Methinks, that since the Reformation, of which the Immorality of the Clergy was either the pretence or reason: methinks, I say, that since that time Christianity has been made to consist in the Doctrine of Articles of Belief. Those that set up the Reformation arraign'd our corruption and vice, and now a-days we object against them our Good Works. The very same persons that reproach'd us with ill living, will now take no other advantage of us than that of pretending to a purer Faith. We allow the necesiity of Belief, but Charity was commanded by Jesus Christ, and the Doctrine of Mysteries was not establish'd till a long time after his Death. He did not himself express so dearly what he was, as what he required; from whence we may conclude, that he rather chose to be obey'd, than to make himself known. Our Faith is obscure, but our Law is very clearly expressed. The necessary points of our Faith, are above our apprehension; but those of our Duty are suited to the capacities of all the world. In a word, God has given us light enough to do well; and we would indulge with it our curiosity of knowing too much; and instead of acquiescing in what he is pleased to discover to us, we would pry into what he has conceal'd from us.
I know that the contemplation of heavenly things does sometimes happily disengage us from the world: but it is frequently no more than mere speculation, and the result of a Vice very natural to mankind. The immoderate Ambition of knowledge extends it self beyond nature, even so far as to enquire into what is most mysterious in its Author, not so much out of a design to adore him, as out of a vain curiosity of knowing all things. This vice is close attended by another; Curiosity breeds Presumption; and being as bold in defining, as indiscreet in inquiring, we erect, as it were, an
