<P_80>

Yet such a believing as this , is only a general perswasion in the Mind
, which has not that effect , till a man applying himself to the
Directions set down in the Scriptures <paren> which upon such Evidence
$can $not {TEXT:cannot} be denied , to be as reasonable , as for a man
to follow the Prescriptions of a <P_81> learned Physitian , and when
the Rules are both good and easie , to submit to them for the
recovering of his health </paren> and by following these , finds a
power entring within him , that frees him from the slavery of his
Appetites and Passions , that exalts his Mind above the accidents of
life and spreads an inward purity in his Heart , from which a serene
and calm joy arises within him : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,81.2)

And good men by the efficacy these Methods have upon them , and from
the returns of their prayers , and other endeavours , grow assured that
these things are true , and answerable to the Promises they find
registred in Scripture . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,81.3)

All this , he said , might be fancy : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,81.4)

But to this I answered , That as it were unreasonable <P_82> to tell a
man that is abroad , and knows he is awake , that perhaps he is in a
dream , and in his Bed , and only thinks he is abroad , or that as some
go about in their sleep , so he may be asleep still : So good and
religious men know , though others may be abused , by their fancies ,
that they are under no such deception : and find they are neither hot
nor <font> Enthusiastical </font> , but under the power of calm and
clear Principles . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,82.5)

All this he said he did not understand , and that it was to assert or
beg the thing in Question , which he could not comprehend .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,82.6)

As for the possibility of Revelation , it was a vain thing to deny it :
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,82.7)

For as God gives us the sense of seeing material <P_83> Objects by our
Eyes , and opened in some a capacity of apprehending high and sublime
things , of which other men seemed utterly incapable : So it was a weak
assertion that God $can $not {TEXT:cannot} awaken a power in some mens
Minds , to apprehend and know some things , in such a manner that
others are not capable of it . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,83.8)

This is not half so incredible to us as sight is to a blind man , who
yet may be convinced there is a strange power of seeing that governs
men , of which he finds himself deprived . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,83.9)

As for the capacity put into such mens hands to deceive the World , we
are at the same time to consider , that besides the probity of their
tempers , it $can $not {TEXT:cannot} be thought but God can so forcibly
<P_84> bind up a man in some things that it should not be in his power
to deliver them otherwise then as he gives him in Commission :
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,84.10)

besides the Confirmation of Miracles are a Divine Credential to warrant
such persons in what they deliver to the World : which $can $not
{TEXT:cannot} be imagined can be joyned to a Lye , since this were to
put the Omnipotence of God , to attest that which no honest man will do
. (BURNETROC-E3-P2,84.11)

For the business of the Fall of Man , and other things of which we $can
$not {TEXT:cannot} perhaps give our selves a perfect account : We who
$can $not {TEXT:cannot} fathome the Secrets of the Councel of God , do
very unreasonably to take on us to reject an excellent Systeme of good
and holy Rules , because we $can $not {TEXT:cannot} <P_85> satisfie our
selves about some difficulties in them . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,85.12)

Common Experience tells us , There is a great disorder in our Natures ,
which is not easily rectified : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,85.13)

All <font> Philosophers </font> were sensible of it ,
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,85.14)

and every man that designs to govern himself by Reason , feels the
struggle between it and nature : So that it is plain , there is a Lapse
of the high powers of the Soul . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,85.15)

But why , said he , could not this be rectified , by some plain Rules
given ; (BURNETROC-E3-P2,85.16)

but men must come and shew a trick to perswade the World they speak to
them in the Name of God ? (BURNETROC-E3-P2,85.17)

I Answered , That Religion being a design to recover and save Mankind ,
was to be so opened as to awaken and work upon all sorts of people :
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,85.18)

and generally <P_86> men of a simplicity of Mind , were those that were
the fittest Objects for God to shew his favour to ;
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,86.19)

Therefore it was necessary that Messengers sent from Heaven should
appear with such allarming Evidences , as might awaken the World , and
prepare them by some astonishing Signs , to listen to the Doctrine they
were to deliver . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,86.20)

<font> Philosophy </font> , that was only a matter of fine Speculation
, had few Votaries : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,86.21)

And as there was no Authority in it to bind the World to believe its
Dictates , so they were only received by some of nobler and refined
Natures , who could apply themselves to , and delight in such Notions .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,86.22)

But true Religion was to be built on a Foundation , that should carry
more <P_87> weight on it , and to have such Convictions , as might not
only reach those who were already disposed to receive them , but rouse
up such as without great and sensible excitation would have otherwise
slept on in their ill Courses . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,87.23)

Upon this and some such Occasions , I told him , I saw the ill use he
made of his Wit , by which he slurred the gravest things with a slight
dash of his Fancy : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,87.24)

and the pleasure he found in such wanton Expressions , as calling the
doing of Miracles , <font> The shewing of a trick </font> , did really
keep him from examining them , with that care which such things
required . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,87.25)

For the <font> Old Testament </font> , We are so remote from that time
, We have so little knowledge <P_88> of the Language in which it was
writ , have so imperfect an account of the History of those Ages , know
nothing of their Customs , Forms of Speech , and the several Periods
they might have , by which they reckoned their time , that it is rather
a wonder We should understand so much of it , than that many passages
in it should be so dark to us . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,88.26)

The chief use it has to us <font> Christians </font> , is , that from
Writings which the <font> Jews </font> acknowledge to be divinely
inspired , it is manifest the <font> Messias </font> was promised
before the Destruction of their Temple : which being done long ago ;
and these Prophesies agreeing to our Saviour , and to no other , Here
is a great Confirmation given to the Gospel . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,88.27)

But <P_89> though many things in these Books could not be understood by
us , who live above years after the chief of them were written , it is
no such extraordinary matter . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,89.28)

For that of the Destruction of the <font> Canaanites </font> by the
<font> Israelites </font> , It is to be considered , that if God had
sent a Plague among them all , that could not have been found fault
with . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,89.29)

If then God had a Right to take away their Lives , without Injustice or
Cruelty , he had a Right to appoint others to do it , as well to
execute it by a more immediate way : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,89.30)

And the taking away people by the Sword , is a much gentler way of
dying , than to be smitten with a Plague or a Famine .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,89.31)

And for the Children that were Innocent <P_90> of their Fathers faults
, God could in another State make that up to them .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,90.32)

So all the difficulty is , Why were the <font> Israelites </font>
commanded to execute a thing of such Barbarity ?
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,90.33)

But this will not seem so hard , if we consider that this was to be no
Precedent , for future times : since they did not do it but upon
special Warrant and Commission from Heaven , evidenc'd to all the World
by such mighty Miracles as did plainly shew , That they were
particularly design'd by God to be the Executioners of his Justice .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,90.34)

And God by imploying them in so severe a Service , intended to possess
them with great horrour of idolatry , which was punished in so extream
a manner . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,90.35)

<P_91>

For the Rites of their Religion , We can ill judge of them , Except We
perfectly understood the Idolatries round about them : To which we find
they were much inclined : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,91.37)

So they were to be bent by other Rites to an extream aversion from them
: (BURNETROC-E3-P2,91.38)

And yet by the pomp of many of their Ceremonies and Sacrifices , great
Indulgences were given to a people naturally fond of a visible splendor
in Religious Worship . In all which , if we $can $not {TEXT:cannot}
descend to such satisfactory Answers in every particular , as a curious
man would desire , it is no wonder . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,91.39)

The long interval of time , and other accidents , have worn out those
things which were necessary to give us a clearer light into the meaning
<P_92> of them . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,92.40)

And for the story of the Creation , how far some things in it may be
Parabolical , and how far Historical , has been much disputed :
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,92.41)

there is nothing in it that may not be historically true .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,92.42)

For if it be acknowledged that Spirits can form Voices in the Air , for
which we have as good Authority as for any thing in History ; Then it
is no wonder that <font> Eve </font> being so lately created , might be
deceived , and think a <font> Serpent </font> spake to her , when the
Evil Spirit framed the Voice . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,92.43)

But in all these things I told him he was in the wrong way , when he
examined the business of Religion , by some dark parts of Scripture :
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,92.44)

Therefore I desired him to consider the whole Contexture of the <P_93>
<font> Christian Religion </font> , the Rules it gives , and the
Methods it prescribes . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,93.45)

Nothing can conduce more to the peace , order and happiness of the
World , than to be governed by its Rules . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,93.46)

Nothing is more for the Interests of every man in particular :
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,93.47)

The Rules of Sobriety , Temperance and Moderation , were the best
Preservers of life , and which was perhaps more , of Health .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,93.48)

Humility , Contempt of the Vanities of the World , and the being well
employed , raises a mans Mind to a freedom from the Follies and
Temptations that haunted the greatest part . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,93.49)

Nothing was so Generous and Great as to supply the Necessities of the
Poor , and to forgive Injuries : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,93.50)

Nothing raised and maintained <P_94> a mans Reputation so much , as to
be exactly just , and merciful ; Kind , Charitable and Compassionate :
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,94.51)

Nothing opened the powers of a mans Soul so much as a calm Temper , a
serene Mind , free of Passion and Disorder : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,94.52)

Nothing made Societies , Families , and Neighbourhoods so happy , as
when these Rules which the Gospel prescribes , took place , <font> Of
doing as we would have others do to us , and loving our Neighbours as
our selves . </font> (BURNETROC-E3-P2,94.53)

The <font> Christian Worship </font> was also plain and simple ;
suitable to so pure a Doctrine . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,94.54)

The Ceremonies of it were few and significant , as the admission to it
by a washing with Water , and the Memorial of our Saviour's Death in
<font> Bread </font> and <font> Wine </font> ; (BURNETROC-E3-P2,94.55)

The Motives in it to perswade to <P_95> this Purity , were strong :
That God sees us , and will judge us for all our Actions : That we
shall be for ever happy or miserable , as we pass our Lives here :
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,95.56)

The Example of our Saviour's Life , and the great expressions of his
Love in Dying for us , are mighty Engagements to Obey and Imitate him .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,95.57)

The plain way of Expression used by our Saviour and his Apostles ,
shews there was no Artifice , where there was so much Simplicity used :
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,95.58)

There were no Secrets kept only among the Priests ,
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,95.59)

but every thing was open to all <font> Christians </font> :
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,95.60)

The Rewards of Holiness are not entirely put over to another State ,
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,95.61)

but good men are specially blest with peace in their Consciences ,
great Joy in <P_96> the Confidence they have of the Love of God , and
of seeing Him for ever : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,96.62)

And often a signal Course of Blessings follows them in their whole
Lives : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,96.63)

But if at other times Calamities fell on them , these were so much
mitigated by the Patience they were taught , and the inward Assistances
, with which they were furnished , that even those Crosses were
converted to Blessings . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,96.64)

I desired he would lay all these things together , and see what he
could except to them , to make him think this was a Contrivance .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,96.65)

Interest , appears in all Humane Contrivances : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,96.66)

Our Saviour plainly had none ; (BURNETROC-E3-P2,96.67)

He avoided Applause , (BURNETROC-E3-P2,96.68)

withdrew Himself from the Offers of a Crown ; (BURNETROC-E3-P2,96.69)

He submitted to <P_97> Poverty and Reproach , and much Contradiction in
his Life , and to a most ignominious and painful Death .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,97.70)

His Apostles had none neither , (BURNETROC-E3-P2,97.71)

They did not pretend either-1 to Power or Wealth ;
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,97.72)

But delivered a Doctrine that must needs condemn them , if they ever
made such use of it : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,97.73)

They declared their Commission fully without reserves till other times
: (BURNETROC-E3-P2,97.74)

They Recorded their own Weakness : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,97.75)

Some of them wrought with their own hands (BURNETROC-E3-P2,97.76)

and when they received the Charities of their Converts , it was not so
much to supply their own Necessities , as to distribute to others :
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,97.77)

They knew they were to suffer much for giving their Testimonies , to
what they had seen and heard : In which so many in a thing so <P_98>
visible , as Christ's Resurrection and Ascension , and the Effusion of
the Holy Ghost which He had promised , could not be deceived :
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,98.78)

And they gave such publick Confirmations , of it by the Wonders they
themselves wrought , that great multitudes were converted to a Doctrine
, which , besides the opposition it gave to Lust and Passion , was born
down and Persecuted for years : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,98.79)

and yet its force was such , that it not only weathered out all those
Storms , (BURNETROC-E3-P2,98.80)

but even grew and spread vastly under them . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,98.81)

<font> Pliny </font> about threescore years after , found their Numbers
great and their Lives Innocent : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,98.82)

and even <font> Lucian </font> amidst all his Raillery , gives a high
Testimony to their Charity and Contempt of Life , and the <P_99> other
vertues of the <font> Christians </font> ; which is likewise more than
once done by Malice it self , <font> Julian </font> the Apostate .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,99.83)

If a man will lay all this in one Ballance , and compare with it the
few Exceptions brought to it , he will soon find how strong the one ,
and how slight the other are . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,99.84)

Therefore it was an improper way , to begin at some Cavils about some
Passages in the <font> New Testament </font> , or the <font> Old
</font> , and from thence to prepossess one's Mind against the whole .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,99.85)

The right method had been first to consider the whole matter , and from
so general a view to descend to more particular Enquiries : whereas
they suffered their Minds to be forestalled with Prejudices ; so that
they never examined the matter impartially . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,99.86)

<P_100>

To the greatest part of this he seemed to assent ,
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,100.88)

only he excepted to the belief of Mysteries in the <font> Christian
Religion </font> ; which he thought no man could do , since it is not
in a mans power to believe that which he $can $not {TEXT:cannot}
comprehend : and of which He can have no Notion .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,100.89)

The believing Mysteries , he said , made way for all the Juglings of
Priests , (BURNETROC-E3-P2,100.90)

for they getting the people under them in that Point , set out to them
what they pleased ; (BURNETROC-E3-P2,100.91)

and giving it a hard Name , and calling it a <font> Mystery </font> ,
The people were tamed , (BURNETROC-E3-P2,100.92)

and easily believed it . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,100.93)

The restraining a Man from the use of Women , Except one in the way of
Marriage , and denying the remedy of Divorce , he thought unreasonable
Impositions <P_101> on the Freedom of Mankind :
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,101.94)

And the business of the Clergy , and their Maintenance , with the
belief of some Authority and Power conveyed in their Orders , lookt ,
as he thought , like a piece of Contrivance : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,101.95)

And why , said he , must a man tell me , I $can $not {TEXT:cannot} be
saved , unless I believe things against my Reason , and then that I
must pay him for telling me of them ? (BURNETROC-E3-P2,101.96)

These , were all the Exceptions which at any time I heard from him to
<font> Christianity </font> . To which I made these Answers .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,101.97)

For Mysteries it is plain there is in every thing somewhat that is
unaccountable . How Animals or Men are formed in their Mothers bellies
, how Seeds grow in the Earth , how the <P_102> Soul dwells in the Body
, and acts and moves it ; How we retain the Figures of so many words or
things in our Memories , and how We draw them out so easily and orderly
in our Thoughts or Discourses ? How Sight and Hearing were so quick and
distinct , how We wove , and how Bodies were compounded and united ?
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,102.98)

These things if we follow them into all the Difficulties , that we may
raise about them , will appear every whit as unaccountable as any
Mystery of Religion : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,102.99)

And a blind or deaf man would judge Sight or Hearing as incredible , as
any Mystery may be judged by us : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,102.100)

For our Reason is not equal to them . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,102.101)

In the same rank , different degrees of Age or Capacity raise some far
<P_103> above others : So that Children $can $not {TEXT:cannot} fathome
the Learning , nor weak persons the Counsels of more illuminated Minds
: (BURNETROC-E3-P2,103.102)

Therefore it was no wonder if we could not understand the Divine
Essence : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,103.103)

we $can $not {TEXT:cannot} imagine how two such different Natures as a
Soul and a Body should so unite together , and be mutually affected
with one anothers Concerns , and how the Soul has one Principle of
Reason , by which it acts Intellectually , and another of life by which
it joyns to the Body and acts Vitally ; two Principles so widely
differing both-6 in their Nature and Operation , and yet united in one
and the same Person . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,103.104)

There might be as many hard Arguments brought against the possibility
<P_104> of these things , which yet every one knows to be true , from
Speculative Notions , as against the Mysteries mentioned in the
Scriptures . As that of the <font> Trinity </font> , That in one
Essence there are three different Principles of Operation , which , for
want of terms fit to express them by , We call <font> Persons </font> ,
and are called in Scripture <font> The Father , Son , and Holy Ghost
</font> , and that the Second of these did unite Himself in a most
intimate manner with the Humane Nature of Jesus Christ : And that the
Sufferings he underwent , were accepted of God as a Sacrifice for our
Sins ; Who thereupon conferred on Him a Power of granting Eternal Life
to all that submit to the Terms on which He offers it ; And that the
<P_105> matter of which our Bodies once consisted , which may be as
justly called the Bodies we laid down at our Deaths , as these can be
said to be the Bodies which We formerly lived in , being refined and
made more spiritual , shall be reunited to our Souls , and become a fit
Instrument for them in a more perfect Estate : And that God inwardly
bends and moves our Wills , by such Impressions , as he can make on our
Bodies and Minds . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,104.105)

These , which are the chief Mysteries of our Religion , are neither so
unreasonable , that any other Objection lies against them , but this ,
that they agree not with our Common Notions , nor so unaccountable that
somewhat like them , $can $not {TEXT:cannot} <P_106> be assigned in
other things , which are believed really to be , though the manner of
them $can $not {TEXT:cannot} be apprehended : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,106.106)

So this ought not to be any just Objection to the submission of our
Reason to what we $can $not {TEXT:cannot} so well conceive , provided
our belief of it be well grounded . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,106.107)

There have been too many Niceties brought indeed , rather to darken
then explain these : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,106.108)

They have been defended by weak Arguments , and illustrated by Similies
not always so very apt and pertinent . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,106.109)

And new subtilties have been added , which have rather perplexed than
cleared them . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,106.110)

All this $can $not {TEXT:cannot} be denied ; (BURNETROC-E3-P2,106.111)

the Opposition of <font> Hereticks </font> anciently , occasioned too
much Curiosity among the <font> Fathers </font> : <P_107> Which the
<font> School-men </font> have wonderfully advanced of late times .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,107.112)

But if Mysteries were received , rather in the simplicity in which they
are delivered in the Scriptures , than according to the descantings of
fanciful men upon them , they would not appear much more incredible ,
than some of the common Objects of sense and perception .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,107.113)

And it is a needless fear that if some Mysteries are acknowledged ,
which are plainly mentioned in the <font> New Testament </font> , it
will then be in the Power of the Priests to add more at their pleasure
. (BURNETROC-E3-P2,107.114)

For it is an absurd Inference from our being bound to assent to some
Truths about the Divine Essence , of which the manner is not understood
to argue that therefore <P_108> in an Object presented duly to our
Senses such as <font> Bread </font> and <font> Wine </font> , We should
be bound to believe against their Testimony , that it is not what our
Senses perceived it to be , but the whole <font> Flesh </font> and
<font> Blood </font> of <font> Christ </font> ; an entire Body being in
every Crumb and Drop of it . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,108.115)

It is not indeed in a mans power to believe thus against his Sense and
Reason , where the Object is proportioned to them , and fitly applied ,
and the Organs are under no indisposition or disorder .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,108.116)

It is certain that no Mystery is to be admitted , but upon very clear
and express Authorities from Scripture , which could not reasonably be
understood in any other sense . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,108.117)

And though a man $can $not {TEXT:cannot} form an explicite <P_109>
Notion of a Mystery , for then it would be no longer a Mystery , Yet in
general he may believe a thing to be , though he $can $not
{TEXT:cannot} give himself a particular account of the way of it : or
rather though he $can $not {TEXT:cannot} Answer some Objections which
lie against it . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,109.118)

We know We believe many such in Humane matters , which are more within
our reach : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,109.119)

and it is very unreasonable to say , We may not do it in Divine things
, which are much more above our Apprehensions .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,109.120)

For the severe Restraint of the use of Women , it is hard to deny that
Priviledge to Jesus Christ as a Law-Giver , to lay such Restraints , as
all inferiour Legislators do ; who when they find the Liberties their
Subjects <P_110> take , prove hurtful to them , set such Limits , and
make such Regulations , as they judge necessary and expedient .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,110.121)

It $can $not {TEXT:cannot} be said but the Restraint of Appetite is
necessary in some Instances : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,110.122)

and if it is necessary in these , perhaps other Restraints are no less
necessary , to fortifie and secure them . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,110.123)

For if it be acknowledged that Men have a property in their Wives and
Daughters , so that to defile the one , or corrupt the other , is an
injust and injurious thing ; It is certain , that except a man
carefully governs his Appetites , he will break through these
Restraints : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,110.124)

and therefore our Saviour knowing that nothing could so effectually
deliver the World from the mischief of unrestrained Appetite , as such
<P_111> a Confinement , might very reasonably enjoyn it .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,111.125)

And in all such Cases We are to ballance the Inconveniences on both
hands , (BURNETROC-E3-P2,111.126)

and where we find they are heaviest , We are to acknowledge the Equity
of the Law . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,111.127)

On the one hand there is no prejudice , but the restraint of Appetite ;
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,111.128)

On the other , are the mischiefs of being given up to pleasure , of
running inordinately into it , of breaking the quiet of our own Family
at home , and of others abroad : the ingaging into much Passion , the
doing many false and impious things to compass what is desired , the
Wast of mens Estates , time , and health . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,111.129)

Now let any man judge , Whether the prejudices on this side , are not
greater , <P_112> than that single one of the other side , of being
denied some pleasure ? (BURNETROC-E3-P2,112.130)

For <font> Polygamy </font> , it is but reasonable since Women are
equally concern'd in the Laws of Marriage , that they should be
considered as well as Men : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,112.131)

But in a State of <font> Polygamy </font> they are under great misery
and jealousie , (BURNETROC-E3-P2,112.132)

and are indeed barbarously used . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,112.133)

Man being also of a sociable Nature , Friendship and Converse were
among the Primitive Intendments of Marriage , in which as far as the
Man may excel the Wife in greatness of Mind , and height of Knowledge ,
the Wife someway makes that up with her Affection and tender Care : So
that from both happily mixed , there arises a Harmony , which is to
vertuous Minds <P_113> one of the greatest joys of life :
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,113.134)

But all this is gone in a state of <font> Polygamy </font> , which
occasions perpetual Jarrings and Jealousies . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,113.135)

And the Variety does but engage men to a freer Range of pleasure ,
which is not to be put in the Ballance with the far greater Mischiefs
that must follow the other course . So that it is plain , Our Saviour
considered the Nature of Man , what it could bear , and what was fit
for it , when he so restrained us in these our Liberties .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,113.136)

And for Divorce , a power to break that Bond would too much encourage
married persons in the little quarrellings that may rise between them ;
If it were in their power to depart one from another .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,113.137)

For when they know that $can $not {TEXT:cannot} be , and <P_114> that
they must live and die together , it does naturally incline them to lay
down their Resentments , and to endeavour to live as well together as
they can . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,114.138)

So the Law of the Gospel being a Law of Love , designed to engage
<font> Christians </font> to mutual love ; It was fit that all such
Provisions should be made , as might advance and maintain it : and all
such Liberties be taken away , as are apt to enkindle or foment strife
. (BURNETROC-E3-P2,114.139)

This might fall in some instances to be uneasie and hard enough ,
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,114.140)

but Laws consider what falls out most commonly ,
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,114.141)

and $can $not {TEXT:cannot} provide for all particular Cases .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,114.142)

The best Laws are in some Instances very great grievances .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,114.143)

But the Advantages being ballanced with the Inconveniences , <P_115>
Measures are to be taken accordingly . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,115.144)

Upon this whole matter I said , That pleasure stood in opposition to
other Considerations of great weight , (BURNETROC-E3-P2,115.145)

and so the decision was easie . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,115.146)

And since our Saviour offers us so great Rewards . It is but reasonable
He have a Priviledge of loading these Promises with such Conditions ,
as are not in themselves grateful to our natural Inclinations :
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,115.147)

For all that propose high Rewards , have thereby a right to exalt
difficult performances . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,115.148)

To this he said , we are sure the terms are difficult , but are not so
sure of the Rewards . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,115.149)

Upon this I told him , That we have the same assurance of the Rewards ,
that we have of the <P_116> other parts of <font> Christian Religion
</font> . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,116.150)

We have the Promises of God made to us by Christ , confirmed by many
Miracles : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,116.151)

we have the Earnests of these , in the quiet and peace which follows a
good Conscience : and in the Resurrection of Him from the dead , who
hath promised to raise us up . So that the Reward is sufficiently
assured to us : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,116.152)

And there is no reason it should be given to us , before the Conditions
are performed , on which the Promises are made .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,116.153)

It is but reasonable that we should trust God , and do our Duty ,
<font> In hopes of that eternal Life , which God who $can $not
{TEXT:cannot} lie , hath promised </font> . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,116.154)

The Difficulties are not so great , as those which sometimes the
commonest concerns <P_117> of Life bring upon us :
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,117.155)

The learning some Trades or Sciences , the governing our Health and
Affairs , bring us often under as great straights . So that it ought to
be no just prejudice , that there are some things in Religion that are
uneasie , since this is rather the effect of our corrupt Natures ,
which are farther deprav'd by vitious habits , and can hardly turn to
any new course of life , without some pain , than of the Dictates of
<font> Christianity </font> , which are in themselves just and
reasonable , and will be easie to us when renew'd , and a good measure
restor'd to our Primitive Integrity . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,117.156)

As for the Exceptions he had to the Maintenance of the Clergy , and the
Authority to <P_118> which they pretended ; if they stretched their
Designs too far , The Gospel did plainly reprove them for it : So that
it was very suitable to that Church , which was so grosly faulty this
way to take the Scriptures out of the hands of the people , since they
do so manifestly disclaim all such practices .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,118.157)

The Priests of the true <font> Christian Religion </font> have no
secrets among them , which the World must not know ,
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,118.158)

but are only an Order of Men dedicated to God , to attend on Sacred
things , who ought to be holy in a more peculiar manner , since they
are to handle the things of God . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,118.159)

It was necessary that such persons should have a due Esteem paid them ,
and a fit Maintenance appointed for them : That so they <P_119> might
be preserved from the Contempt that follows Poverty , and the
Distractions which the providing against it might otherways involve
them in : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,119.160)

And as in the Order of the World , it was necessary for the support of
Magistracy and Government , and for preserving its esteem , that some
state be used <paren> though it is a happiness when Great Men have
Philosophical Minds , to despise the Pageantry of it . </paren>
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,119.161)

So the plentiful supply of the Clergy , if well used and applied by
them , will certainly turn to the Advantage of Religion .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,119.162)

And if some men either-1 through Ambition or Covetousness used indirect
means , or servile Compliances to aspire to such Dignities , and being
possessed of <P_120> them , applied their Wealth either-2 to Luxury or
Vain Pomp , or made great Fortunes out of it for their Families ; these
were personal failings in which the Doctrine of Christ was not
concerned . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,120.163)

He upon that told me plainly , There was nothing that gave him , and
many others , a more secret encouragement in their ill ways , than that
those who pretended to believe , lived so that they could not be
thought to be in earnest , when they said it :
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,120.164)

For he was sure <font> Religion </font> was either a meer Contrivance ,
or the most important thing that could be : So that if he once believed
, he would set himself in great earnest to live suitably to it .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,120.165)

The aspirings that he had observed at Court , of some <P_121> of the
Clergy , with the servile ways they took to attain to Preferment , and
the Animosities among those of several Parties , about trifles , made
him often think they suspected the things were not true , which in
their Sermons and Discourses they so earnestly recommended .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,121.166)

Of this he had gathered many Instances ; (BURNETROC-E3-P2,121.167)

I knew some of them were Mistakes and Calumnies ;
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,121.168)

Yet I could not deny but something of them might be too true :
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,121.169)

And I publish this the more freely , to put all that pretend to
Religion , chiefly those that are dedicated to holy Functions , in mind
of the great Obligation that lies on them to live sutably to their
Profession : Since otherwise a great deal of the Irreligion <P_122> and
Atheism that is among us , may too justly be charged on them :
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,122.170)

for wicked men are delighted out of measure when they discover ill
things in them , (BURNETROC-E3-P2,122.171)

and conclude from thence not only that they are Hypocrites , but that
Religion it self is a cheat . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,122.172)

But I said to him upon this Head , that though no good man could
continue in the practice of any known sin , yet such might , by the
violence or surpise of a Temptation , to which they are liable as much
as others , be of a sudden overcome to do an ill thing , to their great
grief all their life after . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,122.173)

And then it was a very injust Inference , Upon some few failings , to
conclude that such men do not believe themselves .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,122.174)

<P_123>

But how bad soever many are , it $can $not {TEXT:cannot} be denied but
there are also many both-3 of the Clergy and Laity , who give great and
real Demonstrations of the power Religion has over them ; in their
Contempt of the World , the strictness of their Lives , their readiness
to forgive Injuries , to relieve the Poor , and to do good on all
Occasions : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,123.176)

and yet even these may have their failings , either-1 in such things
wherein their Constitutions are weak , or their Temptations strong and
suddain : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,123.177)

And in all such cases We are to judge of men , rather by the course of
their Lives , than by the Errors , that they through infirmity or
surprize may have slipt into . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,123.178)

<P_124>

These were the chief Heads we discoursed on ; (BURNETROC-E3-P2,124.180)

and as far as I can remember , I have faithfully repeated the substance
of our Arguments : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,124.181)

I have not concealed the strongest things he said to me ,
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,124.182)

but though I have not enlarged on all the Excursions of his Wit in
setting them off , Yet I have given them their full strength , as he
expressed them ; (BURNETROC-E3-P2,124.183)

and as far as I could recollect , have used his own words : So that I
am afraid some may censure me for setting down these things so largely
, which Impious Men may make an ill use of , and gather together to
encourage and defend themselves in their Vices :
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,124.184)

But if they will compare them with the Answers made to them , and the
sense <P_125> that so great and refined a Wit had of them afterwards ,
I hope they may through the blessing of God be not altogether
ineffectual . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,125.185)

The issue of all our Discourses was this , (BURNETROC-E3-P2,125.186)

He told me , He saw Vice and Impiety were as contrary to Humane Society
, as wild Beasts let loose would be ; and therefore he firmly resolved
to change the whole method of his Life : to become strictly just and
true , to be Chast and Temperate , to forbear Swearing and Irreligious
Discourse , to Worship and Pray to his Maker : And that though he was
not arrived at a full perswasion of <font> Christianity </font> , he
would never employ his Wit more to run it down , or to corrupt others .
<P_126> Of which I have since a further assurance , from a Person of
Quality , who conversed much with him , the last year of his life ; to
whom he would often say , That he was happy , if he did believe , and
that he would never endeavour to draw him from it .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,126.187)

To all this I Answered , That a Vertuous Life would be very uneasie to
him , unless Vicious Inclinations were removed ;
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,126.188)

It would otherwise be a perpetual constraint .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,126.189)

Nor could it be effected without an inward Principle to change him :
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,126.190)

and that was only to be had by applying himself to God for it in
frequent and earnest Prayers : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,126.191)

And I was sure if his Mind were once cleared of these Disorders , and
cured of those <P_127> Distempers , which Vice brought on it , so great
an Understanding would soon see through all those flights of Wit , that
do feed Atheism and Irreligion : which have a false glittering in them
, that dazles some weak-sighted Minds , who have not capacity enough to
penetrate further than the Surfaces of things and so they stick in
these Toyls , which the strength of his Mind would soon break thorough
, if it were once freed from those things that depressed and darkened
it . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,127.192)

At this pass he was when he went from <font> London </font> , about the
beginning of <font> April </font> : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,127.193)

He had not been long in the Country when he thought he was so well ,
that being to go to his Estate in <font> Somersetshire </font> he rode
<P_128> thither Post . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,128.194)

This heat and violent motion did so inflame an Ulcer , that was in his
Bladder , that it raised a very great pain in those parts :
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,128.195)

Yet he with much difficulty came back by Coach to the Lodge at <font>
Woodstock-Park </font> . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,128.196)

He was then wounded both-1 in Body and Mind : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,128.197)

He understood Physick and his own Constitution and Distemper so well ,
that he concluded he could hardly recover : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,128.198)

For the ulcer broke (BURNETROC-E3-P2,128.199)

and vast quantities of purulent matter past with his Urine .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,128.200)

But now the Hand of God touched him , (BURNETROC-E3-P2,128.201)

and as he told me , It was not only a general dark Melancholy over his
Mind , such as he had formerly felt ; but a most penetrating cutting
Sorrow . So that though in his <P_129> Body he suffered extream pain ,
for some Weeks , Yet the Agonies of his Mind sometimes swallowed up the
sense of what he felt in his Body . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,129.202)

He told me , and gave it me in charge , to tell it to one for whom he
was much concern'd , that though there were nothing to come after this
life , Yet all the Pleasures he had ever known in Sin , were not worth
that torture he had felt in his Mind : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,129.203)

He considered he had not only neglected and dishonoured , but had
openly defied his Maker , and had drawn many others into the like
Impieties : So that he looked on himself as one that was in great
danger of being damn'd . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,129.204)

He then set himself wholly , to turn to God unfeignedly and to do all
that was <P_130> possible in that little remainder of his life which
was before him , to redeem those great portions of it , that he had
formerly so ill employed . (BURNETROC-E3-P2,130.205)

The Minister that attended constantly on him , was that good and worthy
Man Mr. <font> Parsons </font> , his Mothers Chaplain , who hath since
his Death Preached , according to the Directions he received from him ,
his Funeral Sermon : in which there are so many remarkable Passages ,
that I shall refer my <font> Reader </font> to them , and will repeat
none of them here , that I may not thereby lessen his desire to edifie
himself by that excellent Discourse , which has given so great and so
general a satisfaction to all good and judicious Readers .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,130.206)

I shall speak cursorily of every <P_131> thing , but that which I had
immediately from himself : (BURNETROC-E3-P2,131.207)

He was visited every Week of his Sickness by his <font> Diocesan
</font> , that truly Primitive Prelate , the Lord Bishop of <font>
Oxford </font> ; who though he lived six miles from him , yet looked on
this as so important a piece of his Pastoral Care , that he went often
to him ; and treated him with that decent plainness and freedom which
is so natural to him ; and took care also that he might not on terms
more easie than safe , be at peace with himself .
(BURNETROC-E3-P2,131.208)