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â—…pernatural_a truth_n that_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n nor_o natural_a
conceive_v no_o substance_n but_o matter_n and_o body_n and_o therefore_o reject_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n as_o nonsense_n and_o contradiction_n they_o will_v allow_v nothing_o to_o be_v wise_o make_v which_o they_o understand_v not_o the_o reason_n and_o use_n of_o and_o therefore_o they_o fancy_v a_o great_a many_o botch_n and_o blunder_n in_o nature_n which_o can_v be_v the_o design_n and_o contrivance_n of_o wisdom_n but_o the_o effect_n of_o chance_n and_o then_o the_o consequence_n be_v plain_a that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o chance_n not_o by_o a_o wise_a author_n now_o i_o confess_v if_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v be_v allow_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o defend_v either_o sense_n or_o reason_n or_o revelation_n against_o the_o cavil_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n for_o there_o be_v unconceivable_a and_o incomprehensible_a secret_n and_o mystery_n in_o they_o all_o and_o if_o to_o conceive_v and_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n must_v be_v make_v the_o measure_n and_o standard_n of_o true_a and_o false_a we_o must_v deny_v our_o sense_n and_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o our_o faith_n and_o if_o we_o do_v and_o must_v believe_v our_o sense_n and_o reason_n beyond_o our_o comprehension_n why_o must_v we_o believe_v nothing_o that_o be_v reveal_v any_o far_a than_o we_o can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o sum_n be_v this_o humane_a knowledge_n whatever_o the_o mean_n of_o know_v be_v whether_o sense_n or_o reason_n or_o revelation_n do_v not_o reach_v to_o the_o philosophical_a cause_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o only_o to_o their_o be_v and_o natural_a virtue_n and_o power_n and_o as_o a_o wise_a man_n who_o know_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o understanding_n expect_v no_o more_o from_o sense_n and_o reason_n than_o to_o know_v what_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o they_o be_v as_o far_o as_o they_o fall_v under_o the_o notice_n of_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n so_o we_o must_v expect_v no_o more_o from_o revelation_n than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n can_v discover_v but_o we_o must_v no_o more_o expect_v the_o philosophy_n of_o supernatural_a truth_n from_o revelation_n than_o we_o do_v the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n from_o sense_n and_o reason_n now_o since_o humane_a knowledge_n be_v not_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mysterious_a nature_n of_o thing_n but_o only_o to_o know_v what_o thing_n there_o be_v and_o what_o they_o be_v there_o can_v be_v no_o contradiction_n between_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o revelation_n unless_o one_o deny_v what_o the_o other_o affirm_v not_o that_o one_o teach_v more_o than_o the_o other_o teach_v or_o that_o one_o can_v comprehend_v what_o the_o other_o teach_v reason_n teach_v more_o than_o sense_n teach_v or_o can_v comprehend_v and_o revelation_n teach_v more_o than_o either_o sense_n or_o natural_a reason_n teach_v or_o can_v comprehend_v but_o this_o be_v no_o contradiction_n but_o only_o a_o subordination_n between_o these_o different_a kind_n and_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n but_o as_o for_o unconceivableness_n and_o incomprehensibility_n that_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o any_o thing_n for_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n can_v no_o more_o comprehend_v their_o own_o object_n than_o they_o do_v what_o be_v reveal_v and_o it_o be_v manifest_a perverseness_n to_o make_v that_o a_o objection_n against_o revelation_n which_o we_o will_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o sense_n and_o reason_n this_o be_v sufficient_a as_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o remove_v mens_fw-la prejudices_fw-la also_o against_o believe_v mystery_n i_o shall_v brief_o answer_v two_o very_a popular_a objection_n 1._o it_o be_v think_v very_o unnatural_a that_o when_o god_n have_v make_v we_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o therefore_o make_v natural_a reason_n to_o we_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n he_o shall_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v without_o reason_n as_o we_o must_v do_v if_o he_o reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o as_o we_o know_v not_o and_o can_v possible_o know_v the_o reason_n of_o if_o we_o must_v believe_v with_o our_o understanding_n how_o can_v we_o believe_v thing_n which_o we_o can_v understand_v this_o be_v a_o reasonable_a objection_n be_v it_o true_a for_o we_o can_v believe_v what_o we_o have_v no_o knowledge_n nor_o understanding_n of_o for_o faith_n be_v knowledge_n though_o not_o natural_a knowledge_n but_o do_v we_o not_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v do_v we_o not_o know_v what_o we_o mean_v when_o we_o say_v we_o believe_v in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n nay_o do_v not_o our_o adversary_n understand_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o it_o how_o then_o come_v they_o to_o charge_v we_o with_o believe_v contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n for_o if_o they_o know_v not_o what_o we_o believe_v they_o can_v know_v whether_o we_o believe_v contradiction_n or_o not_o and_o if_o we_o do_v understand_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v than_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v without_o understanding_n which_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a if_o we_o know_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v and_o we_o know_v also_o why_o we_o believe_v our_o faith_n be_v found_v in_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o high_a and_o most_o infallible_a reason_n the_o miracle_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v be_v evident_a to_o sense_n and_o own_a by_o reason_n to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o the_o answer_v the_o blind_a man_n give_v to_o the_o pharisee_n when_o christ_n have_v open_v his_o eye_n speak_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o nature_n herein_o be_v a_o marvellous_a thing_n that_o you_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o he_o be_v and_o yet_o he_o have_v open_v my_o eye_n now_o we_o know_v that_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n but_o if_o any_o man_n be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n he_o he_o hear_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v be_v it_o not_o hear_v that_o any_o man_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a if_o this_o man_n be_v not_o of_o god_n he_o can_v do_v nothing_o 9_o john_n 30_o 31_o 32_o 33._o and_o all_o mankind_n own_o that_o the_o most_o absolute_a faith_n be_v due_a to_o god_n and_o to_o those_o who_o speak_v from_o god_n and_o this_o as_o i_o take_v it_o be_v to_o believe_v with_o reason_n but_o still_o we_o believe_v such_o thing_n who_o nature_n we_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o can_v account_v for_o by_o natural_a reason_n and_o this_o be_v to_o believe_v without_o reason_n we_o believe_v that_o god_n the_o father_n have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n and_o that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v but_o one_o eternal_a god_n but_o this_o be_v what_o natural_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v nor_o give_v we_o any_o notion_n or_o conception_n of_o how_o god_n can_v have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n real_o distinct_a from_o himself_o and_o yet_o with_o himself_o one_o eternal_a and_o infinite_a god_n reason_n can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n nor_o of_o the_o eternal_a procession_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o believe_v without_o reason_n which_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n ought_v not_o to_o do_v and_o which_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v that_o god_n who_o make_v we_o reasonable_a creature_n expect_v from_o we_o and_o this_o i_o grant_v will_v be_v a_o material_a objection_n be_v reason_n the_o judge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o philosophy_n of_o thing_n and_o do_v reason_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o understand_v and_o comprehend_v but_o then_o we_o must_v no_o more_o believe_v sense_n and_o reason_n than_o revelation_n for_o we_o do_v not_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o any_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n how_o evident_a soever_o it_o be_v to_o sense_n and_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n nature_n be_v as_o great_a a_o mystery_n as_o revelation_n and_o it_o be_v no_o great_a affront_n to_o our_o understanding_n no_o more_o against_o reason_n for_o god_n to_o reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o as_o our_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v than_o 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o make_v a_o whole_a world_n which_o â—…eason_n can_v comprehend_v when_o we_o make_v it_o a_o objection_n against_o â—…ny_a thing_n that_o it_o be_v without_o reason_n or_o â—…s_v we_o apprehend_v against_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n we_o must_v first_o conâ—…ider_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o reason_n otherwise_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n as_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o sound_n that_o we_o can_v see_v they_o nor_o against_o colour_n
consider_v what_o they_o do_v i_o may_v name_v many_o but_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o some_o few_o at_o present_a which_o be_v least_o observe_v and_o which_o prove_v snare_n to_o good_a man_n as_o for_o instance_n to_o impose_v upon_o ourselves_o constant_a task_n of_o religion_n that_o we_o will_v read_v and_o pray_v so_o much_o and_o so_o often_o every_o day_n and_o observe_v voluntary_a fast_n and_o abstain_v from_o such_o innocent_a diversion_n etc._n etc._n which_o man_n common_o resolve_v in_o some_o great_a heat_n and_o fit_n of_o devotion_n which_o they_o fancy_v will_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o fervour_n but_o never_o do_v and_o then_o these_o task_n grow_v very_o uneasy_a as_o every_o thing_n of_o religion_n do_v when_o it_o grow_v a_o task_n and_o then_o they_o degenerate_a into_o dulness_n and_o formality_n and_o then_o man_n either_o leave_v they_o off_o and_o with_o that_o be_v tempt_v to_o leave_v off_o religion_n itself_o or_o they_o be_v so_o very_o cold_a that_o they_o fancy_v themselves_o spiritual_o dead_a and_o fall_v into_o melancholy_n into_o desertion_n into_o despair_n itself_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n for_o man_n by_o rash_a and_o arbitrary_a vow_n to_o tie_v themselves_o up_o from_o do_v that_o which_o otherwise_o they_o may_v very_o innocent_o do_v and_o which_o they_o will_v be_v strong_o tempt_v to_o do_v when_o they_o have_v vow_v not_o to_o do_v it_o the_o guide_n of_o soul_n know_v that_o this_o be_v no_o imaginary_a case_n but_o what_o they_o so_o often_o meet_v with_o and_o see_v such_o ill_a effect_n of_o that_o it_o be_v very_o fit_a to_o warn_v man_n of_o the_o snare_n be_v there_o no_o other_o reason_n against_o the_o monkish_a vow_n of_o celibacy_n poverty_n and_o obedience_n i_o shall_v think_v this_o sufficient_a that_o consider_v only_o as_o perpetual_a vow_n they_o be_v a_o dangerous_a state_n of_o temptation_n and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o will_v never_o advise_v any_o man_n to_o make_v a_o perpetual_a vow_n to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o it_o be_v not_o perpetual_o his_o duty_n to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v thus_o to_o marry_v with_o person_n of_o a_o disagreeable_a age_n or_o a_o disagreeable_a humour_n or_o a_o contrary_a religion_n be_v to_o put_v ourselves_o into_o a_o state_n of_o temptation_n but_o such_o particular_a instance_n will_v be_v endless_a and_o therefore_o i_o forbear_v if_o god_n lead_v we_o into_o temptation_n he_o will_v give_v we_o sufficient_a strength_n to_o resist_v if_o we_o improve_v his_o grace_n if_o we_o lead_v â—…ur_n self_n into_o temptation_n and_o god_n â—…eave_v we_o to_o the_o power_n and_o subtlety_n of_o â—…he_a tempter_n the_o sin_n and_o the_o folly_n be_v our_o own_o 5th_o i_o observe_v by_o what_o mean_v our_o saviour_n conquer_v the_o devil_n temptation_n and_o that_o be_v by_o the_o authority_n and_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v write_v man_n shall_v not_o live_v by_o bread_n alone_o it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v not_o tempt_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v these_o be_v such_o answer_n as_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o reply_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n can_v never_o be_v answer_v and_o thus_o we_o must_v conquer_v also_o if_o ever_o we_o will_v conquer_v by_o a_o firm_a faith_n in_o god_n and_o belief_n of_o his_o word_n faith_n be_v our_o shield_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o we_o have_v no_o other_o sure_a defence_n against_o all_o temptation_n this_o ruin_v our_o first_o parent_n in_o paradise_n when_o their_o reason_n and_o natural_a power_n be_v in_o their_o great_a vigour_n perfection_n and_o integrity_n that_o instead_o of_o insist_v on_o god_n authority_n they_o venture_v to_o reason_v the_o case_n with_o the_o tempter_n set_a aside_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o the_o devil_n will_v quick_o outwit_n and_o out-reason_n we_o he_o be_v skill_v in_o all_o the_o art_n of_o deceit_n and_o method_n of_o persuasion_n and_o without_o god_n authority_n our_o courage_n our_o resolution_n our_o honour_n our_o reason_n itself_o even_o all_o the_o rant_v and_o triumphant_a speculation_n of_o philosophy_n will_v fail_v we_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n to_o tempt_v be_v either_o to_o deceive_v or_o to_o persuade_v and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o secure_a defence_n against_o either_o but_o the_o authority_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o wise_a reasoner_n may_v be_v impose_v on_o by_o so_o artificial_a a_o tempter_n but_o god_n can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v and_o than_o while_o we_o believe_v god_n and_o have_v regard_n to_o his_o command_n we_o can_v be_v deceive_v neither_o and_o what_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v all_o the_o terror_n and_o flattery_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v our_o maker_n and_o our_o judge_n what_o insignificant_a name_n be_v virtue_n and_o vice_n how_o weak_a and_o feeble_a be_v the_o sense_n of_o decency_n and_o honour_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o of_o a_o life_n of_o reason_n after_o we_o have_v read_v or_o write_v so_o many_o volume_n about_o it_o when_o we_o feel_v the_o soft_a charm_n of_o pleasure_n and_o our_o eye_n be_v fill_v with_o visible_a glory_n who_o will_v not_o part_v with_o a_o fine_a thought_n or_o two_o with_o some_o pretty_a notion_n of_o moral_a beauty_n and_o intellectual_a pleasure_n for_o a_o happiness_n which_o may_v be_v see_v and_o feel_v but_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n the_o firm_a belief_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n the_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o another_o world_n be_v beyond_o all_o other_o persuasion_n unless_o any_o thing_n can_v persuade_v a_o man_n to_o be_v eternal_o miserable_a this_o may_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v in_o general_n concern_v our_o saviour_n temptation_n we_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v ii_o the_o particular_a temptation_n wherewith_o our_o saviour_n be_v assault_v and_o they_o be_v three_o 1._o the_o first_o be_v to_o relieve_v his_o hunger_n after_o his_o long_a fast_n by_o work_v a_o miracle_n and_o when_o the_o tempter_n come_v to_o he_o he_o say_v if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n command_v that_o these_o stone_n be_v make_v bread_n this_o be_v a_o very_a artificial_a temptation_n which_o it_o may_v be_v none_o but_o christ_n himself_o will_v have_v be_v aware_a of_o for_o what_o hurt_n be_v it_o for_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o work_v a_o miracle_n what_o hurt_n be_v it_o for_o a_o man_n who_o be_v hungry_a to_o relieve_v his_o hunger_n for_o here_o be_v no_o temptation_n to_o excess_n but_o to_o satisfy_v the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n what_o hurt_n be_v it_o for_o he_o who_o afterward_o feed_v so_o many_o thousand_o by_o miracle_n in_o this_o great_a distress_n to_o have_v wrought_v a_o miracle_n to_o satisfy_v his_o own_o hunger_n this_o be_v very_o plausible_a and_o look_v like_o very_o charitable_a advice_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a snare_n in_o it_o one_a for_o this_o be_v make_v a_o trial_n whether_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o not_o if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n command_v that_o these_o stone_n be_v make_v bread_n now_o have_v he_o comply_v with_o this_o it_o have_v argue_v a_o distrust_n of_o his_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o of_o the_o love_n of_o his_o father_n and_o this_o be_v a_o temptation_n to_o sin_n thus_o the_o tempter_n deal_v with_o our_o first_o parent_n make_v they_o jealous_a of_o god_n good_a intention_n towards_o they_o and_o by_o that_o tempt_v they_o to_o disobedience_n the_o serpent_n say_v unto_o the_o woman_n you_o shall_v not_o sure_o die_v for_o god_n know_v that_o in_o the_o day_n you_o eat_v thereof_o than_o your_o eye_n shall_v be_v open_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v as_o god_n know_v good_a and_o evil_n that_o be_v god_n envy_v your_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o have_v forbid_v you_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n thus_o the_o devil_n suggest_v to_o our_o saviour_n that_o he_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o question_n whether_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o he_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o the_o comfort_n and_o support_v of_o life_n and_o after_o forty_o day_n fast_v have_v nothing_o in_o the_o wilderness_n to_o eat_v unless_o he_o will_v turn_v stone_n into_o bread_n and_o though_o this_o part_n of_o the_o temptation_n our_o saviour_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o in_o his_o answer_n but_o scorn_v it_o yet_o we_o find_v it_o make_v a_o very_a powerful_a impression_n upon_o other_o man_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o measure_v god_n love_n or_o hatred_n by_o present_a thing_n when_o they_o
be_v prosperous_a they_o conclude_v they_o be_v the_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n when_o they_o be_v afflict_a and_o meet_a with_o cross_a event_n than_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o they_o and_o have_v forsake_v they_o and_o though_o this_o argue_v such_o a_o stupid_a ignorance_n of_o christianity_n that_o one_o will_v think_v it_o can_v be_v no_o temptation_n to_o a_o christian_a yet_o it_o be_v too_o notorious_a that_o three_o part_n of_o the_o melancholy_a the_o desertion_n nay_o despair_n of_o many_o christian_n be_v owe_v to_o no_o other_o cause_n they_o think_v their_o condition_n safe_a for_o the_o next_o world_n while_o they_o be_v prosperous_a in_o this_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o world_n begin_v to_o frown_n they_o be_v irrecoverable_o damn_v but_o will_v such_o man_n consider_v that_o our_o saviour_n himself_o want_v bread_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o have_v no_o place_n whereon_o to_o lay_v his_o head_n it_o will_v cure_v these_o desertion_n if_o there_o be_v no_o great_a gild_n which_o a_o strait_a fortune_n awaken_v the_o sense_n of_o which_o i_o doubt_n be_v too_o often_o the_o case_n two_o there_o be_v another_o snare_n in_o this_o to_o persuade_v our_o saviour_n to_o supply_v the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n by_o extraordinary_a mean_n without_o the_o immediate_a direction_n and_o command_n of_o god_n for_o this_o have_v be_v a_o distrust_n of_o god_n care_n and_o providence_n to_o have_v relieve_v his_o own_o want_n by_o preternatural_a and_o uncommand_v method_n and_o therefore_o to_o this_o he_o answer_v it_o be_v write_v man_n shall_v not_o live_v by_o bread_n alone_o but_o by_o every_o word_n that_o proceed_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n that_o be_v bread_n indeed_o be_v the_o ordinary_a provision_n god_n have_v make_v for_o the_o support_n of_o man_n life_n but_o when_o these_o ordinary_a and_o natural_a provision_n fail_v he_o have_v other_o way_n to_o support_v life_n as_o he_o feed_v the_o israelite_n with_o manna_n and_o quail_n in_o the_o wilderness_n and_o give_v they_o drink_v out_o of_o a_o rock_n but_o then_o we_o must_v patient_o and_o secure_o expect_v by_o what_o mean_v god_n will_v provide_v for_o we_o â—…d_v till_o the_o word_n proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n â—…l_v we_o have_v some_o particular_a command_n â—…d_v direction_n for_o it_o we_o must_v take_v no_o â—…xtraordinary_a uncommand_v much_o â—…ss_o forbid_v way_n to_o preserve_v our_o â—…ives_n for_o this_o be_v want_n of_o trust_n in_o god_n â—…r_a want_n of_o submission_n to_o his_o will._n â—…xtream_a want_n and_o necessity_n be_v almost_o 〈◊〉_d irresistible_a temptation_n to_o humane_a nature_n to_o distrust_v the_o ordinary_a proâ—…isions_n of_o providence_n and_o to_o provide_v â—…r_n ourselves_o by_o what_o mean_v we_o can_v â—…nd_v to_o justify_v what_o we_o do_v by_o such_o neâ—…essities_n it_o require_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o â—…aith_n and_o trust_v in_o god_n when_o we_o have_v â—…o_o prospect_n of_o ordinary_a succour_n patiâ—…ntly_o to_o expect_v god_n provision_n withâ—…ut_o go_v out_o of_o god_n way_n but_o â—…hus_o our_o saviour_n be_v tempt_v and_o â—…as_v teach_v we_o how_o to_o conquer_v this_o temptation_n man_n shall_v not_o live_v by_o bread_n alone_o but_o by_o every_o word_n which_o proceed_v out_o of_o the_o mouth_n of_o god_n if_o bread_n fail_v we_o must_v expect_v by_o what_o other_o mean_v god_n will_v supply_v our_o want_n and_o not_o transgress_v those_o law_n god_n have_v prescribe_v we_o how_o desperate_a soever_o our_o condition_n seem_v to_o be_v two_o the_o next_o temptation_n be_v in_o the_o other_o extreme_a to_o presume_v so_o far_o upon_o his_o interest_n in_o god_n favour_n and_o protection_n as_o to_o make_v dangerous_a and_o vainglorious_a experiment_n of_o god_n care_n he_o set_v he_o upon_o a_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n cast_v thy_o self_n down_o for_o it_o be_v write_v he_o shall_v give_v his_o angel_n charge_v concern_v thou_o and_o in_o their_o hand_n they_o shall_v beat_v thou_o up_o lest_o at_o any_o time_n thou_o shall_v dash_v thy_o foot_n against_o the_o stone_n when_o the_o tempter_n perceive_v that_o christ_n whole_o rely_v on_o the_o direction_n and_o authority_n of_o scripture_n he_o enforce_v his_o temptation_n with_o scripture_n too_o misunderstand_v and_o misapply_v and_o these_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a temptation_n of_o all_o which_o impose_v upon_o man_n with_o a_o show_n of_o religion_n as_o our_o late_a experience_n of_o a_o wild_a enthusiastic_a age_n will_v tell_v we_o when_o nothing_o so_o bad_a can_v be_v think_v of_o but_o some_o man_n have_v scripture-example_n or_o precept_n or_o prophecy_n or_o parable_n to_o justify_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v be_v aware_a of_o this_o as_o well_o as_o of_o all_o the_o other_o art_n and_o stratagem_n of_o the_o tempter_n in_o answer_n to_o this_o our_o saviour_n prove_v that_o this_o text_n can_v not_o mean_v that_o god_n will_v command_v his_o angel_n to_o bear_v he_o up_o in_o their_o hand_n if_o he_o shall_v â—…ling_v himself_o from_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n because_o we_o be_v express_o forbid_v to_o make_v such_o experiment_n of_o god_n protection_n as_o this_o it_o be_v write_v thou_o â—…halt_v not_o tempt_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n to_o tempt_v be_v to_o try_v and_o to_o tempt_v god_n be_v to_o try_v what_o he_o will_v or_o can_v do_v for_o we_o beyond_o his_o promise_n and_o beyond_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o his_o proâ—…idence_n especial_o when_o we_o either_o â—…urmur_n against_o god_n for_o not_o answerâ—…ng_v our_o unreasonable_a demand_n or_o preâ—…ume_v upon_o his_o favour_n to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o have_v forbid_v we_o to_o do_v or_o exâ—…ect_v his_o protection_n and_o blessing_n when_o we_o put_v ourselves_o out_o of_o the_o ordinary_a â—…rotection_n of_o his_o providence_n it_o be_v â—…asie_a have_v i_o time_n to_o give_v instance_n of_o â—…ll_a these_o way_n of_o tempt_a god_n the_o â—…emptation_n of_o our_o saviour_n concern_v â—…e_v last_o i_o mention_v out_o of_o a_o vain-gloâ—…ous_a humour_n and_o a_o presumption_n of_o god_n peculiar_a favour_n to_o we_o voluntaâ—…ly_o without_o any_o reasonable_a pretence_n â—…uch_o less_o necessity_n to_o thrust_v ourselves_o â—…to_o apparent_a and_o unavoidable_a danger_n â—…nd_v expect_v god_n shall_v save_v we_o by_o miâ—…cles_n for_o this_o be_v what_o our_o saviour_n be_v tempt_v to_o to_o fling_v himself_o down_o from_o the_o pinnacle_n of_o the_o temple_n in_o a_o presumptuous_a confidence_n of_o god_n care_n of_o he_o that_o he_o will_v command_v his_o angel_n to_o bear_v he_o up_o in_o their_o hand_n this_o look_n like_o faith_n in_o god_n a_o plerophory_n of_o hope_n and_o full_a assurance_n of_o his_o love_n but_o indeed_o be_v vanity_n pride_n insolence_n presumption_n and_o a_o tempt_a of_o god_n it_o be_v such_o a_o affront_n and_o indignity_n as_o wise_a man_n will_v not_o bear_v from_o their_o best_a friend_n when_o they_o impose_v upon_o they_o not_o to_o do_v they_o a_o real_a kindness_n but_o to_o gratify_v their_o vanity_n and_o humour_n in_o such_o demand_n as_o a_o wiâ—…_n man_n can_v honourable_o grant_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o more_o dangerous_a and_o fatal_a presumption_n than_o this_o wheâ—…_n man_n have_v such_o a_o strong_a imagination_n oâ—…_n their_o be_v the_o son_n the_o choose_a and_o elect_a people_n of_o god_n that_o they_o thinâ—…_n they_o can_v do_v any_o thing_n to_o forfeâ—…_n god_n love_n they_o may_v make_v moâ—…_n bold_a with_o god_n law_n than_o other_o man_n for_o god_n see_v no_o sin_n in_o his_o people_n nay_o indeed_o that_o it_o be_v no_o sin_n to_o advancâ—…_n themselves_o and_o the_o cause_n they_o haâ—…_n espouse_v which_o they_o call_v the_o glorâ—…_n of_o god_n by_o extraordinary_a mean_n thaâ—…_n be_v by_o transgress_v all_o the_o know_v and_o ordinary_a rule_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n these_o be_v dangerous_a temptation_n â—…nd_v we_o have_v see_v the_o miserable_a effect_n â—…f_v they_o and_o therefore_o let_v no_o man_n â—…ink_v that_o he_o be_v so_o great_a a_o favourite_n of_o heaven_n as_o to_o have_v god_n at_o his_o beck_n â—…o_o save_o he_o by_o miracle_n when_o he_o â—…ilfully_o expose_v himself_o to_o such_o danâ—…ers_n as_o nothing_o but_o miracle_n can_v deâ—…ver_v he_o from_o much_o less_o to_o think_v â—…at_a god_n will_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o good_a â—…nd_n evil_a for_o his_o sake_n that_o he_o will_v disâ—…ense_v with_o his_o law_n law_n which_o â—…re_v as_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a as_o â—…is_v own_o nature_n when_o ever_o such_o vain_a â—…nthusiasts_n pretend_v to_o serve_v themselves_o â—…nd_v his_o glory_n by_o the_o breach_n of_o they_o 〈◊〉_d be_v write_v thou_o shall_v not_o tempt_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n 3._o these_o two_o temptation_n be_v maâ—…aged_v with_o great_a art_n to_o deceive_v the_o
be_v as_o easy_a and_o natural_a as_o of_o a_o eternal_a be_v and_o that_o natural_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o the_o relation_n and_o dependence_n between_o cause_n and_o effect_n necessary_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n for_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v eternal_a without_o a_o cause_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o there_o shall_v ever_o after_o be_v any_o natural_a relation_n between_o they_o of_o cause_n and_o effect_n and_o yet_o destroy_v the_o doctrine_n of_o cause_n and_o effect_n and_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o reason_n and_o discourse_n but_o then_o as_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o all_o thing_n so_o all_o the_o appearance_n of_o nature_n contradict_v it_o and_o will_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o lie_v easy_a in_o our_o mind_n we_o see_v every_o day_n that_o all_o individual_n be_v make_v man_n be_v bear_v every_o day_n and_o die_v and_o one_o generation_n succeed_v another_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o beast_n and_o bird_n and_o all_o other_o animal_n with_o tree_n and_o fruit_n and_o corn_n and_o herb_n and_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v eternal_a when_o we_o see_v that_o the_o individual_n of_o all_o these_o several_a kind_n of_o being_n be_v daily_o make_v for_o the_o world_n consist_v of_o individual_n and_o if_o they_o be_v all_o make_v the_o world_n be_v make_v necessary_a existence_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o eternal_a be_v which_o have_v no_o beginning_n nor_o any_o cause_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v always_o what_o it_o be_v without_o the_o least_o change_n that_o to_o ascribe_v eternity_n to_o a_o world_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o perpetual_a change_n be_v as_o great_a a_o absurdity_n as_o to_o assert_v a_o eternal_a succession_n without_o a_o beginning_n thus_o it_o be_v very_o natural_a to_o think_v that_o the_o effect_n can_v have_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o cause_n can_v give_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v learn_v what_o the_o invisible_a cause_n be_v from_o visible_a effect_n that_o if_o we_o see_v any_o thing_n wise_o make_v we_o may_v conclude_v it_o have_v a_o wise_a cause_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v more_o contradict_v the_o natural_a sense_n of_o our_o mind_n than_o to_o ascribe_v such_o a_o world_n as_o we_o now_o live_v in_o which_o discover_v such_o wonderful_a art_n in_o its_o contrivance_n to_o blind_a and_o undesigning_a chance_n i_o do_v not_o dispute_v these_o matter_n now_o but_o only_o consider_v how_o unnatural_a it_o be_v to_o think_v so_o and_o therefore_o how_o very_a difficult_a it_o be_v for_o any_o man_n in_o good_a earnest_n to_o espouse_v these_o atheistick_a principle_n thus_o as_o for_o the_o principle_n of_o infidelity_n how_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o any_o man_n to_o persuade_v himself_o that_o god_n never_o reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n when_o all_o mankind_n have_v believe_v otherwise_o and_o be_v natural_o incline_v to_o believe_v so_o and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v do_v so_o and_o none_o to_o think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o especial_o when_o we_o have_v such_o evident_a proof_n of_o this_o in_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n which_o so_o strong_o persuade_v the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n for_o to_o deny_v prophecy_n and_o miracle_n when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v plain_a that_o there_o have_v be_v true_a prophecy_n or_o miracle_n and_o no_o man_n beside_o themselves_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n doubt_n whether_o he_o can_v foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v or_o exercise_v a_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o nature_n when_o he_o please_v can_v be_v call_v by_o no_o soft_a name_n than_o stupidity_n or_o impudence_n and_o whatever_o they_o say_v it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o believe_v what_o they_o say_v for_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n carry_v such_o a_o conviction_n with_o they_o of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o give_v such_o authority_n to_o the_o prophet_n as_o be_v not_o easy_o resist_v as_o be_v evident_a from_o hence_o that_o some_o of_o the_o wise_a of_o these_o man_n dare_v not_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n can_v they_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o they_o hear_v no_o prophecy_n nor_o see_v any_o miracle_n now_o and_o may_v be_v impose_v on_o by_o fabulous_a relation_n shall_v they_o be_v over_o credulous_a of_o such_o matter_n this_o will_v have_v be_v a_o good_a answer_n have_v they_o only_o some_o idle_a and_o uncertain_a report_n of_o such_o thing_n but_o it_o can_v never_o satisfy_v themselves_o when_o they_o have_v such_o a_o authentic_a history_n as_o the_o bible_n the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n for_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n can_v any_o man_n persuade_v himself_o to_o reject_v the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o all_o history_n if_o he_o can_v whatever_o he_o may_v pretend_v he_o will_v find_v it_o a_o very_a hard_a matter_n after_o all_o his_o criticism_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o best_a attest_v and_o most_o credible_a history_n in_o the_o world_n these_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o be_v a_o atheist_n or_o infidel_n without_o which_o man_n can_v never_o reject_v or_o confound_v the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o all_o these_o principle_n contradict_v the_o natural_a idea_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o destroy_v all_o the_o natural_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o reason_n that_o we_o can_v no_o more_o distinguish_v between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n than_o between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a ever_o thus_o to_o efface_v the_o natural_a notion_n of_o our_o mind_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v a_o very_a uneasy_a and_o difficult_a task_n 3_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v at_o least_o as_o difficult_a to_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a man_n may_v bribe_v their_o understanding_n but_o our_o natural_a passion_n be_v not_o so_o easy_o stifle_v when_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o nature_n have_v annex_v shame_n and_o fear_v and_o remorse_n to_o bad_a action_n which_o make_v they_o very_o bitter_a and_o grievous_a in_o the_o review_n whatever_o they_o be_v in_o the_o act_n it_o be_v not_o laugh_v at_o these_o fear_n as_o superstitious_a and_o owe_v to_o education_n which_o will_v cure_v they_o no_o more_o than_o the_o stoic_n brag_v that_o pain_n be_v no_o evil_a can_v prevent_v their_o feel_a pain_n what_o be_v painful_a will_v make_v we_o feel_v it_o and_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n themselves_o when_o they_o think_v they_o have_v reason_v and_o laugh_v away_o all_o their_o fear_n find_v that_o beside_o their_o frequent_a misgiving_n and_o jealousy_n when_o any_o great_a or_o surprise_v occasion_n set_v they_o free_a these_o passion_n return_v on_o they_o with_o such_o a_o fury_n as_o all_o their_o philosophy_n can_v resist_v now_o this_o endanger_v all_o again_o for_o natural_a shame_n and_o fear_v and_o remorse_n will_v make_v they_o own_o a_o essential_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a when_o they_o feel_v it_o 4thly_a but_o let_v we_o suppose_v all_o these_o difficulty_n conquer_v they_o be_v sensible_a that_o there_o be_v one_o still_o remain_v viz._n that_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n be_v against_o they_o the_o heathen_a world_n own_v a_o god_n and_o as_o learned_a man_n have_v prove_v one_o supreme_a god_n though_o they_o corrupt_v both_o the_o notion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n by_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n but_o atheism_n be_v so_o infamous_a among_o they_o that_o some_o atheistick_a philosopher_n such_o as_o epicurus_n himself_o be_v force_v to_o dissemble_v it_o they_o own_v a_o moral_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o own_v revelation_n and_o institute_v religion_n and_o have_v they_o though_o not_o from_o god_n yet_o from_o those_o evil_a spirit_n who_o they_o worship_v for_o go_n the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n own_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n who_o they_o be_v most_o at_o present_v concern_v with_o own_o both_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n these_o be_v great_a authority_n against_o they_o which_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v make_v man_n modest_a and_o put_v they_o a_o little_a out_o of_o countenance_n and_o incline_v they_o to_o suspect_v that_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v but_o they_o be_v sensible_a that_o modesty_n will_v undo_v they_o that_o to_o suspect_v whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n be_v as_o fatal_a to_o they_o as_o to_o know_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o way_n leave_v but_o to_o outface_v all_o the_o world_n to_o laugh_v at_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n as_o superstitious_a