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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general_a truth_n as_o upon_o their_o principle_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o justification_n and_o many_o other_o be_v of_o this_o number_n now_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o ignorance_n of_o christian_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o truth_n 1._o every_o man_n who_o make_v use_v of_o his_o reason_n may_v easy_o apprehend_v that_o the_o general_a truth_n be_v the_o most_o important_a that_o they_o be_v those_o of_o which_o one_o ought_v chief_o to_o be_v persuade_v and_o that_o without_o these_o general_a truth_n the_o particular_a one_o will_v be_v useless_a nay_o will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o truth_n to_o inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o sacrament_n or_o how_o a_o man_n can_v be_v justify_v one_o must_v believe_v first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o religion_n for_o if_o i_o be_o not_o convince_v of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v signify_v little_a to_o i_o whether_o or_o 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of_o christianity_n or_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n some_o be_v master_n of_o the_o principal_a controversy_n which_o divide_v christian_n who_o will_v stand_v mute_a if_o they_o be_v call_v back_o to_o the_o first_o element_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o they_o be_v to_o maintain_v against_o a_o infidel_n that_o there_o be_v a_o religion_n or_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_a the_o people_n enter_v yet_o less_o than_o the_o divine_n into_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o general_a truth_n and_o there_o be_v very_o few_o who_o either_o attend_v to_o they_o or_o indeed_o believe_v they_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o yet_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n depend_v upon_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n concern_v the_o principle_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o which_o render_v the_o particular_a truth_n effectual_a to_o salvation_n and_o which_o beget_v piety_n and_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n when_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o religion_n propose_v nothing_o but_o what_o 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day_n a_o great_a number_n of_o person_n who_o entertain_v very_o loose_a opinion_n and_o that_o do_v at_o least_o border_n upon_o atheism_n these_o pernicious_a tenet_n be_v spread_v wide_a than_o some_o people_n think_v not_o only_o the_o libertine_n be_v infect_v with_o they_o but_o even_o the_o common_a people_n all_o the_o profane_a man_n and_o deist_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v at_o court_n in_o army_n or_o among_o the_o learned_a there_o be_v some_o in_o town_n among_o the_o vulgar_a and_o even_o among_o country_n clown_n if_o we_o examine_v a_o little_a the_o discourse_n and_o apprehension_n of_o man_n especial_o of_o those_o who_o life_n be_v irregular_a if_o we_o do_v but_o begin_v to_o reason_n with_o they_o and_o press_v they_o we_o may_v soon_o perceive_v the_o principle_n of_o incredulity_n and_o atheism_n in_o many_o of_o they_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o they_o be_v not_o thorough_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o another_o life_n or_o that_o if_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o impiety_n which_o attack_n directly_z the_o very_a foundation_n of_o religion_n they_o harbour_v at_o least_o this_o fancy_n that_o god_n do_v not_o narrow_o observe_v man_n deportment_n that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v so_o severe_a as_o to_o damn_v they_o for_o some_o sin_n they_o have_v commit_v and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o such_o great_a harm_n in_o gratify_v once_o passion_n and_o live_v at_o the_o usual_a rate_n of_o the_o world_n these_o and_o the_o like_a sentiment_n be_v general_a enough_o and_o yet_o they_o lead_v the_o straight_a way_n to_o deism_n and_o tend_v plain_o to_o the_o subversion_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v be_v therefore_o high_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o root_v out_o such_o dangerous_a error_n careful_o to_o establish_v these_o great_a truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o this_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n and_o that_o whatever_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o of_o another_o life_n be_v most_o certain_a this_o i_o say_v will_v be_v altogether_o needful_a if_o it_o be_v but_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o those_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v and_o their_o number_n be_v great_a than_o be_v common_o imagine_v 2_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o though_o christian_n profess_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n yet_o that_o belief_n be_v not_o lively_a and_o strong_a enough_o in_o they_o all_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o question_n that_o most_o christian_n be_v so_o only_o because_o they_o be_v engage_v by_o their_o birth_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n but_o that_o after_o all_o they_o know_v very_o little_a of_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o it_o they_o will_v in_o like_a manner_n have_v be_v jew_n or_o pagan_n if_o they_o have_v be_v bear_v in_o judaisme_n or_o paganism_n so_o that_o proper_o speak_v they_o can_v be_v say_v to_o
have_v faith_n for_o faith_n be_v a_o persuasion_n to_o believe_v be_v to_o be_v persuade_v and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o believe_v a_o thing_n right_n without_o reason_n or_o examination_n that_o which_o be_v call_v faith_n be_v common_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o confuse_a and_o general_a opinion_n which_o make_v but_o very_o slight_a impression_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n but_o true_a faith_n be_v a_o great_a rarity_n among_o christian_n than_o we_o be_v aware_a of_o now_o as_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a principle_n of_o piety_n so_o a_o bad_a life_n do_v chief_o spring_n from_o want_n of_o faith_n and_o from_o incredulity_n and_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o infidel_n some_o deny_v and_o reject_v divine_a truth_n other_o do_v not_o quite_o deny_v they_o but_o they_o doubt_v and_o believe_v but_o weak_o the_o infidel_n who_o deny_v the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n be_v not_o many_o but_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o doubt_v and_o be_v not_o well_o persuade_v be_v very_o great_a this_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o divine_a truth_n and_o profess_v to_o believe_v they_o do_v yet_o act_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o faith_n and_o religion_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o their_o proceed_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n wonder_v at_o that_o people_n who_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o a_o religion_n shall_v live_v as_o if_o there_o be_v neither_o god_n nor_o religion_n upon_o this_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o say_v that_o sinner_n be_v not_o consistent_a with_o themselves_o and_o as_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o reconcile_v their_o practice_n with_o their_o belief_n we_o cry_v out_o that_o the_o depth_n of_o man_n heart_n be_v unsearchable_a but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o wonder_n in_o the_o case_n and_o the_o proceed_n of_o bad_a christian_n be_v not_o always_o so_o contradictory_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v i_o confess_v that_o man_n sin_n sometime_o against_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o that_o some_o who_o want_v not_o knowledge_n do_v yet_o live_v very_o iii_o this_o may_v proceed_v from_o inconsideration_n from_o the_o violence_n of_o their_o passion_n from_o too_o great_a a_o regard_n to_o their_o temporal_a interest_n from_o the_o flatter_a hope_n of_o pardon_n or_o some_o such_o principle_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n man_n act_n consonant_o and_o suitable_o to_o their_o belief_n and_o it_o be_v but_o seldom_o that_o in_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o life_n they_o behave_v themselves_o contrary_a to_o the_o sentiment_n and_o principle_n that_o possess_v they_o we_o suppose_v that_o bad_a christian_n believe_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o that_o we_o be_v mistake_v many_o of_o they_o want_v faith_n and_o be_v not_o full_o convince_v of_o those_o truth_n be_v it_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o so_o many_o person_n who_o live_v in_o sin_n who_o make_v conscience_n of_o nothing_o and_o who_o violate_v every_o minute_n the_o rule_n of_o their_o duty_n shall_v be_v thorough_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o see_v they_o and_o to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n from_o all_o this_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o general_a truth_n of_o religion_n be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a source_n of_o corruption_n some_o will_v say_v that_o these_o truth_n need_v not_o be_v prove_v and_o that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o first_o principle_n which_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v because_o they_o be_v imprint_v on_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o men._n but_o this_o objection_n be_v easy_o answer_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v just_o now_o i_o own_o that_o the_o idea_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n carry_v in_o they_o a_o natural_a evidence_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v demonstrable_a from_o reason_n and_o conscience_n and_o because_o there_o be_v principle_n in_o man_n by_o the_o help_n of_o which_o they_o may_v arrive_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n but_o these_o principle_n and_o idea_n have_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n stifle_v in_o many_o either_o through_o ill_a education_n or_o worldly_a business_n or_o vice_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n so_o that_o they_o feel_v the_o force_n and_o evidence_n of_o they_o but_o imperfect_o and_o some_o have_v no_o sense_n at_o all_o of_o they_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o excite_v and_o enlighten_v those_o idea_n to_o explain_v and_o establish_v those_o principle_n i_o acknowledge_v further_o that_o some_o part_n of_o those_o proof_n upon_o which_o religion_n be_v build_v lie_v open_a to_o all_o man_n eye_n but_o yet_o the_o ignorant_a and_o those_o who_o be_v take_v up_o with_o other_o object_n do_v not_o observe_v they_o they_o shall_v therefore_o be_v make_v to_o attend_v to_o they_o just_o as_o we_o make_v stupid_a and_o heedless_a people_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o beauty_n of_o a_o palace_n or_o the_o skill_n of_o a_o artist_n in_o some_o curious_a workmanship_n which_o will_v otherwise_o pass_v unobserved_a by_o they_o however_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v that_o the_o general_a truth_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v prove_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o reason_n upon_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o search_v into_o the_o proof_n of_o they_o where_o in_o order_n to_o convince_v man_n that_o there_o be_v a_o almighty_a and_o infinite_o good_a god_n it_o propose_v to_o they_o the_o beauty_n and_o wonder_n which_o shine_v in_o his_o work_n and_o exhort_v they_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o this_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o book_n of_o job_n in_o the_o xix_o and_o civ_o psal_n rom._n 1.19_o 20._o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n 3_o it_o may_v further_o be_v say_v that_o the_o proof_n of_o general_n truth_n be_v too_o difficult_a for_o the_o common_a people_n and_o that_o the_o learned_a only_o be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o discussion_n i_o grant_v that_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v all_o that_o have_v be_v write_v upon_o these_o matter_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o have_v a_o true_a faith_n without_o enter_v into_o the_o detail_n of_o all_o these_o proof_n and_o without_o follow_v with_o the_o utmost_a strictness_n all_o the_o deep_a and_o abstract_a reason_v which_o have_v be_v use_v to_o prove_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o think_v rather_o those_o matter_n ought_v to_o be_v treat_v with_o great_a discretion_n especial_o in_o sermon_n it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o imprudence_n to_o muster_v up_o in_o a_o public_a discourse_n all_o the_o objection_n of_o atheist_n or_o the_o subtlety_n of_o libertine_n these_o aught_o to_o be_v refer_v to_o private_a conference_n those_o who_o speak_v to_o the_o people_n must_v take_v heed_n lest_o by_o dispute_v and_o speculate_v too_o much_o they_o render_v the_o fundamental_a truth_n problematical_a and_o raise_v scruple_n in_o man_n mind_n they_o ought_v to_o build_v upon_o this_o principle_n that_o man_n be_v carry_v by_o a_o common_a and_o natural_a inclination_n to_o believe_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n to_o acknowledge_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o to_o own_o providence_n and_o the_o other_o truth_n of_o religion_n but_o for_o all_o that_o it_o may_v be_v very_o useful_a and_o necessary_a to_o confirm_v those_o truth_n to_o set_v they_o in_o the_o clear_a light_n and_o to_o convince_v the_o people_n of_o they_o as_o to_o what_o be_v say_v that_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o people_n capacity_n i_o answer_v that_o most_o of_o those_o proof_n be_v such_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o be_v either_o learned_a or_o a_o divine_a to_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o we_o ought_v to_o suppose_v here_o that_o the_o more_o important_a any_o truth_n be_v the_o clear_a and_o the_o easy_a the_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v i_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o all_o truth_n there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v most_o certain_a who_o proof_n be_v difficult_a and_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o common_a understanding_n such_o be_v many_o metaphysical_a truth_n and_o mathematical_a demonstration_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o truth_n be_v not_o necessary_a and_o a_o man_n without_o danger_n may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o i_o speak_v now_o only_o of_o those_o truth_n which_o it_o concern_v every_o person_n to_o know_v and_o which_o be_v of_o general_a usefulness_n and_o necessity_n these_o be_v always_o clear_a and_o easy_o prove_v and_o this_o by_o the_o by_o aught_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n to_o make_v we_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n and_o
goodness_n of_o god_n who_o have_v so_o well_o provide_v for_o the_o necessity_n of_o man_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o set_v bound_n to_o our_o curiosity_n and_o to_o fortify_v our_o faith_n against_o those_o doubt_n which_o may_v start_v up_o in_o our_o mind_n by_o reason_n of_o so_o many_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o as_o therefore_o of_o all_o truth_n none_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n or_o of_o a_o more_o entire_a certainty_n than_o those_o which_o religion_n depend_v upon_o so_o the_o proof_n of_o those_o truth_n ought_v to_o be_v simple_a evident_a and_o suit_v to_o all_o man_n capacity_n thus_o when_o in_o order_n to_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n we_o allege_v for_o instance_n the_o state_n and_o order_n in_o which_o the_o world_n subsist_v when_o we_o show_v that_o the_o world_n can_v be_v eternal_a and_o that_o thing_n have_v a_o beginning_n when_o we_o establish_v the_o inspiration_n of_o scripture_n by_o the_o prophecy_n it_o contain_v which_o be_v undoubted_o write_v before_o their_o accomplishment_n when_o we_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o the_o truth_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o history_n and_o demonstrate_v that_o if_o the_o fact_n upon_o which_o religion_n be_v found_v be_v not_o certain_a there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o certainty_n in_o the_o world_n in_o respect_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v past_a and_o that_o if_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v reject_v there_o be_v no_o witness_n or_o historian_n who_o may_v not_o be_v reject_v upon_o better_a ground_n when_o we_o confirm_v the_o sacred_a history_n by_o the_o concur_v testimony_n of_o pagan_a writer_n and_o by_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o the_o most_o unquestionable_a monument_n which_o past_a age_n can_v afford_v when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v plant_v in_o the_o world_n and_o upon_o the_o alteration_n it_o have_v make_v in_o it_o when_o we_o insist_v upon_o the_o character_n of_o truth_n sincerity_n and_o divinity_n which_o be_v observable_a in_o the_o scripture_n in_o short_a when_o we_o take_v religion_n to_o piece_n and_o make_v man_n see_v and_o feel_v that_o its_o doctrine_n its_o precept_n its_o promise_n and_o its_o threaten_n have_v nothing_o in_o they_o that_o be_v absurd_a or_o bad_a or_o contrary_a to_o our_o natural_a apprehension_n nothing_o but_o what_o perfect_o agree_v with_o sound_a reason_n and_o the_o sentiment_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v advantageous_a to_o particular_a person_n and_o to_o society_n when_o i_o say_v we_o urge_v these_o proof_n and_o other_o like_v they_o and_o have_v the_o art_n of_o propose_v they_o in_o a_o clear_a and_o judicious_a method_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o contain_v nothing_o that_o be_v very_o difficult_a these_o be_v the_o clear_a and_o the_o strong_a proof_n that_o can_v be_v use_v in_o a_o subject_a of_o this_o nature_n and_o the_o argument_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o establish_v these_o proof_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n so_o natural_a and_o so_o conform_v to_o the_o idea_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a sense_n that_o there_o be_v few_o even_o of_o the_o vulgar_a who_o may_v not_o apprehend_v they_o if_o not_o perfect_o and_o in_o their_o whole_a extent_n which_o be_v reserve_v to_o man_n of_o a_o large_a capacity_n yet_o so_o far_o at_o least_o as_o sufficient_o to_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o force_n if_o then_o difficulty_n and_o obscurity_n be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o discussion_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v because_o this_o matter_n be_v neglect_v and_o the_o people_n be_v little_o inform_v but_o if_o the_o same_o care_n have_v be_v take_v to_o instruct_v christian_n in_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v bestow_v upon_o explain_v and_o clear_v particular_a one_o they_o will_v have_v another_o kind_n of_o persuasion_n than_o they_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n these_o great_a and_o sublime_a truth_n have_v without_o comparison_n more_o suitableness_n and_o affinity_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o heart_n than_o many_o obscure_a difficult_a and_o less_o necessary_a thing_n which_o yet_o have_v be_v effectual_o teach_v they_o 4_o but_o against_o this_o experience_n may_v possible_o be_v object_v it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v christian_n who_o most_o certain_o have_v piety_n and_o yet_o do_v never_o meditate_v much_o upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n i._o answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o conceivable_a how_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o pious_a christian_a without_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n for_o at_o this_o rate_n piety_n will_v be_v but_o mere_a conceit_n and_o enthusiasm_n and_o we_o must_v say_v notwithstanding_o all_o that_o scripture_n and_o reason_n tell_v we_o to_o the_o contrary_a that_o man_n be_v christian_n without_o knowledge_n or_o reason_n it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o but_o that_o good_a man_n must_v have_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v have_v a_o lively_a sense_n that_o these_o be_v the_o most_o certain_a and_o the_o most_o important_a of_o all_o truth_n if_o we_o inquire_v what_o principle_n it_o be_v which_o produce_v piety_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o most_o simple_a people_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o be_v a_o unmovable_a persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n a_o judgement_n a_o heaven_n and_o a_o hell_n which_o persuasion_n be_v necessary_o found_v upon_o some_o of_o the_o proof_n i_o have_v hint_v at_o i_o grant_v which_o no_o doubt_n will_v be_v object_v to_o i_o that_o in_o many_o this_o persuasion_n be_v not_o clear_a enough_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o result_n of_o a_o particular_a examination_n but_o this_o do_v not_o lessen_v the_o force_n of_o my_o argument_n for_o though_o the_o persuasion_n of_o good_a man_n shall_v not_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o so_o well_o ground_v as_o it_o may_v be_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v but_o that_o it_o be_v sincere_a a_o man_n may_v be_v convince_v of_o a_o truth_n though_o he_o do_v not_o discover_v all_o the_o certainty_n and_o all_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o though_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o answer_v all_o the_o objection_n against_o it_o so_o that_o still_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o religion_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o general_a truth_n of_o it_o after_o all_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v good_a man_n who_o be_v not_o so_o well_o instruct_v upon_o this_o head_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v and_o this_o defect_n of_o instruction_n this_o imperfection_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v one_o of_o the_o main_a cause_n of_o the_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n of_o their_o piety_n thus_o we_o may_v frequent_o observe_v in_o their_o conduct_n such_o weakness_n and_o opinion_n as_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o pure_a light_n of_o faith_n and_o with_o the_o exactness_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o be_v part_n of_o the_o unhappiness_n we_o lament_v and_o of_o that_o corruption_n of_o which_o we_o seek_v the_o cause_n but_o no_o man_n will_v dispute_v but_o that_o if_o the_o same_o person_n have_v more_o instruction_n they_o will_v carry_v virtue_n much_o far_a than_o they_o do_v the_o degree_n of_o piety_n do_v ordinary_o follow_v the_o degree_n of_o faith_n where_o there_o be_v no_o faith_n there_o be_v no_o piety_n and_o where_o faith_n be_v weak_a and_o faint_a piety_n be_v languid_a and_o defective_a this_o be_v the_o general_a state_n and_o character_n of_o christian_n at_o this_o time_n either_o downright_a impiety_n or_o 〈◊〉_d piety_n that_o be_v both_o feeble_a and_o imperfect_a 5_o in_o the_o last_o place_n some_o will_v perhaps_o object_n here_o that_o incredulity_n be_v the_o effect_n â—ather_o than_o the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n and_o that_o atheism_n do_v not_o produce_v corruption_n but_o corruption_n atheism_n to_o this_o 〈◊〉_d say_v that_o these_o two_o thing_n do_v mutual_o uphold_v and_o support_v each_o other_o many_o fall_n into_o infidelity_n because_o their_o heart_n be_v vitiate_a their_o licentious_a way_n of_o live_v take_v they_o off_o from_o inquire_v into_o religion_n and_o hinder_v their_o believe_v of_o divine_a truth_n but_o it_o be_v not_o less_o certain_a â—hat_n one_o of_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o the_o disorder_n of_o christian_n be_v that_o either_o they_o do_v â—ot_n believe_v at_o all_o or_o that_o they_o believe_v weak_o and_o confuse_o and_o this_o can_v â—e_v reasonable_o contest_v ii_o here_o be_v then_o the_o first_o and_o the_o principal_a defect_n that_o man_n be_v not_o sufficient_o â—â—structed_v in_o the_o general_a truth_n and_o principle_n of_o
christianity_n i_o say_v that_o the_o particular_a truth_n and_o the_o part_n of_o religion_n be_v better_o know_v which_o do_v not_o imply_v but_o that_o in_o this_o respect_n too_o ignoranâ—â—_n be_v very_o great_a and_o general_a 1._o i_o shall_v not_o scruple_n to_o say_v that_o theâ—_n be_v prodigious_a number_n of_o people_n whâ—â—â—_n scarce_o have_v any_o knowledge_n at_o all_o of_o thâ—â—_n doctrine_n of_o religion_n if_o all_o christianâ—_n be_v oblige_v to_o render_v a_o account_n of_o theiâ—_n faith_n if_o they_o be_v examine_v upon_o thâ—_n article_n of_o their_o belief_n or_o the_o main_a factâ—_n relate_v in_o sacred_a history_n there_o will_v appear_v in_o most_o of_o they_o such_o a_o astonish_a ignorance_n or_o such_o confuse_a and_o intricaâ—â—_n idea_n that_o one_o will_v hardly_o think_v theâ—_n more_o know_v than_o if_o they_o live_v in_o thâ—â—_n darkness_n of_o heathenism_n and_o what_o religion_n what_o piety_n can_v we_o look_v for_o amonâ—_n such_o man_n but_o beside_o this_o gross_a and_o palpable_a ignorance_n there_o be_v several_a defect_n of_o instruction_n to_o be_v observe_v even_o in_o thosâ—_n who_o have_v or_o fancy_n that_o they_o have_v moâ—â—_n knowledge_n than_o other_o i_o shall_v particular_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o two_o one_a those_o who_o exceed_v the_o ordinary_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n have_v yet_o often_o buâ—_n a_o false_a kind_n of_o light_n either_o they_o do_v not_o know_v those_o truth_n which_o they_o shoulâ—_n know_v or_o else_o they_o know_v they_o not_o aright_o they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o christianity_n or_o which_o â—â—e_v less_o considerable_a than_o other_o which_o â—â—ey_n do_v not_o study_v thus_o in_o all_o christian_a society_n instruction_n be_v common_o place_v in_o â—â—e_z knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o opiâ—â—ions_n particular_a to_o every_o one_o be_v own_o sect_n â—nd_v party_n whoever_o be_v able_a to_o debate_v â—ose_a point_n and_o be_v skill_v in_o controverse_n be_v say_v to_o understand_v his_o religion_n â—hese_fw-mi matter_n may_v perhaps_o have_v their_o â—â—se_n but_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o â—en_n be_v more_o concern_v to_o know_v because_o â—hey_n be_v more_o conduce_v to_o piety_n and_o â—et_o they_o be_v almost_o constant_o neglect_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o error_n be_v that_o the_o various_a importance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o due_o weigh_v and_o that_o religion_n be_v not_o study_v in_o a_o orderly_a method_n very_o few_o person_n distinguish_v between_o the_o more_o and_o the_o less_o necessary_a thing_n between_o the_o most_o useful_a subject_n and_o those_o which_o be_v of_o little_a edification_n most_o man_n study_v religion_n without_o rule_n and_o to_o no_o purpose_n and_o so_o run_v out_o upon_o many_o unprotable_a subject_n that_o which_o be_v call_v learning_n in_o divinity_n or_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n be_v frequent_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o heap_n of_o notion_n which_o have_v no_o influence_n upon_o piety_n or_o respect_n to_o man_n salvation_n it_o be_v but_o a_o confuse_a medley_n wherein_o the_o least_o necessary_a thing_n be_v blend_v without_o choice_n and_o distinction_n with_o the_o most_o important_a i_o do_v not_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o perplex_a and_o unaccurate_a idea_n which_o man_n often_o have_v about_o these_o matter_n i_o pass_v by_o the_o false_a reason_n which_o be_v sometime_o use_v to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n as_o well_o as_o those_o mist_n which_o the_o school-divinity_n have_v cast_v upon_o the_o gospel_n i_o do_v only_o observe_v that_o the_o knowledge_n which_o most_o man_n have_v of_o religion_n be_v not_o very_o fit_a to_o make_v they_o sensible_a of_o the_o beauty_n of_o it_o so_o that_o when_o all_o be_v do_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o it_o shall_v seem_v to_o many_o a_o obscure_a crabbed_a unpleasant_a and_o intricate_a science_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v have_v so_o little_a effect_n upon_o man_n mind_n 2_o the_o other_o fault_n be_v that_o man_n content_v themselves_o with_o bare_a instruction_n or_o with_o the_o simple_a knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a truth_n while_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o use_n if_o they_o do_v but_o know_v in_o a_o historical_a manner_n what_o be_v believe_v by_o christian_n and_o be_v able_a to_o reason_n about_o it_o and_o to_o discern_v truth_n from_o error_n they_o think_v themselves_o sufficient_o instruct_v but_o these_o instruction_n do_v not_o reach_v the_o heart_n among_o that_o small_a number_n of_o person_n who_o have_v some_o knowledge_n there_o be_v but_o few_o who_o consider_v that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v to_o a_o holy_a life_n as_o to_o its_o proper_a end_n and_o intendment_n and_o they_o be_v few_o yet_o who_o actual_o direct_v it_o to_o that_o end_n and_o make_v it_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o reform_v of_o their_o life_n and_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o great_a many_o of_o those_o who_o be_v best_a acquaint_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n have_v yet_o but_o a_o imperfect_a and_o barren_a knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o that_o with_o all_o their_o attainment_n they_o live_v still_o in_o the_o darkness_n of_o corruption_n and_o vice_n ii_o hitherto_o we_o have_v consider_v ignorance_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n which_o the_o christian_a faith_n embrace_n let_v we_o now_o view_v this_o ignorance_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o duty_n which_o christianity_n prescribe_v upon_o this_o second_o head_n we_o shall_v discover_v yet_o a_o great_a ignorance_n than_o upon_o the_o first_o for_o after_o all_o something_o may_v be_v do_v when_o we_o be_v only_o to_o infuse_v into_o man_n some_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n it_o be_v usual_a enough_o to_o see_v very_o ill_a man_n who_o in_o this_o regard_n be_v not_o destitute_a of_o light_n but_o it_o be_v much_o hard_a to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n we_o may_v apply_v here_o these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n 20._o saviour_n john_n iii_o 19_o 20._o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v the_o maxim_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o its_o morality_n condemn_v sinner_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o care_v to_o be_v inform_v about_o they_o those_o who_o love_v the_o world_n and_o their_o sin_n be_v glad_a if_o they_o can_v enjoy_v the_o sweet_n of_o these_o without_o disturbance_n and_o interruption_n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v not_o inquire_v much_o into_o the_o moral_a precept_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v loath_a to_o come_v at_o such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o will_v disclose_v to_o they_o the_o turpitude_n of_o vice_n and_o breed_v disquiet_a and_o remorse_n in_o they_o ignorance_n beget_v security_n the_o more_o ignorant_a a_o man_n be_v the_o few_o sting_n he_o feel_v in_o his_o conscience_n and_o the_o more_o pleasure_n he_o take_v in_o his_o sin_n the_o very_a shadow_n of_o evil_n fright_v a_o well-instructed_n christian_n but_o crime_n itself_o do_v not_o daunt_v one_o who_o be_v ignorant_a he_o do_v not_o hear_v within_o himself_o those_o alarm_n or_o reproach_n which_o be_v either_o the_o preservative_n against_o sin_n or_o the_o remedy_n of_o it_o from_o this_o it_o may_v be_v judge_v already_o that_o man_n be_v general_o very_o little_o instruct_v in_o what_o concern_v manner_n but_o that_o we_o may_v â—he_n better_o understand_v how_o great_a the_o ignorance_n be_v in_o this_o matter_n it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o whoever_o will_v perform_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n must_v be_v persuade_v of_o their_o necessity_n and_o acquaint_v with_o their_o nature_n one_o can_v imagine_v how_o they_o can_v be_v practise_v by_o a_o man_n who_o either_o do_v not_o know_v they_o or_o do_v not_o think_v they_o necessary_a this_o be_v the_o plain_a reason_n why_o man_n do_v so_o little_o addict_v themselves_o to_o piety_n they_o know_v neither_o its_o necessity_n nor_o its_o nature_n 1._o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o those_o fact_n and_o doctrine_n which_o religion_n propose_v so_o the_o groundwork_n of_o piety_n be_v to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o christianity_n require_v without_o this_o persuasion_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o resign_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n now_o one_o will_v think_v that_o all_o christian_n shall_v be_v full_o convince_v of_o this_o necessity_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o certain_a truth_n in_o christianity_n it_o be_v this_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o good_a work_n be_v necessary_a good_a work_n do_v so_o immediate_o belong_v to_o the_o design_n and_o the_o
be_v enough_o to_o fill_v they_o with_o a_o good_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o now_o when_o man_n be_v thus_o blind_v by_o self-love_n and_o do_v not_o know_v themselves_o there_o be_v but_o little_a hope_n of_o they_o and_o they_o will_v undoubted_o fall_v into_o a_o state_n of_o security_n these_o consideration_n plain_o show_v if_o i_o â—m_n not_o mistake_v that_o man_n for_o the_o most_o â—art_n live_v in_o very_o great_a ignorance_n but_o i_o â—hink_v myself_o bind_v to_o answer_v a_o objection_n which_o may_v be_v offer_v against_o what_o have_v â—een_n say_v some_o will_v think_v no_o doubt_n â—â—at_v it_o be_v very_o difficult_a for_o man_n to_o be_v so_o â—ell_o instruct_v as_o i_o suppose_v they_o ought_v to_o â—e_v and_o that_o the_o people_n be_v not_o capable_a â—f_n such_o a_o exact_a kowledge_v of_o morality_n to_o satisfy_v those_o who_o make_v this_o objection_n and_o to_o clear_v this_o matter_n full_o i_o observe_v first_o that_o by_o all_o i_o have_v say_v i_o do_v â—â—y_o no_o mean_n pretend_v that_o all_o christian_n â—â—an_z or_o aught_o to_o be_v equal_o instruct_v i_o â—now_v that_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o knowledge_n â—nd_v that_o in_o morality_n as_o well_o as_o in_o doctrine_n divine_n and_o man_n of_o part_n go_v a_o â—reat_a way_n beyond_o the_o bulk_n of_o mankind_n it_o 〈◊〉_d sufficient_a for_o every_o one_o to_o be_v instruct_v accord_v to_o his_o capacity_n and_o his_o condition_n â—ut_v after_o all_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o morality_n â—s_v necssary_a to_o every_o body_n or_o else_o we_o must_v â—â—rike_v several_a precept_n out_o of_o the_o gospel_n â—nless_a we_o imagine_v that_o those_o precept_n be_v intend_v only_o for_o a_o small_a number_n of_o learned_a and_o subtle_a man_n which_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o our_o saviour_n word_n who_o say_v that_o his_o doctrine_n be_v design_v for_o all_o mankind_n for_o the_o little_a one_o and_o the_o simple_a rather_o than_o for_o 8._o for_o mat._n xi_o 25_o 1_o cor._n x._o john_n vi_o 45._o 1_o thess_n v._o 20._o phil._n iu._n 8._o 2_o pet._n ii_o 5_o 6_o 7_o 8._o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a there_o be_v no_o christian_a but_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a man_n and_o teach_v of_o god_n when_o st._n paul_n say_v prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n when_o st._n peter_n exhort_v christian_n to_o add_v to_o their_o faith_n all_o christian_a virtue_n to_o grow_v and_o abound_v in_o all_o these_o virtue_n such_o exhortation_n do_v belong_v equal_o to_o all_o the_o professor_n of_o christianity_n it_o must_v not_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v man_n in_o the_o world_n of_o very_a dull_a and_o shallow_a capacity_n and_o that_o country_n people_n and_o mechanic_n can_v comprehend_v all_o these_o maxim_n of_o morality_n this_o be_v not_o so_o difficult_a as_o it_o be_v imagine_v the_o duty_n of_o morality_n be_v clear_a they_o present_o affect_v a_o man_n because_o they_o be_v consonant_n to_o the_o common_a notice_n and_o sentiment_n of_o conscience_n choose_v what_o part_n of_o morality_n you_o please_v and_o you_o may_v with_o due_a endeavour_n make_v either_o a_o handy-crafts-man_n or_o a_o day-labourer_n apprehend_v it_o so_o you_o confine_v yourself_o to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o such_o people_n in_o their_o several_a calling_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o subtle_a or_o difficult_a in_o the_o rule_n of_o morality_n than_o there_o be_v in_o a_o hundred_o dexterity_n and_o shift_n which_o be_v practise_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n and_o which_o common_a people_n can_v attain_v to_o without_o any_o great_a pain_n if_o therefore_o man_n understanding_n be_v so_o gross_a and_o stupid_a in_o moral_a matter_n be_v not_o because_o these_o matter_n be_v above_o their_o reach_n but_o because_o they_o be_v never_o teach_v they_o â—or_a never_o apply_v themselves_o to_o they_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o judge_v of_o what_o man_n may_v be_v by_o what_o they_o be_v the_o best_a ground_n become_v barren_a when_o it_o be_v not_o cultivate_v if_o thing_n be_v well_o order_v among_o christian_n in_o relation_n especial_o to_o the_o instruction_n of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o education_n of_o child_n the_o generality_n of_o they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o stupid_a and_o ignorant_a as_o they_o be_v we_o may_v therefore_o conclude_v that_o ignorance_n be_v one_o of_o the_o general_a cause_n of_o corruption_n christian_n be_v ill_o inform_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o duty_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o want_v instruction_n both_o as_o to_o faith_n and_o manner_n they_o must_v needs_o live_v in_o a_o great_a neglect_n of_o religious_a matter_n it_o may_v be_v ask_v whence_o do_v this_o ignorance_n proceed_v i_o shall_v observe_v three_o principal_a cause_n of_o it_o the_o first_o be_v education_n the_o way_n in_o which_o child_n be_v breed_v up_o do_v infallible_o lead_v to_o ignorance_n the_o second_o be_v the_o want_n of_o mean_n to_o get_v good_a instruction_n and_o particular_o the_o defect_n of_o those_o instruction_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o christian_n in_o sermon_n catechism_n and_o book_n the_o three_o be_v the_o sloth_n and_o carelessness_n of_o man_n who_o will_v be_v at_o no_o pain_n to_o acquire_v necessary_a knowledge_n we_o may_v bestow_v very_o weighty_a consideration_n upon_o every_o one_o of_o these_o three_o head_n but_o since_o they_o will_v again_o come_v in_o our_o way_n in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o treatise_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o have_v point_v at_o they_o in_o this_o place_n as_o the_o three_o main_a source_n of_o ignorance_n in_o truth_n if_o man_n be_v ill_o educate_v if_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o instruction_n and_o take_v no_o care_n about_o it_o whence_o shall_v they_o have_v sufficient_a knowledge_n unless_o they_o be_v instruct_v by_o miracle_n by_o revelation_n and_o inspiration_n they_o can_v but_o be_v ignorant_a and_o corrupt_a but_o now_o if_o ignorance_n be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o corruption_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o first_o remedy_n to_o be_v use_v against_o corruption_n be_v the_o remove_v that_o ignorance_n it_o be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o begin_v at_o if_o we_o will_v bring_v back_o christian_n to_o a_o life_n worthy_a of_o the_o religion_n they_o profess_v exhortation_n censure_n and_o all_o other_o such_o method_n will_v signify_v nothing_o as_o long_o as_o man_n mind_n be_v not_o prepare_v by_o proper_a instruction_n from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v in_o this_o chapter_n it_o may_v be_v gather_v that_o the_o right_a way_n to_o instruct_v man_n be_v before_o all_o thing_n to_o convince_v they_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v they_o sensible_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a or_o of_o great_a consequence_n in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n the_o belief_n of_o the_o general_a truth_n ought_v especial_o to_o be_v well_o fix_v in_o their_o mind_n as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n a_o providence_n a_o judgement_n and_o another_o life_n after_o this_o we_o must_v proceed_v to_o the_o particular_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o as_o we_o go_v on_o in_o explain_v they_o we_o ought_v to_o show_v what_o influence_n those_o truth_n have_v upon_o holiness_n and_o salvation_n but_o the_o most_o important_a thing_n of_o all_o when_o these_o truth_n be_v settle_v be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o bare_a knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v not_o able_a to_o make_v man_n happy_a that_o the_o scope_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o make_v man_n true_o good_a and_o that_o without_o piety_n and_o good_a work_n there_o be_v no_o salvation_n it_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a to_o recommend_v sanctification_n in_o general_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o must_v beside_o be_v distinct_o explain_v it_o must_v be_v show_v which_o be_v the_o general_a and_o particular_a obligation_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n and_o what_o sin_n be_v contrary_a to_o these_o and_o here_o those_o who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o instruct_v the_o people_n aught_o to_o be_v as_o particular_a as_o possible_o they_o can_v show_v upon_o each_o virtue_n and_o vice_n what_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o be_v and_o what_o be_v the_o several_a character_n kind_n and_o degree_n of_o it_o and_o propose_v likewise_o the_o motive_n which_o shall_v discourage_v man_n from_o those_o vice_n and_o prompt_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o opposite_a virtue_n as_o also_o the_o
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
zeal_n and_o some_o assiduity_n in_o the_o public_a exercise_n of_o religion_n last_o it_o be_v believe_v by_o many_o that_o god_n require_v nothing_o else_o of_o man_n but_o confidence_n and_o that_o if_o they_o be_v in_o that_o disposition_n they_o can_v come_v short_a of_o salvation_n they_o think_v that_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o they_o be_v miserable_a sinner_n and_o to_o trust_v in_o he_o divine_a mercy_n and_o in_o the_o merit_n of_o jesus_n christ_n this_o last_o prejudice_n which_o reduce_v religion_n to_o act_n of_o confidence_n be_v perhaps_o the_o common_a of_o all_o and_o yet_o if_o we_o be_v to_o determine_v which_o of_o these_o three_o viz._n knowledge_n profession_n and_o confidence_n be_v the_o least_o essential_a to_o religion_n we_o must_v say_v that_o it_o be_v confidence_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n unconceivable_a and_o contradictory_n that_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o christian_n without_o know_v and_o without_o make_v public_a profession_n of_o his_o religion_n but_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o christian_n and_o a_o good_a man_n too_o and_o yet_o want_v confidence_n for_o as_o it_o frequent_o happen_v that_o a_o bad_a man_n be_v animate_v with_o a_o false_a confidence_n so_o a_o good_a man_n may_v have_v a_o timorous_a conscience_n and_o be_v possess_v with_o groundless_a fear_n sometime_o melancholy_a or_o a_o want_n of_o knowledge_n or_o of_o force_n of_o mind_n or_o even_o constitution_n may_v throw_v good_a man_n into_o a_o state_n in_o which_o they_o feel_v no_o comfort_n but_o without_o insist_v upon_o this_o it_o be_v visible_o a_o error_n as_o common_a as_o it_o be_v pernicious_a for_o man_n to_o pretend_v that_o knowledge_n profession_n or_o confidence_n be_v sufficient_a to_o salvation_n when_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v object_v that_o no_o man_n have_v these_o opinion_n and_o that_o every_o body_n acknowledge_v that_o religion_n oblige_v man_n to_o be_v holy_a i_o grant_v that_o no_o man_n do_v express_o exclude_v holiness_n it_o be_v confess_v by_o all_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v necessary_a but_o yet_o i_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o least_o necessary_a thing_n in_o religion_n and_o to_o prove_v this_o i_o need_v but_o allege_v the_o difference_n which_o be_v make_v between_o knowledge_n profession_n and_o confidence_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o good_a work_n the_o three_o first_o be_v general_o press_v and_o recomend_v in_o another_o manner_n than_o the_o last_o as_o to_o knowledge_n it_o be_v not_o without_o reason_n represent_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a it_o be_v say_v that_o a_o man_n must_v know_v and_o believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o whoever_o deny_v any_o one_o of_o they_o be_v exclude_v from_o salvation_n this_o necessity_n be_v extend_v to_o many_o doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o importance_n with_o fundamental_a truth_n many_o question_n be_v determine_v and_o all_o these_o decision_n be_v make_v article_n of_o faith_n if_o any_o one_o raise_v any_o doubt_n about_o they_o he_o be_v treat_v as_o a_o heretic_n and_o people_n cry_v out_o as_o if_o religion_n be_v upon_o the_o brink_n of_o ruin_n so_o that_o upon_o this_o head_n extreme_a severity_n be_v use_v every_o fault_n be_v capital_a and_o no_o allowance_n be_v make_v for_o humane_a infirmity_n as_o to_o outward_a profession_n the_o necessity_n of_o it_o be_v open_o maintain_v and_o not_o without_o just_a cause_n in_o this_o point_n man_n duty_n and_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v rigorous_o press_v the_o least_o dissemble_a of_o a_o man_n belief_n the_o least_o act_n of_o unlawful_a worship_n be_v call_v apostasy_n it_o be_v declare_v that_o man_n be_v bind_v upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n to_o forsake_v and_o suffer_v all_o rather_o than_o do_v any_o thing_n against_o their_o conscience_n in_o relation_n to_o this_o nothing_o be_v remit_v or_o soften_v and_o the_o weak_a and_o timorous_a be_v no_o way_n indulge_v as_o to_o confidence_n it_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o make_v people_n conceive_v that_o it_o be_v the_o more_o effectual_a to_o salvation_n the_o firm_a it_o be_v and_o the_o more_o remove_v from_o doubt_n the_o great_a sinner_n rely_v bold_o upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o do_v not_o question_n but_o that_o he_o have_v a_o right_a to_o apply_v to_o himself_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n provide_v he_o believe_v that_o be_v to_o say_v as_o it_o be_v mean_v so_o he_o have_v but_o confidence_n enough_o but_o when_o the_o practice_n of_o good_a work_n be_v discourse_v of_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o press_v with_o the_o same_o rigour_n that_o zeal_n which_o upon_o all_o other_o head_n hearken_v to_o no_o accommodation_n become_v here_o very_o tractable_a and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o remissness_n appear_v as_o to_o this_o article_n the_o doctrine_n be_v press_v public_a profession_n be_v strict_o enforce_v and_o confidence_n be_v high_o recommend_v but_o it_o be_v say_v that_o moral_a duty_n must_v not_o be_v so_o severe_o urge_v and_o that_o something_o be_v to_o be_v allow_v for_o humane_a frailty_n and_o yet_o it_o seem_v that_o as_o the_o scripture_n inculcate_n nothing_o so_o much_o as_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n so_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o insist_v as_o much_o at_o least_o upon_o this_o point_n as_o upon_o any_o other_o and_o that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v rank_v as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o low_a degree_n and_o among_o the_o least_o necessary_a thing_n one_o will_v think_v likewise_o that_o the_o press_a sanctification_n be_v to_o require_v nothing_o of_o man_n but_o what_o be_v as_o easy_a if_o not_o more_o than_o certain_a other_o duty_n which_o be_v absolute_o impose_v on_o they_o upon_o pain_n of_o damnation_n such_o as_o the_o forsake_v all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o they_o in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o death_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n but_o without_o enlarge_n upon_o this_o subject_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n do_v not_o believe_v that_o holiness_n be_v so_o essential_a a_o part_n of_o religion_n as_o it_o real_o be_v and_o that_o they_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n from_o whence_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v neglect_v the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n but_o there_o be_v some_o prejudices_fw-la which_o do_v yet_o more_o direct_o attack_v piety_n and_o they_o be_v those_o which_o people_n entertain_v concern_v piety_n and_o morality_n itself_o i_o shall_v instance_n this_o first_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v that_o morality_n be_v not_o of_o such_o great_a moment_n in_o religion_n who_o speak_v of_o it_o with_o contempt_n and_o cry_v it_o down_o and_o who_o unreasonable_o set_v faith_n in_o opposition_n to_o goodwork_n maintain_v that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o believe_v and_o that_o those_o who_o insist_v upon_o moral_n do_v not_o apprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o one_o will_v think_v that_o such_o absurd_a and_o unchristian_a imagination_n shall_v be_v universal_o reject_v but_o because_o whatever_o gratify_v corruption_n be_v usual_o welcome_a to_o man_n these_o opinion_n have_v their_o advocate_n even_o among_o divine_n as_o may_v easy_o be_v show_v from_o the_o print_a work_n of_o some_o author_n who_o seem_v to_o have_v have_v a_o design_n to_o disparage_v goodwork_n and_o to_o oppose_v the_o necessity_n of_o sanctification_n this_o prejudice_n overturn_v the_o foundation_n of_o morality_n by_o destroy_v its_o necessity_n and_o render_v it_o contemptible_a i_o only_o give_v here_o a_o hint_n of_o it_o because_o i_o be_o to_o show_v in_o other_o place_n that_o it_o be_v the_o height_n of_o extravagance_n thus_o to_o set_v up_o faith_n against_o morality_n to_o ascribe_v all_o to_o the_o one_o and_o to_o speak_v but_o very_o slight_o of_o the_o other_o and_o yet_o some_o people_n do_v not_o stop_v here_o they_o think_v it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o insist_v so_o much_o upon_o morality_n nay_o some_o have_v proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o say_v this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o character_n of_o heresy_n i_o confess_v this_o opinion_n be_v not_o very_o common_a it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v impute_v to_o the_o people_n nor_o even_o to_o the_o libertine_n none_o but_o a_o few_o conceit_a divine_n have_v have_v the_o face_n to_o maintain_v it_o which_o by_o the_o by_o increase_v the_o scandal_n that_o be_v occasion_v by_o such_o proposition_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o believe_v that_o those_o who_o advance_v they_o qualify_v they_o with_o some_o restriction_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o the_o terrible_a consequence_n which_o flow_v from_o they_o but_o that_o they_o have_v
of_o their_o duty_n be_v that_o they_o do_v not_o profess_v devotion_n and_o piety_n this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a plea_n of_o man_n of_o business_n of_o worldling_n of_o young_a people_n of_o courtier_n of_o military_a man_n and_o of_o a_o great_a many_o beside_o in_o all_o condition_n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o devotion_n they_o cry_v we_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o world_n and_o with_o this_o shift_n they_o not_o only_o think_v themselves_o excusable_a for_o neglect_v piety_n but_o they_o fancy_v they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o neglect_v it_o and_o that_o they_o do_v a_o great_a deal_n if_o they_o observe_v some_o of_o the_o external_n duty_n of_o it_o one_o can_v hardly_o believe_v that_o these_o person_n be_v in_o carnest_n when_o they_o make_v such_o a_o excuse_n it_o astonish_v a_o man_n to_o find_v christian_n who_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o say_v that_o piety_n be_v not_o their_o business_n that_o they_o be_v of_o another_o profession_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o at_o leisure_n to_o be_v devout_a i_o fancy_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o deceive_v those_o who_o who_o allege_v this_o excuse_n 1._o that_o they_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v what_o devotion_n be_v they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o very_a austere_a and_o singular_a way_n of_o live_v from_o whence_o they_o conclude_v that_o but_o few_o people_n be_v able_a to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o it_o and_o so_o they_o turn_v it_o over_o to_o the_o clergy_n to_o woman_n or_o to_o those_o who_o have_v much_o leisure_n i_o have_v observe_v already_o the_o falseness_n of_o this_o prejudice_n and_o show_v that_o piety_n be_v neither_o singular_a nor_o austere_a 2._o the_o other_o cause_n of_o their_o error_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o piety_n be_v every_o body_n business_n and_o that_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v practise_v by_o all_o men._n not_o but_o that_o secular_a occupation_n and_o calling_n do_v frequent_o obstruct_v piety_n and_o engage_v man_n in_o vice_n and_o therefore_o a_o christian_a shall_v never_o be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o life_n as_o thereby_o to_o disable_v himself_o from_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n but_o after_o all_o a_o man_n may_v live_v like_o a_o good_a christian_a in_o any_o lawful_a call_v and_o in_o that_o sense_n proper_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n teach_v they_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n 11._o world_n tit._n ii_o 11._o do_v those_o who_o plead_v it_o for_o a_o excuse_n that_o they_o do_v not_o profess_v devotion_n imagine_v that_o there_o be_v two_o way_n to_o go_v to_o heaven_n the_o one_o for_o devour_v and_o the_o other_o for_o worldly_a man_n the_o one_o narrow_a and_o the_o other_o broad_a do_v they_o think_v that_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n do_v not_o concern_v all_o man_n that_o there_o be_v respect_n of_o person_n with_o god_n or_o that_o he_o dispense_v with_o his_o own_o law_n how_o can_v they_o prove_v these_o distinction_n be_v not_o we_o all_o christian_n have_v not_o we_o all_o be_v baptise_v do_v not_o god_n give_v we_o all_o the_o same_o law_n or_o have_v some_o more_o reason_n to_o love_n god_n than_o other_o and_o ought_v not_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o our_o salvation_n to_o be_v equal_o dear_a to_o we_o all_o i_o grant_v that_o those_o who_o have_v great_a opportunity_n and_o more_o leisure_n than_o other_o aught_o to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o advantage_n but_o i_o maintain_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o none_o stand_v in_o great_a need_n of_o piety_n than_o those_o who_o say_v we_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o world_n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o devotion_n it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o devout_a that_o their_o condition_n be_v very_o sad_a and_o the_o more_o they_o be_v engage_v in_o the_o world_n the_o great_a be_v the_o temptation_n and_o distraction_n to_o which_o they_o be_v liable_a now_o he_o that_o be_v expose_v to_o a_o storm_n have_v need_n take_v more_o care_n than_o he_o who_o enjoy_v a_o calm_a these_o be_v the_o principal_a maxim_n and_o sentiment_n which_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o authorize_v corruption_n whoever_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o be_v say_v and_o do_v in_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o these_o and_o the_o like_a maxim_n be_v vent_v abroad_o every_o day_n so_o that_o in_o order_n to_o obstruct_v the_o progress_n of_o corruption_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o undeceive_v man_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o sentiment_n and_o to_o oppose_v that_o criminal_a boldness_n which_o shameful_o corrup_n the_o truth_n of_o reilgion_n and_o turn_n impiety_n into_o religious_a maxim_n and_o article_n of_o faith_n cause_n iu._n the_o abuse_n of_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v a_o dare_a piece_n of_o confidence_n to_o authorize_v corruption_n with_o maxim_n borrow_v from_o religion_n but_o it_o be_v the_o last_o degree_n of_o audaciousness_n and_o impiety_n to_o turn_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o such_o a_o scandalous_a use_n and_o to_o seek_v in_o that_o divine_a book_n pretence_n and_o apology_n for_o vice_n and_o yet_o the_o extravagance_n and_o temerity_n of_o many_o bad_a christian_n come_v up_o to_o this_o pitch_n several_a declaration_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v make_v by_o they_o as_o many_o maxim_n under_o which_o they_o think_v to_o shelter_v themselves_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v they_o there_o be_v nothing_o either_o in_o their_o practice_n or_o opinion_n but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n and_o intention_n of_o god_n himself_o this_o abuse_n of_o the_o scripture_n i_o design_v to_o show_v in_o this_o chapter_n to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n and_o it_o can_v he_o too_o serious_o consider_v the_o passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v abuse_v to_o this_o purpose_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o four_o head_n the_o first_o comprehend_v the_o place_n which_o be_v bring_v against_o the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n under_o the_o second_o we_o will_v examine_v those_o declaration_n of_o scripture_n by_o which_o some_o endeavour_n to_o prove_v that_o all_o man_n without_o exception_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o corruption_n which_o subject_n they_o to_o sin_n in_o the_o three_o place_n we_o shall_v answer_v the_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o example_n of_o those_o saint_n who_o sin_n be_v record_v in_o scripture_n and_o last_o we_o shall_v make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o those_o scrippture_n in_o which_o the_o divine_a mercy_n be_v promise_v to_o the_o great_a sinner_n there_o be_v divers_a passage_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v ill_o understand_v lead_v many_o into_o this_o persuasion_n that_o good_a work_n be_v not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o first_o nothing_o be_v more_o confident_o allege_v to_o this_o purpose_n than_o what_o we_o read_v in_o many_o place_n etc._n place_n rom._n iii_o etc._n etc._n that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o our_o work_n no_o doctrine_n be_v more_o clear_o and_o express_o deliver_v in_o the_o gospel_n than_o that_o of_o justification_n by_o faith_n but_o it_o be_v a_o pervert_v of_o this_o doctrine_n to_o conclude_v from_o it_o that_o salvation_n may_v be_v obtain_v without_o good_a work_n this_o conclusion_n must_v needs_o be_v false_a since_o the_o gospel_n enjoin_v good_a work_n as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n st_o paul_n tell_v we_o that_o 14._o that_o heb._n xx._n 14._o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v god_n and_o do_v not_o that_o import_n that_o none_o shall_v be_v save_v without_o holiness_n and_o good_a work_n the_o same_o apostle_n teach_v we_o that_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o man_n shall_v be_v admit_v into_o or_o exclude_v from_o heaven_n god_n will_v have_v a_o regard_n to_o their_o work_n to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_n which_o they_o shall_v have_v do_v 6._o do_v rom._n 11._o 6._o god_n will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n 10._o work_n 2_o cor._n v._o 10._o we_o must_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n that_o we_o may_v receive_v according_a to_o what_o we_o have_v do_v whether_o good_a or_o bad_a this_o be_v very_o positive_a and_o therefore_o since_o there_o can_v be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o scripture_n here_o be_v enough_o already_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n have_v nothing_o in_o it_o which_o destroy_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a work_n but_o it_o will_v appear_v yet_o less_o difficult_a to_o reconcile_v these_o two_o doctrine_n if_o we_o suppose_v that_o which_o no_o man_n can_v reasonable_o contest_v
incline_v but_o yet_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o the_o various_a circumstance_n of_o time_n plate_n and_o of_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n contribute_v much_o to_o the_o progress_n of_o piety_n or_o of_o corruption_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v some_o happy_a circumstance_n and_o some_o time_n very_o favourable_a to_o piety_n as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v unhappy_a circumstance_n and_o time_n in_o which_o it_o be_v like_o a_o stranger_n upon_o earth_n the_o mean_n to_o promote_v it_o be_v then_o neither_o so_o effectual_a nor_o so_o frequent_a the_o design_n of_o this_o work_n oblige_v i_o to_o consider_v what_o may_v be_v think_v in_o this_o respect_n of_o the_o time_n we_o live_v in_o and_o whether_o this_o corruption_n which_o dishonour_v christianity_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o the_o time_n and_o from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n but_o we_o can_v succeed_v in_o this_o enquiry_n nor_o pass_v a_o sound_a judgement_n upon_o the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n without_o run_v back_o to_o its_o first_o origin_n and_o nature_n and_o without_o take_v a_o view_n of_o those_o age_n which_o be_v elapse_v since_o its_o first_o establishment_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o history_n be_v here_o of_o great_a use_n the_o scripture_n inform_v we_o what_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v and_o history_n show_v we_o the_o different_a state_n through_o which_o it_o have_v pass_v when_o we_o examine_v religion_n by_o these_o two_o rule_n we_o perceive_v that_o it_o neither_o have_v be_v nor_o will_v be_v always_o in_o the_o state_n it_o be_v now_o in_o it_o be_v fit_a in_o the_o sir_n place_n to_o seek_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o religion_n in_o scripture_n there_o it_o be_v that_o chistianity_n still_o subsist_v in_o all_o its_o beauty_n for_o neither_o the_o age_n which_o be_v past_a nor_o the_o change_n which_o have_v happen_v have_v be_v able_a to_o tarnish_v in_o the_o least_o the_o brightness_n of_o those_o native_a and_o lively_a colour_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n religion_n be_v set_v forth_o in_o holy_a write_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n of_o four_o principal_a character_n in_o the_o â—dea_n which_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o religion_n and_o these_o be_v truth_n holiness_n union_n and_o order_n 1._o the_o first_o and_o the_o chief_a character_n of_o this_o church_n and_o religion_n be_v the_o knowledge_n and_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n this_o be_v what_o distinguish_v christianity_n from_o false_a religion_n the_o church_n be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n no_o long_o than_o while_o she_o retain_v the_o purity_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o evangelical_n doctrine_n it_o will_v be_v needless_a to_o prove_v this_o 2._o the_o sacred_a writer_n represent_v the_o church_n as_o a_o society_n altogether_o holy_a they_o name_v she_o ii_o she_o eph._n v._o 27._o pet_n ii_o the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n a_o glorious_a spouse_n have_v neither_o spot_n nor_o wrinkle_n nor_o any_o such_o thing_n but_o be_v holy_a and_o without_o blemish_n they_o call_v she_o xii_o she_o heb._n xii_o the_o house_n of_o the_o live_a god_n a_o holy_a nation_n and_o the_o assembly_n of_o the_o first_o bear_v which_o be_v write_v in_o heaven_n they_o give_v to_o christian_n the_o glorious_a title_n of_o king_n priest_n saint_n elect_a child_n of_o god_n and_o new_a man_n they_o speak_v of_o they_o as_o of_o a_o people_n separate_v from_o the_o world_n and_o its_o vice_n dedicate_v to_o god_n and_o to_o good_a work_n and_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n temperance_n justice_n charity_n and_o all_o other_o virtue_n 3._o union_n and_o love_n be_v the_o three_o character_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o true_a disciple_n of_o christ_n the_o scripture_n do_v not_o speak_v to_o we_o of_o many_o church_n but_o of_o one_o of_o which_o all_o the_o faithful_a be_v member_n in_o what_o place_n soever_o they_o may_v be_v st._n paul_n say_v that_o there_o be_v buâ—_n one_o faith_n one_o baptism_n and_o one_o god_n the_o apostle_n enjoin_v above_o all_o thing_n union_n and_o charity_n and_o they_o give_v many_o precept_n to_o maintain_v these_o and_o to_o make_v they_o flourish_v among_o christian_n 4._o as_o holiness_n and_o union_n can_v be_v preserve_v where_o there_o be_v no_o order_n so_o the_o church_n be_v to_o be_v a_o well_o regulate_v society_n in_o which_o every_o thing_n may_v be_v do_v in_o a_o convenient_a and_o orderly_a manner_n and_o in_o fact_n there_o be_v in_o the_o sacred_a write_n many_o law_n to_o this_o purpose_n we_o find_v there_o several_a regulation_n concern_v the_o way_n in_o which_o the_o church_n ought_v to_o be_v govern_v and_o concern_v the_o call_n of_o bishop_n and_o pastor_n and_o the_o principal_a function_n of_o their_o office_n the_o scripture_n do_v beside_o appoint_v the_o exercise_n of_o discipline_n the_o manner_n of_o proceed_v in_o relation_n to_o scandalous_a sinner_n and_o the_o administration_n of_o public_a alms._n it_o prescribe_v the_o chief_a act_n of_o religion_n and_o divine_a worship_n prayer_n fast_v sacrament_n preach_v and_o some_o other_o head_n all_o these_o law_n be_v design_v to_o establish_v order_n and_o piety_n in_o the_o church_n and_o to_o banish_v confusion_n and_o scandal_n out_o of_o it_o and_o this_o order_n can_v be_v a_o thing_n indifferent_a since_o the_o apostle_n have_v give_v we_o law_n about_o it_o it_o be_v not_o difficult_a to_o show_v that_o most_o christian_a society_n be_v hardly_o to_o be_v know_v by_o these_o mark_n but_o before_o we_o come_v to_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o observe_v the_o different_a state_n through_o which_o the_o church_n have_v pass_v from_o her_o infancy_n to_o this_o time_n ii_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o church_n in_o her_o infancy_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n be_v very_o pure_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o follow_v but_o yet_o must_v take_v heed_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n that_o we_o do_v not_o form_v to_o ourselves_o too_o advantageous_a a_o idea_n of_o it_o as_o if_o christianity_n have_v be_v then_o in_o its_o utmost_a purity_n and_o perfection_n the_o church_n in_o her_o beginning_n do_v consist_v of_o jew_n and_o heathen_n these_o man_n embrace_v christianity_n do_v not_o so_o entire_o strip_v themselves_o of_o their_o prejudices_fw-la and_o custom_n but_o that_o they_o bring_v with_o they_o into_o the_o church_n some_o of_o the_o notion_n of_o judaisme_n and_o even_o of_o gentilism_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o this_o be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o those_o heresy_n which_o do_v stain_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o moral_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o several_a disorder_n which_o happen_v in_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o apostle_n beside_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o first_o minister_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o able_a by_o reason_n of_o the_o persecution_n and_o of_o the_o obstacle_n they_o meet_v with_o to_o regulate_v all_o thing_n as_o they_o will_v have_v do_v if_o the_o church_n have_v be_v in_o peace_n we_o need_v not_o therefore_o wonder_v if_o we_o find_v imperfection_n and_o defect_n apparent_a enough_o in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o it_o be_v of_o some_o importance_n to_o observe_v this_o not_o only_o that_o we_o may_v have_v true_a apprehension_n concern_v this_o matter_n but_o that_o we_o may_v beside_o obviate_v a_o unhappy_a consequence_n which_o may_v be_v draw_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o present_a corruption_n from_o what_o have_v be_v know_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n no_o doubt_n but_o there_o be_v disorder_n and_o scandal_n at_o that_o time_n but_o we_o be_v to_o remember_v that_o the_o church_n be_v then_o make_v up_o of_o man_n who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v bear_v and_o have_v live_v in_o paganism_n and_o who_o life_n have_v be_v spend_v in_o the_o thick_a darkness_n of_o ignorance_n and_o vice_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o the_o church_n be_v then_o more_o holy_a and_o pure_a than_o she_o have_v be_v since_o or_o be_v at_o this_o day_n in_o most_o place_n this_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n which_o can_v reasonable_o be_v contest_v for_o beside_o that_o it_o may_v be_v verify_v from_o the_o testimony_n which_o the_o sacred_a and_o some_o of_o the_o heathen_a author_n bear_v to_o the_o innocency_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n and_o that_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o man_n be_v keep_v in_o awe_n while_o the_o apostle_n be_v alive_a in_o the_o time_n of_o miracle_n besidesall_n this_o i_o say_v there_o be_v two_o considereation_n which_o prove_v that_o corrupton_n can_v not_o be_v then_o so_o great_a or_o so_o
practice_n of_o 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
the_o man_n of_o the_o world_n st._n paul_n exhort_v christian_n fourteen_o christian_n rom._n xii_o eph._n two_o and_o iu._n tit._n ii_o mat._n vii_o xiii_o fourteen_o not_o to_o be_v conform_v to_o this_o present_a world_n not_o to_o walk_v after_o the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n not_o to_o follow_v other_o man_n way_n of_o live_v to_o renounce_v the_o world_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o it_o our_o saviour_n enjoin_v his_o disciple_n to_o avoid_v the_o wide_a gate_n and_o the_o broad_a way_n of_o the_o multitude_n and_o to_o strike_v into_o the_o narrow_a path_n which_o be_v walk_v in_o but_o by_o a_o few_o these_o be_v reflection_n which_o every_o man_n who_o believe_v the_o gospel_n will_v frequent_o and_o serious_o make_v and_o which_o shall_v serve_v he_o for_o remedy_n against_o the_o temptation_n arise_v from_o example_n and_o custom_n there_o be_v other_o general_a remedy_n which_o tend_v to_o lessen_v the_o number_n of_o bad_a example_n and_o to_o alter_v the_o custom_n and_o usage_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o though_o it_o may_v seem_v that_o to_o go_v about_o the_o abolish_n of_o that_o which_o be_v establish_v by_o a_o general_a custom_n and_o a_o long_o use_v be_v to_o attempt_v and_o impossibility_n and_o though_o we_o can_v expect_v that_o this_o cause_n of_o corruption_n shall_v be_v entire_o remove_v yet_o the_o difficulty_n be_v not_o so_o great_a but_o that_o it_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n be_v overcome_v this_o we_o may_v have_v reason_n to_o hope_v for_o if_o first_o those_o who_o know_v and_o love_v their_o duty_n will_v discharge_v it_o with_o courage_n and_o if_o they_o do_v add_v to_o their_o knowledge_n a_o zeal_n support_v by_o prudence_n and_o firmness_n how_o great_a soever_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o man_n may_v be_v there_o be_v still_o something_o in_o virtue_n which_o attract_v their_o respect_n and_o their_o love_n the_o endeavour_n of_o good_a man_n against_o vice_n be_v always_o attend_v with_o some_o success_n if_o the_o benefit_n of_o their_o exhortation_n and_o good_a example_n do_v not_o reach_v far_o they_o may_v at_o least_o be_v useful_a to_o their_o family_n and_o their_o acquaintance_n but_o something_o more_o than_o this_o be_v requisite_a to_o reform_v general_a custom_n and_o practice_n and_o none_o can_v do_v this_o more_o easy_o and_o effectual_o than_o those_o who_o be_v raise_v above_o other_o man_n and_o who_o be_v in_o public_a station_n i_o say_v therefore_o second_o that_o if_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n will_v use_v their_o authority_n to_o this_o end_n and_o be_v exemplary_a themselves_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o world_n will_v considerable_o abate_v and_o bad_a example_n will_v neither_o be_v so_o frequent_a nor_o so_o forcible_a as_o they_o be_v it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o banish_v the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o custom_n which_o be_v common_o receive_v and_o to_o establish_v contrary_a one_o the_o care_n and_o example_n of_o pastor_n be_v likewise_o a_o most_o efficacious_a remedy_n if_o they_o do_v instruct_v christian_n as_o they_o ought_v if_o they_o do_v oppose_v the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age_n with_o the_o pure_a maxim_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o they_o do_v set_v themselves_o against_o abuse_n if_o they_o do_v endeavour_v in_o public_a and_o in_o private_a to_o bring_v all_o those_o that_o err_v into_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n if_o they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o instruct_n of_o youth_n and_o if_o their_o manner_n be_v edify_v and_o exemplary_a there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o they_o will_v soon_o stop_v the_o current_n of_o vice_n and_o scandal_n it_o shall_v be_v their_o chief_a care_n to_o oppose_v abuse_n and_o ill_a custom_n in_o their_o beginning_n because_o when_o they_o have_v once_o take_v root_n the_o remedy_n be_v much_o more_o difficult_a in_o fine_a as_o custom_n be_v establish_v by_o degree_n so_o they_o be_v not_o abolish_v all_o at_o once_o and_o therefore_o those_o who_o do_v not_o succeed_v at_o first_o in_o so_o good_a a_o design_n ought_v not_o present_o to_o be_v discourage_v and_o to_o grow_v weary_a cause_n vii_o book_n this_o be_v the_o last_o cause_n of_o corruption_n which_o i_o shall_v mention_v but_o without_o question_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o generaland_n of_o the_o most_o remarkable_a book_n be_v as_o many_o public_a fountain_n from_o which_o vast_a number_n of_o notion_n and_o sentiment_n which_o be_v common_o receive_v among_o man_n and_o which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o their_o action_n diffuse_v themselves_o into_o the_o world_n and_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o among_o a_o infinity_n of_o book_n a_o great_a many_o must_v be_v bad_a so_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o book_n contribute_v very_o much_o to_o the_o keep_n up_o of_o corruption_n if_o man_n as_o we_o have_v show_v in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n be_v ignorant_a and_o full_a of_o prejudices_fw-la if_o they_o have_v loose_a and_o impious_a notion_n concern_v religion_n if_o great_a defect_n be_v observable_a both_o in_o the_o live_v of_o christian_n and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_a if_o the_o people_n be_v ill_o instruct_v and_o child_n be_v ill_o educate_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o these_o disorder_n be_v partly_o to_o be_v find_v in_o book_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o most_o important_a subject_n which_o i_o be_o to_o handle_v in_o this_o chapter_n but_o it_o be_v likewise_o a_o very_a large_a one_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o prodigious_a multitude_n of_o book_n which_o i_o may_v have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o speak_v of_o here_o but_o i_o must_v confine_v my_o self_n to_o that_o which_o be_v most_o material_a to_o be_v say_v upon_o this_o head_n i_o shall_v speak_v 1._o of_o ill_a book_n and_o 2._o of_o book_n of_o religion_n the_o number_n of_o bad_a book_n be_v infinite_a and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o give_v a_o catalogue_n of_o they_o but_o i_o think_v that_o among_o all_o the_o sort_n of_o ill_a book_n none_o do_v great_a mischief_n in_o the_o world_n than_o either_o those_o which_o lead_v to_o irreligion_n and_o impiety_n or_o those_o which_o be_v impure_a and_o filthy_a the_o first_o attack_v faith_n and_o the_o other_o corrupt_a manner_n 1._o the_o most_o dangerous_a of_o all_o book_n be_v those_o which_o attack_v religion_n such_o be_v not_o only_o all_o the_o book_n of_o atheist_n and_o deist_n but_o such_o be_v likewise_o all_o those_o work_n which_o tend_v to_o overthrow_v either_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o the_o fact_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n or_o the_o difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n or_o any_o other_o principle_n of_o religion_n frank_n also_o in_o the_o same_o order_n the_o book_n which_o introduce_v scepticism_n and_o the_o design_n of_o which_o be_v to_o render_v the_o principle_n of_o faith_n or_o morality_n uncertain_a and_o dubious_a those_o book_n in_o which_o impiety_n appear_v bare-faced_n be_v not_o the_o most_o pernicious_a few_o person_n ever_o dare_v maintain_v atheism_n open_o or_o deny_v direct_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n and_o beside_o avow_a atheist_n and_o deist_n have_v not_o many_o follower_n their_o opinion_n raise_v horror_n and_o a_o man_n mind_n rebel_v against_o they_o but_o those_o man_n who_o though_o they_o do_v not_o open_o espouse_v the_o cause_n of_o impiety_n but_o pretend_v all_o the_o while_n that_o the_o acknowledge_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o religion_n do_v yet_o shake_v the_o principal_a truth_n of_o faith_n those_o man_n i_o say_v diffuse_v a_o much_o more_o subtle_a and_o dangerous_a poison_n and_o this_o may_v be_v particular_o say_v of_o the_o sceptic_n in_o the_o main_a they_o drive_v at_o the_o same_o thing_n with_o the_o atheist_n they_o assault_v religion_n with_o the_o same_o weapon_n and_o make_v the_o same_o objection_n there_o be_v only_o this_o difference_n that_o the_o atheist_n decide_v the_o question_n and_o deny_v whereas_o the_o sceptic_a after_o he_o have_v muster_v up_o all_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o atheist_n and_o start_v a_o thousand_o scruple_n leaf_n in_o some_o manner_n the_o question_n undetermined_a he_o only_o insinuate_v that_o there_o be_v no_o solid_a answer_n to_o those_o difficulty_n and_o then_o he_o conclude_v with_o a_o false_a modesty_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o dare_v not_o embrace_v either_o side_n and_o that_o which_o way_n soever_o a_o man_n turn_v himself_o he_o meet_v with_o nothing_o but_o obscurity_n and_o uncertainty_n this_o differ_v little_a from_o atheism_n and_o it_o do_v natural_o lead_v to_o incredulity_n it_o be_v a_o astonish_a thing_n that_o book_n contain_v such_o pernicious_a principle_n shall_v have_v be_v publish_v and_o that_o libertinism_n in_o opinion_n about_o religion_n shall_v have_v grow_v up_o to_o that_o pitch_n which_o we_o
now_o see_v it_o at_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n do_v never_o oppose_v it_o with_o so_o much_o subtlety_n and_o with_o such_o vigorous_a effort_n as_o some_o christian_n do_v at_o this_o day_n some_o book_n appear_v from_o time_n to_o time_n which_o be_v only_a collection_n of_o all_o the_o objection_n of_o heathen_n and_o atheist_n against_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n against_o providence_n the_o divinity_n of_o scripture_n the_o truth_n of_o sacred_a history_n the_o foundation_n of_o morality_n and_o many_o other_o important_a head_n so_o that_o impiety_n be_v now_o arrive_v at_o its_o great_a height_n it_o may_v be_v more_o general_a but_o we_o can_v imagine_v how_o it_o can_v rise_v high_o and_o this_o occasion_n a_o very_a considerable_a objection_n it_o may_v be_v ask_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o incredulity_n and_o sceptism_n shall_v appear_v in_o so_o know_v a_o age_n as_o this_o be_v and_o that_o man_n of_o part_n and_o learning_n shall_v entertain_v such_o impious_a sentiment_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o dwell_v a_o little_a upon_o the_o examine_n of_o this_o difficulty_n because_o it_o it_o so_o apt_a to_o perplex_v many_o the_o infidel_n urge_v it_o with_o great_a assurance_n and_o they_o pretend_v to_o infer_v for_o it_o that_o religion_n can_v and_o a_o philosophical_a and_o learned_a age_n and_o that_o none_o but_o the_o mob_n and_o the_o credulous_a part_n of_o mankind_n believe_v it_o they_o say_v that_o ignorant_a age_n be_v the_o most_o favourable_a time_n to_o religion_n that_o then_o every_o thing_n be_v believe_v but_o that_o since_o man_n have_v begin_v to_o examine_v matter_n a_o little_a more_o narrow_o they_o be_v become_v incredulous_a but_o any_o reasonable_a man_n who_o do_v not_o love_n wrangle_v may_v easy_o be_v satisfy_v upon_o this_o point_n first_o infidel_n have_v no_o ground_n to_o suppose_v that_o man_n have_v more_o faith_n in_o the_o age_n of_o ignorance_n than_o they_o have_v now_o for_o this_o supposition_n be_v altogether_o false_a there_o be_v but_o little_a faith_n in_o those_o age_n for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o faith_n a_o silly_a credulity_n which_o make_v the_o gross_a imposture_n to_o pass_v the_o current_n for_o certain_a and_o even_o for_o divine_a truth_n the_o infidel_n do_v likewise_o suppose_v false_o that_o the_o learning_n of_o a_o age_n more_o enlighten_v that_o the_o precedent_n be_v prejudicial_a to_o religion_n for_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o have_v do_v great_a service_n to_o it_o if_o some_o subtle_a spirit_n have_v attack_v it_o a_o great_a many_o know_v and_o judicious_a person_n of_o extraordinary_a erudition_n and_o eminent_a worth_n have_v illustrate_v and_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o with_o great_a solidity_n of_o argument_n than_o ever_o be_v know_v before_o this_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o for_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o those_o who_o make_v objection_n against_o religion_n be_v learned_a that_o the_o be_v philosophical_a man_n who_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n reason_v true_a and_o can_v distinguish_v truth_n from_o error_n let_v it_o be_v so_o but_o then_o i_o ask_v those_o who_o urge_v this_o objection_n how_o it_o happen_v that_o we_o see_v every_o day_n man_n of_o part_n and_o sense_n who_o yet_o will_v obstinate_o maintain_v palpable_a error_n and_o refuse_v to_o yield_v to_o the_o evidence_n of_o some_o truth_n which_o be_v clear_a as_o the_o sun_n to_o this_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v say_v but_o that_o such_o man_n be_v not_o so_o know_v and_o perspicacious_a as_o they_o shall_v be_v or_o that_o they_o do_v not_o make_v that_o use_n which_o they_o ought_v of_o their_o part_n and_o judgement_n i_o confess_v that_o indeed_o a_o man_n must_v have_v some_o part_n and_o subtilty_n to_o be_v able_a to_o find_v difficulty_n every_o where_n but_o that_o man_n make_v a_o wretched_a use_n of_o his_o part_n when_o they_o serve_v he_o only_o to_o wrangle_v about_o the_o most_o certain_a truth_n those_o which_o the_o infidel_n call_v strong_a objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n be_v but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n vain_a subtlety_n and_o mere_a slight_v of_o wit_n which_o may_v be_v use_v alike_o upon_o all_o sort_n of_o subject_n that_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o name_v here_o some_o or_o those_o truth_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v think_v unquestionable_a and_o which_o no_o man_n though_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n can_v doubt_v of_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o same_o objection_n by_o which_o the_o infidel_n attack_v religion_n may_v be_v turn_v against_o such_o truth_n or_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o subtlety_n of_o scepticism_n may_v puzzle_v a_o man_n who_o shall_v maintain_v that_o there_o be_v heretofore_o a_o emperor_n at_o rome_n call_v augustus_n or_o who_o shall_v believe_v with_o all_o mankind_n that_o parent_n ought_v to_o love_v their_o child_n and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sin_n to_o murder_v a_o poor_a wretch_n who_o be_v beg_v a_o alm_n i_o say_v a_o man_n who_o maintain_v these_o truth_n may_v be_v hard_o put_v to_o it_o before_o he_o can_v get_v rid_v of_o all_o the_o question_n of_o a_o captious_a sophister_n but_o do_v it_o follow_v from_o thence_o that_o this_o man_n be_v mistake_v it_o be_v to_o be_v imagine_v that_o a_o man_n can_v doubt_v in_o good_a earnest_n whither_o or_o not_o there_o be_v ever_o at_o rome_n a_o emperor_n name_v augustus_n or_o whether_o parent_n ought_v to_o love_v their_o child_n will_v any_o ever_o be_v so_o extravagant_a as_o to_o believe_v serious_o that_o it_o be_v indifferent_a whether_o we_o cut_v a_o poor_a man_n throat_n or_o give_v he_o a_o alm_n the_o subtlety_n of_o argument_n signify_v nothing_o against_o fact_n which_o be_v well_o aver_v or_o against_o those_o natural_a sentiment_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o mankind_n now_o religion_n be_v found_v upon_o fact_n and_o its_o principle_n be_v in_o part_n natural_a truth_n and_o sentiment_n which_o we_o must_v needs_o feel_v and_o believe_v at_o all_o time_n he_o that_o will_v destroy_v religion_n must_v confute_v those_o fact_n and_o sentiment_n and_o infidelity_n will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o philosophical_a knowledge_n be_v very_o much_o extol_v by_o the_o infidel_n they_o pretend_v chief_o to_o a_o great_a exactness_n in_o reason_v and_o yet_o they_o visible_o run_v counter_a to_o right_a reason_n and_o transgress_v the_o rule_n which_o true_a philosophy_n prescribe_v it_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n to_o judge_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v false_a or_o dubious_a because_o there_o be_v some_o difficulty_n in_o it_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o no_o man_n know_v all_o thing_n or_o be_v able_a to_o answer_v all_o objection_n and_o that_o what_o seem_v obscure_a to_o one_o man_n will_v appear_v very_o clear_a to_o another_o when_o we_o have_v reason_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o believe_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a when_o its_o proof_n be_v strong_a and_o more_o numerous_a than_o its_o difficulty_n and_o when_o there_o be_v proof_n which_o upon_o other_o occasion_n be_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v our_o judgement_n true_a sense_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v yield_v to_o such_o a_o evidence_n this_o method_n be_v particular_o to_o be_v follow_v when_o the_o matter_n in_o question_n be_v of_o some_o moment_n in_o such_o thing_n we_o be_v wont_v to_o govern_v ourselves_o by_o the_o great_a evidence_n and_o to_o choose_v the_o safe_a side_n what_o can_v be_v therefore_o more_o irrational_a than_o to_o hazard_v eternity_n and_o to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n up_o on_o such_o consideration_n as_o will_v have_v no_o weight_n with_o we_o and_o as_o will_v not_o stop_v we_o a_o minute_n in_o the_o ordinary_a affair_n of_o this_o life_n further_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o good_a sense_n to_o pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o distinct_a idea_n or_o which_o we_o do_v not_o thorough_o know_v man_n who_o can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o their_o soul_n or_o of_o a_o hundred_o thing_n they_o see_v before_o their_o eye_n will_v yet_o talk_v at_o random_n about_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o god_n act_v or_o foresee_v future_a evant_n about_o what_o god_n ought_v or_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v do_v for_o the_o orderly_a dispose_n of_o all_o thing_n about_o the_o end_n which_o that_o supreme_a be_v propose_v to_o itself_o and_o about_o the_o mean_n which_o may_v conduce_v to_o those_o ends._n this_o be_v the_o height_n of_o extravagance_n and_o temerity_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v at_o this_o rate_n that_o the_o infidel_n reason_n i_o must_v add_v beside_o that_o man_n of_o part_n be_v
subject_a to_o the_o same_o passion_n with_o the_o vulgar_a and_o that_o those_o passion_n hinder_v they_o from_o discern_v the_o truth_n these_o maker_n of_o objection_n who_o pretend_v to_o politeness_n and_o wit_n be_v not_o general_o sound_v at_o heart_n but_o they_o love_v licentiousness_n they_o be_v not_o addict_v perhaps_o to_o a_o gross_a and_o shameful_a but_o to_o a_o more_o refine_a libertinism_n they_o observe_v a_o little_a decorum_n but_o they_o do_v not_o relish_v the_o maxim_n of_o devotion_n and_o piety_n and_o they_o can_v endure_v to_o be_v tie_v to_o they_o vanity_n have_v likewise_o a_o great_a share_n in_o their_o conduct_n a_o great_a many_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v for_o their_o credit_n to_o distinguish_v themselves_o from_o the_o vulgar_a and_o not_o to_o believe_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v believe_v by_o the_o people_n and_o when_o they_o have_v once_o embrace_v this_o way_n and_o set_v up_o for_o sceptic_n in_o the_o world_n they_o think_v themselves_o bind_v in_o point_n of_o honour_n to_o maintain_v that_o character_n man_n of_o knowledge_n be_v sometime_o govern_v by_o many_o prejudices_fw-la and_o false_a motive_n a_o preconceive_a notion_n or_o a_o mere_a circumstance_n be_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v they_o to_o the_o embrace_v of_o a_o opinion_n what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o conduct_n of_o prince_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o opinion_n and_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o learned_a war_n and_o such_o other_o great_a event_n upon_o which_o the_o fate_n of_o nation_n depend_v and_o which_o make_v so_o much_o stir_v in_o the_o world_n do_v not_o always_o proceed_v from_o wise_a and_o mature_a deliberation_n sometime_o they_o be_v but_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o passion_n of_o a_o humour_n or_o of_o some_o particular_a circumstance_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o learned_a we_o think_v too_o well_o of_o they_o if_o we_o fancy_v that_o they_o be_v always_o determine_v by_o the_o great_a weight_n of_o reason_n the_o motive_n which_o prompt_v they_o to_o maintain_v certain_a opinion_n be_v often_o very_o slight_a they_o be_v not_o sensible_a of_o this_o they_o think_v themselves_o guide_v by_o reason_n and_o they_o do_v not_o perceive_v the_o true_a principle_n of_o their_o action_n or_o judgement_n if_o infidel_n do_v strict_o examine_v themselves_o they_o will_v find_v perhaps_o that_o their_o scruple_n be_v first_o raise_v and_o have_v be_v maintain_v since_o either_o by_o some_o book_n they_o read_v when_o they_o be_v young_a or_o by_o the_o love_n they_o have_v for_o some_o person_n or_o by_o their_o aversion_n to_o other_o or_o by_o some_o ill_a treatment_n they_o have_v meet_v with_o or_o by_o the_o praise_n which_o have_v be_v give_v they_o for_o their_o wit_n or_o by_o some_o prejudice_n they_o have_v conceive_v against_o religion_n in_o general_n when_o they_o hear_v it_o ill_o defend_v or_o against_o certain_a tenet_n which_o be_v particular_a to_o the_o society_n they_o live_v in_o and_o manifest_o absurd_a or_o by_o some_o other_o motion_n of_o this_o nature_n if_o we_o call_v to_o mind_n in_o the_o last_o place_n what_o have_v be_v say_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o treatise_n to_o wit_n that_o few_o christian_n apply_v themselves_o sincere_o to_o the_o study_n of_o the_o general_a truth_n and_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n we_o shall_v not_o wonder_v that_o among_o so_o many_o who_o never_o inquire_v into_o the_o proof_n of_o religion_n some_o shall_v be_v inveigle_v by_o the_o objection_n of_o libertine_n and_o fall_v into_o infidelity_n i_o have_v in_o a_o manner_n step_v out_o of_o my_o way_n but_o this_o digression_n be_v not_o impertinent_a since_o these_o consideration_n may_v serve_v as_o a_o remedy_n against_o incredulity_n and_o scepticism_n which_o some_o author_n will_v fain_o establish_v by_o their_o write_n one_o will_v think_v that_o every_o body_n shall_v abhor_v those_o impious_a book_n but_o yet_o they_o be_v read_v and_o like_v by_o many_o person_n young_a people_n especial_o who_o for_o the_o most_o part_n love_v novelty_n and_o be_v incline_v to_o vanity_n and_o licentiousness_n do_v easy_o imbibe_n the_o principle_n which_o be_v scatter_v through_o such_o book_n they_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o the_o genteelness_n the_o wit_n and_o some_o kind_n of_o learning_n which_o they_o common_o find_v there_o be_v not_o well_o ground_v in_o religion_n they_o be_v strike_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o infidel_n they_o very_o first_o objection_n puzzle_v they_o they_o begin_v to_o doubt_v of_o many_o thing_n and_o in_o a_o little_a time_n they_o become_v thorough-paced_n sceptic_n i_o leave_v any_o one_o to_o judge_v what_o effect_n this_o may_v produce_v in_o a_o age_n so_o prone_a to_o vice_n as_o this_o be_v and_o if_o young_a people_n can_v avoid_v be_v corrupt_v when_o they_o be_v no_o long_o restrain_v by_o religion_n and_o conscience_n there_o be_v no_o condition_n more_o remediless_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o state_n more_o deplorable_a than_o when_o incredulity_n be_v join_v with_o dissoluteness_n of_o manner_n people_z then_o be_v hardly_o to_o be_v reclaim_v age_n and_o ill_a life_n fortify_v their_o doubt_n and_o scruple_n and_o they_o continue_v in_o that_o state_n to_o their_o die_a day_n this_o be_v the_o fruit_n which_o many_o reap_v from_o the_o read_n of_o those_o pernicious_a book_n but_o it_o be_v not_o all_o the_o mischief_n which_o be_v occasion_v by_o such_o write_n they_o may_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o many_o who_o have_v no_o great_a compass_n of_o knowledge_n and_o beget_v several_a scruple_n in_o the_o mind_n even_o of_o good_a men._n after_o these_o reflection_n i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o it_o will_v be_v grant_v that_o no_o book_n be_v more_o dangerous_a than_o these_o and_o that_o to_o have_v the_o confidence_n of_o publish_v they_o be_v a_o superlative_a degree_n of_o impiety_n ii_o the_o book_n i_o have_v now_o speak_v of_o assault_n religion_n and_o piety_n in_o general_n and_o by_o consequence_n open_v a_o door_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o disorder_n and_o vice_n there_o be_v other_o which_o though_o they_o do_v not_o attack_v the_o principle_n of_o faith_n do_v yet_o introduce_v licentiousness_n of_o manner_n it_o will_v be_v a_o long_a work_n if_o i_o shall_v specify_v here_o their_o several_a sort_n which_o be_v as_o many_o as_o there_o be_v vice_n passion_n or_o receive_v error_n among_o man_n this_o be_v a_o detail_n which_o i_o can_v enter_v into_o be_v then_o force_v to_o stint_v myself_o i_o shall_v only_o speak_v of_o impure_a book_n and_o i_o choose_v this_o particular_a species_n of_o ill_a book_n because_o the_o number_n of_o these_o be_v not_o only_o very_o great_a but_o because_o they_o be_v those_o likewise_o which_o do_v most_o general_o corrupt_v men._n their_o number_n be_v prodigious_a first_o we_o have_v the_o obscene_a book_n of_o the_o heathen_a which_o be_v not_o only_o read_v by_o man_n but_o be_v put_v likewise_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o youth_n some_o people_n be_v so_o infatuate_v with_o these_o book_n that_o they_o fancy_v a_o man_n can_v be_v a_o master_n of_o greek_a or_o latin_a unless_o he_o have_v read_v all_o the_o obscenity_n write_v in_o those_o two_o language_n which_o be_v as_o extravagant_a a_o opinion_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v pretend_v that_o whosever_v design_n to_o acquire_v a_o thorough_a knowledge_n of_o the_o french_a or_o of_o any_o other_o live_a language_n and_o to_o be_v able_a to_o speak_v and_o write_v elegant_o in_o it_o must_v read_v all_o the_o lewd_a poem_n and_o all_o the_o scandalous_a book_n which_o this_o age_n have_v produce_v second_o beside_o impure_a book_n of_o pagan_a author_n we_o have_v those_o that_o be_v write_v by_o christian_n the_o world_n be_v ove-run_a with_o book_n of_o this_o stamp_n their_o number_n increase_v every_o day_n and_o their_o amaze_a multitude_n be_v one_o of_o the_o strong_a proof_n of_o the_o extreme_a corruption_n of_o the_o time_n it_o be_v the_o last_o degree_n of_o impudence_n to_o write_v in_o that_o style_n and_o then_o to_o disperse_v it_o in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o press_n the_o dissolution_n must_v need_v be_v very_o great_a when_o this_o be_v do_v so_o free_o and_o so_o often_o as_o it_o be_v in_o this_o age._n nothing_o can_v be_v imagine_v more_o lascivious_a or_o execrable_a than_o some_o book_n which_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v publish_v from_o time_n to_o time_n paganism_n do_v never_o produce_v any_o thing_n more_o abominable_a upon_o the_o head_n of_o impurity_n than_o several_a work_n which_o be_v hatch_v in_o the_o very_a bosom_n of_o christianity_n so_o that_o in_o this_o respect_v christian_n have_v no_o cause_n to_o reproach_n heathen_n these_o detestable_a book_n be_v not_o the_o only_a impure_a one_o nor_o perhaps_o the_o more_o dangerous_a vast_a number_n of_o other_o be_v currant_n
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 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