requirean_a exact_v and_o particular_a discussion_n i_o will_v first_o resume_v the_o four_o character_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v truth_n holiness_n union_n and_o order_n 1._o all_o christian_a society_n boast_v that_o they_o profess_v the_o truth_n and_o that_o very_a thing_n be_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o many_o of_o they_o be_v in_o error_n since_o they_o do_v not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o about_o the_o article_n to_o be_v believe_v i_o will_v not_o enlarge_v on_o this_o head_n because_o it_o will_v lead_v i_o into_o many_o particular_n and_o in_o some_o respect_n into_o controversy_n i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o if_o we_o do_v judge_v of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o religion_n by_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n among_o christian_n i_o mean_v the_o holy_a scripture_n we_o will_v soon_o perceive_v on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v we_o may_v observe_v in_o that_o society_n which_o vaunt_v itself_o to_o be_v the_o pure_a of_o all_o and_o which_o even_o pretend_v to_o be_v infallible_a and_o the_o only_a true_a church_n exclusive_a of_o all_o other_o absurd_a tenet_n and_o monstrous_a doctrine_n equal_o repugnant_a to_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v convince_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o those_o church_n which_o do_v separate_v from_o that_o society_n be_v much_o more_o consonant_a to_o the_o gospel_n 2._o we_o must_v have_v a_o very_a mean_a notion_n of_o christianity_n if_o we_o can_v believe_v that_o holiness_n which_o be_v the_o second_o character_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v find_v among_o christian_n at_o this_o time_n the_o complaint_n of_o the_o last_o age_n be_v that_o religion_n want_v to_o be_v reform_v in_o doctrine_n worship_n discipline_n and_o manner_n it_o be_v reform_v in_o part_n by_o the_o reject_v of_o those_o error_n and_o abuse_n which_o be_v creep_v into_o doctrine_n worship_n and_o discipline_n but_o the_o reformation_n of_o manner_n be_v still_o behind_o the_o people_n have_v not_o as_o yet_o be_v reform_v in_o this_o regard_n except_o perhaps_o in_o those_o time_n and_o place_n where_o they_o have_v be_v persecute_v as_o for_o the_o rest_n they_o have_v scarce_o change_v any_o thing_n beside_o their_o belief_n and_o worship_n this_o alone_a prove_v that_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n be_v yet_o imperfect_a holiness_n be_v the_o scope_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v the_o chief_a character_n of_o christianity_n so_o that_o where_o holiness_n and_o purity_n of_o manner_n be_v not_o religion_n must_v be_v very_o defective_a iii_o union_n peace_n and_o charity_n as_o be_v say_v before_o be_v one_o of_o the_o essential_a mark_n of_o the_o disciple_n and_o church_n of_o christ_n but_o where_o be_v this_o character_n to_o be_v find_v the_o church_n at_o this_o day_n be_v rend_v into_o faction_n and_o party_n we_o can_v say_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o church_n we_o must_v say_v that_o there_o be_v many_o religion_n and_o church_n christian_n divide_v not_o only_o upon_o lawful_a ground_n which_o make_v separation_n necessary_a but_o about_o thing_n of_o small_a consequence_n upon_o the_o least_o diversity_n of_o opinion_n they_o pronounce_v anathema_n against_o one_o another_o form_n different_a sect_n and_o communion_n even_o those_o church_n which_o may_v have_v a_o common_a belief_n and_o interest_n be_v not_o unite_v those_o man_n who_o by_o their_o office_n shall_v be_v the_o minister_n of_o peace_n be_v but_o too_o often_o the_o firebrand_n of_o division_n i_o desire_v no_o other_o proof_n of_o this_o but_o that_o zeal_n which_o most_o divine_v express_v about_o the_o dispute_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o little_a disposition_n which_o be_v find_v among_o they_o to_o sacrifice_v some_o opinion_n or_o expression_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n i_o do_v not_o condemn_v all_o dispute_n without_o distinction_n for_o some_o be_v necessary_a the_o apostle_n command_v the_o ruler_n of_o the_o church_n to_o establish_v with_o care_n pure_a doctrine_n and_o to_o confute_v those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o corrupt_v it_o they_o do_v themselves_o on_o many_o occasion_n dispute_v against_o false_a teacher_n to_o desert_v the_o truth_n when_o attack_v be_v to_o make_v but_o little_a account_n of_o it_o this_o will_v be_v a_o betray_v the_o interest_n of_o piety_n since_o piety_n be_v always_o found_v upon_o truth_n dispute_v become_v necessary_a when_o essential_a truth_n be_v to_o be_v defend_v neither_o will_v i_o reduce_v all_o profitable_a or_o lawful_a dispute_n to_o those_o only_o which_o concern_v fundamental_o there_o be_v error_n which_o though_o not_o mortal_a yet_o be_v dangerous_a and_o so_o it_o be_v needful_a to_o oppose_v they_o and_o there_o be_v truth_n which_o though_o not_o fundamental_a be_v yet_o of_o great_a use_n in_o religion_n and_o may_v serve_v to_o confirm_v the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v fit_a that_o such_o truth_n shall_v be_v discuss_v provide_v this_o be_v do_v with_o moderation_n and_o honesty_n i_o only_o blame_v useless_a dispute_n or_o these_o which_o though_o they_o may_v have_v their_o use_n yet_o be_v accompany_v with_o those_o passion_n and_o disorder_n which_o blind_a zeal_n inspire_v such_o controversy_n which_o be_v but_o too_o common_a be_v extreme_o fatal_a to_o religion_n we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o express_v what_o mischief_n they_o occasion_n in_o the_o church_n and_o how_o prejudicial_a they_o be_v to_o the_o progress_n of_o christianity_n in_o general_n and_o of_o piety_n in_o particular_a it_o may_v seem_v at_o first_o that_o because_o the_o people_n do_v not_o take_v cognizance_n of_o these_o contest_v they_o shall_v prove_v hurtful_a only_o to_o those_o learned_a man_n by_o who_o alone_o they_o be_v manage_v but_o yet_o the_o whole_a church_n feel_v the_o ill_a effect_n of_o they_o 1._o by_o reason_n of_o these_o dispute_n the_o people_n be_v destitute_a of_o edification_n or_o at_o least_o they_o do_v not_o receive_v all_o the_o edification_n which_o be_v necessary_a churchman_n be_v only_o full_a of_o these_o study_n and_o meditate_v upon_o nothing_o else_o in_o their_o sermon_n they_o speak_v only_o of_o these_o matter_n which_o take_v they_o up_o and_o which_o seem_v capital_a to_o they_o they_o have_v neither_o leisure_n nor_o inclination_n to_o mind_n thing_n of_o another_o nature_n and_o to_o set_v about_o reform_v the_o manner_n of_o christian_n or_o they_o do_v it_o but_o faint_o and_o careless_o whilst_o a_o minister_n be_v very_o busy_a in_o his_o study_n or_o pulpit_n about_o confute_v a_o adversary_n who_o he_o never_o see_v or_o a_o error_n which_o be_v unknown_a to_o his_o whole_a flock_n his_o sheep_n be_v lose_v his_o hearer_n remain_v possess_v with_o mortal_a error_n concern_v morality_n and_o engage_v in_o the_o most_o vicious_a habit_n this_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o most_o dispute_n they_o occasion_n the_o ruin_n rather_o than_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o hearer_n 2._o dispute_v keep_v up_o among_o christian_n false_a zeal_n hypocrisy_n and_o licentiousness_n the_o people_n learn_v by_o the_o example_n of_o their_o teacher_n to_o place_v their_o zeal_n not_o in_o oppose_a vice_n but_o in_o understand_v controversy_n in_o adhere_v to_o certain_a opinion_n and_o in_o bear_v a_o strong_a hatred_n to_o those_o who_o dissent_v from_o they_o they_o judge_v that_o what_o make_v the_o ordinary_a employment_n of_o divine_n what_o they_o insist_v most_o upon_o what_o kindle_v their_o zeal_n and_o excite_v in_o they_o the_o most_o violent_a passion_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o most_o important_a thing_n in_o religion_n 3._o sometime_o the_o people_n take_v part_n in_o the_o quarrel_n of_o their_o teacher_n from_o whence_o proceed_v unavoidable_a animosity_n and_o division_n which_o extinguish_v love_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o which_o create_v insuperable_a obstacle_n to_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o reunion_n of_o christian_n of_o this_o we_o have_v but_o too_o many_o instance_n 4._o last_o the_o little_a union_n which_o be_v in_o the_o church_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o small_a progress_n of_o christianity_n christian_n instead_o of_o make_v their_o religion_n appear_v lovely_a and_o venerable_a to_o jew_n and_o infidel_n expose_v it_o to_o their_o contempt_n instead_o of_o endeavour_v to_o propagate_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o destroy_v idolatry_n they_o turn_v their_o own_o weapon_n against_o themselves_o they_o mind_v nothing_o but_o the_o promote_a the_o interest_n of_o their_o particular_a sect_n and_o they_o neglect_v that_o of_o christianity_n ingeneral_a on_o the_o other_o hand_n unbeliever_n see_v that_o christian_n be_v not_o agree_v among_o themselves_o take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o question_v every_o thing_n and_o they_o judge_v that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o
of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o christianity_n or_o of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o its_o precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n i_o grant_v then_o that_o corruption_n be_v great_a that_o the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n be_v very_o bad_a and_o that_o in_o all_o probability_n there_o will_v always_o be_v wickedness_n upon_o earth_n but_o that_o this_o corruption_n shall_v be_v always_o the_o same_o so_o that_o no_o reformation_n can_v be_v hope_v be_v what_o can_v be_v maintain_v without_o affront_a religion_n without_o introduce_v fatality_n and_o extinguish_v all_o zeal_n among_o christian_n by_o the_o maxim_n we_o have_v hitherto_o examine_v man_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n be_v either_o of_o no_o great_a necessity_n or_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o there_o be_v some_o other_o which_o represent_v the_o study_n of_o virtue_n as_o dangerous_a so_o that_o here_o vicious_a man_n do_v not_o stand_v bare_o upon_o the_o defensive_a part_n but_o they_o attack_v their_o adversary_n who_o recommend_v the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n 1._o they_o pretend_v that_o we_o can_v insist_v so_o much_o upon_o work_n without_o obscure_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n we_o must_v ascribe_v all_o say_v they_o to_o mercy_n and_o nothing_o to_o our_o own_o righteousness_n there_o be_v no_o true_a christian_n but_o acknowledge_v that_o our_o salvation_n be_v entire_o owe_v to_o the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o reject_v the_o opinion_n which_o attribute_n any_o merit_n to_o goodwork_n it_o be_v that_o mercy_n which_o give_v we_o christ_n for_o our_o redeemer_n and_o our_o salvation_n be_v found_v upon_o that_o redemption_n it_o be_v that_o mercy_n which_o pardon_v the_o sin_n of_o those_o who_o believe_v and_o repent_v and_o which_o bear_v with_o the_o infirmity_n of_o regenerate_v christian_n and_o it_o be_v from_o the_o same_o mercy_n that_o we_o expect_v that_o glorious_a and_o un-merited_n reward_n which_o be_v lay_v up_o in_o heaven_n for_o good_a men._n all_o these_o be_v as_o many_o act_n of_o the_o pure_a mercy_n of_o god_n but_o as_o we_o have_v show_v that_o the_o mercy_n which_o save_v we_o do_v not_o excuse_v we_o from_o goodwork_n so_o the_o necessity_n of_o goodwork_n do_v not_o lessen_v in_o the_o least_o the_o riches_n of_o god_n mercy_n unless_o we_o admit_v that_o there_o be_v contradiction_n in_o scripture_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o sanctification_n do_v perfect_o agree_v with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o grace_n and_o in_o truth_n to_o say_v that_o god_n give_v up_o his_o son_n to_o death_n in_o order_n to_o save_o man_n and_o that_o he_o will_v grant_v remission_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a happiness_n to_o every_o believe_v and_o repent_v sinner_n be_v as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v say_v to_o magnify_v the_o divine_a mercy_n except_o we_o shall_v pretend_v that_o god_n will_v be_v more_o merciful_a if_o he_o do_v indifferent_o save_o all_o mankind_n and_o reward_v vice_n and_o virtue_n alike_o but_o this_o will_v be_v a_o horrid_a thought_n and_o no_o less_o than_o downright_a blasphemy_n then_o sinner_n may_v say_v indeed_o let_v we_o continue_v in_o sin_n that_o grace_n may_v abound_v let_v we_o suppose_v that_o a_o prince_n pardon_v a_o rebellious_a subject_n and_o that_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o confer_v the_o great_a honour_n and_o benefit_n upon_o he_o on_o condition_n that_o this_o subject_a shall_v accept_v of_o the_o pardon_n that_o be_v offer_v he_o and_o shall_v relapse_n no_o more_o into_o the_o same_o crime_n will_v any_o man_n be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o say_v that_o the_o clemency_n of_o that_o prince_n will_v be_v much_o great_a if_o he_o do_v grant_v his_o favour_n to_o this_o rebel_n though_o he_o shall_v persist_v in_o his_o crime_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o some_o man_n will_v have_v god_n do_v it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o any_o one_o shall_v think_v to_o honour_n god_n by_o such_o conceit_n as_o do_v not_o only_o injure_v his_o mercy_n but_o his_o other_o perfection_n too_o because_o god_n be_v merciful_a must_v we_o forget_v that_o he_o be_v holy_a just_a and_o good_a it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o must_v ascribe_v all_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n what_o then_o must_v we_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o his_o holiness_n his_o justice_n and_o his_o truth_n mu_o what_o the_o scripture_n tell_v of_o these_o last_o perfection_n be_v faint_o and_o tender_o expound_v whilst_o we_o press_v and_o serve_v up_o to_o the_o high_a pitch_n what_o it_o say_v of_o mercy_n as_o to_o what_o be_v add_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o ascribe_v nothing_o to_o our_o own_o righteousness_n it_o be_v unquestionable_o true_a but_o do_v we_o ascribe_v any_o thing_n to_o man_n when_o we_o say_v that_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o to_o accept_v the_o favour_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o bestow_v upon_o he_o can_v any_o man_n say_v that_o the_o rebel_n i_o mention_v just_a now_o be_v the_o author_n of_o his_o own_o happiness_n and_o that_o he_o deserve_v the_o pardon_n grant_v he_o by_o his_o prince_n because_o he_o accept_v of_o it_o and_o fulfil_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v offer_v what_o reason_n then_o have_v a_o man_n to_o value_v himself_o upon_o his_o own_o righteousness_n or_o to_o arrogate_v any_o merit_n to_o himself_o since_o he_o be_v indebt_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n both_o for_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o progress_n of_o his_o sanctification_n in_o short_a we_o shall_v take_v heed_n that_o for_o fear_n of_o ascribe_v any_o thing_n to_o man_n we_o may_v not_o rob_v the_o divine_a grace_n of_o what_o belong_v to_o it_o by_o not_o acknowledge_v its_o gift_n and_o power_n in_o a_o regenerate_v man._n 2._o here_o be_v another_o maxim_n which_o be_v allege_v in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o precede_a and_o which_o aim_v at_o the_o same_o mark_n it_o be_v this_o that_o we_o must_v not_o speak_v so_o much_o of_o goodwork_n lest_o we_o inspire_v man_n with_o pride_n and_o presumption_n and_o to_o support_v this_o maxim_n it_o be_v usual_a to_o run_v out_o upon_o man_n inclination_n to_o pride_n and_o upon_o the_o heinousness_n of_o that_o sin_n but_o this_o maxim_n proceed_v only_o from_o the_o false_a and_o confuse_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v about_o religious_a matter_n either_o this_o maxim_n have_v no_o sense_n at_o all_o or_o else_o it_o mount_v to_o this_o that_o whosoever_o apply_v himself_o to_o holiness_n and_o goodwork_n be_v in_o danger_n of_o fall_v into_o pride_n and_o that_o a_o neglect_n of_o virtue_n contain_v a_o man_n within_o the_o bound_n of_o humility_n which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v holy_a without_o humility_n and_o humble_a without_o holiness_n two_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o most_o ridiculous_a and_o contradictory_n that_o can_v be_v assert_v at_o this_o rate_n it_o will_v be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n and_o more_o safe_a to_o be_v otherwise_o by_o pursue_v virtue_n and_o holiness_n a_o man_n draw_v near_o to_o sin_n and_o to_o the_o great_a of_o sin_n i_o mean_v pride_n and_o by_o neglect_v holiness_n he_o attain_v humility_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o chief_a christian_a virtue_n if_o this_o be_v true_a all_o that_o we_o call_v vice_n or_o virtue_n be_v but_o a_o empty_a sound_n it_o be_v much_o that_o man_n shall_v not_o see_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o holiness_n without_o humility_n nor_o humility_n without_o holiness_n that_o where_o there_o be_v holiness_n there_o be_v humility_n and_o pride_n be_v exclude_v and_o that_o where_o pride_n be_v there_o be_v no_o true_a sanctification_n the_o holy_a a_o man_n grow_v he_o become_v the_o more_o humble_a and_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o come_v the_o near_a to_o pride_n by_o proceed_v in_o holliness_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_n he_o remove_v the_o far_o from_o it_o the_o instance_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n who_o be_v both_o perfect_o holy_a and_o perfect_o humble_a be_v a_o proof_n that_o humility_n be_v not_o incompatible_a with_o holiness_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o humility_n be_v not_o well_o understand_v there_o be_v many_o who_o conceive_v no_o other_o humility_n but_o that_o which_o arise_v from_o the_o disorder_n of_o a_o vicious_a and_o irregular_a life_n so_o that_o when_o they_o will_v humble_v good_a man_n they_o rank_v they_o among_o the_o vile_a sinner_n they_o make_v they_o say_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o wickedness_n and_o abomination_n in_o they_o and_o that_o they_o have_v deserve_v eternal_a damnation_n by_o innumerable_a sin_n which_o they_o have_v commit_v every_o moment_n of_o their_o life_n and_o even_o by_o the_o best_a action_n they_o have_v do_v the_o strong_a expression_n and_o the_o most_o excessive_a hyperbole_n be_v scarce_o sufficient_a to_o
a_o treatise_n concern_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o present_a corruption_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o remedy_n thereof_o part_n i._n london_n print_v for_o ri._n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n s_o churchyard_n 1700._o to_o the_o right_n reverend_a gilbert_n lord_n bishop_n of_o sarum_n chancellor_n of_o the_o most_o noble_a order_n of_o the_o garter_n my_o lord_n the_o treatise_n i_o now_o humble_o offer_v to_o your_o lordship_n in_o english_a have_v meet_v with_o a_o very_a great_a and_o general_a applause_n in_o french_a a_o second_o edition_n of_o it_o be_v desire_v in_o less_o than_o two_o month_n after_o the_o first_o and_o it_o be_v already_o translate_v into_o more_o language_n than_o one_o but_o that_o which_o ought_v to_o weigh_v more_o than_o any_o other_o commendation_n be_v the_o high_a value_n your_o lordship_n set_v upon_o this_o book_n for_o if_o the_o most_o accomplish_v writer_n be_v the_o best_a judge_n of_o other_o man_n work_n there_o 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this_o whoever_o inquire_v into_o the_o notion_n and_o manner_n of_o christian_n must_v have_v no_o great_a share_n of_o sincerity_n or_o judgement_n if_o he_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o religion_n have_v but_o littil_a influence_n upon_o their_o mind_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o amaze_a contradiction_n between_o their_o life_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o christianity_n this_o corruption_n be_v so_o evident_a and_o so_o general_o confess_v that_o i_o need_v not_o stand_v to_o prove_v it_o take_v it_o then_o for_o grant_v that_o christian_n live_v in_o a_o great_a neglect_n of_o their_o duty_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o inquire_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o corruption_n and_o to_o consider_v what_o remedy_n shall_v be_v apply_v to_o it_o this_o be_v what_o i_o intend_v to_o do_v in_o this_o treatise_n in_o hope_n that_o such_o a_o enquiry_n will_v not_o be_v altogether_o unuseful_a for_o first_o it_o may_v contribute_v to_o maintain_v the_o honour_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o confute_v infidel_n and_o libertine_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o despise_v it_o because_o its_o precept_n be_v little_o practise_v if_o religion_n say_v they_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o it_o have_v so_o little_a efficacy_n and_o that_o there_o appear_v so_o much_o disorder_n and_o licentiousness_n among_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o to_o undeceive_v such_o man_n and_o to_o infuse_v into_o they_o a_o great_a respect_n for_o religion_n it_o be_v of_o very_o great_a importance_n to_o discover_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o decay_n of_o piety_n and_o to_o show_v that_o if_o man_n be_v corrupt_v it_o be_v not_o because_o christ_n religion_n be_v insufficient_a to_o introduce_v virtue_n and_o order_n into_o the_o world_n but_o that_o this_o evil_n flow_v from_o some_o other_o cause_n and_o that_o if_o christian_n do_v what_o they_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o do_v true_a piety_n will_v not_o be_v so_o uncommon_a as_o it_o be_v among_o they_o a_o second_o advantage_n which_o may_v be_v reap_v from_o this_o enquiry_n be_v this_o it_o will_v appear_v by_o it_o that_o how_o great_a soever_o the_o corruption_n may_v be_v it_o be_v not_o however_o as_o many_o imagine_v past_a remedy_n which_o imagination_n be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a prejudice_n while_o man_n look_v on_o it_o as_o impossible_a to_o stem_v the_o tide_n of_o corruption_n and_o to_o re-establish_a order_n and_o purity_n of_o manner_n in_o the_o world_n they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o attempt_v it_o they_o let_v thing_n go_v on_o at_o the_o same_o rate_n and_o so_o the_o disorder_n increase_v and_o spread_v far_a it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o we_o corruption_n be_v great_a general_a and_o inveterate_a but_o god_n forbid_v we_o shall_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o incurable_a disease_n the_o fountain_n of_o it_o may_v easy_o be_v discover_v and_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o stop_v they_o i_o hope_v this_o will_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o who_o shall_v attentive_o and_o without_o prepossession_n consider_v what_o be_v propose_v in_o this_o work_n three_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n more_o likely_a to_o remove_v this_o corruption_n than_o to_o cut_v off_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o sure_a as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o compendious_a method_n one_o of_o the_o main_a reason_n why_o so_o many_o excellent_a book_n design_v to_o inspire_v man_n with_o a_o love_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n have_v not_o all_o the_o effect_n that_o may_v be_v expect_v from_o they_o be_v that_o the_o author_n do_v not_o sufficient_o observe_v the_o general_a cause_n of_o the_o depravation_n of_o manner_n it_o be_v to_o little_a purpose_n to_o deplore_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age_n to_o exhort_v man_n and_o to_o give_v they_o fine_a lesson_n of_o morality_n the_o work_n of_o reformation_n can_v
fall_v very_o short_a of_o that_o knowledge_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v and_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o live_v in_o shameful_a and_o deplorable_a ignorance_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o piety_n be_v so_o much_o want_v among_o they_o and_o why_o they_o be_v so_o deprave_v and_o vicious_a which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o make_v appear_v in_o order_n to_o this_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o two_o head_n first_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n second_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o inquire_v whether_o with_o respect_n to_o these_o christian_n be_v furnish_v with_o necessary_a information_n i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v very_o little_o instruct_v i._o in_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o ii_o in_o what_o relate_v to_o manner_n and_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n the_o reflection_n i_o shall_v 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day_n a_o great_a number_n of_o person_n who_o entertain_v very_o loose_a opinion_n and_o that_o do_v at_o least_o border_n upon_o atheism_n these_o pernicious_a tenet_n be_v spread_v wide_a than_o some_o people_n think_v not_o only_o the_o libertine_n be_v infect_v with_o they_o but_o even_o the_o common_a people_n all_o the_o profane_a man_n and_o deist_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v at_o court_n in_o army_n or_o among_o the_o learned_a there_o be_v some_o in_o town_n among_o the_o vulgar_a and_o even_o among_o country_n clown_n if_o we_o examine_v a_o little_a the_o discourse_n and_o apprehension_n of_o man_n especial_o of_o those_o who_o life_n be_v irregular_a if_o we_o do_v but_o begin_v to_o reason_n with_o they_o and_o press_v they_o we_o may_v soon_o perceive_v the_o principle_n of_o incredulity_n and_o atheism_n in_o many_o of_o they_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o they_o be_v not_o thorough_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o another_o life_n or_o that_o if_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o impiety_n which_o attack_n directly_z the_o very_a foundation_n of_o religion_n they_o harbour_v at_o least_o this_o fancy_n that_o god_n do_v not_o narrow_o observe_v man_n deportment_n that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v so_o severe_a as_o to_o damn_v they_o for_o some_o sin_n they_o have_v commit_v and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o such_o great_a harm_n in_o gratify_v once_o passion_n and_o live_v at_o the_o usual_a rate_n of_o the_o world_n these_o and_o the_o like_a sentiment_n be_v general_a enough_o and_o yet_o they_o lead_v the_o straight_a way_n to_o deism_n and_o tend_v plain_o to_o the_o subversion_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v be_v therefore_o high_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o root_v out_o such_o dangerous_a error_n careful_o to_o establish_v these_o great_a truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o this_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n and_o that_o whatever_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o of_o another_o life_n be_v most_o certain_a this_o i_o say_v will_v be_v altogether_o needful_a if_o it_o be_v but_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o those_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v and_o their_o number_n be_v great_a than_o be_v common_o imagine_v 2_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o though_o christian_n profess_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n yet_o that_o belief_n be_v not_o lively_a and_o strong_a enough_o in_o they_o all_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o question_n that_o most_o christian_n be_v so_o only_o because_o they_o be_v engage_v by_o their_o birth_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n but_o that_o after_o all_o they_o know_v very_o little_a of_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o it_o they_o will_v in_o like_a manner_n have_v be_v jew_n or_o pagan_n if_o they_o have_v be_v bear_v in_o judaisme_n or_o paganism_n so_o that_o proper_o speak_v they_o can_v be_v say_v to_o
have_v faith_n for_o faith_n be_v a_o persuasion_n to_o believe_v be_v to_o be_v persuade_v and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o believe_v a_o thing_n right_n without_o reason_n or_o examination_n that_o which_o be_v call_v faith_n be_v common_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o confuse_a and_o general_a opinion_n which_o make_v but_o very_o slight_a impression_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n but_o true_a faith_n be_v a_o great_a rarity_n among_o christian_n than_o we_o be_v aware_a of_o now_o as_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a principle_n of_o piety_n so_o a_o bad_a life_n do_v chief_o spring_n from_o want_n of_o faith_n and_o from_o incredulity_n and_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o infidel_n some_o deny_v and_o reject_v divine_a truth_n other_o do_v not_o quite_o deny_v they_o but_o they_o doubt_v and_o believe_v but_o weak_o the_o infidel_n who_o deny_v the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n be_v not_o many_o but_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o doubt_v and_o be_v not_o well_o persuade_v be_v very_o great_a this_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o divine_a truth_n and_o profess_v to_o believe_v they_o do_v yet_o act_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o faith_n and_o religion_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o their_o proceed_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n wonder_v at_o that_o people_n who_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o a_o religion_n shall_v live_v as_o if_o there_o be_v neither_o god_n nor_o religion_n upon_o this_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o say_v that_o sinner_n be_v not_o consistent_a with_o themselves_o and_o as_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o reconcile_v their_o practice_n with_o their_o belief_n we_o cry_v out_o that_o the_o depth_n of_o man_n heart_n be_v unsearchable_a but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o wonder_n in_o the_o case_n and_o the_o proceed_n of_o bad_a christian_n be_v not_o always_o so_o contradictory_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v i_o confess_v that_o man_n sin_n sometime_o against_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o that_o some_o who_o want_v not_o knowledge_n do_v yet_o live_v very_o iii_o this_o may_v proceed_v from_o inconsideration_n from_o the_o violence_n of_o their_o passion_n from_o too_o great_a a_o regard_n to_o their_o temporal_a interest_n from_o the_o flatter_a hope_n of_o pardon_n or_o some_o such_o principle_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n man_n act_n consonant_o and_o suitable_o to_o their_o belief_n and_o it_o be_v but_o seldom_o that_o in_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o life_n they_o behave_v themselves_o contrary_a to_o the_o sentiment_n and_o principle_n that_o possess_v they_o we_o suppose_v that_o bad_a christian_n believe_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o that_o we_o be_v mistake_v many_o of_o they_o want_v faith_n and_o be_v not_o full_o convince_v of_o those_o truth_n be_v it_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o so_o many_o person_n who_o live_v in_o sin_n who_o make_v conscience_n of_o nothing_o and_o who_o violate_v every_o minute_n the_o rule_n of_o their_o duty_n shall_v be_v thorough_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o see_v they_o and_o to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n from_o all_o this_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o general_a truth_n of_o religion_n be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a source_n of_o corruption_n some_o will_v say_v that_o these_o truth_n need_v not_o be_v prove_v and_o that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o first_o principle_n which_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v because_o they_o be_v imprint_v on_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o men._n but_o this_o objection_n be_v easy_o answer_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v just_o now_o i_o own_o that_o the_o idea_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n carry_v in_o they_o a_o natural_a evidence_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v demonstrable_a from_o reason_n and_o conscience_n and_o because_o there_o be_v principle_n in_o man_n by_o the_o help_n of_o which_o they_o may_v 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the_o skill_n of_o a_o artist_n in_o some_o curious_a workmanship_n which_o will_v otherwise_o pass_v unobserved_a by_o they_o however_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v that_o the_o general_a truth_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v prove_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o reason_n upon_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o search_v into_o the_o proof_n of_o they_o where_o in_o order_n to_o convince_v man_n that_o there_o be_v a_o almighty_a and_o infinite_o good_a god_n it_o propose_v to_o they_o the_o beauty_n and_o wonder_n which_o shine_v in_o his_o work_n and_o exhort_v they_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o this_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o book_n of_o job_n in_o the_o xix_o and_o civ_o psal_n rom._n 1.19_o 20._o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n 3_o it_o may_v further_o be_v say_v that_o the_o proof_n of_o general_n truth_n be_v too_o difficult_a for_o the_o common_a people_n and_o that_o the_o learned_a only_o be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o discussion_n i_o grant_v that_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v all_o that_o have_v be_v write_v upon_o these_o matter_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o have_v a_o true_a faith_n without_o enter_v into_o the_o detail_n of_o all_o these_o proof_n and_o without_o follow_v with_o the_o utmost_a strictness_n all_o the_o deep_a and_o abstract_a reason_v which_o have_v be_v use_v to_o prove_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o think_v rather_o those_o matter_n ought_v to_o be_v treat_v with_o great_a discretion_n especial_o in_o sermon_n it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o imprudence_n to_o muster_v up_o in_o a_o public_a discourse_n all_o the_o objection_n of_o atheist_n or_o the_o subtlety_n of_o libertine_n these_o aught_o to_o be_v refer_v to_o private_a conference_n those_o who_o speak_v to_o the_o people_n must_v take_v heed_n lest_o by_o dispute_v and_o speculate_v too_o much_o they_o render_v the_o fundamental_a truth_n problematical_a and_o raise_v scruple_n in_o man_n mind_n they_o ought_v to_o build_v upon_o this_o principle_n that_o man_n be_v carry_v by_o a_o common_a and_o natural_a inclination_n to_o believe_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n to_o acknowledge_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o to_o own_o providence_n and_o the_o other_o truth_n of_o religion_n but_o for_o all_o that_o it_o may_v be_v very_o useful_a and_o necessary_a to_o confirm_v those_o truth_n to_o set_v they_o in_o the_o clear_a light_n and_o to_o convince_v the_o people_n of_o they_o as_o to_o what_o be_v say_v that_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o people_n capacity_n i_o answer_v that_o most_o of_o those_o proof_n be_v such_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o be_v either_o learned_a or_o a_o divine_a to_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o we_o ought_v to_o suppose_v here_o that_o the_o more_o important_a any_o truth_n be_v the_o clear_a and_o the_o easy_a the_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v i_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o all_o truth_n there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v most_o certain_a who_o proof_n be_v difficult_a and_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o common_a understanding_n such_o be_v many_o metaphysical_a truth_n and_o mathematical_a demonstration_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o truth_n be_v not_o necessary_a and_o a_o man_n without_o danger_n may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o i_o speak_v now_o only_o of_o those_o truth_n which_o it_o concern_v every_o person_n to_o know_v and_o which_o be_v of_o general_a usefulness_n and_o necessity_n these_o be_v always_o clear_a and_o easy_o prove_v and_o this_o by_o the_o by_o aught_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n to_o make_v we_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n and_o
goodness_n of_o god_n who_o have_v so_o well_o provide_v for_o the_o necessity_n of_o man_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o set_v bound_n to_o our_o curiosity_n and_o to_o fortify_v our_o faith_n against_o those_o doubt_n which_o may_v start_v up_o in_o our_o mind_n by_o reason_n of_o so_o many_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o as_o therefore_o of_o all_o truth_n none_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n or_o of_o a_o more_o entire_a certainty_n than_o those_o which_o religion_n depend_v upon_o so_o the_o proof_n of_o those_o truth_n ought_v to_o be_v simple_a evident_a and_o suit_v to_o all_o man_n capacity_n thus_o when_o in_o order_n to_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n we_o allege_v for_o instance_n the_o state_n and_o order_n in_o which_o the_o world_n subsist_v when_o we_o show_v that_o the_o world_n can_v be_v eternal_a and_o that_o thing_n have_v a_o beginning_n when_o we_o establish_v the_o inspiration_n of_o scripture_n by_o the_o prophecy_n it_o contain_v which_o be_v undoubted_o write_v before_o their_o accomplishment_n when_o we_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o the_o truth_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o history_n and_o demonstrate_v that_o if_o the_o fact_n upon_o which_o religion_n be_v found_v be_v not_o certain_a there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o certainty_n in_o the_o world_n in_o respect_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v past_a and_o that_o if_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v reject_v there_o be_v no_o witness_n or_o historian_n who_o may_v not_o be_v reject_v upon_o better_a ground_n when_o we_o confirm_v the_o sacred_a history_n by_o the_o concur_v testimony_n of_o pagan_a writer_n and_o by_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o the_o most_o unquestionable_a monument_n which_o past_a age_n can_v afford_v when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v plant_v in_o the_o world_n and_o upon_o the_o alteration_n it_o have_v make_v in_o it_o when_o we_o insist_v upon_o the_o character_n of_o truth_n sincerity_n and_o divinity_n which_o be_v observable_a in_o the_o scripture_n in_o short_a when_o we_o take_v religion_n to_o piece_n and_o make_v man_n see_v and_o feel_v that_o its_o doctrine_n its_o precept_n its_o promise_n and_o its_o threaten_n have_v nothing_o in_o they_o that_o be_v absurd_a or_o bad_a or_o contrary_a to_o our_o natural_a apprehension_n nothing_o but_o what_o perfect_o agree_v with_o sound_a reason_n and_o the_o sentiment_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v advantageous_a to_o particular_a person_n and_o to_o society_n when_o i_o say_v we_o urge_v these_o proof_n and_o other_o like_v they_o and_o have_v the_o art_n of_o propose_v they_o in_o a_o clear_a and_o judicious_a method_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o contain_v nothing_o that_o be_v very_o difficult_a these_o be_v the_o clear_a and_o the_o strong_a proof_n that_o can_v be_v use_v in_o a_o subject_a of_o this_o nature_n and_o the_o argument_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o establish_v these_o proof_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n so_o natural_a and_o so_o conform_v to_o the_o idea_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a sense_n that_o there_o be_v few_o even_o of_o the_o vulgar_a who_o may_v not_o apprehend_v they_o if_o not_o perfect_o and_o in_o their_o whole_a extent_n which_o be_v reserve_v to_o man_n of_o a_o large_a capacity_n yet_o so_o far_o at_o least_o as_o sufficient_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o force_n if_o then_o difficulty_n and_o obscurity_n be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o discussion_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v because_o this_o matter_n be_v neglect_v and_o the_o people_n be_v little_o inform_v but_o if_o the_o same_o care_n have_v be_v take_v to_o instruct_v christian_n in_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o explain_v and_o clear_v particular_a one_o they_o will_v have_v another_o kind_n of_o persuasion_n than_o they_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n these_o great_a and_o sublime_a truth_n have_v without_o comparison_n more_o suitableness_n and_o affinity_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o heart_n than_o many_o obscure_a difficult_a and_o less_o necessary_a thing_n which_o yet_o have_v be_v effectual_o teach_v they_o 4_o but_o against_o this_o experience_n may_v possible_o be_v object_v it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v christian_n who_o most_o certain_o have_v piety_n and_o yet_o do_v never_o meditate_v much_o upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n i._o answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a how_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o pious_a christian_a without_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n for_o at_o this_o rate_n piety_n will_v be_v but_o mere_a conceit_n and_o enthusiasm_n and_o we_o must_v say_v notwithstanding_o all_o that_o scripture_n and_o reason_n tell_v we_o to_o the_o contrary_a that_o man_n be_v christian_n without_o knowledge_n or_o reason_n it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o but_o that_o good_a man_n must_v have_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v have_v a_o lively_a sense_n that_o these_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a and_o the_o most_o important_a of_o all_o truth_n if_o we_o inquire_v what_o principle_n it_o be_v which_o produce_v piety_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o most_o simple_a people_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o be_v a_o unmovable_a persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n a_o judgement_n a_o heaven_n and_o a_o hell_n which_o persuasion_n be_v necessary_o found_v upon_o some_o of_o the_o proof_n i_o have_v hint_v at_o i_o grant_v which_o no_o doubt_n will_v be_v object_v to_o i_o that_o in_o many_o this_o persuasion_n be_v not_o clear_a enough_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o result_n of_o a_o particular_a examination_n but_o this_o do_v not_o lessen_v the_o force_n of_o my_o argument_n for_o though_o the_o persuasion_n of_o good_a man_n shall_v not_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o so_o well_o ground_v as_o it_o may_v be_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v but_o that_o it_o be_v sincere_a a_o man_n may_v be_v convince_v of_o a_o truth_n though_o he_o do_v not_o discover_v all_o the_o certainty_n and_o all_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o though_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o answer_v all_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o so_o that_o still_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o general_a truth_n of_o it_o after_o all_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v good_a man_n who_o be_v not_o so_o well_o instruct_v upon_o this_o head_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v and_o this_o defect_n of_o instruction_n this_o imperfection_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a cause_n of_o the_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n of_o their_o piety_n thus_o we_o may_v frequent_o observe_v in_o their_o conduct_n such_o weakness_n and_o opinion_n as_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o pure_a light_n of_o faith_n and_o with_o the_o exactness_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v part_n of_o the_o unhappiness_n we_o lament_v and_o of_o that_o corruption_n of_o which_o we_o seek_v the_o cause_n but_o no_o man_n will_v dispute_v but_o that_o if_o the_o same_o person_n have_v more_o instruction_n they_o will_v carry_v virtue_n much_o far_a than_o they_o do_v the_o degree_n of_o piety_n do_v ordinary_o follow_v the_o degree_n of_o faith_n where_o there_o be_v no_o faith_n there_o be_v no_o piety_n and_o where_o faith_n be_v weak_a and_o faint_a piety_n be_v languid_a and_o defective_a this_o be_v the_o general_a state_n and_o character_n of_o christian_n at_o this_o time_n either_o downright_a impiety_n or_o 〈◊〉_d piety_n that_o be_v both_o feeble_a and_o imperfect_a 5_o in_o the_o last_o place_n some_o will_v perhaps_o object_n here_o that_o incredulity_n be_v the_o effect_n â—ather_o than_o the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n and_o that_o atheism_n do_v not_o produce_v corruption_n but_o corruption_n atheism_n to_o this_o 〈◊〉_d say_v that_o these_o two_o thing_n do_v mutual_o uphold_v and_o support_v each_o other_o many_o fall_n into_o infidelity_n because_o their_o heart_n be_v vitiate_a their_o licentious_a way_n of_o live_v take_v they_o off_o from_o inquire_v into_o religion_n and_o hinder_v their_o believe_v of_o divine_a truth_n but_o it_o be_v not_o less_o certain_a â—hat_n one_o of_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o disorder_n of_o christian_n be_v that_o either_o they_o do_v â—ot_n believe_v at_o all_o or_o that_o they_o believe_v weak_o and_o confuse_o and_o this_o can_v â—e_v reasonable_o contest_v ii_o here_o be_v then_o the_o first_o and_o the_o principal_a defect_n that_o man_n be_v not_o sufficient_o â—â—structed_v in_o the_o general_a truth_n and_o principle_n of_o
essence_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o fall_v to_o the_o ground_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v take_v away_o and_o in_o proportion_n as_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v weaken_v so_o much_o be_v the_o power_n and_o beauty_n of_o that_o holy_a religion_n which_o christ_n bring_v into_o the_o world_n lessen_v religion_n contain_v doctrine_n precept_n promise_n and_o threaten_n it_o do_v altogether_o depend_v upon_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o another_o life_n and_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v but_o if_o you_o banish_v out_o of_o religion_n the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o good_a work_n you_o attack_v it_o in_o all_o its_o part_n and_o you_o undermine_v its_o very_a foundation_n for_o this_o make_v the_o knowledge_n of_o its_o doctrine_n vain_a and_o needless_a it_o turn_v its_o precept_n into_o bare_a counsel_n the_o promise_v of_o it_o which_o be_v conditional_a and_o suppose_v obedience_n cease_v to_o be_v promise_n the_o threat_n which_o god_n denounce_v against_o sinner_n be_v but_o empty_a menace_n which_o god_n make_v only_o to_o fright_v man_n but_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o execute_v this_o destroy_v the_o chief_a and_o strong_a proof_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o another_o life_n it_o ruin_v that_o great_a argument_n for_o religion_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o from_o the_o desert_n of_o both_o and_o it_o contradict_v the_o necessity_n the_o nature_n and_o justice_n of_o the_o last_o judgement_n all_o this_o may_v easy_o be_v demonstrate_v this_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n may_v likewise_o be_v prove_v from_o the_o plain_a declaration_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o it_o may_v be_v show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n more_o clear_o and_o frequent_o inculcate_v than_o this_o in_o holy_a writ_n but_o not_o to_o engage_v in_o these_o particular_n which_o do_v not_o proper_o belong_v to_o my_o purpose_n i_o shall_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o either_o that_o be_v true_a or_o there_o be_v nothing_o true_a in_o religion_n yet_o how_o clear_a soever_o this_o truth_n may_v be_v it_o be_v but_o little_o know_v and_o man_n be_v not_o much_o persuade_v of_o it_o no_o man_n indeed_o do_v flat_o and_o without_o some_o preamble_n deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o holiness_n every_o teacher_n profess_v that_o to_o be_v his_o doctrine_n all_o christian_n in_o show_n at_o least_o be_v agree_v about_o it_o but_o when_o they_o come_v to_o explain_v their_o mean_v clear_o concern_v this_o necessity_n when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o application_n or_o to_o practice_n or_o when_o they_o establish_v other_o doctrine_n they_o contradict_v themselves_o they_o hesitate_n upon_o the_o matter_n or_o they_o explain_v it_o with_o certain_a restriction_n which_o sooth_n man_n in_o security_n and_o dispose_v they_o to_o believe_v that_o salvation_n may_v be_v obtain_v without_o good_a work_n which_o overthrow_v their_o necessity_n nay_o some_o frame_n to_o themselves_o such_o a_o notion_n of_o religion_n as_o even_o exclude_v good_a work_n this_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o though_o this_o entire_a and_o indispensable_a necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n be_v not_o suppose_v yet_o this_o will_v not_o present_o open_v a_o door_n to_o licentiousness_n since_o there_o remain_v other_o sufficient_a motive_n to_o holiness_n such_o as_o those_o which_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o justice_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n from_o the_o gratitude_n and_o love_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n from_o the_o edification_n of_o our_o neighbour_n and_o from_o our_o call_v and_o duty_n i_o answer_v that_o these_o motive_n be_v very_o just_a and_o press_a and_o that_o they_o necessary_o enter_v into_o that_o obedience_n which_o all_o true_a christian_n pay_v to_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n i_o acknowledge_v beside_o that_o they_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o inspire_v all_o man_n with_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n if_o they_o do_v all_o govern_v themselves_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o justice_n but_o these_o be_v not_o the_o only_a motive_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v urge_v god_n propose_v other_o beside_o he_o promise_v he_o threaten_v he_o declare_v 14._o declare_v heb._n xii_o 14._o that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v his_o face_n which_o import_v a_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o sure_o as_o man_n general_o be_v there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o upon_o who_o those_o motive_n take_v from_o decency_n justice_n gratitude_n duty_n or_o the_o edification_n of_o our_o neighbour_n will_v have_v very_o little_a force_n the_o most_o honourable_a motive_n be_v not_o always_o the_o most_o effectual_a man_n be_v so_o corrupt_a be_v so_o many_o way_n and_o by_o so_o strong_a a_o bias_n carry_v towards_o evil_n that_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o he_o without_o a_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o abstain_v from_o it_o but_o how_o much_o less_o will_v he_o refrain_v from_o sin_n if_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o control_v his_o inclination_n and_o to_o confine_v himself_o to_o a_o kind_n of_o life_n which_o appear_v unpleasant_a and_o melancholy_a to_o he_o now_o as_o this_o be_v the_o disposition_n in_o which_o most_o people_n be_v we_o need_v no_o long_o wonder_n why_o there_o be_v so_o little_a religion_n and_o piety_n among_o men._n 2._o if_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o practice_v those_o duty_n which_o we_o do_v not_o think_v necessary_a especial_o when_o they_o cross_v our_o inclination_n it_o be_v yet_o hard_o to_o practice_v they_o when_o we_o do_v not_o know_v they_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o do_v good_a or_o to_o avoid_v evil_a if_o we_o do_v not_o know_v the_o good_a that_o we_o shall_v do_v and_o the_o evil_n we_o ought_v to_o shun_v now_o in_o this_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n want_v instruction_n every_o body_n speak_v of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n but_o few_o man_n know_v what_o they_o be_v the_o common_a people_n be_v little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n or_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a moral_n this_o must_v be_v confess_v and_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v ingenuous_o own_v it_o i_o can_v but_o enter_v here_o into_o some_o particular_n to_o prove_v this_o ignorance_n 1._o there_o be_v some_o essential_a duty_n unknown_a to_o a_o great_a number_n of_o christian_n and_o which_o be_v never_o think_v of_o by_o a_o infinity_n of_o men._n i_o will_v allege_v for_o a_o instance_n one_o of_o the_o plain_a and_o of_o the_o most_o necessary_a duty_n of_o morality_n and_o that_o be_v restitution_n though_o the_o scripture_n shall_v not_o express_o enjoin_v it_o we_o need_v but_o consult_v reason_n and_o natural_a justice_n to_o be_v convince_v that_o he_o who_o have_v do_v a_o injury_n to_o another_o man_n by_o take_v from_o he_o any_o part_n of_o his_o property_n be_v bind_v to_o make_v up_o that_o damage_n by_o restore_v to_o he_o whatever_o he_o have_v wrong_v he_o of_o there_o be_v every_o day_n occasion_n enough_o to_o make_v restitution_n nothing_o be_v more_o common_a than_o for_o one_o man_n to_o appropriate_v to_o himself_o by_o unlawful_a mean_n what_o belong_v to_o another_o and_o yet_o in_o many_o place_n restitution_n be_v a_o thing_n without_o precedent_n but_o this_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o wonder_v at_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v thousand_o of_o christian_n who_o never_o hear_v a_o word_n of_o this_o duty_n this_o matter_n be_v so_o little_o know_v and_o the_o people_n be_v so_o little_o instruct_v about_o it_o that_o a_o treatise_n concern_v restitution_n write_v by_o mr._n la_o placette_n have_v be_v publish_v some_o year_n since_o it_o have_v be_v read_v as_o a_o very_a singular_a book_n the_o subject_a whereof_o be_v new_a and_o curious_a nay_o some_o have_v go_v so_o far_o as_o to_o censure_v this_o doctrine_n of_o restitution_n pretend_v that_o it_o be_v novel_a and_o too_o severe_a such_o a_o pitch_n of_o ignorance_n be_v man_n arrive_v at_o in_o matter_n of_o morality_n and_o this_o be_v not_o the_o only_a duty_n which_o be_v not_o understand_v there_o be_v many_o other_o beside_o either_o among_o those_o which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o man_n or_o among_o those_o which_o be_v particular_a to_o every_o call_v and_o which_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o man_n be_v ever_o teach_v or_o ever_o make_v the_o least_o reflection_n upon_o now_o a_o man_n must_v needs_o neglect_v the_o duty_n that_o he_o do_v not_o know_v 2._o there_o be_v divers_a sin_n which_o be_v not_o common_o rank_v among_o sin_n or_o which_o man_n do_v not_o think_v to_o be_v damn_v sin_n of_o this_o number_n be_v lie_v and_o unsincerity_n either_o in_o discourse_n or_o in_o deal_n among_o these_o
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
pass_n that_o not_o be_v content_v with_o the_o practice_n of_o vice_n they_o do_v beside_o plead_v authority_n for_o a_o ill_a life_n they_o proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o defend_v the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n they_o dispute_v with_o those_o that_o condemn_v they_o and_o they_o vent_v such_o maxim_n and_o sentiment_n as_o if_o we_o believe_v they_o will_v justify_v or_o at_o least_o excuse_v all_o their_o disorder_n i_o can_v not_o omit_v here_o the_o examine_n of_o those_o maxim_n since_o their_o effect_n be_v so_o pernicious_a i_o shall_v therefore_o observe_v they_o as_o the_o three_o cause_n of_o corruption_n the_o maxim_n and._n sentiment_n which_o favour_n corruption_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n some_o be_v visible_o profane_a and_o impious_a such_o be_v a_o great_a many_o maxim_n of_o the_o libertine_n which_o go_v for_o currant_n in_o the_o world_n but_o there_o be_v other_o which_o man_n pretend_v to_o draw_v from_o religion_n i_o shall_v insist_v particular_o upon_o the_o latter_a because_o as_o they_o be_v take_v from_o religion_n itself_o they_o be_v by_o much_o the_o more_o dangerous_a when_o profane_a people_n undertake_v to_o defend_v vice_n with_o maxim_n which_o be_v manifest_o impious_a we_o stand_v upon_o our_o guard_n against_o they_o and_o we_o may_v confute_v they_o by_o the_o maxim_n of_o religion_n but_o when_o they_o employ_v religion_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o the_o defence_n of_o vice_n the_o danger_n of_o be_v feduce_v be_v infinite_o great_a i_o shall_v reduce_v the_o maxim_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o authorize_v corruption_n to_o these_o four_o order_n i_o rank_v those_o in_o the_o first_o order_n by_o which_o man_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o holiness_n be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a the_o second_o order_n contain_v those_o which_o tend_v to_o show_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n be_v impossible_a the_o three_o comprehend_v those_o which_o insinuate_v that_o it_o be_v dangerous_a for_o a_o man_n to_o apply_v himself_o to_o good_a work_n the_o four_o and_o the_o last_o include_v those_o which_o be_v allege_v to_o excuse_v corruption_n but_o as_o it_o be_v not_o less_o necessary_a to_o know_v the_o remedy_n against_o corruption_n than_o to_o discover_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v not_o only_o mention_v but_o as_o i_o go_v on_o confute_v those_o maxim_n although_o nothing_o be_v more_o clear_o assert_v in_o the_o gospel_n than_o the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n yet_o christian_n entertain_v many_o opinion_n which_o destroy_v this_o necessity_n and_o which_o consequent_o open_v a_o door_n to_o licentiousness_n the_o necessity_n of_o goodwork_n can_v be_v overthrow_v but_o one_o of_o these_o two_o way_n either_o by_o say_v that_o god_n do_v not_o require_v they_o or_o else_o by_o maintain_v that_o though_o god_n require_v they_o yet_o a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v without_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o 1._o in_o order_n to_o prove_v that_o god_n do_v not_o require_v sanctity_n and_o goodwork_n as_o a_o condition_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n these_o two_o maxim_n be_v abuse_v 1._o that_o we_o be_v not_o save_v by_o our_o work_n and_o 2._o that_o faith_n be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n the_o first_o of_o these_o maxim_n be_v intend_v to_o exclude_v goodwork_n and_o by_o the_o second_o man_n will_v substitute_v another_o mean_a for_o obtain_v salvation_n i_o refer_v the_o discuss_n of_o these_o two_o maxim_n to_o the_o next_o chapter_n because_o they_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n ii_o man_n endeavour_v to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o though_o they_o neglect_v holiness_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v exclude_v from_o salvation_n and_o that_o which_o contribute_v most_o to_o flatter_v they_o in_o this_o imagination_n be_v first_o the_o notion_n they_o have_v form_v to_o themselves_o of_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n god_n say_v they_o be_v good_a and_o will_v not_o judge_v we_o with_o the_o utmost_a rigour_n this_o be_v say_v every_o day_n and_o it_o make_v every_o body_n hope_v for_o salvation_n the_o divine_a mercy_n indeed_o be_v without_o question_n the_o only_a ground_n we_o have_v to_o hope_v for_o salvation_n but_o the_o vile_a affront_n we_o can_v offer_v to_o that_o mercy_n be_v to_o make_v it_o a_o occasion_n of_o security_n because_o god_n be_v good_a and_o merciful_a must_v not_o we_o therefore_o endeavour_v to_o please_v he_o may_v we_o free_o offend_v he_o because_o he_o be_v good_a and_o we_o hope_v he_o will_v forgive_v we_o those_o who_o reason_n at_o this_o rate_n understand_v very_o little_a what_o the_o divine_a mercy_n be_v they_o must_v suppose_v that_o it_o extend_v indifferent_o to_o all_o man_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o their_o obedience_n or_o disobedience_n but_o this_o supposition_n be_v evident_o false_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o effect_n of_o god_n mercy_n be_v promise_v only_o to_o those_o who_o fear_v he_o and_o depart_v from_o evil_n and_o by_o consequence_n it_o be_v a_o false_a and_o pernicious_a maxim_n to_o say_v so_o much_o holiness_n be_v not_o necessary_a god_n be_v good_a and_o he_o will_v not_o mark_v severe_o what_o be_v do_v amiss_o this_o be_v to_o ascribe_v to_o god_n a_o easiness_n and_o a_o connivance_n utter_o unbecoming_a the_o sovereign_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v say_v beside_o that_o god_n will_v not_o judge_v we_o rigorous_o that_o indeed_o be_v true_a god_n be_v indulgent_a towards_o we_o and_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o covenant_n of_o grace_n in_o which_o god_n have_v a_o great_a regard_n to_o our_o present_a condition_n and_o weakness_n but_o it_o be_v likewise_o certain_a that_o god_n will_v judge_v we_o according_a to_o the_o rigour_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n and_o that_o no_o salvation_n be_v to_o be_v have_v for_o those_o who_o do_v not_o fulfil_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o this_o condition_n be_v a_o true_a faith_n incite_v we_o to_o holiness_n this_o must_v be_v grant_v and_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v the_o necessity_n of_o perform_v this_o condition_n and_o of_o lead_v a_o holy_a life_n or_o else_o the_o gospel_n be_v but_o a_o jest_n and_o we_o must_v say_v that_o god_n do_v not_o speak_v serious_o in_o it_o that_o indeed_o he_o prescribe_v certain_a condition_n that_o he_o command_v and_o threaten_v but_o that_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o be_v to_o be_v strict_o understand_v so_o that_o though_o a_o man_n do_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o condition_n which_o god_n require_v yet_o he_o shall_v feel_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o clemency_n if_o this_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o christian_a religion_n 2._o it_o will_v no_o doubt_n be_v reply_v that_o provide_v vide_v a_o man_n repent_v and_o ask_v god_n forgiveness_n he_o shall_v be_v save_v this_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a truth_n so_o by_o repentance_n we_o mean_v that_o which_o the_o gospel_n require_v and_o which_o consist_v in_o a_o sincere_a detestation_n of_o sin_n in_o true_a conversion_n and_o amendment_n of_o life_n but_o this_o be_v false_a if_o by_o repentance_n we_o mean_v only_o a_o general_a confession_n of_o sin_n accompany_v with_o some_o sense_n of_o grief_n and_o fear_n whereby_o sinner_n hope_v at_o the_o hour_n of_o death_n to_o atone_v for_o all_o the_o disorder_n of_o a_o vicious_a life_n i_o will_v show_v here_o that_o this_o be_v no_o save_v repentance_n but_o that_o i_o be_o to_o handle_v this_o matter_n purposely_o in_o another_o chapter_n if_o man_n common_o neglect_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o very_o necessary_a they_o apply_v themselves_o much_o less_o to_o those_o which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v impossible_a now_o this_o be_v the_o notion_n which_o man_n common_o have_v of_o piety_n it_o be_v say_v first_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v so_o holy_a and_o to_o do_v that_o whiâ—_n god_n command_v a_o great_a many_o like_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n very_o well_o and_o acknowledge_v their_o justice_n and_o excellency_n will_v to_o god_n say_v they_o we_o may_v live_v thus_o but_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v it_o and_o be_v possess_v with_o this_o opinion_n they_o use_v no_o endeavour_n to_o practice_v those_o duty_n which_o they_o own_v to_o be_v just_o or_o to_o attain_v to_o that_o holiness_n to_o which_o god_n call_v they_o and_o indeed_o what_o man_n will_v attempt_v that_o which_o he_o look_v upon_o as_o impossible_a now_o what_o be_v say_v of_o man_n incapacity_n to_o do_v good_a be_v very_o true_a when_o we_o speak_v of_o man_n consider_v bare_o as_o man_n in_o the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o nature_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o those_o who_o god_n have_v rescue_v out_o of_o that_o state_n and_o call_v to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v incapable_a to_o arrive_v at_o that_o degree_n
which_o distinguish_v we_o from_o brute_n and_o a_o conscience_n which_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a we_o ought_v then_o to_o live_v according_a to_o reason_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o conscience_n and_o to_o do_v that_o which_o become_v the_o nature_n of_o man._n we_o be_v man_n and_o by_o consequence_n mortal_a we_o know_v we_o be_v not_o to_o live_v always_o in_o this_o world_n and_o know_v this_o we_o must_v either_o think_v of_o another_o life_n or_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o no_o other_o end_n than_o that_o of_o beast_n which_o follow_v their_o instinct_n while_o they_o live_v and_o then_o die_v never_o to_o live_v again_o we_o be_v man_n but_o we_o be_v not_o independent_a we_o have_v a_o creator_n and_o a_o master_n and_o as_o we_o be_v endue_v beside_o with_o understanding_n we_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o our_o action_n before_o his_o tribunal_n it_o be_v therefore_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n to_o live_v like_o a_o creature_n that_o depend_v upon_o god_n and_o that_o must_v be_v judge_v so_o that_o this_o consideration_n that_o we_o be_v man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o excuse_v that_o it_o condemn_v corruption_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v weak_a men._n this_o be_v very_o true_a our_o nature_n be_v frail_a and_o have_v beside_o a_o strong_a bias_n to_o evil_n but_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o as_o to_o weak_a man_n he_o command_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v proportion_v to_o that_o state_n of_o imperfection_n we_o be_v in_o beside_o this_o excuse_n do_v not_o at_o all_o become_v christian_n to_o say_v we_o be_v weak_a man_n be_v to_o show_v we_o have_v but_o little_a sense_n of_o god_n kindness_n towards_o we_o we_o be_v not_o only_a man_n but_o we_o be_v christian_n too_o and_o this_o quality_n raise_v we_o above_o the_o natural_a condition_n of_o man_n it_o make_v we_o new_a man_n and_o new_a creature_n why_o do_v we_o then_o forget_v the_o glory_n to_o which_o god_n have_v exalt_v our_o nature_n through_o jesus_n christ_n why_o will_v we_o still_o lie_v down_o under_o the_o burden_n of_o frail_a and_o corrupt_a nature_n it_o be_v further_a say_v that_o we_o be_v not_o angel_n but_o neither_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n command_v we_o when_o god_n give_v we_o his_o law_n he_o know_v he_o give_v they_o to_o man_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v admirable_o suit_v to_o our_o present_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n if_o we_o be_v angel_n god_n will_v give_v we_o quite_o other_o law_n the_o gospel_n will_v be_v abolish_v and_o the_o world_n shall_v continue_v no_o long_o in_o the_o state_n it_o be_v in_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o absurd_a imagination_n to_o think_v that_o one_o can_v perform_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n without_o be_v of_o a_o angelical_a nature_n let_v we_o then_o no_o long_o pretend_v that_o because_o we_o be_v man_n we_o be_v too_o weak_a to_o observe_v the_o duty_n which_o religion_n prescribe_v thâ—â—_n excuse_n charge_v god_n with_o injustice_n as_o if_o he_o do_v require_v from_o we_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o agreeable_a with_o our_o nature_n and_o condition_n it_o be_v injurious_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n iâ—_n be_v false_a since_o the_o scripture_n declare_v that_o grace_n regenerate_v and_o strengthen_v we_o and_o that_o it_o make_v we_o able_a to_o overcome_v the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o to_o free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o last_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o experience_n for_o those_o many_o saint_n and_o good_a man_n who_o practise_v the_o most_o 5.17_o most_o jam._n 5.17_o sublime_a and_o difficult_a duty_n of_o piety_n be_v man_n as_o we_o be_v and_o as_o the_o 12.1_o the_o heb._n 12.1_o sacred_a writer_n observe_v they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o infirmitte_v with_o we_o and_o many_o of_o they_o perhaps_o have_v not_o those_o advantage_n which_o we_o have_v 2._o it_o be_v often_o allege_a as_o a_o excuse_n that_o no_o man_n be_v perfect_a and_o that_o every_o one_o have_v his_o fault_n this_o be_v say_v every_o day_n and_o some_o pretend_v with_o that_o say_n to_o excuse_v every_o thing_n excuse_n for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v something_o of_o truth_n in_o they_o this_o proposition_n that_o no_o man_n perfect_a be_v very_o true_a in_o one_o sense_n and_o altogether_o false_a in_o another_o no_o man_n certain_o be_v perfect_a in_o the_o strict_a sense_n of_o that_o word_n or_o as_o it_o import_v a_o full_a and_o accomplish_a perfection_n free_a from_o all_o defect_n such_o a_o perfection_n be_v to_o be_v have_v no_o where_o else_o but_o in_o heaven_n but_o there_o be_v a_o perfection_n commence_v or_o begin_v of_o which_o a_o man_n redeem_a and_o sanctify_a by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v capable_a if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o why_o shall_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o 5.23_o we_o mat._n 5.48_o phil._n 1.10_o 1_o thess_n 5.23_o to_o be_v perfect_a why_o shall_v they_o tell_v we_o 5.9_o we_o 1_o john_n 5.9_o that_o he_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o sin_n and_o that_o a_o christian_n be_v 11.21_o be_v 1_o cor._n 1.8_o 2_o tim._n 11.21_o thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n if_o you_o ask_v who_o those_o perfect_a man_n be_v i_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v those_o who_o aspire_v to_o perfection_n in_o who_o sin_n do_v not_o reign_n who_o do_v not_o allow_v themselves_o in_o any_o vicious_a habit_n who_o sincere_o and_o honest_o apply_v themselves_o to_o holiness_n and_o have_v accustom_v themselves_o to_o practice_v 〈…〉_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o with_o delight_n whoever_o be_v arrive_v at_o such_o a_o state_n have_v attain_v thaâ—_n perfection_n which_o be_v attainable_a in_o this_o life_n and_o to_o which_o christian_n be_v call_v by_o the_o gospel_n though_o there_o remain_v still_o in_o he_o some_o infirmity_n inseparable_a from_o humane_a nature_n and_o never_o total_o to_o be_v root_v out_o before_o he_o get_v to_o heaven_n we_o can_v be_v perfect_a in_o that_o first_o and_o strict_a sense_n i_o have_v mention_v but_o we_o may_v be_v perfect_a and_o god_n will_v have_v we_o be_v so_o in_o the_o second_o and_o evangelical_n sense_n of_o that_o word_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o frivolous_a excuse_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o corrupt_a man_n to_o say_v that_o no_o man_n be_v perfect_a and_o that_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o the_o perfection_n or_o to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n for_o this_o be_v to_o shift_v the_o question_n because_o that_o be_v not_o the_o perfection_n which_o god_n require_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o fix_v a_o false_a and_o absurd_a sense_n upon_o god_n commandment_n that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o pretence_n not_o to_o obey_v they_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o christian_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n will_v have_v they_o do_v and_o which_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v in_o this_o world_n this_o be_v the_o perfection_n to_o which_o he_o call_v we_o we_o may_v apply_v very_o near_o the_o same_o answer_n to_o that_o other_o excuse_v that_o every_o body_n have_v his_o fault_n there_o be_v fault_n which_o do_v not_o destroy_v piety_n and_o god_n be_v gracious_o please_v not_o to_o impute_v such_o fault_n to_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n no_o man_n â—s_v free_a from_o fault_n but_o there_o be_v another_o â—ort_n of_o fault_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v call_v bare_a fault_n or_o defect_n those_o be_v the_o vice_n and_o passion_n which_o can_v consist_v with_o piety_n the_o great_a the_o reign_v the_o habitual_a or_o deliberate_a sin_n true_a christian_n be_v free_a from_o such_o fault_n and_o those_o who_o be_v not_o free_a from_o they_o be_v not_o true_a christian_n if_o this_o maxim_n that_o every_o one_o have_v his_o fault_n be_v not_o thus_o explain_v we_o must_v speak_v no_o long_o of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n for_o this_o excuse_n will_v serve_v for_o all_o sin_n and_o acquit_v every_o body_n if_o a_o man_n be_v give_v to_o swear_v if_o he_o be_v revengeful_a passionate_a or_o false_a if_o he_o commit_v adultery_n it_o be_v but_o say_v every_o one_o have_v his_o fault_n and_o no_o man_n be_v perfect_a such_o language_n from_o a_o man_n full_a of_o vicious_a habit_n be_v unsufferable_a what_o dismal_a consequence_n will_v not_o libertine_n draw_v from_o such_o a_o principle_n we_o must_v therefore_o understand_v this_o proposition_n in_o the_o sense_n and_o with_o those_o restriction_n i_o have_v observe_v and_o then_o it_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o comfort_v good_a man_n but_o it_o will_v never_o excuse_v those_o who_o be_v vicious_a 3._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
not_o be_v very_o large_a upon_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o man_n take_v little_a care_n of_o be_v instruct_v and_o of_o get_v information_n and_o knowledge_n about_o religion_n the_o far_o great_a part_n either_o can_v read_v or_o never_o apply_v themselves_o to_o any_o useful_a instructive_a read_n few_o harken_v to_o the_o instruction_n that_o be_v give_v they_o and_o few_o yet_o examine_v or_o reflect_v upon_o they_o carnal_a lust_n and_o secular_a business_n do_v so_o engross_v they_o that_o they_o seldom_o or_o never_o give_v themselves_o to_o search_v the_o truth_n they_o general_o have_v a_o aversion_n to_o spiritual_a thing_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o will_v rather_o believe_v implicit_o what_o be_v tell_v they_o than_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o inquire_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o not_o and_o they_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o careless_a about_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n many_o will_v think_v it_o a_o punishment_n if_o they_o be_v make_v to_o read_v or_o to_o meditate_v they_o never_o do_v those_o thing_n but_o with_o reluctancy_n and_o as_o seldom_o as_o they_o can_v they_o go_v about_o prayer_n especial_o with_o a_o strange_a indifference_n and_o a_o criminal_a indevotion_n in_o short_a very_o few_o take_v the_o necessary_a care_n to_o preserve_v themselves_o from_o vice_n and_o to_o behave_v themselves_o with_o regularity_n and_o caution_n very_o few_o seek_v the_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a and_o avoid_v the_o temptation_n to_o which_o the_o common_a condition_n of_o man_n or_o their_o own_o particular_a circumstance_n expose_v they_o and_o the_o great_a number_n be_v slave_n to_o their_o body_n and_o whole_o take_v up_o with_o earthly_a thing_n one_o of_o the_o most_o sensible_a and_o fatal_a effect_n of_o this_o negligence_n be_v that_o those_o person_n use_v no_o manner_n of_o endeavour_n to_o know_v themselves_o it_o be_v very_o seldom_o if_o ever_o that_o they_o reflect_v upon_o what_o pass_v within_o they_o upon_o their_o thought_n their_o inclination_n the_o motion_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o the_o principle_n they_o act_n upon_o or_o that_o they_o take_v a_o review_n of_o their_o word_n and_o action_n they_o do_v not_o consider_v whether_o they_o have_v within_o they_o the_o character_n of_o good_a man_n or_o of_o wicked_a and_o hypocritical_a person_n in_o a_o word_n almost_o all_o of_o they_o live_v without_o reflection_n man_n carelessness_n about_o religion_n be_v there_o fore_o extreme_o great_a but_o they_o proceed_v otherwise_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o world_n about_o which_o they_o be_v as_o active_a and_o laborious_a as_o they_o be_v lazy_a and_o cold_a in_o reference_n to_o true_a piety_n they_o will_v do_v every_o thing_n for_o their_o body_n and_o nothing_o for_o their_o soul_n they_o spare_v no_o industry_n or_o diligence_n they_o omit_v nothing_o to_o promote_v their_o temporal_a concern_v if_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v by_o their_o conduct_n we_o will_v think_v that_o the_o supreme_a good_a be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o earthly_a advantage_n and_o that_o salvation_n be_v the_o least_o important_a of_o all_o thing_n i_o need_v not_o say_v what_o effect_n such_o a_o negligence_n must_v produce_v the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n be_v ignorant_a in_o their_o duty_n have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o themselves_o decline_v the_o use_n of_o those_o mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v and_o without_o which_o he_o declare_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v save_v and_o wear_v out_o their_o life_n in_o this_o ignorance_n and_o sloth_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o they_o can_v have_v any_o religion_n or_o piety_n and_o so_o there_o must_v be_v a_o general_a corruption_n among_o they_o i_o say_v it_o must_v be_v so_o unless_o god_n shall_v work_v miracle_n or_o rather_o change_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o invert_v the_o order_n and_o the_o law_n which_o he_o have_v establish_v but_o because_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o christian_n do_v not_o live_v like_o atheist_n and_o that_o their_o negligence_n be_v not_o so_o great_a as_o i_o represent_v it_o let_v we_o consider_v a_o little_a what_o sort_n of_o care_n they_o bestow_v upon_o the_o concern_v of_o their_o soul_n certain_o there_o be_v some_o person_n who_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o this_o negligence_n but_o except_v these_o what_o be_v it_o which_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n do_v in_o order_n to_o their_o salvation_n very_o little_a or_o nothing_o they_o pray_v they_o assist_v sometime_o at_o divine_a service_n and_o at_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o religion_n they_o hear_v sermon_n they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o they_o perform_v some_o other_o duty_n of_o this_o nature_n this_o be_v all_o which_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o great_a part_n amount_v to_o but_o first_o these_o be_v not_o only_o the_o duty_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v practise_v there_o be_v other_o which_z be_v not_o less_o essential_a and_o which_o yet_o be_v general_o neglect_v such_o as_o meditation_n read_v self-examination_n to_o say_v nothing_o here_o of_o the_o duty_n of_o sanctificatification_n so_o that_o if_o some_o act_n of_o religion_n be_v perform_v other_o be_v quite_o omit_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o proceed_v may_v easy_o be_v discover_v there_o be_v a_o law_n and_o a_o custom_n which_o oblige_v all_o person_n to_o some_o act_n of_o religion_n to_o pray_v to_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o to_o go_v now_o and_o then_o to_o church_n if_o a_o man_n shall_v entire_o neglect_v these_o external_a duty_n he_o will_v be_v think_v a_o atheist_n but_o there_o be_v neither_o custom_n nor_o law_n nor_o worldly_a decency_n which_o oblige_v a_o man_n to_o meditate_v to_o examine_v his_o own_o conscience_n or_o to_o watch_v over_o his_o conduct_n and_o therefore_o these_o duty_n be_v leave_v to_o every_o one_o direction_n be_v very_o little_o observe_v as_o to_o the_o other_o duty_n which_o christian_n form_n in_o some_o measure_n the_o want_n of_o sincerity_n in_o they_o do_v most_o common_o turn_v they_o into_o so_o many_o act_n of_o hypocrisy_n they_o perhaps_o say_v some_o prayer_n in_o the_o morning_n but_o this_o be_v do_v without_o devotion_n hasty_o with_o distraction_n and_o weariness_n and_o only_o to_o get_v rid_v of_o it_o after_o they_o think_v no_o more_o of_o god_n all_o the_o day_n but_o be_v altogether_o busy_v about_o the_o world_n and_o their_o passion_n and_o in_o the_o evening_n they_o pray_v with_o great_a wander_a of_o thought_n than_o in_o the_o morning_n if_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o they_o go_v to_o church_n or_o hear_v a_o sermon_n they_o do_v not_o give_v a_o quarter_n of_o a_o hour_n close_a attention_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v or_o do_v in_o the_o public_a assembly_n in_o many_o place_n the_o whole_a devotion_n of_o the_o people_n consist_v in_o be_v present_a at_o some_o sermon_n which_o be_v as_o little_a insructive_a as_o they_o be_v mind_v or_o hearken_v to_o the_o use_n which_o be_v make_v of_o the_o sacrament_n especial_o of_o the_o eucharist_n convert_v they_o into_o vain_a ceremony_n and_o make_v they_o rather_o obstacle_n than_o help_v to_o salvation_n as_o to_o the_o mortify_n of_o the_o body_n by_o reasonable_a abstinence_n fast_v and_o retirement_n it_o be_v a_o unknown_a duty_n the_o indifference_n of_o christian_n be_v therefore_o but_o too_o palpable_a what_o they_o do_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o religion_n be_v very_o little_a and_o yet_o they_o do_v that_o little_a so_o ill_a that_o it_o be_v not_o much_o more_o beneficial_a to_o they_o than_o if_o they_o do_v nothing_o at_o all_o and_o now_o what_o may_v not_o be_v say_v if_o after_o have_v thus_o show_v that_o what_o man_n do_v for_o their_o salvation_n be_v next_o to_o nothing_o i_o shall_v undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o they_o do_v almost_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o damnation_n and_o that_o they_o be_v as_o zealous_a and_o industrious_a for_o their_o ruin_n as_o they_o be_v slothful_a and_o negligent_a in_o what_o be_v requisite_a to_o preserve_v they_o there_o be_v mean_n to_o corrupt_a as_o well_o as_o to_o sanctify_v ourselves_o the_o mean_n of_o corruption_n and_o perdition_n be_v ignorance_n want_v of_o attention_n neglect_v of_o devotion_n the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o flesh_n unruly_a passion_n temptation_n and_o ill_a example_n now_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n be_v so_o monstrous_o frantic_a as_o to_o form_v the_o design_n of_o damn_v himself_o what_o will_v such_o a_o man_n do_v he_o will_v neglect_v the_o exercise_n of_o devotion_n he_o will_v not_o pray_v at_o all_o or_o he_o will_v pray_v only_o with_o his_o lip_n he_o will_v profane_v the_o sacrament_n by_o a_o unsanctify_v use_n of_o they_o he_o will_v only_o mind_v his_o body_n and_o this_o present_a life_n he_o will_v give_v loose_a reins_o to_o
practice_n of_o religion_n i._o the_o consideration_n to_o be_v insist_v on_o concern_v the_o first_o head_n relate_v either_o to_o the_o thing_n which_o child_n be_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o or_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o instruct_v they_o 1._o as_o to_o the_o thing_n themselves_o there_o be_v two_o article_n upon_o which_o the_o instruction_n of_o youth_n ought_v to_o depend_v and_o those_o be_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n the_o chief_a rule_n to_o be_v observe_v with_o relation_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o insist_v upon_o those_o which_o be_v the_o most_o necessary_a and_o to_o give_v a_o distinct_a notion_n of_o they_o to_o child_n and_o here_o two_o fault_n be_v commit_v the_o first_o be_v when_o they_o be_v not_o instruct_v in_o all_o the_o truth_n which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v in_o order_n to_o be_v a_o christian_a the_o second_o be_v when_o such_o instruction_n be_v propose_v to_o they_o as_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o their_o age_n or_o even_o useless_a to_o explain_v my_o mean_v a_o little_a further_o i_o say_v first_o that_o there_o be_v some_o essential_a thing_n which_o child_n be_v not_o at_o all_o or_o but_o imperfect_o teach_v among_o these_o we_o may_v reckon_v the_o knowledge_n of_o sacred_a history_n religion_n be_v found_v upon_o history_n religion_n be_v found_v upon_o history_n and_o fact_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a that_o instruction_n shall_v begin_v at_o the_o historical_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o at_o the_o main_a event_n which_o be_v relate_v both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n so_o that_o child_n may_v know_v at_o least_o in_o general_n the_o principal_a age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o most_o remarkable_a thing_n which_o do_v happen_v from_o the_o creation_n to_o the_o come_n of_o our_o saviour_n what_o the_o flood_n be_v what_o be_v the_o egyptian_a and_o the_o babilonish_a captivity_n what_o time_n moses_n david_n the_o patriarch_n and_o the_o prophet_n live_v in_o what_o sort_n of_o people_n the_o heathen_n and_o the_o jew_n be_v and_o what_o kind_n of_o life_n our_o saviour_n lead_v it_o must_v not_o be_v say_v that_o history_n be_v above_o the_o capacity_n of_o child_n for_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v that_o which_o be_v to_o they_o the_o easy_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o harken_v to_o with_o the_o great_a pleasure_n and_o which_o they_o remember_v best_a nothing_o do_v more_o smooth_o enter_v into_o their_o mind_n than_o history_n all_o the_o thing_n i_o have_v not_o mention_v may_v be_v teach_v they_o in_o a_o week_n and_o this_o knowledge_n be_v as_o necessary_a as_o it_o be_v easy_o acquire_v a_o man_n can_v never_o understand_v his_o religion_n well_o or_o be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o its_o truth_n if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v the_o fact_n which_o be_v suppose_n we_o see_v that_o it_o be_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o history_n that_o god_n choose_v to_o instruct_v mankind_n and_o that_o matter_n of_o fact_n make_v up_o the_o most_o considerable_a part_n of_o the_o sacred_a write_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a thing_n that_o in_o catechism_n and_o other_o instruction_n give_v to_o youth_n history_n shall_v be_v so_o little_o insist_v upon_o this_o be_v visible_o one_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o that_o profound_a ignorance_n which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n live_v in_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o they_o understand_v almost_o nothing_o of_o what_o they_o read_v or_o hear_v in_o sermon_n and_o why_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o be_v teach_v make_v so_o little_a impression_n upon_o they_o teach_v child_n history_n give_v they_o beforehand_o some_o notion_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n but_o yet_o these_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n ought_v to_o be_v propose_v to_o they_o separately_z that_o they_o may_v have_v a_o more_o distinct_a apprehension_n of_o they_o above_o all_o thing_n great_a care_n shall_v be_v take_v to_o imprint_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v instruct_v the_o knowledge_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n but_o this_o likewise_o be_v not_o do_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o catechism_n as_o well_o as_o in_o sermon_n particular_a truth_n be_v dwell_v upon_o and_o the_o general_a one_o be_v touch_v only_o by_o the_o by_o this_o be_v a_o fault_n i_o have_v observe_v in_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o this_o work_n now_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o child_n be_v suffer_v to_o be_v ignorant_a about_o many_o important_a article_n they_o be_v perplex_v with_o divers_a useless_a or_o not_o very_o necessary_a instruction_n instead_o of_o limit_v they_o to_o the_o essential_a part_n of_o religion_n their_o mind_n and_o memory_n be_v fill_v up_o with_o many_o thing_n which_o they_o may_v safe_o be_v ignorant_a of_o some_o will_v have_v they_o understand_v the_o dispute_n of_o divine_n concern_v the_o most_o curious_a and_o abstruse_a question_n and_o they_o be_v make_v to_o get_v several_a thing_n by_o heart_n which_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o which_o be_v of_o no_o great_a use_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n child_n learn_v these_o thing_n and_o say_v they_o without_o book_n and_o be_v possess_v with_o the_o conceit_n that_o they_o be_v as_o many_o article_n of_o faith_n they_o rank_n among_o divine_a truth_n school_n term_n and_o doctrine_n of_o which_o they_o neither_o apprehend_v the_o certainty_n nor_o the_o use_n and_o thus_o have_v none_o but_o intricate_a idea_n about_o religion_n they_o do_v not_o perceive_v the_o beauty_n the_o solidity_n or_o the_o excellence_n of_o it_o and_o they_o have_v neither_o true_a love_n nor_o respect_n for_o it_o when_o child_n be_v once_o instruct_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n it_o be_v particular_o necessary_a to_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o there_o be_v two_o distinct_a sort_n of_o duty_n in_o religion_n first_o the_o duty_n conceme_v divine_a worship_n or_o service_n and_o then_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n the_o first_o be_v adoration_n the_o honour_n which_o be_v pay_v to_o god_n prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n but_o as_o these_o duty_n may_v be_v perform_v either_o outward_o or_o in_o wardly_a it_o be_v of_o very_o great_a moment_n to_o make_v child_n apprehend_v that_o brayer_n and_o all_o the_o other_o act_n of_o divine_a worship_n aught_o to_o proceed_v from_o the_o heart_n that_o iu._n that_o john_n iu._n god_n will_v be_v serve_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o that_o without_o this_o the_o worship_n which_o be_v pay_v to_o he_o either_o in_o private_a or_o in_o public_a do_v only_o provoke_v his_o displeasure_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o therefore_o to_o tell_v child_n that_o they_o must_v pray_v to_o god_n or_o go_v to_o church_n and_o to_o teach_v they_o some_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v say_v at_o certain_a time_n and_o hour_n all_o this_o be_v but_o external_a and_o if_o we_o go_v no_o far_o if_o we_o do_v not_o careful_o inform_v they_o that_o true_a worship_n be_v internal_a and_o spiritual_a we_o shall_v make_v but_o hypocrite_n of_o they_o by_o tench_a they_o to_o pray_v and_o to_o perform_v religious_a acts._n the_o fault_n then_o which_o be_v commit_v in_o this_o point_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o we_o may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o hypocrisy_n and_o indevotion_n be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o negligence_n the_o religion_n of_o most_o christian_n consist_v only_o in_o some_o external_a action_n they_o think_v they_o have_v fulfil_v their_o duty_n when_o they_o have_v recite_v some_o prayer_n or_o be_v present_a at_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n though_o in_o all_o they_o do_v this_o kind_n they_o have_v neither_o attention_n nor_o elevation_n of_o heart_n but_o this_o error_n which_o be_v so_o capital_a and_o yet_o so_o common_a arise_v chief_o from_o hence_o that_o child_n be_v form_v only_o to_o a_o mere_a outside_n devotion_n and_o worship_n young_a people_n be_v not_o much_o better_o instruct_v in_o moral_a duty_n i_o shall_v not_o enter_v here_o upon_o all_o the_o consideration_n which_o the_o subject_n may_v afford_v because_o i_o have_v treat_v of_o the_o want_n of_o instruction_n concern_v moral_n in_o several_a place_n of_o this_o treatise_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o 1_o chap._n of_o the_o first_o part._n yet_o i_o must_v say_v that_o this_o defect_n proceed_v from_o the_o instruction_n which_o be_v give_v to_o youth_n much_o great_a care_n be_v take_v to_o inform_v they_o about_o the_o doctrine_n than_o about_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n the_o question_n concern_v the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o other_o point_n of_o doctrine_n be_v handle_v and_o examine_v large_o enough_o in_o catechism_n and_o controversy_n be_v not_o forget_v but_o the_o ten_o commandment_n be_v explain_v in_o so_o
succinct_a and_o superficial_a a_o manner_n that_o we_o do_v not_o find_v there_o so_o much_o as_o the_o name_n of_o a_o great_a many_o vice_n virtue_n and_o duty_n child_n who_o shall_v be_v raise_v up_o to_o christian_a perfection_n be_v only_o teach_v the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o from_o the_o explication_n which_o be_v give_v of_o these_o they_o gather_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v idolater_n blasphemer_n or_o profane_a person_n that_o they_o shall_v neither_o commit_v murder_n nor_o adultery_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o steal_v or_o bear_v false_a witness_n but_o how_o many_o other_o duty_n be_v there_o of_o which_o they_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o notion_n they_o be_v not_o teach_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v gentle_a humble_a sincere_a charitable_a pure_a sober_a and_o patient_a many_o person_n because_o they_o be_v never_o instruct_v in_o these_o virtue_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a ornament_n of_o a_o christian_a do_v not_o practice_v or_o so_o much_o as_o know_v they_o we_o be_v to_o impute_v to_o these_o slight_a and_o defective_a instruction_n that_o opinion_n which_o be_v common_o receive_v that_o whosoever_o be_v free_a from_o those_o six_o or_o seven_o great_a sin_n forbid_v in_o the_o decalogue_n be_v a_o good_a man._n 2._o the_o success_n of_o instruction_n depend_v in_o the_o second_o place_n upon_o the_o method_n and_o way_n of_o teach_v the_o method_n of_o teach_v shall_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n be_v clear_a and_o proportion_v to_o the_o age_n and_o capacity_n of_o child_n and_o on_o the_o other_o it_o shall_v be_v delightful_a and_o fit_a to_o make_v they_o love_v religion_n by_o this_o two_o end_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v aim_v at_o will_v be_v attain_v the_o mind_n will_v be_v enlighten_v and_o the_o heart_n move_v what_o be_v clear_a inform_v the_o mind_n and_o what_o be_v delightful_a win_v the_o heart_n and_o inspire_v into_o it_o a_o strong_a affection_n for_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o 1._o perspicuity_n be_v never_o more_o necessary_a than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o instruct_v of_o youth_n child_n have_v no_o idea_n as_o yet_o of_o most_o thing_n and_o not_o be_v use_v to_o the_o signification_n of_o word_n can_v understand_v what_o be_v say_v to_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v deliver_v with_o much_o clearness_n and_o simplicity_n and_o unless_o every_o thing_n be_v avoid_v which_o may_v puzzle_v or_o seem_v obscure_a to_o they_o this_o perspicuity_n result_v first_o from_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v teach_v it_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n be_v always_o clear_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a whatsoever_o be_v obscure_a and_o difficult_a be_v not_o very_o necessary_a so_o that_o provide_v instruction_n go_v no_o far_a than_o essential_a doctrine_n and_o duty_n it_o can_v be_v very_o hard_a for_o child_n to_o apprehend_v what_o be_v say_v to_o they_o second_o clear_a expression_n and_o plain_a and_o popular_a way_n of_o speak_v produce_v distinct_a idea_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v instruct_v but_o a_o dark_a or_o too_o high_a a_o style_n figurative_a or_o learned_a phrase_n spoil_v the_o fruit_n of_o instruction_n last_o order_n and_o method_n contribute_v mighty_o to_o clearness_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o child_n shall_v be_v load_v at_o first_o with_o many_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n general_a instruction_n the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o simple_a idea_n aught_o to_o go_v foremost_a and_o then_o particular_a instruction_n and_o more_o complex_fw-la idea_n may_v be_v propose_v but_o still_o with_o a_o due_a regard_n to_o the_o age_n capacity_n and_o progress_n of_o child_n 2._o instruction_n be_v to_o be_v deliver_v in_o a_o delightful_a manner_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o insinuate_v ourselves_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o child_n nothing_o win_v more_o upon_o they_o than_o a_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a way_n of_o speak_v and_o nothing_o give_v they_o so_o much_o disgust_v as_o roughness_n and_o 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its_o true_a end_n which_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n but_o it_o be_v seldom_o that_o the_o care_n of_o parent_n and_o of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o instruct_n of_o child_n go_v so_o far_o if_o they_o take_v some_o care_n about_o their_o instruction_n they_o general_o neglect_v they_o as_o to_o the_o practical_a part_n and_o they_o little_o inquire_v whether_o they_o live_v according_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o religion_n now_o instruction_n thus_o dispense_v do_v not_o only_o prove_v useless_a but_o they_o may_v likewise_o make_v child_n double_o wicked_a and_o fill_v they_o with_o the_o most_o dangerous_a prejudices_fw-la when_o child_n observe_v that_o religion_n be_v propose_v to_o they_o only_o in_o a_o historical_a and_o speculative_a manner_n and_o that_o provide_v they_o remember_v what_o be_v tell_v they_o and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o they_o be_v commend_v for_o be_v well_o skill_v in_o religion_n and_o that_o as_o for_o the_o 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with_o extraordinary_a success_n cause_n vi_o example_n and_o custom_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o birth_n education_n and_o imitation_n be_v three_o general_a principle_n of_o the_o irregularity_n of_o mons_fw-la conduct_n the_o state_n in_o which_o they_o be_v bear_v give_v they_o a_o bias_n towards_o vice_n education_n as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n cherish_v and_o maintain_v in_o most_o man_n that_o vicious_a inclination_n but_o custom_n and_o example_n give_v the_o finish_n strike_v to_o man_n corruption_n and_o make_v vice_n reign_v in_o the_o world_n with_o a_o sovereign_a sway._n this_o three_o principle_n be_v so_o general_a and_o so_o powerful_a that_o some_o have_v think_v it_o the_o chief_a cause_n of_o corruption_n and_o that_o we_o can_v better_o explain_v how_o sin_n be_v propagate_v and_o transmit_v from_o the_o parent_n to_o the_o child_n than_o by_o say_v that_o this_o happen_v through_o imitation_n and_o indeed_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o man_n be_v particular_o draw_v into_o evil_n by_o example_n and_o custom_n if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o primary_n or_o the_o only_a spring_n of_o corruption_n it_o be_v at_o least_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a source_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o proper_a to_o consider_v this_o matter_n here_o with_o some_o attention_n all_o that_o i_o be_o to_o say_v in_o this_o chapter_n be_v found_v upon_o these_o two_o supposition_n 1._o i_o suppose_v that_o man_n love_v to_o act_v by_o imitation_n and_o that_o example_n be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o have_v the_o great_a force_n upon_o their_o mind_n but_o when_o the_o example_n be_v general_a and_o support_v by_o custom_n and_o multitude_n they_o be_v yet_o more_o incline_v to_o follow_v it_o they_o not_o only_o conform_v to_o custom_n but_o they_o think_v it_o beside_o just_a and_o lawful_a to_o do_v so_o general_n use_v be_v to_o they_o instead_o of_o law_n by_o which_o they_o judge_v of_o what_o be_v innocent_a and_o forbid_a and_o that_o which_o do_v yet_o more_o forcible_o determine_v they_o to_o follow_v example_n and_o the_o great_a number_n be_v that_o they_o think_v it_o a_o disgrace_n to_o do_v otherwise_o so_o that_o the_o fear_v of_o contempt_n add_v to_o their_o inclination_n make_v they_o perfect_a slave_n to_o custom_n if_o some_o remnant_n of_o knowledge_n and_o conscience_n do_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o imagine_v that_o there_o be_v no_o hurt_v in_o comply_v in_o all_o thing_n with_o custom_n however_o they_o comfort_v themselves_o with_o the_o thought_n that_o the_o evil_a they_o do_v be_v not_o very_o great_a and_o that_o if_o they_o be_v not_o innocent_a they_o be_v excusable_a at_o least_o when_o they_o can_v plead_v example_n and_o common_a practice_n in_o their_o own_o behalf_n i_o suppose_v 2_o that_o example_n and_o custom_n be_v bad_a for_o the_o most_o part_n this_o i_o think_v needs_o not_o be_v prove_v and_o if_o it_o do_v this_o whole_a treatise_n may_v afford_v we_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o it_o since_o ignorance_n prejudices_fw-la false_a maxim_n and_o all_o the_o other_o cause_n of_o corruption_n i_o have_v mention_v be_v so_o many_o disposition_n sentiment_n and_o practice_n which_o be_v grow_v customary_a and_o be_v establish_v by_o the_o most_o general_a use_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o needful_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o multitude_n of_o ill_a example_n be_v very_o great_a and_o that_o custom_n be_v general_o vicious_a as_o it_o be_v to_o show_v that_o under_o the_o shelter_n of_o example_n and_o custom_n corruption_n be_v still_o spread_v far_o in_o the_o world_n and_o in_o the_o church_n in_o order_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o power_n of_o custom_n and_o example_n in_o these_o three_o respect_n with_o relation_n 1._o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n 2_o to_o the_o order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o 3_o to_o manner_n what_o i_o be_o to_o say_v upon_o these_o three_o head_n will_v discover_v the_o source_n of_o those_o three_o great_a imperfection_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o mean_v error_n want_v of_o order_n and_o the_o bad_a life_n of_o christian_n 1._o matter_n of_o faith_n shall_v not_o be_v subject_v to_o the_o tyranny_n of_o custom_n religion_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o man_n fancy_n and_o opinion_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v eternal_a truth_n it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o immutable_a principle_n and_o it_o be_v not_o more_o liable_a to_o change_v than_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o we_o see_v but_o too_o frequent_o that_o in_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o in_o worldy_a affair_n example_n be_v more_o prevalent_a than_o either_o reason_n justice_n or_o truth_n man_n do_v scarce_o ever_o examine_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o custom_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o sentiment_n by_o this_o rule_n the_o determine_v what_o be_v true_a of_o false_a what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v or_o to_o reject_v and_o this_o prejudice_n be_v so_o strong_a and_o man_n have_v carry_v it_o so_o far_o that_o multitude_n and_o custom_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o proof_n and_o character_n whereby_o christian_n be_v to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o error_n and_o to_o judge_v what_o side_n they_o be_v to_o choose_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o so_o many_o people_n do_v not_o perceive_v that_o certain_a doctrine_n be_v palpable_a error_n and_o monstrous_a tenet_n we_o wonder_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a in_o so_o learned_a and_o refine_v a_o age_n as_o this_o be_v that_o the_o gross_a fable_n and_o extravagance_n shall_v still_o go_v down_o with_o man_n of_o part_n for_o divine_a truth_n and_o adorable_a mystery_n a_o time_n will_v come_v when_o posterity_n will_v hardly_o believe_v that_o ever_o such_o opinion_n be_v receive_v or_o that_o ever_o man_n do_v in_o earnest_a dispute_n for_o or_o against_o such_o or_o such_o a_o tenet_n it_o be_v only_o the_o prejudice_n of_o example_n and_o multitude_n which_o do_v blind_a man_n at_o this_o day_n they_o have_v be_v nurse_v up_o and_o educate_v in_o those_o persuasion_n they_o see_v they_o obtain_v among_o numerous_a society_n and_o that_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o their_o obstinacy_n in_o error_n nothing_o but_o this_o inclination_n of_o man_n to_o follow_v custom_n keep_v up_o in_o the_o church_n those_o dispute_n which_o rend_v it_o into_o so_o many_o different_a sect_n the_o principle_n and_o design_n of_o most_o dispute_n be_v no_o other_o but_o that_o man_n will_v maintain_v at_o any_o rate_n the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o party_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v those_o who_o be_v in_o error_n instead_o of_o be_v undeceive_v be_v more_o and_o more_o confirm_v in_o it_o every_o body_n swallow_v without_o chew_v all_o that_o be_v profess_v in_o the_o society_n or_o communion_n in_o which_o he_o live_v and_o condemn_v without_o examination_n the_o opinion_n which_o be_v maintain_v by_o small_a number_n or_o by_o person_n of_o another_o country_n or_o society_n those_o who_o be_v prepossess_v do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o make_v it_o a_o question_n whether_o they_o may_v not_o be_v mistake_v and_o whether_o the_o truth_n may_v not_o be_v on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o allege_v to_o such_o people_n the_o most_o invincible_a reason_n to_o press_v they_o with_o express_a declaration_n of_o scripture_n or_o with_o un_fw-fr answerable_a objection_n for_o either_o they_o do_v not_o attend_v to_o all_o this_o or_o if_o they_o examine_v those_o reason_n and_o objection_n it_o be_v with_o a_o mind_n full_a of_o prejudices_fw-la and_o resolve_v beforehand_o to_o think_v they_o frivolous_a and_o not_o to_o alter_v their_o sentiment_n they_o satisfy_v themselves_o with_o some_o sorry_a argument_n or_o wretched_a answer_n if_o any_o scruple_n and_o difficulty_n remain_v they_o shake_v they_o off_o in_o a_o trice_n and_o set_v their_o conscience_n at_o rest_n with_o this_o consideration_n that_o they_o follow_v the_o common_a opinion_n they_o make_v no_o do_v doubt_n but_o that_o they_o be_v safe_a as_o long_o as_o they_o side_n with_o the_o great_a number_n beside_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o world_n which_o may_v be_v obtain_v by_o the_o adhere_n to_o the_o general_a opinion_n will_v full_o determine_v they_o if_o they_o be_v not_o determine_v before_o and_o they_o easy_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o their_o spiritual_a welfare_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o that_o party_n which_o agree_v best_a with_o their_o temporal_a interest_n 2._o custom_n be_v likewise_o the_o chief_a obstacle_n to_o the_o restore_n of_o order_n in_o the_o church_n i_o can_v here_o make_v a_o long_a article_n if_o i_o will_v mention_v all_o the_o defect_n which_o may_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o
of_o good_a thing_n be_v sprinkle_v with_o that_o spirit_n of_o fanaticism_n i_o shall_v not_o stand_v to_o give_v here_o the_o character_n of_o those_o book_n nor_o to_o show_v the_o mischief_n they_o may_v do_v in_o relation_n to_o libertine_n or_o to_o those_o person_n who_o want_v either_o knowledge_n or_o a_o discern_a judgement_n because_o i_o will_v not_o repeat_v what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o mystical_a piety_n part_n i._o cause_n ii_o art_n viii_o 3._o some_o author_n who_o have_v put_v out_o book_n of_o piety_n have_v make_v it_o their_o whole_a business_n to_o administer_v comfort_n those_o who_o read_v their_o work_n may_v easy_o see_v that_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o comfortable_a side_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o their_o principal_a design_n be_v to_o fill_v their_o reader_n with_o confidence_n hope_n and_o joy_n without_o doubt_v it_o be_v a_o laudable_a and_o pious_a design_n to_o use_v one_o endeavour_n to_o comfort_v the_o afflict_a and_o particular_o good_a man_n and_o i_o confess_v that_o we_o find_v in_o the_o book_n which_o have_v be_v compose_v with_o that_o view_n many_o edify_a thing_n and_o noble_a sentiment_n of_o piety_n but_o for_o all_o that_o those_o book_n may_v easy_o inspire_v man_n with_o security_n when_o the_o consolation_n which_o they_o dispense_v be_v not_o attend_v with_o great_a circumspection_n and_o prudence_n i_o can_v wish_v that_o all_o those_o who_o have_v publish_v book_n of_o this_o kind_n have_v well_o consider_v these_o two_o follow_a truth_n the_o first_o be_v that_o the_o comfort_n which_o religion_n afford_v belong_v only_o to_o true_a christian_n so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o comforter_n careful_o to_o distinguish_v person_n and_o to_o mark_v clear_o who_o those_o be_v that_o have_v aright_o to_o religious_a comfort_n the_o second_o be_v that_o it_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o sanctify_v as_o it_o be_v to_o comfort_n man_n nay_o that_o the_o sanctify_a they_o be_v the_o more_o necessary_a of_o the_o two_o because_o holiness_n be_v more_o essential_a to_o a_o good_a man_n than_o consolation_n and_o joy_n and_o also_o because_o man_n be_v much_o more_o incline_v to_o presume_v than_o to_o condemn_v themselves_o beside_o that_o there_o be_v but_o few_o who_o want_v comfort_n in_o comparison_n with_o those_o who_o ought_v to_o be_v testify_v the_o consolation_n of_o which_o the_o book_n of_o piety_n be_v full_a be_v intend_v either_o for_o afflict_a person_n or_o for_o sinner_n as_o for_o the_o first_o it_o be_v better_a to_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o make_v a_o good_a life_n of_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o examine_v and_o amend_v their_o life_n than_o to_o discourse_v to_o they_o upon_o some_o general_a topick_n of_o comfort_n which_o perhaps_o will_v only_o lay_v they_o fast_o asleep_o in_o security_n and_o which_o be_v beside_o general_o misapply_v for_o all_o that_o the_o gospel_n say_v of_o affliction_n be_v common_o lay_v 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of_o repentance_n and_o insist_v much_o upon_o confidence_n who_o only_a design_n it_o be_v to_o encourage_v the_o great_a sinner_n and_o to_o exhort_v they_o to_o a_o bold_a reliance_n upon_o god_n mercy_n without_o fear_v either_o the_o heinousness_n or_o the_o multitude_n of_o their_o sin_n such_o consolation_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o good_a sense_n but_o if_o they_o be_v not_o propose_v with_o due_a explication_n and_o restriction_n vast_a number_n of_o people_n will_v abuse_v they_o that_o which_o have_v be_v write_v by_o some_o author_n in_o book_n of_o devotion_n concern_v sin_n and_o good_a work_n be_v apt_a to_o lead_v man_n into_o this_o fancy_n that_o good_a work_n signify_v nothing_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n and_o that_o sin_n do_v not_o obstruct_v it_o under_o pretence_n of_o answer_v the_o accusation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o the_o law_n these_o author_n enervate_a the_o strong_a argument_n for_o the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n they_o confute_v the_o declaration_n of_o scripture_n concern_v sanctification_n and_o they_o destroy_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o sincerity_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o precept_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o what_o they_o call_v the_o accusation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o the_o law_n be_v sometime_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o just_a apprehension_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n which_o be_v inspire_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o which_o shall_v be_v cherish_v and_o fortify_v to_o bring_v sinner_n to_o repentance_n instead_o of_o be_v remove_v by_o ill_o dispense_v consolation_n it_o be_v say_v to_o this_o that_o sinner_n be_v not_o to_o be_v drive_v to_o despair_n but_o do_v we_o make_v sinner_n desperate_a by_o say_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o salvation_n when_o real_o they_o be_v not_o do_v we_o not_o comfort_v they_o enough_o when_o we_o exhort_v they_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o god_n mercy_n and_o to_o repent_v what_o if_o we_o shall_v by_o unseasonable_a consolation_n fill_v they_o with_o a_o vain_a and_o groundless_a confidence_n will_v not_o that_o security_n ruin_v they_o more_o certain_o than_o desperation_n to_o make_v man_n fearless_o be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o undo_v they_o after_o all_o i_o can_v imagine_v why_o people_n shall_v talk_v so_o much_o of_o despair_n and_o seem_v so_o huge_o afraid_a of_o it_o by_o the_o endeavour_n use_v in_o book_n and_o sermon_n to_o keep_v sinner_n from_o it_o one_o will_v think_v that_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o fear_v on_o that_o hand_n and_o that_o nothing_o be_v more_o ordinary_a than_o for_o man_n to_o despair_v of_o the_o divine_a mercy_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o unusual_a for_o one_o sinner_n who_o be_v terrify_v with_o his_o sin_n thousand_o be_v undo_v by_o security_n it_o be_v remarkable_a than_o the_o scripture_n speak_v but_o seldom_o of_o despair_n and_o when_o we_o have_v well_o examine_v all_o the_o place_n which_o be_v think_v to_o mention_v it_o we_o shall_v not_o find_v many_o that_o speak_v positive_o of_o it_o many_o churchman_n who_o have_v cure_n of_o soul_n confess_v that_o they_o never_o see_v any_o person_n afflict_v with_o despair_n and_o as_o for_o the_o instance_n which_o be_v allege_v to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o what_o be_v call_v desperation_n be_v common_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o fit_a of_o the_o spleen_n and_o a_o effect_n of_o grief_n and_o melancholy_n so_o that_o those_o who_o make_v long_a discourse_n to_o prevent_v sinner_n fall_v into_o despair_n take_v great_a pain_n to_o little_a purpose_n and_o do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n fight_v with_o a_o shadow_n 4._o there_o be_v another_o fault_n in_o some_o book_n of_o devotion_n quite_o contrary_a to_o this_o i_o have_v now_o observe_v which_o be_v that_o they_o terrify_v their_o reader_n without_o reason_n if_o author_n otherwise_o pious_a and_o learned_a have_v not_o speak_v in_o their_o write_n of_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n of_o reprobation_n despair_n the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o of_o some_o other_o matter_n many_o people_n will_v have_v be_v free_a from_o those_o terrible_a fright_v which_o the_o indiscreet_a handle_n of_o those_o subject_n do_v throw_v they_o into_o the_o read_n of_o such_o book_n have_v occasion_v and_o do_v still_o produce_v great_a mischief_n when_o they_o be_v read_v by_o man_n of_o weak_a head_n that_o be_v incline_v to_o melancholy_a and_o the_o number_n of_o such_o person_n be_v very_o considerable_a some_o have_v fancy_v they_o have_v commit_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o be_v possess_v with_o that_o dismal_a thought_n they_o have_v spend_v their_o life_n in_o dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o which_o nothing_o can_v cure_v they_o other_o have_v imagine_v that_o their_o case_n cure_v they_o other_o have_v imagine_v that_o their_o case_n be_v
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