discharge_n of_o which_o be_v that_o which_o i_o call_v civil_a piety_n and_o the_o measure_n whereof_o at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o purpose_n in_o hand_n be_v brief_o describe_v in_o the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o the_o first_o office_n of_o civil_a piety_n be_v to_o maintain_v government_n and_o order_n to_o keep_v up_o the_o honour_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o prince_n to_o preserve_v the_o reverence_n of_o magistracy_n and_o the_o law_n of_o a_o man_n country_n for_o the_o do_n of_o this_o we_o have_v as_o express_v and_o urgent_a command_n of_o god_n as_o any_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o conscientious_a discharge_n hereof_o be_v as_o acceptable_a to_o he_o as_o any_o act_n of_o immediate_a worship_n for_o god_n almighty_n need_v nothing_o at_o our_o hand_n for_o himself_o or_o for_o his_o own_o use_n and_o advantage_n but_o make_v the_o public_a good_a of_o his_o creature_n the_o matter_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o law_n now_o public_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n which_o be_v only_o to_o be_v preserve_v by_o law_n and_o magistracy_n be_v of_o mighty_a concernment_n to_o mankind_n as_o well_o as_o beautiful_a in_o the_o eye_n of_o he_o that_o call_v himself_o a_o god_n of_o order_n for_o without_o government_n we_o can_v have_v no_o quiet_a in_o our_o habitation_n no_o security_n of_o our_o person_n no_o propriety_n in_o our_o estate_n no_o defence_n against_o foreign_a invasion_n nor_o any_o refuge_n from_o the_o enrage_a multitude_n or_o combine_a force_n of_o evil_a man_n but_o the_o weak_a will_v be_v a_o prey_n to_o the_o strong_a the_o slothful_a will_v eat_v the_o labour_n of_o the_o industrious_a the_o world_n will_v be_v fill_v with_o murder_n rapine_n and_o violence_n and_o become_v a_o hell_n upon_o earth_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o only_o worthy_a of_o a_o wise_a man_n care_n to_o uphold_v government_n but_o must_v be_v his_o important_a duty_n to_o endeavour_v it_o and_o the_o be_v instrumental_a herein_o be_v not_o only_o very_o honourable_a to_o religion_n and_o consequent_o procure_v the_o benign_a aspect_n of_o prince_n towards_o it_o and_o provoke_v they_o to_o become_v nurse_v father_n of_o it_o but_o be_v peculiar_o commodious_a to_o all_o the_o office_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o therefore_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o apostle_n general_o in_o all_o their_o write_n immediate_o after_o they_o have_v discourse_v of_o the_o peculiar_a duty_n of_o christianity_n subjoin_v earnest_a exhortation_n to_o obedience_n to_o humane_a law_n and_o civil_a power_n and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v so_o infinite_o tender_a herein_o as_o if_o they_o think_v that_o god_n can_v not_o have_v his_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o service_n right_o perform_v to_o he_o unless_o peace_n and_o order_n be_v preserve_v in_o the_o world_n now_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o great_a kingdom_n consist_v of_o so_o many_o several_a lesser_a body_n as_o the_o integral_a part_n thereof_o and_o those_o again_o of_o so_o many_o parish_n and_o forasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v peace_n and_o good_a order_n in_o the_o whole_a if_o the_o particular_a part_n or_o member_n be_v out_o of_o order_n therefore_o it_o must_v not_o only_o be_v the_o duty_n but_o be_v within_o the_o power_n of_o every_o private_a person_n to_o contribute_v something_o towards_o the_o great_a end_n aforesaid_a first_o by_o dispose_n himself_o second_o by_o principling_n his_o family_n and_o three_o by_o persuade_v and_o incline_v his_o neighbour_n to_o favour_n and_o assist_v the_o government_n towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o the_o design_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o this_o the_o good_a christian_n ought_v at_o this_o time_n especial_o to_o set_v himself_o about_o with_o the_o great_a zeal_n because_o the_o looseness_n herein_o seem_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o peculiar_a evil_n of_o the_o present_a age_n we_o live_v in_o and_o that_o which_o not_o only_o make_v a_o ill_a reflection_n upon_o religion_n but_o endanger_v the_o state_n of_o it_o in_o order_n therefore_o to_o the_o uphold_v of_o government_n let_v the_o good_a man_n endeavour_n in_o converse_n with_o his_o neighbour_n to_o possess_v they_o with_o a_o apprehension_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o submit_v private_a interest_n to_o common_a utility_n and_o particular_a opinion_n to_o public_a discretion_n and_o so_o bring_v they_o into_o a_o good_a opinion_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o law_n and_o of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o their_o governor_n let_v he_o labour_n to_o remove_v people_n discontent_n to_o confute_v their_o jealousy_n and_o to_o make_v they_o cheerful_a and_o well-pleased_n with_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n which_o god_n have_v order_v let_v he_o discountenance_v all_o seditious_a libel_n and_o news_n not_o permit_v in_o his_o company_n any_o pragmatical_a censure_v of_o the_o law_n or_o public_a counsel_n no_o traduce_v the_o person_n or_o expose_v the_o infirmity_n of_o governor_n nor_o no_o repine_v at_o and_o envy_v the_o glory_n and_o splendour_n of_o those_o that_o be_v prefer_v above_o themselves_o that_o he_o may_v be_v successful_a in_o all_o this_o let_v he_o be_v careful_a to_o preserve_v and_o keep_v up_o the_o distinct_a rank_n order_n and_o degree_n of_o man_n and_o that_o those_o difference_n which_o it_o have_v please_v the_o divine_a providence_n to_o make_v in_o the_o fortune_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n be_v observe_v i_o mean_v in_o respect_n of_o age_n and_o youth_n riches_n and_o poverty_n honour_n and_o obscruity_n the_o neglect_n of_o which_o be_v not_o only_o a_o malapert_a quakerly_n humour_n but_o a_o principle_n of_o sedition_n and_o confusion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o peace_n and_o quiet_a in_o the_o world_n if_o there_o be_v no_o government_n so_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a there_o can_v be_v no_o government_n where_o there_o be_v no_o order_n nor_o the_o different_a degree_n among_o man_n observe_v and_o therefore_o he_o that_o will_v either_o level_v the_o condition_n of_o all_o man_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o effect_n will_v destroy_v that_o reverence_n which_o keep_v up_o that_o distinction_n and_o diversity_n of_o condition_n dissolve_v the_o very_a sinew_n of_o humane_a society_n god_n almighty_a indeed_o can_v easy_o have_v level_v the_o condition_n of_o all_o man_n and_o take_v away_o or_o prevent_v the_o difference_n of_o rich_a and_o poor_a honourable_a and_o ignoble_a and_o of_o old_a and_o young_a too_o if_o he_o have_v so_o please_v but_o then_o it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a how_o there_o can_v have_v be_v any_o society_n among_o man_n at_o least_o unless_o he_o have_v also_o by_o his_o omnipotency_n make_v they_o all_o to_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a too_o but_o forasmuch_o as_o he_o resolve_v to_o have_v order_n and_o government_n among_o man_n and_o yet_o will_v not_o effect_v it_o by_o violence_n he_o therefore_o resolve_v by_o mean_n of_o those_o different_a condition_n aforesaid_a to_o subordinate_a they_o one_o to_o another_o and_o to_o unite_v they_o together_o in_o the_o bond_n of_o mutual_a usefulness_n and_o dependence_n so_o he_o order_v that_o some_o shall_v be_v poor_a to_o ease_v the_o rich_a of_o labour_n and_o drudgery_n and_o other_o rich_a to_o employ_v and_o encourage_v their_o industry_n that_o the_o one_o may_v have_v superfluity_n to_o relieve_v the_o other_o want_n and_o the_o other_o be_v oblige_v by_o their_o bounty_n the_o same_o providence_n order_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o man_n in_o power_n and_o dignity_n and_o other_o in_o privacy_n and_o obscurity_n that_o the_o man_n of_o honour_n stand_v by_o and_o countenance_v the_o ignoble_a as_o his_o client_n he_o on_o the_o other_o side_n shall_v observe_v and_o acknowledge_v he_o as_o his_o patron_n and_o so_o harmony_n arise_v out_o of_o this_o discord_n again_o he_o order_v the_o world_n so_o that_o all_o shall_v not_o be_v of_o a_o stature_n and_o capacity_n of_o body_n or_o mind_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v old_a man_n able_a to_o counsel_n and_o advise_v other_o but_o not_o of_o strength_n to_o execute_v and_o young_a man_n of_o spirit_n and_o vigour_n for_o execution_n but_o destitute_a of_o counsel_n and_o wisdom_n that_o the_o former_a by_o their_o experience_n and_o observation_n instruct_v the_o latter_a and_o the_o latter_a by_o their_o strength_n and_o courage_n assist_v the_o former_a they_o may_v be_v mutual_o endear_v to_o each_o other_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n he_o therefore_o who_o incourage_v or_o suffer_v if_o he_o can_v help_v it_o the_o poor_a to_o be_v surly_a and_o insolent_a towards_o the_o rich_a or_o the_o private_a person_n to_o be_v contumacious_a towards_o those_o in_o dignity_n or_o the_o young_a to_o be_v rude_a and_o malapert_a towards_o the_o age_a oppose_v himself_o to_o
acknowledge_v it_o be_v only_o his_o unwillingness_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n which_o make_v he_o pretend_v to_o stumble_v at_o dispute_n 3._o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o even_o those_o who_o differ_v and_o dispute_v in_o several_a point_n agree_v notwithstanding_o in_o this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o wise_a and_o safe_a course_n to_o come_v to_o a_o resolution_n in_o religion_n forasmuch_o as_o particular_a dispute_n about_o it_o prove_v undeniable_o this_o in_o the_o general_n that_o by_o confession_n of_o all_o party_n there_o be_v great_a moment_n in_o it_o because_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o either_o the_o one_o side_n or_o the_o other_o shall_v trouble_v themselves_o and_o raise_v such_o heat_n about_o it_o but_o that_o both_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o great_a consequence_n of_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o question_n and_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o be_v it_o which_o make_v they_o be_v so_o nice_a curious_a and_o critical_a about_o the_o very_a punctilio_n of_o it_o but_o four_o and_o last_o it_o be_v especial_o to_o be_v consider_v that_o he_o that_o stand_v neutral_a and_o hold_v off_o from_o all_o religion_n upon_o pretence_n of_o the_o danger_n of_o mistake_n upon_o account_n of_o the_o great_a variety_n of_o persuasion_n run_v into_o the_o most_o fatal_a mistake_n of_o all_o and_o be_v of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o most_o desperate_a condition_n for_o whatsoever_o become_v of_o other_o man_n under_o a_o mistake_a zeal_n or_o a_o false_a opinion_n he_o be_v certain_o a_o lose_a man_n who_o have_v no_o zeal_n or_o religion_n at_o all_o for_o though_o it_o be_v certain_a all_o persuasion_n can_v be_v right_a and_o therefore_o some_o must_v miscarry_v yet_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v a_o real_a foundation_n for_o religion_n in_o general_n as_o we_o have_v see_v it_o be_v evident_a the_o sceptist_n can_v be_v save_v whoever_o be_v damn_v who_o entertain_v no_o persuasion_n at_o all_o therefore_o as_o it_o be_v better_a uncertain_o to_o err_v than_o certain_o to_o perish_v so_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o wise_a course_n to_o determine_v ourselves_o someway_o notwithstanding_o the_o dispute_n than_o grave_o to_o doubt_v ourselves_o into_o hell_n by_o a_o fantastical_a neutrality_n but_o than_o second_o as_o it_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a and_o absurd_a resolution_n to_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n for_o fear_v we_o shall_v mistake_v the_o right_n it_o be_v not_o much_o better_a on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o be_v such_o latitudinarian_o as_o to_o think_v it_o indifferent_a what_o religion_n a_o man_n be_v of_o so_o long_o as_o he_o be_v zealous_a and_o devout_a in_o his_o way_n unless_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v that_o the_o broad_a way_n be_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n which_o be_v most_o certain_o false_a i_o confess_v it_o be_v a_o very_a bad_a religion_n indeed_o which_o be_v not_o better_a than_o none_o at_o all_o as_o the_o faint_v hope_n be_v better_a than_o utter_a desperation_n and_o it_o be_v undoubted_o true_a that_o without_o fervour_n and_o devotion_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o a_o man_n persuasion_n no_o religion_n be_v it_o never_o so_o good_a and_o orthodox_n will_v signify_v any_o thing_n it_o be_v true_a also_o that_o a_o man_n of_o a_o devout_a temper_n have_v the_o ground_n of_o piety_n and_o a_o foundation_n for_o good_a institution_n to_o work_v upon_o yet_o notwithstanding_o religion_n speak_v something_o more_o than_o to_o be_v in_o earnest_n and_o piety_n require_v more_o than_o a_o good_a intention_n for_o unless_o that_o honest_a temper_n be_v cultivate_v and_o improve_v it_o will_v bring_v forth_o nothing_o but_o wild_a fruit_n that_o zeal_n must_v be_v govern_v and_o conduct_v by_o good_a principle_n or_o it_o will_v betray_v a_o man_n to_o presumption_n to_o superstition_n and_o to_o a_o thousand_o irregularity_n we_o be_v set_v to_o run_v a_o race_n towards_o heaven_n but_o in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v not_o only_a speed_n but_o the_o keep_n the_o exact_a course_n withal_o that_o entitle_v to_o the_o reward_n he_o that_o run_v wrong_a the_o more_o have_v he_o make_v the_o worse_a be_v his_o speed_n for_o he_o have_v the_o more_o to_o undo_v again_o nor_o be_v this_o any_o reflection_n upon_o the_o divine_a majesty_n who_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o consequent_o very_o pitiful_a to_o the_o well-meant_a error_n of_o mankind_n for_o it_o must_v be_v consider_v that_o he_o be_v wise_a and_o great_a and_o just_a also_o not_o so_o soft_a and_o fond_a as_o to_o be_v please_v with_o whatsoever_o be_v well_o mean_v towards_o he_o or_o to_o be_v content_v with_o whatever_o man_n fancy_n no_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n and_o will_n of_o his_o own_o and_o require_v and_o expect_v those_o be_v comply_v withal_o by_o such_o as_o he_o reward_v with_o eternal_a life_n therefore_o the_o question_n which_o we_o be_v now_o upon_o be_v very_o serious_a and_o necessary_a viz._n how_o amid_o such_o variety_n of_o persuasion_n or_o form_n of_o religion_n as_o be_v in_o the_o world_n a_o man_n may_v make_v a_o right_a choice_n and_o know_v which_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a he_o ought_v to_o determine_v himself_o upon_o but_o the_o assoil_a of_o it_o can_v be_v difficult_a forasmuch_o as_o if_o god_n will_v be_v serve_v in_o his_o own_o way_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o must_v have_v take_v some_o course_n or_o other_o for_o the_o discovery_n and_o interpret_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o the_o intent_n that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o rule_n to_o govern_v their_o devotion_n by_o now_o it_o be_v plain_a beyond_o dispute_n that_o there_o be_v three_o and_o but_o three_o thing_n which_o can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o probability_n pretend_v to_o give_v we_o aim_v in_o this_o case_n viz._n natural_a light_n the_o spirit_n or_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o difficulty_n come_v to_o this_o point_n which_o of_o these_o three_o we_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o govern_v ourselves_o by_o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o the_o three_o namely_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o natural_a reason_n it_o be_v true_a that_o this_o be_v able_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o discover_v to_o we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o to_o assure_v we_o also_o of_o some_o of_o his_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n so_o as_o to_o lay_v a_o general_a foundation_n of_o religion_n as_o we_o have_v brief_o show_v already_o but_o it_o can_v neither_o discover_v all_o the_o divine_a perfection_n because_o he_o be_v infinite_a and_o beyond_o our_o comprehension_n nor_o much_o less_o penetrate_v the_o depth_n of_o his_o counsel_n or_o the_o secret_n of_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n because_o as_o we_o also_o note_v before_o he_o be_v a_o free_a agent_n and_o have_v no_o necessary_a measure_n but_o free_o choose_v as_o it_o please_v he_o and_o therefore_o as_o no_o man_n know_v the_o mind_n of_o a_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o so_o much_o less_o can_v any_o man_n know_v the_o mind_n of_o god_n till_o he_o be_v please_v to_o reveal_v it_o now_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o please_v and_o propitiate_v the_o divine_a majesty_n to_o we_o it_o be_v impossible_a any_o man_n shall_v pretend_v to_o know_v what_o will_v full_o do_v that_o by_o natural_a reason_n consequent_o not_o only_o the_o old_a philosopher_n but_o the_o modern_a theist_n and_o that_o sect_n of_o man_n call_v quaker_n who_o pretend_v to_o attain_v happiness_n by_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n or_o the_o light_n within_o they_o must_v miserable_o be_v bewilder_v while_o they_o follow_v so_o imperfect_a and_o uncertain_a a_o guide_n as_o for_o the_o second_o namely_o a_o private_a spirit_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o divine_a majesty_n can_v if_o he_o have_v please_v have_v conduct_v man_n by_o immediate_a revelation_n and_o as_o it_o be_v lead_v they_o by_o his_o own_o immediate_a hand_n from_o time_n to_o time_n dictate_v his_o own_o will_n to_o their_o mind_n and_o there_o be_v as_o little_a reason_n to_o question_n but_o that_o sometime_o in_o extraordinary_a case_n he_o have_v do_v so_o in_o former_a time_n but_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v his_o ordinary_a and_o stand_a course_n be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o think_v not_o only_o because_o we_o can_v now_o observe_v that_o the_o best_a of_o man_n either_o have_v experience_n of_o or_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v to_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o because_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o such_o immediate_a revelation_n can_v be_v of_o no_o further_a use_n than_o to_o that_o particular_a person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v make_v in_o regard_n it_o will_v be_v like_o the_o white_a stone_n rev._n 2._o 17._o which_o no_o man_n know_v what_o be_v
homage_n and_o attendance_n that_o have_v lay_v infinite_a obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o love_v and_o obey_v he_o he_o that_o have_v consider_v and_o forecast_v all_o our_o circumstance_n business_n difficulty_n temptation_n and_o excuse_n he_o that_o observe_v our_o carriage_n and_o behaviour_n towards_o himself_o he_o that_o can_v be_v deceive_v will_v not_o be_v mock_v and_o be_v no_o accepter_n of_o person_n he_o i_o say_v have_v make_v no_o such_o exception_n or_o exemption_n in_o this_o great_a concern_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v be_v mention_v without_o great_a unreasonableness_n nor_o rely_v upon_o without_o horrible_a danger_n if_o indeed_o eternity_n be_v the_o peculiar_a concern_v of_o a_o certain_a sort_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n only_o or_o if_o old_a man_n only_o die_v and_o none_o else_o or_o if_o rich_a man_n can_v be_v content_v that_o only_a poor_a man_n shall_v go_v to_o heaven_n than_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o man_n may_v excuse_v themselves_o from_o devotion_n but_o otherwise_o it_o be_v the_o great_a absurdity_n that_o can_v be_v to_o hope_v for_o the_o end_n without_o the_o mean_n what_o though_o old_a man_n must_v die_v yet_o will_v not_o young_a man_n quick_o come_v to_o be_v old_a man_n too_o at_o least_o if_o they_o do_v not_o die_v first_o and_o what_o if_o man_n of_o retire_a life_n have_v more_o leisure_n for_o devotion_n and_o more_o time_n to_o spend_v in_o it_o yet_o be_v any_o man_n so_o hard_o put_v to_o it_o but_o that_o he_o may_v if_o he_o will_v spare_v some_o time_n for_o his_o soul_n and_o eternity_n what_o if_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o churchman_n have_v peculiar_a obligation_n upon_o they_o to_o recommend_v religion_n to_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o necessity_n of_o practise_v it_o be_v common_a to_o other_o with_o themselves_o forasmuch_o as_o there_o be_v no_o duty_n of_o it_o peculiar_a to_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v to_o be_v exemplary_a in_o all_o it_o be_v true_a poor_a man_n and_o man_n in_o adversity_n be_v just_o accusable_a of_o intolerable_a sottishness_n if_o they_o who_o be_v frown_v upon_o by_o the_o world_n do_v not_o seek_v to_o repair_v their_o unhappiness_n by_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o another_o world_n but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o rich_a man_n and_o those_o in_o prosperity_n be_v as_o just_o to_o be_v upbraid_v with_o disingenuity_n and_o base_a ingratitude_n if_o they_o be_v not_o devout_a towards_o he_o that_o have_v deal_v so_o bountiful_o with_o they_o beside_o all_o this_o there_o be_v no_o calling_n or_o condition_n of_o man_n but_o under_o it_o they_o may_v if_o they_o have_v a_o heart_n to_o it_o very_o affectionate_o attend_v upon_o religion_n consistent_o enough_o with_o all_o other_o lawful_a business_n or_o occasion_n almighty_a wisdom_n have_v not_o so_o ill_o contrive_v the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o necessity_n that_o business_n shall_v supplant_v religion_n or_o religion_n entrench_v upon_o business_n nor_o if_o thing_n be_v right_o consider_v be_v these_o two_o kind_a of_o affair_n so_o contrary_a or_o do_v devotion_n take_v up_o so_o much_o time_n or_o so_o much_o exhaust_v man_n spirit_n but_o with_o a_o good_a zeal_n and_o a_o little_a forecast_n both_o may_v be_v carry_v on_o together_o or_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o and_o that_o the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n will_v indeed_o weary_v our_o body_n or_o the_o secure_n of_o heaven_n will_v disorder_v and_o a_o little_a incommode_v our_o secular_a interest_n yet_o neither_o be_v life_n so_o certain_a nor_o the_o present_a world_n so_o considerable_a nor_o heaven_n so_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a a_o interest_n as_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v willing_a to_o put_v himself_o to_o some_o trouble_n for_o the_o latter_a as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o former_a and_o as_o there_o want_v not_o reason_n for_o this_o course_n so_o neither_o be_v example_n want_v in_o this_o kind_n where_o man_n that_o may_v have_v make_v such_o excuse_n as_o aforesaid_a as_o just_o as_o any_o person_n whatsoever_o have_v notwithstanding_o quit_v and_o disdain_v they_o all_o and_o apply_v themselves_o remarkable_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o devotion_n for_o if_o riches_n and_o the_o variety_n of_o worldly_a care_n and_o business_n which_o usual_o attend_v they_o be_v a_o just_a excuse_n from_o attendance_n upon_o religion_n than_o job_n may_v have_v claim_v exemption_n who_o be_v the_o rich_a man_n in_o all_o the_o east_n and_o yet_o the_o devout_a too_o his_o thousand_o of_o sheep_n and_o ox_n and_o camel_n his_o abundance_n of_o servant_n his_o numerous_a family_n and_o the_o care_n of_o all_o these_o do_v not_o tempt_v he_o to_o the_o intermission_n of_o one_o day_n devotion_n if_o either_o the_o temptation_n and_o pleasure_n of_o youth_n or_o the_o voluptuousness_n of_o a_o court_n or_o the_o multitude_n of_o example_n of_o profaneness_n or_o the_o care_n of_o a_o prime_a minister_n of_o state_n or_o the_o jealousy_n of_o a_o favourite_n can_v all_o together_o have_v amount_v to_o a_o just_a dispensation_n from_o the_o strictness_n of_o religion_n then_o daniel_n who_o be_v in_o all_o those_o circumstance_n may_v have_v plead_v it_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n may_v have_v retrencht_v his_o conscience_n and_o intermit_v his_o pray_v three_o time_n a_o day_n especial_o when_o he_o know_v his_o enemy_n watch_v advantage_n against_o he_o in_o this_o particular_a if_o the_o general_a licence_n of_o soldier_n the_o temptation_n such_o man_n be_v expose_v to_o the_o necessity_n they_o often_o be_v press_v with_o or_o the_o sudden_a avocation_n they_o must_v be_v subject_a to_o can_v make_v a_o tolerable_a apology_n for_o profaneness_n or_o a_o excuse_n for_o irreligion_n than_o cornelius_n act_v 10._o have_v be_v excuse_v from_o pray_v to_o god_n continual_o and_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o his_o house_n nay_o last_o if_o either_o the_o state_n and_o grandeur_n or_o the_o prerogative_n of_o a_o sovereign_a prince_n if_o the_o impunity_n of_o a_o king_n or_o the_o glory_n and_o affluence_n of_o a_o kingdom_n nay_o if_o either_o interest_n of_o state_n or_o weight_n of_o affair_n the_o care_n and_o policy_n of_o government_n have_v be_v all_o together_o sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o dispensation_n from_o the_o strict_a obligation_n of_o religion_n than_o david_n may_v have_v pretend_v to_o it_o in_o abatement_n of_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o of_o his_o constant_a and_o ardent_a devotion_n but_o all_o these_o holy_a man_n consider_v that_o god_n be_v a_o great_a majesty_n not_o to_o be_v trifle_v with_o and_o a_o impartial_a judge_n without_o respect_n of_o person_n that_o eternity_n be_v of_o more_o consequence_n than_o the_o present_a life_n and_o heaven_n better_o than_o this_o world_n and_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o think_v a_o eternal_a interest_n to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o management_n of_o temporal_a affair_n that_o contrariwise_o they_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o such_o effectual_a way_n to_o succeed_v in_o the_o latter_a as_o by_o a_o diligent_a prosecution_n of_o the_o former_a but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o inexcusableness_n of_o a_o total_a and_o final_a omission_n of_o it_o will_v notwithstanding_o make_v it_o to_o be_v only_o the_o business_n of_o old_a age_n or_o a_o sickbed_n these_o although_o by_o the_o folly_n and_o sloth_n of_o man_n they_o have_v too_o many_o follower_n in_o their_o opinion_n yet_o certain_o be_v the_o most_o absurd_a and_o inexcusable_a of_o all_o forasmuch_o as_o in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v such_o a_o hypothesis_n passable_a with_o their_o own_o conscience_n they_o must_v not_o only_o suppose_v several_a very_o uncertain_a thing_n which_o no_o wise_a man_n can_v have_v the_o confidence_n or_o rather_o madness_n to_o presume_v upon_o but_o the_o very_a supposition_n itself_o imply_v divers_a other_o thing_n so_o base_a and_o disingenuous_a as_o no_o good_a man_n can_v be_v guilty_a of_o first_o they_o make_v very_o bold_a and_o desperate_a supposition_n as_o for_o example_n that_o they_o shall_v live_v to_o old_a age_n and_o die_v by_o a_o leisurely_o and_o linger_a sickness_n that_o god_n will_v then_o accept_v of_o man_n return_n and_o repentance_n who_o never_o stop_v in_o their_o career_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o world_n till_o death_n arrest_v they_o that_o god_n will_v give_v they_o repentance_n what_o time_n they_o prefix_v to_o he_o or_o that_o they_o can_v repent_v when_o they_o will_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o most_o weighty_a affair_n when_o they_o be_v at_o the_o last_o gasp_n and_o the_o most_o important_a of_o all_o business_n can_v be_v transact_v when_o their_o strength_n and_o spirit_n be_v exhaust_v and_o to_o say_v
hinder_v he_o in_o devotion_n but_o will_v rather_o consider_v his_o own_o strength_n viz._n how_o much_o care_n and_o labour_n he_o can_v undergo_v without_o depression_n of_o his_o spirit_n or_o debase_v his_o mind_n and_o will_v weigh_v the_o danger_n and_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n against_o the_o pleasure_n and_o all_o urement_n of_o riches_n this_o will_v also_o incline_v he_o prudent_o to_o methodize_v his_o affair_n and_o to_o put_v that_o business_n which_o seem_v necessary_a into_o the_o best_a order_n that_o so_o it_o may_v take_v its_o due_a place_n in_o subordination_n to_o his_o great_a concern_v and_o not_o supplant_v or_o interfere_v with_o they_o to_o which_o purpose_n also_o if_o he_o have_v any_o considerable_a matter_n to_o dispose_v of_o he_o will_v think_v it_o convenient_a to_o set_v his_o house_n in_o order_n as_o well_o as_o his_o business_n and_o have_v always_o his_o will_n make_v not_o only_o that_o thereby_o he_o may_v be_v the_o more_o effectual_o admonish_v of_o his_o mortality_n and_o be_v provide_v against_o the_o surprisal_n of_o death_n but_o that_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n he_o may_v have_v the_o less_o solicitude_n upon_o his_o spirit_n and_o may_v the_o more_o single_o and_o undistract_o apply_v himself_o to_o his_o main_a business_n and_o then_o 4._o in_o the_o four_o place_n let_v he_o attend_v to_o the_o counsel_n of_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o syrach_n ecclus._n 2._o 1._o my_o son_n if_o thou_o come_v to_o serve_v the_o lord_n prepare_v thy_o soul_n for_o temptation_n that_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v whensoever_o thou_o undertake_v a_o course_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o so_o fond_a as_o to_o imagine_v thou_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o accomplish_v it_o without_o sweat_n and_o difficulty_n or_o so_o secure_a as_o to_o think_v of_o obtain_v the_o crown_n without_o a_o conflict_n but_o expect_v to_o meet_v with_o temptation_n of_o several_a kind_n and_o arm_v thyself_o according_o especial_o in_o thy_o first_o entrance_n on_o such_o a_o course_n thou_o must_v look_v for_o the_o sharp_a encounter_n for_o thy_o enemy_n be_v not_o so_o soon_o vanquish_v as_o defy_v nor_o be_v they_o either_o so_o fair_a and_o civil_a as_o to_o give_v thou_o scope_n to_o harden_v and_o fortify_v thyself_o in_o thy_o enterprise_n or_o so_o imprudent_a as_o to_o slip_v the_o opportunity_n of_o thy_o weakness_n and_o security_n together_o beginning_n in_o all_o such_o case_n be_v attend_v with_o the_o great_a hazard_n and_o difficulty_n the_o devil_n rage_v most_o at_o first_o out_o of_o indignation_n to_o suffer_v the_o prey_n to_o be_v take_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n whereas_o when_o he_o be_v past_a hope_n of_o recover_v it_o he_o have_v more_o wit_n than_o to_o labour_n in_o vain_a and_o will_v not_o so_o much_o trouble_v himself_o to_o tempt_v when_o he_o see_v no_o likelihood_n of_o success_n but_o he_o be_v more_o resolute_a than_o quick_o to_o despair_v or_o give_v over_o his_o siege_n upon_o the_o first_o denial_n of_o his_o summons_n no_o he_o will_v storm_v and_o batter_v thou_o night_n and_o day_n and_o cast_v in_o all_o his_o bomb_n and_o fiery_a dart_n to_o affright_v and_o compel_v thou_o to_o a_o surrender_n and_o for_o the_o flesh_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o first_o check_n which_o be_v give_v to_o sensual_a inclination_n be_v harsh_a and_o go_v most_o against_o the_o grain_n because_o they_o have_v use_v to_o take_v their_o full_a scope_n and_o swinge_n indeed_o when_o a_o man_n have_v accustom_v they_o to_o denial_n in_o their_o importunity_n they_o by_o degree_n and_o in_o time_n grow_v tame_a and_o submit_v to_o the_o yoke_n of_o reason_n as_o fire_n be_v extinguish_v by_o be_v suppress_v or_o as_o a_o violent_a torrent_n that_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o new_a channel_n and_o restrain_v its_o ancient_a course_n at_o first_o rage_n and_o foam_n and_o swell_v against_o those_o new_a bank_n though_o at_o length_n it_o cease_v its_o tumult_n and_o run_v along_o quiet_o within_o its_o boundary_n it_o be_v not_o one_o overthrow_n will_v dishearten_v the_o old_a man_n he_o must_v be_v baffle_v and_o vanquish_v over_o and_o over_o before_o he_o will_v cease_v to_o rebel_v nor_o must_v you_o think_v to_o find_v virtue_n easy_a till_o you_o have_v accustom_v yourself_o to_o it_o for_o nothing_o but_o custom_n can_v entire_o subdue_v custom_n wherefore_o till_o that_o be_v introduce_v you_o must_v never_o be_v secure_a but_o always_o upon_o your_o guard_n and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o world_n the_o first_o rejection_n of_o that_o out_o of_o a_o man_n heart_n be_v perform_v with_o as_o great_a difficulty_n as_o any_o of_o the_o former_a when_o a_o man_n have_v once_o cast_v overboard_o that_o luggage_n which_o otherwise_o be_v likely_a to_o have_v sink_v he_o it_o be_v possible_a he_o may_v be_v glad_a of_o the_o exchange_n and_o despise_v what_o before_o he_o admire_v but_o it_o be_v a_o great_a matter_n to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o unburden_v the_o vessel_n and_o a_o long_a dispute_n before_o man_n be_v willing_a to_o lose_v any_o thing_n for_o heaven_n it_o require_v a_o great_a sagacity_n to_o see_v the_o empty_a pageantry_n of_o the_o world_n so_o as_o to_o slight_a fame_n applause_n riches_n ease_n and_o pleasure_n a_o hard_a piece_n of_o self-denial_n to_o abridge_v himself_o of_o the_o liberty_n other_o man_n take_v a_o great_a mastery_n of_o a_o man_n self_n to_o be_v deaf_a to_o all_o the_o charm_n and_o insensible_a of_o all_o the_o caress_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o a_o word_n to_o keep_v a_o man_n eye_n and_o thought_n steady_o fix_v upon_o another_o life_n therefore_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v count_v upon_o difficulty_n in_o the_o undertake_n of_o religion_n lest_o when_o it_o come_v upon_o he_o unforeseen_a he_o turn_v recreant_a and_o come_v off_o with_o shame_n and_o loss_n beside_o all_o this_o there_o be_v something_o more_o which_o i_o apprehend_v the_o wise_a man_n intend_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a advice_n namely_o that_o he_o that_o resolve_v to_o be_v a_o virtuous_a man_n must_v fortify_v his_o mind_n as_o well_o against_o the_o persuasion_n example_n and_o discouragement_n of_o his_o less_o considerate_a friend_n and_o acquaintance_n as_o against_o the_o bitter_a scoff_v and_o reproach_n of_o his_o enemy_n that_o neither_o the_o insensible_a insinuation_n of_o the_o one_o dissolve_v he_o into_o lukewarmness_n and_o remissness_n nor_o the_o rough_a attack_n of_o the_o other_o sink_v his_o spirit_n and_o shake_v his_o resolution_n opposition_n from_o each_o of_o these_o he_o must_v expect_v to_o meet_v with_o from_o the_o former_a out_o of_o folly_n or_o else_o in_o their_o own_o defence_n that_o such_o a_o man_n zeal_n may_v not_o reproach_v their_o negligence_n from_o the_o other_o out_o of_o malice_n and_o as_o assailant_n that_o they_o may_v reek_v their_o spite_n upon_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a way_n and_o therefore_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v provide_v for_o both_o against_o the_o soft_a insinuation_n of_o injudicious_a person_n he_o must_v be_v provide_v by_o be_v gird_v about_o with_o truth_n and_o have_v on_o the_o breastplate_n of_o righteousness_n as_o the_o apostle_n advise_v eph._n 6._o 14._o that_o be_v he_o must_v establish_v his_o heart_n in_o a_o undoubted_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n on_o his_o side_n by_o consider_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o other_o holy_a man_n and_o hence_o be_v able_a to_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o he_o with_o meekness_n and_o fear_n and_o if_o this_o do_v not_o ease_v he_o of_o their_o fond_a importunity_n he_o must_v then_o put_v on_o some_o degree_n of_o morosity_n and_o resolve_v with_o david_n 2_o sam._n 6._o 22._o that_o if_o this_o be_v to_o be_v vile_a he_o will_v yet_o be_v more_o vile_a against_o the_o rude_a treatment_n of_o lewd_a and_o malicious_a man_n he_o must_v as_o the_o same_o apostle_n advise_v eph._n 6._o 16_o 17._o take_v the_o shield_n of_o faith_n whereby_o he_o shall_v repel_v all_o the_o fiery_a dart_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o for_o a_o helmet_n the_o hope_n of_o salvation_n and_o in_o contemplation_n of_o the_o object_n of_o both_o those_o he_o will_v be_v able_a generous_o to_o contemn_v all_o obloquy_n and_o reproach_n as_o disdain_v to_o be_v hector_v out_o of_o salvation_n in_o a_o word_n for_o altogether_o he_o must_v always_o remember_v that_o self-denial_n be_v the_o first_o lesson_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o he_o that_o have_v not_o so_o learn_v it_o as_o to_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v christ_n can_v be_v his_o disciple_n 5._o in_o the_o five_o place_n let_v the_o candidate_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n take_v care_n that_o he_o do_v not_o precipitate_v himself_o into_o temptation_n