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reception_n which_o their_o witness_n in_o most_o place_n will_v find_v all_o the_o profit_n pleasure_n reputation_n then_o which_o they_o can_v forecast_v to_o themselves_o be_v a_o complication_n of_o trouble_n torment_n and_o death_n be_v laugh_v at_o by_o wise_a and_o foolish_a in_o a_o word_n the_o want_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o misery_n and_o who_o will_v go_v about_o with_o a_o devise_a lie_n on_o such_o term_n the_o very_a story_n itself_o suffer_v we_o not_o to_o believe_v they_o abuse_v that_o they_o shall_v a_o considerable_a time_n behold_v he_o discourse_n with_o he_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o handle_v his_o body_n and_o this_o several_a time_n do_v and_o by_o several_a person_n by_o the_o eleven_o disciple_n altogether_o by_o above_o five_o hundred_o at_o once_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o delusory_a phantom_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v beside_o themselves_o be_v as_o incredible_a all_o their_o other_o action_n speak_v they_o not_o only_o 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evidence_n of_o their_o unskillfullness_n in_o humane_a literature_n final_o the_o opposition_n which_o this_o unlikely_a doctrine_n propagate_v by_o assertor_n so_o unlikely_a to_o succeed_v do_v at_o first_o and_o during_o the_o time_n of_o its_o more_o considerable_a propagation_n receive_v be_v such_o as_o make_v it_o clear_o a_o miracle_n that_o both_o doctrine_n and_o doctor_n be_v not_o long_o ago_o extinct_a and_o darkness_n and_o oblivion_n have_v dwell_v so_o much_o as_o upon_o the_o very_a name_n of_o both_o jew_n and_o heathan_n greek_n and_o barbarian_a every_o where_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o suppress_v they_o as_o early_o as_o may_v be_v and_o before_o they_o grow_v too_o public_a notwithstanding_o all_o which_o maugre_o all_o force_n and_o craft_n this_o doctrine_n run_v over_o the_o world_n as_o our_o lord_n foretell_v it_o shall_v like_o lightning_n without_o any_o violence_n save_v what_o it_o suffer_v it_o succeed_v every_o where_o the_o extinguish_v its_o witness_n disseminated_a and_o confirm_v it_o insomuch_o that_o it_o fill_v city_n and_o country_n camp_n and_o court_n and_o it_o soon_o become_v in_o a_o manner_n as_o impossible_a to_o pitch_v a_o man_n abode_n out_o of_o the_o world_n as_o out_o of_o the_o church_n all_o which_o be_v due_o weigh_v no_o rational_a and_o considerative_a person_n can_v impute_v this_o success_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o a_o divine_a power_n defend_v and_o persuade_v what_o it_o have_v reveal_v i_o do_v profess_v this_o very_a one_o thing_n seem_v to_o i_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o unbiased_a person_n that_o christianity_n can_v have_v no_o other_o author_n but_o the_o supreme_a god_n and_o that_o ancient_a famous_a italian_a poet_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o sing_v as_o he_o do_v when_o bring_v in_o st._n peter_n catechise_v he_o touch_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o belief_n of_o those_o miracle_n by_o
which_o he_o have_v be_v tell_v christian_a religion_n be_v assert_v he_o most_o acute_o answer_v se_fw-la il_fw-fr mondo_fw-la si_fw-mi rivuolse_o all_o christianesmo_n diss'io_fw-it senza_fw-it miracoli_fw-la questo_fw-la uno_fw-la e'tal_n chegli_fw-it alteri_fw-la non_fw-la sonoil_n centesmo_fw-la vhe_fw-it tu_fw-la entrasti_fw-la povero_fw-la &_o digiuno_fw-it in_o campo_fw-it a_o seminar_n la_fw-fr bvona_fw-la pianta_fw-it vhe_fw-it fu_fw-it gia_fw-it vite_fw-la &_o hora_fw-la è_fw-it fatta_fw-it pruno_fw-it which_o if_o we_o will_v transpose_v the_o stanza_n as_o will_v be_v more_o consonant_n to_o the_o order_n of_o our_o last_o argument_n we_o may_v not_o unfit_o thus_o render_v thou_o now_o bless_a saint_n then_o fisher_n poor_a forlorn_a into_o the_o world_n as_o a_o large_a field_n do_v go_v a_o heavenly_a plant_n to_o sow_v a_o plant_n of_o old_a a_o vine_n now_o turn_v a_o thorn_n and_o have_v the_o world_n prove_v convert_v and_o submiss_a without_o miraculous_a proof_n to_o what_o be_v teach_v all_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v will_v not_o have_v be_v the_o hundred_o part_n of_o this_o in_o sum_n then_o if_o no_o person_n consider_v the_o progress_n and_o state_n of_o christianity_n since_o the_o departure_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a founder_n thereof_o can_v see_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a it_o shall_v have_v take_v root_n so_o deep_o and_o so_o wide_o spread_v its_o branch_n as_o we_o be_v by_o so_o much_o of_o the_o story_n of_o it_o as_o be_v undoubted_a convince_v it_o have_v except_o a_o divine_a power_n have_v as_o well_o support_v and_o nourish_v as_o at_o first_o plant_v it_o and_o it_o be_v together_o grant_v as_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n or_o divinity_n of_o that_o giver_n to_o uphold_v foster_n and_o propagate_v the_o great_a abuse_n of_o mankind_n as_o christianity_n be_v except_o it_o be_v true_a that_o ever_o be_v we_o must_v then_o conclude_v christian_a religion_n be_v from_o god_n that_o be_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n sect._n 6_o to_o conclude_v then_o the_o whole_a upon_o the_o view_n of_o the_o history_n of_o christian_a religion_n before_o under_z and_o since_o christ_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o within_o each_o of_o these_o three_o period_n there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o it_o certain_a and_o beyond_o all_o scruple_n and_o question_n to_o man_n who_o will_v believe_v any_o thing_n beside_o their_o own_o eye_n as_o enforce_v we_o to_o conclude_v jesus_n christ_n be_v send_v from_o heaven_n and_o do_v deliver_v unto_o the_o world_n the_o true_a religion_n that_o be_v such_o a_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n as_o that_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o approve_v of_o and_o will_v accept_v a_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n i_o mean_v matter_n of_o fact_n at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n as_o it_o be_v that_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n can_v be_v prove_v by_o no_o other_o mean_n but_o either_o by_o visible_a monument_n of_o it_o or_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o to_o who_o it_o be_v first_o impart_v with_o a_o satisfactory_a or_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o its_o be_v divine_a hand_a and_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o this_o evidence_n to_o they_o must_v be_v either_o that_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o one_o who_o they_o be_v sure_o come_v from_o heaven_n or_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o heaven_n to_o attest_v its_o own_o doctrine_n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v as_o a_o eternal_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o distinctive_a mark_n of_o any_o doctrine_n so_o pretend_v the_o consonancy_n of_o such_o doctrine_n to_o the_o supreme_a principle_n of_o reason_n sanctity_n and_o justice_n each_o of_o these_o evidence_n have_v we_o see_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v still_o extant_a in_o the_o world_n monument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o several_a point_n of_o the_o history_n sepulcher_n temple_n etc._n etc._n which_o prove_v there_o be_v such_o person_n or_o doctor_n as_o we_o pretend_v then_o the_o testimony_n be_v not_o of_o one_o or_o a_o few_o but_o of_o many_o hundred_o in_o the_o primitive_a age_n of_o nation_n and_o age_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n since_o by_o a_o constant_a and_o invariant_n tradition_n the_o first_o witness_n have_v evidence_n more_o than_o can_v be_v utter_v that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n come_v from_o heaven_n and_o they_o see_v he_o return_v to_o heaven_n and_o enter_v into_o that_o glory_n which_o he_o promise_v they_o and_o take_v possession_n of_o that_o power_n which_o he_o tell_v they_o he_o be_v to_o receive_v thing_n which_o befall_v not_o the_o founder_n of_o any_o other_o religion_n no_o not_o moses_n himself_o who_o only_o be_v bury_v no_o one_o know_v where_n they_o see_v great_a and_o various_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o they_o wrought_v such_o themselves_z as_o be_v promise_v to_o they_o they_o shall_v and_o all_o this_o confess_v even_o in_o the_o primitive_a age_n by_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o this_o religion_n the_o success_n of_o this_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o great_a miracle_n of_o all_o then_o as_o to_o those_o point_n which_o the_o precept_n of_o this_o religion_n impose_v they_o be_v either_o duty_n natural_a or_o positive_a the_o natural_a by_o be_v so_o be_v most_o consonant_a to_o reason_n and_o though_o the_o precept_n which_o enjoin_v they_o be_v rule_n of_o high_a sanctity_n and_o justice_n than_o mere_a reason_n will_v or_o can_v have_v give_v yet_o be_v give_v they_o be_v such_o as_o it_o must_v needs_o approve_v and_o as_o to_o all_o positive_a office_n their_o reasonableness_n and_o conduciveness_n to_o virtue_n we_o have_v see_v particular_o there_o have_v therefore_o as_o great_a evidence_n be_v give_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n as_o any_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n can_v at_o such_o distance_n from_o its_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o world_n receive_v and_o far_o great_a than_o of_o any_o other_o past_a matter_n of_o fact_n whatsoever_o which_o we_o believe_v wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v be_v just_a to_o our_o reason_n we_o must_v conclude_v it_o true_a and_o if_o it_o be_v true_a as_o above_o make_v out_o holy_a scripture_n be_v true_a also_o and_o if_o that_o be_v true_a than_o we_o be_v oblige_v as_o much_o as_o by_o divine_a authority_n we_o can_v be_v to_o prayer_n sacrament_n hear_v read_v or_o meditate_v holy_a scripture_n the_o particular_a office_n of_o christian_a positive_a worship_n and_o then_o that_o opinion_n which_o pretend_v it_o sufficient_a man_n live_v honest_o nor_o need_v they_o concern_v or_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o go_v to_o prayer_n frequent_v sacrament_n and_o sermon_n and_o such_o devotion_n be_v not_o as_o it_o will_v be_v think_v a_o more_o free_a and_o generous_a strain_n of_o christianity_n but_o a_o plain_a principle_n of_o impiety_n direct_o injurious_a to_o god_n in_o breed_v man_n to_o the_o neglect_n of_o pay_v he_o what_o be_v his_o due_n that_o be_v what_o he_o require_v and_o subversive_a of_o christian_a religion_n the_o positive_a precept_n of_o which_o of_o no_o less_o divine_a authority_n then_o the_o natural_a it_o flat_o contrariate_n and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o neglect_n or_o not_o performance_n of_o natural_a duty_n while_o it_o destroy_v or_o lift_v out_o those_o mean_n and_o help_n which_o divine_a wisdom_n prescribe_v to_o further_a and_o secure_v such_o performance_n i_o mean_v positive_a office_n of_o worship_n the_o great_a mean_a to_o virtue_n and_o so_o we_o have_v prove_v what_o we_o undertake_v the_o necessity_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o a_o positive_a worship_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o christian_n the_o end_n errata_fw-la note_v the_o discourse_n be_v transpose_v and_o the_o second_o be_v intend_v first_o therefore_o p._n 27._o l._n 12._o read_v discourse_n follow_v p._n 29._o l._n 7._o read_v primitive_a p._n 33._o l._n 12._o r._n two_o p._n 51._o l._n last_o r._n create_v p._n 53._o 19_o r._n thee_o p._n 65._o l._n 4._o r._n mad_a p._n 77._o l._n 17._o r._n run_v on_o one_o p._n 105._o l._n 14._o r._n game_n p._n 112._o l._n 2._o r._n in_o other_o p._n 118._o l._n 12._o r._n plain_a p._n 121._o l._n 3._o r._n mean_v p._n 141._o l._n 9_o r._n of_o employment_n p._n 144._o l._n 12._o r._n affect_n p._n 148._o l._n 4._o r._n act_n p._n 163._o l._n 7._o r._n vein_n p._n 167._o l._n 9_o r._n persist_v p._n 172._o l._n 12._o r._n in_o six_o p._n 212._o ult_n r._n pretend_o
and_o to_o god_n most_o acceptable_a worship_n i_o assert_v the_o positive_a office_n of_o christian_a worship_n to_o be_v necessary_a as_o most_o natural_a proper_a mean_n for_o the_o implant_n growth_n and_o security_n of_o virtue_n in_o the_o three_o suppose_v none_o who_o admit_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n or_o of_o christian_a religion_n can_v deny_v or_o doubt_v the_o particular_a office_n of_o christian_a worship_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n from_o the_o irrefragable_a evidence_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o so_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o scripture_n i_o assert_v the_o aforesaid_a office_n of_o christian_a worship_n necessary_a as_o be_v prescribe_v or_o matter_n of_o particular_a precept_n and_o be_v i_o apprehend_v very_o reasonable_a evidence_n be_v give_v for_o make_v good_a all_o these_o assertion_n i_o add_v that_o these_o office_n be_v reasonable_a as_o well_o as_o necessary_a in_o the_o second_o discourse_n though_o my_o design_n may_v seem_v to_o engage_v i_o more_o with_o the_o affection_n and_o will_n than_o understanding_n yet_o be_v i_o judge_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o sway_v they_o to_o be_v deal_v effectual_o with_o reason_n and_o judgement_n i_o have_v therefore_o endeavour_v that_o the_o particular_a process_n in_o each_o case_n may_v carry_v such_o weight_n of_o reason_n in_o they_o as_o may_v approve_v they_o to_o any_o considerative_a and_o intelligent_a mind_n and_o so_o in_o a_o manner_n enforce_v their_o practice_n or_o at_o least_o leave_v the_o neglectour_n unexcusable_a they_o consist_v therefore_o of_o particular_n all_o or_o most_o of_o they_o suppose_v we_o christian_n in_o our_o own_o power_n and_o beside_o natural_a and_o proper_a to_o the_o case_n for_o which_o they_o be_v prescribe_v as_o remedy_n and_o last_o enforce_v by_o the_o common_a and_o most_o demonstrable_a principle_n of_o religion_n i_o do_v acknowledge_v i_o often_o herein_o proceed_v upon_o particular_a foundation_n which_o holy_a scripture_n administer_v proper_a to_o the_o respective_a design_n i_o prosecute_v but_o i_o take_v that_o to_o be_v little_o less_o legitimate_a proceed_n when_o it_o be_v argue_v from_o proposition_n before_o evince_v as_o the_o truth_n of_o revelation_n and_o scripture_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v by_o the_o former_a discourse_n than_o if_o it_o be_v argue_v from_o principle_n self_n evident_a this_o be_v all_o the_o recommendation_n of_o or_o apology_n for_o my_o follow_a work_n which_o i_o have_v or_o think_v necessary_a to_o make_v i_o have_v therefore_o now_o only_o to_o beseech_v of_o god_n that_o it_o may_v be_v as_o successful_a as_o i_o wish_v it_o and_o of_o the_o reader_n that_o it_o may_v be_v as_o honest_o and_o innocent_o entertain_v as_o i_o mean_v it_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o much_o of_o the_o happy_a event_n of_o either_o where_o it_o shall_v be_v read_v with_o a_o honest_a design_n of_o practice_n more_o than_o censure_n a_o practical_a discourse_n of_o the_o more_o common_a impediment_n of_o devotion_n and_o the_o christian_a worship_n with_o their_o respective_a remedy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d musonius_n philosoph_n apud_fw-la a._n gellium_fw-la london_n print_v by_o j._n m._n for_o john_n martin_n at_o the_o bell_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1671._o the_o content_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n of_o the_o first_o part._n chap._n i._o sect._n 1_o the_o design_n of_o the_o discourse_n §_o 2._o the_o mischief_n arise_v from_o the_o neglect_n of_o devotion_n brief_o touch_v §_o 3._o whence_o the_o impediment_n of_o it_o spring_n §_o 4._o the_o method_n of_o the_o discourse_n p._n 1._o chap._n ii_o §_o 1._o the_o devil_n one_o author_n of_o the_o impediment_n of_o devotion_n §_o 2._o 1._o by_o prepossess_v man_n mind_n with_o atheistical_a sansy_n such_o as_o 1._o that_o of_o the_o vanity_n or_o uncertainty_n of_o religion_n §_o 3._o remedy_n against_o this_o prepossession_n §_o 4._o 2._o of_o the_o needlessness_n of_o so_o much_o religion_n §_o 5._o remedy_n against_o this_o conceit_n §_o 6._o of_o the_o hindrance_n the_o devil_n give_v we_o in_o divine_a worship_n 1._o by_o extravagant_a thought_n inject_v §_o 7._o their_o remedy_n §_o 8._o 2._o by_o instil_v spiritual_a pride_n §_o 9_o its_o remedy_n p._n 7._o chap._n iii_o §_o 1._o impediment_n of_o divine_a worship_n from_o the_o world_n 1_o care_n and_o business_n §_o 2._o remedy_n herein_o §_o 3._o 2._o pleasure_n in_o general_n §_o 4._o a_o general_a remedy_n §_o 5._o pleasure_n particular_a first_o city_n pleasure_n 1._o company_n §_o 6._o remedy_n §_o 7._o a_o necessary_a caution_n in_o society_n touch_v evil_a communication_n §_o 8._o 2._o the_o entertainment_n of_o the_o stage_n §_o 9_o the_o case_n of_o go_v to_o play_n determine_v §_o 10._o advise_v for_o remedy_n §_o 11._o of_o more_o private_a masque_n and_o ball_n §_o 12._o 2._o country_n pleasure_n hunt_v §_o 13._o advise_v for_o remedy_n §_o 14._o hawk_v horserace_v etc._n etc._n when_o immoderate_a §_o 15._o game_n too_o much_o though_o at_o home_n §_o 16._o remedy_n §_o 17._o intellectual_a pleasure_n when_o impediment_n temperate_v §_o 18._o worldly_n vanity_n impediment_n §_o 19_o vanity_n in_o apparel_n state_v §_o 20._o remedy_n by_o way_n of_o dissuasion_n p._n 46_o 47._o chap._n iv_o §_o 1._o the_o sum_n of_o impediment_n arise_v from_o corrupt_a nature_n §_o 2._o sloth_n and_o sensuality_n §_o 3._o remedy_n hereof_o §_o 4._o persuasive_n to_o the_o former_a practice_n §_o 5._o vnsetledness_n of_o mind_n and_o employment_n impediment_n §_o 6._o their_o remedy_n §_o 7._o passion_n and_o inordinate_a affection_n impediment_n §_o 8._o their_o remedy_n p._n 141._o chap._n v._o §_o 1._o the_o former_a general_n useful_a in_o particular_a case_n not_o name_v §_o 2._o schism_n prejudicial_a to_o piety_n and_o a_o grievous_a sin_n §_o 3._o remedy_n thereof_o §_o 4._o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a discourse_n p._n 200._o the_o content_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n of_o the_o second_o part._n chap._n i._n a_o full_a proposal_n of_o the_o first_o sect._n 1._o point_n viz._n that_o some_o positive_a worship_n there_o must_v be_v and_o three_o proposition_n to_o evince_v it_o §_o 2._o the_o first_o proposition_n prove_v §_o 3._o a_o objection_n answer_v §_o 4._o a_o second_o answer_v §_o 5._o a_o illustration_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o reason_n to_o bring_v man_n general_o to_o virtue_n out_o of_o history_n §_o 6._o a_o three_o objection_n answer_v §_o 7._o the_o second_o proposition_n prove_v §_o 8._o the_o three_o proposition_n prove_v §_o 9_o objection_n in_o common_a against_o revelation_n and_o divine_a record_n answer_v p._n 235._o chap._n ii_o §_o 1._o that_o the_o christian_a positive_a worship_n be_v reasonable_a and_o necessary_a as_o a_o mean_a to_o virtue_n §_o 2._o the_o proposition_n make_v good_a touch_v prayer_n in_o all_o its_o part_n and_o kind_n §_o 3._o the_o same_o make_v good_a as_o to_o the_o sacrament_n §_o 4._o as_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n §_o 5._o and_o confession_n of_o faith_n p._n 292._o chap._n iii_o §_o 1._o a_o positive_a worship_n certain_a from_o scripture_n and_o scripture_n certain_a from_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n §_o 2._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n evident_a from_o the_o history_n of_o it_o §_o 3._o before_o christ_n §_o 4._o evident_a from_o the_o history_n of_o it_o in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n §_o 5._o evident_a from_o the_o history_n of_o its_o progress_n and_o state_n since_o §_o 6._o a_o recapitulatory_a conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a p._n 333_o a_o practical_a discourse_n of_o the_o more_o common_a impediment_n of_o devotion_n and_o divine_a worship_n with_o their_o remedy_n chap._n i._n §_o 1._o the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n §_o 2._o the_o mischief_n arise_v from_o neglect_n of_o devotion_n brief_o touch_v §_o 3._o whence_o the_o impediment_n of_o it_o spring_n §_o 4._o the_o method_n of_o the_o discourse_n sect._n 1_o as_o in_o other_o point_n of_o our_o christian_a duty_n so_o especial_o in_o devotion_n and_o divine_a worship_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o many_o let_n and_o diversion_n there_o be_v none_o but_o be_v apt_a to_o complain_v though_o haply_o very_a few_o so_o circumspect_a against_o they_o as_o be_v behoveful_a for_o their_o prevention_n or_o removal_n the_o discovery_n in_o particular_a what_o the_o usual_a impediment_n of_o devotion_n be_v and_o what_o their_o respective_a remedy_n be_v the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n sect._n 2_o the_o mischief_n which_o accrue_v unto_o we_o by_o be_v divert_v or_o take_v off_o from_o the_o more_o constant_a and_o devout_a pay_v divine_a worship_n be_v both_o various_a and_o of_o great_a weight_n first_o we_o be_v hereby_o debar_v or_o deprive_v of_o the_o vast_a and_o manifold_a good_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n and_o proper_a consequence_n of_o such_o
holy_a duty_n such_o as_o be_v a_o tender_a heart_n a_o watchful_a and_o resolve_a conscience_n the_o prevention_n and_o assistance_n of_o grace_n joy_n and_o peace_n through_o hope_n beside_o those_o which_o be_v more_o common_a blessing_n preservation_n success_n of_o our_o affair_n and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o he_o who_o think_v not_o a_o unvalueable_a loss_n be_v uncapable_a to_o value_v any_o thing_n and_o utter_o devoid_a of_o christian_a sense_n and_o second_o we_o be_v hereby_o involve_v in_o as_o great_a a_o guilt_n as_o the_o negligence_n of_o god_n and_o our_o great_a concernment_n can_v carry_v in_o it_o together_o three_o with_o the_o dismal_a consequent_n of_o that_o negligence_n disorder_n of_o mind_n decay_n of_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n a_o heedless_a and_o senseless_a spirit_n fit_a for_o any_o yea_o the_o most_o outrageous_a temptation_n to_o fix_v upon_o together_o with_o other_o evil_n not_o easy_a to_o be_v reckon_v up_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o which_o so_o great_a and_o various_a mischief_n as_o it_o shall_v awaken_v and_o excite_v we_o to_o a_o diligent_a search_n and_o examination_n what_o hindrance_n we_o common_o meet_v with_o and_o to_o all_o conscientious_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n to_o remove_v or_o prevent_v every_o impediment_n or_o disturbance_n so_o it_o may_v suggest_v to_o we_o whence_o all_o these_o come_v and_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n helpful_a to_o we_o not_o only_o to_o discover_v what_o in_o particular_a be_v our_o proper_a let_n and_o impediment_n but_o also_o more_o general_o to_o take_v a_o survey_n what_o may_v be_v obstructive_a in_o common_a to_o we_o and_o other_o for_o can_v we_o at_o once_o see_v each_o numerical_a let_v which_o we_o and_o other_o have_v be_v infest_a with_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o may_v say_v of_o every_o one_o a_o enemy_n have_v do_v this_o none_o but_o such_o who_o design_n our_o ruin_n will_v wilful_o hinder_v we_o in_o the_o great_a mean_n of_o our_o safety_n sect._n 4_o in_o order_n then_o to_o the_o take_v a_o full_a and_o impartial_a view_n of_o the_o common_a and_o more_o frequent_a hindrance_n of_o devotion_n and_o divine_a worship_n though_o to_o each_o particular_a man_n his_o own_o conscience_n be_v the_o best_a guide_n and_o the_o search_n and_o examination_n of_o that_o the_o sure_a mean_n to_o find_v out_o his_o peculiar_a plague_n in_o this_o case_n yet_o to_o we_o who_o must_v search_v as_o near_o as_o we_o can_v for_o all_o it_o seem_v likely_a to_o be_v the_o most_o successful_a and_o comprehensive_a method_n to_o inquire_v what_o each_o of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n contribute_v to_o keep_v we_o off_o or_o divert_v we_o from_o our_o duty_n in_o this_o behalf_n and_o according_a to_o the_o discovery_n we_o can_v make_v of_o any_o particular_a evil_n we_o shall_v forthwith_o endeavour_v to_o apply_v its_o cure_n or_o proper_a redress_n chap._n ii_o §_o 1._o the_o devil_n one_o author_n of_o the_o impediment_n of_o devotion_n §_o 2._o 1._o by_o prepossess_v man_n mind_n with_o atheistical_a fancy_n such_o as_o 1._o that_o of_o the_o vanity_n or_o uncertainty_n of_o religion_n §_o 3._o remedy_n against_o this_o prepossession_n §_o 4._o 2._o of_o the_o needlessness_n of_o so_o much_o religion_n §_o 5._o remedy_n against_o this_o conceit_n §_o 6._o of_o the_o hindrance_n the_o devil_n give_v we_o in_o divine_a worship_n 1._o by_o extravagant_a thought_n inject_v §_o 7._o their_o remedy_n §_o 8._o 2._o by_o instil_v spiritual_a pride_n §_o 9_o its_o remedy_n sect._n 1_o of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n the_o first_o be_v the_o devil_n touch_v who_o it_o be_v certain_o true_a that_o man_n ordinary_o in_o the_o estimate_v the_o original_a of_o their_o own_o sin_n be_v apt_a to_o give_v the_o devil_n more_o than_o his_o due_n and_o as_o if_o they_o will_v pay_v he_o in_o his_o own_o coin_n turn_v false_a accuser_n even_o of_o he_o though_o therefore_o we_o must_v beware_v of_o this_o injustice_n yet_o be_v it_o most_o just_o resolve_v that_o there_o be_v some_o hindrance_n of_o devotion_n of_o which_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o author_n as_o a_o argument_n of_o which_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o prophet_n represent_v joshua_n the_o high_a priest_n stand_v 1._o zach._n 3._o 1._o before_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o addressing_z himself_o to_o god_n bring_v in_o satan_n also_o stand_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o same_o enmity_n that_o bring_v he_o thither_o to_o resist_v he_o be_v not_o undoubted_o want_v what_o it_o can_v to_o hinder_v he_o now_o of_o these_o impediment_n of_o devotion_n which_o we_o may_v with_o justice_n impute_v unto_o the_o devil_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n the_o one_o precedent_n by_o which_o he_o hinder_v we_o from_o it_o the_o other_o concomitant_a by_o which_o he_o hinder_v we_o in_o it_o sect._n 2_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n as_o far_o forth_o as_o i_o can_v see_v be_v his_o possess_v we_o with_o incredulous_a and_o atheistical_a fancy_n and_o notion_n such_o as_o first_o of_o the_o vanity_n or_o uncertainty_n of_o religion_n he_o suggest_v to_o we_o that_o all_o religion_n be_v but_o a_o crafty_a design_n upon_o credulous_a mankind_n for_o some_o secular_a and_o politic_a respect_n or_o at_o least_o that_o it_o may_v be_v such_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a it_o be_v not_o such_o and_o then_o why_o be_v all_o this_o waist_n of_o good_a time_n and_o pain_n why_o this_o retrench_a ourselves_o of_o freedom_n and_o pleasure_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_n macerate_v ourselves_o with_o devotional_a and_o mortify_a endeavour_n and_o continual_a watchfulness_n and_o solicitude_n of_o mind_n why_o shall_v i_o abuse_v myself_o into_o vexation_n and_o exchange_v real_a delicious_a enjoyment_n for_o the_o dream_n of_o a_o future_a and_o imaginary_a bliss_n these_o thing_n though_o we_o hear_v often_o from_o some_o of_o degenerate_a mankind_n yet_o come_v they_o original_o from_o the_o great_a father_n of_o lie_n and_o he_o it_o be_v who_o both_o often_o suggest_v they_o to_o our_o remembrance_n and_o employ_v many_o agent_n to_o disseminate_a and_o vent_v they_o in_o the_o world_n under_o the_o most_o take_a method_n sect._n 3_o of_o this_o poison_n the_o most_o proper_a and_o effectual_a antidote_n or_o remedy_n will_v be_v a_o solid_a and_o rational_a satisfaction_n and_o conviction_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n touch_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o religion_n particular_o of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n the_o reality_n of_o what_o we_o call_v good_a and_o evil_n virtue_n and_o vice_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o different_a estate_n in_o that_o immortal_a life_n i_o confess_v myself_o not_o at_o all_o of_o their_o mind_n who_o think_v it_o needless_a or_o nugatory_n by_o natural_a reason_n to_o demonstrate_v such_o common_a principle_n of_o all_o religion_n i_o love_v dear_o to_o find_v my_o reason_n baffle_v into_o faith_n and_o enforce_v to_o conclude_v either_o religion_n real_a or_o contradictious_a proposition_n together_o true_a this_o take_v from_o none_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o free_a or_o as_o some_o may_v please_v to_o style_v it_o a_o noble_a faith_n any_o may_v believe_v on_o other_o inducement_n who_o can_v or_o will_v but_o secure_v such_o who_o nature_n be_v more_o averse_a from_o credulity_n in_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n which_o persuasion_n thus_o found_v may_v stand_v unshaken_a in_o a_o thousand_o shock_n as_o well_o of_o temptation_n as_o opposition_n when_o the_o credulous_a faith_n may_v either_o totter_v or_o undermine_v sink_v possible_o what_o i_o direct_v to_o may_v by_o some_o be_v think_v unpracticable_a by_o the_o common_a sort_n who_o be_v presume_v unable_a to_o conclude_v these_o fundamental_o upon_o principle_n of_o mere_a natural_a reason_n a_o thing_n which_o they_o so_o little_o understand_v but_o to_o that_o i_o say_v there_o be_v very_o few_o or_o none_o to_o who_o this_o temptation_n be_v incident_a and_o consequent_o who_o i_o direct_v thus_o to_o oppose_v it_o who_o have_v not_o natural_a logic_n enough_o from_o such_o premise_n as_o i_o will_v have_v they_o propound_v to_o conclude_v what_o i_o will_v have_v they_o rational_o satisfy_v of_o though_o i_o can_v not_o artificial_o make_v syllogism_n yet_o in_o a_o serious_a and_o considerative_a state_n of_o mind_n i_o can_v in_o a_o silent_a evening_n walk_v forth_o and_o view_v the_o earth_n adorn_v with_o herb_n and_o flower_n and_o tree_n and_o fruit_n furrow_v with_o channel_n wherein_o run_v rivers_n and_o brook_n and_o spring_n to_o water_v its_o best_a and_o most_o needy_a part_n inhabit_v by_o variety_n of_o live_a creature_n for_o all_o which_o its_o fruitful_a womb_n bring_v forth_o proper_a nourishment_n i_o can_v after_o behold_v in_o the_o vast_a empty_a over_o my_o head_n a_o multitude_n of_o
persuasion_n and_o then_o take_v up_o three_o one_o contrary_v to_o both_o the_o former_a and_o so_o onward_o till_o reflect_v upon_o themselves_o and_o see_v or_o imagine_v they_o have_v be_v deceive_v so_o often_o they_o conclude_v all_o religion_n to_o be_v but_o a_o deceit_n and_o according_o cast_v it_o off_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o observable_a among_o our_o present_a schismatic_n than_o this_o to_o conclude_v then_o this_o point_n of_o the_o mischievousness_n of_o schism_n if_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n which_o we_o by_o schism_n rend_v or_o interest_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o we_o hereby_o dishonour_v and_o expose_v to_o the_o blasphemy_n of_o its_o enemy_n by_o we_o justify_v if_o the_o prosperity_n or_o quiet_a of_o this_o our_o native_a church_n which_o as_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v we_o embroil_n be_v at_o all_o dear_a to_o we_o nay_o if_o we_o have_v any_o belief_n of_o or_o respect_n and_o tenderness_n towards_o christianity_n or_o any_o religion_n at_o all_o if_o we_o be_v touch_v with_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o christian_a brethren_n or_o wear_v any_o love_n and_o concernment_n for_o our_o own_o soul_n by_o these_o and_o all_o these_o as_o we_o will_v not_o have_v religion_n drive_v out_o of_o the_o world_n nor_o ourselves_o shut_v out_o of_o heaven_n be_v we_o engage_v and_o conjure_v to_o leave_v off_o schismatical_a practice_n to_o mortify_v all_o inclination_n thereto_o in_o our_o heart_n and_o to_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o and_o conformity_n to_o our_o mother_n church_n be_v thus_o cordial_o sensible_a of_o the_o sin_n and_o danger_n of_o schism_n for_o the_o sure_a reconcile_n our_o mind_n perfect_o to_o the_o church_n three_o let_v we_o study_v and_o endeavour_v to_o inform_v ourselves_o of_o the_o reason_n intent_n and_o use_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o most_o offend_v we_o in_o the_o church_n practice_n for_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a the_o ignorance_n of_o these_o be_v the_o great_a ground_n of_o disaffection_n to_o they_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o people_n be_v bear_v and_o breed_v up_o in_o place_n and_o time_n wherein_o the_o disuse_n of_o the_o present_a order_n of_o the_o church_n have_v make_v the_o use_n strange_a to_o they_o and_o again_o usage_n contrary_a preoccupate_v their_o mind_n with_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la against_o these_o these_o prejudices_fw-la must_v be_v lay_v aside_o for_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a to_o condemn_v a_o law_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o god_n because_o it_o hit_v not_o our_o humour_n or_o we_o understand_v it_o not_o and_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n be_v consider_v with_o a_o calm_a and_o equal_a mind_n and_o the_o church_n design_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o injunction_n the_o liberty_n otherwise_o leave_v honest_o and_o even_o ponderate_v and_o if_o there_o shall_v still_o remain_v one_o or_o two_o small_a thing_n touch_v the_o reason_n and_o meaning_n whereof_o we_o be_v yet_o to_o seek_v we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o decline_v all_o because_o we_o understand_v not_o some_o little_a point_n but_o to_o proceed_v in_o a_o honest_a and_o devout_a conformity_n and_o communion_n so_o far_o as_o we_o understand_v expect_v quiet_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v satisfaction_n in_o the_o rest_n and_o the_o practice_n hereof_o will_v not_o only_o otherwise_o bring_v the_o divine_a blessing_n upon_o we_o but_o especial_o fill_v our_o heart_n with_o joy_n and_o comfort_n from_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n be_v satisfy_v and_o peevish_a humour_n master_v and_o a_o sweet_a communion_n maintain_v with_o the_o full_a assembly_n of_o our_o christian_a brethren_n yea_o with_o all_o the_o faithful_a throughout_o the_o world_n last_o for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o schism_n general_o arise_v from_o particular_a man_n pride_n and_o opinionativeness_n of_o their_o intellectual_a ability_n he_o that_o will_v thorough_o root_v this_o evil_a out_o of_o his_o heart_n must_v study_v humility_n modesty_n and_o meekness_n and_o true_o that_o man_n who_o shall_v upon_o serious_a consideration_n with_o himself_o recollect_v how_o often_o he_o have_v err_v what_o a_o multitude_n of_o opinion_n he_o now_o have_v in_o which_o he_o be_v not_o sure_o he_o do_v not_o err_v by_o reason_n they_o have_v not_o or_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o demonstrative_a proof_n and_o again_o how_o innumerable_a thing_n there_o be_v of_o which_o he_o be_v now_o ignorant_a many_o sort_n and_o point_n of_o different_a learning_n which_o possible_o if_o know_v will_v detect_v to_o he_o many_o a_o error_n which_o he_o now_o embraceeth_n for_o a_o truth_n evince_v many_o thing_n to_o be_v truth_n which_o now_o he_o judge_v error_n and_o final_o disentangle_v he_o from_o manifold_a scruple_n he_o i_o say_v who_o shall_v weigh_v attentive_o all_o these_o thing_n will_v not_o so_o peremptory_o lean_a to_o his_o own_o judgement_n but_o that_o he_o will_v be_v willing_a to_o hear_v other_o man_n submit_v to_o elder_a grave_a or_o in_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a better_o inform_v judgement_n than_o his_o own_o but_o especial_o to_o that_o which_o all_o good_a man_n believe_v sacred_a the_o judgement_n of_o the_o church_n in_o fine_a the_o two_o first_o consideration_n propound_v may_v be_v suppose_v sufficient_a disswasives_n from_o schism_n these_o two_o last_o mean_n to_o undermine_v and_o root_v it_o out_o of_o the_o soul_n and_o as_o to_o what_o else_o remain_v on_o our_o part_n for_o its_o extirpation_n it_o be_v in_o our_o own_o power_n to_o wit_n that_o we_o tolerate_v not_o ourselves_o in_o schismatical_a converse_n discourse_n and_o society_n the_o bane_n of_o honest_a plain_a devotion_n that_o we_o break_v off_o such_o acquaintance_n that_o we_o resort_v not_o to_o nor_o maintain_v covenant_n with_o schismatical_a congregation_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o return_v into_o the_o bosom_n of_o our_o desert_a mother_n and_o maintain_v devout_a communion_n with_o she_o nor_o need_v it_o trouble_v we_o if_o we_o have_v enter_v into_o covenant_n as_o they_o call_v it_o with_o this_o or_o that_o schismatical_a congregation_n to_o break_v with_o they_o for_o that_o covenant_n which_o take_v we_o off_o from_o communion_n with_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v in_o itself_o unlawful_a that_o i_o say_v not_o abominable_a sinful_a and_o damnable_a it_o be_v a_o sin_n not_o to_o reform_v that_o be_v not_o to_o break_v it_o with_o sorrow_n of_o heart_n and_o prayer_n for_o forgiveness_n that_o ever_o we_o make_v it_o and_o thus_o if_o we_o do_v there_o be_v no_o doubt_n by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v be_v deliver_v from_o schism_n nor_o with_o that_o hinder_v we_o in_o our_o heavenly_a course_n sect._n 4_o in_o sum_n and_o for_o a_o conclusion_n to_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v apparent_a that_o there_o be_v no_o impediment_n of_o devotion_n which_o be_v not_o by_o care_n and_o diligence_n through_o divine_a grace_n removable_a nor_o indeed_o any_o difficulty_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v not_o easy_o superable_a any_o lust_n which_o be_v not_o mortifiable_a by_o a_o resolve_a and_o serious_o devout_a christian_a whatever_o there_o can_v be_v imagine_v of_o pain_n and_o troublesomeness_n herein_o be_v only_o in_o the_o first_o attempt_v the_o evil_a habit_n we_o be_v to_o deal_v with_o when_o we_o have_v once_o break_v ourselves_o of_o the_o bad_a custom_n holiness_n will_v be_v easy_a to_o we_o than_o vice_n at_o least_o i_o may_v say_v we_o shall_v have_v less_o trouble_n to_o answer_v the_o solicitation_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o repel_v the_o attempt_n the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a world_n make_v upon_o we_o than_o we_o have_v former_o to_o lay_v or_o keep_v asleep_a conscience_n or_o procure_v from_o ourselves_o leave_v that_o we_o may_v sin_v let_v our_o our_o loin_n therefore_o be_v gird_v about_o and_o our_o light_n burn_v let_v we_o stir_v up_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n in_o we_o and_o be_v true_a to_o ourselves_o in_o a_o faithful_a employ_v both_o natural_a power_n and_o divine_a grace_n and_o no_o doubt_n our_o enemy_n will_v fall_v before_o we_o all_o the_o chain_n and_o weight_n they_o will_v cast_v upon_o we_o shall_v fall_v off_o all_o their_o cord_n drop_v asunder_o and_o their_o machine_n miscarry_n nor_o will_v there_o any_o thing_n of_o molestation_n remain_v but_o only_o the_o sweet_a memory_n of_o have_v overcome_v it_o the_o pleasure_n of_o devotion_n and_o a_o clean_a breast_n keep_v thereby_o will_v sweet_o constrain_v we_o to_o a_o strict_a observance_n of_o it_o nor_o shall_v we_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n able_a to_o impetrate_v from_o ourselves_o a_o dispensation_n for_o its_o neglect_n and_o this_o daily_a faithfulness_n in_o holy_a duty_n and_o converse_v thus_o maintain_v with_o god_n shall_v not_o so_o much_o with_o moses_n make_v our_o face_n to_o shine_v as_o embellish_v our_o
prodigious_a fire_n and_o smoke_n ascend_v from_o the_o mount_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v one_o great_a flame_a furnace_n and_o then_o a_o last_a earthquake_n be_v the_o preparatory_a and_o precedaneous_a state_n to_o the_o promulgation_n of_o this_o great_a law_n or_o oracle_n now_o these_o what_o natural_a power_n can_v effect_v and_o will_v the_o supernatural_a divine_a power_n effect_n or_o permit_v effect_v to_o the_o abuse_n of_o his_o darling_n mankind_n again_o we_o pretend_v when_o our_o lord_n be_v on_o earth_n there_o be_v at_o several_a time_n what_o the_o jew_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n and_o among_o they_o look_v on_o as_o the_o most_o sacred_a and_o uncontrollable_a kind_n of_o oracle_n there_o be_v i_o say_v such_o a_o voice_n own_v he_o and_o attest_v his_o mission_n but_o this_o not_o pronounce_v the_o christian_a law_n but_o declare_v our_o lord_n commission_v by_o the_o supreme_a god_n to_o that_o office_n who_o be_v man_n may_v speak_v articulate_o and_o god_n as_o we_o pretend_v infallible_o and_o hereof_o at_o several_a time_n multitude_n be_v hearer_n and_o witness_n all_o which_o can_v not_o always_o conspire_v in_o be_v extatick_a or_o delirious_a these_o be_v the_o great_a if_o not_o the_o sole_a articulate_a oracle_n we_o pretend_v to_o now_o admit_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n of_o these_o the_o imputation_n of_o fraud_n in_o the_o matter_n be_v most_o unreasonable_a and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n there_o be_v not_o only_o the_o same_o evidence_n as_o for_o all_o history_n but_o as_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o see_v much_o great_a we_o receive_v history_n upon_o tradition_n or_o those_o man_n who_o be_v present_a at_o the_o do_v those_o thing_n know_v and_o report_v they_o now_o as_o we_o pretend_v all_o those_o thing_n to_o have_v be_v deliver_v by_o several_a person_n who_o in_o plain_a sort_n see_v or_o hear_v and_o so_o intimate_o understand_v they_o so_o it_o be_v very_o considerable_a that_o there_o be_v never_o tradition_n so_o ancient_a last_a and_o uninterrupted_a none_o ever_o so_o universal_a and_o which_o have_v run_v through_o all_o the_o habitable_a or_o civilise_a world_n none_o so_o autoritative_a as_o have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n receive_v and_o deliver_v by_o many_o the_o wise_a man_n who_o be_v least_o apt_a to_o be_v deceive_v and_o the_o best_a who_o can_v be_v least_o suspect_v of_o the_o design_n of_o deceive_a no_o tradition_n i_o say_v can_v in_o all_o these_o point_n match_n that_o with_o which_o the_o history_n of_o scripture_n come_v to_o we_o not_o to_o mention_v that_o most_o of_o the_o primitive_a witness_n of_o those_o thing_n seal_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n by_o their_o own_o blood_n now_o that_o so_o many_o man_n shall_v conspire_v together_o to_o embrace_v violent_a and_o shameful_a end_n that_o with_o they_o heaven_n shall_v combine_v to_o work_v miracle_n in_o their_o time_n and_o after_o they_o to_o fulfil_v their_o prediction_n that_o in_o all_o age_n many_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o sober_a person_n shall_v agree_v with_o themselves_o and_o those_o testimony_n of_o heaven_n and_o martyr_n to_o abuse_v themselves_o and_o mankind_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o who_o can_v believe_v may_v be_v just_o say_v to_o have_v together_o forfeit_v both_o his_o reason_n and_o ingenuity_n it_o be_v reasonable_a then_o to_o receive_v the_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o general_a matter_n of_o history_n and_o that_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o believe_v the_o great_a divine_a oracle_n can_v be_v the_o fraud_n of_o a_o particular_a crafty_a priest_n nor_o therefore_o be_v christianity_n or_o the_o oracle_n we_o pretend_v to_o liable_a to_o this_o challenge_n to_o proceed_v to_o that_o point_n which_o challenge_v we_o to_o make_v out_o that_o these_o oracle_n be_v design_v to_o oblige_v all_o mankind_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v impertinent_a and_o all_o we_o say_v or_o need_v to_o say_v be_v that_o they_o oblige_v all_o to_o who_o they_o come_v with_o such_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o their_o verity_n as_o deliver_v and_o as_o to_o those_o to_o who_o they_o thus_o come_v not_o those_o very_a oracle_n declare_v they_o shall_v be_v judge_v by_o another_o law_n none_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o these_o law_n save_o those_o who_o have_v they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n those_o who_o make_v these_o challenge_n against_o they_o must_v confess_v themselves_o bind_v to_o receive_v christianity_n because_o they_o can_v or_o will_v not_o pretend_v ignorance_n of_o what_o they_o plead_v against_o as_o to_o all_o that_o now_o remain_v of_o what_o be_v charge_v against_o we_o the_o sum_n be_v that_o admit_v what_o we_o have_v hitherto_o contend_v for_o it_o be_v questionable_a whether_o these_o oracle_n sincere_o descend_v to_o we_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o various_a alteration_n and_o interpolation_n to_o which_o we_o say_v it_o be_v certain_a holy_a scripture_n who_o general_a verity_n we_o have_v hitherto_o find_v no_o reason_n to_o challenge_v express_o require_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o substance_n of_o christian_a religion_n under_o pain_n of_o eternal_a torment_n and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o it_o pretend_v to_o deliver_v that_o substance_n touch_v letter_n or_o particle_n we_o contend_v not_o now_o that_o god_n shall_v require_v of_o we_o to_o receive_v the_o sum_n of_o christian_a religion_n under_o such_o pain_n and_o yet_o not_o by_o his_o providence_n order_n that_o it_o shall_v come_v sincere_o to_o we_o or_o suffer_v that_o in_o its_o essential_o it_o shall_v descend_v only_o corrupt_v be_v again_o irreconcilable_a with_o justice_n and_o goodness_n still_o we_o shall_v be_v damn_v for_o what_o we_o can_v not_o help_v we_o must_v therefore_o conclude_v scripture_n in_o the_o necessary_n and_o substantial_o of_o christian_a religion_n sincere_a and_o uncorrupt_a various_a lection_n in_o this_o point_n need_v not_o create_v we_o trouble_v for_o they_o be_v seldom_o or_o never_o in_o passage_n assert_v a_o substantial_a or_o if_o one_o text_n which_o assert_n a_o substantial_a be_v so_o various_o read_v as_o that_o the_o matter_n be_v thence_o dubious_a there_o be_v other_o which_o assert_v it_o in_o which_o there_o be_v not_o that_o dubiousness_n not_o to_o mention_v that_o those_o very_a various_a lection_n be_v in_o several_a regard_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n sincere_a inasmuch_o as_o they_o speak_v first_o that_o great_a care_n with_o which_o scripture_n have_v be_v ever_o keep_v when_o the_o least_o variation_n from_o the_o receive_v read_v have_v be_v so_o religious_o that_o i_o do_v not_o say_v superstitious_o note_v and_o beside_o second_o the_o multitude_n of_o copy_n that_o even_o in_o ancient_a time_n be_v extant_a and_o disperse_v which_o make_v it_o very_o impossible_a that_o all_o can_v be_v corrupt_v and_o final_o three_o the_o concord_n of_o all_o copy_n as_o to_o substantial_o which_o be_v a_o evidence_n de_fw-fr facto_fw-la that_o scripture_n be_v not_o corrupt_v scripture_n then_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o those_o exception_n which_o be_v bring_v in_o common_a against_o divine_a oracle_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o admit_v its_o verity_n and_o consequent_o to_o receive_v what_o it_o prescribe_v in_o divine_a worship_n which_o be_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o our_o three_o proposition_n and_o so_o that_o first_o and_o fundamental_a assertion_n be_v make_v good_a that_o there_o be_v office_n of_o divine_a worship_n by_o positive_a right_n and_o somewhat_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n beside_o pure_o moral_a virtue_n chap._n ii_o §_o 1._o that_o the_o christian_a positive_a worship_n be_v reasonable_a and_o necessary_a as_o a_o mean_a to_o virtue_n §_o 2._o the_o proposition_n make_v good_a touch_v prayer_n in_o all_o its_o part_n and_o kind_n §_o 3._o the_o same_o make_v good_a as_o to_o the_o sacrament_n §_o 4._o as_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n §_o 5._o and_o confession_n of_o faith_n sect._n 1_o it_o follow_v now_o that_o we_o view_v particular_o what_o these_o office_n be_v and_o evidence_n none_o of_o they_o to_o have_v be_v causeless_o or_o arbitrary_o impose_v none_o of_o they_o to_o want_v a_o wholesome_a reason_n or_o not_o to_o have_v such_o a_o design_n upon_o the_o oblige_a as_o may_v alone_o without_o the_o imposer_n injunction_n commend_v each_o to_o our_o acceptance_n we_o have_v already_o intimate_v the_o particular_a office_n to_o be_v prayer_n attendance_n on_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o word_n to_o which_o as_o beforesaid_a we_o may_v not_o unfit_o add_v the_o make_v solemn_a confession_n of_o our_o christian_n faith_n the_o particular_a text_n which_o enjoin_v each_o we_o suppose_v it_o not_o needful_a to_o allege_v that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o make_v out_o touch_v they_o be_v that_o their_o institution_n be_v
only_a mean_n of_o grace_n though_o therefore_o the_o sole_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v insufficient_a to_o ingenerate_a virtue_n yet_o when_o in_o conjunction_n with_o prayer_n sacrament_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o argue_v it_o of_o such_o insufficiency_n especial_o when_o even_o those_o scripture_n themselves_o teach_v we_o that_o where_o all_o these_o outward_a mean_n be_v vouchsafe_v that_o inward_a supernatural_a divine_a power_n which_o we_o call_v the_o holy_a spirit_n accompany_v if_o it_o be_v not_o withstand_v and_o by_o frequent_a quench_v final_o impede_v to_o work_v the_o excellent_a effect_n we_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v then_o notwithstanding_o this_o suggestion_n most_o reasonable_a necessary_a and_o available_a to_o virtue_n to_o worship_n god_n by_o hear_v and_o search_v scripture_n sect._n 5_o to_o those_o three_o office_n specify_v if_o any_o other_o so_o pure_o of_o positive_a nature_n may_v be_v add_v among_o what_o we_o christian_n pretend_v to_o be_v in_o strictness_n obligatory_a to_o all_o i_o take_v the_o most_o likely_a to_o be_v public_a confession_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o upon_o occasion_n the_o scripture_n do_v require_v it_o and_o the_o law_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n make_v it_o a_o daily_a part_n of_o our_o public_a worship_n now_o as_o to_o it_o we_o say_v that_o if_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n apt_a to_o oblige_v and_o incite_v to_o virtue_n as_o already_o declare_v then_o certain_o inasmuch_o as_o every_o close_a and_o frequent_a view_n of_o premise_n more_o intimate_o imprint_n their_o conclusion_n the_o solemn_a repetition_n and_o own_v those_o doctrine_n must_v needs_o draw_v out_o that_o their_o influence_n and_o make_v they_o more_o fresh_a and_o lively_o operative_a upon_o our_o mind_n to_o all_o virtue_n beside_o what_o a_o eternal_a obligation_n to_o perseverance_n and_o constancy_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o so_o to_o all_o virtue_n consequent_a from_o it_o that_o be_v certain_o all_o natural_a virtue_n whatsoever_o must_v this_o lay_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o have_v all_o so_o often_o before_o god_n angel_n and_o man_n profess_v and_o avow_v our_o serious_a belief_n and_o adhaesion_n to_o these_o principle_n who_o can_v easy_o turn_v apostate_n from_o what_o he_o have_v so_o sacred_o and_o so_o frequent_o upon_o so_o great_a evidence_n as_o all_o intelligent_a person_n have_v of_o the_o christian_a faith_n give_v full_a assent_n and_o consent_n unto_o plain_o then_o it_o be_v upon_o a_o particular_a view_n of_o all_o the_o office_n of_o positive_a worship_n which_o christian_n pretend_v to_o that_o beside_o the_o stamp_n of_o divine_a authority_n their_o conduciveness_n to_o virtue_n make_v they_o most_o reasonable_a and_o necessary_a for_o a_o close_a then_o to_o this_o second_o part_n of_o our_o discourse_n inasmuch_o as_o these_o holy_a office_n speak_v of_o be_v to_o be_v by_o all_o christian_n some_o of_o they_o every_o day_n and_o therein_o more_o than_o once_o all_o of_o they_o except_o baptism_n often_o repeat_v nor_o do_v any_o one_o pay_v the_o worship_n he_o owe_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n we_o hold_v to_o if_o he_o once_o or_o seldom_o pray_v meditate_v hear_v communicate_v and_o confess_v and_o inasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v already_o evident_a every_o due_a iteration_n of_o each_o of_o they_o make_v deep_a impression_n of_o or_o towards_o virtue_n it_o be_v i_o have_v almost_o say_v beyond_o contradiction_n prove_v that_o who_o so_o addict_v himself_o to_o the_o due_a and_o orderly_a practice_n of_o the_o christian_a positive_a worship_n that_o be_v be_v devout_a must_v thereby_o attain_v unto_o and_o grow_v in_o all_o natural_a as_o well_o as_o christian_a virtue_n and_o then_o let_v they_o look_v to_o it_o who_o cry_v up_o natural_a virtue_n as_o the_o only_a true_a or_o necessary_a worship_n of_o the_o supreme_a god_n how_o they_o will_v approve_v themselves_o either_o friend_n to_o virtue_n which_o they_o pretend_v so_o much_o to_o admire_v or_o worshipper_n of_o god_n to_o who_o they_o will_v seem_v the_o only_a true_a and_o rational_a devote_v sure_o the_o imaginary_a honour_n which_o they_o think_v they_o thus_o give_v to_o virtue_n be_v but_o a_o very_a unproportionable_a recompense_n for_o that_o real_a damage_n which_o it_o must_v needs_o sustain_v by_o have_v all_o those_o office_n lift_v out_o which_o god_n appoint_v the_o church_n ever_o practise_v and_o by_o long_a practice_n find_v to_o be_v the_o most_o sovereign_a mean_n and_o preservative_n of_o virtue_n and_o without_o which_o it_o will_v present_o languish_v into_o a_o empty_a name_n have_v little_a footing_n or_o interest_n any_o where_o save_v only_o in_o man_n discourse_n and_o then_o as_o to_o god_n it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o see_v how_o they_o can_v approve_v themselves_o worshipper_n sect._n 3_o of_o he_o when_o they_o deny_v at_o least_o decry_v vilify_v and_o slight_v that_o worship_n which_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n contrive_v and_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n enact_v as_o most_o proper_a not_o only_o to_o express_v in_o a_o way_n acceptable_a to_o he_o the_o homage_n which_o we_o owe_v but_o to_o secure_v to_o we_o what_o only_o can_v constitute_v we_o happy_a holy_a and_o virtuous_a mind_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o three_o general_a head_n §_o 1._o a_o positive_a worship_n certain_a from_o scripture_n and_o scripture_n certain_a from_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n §_o 2._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n evident_a from_o the_o history_n of_o it_o §_o 3._o before_o christ_n §_o 4._o evident_a from_o the_o history_n of_o it_o in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n §_o 5._o evident_a from_o the_o history_n of_o its_o progress_n and_o state_n since_o §_o 6._o a_o recapitulatory_a conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a sect._n 1_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o we_o have_v hitherto_o clear_v be_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o worship_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o positive_a nature_n and_o that_o all_o those_o office_n of_o such_o worship_n which_o christian_n observe_v be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o be_v observe_v because_o necessary_a as_o so_o many_o mean_n to_o the_o propagate_a virtue_n but_o though_o something_o have_v be_v say_v above_o on_o the_o refutative_a part_n to_o vindicate_v the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o the_o christian_a oracle_n from_o those_o imputation_n and_o exception_n which_o be_v bring_v by_o some_o in_o common_a against_o all_o divine_a revelation_n which_o in_o the_o end_n assert_v those_o office_n which_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v unto_o we_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n yet_o little_a or_o nothing_o hitherto_o have_v be_v bring_v in_o a_o probative_a way_n to_o evince_v either_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n or_o of_o those_o office_n from_o thence_o now_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o the_o office_n can_v i_o presume_v be_v doubt_v admit_v the_o divine_a authority_n or_o truth_n of_o scripture_n or_o in_o case_n it_o shall_v we_o have_v make_v it_o sufficient_o evident_a from_o scripture_n as_o to_o each_o particular_a in_o another_o tract_n to_o devotion_n method_n for_o private_a devotion_n which_o this_o discourse_n refer_v and_o then_o general_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n can_v be_v question_v admit_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n among_o mankind_n as_o a_o true_a religion_n beside_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v suppose_v natural_a as_o we_o have_v above_o prove_v there_o be_v that_o religion_n must_v be_v the_o true_a one_o which_o the_o supreme_a god_n ordain_v so_o that_o to_o say_v the_o christian_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n be_v to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v ordain_v by_o god_n if_o therefore_o christian_a religion_n be_v ordain_v by_o god_n as_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n then_o must_v those_o oracle_n or_o record_n which_o do_v contain_v the_o particular_n or_o office_n whereof_o this_o religion_n be_v make_v up_o contain_v such_o thing_n as_o the_o supreme_a god_n enjoin_v to_o man_n which_o be_v all_o that_o at_o present_a we_o mean_v by_o the_o general_a truth_n of_o scripture_n i_o have_v use_v the_o term_n of_o general_a truth_n to_o avoid_v what_o may_v be_v object_v touch_v various_a reading_n which_o if_o various_a and_o so_o various_a as_o we_o know_v they_o be_v in_o both_o testament_n some_o must_v be_v false_a but_o this_o as_o above_o say_v prejudices_fw-la not_o our_o cause_n so_o that_o in_o fine_a to_o say_v the_o christian_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o to_o say_v holy_a scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n or_o true_a in_o our_o sense_n be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o all_o christian_n in_o common_a do_v agree_v that_o scripture_n contain_v the_o essential_o and_o body_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o all_o who_o acknowledge_v
their_o religion_n true_a must_v because_o it_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n acknowledge_v the_o great_a thing_n which_o scripture_n contain_v to_o be_v true_a that_o be_v reveal_v or_o prescribe_v from_o above_o it_o remain_v then_o now_o only_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o christian_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n which_o be_v very_o needless_a do_v we_o intend_v to_o be_v large_a it_o have_v be_v infinite_o better_a do_v by_o many_o hand_n than_o we_o can_v pretend_v to_o but_o in_o regard_n what_o we_o design_v be_v brief_a and_o we_o trust_v may_v be_v satisfactory_a such_o a_o proof_n will_v not_o be_v needless_a to_o such_o who_o it_o may_v be_v have_v not_o or_o can_v peruse_v large_a and_o more_o elaborate_a work_n sect._n 2_o i_o say_v then_o that_o the_o mere_a frame_n of_o the_o history_n of_o christian_a religion_n lie_v so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v rational_o disbelieve_v that_o that_o religion_n come_v from_o god_n that_o be_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o this_o will_v distinct_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v what_o of_o history_n be_v extant_a touch_v christian_a religion_n before_o the_o time_n that_o christ_n be_v bear_v and_o then_o what_o the_o state_n of_o this_o religion_n be_v under_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o last_o what_o its_o progress_n and_o state_n have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n ever_o since_o within_o each_o and_o much_o more_o within_o all_o of_o these_o several_a period_n there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o sacred_a story_n certain_a and_o undeniable_a as_o will_n beyond_o controversy_n evince_v the_o divine_a original_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect._n 3_o first_o as_o to_o what_o of_o the_o history_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v extant_a in_o the_o world_n before_o christ_n come_n thereinto_o it_o may_v possible_o seem_v improper_a language_n to_o talk_v of_o the_o history_n of_o any_o thing_n not_o yet_o suppose_v in_o be_v such_o as_o christian_a religion_n which_o take_v its_o rise_n as_o well_o as_o denomination_n from_o christ_n must_v be_v confess_v to_o be_v before_o christ_n come_v but_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o christianity_n suppose_v judaisme_n once_o to_o have_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o build_v upon_o and_o perfect_v it_o it_o can_v be_v say_v but_o judaisme_n be_v long_o before_o extant_a a_o great_a part_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o also_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n christianity_n only_o advance_v and_o reinforce_v it_o add_v haply_o somewhat_o to_o it_o it_o disannul_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n make_v up_o of_o certain_a typical_a observation_n and_o office_n christianity_n exhibit_v the_o real_a substance_n that_o be_v whatsoever_o truth_n be_v deliver_v of_o old_a to_o the_o jew_n under_o shadow_n the_o gospel_n plain_o speak_v out_o so_o that_o even_o many_o of_o the_o christian_a truth_n or_o doctrinal_n may_v have_v be_v say_v extant_a before_o christ_n though_o in_o a_o different_a manner_n from_o that_o wherein_o they_o be_v now_o know_v these_o thing_n therefore_o consider_v it_o be_v not_o unreasonable_a to_o speak_v somewhat_o of_o the_o history_n of_o christianity_n extant_a before_o christ_n now_o that_o i_o say_v whatever_o it_o be_v deliver_v so_o much_o as_o make_v up_o a_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n i_o mean_v of_o its_o divine_a original_n first_o it_o can_v by_o any_o man_n of_o reason_n be_v deny_v but_o as_o there_o be_v at_o present_a a_o scatter_a race_n of_o man_n which_o call_v and_o profess_v themselves_o jew_n so_o the_o forefather_n of_o these_o be_v a_o very_a ancient_a people_n and_o that_o both_o these_o and_o they_o have_v or_o have_v many_o odd_a custom_n and_o usage_n of_o live_v different_a from_o other_o nation_n all_o which_o they_o have_v observe_v and_o in_o part_n still_o do_v with_o most_o religious_a veneration_n as_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v enact_v by_o a_o law_n deliver_v from_o heaven_n and_o consign_v in_o certain_a book_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n their_o lawgiver_n by_o divine_a direction_n it_o can_v second_o be_v deny_v that_o such_o a_o man_n as_o moses_n a_o very_a long_a time_n ago_o do_v live_v and_o that_o among_o the_o first_o and_o most_o ancient_a monument_n of_o all_o learning_n or_o letter_n be_v that_o arcane_a volume_n wherein_o moses_n comprise_v that_o law_n for_o beside_o that_o we_o have_v the_o book_n in_o our_o hand_n and_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n live_v in_o multitude_n of_o book_n which_o we_o credit_v in_o other_o thing_n we_o have_v mention_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o ancient_a state_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o jew_n yea_o we_o find_v moses_n law_n translate_v into_o other_o tongue_n some_o hundred_o of_o year_n before_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n all_o which_o be_v argument_n beyond_o contradiction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o be_v before_o extant_a nor_o three_o can_v it_o be_v deny_v that_o beside_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o jew_n have_v long_o before_o christ_n time_n certain_a other_o book_n which_o they_o do_v and_o their_o posterity_n still_o do_v believe_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o man_n commission_v and_o inspire_v by_o god_n to_o expound_v that_o law_n to_o they_o and_o acquaint_v they_o of_o other_o mystery_n i_o mean_v they_o have_v the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n particular_o of_o isaiah_n jeremiah_n daniel_n the_o psalm_n and_o the_o rest_n he_o that_o believe_v any_o thing_n of_o history_n that_o he_o read_v can_v disbelieve_v this_o now_o these_o thing_n be_v grant_v if_o we_o compare_v christianity_n the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o it_o with_o what_o be_v extant_a in_o those_o book_n we_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v what_o be_v contend_v for_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o book_n of_o moses_n do_v foretell_v that_o a_o prophet_n god_n shall_v raise_v a_o man_n as_o moses_n be_v who_o shall_v come_v with_o 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