and_o the_o justifier_n of_o bad_a man_n and_o manner_n the_o answer_n in_o few_o word_n be_v this_o that_o suppose_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o conscientious_a and_o virtuous_a life_n to_o be_v very_o painful_a and_o grievous_a which_o be_v false_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o folly_n and_o madness_n which_o deserve_v the_o great_a wonder_n and_o pity_n for_o the_o avoid_n of_o that_o to_o lose_v a_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o to_o plunge_v ourselves_o into_o a_o eternal_a misery_n which_o be_v not_o talk_v only_o but_o truth_n and_o justice_n if_o there_o be_v any_o god_n or_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n to_o a_o man_n of_o a_o comprehensive_a reason_n justice_n and_o generosity_n may_v be_v add_v further_o and_o beyond_o all_o the_o rest_n a_o 4._o answer_v which_o i_o must_v not_o now_o insist_v upon_o but_o only_o in_o very_o few_o word_n say_v to_o please_v serve_v and_o honour_n god_n by_o love_n and_o obedience_n to_o contribute_v what_o we_o can_v to_o the_o common_a good_a and_o happiness_n by_o all_o virtuous_a life_n and_o action_n vice_n be_v useless_a or_o mischievous_a a_o common_a nuysance_n be_v certain_o a_o duty_n and_o a_o obligation_n which_o no_o difficulty_n pain_n or_o suffer_v in_o this_o life_n can_v discharge_v we_o from_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o all_o our_o duty_n be_v derive_v from_o our_o own_o interest_n although_o i_o know_v they_o be_v inseparable_a to_o serve_v and_o please_v god_n and_o to_o do_v good_a to_o other_o mere_o for_o our_o own_o sake_n and_o to_o refuse_v to_o undergo_v any_o thing_n for_o they_o when_o necessary_a seem_v neither_o ingenuous_a nor_o reasonable_a and_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o seem_v so_o to_o that_o great_a heathen_a tully_n as_o if_o such_o thing_n or_o rather_o nothing_o as_o we_o be_v more_o to_o be_v consider_v than_o the_o infinite_a god_n and_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o when_o we_o may_v as_o well_o weigh_v a_o single_a atom_n against_o the_o universe_n nor_o seem_v there_o any_o difference_n between_o a_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o will_n but_o only_o of_o their_o understanding_n if_o both_o of_o they_o make_v themselves_o their_o entire_a ultimate_n end_n the_o one_o take_v the_o right_a course_n to_o be_v happy_a the_o other_o the_o wrong_n but_o this_o last_o be_v mistake_v only_o and_o will_v have_v do_v as_o the_o first_o if_o he_o have_v know_v better_a and_o even_o the_o man_n of_o courage_n and_o generosity_n will_v take_v it_o for_o a_o great_a reproach_n to_o be_v tell_v that_o he_o fight_v only_o for_o a_o little_a wage_n or_o honour_n either_o and_o will_v not_o venture_v upon_o a_o wound_n or_o death_n itself_o to_o save_v his_o prince_n and_o country_n and_o to_o repress_v a_o insolent_a and_o malicious_a enemy_n who_o please_v himself_o in_o the_o destruction_n of_o all_o mankind_n to_o gratify_v his_o boundless_a lust_n which_o with_o many_o other_o instance_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n at_o present_a be_v not_o uncapable_a of_o so_o great_a and_o noble_a a_o quality_n i_o be_o sure_a our_o divine_a religion_n have_v teach_v we_o as_o much_o both_o by_o precept_n and_o example_n when_o it_o command_v we_o to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o nor_o do_v i_o see_v reason_n to_o find_v a_o figure_n in_o the_o know_a expression_n of_o moses_n and_o st._n paul_n to_o such_o a_o greatness_n of_o soul_n we_o ought_v to_o aspire_v notwithstanding_o we_o be_v to_o know_v which_o may_v be_v prove_v even_o to_o a_o demonstration_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o soul_n that_o our_o duty_n and_o interest_n our_o perfection_n of_o nature_n and_o happiness_n of_o life_n be_v inseparable_a except_o for_o a_o moment_n or_o two_o in_o this_o life_n for_o exercise_n and_o improvement_n of_o virtue_n or_o other_o end_v which_o vanish_v into_o nothing_o compare_v with_o eternal_a duration_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v happy_a or_o not_o miserable_a and_o that_o the_o virtuous_a and_o good_a shall_v be_v miserable_a or_o not_o happy_a as_o impossible_a as_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n at_o all_o or_o that_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v infinite_o powerful_a wise_a and_o good_a and_o consequent_o distributive_o just_a and_o now_o i_o have_v say_v all_o i_o have_v at_o present_a in_o answer_n to_o the_o wonderer_n and_o their_o best_a reason_n for_o vicious_a manner_n practice_n custom_n and_o example_n and_o perhaps_o the_o general_a head_n of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v and_o what_o i_o think_v can_v be_v answer_v again_o by_o those_o who_o will_v act_v like_o man_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o truth_n and_o reason_n but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o disclaim_v or_o burlesque_fw-la their_o own_o most_o excellent_a nature_n and_o will_v abandon_v themselves_o to_o blind_a and_o haughty_a selfwill_a humour_n lust_n and_o passion_n who_o will_v be_v like_o the_o horse_n or_o mule_n that_o want_v understanding_n i_o leave_v they_o to_o other_o art_n and_o method_n of_o persuasion_n and_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n almighty_n which_o we_o will_v not_o confine_v all_o that_o can_v be_v do_v for_o they_o on_o our_o part_n be_v to_o pity_n and_o pray_v for_o they_o as_o we_o do_v daily_o when_o we_o say_v thy_o kingdom_n come_v thy_o will_n be_v do_v that_o god_n may_v at_o last_o rule_v over_o and_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o son_n of_o men._n he_o can_v when_o he_o please_v work_v most_o effectual_o upon_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o most_o senseless_a and_o obdurate_a sinner_n even_o upon_o those_o who_o scorn_v all_o instruction_n as_o a_o mean_a and_o hate_v understanding_n as_o a_o troublesome_a thing_n even_o upon_o those_o who_o most_o foolish_o take_v it_o for_o a_o point_n of_o wisdom_n and_o greatness_n of_o heart_n to_o make_v a_o mock_n at_o sin_n even_o upon_o those_o final_o who_o with_o the_o heathen_a idolater_n in_o the_o text_n think_v it_o strange_a that_o all_o man_n run_v not_o with_o they_o to_o the_o same_o excess_n of_o riot_n speak_v evil_a of_o they_o because_o they_o will_v not_o sermon_n iii_o psal._n xxxii_o 5._o i_o say_v i_o will_v confess_v my_o transgression_n unto_o the_o lord_n i_o be_o a_o while_n to_o treat_v of_o a_o duty_n of_o religion_n both_o reveal_v and_z as_o i_o think_v natural_a which_o perhaps_o pass_v among_o the_o wise_a and_o brave_a of_o this_o world_n for_o a_o weak_a and_o mean_a thing_n and_o a_o effect_n of_o superstition_n rather_o than_o religion_n but_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v just_a contrary_n so_o qualify_v and_o direct_v as_o shall_v present_o be_v mention_v confession_n of_o sin_n to_o almighty_a god_n have_v very_o evident_a argument_n of_o many_o excellent_a quality_n for_o be_v it_o not_o a_o sign_n of_o a_o just_a honour_n for_o god_n and_o all_o his_o law_n make_v know_v by_o reason_n or_o revelation_n be_v it_o not_o a_o mark_n of_o a_o generous_a love_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o a_o man_n will_v own_v his_o fault_n and_o folly_n though_o to_o his_o present_a disadvantage_n and_o that_o he_o be_v more_o ashamed_a to_o commit_v a_o sin_n than_o confess_v it_o be_v it_o not_o a_o proof_n of_o great_a probity_n and_o strength_n of_o mind_n for_o a_o man_n not_o only_o to_o permit_v but_o command_v his_o conscience_n and_o other_o too_o if_o there_o be_v occasion_n to_o report_v to_o he_o all_o the_o truth_n and_o nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n concern_v himself_o to_o set_v all_o his_o fault_n and_o infirmity_n before_o he_o and_o not_o to_o conceal_v excuse_n or_o justify_v any_o because_o he_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o mend_v any_o or_o have_v no_o concern_n for_o the_o health_n and_o ornament_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v not_o these_o and_o such_o like_a quality_n high_o laudable_a on_o the_o contrary_a be_v not_o a_o vulgar_a carelessness_n and_o insensibility_n of_o our_o manner_n and_o action_n vain_a self-conceit_n arrogance_n affectation_n of_o appear_v to_o one_o self_n and_o other_o something_o worthy_a rather_o than_o be_v so_o indeed_o and_o above_o all_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o word_n and_o commandment_n of_o omnipotent_a goodness_n wisdom_n and_o sanctity_n by_o a_o weak_a ignorant_a and_o sinful_a creature_n i_o say_v be_v not_o these_o sordid_a and_o true_o contemptible_a nor_o do_v this_o confession_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o supreme_a deity_n seem_v to_o i_o less_o a_o part_n of_o natural_a religion_n than_o prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o he_o though_o we_o have_v little_a mention_n of_o it_o among_o the_o heathen_a moralist_n and_o as_o this_o be_v truth_n in_o itself_o so_o we_o find_v that_o the_o great_a soul_n who_o have_v have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n have_v always_o behave_v themselves_o with_o truth_n
with_o what_o be_v false_a and_o light_n it_o be_v also_o probity_n of_o mind_n they_o want_v who_o be_v licentious_o give_v and_o no_o great_a friend_n to_o any_o religion_n or_o truth_n either_o which_o may_v lay_v any_o restraint_n upon_o they_o in_o their_o opinion_n or_o practice_n glad_o take_v any_o advantage_n against_o they_o that_o man_n look_v upon_o all_o profess_v religion_n and_o conscience_n to_o be_v ignorant_a superstitious_a or_o cunning_a so_o that_o their_o example_n or_o reason_n be_v of_o no_o authority_n with_o they_o neither_o do_v this_o humour_n stop_v among_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n but_o it_o be_v soon_o convey_v into_o the_o vulgar_a too_o who_o soon_o learn_v to_o contemn_v religion_n and_o the_o priest_n especial_o in_o time_n of_o liberty_n wherefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v advise_v and_o sincere_o religious_a man_n wise_a and_o honest_a who_o hearty_o desire_v the_o advancement_n of_o true_a religion_n will_v so_o do_v that_o we_o be_v first_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o opinion_n in_o religion_n and_o be_v now_o careful_a and_o just_a to_o appear_v for_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v so_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n and_o when_o we_o can_v fair_o maintain_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v such_o though_o it_o appear_v never_o so_o much_o for_o the_o honour_n and_o interest_n of_o religion_n as_o many_o very_a false_a and_o forge_a thing_n have_v let_v it_o rest_v and_o go_v as_o it_o be_v till_o time_n may_v further_o discover_v and_o as_o for_o the_o vulgar_a it_o be_v sure_o their_o safe_a way_n to_o rely_v upon_o the_o conduct_n of_o such_o wise_a and_o honest_a man_n though_o they_o may_v be_v even_o exhort_v to_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n too_o if_o they_o can_v for_o it_o be_v much_o more_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o know_v who_o be_v such_o than_o to_o judge_v themselves_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n universal_a conveniency_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o thing_n to_o know_v who_o be_v the_o best_a guide_n than_o to_o guide_v themselves_o this_o plain_a deal_n without_o fraud_n or_o force_n will_v sure_o much_o advance_v the_o just_a esteem_n of_o religion_n and_o its_o minister_n and_o consequent_o its_o influence_n and_o efficacy_n we_o have_v but_o too_o much_o proof_n of_o this_o cause_n of_o infidelity_n from_o experience_n we_o have_v see_v some_o man_n and_o that_o of_o the_o first_o rank_n who_o have_v teach_v we_o such_o a_o god_n and_o that_o out_o of_o his_o own_o book_n which_o other_o judge_v to_o be_v a_o absolute_a impossibility_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o they_o will_v be_v the_o only_a orthodox_n and_o reprobate_a all_o those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v of_o their_o opinion_n many_o also_o be_v those_o who_o have_v make_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o most_o excellent_a collection_n of_o write_n which_o be_v ever_o extant_a to_o speak_v such_o thing_n which_o have_v cause_v other_o not_o brook_v their_o interpretation_n nor_o be_v sufficient_a to_o find_v out_o better_a themselves_o to_o have_v mean_a and_o injurious_a thought_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o if_o any_o pious_a man_n with_o the_o sincere_a intention_n and_o endeavour_n to_o preserve_v and_o vindicate_v their_o due_a honour_n by_o salve_v difficulty_n which_o seem_v to_o check_v reason_n do_v advance_v any_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o their_o settle_a opinion_n and_o system_n he_o be_v present_o irreligious_a and_o a_o severe_a atheist_n too_o severe_a censure_n whatever_o their_o mistake_n may_v be_v but_o they_o be_v much_o more_o numerous_a still_o who_o have_v make_v up_o such_o a_o hotchpotch_n in_o religion_n by_o their_o addition_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o pretend_a or_o enthusiastical_a revelation_n forge_v or_o false_a miracle_n tradition_n ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o infallibility_n as_o first_o to_o turn_v man_n stomach_n against_o it_o and_o at_o last_o to_o cause_v a_o great_a many_o quite_o to_o discharge_v themselves_o of_o it_o altogether_o but_o of_o these_o and_o such_o like_a i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o at_o present_a but_o go_v on_o to_o the_o next_o general_n head_n 2_o to_o propose_v some_o remedy_n proper_a to_o prevent_v or_o repress_v the_o influence_n of_o these_o cause_n of_o infidelity_n whereof_o some_o be_v more_o general_a some_o more_o particular_o relate_v to_o some_o cause_n and_o circumstance_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v one_a to_o advise_v and_o assist_v man_n to_o improve_v and_o advance_v their_o knowledge_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o for_o it_o seem_v just_a to_o deal_v so_o upright_o and_o plain_o with_o the_o world_n as_o not_o to_o make_v use_n of_o mere_a authority_n instead_o of_o understanding_n and_o reason_n where_o man_n be_v true_o capable_a and_o honest_a though_o where_o they_o be_v ignorant_a but_o yet_o conceit_v self-willed_a or_o dishonest_a in_o thing_n of_o importance_n and_o consequence_n authority_n must_v be_v allow_v to_o interpose_v for_o their_o own_o and_o the_o public_a good_a which_o otherwise_o will_v great_o suffer_v let_v therefore_o man_n know_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v and_o examine_v these_o great_a verity_n with_o the_o great_a severity_n assure_o the_o more_o they_o know_v the_o more_o reason_n they_o will_v see_v to_o believe_v they_o serious_o and_o resolute_o to_o live_v according_a to_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n say_v our_o saviour_n to_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n john_n 5._o 39_o to_o convince_v they_o that_o he_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n and_o the_o person_n to_o who_o all_o his_o character_n there_o do_v agree_v so_o say_v we_o search_v the_o scripture_n nature_n itself_o and_o reason_n too_o for_o they_o bear_v witness_n of_o all_o these_o great_a truth_n but_o then_o search_v they_o thorough_o examine_v they_o to_o the_o bottom_n see_v clear_o reason_n careful_o and_o just_o weigh_v all_o thing_n with_o indifferency_n and_o impartiality_n which_o will_v be_v present_o a_o direction_n by_o itself_o otherwise_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v erroneous_o interpret_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o conclude_v from_o they_o so_o may_v man_n here_o through_o want_n of_o patience_n and_o attention_n and_o apprehension_n err_v and_o mistake_v in_o their_o conclusion_n concern_v the_o great_a truth_n of_o morality_n and_o all_o religion_n we_o hearty_o desire_v that_o man_n faith_n and_o belief_n may_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o plain_a serious_a and_o deliberate_a conviction_n more_o than_o of_o custom_n where_o it_o may_v be_v and_o true_o then_o as_o well_o as_o when_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v another_o cause_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n great_a be_v its_o power_n and_o forcible_a its_o operation_n and_o life_n itself_o be_v at_o its_o devotion_n and_o service_n such_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o particular_o such_o be_v the_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n mention_v of_o saint_n thomas_n and_o saint_n peter_n when_o one_o cry_n out_o my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n and_o the_o other_o lord_z whither_o shall_v we_o go_v thou_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n let_v that_o then_o be_v the_o first_o remedy_n against_o infidelity_n viz._n the_o utmost_a improvement_n and_o best_a exercise_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o reason_n 2_o possess_v we_o our_o mind_n with_o a_o sincere_a and_o zealous_a honesty_n and_o probity_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v a_o strong_a habitual_a propension_n and_o inclination_n to_o that_o which_o be_v right_a and_o just_a this_o will_v have_v three_o effect_n very_o proper_a to_o beget_v or_o confirm_v a_o right_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o preserve_v we_o in_o it_o the_o first_o a_o fervent_a love_n of_o the_o truth_n the_o second_o a_o free_a and_o ingenuous_a acknowledgement_n of_o it_o wherever_o we_o discover_v it_o be_v it_o for_o we_o or_o be_v it_o against_o we_o three_o a_o desire_n to_o act_v suitable_a and_o live_v according_a to_o it_o i_o say_v a_o sincere_a and_o resolute_a probity_n have_v these_o effect_n for_o sure_o never_o any_o honest_a man_n doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v material_a more_o fit_a and_o just_a of_o better_a effect_n for_o a_o good_a man_n who_o will_v make_v good_a use_n of_o his_o knowledge_n to_o be_v know_v rather_o than_o ignorant_a or_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n rather_o than_o a_o lie_n in_o order_n to_o direct_v he_o in_o all_o his_o inward_a motion_n and_o outward_a action_n without_o the_o first_o we_o shall_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o to_o search_v or_o find_v the_o truth_n without_o the_o second_o when_o we_o know_v it_o we_o shall_v either_o not_o believe_v or_o deny_v it_o if_o possible_a or_o if_o by_o the_o clearness_n and_o evidence_n we_o can_v do_v that_o yet_o we_o shall_v turn_v our_o mind_n away_o from_o it_o final_o without_o the_o three_o we_o shall_v little_o esteem_v or_o
ordinary_a sort_n of_o soldier_n in_o the_o field_n who_o either_o very_o willing_o change_v side_n at_o any_o time_n with_o their_o commander_n and_o comrade_n which_o be_v a_o further_a step_n still_o or_o else_o at_o least_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o reproach_n of_o their_o company_n whereas_o we_o shall_v hearty_o engage_v in_o and_o espouse_v the_o cause_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n and_o then_o stand_v to_o it_o that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a we_o may_v keep_v other_o from_o desert_v they_o or_o recall_v they_o again_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v we_o want_v courage_n general_o in_o so_o just_a and_o honourable_a a_o cause_n when_o we_o do_v not_o want_v some_o approbation_n and_o fair_a inclination_n to_o it_o which_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v say_v to_o some_o man_n in_o other_o matter_n will_v hardly_o be_v let_v pass_v without_o a_o challenge_n we_o want_v some_o resolution_n to_o follow_v virtue_n and_o piety_n bold_o we_o be_v much_o more_o foolish_a and_o timorous_a in_o our_o manner_n than_o our_o fashion_n for_o we_o will_v not_o follow_v these_o if_o we_o find_v they_o improper_a or_o inconvenient_a for_o we_o but_o those_o we_o general_o do_v though_o in_o our_o discretion_n and_o conscience_n we_o condemn_v they_o as_o foolish_a and_o hurtful_a both_o to_o they_o who_o lead_v and_o follow_v too_o it_o will_v make_v a_o honest_a man_n of_o ordinary_a spirit_n ashamed_a to_o see_v those_o who_o will_v take_v no_o other_o affront_v but_o upon_o the_o point_n of_o a_o sword_n to_o sneak_v and_o be_v cowardly_a in_o the_o cause_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n which_o they_o themselves_o just_o esteem_n we_o not_o only_o dare_v not_o draw_v our_o sword_n that_o be_v not_o desire_v but_o not_o so_o much_o perhaps_o as_o speak_v in_o their_o behalf_n when_o they_o be_v unjust_o reproach_v and_o despise_v we_o draw_v in_o our_o head_n indeed_o silence_n may_v be_v in_o some_o case_n both_o most_o proper_a and_o fit_a or_o rather_o take_v part_n with_o their_o enemy_n and_o second_v perhaps_o their_o jeer_n with_o some_o conceit_a humorous_a wit_n of_o our_o own_o and_o this_o as_o have_v be_v say_v to_o please_v other_o against_o our_o own_o conscience_n thus_o evil_a example_n seem_v principal_o to_o keep_v we_o bad_a and_o make_v we_o often_o appear_v indeed_o worse_o than_o we_o inward_o be_v but_o there_o be_v great_a danger_n if_o we_o still_o keep_v such_o company_n and_o use_v such_o practice_n we_o shall_v real_o soon_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o we_o seem_v but_o 4._o the_o operation_n of_o evil_a example_n be_v yet_o more_o immediate_a to_o fix_v or_o to_o alter_v and_o change_v the_o very_a temper_n and_o inclination_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o in_o great_a part_n our_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n the_o great_a proneness_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o imitation_n every_o one_o know_v and_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o first_o sign_n of_o reason_n which_o appear_v in_o child_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a impediment_n in_o our_o nature_n much_o more_o if_o there_o be_v any_o disposition_n to_o it_o we_o take_v that_o first_o which_o first_o come_v and_o most_o frequent_o present_v itself_o to_o we_o thus_o we_o act_n we_o speak_v we_o choose_v we_o delight_v in_o we_o hate_v we_o admire_v we_o despise_v as_o we_o see_v other_o do_v especial_o those_o who_o we_o love_v and_o esteem_v without_o any_o design_n of_o imitation_n and_o we_o do_v not_o observe_v or_o know_v it_o ourselves_o unless_o other_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o tell_v we_o so_o we_o hear_v child_n and_o young_a people_n and_o those_o of_o inferior_a condition_n at_o every_o turn_n say_v they_o love_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o their_o eye_n and_o they_o hate_v to_o do_v this_o or_o that_o the_o one_o perhaps_o a_o trifle_n and_o the_o other_o good_a or_o of_o no_o great_a harm_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o have_v often_o hear_v other_o their_o superior_n say_v so_o now_o if_o we_o often_o so_o speak_v act_n choose_v relish_n love_n hate_v etc._n etc._n it_o soon_o beget_v in_o we_o habitual_a inclination_n to_o or_o aversation_n from_o certain_a object_n and_o in_o time_n so_o strong_a and_o obstinate_a that_o we_o can_v for_o the_o present_a be_v or_o do_v otherwise_o nor_o ordinary_o weaken_v or_o destroy_v they_o but_o in_o a_o long_a time_n by_o a_o great_a change_n of_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o condition_n and_o by_o the_o inward_a grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n himself_o and_o these_o habitual_a inclination_n be_v call_v our_o manner_n our_o temper_n and_o constitution_n of_o mind_n by_o which_o we_o be_v and_o be_v call_v good_a or_o bad_a men._n according_a to_o these_o we_o be_v estimate_v and_o shall_v be_v treat_v by_o god_n who_o better_o know_v they_o than_o we_o do_v ourselves_o now_o our_o manner_n be_v in_o this_o fashion_n corrupt_v by_o evil_a example_n and_o conversation_n our_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n will_v at_o least_o in_o great_a part_n be_v soon_o suitable_a to_o they_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o man_n to_o believe_v what_o he_o list_v unless_o it_o be_v some_o immediate_a axiom_n such_o as_o the_o whole_a be_v big_a than_o its_o part_n and_o even_o there_o too_o a_o man_n may_v confound_v darken_v perplex_v and_o indispose_v his_o mind_n in_o such_o manner_n as_o not_o to_o discern_v so_o clear_a a_o truth_n and_o then_o he_o can_v much_o easy_o turn_v himself_o away_o from_o regard_v it_o and_o consequent_o he_o can_v suspend_v his_o judgement_n or_o not_o actual_o belleve_v it_o if_o he_o please_v it_o be_v natural_o consequent_a to_o all_o other_o inclination_n to_o be_v incline_v to_o believe_v and_o judge_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o may_v most_o gratify_v and_o please_v they_o when_o therefore_o by_o evil_a example_n we_o be_v sway_v and_o bend_v to_o that_o which_o be_v evil_a and_o bring_v to_o delight_v in_o it_o we_o will_v persuade_v ourselves_o contrary_a to_o what_o we_o think_v before_o that_o it_o be_v even_o laudable_a or_o at_o least_o of_o no_o great_a harm_n and_o therefore_o tolerable_a and_o a_o matter_n of_o jest_n more_o than_o reproof_n our_o lust_n and_o unlawful_a affection_n by_o the_o influence_n they_o have_v upon_o our_o will_n bribe_v our_o very_a conscience_n and_o bring_v they_o over_o to_o plead_v and_o argue_v on_o their_o side_n or_o at_o least_o to_o excuse_v and_o extenuate_v they_o to_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n these_o be_v defile_v conscience_n as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v and_o how_o deplorable_a be_v the_o condition_n of_o such_o man_n who_o light_n be_v worse_a than_o darkness_n and_o who_o very_a guide_n betray_v they_o and_o lead_v they_o to_o sure_a destruction_n not_o suspect_v or_o fear_v any_o such_o matter_n beside_o our_o opinion_n be_v change_v by_o evil_a example_n another_o way_n most_o man_n have_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o their_o practice_n to_o believe_v it_o lawful_a or_o unlawful_a wise_a or_o foolish_a but_o only_o the_o intimation_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o now_o evil_a example_n invalidate_v both_o these_o and_o first_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o against_o any_o vice_n when_o we_o see_v so_o many_o confident_o and_o secure_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o it_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o believe_v that_o they_o think_v it_o a_o passable_a or_o commendable_a thing_n and_o as_o they_o seem_v to_o think_v no_o worse_o of_o themselves_o for_o it_o so_o will_v they_o not_o of_o we_o and_o a_o great_a many_o more_o may_v be_v of_o their_o mind_n and_o then_o consequent_o it_o weaken_v the_o credit_n of_o our_o own_o conscience_n with_o we_o too_o we_o begin_v to_o suspect_v and_o at_o last_o we_o conclude_v that_o they_o have_v be_v hitherto_o but_o ill_o inform_v that_o we_o be_v superstitious_a and_o more_o timorous_a than_o we_o need_v to_o be_v through_o natural_a temper_n education_n want_v of_o use_n and_o experience_n thus_o by_o this_o time_n we_o may_v more_o distinct_o see_v the_o way_n how_o evil_a example_n make_v their_o attack_z upon_o we_o and_o the_o method_n of_o their_o proceed_n and_o be_v beforehand_o advise_v and_o admonish_v thereof_o we_o may_v if_o we_o in_o good_a earnest_n be_v willing_a and_o wise_a prevent_v their_o most_o dangerous_a and_o ruinous_a influence_n upon_o we_o iv_o in_o the_o four_o place_n i_o be_o to_o give_v a_o caution_n or_o two_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o noncompliance_n with_o evil_a example_n to_o secure_v our_o prudence_n and_o innocency_n they_o be_v but_o two_o 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o action_n 2._o in_o respect_n of_o their_o end_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o matter_n the_o most_o general_a advice_n be_v that_o we_o be_v
and_o decency_n towards_o he_o acknowledge_v their_o sin_n throw_v themselves_o at_o his_o foot_n and_o humble_o implore_v his_o pardon_n and_o grace_n nor_o be_v there_o ever_o record_v a_o more_o eminent_a example_n of_o this_o than_o david_n as_o great_a a_o prince_n as_o saint_n he_o want_v not_o sure_o that_o courage_n which_o be_v so_o magnify_v and_o adore_v by_o the_o world_n who_o when_o scarce_o get_v out_o of_o his_o childhood_n kill_v the_o lion_n and_o the_o bear_n and_o when_o a_o stripling_n arm_v only_o with_o a_o sling_n venture_v upon_o the_o prodigious_a bulk_n of_o a_o giant_n a_o man_n of_o war_n from_o his_o youth_n and_o lay_v he_o dead_a at_o his_o foot_n and_o return_v to_o the_o camp_n lug_a his_o head_n the_o trophy_n of_o his_o victory_n who_o from_o a_o simple_a swain_n be_v advance_v to_o the_o alliance_n and_o then_o possession_n of_o a_o throne_n for_o his_o prowess_n and_o wisdom_n and_o yet_o lo_o this_o be_v the_o man_n who_o cry_v out_o psalm_n 51._o have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o o_o god_n according_a to_o thy_o love_a kindness_n according_a to_o the_o multitude_n of_o thy_o tender_a mercy_n blot_v put_v all_o my_o transgression_n wash_v i_o thorough_o from_o my_o sin_n for_o i_o acknowledge_v my_o transgression_n and_o my_o sin_n be_v ever_o before_o i_o against_o thou_o only_o have_v i_o sin_v etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o man_n who_o in_o this_o psalm_n proclaim_v the_o blessedness_n of_o the_o innocent_a or_o the_o pardon_v and_o tell_v we_o that_o while_o he_o keep_v silence_v his_o bone_n wax_v old_a through_o his_o roar_v all_o the_o day_n long_o this_o be_v he_o final_o who_o in_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o text_n acknowledge_v his_o sin_n unto_o god_n who_o say_v and_o do_v according_o that_o he_o will_v confess_v his_o transgression_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o because_o it_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o daily_a religious_a duty_n enjoin_v and_o recommend_v in_o our_o public_a and_o private_a devotion_n and_o worship_n it_o ought_v also_o more_o especial_o to_o be_v well_o understand_v prudent_o direct_v and_o show_v to_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o natural_a reason_n and_o justice_n as_o well_o as_o express_o command_v and_o constant_o practise_v by_o good_a man_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n according_o we_o shall_v choose_v out_o three_o thing_n for_o the_o head_n of_o our_o discourse_n concern_v it_o first_o the_o nature_n and_o part_n of_o it_o second_o the_o rule_n for_o it_o three_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o 1._o and_o very_o brief_o in_o a_o more_o solemn_a and_o deliberate_a confession_n of_o sin_n especial_o and_o it_o be_v best_a to_o take_v into_o its_o signification_n more_o than_o one_o single_a act_n three_o part_n three_o part_n part_n may_v be_v observe_v and_o that_o in_o this_o order_n 1._o self-accusation_n the_o penitent_a have_v first_o inquire_v into_o his_o past_a temper_n and_o behaviour_n consult_v his_o conscience_n concern_v his_o duty_n and_o observe_v his_o aberration_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o he_o proceed_v as_o a_o person_n different_a from_o himself_o to_o accuse_v and_o bring_v a_o endictment_n against_o himself_o and_o here_o he_o act_n like_o a_o plaintiff_n 2._o but_o second_o follow_v a_o ingenuous_a and_o free_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o with_o the_o great_a impartiality_n he_o judge_v to_o have_v be_v bad_a in_o he_o or_o ill_o do_v by_o he_o neither_o by_o superstition_n or_o timidity_n vain_o fright_v nor_o by_o boldness_n or_o partiality_n favour_v himself_o here_o he_o act_v the_o part_n of_o a_o guilty_a defendant_n and_o a_o upright_a witness_n against_o himself_o 3._o three_o he_o pronounce_v himself_o guilty_a and_o deserve_a of_o the_o punishment_n which_o god_n have_v threaten_v for_o the_o transgression_n of_o his_o just_a law_n and_o so_o he_o leave_v himself_o to_o god_n whether_o he_o will_v execute_v the_o sentence_n and_o punish_v he_o as_o he_o deserve_v or_o else_o be_v please_v upon_o his_o humble_a confession_n and_o other_o part_n of_o a_o complete_a repentance_n to_o show_v he_o mercy_n reprieve_n and_o forgive_v he_o thus_o the_o true_a penitent_n in_o this_o part_n of_o repentance_n term_v confession_n act_n as_o a_o prosecutor_n guilty_a defendant_n and_o witness_n and_o a_o inferior_a judge_n in_o such_o manner_n may_v be_v in_o short_a distinct_o conceive_v the_o nature_n and_o part_n of_o confession_n 2_o the_o rule_n follow_v some_o of_o which_o may_v be_v these_o 1._o let_v our_o confession_n be_v make_v with_o exact_a truth_n we_o be_v at_o no_o time_n and_o with_o no_o person_n to_o say_v that_o which_o be_v not_o true_a lest_o of_o all_o when_o we_o address_v ourselves_o too_o god_n this_o fault_n can_v only_o be_v on_o one_o side_n viz._n by_o confess_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v sinful_a in_o we_o which_o be_v not_o so_o or_o to_o deserve_v a_o great_a punishment_n than_o they_o true_o do_v for_o if_o we_o false_o think_v any_o thing_n real_o sinful_a in_o we_o not_o to_o be_v so_o we_o do_v not_o confess_v that_o at_o all_o the_o number_n and_o evil_a desert_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v true_o great_a enough_o in_o themselves_o we_o need_v not_o to_o multiply_v or_o magnify_v they_o in_o our_o confession_n by_o imagination_n and_o passion_n as_o those_o for_o example_n have_v always_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o do_v who_o in_o their_o prayer_n acknowledge_v all_o their_o action_n before_o their_o conversion_n to_o be_v sin_n i._n e._n before_o grace_n be_v general_o the_o roll_a principle_n in_o their_o heart_n or_o their_o life_n be_v govern_v by_o their_o conscience_n for_o a_o bad_a man_n general_o speak_v may_v now_o and_o then_o drop_v a_o good_a action_n nay_o there_o be_v those_o who_o have_v be_v so_o humble_a which_o be_v excellent_a when_o it_o speak_v truth_n and_o not_o despisable_v even_o when_o it_o be_v mistake_v if_o sincere_a in_o their_o confession_n as_o to_o say_v that_o all_o the_o very_o best_a action_n of_o the_o best_a man_n after_o their_o conversion_n be_v sin_n too_o but_o pardon_v in_o christ_n which_o i_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v defective_a indeed_o they_o may_v be_v and_o so_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a love_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a angel_n for_o no_o creature_n can_v honour_v and_o love_v he_o in_o that_o degree_n which_o he_o deserve_v defective_a i_o say_v they_o must_v needs_o be_v but_o not_o sin_n he_o who_o love_v god_n with_o all_o his_o might_n strength_n and_o understanding_n as_o i_o doubt_v not_o have_v be_v do_v often_o by_o pious_a soul_n sure_o sin_n not_o nor_o need_v ask_v any_o pardon_n for_o it_o though_o he_o may_v just_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o great_a affection_n our_o heart_n be_v capable_a of_o to_o he_o be_v infinite_o below_o the_o infinite_a excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o confession_n of_o the_o neglect_n of_o a_o more_o than_o jewish_a observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n in_o some_o man_n phrase_n be_v upon_o this_o account_n unblamable_a but_o such_o a_o observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o other_o festival_n as_o be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o one_o of_o their_o pious_a and_o grave_a canon_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o christian_a piety_n and_o prudence_n and_o the_o general_a wilful_a neglect_n of_o it_o more_o than_o savour_v of_o profaneness_n there_o be_v other_o strange_a thing_n too_o which_o in_o the_o depth_n of_o a_o seem_a or_o mistake_a humility_n have_v be_v utter_v especial_o in_o some_o man_n ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la confession_n without_o countenance_n from_o scripture_n right_o interpret_v and_o shock_v the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n numerous_n also_o be_v the_o instance_n of_o this_o error_n among_o the_o romanist_n who_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o design_n unreasonable_o ofttimes_o rack_n and_o vex_v man_n conscience_n but_o these_o thing_n need_v not_o to_o be_v too_o subtle_o search_v into_o it_o be_v too_o much_o that_o the_o best_a of_o we_o have_v too_o many_o and_o too_o great_a fault_n to_o confess_v to_o almighty_a god_n the_o most_o usual_a cause_n of_o this_o fault_n in_o confession_n be_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o self-revenge_n indignation_n and_o contempt_n against_o ourselves_o as_o to_o cause_v we_o to_o forget_v truth_n and_o justice_n to_o ourselves_o as_o they_o will_v ordinary_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o false_a judgement_n on_o the_o worst_a side_n against_o other_o who_o we_o be_v apt_a in_o such_o fit_v to_o accuse_v of_o much_o more_o than_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o but_o of_o this_o cause_n though_o sure_o it_o be_v a_o fault_n i_o be_o almost_o tempt_v to_o wish_v we_o can_v see_v more_o but_o there_o be_v a_o second_o cause_n very_o dangerous_a and_o that_o be_v a_o design_n to_o flatter_v almighty_a god_n it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o that_o some_o
beat_v his_o breast_n and_o sigh_n out_o o_o lord_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o what_o be_v the_o effect_n i_o tell_v you_o this_o man_n go_v down_o rather_o justify_v than_o the_o other_o as_o the_o pharisee_n self-conceit_n and_o arrogance_n make_v he_o pray_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o he_o do_v so_o his_o prayer_n make_v he_o more_o arrogant_a still_o it_o can_v not_o but_o increase_v his_o presumptuous_a opinion_n of_o himself_o to_o reckon_v up_o and_o that_o before_o god_n himself_o all_o his_o religious_a quality_n and_o action_n without_o take_v notice_n of_o but_o one_o small_a fault_n and_o to_o have_v compare_v himself_o with_o one_o so_o despicable_a in_o his_o eye_n as_o the_o poor_a publican_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v he_o go_v away_o big_a and_o stately_a from_o his_o prayer_n than_o he_o come_v to_o they_o on_o the_o contrary_a as_o the_o publican_n behaviour_n posture_n and_o prayer_n proceed_v no_o doubt_n from_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o guilt_n and_o consequent_a humility_n so_o do_v it_o likewise_o dismiss_v and_o send_v he_o away_o with_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o it_o he_o see_v that_o before_o in_o himself_o which_o make_v he_o cry_v out_o with_o shame_n and_o indignation_n against_o himself_o lord_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n and_o doubtless_o he_o see_v it_o yet_o more_o and_o with_o deep_a impression_n upon_o his_o heart_n for_o have_v make_v his_o short_a but_o most_o passionate_a confession_n 4._o this_o confession_n of_o sin_n make_v we_o less_o censorious_a and_o contemptuous_a of_o other_o more_o backward_o to_o publish_v their_o fault_n or_o to_o insult_v over_o they_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o censure_v talk_v of_o despise_v other_o when_o we_o be_v accustom_v to_o look_v upon_o and_o just_o and_o humble_o to_o acknowledge_v what_o be_v as_o bad_a or_o worse_o at_o least_o bad_a enough_o in_o ourselves_o we_o be_v not_o so_o forward_o to_o reproach_v other_o when_o we_o permit_v our_o own_o conscience_n to_o reproach_n ourselves_o we_o be_v loath_a to_o condemn_v at_o least_o to_o treat_v other_o with_o wrath_n and_o contempt_n when_o if_o we_o be_v impartial_a we_o see_v too_o much_o cause_n to_o do_v the_o like_a by_o ourselves_o no_o man_n so_o ready_a to_o proclaim_v and_o aggravate_v other_o man_n fault_n as_o those_o who_o take_v the_o least_o notice_n of_o their_o own_o he_o who_o know_v his_o own_o defect_n and_o miscarriage_n as_o he_o pity_v himself_o so_o be_v he_o apt_a to_o do_v to_o other_o most_o man_n esteem_v and_o despise_v other_o comparative_o or_o as_o thy_o judge_n they_o superior_a or_o inferior_a to_o themselves_o in_o worthy_a and_o deserve_a quality_n and_o performance_n we_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o other_o from_o ourselves_o now_o he_o that_o observe_v most_o infirmity_n and_o fault_n in_o himself_o will_v think_v himself_o less_o above_o or_o more_o under_o man_n than_o he_o who_o though_o ignorance_n or_o self-conceit_n see_v no_o blemish_n nor_o blame_v in_o himself_o the_o former_a often_o despise_v himself_o comparative_o with_o other_o the_o latter_a foolish_o despise_v every_o one_o beside_o himself_o in_o the_o example_n just_o now_o allege_v how_o haughty_o do_v the_o pharisee_n hold_v up_o his_o head_n and_o with_o what_o contempt_n do_v he_o throw_v his_o eye_n upon_o the_o publican_n this_o publican_n say_v he_o but_o we_o hear_v no_o such_o language_n from_o the_o publican_n who_o in_o truth_n have_v more_o reason_n to_o have_v deride_v the_o ignorant_a and_o hypocritical_a pharisee_n 5_o and_o last_o this_o confession_n make_v we_o more_o sensible_a of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o dispose_v we_o to_o great_a gratitude_n and_o love_n to_o god_n the_o divine_a goodness_n may_v well_o be_v our_o wonder_n that_o the_o infinite_a majesty_n so_o provoke_v have_v not_o yet_o make_v we_o remarkable_a example_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o displeasure_n nay_o that_o he_o have_v continue_v to_o we_o life_n health_n strength_n plenty_n power_n and_o the_o like_a favour_n which_o we_o ungrateful_a wretch_n have_v dishonour_v he_o with_o his_o lenity_n and_o long_a suffering_n can_v but_o be_v admire_v by_o we_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v grow_v wanton_a and_o proud_a against_o he_o by_o his_o own_o benefit_n and_o his_o bounteous_a goodness_n which_o shall_v have_v high_o oblige_v we_o have_v make_v we_o careless_a and_o presumptuous_a as_o if_o we_o now_o want_v he_o no_o more_o and_o can_v stand_v upon_o our_o own_o leg_n but_o that_o which_o may_v just_o increase_v our_o wonder_n be_v that_o after_o all_o this_o upon_o our_o humble_a confession_n and_o actual_a change_n of_o our_o behaviour_n towards_o he_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o forgive_v our_o great_a crime_n and_o to_o blot_v out_o all_o our_o transgression_n so_o great_a be_v his_o goodness_n that_o he_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o give_v we_o his_o pardon_n upon_o such_o a_o repentance_n than_o we_o be_v to_o ask_v it_o or_o by_o repentance_n to_o render_v ourselves_o capable_a of_o it_o as_o if_o he_o court_v our_o friendship_n and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o our_o reconciliation_n final_o there_o be_v something_o yet_o more_o which_o exceed_v wonder_n and_o that_o be_v that_o god_n shall_v be_v please_v so_o kind_o to_o accept_v our_o late_a repentance_n and_o obedience_n as_o to_o take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o bestow_v upon_o we_o no_o less_o than_o eternal_a life_n now_o the_o serious_a and_o deliberate_a confession_n of_o our_o sin_n give_v we_o a_o necessary_a occasion_n to_o observe_v and_o consider_v all_o this_o so_o certain_o the_o truth_n can_v but_o deep_o affect_v we_o with_o gratitude_n and_o love_n to_o the_o author_n of_o such_o unparalleled_a goodness_n and_o love_n express_v itself_o by_o all_o way_n possible_a our_o word_n service_n whole_a life_n of_o so_o great_a and_o much_o great_a spiritual_a benefit_n and_o profit_n be_v a_o true_a sincere_a serious_a affectionate_a and_o free_a confession_n of_o our_o sin_n to_o almighty_a god_n which_o be_v the_o five_o reason_n for_o the_o performance_n and_o frequent_a exercise_n of_o it_o and_o now_o if_o we_o put_v all_o these_o argument_n together_o the_o just_a honour_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o his_o law_n the_o edification_n and_o pleasure_n of_o other_o our_o own_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o great_a benefit_n one_o will_v think_v they_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o reasonable_a man_n guide_v in_o their_o opinion_n and_o action_n by_o good_a understanding_n though_o we_o have_v no_o command_n from_o reveal_v religion_n not_o only_o to_o secure_v this_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n from_o contempt_n or_o neglect_n but_o especial_o to_o recommend_v it_o to_o their_o frequent_a and_o serious_a practice_n from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a for_o no_o mortal_a so_o high_a who_o it_o do_v not_o exceed_o become_v and_o perhaps_o better_a than_o the_o mean_a for_o excellent_a and_o great_a quality_n sit_v best_a upon_o the_o great_a be_v most_o amiable_a in_o they_o and_o most_o just_o expect_v from_o they_o and_o true_a religion_n the_o right_a knowledge_n reasonable_a worship_n and_o resemblance_n and_o imitation_n of_o the_o supreme_a be_v and_o the_o universal_a parent_n be_v the_o utmost_a perfection_n and_o attainment_n of_o humane_a nature_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o in_o this_o life_n so_o holy_a and_o innocent_a take_v all_o our_o life_n together_o who_o have_v not_o great_a cause_n for_o and_o abundant_a need_n of_o this_o confession_n of_o sin_n throne_n and_o shrine_n crown_n and_o glory_n sovereign_n and_o saint_n be_v with_o all_o just_a humility_n to_o lie_v at_o the_o footstool_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o most_o merciful_a father_n of_o his_o creature_n we_o may_v altogether_o send_v up_o with_o one_o heart_n and_o voice_n our_o common_a cry_n of_o confession_n of_o gild_n and_o petition_v for_o pardon_n without_o fear_n of_o offend_v against_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o condition_n or_o sanctity_n of_o our_o profession_n none_o too_o great_a none_o too_o good_a to_o say_v with_o this_o great_a and_o good_a prince_n i_o acknowledge_v my_o sin_n unto_o thou_o and_o my_o iniquity_n have_v i_o not_o hide_v i_o say_v i_o will_v confess_v my_o transgression_n to_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v forgive_v the_o iniquity_n of_o my_o sin_n for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o discourse_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o pick_v out_o of_o it_o and_o put_v together_o a_o brief_a representation_n of_o a_o true_a penitent_a confessor_n in_o some_o such_o manner_n as_o follow_v the_o sincere_a and_o deliberate_a penitent_n than_o be_v no_o negligent_a person_n of_o himself_o to_o let_v all_o thing_n go_v at_o random_n but_o be_v desirous_a to_o bring_v thing_n to_o a_o trial_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o order_n
word_n read_v and_o see_v what_o instruction_n they_o will_v afford_v we_o to_o discourse_v upon_o by_o the_o term_n fool_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o in_o the_o scripture_n general_o be_v not_o mean_v only_o a_o ignorant_a or_o erroneous_a person_n but_o also_o one_o who_o be_v wicked_a and_o of_o ill-manner_n because_o he_o know_v not_o or_o mistake_v his_o own_o interest_n as_o well_o as_o depart_v from_o his_o duty_n the_o hebrew_n word_n be_v here_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v he_o that_o do_v foul_a as_o well_o as_o foolish_a action_n so_o nabal_n be_v say_v to_o have_v do_v according_a to_o his_o name_n when_o he_o be_v so_o ungrateful_a and_o churlish_a to_o david_n as_o well_o as_o so_o foolish_a and_o imprudent_a that_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o abigail_n by_o spare_v a_o little_a he_o have_v lose_v all_o 1_o sam._n 25._o 25._o and_o the_o syriack_n version_n here_o render_v the_o hebrew_n word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._o e._n a_o unjust_a wicked_a and_o perverse_a man._n 2._o it_o follow_v have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n i._n e._n he_o have_v think_v so_o though_o perhaps_o he_o never_o dare_v to_o say_v so_o for_o that_o be_v blasphemy_n and_o therefore_o death_n by_o the_o jewish_a law_n 3._o there_o be_v no_o god_n i._n e._n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n real_o existent_a it_o be_v but_o a_o name_n or_o a_o imagination_n or_o if_o he_o be_v any_o where_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o present_a upon_o this_o earth_n he_o meddle_v not_o with_o humane_a affair_n some_o foolish_a wicked_a man_n in_o their_o thought_n deny_v either_o the_o be_v or_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n extend_v itself_o to_o this_o low_a world_n like_o the_o ancient_a sect_n of_o the_o epicurean_o among_o the_o greek_n long_o after_o these_o fool_n of_o the_o psalmist_n and_o consequent_o the_o true_a and_o necessary_a perfection_n and_o attribute_n of_o his_o nature_n his_o omnipresence_n omniscience_n omnipotence_n his_o universal_a goodness_n whereby_o he_o govern_v and_o direct_v the_o whole_a universe_n at_o once_o to_o the_o best_a end_n his_o sanctity_n justice_n and_o the_o like_a and_o further_o consequent_a to_o this_o they_o deny_v all_o distinction_n between_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_n right_a and_o wrong_n virtue_n and_o vice_n other_o than_o the_o present_a gratification_n and_o fulfil_v their_o own_o lust_n of_o haughtiness_n pride_n violence_n covetousness_n voluptuousness_n etc._n etc._n which_o sort_n of_o man_n the_o psalmist_n here_o more_o particular_o mean_v by_o the_o fool._n nay_o final_o hence_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o jew_n speak_v i._n e._n they_o deny_v their_o religion_n despise_v even_o the_o authority_n and_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o be_v judaical_a infidel_n as_o we_o nowadays_o be_v christian_n once_o which_o be_v the_o more_o usual_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n and_o restrain_v to_o reveal_v truth_n this_o last_o sense_n want_v not_o equal_a probability_n with_o the_o former_a for_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o mankind_n there_o have_v be_v many_o more_o who_o have_v question_v the_o providence_n and_o true_a attribute_n than_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n for_o want_v of_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o therefore_o the_o chaldee_n paraphrase_n seem_v not_o to_o have_v do_v amiss_o when_o it_o paraphrase_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v no_o dominion_n or_o government_n in_o the_o earth_n 4._o the_o word_n they_o be_v corrupt_v they_o have_v do_v abominable_a work_n etc._n etc._n may_v be_v look_v upon_o with_o the_o coherence_n either_o of_o a_o cause_n or_o a_o effect_n of_o the_o precede_a proposition_n the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v thus_o utter_v because_o they_o be_v corrupt_v etc._n etc._n therefore_o they_o have_v proceed_v to_o that_o extremity_n of_o folly_n and_o impudence_n as_o to_o think_v there_o be_v no_o god_n at_o all_o and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o see_v and_o know_v what_o they_o do_v or_o if_o he_o do_v yet_o he_o can_v or_o will_v not_o concern_v himself_o to_o punish_v they_o or_o we_o may_v read_v then_o to_o this_o sense_n foolish_a and_o lewd_a man_n have_v first_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o no_o providence_n which_o reach_v humane_a affair_n and_o then_o have_v let_v loose_v the_o reign_v to_o their_o lust_n which_o have_v carry_v they_o to_o the_o most_o wicked_a work_n and_o abominable_a practice_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v learn_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o they_o who_o deny_v the_o be_v or_o providence_n of_o god_n over_o mankind_n and_o the_o consequent_a truth_n mention_v be_v both_o ignorant_a and_o wicked_a or_o infidelity_n be_v the_o quality_n of_o vicious_a fool_n the_o fool_n etc._n etc._n 2._o that_o the_o deny_v of_o those_o great_a truth_n and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o cause_n of_o corrupt_a manner_n or_o infidelity_n be_v follow_v with_o still_o great_a corruption_n of_o manner_n and_o wickedness_n of_o practice_n to_o take_v the_o first_o of_o these_o among_o many_o head_n of_o discourse_n which_o have_v and_o may_v be_v handle_v in_o this_o great_a and_o most_o important_a argument_n i_o shall_v choose_v but_o these_o two_n one_a to_o observe_v some_o of_o the_o most_o frequent_a cause_n of_o this_o disease_n and_o 2_o to_o propose_v some_o remedy_n to_o prevent_v or_o suppress_v their_o efficacy_n and_o because_o those_o of_o both_o part_n be_v many_o to_o be_v name_v i_o shall_v be_v as_o brief_a as_o i_o can_v in_o each_o of_o they_o and_o do_v little_a more_o than_o enumerate_v they_o one_a the_o first_o cause_n then_o of_o this_o infidelity_n be_v ignorance_n a_o charge_n which_o perhaps_o they_o may_v wonder_v or_o smile_v at_o who_o have_v so_o often_o be_v by_o themselves_o and_o other_o take_v for_o more_o than_o ordinary_a wit_n and_o so_o indeed_o they_o be_v but_o it_o be_v in_o levity_n shallowness_n temerity_n self-conceit_n and_o boldness_n and_o some_o other_o as_o worthy_a quality_n to_o be_v mention_v and_o we_o affirm_v still_o that_o one_o of_o the_o lead_n and_o first_o cause_n of_o infidelity_n be_v great_a ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o being_n short_a of_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o material_a or_o corporeal_a world_n to_o believe_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o thing_n to_o exist_v without_o a_o god_n or_o a_o be_v who_o essence_n be_v to_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a and_o consequent_o necessary_o to_o exist_v himself_o and_o to_o be_v the_o productive_a and_o conservative_a cause_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o existent_n and_o then_o when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v it_o be_v to_o have_v lose_v the_o faculty_n of_o reason_v serious_o to_o deny_v those_o attribute_n of_o his_o nature_n before_o mention_v and_o his_o universal_a providence_n for_o it_o will_v be_v to_o ungod_o he_o again_o it_o must_v be_v from_o a_o gross_a ignorance_n more_o particular_o for_o any_o man_n to_o doubt_v his_o universal_a goodness_n whereby_o he_o dispose_v and_o order_v all_o thing_n for_o the_o best_a state_n of_o the_o universe_n of_o being_n in_o all_o its_o duration_n take_v together_o and_o consequent_o his_o justice_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v better_o with_o the_o good_a and_o righteous_a than_o with_o the_o evil_a and_o wicked_a all_o condition_n or_o their_o whole_a duration_n consider_v and_o comprehend_v it_o be_v from_o no_o better_a cause_n that_o any_o man_n question_n the_o immortality_n of_o humane_a soul_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o the_o unsuitableness_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n to_o annihilate_v they_o and_o it_o be_v far_o more_o incredible_a and_o further_o from_o all_o belief_n that_o god_n shall_v make_v our_o soul_n only_o for_o this_o point_n of_o time_n we_o live_v upon_o this_o earth_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v make_v all_o humane_a race_n to_o come_v into_o this_o world_n only_o to_o cry_v and_o die_v it_o be_v i_o say_v it_o again_o from_o a_o contemptible_a ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o body_n and_o spirit_n the_o nature_n of_o god_n the_o true_a end_n of_o all_o be_v life_n and_o action_n that_o these_o grand_a and_o fundamental_a verity_n be_v serious_o and_o ex_fw-la animo_fw-la dispute_v or_o deny_v by_o any_o it_o will_v be_v at_o present_a too_o tedious_a and_o impertinent_a to_o deduce_v at_o large_a the_o particular_a proof_n of_o these_o most_o important_a truth_n it_o have_v be_v especial_o in_o this_o last_o age_n excellent_o well_o perform_v to_o which_o in_o some_o thing_n a_o further_a addition_n may_v be_v make_v let_v infidel_n or_o sceptic_n sufficient_o
use_v it_o and_o indeed_o the_o first_o be_v always_o attend_v with_o the_o other_o two_o for_o he_o that_o have_v a_o great_a affection_n for_o truth_n will_v ready_o embrace_v it_o where_o ever_o he_o discover_v it_o endeavour_v to_o recommend_v and_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o it_o he_o can_v show_v what_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n this_o excellent_a quality_n of_o our_o spirit_n be_v more_o than_o once_o commend_v and_o command_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v this_o which_o our_o saviour_n mean_v in_o his_o parable_n by_o the_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n which_o have_v receive_v the_o word_n keep_v it_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n with_o patience_n luke_n 8._o 15._o it_o be_v the_o want_n of_o this_o which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o seduction_n from_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o those_o who_o perish_v viz._n because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n i._n e._n not_o only_o the_o gospel_n particular_o call_v the_o truth_n but_o of_o truth_n in_o general_a 1_o thess_n 2._o 10._o and_o it_o be_v this_o our_o saviour_n above_o all_o thing_n require_v in_o man_n to_o become_v his_o disciple_n and_o it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n together_o with_o the_o incomparable_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v that_o never_o a_o honest_a man_n of_o capacity_n who_o have_v be_v right_o instruct_v in_o the_o principal_a doctrine_n of_o it_o have_v long_o hold_v out_o against_o it_o and_o final_o disbelieved_a it_o we_o may_v add_v to_o this_o natural_a effect_n of_o probity_n the_o extraordinary_a and_o supernatural_a one_o even_o in_o those_o who_o may_v be_v for_o some_o time_n doubtful_a or_o erroneous_a in_o those_o great_a verity_n so_o perhaps_o may_v god_n permit_v it_o procure_v god_n especial_a care_n to_o enlighten_v and_o incline_v such_o to_o the_o reception_n of_o truth_n 3_o another_o cure_n of_o this_o infidelity_n be_v a_o branch_n of_o modesty_n that_o be_v but_o a_o just_a and_o true_a esteem_n and_o value_n for_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o particular_o to_o be_v careful_a we_o entertain_v not_o too_o great_a a_o conceit_n of_o our_o own_o ability_n and_o sufficiency_n above_o other_o man_n to_o find_v out_o the_o falsity_n or_o weakness_n or_o uncertainty_n in_o common_a receive_v opinion_n of_o consequence_n if_o we_o seem_v to_o ourselves_o to_o observe_v it_o let_v we_o still_o be_v diffident_a of_o our_o own_o judgement_n and_o believe_v we_o may_v be_v mistake_v and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v something_o in_o they_o or_o for_o they_o which_o we_o do_v not_o yet_o see_v and_o therefore_o reserve_v the_o alteration_n of_o our_o belief_n to_o further_a consideration_n those_o who_o be_v strong_o conceit_v of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o sufficiency_n in_o judgement_n above_o other_o man_n and_o be_v huge_o please_v with_o it_o be_v very_o forward_o and_o ambitious_a to_o show_v it_o to_o themselves_o first_o and_o then_o to_o other_o man_n more_o especial_o in_o contradict_v and_o correct_v what_o be_v general_o teach_v and_o believe_v and_o that_o by_o the_o most_o esteem_v and_o of_o the_o best_a reputation_n and_o authority_n the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v give_v we_o this_o general_a advice_n also_o rom._n 12._o 3._o not_o to_o think_v too_o high_o of_o ourselves_o but_o sober_o according_a as_o god_n have_v deal_v to_o every_o man_n the_o measure_n of_o faith_n but_o because_o some_o man_n in_o their_o infidelity_n may_v rely_v more_o upon_o the_o wit_n and_o learning_n of_o one_o who_o they_o much_o esteem_v than_o upon_o their_o own_o it_o be_v to_o be_v advise_v 4_o to_o have_v a_o great_a deference_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o most_o public_a testimony_n or_o to_o the_o most_o general_a receive_v opinion_n so_o much_o the_o more_o still_o by_o how_o much_o it_o be_v large_a in_o respect_n of_o place_n and_o age_n the_o least_o effect_n this_o consideration_n ought_v to_o have_v upon_o we_o be_v to_o make_v we_o cautious_a and_o suspicious_a when_o we_o be_v incline_v to_o believe_v and_o advance_v any_o opinion_n contrary_a because_o it_o appear_v true_a to_o ourselves_o or_o some_o few_o other_o real_o know_v man_n we_o ought_v diligent_o and_o impartial_o to_o examine_v what_o it_o be_v in_o the_o common_a opinion_n we_o can_v persuade_v ourselves_o to_o be_v true_a and_o how_o such_o a_o general_a mistake_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v he_o that_o contradict_v a_o universal_a belief_n have_v need_n be_v the_o wise_a of_o man_n and_o he_o that_o reject_v a_o very_a general_a one_o shall_v be_v very_o wise_a the_o first_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v without_o a_o demonstration_n and_o even_o that_o which_o so_o appear_v to_o we_o be_v reasonable_o to_o be_v suspect_v though_o till_o we_o see_v otherwise_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v by_o we_o because_o in_o a_o thing_n a_o thousand_o time_n consider_v and_o debate_v it_o may_v seem_v much_o that_o none_o before_o have_v light_n upon_o this_o demonstration_n though_o i_o do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a and_o as_o for_o those_o persuasion_n which_o be_v very_o general_a in_o thing_n judge_v of_o great_a concern_v and_o consequent_o most_o frequent_o bring_v into_o conversation_n write_v and_o practice_n it_o have_v need_n be_v a_o very_a great_a evidence_n and_o have_v lie_v long_o under_o variety_n of_o examination_n be_v at_o last_o also_o general_o approve_v that_o shall_v entire_o remove_v or_o displace_v they_o yet_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o a_o man_n may_v have_v sometime_o a_o reason_n sufficient_a at_o first_o to_o suspect_v to_o doubt_v to_o say_v that_o the_o new_a opinion_n look_v with_o a_o good_a countenance_n and_o seem_v not_o to_o want_v a_o fair_a probability_n and_o then_o it_o seem_v no_o more_o than_o justice_n and_o a_o thing_n become_v the_o public_a care_n that_o it_o shall_v have_v a_o fair_a hear_n but_o here_o too_o that_o we_o be_v not_o impose_v upon_o we_o be_v to_o take_v a_o true_a account_n of_o the_o universality_n or_o generality_n of_o receive_a persuasion_n not_o call_v those_o of_o one_o nation_n or_o country_n or_o perhaps_o one_o quarter_n of_o the_o world_n introduce_v and_o maintain_v by_o mere_a interest_n cunning_a and_o force_n or_o of_o one_o or_o some_o few_o age_n i_o say_v we_o must_v not_o call_v these_o universal_a or_o more_o general_a than_o indeed_o they_o be_v this_o be_v the_o fault_n and_o folly_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o will_v needs_o have_v transubstantiation_n purgatory_n image_n and_o saint_n worship_n and_o a_o hundred_o other_o to_o be_v the_o catholic_n opinion_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n when_o we_o can_v produce_v whole_a country_n and_o nation_n great_a than_o they_o now_o and_o many_o more_o age_n and_o the_o best_a even_o of_o their_o own_o church_n which_o neither_o believe_v nor_o practise_v such_o thing_n this_o remedy_n be_v proper_a against_o unblamable_a singularity_n whether_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o affectation_n i_o will_v add_v but_o one_o more_o and_o so_o have_v do_v with_o this_o general_a head_n also_o and_o that_o be_v 5_o that_o as_o it_o have_v be_v already_o a_o general_a advice_n to_o possess_v our_o mind_n thorough_o with_o probity_n and_o plain_a honesty_n and_o consequent_o a_o prevalent_a love_n of_o the_o truth_n so_o it_o will_v much_o help_v and_o assure_v the_o effect_n thereof_o to_o purge_v they_o of_o all_o prejudices_fw-la which_o may_v oppose_v it_o and_o to_o leave_v truth_n and_o honesty_n as_o few_o and_o as_o weak_a enemy_n in_o our_o breast_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o we_o must_v therefore_o turn_v out_o and_o send_v away_o all_o unreasonable_a inclination_n humour_n appetite_n and_o passion_n which_o may_v have_v any_o influence_n upon_o our_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n in_o our_o inquire_n or_o assent_n to_o any_o truth_n we_o be_v to_o keep_v our_o mind_n sincere_a and_o upright_a this_o will_v prevent_v or_o repress_v the_o influence_n of_o many_o cause_n of_o infidelity_n at_o once_o for_o in_o pursuance_n and_o application_n of_o this_o general_a direction_n we_o shall_v free_v our_o mind_n from_o the_o love_n of_o any_o lust_n from_o the_o extravagant_a and_o most_o unreasonable_a desire_n of_o liberty_n uncontroulableness_n and_o independency_n from_o pride_n vain_a self-conceit_n and_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n from_o the_o humour_n of_o set_v ourselves_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o oppose_v and_o contradict_v from_o wrath_n and_o impatience_n against_o god_n almighty_a and_o his_o providence_n from_o spite_n and_o envy_v against_o knowledge_n and_o goodness_n and_o good_a man_n against_o their_o reputation_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n and_o final_o from_o scepticism_n itself_o or_o as_o i_o now_o take_v the_o word_n from_o timidity_n
latin_a father_n we_o may_v observe_v that_o that_o be_v signify_v more_o fit_o by_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o sentence_n and_o if_o the_o author_n have_v mean_v no_o more_o he_o have_v use_v the_o same_o word_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_o know_v to_o those_o that_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o talmudical_a and_o rabbinical_a language_n that_o proper_o and_o strict_o to_o merit_v by_o be_v righteous_a and_o just_a be_v the_o first_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o targum_n of_o jon._n and_o hieros_n gen._n 22._o abraham_n be_v bring_v in_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o when_o the_o son_n of_o isaac_n be_v in_o strait_n and_o distress_n and_o make_v their_o address_n to_o god_n they_o may_v have_v deliverance_n and_o remission_n of_o their_o sin_n for_o the_o meritorious_a piety_n of_o isaac_n their_o father_n in_o submit_v himself_o voluntary_o to_o be_v bind_v and_o offer_v by_o his_o father_n abraham_n and_o psalm_n 60._o 7._o the_o shall_fw-mi parap_fw-mi introduce_v david_n pray_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o abraham_n the_o righteousness_n of_o isaac_n and_o the_o piety_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o jacob._n and_o in_o targ._n cantic_a 1._o 9_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o israelite_n through_o the_o red-sea_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o merit_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob._n it_o be_v true_a the_o holy_a scripture_n itself_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n do_v ofttimes_o do_v good_a to_o man_n yea_o and_o forgive_v some_o punishment_n of_o some_o sin_n for_o the_o sake_n and_o at_o the_o request_n of_o some_o other_o eminent_o holy_a and_o righreous_a man_n so_o pharaoh_n steward_n be_v bless_v for_o joseph_n sake_n the_o israelite_n at_o moses_n humble_a request_n be_v spare_v the_o sodomite_n for_o ten_o righteous_a person_n at_o the_o request_n of_o abraham_n have_v escape_v that_o dreadful_a destruction_n and_o we_o believe_v he_o do_v so_o still_o but_o the_o jewish_a opinion_n extend_v this_o privilege_n of_o good_a man_n beyond_o its_o bound_n even_o to_o the_o utmost_a they_o expect_v all_o punishment_n for_o all_o sin_n here_o and_o hereafter_o to_o be_v remit_v for_o their_o sake_n what_o we_o christian_n be_v teach_v to_o be_v the_o just_a and_o due_a honour_n only_o of_o the_o messiah_n even_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n beside_o we_o believe_v that_o this_o very_a great_a favour_n afford_v to_o the_o best_a of_o man_n be_v bestow_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n the_o christ_n which_o the_o jew_n never_o think_v of_o in_o their_o own_o book_n it_o be_v common_a that_o all_o israel_n shall_v have_v a_o portion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v that_o not_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v perish_v or_o go_v to_o hell_n except_o apostate_n and_o such_o who_o deny_v some_o fundamental_a article_n of_o their_o religion_n otherwise_o wicked_a enough_o so_o we_o find_v it_o in_o the_o treatise_n sanhedrin_n cap._n 11._o misn_a 1._o &_o 4._o i_o know_v they_o do_v not_o all_o say_v just_a the_o same_o thing_n in_o this_o matter_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o but_o from_o their_o own_o book_n and_o the_o scripture_n it_o seem_v most_o probable_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o doctor_n and_o people_n do_v believe_v that_o their_o very_a relation_n to_o abraham_n and_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o moses_n do_v deserve_v very_o good_a usage_n from_o god_n much_o more_o sure_o their_o external_a penance_n and_o strict_a observance_n of_o their_o law_n the_o holy_a scripture_n confirm_v all_o this_o for_o in_o jes_n cap._n 58._o we_o read_v there_o be_v those_o who_o challenge_v god_n favour_n for_o their_o mere_a external_a performance_n and_o in_o the_o evangelist_n how_o much_o do_v they_o vaunt_v themselves_o for_o be_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n and_o the_o disciple_n of_o moses_n moses_n himself_o seem_v to_o intimate_v what_o a_o insolent_a and_o arrogant_a people_n they_o be_v and_o will_v prove_v deut._n 9_o 4._o when_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v rather_o worse_o than_o other_o nation_n and_o that_o god_n choice_n of_o they_o be_v only_o from_o his_o own_o free_a goodness_n e_z we_o do_v not_o as_o i_o remember_v meet_v with_o any_o acknowledgement_n of_o divine_a grace_n any_o supervenient_a additional_a influence_n or_o assistance_n either_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o in_o their_o own_o write_n as_o necessary_a to_o repentance_n reformation_n or_o become_v a_o good_a man_n by_o any_o pharisaical_a jew_n such_o as_o st._n paul_n dispute_v against_o and_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o the_o most_o genuine_a sense_n of_o that_o know_a and_o ancient_a say_n among_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._o e._n all_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o power_n and_o disposal_n of_o heaven_n except_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n the_o sense_n i_o take_v to_o be_v that_o that_o depend_v not_o at_o all_o upon_o god_n s_o will_n not_o sole_o on_o 3._o conc_fw-fr ad_fw-la exod._n 7._o 3._o god_n will_n as_o men._n ben._n israel_n expound_v it_o a_o man_n may_v do_v it_o or_o not_o do_v it_o mere_o of_o himself_o by_o his_o own_o natural_a power_n if_o god_n hinder_v it_o not_o that_o be_v enough_o it_o be_v true_a there_o may_v be_v meet_v with_o in_o some_o of_o their_o prayer_n extant_a among_o they_o a_o petition_n for_o god_n help_n to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n to_o serve_v he_o and_o keep_v they_o from_o sin_n but_o not_o as_o necessary_a without_o which_o they_o can_v not_o perform_v it_o so_o we_o find_v in_o their_o office_n for_o the_o day_n of_o expiation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o god_n will_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d fol._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d purify_v their_o heart_n to_o serve_v he_o that_o it_o will_v please_v god_n they_o may_v not_o sin_v but_o it_o be_v more_o than_o i_o know_v if_o they_o any_o where_n use_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n for_o this_o their_o prayer_n that_o they_o can_v possible_o obtain_v those_o their_o desire_n without_o god_n special_a help_n and_o aid_n we_o meet_v with_o no_o such_o expression_n among_o they_o as_o we_o who_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a without_o thou_o and_o again_o for_o as_o much_o as_o without_o thou_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o please_v thou_o and_o many_o such_o like_a in_o our_o own_o liturgy_n this_o opinion_n of_o their_o natural_a strength_n sufficient_a like_o pelagianism_n so_o call_v among_o we_o to_o repent_v and_o be_v convert_v may_v induce_v they_o to_o their_o opinion_n about_o merit_n though_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o sufficient_a proof_n suppose_v it_o true_a for_o what_o if_o they_o have_v so_o much_o power_n of_o nature_n leave_v whence_o have_v they_o it_o be_v it_o their_o own_o original_o do_v they_o give_v it_o themselves_o or_o be_v it_o not_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n who_o make_v they_o do_v not_o god_n continue_v this_o natural_a power_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o use_v it_o but_o such_o thought_n and_o reason_n never_o come_v into_o the_o head_n of_o a_o scribe_n lawyer_n or_o pharisee_n f_z every_o where_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o more_o especial_o in_o the_o epistle_n sanctification_n regeneration_n renovation_n salvation_n etc._n etc._n be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o beginning_n and_o improvement_n of_o goodness_n in_o we_o and_o of_o the_o spiritual_a life_n be_v attribute_v to_o the_o grace_n or_o influence_n of_o god_n prevent_v concur_v exciting_a strengthen_v our_o resolution_n and_o endeavour_n so_o as_o to_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o a_o man_n can_v reform_v or_o convert_v himself_o without_o god_n and_o that_o god_n will_v not_o without_o himself_o ordinary_o speak_v for_o god_n no_o doubt_n can_v and_o have_v irresistible_o and_o physical_o as_o they_o speak_v convert_v some_o such_o as_o st._n paul_n for_o eminent_a example_n of_o the_o power_n of_o divine_a grace_n when_o god_n please_v and_o particular_o when_o he_o design_v a_o person_n for_o some_o present_a great_a and_o special_a service_n man_n nature_n as_o it_o be_v now_o corrupt_v can_v recover_v the_o rule_n and_o dominion_n of_o reason_n conscience_n virtue_n and_o goodness_n in_o his_o soul_n without_o the_o powerful_a aid_n of_o divine_a grace_n though_o when_o it_o be_v offer_v it_o may_v refuse_v it_o too_o such_o place_n be_v eph._n 2._o 8_o 9_o 10._o by_o grace_n be_v you_o save_v etc._n etc._n not_o of_o work_n lest_o any_o man_n shall_v boast_v for_o we_o be_v his_o workmanship_n create_v in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o good_a work_n and_o tit._n 3._o 5._o not_o by_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v do_v etc._n etc._n but_o by_o the_o wash_n of_o regeneration_n and_o renew_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n rom._n 8._o 13._o if_o you_o through_o
rare_o come_v before_o we_o arrive_v at_o a_o age_n think_v fit_a to_o manage_v a_o estate_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o we_o then_o see_v it_o so_o that_o we_o have_v be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o example_n and_o be_v form_v usual_o by_o they_o before_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o discipline_n of_o a_o instructor_n or_o tutor_n whence_o it_o be_v that_o man_n seldom_o much_o change_v the_o inclination_n they_o have_v contract_v to_o that_o time_n and_o general_o if_o by_o good_a example_n and_o government_n we_o be_v well_o season_v and_o temper_v to_o that_o age_n or_o some_o few_o year_n beyond_o we_o seldom_o prove_v at_o least_o very_a bad_a although_o by_o long_a and_o frequent_a ill_a company_n and_o example_n too_o great_a a_o part_n may_v be_v undo_v again_o and_o sometime_o all_o spoil_v which_o be_v very_o rare_a because_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a to_o obliterate_v those_o early_a character_n and_o impression_n so_o often_o repeat_v have_v no_o fellowship_n with_o the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n but_o rather_o reprove_v they_o say_v the_o apostle_n in_o that_o excellent_a epistle_n eph._n 5._o 11._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n from_o the_o good_a you_o will_v learn_v good_a among_o the_o bad_a you_o will_v sure_o grow_v worse_o like_v to_o that_o of_o the_o wise_a man_n prov._n 13._o 20._o he_o that_o walk_v with_o wise_a man_n shall_v be_v wise_a but_o the_o companion_n of_o fool_n shall_v be_v destroy_v aspice_fw-la quid_fw-la faciunt_fw-la commercia_fw-la venerat_fw-la obses_fw-la the_o youth_n once_o be_v very_o innocent_a behold_v what_o he_o be_v now_o how_o strange_o change_v by_o lewd_a company_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d associate_n not_o thyself_o to_o a_o wicked_a man_n these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o say_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o wise_a sort_n of_o man_n which_o do_v but_o remind_v we_o of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o example_n upon_o our_o manner_n and_o that_o far_o beyond_o the_o power_n and_o force_v of_o all_o precept_n instruction_n and_o direction_n nor_o do_v i_o yet_o know_v how_o this_o prevalency_n of_o example_n may_v be_v prevent_v or_o remedy_v but_o either_o 1_o by_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a felicity_n of_o temper_n from_o the_o birth_n whereby_o we_o be_v incline_v to_o use_v our_o reason_n more_o than_o our_o sense_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o give_v precept_n and_o example_n too_o or_o 2._o by_o the_o providence_n and_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o may_v happy_o order_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o life_n or_o even_o immediate_o work_v upon_o our_o mind_n and_o particular_o by_o affliction_n or_o final_o which_o be_v most_o in_o our_o own_o power_n by_o some_o considerable_a retirement_n from_o too_o frequent_a and_o tumultuous_a conversation_n and_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o read_v and_o think_v that_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o first_o general_n viz._n the_o reason_n of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o example_n against_o precept_n ii_o the_o second_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o prevail_a influence_n of_o bad_a example_n against_o good_a one_o why_o ill_a example_n do_v so_o much_o more_o harm_n than_o good_a one_o do_v good_a we_o may_v observe_v these_o among_o other_o 1._o evil_a example_n be_v infinite_o more_o numerous_a we_o can_v hardly_o light_v upon_o a_o good_a one_o we_o can_v hardly_o miss_v a_o bad_a one_o good_a one_o we_o can_v hardly_o see_v any_o bad_a one_o we_o can_v but_o see_v many_o the_o high_a and_o the_o low_a the_o rich_a and_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o middle_a too_o it_o have_v be_v think_v indeed_o that_o this_o last_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v general_o the_o most_o sober_a and_o religious_a because_o great_a and_o rich_a man_n think_v themselves_o above_o god_n and_o religion_n poor_a man_n below_o it_o the_o one_o behave_v themselves_o as_o if_o god_n almighty_n dare_v not_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o the_o other_o as_o if_o he_o will_v not_o both_o equal_o mistake_v but_o suppose_v it_o so_o yet_o bad_a example_n far_o outnumber_n the_o good_a among_o all_o rank_n and_o condition_n of_o man_n though_o of_o different_a vice_n according_a to_o their_o respective_a temptation_n of_o different_a particular_a vice_n but_o the_o same_o general_a want_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o virtue_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n in_o all_o and_o now_o if_o the_o number_n of_o good_a example_n be_v so_o small_a in_o proportion_n to_o bad_a one_o how_o much_o great_a will_v the_o influence_n of_o these_o certain_o be_v for_o if_o we_o observe_v it_o be_v frequency_n and_o repetition_n of_o thought_n and_o affection_n and_o action_n which_o form_n our_o manner_n those_o object_n which_o we_o most_o frequent_o and_o general_o converse_v withal_o which_o possess_v our_o thought_n have_v the_o command_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o consequent_o our_o inclination_n and_o action_n we_o seldom_o think_v or_o talk_v of_o love_n hate_v desire_v delight_n in_o any_o but_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o in_o a_o family_n small_a or_o great_a and_o in_o palace_n themselves_o the_o single_a example_n even_o of_o one_o or_o two_o of_o the_o great_a in_o it_o though_o deserve_o honour_v and_o belove_v too_o do_v so_o little_a good_a upon_o all_o the_o rest_n though_o it_o will_v otherwise_o be_v far_o worse_o it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v very_o many_o against_o one_o and_o how_o much_o less_o be_v it_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o in_o a_o place_n consist_v of_o many_o score_n or_o hundred_o of_o family_n the_o example_n of_o one_o or_o two_o who_o business_n it_o shall_v be_v to_o back_v their_o instruction_n with_o good_a one_o shall_v have_v any_o visible_a good_a effect_n unless_o their_o number_n be_v increase_v which_o will_v become_v the_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a care_n too_o or_o some_o more_o be_v please_v to_o give_v their_o assistance_n and_o make_v up_o a_o number_n 2._o but_o second_o the_o greatness_n of_o bad_a example_n be_v another_o cause_n of_o their_o great_a influence_n i_o do_v not_o know_v but_o that_o in_o proportion_n to_o their_o number_n there_o may_v be_v as_o many_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a person_n in_o the_o superior_a as_o in_o the_o inferior_a rank_n of_o man_n and_o that_o with_o more_o judgement_n and_o generosity_n but_o still_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o great_a the_o potent_a the_o honourable_a the_o rich_a the_o more_o be_v the_o pity_n be_v of_o the_o bad_a side_n though_o in_o the_o whole_a lump_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n put_v together_o infinite_o the_o major_a part_n in_o their_o practice_n at_o least_o shall_v vote_n for_o the_o licentious_a and_o vicious_a side_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o have_v near_o the_o influence_n it_o now_o have_v be_v not_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o great_a on_o that_o side_n too_o and_o of_o the_o same_o party_n to_o head_n and_o lead_v they_o so_o that_o it_o appear_v it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o number_n of_o voter_n but_o also_o the_o power_n and_o greatness_n of_o they_o that_o make_v ill_a example_n go_v so_o far_o and_o prevail_v so_o much_o be_v it_o the_o property_n of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o inferior_a sort_n only_o to_o be_v irreligious_a immoral_a and_o dissolute_a we_o shall_v soon_o see_v that_o party_n decrease_v and_o general_o desert_n both_o in_o inward_a principle_n and_o outward_a practice_n one_o excellent_a example_n of_o a_o great_a man_n will_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d outweigh_v a_o great_a number_n of_o small_a one_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n far_o from_o wise_a first_o esteem_v the_o man_n and_o then_o the_o manner_n at_o least_o the_o dignity_n and_o height_n of_o a_o vicious_a man_n make_v that_o vice_n seem_v little_a and_o tolerable_a if_o not_o honourable_a which_o be_v it_o only_o see_v in_o those_o of_o low_a place_n will_v be_v think_v contemptible_a and_o punishable_a alea_n turpis_fw-la turpe_fw-la &_o adulterium_fw-la mediocribus_fw-la haec_fw-la tamen_fw-la illi_fw-la omnia_fw-la cùm_fw-la faciant_fw-la hilares_fw-la nitidique_fw-la vocantur_fw-la we_o admire_v man_n for_o their_o power_n pomp_n and_o wealth_n and_o then_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o they_o leave_v not_o out_o their_o very_a vice_n too_o like_a as_o the_o pagan_n of_o old_a not_o only_o deify_v their_o hero_n but_o build_v temple_n and_o erect_a altar_n to_o some_o of_o their_o flagitious_a action_n and_o abominable_a crime_n as_o tully_n somewhere_o complain_v on_o the_o contrary_a the_o poor_a and_o mean_a man_n action_n according_a to_o the_o wise-man_n little_a history_n eccl._n 9_o 14._o though_o never_o so_o wise_a and_o beneficial_a too_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n be_v not_o heed_v or_o soon_o forget_v indeed_o it_o be_v truth_n and_o reason_n and_o not_o vulgar_a opinion_n only_o that_o power_n and_o greatness_n ability_n to_o effect_n and_o bring_v to_o pass_v
be_v to_o be_v honour_v but_o then_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v to_o direct_v and_o determine_v that_o power_n deserve_v it_o much_o more_o it_o be_v true_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n without_o power_n be_v moveless_a and_o ineffectual_a thing_n but_o then_o power_n without_o they_o may_v be_v most_o mischievous_a goodness_n without_o power_n if_o it_o can_v do_v no_o good_a yet_o it_o can_v do_v no_o harm_n but_o power_n without_o goodness_n may_v be_v use_v to_o make_v miserable_a if_o it_o be_v manage_v by_o cunning_a pride_n malice_n and_o ill-nature_n but_o above_o all_o be_v that_o person_n honourable_a and_o amiable_a where_o greatness_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n be_v in_o conjunction_n as_o it_o be_v in_o god_n with_o infinity_o the_o example_n of_o such_o work_n marvellous_a effect_n in_o their_o sphere_n and_o carry_v all_o before_o they_o they_o have_v great_a force_n to_o change_v the_o very_a inward_a spring_n and_o principle_n of_o man_n action_n their_o opinion_n and_o inclination_n at_o least_o they_o outward_o bound_v they_o to_o their_o good_a behaviour_n and_o oh_o that_o heaven_n as_o it_o have_v begin_v among_o we_o will_v go_v on_o to_o bless_v the_o world_n with_o such_o a_o happiness_n and_o refresh_v the_o soul_n of_o righteous_a man_n grieve_v and_o tire_v with_o wicked_a generation_n by_o so_o beautiful_a and_o lovely_a a_o sight_n and_o here_o we_o can_v miss_v to_o make_v the_o observation_n how_o much_o great_a obligation_n the_o great_a be_v under_o to_o look_v at_o their_o conduct_n and_o example_n than_o other_o and_o how_o much_o large_a their_o account_n will_v be_v for_o the_o evil_n they_o have_v and_o the_o good_a they_o may_v have_v do_v and_o what_o can_v be_v say_v by_o those_o for_o themselves_o who_o because_o they_o be_v great_a already_o will_v be_v great_a than_o god_n himself_o who_o make_v they_o so_o and_o take_v that_o liberty_n which_o he_o never_o use_v 3._o a_o three_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a influence_n of_o bad_a example_n be_v their_o confidence_n promptness_n and_o fierceness_n good_a man_n more_o general_o unless_o they_o be_v very_o happy_a in_o the_o gift_n of_o eloquence_n quick_a apprehension_n and_o courage_n all_o together_o converse_v with_o caution_n and_o consequent_o be_v more_o spare_v in_o their_o speech_n and_o action_n more_o modest_a in_o their_o affirmation_n more_o tender_a of_o the_o reputation_n of_o their_o conduct_n more_o careful_a of_o their_o own_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n more_o solicitous_a concern_v the_o influence_n of_o their_o example_n now_o the_o confidence_n and_o boldness_n of_o bad_a example_n be_v usual_o accompany_v with_o some_o wit_n and_o freedom_n of_o speech_n and_o carriage_n and_o some_o passion_n always_o with_o more_o vigour_n and_o life_n which_o thing_n be_v more_o discernible_a and_o acceptable_a to_o most_o company_n than_o good_a sense_n and_o reason_n and_o often_o make_v so_o great_a a_o impression_n as_o almost_o to_o force_v themselves_o upon_o those_o who_o assure_o know_v much_o better_a there_o be_v also_o in_o such_o confidence_n a_o certain_a heedlessness_n and_o negligence_n which_o carry_v the_o air_n and_o appearance_n and_o be_v some_o ingredient_n of_o generosity_n and_o courage_n which_o first_o much_o commend_v the_o person_n and_o then_o their_o discourse_n and_o action_n especial_o to_o those_o who_o be_v their_o equal_n or_o inferior_n and_o be_v no_o wise_a than_o themselves_o though_o in_o other_o circumstance_n where_o it_o may_v seem_v excessive_a or_o unseasonable_a to_o understand_v man_n it_o be_v usual_o as_o offensive_a final_o the_o confidence_n of_o bad_a example_n to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o spectator_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o assurance_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n in_o what_o they_o say_v and_o do_v at_o least_o of_o no_o great_a harm_n or_o folly_n but_o where_o the_o former_a inclination_n to_o imitation_n be_v back_v by_o appear_a reason_n its_o force_n be_v irresistible_a on_o the_o contrary_a calmness_n and_o reservedness_n seem_v lifeless_a dubious_a cowardly_a and_o even_o when_o they_o be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o wisdom_n and_o judgement_n yet_o they_o be_v grateful_a but_o to_o very_a few_o of_o the_o same_o temper_n and_o the_o example_n of_o such_o reach_n the_o generality_n with_o no_o force_n or_o with_o very_o little_a impression_n whence_o good_a man_n may_v be_v advise_v that_o there_o be_v place_n and_o reason_n sometime_o for_o freedom_n and_o a_o handsome_a confidence_n in_o conversation_n though_o many_o very_a wise_a may_v want_v that_o faculty_n manage_v with_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o measure_n seasonableness_n and_o other_o circumstance_n and_o with_o a_o design_n to_o convey_v as_o opportunity_n may_v serve_v some_o good_a sentiment_n and_o instruction_n it_o be_v a_o laudable_a and_o useful_a dexterity_n in_o conversation_n to_o communicate_v wise_a and_o virtuous_a thing_n with_o advantage_n and_o to_o convey_v it_o acceptable_o and_o particular_o with_o a_o seem_a heedlessness_n of_o what_o one_o be_v do_v when_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o main_a design_n to_o do_v it_o well_o like_v as_o the_o discreet_a physician_n may_v seem_v to_o his_o ungovernable_a patient_n to_o be_v do_v nothing_o of_o consequence_n when_o he_o design_v the_o administration_n of_o some_o effectual_a remedy_n for_o his_o disease_n 4._o the_o last_o cause_n we_o shall_v name_n be_v the_o most_o general_a corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n consist_v principal_o in_o prevail_a inclination_n to_o other_o object_n above_o those_o to_o religion_n virtue_n and_o wisdom_n the_o depravation_n and_o vitiosity_n of_o our_o active_a power_n be_v this_o that_o those_o appetite_n and_o inclination_n which_o shall_v be_v moderate_a governable_a and_o subservient_fw-fr be_v the_o most_o violent_a ungovernable_a and_o command_a though_o this_o cause_n be_v very_o general_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o remote_a but_o near_o and_o immediate_a this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o suppose_v good_a and_o bad_a example_n equal_a in_o number_n set_v before_o we_o and_o recommend_v alike_o advantageous_o we_o shall_v except_o here_o and_o there_o one_o secure_v by_o a_o rare_a felicity_n of_o temper_n or_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n without_o much_o deliberation_n enter_v ourselves_o into_o the_o worst_a company_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o if_o oration_n can_v be_v make_v with_o equal_a seem_a reason_n and_o eloquence_n for_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o we_o be_v the_o moderator_n perfect_o leave_v to_o our_o own_o liberty_n without_o the_o restraint_n of_o shame_n we_o shall_v soon_o hearty_o determine_v against_o virtue_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n at_o the_o bottom_n why_o one_o single_a example_n of_o one_o great_a man_n have_v more_o influence_n than_o twenty_o of_o the_o prudent_a and_o virtuous_a the_o wise_a and_o the_o good_a it_o be_v because_o our_o very_a opinion_n as_o well_o as_o our_o practice_n be_v pervert_v and_o corrupt_v we_o esteem_v admire_v and_o love_v power_n more_o than_o goodness_n to_o be_v great_a rather_o than_o good_a to_o do_v what_o we_o list_v rather_o than_o what_o we_o ought_v and_o then_o our_o general_a veneration_n and_o great_a opinion_n of_o the_o great_a incline_v we_o to_o a_o particular_a promiscuous_a approbation_n and_o imitation_n of_o what_o he_o be_v and_o do_v it_o be_v from_o this_o miserable_a inborn_a propension_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o vice_n heavy_a and_o forcible_a that_o if_o sometime_o by_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o celebrate_a example_n we_o be_v a_o little_a heave_v upward_o that_o be_v all_o and_o we_o present_o flop_n down_o again_o all_o at_o once_o and_o sometime_o they_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o move_v we_o and_o all_o their_o beauty_n and_o lustre_n no_o more_o affect_v we_o than_o if_o we_o be_v deaf_a or_o blind_a it_o be_v from_o hence_o till_o it_o be_v change_v that_o like_o the_o fill_v it_o by_o swine_n we_o will_v never_o learn_v to_o be_v clean_o though_o in_o the_o midst_n â—f_n a_o verdant_a meadow_n cover_v with_o innocent_a sheep_n if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o puddle_n where_o we_o may_v wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n or_o like_o some_o natural_o clownish_a and_o slovenly_a people_n who_o will_v never_o be_v teach_v any_o decent_a carriage_n and_o manner_n though_o always_o in_o the_o company_n of_o those_o who_o be_v gentile_a and_o well-bred_a oh_o the_o deplorable_a pravity_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n desperate_a and_o utter_o incurable_a without_o a_o merciful_a touch_n by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o the_o special_a powerful_a influence_n of_o his_o grace_n prevent_v follow_a assist_v our_o earnest_a prayer_n and_o serious_a endeavour_n without_o which_o the_o company_n of_o heaven_n itself_o will_v never_o mend_v they_o they_o will_v still_o retain_v the_o propension_n and_o inclination_n nay_o the_o action_n too_o if_o they_o can_v of_o devil_n and_o brute_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n these_o
end_n and_o not_o to_o leave_v ourselves_o to_o a_o tumultuous_a boonness_n of_o spirit_n and_o to_o the_o fortuitous_a tide_n or_o rush_n of_o our_o appetite_n and_o passion_n so_o it_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o ancient_a epicurean_o that_o their_o exclusion_n of_o their_o deity_n from_o humane_a affair_n be_v recommend_v by_o they_o as_o a_o comfortable_a dogm_n free_v man_n from_o all_o fear_n and_o solicitude_n to_o please_v or_o displease_v they_o 6_o sometime_o in_o some_o man_n infidelity_n have_v proceed_v from_o a_o sourness_n of_o mind_n great_a displeasure_n conceive_v and_o ferment_v into_o a_o impatience_n against_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n perhaps_o their_o impetuous_a desire_n have_v be_v cross_v their_o darling_n design_n break_v and_o their_o jolly_a hope_n frustrate_v or_o their_o sweet_a enjoyment_n sudden_o sweep_v away_o from_o they_o whence_o first_o they_o have_v entertain_v very_o hard_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n and_o break_v out_o into_o rude_a and_o unmannerly_a expression_n against_o they_o then_o in_o revenge_n proceed_v to_o wish_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o at_o last_o have_v think_v it_o more_o easy_a and_o safe_a to_o deny_v they_o 7_o in_o other_o again_o a_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n and_o despise_v what_o be_v common_a a_o humour_n of_o contradict_v of_o what_o be_v ordinary_o believe_v dispose_v to_o infidelity_n because_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n do_v believe_v those_o great_a truth_n so_o often_o mention_v therefore_o they_o will_v not_o they_o will_v seem_v more_o search_v or_o fortunate_a or_o bold_a in_o their_o discovery_n and_o opinion_n than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o they_o will_v appear_v to_o know_v or_o at_o least_o dare_v to_o say_v that_o which_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n have_v be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o that_o which_o if_o some_o few_o of_o the_o more_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a and_o penetrate_a have_v think_v as_o well_o as_o themselves_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o the_o courage_n to_o publish_v it_o now_o these_o man_n be_v under_o a_o far_o more_o dangerous_a prejudice_n from_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n and_o novelty_n than_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n who_o they_o usual_o despise_v be_v from_o antiquity_n custom_n and_o example_n if_o we_o consider_v both_o these_o abstract_o it_o be_v far_o safe_a to_o follow_v common_a receive_v opinion_n of_o many_o country_n and_o age_n especial_o if_o believe_v of_o great_a importance_n than_o the_o new_a invention_n of_o one_o or_o some_o few_o though_o both_o may_v be_v false_a yet_o if_o no_o other_o reason_n be_v consider_v the_o old_a be_v much_o more_o likely_a to_o be_v true_a than_o the_o new_a and_o i_o believe_v it_o be_v the_o experience_n of_o those_o who_o impartial_o examine_v thing_n that_o general_o the_o common_a and_o well_o near_o universal_o receive_v opinion_n of_o all_o place_n and_o age_n especial_o if_o think_v of_o great_a consequence_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a be_v at_o last_o find_v in_o the_o main_a part_n of_o they_o to_o be_v true_a and_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a employment_n of_o man_n of_o great_a wit_n and_o more_o than_o ordinary_a sagacity_n and_o capacity_n to_o conceive_v and_o deliver_v they_o more_o clear_o and_o distinct_o and_o to_o pare_v off_o and_o separate_v some_o absurdity_n and_o falsehood_n which_o may_v in_o some_o tract_n of_o time_n by_o pass_v through_o many_o unskilful_a hand_n have_v be_v fasten_v to_o they_o but_o of_o this_o more_o will_v be_v say_v when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o remedy_n of_o infidelity_n 8._o to_o add_v no_o more_o at_o present_a envy_n against_o the_o professor_n but_o of_o ingenuity_n philosophy_n and_o sobriety_n much_o more_o of_o religion_n and_o piety_n especial_o if_o attend_v with_o any_o thing_n of_o dignity_n reputation_n and_o revenue_n have_v be_v the_o cause_n i_o doubt_v in_o many_o ill-tempered_a and_o ill-living_a man_n of_o this_o infidelity_n some_o of_o these_o at_o first_o out_o of_o this_o ill-humour_n and_o quality_n feign_v to_o themselves_o and_o then_o industrious_o bring_v themselves_o to_o believe_v it_o that_o the_o thing_n be_v frivolous_a or_o false_a for_o which_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o religion_n have_v be_v think_v worthy_a of_o their_o reward_n of_o esteem_n honour_n and_o revenue_n and_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n or_o reason_n no_o other_o but_o that_o their_o eye_n be_v evil_a and_o they_o will_v not_o have_v they_o to_o enjoy_v they_o they_o do_v not_o well_o abide_v it_o to_o see_v they_o in_o possession_n of_o that_o which_o either_o they_o will_v have_v themselves_o whither_o deserve_o or_o not_o or_o at_o lest_o no_o body_n else_o other_o again_o speak_v mean_o or_o disgraceful_o of_o their_o doctrine_n opinion_n and_o profession_n because_o they_o spoil_v the_o reputation_n of_o their_o manner_n of_o life_n and_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o licentiousness_n and_o liberty_n which_o they_o profess_v practice_n and_o delight_n in_o hence_o it_o be_v they_o give_v they_o the_o bad_a and_o contemptible_a name_n of_o pedantry_n uncertainty_n or_o falsehood_n here_o we_o may_v take_v in_o another_o sort_n of_o man_n which_o be_v but_o servant_n and_o attendant_n to_o the_o former_a those_o viz._n who_o get_v their_o livelihood_n and_o sometime_o more_o by_o the_o excess_n contention_n quarrel_n perjury_n and_o other_o wickedness_n of_o the_o age._n these_o two_o as_o far_o as_o their_o wit_n and_o interest_n will_v go_v help_v on_o and_o promote_v the_o disbelief_n of_o all_o sober_a virtuous_a and_o religious_a principle_n these_o and_o other_o which_o may_v be_v still_o add_v be_v the_o inward_a cause_n and_o inherent_a in_o ourselves_o of_o unbelief_n and_o disbelief_n and_o which_o be_v most_o in_o our_o own_o power_n to_o prevent_v or_o remove_v there_o be_v also_o some_o other_o external_a and_o occasional_a such_o as_o the_o example_n of_o witty_a and_o acceptable_a company_n hypocrisy_n in_o religion_n both_o reveal_v and_o natural_a so_o take_v and_o seem_v at_o least_o especial_o in_o the_o teacher_n of_o they_o when_o man_n profess_v they_o believe_v their_o grand_a truth_n but_o do_v not_o live_v in_o any_o sort_n as_o if_o they_o do_v which_o accusation_n be_v partly_o false_a for_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n though_o they_o do_v not_o indeed_o live_v near_o up_o to_o their_o faith_n yet_o they_o will_v be_v much_o worse_o without_o it_o partly_o it_o be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o another_o cause_n viz._n heedlessness_n and_o want_n of_o application_n of_o their_o belief_n to_o their_o practice_n but_o perhaps_o few_o thing_n have_v be_v more_o a_o occasion_n of_o the_o infidelity_n of_o some_o man_n than_o the_o overzealous_a and_o blind_a credulity_n of_o other_o some_o man_n believe_v too_o much_o and_o otherwise_o than_o they_o ought_v and_o yet_o fierce_o impose_v it_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o other_o believe_v too_o little_a and_o sometime_o they_o who_o have_v most_o complain_v of_o scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n unbelief_n and_o disbelief_n which_o be_v different_a thing_n have_v contribute_v much_o to_o it_o themselves_o the_o introduce_v of_o many_o opinion_n of_o neither_o light_n or_o use_v or_o very_o little_a either_o way_n uncertain_a or_o trivial_a nay_o sometime_o not_o only_o just_o suspicious_a but_o manifest_o false_a and_o then_o the_o impose_v they_o under_o what_o penalty_n man_n have_v in_o their_o own_o power_n the_o least_o of_o which_o be_v common_o the_o censure_n and_o reproach_n of_o enemy_n or_o indifferent_n in_o religion_n heretic_n atheist_n infidel_n i_o say_v these_o have_v beget_v and_o extreme_o nourish_v scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n especial_o in_o this_o know_n and_o inquisitive_a age_n bold_a when_o they_o dare_v lurk_v and_o do_v more_o mischief_n ofttimes_o when_o they_o dare_v not_o show_v themselves_o because_o they_o can_v be_v examine_v and_o receive_v their_o answer_n this_o be_v the_o infirmity_n of_o those_o well-meaning_a man_n who_o will_v have_v every_o thing_n believe_v and_o impose_v too_o which_o seem_v to_o they_o to_o make_v for_o the_o honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o their_o religion_n not_o mind_v what_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n know_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a but_o it_o be_v the_o wickedness_n of_o those_o who_o do_v it_o for_o their_o own_o secular_a interest_n and_o care_v not_o how_o much_o mankind_n be_v abuse_v so_o that_o their_o domination_n be_v advance_v and_o secure_v at_o least_o they_o connive_v at_o it_o and_o let_v it_o pass_v this_o cause_n have_v its_o effect_n principal_o among_o the_o ingenious_a and_o witty_a the_o great_a and_o haughty_a but_o not_o wise_a and_o just_a who_o want_v either_o leisure_n or_o patience_n or_o capacity_n or_o probity_n to_o examine_v and_o distinguish_v thing_n they_o easy_o throw_v away_o the_o wheat_n with_o the_o chaff_n what_o be_v true_a and_o solid_a