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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
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 their_o duty_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o profess_v devotion_n and_o piety_n this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a plea_n of_o man_n of_o business_n of_o worldling_n of_o young_a people_n of_o courtier_n of_o military_a man_n and_o of_o a_o great_a many_o beside_o in_o all_o condition_n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o devotion_n they_o cry_v we_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o world_n and_o with_o this_o shift_n they_o not_o only_o think_v themselves_o excusable_a for_o neglect_v piety_n but_o they_o fancy_v they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o neglect_v it_o and_o that_o they_o do_v a_o great_a deal_n if_o they_o observe_v some_o of_o the_o external_n duty_n of_o it_o one_o can_v hardly_o believe_v that_o these_o person_n be_v in_o carnest_n when_o they_o make_v such_o a_o excuse_n it_o astonish_v a_o man_n to_o find_v christian_n who_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o say_v that_o piety_n be_v not_o their_o business_n that_o they_o be_v of_o another_o profession_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o at_o leisure_n to_o be_v devout_a i_o fancy_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o deceive_v those_o who_o who_o allege_v this_o excuse_n 1._o that_o they_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v what_o devotion_n be_v they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o very_a austere_a and_o singular_a way_n of_o live_v from_o whence_o they_o conclude_v that_o but_o few_o people_n be_v able_a to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o it_o and_o so_o they_o turn_v it_o over_o to_o the_o clergy_n to_o woman_n or_o to_o those_o who_o have_v much_o leisure_n i_o have_v observe_v already_o the_o falseness_n of_o this_o prejudice_n and_o show_v that_o piety_n be_v neither_o singular_a nor_o austere_a 2._o the_o other_o cause_n of_o their_o error_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o piety_n be_v every_o body_n business_n and_o that_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v practise_v by_o all_o men._n not_o but_o that_o secular_a occupation_n and_o calling_n do_v frequent_o obstruct_v piety_n and_o engage_v man_n in_o vice_n and_o therefore_o a_o christian_a shall_v never_o be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n as_o thereby_o to_o disable_v himself_o from_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n but_o after_o all_o a_o man_n may_v live_v like_o a_o good_a christian_a in_o any_o lawful_a call_v and_o in_o that_o sense_n proper_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n teach_v they_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n 11._o world_n tit._n ii_o 11._o do_v those_o who_o plead_v it_o for_o a_o excuse_n that_o they_o do_v not_o profess_v devotion_n imagine_v that_o there_o be_v two_o way_n to_o go_v to_o heaven_n the_o one_o for_o devour_v and_o the_o other_o for_o worldly_a man_n the_o one_o narrow_a and_o the_o other_o broad_a do_v they_o think_v that_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n do_v not_o concern_v all_o man_n that_o there_o be_v respect_n of_o person_n with_o god_n or_o that_o he_o dispense_v with_o his_o own_o law_n how_o can_v they_o prove_v these_o distinction_n be_v not_o we_o all_o christian_n have_v not_o we_o all_o be_v baptise_v do_v not_o god_n give_v we_o all_o the_o same_o law_n or_o have_v some_o more_o reason_n to_o love_n god_n than_o other_o and_o ought_v not_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o our_o salvation_n to_o be_v equal_o dear_a to_o we_o all_o i_o grant_v that_o those_o who_o have_v great_a opportunity_n and_o more_o leisure_n than_o other_o aught_o to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o advantage_n but_o i_o maintain_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o none_o stand_v in_o great_a need_n of_o piety_n than_o those_o who_o say_v we_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o world_n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o devotion_n it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o devout_a that_o their_o condition_n be_v very_o sad_a and_o the_o more_o they_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o world_n the_o great_a be_v the_o temptation_n and_o distraction_n to_o which_o they_o be_v liable_a now_o he_o that_o be_v expose_v to_o a_o storm_n have_v need_n take_v more_o care_n than_o he_o who_o enjoy_v a_o calm_a these_o be_v the_o principal_a maxim_n and_o sentiment_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o authorize_v corruption_n whoever_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o be_v say_v and_o do_v in_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o these_o and_o the_o like_a maxim_n be_v vent_v abroad_o every_o day_n so_o that_o in_o order_n to_o obstruct_v the_o progress_n of_o corruption_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o undeceive_v man_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o sentiment_n and_o to_o oppose_v that_o criminal_a boldness_n which_o shameful_o corrup_n the_o truth_n of_o reilgion_n and_o turn_n impiety_n into_o religious_a maxim_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n cause_n iu._n the_o abuse_n of_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v a_o dare_a piece_n of_o confidence_n to_o authorize_v corruption_n with_o maxim_n borrow_v from_o religion_n but_o it_o be_v the_o last_o degree_n of_o audaciousness_n and_o impiety_n to_o turn_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o such_o a_o scandalous_a use_n and_o to_o seek_v in_o that_o divine_a book_n pretence_n and_o apology_n for_o vice_n and_o yet_o the_o extravagance_n and_o temerity_n of_o many_o bad_a christian_n come_v up_o to_o this_o pitch_n several_a declaration_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v make_v by_o they_o as_o many_o maxim_n under_o which_o they_o think_v to_o shelter_v themselves_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v they_o there_o be_v nothing_o either_o in_o their_o practice_n or_o opinion_n but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n and_o intention_n of_o god_n himself_o this_o abuse_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o design_v to_o show_v in_o this_o chapter_n to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n and_o it_o can_v he_o too_o serious_o consider_v the_o passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v abuse_v to_o this_o purpose_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o four_o head_n the_o first_o comprehend_v the_o place_n which_o be_v bring_v against_o the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n under_o the_o second_o we_o will_v examine_v those_o declaration_n of_o scripture_n by_o which_o some_o endeavour_n to_o prove_v that_o all_o man_n without_o exception_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o corruption_n which_o subject_n they_o to_o sin_n in_o the_o three_o place_n we_o shall_v answer_v the_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o example_n of_o those_o saint_n who_o sin_n be_v record_v in_o scripture_n and_o last_o we_o shall_v make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o those_o scrippture_n in_o which_o the_o divine_a mercy_n be_v promise_v to_o the_o great_a sinner_n there_o be_v divers_a passage_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v ill_o understand_v lead_v many_o into_o this_o persuasion_n that_o good_a work_n be_v not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o first_o nothing_o be_v more_o confident_o allege_v to_o this_o purpose_n than_o what_o we_o read_v in_o many_o place_n etc._n place_n rom._n iii_o etc._n etc._n that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o our_o work_n no_o doctrine_n be_v more_o clear_o and_o express_o deliver_v in_o the_o gospel_n than_o that_o of_o justification_n by_o faith_n but_o it_o be_v a_o pervert_v of_o this_o doctrine_n to_o conclude_v from_o it_o that_o salvation_n may_v be_v obtain_v without_o good_a work_n this_o conclusion_n must_v needs_o be_v false_a since_o the_o gospel_n enjoin_v good_a work_n as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n st_o paul_n tell_v we_o that_o 14._o that_o heb._n xx._n 14._o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n and_o do_v not_o that_o import_n that_o none_o shall_v be_v save_v without_o holiness_n and_o good_a work_n the_o same_o apostle_n teach_v we_o that_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o man_n shall_v be_v admit_v into_o or_o exclude_v from_o heaven_n god_n will_v have_v a_o regard_n to_o their_o work_n to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n which_o they_o shall_v have_v do_v 6._o do_v rom._n 11._o 6._o god_n will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n 10._o work_n 2_o cor._n v._o 10._o we_o must_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v do_v whether_o good_a or_o bad_a this_o be_v very_o positive_a and_o therefore_o since_o there_o can_v be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o scripture_n here_o be_v enough_o already_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n have_v nothing_o in_o it_o which_o destroy_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n but_o it_o will_v appear_v yet_o less_o difficult_a to_o reconcile_v these_o two_o doctrine_n if_o we_o suppose_v that_o which_o no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o contest_v
we_o ought_v to_o live_v no_o long_o in_o sin_n these_o be_v his_o own_o word_n 17.18_o word_n rom._n 7.14_o 15_o 16_o 17.18_o what_o then_o shall_v we_o sin_n because_o we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n god_n forbid_v on_o the_o contrary_a sin_n shall_v not_o have_v dominon_n over_o you_o for_o you_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n you_o be_v former_o the_o servant_n of_o sin_n but_o now_o be_v make_v free_a from_o sin_n and_o become_v the_o servant_n of_o god_n you_o have_v your_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n we_o need_v but_o read_v the_o sequel_n of_o his_o discourse_n to_o see_v how_o he_o inveigh_v against_o those_o who_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n into_o a_o pretence_n to_o live_v in_o sin_n before_o i_o leave_v this_o matter_n i_o shall_v taâ—â—_n notice_n of_o two_o error_n which_o be_v pretty_a common_a the_o first_o be_v the_o applying_z to_o christian_n at_o this_o day_n all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o old_a by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o convert_v jew_n it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v no_o more_o under_o the_o law_n and_o christian_n be_v often_o exhort_v to_o bless_v god_n for_o be_v no_o long_o under_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o yoke_n of_o moses_n and_o upon_o this_o a_o great_a many_o opposition_n be_v observe_v betwixt_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n for_o my_o part_n i_o do_v not_o think_v those_o exhortation_n and_o opposition_n so_o very_o proper_a to_o be_v insist_v on_o when_o we_o be_v speak_v to_o man_n who_o never_o be_v jew_n unless_o we_o do_v it_o with_o a_o design_n to_o show_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o gospel-covenant_n above_o that_o of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o christian_n above_o jew_n for_o after_o all_o the_o law_n be_v give_v only_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o gentile_n be_v never_o subject_v to_o the_o ceremony_n or_o the_o curse_n of_o it_o as_o the_o jew_n be_v why_o shall_v we_o then_o say_v to_o people_n who_o never_o be_v under_o the_o law_n you_o be_v no_o more_o under_o the_o law_n the_o apostle_n indeed_o speak_v in_o that_o manner_n to_o the_o convert_v jew_n but_o as_o to_o those_o who_o be_v former_o pagan_n it_o will_v be_v more_o fit_v to_o tell_v they_o 4.17_o they_o thess_n 1.9_o ephes_n 11.12_o &_o 4.17_o you_o have_v be_v convert_v from_o idol_n to_o the_o live_a god_n remember_v that_o you_o be_v in_o time_n past_o gentile_n without_o hope_n and_o without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o live_v no_o long_o like_o heathen_n it_o be_v a_o great_a fault_n not_o to_o expound_v the_o scripture_n according_a to_o the_o true_a scope_n of_o it_o and_o to_o apply_v all_o that_o it_o contain_v to_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n without_o distinction_n the_o other_o error_n be_v of_o great_a consequence_n people_n fancy_n that_o because_o we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n which_o be_v a_o covenant_n of_o rigour_n we_o be_v now_o to_o speak_v of_o nothing_o else_o to_o man_n but_o of_o grace_n and_o promise_n and_o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o threaten_v and_o to_o denounce_v curse_n against_o sinner_n it_o have_v be_v say_v already_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o law_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o rigour_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n but_o the_o gospel_n have_v also_o its_o curse_n and_o they_o be_v much_o more_o terrible_a than_o those_o of_o the_o law_n the_o gospel_n speak_v of_o the_o future_a punishment_n of_o another_o life_n in_o much_o clear_a and_o strong_a expression_n than_o the_o law_n do_v to_o be_v convince_v of_o this_o we_o need_v but_o reflect_v upon_o that_o opposition_n which_o st._n paul_n make_v between_o the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o ten_o chapter_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n he_o that_o despise_a moses_n law_n die_v without_o mercy_n under_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n suppose_v you_o shall_v he_o be_v think_v worthy_a who_o have_v tread_v under_o foot_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o have_v count_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n wherewith_o he_o be_v sanctify_v a_o unholy_a thing_n and_o have_v do_v despite_n unto_o the_o spirit_n of_o grace_n we_o know_v he_o that_o have_v say_v vengeance_n belong_v unto_o i_o i_o will_v recompense_v faith_n the_o lord_n it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n 3._o the_o libertine_n do_v likewise_o abuse_v what_o st._n paul_n say_v in_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o 5._o the_o gal._n 5._o galatian_n concern_v christian_a liberty_n when_o he_o declare_v that_o christian_n be_v free_v from_o the_o bondage_n of_o the_o law_n when_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o stand_v fast_o in_o that_o liberty_n and_o protest_v that_o christ_n prosit_v nothing_o to_o those_o who_o will_v be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n but_o a_o man_n may_v see_v with_o half_a a_o eye_n that_o the_o apostle_n mean_v only_o that_o christian_n be_v no_o long_o bind_v to_o observe_v circumcision_n and_o the_o other_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n that_o st._n paul_n have_v no_o other_o view_n or_o design_n but_o this_o will_v plain_o appear_v to_o every_o one_o who_o will_v read_v the_o whole_a epistle_n and_o particular_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o it_o in_o the_o v._o chapter_n we_o find_v two_o thing_n which_o be_v decisive_a in_o this_o matter_n 1._o st._n paul_n speak_v there_o express_o of_o circumcision_n v._n circumcision_n gal._n v._n behold_v i_o paul_n say_v unto_o you_o that_o if_o you_o be_v circumcise_v christ_n shall_v profit_v you_o nothing_o for_o i_o testify_v again_o to_o every_o man_n that_o be_v circumcise_v that_o he_o be_v a_o debtor_n to_o do_v the_o whole_a law_n 13._o law_n ver_fw-la 13._o christ_n be_v become_v of_o none_o effect_v unto_o yond_o whosoever_o of_o you_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n you_o be_v fall_v from_o grace_n 2._o it_o be_v very_o observable_a with_o what_o circumspection_n the_o apostle_n deliver_v himself_o leave_v his_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v wrest_v to_o favour_v licentiousness_n after_o he_o have_v say_v you_o be_v call_v to_o liberty_n he_o add_v immediate_o only_o use_v not_o liberty_n for_o a_o occasion_n to_o the_o flesh_n he_o explain_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o live_v after_o the_o flesh_n by_o make_v a_o enumeration_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o the_o flesh_n produce_v and_o which_o exclude_v man_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n he_o exhort_v man_n to_o live_v after_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o practice_v the_o christian_a virtue_n in_o the_o four_o chapter_n he_o pursue_v the_o same_o exhortation_n and_o he_o end_v the_o epistle_n with_o these_o remarkable_a word_n which_o contain_v the_o sum_n of_o his_o doctrine_n 15._o doctrine_n chap._n vi_o 15._o for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n that_o be_v to_o say_v whether_o a_o man_n be_v a_o jew_n or_o a_o heathen_a it_o matter_n not_o so_o he_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o observe_v god_n commandment_n 16._o commandment_n ver_fw-la 16._o peace_n and_o mercy_n be_v on_o they_o all_o who_o walk_v after_o this_o rule_n be_v there_o anything_o plain_a than_o this_o doctrine_n and_o yet_o how_o clear_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v christian_a liberty_n be_v allege_v to_o set_v man_n free_a from_o the_o obligation_n to_o keep_v god_n s_o commandment_n all_o that_o st._n paul_n fay_v against_o circumcision_n and_o the_o ceremony_n of_o the_o law_n be_v by_o a_o enormous_a blasphemy_n turn_v against_o the_o holy_a commandment_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n can_v any_o thing_n more_o odious_a or_o profane_a be_v imagine_v than_o the_o pervert_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n at_o this_o rate_n 4._o those_o who_o plead_v on_o the_o side_n of_o corruption_n be_v wont_a to_o object_n against_o what_o be_v say_v in_o behalf_n of_o holiness_n this_o sentence_n of_o solomon_n 16._o solomon_n ephes_n vii_o 16._o be_v not_o righteous_a overmuch_o neither_o make_v thyself_o over-wise_a and_o what_o inference_n do_v they_o riot_n draw_v from_o thence_o they_o conclude_v from_o this_o place_n that_o a_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o pretend_v so_o much_o to_o holiness_n or_o to_o set_v up_o for_o a_o good_a man_n and_o that_o in_o all_o thing_n mediocrity_n be_v best_a one_o may_v easy_o apprehend_v that_o such_o sentiment_n must_v needs_o introduce_v licentiousness_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v think_v to_o be_v support_v by_o a_o divine_a authority_n but_o let_v we_o see_v whether_o or_o no_o such_o conceit_n can_v be_v found_v upon_o this_o sentence_n of_o solomon_n i_o shall_v ask_v in_o the_o first_o place_n whether_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o
have_v exalt_v they_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o many_o christian_n be_v still_o in_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o heathen_n or_o very_o near_o it_o be_v dead_a in_o their_o sin_n and_o follow_v the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n but_o this_o can_v be_v say_v only_o of_o bad_a christian_n and_o not_o of_o those_o who_o have_v feel_v the_o divine_a and_o sanctify_a virtue_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n 3._o it_o will_v be_v further_o say_v that_o we_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o all_o man_n without_o exception_n be_v sinner_n because_o that_o be_v st._n john_n doctrine_n 1.8_o doctrine_n john_n 1.8_o if_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o this_o be_v a_o truth_n which_o no_o man_n deny_v because_o it_o be_v too_o evident_a both_o from_o scripture_n and_o experience_n but_o we_o must_v take_v care_n to_o understand_v this_o proposition_n aright_o that_o all_o man_n be_v sinner_n and_o that_o we_o explain_v it_o so_o as_o that_o it_o may_v comport_v with_o that_o just_a difference_n we_o be_v to_o make_v between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n else_o under_o a_o pretence_n that_o all_o man_n be_v sinner_n the_o distinction_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n will_v be_v take_v away_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o remark_n upon_o this_o occasion_n that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o give_v the_o name_n of_o sinner_n to_o all_o man_n but_o only_o to_o the_o wicked_a and_o impious_a this_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o whole_a book_n of_o psalm_n when_o we_o say_v then_o that_o we_o be_v all_o poor_a sinner_n we_o must_v know_v in_o what_o sense_n we_o say_v it_o as_o to_o these_o word_n if_o we_o say_v that_o we_o have_v no_o sin_n we_o deceive_v ourselves_o it_o be_v visible_a that_o st._n john_n say_v this_o upon_o two_o account_n which_o relate_v to_o two_o sort_n of_o sin_n into_o which_o man_n may_v fall_v first_o there_o be_v great_a sin_n there_o be_v that_o corruption_n in_o which_o man_n live_v before_o their_o conversion_n in_o this_o regard_n st._n john_n may_v say_v to_o those_o he_o write_v to_o who_o be_v new_o convert_v christian_n that_o they_o be_v all_o sinner_n mean_v that_o they_o have_v all_o be_v so_o for_o indeed_o both_o gentile_n and_o jew_n have_v be_v extreme_o corrupt_a second_o there_o be_v sin_n into_o which_o those_o who_o regeneration_n be_v not_o yet_o perfect_a may_v fall_v as_o fhere_o be_v infirmity_n from_o which_o the_o most_o regenerate_a man_n be_v not_o free_a in_o this_o sense_n all_o man_n be_v sinner_n and_o the_o christian_n to_o who_o st._n john_n direct_v his_o epistle_n be_v all_o sinner_n also_o though_o already_o convert_v but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o a_o true_a christian_a sin_n like_o other_o man_n and_o whether_o he_o who_o be_v a_o sinner_n take_v that_o word_n according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a use_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v to_o say_v one_o in_o who_o sin_n reign_v be_v a_o true_a christian_a that_o can_v never_o be_v say_v to_o this_o purpose_n we_o may_v hear_v st._n john_n himself_o in_o the_o iii_o chapter_n of_o the_o same_o epistle_n where_o he_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n that_o whoever_o sin_v be_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o by_o this_o we_o may_v know_v the_o child_n of_o god_n and_o the_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v not_o these_o word_n very_o plain_a who_o can_v have_v the_o confidence_n after_o this_o to_o excuse_v corruption_n by_o say_v we_o be_v all_o sinner_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o only_o say_v that_o we_o be_v all_o sinner_n by_o these_o man_n but_o beside_o that_o we_o be_v all_o great_a wretched_a and_o abominable_a sinner_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o man_n who_o have_v such_o sentiment_n shall_v be_v so_o corrupt_a 4._o but_o to_o this_o there_o be_v a_o reply_n at_o hand_n to_o show_v that_o the_o just_a man_n be_v guilty_a of_o very_o frequent_a sin_n and_o it_o be_v take_v from_o these_o word_n the_o just_a man_n sin_n seven_o time_n a_o day_n i_o may_v let_v this_o alone_a because_o i_o be_o engage_v only_o to_o answer_v those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v wrest_v into_o a_o ill_a sense_n about_o this_o matter_n and_o this_o that_o the_o just_a man_n sin_n seven_o time_n a_o day_n be_v not_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o bible_n those_o who_o quote_v these_o word_n as_o if_o they_o be_v scripture_n will_v pretend_v no_o doubt_n that_o they_o be_v contain_v in_o prov._n xxiv_o 16._o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o like_o this_o in_o the_o sacred_a text._n these_o be_v the_o word_n of_o solomon_n a_o just_a man_n fall_v seven_o time_n and_o rise_v up_o again_o but_o the_o wield_v shall_v fall_v into_o mischief_n solomon_n speak_v of_o the_o frequent_a affliction_n of_o good_a man_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o ill_a usage_n they_o meet_v with_o from_o wicked_a men._n in_o the_o 15_o verse_n he_o address_v himself_o to_o the_o wicked_a and_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o they_o to_o lay_v wait_v for_o and_o to_o persecute_v the_o just_a for_o add_v he_o a_o just_a man_n fall_v seven_o time_n and_o rise_v up_o again_o but_o the_o wicked_a shall_v fall_v into_o mischief_n and_o perish_v the_o meaning_n be_v that_o god_n take_v care_n of_o the_o just_a and_o that_o if_o he_o permit_v that_o they_o shall_v fall_v into_o many_o calamity_n he_o do_v likewise_o deliver_v they_o this_o be_v assert_v almost_o in_o the_o same_o word_n psal_n xxxvii_o 24._o though_o the_o just_a fall_n he_o shall_v not_o be_v utter_o cast_v down_o for_o the_o lord_n uphold_v he_o with_o his_o hand_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n we_o be_v tell_v job_n v._n 19_o he_o shall_v deliver_v thou_o in_o six_o trouble_n yea_o in_o seven_o there_o shall_v no_o evil_a touch_n thou_o this_o admit_v of_o no_o difficulty_n and_o all_o interpreter_n be_v agree_v about_o it_o and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o as_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v every_o thing_n which_o excuse_v corruption_n this_o proverb_n that_o the_o just_a man_n sin_n seven_o time_n a_o day_n prevail_v and_o pass_v for_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v it_o not_o a_o lamentable_a thing_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v thus_o obstinate_o bend_v to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n into_o a_o sense_n favourable_a to_o corruption_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v dare_v to_o falsify_v it_o at_o this_o rate_n there_o be_v many_o falsifying_n in_o the_o way_n of_o cite_v this_o passage_n 1._o whereas_o solomon_n say_v only_o the_o just_a he_o be_v make_v to_o say_v the_o just_a man_n to_o give_v the_o great_a force_n and_o extent_n to_o this_o sentence_n to_o debase_v piety_n the_o more_o and_o to_o insinuate_v that_o the_o best_a and_o holy_a man_n be_v great_a sinner_n 2._o solomon_n be_v make_v to_o say_v that_o the_o just_a sin_n but_o he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o say_v only_o that_o the_o just_a fall_n i_o know_v that_o to_o fall_v signify_v sometime_o to_o sin_n but_o fall_v denote_v likewise_o very_o frequent_o to_o be_v afflict_v and_o a_o man_n be_v blind_a who_o do_v hot_a see_v that_o in_o this_o text_n the_o word_n fall_n be_v use_v in_o this_o second_o sense_n the_o 17_o verse_n which_o come_v immediate_o after_o that_o which_o we_o be_v now_o examine_v prove_v it_o beyond_o exception_n rejoice_v not_o when_o thy_o enemy_n fall_v etc._n etc._n beside_o those_o who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o sacred_a style_n know_v that_o it_o do_v not_o usual_o express_v the_o sin_n of_o infirmity_n to_o which_o the_o just_a be_v subject_a by_o the_o word_n fall_v that_o word_n import_v common_o the_o fall_n of_o wicked_a men._n 3._o solomon_n be_v make_v to_o say_v that_o the_o just_a man_n sin_n seven_o time_n a_o day_n this_o be_v another_o falsify_v a_o addition_n to_o the_o text_n which_o be_v of_o no_o small_a consequence_n seven_o time_n a_o day_n be_v not_o in_o the_o text_n there_o be_v only_o seven_o time_n every_o body_n know_v that_o seven_o time_n signify_v many_o time_n and_o so_o the_o meaning_n will_v be_v that_o the_o just_o do_v nothing_o else_o but_o transgress_v that_o many_o time_n a_o day_n he_o fall_v into_o sin_n but_o who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o this_o will_v be_v the_o description_n of_o a_o man_n in_o who_o sin_n reign_v and_o who_o be_v habitual_o engage_v in_o it_o and_o not_o the_o character_n of_o a_o good_a man_n i_o do_v not_o say_v but_o that_o just_a man_n have_v their_o weak_a side_n and_o fall_v sometime_o into_o sin_n this_o happen_v more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o regeneration_n but_o it_o be_v impious_a to_o say_v that_o their_o life_n be_v spend_v in_o continual_a sin_n and_o
in_o sin_n and_o impenitency_n who_o can_v be_v sure_a that_o god_n will_v give_v he_o â—he_n grace_n to_o recover_v himself_o as_o those_o hoâ—y_a man_n do_v those_o who_o presume_v to_o sin_n as_o they_o do_v in_o hope_n that_o they_o shall_v in_o like_a manner_n wipe_v off_o their_o sin_n by_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n reason_n just_a like_o a_o man_n who_o shall_v swallow_v down_o poison_n and_o conclude_v it_o will_v not_o kill_v he_o because_o some_o who_o have_v be_v poison_v have_v escape_v death_n but_o that_o which_o deserve_v here_o our_o great_a consideration_n be_v the_o time_n which_o those_o saineâ—_n live_v in_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o 〈◊〉_d christian_n and_o the_o good_a man_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n man_n before_o christ_n haâ—_n not_o by_o a_o great_a deal_n that_o light_n which_o we_o have_v and_o do_v not_o know_v as_o we_o do_v the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n our_o saviour_n teacheâ—_n we_o that_o distinction_n when_o he_o say_v 1._o say_v mat._n xii_o 1._o the_o john_n the_o baptist_n be_v the_o great_a among_o they_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o woman_n but_o that_o the_o leâ—â—_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v great_a theâ—_n john_n the_o baptist_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o christian_n have_v a_o much_o great_a light_n than_o either_o john_n baptist_n or_o all_o the_o ancient_a prephet_n have_v now_o the_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o piety_n and_o therefore_o christian_n ought_v to_o excel_v the_o jew_n in_o holiness_n what_o god_n do_v bear_v with_o as_o that_o time_n will_v be_v in_o we_o altogether_o intoleable_a and_o how_o can_v it_o be_v lawful_a for_o we_o to_o imitate_v the_o ancient_n in_o their_o vice_n when_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o surpass_v their_o virtue_n this_o principle_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o without_o it_o we_o can_v hardly_o silence_v profane_a person_n a_o libertine_n insist_v upon_o precedent_n will_v say_v that_o polygamy_n he_o keep_v of_o concubine_n murder_n divorce_v upon_o the_o slight_a pretence_n and_o such_o like_a disorder_n be_v not_o so_o criminal_a as_o they_o be_v imagine_v to_o be_v he_o will_v produce_v the_o instance_n of_o abraham_n and_o jacob_n of_o the_o judge_n of_o israel_n of_o david_n and_o the_o jew_n far_o be_v it_o from_o we_o to_o detract_v from_o the_o honour_n and_o praise_v due_a to_o those_o ancient_a worthy_n they_o have_v do_v much_o for_o the_o time_n they_o live_v in_o but_o god_n forbid_v too_o that_o we_o shall_v lessen_v the_o glory_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n if_o we_o speak_v like_o christian_n we_o will_v say_v that_o god_n in_o his_o goodness_n do_v pass_v over_o many_o thing_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o time_n and_o of_o the_o natural_a temper_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v a_o gross_a and_o carnal_a people_n our_o saviour_n answer_n to_o the_o pharisee_n coneern_v divorce_n be_v very_o much_o to_o our_o purpose_n xix_o purpose_n mat._n xix_o moses_n suffer_v you_o to_o put_v away_o your_o wife_n but_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o then_o he_o add_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v imitate_v the_o jew_n and_o do_v that_o which_o have_v be_v do_v and_o tolerate_v till_o then_o shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o adultery_n we_o may_v easy_o apply_v this_o answer_n to_o the_o instance_n of_o st._n peter_n since_o before_o our_o saviour_n ascension_n the_o apostle_n be_v weak_a as_o yet_o and_o possess_v with_o various_a prejudices_fw-la but_o i_o think_v myself_o bind_v to_o add_v a_o word_n or_o two_o concern_v the_o example_n of_o st._n paul_n because_o it_o be_v common_o mistake_v that_o apostle_n say_v 15._o say_v 1_o tim._n i._n 13_o 15._o that_o he_o be_v a_o blasphemer_n a_o persecutor_n who_o be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v call_v a_o apostle_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a of_o sinner_n at_o the_o first_o hear_v of_o these_o word_n many_o imagine_v that_o st._n paul_n have_v be_v a_o profligate_n man_n a_o swearer_n and_o a_o godless_a wretch_n and_o yet_o he_o mean_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o he_o have_v once_o persecute_v the_o church_n for_o otherwise_o st._n paul_n before_o his_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n be_v a_o good_a man_n and_o his_o life_n be_v blameless_a and_o exemplary_a for_o this_o he_o appeal_v to_o god_n and_o the_o jew_n act_n xxiii_o 1._o and_o xxvi_o 4._o if_o he_o do_v persecute_v the_o church_n then_o it_o be_v through_o a_o blind_a zeal_n and_o ignorance_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n as_o he_o tell_v we_o himself_o ver_fw-la 13._o he_o obtain_v mercy_n from_o god_n be_v not_o this_o quite_o another_o case_n than_o that_o of_o those_o christian_n who_o know_o and_o wilful_o allow_v themselves_o in_o sin_n it_o be_v another_o mistake_n to_o make_v st._n paul_n say_v as_o some_o do_v that_o he_o be_v the_o great_a of_o sinner_n he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o say_v only_o that_o he_o be_v the_o chief_a or_o the_o first_o of_o those_o sinner_n who_o jesus_n christ_n do_v save_v his_o meaning_n be_v that_o he_o hold_v the_o first_o rank_n among_o convert_a sinner_n that_o he_o be_v a_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o that_o jesus_n have_v begin_v by_o he_o to_o show_v his_o clemency_n and_o goodness_n thus_o he_o explain_v himself_o verse_n 16._o for_o this_o cause_n say_v he_o i_o obtain_v mercy_n that_o in_o i_o first_o jesus_n christ_n may_v show_v forth_o all_o long-suffering_a for_o a_o pattern_n to_o they_o which_o shall_v hereafter_o believe_v on_o he_o this_o be_v exact_o what_o he_o mean_v for_o as_o to_o what_o some_o imagine_v that_o st._n paul_n out_o of_o humility_n acknowledge_v himself_o the_o great_a of_o all_o sinner_n i_o think_v that_o explication_n be_v wrong_a and_o that_o it_o neither_o agree_v with_o truth_n nor_o piety_n nor_o good_a sense_n a_o good_a man_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o think_v himself_o worse_o than_o the_o great_a sinner_n on_o the_o contrary_a he_o ought_v to_o bless_v god_n for_o that_o good_a which_o the_o divine_a grace_n have_v wrought_v if_o he_o but_o as_o the_o last_o refuge_n of_o sinner_n be_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n so_o they_o common_o abuse_v those_o place_n which_o set_v forth_o the_o greatness_n of_o that_o mercy_n they_o find_v this_o principal_o upon_o these_o word_n where_o sin_n do_v abound_v grace_n do_v much_o more_o abound_v under_o the_o covert_a of_o this_o short_a sentence_n the_o most_o flagitious_a sinner_n think_v themselves_o safe_a but_o the_o bare_a read_n of_o st._n paul_n discourse_n will_v soon_o convince_v we_o that_o this_o be_v to_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n into_o a_o false_a and_o pernicious_a sense_n the_o apostle_n design_n be_v to_o show_v that_o all_o man_n be_v render_v sinner_n in_o adam_n and_o by_o the_o law_n the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v so_o great_a that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o save_o they_o through_o jesus_n christ_n in_o order_n to_o establish_v this_o truth_n he_o have_v prove_v thâ—_n before_o christ_n sin_n and_o death_n reign_v erery_a where_n not_o only_o among_o the_o heathen_a but_o also_o among_o the_o jew_n upon_o this_o â—â—adds_n that_o where_o sin_n do_v abound_v grace_n â—â—mercy_o more_o abound_v to_o signify_v god_n hauâ—â—â—_n mercy_n on_o they_o when_o they_o be_v involve_v in_o sin_n and_o death_n in_o a_o word_n st._n pâ—â—_n set_v the_o happy_a condition_n to_o which_o mâ—â—_n be_v advance_v by_o jesus_n christ_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o which_o they_o be_v in_o before_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o place_n and_o the_o drift_n of_o the_o whole_a epistle_n can_v any_o one_o infer_v from_o thence_o that_o now_o we_o may_v free_o sin_n and_o that_o grace_n will_v exert_v in_o self_n reward_v we_o whatever_o sin_n we_o may_v commit_v it_o be_v fit_a to_o observe_v beside_o that_o whiâ—â—_n st._n paul_n speak_v of_o grace_n he_o do_v not_o only_o mean_v the_o pardon_v but_o likewise_o the_o sanctify_a grace_n which_o destroy_v the_o pretention_n of_o the_o libertine_n the_o apoâ—â—_n himself_o confute_v it_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o vehemence_n he_o foresee_v that_o some_o will_v ague_n like_o those_o we_o now_o contend_v with_o aâ—â—_n he_o make_v this_o objection_n to_o himself_o 12._o himself_o rom._n 6.1_o 2_o 3_o 11_o 12._o whâ—â—_n then_o shall_v we_o continue_v in_o sin_n that_o grace_n may_v bound_v and_o this_o be_v his_o answer_n god_n forbid_v how_o shall_v we_o that_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n live_v 〈◊〉_d long_o therein_o we_o who_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n death_n that_o we_o shall_v walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n reckon_v you_o also_o yourselves_o dead_a unto_o sin_n but_o alive_a unto_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n let_v not_o sin_n therefore_o reign_v in_o your_o mortal_a body_n
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
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
he_o have_v need_n use_v all_o his_o skill_n and_o prudence_n all_o his_o zeal_n and_o endeavour_n to_o save_v soul_n which_o be_v in_o so_o great_a danger_n upon_o such_o occasion_n both_o the_o minister_n and_o the_o sick_a person_n have_v need_n of_o time_n leisure_n and_o freedom_n and_o a_o hasty_a discourse_n or_o prayer_n signify_v nothing_o and_o now_o we_o may_v judge_v whether_o a_o man_n discharge_v the_o office_n of_o a_o pastor_n who_o only_o in_o general_n exhort_v die_v person_n to_o acknowledge_v themselves_o miserable_a sinner_n and_o back_n those_o exhortation_n with_o assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n through_o jesus_n christ_n or_o who_o only_o read_v some_o form_n of_o exhortation_n and_o prayer_n as_o the_o custom_n be_v in_o some_o place_n this_o method_n be_v fit_a to_o lay_v asleep_a than_o to_o awaken_v a_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o this_o way_n of_o ex-exercising_a the_o ministry_n overturn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o most_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n a_o minister_n speak_v to_o a_o sick_a person_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n he_o exhort_v he_o to_o leave_v the_o world_n with_o joy_n he_o discourse_v to_o he_o of_o the_o happiness_n of_o another_o life_n and_o fill_v he_o with_o the_o most_o comfortable_a hope_n and_o perhaps_o this_o sick_a person_n be_v a_o man_n load_v with_o gild_n a_o wretch_n who_o have_v live_v like_o a_o atheist_n who_o have_v commit_v divers_a sin_n for_o which_o he_o have_v make_v no_o satisfaction_n who_o have_v not_o practise_v restitution_n who_o never_o know_v his_o religion_n and_o who_o be_v actual_o impenitent_a such_o a_o man_n ought_v to_o tremble_v and_o yet_o such_o consolation_n from_o the_o mouth_n of_o his_o pastor_n make_v he_o think_v that_o he_o die_v in_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n but_o if_o this_o way_n of_o visit_v and_o comfort_v the_o sick_a betray_v they_o into_o security_n it_o have_v the_o same_o effect_n upon_o the_o stander_n by_o who_o when_o they_o hear_v the_o consolation_n which_o be_v administer_v to_o person_n who_o every_o body_n know_v not_o to_o have_v lead_v very_a christian_a life_n make_v a_o tacit_n inference_n that_o the_o same_o thing_n will_v be_v say_v to_o they_o and_o that_o their_o death_n will_v be_v happy_a whatsoever_o their_o past_a life_n may_v have_v be_v beside_o the_o want_n of_o ability_n and_o zeal_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o hinder_v pastor_n from_o discharge_v towards_o die_a people_n the_o important_a duty_n to_o which_o their_o office_n oblige_v they_o the_o one_o be_v that_o common_o pastor_n visit_v the_o sick_a only_o in_o case_n of_o extremity_n and_o the_o other_o be_v that_o they_o have_v too_o little_a communication_n with_o their_o flock_n and_o no_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o the_o life_n and_o conduct_v of_o private_a person_n so_o that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o state_n and_o occasion_n of_o the_o sick_a they_o can_v at_o the_o approach_n of_o death_n administer_v to_o they_o wholesome_a counsel_n and_o exhortation_n these_o i_o think_v be_v the_o most_o essential_a defect_n of_o pastor_n both_o in_o the_o instruction_n and_o in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n have_v thus_o far_o treat_v of_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o pastoral_n charge_n i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v those_o qualification_n with_o which_o pastor_n ought_v to_o be_v endue_v and_o these_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o the_o endowment_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v those_o ability_n and_o talent_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o instruction_n and_o conduct_n of_o the_o church_n and_o second_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o heart_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v probity_n and_o integrity_n of_o life_n 1._o no_o man_n question_n but_o that_o ability_n and_o talent_n be_v requisite_a in_o those_o who_o exercise_v the_o office_n of_o minister_n in_o the_o church_n first_o some_o be_v necessary_a for_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o for_o the_o right_n expound_v of_o scripture_n preach_v require_v a_o great_a extent_n of_o knowledge_n than_o be_v common_o imagine_v to_o preach_v well_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v well_o skill_v in_o language_n history_n divinity_n and_o morality_n he_o shall_v be_v acquaint_v with_o man_n heart_n he_o shall_v be_v of_o a_o sagacious_a and_o discern_a spirit_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n he_o shall_v have_v a_o true_a and_o exact_a judgement_n to_o say_v nothing_o of_o some_o other_o qualification_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o every_o man_n who_o speak_v in_o public_a neither_o be_v these_o endowment_n sufficient_a particular_a talent_n be_v requisite_a for_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o church_n to_o guide_v a_o flock_n and_o to_o be_v accountable_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o soul_n be_v no_o small_a charge_n nor_o a_o employment_n which_o every_o body_n be_v fit_a for_o a_o man_n to_o who_o the_o government_n of_o a_o church_n be_v commit_v in_o who_o hand_n the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n be_v lodge_v who_o duty_n it_o be_v both_o to_o exhort_v and_o reprove_v both_o in_o public_a and_o in_o private_a and_o who_o ought_v to_o supply_v all_o the_o occasion_n of_o a_o flock_n and_o to_o be_v provide_v for_o all_o emergency_n such_o a_o man_n have_v need_n of_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o knowledge_n zeal_n and_o firmness_n as_o well_o as_o of_o much_o wisdom_n and_o prudence_n moderation_n and_o charity_n that_o all_o these_o qualification_n be_v requisite_a in_o a_o pastor_n be_v evident_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o office_n and_o st._n paul_n teach_v it_o when_o he_o appoint_v that_o none_o shall_v be_v admit_v to_o this_o employment_n but_o those_o in_o who_o they_o be_v to_o be_v find_v what_o effect_v then_o can_v the_o ministry_n have_v when_o it_o be_v exercise_v by_o man_n who_o want_v these_o qualification_n or_o perhaps_o have_v the_o quite_o contrary_a who_o be_v ignorant_a who_o know_v nothing_o in_o matter_n of_o discipline_n and_o morality_n who_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o a_o great_a many_o thing_n contain_v in_o scripture_n and_o who_o whole_a learning_n be_v confine_v to_o a_o commentary_n who_o can_v neither_o reason_n true_a nor_o speak_v clear_o who_o be_v either_o indiscreet_a negligent_a or_o remiss_a in_o the_o exercise_n of_o their_o office_n but_o i_o do_v not_o wonder_v that_o these_o qualification_n be_v want_v in_o most_o clergyman_n vast_a number_n who_o be_v not_o cut_v out_o for_o this_o employment_n aspire_v to_o it_o and_o beside_o these_o ability_n be_v not_o to_o be_v acquire_v without_o labour_n and_o application_n now_o many_o churchman_n be_v shameful_o idle_a they_o look_v upon_o their_o profession_n as_o a_o mean_a to_o live_v easy_a so_o that_o decline_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o place_n they_o content_v themselves_o with_o the_o income_n of_o it_o those_o who_o be_v to_o preach_v be_v more_o employ_v but_o their_o sermon_n be_v almost_o their_o whole_a business_n their_o work_n consist_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o copy_v some_o commentary_n and_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o have_v acquire_v a_o little_a habit_n and_o facility_n of_o speak_v in_o public_a almost_o all_o of_o they_o give_v over_o study_n and_o labour_n we_o may_v almost_o make_v the_o same_o judgement_n of_o those_o ecclesiastic_n who_o though_o they_o study_v hard_a yet_o do_v not_o direct_v their_o study_n to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n the_o learning_n and_o the_o study_n of_o divine_n i_o speak_v of_o those_o chief_o who_o have_v cure_n of_o soul_n be_v often_o vain_a and_o of_o no_o use_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o their_o flock_n they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o thing_n suitable_a to_o their_o inclination_n and_o their_o study_n be_v but_o their_o amusement_n or_o their_o diversion_n now_o he_o who_o neglect_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o call_v and_o pursue_v other_o employment_n differ_v very_o little_a from_o he_o who_o do_v nothing_o at_o all_o ii_o probity_n be_v not_o less_o necessary_a to_o pastor_n than_o knowledge_n and_o ability_n and_o this_o probity_n ought_v to_o have_v three_o degree_n 1._o the_o first_o be_v that_o pastor_n give_v no_o ill_a example_n and_o that_o their_o life_n be_v blameless_a this_o be_v the_o first_o qualification_n which_o st._n paul_n require_v in_o those_o who_o aspire_v to_o this_o holy_a office_n iii_o office_n 1_o tim._n iii_o let_v a_o bishop_n say_v he_o be_v blameless_a that_o be_v his_o manner_n ought_v to_o be_v such_o that_o he_o may_v not_o just_o be_v charge_v with_o any_o vice_n or_o give_v any_o scandal_n then_o the_o apostle_n specify_v the_o fault_n from_o which_o a_o pastor_n ought_v to_o be_v free_a i._n free_a tit._n i._n not_o give_v to_o wine_n no_o striker_n not_o greedy_a of_o filthy_a lucre_n but_o patient_a not_o a_o brawler_n not_o covetous_a one_o that_o rule_v well_o his_o own_o house_n have_v his_o
of_o religion_n with_o relation_n to_o order_n but_o have_v do_v this_o already_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o second_o part_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v in_o general_a that_o nothing_o contribute_v so_o much_o to_o the_o maintain_n of_o disorder_n as_o custom_n do_v the_o most_o beneficial_a law_n and_o institution_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o dangerous_a innovation_n when_o they_o be_v not_o authorize_v by_o practice_n man_n dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o attempt_v to_o introduce_v they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n useless_a or_o ill_a practice_n be_v think_v sacred_a establishment_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v confirm_v by_o time_n and_o custom_n if_o man_n do_v but_o endeavour_v to_o lay_v aside_o some_o ceremony_n to_o make_v some_o alteration_n in_o a_o liturgy_n or_o in_o the_o form_n of_o divine-service_n it_o seem_v to_o many_o that_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o religion_n be_v strike_v at_o thus_o it_o happen_v that_o abuse_n which_o be_v palpable_a and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o man_n of_o sense_n subsist_v for_o whole_a age_n and_o can_v be_v reform_v the_o difficulty_n of_o revive_v the_o apostolical_a discipline_n and_o of_o restore_a church-government_n and_o the_o ministry_n of_o pastor_n to_o the_o state_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o proceed_v from_o the_o same_o cause_n because_o a_o certain_a form_n of_o ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o discipline_n obtain_v in_o a_o country_n it_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a in_o which_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v alter_v and_o those_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o hear_v who_o propose_v the_o establish_n of_o another_o if_o any_o one_o think_v it_o a_o fault_n to_o suffer_v scandalous_a sinner_n in_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n if_o he_o think_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v excommunicate_v and_o that_o christian_n ought_v to_o maintain_v no_o familiar_a intercourse_n with_o they_o though_o such_o a_o man_n have_v the_o law_n of_o the_o apostle_n on_o his_o side_n yet_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v a_o innovator_n though_o he_o shall_v plain_o show_v the_o inconvenience_n of_o the_o ordinary_a practice_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o discipline_n from_o scripture_n from_o the_o pattern_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n age_n and_o by_o the_o most_o convince_a argument_n yet_o custom_n will_v still_o be_v urge_v against_o he_o the_o divine_a law_n shall_v give_v place_n to_o common_a usage_n and_o the_o present_a practice_n shall_v prevail_v above_o that_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n iii_o example_n and_o custom_n have_v a_o great_a force_n especial_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o concern_v manner_n man_n be_v not_o altogether_o such_o slave_n to_o custom_n in_o matter_n of_o opinion_n about_o religion_n because_o opinion_n be_v shut_v up_o within_o the_o heart_n but_o in_o practical_a thing_n and_o in_o manner_n there_o be_v few_o man_n who_o be_v not_o carry_v away_o by_o the_o stream_n of_o the_o multitude_n people_z think_v themselves_o excuse_v from_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o plain_a and_o the_o most_o sacred_a duty_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o can_v observe_v they_o without_o depart_v from_o custom_n and_o so_o they_o conform_v to_o the_o common_a use_n how_o bad_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v those_o who_o condemn_v the_o vicious_a and_o corrupt_a manner_n of_o the_o age_n and_o practise_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n who_o for_o instance_n abstain_v from_o swear_v and_o reprove_v those_o who_o do_v it_o who_o make_v scruple_n of_o lie_v and_o of_o transgress_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o duty_n be_v look_v upon_o in_o the_o world_n as_o homoursome_a people_n and_o stigmatise_v with_o odious_a name_n and_o imputation_n if_o they_o plead_v the_o express_a command_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n instead_o of_o give_v up_o the_o cause_n man_n will_v strain_v the_o scripture_n and_o by_o force_n explication_n and_o impious_a gloss_n endeavour_v to_o fix_v a_o sense_n upon_o it_o which_o may_v favour_v the_o ordinary_a practice_n while_o piety_n dare_v not_o show_v itself_o vice_n be_v respect_v and_o bad_a man_n carry_v it_o bold_o every_o where_n because_o the_o number_n be_v of_o their_o side_n maxim_n direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o moral_a precept_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v not_o only_o receive_v and_o tolerate_v but_o they_o be_v defend_v as_o innocent_a for_o this_o single_a reason_n that_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n approve_v and_o practice_v they_o this_o may_v be_v confirm_v by_o innumerable_a instance_n we_o can_v hardly_o imagine_v any_o thing_n more_o contrary_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n than_o that_o worldly_a life_n which_o be_v lead_v by_o many_o christian_n they_o spend_v their_o whole_a time_n in_o the_o care_n of_o the_o body_n they_o wear_v out_o their_o life_n in_o idleness_n game_n pleasure_n and_o divertisement_n they_o deny_v themselves_o nothing_o they_o make_v it_o their_o study_n to_o live_v luxurious_o and_o to_o gratify_v themselves_o this_o kind_n of_o life_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o piety_n but_o because_o it_o obtain_v among_o person_n of_o the_o high_a rank_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o persuade_v those_o who_o follow_v it_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o quit_v it_o it_o be_v by_o allege_v common_a practice_n that_o man_n defend_v a_o soft_a and_o effeminate_a life_n fashion_n contrary_a to_o chastity_n and_o modesty_n the_o too_o great_a familiarity_n of_o the_o young_a person_n of_o both_o sex_n the_o read_n of_o ill_a book_n the_o play_n which_o will_v honesty_n and_o religion_n scandalous_a diversion_n and_o those_o assembly_n where_o the_o most_o entice_a bait_n and_o allurement_n to_o vice_n be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o and_o where_o the_o mind_n of_o young_a people_n receive_v the_o most_o dangerous_a impression_n all_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v defend_v by_o custom_n so_o that_o when_o luxury_n and_o expensiveness_n and_o state_n in_o apparel_n eat_v or_o furniture_n be_v once_o establish_v we_o endeavour_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o christian_a moderation_n and_o to_o banish_v that_o multitude_n of_o scandal_n and_o vice_n which_o must_v needs_o attend_v such_o kind_n of_o excess_n thus_o in_o some_o nation_n where_o drunkeness_n be_v in_o vogue_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o oppose_v so_o vicious_a a_o custom_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v against_o drunkenness_n and_o intemperance_n people_n be_v so_o far_o from_o part_v with_o that_o vice_n that_o they_o fancy_v there_o be_v no_o sin_n in_o be_v drink_v to_o put_v up_o no_o injury_n to_o indulge_v revenge_n to_o be_v tender_a and_o nice_a upon_o the_o point_n of_o false_a honour_n to_o stick_v at_o nothing_o that_o can_v promote_v one_o fortune_n to_o assume_v all_o shape_v to_o disguise_v one_o sentiment_n and_o to_o supplant_v other_o all_o these_o be_v maxim_n which_o be_v follow_v without_o scruple_n because_o they_o be_v authorize_v by_o use_n and_o by_o the_o false_a opinion_n of_o men._n it_o will_v signify_v nothing_o to_o allege_v to_o those_o who_o be_v possess_v with_o such_o sentiment_n what_o the_o gospel_n enjoin_v we_o concern_v patience_n forgive_a of_o injury_n humility_n sincerity_n justice_n and_o charity_n such_o moral_n will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o hearken_v to_o because_o these_o matter_n be_v otherwise_o determine_v by_o custom_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o it_o pretend_v that_o in_o office_n in_o trade_n in_o art_n and_o in_o the_o various_a profession_n of_o life_n every_o thing_n which_o be_v usual_o practise_v by_o man_n in_o those_o several_a calling_n may_v lawful_o be_v do_v nay_o even_o a_o oath_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o undeceive_v people_n most_o man_n explain_v their_o oath_n and_o regulate_v their_o conscience_n by_o the_o example_n of_o other_o they_o use_v all_o the_o method_n of_o gain_n which_o custom_n have_v introduce_v without_o inquire_v whether_o they_o be_v justifiable_a or_o not_o when_o i_o speak_v here_o of_o custom_n and_o example_n i_o do_v not_o only_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v establish_v by_o general_a use_n but_o that_o likewise_o which_o be_v authorize_v by_o man_n in_o credit_n the_o quality_n of_o person_n produce_v the_o same_o effect_n that_o great_a number_n do_v one_o single_a example_n have_v sometime_o as_o much_o force_n as_o the_o unite_a example_n of_o a_o multitude_n all_o that_o be_v do_v and_o approve_v of_o by_o prince_n great_a man_n magistrate_n and_o person_n of_o quality_n be_v a_o law_n to_o a_o great_a many_o people_n a_o small_a number_n of_o considerable_a person_n who_o join_v their_o endeavour_n to_o bring_v a_o practice_n into_o fashion_n be_v enough_o to_o make_v it_o in_o a_o little_a time_n to_o be_v general_o follow_v how_o bad_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v this_o be_v so_o common_o see_v that_o i_o think_v it_o needless_a to_o give_v instance_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v add_v three_o consideration_n which_o deserve_v a_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
desperate_a and_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o reprobation_n and_o damnation_n other_o have_v conceit_v that_o they_o be_v give_v up_o to_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n and_o they_o have_v take_v the_o disorder_n of_o imagination_n for_o certain_a sign_n of_o their_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o evil_a spirit_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o it_o be_v that_o such_o indiscreet_a discourse_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o alarm_n good_a than_o wicked_a men._n in_o fine_a i_o reckon_v among_o the_o book_n which_o fright_v man_n without_o cause_n all_o those_o which_o contain_v too_o rigid_a and_o austere_a maxim_n of_o devotion_n and_o morality_n 5._o piety_n will_v be_v better_o know_v and_o more_o esteem_v than_o it_o be_v if_o book_n of_o devotion_n be_v always_o write_v with_o judgement_n and_o good_a sense_n and_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o they_o but_o what_o upon_o a_o severe_a examination_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v strict_o true_a those_o who_o set_v about_o work_v of_o this_o nature_n do_v general_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o move_v the_o heart_n and_o to_o excite_v sentiment_n of_o piety_n this_o be_v a_o good_a design_n but_o we_o ought_v to_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o force_n of_o reason_n the_o evidence_n of_o proof_n the_o greatness_n of_o the_o object_n propose_v and_o the_o clearness_n and_o solidity_n of_o what_o a_o man_n say_v which_o do_v true_o affect_v the_o heart_n this_o be_v what_o judicious_a author_n chief_o mind_n and_o thereby_o many_o have_v have_v good_a success_n in_o those_o excellent_a work_n which_o they_o have_v enrich_v the_o public_a with_o but_o other_o writer_n do_v not_o consider_v this_o they_o rather_o choose_v to_o say_v tender_a and_o pathetical_a thing_n than_o to_o think_v or_o speak_v with_o exactness_n they_o consult_v imagination_n more_o than_o good_a sense_n they_o pour_v out_o every_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o the_o heat_n of_o meditation_n or_o in_o the_o fervency_n of_o their_o zeal_n seem_v to_o they_o proper_a to_o move_v to_o melt_v to_o comfort_v or_o to_o terrify_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o there_o be_v weak_a place_n in_o their_o book_n and_o thought_n which_o appear_v mean_a and_o even_o false_a to_o discern_a reader_n contradiction_n and_o such_o like_a defect_n for_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o produce_v only_o a_o confuse_a and_o not_o a_o very_a rational_a devotion_n in_o those_o who_o read_v and_o relish_v they_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o expose_v religion_n to_o the_o flout_n and_o contempt_n of_o libertine_n we_o be_v often_o trouble_v and_o scandalize_v to_o find_v that_o some_o man_n of_o part_n express_v but_o little_a esteem_n for_o book_n of_o piety_n we_o hear_v it_o say_v every_o day_n that_o those_o book_n be_v only_o good_a for_o woman_n and_o for_o the_o vulgar_a this_o contempt_n chief_o proceed_v from_o a_o profane_a humour_n and_o from_o libertinism_n but_o it_o spring_v likewise_o from_o the_o want_n of_o exactness_n and_o solidity_n which_o be_v observable_a in_o some_o book_n of_o devotion_n 6._o divers_a consideration_n may_v be_v offer_v here_o about_o those_o book_n which_o contain_v form_n of_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n but_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o these_o two_o which_o appear_v to_o i_o the_o most_o material_a the_o first_o be_v that_o those_o kind_n of_o form_n make_v all_o sort_n of_o person_n indifferent_o and_o even_o good_a man_n say_v thing_n which_o can_v agree_v but_o to_o the_o great_a and_o the_o most_o notorious_a sinner_n which_o give_v people_n this_o dangerous_a notion_n that_o all_o man_n without_o except_v the_o regenerate_v be_v extreme_o corrupt_a in_o divers_a prayer_n we_o plain_o see_v that_o those_o who_o compose_v they_o have_v no_o other_o design_n than_o to_o draw_v the_o picture_n of_o the_o most_o heinous_a sinner_n and_o that_o they_o suppose_v all_o man_n engage_v in_o a_o deep_a corruption_n and_o in_o the_o most_o criminal_a disorder_n exaggeration_n and_o hyperbole_n be_v so_o little_o spare_v by_o some_o people_n upon_o this_o head_n that_o they_o utter_v absurdity_n and_o falsehood_n in_o their_o prayer_n as_o when_o they_o say_v that_o ever_o since_o we_o be_v bear_v we_o have_v be_v continual_o and_o every_o moment_n offend_v god_n by_o thought_n word_n and_o deed_n i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o such_o prayer_n may_v have_v their_o use_n provide_v nothing_o be_v say_v in_o they_o that_o be_v extravagant_a or_o contrary_a to_o truth_n and_o common_a sense_n they_o fit_v great_a number_n of_o person_n there_o be_v but_o too_o many_o of_o those_o wretched_a christian_n who_o can_v never_o sufficient_o bewail_v the_o enormity_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o irregularity_n of_o their_o conduct_n i_o know_v beside_o that_o all_o man_n be_v sinner_n and_o that_o the_o best_a of_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o humble_a and_o abase_v themselves_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o weakness_n and_o unworthiness_n nevertheless_o since_o the_o scripture_n make_v a_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n it_o be_v at_o least_o a_o great_a piece_n of_o imprudence_n to_o appoint_v the_o same_o language_n for_o both_o and_o to_o make_v they_o all_o speak_v as_o if_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o most_o horrid_a crime_n and_o as_o if_o there_o be_v not_o one_o good_a man_n in_o the_o world_n this_o take_v away_o the_o distinction_n between_o the_o sinner_n and_o the_o righteous_a for_o if_o these_o prayer_n be_v proper_a for_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n if_o all_o that_o be_v say_v in_o they_o be_v true_a it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o distinguish_v a_o good_a man_n from_o a_o bad_a and_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o pray_v to_o god_n for_o his_o convert_v grace_n or_o to_o make_v any_o promise_n of_o amendment_n to_o he_o all_o those_o lesson_n of_o holiness_n which_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o be_v but_o fine_a idea_n all_o man_n be_v upon_o the_o matter_n equal_o bad_a and_o they_o may_v all_o be_v the_o object_n of_o god_n mercy_n how_o irregular_a soever_o their_o deportment_n may_v be_v these_o be_v the_o inference_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o those_o form_n of_o devotion_n i_o have_v mention_v and_o which_o sinner_n do_v actual_o draw_v from_o they_o from_o all_o this_o i_o conclude_v that_o in_o such_o work_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o distinguish_v person_n and_o condition_n and_o this_o according_o have_v be_v judicious_o observe_v by_o some_o author_n the_o other_o consideration_n relate_v to_o the_o form_n of_o prayer_n these_o be_v not_o always_o plain_a enough_o they_o be_v sometime_o study_v discourse_n which_o have_v more_o of_o art_n and_o wit_n than_o of_o affection_n in_o they_o and_o we_o may_v easy_o discern_v how_o far_o most_o prayer_n be_v remove_v from_o a_o due_a simplicity_n if_o we_o compare_v they_o with_o those_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o holy_a scripture_n or_o with_o the_o ancient_a way_n of_o pray_v which_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o church_n and_o of_o which_o we_o may_v judge_v by_o the_o liturgy_n which_o be_v now_o use_v or_o which_o have_v reach_v to_o we_o prayer_n be_v neither_o so_o intricate_a then_o nor_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v now_o long_o preamble_n be_v not_o use_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o prayer_n and_o man_n do_v not_o they_o by_o so_o many_o wind_a approach_n the_o throne_n of_o grace_n to_o confess_v their_o sin_n and_o to_o beg_v pardon_n for_o they_o prayer_n than_o be_v short_a simple_a and_o natural_a much_o fit_v to_o excite_v devotion_n to_o lift_v up_o the_o heart_n to_o god_n and_o to_o nourish_v piety_n and_o zeal_n than_o many_o form_n which_o obtain_v at_o this_o day_n 7._o of_o all_o the_o book_n of_o piety_n none_o be_v more_o careful_o read_v and_o none_o perhaps_o have_v a_o great_a influence_n upon_o the_o conduct_n and_o manner_n of_o christian_n than_o the_o book_n of_o preparation_n for_o the_o holy_a communion_n the_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o important_a act_n of_o religion_n and_o one_o of_o the_o most_o efficacious_a mean_n to_o promote_v piety_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o book_n which_o people_n read_v in_o order_n to_o prepare_v themselves_o for_o that_o sacred_a action_n contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a use_n of_o the_o eucharist_n and_o by_o consequence_n to_o the_o good_a or_o ill_a life_n of_o christian_n now_o what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o the_o other_o book_n of_o devotion_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o these_o some_o book_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v extraordinary_a good_a but_o there_o be_v other_o in_o which_o among_o many_o good_a thing_n some_o defect_n be_v observable_a and_o particular_o these_o three_o 1._o all_o the_o book_n of_o preparation_n for_o the_o holy_a communion_n be_v not_o instructive_a
religion_n be_v attend_v with_o some_o difficulty_n the_o general_a rule_n be_v to_o choose_v those_o which_o be_v instructive_a and_o edify_a every_o body_n will_v own_v this_o to_o be_v a_o good_a rule_n but_o all_o man_n do_v not_o agree_v in_o the_o application_n of_o it_o what_o seem_v edify_v to_o some_o appear_v quite_o otherwise_o to_o other_o in_o point_n of_o religion_n all_o man_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n since_o they_o be_v all_o bind_v to_o believe_v the_o same_o truth_n and_o practice_v the_o same_o duty_n but_o their_o taste_n be_v different_a because_o many_o of_o they_o have_v a_o vitiate_a palate_n to_o speak_v my_o mind_n upon_o this_o subject_a i_o think_v that_o christian_n shall_v chief_o stick_v to_o those_o book_n which_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o which_o establish_v by_o solid_a argument_n the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o those_o which_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o exact_a view_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n to_o these_o it_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o add_v the_o work_n in_o which_o we_o find_v the_o example_n of_o person_n eminent_a for_o their_o piety_n and_o virtue_n such_o example_n be_v very_o efficacious_a to_o excite_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o be_v good_a and_o they_o prove_v a_o great_a preservative_n against_o the_o scandal_n occasion_v by_o bad_a example_n and_o against_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age._n but_o not_o to_o enlarge_v further_o upon_o the_o choice_n of_o book_n i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o this_o chapter_n a_o judicious_a choice_n of_o book_n be_v once_o make_v the_o next_o thing_n be_v to_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o they_o and_o here_o two_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v 1._o a_o man_n shall_v read_v with_o judgement_n and_o 2._o he_o shall_v read_v in_o order_n to_o practice_n 1._o what_o book_n soever_o we_o read_v it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o read_v it_o with_o discretion_n and_o judgement_n we_o be_v command_v in_o scripture_n i._n scripture_n 1_o thes_n v._o xxi_o 1_o joh._n iu_o i._n to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a to_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n this_o caution_n be_v to_o be_v use_v lest_o we_o fall_v into_o error_n since_o every_o author_n be_v a_o man_n and_o by_o consequence_n may_v sometime_o be_v mistake_v the_o common_a people_n do_v particular_o need_v this_o advice_n because_o they_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v read_v in_o book_n especial_o in_o book_n of_o devotion_n be_v true_a but_o though_o a_o book_n shall_v contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v good_a discretion_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o just_a application_n of_o the_o content_n of_o it_o to_o out_o self_n because_o that_o which_o be_v proper_a for_o some_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o other_o the_o not_o observe_v this_o rule_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o some_o reader_n who_o have_v a_o pure_a but_o a_o timorous_a and_o shortsighted_a conscience_n be_v terrify_v without_o cause_n and_o apply_v to_o themselves_o what_o be_v say_v only_o of_o wicked_a man_n when_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n harden_a sinner_n deceive_v themselves_o with_o vain_a hope_n by_o adapt_a to_o themselves_o what_o relate_v only_o to_o good_a men._n 2._o we_o ought_v to_o read_v in_o order_n to_o practice_n and_o that_o we_o may_v grow_v better_a this_o be_v the_o more_o important_a rule_n of_o the_o two_o and_o that_o which_o distinguish_v true_a from_o hypocritical_a devotion_n many_o be_v very_o regular_a and_o constant_a in_o read_v and_o they_o seldom_o fail_v to_o do_v it_o morning_n and_o evening_n but_o the_o deportment_n of_o those_o person_n who_o be_v so_o assiduous_a in_o the_o peruse_n of_o good_a book_n be_v not_o always_o agreeable_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o devotion_n and_o piety_n when_o they_o be_v but_o just_a come_v from_o their_o read_n we_o find_v they_o often_o sour_a peevish_a and_o passionate_a after_o they_o have_v read_v in_o the_o morning_n they_o spend_v the_o day_n in_o slander_v game_n or_o idleness_n and_o they_o avoid_v only_o the_o grosser_n and_o the_o more_o noisy_a sin_n there_o be_v reader_n of_o another_o character_n they_o read_v and_o even_o delight_n in_o the_o read_n of_o book_n of_o religion_n they_o like_v well_o enough_o those_o work_n which_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o treat_v of_o moral_n they_o speak_v of_o they_o advantageous_o and_o they_o will_v say_v fine_a thing_n concern_v the_o abuse_n which_o be_v creep_v into_o religion_n and_o upon_o the_o necessity_n and_o the_o beauty_n of_o moral_n but_o all_o this_o terminate_v only_o in_o a_o vain_a and_o fruitless_a approbation_n which_o they_o give_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o after_o all_o they_o reform_v nothing_o in_o their_o life_n such_o readins_n be_v but_o mere_a amusement_n and_o they_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o rock_v conscience_n into_o a_o most_o dangerous_a sleep_n the_o end_n of_o read_v as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o all_o religion_n aught_o to_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n i._o shall_v here_o observe_v last_o of_o all_o that_o christian_n have_v a_o book_n which_o alone_o may_v suffice_v to_o preserve_v they_o from_o the_o danger_n of_o ill_a book_n and_o to_o secure_v they_o against_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age_n if_o they_o do_v use_v it_o as_o they_o ought_v i_o mean_v the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v the_o best_a of_o all_o book_n a_o work_n divine_o inspire_v which_o contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v most_o excellent_a and_o true_a and_o wherein_o we_o find_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o instruct_v and_o to_o sanctify_v men._n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v 1._o that_o the_o translation_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o people_n shall_v be_v render_v more_o perfect_a so_o that_o they_o may_v express_v the_o sense_n of_o sacred_a author_n with_o all_o possible_a exactness_n all_o those_o who_o have_v study_v the_o original_a text_n of_o the_o bible_n will_v own_v that_o this_o be_v a_o necessary_a work_n and_o that_o the_o translation_n need_v some_o amendment_n and_o so_o we_o see_v according_o that_o now_o and_o then_o divine_n and_o translator_n apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o correct_v of_o they_o 2._o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o have_v exact_a translation_n of_o scripture_n if_o man_n can_v not_o read_v it_o i_o have_v already_o remark_v it_o elsewhere_o as_o a_o cry_n and_o shameful_a abuse_n that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o read_v this_o abuse_n shall_v have_v be_v reform_v long_o ago_o and_o this_o may_v easy_o be_v do_v if_o every_o pastor_n do_v endeavour_v it_o in_o his_o own_o church_n and_o if_o the_o magistrate_n do_v lend_v a_o help_a hand_n towards_o it_o 3._o the_o holy_a scripture_n shall_v be_v read_v more_o than_o it_o be_v and_o man_n shall_v make_v that_o use_n of_o it_o for_o which_o it_o be_v give_v other_o book_n be_v only_a stream_n but_o when_o we_o read_v the_o scripture_n we_o drink_v at_o the_o very_a fountainhead_n humane_a book_n have_v their_o fault_n and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v read_v with_o great_a discretion_n but_o this_o divine_a book_n be_v most_o perfect_a it_o be_v a_o guide_n to_o who_o conduct_n we_o may_v give_v up_o ourselves_o without_o fear_n or_o danger_n this_o be_v certain_a be_v it_o not_o strange_a that_o the_o best_a of_o all_o book_n shall_v be_v the_o most_o neglect_a in_o many_o country_n the_o bible_n be_v a_o book_n unknown_a to_o the_o people_n in_o other_o place_n the_o read_n of_o it_o be_v permit_v but_o with_o great_a caution_n as_o if_o it_o be_v dangerous_a for_o christian_n to_o reveal_v a_o book_n by_o which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o men._n in_o those_o place_n where_o christian_n have_v a_o entire_a liberty_n to_o read_v the_o scripture_n great_a multitude_n make_v no_o advantage_n of_o that_o freedom_n many_o that_o be_v addict_v to_o read_v leave_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o other_o book_n in_o a_o word_n very_o few_o read_v it_o with_o suitable_a disposition_n and_o with_o a_o sincere_a design_n of_o learning_n the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o of_o grow_v the_o better_a by_o it_o and_o thus_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v destitute_a of_o the_o most_o efficacious_a mean_a and_o remedy_n which_o the_o divine_a goodness_n have_v afford_v to_o man_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o the_o contagion_n of_o sin_n and_o to_o make_v they_o happy_a and_o so_o we_o need_v not_o wonder_v that_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_n shall_v be_v such_o as_o