unbelief_n that_o be_v through_o a_o false_a persuasion_n of_o mind_n not_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o obtain_v this_o mercy_n without_o a_o particular_a conviction_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o repentance_n for_o it_o and_o st._n peter_n after_o he_o have_v convince_v the_o jew_n of_o their_o great_a sin_n in_o crucify_a christ_n though_o they_o do_v it_o ignorant_o yet_o he_o exhort_v they_o to_o a_o particular_a and_o deep_a repentance_n for_o it_o as_o necessary_a to_o the_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o after_o he_o have_v say_v 3.19_o i_o wot_v that_o through_o ignorance_n you_o do_v it_o as_o do_v also_o your_o ruler_n he_o immediate_o add_v repent_v you_o therefore_o and_o be_v convert_v that_o your_o sin_n may_v be_v blot_v out_o so_o that_o it_o high_o concern_v man_n to_o consider_v what_o opinion_n they_o embrace_v in_o order_n to_o practice_n and_o not_o to_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v hurry_v away_o by_o a_o unreasonable_a prejudice_n and_o a_o heady_a passion_n without_o a_o due_a and_o calm_a examination_n of_o thing_n nor_o to_o be_v overbear_v by_o pride_n or_o humour_n or_o partiality_n or_o interest_n or_o by_o a_o furious_a and_o extravagant_a zeal_n because_o proportionable_o to_o the_o voluntariness_n of_o our_o error_n will_v be_v the_o guilt_n of_o our_o practice_n pursuant_n to_o that_o error_n indeed_o where_o our_o error_n be_v involuntary_a and_o moral_o invincible_a god_n will_v consider_v it_o and_o make_v allowance_n for_o it_o but_o where_o it_o be_v voluntary_a and_o occasion_v by_o our_o own_o gross_a fault_n and_o neglect_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o consider_v and_o to_o rectify_v our_o mistake_n for_o whatever_o we_o do_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n in_o virtue_n of_o that_o false_a persuasion_n we_o do_v it_o at_o our_o utmost_a peril_n and_o must_v be_v answerable_a to_o god_n for_o it_o notwithstanding_o we_o do_v it_o according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o our_o conscience_n a_o three_o rule_n be_v this_o that_o in_o all_o doubt_n of_o conscience_n we_o endeavour_v to_o be_v equal_a and_o impartial_a and_o do_v not_o lay_v all_o the_o weight_n of_o our_o doubt_n on_o one_o side_n when_o there_o be_v perhaps_o as_o much_o or_o great_a reason_n of_o doubt_v on_o the_o other_o and_o consequent_o that_o we_o be_v as_o tractable_a and_o easy_a to_o receive_v satisfaction_n of_o our_o doubt_n in_o one_o kind_n as_o in_o another_o and_o be_v equal_o content_v to_o have_v they_o overrule_v in_o case_n that_o be_v equal_a i_o mean_v where_o our_o passion_n and_o interest_n be_v not_o concern_v as_o well_o as_o where_o they_o be_v and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o do_v this_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o we_o be_v partial_a in_o our_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o aim_v mere_o at_o the_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n but_o have_v some_o other_o interest_n and_o design_n for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a suspicious_a thing_n when_o man_n doubt_n and_o scruple_n bear_v all_o on_o one_o side_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v on_o that_o side_n which_o be_v against_o charity_n and_o peace_n and_o obedience_n to_o government_n whether_o ecclesiastical_a or_o civil_a in_o this_o case_n i_o think_v that_o a_o mere_a doubt_n and_o much_o more_o a_o scruple_n may_v nay_o aught_o in_o reason_n to_o be_v overrule_v by_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n by_o the_o opinion_n and_o judgement_n of_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n and_o in_o consideration_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n and_o of_o the_o unity_n and_o edification_n of_o the_o church_n not_o that_o a_o man_n be_v in_o any_o case_n to_o go_v against_o the_o clear_a persuasion_n and_o conviction_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n but_o when_o there_o be_v only_o a_o mere_a doubt_n concern_v the_o lawfulness_n or_o unlawfulness_n of_o a_o thing_n it_o seem_v to_o i_o in_o that_o case_n very_o reasonable_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v suffer_v a_o mere_a doubt_n or_o scruple_n to_o be_v overrule_v by_o any_o of_o those_o weighty_a consideration_n which_o i_o mention_v before_o the_o four_o rule_n be_v that_o all_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n be_v vehement_o to_o be_v suspect_v which_o be_v accompany_v with_o turbulent_a passion_n and_o a_o furious_a zeal_n it_o be_v a_o hundred_o to_o one_o but_o such_o a_o man_n conscience_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a say_n of_o st._n james_n 1.20_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o fierce_a passion_n of_o man_n be_v no_o proper_a instrument_n to_o promote_v religion_n and_o to_o accomplish_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o therefore_o if_o any_o man_n be_v transport_v with_o a_o wild_a zeal_n and_o pretend_v conscience_n for_o his_o fury_n it_o be_v great_a odds_o but_o he_o be_v in_o a_o error_n none_o be_v so_o likely_a to_o judge_v amiss_o as_o they_o who_o mind_n be_v cloud_v and_o blind_v by_o their_o passion_n nubila_fw-la mens_fw-la est_fw-la both_o haec_fw-la ubi_fw-la regnant_a and_o if_o man_n will_v careful_o observe_v themselves_o they_o may_v almost_o certain_o know_v when_o they_o act_v upon_o reason_n and_o a_o true_a principle_n of_o conscience_n a_o good_a conscience_n be_v easy_a to_o itself_o and_o please_v with_o its_o own_o do_n but_o when_o a_o man_n passion_n and_o discontent_n be_v a_o weight_n upon_o his_o judgement_n and_o do_v as_o it_o be_v bear_v down_o his_o conscience_n to_o a_o compliance_n no_o wonder_n if_o this_o put_v a_o man_n mind_n into_o a_o very_a unnatural_a and_o uneasy_a state_n there_o can_v hardly_o be_v a_o broad_a sign_n that_o a_o man_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n than_o to_o rage_n and_o be_v confident_a because_o this_o plain_o show_v that_o the_o man_n conscience_n be_v not_o settle_v upon_o clear_a reason_n but_o that_o he_o have_v bring_v over_o his_o conscience_n to_o his_o interest_n or_o to_o his_o humour_n and_o discontent_n and_o though_o such_o a_o man_n may_v be_v so_o far_o blind_v by_o his_o passion_n as_o not_o to_o see_v what_o be_v right_a yet_o methinks_v he_o shall_v feel_v himself_o to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n by_o his_o be_v so_o very_o hot_a and_o impatient_a be_v thou_o sure_o thou_o be_v in_o the_o right_a thou_o be_v a_o happy_a man_n and_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v please_v what_o cause_n then_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o be_v angry_a have_v a_o man_n reason_n on_o his_o side_n what_o will_v he_o have_v more_o why_o then_o do_v he_o fly_v out_o into_o passion_n which_o as_o it_o give_v no_o strength_n to_o a_o bad_a argument_n so_o i_o can_v never_o yet_o see_v that_o it_o be_v any_o grace_n and_o advantage_n to_o a_o good_a one_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o the_o perpetual_a mistake_n of_o this_o furious_a kind_n of_o zeal_n the_o jew_n be_v a_o lively_a and_o a_o lamentable_a example_n in_o their_o carriage_n towards_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o more_o particular_o st._n paul_n when_o he_o persecute_v the_o christian_n from_o a_o false_a and_o erroneous_a persuasion_n of_o his_o conscience_n hear_v how_o st._n paul_n describe_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o do_n whilst_o he_o be_v act_v by_o a_o erroneous_a conscience_n i_o persecute_v 22.4_o say_v he_o this_o way_n unto_o the_o death_n bind_v and_o deliver_v into_o prison_n both_o man_n and_o woman_n and_o in_o another_o chapter_n 26.9_o i_o very_o think_v with_o myself_o that_o i_o ought_v to_o do_v many_o thing_n against_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n here_o be_v his_o erroneous_a conscience_n let_v we_o next_o see_v what_o be_v the_o unhappy_a concomitant_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o ver_fw-la 10_o 11_o which_o thing_n say_v he_o i_o also_o do_v in_o jerusalem_n and_o many_o of_o the_o saint_n i_o shut_v up_o in_o prison_n and_o when_o they_o be_v put_v to_o death_n i_o give_v my_o voice_n against_o they_o and_o punish_v they_o oft_o in_o every_o synagogue_n and_o compel_v they_o to_o blaspheme_v and_o be_v exceed_o mad_a against_o they_o i_o persecute_v they_o even_o to_o strange_a city_n when_o conscience_n transport_v man_n with_o such_o a_o furious_a zeal_n and_o passion_n it_o be_v hardly_o ever_o in_o the_o right_a or_o if_o it_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v so_o they_o who_o be_v thus_o transport_v by_o their_o ungracious_a way_n of_o maintain_v the_o truth_n and_o their_o ill_a management_n of_o a_o good_a cause_n have_v find_v out_o a_o cunning_a way_n to_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n even_o when_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n five_o all_o pretence_n of_o conscience_n be_v likewise_o to_o be_v suspect_v which_o be_v not_o accompany_v with_o modesty_n and_o humility_n and_o a_o teachable_a temper_n and_o disposition_n willing_a to_o learn_v and_o
soul_n and_o so_o long_o as_o that_o remain_v unwounded_a the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n can_v bear_v his_o infirmity_n god_n be_v intimate_v to_o our_o soul_n and_o have_v secret_a way_n whereby_o to_o convey_v the_o joy_n and_o comfort_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n into_o our_o heart_n under_o the_o bitter_a affliction_n and_o sharp_a suffering_n he_o can_v enable_v we_o by_o his_o grace_n to_o possess_v our_o soul_n in_o patience_n when_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v take_v from_o we_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o trouble_v about_o we_o he_o can_v give_v we_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o believe_v when_o we_o be_v persecute_v afflict_a and_o torment_v he_o can_v give_v we_o that_o ravish_a sight_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o another_o world_n that_o steadfast_a assurance_n of_o a_o future_a blessedness_n as_o shall_v quite_o extinguish_v all_o sense_n of_o present_a suffering_n how_o do_v many_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_a martyr_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o torment_n and_o under_o the_o very_a pang_n of_o death_n rejoice_v in_o the_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o but_o may_v happen_v to_o fall_v into_o those_o circumstance_n of_o danger_n and_o of_o bodily_a pain_n and_o suffering_n as_o to_o have_v no_o hope_n of_o relief_n and_o comfort_n but_o from_o god_n none_o in_o all_o the_o world_n to_o trust_v to_o but_o he_o only_o and_o in_o the_o great_a evil_n that_o can_v befall_v we_o in_o this_o life_n he_o be_v a_o sure_a refuge_n and_o sanctuary_n and_o to_o repeat_v the_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n after_o the_o text_n when_o our_o heart_n fail_v and_o our_o strength_n fail_v god_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o our_o portion_n for_o ever_o now_o what_o will_v any_o of_o we_o do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o god_n humane_a nature_n be_v liable_a to_o desperate_a strait_n and_o exigency_n and_o he_o be_v not_o happy_a who_o be_v not_o provide_v against_o the_o worst_a that_o may_v happen_v it_o be_v sad_a to_o be_v reduce_v to_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o to_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o comfort_n and_o hope_n and_o yet_o man_n may_v be_v bring_v to_o that_o extremity_n that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o god_n they_o will_v not_o know_v which_o way_n to_o turn_v themselves_o or_o how_o to_o entertain_v their_o thought_n with_o any_o comfortable_a consideration_n under_o their_o present_a anguish_n all_o man_n natural_o resort_v to_o god_n in_o extremity_n and_o cry_v out_o to_o he_o for_o help_v even_o the_o most_o profane_a and_o atheistical_a when_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o other_o comfort_n will_v run_v to_o god_n and_o take_v hold_v of_o he_o and_o cling_v about_o he_o but_o god_n have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o fool_n in_o those_o who_o neglect_n and_o despise_v he_o in_o their_o prosperity_n though_o they_o owe_v that_o also_o entire_o to_o he_o but_o when_o the_o evil_a day_n come_v than_o they_o lay_v hold_v of_o he_o as_o their_o only_a refuge_n when_o all_o thing_n go_v well_o with_o they_o god_n be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n but_o in_o their_o affliction_n they_o will_v seek_v he_o early_o then_o they_o will_v cry_v lord_n lord_n but_o he_o will_v say_v to_o they_o in_o that_o day_n depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n for_o i_o know_v you_o not_o here_o will_v be_v the_o great_a unhappiness_n of_o such_o person_n that_o god_n will_v then_o appear_v terrible_a to_o they_o so_o as_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a when_o they_o look_v up_o to_o he_o to_o abide_v his_o frown_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o they_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v he_o and_o to_o supplicate_v to_o he_o for_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n they_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o despair_v of_o it_o then_o those_o terrible_a threaten_n of_o god_n word_n will_v come_v to_o their_o mind_n because_o i_o call_v and_o you_o refuse_v i_o stretch_v out_o my_o hand_n etc._n and_o no_o man_n regard_v but_o you_o set_v at_o nought_o all_o my_o counsel_n and_o will_v have_v none_o of_o my_o reproof_n i_o also_o will_v laugh_v at_o your_o calamity_n and_o mock_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v when_o your_o fear_n come_v as_o desolation_n and_o your_o destruction_n come_v as_o a_o whirlwind_n when_o distress_n and_o anguish_n come_v upon_o you_o then_o shall_v they_o call_v upon_o i_o but_o i_o will_v not_o answer_v they_o shall_v seek_v i_o early_o but_o they_o shall_v not_o find_v i_o for_o that_o they_o hate_v knowledge_n and_o do_v not_o choose_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n they_o will_v none_o of_o my_o counsel_n they_o despise_v all_o my_o reproof_n therefore_o shall_v they_o eat_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o way_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o their_o own_o device_n the_o ease_n of_o the_o simple_a shall_v slay_v they_o and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o fool_n shall_v destroy_v they_o to_o which_o i_o will_v add_v that_o terrible_a passage_n in_o the_o prophet_n concern_v the_o perverse_a and_o obstinate_a jew_n they_o be_v a_o people_n of_o no_o understanding_n 27.11_o therefore_o he_o that_o make_v they_o will_v not_o have_v mercy_n on_o they_o and_o he_o that_o form_v they_o will_v show_v they_o no_o favour_n and_o man_n be_v miserable_a creature_n indeed_o when_o god_n their_o maker_n do_v abandon_v they_o and_o have_v so_o far_o harden_v his_o heart_n against_o they_o that_o he_o can_v have_v no_o pity_n and_o compassion_n for_o they_o seven_o and_o last_o which_o be_v consequent_a upon_o all_o the_o rest_n god_n be_v such_o a_o good_a as_o can_v give_v perfect_a rest_n and_o tranquillity_n to_o our_o mind_n and_o that_o which_o can_v do_v this_o though_o it_o have_v all_o the_o property_n before_o mention_v can_v make_v we_o happy_a for_o he_o be_v not_o happy_a who_o do_v not_o think_v himself_o so_o whatever_o cause_n he_o may_v have_v to_o think_v so_o now_o what_o in_o reason_n can_v give_v we_o disquiet_n if_o we_o do_v firm_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o his_o providence_n rule_v and_o govern_v all_o thing_n for_o the_o best_a and_o that_o god_n be_v all_o that_o to_o good_a man_n which_o have_v now_o be_v say_v of_o he_o why_o shall_v not_o our_o mind_n be_v in_o perfect_a repose_n when_o we_o be_v secure_a of_o the_o chief_a good_a and_o have_v find_v out_o that_o which_o can_v make_v we_o happy_a and_o be_v willing_a to_o make_v we_o so_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o and_o by_o our_o wilful_a obstinacy_n and_o rebellion_n against_o he_o do_v not_o oppose_v and_o frustrate_v this_o design_n if_o a_o considerate_a man_n be_v permit_v to_o his_o own_o choice_n to_o wish_v the_o great_a good_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o can_v possible_o devise_v after_o he_o have_v search_v heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o result_n of_o all_o his_o wish_n will_v be_v that_o there_o be_v just_o such_o a_o be_v as_o we_o must_v necessary_o conceive_v god_n to_o be_v nor_o will_v he_o choose_v any_o other_o friend_n or_o benefactor_n any_o other_o protector_n for_o himself_o or_o governor_n for_o the_o whole_a world_n than_o infinite_a power_n conduct_v and_o manage_v by_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n after_o all_o his_o enquiry_n he_o will_v come_v to_o the_o psalmist_n conclusion_n here_o in_o the_o text_n who_o have_v i_o in_o heaven_n but_o thou_o and_o there_o be_v none_o upon_o earth_n that_o i_o desire_v beside_o thou_o vain_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o seek_v for_o happiness_n elsewhere_o but_o this_o proceed_v from_o want_n of_o due_a consideration_n for_o when_o all_o thing_n be_v well_o weigh_v and_o all_o account_n right_o cast_v up_o and_o adjust_v we_o shall_v at_o last_o settle_v in_o david_n resolution_n of_o that_o great_a question_n what_o be_v the_o chief_a good_a of_o man_n 8._o there_o be_v many_o say_v he_o that_o say_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a that_o be_v man_n be_v general_o inquisitive_a after_o happiness_n but_o great_o divide_v in_o their_o opinion_n about_o it_o most_o man_n place_v it_o in_o the_o present_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n but_o david_n for_o his_o part_n pitch_v upon_o god_n in_o who_o he_o be_v full_o convince_v that_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n do_v consist_v there_o be_v many_o that_o say_v who_o will_v show_v we_o any_o good_a lord_n lift_v thou_o up_o the_o light_n of_o thy_o countenance_n upon_o we_o thou_o have_v put_v gladness_n in_o my_o heart_n more_o than_o in_o the_o time_n that_o their_o corn_n and_o wine_n increase_v the_o great_a joy_n of_o the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n be_v in_o a_o plentiful_a harvest_n and_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o david_n have_v
throne_n above_o the_o star_n of_o god_n i_o will_v sit_v also_o upon_o the_o mount_n of_o the_o congregation_n in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o north_n that_o be_v upon_o mount_n zion_n for_o just_a so_o the_o psalmist_n describe_v it_o 48.2_o beautiful_a for_o situation_n the_o joy_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n be_v mount_n zion_n on_o the_o side_n of_o the_o north._n here_o the_o king_n of_o babylon_n threaten_v to_o take_v jerusalem_n and_o to_o demolish_v the_o temple_n where_o the_o congregation_n of_o israel_n meet_v for_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n i_o will_v also_o sit_v upon_o the_o mount_n of_o the_o congregation_n in_o the_o side_n of_o the_o north._n much_o in_o the_o same_o style_n with_o the_o threaten_n of_o modern_a babylon_n i_o will_v destroy_v the_o reformation_n i_o will_v extirpate_v the_o northern_a heresy_n and_o then_o he_o go_v on_o i_o will_v ascend_v above_o the_o height_n of_o the_o cloud_n i_o will_v be_v like_o the_o most_o high_a yet_o thou_o shall_v be_v bring_v down_o to_o the_o grave_n to_o the_o side_n of_o the_o pit_n they_o that_o see_v thou_o shall_v narrow_o look_v upon_o thou_o and_o consider_v thou_o say_v be_v this_o the_o man_n that_o make_v the_o earth_n to_o tremble_v that_o do_v shake_v kingdom_n that_o make_v the_o world_n as_o a_o wilderness_n and_o destroy_v the_o city_n thereof_o and_o open_v not_o the_o house_n of_o his_o prisoner_n god_n seem_v already_o to_o have_v begin_v this_o work_n in_o the_o late_a glorious_a victory_n at_o sea_n and_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v cut_v it_o short_a in_o righteousness_n i_o have_v sometime_o heretofore_o wonder_v why_o at_o the_o destruction_n of_o modern_a and_o mystical_a babylon_n the_o scripture_n shall_v make_v so_o express_a mention_n of_o great_a wail_n and_o lamentation_n for_o the_o loss_n of_o her_o ship_n and_o seaman_n 18.17_o little_o imagine_v thirty_o year_n ago_o that_o any_o of_o the_o kingdom_n who_o have_v give_v their_o power_n to_o the_o beast_n will_v ever_o have_v arrive_v to_o that_o mighty_a naval_a force_n but_o the_o scripture_n say_v nothing_o in_o vain_a whether_o and_o how_o far_o success_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o good_a cause_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o debate_v but_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v may_v safe_o be_v affirm_v that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v sometime_o without_o plain_a and_o downright_a miracle_n so_o visible_o show_v itself_o that_o we_o can_v without_o great_a stupidity_n and_o obstinacy_n refuse_v to_o acknowledge_v it_o i_o grant_v the_o cause_n must_v first_o be_v manifest_o just_a before_o success_n can_v be_v make_v a_o argument_n of_o god_n favour_n to_o it_o and_o approbation_n of_o it_o and_o if_o the_o cause_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o necessary_a defence_n of_o it_o against_o a_o false_a and_o idolatrous_a worship_n be_v a_o good_a cause_n we_o be_v so_o and_o i_o do_v not_o here_o beg_v the_o question_n we_o have_v abundant_o prove_v it_o to_o the_o confusion_n of_o our_o adversary_n if_o the_o vindication_n of_o the_o common_a liberty_n of_o mankind_n against_o tyranny_n and_o oppression_n be_v a_o good_a cause_n than_o we_o be_v so_o and_o this_o need_v not_o to_o be_v prove_v it_o be_v so_o glare_o evident_a to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o as_o our_o cause_n be_v not_o like_o they_o so_o neither_o have_v their_o rock_n be_v like_o our_o rock_n our_o enemy_n themselves_o be_v judge_n and_o yet_o as_o bad_a a_o argument_n as_o success_n be_v of_o a_o good_a cause_n i_o be_o sorry_a to_o say_v it_o but_o i_o be_o afraid_a it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v like_a in_o the_o conclusion_n to_o prove_v the_o best_a argument_n of_o all_o other_o to_o convince_v those_o who_o have_v so_o long_o pretend_v conscience_n against_o submission_n to_o the_o present_a government_n mere_a success_n be_v certain_o one_o of_o the_o worst_a argument_n in_o the_o world_n of_o a_o good_a cause_n and_o the_o most_o improper_a to_o satisfy_v conscience_n and_o yet_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o in_o the_o issue_n it_o be_v the_o most_o successful_a of_o all_o other_o argument_n and_o do_v in_o a_o very_a odd_a but_o effectual_a way_n satisfy_v the_o conscience_n of_o a_o great_a many_o man_n by_o show_v they_o their_o interest_n god_n have_v of_o late_a visible_o make_v bare_a his_o arm_n in_o our_o behalf_n though_o some_o be_v still_o so_o blind_a and_o obstinate_a that_o they_o will_v not_o see_v it_o like_o those_o of_o who_o the_o prophet_n complain_v 26.11_o lord_n when_o thy_o hand_n be_v lift_v up_o they_o will_v not_o see_v but_o they_o shall_v see_v and_o be_v ashamed_a for_o their_o envy_n at_o thy_o people_n thus_o have_v i_o represent_v unto_o you_o a_o mighty_a monarch_n who_o like_o a_o fiery_a comet_n have_v hang_v over_o europe_n for_o many_o year_n and_o by_o his_o malignant_a influence_n have_v make_v such_o terrible_a havoc_n and_o devastation_n in_o this_o part_n of_o the_o world_n let_v we_o now_o turn_v our_o view_n to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o text_n and_o behold_v a_o great_a than_o he_o be_v here_o a_o prince_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a character_n who_o do_v understand_v and_o know_v god_n to_o be_v the_o lord_n which_o do_v exercise_v lovingkindness_n and_o judgement_n and_o righteousness_n in_o the_o earth_n and_o who_o have_v make_v it_o the_o great_a study_n and_o endeavour_v of_o his_o life_n to_o imitate_v these_o divine_a perfection_n as_o far_o as_o the_o imperfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n in_o this_o mortal_a state_n will_v admit_v i_o say_v a_o great_a than_o he_o be_v here_o who_o never_o say_v or_o do_v a_o insolent_a thing_n but_o instead_o of_o despise_v his_o enemy_n have_v upon_o all_o occasion_n encounter_v they_o with_o a_o undaunted_a spirit_n and_o resolution_n this_o be_v the_o man_n who_o god_n have_v honour_v to_o give_v a_o check_n to_o this_o mighty_a man_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o put_v a_o hook_n into_o the_o nostril_n of_o this_o great_a leviathan_n who_o have_v so_o long_o have_v his_o pastime_n in_o the_o sea_n but_o we_o will_v not_o insult_v as_o he_o once_o do_v in_o a_o most_o unprincely_a manner_n over_o a_o man_n much_o better_a than_o himself_o when_o he_o believe_v he_o to_o have_v be_v slay_v at_o the_o boyne_n and_o indeed_o death_n come_v then_o as_o near_o to_o he_o as_o be_v possible_a without_o kill_v he_o but_o the_o merciful_a providence_n of_o god_n be_v please_v to_o step_v in_o for_o his_o preservation_n almost_o by_o a_o miracle_n for_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o from_o the_o first_o use_n of_o great_a gun_n to_o that_o day_n any_o mortal_a man_n ever_o have_v his_o shoulder_n so_o kind_o kiss_v by_o a_o cannon-bullet_n but_o i_o will_v not_o trespass_v any_o further_a upon_o that_o which_o be_v the_o great_a ornament_n of_o all_o his_o other_o virtue_n though_o i_o have_v say_v nothing_o of_o he_o but_o what_o all_o the_o world_n do_v see_v and_o must_v acknowledge_v he_o be_v as_o much_o above_o be_v flatter_v as_o it_o be_v beneath_o a_o honest_a and_o a_o generous_a mind_n to_o flatter_v let_v we_o then_o glory_n in_o the_o lord_n and_o rejoice_v in_o the_o god_n of_o our_o salvation_n let_v we_o now_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o all_o his_o people_n pay_v our_o most_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n to_o he_o who_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v praise_v even_o to_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o israel_n who_o alone_o do_v wondrous_a thing_n who_o give_v victory_n unto_o king_n and_o have_v preserve_v our_o david_n his_o servant_n from_o the_o hurtful_a sword_n and_o let_v we_o humble_o beseech_v almighty_a god_n that_o he_o will_v long_o preserve_v to_o we_o the_o invaluable_a blessing_n of_o our_o two_o excellent_a prince_n who_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v send_v among_o we_o like_o two_o good_a angel_n not_o to_o rescue_v two_o or_o three_o person_n but_o almost_o a_o whole_a nation_n out_o of_o sodom_n by_o save_v we_o i_o hope_v at_o last_o from_o our_o vice_n as_o well_o as_o at_o first_o from_o that_o vengeance_n which_o be_v just_o ready_a to_o have_v be_v pour_v down_o upon_o we_o two_o sovereign_a prince_n reign_v together_o and_o in_o the_o same_o throne_n and_o yet_o so_o entire_o one_o as_o perhaps_o no_o nation_n no_o age_n can_v furnish_v we_o with_o a_o parallel_n two_o prince_n perfect_o unite_v in_o the_o same_o design_n of_o promote_a the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o public_a welfare_n by_o reform_v our_o manner_n and_o as_o far_o as_o be_v possible_a by_o repair_v the_o breach_n and_o heal_v the_o division_n of_o a_o miserable_o distract_a church_n and_o nation_n in_o a_o word_n two_o prince_n who_o be_v content_v to_o sacrifice_v themselves_o and_o their_o whole_a time_n to_o the_o care_n of_o the_o public_a and_o for_o the_o
over_o let_v we_o say_v peace_n be_v within_o thou_o for_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n and_o of_o that_o excellent_a church_n whereof_o we_o all_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v member_n let_v every_o one_o of_o we_o say_v i_o will_v seek_v thy_o good_a and_o what_o great_a good_n can_v we_o do_v to_o the_o best_a religion_n how_o can_v we_o better_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o it_o in_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n than_o by_o be_v at_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o ourselves_o here_o in_o england_n upon_o who_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o the_o protestant_n abroad_o be_v fix_v as_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o reformation_n and_o the_o great_a bulwark_n and_o support_v of_o it_o that_o so_o under_o the_o providence_n of_o almighty_n god_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o two_o such_o excellent_a prince_n as_o he_o have_v now_o bless_v we_o withal_o the_o one_o so_o brave_a and_o valiant_a and_o both_o of_o they_o so_o wise_a so_o good_a so_o religious_a we_o may_v at_o last_o arrive_v at_o a_o firm_a establishment_n and_o become_v like_o mount_n zion_n that_o can_v be_v move_v the_o perfection_n of_o beauty_n and_o strength_n and_o the_o admiration_n and_o joy_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a goodness_n grant_v for_o his_o mercy_n sake_n in_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o thou_o o_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o glory_n dominion_n and_o power_n thanksgiving_n and_o praise_n both_o now_o and_o ever_o amen_n a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o men._n in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n february_n the_o 27_o the_o 1690_o 1._o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o men._n act_n xxiv_o 16_o and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n these_o word_n be_v part_n of_o the_o defence_n which_o st._n paul_n make_v for_o himself_o before_o faelix_fw-la the_o roman_a governor_n in_o which_o he_o first_o of_o all_o vindicate_v himself_o from_o the_o charge_n of_o sedition_n ver_fw-la 12._o they_o neither_o find_v i_o in_o the_o temple_n dispute_v with_o any_o man_n neither_o raise_n up_o the_o people_n neither_o in_o the_o synagogue_n nor_o in_o the_o city_n that_o be_v they_o can_v not_o charge_v he_o with_o make_v any_o disturbance_n either_o in_o church_n or_o state_n after_o this_o he_o make_v a_o free_a and_o open_a profession_n of_o his_o religion_n ver_fw-la 14._o but_o this_o i_o confess_v that_o after_o the_o way_n which_o they_o call_v heresy_n so_o worship_v i_o the_o god_n of_o my_o father_n believe_v all_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n here_o he_o declare_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o oral_a tradition_n of_o the_o pharisee_n more_o particular_o he_o assert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n which_o be_v a_o principal_a article_n both_o of_o the_o jewish_a and_o the_o christian_a religion_n ver_fw-la 15._o and_o i_o have_v hope_n also_o towards_o god_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n both_o of_o the_o just_a and_o the_o unjust_a and_o have_v make_v this_o declaration_n of_o his_o faith_n he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o life_n in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n ver_fw-la 16._o and_o herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n herein_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v in_o this_o work_n do_v i_o employ_v myself_o or_o as_o other_o render_v it_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n whilst_o i_o be_o in_o this_o world_n or_o as_o other_o i_o think_v most_o probable_o for_o this_o cause_n and_o reason_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o this_o reason_n because_o i_o believe_v a_o resurrection_n therefore_o have_v i_o a_o conscientious_a care_n of_o my_o life_n and_o all_o the_o action_n of_o it_o the_o discourse_n i_o intend_v to_o make_v upon_o these_o word_n shall_v be_v comprise_v in_o these_o follow_a particular_n i._o here_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o a_o good_a man_n pious_a practice_n to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n ii_o here_o be_v his_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o this_o course_n to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n iii_o here_o be_v his_o earnest_a care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o this_o purpose_n i_o exercise_v myself_o iv._o here_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o immediate_a guide_n of_o his_o action_n which_o st._n paul_n here_o tell_v we_o be_v his_o conscience_n v._o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o some_o rule_n and_o direction_n for_o the_o keep_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n vi_o here_o be_v the_o great_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o this_o which_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o resurrection_n and_o of_o a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n consequent_a upon_o it_o for_o this_o cause_n because_o i_o hope_v for_o a_o resurrection_n both_o of_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a i_o exercise_v myself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n i_o shall_v speak_v but_o brief_o to_o the_o three_o first_o of_o these_o particular_n that_o i_o may_v be_v large_a in_o the_o rest_n i._o here_o be_v the_o extent_n of_o a_o good_a man_n pious_a practice_n it_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o his_o duty_n as_o it_o respect_v god_n and_o man._n i_o exercise_v myself_o say_v st._n paul_n to_o have_v a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n towards_o god_n and_o towards_o man_n and_o this_o distribution_n of_o our_o duty_n under_o these_o two_o general_a head_n be_v very_o frequent_a in_o scripture_n the_o decalogue_n refer_v our_o duty_n to_o these_o two_o head_n and_o according_o our_o saviour_n comprehend_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o those_o two_o great_a commandment_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n matth._n 22.38_o upon_o these_o two_o commandment_n hang_v all_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v all_o the_o moral_a precept_n which_o be_v disperse_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n may_v be_v refer_v to_o these_o two_o general_a head_n ii_o here_o be_v his_o constancy_n and_o perseverance_n in_o this_o course_n st._n paul_n say_v that_o he_o exercise_v himself_o to_o have_v always_o a_o conscience_n void_a of_o offence_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d continual_o at_o all_o time_n in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o his_o life_n we_o must_v not_o only_o make_v conscience_n of_o our_o way_n by_o fit_n and_o start_v but_o in_o the_o general_a course_n and_o tenor_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n without_o any_o balk_n and_o intermission_n there_o be_v some_o that_o will_v refrain_v from_o grosser_n sin_n and_o be_v very_o strict_a at_o some_o season_n as_o during_o the_o time_n of_o a_o solemn_a repentance_n and_o for_o some_o day_n before_o they_o receive_v the_o sacrament_n and_o perhaps_o for_o a_o little_a while_n after_o it_o and_o when_o these_o devout_a season_n be_v over_o they_o let_v themselves_o loose_v again_o to_o their_o former_a lewd_a and_o vicious_a course_n but_o religion_n shall_v be_v a_o constant_a frame_n and_o temper_n of_o mind_n discover_v itself_o in_o the_o habitual_a course_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n iii_o here_o be_v likewise_o a_o very_a earnest_a care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o this_o purpose_n herein_o do_v i_o exercise_v myself_o say_v st._n paul_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v here_o render_v exercise_n be_v a_o word_n of_o a_o very_a intense_a signification_n and_o do_v denote_v that_o st._n paul_n apply_v himself_o to_o this_o business_n with_o all_o his_o care_n and_o might_n and_o that_o he_o make_v it_o his_o earnest_a study_n and_o endeavour_v and_o so_o must_v we_o we_o must_v take_v great_a care_n to_o understand_v our_o duty_n and_o to_o be_v right_o inform_v concern_v good_a and_o evil_n that_o we_o may_v not_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o evil_a good_a we_o must_v apply_v our_o mind_n in_o good_a earnest_n to_o be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n what_o to_o do_v when_o we_o be_v call_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o when_o we_o know_v our_o duty_n we_o must_v be_v true_a and_o honest_a to_o ourselves_o and_o very_o careful_a and_o conscientious_a in_o the_o discharge_n and_o performance_n of_o it_o i_o proceed_v in_o the_o iv_o the_o
the_o accidental_a ornament_n of_o our_o fortune_n if_o they_o descend_v upon_o we_o they_o be_v the_o privilege_n of_o our_o birth_n not_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o wisdom_n and_o industry_n and_o those_o thing_n in_o the_o procurement_n whereof_o we_o have_v no_o hand_n we_o can_v hardly_o call_v our_o own_o and_o if_o they_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o own_o prudent_a industry_n that_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n of_o glory_v because_o man_n of_o much_o slow_a understanding_n do_v common_o outdo_v other_o in_o diligence_n and_o drudge_a their_o mind_n lie_v more_o level_a to_o the_o low_a design_n of_o be_v rich_a at_o the_o best_a riches_n be_v uncertain_a charge_v they_o say_v st._n paul_n that_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o be_v not_o high-minded_a nor_o trust_v in_o uncertain_a riches_n man_n have_v little_a reason_n to_o pride_n themselves_o or_o to_o place_v their_o confidence_n in_o that_o which_o be_v uncertain_a and_o even_o next_o to_o that_o which_o be_v not_o so_o the_o wise_a man_n speak_v of_o riches_n 23.5_o will_v thou_o set_v thy_o heart_n upon_o that_o which_o be_v not_o for_o riches_n certain_o make_v themselves_o wing_n and_o fly_v as_o a_o eagle_n towards_o heaven_n he_o express_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o if_o a_o rich_a man_n sit_v brood_v over_o a_o estate_n till_o it_o be_v fledge_v and_o have_v get_v itself_o wing_n to_o fly_v away_o but_o that_o which_o be_v the_o most_o sting_a consideration_n of_o all_o be_v that_o many_o man_n have_v a_o evil_a eye_n upon_o a_o good_a estate_n so_o that_o instead_o of_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o our_o happiness_n it_o may_v prove_v the_o occasion_n of_o our_o ruin_n so_o the_o same_o wise_a man_n observe_v 5.13_o there_o be_v a_o sore_a evil_n which_o i_o have_v see_v under_o the_o sun_n namely_o riches_n keep_v for_o the_o owner_n thereof_o to_o their_o hurt_n and_o it_o be_v not_o without_o example_n that_o a_o very_a rich_a man_n have_v be_v except_v out_o of_o a_o general_a pardon_n both_o as_o to_o life_n and_o estate_n for_o no_o other_o visible_a reason_n but_o his_o vast_a and_o overgrow_a fortune_n so_o solomon_n observe_v to_o we_o again_o 1.18_o such_o be_v the_o way_n of_o every_o one_o that_o be_v greedy_a of_o gain_n which_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o the_o owner_n thereof_o and_o why_o shall_v any_o man_n be_v proud_a of_o his_o danger_n of_o that_o which_o one_o time_n or_o other_o may_v be_v the_o certain_a and_o only_a cause_n of_o his_o ruin_n a_o man_n may_v be_v too_o rich_a to_o be_v forgive_v a_o fault_n which_o will_v never_o have_v be_v prosecute_v against_o a_o man_n of_o a_o middle_a fortune_n for_o these_o reason_n and_o a_o great_a many_o more_o let_v not_o the_o rich_a man_n glory_n in_o his_o riches_n ii_o i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o be_v matter_n of_o true_a glory_n but_o let_v he_o that_o glori_v glory_n in_o this_o that_o he_o understand_v and_o know_v i_o that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n which_o exercise_n lovingkindness_n and_o judgement_n and_o righteousness_n in_o the_o earth_n for_o in_o these_o thing_n i_o delight_v say_v the_o lord_n that_o he_o understand_v and_o know_v i_o here_o be_v two_o word_n use_v to_o express_v the_o thing_n more_o full_o understanding_n and_o knowledge_n which_o seem_v not_o only_o to_o import_v right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o be_v and_o providence_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n but_o likewise_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o affection_n suitable_a to_o these_o apprehension_n that_o he_o understand_v and_o know_v i_o that_o i_o be_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v the_o creator_n and_o the_o sovereign_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n which_o exercise_n lovingkindness_n and_o judgement_n and_o righteousness_n in_o the_o earth_n the_o best_a knowledge_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o perfection_n especial_o of_o those_o which_o be_v most_o proper_a for_o our_o imitation_n and_o such_o be_v those_o mention_v in_o the_o text_n lovingkindness_n and_o judgement_n and_o righteousness_n which_o we_o may_v distinguish_v thus_o lovingkindness_n comprehend_v god_n mild_a attribute_n his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o patience_n judgement_n signify_v his_o severe_a deal_n with_o man_n whether_o in_o the_o chastisement_n of_o his_o people_n or_o in_o the_o remarkable_a punishment_n of_o great_a offender_n for_o example_n and_o warning_n to_o other_o righteousness_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o word_n of_o a_o large_a signification_n and_o to_o denote_v that_o universal_a rectitude_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o appear_v in_o all_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o providence_n here_o below_o for_o the_o text_n speak_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o these_o perfection_n in_o this_o world_n which_o exercise_n lovingkindness_n and_o judgement_n and_o righteousness_n in_o the_o earth_n several_a of_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v incommunicable_a to_o a_o creature_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v think_v to_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o for_o a_o pattern_n as_o self-existence_n independence_n and_o all-sufficiency_n the_o eternity_n and_o the_o immensity_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v to_o be_v the_o original_a cause_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n and_o the_o sovereign_a governor_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n for_o god_n only_o be_v sufficient_a for_o that_o and_o to_o be_v a_o match_n for_o all_o the_o world_n a_o nec_fw-la pluribus_fw-la impar_fw-la be_v not_o a_o motto_n fit_a for_o a_o mortal_a man_n a_o creature_n may_v swell_v with_o pride_n till_o it_o burst_v before_o it_o can_v stretch_v itself_o to_o this_o pitch_n of_o power_n and_o greatness_n it_o be_v a_o insufferable_a presumption_n and_o a_o sottish_a ignorance_n of_o the_o necessary_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o our_o be_v to_o think_v to_o resemble_v god_n in_o these_o perfection_n this_o be_v the_o ambition_n of_o lucifer_n to_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o to_o be_v like_o the_o most_o high_a in_o our_o imitation_n of_o god_n we_o must_v still_o keep_v within_o the_o station_n of_o creature_n not_o affect_v a_o independency_n and_o sovereignty_n like_o god_n and_o to_o be_v omnipotent_a as_o he_o be_v have_v thou_o a_o arm_n like_o god_n 40.9_o and_o can_v thou_o thunder_v with_o a_o voice_n like_o he_o as_o god_n himself_o argue_v with_o job_n for_o in_o these_o thing_n i_o delight_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n take_v pleasure_n to_o exercise_v these_o perfection_n himself_o and_o to_o see_v they_o imitate_v by_o we_o and_o the_o imitation_n of_o these_o divine_a perfection_n be_v our_o perfection_n and_o glory_n in_o comparison_n of_o which_o all_o humane_a wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o riches_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v matter_n of_o glory_n that_o they_o be_v very_o despicable_a and_o pitiful_a thing_n knowledge_n and_o skill_n to_o devise_v mischief_n and_o power_n to_o effect_v it_o be_v the_o true_a nature_n and_o character_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n those_o apostate_n and_o accurse_a spirit_n who_o in_o temper_n and_o disposition_n be_v most_o contrary_a to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o pattern_n of_o all_o perfection_n i_o shall_v only_o make_v two_o observation_n or_o inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v and_o then_o apply_v the_o whole_a discourse_n to_o the_o great_a occasion_n of_o this_o day_n and_o they_o be_v these_o first_o that_o the_o wise_a and_o sure_a reason_n in_o religion_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o unquestionable_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n second_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v the_o true_a idea_n and_o pattern_n of_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n first_o that_o the_o wise_a and_o sure_a reason_n in_o religion_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o unquestionable_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n upon_o those_o more_o especial_o which_o to_o we_o be_v most_o easy_a and_o intelligible_a such_o as_o be_v those_o mention_v in_o the_o text._n and_o this_o make_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o these_o perfection_n to_o be_v so_o useful_a and_o so_o valuable_a because_o all_o religion_n be_v found_v in_o right_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o perfection_n insomuch_o that_o divine_a revelation_n itself_o do_v suppose_v these_o for_o its_o foundation_n and_o can_v signify_v nothing_o to_o we_o unless_o these_o be_v first_o know_v and_o believe_v for_o unless_o we_o be_v first_o firm_o persuade_v of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o particular_a care_n of_o mankind_n why_o shall_v we_o suppose_v that_o he_o make_v any_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o we_o unless_o it_o be_v first_o natural_o know_v that_o god_n be_v a_o god_n of_o truth_n what_o ground_n be_v there_o for_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o word_n so_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v
incredible_a swiftness_n through_o city_n and_o country_n for_o fear_v the_o innocent_a man_n justification_n shall_v overtake_v it_o five_o another_o cause_n of_o evil-speaking_a be_v impertinence_n and_o curiosity_n a_o itch_n of_o talk_v and_o meddle_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o other_o man_n which_o do_v no_o wise_n concern_v they_o some_o person_n love_v to_o mingle_v themselves_o in_o all_o business_n and_o be_v loath_a to_o seem_v ignorant_a of_o so_o important_a a_o piece_n of_o news_n as_o the_o fault_n and_o folly_n of_o man_n or_o any_o bad_a thing_n that_o be_v talk_v of_o in_o good_a company_n and_o therefore_o they_o do_v with_o great_a care_n pick_v up_o ill_a story_n as_o good_a matter_n of_o discourse_n in_o the_o next_o company_n that_o be_v worthy_a of_o they_o and_o this_o perhaps_o not_o out_o of_o any_o great_a malice_n but_o for_o want_v of_o something_o better_a to_o talk_v of_o and_o because_o their_o part_n lie_v chief_o that_o way_n last_o man_n do_v this_o many_o time_n out_o of_o wantonness_n and_o for_o diversion_n so_o little_a do_v light_n and_o vain_a man_n consider_v that_o a_o man_n reputation_n be_v too_o great_a and_o tender_a a_o concernment_n to_o be_v jest_v withal_o and_o that_o a_o slanderous_a tongue_n bite_v like_o a_o serpent_n and_o wound_n like_o a_o sword_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o barbarous_a next_o to_o sport_v with_o a_o man_n life_n than_o to_o play_v with_o his_o honour_n and_o reputation_n which_o to_o some_o man_n be_v dear_a to_o they_o than_o their_o life_n it_o be_v a_o cruel_a pleasure_n which_o some_o man_n take_v in_o worry_v the_o reputation_n of_o other_o much_o better_a than_o themselves_o and_o this_o only_a to_o divert_v themselves_o and_o the_o company_n solomon_n compare_v this_o sort_n of_o man_n to_o distract_a person_n as_o a_o madman_n say_v he_o who_o cast_v firebrand_n arrow_n and_o death_n so_o be_v the_o man_n that_o deceive_v his_o neighbour_n the_o lxx_o render_v it_o so_o be_v the_o man_n that_o defame_v his_o neighbour_n and_o say_v be_o i_o not_o in_o sport_n such_o and_o so_o bad_a be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o vice_n i_o proceed_v to_o consider_v in_o the_o second_o place_n the_o ordinary_a but_o very_o pernicious_a consequence_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o both_o to_o other_o and_o to_o ourselves_o first_o to_o other_o the_o party_n i_o mean_v that_o be_v slander_v to_o they_o it_o be_v certain_o a_o great_a injury_n and_o common_o a_o high_a provocation_n but_o always_o matter_n of_o no_o small_a grief_n and_o trouble_n to_o they_o it_o be_v certain_o a_o great_a injury_n and_o if_o the_o evil_n which_o we_o say_v of_o they_o be_v not_o true_a it_o be_v a_o injury_n beyond_o imagination_n and_o beyond_o all_o possible_a reparation_n and_o though_o we_o shall_v do_v our_o utmost_a endeavour_n afterward_o towards_o their_o vindication_n yet_o that_o make_v but_o very_o little_a amends_o because_o the_o vindication_n seldom_o reach_v so_o far_o as_o the_o reproach_n and_o because_o common_o man_n be_v neither_o so_o forward_o to_o spread_v the_o vindication_n nor_o be_v it_o so_o easy_o receive_v after_o ill_a impression_n be_v once_o make_v the_o solicitous_a vindication_n of_o a_o man_n self_n be_v at_o the_o best_a but_o a_o aftergame_n and_o for_o the_o most_o part_n a_o man_n have_v better_a fit_a still_o than_o to_o run_v the_o hazard_n of_o make_v the_o matter_n worse_o by_o play_v it_o i_o will_v add_v one_o thing_n more_o that_o it_o be_v a_o injury_n that_o descend_v to_o a_o man_n child_n and_o posterity_n because_o the_o good_a or_o ill_a name_n of_o the_o father_n be_v derive_v down_o to_o they_o and_o many_o time_n the_o best_a thing_n he_o have_v to_o leave_v they_o be_v the_o reputation_n of_o his_o unblemished_a virtue_n and_o worth_a and_o do_v we_o make_v no_o conscience_n to_o rob_v his_o innocent_a child_n of_o the_o best_a part_n of_o this_o small_a patrimony_n and_o of_o all_o the_o kindness_n that_o will_v have_v be_v do_v they_o for_o their_o father_n sake_n if_o his_o reputation_n have_v not_o be_v so_o undeserved_o stain_v be_v it_o no_o crime_n by_o the_o breath_n of_o our_o mouth_n at_o once_o to_o blast_v a_o man_n reputation_n and_o to_o ruin_v his_o child_n perhaps_o to_o all_o posterity_n can_v we_o make_v a_o jest_n of_o so_o serious_a a_o matter_n of_o a_o injury_n so_o very_o hard_o to_o be_v repent_v of_o as_o it_o ought_v because_o in_o such_o a_o case_n no_o repentance_n will_v be_v acceptable_a without_o restitution_n if_o it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n and_o perhaps_o it_o will_v undo_v we_o in_o this_o world_n to_o make_v it_o and_o if_o we_o do_v it_o not_o will_v be_v our_o ruin_n in_o the_o other_o i_o will_v put_v the_o case_n at_o the_o best_a that_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o slander_n be_v true_a yet_o no_o man_n reputation_n be_v considerable_o stain_v though_o never_o so_o deserve_o without_o great_a harm_n and_o damage_n to_o he_o and_o it_o be_v great_a odds_o but_o the_o matter_n by_o pass_v through_o several_a hand_n be_v aggravate_v beyond_o truth_n every_o one_o out_o of_o his_o bounty_n be_v apt_a to_o add_v something_o to_o it_o but_o beside_o the_o injury_n it_o be_v common_o a_o very_a high_a provocation_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o that_o may_v be_v as_o bad_a as_o we_o can_v imagine_v and_o may_v end_v in_o dangerous_a and_o desperate_a quarrel_n this_o reason_n the_o wise_a son_n of_o sirach_n give_v why_o we_o shall_v defame_v no_o man_n 9_o whether_o it_o be_v say_v he_o to_o a_o friend_n or_o a_o foe_n talk_v not_o of_o other_o man_n life_n for_o he_o have_v hear_v and_o observe_v thou_o that_o be_v one_o way_n or_o other_o it_o will_v probable_o come_v to_o his_o knowledge_n and_o when_o the_o time_n come_v he_o will_v show_v his_o hatred_n that_o be_v he_o will_v take_v the_o first_o opportunity_n to_o revenge_v it_o at_o the_o best_a it_o be_v always_o matter_n of_o grief_n to_o the_o person_n that_o be_v defame_v and_o christianity_n which_o be_v the_o best-natured_a institution_n in_o the_o world_n forbid_v we_o the_o do_v of_o those_o thing_n whereby_o we_o may_v grieve_v one_o another_o a_o man_n good_a name_n be_v a_o tender_a thing_n and_o a_o wound_n there_o sink_v deep_a into_o the_o spirit_n even_o of_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n and_o the_o more_o innocent_a any_o man_n be_v in_o this_o kind_n the_o more_o sensible_a be_v he_o of_o this_o hard_a usage_n because_o he_o never_o treat_v other_o so_o nor_o be_v he_o conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v deserve_v it_o second_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o vice_n be_v as_o bad_a or_o worse_o to_o ourselves_o whoever_o be_v wont_a to_o speak_v evil_a of_o other_o gives_z a_o bad_a character_n of_o himself_o even_o to_o those_o who_o he_o desire_v to_o please_v who_o if_o they_o be_v wise_a enough_o will_v conclude_v that_o he_o speak_v of_o they_o to_o other_o as_o he_o do_v of_o other_o to_o they_o and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o that_o fond_a partiality_n which_o man_n have_v for_o themselves_o no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o blind_a as_o not_o to_o see_v this_o and_o it_o be_v very_o well_o worthy_a of_o our_o consideration_n which_o our_o saviour_n say_v in_o this_o very_a case_n 7._o that_o with_o what_o measure_n we_o meet_v to_o other_o it_o shall_v be_v measure_v to_o we_o again_o and_o that_o many_o time_n heap_v up_o and_o run_v over_o for_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o thing_n wherein_o mankind_n do_v use_v more_o strict_a justice_n and_o equality_n than_o in_o render_v evil_a for_o evil_n and_o rail_v for_o rail_v nay_o revenge_v often_o go_v further_a than_o word_n a_o reproachful_a and_o slanderous_a speech_n have_v cost_v many_o a_o man_n a_o duel_n and_o in_o that_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o own_o life_n or_o the_o murder_n of_o another_o perhaps_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o i_o have_v often_o wonder_v that_o among_o christian_n this_o matter_n be_v no_o more_o lay_v to_o heart_n and_o though_o neither_o of_o these_o great_a mischief_n shall_v happen_v to_o we_o yet_o this_o may_v be_v inconvenient_a enough_o many_o other_o way_n for_o no_o man_n know_v in_o the_o chance_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o mutability_n of_o humane_a affair_n who_o kindness_n and_o goodwill_n he_o may_v come_v to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o before_o he_o die_v so_o that_o do_v a_o man_n only_o consult_v his_o own_o safety_n and_o quiet_a he_o ought_v to_o refrain_v from_o evil-speaking_a 13._o what_o man_n be_v he_o say_v the_o psalmist_n that_o desire_v life_n and_o love_v many_o day_n that_o he_o may_v see_v good_a keep_v thy_o tongue_n from_o evil_n and_o thy_o lip_n from_o speak_a falsehood_n but_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_o