twelve_o sermon_n preach_v upon_o several_a occasion_n by_o robert_n south_n d._n d._n the_o second_o volume_n never_o before_o print_v london_n print_v by_o i._n h._n for_o thomas_n bennet_n at_o the_o half-moon_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1694._o to_o the_o university_n of_o oxford_n reverend_a and_o learned_a sir_n these_o discourse_n most_o of_o they_o at_o least_o have_v by_o the_o favour_n of_o your_o patience_n have_v the_o honour_n of_o your_o audience_n and_o be_v now_o publish_v in_o another_o and_o more_o last_a way_n do_v here_o humble_o cast_v themselves_o at_o your_o foot_n implore_v the_o yet_o great_a favour_n and_o honour_n of_o your_o patronage_n or_o at_o least_o the_o benevolence_n of_o your_o pardon_n among_o which_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o some_o of_o they_o be_v to_o assert_v the_o right_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o excellent_o reform_a church_n which_o of_o late_o we_o so_o often_o hear_v reproach_v in_o the_o modish_a dialect_n of_o the_o present_a time_n by_o the_o name_n of_o little_a thing_n and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o their_o be_v lay_v aside_o not_o only_o as_o little_a but_o superfluous_a but_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o can_v account_v nothing_o little_a in_o any_o church_n which_o have_v the_o stamp_n of_o undoubted_a authority_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o primitive_a antiquity_n as_o well_o as_o the_o reason_n and_o decency_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o to_o warrant_v and_o support_v it_o though_o if_o the_o suppose_a littleness_n of_o these_o matter_n shall_v be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o the_o lay_v they_o aside_o i_o fear_v our_o church_n will_v be_v find_v to_o have_v more_o little_a man_n to_o spare_v than_o little_a thing_n but_o i_o have_v observe_v all_o along_o that_o while_o this_o innovate_a spirit_n have_v be_v strike_v at_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o church_n the_o same_o have_v be_v give_v several_a bold_a and_o scurvy_a stroke_n at_o some_o of_o her_o article_n too_o a_o evident_a demonstration_n to_o i_o that_o whensoever_o her_o discipline_n shall_v be_v destroy_v her_o doctrine_n will_v not_o long_o survive_v it_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o this_o that_o the_o former_a be_v so_o much_o malign_v and_o shoot_v at_o pelagianism_n and_o socinianism_n with_o several_a other_o heterodoxy_n cognate_n to_o and_o dependent_a upon_o they_o which_o of_o late_a with_o so_o much_o confidence_n and_o scandalous_a countenance_n walk_v about_o dare_v the_o world_n be_v certain_o no_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o none_o be_v able_a and_o fit_a to_o make_v they_o appear_v what_o they_o be_v and_o whither_o they_o tend_v than_o our_o excellent_a and_o so_o well_o stock_v university_n and_o if_o these_o will_v but_o bestir_v themselves_o against_o all_o innovator_n whatsoever_o it_o will_v quick_o be_v see_v that_o our_o church_n need_v none_o either_o to_o fill_v her_o place_n or_o to_o defend_v her_o doctrine_n but_o the_o son_n who_o she_o herself_o have_v bring_v forth_o and_o breed_v up_o her_o charity_n be_v indeed_o great_a to_o other_o and_o the_o great_a for_o that_o she_o be_v so_o well_o provide_v of_o all_o that_o can_v contribute_v either_o to_o her_o strength_n or_o ornament_n without_o they_o the_o altar_n receive_v and_o protect_v such_o as_o fly_v to_o it_o but_o need_v they_o not_o we_o be_v not_o so_o dull_a but_o we_o perceive_v who_o be_v the_o prime_a designer_n as_o well_o as_o the_o profess_a actor_n against_o our_o church_n and_o from_o what_o quarter_n the_o blow_n chief_o threaten_v we_o we_o know_v the_o spring_n as_o well_o as_o we_o observe_v the_o motion_n and_o scent_v the_o foot_n which_o pursue_v as_o well_o as_o see_v the_o hand_n which_o be_v lift_v up_o against_o we_o the_o pope_n be_v a_o experience_a workman_n he_o know_v his_o tool_n and_o know_v they_o to_o be_v but_o tool_n and_o know_v withal_o how_o to_o use_v they_o and_o that_o so_o that_o they_o shall_v neither_o know_v who_o it_o be_v that_o use_v they_o or_o what_o he_o use_v they_o for_o and_o we_o can_v in_o reason_n presume_v his_o skill_n now_o in_o ninety-three_a to_o be_v at_o all_o less_o than_o it_o be_v in_o forty-one_a but_o god_n who_o have_v even_o to_o a_o miracle_n protect_v the_o church_n of_o england_n hitherto_o against_o all_o the_o power_n and_o spite_n both_o of_o her_o open_a and_o conceal_v enemy_n will_n we_o hope_v continue_v to_o protect_v so_o pure_a and_o rational_a so_o innocent_a and_o self-denying_a a_o constitution_n still_o and_o next_o under_o god_n we_o must_v rely_v upon_o the_o old_a church_n of_o england-clergy_n together_o with_o the_o two_o university_n both_o to_o support_v and_o recover_v her_o decline_a state_n for_o so_o long_o as_o the_o university_n be_v sound_a and_o orthodox_n the_o church_n have_v both_o her_o eye_n open_a and_o while_o she_o have_v so_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o she_o will_v look_v about_o she_o and_o consider_v again_o and_o again_o what_o she_o be_v to_o change_v from_o and_o what_o she_o must_v change_v to_o and_o where_o she_o shall_v make_v a_o end_n of_o change_a before_o she_o quit_v her_o present_a constitution_n innovation_n about_o religion_n be_v certain_o the_o most_o efficacious_a as_o well_o as_o the_o most_o plausible_a way_n of_o compass_v a_o total_a abolition_n of_o it_o one_o of_o the_o best_a and_o strong_a argument_n we_o have_v against_o popery_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o innovation_n upon_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o if_o so_o i_o can_v see_v why_o that_o which_o we_o explode_v in_o the_o popish_a church_n shall_v pass_v for_o such_o a_o piece_n of_o perfection_n in_o a_o reform_a one._n the_o papist_n i_o be_o sure_a our_o shrewd_a and_o most_o design_v enemy_n desire_v and_o push_v on_o this_o to_o their_o utmost_a and_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n one_o will_v think_v that_o we_o if_o we_o be_v not_o besot_v shall_v oppose_v it_o to_o our_o utmost_a too_o however_o let_v we_o but_o have_v our_o liturgy_n continue_v to_o we_o as_o it_o be_v till_o the_o person_n be_v bear_v who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o mend_v it_o or_o make_v a_o better_a and_o we_o desire_v no_o great_a security_n against_o either_o the_o alter_v this_o or_o introduce_v another_o the_o truth_n be_v such_o as_o will_v new_a model_n the_o church_n of_o england_n ought_v not_o only_o to_o have_v a_o new_a religion_n which_o some_o have_v be_v so_o long_o drive_v at_o but_o a_o new_a reason_n likewise_o to_o proceed_v by_o since_o experience_n which_o be_v ever_o yet_o account_v one_o of_o the_o sure_a and_o best_a improvement_n of_o reason_n have_v be_v always_o for_o acquiesce_v in_o thing_n settle_v with_o sober_a and_o mature_a advice_n and_o in_o the_o present_a case_n also_o with_o the_o very_a blood_n and_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o adviser_n themselves_o without_o run_v the_o risque_n of_o new_a experiment_n which_o though_o in_o philosophy_n they_o may_v be_v commendable_a yet_o in_o religion_n and_o religious_a matter_n be_v general_o fatal_a and_o pernicious_a the_o church_n be_v a_o royal_a society_n for_o settle_v old_a thing_n and_o not_o for_o find_v out_o new_a in_o a_o word_n we_o serve_v a_o wise_a and_o unchangeable_a god_n and_o we_o desire_v to_o do_v it_o by_o a_o religion_n and_o in_o a_o church_n as_o like_o he_o as_o may_v be_v without_o change_n or_o alteration_n and_o now_o as_o in_o so_o important_a a_o matter_n i_o will_v interest_n both_o university_n so_o i_o do_v it_o with_o the_o same_o honour_n and_o deference_n to_o both_o as_o abhor_v from_o my_o heart_n the_o pedantic_a partiality_n of_o prefer_v one_o before_o the_o other_o since_o if_o my_o relation_n to_o one_o shall_v never_o so_o much_o incline_v i_o so_o to_o do_v i_o must_v sincere_o declare_v that_o i_o can_v see_v how_o to_o place_v a_o preference_n where_o i_o can_v find_v no_o pre-eminence_n and_o therefore_o as_o they_o be_v both_o equal_a in_o fame_n and_o learning_n and_o all_o that_o be_v great_a and_o excellent_a so_o i_o hope_v to_o see_v they_o always_o one_o in_o judgement_n and_o design_n heart_n and_o affection_n without_o any_o strife_n emulation_n or_o contest_v between_o they_o except_o this_o one_o which_o i_o wish_v may_v be_v perpetual_a viz._n which_o of_o the_o two_o best_a university_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v most_o serviceable_a to_o the_o best_a church_n in_o the_o world_n by_o their_o learning_n constancy_n and_o integrity_n but_o to_o conclude_v there_o remain_v no_o more_o for_o i_o to_o do_v but_o to_o beg_v pardon_n of_o that_o august_n body_n to_o which_o i_o belong_v if_o i_o have_v offend_v in_o assume_v to_o myself_o the_o honour_n of_o mention_v my_o relation_n to_o a_o society_n which_o i_o can_v never_o reflect_v the_o
assurance_n conclude_v that_o he_o who_o be_v not_o frequent_o upon_o his_o knee_n before_o he_o come_v to_o that_o holy_a table_n kneel_v to_o very_o little_a purpose_n when_o he_o be_v there_o but_o then_o four_o because_o prayer_n be_v not_o only_o one_o of_o the_o high_a and_o hard_a duty_n in_o itself_o but_o aught_o to_o be_v more_o than_o ordinary_o servant_n and_o vigorous_a before_o the_o sacrament_n let_v the_o body_n be_v also_o call_v in_o as_o a_o assistant_n to_o the_o soul_n and_o abstinence_n and_o fast_v add_v to_o promote_v and_o heighten_v her_o devotion_n prayer_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o wrestle_a with_o god_n and_o he_o who_o will_v win_v the_o prize_n at_o that_o exercise_n must_v be_v severe_o diet_v for_o that_o purpose_n the_o truth_n be_v fast_v be_v ever_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n as_o a_o singular_a instrument_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o particular_a preparative_a to_o the_o sacrament_n and_o hardly_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o thing_n great_a or_o heroick_n either_o do_v or_o attempt_v in_o religion_n without_o it_o thus_o when_o moses_n receive_v the_o law_n from_o god_n it_o be_v with_o fast_v deut._n 9_o 9_o when_o christ_n enter_v upon_o the_o great_a office_n of_o his_o mediatorship_n it_o be_v with_o fast_v matth._n 4._o 2._o and_o when_o paul_n and_o barnabas_n be_v separate_v to_o that_o high_a and_o difficult_a charge_n of_o preach_v to_o the_o gentile_n act_n 13._o 2._o still_o it_o be_v manage_v with_o fast_v and_o we_o know_v the_o rubric_n of_o our_o own_o church_n always_o almost_o enjoin_v a_o fast_a to_o prepare_v we_o for_o a_o festival_n bodily_a abstinence_n be_v certain_o a_o great_a help_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n have_v ever_o find_v it_o so_o the_o way_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o method_n of_o grace_n be_v vast_o different_a good_a man_n themselves_o be_v never_o so_o surprise_v as_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o jollity_n nor_o so_o fatal_o over-taken_a and_o catch_v as_o when_o the_o table_n be_v make_v the_o snare_n even_o our_o first_o parent_n eat_v themselves_o out_o of_o paradise_n and_o iob_n child_n junket_v and_o feast_v together_o often_o but_o the_o reckon_a cost_n they_o dear_a at_o last_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o wise_a say_v solomon_n be_v in_o the_o house_n of_o mourn_v and_o the_o house_n of_o fast_v adjoin_v to_o it_o in_o a_o word_n fast_v be_v the_o diet_n of_o angel_n the_o food_n and_o refection_n of_o soul_n and_o the_o rich_a and_o high_a aliment_n of_o grace_n and_o he_o who_o fast_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o religion_n hunger_n and_o thirst_v after_o righteousness_n without_o a_o metaphor_n five_o since_o every_o devout_a prayer_n be_v design_v to_o ascend_v and_o fly_v up_o to_o heaven_n as_o fast_v according_a to_o st._n augustine_n allusion_n have_v give_v it_o one_o wing_n so_o let_v almsgiving_n to_o the_o poor_a supply_n it_o with_o another_o and_o both_o these_o together_o will_v not_o only_o carry_v it_o up_o triumphant_a to_o heaven_n but_o if_o need_v require_v bring_v heaven_n itself_o down_o to_o the_o devout_a person_n who_o send_v it_o thither_o as_o while_o cornelius_n be_v fast_v and_o pray_v to_o which_o he_o still_o join_v give_v alm_n a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n be_v dispatch_v to_o he_o with_o this_o happy_a message_n act_v 10._o 4._o thy_o prayer_n and_o thy_o alm_n be_v come_v up_o for_o a_o memorial_n before_o god_n and_o nothing_o certain_o can_v give_v a_o great_a efficacy_n to_o prayer_n and_o a_o more_o peculiar_a fitness_n for_o the_o sacrament_n than_o a_o hearty_a and_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o this_o duty_n without_o which_o all_o that_o have_v be_v mention_v hitherto_o be_v nothing_o but_o wind_n and_o air_n pageantry_n and_o hypocrisy_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o true_a measure_n of_o a_o man_n than_o by_o what_o he_o do_v it_o must_v be_v by_o what_o he_o give_v he_o who_o be_v true_o pious_a will_v account_v it_o a_o wedding-supper_n to_o feed_v the_o hungry_a and_o a_o wedding-garment_n to_o clothe_v the_o naked_a and_o god_n and_o man_n will_v find_v it_o a_o very_a unfit_a garment_n for_o such_o a_o purpose_n which_o have_v not_o in_o it_o a_o purse_n or_o pocket_n for_o the_o poor_a but_o so_o far_o be_v some_o from_o consider_v the_o poor_a before_o the_o sacrament_n that_o they_o have_v be_v observe_v to_o give_v nothing_o to_o the_o poor_a even_o at_o the_o sacrament_n and_o those_o such_o that_o if_o rich_a clothes_n may_v pass_v for_o a_o wedding-garment_n none_o can_v appear_v better_o fit_v for_o such_o a_o solemnity_n than_o themselves_o yet_o some_o such_o i_o say_v i_o myself_o have_v see_v at_o a_o communion_n drop_v nothing_o into_o the_o poor_n basin_n but_o good_a god_n what_o be_v the_o heart_n of_o such_o worldling_n make_v of_o and_o what_o a_o mind_n do_v they_o bring_v with_o they_o to_o so_o holy_a a_o ordinance_n a_o ordinance_n in_o which_o none_o can_v be_v qualify_v to_o receive_v who_o heart_n do_v not_o serve_v they_o also_o to_o give_v from_o such_o indeed_o as_o have_v nothing_o god_n expect_v nothing_o but_o where_o god_n have_v give_v as_o i_o may_v say_v with_o both_o hand_n and_o man_n return_v with_o none_o such_o must_v know_v that_o the_o poor_a have_v a_o action_n of_o debt_n against_o they_o and_o that_o god_n himself_o will_v undertake_v and_o prosecute_v their_o suit_n for_o they_o and_o if_o he_o do_v since_o they_o can_v not_o find_v in_o their_o heart_n to_o proportion_v their_o charity_n to_o their_o estate_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o just_a than_o for_o god_n to_o proportion_v their_o estate_n to_o their_o charity_n and_o by_o so_o do_v he_o can_v well_o give_v they_o a_o shrewd_a and_o a_o short_a cut._n in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v such_o know_v further_o that_o whosoever_o dare_v upon_o so_o sacred_a and_o solemn_a a_o occasion_n approach_v the_o altar_n with_o bowel_n so_o shut_v up_o as_o to_o leave_v nothing_o behind_o he_o there_o for_o the_o poor_a shall_v be_v sure_a to_o carry_v something_o away_o with_o he_o from_o thence_o which_o will_v do_v he_o but_o little_a good_a six_o since_o the_o charity_n of_o the_o hand_n signify_v but_o little_a unless_o it_o spring_v form_v the_o heart_n and_o flow_v through_o the_o mouth_n let_v the_o pious_a communicant_a both_o in_o heart_n and_o tongue_n thought_n and_o speech_n put_v on_o a_o charitable_a friendly_a christian_a temper_n of_o mind_n and_o carriage_n towards_o all_o wrath_n and_o envy_n malice_n and_o backbiting_a and_o the_o like_a be_v direct_a contradiction_n to_o the_o very_a spirit_n of_o christianity_n and_o fit_v a_o man_n for_o the_o sacrament_n just_a as_o much_o as_o a_o stomach_n over-flowed_n with_o gall_n will_v help_v he_o to_o digest_v his_o meat_n st._n paul_n often_o rebuke_n and_o school_n such_o disturber_n of_o the_o world_n very_o sharp_o correct_v a_o base_a humour_n by_o a_o very_a generous_a rule_n phil._n 2._o 3._o let_v each_o say_v he_o esteem_v other_o better_a than_o themselves_o no_o man_n doubtless_o shall_v ever_o be_v condemn_v of_o god_n for_o not_o judge_v his_o brother_n for_o be_v thy_o brother_n or_o neighbour_n never_o so_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a satisfy_v thyself_o with_o this_o that_o another_o wickedness_n shall_v never_o damn_v thou_o but_o thy_o own_o bitterness_n and_o rancour_n may_v and_o continue_v in_o certain_o will_n rather_o let_v his_o want_n of_o grace_n give_v thou_o occasion_n to_o exercise_v thou_o if_o thou_o have_v any_o in_o think_v and_o speak_v better_a of_o he_o than_o he_o deserve_v and_o if_o thy_o charity_n prove_v mistake_v assure_v thyself_o that_o god_n will_v accept_v the_o charity_n and_o overlook_a the_o mistake_n but_o if_o in_o judge_v he_o who_o thou_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o thou_o chance_a to_o judge_v one_o way_n and_o god_n and_o truth_n to_o judge_v another_o take_v heed_n of_o that_o dreadful_a tribunal_n where_o it_o will_v not_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v that_o i_o think_v this_o or_o i_o hear_v that_o and_o where_o no_o man_n mistake_n will_v be_v able_a to_o warrant_v a_o unjust_a surmise_n and_o much_o less_o justify_v a_o false_a censure_n such_o will_v find_v it_o much_o better_a for_o they_o to_o retreat_v inward_o and_o view_v themselves_o in_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o that_o will_v tell_v they_o their_o own_o impartial_o that_o will_v fetch_v off_o all_o their_o paint_n and_o show_v they_o a_o foul_a face_n in_o a_o true_a glass_n let_v they_o read_v over_o their_o catechism_n and_o lay_v aside_o spite_n and_o virulence_n gossip_v and_o meddle_v calumny_n and_o detraction_n and_o let_v not_o all_o about_o they_o be_v villain_n and_o reprobate_n because_o they_o themselves_o be_v envious_a
will_v condemn_v he_o in_o the_o other_o and_o consequent_o he_o who_o place_n his_o salvation_n upon_o this_o ground_n will_v find_v himself_o like_o a_o imprison_a and_o condemn_a malefactor_n who_o in_o the_o night_n dream_n that_o he_o be_v release_v but_o in_o the_o morning_n find_v himself_o lead_v to_o the_o gallow_n 4_o lie_n and_o last_o no_o advantage_n from_o external_n church-membership_n or_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n can_v of_o themselves_o give_v a_o man_n confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o yet_o perhaps_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n which_o man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v general_o more_o cheat_v themselves_o with_o the_o jew_n be_v a_o eminent_a instance_n of_o this_o who_o because_o they_o be_v the_o son_n of_o abraham_n as_o it_o be_v ready_o acknowledge_v by_o our_o saviour_n john_n 8._o 37._o and_o because_o they_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n rom._n 3._o 2._o together_o with_o the_o covenant_n and_o the_o promise_n rom._n 9_o 4._o that_o be_v in_o other_o word_n because_o they_o be_v the_o true_a church_n and_o professor_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n while_o all_o the_o world_n about_o they_o lay_v wallow_v in_o ignorance_n heathenism_n and_o idolatry_n they_o conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o god_n be_v so_o fond_a of_o they_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o their_o villainy_n and_o immorality_n they_o be_v still_o the_o darling_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o only_a heir_n apparent_a of_o salvation_n they_o think_v it_o seem_v god_n and_o themselves_o link_v together_o in_o so_o fast_o but_o withal_o so_o strange_a a_o covenant_n that_o although_o they_o never_o perform_v their_o part_n of_o it_o god_n be_v yet_o bind_v to_o make_v good_a every_o tittle_n of_o he_o and_o this_o make_v john_n the_o baptist_n set_v himself_o with_o so_o much_o acrimony_n and_o indignation_n to_o baffle_v this_o senseless_a arrogant_a conceit_n of_o they_o which_o make_v they_o huff_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o repentance_n as_o a_o thing_n below_o they_o and_o not_o at_o all_o belong_v to_o they_o in_o matth._n 3._o v._n 9_o think_v not_o say_v he_o to_o say_v within_o yourselves_o we_o have_v abraham_n to_o our_o father_n this_o he_o know_v lay_v deep_a in_o their_o heart_n and_o be_v still_o in_o their_o mouth_n and_o keep_v they_o insolent_a and_o impenitent_a under_o sin_n of_o the_o high_a and_o most_o clamorous_a gild_n though_o our_o saviour_n himself_o also_o not_o long_o after_o this_o assure_v they_o that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o very_a different_a stock_n and_o parentage_n from_o that_o which_o they_o boast_v of_o and_o that_o whosoever_o be_v their_o father_n upon_o the_o natural_a account_n the_o devil_n be_v certain_o so_o upon_o a_o moral_a in_o like_a manner_n how_o vain_o do_v the_o romanist_n pride_n and_o value_v themselves_o upon_o the_o name_n of_o catholic_n of_o the_o catholic_n religion_n and_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n though_o a_o title_n no_o more_o applicable_a to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n than_o a_o man_n finger_n when_o it_o be_v swell_v and_o putrefy_a can_v be_v call_v his_o whole_a body_n a_o church_n which_o allow_v salvation_n to_o none_o without_o it_o nor_o award_v damnation_n to_o almost_o any_o within_o it_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o former_a empty_a plea_n serve_v the_o sottish_a jew_n so_o no_o wonder_n if_o this_o equal_o serve_v these_o to_o put_v they_o into_o a_o fool_n paradise_n by_o feed_v their_o hope_n without_o change_v their_o life_n and_o as_o a_o excellent_a expedient_a first_o to_o assure_v they_o of_o heaven_n and_o then_o to_o bring_v they_o easy_o to_o it_o and_o so_o in_o a_o word_n to_o save_v both_o their_o soul_n and_o their_o sin_n too_o and_o to_o show_v how_o the_o same_o cheat_n run_v through_o all_o profession_n though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o dress_n none_o be_v more_o powerful_o and_o gross_o under_o it_o than_o another_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o on_o the_o contrary_a place_v their_o whole_a acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o indeed_o their_o whole_a religion_n upon_o a_o mighty_a zeal_n or_o rather_o outcry_n against_o popery_n and_o superstition_n verbal_o indeed_o utter_v against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n but_o real_o mean_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o which_o sort_v of_o person_n i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o but_o this_o and_o that_o in_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n and_o meekness_n namely_o that_o zeal_n and_o noise_n against_o popery_n and_o real_a service_n for_o it_o be_v no_o such_o inconsistent_a thing_n as_o some_o may_v imagine_v indeed_o no_o more_o than_o invective_n against_o papist_n and_o solemn_a address_n of_o thanks_o to_o they_o for_o that_o very_a thing_n by_o which_o they_o will_v have_v bring_v in_o popery_n upon_o we_o and_o if_o those_o of_o the_o separation_n do_v not_o yet_o know_v so_o much_o thanks_o to_o they_o for_o it_o we_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n do_v and_o so_o may_v they_o themselves_o too_o in_o due_a time_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o by_o way_n of_o sarcasm_n to_o reproach_v they_o i_o leave_v that_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n which_o will_v do_v it_o more_o effectual_o but_o by_o way_n of_o charity_n to_o warn_v they_o for_o let_v they_o be_v assure_v that_o this_o whole_a scene_n and_o practice_n of_o they_o be_v as_o real_o superstition_n and_o as_o false_a a_o bottom_n to_o rest_v their_o soul_n upon_o as_o either_o the_o jew_n allege_v abraham_n for_o their_o father_n while_o the_o devil_n claim_v they_o for_o his_o child_n or_o the_o papist_n rely_v upon_o their_o indulgence_n their_o saint_n merit_n and_o supererogation_n and_o such_o other_o foppery_n as_o can_v never_o settle_v nor_o indeed_o so_o much_o as_o reach_v the_o conscience_n and_o much_o less_o recommend_v it_o to_o that_o judge_n who_o be_v not_o to_o be_v flam_v off_o with_o word_n and_o phrase_n and_o name_n though_o take_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o nay_o and_o i_o shall_v proceed_v yet_o further_o it_o be_v not_o a_o man_n be_v of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n itself_o though_o undoubted_o the_o pure_a and_o best_a reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n indeed_o so_o well_o reform_v that_o it_o will_v be_v find_v a_o much_o easy_a work_n to_o alter_v than_o to_o better_v its_o constitution_n i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o a_o man_n be_v even_o of_o this_o excellent_a church_n which_o can_v of_o itself_o clear_a account_n between_o god_n and_o his_o conscience_n since_o bare_a communion_n with_o a_o good_a church_n can_v never_o alone_o make_v a_o good_a man_n for_o if_o it_o can_v i_o be_o sure_a we_o shall_v have_v no_o bad_a one_o in_o we_o and_o much_o less_o such_o as_o will_v betray_v it_o so_o that_o we_o see_v here_o that_o it_o be_v but_o too_o manifest_a that_o man_n of_o all_o church_n sect_n and_o persuasion_n be_v strange_o apt_a to_o flatter_v and_o deceive_v themselves_o with_o what_o they_o believe_v and_o what_o they_o profess_v and_o if_o we_o thorough_o consider_v the_o matter_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o fallacy_n to_o lie_v in_o this_o that_o those_o religious_a institution_n which_o god_n design_v only_o for_o mean_n help_n and_o advantage_n to_o promote_v and_o further_a man_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n they_o look_v upon_o rather_o as_o a_o privilege_n to_o serve_v they_o instead_o of_o it_o and_o real_o to_o commute_v for_o it_o this_o be_v the_o very_a case_n and_o a_o fatal_a self-imposture_n it_o be_v certain_o and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o defeat_v the_o design_n and_o destroy_v the_o force_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v four_o several_a uncertain_a and_o deceitful_a rule_n which_o man_n be_v prone_a to_o judge_v of_o their_o spiritual_a estate_n by_o but_o now_o have_v we_o any_o better_a or_o more_o certain_a to_o substitute_n and_o recommend_v in_o the_o room_n of_o they_o why_o yes_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o apostle_n a_o man_n be_v own_o heart_n or_o conscience_n be_v that_o which_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v able_a to_o give_v he_o confidence_n towards_o god_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o heart_n know_v that_o by_o itself_o which_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n beside_o can_v give_v it_o any_o knowledge_n of_o and_o without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o it_o can_v have_v no_o foundation_n to_o build_v any_o true_a confidence_n upon_o conscience_n under_o god_n be_v the_o only_a competent_a judge_n of_o what_o the_o soul_n have_v do_v and_o what_o it_o have_v not_o do_v what_o gild_n it_o have_v contract_v and_o what_o it_o have_v not_o as_o it_o be_v in_o 1_o corinth_n 2._o 11._o what_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n save_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o conscience_n be_v its_o own_o counsellor_n the_o sole_a master_n of_o its_o own_o
that_o since_o a_o set-form_n of_o prayer_n leave_v the_o soul_n whole_o free_a to_o employ_v its_o affection_n and_o devotion_n in_o which_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n do_v most_o proper_o consist_v it_o follow_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v thereby_o in_o a_o singular_a manner_n help_v promote_v and_o enlarge_v and_o since_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o extempore-way_n withdraw_v and_o take_v off_o the_o soul_n from_o employ_v its_o affection_n and_o engage_v it_o chief_o if_o not_o whole_o about_o the_o use_n of_o its_o invention_n it_o as_o plain_o follow_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o prayer_n be_v by_o this_o mean_n unavoidable_o cramp_v and_o hinder_v and_o to_o use_v their_o own_o word_n stint_v which_o be_v the_o proposition_n that_o i_o undertake_v to_o prove_v but_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n i_o confess_v that_o be_v extreme_o hinder_v and_o stint_v by_o a_o set-form_n of_o prayer_n and_o equal_o further_v and_o enlarge_v by_o the_o extempore-way_n which_o without_o all_o doubt_n be_v the_o true_a cause_n why_o the_o former_a be_v so_o much_o decry_v and_o the_o latter_a so_o much_o extol_v by_o the_o man_n who_o we_o be_v now_o plead_v with_o the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v pride_n and_o ostentation_n the_o other_o faction_n and_o sedition_n 1._o and_o first_o for_o pride_n i_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o question_n but_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o such_o as_o use_v the_o extempore-way_n be_v to_o amuse_v the_o unthinking_a rabble_n with_o a_o admiration_n of_o their_o gift_n their_o whole_a devotion_n proceed_v from_o no_o other_o principle_n but_o only_o a_o love_n to_o hear_v themselves_o talk_v and_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v put_v lucifer_n himself_o hard_o to_o it_o to_o outvie_v the_o pride_n of_o one_o of_o those_o fellow_n pour_v out_o his_o extempore-stuff_n among_o his_o ignorant_a whine_a factious_a follower_n listen_v to_o and_o applaud_v his_o copious_a flow_n and_o cant_n with_o the_o ridiculous_a accent_n of_o their_o impertinent_a groan_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v extempore-prayer_n even_o when_o best_o and_o most_o dextrous_o perform_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o business_n of_o invention_n and_o wit_n such_o as_o it_o be_v and_o require_v no_o more_o to_o it_o but_o a_o teem_a imagination_n a_o bold_a front_n and_o a_o ready_a expression_n and_o deserve_v much_o the_o same_o commendation_n be_v it_o not_o in_o a_o matter_n too_o serious_a to_o be_v sudden_a upon_o which_o be_v due_a to_o extempore_o verse_n only_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o there_o be_v necessary_a to_o these_o latter_a a_o competent_a measure_n of_o wit_n and_o learning_n whereas_o the_o former_a may_v be_v do_v with_o very_o little_a wit_n and_o no_o learning_n at_o all_o and_o now_o can_v any_o sober_a person_n think_v it_o reasonable_a that_o the_o public_a devotion_n of_o a_o whole_a congregation_n shall_v be_v under_o the_o conduct_n and_o at_o the_o mercy_n of_o a_o pert_a empty_a conceit_a holderforth_a who_o chief_a if_o not_o sole_a intent_n be_v to_o vaunt_v his_o spiritual_a clack_n and_o as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v to_o pray_v prize_n whereas_o prayer_n be_v a_o duty_n that_o recommend_v itself_o to_o the_o acceptance_n of_o almighty_a god_n by_o no_o other_o qualification_n so_o much_o as_o by_o the_o profound_a humility_n and_o the_o low_a esteem_n that_o a_o man_n can_v possible_o have_v of_o himself_o certain_o the_o extemporize_a faculty_n be_v never_o more_o out_o of_o its_o element_n than_o in_o the_o pulpit_n though_o even_o here_o it_o be_v much_o more_o excusable_a in_o a_o sermon_n than_o in_o a_o prayer_n for_o as_o much_o as_o in_o that_o a_o man_n addresses_z himself_z but_o to_o man_n man_n like_o himself_o who_o he_o may_v therefore_o make_v bold_a with_o as_o no_o doubt_n for_o so_o do_v they_o will_v also_o make_v bold_a with_o he_o beside_o the_o peculiar_a advantage_n attend_v all_o such_o sudden_a conception_n that_o as_o they_o be_v quick_o bear_v so_o they_o quick_o die_v it_o be_v seldom_o know_v where_o the_o speaker_n have_v so_o very_o fluent_a a_o invention_n but_o the_o hearer_n also_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o as_o fluent_a a_o memory_n 2_o lie_n the_o other_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v hitherto_o so_o little_o befriend_v by_o a_o set-form_n of_o prayer_n and_o so_o very_a much_o by_o the_o extempore-way_n be_v faction_n and_o sedition_n it_o have_v be_v always_o find_v a_o excellent_a way_n of_o gird_v at_o the_o government_n in_o scripture-phrase_n and_o we_o all_o know_v the_o common_a dialect_n in_o which_o the_o great_a master_n of_o this_o art_n use_v to_o pray_v for_o the_o king_n and_o which_o may_v just_o pass_v for_o only_o a_o cleanly_a and_o more_o refine_a kind_n of_o libel_v he_o in_o the_o lord_n as_o that_o god_n will_v turn_v his_o heart_n and_o open_v his_o eye_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o pagan_a yet_o to_o be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n with_o many_o other_o sly_a virulent_a and_o malicious_a insinuation_n which_o we_o may_v every_o day_n hear_v of_o from_o those_o mint_n of_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n their_o conventicle_n and_o for_o which_o and_o a_o great_a deal_n less_o some_o prince_n and_o government_n will_v make_v they_o not_o only_o eat_v their_o word_n but_o the_o tongue_n that_o speak_v they_o too_o in_o fine_a let_v all_o their_o extempore_o harangue_n be_v consider_v and_o due_o weigh_v and_o you_o shall_v find_v a_o spirit_n of_o pride_n faction_n and_o sedition_n predominant_a in_o they_o all_o the_o only_a spirit_n which_o those_o impostor_n do_v real_o and_o indeed_o pray_v by_o i_o have_v be_v so_o much_o the_o long_o and_o the_o earnest_a against_o this_o intoxicate_a bewitch_a cheat_n of_o extempore-prayer_n be_v full_o satisfy_v in_o my_o conscience_n that_o it_o have_v be_v all_o along_o the_o devil_n masterpiece_n and_o prime_a engine_n to_o overthrow_v our_o church_n by_o for_o i_o look_v upon_o this_o as_o a_o most_o unanswerable_a truth_n that_o whatsoever_o render_v the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n contemptible_a among_o we_o must_v in_o the_o same_o degree_n weaken_v and_o discredit_v our_o whole_a religion_n and_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v also_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n altogether_o as_o clear_v that_o this_o extempore-way_n natural_o bring_v all_o the_o contempt_n upon_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o both_o the_o folly_n and_o faction_n of_o man_n can_v possible_o expose_v it_o to_o and_o therefore_o as_o a_o thing_n neither_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o true_a purpose_n of_o religion_n nor_o ground_v upon_o principle_n of_o reason_n nor_o last_o suitable_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o antiquity_n aught_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o be_v explode_v and_o cast_v out_o of_o every_o sober_a and_o well-ordered_a church_n or_o that_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o throw_v the_o church_n itself_o out_o of_o door_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v at_o length_n finish_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v of_o the_o first_o ingredient_n of_o a_o pious_a and_o reverential_n prayer_n which_o be_v premeditation_n of_o thought_n prescribe_v to_o we_o in_o these_o word_n let_v not_o thy_o mouth_n be_v rash_a nor_o thy_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n which_o excellent_a word_n and_o most_o wise_a advice_n of_o solomon_n whosoever_o can_v reconcile_v to_o the_o expediency_n decency_n or_o usefulness_n of_o extempore-prayer_n i_o shall_v acknowledge_v he_o a_o man_n of_o great_a ability_n and_o part_n of_o mind_n than_o solomon_n himself_o the_o other_o ingredient_n of_o a_o reverential_n and_o due_o qualify_v prayer_n be_v a_o pertinent_a brevity_n of_o expression_n mention_v and_o recommend_v in_o that_o part_n of_o the_o text_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o but_o this_o i_o can_v dispatch_v now_o and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o enter_v upon_o at_o this_o time_n now_o to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n be_v render_v and_o ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o praise_n may_v majesty_n and_o dominion_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n a_o discourse_n against_o long_n and_o extempore-prayer_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o liturgy_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n upon_o the_o same_o text._n eccles_n v._o 2._o be_v not_o rash_a with_o thy_o mouth_n and_o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n be_v hasty_a to_o utter_v any_o thing_n before_o god_n for_o god_n be_v in_o heaven_n and_o thou_o upon_o earth_n therefore_o let_v thy_o word_n be_v few_o i_o former_o begin_v a_o discourse_n upon_o these_o word_n and_o observe_v in_o they_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o that_o whosoever_o appear_v in_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o way_n of_o prayer_n aught_o to_o reckon_v himself_o in_o a_o more_o especial_a manner_n place_v in_o the_o sight_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o 2_o lie_n
a_o pleasure_n and_o this_o will_v appear_v upon_o these_o three_o account_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v seldom_o or_o never_o that_o any_o man_n come_v to_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o impiety_n as_o to_o take_v pleasure_n in_o other_o man_n sin_n but_o he_o also_o show_v the_o world_n by_o his_o action_n and_o behaviour_n that_o he_o do_v so_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v few_o man_n in_o the_o world_n so_o inconsiderable_a but_o there_o be_v some_o or_o other_o who_o have_v a_o interest_n to_o serve_v by_o they_o and_o 3_o lie_n that_o the_o natural_a course_n that_o one_o man_n take_v to_o serve_v his_o interest_n by_o another_o be_v by_o apply_v himself_o to_o he_o in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o may_v most_o gratify_v and_o delight_v he_o now_o from_o these_o three_o thing_n put_v together_o it_o be_v not_o only_o easy_a but_o necessary_a to_o infer_v that_o since_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v whole_o act_v by_o their_o present_a interest_n if_o they_o find_v those_o who_o can_v best_o serve_v they_o in_o this_o their_o interest_n most_o likely_a also_o to_o be_v gain_v over_o so_o to_o do_v by_o the_o sinful_a and_o vile_a practice_n of_o those_o who_o address_v to_o they_o no_o doubt_n such_o practice_n shall_v be_v pursue_v by_o such_o person_n in_o order_n to_o the_o compass_v their_o desire_a ends._n where_o greatness_n take_v no_o delight_n in_o goodness_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a there_o shall_v be_v but_o little_a goodness_n see_v in_o the_o live_v of_o those_o who_o have_v a_o interest_n to_o serve_v by_o such_o a_o one_o greatness_n for_o take_v any_o illustrious_a potent_a sinner_n who_o power_n be_v whole_o employ_v to_o serve_v his_o pleasure_n and_o who_o chief_a pleasure_n be_v to_o see_v other_o as_o bad_a and_o wicked_a as_o himself_o and_o there_o be_v no_o question_n but_o in_o a_o little_a time_n he_o will_v also_o make_v they_o so_o and_o his_o dependent_n shall_v quick_o become_v his_o proselyte_n they_o shall_v sacrifice_v their_o virtue_n to_o his_o humour_n spend_v their_o credit_n and_o good_a name_n nay_o and_o their_o very_a soul_n too_o to_o serve_v he_o and_o that_o by_o the_o worst_a and_o base_a of_o service_n which_o be_v by_o make_v themselves_o like_o he_o it_o be_v but_o too_o notorious_a how_o long_a vice_n have_v reign_v or_o rather_o rage_v among_o we_o and_o with_o what_o a_o bare_a face_n and_o a_o brazen_a forehead_n it_o walk_v about_o the_o nation_n as_o it_o be_v elato_fw-la capite_fw-la and_o look_v down_o with_o scorn_n upon_o virtue_n as_o a_o contemptible_a and_o a_o mean_a thing_n vice_n can_v not_o come_v to_o this_o pitch_n by_o chance_n but_o we_o have_v sin_v a_o pace_n and_o at_o a_o high_a strain_n of_o villainy_n than_o the_o fop_n our_o ancestor_n as_o some_o be_v please_v to_o call_v they_o can_v ever_o arrive_v to_o so_o that_o we_o daily_o see_v maturity_n and_o age_n in_o vice_n join_v with_o youth_n and_o greenness_n of_o year_n a_o manifest_a argument_n no_o doubt_n of_o the_o great_a docility_n and_o pregnancy_n of_o part_n that_o be_v in_o the_o present_a age_n above_o all_o the_o former_a for_o in_o respect_n of_o vice_n nothing_o be_v more_o usual_a nowadays_o than_o for_o boy_n illico_fw-la nasci_fw-la senes_fw-la they_o see_v their_o better_n delight_n in_o ill_a thing_n they_o observe_v reputation_n and_o countenance_n to_o attend_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o and_o this_o carry_v they_o on_o furious_o to_o that_o which_o of_o themselves_o they_o be_v but_o too_o much_o incline_v to_o and_o which_o law_n be_v purposely_o make_v by_o wise_a man_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o they_o be_v glad_a you_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o please_v and_o prefer_v themselves_o at_o once_o and_o to_o serve_v their_o interest_n and_o their_o sensuality_n together_o and_o as_o they_o be_v come_v to_o this_o height_n and_o rampancy_n of_o vice_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n from_o the_o countenance_n of_o their_o better_n and_o superior_n so_o they_o have_v take_v some_o step_n high_a in_o the_o same_o from_o this_o that_o the_o folly_n and_o extravagance_n of_o the_o young_a too_o frequent_o carry_v with_o they_o the_o suffrage_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o old_a for_o age_n which_o natural_o and_o unavoidable_o be_v but_o one_o remove_n from_o death_n and_o consequent_o shall_v have_v nothing_o about_o it_o but_o what_o look_v like_o a_o decent_a preparation_n for_o it_o scarce_o ever_o appear_v of_o late_a day_n but_o in_o the_o high_a mode_n the_o flaunt_a garb_n and_o utmost_a gaudery_n of_o youth_n with_o clothes_n as_o ridiculous_o and_o as_o much_o in_o the_o fashion_n as_o the_o person_n that_o wear_v they_o be_v usual_o grow_v out_o of_o it_o the_o elder_a equal_a the_o young_a in_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o dress_n and_o no_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v give_v of_o it_o but_o that_o they_o equal_a if_o not_o surpass_v they_o in_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o desire_n so_o that_o those_o who_o by_o the_o majesty_n and_o as_o i_o may_v so_o say_v the_o prerogative_n of_o their_o age_n shall_v even_o frown_v youth_n into_o sobriety_n and_o better_a manner_n be_v now_o strive_v all_o they_o can_v to_o imitate_v and_o strike_v in_o with_o they_o and_o to_o be_v real_o vicious_a that_o they_o may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v young_a the_o sad_a and_o apparent_a truth_n of_o which_o make_v it_o very_o superfluous_a to_o inquire_v after_o any_o further_a cause_n of_o that_o monstrous_a increase_n of_o vice_n that_o like_o a_o torrent_n or_o rather_o a_o break_n in_o of_o the_o sea_n upon_o we_o have_v of_o late_a year_n over-flowed_n and_o victorious_o carry_v all_o before_o it_o both_o the_o honourable_a and_o the_o age_a have_v contribute_v all_o they_o can_v to_o the_o promotion_n of_o it_o and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o give_v the_o best_a colour_n to_o the_o worst_a of_o thing_n this_o they_o have_v endeavour_v and_o thus_o much_o they_o have_v effect_v that_o man_n now_o see_v that_o vice_n make_v they_o acceptable_a to_o those_o who_o be_v able_a to_o make_v they_o considerable_a it_o be_v the_o key_n that_o let_v they_o into_o their_o very_a heart_n and_o enable_v they_o to_o command_v all_o that_o be_v there_o and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o price_n of_o favour_n and_o the_o market_n of_o honour_n no_o doubt_n where_o the_o trade_n be_v so_o quick_a and_o withal_o so_o certain_a multitude_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o follow_v it_o this_o be_v too_o manifest_o our_o present_a case_n all_o man_n see_v it_o and_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n lament_v it_o and_o where_o vice_n push_v on_o with_o such_o mighty_a advantage_n will_v stop_v its_o progress_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o judge_v it_o be_v certain_o above_o all_o humane_a remedy_n to_o control_v the_o prevail_a course_n of_o it_o unless_o the_o great_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n who_o quell_v the_o rage_n and_o swell_v of_o the_o sea_n and_o set_v barrs_n and_o door_n to_o it_o beyond_o which_o the_o proud_a of_o its_o wave_n can_v pass_v shall_v in_o his_o infinite_a compassion_n to_o we_o do_v the_o same_o to_o that_o ocean_n of_o vice_n which_o now_o swell_v and_o roar_v and_o lift_v up_o itself_o above_o all_o bank_n and_o bound_n of_o humane_a law_n and_o so_o by_o his_o omnipotent_a word_n reduce_v its_o power_n and_o abase_v its_o pride_n shall_v at_o length_n say_v to_o it_o hitherto_o shall_v thou_o come_v and_o no_o further_o which_o god_n in_o his_o good_a time_n effect_n to_o who_o be_v render_v and_o ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o praise_n may_v majesty_n and_o dominion_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n natural_a religion_n without_o revelation_n show_v only_o sufficient_a to_o render_v a_o sinner_n inexcusable_a in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v on_o roman_n i._n 20._o before_o the_o university_n at_o christ-church_n oxon_n on_o novemb_n 2._o 1690._o rome_n i._o 20._o latter_a part._n so_o that_o they_o be_v without_o excuse_n this_o excellent_a epistle_n though_o in_o the_o front_n of_o it_o it_o bear_v a_o particular_a inscription_n yet_o in_o the_o drift_n and_o purpose_n of_o it_o be_v universal_a as_o design_v to_o convince_v all_o mankind_n who_o it_o suppose_v in_o pursuit_n of_o true_a happiness_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o seek_v for_o it_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o find_v it_o elsewhere_o all_o without_o the_o church_n at_o that_o time_n be_v comprehend_v under_o the_o division_n of_o jew_n and_o gentile_n call_v here_o by_o the_o apostle_n greek_n the_o noble_a and_o more_o note_a part_n be_v use_v for_o the_o whole_a according_o from_o the_o 2d_o chapter_n down_o along_o he_o address_n himself_o to_o the_o jew_n show_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o their_o law_n to_o justify_v or_o make_v they_o happy_a how_o much_o soever_o they_o
next_o inference_n from_o the_o forego_n principle_n of_o the_o vicegerency_n of_o conscience_n under_o god_n will_v show_v we_o also_o the_o dare_a impudence_n and_o downright_a impiety_n of_o many_o of_o those_o fulsome_a plea_n of_o conscience_n which_o the_o world_n have_v be_v too_o often_o and_o too_o scandalous_o abuse_v by_o for_o a_o man_n to_o sin_n against_o his_o conscience_n be_v doubtless_o a_o great_a wickedness_n but_o to_o make_v god_n himself_o a_o party_n in_o the_o sin_n be_v a_o much_o great_a for_o this_o be_v to_o plead_v god_n authority_n against_o god_n very_a law_n which_o double_v the_o sin_n and_o add_v blasphemy_n to_o rebellion_n and_o yet_o such_o thing_n we_o have_v see_v do_v among_o we_o a_o horrid_a unnatural_a civil_a war_n raise_v and_o carry_v on_o the_o pure_a and_o most_o primitive_o reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n lay_v in_o the_o dust_n and_o one_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o innocent_a prince_n that_o ever_o sit_v upon_o a_o throne_n by_o a_o barbarous_a unheard-of_a violence_n hurry_v to_o his_o grave_n in_o a_o bloody_a sheet_n and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o suffer_v to_o rest_v there_o to_o this_o day_n and_o all_o this_o by_o man_n act_v under_o the_o most_o solemn_a pretence_n of_o conscience_n that_o hypocrisy_n perhaps_o ever_o yet_o presume_v to_o outface_v the_o world_n with_o and_o be_v not_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o wretch_n still_o own_v and_o their_o person_n saint_v by_o a_o race_n of_o man_n of_o the_o same_o stamp_n rise_v up_o in_o their_o stead_n the_o swear_v mortal_a enemy_n of_o our_o church_n and_o yet_o for_o who_o sake_n some_o projector_n among_o we_o have_v be_v turn_v every_o stone_n to_o transform_v mangle_v and_o degrade_v its_o noble_a constitution_n to_o the_o homely_a mechanic_n model_n of_o those_o republican_n imperfect_a church_n abroad_o which_o instead_o of_o be_v any_o rule_n or_o pattern_n to_o we_o aught_o in_o all_o reason_n to_o receive_v one_o from_o we_o nay_o and_o so_o shortsighted_a be_v some_o in_o their_o politic_n as_o not_o to_o discern_v all_o this_o while_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o service_n but_o the_o revenue_n of_o our_o church_n which_o be_v strike_v at_o and_o not_o any_o passage_n of_o our_o liturgy_n but_o the_o property_n of_o our_o land_n which_o these_o reformer_n will_v have_v alter_v for_o i_o be_o sure_a no_o other_o alteration_n will_v satisfy_v dissent_v conscience_n no_o nor_o this_o neither_o very_o long_o without_o a_o utter_a abolition_n of_o all_o that_o look_v like_o order_n or_o government_n in_o the_o church_n and_o this_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v both_o the_o inveterate_a malice_n of_o the_o romish_a party_n which_o set_v these_o silly_a unthinking_a tool_n a-work_o and_o withal_o that_o monstrous_a principle_n or_o maxim_n which_o those_o who_o divide_v from_o we_o at_o least_o most_o of_o they_o roundly_o profess_v avow_v and_o govern_v their_o conscience_n by_o namely_o that_o in_o all_o matter_n that_o concern_v religion_n or_o the_o church_n though_o a_o thing_n or_o action_n be_v never_o so_o indifferent_a or_o lawful_a in_o itself_o yet_o if_o it_o be_v command_v or_o enjoin_v by_o the_o government_n either_o civil_a or_o ecclesiastical_a it_o become_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la by_o be_v so_o command_v utter_o unlawful_a and_o such_o as_o they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n with_o good_a conscience_n comply_v with_o which_o one_o detestable_a tenet_n or_o proposition_n carry_v in_o it_o the_o very_a quintessence_n and_o vital_a spirit_n of_o all_o nonconformity_n absolute_o casheir_n and_o cut_v off_o all_o church_n government_n at_o one_o stroke_n and_o be_v withal_o such_o a_o insolent_a audacious_a defiance_n of_o almighty_n god_n under_o the_o mask_n of_o conscience_n as_o perhaps_o none_o in_o former_a age_n who_o so_o much_o as_o wear_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n ever_o arrive_v to_o or_o make_v profession_n of_o for_o to_o resume_v the_o scripture_n aforequoted_n by_o we_o and_o particular_o that_o in_o 1_o pet._n 2._o 13._o submit_v yourselves_o to_o every_o ordinance_n of_o man_n say_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n speak_v by_o that_o apostle_n but_o say_v these_o man_n if_o the_o ordinance_n of_o man_n enjoin_v you_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o thing_n with_o reference_n to_o religion_n or_o the_o church_n though_o never_o so_o lawful_a in_o itself_o you_o can_v with_o a_o good_a conscience_n submit_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o man_n in_o that_o case_n that_o be_v in_o other_o word_n god_n say_v they_o must_v submit_v and_o they_o say_v they_o must_v not_o again_o in_o the_o forementioned_a heb._n 13._o 17._o the_o apostle_n bid_v they_o and_o in_o they_o all_o christian_n whatsoever_o to_o obey_v those_o who_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o they_o speak_v there_o of_o church-ruler_n for_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o watch_v for_o their_o soul_n but_o say_v the_o separatist_n if_o those_o who_o have_v the_o rule_n over_o you_o shall_v command_v you_o any_o thing_n about_o church_n affair_n you_o can_v you_o ought_v not_o in_o conscience_n to_o obey_v they_o for_o as_o much_o as_o according_a to_o that_o grand_a principle_n of_o they_o new_o specify_v by_o we_o every_o such_o command_n make_v obedience_n to_o a_o thing_n otherwise_o lawful_a to_o become_v unlawful_a and_o consequent_o upon_o the_o same_o principle_n ruler_n must_v not_o can_v be_v obey_v unless_o we_o can_v imagine_v that_o there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o obedience_n on_o the_o one_o side_n when_o there_o must_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o command_n on_o the_o other_o which_o will_v make_v pleasant_a sense_n of_o it_o indeed_o and_o fit_a for_o none_o but_o a_o dissent_v reason_n as_o well_o as_o conscience_n to_o assert_v for_o though_o these_o man_n have_v give_v the_o world_n too_o many_o terrible_a proof_n by_o their_o own_o example_n that_o there_o may_v be_v command_n and_o no_o obedience_n yet_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v put_v their_o little_a logic_n hard_o to_o it_o to_o prove_v that_o there_o can_v be_v any_o obedience_n where_o there_o be_v no_o command_n and_o therefore_o it_o unanswerable_o follow_v that_o the_o abetter_n of_o the_o forementioned_a principle_n plead_v conscience_n in_o a_o direct_a and_o bare-faced_n contradiction_n to_o god_n express_a command_n and_o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o consider_v with_o yourselves_o for_o it_o be_v no_o slight_a matter_n that_o i_o be_o treat_v of_o i_o say_v consider_v what_o you_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o those_o insolent_a unaccountable_a boast_n of_o conscience_n which_o like_o so_o many_o fire-ball_n or_o mouth-granadoe_n as_o i_o may_v so_o term_v they_o be_v every_o day_n throw_v at_o our_o church_n the_o apostle_n bid_v we_o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o will_v you_o then_o take_v conscience_n at_o every_o turn_n upon_o its_o own_o word_n upon_o the_o forlorn_a credit_n of_o every_o bold_a impostor_n who_o plead_v it_o will_v you_o sell_v your_o reason_n your_o church_n and_o your_o religion_n and_o both_o of_o they_o the_o best_a in_o the_o world_n for_o a_o name_n and_o that_o a_o wrest_a abuse_a mis-applied_n name_n knave_n when_o they_o design_v some_o more_o than_o ordinary_a villainy_n never_o fail_v to_o make_v use_n of_o this_o plea_n and_o it_o be_v because_o they_o always_o find_v fool_n ready_a to_o believe_v it_o but_o you_o will_v say_v then_o what_o course_n must_v be_v take_v to_o fence_v against_o this_o imposture_n why_o true_o the_o best_a that_o i_o know_v of_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o namely_o that_o whensoever_o you_o hear_v any_o of_o these_o fly_n sanctify_a sycophant_n with_o turn_v up_o eye_n and_o shrug_n of_o shoulder_n plead_v conscience_n for_o or_o against_o any_o thing_n or_o practice_n you_o will_v forthwith_o ask_v they_o what_o word_n of_o god_n they_o have_v to_o bottom_v that_o judgement_n of_o their_o conscience_n upon_o forasmuch_a as_o conscience_n be_v god_n vicegerent_n be_v never_o commissioned_n by_o he_o to_o govern_v we_o in_o its_o own_o name_n but_o must_v still_o have_v some_o divine_a word_n or_o law_n to_o support_v and_o warrant_v it_o and_o therefore_o call_v for_o such_o a_o word_n and_o that_o either_o from_o scripture_n or_o from_o manifest_a universal_a reason_n and_o insist_v upon_o it_o so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v put_v off_o without_o it_o and_o if_o they_o can_v produce_v you_o no_o such_o thing_n from_o either_o of_o they_o as_o they_o never_o can_v then_o rest_v assure_v that_o they_o be_v errant_a cheat_n and_o hypocrite_n and_o that_o for_o all_o their_o big_a word_n the_o conscience_n of_o such_o man_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v able_a to_o give_v they_o any_o true_a confidence_n towards_o god_n that_o it_o can_v so_o much_o as_o give_v they_o confidence_n towards_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n no_o