
circumstance_n which_o here_o they_o object_n against_o his_o follower_n not_o consider_v that_o it_o be_v very_o improper_a that_o the_o disciple_n shall_v be_v above_o hâ—s_v master_n and_o that_o the_o follower_n of_o so_o mean_v a_o person_n as_o our_o lord_n think_v fit_a to_o appear_v upon_o earth_n shall_v be_v the_o grandee_n of_o the_o world_n the_o truth_n be_v this_o objection_n arise_v from_o a_o overween_a conceit_n of_o worldly_a greatness_n as_o if_o god_n be_v oblige_v to_o as_o high_a and_o honourable_a a_o esteem_n of_o the_o great_a man_n of_o the_o world_n as_o they_o have_v of_o themselves_o these_o man_n shall_v consider_v that_o religion_n be_v not_o the_o product_n of_o man_n nature_n but_o of_o god_n free_a grace_n i_o shall_v say_v to_o they_o as_o luther_n do_v to_o melancthon_n orandus_fw-la est_fw-la melancthon_n ut_fw-la desinat_fw-la esse_fw-la rector_n mundi_fw-la melancthon_n be_v to_o be_v entreat_v to_o come_v down_o from_o his_o throne_n and_o to_o suffer_v god_n to_o govern_v the_o world_n as_o he_o please_v so_o these_o atheistical_a objector_n be_v entreat_v to_o permit_v god_n to_o dispose_v of_o his_o grace_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a if_o god_n think_v fit_a with_o jacob_n to_o cross_v his_o hand_n and_o to_o lay_v the_o right_a hand_n upon_o the_o young_a son_n if_o it_o please_v god_n to_o bestow_v his_o grace_n upon_o a_o poor_a lazarus_n and_o to_o neglect_v the_o purple_a robe_n shall_v foolish_a and_o arrogant_a man_n present_o commence_v a_o suit_n against_o god_n and_o quarrel_n with_o his_o providence_n and_o renounce_v their_o religion_n shall_v they_o pull_v god_n out_o of_o the_o throne_n unless_o he_o will_v take_v they_o into_o his_o privy_a council_n 2._o the_o matter_n of_o this_o objection_n will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n be_v fouâ—d_v false_a for_o it_o will_v appear_v upon_o enquiry_n that_o true_o religious_a person_n both_o in_o this_o and_o former_a age_n have_v be_v and_o be_v neither_o few_o nor_o mean_v the_o history_n of_o former_a time_n assure_v we_o of_o vast_a multitude_n which_o hearty_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o seal_v to_o it_o with_o their_o blood_n and_o some_o have_v make_v the_o computation_n of_o the_o christian_a martâ—yrs_n slay_v in_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n that_o there_o be_v 5000_o for_o every_o day_n in_o the_o year_n save_v one_o and_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n there_o be_v yet_o a_o very_a considerable_a number_n of_o such_o both_o here_o and_o elsewhere_o in_o the_o world_n which_o however_o unhappy_o difference_v in_o lesser_a thing_n yet_o in_o reason_n justice_n and_o charity_n we_o ought_v to_o believe_v to_o be_v true_o religious_a person_n if_o we_o take_v not_o our_o measure_n from_o the_o new_a model_n and_o definition_n of_o religion_n which_o the_o fancy_n or_o humour_n of_o man_n have_v coin_v but_o content_v ourselves_o with_o apostolical_a simplicity_n and_o with_o saint_n peter_n description_n of_o it_o act_n 10.35_o in_o every_o nation_n he_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o work_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v with_o he_o and_o as_o religious_a man_n have_v not_o be_v few_o so_o neither_o have_v they_o be_v mean_a either_o in_o outward_a quality_n or_o inward_a endowment_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o present_v you_o with_o a_o large_a catalogue_n of_o great_a prince_n and_o emperor_n valiant_a soldier_n sage_a counselor_n man_n of_o the_o great_a wit_n and_o counsel_n of_o their_o several_a age_n who_o have_v give_v their_o name_n to_o christ_n and_o sacrifice_v their_o very_a life_n to_o religion_n and_o if_o this_o age_n be_v more_o degenerate_a than_o the_o formeâ—_n we_o may_v thank_v the_o objector_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n for_o it_o who_o have_v make_v it_o their_o great_a business_n to_o debauch_v person_n and_o to_o bring_v all_o religion_n into_o contempt_n 3._o admit_v there_o be_v many_o weakness_n and_o folly_n of_o divers_a true_a christian_n these_o man_n if_o they_o have_v common_a discretion_n in_o they_o will_v consider_v that_o religion_n do_v not_o pretend_v to_o alter_v the_o temper_n of_o man_n brain_n and_o body_n not_o to_o make_v man_n philosopher_n but_o virtuous_a not_o to_o raise_v their_o intellectual_n but_o to_o mend_v their_o moral_n not_o to_o make_v they_o discreet_a in_o worldly_a concern_v but_o to_o make_v they_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n nor_o do_v i_o persuade_v you_o to_o imitate_v the_o folly_n but_o the_o piety_n of_o religious_a person_n only_o take_v heed_n that_o those_o who_o you_o call_v fool_n do_v not_o show_v themselves_o wise_a than_o those_o that_o account_n themselves_o â—he_v wise_a man_n of_o the_o world_n though_o indeed_o if_o a_o trâ—e_a estimate_n be_v make_v of_o the_o despiser_n of_o religion_n i_o doubt_v we_o shall_v find_v so_o many_o weak_a brethren_n among_o they_o as_o will_v give_v little_a credit_n to_o this_o objection_n and_o for_o those_o that_o be_v esteem_v the_o wit_n of_o the_o party_n i_o have_v hear_v a_o person_n of_o great_a honour_n and_o learning_n profess_v that_o of_o all_o the_o atheistical_a wit_n which_o he_o have_v the_o unhappiness_n to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o he_o know_v not_o one_o that_o be_v a_o person_n of_o solid_a learning_n and_o deep_a judgement_n but_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o there_o be_v not_o great_a folly_n in_o bedlam_n than_o mâ—ny_n of_o these_o great_a wit_n be_v guilty_a of_o they_o have_v not_o so_o much_o wit_n as_o to_o preserve_v their_o estate_n from_o ruin_n their_o body_n and_o name_n from_o rot_v while_o they_o live_v there_o can_v be_v devise_v a_o great_a madness_n than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o expose_v himself_o to_o such_o tremendous_a hazard_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o everlasting_a burn_n and_o that_o too_o for_o such_o poor_a and_o sordid_a recompense_n many_o of_o they_o purchase_v their_o eternal_a damnation_n with_o their_o temporal_a ruin_n and_o march_v through_o one_o hell_n into_o another_o and_o therefore_o either_o let_v they_o cure_v their_o own_o folly_n or_o let_v they_o be_v ashamed_a to_o upbraid_v the_o folly_n of_o religious_a man_n and_o see_v the_o chief_a pretence_n and_o objection_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o trifle_v and_o impertinent_a as_o you_o see_v let_v we_o all_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o be_v the_o child_n of_o wisdom_n in_o justify_v of_o it_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o its_o friend_n or_o censure_n of_o its_o enemy_n finis_fw-la doctrine_n 1._o doctrine_n 2._o use_v 1_o use_v 2._o use_v
thus_o those_o that_o addict_v themselves_o to_o prophetical_a study_n be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o the_o prophet_n 2_o king_n 4.38_o thus_o the_o friend_n and_o associate_n of_o the_o bridegroom_n be_v call_v child_n of_o the_o bride_n chamber_n mat._n 9.15_o and_o the_o same_o phrase_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o profane_a author_n student_n in_o physic_n be_v call_v by_o lucian_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d child_n of_o physician_n and_o student_n in_o philosophy_n be_v call_v the_o child_n of_o the_o philosopher_n so_o here_o the_o child_n oâ—_n wisdom_n be_v the_o approver_n and_o lover_n of_o wisdom_n or_o religion_n the_o sincere_a worshipper_n of_o god_n those_o that_o hearty_o embrace_v the_o way_n of_o god_n that_o be_v his_o servant_n devote_v to_o his_o fear_n and_o particular_o those_o that_o approve_v of_o christ_n and_o embrace_v his_o doctrine_n and_o way_n quest._n 3._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o be_v justify_v answ._n it_o be_v a_o juridical_a term_n to_o be_v justify_v be_v to_o be_v acquit_v and_o approve_v for_o you_o must_v consider_v that_o wisdom_n or_o religion_n be_v here_o bring_v before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o audacious_a man_n and_o they_o pass_v a_o sentence_n of_o condemnation_n upon_o it_o unto_o which_o the_o present_a justification_n be_v oppose_v so_o then_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o text_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o context_n be_v this_o first_o here_o be_v religion_n condemn_v by_o evil_a man_n though_o upon_o very_o slender_a ground_n and_o gross_a mistake_n and_o perverse_a construction_n second_o here_o be_v religion_n justify_v vindicate_v and_o approve_v of_o by_o good_a and_o wise_a man_n but_o wisdom_n be_v justify_v by_o her_o child_n and_o according_o there_o be_v two_o doctrine_n that_o hence_o offer_v themselves_o to_o your_o thought_n the_o first_o imply_v the_o second_o express_v first_o that_o ungodly_a man_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o speak_v evil_a of_o religion_n and_o religious_a person_n upon_o the_o most_o trivial_a pretence_n 1._o second_o as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o so_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a 2._o to_o justify_v religion_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o its_o friend_n and_o censure_n of_o its_o enemy_n of_o these_o in_o order_n first_o ungodly_a man_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o speak_v evil_a of_o religion_n and_o its_o professor_n upon_o the_o weak_a and_o most_o trivial_a pretence_n the_o rise_n of_o the_o doctrine_n you_o see_v be_v evident_a the_o jew_n condemn_v both_o john_n and_o christ_n and_o their_o several_a method_n and_o doctrine_n and_o that_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v upon_o most_o frivolous_a motive_n this_o have_v always_o be_v one_o of_o the_o many_o ill_a quality_n that_o be_v in_o wicked_a man_n that_o they_o have_v a_o ache_a tooth_n at_o religion_n and_o religious_a man_n a_o great_a pronity_n to_o seek_v and_o spy_v fault_n in_o they_o when_o there_o be_v a_o strife_n between_o the_o herdsman_n of_o abram_n cattle_n and_o the_o herdsman_n of_o lot_n cattle_n gen._n 13.7_o it_o be_v mention_v as_o a_o memorable_a circumstance_n that_o the_o canaanite_n and_o the_o perizzite_n dwell_v then_o in_o the_o land_n abram_n well_o know_v what_o a_o evil_a eye_n those_o man_n have_v upon_o religion_n and_o how_o ready_a they_o will_v be_v to_o censure_v the_o action_n of_o those_o that_o own_v it_o and_o therefore_o he_o condescend_v to_o lot_n though_o his_o junior_n and_o his_o nephew_n and_o offer_v he_o his_o choice_n in_o a_o writ_n of_o partition_n vers_fw-la 8_o 9_o and_o abram_n say_v unto_o lot_n let_v there_o be_v no_o strife_n i_o pray_v thou_o between_o i_o and_o thou_o etc._n etc._n for_o we_o be_v brethren_n be_v not_o the_o whole_a land_n before_o thou_o separate_z thyself_o i_o pray_v thou_o from_o i_o if_o thou_o will_v take_v the_o left_a hand_n i_o will_v go_v to_o the_o right_n or_o if_o thou_o depart_v to_o the_o right_a hand_n than_o i_o will_v go_v to_o the_o left_a the_o jew_n be_v the_o only_a people_n that_o profess_v true_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o there_o be_v no_o people_n more_o malign_v and_o despise_v no_o religion_n more_o censure_v than_o they_o no_o calumny_n be_v think_v foul_a enough_o to_o be_v fasten_v upon_o they_o they_o be_v say_v to_o worship_v the_o cloud_n to_o worship_v a_o ass_n head_n and_o what_o not_o and_o when_o the_o jew_n degenerate_v and_o their_o religion_n be_v either_o corrupt_v or_o antiquate_v and_o christian_n come_v in_o their_o stead_n they_o succeed_v also_o into_o their_o hatred_n and_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o vulgar_a account_n as_o the_o scum_n and_o offscouring_a of_o all_o thing_n act_n 28.22_o as_o concern_v this_o sect_n we_o know_v that_o it_o be_v every_o where_o speak_v against_o and_o thus_o it_o have_v be_v in_o all_o succeed_a age_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o it_o be_v so_o at_o this_o day_n i_o must_v acknowledge_v with_o grief_n of_o heart_n that_o pretender_n to_o religion_n have_v give_v too_o great_a occasion_n to_o its_o enemy_n to_o open_v their_o mouth_n against_o it_o and_o it_o be_v my_o earnest_a prayer_n that_o god_n will_v forgive_v the_o sin_n of_o english_a professor_n the_o sad_a effect_n whereof_o we_o feel_v at_o this_o day_n and_o in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o this_o that_o for_o their_o sake_n religion_n be_v dishonour_v and_o despise_v but_o yet_o i_o must_v add_v that_o whatsoever_o have_v be_v the_o pretend_a or_o real_a miscarriage_n of_o religious_a man_n religion_n be_v innocent_a and_o have_v not_o deserve_v any_o of_o that_o contempt_n or_o reproach_n which_o be_v cast_v upon_o it_o and_o therefore_o this_o will_v not_o justify_v the_o practice_n of_o ungodly_a man_n whereby_o they_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o censure_v religion_n and_o its_o professor_n upon_o the_o most_o vain_a and_o trivial_a pretence_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o doctrine_n i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o this_o method_n 1._o give_v you_o some_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o point_n 2._o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o and_o 3._o apply_v it_o to_o our_o own_o use_n first_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o some_o demonstration_n or_o indication_n of_o this_o malevolent_a temper_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o of_o their_o perverse_a and_o unreasonable_a censure_n of_o religion_n and_o those_o that_o profess_v it_o first_o they_o condemn_v that_o in_o religious_a man_n which_o god_n command_v for_o example_n god_n command_v man_n not_o only_o to_o mind_v their_o own_o salvation_n but_o their_o neighbour_n too_o it_o be_v a_o speech_n befit_v none_o but_o a_o barbarous_a cain_n be_o i_o my_o brother_n keeper_n it_o â—s_v our_o duty_n as_o occasion_n be_v offer_v and_o need_n require_v to_o admonish_v our_o brethren_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o danger_n to_o prevent_v their_o damnation_n and_o to_o further_a their_o salvation_n by_o all_o mean_v possible_a scripture_n be_v express_v and_o peremptory_a leviticus_n 19.17_o thou_o shall_v not_o hate_v thy_o brother_n in_o thy_o heart_n thou_o shall_v in_o any_o wise_a rebuke_n thy_o neighbour_n and_o not_o suffer_v sin_n upon_o he_o and_o certain_o if_o i_o must_v help_v up_o my_o neighbour_n ass_n when_o he_o have_v sink_v down_o under_o the_o weight_n of_o his_o burden_n or_o help_v he_o out_o when_o he_o be_v fall_v into_o a_o pit_n much_o more_o be_v it_o my_o duty_n to_o help_v my_o neighbour_n soul_n when_o it_o be_v ready_a to_o drop_v into_o the_o pit_n from_o which_o there_o be_v no_o redemption_n nay_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n teach_v man_n this_o doctrine_n remarkable_a to_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o passage_n of_o socrates_n as_o plato_n report_v it_o in_o his_o apology_n for_o he_o who_o tell_v his_o judge_n that_o if_o they_o will_v spare_v his_o life_n upon_o this_o condition_n that_o he_o shall_v forbear_v instruct_v and_o reprove_v the_o young_a man_n of_o the_o city_n he_o will_v not_o accept_v his_o life_n upon_o such_o dishonourable_a term_n but_o now_o if_o a_o christian_a make_v conscience_n and_o serious_o set_v himself_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n if_o he_o do_v admonish_v and_o warn_v and_o reprove_v his_o neighbour_n when_o he_o sin_n against_o god_n and_o wrong_v his_o own_o soul_n how_o severe_o be_v he_o censure_v for_o it_o then_o he_o be_v a_o morose_n and_o unconversable_a person_n a_o busy_a body_n a_o troublesome_a and_o intolerable_a neighbour_n then_o religion_n make_v man_n peevish_a ill-natured_a imperious_a and_o all_o that_o be_v hateful_a a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o this_o we_o have_v genesis_n 19_o where_o let_v endeavour_n to_o dissuade_v the_o sodomite_n from_o execute_v their_o intend_a wickedness_n vers_fw-la 7_o 8._o i_o pray_v you_o brethren_n do_v not_o so_o wicked_o behold_v now_o i_o have_v two_o
daughter_n which_o have_v not_o know_v man_n let_v i_o i_o pray_v you_o bring_v they_o out_o unto_o you_o and_o do_v you_o to_o they_o as_o be_v good_a in_o your_o eye_n only_o unto_o these_o man_n do_v nothing_o for_o therefore_o come_v they_o under_o the_o shadow_n of_o my_o roof_n where_o abate_v the_o error_n of_o offer_v his_o daughter_n to_o prostitution_n therâ—_n be_v so_o great_a a_o constellation_n of_o virtue_n as_o may_v command_v reverence_n from_o the_o most_o savage_a barbarian_n so_o strict_a a_o observance_n of_o the_o law_n of_o hospitality_n such_o fortitude_n and_o generosity_n in_o expose_v himself_o to_o the_o utmost_a hazard_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o those_o who_o he_o suppose_v to_o be_v helpless_a stranger_n such_o heroical_a self_n denial_n in_o be_v more_o willing_a to_o receive_v the_o injury_n in_o a_o part_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o own_o body_n than_o to_o permit_v it_o to_o stranger_n such_o eminent_a charity_n in_o afford_v counsel_n to_o these_o wretched_a miscreant_n and_o do_v what_o he_o can_v to_o prevent_v the_o death_n of_o those_o that_o deserve_v not_o to_o live_v and_o the_o reproof_n too_o be_v manage_v with_o all_o sweetness_n and_o mildness_n i_o pray_v you_o brethren_n and_o fortify_v with_o great_a strength_n of_o reason_n and_o argument_n do_v not_o so_o wicked_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v this_o action_n have_v a_o turpitude_n in_o it_o sâ—lf_a and_o will_v bring_v some_o mischief_n upon_o your_o head_n and_o yet_o these_o virulent_a adder_n turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n to_o the_o counsel_n of_o this_o holy_a charmer_n though_o he_o charm_v so_o wise_o vers_fw-la 9_o and_o they_o say_v stand_v back_o and_o they_o say_v again_o this_o one_o fellow_n come_v in_o to_o sojourn_v and_o he_o will_v needs_o be_v a_o judge_n now_o will_v we_o deal_v worse_o with_o thou_o than_o with_o they_o thus_o hearty_o do_v they_o censure_v and_o threaten_v he_o for_o no_o other_o crime_n but_o this_o that_o he_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o oby_v god_n command_n and_o will_v have_v make_v they_o as_o happy_a as_o himself_o so_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a command_n of_o god_n that_o christian_n shall_v walk_v circumspect_o ephes._n 5.15_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d exact_o wary_o precise_o for_o so_o the_o word_n signify_v that_o they_o walk_v according_a to_o rule_v gal._n 6.16_o as_o many_o as_o walk_v according_a to_o this_o rule_n peace_n be_v unto_o they_o and_o mercy_n that_o they_o have_v a_o respect_n unto_o all_o god_n command_n and_o hate_v every_o false_a way_n psalm_n 1â—9_n 128_o and_o consequent_o that_o they_o make_v conscience_n of_o every_o yea_o the_o least_o duty_n and_o of_o avoid_v the_o least_o sin_n that_o they_o abstain_v from_o all_o appearance_n of_o evil_n 1_o thes._n 5.22_o now_o if_o a_o christian_a real_o be_v this_o which_o he_o ought_v and_o pretend_v to_o be_v and_o do_v this_o which_o you_o see_v he_o stand_v oblige_v to_o do_v it_o be_v incredible_a what_o clamour_n be_v raise_v against_o he_o if_o a_o man_n make_v conscience_n of_o remember_v the_o sabbath_n day_n to_o keep_v it_o holy_a and_o of_o abstain_v from_o the_o do_n of_o his_o own_o way_n and_o pleasure_n and_o the_o speak_n of_o his_o own_o word_n as_o be_v express_o command_v isaiah_n 58.13_o unless_o perhaps_o the_o advocate_n of_o profaneness_n will_v fetch_v relief_n from_o the_o tent_n of_o heresy_n and_o say_v that_o the_o old_a testament_n iâ—_n antiquate_v to_o christian_n than_o he_o be_v a_o praecisian_n foppish_a superstitious_a nay_o he_o be_v a_o jew_n and_o i_o must_v acknowledge_v it_o be_v better_a be_v a_o jew_n than_o such_o a_o pagan_a christian_a as_o to_o live_v in_o the_o gross_a violation_n of_o the_o know_a law_n of_o that_o god_n who_o he_o profess_v to_o serve_v and_o obey_v thus_o if_o a_o man_n will_v not_o do_v all_o that_o his_o neighbour_n do_v if_o a_o man_n make_v a_o scruple_n of_o those_o action_n and_o carriage_n which_o other_o can_v easy_o digest_v and_o and_o be_v general_o esteem_v but_o puny_a sin_n then_o he_o be_v nice_a singular_a fantastical_a though_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o god_n require_v he_o shall_v be_v second_o they_o condemn_v religious_a man_n for_o those_o very_a thing_n which_o their_o own_o conscienceâ—_n approve_v of_o for_o man_n conscience_n if_o they_o be_v not_o bribe_v be_v general_o on_o god_n side_n for_o example_n conscience_n will_v justify_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o straight_a gate_n and_o make_v religion_n his_o work_n and_o end_n to_o which_o all_o other_o thing_n shall_v give_v place_n so_o as_o neither_o worldly_a business_n nor_o idle_a visit_n nor_o recreation_n shall_v divert_v a_o man_n from_o it_o conscience_n will_v justify_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v govern_v by_o religion_n in_o all_o his_o concernment_n that_o whether_o he_o eat_v or_o drink_v or_o whatsoever_o he_o do_v all_o shall_v be_v do_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o we_o be_v express_o enjoin_v 1_o cor._n 10.31_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v prefer_v the_o hear_n of_o a_o sermon_n before_o a_o unnecessary_a worldly_a occasion_n or_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o civility_n i_o have_v almost_o say_v before_o a_o dear_o belove_a play_n this_o i_o say_v be_v no_o more_o than_o conscience_n will_v justify_v and_o it_o be_v a_o case_n already_o determine_v by_o our_o saviour_n luke_n 10.41_o 42._o but_o if_o a_o man_n will_v resolve_o and_o diligent_o set_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o these_o thing_n he_o shall_v certain_o hear_v of_o it_o this_o be_v but_o pride_n to_o be_v think_v better_a than_o his_o neighbour_n humour_n to_o do_v more_o than_o other_o man_n hypocrifie_n to_o make_v great_a show_v of_o devotion_n design_n to_o cover_v some_o evil_a practice_n or_o at_o best_o but_o a_o intemperate_a and_o busy_a zeal_n i_o know_v two_o person_n of_o quality_n that_o be_v censure_v some_o of_o their_o near_a relation_n and_o condole_v one_o with_o another_o that_o they_o can_v have_v no_o more_o comfort_n in_o they_o they_o be_v so_o frequent_o in_o their_o closet_n or_o at_o sermon_n and_o fast_n etc._n etc._n that_o they_o can_v have_v no_o society_n with_o they_o but_o at_o last_o conscience_n begin_v to_o work_v and_o one_o of_o they_o say_v but_o the_o truth_n be_v sir_n they_o do_v no_o more_o than_o you_o and_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o believe_v it_o however_o man_n may_v stupefy_v their_o conscience_n now_o there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a number_n of_o that_o mind_n at_o the_o last_o day_n three_o they_o condemn_v religion_n for_o the_o fault_n of_o irreligious_a man_n or_o such_o as_o be_v vaiâ—_n pretender_n to_o religion_n for_o such_o the_o world_n have_v ever_o have_v and_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o expect_v it_o especial_o if_o religion_n happen_v to_o be_v in_o fashion_n and_o the_o way_n to_o preferment_n and_o a_o multitude_n of_o such_o person_n there_o be_v in_o the_o late_a time_n that_o have_v since_o discover_v of_o what_o complexion_n their_o religion_n be_v be_v of_o forward_a pretender_n to_o it_o grow_v implacable_a hater_n and_o persecutor_n of_o it_o and_o these_o be_v the_o man_n that_o contribute_v as_o much_o to_o our_o late_a sad_a and_o sinful_a enormity_n as_o any_o and_o now_o religion_n must_v bear_v the_o blame_n all_o these_o man_n brat_n must_v be_v lay_v at_o religion_n door_n and_o religion_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o sedition_n and_o rebellion_n and_o what_o not_o more_o wise_a and_o just_a be_v that_o late_a noble_a lord_n who_o though_o a_o constant_a enemy_n to_o all_o either_o the_o real_a or_o suppose_v miscarriage_n of_o late_a time_n yet_o have_v leave_v this_o passage_n upon_o record_n in_o his_o pious_a letter_n that_o though_o religion_n have_v be_v abuse_v to_o very_o bad_a purpose_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v think_v worse_o of_o for_o it_o a_o great_a sign_n of_o a_o true_o honest_a mind_n and_o heart_n and_o the_o contrary_a speech_n of_o other_o man_n do_v plain_o discover_v a_o heart_n full_a of_o malevolence_n and_o ill-will_a to_o religion_n we_o know_v the_o devil_n some_o time_n transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n now_o it_o be_v as_o just_a to_o charge_v all_o the_o lie_v and_o wicked_a action_n of_o the_o devil_n act_v in_o such_o a_o disguise_n upon_o all_o the_o holy_a angel_n as_o it_o be_v to_o charge_v the_o fault_n of_o mere_a pretender_n to_o religion_n upon_o the_o sincere_a professor_n of_o it_o four_o they_o condemn_v religion_n for_o the_o fault_n of_o humane_a nature_n if_o any_o person_n that_o profess_v religion_n be_v morose_n or_o passionate_a if_o any_o of_o they_o be_v churlish_a husband_n perverse_a wife_n slothful_a or_o heedless_a servant_n religion_n must_v suffer_v for_o it_o and_o you_o
shall_v hear_v such_o language_n as_o this_o this_o be_v religion_n these_o be_v your_o religious_a person_n it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o such_o person_n do_v very_o wicked_o to_o give_v occasion_n to_o the_o adversary_n of_o religion_n to_o open_v their_o mouth_n against_o it_o they_o shall_v pay_v dear_a for_o expose_v religion_n in_o this_o manner_n that_o shall_v teach_v they_o to_o conquer_v themselves_o and_o to_o subject_v their_o own_o inclination_n to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n and_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o gospel_n yet_o still_o i_o say_v religion_n be_v not_o the_o worse_a for_o it_o it_o be_v a_o unjust_a and_o a_o ungodly_a thing_n to_o charge_v the_o fault_n of_o nature_n upon_o grace_n what_o be_v say_v of_o galba_n wit_n may_v frequent_o be_v say_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n plant_v in_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o do_v malè_fw-la habitaâ—e_fw-la that_o it_o be_v lodge_v in_o a_o incommodious_a and_o ill_a temper_a body_n religion_n will_v not_o alter_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o body_n it_o will_v not_o expel_v choler_n or_o melancholy_n or_o correct_v any_o of_o those_o ill_a humour_n that_o be_v connatural_a to_o it_o the_o heathen_a seneca_n epist._n 11._o may_v teach_v these_o man_n more_o candour_n while_o he_o say_v nullâ_fw-la sapientiâ_fw-la naturalia_fw-la animi_fw-la vitia_fw-la ponuntur_fw-la quicâ—uid_fw-la infixum_fw-la &_o ingenitum_fw-la est_fw-la lenitur_fw-la arte_fw-la non_fw-la vinciâ—ur_fw-la no_o wisdom_n will_v whole_o subdue_v the_o natural_a infirmity_n of_o the_o mind_n whatsoever_o be_v root_v in_o we_o and_o â—orn_v with_o we_o it_o may_v be_v qualify_v by_o art_n and_o industry_n â—ut_v it_o can_v never_o be_v conquer_v or_o extinguish_v five_o they_o condemn_v that_o high_o in_o religious_a â—en_n which_o they_o allow_v or_o bear_v with_o in_o themselves_o â—r_o other_o herein_o appear_v their_o gross_a partiality_n they_o can_v see_v the_o mote_n in_o their_o eye_n and_o can_v discern_v the_o beam_n in_o their_o own_o and_o this_o i_o commend_v to_o your_o observation_n upon_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n you_o will_v find_v those_o who_o be_v most_o forward_o to_o accuse_v religion_n and_o religious_a man_n upon_o every_o small_a occasion_n most_o ready_a to_o excuse_v ungodly_a man_n for_o far_o great_a crime_n their_o drunkenness_n be_v but_o good_a nature_n and_o sociableness_n their_o horrid_a murder_n especial_o if_o â—shered_v in_o with_o the_o solemnity_n of_o a_o duel_n be_v but_o act_n of_o valour_n and_o gallantry_n their_o dismal_a oath_n able_a to_o make_v the_o pillar_n of_o hell_n to_o tremble_v be_v but_o the_o effect_n of_o sudden_a passion_n for_o which_o good_a man_n they_o be_v very_o sorry_a afterward_o in_o a_o word_n all_o their_o sin_n be_v but_o infirmity_n and_o all_o the_o sin_n of_o god_n people_n be_v rebellion_n and_o witchcraft_n and_o as_o some_o have_v say_v in_o a_o particular_a instance_n the_o very_a unpardonable_a sin_n thus_o if_o david_n do_v but_o once_o fall_v into_o the_o sin_n of_o adultery_n the_o enemy_n of_o god_n will_v take_v occasion_n to_o blaspheme_v he_o 2_o sam._n 12.14_o ay_o this_o be_v the_o man_n after_o god_n own_o heart_n this_o be_v the_o man_n that_o keep_v himself_o from_o his_o own_o iniquity_n this_o be_v he_o that_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o god_n commandment_n and_o hate_v every_o false_a way_n other_o king_n of_o he_o and_o the_o succeed_a time_n commit_v the_o same_o sin_n a_o hundred_o time_n but_o you_o hear_v no_o noise_n of_o that_o in_o they_o it_o be_v but_o a_o venial_a sin_n a_o humane_a frailty_n or_o the_o just_a prerogative_n of_o prince_n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o those_o who_o be_v real_o sorry_a for_o some_o of_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o their_o brethren_n in_o iniquity_n do_v hearty_o rejoice_v and_o triumph_v in_o the_o slip_n and_o fall_v of_o religious_a man_n while_o a_o generous_a and_o virtuous_a soul_n will_v on_o the_o contrary_n say_v tell_v it_o not_o in_o gath_n publish_v it_o not_o in_o the_o street_n of_o aâ—kelon_n second_o i_o shall_v make_v a_o little_a enquiry_n into_o the_o causeâ—_n oâ—â—his_v malignity_n whereby_o wicked_a man_n be_v so_o prone_a to_o speak_v evil_a upon_o religion_n and_o religious_a person_n on_o all_o occasion_n i_o shall_v only_o mention_v five_o first_o ignorance_n however_o many_o of_o these_o man_n esteem_v themselves_o the_o wit_n of_o the_o age_n herein_o they_o betray_v great_a ignorance_n and_o folly_n or_o which_o iâ—_n worse_a desperate_a malice_n but_o in_o charity_n we_o will_v suppose_v the_o best_a it_o be_v their_o ignorance_n therefore_o they_o impute_v all_o evil_a effect_n to_o religion_n because_o they_o have_v not_o wit_n to_o understand_v the_o true_a cause_n or_o difference_n of_o thing_n nor_o to_o consider_v that_o in_o good_a man_n thâ—re_o be_v diverse_a and_o contrary_a principle_n from_o each_o of_o which_o those_o action_n may_v proceed_v it_o be_v true_a plebâ—_n non_fw-la distinguit_fw-la the_o rabble_n make_v no_o distinction_n but_o if_o these_o man_n have_v the_o wisdom_n wherein_o they_o pretend_v to_o excel_v other_o it_o will_v teach_v they_o to_o discern_v between_o thing_n that_o differ_v to_o ascribe_v every_o effect_n to_o its_o proper_a cause_n and_o to_o distinguish_v between_o those_o action_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o those_o that_o flow_v from_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o body_n between_o those_o that_o arise_v from_o religion_n and_o those_o which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o that_o imperfection_n which_o attend_v upon_o religion_n in_o this_o life_n and_o because_o these_o man_n can_v no_o better_o distinguish_v it_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n either_o that_o they_o have_v malicious_a heart_n or_o else_o but_o vulgar_a head_n second_o hatred_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n peradveture_n some_o may_v say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o monster_n in_o the_o world_n that_o hate_n god_n and_o that_o i_o do_v but_o traduce_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n in_o make_v such_o a_o supposition_n but_o if_o i_o be_o deceive_v god_n have_v deceive_v i_o for_o among_o the_o other_o crime_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v brand_v the_o roman_n with_o this_o be_v one_o that_o they_o be_v hater_n of_o god_n rom._n 1.3_o and_o god_n say_v he_o will_v repay_v they_o that_o hate_v he_o to_o their_o face_n deut._n 7.10_o and_o if_o the_o experience_n of_o former_a age_n have_v leave_v this_o doubtful_a i_o think_v that_o of_o this_o generation_n will_v put_v it_o out_o of_o all_o question_n since_o man_n have_v now_o arrive_v to_o that_o height_n of_o impudence_n caligula_n like_v to_o proclaim_v war_n against_o god_n himself_o hence_o come_v those_o audacious_a and_o atheistical_a discourse_n and_o book_n which_o have_v dare_v to_o appear_v in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o sun_n in_o this_o generation_n as_o if_o they_o will_v beat_v god_n out_o of_o the_o field_n and_o dispute_v he_o out_o of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v some_o man_n who_o principal_a business_n it_o be_v to_o affront_n god_n and_o to_o do_v as_o much_o mischief_n to_o religion_n as_o possible_o they_o can_v i_o have_v be_v credible_o inform_v concern_v a_o person_n of_o some_o quality_n who_o perceive_v his_o friend_n to_o scruple_n a_o action_n which_o he_o persuade_v he_o to_o say_v to_o this_o effect_n i_o suppose_v you_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o do_v this_o because_o you_o think_v it_o unlawful_a and_o i_o therefore_o will_v do_v it_o so_o that_o i_o think_v by_o this_o time_n it_o be_v past_a doubt_n that_o there_o be_v such_o prodigy_n in_o humane_a nature_n that_o have_v a_o radicate_v hatred_n against_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o no_o wonder_n if_o such_o a_o cause_n produce_v such_o a_o effect_n and_o hatred_n of_o religion_n make_v they_o forward_o to_o censure_v it_o for_o out_o of_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o heart_n the_o mouth_n will_v speak_v man_n be_v general_o ready_a to_o excuse_v the_o action_n of_o those_o that_o they_o love_v and_o to_o accuse_v and_o censure_v the_o action_n of_o those_o who_o they_o hate_v and_o to_o take_v all_o they_o say_v or_o do_v in_o the_o worst_a part_n three_o revenge_n against_o religion_n and_o religious_a man_n they_o owe_v they_o both_o a_o spite_n religion_n condemn_v they_o to_o unspeakable_a torment_n to_o the_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v the_o fire_n that_o shall_v never_o be_v quench_v it_o tell_v they_o in_o plain_a term_n that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v turn_v into_o hell_n that_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o the_o wicked_a that_o if_o they_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n they_o shall_v die_v and_o that_o if_o they_o hope_v to_o escape_v eternal_a death_n upon_o other_o term_n they_o do_v but_o cheat_v themselves_o religious_a man_n also_o condemn_v they_o and_o as_o the_o saint_n shall_v judge_v the_o world_n at_o the_o last_o day_n so_o do_v
but_o not_o contrary_a lest_o otherwise_o we_o drive_v away_o those_o who_o we_o will_v reclaim_v let_v we_o steer_v our_o course_n bâ—â—â—een_v that_o conversation_n which_o be_v best_a and_o that_o which_o be_v most_o in_o use_n let_v our_o manner_n of_o life_n be_v such_o that_o they_o may_v reverence_v it_o but_o yet_o such_o also_o that_o they_o may_v understand_v it_o i_o can_v therefore_o approve_v of_o any_o uncooth_n gesture_n or_o tone_n or_o other_o affect_a singularity_n in_o any_o christian_n and_o least_o of_o all_o in_o minister_n yet_o thus_o much_o i_o must_v say_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o man_n shall_v despise_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n for_o such_o circumstantial_a and_o trivial_a indecency_n or_o refuse_v their_o food_n because_o it_o be_v not_o serve_v up_o in_o a_o lordly_a dish_n nor_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v strange_a or_o unreasonable_a if_o such_o as_o have_v a_o inward_a passion_n for_o religion_n discover_v it_o in_o their_o outward_a man_n by_o some_o unusual_a signification_n i_o must_v not_o dissemble_v i_o can_v but_o esteem_v it_o another_o token_n of_o man_n malevolence_n against_o religion_n that_o they_o can_v dispense_v with_o these_o very_a thing_n or_o more_o indecent_a posture_n from_o person_n transport_v with_o love_n or_o any_o other_o passion_n which_o they_o so_o severe_o censure_v in_o person_n that_o be_v fire_v with_o zeal_n for_o god_n and_o for_o the_o good_a of_o soul_n and_o because_o they_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o themselves_o they_o conclude_v there_o be_v none_o in_o other_o also_o and_o judge_v all_o to_o bâ—_n but_o hypocritical_a fiction_n but_o although_o such_o censurer_n be_v never_o the_o better_a yet_o i_o wish_v i_o can_v prevail_v with_o all_o serious_a minister_n and_o christian_n to_o watch_v against_o such_o thing_n to_o strive_v with_o their_o own_o temper_n and_o to_o redeem_v themselves_o from_o such_o ill_a habiâ—â—_n and_o custom_n which_o some_o peradventure_o have_v contract_v i_o will_v entreat_v you_o to_o consider_v that_o 1._o religion_n do_v not_o oblige_v you_o to_o they_o that_o consist_v not_o in_o meatâ—_n and_o drink_n and_o phraseâ—_n and_o gesture_n but_o in_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 2._o religion_n oblige_v you_o against_o they_o the_o grâ—at_a command_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v let_v all_o thing_n be_v do_v to_o edification_n and_o we_o must_v according_a to_o the_o apostle_n practiâ—e_v 1_o cor._n 9_o â—2_n become_v all_o thing_n to_o all_o man_n if_o by_o any_o mean_n we_o may_v save_v some_o and_o let_v i_o add_v what_o christian_n happy_o do_v not_o sufficient_o consider_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o more_o special_a care_n of_o those_o who_o they_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o despise_v i_o mean_v of_o ungodly_a man_n who_o such_o affectation_n do_v fill_v with_o prejudice_n against_o religion_n as_o the_o physician_n chief_a care_n lie_v towards_o those_o that_o be_v most_o disease_v and_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o conversion_n of_o sinner_n be_v a_o more_o noble_a and_o necessary_a work_n than_o the_o edification_n of_o saint_n christian_n shall_v in_o this_o as_o in_o all_o other_o part_n and_o kind_n of_o conversation_n so_o demean_v themselves_o as_o they_o may_v not_o prejudice_v any_o against_o but_o rather_o win_v they_o to_o the_o love_n and_o way_n of_o god_n 2._o take_v heed_n of_o injustice_n fraud_n or_o falseness_n in_o your_o word_n trade_n and_o action_n this_o be_v that_o which_o open_v the_o mouth_n of_o man_n wide_a against_o religion_n and_o woe_n to_o they_o that_o give_v the_o occasion_n but_o let_v such_o vain_a pretender_n to_o religion_n know_v that_o godliness_n be_v nothing_o worth_a which_o be_v not_o attend_v with_o righteousness_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n wheresoever_o it_o be_v in_o truth_n will_v teach_v a_o man_n to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o as_o well_o as_o godly_o in_o the_o world_n all_o that_o be_v true_o good_a will_v not_o only_o make_v conscience_n of_o serve_v god_n but_o will_v also_o provide_v thing_n honest_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n rom._n 12.17_o so_o 1_o cor._n 6.9_o know_v you_o not_o that_o the_o unrighteous_a shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v be_v you_o so_o ignorant_a of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n as_o not_o to_o understand_v so_o plain_a and_o important_a a_o truâ—h_n the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v clear_a 1_o thes._n 4.6_o that_o no_o man_n go_v beyond_o or_o defraud_v his_o brother_n in_o any_o matter_n because_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o avenger_n of_o all_o such_o there_o be_v a_o vulgar_a reproach_n professor_n of_o religion_n will_v not_o swear_v but_o they_o will_v lie_v loud_o will_v they_o so_o then_o set_v a_o mark_n upon_o they_o that_o man_n that_o will_v lie_v or_o cheat_v or_o falsify_v his_o word_n and_o allow_v himself_o in_o the_o usual_a practice_n of_o these_o thing_n let_v he_o know_v and_o let_v other_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o his_o religion_n be_v in_o vain_a nor_o â—s_a religion_n concern_v in_o his_o miscarriage_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n you_o see_v what_o necessity_n there_o lie_v upon_o all_o that_o fear_n god_n to_o avoid_v such_o wicked_a practice_n 3._o take_v heed_n of_o scandalous_a sin_n you_o must_v indeed_o make_v conscience_n of_o avoid_v all_o sin_n it_o be_v the_o character_n of_o every_o true_o good_a man_n to_o be_v the_o same_o in_o secret_a where_o none_o but_o god_n see_v that_o he_o be_v before_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o in_o especial_a manner_n you_o must_v take_v heed_n of_o notorious_a siâ—s_n for_o hereby_o god_n be_v public_o dishonour_v and_o the_o soul_n of_o other_o infinite_o wound_v and_o religion_n high_o disgrace_v he_o that_o be_v not_o deep_o affect_v with_o these_o consideration_n i_o may_v say_v have_v not_o one_o dram_n of_o true_a religion_n in_o he_o 4._o take_v heed_n of_o relative_a sin_n it_o be_v a_o great_a honour_n to_o religion_n when_o those_o that_o profess_v it_o carry_v themselves_o well_o in_o all_o their_o relation_n when_o religious_a person_n be_v the_o best_a husband_n the_o best_a wife_n the_o best_a master_n the_o best_a servant_n and_o let_v i_o add_v the_o best_a neighbour_n and_o friend_n for_o do_v not_o think_v religion_n do_v either_o require_v you_o or_o allow_v you_o to_o be_v unneighbourly_o or_o unsociable_a it_o be_v true_a there_o needs_o caution_n in_o this_o matter_n that_o a_o man_n do_v not_o partake_v of_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o that_o he_o do_v not_o maintain_v intimate_a or_o unnecessary_a familiarity_n with_o gross_o vicious_a person_n but_o in_o other_o case_n religion_n command_v courtesy_n and_o kindness_n be_v pitiful_a be_v courteous_a 1_o pet._n â—_o 8_o unspeakable_a be_v the_o hurt_n which_o that_o silly_a sect_n among_o we_o do_v in_o this_o respect_n by_o make_v the_o world_n believe_v that_o religion_n teach_v they_o ill_a manner_n 5._o take_v heed_n of_o pride_n and_o passion_n i_o join_v they_o together_o because_o they_o usual_o go_v together_o only_o by_o pride_n come_v contention_n prov._n 13.10_o these_o sin_n be_v odious_a in_o all_o man_n but_o especial_o in_o person_n profess_v godliness_n because_o it_o direct_o contradict_v the_o great_a command_n and_o example_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o saviour_n learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a 6._o take_v heed_n of_o indiscreet_a zeal_n without_o due_a respect_n to_o person_n or_o place_n or_o thing_n hereby_o many_o man_n have_v do_v great_a mischief_n to_o religion_n even_o when_o they_o have_v design_v the_o advantage_n of_o it_o we_o be_v command_v to_o be_v wise_a as_o serpent_n as_o well_o as_o innocent_a as_o dove_n and_o christian_n have_v great_a need_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o wisdom_n not_o only_o for_o their_o own_o safe_a conduct_n to_o eternal_a life_n but_o also_o for_o the_o prevention_n of_o these_o dishonour_n which_o they_o may_v bring_v upon_o religion_n by_o their_o folly_n and_o imprudence_n 3._o caution_n to_o all_o i_o beseech_v you_o do_v religion_n and_o yourselves_o that_o right_n not_o to_o judge_v of_o it_o by_o the_o censure_n and_o calumny_n of_o evil_a mind_a man_n remember_v though_o they_o shall_v answer_v for_o their_o wickedness_n you_o shall_v not_o go_v free_a if_o by_o their_o false_a suggestion_n you_o be_v induce_v to_o any_o contempt_n or_o dislike_n of_o religion_n you_o shall_v assure_o perish_v and_o your_o blood_n will_v be_v upon_o your_o own_o head_n if_o the_o blind_a lead_v the_o blind_a both_o shall_v fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n consider_v also_o you_o have_v be_v forewarn_v of_o this_o mistake_n and_o your_o own_o reason_n must_v needs_o allow_v this_o inference_n that_o if_o religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v value_v by_o the_o life_n of_o good_a man_n because_o they_o come_v
unspeakable_o short_a of_o the_o rule_n and_o precept_n of_o it_o much_o less_o be_v it_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o slander_n of_o wicked_a man_n there_o be_v three_o just_a exception_n against_o the_o testimony_n of_o ungodly_a man_n against_o religion_n 1._o they_o be_v ignorant_a how_o witty_a or_o learned_a soever_o they_o be_v in_o other_o matter_n they_o be_v deep_o ignorant_a of_o the_o concern_v of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o speak_v evil_a of_o that_o which_o they_o understand_v not_o they_o say_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o fancy_n or_o passion_n or_o imposture_n and_o design_n and_o they_o may_v in_o part_n think_v so_o because_o indeed_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o religion_n as_o one_o say_v who_o profession_n shall_v have_v â—â—ught_v he_o better_o thing_n he_o know_v no_o regeneration_n but_o when_o a_o man_n turn_v from_o a_o jew_n or_o a_o heathen_a to_o believe_v in_o christ_n religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v know_v but_o by_o a_o inward_a sense_n and_o taste_v taste_n and_o see_v that_o the_o lord_n be_v good_a psal._n 34.8_o if_o so_o be_v you_o have_v taste_v that_o the_o lord_n iâ—_n gracious_a 1_o pet._n 2.3_o it_o be_v therefore_o no_o wonder_n if_o ungodly_a man_n represent_v religion_n to_o themselves_o and_o other_o as_o fantastical_a burdensome_a and_o slavish_a because_o they_o see_v only_o the_o outside_n of_o it_o which_o be_v the_o uncomely_a and_o troublesome_a part_n of_o it_o but_o be_v profound_o ignorant_a of_o the_o inside_n of_o it_o in_o which_o the_o beauty_n and_o pleasure_n of_o it_o consist_v the_o inward_a work_n and_o act_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o soul_n acquaintance_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n the_o consolation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n joy_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v triumphant_a hope_n of_o eternal_a glory_n these_o thing_n to_o they_o be_v a_o terrae_fw-la incognita_fw-la a_o undiscovered_a part_n of_o the_o world_n or_o rather_o a_o mere_a utopia_n or_o fiction_n now_o what_o prudent_a man_n will_v venture_v his_o salvation_n upon_o the_o report_n of_o such_o unlearned_a and_o unexperienced_a person_n in_o these_o matter_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n by_o which_o i_o be_o oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o best_a artist_n in_o their_o several_a profession_n i_o be_o also_o oblige_v to_o reject_v and_o slight_v the_o testimony_n of_o illiterate_a novice_n such_o as_o these_o be_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n 2._o they_o be_v interest_v person_n they_o be_v bribe_v against_o religion_n not_o only_o by_o the_o censure_n of_o other_o and_o by_o the_o common_a cry_n which_o easy_o carry_v away_o such_o unstable_a soul_n but_o also_o by_o their_o own_o lust_n religion_n have_v a_o enemy_n in_o every_o man_n breast_n every_o sinful_a desire_n and_o inclination_n which_o a_o man_n have_v design_n nothing_o less_o than_o the_o extirpation_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n it_o dread_v and_o therefore_o hate_v according_a to_o the_o know_v maxim_n now_o what_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n will_v run_v so_o great_a a_o hazard_n as_o the_o loss_n of_o a_o immortal_a soul_n and_o a_o eternal_a life_n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o interest_v person_n perit_n judicium_fw-la cum_fw-la res_fw-la transit_fw-la in_o affectum_fw-la that_o man_n opinion_n be_v little_a worth_n which_o be_v bias_v by_o his_o interest_n and_o affection_n 3._o they_o be_v enemy_n and_o malicious_a person_n they_o owe_v religion_n a_o spite_n and_o their_o heart_n be_v full_a of_o malice_n against_o it_o as_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v by_o divers_a instance_n i_o do_v not_o say_v they_o hate_v religion_n for_o itself_o but_o they_o hate_v it_o upon_o other_o ground_n partly_o out_o of_o envy_n at_o that_o lustre_n which_o they_o can_v attain_v partly_o out_o of_o revenge_n against_o their_o judge_n and_o principal_o out_o of_o love_n to_o their_o sinful_a lust_n but_o whatever_o be_v the_o cause_n the_o effect_n be_v evident_a they_o hate_v god_n and_o be_v enemy_n to_o religion_n as_o any_o prudent_a man_n will_v easy_o discern_v and_o therefore_o their_o testimony_n have_v no_o weight_n nor_o force_n in_o it_o against_o religion_n religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v evil_a thought_n of_o either_o because_o of_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o its_o friend_n or_o the_o censure_n of_o its_o enemy_n which_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o second_o doctrine_n viz._n as_o it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o so_o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a to_o justify_v religion_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o its_o friend_n and_o censure_n of_o its_o enemy_n the_o subject_n of_o this_o proposition_n be_v the_o justification_n of_o religion_n what_o that_o phrase_n imply_v have_v in_o part_n be_v tell_v before_o and_o will_v hereafter_o be_v more_o full_o explain_v at_o present_v this_o may_v suffice_v as_o god_n justifi_v a_o sinner_n when_o he_o absolve_v he_o from_o all_o the_o guilt_n of_o his_o former_a sin_n and_o from_o all_o the_o censure_n and_o accusation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n and_o hold_v he_o for_o innocent_a so_o do_v we_o justify_v religion_n when_o we_o acquit_v it_o from_o all_o the_o censure_n and_o imputation_n of_o ungodly_a and_o unworthy_a man_n against_o it_o when_o we_o hearty_o approve_v of_o it_o when_o we_o think_v and_o speak_v honourable_o of_o it_o upon_o all_o occasion_n when_o we_o credit_v and_o adorn_v it_o by_o our_o action_n this_o justification_n of_o religion_n notwithstanding_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o its_o friend_n and_o censure_n of_o its_o enemy_n 1._o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o no_o man_n be_v more_o deep_o oblige_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n than_o they_o that_o least_o perform_v it_o than_o the_o maligner_n and_o censurer_n of_o religion_n because_o religion_n be_v the_o only_a physic_n and_o cure_v for_o a_o lose_a soul_n which_o none_o need_n more_o than_o such_o undo_v and_o desperate_a creature_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o step_n to_o salvation_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a till_o a_o man_n justify_v religion_n he_o will_v never_o love_v it_o nor_o choose_v it_o nor_o give_v up_o himself_o entire_o to_o it_o the_o scribe_n who_o do_v approve_v of_o religion_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n our_o saviour_n say_v of_o he_o thou_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n mark_v 12.34_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a salvation_n be_v far_o from_o the_o wicked_a say_v the_o psalmist_n psal._n 119.155_o because_o they_o seek_v not_o thy_o statute_n and_o they_o that_o do_v not_o justify_v and_o approve_v of_o god_n statute_n will_v never_o seek_v they_o 2._o it_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o those_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a and_o that_o 1._o because_o they_o be_v wise_a their_o wisdom_n enable_v they_o to_o distinguish_v aright_o it_o be_v the_o folly_n of_o ungodly_a man_n that_o they_o can_v not_o distinguish_v and_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o charge_v the_o fault_n of_o man_n upon_o religion_n and_o impute_v the_o miscarriage_n of_o hypocritical_a professor_n to_o serious_a christian_n but_o true_a wisdom_n teach_v man_n to_o distinguish_v 1_o between_o person_n and_o person_n between_o pretender_n and_o sincere_a christian_n i_o will_v not_o countenance_v that_o fond_a conceit_n of_o some_o who_o pretend_v to_o a_o spirit_n of_o discern_v in_o this_o sense_n that_o they_o can_v distinguish_v between_o hypocrite_n aâ—d_v sincere_a person_n as_o saint_n peter_n can_v discern_v the_o false-heartedness_n of_o simon_n magus_n act_v 8._o 23._o for_o i_o perceive_v that_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o gall_n of_o bitterness_n and_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o iniquity_n for_o neither_o be_v these_o man_n peter_n successor_n nor_o do_v peter_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o appear_v from_o the_o text_n perceive_v it_o any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o observe_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o naughty_a heart_n and_o judge_v of_o the_o tree_n by_o the_o fruit_n which_o we_o also_o may_v do_v and_o those_o that_o be_v wise_a can_v do_v they_o can_v in_o some_o good_a measure_n see_v through_o the_o varnish_n and_o pretence_n of_o hypocritical_a professor_n and_o therefore_o they_o seldom_o or_o never_o charge_v the_o misdemeanour_n of_o such_o person_n upon_o those_o that_o be_v true_o religious_a 2._o their_o wisdom_n help_v they_o to_o distinguish_v between_o person_n and_o thing_n betwixt_o religion_n and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o hence_o they_o avoid_v that_o rock_n which_o wicked_a man_n general_o stumble_v at_o they_o do_v not_o impute_v the_o fault_n of_o man_n to_o religion_n what_o be_v good_a in_o man_n they_o ascribe_v to_o religion_n that_o have_v the_o honour_n of_o it_o as_o in_o reason_n it_o shall_v what_o be_v evil_a in_o man_n they_o charge_v upon_o
only_o oppose_v the_o humour_n and_o fancy_n of_o some_o weak_a christian_n as_o they_o false_o suppose_v but_o do_v indeed_o confront_v all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o former_a age_n and_o the_o concur_v vote_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a philosopher_n 2._o what_o be_v it_o to_o justify_v religion_n or_o how_o must_v a_o man_n justify_v it_o answ._n this_o duty_n have_v a_o reference_n 1._o to_o menâ—_n thought_n and_o opinion_n we_o must_v justify_v religion_n by_o maintain_v high_a and_o honourable_a thought_n of_o it_o in_o particular_a it_o imply_v that_o a_o man_n shall_v sincere_o esteem_v religion_n to_o be_v 1._o the_o wise_a choice_n and_o best_a bargain_n so_o do_v job_n 28.28_o unto_o man_n he_o say_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n that_o be_v understanding_n so_o do_v the_o wise_a among_o mere_a mortal_n prov._n 3.15_o she_o be_v more_o precious_a than_o ruby_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n thou_o can_v desire_v be_v not_o to_o be_v compare_v with_o she_o consequent_o he_o will_v not_o think_v it_o a_o stoical_a paradox_n that_o the_o good_a man_n be_v the_o only_a wise_a man_n and_o all_o other_o be_v fool_n especial_o those_o that_o think_v they_o be_v lest_o such_o when_o a_o man_n look_v upon_o serious_a christian_n as_o fop_n and_o fool_n he_o do_v not_o justify_v religion_n but_o he_o justify_v irreligion_n and_o condemus_fw-la himself_o 2._o as_o the_o just_a law_n it_o be_v very_o true_a some_o of_o the_o precept_n of_o religion_n be_v hard_a in_o themselves_o and_o seem_v hard_o to_o they_o that_o never_o do_v accustom_v themselves_o to_o bear_v this_o yoke_n when_o god_n give_v law_n to_o man_n thought_n and_o inward_a affection_n restrain_v their_o sense_n and_o bridle_v their_o tongue_n when_o he_o command_v they_o to_o hate_v and_o forsake_v father_n and_o mother_n wife_n and_o child_n estate_n and_o life_n for_o his_o sake_n and_o the_o gospel_n they_o think_v these_o be_v hard_a say_n and_o none_o can_v bear_v they_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n they_o condemn_v the_o law_n of_o their_o lord_n and_o maker_n and_o quarrel_n with_o religion_n and_o vent_v their_o rage_n against_o god_n himself_o but_o good_a man_n be_v of_o another_o and_o better_a mind_n they_o justify_v all_o the_o command_n of_o god_n howsoever_o repugnant_a to_o their_o own_o will_n and_o appetite_n or_o destructive_a to_o all_o their_o worldly_a interest_n so_o do_v david_n psal._n 119.128_o i_o esteem_v all_o thy_o precept_n concern_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v right_a and_o so_o do_v saint_n paul_n when_o he_o be_v under_o the_o same_o temptation_n as_o other_o man_n when_o his_o corrupt_a inclination_n lead_v he_o one_o way_n and_o the_o law_n and_o spirit_n of_o god_n pull_v he_o another_o way_n and_o he_o be_v like_o one_o tear_v asunder_o by_o wild_a horse_n yet_o he_o justify_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o condemn_v himself_o rom._n 7.7_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o be_v the_o law_n sin_n god_n forbid_v nay_o i_o have_v not_o know_v sin_n but_o by_o the_o law_n v._n 12._o wherefore_o the_o law_n be_v holy_a and_o the_o commandment_n be_v holy_a and_o just_a and_o good_a 14._o for_o we_o know_v that_o the_o law_n be_v spiritual_a but_o i_o be_o carnal_a sell_v under_o sin_n 3._o as_o the_o chief_a felicity_n a_o good_a man_n look_v not_o upon_o religion_n as_o a_o burden_n which_o he_o must_v be_v force_v to_o endure_v but_o as_o a_o privilege_n which_o it_o be_v his_o happiness_n to_o enjoy_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n which_o he_o more_o passionate_o desire_n than_o that_o he_o can_v live_v exact_o according_a to_o the_o excellent_a precept_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o he_o desire_v death_n itself_o for_o this_o end_n that_o he_o may_v live_v in_o perfect_a and_o constant_a exercise_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o grace_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o he_o more_o heedful_o and_o industrious_o pursue_v nothing_o the_o want_n whereof_o do_v more_o afflict_v and_o torment_v he_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n and_o exercise_n of_o religion_n which_o to_o a_o ungodly_a man_n be_v tedious_a dry_a unsavoury_a thing_n to_o a_o good_a man_n be_v very_o pleasant_a and_o satisfactory_a a_o day_n spend_v in_o the_o court_n and_o service_n of_o god_n he_o prefer_v before_o a_o thousand_o employ_v in_o ball_n or_o play_n or_o any_o other_o of_o the_o toy_n and_o trifle_n of_o humane_a life_n job._n 23.12_o i_o have_v esteem_v the_o word_n of_o his_o mouth_n more_o than_o my_o necessary_a food_n 2._o this_o duty_n of_o justify_v religion_n relate_v to_o the_o tongue_n or_o discourse_n in_o these_o particular_n 1._o you_o must_v not_o censure_v or_o condemn_v religion_n upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o it_o concern_v you_o to_o be_v very_o cautious_a and_o modest_a in_o your_o censure_n of_o religious_a person_n that_o you_o make_v not_o harsh_a conclusion_n concern_v their_o state_n nor_o uncharitable_a construction_n of_o their_o action_n remember_v that_o with_o what_o judgement_n you_o judge_v you_o shall_v be_v judge_v and_o with_o what_o measure_v you_o meet_v it_o shall_v be_v measure_v to_o you_o again_o but_o above_o â—ll_o take_v heed_n of_o speak_v ill_o of_o religion_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o present_a duty_n 2._o you_o must_v not_o partake_v with_o other_o in_o that_o vulgar_a sin_n of_o censure_v and_o scoff_v at_o religion_n you_o may_v be_v very_o guilty_a of_o this_o sin_n though_o you_o never_o speak_v a_o word_n against_o it_o if_o you_o free_o and_o familiar_o and_o unnecessary_o converse_v with_o those_o who_o throat_n be_v a_o open_a sepulchre_n always_o belch_a out_o impure_a steam_n against_o heaven_n and_o against_o god_n if_o you_o consent_v to_o they_o connive_v at_o or_o any_o way_n approve_v of_o they_o for_o as_o the_o roman_a orator_n say_v quid_fw-la interest_n inter_fw-la suasorem_fw-la facti_fw-la &_o probatorem_fw-la aut_fw-la quid_fw-la refert_fw-la utrum_fw-la voluerim_fw-la fieri_fw-la a_o gaudeam_fw-la factum_fw-la what_o difference_n be_v there_o between_o he_o that_o persuade_v another_o to_o a_o evil_a action_n before_o it_o be_v do_v and_o he_o that_o approve_v of_o or_o please_v himself_o with_o it_o afterward_o 3._o you_o must_v not_o give_v occasion_n to_o wicked_a man_n to_o speak_v against_o religion_n for_o though_o no_o such_o occasion_n will_v warrant_v or_o excuse_v they_o yet_o it_o will_v involve_v you_o in_o the_o guilt_n of_o their_o sin_n you_o know_v the_o woe_n belong_v to_o he_o that_o give_v the_o offence_n as_o well_o as_o to_o he_o that_o make_v ill_o use_v of_o it_o 4._o you_o must_v when_o occasion_n require_v be_v ready_a to_o vindicate_v religion_n when_o it_o be_v traduce_v when_o wicked_a man_n have_v their_o mouth_n open_a against_o god_n and_o religion_n you_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v you_o shut_v as_o i_o say_v before_o you_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o better_a cause_n you_o serve_v a_o better_a master_n and_o shall_v have_v better_a wage_n and_o if_o they_o do_v the_o one_o out_o of_o choice_n much_o more_o shall_v you_o do_v the_o other_o which_o be_v your_o duty_n mistake_v not_o i_o do_v not_o say_v this_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o all_o person_n in_o all_o time_n and_o company_n god_n have_v make_v this_o a_o duty_n for_o there_o be_v a_o sinful_a silence_n as_o well_o as_o a_o sinful_a speech_n but_o christian_a prudence_n must_v direct_v the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o other_o circumstance_n in_o some_o case_n you_o know_v god_n have_v give_v we_o a_o exemption_n prov._n 9.8_o reprove_v not_o a_o scorner_n lest_o he_o hate_v thou_o mat._n 7.6_o give_v not_o that_o which_o be_v holy_a unto_o dog_n neither_o cast_v you_o your_o pearl_n before_o swine_n lest_o they_o trample_v they_o under_o their_o foot_n and_o turn_v again_o and_o rend_v you_o certain_o this_o if_o any_o other_o duty_n do_v require_v great_a prudence_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o management_n of_o it_o a_o indiscreet_a defence_n of_o religion_n by_o a_o ignorant_a but_o well_o meaning_n christian_n do_v oft_o time_n more_o disparage_v and_o prejudice_v it_o than_o another_o man_n reproach_n against_o it_o 3._o this_o duty_n relate_v to_o the_o action_n 1._o you_o must_v justify_v religion_n by_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o the_o principle_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v the_o true_a and_o the_o principal_a way_n to_o justify_v religion_n and_o to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o all_o ignorant_a and_o malicious_a caviller_n against_o it_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o maintain_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n mat._n 5.16_o let_v your_o light_n so_o shine_v before_o man_n that_o they_o may_v see_v your_o good_a work_n and_o glorify_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n
and_o to_o win_v other_o to_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o it_o without_o this_o all_o your_o talk_n for_o religion_n be_v but_o empty_a and_o insignificant_a 2._o you_o must_v in_o a_o special_a manner_n mind_n those_o duty_n and_o grace_n which_o make_v religion_n most_o amiable_a among_o man_n such_o as_o veracity_n in_o all_o your_o word_n fidelity_n to_o your_o promise_n and_o obligation_n exact_a justice_n in_o all_o your_o deal_n meekness_n and_o humility_n public_a spiritedness_n and_o charity_n and_o in_o one_o word_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a and_o of_o good_a report_n on_o the_o contrary_a you_o must_v careful_o avoid_v not_o only_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v apparent_o evil_a and_o scandalous_a but_o such_o also_o as_o be_v of_o ill_a report_n among_o the_o generality_n of_o sober_a and_o wise_a man_n some_o thing_n may_v peradventure_o be_v lawful_a for_o another_o man_n that_o may_v not_o be_v so_o to_o a_o professor_n of_o religion_n because_o of_o the_o great_a influence_n of_o his_o example_n and_o the_o special_a concern_v that_o religion_n have_v in_o all_o his_o action_n use_v this_o may_v serve_v for_o the_o justification_n of_o religion_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o and_o all_o the_o censure_n of_o enemy_n to_o it_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n either_o of_o these_o shall_v beget_v in_o you_o any_o dislike_n of_o religion_n 1._o not_o the_o former_a 1._o because_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o way_n of_o god_n by_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n religion_n be_v the_o way_n of_o god_n the_o way_n which_o he_o prescribe_v yea_o the_o way_n wherein_o himself_o walk_v it_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o the_o holy_a god_n and_o therefore_o must_v needs_o be_v like_o he_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a and_o can_v no_o more_o be_v pollute_v to_o speak_v proper_o by_o the_o action_n of_o man_n than_o the_o sun_n beam_n by_o the_o dunghill_n on_o which_o it_o shine_v as_o the_o holy_a god_n do_v act_n in_o the_o sinful_a action_n of_o man_n yet_o be_v not_o at_o all_o infect_a with_o the_o guilt_n or_o filth_n of_o they_o so_o religion_n though_o it_o be_v in_o the_o sinner_n do_v not_o at_o all_o partake_v of_o the_o blame_n or_o dishonour_n of_o his_o sin_n 2._o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o rule_n which_o religion_n be_v by_o the_o action_n of_o those_o who_o swerve_v from_o the_o rule_n yet_o this_o hard_a measure_n wicked_a man_n meet_v to_o religion_n they_o do_v not_o only_o debase_v and_o disparage_v it_o by_o judge_v of_o the_o rule_n by_o the_o example_n but_o which_o be_v worse_o they_o judge_v of_o the_o best_a rule_n by_o the_o worst_a example_n and_o not_o by_o the_o best_a as_o they_o ought_v in_o reason_n to_o do_v 2._o not_o the_o latter_a because_o their_o opinion_n or_o judgement_n be_v not_o to_o be_v value_v and_o that_o 1._o because_o they_o be_v self_n condemn_v and_o self_n contradict_v person_n ungodly_a man_n as_o i_o tell_v you_o before_o be_v of_o one_o opinion_n in_o health_n and_o prosperity_n of_o another_o in_o sickness_n and_o calamity_n yea_o sometime_o of_o one_o opinion_n in_o the_o day_n and_o in_o company_n of_o another_o in_o solitude_n and_o in_o the_o darkness_n of_o the_o night_n and_o this_o quite_o invalidate_n their_o testimony_n testis_fw-la contraria_fw-la dicens_fw-la fidem_fw-la non_fw-la facit_fw-la say_v tâ—e_v lawyer_n that_o witness_v that_o contradict_v himself_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v moreover_o as_o the_o judgement_n of_o wicked_a man_n be_v oft_o time_n contrary_a to_o themselves_o so_o their_o censure_n be_v frequent_o contrary_a to_o their_o judgement_n they_o oft_o time_n revile_v that_o person_n with_o their_o tongue_n who_o they_o reverence_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o their_o mouth_n censure_v those_o action_n which_o their_o conscience_n justify_v 2._o they_o be_v man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n tit._n 1.15_o unto_o they_o that_o be_v defile_v and_o unbelieve_a nothing_o be_v pure_a but_o even_o their_o mind_n and_o conscience_n be_v defile_v it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o roman_n ch_z 1.28_o god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o injudicious_a mind_n a_o mind_n that_o have_v lose_v its_o taste_n and_o relish_v that_o be_v unable_a to_o discern_v between_o thing_n that_o differ_v two_o thing_n be_v necessary_a as_o to_o corporeal_a so_o to_o intellectual_a vision_n 1._o ability_n in_o the_o faculty_n 2._o conveniency_n in_o the_o mean_a as_o that_o the_o air_n be_v clear_a etc._n etc._n but_o here_o be_v neither_o 1._o there_o be_v a_o defect_n and_o impotency_n in_o the_o faculty_n there_o be_v a_o natural_a blindness_n in_o man_n mind_n not_o do_v away_o but_o by_o regeneration_n 1_o cor._n 2.14_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 2._o there_o be_v a_o defect_n in_o the_o mean_v the_o devil_n cast_v a_o mist_n and_o fog_n before_o their_o eye_n the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v their_o mind_n 2_o cor._n 4.4_o for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v move_v by_o the_o opinion_n of_o such_o person_n be_v to_o appeal_v to_o blind_a man_n concern_v colour_n 3._o they_o be_v full_a of_o deep_a prejudices_fw-la against_o religion_n by_o reason_n whereof_o they_o neither_o can_v see_v the_o beauty_n of_o it_o nor_o â—ill_v acknowledge_v it_o we_o be_v all_o bear_v with_o prejudices_fw-la against_o religion_n that_o natural_a corruption_n which_o we_o bring_v into_o the_o world_n with_o we_o do_v put_v a_o plain_a bias_n upon_o our_o mind_n against_o it_o every_o lust_n be_v a_o powerful_a orator_n against_o it_o every_o sinful_a action_n leave_v in_o the_o soul_n as_o a_o great_a inclination_n to_o sin_n so_o a_o great_a aversion_n from_o religion_n and_o these_o prejudices_fw-la be_v exceed_o heighten_v especial_o in_o this_o degenerate_a age_n by_o the_o infelicity_n of_o bad_a education_n and_o by_o the_o contagion_n of_o evil_a example_n so_o that_o if_o religion_n decline_v the_o tribunal_n of_o such_o person_n your_o own_o conscience_n must_v tell_v you_o there_o be_v reason_n for_o it_o if_o aristotle_n will_v not_o admit_v young_a and_o vicious_a man_n to_o be_v the_o hearer_n of_o moral_a philosophy_n much_o less_o be_v they_o fit_a to_o be_v make_v judge_n of_o religion_n but_o i_o can_v content_v myself_o with_o speak_v of_o this_o in_o general_a give_v i_o leave_v therefore_o for_o the_o far_o justification_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o invitation_n of_o sinner_n to_o the_o practice_n and_o love_n of_o it_o to_o mention_v and_o remove_v some_o of_o those_o prejudices_fw-la by_o which_o they_o be_v scare_v or_o withhold_v from_o the_o entertainment_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o four_o and_o so_o conclude_v 1._o the_o unreasonableness_n and_o incredibility_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n 2._o the_o insuperable_a difficulty_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n 3._o difference_n among_o professor_n of_o religion_n 4._o the_o fewness_n and_o meaness_n as_o also_o the_o folly_n and_o weakness_n of_o true_a christian_n 1._o the_o unreasonableness_n and_o incredibility_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n wherein_o many_o thing_n be_v confess_o hear_v to_o be_v understand_v and_o hard_a to_o be_v believe_v it_o speak_v say_v they_o of_o a_o god_n â—hat_n no_o man_n ever_o see_v of_o eternal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o none_o ever_o experience_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n and_o other_o thing_n which_o the_o deep_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v 1._o answ._n this_o objection_n rise_v from_o a_o vain_a and_o proud_a conceit_n of_o a_o man_n own_o reason_n a_o little_a humility_n or_o modesty_n will_v soon_o discover_v the_o vanity_n of_o this_o argument_n you_o must_v not_o think_v that_o 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exact_a survey_n of_o it_o my_o yoke_n say_v our_o saviour_n be_v easy_a and_o my_o burden_n be_v light_a mat._n 11.30_o and_o st._n john_n atte_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o 1_o joh._n 5.3_o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a it_o be_v true_a religion_n like_o the_o art_n and_o all_o excellent_a thing_n be_v hard_o at_o first_o but_o afterward_o use_v and_o exercise_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v make_v it_o easy_a the_o difficulty_n also_o of_o religion_n be_v mix_v with_o great_a sweetness_n and_o follow_v with_o glorious_a reward_n there_o be_v a_o gracious_a god_n to_o assist_v a_o pure_a and_o peaceable_a conscience_n to_o support_v and_o delight_n certain_a hope_n of_o eternal_a glory_n to_o invite_v whereas_o the_o sinner_n difficulty_n be_v quite_o of_o another_o nature_n and_o aggravate_v with_o fearful_a circumstance_n oft_o time_n outward_a trouble_n upon_o he_o and_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n within_o he_o and_o a_o infernal_a pit_n open_v its_o mouth_n to_o 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for_o the_o priest_n lip_n shall_v keep_v knowledge_n and_o they_o shall_v seek_v the_o law_n at_o his_o mouth_n for_o he_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o conscionable_o practice_v what_o they_o already_o know_v and_o believe_v i_o dare_v confident_o say_v that_o man_n shall_v either_o understand_v the_o right_n in_o case_n of_o difference_n or_o else_o god_n will_v pardon_v his_o mistake_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o right_a use_n we_o shall_v make_v of_o difference_n in_o religion_n not_o to_o throw_v off_o all_o religion_n for_o a_o man_n may_v upon_o the_o very_a same_o ground_n abandon_v his_o reason_n because_o of_o the_o difference_n and_o contradiction_n in_o man_n reason_n one_o with_o another_o but_o to_o be_v the_o more_o inquisitive_a into_o the_o truth_n so_o do_v the_o samaritan_n convert_v joh._n 4.19_o 20._o sir_n i_o perceive_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o prophet_n our_o father_n worship_v in_o this_o mountain_n and_o you_o say_v that_o in_o 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