of_o jonah_n god_n have_v convey_v some_o main_a knowledge_n of_o himself_o to_o all_o his_o world_n and_o have_v not_o any_o where_o leave_v himself_o without_o a_o witness_n his_o law_n be_v write_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o all_o of_o those_o we_o call_v most_o heathen_a rom._n 2._o what_o be_v to_o be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a chapter_n the_o first_o of_o the_o same_o epistle_n all_o the_o world_n be_v he_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n especial_o so_o of_o his_o family_n his_o offspring_n as_o it_o be_v bone_n of_o his_o bone_n flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o he_o provide_v for_o his_o own_o they_o be_v worse_o than_o infidel_n that_o do_v not_o he_o take_v care_n for_o ox_n for_o sparrow_n for_o lily_n much_o more_o than_o for_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o reasonable_a creature_n the_o very_a hair_n of_o our_o head_n be_v number_v certain_o then_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v every_o one_o consider_v every_o one_o some_o way_n or_o other_o provide_v for_o the_o sum_n be_v god_n have_v disperse_v some_o light_n some_o glimmering_n at_o least_o of_o light_n and_o truth_n among_o universal_a mankind_n and_o these_o man_n of_o nineveh_n have_v their_o portion_n and_o by_o that_o be_v prepare_v for_o more_o that_o alone_o be_v not_o sufficient_a and_o therefore_o god_n send_v they_o a_o prophet_n not_o a_o angel_n to_o destroy_v like_o those_o send_v to_o sodom_n not_o a_o common_a ordinary_a messenger_n from_o among_o themselves_o their_o case_n require_v more_o but_o a_o extraordinary_a person_n one_o from_o far_o when_o man_n be_v prepare_v for_o repentance_n they_o shall_v have_v the_o proper_a mean_n god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o his_o creature_n when_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n will_v not_o do_v they_o shall_v have_v such_o as_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o uncommon_a when_o the_o native_a light_n and_o conviction_n be_v not_o sufficient_a they_o shall_v have_v a_o external_a preacher_n such_o be_v philip_n to_o the_o aethiopian_a eunuch_n act_v 8._o and_o a_o angel_n send_v to_o cornelius_n to_o direct_v he_o to_o a_o apostle_n act_v 10._o thus_o be_v jonah_n send_v to_o the_o ninevite_n and_o doubtless_o many_o other_o good_a heathen_n be_v so_o assist_v he_o go_v though_o after_o a_o repulse_v of_o the_o divine_a commission_n and_o they_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o hear_v than_o he_o to_o preach_v in_o that_o they_o both_o believe_v the_o messenger_n and_o the_o terrible_a message_n that_o he_o bring_v we_o alas_o believe_v what_o we_o like_v what_o be_v grateful_a and_o agreeable_a to_o we_o and_o our_o faith_n be_v much_o in_o our_o affection_n but_o they_o believe_v what_o be_v dreadful_a and_o amaze_a the_o truth_n be_v most_o opposite_a to_o their_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o carnal_a interest_n and_o this_o their_o belief_n be_v interpret_v as_o faith_n in_o god_n to_o believe_v his_o messenger_n come_v in_o his_o name_n and_o with_o his_o truth_n be_v believe_v he_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v he_o that_o receive_v you_o receive_v i_o and_o he_o that_o receive_v i_o receive_v he_o that_o send_v i_o and_o again_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v i_o the_o ninevite_n do_v not_o so_o by_o jonah_n or_o his_o message_n consciousness_n of_o their_o own_o guilt_n and_o their_o natural_a apprehension_n of_o divine_a justice_n make_v they_o apt_a to_o receive_v impression_n of_o dread_n and_o doubtless_o they_o have_v ill_a aboding_n in_o their_o mind_n before_o by_o which_o they_o be_v prepare_v for_o such_o a_o message_n and_o a_o prophet_n one_o come_v from_o another_o country_n to_o appear_v with_o so_o much_o resolution_n and_o to_o speak_v with_o so_o much_o authority_n and_o assurance_n affect_v they_o more_o than_o if_o they_o have_v be_v use_v to_o such_o preacher_n of_o error_n nor_o be_v we_o to_o suppose_v that_o he_o only_o repeat_v to_o they_o these_o dreadful_a word_n yet_o forty_o day_n and_o nineveh_n shall_v be_v destroy_v no_o these_o more_o likely_a be_v but_o the_o sum_n the_o text_n the_o burden_n of_o his_o sermon_n which_o probable_o he_o amplify_v with_o all_o those_o consideration_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o move_v and_o awaken_v and_o possible_o the_o mariner_n that_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o ship_n and_o throw_v he_o overboard_o upon_o the_o lot_n that_o see_v the_o fish_n swallow_v he_o and_o the_o tempest_n quiet_v upon_o it_o may_v have_v come_v into_o nineveh_n before_o he_o divert_v from_o their_o intend_a voyage_n by_o the_o storm_n meet_v he_o again_o after_o they_o have_v see_v he_o plunge_v into_o the_o ocean_n may_v certify_v the_o people_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o they_o thereby_o assure_v that_o he_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a person_n and_o be_v come_v to_o they_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o divine_a errand_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v so_o or_o not_o whether_o they_o credit_v the_o prophet_n on_o these_o motive_n or_o any_o other_o be_v not_o certain_a but_o this_o be_v they_o believe_v upon_o the_o preach_n of_o jonah_n and_o now_o as_o god_n daily_o preach_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o various_a messenger_n so_o he_o do_v by_o his_o providence_n by_o which_o we_o be_v sometime_o bring_v into_o great_a strait_n even_o to_o the_o brink_n of_o ruin_n and_o when_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o we_o when_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o perplexity_n under_o present_a evil_n and_o fear_n of_o great_a let_v we_o not_o abuse_v ourselves_o with_o false_a confidence_n put_v far_o from_o we_o the_o evil_a day_n and_o cry_v peace_n peace_n when_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n let_v we_o not_o impute_v our_o trouble_n and_o disorder_n to_o accident_n and_o common_a cause_n but_o consider_v that_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v in_o they_o who_o be_v then_o about_o to_o reckon_v with_o we_o for_o our_o sin_n and_o a_o voice_n sound_v from_o thence_o repent_v repent_v for_o your_o iniquity_n will_v be_v your_o ruin_n let_v we_o not_o be_v deaf_a and_o stupid_a as_o the_o careless_a old_a world_n be_v till_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o sweep_v they_o away_o or_o as_o those_o mocker_n the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o who_o scoff_o say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n to_o they_o it_o be_v threaten_v of_o his_o come_n when_o he_o be_v at_o the_o door_n but_o let_v we_o humble_o be_v affect_v as_o these_o poor_a creature_n be_v who_o believe_v upon_o the_o preach_n of_o jonah_n and_o what_o be_v this_o belief_n of_o they_o be_v it_o cold_a indifferent_a unconcerned_a assent_n only_o no_o it_o be_v a_o faith_n powerful_a and_o active_a that_o wrought_v a_o mighty_a change_n and_o produce_v the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n their_o faith_n have_v be_v dead_a and_o unsignify_v if_o it_o have_v not_o wrought_v and_o wrought_v this_o way_n if_o they_o have_v past_o a_o compliment_n on_o the_o prophet_n that_o they_o believe_v he_o and_o go_v on_o in_o the_o same_o course_n as_o before_o if_o they_o have_v believe_v god_n and_o continue_v in_o their_o provocation_n of_o he_o their_o faith_n have_v be_v a_o aggravation_n and_o may_v just_o have_v heighten_v and_o hasten_v their_o ruin_n it_o have_v then_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n of_o their_o impudence_n and_o obduration_n but_o they_o be_v not_o a_o fanatical_a pharisaical_a faith_n without_o work_n but_o a_o faith_n operative_a and_o fruitful_a and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v repentance_n and_o the_o expression_n of_o that_o repentance_n fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o turn_v from_o evil_a way_n 1._o fast_v this_o be_v a_o rite_n of_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n in_o which_o we_o acknowledge_v our_o unworthiness_n and_o our_o vileness_n that_o we_o merit_v not_o common_a mercy_n but_o deserve_v the_o great_a punishment_n and_o this_o ancient_o and_o in_o all_o time_n be_v also_o express_v by_o sackcloth_n and_o vile_a clothing_n whereby_o these_o ninevite_n likewise_o set_v out_o their_o wretchedness_n and_o ill_a deserve_n god_n almighty_a have_v so_o make_v we_o that_o we_o be_v apt_a and_o can_v help_v it_o to_o represent_v our_o inward_a affection_n by_o outward_a expression_n and_o here_o be_v the_o ground_n in_o nature_n and_o in_o reason_n of_o sacrifice_n and_o all_o the_o rite_n of_o external_n worship_n and_o particular_o of_o this_o by_o which_o the_o man_n of_o nineveh_n declare_v their_o abasement_n before_o god_n and_o we_o have_v need_n of_o some_o eminent_a signal_n way_n to_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o he_o in_o acknowledgement_n of_o our_o great_a and_o more_o aggravate_v crime_n we_o have_v sometime_o public_a fast_n and_o day_n of_o public_a humiliation_n but_o be_v they_o such_o as_o god_n have_v choose_v do_v we_o in_o they_o afflict_v our_o soul_n with_o penitence_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n do_v we_o as_o much_o as_o impose_v any_o penance_n upon_o our_o
grace_n and_o hope_n and_o this_o very_a often_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o scoffer_n who_o have_v debauch_v and_o jest_v away_o all_o feel_n of_o these_o interest_n yea_o 2._o there_o be_v great_a cause_n to_o think_v that_o he_o commit_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o a_o sin_n that_o be_v very_o near_o it_o for_o that_o consist_v in_o the_o disbelief_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o great_a and_o last_o testimony_n that_o be_v give_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o speak_v this_o without_o ground_n let_v we_o look_v into_o the_o place_n where_o the_o first_o and_o full_a account_n of_o this_o sin_n be_v we_o have_v it_o matth._n 12._o our_o saviour_n have_v cure_v one_o that_o be_v possess_v ver_fw-la 22._o the_o people_n marvel_v and_o be_v incline_v to_o believe_v upon_o it_o ver_fw-la 23._o but_o the_o pharisee_n revile_v say_v that_o he_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o belzebub_n ver_fw-la 24._o christ_n show_v the_o absurdity_n and_o falsehood_n of_o their_o suggestion_n argue_v that_o then_o satan_n will_v be_v divide_v against_o himself_o and_o his_o kingdom_n so_o divide_v can_v not_o stand_v ver_fw-la 25_o 26._o and_o have_v reason_v against_o that_o malicious_a account_n of_o his_o miracle_n he_o infer_v from_o the_o contrary_a and_o true_a way_n of_o his_o perform_v it_o ver_fw-la 28._o if_o i_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n cast_v out_o devil_n then_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n come_v unto_o you_o viz._n then_o i_o that_o have_v do_v this_o be_o the_o messiah_n and_o he_o conclude_v by_o a_o serious_a application_n to_o they_o to_o show_v the_o sad_a consequence_n of_o such_o bold_a and_o impious_a suggestion_n 31._o wherefore_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n shall_v be_v forgive_v unto_o man_n but_o the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v unto_o man_n where_o by_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n must_v be_v understand_v according_a to_o the_o context_n that_o of_o impute_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o miracle_n to_o the_o devil_n which_o be_v therefore_o so_o heinous_a because_o it_o be_v a_o expression_n of_o the_o great_a contempt_n of_o it_o and_o a_o bar_n against_o the_o be_v persuade_v by_o it_o now_o to_o apply_v this_o though_o the_o scoffer_n do_v not_o impute_v the_o spirit_n testimony_n in_o miracle_n to_o the_o devil_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o because_o he_o have_v a_o great_a esteem_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o because_o he_o have_v less_o belief_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o devil_n yea_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v so_o much_o as_o the_o pharisee_n do_v that_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v do_v but_o suppose_v all_o to_o have_v be_v imposture_n and_o delusion_n in_o the_o author_n or_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n in_o the_o relator_n which_o be_v a_o contempt_n put_v upon_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n equal_a to_o that_o of_o ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o devil_n and_o do_v as_o effectual_o and_o incurable_o strike_v up_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n as_o that_o so_o that_o in_o substance_n the_o sin_n of_o the_o scoffer_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o describe_v in_o the_o text_n though_o differ_v in_o circumstance_n and_o form_n yea_o it_o be_v the_o sin_n with_o aggravation_n since_o they_o do_v not_o bare_o speak_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o his_o operation_n but_o deride_v they_o a_o expression_n of_o the_o great_a contempt_n possible_a and_o when_o man_n be_v come_v thus_o far_o to_o despise_v the_o great_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o ground_n of_o faith_n after_o it_o have_v be_v sufficient_o propound_v to_o they_o and_o entertain_v by_o they_o in_o favour_n of_o their_o lust_n we_o have_v cause_n to_o think_v their_o infidelity_n be_v incurable_a and_o consequent_o unpardonable_a for_o so_o the_o apostle_n have_v declare_v plain_o heb._n 6._o 4_o 5_o 6._o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n viz._n in_o baptism_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v all_o which_o be_v expression_n of_o the_o visible_o own_v christianity_n and_o partake_v in_o the_o duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o it_o if_o they_o shall_v fall_v away_o to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n and_o they_o that_o be_v arrive_v at_o the_o impudent_a height_n of_o deride_v all_o this_o be_v fall_v away_o with_o a_o witness_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v we_o may_v conclude_v safe_o from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o be_v incurable_a and_o unpardonable_a and_o from_o this_o and_o the_o discourse_n before_o that_o it_o be_v sad_o probable_a they_o have_v commit_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o it_o be_v like_a may_v seem_v very_o severe_a doctrine_n but_o i_o can_v help_v that_o if_o it_o be_v true_a i_o be_o not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o the_o severity_n of_o it_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o book_n of_o homily_n declare_v more_o positive_o in_o the_o case_n than_o i_o have_v do_v for_o speak_v in_o the_o ten_o homily_n of_o the_o scorner_n of_o godliness_n and_o religion_n who_o be_v there_o describe_v the_o author_n say_v of_o they_o i_o think_v i_o may_v without_o danger_n of_o god_n judgement_n pronounce_v that_o never_o any_o yet_o be_v convert_v unto_o god_n by_o repentance_n but_o continue_v still_o in_o their_o abominable_a wickedness_n heap_v up_o to_o themselves_o damnation_n against_o the_o day_n of_o god_n inevitable_a judgement_n i_o come_v now_o iv._o to_o the_o application_n which_o shall_v be_v 1._o earnest_o to_o dehort_v all_o that_o have_v the_o least_o sense_n of_o virtue_n or_o reason_n from_o scoff_v at_o religion_n or_o at_o man_n for_o make_v profession_n of_o it_o and_o then_o 2._o i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o some_o very_a brief_a direction_n and_o rule_n of_o caution_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o the_o danger_n of_o this_o sin_n concern_v the_o first_o i_o consider_v that_o the_o scoffer_n with_o who_o i_o be_o further_a to_o treat_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o the_o desperate_a who_o have_v debauch_v themselves_o into_o downright_a infidelity_n and_o 2._o the_o fashionable_a one_o as_o i_o crave_v leave_n for_o distinction_n to_o call_v they_o who_o do_v not_o scoff_n at_o religion_n out_o of_o enmity_n or_o malice_n but_o out_o of_o modishness_n and_o compliance_n and_o it_o may_v be_v out_o of_o design_n to_o be_v account_v wit_n for_o so_o do_v i_o shall_v deal_v first_o with_o the_o former_a sort_n and_o in_o treat_v with_o they_o shall_v use_v none_o of_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o religion_n but_o from_o plain_a unassisted_a reason_n shall_v show_v the_o extreme_a vanity_n and_o madness_n of_o their_o practice_n and_o i_o will_v entreat_v they_o to_o think_v of_o the_o follow_a thing_n 2._o be_v religion_n true_a as_o we_o know_v or_o false_a as_o they_o vain_o imagine_v their_o scoff_v at_o it_o be_v exceed_o absurd_a every_o faculty_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o its_o proper_a object_n to_o employ_v and_o of_o they_o about_o other_o that_o belong_v not_o to_o they_o be_v foolish_a and_o unnatural_a now_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o reason_n and_o understanding_n to_o judge_v and_o discourse_n about_o thing_n that_o be_v serious_a and_o the_o faculty_n of_o laughter_n and_o derision_n to_o be_v exercise_v upon_o thing_n that_o be_v vain_a to_o employ_v the_o former_a and_o discourse_v grave_o about_o ludicrous_a trifle_a matter_n be_v ridiculous_a and_o it_o be_v equal_o absurd_a to_o be_v sportive_a about_o affair_n that_o be_v serious_a now_o whether_o religion_n be_v true_a or_o not_o it_o be_v a_o serious_a thing_n if_o true_a the_o great_a interest_n of_o this_o world_n and_o another_o be_v include_v and_o concern_v in_o it_o or_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o it_o must_v yet_o be_v grant_v that_o it_o have_v much_o agreeableness_n with_o the_o reason_n and_o most_o serious_a faculty_n of_o mankind_n and_o our_o great_a and_o most_o important_a concern_v in_o this_o life_n viz._n the_o main_a affair_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n be_v bind_v up_o with_o it_o and_o have_v relation_n to_o it_o so_o that_o whether_o true_a or_o false_a it_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o sport_n but_o subject_a for_o our_o most_o serious_a consideration_n and_o discourse_n and_o from_o this_o last_o hint_n about_o government_n i_o mind_v the_o scoffer_n 2._o that_o his_o practice_n tend_v to_o the_o dissolution_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o the_o turn_n of_o mankind_n into_o the_o condition_n of_o wild_a nature_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v
appearance_n if_o they_o be_v no_o more_o lie_v on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v bedlam_n madness_n i_o have_v thus_o represent_v to_o the_o desperate_a scoffer_n who_o lust_n have_v make_v he_o serious_o believe_v that_o religion_n be_v contemptible_a that_o the_o practice_n of_o scoff_v at_o it_o be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v be_v very_o absurd_a and_o dangerous_a but_o there_o be_v yet_o another_o sort_n of_o scoffer_n to_o be_v treat_v with_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v so_o far_o as_o to_o believe_v that_o religion_n be_v a_o fable_n and_o yet_o scoff_v at_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o out_o of_o modishness_n and_o a_o humour_n of_o imitation_n they_o do_v not_o in_o their_o heart_n deny_v religion_n but_o yet_o they_o deride_v those_o that_o practise_v according_a to_o it_o they_o be_v not_o content_a to_o laugh_v at_o the_o foppery_n that_o many_o time_n call_v themselves_o by_o that_o sacred_a name_n but_o fleer_v also_o and_o spend_v the_o silly_a thing_n they_o think_v to_o be_v wit_n upon_o those_o action_n that_o be_v undoubted_o religious_a such_o never_o enter_v into_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o awaken_v they_o that_o they_o may_v know_v what_o they_o do_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o follow_v 1._o they_o scoff_v at_o the_o religious_a for_o act_v according_a to_o reason_n that_o be_v because_o they_o be_v man_n and_o not_o bruit_n because_o they_o act_n like_o intelligent_a creature_n and_o not_o like_o the_o horse_n and_o mule_n that_o have_v no_o understanding_n they_o deride_v they_o for_o pass_v right_a judgement_n and_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n for_o prefer_v god_n before_o the_o creature_n the_o soul_n before_o the_o body_n and_o eternity_n before_o time_n for_o choose_v light_n before_o darkness_n beauty_n before_o deformity_n and_o life_n and_o happiness_n before_o the_o extreme_n of_o death_n and_o misery_n god_n have_v give_v to_o all_o his_o creature_n a_o principle_n to_o direct_v their_o action_n reason_n to_o man_n and_o sense_n and_o appetite_n to_o beast_n so_o that_o to_o deride_v man_n for_o govern_v themselves_o by_o their_o reason_n and_o not_o by_o inferior_a principle_n be_v as_o absurd_a as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v laugh_v at_o the_o ox_n for_o graze_v free_o in_o the_o field_n and_o not_o stand_v still_o to_o grow_v like_o a_o tree_n or_o at_o the_o bird_n because_o it_o fly_v in_o the_o air_n and_o do_v not_o creep_v like_o the_o worm_n on_o the_o ground_n he_o that_o do_v so_o be_v a_o idiot_n and_o a_o natural_a and_o the_o scoffer_n act_v at_o the_o same_o rate_n of_o folly_n 2._o he_o deride_v man_n for_o live_v by_o the_o most_o catholic_n rule_n of_o nature_n viz._n that_o of_o self-love_n and_o self-preservation_n he_o flout_v they_o for_o seek_v health_n and_o happiness_n riches_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n the_o true_a and_o the_o best_a for_o endeavour_v to_o obtain_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o security_n of_o future_a and_o eternal_a well_o be_v for_o strive_v to_o avoid_v the_o snare_n of_o satan_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o pain_n of_o hell_n he_o laugh_v at_o they_o because_o they_o will_v not_o thrust_v their_o head_n into_o the_o fire_n and_o leap_v the_o precipice_n into_o the_o gulf_n of_o woe_n because_o they_o will_v not_o be_v their_o own_o executioner_n and_o beat_v out_o their_o own_o brain_n 3._o he_o scoff_v at_o the_o religious_a because_o they_o act_n for_o the_o great_a end_n of_o their_o be_v god_n make_v all_o thing_n for_o a_o end_n and_o man_n for_o a_o noble_a one_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o for_o ever_o now_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o way_n to_o this_o end_n and_o to_o deride_v man_n for_o this_o be_v to_o laugh_v at_o they_o for_o act_v and_o design_v pertinent_o and_o noble_o the_o scoffer_n jeer_v the_o religious_a because_o he_o live_v for_o great_a end_n than_o the_o beast_n and_o endeavour_n to_o be_v happy_a than_o his_o horse_n and_o his_o swine_n because_o he_o will_v not_o be_v content_a only_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o revel_v and_o die_v 4._o the_o scoffer_n laugh_v at_o the_o religious_a for_o aim_v at_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n god_n make_v man_n perfect_a but_o we_o have_v corrupt_v ourselves_o eccl._n 7._o 29._o and_o debase_v our_o noble_a being_n we_o have_v destroy_v our_o maker_n image_n and_o deform_v our_o nature_n now_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o repair_v our_o ruin_n and_o to_o recover_v we_o to_o the_o integrity_n and_o perfection_n of_o our_o first_o self_n to_o restore_v light_n to_o the_o mind_n and_o virtue_n to_o the_o will_n and_o order_n to_o the_o affection_n to_o heal_v cleanse_v and_o beautify_v the_o soul_n so_o that_o to_o scoff_n at_o man_n for_o live_v by_o this_o be_v as_o if_o one_o shall_v deride_v the_o sick_a for_o take_v physic_n and_o the_o blind_a for_o use_v a_o guide_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v scorn_v for_o wash_v after_o he_o have_v fall_v into_o a_o mire_n or_o for_o seek_v cure_n for_o a_o foul_a leprosy_n that_o have_v overspread_v he_o 5._o the_o scoffer_n deride_v the_o religious_a for_o act_v according_a to_o his_o own_o principle_n he_o say_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o jeer_v those_o that_o worship_v he_o he_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v infinite_o amiable_a wise_a great_a and_o good_a and_o yet_o laugh_v at_o man_n for_o love_a his_o beauty_n and_o believe_v his_o wisdom_n and_o trust_v in_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n he_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o saviour_n and_o deride_v those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o sanctifier_n and_o laugh_v at_o that_o holiness_n he_o teach_v and_o produce_v he_o will_v tell_v you_o he_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o heaven_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o scorn_v those_o that_o seek_v it_o that_o there_o be_v a_o hell_n of_o endless_a woe_n and_o torment_n and_o make_v sport_n of_o all_o endeavour_n to_o avoid_v it_o 6._o he_o deride_v man_n because_o they_o be_v true_a to_o their_o engagement_n and_o profession_n because_o when_o they_o have_v promise_v to_o forsake_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n they_o be_v not_o willing_a in_o practice_n to_o forsake_v god_n and_o all_o his_o because_o when_o they_o say_v thy_o will_v be_v do_v they_o do_v resolve_v to_o do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o cross_v it_o because_o after_o they_o have_v pray_v a_o hundred_o time_n incline_v our_o heart_n to_o keep_v thy_o law_n they_o do_v not_o set_v themselves_o every_o day_n to_o break_v they_o at_o such_o extravagant_a rate_n as_o these_o do_v he_o act_v that_o retain_v the_o belief_n of_o religion_n and_o scoff_v at_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o o_o that_o they_o be_v wise_a and_o will_v consider_v this_o who_o so_o far_o forget_v god_n and_o the_o reasonable_a nature_n he_o have_v give_v they_o i_o shall_v now_o ii_o conclude_v with_o some_o direction_n and_o rule_n of_o caution_n for_o security_n against_o this_o grievous_a folly_n and_o 1._o let_v we_o be_v in_o earnest_n in_o religion_n endeavour_v to_o understand_v what_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v what_o we_o understand_v and_o to_o practice_v what_o we_o believe_v and_o then_o we_o shall_v feel_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o religion_n on_o our_o soul_n as_o will_v beget_v the_o high_a reverence_n to_o it_o and_o effectual_o secure_v we_o from_o any_o such_o impiety_n for_o it_o be_v ignorance_n infidelity_n and_o a_o evil_a life_n that_o be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o man_n contempt_n of_o religion_n 2._o let_v we_o take_v care_n that_o we_o place_v not_o religion_n in_o uncertain_a opinion_n and_o vain_a trifle_n man_n superstitious_a fondness_n of_o such_o have_v expose_v christianity_n to_o much_o scorn_n and_o derision_n while_o its_o enemy_n will_v not_o or_o can_v not_o distinguish_v between_o religion_n itself_o and_o those_o foppery_n that_o pretend_v unto_o it_o this_o have_v be_v a_o main_a ground_n of_o most_o of_o the_o contempt_n that_o be_v upon_o it_o at_o this_o day_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o substantial_a naked_a religion_n that_o can_v afford_v the_o least_o just_a occasion_n for_o laughter_n or_o malicious_a sport_n it_o be_v in_o itself_o the_o most_o reasonable_a venerable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n let_v we_o take_v care_n then_o that_o we_o mingle_v not_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v ridiculous_a with_o it_o 3._o when_o we_o deride_v the_o vanity_n of_o error_n and_o superstition_n let_v we_o be_v cautious_a lest_o we_o give_v encouragement_n or_o ground_n to_o other_o by_o it_o to_o scoff_n at_o religion_n itself_o and_o consider_v that_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o catch_v at_o any_o occasion_n to_o abuse_v and_o vilify_v their_o
external_a person_n alas_o we_o general_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o pharisee_n and_o hypocritical_a jew_n do_v who_o hang_v down_o their_o head_n cover_v they_o with_o ash_n put_v on_o sackcloth_n and_o sad_a look_n and_o abstain_v from_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v grateful_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o body_n but_o we_o will_v not_o give_v ourselves_o the_o trouble_n as_o much_o as_o to_o appear_v or_o look_v like_o it_o our_o fast_n be_v not_o only_o not_o the_o thing_n but_o not_o the_o resemblance_n or_o mere_a name_n in_o effect_n a_o mockery_n other_o kind_n of_o fast_v and_o humiliation_n be_v expect_v and_o require_v from_o we_o and_o the_o great_a the_o deep_a be_v not_o low_a enough_o nor_o great_a enough_o to_o signify_v the_o sense_n and_o sorrow_n that_o be_v due_a to_o so_o much_o guilt_n the_o ninevite_n declare_v they_o solemn_o the_o king_n descend_v from_o his_o throne_n and_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n sit_v in_o ash_n and_o proclaim_v general_a abstinence_n to_o man_n and_o beast_n and_o we_o see_v that_o the_o whole_a people_n conform_v to_o the_o penitent_a example_n and_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n from_o the_o great_a of_o they_o to_o the_o least_o of_o they_o this_o be_v one_o expression_n of_o their_o repentance_n and_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o another_o which_o also_o be_v very_o proper_a and_o significant_a viz._n 2._o prayer_n earnest_a affectionate_a prayer_n express_v by_o cry_v mighty_o unto_o god_n v_o 8._o this_o also_o be_v a_o duty_n general_o acknowledge_v through_o the_o world_n in_o all_o the_o age_n and_o place_n of_o it_o part_n of_o the_o law_n write_v on_o the_o heart_n a_o branch_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o mankind_n these_o heathen_n know_v the_o necessity_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v they_o learn_v it_o from_o this_o prophet_n who_o message_n be_v destruction_n and_o by_o the_o consequent_a story_n we_o see_v he_o think_v of_o nothing_o less_o they_o know_v that_o their_o sin_n be_v against_o god_n as_o all_o be_v against_o thou_o and_o thou_o only_o have_v i_o sin_v he_o be_v offend_v and_o he_o threaten_v he_o be_v to_o be_v appease_v or_o they_o be_v undo_v and_o prayer_n be_v the_o way_n that_o all_o the_o world_n be_v teach_v to_o seek_v pardon_n and_o favour_n by_o this_o they_o take_v they_o cry_v unto_o god_n not_o unto_o saint_n and_o angel_n unto_o god_n one_o the_o true_a god_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o supreme_a deity_n have_v ever_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o mankind_n even_o of_o the_o heathen_a world_n the_o various_a god_n we_o read_v of_o be_v but_o the_o divers_a representation_n of_o the_o one_o all-perfect_a be_v or_o of_o his_o different_a attribute_n and_o manifestation_n in_o the_o world_n or_o they_o be_v of_o low_a signification_n and_o mean_v only_a angel_n or_o noble_a soul_n depart_v in_o which_o sense_n the_o scripture_n say_v there_o be_v god_n many_o so_o that_o the_o romanist_n can_v this_o way_n justify_v themselves_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o idolatry_n by_o allege_v that_o they_o worship_v one_o and_o the_o true_a god_n as_o the_o ultimate_a object_n of_o their_o adoration_n for_o even_o the_o heathen_n the_o ninevite_n believe_v god_n and_o they_o cry_v mighty_o unto_o god_n indeed_o the_o mariner_n in_o the_o storm_n cry_v every_o one_o to_o his_o god_n viz._n his_o tutelar_a angel_n and_o genius_n such_o many_o of_o the_o heathen_n have_v and_o it_o seem_v these_o be_v heathen_a mariner_n but_o these_o here_o direct_v their_o devotion_n to_o the_o one_o supreme_a immediate_o so_o they_o be_v require_v and_o so_o by_o the_o consequence_n we_o find_v they_o do_v for_o god_n see_v their_o work_n and_o this_o among_o the_o rest_n and_o he_o rerepented_n he_o of_o the_o evil_n he_o have_v threaten_v and_o send_v it_o not_o this_o be_v the_o bless_a answer_n of_o their_o prayer_n and_o now_o if_o they_o or_o any_o other_o people_n have_v ever_o reason_n to_o cry_v mighty_o unto_o god_n we_o have_v let_v we_o humble_o do_v this_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o bestow_v pardon_n and_o deliverance_n but_o he_o will_v be_v seek_v unto_o let_v we_o do_v it_o in_o faith_n and_o fervour_n we_o have_v great_a advantage_n and_o encouragement_n which_o the_o ninevite_n have_v not_o we_o be_v teach_v how_o to_o pray_v and_o in_o who_o name_n we_o have_v a_o mediator_n at_o god_n right_a hand_n that_o ever_o live_v to_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o we_o have_v through_o he_o free_a admission_n to_o the_o throne_n of_o grace_n with_o boldness_n and_o many_o promise_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v hear_v and_o receive_v the_o blessing_n if_o we_o ask_v in_o faith_n and_o in_o the_o son_n name_n let_v we_o then_o pray_v fervent_o humble_o and_o incessant_o for_o our_o prince_n and_o nation_n for_o ourselves_o and_o posterity_n that_o god_n will_v pity_v and_o pardon_v divert_v his_o judgement_n and_o deliver_v we_o from_o all_o our_o enemy_n and_o all_o our_o fear_n establish_v our_o religion_n and_o government_n and_o all_o our_o interest_n in_o those_o and_o o_o thou_o that_o still_a the_o rage_a of_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o madness_n of_o the_o people_n be_v merciful_a to_o we_o do_v thou_o save_v we_o or_o we_o perish_v the_o sea_n swell_v and_o rage_n horrible_o and_o the_o deep_a be_v ready_a to_o swallow_v we_o up_o quick_a do_v thou_o o_o lord_n put_v forth_o thy_o hand_n and_o stay_v we_o or_o we_o sink_v and_o perish_v in_o the_o great_a water_n we_o sink_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o abyss_n and_o there_o be_v no_o help_n be_v thou_o our_o helper_n and_o deliverer_n for_o vain_a be_v the_o help_n of_o man_n thus_o prayer_n earnest_n affectionate_a prayer_n be_v necessary_a not_o that_o god_n can_v be_v move_v thereby_o but_o thereby_o we_o be_v prepare_v for_o his_o mercy_n and_o he_o be_v always_o ready_a to_o give_v when_o we_o be_v fit_a to_o receive_v but_o beside_o this_o the_o man_n of_o nineveh_n do_v somewhat_o else_o and_o it_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o rest_n significant_a 3._o they_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n this_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n and_o without_o it_o fast_v and_o prayer_n have_v be_v to_o little_a purpose_n yea_o they_o have_v be_v abomination_n as_o the_o sacrifice_n oblation_n fast_n and_o service_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o loose_v the_o band_n of_o wickedness_n or_o let_v the_o oppress_v go_v free_a they_o do_v not_o do_v justice_n and_o love_v mercy_n and_o walk_v humble_o with_o their_o god_n which_o he_o principal_o require_v from_o they_o but_o these_o ninevite_n do_v they_o humble_v themselves_o and_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n and_o from_o the_o violence_n that_o be_v in_o their_o hand_n it_o seem_v some_o of_o their_o principal_a sin_n be_v cruelty_n and_o injustice_n and_o therefore_o their_o reformation_n be_v particular_o note_v they_o know_v where_o the_o root_n of_o the_o distemper_n grow_v which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o approach_a judgement_n and_o therefore_o here_o they_o apply_v the_o remedy_n in_o renounce_v those_o sin_n they_o be_v so_o notorious_o guilty_a of_o the_o light_n and_o law_n of_o nature_n tell_v they_o how_o displease_v sin_n be_v to_o the_o almighty_a and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o atonement_n but_o by_o repentance_n no_o repentance_n but_o in_o turn_v and_o they_o do_v this_o they_o think_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o cry_v out_o upon_o their_o sin_n to_o roar_v like_o bear_n and_o mourn_v like_o dove_n as_o the_o expression_n be_v in_o the_o prophet_n this_o it_o be_v like_a they_o do_v but_o stop_v not_o here_o they_o go_v on_o to_o what_o be_v more_o to_o purpose_n they_o turn_v from_o their_o evil_a way_n repentance_n be_v turn_v turn_v you_o turn_v you_o why_o will_v you_o die_v let_v this_o practice_n of_o they_o be_v a_o pattern_n to_o we_o let_v we_o serious_o consider_v the_o common_a cry_a national_a sin_n and_o how_o far_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o those_o provocation_n and_o resolve_v in_o the_o strength_n of_o god_n to_o cease_v from_o they_o to_o destroy_v they_o ourselves_o and_o to_o endeavour_v every_o one_o in_o his_o place_n to_o suppress_v they_o in_o other_o thus_o far_o each_o man_n be_v his_o brother_n keeper_n and_o charity_n and_o the_o common_a interest_n require_v this_o endeavour_n from_o we_o by_o reproof_n by_o advice_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o power_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o be_v our_o particular_a sin_n the_o sin_n of_o our_o education_n of_o our_o complexion_n of_o our_o condition_n and_o apply_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o our_o chief_a warchfulness_n and_o diligence_n against_o they_o that_o we_o may_v strike_v at_o the_o root_n and_o destroy_v the_o strong_a hold_n let_v we_o do_v the_o work_v thorough_o and_o effectual_o this_o
eternal_a enemy_n 4._o let_v we_o beware_v of_o too_o much_o delight_n in_o the_o humour_n of_o drollery_n and_o jest_a express_o forbid_v by_o the_o apostle_n eph._n 5._o 4._o this_o sort_n of_o wit_n in_o most_o be_v a_o dangerous_a and_o ungovernable_a lust_n and_o spare_v nothing_o sacred_a or_o serious_a when_o it_o be_v indulge_v it_o make_v the_o spirit_n vain_a and_o trifle_a and_o indispose_v it_o for_o any_o weighty_a exercise_n either_o of_o reason_n or_o religion_n and_o from_o the_o indisposition_n it_o produce_v to_o such_o employment_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a step_n to_o the_o contempt_n of_o they_o 5._o let_v we_o not_o intimate_o and_o frequent_o converse_v with_o the_o people_n of_o this_o sort_n there_o be_v infection_n in_o such_o company_n and_o a_o secret_a witchcraft_n in_o this_o humour_n that_o may_v work_v we_o insensible_o to_o a_o imitation_n of_o it_o and_o o_o that_o the_o youth_n of_o the_o present_a age_n will_v be_v persuade_v to_o put_v a_o mark_n upon_o those_o man_n and_o to_o avoid_v their_o dangerous_a conversation_n certain_o they_o have_v better_o join_v themselves_o to_o poisoner_n and_o cutthroat_n than_o to_o have_v much_o to_o do_v with_o those_o factor_n for_o damnation_n a_o generation_n so_o vile_a that_o shall_v satan_n send_v the_o most_o malignant_a spirit_n of_o hell_n open_o and_o profess_o to_o trade_n for_o he_o they_o can_v not_o act_v with_o more_o direct_a and_o declare_v opposition_n to_o god_n and_o goodness_n than_o these_o wretched_a man_n do_v so_o that_o one_o may_v just_o wonder_v that_o they_o be_v not_o shun_v by_o all_o sensible_a man_n as_o desolation_n and_o the_o plague_n and_o hoot_v into_o their_o wit_n or_o quite_o out_o of_o they_o by_o a_o universal_a contempt_n and_o most_o deserve_a scorn_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o become_v all_o that_o be_v of_o a_o gentile_a virtuous_a and_o ingenuous_a education_n to_o avoid_v give_v they_o any_o countenance_n or_o encouragement_n by_o any_o familiarity_n of_o acquaintance_n and_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n they_o owe_v to_o god_n their_o nation_n and_o their_o own_o present_a and_o eternal_a interest_n 6._o take_v heed_n of_o speak_v light_o of_o any_o thing_n that_o appertain_v to_o religion_n sacred_a thing_n be_v never_o to_o be_v mention_v but_o with_o seriousness_n and_o reverence_n if_o we_o toy_v and_o play_v in_o our_o discourse_n with_o they_o though_o without_o direct_a scorn_n or_o malice_n this_o too_o familiar_a use_n of_o divine_a thing_n will_v at_o last_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o habitual_a disvalue_n of_o they_o which_o in_o time_n will_v grow_v into_o contempt_n if_o we_o direct_v ourselves_o by_o such_o rule_n of_o caution_n we_o may_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n escape_v the_o epidemical_a infection_n that_o fly_v almost_o every_o where_o in_o our_o day_n from_o the_o scoffer_n that_o walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n i_o have_v thus_o show_v the_o sin_n folly_n and_o danger_n of_o scoff_v at_o religion_n and_o give_v some_o rule_n of_o caution_n against_o it_o one_o will_v think_v there_o shall_v be_v no_o need_n of_o such_o a_o discourse_n among_o a_o christian_a people_n who_o have_v feel_v so_o many_o judgement_n and_o enjoy_v so_o many_o mercy_n who_o have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v to_o they_o with_o so_o much_o power_n and_o plainness_n and_o have_v make_v so_o long_o and_o so_o zealous_a a_o profession_n of_o it_o but_o be_v there_o not_o a_o cause_n for_o all_o this_o if_o there_o be_v none_o i_o crave_v pardon_n for_o my_o trouble_v you_o so_o long_o to_o no_o purpose_n but_o if_o there_o be_v i_o pray_v god_n that_o we_o may_v all_o lay_v it_o to_o heart_n earnest_o beseech_v he_o to_o awaken_v those_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o heinous_a impiety_n to_o see_v their_o sin_n and_o their_o danger_n before_o it_o be_v too_o late_a and_o to_o divert_v from_o they_o and_o other_o the_o judgement_n that_o such_o bold_a height_n in_o wickedness_n do_v most_o just_o deserve_v that_o he_o will_v in_o mercy_n find_v a_o way_n to_o remove_v this_o vile_a abomination_n and_o scandal_n from_o our_o land_n and_o diffuse_v such_o a_o awful_a sense_n of_o religion_n through_o the_o nation_n as_o may_v keep_v we_o under_o the_o power_n and_o obedience_n of_o it_o that_o he_o will_v make_v we_o all_o tender_a and_o zealous_a in_o the_o thing_n that_o refer_v to_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o assist_v we_o by_o his_o grace_n in_o all_o holy_a endeavour_n to_o promote_v those_o interest_n beg_v all_o in_o the_o name_n and_o mediation_n of_o christ_n our_o lord_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o adoration_n henceforth_o and_o for_o ever_o sermon_n v._o the_o church_n prayer_n and_o complaint_n of_o contempt_n from_o profane_a and_o fanatic_a enemy_n the_o second_o edition_n sermon_n v._o the_o church_n prayer_n and_o complaint_n psal._n cxxiii_o 3_o 4._o have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o o_o lord_n have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o for_o we_o be_v exceed_o fill_v with_o contempt_n our_o soul_n be_v exceed_o fill_v with_o the_o scorn_v of_o those_o that_o be_v at_o ease_n and_o with_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o proud_a the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n be_v militant_a and_o uncertain_a subject_n to_o those_o alteration_n and_o vicissitude_n which_o attend_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o a_o mutable_a nature_n one_o while_n it_o be_v in_o a_o fair_a and_o flourish_a condition_n orderly_o without_o and_o unite_v within_o beautiful_a in_o its_o external_a appearance_n and_o more_o so_o in_o its_o inward_a holiness_n and_o peace_n and_o then_o its_o heaven_n be_v overcast_v cloud_n and_o thick_a darkness_n rest_n upon_o it_o it_o be_v overwhelm_v by_o trouble_n and_o disorder_n and_o rend_v asunder_o by_o heresy_n and_o division_n so_o that_o the_o way_n of_o zion_n mourn_v and_o her_o gate_n be_v desolate_a in_o the_o afflict_a state_n be_v the_o church_n at_o the_o pen_n of_o this_o psalm_n whether_o its_o affliction_n be_v from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o antiochus_n the_o babylonish_n captivity_n or_o its_o own_o corruption_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o dispute_v it_o may_v suffice_v for_o we_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o church_n be_v now_o in_o great_a distress_n and_o that_o it_o take_v the_o right_a way_n of_o remedy_n by_o apply_v itself_o to_o god_n for_o relief_n have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o o_o lord_n have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o in_o which_o word_n we_o have_v two_o part_n 1._o a_o passionate_a supplication_n have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o o_o lord_n have_v mercy_n 2._o the_o ground_n and_o occasion_n of_o it_o for_o we_o be_v exceed_o fill_v with_o contempt_n this_o be_v last_o in_o order_n of_o word_n but_o first_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v begin_v here_o and_o consider_v in_o it_o 1._o the_o matter_n of_o trouble_n and_o complaint_n it_o be_v contempt_n and_o scorn_v 2._o the_o degree_n of_o it_o it_o be_v exceed_a contempt_n and_o their_o soul_n be_v fill_v with_o it_o 3._o the_o character_n of_o the_o person_n by_o who_o the_o church_n be_v so_o contemn_v they_o be_v 1._o those_o at_o ease_n and_o 2._o the_o proud_a 1._o for_o the_o matter_n of_o complaint_n it_o be_v express_v to_o be_v contempt_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o mean_a and_o vile_a opinion_n of_o the_o person_n contemn_v and_o scorn_v which_o may_v be_v take_v for_o the_o show_v of_o it_o in_o actual_a derision_n and_o abuse_v now_o contempt_n suppose_v a_o mean_a and_o low_a condition_n and_o hatred_n upon_o it_o for_o misery_n move_v pity_n and_o not_o contempt_n where_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o charity_n or_o kindness_n so_o that_o at_o this_o time_n the_o church_n be_v low_a and_o hate_v in_o its_o lowness_n both_o which_o together_o make_v up_o the_o occasion_n of_o contempt_n and_o the_o scorn_v that_o be_v consequent_a to_o it_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o grievous_a of_o all_o evil_n express_v well_o by_o he_o that_o say_v nihil_fw-la in_o se_fw-la gravius_fw-la habet_fw-la paupertas_fw-la quam_fw-la quòd_fw-la homines_fw-la efficit_fw-la ridiculos_fw-la want_v we_o may_v think_v be_v misery_n enough_o but_o it_o be_v aggravate_v and_o heighten_v by_o the_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n that_o usual_o go_v along_o with_o it_o even_o the_o virtue_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v despise_v 2._o we_o have_v the_o degree_n of_o contempt_n express_v they_o be_v exceed_o contemn_v and_o exceed_o fill_v with_o contempt_n and_o their_o soul_n be_v exceed_o fill_v with_o scorn_v exceed_o fill_v glut_v with_o it_o it_o be_v a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o a_o oppressive_a repletion_n of_o the_o stomach_n even_o to_o nauseat_v and_o loathe_v their_o soul_n be_v fill_v the_o great_a and_o quick_a sense_n of_o evil_n be_v overcharge_v with_o
31._o 18._o thus_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o proud_a contemner_n of_o the_o church_n there_o be_v another_o viz._n 2._o the_o spiritual_a proud_a that_o be_v lift_v up_o above_o measure_n in_o the_o thought_n of_o their_o privilege_n and_o attainment_n pride_n take_v occasion_n from_o all_o thing_n and_o when_o it_o have_v not_o riches_n and_o worldly_a honour_n to_o raise_v itself_o upon_o it_o take_v even_o religion_n to_o serve_v its_o vanity_n it_o set_v man_n upon_o the_o pinnacle_n yea_o it_o carry_v they_o into_o the_o cloud_n of_o imagination_n and_o thence_o they_o scornful_o look_v down_o upon_o all_o that_o be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o phanciful_a height_n they_o choose_v unto_o themselves_o singular_a way_n and_o heap_v up_o to_o themselves_o teacher_n of_o their_o own_o they_o put_v on_o glorious_a show_n of_o spirituality_n and_o strictness_n and_o make_v a_o more_o refine_a form_n of_o godliness_n and_o then_o they_o fancy_n that_o they_o worship_n in_o a_o more_o acceptable_a and_o spiritual_a manner_n that_o they_o have_v more_o knowledge_n of_o god_n mind_n and_o experience_n of_o his_o way_n than_o all_o other_o and_o so_o that_o they_o be_v his_o special_a favourite_n and_o more_o dear_a unto_o he_o than_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n that_o they_o only_o have_v pure_a ordinance_n and_o precious_a truth_n while_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o darkness_n and_o the_o shadow_n of_o death_n cover_v with_o the_o night_n of_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o they_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n destruction_n and_o utter_a desolation_n will_v seize_v on_o the_o rest_n of_o man_n and_o be_v thus_o opinion_v of_o themselves_o they_o will_v not_o mingle_v with_o the_o wicked_a but_o gather_v into_o their_o select_a company_n and_o worship_n after_o their_o own_o fashion_n they_o despise_v the_o public_a order_n of_o the_o church_n and_o contemn_v those_o that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o mode_n of_o singularity_n and_o separation_n but_o especial_o they_o look_v on_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n with_o the_o great_a and_o bitter_a scorn_n they_o undervalue_v their_o ability_n and_o defame_v their_o life_n they_o talk_v of_o they_o as_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o ignorance_n and_o debauchery_n among_o they_o as_o if_o a_o man_n be_v forsake_v of_o god_n and_o all_o goodness_n assoon_o as_o the_o church_n have_v take_v he_o into_o her_o service_n and_o bereave_v of_o all_o understanding_n and_o all_o sense_n of_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n assoon_o as_o he_o undertake_v to_o minister_v in_o the_o public_a legal_a place_n of_o worship_n they_o greedy_o hunt_v after_o story_n to_o make_v they_o odious_a and_o contemptible_a and_o catch_v the_o vomit_n of_o atheist_n and_o drunkard_n to_o throw_v in_o their_o face_n i_o mean_v they_o publish_v and_o authenticate_v the_o slanderous_a lie_n that_o those_o sot_n make_v in_o their_o more_o than_o bestial_a debauch_n what_o they_o intend_v for_o sport_n these_o propagate_v in_o malice_n they_o vent_v the_o scandalous_a tale_n among_o their_o friend_n for_o sad_a certainty_n and_o confirm_v they_o with_o sigh_n and_o solemn_a nod_n as_o the_o other_o do_v with_o oath_n and_o dammee_n as_o if_o they_o be_v trouble_v at_o the_o evil_n they_o report_v when_o as_o indeed_o they_o be_v then_o most_o tickle_v and_o please_v it_o be_v marrow_n and_o fatness_n to_o they_o to_o hear_v and_o tell_v story_n of_o the_o son_n of_o the_o church_n no_o one_o can_v oblige_v they_o more_o than_o he_o that_o so_o entertain_v they_o and_o when_o information_n fail_v they_o have_v good_a invention_n to_o supply_v that_o want_n so_o that_o no_o innocence_n can_v escape_v they_o no_o virtue_n be_v protection_n against_o they_o they_o will_v interpret_v every_o harmless_a action_n into_o a_o miscarriage_n and_o aggravate_v every_o the_o small_a miscarriage_n with_o all_o the_o most_o heinous_a circumstance_n of_o guilt_n and_o villainy_n yea_o where_o no_o blot_n be_v to_o be_v find_v none_o to_o be_v pretend_v there_o they_o vilify_v the_o virtue_n of_o those_o unblamable_a person_n as_o dull_a morality_n and_o they_o as_o stranger_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o mystery_n of_o religion_n but_o beside_o these_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o proud_a that_o be_v occasion_n of_o the_o church_n contempt_n man_n that_o will_v have_v themselves_o think_v to_o be_v the_o only_a friend_n to_o it_o that_o will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o their_o brethren_n subscription_n and_o declaration_n for_o the_o article_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o church_n except_o they_o will_v take_v their_o interpretation_n and_o unless_o you_o will_v be_v of_o their_o mind_n in_o every_o dispute_v doctrine_n you_o must_v be_v publish_v enemy_n to_o the_o church_n and_o suspicion_n will_v be_v raise_v upon_o you_o as_o secret_a adversary_n and_o dangerous_a person_n that_o undermine_v the_o foundation_n these_o will_v set_v the_o church_n upon_o a_o indivisible_a point_n and_o have_v it_o stand_v like_o a_o steeple_n inverse_v they_o will_v shut_v out_o those_o that_o have_v serve_v the_o church_n to_o as_o good_a purpose_n as_o any_o of_o themselves_o that_o can_v do_v it_o and_o will_v in_o spite_n of_o their_o peevishness_n and_o conceit_a folly_n such_o man_n as_o these_o act_n as_o if_o they_o think_v the_o church_n have_v not_o enemy_n enough_o they_o will_v make_v more_o divide_v from_o it_o if_o they_o can_v and_o will_v have_v themselves_o account_v the_o only_a member_n and_o pillar_n of_o it_o whether_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o assert_v its_o honour_n and_o reputation_n or_o to_o lay_v the_o ground_n for_o more_o contempt_n let_v indifferent_a man_n judge_v and_o to_o their_o thought_n i_o leave_v it_o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o other_o general_n viz._n 2._o the_o earnest_a supplication_n have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o o_o lord_n this_o may_v be_v understand_v as_o a_o petition_n both_o for_o 1._o pardon_v and_o 2._o deliverance_n 1._o common_a contempt_n be_v a_o judgement_n of_o which_o sin_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o occasion_n and_o when_o man_n complain_v of_o judgement_n they_o shall_v remember_v their_o offence_n which_o if_o they_o do_v with_o hearty_a penitence_n and_o due_a humiliation_n they_o be_v then_o prepare_v for_o pardon_n and_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o apply_v themselves_o to_o god_n for_o it_o this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v in_o order_n to_o deliverance_n from_o any_o evil_n and_o particular_o from_o this_o it_o be_v vain_a to_o seek_v for_o the_o removal_n of_o the_o effect_n while_o the_o cause_n be_v suffer_v to_o continue_v allow_v sin_n be_v contempt_n throw_v upon_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o those_o that_o dishonour_v he_o shall_v be_v light_o esteem_v he_o must_v first_o be_v restore_v to_o his_o honour_n by_o our_o humble_v ourselves_o and_o renounce_v our_o sin_n and_o then_o he_o will_v be_v ready_a to_o deliver_v we_o in_o his_o time_n from_o the_o scorn_v of_o those_o that_o be_v at_o ease_n and_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o proud_a for_o those_o that_o honour_v he_o he_o will_v honour_v 1._o sam._n 2._o 3._o and_o when_o a_o man_n way_n please_v the_o lord_n his_o enemy_n shall_v be_v at_o peace_n with_o he_o prov._n 16._o 7._o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n imply_v in_o the_o petition_n have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o o_o lord_n in_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n the_o second_o be_v for_o deliverance_n from_o the_o contempt_n of_o which_o they_o complain_v and_o so_o the_o supplication_n speak_v thus_o have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o o_o lord_n and_o help_v we_o they_o do_v not_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o appeal_n and_o apology_n unto_o man_n no_o it_o be_v a_o small_a thing_n with_o they_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o man_n judgement_n 1_o cor._n 4._o 3._o but_o they_o make_v their_o application_n to_o he_o that_o judge_v righteous_o if_o he_o approve_v it_o be_v no_o matter_n who_o condemn_v if_o he_o honour_v let_v man_n vilify_v and_o contemn_v at_o their_o peril_n the_o church_n seek_v his_o favour_n and_o his_o help_n for_o deliverance_n for_o vain_a be_v the_o help_n of_o man_n and_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v exceed_o earnest_a and_o solicitous_a to_o procure_v it_o which_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o reiteration_n of_o the_o request_n have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o o_o lord_n have_v mercy_n which_o earnestness_n we_o may_v not_o suppose_v to_o proceed_v only_o from_o tenderness_n of_o their_o own_o name_n and_o reputation_n as_o if_o their_o be_v disvalue_v be_v so_o very_o grievous_a a_o thing_n to_o they_o no_o there_o be_v more_o in_o it_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v and_o they_o be_v vilify_v and_o despise_v because_o of_o their_o relation_n to_o he_o for_o his_o sake_n they_o suffer_v reproach_n psal_n 69._o 7._o and_o the_o reproach_n of_o they_o that_o reproach_v
two_o 1._o the_o general_a belief_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o another_o life_n 2._o the_o common_a desire_n of_o memory_n after_o death_n 1._o for_o the_o first_o the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v have_v not_o be_v the_o opinion_n only_o of_o concern_v priest_n or_o design_v politician_n of_o melancholy_a superstitionist_n or_o distract_a enthusiast_n it_o have_v not_o be_v the_o conceit_n of_o a_o single_a age_n nor_o confine_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o one_o country_n or_o region_n but_o be_v as_o general_a as_o the_o light_n and_o spread_v as_o far_o as_o the_o utmost_a bound_n of_o the_o reasonable_a nature_n for_o those_o that_o be_v stranger_n to_o one_o another_o law_n and_o custom_n and_o as_o different_a in_o their_o nature_n as_o they_o be_v distant_a in_o their_o clime_n yet_o all_o alike_o concur_v in_o the_o expectation_n and_o belief_n of_o a_o future_a be_v the_o cold_a russian_a and_o scorch_a moor_n the_o barbarous_a american_n and_o spruce_a grecian_a the_o soft_a chinese_n and_o the_o rough_a tartar_n though_o vast_o different_a in_o all_o other_o thing_n yet_o they_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o there_o be_v another_o world_n and_o that_o we_o be_v immortal_a and_o it_o be_v the_o observation_n of_o pliny_n that_o those_o barbarous_a people_n that_o have_v neither_o clothes_n to_o cover_v their_o nakedness_n nor_o law_n for_o a_o common_a security_n that_o live_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o freity_n and_o lust_n and_o differ_v from_o the_o beast_n seem_o in_o little_a else_o but_o external_a shape_n that_o have_v neither_o town_n nor_o house_n and_o but_o just_a reason_n enough_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n yet_o these_o live_v in_o expectation_n and_o belief_n of_o a_o life_n after_o this_o and_o the_o latter_a improvement_n of_o navigation_n and_o remote_a discovery_n confirm_v the_o same_o in_o the_o far_a dark_a part_n of_o the_o habitable_a earth_n now_o this_o general_a effect_n must_v have_v some_o general_a cause_n which_o can_v be_v any_o general_a deception_n for_o it_o be_v not_o moral_o possible_a that_o those_o who_o be_v at_o so_o vast_a a_o distance_n in_o place_n and_o nature_n and_o all_o other_o circumstance_n shall_v agree_v in_o a_o common_a deceit_n and_o jump_v in_o the_o same_o imposture_n it_o must_v arise_v then_o either_o from_o some_o universal_a explicit_a revelation_n or_o a_o universal_a instinct_n or_o voice_n of_o nature_n if_o the_o former_a be_v grant_v it_o be_v full_a proof_n of_o the_o assertion_n or_o if_o that_o be_v not_o it_o be_v the_o other_o which_o seem_v most_o probable_a viz._n that_o god_n have_v insert_v it_o into_o our_o reasonable_a nature_n or_o by_o his_o providence_n have_v convey_v it_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o man_n which_o be_v tantamont_n unto_o it_o and_o so_o we_o be_v carry_v to_o this_o belief_n as_o the_o lamb_n be_v to_o the_o dug_n or_o other_o creature_n to_o the_o food_n or_o work_n of_o their_o particular_a nature_n on_o this_o account_n aristotle_n set_v it_o down_o for_o a_o rule_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o cicero_n say_v the_o same_o quod_fw-la omnibus_fw-la videtur_fw-la est_fw-la that_o which_o seem_v to_o all_o be_v for_o what_o ever_o be_v so_o universal_a be_v from_o god_n who_o can_v deceive_v or_o be_v mistake_v 2._o the_o desire_n of_o memory_n after_o death_n be_v a_o instinct_n in_o mankind_n and_o whether_o the_o former_a be_v so_o proper_o or_o not_o this_o be_v certain_o such_o all_o way_n have_v be_v take_v to_o perpetuate_v man_n name_n and_o memory_n child_n and_o great_a house_n and_o noble_a deed_n and_o book_n and_o monument_n yea_o and_o as_o if_o earth_n want_v thing_n sufficient_o last_v to_o satisfy_v this_o appetite_n of_o immortality_n man_n have_v place_v themselves_o in_o the_o region_n of_o incorruption_n and_o have_v call_v the_o star_n by_o their_o own_o name_n now_o this_o universal_a thirst_n after_o such_o a_o imaginary_a immortality_n be_v a_o inducement_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o real_a one_o since_o do_v we_o cease_v to_o be_v assoon_o as_o we_o die_v and_o disappear_v to_o this_o world_n such_o a_o appetite_n will_v be_v unreasonable_a and_o ridiculous_a for_o why_o shall_v we_o desire_v a_o precarious_a be_v in_o a_o name_n and_o memory_n if_o our_o true_a self_n be_v so_o short_o to_o be_v nothing_o of_o what_o concernment_n be_v it_o to_o we_o to_o be_v remember_v if_o in_o a_o few_o day_n all_o thing_n shall_v be_v forget_v for_o ever_o and_o we_o be_v to_o go_v into_o a_o eternal_a silence_n and_o oblivion_n what_o will_v a_o stone_n be_v the_o better_a for_o be_v account_v one_o of_o the_o ancient_a pillar_n of_o seth_n or_o a_o piece_n of_o wood_n in_o be_v esteem_v a_o sacred_a relic_n of_o the_o cross_n the_o sum_n be_v mankind_n have_v a_o appetite_n of_o posthumou_n memory_n which_o will_v be_v senseless_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n if_o there_o be_v no_o life_n but_o this_o now_o god_n implant_v no_o instinct_n in_o his_o creature_n that_o be_v futilous_a and_o in_o vain_a and_o therefore_o hence_o also_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o future_a be_v i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o the_o argument_n on_o which_o i_o intend_v to_o insist_v after_o all_o i_o can_v say_v that_o each_o of_o they_o be_v a_o absolute_a demonstration_n or_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o every_o one_o be_v such_o as_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v avoid_v there_o be_v few_o proof_n of_o that_o nature_n but_o this_o i_o do_v that_o all_o of_o they_o together_o will_v i_o think_v make_v a_o cord_n hardly_o to_o be_v break_v and_o these_o consideration_n in_o conjunction_n may_v amount_v to_o a_o moral_a demonstration_n and_o have_v force_n enough_o to_o obtain_v assent_n from_o those_o that_o be_v not_o stupid_a or_o unreasonable_a but_o yet_o the_o strong_a proof_n be_v those_o from_o the_o scripture_n and_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n prove_v also_o the_o certain_o of_o a_o life_n after_o this_o for_o one_o of_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n be_v to_o bring_v immortality_n to_o light_n and_o as_o i_o note_v before_o he_o give_v visible_a evidence_n of_o a_o future_a existence_n by_o his_o own_o resurrection_n so_o that_o those_o that_o can_v not_o reason_n and_o dispute_v and_o see_v truth_n at_o distance_n in_o principle_n may_v however_o be_v convince_v by_o a_o demonstration_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o those_o that_o can_v not_o be_v full_o assure_v by_o the_o reason_n of_o philosopher_n which_o many_o of_o they_o be_v very_o deep_a and_o many_o uncertain_a and_o many_o unsound_a and_o false_a may_v yet_o be_v persuade_v by_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o confirm_v those_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o life_n and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o whole_a gospel_n either_o suppose_v or_o prove_v these_o i_o say_v be_v the_o clear_a and_o best_a evidence_n but_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v obvious_a to_o every_o understanding_n and_o can_v receive_v more_o light_a than_o what_o they_o have_v at_o first_o fight_n in_o themselves_o i_o therefore_o omit_v that_o sort_n of_o proof_n as_o not_o need_v by_o those_o that_o embrace_v the_o scripture_n and_o for_o other_o that_o believe_v it_o not_o the_o reason_n take_v thence_o will_v be_v of_o no_o force_n with_o such_o man_n i_o have_v also_o design_o omit_v the_o argument_n that_o arise_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n philosophical_o consider_v for_o the_o reason_n mention_v in_o the_o beginning_n viz._n because_o they_o be_v speculative_a and_o nice_a and_o so_o not_o proper_a for_o such_o discourse_n as_o this_o nor_o be_v they_o usual_o of_o much_o force_n upon_o the_o mind_n i_o come_v ii_o to_o show_v the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o man_n not_o believe_v a_o future_a state_n the_o chief_a be_v such_o as_o these_o 1._o the_o wickedness_n and_o debauchery_n of_o the_o unbeliever_n the_o horrid_a sin_n of_o their_o present_a life_n make_v they_o afraid_a of_o another_o they_o be_v resolve_v on_o the_o course_n of_o vanity_n and_o folly_n while_o they_o live_v and_o will_v have_v all_o to_o end_v here_o they_o will_v crown_v themselves_o with_o rosebud_n and_o leave_v token_n of_o their_o mirth_n in_o every_o place_n they_o will_v let_v no_o flower_n of_o the_o spring_n pass_v by_o they_o nor_o lose_v any_o part_n of_o voluptuousness_n and_o this_o they_o will_v have_v to_o be_v their_o whole_a portion_n and_o their_o only_a lot_n to_o be_v this_o away_o than_o you_o melancholic_a dream_n and_o troublesome_a fancy_n of_o another_o world_n you_o be_v a_o offence_n unto_o we_o and_o savour_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o