Hale - BR120 H364 1684

(40) And confidering, thefe unhappy Confequences of there fervours ofminds touching thefe fmall Appendixes and Su- periirudions, even more than about, or concerning the very weighty things ofthe Gofpel, I have endeavoured to fearch out the Reaton how this ftrong Diftemper comes to pats ; and there feems to be thefe Cautes thereof. i. Ordinarily a man is more fond of, and concerned for fomething that is his own, than for that which is ofGod ; as weare tranfported with a Love to ourfelves,fo we are tran- fported wtA a love and admirationof what is our own : and hence it is that the weightier and more important Duties injoined by Chrifl, partake lefs of cur zeal, or courage, or intention of mind, than our own little Fantafes ar J Inventions. 2, Pride, Credit, and Reputation arecommonly ingaged in either Party in the things contetled, when they are once contened ; and thefe are violent and predìng Interefts and Motions. 3. The Plainefl Truthand Purity of Religion is a thing that feldompleafeth andijùteth to the Curiofity and Appetite of Men; they are always fond of íòmething Annexed or Appendicated to Religion to make it pleating to their Ap- petite. A certain awce that may entertain their Fancy, after which it may run, and wherein it may pleafett felf. And thefe Sawcesto Religionartvarious; and varioufly plea- fing, according to the Vau sous Inclinations ofMen : Molt or- dinarily the Fancies of men affect fome things Splendid and Senfible tobe Superadded to Religion ; the Gíraelites would needs have gods that in ìg `n t go betore meal ; and in comply- ance with this Humour, moll of the Strange Modes and Gefticulations among the Heathens, and molt of the Super- ftitions,Ceremonies and Rites among the Papifts were in- vented. Again, fometimes theHumour of the People ruas in the other

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