only_a mean_n of_o grace_n though_o therefore_o the_o sole_a ministry_n of_o the_o word_n be_v insufficient_a to_o ingenerate_a virtue_n yet_o when_o in_o conjunction_n with_o prayer_n sacrament_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o argue_v it_o of_o such_o insufficiency_n especial_o when_o even_o those_o scripture_n themselves_o teach_v we_o that_o where_o all_o these_o outward_a mean_n be_v vouchsafe_v that_o inward_a supernatural_a divine_a power_n which_o we_o call_v the_o holy_a spirit_n accompany_v if_o it_o be_v not_o withstand_v and_o by_o frequent_a quench_v final_o impede_v to_o work_v the_o excellent_a effect_n we_o speak_v of_o it_o be_v then_o notwithstanding_o this_o suggestion_n most_o reasonable_a necessary_a and_o available_a to_o virtue_n to_o worship_n god_n by_o hear_v and_o search_v scripture_n sect._n 5_o to_o those_o three_o office_n specify_v if_o any_o other_o so_o pure_o of_o positive_a nature_n may_v be_v add_v among_o what_o we_o christian_n pretend_v to_o be_v in_o strictness_n obligatory_a to_o all_o i_o take_v the_o most_o likely_a to_o be_v public_a confession_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o upon_o occasion_n the_o scripture_n do_v require_v it_o and_o the_o law_n and_o practice_n of_o our_o church_n make_v it_o a_o daily_a part_n of_o our_o public_a worship_n now_o as_o to_o it_o we_o say_v that_o if_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n apt_a to_o oblige_v and_o incite_v to_o virtue_n as_o already_o declare_v then_o certain_o inasmuch_o as_o every_o close_a and_o frequent_a view_n of_o premise_n more_o intimate_o imprint_n their_o conclusion_n the_o solemn_a repetition_n and_o own_v those_o doctrine_n must_v needs_o draw_v out_o that_o their_o influence_n and_o make_v they_o more_o fresh_a and_o lively_o operative_a upon_o our_o mind_n to_o all_o virtue_n beside_o what_o a_o eternal_a obligation_n to_o perseverance_n and_o constancy_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o so_o to_o all_o virtue_n consequent_a from_o it_o that_o be_v certain_o all_o natural_a virtue_n whatsoever_o must_v this_o lay_v upon_o we_o that_o we_o have_v all_o so_o often_o before_o god_n angel_n and_o man_n profess_v and_o avow_v our_o serious_a belief_n and_o adhaesion_n to_o these_o principle_n who_o can_v easy_o turn_v apostate_n from_o what_o he_o have_v so_o sacred_o and_o so_o frequent_o upon_o so_o great_a evidence_n as_o all_o intelligent_a person_n have_v of_o the_o christian_a faith_n give_v full_a assent_n and_o consent_n unto_o plain_o then_o it_o be_v upon_o a_o particular_a view_n of_o all_o the_o office_n of_o positive_a worship_n which_o christian_n pretend_v to_o that_o beside_o the_o stamp_n of_o divine_a authority_n their_o conduciveness_n to_o virtue_n make_v they_o most_o reasonable_a and_o necessary_a for_o a_o close_a then_o to_o this_o second_o part_n of_o our_o discourse_n inasmuch_o as_o these_o holy_a office_n speak_v of_o be_v to_o be_v by_o all_o christian_n some_o of_o they_o every_o day_n and_o therein_o more_o than_o once_o all_o of_o they_o except_o baptism_n often_o repeat_v nor_o do_v any_o one_o pay_v the_o worship_n he_o owe_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n we_o hold_v to_o if_o he_o once_o or_o seldom_o pray_v meditate_v hear_v communicate_v and_o confess_v and_o inasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v already_o evident_a every_o due_a iteration_n of_o each_o of_o they_o make_v deep_a impression_n of_o or_o towards_o virtue_n it_o be_v i_o have_v almost_o say_v beyond_o contradiction_n prove_v that_o who_o so_o addict_v himself_o to_o the_o due_a and_o orderly_a practice_n of_o the_o christian_a positive_a worship_n that_o be_v be_v devout_a must_v thereby_o attain_v unto_o and_o grow_v in_o all_o natural_a as_o well_o as_o christian_a virtue_n and_o then_o let_v they_o look_v to_o it_o who_o cry_v up_o natural_a virtue_n as_o the_o only_a true_a or_o necessary_a worship_n of_o the_o supreme_a god_n how_o they_o will_v approve_v themselves_o either_o friend_n to_o virtue_n which_o they_o pretend_v so_o much_o to_o admire_v or_o worshipper_n of_o god_n to_o who_o they_o will_v seem_v the_o only_a true_a and_o rational_a devote_v sure_o the_o imaginary_a honour_n which_o they_o think_v they_o thus_o give_v to_o virtue_n be_v but_o a_o very_a unproportionable_a recompense_n for_o that_o real_a damage_n which_o it_o must_v needs_o sustain_v by_o have_v all_o those_o office_n lift_v out_o which_o god_n appoint_v the_o church_n ever_o practise_v and_o by_o long_a practice_n find_v to_o be_v the_o most_o sovereign_a mean_n and_o preservative_n of_o virtue_n and_o without_o which_o it_o will_v present_o languish_v into_o a_o empty_a name_n have_v little_a footing_n or_o interest_n any_o where_o save_v only_o in_o man_n discourse_n and_o then_o as_o to_o god_n it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o see_v how_o they_o can_v approve_v themselves_o worshipper_n sect._n 3_o of_o he_o when_o they_o deny_v at_o least_o decry_v vilify_v and_o slight_v that_o worship_n which_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n contrive_v and_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n enact_v as_o most_o proper_a not_o only_o to_o express_v in_o a_o way_n acceptable_a to_o he_o the_o homage_n which_o we_o owe_v but_o to_o secure_v to_o we_o what_o only_o can_v constitute_v we_o happy_a holy_a and_o virtuous_a mind_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o three_o general_a head_n §_o 1._o a_o positive_a worship_n certain_a from_o scripture_n and_o scripture_n certain_a from_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n §_o 2._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n evident_a from_o the_o history_n of_o it_o §_o 3._o before_o christ_n §_o 4._o evident_a from_o the_o history_n of_o it_o in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n §_o 5._o evident_a from_o the_o history_n of_o its_o progress_n and_o state_n since_o §_o 6._o a_o recapitulatory_a conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a sect._n 1_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o we_o have_v hitherto_o clear_v be_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o worship_n of_o divine_a institution_n and_o positive_a nature_n and_o that_o all_o those_o office_n of_o such_o worship_n which_o christian_n observe_v be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o be_v observe_v because_o necessary_a as_o so_o many_o mean_n to_o the_o propagate_a virtue_n but_o though_o something_o have_v be_v say_v above_o on_o the_o refutative_a part_n to_o vindicate_v the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o the_o christian_a oracle_n from_o those_o imputation_n and_o exception_n which_o be_v bring_v by_o some_o in_o common_a against_o all_o divine_a revelation_n which_o in_o the_o end_n assert_v those_o office_n which_o holy_a scripture_n prescribe_v unto_o we_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n yet_o little_a or_o nothing_o hitherto_o have_v be_v bring_v in_o a_o probative_a way_n to_o evince_v either_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n or_o of_o those_o office_n from_o thence_o now_o the_o divine_a right_n of_o the_o office_n can_v i_o presume_v be_v doubt_v admit_v the_o divine_a authority_n or_o truth_n of_o scripture_n or_o in_o case_n it_o shall_v we_o have_v make_v it_o sufficient_o evident_a from_o scripture_n as_o to_o each_o particular_a in_o another_o tract_n to_o devotion_n method_n for_o private_a devotion_n which_o this_o discourse_n refer_v and_o then_o general_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n can_v be_v question_v admit_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n among_o mankind_n as_o a_o true_a religion_n beside_o that_o religion_n which_o be_v suppose_v natural_a as_o we_o have_v above_o prove_v there_o be_v that_o religion_n must_v be_v the_o true_a one_o which_o the_o supreme_a god_n ordain_v so_o that_o to_o say_v the_o christian_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n be_v to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v ordain_v by_o god_n if_o therefore_o christian_a religion_n be_v ordain_v by_o god_n as_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v the_o true_a religion_n then_o must_v those_o oracle_n or_o record_n which_o do_v contain_v the_o particular_n or_o office_n whereof_o this_o religion_n be_v make_v up_o contain_v such_o thing_n as_o the_o supreme_a god_n enjoin_v to_o man_n which_o be_v all_o that_o at_o present_a we_o mean_v by_o the_o general_a truth_n of_o scripture_n i_o have_v use_v the_o term_n of_o general_a truth_n to_o avoid_v what_o may_v be_v object_v touch_v various_a reading_n which_o if_o various_a and_o so_o various_a as_o we_o know_v they_o be_v in_o both_o testament_n some_o must_v be_v false_a but_o this_o as_o above_o say_v prejudices_fw-la not_o our_o cause_n so_o that_o in_o fine_a to_o say_v the_o christian_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o to_o say_v holy_a scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a authority_n or_o true_a in_o our_o sense_n be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o all_o christian_n in_o common_a do_v agree_v that_o scripture_n contain_v the_o essential_o and_o body_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o all_o who_o acknowledge_v
move_a glory_n distinguish_v most_o exact_o time_n and_o season_n and_o by_o their_o influence_n on_o earth_n cause_v spring_n and_o summer_n autumn_n and_o winter_n i_o can_v contemplate_v all_o these_o as_o one_o while_o bright_a and_o open-faced_a so_o at_o other_o time_n veil_v by_o cloud_n the_o sweat_n of_o that_o mass_n which_o they_o surround_v which_o cloud_n when_o full_o mature_a i_o can_v conceive_v certain_o direct_v by_o so_o uncertain_a a_o convoy_n as_o the_o wind_n to_o discharge_v themselves_o sometime_o of_o a_o happy_a and_o impregnate_a burden_n on_o the_o thirsty_a and_o more_o parch_a place_n of_o the_o globe_n from_o whence_o they_o ascend_v where_o they_o fall_v as_o a_o welcome_a blessing_n sometime_o as_o a_o dreadful_a and_o vindictive_a load_n on_o more_o guilty_a coast_n and_o person_n who_o yet_o not_o seldom_o they_o only_o threaten_v and_o divert_v spend_v themselves_o on_o rock_n sea_n or_o desert_n to_o the_o warning_n and_o joy_n of_o their_o tremble_a spectator_n all_o this_o and_o much_o more_o while_o my_o eye_n and_o mind_n run_v over_o it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o i_o not_o to_o think_v with_o myself_o of_o all_o this_o vast_a and_o wondrous_a fabric_n and_o of_o i_o who_o contemplate_n and_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n enjoy_v it_o there_o must_v certain_o be_v some_o other_o end_n than_o that_o i_o and_o a_o company_n like_o myself_o shall_v come_v into_o this_o so_o glorious_a theatre_n to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o sleep_v and_o play_v some_o other_o odd_a prank_n for_o threescore_o year_n and_o ten_o and_o then_o go_v out_o in_o darkness_n and_o uncertainty_n leave_v our_o room_n to_o such_o succeed_a trifle_n as_o ourselves_o some_o other_o end_n sure_o there_o must_v be_v of_o we_o than_o that_o this_o noble_a intelligent_a reason_v part_n of_o we_o which_o we_o call_v a_o soul_n shall_v after_o experiment_n and_o judgement_n of_o some_o sensation_n upon_o which_o it_o have_v build_v so_o great_a variety_n of_o science_n and_o conjecture_n only_o set_v in_o nothing_o and_o our_o so_o curious_o wrought_v and_o organise_v body_n mere_o become_v meat_n for_o the_o worm_n which_o they_o breed_v and_o those_o worm_n present_o die_v in_o dust_n the_o ash_n of_o all_o be_v but_o the_o sport_n of_o the_o next_o wind_n before_o which_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v drive_v some_o other_o end_n of_o heaven_n and_o heavenly_a body_n of_o earth_n and_o sea_n and_o all_o their_o motion_n and_o influence_n than_o to_o be_v only_a spectator_n or_o contributaries_n to_o such_o pitiful_a event_n as_o these_o and_o yet_o no_o other_o end_n be_v there_o except_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o virtue_n and_o immortality_n again_o that_o glorious_a man_n by_o a_o blind_a lucky_a hit_n of_o ramble_a dust_n shall_v come_v to_o be_v and_o by_o the_o same_o all_o this_o goodly_a provision_n for_o his_o accommodation_n when_o i_o who_o be_o a_o intelligent_a be_v and_o all_o the_o wise_a study_a person_n of_o the_o great_a insight_n into_o nature_n and_o the_o difference_n of_o body_n be_v not_o able_a by_o all_o contrive_v or_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v yet_o see_v contriveable_a mixture_n of_o matter_n to_o produce_v one_o blade_n of_o grass_n will_v not_o can_v enter_v into_o my_o head_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o must_v be_v true_a except_o there_o be_v a_o god_n though_o haply_o every_o one_o be_v not_o able_a thus_o to_o express_v or_o set_v down_o his_o reason_n yet_o few_o or_o none_o i_o say_v apt_a to_o be_v infest_a with_o this_o suggestion_n who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o think_v the_o substance_n of_o this_o and_o much_o more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n and_o after_o all_o to_o return_v home_o again_o with_o all_o their_o atheistical_a ratiocination_n baffle_v and_o nonplus_v themselves_o wrap_v into_o admiration_n of_o the_o incomprehensible_a creator_n of_o all_o and_o his_o almost_o alike_o incomprehensible_a work_n which_o temper_n if_o it_o be_v attain_v for_o this_o time_n the_o temptation_n be_v dash_v and_o devotion_n be_v likely_a to_o proceed_v if_o this_o remedy_n seem_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o any_o who_o be_v infest_a with_o the_o evil_n we_o design_v to_o cure_v let_v he_o consider_v his_o own_o thought_n of_o such_o suggestion_n as_o these_o when_o he_o be_v in_o his_o most_o serious_a and_o sedate_v temper_n and_o so_o a_o more_o competent_a judge_n of_o such_o matter_n than_o at_o other_o time_n be_v he_o not_o then_o as_o real_o persuade_v of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o world_n to_o come_v and_o his_o concernment_n touch_v such_o thing_n as_o touch_v his_o own_o be_v do_v he_o make_v any_o more_o doubt_n to_o repent_v and_o pray_v and_o use_v all_o holy_a mean_n to_o secure_v to_o himself_o a_o portion_n in_o that_o future_a immortal_a bliss_n than_o he_o do_v at_o other_o time_n to_o eat_v and_o sleep_v for_o the_o maintenance_n of_o this_o present_a life_n nay_o be_v he_o not_o ready_a to_o account_v the_o present_a life_n and_o all_o accident_n and_o circumstance_n of_o it_o dream_n scarce_o reality_n at_o all_o in_o comparison_n of_o that_o to_o come_v and_o its_o weighty_a concernment_n and_o do_v he_o not_o almost_o with_o amazement_n wonder_v at_o those_o man_n if_o any_o such_o he_o know_v who_o through_o their_o oppression_n of_o conscience_n and_o god_n just_a permission_n and_o judgement_n have_v arrive_v at_o that_o unnatural_a state_n that_o they_o perceive_v and_o as_o they_o pretend_v at_o least_o seem_v to_o put_v no_o difference_n at_o all_o between_o good_a and_o evil_n virtue_n and_o villainy_n what_o have_v those_o man_n do_v with_o their_o reason_n think_v he_o and_o common_a sense_n what_o hellish_a black_a art_n have_v they_o find_v out_o and_o use_v to_o metamorphose_v reasonable_a soul_n into_o such_o monster_n devil_n nay_o into_o worse_o than_o devil_n for_o devil_n have_v some_o remorse_n of_o evil_n though_o fruitless_a and_o possible_o only_o penal_a whereas_o these_o man_n avow_v themselves_o even_o beyond_o that_o beside_o be_v not_o these_o his_o most_o constant_a as_o well_o as_o his_o most_o serious_a sentiment_n whereas_o the_o contrary_a ramble_v into_o his_o mind_n as_o stranger_n upon_o some_o strange_a occurrence_n or_o disastrous_a temper_n of_o mind_n the_o other_o dwell_v there_o as_o native_n and_o sway_n not_o only_o his_o soul_n but_o as_o be_v profess_v at_o least_o in_o a_o manner_n mankind_n in_o sum_n then_o if_o in_o our_o best_a hour_n and_o temper_n we_o be_v so_o deep_o convince_v in_o our_o own_o breast_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o religion_n that_o we_o be_v amaze_v any_o shall_v be_v void_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o which_o we_o both_o have_v and_o can_v but_o judge_v natural_a to_o all_o man_n as_o have_v by_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n be_v find_v and_o therefore_o stand_v as_o ever_o a_o conclude_a maxim_n if_o this_o i_o say_v we_o can_v but_o find_v by_o consult_v our_o own_o mind_n and_o reflect_v upon_o its_o better_a and_o more_o constant_a state_n shall_v we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o be_v lead_v away_o or_o debauch_v with_o that_o suggestion_n which_o we_o shall_v instant_o wonder_v that_o either_o ourselves_o or_o any_o of_o mankind_n can_v make_v a_o shift_n to_o be_v so_o contradictious_a to_o themselves_o and_o nature_n as_o to_o admit_v shall_v we_o not_o rout_n and_o conjure_v away_o the_o fiend_n upon_o its_o first_o appearance_n and_o so_o much_o more_o vehement_o pursue_v our_o course_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n by_o how_o much_o more_o monstrous_a the_o diversion_n of_o it_o be_v which_o satan_n attempt_v upon_o we_o we_o have_v then_o thus_o a_o double_a remedy_n and_o both_o rational_a both_o effectual_a if_o apply_v home_o to_o this_o first_o evil_a sect._n 4_o to_o this_o possession_n of_o the_o nullity_n of_o religion_n a_o kin_n be_v that_o of_o the_o needlessness_n of_o so_o much_o religion_n suppose_v religion_n a_o reality_n yet_o general_a virtue_n that_o be_v to_o be_v fair_a and_o honest_a man_n be_v as_o much_o as_o god_n require_v of_o mankind_n or_o man_n need_v concern_v themselves_o to_o perform_v and_o as_o to_o the_o scripture_n require_v more_o those_o book_n may_v either_o not_o be_v what_o they_o pretend_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o only_o the_o advice_n of_o some_o good_a old_a man_n and_o so_o will_v not_o enforce_v the_o necessity_n of_o so_o laborious_a a_o religion_n or_o if_o all_o scripture_n shall_v be_v true_a yet_o we_o see_v several_a doctor_n of_o several_a profession_n in_o all_o age_n different_o interpret_n it_o many_o of_o the_o strict_a passage_n which_o seem_v precept_n may_v be_v only_a counsel_n and_o belong_v to_o some_o in_o a_o high_a degree_n which_o if_o we_o follow_v we_o may_v be_v eminenter_fw-la christian_n but_o if_o we_o do_v not_o provide_v we_o keep_v to_o some_o easy_a
their_o religion_n true_a must_v because_o it_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n acknowledge_v the_o great_a thing_n which_o scripture_n contain_v to_o be_v true_a that_o be_v reveal_v or_o prescribe_v from_o above_o it_o remain_v then_o now_o only_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o christian_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n which_o be_v very_o needless_a do_v we_o intend_v to_o be_v large_a it_o have_v be_v infinite_o better_a do_v by_o many_o hand_n than_o we_o can_v pretend_v to_o but_o in_o regard_n what_o we_o design_v be_v brief_a and_o we_o trust_v may_v be_v satisfactory_a such_o a_o proof_n will_v not_o be_v needless_a to_o such_o who_o it_o may_v be_v have_v not_o or_o can_v peruse_v large_a and_o more_o elaborate_a work_n sect._n 2_o i_o say_v then_o that_o the_o mere_a frame_n of_o the_o history_n of_o christian_a religion_n lie_v so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v rational_o disbelieve_v that_o that_o religion_n come_v from_o god_n that_o be_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o this_o will_v distinct_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v what_o of_o history_n be_v extant_a touch_v christian_a religion_n before_o the_o time_n that_o christ_n be_v bear_v and_o then_o what_o the_o state_n of_o this_o religion_n be_v under_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o last_o what_o its_o progress_n and_o state_n have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n ever_o since_o within_o each_o and_o much_o more_o within_o all_o of_o these_o several_a period_n there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o sacred_a story_n certain_a and_o undeniable_a as_o will_n beyond_o controversy_n evince_v the_o divine_a original_n of_o christian_a religion_n sect._n 3_o first_o as_o to_o what_o of_o the_o history_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v extant_a in_o the_o world_n before_o christ_n come_n thereinto_o it_o may_v possible_o seem_v improper_a language_n to_o talk_v of_o the_o history_n of_o any_o thing_n not_o yet_o suppose_v in_o be_v such_o as_o christian_a religion_n which_o take_v its_o rise_n as_o well_o as_o denomination_n from_o christ_n must_v be_v confess_v to_o be_v before_o christ_n come_v but_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o christianity_n suppose_v judaisme_n once_o to_o have_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o build_v upon_o and_o perfect_v it_o it_o can_v be_v say_v but_o judaisme_n be_v long_o before_o extant_a a_o great_a part_n of_o christianity_n be_v so_o also_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n christianity_n only_o advance_v and_o reinforce_v it_o add_v haply_o somewhat_o to_o it_o it_o disannul_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n make_v up_o of_o certain_a typical_a observation_n and_o office_n christianity_n exhibit_v the_o real_a substance_n that_o be_v whatsoever_o truth_n be_v deliver_v of_o old_a to_o the_o jew_n under_o shadow_n the_o gospel_n plain_o speak_v out_o so_o that_o even_o many_o of_o the_o christian_a truth_n or_o doctrinal_n may_v have_v be_v say_v extant_a before_o christ_n though_o in_o a_o different_a manner_n from_o that_o wherein_o they_o be_v now_o know_v these_o thing_n therefore_o consider_v it_o be_v not_o unreasonable_a to_o speak_v somewhat_o of_o the_o history_n of_o christianity_n extant_a before_o christ_n now_o that_o i_o say_v whatever_o it_o be_v deliver_v so_o much_o as_o make_v up_o a_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n i_o mean_v of_o its_o divine_a original_n first_o it_o can_v by_o any_o man_n of_o reason_n be_v deny_v but_o as_o there_o be_v at_o present_a a_o scatter_a race_n of_o man_n which_o call_v and_o profess_v themselves_o jew_n so_o the_o forefather_n of_o these_o be_v a_o very_a ancient_a people_n and_o that_o both_o these_o and_o they_o have_v or_o have_v many_o odd_a custom_n and_o usage_n of_o live_v different_a from_o other_o nation_n all_o which_o they_o have_v observe_v and_o in_o part_n still_o do_v with_o most_o religious_a veneration_n as_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v enact_v by_o a_o law_n deliver_v from_o heaven_n and_o consign_v in_o certain_a book_n by_o the_o hand_n of_o moses_n their_o lawgiver_n by_o divine_a direction_n it_o can_v second_o be_v deny_v that_o such_o a_o man_n as_o moses_n a_o very_a long_a time_n ago_o do_v live_v and_o that_o among_o the_o first_o and_o most_o ancient_a monument_n of_o all_o learning_n or_o letter_n be_v that_o arcane_a volume_n wherein_o moses_n comprise_v that_o law_n for_o beside_o that_o we_o have_v the_o book_n in_o our_o hand_n and_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n live_v in_o multitude_n of_o book_n which_o we_o credit_v in_o other_o thing_n we_o have_v mention_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o his_o law_n and_o the_o ancient_a state_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o jew_n yea_o we_o find_v moses_n law_n translate_v into_o other_o tongue_n some_o hundred_o of_o year_n before_o the_o birth_n of_o christ_n all_o which_o be_v argument_n beyond_o contradiction_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o be_v before_o extant_a nor_o three_o can_v it_o be_v deny_v that_o beside_o the_o book_n of_o moses_n the_o jew_n have_v long_o before_o christ_n time_n certain_a other_o book_n which_o they_o do_v and_o their_o posterity_n still_o do_v believe_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o man_n commission_v and_o inspire_v by_o god_n to_o expound_v that_o law_n to_o they_o and_o acquaint_v they_o of_o other_o mystery_n i_o mean_v they_o have_v the_o book_n of_o the_o prophet_n particular_o of_o isaiah_n jeremiah_n daniel_n the_o psalm_n and_o the_o rest_n he_o that_o believe_v any_o thing_n of_o history_n that_o he_o read_v can_v disbelieve_v this_o now_o these_o thing_n be_v grant_v if_o we_o compare_v christianity_n the_o truth_n and_o doctrine_n of_o it_o with_o what_o be_v extant_a in_o those_o book_n we_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v what_o be_v contend_v for_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o book_n of_o moses_n do_v foretell_v that_o a_o prophet_n god_n shall_v raise_v a_o man_n as_o moses_n be_v who_o shall_v come_v with_o great_a authority_n than_o he_o do_v and_o must_v according_o be_v more_o hearken_v unto_o and_o regard_v it_o be_v plain_a he_o specify_v that_o prophet_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o seed_n of_o abraham_n and_o that_o by_o isaac_n posterity_n and_o more_o particular_o of_o the_o tribe_n of_o judah_n but_o not_o bear_v till_o the_o sceptre_n be_v depart_v from_o judah_n the_o prophet_n yet_o be_v more_o express_v they_o specify_v the_o very_a place_n of_o his_o birth_n bethlehem_n the_o time_n of_o it_o a_o multitude_n of_o circumstance_n and_o action_n of_o his_o life_n and_o then_o the_o time_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o death_n the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o dispersion_n of_o the_o jew_n on_o this_o occasion_n the_o success_n of_o his_o doctrine_n both_o in_o his_o life_n not_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o after_o his_o death_n to_o take_v in_o the_o whole_a inhabit_a world_n to_o instance_n in_o one_o particular_a prophecy_n daniel_n in_o express_a term_n tell_v we_o that_o from_o the_o go_v forth_o of_o the_o commandment_n to_o restore_v and_o build_v jerusalem_n unto_o messiah_n the_o prince_n shall_v be_v seven_o week_n and_o threescore_o and_o two_o week_n shall_v the_o street_n be_v build_v again_o and_o the_o wall_n even_o in_o troublous_a time_n and_o after_o threescore_o and_o two_o week_n shall_v the_o messiah_n be_v cut_v off_o but_o not_o for_o himself_o and_o the_o people_n of_o a_o prince_n to_o come_v shall_v destroy_v the_o city_n and_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o after_o the_o end_n of_o the_o war_n desolation_n be_v determine_v what_o be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o the_o time_n of_o the_o restauration_n of_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o birth_n of_o the_o messiah_n of_o his_o death_n and_o perhaps_o its_o design_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o desolation_n of_o the_o country_n be_v foretell_v if_o any_o one_o say_v this_o be_v in_o obscure_a and_o enigmatical_a term_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v in_o such_o as_o all_o prophecy_n of_o like_a nature_n use_v to_o be_v write_v and_o that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o the_o mysteriousness_n of_o prophetical_a language_n as_o god_n have_v for_o not_o make_v man_n prescient_a i_o do_v not_o here_o conceive_v needful_a to_o answer_v that_o old_a calumny_n of_o porphyry_n that_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n be_v write_v after_o those_o thing_n be_v do_v for_o we_o will_v suppose_v it_o must_v be_v write_v either_o by_o a_o plagiary_n jew_n or_o christian_n jew_n will_v not_o write_v what_o must_v be_v so_o much_o against_o himself_o as_o to_o make_v he_o and_o his_o countryman_n the_o murderer_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o have_v christian_n write_v it_o it_o will_v never_o have_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o jew_n as_o we_o know_v it_o both_o now_o long_o have_v be_v and_o be_v i_o will_v only_o add_v one_o thing_n more_o before_o
and_o to_o god_n most_o acceptable_a worship_n i_o assert_v the_o positive_a office_n of_o christian_a worship_n to_o be_v necessary_a as_o most_o natural_a proper_a mean_n for_o the_o implant_n growth_n and_o security_n of_o virtue_n in_o the_o three_o suppose_v none_o who_o admit_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n or_o of_o christian_a religion_n can_v deny_v or_o doubt_v the_o particular_a office_n of_o christian_a worship_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a institution_n from_o the_o irrefragable_a evidence_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o so_o of_o the_o substance_n of_o scripture_n i_o assert_v the_o aforesaid_a office_n of_o christian_a worship_n necessary_a as_o be_v prescribe_v or_o matter_n of_o particular_a precept_n and_o be_v i_o apprehend_v very_o reasonable_a evidence_n be_v give_v for_o make_v good_a all_o these_o assertion_n i_o add_v that_o these_o office_n be_v reasonable_a as_o well_o as_o necessary_a in_o the_o second_o discourse_n though_o my_o design_n may_v seem_v to_o engage_v i_o more_o with_o the_o affection_n and_o will_n than_o understanding_n yet_o be_v i_o judge_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o sway_v they_o to_o be_v deal_v effectual_o with_o reason_n and_o judgement_n i_o have_v therefore_o endeavour_v that_o the_o particular_a process_n in_o each_o case_n may_v carry_v such_o weight_n of_o reason_n in_o they_o as_o may_v approve_v they_o to_o any_o considerative_a and_o intelligent_a mind_n and_o so_o in_o a_o manner_n enforce_v their_o practice_n or_o at_o least_o leave_v the_o neglectour_n unexcusable_a they_o consist_v therefore_o of_o particular_n all_o or_o most_o of_o they_o suppose_v we_o christian_n in_o our_o own_o power_n and_o beside_o natural_a and_o proper_a to_o the_o case_n for_o which_o they_o be_v prescribe_v as_o remedy_n and_o last_o enforce_v by_o the_o common_a and_o most_o demonstrable_a principle_n of_o religion_n i_o do_v acknowledge_v i_o often_o herein_o proceed_v upon_o particular_a foundation_n which_o holy_a scripture_n administer_v proper_a to_o the_o respective_a design_n i_o prosecute_v but_o i_o take_v that_o to_o be_v little_o less_o legitimate_a proceed_n when_o it_o be_v argue_v from_o proposition_n before_o evince_v as_o the_o truth_n of_o revelation_n and_o scripture_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v by_o the_o former_a discourse_n than_o if_o it_o be_v argue_v from_o principle_n self_n evident_a this_o be_v all_o the_o recommendation_n of_o or_o apology_n for_o my_o follow_a work_n which_o i_o have_v or_o think_v necessary_a to_o make_v i_o have_v therefore_o now_o only_o to_o beseech_v of_o god_n that_o it_o may_v be_v as_o successful_a as_o i_o wish_v it_o and_o of_o the_o reader_n that_o it_o may_v be_v as_o honest_o and_o innocent_o entertain_v as_o i_o mean_v it_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o much_o of_o the_o happy_a event_n of_o either_o where_o it_o shall_v be_v read_v with_o a_o honest_a design_n of_o practice_n more_o than_o censure_n a_o practical_a discourse_n of_o the_o more_o common_a impediment_n of_o devotion_n and_o the_o christian_a worship_n with_o their_o respective_a remedy_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d musonius_n philosoph_n apud_fw-la a._n gellium_fw-la london_n print_v by_o j._n m._n for_o john_n martin_n at_o the_o bell_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1671._o the_o content_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n of_o the_o first_o part._n chap._n i._o sect._n 1_o the_o design_n of_o the_o discourse_n §_o 2._o the_o mischief_n arise_v from_o the_o neglect_n of_o devotion_n brief_o touch_v §_o 3._o whence_o the_o impediment_n of_o it_o spring_n §_o 4._o the_o method_n of_o the_o discourse_n p._n 1._o chap._n ii_o §_o 1._o the_o devil_n one_o author_n of_o the_o impediment_n of_o devotion_n §_o 2._o 1._o by_o prepossess_v man_n mind_n with_o atheistical_a sansy_n such_o as_o 1._o that_o of_o the_o vanity_n or_o uncertainty_n of_o religion_n §_o 3._o remedy_n against_o this_o prepossession_n §_o 4._o 2._o of_o the_o needlessness_n of_o so_o much_o religion_n §_o 5._o remedy_n against_o this_o conceit_n §_o 6._o of_o the_o hindrance_n the_o devil_n give_v we_o in_o divine_a worship_n 1._o by_o extravagant_a thought_n inject_v §_o 7._o their_o remedy_n §_o 8._o 2._o by_o instil_v spiritual_a pride_n §_o 9_o its_o remedy_n p._n 7._o chap._n iii_o §_o 1._o impediment_n of_o divine_a worship_n from_o the_o world_n 1_o care_n and_o business_n §_o 2._o remedy_n herein_o §_o 3._o 2._o pleasure_n in_o general_n §_o 4._o a_o general_a remedy_n §_o 5._o pleasure_n particular_a first_o city_n pleasure_n 1._o company_n §_o 6._o remedy_n §_o 7._o a_o necessary_a caution_n in_o society_n touch_v evil_a communication_n §_o 8._o 2._o the_o entertainment_n of_o the_o stage_n §_o 9_o the_o case_n of_o go_v to_o play_n determine_v §_o 10._o advise_v for_o remedy_n §_o 11._o of_o more_o private_a masque_n and_o ball_n §_o 12._o 2._o country_n pleasure_n hunt_v §_o 13._o advise_v for_o remedy_n §_o 14._o hawk_v horserace_v etc._n etc._n when_o immoderate_a §_o 15._o game_n too_o much_o though_o at_o home_n §_o 16._o remedy_n §_o 17._o intellectual_a pleasure_n when_o impediment_n temperate_v §_o 18._o worldly_n vanity_n impediment_n §_o 19_o vanity_n in_o apparel_n state_v §_o 20._o remedy_n by_o way_n of_o dissuasion_n p._n 46_o 47._o chap._n iv_o §_o 1._o the_o sum_n of_o impediment_n arise_v from_o corrupt_a nature_n §_o 2._o sloth_n and_o sensuality_n §_o 3._o remedy_n hereof_o §_o 4._o persuasive_n to_o the_o former_a practice_n §_o 5._o vnsetledness_n of_o mind_n and_o employment_n impediment_n §_o 6._o their_o remedy_n §_o 7._o passion_n and_o inordinate_a affection_n impediment_n §_o 8._o their_o remedy_n p._n 141._o chap._n v._o §_o 1._o the_o former_a general_n useful_a in_o particular_a case_n not_o name_v §_o 2._o schism_n prejudicial_a to_o piety_n and_o a_o grievous_a sin_n §_o 3._o remedy_n thereof_o §_o 4._o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a discourse_n p._n 200._o the_o content_n of_o the_o several_a chapter_n of_o the_o second_o part._n chap._n i._n a_o full_a proposal_n of_o the_o first_o sect._n 1._o point_n viz._n that_o some_o positive_a worship_n there_o must_v be_v and_o three_o proposition_n to_o evince_v it_o §_o 2._o the_o first_o proposition_n prove_v §_o 3._o a_o objection_n answer_v §_o 4._o a_o second_o answer_v §_o 5._o a_o illustration_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o reason_n to_o bring_v man_n general_o to_o virtue_n out_o of_o history_n §_o 6._o a_o three_o objection_n answer_v §_o 7._o the_o second_o proposition_n prove_v §_o 8._o the_o three_o proposition_n prove_v §_o 9_o objection_n in_o common_a against_o revelation_n and_o divine_a record_n answer_v p._n 235._o chap._n ii_o §_o 1._o that_o the_o christian_a positive_a worship_n be_v reasonable_a and_o necessary_a as_o a_o mean_a to_o virtue_n §_o 2._o the_o proposition_n make_v good_a touch_v prayer_n in_o all_o its_o part_n and_o kind_n §_o 3._o the_o same_o make_v good_a as_o to_o the_o sacrament_n §_o 4._o as_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n §_o 5._o and_o confession_n of_o faith_n p._n 292._o chap._n iii_o §_o 1._o a_o positive_a worship_n certain_a from_o scripture_n and_o scripture_n certain_a from_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n §_o 2._o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n evident_a from_o the_o history_n of_o it_o §_o 3._o before_o christ_n §_o 4._o evident_a from_o the_o history_n of_o it_o in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n §_o 5._o evident_a from_o the_o history_n of_o its_o progress_n and_o state_n since_o §_o 6._o a_o recapitulatory_a conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a p._n 333_o a_o practical_a discourse_n of_o the_o more_o common_a impediment_n of_o devotion_n and_o divine_a worship_n with_o their_o remedy_n chap._n i._n §_o 1._o the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n §_o 2._o the_o mischief_n arise_v from_o neglect_n of_o devotion_n brief_o touch_v §_o 3._o whence_o the_o impediment_n of_o it_o spring_n §_o 4._o the_o method_n of_o the_o discourse_n sect._n 1_o as_o in_o other_o point_n of_o our_o christian_a duty_n so_o especial_o in_o devotion_n and_o divine_a worship_n that_o we_o meet_v with_o many_o let_n and_o diversion_n there_o be_v none_o but_o be_v apt_a to_o complain_v though_o haply_o very_a few_o so_o circumspect_a against_o they_o as_o be_v behoveful_a for_o their_o prevention_n or_o removal_n the_o discovery_n in_o particular_a what_o the_o usual_a impediment_n of_o devotion_n be_v and_o what_o their_o respective_a remedy_n be_v the_o design_n of_o this_o discourse_n sect._n 2_o the_o mischief_n which_o accrue_v unto_o we_o by_o be_v divert_v or_o take_v off_o from_o the_o more_o constant_a and_o devout_a pay_v divine_a worship_n be_v both_o various_a and_o of_o great_a weight_n first_o we_o be_v hereby_o debar_v or_o deprive_v of_o the_o vast_a and_o manifold_a good_n which_o be_v the_o fruit_n and_o proper_a consequence_n of_o such_o
holy_a duty_n such_o as_o be_v a_o tender_a heart_n a_o watchful_a and_o resolve_a conscience_n the_o prevention_n and_o assistance_n of_o grace_n joy_n and_o peace_n through_o hope_n beside_o those_o which_o be_v more_o common_a blessing_n preservation_n success_n of_o our_o affair_n and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o he_o who_o think_v not_o a_o unvalueable_a loss_n be_v uncapable_a to_o value_v any_o thing_n and_o utter_o devoid_a of_o christian_a sense_n and_o second_o we_o be_v hereby_o involve_v in_o as_o great_a a_o guilt_n as_o the_o negligence_n of_o god_n and_o our_o great_a concernment_n can_v carry_v in_o it_o together_o three_o with_o the_o dismal_a consequent_n of_o that_o negligence_n disorder_n of_o mind_n decay_n of_o our_o spiritual_a estate_n a_o heedless_a and_o senseless_a spirit_n fit_a for_o any_o yea_o the_o most_o outrageous_a temptation_n to_o fix_v upon_o together_o with_o other_o evil_n not_o easy_a to_o be_v reckon_v up_o the_o consideration_n of_o all_o which_o so_o great_a and_o various_a mischief_n as_o it_o shall_v awaken_v and_o excite_v we_o to_o a_o diligent_a search_n and_o examination_n what_o hindrance_n we_o common_o meet_v with_o and_o to_o all_o conscientious_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o lay_v aside_o every_o weight_n to_o remove_v or_o prevent_v every_o impediment_n or_o disturbance_n so_o it_o may_v suggest_v to_o we_o whence_o all_o these_o come_v and_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n helpful_a to_o we_o not_o only_o to_o discover_v what_o in_o particular_a be_v our_o proper_a let_n and_o impediment_n but_o also_o more_o general_o to_o take_v a_o survey_n what_o may_v be_v obstructive_a in_o common_a to_o we_o and_o other_o for_o can_v we_o at_o once_o see_v each_o numerical_a let_v which_o we_o and_o other_o have_v be_v infest_a with_o it_o be_v certain_a we_o may_v say_v of_o every_o one_o a_o enemy_n have_v do_v this_o none_o but_o such_o who_o design_n our_o ruin_n will_v wilful_o hinder_v we_o in_o the_o great_a mean_n of_o our_o safety_n sect._n 4_o in_o order_n then_o to_o the_o take_v a_o full_a and_o impartial_a view_n of_o the_o common_a and_o more_o frequent_a hindrance_n of_o devotion_n and_o divine_a worship_n though_o to_o each_o particular_a man_n his_o own_o conscience_n be_v the_o best_a guide_n and_o the_o search_n and_o examination_n of_o that_o the_o sure_a mean_n to_o find_v out_o his_o peculiar_a plague_n in_o this_o case_n yet_o to_o we_o who_o must_v search_v as_o near_o as_o we_o can_v for_o all_o it_o seem_v likely_a to_o be_v the_o most_o successful_a and_o comprehensive_a method_n to_o inquire_v what_o each_o of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n contribute_v to_o keep_v we_o off_o or_o divert_v we_o from_o our_o duty_n in_o this_o behalf_n and_o according_a to_o the_o discovery_n we_o can_v make_v of_o any_o particular_a evil_n we_o shall_v forthwith_o endeavour_v to_o apply_v its_o cure_n or_o proper_a redress_n chap._n ii_o §_o 1._o the_o devil_n one_o author_n of_o the_o impediment_n of_o devotion_n §_o 2._o 1._o by_o prepossess_v man_n mind_n with_o atheistical_a fancy_n such_o as_o 1._o that_o of_o the_o vanity_n or_o uncertainty_n of_o religion_n §_o 3._o remedy_n against_o this_o prepossession_n §_o 4._o 2._o of_o the_o needlessness_n of_o so_o much_o religion_n §_o 5._o remedy_n against_o this_o conceit_n §_o 6._o of_o the_o hindrance_n the_o devil_n give_v we_o in_o divine_a worship_n 1._o by_o extravagant_a thought_n inject_v §_o 7._o their_o remedy_n §_o 8._o 2._o by_o instil_v spiritual_a pride_n §_o 9_o its_o remedy_n sect._n 1_o of_o our_o spiritual_a enemy_n the_o first_o be_v the_o devil_n touch_v who_o it_o be_v certain_o true_a that_o man_n ordinary_o in_o the_o estimate_v the_o original_a of_o their_o own_o sin_n be_v apt_a to_o give_v the_o devil_n more_o than_o his_o due_n and_o as_o if_o they_o will_v pay_v he_o in_o his_o own_o coin_n turn_v false_a accuser_n even_o of_o he_o though_o therefore_o we_o must_v beware_v of_o this_o injustice_n yet_o be_v it_o most_o just_o resolve_v that_o there_o be_v some_o hindrance_n of_o devotion_n of_o which_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o author_n as_o a_o argument_n of_o which_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o prophet_n represent_v joshua_n the_o high_a priest_n stand_v 1._o zach._n 3._o 1._o before_o the_o angel_n of_o the_o lord_n or_o addressing_z himself_o to_o god_n bring_v in_o satan_n also_o stand_v at_o his_o right_a hand_n and_o the_o same_o enmity_n that_o bring_v he_o thither_o to_o resist_v he_o be_v not_o undoubted_o want_v what_o it_o can_v to_o hinder_v he_o now_o of_o these_o impediment_n of_o devotion_n which_o we_o may_v with_o justice_n impute_v unto_o the_o devil_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n the_o one_o precedent_n by_o which_o he_o hinder_v we_o from_o it_o the_o other_o concomitant_a by_o which_o he_o hinder_v we_o in_o it_o sect._n 2_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n as_o far_o forth_o as_o i_o can_v see_v be_v his_o possess_v we_o with_o incredulous_a and_o atheistical_a fancy_n and_o notion_n such_o as_o first_o of_o the_o vanity_n or_o uncertainty_n of_o religion_n he_o suggest_v to_o we_o that_o all_o religion_n be_v but_o a_o crafty_a design_n upon_o credulous_a mankind_n for_o some_o secular_a and_o politic_a respect_n or_o at_o least_o that_o it_o may_v be_v such_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a it_o be_v not_o such_o and_o then_o why_o be_v all_o this_o waist_n of_o good_a time_n and_o pain_n why_o this_o retrench_a ourselves_o of_o freedom_n and_o pleasure_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_n macerate_v ourselves_o with_o devotional_a and_o mortify_a endeavour_n and_o continual_a watchfulness_n and_o solicitude_n of_o mind_n why_o shall_v i_o abuse_v myself_o into_o vexation_n and_o exchange_v real_a delicious_a enjoyment_n for_o the_o dream_n of_o a_o future_a and_o imaginary_a bliss_n these_o thing_n though_o we_o hear_v often_o from_o some_o of_o degenerate_a mankind_n yet_o come_v they_o original_o from_o the_o great_a father_n of_o lie_n and_o he_o it_o be_v who_o both_o often_o suggest_v they_o to_o our_o remembrance_n and_o employ_v many_o agent_n to_o disseminate_a and_o vent_v they_o in_o the_o world_n under_o the_o most_o take_a method_n sect._n 3_o of_o this_o poison_n the_o most_o proper_a and_o effectual_a antidote_n or_o remedy_n will_v be_v a_o solid_a and_o rational_a satisfaction_n and_o conviction_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n touch_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o religion_n particular_o of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n the_o reality_n of_o what_o we_o call_v good_a and_o evil_n virtue_n and_o vice_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o different_a estate_n in_o that_o immortal_a life_n i_o confess_v myself_o not_o at_o all_o of_o their_o mind_n who_o think_v it_o needless_a or_o nugatory_n by_o natural_a reason_n to_o demonstrate_v such_o common_a principle_n of_o all_o religion_n i_o love_v dear_o to_o find_v my_o reason_n baffle_v into_o faith_n and_o enforce_v to_o conclude_v either_o religion_n real_a or_o contradictious_a proposition_n together_o true_a this_o take_v from_o none_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o free_a or_o as_o some_o may_v please_v to_o style_v it_o a_o noble_a faith_n any_o may_v believe_v on_o other_o inducement_n who_o can_v or_o will_v but_o secure_v such_o who_o nature_n be_v more_o averse_a from_o credulity_n in_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n which_o persuasion_n thus_o found_v may_v stand_v unshaken_a in_o a_o thousand_o shock_n as_o well_o of_o temptation_n as_o opposition_n when_o the_o credulous_a faith_n may_v either_o totter_v or_o undermine_v sink_v possible_o what_o i_o direct_v to_o may_v by_o some_o be_v think_v unpracticable_a by_o the_o common_a sort_n who_o be_v presume_v unable_a to_o conclude_v these_o fundamental_o upon_o principle_n of_o mere_a natural_a reason_n a_o thing_n which_o they_o so_o little_o understand_v but_o to_o that_o i_o say_v there_o be_v very_o few_o or_o none_o to_o who_o this_o temptation_n be_v incident_a and_o consequent_o who_o i_o direct_v thus_o to_o oppose_v it_o who_o have_v not_o natural_a logic_n enough_o from_o such_o premise_n as_o i_o will_v have_v they_o propound_v to_o conclude_v what_o i_o will_v have_v they_o rational_o satisfy_v of_o though_o i_o can_v not_o artificial_o make_v syllogism_n yet_o in_o a_o serious_a and_o considerative_a state_n of_o mind_n i_o can_v in_o a_o silent_a evening_n walk_v forth_o and_o view_v the_o earth_n adorn_v with_o herb_n and_o flower_n and_o tree_n and_o fruit_n furrow_v with_o channel_n wherein_o run_v rivers_n and_o brook_n and_o spring_n to_o water_v its_o best_a and_o most_o needy_a part_n inhabit_v by_o variety_n of_o live_a creature_n for_o all_o which_o its_o fruitful_a womb_n bring_v forth_o proper_a nourishment_n i_o can_v after_o behold_v in_o the_o vast_a empty_a over_o my_o head_n a_o multitude_n of_o
observation_n we_o be_v christian_n still_o and_o in_o a_o secure_a condition_n nay_o in_o this_o reform_a age_n do_v not_o they_o who_o pretend_v to_o the_o pure_a reformation_n of_o doctrine_n teach_v we_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n alone_o without_o work_n and_o good_a work_n be_v only_o necessary_a as_o token_n of_o gratitude_n and_o not_o as_o have_v any_o influence_n no_o not_o as_o a_o condition_n to_o our_o justification_n before_o god_n and_o thus_o long_o if_o we_o may_v have_v heaven_n and_o so_o much_o of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o licentious_a converse_n of_o this_o world_n too_o why_o shall_v we_o abridge_v our_o self_n of_o either_o all_o this_o be_v certain_o a_o diabolical_a stratagem_n the_o old_a trick_n again_o practise_v and_o a_o fine_a plausible_a give_v god_n the_o lie_n as_o at_o first_o to_o our_o mother_n eve_n yea_o have_v god_n say_v you_o shall_v not_o eat_v of_o every_o tree_n of_o the_o garden_n be_v any_o pleasant_a liberty_n or_o latitude_n of_o life_n forbid_v you_o you_o shall_v not_o sure_o die_v for_o god_n do_v know_v that_o in_o the_o day_n you_o eat_v thereof_o your_o eye_n shall_v be_v open_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v as_o god_n know_v good_a and_o evil_n that_o be_v in_o word_n more_o apposite_a to_o our_o age_n and_o purpose_n affect_v and_o practise_v the_o more_o unconcerned_a and_o airy_a religion_n you_o shall_v be_v christian_n of_o a_o free_a and_o more_o generous_a strain_n than_o the_o narrow-sould_a orthodox_n or_o devotee_n sect._n 5_o now_o for_o the_o prevent_n or_o dispossess_v this_o wicked_a conceit_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a first_o that_o i_o do_v what_o i_o can_v for_o the_o rational_a satisfy_n myself_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o indispensable_a necessity_n which_o lie_v on_o we_o who_o have_v scripture_n to_o conform_v our_o life_n to_o the_o command_n and_o rule_v thereof_o somewhat_o have_v be_v speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o discourse_n before_o of_o which_o the_o sum_n be_v that_o suppose_v the_o providence_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o he_o have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n and_o especial_o for_o their_o direction_n by_o what_o act_n and_o how_o he_o will_v be_v worship_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n pretend_v to_o have_v give_v we_o direction_n in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o admit_v what_o it_o to_o this_o purpose_n prescribe_v for_o we_o find_v it_o in_o possession_n of_o a_o infallible_a authority_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o find_v it_o ever_o have_v be_v so_o since_o know_v to_o be_v extant_a this_o authority_n it_o have_v gain_v not_o only_o by_o the_o sublinity_n of_o its_o matter_n and_o style_n from_o its_o harmony_n and_o particular_o the_o concord_n of_o event_n with_o the_o prediction_n of_o they_o but_o especial_o from_o its_o author_n who_o be_v know_v in_o their_o generation_n for_o inspire_a man_n most_o of_o they_o by_o the_o miracle_n do_v by_o they_o who_o themselves_o see_v what_o they_o relate_v or_o receive_v in_o command_n from_o god_n what_o they_o prescribe_v this_o the_o christian_a church_n in_o those_o day_n who_o see_v the_o miracle_n and_o have_v opportunity_n to_o search_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o every_o circumstance_n receive_v and_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o and_o in_o many_o especial_o more_o primitives_n age_n seal_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o see_v and_o deliver_v with_o their_o own_o blood_n nothing_o of_o what_o scripture_n in_o such_o case_n propound_v to_o we_o aught_o in_o reason_n and_o equity_n any_o more_o to_o be_v doubt_v by_o we_o than_o if_o we_o ourselves_o have_v see_v these_o very_a miracle_n do_v or_o hear_v these_o command_v promulge_v from_o heaven_n and_o as_o to_o all_o objection_n which_o diabolical_a agent_n have_v bring_v in_o against_o divine_a oracle_n we_o find_v the_o devil_n have_v thereby_o only_o destroy_v his_o own_o work_n they_o lie_v strong_a against_o the_o old_a heathenish_a oracle_n and_o the_o way_n of_o their_o delivery_n against_o mahometan_a and_o such_o like_a imposture_n but_o holy_a scripture_n either_o they_o can_v assail_v at_o all_o or_o if_o they_o do_v their_o assault_n only_o bespeak_v first_o its_o author_n malice_n and_o then_o impotence_n further_o as_o to_o the_o indispensableness_n of_o obedience_n to_o scripture_n can_v i_o think_v that_o my_o creator_n in_o who_o hand_n i_o be_o as_o clay_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o potter_n have_v make_v a_o law_n and_o signify_v nay_o and_o justify_v it_o too_o to_o the_o world_n from_o heaven_n by_o miracle_n and_o that_o i_o poor_a trifle_n may_v safe_o choose_v whether_o i_o will_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o or_o no_o and_o when_o i_o have_v notice_n of_o it_o possible_o whether_o i_o will_v or_o no_o may_v secure_o pick_v and_o choose_v out_o of_o it_o obey_v it_o only_o in_o what_o i_o please_v or_o perhaps_o at_o pleasure_n disobey_v and_o neglect_v the_o whole_a these_o be_v extravagancy_n which_o will_v find_v no_o harbour_n or_o reception_n in_o my_o serious_a thought_n if_o this_o remedy_n seem_v needless_a because_o the_o poison_n have_v not_o yet_o so_o prevail_v as_o that_o the_o antidote_n need_v to_o be_v take_v in_o so_o deep_a than_o second_o let_v i_o from_o holy_a scripture_n satisfy_v myself_o of_o the_o undoubted_a necessity_n of_o good_a work_n in_o order_n to_o my_o acceptance_n before_o god_n and_o future_a bliss_n and_o that_o that_o faith_n which_o justify_v be_v not_o such_o a_o trust_n which_o regard_v not_o but_o include_v the_o endeavour_n of_o impartial_a obedience_n as_o a_o formal_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o that_o be_v that_o if_o this_o endeavour_n be_v not_o in_o the_o faith_n which_o i_o have_v be_v no_o long_o a_o justify_v faith_n and_o particular_o under_o obedience_n let_v i_o consider_v how_o undispensable_o due_a unto_o god_n be_v a_o daily_a homage_n from_o i_o which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o devil_n by_o this_o suggestion_n will_v possess_v i_o of_o and_o for_o the_o 2._o see_v method_n of_o pr._n devot_n part._n ii_o ch._n 1_o &_o 2._o enforce_v these_o truth_n upon_o i_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a i_o be_o not_o or_o need_v not_o be_v destitute_a of_o mean_n proper_a and_o particular_a enough_o if_o i_o will_v be_v at_o pain_n to_o use_v they_o it_o may_v be_v proper_a three_o for_o any_o who_o this_o suggestion_n attempt_n to_o consider_v how_o far_o the_o present_a age_n come_v short_a either_o of_o the_o primitive_a or_o middle_a christian_a age_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o devotion_n how_o much_o time_n and_o pain_n have_v ancient_a christian_n spend_v in_o prayer_n and_o self-denial_n and_o mortification_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o we_o do_v and_o shall_v devotion_n but_o so_o decrease_v proportionable_o in_o a_o future_a age_n or_o to_o as_o it_o have_v do_v of_o late_a into_o what_o a_o nothing_o will_v it_o dwindle_v nay_o let_v we_o but_o at_o present_a look_n over_o sea_n and_o be_v teach_v our_o interest_n even_o from_o our_o enemy_n what_o watch_n what_o fasting_n what_o prayer_n what_o mortify_v discipline_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n many_o walk_a skeleton_n almost_o instead_o of_o man_n among_o they_o certain_o diligence_n be_v not_o popery_n too_o and_o as_o our_o saviour_n forbid_v not_o the_o pharisee_n righteousness_n when_o he_o condemn_v their_o ostentation_n and_o superstitious_a will-worship_n so_o neither_o if_o the_o roman-catholic_n be_v more_o severe_a to_o their_o flesh_n than_o needs_o can_v we_o serious_o view_v their_o conscientious_a observance_n and_o constancy_n in_o their_o devotion_n but_o it_o will_v true_o upbraid_v the_o laxness_n and_o negligence_n of_o most_o of_o our_o people_n let_v we_o blush_v therefore_o that_o have_v a_o pure_a faith_n and_o order_n of_o worship_n than_o they_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o the_o worse_a observer_n of_o it_o last_o it_o may_v not_o be_v improper_a to_o oppose_v also_o to_o this_o suggestion_n our_o thought_n when_o we_o be_v in_o our_o grave_a most_o impartial_a and_o clear_a state_n of_o mind_n and_o do_v we_o at_o such_o time_n imagine_v ourselves_o guilty_a of_o over_n our_o duty_n in_o point_n of_o devotion_n when_o we_o have_v consider_v how_o many_o year_n we_o have_v spend_v without_o any_o serious_a devotion_n or_o thought_n of_o god_n how_o many_o and_o grievous_a interruption_n our_o present_a course_n suffer_v how_o difficult_a it_o be_v by_o all_o to_o keep_v ourselves_o but_o in_o tolerable_a temper_n do_v we_o think_v we_o have_v take_v upon_o ourselves_o too_o hard_a task_n of_o prayer_n and_o penitence_n and_o such_o performance_n alas_o we_o think_v the_o contrary_n and_o be_v we_o not_o then_o wont_a to_o accuse_v ourselves_o of_o vile_a unchristian_a sloth_n worldlyness_n vanity_n and_o manifold_a vitiousness_n of_o mind_n
with_o one_o more_o dreadful_a from_o a_o terrible_a and_o offend_a god_n who_o wrath_n will_v burn_v too_o and_o in_o the_o low_a hell_n take_v you_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n and_o bound_v he_o hand_n and_o foot_n and_o cast_v he_o into_o outer_a darkness_n where_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o wail_v and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n now_o how_o can_v such_o trifle_a spirit_n consider_v these_o thing_n and_o not_o resolve_v to_o fix_v themselves_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o sober_a good_a very_o though_o they_o shall_v somewhat_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o world_n to_o come_v yet_o methinks_v they_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a so_o to_o reproach_n themselves_o and_o reason_n as_o to_o live_v to_o no_o purpose_n common_a ingenuity_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o honour_n they_o owe_v to_o themselves_o shall_v put_v they_o on_o some_o serious_a thought_n and_o if_o they_o doubt_v whether_o christianity_n be_v a_o truth_n or_o concern_v they_o real_o yet_o at_o least_o to_o search_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o so_o and_o employ_v their_o mind_n a_o while_n in_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o which_o if_o haply_o it_o shall_v be_v their_o great_a concern_n as_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o serious_a man_n it_o be_v they_o be_v most_o miserable_a for_o have_v so_o long_o neglect_v that_o therefore_o second_o let_v i_o beseech_v they_o they_o will_v consider_v and_o examine_v whether_o in_o truth_n religion_n be_v not_o a_o reality_n to_o this_o purpose_n let_v they_o be_v entreat_v to_o turn_v back_o to_o chapter_n the_o second_o section_n the_o three_o and_o to_o peruse_v with_o attention_n what_o be_v there_o say_v to_o this_o matter_n to_o which_o only_o i_o add_v this_o demand_n which_o i_o beseech_v they_o serious_o to_o put_v to_o their_o own_o conscience_n can_v they_o possible_o think_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o humane_a happiness_n that_o be_v that_o mankind_n be_v make_v or_o be_v either_o to_o no_o end_n or_o else_o only_o to_o be_v miserable_a or_o if_o they_o grant_v a_o happiness_n can_v they_o conceive_v that_o all_o the_o happiness_n attainable_a by_o man_n lie_v in_o airy_a ramble_n of_o mind_n and_o a_o general_a unconcernedness_n or_o prosecution_n only_o of_o empty_a trifle_n will_v not_o even_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n tell_v they_o happiness_n must_v rather_o lie_v in_o a_o sedate_n fixedness_n of_o mind_n or_o such_o a_o temper_n which_o man_n reflect_v upon_o approve_v in_o himself_o and_o acquiesce_n in_o that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o serious_a virtue_n a_o thing_n which_o such_o person_n be_v very_o much_o stranger_n to_o and_o have_v little_a thought_n on_o and_o then_o be_v not_o true_a virtue_n but_o only_o another_o name_n for_o be_v religious_a three_o religion_n then_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o reality_n as_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v but_o upon_o due_a consideration_n of_o what_o i_o have_v before_o desire_v may_v be_v consider_v it_o will_v i_o only_o further_a beseech_v such_o person_n to_o consider_v how_o miserable_o behind_o hand_n they_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o great_a necessity_n and_o of_o true_a concernment_n to_o themselves_o of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n how_o many_o sin_n have_v they_o which_o lie_v unrepented_a of_o who_o never_o yet_o serious_o think_v of_o repent_v any_o how_o many_o lust_n to_o be_v mortify_v who_o never_o yet_o heed_v that_o they_o wear_v any_o such_o thing_n and_o what_o a_o world_n of_o work_n have_v they_o to_o do_v who_o never_o yet_o so_o much_o as_o attempt_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o serious_a work_n of_o life_n in_o a_o word_n therefore_o i_o beseech_v they_o to_o peruse_v and_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v abovesaid_a to_o the_o idle_a man_n the_o case_n of_o both_o be_v alike_o and_o the_o same_o consideration_n and_o remedy_n be_v most_o pertinent_a and_o applicable_a unto_o both_o and_o will_v i_o doubt_v not_o where_o close_o lay_v to_o heart_n bring_v the_o vain_a spirit_n to_o the_o serious_a practice_n of_o devotion_n which_o we_o have_v elsewhere_o lay_v down_o and_o by_o that_o to_o true_a and_o endless_a beatitude_n sect._n 7_o the_o last_o sort_n of_o impediment_n in_o sacred_a thing_n arise_v from_o ourselves_o be_v passion_n and_o inordinate_a affection_n the_o violent_a and_o last_a disturbance_n whereof_o put_v many_o beside_o not_o only_o their_o holy_a but_o common_a duty_n leave_v in_o they_o little_a of_o man_n but_o the_o shape_n and_o that_o to_o sometime_o strange_o disguise_v those_o passion_n which_o more_o common_o thus_o tyrannize_v over_o the_o soul_n be_v love_n and_o anger_n and_o grief_n i_o be_o content_a to_o distinguish_v love_n from_o lust_n and_o to_o take_v it_o for_o the_o affect_v a_o single_a person_n in_o order_n to_o a_o honest_a marriage_n where_o it_o be_v otherwise_o it_o be_v most_o extravagant_o inordinate_a but_o even_o this_o in_o many_o young_a person_n obtain_v a_o strange_a dominion_n over_o the_o soul_n usurp_v their_o thought_n and_o time_n and_o employ_v they_o whole_o in_o visit_n rhimings_n apparel_v little_a purveyance_n for_o gratification_n of_o the_o paramour_n fear_n hope_n complaint_n and_o innumerable_a like_o phantastic_o to_o all_o which_o not_o only_a devotion_n but_o even_o sleep_v and_o food_n many_o time_n give_v place_n in_o like_a manner_n the_o angry_a man_n meditate_v only_a revenge_n roll_z in_o his_o mind_n the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o affront_n neglect_n or_o injury_n he_o have_v suffer_v inveigh_v rail_n perhaps_o curse_v rage_v and_o indulge_v the_o turbulent_a quest_n of_o wrath_n till_o it_o commence_v malice_n or_o a_o settle_a hate_n and_o then_o as_o it_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n by_o fit_n revive_v it_o will_v be_v able_a to_o command_v both_o thought_n and_o time_n and_o all_o his_o power_n in_o many_o be_v grief_n no_o less_o tumultuous_a especial_o that_o conceive_v for_o loss_n of_o friend_n we_o may_v frequent_o observe_v bereave_v once_o strange_o transport_v into_o a_o heedlessness_n both_o of_o god_n and_o themselves_o think_v of_o little_a but_o the_o action_n or_o person_n of_o their_o decease_a belove_n impatient_a of_o any_o other_o discourse_n and_o besot_v themselves_o with_o continue_a moan_n and_o tear_n and_o so_o both_o divert_v from_o and_o indispose_v for_o sacred_a employment_n now_o as_o to_o all_o these_o or_o any_o other_o affection_n we_o be_v to_o esteem_v they_o inordinate_a first_o when_o they_o disturb_v and_o blind_a reason_n and_o man_n practical_a judgement_n whether_o they_o do_v that_o by_o tamer_n prejudices_fw-la inject_v or_o by_o more_o boisterous_a commotion_n or_o second_o when_o though_o they_o have_v not_o prevail_v to_o blind_a reason_n and_o conscience_n in_o its_o process_n yet_o they_o overbear_v all_o its_o genuine_a dictate_v usurp_v its_o power_n and_o command_v the_o headlong_a man_n by_o they_o become_v a_o demy-brute_n into_o what_o ever_o they_o suggest_v sect._n 8_o the_o cure_n of_o this_o evil_n must_v be_v by_o mortify_v and_o master_v the_o usurper_n which_o that_o we_o may_v the_o sure_a do_v we_o must_v first_o consider_v his_o power_n the_o short_a his_o reign_n have_v be_v the_o more_o easy_o will_v he_o be_v depose_v first_o if_o we_o remember_v ourselves_o only_o to_o have_v be_v now_o and_o then_o in_o a_o passionate_a fit_n our_o business_n will_v be_v only_o to_o prevent_v that_o passion_n recur_v but_o second_o if_o the_o inordinacy_n of_o passion_n be_v become_v customary_a and_o habituate_v not_o only_o preventive_a mean_n must_v be_v use_v but_o extirpatory_n in_o the_o former_a case_n i_o say_v we_o be_v chief_o to_o take_v care_n for_o the_o prevent_a inordinacy_n of_o the_o return_a passion_n which_o we_o find_v to_o have_v infest_a we_o and_o that_o will_v be_v do_v first_o by_o study_v the_o particular_a occasion_n which_o have_v raise_v passion_n to_o such_o excess_n and_o either_o avoid_n as_o far_o as_o may_v be_v the_o thing_n themselves_o which_o have_v be_v so_o unhappy_o instrumental_a or_o arm_v ourselves_o and_o provide_v if_o they_o can_v be_v convenient_o avoid_v which_o till_o we_o have_v a_o little_a mastery_n of_o ourselves_o be_v safe_a to_o manage_v they_o with_o temper_n and_o calmness_n we_o must_v resolve_v it_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o each_o child_n and_o trifle_n to_o disturb_v our_o quiet_a and_o reason_n to_o this_o purpose_n we_o be_v to_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v in_o we_o which_o hinder_v such_o temperate_a management_n possible_o some_o other_o lust_n whence_o come_v war_n and_o fight_n among_o you_o but_o from_o your_o lust_n etc._n etc._n and_o then_o care_n must_v be_v take_v for_o the_o remove_n and_o mortify_v that_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o case_n of_o anger_n reflect_v on_o myself_o possible_o i_o find_v i_o have_v or_o too_o ordinary_o do_v betray_v a_o pitiful_a and_o impotent_a spirit_n
three_o that_o man_n become_v happy_a by_o the_o determination_n and_o allotment_n of_o god_n that_o must_v be_v either_o respective_a or_o irrespective_a if_o irrespective_n than_o our_o second_o consequent_a stand_n and_o god_n be_v unjust_a in_o damn_v or_o allot_v misery_n that_o be_v the_o high_a punishment_n without_o respect_n to_o sin_n if_o it_o be_v respective_a to_o the_o person_n life_n manner_n or_o temper_n than_o somewhat_o be_v require_v of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o their_o happiness_n viz._n that_o they_o be_v virtuous_a or_o some_o such_o thing_n upon_o respect_n unto_o which_o god_n will_v adjudge_v such_o person_n unto_o happiness_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n we_o contend_v for_o it_o remain_v then_o that_o god_n require_v something_o of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o his_o happiness_n sect._n 4_o but_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n indeed_o do_v require_v something_o of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o bliss_n but_o yet_o that_o only_o such_o which_o general_o man_n reason_n will_v suggest_v to_o they_o without_o revelation_n as_o to_o that_o i_o say_v that_o it_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o principle_n before_o in_o common_a suppose_v and_o i_o may_v add_v also_o not_o with_o what_o have_v be_v evince_v in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o former_a objection_n first_o it_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o principle_n before_o in_o common_a suppose_v for_o it_o be_v agree_v if_o not_o prove_v that_o he_o require_v of_o man_n to_o be_v virtuous_a now_o that_o a_o man_n in_o a_o pure_a natural_a estate_n and_o unacquainted_a with_o any_o divine_a oracle_n shall_v attain_v a_o exact_a or_o sufficient_a knowledge_n of_o all_o necessary_a virtue_n be_v unreasonable_a to_o affirm_v and_o contrary_a to_o the_o experience_n of_o mankind_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n as_o to_o virtue_n necessary_a to_o be_v know_v to_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o first_o the_o nature_n and_o particular_a kind_n of_o it_o and_o second_o the_o obligation_n which_o lie_v upon_o man_n to_o pursue_v it_o and_o who_o be_v ignorant_a of_o either_o of_o these_o two_o either_o can_v or_o will_v never_o be_v virtuous_a now_o though_o we_o who_o stand_v upon_o the_o top_n of_o the_o hill_n have_v even_o by_o reason_n a_o prospect_n of_o both_o these_o that_o be_v have_v consult_v divine_a oracle_n and_o humane_a monument_n touch_v these_o matter_n see_v the_o connexion_n and_o dependence_n of_o virtue_n and_o happiness_n and_o again_o the_o reasonableness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o particular_a virtue_n yet_o that_o those_o who_o grope_v after_o truth_n in_o the_o black_a and_o foggy_a bottom_n of_o barbarity_n or_o heathenism_n have_v sufficiency_n of_o light_n by_o innate_a reason_n without_o the_o ray_n of_o revelation_n to_o see_v all_o this_o be_v i_o say_v extravagant_a to_o affirm_v and_o contrary_a to_o what_o we_o see_v by_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n to_o have_v happen_v for_o consult_v the_o attainment_n of_o such_o as_o we_o speak_v of_o what_o dismal_a shape_n will_v virtue_n wear_v a_o face_n as_o grim_a as_o a_o gorgon_n and_o which_o will_v make_v we_o overrun_v it_o if_o it_o do_v not_o astonish_v we_o too_o much_o be_v we_o only_o to_o receive_v it_o by_o the_o pourtraicture_a of_o some_o of_o our_o old_a druid_n or_o other_o like_a foreign_a master_n of_o the_o barbarous_a philosophic_a moral_n a_o aristides_n it_o may_v be_v in_o a_o athens_n a_o civilise_a place_n and_o a_o city_n long_o devote_v to_o all_o literature_n and_o inquiry_n reason_v himself_o into_o strict_a justice_n but_o this_o too_o with_o much_o more_o rigour_n and_o cynicism_n than_o he_o need_v and_o a_o socrates_n it_o may_v be_v himself_o into_o more_o universal_a virtue_n but_o have_v these_o even_o with_o such_o advantage_n the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o necessary_a or_o if_o they_o have_v can_v it_o be_v say_v they_o see_v the_o indispensable_a obligation_n which_o lie_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o they_o know_v how_o then_o do_v socrates_n when_o he_o have_v arrive_v at_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o intolerableness_n of_o idolatry_n and_o the_o heathenish_a worship_n and_o more_o sober_a notion_n of_o the_o deity_n yet_o in_o a_o manner_n to_o his_o last_o frequent_a their_o public_a altar_n and_o temple_n to_o take_v he_o in_o the_o word_n of_o his_o most_o zealous_a patriot_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d xenophon_n xenophon_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o sacrifice_v to_o their_o god_n both_o at_o home_n and_o at_o their_o common_a city_n altar_n he_o use_v too_o the_o very_a heathenish_a divination_n how_o then_o also_o do_v our_o deserve_o admire_a stoic_a give_v it_o as_o a_o precept_n it_o be_v indeed_o the_o principal_a matter_n epictetus_n epictetus_n of_o all_o religion_n to_o have_v true_a conception_n of_o the_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d notwithstanding_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o offer_v drink-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n and_o first-fruit_n according_a to_o their_o country_n usage_n evident_a it_o be_v these_o the_o best_a of_o the_o natural_a morallist_n either_o know_v not_o that_o worship_v of_o idol_n and_o devil_n when_o they_o know_v the_o true_a god_n be_v a_o intolerable_a evil_n or_o that_o they_o dissemble_v it_o and_o teach_v contrary_a it_o must_v needs_o be_v grant_v by_o all_o not_o to_o speak_v yet_o of_o a_o positive_a worship_n that_o some_o acknowledgement_n or_o natural_a worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v a_o necessary_a part_n of_o virtue_n these_o man_n though_o have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o be_v of_o the_o true_a god_n not_o that_o we_o read_v of_o worship_n he_o on_o the_o contrary_a worship_n false_a god_n and_o teach_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v so_o which_o certain_o they_o never_o will_v have_v do_v have_v they_o either_o sufficient_o know_v that_o to_o be_v virtue_n or_o the_o indispensableness_n of_o their_o own_o obligation_n to_o it_o and_o yet_o alas_o what_o be_v these_o to_o the_o mass_n of_o mankind_n two_o or_o three_o to_o million_o of_o legion_n have_v these_o extraordinary_a person_n reason_n raise_v by_o all_o their_o advantage_n and_o in_o all_o probability_n from_o tradition_n which_o if_o pursue_v to_o their_o fountain_n head_n most_o likely_o derive_v from_o revelation_n and_o scripture_n be_v a_o sufficient_a guide_n to_o virtue_n as_o to_o they_o yet_o can_v we_o not_o but_o conclude_v revelation_n necessary_a to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n that_o be_v to_o all_o the_o world_n except_o three_o or_o four_o but_o we_o find_v it_o reasonable_a to_o conclude_v even_o these_o man_n ignorant_a of_o some_o necessary_a virtue_n that_o be_v of_o what_o be_v of_o such_o concernment_n to_o they_o as_o that_o their_o happiness_n do_v depend_v thereupon_o nor_o can_v we_o christian_n conclude_v these_o man_n save_v by_o god_n common_a way_n but_o by_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a act_n of_o grace_n almighty_a mercy_n dispense_n with_o their_o ignorance_n possible_o their_o infelicity_n more_o than_o fault_n and_o pardon_v those_o vice_n in_o they_o which_o be_v its_o natural_a consequent_n sect._n 5_o this_o point_n of_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o mere_a natural_a light_n to_o lead_v man_n general_o to_o virtue_n and_o so_o its_o insufficiency_n also_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o happiness_n will_v be_v more_o clear_o illustrate_v by_o the_o history_n of_o mankind_n in_o those_o age_n wherein_o they_o have_v little_a or_o none_o other_o guidance_n which_o although_o it_o be_v not_o where_o extant_a save_v in_o scripture_n yet_o be_v that_o we_o here_o produce_v it_o as_o a_o illustratory_n and_o corroborative_n rather_o than_o a_o principal_a proof_n no_o adversary_n can_v just_o tax_v we_o of_o prevaricate_a for_o our_o touch_v upon_o it_o between_o the_o creation_n a_o point_n suppose_a to_o be_v agree_v on_o and_o the_o flood_n if_o any_o such_o there_o be_v that_o be_v for_o the_o space_n of_o about_o 1657._o year_n it_o be_v not_o pretend_v there_o be_v extant_a any_o such_o thing_n as_o divine_a oracle_n for_o the_o guide_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n can_v not_o but_o be_v much_o fresh_a in_o the_o world_n than_o without_o supernatural_a mean_n they_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v in_o after_o age_n because_o two_o or_o three_o man_n life_n may_v reach_v from_o the_o begin_n beyond_o the_o end_n of_o the_o suppose_v old_a world_n so_o that_o several_a person_n alive_a at_o or_o little_a before_o the_o flood_n may_v be_v able_a to_o report_v what_o they_o immediate_o learn_v of_o adam_n their_o father_n or_o grand_a father_n who_o undoubted_o some_o of_o they_o may_v personal_o have_v know_v this_o be_v only_o a_o advantage_n to_o our_o cause_n for_o if_o natural_a reason_n with_o the_o help_n of_o so_o lively_a
prodigious_a fire_n and_o smoke_n ascend_v from_o the_o mount_n as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v one_o great_a flame_a furnace_n and_o then_o a_o last_a earthquake_n be_v the_o preparatory_a and_o precedaneous_a state_n to_o the_o promulgation_n of_o this_o great_a law_n or_o oracle_n now_o these_o what_o natural_a power_n can_v effect_v and_o will_v the_o supernatural_a divine_a power_n effect_n or_o permit_v effect_v to_o the_o abuse_n of_o his_o darling_n mankind_n again_o we_o pretend_v when_o our_o lord_n be_v on_o earth_n there_o be_v at_o several_a time_n what_o the_o jew_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n and_o among_o they_o look_v on_o as_o the_o most_o sacred_a and_o uncontrollable_a kind_n of_o oracle_n there_o be_v i_o say_v such_o a_o voice_n own_v he_o and_o attest_v his_o mission_n but_o this_o not_o pronounce_v the_o christian_a law_n but_o declare_v our_o lord_n commission_v by_o the_o supreme_a god_n to_o that_o office_n who_o be_v man_n may_v speak_v articulate_o and_o god_n as_o we_o pretend_v infallible_o and_o hereof_o at_o several_a time_n multitude_n be_v hearer_n and_o witness_n all_o which_o can_v not_o always_o conspire_v in_o be_v extatick_a or_o delirious_a these_o be_v the_o great_a if_o not_o the_o sole_a articulate_a oracle_n we_o pretend_v to_o now_o admit_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n of_o these_o the_o imputation_n of_o fraud_n in_o the_o matter_n be_v most_o unreasonable_a and_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n there_o be_v not_o only_o the_o same_o evidence_n as_o for_o all_o history_n but_o as_o we_o shall_v hereafter_o see_v much_o great_a we_o receive_v history_n upon_o tradition_n or_o those_o man_n who_o be_v present_a at_o the_o do_v those_o thing_n know_v and_o report_v they_o now_o as_o we_o pretend_v all_o those_o thing_n to_o have_v be_v deliver_v by_o several_a person_n who_o in_o plain_a sort_n see_v or_o hear_v and_o so_o intimate_o understand_v they_o so_o it_o be_v very_o considerable_a that_o there_o be_v never_o tradition_n so_o ancient_a last_a and_o uninterrupted_a none_o ever_o so_o universal_a and_o which_o have_v run_v through_o all_o the_o habitable_a or_o civilise_a world_n none_o so_o autoritative_a as_o have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n receive_v and_o deliver_v by_o many_o the_o wise_a man_n who_o be_v least_o apt_a to_o be_v deceive_v and_o the_o best_a who_o can_v be_v least_o suspect_v of_o the_o design_n of_o deceive_a no_o tradition_n i_o say_v can_v in_o all_o these_o point_n match_n that_o with_o which_o the_o history_n of_o scripture_n come_v to_o we_o not_o to_o mention_v that_o most_o of_o the_o primitive_a witness_n of_o those_o thing_n seal_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o testimony_n by_o their_o own_o blood_n now_o that_o so_o many_o man_n shall_v conspire_v together_o to_o embrace_v violent_a and_o shameful_a end_n that_o with_o they_o heaven_n shall_v combine_v to_o work_v miracle_n in_o their_o time_n and_o after_o they_o to_o fulfil_v their_o prediction_n that_o in_o all_o age_n many_o the_o most_o wise_a and_o sober_a person_n shall_v agree_v with_o themselves_o and_o those_o testimony_n of_o heaven_n and_o martyr_n to_o abuse_v themselves_o and_o mankind_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o who_o can_v believe_v may_v be_v just_o say_v to_o have_v together_o forfeit_v both_o his_o reason_n and_o ingenuity_n it_o be_v reasonable_a then_o to_o receive_v the_o scripture_n as_o to_o the_o general_a matter_n of_o history_n and_o that_o be_v receive_v as_o a_o truth_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o believe_v the_o great_a divine_a oracle_n can_v be_v the_o fraud_n of_o a_o particular_a crafty_a priest_n nor_o therefore_o be_v christianity_n or_o the_o oracle_n we_o pretend_v to_o liable_a to_o this_o challenge_n to_o proceed_v to_o that_o point_n which_o challenge_v we_o to_o make_v out_o that_o these_o oracle_n be_v design_v to_o oblige_v all_o mankind_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v impertinent_a and_o all_o we_o say_v or_o need_v to_o say_v be_v that_o they_o oblige_v all_o to_o who_o they_o come_v with_o such_o a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o their_o verity_n as_o deliver_v and_o as_o to_o those_o to_o who_o they_o thus_o come_v not_o those_o very_a oracle_n declare_v they_o shall_v be_v judge_v by_o another_o law_n none_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v by_o these_o law_n save_o those_o who_o have_v they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n those_o who_o make_v these_o challenge_n against_o they_o must_v confess_v themselves_o bind_v to_o receive_v christianity_n because_o they_o can_v or_o will_v not_o pretend_v ignorance_n of_o what_o they_o plead_v against_o as_o to_o all_o that_o now_o remain_v of_o what_o be_v charge_v against_o we_o the_o sum_n be_v that_o admit_v what_o we_o have_v hitherto_o contend_v for_o it_o be_v questionable_a whether_o these_o oracle_n sincere_o descend_v to_o we_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o various_a alteration_n and_o interpolation_n to_o which_o we_o say_v it_o be_v certain_a holy_a scripture_n who_o general_a verity_n we_o have_v hitherto_o find_v no_o reason_n to_o challenge_v express_o require_v we_o to_o receive_v the_o substance_n of_o christian_a religion_n under_o pain_n of_o eternal_a torment_n and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o it_o pretend_v to_o deliver_v that_o substance_n touch_v letter_n or_o particle_n we_o contend_v not_o now_o that_o god_n shall_v require_v of_o we_o to_o receive_v the_o sum_n of_o christian_a religion_n under_o such_o pain_n and_o yet_o not_o by_o his_o providence_n order_n that_o it_o shall_v come_v sincere_o to_o we_o or_o suffer_v that_o in_o its_o essential_o it_o shall_v descend_v only_o corrupt_v be_v again_o irreconcilable_a with_o justice_n and_o goodness_n still_o we_o shall_v be_v damn_v for_o what_o we_o can_v not_o help_v we_o must_v therefore_o conclude_v scripture_n in_o the_o necessary_n and_o substantial_o of_o christian_a religion_n sincere_a and_o uncorrupt_a various_a lection_n in_o this_o point_n need_v not_o create_v we_o trouble_v for_o they_o be_v seldom_o or_o never_o in_o passage_n assert_v a_o substantial_a or_o if_o one_o text_n which_o assert_n a_o substantial_a be_v so_o various_o read_v as_o that_o the_o matter_n be_v thence_o dubious_a there_o be_v other_o which_o assert_v it_o in_o which_o there_o be_v not_o that_o dubiousness_n not_o to_o mention_v that_o those_o very_a various_a lection_n be_v in_o several_a regard_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v in_o this_o sense_n sincere_a inasmuch_o as_o they_o speak_v first_o that_o great_a care_n with_o which_o scripture_n have_v be_v ever_o keep_v when_o the_o least_o variation_n from_o the_o receive_v read_v have_v be_v so_o religious_o that_o i_o do_v not_o say_v superstitious_o note_v and_o beside_o second_o the_o multitude_n of_o copy_n that_o even_o in_o ancient_a time_n be_v extant_a and_o disperse_v which_o make_v it_o very_o impossible_a that_o all_o can_v be_v corrupt_v and_o final_o three_o the_o concord_n of_o all_o copy_n as_o to_o substantial_o which_o be_v a_o evidence_n de_fw-fr facto_fw-la that_o scripture_n be_v not_o corrupt_v scripture_n then_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o those_o exception_n which_o be_v bring_v in_o common_a against_o divine_a oracle_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o admit_v its_o verity_n and_o consequent_o to_o receive_v what_o it_o prescribe_v in_o divine_a worship_n which_o be_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o our_o three_o proposition_n and_o so_o that_o first_o and_o fundamental_a assertion_n be_v make_v good_a that_o there_o be_v office_n of_o divine_a worship_n by_o positive_a right_n and_o somewhat_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n beside_o pure_o moral_a virtue_n chap._n ii_o §_o 1._o that_o the_o christian_a positive_a worship_n be_v reasonable_a and_o necessary_a as_o a_o mean_a to_o virtue_n §_o 2._o the_o proposition_n make_v good_a touch_v prayer_n in_o all_o its_o part_n and_o kind_n §_o 3._o the_o same_o make_v good_a as_o to_o the_o sacrament_n §_o 4._o as_o to_o the_o ministry_n of_o the_o word_n §_o 5._o and_o confession_n of_o faith_n sect._n 1_o it_o follow_v now_o that_o we_o view_v particular_o what_o these_o office_n be_v and_o evidence_n none_o of_o they_o to_o have_v be_v causeless_o or_o arbitrary_o impose_v none_o of_o they_o to_o want_v a_o wholesome_a reason_n or_o not_o to_o have_v such_o a_o design_n upon_o the_o oblige_a as_o may_v alone_o without_o the_o imposer_n injunction_n commend_v each_o to_o our_o acceptance_n we_o have_v already_o intimate_v the_o particular_a office_n to_o be_v prayer_n attendance_n on_o the_o sacrament_n and_o the_o word_n to_o which_o as_o beforesaid_a we_o may_v not_o unfit_o add_v the_o make_v solemn_a confession_n of_o our_o christian_n faith_n the_o particular_a text_n which_o enjoin_v each_o we_o suppose_v it_o not_o needful_a to_o allege_v that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o make_v out_o touch_v they_o be_v that_o their_o institution_n be_v
reception_n which_o their_o witness_n in_o most_o place_n will_v find_v all_o the_o profit_n pleasure_n reputation_n then_o which_o they_o can_v forecast_v to_o themselves_o be_v a_o complication_n of_o trouble_n torment_n and_o death_n be_v laugh_v at_o by_o wise_a and_o foolish_a in_o a_o word_n the_o want_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o misery_n and_o who_o will_v go_v about_o with_o a_o devise_a lie_n on_o such_o term_n the_o very_a story_n itself_o suffer_v we_o not_o to_o believe_v they_o abuse_v that_o they_o shall_v a_o considerable_a time_n behold_v he_o discourse_n with_o he_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o he_o handle_v his_o body_n and_o this_o several_a time_n do_v and_o by_o several_a person_n by_o the_o eleven_o disciple_n altogether_o by_o above_o five_o hundred_o at_o once_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o delusory_a phantom_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v beside_o themselves_o be_v as_o incredible_a all_o their_o other_o action_n speak_v they_o not_o only_o discreet_a but_o virtuous_a and_o do_v mad_a man_n go_v about_o work_a miracle_n and_o succeed_v in_o the_o perswade_v the_o practice_n of_o their_o own_o madness_n to_o the_o wise_a and_o great_a of_o their_o spectator_n and_o hearer_n it_o remain_v then_o that_o they_o testify_v what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v true_a that_o they_o have_v see_v and_o speak_v with_o their_o rise_v lord_n and_o consequent_o that_o christ_n do_v indeed_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a as_o he_o have_v promise_v than_o which_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a testimony_n from_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n he_o plant_v for_o that_o christ_n shall_v preach_v a_o new_a religion_n that_o he_o shall_v affirm_v it_o be_v from_o heaven_n that_o he_o shall_v work_v miracle_n to_o prove_v it_o so_o that_o he_o shall_v witness_v it_o to_o death_n and_o by_o death_n yet_o foretell_v to_o the_o world_n death_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o hold_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v according_o at_o the_o time_n foretell_v arise_v again_o and_o show_v himself_o that_o he_o shall_v take_v witness_n hereof_o so_o public_o that_o he_o shall_v send_v other_o to_o preach_v what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o confirm_v all_o by_o their_o miracle_n as_o he_o say_v great_a than_o himself_o have_v wrought_v all_o which_o thing_n descend_v to_o we_o by_o such_o notorious_a evidence_n that_o we_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n disbelieve_v any_o one_o point_n of_o they_o that_o i_o say_v all_o these_o shall_v be_v and_o yet_o all_o a_o cheat_n no_o one_o can_v think_v who_o think_v not_o god_n and_o providence_n such_o also_o which_o thought_n can_v be_v suppose_v incident_a the_o black_a devil_n now_o than_o it_o only_o remain_v to_o consider_v the_o history_n of_o christian_a religion_n its_o state_n and_o progress_n since_o the_o departure_n of_o these_o great_a founder_n and_o witness_n of_o it_o and_o here_o we_o shall_v take_v notice_n only_o of_o two_o considerable_n both_o of_o they_o of_o undeniable_a truth_n first_o that_o it_o be_v report_v and_o believe_v throughout_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o the_o above_o mention_v disciple_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o only_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n preach_v and_o witness_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n but_o some_o of_o they_o consign_v it_o in_o book_n which_o book_n be_v constant_o report_v to_o have_v be_v receive_v as_o the_o genuine_a work_n of_o their_o repute_a author_n in_o the_o first_o and_o next_o age_n to_o they_o who_o have_v the_o best_a opportunity_n of_o examine_v they_o and_o in_o all_o age_n since_o succeed_v and_o we_o find_v by_o those_o numerous_a doctor_n who_o have_v write_v of_o those_o book_n that_o they_o have_v be_v in_o all_o age_n most_o religious_o keep_v and_o be_v the_o same_o for_o substance_n now_o as_o ever_o and_o final_o that_o all_o in_o all_o age_n who_o profess_v to_o believe_v christianity_n except_o some_o vicious_a lewd_a person_n who_o will_v be_v denominate_v from_o that_o name_n but_o cast_v off_o the_o thing_n have_v appeal_v to_o these_o book_n as_o the_o record_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o so_o still_o do_v the_o present_a christian_a age._n if_o this_o religion_n then_o ever_o be_v true_a we_o can_v consider_v the_o premise_n but_o believe_v it_o be_v still_o true_a for_o the_o present_a christianity_n be_v consonant_a to_o the_o record_n of_o the_o old_a and_o those_o record_n still_o the_o same_o for_o substance_n as_o ever_o last_o let_v we_o consider_v how_o innumerable_a the_o proselyte_n of_o christiany_n for_o this_o sixteen_o hundred_o and_o odd_a year_n have_v be_v and_o how_o vast_o numerous_a they_o still_o be_v it_o be_v undeniable_a that_o christian_a religion_n have_v travel_v through_o most_o or_o all_o the_o know_v and_o habit_v world_n every_o country_n show_v monument_n of_o it_o yea_o there_o have_v be_v a_o new_a religion_n partly_o make_v out_o of_o it_o which_o now_o be_v receive_v in_o a_o very_a considerable_a part_n of_o the_o world_n i_o mean_v mahumetanism_n in_o all_o these_o country_n it_o have_v be_v receive_v by_o man_n of_o all_o age_n sex_n and_o condition_n poor_a and_o rich_a mighty_a and_o mean_a learned_a and_o unlearned_a it_o have_v make_v virtuous_a of_o the_o most_o vicious_a person_n magnanimous_a even_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o death_n and_o rejoice_n in_o it_o and_o all_o its_o pomp_n and_o precedaneous_a torment_n of_o the_o weak_a mind_n such_o as_o those_o of_o woman_n and_o child_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n nothing_o so_o unlikely_a to_o have_v take_v as_o this_o as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o its_o more_o peculiar_a precept_n they_o be_v such_o as_o thwart_v all_o carnal_a and_o secular_a interest_n they_o enjoin_v under_o the_o pain_n of_o eternal_a torment_n and_o misery_n the_o renounce_v all_o that_o can_v be_v dear_a to_o man_n father_n mother_n wife_n child_n brother_n country_n estate_n honour_n pleasure_n health_n in_o a_o word_n life_n itself_o in_o case_n any_o or_o all_o of_o they_o come_v in_o competition_n with_o faith_n or_o virtue_n that_o be_v if_o i_o must_v deny_v christ_n or_o commit_v any_o other_o sin_n or_o else_o not_o live_v or_o not_o enjoy_v any_o thing_n i_o count_v precious_a i_o be_o enjoin_v by_o the_o christian_a law_n as_o i_o will_v not_o be_v damn_v to_o quit_v whatsoever_o it_o be_v i_o can_v loose_v rather_o than_o my_o integrity_n then_o as_o to_o the_o person_n who_o be_v send_v about_o with_o this_o ungrateful_a errand_n our_o record_n tell_v we_o they_o be_v at_o first_o a_o parcel_n of_o stupid_a pusillanimous_a unlettered_a mechanic_n and_o contemptible_a man_n yea_o after_o they_o have_v be_v ennoble_v by_o their_o errand_n and_o receive_v all_o the_o advance_v and_o improvement_n of_o their_o mind_n which_o inspiration_n give_v they_o in_o those_o very_a book_n which_o some_o of_o they_o have_v write_v as_o we_o believe_v by_o inspiration_n they_o have_v leave_v footstep_n and_o evidence_n of_o their_o unskillfullness_n in_o humane_a literature_n final_o the_o opposition_n which_o this_o unlikely_a doctrine_n propagate_v by_o assertor_n so_o unlikely_a to_o succeed_v do_v at_o first_o and_o during_o the_o time_n of_o its_o more_o considerable_a propagation_n receive_v be_v such_o as_o make_v it_o clear_o a_o miracle_n that_o both_o doctrine_n and_o doctor_n be_v not_o long_o ago_o extinct_a and_o darkness_n and_o oblivion_n have_v dwell_v so_o much_o as_o upon_o the_o very_a name_n of_o both_o jew_n and_o heathan_n greek_n and_o barbarian_a every_o where_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o suppress_v they_o as_o early_o as_o may_v be_v and_o before_o they_o grow_v too_o public_a notwithstanding_o all_o which_o maugre_o all_o force_n and_o craft_n this_o doctrine_n run_v over_o the_o world_n as_o our_o lord_n foretell_v it_o shall_v like_o lightning_n without_o any_o violence_n save_v what_o it_o suffer_v it_o succeed_v every_o where_o the_o extinguish_v its_o witness_n disseminated_a and_o confirm_v it_o insomuch_o that_o it_o fill_v city_n and_o country_n camp_n and_o court_n and_o it_o soon_o become_v in_o a_o manner_n as_o impossible_a to_o pitch_v a_o man_n abode_n out_o of_o the_o world_n as_o out_o of_o the_o church_n all_o which_o be_v due_o weigh_v no_o rational_a and_o considerative_a person_n can_v impute_v this_o success_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o a_o divine_a power_n defend_v and_o persuade_v what_o it_o have_v reveal_v i_o do_v profess_v this_o very_a one_o thing_n seem_v to_o i_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o unbiased_a person_n that_o christianity_n can_v have_v no_o other_o author_n but_o the_o supreme_a god_n and_o that_o ancient_a famous_a italian_a poet_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o sing_v as_o he_o do_v when_o bring_v in_o st._n peter_n catechise_v he_o touch_v the_o reason_n of_o his_o belief_n of_o those_o miracle_n by_o
which_o he_o have_v be_v tell_v christian_a religion_n be_v assert_v he_o most_o acute_o answer_v se_fw-la il_fw-fr mondo_fw-la si_fw-mi rivuolse_o all_o christianesmo_n diss'io_fw-it senza_fw-it miracoli_fw-la questo_fw-la uno_fw-la e'tal_n chegli_fw-it alteri_fw-la non_fw-la sonoil_n centesmo_fw-la vhe_fw-it tu_fw-la entrasti_fw-la povero_fw-la &_o digiuno_fw-it in_o campo_fw-it a_o seminar_n la_fw-fr bvona_fw-la pianta_fw-it vhe_fw-it fu_fw-it gia_fw-it vite_fw-la &_o hora_fw-la è_fw-it fatta_fw-it pruno_fw-it which_o if_o we_o will_v transpose_v the_o stanza_n as_o will_v be_v more_o consonant_n to_o the_o order_n of_o our_o last_o argument_n we_o may_v not_o unfit_o thus_o render_v thou_o now_o bless_a saint_n then_o fisher_n poor_a forlorn_a into_o the_o world_n as_o a_o large_a field_n do_v go_v a_o heavenly_a plant_n to_o sow_v a_o plant_n of_o old_a a_o vine_n now_o turn_v a_o thorn_n and_o have_v the_o world_n prove_v convert_v and_o submiss_a without_o miraculous_a proof_n to_o what_o be_v teach_v all_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v will_v not_o have_v be_v the_o hundred_o part_n of_o this_o in_o sum_n then_o if_o no_o person_n consider_v the_o progress_n and_o state_n of_o christianity_n since_o the_o departure_n of_o christ_n the_o great_a founder_n thereof_o can_v see_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a it_o shall_v have_v take_v root_n so_o deep_o and_o so_o wide_o spread_v its_o branch_n as_o we_o be_v by_o so_o much_o of_o the_o story_n of_o it_o as_o be_v undoubted_a convince_v it_o have_v except_o a_o divine_a power_n have_v as_o well_o support_v and_o nourish_v as_o at_o first_o plant_v it_o and_o it_o be_v together_o grant_v as_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n or_o divinity_n of_o that_o giver_n to_o uphold_v foster_n and_o propagate_v the_o great_a abuse_n of_o mankind_n as_o christianity_n be_v except_o it_o be_v true_a that_o ever_o be_v we_o must_v then_o conclude_v christian_a religion_n be_v from_o god_n that_o be_v be_v the_o true_a religion_n sect._n 6_o to_o conclude_v then_o the_o whole_a upon_o the_o view_n of_o the_o history_n of_o christian_a religion_n before_o under_z and_o since_o christ_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o within_o each_o of_o these_o three_o period_n there_o be_v so_o much_o of_o it_o certain_a and_o beyond_o all_o scruple_n and_o question_n to_o man_n who_o will_v believe_v any_o thing_n beside_o their_o own_o eye_n as_o enforce_v we_o to_o conclude_v jesus_n christ_n be_v send_v from_o heaven_n and_o do_v deliver_v unto_o the_o world_n the_o true_a religion_n that_o be_v such_o a_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n as_o that_o god_n bless_v for_o ever_o approve_v of_o and_o will_v accept_v a_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n i_o mean_v matter_n of_o fact_n at_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n as_o it_o be_v that_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n can_v be_v prove_v by_o no_o other_o mean_n but_o either_o by_o visible_a monument_n of_o it_o or_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o to_o who_o it_o be_v first_o impart_v with_o a_o satisfactory_a or_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o its_o be_v divine_a hand_a and_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o this_o evidence_n to_o they_o must_v be_v either_o that_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o one_o who_o they_o be_v sure_o come_v from_o heaven_n or_o be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o heaven_n to_o attest_v its_o own_o doctrine_n to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v as_o a_o eternal_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o distinctive_a mark_n of_o any_o doctrine_n so_o pretend_v the_o consonancy_n of_o such_o doctrine_n to_o the_o supreme_a principle_n of_o reason_n sanctity_n and_o justice_n each_o of_o these_o evidence_n have_v we_o see_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n there_o be_v still_o extant_a in_o the_o world_n monument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o several_a point_n of_o the_o history_n sepulcher_n temple_n etc._n etc._n which_o prove_v there_o be_v such_o person_n or_o doctor_n as_o we_o pretend_v then_o the_o testimony_n be_v not_o of_o one_o or_o a_o few_o but_o of_o many_o hundred_o in_o the_o primitive_a age_n of_o nation_n and_o age_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n since_o by_o a_o constant_a and_o invariant_n tradition_n the_o first_o witness_n have_v evidence_n more_o than_o can_v be_v utter_v that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n come_v from_o heaven_n and_o they_o see_v he_o return_v to_o heaven_n and_o enter_v into_o that_o glory_n which_o he_o promise_v they_o and_o take_v possession_n of_o that_o power_n which_o he_o tell_v they_o he_o be_v to_o receive_v thing_n which_o befall_v not_o the_o founder_n of_o any_o other_o religion_n no_o not_o moses_n himself_o who_o only_o be_v bury_v no_o one_o know_v where_n they_o see_v great_a and_o various_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o he_o they_o wrought_v such_o themselves_z as_o be_v promise_v to_o they_o they_o shall_v and_o all_o this_o confess_v even_o in_o the_o primitive_a age_n by_o the_o very_a enemy_n of_o this_o religion_n the_o success_n of_o this_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n be_v the_o great_a miracle_n of_o all_o then_o as_o to_o those_o point_n which_o the_o precept_n of_o this_o religion_n impose_v they_o be_v either_o duty_n natural_a or_o positive_a the_o natural_a by_o be_v so_o be_v most_o consonant_a to_o reason_n and_o though_o the_o precept_n which_o enjoin_v they_o be_v rule_n of_o high_a sanctity_n and_o justice_n than_o mere_a reason_n will_v or_o can_v have_v give_v yet_o be_v give_v they_o be_v such_o as_o it_o must_v needs_o approve_v and_o as_o to_o all_o positive_a office_n their_o reasonableness_n and_o conduciveness_n to_o virtue_n we_o have_v see_v particular_o there_o have_v therefore_o as_o great_a evidence_n be_v give_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n as_o any_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n can_v at_o such_o distance_n from_o its_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o world_n receive_v and_o far_o great_a than_o of_o any_o other_o past_a matter_n of_o fact_n whatsoever_o which_o we_o believe_v wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v be_v just_a to_o our_o reason_n we_o must_v conclude_v it_o true_a and_o if_o it_o be_v true_a as_o above_o make_v out_o holy_a scripture_n be_v true_a also_o and_o if_o that_o be_v true_a than_o we_o be_v oblige_v as_o much_o as_o by_o divine_a authority_n we_o can_v be_v to_o prayer_n sacrament_n hear_v read_v or_o meditate_v holy_a scripture_n the_o particular_a office_n of_o christian_a positive_a worship_n and_o then_o that_o opinion_n which_o pretend_v it_o sufficient_a man_n live_v honest_o nor_o need_v they_o concern_v or_o trouble_v themselves_o about_o go_v to_o prayer_n frequent_v sacrament_n and_o sermon_n and_o such_o devotion_n be_v not_o as_o it_o will_v be_v think_v a_o more_o free_a and_o generous_a strain_n of_o christianity_n but_o a_o plain_a principle_n of_o impiety_n direct_o injurious_a to_o god_n in_o breed_v man_n to_o the_o neglect_n of_o pay_v he_o what_o be_v his_o due_n that_o be_v what_o he_o require_v and_o subversive_a of_o christian_a religion_n the_o positive_a precept_n of_o which_o of_o no_o less_o divine_a authority_n then_o the_o natural_a it_o flat_o contrariate_n and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o neglect_n or_o not_o performance_n of_o natural_a duty_n while_o it_o destroy_v or_o lift_v out_o those_o mean_n and_o help_n which_o divine_a wisdom_n prescribe_v to_o further_a and_o secure_v such_o performance_n i_o mean_v positive_a office_n of_o worship_n the_o great_a mean_a to_o virtue_n and_o so_o we_o have_v prove_v what_o we_o undertake_v the_o necessity_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o a_o positive_a worship_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o christian_n the_o end_n errata_fw-la note_v the_o discourse_n be_v transpose_v and_o the_o second_o be_v intend_v first_o therefore_o p._n 27._o l._n 12._o read_v discourse_n follow_v p._n 29._o l._n 7._o read_v primitive_a p._n 33._o l._n 12._o r._n two_o p._n 51._o l._n last_o r._n create_v p._n 53._o 19_o r._n thee_o p._n 65._o l._n 4._o r._n mad_a p._n 77._o l._n 17._o r._n run_v on_o one_o p._n 105._o l._n 14._o r._n game_n p._n 112._o l._n 2._o r._n in_o other_o p._n 118._o l._n 12._o r._n plain_a p._n 121._o l._n 3._o r._n mean_v p._n 141._o l._n 9_o r._n of_o employment_n p._n 144._o l._n 12._o r._n affect_n p._n 148._o l._n 4._o r._n act_n p._n 163._o l._n 7._o r._n vein_n p._n 167._o l._n 9_o r._n persist_v p._n 172._o l._n 12._o r._n in_o six_o p._n 212._o ult_n r._n pretend_o