The reasons of the Christian religion the first part, of godliness, proving by natural…

¹As the Impress on the Wax doth make the Image more discernible than the Sculpture on the Seal; but the Sculpture is true and perfect, when many accidents may render the Impressed image imperfect and faulty: So is it in this case. To a diligent Enquirer, Christianity is best known in its Principles delivered by Christ the Author of it: and indeed is no otherwise perfectly known; because it is no where else perfectly to be seen: But yet it is much more visible, and taking with unskilful superficial Observers, in the Professors Lives: For they can discern the good or evil of an action, who perceive not the nature of the Rule and Precepts. The vital form in the Rose-tree is the most excellent part; but the beauty and sweetness of the Rose is more easily discerned. Effects are most sensible, but causes are most excellent. And yet in some respect the Practice of Religion is more excellent than the Precepts, in as much as the Precepts are Means to Practice: For the end is more excellent than the Means as such. A poor man can easilyer perceive the worth of Charity in the person that clotheth and feedeth and relieveth him, than the worth of a treatise or sermon of Charity. Subjects easily perceive the worth of a wise, and holy, and just, and merciful King or Magistrate, in his actual Government, who are not much taken with the Precepts which require yet more perfection: And among all descriptions, historical Narratives, like Zenophons Cyrus, do take most with them. Doubtless, if ever the Professors of Christianity should live according to their own Profession, they ⟨p. 207⟩would thereby overcome the opposition of the World, and propagate their Religion with greatest success through all the Earth.

¹As the Impress on the Wax doth make the Image more discernable than the Sculpture on the Seal; but the Sculpture is true and perfect, when many accidents may render the Impressed image imperfect and faulty: So is it in this case. To a diligent Enquirer, Christianity is best known in its Principles delivered by Christ the Author of it: and indeed is no otherwise perfectly known; because it is no where else perfectly to be seen: But yet it is much more visible, and taking with unskilfull superficial Observers, in the Professors Lives: For they can discern the good or evil of an action, who perceive not the nature of the Rule and Precepts. The vital form in the Rose-tree is the most excellent part; but the beauty and sweetness of the Rose is more easily discerned. Effects are most sensible, but causes are most excellent. And yet in some respect the Practice of Religion is more excellent than the Precepts, in as much as the Precepts are Means to Practice: For the end is more excellent than the Means as such. A poor man can easilyer perceive the worth of Charity in the person that cloatheth and feedeth and relieveth him, than the worth of a treatise or sermon of Charity. Subjects easily perceive the worth of a wise, and holy, and just, and mercifull King or Magistrate, in his actual Government, who are not much taken with the Precepts which require yet more perfection: And among all descriptions, historical Narratives, like Zenophons Cyrus, do take most with them. Doubtless, if ever the Professors of Christianity should live according to their own Profession, they