that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o condemn_v all_o self-love_n which_o when_o it_o act_v regular_o be_v the_o natural_a principle_n of_o all_o moral_a and_o religious_a action_n and_o have_v prevent_v this_o objection_n which_o lie_v in_o my_o way_n for_o the_o further_a explication_n and_o improvement_n of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o inquire_v what_o that_o self-love_n be_v which_o the_o apostle_n here_o condemn_v 2._o how_o dangerous_a and_o perilous_a such_o time_n must_v needs_o be_v wherein_o this_o self-love_n prevail_v 3._o show_v the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n as_o well_o as_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n of_o it_o 1._o what_o that_o self-love_n be_v which_o the_o apostle_n condemn_v for_o can_v self-love_n be_v the_o fruitful_a parent_n of_o all_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o evil_a and_o wickedness_n which_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o world_n can_v the_o same_o fountain_n send_v forth_o sweet_a water_n and_o bitter_a and_o yet_o thus_o we_o see_v it_o be_v both_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n act_v from_o a_o principle_n of_o self-love_n and_o design_v their_o own_o happiness_n and_o satisfaction_n this_o inspire_v good_a man_n with_o great_a and_o generous_a design_n set_v they_o above_o this_o world_n make_v they_o devout_a worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o very_o just_a and_o charitable_a to_o man_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o principle_n which_o act_v in_o bad_a man_n and_o drive_v they_o into_o all_o the_o excess_n of_o wickedness_n they_o gratify_v their_o own_o inclination_n and_o appetite_n â—…y_v it_o they_o find_v present_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n they_o do_v what_o they_o love_v they_o please_v themselves_o they_o pursue_v what_o they_o call_v happiness_n which_o be_v self-love_n still_o though_o turn_v off_o of_o its_o natural_a bias_n by_o mistake_a notion_n of_o happiness_n all_o man_n love_v themselves_o but_o self-love_n do_v not_o act_v alike_o in_o all_o man_n because_o they_o be_v not_o all_o agree_v what_o self_n to_o love_v for_o man_n consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o spirit_n and_o flesh_n which_o have_v different_a interest_n appetite_n and_o inclination_n and_o have_v distinct_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o own_o a_o good_a man_n love_v his_o whole_a self_n soul_n and_o body_n too_o and_o design_n and_o endeavour_n the_o happiness_n of_o both_o which_o be_v the_o entire_a happiness_n of_o a_o man_n and_o this_o be_v a_o virtuous_a self-love_n which_o make_v the_o flesh_n subordinate_a to_o the_o spirit_n govern_v our_o sensual_a appetite_n by_o reason_n improve_v our_o mind_n in_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n raise_v our_o soul_n up_o to_o god_n and_o entertain_v they_o with_o the_o love_n and_o the_o admiration_n of_o that_o best_a of_o being_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n secure_v a_o eternal_a interest_n the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o glorious_a resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n into_o immortal_a life_n but_o a_o bad_a man_n love_v but_o one_o part_n of_o himself_o and_o that_o the_o mean_a part_n too_o and_o make_v much_o more_o mean_a and_o vile_a by_o be_v love_v alone_o his_o self-love_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o love_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o lust_n and_o appetite_n and_o pleasure_n of_o it_o a_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o all_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n which_o gratify_v a_o carnal_a and_o fleshly_a mind_n the_o soul_n be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o care_n so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o he_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o believe_v he_o have_v a_o soul_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o subdue_v reason_n to_o sense_n and_o brutish_a passion_n to_o stifle_v the_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n to_o root_v up_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n or_o to_o charm_v his_o conscience_n that_o it_o may_v not_o chide_v and_o condemn_v and_o disturb_v he_o in_o his_o enjoyment_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o when_o the_o scripture_n condemn_v the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o it_o do_v not_o mean_v our_o personal_a self_n for_o so_o every_o man_n do_v and_o must_v love_v himself_o or_o his_o own_o person_n but_o it_o be_v to_o love_v something_o for_o ourselves_o which_o we_o will_v have_v to_o be_v ourselves_o when_o god_n never_o make_v it_o to_o be_v so_o which_o be_v our_o own_o self_n or_o a_o self_n of_o our_o own_o make_n and_o to_o love_v this_o self_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o man_n which_o be_v to_o love_v our_o self_n only_o and_o to_o make_v all_o other_o thing_n subordinate_a to_o self_n which_o be_v the_o adequate_a notion_n of_o a_o vicious_a self-love_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o self_n of_o our_o own_o make_n that_o be_v it_o be_v what_o a_o sinner_n will_v call_v himself_o and_o will_v account_v his_o whole_a self_n and_o in_o please_v of_o which_o he_o place_v his_o whole_a happiness_n though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a part_n of_o that_o self_n which_o god_n make_v god_n make_v man_n soul_n and_o body_n but_o such_o man_n will_v call_v nothing_o themselves_o but_o flesh_n god_n make_v man_n for_o a_o rational_a and_o intellectual_a happiness_n as_o he_o make_v he_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n but_o such_o man_n place_v their_o whole_a happiness_n in_o sense_n now_o flesh_n be_v not_o the_o man_n of_o god_n make_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n be_v not_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o man_n man_n be_v make_v to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n in_o conjunction_n with_o those_o of_o reason_n and_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o a_o sensual_a happiness_n he_o be_v not_o make_v for_o that_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o a_o inferior_a and_o brutish_a nature_n and_o those_o who_o will_v have_v this_o to_o be_v their self_o and_o their_o happiness_n be_v their_o own_o creature_n not_o god_n and_o be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n their_o own_o way_n and_o device_n as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v 2._o such_o man_n be_v lover_n of_o themselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o be_v they_o be_v lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v they_o prefer_v their_o own_o will_n and_o humour_n and_o the_o gratification_n of_o their_o lust_n before_o the_o will_n and_o law_n of_o god_n and_o in_o contradiction_n to_o they_o a_o good_a man_n live_v in_o subordination_n to_o god_n as_o a_o creature_n ought_v to_o do_v to_o his_o maker_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o will_n and_o choice_n the_o love_n of_o god_n give_v law_n and_o bound_n to_o his_o love_n of_o himself_o he_o please_v himself_o in_o such_o instance_n as_o god_n allow_v he_o deny_v his_o own_o will_n and_o appetite_n inclination_n and_o interest_n when_o they_o oppose_v the_o will_n and_o law_n of_o god_n such_o a_o man_n can_v hardly_o be_v say_v to_o have_v any_o self_n to_o have_v any_o will_n any_o love_n any_o desire_n of_o his_o own_o for_o god_n be_v all_o this_o to_o he_o god_n live_v in_o he_o he_o be_v more_o god_n than_o he_o be_v his_o own_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v i_o live_v yet_o not_o i_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o i_o 2_o gal._n 20._o but_o a_o bad_a man_n have_v divide_v himself_o from_o god_n cast_v off_o his_o obedience_n affect_v a_o independent_a state_n to_o stand_v by_o himself_o and_o to_o be_v his_o own_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o a_o god_n to_o himself_o and_o such_o a_o man_n be_v proper_o say_v to_o love_v himself_o for_o he_o distinguish_v himself_o from_o god_n and_o prefer_v himself_o before_o he_o three_o such_o man_n be_v proper_o say_v to_o be_v lover_n of_o themselves_o because_o they_o love_v themselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n they_o gratify_v their_o lust_n and_o serve_v their_o private_a interest_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o law_n of_o justice_n or_o charity_n it_o be_v their_o principle_n to_o do_v good_a to_o themselves_o without_o ever_o be_v concern_v what_o either_o private_a man_n or_o public_a society_n suffer_v by_o it_o they_o be_v the_o whole_a world_n to_o themselves_o and_o have_v no_o body_n else_o to_o please_v or_o take_v care_n of_o unless_o they_o can_v serve_v their_o own_o design_n by_o it_o such_o man_n be_v proper_o lover_n of_o themselves_o that_o be_v only_o of_o themselves_o for_o they_o love_v no_o body_n else_o and_o this_o be_v the_o sordid_a narrow_a selfish_a spirit_n of_o flesh_n and_o sense_n which_o dwell_v within_o itself_o be_v its_o own_o centre_n and_o its_o own_o circumference_n for_o flesh_n be_v a_o narrow_a principle_n can_v have_v no_o pleasure_n nor_o feel_v any_o pain_n but_o its_o own_o and_o therefore_o must_v confine_v
conviction_n of_o conscience_n and_o enforceâ—…_n the_o reproof_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o word_n with_o such_o sensible_a and_o smart_a proof_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o god_n anger_n against_o it_o as_o will_v make_v all_o man_n consider_v who_o have_v not_o lose_v their_o sense_n and_o many_o time_n restore_v sense_n and_o understanding_n to_o those_o who_o have_v lose_v they_o but_o this_o to_o some_o man_n will_v seem_v a_o very_a dull_a account_n of_o god_n judgement_n which_o will_v neither_o gratify_v their_o curiosity_n nor_o ill_a nature_n nor_o which_o they_o think_v worse_o leave_v they_o any_o excuse_n to_o palliate_v their_o hypocrisy_n the_o judgement_n of_o god_n declare_v god_n anger_n against_o sin_n and_o call_v we_o to_o repentance_n this_o man_n will_v own_v but_o do_v not_o like_a to_o hear_v it_o express_v in_o such_o general_a term_n as_o if_o when_o god_n send_v his_o judgement_n among_o we_o he_o be_v angry_a with_o â—…s_n for_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o call_v we_o to_o repent_v of_o they_o all_o this_o they_o think_v hard_a that_o they_o must_v part_v with_o all_o their_o sin_n to_o remove_v these_o judgement_n nay_o this_o they_o think_v can_v be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n because_o the_o world_n be_v always_o very_o wicked_a and_o yet_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v not_o always_o abroad_o in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o they_o suppose_v that_o when_o god_n do_v execute_v judgement_n it_o be_v not_o sin_n in_o general_n but_o some_o particular_a sin_n which_o so_o high_o provoke_v he_o and_o can_v they_o learn_v what_o they_o be_v and_o reform_v they_o they_o may_v see_v happy_a day_n again_o and_o this_o set_v man_n at_o liberty_n to_o favour_v what_o sin_n they_o please_v to_o reproach_n and_o accuse_v each_o other_o and_o to_o charge_v all_o the_o evil_n and_o calamity_n they_o suffer_v upon_o one_o another_o without_o think_v of_o reform_v themselves_o thus_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o always_o be_v when_o there_o be_v differ_v party_n and_o faction_n in_o a_o nation_n who_o judge_n very_o different_o of_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o will_v all_o confess_v they_o be_v great_a sinner_n and_o it_o may_v be_v too_o many_o of_o all_o party_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o sin_n but_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v common_a to_o they_o all_o must_v pass_v for_o nothing_o because_o so_o far_o they_o be_v all_o agree_v but_o then_o there_o be_v peculiar_a party-sin_n which_o every_o party_n dislike_v in_o each_o other_o and_o what_o they_o dislike_v they_o conclude_v god_n dislike_v too_o and_o to_o these_o they_o attribute_v all_o the_o evil_n they_o suffer_v as_o if_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o reform_v the_o world_n but_o to_o decide_v some_o party-quarrel_n which_o will_v never_o be_v decide_v this_o way_n when_o every_o party_n will_v expound_v judgement_n in_o favour_n of_o themselves_o but_o all_o man_n see_v that_o this_o be_v to_o judge_v by_o a_o false_a and_o partial_a rule_n this_o be_v neither_o conscience_n nor_o scripture_n for_o conscience_n equal_o condemn_v all_o sin_n and_o so_o do_v the_o scripture_n too_o i_o grant_v though_o there_o be_v always_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o wickedness_n commit_v in_o the_o world_n god_n do_v not_o always_o inflict_v public_a judgement_n which_o be_v common_o execute_v when_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n be_v grow_v public_a too_o when_o public_a government_n be_v remiss_a in_o punish_v wickedness_n or_o the_o number_n and_o power_n of_o sinner_n be_v grow_v too_o great_a for_o the_o correction_n of_o public_a justice_n but_o we_o shall_v always_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o when_o god_n do_v inflict_v public_a judgement_n he_o call_v for_o a_o general_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o so_o no_o man_n can_v understand_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o rod_n without_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n but_o this_o deserve_v a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o those_o sin_n for_o which_o god_n most_o common_o send_v his_o judgement_n when_o he_o see_v fit_a to_o execute_v a_o public_a vengeance_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o universal_a reformation_n when_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o we_o 1._o the_o most_o general_a account_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o public_a judgement_n be_v a_o universal_a corruption_n of_o manner_n thus_o the_o prophet_n describe_v the_o state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n when_o god_n threaten_v his_o judgement_n against_o they_o ah_o â—…nful_a nation_n a_o people_n lade_v with_o iniquiry_n a_o seed_n of_o evil_a doer_n child_n that_o be_v corrupter_n they_o have_v forsake_v the_o lord_n they_o have_v provoke_v the_o holy_a one_o oâ—…_n israel_n they_o be_v go_v away_o backward_o and_o the_o whole_a head_n be_v sick_a and_o the_o wholâ—…_n heart_n faint_a from_o the_o sole_a of_o the_o foot_n unto_o the_o head_n there_o be_v no_o soundnesâ—…_n in_o it_o but_o wound_n and_o bruise_n and_o puâ—…_n trify_v sore_n they_o have_v not_o be_v close_v nor_o bind_v up_o nor_o mollify_v with_o oint_n mean_v isa._n 1._o 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o in_o verse_n 10_o he_o call_v they_o the_o ruler_n of_o sodom_n anâ—…_n people_n of_o gomorrah_n when_o wickednesâ—…_n be_v grow_v universal_a and_o have_v infect_v alâ—…_n rank_n and_o order_n of_o man_n such_o a_o nation_n be_v ripe_a for_o judgement_n but_o it_o addâ—…_n great_o to_o the_o gild_n and_o provocation_n when_o man_n be_v not_o content_v to_o bâ—…_n wicked_a without_o bid_v open_a defiane_n to_o god_n and_o to_o all_o religion_n wo_n untâ—…_n they_o who_o draw_v iniquity_n with_o cord_n of_o vanity_n and_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v with_o cart-ropeâ—…_a who_o deride_v all_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o even_o dare_v his_o power_n and_o justice_n that_o say_v let_v he_o make_v speed_n and_o haste_n en_fw-fr his_o work_n that_o we_o may_v see_v it_o and_o leâ—…_n the_o counsel_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n draâ—…_n nigh_o and_o come_v that_o we_o may_v know_v iâ—…_n who_o mock_v at_o the_o difference_n of_o gooâ—…_n and_o evil_n and_o value_v the_o reputation_n oâ—…_n their_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n too_o much_o to_o beâ—…_n cheat_v with_o such_o empty_a name_n wo_n unto_o they_o that_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n that_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darâ—…ss_n that_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a 〈◊〉_d â—…itter_a wo_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n who_o have_v first_o destroy_v the_o eternal_a and_o essential_a difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a change_v their_o name_n too_o at_o pleasure_n and_o think_v themselves_o the_o only_a wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n for_o do_v so_o this_o take_v off_o all_o restraint_n and_o give_v the_o reins_o to_o their_o lust_n and_o they_o live_v just_a as_o they_o believe_v without_o make_v any_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil._n woe_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v mighty_a to_o drink_v wine_n and_o man_n if_o strength_n to_o mingle_v strong_a drink_n who_o justify_v the_o wicked_a for_o a_o reward_n and_o take_v â—…ay_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o righteous_a from_o he_o therefore_o as_o the_o fire_n devouâ—…eth_v the_o stubble_n and_o the_o flame_n consume_v the_o chaff_n so_o their_o root_n shall_v be_v as_o rotâ—…nness_n and_o their_o blossom_n shall_v go_v up_o as_o the_o dust_n because_o they_o have_v cast_v away_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o despise_v the_o word_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n isa._n 5._o 18_o etc._n etc._n the_o like_a account_n we_o find_v in_o the_o other_o prophet_n and_o when_o the_o state_n of_o a_o church_n and_o nation_n be_v so_o corrupt_a we_o need_v not_o inquire_v for_o what_o particular_a sin_n god_n strike_v but_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n which_o god_n express_v 〈◊〉_d severe_a indignation_n against_o and_o seldoâ—…_n delay_v to_o punish_v such_o as_o their_o idâ—…_n latry_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o god_n oâ—…_n israel_n of_o his_o word_n and_o prophet_n profanation_n of_o his_o worship_n atheâ—…_n istical_a notion_n of_o providence_n and_o 〈◊〉_d good_a and_o evil_a or_o their_o abominabâ—…_n hypocrisy_n in_o commit_v all_o the_o lewâ—…_n ness_n and_o villainy_n which_o man_n couâ—…_n commit_v and_o shelter_v themselves_o in_o aâ—…_n external_a form_n and_o appearance_n of_o râ—…_n ligion_n which_o the_o prophet_n every_o wheâ—…_n complain_v of_o to_o these_o cause_n be_v oâ—…_n ing_z the_o universal_a corruption_n of_o maâ—…_n ner_z for_o it_o be_v impossible_a any_o natiâ—…_n shall_v so_o universal_o degenerate_a tâ—…_n they_o have_v either_o corrupt_v their_o reâ—…_n gion_n by_o superstition_n and_o hypocrisy_n lose_v all_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o tâ—…_n call_v for_o a_o speedy_a vengeance_n as_o for_o what_o more_o particular_o
god_n for_o man_n will_v swallow_v i_o up_o he_o â—…ting_v daily_o oppress_v i_o my_o eneâ—…es_n will_v daily_o swallow_v i_o up_o for_o they_o 〈◊〉_d many_o that_o rise_v up_o against_o i_o o_o thou_o most_o â—…igh_a what_o time_n i_o be_o afraid_a i_o will_v â—…ust_v in_o thou_o in_o god_n i_o will_v praise_v his_o â—…rd_n in_o god_n i_o have_v put_v my_o trust_n i_o will_v â—…t_o fear_v what_o flesh_n can_v do_v unto_o i_o four_o when_o god_n do_v think_v fit_a to_o â—…rrect_v his_o people_n yet_o he_o always_o reâ—…oves_v his_o judgement_n upon_o their_o sincere_a â—…epentance_n this_o be_v god_n express_a â—…ovenant_n with_o israel_n 26._o levit._fw-la 40_o â—…1_n 42._o if_o they_o shall_v confess_v their_o iniquiâ—…_n and_o the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o father_n with_o the_o trespass_n which_o they_o trespass_v against_o i_o and_o also_o that_o they_o have_v walkâ—…d_v contrary_a to_o i_o and_o that_o i_o also_o have_v â—…alked_v contrary_a to_o they_o and_o have_v bring_v â—…hem_n into_o the_o land_n of_o their_o enemy_n 〈◊〉_d then_o their_o uncircumcised_a heart_n be_v humâ—…led_v and_o they_o then_o accept_v of_o the_o punishment_n of_o their_o iniquity_n then_o will_v i_o remember_v my_o covenant_n with_o jacob_n and_o also_o my_o covenant_n with_o isaac_n and_o also_o my_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n will_v i_o remember_v and_o i_o will_v remember_v the_o land_n thus_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n when_o god_n for_o their_o sin_n deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n when_o they_o cry_v to_o god_n he_o raise_v up_o saviour_n for_o they_o nay_o many_o time_n when_o their_o repentance_n be_v not_o very_o sincere_a nor_o last_a yet_o in_o great_a goodness_n and_o compassion_n he_o spare_v they_o when_o he_o slay_v they_o than_o they_o seek_v he_o and_o return_v and_o inquire_v early_o after_o god_n and_o they_o remember_v that_o god_n be_v their_o rock_n and_o the_o high_a god_n their_o redeemer_n neuèrtheless_o they_o do_v flatter_v he_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o they_o lie_v unto_o he_o with_o their_o tongue_n for_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a with_o he_o neither_o be_v they_o steadfast_a in_o his_o covenant_n but_o he_o be_v full_a of_o compassion_n forgive_v their_o iniquity_n and_o destroy_v they_o not_o yea_o many_o a_o time_n turn_v he_o his_o anger_n away_o and_o do_v not_o stir_v up_o all_o his_o wrath_n for_o he_o remember_v that_o they_o be_v but_o flesh_n a_o wind_n that_o pass_v away_o and_o come_v not_o again_o 78._o psalm_n 34_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o how_o angry_a soever_o god_n be_v we_o have_v a_o certain_a way_n of_o appease_v his_o anger_n nothing_o but_o sin_n can_v provoke_v a_o merciful_a god_n and_o a_o compassionate_a father_n to_o punish_v he_o have_v a_o great_a tenderness_n for_o all_o his_o creature_n he_o do_v not_o afflict_v willing_o nor_o grieve_v the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v more_o easy_o appease_v than_o he_o be_v provoke_v judgement_n be_v his_o strange_a work_n but_o he_o â—…ights_v in_o act_n of_o mercy_n and_o seem_v â—…ased_v with_o a_o honourable_a occasion_n 〈◊〉_d show_v mercy_n without_o expose_v his_o â—…ws_n and_o government_n to_o contempt_n â—…d_v therefore_o repentance_n and_o reforâ—…tion_n will_v always_o appease_v he_o nay_o â—…metimes_o we_o see_v that_o the_o very_a show_v â—…d_v appearance_n of_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a â—…pentance_n though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o sinâ—…re_a and_o hearty_a as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v â—…akes_v he_o stay_v his_o hand_n and_o expect_v â—…r_a return_n and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a encouâ—…gement_n and_o a_o powerful_a obligation_n on_o 〈◊〉_d to_o return_v to_o god_n when_o he_o strike_v 〈◊〉_d humble_a ourselves_o under_o his_o mighty_a â—…nd_n for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o reâ—…ove_v his_o judgement_n and_o this_o will_v do_v 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o trust_v in_o army_n â—…d_a navy_n in_o the_o courage_n and_o conâ—…ct_n of_o prince_n and_o general_n when_o â—…ur_n sin_v fight_v against_o we_o when_o god_n â—…efuses_v to_o go_v forth_o with_o our_o army_n â—…r_v no_o king_n be_v save_v by_o the_o multitude_n of_o â—…n_a host_n a_o horse_n be_v a_o vain_a thing_n for_o safeâ—…y_n neither_o shall_v he_o deliver_v any_o by_o his_o â—…reat_a strength_n but_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o upon_o they_o that_o â—…ope_v in_o his_o mercy_n 33._o psal._n 16_o 17_o 18._o nay_o the_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o our_o cause_n will_v not_o always_o secure_a 〈◊〉_d of_o success_n for_o those_o who_o have_v a_o very_a just_a cause_n may_v deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v and_o then_o god_n may_v just_o punish_v they_o and_o deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n 〈◊〉_d their_o enemy_n god_n do_v not_o always_o determine_v what_o be_v right_o and_o wrong_n by_o the_o event_n of_o war_n for_o he_o be_v the_o sovereign_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o may_v punish_v a_o wicked_a nation_n by_o unjust_a oppressor_n as_o he_o often_o do_v the_o israelite_n the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n will_v not_o always_o secure_v we_o when_o ouâ—…_n sin_v cry_v for_o vengeance_n when_o the_o jew_n cry_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n 〈◊〉_d temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o prophet_n tell_v they_o they_o trust_v in_o lie_a word_n for_o will_v you_o steal_v and_o murder_n and_o commit_v adultery_n and_o swear_v false_o and_o burn_v incense_n to_o baal_n and_o come_v and_o stand_v before_o i_o in_o this_o house_n which_o be_v call_v by_o my_o name_n and_o say_v we_o be_v deliver_v to_o do_v all_o these_o abomination_n 7_o jer._n 4_o 10._o to_o glory_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n or_o in_o a_o vigorous_a opposition_n to_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o religion_n when_o we_o be_v atheist_n or_o infidel_n in_o our_o life_n may_v make_v god_n punish_v we_o but_o be_v no_o reason_n on_o our_o part_n why_o he_o shall_v save_v we_o but_o true_a and_o sincere_a repenâ—…ance_n will_v save_v we_o we_o profess_v the_o sinâ—…ere_a faith_n of_o christ_n we_o fight_v in_o a_o just_a cause_n if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o defend_v our_o â—…elves_n against_o the_o powerful_a oppressor_n â—…f_o the_o protestant_n that_o be_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o europe_n and_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o fear_v â—…ny_n thing_n but_o our_o sin_n let_v we_o but_o reâ—…orm_v our_o life_n and_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a â—…f_n our_o do_n and_o our_o arm_n will_v be_v as_o prosperous_a as_o our_o cause_n be_v just_a god_n will_v then_o gird_v our_o prince_n and_o soldier_n â—…ith_o strength_n to_o the_o battle_n will_v teach_v â—…heir_a hand_n to_o war_n and_o their_o finger_n to_o â—…ght_n 5thly_a faith_n and_o prayer_n be_v more_o â—…owerful_a than_o arm_n as_o it_o must_v necesâ—…arily_o be_v if_o god_n only_o give_v victory_n â—…nd_v success_n this_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o â—…hole_a history_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o apoâ—…le_n to_o the_o hebrew_n give_v we_o a_o particular_a â—…ccount_n of_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n ii_o heb._n â—…2_n 33_o 34._o of_o gideon_n and_o barach_n and_o samson_n and_o jeptha_n and_o david_n who_o â—…hrough_a faith_n subdue_v kingdom_n wrought_v â—…ighteousness_n obtain_v promise_n stop_v â—…he_a mouth_n of_o lion_n quench_v the_o violence_n â—…f_a fire_n escape_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n out_o of_o weakness_n be_v make_v strong_a wax_v valivaliant_a in_o fight_n turn_v to_o flight_n the_o army_n of_o the_o alien_n moses_n his_o prayer_n be_v more_o powerful_a than_o ioshua_n arm_n for_o when_o moses_n hold_v up_o his_o hand_n israel_n prevail_v when_o he_o let_v down_o his_o hand_n amalek_n prevail_v 17._o exo._n ii_o hezekiah_n prayer_n overthrow_v the_o assyrian_a army_n when_o rabshekah_n come_v against_o jerusalem_n and_o reproach_v they_o with_o their_o trust_n in_o god_n we_o must_v not_o indeed_o expect_v such_o miraculous_a victory_n as_o god_n give_v to_o israel_n but_o this_o make_v no_o difference_n for_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n and_o prayer_n be_v the_o same_o still_o and_o all_o victory_n be_v god_n still_o who_o give_v success_n as_o well_o by_o invisible_a mean_n and_o seem_a accident_n as_o by_o the_o most_o visible_a interposal_n of_o a_o miraculous_a power_n for_o god_n give_v israel_n miraculous_a deliverance_n not_o because_o he_o can_v not_o save_v they_o without_o a_o miracle_n but_o because_o he_o will_v make_v it_o visible_a to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o he_o be_v their_o saviour_n but_o still_o god_n hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o answer_v they_o he_o be_v still_o the_o saviour_n and_o deliverer_n of_o all_o those_o who_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n and_o therefore_o the_o only_a sure_a way_n to_o conquer_v our_o enemy_n be_v to_o prevail_v with_o god_n by_o
be_v likely_a enough_o he_o think_v he_o to_o be_v some_o extraordinary_a person_n he_o know_v by_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o appear_v and_o know_v from_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n that_o the_o time_n for_o his_o come_n be_v accomplish_v nay_o it_o be_v probable_a he_o know_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o hear_v that_o â—…imony_n god_n give_v he_o at_o his_o bapâ—…_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n but_o he_o see_v he_o be_v a_o man_n though_o a_o extraordinary_a man_n and_o may_v not_o know_v that_o he_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o and_o have_v former_o foil_v our_o first_o parent_n in_o paradise_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n hope_v for_o the_o like_a success_n again_o now_o if_o christ_n himself_o be_v tempt_v by_o the_o devil_n none_o of_o we_o must_v hope_v to_o escape_v tempt_v we_o shall_v be_v and_o therefore_o must_v take_v care_n to_o stand_v upon_o our_o guard_n and_o to_o fortify_v our_o mind_n against_o all_o temptation_n and_o this_o encouragement_n we_o have_v from_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o to_o be_v tempt_v be_v no_o sin_n unless_o we_o yield_v to_o a_o temptation_n for_o he_o be_v tempt_v as_o we_o be_v yet_o without_o sin_n and_o we_o can_v imagine_v have_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o be_v tempt_v that_o god_n will_v have_v permit_v the_o devil_n to_o have_v tempt_v our_o saviour_n which_o may_v ease_v the_o fear_n of_o some_o melancholy_a christian_n who_o be_v afflict_v with_o evil_a and_o tempt_a thought_n which_o their_o soul_n abhor_v for_o whatever_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o thought_n be_v whether_o a_o fright_a and_o disturb_a imagination_n or_o the_o suggestion_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n they_o can_v no_o more_o defile_v the_o soul_n which_o abhor_v and_o reject_v they_o with_o grief_n and_o indignation_n than_o they_o can_v the_o paper_n on_o which_o they_o be_v write_v nay_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o god_n many_o time_n exercise_n those_o with_o the_o great_a and_o most_o difficult_a trial_n and_o temptation_n who_o be_v most_o dear_a to_o he_o he_o have_v no_o soon_o proclaim_v christ_n his_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o he_o be_v well_o please_v but_o he_o lead_v he_o by_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o wilderness_n to_o be_v tempt_v of_o the_o devil_n this_o life_n be_v a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o probation_n and_o temptation_n though_o they_o create_v some_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n to_o good_a man_n yet_o do_v they_o no_o hurt_n if_o good_a man_n conquer_v temptation_n do_v but_o exercise_v increase_n and_o confirm_v their_o grace_n and_o make_v they_o great_a and_o illustrious_a example_n to_o the_o world_n glorify_v the_o divine_a power_n in_o the_o victory_n and_o triumph_n of_o his_o servant_n over_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n give_v they_o a_o secure_a hope_n in_o god_n and_o a_o transport_v sense_n of_o his_o love_n and_o prepare_v great_a reward_n for_o they_o in_o the_o next_o life_n and_o if_o they_o happen_v in_o any_o particular_a encounter_n to_o be_v overcome_v as_o st._n peter_n himself_o be_v when_o he_o deny_v his_o master_n yet_o they_o rise_v again_o with_o glory_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o shame_n of_o a_o defeat_n fill_v they_o with_o sorrow_n indignation_n self-revenge_n give_v they_o new_a spirit_n vigour_n activity_n resolution_n make_v they_o more_o patient_a of_o hardship_n and_o suffering_n more_o unwearied_a in_o do_v good_a more_o humble_a and_o modest_a and_o more_o perfect_o resign_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o dispose_v of_o they_o and_o their_o service_n to_o his_o own_o glory_n as_o he_o please_v god_n do_v not_o train_v up_o those_o who_o he_o love_v and_o who_o he_o prepare_v for_o glory_n in_o ease_n and_o softness_n who_o the_o lord_n love_v he_o chastn_v and_o scourge_v every_o son_n who_o he_o receive_v and_o the_o more_o difficult_a temptation_n he_o expose_v we_o to_o the_o great_a honour_n he_o do_v we_o the_o more_o glorious_a will_v our_o triumph_n the_o rich_a and_o bright_a will_v our_o crown_n be_v let_v we_o then_o behold_v our_o saviour_n in_o the_o wilderness_n separate_v from_o humane_a conversation_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o life_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o wild_a beast_n and_o tempt_a spirit_n and_o not_o think_v that_o god_n use_v we_o hardly_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o let_v loose_v the_o tempter_n upon_o we_o and_o give_v he_o power_n over_o all_o we_o have_v as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o job_n to_o afflict_v we_o in_o our_o relation_n our_o body_n our_o estate_n good_a name_n or_o whatever_o give_v we_o the_o sharp_a and_o keen_a sense_n of_o suffering_n and_o be_v the_o most_o difficult_a exercise_n of_o our_o faith_n 2._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o time_n when_o our_o saviour_n be_v tempt_v viz._n immediate_o after_o his_o baptism_n be_v full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 4._o luke_n 1._o 1._o as_o soon_o as_o our_o saviour_n be_v baptize_v he_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o wilderness_n for_o then_o in_o my_o text_n relate_v to_o the_o time_n of_o his_o baptism_n and_o st._n luke_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v do_v in_o his_o return_n from_o jordan_n where_o he_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n by_o this_o religious_a rite_n our_o saviour_n have_v devote_v himself_o to_o the_o immediate_a service_n of_o god_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v inaugurate_v into_o his_o prophetic_a office_n by_o that_o testimony_n which_o be_v give_v to_o he_o by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o this_o be_v the_o critical_a time_n both_o for_o the_o devil_n to_o tempt_v and_o for_o our_o saviour_n to_o baffle_v all_o his_o temptation_n and_o to_o triumph_v over_o he_o can_v the_o devil_n have_v conquer_v our_o saviour_n in_o this_o first_o assault_n there_o have_v be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o glorious_a design_n of_o man_n salvation_n when_o he_o have_v enslave_v and_o captivate_v the_o saviour_n himself_o and_o therefore_o he_o begin_v as_o early_o with_o â—…he_n second_o adam_n as_o he_o do_v with_o the_o first_o though_o not_o with_o the_o like_a success_n have_v our_o first_o parent_n resist_v the_o first_o â—…emptation_n we_o have_v be_v happy_a for_o â—…ver_n but_o they_o yield_v and_o bring_v â—…eath_n upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o posteâ—…ity_n but_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n who_o god_n have_v promise_v shall_v â—…reak_v the_o serpent_n head_n who_o be_v make_v manifest_a to_o destroy_v the_o work_n the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o god_n order_n and_o appointment_n first_o encounter_v he_o in_o his_o own_o person_n resist_v his_o most_o furious_a assault_n make_v he_o reâ—…reat_a with_o shame_n and_o despair_n as_o foreseeâ—…ng_v his_o own_o destiny_n and_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o his_o kingdom_n as_o the_o old_a serpent_n seduce_v our_o first_o parent_n in_o paradise_n and_o bring_v sin_n and_o misery_n and_o death_n into_o the_o world_n so_o it_o be_v very_o fit_v that_o the_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n shall_v give_v the_o first_o proof_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n in_o conquer_a the_o tempter_n this_o give_v we_o great_a encouragement_n to_o fight_v under_o christ_n banner_n against_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n for_o the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n have_v already_o conquer_v and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o christ_n who_o strengthen_v we_o he_o know_v what_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n be_v and_o what_o measure_v of_o grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o resist_v they_o and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o forsake_v he_o he_o will_v not_o forsake_v we_o he_o have_v conquer_v himself_o and_o know_v how_o to_o conquer_v and_o if_o we_o faithful_o adhere_v to_o he_o we_o shall_v conquer_v too_o nay_o in_o case_n we_o shall_v some_o time_n be_v conquer_v this_o have_v make_v he_o a_o merciful_a and_o compassionate_a high_a priest_n be_v in_o all_o thing_n tempt_v like_o as_o we_o be_v he_o know_v the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o power_n and_o subtlety_n of_o the_o tempter_n and_o pray_v for_o we_o as_o he_o do_v for_o st._n peter_n that_o our_o faith_n fail_v not_o that_o if_o we_o fall_v we_o may_v rise_v again_o by_o repentance_n and_o this_o be_v a_o mighty_a consolation_n that_o if_o any_o man_n sin_n 〈◊〉_d have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a who_o be_v not_o only_o a_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n but_o be_v tempt_v also_o as_o we_o be_v 2_o st._n luke_n observe_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o he_o receive_v without_o measure_n at_o his_o baptism_n when_o the_o holy_a
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
evidence_n â—…f_v they_o that_o they_o be_v what_o we_o can_v â—…onceive_v and_o comprehend_v to_o believe_v no_o far_o than_o natural_a â—…eason_n can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v be_v â—…o_o reject_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o reveâ—…tion_n and_o to_o destroy_v the_o distinction_n beâ—…ween_v reason_n and_o faith_n he_o who_o will_v â—…elieve_v no_o far_o than_o natural_a reason_n â—…pproves_v believe_v his_o reason_n not_o the_o revelation_n and_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o natural_a philosopher_n not_o a_o believer_n he_o believe_v â—…he_a scripture_n as_o he_o will_v believe_v platoâ—…nd_n â—…nd_z tully_n not_o as_o inspire_v write_n but_o â—…s_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o the_o result_n of_o wise_a and_o deep_a thought_n and_o this_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o the_o dispute_n about_o faith_n and_o revelation_n at_o once_o for_o what_o use_n be_v there_o of_o faith_n what_o matter_n whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v divine_o inspire_v or_o not_o when_o we_o be_v no_o far_o concern_v with_o they_o than_o with_o other_o humane_a write_n to_o believe_v what_o they_o teach_v agreeable_a to_o our_o own_o reason_n let_v these_o man_n then_o either_o reject_v faith_n and_o scripture_n or_o confess_v that_o revelation_n as_o to_o all_o supernatural_a truth_n must_v serve_v we_o instead_o of_o sense_n and_o reason_n i_o will_v glad_o know_v of_o they_o whether_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v such_o supernatural_a truth_n as_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o reason_n be_v they_o sure_a that_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o i_o guess_v they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o say_v that_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v god_n himself_o shall_v he_o reveal_v such_o thing_n as_o their_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v and_o if_o they_o will_v believe_v god_n in_o such_o matter_n why_o will_v they_o not_o believe_v a_o revelation_n which_o they_o themselves_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v divine_a in_o such_o matter_n for_o be_v there_o any_o difference_n between_o believe_v god_n and_o believe_v a_o divine_a revelation_n if_o god_n do_v know_v and_o can_v reveal_v such_o mystery_n and_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v when_o he_o do_v reveal_v they_o and_o such_o doctrine_n be_v contain_v in_o a_o undoubted_a revelation_n then_o the_o unconceivableness_n of_o they_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n or_o that_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o contain_v such_o mystery_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o this_o which_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n in_o this_o dispute_n viz._n that_o we_o must_v allow_v of_o no_o objection_n against_o reveal_v mystery_n which_o we_o will_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v good_a objection_n against_o sense_n and_o reason_n which_o be_v a_o necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a consequence_n if_o revelation_n with_o respect_n to_o supernatural_a truth_n stand_v in_o the_o place_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n now_o no_o man_n question_n the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o see_v and_o feel_v or_o what_o he_o can_v prove_v to_o be_v true_a by_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a reason_n mere_o because_o there_o be_v unconceivable_a difficulty_n in_o it_o as_o there_o be_v in_o every_o thing_n even_o the_o most_o certain_a and_o familiar_a thing_n in_o nature_n and_o if_o reveal_v truth_n be_v not_o more_o unconceivable_a than_o many_o natural_a object_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n why_o shall_v their_o be_v unconceivable_a be_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o believe_v a_o revelation_n than_o it_o be_v against_o believe_v our_o sense_n and_o reason_n in_o matter_n equal_o unconceivable_a when_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o that_o he_o have_v a_o eternal_a and_o only_o beget_v son_n though_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o as_o firm_o believe_v it_o as_o we_o do_v that_o man_n beget_v a_o son_n in_o his_o own_o likeness_n the_o philosophy_n of_o which_o we_o as_o little_o understand_v nor_o can_v we_o any_o more_o conceive_v the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n than_o we_o do_v the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o one_o person_n and_o if_o we_o own_o the_o authority_n of_o revelation_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o as_o well_o believe_v what_o revelation_n teach_v how_o unconceivable_a soever_o it_o be_v as_o we_o do_v what_o sense_n and_o reason_n teach_v though_o it_o be_v alike_o unconceivable_a all_o man_n be_v sensible_a that_o it_o be_v very_o absurd_a and_o foolish_a to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v certain_a evidence_n of_o because_o they_o can_v comprehend_v the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o man_n who_o rise_v up_o and_o walk_v before_o the_o philosopher_n who_o be_v dispute_v subtle_o against_o the_o possibility_n of_o motion_n put_v a_o scorn_n upon_o all_o his_o argument_n by_o show_v he_o that_o he_o can_v move_v and_o therefore_o we_o see_v that_o all_o man_n believe_v their_o sense_n and_o reason_n against_o all_o the_o difficulty_n in_o nature_n and_o will_v never_o be_v persuade_v by_o the_o subtle_a disputant_n that_o that_o be_v not_o which_o they_o certain_o see_v and_o know_v to_o be_v now_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n if_o man_n will_v allow_v the_o authority_n of_o revelation_n they_o must_v believe_v what_o be_v reveal_v how_o unconceivable_a and_o incomprehensible_a soever_o its_o nature_n be_v for_o when_o we_o know_v what_o a_o thing_n be_v and_o this_o may_v be_v know_v by_o revelation_n as_o well_o as_o by_o sense_n as_o those_o man_n must_v confess_v who_o acknowledge_v a_o divine_a revelation_n no_o difficulty_n in_o conceive_v it_o must_v persuade_v we_o to_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v this_o be_v very_o plain_a in_o itself_o though_o few_o man_n consider_v it_o that_o to_o disbelieve_v what_o be_v reveal_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o difficulty_n in_o understanding_n or_o conceive_v it_o be_v to_o reject_v the_o certainty_n of_o revelation_n for_o what_o other_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o that_o difference_n man_n make_v between_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o of_o revelation_n but_o that_o they_o allow_v sense_n and_o reason_n to_o be_v good_a and_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v evident_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n how_o mysterious_a soever_o their_o nature_n be_v but_o that_o mere_a revelation_n be_v no_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o evident_a also_o to_o sense_n and_o reason_n how_o plain_o soever_o it_o be_v reveal_v that_o be_v that_o revelation_n alone_o can_v prove_v nothing_o for_o if_o revelation_n itself_o can_v prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o what_o be_v reveal_v the_o difficulty_n in_o nature_n and_o philosophy_n can_v no_o more_o disprove_v a_o revelation_n than_o confute_v our_o sense_n now_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o unequal_a usage_n to_o expect_v more_o from_o revelation_n than_o they_o do_v from_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o not_o to_o believe_v revelation_n upon_o the_o same_o term_n that_o they_o believe_v their_o sense_n shall_v man_n resolve_v to_o believe_v nothing_o which_o they_o see_v till_o they_o can_v give_v a_o philosophical_a account_n of_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n and_o nature_n of_o all_o they_o see_v as_o they_o refuse_v to_o believe_v a_o revelation_n any_o far_a than_o they_o can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v the_o thing_n reveal_v they_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v as_o great-scepticks_a as_o they_o be_v infidel_n for_o as_o for_o contradiction_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o make_v or_o find_v seem_v contradiction_n in_o what_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v for_o when_o we_o know_v not_o the_o philosophical_a nature_n of_o thing_n nor_o how_o they_o act_v and_o yet_o will_v be_v reason_v and_o guess_v at_o they_o all_o our_o false_a guess_n may_v be_v full_a of_o contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n because_o we_o know_v not_o the_o true_a mystery_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v this_o vain_a humour_n of_o criticise_v upon_o nature_n which_o make_v so_o many_o atheist_n they_o go_v upon_o the_o same_o principle_n with_o infidel_n and_o heretic_n to_o believe_v nothing_o which_o natural_a reason_n can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v now_o they_o can_v comprehend_v the_o notion_n and_o idea_n of_o a_o god_n which_o they_o say_v be_v make_v up_o of_o contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n and_o therefore_o they_o reject_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n they_o can_v conceive_v a_o create_a power_n which_o can_v give_v be_v to_o that_o which_o have_v no_o be_v before_o which_o they_o think_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o make_v something_o of_o nothing_o and_o therefore_o they_o reject_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o either_o assert_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n or_o at_o least_o the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n they_o can_v
we_o suffer_v for_o if_o god_n have_v not_o send_v they_o they_o can_v bring_v we_o no_o message_n from_o god_n and_o yet_o most_o man_n be_v in_o some_o degree_n infect_v with_o this_o disease_n we_o suffer_v many_o evil_n which_o we_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o ascribe_v to_o god_n and_o then_o we_o learn_v nothing_o from_o they_o but_o a_o little_a worldly_a policy_n and_o prudence_n to_o take_v better_a care_n of_o our_o self_n and_o our_o affair_n to_o be_v jealous_a and_o distrustful_a of_o man_n or_o it_o may_v be_v to_o watch_v our_o opportunity_n to_o revenge_v the_o injury_n we_o suffer_v and_o to_o return_v they_o with_o interest_n and_o yet_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v a_o providence_n though_o it_o be_v as_o honourable_a to_o god_n to_o deny_v his_o providence_n as_o to_o deny_v his_o sovereign_a disposal_n and_o government_n of_o all_o event_n or_o rather_o they_o be_v both_o a_o equal_a reproach_n to_o he_o for_o a_o providence_n which_o do_v not_o take_v care_n of_o creature_n be_v little_a worth_n and_o we_o can_v say_v that_o god_n take_v care_n of_o his_o creature_n if_o any_o evil_n befall_v they_o without_o his_o will_n and_o appointment_n but_o natural_a conscience_n see_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o all_o the_o evil_n we_o suffer_v whatever_o the_o visible_a and_o immediate_a cause_n and_o instrument_n of_o our_o suffering_n be_v a_o guilty_a conscience_n take_v notice_n of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n the_o terror_n of_o god_n take_v hold_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o tremble_v before_o his_o judge_n though_o he_o do_v not_o see_v he_o he_o be_v afraid_a of_o god_n when_o he_o feel_v only_o the_o hand_n of_o men._n and_o what_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o what_o be_v the_o language_n of_o these_o guilty_a fear_n but_o that_o whatever_o the_o rod_n be_v that_o strike_v it_o be_v move_v and_o direct_v by_o a_o divine_a hand_n that_o the_o wickedness_n and_o injustice_n the_o wrath_n and_o fury_n of_o man_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n for_o why_o shall_v the_o evil_n we_o suffer_v from_o man_n so_o terrify_v a_o guilty_a conscience_n have_v we_o not_o a_o natural_a persuasion_n that_o all_o these_o evil_n be_v send_v by_o god_n whoever_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o they_o thus_o it_o be_v natural_a in_o all_o such_o case_n to_o fly_v to_o god_n for_o help_v atheist_n themselves_o can_v whole_o prevent_v this_o but_o when_o they_o be_v surprise_v with_o any_o sudden_a danger_n nature_n be_v too_o quick_a and_o too_o powerful_a for_o their_o philosophy_n and_o surprise_v they_o into_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n which_o they_o must_v do_v penance_n for_o when_o their_o fright_a be_v over_o sinner_n who_o forget_v god_n in_o prosperity_n fly_v to_o he_o in_o their_o distress_n remember_v that_o god_n be_v their_o rock_n and_o the_o high_a god_n their_o redeemer_n and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o natural_a acknowledgement_n of_o providence_n as_o it_o certain_o be_v it_o own_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o our_o suffering_n as_o well_o as_o his_o power_n to_o save_v for_o both_o equal_o belong_v to_o the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o his_o power_n to_o help_v which_o make_v sinner_n fly_v to_o god_n in_o their_o distress_n but_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o anger_n in_o what_o they_o suffer_v they_o do_v not_o fly_v to_o god_n as_o man_n do_v to_o a_o powerful_a patron_n but_o as_o criminal_n do_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o a_o provoke_v father_n or_o prince_n when_o they_o fly_v to_o god_n it_o be_v to_o implore_v his_o mercy_n as_o humble_a penitent_n to_o appease_v his_o anger_n that_o he_o may_v remove_v his_o judgement_n and_o when_o we_o fly_v to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o remove_v the_o rod_n it_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n that_o it_o be_v â—…e_o that_o strike_v as_o well_o as_o he_o alone_o that_o can_v save_v and_o that_o conscience_n judge_v right_a in_o all_o this_o however_o some_o man_n may_v attribute_v it_o to_o a_o superstitious_a education_n be_v evident_a from_o scripture_n which_o express_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n do_v whatsoever_o please_v he_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o earth_n that_o none_o can_v stay_v his_o hand_n or_o resist_v his_o will_n or_o say_v unto_o he_o what_o do_v thou_o that_o there_o be_v no_o evil_a in_o the_o city_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v not_o do_v if_o job_n be_v strip_v of_o all_o his_o large_a possession_n in_o a_o day_n it_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o give_v and_o the_o lord_n that_o take_v away_o if_o the_o mighty_a king_n of_o assyria_n invade_v israel_n and_o lie_v waste_v their_o city_n and_o country_n he_o be_v the_o rod_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o the_o staff_n in_o his_o hand_n be_v his_o indignation_n isa._n 10._o 5_o 6._o affliction_n come_v not_o forth_o of_o the_o dust_n neither_o do_v trouble_v spring_n out_o of_o the_o ground_n but_o god_n be_v the_o judge_n he_o put_v down_o one_o and_o set_v up_o another_o psal._n 75._o 7_o 8._o this_o show_v we_o that_o whatever_o our_o suffering_n be_v it_o be_v god_n that_o appoint_v the_o rod_n and_o then_o it_o must_v near_o concern_v we_o two_o to_o hear_v the_o rod_n what_o and_o to_o who_o it_o speak_v now_o in_o this_o case_n also_o conscience_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o god_n judgement_n the_o rod_n teach_v another_o way_n but_o teach_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o conscience_n and_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o be_v it_o proclaim_v aloud_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o god_n anger_n and_o displeasure_n against_o it_o and_o call_v we_o to_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n of_o our_o life_n when_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o we_o conscience_n know_v their_o errand_n and_o call_v all_o our_o sin_n to_o remembrance_n and_o set_v they_o in_o order_n before_o we_o nothing_o but_o gild_n make_v we_o afraid_a of_o god_n and_o how_o quiet_a and_o secure_a soever_o sinner_n be_v at_o other_o time_n the_o judgement_n of_o god_n will_v awaken_v their_o guilty_a fear_n and_o if_o man_n will_v hearken_v to_o the_o voice_n of_o a_o awaken_v conscience_n it_o will_v certain_o tell_v they_o why_o god_n strike_v and_o we_o can_v take_v a_o safe_a course_n than_o to_o reform_v those_o sin_n of_o which_o our_o conscience_n then_o accuse_v we_o all_o the_o threaten_n of_o scripture_n be_v against_o sin_n and_o all_o the_o judgement_n there_o record_v especial_o public_a and_o national_a judgement_n be_v inflict_v for_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n and_o these_o be_v to_o be_v our_o example_n as_o they_o be_v the_o stand_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o providence_n god_n never_o punish_v but_o for_o sin_n though_o he_o may_v exercise_v particular_a good_a man_n with_o difficult_a trial_n and_o therefore_o when_o bad_a man_n and_o a_o wicked_a nation_n suffer_v they_o may_v certain_o know_v the_o cause_n they_o have_v sin_v and_o god_n be_v angry_a and_o summon_v they_o to_o repentance_n for_o this_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o all_o to_o take_v away_o sin_n the_o voice_n of_o judgement_n be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o voice_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n prophet_n wash_v 〈◊〉_d make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o â—…our_n do_n from_o before_o my_o eye_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o seek_v judgement_n relieve_v the_o oppress_v judge_v the_o fatherless_a plead_v for_o the_o widow_n isa._n 1._o 16_o 17._o this_o be_v plain_a enough_o and_o sufficient_o know_v if_o it_o be_v but_o sufficient_o lay_v to_o heart_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o know_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n the_o secret_a and_o hide_a deâ—…gns_n of_o providence_n which_o many_o time_n surprise_v the_o world_n with_o unexpecteâ—…_n event_n be_v the_o care_n of_o god_n anâ—…_n belong_v not_o to_o we_o till_o the_o scene_n oâ—…_n pen_n and_o we_o see_v what_o part_n be_v alloâ—…_n t_v we_o in_o it_o whatever_o god_n be_v aâ—…_n do_v we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o tâ—…_n amend_v our_o life_n which_o will_v remouâ—…_n the_o scourge_n from_o we_o and_o entitle_v we_o tâ—…_n the_o care_n and_o protection_n of_o providencâ—…_n whereas_o to_o busy_a ourselves_o with_o poliâ—…_n tick_n or_o prophetic_a guess_n at_o unknowâ—…_n event_n to_o paint_v our_o imagination_n witâ—…_n black_a and_o frightful_a or_o with_o gay_a anâ—…_n charm_v scene_n of_o thing_n as_o despondâ—…_n ing_z fear_n or_o sanguine_a hope_n inspire_v thâ—…_n prophet_n can_v do_v we_o no_o good_a but_o may_v dâ—…_n a_o great_a deal_n of_o hurt_n to_o ourselves_o anâ—…_n the_o world_n this_o be_v not_o the_o voice_n oâ—…_n the_o rod_n which_o make_v no_o new_a reveâ—…_n lation_n to_o we_o but_o only_o awaken_v thâ—…_n
law_n the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o nation_n who_o have_v no_o communication_n with_o each_o other_o in_o this_o distinction_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n intimate_v no_o other_o compact_n but_o that_o of_o a_o common_a nature_n and_o not_o only_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n but_o the_o universal_a voice_n of_o mankind_n attribute_v these_o law_n to_o nature_n not_o to_o human_a institution_n and_o it_o must_v appear_v strange_a if_o these_o law_n have_v no_o high_a original_a than_o human_a compact_n that_o mankind_n for_o so_o many_o age_n shall_v not_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o but_o shall_v mistake_v they_o for_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o after_o all_o the_o information_n these_o man_n can_v give_v the_o world_n the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n do_v to_o this_o day_n but_o suppose_v this_o distinction_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o those_o law_n which_o command_v the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n and_o forbid_v vice_n be_v original_o frame_v and_o enact_v by_o man_n be_v there_o no_o reason_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n why_o they_o agree_v upon_o such_o law_n yes_o they_o will_v grant_v that_o they_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o peace_n and_o good_a order_n and_o government_n of_o human_a society_n to_o secure_v private_a man_n from_o injury_n and_o violence_n and_o to_o make_v they_o helpful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o each_o other_o and_o therefore_o they_o agree_v to_o make_v they_o law_n but_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v not_o make_v those_o law_n which_o have_v natural_a and_o necessary_a reason_n to_o make_v they_o law_n can_v mere_a human_a compact_n and_o government_n either_o make_v or_o change_v the_o reason_n and_o necessity_n of_o thing_n can_v they_o if_o they_o so_o please_v make_v virtue_n vice_n or_o vice_n virtue_n and_o as_o well_o consult_v the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n by_o do_v so_o if_o not_o then_o mere_a human_a compact_n can_v neither_o make_v nor_o unmake_v these_o law_n god_n have_v make_v these_o law_n for_o we_o by_o make_v we_o such_o creature_n and_o give_v we_o such_o nature_n as_o require_v such_o law_n if_o we_o will_v live_v by_o nature_n and_o attain_v our_o natural_a happiness_n and_o who_o then_o can_v think_v that_o god_n will_v not_o as_o much_o exact_a from_o we_o the_o observance_n of_o these_o law_n as_o man_n do_v that_o he_o will_v not_o punish_v the_o breach_n of_o these_o law_n when_o human_a government_n find_v it_o necessary_a to_o do_v so_o and_o have_v god_n make_v the_o restraint_n and_o punishment_n of_o man_n lust_n and_o vice_n necessary_a and_o will_v he_o not_o punish_v they_o himself_o especial_o when_o the_o authority_n of_o human_a law_n and_o human_a government_n be_v very_o precarious_a without_o the_o awe_n of_o religion_n as_o those_o lawgiver_n be_v very_o sensible_a who_o to_o give_v the_o great_a veneration_n to_o their_o law_n pretend_v to_o receive_v they_o from_o their_o go_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o very_a hypothesis_n which_o allow_v no_o other_o difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n but_o what_o human_a law_n and_o human_n contract_v make_v leave_v every_o man_n at_o liberty_n to_o break_v these_o law_n when_o he_o can_v do_v it_o safe_o or_o will_v venture_v the_o punishment_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o make_v these_o man_n so_o fond_a of_o it_o and_o show_v how_o necessary_a a_o divine_a authority_n be_v to_o enforce_v the_o obligation_n of_o these_o law_n and_o to_o secure_v the_o very_a be_v of_o human_a society_n so_o that_o those_o who_o reason_n according_a to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n can_v never_o get_v rid_v of_o the_o notition_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a nor_o attribute_v these_o law_n to_o any_o other_o author_n but_o that_o god_n who_o make_v we_o and_o fit_v our_o nature_n to_o these_o law_n and_o no_o man_n who_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o these_o law_n can_v doubt_v whether_o he_o will_v punish_v the_o breach_n of_o they_o but_o then_o if_o to_o this_o we_o add_v the_o more_o certain_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o unrighteousness_n and_o ungodliness_n of_o man_n this_o confirm_v all_o the_o fear_n of_o nature_n and_o leave_v no_o possible_a hope_n for_o sinner_n but_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n who_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o sin_n secure_o with_o their_o eye_n open_a and_o therefore_o two_o the_o next_o step_n they_o take_v be_v to_o put_v out_o their_o eye_n or_o to_o put_v out_o the_o light_n to_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n to_o reject_v all_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n and_o all_o divine_a revelation_n as_o ignorance_n folly_n and_o imposture_n but_o what_o a_o task_n be_v this_o to_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o darkness_n be_v light_a and_o light_a darkness_n for_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n which_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n must_v reject_v before_o they_o can_v deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o a_o divine_a revelation_n shine_v as_o clear_a and_o bright_a in_o the_o mind_n as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n do_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o admire_a principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n put_v out_o our_o eye_n leave_v no_o distinction_n between_o thing_n nor_o any_o certain_a rule_n of_o judge_v as_o to_o give_v some_o few_o instance_n of_o this_o there_o be_v nothing_o lie_v more_o easy_a and_o obvious_a in_o our_o mind_n than_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n which_o give_v be_v to_o all_o thing_n else_o i_o will_v not_o dispute_v this_o point_n now_o but_o allege_v it_o as_o a_o first_o principle_n which_o mankind_n natural_o assent_v to_o as_o the_o most_o reasonable_a account_n of_o the_o origin_n 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