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 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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
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
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 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tenderness_n which_o tenderness_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o anguish_n and_o remorse_n that_o it_o feel_v upon_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n it_o follow_v that_o when_o by_o degree_n it_o come_v to_o have_v wear_v off_o all_o this_o tenderness_n the_o sinner_n will_v find_v no_o trouble_n of_o mind_n upon_o his_o do_v the_o very_o wicked_a and_o worst_a of_o action_n and_o consequent_o that_o this_o be_v the_o most_o direct_a and_o effectual_a introduction_n to_o all_o sort_n and_o degree_n of_o sin_n for_o which_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o i_o allege_v sin_v against_o conscience_n for_o one_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o this_o vile_a temper_n and_o habit_n of_o mind_n which_o we_o be_v now_o discourse_v of_o not_o that_o it_o have_v any_o special_a productive_a efficiency_n of_o this_o particular_a sort_n of_o sin_v more_o than_o of_o any_o other_o but_o that_o it_o be_v a_o general_a cause_n of_o this_o as_o of_o all_o other_o great_a vice_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o a_o man_n must_v have_v first_o pass_v this_o notable_a stage_n and_o get_v his_o conscience_n thorough_o debauch_v and_o harden_v before_o he_o can_v arrive_v to_o the_o height_n of_o sin_n which_o i_o account_v the_o delight_v in_o other_o man_n sin_n to_o be_v 3_o lie_n a_o three_o cause_n of_o this_o villainous_a disposition_n of_o mind_n beside_o a_o man_n personal_a commission_n of_o such_o and_o such_o sin_n and_o his_o commission_n of_o they_o against_o conscience_n must_v be_v also_o his_o continuance_n in_o they_o for_o god_n forbid_v that_o every_o single_a commission_n of_o a_o sin_n though_o great_a for_o its_o kind_a and_o withal_o act_v against_o conscience_n for_o its_o aggravation_n shall_v so_o far_o deprave_v the_o soul_n and_o bring_v it_o to_o such_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n and_o condition_n
fellow-artist_n act_v 19_o 25._o it_o be_v by_o this_o craft_n that_o they_o get_v their_o wealth_n so_o long_a experience_n have_v find_v it_o true_a of_o the_o unthinking_a mobile_n that_o the_o close_o they_o shut_v their_o eye_n the_o wide_a they_o open_v their_o hand_n but_o this_o base_a trade_n the_o church_n of_o england_n always_o abhor_v and_o for_o that_o cause_n as_o to_o its_o temporal_a advantage_n have_v fare_v according_o and_o by_o this_o time_n may_v be_v think_v fit_a for_o another_o reformation_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v three_o notable_a way_n by_o which_o the_o philosopher_n and_o learned_a man_n among_o the_o gentile_n hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n as_o first_o that_o they_o do_v not_o practise_v up_o to_o it_o 2_o that_o they_o do_v not_o improve_v it_o and_o 3_o and_o last_o that_o they_o conceal_v and_o dissemble_v it_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o prepare_v and_o dispose_v they_o to_o great_a enormity_n for_o change_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n into_o a_o lie_n they_o become_v like_o those_o who_o by_o often_o repeat_v a_o lie_n to_o other_o come_v at_o length_n to_o believe_v it_o themselves_o they_o own_v the_o idolatrous_a worship_n of_o god_n so_o long_o till_o by_o degree_n even_o in_o spite_n of_o reason_n and_o nature_n they_o think_v that_o he_o ought_v so_o to_o be_v worship_v but_o this_o stop_v not_o here_o for_o as_o one_o wickedness_n be_v natural_o a_o step_n and_o introduction_n to_o another_o so_o from_o absurd_a and_o senseless_a devotion_n they_o pass_v into_o vile_a affection_n practise_v vice_n against_o nature_n and_o that_o in_o such_o strange_a and_o abominable_a instance_n of_o sin_n that_o nothing_o can_v equal_v the_o corruption_n of_o their_o manner_n but_o the_o delusion_n of_o their_o judgement_n both_o of_o they_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a cause_n of_o one_o another_o the_o consideration_n of_o which_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v make_v man_n cautious_a and_o fearful_a how_o they_o suppress_v or_o debauch_v that_o spark_n of_o natural_a light_n which_o god_n have_v set_v up_o in_o their_o soul_n when_o nature_n be_v in_o the_o dark_a it_o will_v venture_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n and_o god_n know_v how_o far_o the_o spirit_n of_o infatuation_n may_v prevail_v upon_o the_o heart_n when_o it_o come_v once_o to_o court_n and_o love_v a_o delusion_n some_o man_n hug_v a_o error_n because_o it_o gratify_v they_o in_o a_o free_a enjoyment_n of_o their_o sensuality_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n god_n in_o judgement_n suffer_v they_o to_o be_v plunge_v into_o foul_a and_o grosser_n error_n such_o as_o even_o unman_v and_o strip_v they_o of_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o reason_n and_o sober_a discourse_n for_o sure_o it_o can_v be_v no_o ordinary_a declension_n of_o nature_n that_o can_v bring_v some_o man_n after_o a_o ingenuous_a education_n in_o art_n and_o philosophy_n to_o place_v their_o summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la upon_o their_o trencher_n and_o their_o utmost_a felicity_n in_o wine_n and_o woman_n and_o those_o lust_n and_o pleasure_n which_o a_o swine_n or_o a_o goat_n have_v as_o full_a and_o quick_a a_o sense_n of_o as_o the_o great_a statesman_n or_o the_o best_a philosopher_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o this_o be_v the_o custom_n this_o the_o know_a voice_n of_o most_o of_o the_o gentile_n dum_fw-la vivimus_fw-la vivamus_fw-la let_v we_o eat_v and_o drink_v to_o day_n for_o to_o morrow_n we_o must_v die_v that_o soul_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o comprehensive_a of_o both_o world_n and_o capable_a of_o look_v into_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o nature_n of_o dive_v into_o the_o depth_n beneath_o and_o of_o understand_v the_o motion_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o star_n above_o even_o this_o glorious_a active_a thing_n do_v they_o confine_v within_o the_o pitiful_a compass_n of_o the_o present_a fruition_n forbid_v it_o to_o take_v a_o prospect_n so_o far_o as_o into_o the_o morrow_n as_o if_o to_o think_v to_o contemplate_v or_o be_v serious_a have_v be_v high_a treason_n against_o the_o empire_n and_o prerogative_n of_o sense_n usurp_v the_o throne_n of_o their_o baffle_a and_o depose_v reason_n and_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o even_o nowadays_o there_o be_v often_o see_v such_o a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o former_a and_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o some_o man_n life_n that_o those_o who_o first_o step_v forth_o into_o the_o world_n with_o high_a and_o promise_a ability_n vigorous_a intellectual_n and_o clear_a moral_n come_v at_o length_n to_o grow_v sot_n and_o epicure_n mean_v in_o their_o discourse_n and_o dirty_a in_o their_o practice_n but_o that_o as_o by_o degree_n they_o remit_v of_o their_o industry_n loathe_v their_o business_n and_o give_v way_n to_o their_o pleasure_n they_o let_v fall_v those_o generous_a principle_n which_o in_o their_o youthful_a day_n have_v bear_v they_o upon_o the_o wing_n and_o raise_v they_o to_o worthy_a and_o great_a thought_n which_o thought_n and_o principle_n not_o be_v keep_v up_o and_o cherish_v but_o smother_v in_o sensual_a delight_n god_n for_o that_o cause_n suffer_v they_o to_o flag_n and_o sink_v into_o low_a and_o inglorious_a satisfaction_n and_o to_o enjoy_v themselves_o more_o in_o a_o revel_n or_o a_o merry-meeting_n a_o strumpet_n or_o a_o tavern_n than_o in_o be_v useful_a to_o a_o church_n or_o a_o nation_n in_o be_v a_o public_a good_a to_o society_n and_o a_o benefit_n to_o mankind_n the_o part_n that_o god_n give_v they_o they_o hold_v in_o unrighteousness_n sloth_n and_o sensuality_n and_o this_o make_v god_n to_o desert_n and_o abandon_v they_o to_o themselves_o so_o that_o they_o have_v have_v a_o dote_a and_o a_o decrepit_a reason_n long_o before_o age_n have_v give_v they_o such_o a_o body_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v hearty_o wish_v that_o such_o young_a person_n as_o hear_v i_o now_o will_v lodge_v this_o one_o observation_n deep_a in_o their_o mind_n viz._n that_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v join_v wisdom_n and_o virtue_n by_o such_o a_o near_a cognation_n or_o rather_o such_o a_o inseparable_a connexion_n that_o a_o wise_a a_o prudent_a and_o a_o honourable_a old_a age_n be_v seldom_o or_o never_o find_v but_o as_o the_o reward_n and_o effect_v of_o a_o sober_a a_o virtuous_a and_o a_o well-spent_a youth_n 4._o i_o descend_v now_o to_o the_o four_o and_o last_o thing_n propose_v namely_o the_o judgement_n or_o rather_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n penal_o consequent_a upon_o the_o person_n here_o charge_v by_o the_o apostle_n with_o idolatry_n which_o be_v that_o they_o be_v without_o excuse_n after_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n it_o be_v natural_a for_o the_o sinner_n to_o apprehend_v himself_o in_o danger_n and_o upon_o such_o apprehension_n to_o provide_v for_o his_o safety_n and_o defence_n and_o that_o must_v be_v one_o of_o these_o two_o way_n viz._n either_o by_o plead_v his_o innocence_n or_o by_o use_v his_o power_n but_o since_o it_o will_v be_v infinite_o in_o vain_a for_o a_o finite_a power_n to_o contend_v with_o a_o infinite_a innocence_n if_o any_o thing_n must_v be_v his_o plea_n and_o that_o must_v be_v either_o by_o a_o absolute_a denial_n or_o at_o least_o by_o a_o extenuation_n or_o diminution_n of_o his_o sin_n though_o indeed_o this_o course_n will_v be_v find_v altogether_o as_o absurd_a as_o the_o other_o can_v be_v it_o be_v everywhit_n as_o irrational_a for_o a_o sinner_n to_o plead_v his_o innocence_n before_o omniscience_n as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o oppose_v his_o power_n to_o omnipotence_n however_o the_o last_o refuge_n of_o a_o guilty_a person_n be_v to_o take_v shelter_n under_o a_o excuse_n and_o so_o to_o mitigate_v if_o he_o can_v divert_v the_o blow_n it_o be_v the_o method_n of_o the_o great_a pattern_n and_o parent_n of_o all_o sinner_n adam_n first_o to_o hide_v and_o then_o to_o excuse_v himself_o to_o wrap_v the_o apple_n in_o the_o leaf_n and_o to_o give_v his_o case_n a_o gloss_n at_o least_o though_o not_o a_o defence_n but_o now_o when_o the_o sinner_n shall_v be_v strip_v of_o this_o also_o have_v all_o his_o excuse_n blow_v away_o be_v stab_v with_o his_o own_o argument_n and_o as_o it_o be_v sacrifice_v upon_o that_o very_a altar_n which_o he_o flee_v to_o for_o succour_v this_o sure_o be_v the_o height_n and_o crisis_n of_o a_o forlorn_a condition_n yet_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o malefactor_n who_o stand_v here_o arraign_v in_o the_o text_n this_o be_v the_o consummation_n of_o their_o doom_n that_o they_o be_v person_n not_o only_o unfit_a for_o a_o pardon_n but_o even_o for_o a_o plea_n now_o a_o excuse_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o import_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o sin_n 2._o the_o extenuation_n of_o its_o gild_n as_o for_o the_o sin_n itself_o we_o have_v already_o hear_v what_o that_o be_v
and_o forlorn_a idle_a and_o malicious_n such_o vermin_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o all_o sober_a christian_n as_o the_o very_a canker_n of_o society_n and_o the_o shame_n of_o any_o religion_n and_o so_o far_o from_o be_v fit_a to_o come_v to_o the_o sacrament_n that_o real_o they_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o come_v to_o church_n and_o will_v much_o better_o become_v the_o house_n of_o correction_n than_o the_o house_n of_o prayer_n nevertheless_o as_o custom_n in_o sin_n make_v people_n blind_a and_o blindness_n make_v they_o bold_a none_o come_v more_o confident_o to_o the_o sacrament_n than_o such_o wretch_n but_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o pure_a and_o bless_a body_n of_o our_o saviour_n pass_v through_o the_o open_a sepulcher_n of_o such_o throat_n into_o the_o noisome_a receptacle_n of_o their_o boil_a ferment_a breast_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o lively_a but_o sad_a representation_n of_o christ_n being_n first_o bury_v and_o then_o descend_v into_o hell_n let_v this_o diabolical_a leaven_n therefore_o be_v purge_v out_o and_o while_o such_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o busy_a in_o cleanse_v their_o heart_n let_v they_o not_o forget_v to_o wash_v their_o mouth_n too_o seven_o and_o last_o as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o pious_a communicant_a have_v all_o along_o carry_v on_o so_o let_v he_o likewise_o in_o the_o issue_n close_v his_o preparatory_a work_n with_o read_v and_o meditation_n of_o which_o since_o the_o time_n will_v not_o serve_v i_o to_o speak_v more_o now_o i_o shall_v only_o remark_n this_o that_o they_o be_v duty_n of_o so_o near_o a_o import_n to_o the_o wellbeing_a of_o the_o soul_n that_o the_o proper_a office_n of_o reading_n be_v to_o take_v in_o its_o spiritual_a food_n and_o of_o meditation_n to_o digest_v it_o and_o now_o i_o hope_v that_o whosoever_o shall_v in_o the_o sincerity_n of_o his_o heart_n acquit_v himself_o as_o to_o all_o the_o forego_n duty_n and_o thereby_o prepare_v and_o adorn_v himself_o to_o meet_v and_o converse_v with_o his_o saviour_n at_o this_o divine_a feast_n shall_v never_o be_v accost_v with_o the_o thunder_n of_o that_o dreadful_a increpation_n from_o he_o friend_n how_o come_v thou_o in_o hither_o not_o have_v a_o wedding-garment_n but_o because_o i_o be_o very_o sensible_a that_o all_o the_o particular_a instance_n of_o duty_n which_o may_v one_o way_n or_o other_o contribute_v to_o the_o fit_v of_o man_n for_o this_o great_a one_o can_v hardly_o be_v assign_v and_o much_o less_o equal_o and_o universal_o apply_v where_o the_o condition_n of_o man_n be_v so_o very_o different_a i_o shall_v gather_v they_o all_o into_o this_o one_o plain_a full_a and_o comprehensive_a rule_n namely_o that_o all_o those_o duty_n which_o common_a christianity_n always_o oblige_v a_o christian_a to_o ought_v most_o eminent_o and_o with_o a_o high_a and_o more_o exalt_a pitch_n of_o devotion_n to_o be_v perform_v by_o he_o before_o the_o sacrament_n and_o convertible_o whatsoever_o duty_n divine_v prescribe_v to_o be_v observe_v by_o he_o with_o a_o peculiar_a fervour_n and_o application_n of_o mind_n upon_o this_o occasion_n aught_o in_o their_o proportion_n to_o be_v practise_v by_o he_o through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o christian_a conversation_n and_o this_o be_v a_o solid_a and_o sure_a rule_n a_o rule_n that_o will_v never_o deceive_v or_o lurch_v the_o sincere_a communicant_a a_o rule_n that_o by_o add_v discretion_n to_o devotion_n will_v both_o keep_v he_o from_o be_v humoursome_a singular_a and_o fantastic_a in_o his_o preparation_n before_o the_o sacrament_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o and_o must_v fatal_o unravel_v all_o again_o from_o be_v as_o most_o be_v loose_a and_o remiss_a after_o it_o and_o think_v that_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o sacrament_n be_v over_o their_o great_a business_n be_v do_v whereas_o indeed_o it_o be_v but_o begin_v and_o now_o i_o fear_v that_o as_o i_o have_v be_v too_o long_o upon_o the_o whole_a so_o i_o have_v be_v but_o too_o brief_a upon_o so_o many_o and_o those_o such_o weighty_a particular_n but_o i_o hope_v you_o will_v supply_v this_o defect_n by_o enlarge_n upon_o they_o in_o your_o practice_n and_o make_v up_o the_o omission_n of_o the_o pulpit_n by_o the_o meditation_n of_o the_o closet_n and_o god_n direct_v and_o assist_v we_o all_o in_o so_o concern_v a_o work_n to_o who_o 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 the_o fatal_a imposture_n and_o force_v of_o word_n set_v forth_o in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v on_o isaiahv_n 20._o may_v the_o 9th_o 1686._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 these_o word_n contain_v in_o they_o two_o thing_n 1._o a_o woe_n denounce_v and_o 2._o the_o sin_n for_o which_o it_o be_v denounce_v to_o wit_n the_o call_v evil_n good_a and_o good_a evil_n which_o expression_n may_v be_v take_v two_o way_n first_o in_o a_o judicial_a and_o more_o restrain_a sense_n as_o it_o signify_v the_o pronounce_v of_o a_o guilty_a person_n innocent_a and_o a_o innocent_a guilty_a in_o the_o course_n of_o judgement_n but_o this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v too_o particular_a to_o reach_v the_o design_n of_o the_o word_n here_o second_o it_o may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o general_n and_o more_o enlarge_v sense_n as_o it_o import_v a_o misrepresentation_n of_o the_o quality_n of_o thing_n and_o action_n to_o the_o common_a apprehension_n of_o man_n abuse_v their_o mind_n with_o false_a notion_n and_o so_o by_o this_o artifice_n make_v evil_a pass_n for_o good_a and_o good_a for_o evil_a in_o all_o the_o great_a concern_v of_o life_n where_o by_o good_a i_o question_v not_o but_o good_a moral_o so_o call_v bonum_fw-la honestum_fw-la ought_v chief_a at_o least_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o that_o the_o good_a of_o profit_n or_o pleasure_n the_o bonum_fw-la utile_fw-la or_o jucundum_fw-la hardly_o come_v into_o any_o account_n here_o as_o thing_n extreme_o below_o the_o principal_a design_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o this_o place_n it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o consider_v that_o since_o good_a be_v the_o natural_a and_o proper_a object_n which_o all_o humane_a choice_n be_v carry_v out_o to_o and_o evil_a that_o which_o with_o all_o its_o may_v it_o shun_v and_o fly_v from_o and_o since_o withal_o there_o be_v that_o control_v worth_a and_o beauty_n in_o goodness_n that_o as_o such_o the_o will_n can_v but_o like_v and_o desire_v it_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o odious_a deformity_n in_o vice_n that_o it_o never_o so_o much_o as_o offer_v itself_o to_o the_o affection_n or_o practice_n of_o mankind_n but_o under_o the_o disguise_n and_o colour_n of_o the_o other_o and_o since_o all_o this_o be_v easy_o discernible_a by_o the_o ordinary_a discourse_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o last_o since_o nothing_o pass_v into_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o will_n but_o as_o it_o come_v convey_v and_o warrant_v by_o the_o understanding_n as_o worthy_a of_o its_o choice_n i_o say_v it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o consider_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o the_o life_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n in_o which_o man_n certain_o shall_v be_v most_o in_o earnest_n be_v almost_o whole_o take_v up_o in_o a_o passionate_a pursuit_n of_o what_o be_v evil_a and_o in_o a_o equal_a neglect_n if_o not_o also_o a_o abhorrence_n of_o what_o be_v good_n this_o be_v certain_o so_o and_o experience_n which_o be_v neither_o to_o be_v confute_v nor_o deny_v do_v every_o minute_n prove_v the_o sad_a truth_n of_o this_o assertion_n but_o now_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o this_o for_o so_o great_a so_o constant_a and_o so_o general_a a_o practice_n must_v needs_o have_v not_o only_o a_o cause_n but_o also_o a_o great_a a_o constant_a and_o a_o general_a cause_n a_o cause_n every_o way_n commensurate_n to_o such_o a_o effect_n and_o this_o cause_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v from_o one_o of_o those_o two_o command_v power_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o understanding_n or_o the_o will._n as_o for_o the_o will_n though_o its_o liberty_n be_v such_o that_o a_o suitable_a or_o proper_a good_a be_v propose_v to_o it_o it_o have_v a_o power_n to_o refuse_v or_o not_o to_o choose_v it_o yet_o it_o have_v no_o power_n to_o choose_v evil_a consider_v absolute_o as_o evil_a this_o be_v direct_o against_o the_o nature_n and_o natural_a method_n of_o its_o work_n nevertheless_o it_o be_v but_o too_o manifest_a that_o thing_n evil_a extreme_o evil_a be_v both_o ready_o choose_v and_o eager_o pursue_v and_o practise_v by_o it_o and_o therefore_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v from_o that_o other_o govern_v faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o understanding_n which_o represent_v to_o the_o will_v
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
much_o out_o of_o date_n with_o some_o as_o christ_n divinity_n and_o satisfaction_n i_o say_v let_v a_o man_n consider_v these_o and_o the_o like_a virtue_n together_o with_o the_o contrary_a sin_n and_o vice_n that_o do_v oppose_v they_o and_o then_o as_o out_o of_o a_o full_a armoury_n or_o magazine_n let_v he_o furnish_v his_o conscience_n with_o text_n of_o scripture_n particular_o enjoin_v the_o one_o and_o forbid_v or_o threaten_v the_o other_o and_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o he_o shall_v stuff_v his_o mind_n like_o the_o margin_n of_o some_o author_n with_o chapter_n and_o verse_n heap_v together_o at_o all_o adventure_n but_o only_o that_o he_o shall_v sortifie_v it_o with_o some_o few_o text_n which_o be_v home_n and_o apposite_a to_o his_o case_n and_o a_o conscience_n thus_o supply_v will_v be_v like_o a_o man_n arm_v at_o all_o point_n and_o always_o ready_a either_o to_o receive_v or_o to_o attack_v his_o enemy_n otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o a_o man_n have_v arm_n in_o his_o house_n no_o nor_o yet_o his_o have_a courage_n and_o skill_n to_o use_v they_o but_o it_o be_v his_o have_v they_o still_o about_o he_o which_o must_v both_o secure_v he_o from_o be_v set_v upon_o and_o defend_v he_o when_o he_o be_v according_o man_n must_v know_v that_o without_o take_v the_o forementioned_a course_n all_o that_o they_o do_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v but_o lose_a labour_n and_o that_o they_o read_v the_o scripture_n to_o as_o little_a purpose_n as_o some_o use_n to_o quote_v they_o much_o read_n be_v like_o much_o eat_v whole_o useless_a without_o digestion_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o digest_v his_o meat_n without_o also_o retain_v it_o till_o man_n get_v what_o they_o read_v into_o their_o mind_n and_o fix_v it_o in_o their_o memory_n they_o keep_v their_o religion_n as_o they_o use_v to_o do_v their_o bibles_n only_o in_o their_o closet_n or_o carry_v it_o in_o their_o pocket_n and_o that_o you_o may_v imagine_v must_v improve_v and_o affect_v the_o soul_n just_a as_o much_o as_o a_o man_n have_v plenty_n of_o provision_n only_o in_o his_o store_n will_v nourish_v and_o support_v his_o body_n when_o man_n forget_v the_o word_n hear_v or_o read_v by_o they_o the_o devil_n be_v say_v to_o steal_v it_o out_o of_o their_o heart_n luke_n 8._o 12._o and_o for_o this_o cause_n we_o do_v with_o as_o much_o reason_n as_o propriety_n of_o speech_n call_v the_o commit_v of_o a_o thing_n to_o memory_n the_o get_v it_o by_o heart_n for_o it_o be_v the_o memory_n that_o must_v transmit_v it_o to_o the_o heart_n and_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o expect_v that_o the_o heart_n shall_v keep_v its_o hold_n of_o any_o truth_n when_o the_o memory_n have_v let_v it_o go_v 4._o the_o four_o and_o last_o way_n that_o i_o shall_v mention_v for_o the_o get_n of_o the_o conscience_n right_o inform_v and_o afterward_o keep_v it_o so_o be_v frequent_o and_o impartial_o to_o account_v with_o it_o it_o be_v with_o a_o man_n and_o his_o conscience_n as_o with_o one_o man_n and_o another_o among_o who_o we_o use_v to_o say_v that_o even_o reckon_a make_v last_v friend_n and_o the_o way_n to_o make_v reckon_n even_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v to_o make_v they_o often_o delay_n in_o account_n be_v always_o suspicious_a and_o bad_a enough_o in_o themselves_o but_o common_o much_o worse_a in_o their_o cause_n for_o to_o defer_v a_o account_n be_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o perplex_v it_o and_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v perplex_v and_o intricate_a no_o man_n either_o as_o to_o his_o temporal_a or_o spiritual_a estate_n can_v know_v of_o himself_o what_o he_o be_v or_o what_o he_o have_v or_o upon_o what_o bottom_n he_o stand_v but_o the_o amaze_a difficulty_n and_o greatness_n of_o his_o account_n will_v rather_o terrify_v than_o inform_v he_o and_o keep_v he_o from_o set_v hearty_o about_o such_o a_o task_n as_o he_o despair_v ever_o to_o go_v through_o with_o for_o no_o man_n willing_o begin_v what_o he_o have_v no_o hope_n to_o finish_v but_o let_v a_o man_n apply_v to_o this_o work_n by_o frequent_a return_v and_o short_a interval_n while_o the_o heap_n be_v small_a and_o the_o particular_n few_o and_o he_o will_v find_v it_o easy_a and_o conquerable_a and_o his_o conscience_n like_o a_o faithful_a steward_n shall_v give_v he_o in_o a_o plain_a open_a and_o entire_a account_n of_o himself_o and_o hide_v nothing_o from_o he_o whereas_o we_o know_v if_o a_o steward_n or_o cashier_n be_v suffer_v to_o run_v on_o from_o year_n to_o year_n without_o bring_v he_o to_o a_o reckon_a it_o be_v odds_o but_o such_o a_o sottish_a forbearance_n will_n in_o time_n teach_v he_o to_o shuffle_v and_o strong_o tempt_v he_o to_o be_v a_o cheat_n if_o not_o also_o make_v he_o so_o for_o as_o the_o account_n run_v on_o general_o the_o accountant_a go_v backward_o and_o for_o this_o cause_n some_o judge_n it_o adviseable_a for_o a_o man_n to_o account_v with_o his_o heart_n every_o day_n and_o this_o no_o doubt_n be_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a course_n for_o still_o the_o often_o the_o better_a and_o some_o prescribe_v account_v once_o a_o week_n long_a than_o which_o it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n safe_a to_o delay_v it_o for_o a_o man_n shall_v find_v his_o heart_n deceitful_a and_o his_o memory_n weak_a and_o nature_n extreme_o averse_a from_o seek_v narrow_o after_o that_o which_o it_o be_v unwilling_a to_o find_v and_o be_v find_v will_v assure_o disturb_v it_o so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o be_v infinite_o absurd_a to_o think_v that_o conscience_n can_v be_v keep_v in_o order_n without_o frequent_a examination_n if_o a_o man_n will_v have_v his_o conscience_n deal_v clear_o with_o he_o he_o must_v deal_v severe_o with_o that_o often_o scour_v and_o cleanse_v it_o will_v make_v it_o bright_a and_o when_o it_o be_v so_o he_o may_v see_v himself_o in_o it_o and_o if_o he_o see_v any_o thing_n amiss_o let_v this_o satisfy_v he_o that_o no_o man_n be_v or_o can_v be_v the_o worse_a for_o know_v the_o very_o worst_a of_o himself_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o conscience_n by_o a_o long_a neglect_n of_o and_o dis-acquaintance_n with_o itself_o come_v to_o contract_v a_o inveterate_a rust_n or_o soil_n a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o expect_v to_o see_v his_o face_n in_o a_o mudwall_n as_o that_o such_o a_o conscience_n shall_v give_v he_o a_o true_a report_n of_o his_o condition_n no_o it_o leave_v he_o whole_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o the_o great_a concern_v he_o have_v in_o both_o world_n he_o can_v neither_o tell_v whether_o god_n be_v his_o friend_n or_o his_o enemy_n or_o rather_o he_o have_v shrewd_a cause_n to_o suspect_v he_o his_o enemy_n and_o can_v possible_o know_v he_o to_o be_v his_o friend_n and_o this_o be_v his_o case_n he_o must_v live_v in_o ignorance_n and_o die_v in_o ignorance_n and_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o a_o man_n to_o die_v in_o it_o without_o die_v for_o it_o too_o and_o now_o what_o a_o wretched_a condition_n must_v that_o man_n need_v be_v in_o who_o heart_n be_v in_o such_o confusion_n such_o darkness_n and_o such_o a_o settle_a blindness_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o tell_v he_o so_o much_o as_o one_o true_a word_n of_o himself_o flatter_v he_o it_o may_v i_o confess_v as_o those_o be_v general_o good_a at_o flatter_v who_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o else_o but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o poor_a man_n be_v leave_v under_o the_o fatal_a necessity_n of_o a_o remediless_a delusion_n for_o in_o judge_v of_o a_o man_n self_n if_o conscience_n either_o can_v or_o will_v not_o inform_v he_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a thing_n call_v self-love_n that_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o deceive_v he_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v in_o four_o several_a particular_n what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v both_o for_o the_o get_n and_o keep_v of_o the_o conscience_n so_o inform_v as_o that_o it_o may_v be_v able_a to_o give_v we_o a_o rational_a confidence_n towards_o god_n as_o 1._o that_o the_o voice_n of_o reason_n in_o all_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a morality_n ought_v careful_o to_o be_v attend_v to_o by_o a_o strict_a observance_n of_o what_o it_o command_v but_o especial_o of_o what_o it_o forbid_v 2._o that_o every_o pious_a motion_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n ought_v tender_o to_o be_v cherish_v and_o by_o no_o mean_n check_v or_o quench_v either_o by_o resistance_n or_o neglect_v 3._o that_o conscience_n be_v to_o be_v keep_v close_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o write_a word_n 4_o lie_n and_o last_o that_o it_o be_v frequent_o to_o be_v examine_v and_o severe_o account_v with_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o a_o conscience_n thus_o discipline_v shall_v give_v