Selected quad for the lemma: religion_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
religion_n	church_n	faith_n	teach_v	4,044	5	6.3549	4	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A63913	A phisico-theological discourse upon the Divine Being, or first cause of all things, providence of God, general and particular, separate existence of the human soul, certainty of reveal'd religion, fallacy of modern inspiration, and danger of enthusiasm to which is added An appendix concerning the corruption of humane nature, the force of habits, and the necessity of supernatural aid to the acquest of eternal happiness : with epistolary conferences between the deceased Dr. Anthony Horneck and the author, relating to these subjects : in several letters from a gentleman to his doubting friend.	Turner, John, b. 1649 or 50.; Horneck, Anthony, 1641-1697.	1698 (1698)	Wing T3313; ESTC R5343	198,836	236

require_v to_o comprehend_v they_o whatever_o god_n have_v say_v be_v to_o be_v assent_v to_o though_o we_o can_v frame_v adequate_a notion_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o nor_o understand_v the_o manner_n how_o it_o shall_v be_v it_o be_v as_o much_o against_o reason_n as_o faith_n to_o think_v to_o fathom_v the_o perfection_n council_n and_o work_v of_o god_n see_v reason_n acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v infinite_a and_o itself_o finite_a 2._o if_o we_o will_v pretend_v to_o reason_n in_o religion_n we_o be_v to_o believe_v whatever_o god_n have_v say_v to_o be_v true_a this_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n that_o he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o can_v lie_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o consonant_a to_o the_o transcendency_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n as_o that_o of_o god_n than_o that_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v incomprehensible_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o agreeable_a to_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n than_o that_o his_o design_n and_o contrivance_n shall_v be_v hold_v past_o find_v out_o it_o be_v as_o well_o irrational_a as_o unjust_a to_o think_v that_o man_n shall_v penetrate_v those_o depth_n and_o abysm_n which_o the_o angel_n desire_v only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o look_v into_o as_o veil_v and_o hide_a from_o sight_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n though_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n contain_v in_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n yet_o most_o certain_o there_o be_v nothing_o therein_o which_o be_v contradictory_n thereunto_o to_o admit_v religion_n to_o contain_v any_o dogm_n repugnant_a to_o right_a reason_n be_v at_o once_o to_o tempt_v man_n to_o look_v upon_o all_o revelation_n as_o a_o romance_n or_o rather_o as_o the_o invention_n of_o distract_a man_n and_o withal_o to_o open_v a_o door_n for_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o figment_n and_o lie_n under_o the_o palliation_n of_o divine_a mystery_n we_o can_v gratify_v the_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n more_o than_o to_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o prime_a article_n of_o our_o belief_n imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o our_o faculty_n in_o a_o word_n this_o hypothesis_n be_v it_o receive_v will_v make_v we_o renounce_v man_n and_o espouse_v brute_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o chief_a and_o great_a concernment_n for_o without_o debase_v ourselves_o into_o a_o low_a species_n we_o can_v embrace_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v formal_o impossible_a and_o when_o man_n have_v fill_v religion_n with_o opinion_n contrary_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o natural_a light_n they_o be_v force_v to_o introduce_v a_o suitable_a faith_n namely_o such_o a_o one_o that_o commend_v itself_o from_o believe_v doctrine_n repugnant_a to_o the_o evidence_n and_o principle_n of_o both_o thus_o the_o first_o heretic_n that_o trouble_v the_o christian_a church_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o teach_v mystery_n overthrow_v common_a sense_n and_o do_v violence_n to_o the_o universal_a uniform_a and_o perpetual_a light_n of_o mankind_n some_o of_o they_o have_v teach_v that_o all_o creature_n be_v natural_o evil_a other_o of_o they_o have_v establish_v two_o several_a god_n one_o good_a another_o bad_a other_o have_v affirm_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v a_o particle_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n not_o to_o mention_v a_o thousand_o falsity_n more_o all_o these_o they_o defend_v against_o the_o assault_n of_o the_o orthodox_n by_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v mystery_n about_o which_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hearken_v to_o thus_o do_v other_o to_o this_o day_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o obtrude_v their_o fancy_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o unable_a to_o prove_v or_o defend_v what_o they_o say_v pretend_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o their_o theorem_n nor_o can_v i_o assign_v a_o better_a reason_n for_o the_o antipathy_n of_o the_o turk_n to_o philosophy_n than_o that_o it_o overthrow_v the_o folly_n and_o absurdity_n of_o their_o religion_n this_o themselves_o confess_v by_o devote_v almansor_n to_o the_o vengeance_n of_o heaven_n because_o he_o have_v weaken_v the_o faith_n of_o musselman_n in_o the_o alcoran_n through_o introduce_v learning_n and_o philosophy_n among_o they_o in_o brief_a though_o we_o make_v not_o natural_a light_n the_o positive_a measure_n of_o thing_n divine_a yet_o we_o may_v safe_o allow_v it_o a_o negative_a voice_n we_o place_v it_o not_o in_o the_o chair_n in_o council_n but_o only_o permit_v it_o to_o keep_v the_o door_n to_o hinder_v the_o entry_n of_o contradiction_n and_o irrational_a fancy_n disguise_v under_o the_o name_n of_o sacred_a mystery_n and_o it_o be_v necessary_a also_o to_o be_v remark_v that_o when_o we_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o religion_n which_o be_v true_o repugnant_a to_o principle_n of_o reason_n we_o do_v not_o by_o principle_n of_o reason_n understand_v all_o that_o this_o or_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n vote_v or_o receive_v for_o such_o the_o universal_a reason_n of_o mankind_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n but_o mistake_v philosophy_n and_o false_a notion_n of_o thing_n which_o this_o or_o that_o man_n admit_v for_o theorem_n of_o reason_n be_v of_o very_o small_a importance_n man_n be_v mislead_v by_o their_o sense_n affection_n interest_n and_o imagination_n do_v many_o time_n mingle_v error_n and_o false_a conceit_n with_o the_o genuine_a dictate_v of_o their_o mind_n and_o then_o appeal_v to_o they_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n when_o they_o be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o vain_a image_n of_o our_o fancy_n and_o the_o conclusion_n of_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_v so_o that_o in_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o high_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a that_o the_o proper_a and_o original_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o neglect_v there_o have_v be_v those_o and_o yet_o be_v who_o will_v hardly_o allow_v any_o text_n of_o scripture_n a_o proper_a sense_n but_o do_v every_o where_o obtrude_v a_o allegoric_a meaning_n as_o if_o that_o alone_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o nothing_o else_o but_o such_o kind_n of_o expositor_n do_v in_o effect_n little_o less_o than_o undermine_v the_o whole_a scripture_n betray_v religion_n and_o turn_v the_o sacred_a oracle_n into_o burlesque_fw-la nor_o be_v there_o any_o notion_n so_o romantic_a which_o the_o scripture_n by_o a_o luxuriant_a fancy_n may_v not_o at_o this_o rate_n be_v wrest_v and_o debauch_v to_o give_v countenance_n to_o yea_o a_o very_a small_a measure_n of_o wit_n will_v serve_v to_o pervert_v the_o plain_a scripture_n testimony_n to_o quite_o another_o sense_n than_o ever_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o writer_n of_o they_o a_o instance_n of_o this_o we_o have_v in_o those_o who_o by_o turn_v the_o whole_a scripture_n into_o allusion_n have_v wrest_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o word_n to_o justify_v their_o own_o wild_a phantasm_n and_o frame_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o their_o own_o private_a notion_n and_o thereby_o evacuate_v the_o sublimest_n doctrine_n and_o most_o glorious_a action_n into_o empty_a metaphor_n and_o vain_a similitude_n thus_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v allegorise_v into_o themselves_o and_o the_o birth_n death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v construe_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o aesop_n or_o phylostratus_n fable_n into_o useful_a moral_n as_o if_o these_o be_v intend_v only_o to_o declare_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o we_o by_o way_n of_o allusion_n but_o leave_v these_o and_o suppose_v only_o for_o the_o present_a that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o supernatural_a or_o divine_a revelation_n of_o the_o almighty_n will_n to_o mankind_n which_o every_o moral_a man_n will_v find_v his_o interest_n to_o believe_v and_o embrace_v if_o it_o be_v upon_o no_o other_o account_n than_o the_o extraordinary_a advantage_n it_o afford_v we_o towards_o the_o secure_n both_o a_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a felicity_n by_o those_o excellent_a precept_n it_o contain_v above_o what_o be_v discoverable_a in_o natural_a religion_n suppose_v this_o i_o say_v it_o be_v reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o think_v that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o this_o admirable_a system_n essential_a to_o a_o save_v faith_n or_o fundamental_o necessary_a to_o our_o future_a welfare_n but_o what_o be_v as_o intelligible_a as_o legible_a to_o every_o reasonable_a creature_n reason_n most_o certain_o the_o essential_o of_o religion_n consist_v not_o in_o any_o intricate_a or_o perplex_v theory_n but_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o lord_n have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n say_v the_o prophet_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v he_o require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n again_o say_v another_o of_o they_o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o affliction_n and_o to_o keep_v

our_o duty_n to_o our_o god_n and_o to_o each_o other_o if_o humane_a reason_n or_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v insufficient_a to_o direct_v we_o to_o such_o a_o uniform_a and_o steady_a rule_n or_o system_v of_o law_n or_o if_o it_o can_v since_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n will_v think_v themselves_o unconcern_v or_o under_o no_o necessity_n to_o observe_v they_o on_o the_o account_n of_o a_o deficiency_n in_o authority_n or_o a_o want_n of_o a_o divine_a sanction_n or_o manumission_n it_o be_v reasonable_a as_o well_o as_o natural_a for_o we_o to_o wish_v and_o expect_v upon_o these_o account_n that_o our_o maker_n will_v in_o some_o manner_n reveal_v himself_o unto_o we_o that_o he_o will_v prescribe_v our_o law_n and_o stamp_v the_o same_o with_o some_o divine_a impression_n whereby_o we_o may_v be_v enable_v to_o discover_v their_o authority_n and_o read_v in_o they_o the_o character_n of_o a_o more_o than_o humane_a contrivance_n or_o composition_n deist_n whether_o or_o no_o this_o almighty_a be_v have_v make_v any_o such_o discovery_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n or_o reveal_v to_o they_o such_o law_n or_o rule_n of_o worship_n as_o will_v be_v most_o acceptable_a to_o he_o be_v the_o business_n of_o our_o present_a enquiry_n for_o let_v i_o tell_v you_o whatever_o noise_n our_o deist_n have_v make_v in_o the_o world_n about_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o natural_a religion_n we_o have_v very_o little_a reason_n to_o think_v they_o in_o good_a earnest_n if_o their_o natural_a religion_n do_v oblige_v they_o to_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o to_o confess_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o the_o result_n of_o such_o a_o faith_n be_v so_o little_a conspicuous_a in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n and_o why_o i_o pray_v be_v it_o that_o the_o precept_n of_o christianity_n which_o aim_v at_o nothing_o more_o than_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o contain_v the_o compleat_a system_v both_o of_o moral_a and_o divine_a law_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o duty_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o regard_v it_o be_v plain_a enough_o to_o every_o sober_a and_o judicious_a man_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o reveal_v religion_n that_o can_v seem_v harsh_a even_o to_o a_o real_a deist_n he_o that_o be_v a_o deist_n in_o good_a earnest_n will_v find_v it_o his_o high_a interest_n and_o concern_v to_o do_v every_o thing_n which_o christianity_n have_v enjoin_v upon_o which_o score_n since_o we_o find_v it_o otherwise_o we_o have_v abundant_a cause_n to_o think_v with_o a_o bently_n learned_a man_n that_o revelation_n in_o itself_o be_v not_o the_o stumble_a block_n it_o be_v not_o the_o fundamental_o of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n nor_o yet_o the_o article_n of_o her_o creed_n it_o be_v the_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n that_o be_v such_o a_o inconsistent_a incredible_a legend_n he_o who_o be_v more_o than_o a_o nominal_a deist_n must_v hearty_o subscribe_v this_o follow_a confession_n which_o that_o you_o may_v be_v the_o better_o opinion_v of_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o in_o their_o own_o word_n 125._o we_o do_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_o powerful_a wise_a and_o good_a god_n who_o superintend_v the_o action_n of_o mankind_n in_o order_n to_o retribute_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o their_o desert_n neither_o be_v we_o to_o boggle_v at_o this_o creed_n for_o if_o we_o do_v not_o stick_v to_o it_o we_o ruin_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o humane_a happiness_n and_o be_v in_o effect_n no_o better_o than_o mere_a atheist_n whatsoever_o be_v adorable_a say_v another_o of_o they_o aimiable_a and_o imitable_a by_o mankind_n be_v in_o one_o supreme_a infinite_a and_o perfect_a be_v 88_o which_o we_o call_v god_n who_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v by_o a_o inviolable_a adherence_n in_o our_o life_n to_o all_o the_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o a_o imitation_n of_o all_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n especial_o his_o goodness_n and_o believe_v magnificent_o of_o it_o again_o in_o their_o new_a scheme_n of_o natural_a religion_n i_o find_v acknowledge_v the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v one_o infinite_a eternal_a god_n creator_n of_o all_o thing_n 195._o 2._o that_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n by_o providence_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o worship_n and_o obey_v he_o as_o our_o creator_n and_o governor_n 4._o that_o our_o worship_n consist_v in_o prayer_n to_o he_o and_o praise_v of_o he_o 5._o that_o our_o obedience_n consist_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o right_a reason_n the_o practice_n whereof_o be_v moral_a virtue_n 6._o that_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v reward_n and_o punishment_n hereafter_o according_a to_o our_o action_n in_o this_o life_n 7._o and_o last_o when_o we_o err_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o we_o repent_v we_o and_o trust_v in_o god_n mercy_n for_o our_o pardon_n now_o show_v i_o the_o man_n who_o act_n according_a to_o this_o faith_n and_o let_v he_o be_v never_o so_o well_o opinion_v of_o natural_a religion_n i_o make_v it_o no_o question_n but_o he_o will_v ready_o acknowledge_v as_o the_o most_o considerate_a and_o judicious_a of_o they_o have_v always_o do_v that_o christianity_n however_o mysterious_a be_v indisputable_o the_o best_a method_n of_o cultivate_a man_n mind_n and_o manure_v their_o conscience_n i_o must_v confess_v with_o 212._o mr._n norris_n be_v we_o to_o consult_v the_o perverse_a gloss_n and_o comment_n of_o some_o christian_a rabbin_n and_o to_o take_v our_o measure_n of_o this_o religion_n from_o those_o ill-favoured_a draught_n of_o it_o we_o may_v sometime_o meet_v with_o we_o shall_v be_v induce_v to_o think_v that_o as_o some_o christian_n be_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n so_o will_v their_o religion_n appear_v to_o be_v the_o worst_a of_o religion_n a_o institution_n unworthy_a the_o contrivance_n even_o of_o a_o wise_a politician_n much_o less_o of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o father_n of_o wisdom_n and_o indeed_o whatever_o declamation_n be_v make_v against_o judaisme_n and_o paganism_n the_o worst_a enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v some_o of_o those_o who_o profess_v and_o teach_v it_o for_o if_o it_o be_v in_o reality_n as_o some_o of_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o orthodox_n describe_v it_o we_o may_v bold_o say_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o for_o the_o reputation_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o such_o a_o religion_n nor_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o man_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o it_o those_o of_o who_o this_o author_n more_o particular_o take_v notice_n as_o the_o misrepresenter_n of_o christianity_n be_v first_o of_o all_o the_o antinomian_o who_o be_v impudent_a and_o ignorant_a enough_o in_o express_a term_n to_o assert_v that_o the_o sacrifice_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n do_v whole_o excuse_v we_o from_o all_o manner_n of_o duty_n and_o obedience_n second_o the_o solifidian_o who_o under_o pretence_n of_o advance_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o cross_n and_o ●he_v freeness_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n require_v nothing_o of_o a_o christian_a in_o order_n to_o his_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n before_o god_n but_o firm_o to_o rely_v on_o the_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o christ_n and_o without_o any_o more_o to_o do_v to_o apply_v all_o to_o himself_o and_o three_o those_o who_o have_v a_o share_n in_o the_o forementioned_a charge_n be_v such_o who_o make_v christianity_n a_o matter_n of_o bare_a speculation_n rend_v and_o divide_v themselves_o from_o one_o another_o by_o those_o unhappy_a and_o dangerous_a disputation_n which_o instead_o of_o make_v proselyte_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n have_v draw_v men_n first_o of_o all_o to_o deism_n afterward_o to_o scepticism_n and_o thence_o by_o a_o very_a easy_a step_n to_o infidelity_n and_o atheism_n these_o be_v they_o who_o think_v all_o religion_n absolve_v in_o orthodoxy_n of_o opinion_n that_o care_v not_o how_o man_n live_v but_o only_o how_o they_o teach_v and_o be_v so_o over-intent_n upon_o the_o creed_n that_o they_o neglect_v the_o commandment_n little_o consider_v that_o opinion_n be_v pure_o in_o order_n to_o practise_v and_o that_o orthodoxy_n of_o judgement_n be_v necessary_a only_o in_o such_o matter_n where_o a_o mistake_n will_v be_v of_o dangerous_a influence_n to_o our_o action_n that_o be_v in_o fundamental_o so_o that_o the_o necessity_n of_o think_v right_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o necessity_n of_o do_v right_o and_o consequent_o the_o latter_a be_v the_o most_o necessary_a of_o the_o two_o have_v touch_v on_o some_o few_o of_o those_o particular_a opinion_n which_o have_v bring_v a_o scandal_n upon_o reveal_v religion_n and_o very_o much_o obscure_v its_o glorious_a lustre_n it_o behoove_v i_o to_o say_v something_o to_o revelation_n itself_o f._n which_o i_o shall_v do_v in_o the_o word_n of_o a_o late_a author_n as_o

notwithstanding_o this_o her_o constitution_n be_v true_o excellent_a and_o noble_a and_o see_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o survey_v the_o secret_n of_o each_o other_o heart_n or_o to_o fathom_v their_o hypocrisy_n the_o great_a part_n of_o these_o blemish_n and_o irregularity_n be_v such_o as_o will_v almost_o unavoidable_o creep_v in_o to_o any_o other_o universal_a church_n the_o great_a objection_n touch_v form_n and_o ceremony_n be_v to_o my_o think_a no_o other_o than_o unreasonable_a prejudices_fw-la and_o shall_v we_o to_o gratify_v the_o humour_n of_o some_o inconsiderate_a man_n dispense_v with_o or_o lay_v they_o aside_o i_o may_v be_v bold_a to_o presage_v with_o a_o great_a pillar_n of_o this_o ch_z that_o religion_n itself_o will_v quick_o dwindle_v into_o nothing_o and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o public_a assembly_n meet_v together_o for_o the_o performance_n of_o a_o divine_a service_n as_o for_o the_o injunction_n of_o prescribe_a 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coat_n the_o only_a characteristic_a mark_n of_o christianity_n these_o man_n above_o other_o have_v a_o just_a pretence_n to_o the_o title_n of_o its_o best_a and_o chief_a votary_n but_o if_o the_o real_a act_n of_o devotion_n such_o as_o watch_n fast_n prayer_n and_o supplication_n if_o charitable_a contribution_n to_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o indigent_a if_o mortification_n and_o self-denial_n in_o worldly_a satisfaction_n be_v as_o conspicuous_a and_o apparent_a perhaps_o more_o in_o some_o other_o than_o in_o these_o i_o see_v not_o the_o necessity_n of_o admit_v they_o either_o to_o speak_v or_o act_v different_o from_o any_o other_o pious_a and_o devout_a person_n it_o be_v not_o the_o garb_n or_o habit_n that_o make_v either_o the_o true_a gentleman_n or_o the_o true_a christian_a though_o most_o certain_o a_o decent_a plainness_n be_v very_o become_v if_o not_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o world_n who_o take_v their_o estimate_n of_o thing_n from_o sense_n be_v too_o apt_a to_o value_v one_o the_o other_o upon_o the_o lineament_n of_o the_o face_n or_o the_o propotionate_a symmetry_n of_o other_o part_n of_o the_o body_n and_o to_o measure_v each_o other_o capacity_n or_o mental_a endowment_n by_o their_o outside_n apparel_n but_o these_o be_v never_o overrate_v by_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a there_o be_v indeed_o a_o extreme_a on_o either_o side_n and_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n a_o extravagant_a dress_n look_v ridiculous_a to_o the_o sober_a and_o judicious_a man_n and_o be_v very_o often_o the_o signal_n of_o effeminacy_n at_o best_a a_o shallow_a apprehension_n so_o on_o the_o other_o the_o stiff_a and_o precise_a habit_n be_v very_o rare_o unattended_a with_o a_o spiritual_a pride_n a_o secret_a desire_n to_o distinguish_v ourselves_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o a_o overfondness_n to_o value_v ourselves_o upon_o such_o indifferency_n and_o to_o believe_v they_o in_o time_n some_o of_o the_o essential_o of_o divinity_n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o prescribe_a form_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o particular_o those_o enjoin_v by_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o english_a ch_z if_o we_o ourselves_o through_o a_o preconceive_a prejudice_n or_o the_o influence_n of_o a_o different_a education_n can_v think_v they_o neither_o useful_a nor_o necessary_a nor_o find_v ourselves_o edify_v by_o the_o same_o it_o behoove_v we_o however_o to_o be_v so_o charitable_a as_o not_o to_o condemn_v or_o censure_v those_o who_o do_v there_o be_v no_o person_n in_o this_o ch_z be_v ever_o that_o i_o hear_v of_o so_o childish_a as_o to_o think_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n or_o the_o advantage_n to_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o its_o duty_n do_v consist_v in_o the_o verbal_a recitation_n of_o a_o creed_n in_o the_o repetition_n of_o some_o certain_a prayer_n or_o the_o external_n compliance_n with_o any_o other_o performance_n but_o since_o it_o be_v by_o all_o grant_v that_o true_a piety_n do_v consist_v in_o a_o hearty_a submission_n and_o resignation_n of_o our_o will_n to_o god_n in_o the_o most_o humble_a elevation_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o heaven_n and_o in_o our_o most_o fervent_a supplication_n prayer_n praise_n and_o return_v of_o gratitude_n and_o since_o it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o certain_a that_o in_o these_o form_n so_o well_o adapt_v and_o fit_v for_o our_o necessity_n no_o true_o religious_a person_n do_v ever_o rest_n upon_o the_o form_n of_o word_n but_o know_v his_o heart_n and_o tongue_n must_v move_v together_o it_o become_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o prayer_n response_n and_o every_o part_n of_o the_o service_n of_o the_o ch_z be_v always_o new_a to_o every_o sincere_a christian_a and_o that_o they_o lose_v nothing_o of_o their_o efficacy_n by_o be_v common_a i_o shall_v not_o here_o insist_v upon_o their_o usefulness_n and_o benefit_n to_o the_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a for_o notwithstanding_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o god_n of_o heaven_n

be_v define_v otherwise_o than_o as_o a_o kind_n of_o two_o legged_a animal_n without_o feather_n thei●_n last_o assault_n be_v against_o heaven_n itself_o or_o the_o divine_a be_v who_o they_o first_o seek_v to_o discredit_v by_o the_o multitude_n of_o anomalous_a accident_n which_o they_o say_v can_v never_o come_v to_o pass_v if_o a_o intelligent_a be_v be_v the_o director_n their_o conclusion_n though_o perhaps_o not_o so_o plain_a be_v this_o that_o we_o need_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o ourselves_o be_v able_a to_o account_v for_o which_o in_o other_o word_n be_v to_o believe_v our_o own_o understanding_n to_o be_v infinite_a and_o that_o be_v to_o believe_v we_o be_v so_o many_o god_n ourselves_o whoever_o look_v upon_o our_o modern_a deism_n any_o otherwise_o than_o disguise_a atheism_n will_v find_v himself_o deceive_v for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o never_o yet_o hear_v of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o that_o can_v forbear_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o he_o be_v the_o modest_a sort_n of_o infidel_n and_o whatever_o advantage_n it_o may_v be_v to_o their_o principle_n this_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o profane_a irreligious_a person_n or_o libertine_n about_o the_o town_n who_o pretend_v not_o to_o be_v a_o very_a devout_a deist_n as_o to_o their_o wild_a rave_n against_o the_o christian_a religion_n we_o have_v no_o occasion_n to_o reply_v other_o way_n than_o this_o that_o have_v christianity_n be_v all_o transacted_a behind_o the_o curtain_n or_o in_o the_o cloud_n have_v its_o founder_n be_v as_o invisible_a as_o the_o king_n of_o the_o pharies_n or_o be_v the_o history_n of_o christ_n no_o better_a attest_v than_o those_o of_o the_o mythologist_n who_o talk_v of_o once_o upon_o a_o time_n and_o the_o land_n of_o utopia_n we_o shall_v then_o i_o say_v have_v no_o small_a ground_n for_o our_o hesitation_n but_o since_o we_o find_v it_o otherwise_o and_o that_o all_o be_v act_v open_o at_o 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redemption_n by_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n to_o their_o own_o crack-brained_a fancy_n or_o to_o their_o own_o notion_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n it_o be_v general_o observe_v that_o by_o a_o immoderate_a curiosity_n in_o search_v after_o the_o divine_a arcana_fw-la instead_o of_o enlighten_v other_o man_n do_v but_o stagger_v and_o confound_v themselves_o which_o if_o they_o right_o consider_v the_o certain_a limit_n of_o their_o own_o capacity_n they_o may_v with_o less_o difficulty_n be_v dehort_v from_o this_o dangerous_a extravagance_n and_o calm_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o present_a corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o divine_a assistance_n to_o concur_v with_o our_o own_o natural_a power_n we_o have_v a_o intelligible_a account_n of_o the_o former_a in_o one_o of_o the_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o sin_n viz._n original_a be_v the_o fault_n and_o corruption_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o every_o man_n that_o natural_o be_v engender_v of_o the_o offspring_n of_o adam_n whereby_o man_n be_v far_o remove_v from_o his_o first_o righteousness_n and_o be_v of_o his_o own_o nature_n incline_v to_o evil_a so_o that_o the_o flesh_n lust_v always_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n and_o in_o every_o person_n bear_v into_o this_o world_n deserve_v the_o divine_a indignation_n and_o this_o natural_a infection_n do_v remain_v even_o in_o they_o that_o be_v regenerate_v whereby_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n call_v in_o greek_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o some_o expound_v the_o wisdom_n some_o the_o affection_n some_o sensuality_n other_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o flesh_n be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n the_o learned_a orator_n dr._n 3.18_o allestry_n speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n upon_o this_o argument_n our_o saviour_n say_v he_o suffer_v on_o the_o tree_n that_o we_o may_v be_v renew_v into_o that_o constitution_n which_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n do_v disorder_n before_o man_n eat_v of_o that_o his_o low_a soul_n be_v in_o perfect_a subordination_n to_o his_o mind_n and_o every_o motion_n of_o his_o appetite_n do_v attend_v the_o dictate_v of_o his_o reason_n and_o obey_v they_o with_o that_o resignation_n or_o ready_a willingness_n with_o which_o our_o outward_a faculty_n do_v execute_v the_o will_v his_o command_v then_o any_o thing_n however_o grateful_a to_o the_o sense_n be_v no_o otherwise_o desire_v than_o a●_n it_o serve_v to_o the_o regular_a and_o proper_a end_n and_o use_n of_o his_o make_n there_o be_v a_o rational_a harmony_n in_o the_o tendency_n of_o all_o his_o part_n and_o that_o direct_v and_o modulate_v by_o the_o rule_n and_o hand_n of_o god_n that_o make_v they_o in_o fine_a th●●_n grace_n be_v nature_n and_o virtue_n constitution_n now_o to_o reduce_v we_o to_o this_o state_n as_o near_o as_o possible_a be_v the_o business_n of_o religion_n but_o this_o it_o can_v in_o no_o degree_n effect_n m.s._n but_o as_o it_o do_v again_o establish_v the_o subordination_n of_o the_o sensual_a to_o the_o reasonable_a part_n within_o we_o that_o be_v till_o by_o deny_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o appetite_n which_o be_v now_o irregular_a and_o disorderly_a in_o its_o desire_n we_o have_v teach_v it_o how_o to_o want_v they_o and_o to_o be_v content_a without_o they_o and_o by_o that_o mean_n have_v subdue_v its_o inclination_n according_a to_o this_o great_a man_n the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o the_o mind_n but_o only_o in_o the_o low_a soul_n and_o regeneration_n be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o reduce_v that_o low_a soul_n to_o obedience_n to_o its_o superior_a the_o mind_n but_o because_o this_o plain_a point_n have_v be_v make_v a_o mighty_a mystery_n by_o some_o people_n i_o shall_v yet_o far_o explain_v it_o when_o man_n by_o his_o fall_n have_v incur_v the_o penalty_n of_o death_n and_o become_v a_o mortal_a 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humane_a understanding_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v in_o what_o you_o dissent_v herefrom_o as_o likewise_o your_o explication_n of_o the_o word_n conscience_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o but_o little_a short_a of_o a_o absurdity_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o other_o sense_n preside_v in_o the_o soul_n over_o all_o her_o action_n than_o what_o be_v communicate_v from_o the_o supreme_a be_v moreover_o i_o will_v glad_o be_v inform_v whether_o any_o man_n have_v the_o power_n as_o of_o himself_o hearty_o to_o believe_v that_o which_o at_o sometime_o he_o confess_v with_o his_o mouth_n the_o rehearsal_n of_o a_o creed_n be_v no_o difficult_a matter_n but_o a_o solid_a conviction_n that_o what_o we_o do_v rehearse_v be_v apparent_o clear_a to_o we_o as_o mathematical_a demonstration_n be_v very_o rare_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o it_o be_v sure_o impossible_a for_o any_o man_n who_o limit_n his_o faith_n within_o the_o narrow_a bound_n of_o his_o reason_n to_o submit_v a_o entire_a assent_n to_o 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give_v we_o grace_n and_o enlighten_v our_o mind_n by_o a_o divine_a manifestation_n to_o our_o soul_n every_o true_a christian_a be_v in_o some_o ●egree_n a_o partaker_n hereof_o for_o without_o it_o we_o can_v neither_o believe_v nor_o obey_v nor_o as_o we_o ought_v rely_v upon_o the_o promise_v of_o our_o god_n it_o be_v this_o which_o we_o receive_v upon_o our_o earnest_n and_o fervent_a prayer_n and_o it_o be_v th●●_n which_o do_v excite_v both_o our_o attention_n and_o pious_a resolution_n which_o as_o the_o same_o produce_v in_o we_o lesser_a or_o great_a effect_n or_o different_a degree_n of_o love_n obedience_n self-denial_n etc._n etc._n so_o these_o be_v call_v the_o degree_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n as_o our_o endeavour_n be_v either_o weak_a or_o strong_a uneven_a or_o steady_a inconstant_a or_o more_o constant_a and_o as_o our_o self-denial_n rise_v to_o a_o high_a or_o a_o low_a pitch_n now_o to_o secure_v we_o from_o the_o danger_n of_o a_o mad_a enthusiasm_n from_o the_o disorder_n of_o imagination_n the_o deception_n of_o fancy_n or_o the_o delusion_n of_o evil_a spirit_n in_o the_o business_n of_o private_a inspiration_n and_o pretend_a revelation_n we_o be_v most_o certain_o to_o bear_v in_o mind_n that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o reveal_v will_n of_o god_n do_v exact_o at_o all_o time_n correspond_v so_o that_o whatever_o light_n we_o pretend_v to_o which_o contradict_v or_o be_v not_o justifiable_a by_o the_o write_a word_n the_o same_o be_v most_o certain_o either_o design_n or_o delusion_n and_o always_o false_a and_o counterfeit_a for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o be_o not_o against_o the_o notion_n either_o of_o father_n malebranch_n or_o mr._n norris_n provide_v their_o hypothesis_n do_v not_o dishonour_n god_n by_o suppose_v he_o in_o any_o manner_n the_o author_n of_o our_o sin_n however_o there_o be_v very_o good_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n before_o either_o of_o they_o spin_a philosophy_n to_o so_o fine_a a_o thread_n to_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o that_o he_o inspect_v the_o most_o secret_a of_o our_o action_n to_o be_v true_o sensible_a of_o the_o love_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n and_o to_o expect_v a_o life_n hereafter_o to_o believe_v what_o the_o gospel_n deliver_v to_o we_o so_o as_o to_o be_v act_v by_o those_o principle_n to_o become_v true_o penitent_a meek_a and_o humble_a patient_a and_o charitable_a and_o ready_a unto_o every_o good_a word_n and_o work_n in_o a_o word_n to_o be_v sincere_a and_o constant_a and_o faithful_a unto_o death_n this_o be_v to_o be_v a_o religious_a man_n and_o a_o true_a christian_a a_o heir_n to_o heaven_n and_o a_o much_o happy_a man_n than_o all_o the_o master_n of_o philosophy_n can_v make_v you_o in_o order_n to_o this_o attainment_n we_o be_v to_o quit_v anticipate_v prejudices_fw-la instill_a either_o by_o education_n or_o our_o own_o false_a reason_n and_o we_o may_v much_o shorten_v the_o trouble_n by_o serious_o resolve_v to_o ourselves_o this_o single_a 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a_o profound_a judgement_n and_o substantial_a knowledge_n must_v undoubted_o lead_v we_o to_o very_o great_a devotion_n and_o the_o more_o exquisite_o curious_a the_o anatomist_n be_v the_o great_a reason_n will_v he_o have_v if_o he_o abuse_v not_o his_o understanding_n to_o adore_v and_o admire_v the_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o his_o great_a creator_n and_o consequent_o to_o worship_n to_o love_v and_o to_o obey_v he_o if_o you_o believe_v reveal_v religion_n which_o be_v never_o so_o question_v or_o refute_v as_o to_o deserve_v the_o answer_n of_o any_o sober_o learned_a man_n you_o must_v believe_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n particular_a providence_n although_o you_o can_v reconcile_v every_o particular_a phaenomenon_n either_o to_o your_o own_o reason_n or_o the_o corpuscular_a philosophy_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o system_n of_o divine_a philosophy_n and_o i_o shall_v think_v that_o the_o assertion_n of_o the_o almighty_a aught_o to_o be_v receive_v 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in_o the_o event_n find_v comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n nor_o do_v i_o see_v how_o a_o good_a man_n can_v have_v any_o real_a happiness_n or_o consolation_n without_o it_o as_o for_o mr._n b_o s_o divinity_n i_o must_v own_v there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o it_o both_o rational_a and_o solid_a but_o when_o he_o come_v to_o spiritualise_v the_o divine_a ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n he_o not_o only_o set_v himself_o up_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o prove_v but_o expose_v a_o want_n of_o knowledge_n in_o scripture_n interpretation_n the_o novelty_n of_o the_o sect_n and_o the_o dangerous_a tendency_n of_o their_o pretend_a inspiration_n be_v argument_n enough_o to_o ●●e_v of_o their_o inconsistency_n with_o themselves_o and_o true_a religion_n and_o sure_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v extreme_o cautious_a how_o we_o side_n with_o such_o whimsical_a upstart_n opinion_n till_o we_o can_v reconcile_v the_o possibility_n for_o divine_a goodness_n and_o mercy_n to_o suffer_v christendom_n to_o lie_v in_o ignorance_n for_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n and_o that_o the_o church_n immediate_o plant_v by_o the_o apostle_n shall_v make_v mistake_v of_o that_o vile_a consequence_n even_o when_o their_o founder_n be_v present_a to_o set_v they_o to_o right_n if_o they_o have_v do_v so_o as_o we_o must_v believe_v they_o do_v if_o q_n sm_n be_v true_a a_o wellgrounded_n knowledge_n in_o the_o primitive_a christianity_n which_o may_v be_v true_o fetch_v out_o of_o ecclesiastic_a history_n and_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n will_v give_v you_o this_o satisfaction_n that_o the_o holy_a ordinance_n from_o the_o first_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o jesus_n christ_n such_o i_o mean_v as_o water-baptism_n and_o the_o eucharist_n have_v be_v practise_v even_o to_o this_o day_n by_o all_o good_a christian_n by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o outward_a element_n in_o their_o administration_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o there_o have_v be_v both_o great_a abuse_n misapprehension_n and_o mistake_v in_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o or_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o reception_n and_o i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d more_o egregious_o absurd_a than_o some_o of_o those_o derive_v from_o the_o chair_n of_o suppose_a infallibility_n but_o this_o will_n by_o no_o mean_n extenuate_v our_o crime_n of_o neglect_v their_o use_n or_o make_v light_n of_o put_v they_o at_o all_o in_o practice_n i_o desire_v you_o at_o your_o leisure_n to_o consider_v well_o mr._n b_o s_o comment_n upon_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d on_o which_o he_o lay_v a_o very_a great_a stress_n and_o if_o you_o compare_v it_o with_o some_o of_o those_o place_n in_o holy_a writ_n which_o clear_o justify_v this_o manner_n of_o baptismal_a initiation_n into_o christ_n church_n you_o will_v find_v it_o so_o gross_a a_o metaphor_n that_o neither_o grammar_n rhetoric_n nor_o the_o rule_n of_o logic_n neither_o which_o i_o prefer_v to_o they_o all_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o understand_a man_n will_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o countenance_n we_o may_v set_v into_o what_o absurdity_n even_o learned_a man_n be_v betray_v when_o they_o too_o much_o rely_v upon_o their_o own_o judgement_n when_o they_o set_v up_o for_o new_a discovery_n and_o impose_v their_o own_o phant●sies_n for_o divine_a revelation_n if_o you_o please_v to_o send_v i_o what_o you_o think_v the_o sufficient_a proof_n which_o this_o learned_a man_n have_v excogitated_a for_o the_o support_n of_o his_o new_a religion_n i_o will_v if_o god_n enable_v i_o give_v you_o my_o impartial_a thought_n for_o i_o must_v serious_o profess_v to_o you_o i_o see_v nothing_o in_o his_o work_n which_o ought_v to_o sway_v any_o true_a christian_a to_o leave_v any_o protestant_a church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o q_n sm_n i_o have_v former_o be_v in_o mr._n b_o s_o company_n but_o can_v never_o discover_v any_o thing_n like_o fair_a argumentation_n i_o must_v own_v he_o to_o have_v be_v a_o man_n of_o very_o considerable_a part_n yet_o his_o scripture_n quotation_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n manifest_o wrest_v and_o his_o general_a discourse_n a_o pure_a invective_n or_o downright_a raillery_n against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n at_o which_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o be_v very_o much_o surprise_v have_v frame_v to_o myself_o other_o notion_n of_o the_o man_n before_o i_o leave_v he_o with_o this_o undoubted_a satisfaction_n in_o myself_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o self-conceit_n of_o pride_n and_o bitterness_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o re●●te_a from_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n i_o thank_v you_o for_o your_o discourse_n concern_v the_o natural_a power_n of_o spasm_n or_o the_o disorder_n of_o the_o nervous_a system_n but_o as_o to_o what_o you_o say_v about_o daemoniac_n fascination_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o evil_a spirit_n i_o must_v refer_v my_o opinion_n to_o a_o time_n of_o great_a leisure_n or_o till_o you_o please_v to_o visit_v i_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o pray_v god_n more_o and_o more_o to_o enlighten_v your_o understanding_n etc._n etc._n i_o be_o your_o real_a friend_n a._n h._n some_o little_a time_n after_o this_o i_o receive_v a_o second_o letter_n from_o that_o sincere_o religious_a and_o most_o excellent_a divine_a by_o way_n of_o answer_n to_o one_o that_o i_o have_v send_v he_o which_o as_o i_o find_v it_o among_o my_o paper_n begin_v thus_o sir_n letter_n i_o rejoice_v with_o you_o that_o it_o have_v please_v our_o good_a god_n to_o confirm_v in_o you_o such_o a_o belief_n of_o his_o existence_n and_o your_o own_o creation_n after_o the_o divine_a image_n as_o may_v secure_v to_o you_o a_o remembrance_n of_o the_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o you_o and_o put_v you_o both_o upon_o a_o constant_a and_o fervent_a prayer_n for_o the_o supply_n of_o divine_a grace_n together_o with_o a_o steady_a and_o devout_a submission_n to_o and_o dependence_n upon_o his_o especial_a providence_n i_o do_v look_v upon_o your_o last_o letter_n to_o be_v the_o picture_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o bate_v the_o ceremony_n i_o find_v no_o other_o fault_n than_o this_o that_o how_o lamentable_o true_a soever_o your_o remark_n may_v be_v upon_o the_o present_a age_n for_o the_o most_o part_n yet_o i_o be_o free_a to_o acquaint_v you_o with_o my_o thought_n that_o there_o be_v a_o much_o great_a number_n of_o good_a people_n among_o we_o than_o you_o imagine_v i_o may_v say_v bless_a be_v our_o god_n for_o it_o i_o have_v the_o personal_a knowledge_n of_o many_o who_o i_o can_v call_v true_o pious_a and_o sincere_a christian_n some_o of_o they_o such_o who_o as_o they_o by_o no_o mean_n value_v themselves_o upon_o their_o humane_a acquirement_n be_v yet_o able_a to_o silence_v the_o calumny_n of_o the_o profane_a