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- Feb 2019
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whereby they might enlarg e their prospect, rectify their false Ideas , form in their Minds adequate conceptions of the End and Dignity of their Natures, not only have the Name and common Principles of Religion floating in their Heads and sometimes running out at their Mouth�, but understand the design and meaning of it, and have a just apprehension, a lively sentimenL of its Beauties and Excellencies: know wherein the Nature of a true Christian consists;
This is a very rigid curriculum which tells us much about what Astell believes the human (or perhaps here just the woman, but I think it applies to humanity generally) to be. In particular, the wretchedness of a sinner, left unchecked, will lead to false ideas and bad beliefs and habits. "A true Christian" will need to have falsity and sin constantly called out and checked as she gradually learns to prefer what is really good, true, beautiful, etc.
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