16.13_o s._n john_n 16.13_o and_o i_o hope_v they_o dare_v not_o say_v but_o this_o command_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n he_o have_v head_n and_o be_v one_o of_o those_o truth_n into_o which_o he_o be_v to_o lead_v they_o further_o if_o we_o examine_v what_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o be_v love_n joy_n peace_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n 5.5_o gal._n 5.22_o 23_o 24._o eph_n 5.5_o faith_n meekness_n temperance_n righteousness_n and_o truth_n but_o not_o the_o least_o mention_n of_o extempore_o prayer_n if_o we_o search_v what_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o gift_n of_o continency_n 12.1_o 1_o cor._n 7.7_o 1_o cor._n 3.5_o rom._n 12.6_o 1_o cor._n 12.1_o the_o gift_n of_o prophecy_n of_o work_a miracle_n etc._n etc._n but_o no_o gift_n of_o prayer_n and_o where_o the_o particular_a gift_n be_v enumerate_v there_o be_v not_o one_o syllable_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o prayer_n certain_o if_o it_o have_v be_v a_o spiritual_a gift_n or_o a_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n it_o will_v not_o have_v be_v omit_v but_o second_o let_v we_o appeal_v to_o example_n for_o if_o this_o be_v a_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n than_o all_o they_o who_o can_v or_o can_v thus_o pray_v extempore_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n this_o be_v as_o much_o a_o demonstration_n as_o any_o in_o euclid_n now_o will_v i_o bring_v you_o such_o a_o army_n of_o saint_n with_o old_a noll_n in_o the_o head_n of_o they_o as_o shall_v fight_v and_o pray_v with_o all_o nation_n either_o these_o saint_n s._n oliver_n s._n ireton_n s._n bradshaw_n etc._n etc._n pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o be_v real_a saint_n or_o what_o they_o pray_v be_v not_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o so_o they_o be_v no_o saint_n nor_o extempore_o prayer_n any_o evidence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n now_o let_v they_o take_v which_o of_o these_o they_o will_v i_o dare_v say_v they_o have_v rather_o canonize_v oliver_n and_o his_o pray_a legion_n than_o not_o only_o as_o affair_n now_o stand_v it_o be_v not_o altogether_o safe_a and_o if_o they_o shall_v refuse_v both_o the_o horn_n of_o the_o dilemma_n as_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v in_o their_o side_n and_o too_o sharp_a to_o be_v handle_v they_o must_v teach_v we_o to_o distinguish_v and_o know_v that_o they_o be_v not_o just_a such_o saint_n as_o the_o other_o who_o have_v the_o knack_n exact_o pray_v the_o same_o language_n almost_o verbatim_o make_v the_o same_o boast_n of_o and_o pretension_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o i_o be_o afraid_a have_v the_o same_o spirit_n the_o same_o use_v to_o make_v of_o it_o and_o the_o selfsame_a end_n and_o design_n i_o may_v bring_v many_o instance_n but_o i_o will_v only_o add_v one_o which_o be_v so_o remarkable_a that_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o resolve_v against_o conviction_n and_o whereby_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o this_o way_n of_o extempore_o prayer_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o gift_n of_o god_n or_o proceed_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o gift_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o such_o who_o be_v almost_o under_o a_o irreversible_a necessity_n of_o damnation_n may_v have_v it_o even_o in_o perfection_n the_o story_n be_v thus_o at_o st._n ives_n in_o the_o county_n of_o huntingdon_n within_o the_o memory_n of_o many_o person_n yet_o alive_a there_o be_v a_o woman_n who_o name_n i_o do_v not_o very_o well_o remember_v though_o many_o in_o that_o place_n very_o well_o do_v she_o be_v one_o of_o those_o who_o for_o distinction_n be_v then_o by_o themselves_o call_v professor_n by_o other_o puritan_n she_o be_v a_o great_a follower_n of_o the_o upholder_n of_o the_o presbyterian-tenent_n a_o constant_a frequenter_a of_o godly_a meeting_n and_o religious_a exercise_n this_o woman_n come_v to_o be_v so_o eminent_a especial_o in_o this_o gift_n of_o prayer_n that_o she_o be_v general_o admire_v and_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o saint_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n the_o noise_n of_o her_o fame_n and_o the_o boast_n of_o her_o party_n bring_v many_o neighbouring-minister_n in_o the_o adjacent_a county_n of_o cambridge_n and_o huntingdon_n to_o hear_v she_o pray_v which_o she_o do_v in_o that_o ravish_a manner_n that_o they_o never_o part_v from_o she_o without_o a_o excess_n of_o admiration_n and_o astonishment_n after_o some_o time_n for_o what_o reason_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o determine_v this_o holy_a sister_n go_v over_o into_o new-england_n as_o about_o the_o same_o time_n many_o other_o do_v for_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n for_o a_o while_o she_o be_v there_o in_o the_o great_a esteem_n and_o height_n of_o reputation_n but_o the_o devil_n owe_v she_o a_o shame_n and_o she_o he_o a_o soul_n she_o be_v at_o last_o suspect_v and_o accuse_v to_o be_v a_o witch_n be_v bring_v to_o a_o trial_n confeâ—â—_n her_o guilt_n and_o that_o her_o contract_n with_o the_o devil_n be_v that_o in_o lieu_n of_o her_o soul_n which_o she_o do_v consign_v unto_o he_o he_o shall_v assist_v she_o with_o the_o gift_n of_o extempore_o prayer_n after_o which_o confession_n sentence_n past_a upon_o she_o and_o she_o be_v according_o execute_v as_o a_o most_o abominable_a witch_n either_o now_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o this_o extempore_o way_n be_v not_o a_o infallible_a sign_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n or_o that_o the_o devil_n have_v the_o power_n of_o dispose_n of_o the_o gift_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o three_o i_o will_v appeal_v to_o these_o very_a man_n let_v they_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o shame_n the_o devil_n be_v not_o this_o way_n of_o pray_v a_o acquisition_n do_v not_o the_o forementioned_a book_n or_o some_o collection_n of_o their_o own_o of_o that_o nature_n out_o of_o scripture_n often_o hear_v of_o other_o and_o many_o secret_a trial_n and_o exercise_n therein_o bring_v they_o by_o degree_n to_o these_o perfection_n or_o can_v they_o from_o the_o first_o moment_n of_o their_o conversion_n pray_v thus_o and_o they_o do_v as_o punctual_o remember_v that_o time_n as_o what_o they_o do_v yesterday_o and_o then_o if_o ever_o they_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o it_o be_v then_o as_o well_o able_a to_o help_v their_o infirmity_n as_o now_o and_o they_o stand_v more_o in_o need_n of_o it_o and_o it_o will_v have_v be_v more_o visible_a and_o apparent_a that_o it_o be_v not_o they_o but_o the_o spirit_n that_o teach_v they_o how_o and_o what_o to_o pray_v do_v they_o not_o with_o much_o pain_n and_o industry_n attain_v this_o which_o they_o call_v a_o gift_n let_v they_o deny_v it_o if_o they_o dare_v for_o if_o they_o will_v say_v they_o never_o use_v any_o of_o the_o aforesaid_a mean_n to_o help_v their_o weakness_n i_o will_v undertake_v to_o prove_v they_o the_o most_o impudent_a affirmer_n of_o a_o notorious_a untruth_n for_o many_o of_o their_o expression_n be_v sentence_v pick_v out_o of_o the_o bible_n which_o they_o read_v often_o over_o with_o as_o much_o respect_n to_o the_o get_n pray_a phrase_n out_o of_o it_o and_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o than_o to_o be_v inform_v of_o their_o duty_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o it_o be_v no_o worse_o but_o there_o be_v such_o a_o blend_v of_o fantastical_a particular_a and_o uncommon_a word_n of_o their_o own_o mintage_n and_o such_o a_o medley_n of_o singularity_n of_o income_n and_o outgoing_n and_o in-dwelling_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o which_o like_o the_o wild_a gourd_n spoil_v all_o the_o pottage_n and_o i_o doubt_v they_o will_v find_v there_o be_v death_n too_o in_o the_o pot._n i_o be_o the_o most_o deceive_v if_o for_o this_o purpose_n they_o do_v not_o stuff_v their_o head_n and_o memory_n with_o notion_n how_o to_o express_v themselves_o upon_o any_o sudden_a occasion_n or_o emergency_n and_o as_o i_o be_o inform_v by_o those_o who_o have_v try_v both_o and_o therefore_o have_v reason_n to_o know_v it_o be_v a_o far_o great_a ease_n if_o a_o man_n have_v the_o general_a notion_n of_o what_o he_o intend_v to_o speak_v not_o to_o be_v tie_v to_o numerical_a or_o identical_a word_n but_o to_o have_v a_o liberty_n to_o express_v those_o thought_n and_o notion_n according_a to_o his_o present_a pleasure_n and_o fancy_n which_o if_o his_o tongue_n be_v natural_o smooth_a and_o voluble_a will_v make_v it_o less_o difficult_a for_o he_o to_o do_v it_o even_o to_o admiration_n the_o charge_n of_o general_n be_v less_o burdensome_a to_o the_o memory_n than_o that_o of_o particular_n and_o beside_o it_o leave_v the_o conception_n a_o unlimited_a freedom_n for_o choice_n and_o variation_n and_o afford_v many_o sudden_a
mind_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o who_o have_v be_v of_o his_o privy_a counsel_n that_o be_v in_o those_o secret_a affair_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v his_o uncommunicable_a prerogative_n and_o which_o he_o have_v reserve_v within_o his_o own_o peculiar_a jurisdiction_n from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o he_o have_v exclude_v not_o only_o mortal_a man_n 13.32_o s._n mat._n 24.26_o s._n mark_v 13.32_o but_o even_o his_o own_o son_n as_o a_o man_n for_o of_o that_o day_n know_v no_o man_n not_o the_o son_n but_o the_o father_n which_o make_v a_o apostle_n who_o have_v be_v in_o the_o three_o heaven_n break_v out_o into_o that_o ecstasy_n of_o wonder_n and_o admiration_n o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n 11.33_o rom._n 11.33_o how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judicial_a proceed_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o now_o whether_o we_o shall_v believe_v god_n or_o man_n let_v they_o be_v judge_n but_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n let_v god_n say_v what_o he_o please_v they_o be_v resolve_v to_o say_v what_o they_o will_v and_o what_o may_v please_v their_o party_n and_o serve_v their_o interest_n and_o though_o the_o modest_a apostle_n can_v say_v let_v god_n be_v true_a and_o every_o man_n a_o liar_n 3.4_o rom._n 3.4_o they_o say_v what_o we_o affirm_v be_v true_a i_o dare_v not_o think_v much_o less_o speak_v the_o consequence_n though_o it_o follow_v most_o unavoidable_o from_o their_o confident_a and_o positive_a assertion_n for_o there_o be_v but_o one_o truth_n no_o more_o than_o one_o god_n and_o of_o a_o flat_a downright_a contradiction_n as_o this_o be_v one_o part_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v false_a have_v by_o their_o excellent_a talon_n at_o extempore_o prayer_n leave_v no_o scruple_n but_o that_o they_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o be_v the_o spirit_n which_o must_v lead_v all_o those_o that_o have_v it_o into_o all_o truth_n the_o people_n be_v before_o hand_n prepare_v to_o swallow_v down_o this_o doctrine_n without_o any_o chew_v or_o examination_n and_o in_o truth_n as_o they_o have_v cook_v it_o it_o be_v the_o most_o delicate_a and_o agreeable_a repast_n to_o the_o palate_n of_o those_o soul_n who_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o be_v treat_v at_o their_o spiritual_a entertainment_n for_o have_v first_o lay_v down_o as_o a_o positive_a infallible_a and_o fundamental_a truth_n that_o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n do_v elect_a a_o determinate_a number_n to_o salvation_n and_o that_o this_o number_n be_v but_o small_a for_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a flock_n many_o be_v call_v but_o few_o be_v choose_v or_o elect_v the_o next_o thing_n they_o have_v to_o do_v be_v to_o assure_v they_o who_o be_v their_o disciple_n that_o they_o be_v of_o this_o happy_a number_n who_o have_v the_o seal_n in_o their_o forehead_n and_o who_o name_n be_v write_v in_o the_o book_n of_o life_n now_o the_o first_o step_n to_o this_o assurance_n be_v to_o use_v the_o mean_n for_o faith_n come_v by_o hear_v the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o if_o this_o doctrine_n of_o unconditional_a decree_n be_v pursue_v to_o the_o uttermost_a those_o mean_n must_v be_v either_o unnecessary_a or_o nonsense_n by_o be_v the_o decree_v condition_n of_o a_o unconditional_a decree_n now_o these_o mean_n that_o be_v this_o soulsaving_a preach_n be_v only_o to_o be_v find_v among_o they_o they_o be_v the_o land_n of_o goshen_n where_o the_o sun_n of_o righteousness_n only_o shine_v whilst_o all_o other_o be_v in_o spiritual_a egypt_n and_o grope_v for_o the_o truth_n amid_o such_o darkness_n as_o may_v be_v feel_v and_o be_v next_o to_o the_o very_a region_n of_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n and_o utter_a darkness_n but_o they_o be_v too_o wary_a to_o rest_v here_o or_o to_o build_v so_o weighty_a a_o fabric_n upon_o such_o a_o slender_a foundation_n they_o know_v that_o the_o impious_a herod_n hear_v s._n john_n the_o baptist_n glad_o and_o do_v many_o thing_n and_o therefore_o before_o any_o one_o can_v be_v assure_v that_o he_o be_v of_o the_o elect_n though_o never_o so_o diligent_a a_o hearer_n that_o will_v not_o do_v unless_o he_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o exact_a time_n of_o his_o conversion_n and_o when_o it_o be_v that_o he_o be_v call_v of_o god_n and_o to_o god_n 6.20_o s._n mark_v 6.20_o the_o sign_n of_o this_o call_v be_v contrition_n compunction_n or_o a_o trouble_n of_o mind_n arise_v from_o a_o sight_n of_o their_o lose_a condition_n as_o they_o phrase_v it_o and_o they_o who_o be_v able_a to_o inform_v they_o of_o the_o time_n of_o this_o call_v at_o such_o a_o sermon_n or_o such_o a_o night_n after_o my_o first_o sleep_n though_o they_o do_v but_o dream_v so_o it_o be_v enough_o the_o lord_n be_v please_v to_o call_v i_o all_o those_o who_o can_v do_v this_o be_v pronounce_v from_o the_o infallible_a chair_n to_o be_v in_o a_o certain_a estate_n of_o election_n the_o child_n and_o people_n of_o god_n and_o after_o a_o time_n of_o probation_n which_o be_v needless_a since_o they_o can_v fall_v away_o they_o be_v solemn_o initiate_v into_o their_o church_n and_o enter_v into_o a_o promise_n never_o to_o return_v back_o again_o to_o the_o tent_n of_o the_o ungodly_a which_o may_v as_o well_o be_v spare_v if_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o doctrine_n be_v true_a this_o alone_o be_v enough_o to_o ravish_v the_o heart_n of_o those_o who_o do_v as_o firm_o believe_v it_o as_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o fill_v they_o with_o joy_n unspeakable_a and_o full_a of_o glory_n but_o they_o have_v a_o disert_fw-la behind_o which_o close_v the_o banquet_n far_o better_o than_o the_o egyptian_a deaths-head_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o they_o who_o be_v once_o thus_o elect_v can_v never_o final_o and_o total_o fall_v away_o from_o grace_n so_o as_o to_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o hell_n and_o damnation_n 11.29_o rom._n 11.29_o for_o the_o call_v and_o gift_n of_o god_n be_v without_o repentance_n can_v they_o prove_v this_o and_o that_o their_o comment_n upon_o it_o be_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a meaning_n of_o the_o text_n this_o will_v be_v a_o happiness_n not_o inferior_a to_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o which_o for_o my_o part_n i_o think_v be_v only_o reserve_v to_o complete_a the_o felicity_n of_o that_o bless_a place_n where_o and_o not_o before_o we_o arrive_v there_o all_o fear_n tear_n and_o danger_n shall_v be_v wipe_v away_o this_o be_v their_o great_a diana_n not_o the_o image_n which_o fall_v down_o from_o heaven_n but_o the_o image_n of_o heaven_n itself_o which_o they_o all_o worship_n and_o which_o bring_v they_o in_o such_o fair_a revenue_n both_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a as_o they_o think_v as_o outdo_v not_o only_o the_o poor_a hope_n of_o demetrius_n and_o all_o his_o fellow-craftsman_n but_o the_o riches_n of_o both_o the_o india_n which_o be_v dung_n and_o dross_n in_o comparison_n of_o be_v thus_o certain_o find_v in_o christ_n and_o no_o wonder_n then_o if_o it_o raise_v such_o tumult_n when_o it_o be_v oppose_v or_o in_o danger_n of_o be_v lose_v there_o can_v be_v no_o doctrine_n more_o please_v to_o credulous_a and_o fanciful_a people_n as_o most_o of_o their_o disciple_n be_v and_o indeed_o so_o luscious_a be_v the_o high_a relish_n of_o it_o that_o those_o who_o have_v once_o get_v a_o say_v of_o it_o be_v difficult_o if_o ever_o persuade_v to_o abandon_v it_o or_o in_o comparison_n of_o it_o not_o to_o contemn_v and_o despise_v all_o other_o but_o as_o it_o be_v thus_o infinite_o please_v above_o all_o the_o fruit_n in_o the_o garden_n so_o like_o that_o treacherous_a apple_n it_o be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o pernicious_a both_o to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n the_o quiet_a of_o any_o society_n and_o the_o safety_n of_o any_o government_n that_o dare_v oppose_v it_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o attempt_v a_o long_a and_o solemn_a confutation_n of_o every_o particular_a in_o regard_v it_o have_v already_o be_v sufficient_o do_v by_o the_o pen_n of_o many_o great_a and_o learned_a name_n i_o will_v only_o therefore_o use_v a_o little_a of_o their_o own_o method_n undermine_v the_o foundation_n and_o leave_v the_o rest_n of_o their_o prodigious_a babel_n to_o ruin_v itself_o by_o the_o weight_n and_o stress_n they_o have_v lay_v upon_o it_o and_o if_o we_o can_v but_o break_v these_o counterfeit_a seal_n and_o erase_n these_o mark_n we_o shall_v cancel_v this_o false_a passport_n to_o heaven_n and_o all_o those_o feign_a evidence_n to_o the_o bless_a inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n and_o all_o those_o ill-grounded_a joy_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o the_o hope_n of_o that_o glorious_a reversion_n will_v in_o a_o instant_n vanish_v if_o once_o we_o
or_o even_o as_o this_o superstitious_a idolatrous_a church_n of_o england_n man_n who_o for_o all_o that_o with_o his_o devout_a litany_n and_o humble_a lord_n have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o miserable_a sinner_n be_v in_o the_o judgement_n of_o he_o who_o shall_v be_v judge_n of_o the_o quick_a and_o the_o dead_a like_a to_o go_v up_o to_o his_o house_n justify_v soon_o than_o the_o boast_n pharisaical_a presbyterian_a separatist_n notwithstanding_o the_o large_a self-justifying_a inventory_n of_o his_o own_o perfection_n and_o performance_n there_o be_v few_o but_o will_v be_v of_o my_o judgement_n in_o this_o particular_a that_o these_o man_n be_v strange_o puff_v up_o with_o this_o wind-tympany_n of_o pride_n if_o they_o have_v but_o converse_v with_o they_o and_o see_v how_o big_a and_o swell_v they_o look_v with_o self-conceit_n or_o if_o they_o have_v but_o hear_v they_o vilify_v lessen_v and_o despise_v all_o other_o upon_o who_o the_o best_a their_n chary_o can_v bestow_v be_v a_o little_a scornful_a pity_n alas_o poor_a soul_n they_o be_v in_o blindness_n error_n and_o ignorance_n and_o do_v not_o see_v those_o save_a truth_n which_o concern_v their_o precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n or_o their_o everlasting_a peace_n and_o welfare_n chap._n x._o of_o the_o ill_a consequence_n this_o doctrine_n have_v upon_o the_o private_a community_n where_o it_o come_v from_o hence_o proceed_v a_o certain_a breach_n of_o unity_n no_o people_n so_o addict_v to_o debate_n envy_n strife_n backbiting_n whisper_n slander_n condemn_v censure_v all_o who_o be_v not_o of_o their_o way_n to_o be_v reprobate_n as_o be_v the_o separatist_n vncharitableness_n and_o atheism_n hereby_o extreme_o propagate_v they_o separate_v the_o dear_a eriend_n and_o by_o creep_v into_o house_n and_o beguile_v silly_a woman_n divide_v those_o who_o god_n have_v join_v together_o they_o be_v curious_a busybody_n in_o espy_v out_o the_o fault_n of_o all_o other_o which_o they_o publish_v to_o make_v themselves_o appear_v the_o elect_n and_o all_o other_o reprobate_n all_o this_o be_v do_v to_o fit_v they_o to_o act_v upon_o the_o public_a theatre_n of_o the_o world_n which_o they_o practise_v in_o private_a village_n or_o where_o ever_o they_o dwell_v from_z themselves_o let_v we_o pass_v to_o their_o neighbour_n and_o there_o we_o shall_v see_v the_o ill_a consequence_n this_o doctrine_n have_v upon_o they_o as_o they_o be_v member_n of_o any_o community_n or_o private_a society_n of_o men._n hereby_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o spirit_n 4.3_o eph._n 4.3_o which_o be_v the_o bond_n of_o peace_n and_o perfection_n be_v utter_o destroy_v and_o wheresoever_o this_o doctrine_n once_o enter_v there_o do_v immediate_o follow_v as_o st._n paul_n say_v to_o his_o corinthian_n debate_n envy_n wrath_n 20._o 2_o cor._n 12_o 20._o strife_n backbiting_n whisper_n swell_n tumult_n innumerable_a dispute_n great_a heat_n in_o discourse_n and_o cooling_n in_o charity_n strong_a arguing_n though_o weak_a argument_n from_o these_o man_n of_o perverse_a mind_n condemn_v censure_a judge_a reprove_v and_o reproach_v all_o their_o neighbour_n who_o will_v not_o join_v with_o they_o and_o by_o run_v into_o the_o same_o excess_n of_o spiritual_a riot_n unlawful_a meeting_n conventicle_n or_o assembly_n under_o pretence_n of_o serve_v god_n become_v new_a man_n as_o they_o believe_v and_o speak_v themselves_o to_o be_v all_o those_o who_o look_v not_o through_o their_o optic_n be_v blind_a the_o wicked_a and_o reprobate_n if_o for_o this_o talkative_a and_o troublesome_a humour_n any_o of_o their_o neighbour_n reprove_v or_o rebuke_v they_o present_o it_o be_v because_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o god_n or_o of_o goodness_n if_o hereby_o they_o purchase_v the_o aversion_n of_o the_o sober_a or_o more_o judicious_a the_o prudent_a and_o ancient_a who_o will_v tell_v they_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o their_o time_n but_o there_o be_v more_o true_a love_n faith_n and_o honesty_n when_o there_o be_v less_o dispute_v about_o religion_n when_o man_n go_v all_o one_o way_n to_o the_o church_n and_o heaven_n and_o that_o it_o be_v never_o a_o good_a world_n since_o they_o come_v into_o it_o oh_o these_o be_v your_o formal_a moral_a man_n who_o be_v settle_v upon_o the_o lees_n and_o hereby_o they_o fortify_v themselves_o in_o their_o error_n because_o they_o know_v the_o world_n must_v hate_v they_o which_o hatred_n they_o make_v another_o infallible_a sign_n of_o the_o true_a church_n and_o which_o be_v just_a such_o another_o as_o the_o former_a mark_n of_o persecution_n and_o if_o one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o be_v true_a all_o manner_n of_o thief_n robber_n murderer_n and_o combine_v villain_n must_v undoubted_o be_v of_o their_o true_a church_n because_o they_o be_v hate_v of_o all_o man_n except_o their_o confederate_n and_o just_o persecute_v for_o their_o contempt_n and_o break_n of_o the_o law_n as_o these_o man_n be_v who_o for_o all_o their_o fine_a pretence_n be_v no_o less_o malefactor_n nor_o less_o dangerous_a to_o the_o public_a welfare_n of_o the_o state_n than_o the_o other_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a far_a more_o in_o one_o sense_n because_o they_o be_v more_o numerous_a and_o of_o worse_a design_n and_o whatever_o they_o may_v say_v it_o be_v for_o that_o danger_n which_o the_o natural_a principle_n of_o self-preservation_n teach_v all_o man_n it_o be_v for_o their_o do_v so_o many_o ill_a office_n set_v family_n and_o whole_a town_n together_o by_o the_o ear_n disturb_v the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o all_o their_o neighbour_n it_o be_v for_o these_o and_o such_o like_a uncharitable_a practice_n that_o they_o deserve_o pull_v those_o aversion_n upon_o themselves_o and_o not_o as_o they_o vain_o please_v themselves_o for_o their_o be_v religious_a which_o those_o that_o see_v through_o they_o and_o their_o form_n of_o godliness_n to_o their_o wicked_a intention_n say_v they_o can_v see_v any_o true_a religion_n in_o they_o at_o all_o and_o can_v hate_v they_o for_o what_o they_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o nor_o do_v this_o a_o little_a advance_v the_o increase_n of_o atheism_n among_o we_o and_o it_o may_v be_v we_o need_v not_o seek_v much_o further_o for_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o the_o great_a and_o sensible_a decay_n of_o christian_a piety_n in_o the_o present_a age._n i_o have_v know_v in_o some_o place_n those_o who_o be_v of_o no_o particular_a faction_n nor_o have_v list_v themselves_o under_o the_o standard_n of_o any_o party_n who_o yet_o forsake_v the_o assemble_v of_o themselves_o together_o at_o the_o church_n the_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n for_o which_o i_o can_v never_o hear_v they_o give_v any_o other_o account_n but_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o know_v which_o be_v the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n or_o the_o true_a religion_n whilst_o so_o many_o different_a opinion_n pretend_v with_o a_o equal_a confidence_n that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o all_o other_o wrong_v and_o this_o sort_n of_o people_n want_v both_o will_n and_o ability_n to_o judge_n be_v easy_o persuade_v to_o dispense_v with_o all_o religious_a performance_n their_o natural_a inclination_n have_v never_o very_o strong_o bend_v they_o that_o way_n and_o shall_v the_o succeed_a age_n make_v but_o as_o considerable_a a_o step_n towards_o heathenism_n as_o the_o present_a have_v do_v we_o shall_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o second_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n to_o convert_v our_o posterity_n to_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o it_o be_v say_v the_o first_o do_v our_o ancestor_n neither_o have_v this_o infection_n seize_v only_o upon_o the_o vulgar_a but_o even_o those_o person_n who_o have_v be_v able_a to_o fly_v from_o other_o plague_n have_v be_v surprise_v by_o this_o contagion_n and_o possible_o leviathan_n who_o be_v so_o much_o accuse_v for_o debauch_v green_a head_n have_v not_o make_v so_o many_o proselyte_n to_o atheistical_a principle_n among_o the_o tender_a and_o unsettled_a mind_n of_o young_a gentleman_n as_o the_o many_o dispute_n and_o uncertainty_n which_o of_o late_o have_v by_o our_o dissenter_n be_v occasion_v about_o which_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n where_o while_o every_o one_o bold_o challenge_v the_o sole_a acquaintance_n with_o truth_n they_o come_v all_o at_o last_o to_o be_v suspect_v of_o falsehood_n and_o among_o so_o many_o glister_a and_o well-set_a counterfeit_n and_o pebble_n the_o true_a and_o inestimable_a diamond_n by_o the_o difficulty_n of_o discovery_n be_v in_o danger_n to_o be_v mistake_v if_o not_o absolute_o lose_v and_o the_o young_a gallant_a while_o he_o make_v it_o his_o pastime_n as_o much_o as_o cockfighting_n to_o set_v the_o doctor_n of_o his_o parish_n as_o he_o call_v he_o and_o a_o quaker_n anabaptist_n or_o presbyterian_a into_o a_o dispute_n about_o religion_n though_o he_o fancy_v the_o rencounter_n very_o pleasant_a and_o thereby_o get_v a_o fine_a scene_n of_o divertisement_n yet_o he_o certain_o lose_v
well_o serve_v their_o interest_n and_o can_v be_v godliness_n unless_o it_o bring_v in_o gain_n and_o shall_v this_o doctrine_n once_o appear_v unlawful_a down_o go_v their_o dagon_n and_o lose_v both_o his_o head_n and_o hand_n and_o will_v be_v a_o useless_a trunk_n a_o mere_a stump_n and_o no_o long_o a_o god_n the_o set_n up_o the_o two_o golden_a calf_n be_v not_o the_o least_o policy_n of_o jeroboam_n the_o son_n of_o nebat_fw-la 31._o 1_o king_n 12_o 26._o to_o vers_n 31._o who_o be_v rare_o mention_v without_o that_o infamous_a remark_n that_o he_o make_v israel_n sin_n and_o that_o sin_n be_v separation_n from_o the_o church_n and_o rebellion_n against_o his_o lawful_a sovereign_n to_o go_v up_o to_o jerufalem_fw-la to_o worship_n will_v in_o time_n bring_v the_o kingdom_n back_o again_o to_o the_o house_n of_o david_n and_o therefore_o the_o calf_n must_v be_v erect_v at_o dan_n and_o bethel_n not_o that_o jeroboam_n be_v so_o sottish_a that_o he_o do_v not_o know_v that_o idolatry_n and_o schism_n revolt_a and_o rebellion_n be_v unlawful_a but_o something_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v do_v to_o preserve_v his_o ill-gotten_a crown_n and_o the_o people_n have_v former_o be_v strange_o fond_a of_o a_o calf_n and_o two_o he_o think_v will_v please_v they_o better_o i_o fear_n jeroboam'_v policy_n be_v one_o end_n and_o the_o chief_a one_o of_o their_o separation_n even_o to_o nurse_v the_o people_n up_o in_o disloyalty_n against_o their_o lawful_a prince_n and_o disobedience_n against_o the_o holy_a church_n for_o shall_v the_o people_n go_v to_o the_o church_n to_o worship_n to_o hear_v divine_a service_n and_o receive_v the_o holy_a sacrament_n shall_v they_o hear_v their_o lawful_a minister_n preach_v their_o duty_n &_o press_v they_o to_o fear_n god_n and_o honour_n the_o king_n they_o may_v in_o time_n be_v convince_v of_o their_o error_n and_o mistake_v and_o then_o all_o be_v lose_v chap._n fourteen_o of_o their_o exaltation_n of_o preach_v and_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o do_v so_o of_o the_o great_a veneration_n people_n have_v for_o the_o pulpit_n the_o advantage_n they_o make_v of_o it_o to_o gain_v the_o love_n of_o people_n for_o be_v so_o painful_a labourer_n disperse_v their_o doctrine_n and_o procure_v benevolence_n hereby_o they_o bring_v the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n to_o be_v nauseous_a accustom_v people_n to_o variety_n and_o novelty_n and_o have_v opportunity_n of_o display_v their_o gift_n and_o ability_n as_o well_o as_o in_o extempore-prayer_n the_o abuse_n they_o put_v upon_o the_o church_n that_o it_o be_v against_o preach_v a_o vindication_n of_o the_o church_n from_o this_o aspersion_n of_o the_o primitive_a and_o modern_a preach_v it_o be_v against_o preach_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o interest_n and_o wicked_a design_n that_o the_o church_n declare_v itself_o now_o to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o better_a opportunity_n to_o disperse_v and_o divulge_v their_o doctrine_n there_o be_v no_o place_n that_o can_v be_v so_o subservient_fw-fr as_o the_o pulpit_n a_o discourse_n from_o thence_o have_v gain_v the_o mighty_a reputation_n of_o be_v authentic_a and_o the_o general_o receive_v opinion_n be_v that_o from_o that_o place_n man_n speak_v as_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o that_o every_o word_n that_o come_v from_o their_o mouth_n be_v as_o true_a as_o the_o gospel_n as_o in_o truth_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v there_o be_v therefore_o a_o necessity_n that_o they_o shall_v exalt_v preach_v as_o the_o chief_o necessary_a most_o excellent_a christian_a duty_n and_o give_v it_o the_o pre-eminence_n above_o all_o other_o ordinance_n and_o this_o be_v the_o three_o doctrine_n which_o for_o the_o same_o design_n with_o the_o other_o with_o so_o much_o vehemence_n and_o earnestness_n they_o press_v upon_o the_o people_n and_o to_o satisfy_v you_o how_o strange_o the_o present_a age_n be_v enamour_v of_o the_o pulpit_n and_o how_o great_a a_o opinion_n people_n have_v of_o what_o be_v speak_v there_o i_o will_v relate_v a_o passage_n which_o happen_v to_o a_o reverend_n divine_a in_o the_o county_n of_o essex_n every_o lord_n day_n as_o he_o think_v it_o be_v his_o duty_n in_o the_o afternoon_n he_o expound_v upon_o some_o part_n of_o the_o nine_o and_o thirty_o article_n to_o instruct_v his_o parishioner_n what_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n judge_v it_o a_o good_a expedient_a to_o remove_v the_o scandal_n that_o lie_v upon_o our_o religion_n and_o to_o prevent_v their_o fall_n into_o sect_n and_o faction_n with_o which_o that_o county_n do_v abound_v and_o this_o he_o do_v in_o the_o read_n desk_n without_o the_o formality_n of_o a_o prayer_n to_o usher_v it_o in_o or_o make_v it_o look_v like_o a_o sermon_n but_o never_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o discouragement_n of_o a_o thin_a audience_n whereby_o guess_v at_o the_o true_a reason_n he_o give_v they_o notice_n that_o for_o the_o future_a he_o will_v preach_v in_o the_o afternoon_n be_v determine_v to_o try_v if_o the_o same_o matter_n will_v take_v better_o from_o the_o pulpit_n than_o it_o have_v do_v from_o the_o read_n desk_n he_o choose_v such_o text_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n he_o intend_v to_o expound_v upon_o and_o from_o they_o deliver_v the_o very_a same_o word_n he_o be_v resolve_v to_o use_v in_o his_o exposition_n nor_o do_v the_o success_n at_o all_o deceive_v his_o expectation_n the_o church_n be_v now_o throng_v and_o crowd_v whereas_o before_o it_o use_v to_o look_v as_o if_o the_o stone_n and_o pillar_n must_v have_v say_v amen_o as_o it_o be_v say_v they_o once_o do_v to_o the_o prayer_n of_o our_o venerable_a bede_n the_o discourse_n be_v extreme_o approve_v of_o and_o the_o people_n wonderful_o please_v the_o plain_a truth_n on_o it_o be_v the_o commons_o of_o england_n by_o the_o disorder_n of_o the_o late_a time_n and_o the_o many_o tickle_a promise_n which_o be_v make_v they_o that_o the_o burden_n of_o tithe_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o and_o a_o more_o evangelical_n way_n for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o the_o clergy_n shall_v be_v find_v out_o have_v lose_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o payment_n of_o tithe_n and_o do_v not_o do_v it_o out_o of_o a_o principle_n of_o conscience_n nor_o consider_v that_o they_o be_v a_o just_a right_n which_o in_o all_o alienation_n pass_v as_o a_o reserve_a rent_n to_o the_o use_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o it_o may_v be_v be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a tenor_n in_o capite_fw-la of_o their_o estate_n from_o the_o great_a landlord_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o if_o they_o have_v no_o such_o esteem_n for_o preach_v yet_o they_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o debt_n their_o minister_n owe_v they_o for_o what_o they_o pay_v he_o and_o though_o several_a of_o they_o care_n not_o how_o little_o he_o have_v yet_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o have_v enough_o for_o their_o money_n which_o make_v they_o many_o time_n come_v to_o church_n to_o see_v that_o the_o parson_n do_v his_o duty_n rather_o than_o from_o he_o to_o learn_v their_o own_o or_o perform_v what_o they_o know_v by_o join_v with_o he_o in_o humble_a and_o devout_a prayer_n and_o praise_n but_o they_o think_v they_o have_v not_o their_o pennyworth_n for_o their_o penny_n and_o that_o a_o man_n take_v no_o pain_n for_o what_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v in_o the_o pulpit_n or_o if_o he_o do_v not_o preach_v twice_o in_o a_o day_n beside_o curiosity_n and_o the_o desire_n and_o love_n of_o novelty_n and_o mighty_a natural_a and_o the_o athenian_a humour_n do_v but_o too_o universal_o prevail_v a_o certain_a pleasure_n in_o hear_v or_o tell_v some_o new_a thing_n so_o that_o a_o sermon_n though_o never_o so_o good_a and_o useful_a which_o be_v preach_v in_o the_o morning_n will_v be_v crambe_n bis_fw-la costa_fw-la nauseous_a if_o repeat_v in_o the_o afternoon_n and_o with_o this_o humour_n of_o the_o world_n these_o man_n be_v so_o well_o acquaint_v that_o it_o be_v variety_n that_o make_v the_o feast_n that_o usual_o they_o have_v one_o text_n for_o the_o morning_n and_o another_o for_o the_o evening_n sermon_n and_o neither_o the_o same_o prayer_n exact_o before_o or_o after_o either_o though_o it_o be_v but_o put_v almighty_a before_o eternal_a or_o eternal_a before_o almighty_a and_o it_o will_v please_v and_o i_o be_o persuade_v if_o any_o man_n will_v give_v himself_o the_o trouble_n in_o shorthand_n to_o write_v down_o one_o of_o their_o prayer_n for_o three_o or_o four_o day_n together_o he_o will_v find_v the_o great_a secret_a of_o extempore-praying_a to_o consist_v in_o this_o neat_a and_o cunning_a transposition_n turn_v the_o inside_n outward_a and_o the_o foreside_n backward_o more_o than_o in_o any_o thing_n of_o new_a invention_n at_o which_o for_o all_o