prodigious_a fire_n and_o smoke_n ascend_v from_o the_o mount_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v one_o great_a flame_a furnace_n and_o then_o a_o last_a earthquake_n be_v the_o preparatory_a and_o precedaneous_a state_n to_o the_o promulgation_n of_o this_o great_a law_n or_o oracle_n now_o these_o what_o natural_a power_n can_v effect_v and_o will_v the_o supernatural_a divine_a power_n effect_n or_o permit_v effect_v to_o the_o abuse_n of_o his_o darling_n mankind_n again_o we_o pretend_v when_o our_o lord_n be_v on_o earth_n there_o be_v at_o several_a time_n what_o the_o jew_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n and_o among_o they_o look_v on_o as_o the_o most_o sacred_a and_o uncontrollable_a kind_n of_o oracle_n there_o be_v i_o say_v such_o a_o voice_n own_v he_o and_o attest_v his_o mission_n but_o this_o not_o pronounce_v the_o christian_a law_n but_o declare_v our_o lord_n commission_v by_o the_o supreme_a god_n to_o that_o office_n who_o be_v man_n may_v speak_v articulate_o and_o god_n as_o we_o pretend_v infallible_o and_o hereof_o at_o several_a time_n multitude_n be_v hearer_n and_o witness_n all_o which_o can_v not_o always_o conspire_v in_o be_v extatick_a or_o delirious_a these_o be_v the_o great_a if_o not_o the_o sole_a articulate_a oracle_n we_o pretend_v to_o now_o admit_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n of_o these_o the_o imputation_n of_o fraud_n in_o the_o matter_n be_v most_o unreasonable_a and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n there_o be_v not_o only_o the_o same_o evidence_n as_o for_o all_o history_n but_o as_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o see_v much_o great_a we_o receive_v history_n upon_o tradition_n or_o those_o man_n who_o be_v present_a at_o the_o do_v those_o thing_n know_v and_o report_v they_o now_o as_o we_o pretend_v all_o those_o thing_n to_o have_v be_v deliver_v by_o several_a person_n who_o in_o plain_a sort_n see_v or_o hear_v and_o so_o intimate_o understand_v they_o so_o it_o be_v very_o considerable_a that_o there_o be_v never_o tradition_n so_o ancient_a last_a and_o uninterrupted_a none_o ever_o so_o universal_a and_o which_o have_v run_v through_o all_o the_o habitable_a or_o civilise_a world_n none_o so_o autoritative_a as_o have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n receive_v and_o deliver_v by_o many_o the_o wise_a man_n who_o be_v least_o apt_a to_o be_v deceive_v and_o the_o best_a who_o can_v be_v least_o suspect_v of_o the_o design_n of_o deceive_a no_o tradition_n i_o say_v can_v in_o all_o these_o point_n match_n that_o with_o which_o the_o history_n of_o scripture_n come_v to_o we_o not_o to_o mention_v that_o most_o of_o the_o primitive_a witness_n of_o those_o thing_n seal_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n by_o their_o own_o blood_n now_o that_o so_o many_o man_n shall_v conspire_v together_o to_o embrace_v violent_a and_o shameful_a end_n that_o with_o they_o heaven_n shall_v combine_v to_o work_v miracle_n in_o their_o time_n and_o after_o they_o to_o fulfil_v their_o prediction_n that_o in_o all_o age_n many_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o sober_a person_n shall_v agree_v with_o themselves_o and_o those_o testimony_n of_o heaven_n and_o martyr_n to_o abuse_v themselves_o and_o mankind_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o who_o can_v believe_v may_v be_v just_o say_v to_o have_v together_o forfeit_v both_o his_o reason_n and_o ingenuity_n it_o be_v reasonable_a then_o to_o receive_v the_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o general_a matter_n of_o history_n and_o that_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o believe_v the_o great_a divine_a oracle_n can_v be_v the_o fraud_n of_o a_o particular_a crafty_a priest_n nor_o therefore_o be_v christianity_n or_o the_o oracle_n we_o pretend_v to_o liable_a to_o this_o challenge_n to_o proceed_v to_o that_o point_n which_o challenge_v we_o to_o make_v out_o that_o these_o oracle_n be_v design_v to_o oblige_v all_o mankind_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v impertinent_a and_o all_o we_o say_v or_o need_v to_o say_v be_v that_o they_o oblige_v all_o to_o who_o they_o come_v with_o such_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o their_o verity_n as_o deliver_v and_o as_o to_o those_o to_o who_o they_o thus_o come_v not_o those_o very_a oracle_n declare_v they_o shall_v be_v judge_v by_o another_o law_n none_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o these_o law_n save_o those_o who_o have_v they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n those_o who_o make_v these_o challenge_n against_o they_o must_v confess_v themselves_o bind_v to_o receive_v christianity_n because_o they_o can_v or_o will_v not_o pretend_v ignorance_n of_o what_o they_o plead_v against_o as_o to_o all_o that_o now_o remain_v of_o what_o be_v charge_v against_o we_o the_o sum_n be_v that_o admit_v what_o we_o have_v hitherto_o contend_v for_o it_o be_v questionable_a whether_o these_o oracle_n sincere_o descend_v to_o we_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o various_a alteration_n and_o interpolation_n to_o which_o we_o say_v it_o be_v certain_a holy_a scripture_n who_o general_a verity_n we_o have_v hitherto_o find_v no_o reason_n to_o challenge_v express_o require_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o substance_n of_o christian_a religion_n under_o pain_n of_o eternal_a torment_n and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o it_o pretend_v to_o deliver_v that_o substance_n touch_v letter_n or_o particle_n we_o contend_v not_o now_o that_o god_n shall_v require_v of_o we_o to_o receive_v the_o sum_n of_o christian_a religion_n under_o such_o pain_n and_o yet_o not_o by_o his_o providence_n order_n that_o it_o shall_v come_v sincere_o to_o we_o or_o suffer_v that_o in_o its_o essential_o it_o shall_v descend_v only_o corrupt_v be_v again_o irreconcilable_a with_o justice_n and_o goodness_n still_o we_o shall_v be_v damn_v for_o what_o we_o can_v not_o help_v we_o must_v therefore_o conclude_v scripture_n in_o the_o necessary_n and_o substantial_o of_o christian_a religion_n sincere_a and_o uncorrupt_a various_a lection_n in_o this_o point_n need_v not_o create_v we_o trouble_v for_o they_o be_v seldom_o or_o never_o in_o passage_n assert_v a_o substantial_a or_o if_o one_o text_n which_o assert_n a_o substantial_a be_v so_o various_o read_v as_o that_o the_o matter_n be_v thence_o dubious_a there_o be_v other_o which_o assert_v it_o in_o which_o there_o be_v not_o that_o dubiousness_n not_o to_o mention_v that_o those_o very_a various_a lection_n be_v in_o several_a regard_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n sincere_a inasmuch_o as_o they_o speak_v first_o that_o great_a care_n with_o which_o scripture_n have_v be_v ever_o keep_v when_o the_o least_o variation_n from_o the_o receive_v read_v have_v be_v so_o religious_o that_o i_o do_v not_o say_v superstitious_o note_v and_o beside_o second_o the_o multitude_n of_o copy_n that_o even_o in_o ancient_a time_n be_v extant_a and_o disperse_v which_o make_v it_o very_o impossible_a that_o all_o can_v be_v corrupt_v and_o final_o three_o the_o concord_n of_o all_o copy_n as_o to_o substantial_o which_o be_v a_o evidence_n de_fw-fr facto_fw-la that_o scripture_n be_v not_o corrupt_v scripture_n then_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o those_o exception_n which_o be_v bring_v in_o common_a against_o divine_a oracle_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o admit_v its_o verity_n and_o consequent_o to_o receive_v what_o it_o prescribe_v in_o divine_a worship_n which_o be_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o our_o three_o proposition_n and_o so_o that_o first_o and_o fundamental_a assertion_n be_v make_v good_a that_o there_o be_v office_n of_o divine_a worship_n by_o positive_a right_n and_o somewhat_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n beside_o pure_o moral_a virtue_n chap._n ii_o §_o 1._o that_o the_o christian_a positive_a worship_n be_v reasonable_a and_o necessary_a as_o a_o mean_a to_o virtue_n §_o 2._o the_o proposition_n make_v good_a touch_v prayer_n in_o all_o its_o part_n and_o kind_n §_o 3._o the_o same_o make_v good_a as_o to_o the_o sacrament_n §_o 4._o as_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n §_o 5._o and_o confession_n of_o faith_n sect._n 1_o it_o follow_v now_o that_o we_o view_v particular_o what_o these_o office_n be_v and_o evidence_n none_o of_o they_o to_o have_v be_v causeless_o or_o arbitrary_o impose_v none_o of_o they_o to_o want_v a_o wholesome_a reason_n or_o not_o to_o have_v such_o a_o design_n upon_o the_o oblige_a as_o may_v alone_o without_o the_o imposer_n injunction_n commend_v each_o to_o our_o acceptance_n we_o have_v already_o intimate_v the_o particular_a office_n to_o be_v prayer_n attendance_n on_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o word_n to_o which_o as_o beforesaid_a we_o may_v not_o unfit_o add_v the_o make_v solemn_a confession_n of_o our_o christian_n faith_n the_o particular_a text_n which_o enjoin_v each_o we_o suppose_v it_o not_o needful_a to_o allege_v that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o make_v out_o touch_v they_o be_v that_o their_o institution_n be_v
observation_n we_o be_v christian_n still_o and_o in_o a_o secure_a condition_n nay_o in_o this_o reform_a age_n do_v not_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o the_o pure_a reformation_n of_o doctrine_n teach_v we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n alone_o without_o work_n and_o good_a work_n be_v only_o necessary_a as_o token_n of_o gratitude_n and_o not_o as_o have_v any_o influence_n no_o not_o as_o a_o condition_n to_o our_o justification_n before_o god_n and_o thus_o long_o if_o we_o may_v have_v heaven_n and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o licentious_a converse_n of_o this_o world_n too_o why_o shall_v we_o abridge_v our_o self_n of_o either_o all_o this_o be_v certain_o a_o diabolical_a stratagem_n the_o old_a trick_n again_o practise_v and_o a_o fine_a plausible_a give_v god_n the_o lie_n as_o at_o first_o to_o our_o mother_n eve_n yea_o have_v god_n say_v you_o shall_v not_o eat_v of_o every_o tree_n of_o the_o garden_n be_v any_o pleasant_a liberty_n or_o latitude_n of_o life_n forbid_v you_o you_o shall_v not_o sure_o die_v for_o god_n do_v know_v that_o in_o the_o day_n you_o eat_v thereof_o your_o eye_n shall_v be_v open_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v as_o god_n know_v good_a and_o evil_n that_o be_v in_o word_n more_o apposite_a to_o our_o age_n and_o purpose_n affect_v and_o practise_v the_o more_o unconcerned_a and_o airy_a religion_n you_o shall_v be_v christian_n of_o a_o free_a and_o more_o generous_a strain_n than_o the_o narrow-sould_a orthodox_n or_o devotee_n sect._n 5_o now_o for_o the_o prevent_n or_o dispossess_v this_o wicked_a conceit_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a first_o that_o i_o do_v what_o i_o can_v for_o the_o rational_a satisfy_n myself_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o indispensable_a necessity_n which_o lie_v on_o we_o who_o have_v scripture_n to_o conform_v our_o life_n to_o the_o command_n and_o rule_v thereof_o somewhat_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o discourse_n before_o of_o which_o the_o sum_n be_v that_o suppose_v the_o providence_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n and_o especial_o for_o their_o direction_n by_o what_o act_n and_o how_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n pretend_v to_o have_v give_v we_o direction_n in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o admit_v what_o it_o to_o this_o purpose_n prescribe_v for_o we_o find_v it_o in_o possession_n of_o a_o infallible_a authority_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o find_v it_o ever_o have_v be_v so_o since_o know_v to_o be_v extant_a this_o authority_n it_o have_v gain_v not_o only_o by_o the_o sublinity_n of_o its_o matter_n and_o style_n from_o its_o harmony_n and_o particular_o the_o concord_n of_o event_n with_o the_o prediction_n of_o they_o but_o especial_o from_o its_o author_n who_o be_v know_v in_o their_o generation_n for_o inspire_a man_n most_o of_o they_o by_o the_o miracle_n do_v by_o they_o who_o themselves_o see_v what_o they_o relate_v or_o receive_v in_o command_n from_o god_n what_o they_o prescribe_v this_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o those_o day_n who_o see_v the_o miracle_n and_o have_v opportunity_n to_o search_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o every_o circumstance_n receive_v and_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o and_o in_o many_o especial_o more_o primitives_n age_n seal_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o see_v and_o deliver_v with_o their_o own_o blood_n nothing_o of_o what_o scripture_n in_o such_o case_n propound_v to_o we_o aught_o in_o reason_n and_o equity_n any_o more_o to_o be_v doubt_v by_o we_o than_o if_o we_o ourselves_o have_v see_v these_o very_a miracle_n do_v or_o hear_v these_o command_v promulge_v from_o heaven_n and_o as_o to_o all_o objection_n which_o diabolical_a agent_n have_v bring_v in_o against_o divine_a oracle_n we_o find_v the_o devil_n have_v thereby_o only_o destroy_v his_o own_o work_n they_o lie_v strong_a against_o the_o old_a heathenish_a oracle_n and_o the_o way_n of_o their_o delivery_n against_o mahometan_a and_o such_o like_a imposture_n but_o holy_a scripture_n either_o they_o can_v assail_v at_o all_o or_o if_o they_o do_v their_o assault_n only_o bespeak_v first_o its_o author_n malice_n and_o then_o impotence_n further_o as_o to_o the_o indispensableness_n of_o obedience_n to_o scripture_n can_v i_o think_v that_o my_o creator_n in_o who_o hand_n i_o be_o as_o clay_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o potter_n have_v make_v a_o law_n and_o signify_v nay_o and_o justify_v it_o too_o to_o the_o world_n from_o heaven_n by_o miracle_n and_o that_o i_o poor_a trifle_n may_v safe_o choose_v whether_o i_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o or_o no_o and_o when_o i_o have_v notice_n of_o it_o possible_o whether_o i_o will_v or_o no_o may_v secure_o pick_v and_o choose_v out_o of_o it_o obey_v it_o only_o in_o what_o i_o please_v or_o perhaps_o at_o pleasure_n disobey_v and_o neglect_v the_o whole_a these_o be_v extravagancy_n which_o will_v find_v no_o harbour_n or_o reception_n in_o my_o serious_a thought_n if_o this_o remedy_n seem_v needless_a because_o the_o poison_n have_v not_o yet_o so_o prevail_v as_o that_o the_o antidote_n need_v to_o be_v take_v in_o so_o deep_a than_o second_o let_v i_o from_o holy_a scripture_n satisfy_v myself_o of_o the_o undoubted_a necessity_n of_o good_a work_n in_o order_n to_o my_o acceptance_n before_o god_n and_o future_a bliss_n and_o that_o that_o faith_n which_o justify_v be_v not_o such_o a_o trust_n which_o regard_v not_o but_o include_v the_o endeavour_n of_o impartial_a obedience_n as_o a_o formal_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o that_o be_v that_o if_o this_o endeavour_n be_v not_o in_o the_o faith_n which_o i_o have_v be_v no_o long_o a_o justify_v faith_n and_o particular_o under_o obedience_n let_v i_o consider_v how_o undispensable_o due_a unto_o god_n be_v a_o daily_a homage_n from_o i_o which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o devil_n by_o this_o suggestion_n will_v possess_v i_o of_o and_o for_o the_o 2._o see_v method_n of_o pr._n devot_n part._n ii_o ch._n 1_o &_o 2._o enforce_v these_o truth_n upon_o i_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a i_o be_o not_o or_o need_v not_o be_v destitute_a of_o mean_n proper_a and_o particular_a enough_o if_o i_o will_v be_v at_o pain_n to_o use_v they_o it_o may_v be_v proper_a three_o for_o any_o who_o this_o suggestion_n attempt_n to_o consider_v how_o far_o the_o present_a age_n come_v short_a either_o of_o the_o primitive_a or_o middle_a christian_a age_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o devotion_n how_o much_o time_n and_o pain_n have_v ancient_a christian_n spend_v in_o prayer_n and_o self-denial_n and_o mortification_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o we_o do_v and_o shall_v devotion_n but_o so_o decrease_v proportionable_o in_o a_o future_a age_n or_o to_o as_o it_o have_v do_v of_o late_a into_o what_o a_o nothing_o will_v it_o dwindle_v nay_o let_v we_o but_o at_o present_a look_n over_o sea_n and_o be_v teach_v our_o interest_n even_o from_o our_o enemy_n what_o watch_n what_o fasting_n what_o prayer_n what_o mortify_v discipline_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n many_o walk_a skeleton_n almost_o instead_o of_o man_n among_o they_o certain_o diligence_n be_v not_o popery_n too_o and_o as_o our_o saviour_n forbid_v not_o the_o pharisee_n righteousness_n when_o he_o condemn_v their_o ostentation_n and_o superstitious_a will-worship_n so_o neither_o if_o the_o roman-catholic_n be_v more_o severe_a to_o their_o flesh_n than_o needs_o can_v we_o serious_o view_v their_o conscientious_a observance_n and_o constancy_n in_o their_o devotion_n but_o it_o will_v true_o upbraid_v the_o laxness_n and_o negligence_n of_o most_o of_o our_o people_n let_v we_o blush_v therefore_o that_o have_v a_o pure_a faith_n and_o order_n of_o worship_n than_o they_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o the_o worse_a observer_n of_o it_o last_o it_o may_v not_o be_v improper_a to_o oppose_v also_o to_o this_o suggestion_n our_o thought_n when_o we_o be_v in_o our_o grave_a most_o impartial_a and_o clear_a state_n of_o mind_n and_o do_v we_o at_o such_o time_n imagine_v ourselves_o guilty_a of_o over_n our_o duty_n in_o point_n of_o devotion_n when_o we_o have_v consider_v how_o many_o year_n we_o have_v spend_v without_o any_o serious_a devotion_n or_o thought_n of_o god_n how_o many_o and_o grievous_a interruption_n our_o present_a course_n suffer_v how_o difficult_a it_o be_v by_o all_o to_o keep_v ourselves_o but_o in_o tolerable_a temper_n do_v we_o think_v we_o have_v take_v upon_o ourselves_o too_o hard_a task_n of_o prayer_n and_o penitence_n and_o such_o performance_n alas_o we_o think_v the_o contrary_n and_o be_v we_o not_o then_o wont_a to_o accuse_v ourselves_o of_o vile_a unchristian_a sloth_n worldlyness_n vanity_n and_o manifold_a vitiousness_n of_o mind_n
and_o to_o god_n most_o acceptable_a worship_n i_o assert_v the_o positive_a office_n of_o christian_a worship_n to_o be_v necessary_a as_o most_o natural_a proper_a mean_n for_o the_o implant_n growth_n and_o security_n of_o virtue_n in_o the_o three_o suppose_v none_o who_o admit_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n or_o of_o christian_a religion_n can_v deny_v or_o doubt_v the_o particular_a office_n of_o christian_a worship_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n from_o the_o irrefragable_a evidence_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o so_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o scripture_n i_o assert_v the_o aforesaid_a office_n of_o christian_a worship_n necessary_a as_o be_v prescribe_v or_o matter_n of_o particular_a precept_n and_o be_v i_o apprehend_v very_o reasonable_a evidence_n be_v give_v for_o make_v good_a all_o these_o assertion_n i_o add_v that_o these_o office_n be_v reasonable_a as_o well_o as_o necessary_a in_o the_o second_o discourse_n though_o my_o design_n may_v seem_v to_o engage_v i_o more_o with_o the_o affection_n and_o will_n than_o understanding_n yet_o be_v i_o judge_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o sway_v they_o to_o be_v deal_v effectual_o with_o reason_n and_o judgement_n i_o have_v therefore_o endeavour_v that_o the_o particular_a process_n in_o each_o case_n may_v carry_v such_o weight_n of_o reason_n in_o they_o as_o may_v approve_v they_o to_o any_o considerative_a and_o intelligent_a mind_n and_o so_o in_o a_o manner_n enforce_v their_o practice_n or_o at_o least_o leave_v the_o neglectour_n unexcusable_a they_o consist_v therefore_o of_o particular_n all_o or_o most_o of_o they_o suppose_v we_o christian_n in_o our_o own_o power_n and_o beside_o natural_a and_o proper_a to_o the_o case_n for_o which_o they_o be_v prescribe_v as_o remedy_n and_o last_o enforce_v by_o the_o common_a and_o most_o demonstrable_a principle_n of_o religion_n i_o do_v acknowledge_v i_o often_o herein_o proceed_v upon_o particular_a foundation_n which_o holy_a scripture_n administer_v proper_a to_o the_o respective_a design_n i_o prosecute_v but_o i_o take_v that_o to_o be_v little_o less_o legitimate_a proceed_n when_o it_o be_v argue_v from_o proposition_n before_o evince_v as_o the_o truth_n of_o revelation_n and_o scripture_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v by_o the_o former_a discourse_n than_o if_o it_o be_v argue_v from_o principle_n self_n evident_a this_o be_v all_o the_o recommendation_n of_o or_o apology_n for_o my_o follow_a work_n which_o i_o have_v or_o think_v necessary_a to_o make_v i_o have_v therefore_o now_o only_o to_o beseech_v of_o god_n that_o it_o may_v be_v as_o successful_a as_o i_o wish_v it_o and_o of_o the_o reader_n that_o it_o may_v be_v as_o honest_o and_o innocent_o entertain_v as_o i_o mean_v it_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o much_o of_o the_o happy_a event_n of_o either_o where_o it_o shall_v be_v read_v with_o a_o honest_a design_n of_o practice_n more_o than_o censure_n a_o practical_a discourse_n of_o the_o more_o common_a impediment_n of_o devotion_n and_o the_o christian_a worship_n with_o their_o respective_a remedy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d musonius_n philosoph_n apud_fw-la a._n gellium_fw-la london_n print_v by_o j._n m._n for_o john_n martin_n at_o the_o bell_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1671._o the_o content_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n of_o the_o first_o part._n chap._n i._o sect._n 1_o the_o design_n of_o the_o discourse_n §_o 2._o the_o mischief_n arise_v from_o the_o neglect_n of_o devotion_n brief_o touch_v §_o 3._o whence_o the_o impediment_n of_o it_o spring_n §_o 4._o the_o method_n of_o the_o discourse_n p._n 1._o chap._n ii_o §_o 1._o the_o devil_n one_o author_n of_o the_o impediment_n of_o devotion_n §_o 2._o 1._o by_o prepossess_v man_n mind_n with_o atheistical_a sansy_n such_o as_o 1._o that_o of_o the_o vanity_n or_o uncertainty_n of_o religion_n §_o 3._o remedy_n against_o this_o prepossession_n §_o 4._o 2._o of_o the_o needlessness_n of_o so_o much_o religion_n §_o 5._o remedy_n against_o this_o conceit_n §_o 6._o of_o the_o hindrance_n the_o devil_n give_v we_o in_o divine_a worship_n 1._o by_o extravagant_a thought_n inject_v §_o 7._o their_o remedy_n §_o 8._o 2._o by_o instil_v spiritual_a pride_n §_o 9_o its_o remedy_n p._n 7._o chap._n iii_o §_o 1._o impediment_n of_o divine_a worship_n from_o the_o world_n 1_o care_n and_o business_n §_o 2._o remedy_n herein_o §_o 3._o 2._o pleasure_n in_o general_n §_o 4._o a_o general_a remedy_n §_o 5._o pleasure_n particular_a first_o city_n pleasure_n 1._o company_n §_o 6._o remedy_n §_o 7._o a_o necessary_a caution_n in_o society_n touch_v evil_a communication_n §_o 8._o 2._o the_o entertainment_n of_o the_o stage_n §_o 9_o the_o case_n of_o go_v to_o play_n determine_v §_o 10._o advise_v for_o remedy_n §_o 11._o of_o more_o private_a masque_n and_o ball_n §_o 12._o 2._o country_n pleasure_n hunt_v §_o 13._o advise_v for_o remedy_n §_o 14._o hawk_v horserace_v etc._n etc._n when_o immoderate_a §_o 15._o game_n too_o much_o though_o at_o home_n §_o 16._o remedy_n §_o 17._o intellectual_a pleasure_n when_o impediment_n temperate_v §_o 18._o worldly_n vanity_n impediment_n §_o 19_o vanity_n in_o apparel_n state_v §_o 20._o remedy_n by_o way_n of_o dissuasion_n p._n 46_o 47._o chap._n iv_o §_o 1._o the_o sum_n of_o impediment_n arise_v from_o corrupt_a nature_n §_o 2._o sloth_n and_o sensuality_n §_o 3._o remedy_n hereof_o §_o 4._o persuasive_n to_o the_o former_a practice_n §_o 5._o vnsetledness_n of_o mind_n and_o employment_n impediment_n §_o 6._o their_o remedy_n §_o 7._o passion_n and_o inordinate_a affection_n impediment_n §_o 8._o their_o remedy_n p._n 141._o chap._n v._o §_o 1._o the_o former_a general_n useful_a in_o particular_a case_n not_o name_v §_o 2._o schism_n prejudicial_a to_o piety_n and_o a_o grievous_a sin_n §_o 3._o remedy_n thereof_o §_o 4._o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a discourse_n p._n 200._o the_o content_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n of_o the_o second_o part._n chap._n i._n a_o full_a proposal_n of_o the_o first_o sect._n 1._o point_n viz._n that_o some_o positive_a worship_n there_o must_v be_v and_o three_o proposition_n to_o evince_v it_o §_o 2._o the_o first_o proposition_n prove_v §_o 3._o a_o objection_n answer_v §_o 4._o a_o second_o answer_v §_o 5._o a_o illustration_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o reason_n to_o bring_v man_n general_o to_o virtue_n out_o of_o history_n §_o 6._o a_o three_o objection_n answer_v §_o 7._o the_o second_o proposition_n prove_v §_o 8._o the_o three_o proposition_n prove_v §_o 9_o objection_n in_o common_a against_o revelation_n and_o divine_a record_n answer_v p._n 235._o chap._n ii_o §_o 1._o that_o the_o christian_a positive_a worship_n be_v reasonable_a and_o necessary_a as_o a_o mean_a to_o virtue_n §_o 2._o the_o proposition_n make_v good_a touch_v prayer_n in_o all_o its_o part_n and_o kind_n §_o 3._o the_o same_o make_v good_a as_o to_o the_o sacrament_n §_o 4._o as_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n §_o 5._o and_o confession_n of_o faith_n p._n 292._o chap._n iii_o §_o 1._o a_o positive_a worship_n certain_a from_o scripture_n and_o scripture_n certain_a from_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n §_o 2._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n evident_a from_o the_o history_n of_o it_o §_o 3._o before_o christ_n §_o 4._o evident_a from_o the_o history_n of_o it_o in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n §_o 5._o evident_a from_o the_o history_n of_o its_o progress_n and_o state_n since_o §_o 6._o a_o recapitulatory_a conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a p._n 333_o a_o practical_a discourse_n of_o the_o more_o common_a impediment_n of_o devotion_n and_o divine_a worship_n with_o their_o remedy_n chap._n i._n §_o 1._o the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n §_o 2._o the_o mischief_n arise_v from_o neglect_n of_o devotion_n brief_o touch_v §_o 3._o whence_o the_o impediment_n of_o it_o spring_n §_o 4._o the_o method_n of_o the_o discourse_n sect._n 1_o as_o in_o other_o point_n of_o our_o christian_a duty_n so_o especial_o in_o devotion_n and_o divine_a worship_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o many_o let_n and_o diversion_n there_o be_v none_o but_o be_v apt_a to_o complain_v though_o haply_o very_a few_o so_o circumspect_a against_o they_o as_o be_v behoveful_a for_o their_o prevention_n or_o removal_n the_o discovery_n in_o particular_a what_o the_o usual_a impediment_n of_o devotion_n be_v and_o what_o their_o respective_a remedy_n be_v the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n sect._n 2_o the_o mischief_n which_o accrue_v unto_o we_o by_o be_v divert_v or_o take_v off_o from_o the_o more_o constant_a and_o devout_a pay_v divine_a worship_n be_v both_o various_a and_o of_o great_a weight_n first_o we_o be_v hereby_o debar_v or_o deprive_v of_o the_o vast_a and_o manifold_a good_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n and_o proper_a consequence_n of_o such_o
holy_a duty_n such_o as_o be_v a_o tender_a heart_n a_o watchful_a and_o resolve_a conscience_n the_o prevention_n and_o assistance_n of_o grace_n joy_n and_o peace_n through_o hope_n beside_o those_o which_o be_v more_o common_a blessing_n preservation_n success_n of_o our_o affair_n and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o he_o who_o think_v not_o a_o unvalueable_a loss_n be_v uncapable_a to_o value_v any_o thing_n and_o utter_o devoid_a of_o christian_a sense_n and_o second_o we_o be_v hereby_o involve_v in_o as_o great_a a_o guilt_n as_o the_o negligence_n of_o god_n and_o our_o great_a concernment_n can_v carry_v in_o it_o together_o three_o with_o the_o dismal_a consequent_n of_o that_o negligence_n disorder_n of_o mind_n decay_n of_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n a_o heedless_a and_o senseless_a spirit_n fit_a for_o any_o yea_o the_o most_o outrageous_a temptation_n to_o fix_v upon_o together_o with_o other_o evil_n not_o easy_a to_o be_v reckon_v up_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o which_o so_o great_a and_o various_a mischief_n as_o it_o shall_v awaken_v and_o excite_v we_o to_o a_o diligent_a search_n and_o examination_n what_o hindrance_n we_o common_o meet_v with_o and_o to_o all_o conscientious_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n to_o remove_v or_o prevent_v every_o impediment_n or_o disturbance_n so_o it_o may_v suggest_v to_o we_o whence_o all_o these_o come_v and_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n helpful_a to_o we_o not_o only_o to_o discover_v what_o in_o particular_a be_v our_o proper_a let_n and_o impediment_n but_o also_o more_o general_o to_o take_v a_o survey_n what_o may_v be_v obstructive_a in_o common_a to_o we_o and_o other_o for_o can_v we_o at_o once_o see_v each_o numerical_a let_v which_o we_o and_o other_o have_v be_v infest_a with_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o may_v say_v of_o every_o one_o a_o enemy_n have_v do_v this_o none_o but_o such_o who_o design_n our_o ruin_n will_v wilful_o hinder_v we_o in_o the_o great_a mean_n of_o our_o safety_n sect._n 4_o in_o order_n then_o to_o the_o take_v a_o full_a and_o impartial_a view_n of_o the_o common_a and_o more_o frequent_a hindrance_n of_o devotion_n and_o divine_a worship_n though_o to_o each_o particular_a man_n his_o own_o conscience_n be_v the_o best_a guide_n and_o the_o search_n and_o examination_n of_o that_o the_o sure_a mean_n to_o find_v out_o his_o peculiar_a plague_n in_o this_o case_n yet_o to_o we_o who_o must_v search_v as_o near_o as_o we_o can_v for_o all_o it_o seem_v likely_a to_o be_v the_o most_o successful_a and_o comprehensive_a method_n to_o inquire_v what_o each_o of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n contribute_v to_o keep_v we_o off_o or_o divert_v we_o from_o our_o duty_n in_o this_o behalf_n and_o according_a to_o the_o discovery_n we_o can_v make_v of_o any_o particular_a evil_n we_o shall_v forthwith_o endeavour_v to_o apply_v its_o cure_n or_o proper_a redress_n chap._n ii_o §_o 1._o the_o devil_n one_o author_n of_o the_o impediment_n of_o devotion_n §_o 2._o 1._o by_o prepossess_v man_n mind_n with_o atheistical_a fancy_n such_o as_o 1._o that_o of_o the_o vanity_n or_o uncertainty_n of_o religion_n §_o 3._o remedy_n against_o this_o prepossession_n §_o 4._o 2._o of_o the_o needlessness_n of_o so_o much_o religion_n §_o 5._o remedy_n against_o this_o conceit_n §_o 6._o of_o the_o hindrance_n the_o devil_n give_v we_o in_o divine_a worship_n 1._o by_o extravagant_a thought_n inject_v §_o 7._o their_o remedy_n §_o 8._o 2._o by_o instil_v spiritual_a pride_n §_o 9_o its_o remedy_n sect._n 1_o of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n the_o first_o be_v the_o devil_n touch_v who_o it_o be_v certain_o true_a that_o man_n ordinary_o in_o the_o estimate_v the_o original_a of_o their_o own_o sin_n be_v apt_a to_o give_v the_o devil_n more_o than_o his_o due_n and_o as_o if_o they_o will_v pay_v he_o in_o his_o own_o coin_n turn_v false_a accuser_n even_o of_o he_o though_o therefore_o we_o must_v beware_v of_o this_o injustice_n yet_o be_v it_o most_o just_o resolve_v that_o there_o be_v some_o hindrance_n of_o devotion_n of_o which_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o author_n as_o a_o argument_n of_o which_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o prophet_n represent_v joshua_n the_o high_a priest_n stand_v 1._o zach._n 3._o 1._o before_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o addressing_z himself_o to_o god_n bring_v in_o satan_n also_o stand_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o same_o enmity_n that_o bring_v he_o thither_o to_o resist_v he_o be_v not_o undoubted_o want_v what_o it_o can_v to_o hinder_v he_o now_o of_o these_o impediment_n of_o devotion_n which_o we_o may_v with_o justice_n impute_v unto_o the_o devil_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n the_o one_o precedent_n by_o which_o he_o hinder_v we_o from_o it_o the_o other_o concomitant_a by_o which_o he_o hinder_v we_o in_o it_o sect._n 2_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n as_o far_o forth_o as_o i_o can_v see_v be_v his_o possess_v we_o with_o incredulous_a and_o atheistical_a fancy_n and_o notion_n such_o as_o first_o of_o the_o vanity_n or_o uncertainty_n of_o religion_n he_o suggest_v to_o we_o that_o all_o religion_n be_v but_o a_o crafty_a design_n upon_o credulous_a mankind_n for_o some_o secular_a and_o politic_a respect_n or_o at_o least_o that_o it_o may_v be_v such_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a it_o be_v not_o such_o and_o then_o why_o be_v all_o this_o waist_n of_o good_a time_n and_o pain_n why_o this_o retrench_a ourselves_o of_o freedom_n and_o pleasure_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_n macerate_v ourselves_o with_o devotional_a and_o mortify_a endeavour_n and_o continual_a watchfulness_n and_o solicitude_n of_o mind_n why_o shall_v i_o abuse_v myself_o into_o vexation_n and_o exchange_v real_a delicious_a enjoyment_n for_o the_o dream_n of_o a_o future_a and_o imaginary_a bliss_n these_o thing_n though_o we_o hear_v often_o from_o some_o of_o degenerate_a mankind_n yet_o come_v they_o original_o from_o the_o great_a father_n of_o lie_n and_o he_o it_o be_v who_o both_o often_o suggest_v they_o to_o our_o remembrance_n and_o employ_v many_o agent_n to_o disseminate_a and_o vent_v they_o in_o the_o world_n under_o the_o most_o take_a method_n sect._n 3_o of_o this_o poison_n the_o most_o proper_a and_o effectual_a antidote_n or_o remedy_n will_v be_v a_o solid_a and_o rational_a satisfaction_n and_o conviction_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n touch_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o religion_n particular_o of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n the_o reality_n of_o what_o we_o call_v good_a and_o evil_n virtue_n and_o vice_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o different_a estate_n in_o that_o immortal_a life_n i_o confess_v myself_o not_o at_o all_o of_o their_o mind_n who_o think_v it_o needless_a or_o nugatory_n by_o natural_a reason_n to_o demonstrate_v such_o common_a principle_n of_o all_o religion_n i_o love_v dear_o to_o find_v my_o reason_n baffle_v into_o faith_n and_o enforce_v to_o conclude_v either_o religion_n real_a or_o contradictious_a proposition_n together_o true_a this_o take_v from_o none_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o free_a or_o as_o some_o may_v please_v to_o style_v it_o a_o noble_a faith_n any_o may_v believe_v on_o other_o inducement_n who_o can_v or_o will_v but_o secure_v such_o who_o nature_n be_v more_o averse_a from_o credulity_n in_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n which_o persuasion_n thus_o found_v may_v stand_v unshaken_a in_o a_o thousand_o shock_n as_o well_o of_o temptation_n as_o opposition_n when_o the_o credulous_a faith_n may_v either_o totter_v or_o undermine_v sink_v possible_o what_o i_o direct_v to_o may_v by_o some_o be_v think_v unpracticable_a by_o the_o common_a sort_n who_o be_v presume_v unable_a to_o conclude_v these_o fundamental_o upon_o principle_n of_o mere_a natural_a reason_n a_o thing_n which_o they_o so_o little_o understand_v but_o to_o that_o i_o say_v there_o be_v very_o few_o or_o none_o to_o who_o this_o temptation_n be_v incident_a and_o consequent_o who_o i_o direct_v thus_o to_o oppose_v it_o who_o have_v not_o natural_a logic_n enough_o from_o such_o premise_n as_o i_o will_v have_v they_o propound_v to_o conclude_v what_o i_o will_v have_v they_o rational_o satisfy_v of_o though_o i_o can_v not_o artificial_o make_v syllogism_n yet_o in_o a_o serious_a and_o considerative_a state_n of_o mind_n i_o can_v in_o a_o silent_a evening_n walk_v forth_o and_o view_v the_o earth_n adorn_v with_o herb_n and_o flower_n and_o tree_n and_o fruit_n furrow_v with_o channel_n wherein_o run_v rivers_n and_o brook_n and_o spring_n to_o water_v its_o best_a and_o most_o needy_a part_n inhabit_v by_o variety_n of_o live_a creature_n for_o all_o which_o its_o fruitful_a womb_n bring_v forth_o proper_a nourishment_n i_o can_v after_o behold_v in_o the_o vast_a empty_a over_o my_o head_n a_o multitude_n of_o
content_a to_o enjoy_v it_o only_o so_o far_o as_o be_v reasonable_a and_o just_a that_o be_v first_o if_o we_o will_v keep_v our_o good_a hour_n entire_a to_o these_o serious_a purpose_n and_o spend_v those_o on_o society_n which_o be_v unfit_a for_o other_o employment_n such_o be_v possible_o some_o hour_n after_o meal_n after_o wearyness_n with_o business_n etc._n etc._n and_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o ready_a to_o do_v this_o if_o second_o we_o will_v resolve_v the_o contrary_a practice_n to_o be_v what_o true_o it_o be_v loss_n of_o time_n and_o beside_o that_o even_o of_o pleasure_n too_o for_o society_n will_v be_v the_o sweet_a if_o rare_a and_o beside_o do_v business_n be_v industrious_a and_o pay_v duty_n to_o god_n be_v far_o a_o great_a pleasure_n to_o one_o who_o be_v use_v to_o it_o and_o so_o be_v a_o competent_a judge_n than_o be_v society_n itself_o to_o any_o one_o sect._n 7_o before_o we_o pass_v this_o head_n of_o converse_n we_o must_v admonish_v and_o conjure_v all_o those_o who_o will_v preserve_v that_o little_a integrity_n of_o life_n or_o devoutness_n of_o mind_n which_o they_o have_v or_o will_v not_o plain_o grow_v worse_o than_o already_o they_o be_v that_o they_o observe_v this_o as_o a_o most_o constant_a and_o indispensable_a caution_n that_o in_o no_o company_n which_o they_o keep_v they_o tolerate_v corrupt_a and_o lewd_a discourse_n but_o either_o reprove_v and_o break_v it_o off_o or_o if_o they_o can_v modest_o be_v go_v it_o be_v a_o observation_n of_o so_o much_o truth_n that_o out_o of_o a_o comedy_n st._n paul_n transcribe_v it_o into_o scripture_n for_o a_o infallible_a axiom_n evil_a communication_n corrupt_v good_a manner_n and_o most_o certain_a it_o be_v there_o have_v be_v very_o few_o person_n ever_o of_o any_o sobriety_n debauch_a but_o the_o first_o degree_n of_o debauchery_n be_v by_o this_o mean_v convey_v first_o they_o pollute_v their_o mouth_n than_o their_o heart_n and_o hand_n sect._n 8_o as_o a_o second_o city_n pleasure_n though_o among_o we_o for_o the_o most_o part_n proper_a but_o to_o one_o of_o our_o city_n i_o must_v reckon_v the_o entertainment_n of_o the_o stage_n play_n mask_n and_o the_o like_a which_o not_o seldom_o be_v double_o impediment_n to_o devotion_n first_o by_o the_o time_n they_o engross_v and_o after_o too_o often_o by_o the_o indisposition_n they_o induce_v notorious_o disorder_v if_o not_o deprave_v and_o sometime_o debauch_v worthy_a and_o liberal_a mind_n sect._n 9_o the_o mere_a mention_n of_o the_o stage_n likely_a perhaps_o to_o startle_v some_o lay_v a_o kind_n of_o necessity_n upon_o i_o to_o say_v something_o in_o resolution_n of_o the_o case_n whether_o it_o be_v at_o all_o lawful_a at_o least_o expedient_a for_o a_o devout_a and_o serious_a person_n to_o divert_v himself_o with_o any_o such_o entertainment_n for_o satisfaction_n of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o better_a ground_n to_o lay_v than_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n who_o lawfullness_n be_v question_v now_o a_o play_n say_v the_o master_n of_o that_o profession_n be_v a_o just_a and_o lively_a image_n of_o humane_a nature_n represent_v its_o passion_n and_o humour_n and_o the_o change_n of_o fortune_n to_o which_o it_o be_v subject_a for_o the_o delight_n and_o instruction_n of_o mankind_n which_o description_n do_v the_o writer_n of_o play_n attend_v to_o in_o all_o their_o poem_n so_o that_o no_o work_n may_v come_v upon_o the_o stage_n to_o which_o this_o description_n will_v not_o agree_v i_o believe_v the_o stage_n will_v have_v few_o enemy_n but_o fool_n especial_o if_o by_o delight_n and_o instruction_n they_o mean_v as_o i_o believe_v they_o will_v be_v think_v to_o do_v such_o of_o both_o as_o be_v harmless_a but_o notwithstanding_o this_o plausible_a account_n they_o will_v seem_v to_o give_v we_o it_o be_v sure_a very_o many_o of_o their_o poem_n little_a answer_n it_o represent_v scarce_o humane_a nature_n but_o the_o bestial_a at_o least_o such_o passion_n and_o humour_n which_o be_v the_o reproach_n of_o it_o and_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v represent_v but_o conceal_v because_o teach_v while_o express_v and_o it_o be_v general_o true_a the_o vitious_a person_n be_v still_o make_v the_o most_o facetious_a only_a mirth_n be_v make_v with_o vice_n and_o it_o so_o exhibit_v as_o for_o the_o general_a will_v make_v man_n rather_o pity_v than_o abhor_v it_o i_o affix_v not_o this_o censure_n to_o all_o play_n though_o i_o fear_v many_o or_o most_o of_o our_o late_a comedy_n deserve_v it_o the_o matter_n then_o thus_o stand_v that_o our_o dramatic_a master_n write_v not_o what_o they_o ought_v and_o pretend_v but_o what_o the_o most_o ingenious_a vice_n resent_v and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a venture_n if_o i_o come_v to_o the_o stage_n whether_o i_o behold_v and_o hear_v not_o thing_n unfit_a to_o be_v represent_v i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o the_o case_n propound_v can_v be_v with_o safety_n otherwise_o resolve_v than_o as_o follow_v first_o be_v i_o well_o assure_v that_o a_o cleanly_a and_o ingenious_a poem_n be_v to_o be_v present_v and_o have_v i_o leisure_n for_o such_o a_o diversion_n i_o do_v not_o know_v a_o more_o worthy_a pleasure_n the_o pretty_a plunge_n of_o the_o plot_n the_o moral_n and_o prudential_o all_o along_o intersper_v the_o refinedness_n of_o the_o language_n the_o lustre_n which_o lively_a action_n add_v to_o they_o all_o be_v singular_a not_o only_o delight_v but_o profit_n but_o then_o even_o here_o be_v caution_n to_o be_v observe_v first_o touch_v the_o time_n spend_v that_o the_o return_v home_o be_v seasonable_a and_o recreation_n justle_v not_o out_o our_o duty_n or_o more_o necessary_a business_n as_o it_o do_v with_o those_o who_o after_o the_o play_n general_o the_o tavern_n or_o the_o park_n take_v up_o till_o satiety_n of_o pleasure_n render_v they_o unfit_a for_o any_o thing_n but_o sleep_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v not_o a_o guilt_n of_o the_o stage_n but_o yet_o too_o often_o a_o consequent_a or_o appendant_a of_o its_o entertainment_n and_o second_o that_o this_o be_v not_o every_o day_n practice_n and_o instead_o of_o diversion_n commence_v a_o part_n of_o business_n and_o last_o that_o respect_n be_v have_v of_o our_o place_n condition_n age_n and_o like_a circumstance_n and_o gravity_n not_o forfeit_v which_o because_o the_o vulgar_a be_v not_o the_o just_a judge_n may_v happen_v especial_o at_o public_a representation_n to_o person_n who_o otherwise_o may_v have_v lawful_o be_v spectator_n this_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o i_o can_v think_v allowable_a as_o to_o this_o matter_n now_o on_o the_o otherside_n first_o to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o lewd_a and_o gross_a farrumination_n of_o debauchery_n and_o all_o irreligiousness_n of_o the_o time_n such_o as_o they_o say_v the_o most_o take_a comedy_n of_o late_a be_v be_v unworthy_a of_o a_o christian_a spirit_n and_o many_o way_n sinful_a first_o against_o my_o self_n who_o i_o can_v tell_v how_o far_o by_o this_o mean_v i_o debauch_v it_o be_v most_o certain_a as_o so_o late_o admonish_v evil_a communication_n corrupt_v good_a manner_n and_o in_o such_o work_v i_o be_o sure_a of_o some_o of_o the_o vile_a that_o can_v be_v pick_v up_o in_o town_n second_o against_o other_o who_o by_o my_o example_n i_o embolden_v and_o encourage_v to_o the_o same_o wrong_v of_o themselves_o three_o against_o the_o author_n and_o actor_n who_o damnable_a composure_n and_o action_n i_o after_o a_o sort_n authorise_v and_o therein_o nestle_v they_o up_o second_o to_o venture_v myself_o upon_o what_o chance_v to_o be_v present_v be_v general_o to_o expose_v myself_o to_o all_o the_o guilt_n above_o touch_v and_o therefore_o not_o at_o all_o tolerable_a and_o by_o the_o by_o i_o can_v but_o say_v it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v by_o all_o and_o endeavour_v by_o those_o who_o place_n capacitate_v they_o for_o so_o excellent_a a_o service_n that_o stage_n sober_o may_v be_v retrench_v and_o confine_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o modesty_n and_o reverence_n to_o holy_a thing_n otherwise_o they_o will_v propagate_v vice_n fast_o then_o half_a the_o pulpit_n in_o town_n can_v virtue_n sect._n 10_o what_o then_o be_v lawful_a what_o sinful_a in_o this_o case_n we_o have_v endeavour_v plain_o to_o state_n and_o we_o hope_v be_v sufficient_o see_v as_o to_o the_o remedy_n of_o this_o evil_a it_o be_v plain_a and_o in_o our_o own_o power_n it_o be_v but_o stay_v at_o home_n or_o otherwise_o employ_v or_o divert_v ourselves_o we_o may_v either_o exchange_v this_o pleasure_n with_o another_o more_o innocent_a or_o with_o business_n more_o necessary_a and_o to_o persuade_v we_o hereunto_o first_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o triple_a guilt_n in_o allow_v ourselves_o so_o hazardous_a pleasure_n and_o of_o the_o mischief_n thence_o accrue_v unto_o
and_o fresh_a tradition_n suffice_v not_o to_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o virtue_n in_o the_o world_n as_o by_o effect_n be_v evident_a when_o it_o be_v once_o as_o by_o adam_n even_o after_o his_o fall_n it_o can_v but_o be_v conceive_v to_o have_v be_v excellent_o though_o perhaps_o not_o most_o perfect_o know_v much_o less_o than_o do_v or_o ever_o will_v it_o single_o suffice_v now_o let_v we_o view_v the_o sacred_a record_n touch_v those_o age_n as_o become_v we_o we_o will_v with_o the_o ancient_n suppose_v adam_n and_o eve_n receive_v to_o grace_n and_o to_o have_v live_v holy_a person_n touch_v abel_n enoch_n and_o noah_n it_o be_v express_o record_v they_o be_v touch_v seth_n albeit_o the_o author_n of_o the_o eleven_o to_o the_o hebrew_n put_v neither_o he_o nor_o adam_n into_o his_o registry_n of_o saint_n we_o will_v believe_v as_o much_o because_o such_o be_v the_o original_a ambiguity_n of_o that_o text_n gen._n iu._n vlt._n that_o it_o may_v in_o a_o manner_n with_o equal_a probability_n import_v as_o well_v he_o to_o have_v be_v a_o author_n unto_o man_n of_o assemble_v themselves_o for_o the_o public_a worship_n or_o call_n upon_o god_n or_o he_o and_o his_o posterity_n because_o of_o better_a moral_n than_o the_o rest_n to_o have_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o be_v repute_v the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n as_o on_o the_o other_o and_o worse_a side_n that_o he_o be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o fall_v into_o such_o a_o age_n wherein_o the_o name_n of_o god_n begin_v to_o be_v profane_v by_o be_v give_v to_o idol_n by_o this_o computation_n in_o above_o a_o thovand_a half_n of_o year_n we_o have_v five_o or_o six_o virtuous_a person_n the_o two_o first_o of_o which_o be_v make_v such_o and_o have_v revelation_n and_o the_o rest_n may_v in_o all_o likelihood_n be_v think_v to_o have_v be_v such_o rather_o by_o institution_n and_o the_o lively_a report_n and_o attestation_n of_o the_o truth_n from_o their_o parent_n or_o parent_n who_o immediate_o or_o near_o reach_v the_o beginning_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v equivalent_a in_o a_o sort_n to_o revelation_n than_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o own_o natural_a light_n if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o world_n be_v undoubted_o more_o full_o people_v than_o scripture_n record_v and_o so_o that_o there_o be_v far_o more_o saint_n than_o what_o we_o read_v of_o i_o only_o say_v that_o it_o be_v monstrous_o absurd_a and_o uncharitable_a not_o to_o grant_v either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o it_o be_v the_o scripture_n business_n in_o that_o part_n chief_o to_o set_v down_o the_o line_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o somewhat_o of_o necessary_a chronology_n yet_o that_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o even_o from_o the_o beginning_n virtuous_a man_n be_v rare_a cain_n of_o who_o posterity_n we_o read_v not_o any_o good_a be_v soon_o upon_o the_o murder_n of_o his_o brother_n abel_n in_o as_o good_a a_o forwardness_n to_o people_n the_o world_n as_o adam_n and_o eve_n his_o parent_n and_o even_o of_o adam_n other_o child_n notwithstanding_o his_o institution_n many_o loose_a but_o that_o it_o be_v certain_a admit_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n there_o be_v among_o all_o mankind_n than_o certain_o vast_o numerous_a scarce_a two_o virtuous_a man_n beside_o himself_o and_o as_o before_o say_v both_o he_o and_o any_o other_o such_o most_o likely_a rather_o bring_v to_o virtue_n by_o traditionary_a precept_n as_o before_o say_v equivalent_a to_o revelation_n than_o by_o mere_a power_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v yet_o further_o considerable_a that_o after_o this_o prodigious_o exemplary_a vengeance_n of_o the_o flood_n which_o sweep_v away_o in_o a_o manner_n the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n neither_o can_v the_o preach_n of_o noah_n nor_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o deluge_n or_o any_o like_a tradition_n without_o a_o express_a reveal_v and_o consign_v law_n keep_v man_n in_o any_o tolerable_a morality_n whole_a country_n can_v not_o afford_v five_o virtuous_a person_n to_o save_v they_o nay_o lot_n appear_v to_o have_v be_v the_o only_a good_a man_n through_o all_o pentapolis_n so_o that_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o any_o mean_n by_o the_o effect_n they_o general_o produce_v in_o order_n to_o their_o end_n and_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o assign_v a_o better_a measure_n to_o judge_v they_o by_o we_o must_v say_v natural_a reason_n be_v of_o itself_o insufficient_a to_o lead_v mankind_n to_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o virtue_n sect._n 6_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o have_v be_v ever_o the_o far_o lesser_a part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o which_o revelation_n have_v be_v vouchsafe_v consequent_o there_o will_v still_o lie_v something_o of_o a_o imputation_n on_o divine_a justice_n for_o leave_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n under_o insufficient_a provision_n for_o their_o happiness_n it_o be_v easy_o answer_v that_o though_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o assign_v those_o place_n of_o the_o know_a and_o inhabit_v world_n where_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v the_o gospel_n have_v be_v never_o preach_v and_o sure_o it_o be_v none_o of_o god_n fault_n if_o man_n will_v not_o receive_v nor_o retain_v it_o yet_o that_o it_o be_v but_o just_a with_o god_n not_o to_o vouchsafe_v man_n supernatural_a mean_n where_o they_o do_v wilful_o suppress_v pervert_v and_o abuse_v the_o natural_a though_o not_o of_o themselves_o sufficient_a yet_o preparatory_a and_o introductory_a to_o the_o other_o and_o that_o divine_a justice_n in_o the_o deny_v these_o dignation_n have_v observe_v this_o method_n our_o sacred_a book_n do_v pretend_v when_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o even_o as_o man_n have_v not_o like_v to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n god_n have_v give_v they_o over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n that_o be_v he_o have_v punish_v wilful_a ignorance_n and_o error_n by_o indulge_v or_o let_v they_o alone_o of_o which_o sin_n we_o have_v all_o reason_n to_o conclude_v the_o most_o benight_a world_n notorious_o guilty_a and_o so_o consequent_o divine_a justice_n must_v be_v acquit_v to_o conclude_v this_o point_n then_o god_n require_v we_o under_o pain_n of_o eternal_a misery_n to_o be_v virtuous_a the_o rule_n of_o which_o and_o how_o indispensable_a our_o obligation_n to_o it_o we_o can_v sufficient_o know_v by_o sole_a light_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v without_o revelation_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n as_o a_o rule_n in_o this_o case_n if_o he_o be_v just_a for_o to_o inflict_v endless_a misery_n upon_o we_o for_o not_o obey_v that_o law_n or_o follow_v that_o rule_n of_o which_o we_o never_o can_v come_v to_o sufficient_a notice_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o own_o conceal_v it_o from_o we_o be_v tyrannical_a but_o as_o on_o all_o hand_n such_o imputation_n to_o the_o supreme_a god_n be_v abhor_v so_o be_v it_o too_o confess_v that_o vicious_a man_n by_o the_o decree_n sentence_n or_o will_v of_o god_n be_v hereafter_o miserable_a therefore_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v have_v reveal_v his_o will_n and_o consequent_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v he_o have_v which_o be_v our_o first_o position_n sect._n 7_o and_o our_o second_o which_o will_v be_v less_o troublesome_a be_v that_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v such_o revelation_n shall_v determine_v the_o office_n of_o divine_a worship_n for_o as_o we_o have_v conclude_v revelation_n upon_o its_o necessity_n suppose_v divine_a providence_n and_o justice_n so_o where_o necessity_n pinch_v most_o as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v there_o ought_v the_o revelation_n to_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o definitive_a but_o of_o all_o point_n of_o humane_a duty_n it_o be_v most_o of_o all_o beyond_o the_o sphere_n of_o man_n reason_n of_o itself_o to_o find_v out_o how_o the_o supreme_a god_n will_v be_v worship_v therefore_o ought_v revelation_n most_o clear_o to_o have_v determine_v this_o matter_n all_o virtue_n must_v either_o respect_n god_n our_o self_n or_o other_o what_o become_v our_o self_n or_o be_v that_o honour_n care_n and_o reverence_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v ourselves_o we_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n collect_v partly_o from_o the_o end_n to_o which_o nature_n have_v fit_v our_o power_n and_o faculty_n partly_o from_o the_o natural_a habitude_n and_o conveniency_n of_o thing_n but_o because_o single_a judgement_n may_v fail_v and_o mistake_v in_o their_o reason_n and_o conclusion_n more_o safe_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o reflect_v on_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o mankind_n seem_v agree_v but_o i_o confess_v as_o before_o intimate_v the_o rule_n uncertain_a because_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o find_v this_o consent_n of_o mankind_n and_o possible_a to_o find_v much_o consent_n in_o vice_n again_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n i_o owe_v to_o mankind_n i_o may_v
only_a mean_n of_o grace_n though_o therefore_o the_o sole_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v insufficient_a to_o ingenerate_a virtue_n yet_o when_o in_o conjunction_n with_o prayer_n sacrament_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o argue_v it_o of_o such_o insufficiency_n especial_o when_o even_o those_o scripture_n themselves_o teach_v we_o that_o where_o all_o these_o outward_a mean_n be_v vouchsafe_v that_o inward_a supernatural_a divine_a power_n which_o we_o call_v the_o holy_a spirit_n accompany_v if_o it_o be_v not_o withstand_v and_o by_o frequent_a quench_v final_o impede_v to_o work_v the_o excellent_a effect_n we_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v then_o notwithstanding_o this_o suggestion_n most_o reasonable_a necessary_a and_o available_a to_o virtue_n to_o worship_n god_n by_o hear_v and_o search_v scripture_n sect._n 5_o to_o those_o three_o office_n specify_v if_o any_o other_o so_o pure_o of_o positive_a nature_n may_v be_v add_v among_o what_o we_o christian_n pretend_v to_o be_v in_o strictness_n obligatory_a to_o all_o i_o take_v the_o most_o likely_a to_o be_v public_a confession_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o upon_o occasion_n the_o scripture_n do_v require_v it_o and_o the_o law_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n make_v it_o a_o daily_a part_n of_o our_o public_a worship_n now_o as_o to_o it_o we_o say_v that_o if_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n apt_a to_o oblige_v and_o incite_v to_o virtue_n as_o already_o declare_v then_o certain_o inasmuch_o as_o every_o close_a and_o frequent_a view_n of_o premise_n more_o intimate_o imprint_n their_o conclusion_n the_o solemn_a repetition_n and_o own_v those_o doctrine_n must_v needs_o draw_v out_o that_o their_o influence_n and_o make_v they_o more_o fresh_a and_o lively_o operative_a upon_o our_o mind_n to_o all_o virtue_n beside_o what_o a_o eternal_a obligation_n to_o perseverance_n and_o constancy_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o so_o to_o all_o virtue_n consequent_a from_o it_o that_o be_v certain_o all_o natural_a virtue_n whatsoever_o must_v this_o lay_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o have_v all_o so_o often_o before_o god_n angel_n and_o man_n profess_v and_o avow_v our_o serious_a belief_n and_o adhaesion_n to_o these_o principle_n who_o can_v easy_o turn_v apostate_n from_o what_o he_o have_v so_o sacred_o and_o so_o frequent_o upon_o so_o great_a evidence_n as_o all_o intelligent_a person_n have_v of_o the_o christian_a faith_n give_v full_a assent_n and_o consent_n unto_o plain_o then_o it_o be_v upon_o a_o particular_a view_n of_o all_o the_o office_n of_o positive_a worship_n which_o christian_n pretend_v to_o that_o beside_o the_o stamp_n of_o divine_a authority_n their_o conduciveness_n to_o virtue_n make_v they_o most_o reasonable_a and_o necessary_a for_o a_o close_a then_o to_o this_o second_o part_n of_o our_o discourse_n inasmuch_o as_o these_o holy_a office_n speak_v of_o be_v to_o be_v by_o all_o christian_n some_o of_o they_o every_o day_n and_o therein_o more_o than_o once_o all_o of_o they_o except_o baptism_n often_o repeat_v nor_o do_v any_o one_o pay_v the_o worship_n he_o owe_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n we_o hold_v to_o if_o he_o once_o or_o seldom_o pray_v meditate_v hear_v communicate_v and_o confess_v and_o inasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v already_o evident_a every_o due_a iteration_n of_o each_o of_o they_o make_v deep_a impression_n of_o or_o towards_o virtue_n it_o be_v i_o have_v almost_o say_v beyond_o contradiction_n prove_v that_o who_o so_o addict_v himself_o to_o the_o due_a and_o orderly_a practice_n of_o the_o christian_a positive_a worship_n that_o be_v be_v devout_a must_v thereby_o attain_v unto_o and_o grow_v in_o all_o natural_a as_o well_o as_o christian_a virtue_n and_o then_o let_v they_o look_v to_o it_o who_o cry_v up_o natural_a virtue_n as_o the_o only_a true_a or_o necessary_a worship_n of_o the_o supreme_a god_n how_o they_o will_v approve_v themselves_o either_o friend_n to_o virtue_n which_o they_o pretend_v so_o much_o to_o admire_v or_o worshipper_n of_o god_n to_o who_o they_o will_v seem_v the_o only_a true_a and_o rational_a devote_v sure_o the_o imaginary_a honour_n which_o they_o think_v they_o thus_o give_v to_o virtue_n be_v but_o a_o very_a unproportionable_a recompense_n for_o that_o real_a damage_n which_o it_o must_v needs_o sustain_v by_o have_v all_o those_o office_n lift_v out_o which_o god_n appoint_v the_o church_n ever_o practise_v and_o by_o long_a practice_n find_v to_o be_v the_o most_o sovereign_a mean_n and_o preservative_n of_o virtue_n and_o without_o which_o it_o will_v present_o languish_v into_o a_o empty_a name_n have_v little_a footing_n or_o interest_n any_o where_o save_v only_o in_o man_n discourse_n and_o then_o as_o to_o god_n it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o see_v how_o they_o can_v approve_v themselves_o worshipper_n sect._n 3_o of_o he_o when_o they_o deny_v at_o least_o decry_v vilify_v and_o slight_v that_o worship_n which_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n contrive_v and_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n enact_v as_o most_o proper_a not_o only_o to_o express_v in_o a_o way_n acceptable_a to_o he_o the_o homage_n which_o we_o owe_v but_o to_o secure_v to_o we_o what_o only_o can_v constitute_v we_o happy_a holy_a and_o virtuous_a mind_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o three_o general_a head_n §_o 1._o a_o positive_a worship_n certain_a from_o scripture_n and_o scripture_n certain_a from_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n §_o 2._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n evident_a from_o the_o history_n of_o it_o §_o 3._o before_o christ_n §_o 4._o evident_a from_o the_o history_n of_o it_o in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n §_o 5._o evident_a from_o the_o history_n of_o its_o progress_n and_o state_n since_o §_o 6._o a_o recapitulatory_a conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a sect._n 1_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o we_o have_v hitherto_o clear_v be_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o worship_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o positive_a nature_n and_o that_o all_o those_o office_n of_o such_o worship_n which_o christian_n observe_v be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o be_v observe_v because_o necessary_a as_o so_o many_o mean_n to_o the_o propagate_a virtue_n but_o though_o something_o have_v be_v say_v above_o on_o the_o refutative_a part_n to_o vindicate_v the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o the_o christian_a oracle_n from_o those_o imputation_n and_o exception_n which_o be_v bring_v by_o some_o in_o common_a against_o all_o divine_a revelation_n which_o in_o the_o end_n assert_v those_o office_n which_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v unto_o we_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n yet_o little_a or_o nothing_o hitherto_o have_v be_v bring_v in_o a_o probative_a way_n to_o evince_v either_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n or_o of_o those_o office_n from_o thence_o now_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o the_o office_n can_v i_o presume_v be_v doubt_v admit_v the_o divine_a authority_n or_o truth_n of_o scripture_n or_o in_o case_n it_o shall_v we_o have_v make_v it_o sufficient_o evident_a from_o scripture_n as_o to_o each_o particular_a in_o another_o tract_n to_o devotion_n method_n for_o private_a devotion_n which_o this_o discourse_n refer_v and_o then_o general_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n can_v be_v question_v admit_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n among_o mankind_n as_o a_o true_a religion_n beside_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v suppose_v natural_a as_o we_o have_v above_o prove_v there_o be_v that_o religion_n must_v be_v the_o true_a one_o which_o the_o supreme_a god_n ordain_v so_o that_o to_o say_v the_o christian_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n be_v to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v ordain_v by_o god_n if_o therefore_o christian_a religion_n be_v ordain_v by_o god_n as_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n then_o must_v those_o oracle_n or_o record_n which_o do_v contain_v the_o particular_n or_o office_n whereof_o this_o religion_n be_v make_v up_o contain_v such_o thing_n as_o the_o supreme_a god_n enjoin_v to_o man_n which_o be_v all_o that_o at_o present_a we_o mean_v by_o the_o general_a truth_n of_o scripture_n i_o have_v use_v the_o term_n of_o general_a truth_n to_o avoid_v what_o may_v be_v object_v touch_v various_a reading_n which_o if_o various_a and_o so_o various_a as_o we_o know_v they_o be_v in_o both_o testament_n some_o must_v be_v false_a but_o this_o as_o above_o say_v prejudices_fw-la not_o our_o cause_n so_o that_o in_o fine_a to_o say_v the_o christian_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o to_o say_v holy_a scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n or_o true_a in_o our_o sense_n be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o all_o christian_n in_o common_a do_v agree_v that_o scripture_n contain_v the_o essential_o and_o body_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o all_o who_o acknowledge_v
their_o religion_n true_a must_v because_o it_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n acknowledge_v the_o great_a thing_n which_o scripture_n contain_v to_o be_v true_a that_o be_v reveal_v or_o prescribe_v from_o above_o it_o remain_v then_o now_o only_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o christian_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n which_o be_v very_o needless_a do_v we_o intend_v to_o be_v large_a it_o have_v be_v infinite_o better_a do_v by_o many_o hand_n than_o we_o can_v pretend_v to_o but_o in_o regard_n what_o we_o design_v be_v brief_a and_o we_o trust_v may_v be_v satisfactory_a such_o a_o proof_n will_v not_o be_v needless_a to_o such_o who_o it_o may_v be_v have_v not_o or_o can_v peruse_v large_a and_o more_o elaborate_a work_n sect._n 2_o i_o say_v then_o that_o the_o mere_a frame_n of_o the_o history_n of_o christian_a religion_n lie_v so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v rational_o disbelieve_v that_o that_o religion_n come_v from_o god_n that_o be_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o this_o will_v distinct_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v what_o of_o history_n be_v extant_a touch_v christian_a religion_n before_o the_o time_n that_o christ_n be_v bear_v and_o then_o what_o the_o state_n of_o this_o religion_n be_v under_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o last_o what_o its_o progress_n and_o state_n have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n ever_o since_o within_o each_o and_o much_o more_o within_o all_o of_o these_o several_a period_n there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o sacred_a story_n certain_a and_o undeniable_a as_o will_n beyond_o controversy_n evince_v the_o divine_a original_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect._n 3_o first_o as_o to_o what_o of_o the_o history_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v extant_a in_o the_o world_n before_o christ_n come_n thereinto_o it_o may_v possible_o seem_v improper_a language_n to_o talk_v of_o the_o history_n of_o any_o thing_n not_o yet_o suppose_v in_o be_v such_o as_o christian_a religion_n which_o take_v its_o rise_n as_o well_o as_o denomination_n from_o christ_n must_v be_v confess_v to_o be_v before_o christ_n come_v but_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o christianity_n suppose_v judaisme_n once_o to_o have_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o build_v upon_o and_o perfect_v it_o it_o can_v be_v say_v but_o judaisme_n be_v long_o before_o extant_a a_o great_a part_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o also_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n christianity_n only_o advance_v and_o reinforce_v it_o add_v haply_o somewhat_o to_o it_o it_o disannul_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n make_v up_o of_o certain_a typical_a observation_n and_o office_n christianity_n exhibit_v the_o real_a substance_n that_o be_v whatsoever_o truth_n be_v deliver_v of_o old_a to_o the_o jew_n under_o shadow_n the_o gospel_n plain_o speak_v out_o so_o that_o even_o many_o of_o the_o christian_a truth_n or_o doctrinal_n may_v have_v be_v say_v extant_a before_o christ_n though_o in_o a_o different_a manner_n from_o that_o wherein_o they_o be_v now_o know_v these_o thing_n therefore_o consider_v it_o be_v not_o unreasonable_a to_o speak_v somewhat_o of_o the_o history_n of_o christianity_n extant_a before_o christ_n now_o that_o i_o say_v whatever_o it_o be_v deliver_v so_o much_o as_o make_v up_o a_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n i_o mean_v of_o its_o divine_a original_n first_o it_o can_v by_o any_o man_n of_o reason_n be_v deny_v but_o as_o there_o be_v at_o present_a a_o scatter_a race_n of_o man_n which_o call_v and_o profess_v themselves_o jew_n so_o the_o forefather_n of_o these_o be_v a_o very_a ancient_a people_n and_o that_o both_o these_o and_o they_o have_v or_o have_v many_o odd_a custom_n and_o usage_n of_o live_v different_a from_o other_o nation_n all_o which_o they_o have_v observe_v and_o in_o part_n still_o do_v with_o most_o religious_a veneration_n as_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v enact_v by_o a_o law_n deliver_v from_o heaven_n and_o consign_v in_o certain_a book_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n their_o lawgiver_n by_o divine_a direction_n it_o can_v second_o be_v deny_v that_o such_o a_o man_n as_o moses_n a_o very_a long_a time_n ago_o do_v live_v and_o that_o among_o the_o first_o and_o most_o ancient_a monument_n of_o all_o learning_n or_o letter_n be_v that_o arcane_a volume_n wherein_o moses_n comprise_v that_o law_n for_o beside_o that_o we_o have_v the_o book_n in_o our_o hand_n and_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n live_v in_o multitude_n of_o book_n which_o we_o credit_v in_o other_o thing_n we_o have_v mention_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o ancient_a state_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o jew_n yea_o we_o find_v moses_n law_n translate_v into_o other_o tongue_n some_o hundred_o of_o year_n before_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n all_o which_o be_v argument_n beyond_o contradiction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o be_v before_o extant_a nor_o three_o can_v it_o be_v deny_v that_o beside_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o jew_n have_v long_o before_o christ_n time_n certain_a other_o book_n which_o they_o do_v and_o their_o posterity_n still_o do_v believe_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o man_n commission_v and_o inspire_v by_o god_n to_o expound_v that_o law_n to_o they_o and_o acquaint_v they_o of_o other_o mystery_n i_o mean_v they_o have_v the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n particular_o of_o isaiah_n jeremiah_n daniel_n the_o psalm_n and_o the_o rest_n he_o that_o believe_v any_o thing_n of_o history_n that_o he_o read_v can_v disbelieve_v this_o now_o these_o thing_n be_v grant_v if_o we_o compare_v christianity_n the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o it_o with_o what_o be_v extant_a in_o those_o book_n we_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v what_o be_v contend_v for_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o book_n of_o moses_n do_v foretell_v that_o a_o prophet_n god_n shall_v raise_v a_o man_n as_o moses_n be_v who_o shall_v come_v with_o great_a authority_n than_o he_o do_v and_o must_v according_o be_v more_o hearken_v unto_o and_o regard_v it_o be_v plain_a he_o specify_v that_o prophet_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o that_o by_o isaac_n posterity_n and_o more_o particular_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n but_o not_o bear_v till_o the_o sceptre_n be_v depart_v from_o judah_n the_o prophet_n yet_o be_v more_o express_v they_o specify_v the_o very_a place_n of_o his_o birth_n bethlehem_n the_o time_n of_o it_o a_o multitude_n of_o circumstance_n and_o action_n of_o his_o life_n and_o then_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o death_n the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n on_o this_o occasion_n the_o success_n of_o his_o doctrine_n both_o in_o his_o life_n not_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o after_o his_o death_n to_o take_v in_o the_o whole_a inhabit_a world_n to_o instance_n in_o one_o particular_a prophecy_n daniel_n in_o express_a term_n tell_v we_o that_o 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