reception_n which_o their_o witness_n in_o most_o place_n will_v find_v all_o the_o profit_n pleasure_n reputation_n then_o which_o they_o can_v forecast_v to_o themselves_o be_v a_o complication_n of_o trouble_n torment_n and_o death_n be_v laugh_v at_o by_o wise_a and_o foolish_a in_o a_o word_n the_o want_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o misery_n and_o who_o will_v go_v about_o with_o a_o devise_a lie_n on_o such_o term_n the_o very_a story_n itself_o suffer_v we_o not_o to_o believe_v they_o abuse_v that_o they_o shall_v a_o considerable_a time_n behold_v he_o discourse_n with_o he_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o handle_v his_o body_n and_o this_o several_a time_n do_v and_o by_o several_a person_n by_o the_o eleven_o disciple_n altogether_o by_o above_o five_o hundred_o at_o once_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o delusory_a phantom_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v beside_o themselves_o be_v as_o incredible_a all_o their_o other_o action_n speak_v they_o not_o only_o discreet_a but_o virtuous_a and_o do_v mad_a man_n go_v about_o work_a miracle_n and_o succeed_v in_o the_o perswade_v the_o practice_n of_o their_o own_o madness_n to_o the_o wise_a and_o great_a of_o their_o spectator_n and_o hearer_n it_o remain_v then_o that_o they_o testify_v what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v true_a that_o they_o have_v see_v and_o speak_v with_o their_o rise_v lord_n and_o consequent_o that_o christ_n do_v indeed_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o he_o have_v promise_v than_o which_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a testimony_n from_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n he_o plant_v for_o that_o christ_n shall_v preach_v a_o new_a religion_n that_o he_o shall_v affirm_v it_o be_v from_o heaven_n that_o he_o shall_v work_v miracle_n to_o prove_v it_o so_o that_o he_o shall_v witness_v it_o to_o death_n and_o by_o death_n yet_o foretell_v to_o the_o world_n death_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o hold_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v according_o at_o the_o time_n foretell_v arise_v again_o and_o show_v himself_o that_o he_o shall_v take_v witness_n hereof_o so_o public_o that_o he_o shall_v send_v other_o to_o preach_v what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o confirm_v all_o by_o their_o miracle_n as_o he_o say_v great_a than_o himself_o have_v wrought_v all_o which_o thing_n descend_v to_o we_o by_o such_o notorious_a evidence_n that_o we_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n disbelieve_v any_o one_o point_n of_o they_o that_o i_o say_v all_o these_o shall_v be_v and_o yet_o all_o a_o cheat_n no_o one_o can_v think_v who_o think_v not_o god_n and_o providence_n such_o also_o which_o thought_n can_v be_v suppose_v incident_a the_o black_a devil_n now_o than_o it_o only_o remain_v to_o consider_v the_o history_n of_o christian_a religion_n its_o state_n and_o progress_n since_o the_o departure_n of_o these_o great_a founder_n and_o witness_n of_o it_o and_o here_o we_o shall_v take_v notice_n only_o of_o two_o considerable_n both_o of_o they_o of_o undeniable_a truth_n first_o that_o it_o be_v report_v and_o believe_v throughout_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o the_o above_o mention_v disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o only_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n preach_v and_o witness_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n but_o some_o of_o they_o consign_v it_o in_o book_n which_o book_n be_v constant_o report_v to_o have_v be_v receive_v as_o the_o genuine_a work_n of_o their_o repute_a author_n in_o the_o first_o and_o next_o age_n to_o they_o who_o have_v the_o best_a opportunity_n of_o examine_v they_o and_o in_o all_o age_n since_o succeed_v and_o we_o find_v by_o those_o numerous_a doctor_n who_o have_v write_v of_o those_o book_n that_o they_o have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n most_o religious_o keep_v and_o be_v the_o same_o for_o substance_n now_o as_o ever_o and_o final_o that_o all_o in_o all_o age_n who_o profess_v to_o believe_v christianity_n except_o some_o vicious_a lewd_a person_n who_o will_v be_v denominate_v from_o that_o name_n but_o cast_v off_o the_o thing_n have_v appeal_v to_o these_o book_n as_o the_o record_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o so_o still_o do_v the_o present_a christian_a age._n if_o this_o religion_n then_o ever_o be_v true_a we_o can_v consider_v the_o premise_n but_o believe_v it_o be_v still_o true_a for_o the_o present_a christianity_n be_v consonant_a to_o the_o record_n of_o the_o old_a and_o those_o record_n still_o the_o same_o for_o substance_n as_o ever_o last_o let_v we_o consider_v how_o innumerable_a the_o proselyte_n of_o christiany_n for_o this_o sixteen_o hundred_o and_o odd_a year_n have_v be_v and_o how_o vast_o numerous_a they_o still_o be_v it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o christian_a religion_n have_v travel_v through_o most_o or_o all_o the_o know_v and_o habit_v world_n every_o country_n show_v monument_n of_o it_o yea_o there_o have_v be_v a_o new_a religion_n partly_o make_v out_o of_o it_o which_o now_o be_v receive_v in_o a_o very_a considerable_a part_n of_o the_o world_n i_o mean_v mahumetanism_n in_o all_o these_o country_n it_o have_v be_v receive_v by_o man_n of_o all_o age_n sex_n and_o condition_n poor_a and_o rich_a mighty_a and_o mean_a learned_a and_o unlearned_a it_o have_v make_v virtuous_a of_o the_o most_o vicious_a person_n magnanimous_a even_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o death_n and_o rejoice_n in_o it_o and_o all_o its_o pomp_n and_o precedaneous_a torment_n of_o the_o weak_a mind_n such_o as_o those_o of_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n nothing_o so_o unlikely_a to_o have_v take_v as_o this_o as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o its_o more_o peculiar_a precept_n they_o be_v such_o as_o thwart_v all_o carnal_a and_o secular_a interest_n they_o enjoin_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o eternal_a torment_n and_o misery_n the_o renounce_v all_o that_o can_v be_v dear_a to_o man_n father_n mother_n wife_n child_n brother_n country_n estate_n honour_n pleasure_n health_n in_o a_o word_n life_n itself_o in_o case_n any_o or_o all_o of_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o faith_n or_o virtue_n that_o be_v if_o i_o must_v deny_v christ_n or_o commit_v any_o other_o sin_n or_o else_o not_o live_v or_o not_o enjoy_v any_o thing_n i_o count_v precious_a i_o be_o enjoin_v by_o the_o christian_a law_n as_o i_o will_v not_o be_v damn_v to_o quit_v whatsoever_o it_o be_v i_o can_v loose_v rather_o than_o my_o integrity_n then_o as_o to_o the_o person_n who_o be_v send_v about_o with_o this_o ungrateful_a errand_n our_o record_n tell_v we_o they_o be_v at_o first_o a_o parcel_n of_o stupid_a pusillanimous_a unlettered_a mechanic_n and_o contemptible_a man_n yea_o after_o they_o have_v be_v ennoble_v by_o their_o errand_n and_o receive_v all_o the_o advance_v and_o improvement_n of_o their_o mind_n which_o inspiration_n give_v they_o in_o those_o very_a book_n which_o some_o of_o they_o have_v write_v as_o we_o believe_v by_o inspiration_n they_o have_v leave_v footstep_n and_o evidence_n of_o their_o unskillfullness_n in_o humane_a literature_n final_o the_o opposition_n which_o this_o unlikely_a doctrine_n propagate_v by_o assertor_n so_o unlikely_a to_o succeed_v do_v at_o first_o and_o during_o the_o time_n of_o its_o more_o considerable_a propagation_n receive_v be_v such_o as_o make_v it_o clear_o a_o miracle_n that_o both_o doctrine_n and_o doctor_n be_v not_o long_o ago_o extinct_a and_o darkness_n and_o oblivion_n have_v dwell_v so_o much_o as_o upon_o the_o very_a name_n of_o both_o jew_n and_o heathan_n greek_n and_o barbarian_a every_o where_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o suppress_v they_o as_o early_o as_o may_v be_v and_o before_o they_o grow_v too_o public_a notwithstanding_o all_o which_o maugre_o all_o force_n and_o craft_n this_o doctrine_n run_v over_o the_o world_n as_o our_o lord_n foretell_v it_o shall_v like_o lightning_n without_o any_o violence_n save_v what_o it_o suffer_v it_o succeed_v every_o where_o the_o extinguish_v its_o witness_n disseminated_a and_o confirm_v it_o insomuch_o that_o it_o fill_v city_n and_o country_n camp_n and_o court_n and_o it_o soon_o become_v in_o a_o manner_n as_o impossible_a to_o pitch_v a_o man_n abode_n out_o of_o the_o world_n as_o out_o of_o the_o church_n all_o which_o be_v due_o weigh_v no_o rational_a and_o considerative_a person_n can_v impute_v this_o success_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o a_o divine_a power_n defend_v and_o persuade_v what_o it_o have_v reveal_v i_o do_v profess_v this_o very_a one_o thing_n seem_v to_o i_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o unbiased_a person_n that_o christianity_n can_v have_v no_o other_o author_n but_o the_o supreme_a god_n and_o that_o ancient_a famous_a italian_a poet_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o sing_v as_o he_o do_v when_o bring_v in_o st._n peter_n catechise_v he_o touch_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o belief_n of_o those_o miracle_n by_o
with_o one_o more_o dreadful_a from_o a_o terrible_a and_o offend_a god_n who_o wrath_n will_v burn_v too_o and_o in_o the_o low_a hell_n take_v you_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n and_o bound_v he_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o cast_v he_o into_o outer_a darkness_n where_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o wail_v and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n now_o how_o can_v such_o trifle_a spirit_n consider_v these_o thing_n and_o not_o resolve_v to_o fix_v themselves_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o sober_a good_a very_o though_o they_o shall_v somewhat_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o world_n to_o come_v yet_o methinks_v they_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a so_o to_o reproach_n themselves_o and_o reason_n as_o to_o live_v to_o no_o purpose_n common_a ingenuity_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o honour_n they_o owe_v to_o themselves_o shall_v put_v they_o on_o some_o serious_a thought_n and_o if_o they_o doubt_v whether_o christianity_n be_v a_o truth_n or_o concern_v they_o real_o yet_o at_o least_o to_o search_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o employ_v their_o mind_n a_o while_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o which_o if_o haply_o it_o shall_v be_v their_o great_a concern_n as_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o serious_a man_n it_o be_v they_o be_v most_o miserable_a for_o have_v so_o long_o neglect_v that_o therefore_o second_o let_v i_o beseech_v they_o they_o will_v consider_v and_o examine_v whether_o in_o truth_n religion_n be_v not_o a_o reality_n to_o this_o purpose_n let_v they_o be_v entreat_v to_o turn_v back_o to_o chapter_n the_o second_o section_n the_o three_o and_o to_o peruse_v with_o attention_n what_o be_v there_o say_v to_o this_o matter_n to_o which_o only_o i_o add_v this_o demand_n which_o i_o beseech_v they_o serious_o to_o put_v to_o their_o own_o conscience_n can_v they_o possible_o think_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o humane_a happiness_n that_o be_v that_o mankind_n be_v make_v or_o be_v either_o to_o no_o end_n or_o else_o only_o to_o be_v miserable_a or_o if_o they_o grant_v a_o happiness_n can_v they_o conceive_v that_o all_o the_o happiness_n attainable_a by_o man_n lie_v in_o airy_a ramble_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o general_a unconcernedness_n or_o prosecution_n only_o of_o empty_a trifle_n will_v not_o even_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n tell_v they_o happiness_n must_v rather_o lie_v in_o a_o sedate_n fixedness_n of_o mind_n or_o such_o a_o temper_n which_o man_n reflect_v upon_o approve_v in_o himself_o and_o acquiesce_n in_o that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o serious_a virtue_n a_o thing_n which_o such_o person_n be_v very_o much_o stranger_n to_o and_o have_v little_a thought_n on_o and_o then_o be_v not_o true_a virtue_n but_o only_o another_o name_n for_o be_v religious_a three_o religion_n then_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o reality_n as_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o upon_o due_a consideration_n of_o what_o i_o have_v before_o desire_v may_v be_v consider_v it_o will_v i_o only_o further_a beseech_v such_o person_n to_o consider_v how_o miserable_o behind_o hand_n they_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o great_a necessity_n and_o of_o true_a concernment_n to_o themselves_o of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n how_o many_o sin_n have_v they_o which_o lie_v unrepented_a of_o who_o never_o yet_o serious_o think_v of_o repent_v any_o how_o many_o lust_n to_o be_v mortify_v who_o never_o yet_o heed_v that_o they_o wear_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o what_o a_o world_n of_o work_n have_v they_o to_o do_v who_o never_o yet_o so_o much_o as_o attempt_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o serious_a work_n of_o life_n in_o a_o word_n therefore_o i_o beseech_v they_o to_o peruse_v and_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v abovesaid_a to_o the_o idle_a man_n the_o case_n of_o both_o be_v alike_o and_o the_o same_o consideration_n and_o remedy_n be_v most_o pertinent_a and_o applicable_a unto_o both_o and_o will_v i_o doubt_v not_o where_o close_o lay_v to_o heart_n bring_v the_o vain_a spirit_n to_o the_o serious_a practice_n of_o devotion_n which_o we_o have_v elsewhere_o lay_v down_o and_o by_o that_o to_o true_a and_o endless_a beatitude_n sect._n 7_o the_o last_o sort_n of_o impediment_n in_o sacred_a thing_n arise_v from_o ourselves_o be_v passion_n and_o inordinate_a affection_n the_o violent_a and_o last_a disturbance_n whereof_o put_v many_o beside_o not_o only_o their_o holy_a but_o common_a duty_n leave_v in_o they_o little_a of_o man_n but_o the_o shape_n and_o that_o to_o sometime_o strange_o disguise_v those_o passion_n which_o more_o common_o thus_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o soul_n be_v love_n and_o anger_n and_o grief_n i_o be_o content_a to_o distinguish_v love_n from_o lust_n and_o to_o take_v it_o for_o the_o affect_v a_o single_a person_n in_o order_n to_o a_o honest_a marriage_n where_o it_o be_v otherwise_o it_o be_v most_o extravagant_o inordinate_a but_o even_o this_o in_o many_o young_a person_n obtain_v a_o strange_a dominion_n over_o the_o soul_n usurp_v their_o thought_n and_o time_n and_o employ_v they_o whole_o in_o visit_n rhimings_n apparel_v little_a purveyance_n for_o gratification_n of_o the_o paramour_n fear_n hope_n complaint_n and_o innumerable_a like_o phantastic_o to_o all_o which_o not_o only_a devotion_n but_o even_o sleep_v and_o food_n many_o time_n give_v place_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o angry_a man_n meditate_v only_a revenge_n roll_z in_o his_o mind_n the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o affront_n neglect_n or_o injury_n he_o have_v suffer_v inveigh_v rail_n perhaps_o curse_v rage_v and_o indulge_v the_o turbulent_a quest_n of_o wrath_n till_o it_o commence_v malice_n or_o a_o settle_a hate_n and_o then_o as_o it_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n by_o fit_n revive_v it_o will_v be_v able_a to_o command_v both_o thought_n and_o time_n and_o all_o his_o power_n in_o many_o be_v grief_n no_o less_o tumultuous_a especial_o that_o conceive_v for_o loss_n of_o friend_n we_o may_v frequent_o observe_v bereave_v once_o strange_o transport_v into_o a_o heedlessness_n both_o of_o god_n and_o themselves_o think_v of_o little_a but_o the_o action_n or_o person_n of_o their_o decease_a belove_n impatient_a of_o any_o other_o discourse_n and_o besot_v themselves_o with_o continue_a moan_n and_o tear_n and_o so_o both_o divert_v from_o and_o indispose_v for_o sacred_a employment_n now_o as_o to_o all_o these_o or_o any_o other_o affection_n we_o be_v to_o esteem_v they_o inordinate_a first_o when_o they_o disturb_v and_o blind_a reason_n and_o man_n practical_a judgement_n whether_o they_o do_v that_o by_o tamer_n prejudices_fw-la inject_v or_o by_o more_o boisterous_a commotion_n or_o second_o when_o though_o they_o have_v not_o prevail_v to_o blind_a reason_n and_o conscience_n in_o its_o process_n yet_o they_o overbear_v all_o its_o genuine_a dictate_v usurp_v its_o power_n and_o command_v the_o headlong_a man_n by_o they_o become_v a_o demy-brute_n into_o what_o ever_o they_o suggest_v sect._n 8_o the_o cure_n of_o this_o evil_n must_v be_v by_o mortify_v and_o master_v the_o usurper_n which_o that_o we_o may_v the_o sure_a do_v we_o must_v first_o consider_v his_o power_n the_o short_a his_o reign_n have_v be_v the_o more_o easy_o will_v he_o be_v depose_v first_o if_o we_o remember_v ourselves_o only_o to_o have_v be_v now_o and_o then_o in_o a_o passionate_a fit_n our_o business_n will_v be_v only_o to_o prevent_v that_o passion_n recur_v but_o second_o if_o the_o inordinacy_n of_o passion_n be_v become_v customary_a and_o habituate_v not_o only_o preventive_a mean_n must_v be_v use_v but_o extirpatory_n in_o the_o former_a case_n i_o say_v we_o be_v chief_o to_o take_v care_n for_o the_o prevent_a inordinacy_n of_o the_o return_a passion_n which_o we_o find_v to_o have_v infest_a we_o and_o that_o will_v be_v do_v first_o by_o study_v the_o particular_a occasion_n which_o have_v raise_v passion_n to_o such_o excess_n and_o either_o avoid_n as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v the_o thing_n themselves_o which_o have_v be_v so_o unhappy_o instrumental_a or_o arm_v ourselves_o and_o provide_v if_o they_o can_v be_v convenient_o avoid_v which_o till_o we_o have_v a_o little_a mastery_n of_o ourselves_o be_v safe_a to_o manage_v they_o with_o temper_n and_o calmness_n we_o must_v resolve_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o each_o child_n and_o trifle_n to_o disturb_v our_o quiet_a and_o reason_n to_o this_o purpose_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v in_o we_o which_o hinder_v such_o temperate_a management_n possible_o some_o other_o lust_n whence_o come_v war_n and_o fight_n among_o you_o but_o from_o your_o lust_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o care_n must_v be_v take_v for_o the_o remove_n and_o mortify_v that_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o case_n of_o anger_n reflect_v on_o myself_o possible_o i_o find_v i_o have_v or_o too_o ordinary_o do_v betray_v a_o pitiful_a and_o impotent_a spirit_n
which_o he_o have_v be_v tell_v christian_a religion_n be_v assert_v he_o most_o acute_o answer_v se_fw-la il_fw-fr mondo_fw-la si_fw-mi rivuolse_o all_o christianesmo_n diss'io_fw-it senza_fw-it miracoli_fw-la questo_fw-la uno_fw-la e'tal_n chegli_fw-it alteri_fw-la non_fw-la sonoil_n centesmo_fw-la vhe_fw-it tu_fw-la entrasti_fw-la povero_fw-la &_o digiuno_fw-it in_o campo_fw-it a_o seminar_n la_fw-fr bvona_fw-la pianta_fw-it vhe_fw-it fu_fw-it gia_fw-it vite_fw-la &_o hora_fw-la è_fw-it fatta_fw-it pruno_fw-it which_o if_o we_o will_v transpose_v the_o stanza_n as_o will_v be_v more_o consonant_n to_o the_o order_n of_o our_o last_o argument_n we_o may_v not_o unfit_o thus_o render_v thou_o now_o bless_a saint_n then_o fisher_n poor_a forlorn_a into_o the_o world_n as_o a_o large_a field_n do_v go_v a_o heavenly_a plant_n to_o sow_v a_o plant_n of_o old_a a_o vine_n now_o turn_v a_o thorn_n and_o have_v the_o world_n prove_v convert_v and_o submiss_a without_o miraculous_a proof_n to_o what_o be_v teach_v all_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v will_v not_o have_v be_v the_o hundred_o part_n of_o this_o in_o sum_n then_o if_o no_o person_n consider_v the_o progress_n and_o state_n of_o christianity_n since_o the_o departure_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a founder_n thereof_o can_v see_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a it_o shall_v have_v take_v root_n so_o deep_o and_o so_o wide_o spread_v its_o branch_n as_o we_o be_v by_o so_o much_o of_o the_o story_n of_o it_o as_o be_v undoubted_a convince_v it_o have_v except_o a_o divine_a power_n have_v as_o well_o support_v and_o nourish_v as_o at_o first_o plant_v it_o and_o it_o be_v together_o grant_v as_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n or_o divinity_n of_o that_o giver_n to_o uphold_v foster_n and_o propagate_v the_o great_a abuse_n of_o mankind_n as_o christianity_n be_v except_o it_o be_v true_a that_o ever_o be_v we_o must_v then_o conclude_v christian_a religion_n be_v from_o god_n that_o be_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n sect._n 6_o to_o conclude_v then_o the_o whole_a upon_o the_o view_n of_o the_o history_n of_o christian_a religion_n before_o under_z and_o since_o christ_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o within_o each_o of_o these_o three_o period_n there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o it_o certain_a and_o beyond_o all_o scruple_n and_o question_n to_o man_n who_o will_v believe_v any_o thing_n beside_o their_o own_o eye_n as_o enforce_v we_o to_o conclude_v jesus_n christ_n be_v send_v from_o heaven_n and_o do_v deliver_v unto_o the_o world_n the_o true_a religion_n that_o be_v such_o a_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n as_o that_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o approve_v of_o and_o will_v accept_v a_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n i_o mean_v matter_n of_o fact_n at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n as_o it_o be_v that_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n can_v be_v prove_v by_o no_o other_o mean_n but_o either_o by_o visible_a monument_n of_o it_o or_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o to_o who_o it_o be_v first_o impart_v with_o a_o satisfactory_a or_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o its_o be_v divine_a hand_a and_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o this_o evidence_n to_o they_o must_v be_v either_o that_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o one_o who_o they_o be_v sure_o come_v from_o heaven_n or_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o heaven_n to_o attest_v its_o own_o doctrine_n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v as_o a_o eternal_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o distinctive_a mark_n of_o any_o doctrine_n so_o pretend_v the_o consonancy_n of_o such_o doctrine_n to_o the_o supreme_a principle_n of_o reason_n sanctity_n and_o justice_n each_o of_o these_o evidence_n have_v we_o see_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v still_o extant_a in_o the_o world_n monument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o several_a point_n of_o the_o history_n sepulcher_n temple_n etc._n etc._n which_o prove_v there_o be_v such_o person_n or_o doctor_n as_o we_o pretend_v then_o the_o testimony_n be_v not_o of_o one_o or_o a_o few_o but_o of_o many_o hundred_o in_o the_o primitive_a age_n of_o nation_n and_o age_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n since_o by_o a_o constant_a and_o invariant_n tradition_n the_o first_o witness_n have_v evidence_n more_o than_o can_v be_v utter_v that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n come_v from_o heaven_n and_o they_o see_v he_o return_v to_o heaven_n and_o enter_v into_o that_o glory_n which_o he_o promise_v they_o and_o take_v possession_n of_o that_o power_n which_o he_o tell_v they_o he_o be_v to_o receive_v thing_n which_o befall_v not_o the_o founder_n of_o any_o other_o religion_n no_o not_o moses_n himself_o who_o only_o be_v bury_v no_o one_o know_v where_n they_o see_v great_a and_o various_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o they_o wrought_v such_o themselves_z as_o be_v promise_v to_o they_o they_o shall_v and_o all_o this_o confess_v even_o in_o the_o primitive_a age_n by_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o this_o religion_n the_o success_n of_o this_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o great_a miracle_n of_o all_o then_o as_o to_o those_o point_n which_o the_o precept_n of_o this_o religion_n impose_v they_o be_v either_o duty_n natural_a or_o positive_a the_o natural_a by_o be_v so_o be_v most_o consonant_a to_o reason_n and_o though_o the_o precept_n which_o enjoin_v they_o be_v rule_n of_o high_a sanctity_n and_o justice_n than_o mere_a reason_n will_v or_o can_v have_v give_v yet_o be_v give_v they_o be_v such_o as_o it_o must_v needs_o approve_v and_o as_o to_o all_o positive_a office_n their_o reasonableness_n and_o conduciveness_n to_o virtue_n we_o have_v see_v particular_o there_o have_v therefore_o as_o great_a evidence_n be_v give_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n as_o any_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n can_v at_o such_o distance_n from_o its_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o world_n receive_v and_o far_o great_a than_o of_o any_o other_o past_a matter_n of_o fact_n whatsoever_o which_o we_o believe_v wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v be_v just_a to_o our_o reason_n we_o must_v conclude_v it_o true_a and_o if_o it_o be_v true_a as_o above_o make_v out_o holy_a scripture_n be_v true_a also_o and_o if_o that_o be_v true_a than_o we_o be_v oblige_v as_o much_o as_o by_o divine_a authority_n we_o can_v be_v to_o prayer_n sacrament_n hear_v read_v or_o meditate_v holy_a scripture_n the_o particular_a office_n of_o christian_a positive_a worship_n and_o then_o that_o opinion_n which_o pretend_v it_o sufficient_a man_n live_v honest_o nor_o need_v they_o concern_v or_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o go_v to_o prayer_n frequent_v sacrament_n and_o sermon_n and_o such_o devotion_n be_v not_o as_o it_o will_v be_v think_v a_o more_o free_a and_o generous_a strain_n of_o christianity_n but_o a_o plain_a principle_n of_o impiety_n direct_o injurious_a to_o god_n in_o breed_v man_n to_o the_o neglect_n of_o pay_v he_o what_o be_v his_o due_n that_o be_v what_o he_o require_v and_o subversive_a of_o christian_a religion_n the_o positive_a precept_n of_o which_o of_o no_o less_o divine_a authority_n then_o the_o natural_a it_o flat_o contrariate_n and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o neglect_n or_o not_o performance_n of_o natural_a duty_n while_o it_o destroy_v or_o lift_v out_o those_o mean_n and_o help_n which_o divine_a wisdom_n prescribe_v to_o further_a and_o secure_v such_o performance_n i_o mean_v positive_a office_n of_o worship_n the_o great_a mean_a to_o virtue_n and_o so_o we_o have_v prove_v what_o we_o undertake_v the_o necessity_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o a_o positive_a worship_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o christian_n the_o end_n errata_fw-la note_v the_o discourse_n be_v transpose_v and_o the_o second_o be_v intend_v first_o therefore_o p._n 27._o l._n 12._o read_v discourse_n follow_v p._n 29._o l._n 7._o read_v primitive_a p._n 33._o l._n 12._o r._n two_o p._n 51._o l._n last_o r._n create_v p._n 53._o 19_o r._n thee_o p._n 65._o l._n 4._o r._n mad_a p._n 77._o l._n 17._o r._n run_v on_o one_o p._n 105._o l._n 14._o r._n game_n p._n 112._o l._n 2._o r._n in_o other_o p._n 118._o l._n 12._o r._n plain_a p._n 121._o l._n 3._o r._n mean_v p._n 141._o l._n 9_o r._n of_o employment_n p._n 144._o l._n 12._o r._n affect_n p._n 148._o l._n 4._o r._n act_n p._n 163._o l._n 7._o r._n vein_n p._n 167._o l._n 9_o r._n persist_v p._n 172._o l._n 12._o r._n in_o six_o p._n 212._o ult_n r._n pretend_o
and_o fresh_a tradition_n suffice_v not_o to_o maintain_v and_o keep_v up_o virtue_n in_o the_o world_n as_o by_o effect_n be_v evident_a when_o it_o be_v once_o as_o by_o adam_n even_o after_o his_o fall_n it_o can_v but_o be_v conceive_v to_o have_v be_v excellent_o though_o perhaps_o not_o most_o perfect_o know_v much_o less_o than_o do_v or_o ever_o will_v it_o single_o suffice_v now_o let_v we_o view_v the_o sacred_a record_n touch_v those_o age_n as_o become_v we_o we_o will_v with_o the_o ancient_n suppose_v adam_n and_o eve_n receive_v to_o grace_n and_o to_o have_v live_v holy_a person_n touch_v abel_n enoch_n and_o noah_n it_o be_v express_o record_v they_o be_v touch_v seth_n albeit_o the_o author_n of_o the_o eleven_o to_o the_o hebrew_n put_v neither_o he_o nor_o adam_n into_o his_o registry_n of_o saint_n we_o will_v believe_v as_o much_o because_o such_o be_v the_o original_a ambiguity_n of_o that_o text_n gen._n iu._n vlt._n that_o it_o may_v in_o a_o manner_n with_o equal_a probability_n import_v as_o well_v he_o to_o have_v be_v a_o author_n unto_o man_n of_o assemble_v themselves_o for_o the_o public_a worship_n or_o call_n upon_o god_n or_o he_o and_o his_o posterity_n because_o of_o better_a moral_n than_o the_o rest_n to_o have_v be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o be_v repute_v the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n as_o on_o the_o other_o and_o worse_a side_n that_o he_o be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o fall_v into_o such_o a_o age_n wherein_o the_o name_n of_o god_n begin_v to_o be_v profane_v by_o be_v give_v to_o idol_n by_o this_o computation_n in_o above_o a_o thovand_a half_n of_o year_n we_o have_v five_o or_o six_o virtuous_a person_n the_o two_o first_o of_o which_o be_v make_v such_o and_o have_v revelation_n and_o the_o rest_n may_v in_o all_o likelihood_n be_v think_v to_o have_v be_v such_o rather_o by_o institution_n and_o the_o lively_a report_n and_o attestation_n of_o the_o truth_n from_o their_o parent_n or_o parent_n who_o immediate_o or_o near_o reach_v the_o beginning_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v equivalent_a in_o a_o sort_n to_o revelation_n than_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o own_o natural_a light_n if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o world_n be_v undoubted_o more_o full_o people_v than_o scripture_n record_v and_o so_o that_o there_o be_v far_o more_o saint_n than_o what_o we_o read_v of_o i_o only_o say_v that_o it_o be_v monstrous_o absurd_a and_o uncharitable_a not_o to_o grant_v either_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o it_o be_v the_o scripture_n business_n in_o that_o part_n chief_o to_o set_v down_o the_o line_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o somewhat_o of_o necessary_a chronology_n yet_o that_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o even_o from_o the_o beginning_n virtuous_a man_n be_v rare_a cain_n of_o who_o posterity_n we_o read_v not_o any_o good_a be_v soon_o upon_o the_o murder_n of_o his_o brother_n abel_n in_o as_o good_a a_o forwardness_n to_o people_n the_o world_n as_o adam_n and_o eve_n his_o parent_n and_o even_o of_o adam_n other_o child_n notwithstanding_o his_o institution_n many_o loose_a but_o that_o it_o be_v certain_a admit_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o noah_n there_o be_v among_o all_o mankind_n than_o certain_o vast_o numerous_a scarce_a two_o virtuous_a man_n beside_o himself_o and_o as_o before_o say_v both_o he_o and_o any_o other_o such_o most_o likely_a rather_o bring_v to_o virtue_n by_o traditionary_a precept_n as_o before_o say_v equivalent_a to_o revelation_n than_o by_o mere_a power_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v yet_o further_o considerable_a that_o after_o this_o prodigious_o exemplary_a vengeance_n of_o the_o flood_n which_o sweep_v away_o in_o a_o manner_n the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n neither_o can_v the_o preach_n of_o noah_n nor_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o deluge_n or_o any_o like_a tradition_n without_o a_o express_a reveal_v and_o consign_v law_n keep_v man_n in_o any_o tolerable_a morality_n whole_a country_n can_v not_o afford_v five_o virtuous_a person_n to_o save_v they_o nay_o lot_n appear_v to_o have_v be_v the_o only_a good_a man_n through_o all_o pentapolis_n so_o that_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o any_o mean_n by_o the_o effect_n they_o general_o produce_v in_o order_n to_o their_o end_n and_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o assign_v a_o better_a measure_n to_o judge_v they_o by_o we_o must_v say_v natural_a reason_n be_v of_o itself_o insufficient_a to_o lead_v mankind_n to_o the_o general_a practice_n of_o virtue_n sect._n 6_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o have_v be_v ever_o the_o far_o lesser_a part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o which_o revelation_n have_v be_v vouchsafe_v consequent_o there_o will_v still_o lie_v something_o of_o a_o imputation_n on_o divine_a justice_n for_o leave_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n under_o insufficient_a provision_n for_o their_o happiness_n it_o be_v easy_o answer_v that_o though_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o assign_v those_o place_n of_o the_o know_a and_o inhabit_v world_n where_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v the_o gospel_n have_v be_v never_o preach_v and_o sure_o it_o be_v none_o of_o god_n fault_n if_o man_n will_v not_o receive_v nor_o retain_v it_o yet_o that_o it_o be_v but_o just_a with_o god_n not_o to_o vouchsafe_v man_n supernatural_a mean_n where_o they_o do_v wilful_o suppress_v pervert_v and_o abuse_v the_o natural_a though_o not_o of_o themselves_o sufficient_a yet_o preparatory_a and_o introductory_a to_o the_o other_o and_o that_o divine_a justice_n in_o the_o deny_v these_o dignation_n have_v observe_v this_o method_n our_o sacred_a book_n do_v pretend_v when_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o even_o as_o man_n have_v not_o like_v to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n god_n have_v give_v they_o over_o to_o a_o reprobate_a mind_n that_o be_v he_o have_v punish_v wilful_a ignorance_n and_o error_n by_o indulge_v or_o let_v they_o alone_o of_o which_o sin_n we_o have_v all_o reason_n to_o conclude_v the_o most_o benight_a world_n notorious_o guilty_a and_o so_o consequent_o divine_a justice_n must_v be_v acquit_v to_o conclude_v this_o point_n then_o god_n require_v we_o under_o pain_n of_o eternal_a misery_n to_o be_v virtuous_a the_o rule_n of_o which_o and_o how_o indispensable_a our_o obligation_n to_o it_o we_o can_v sufficient_o know_v by_o sole_a light_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v without_o revelation_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n as_o a_o rule_n in_o this_o case_n if_o he_o be_v just_a for_o to_o inflict_v endless_a misery_n upon_o we_o for_o not_o obey_v that_o law_n or_o follow_v that_o rule_n of_o which_o we_o never_o can_v come_v to_o sufficient_a notice_n by_o reason_n of_o his_o own_o conceal_v it_o from_o we_o be_v tyrannical_a but_o as_o on_o all_o hand_n such_o imputation_n to_o the_o supreme_a god_n be_v abhor_v so_o be_v it_o too_o confess_v that_o vicious_a man_n by_o the_o decree_n sentence_n or_o will_v of_o god_n be_v hereafter_o miserable_a therefore_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v have_v reveal_v his_o will_n and_o consequent_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v he_o have_v which_o be_v our_o first_o position_n sect._n 7_o and_o our_o second_o which_o will_v be_v less_o troublesome_a be_v that_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v such_o revelation_n shall_v determine_v the_o office_n of_o divine_a worship_n for_o as_o we_o have_v conclude_v revelation_n upon_o its_o necessity_n suppose_v divine_a providence_n and_o justice_n so_o where_o necessity_n pinch_v most_o as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v there_o ought_v the_o revelation_n to_o be_v most_o clear_a and_o definitive_a but_o of_o all_o point_n of_o humane_a duty_n it_o be_v most_o of_o all_o beyond_o the_o sphere_n of_o man_n reason_n of_o itself_o to_o find_v out_o how_o the_o supreme_a god_n will_v be_v worship_v therefore_o ought_v revelation_n most_o clear_o to_o have_v determine_v this_o matter_n all_o virtue_n must_v either_o respect_n god_n our_o self_n or_o other_o what_o become_v our_o self_n or_o be_v that_o honour_n care_n and_o reverence_n we_o ought_v to_o do_v ourselves_o we_o may_v in_o some_o measure_n collect_v partly_o from_o the_o end_n to_o which_o nature_n have_v fit_v our_o power_n and_o faculty_n partly_o from_o the_o natural_a habitude_n and_o conveniency_n of_o thing_n but_o because_o single_a judgement_n may_v fail_v and_o mistake_v in_o their_o reason_n and_o conclusion_n more_o safe_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o reflect_v on_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o mankind_n seem_v agree_v but_o i_o confess_v as_o before_o intimate_v the_o rule_n uncertain_a because_o it_o be_v difficult_a to_o find_v this_o consent_n of_o mankind_n and_o possible_a to_o find_v much_o consent_n in_o vice_n again_o what_o be_v the_o duty_n i_o owe_v to_o mankind_n i_o may_v
prodigious_a fire_n and_o smoke_n ascend_v from_o the_o mount_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v one_o great_a flame_a furnace_n and_o then_o a_o last_a earthquake_n be_v the_o preparatory_a and_o precedaneous_a state_n to_o the_o promulgation_n of_o this_o great_a law_n or_o oracle_n now_o these_o what_o natural_a power_n can_v effect_v and_o will_v the_o supernatural_a divine_a power_n effect_n or_o permit_v effect_v to_o the_o abuse_n of_o his_o darling_n mankind_n again_o we_o pretend_v when_o our_o lord_n be_v on_o earth_n there_o be_v at_o several_a time_n what_o the_o jew_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n and_o among_o they_o look_v on_o as_o the_o most_o sacred_a and_o uncontrollable_a kind_n of_o oracle_n there_o be_v i_o say_v such_o a_o voice_n own_v he_o and_o attest_v his_o mission_n but_o this_o not_o pronounce_v the_o christian_a law_n but_o declare_v our_o lord_n commission_v by_o the_o supreme_a god_n to_o that_o office_n who_o be_v man_n may_v speak_v articulate_o and_o god_n as_o we_o pretend_v infallible_o and_o hereof_o at_o several_a time_n multitude_n be_v hearer_n and_o witness_n all_o which_o can_v not_o always_o conspire_v in_o be_v extatick_a or_o delirious_a these_o be_v the_o great_a if_o not_o the_o sole_a articulate_a oracle_n we_o pretend_v to_o now_o admit_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n of_o these_o the_o imputation_n of_o fraud_n in_o the_o matter_n be_v most_o unreasonable_a and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n there_o be_v not_o only_o the_o same_o evidence_n as_o for_o all_o history_n but_o as_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o see_v much_o great_a we_o receive_v history_n upon_o tradition_n or_o those_o man_n who_o be_v present_a at_o the_o do_v those_o thing_n know_v and_o report_v they_o now_o as_o we_o pretend_v all_o those_o thing_n to_o have_v be_v deliver_v by_o several_a person_n who_o in_o plain_a sort_n see_v or_o hear_v and_o so_o intimate_o understand_v they_o so_o it_o be_v very_o considerable_a that_o there_o be_v never_o tradition_n so_o ancient_a last_a and_o uninterrupted_a none_o ever_o so_o universal_a and_o which_o have_v run_v through_o all_o the_o habitable_a or_o civilise_a world_n none_o so_o autoritative_a as_o have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n receive_v and_o deliver_v by_o many_o the_o wise_a man_n who_o be_v least_o apt_a to_o be_v deceive_v and_o the_o best_a who_o can_v be_v least_o suspect_v of_o the_o design_n of_o deceive_a no_o tradition_n i_o say_v can_v in_o all_o these_o point_n match_n that_o with_o which_o the_o history_n of_o scripture_n come_v to_o we_o not_o to_o mention_v that_o most_o of_o the_o primitive_a witness_n of_o those_o thing_n seal_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n by_o their_o own_o blood_n now_o that_o so_o many_o man_n shall_v conspire_v together_o to_o embrace_v violent_a and_o shameful_a end_n that_o with_o they_o heaven_n shall_v combine_v to_o work_v miracle_n in_o their_o time_n and_o after_o they_o to_o fulfil_v their_o prediction_n that_o in_o all_o age_n many_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o sober_a person_n shall_v agree_v with_o themselves_o and_o those_o testimony_n of_o heaven_n and_o martyr_n to_o abuse_v themselves_o and_o mankind_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o who_o can_v believe_v may_v be_v just_o say_v to_o have_v together_o forfeit_v both_o his_o reason_n and_o ingenuity_n it_o be_v reasonable_a then_o to_o receive_v the_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o general_a matter_n of_o history_n and_o that_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o believe_v the_o great_a divine_a oracle_n can_v be_v the_o fraud_n of_o a_o particular_a crafty_a priest_n nor_o therefore_o be_v christianity_n or_o the_o oracle_n we_o pretend_v to_o liable_a to_o this_o challenge_n to_o proceed_v to_o that_o point_n which_o challenge_v we_o to_o make_v out_o that_o these_o oracle_n be_v design_v to_o oblige_v all_o mankind_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v impertinent_a and_o all_o we_o say_v or_o need_v to_o say_v be_v that_o they_o oblige_v all_o to_o who_o they_o come_v with_o such_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o their_o verity_n as_o deliver_v and_o as_o to_o those_o to_o who_o they_o thus_o come_v not_o those_o very_a oracle_n declare_v they_o shall_v be_v judge_v by_o another_o law_n none_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o these_o law_n save_o those_o who_o have_v they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n those_o who_o make_v these_o challenge_n against_o they_o must_v confess_v themselves_o bind_v to_o receive_v christianity_n because_o they_o can_v or_o will_v not_o pretend_v ignorance_n of_o what_o they_o plead_v against_o as_o to_o all_o that_o now_o remain_v of_o what_o be_v charge_v against_o we_o the_o sum_n be_v that_o admit_v what_o we_o have_v hitherto_o contend_v for_o it_o be_v questionable_a whether_o these_o oracle_n sincere_o descend_v to_o we_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o various_a alteration_n and_o interpolation_n to_o which_o we_o say_v it_o be_v certain_a holy_a scripture_n who_o general_a verity_n we_o have_v hitherto_o find_v no_o reason_n to_o challenge_v express_o require_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o substance_n of_o christian_a religion_n under_o pain_n of_o eternal_a torment_n and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o it_o pretend_v to_o deliver_v that_o substance_n touch_v letter_n or_o particle_n we_o contend_v not_o now_o that_o god_n shall_v require_v of_o we_o to_o receive_v the_o sum_n of_o christian_a religion_n under_o such_o pain_n and_o yet_o not_o by_o his_o providence_n order_n that_o it_o shall_v come_v sincere_o to_o we_o or_o suffer_v that_o in_o its_o essential_o it_o shall_v descend_v only_o corrupt_v be_v again_o irreconcilable_a with_o justice_n and_o goodness_n still_o we_o shall_v be_v damn_v for_o what_o we_o can_v not_o help_v we_o must_v therefore_o conclude_v scripture_n in_o the_o necessary_n and_o substantial_o of_o christian_a religion_n sincere_a and_o uncorrupt_a various_a lection_n in_o this_o point_n need_v not_o create_v we_o trouble_v for_o they_o be_v seldom_o or_o never_o in_o passage_n assert_v a_o substantial_a or_o if_o one_o text_n which_o assert_n a_o substantial_a be_v so_o various_o read_v as_o that_o the_o matter_n be_v thence_o dubious_a there_o be_v other_o which_o assert_v it_o in_o which_o there_o be_v not_o that_o dubiousness_n not_o to_o mention_v that_o those_o very_a various_a lection_n be_v in_o several_a regard_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n sincere_a inasmuch_o as_o they_o speak_v first_o that_o great_a care_n with_o which_o scripture_n have_v be_v ever_o keep_v when_o the_o least_o variation_n from_o the_o receive_v read_v have_v be_v so_o religious_o that_o i_o do_v not_o say_v superstitious_o note_v and_o beside_o second_o the_o multitude_n of_o copy_n that_o even_o in_o ancient_a time_n be_v extant_a and_o disperse_v which_o make_v it_o very_o impossible_a that_o all_o can_v be_v corrupt_v and_o final_o three_o the_o concord_n of_o all_o copy_n as_o to_o substantial_o which_o be_v a_o evidence_n de_fw-fr facto_fw-la that_o scripture_n be_v not_o corrupt_v scripture_n then_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o those_o exception_n which_o be_v bring_v in_o common_a against_o divine_a oracle_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o admit_v its_o verity_n and_o consequent_o to_o receive_v what_o it_o prescribe_v in_o divine_a worship_n which_o be_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o our_o three_o proposition_n and_o so_o that_o first_o and_o fundamental_a assertion_n be_v make_v good_a that_o there_o be_v office_n of_o divine_a worship_n by_o positive_a right_n and_o somewhat_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n beside_o pure_o moral_a virtue_n chap._n ii_o §_o 1._o that_o the_o christian_a positive_a worship_n be_v reasonable_a and_o necessary_a as_o a_o mean_a to_o virtue_n §_o 2._o the_o proposition_n make_v good_a touch_v prayer_n in_o all_o its_o part_n and_o kind_n §_o 3._o the_o same_o make_v good_a as_o to_o the_o sacrament_n §_o 4._o as_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n §_o 5._o and_o confession_n of_o faith_n sect._n 1_o it_o follow_v now_o that_o we_o view_v particular_o what_o these_o office_n be_v and_o evidence_n none_o of_o they_o to_o have_v be_v causeless_o or_o arbitrary_o impose_v none_o of_o they_o to_o want_v a_o wholesome_a reason_n or_o not_o to_o have_v such_o a_o design_n upon_o the_o oblige_a as_o may_v alone_o without_o the_o imposer_n injunction_n commend_v each_o to_o our_o acceptance_n we_o have_v already_o intimate_v the_o particular_a office_n to_o be_v prayer_n attendance_n on_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o word_n to_o which_o as_o beforesaid_a we_o may_v not_o unfit_o add_v the_o make_v solemn_a confession_n of_o our_o christian_n faith_n the_o particular_a text_n which_o enjoin_v each_o we_o suppose_v it_o not_o needful_a to_o allege_v that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o make_v out_o touch_v they_o be_v that_o their_o institution_n be_v
two_o discourse_n for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o christian_a piety_n and_o devotion_n the_o former_a assert_v the_o necessity_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o a_o positive_a worship_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o christian_n the_o late_a consider_v the_o common_a hindrance_n of_o devotion_n and_o the_o divine_a worship_n with_o their_o respective_a remedy_n by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o method_n of_o private_a devotion_n london_n print_v by_o j._n m._n for_o john_n martin_n at_o the_o bell_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1671._o imprimatur_fw-la exit_fw-la aedib_n lamb._n dec._n 5._o 1670._o tho._n tomkyns_n reverendissimo_fw-la in_o christo_fw-la patri_fw-la ac_fw-la domino_fw-la domino_fw-la gilberto_n divinâ_fw-la providentiâ_fw-la archiepisc_n cant._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la domesticis_fw-la to_o the_o reader_n a_o account_n of_o the_o occasion_n design_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o work_n the_o true_a and_o sole_a occasion_n of_o the_o two_o follow_a discourse_n be_v the_o desire_n of_o a_o reverend_n and_o exemplary_o pious_a person_n to_o i_o upon_o the_o three_o edition_n of_o the_o method_n of_o private_a devotion_n that_o i_o will_v insert_v some_o thing_n thereinto_o brief_o and_o by_o the_o by_o to_o caution_n many_o otherwise_o devout_a of_o frequent_v play_n and_o spend_v their_o time_n in_o such_o vanity_n which_o too_o often_o prove_v not_o only_a impediment_n to_o devotion_n but_o as_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o be_v order_v the_o bane_n of_o good_a mind_n this_o when_o i_o have_v a_o little_a thought_n upon_o i_o do_v not_o at_o the_o first_o see_v a_o place_n to_o my_o mind_n for_o such_o insertion_n then_o i_o conceive_v not_o the_o stage_n to_o be_v the_o only_a nor_o perhaps_o most_o common_a impediment_n of_o devotion_n and_o far_o i_o judge_v that_o shall_v i_o only_o have_v brief_o touch_v the_o subject_n intimate_v two_o edition_n of_o that_o book_n be_v then_o but_o late_o buy_v off_o those_o which_o be_v by_o they_o furnish_v will_v scarce_o buy_v book_n of_o the_o three_o for_o the_o addition_n of_o a_o few_o line_n and_o possible_o other_o but_o slight_o remark_n so_o brief_a suggestion_n beside_o last_o i_o soon_o see_v that_o to_o enumerate_v and_o remove_v the_o common_a hindrance_n of_o devotion_n will_v take_v up_o more_o room_n and_o pain_n than_o be_v consistent_a with_o such_o a_o insertion_n i_o resolve_v therefore_o on_o a_o distinct_a treatise_n and_o remember_v that_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o some_o piece_n by_o man_n of_o high_o pretend_a reason_n and_o learning_n which_o allow_v a_o natural_a religion_n comprise_v in_o a_o few_o principle_n that_o run_v through_o all_o religion_n bold_o assert_v all_o the_o doctrine_n and_o office_n particular_a to_o each_o to_o be_v only_o of_o humane_a and_o politic_a institution_n and_o consequent_o no_o christian_n positive_a worship_n of_o divine_a authority_n nor_o any_o point_n by_o christianity_n a_o duty_n which_o be_v not_o and_o be_v not_o such_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o withal_o reflect_v on_o the_o usual_a discourse_n of_o the_o hectorly_n rationalist_n of_o our_o age_n who_o greedy_o lick_v up_o and_o as_o rash_o vent_v those_o other_o spittle_n i_o think_v this_o plausible_a suggestion_n of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o a_o general_a fairness_n or_o imaginary_a virtue_n to_o be_v the_o most_o malignant_a and_o pestilent_a prepossession_n against_o all_o devotion_n and_o divine_a worship_n as_o be_v a_o plain_a subversion_n of_o its_o several_a office_n and_o therefore_o resolve_v first_o and_o by_o itself_o to_o accost_v it_o as_o require_v more_o of_o discourse_n and_o then_o those_o other_o more_o vulgar_a impediment_n each_o in_o their_o order_n thus_o come_v one_o intend_a tract_n to_o be_v break_v into_o two_o piece_n now_o as_o to_o what_o i_o have_v do_v in_o my_o attempt_n on_o both_o my_o reader_n be_v to_o be_v advertise_v that_o he_o expect_v not_o first_o high_a notion_n or_o style_n than_o such_o which_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o address_v to_o popular_a or_o middle_a capacity_n the_o philosopher_n have_v tell_v we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o i_o handle_v these_o subject_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o man_n of_o moderate_a attainment_n man_n of_o true_o high_a learning_n be_v above_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o such_o opinion_n as_o i_o engage_v nor_o second_o strict_a demonstration_n than_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v give_v of_o such_o subject_n the_o substance_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v make_v up_o of_o article_n historical_a doctrinal_a or_o moral_a and_o the_o evidence_n of_o each_o different_a according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o each_o of_o the_o historical_a point_n as_o the_o birth_n life_n crucifixion_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n etc._n etc._n we_o have_v not_o nor_o pretend_v to_o have_v great_a evidence_n than_o tradition_n or_o testimony_n both_o divine_a and_o humane_a and_o that_o not_o only_o consign_v in_o writing_n but_o attest_v by_o many_o visible_a event_n and_o monument_n of_o the_o doctrinal_a article_n such_o as_o the_o creation_n the_o life_n everlasting_a and_o different_a estate_n therein_o we_o have_v first_o the_o same_o evidence_n as_o in_o the_o former_a case_n and_o we_o have_v beside_o for_o some_o of_o they_o the_o demonstrative_a or_o most_o high_o probable_a ratiocination_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o other_o of_o they_o which_o be_v not_o thus_o demonstrable_a be_v evident_a consequent_n of_o those_o that_o be_v thus_o from_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n and_o generation_n we_o be_v enforce_v to_o conclude_v a_o first_o cause_n or_o a_o creator_n of_o all_o from_o the_o first_o and_o experience_a act_n and_o property_n of_o our_o soul_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v their_o immateriality_n and_o thence_o their_o incorruptibility_n or_o immortality_n from_o the_o creation_n nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o thing_n follow_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o the_o creator_n his_o justice_n and_o providence_n and_o from_o providence_n justice_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o humane_a soul_n consider_v the_o different_a life_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o how_o here_o they_o carry_v all_o away_o be_v consequent_a a_o difference_n of_o estate_n in_o that_o future_a immortal_a life_n that_o be_v a_o heaven_n and_o hell_n i_o may_v run_v the_o chain_n to_o a_o far_o great_a length_n but_o last_o as_o to_o the_o moral_a point_n of_o christianity_n we_o have_v for_o they_o first_o the_o common_a evidence_n of_o both_o the_o former_a tradition_n and_o testimony_n that_o they_o be_v institute_v by_o god_n we_o have_v beside_o a_o intrinsical_a evidence_n for_o they_o found_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o duty_n and_o their_o congruency_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o own_o reason_n whence_o arise_v that_o approbation_n which_o natural_a conscience_n can_v but_o give_v unto_o they_o we_o be_v not_o able_a but_o to_o commend_v and_o approve_v temperance_n chastity_n meekness_n mercifullness_n justice_n and_o piety_n though_o possible_o by_o reason_n of_o carnal_a custom_n or_o interest_n we_o have_v no_o great_a stomach_n to_o practice_v they_o and_o hence_o if_o we_o do_v not_o conclude_v that_o the_o law_n which_o enact_v these_o be_v the_o law_n of_o our_o creator_n as_o methinks_v we_o shall_v yet_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v they_o fit_a to_o be_v enact_v by_o he_o and_o worthy_a of_o he_o and_o then_o this_o together_o with_o the_o testimony_n which_o they_o otherwise_o receive_v will_v enforce_v their_o reception_n now_o as_o to_o those_o christian_a duty_n which_o be_v of_o a_o positive_a nature_n their_o singular_a conduciveness_n to_o virtue_n will_v speak_v they_o most_o meet_a and_o proper_a for_o observation_n so_o that_o if_o the_o holy_a creator_n will_v enact_v any_o outward_a worship_n it_o be_v fit_a these_o shall_v be_v it_o as_o so_o high_o tend_v to_o the_o natural_a and_o eternal_a part_n of_o morality_n and_o then_o the_o testimony_n of_o scripture_n and_o inviolable_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v almost_o the_o world_n superad_v thereto_o will_v make_v up_o a_o plea_n beyond_o all_o rational_a contradiction_n for_o our_o embrace_v also_o this_o part_n of_o christianity_n by_o all_o which_o it_o may_v soon_o be_v perceive_v what_o necessity_n of_o the_o divine_a positive_a worship_n i_o assert_v in_o the_o part_n of_o the_o former_a follow_a discourse_n in_o the_o first_o chapter_n have_v suppose_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o providence_n and_o the_o justice_n of_o both_o which_o be_v grant_v even_o by_o the_o worst_a who_o acknowledge_v any_o religion_n i_o assert_v a_o sufficient_a revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n and_o therefore_o a_o determine_n of_o the_o office_n of_o divine_a worship_n to_o be_v if_o not_o a_o necessary_a yet_o most_o high_o probable_a consequent_a from_o thence_o in_o the_o second_o admitting_z that_o so_o high_o applaud_v principle_n and_o if_o right_o state_v true_o worthy_a heroical_a and_o evangelical_n that_o virtue_n be_v the_o great_a
and_o to_o god_n most_o acceptable_a worship_n i_o assert_v the_o positive_a office_n of_o christian_a worship_n to_o be_v necessary_a as_o most_o natural_a proper_a mean_n for_o the_o implant_n growth_n and_o security_n of_o virtue_n in_o the_o three_o suppose_v none_o who_o admit_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n or_o of_o christian_a religion_n can_v deny_v or_o doubt_v the_o particular_a office_n of_o christian_a worship_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n from_o the_o irrefragable_a evidence_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o so_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o scripture_n i_o assert_v the_o aforesaid_a office_n of_o christian_a worship_n necessary_a as_o be_v prescribe_v or_o matter_n of_o particular_a precept_n and_o be_v i_o apprehend_v very_o reasonable_a evidence_n be_v give_v for_o make_v good_a all_o these_o assertion_n i_o add_v that_o these_o office_n be_v reasonable_a as_o well_o as_o necessary_a in_o the_o second_o discourse_n though_o my_o design_n may_v seem_v to_o engage_v i_o more_o with_o the_o affection_n and_o will_n than_o understanding_n yet_o be_v i_o judge_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o sway_v they_o to_o be_v deal_v effectual_o with_o reason_n and_o judgement_n i_o have_v therefore_o endeavour_v that_o the_o particular_a process_n in_o each_o case_n may_v carry_v such_o weight_n of_o reason_n in_o they_o as_o may_v approve_v they_o to_o any_o considerative_a and_o intelligent_a mind_n and_o so_o in_o a_o manner_n enforce_v their_o practice_n or_o at_o least_o leave_v the_o neglectour_n unexcusable_a they_o consist_v therefore_o of_o particular_n all_o or_o most_o of_o they_o suppose_v we_o christian_n in_o our_o own_o power_n and_o beside_o natural_a and_o proper_a to_o the_o case_n for_o which_o they_o be_v prescribe_v as_o remedy_n and_o last_o enforce_v by_o the_o common_a and_o most_o demonstrable_a principle_n of_o religion_n i_o do_v acknowledge_v i_o often_o herein_o proceed_v upon_o particular_a foundation_n which_o holy_a scripture_n administer_v proper_a to_o the_o respective_a design_n i_o prosecute_v but_o i_o take_v that_o to_o be_v little_o less_o legitimate_a proceed_n when_o it_o be_v argue_v from_o proposition_n before_o evince_v as_o the_o truth_n of_o revelation_n and_o scripture_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v by_o the_o former_a discourse_n than_o if_o it_o be_v argue_v from_o principle_n self_n evident_a this_o be_v all_o the_o recommendation_n of_o or_o apology_n for_o my_o follow_a work_n which_o i_o have_v or_o think_v necessary_a to_o make_v i_o have_v therefore_o now_o only_o to_o beseech_v of_o god_n that_o it_o may_v be_v as_o successful_a as_o i_o wish_v it_o and_o of_o the_o reader_n that_o it_o may_v be_v as_o honest_o and_o innocent_o entertain_v as_o i_o mean_v it_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o much_o of_o the_o happy_a event_n of_o either_o where_o it_o shall_v be_v read_v with_o a_o honest_a design_n of_o practice_n more_o than_o censure_n a_o practical_a discourse_n of_o the_o more_o common_a impediment_n of_o devotion_n and_o the_o christian_a worship_n with_o their_o respective_a remedy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d musonius_n philosoph_n apud_fw-la a._n gellium_fw-la london_n print_v by_o j._n m._n for_o john_n martin_n at_o the_o bell_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1671._o the_o content_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n of_o the_o first_o part._n chap._n i._o sect._n 1_o the_o design_n of_o the_o discourse_n §_o 2._o the_o mischief_n arise_v from_o the_o neglect_n of_o devotion_n brief_o touch_v §_o 3._o whence_o the_o impediment_n of_o it_o spring_n §_o 4._o the_o method_n of_o the_o discourse_n p._n 1._o chap._n ii_o §_o 1._o the_o devil_n one_o author_n of_o the_o impediment_n of_o devotion_n §_o 2._o 1._o by_o prepossess_v man_n mind_n with_o atheistical_a sansy_n such_o as_o 1._o that_o of_o the_o vanity_n or_o uncertainty_n of_o religion_n §_o 3._o remedy_n against_o this_o prepossession_n §_o 4._o 2._o of_o the_o needlessness_n of_o so_o much_o religion_n §_o 5._o remedy_n against_o this_o conceit_n §_o 6._o of_o the_o hindrance_n the_o devil_n give_v we_o in_o divine_a worship_n 1._o by_o extravagant_a thought_n inject_v §_o 7._o their_o remedy_n §_o 8._o 2._o by_o instil_v spiritual_a pride_n §_o 9_o its_o remedy_n p._n 7._o chap._n iii_o §_o 1._o impediment_n of_o divine_a worship_n from_o the_o world_n 1_o care_n and_o business_n §_o 2._o remedy_n herein_o §_o 3._o 2._o pleasure_n in_o general_n §_o 4._o a_o general_a remedy_n §_o 5._o pleasure_n particular_a first_o city_n pleasure_n 1._o company_n §_o 6._o remedy_n §_o 7._o a_o necessary_a caution_n in_o society_n touch_v evil_a communication_n §_o 8._o 2._o the_o entertainment_n of_o the_o stage_n §_o 9_o the_o case_n of_o go_v to_o play_n determine_v §_o 10._o advise_v for_o remedy_n §_o 11._o of_o more_o private_a masque_n and_o ball_n §_o 12._o 2._o country_n pleasure_n hunt_v §_o 13._o advise_v for_o remedy_n §_o 14._o hawk_v horserace_v etc._n etc._n when_o immoderate_a §_o 15._o game_n too_o much_o though_o at_o home_n §_o 16._o remedy_n §_o 17._o intellectual_a pleasure_n when_o impediment_n temperate_v §_o 18._o worldly_n vanity_n impediment_n §_o 19_o vanity_n in_o apparel_n state_v §_o 20._o remedy_n by_o way_n of_o dissuasion_n p._n 46_o 47._o chap._n iv_o §_o 1._o the_o sum_n of_o impediment_n arise_v from_o corrupt_a nature_n §_o 2._o sloth_n and_o sensuality_n §_o 3._o remedy_n hereof_o §_o 4._o persuasive_n to_o the_o former_a practice_n §_o 5._o vnsetledness_n of_o mind_n and_o employment_n impediment_n §_o 6._o their_o remedy_n §_o 7._o passion_n and_o inordinate_a affection_n impediment_n §_o 8._o their_o remedy_n p._n 141._o chap._n v._o §_o 1._o the_o former_a general_n useful_a in_o particular_a case_n not_o name_v §_o 2._o schism_n prejudicial_a to_o piety_n and_o a_o grievous_a sin_n §_o 3._o remedy_n thereof_o §_o 4._o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a discourse_n p._n 200._o the_o content_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n of_o the_o second_o part._n chap._n i._n a_o full_a proposal_n of_o the_o first_o sect._n 1._o point_n viz._n that_o some_o positive_a worship_n there_o must_v be_v and_o three_o proposition_n to_o evince_v it_o §_o 2._o the_o first_o proposition_n prove_v §_o 3._o a_o objection_n answer_v §_o 4._o a_o second_o answer_v §_o 5._o a_o illustration_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o reason_n to_o bring_v man_n general_o to_o virtue_n out_o of_o history_n §_o 6._o a_o three_o objection_n answer_v §_o 7._o the_o second_o proposition_n prove_v §_o 8._o the_o three_o proposition_n prove_v §_o 9_o objection_n in_o common_a against_o revelation_n and_o divine_a record_n answer_v p._n 235._o chap._n ii_o §_o 1._o that_o the_o christian_a positive_a worship_n be_v reasonable_a and_o necessary_a as_o a_o mean_a to_o virtue_n §_o 2._o the_o proposition_n make_v good_a touch_v prayer_n in_o all_o its_o part_n and_o kind_n §_o 3._o the_o same_o make_v good_a as_o to_o the_o sacrament_n §_o 4._o as_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n §_o 5._o and_o confession_n of_o faith_n p._n 292._o chap._n iii_o §_o 1._o a_o positive_a worship_n certain_a from_o scripture_n and_o scripture_n certain_a from_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n §_o 2._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n evident_a from_o the_o history_n of_o it_o §_o 3._o before_o christ_n §_o 4._o evident_a from_o the_o history_n of_o it_o in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n §_o 5._o evident_a from_o the_o history_n of_o its_o progress_n and_o state_n since_o §_o 6._o a_o recapitulatory_a conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a p._n 333_o a_o practical_a discourse_n of_o the_o more_o common_a impediment_n of_o devotion_n and_o divine_a worship_n with_o their_o remedy_n chap._n i._n §_o 1._o the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n §_o 2._o the_o mischief_n arise_v from_o neglect_n of_o devotion_n brief_o touch_v §_o 3._o whence_o the_o impediment_n of_o it_o spring_n §_o 4._o the_o method_n of_o the_o discourse_n sect._n 1_o as_o in_o other_o point_n of_o our_o christian_a duty_n so_o especial_o in_o devotion_n and_o divine_a worship_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o many_o let_n and_o diversion_n there_o be_v none_o but_o be_v apt_a to_o complain_v though_o haply_o very_a few_o so_o circumspect_a against_o they_o as_o be_v behoveful_a for_o their_o prevention_n or_o removal_n the_o discovery_n in_o particular_a what_o the_o usual_a impediment_n of_o devotion_n be_v and_o what_o their_o respective_a remedy_n be_v the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n sect._n 2_o the_o mischief_n which_o accrue_v unto_o we_o by_o be_v divert_v or_o take_v off_o from_o the_o more_o constant_a and_o devout_a pay_v divine_a worship_n be_v both_o various_a and_o of_o great_a weight_n first_o we_o be_v hereby_o debar_v or_o deprive_v of_o the_o vast_a and_o manifold_a good_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n and_o proper_a consequence_n of_o such_o