or_o hatred_n piety_n be_v little_o practise_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v despise_v and_o it_o be_v hate_v and_o these_o be_v the_o three_o principal_a cause_n of_o vicious_a shame_n 1._o piety_n be_v little_o practise_v in_o the_o world_n few_o people_n love_n or_o practice_v it_o now_o a_o man_n be_v very_o incline_v to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v common_o do_v he_o think_v it_o be_v safe_a and_o most_o honourable_a to_o side_n with_o the_o multitude_n he_o be_v afraid_a of_o make_v himself_o ridiculous_a by_o be_v singular_a it_o be_v a_o maxim_n general_o receive_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o comply_v with_o custom_n and_o to_o do_v as_o other_o do_v the_o reason_n then_o why_o many_o have_v not_o the_o courage_n to_o be_v on_o the_o side_n of_o religion_n be_v because_o that_o side_n be_v desert_v and_o abandon_v 2._o piety_n be_v often_o despise_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o mean_a and_o disgraceful_a thing_n the_o strictness_n of_o a_o man_n who_o act_v upon_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o conscience_n be_v impute_v to_o weakness_n of_o mind_n singularity_n of_o humour_n or_o caprice_n and_o sometime_o to_o hypocrisy_n and_o pride_n those_o who_o profess_v devotion_n and_o piety_n be_v turn_v into_o ridicule_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v think_v honourable_a to_o comply_v in_o every_o thing_n with_o the_o way_n and_o fashion_n of_o the_o age._n though_o these_o sentiment_n be_v very_o unjust_a yet_o they_o make_v a_o great_a impression_n because_o few_o people_n have_v firmness_n enough_o to_o slight_v the_o judgement_n and_o contempt_n of_o men._n we_o have_v natural_o a_o quick_a sense_n of_o honour_n and_o nothing_o be_v so_o unsupportable_a to_o self-love_n as_o contempt_n so_o that_o this_o temptation_n be_v dangerous_a and_o it_o easy_o produce_v in_o a_o man_n a_o false_a shame_n which_o divert_v he_o from_o religion_n 3._o piety_n do_v likewise_o procure_v the_o hatred_n of_o the_o world_n because_o a_o good_a life_n accuse_v condemn_v and_o reproach_n those_o who_o live_v ill_o beside_o religion_n oblige_v we_o sometime_o to_o do_v thing_n which_o displease_v and_o offend_v men._n how_o cautious_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v it_o be_v much_o if_o upon_o many_o occasion_n it_o do_v not_o stir_v up_o their_o jealousy_n their_o hatred_n or_o their_o spleen_n a_o good_a man_n be_v often_o bind_v to_o refuse_v what_o be_v desire_v of_o he_o he_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o the_o maxim_n of_o that_o mean_a and_o fawn_a complaisance_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o get_v every_o body_n love_n many_o for_o this_o reason_n neglect_v piety_n they_o dare_v not_o let_v shine_v a_o light_n which_o discover_v the_o weakness_n and_o error_n of_o other_o and_o fear_v and_o shame_n together_o make_v they_o think_v that_o it_o will_v be_v ill-breeding_a as_o well_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o imprudence_n to_o follow_v a_o course_n of_o life_n which_o may_v render_v they_o odious_a from_o these_o consideration_n it_o appear_v already_o that_o this_o shame_n be_v one_o of_o the_o general_a fountain_n of_o corruption_n and_o that_o it_o can_v produce_v none_o but_o very_o ill_a effect_n first_o upon_o those_o in_o who_o it_o be_v and_o next_o upon_o other_o men._n 1._o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o vicious_a shame_n be_v to_o dissuade_v a_o man_n from_o his_o duty_n and_o to_o draw_v he_o into_o sin_n it_o make_v his_o knowledge_n useless_a it_o frustrate_v the_o warning_n which_o his_o conscience_n give_v he_o and_o so_o it_o extinguish_v in_o he_o the_o principle_n of_o virtue_n those_o who_o be_v possess_v with_o this_o shame_n dare_v neither_o speak_v nor_o act_n as_o they_o ought_v they_o dissemble_v their_o true_a sentiment_n they_o offer_v violence_n to_o their_o conscience_n they_o have_v not_o the_o courage_n to_o speak_v the_o truth_n or_o to_o reprove_v their_o neighbour_n when_o occasion_n require_v they_o be_v loath_a to_o confess_v or_o to_o amend_v their_o fault_n in_o a_o word_n they_o frequent_o neglect_v the_o most_o indispensable_a duty_n of_o piety_n and_o charity_n and_o all_o this_o because_o they_o be_v check_v by_o a_o false_a shame_n but_o if_o this_o shame_n hinder_v we_o to_o do_v good_a it_o do_v as_o forcible_o prompt_v we_o to_o evil_a as_o soon_o as_o a_o man_n think_v it_o a_o disgrace_n to_o do_v good_a and_o to_o distinguish_v himself_o by_o a_o christian_a deportment_n he_o present_o conceive_v likewise_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o shame_n to_o he_o not_o to_o imitate_v the_o irregularity_n of_o other_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o applaud_v sin_n that_o we_o be_v carry_v away_o by_o the_o solicitation_n or_o example_n of_o person_n of_o authority_n that_o we_o can_v withstand_v the_o entreaty_n of_o friend_n that_o we_o engage_v in_o unjust_a erterprise_n or_o criminal_a diversion_n and_o that_o we_o fall_v into_o many_o other_o wicked_a practice_n a_o very_a little_a reflection_n upon_o ourselves_o will_v easy_o convince_v we_o that_o shame_n produce_v all_o these_o effect_n a_o heathen_a author_n plutarch_n author_n plutarch_n have_v prove_v long_o ago_o in_o a_o excellent_a tract_n that_o false_a modesty_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a obstacle_n to_o virtue_n and_o that_o man_n commit_v many_o fault_n and_o bring_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o mischief_n upon_o themselves_o only_o because_o they_o dare_v not_o refuse_v to_o comply_v with_o other_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o shame_n be_v not_o less_o fatal_a in_o respect_n of_o other_o men._n as_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o regard_n we_o bear_v to_o their_o judgement_n so_o it_o usual_o show_v itself_o in_o their_o company_n so_o that_o we_o can_v but_o scandalize_v and_o corrupt_v they_o when_o we_o govern_v ourselves_o by_o the_o suggestion_n of_o this_o false_a shame_n for_o not_o to_o mention_v here_o the_o scandal_n which_o this_o give_v to_o good_a man_n those_o very_a person_n for_o who_o sake_n we_o use_v such_o sinful_a compliance_n and_o who_o despise_v religion_n conceive_v yet_o a_o great_a contempt_n of_o it_o when_o they_o see_v that_o those_o who_o ought_v to_o support_v its_o interest_n be_v ashamed_a of_o it_o and_o dare_v not_o open_o profess_v it_o they_o judge_v that_o piety_n must_v be_v indeed_o a_o very_a mean_a and_o contemptible_a thing_n and_o when_o they_o observe_v that_o man_n be_v afraid_a to_o displease_v they_o they_o take_v such_o a_o ascendent_n over_o they_o that_o virtue_n dare_v no_o more_o appear_v in_o their_o presence_n beside_o that_o such_o a_o indulgence_n towards_o vice_n give_v a_o new_a force_n to_o it_o if_o vicious_a man_n be_v not_o reprove_v it_o confirm_v they_o in_o their_o ill_a habit_n if_o they_o be_v imitate_v they_o be_v authorize_v if_o we_o be_v ashamed_a to_o confess_v our_o fault_n before_o they_o we_o do_v not_o heal_v the_o scandal_n which_o we_o have_v give_v they_o and_o that_o be_v the_o great_a for_o have_v be_v occasion_v by_o man_n who_o be_v think_v pious_a and_o not_o by_o libertine_n but_o that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o more_o sensible_a of_o the_o pernicious_a effect_n of_o this_o kind_n of_o shame_n we_o ought_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o three_o thing_n which_o be_v very_o remarkable_a in_o this_o matter_n 1._o shame_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o have_v a_o absolute_a power_n over_o a_o man._n other_o passion_n may_v more_o easy_o be_v resist_v but_o when_o shame_n have_v gain_v a_o ascendent_n over_o the_o mind_n it_o be_v extreme_a hard_o to_o be_v conquer_v especial_o if_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o regard_n we_o have_v for_o man_n for_o when_o it_o arise_v from_o a_o natural_a disposition_n it_o may_v soon_o be_v overcome_v the_o great_a threat_n and_o promise_n will_v not_o sometime_o shame_v a_o man_n who_o will_v present_o yield_v if_o shame_n can_v be_v excite_v within_o he_o how_o often_o do_v we_o find_v the_o most_o vigorous_a effort_n we_o can_v make_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o our_o best_a resolution_n quite_o dash_v by_o a_o silly_a bashfulness_n a_o jest_n a_o bare_a look_v or_o a_o slight_a apprehension_n of_o be_v think_v ridiculous_a or_o a_o bigot_n be_v sometime_o enough_o to_o confound_v we_o and_o to_o make_v all_o our_o good_a purpose_n vanish_v 2._o it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o shame_n we_o speak_v of_o here_o restrain_v those_o person_n who_o in_o their_o heart_n be_v incline_v to_o virtue_n those_o who_o live_v in_o a_o profound_a ignorance_n or_o in_o a_o total_a obduration_n be_v not_o susceptible_a of_o this_o shame_n it_o suppose_v as_o have_v be_v say_v some_o remainder_n of_o conscience_n and_o knowledge_n solicit_v man_n to_o his_o duty_n but_o it_o overcome_v that_o knowledge_n and_o those_o good_a sentiment_n we_o be_v to_o impute_v to_o this_o vicious_a shame_n a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o good_a man_n and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o article_n
christianity_n i_o say_v that_o the_o particular_a truth_n and_o the_o part_n of_o religion_n be_v better_o know_v which_o do_v not_o imply_v but_o that_o in_o this_o respect_n too_o ignoranâ—â—_n be_v very_o great_a and_o general_a 1._o i_o shall_v not_o scruple_n to_o say_v that_o theâ—_n be_v prodigious_a number_n of_o people_n whâ—â—â—_n scarce_o have_v any_o knowledge_n at_o all_o of_o thâ—â—_n doctrine_n of_o religion_n if_o all_o christianâ—_n be_v oblige_v to_o render_v a_o account_n of_o theiâ—_n faith_n if_o they_o be_v examine_v upon_o thâ—_n article_n of_o their_o belief_n or_o the_o main_a factâ—_n relate_v in_o sacred_a history_n there_o will_v appear_v in_o most_o of_o they_o such_o a_o astonish_a ignorance_n or_o such_o confuse_a and_o intricaâ—â—_n idea_n that_o one_o will_v hardly_o think_v theâ—_n more_o know_v than_o if_o they_o live_v in_o thâ—â—_n darkness_n of_o heathenism_n and_o what_o religion_n what_o piety_n can_v we_o look_v for_o amonâ—_n such_o man_n but_o beside_o this_o gross_a and_o palpable_a ignorance_n there_o be_v several_a defect_n of_o instruction_n to_o be_v observe_v even_o in_o thosâ—_n who_o have_v or_o fancy_n that_o they_o have_v moâ—â—_n knowledge_n than_o other_o i_o shall_v particular_o take_v notice_n of_o these_o two_o one_a those_o who_o exceed_v the_o ordinary_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n have_v yet_o often_o buâ—_n a_o false_a kind_n of_o light_n either_o they_o do_v not_o know_v those_o truth_n which_o they_o shoulâ—_n know_v or_o else_o they_o know_v they_o not_o aright_o they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o essential_a to_o christianity_n or_o which_o â—â—e_v less_o considerable_a than_o other_o which_o â—â—ey_n do_v not_o study_v thus_o in_o all_o christian_a society_n instruction_n be_v common_o place_v in_o â—â—e_z knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o opiâ—â—ions_n particular_a to_o every_o one_o be_v own_o sect_n â—nd_v party_n whoever_o be_v able_a to_o debate_v â—ose_a point_n and_o be_v skill_v in_o controverse_n be_v say_v to_o understand_v his_o religion_n â—hese_fw-mi matter_n may_v perhaps_o have_v their_o â—â—se_n but_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o â—en_n be_v more_o concern_v to_o know_v because_o â—hey_n be_v more_o conduce_v to_o piety_n and_o â—et_o they_o be_v almost_o constant_o neglect_v the_o occasion_n of_o this_o error_n be_v that_o the_o various_a importance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o due_o weigh_v and_o that_o religion_n be_v not_o study_v in_o a_o orderly_a method_n very_o few_o person_n distinguish_v between_o the_o more_o and_o the_o less_o necessary_a thing_n between_o the_o most_o useful_a subject_n and_o those_o which_o be_v of_o little_a edification_n most_o man_n study_v religion_n without_o rule_n and_o to_o no_o purpose_n and_o so_o run_v out_o upon_o many_o unprotable_a subject_n that_o which_o be_v call_v learning_n in_o divinity_n or_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n be_v frequent_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o heap_n of_o notion_n which_o have_v no_o influence_n upon_o piety_n or_o respect_n to_o man_n salvation_n it_o be_v but_o a_o confuse_a medley_n wherein_o the_o least_o necessary_a thing_n be_v blend_v without_o choice_n and_o distinction_n with_o the_o most_o important_a i_o do_v not_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o perplex_a and_o unaccurate_a idea_n which_o man_n often_o have_v about_o these_o matter_n i_o pass_v by_o the_o false_a reason_n which_o be_v sometime_o use_v to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n as_o well_o as_o those_o mist_n which_o the_o school-divinity_n have_v cast_v upon_o the_o gospel_n i_o do_v only_o observe_v that_o the_o knowledge_n which_o most_o man_n have_v of_o religion_n be_v not_o very_o fit_a to_o make_v they_o sensible_a of_o the_o beauty_n of_o it_o so_o that_o when_o all_o be_v do_v it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o it_o shall_v seem_v to_o many_o a_o obscure_a crabbed_a unpleasant_a and_o intricate_a science_n and_o that_o it_o shall_v have_v so_o little_a effect_n upon_o man_n mind_n 2_o the_o other_o fault_n be_v that_o man_n content_v themselves_o with_o bare_a instruction_n or_o with_o the_o simple_a knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a truth_n while_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o their_o use_n if_o they_o do_v but_o know_v in_o a_o historical_a manner_n what_o be_v believe_v by_o christian_n and_o be_v able_a to_o reason_n about_o it_o and_o to_o discern_v truth_n from_o error_n they_o think_v themselves_o sufficient_o instruct_v but_o these_o instruction_n do_v not_o reach_v the_o heart_n among_o that_o small_a number_n of_o person_n who_o have_v some_o knowledge_n there_o be_v but_o few_o who_o consider_v that_o this_o knowledge_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v to_o a_o holy_a life_n as_o to_o its_o proper_a end_n and_o intendment_n and_o they_o be_v few_o yet_o who_o actual_o direct_v it_o to_o that_o end_n and_o make_v it_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o reform_v of_o their_o life_n and_o so_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o a_o great_a many_o of_o those_o who_o be_v best_a acquaint_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n have_v yet_o but_o a_o imperfect_a and_o barren_a knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o that_o with_o all_o their_o attainment_n they_o live_v still_o in_o the_o darkness_n of_o corruption_n and_o vice_n ii_o hitherto_o we_o have_v consider_v ignorance_n with_o relation_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n which_o the_o christian_a faith_n embrace_n let_v we_o now_o view_v this_o ignorance_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o duty_n which_o christianity_n prescribe_v upon_o this_o second_o head_n we_o shall_v discover_v yet_o a_o great_a ignorance_n than_o upon_o the_o first_o for_o after_o all_o something_o may_v be_v do_v when_o we_o be_v only_o to_o infuse_v into_o man_n some_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n it_o be_v usual_a enough_o to_o see_v very_o ill_a man_n who_o in_o this_o regard_n be_v not_o destitute_a of_o light_n but_o it_o be_v much_o hard_a to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o duty_n of_o holiness_n we_o may_v apply_v here_o these_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n 20._o saviour_n john_n iii_o 19_o 20._o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_n because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v the_o maxim_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o its_o morality_n condemn_v sinner_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o care_v to_o be_v inform_v about_o they_o those_o who_o love_v the_o world_n and_o their_o sin_n be_v glad_a if_o they_o can_v enjoy_v the_o sweet_n of_o these_o without_o disturbance_n and_o interruption_n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v not_o inquire_v much_o into_o the_o moral_a precept_n of_o jesus_n christ_n they_o be_v loath_a to_o come_v at_o such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o will_v disclose_v to_o they_o the_o turpitude_n of_o vice_n and_o breed_v disquiet_a and_o remorse_n in_o they_o ignorance_n beget_v security_n the_o more_o ignorant_a a_o man_n be_v the_o few_o sting_n he_o feel_v in_o his_o conscience_n and_o the_o more_o pleasure_n he_o take_v in_o his_o sin_n the_o very_a shadow_n of_o evil_n fright_v a_o well-instructed_n christian_n but_o crime_n itself_o do_v not_o daunt_v one_o who_o be_v ignorant_a he_o do_v not_o hear_v within_o himself_o those_o alarm_n or_o reproach_n which_o be_v either_o the_o preservative_n against_o sin_n or_o the_o remedy_n of_o it_o from_o this_o it_o may_v be_v judge_v already_o that_o man_n be_v general_o very_o little_o instruct_v in_o what_o concern_v manner_n but_o that_o we_o may_v â—he_n better_o understand_v how_o great_a the_o ignorance_n be_v in_o this_o matter_n it_o must_v be_v observe_v that_o whoever_o will_v perform_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n must_v be_v persuade_v of_o their_o necessity_n and_o acquaint_v with_o their_o nature_n one_o can_v imagine_v how_o they_o can_v be_v practise_v by_o a_o man_n who_o either_o do_v not_o know_v they_o or_o do_v not_o think_v they_o necessary_a this_o be_v the_o plain_a reason_n why_o man_n do_v so_o little_o addict_v themselves_o to_o piety_n they_o know_v neither_o its_o necessity_n nor_o its_o nature_n 1._o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o those_o fact_n and_o doctrine_n which_o religion_n propose_v so_o the_o groundwork_n of_o piety_n be_v to_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o duty_n which_o christianity_n require_v without_o this_o persuasion_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o resign_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n now_o one_o will_v think_v that_o all_o christian_n shall_v be_v full_o convince_v of_o this_o necessity_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o certain_a truth_n in_o christianity_n it_o be_v this_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o good_a work_n be_v necessary_a good_a work_n do_v so_o immediate_o belong_v to_o the_o design_n and_o the_o
which_o distinguish_v we_o from_o brute_n and_o a_o conscience_n which_o discern_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a we_o ought_v then_o to_o live_v according_a to_o reason_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o conscience_n and_o to_o do_v that_o which_o become_v the_o nature_n of_o man._n we_o be_v man_n and_o by_o consequence_n mortal_a we_o know_v we_o be_v not_o to_o live_v always_o in_o this_o world_n and_o know_v this_o we_o must_v either_o think_v of_o another_o life_n or_o propose_v to_o ourselves_o no_o other_o end_n than_o that_o of_o beast_n which_o follow_v their_o instinct_n while_o they_o live_v and_o then_o die_v never_o to_o live_v again_o we_o be_v man_n but_o we_o be_v not_o independent_a we_o have_v a_o creator_n and_o a_o master_n and_o as_o we_o be_v endue_v beside_o with_o understanding_n we_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o our_o action_n before_o his_o tribunal_n it_o be_v therefore_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n to_o live_v like_o a_o creature_n that_o depend_v upon_o god_n and_o that_o must_v be_v judge_v so_o that_o this_o consideration_n that_o we_o be_v man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o excuse_v that_o it_o condemn_v corruption_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v weak_a men._n this_o be_v very_o true_a our_o nature_n be_v frail_a and_o have_v beside_o a_o strong_a bias_n to_o evil_n but_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o as_o to_o weak_a man_n he_o command_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v proportion_v to_o that_o state_n of_o imperfection_n we_o be_v in_o beside_o this_o excuse_n do_v not_o at_o all_o become_v christian_n to_o say_v we_o be_v weak_a man_n be_v to_o show_v we_o have_v but_o little_a sense_n of_o god_n kindness_n towards_o we_o we_o be_v not_o only_a man_n but_o we_o be_v christian_n too_o and_o this_o quality_n raise_v we_o above_o the_o natural_a condition_n of_o man_n it_o make_v we_o new_a man_n and_o new_a creature_n why_o do_v we_o then_o forget_v the_o glory_n to_o which_o god_n have_v exalt_v our_o nature_n through_o jesus_n christ_n why_o will_v we_o still_o lie_v down_o under_o the_o burden_n of_o frail_a and_o corrupt_a nature_n it_o be_v further_a say_v that_o we_o be_v not_o angel_n but_o neither_o be_v it_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n command_v we_o when_o god_n give_v we_o his_o law_n he_o know_v he_o give_v they_o to_o man_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v admirable_o suit_v to_o our_o present_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n if_o we_o be_v angel_n god_n will_v give_v we_o quite_o other_o law_n the_o gospel_n will_v be_v abolish_v and_o the_o world_n shall_v continue_v no_o long_o in_o the_o state_n it_o be_v in_o it_o be_v therefore_o a_o absurd_a imagination_n to_o think_v that_o one_o can_v perform_v the_o duty_n of_o religion_n without_o be_v of_o a_o angelical_a nature_n let_v we_o then_o no_o long_o pretend_v that_o because_o we_o be_v man_n we_o be_v too_o weak_a to_o observe_v the_o duty_n which_o religion_n prescribe_v thâ—â—_n excuse_n charge_v god_n with_o injustice_n as_o if_o he_o do_v require_v from_o we_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o agreeable_a with_o our_o nature_n and_o condition_n it_o be_v injurious_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o power_n of_o his_o spirit_n iâ—_n be_v false_a since_o the_o scripture_n declare_v that_o grace_n regenerate_v and_o strengthen_v we_o and_o that_o it_o make_v we_o able_a to_o overcome_v the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o to_o free_v ourselves_o from_o the_o dominion_n of_o sin_n and_o last_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o experience_n for_o those_o many_o saint_n and_o good_a man_n who_o practise_v the_o most_o 5.17_o most_o jam._n 5.17_o sublime_a and_o difficult_a duty_n of_o piety_n be_v man_n as_o we_o be_v and_o as_o the_o 12.1_o the_o heb._n 12.1_o sacred_a writer_n observe_v they_o be_v subject_a to_o the_o same_o infirmitte_v with_o we_o and_o many_o of_o they_o perhaps_o have_v not_o those_o advantage_n which_o we_o have_v 2._o it_o be_v often_o allege_a as_o a_o excuse_n that_o no_o man_n be_v perfect_a and_o that_o every_o one_o have_v his_o fault_n this_o be_v say_v every_o day_n and_o some_o pretend_v with_o that_o say_n to_o excuse_v every_o thing_n excuse_n for_o the_o most_o part_n have_v something_o of_o truth_n in_o they_o this_o proposition_n that_o no_o man_n perfect_a be_v very_o true_a in_o one_o sense_n and_o altogether_o false_a in_o another_o no_o man_n certain_o be_v perfect_a in_o the_o strict_a sense_n of_o that_o word_n or_o as_o it_o import_v a_o full_a and_o accomplish_a perfection_n free_a from_o all_o defect_n such_o a_o perfection_n be_v to_o be_v have_v no_o where_o else_o but_o in_o heaven_n but_o there_o be_v a_o perfection_n commence_v or_o begin_v of_o which_o a_o man_n redeem_a and_o sanctify_a by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v capable_a if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o why_o shall_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o 5.23_o we_o mat._n 5.48_o phil._n 1.10_o 1_o thess_n 5.23_o to_o be_v perfect_a why_o shall_v they_o tell_v we_o 5.9_o we_o 1_o john_n 5.9_o that_o he_o who_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o sin_n and_o that_o a_o christian_n be_v 11.21_o be_v 1_o cor._n 1.8_o 2_o tim._n 11.21_o thorough_o furnish_v to_o every_o good_a work_n if_o you_o ask_v who_o those_o perfect_a man_n be_v i_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v those_o who_o aspire_v to_o perfection_n in_o who_o sin_n do_v not_o reign_n who_o do_v not_o allow_v themselves_o in_o any_o vicious_a habit_n who_o sincere_o and_o honest_o apply_v themselves_o to_o holiness_n and_o have_v accustom_v themselves_o to_o practice_v 〈…〉_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o with_o delight_n whoever_o be_v arrive_v at_o such_o a_o state_n have_v attain_v thaâ—_n perfection_n which_o be_v attainable_a in_o this_o life_n and_o to_o which_o christian_n be_v call_v by_o the_o gospel_n though_o there_o remain_v still_o in_o he_o some_o infirmity_n inseparable_a from_o humane_a nature_n and_o never_o total_o to_o be_v root_v out_o before_o he_o get_v to_o heaven_n we_o can_v be_v perfect_a in_o that_o first_o and_o strict_a sense_n i_o have_v mention_v but_o we_o may_v be_v perfect_a and_o god_n will_v have_v we_o be_v so_o in_o the_o second_o and_o evangelical_n sense_n of_o that_o word_n it_o be_v therefore_o a_o frivolous_a excuse_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o corrupt_a man_n to_o say_v that_o no_o man_n be_v perfect_a and_o that_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o the_o perfection_n or_o to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n for_o this_o be_v to_o shift_v the_o question_n because_o that_o be_v not_o the_o perfection_n which_o god_n require_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o fix_v a_o false_a and_o absurd_a sense_n upon_o god_n commandment_n that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o pretence_n not_o to_o obey_v they_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o christian_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v that_o which_o god_n will_v have_v they_o do_v and_o which_o they_o be_v able_a to_o do_v in_o this_o world_n this_o be_v the_o perfection_n to_o which_o he_o call_v we_o we_o may_v apply_v very_o near_o the_o same_o answer_n to_o that_o other_o excuse_v that_o every_o body_n have_v his_o fault_n there_o be_v fault_n which_o do_v not_o destroy_v piety_n and_o god_n be_v gracious_o please_v not_o to_o impute_v such_o fault_n to_o those_o that_o fear_v he_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n no_o man_n â—s_v free_a from_o fault_n but_o there_o be_v another_o â—ort_n of_o fault_n which_o shall_v not_o be_v call_v bare_a fault_n or_o defect_n those_o be_v the_o vice_n and_o passion_n which_o can_v consist_v with_o piety_n the_o great_a the_o reign_v the_o habitual_a or_o deliberate_a sin_n true_a christian_n be_v free_a from_o such_o fault_n and_o those_o who_o be_v not_o free_a from_o they_o be_v not_o true_a christian_n if_o this_o maxim_n that_o every_o one_o have_v his_o fault_n be_v not_o thus_o explain_v we_o must_v speak_v no_o long_o of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n for_o this_o excuse_n will_v serve_v for_o all_o sin_n and_o acquit_v every_o body_n if_o a_o man_n be_v give_v to_o swear_v if_o he_o be_v revengeful_a passionate_a or_o false_a if_o he_o commit_v adultery_n it_o be_v but_o say_v every_o one_o have_v his_o fault_n and_o no_o man_n be_v perfect_a such_o language_n from_o a_o man_n full_a of_o vicious_a habit_n be_v unsufferable_a what_o dismal_a consequence_n will_v not_o libertine_n draw_v from_o such_o a_o principle_n we_o must_v therefore_o understand_v this_o proposition_n in_o the_o sense_n and_o with_o those_o restriction_n i_o have_v observe_v and_o then_o it_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o comfort_v good_a man_n but_o it_o will_v never_o excuse_v those_o who_o be_v vicious_a 3._o
fall_v very_o short_a of_o that_o knowledge_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v and_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o for_o the_o most_o part_n they_o live_v in_o shameful_a and_o deplorable_a ignorance_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o piety_n be_v so_o much_o want_v among_o they_o and_o why_o they_o be_v so_o deprave_v and_o vicious_a which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o make_v appear_v in_o order_n to_o this_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o two_o head_n first_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n second_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n it_o be_v fit_a to_o inquire_v whether_o with_o respect_n to_o these_o christian_n be_v furnish_v with_o necessary_a information_n i_o shall_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v very_o little_o instruct_v i._o in_o that_o which_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o ii_o in_o what_o relate_v to_o manner_n and_o to_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n the_o reflection_n i_o shall_v bestow_v upon_o both_o these_o head_n will_v i_o hope_v clear_o prove_v that_o among_o those_o vast_a multitude_n of_o man_n who_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n there_o be_v very_o few_o who_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o religion_n from_o whence_o it_o will_v be_v natural_a to_o conclude_v that_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v very_o corrupt_a i._o to_o begin_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n we_o must_v distinguish_v two_o sort_n of_o truth_n in_o religion_n the_o general_n and_o the_o particular_a truth_n the_o general_a truth_n be_v those_o upon_o which_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n be_v found_v such_o as_o these_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o the_o bible_n be_v a_o divine_a book_n and_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_a by_o particular_a truth_n i_o mean_v the_o various_a doctrine_n which_o religion_n contain_v and_o which_o be_v the_o part_n of_o it_o but_o which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n depend_v upon_o the_o general_a truth_n as_o upon_o their_o principle_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o justification_n and_o many_o other_o be_v of_o this_o number_n now_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o ignorance_n of_o christian_n in_o reference_n to_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o truth_n 1._o every_o man_n who_o make_v use_v of_o his_o reason_n may_v easy_o apprehend_v that_o the_o general_a truth_n be_v the_o most_o important_a that_o they_o be_v those_o of_o which_o one_o ought_v chief_o to_o be_v persuade_v and_o that_o without_o these_o general_a truth_n the_o particular_a one_o will_v be_v useless_a nay_o will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o as_o truth_n to_o inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o sacrament_n or_o how_o a_o man_n can_v be_v justify_v one_o must_v believe_v first_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o a_o religion_n for_o if_o i_o be_o not_o convince_v of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v signify_v little_a to_o i_o whether_o or_o not_o there_o be_v any_o sacrament_n and_o all_o the_o time_n i_o shall_v employ_v in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o enquiry_n will_v be_v lose_v this_o first_o reflection_n do_v already_o discover_v to_o we_o a_o essential_a and_o capital_a defect_n a_o great_a many_o christian_n want_v instruction_n concern_v the_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n they_o do_v not_o sufficient_o consider_v the_o certainty_n and_o importance_n of_o it_o their_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n do_v seldom_o go_v further_o than_o the_o particular_a truth_n of_o it_o and_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o general_n this_o be_v so_o common_a a_o fault_n that_o it_o may_v be_v observe_v even_o in_o those_o whole_a profession_n it_o be_v to_o study_v religion_n and_o to_o teach_v it_o to_o other_o some_o have_v spend_v the_o best_a part_n of_o their_o life_n in_o the_o study_n of_o divinity_n or_o in_o expound_v the_o scripture_n who_o never_o serious_o examine_v the_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n or_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n some_o be_v master_n of_o the_o principal_a controversy_n which_o divide_v christian_n who_o will_v stand_v mute_a if_o they_o be_v call_v back_o to_o the_o first_o element_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o they_o be_v to_o maintain_v against_o a_o infidel_n that_o there_o be_v a_o religion_n or_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_a the_o people_n enter_v yet_o less_o than_o the_o divine_n into_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o general_a truth_n and_o there_o be_v very_o few_o who_o either_o attend_v to_o they_o or_o indeed_o believe_v they_o as_o they_o ought_v and_o yet_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n depend_v upon_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n concern_v the_o principle_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v that_o which_o render_v the_o particular_a truth_n effectual_a to_o salvation_n and_o which_o beget_v piety_n and_o the_o love_n of_o virtue_n when_o a_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o religion_n propose_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v certain_a he_o immediate_o receive_v with_o reverence_n whatsoever_o it_o teach_v he_o feel_v a_o inclination_n in_o himself_o to_o observe_v its_o precept_n and_o he_o believe_v a_o judgement_n and_o another_o life_n as_o if_o he_o see_v they_o before_o his_o eye_n such_o be_v the_o efficacy_n of_o a_o true_a faith_n and_o of_o a_o steady_a persuasion_n about_o fundamental_a truth_n but_o without_o this_o persuasion_n it_o be_v very_o hard_a not_o to_o say_v impossible_a to_o adhere_v sincere_o to_o religion_n and_o to_o perform_v the_o duty_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o constant_a source_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_n it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v object_v that_o all_o christian_n receive_v the_o general_a truth_n of_o their_o creed_n and_o that_o these_o be_v not_o question_v but_o by_o pagan_n and_o atheist_n upon_o which_o i_o shall_v make_v two_o reflection_n 1._o it_o be_v but_o too_o true_a that_o in_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v at_o this_o day_n a_o great_a number_n of_o person_n who_o entertain_v very_o loose_a opinion_n and_o that_o do_v at_o least_o border_n upon_o atheism_n these_o pernicious_a tenet_n be_v spread_v wide_a than_o some_o people_n think_v not_o only_o the_o libertine_n be_v infect_v with_o they_o but_o even_o the_o common_a people_n all_o the_o profane_a man_n and_o deist_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v at_o court_n in_o army_n or_o among_o the_o learned_a there_o be_v some_o in_o town_n among_o the_o vulgar_a and_o even_o among_o country_n clown_n if_o we_o examine_v a_o little_a the_o discourse_n and_o apprehension_n of_o man_n especial_o of_o those_o who_o life_n be_v irregular_a if_o we_o do_v but_o begin_v to_o reason_n with_o they_o and_o press_v they_o we_o may_v soon_o perceive_v the_o principle_n of_o incredulity_n and_o atheism_n in_o many_o of_o they_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o they_o be_v not_o thorough_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o another_o life_n or_o that_o if_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o impiety_n which_o attack_n directly_z the_o very_a foundation_n of_o religion_n they_o harbour_v at_o least_o this_o fancy_n that_o god_n do_v not_o narrow_o observe_v man_n deportment_n that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v so_o severe_a as_o to_o damn_v they_o for_o some_o sin_n they_o have_v commit_v and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o such_o great_a harm_n in_o gratify_v once_o passion_n and_o live_v at_o the_o usual_a rate_n of_o the_o world_n these_o and_o the_o like_a sentiment_n be_v general_a enough_o and_o yet_o they_o lead_v the_o straight_a way_n to_o deism_n and_o tend_v plain_o to_o the_o subversion_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v be_v therefore_o high_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o root_v out_o such_o dangerous_a error_n careful_o to_o establish_v these_o great_a truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o this_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o in_o his_o word_n and_o that_o whatever_o the_o gospel_n tell_v we_o of_o another_o life_n be_v most_o certain_a this_o i_o say_v will_v be_v altogether_o needful_a if_o it_o be_v but_o for_o the_o instruction_n of_o those_o i_o have_v now_o mention_v and_o their_o number_n be_v great_a than_o be_v common_o imagine_v 2_o we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o though_o christian_n profess_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o religion_n yet_o that_o belief_n be_v not_o lively_a and_o strong_a enough_o in_o they_o all_o it_o be_v beyond_o all_o question_n that_o most_o christian_n be_v so_o only_o because_o they_o be_v engage_v by_o their_o birth_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n but_o that_o after_o all_o they_o know_v very_o little_a of_o the_o truth_n and_o divinity_n of_o it_o they_o will_v in_o like_a manner_n have_v be_v jew_n or_o pagan_n if_o they_o have_v be_v bear_v in_o judaisme_n or_o paganism_n so_o that_o proper_o speak_v they_o can_v be_v say_v to_o
have_v faith_n for_o faith_n be_v a_o persuasion_n to_o believe_v be_v to_o be_v persuade_v and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o believe_v a_o thing_n right_n without_o reason_n or_o examination_n that_o which_o be_v call_v faith_n be_v common_o nothing_o else_o but_o a_o confuse_a and_o general_a opinion_n which_o make_v but_o very_o slight_a impression_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n but_o true_a faith_n be_v a_o great_a rarity_n among_o christian_n than_o we_o be_v aware_a of_o now_o as_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a principle_n of_o piety_n so_o a_o bad_a life_n do_v chief_o spring_n from_o want_n of_o faith_n and_o from_o incredulity_n and_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o infidel_n some_o deny_v and_o reject_v divine_a truth_n other_o do_v not_o quite_o deny_v they_o but_o they_o doubt_v and_o believe_v but_o weak_o the_o infidel_n who_o deny_v the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n be_v not_o many_o but_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o doubt_v and_o be_v not_o well_o persuade_v be_v very_o great_a this_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o reason_n why_o man_n who_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o divine_a truth_n and_o profess_v to_o believe_v they_o do_v yet_o act_v quite_o contrary_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o faith_n and_o religion_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o their_o proceed_v a_o manifest_a contradiction_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n wonder_v at_o that_o people_n who_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o a_o religion_n shall_v live_v as_o if_o there_o be_v neither_o god_n nor_o religion_n upon_o this_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o say_v that_o sinner_n be_v not_o consistent_a with_o themselves_o and_o as_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o reconcile_v their_o practice_n with_o their_o belief_n we_o cry_v out_o that_o the_o depth_n of_o man_n heart_n be_v unsearchable_a but_o there_o be_v no_o such_o wonder_n in_o the_o case_n and_o the_o proceed_n of_o bad_a christian_n be_v not_o always_o so_o contradictory_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v i_o confess_v that_o man_n sin_n sometime_o against_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o that_o some_o who_o want_v not_o knowledge_n do_v yet_o live_v very_o iii_o this_o may_v proceed_v from_o inconsideration_n from_o the_o violence_n of_o their_o passion_n from_o too_o great_a a_o regard_n to_o their_o temporal_a interest_n from_o the_o flatter_a hope_n of_o pardon_n or_o some_o such_o principle_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n man_n act_n consonant_o and_o suitable_o to_o their_o belief_n and_o it_o be_v but_o seldom_o that_o in_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o life_n they_o behave_v themselves_o contrary_a to_o the_o sentiment_n and_o principle_n that_o possess_v they_o we_o suppose_v that_o bad_a christian_n believe_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o that_o we_o be_v mistake_v many_o of_o they_o want_v faith_n and_o be_v not_o full_o convince_v of_o those_o truth_n be_v it_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o so_o many_o person_n who_o live_v in_o sin_n who_o make_v conscience_n of_o nothing_o and_o who_o violate_v every_o minute_n the_o rule_n of_o their_o duty_n shall_v be_v thorough_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o see_v they_o and_o to_o who_o they_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n from_o all_o this_o i_o conclude_v that_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o general_a truth_n of_o religion_n be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a source_n of_o corruption_n some_o will_v say_v that_o these_o truth_n need_v not_o be_v prove_v and_o that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o first_o principle_n which_o be_v take_v for_o grant_v because_o they_o be_v imprint_v on_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o men._n but_o this_o objection_n be_v easy_o answer_v by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v just_o now_o i_o own_o that_o the_o idea_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n carry_v in_o they_o a_o natural_a evidence_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v demonstrable_a from_o reason_n and_o conscience_n and_o because_o there_o be_v principle_n in_o man_n by_o the_o help_n of_o which_o they_o may_v arrive_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n but_o these_o principle_n and_o idea_n have_v be_v in_o some_o measure_n stifle_v in_o many_o either_o through_o ill_a education_n or_o worldly_a business_n or_o vice_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n so_o that_o they_o feel_v the_o force_n and_o evidence_n of_o they_o but_o imperfect_o and_o some_o have_v no_o sense_n at_o all_o of_o they_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o excite_v and_o enlighten_v those_o idea_n to_o explain_v and_o establish_v those_o principle_n i_o acknowledge_v further_o that_o some_o part_n of_o those_o proof_n upon_o which_o religion_n be_v build_v lie_v open_a to_o all_o man_n eye_n but_o yet_o the_o ignorant_a and_o those_o who_o be_v take_v up_o with_o other_o object_n do_v not_o observe_v they_o they_o shall_v therefore_o be_v make_v to_o attend_v to_o they_o just_o as_o we_o make_v stupid_a and_o heedless_a people_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o beauty_n of_o a_o palace_n or_o the_o skill_n of_o a_o artist_n in_o some_o curious_a workmanship_n which_o will_v otherwise_o pass_v unobserved_a by_o they_o however_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v that_o the_o general_a truth_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v prove_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o reason_n upon_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o search_v into_o the_o proof_n of_o they_o where_o in_o order_n to_o convince_v man_n that_o there_o be_v a_o almighty_a and_o infinite_o good_a god_n it_o propose_v to_o they_o the_o beauty_n and_o wonder_n which_o shine_v in_o his_o work_n and_o exhort_v they_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o they_o this_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o book_n of_o job_n in_o the_o xix_o and_o civ_o psal_n rom._n 1.19_o 20._o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n 3_o it_o may_v further_o be_v say_v that_o the_o proof_n of_o general_n truth_n be_v too_o difficult_a for_o the_o common_a people_n and_o that_o the_o learned_a only_o be_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o discussion_n i_o grant_v that_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v all_o that_o have_v be_v write_v upon_o these_o matter_n and_o therefore_o i_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o have_v a_o true_a faith_n without_o enter_v into_o the_o detail_n of_o all_o these_o proof_n and_o without_o follow_v with_o the_o utmost_a strictness_n all_o the_o deep_a and_o abstract_a reason_v which_o have_v be_v use_v to_o prove_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o think_v rather_o those_o matter_n ought_v to_o be_v treat_v with_o great_a discretion_n especial_o in_o sermon_n it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o imprudence_n to_o muster_v up_o in_o a_o public_a discourse_n all_o the_o objection_n of_o atheist_n or_o the_o subtlety_n of_o libertine_n these_o aught_o to_o be_v refer_v to_o private_a conference_n those_o who_o speak_v to_o the_o people_n must_v take_v heed_n lest_o by_o dispute_v and_o speculate_v too_o much_o they_o render_v the_o fundamental_a truth_n problematical_a and_o raise_v scruple_n in_o man_n mind_n they_o ought_v to_o build_v upon_o this_o principle_n that_o man_n be_v carry_v by_o a_o common_a and_o natural_a inclination_n to_o believe_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n to_o acknowledge_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o to_o own_o providence_n and_o the_o other_o truth_n of_o religion_n but_o for_o all_o that_o it_o may_v be_v very_o useful_a and_o necessary_a to_o confirm_v those_o truth_n to_o set_v they_o in_o the_o clear_a light_n and_o to_o convince_v the_o people_n of_o they_o as_o to_o what_o be_v say_v that_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o suitable_a to_o the_o people_n capacity_n i_o answer_v that_o most_o of_o those_o proof_n be_v such_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o be_v either_o learned_a or_o a_o divine_a to_o be_v affect_v with_o they_o we_o ought_v to_o suppose_v here_o that_o the_o more_o important_a any_o truth_n be_v the_o clear_a and_o the_o easy_a the_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v i_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o all_o truth_n there_o be_v some_o that_o be_v most_o certain_a who_o proof_n be_v difficult_a and_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o common_a understanding_n such_o be_v many_o metaphysical_a truth_n and_o mathematical_a demonstration_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o truth_n be_v not_o necessary_a and_o a_o man_n without_o danger_n may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o i_o speak_v now_o only_o of_o those_o truth_n which_o it_o concern_v every_o person_n to_o know_v and_o which_o be_v of_o general_a usefulness_n and_o necessity_n these_o be_v always_o clear_a and_o easy_o prove_v and_o this_o by_o the_o by_o aught_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n to_o make_v we_o admire_v the_o wisdom_n and_o
give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o dispute_n with_o st._n peter_n and_o of_o his_o reprove_v he_o for_o his_o too_o great_a compliance_n with_o the_o jew_n he_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o by_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n why_o have_v not_o than_o difference_n be_v observe_v which_o st_n paul_n make_v about_o work_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n he_o call_v they_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n or_o bare_o work_v but_o when_o he_o treat_v of_o the_o work_n which_o the_o gospel_n prescribe_v he_o call_v they_o good_a work_n because_o they_o be_v real_o good_a holy_a and_o profitable_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n but_o this_o title_n of_o good_a work_n be_v never_o bestow_v upon_o the_o work_v of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n which_o consider_v in_o themselves_o have_v nothing_o of_o goodness_n or_o holiness_n in_o they_o in_o a_o word_n good_a work_n in_o st._n paul_n stile_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n than_o bare_o work_v or_o the_o work_v of_o the_o law_n if_o this_o have_v be_v consider_v such_o great_a â—ains_n need_v not_o to_o have_v be_v take_v to_o make_v 3.27_o make_v rom._n 3.27_o st._n paul_n agree_v with_o st._n james_n 11.16_o james_n galat._n 11.16_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o faith_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n 11.24_o law_n jam._n 11.24_o and_o st._n james_n â—hat_n man_n be_v justify_v by_o work_n and_o not_o by_o faith_n â—nly_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n between_o these_o two_o apostle_n both_o follow_v one_o hypothesis_n and_o argue_v upon_o the_o same_o principle_n st._n paul_n dispute_v against_o the_o jew_n who_o will_v tie_v christian_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o work_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n â—â—ffrms_n that_o faith_n in_o christ_n be_v sufficient_a provide_v it_o bring_v forth_o good_a work_n be_v â—nd_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o observe_v the_o moysaicall_a rite_n st._n james_n dispute_v against_o heretic_n who_o pretend_v that_o faith_n do_v â—ave_n without_o good_a work_n and_o so_o do_v â—ntirely_o ruin_v our_o saviour_n moral_n deâ—lares_v that_o faith_n which_o do_v not_o produce_v good_a work_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o salvation_n be_v not_o this_o the_o same_o doctrine_n with_o st._n paul_n but_o instead_o of_o reconcile_a these_o two_o apostle_n some_o people_n find_v here_o great_a difficulty_n they_o do_v not_o reconcile_v st._n james_n with_o st._n paul_n but_o they_o rather_o refute_v st._n james_n by_o st._n paul_n st._n james_n be_v expound_v with_o great_a caution_n as_o if_o he_o have_v go_v too_o far_o by_o say_v that_o man_n be_v justify_v by_o work_n and_o not_o by_o faith_n only_o this_o proposition_n be_v soften_v as_o much_o as_o possible_a it_o be_v excuse_v rather_o than_o explain_v but_o as_o for_o what_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o faith_n alone_o justfiy_v without_o work_n it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o utmost_a strictness_n so_o that_o all_o be_v ascribe_v to_o faith_n and_o nothing_o to_o good_a work_n nay_o faith_n be_v set_v in_o opposition_n to_o good_a work_n and_o god_n to_o god_n himself_o the_o passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o speak_v of_o faith_n be_v bring_v out_o against_o those_o which_o relate_v to_o work_n it_o be_v true_a say_v some_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o without_o holiness_n no_o manshall_n see_v god_n but_o it_o be_v likewise_o write_v that_o we_o be_v not_o justify_v by_o our_o work_n but_o only_o by_o faith_n and_o by_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v man_n raise_v themselves_o above_o the_o reproach_n and_o accusation_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n i_o say_v it_o once_o more_o this_o be_v to_o attack_v and_o confute_v the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o itself_o and_o to_o charge_v the_o holy_a ghost_n with_o self-contradiction_n for_o in_o short_a if_o a_o man_n can_v be_v justify_v without_o good_a work_n he_o can_v be_v save_v without_o they_o too_o since_o the_o be_v justify_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o the_o be_v save_v now_o if_o a_o man_n can_v be_v save_v without_o good_a work_n he_o may_v see_v the_o face_n of_o god_n without_o holiness_n which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o what_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o 21.14_o we_o heb._n 21.14_o that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n 2._o a_o great_a many_o people_n imagine_v that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o privilege_n of_o christian_n not_o to_o be_v tie_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o god_n law_n as_o the_o jew_n be_v some_o mistake_a place_n give_v occasion_n to_o that_o error_n and_o particular_o this_o 6._o this_o rom._n 6._o we_o be_v no_o more_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n these_o word_n be_v thus_o interpret_v the_o law_n do_v prescribe_v work_n but_o the_o gospel_n require_v only_a faith_n the_o law_n do_v threaten_v but_o the_o gospel_n speak_v only_o of_o grace_n and_o pardon_n so_o that_o to_o require_v work_n at_o this_o time_n of_o day_n be_v to_o bring_v back_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n there_o be_v something_o of_o truth_n in_o this_o reason_n but_o those_o who_o make_v use_v of_o it_o to_o free_v themselves_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o god_n commandment_n do_v very_o little_o understand_v either_o what_o the_o law_n or_o the_o gospel_n be_v and_o wherein_o these_o two_o dispensation_n differ_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o law_n be_v a_o dispensation_n of_o severity_n it_o do_v not_o propose_v to_o man_n remission_n of_o sin_n and_o salvation_n as_o the_o gospel_n do_v the_o law_n have_v not_o that_o power_n and_o efficacy_n to_o sanctify_v man_n which_o grace_n have_v the_o law_n lay_v upon_o the_o jew_n great_a many_o obligation_n which_o be_v not_o only_o burdensome_a and_o painful_a but_o which_o beside_o have_v no_o intrinsical_a holiness_n in_o they_o and_o those_o duty_n be_v enjoin_v under_o a_o curse_n the_o law_n itself_o be_v a_o time_n of_o severity_n and_o malediction_n in_o respect_n to_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n since_o all_o the_o while_n that_o oeconomy_n do_v subsist_v they_o be_v exclude_v from_o the_o covenant_n which_o god_n have_v make_v with_o the_o jew_n in_o these_o several_a regard_n we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n but_o if_o from_o this_o that_o we_o be_v not_o under_o the_o law_n we_o shall_v infer_v that_o we_o be_v no_o long_o bind_v to_o do_v what_o be_v just_a this_o inference_n will_v overturn_v the_o whole_a gospel_n and_o transform_v religion_n into_o libertinism_n iâ—_n because_o we_o be_v under_o grace_n we_o ought_v to_o speak_v no_o more_o of_o work_n why_o shall_v the_o gospel_n prescribe_v work_n and_o the_o same_o work_n which_o the_o law_n enjoin_v except_v only_o the_o ceremony_n why_o shall_v this_o gospel_n call_v we_o to_o a_o holiness_n which_o exceed_v that_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o enforce_v this_o obligation_n with_o more_o terrible_a threaten_n than_o those_o of_o the_o law_n why_o do_v our_o saviour_n john_n the_o baptist_n and_o the_o apostle_n preach_v up_o repentance_n and_o enter_v upon_o their_o ministry_n with_o these_o word_n 4.4_o word_n mat._n 3.2_o and_o 4.4_o repent_v you_o according_a to_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o these_o man_n they_o shall_v have_v speak_v to_o they_o after_o this_o manner_n 11.17_o manner_n act_n 11.17_o this_o be_v the_o time_n of_o grace_n the_o law_n be_v past_a and_o the_o covenant_n of_o work_n be_v abolish_v therefore_o fear_v nothing_o let_v not_o your_o sin_n trouble_v you_o for_o salvation_n be_v promise_v to_o all_o mankind_n whence_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o our_o 5.6.7_o our_o mat._n 5.6.7_o saviour_n speak_v only_o of_o work_n in_o his_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n or_o that_o st._n paul_n declare_v that_o the_o natural_a intention_n and_o the_o proper_a effect_n of_o grace_n be_v to_o teach_v man_n to_o live_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o temperance_n justice_n and_o godliness_n must_v we_o say_v that_o god_n be_v alter_v that_o he_o do_v not_o love_v holiness_n so_o much_o now_o as_o he_o do_v heretofore_o of_o that_o sin_n be_v become_v less_o odious_a to_o he_o since_o it_o be_v expiate_v by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n but_o it_o be_v say_v we_o be_v no_o more_o under_o the_o law_n what_o be_v christian_n then_o a_o lawless_a people_n on_o the_o contrary_n we_o be_v under_o the_o law_n i_o mean_v under_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n under_o 8.2_o under_o rom._n 8.2_o the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n which_o make_v we_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n but_o let_v we_o hear_v st._n paul_n himself_o in_o what_o sense_n and_o respect_n do_v he_o say_v that_o we_o be_v no_o more_o under_o the_o law_n but_o under_o grace_n he_o say_v this_o precise_o to_o show_v that_o
that_o they_o offend_v god_n at_o every_o foot_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v what_o man_n will_v establish_v from_o this_o maxim_n that_o the_o just_a man_n sin_n seven_o time_n a_o day_n those_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o quote_v the_o scripture_n shall_v neither_o add_v to_o nor_o diminish_v from_o it_o they_o shall_v not_o alter_v the_o word_n nor_o divide_v sentence_n from_o what_o go_v before_o and_o what_o follow_v for_o otherwise_o there_o be_v no_o absurdity_n or_o impiety_n which_o may_v not_o be_v prove_v from_o the_o word_n of_o god_n 5._o but_o our_o adversary_n will_v say_v whether_o that_o place_n be_v allege_v right_a or_o wrong_n it_o do_v not_o matter_n much_o since_o there_o be_v other_o which_z say_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o strong_a expression_n do_v not_o st._n paul_n say_v rom._n vii_o vii_o vii_o rom._n vii_o i_o be_o carnal_a sell_v under_o sin_n for_o in_o i_o dwell_v no_o good_a thing_n for_o that_o which_o i_o do_v i_o allow_v not_o and_o what_o i_o will_v that_o do_v i_o not_o but_o what_o i_o hate_v that_o do_v i._o i_o see_v a_o law_n in_o my_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o my_o mind_n and_o bring_v i_o into_o captivity_n to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v in_o my_o member_n o_o wretched_a man_n that_o i_o be_o who_o shall_v deliver_v i_o from_o the_o body_n of_o this_o death_n if_o st._n paul_n himself_o speak_v after_o this_o manner_n who_o can_v deny_v that_o the_o great_a saint_n fall_v into_o very_o heinous_a sin_n and_o have_v still_o a_o large_a stock_n of_o corruption_n in_o they_o those_o who_o draw_v this_o inference_n from_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n make_v he_o speak_v that_o which_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o his_o thought_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o say_v any_o thing_n that_o favour_v the_o cause_n of_o sinner_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a his_o design_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o to_o make_v man_n sensible_a of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o reference_n to_o sanctification_n he_o have_v this_o in_o his_o view_n in_o the_o vii_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n where_o he_o represent_v the_o difference_n between_o a_o corrupt_a and_o a_o regenerate_v man_n and_o between_o the_o condition_n of_o man_n under_o the_o law_n and_o his_o state_n under_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o all_o he_o say_v of_o the_o carnal_a man_n sell_v under_o sin_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o corrupt_a man_n live_v under_o the_o law_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o divine_n otherwise_o able_a and_o pious_a man_n have_v think_v that_o st._n paul_n speak_v of_o himself_o in_o this_o chapter_n and_o that_o he_o represent_v there_o what_o pass_v within_o a_o regenerate_v man_n but_o i_o know_v likewise_o that_o a_o great_a many_o orthodox_n divine_v have_v reject_v that_o exposition_n as_o contrary_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o constant_a doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o to_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o h_o a_o sad_a thing_n that_o when_o a_o place_n be_v capable_a of_o two_o sense_n man_n shall_v pitch_v upon_o that_o which_o come_v near_o to_o the_o pretension_n of_o sinner_n i_o do_v not_o intend_v here_o to_o enter_v into_o a_o dispute_n nor_o to_o offend_v those_o of_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n i_o be_o persuade_v that_o they_o have_v no_o design_n to_o countenance_v corruption_n but_o as_o in_o all_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o seek_v the_o truth_n and_o as_o the_o truth_n here_o be_v of_o great_a consequence_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o piety_n so_o i_o entreat_v those_o who_o may_v have_v scruple_n concern_v those_o word_n to_o make_v these_o follow_a reflection_n 1._o let_v they_o serious_o and_o impartial_o consider_v whether_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o st._n paul_n be_v a_o carnal_a man_n fold_n under_o sin_n a_o man_n who_o do_v no_o good_a but_o evil_n and_o a_o man_n involve_v in_o death_n these_o be_v the_o strong_a expression_n which_o can_v be_v use_v and_o which_o the_o scripture_n use_v to_o give_v as_o the_o character_n of_o wicked_a and_o impious_a man_n to_o believe_v this_o of_o st._n paul_n be_v so_o very_o hard_o that_o a_o man_n must_v be_v able_a to_o digest_v any_o thing_n who_o be_v not_o startle_v at_o it_o 2._o i_o desire_v they_o to_o attend_v to_o the_o drift_n of_o st._n paul_n he_o have_v undertake_v to_o show_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n do_v not_o introduce_v licentiousness_n this_o he_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o whole_a vi_o chapter_n as_o may_v appear_v by_o the_o read_n it_o be_v it_o likely_a that_o in_o the_o vii_o chapter_n he_o shall_v overturn_v all_o that_o he_o have_v establish_v in_o the_o precede_a \_o and_o say_v that_o the_o holy_a man_n be_v captivate_v to_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n if_o this_o be_v st._n paul_n doctrine_n what_o become_v of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n to_o produce_v holiness_n and_o how_o can_v he_o have_v answer_v that_o objection_n which_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o chap._n vi_o 1._o and_o 15._o shall_v we_o continue_v in_o sin_n shall_v we_o sin_v we_o that_o be_v under_o grace_n st._n paul_n ought_v to_o have_v grant_v the_o objection_n if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o most_o regenerate_v be_v sell_v to_o sin_n but_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o in_o the_o vii_o chapter_n he_o go_v on_o to_o prove_v what_o he_o have_v lay_v down_o already_o to_o wit_n that_o the_o gospel_n sanctify_v man_n and_o not_o only_o this_o but_o that_o the_o gospel_n alone_o can_v sanctify_v man_n and_o that_o the_o law_n can_v not_o this_o be_v the_o scope_n of_o the_o whole_a chapter_n in_o the_o very_a first_fw-mi four_o verse_n he_o show_v that_o christian_n be_v no_o long_o under_o the_o law_n nor_o consequent_o under_o sin_n and_o that_o they_o be_v dead_a to_o the_o law_n that_o they_o may_v bring_v forth_o fruit_n unto_o god_n he_o express_v himself_o more_o clear_o yet_o in_o the_o 5_o verse_n where_o he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o considerable_a difference_n between_o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o law_n and_o those_o who_o be_v in_o jesus_n christ_n he_o plain_o distinguish_v these_o two_o state_n and_o the_o time_n pass_v from_o the_o present_a when_o we_o be_v in_o the_o flesh_n say_v he_o the_o motion_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v by_o the_o law_n do_v work_v in_o our_o member_n to_o bring_v forth_o unto_o death_n but_o now_o we_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o law_n that_o we_o shall_v serve_v in_o newness_n of_o spirit_n these_o be_v the_o two_o state_n the_o sit_v pass_v be_v a_o state_n of_o corruption_n the_o presect_v state_n be_v a_o state_n of_o holiness_n but_o as_o it_o may_v have_v be_v infer_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o law_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o sin_n the_o apostle_n refute_v that_o imagination_n from_o the_o seven_o to_o the_o 14_o verse_n after_o this_o he_o describe_v the_o miserable_a condition_n of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v not_o regenerate_v by_o grace_n and_o who_o still_o be_v under_o the_o law_n he_o begin_v to_o do_v this_o from_o the_o 14_o verse_n by_o fay_v the_o law_n be_v spiritual_a but_o i_o be_o carnal_a sell_v under_o sin_n etc._n etc._n and_o here_o no_o doubt_n it_o will_v be_v say_v that_o st_n paul_n speak_v of_o himself_o and_o not_o of_o those_o who_o be_v under_o the_o law_n for_o say_v he_o i_o be_o carnal_a etc._n etc._n but_o one_o may_v easy_o see_v that_o the_o apostle_n use_v here_o a_o way_n of_o speak_v which_o be_v very_o ordidinary_a in_o discourse_n and_o by_o which_o he_o that_o speak_v put_v himself_n in_o the_o room_n of_o those_o he_o speak_v of_o and_o st._n paul_n have_v the_o more_o reason_n to_o express_v himself_o in_o this_o manner_n because_o he_o have_v be_v himself_o under_o the_o law_n before_o he_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n there_o be_v many_o instance_n in_o scripture_n of_o this_o way_n of_o speak_v and_o we_o find_v one_o in_o this_o very_a chapter_n which_o be_v beyond_o exception_n st_n paul_n say_v in_o the_o 9th_o verse_n i_o be_v alive_a without_o the_o law_n once_o etc._n etc._n if_o we_o do_v not_o admit_v here_o a_o figurative_a expression_n or_o if_o these_o word_n be_v strict_o take_v then_o we_o must_v say_v that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o this_o apostle_n be_v without_o law_n which_o be_v both_o false_a and_o ridiculous_a as_o therefore_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o when_o he_o say_v ver._n 9th_o i_o be_v without_o law_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o state_n of_o those_o man_n to_o wliom_n the_o law_n be_v not_o give_v so_o it_o be_v unquestionalbe_n that_o when_o he_o say_v i_o be_o carnal_a etc._n etc._n he_o describe_v the_o state_n of_o a_o
mind_v themselves_o in_o every_o thing_n and_o be_v little_o affect_v with_o the_o misery_n of_o other_o so_o that_o riches_n may_v easy_o spoil_v those_o who_o possess_v they_o and_o do_v actual_o spoil_v many_o the_o poor_a be_v almost_o all_o of_o they_o vicious_a because_o they_o be_v ignorant_a forsake_v from_o their_o infancy_n and_o grow_v up_o in_o want_n and_o idleness_n and_o among_o bad_a company_n they_o have_v little_a religion_n they_o will_v live_v without_o work_v they_o be_v give_v to_o steal_v and_o dishonesty_n envy_n fill_v their_o heart_n and_o they_o only_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o duty_n when_o they_o can_v do_v no_o mischief_n those_o who_o live_v un-confined_n and_o much_o in_o the_o world_n have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n little_a of_o a_o christian_a character_n they_o lie_v open_a to_o abundance_n of_o temptation_n and_o what_o be_v most_o dangerous_a in_o that_o kind_n of_o life_n be_v that_o a_o man_n have_v no_o soon_o embrace_v it_o but_o he_o think_v it_o honourable_a lawful_a and_o necessary_a he_o hearken_v no_o long_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n he_o be_v ashamed_a of_o they_o and_o govern_v himself_o only_o by_o the_o maxim_n of_o the_o world_n other_o lead_v a_o retire_a life_n they_o avoid_v great_a company_n and_o they_o seldom_o appear_v in_o public_a that_o state_n may_v have_v its_o advantage_n but_o it_o have_v its_o danger_n too_o those_o who_o live_v thus_o retire_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v themselves_o much_o better_a than_o other_o man_n because_o their_o conduct_n seem_v regular_a and_o free_a from_o scandal_n and_o this_o inspire_v they_o with_o a_o secret_a pride_n a_o great_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o a_o austere_a and_o imperious_a humour_n which_o make_v they_o apt_a to_o speak_v ill_a and_o to_o judge_v rash_o of_o other_o people_n and_o this_o drive_v charity_n gentleness_n and_o humility_n out_o of_o their_o heart_n i_o think_v i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o man_n various_a kind_n of_o life_n have_v a_o general_a influence_n upon_o the_o irregularity_n of_o their_o deportment_n but_o no_o make_v this_o truth_n yet_o more_o evident_a i_o shall_v add_v two_o reflection_n to_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v the_o first_o be_v that_o of_o all_o the_o temptation_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o seduce_v man_n none_o be_v more_o dangerous_a than_o those_o which_o be_v 1._o necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a 2._o ordinary_a and_o frequent_a 3._o hide_a and_o imperceptible_a now_o the_o temptation_n arise_v from_o man_n particular_a calling_n have_v these_o three_o character_n 1._o they_o be_v necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a we_o may_v withstand_v they_o but_o we_o can_v avoid_v altogether_o be_v expose_v to_o they_o 2._o they_o be_v frequent_a and_o constant_a those_o employment_n in_o which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o life_n be_v spend_v offer_v they_o to_o we_o perpetual_o 3._o they_o be_v hide_v and_o imperceptible_a for_o beside_o that_o man_n reflect_v little_a upon_o what_o be_v ordinary_a and_o happen_v every_o day_n those_o temptation_n be_v varnish_v with_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o example_n and_o custom_n and_o even_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o the_o call_v and_o of_o necessity_n thus_o a_o tradesman_n be_v necessary_o expose_v to_o the_o danger_n of_o wrong_v his_o neighbour_n and_o of_o transgress_v the_o rule_n of_o justice_n equity_n or_o sincerity_n the_o opportunity_n of_o do_v this_o return_n every_o minute_n and_o as_o often_o as_o he_o buy_v or_o sell_v this_o temptation_n be_v imperceptible_a and_o except_o he_o have_v a_o niceness_n of_o conscience_n he_o will_v not_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o by_o reason_n that_o his_o profession_n be_v innocent_a that_o he_o be_v allow_v to_o get_v and_o that_o most_o of_o the_o unlawful_a way_n of_o gain_n be_v authorize_v by_o custom_n 2._o the_o second_o reflection_n be_v that_o the_o great_a and_o the_o most_o insuperable_a obstacle_n to_o piety_n proceed_v for_o the_o most_o part_n from_o a_o man_n call_v it_o be_v that_o which_o obstruct_v more_o than_o any_o thing_n else_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o man_n conversion_n we_o preach_v we_o exhort_v to_o repentance_n but_o to_o who_o do_v we_o speak_v we_o speak_v to_o man_n engage_v in_o profession_n which_o consider_v how_o they_o behave_v themselves_o in_o they_o divert_v they_o from_o piety_n and_o furnish_v they_o with_o a_o thousand_o opportunity_n of_o sin_v we_o speak_v to_o people_n who_o have_v choose_v already_o the_o course_n of_o their_o whole_a life_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o continue_v in_o the_o state_n they_o be_v in_o and_o to_o alter_v nothing_o in_o it_o and_o who_o have_v form_v to_o themselves_o that_o scheme_n of_o employment_n which_o they_o intend_v to_o follow_v at_o any_o rate_n we_o preach_v to_o people_n who_o arc_n no_o soon_o out_o of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o meet_v at_o home_n and_o in_o their_o ordinary_a business_n with_o perpetual_a hindrance_n to_o holiness_n and_o with_o temptation_n which_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o will_v not_o withstand_v such_o hearer_n may_v be_v preach_v to_o long_a enough_o before_o they_o reap_v any_o fuit_fw-la from_o what_o they_o hear_v sermon_n be_v present_o go_v but_o the_o temptation_n arise_v from_o the_o profession_n which_o man_n choose_v be_v continual_a and_o last_o as_o long_o as_o their_o life_n they_o accompany_v a_o man_n every_o where_o he_o be_v not_o jealous_a of_o they_o he_o seek_v they_o he_o give_v up_o himself_o to_o they_o and_o he_o fancy_v he_o may_v lawful_o do_v so_o this_o be_v the_o visible_a occasion_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v so_o little_a efficacy_n upon_o man_n mind_n i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o chapter_n with_o two_o remark_n which_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o remedy_n against_o this_o source_n of_o corruption_n 1._o every_o one_o ought_v to_o examine_v the_o state_n and_o kind_a of_o life_n he_o be_v in_o that_o if_o this_o state_n have_v something_o in_o it_o that_o be_v evil_a or_o contrary_a to_o the_o duty_n of_o a_o christian_a he_o must_v alter_v and_o correct_v it_o if_o the_o profession_n be_v bad_a in_o itself_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v do_v but_o to_o quit_v it_o if_o it_o be_v lawful_a we_o must_v take_v care_v not_o to_o render_v it_o dangerous_a or_o sinful_a either_o by_o neglect_v the_o duty_n to_o which_o it_o oblige_v we_o or_o by_o not_o avoid_v the_o snare_n and_o temptation_n that_o attend_v it_o or_o by_o make_v it_o a_o occasion_n and_o pretence_n to_o satisfy_v our_o inordinate_a affection_n i_o confess_v we_o may_v meet_v here_o with_o difficulty_n it_o be_v hard_a for_o a_o man_n to_o leave_v off_o a_o profession_n to_o go_v out_o of_o his_o ordinary_a road_n of_o life_n and_o to_o renounce_v some_o engagement_n when_o they_o be_v once_o form_v and_o yet_o this_o aught_o and_o may_v be_v do_v if_o those_o engagement_n be_v not_o lawful_a it_o be_v better_a we_o shall_v offer_v some_o violence_n to_o ourselves_o by_o break_v they_o off_o or_o by_o correct_v what_o be_v amiss_o in_o they_o than_o to_o run_v ourselves_o into_o infinite_a misery_n but_o the_o benway_n be_v to_o obviate_v the_o evil_a in_o its_o beginning_n therefore_o i_o say_v 2_o that_o since_o people_n use_v to_o resolve_v upon_o a_o profession_n while_o they_o be_v young_a that_o choice_n require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o prudence_n and_o caution_n for_o no_o less_o than_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n depend_v upon_o it_o but_o it_o be_v a_o sad_a thing_n to_o see_v how_o rash_o and_o inconsiderate_o this_o matter_n be_v go_v about_o interest_n chance_n passion_n the_o humour_n of_o parent_n or_o of_o young_a people_n be_v the_o thing_n which_o determine_v so_o important_a a_o choice_n it_o be_v not_o much_o consider_v whether_o a_o call_v be_v lawful_a or_o proper_a for_o he_o that_o embrace_v it_o little_a or_o no_o care_n be_v take_v to_o form_v the_o inclination_n of_o young_a person_n they_o be_v give_v up_o to_o their_o own_o conduct_n and_o to_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o that_o profession_n to_o which_o they_o be_v destine_v and_o thus_o we_o need_v no_o long_o wonder_n why_o employment_n be_v ill_o discharge_v why_o most_o people_n lose_v their_o innocence_n in_o they_o and_o why_o there_o be_v a_o general_a corruption_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o all_o state_n and_o condition_n this_o be_v the_o ordinary_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o man_n particular_a calling_n the_o end_n of_o the_o first_o part._n a_o treatise_n concern_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o present_a corruption_n of_o christian_n and_o the_o remedy_n of_o it_o part_n ii_o cause_n i._o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o religion_n in_o general_n piety_n be_v always_o necessary_a and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o be_v never_o impossible_a to_o those_o who_o art_n well_o
hospitality_n from_o mind_v their_o function_n as_o they_o ought_v and_o from_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o it_o with_o authority_n and_o zeal_n it_o force_v they_o to_o have_v recourse_n to_o several_a mean_a or_o unlawful_a method_n to_o supply_v their_o necessity_n and_o those_o of_o their_o family_n and_o to_o do_v many_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o comport_v with_o their_o employment_n from_o thence_o proceed_v likewise_o the_o want_n of_o able_a minister_n a_o great_a many_o person_n who_o may_v have_v the_o necessary_a talent_n qualification_n and_o mean_n to_o be_v very_o useful_a in_o the_o church_n take_v a_o disgust_n at_o that_o profession_n by_o the_o fear_n of_o contempt_n or_o poverty_n as_o long_o as_o thing_n be_v in_o this_o state_n religion_n will_v be_v despise_v and_o corruption_n will_v still_o be_v in_o vogue_n it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o remove_v this_o cause_n of_o corruption_n as_o it_o be_v to_o detest_v it_o the_o re-establish_a of_o order_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o thing_n extreme_o difficult_a to_o this_o end_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a that_o prince_n arid_a churchman_n shall_v act_v in_o conjunction_n but_o there_o be_v few_o christian_a prince_n who_o lay_v this_o to_o heart_n and_o divine_n have_v quite_o other_o thing_n in_o their_o thought_n their_o great_a business_n be_v to_o maintain_v what_o be_v establish_v and_o to_o dispute_v with_o those_o who_o find_v fault_n with_o it_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n knowledge_n or_o resolution_n be_v want_v and_o there_o be_v not_o enough_o of_o honesty_n or_o greatness_n of_o soul_n to_o confess_v the_o truth_n few_o writer_n have_v the_o courage_n to_o speak_v so_o impartial_o as_o the_o famous_a author_n of_o the_o history_n of_o the_o reformation_n in_o england_n have_v do_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o his_o second_o volume_n it_o be_v think_v by_o many_o person_n that_o all_o will_v be_v ruin_v if_o the_o least_o alteration_n be_v make_v some_o of_o those_o defect_n which_o have_v be_v mention_v in_o this_o chapter_n be_v now_o become_v inviolable_a custom_n and_o law_n every_o body_n fancy_v true_a and_o pure_a christianity_n to_o be_v that_o which_o obtain_v in_o his_o country_n or_o in_o the_o society_n he_o live_v in_o and_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o put_v to_o the_o question_n whether_o or_o not_o some_o thing_n shall_v be_v alter_v as_o long_o as_o christian_n be_v possess_v with_o these_o prejudices_fw-la we_o must_v not_o expect_v to_o see_v christianity_n restore_v to_o a_o entire_a purity_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v from_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n that_o christian_n will_v open_v their_o eye_n at_o last_o and_o that_o divine_n will_v grow_v sensible_a of_o the_o necessity_n of_o mind_v these_o thing_n the_o main_a point_n here_o be_v to_o shake_v off_o all_o prejudice_n and_o to_o consider_v thing_n in_o their_o nature_n and_o original_a our_o saviour_n have_v leave_v we_o a_o excellent_a rule_n when_o speak_v of_o the_o abuse_n which_o have_v be_v so_o long_o receive_v among_o the_o jew_n in_o reference_n to_o marriage_n he_o tell_v we_o xix_o place_v =_o foot_n n_o =_o *_o mat._n xix_o that_o from_o the_o beginning_n it_o be_v not_o so_o this_o maxim_n be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o a_o lover_n of_o truth_n and_o virtue_n shall_v always_o have_v it_o before_o his_o eye_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o we_o shall_v still_o appeal_v to_o it_o and_o that_o instead_o of_o govern_v ourselves_o by_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o present_a time_n we_o shall_v run_v up_o to_o the_o ancient_a constitution_n and_o compare_v what_o be_v do_v at_o this_o day_n with_o that_o which_o have_v be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v do_v this_o will_v be_v the_o true_a way_n to_o reform_v abuse_n and_o to_o draw_v near_o to_o perfection_n and_o to_o bring_v thing_n back_o into_o the_o natural_a and_o primitive_a channel_n cause_n ii_o the_o want_n of_o discipline_n it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n in_o this_o chapter_n to_o speak_v of_o church_n discipline_n in_o general_n i_o shall_v only_o insist_v upon_o that_o part_n of_o it_o the_o end_n of_o which_o be_v to_o regulate_v the_o manner_n of_o christian_n and_o this_o be_v a_o important_a matter_n the_o want_n of_o discipline_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a imperfection_n which_o have_v be_v observe_v in_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o church_n and_o one_o of_o the_o most_o evident_a and_o general_a cause_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_n but_o because_o some_o man_n have_v pretend_v that_o discipline_n such_o as_o i_o suppose_v it_o in_o this_o chapter_n be_v a_o humane_a and_o arbitrary_a institution_n the_o observation_n of_o which_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o may_v be_v dangerous_a i_o think_v it_o proper_a to_o say_v something_o here_o concern_v the_o original_a and_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v certain_a in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o all_o society_n and_o body_n have_v a_o right_a to_o establish_v a_o order_n to_o regulate_v themselves_o by_o and_o to_o provide_v for_o their_o security_n and_o preservation_n when_o several_a man_n or_o people_n unite_z to_z form_n a_o body_n they_o have_v power_n to_o make_v law_n and_o regulation_n to_o which_o all_o the_o member_n of_o that_o body_n may_v be_v tie_v and_o to_o exclude_v those_o from_o their_o communion_n who_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o they_o but_o these_o law_n ought_v not_o to_o clash_v with_o other_o law_n already_o establish_v nor_o with_o just_a and_o acknowledge_v right_n i_o think_v this_o power_n which_o be_v grant_v to_o the_o mean_a of_o society_n can_v be_v deny_v to_o the_o church_n and_o this_o prove_v already_o that_o the_o church_n have_v a_o right_a to_o appoint_v a_o discipline_n to_o which_o all_o her_o member_n shall_v he_o subject_v provide_v that_o discipline_n do_v not_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n prejudice_v public_a tranquillity_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o magistrate_n nor_o any_o way_n contradict_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o as_o discipline_n be_v not_o liable_a to_o either_o of_o these_o inconvenience_n but_o do_v rather_o perfect_o agree_v with_o the_o welfare_n of_o civil_a society_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o will_v be_v prove_v hereafter_o so_o the_o establish_n of_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v equal_o lawful_a and_o necessary_a ii_o but_o further_o discipline_n be_v a_o order_n which_o have_v god_n for_o its_o author_n we_o find_v the_o institution_n of_o it_o in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o in_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o apostle_n i_o shall_v recite_v the_o chief_a of_o these_o 1._o in_o st._n matthews_n gospel_n chap._n xviii_o 15_o 16_o 17._o we_o read_v these_o word_n if_o thy_o brother_n shall_v trespass_v against_o thou_o go_v and_o tell_v he_o of_o his_o fault_n between_o thou_o and_o he_o alone_o if_o he_o shall_v hear_v thou_o thou_o have_v gain_v thy_o brother_n but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o hear_v thou_o then_o take_v with_o thou_o one_o or_o two_o more_o that_o in_o the_o mouth_n of_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n every_o word_n may_v be_v establish_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v neglect_v to_o hear_v they_o tell_v it_o to_o the_o church_n but_o if_o he_o neglect_v to_o hear_v the_o church_n let_v he_o be_v unto_o thou_o as_o a_o heathen_a man_n and_o a_o publican_n for_o the_o right_a understanding_n of_o these_o word_n we_o must_v know_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o enact_v here_o a_o new_a law_n and_o that_o a_o order_n like_o that_o which_o be_v here_o prescribe_v be_v already_o observe_v among_o the_o jew_n but_o here_o as_o upon_o many_o occasion_n our_o saviour_n do_v comply_v with_o the_o custom_n and_o practice_n of_o that_o nation_n because_o he_o judge_v that_o those_o custom_n be_v good_a and_o fit_a for_o his_o view_n and_o purpose_n the_o first_o christian_n do_v the_o same_o in_o matter_n of_o order_n and_o government_n they_o do_v form_v the_o christian_a church_n upon_o the_o model_n of_o the_o jewish_a assembly_n and_o upon_o the_o method_n which_o be_v there_o observe_v this_o be_v the_o key_n of_o the_o place_n i_o have_v now_o quote_v our_o saviour_n approve_v the_o jewish_a practice_n and_o enjoin_v his_o disciple_n to_o observe_v the_o same_o order_n among_o they_o it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o that_o this_o be_v his_o mean_v for_o he_o speak_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o it_o appear_v by_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o this_o passage_n and_o by_o the_o sequel_n of_o his_o discourse_n that_o he_o be_v give_v here_o a_o law_n which_o concern_v the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o he_o proper_o speak_v of_o private_a difference_n but_o what_o he_o say_v aught_o to_o apply_v to_o
they_o speak_v of_o when_o they_o be_v obscure_a in_o themselves_o but_o at_o other_o time_n this_o obscurity_n proceed_v from_o their_o not_o have_v distinct_a idea_n of_o the_o subject_n they_o treat_v their_o style_n and_o language_n do_v also_o contribute_v much_o to_o make_v they_o dark_a some_o use_n scholastical_a word_n and_o term_n of_o art_n which_o be_v arabic_a to_o the_o people_n other_o delight_v in_o figurative_a and_o improper_a expression_n which_o present_a false_a idea_n to_o the_o mind_n now_o they_o may_v avoid_v all_o these_o fault_n if_o they_o do_v not_o forsake_v nature_n and_o simplicity_n but_o some_o preacher_n affect_v the_o say_n new_a and_o singular_a thing_n and_o they_o will_v be_v sorry_a if_o they_o have_v make_v use_n of_o simple_a and_o common_a idea_n reason_v and_o expression_n which_o yet_o be_v the_o clear_a and_o the_o best_a 3._o false_a eloquence_n proceed_v from_o the_o same_o source_n preacher_n common_o aim_v at_o eloquence_n and_o it_o be_v to_o compass_v this_o end_n that_o they_o take_v such_o pain_n in_o the_o compose_n and_o delivery_n of_o their_o sermon_n and_o that_o they_o affect_v a_o style_n a_o pronunciation_n and_o gesture_n which_o become_v a_o stage-player_n or_o a_o profane_a orator_n much_o better_a than_o a_o minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n i_o may_v remark_n here_o that_o this_o affection_n of_o eloquence_n be_v not_o very_o suitable_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o piety_n which_o shall_v animate_v a_o clergyman_n but_o not_o to_o moralize_v upon_o this_o i_o shall_v observe_v that_o these_o preacher_n miss_v their_o mark_n by_o make_v so_o much_o work_n and_o by_o use_v such_o mighty_a endeavour_n to_o hit_v it_o true_a eloquence_n the_o force_n of_o a_o discourse_n a_o elevate_a and_o sublime_a style_n consist_v in_o follow_v nature_n nothing_o admit_v of_o great_a vehemence_n and_o loftiness_n than_o the_o subject_n which_o religion_n afford_v let_v a_o preacher_n be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o these_o let_v he_o go_v about_o they_o in_o a_o easy_a and_o natural_a way_n but_o especial_o let_v he_o feel_v and_o be_v thorough_o affect_v with_o they_o and_o he_o need_v not_o trouble_v himself_o about_o any_o other_o help_v he_o will_v despise_v all_o the_o false_a sparkle_a and_o the_o vain_a ornament_n of_o insipid_a and_o boyish_a eloquence_n and_o he_o will_v not_o be_v capable_a of_o speak_v like_o a_o gramar_n scholar_n or_o a_o declaimer_n all_o that_o which_o cost_v preacher_n so_o much_o labour_n flight_n of_o wit_n refine_a thought_n ingenuous_a description_n polite_a language_n all_o that_o i_o say_v be_v very_o mean_v by_o such_o thing_n they_o may_v raise_v at_o most_o a_o vain_a admiration_n but_o they_o will_v never_o instruct_v nor_o convert_v a_o sinner_n one_o dram_n of_o good_a sense_n be_v worth_a more_o than_o all_o that_o 4._o some_o preacher_n run_v into_o another_o extreme_a their_o way_n of_o preach_v be_v neglect_v and_o course_n they_o think_v to_o justify_v themselves_o by_o say_v that_o they_o be_v simple_a and_o popular_a that_o they_o speak_v natural_o and_o without_o art_n but_o they_o swerve_v as_o much_o from_o nature_n as_o the_o other_o and_o as_o it_o be_v a_o fault_n to_o be_v affect_v it_o be_v another_o to_o be_v flat_a homely_a and_o barbarous_a it_o be_v as_o much_o against_o nature_n to_o use_v ridiculous_a and_o offensive_a gesture_n tone_n and_o way_n or_o to_o stand_v without_o motion_n or_o action_n in_o the_o pulpit_n as_o it_o be_v to_o play_v the_o declaimer_n there_o i_o may_v add_v other_o consideration_n about_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o the_o gospel_n ought_v to_o be_v preach_v but_o i_o shall_v engage_v too_o far_o in_o this_o subject_a we_o may_v judge_v now_o whether_o ignorance_n and_o corruption_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o defect_n of_o those_o who_o preach_v the_o gospel_n the_o people_n have_v scarce_o any_o notion_n of_o religion_n but_o what_o they_o gather_v from_o sermon_n if_o sermon_n then_o be_v not_o instructive_a and_o edify_v either_o because_o all_o the_o truth_n and_o duty_n of_o christianity_n not_o be_v propose_v in_o they_o or_o because_o they_o be_v ill_o propose_v the_o people_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v very_o much_o in_o the_o dark_a i_o shall_v say_v one_o word_n more_o concern_v the_o instruction_n which_o pastor_n owe_v their_o flock_n public_a instruction_n how_o useful_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v be_v not_o sufficient_a the_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n require_v that_o upon_o certain_a occasion_n pastor_n shall_v likewise_o instruct_v in_o private_a this_o necessity_n of_o private_a instruction_n may_v be_v prove_v by_o the_o follow_a argument_n 1._o if_o there_o be_v none_o but_o public_a instruction_n and_o exhortation_n what_o instruction_n can_v a_o great_a many_o person_n receive_v who_o either_o do_v not_o frequent_v or_o do_v not_o hearken_v to_o sermon_n what_o will_v become_v of_o those_o who_o hear_v but_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o they_o hear_v or_o who_o understand_v it_o but_o forget_v it_o present_o and_o so_o do_v not_o practice_v it_o 2._o all_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v in_o sermon_n how_o particular_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v yet_o still_o many_o thing_n remain_v untouched_a nay_o there_o be_v matter_n which_o a_o preacher_n can_v bring_v into_o the_o pulpit_n can_v he_o enumerate_v all_o the_o case_n in_o which_o injustice_n may_v be_v commit_v or_o restitution_n be_v to_o be_v make_v can_v he_o specify_v those_o infinite_a fraud_n which_o be_v practise_v in_o man_n several_a calling_n and_o trade_n can_v all_o case_n of_o conscience_n about_o which_o the_o hearer_n want_v instruction_n be_v decide_v in_o a_o sermon_n dare_v we_o insist_v in_o the_o pulpit_n upon_o the_o head_n of_o impurity_n and_o may_v not_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o reason_n why_o that_o sin_n be_v so_o common_a if_o christian_n then_o have_v no_o opportunity_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o private_a about_o these_o article_n they_o will_v be_v ignorant_a with_o relation_n to_o they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v 3._o in_o order_n to_o good_a instruction_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o teacher_n and_o those_o who_o be_v teach_v shall_v communicate_v their_o thought_n to_o one_o another_o for_o the_o hearer_n may_v have_v their_o doubt_n they_o may_v sometime_o be_v at_o a_o stand_n by_o reason_n of_o something_o which_o they_o do_v not_o know_v or_o of_o some_o difficulty_n which_o start_v up_o in_o their_o mind_n some_o have_v be_v hear_v sermon_n for_o these_o twenty_o or_o thirty_o year_n who_o yet_o entertain_v scruple_n and_o doubt_n concern_v the_o fundamental_o of_o religiom_n if_o such_o person_n receive_v no_o other_o information_n they_o will_v not_o be_v move_v by_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v say_v in_o public_a but_o they_o will_v retain_v their_o scruple_n to_o their_o die_a day_n all_o this_o show_v that_o private_a instruction_n be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o pastoral_n care_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o will_v certain_o be_v very_o useful_a not_o only_o for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n but_o also_o to_o keep_v the_o clergy_n from_o grow_v remiss_a and_o to_o make_v they_o more_o diligent_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n for_o when_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o preach_v sermon_n it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v fear_v consider_v man_n propension_n to_o laziness_n that_o they_o will_v become_v negligent_a it_o be_v therefore_o a_o unhappiness_n that_o private_a instruction_n shall_v be_v almost_o out_o of_o use_n and_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v so_o little_a communication_n about_o religious_a matter_n between_o the_o people_n and_o their_o minister_n we_o have_v no_o instruction_n remain_v but_o what_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o pulpit_n and_o that_o will_v not_o be_v sufficient_a even_o though_o sermon_n be_v such_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v but_o when_o private_a instruction_n be_v want_v and_o when_o sermon_n be_v defective_a beside_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n be_v destitute_a of_o necessary_a information_n and_o aid_n must_v live_v in_o corruption_n ii_o the_o second_o function_n of_o pastor_n which_o shall_v perhaps_o be_v name_v in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v the_o conduct_n and_o government_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o this_o i_o observe_v first_o that_o those_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o pastoral_n office_n who_o confine_v it_o to_o preach_v there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o preach_v be_v quite_o lay_v aside_o and_o when_o churchman_n do_v only_o perform_v divine_a service_n but_o now_o a-days_o in_o many_o church_n the_o whole_a ministry_n be_v place_v in_o the_o business_n of_o sermon_n and_o the_o ecclesiastic_n be_v look_v upon_o not_o as_o pastor_n but_o preacher_n as_o man_n who_o office_n it_o be_v upon_o certain_a day_n and_o hour_n to_o speak_v in_o the_o
shall_v go_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n be_v invest_v with_o civil_a authority_n and_o a_o very_a great_a authority_n too_o the_o jewish_a priest_n hold_v a_o considerable_a rank_n in_o the_o state_n as_o well_o as_o in_o religion_n if_o upon_o some_o occasion_n king_n have_v depose_v priest_n upon_o other_o occasion_n priest_n have_v oppose_v king_n and_o alter_v the_o government_n xxvi_o government_n see_v chron._n xxiii_o and_o xxvi_o so_o that_o without_o press_v too_o much_o those_o instance_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o best_a way_n be_v to_o consult_v the_o new_a and_o to_o proceed_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o whosoever_o examine_v without_o prejudice_n those_o sacred_a book_n which_o have_v be_v write_v since_o the_o come_v of_o our_o saviour_n will_v acknowledge_v that_o thing_n be_v now_o alter_v and_o that_o magistrate_n have_v but_o a_o limit_a authority_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o the_o scripture_n never_o mention_n they_o when_o it_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n and_o of_o the_o government_n of_o it_o 3_o and_o yet_o as_o the_o authority_n of_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n it_o ought_v still_o to_o subsist_v entire_a and_o therefore_o they_o have_v a_o unquestionable_a right_n to_o take_v care_n that_o nothing_o be_v do_v in_o the_o church_n to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o their_o lawful_a authority_n and_o of_o public_a tranquillity_n and_o that_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n do_v not_o stretch_v their_o authority_n beyond_o spiritual_a thing_n the_o honour_n and_o the_o safety_n of_o religion_n require_v that_o this_o principle_n shall_v be_v lay_v down_o for_o religion_n as_o be_v say_v before_o ought_v not_o to_o disturb_v society_n and_o true_a religion_n will_v never_o disturb_v it_o if_o then_o any_o christian_n or_o churchman_n under_o pretence_n of_o religion_n shall_v break_v in_o upon_o the_o civil_a government_n and_o the_o public_a peace_n king_n and_o prince_n have_v a_o right_a to_o restrain_v they_o and_o then_o they_o do_v not_o oppose_v religion_n but_o those_o only_o who_o abuse_n and_o dishonour_v it_o after_o these_o consideration_n i_o think_v any_o man_n be_v able_a to_o judge_v whether_o the_o decay_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n be_v not_o in_o part_n to_o be_v impute_v to_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n we_o need_v but_o inquire_v whether_o both_o in_o civil_a and_o religious_a matter_n they_o observe_v the_o duty_n i_o have_v now_o describe_v i_o say_v no_o more_o of_o this_o because_o every_o body_n be_v able_a to_o make_v the_o application_n but_o i_o must_v add_v that_o if_o the_o want_n of_o zeal_n in_o magistrate_n be_v enough_o to_o introduce_v confusion_n and_o vice_n into_o the_o church_n the_o mischief_n be_v much_o great_a when_o not_o only_o they_o do_v not_o what_o they_o ought_v for_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n but_o when_o they_o use_v their_o authority_n beside_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o it_o i_o can_v forbear_v mention_v here_o two_o great_a abuse_n the_o first_o be_v when_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n assume_v the_o whole_a authority_n to_o themselves_o so_o that_o except_o preach_v and_o administer_a the_o sacrament_n they_o will_v do_v every_o thing_n in_o the_o church_n when_o they_o presume_v to_o determine_v article_n of_o faith_n to_o rule_v the_o conscience_n of_o their_o subject_n and_o to_o force_v they_o to_o embrace_v one_o persuasion_n rather_o than_o another_o when_o they_o will_v by_o all_o mean_n take_v upon_o they_o to_o call_v pastor_n without_o regard_n to_o that_o right_n of_o the_o church_n and_o churchman_n which_o be_v establish_v in_o scripture_n and_o confirn_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n when_o they_o seize_v upon_o church-estate_n though_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o fear_v that_o wealth_n shall_v corrupt_v their_o clergy_n and_o though_o such_o revenue_n may_v be_v apply_v to_o several_a pious_a uses_n and_o particular_o to_o the_o relief_n of_o country-churche_n most_o of_o which_o be_v not_o sufficient_o edify_v for_o want_v of_o necessary_a endowment_n and_o fund_n a_o great_a deal_n may_v be_v say_v about_o that_o which_o be_v do_v in_o the_o last_o century_n with_o relation_n to_o church-revenue_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o people_n have_v be_v a_o little_a more_o scrupulous_a than_o they_o be_v when_o they_o invade_v the_o possession_n of_o the_o church_n and_o confound_v they_o with_o the_o revenue_n of_o the_o state_n beside_o this_o the_o magistrate_n authority_n be_v fatal_a to_o the_o church_n when_o he_o hinder_v the_o exercise_n of_o true_a discipline_n and_o when_o he_o substitute_n such_o regulation_n as_o he_o think_v fit_a in_o the_o room_n of_o apostolical_a law_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a obstruction_n to_o the_o restore_n of_o apostolical_a discipline_n though_o the_o church_n and_o her_o pastor_n shall_v be_v willing_a to_o observe_v the_o ancient_a order_n and_o to_o oppose_v corruption_n by_o those_o mean_n which_o the_o gospel_n enjoin_v yet_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v if_o those_o who_o have_v the_o authority_n in_o their_o hand_n will_v not_o give_v way_n to_o it_o the_o church_n be_v not_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o resist_v and_o to_o make_v head_n against_o the_o magistrate_n when_o he_o use_v force_n and_o she_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v it_o if_o she_o can_v the_o second_o abuse_n be_v when_o the_o magistrate_n make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o abase_v religion_n in_o the_o person_n of_o its_o minister_n by_o despoil_v they_o as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v of_o every_o thing_n that_o may_v procure_v they_o respect_n and_o authority_n in_o the_o church_n this_o policy_n be_v as_o contrary_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o the_o promote_a of_o piety_n as_o it_o be_v common_a now_o adays_o in_o several_a christian_a dominion_n it_o be_v well_o do_v of_o the_o magistrate_n to_o preserve_v his_o authority_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o clergy_n from_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o their_o call_v but_o from_o thence_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o trample_v they_o under_o foot_n to_o bring_v they_o under_o a_o general_a contempt_n and_o to_o vilify_v their_o character_n which_o after_o all_o be_v sacred_a and_o venerable_a this_o be_v to_o sacrifice_v religion_n to_o policy_n and_o pride_n and_o this_o proceed_v be_v a_o manifest_a cause_n of_o the_o contempt_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o corruption_n which_o necessary_o follow_v that_o contempt_n since_o common_o nothing_o be_v more_o despise_v in_o the_o world_n than_o that_o which_o great_a man_n despise_v i_o declare_v it_o once_o more_o by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v i_o do_v not_o mean_v to_o detract_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o respect_n due_a to_o civil_a power_n neither_o do_v i_o speak_v of_o all_o christian_a prince_n and_o magistrate_n among_o who_o there_o be_v some_o who_o have_v piety_n and_o zeal_n and_o who_o labour_n with_o success_n for_o the_o good_a of_o religion_n but_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n require_v that_o we_o shall_v speak_v the_o truth_n so_o that_o i_o can_v not_o but_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o cause_n of_o corruption_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o if_o christian_a magistrate_n will_v be_v please_v to_o make_v serious_a reflection_n upon_o all_o these_o thing_n we_o shall_v soon_o see_v a_o end_n of_o some_o of_o these_o disorder_n and_o that_o a_o happy_a time_n will_v come_v when_o they_o will_v use_v their_o authority_n to_o advance_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o to_o restore_v truth_n piety_n and_o peace_n among_o christian_n cause_n v._o education_n nothing_o be_v more_o natural_a than_o to_o look_v for_o the_o original_a of_o corruption_n in_o the_o time_n at_o which_o it_o begin_v i_o mean_v in_o the_o first_o year_n of_o life_n it_o be_v not_o only_a when_o man_n have_v attain_v to_o a_o ripeness_n of_o age_n that_o they_o be_v incline_v to_o vice_n but_o that_o inclination_n discover_v itself_o from_o their_o youth_n the_o root_n of_o that_o ignorance_n of_o those_o prejudices_fw-la and_o of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o ill_a disposition_n they_o be_v in_o may_v be_v find_v in_o their_o tender_a year_n we_o have_v need_v then_o look_v back_o upon_o the_o beginning_n of_o life_n and_o seek_v in_o youth_n and_o in_o infancy_n itself_o the_o source_n of_o corruption_n when_o we_o enter_v upon_o this_o enquiry_n and_o consider_v that_o man_n if_o nothing_o restrain_v they_o will_v run_v into_o vice_n from_o their_o youth_n out_o of_o a_o propension_n which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o we_o can_v but_o perceive_v at_o first_o sight_n that_o there_o must_v be_v in_o
succinct_a and_o superficial_a a_o manner_n that_o we_o do_v not_o find_v there_o so_o much_o as_o the_o name_n of_o a_o great_a many_o vice_n virtue_n and_o duty_n child_n who_o shall_v be_v raise_v up_o to_o christian_a perfection_n be_v only_o teach_v the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o from_o the_o explication_n which_o be_v give_v of_o these_o they_o gather_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v idolater_n blasphemer_n or_o profane_a person_n that_o they_o shall_v neither_o commit_v murder_n nor_o adultery_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o steal_v or_o bear_v false_a witness_n but_o how_o many_o other_o duty_n be_v there_o of_o which_o they_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o notion_n they_o be_v not_o teach_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v gentle_a humble_a sincere_a charitable_a pure_a sober_a and_o patient_a many_o person_n because_o they_o be_v never_o instruct_v in_o these_o virtue_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a ornament_n of_o a_o christian_a do_v not_o practice_v or_o so_o much_o as_o know_v they_o we_o be_v to_o impute_v to_o these_o slight_a and_o defective_a instruction_n that_o opinion_n which_o be_v common_o receive_v that_o whosoever_o be_v free_a from_o those_o six_o or_o seven_o great_a sin_n forbid_v in_o the_o decalogue_n be_v a_o good_a man._n 2._o the_o success_n of_o instruction_n depend_v in_o the_o second_o place_n upon_o the_o method_n and_o way_n of_o teach_v the_o method_n of_o teach_v shall_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n be_v clear_a and_o proportion_v to_o the_o age_n and_o capacity_n of_o child_n and_o on_o the_o other_o it_o shall_v be_v delightful_a and_o fit_a to_o make_v they_o love_v religion_n by_o this_o two_o end_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v aim_v at_o will_v be_v attain_v the_o mind_n will_v be_v enlighten_v and_o the_o heart_n move_v what_o be_v clear_a inform_v the_o mind_n and_o what_o be_v delightful_a win_v the_o heart_n and_o inspire_v into_o it_o a_o strong_a affection_n for_o religion_n and_o for_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o 1._o perspicuity_n be_v never_o more_o necessary_a than_o it_o be_v in_o the_o instruct_v of_o youth_n child_n have_v no_o idea_n as_o yet_o of_o most_o thing_n and_o not_o be_v use_v to_o the_o signification_n of_o word_n can_v understand_v what_o be_v say_v to_o they_o unless_o it_o be_v deliver_v with_o much_o clearness_n and_o simplicity_n and_o unless_o every_o thing_n be_v avoid_v which_o may_v puzzle_v or_o seem_v obscure_a to_o they_o this_o perspicuity_n result_v first_o from_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v teach_v it_o be_v a_o certain_a truth_n be_v always_o clear_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_a whatsoever_o be_v obscure_a and_o difficult_a be_v not_o very_o necessary_a so_o that_o provide_v instruction_n go_v no_o far_a than_o essential_a doctrine_n and_o duty_n it_o can_v be_v very_o hard_a for_o child_n to_o apprehend_v what_o be_v say_v to_o they_o second_o clear_a expression_n and_o plain_a and_o popular_a way_n of_o speak_v produce_v distinct_a idea_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v instruct_v but_o a_o dark_a or_o too_o high_a a_o style_n figurative_a or_o learned_a phrase_n spoil_v the_o fruit_n of_o instruction_n last_o order_n and_o method_n contribute_v mighty_o to_o clearness_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a that_o child_n shall_v be_v load_v at_o first_o with_o many_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n general_a instruction_n the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o simple_a idea_n aught_o to_o go_v foremost_a and_o then_o particular_a instruction_n and_o more_o complex_fw-la idea_n may_v be_v propose_v but_o still_o with_o a_o due_a regard_n to_o the_o age_n capacity_n and_o progress_n of_o child_n 2._o instruction_n be_v to_o be_v deliver_v in_o a_o delightful_a manner_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o insinuate_v ourselves_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o child_n nothing_o win_v more_o upon_o they_o than_o a_o sweet_a and_o pleasant_a way_n of_o speak_v and_o nothing_o give_v they_o so_o much_o disgust_v as_o roughness_n and_o severity_n if_o religion_n be_v represent_v to_o they_o with_o a_o attractive_a aspect_n they_o will_v certain_o embrace_v it_o with_o eagerness_n but_o for_o the_o most_o part_n those_o who_o teach_v or_o speak_v to_o they_o of_o religion_n do_v it_o with_o a_o air_n of_o severity_n and_o a_o dismal_a tone_n and_o with_o those_o circumstance_n which_o make_v they_o averse_a to_o it_o command_n threaten_n and_o constraint_n be_v use_v to_o make_v they_o take_v their_o catechism_n or_o say_v their_o prayer_n if_o they_o fail_v to_o do_v this_o their_o teacher_n be_v angry_a and_o beat_v they_o when_o we_o exhort_v they_o to_o piety_n in_o stead_n of_o go_v about_o this_o with_o such_o a_o gentleness_n as_o may_v make_v virtue_n amiable_a to_o they_o we_o speak_v in_o a_o harsh_a and_o chide_a manner_n the_o effect_n of_o this_o be_v that_o child_n see_v nothing_o in_o religion_n that_o be_v entice_a take_v up_o a_o prejudice_n against_o it_o they_o look_v upon_o that_o instruction_n to_o which_o they_o be_v compel_v as_o a_o hard_a piece_n of_o labour_n and_o drudgery_n religion_n be_v no_o soon_o mention_v but_o it_o damp_n their_o good_a humour_n they_o do_v nothing_o but_o by_o constraint_n and_o against_o their_o will_n they_o free_v themselves_o from_o that_o constraint_n assoon_o as_o they_o can_v and_o they_o bear_v during_o their_o whole_a life_n a_o aversion_n or_o at_o least_o a_o indifference_n to_o religion_n ii_o i_o have_v be_v discourse_v hitherto_o of_o what_o relate_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n and_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v clear_o prove_v that_o general_o speak_v child_n be_v ill_o instruct_v i_o be_o now_o to_o consider_v education_n with_o relation_n to_o practice_n for_o it_o will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o infuse_v into_o young_a people_n a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n if_o they_o be_v noâ—_n teach_v to_o make_v a_o good_a use_n of_o that_o knowledge_n and_o to_o direct_v it_o to_o its_o true_a end_n which_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n but_o it_o be_v seldom_o that_o the_o care_n of_o parent_n and_o of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o instruct_n of_o child_n go_v so_o far_o if_o they_o take_v some_o care_n about_o their_o instruction_n they_o general_o neglect_v they_o as_o to_o the_o practical_a part_n and_o they_o little_o inquire_v whether_o they_o live_v according_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o religion_n now_o instruction_n thus_o dispense_v do_v not_o only_o prove_v useless_a but_o they_o may_v likewise_o make_v child_n double_o wicked_a and_o fill_v they_o with_o the_o most_o dangerous_a prejudices_fw-la when_o child_n observe_v that_o religion_n be_v propose_v to_o they_o only_o in_o a_o historical_a and_o speculative_a manner_n and_o that_o provide_v they_o remember_v what_o be_v tell_v they_o and_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o they_o be_v commend_v for_o be_v well_o skill_v in_o religion_n and_o that_o as_o for_o the_o rest_n they_o be_v permit_v to_o live_v as_o they_o please_v and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o chide_v though_o they_o do_v not_o practice_v what_o they_o be_v teach_v they_o conclude_v from_o all_o this_o that_o religion_n consist_v whole_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o profession_n of_o certain_a truth_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o frame_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o accustom_v themselves_o beside_o to_o slight_v their_o knowledge_n and_o to_o act_v against_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n these_o pernicious_a sentiment_n be_v infuse_v into_o child_n when_o instruction_n be_v not_o direct_v to_o practice_n to_o prevent_v so_o great_a a_o evil_a these_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v observe_v 1._o the_o design_n of_o propose_v the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n to_o child_n shall_v be_v to_o beget_v in_o they_o a_o love_n and_o a_o respect_n for_o they_o and_o in_o order_n to_o that_o we_o 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see_v every_o thing_n and_o what_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o depend_v upon_o and_o to_o fear_v he_o by_o tell_v they_o the_o history_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o shall_v make_v they_o observe_v in_o those_o various_a event_n the_o effect_n of_o god_n wisdom_n of_o his_o goodness_n power_n and_o justice_n in_o explain_v to_o they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sacrament_n we_o shall_v chief_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o make_v they_o understand_v what_o these_o sacred_a ceremony_n oblige_v christian_n to_o what_o a_o august_n and_o venerable_n thing_n baptism_n be_v and_o what_o purity_n be_v require_v in_o those_o who_o be_v baptize_v and_o so_o when_o we_o speak_v to_o child_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o suffering_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o a_o future_a judgement_n of_o the_o punishment_n and_o reward_n of_o another_o life_n and_o of_o all_o the_o other_o truth_n we_o shall_v do_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v stir_v they_o up_o to_o piety_n and_o holiness_n 2._o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o ought_v to_o engage_v child_n to_o the_o practice_n and_o observation_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o christianity_n with_o relation_n both_o to_o worship_n and_o manner_n and_o first_o it_o be_v altogether_o necessary_a to_o teach_v they_o to_o render_v to_o god_n the_o worship_n that_o be_v due_a to_o he_o there_o be_v few_o christian_a family_n where_o something_o be_v not_o do_v with_o this_o intention_n child_n be_v make_v to_o learn_v some_o prayer_n to_o say_v they_o morning_n and_o evening_n and_o to_o be_v present_a at_o the_o public_a and_o private_a exercise_n of_o piety_n but_o the_o main_n shall_v be_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o sincerity_n in_o divine-service_n lest_o they_o fall_v into_o impiety_n and_o hypocrisy_n the_o great_a endeavour_n shall_v be_v to_o accustom_v they_o to_o pray_v with_o attention_n and_o reverence_n this_o may_v at_o first_o seem_v difficult_a we_o neither_o see_v the_o heart_n of_o child_n nor_o can_v regulate_v the_o motion_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o i_o think_v there_o be_v way_n to_o fix_v their_o mind_n which_o may_v be_v successful_o use_v and_o i_o hope_v my_o reader_n will_v not_o think_v it_o amiss_o if_o i_o dwell_v a_o little_a upon_o this_o head_n consider_v the_o importance_n of_o it_o 1._o i_o will_v not_o have_v child_n pray_v before_o they_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o what_o they_o be_v do_v there_o be_v a_o custom_n establish_v every_o where_o which_o i_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o first_o cause_n of_o indevotion_n and_o that_o be_v to_o make_v little_a child_n recite_v prayer_n and_o long_o one_o too_o i_o do_v not_o apprehend_v the_o use_n of_o this_o nor_o where_o the_o inconvenience_n will_v be_v if_o child_n do_v not_o pray_v at_o a_o age_n when_o they_o can_v hardly_o speak_v a_o articulate_a word_n it_o will_v be_v time_n enough_o to_o make_v they_o pray_v when_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o some_o reflection_n if_o we_o do_v wait_v till_o then_o they_o may_v pray_v with_o attention_n and_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o they_o will_v do_v it_o with_o pleasure_n and_o reverence_n child_n think_v it_o a_o honour_n to_o do_v what_o be_v do_v by_o man_n if_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o permit_v to_o pray_v till_o they_o come_v to_o a_o certain_a age_n they_o will_v look_v upon_o pray_v as_o a_o particular_a privilege_n but_o when_o they_o be_v make_v to_o pray_v before_o they_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o what_o they_o do_v it_o put_v this_o notion_n into_o their_o head_n that_o pray_v in_o nothing_o else_o but_o recite_v of_o prayer_n and_o beside_o that_o obligation_n which_o be_v lay_v upon_o they_o to_o perform_v regular_o a_o duty_n of_o which_o they_o do_v not_o yet_o understand_v the_o necessity_n or_o the_o use_n make_v that_o they_o only_o observe_v it_o out_o of_o custom_n 2._o i_o can_v wish_v that_o when_o we_o begin_v to_o make_v child_n pray_v we_o shall_v teach_v they_o plain_a and_o short_a prayer_n wherein_o they_o may_v say_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o understand_v two_o or_o three_o sentence_n be_v enough_o in_o those_o beginning_n and_o as_o they_o grow_v in_o year_n long_a prayer_n may_v be_v prescribe_v they_o brevity_n be_v to_o every_o body_n a_o help_n to_o devotion_n but_o child_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o long_a attention_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o long_a prayer_n be_v not_o at_o all_o fit_a for_o they_o 3._o it_o will_v be_v very_o useful_a to_o discourse_n with_o they_o about_o the_o excellency_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o prayer_n and_o to_o make_v they_o apprehend_v what_o a_o honour_n it_o be_v for_o we_o to_o speak_v to_o god_n and_o to_o lay_v open_a our_o necessity_n before_o he_o 4._o in_o order_n to_o accustom_v child_n to_o look_v upon_o prayer_n with_o reverence_n and_o to_o go_v about_o it_o with_o seriousness_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v allow_v to_o pray_v when_o they_o be_v strong_o posseff_v with_o some_o passion_n or_o object_n or_o when_o they_o have_v commit_v a_o considerable_a fault_n against_o piety_n 5._o it_o be_v particular_o necessary_a to_o regulate_v and_o observe_v their_o behaviour_n and_o look_n while_o they_o be_v at_o prayer_n and_o then_o likewise_o to_o express_v a_o reverence_n ourselves_o and_o to_o say_v or_o do_v nothing_o that_o may_v give_v they_o any_o distraction_n it_o be_v a_o custom_n as_o bad_a as_o it_o be_v ordinary_a in_o family_n to_o go_v to_o and_o fro_o to_o be_v busy_a and_o to_o talk_v all_o the_o while_n that_o child_n be_v say_v their_o prayer_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o amid_o all_o that_o noise_n which_o will_v even_o hinder_v old_a people_n to_o pray_v as_o they_o ought_v child_n who_o thought_n be_v so_o ramble_v shall_v not_o be_v distract_v and_o what_o reverence_n can_v be_v expect_v from_o they_o about_o the_o exercise_n of_o piety_n when_o their_o father_n and_o mother_n who_o be_v 〈◊〉_d show_v none_o at_o all_o this_o be_v what_o i_o have_v to_o observe_v concern_v prayer_n which_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n as_o to_o what_o concern_v the_o duty_n of_o morality_n very_o particular_a care_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v to_o make_v child_n observe_v they_o the_o first_o mean_v to_o be_v use_v next_o to_o instruction_n be_v to_o exhort_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o to_o represent_v to_o they_o that_o piety_n and_o holiness_n be_v the_o essential_a character_n of_o a_o christian_n but_o the_o exhortation_n direct_v to_o they_o will_v have_v no_o great_a effect_n if_o they_o be_v not_o dispense_v with_o prudence_n sometime_o parent_n spoil_v all_o though_o they_o mean_v well_o they_o exhort_v and_o chide_v at_o every_o turn_n they_o be_v perpetual_o admonish_v and_o moralize_v by_o this_o they_o give_v a_o disgust_n to_o their_o child_n instead_o of_o win_v upon_o they_o exhortation_n ought_v to_o be_v accompany_v with_o discretion_n and_o gentleness_n above_o all_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o persuade_v and_o to_o prevail_v upon_o child_n by_o reason_n that_o so_o be_v convince_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n of_o the_o justice_n beauty_n and_o usefulness_n of_o virtue_n they_o may_v practice_v it_o of_o their_o own_o accord_n out_o of_o inclination_n and_o with_o pleasure_n that_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o exhort_v child_n as_o be_v fit_v it_o be_v requisite_a to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o temper_n and_o to_o observe_v which_o be_v their_o predominant_a inclination_n that_o if_o those_o inclination_n be_v good_a they_o may_v be_v cultivate_v and_o if_o bad_a correct_v and_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o know_v the_o temper_n of_o child_n because_o they_o deal_v ingenuous_o and_o have_v not_o yet_o â—â—arned_a the_o art_n of_o dissemble_v if_o man_n do_v make_v this_o their_o study_n if_o they_o do_v take_v hold_n of_o the_o good_a disposition_n which_o may_v be_v in_o child_n if_o they_o do_v apply_v themselves_o to_o oppose_v the_o predominant_a fault_n to_o which_o either_o their_o age_n or_o their_o constitution_n incline_v they_o they_o will_v preserve_v they_o from_o many_o vice_n and_o make_v they_o great_a proficient_n in_o virtue_n beside_o this_o parent_n either_o by_o themselves_o or_o other_o ought_v to_o watch_v over_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o child_n and_o to_o inquire_v strict_o whether_o they_o practise_v the_o lesson_n which_o be_v give_v they_o whether_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o do_v ill_a thing_n whether_o they_o forbear_v those_o fault_n for_o which_o they_o have_v be_v reprove_v whether_o they_o resist_v their_o vicious_a inclination_n whether_o they_o be_v gentle_a sober_a humble_a and_o moderate_a in_o their_o discourse_n action_n and_o behaviour_n to_o this_o end_v it_o be_v very_o proper_a that_o they_o shall_v not_o have_v too_o much_o liberty_n and_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n under_o the_o
preservative_n but_o these_o book_n be_v not_o much_o better_a than_o the_o other_o nay_o i_o can_v tell_v whether_o they_o be_v not_o more_o dangerous_a those_o morality_n be_v very_o ill_o place_v and_o few_o people_n be_v the_o better_a for_o they_o it_o be_v a_o very_a suspicious_a kind_n of_o morality_n which_o come_v from_o the_o pen_n of_o those_o author_n who_o write_v indifferent_o upon_o matter_n of_o love_n and_o religious_a subject_n who_o sometime_o seem_v to_o be_v libertine_n and_o sometime_o devout_a who_o after_o they_o have_v say_v a_o hundred_o licentious_a thing_n give_v you_o the_o history_n of_o a_o great_a many_o disorder_n and_o relate_v several_a scandalous_a passage_n entertain_v you_o with_o devotion_n and_o piety_n this_o be_v a_o monstrous_a mixture_n if_o those_o author_n be_v true_o religious_a they_o will_v forbear_v write_v those_o thing_n which_o religion_n condemn_v and_o which_o scandalize_v the_o public_a such_o book_n be_v particular_o fit_a to_o confirm_v worldly_a man_n in_o their_o opinion_n that_o gallantry_n provide_v it_o do_v not_o proceed_v to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o crime_n be_v no_o great_a sin_n and_o to_o persuade_v young_a people_n that_o they_o may_v easy_o grow_v devout_a here_o after_o though_o they_o now_o spend_v their_o youth_n in_o libertinism_n from_o all_o these_o consideration_n i_o infer_v that_o let_v people_n say_v what_o they_o will_v all_o the_o book_n which_o present_v their_o reader_n with_o impurity_n either_o bare-faced_n or_o under_o some_o veil_n be_v extreme_o pernicious_a have_v thus_o discourse_v of_o ill_a book_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o book_n of_o religion_n it_o may_v seem_v at_o first_o that_o i_o shall_v rather_o seek_v in_o these_o the_o remedy_n than_o the_o cause_n of_o corruption_n indeed_o the_o end_n of_o religious_a book_n shall_v be_v to_o banish_v corruption_n and_o to_o establish_v piety_n in_o the_o world_n and_o there_o be_v many_o of_o they_o which_o attack_z ignorance_n and_o vice_n with_o success_n and_o which_o may_v prove_v excellent_a preservative_n against_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o age._n but_o i_o hope_v no_o body_n will_v take_v it_o amiss_o if_o i_o say_v that_o there_o be_v book_n of_o religion_n which_o do_v not_o conduce_v much_o to_o the_o promote_a of_o piety_n nay_o that_o some_o prove_v a_o hindrance_n to_o it_o this_o i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v to_o show_v i_o shall_v not_o speak_v of_o any_o particular_a book_n i_o will_v only_o offer_v some_o general_a consideration_n which_o my_o reader_n may_v apply_v as_o they_o see_v cause_n it_o be_v not_o my_o design_n to_o rank_n among_o bad_a book_n all_o those_o work_n to_o which_o some_o of_o the_o follow_a reflection_n may_v be_v apply_v some_o indeed_o be_v downright_o bad_a but_o may_v be_v in_o several_a respect_n good_a and_o useful_a though_o they_o have_v their_o fault_n and_o as_o good_a book_n ought_v to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o bad_a one_o so_o it_o be_v not_o less_o necessary_a to_o discern_v what_o be_v good_a in_o every_o book_n from_o what_o be_v naught_o or_o useless_a the_o book_n of_o religion_n which_o i_o think_v aught_o here_o to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o be_v of_o four_o sort_n 1._o those_o which_o explain_v the_o scripture_n 2._o the_o book_n of_o divinity_n 3._o the_o book_n of_o morality_n 4._o the_o book_n of_o devotion_n 1._o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o among_o the_o book_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n there_o be_v some_o very_a good_a one_o and_o that_o we_o have_v at_o this_o day_n great_a help_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o it_o ought_v likewise_o to_o be_v grant_v that_o some_o of_o those_o book_n which_o be_v design_v for_o the_o expound_v of_o scripture_n do_v only_o obscure_v and_o perplex_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v tedious_a to_o mention_v here_o all_o the_o defect_n of_o that_o kind_n of_o write_v i_o shall_v therefore_o observe_v only_o the_o 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for_o morality_n it_o be_v there_o touch_v but_o very_o superficial_o and_o yet_o these_o be_v essential_a article_n in_o divinity_n the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o those_o who_o be_v call_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o guide_v a_o church_n or_o to_o direct_v man_n conscience_n 3._o divinity-book_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n too_o scholastical_a the_o method_n of_o the_o schoolmen_n way_n of_o handle_v divinity_n may_v just_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o defiance_n to_o sense_n and_o religion_n yet_o that_o method_n have_v prevail_v to_o that_o degree_n that_o for_o some_o age_n it_o be_v not_o lawful_a to_o swerve_v from_o it_o of_o late_a year_n indeed_o the_o school_n man_n have_v lose_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o heir_n credit_n and_o in_o divinity_n as_o well_o as_o in_o philosophy_n many_o person_n have_v no_o long_o that_o blind_a deference_n for_o they_o which_o be_v pay_v heretofore_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o a_o great_a number_n of_o divine_n do_v 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without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o particular_a revelation_n this_o scholastic_a divinity_n have_v do_v more_o mischief_n to_o religion_n than_o we_o be_v able_a to_o express_v there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n that_o have_v more_o corrupt_v the_o purity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o have_v more_o obscure_v matter_n multiply_v controversy_n disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n or_o give_v rise_v to_o so_o many_o heresy_n and_o schism_n this_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o confirm_v so_o many_o ecclesiastic_n in_o their_o ignorance_n and_o prejudices_fw-la and_o which_o keep_v they_o from_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o solid_a part_n of_o divinity_n and_o to_o that_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o sanctify_v men._n now_o all_o these_o defect_n be_v visible_a cause_n of_o corruption_n which_o may_v be_v prove_v by_o this_o single_a consideration_n that_o it_o be_v in_o common-place_n that_o churchman_n learn_v their_o divinity_n suppose_v then_o that_o those_o book_n do_v not_o give_v they_o a_o true_a idea_n of_o religion_n what_o religion_n or_o what_o divinity_n can_v such_o man_n teach_v their_o people_n one_o scholastic_a and_o injudicious_a author_n who_o be_v in_o credit_n in_o country_n and_o who_o be_v patronise_v by_o a_o professor_n be_v enough_o to_o spoil_v the_o mind_n of_o young_a divine_n and_o to_o bring_v into_o repute_n the_o most_o absurd_a and_o dangerous_a opinion_n and_o system_n though_o catechism_n be_v not_o usual_o reckon_v among_o divinity-book_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o be_v useless_a to_o say_v something_o of_o they_o here_o some_o great_a man_n have_v bestow_v their_o pain_n upon_o work_n of_o this_o kind_a to_o very_o good_a purpose_n and_o yet_o in_o this_o respect_n there_o be_v stall_v something_o to_o be_v desire_v for_o public_a edification_n 1._o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o those_o subject_n shall_v only_o be_v treat_v in_o catechism_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v handle_v there_o and_o that_o all_o the_o matter_n 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understand_v or_o to_o which_o they_o affix_v false_a idea_n for_o instance_n i_o will_v not_o have_v it_o say_v that_o the_o eucharist_n be_v the_o symbol_n of_o our_o spiritual_a nourishment_n and_o of_o our_o union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n for_o beside_o that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o exact_a definition_n this_o style_n be_v not_o proper_a for_o a_o catechism_n these_o word_n symbol_n spiritual_a nourishment_n union_n with_o jesus_n christ_n be_v figurative_a and_o obscure_a term_n will_v not_o the_o thing_n be_v plain_o both_o to_o child_n and_o to_o every_o body_n if_o we_o shall_v say_v that_o the_o eucharist_n be_v a_o sacred_a action_n and_o cerremony_n wherein_o christian_n eat_v bread_n and_o drink_n wine_n which_o be_v distribute_v in_o remembrance_n of_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o redemption_n wrought_v by_o he_o in_o those_o work_n which_o be_v intend_v for_o youth_n and_o for_o the_o common_a people_n it_o concern_v and_o author_n to_o be_v clear_a and_o accurate_a to_o omit_v nothing_o that_o be_v essential_a to_o say_v nothing_o that_o be_v needless_a to_o use_v plain_a and_o proper_a expression_n and_o to_o propose_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v natural_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v apprehend_v catechism_n be_v design_v to_o give_v child_n the_o first_o tincture_n and_o idea_n of_o religion_n now_o those_o idea_n we_o know_v common_o stick_v by_o they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o live_v if_o then_o they_o be_v not_o clear_a and_o true_a it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o they_o ever_o to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o their_o religion_n iii_o the_o three_o sort_n of_o book_n be_v those_o of_o morality_n this_o important_a part_n of_o religion_n which_o regulate_v manner_n have_v be_v treat_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o solidity_n and_o force_n in_o several_a excellent_a work_n nay_o it_o be_v observe_v that_o morality_n be_v more_o cultivate_v of_o late_a than_o it_o have_v be_v heretofore_o but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o the_o good_a book_n of_o morality_n we_o have_v at_o this_o day_n be_v of_o a_o more_o general_a usefulness_n than_o they_o be_v the_o best_a work_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v above_o the_o people_n capacity_n there_o be_v various_a thing_n in_o they_o relate_v either_o to_o the_o reason_v part_n the_o turn_n of_o thought_n or_o the_o style_n which_o can_v be_v understand_v but_o by_o know_v and_o discern_v person_n almost_o all_o the_o able_a man_n who_o write_v upon_o moral_n have_v this_o fault_n that_o they_o speak_v too_o much_o like_o ingenuous_a man_n and_o do_v not_o accommodate_v themselves_o enough_o to_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o reader_n they_o do_v not_o consider_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v useful_a to_o every_o body_n that_o what_o seem_v clear_a to_o they_o be_v obscure_a to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o who_o peruse_v their_o write_n and_o that_o a_o book_n of_o morality_n which_o be_v only_o understand_v by_o man_n of_o part_n of_o learning_n be_v of_o a_o very_a limit_a usefulness_n they_o shall_v therefore_o at_o least_o in_o some_o of_o their_o work_n endeavour_v to_o speak_v in_o a_o popular_a manner_n and_o to_o handle_v matter_n with_o all_o possible_a clearness_n and_o simplicity_n this_o will_v be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o they_o and_o the_o do_v it_o well_o will_v i_o think_v require_v all_o the_o ability_n part_n and_o talent_n of_o the_o best_a writer_n it_o be_v more_o difficult_a than_o be_v seem_v to_o speak_v or_o write_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o that_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v all_o that_o be_v proper_a to_o be_v say_v and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v intelligible_a to_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n but_o if_o there_o be_v good_a book_n of_o morality_n there_o be_v many_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n which_o have_v considerable_a fault_n in_o they_o and_o those_o fault_n be_v of_o great_a consequence_n because_o morality_n ill_o explain_v be_v
religion_n be_v attend_v with_o some_o difficulty_n the_o general_a rule_n be_v to_o choose_v those_o which_o be_v instructive_a and_o edify_a every_o body_n will_v own_v this_o to_o be_v a_o good_a rule_n but_o all_o man_n do_v not_o agree_v in_o the_o application_n of_o it_o what_o seem_v edify_v to_o some_o appear_v quite_o otherwise_o to_o other_o in_o point_n of_o religion_n all_o man_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n since_o they_o be_v all_o bind_v to_o believe_v the_o same_o truth_n and_o practice_v the_o same_o duty_n but_o their_o taste_n be_v different_a because_o many_o of_o they_o have_v a_o vitiate_a palate_n to_o speak_v my_o mind_n upon_o this_o subject_a i_o think_v that_o christian_n shall_v chief_o stick_v to_o those_o book_n which_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o which_o establish_v by_o solid_a argument_n the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o those_o which_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o exact_a view_n of_o the_o 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and_o judgement_n we_o be_v command_v in_o scripture_n i._n scripture_n 1_o thes_n v._o xxi_o 1_o joh._n iu_o i._n to_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a to_o try_v the_o spirit_n and_o the_o doctrine_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n this_o caution_n be_v to_o be_v use_v lest_o we_o fall_v into_o error_n since_o every_o author_n be_v a_o man_n and_o by_o consequence_n may_v sometime_o be_v mistake_v the_o common_a people_n do_v particular_o need_v this_o advice_n because_o they_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o believe_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v read_v in_o book_n especial_o in_o book_n of_o devotion_n be_v true_a but_o though_o a_o book_n shall_v contain_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v good_a discretion_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o just_a application_n of_o the_o content_n of_o it_o to_o out_o self_n because_o that_o which_o be_v proper_a for_o some_o be_v not_o suitable_a to_o other_o the_o not_o observe_v this_o rule_n be_v the_o reason_n why_o 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