that_o since_o a_o set-form_n of_o prayer_n leave_v the_o soul_n whole_o free_a to_o employ_v its_o affection_n and_o devotion_n in_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n do_v most_o proper_o consist_v it_o follow_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v thereby_o in_o a_o singular_a manner_n help_v promote_v and_o enlarge_v and_o since_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o extempore-way_n withdraw_v and_o take_v off_o the_o soul_n from_o employ_v its_o affection_n and_o engage_v it_o chief_o if_o not_o whole_o about_o the_o use_n of_o its_o invention_n it_o as_o plain_o follow_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v by_o this_o mean_n unavoidable_o cramp_v and_o hinder_v and_o to_o use_v their_o own_o word_n stint_v which_o be_v the_o proposition_n that_o i_o undertake_v to_o prove_v but_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n i_o confess_v that_o be_v extreme_o hinder_v and_o stint_v by_o a_o set-form_n of_o prayer_n and_o equal_o further_v and_o enlarge_v by_o the_o extempore-way_n which_o without_o all_o doubt_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n why_o the_o former_a be_v so_o much_o decry_v and_o the_o latter_a so_o much_o extol_v by_o the_o man_n who_o we_o be_v now_o plead_v with_o the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v pride_n and_o ostentation_n the_o other_o faction_n and_o sedition_n 1._o and_o first_o for_o pride_n i_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o question_n but_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o such_o as_o use_v the_o extempore-way_n be_v to_o amuse_v the_o unthinking_a rabble_n with_o a_o admiration_n of_o their_o gift_n their_o whole_a devotion_n proceed_v from_o no_o other_o principle_n but_o only_o a_o love_n to_o hear_v themselves_o talk_v and_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v put_v lucifer_n himself_o hard_o to_o it_o to_o outvie_v the_o pride_n of_o one_o of_o those_o fellow_n pour_v out_o his_o extempore-stuff_n among_o his_o ignorant_a whine_a factious_a follower_n listen_v to_o and_o applaud_v his_o copious_a flow_n and_o cant_n with_o the_o ridiculous_a accent_n of_o their_o impertinent_a groan_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v extempore-prayer_n even_o when_o best_o and_o most_o dextrous_o perform_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o business_n of_o invention_n and_o wit_n such_o as_o it_o be_v and_o require_v no_o more_o to_o it_o but_o a_o teem_a imagination_n a_o bold_a front_n and_o a_o ready_a expression_n and_o deserve_v much_o the_o same_o commendation_n be_v it_o not_o in_o a_o matter_n too_o serious_a to_o be_v sudden_a upon_o which_o be_v due_a to_o extempore_o verse_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o there_o be_v necessary_a to_o these_o latter_a a_o competent_a measure_n of_o wit_n and_o learning_n whereas_o the_o former_a may_v be_v do_v with_o very_o little_a wit_n and_o no_o learning_n at_o all_o and_o now_o can_v any_o sober_a person_n think_v it_o reasonable_a that_o the_o public_a devotion_n of_o a_o whole_a congregation_n shall_v be_v under_o the_o conduct_n and_o at_o the_o mercy_n of_o a_o pert_a empty_a conceit_a holderforth_a who_o chief_a if_o not_o sole_a intent_n be_v to_o vaunt_v his_o spiritual_a clack_n and_o as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v to_o pray_v prize_n whereas_o prayer_n be_v a_o duty_n that_o recommend_v itself_o to_o the_o acceptance_n of_o almighty_a god_n by_o no_o other_o qualification_n so_o much_o as_o by_o the_o profound_a humility_n and_o the_o low_a esteem_n that_o a_o man_n can_v possible_o have_v of_o himself_o certain_o the_o extemporize_a faculty_n be_v never_o more_o out_o of_o its_o element_n than_o in_o the_o pulpit_n though_o even_o here_o it_o be_v much_o more_o excusable_a in_o a_o sermon_n than_o in_o a_o prayer_n for_o as_o much_o as_o in_o that_o a_o man_n addresses_z himself_z but_o to_o man_n man_n like_o himself_o who_o he_o may_v therefore_o make_v bold_a with_o as_o no_o doubt_n for_o so_o do_v they_o will_v also_o make_v bold_a with_o he_o beside_o the_o peculiar_a advantage_n attend_v all_o such_o sudden_a conception_n that_o as_o they_o be_v quick_o bear_v so_o they_o quick_o die_v it_o be_v seldom_o know_v where_o the_o speaker_n have_v so_o very_o fluent_a a_o invention_n but_o the_o hearer_n also_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o as_o fluent_a a_o memory_n 2_o lie_n the_o other_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v hitherto_o so_o little_o befriend_v by_o a_o set-form_n of_o prayer_n and_o so_o very_a much_o by_o the_o extempore-way_n be_v faction_n and_o sedition_n it_o have_v be_v always_o find_v a_o excellent_a way_n of_o gird_v at_o the_o government_n in_o scripture-phrase_n and_o we_o all_o know_v the_o common_a dialect_n in_o which_o the_o great_a master_n of_o this_o art_n use_v to_o pray_v for_o the_o king_n and_o which_o may_v just_o pass_v for_o only_o a_o cleanly_a and_o more_o refine_a kind_n of_o libel_v he_o in_o the_o lord_n as_o that_o god_n will_v turn_v his_o heart_n and_o open_v his_o eye_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o pagan_a yet_o to_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n with_o many_o other_o sly_a virulent_a and_o malicious_a insinuation_n which_o we_o may_v every_o day_n hear_v of_o from_o those_o mint_n of_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n their_o conventicle_n and_o for_o which_o and_o a_o great_a deal_n less_o some_o prince_n and_o government_n will_v make_v they_o not_o only_o eat_v their_o word_n but_o the_o tongue_n that_o speak_v they_o too_o in_o fine_a let_v all_o their_o extempore_o harangue_n be_v consider_v and_o due_o weigh_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v a_o spirit_n of_o pride_n faction_n and_o sedition_n predominant_a in_o they_o all_o the_o only_a spirit_n which_o those_o impostor_n do_v real_o and_o indeed_o pray_v by_o i_o have_v be_v so_o much_o the_o long_o and_o the_o earnest_a against_o this_o intoxicate_a bewitch_a cheat_n of_o extempore-prayer_n be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o my_o conscience_n that_o it_o have_v be_v all_o along_o the_o devil_n masterpiece_n and_o prime_a engine_n to_o overthrow_v our_o church_n by_o for_o i_o look_v upon_o this_o as_o a_o most_o unanswerable_a truth_n that_o whatsoever_o render_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n contemptible_a among_o we_o must_v in_o the_o same_o degree_n weaken_v and_o discredit_v our_o whole_a religion_n and_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v also_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n altogether_o as_o clear_v that_o this_o extempore-way_n natural_o bring_v all_o the_o contempt_n upon_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o both_o the_o folly_n and_o faction_n of_o man_n can_v possible_o expose_v it_o to_o and_o therefore_o as_o a_o thing_n neither_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o true_a purpose_n of_o religion_n nor_o ground_v upon_o principle_n of_o reason_n nor_o last_o suitable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o antiquity_n aught_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v explode_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o every_o sober_a and_o well-ordered_a church_n or_o that_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o throw_v the_o church_n itself_o out_o of_o door_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v at_o length_n finish_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v of_o the_o first_o ingredient_n of_o a_o pious_a and_o reverential_n prayer_n which_o be_v premeditation_n of_o thought_n prescribe_v to_o we_o in_o these_o word_n let_v not_o thy_o mouth_n be_v rash_a nor_o thy_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n which_o excellent_a word_n and_o most_o wise_a advice_n of_o solomon_n whosoever_o can_v reconcile_v to_o the_o expediency_n decency_n or_o usefulness_n of_o extempore-prayer_n i_o shall_v acknowledge_v he_o a_o man_n of_o great_a ability_n and_o part_n of_o mind_n than_o solomon_n himself_o the_o other_o ingredient_n of_o a_o reverential_n and_o due_o qualify_v prayer_n be_v a_o pertinent_a brevity_n of_o expression_n mention_v and_o recommend_v in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o text_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o but_o this_o i_o can_v dispatch_v now_o and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o enter_v upon_o at_o this_o time_n now_o to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n be_v render_v and_o ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o praise_n may_v majesty_n and_o dominion_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n a_o discourse_n against_o long_n and_o extempore-prayer_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o the_o same_o text._n eccles_n v._o 2._o be_v not_o rash_a with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n for_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o upon_o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o i_o former_o begin_v a_o discourse_n upon_o these_o word_n and_o observe_v in_o they_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o whosoever_o appear_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o way_n of_o prayer_n aught_o to_o reckon_v himself_o in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n place_v in_o the_o sight_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o 2_o lie_n
will_v condemn_v he_o in_o the_o other_o and_o consequent_o he_o who_o place_n his_o salvation_n upon_o this_o ground_n will_v find_v himself_o like_o a_o imprison_a and_o condemn_a malefactor_n who_o in_o the_o night_n dream_n that_o he_o be_v release_v but_o in_o the_o morning_n find_v himself_o lead_v to_o the_o gallow_n 4_o lie_n and_o last_o no_o advantage_n from_o external_n church-membership_n or_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n can_v of_o themselves_o give_v a_o man_n confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o yet_o perhaps_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n which_o man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v general_o more_o cheat_v themselves_o with_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o this_o who_o because_o they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o abraham_n as_o it_o be_v ready_o acknowledge_v by_o our_o saviour_n john_n 8._o 37._o and_o because_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n rom._n 3._o 2._o together_o with_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o promise_n rom._n 9_o 4._o that_o be_v in_o other_o word_n because_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o professor_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n while_o all_o the_o world_n about_o they_o lay_v wallow_v in_o ignorance_n heathenism_n and_o idolatry_n they_o conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o god_n be_v so_o fond_a of_o they_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o villainy_n and_o immorality_n they_o be_v still_o the_o darling_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o only_a heir_n apparent_a of_o salvation_n they_o think_v it_o seem_v god_n and_o themselves_o link_v together_o in_o so_o fast_o but_o withal_o so_o strange_a a_o covenant_n that_o although_o they_o never_o perform_v their_o part_n of_o it_o god_n be_v yet_o bind_v to_o make_v good_a every_o tittle_n of_o he_o and_o this_o make_v john_n the_o baptist_n set_v himself_o with_o so_o much_o acrimony_n and_o indignation_n to_o baffle_v this_o senseless_a arrogant_a conceit_n of_o they_o which_o make_v they_o huff_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n as_o a_o thing_n below_o they_o and_o not_o at_o all_o belong_v to_o they_o in_o matth._n 3._o v._n 9_o think_v not_o say_v he_o to_o say_v within_o yourselves_o we_o have_v abraham_n to_o our_o father_n this_o he_o know_v lay_v deep_a in_o their_o heart_n and_o be_v still_o in_o their_o mouth_n and_o keep_v they_o insolent_a and_o impenitent_a under_o sin_n of_o the_o high_a and_o most_o clamorous_a gild_n though_o our_o saviour_n himself_o also_o not_o long_o after_o this_o assure_v they_o that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a stock_n and_o parentage_n from_o that_o which_o they_o boast_v of_o and_o that_o whosoever_o be_v their_o father_n upon_o the_o natural_a account_n the_o devil_n be_v certain_o so_o upon_o a_o moral_a in_o like_a manner_n how_o vain_o do_v the_o romanist_n pride_n and_o value_v themselves_o upon_o the_o name_n of_o catholic_n of_o the_o catholic_n religion_n and_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n though_o a_o title_n no_o more_o applicable_a to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o a_o man_n finger_n when_o it_o be_v swell_v and_o putrefy_a can_v be_v call_v his_o whole_a body_n a_o church_n which_o allow_v salvation_n to_o none_o without_o it_o nor_o award_v damnation_n to_o almost_o any_o within_o it_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o former_a empty_a plea_n serve_v the_o sottish_a jew_n so_o no_o wonder_n if_o this_o equal_o serve_v these_o to_o put_v they_o into_o a_o fool_n paradise_n by_o feed_v their_o hope_n without_o change_v their_o life_n and_o as_o a_o excellent_a expedient_a first_o to_o assure_v they_o of_o heaven_n and_o then_o to_o bring_v they_o easy_o to_o it_o and_o so_o in_o a_o word_n to_o save_v both_o their_o soul_n and_o their_o sin_n too_o and_o to_o show_v how_o the_o same_o cheat_n run_v through_o all_o profession_n though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o dress_n none_o be_v more_o powerful_o and_o gross_o under_o it_o than_o another_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o on_o the_o contrary_a place_v their_o whole_a acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o indeed_o their_o whole_a religion_n upon_o a_o mighty_a zeal_n or_o rather_o outcry_n against_o popery_n and_o superstition_n verbal_o indeed_o utter_v against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o real_o mean_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o which_o sort_v of_o person_n i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o but_o this_o and_o that_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o meekness_n namely_o that_o zeal_n and_o noise_n against_o popery_n and_o real_a service_n for_o it_o be_v no_o such_o inconsistent_a thing_n as_o some_o may_v imagine_v indeed_o no_o more_o than_o invective_n against_o papist_n and_o solemn_a address_n of_o thanks_o to_o they_o for_o that_o very_a thing_n by_o which_o they_o will_v have_v bring_v in_o popery_n upon_o we_o and_o if_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n do_v not_o yet_o know_v so_o much_o thanks_o to_o they_o for_o it_o we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v and_o so_o may_v they_o themselves_o too_o in_o due_a time_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o by_o way_n of_o sarcasm_n to_o reproach_v they_o i_o leave_v that_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o will_v do_v it_o more_o effectual_o but_o by_o way_n of_o charity_n to_o warn_v they_o for_o let_v they_o be_v assure_v that_o this_o whole_a scene_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o be_v as_o real_o superstition_n and_o as_o false_a a_o bottom_n to_o rest_v their_o soul_n upon_o as_o either_o the_o jew_n allege_v abraham_n for_o their_o father_n while_o the_o devil_n claim_v they_o for_o his_o child_n or_o the_o papist_n rely_v upon_o their_o indulgence_n their_o saint_n merit_n and_o supererogation_n and_o such_o other_o foppery_n as_o can_v never_o settle_v nor_o indeed_o so_o much_o as_o reach_v the_o conscience_n and_o much_o less_o recommend_v it_o to_o that_o judge_n who_o be_v not_o to_o be_v flam_v off_o with_o word_n and_o phrase_n and_o name_n though_o take_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o nay_o and_o i_o shall_v proceed_v yet_o further_o it_o be_v not_o a_o man_n be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n itself_o though_o undoubted_o the_o pure_a and_o best_a reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n indeed_o so_o well_o reform_v that_o it_o will_v be_v find_v a_o much_o easy_a work_n to_o alter_v than_o to_o better_v its_o constitution_n i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o a_o man_n be_v even_o of_o this_o excellent_a church_n which_o can_v of_o itself_o clear_a account_n between_o god_n and_o his_o conscience_n since_o bare_a communion_n with_o a_o good_a church_n can_v never_o alone_o make_v a_o good_a man_n for_o if_o it_o can_v i_o be_o sure_a we_o shall_v have_v no_o bad_a one_o in_o we_o and_o much_o less_o such_o as_o will_v betray_v it_o so_o that_o we_o see_v here_o that_o it_o be_v but_o too_o manifest_a that_o man_n of_o all_o church_n sect_n and_o persuasion_n be_v strange_o apt_a to_o flatter_v and_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o what_o they_o believe_v and_o what_o they_o profess_v and_o if_o we_o thorough_o consider_v the_o matter_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o fallacy_n to_o lie_v in_o this_o that_o those_o religious_a institution_n which_o god_n design_v only_o for_o mean_n help_n and_o advantage_n to_o promote_v and_o further_a man_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n they_o look_v upon_o rather_o as_o a_o privilege_n to_o serve_v they_o instead_o of_o it_o and_o real_o to_o commute_v for_o it_o this_o be_v the_o very_a case_n and_o a_o fatal_a self-imposture_n it_o be_v certain_o and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o defeat_v the_o design_n and_o destroy_v the_o force_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v four_o several_a uncertain_a and_o deceitful_a rule_n which_o man_n be_v prone_a to_o judge_v of_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n by_o but_o now_o have_v we_o any_o better_a or_o more_o certain_a to_o substitute_n and_o recommend_v in_o the_o room_n of_o they_o why_o yes_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o apostle_n a_o man_n be_v own_o heart_n or_o conscience_n be_v that_o which_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v able_a to_o give_v he_o confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o heart_n know_v that_o by_o itself_o which_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n beside_o can_v give_v it_o any_o knowledge_n of_o and_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o it_o can_v have_v no_o foundation_n to_o build_v any_o true_a confidence_n upon_o conscience_n under_o god_n be_v the_o only_a competent_a judge_n of_o what_o the_o soul_n have_v do_v and_o what_o it_o have_v not_o do_v what_o gild_n it_o have_v contract_v and_o what_o it_o have_v not_o as_o it_o be_v in_o 1_o corinth_n 2._o 11._o what_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o conscience_n be_v its_o own_o counsellor_n the_o sole_a master_n of_o its_o own_o
least_o honour_n upon_o nor_o contribute_v the_o least_o advantage_n to_o all_o that_o i_o can_v add_v be_v that_o as_o it_o be_v my_o fortune_n to_o serve_v this_o noble_a seat_n of_o learning_n for_o many_o year_n as_o her_o public_a though_o unworthy_a orator_n so_o upon_o that_o and_o innumerable_a other_o account_n i_o ought_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v and_o to_o acknowledge_v myself_o her_o most_o faithful_a obedient_a and_o devote_a servant_n robert_n south_n westminster_n abbey_n novemb_n 17._o 1693._o the_o content_n of_o the_o sermon_n sermon_n i._n prov._n x._o 9_o he_o that_o walk_v upright_o walk_v sure_o page_n 1_o sermon_n ii_o john_n xv._n 15._o henceforth_o i_o call_v you_o not_o servant_n for_o the_o servant_n know_v not_o what_o his_o lord_n do_v but_o i_o have_v call_v you_o friend_n for_o all_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v hear_v of_o my_o father_n have_v i_o make_v know_v unto_o you_o p._n 59_o sermon_n iii_o iu_o eccles._n v._n 2._o be_v not_o rash_a with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n for_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o upon_o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o p._n 111_o sermon_n v._o vi_o rom._n i._n 32._o who_o know_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o they_o which_o commit_v such_o thing_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n not_o only_o do_v the_o same_o but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o do_v they_o p._n 223_o sermon_n vii_o rom._n i._n 20._o latter_a part._n so_o that_o they_o be_v without_o excuse_n p._n 323_o sermon_n viii_o matth._n xxii_o 12._o and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o friend_n how_o come_v thou_o in_o hither_o not_o have_v a_o wedding-garment_n p._n 373_o sermon_n ix_o isa._n v._o 20._o wo_n unto_o they_o that_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n etc._n etc._n p._n 427_o sermon_n x._o 1._o sam._n xxv_o 32_o 33._o and_o david_n say_v to_o abigail_n blessed_n be_v the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n who_o send_v thou_o this_o day_n to_o meet_v i_o and_o bless_v be_v thy_o advice_n and_o bless_v be_v thou_o who_o have_v keep_v i_o this_o day_n from_o come_v to_o shed_v blood_n and_o from_o avenge_a myself_o with_o my_o own_o hand_n p._n 485_o sermon_n xi_o xii_o 1_o john_n iii_o 21._o belove_a if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o than_o we_o have_v confidence_n towards_o god_n p._n 531_o some_o of_o the_o chief_a error_n of_o the_o press_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v correct_v page_n 9_o line_n 15._o for_o right_a aim_v read_v the_o right_n aim_v p._n 116._o l._n 2._o after_o the_o word_n therefore_o a_o break._n p._n 153._o line_n the_o last_o for_o invention_n read_v invention_n p._n 157._o l._n 6._o for_o design_n read_v design_n p._n 183._o l._n 9_o for_o receive_v read_v receive_v p._n 267._o l._n 20_o for_o outrageous_o read_v outrageous_o p._n 283._o l._n 19_o for_o of_o a_o presumption_n read_v of_o presumption_n p._n 284._o line_n after_o world_n deal_n the_o semicolon_n p._n 342._o l._n 18._o for_o those_o read_v these_o p._n 348._o l._n 20._o for_o artist_n read_v artist_n p._n 349._o l._n 18._o for_o come_n read_v come_v p._n 350._o l._n 4._o for_o vice_n read_v vice_n p._n 414._o l._n 11._o for_o the_o table_n read_v their_o table_n p._n 493._o l._n 9_o for_o object_n read_v object_n p._n 508._o l._n 5._o for_o preferrible_a read_v preferible_a p._n 613._o l._n 21._o for_o second_v next_o read_z second_o and_o next_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n enforce_v by_o reason_n in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v upon_o prov_n x._o 9_o at_o westminster-abbey_n 1667._o prov_n x._o 9_o he_o that_o walk_v upright_o walk_v sure_o as_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o evince_v both_o from_o reason_n and_o experience_n that_o there_o be_v a_o strange_a restless_a activity_n in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n continual_o dispose_v it_o to_o operate_v and_o exert_v its_o faculty_n so_o the_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n still_o express_v the_o life_n of_o man_n by_o walk_v that_o be_v it_o represent_v a_o active_a principle_n in_o a_o active_a posture_n and_o because_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n carry_v he_o thus_o out_o to_o action_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o the_o same_o nature_n equal_o render_v he_o solicitous_a about_o the_o â—â—ue_n and_o event_n of_o his_o action_n for_o every_o one_o by_o reflect_v upon_o the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o his_o own_o work_n will_v find_v that_o he_o be_v still_o determine_v in_o they_o by_o a_o respect_n to_o the_o consequence_n of_o what_o he_o do_v always_o proceed_v upon_o this_o argumentation_n if_o i_o do_v such_o a_o thing_n such_o a_o advantage_n will_v follow_v from_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v do_v it_o and_o if_o i_o do_v this_o such_o a_o mischief_n will_v ensue_v thereupon_o and_o therefore_o i_o will_v forbear_v every_o one_o i_o say_v be_v conclude_v by_o this_o practical_a discourse_n and_o for_o a_o man_n to_o bring_v his_o action_n to_o the_o event_n propose_v and_o design_v by_o he_o be_v to_o walk_v sure_o but_o since_o the_o event_n of_o a_o action_n usual_o follow_v the_o nature_n or_o quality_n of_o it_o and_o the_o quality_n follow_v the_o rule_n direct_v it_o it_o concern_v a_o man_n by_o all_o mean_n in_o the_o frame_n of_o his_o action_n not_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o rule_n which_o he_o propose_v for_o the_o measure_n of_o they_o which_o without_o great_a and_o exact_a caution_n he_o may_v be_v these_o two_o way_n 1._o by_o lay_v false_a and_o deceitful_a principle_n 2._o in_o case_n he_o lay_v right_a principle_n yet_o by_o mistake_v in_o the_o consequence_n which_o he_o draw_v from_o they_o a_o error_n in_o either_o of_o which_o be_v equal_o dangerous_a for_o if_o a_o man_n be_v to_o draw_v a_o line_n it_o be_v all_o one_o whether_o he_o do_v it_o by_o a_o crooked_a rule_n or_o by_o a_o straight_a one_o misapply_v he_o who_o fix_v upon_o false_a principle_n tread_v upon_o infirm_a ground_n and_o so_o sink_v and_o he_o who_o fail_v in_o his_o deduction_n from_o right_a principle_n stumble_v upon_o firm_a ground_n and_o so_o fall_v the_o disaster_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o kind_a but_o of_o the_o same_o mischief_n in_o both_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v sometime_o very_o hard_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n or_o goodness_n of_o principle_n consider_v bare_o in_o themselves_o and_o abstract_v from_o their_o consequence_n but_o certain_o he_o act_v upon_o the_o sure_a and_o most_o prudential_n ground_n in_o the_o world_n who_o whether_o the_o principle_n which_o he_o act_v upon_o prove_v true_a or_o false_a yet_o secure_v a_o happy_a issue_n to_o his_o action_n now_o he_o who_o guide_v his_o action_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n lay_v these_o two_o principle_n as_o the_o great_a ground_n of_o all_o that_o he_o do_v 1._o that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a eternal_a alwise_a mind_n govern_v the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n and_o take_v such_o a_o account_n of_o the_o action_n of_o man_n as_o according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o they_o to_o punish_v or_o reward_v they_o 2_o lie_n that_o there_o be_v a_o estate_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n after_o this_o life_n allot_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o the_o quality_n of_o his_o action_n here_o these_o i_o say_v be_v the_o principle_n which_o every_o religious_a man_n propose_v to_o himself_o and_o the_o deduction_n which_o he_o make_v from_o they_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v his_o grand_a interest_n and_o concern_v so_o to_o act_v and_o behave_v himself_o in_o this_o world_n as_o to_o secure_v himself_o from_o a_o estate_n of_o misery_n in_o the_o other_o and_o thus_o to_o act_v be_v in_o the_o phrase_n of_o scripture_n to_o walk_v upright_o and_o it_o be_v my_o business_n to_o prove_v that_o he_o who_o act_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o the_o two_o forementioned_a principle_n walk_v sure_o or_o secure_v a_o happy_a event_n to_o his_o action_n against_o all_o contingency_n whatsoever_o and_o to_o demonstrate_v this_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o say_a principle_n under_o a_o threefold_a supposition_n 1._o as_o certain_o true_a 2_o lie_n as_o probable_a and_o 3_o lie_n as_o false_a and_o if_o the_o pious_a man_n bring_v his_o action_n to_o a_o happy_a end_n which_o soever_o of_o these_o supposition_n his_o principle_n fall_v under_o then_o certain_o there_o be_v none_o who_o walk_v so_o sure_o and_o upon_o such_o irrefragable_a ground_n of_o prudence_n as_o he_o who_o be_v religious_a 1._o first_o of_o all_o therefore_o we_o will_v take_v these_o principle_n as_o we_o may_v very_o well_o do_v under_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o certain_o true_a where_o though_o the_o method_n of_o the_o ratiocination_n which_o i_o have_v cast_v the_o present_a
distinct_a petition_n add_v to_o this_o the_o excellent_a contrivance_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o liturgy_n into_o alternate_a response_n by_o which_o mean_n the_o people_n be_v put_v to_o bear_v a_o considerable_a share_n in_o the_o whole_a service_n which_o make_v it_o almost_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o be_v only_o idle_a hearer_n or_o which_o be_v worse_o mere_a looker_n on_o as_o they_o be_v very_o often_o and_o may_v be_v always_o if_o they_o can_v but_o keep_v their_o eye_n open_a at_o the_o long_a tedious_a prayer_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v that_o which_o make_v and_o denominate_v our_o liturgy_n true_o and_o proper_o a_o book_n of_o common-prayer_n for_o i_o think_v i_o may_v true_o avouch_v how_o strange_a soever_o it_o may_v seem_v at_o first_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o common_a or_o joint-prayer_n anywhere_o among_o the_o principal_a dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o in_o the_o romish_a communion_n the_o priest_n say_v over_o the_o appoint_a prayer_n only_o to_o himself_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o people_n not_o hear_v a_o word_n of_o what_o he_o say_v repeat_v also_o their_o own_o particular_a prayer_n to_o themselves_o and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v go_v their_o way_n not_o all_o at_o once_o as_o neither_o do_v they_o come_v at_o once_o but_o scatter_o one_o after_o another_o according_a as_o they_o have_v finish_v their_o devotion_n and_o then_o for_o the_o nonconformist_n their_o prayer_n be_v all_o extempore_o it_o be_v as_o we_o have_v show_v before_o hardly_o possible_a for_o any_o and_o utter_o impossible_a for_o all_o to_o join_v in_o they_o for_o sure_o people_n can_v join_v in_o a_o prayer_n before_o they_o understand_v it_o nor_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o all_o capacity_n shall_v present_o and_o immediate_o understand_v what_o they_o hear_v when_o possible_o holderforth_a himself_n understand_v not_o what_o he_o say_v from_o all_o which_o we_o may_v venture_v to_o conclude_v that_o that_o excellent_a thing_n common-prayer_n which_o be_v the_o joint_a address_n of_o a_o whole_a congregation_n with_o unite_a voice_n as_o well_o as_o heart_n send_v up_o their_o devotion_n to_o almighty_a god_n be_v nowhere_o to_o be_v find_v in_o these_o kingdom_n but_o in_o that_o best_a and_o near_a copy_n of_o primitive_a christian_a worship_n the_o divine_a service_n as_o it_o be_v perform_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o our_o church_n as_o for_o those_o long_a prayer_n so_o frequent_o use_v by_o some_o before_o their_o sermon_n the_o constitution_n and_o canon_n of_o our_o church_n be_v not_o at_o all_o responsible_a for_o they_o have_v provide_v we_o better_a thing_n and_o with_o great_a wisdom_n appoint_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v use_v by_o all_o before_o their_o sermon_n but_o as_o for_o this_o way_n of_o pray_v now_o general_o in_o use_n as_o it_o be_v first_o take_v up_o upon_o a_o humour_n of_o novelty_n and_o popularity_n and_o by_o the_o same_o carry_v on_o till_o it_o have_v pass_v into_o a_o custom_n and_o so_o put_v the_o rule_n of_o the_o church_n first_o out_o of_o use_n and_o then_o out_o of_o countenance_n also_o so_o if_o it_o be_v right_o consider_v it_o will_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v find_v a_o very_a senseless_a and_o absurd_a practice_n for_o can_v there_o be_v any_o sense_n or_o propriety_n in_o beginning_n a_o new_a tedious_a prayer_n in_o the_o pulpit_n just_a after_o the_o church_n have_v for_o near_o a_o hour_n together_o with_o great_a variety_n of_o office_n suitable_a to_o all_o the_o need_v of_o the_o congregation_n be_v pray_v for_o all_o that_o can_v possible_o be_v fit_a for_o christian_n to_o pray_v for_o nothing_o certain_o can_v be_v more_o irrational_a for_o which_o cause_n among_o many_o more_o that_o old_a sober_a form_n of_o bid_v prayer_n which_o both_o against_o law_n and_o reason_n have_v be_v justle_v out_o of_o the_o church_n by_o this_o upstart_n puritanical_a encroachment_n aught_o with_o great_a reason_n to_o be_v restore_v by_o authority_n and_o both_o the_o use_n and_o user_n of_o it_o by_o a_o strict_a and_o solemn_a reinforcement_n of_o the_o canon_n upon_o all_o without_o exception_n be_v rescue_v from_o that_o unjust_a scorn_n of_o the_o factious_a and_o ignorant_a which_o the_o tyranny_n of_o the_o contrary_a usurp_a custom_n will_v otherwise_o expose_v they_o to_o for_o sure_o it_o can_v neither_o be_v decency_n nor_o order_n for_o our_o clergy_n to_o conform_v to_o the_o fanatic_n as_o many_o in_o their_o prayer_n before_o sermon_n nowadays_o do_v and_o thus_o have_v account_v for_o the_o prayer_n of_o our_o church_n according_a to_o the_o great_a rule_n prescribe_v in_o the_o text_n let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o let_v we_o now_o according_a to_o the_o same_o consider_v also_o the_o way_n of_o pray_v so_o much_o use_v and_o applaud_v by_o such_o as_o have_v renounce_v the_o communion_n and_o liturgy_n of_o our_o church_n and_o it_o be_v but_o reason_n that_o they_o shall_v bring_v we_o something_o better_a in_o the_o room_n of_o what_o they_o have_v so_o disdainful_o cast_v off_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a be_v not_o all_o their_o prayer_n exact_o after_o the_o heathenish_a and_o pharisaical_a copy_n always_o notable_a for_o those_o two_o thing_n length_n and_o tautology_n two_o whole_a hour_n for_o one_o prayer_n at_o a_o fast_a use_v to_o be_v reckon_v but_o a_o moderate_a do_v and_o that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n fraught_v with_o such_o irreverent_a blasphemous_a expression_n that_o to_o repeat_v they_o will_v profane_v the_o place_n i_o be_o speak_v in_o and_o indeed_o they_o seldom_o carry_v on_o the_o work_n of_o such_o a_o day_n as_o their_o phrase_n be_v but_o they_o leave_v the_o church_n in_o need_n of_o a_o new_a consecration_n add_v to_o this_o the_o incoherence_n and_o confusion_n the_o endless_a repetition_n and_o the_o unsufferable_a nonsense_n that_o never_o fail_v to_o hold_v out_o even_o with_o their_o utmost_a prolixity_n so_o that_o in_o all_o their_o long_a fast_n from_o first_o to_o last_o from_o seven_o in_o the_o morning_n to_o seven_o in_o the_o evening_n which_o be_v their_o measure_n the_o pulpit_n be_v always_o the_o empty_a thing_n in_o the_o church_n and_o i_o never_o know_v such_o a_o fast_o keep_v by_o they_o but_o their_o hearer_n have_v cause_n to_o begin_v a_o thanksgiving_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o have_v do_v and_o the_o truth_n be_v when_o i_o consider_v the_o matter_n of_o their_o prayer_n so_o full_a of_o ramble_n and_o inconsequence_n and_o in_o every_o respect_n so_o very_a like_o the_o language_n of_o a_o dream_n and_o compare_v it_o with_o their_o carriage_n of_o themselves_o in_o prayer_n with_o their_o eye_n for_o the_o most_o part_n shut_z and_o their_o arm_n stretch_v out_o in_o yawn_a posture_n a_o man_n that_o shall_v hear_v any_o of_o they_o pray_v might_n by_o a_o very_a pardonable_a error_n be_v induce_v to_o think_v that_o he_o be_v all_o the_o time_n hear_v one_o talk_v in_o his_o sleep_n beside_o the_o strange_a virtue_n which_o their_o prayer_n have_v to_o procure_v sleep_n in_o other_o too_o so_o that_o he_o who_o shall_v be_v present_a at_o all_o their_o long_a cant_n will_v show_v a_o great_a ability_n in_o watch_v than_o ever_o they_o can_v pretend_v to_o in_o pray_v if_o he_o can_v forbear_v sleep_v have_v so_o strong_a a_o provocation_n to_o it_o and_o so_o fair_a a_o excuse_n for_o it_o in_o a_o word_n such_o be_v their_o prayer_n both_o for_o matter_n and_o expression_n that_o can_v any_o one_o true_o and_o exact_o write_v they_o out_o it_o will_v be_v the_o shrewd_a and_o most_o effectual_a way_n of_o write_v against_o they_o that_o can_v possible_o be_v think_v of_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v thus_o trouble_v either_o you_o or_o myself_o by_o rake_v into_o the_o dirt_n and_o dunghill_n of_o these_o man_n devotion_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o any_o thing_n either_o do_v or_o say_v by_o they_o in_o the_o late_a time_n of_o confusion_n for_o as_o they_o have_v the_o king_n be_v so_o i_o wish_v they_o god_n pardon_n also_o for_o both_o who_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o have_v offend_v much_o more_o than_o they_o have_v both_o king_n put_v together_o but_o that_o which_o have_v provoke_v i_o thus_o to_o rip_v up_o and_o expose_v to_o you_o their_o nauseous_a and_o ridiculous_a way_n of_o address_v to_o god_n even_o upon_o the_o most_o solemn_a occasion_n be_v that_o intolerable_o rude_a and_o unprovoke_v insolence_n and_o scurrility_n with_o which_o they_o be_v every_o day_n reproach_v and_o scoff_v at_o our_o liturgy_n and_o the_o user_n of_o it_o and_o thereby_o alienate_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o people_n from_o it_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n that_o many_o thousand_o be_v draw_v by_o
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when_o it_o be_v the_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o a_o innocent_a person_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o indeed_o be_v true_a of_o action_n consider_v in_o their_o general_n nature_n or_o kind_a but_o not_o consider_v in_o their_o particular_a individual_a instance_n for_o general_o speak_v to_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o a_o man_n be_v neither_o moral_o good_a nor_o moral_o evil_a but_o capable_a of_o be_v either_o as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n shall_v determine_v it_o but_o every_o particular_a act_n of_o kill_v be_v of_o necessity_n accompany_v with_o and_o determine_v by_o several_a circumstance_n which_o actual_o and_o unavoidable_o constitute_v and_o denominate_v it_o either_o good_a or_o evil._n and_o that_o which_o be_v perform_v under_o such_o and_o such_o circumstance_n be_v moral_o good_a can_v possible_o under_o the_o same_o circumstance_n ever_o be_v moral_o evil._n and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_n from_o whence_o we_o infer_v the_o villainous_a falsehood_n of_o two_o assertion_n hold_v and_o maintain_v by_o some_o person_n and_o too_o much_o countenance_v by_o some_o other_o in_o the_o world_n as_o first_o that_o good_a and_o evil_a honest_a and_o dishonest_a be_v not_o quality_n exist_v or_o inherent_a in_o thing_n themselves_o but_o only_o found_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n concern_v thing_n so_o that_o any_o thing_n or_o action_n that_o have_v gain_v the_o general_n approbation_n of_o any_o people_n or_o society_n of_o man_n oughts_z in_o respect_n of_o those_o person_n to_o be_v esteem_v moral_o good_a or_o honest_a and_o whatsoever_o fall_v under_o their_o general_a disapprobation_n aught_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n to_o be_v reckon_v moral_o evil_a or_o dishonest_a which_o also_o they_o will_v seem_v to_o prove_v from_o the_o very_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n honestus_fw-la which_o original_o and_o strict_o signify_v no_o more_o than_o creditable_a and_o be_v but_o a_o derivative_a from_o honour_n which_o signify_v credit_n or_o honour_n and_o according_a to_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o we_o know_v that_o be_v lodge_v only_o in_o the_o esteem_n and_o thought_n of_o those_o who_o pay_v it_o and_o not_o in_o the_o thing_n or_o person_n who_o it_o be_v pay_v to_o thus_o for_o example_n thieve_v or_o rob_v be_v account_v among_o the_o spartan_n a_o gallant_a worthy_a and_o a_o creditable_a thing_n and_o consequent_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n which_o we_o have_v mention_v thievery_n among_o the_o spartan_n be_v a_o practice_n moral_o good_a and_o honest._n thus_o also_o both_o with_o the_o grecian_n and_o the_o roman_n it_o be_v hold_v a_o magnanimous_a and_o high_o laudable_a act_n for_o a_o man_n under_o any_o great_a or_o insuperable_a misery_n or_o distress_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o his_o own_o life_n and_o according_o with_o those_o
of_o a_o age_a thorough-paced_n hypocrisy_n come_v at_o length_n to_o believe_v that_o for_o a_o reality_n which_o at_o the_o first_o practice_n of_o it_o they_o themselves_o know_v to_o be_v a_o cheat._n but_o if_o man_n love_v to_o be_v deceive_v and_o fool_v about_o so_o great_a a_o interest_n as_o that_o of_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o they_o can_v take_v a_o sure_a and_o more_o effectual_a course_n to_o be_v so_o than_o by_o take_v their_o neighbour_n word_n for_o that_o which_o can_v be_v know_v to_o they_o only_o from_o their_o own_o heart_n for_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o more_o absurd_a to_o undertake_v to_o tell_v the_o name_n of_o a_o unknown_a person_n by_o his_o look_n than_o to_o vouch_v a_o man_n saintship_n from_o the_o vogue_n of_o the_o world_n found_v upon_o his_o external_n behaviour_n 2_o lie_n the_o judgement_n of_o any_o casuist_n or_o learned_a divine_a concern_v the_o estate_n of_o a_o man_n soul_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o give_v he_o confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o no_o learn_v whatsoever_o can_v give_v a_o man_n the_o knowledge_n of_o another_o heart_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v more_o than_o possible_a that_o the_o most_o profound_a and_o experience_a casuist_n in_o the_o world_n may_v mistake_v in_o his_o judgement_n of_o a_o man_n spiritual_a condition_n and_o if_o he_o do_v judge_v right_a yet_o the_o man_n can_v be_v sure_a that_o he_o will_v declare_v that_o judgement_n sincere_o and_o impartial_o the_o great_a clerk_n be_v not_o always_o the_o honest_a any_o more_o than_o the_o wise_a man_n but_o may_v purposely_o soothe_v a_o man_n up_o for_o hope_n or_o fear_v or_o the_o service_n of_o some_o sinister_a interest_n and_o so_o show_v he_o the_o face_n of_o a_o foul_a soul_n in_o a_o flatter_a glass_n consider_v how_o much_o the_o raise_n in_o some_o man_n a_o false_a hope_n of_o another_o world_n may_v with_o other_o serve_v a_o real_a interest_n in_o this_o there_o be_v a_o generation_n of_o man_n who_o have_v frame_v their_o casuistical_a divinity_n to_o a_o perfect_a compliance_n with_o all_o the_o corrupt_a affection_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o by_o that_o new-invented_n engine_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o probability_n will_v undertake_v to_o warrant_v and_o quiet_a the_o sinner_n conscience_n in_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o sin_n whatsoever_o provide_v there_o be_v but_o the_o opinion_n of_o one_o learned_a man_n to_o vouch_v it_o for_o this_o they_o say_v be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o the_o conscience_n of_o any_o unlearned_a person_n to_o rely_v and_o to_o act_v upon_o so_o that_o if_o but_o one_o doctor_n assert_n that_o i_o may_v lawful_o kill_v a_o man_n to_o prevent_v a_o box_n on_o the_o ear_n or_o a_o calumny_n by_o which_o he_o will_v otherwise_o asperse_v my_o good_a name_n i_o may_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n do_v it_o nay_o i_o may_v safe_o rest_v upon_o this_o one_o casuist_n judgement_n though_o thousand_o as_o learned_a as_o himself_o yea_o and_o the_o express_a law_n of_o god_n beside_o affirm_v the_o quite_o contrary_a but_o these_o spiritual_a engineer_n know_v well_o enough_o how_o to_o deal_v with_o any_o commandment_n either_o by_o take_v or_o expound_v it_o away_o at_o their_o pleasure_n such_o a_o ascendant_n have_v these_o romish_a casuist_n over_o scripture_n reason_n and_o morality_n much_o like_o what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o stupid_a modern_a jew_n that_o they_o have_v subdue_v their_o sense_n and_o reason_n to_o such_o a_o sottish_a servitude_n to_o their_o rabbi_n as_o to_o hold_v that_o in_o case_n two_o rabbi_n shall_v happen_v to_o contradict_v one_o another_o they_o be_v yet_o bind_v to_o believe_v the_o contradictory_n assertion_n of_o both_o to_o be_v equal_o certain_a and_o equal_o the_o word_n of_o god_n such_o a_o iron-digesting_a faith_n have_v they_o and_o such_o pity_v it_o be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o judaism_n as_o transubstantiation_n to_o employ_v it_o upon_o but_o as_o for_o these_o casuist_n who_o i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o if_o the_o judgement_n of_o one_o doctor_n may_v authorise_v the_o practice_n of_o any_o action_n i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o find_v any_o sort_n or_o degree_n of_o villainy_n which_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n nature_n be_v capable_a of_o commit_v which_o shall_v not_o meet_v with_o a_o defence_n and_o of_o this_o i_o can_v give_v you_o such_o a_o instance_n from_o something_o write_v by_o a_o certain_a prelate_n of_o they_o cardinal_n and_o archbishop_n of_o beneventum_n as_o be_v enough_o not_o only_o to_o astonish_v all_o pious_a ear_n but_o almost_o to_o unconsecrate_a the_o very_a church_n i_o speak_v in_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o way_n by_o which_o these_o romish_a casuist_n speak_v peace_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n be_v either_o by_o teach_v they_o that_o many_o action_n be_v not_o sin_n which_o yet_o real_o be_v so_o or_o by_o suggest_v something_o to_o they_o which_o shall_v satisfy_v their_o mind_n notwithstanding_o a_o know_a actual_a avow_a continuance_n in_o their_o sin_n such_o as_o be_v their_o pardon_n and_o indulgence_n and_o give_v man_n a_o share_n in_o the_o saint_n merit_n out_o of_o the_o common_a bank_n and_o treasury_n of_o the_o church_n which_o the_o pope_n have_v the_o sole_a custody_n and_o disposal_n of_o and_o be_v never_o keep_v shut_v to_o such_o as_o come_v with_o a_o open_a hand_n so_o that_o according_a to_o these_o new_a evangelist_n well_o may_v we_o pronounce_v bless_a be_v the_o rich_a for_o they_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o god_n deliver_v the_o world_n from_o such_o guide_n or_o rather_o such_o huckster_n of_o soul_n the_o very_a shame_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o shameless_a subverter_n of_o morality_n and_o it_o be_v real_o matter_n both_o of_o wonder_n and_o indignation_n that_o such_o impostor_n shall_v at_o all_o concern_v themselves_o about_o rule_n or_o direction_n of_o conscience_n who_o seem_v to_o have_v no_o conscience_n to_o apply_v they_o to_o 3_o lie_n the_o absolution_n pronounce_v by_o a_o priest_n whether_o papist_n or_o protestant_n be_v not_o a_o certain_a infallible_a ground_n to_o give_v the_o person_n so_o absolve_v confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o if_o absolution_n as_o such_o can_v of_o itself_o secure_v a_o man_n as_o to_o the_o estate_n of_o his_o soul_n than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o every_o person_n so_o absolve_v shall_v by_o virtue_n thereof_o be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la put_v into_o such_o a_o condition_n of_o safety_n which_o be_v not_o imaginable_a for_o the_o absolution_n pronounce_v must_v be_v either_o conditional_a as_o run_v upon_o the_o condition_n of_o faith_n and_o repentance_n and_o then_o if_o those_o condition_n be_v not_o sound_v in_o the_o person_n so_o absolve_v it_o be_v but_o a_o seal_n to_o a_o blank_a and_o so_o a_o mere_a nullity_n to_o he_o or_o the_o absolution_n must_v be_v pronounce_v in_o term_n absolute_a and_o unconditional_a and_o if_o so_o than_o the_o say_a absolution_n become_v valid_a and_o effectual_a either_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v pronounce_v as_o be_v a_o true_a penitent_n or_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o opus_fw-la operatum_fw-la or_o bare_a action_n itself_o of_o the_o priest_n absolve_v he_o if_o it_o receive_v its_o validity_n from_o the_o former_a than_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o although_o it_o run_v in_o form_n absolute_a yet_o it_o be_v indeed_o conditional_a as_o depend_v upon_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o person_n to_o who_o it_o be_v pronounce_v who_o therefore_o owe_v the_o remission_n of_o his_o sin_n not_o proper_o to_o the_o priest_n absolution_n but_o to_o his_o own_o repentance_n which_o make_v that_o absolution_n effectual_a and_o will_v undoubted_o have_v save_v he_o though_o the_o priest_n have_v never_o absolve_v he_o but_o if_o it_o be_v assert_v that_o the_o very_a action_n of_o the_o priest_n absolve_v he_o have_v of_o itself_o this_o virtue_n then_o we_o must_v grant_v also_o that_o it_o be_v in_o the_o priest_n power_n to_o save_v a_o man_n who_o never_o repent_v nor_o do_v one_o good_a work_n in_o all_o his_o life_n forasmuch_a as_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o perform_v this_o action_n upon_o he_o in_o full_a form_n and_o with_o full_a intention_n to_o absolve_v he_o but_o the_o horrible_a absurdity_n blasphemy_n and_o impiety_n of_o this_o assertion_n sufficient_o proclaim_v its_o falsity_n without_o any_o further_a confutation_n in_o a_o word_n if_o a_o man_n be_v a_o penitent_n his_o repentance_n stamp_v his_o absolution_n effectual_a if_o not_o let_v the_o priest_n repeat_v the_o same_o absolution_n to_o he_o ten_o thousand_o time_n yet_o for_o all_o his_o be_v absolve_v in_o this_o world_n god_n
secret_n and_o it_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o every_o man_n shall_v keep_v the_o key_n of_o his_o own_o breast_n now_o for_o the_o further_a prosecution_n of_o the_o word_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o four_o thing_n 1._o i_o shall_v show_v how_o the_o heart_n or_o conscience_n ought_v to_o be_v inform_v in_o order_n to_o its_o sound_n in_o we_o a_o rational_a confidence_n towards_o god_n 2._o i_o shall_v show_v how_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v we_o may_v get_v it_o thus_o inform_v and_o afterward_o preserve_v and_o keep_v it_o so_o 3._o i_o shall_v show_v whence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o conscience_n thus_o inform_v come_v to_o be_v so_o authentic_a and_o so_o much_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o and_o 4_o lie_n and_o last_o i_o shall_v assign_v some_o particular_a case_n or_o instance_n in_o which_o the_o confidence_n suggest_v by_o it_o do_v most_o eminent_o show_v and_o exert_v itself_o 1._o and_o first_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o how_o the_o heart_n or_o conscience_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o such_o confidence_n towards_o god_n only_o because_o his_o heart_n tell_v he_o a_o lie_n and_o that_o it_o may_v do_v so_o be_v altogether_o as_o certain_a for_o there_o be_v the_o erroneous_a as_o well_o as_o the_o right_o inform_v conscience_n and_o if_o the_o conscience_n happen_v to_o be_v delude_v and_o thereupon_o to_o give_v false_a direction_n to_o the_o will_n so_o that_o by_o virtue_n of_o those_o direction_n it_o be_v betray_v into_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n sin_n do_v not_o therefore_o cease_v to_o be_v sin_n because_o a_o man_n commit_v it_o conscientious_o if_o conscience_n come_v to_o be_v pervert_v so_o far_o as_o to_o bring_v a_o man_n under_o a_o persuasion_n that_o it_o be_v either_o lawful_a or_o his_o duty_n to_o resist_v the_o magistrate_n to_o seize_v upon_o his_o neighbour_n just_a right_n or_o estate_n to_o worship_v stock_n and_o stone_n or_o to_o lie_v equivocate_a and_o the_o like_a this_o will_v not_o absolve_v he_o before_o god_n since_o error_n which_o be_v in_o itself_o evil_a can_v never_o make_v another_o thing_n good_n he_o who_o do_v a_o unwarrantable_a action_n through_o a_o false_a information_n which_o information_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v believe_v can_v in_o reason_n make_v the_o gild_n of_o one_o sin_n the_o excuse_n of_o another_o conscience_n therefore_o must_v be_v right_o inform_v before_o the_o testimony_n of_o it_o can_v be_v authentic_a in_o what_o it_o pronounce_v concern_v the_o estate_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o must_v proceed_v by_o the_o two_o grand_a rule_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o scripture_n these_o be_v the_o compass_n which_o it_o must_v steer_v by_o for_o conscience_n come_v formal_o to_o oblige_v only_o as_o it_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o he_o have_v reveal_v to_o he_o partly_o by_o the_o impression_n of_o certain_a notion_n and_o maxim_n upon_o the_o practical_a understanding_n and_o partly_o by_o the_o declare_a oracle_n of_o his_o word_n so_o far_o therefore_o as_o conscience_n report_v any_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o or_o deducible_a from_o these_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hearken_v to_o as_o the_o great_a conveyer_n of_o truth_n to_o the_o soul_n but_o when_o it_o report_v any_o thing_n dissonant_n to_o these_o it_o oblige_v no_o more_o than_o the_o falsehood_n report_v by_o it_o but_o since_o there_o be_v none_o who_o follow_v a_o erroneous_a conscience_n but_o do_v so_o because_o he_o think_v it_o true_a and_o moreover_o think_v it_o true_a because_o he_o be_v persuade_v that_o it_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o two_o forementioned_a rule_n of_o scripture_n and_o right_a reason_n how_o shall_v a_o man_n be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v himself_o when_o his_o conscience_n be_v right_o inform_v and_o when_o possess_v with_o a_o error_n for_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o sentence_n pass_v by_o a_o right_o inform_v conscience_n give_v a_o man_n a_o rational_a confidence_n towards_o god_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n not_o to_o assign_v any_o mean_n possible_a by_o which_o he_o may_v know_v when_o his_o conscience_n be_v thus_o right_o inform_v and_o when_o not_o it_o must_v equal_o bereave_v he_o of_o such_o a_o confidence_n as_o place_v the_o condition_n upon_o which_o it_o depend_v whole_o out_o of_o his_o knowledge_n here_o therefore_o be_v the_o knot_n here_o the_o difficulty_n how_o to_o state_n some_o rule_n of_o certainty_n by_o which_o infallible_o to_o distinguish_v when_o the_o conscience_n be_v right_a and_o to_o be_v rely_v upon_o when_o erroneous_a and_o to_o be_v disinherit_v in_o the_o testimony_n it_o give_v about_o the_o sincerity_n and_o safety_n of_o a_o man_n spiritual_a condition_n for_o the_o resolution_n of_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o rightness_n of_o his_o conscience_n by_o such_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o persuasion_n as_o amount_n to_o the_o clearness_n of_o a_o demonstration_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a if_o he_o know_v it_o upon_o ground_n of_o such_o a_o convince_a probability_n as_o shall_v exclude_v all_o rational_a ground_n of_o doubt_v of_o it_o for_o i_o can_v think_v that_o the_o confidence_n here_o speak_v of_o rises_z so_o high_a as_o to_o assurance_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v manifest_o such_o a_o confidence_n as_o be_v common_a to_o all_o sincere_a christian_n which_o yet_o assurance_n we_o all_o know_v be_v not_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v proper_o freedom_n or_o boldness_n of_o speech_n though_o the_o latin_a translation_n render_v it_o by_o fiducia_n and_o so_o correspond_v with_o the_o english_a which_o render_v it_o by_o confidence_n but_o whether_o fiducia_n or_o confidence_n reach_v the_o full_a sense_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v very_o well_o be_v dispute_v however_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o neither_o the_o word_n in_o the_o original_a nor_o yet_o in_o the_o translation_n import_v assurance_n for_o freedom_n or_o boldness_n of_o speech_n i_o be_o sure_a do_v not_o and_o fiducia_n or_o confidence_n signify_v only_o a_o man_n be_v actual_o persuade_v of_o a_o thing_n upon_o better_a argument_n for_o it_o than_o any_o that_o he_o can_v see_v against_o it_o which_o he_o may_v very_o well_o be_v and_o yet_o not_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o from_o all_o which_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o confidence_n here_o mention_v in_o the_o text_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o a_o rational_a well_o ground_a hope_n such_o a_o one_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o in_o rom._n 5._o 5._o make_v not_o ashamed_a and_o upon_o these_o term_n i_o affirm_v that_o such_o a_o conscience_n as_o have_v employ_v the_o utmost_a of_o its_o ability_n to_o give_v itself_o the_o best_a information_n and_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o its_o duty_n that_o it_o can_v be_v a_o rational_a ground_n for_o a_o man_n to_o build_v such_o a_o hope_n upon_o and_o consequent_o for_o he_o to_o confide_v in_o there_o be_v a_o innate_a light_n in_o every_o man_n discover_v to_o he_o the_o first_o line_n of_o duty_n in_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a which_o by_o cultivation_n and_o improvement_n may_v be_v advance_v to_o high_a and_o bright_a discovery_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o the_o schoolman_n and_o moralist_n admit_v not_o of_o any_o ignorantia_fw-la juris_fw-la speak_v of_o natural_a moral_a right_n to_o give_v excuse_n to_o sin_n since_o all_o such_o ignorance_n be_v voluntary_a and_o therefore_o culpable_a for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v in_o every_o man_n power_n to_o have_v prevent_v it_o by_o a_o due_a improvement_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o seed_n of_o moral_a honesty_n sow_v in_o his_o heart_n if_o it_o be_v here_o demand_v whether_o a_o man_n may_v not_o remain_v ignorant_a of_o his_o duty_n after_o he_o have_v use_v the_o utmost_a mean_n to_o inform_v himself_o of_o it_o i_o answer_v that_o so_o much_o of_o duty_n as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o save_v he_o he_o shall_v upon_o the_o use_n of_o such_o a_o course_n come_v to_o know_v and_o that_o which_o he_o continue_v ignorant_a of_o have_v do_v the_o utmost_a lie_v in_o his_o power_n that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o shall_v never_o damn_v he_o which_o assertion_n be_v prove_v thus_o the_o gospel_n damn_v no_o body_n for_o be_v ignorant_a of_o that_o which_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o know_v but_o that_o which_o upon_o the_o improvement_n of_o a_o man_n utmost_a power_n he_o can_v know_v he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o know_v for_o that_o otherwise_o he_o will_v be_v oblige_v to_o a_o impossibility_n since_o that_o