i_o sum_v up_o the_o evidence_n from_o this_o part_n of_o the_o history_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o be_v that_o moses_n his_o law_n most_o plain_o and_o by_o frequent_o repeat_v mean_n foretell_v that_o the_o way_n for_o the_o expiation_n of_o sin_n must_v be_v by_o a_o bloody_a sacrifice_n and_o the_o prophet_n yet_o more_o express_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v the_o messiah_n who_o shall_v make_v his_o soul_n a_o offering_n for_o sin_n which_o thing_n be_v the_o principal_a dogma_fw-la of_o christianity_n that_o by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n all_o who_o believe_v obtain_v remission_n of_o sin_n in_o sum_n then_o we_o see_v many_o hundred_o of_o year_n before_o the_o plant_n of_o christian_a religion_n by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v it_o represent_v in_o type_n and_o figure_n foretell_v as_o to_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a point_n of_o it_o in_o express_a word_n christ_n himself_o describe_v the_o time_n place_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o birth_n specify_v the_o term_n of_o his_o life_n the_o manner_n and_o design_n of_o his_o death_n determine_v and_o last_o the_o consequent_n no_o less_o plain_o set_v down_o all_o which_o as_o they_o can_v never_o have_v be_v do_v without_o divine_a inspiration_n or_o revelation_n so_o can_v they_o have_v no_o other_o design_n but_o to_o prepare_v the_o world_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o what_o in_o time_n be_v to_o be_v further_o reveal_v as_o the_o truth_n and_o will_n of_o god_n for_o that_o god_n shall_v predict_v thing_n for_o truth_n and_o by_o real_a effect_n according_a to_o the_o time_n foretell_v verify_v those_o prediction_n to_o the_o end_n a_o religion_n not_o frame_v by_o he_o may_v be_v believe_v as_o deliver_v from_o he_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o his_o justice_n and_o veracity_n sect._n 4_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o history_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o and_o under_o its_o plantation_n by_o christ_n himself_o and_o his_o first_o emissary_n or_o apostle_n and_o here_o we_o say_v there_o be_v so_o many_o thing_n record_v touch_v he_o and_o they_o who_o transmission_n to_o posterity_n under_o those_o eminent_a notoriety_n by_o which_o they_o have_v ever_o descend_v place_v they_o beyond_o all_o shadow_n of_o uncertainty_n as_o will_v abundant_o suffice_v to_o evince_v the_o divine_a original_a of_o christian_a religion_n first_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v 7._o debentur_fw-la haec_fw-la plurimum_fw-la autori_fw-la anonymo_fw-la in_fw-la libro_fw-la de_fw-la autorit_fw-la s._n scripturae_fw-la ca._n 7._o by_o any_o person_n except_o such_o who_o resolve_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o see_v a_o temper_n so_o unreasonable_a as_o will_v soon_o destroy_v humane_a society_n that_o such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n do_v live_v and_o that_o he_o pretend_v himself_o to_o be_v send_v from_o heaven_n to_o instruct_v man_n what_o be_v the_o will_n of_o heaven_n and_o in_o pursuance_n hereof_o partly_o vindicate_v a_o mistake_a doctrine_n then_o in_o the_o world_n that_o of_o the_o jewish_a morality_n and_o partly_o teach_v and_o promulge_v a_o new_a one_o of_o his_o own_o which_o be_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n if_o any_o person_n shall_v be_v so_o extravagant_a as_o to_o deny_v any_o thing_n hereof_o he_o will_v present_o be_v convince_v by_o temple_n and_o oratory_n soon_o erect_v to_o his_o worship_n and_o dedicate_v to_o his_o name_n by_o vast_a multitude_n of_o man_n which_o even_o in_o heathen_a story_n he_o read_v present_o to_o have_v embrace_v his_o doctrine_n and_o die_v in_o the_o most_o cruel_a sort_n for_o its_o witness_n beside_o many_o author_n attest_v as_o much_o as_o we_o have_v yet_o say_v of_o he_o it_o can_v second_o be_v deny_v that_o the_o countryman_n of_o this_o jesus_n man_n most_o stubborn_o tenacious_a of_o their_o custom_n and_o zealous_a of_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o father_n enrage_v against_o he_o for_o his_o pretend_v power_n to_o alter_v their_o custom_n and_o introduce_v a_o new_a religion_n accuse_v he_o of_o sedition_n and_o blasphemy_n and_o never_o desist_v persecute_v and_o impugn_v he_o till_o for_o these_o impute_a crime_n they_o have_v procure_v his_o crucifixion_n the_o primitive_a christian_n so_o much_o glory_v in_o and_o reverence_v the_o cross_n the_o banner_n statue_n and_o other_o representation_n thereof_o on_o a_o sudden_a so_o frequent_a in_o the_o christian_a world_n beside_o the_o testimony_n of_o heathen_a book_n and_o of_o some_o eminent_a author_n of_o their_o very_o own_o nation_n speak_v as_o much_o nay_o their_o posterity_n still_o in_o be_v acknowledge_v their_o forefather_n to_o have_v contrive_v and_o effect_v this_o matter_n and_o their_o city_n and_o temple_n soon_o after_o destroy_v their_o nation_n disperse_v insomuch_o that_o now_o the_o be_v of_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v not_o by_o themselves_o know_v and_o themselves_o as_o their_o progenitour_n ever_o since_o wander_v and_o sojorn_v in_o the_o country_n of_o alien_n despise_v hate_a scarce_o tolerate_v to_o live_v all_o which_o calamity_n though_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o refer_v to_o other_o feign_a and_o imaginary_a cause_n it_o be_v certain_a their_o old_a and_o as_o they_o confess_v and_o we_o have_v see_v undoubted_a record_n do_v foretell_v shall_v befall_v they_o for_o their_o reject_v and_o put_v to_o death_n of_o the_o messiah_n all_o these_o evidence_n be_v plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o so_o render_v that_o for_o which_o they_o be_v allege_v undeniable_a three_o it_o be_v no_o less_o certain_a that_o not_o only_a christ_n himself_o but_o other_o person_n who_o in_o his_o life_n time_n he_o instruct_v as_o disciple_n and_o after_o his_o death_n commission_v as_o apostle_n teach_v and_o promulge_v the_o doctrine_n call_v christian_n and_o in_o the_o end_n most_o of_o they_o die_v for_o the_o testimony_n thereof_o both_o he_o and_o they_o have_v before_o in_o their_o life_n time_n wrought_v many_o strange_a thing_n deserve_o account_v miracle_n and_o exertion_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n to_o attest_v a_o divine_a truth_n beside_o that_o we_o have_v the_o name_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n frequent_a in_o our_o sacred_a record_n which_o no_o one_o in_o this_o point_n will_v suspect_v of_o falsity_n we_o find_v the_o name_n of_o some_o of_o they_o even_o in_o heathen_a monument_n the_o sepulcher_n of_o some_o of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v see_v at_o this_o day_n at_o least_o every_o where_n throughout_o the_o christian_a world_n goodly_a fabric_n and_o temple_n dedicate_v to_o their_o memory_n then_o as_o to_o their_o and_o their_o lord_n miracle_n some_o of_o they_o be_v record_v by_o heathen_a writer_n other_o by_o jewish_n both_o profess_a enemy_n to_o christianity_n and_o they_o be_v general_o confess_v in_o the_o writing_n of_o the_o most_o early_a adversary_n of_o christianity_n who_o by_o the_o way_n have_v best_o mean_n by_o examine_v particular_a circumstance_n as_o of_o place_n where_o they_o be_v do_v etc._n etc._n to_o find_v out_o their_o truth_n or_o convict_v their_o falsity_n those_o adversary_n go_v about_o to_o assign_v other_o cause_n of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o confession_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n so_o if_o look_v into_o engender_v strong_a belief_n that_o they_o be_v wrought_v by_o divine_a power_n who_o can_v think_v all_o do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o magic_n which_o the_o religion_n by_o these_o miracle_n assert_v destroy_v and_o what_o more_o ridiculous_a than_o that_o the_o cabalistical_a interpretation_n of_o a_o name_n shall_v prove_v a_o charm_n able_a to_o effect_v miracle_n in_o so_o great_a number_n and_o variety_n these_o thing_n then_o be_v thus_o certain_a to_o proceed_v we_o say_v four_o none_o will_v deny_v that_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n preach_v unto_o the_o world_n that_o their_o lord_n after_o his_o ignominious_a and_o most_o direful_a death_n rise_v again_o and_o converse_v with_o they_o several_a time_n our_o record_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o do_v thus_o preach_v and_o make_v the_o be_v a_o witness_n of_o the_o resurrection_n a_o essential_a part_n of_o be_v a_o apostle_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v doubt_v but_o they_o do_v assert_v what_o we_o be_v there_o tell_v they_o do_v now_o it_o can_v be_v think_v they_o shall_v have_v persist_v even_o to_o death_n publish_v and_o witness_v thus_o much_o except_o it_o have_v be_v real_o true_a that_o they_o have_v see_v and_o converse_v with_o he_o according_a as_o they_o affirm_v the_o very_a talk_n of_o a_o resurrection_n as_o we_o read_v make_v they_o ridiculous_a even_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o philosopher_n it_o incense_v against_o they_o both_o jew_n and_o heathen_a who_o for_o this_o reason_n among_o other_o imprison_v buffet_v scourge_v and_o by_o all_o mean_v torment_v and_o persecute_v they_o to_o death_n this_o their_o experience_n tell_v they_o to_o be_v the_o great_a
which_o he_o have_v be_v tell_v christian_a religion_n be_v assert_v he_o most_o acute_o answer_v se_fw-la il_fw-fr mondo_fw-la si_fw-mi rivuolse_o all_o christianesmo_n diss'io_fw-it senza_fw-it miracoli_fw-la questo_fw-la uno_fw-la e'tal_n chegli_fw-it alteri_fw-la non_fw-la sonoil_n centesmo_fw-la vhe_fw-it tu_fw-la entrasti_fw-la povero_fw-la &_o digiuno_fw-it in_o campo_fw-it a_o seminar_n la_fw-fr bvona_fw-la pianta_fw-it vhe_fw-it fu_fw-it gia_fw-it vite_fw-la &_o hora_fw-la è_fw-it fatta_fw-it pruno_fw-it which_o if_o we_o will_v transpose_v the_o stanza_n as_o will_v be_v more_o consonant_n to_o the_o order_n of_o our_o last_o argument_n we_o may_v not_o unfit_o thus_o render_v thou_o now_o bless_a saint_n then_o fisher_n poor_a forlorn_a into_o the_o world_n as_o a_o large_a field_n do_v go_v a_o heavenly_a plant_n to_o sow_v a_o plant_n of_o old_a a_o vine_n now_o turn_v a_o thorn_n and_o have_v the_o world_n prove_v convert_v and_o submiss_a without_o miraculous_a proof_n to_o what_o be_v teach_v all_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v will_v not_o have_v be_v the_o hundred_o part_n of_o this_o in_o sum_n then_o if_o no_o person_n consider_v the_o progress_n and_o state_n of_o christianity_n since_o the_o departure_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a founder_n thereof_o can_v see_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a it_o shall_v have_v take_v root_n so_o deep_o and_o so_o wide_o spread_v its_o branch_n as_o we_o be_v by_o so_o much_o of_o the_o story_n of_o it_o as_o be_v undoubted_a convince_v it_o have_v except_o a_o divine_a power_n have_v as_o well_o support_v and_o nourish_v as_o at_o first_o plant_v it_o and_o it_o be_v together_o grant_v as_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n or_o divinity_n of_o that_o giver_n to_o uphold_v foster_n and_o propagate_v the_o great_a abuse_n of_o mankind_n as_o christianity_n be_v except_o it_o be_v true_a that_o ever_o be_v we_o must_v then_o conclude_v christian_a religion_n be_v from_o god_n that_o be_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n sect._n 6_o to_o conclude_v then_o the_o whole_a upon_o the_o view_n of_o the_o history_n of_o christian_a religion_n before_o under_z and_o since_o christ_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o within_o each_o of_o these_o three_o period_n there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o it_o certain_a and_o beyond_o all_o scruple_n and_o question_n to_o man_n who_o will_v believe_v any_o thing_n beside_o their_o own_o eye_n as_o enforce_v we_o to_o conclude_v jesus_n christ_n be_v send_v from_o heaven_n and_o do_v deliver_v unto_o the_o world_n the_o true_a religion_n that_o be_v such_o a_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n as_o that_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o approve_v of_o and_o will_v accept_v a_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n i_o mean_v matter_n of_o fact_n at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n as_o it_o be_v that_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n can_v be_v prove_v by_o no_o other_o mean_n but_o either_o by_o visible_a monument_n of_o it_o or_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o to_o who_o it_o be_v first_o impart_v with_o a_o satisfactory_a or_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o its_o be_v divine_a hand_a and_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o this_o evidence_n to_o they_o must_v be_v either_o that_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o one_o who_o they_o be_v sure_o come_v from_o heaven_n or_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o heaven_n to_o attest_v its_o own_o doctrine_n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v as_o a_o eternal_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o distinctive_a mark_n of_o any_o doctrine_n so_o pretend_v the_o consonancy_n of_o such_o doctrine_n to_o the_o supreme_a principle_n of_o reason_n sanctity_n and_o justice_n each_o of_o these_o evidence_n have_v we_o see_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v still_o extant_a in_o the_o world_n monument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o several_a point_n of_o the_o history_n sepulcher_n temple_n etc._n etc._n which_o prove_v there_o be_v such_o person_n or_o doctor_n as_o we_o pretend_v then_o the_o testimony_n be_v not_o of_o one_o or_o a_o few_o but_o of_o many_o hundred_o in_o the_o primitive_a age_n of_o nation_n and_o age_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n since_o by_o a_o constant_a and_o invariant_n tradition_n the_o first_o witness_n have_v evidence_n more_o than_o can_v be_v utter_v that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n come_v from_o heaven_n and_o they_o see_v he_o return_v to_o heaven_n and_o enter_v into_o that_o glory_n which_o he_o promise_v they_o and_o take_v possession_n of_o that_o power_n which_o he_o tell_v they_o he_o be_v to_o receive_v thing_n which_o befall_v not_o the_o founder_n of_o any_o other_o religion_n no_o not_o moses_n himself_o who_o only_o be_v bury_v no_o one_o know_v where_n they_o see_v great_a and_o various_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o they_o wrought_v such_o themselves_z as_o be_v promise_v to_o they_o they_o shall_v and_o all_o this_o confess_v even_o in_o the_o primitive_a age_n by_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o this_o religion_n the_o success_n of_o this_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o great_a miracle_n of_o all_o then_o as_o to_o those_o point_n which_o the_o precept_n of_o this_o religion_n impose_v they_o be_v either_o duty_n natural_a or_o positive_a the_o natural_a by_o be_v so_o be_v most_o consonant_a to_o reason_n and_o though_o the_o precept_n which_o enjoin_v they_o be_v rule_n of_o high_a sanctity_n and_o justice_n than_o mere_a reason_n will_v or_o can_v have_v give_v yet_o be_v give_v they_o be_v such_o as_o it_o must_v needs_o approve_v and_o as_o to_o all_o positive_a office_n their_o reasonableness_n and_o conduciveness_n to_o virtue_n we_o have_v see_v particular_o there_o have_v therefore_o as_o great_a evidence_n be_v give_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n as_o any_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n can_v at_o such_o distance_n from_o its_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o world_n receive_v and_o far_o great_a than_o of_o any_o other_o past_a matter_n of_o fact_n whatsoever_o which_o we_o believe_v wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v be_v just_a to_o our_o reason_n we_o must_v conclude_v it_o true_a and_o if_o it_o be_v true_a as_o above_o make_v out_o holy_a scripture_n be_v true_a also_o and_o if_o that_o be_v true_a than_o we_o be_v oblige_v as_o much_o as_o by_o divine_a authority_n we_o can_v be_v to_o prayer_n sacrament_n hear_v read_v or_o meditate_v holy_a scripture_n the_o particular_a office_n of_o christian_a positive_a worship_n and_o then_o that_o opinion_n which_o pretend_v it_o sufficient_a man_n live_v honest_o nor_o need_v they_o concern_v or_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o go_v to_o prayer_n frequent_v sacrament_n and_o sermon_n and_o such_o devotion_n be_v not_o as_o it_o will_v be_v think_v a_o more_o free_a and_o generous_a strain_n of_o christianity_n but_o a_o plain_a principle_n of_o impiety_n direct_o injurious_a to_o god_n in_o breed_v man_n to_o the_o neglect_n of_o pay_v he_o what_o be_v his_o due_n that_o be_v what_o he_o require_v and_o subversive_a of_o christian_a religion_n the_o positive_a precept_n of_o which_o of_o no_o less_o divine_a authority_n then_o the_o natural_a it_o flat_o contrariate_n and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o neglect_n or_o not_o performance_n of_o natural_a duty_n while_o it_o destroy_v or_o lift_v out_o those_o mean_n and_o help_n which_o divine_a wisdom_n prescribe_v to_o further_a and_o secure_v such_o performance_n i_o mean_v positive_a office_n of_o worship_n the_o great_a mean_a to_o virtue_n and_o so_o we_o have_v prove_v what_o we_o undertake_v the_o necessity_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o a_o positive_a worship_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o christian_n the_o end_n errata_fw-la note_v the_o discourse_n be_v transpose_v and_o the_o second_o be_v intend_v first_o therefore_o p._n 27._o l._n 12._o read_v discourse_n follow_v p._n 29._o l._n 7._o read_v primitive_a p._n 33._o l._n 12._o r._n two_o p._n 51._o l._n last_o r._n create_v p._n 53._o 19_o r._n thee_o p._n 65._o l._n 4._o r._n mad_a p._n 77._o l._n 17._o r._n run_v on_o one_o p._n 105._o l._n 14._o r._n game_n p._n 112._o l._n 2._o r._n in_o other_o p._n 118._o l._n 12._o r._n plain_a p._n 121._o l._n 3._o r._n mean_v p._n 141._o l._n 9_o r._n of_o employment_n p._n 144._o l._n 12._o r._n affect_n p._n 148._o l._n 4._o r._n act_n p._n 163._o l._n 7._o r._n vein_n p._n 167._o l._n 9_o r._n persist_v p._n 172._o l._n 12._o r._n in_o six_o p._n 212._o ult_n r._n pretend_o
person_n of_o whatever_o persuasion_n ever_o deny_v but_o that_o suppose_v the_o ordinary_a aid_n and_o influence_n of_o providence_n by_o which_o we_o live_v and_o move_v and_o be_v the_o loco-motive_n faculty_n be_v under_o the_o command_n of_o reason_n i_o can_v choose_v god_n by_o common_a concourse_n sustain_v my_o power_n whether_o i_o will_v sit_v still_o or_o walk_v whether_o i_o will_v go_v this_o way_n or_o that_o that_o be_v on_o a_o idle_a errand_n in_o quest_n of_o my_o pleasure_n or_o to_o my_o closet_n to_o study_v or_o pray_v or_o perform_v some_o other-like_a duty_n or_o to_o the_o church_n to_o any_o more_o public_o sacred_a office_n or_o last_o to_o the_o place_n of_o my_o ordinary_a employment_n if_o any_o such_o i_o have_v my_o shop_n my_o field_n or_o the_o like_a for_o the_o dispatch_n of_o more_o common_a business_n if_o i_o will_v but_o please_v to_o exert_v my_o power_n and_o be_v so_o true_a to_o myself_o as_o not_o to_o lie_v still_o and_o dissemble_v i_o can_v rise_v nor_o stir_v i_o can_v as_o well_o employ_v myself_o as_o be_v idle_a true_o indeed_o it_o be_v possible_a a_o man_n can_v on_o a_o sudden_a overcome_v the_o love_n he_o have_v of_o a_o idle_a life_n contract_v by_o long_a disuse_n of_o labour_n and_o devotedness_n to_o ease_v but_o certain_a it_o be_v he_o may_v when_o he_o please_v by_o that_o common_a assistance_n of_o god_n which_o ordinary_o fail_v none_o of_o his_o creature_n disturb_v his_o own_o idleness_n by_o employment_n and_o by_o this_o disturb_v it_o as_o to_o art_n which_o be_v in_o a_o man_n own_o power_n he_o shall_v by_o little_a and_o little_o destroy_v or_o mortify_v the_o habit_n which_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o think_v so_o far_o out_o of_o their_o power_n to_o effect_v wherein_o the_o only_a difficulty_n lie_v in_o the_o attempt_n who_o have_v manful_o give_v the_o first_o onset_n be_v not_o far_o from_o victory_n for_o when_o the_o christian_a world_n shall_v return_v at_o length_n from_o enthusiastic_a frenzy_n to_o sober_a truth_n it_o will_v then_o no_o more_o be_v doubt_v by_o all_o than_o it_o be_v now_o by_o the_o discreet_a part_n of_o it_o that_o as_o habit_n in_o general_n be_v acquire_v by_o frequency_n of_o practice_n custom_n and_o expertness_n by_o exercise_n so_o also_o christian_a virtue_n or_o grace_n be_v by_o the_o same_o method_n wrought_v in_o the_o soul_n god_n grace_n excite_v and_o assist_v to_o the_o act_n and_o man_n free_a will_n as_o before_o say_v prevent_v comply_v with_o the_o excitation_n and_o assistance_n of_o grace_n and_o so_o a_o virtuous_a or_o gracious_a act_n be_v produce_v and_o divine_a grace_n not_o fail_v afterward_o upon_o due_a season_n to_o excite_v and_o assist_v and_o man_n comply_v frequent_o therewith_o frequent_a good_a action_n be_v perform_v and_o by_o such_o frequency_n of_o action_n the_o person_n become_v habituate_v to_o such_o and_o such_o good_a act_n that_o be_v to_o say_v endue_v with_o this_o or_o that_o virtue_n or_o in_o this_o or_o that_o point_n gracious_a in_o particular_a as_o to_o this_o case_n god_n excite_v to_o diligence_n by_o evince_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n and_o revelation_n the_o brutishness_n and_o sinfulness_n of_o idleness_n and_o awaken_n thereby_o the_o conscience_n to_o such_o judgement_n and_o suggestion_n his_o assistance_n to_o work_n be_v ready_a so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v comply_v and_o be_v up_o and_o do_v for_o that_o time_n idleness_n be_v overcome_v and_o if_o we_o will_v accustom_v ourselves_o to_o such_o compliance_n in_o employ_v as_o we_o ought_v ourselves_o and_o time_n the_o habit_n of_o idleness_n or_o the_o idle_a life_n will_v be_v master_v and_o employment_n as_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n to_o all_o other_o virtue_n be_v apt_a to_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o love_n of_o itself_o at_o length_n diligence_n and_o the_o love_n of_o our_o christian_a and_o common_a business_n will_v succeed_v in_o the_o dominion_n and_o power_n of_o its_o vanquish_v adversary_n thus_o then_o certain_o the_o way_n to_o shake_v of_o this_o weight_n and_o clog_n of_o idleness_n be_v plain_a to_o wit_n first_o to_o give_v a_o little_a disturbance_n to_o our_o belove_a sloth_n by_o attent_a employ_v ourselves_o sometime_o upon_o some_o sacred_a office_n sometime_o on_o more_o common_a business_n so_o far_o at_o least_o as_o to_o awaken_v and_o rouse_v ourselves_o and_o try_v whether_o we_o have_v not_o the_o faculty_n and_o power_n which_o other_o have_v and_o it_o be_v pretend_v we_o have_v can_v we_o if_o we_o please_v think_v and_o speak_v and_o move_v that_o be_v in_o other_o word_n pray_v and_o read_v and_o work_v in_o such_o case_n as_o become_v we_o or_o concern_v we_o which_o have_v do_v second_o let_v we_o employ_v our_o awaken_v thought_n upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o life_n we_o have_v lead_v and_o what_o we_o can_v find_v therein_o worthy_a of_o our_o soul_n and_o noble_a power_n worthy_a of_o man_n or_o ourselves_o what_o be_v there_o in_o sloth_n and_o dullness_n and_o sensuality_n to_o enamour_v we_o thus_o upon_o it_o and_o engross_v both_o our_o affection_n and_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o self_n to_o perpetual_a ignobleness_n and_o to_o say_v no_o worse_o obscurity_n will_v we_o or_o any_o epicure_n live_v even_o those_o who_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o admire_v their_o own_o felicity_n in_o the_o ease_n and_o sensuality_n they_o enjoy_v above_o other_o be_v content_a expire_a in_o those_o puddle_n of_o sensuality_n to_o go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o wear_v on_o a_o goodly_a grave-stone_n or_o monument_n this_o epitaph_n here_o lie_v such_o a_o person_n of_o excellent_a intellectual_n a_o ancient_a and_o honourable_a family_n a_o ample_a estate_n who_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o sleep_v if_o this_o be_v the_o true_a humane_a life_n what_o become_v of_o the_o difference_n betwixt_o man_n and_o beast_n or_o be_v not_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o two_o the_o noble_a and_o happy_a as_o enjoy_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n with_o great_a freedom_n without_o restraint_n of_o law_n or_o those_o check_n which_o reason_n and_o conscience_n disturb_v the_o sensualist_n with_o and_z final_o because_o able_a to_o foresee_v nothing_o of_o change_n therefore_o full_o acquiesce_v without_o fear_n or_o shyness_n in_o every_o present_a enjoyment_n if_o this_o be_v blessedness_n be_v it_o not_o evident_a a_o fat_a hog_n in_o dirt_n be_v more_o bless_v than_o the_o most_o accomplish_a sensualist_n live_v in_o the_o height_n of_o his_o pleasure_n as_o be_v more_o full_o satisfy_v and_o to_o his_o apprehension_n more_o secure_a and_o let_v we_o either_o think_v or_o make_v ourselves_o as_o much_o beast_n as_o we_o can_v yet_o can_v we_o possible_o enforce_v this_o opinion_n upon_o our_o most_o abuse_a reason_n that_o nature_n which_o have_v make_v we_o seem_o noble_a than_o bruit_n intend_v we_o only_o for_o a_o parity_n or_o inferiority_n of_o happiness_n to_o they_o that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o be_v vile_a with_o a_o great_a reproach_n if_o therefore_o in_o sum_n the_o principle_n which_o lead_v to_o this_o life_n viz._n that_o the_o gratify_v sensual_a appetite_n be_v the_o most_o enhappy_v act_n of_o life_n be_v so_o prodigious_o unreasonable_a and_o the_o life_n which_o flow_v from_o it_o as_o already_o say_v such_o of_o which_o the_o mere_a memory_n and_o reflection_n thereupon_o affect_v with_o shame_n and_o abhorrence_n shall_v we_o any_o long_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o one_o or_o content_o wallow_v in_o the_o other_o to_o the_o most_o infamous_a prostitute_v our_o reason_n and_o nature_n on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o pleasure_n be_v estimate_v by_o the_o due_a standard_n who_o will_v not_o determine_v the_o diligent_a and_o virtuous_a person_n to_o have_v the_o sweater_n live_v to_o my_o own_o apprehension_n i_o confess_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o pleasure_n except_o a_o man_n have_v some_o daily_a business_n to_o employ_v the_o great_a part_n of_o his_o time_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o certain_a than_o that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n be_v not_o able_a with_o delight_n long_o to_o endure_v a_o uninterrupted_a process_n of_o high_a sensual_a pleasure_n it_o can_v drink_v deep_a of_o such_o puddle_n but_o nauseate_n they_o and_o tire_v take_v the_o most_o gentle_a and_o necessary_a of_o they_o do_v not_o too_o long_a sleep_n induce_v pain_n or_o ungrateful_a dullness_n frequent_v feed_v a_o unpleasant_a satiety_n and_o after_o all_o be_v it_o not_o variety_n make_v the_o pleasure_n which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v certain_a the_o idle_a person_n share_n be_v far_o less_o than_o that_o of_o the_o diligent_a for_o neither_o need_n he_o always_o deny_v himself_o his_o pleasure_n in_o its_o season_n he_o be_v allow_v it_o when_o it_o will_v be_v true_o pleasure_n and_o without_o a_o farewell_o sting_v nor_o will_v
soul_n with_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n and_o replenish_v our_o conscience_n with_o serenity_n and_o glorious_a joy_n we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o see_v heaven_n though_o not_o with_o st._n stephen_n open_v yet_o with_o st._n paul_n prepare_v for_o we_o and_o bless_v god_n not_o so_o much_o for_o make_v it_o as_o make_v the_o way_n thither_o piety_n and_o virtue_n we_o shall_v so_o transform_v our_o life_n as_o well_o as_o our_o self_n that_o to_o live_v will_v be_v but_o to_o conquer_v and_o we_o only_o seem_v to_o pass_v as_o it_o be_v from_o one_o heaven_n to_o another_o the_o end_n the_o reasonableness_n and_o necessity_n of_o a_o positive_a worship_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o christian_a worship_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hierocl_n london_n print_v for_o john_n martin_n at_o the_o bell_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n m_n dc_o lxxi_o a_o discourse_n of_o the_o necessity_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o a_o positive_a worship_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o christian_a worship_n the_o introduction_n propound_v the_o general_a head_n of_o the_o discourse_n remember_v that_o all_o conclusion_n beget_v so_o much_o the_o faint_a persuasion_n by_o how_o much_o in_o their_o deduction_n we_o have_v proceed_v to_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o first_o and_o necessary_a principle_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v in_o the_o cause_n undertake_v to_o keep_v as_o near_o to_o indubitable_a or_o allow_v foundation_n as_o i_o can_v and_o if_o i_o shall_v make_v it_o evident_a upon_o the_o admit_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n that_o we_o be_v enforce_v to_o believe_v some_o such_o revelation_n as_o christian_n pretend_v to_o must_v have_v be_v and_o by_o they_o the_o institution_n of_o a_o positive_a worship_n and_o further_o upon_o view_n of_o the_o suppose_a positive_a worship_n if_o it_o appear_v in_o all_o its_o part_n to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o the_o supreme_a god_n proceed_v not_o arbitrary_o and_o by_o a_o mere_a sovereign_a power_n or_o humour_n in_o its_o institution_n but_o therefore_o appoint_v this_o or_o that_o rather_o than_o another_o office_n because_o apt_a to_o secure_v the_o good_a of_o man_n that_o be_v to_o plant_v and_o radicate_v virtue_n in_o he_o between_o which_o and_o humane_a happiness_n there_o be_v according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n which_o himself_o before_o such_o institution_n have_v frame_v a_o necessary_a connexion_n i_o conceive_v i_o have_v do_v enough_o to_o persuade_v any_o rational_a person_n that_o he_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o pay_v such_o positive_a worship_n which_o by_o such_o institution_n and_o its_o own_o natural_a conducency_n to_o his_o happiness_n he_o perceive_v to_o oblige_v he_o that_o be_v i_o have_v evidence_v the_o necessity_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o a_o positive_a worship_n and_o of_o such_o a_o one_o as_o we_o pretend_v to_o and_o more_o particular_o as_o to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o worship_n if_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o its_o history_n lie_v so_o that_o we_o can_v with_o any_o tolerable_a sobriety_n disbelieve_v either_o the_o history_n or_o the_o doctrine_n which_o it_o implicate_v the_o very_a tradition_n itself_o carry_v in_o itself_o so_o convictive_a evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n i_o may_v then_o conclude_v that_o we_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o receive_v and_o practice_n particular_o every_o such_o particular_a office_n of_o worship_n as_o that_o christian_a doctrine_n prescribe_v and_o none_o other_o and_o though_o i_o shall_v not_o adventure_v to_o call_v these_o demonstration_n yet_o i_o hope_v by_o such_o time_n as_o i_o shall_v have_v do_v they_o will_v be_v find_v for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o come_v as_o little_a short_a of_o such_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o my_o subject_n will_v admit_v brief_o and_o distinct_o i_o suppose_v it_o will_v be_v allow_v that_o positive_a worship_n be_v to_o be_v pay_v if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o by_o the_o supreme_a god_n institute_v and_o command_v now_o i_o pretend_v that_o first_o the_o institution_n of_o some_o positive_a worship_n follow_v admit_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n that_o second_o in_o that_o positive_a worship_n suppose_v by_o christian_n obligatory_a there_o be_v such_o conducency_n to_o virtue_n on_o all_o hand_n acknowledge_v the_o principal_a necessary_a as_o render_v that_o worship_n most_o fit_a to_o oblige_v we_o and_o every_o way_n most_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o last_o beside_o this_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o this_o particular_a worship_n de_fw-fr facto_fw-la be_v irrefragable_o evident_a from_o the_o certainty_n and_o undeniableness_n of_o the_o history_n of_o christianity_n and_o of_o the_o scripture_n chap._n i._n §_o 1._o a_o full_a proposal_n of_o the_o first_o point_n viz._n that_o some_o positive_a worship_n there_o must_v be_v and_o three_o proposition_n to_o evince_v it_o §_o 2._o the_o first_o proposition_n prove_v §_o 3._o a_o objection_n answer_v §_o 4._o a_o second_o answer_v §_o 5._o a_o illustration_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o reason_n to_o bring_v man_n general_o to_o virtue_n out_o of_o history_n §_o 6._o a_o three_o objection_n answer_v §_o 7._o the_o second_o proposition_n prove_v §_o 8._o the_o three_o proposition_n prove_v §_o 9_o objection_n in_o common_a against_o revelation_n and_o divine_a record_n answer_v it_o be_v not_o unusual_a for_o stubborn_a dogmatist_n when_o force_v from_o some_o belove_a principle_n by_o their_o detect_v absurdity_n to_o seem_v liberal_o to_o grant_v what_o they_o be_v no_o long_o able_a to_o deny_v and_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o concession_n in_o common_a appearance_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o their_o cause_n to_o pretend_v their_o cause_n no_o whit_n enfeeble_v and_o their_o persuasion_n as_o unshaken_a as_o ever_o thus_o to_o omit_v the_o trace_v this_o practice_n in_o man_n of_o other_o interest_n than_o those_o we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o many_o pretend_a master_n of_o reason_n who_o a_o long_a time_n will_v fain_o have_v persuade_v themselves_o and_o the_o world_n that_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n or_o provident_a creator_n and_o governor_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o different_a estate_n in_o that_o immortal_a life_n be_v but_o the_o fraud_n of_o priest_n or_o stratagem_n of_o some_o deep_a politician_n see_v now_o that_o they_o can_v no_o long_o maintain_v their_o doctrine_n against_o that_o convictive_a evidence_n which_o enforce_v their_o contrary_n be_v content_a at_o last_o to_o admit_v a_o creed_n consist_v of_o these_o article_n name_v and_o generous_o allow_v what_o against_o their_o will_n they_o see_v demonstrate_v but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o stiff_o contend_v that_o the_o only_a worship_n of_o this_o god_n and_o sole_a condition_n of_o such_o immortal_a happiness_n be_v virtue_n nor_o do_v man_n need_v prayer_n or_o sacrament_n or_o priest_n or_o what_o they_o will_v be_v content_a to_o have_v name_v appendant_a cheat_n and_o then_o as_o to_o the_o name_n of_o virtue_n that_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a so_o to_o explain_v as_o to_o leave_v a_o latitude_n for_o their_o own_o vice_n so_o that_o in_o fine_a though_o some_o of_o the_o outwork_n of_o this_o troy_n be_v yield_v upon_o constraint_n yet_o the_o body_n of_o the_o city_n be_v keep_v strong_o the_o helena_n still_o hold_v in_o fast_a embrace_n they_o may_v be_v as_o pretend_v by_o the_o warranty_n of_o reason_n as_o profane_v and_o scornful_a of_o religion_n at_o least_o of_o the_o christian_a worship_n and_o so_o in_o the_o end_n of_o all_o virtue_n pure_o christian_n such_o as_o mortification_n self-denial_n etc._n etc._n as_o ever_o they_o be_v against_o these_o we_o say_v that_o if_o they_o will_v be_v reasonable_a and_o impartial_a and_o admit_v the_o same_o evidence_n in_o this_o case_n as_o they_o do_v in_o other_o of_o like_a nature_n beside_o that_o natural_a worship_n of_o god_n which_o consist_v in_o virtue_n and_o pure_o natural_a acknowledgement_n of_o he_o both_o they_o and_o all_o man_n must_v confess_v office_n of_o divine_a worship_n by_o positive_a right_n such_o as_o in_o christianity_n be_v prayer_n and_o the_o ministration_n of_o the_o word_n and_o sacrament_n which_o thing_n we_o trust_v to_o make_v out_o by_o these_o follow_a proposition_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o man_n touch_v such_o thing_n which_o he_o require_v of_o he_o in_o order_n to_o his_o happiness_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v such_o revelation_n shall_v determine_v the_o office_n of_o divine_a worship_n 3._o that_o holy_a scripture_n or_o that_o revelation_n which_o acquaint_v we_o what_o god_n require_v of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n pretend_v to_o prescribe_v to_o we_o by_o what_o act_v god_n will_v be_v worship_v and_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o