the_o most_o remarkable_a for_o indeed_o it_o make_v up_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n now_o in_o that_o history_n it_o be_v worth_a our_o take_a notice_n of_o that_o every_o degree_n of_o public_a vice_n and_o departure_n from_o god_n law_n be_v always_o punish_v with_o public_a judgement_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n every_o degree_n of_o public_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n be_v always_o reward_v with_o public_a happiness_n and_o prosperity_n so_o that_o any_o one_o that_o can_v make_v a_o right_a estimate_n of_o the_o moral_n of_o that_o nation_n and_o how_o it_o stand_v as_o to_o virtue_n and_o vice_n may_v constant_o make_v a_o judgement_n likewise_o how_o it_o will_v fare_v with_o they_o as_o to_o their_o outward_a temporal_a affair_n i_o must_v confess_v that_o general_o speak_v there_o be_v little_a force_n in_o those_o argument_n that_o be_v draw_v from_o example_n but_o in_o the_o case_n i_o be_o now_o upon_o i_o think_v there_o be_v a_o great_a weight_n in_o they_o for_o though_o we_o can_v argue_v from_o god_n deal_v with_o one_o person_n that_o he_o will_v just_o deal_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n with_o another_o yet_o as_o to_o nation_n and_o kingdom_n the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o as_o i_o before_o say_v for_o god_n dispensation_n and_o providence_n to_o they_o seem_v all_o to_o proceed_v upon_o one_o immutable_a foundation_n which_o will_v be_v the_o same_o in_o all_o age_n and_o country_n namely_o the_o expression_n and_o vindication_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o goodness_n in_o this_o world_n and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o have_v always_o be_v of_o this_o mind_n that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o difference_n between_o the_o history_n of_o god_n deal_n with_o his_o own_o people_n the_o jew_n and_o that_o of_o other_o nation_n but_o this_o that_o in_o other_o nation_n the_o public_a event_n that_o happen_v whether_o good_a or_o bad_a though_o they_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o yet_o they_o pass_v without_o any_o reflection_n on_o the_o true_a cause_n from_o whence_o they_o proceed_v the_o historian_n do_v indeed_o often_o lay_v their_o finger_n right_o upon_o the_o immediate_a visible_a outward_a occasion_n or_o mean_n or_o instrument_n from_o whence_o their_o good_a or_o bad_a fortune_n be_v derive_v to_o they_o but_o they_o search_v no_o further_o they_o consider_v only_o second_o cause_n and_o take_v no_o great_a notice_n of_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a cause_n of_o all_o thing_n god_n almighty_n and_o his_o influence_a humane_a affair_n they_o leave_v god_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n out_o of_o their_o hypothesis_n and_o out_o of_o their_o history_n but_o now_o that_o the_o world_n may_v be_v awaken_v to_o a_o more_o hearty_a belief_n and_o sense_n of_o his_o providence_n god_n take_v care_n to_o single_a out_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o in_o they_o to_o give_v we_o a_o true_a pattern_n or_o platform_n of_o his_o deal_n with_o all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o for_o that_o purpose_n he_o order_v that_o all_o the_o great_a stroke_n both_o of_o their_o departure_n from_o god_n and_o of_o their_o return_n to_o he_o and_o likewise_o both_o of_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a fortune_n that_o do_v at_o any_o time_n befall_v that_o nation_n shall_v be_v faithful_o register_v and_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o they_o faithful_o assign_v that_o all_o mankind_n may_v from_o thence_o receive_v instruction_n how_o they_o ought_v to_o behave_v themselves_o towards_o god_n and_o what_o according_a to_o their_o different_a behaviour_n they_o be_v to_o expect_v to_o conclude_v this_o point_n by_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o state_n and_o condition_n and_o fortune_n of_o all_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o of_o the_o jew_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v by_o achior_n the_o ammonite_n in_o the_o advice_n he_o give_v to_o holofernes_n when_o he_o come_v up_o with_o a_o army_n against_o that_o people_n you_o have_v the_o passage_n in_o judith_n 5.17_o whilst_o say_v he_o these_o people_n sin_v not_o before_o their_o god_n they_o prosper_v because_o the_o god_n that_o hate_v iniquity_n be_v with_o they_o but_o when_o they_o depart_v from_o the_o way_n that_o he_o appoint_v they_o they_o be_v destroy_v in_o many_o battle_n after_o a_o nonderful_a sort_n and_o be_v lead_v captive_a into_o a_o land_n that_o be_v not_o they_o but_o now_o they_o be_v turn_v to_o their_o god_n and_o be_v come_v up_o from_o their_o captivity_n and_o have_v again_o possess_v jerusalem_n now_o therefore_o my_o lord_n and_o governor_n if_o there_o be_v any_o fault_n in_o this_o people_n so_o that_o they_o have_v sin_v against_o their_o god_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v their_o ruin_n and_o let_v we_o go_v up_o that_o we_o may_v overcome_v they_o but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o iniquity_n in_o this_o people_n let_v my_o lord_n pass_v by_o lest_o their_o lord_n defend_v they_o and_o their_o god_n be_v for_o they_o and_o we_o become_v a_o reproach_n before_o all_o the_o world_n thus_o it_o be_v and_o will_v be_v always_o with_o all_o state_n and_o nation_n if_o they_o notorious_o sin_n against_o their_o god_n this_o will_v be_v their_o ruin_n but_o if_o there_o be_v not_o find_v iniquity_n in_o they_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o any_o enemy_n to_o set_v upon_o they_o for_o god_n will_v be_v for_o they_o and_o their_o lord_n will_v defend_v they_o if_o this_o which_o i_o have_v say_v be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v any_o one_o about_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o point_n i_o may_v bring_v other_o proof_n for_o it_o i_o may_v for_o instance_n in_o the_o three_o place_n insist_v upon_o this_o that_o virtue_n and_o piety_n do_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n tend_v to_o promote_v the_o welfare_n and_o happiness_n of_o peoples_n and_o nation_n as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n all_o vice_n and_o irreligion_n be_v destructive_a of_o humane_a society_n and_o this_o without_o respect_n to_o any_o appointment_n or_o decree_n of_o god_n that_o thing_n shall_v be_v manage_v in_o this_o way_n but_o pure_o in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o be_v obvious_a that_o virtue_n and_o religion_n lie_v the_o sure_a foundation_n for_o all_o those_o blessing_n wherein_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o nation_n do_v consist_v that_o be_v possible_a both_o by_o make_v magistrate_n to_o govern_v well_o and_o by_o render_v the_o people_n easy_a to_o be_v govern_v and_o likewise_o by_o furnish_v both_o the_o governor_n and_o the_o govern_v with_o such_o kind_n of_o principle_n and_o habit_n as_o can_v fail_v with_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n to_o produce_v both_o peace_n and_o plenty_n and_o victory_n and_o all_o other_o sort_n of_o prosperity_n in_o a_o nation_n as_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n all_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n and_o profaneness_n and_o impiety_n do_v sow_v the_o worst_a seed_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o dissolve_v and_o break_v in_o piece_n all_o society_n or_o at_o least_o for_o the_o so_o enfeeble_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v either_o be_v in_o a_o very_a low_a wretched_a condition_n among_o themselves_o if_o they_o have_v no_o enemy_n or_o if_o they_o have_v any_o become_v a_o easy_a prey_n to_o the_o next_o invader_n but_o i_o will_v not_o enter_v upon_o this_o argument_n because_o i_o think_v the_o matter_n need_v no_o further_a proof_n and_o i_o will_v spend_v the_o rest_n of_o my_o time_n in_o make_v some_o application_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v upon_o this_o point_n to_o the_o business_n of_o our_o present_a meeting_n on_o this_o day_n we_o be_v here_o meet_v together_o for_o the_o solemn_a humiliation_n of_o ourselves_o with_o fast_v and_o prayer_n before_o almighty_a god_n in_o order_n to_o the_o supplicate_a his_o divine_a majesty_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o the_o sin_n of_o our_o nation_n and_o the_o implore_v his_o blessing_n and_o protection_n to_o the_o king_n and_o kingdom_n by_o continue_v those_o mercy_n to_o we_o we_o do_v enjoy_v by_o avert_v those_o judgement_n from_o we_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v and_o more_o particular_o by_o give_v a_o happy_a issue_n to_o that_o dangerous_a war_n in_o which_o his_o majesty_n with_o the_o kingdom_n be_v now_o engage_v and_o very_o great_a reason_n there_o be_v that_o you_o the_o representative_n of_o the_o people_n of_o england_n shall_v most_o serious_o and_o solemn_o join_v in_o this_o religious_a office_n since_o the_o fortune_n of_o the_o nation_n you_o represent_v do_v never_o more_o lie_v at_o stake_n than_o at_o this_o present_a you_o have_v hitherto_o be_v act_v and_o endeavour_v for_o the_o happiness_n and_o security_n of_o your_o nation_n by_o humane_a method_n and_o we_o all_o put_v up_o our_o daily_a prayer_n that_o what_o you_o have_v do_v and_o what_o
reward_v and_o wicked_a man_n punish_v to_o deny_v the_o liberty_n of_o humane_a action_n and_o to_o say_v that_o all_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v we_o do_v by_o a_o fatal_a necessity_n and_o we_o can_v do_v otherwise_o and_o yet_o we_o may_v every_o day_n meet_v with_o man_n of_o these_o principle_n nay_o and_o that_o laugh_v at_o all_o those_o that_o maintain_v the_o contrary_n but_o then_o as_o for_o the_o business_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o that_o which_o we_o call_v the_o christian_a religion_n what_o a_o very_a little_a do_v a_o great_a many_o among_o we_o make_v of_o that_o to_o talk_v of_o christ_n be_v send_v for_o the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o die_v to_o procure_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o that_o we_o must_v believe_v all_o the_o scripture-doctrine_n concern_v he_o and_o worship_v he_o as_o a_o god_n why_o what_o stuff_n be_v this_o to_o a_o great_a many_o of_o the_o resin_a spirit_n of_o our_o age_n it_o be_v very_o well_o if_o they_o can_v so_o far_o prevail_v with_o themselves_o as_o to_o own_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v their_o obligation_n to_o the_o duty_n of_o moral_a honesty_n and_o justice_n which_o natural_a religion_n teach_v but_o as_o for_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o sacrament_n and_o all_o reveal_v religion_n they_o beg_v your_o pardon_n for_o these_o thing_n they_o be_v too_o nice_a and_o subtle_a for_o they_o to_o meddle_v with_o not_o but_o that_o they_o be_v good_a christian_n all_o the_o while_n for_o they_o can_v come_v to_o our_o church_n and_o to_o our_o sacrament_n too_o if_o there_o be_v occasion_n because_o indeed_o they_o will_v always_o be_v of_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o country_n where_o they_o live_v but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o do_v this_o they_o do_v no_o more_o real_o believe_v or_o expect_v any_o spiritual_a benefit_n in_o our_o religion_n nor_o look_v for_o any_o more_o salvation_n from_o christ_n jesus_n than_o they_o will_v expect_v from_o mahomet_n if_o they_o shall_v live_v in_o turkey_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o even_o among_o those_o that_o do_v believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o own_o his_o religion_n yet_o what_o little_a regard_n have_v they_o general_o speak_v to_o his_o worship_n and_o service_n it_o be_v very_o well_o if_o they_o now_o and_o then_o afford_v their_o presence_n on_o sunday_n at_o the_o public_a religious_a assembly_n i_o will_v not_o examine_v with_o what_o design_n and_o for_o what_o end_v they_o come_v thither_o nor_o how_o devout_o and_o religious_o their_o heart_n be_v affect_v during_o the_o time_n they_o be_v there_o i_o say_v it_o be_v very_o well_o that_o they_o be_v there_o at_o all_o but_o even_o of_o those_o that_o do_v come_v thither_o and_o do_v once_o a_o week_n seem_v to_o have_v a_o sense_n of_o public_a religion_n i_o say_v how_o few_o be_v there_o of_o they_o that_o take_v any_o care_n of_o worship_v god_n either_o in_o their_o family_n or_o in_o their_o closet_n why_o if_o a_o man_n be_v true_o religious_a he_o can_v not_o pass_v a_o day_n without_o solemn_a address_n to_o his_o maker_n and_o to_o his_o redeemer_n he_o will_v pray_v in_o his_o closet_n constant_o and_o if_o he_o have_v a_o family_n he_o will_v pray_v with_o they_o constant_o and_o if_o he_o have_v no_o family_n he_o will_v constant_o resort_v to_o those_o place_n where_o he_o may_v pay_v his_o tribute_n of_o public_a prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o god_n unless_o he_o have_v urgent_a business_n to_o hinder_v he_o but_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o to_o be_v see_v among_o we_o except_o in_o some_o few_o person_n here_o and_o there_o be_v there_o not_o twenty_o family_n for_o one_o that_o live_v without_o so_o much_o as_o the_o show_n of_o any_o devotion_n without_o any_o sort_n of_o prayer_n or_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o their_o house_n nay_o and_o i_o be_o afraid_a i_o may_v say_v there_o be_v twenty_o for_o one_o even_o of_o private_a person_n that_o live_v without_o devotion_n in_o their_o closet_n that_o never_o call_v upon_o god_n never_o renew_v their_o vow_n to_o their_o saviour_n never_o pay_v he_o any_o homage_n except_o perhaps_o once_o a_o week_n in_o a_o formal_a way_n when_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n oblige_v they_o to_o resort_v to_o the_o church_n the_o truth_n be_v so_o little_a sense_n have_v most_o of_o we_o of_o religion_n and_o devotion_n so_o little_a regard_n of_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o our_o depenance_n upon_o he_o and_o express_v that_o dependence_n either_o in_o private_a or_o in_o our_o family_n that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o that_o happy_a institution_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n on_o the_o which_o we_o be_v oblige_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n to_o meet_v together_o for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v hardly_o see_v any_o face_n of_o religion_n among_o we_o and_o in_o a_o little_a time_n shall_v scarce_o be_v distinguish_v from_o heathen_n but_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o the_o worst_a of_o our_o case_n our_o gross_a immorality_n that_o horrid_a lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n that_o be_v every_o where_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o our_o day_n do_v still_o increase_v our_o gild_n and_o cry_v to_o heaven_n for_o judgement_n upon_o our_o nation_n it_o will_v make_v a_o man_n heart_n ache_v that_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o god_n or_o religion_n to_o think_v of_o the_o riot_n the_o drunkenness_n the_o continue_a course_n of_o spend_v our_o time_n and_o our_o part_n and_o our_o substance_n in_o revel_v and_o game_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o such_o excess_n that_o be_v daily_o practise_v among_o we_o and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n the_o man_n that_o thus_o live_v think_v themselves_o very_o honest_a man_n all_o the_o while_n it_o will_v real_o amaze_v a_o man_n and_o put_v he_o upon_o admire_v god_n patience_n that_o he_o do_v not_o present_o confound_v the_o world_n if_o he_o do_v serious_o reflect_v on_o the_o many_o filthy_a lewd_a speech_n and_o action_n the_o numerous_a wicked_a intrigue_n of_o lust_n the_o infamous_a whoredom_n and_o adultery_n that_o be_v without_o any_o sense_n of_o shame_n daily_o carry_v on_o and_o act_v among_o we_o and_o that_o by_o person_n too_o that_o have_v the_o face_n to_o show_v themselves_o at_o our_o holy_a assembly_n especial_o if_o to_o these_o be_v add_v the_o infinite_a lie_n and_o cheat_n and_o perjury_n which_o our_o land_n groan_v under_o the_o blasphemous_a oath_n and_o imprecation_n the_o damn_o i_o be_v and_o sink_v i_n the_o horrid_a profanation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o all_o thing_n sacred_a that_o be_v in_o every_o place_n in_o every_o street_n where_o we_o pass_v belch_v out_o in_o contempt_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o his_o law_n by_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o quality_n from_o the_o beggar_n in_o the_o street_n to_o the_o man_n of_o honour_n and_o that_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n but_o because_o it_o be_v their_o humour_n or_o their_o custom_n and_o last_o to_o fill_v up_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o iniquity_n to_o our_o other_o reign_v vice_n we_o have_v add_v that_o of_o hypocrisy_n too_o which_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v not_o often_o be_v find_v among_o so_o much_o profaneness_n how_o many_o of_o we_o make_v a_o mighty_a noise_n with_o religion_n and_o be_v zealous_a even_o to_o bigotry_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o have_v not_o one_o grain_n of_o inward_a sense_n of_o what_o it_o oblige_v they_o to_o nay_o so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o if_o religion_n be_v but_o in_o their_o mouth_n if_o they_o do_v but_o appear_v zealous_a enough_o for_o the_o protestant_a cause_n if_o they_o can_v but_o cry_v love_n enough_o the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o the_o prophet_n they_o matter_n not_o how_o coutradictory_n their_o action_n be_v to_o the_o precept_n of_o that_o religion_n they_o do_v profess_v their_o zeal_n for_o so_o good_a a_o cause_n will_v sanctify_v all_o the_o other_o action_n be_v they_o never_o so_o wicked_a and_o unjust_a but_o if_o this_o be_v not_o hypocrisy_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n sure_a i_o be_o it_o be_v this_o sort_n of_o carriage_n that_o god_n so_o often_o reprove_v the_o jew_n for_o by_o his_o prophet_n and_o upon_o account_n of_o which_o they_o be_v so_o often_o reproach_v as_o a_o generation_n of_o hypocrite_n and_o for_o which_o he_o threaten_v they_o with_o utter_a destruction_n o_o my_o brethren_n what_o have_v we_o to_o say_v to_o these_o thing_n if_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o with_o we_o as_o i_o be_o afraid_a it_o be_v what_o plea_n have_v we_o to_o put_v in_o for_o ourselves_o if_o
serviceableness_n to_o other_o the_o first_o of_o these_o challenge_v man_n esteem_n the_o other_o their_o love_n now_o both_o these_o quality_n religion_n and_o virtue_n do_v eminent_o possess_v we_o of_o for_o first_o the_o religious_a man_n be_v certain_o the_o most_o worthy_a and_o excellent_a person_n for_o he_o of_o all_o other_o live_v most_o up_o to_o the_o great_a end_n for_o which_o he_o be_v design_v which_o be_v the_o natural_a measure_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o worth_n of_o thing_n whatever_o external_n advantage_n a_o man_n may_v have_v yet_o if_o he_o be_v not_o endow_v with_o virtuous_a quality_n he_o be_v far_o from_o have_v any_o true_a worth_n or_o excellence_n and_o consequent_o can_v be_v a_o fit_a object_n of_o our_o praise_n and_o esteem_n because_o he_o want_v that_o which_o shall_v make_v he_o perfect_a and_o good_a in_o his_o kind_a for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o comely_a personage_n or_o a_o long_a race_n of_o famous_a ancestor_n or_o a_o large_a revenue_n or_o a_o multitude_n of_o servant_n or_o many_o swell_a title_n or_o any_o other_o thing_n without_o a_o man_n that_o speak_v he_o a_o complete_a man_n or_o make_v he_o to_o be_v what_o he_o shall_v be_v but_o the_o right_a use_n of_o his_o reason_n the_o employ_v his_o liberty_n and_o choice_n to_o the_o best_a purpose_n the_o exercise_v his_o power_n and_o faculty_n about_o the_o fit_a object_n and_o in_o the_o most_o due_a measure_n these_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o make_v he_o excellent_a now_o none_o can_v be_v say_v to_o do_v this_o but_o only_o he_o that_o be_v virtuous_a second_o religion_n also_o be_v that_o which_o make_v a_o man_n most_o useful_a and_o profitable_a to_o other_o for_o it_o effectual_o secure_v his_o performance_n of_o all_o those_o duty_n whereby_o both_o the_o security_n and_o welfare_n of_o the_o public_a and_o also_o the_o good_a and_o advantage_n of_o particular_a person_n be_v most_o attain_v it_o make_v man_n lover_n of_o their_o country_n loyal_a to_o their_o prince_n obedient_a to_o law_n it_o be_v the_o sure_a bond_n and_o preservative_n of_o society_n in_o the_o world_n it_o oblige_v we_o to_o live_v peaceable_o and_o to_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o our_o ruler_n not_o only_o for_o wrath_n but_o also_o for_o conscience_n sake_n it_o render_v we_o modest_a and_o governable_a in_o prosperity_n and_o resolute_a and_o courageous_a to_o suffer_v brave_o in_o a_o good_a cause_n in_o the_o worst_a of_o time_n it_o teach_v we_o to_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o the_o community_n to_o be_v inflexible_o upright_a to_o do_v hurt_v to_o none_o but_o good_a office_n to_o all_o to_o be_v charitable_a to_o the_o body_n and_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o do_v all_o manner_n of_o kindness_n that_o lie_v within_o our_o power_n it_o take_v off_o the_o sowrness_n and_o moroseness_n of_o our_o spirit_n and_o make_v we_o affable_a and_o courteous_a gentle_a and_o oblige_a and_o willing_a to_o embrace_v with_o open_a arm_n and_o a_o hearty_a love_n all_o sort_n and_o condition_n of_o men._n in_o every_o relation_n wherein_o we_o can_v stand_v to_o one_o another_o it_o influence_v upon_o we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v we_o more_o useful_a it_o make_v parent_n kind_a and_o indulgent_a and_o careful_a of_o the_o education_n of_o their_o child_n and_o child_n love_v and_o obedient_a to_o their_o parent_n it_o make_v servant_n diligent_a to_o please_v their_o master_n and_o to_o do_v their_o work_n in_o singleness_n of_o heart_n not_o with_o eye-service_n as_o men-pleasers_a but_o as_o unto_o god_n and_o it_o make_v master_n gentle_a and_o forbear_n and_o careful_a to_o make_v provision_n for_o their_o family_n as_o those_o that_o know_v they_o have_v a_o master_n in_o heaven_n that_o be_v no_o respecter_n of_o person_n in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v no_o condition_n or_o capacity_n in_o which_o religion_n will_v not_o be_v signal_o a_o instrument_n of_o make_v we_o more_o serviceable_a to_o other_o and_o of_o do_v more_o good_a in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o such_o be_v the_o spirit_n and_o temper_n of_o it_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a but_o it_o must_v needs_o acquire_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o respect_n and_o love_n from_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n if_o obligingness_n and_o do_v good_a in_o one_o generation_n do_v not_o endear_v a_o man_n to_o those_o that_o know_v he_o do_v not_o entitle_v he_o to_o their_o love_n and_o affection_n what_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v there_o that_o be_v likely_a to_o do_v it_o but_o second_o true_a and_o unaffected_a goodness_n seldom_o miss_v of_o a_o good_a reputation_n in_o the_o world_n how_o unjust_a to_o virtue_n soever_o man_n be_v in_o other_o respect_n yet_o in_o this_o they_o general_o give_v it_o its_o due_a wherever_o it_o appear_v it_o general_o meet_v with_o esteem_n and_o approbation_n nay_o it_o have_v the_o good_a word_n of_o many_o that_o otherwise_o be_v not_o overfond_a of_o religion_n though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o grace_n to_o be_v good_a themselves_o yet_o they_o rare_o have_v the_o confidence_n not_o to_o commend_v goodness_n in_o other_o add_v to_o this_o that_o no_o man_n ever_o raise_v to_o himself_o a_o good_a name_n in_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o score_n of_o his_o virtue_n either_o real_a or_o pretend_a vice_n have_v sometime_o get_v riches_n and_o advance_v itself_o into_o preferment_n but_o it_o never_o be_v account_v honourable_a in_o any_o nation_n it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v indeed_o that_o it_o may_v and_o do_v sometime_o happen_v that_o vicious_a man_n may_v be_v have_v in_o esteem_n but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o their_o vice_n that_o they_o be_v esteem_v but_o for_o some_o good_a quality_n or_o other_o they_o be_v eminent_a in_o and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n if_o those_o man_n be_v without_o those_o vice_n their_o reputation_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v thereby_o diminish_v that_o it_o will_v become_v much_o more_o considerable_a it_o must_v also_o be_v acknowledge_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o even_o virtuous_a and_o good_a man_n may_v sometime_o fail_v of_o that_o esteem_n and_o respect_n that_o their_o virtue_n seem_v to_o merit_v nay_o in_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o be_v slight_v and_o despise_v and_o to_o have_v many_o odious_a term_n and_o nickname_n put_v upon_o they_o but_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o case_n in_o which_o this_o happen_v it_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v of_o no_o force_n at_o all_o for_o the_o disprove_v what_o have_v be_v now_o deliver_v for_o first_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v what_o kind_n of_o person_n those_o be_v that_o treat_v virtue_n and_o virtuous_a man_n thus_o contemptuous_o we_o shall_v always_o find_v they_o to_o be_v the_o worst_a and_o the_o vile_a of_o mankind_n such_o who_o have_v debauch_v the_o natural_a principle_n of_o their_o mind_n have_v lose_v all_o the_o notion_n and_o distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v fall_v below_o the_o dignity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o bear_v up_o themselves_o with_o but_o boldness_n and_o confidence_n drollery_n and_o scurrility_n and_o turn_v into_o ridicule_n every_o thing_n that_o be_v grave_a and_o serious_a but_o it_o be_v with_o these_o as_o it_o be_v with_o the_o monster_n and_o extravagance_n of_o nature_n they_o be_v but_o very_o few_o few_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n who_o have_v wise_a and_o true_a sentiment_n of_o thing_n but_o if_o they_o be_v more_o numerous_a no_o man_n of_o understanding_n will_v value_v what_o such_o man_n say_v of_o he_o it_o look_v like_o a_o crime_n to_o be_v commend_v by_o such_o person_n and_o may_v just_o occasion_v a_o man_n to_o reflect_v upon_o his_o own_o action_n and_o to_o cry_v out_o to_o himself_o as_o he_o do_v of_o old_a what_o have_v i_o do_v that_o these_o man_n speak_v well_o of_o i_o but_o second_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o some_o person_n who_o be_v otherwise_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a may_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o indiscretion_n as_o thereby_o to_o give_v other_o occasion_n to_o slight_v and_o despise_v they_o but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v charge_v upon_o virtue_n and_o religion_n but_o be_v the_o particular_a fault_n of_o the_o person_n every_o one_o that_o be_v religious_a be_v not_o prudent_a the_o meanness_n of_o a_o man_n understanding_n or_o his_o rash_a and_o intemperate_a zeal_n or_o the_o moroseness_n of_o his_o temper_n or_o his_o too_o great_a scrupulosity_n about_o little_a thing_n may_v sometime_o make_v his_o behaviour_n uncouth_a and_o fantastic_a and_o betray_v he_o to_o do_v many_o action_n which_o he_o may_v think_v his_o religion_n oblige_v he_o
common_a as_o the_o first_o persecute_v chrstian_n do_v but_o we_o shall_v be_v high_o indiscreet_a not_o to_o say_v injurious_a both_o to_o ourselves_o and_o the_o public_a if_o we_o do_v but_o this_o notwithstanding_o their_o practice_n and_o the_o charge_n here_o lay_v upon_o we_o to_o be_v communicative_a will_v thus_o far_o oblige_v we_o viz._n that_o we_o christian_n shall_v always_o retain_v that_o public_a generous_a spirit_n that_o they_o in_o the_o first_o time_n be_v act_v with_o we_o shall_v sit_v so_o loose_a from_o the_o world_n and_o so_o unconcern_v in_o the_o distinction_n of_o meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la that_o we_o shall_v make_v it_o our_o business_n to_o do_v good_a with_o what_o we_o have_v think_v our_o wealth_n best_o employ_v when_o it_o be_v put_v to_o that_o use_n and_o when_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o the_o common_a interest_n of_o our_o christian_a brethren_n do_v require_v it_o we_o shall_v then_o as_o free_o part_v with_o all_o we_o have_v as_o our_o predecessor_n in_o christianity_n do_v follow_v herein_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o the_o young_a man_n who_o come_v to_o inquire_v of_o he_o what_o he_o shall_v do_v that_o he_o may_v inherit_v eternal_a life_n and_o who_o be_v thus_o answer_v by_o our_o saviour_n that_o though_o he_o have_v keep_v the_o commandment_n yet_o he_o want_v one_o thing_n to_o make_v he_o perfect_a that_o be_v to_o make_v he_o a_o true_a christian_n and_o that_o be_v to_o sell_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o give_v to_o the_o poor_a and_o come_v and_o follow_v he_o and_o then_o he_o shall_v have_v treasure_n in_o heaven_n mat._n 19.21_o thus_o have_v i_o give_v you_o a_o brief_a account_n of_o each_o particular_a of_o the_o rich_a man_n duty_n as_o it_o be_v sum_v up_o in_o the_o text_n and_o some_o perhaps_o will_v think_v it_o be_v severe_a enough_o whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o no_o i_o now_o dispute_v not_o but_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v severe_o require_v of_o they_o this_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o st._n paul_n way_n of_o urge_v it_o charge_v they_o say_v he_o that_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o be_v not_o high_a mind_v etc._n etc._n he_o do_v not_o say_v recommend_v this_o to_o they_o as_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v very_o reasonable_a in_o itself_o and_o will_v high_o become_v they_o he_o do_v not_o say_v put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n by_o which_o they_o may_v gain_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o honour_n and_o reputation_n to_o their_o religion_n he_o do_v not_o say_v exhort_v and_o persuade_v they_o to_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n that_o will_v at_o last_o conduce_v to_o their_o own_o advantage_n but_o he_o say_v charge_v it_o upon_o they_o intimate_v that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n they_o shall_v thus_o practise_v it_o be_v a_o duty_n indispensable_o incumbent_a upon_o all_o of_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o second_o general_n point_v i_o be_o to_o insist_v on_o and_o certain_o this_o order_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o timothy_n be_v a_o stand_a warrant_n a_o perpetual_a commission_n to_o all_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o charge_v the_o same_o thing_n upon_o all_o rich_a man_n in_o all_o place_n and_o time_n but_o in_o the_o press_n and_o enforce_v this_o charge_n i_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o three_o former_a duty_n as_o to_o the_o last_o which_o concern_v the_o do_v good_a with_o our_o wealth_n the_o exercise_v act_n of_o bounty_n and_o charity_n as_o we_o have_v opportunity_n charge_v they_o that_o be_v rich_a in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o do_v good_a that_o they_o be_v rich_a in_o good_a work_n ready_a to_o distribute_v willing_a to_o communicate_v now_o in_o four_o respect_n especial_o rich_a man_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v charge_v and_o a_o necessity_n lie_v upon_o they_o to_o practice_v according_o viz._n in_o point_n of_o gratitude_n justice_n religion_n self-preservation_n if_o all_o these_o put_v together_o do_v not_o make_v the_o obligation_n indispensable_a i_o know_v not_o what_o will_n i_o will_v speak_v brief_o of_o each_o particular_a first_o if_o rich_a man_n do_v not_o thus_o employ_v their_o wealth_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o great_a ingratitude_n that_o be_v the_o least_o evil_a imputation_n they_o fall_v under_o and_o yet_o to_o any_o ingenuous_a man_n it_o be_v heavy_a enough_o for_o to_o call_v a_o man_n unthankful_a be_v as_o great_a a_o reproach_n as_o you_o can_v cast_v upon_o he_o whoever_o acknowledge_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o own_v his_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n must_v necessary_o believe_v that_o all_o that_o portion_n of_o good_a thing_n which_o he_o enjoy_v in_o this_o life_n do_v proceed_v from_o that_o god_n as_o the_o author_n and_o fountain_n though_o they_o be_v immediate_o convey_v to_o he_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o second_o cause_n and_o his_o reason_n and_o humanity_n will_v suggest_v to_o he_o that_o there_o be_v some_o return_n of_o gratitude_n to_o be_v make_v to_o he_o that_o of_o his_o free_a bounty_n have_v thus_o oblige_v he_o but_o what_o return_n can_v he_o make_v to_o god_n for_o his_o blessing_n other_o than_o in_o communicate_v those_o blessing_n among_o his_o fellow_n creature_n to_o think_v that_o a_o verbal_a acknowledgement_n of_o god_n favour_n be_v a_o suitable_a return_n be_v against_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n who_o know_v that_o there_o go_v more_o to_o a_o man_n be_v true_o grateful_a than_o the_o entertain_v the_o person_n that_o oblige_v he_o with_o fair_a speech_n and_o profession_n of_o his_o obligation_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o think_v of_o requite_v god_n in_o a_o proper_a sense_n by_o return_v real_a kindness_n to_o he_o for_o those_o he_o have_v do_v to_o we_o be_v equal_o absurd_a for_o all_o the_o service_n we_o can_v pay_v to_o he_o can_v add_v any_o thing_n to_o his_o infinite_a blessedness_n how_o then_o must_v we_o express_v our_o thankfulness_n for_o the_o wealth_n that_o he_o have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o why_o he_o himself_o have_v prescribe_v the_o way_n to_o we_o he_o have_v devolve_v his_o right_n to_o our_o kindness_n upon_o our_o brethren_n he_o have_v depute_v they_o to_o receive_v the_o real_a testimony_n of_o our_o gratitude_n to_o he_o and_o whatsoever_o obligation_n we_o put_v upon_o they_o he_o take_v they_o as_o a_o expression_n of_o our_o love_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o he_o this_o our_o saviour_n himself_o have_v tell_v we_o in_o express_a word_n in_o the_o 25_o of_o s._n matt._n inasmuch_o say_v he_o as_o you_o have_v do_v it_o i._n e._n do_v act_n of_o kindness_n and_o charity_n to_o one_o of_o the_o least_o of_o these_o my_o brethren_n you_o have_v do_v it_o unto_o i_o and_o the_o charitable_a contribution_n of_o the_o hebrew_n christian_n to_o their_o indigent_a brethren_n be_v by_o s._n paul_n style_v a_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n show_v to_o god_n himself_o heb._n 6._o if_o therefore_o rich_a man_n will_v not_o be_v unkind_a and_o ingrateful_a to_o he_o that_o give_v they_o all_o they_o have_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n they_o shall_v do_v good_a etc._n etc._n second_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o must_v likewise_o be_v charge_v upon_o they_o in_o point_n of_o justice_n as_o well_o as_o gratitude_n it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o dishonesty_n not_o to_o do_v good_a with_o the_o wealth_n that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o for_o it_o be_v a_o falsify_v our_o trust_n it_o be_v a_o embezzle_a our_o master_n good_n and_o put_v they_o to_o quit_v other_o use_n than_o those_o he_o give_v we_o they_o for_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o god_n ever_o make_v a_o man_n rich_a for_o his_o own_o sake_n alone_o for_o the_o serve_v his_o own_o turn_n and_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o own_o private_a desire_n with-without_a respect_n to_o the_o community_n no_o at_o the_o best_a we_o be_v but_o the_o steward_n of_o god_n blessing_n a_o stock_n of_o talent_n he_o have_v commit_v to_o all_o of_o we_o to_o some_o in_o great_a and_o to_o other_o in_o small_a proportion_n and_o out_o of_o this_o stock_n he_o have_v give_v we_o leave_n to_o make_v a_o provision_n for_o the_o necessity_n and_o conveniency_n of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o family_n but_o we_o must_v not_o think_v all_o our_o own_o that_o accrue_v to_o we_o so_o that_o it_o be_v at_o our_o liberty_n whether_o we_o will_v hoard_v it_o up_o or_o spend_v it_o profuse_o no_o we_o must_v have_v regard_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o master_n servant_n after_o we_o have_v serve_v our_o own_o needs_o we_o must_v dispense_v the_o surplusage_n among_o the_o family_n of_o god_n otherwise_o we_o be_v false_a and_o wicked_a steward_n we_o abuse_v and_o misemploy_v our_o master_n talent_n and_o a_o severe_a account_n we_o shall_v one_o
prank_n have_v be_v play_v to_o serve_v a_o turn_n or_o promote_v a_o good_a cause_n and_o whereas_o his_o reason_n may_v tell_v he_o that_o this_o can_v not_o be_v so_o see_v the_o person_n that_o appear_v to_o he_o have_v both_o the_o countenance_n and_o the_o voice_n of_o his_o friend_n yet_o that_o he_o will_v get_v over_o the_o imposture_n be_v cunning_o carry_v on_o and_o the_o surprise_n and_o fright_v it_o put_v he_o into_o do_v so_o disorder_v his_o judgement_n that_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o true_a and_o the_o counterfeit_n but_o suppose_v he_o be_v convince_v that_o here_o be_v no_o juggle_v in_o the_o matter_n but_o what_o appear_v be_v a_o true_a spirit_n or_o a_o ghost_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o yet_o how_o shall_v he_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o ghost_n of_o his_o friend_n if_o he_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v he_o he_o will_v give_v credit_n to_o what_o he_o report_v because_o of_o the_o former_a experience_n he_o have_v have_v of_o his_o integrity_n but_o this_o he_o can_v any_o way_n be_v certain_a of_o for_o any_o thing_n he_o know_v to_o the_o contrary_a it_o may_v be_v one_o of_o those_o ill-natured_a inhabitant_n of_o the_o air_n that_o be_v so_o much_o talk_v of_o that_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o disturb_v the_o rest_n and_o quiet_v of_o mankind_n and_o take_v a_o pleasure_n in_o fill_v their_o head_n with_o fear_n and_o scruple_n and_o draw_v they_o to_o all_o kind_n of_o superstition_n he_o have_v hear_v and_o read_v of_o such_o and_o there_o be_v no_o man_n of_o any_o persuasion_n or_o religion_n jew_n turk_n or_o heathen_a nay_o all_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o heathen_n at_o this_o day_n which_o be_v to_o be_v find_v either_o in_o the_o east_n or_o the_o western_a indies_n and_o christian_n too_o of_o all_o communion_n there_o be_v none_o of_o these_o but_o have_v story_n to_o tell_v of_o apparition_n and_o vision_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o several_a doctrine_n and_o tenant_n now_o that_o all_o these_o apparition_n be_v to_o have_v credit_n give_v to_o they_o be_v absurd_a because_o they_o contradict_v one_o another_o in_o their_o discovery_n how_o therefore_o can_v he_o tell_v whether_o this_o particular_a apparition_n that_o be_v make_v to_o he_o aught_o to_o be_v credit_v or_o no_o as_o to_o what_o it_o declare_v concern_v religion_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o other_o world_n in_o plain_a english_a rather_o than_o such_o a_o man_n as_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o will_v be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o quit_v his_o dearly-beloved_n lust_n and_o vice_n he_o will_v find_v excuse_n and_o reason_n a_o great_a many_o why_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v convey_v to_o he_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o we_o now_o suppose_v especial_o if_o we_o consider_v in_o the_o three_o place_n what_o advantage_n he_o will_v make_v for_o his_o purpose_n from_o that_o very_a way_n that_o we_o now_o think_v will_v be_v most_o effectual_a to_o convert_v he_o that_o be_v one_o come_v from_o the_o dead_a here_o be_v a_o apparition_n pretend_v to_o be_v send_v upon_o a_o particular_a message_n to_o he_o from_o the_o other_o world_n to_o persuade_v he_o to_o embrace_v such_o a_o religion_n and_o to_o change_v his_o way_n of_o live_v and_o threaten_v he_o with_o horrible_a punishment_n of_o he_o do_v not_o the_o very_a unusualness_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v put_v some_o apprehension_n into_o he_o especial_o consider_v his_o concernment_n to_o find_v out_o all_o the_o way_n that_o can_v be_v to_o elude_v the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o convince_a do_v not_o carry_v in_o it_o so_o great_a evidence_n as_o at_o first_o sight_n there_o seem_v to_o appear_v for_o what_o imaginable_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v why_o he_o shall_v be_v deal_v with_o in_o a_o way_n so_o different_a from_o that_o that_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n be_v the_o particularity_n of_o the_o miracle_n will_v give_v occasion_n to_o he_o to_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o it_o discover_v if_o his_o neighbour_n and_o friend_n be_v thus_o haunt_v he_o may_v think_v he_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v alarm_v and_o to_o apprehend_v some_o danger_n in_o that_o course_n of_o life_n he_o be_v so_o much_o disuade_v from_o but_o since_o none_o in_o the_o place_n where_o he_o live_v be_v thus_o exercise_v beside_o himself_o he_o can_v satisfy_v his_o reason_n as_o to_o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v with_o he_o if_o this_o mean_n of_o conviction_n be_v rational_a and_o strong_a without_o doubt_n other_o will_v have_v it_o afford_v to_o they_o and_o be_v convince_v by_o it_o as_o well_o as_o he_o but_o since_o no_o such_o thing_n appear_v as_o the_o apparition_n itself_o be_v unaccountable_a so_o be_v the_o argument_n and_o motive_n it_o offer_v unaccountable_a also_o and_o till_o he_o be_v convince_v in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o other_o man_n be_v he_o will_v continue_v as_o he_o be_v i_o represent_v these_o thing_n not_o to_o show_v the_o weakness_n or_o invalidity_n of_o such_o a_o argument_n as_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o but_o to_o show_v how_o easy_o those_o that_o have_v espouse_v interest_n inconsistent_a with_o religion_n and_o christianity_n may_v find_v out_o expedient_n for_o the_o avoid_v the_o force_n of_o it_o but_o four_o and_o last_o let_v all_o this_o go_v for_o nothing_o let_v we_o suppose_v the_o man_n to_o be_v very_o well_o satisfy_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n both_o concern_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o the_o cogency_n of_o the_o argument_n he_o have_v from_o thence_o to_o live_v after_o another_o rate_n than_o he_o have_v hitherto_o do_v nay_o as_o often_o as_o he_o think_v of_o this_o vision_n or_o be_v ask_v concern_v it_o he_o have_v the_o same_o sense_n and_o make_v the_o same_o judgement_n of_o it_o that_o he_o do_v at_o first_o though_o it_o be_v many_o year_n after_o i_o say_v suppose_v all_o this_o yet_o do_v it_o from_o hence_o follow_v that_o such_o a_o man_n will_v be_v effectual_o bring_v over_o to_o virtue_n and_o religion_n after_o he_o have_v long_o pursue_v a_o course_n of_o sin_n and_o resist_v the_o argument_n of_o the_o gospel_n alas_o it_o be_v very_o unlikely_a how_o much_o alarm_v soever_o he_o be_v at_o first_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o hundred_o to_o one_o if_o he_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o we_o speak_v of_o but_o in_o time_n and_o by_o degree_n the_o impression_n will_v wear_v off_o and_o nature_n return_v to_o its_o first_o course_n it_o be_v the_o newness_n and_o surprizingness_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o first_o wrought_v upon_o he_o but_o that_o will_v not_o last_v always_o after_o he_o have_v once_o get_v over_o the_o first_o transport_v and_o be_v come_v again_o to_o his_o usual_a temper_n and_o to_o his_o business_n and_o to_o his_o company_n the_o argument_n though_o it_o have_v the_o same_o force_n that_o it_o have_v at_o first_o yet_o it_o grow_v flat_a and_o unaffecting_a and_o will_v have_v no_o more_o effect_n upon_o he_o than_o the_o stand_a motive_n of_o christianity_n former_o have_v notwithstanding_o all_o his_o first_o conviction_n he_o will_v live_v as_o tame_o under_o the_o bondage_n and_o tyranny_n of_o his_o old_a reign_a lust_n though_o perhaps_o not_o without_o some_o check_n of_o conscience_n now_o and_o then_o as_o those_o that_o never_o have_v such_o kind_n of_o mean_n vouchsafe_v they_o for_o their_o conversion_n and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v thus_o for_o when_o all_o be_v do_v argument_n will_v still_o be_v but_o argument_n they_o can_v persuade_v but_o they_o can_v compel_v the_o efficacy_n of_o they_o do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n depend_v upon_o our_o will_n and_o choice_n especial_o where_o they_o be_v to_o combat_v with_o strong_a passion_n and_o prepossession_n be_v there_o not_o a_o thousand_o person_n in_o our_o day_n that_o be_v as_o full_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a revelation_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o holy_a religious_a life_n in_o order_n to_o the_o go_v to_o heaven_n or_o avoid_v the_o pain_n of_o hell_n as_o they_o will_v be_v if_o one_o shall_v come_v to_o they_o from_o the_o dead_a nay_o more_o full_o perhaps_o than_o they_o will_v have_v be_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o such_o a_o apparition_n have_v they_o want_v the_o scripture_n and_o have_v not_o the_o conscience_n of_o these_o person_n at_o several_a time_n by_o several_a mean_n be_v severe_o awaken_v and_o have_v they_o not_o at_o these_o season_n in_o the_o most_o serious_a manner_n imaginable_a make_v vow_n and_o resolution_n to_o live_v a_o holy_a christian_a life_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v they_o continue_v still_o unreformed_a still_o they_o be_v the_o same_o sensual_a
be_v make_v it_o shall_v be_v at_o their_o peril_n if_o they_o transgress_v they_o suppose_v magistrate_n do_v their_o duty_n and_o all_o this_o we_o say_v be_v very_o consistent_a with_o that_o tenderness_n and_o charity_n that_o all_o christian_n and_o even_a magistrate_n themselves_o in_o their_o private_a capacity_n do_v owe_v to_o mispersuaded_n erroneous_a conscicience_n and_o then_o second_o it_o be_v to_o be_v remember_v that_o that_o kindness_n and_o tenderness_n to_o mistake_a zealot_n which_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o from_o the_o text_n be_v not_o to_o be_v express_v to_o all_o alike_o but_o to_o some_o more_o to_o some_o less_o to_o some_o perhaps_o in_o no_o degree_n at_o all_o according_a as_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o their_o error_n be_v and_o according_a as_o the_o man_n that_o be_v guilty_a of_o they_o may_v more_o or_o less_o or_o not_o at_o all_o be_v think_v to_o have_v a_o real_a zeal_n of_o god_n and_o to_o act_v out_o of_o principle_n of_o conscience_n thus_o for_o instance_n in_o the_o first_o place_n those_o that_o set_v up_o for_o patron_n of_o atheism_n or_o epicurism_n that_o make_v it_o their_o business_n in_o their_o conversation_n to_o expose_v all_o religion_n and_o to_o bring_v it_o into_o contempt_n that_o ridicule_n the_o professor_n of_o it_o as_o a_o company_n of_o easy_a credulous_a man_n that_o make_v no_o conscience_n of_o blaspheme_a god_n and_o all_o thing_n sacred_a as_o occasion_n be_v give_v they_o why_o these_o man_n may_v have_v zeal_n enough_o for_o their_o opinion_n and_o we_o find_v that_o they_o often_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n too_o much_o but_o be_v such_o to_o be_v treat_v with_o that_o sort_n of_o tenderness_n and_o compassion_n that_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o no_o by_o no_o mean_n for_o they_o be_v quite_o out_o of_o the_o bound_n of_o my_o text_n they_o have_v a_o zeal_n indeed_o but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o zeal_n for_o god_n but_o for_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o kingdom_n and_o if_o one_o be_v to_o measure_v the_o greatness_n of_o crime_n by_o the_o mischief_n they_o do_v to_o humane_a society_n i_o shall_v think_v that_o this_o sort_n of_o people_n be_v not_o to_o expect_v so_o much_o favour_n and_o respect_n from_o mankind_n as_o some_o other_o malefactor_n that_o yet_o by_o our_o law_n be_v to_o pay_v for_o their_o offence_n at_o no_o less_o a_o rate_n than_o their_o life_n again_o second_o if_o there_o be_v any_o man_n that_o under_o a_o pretence_n of_o religion_n do_v teach_v or_o encourage_v or_o promote_v any_o sort_n of_o vice_n or_o immorality_n or_o who_o principle_n do_v necessary_o lead_v to_o debauch_v man_n manner_n in_o the_o plain_a matter_n of_o sobriety_n chastity_n truth_n or_o justice_n and_o the_o like_a such_o kind_n of_o people_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n object_n of_o that_o tenderness_n and_o compassion_n that_o we_o be_v now_o speak_v of_o for_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o to_o moral_a virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v so_o plain_o write_v in_o every_o man_n heart_n that_o he_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v a_o ill_a man_n that_o can_v easy_o entertain_v any_o principle_n let_v it_o come_v never_o so_o much_o recommend_v under_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n that_o contradict_v they_o and_o whatever_o allowance_n may_v in_o charity_n be_v make_v for_o a_o man_n mistake_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o much_o shall_v be_v make_v for_o his_o wickedness_n again_o three_o if_o there_o be_v any_o man_n that_o whilst_o they_o express_v a_o great_a zeal_n for_o the_o purity_n of_o religion_n and_o exclaim_v against_o the_o corruption_n of_o it_o as_o they_o term_v they_o which_o be_v introduce_v into_o the_o public_a establishment_n and_o turn_v every_o stone_n to_o have_v all_o thing_n settle_v in_o another_o method_n yet_o all_o this_o while_n god_n and_o their_o own_o heart_n know_v that_o all_o this_o concernment_n and_o zeal_n of_o they_o for_o religion_n though_o it_o make_v a_o great_a show_n be_v only_o pretend_v and_o that_o there_o be_v another_o thing_n that_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n that_o be_v to_o say_v worldly_a interest_n and_o dominion_n and_o power_n which_o they_o hope_v to_o compass_v by_o such_o a_o regulation_n of_o matter_n as_o they_o desire_v i_o say_v if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o man_n they_o be_v likewise_o no_o way_n concern_v in_o that_o compassion_n my_o text_n speak_v of_o for_o though_o they_o may_v be_v very_o zealous_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o zeal_n for_o their_o own_o secular_a advantage_n that_o act_v they_o and_o not_o a_o zeal_n of_o god_n if_o such_o man_n can_v be_v know_v instead_o of_o be_v kind_o and_o charitable_o think_v of_o for_o their_o zeal_n in_o religion_n the_o virtuous_a part_n of_o mankind_n will_v look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o worst_a of_o hypocrite_n but_o since_o god_n only_o know_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n all_o such_o pretender_n to_o zeal_n for_o religion_n must_v till_o we_o know_v they_o also_o be_v treat_v according_a to_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n they_o pretend_v to_o be_v zealous_a for_o but_o than_o four_o and_o last_o all_o that_o i_o have_v now_o say_v be_v with_o respect_n to_o those_o that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o limit_n of_o my_o text_n such_o as_o have_v no_o zeal_n of_o god_n though_o some_o of_o they_o may_v pretend_v it_o but_o then_o as_o for_o those_o that_o real_o act_v out_o of_o principle_n of_o conscience_n and_o have_v a_o real_a zeal_n of_o god_n though_o in_o a_o wrong_a way_n these_o be_v true_a object_n of_o our_o tenderness_n and_o compassion_n though_o yet_o in_o different_a degree_n for_o according_a as_o their_o principle_n and_o practice_n do_v more_o or_o less_o injure_v our_o common_a christianity_n or_o be_v more_o or_o less_o dangerous_a to_o our_o government_n and_o constitution_n in_o the_o same_o proportion_n the_o great_a or_o less_o tenderness_n and_o indulgence_n be_v to_o be_v express_v towards_o they_o but_o most_o of_o what_o concern_v this_o matter_n be_v already_o settle_v by_o law_n i_o will_v not_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o meddle_v in_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o head_n of_o my_o discourse_n iii_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o tell_v you_o we_o may_v observe_v from_o this_o text_n be_v this_o the_o apostle_n tacit_n reprehension_n of_o the_o jewish_a zeal_n upon_o this_o account_n that_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n the_o use_v i_o make_v of_o this_o be_v that_o from_o hence_o we_o may_v be_v able_a to_o gather_v to_o ourselves_o a_o true_a rule_n for_o the_o govern_v our_o zeal_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o likewise_o for_o the_o judge_n in_o other_o what_o zeal_n be_v commendable_a and_o what_o be_v not_o for_o be_v our_o zeal_n of_o god_n never_o so_o great_a yet_o if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n it_o be_v not_o the_o right_a christian_n zeal_n and_o though_o we_o see_v other_o never_o so_o fervent_a and_o vehement_a in_o pursue_v a_o religious_a cause_n and_o that_o too_o out_o of_o conscience_n yet_o if_o this_o zeal_n of_o they_o be_v not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n it_o be_v a_o zeal_n that_o just_o deserve_v to_o be_v reprove_v and_o though_o both_o we_o and_o they_o may_v for_o our_o sincerity_n in_o god_n cause_n expect_v some_o allowance_n both_o from_o god_n and_o man_n yet_o neither_o they_o nor_o we_o can_v justify_v it_o either_o to_o god_n or_o man_n that_o we_o be_v thus_o foolish_o and_o ignorant_o zealous_a i_o wish_v this_o mark_n of_o right_a zeal_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v according_a to_o knowledge_n be_v more_o consider_v for_o it_o seem_v not_o often_o to_o be_v think_v on_o by_o those_o that_o be_v most_o zealous_a in_o their_o way_n of_o what_o persuasion_n soever_o they_o be_v this_o same_o business_n of_o knowledge_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o common_o forget_v to_o be_v take_v in_o as_o a_o ingredient_n or_o companion_n of_o zeal_n in_o most_o sort_n of_o professor_n for_o as_o the_o world_n go_v those_o man_n be_v general_o find_v to_o be_v the_o great_a zealot_n who_o be_v most_o notorious_o ignorant_a whereas_o true_a zeal_n shall_v not_o only_o proceed_v from_o true_a knowledge_n but_o shall_v also_o be_v always_o accompany_v with_o it_o and_o govern_v by_o it_o but_o what_o be_v it_o to_o have_v a_o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n what_o do_v this_o character_n of_o justifiable_a right_a zeal_n contain_v in_o it_o i_o answer_v it_o must_v at_o least_o contain_v in_o it_o these_o five_o follow_a thing_n first_o to_o have_v a_o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n do_v import_v that_o we_o be_v not_o mistake_v as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o zeal_n that_o it_o be_v a_o good_a cause_n that_o we_o be_v zealous_a about_o and_o
since_o it_o be_v zeal_n for_o god_n that_o we_o be_v here_o speak_v of_o it_o must_v be_v something_o wherein_o our_o duty_n be_v concern_v that_o must_v be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o zeal_n so_o that_o a_o right_a zeal_n of_o god_n imply_v that_o we_o do_v so_o well_o inform_v ourselves_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o religion_n as_o not_o to_o pretend_v a_o religious_a zeal_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o a_o part_n of_o our_o religion_n if_o our_o zeal_n for_o god_n be_v as_o it_o shall_v be_v it_o must_v certain_o express_v itself_o in_o matter_n that_o be_v good_a about_o such_o object_n as_o god_n have_v make_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n it_o be_v good_a say_v st._n paul_n to_o be_v always_o zealous_o affect_v in_o a_o good_a matter_n but_o if_o we_o mistake_v in_o our_o cause_n if_o we_o take_v that_o for_o good_a which_o be_v evil_a or_o that_o for_o evil_a which_o be_v good_a here_o our_o zeal_n be_v not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n second_o as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o zeal_n must_v be_v according_a to_o knowledge_n so_o also_o the_o principle_n from_o whence_o our_o zeal_n proceed_v must_v be_v according_a to_o knowledge_n also_o that_o be_v to_o say_v we_o must_v have_v solid_a and_o rational_a ground_n to_o proceed_v upon_o in_o our_o concernment_n for_o any_o thing_n such_o as_o will_v not_o only_o satisfy_v ourselves_o but_o all_o other_o that_o be_v unbiased_a in_o a_o word_n such_o as_o we_o can_v justify_v to_o all_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v every_o man_n duty_n as_o st._n peter_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v to_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v he_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o he_o then_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v much_o more_o every_o man_n duty_n to_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o zeal_n that_o be_v in_o he_o because_o this_o business_n of_o a_o man_n zeal_n do_v more_o affect_v the_o public_a and_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o it_o than_o what_o a_o man_n be_v private_a faith_n or_o hope_n be_v but_o yet_o how_o little_a be_v this_o consider_v by_o many_o zealous_a man_n among_o we_o some_o be_v zealous_a for_o a_o point_n to_o serve_v a_o interest_n or_o a_o faction_n but_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v own_v as_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o zeal_n for_o indeed_o if_o it_o shall_v it_o will_v not_o be_v allow_v of_o other_o be_v zealous_a for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o find_v their_o teacher_n or_o those_o they_o most_o converse_v with_o be_v so_o they_o follow_v the_o common_a cry_n and_o examine_v no_o more_o of_o the_o matter_n other_o indeed_o have_v a_o principle_n of_o zeal_n beyond_o all_o this_o for_o they_o be_v â—â—ved_v from_o within_o to_o stand_v up_o for_o this_o or_o the_o other_o cause_n they_o have_v impulse_n upon_o their_o mind_n which_o they_o can_v resist_v but_o that_o in_o truth_n be_v no_o more_o a_o justifiable_a ground_n of_o any_o man_n zeal_n than_o either_o of_o the_o former_a for_o if_o these_o motion_n and_o impulse_n that_o they_o speak_v of_o be_v from_o god_n there_o will_v certain_o be_v convey_v along_o with_o they_o such_o reason_n and_o argument_n for_o the_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v zealous_a about_o as_o will_v if_o they_o be_v declare_v satisfy_v and_o convince_v all_o other_o reasonable_a man_n as_o well_o as_o themselves_o for_o it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a thing_n to_o imagine_v that_o god_n at_o this_o day_n do_v move_v or_o impel_v man_n in_o any_o other_o way_n than_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o holy_a word_n and_o if_o the_o man_n zeal_n can_v be_v justify_v by_o either_o of_o these_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o vouch_v inspiration_n for_o it_o three_o as_o the_o zeal_n which_o be_v according_a to_o knowledge_n have_v a_o good_a matter_n for_o its_o object_n and_o proceed_v from_o a_o right_a principle_n so_o it_o be_v also_o regular_a as_o to_o the_o measure_n of_o it_o he_o that_o have_v it_o be_v careful_a that_o it_o do_v not_o exceed_v its_o due_a bound_n as_o the_o ignorant_a zeal_n often_o do_v but_o he_o distinguish_v between_o the_o several_a object_n he_o be_v zealous_a for_o and_o allow_v every_o one_o of_o they_o just_o so_o great_a a_o concernment_n as_o the_o thing_n be_v worth_a and_o no_o more_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v but_o a_o small_a matter_n he_o be_v but_o in_o a_o small_a measure_n concern_v for_o it_o if_o it_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n he_o believe_v he_o may_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v the_o more_o earnest_a about_o it_o but_o he_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o rash_a and_o foolish_a thing_n and_o a_o effect_n of_o great_a ignorance_n or_o weakness_n to_o be_v hot_a and_o eager_a for_o all_o thing_n alike_o we_o shall_v account_v he_o not_o many_o degree_n remove_v from_o a_o child_n or_o a_o idiot_n that_o upon_o the_o cut_n of_o a_o finger_n shall_v as_o passionate_o complain_v and_o cry_v out_o for_o help_n as_o if_o he_o have_v break_v a_o limb._n why_o just_a the_o same_o folly_n and_o childishness_n it_o be_v to_o make_v a_o mighty_a bustle_n about_o small_a matter_n which_o be_v of_o no_o consequence_n in_o which_o neither_o religion_n nor_o the_o public_a peace_n be_v much_o concern_v as_o if_o indeed_o our_o life_n and_o soul_n be_v in_o danger_n it_o therefore_o become_v all_o prudent_a and_o sober_a man_n to_o take_v care_n that_o their_o zeal_n do_v not_o spend_v itself_o in_o little_a thing_n that_o they_o be_v not_o too_o passionate_a and_o earnest_a and_o vehement_a for_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o worth_a much_o contend_v for_o if_o we_o lay_v a_o great_a weight_n upon_o a_o cause_n than_o it_o will_v bear_v and_o show_v as_o much_o warmth_n and_o passion_n for_o small_a matter_n as_o if_o the_o fundamental_o of_o our_o faith_n be_v at_o stake_n we_o be_v zealous_a indeed_o but_o not_o according_a to_o knowledge_n four_o the_o zeal_n that_o be_v according_a to_o knowledge_n be_v always_o attend_v with_o hearty_a charity_n it_o be_v not_o that_o bitter_a zeal_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o which_o be_v accompany_v with_o hatred_n and_o envy_n and_o perverse_a dispute_n but_o it_o be_v kind_a and_o sociable_a and_o meek_a even_o to_o gainsayer_n it_o be_v that_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o that_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v it_o be_v a_o zeal_n that_o love_v god_n and_o his_o truth_n hearty_o and_o will_v do_v all_o that_o be_v possible_a to_o bring_v honour_n and_o advancement_n to_o they_o but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o love_v all_o men._n and_o therefore_o in_o all_o thing_n where_o it_o express_v itself_o it_o pure_o consult_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n before_o it_o but_o let_v the_o person_n of_o man_n alone_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a argument_n of_o a_o ignorant_a and_o ungoverned_a zeal_n when_o a_o man_n leave_v his_o cause_n and_o his_o concernment_n for_o god_n glory_n and_o turn_v his_o heat_n upon_o those_o that_o he_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o when_o he_o be_v peevish_a and_o angry_a with_o man_n that_o differ_v from_o he_o when_o he_o be_v not_o content_v to_o oppose_v argument_n to_o argument_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o gain_v his_o point_n by_o calm_a reason_v but_o he_o fly_v out_o into_o rage_n and_o fury_n and_o when_o he_o be_v once_o transport_v herewith_o he_o care_v not_o what_o undecent_a bitter_a reflection_n he_o make_v upon_o all_o those_o that_o have_v the_o fortune_n to_o be_v of_o a_o different_a side_n but_o in_o these_o case_n man_n will_v do_v well_o to_o remember_v that_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n work_v not_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n express_v it_o all_o this_o kind_n of_o behaviour_n favour_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n which_o be_v earthly_a and_o sensual_a and_o devilish_a five_o and_o last_o another_o inseparable_a property_n of_o zeal_n according_a to_o knowledge_n be_v that_o it_o must_v pursue_v lawful_a end_n by_o lawful_a mean_n must_v never_o do_v a_o ill_a thing_n for_o the_o carry_v the_o best_a cause_n this_o st._n paul_n have_v lay_v down_o as_o a_o rule_n to_o be_v eternal_o observe_v among_o christian_n when_o in_o the_o three_o of_o the_o roman_n he_o declare_v that_o their_o damnation_n be_v just_a who_o say_v let_v we_o do_v evil_a that_o good_a may_v come_v be_v therefore_o our_o point_n never_o so_o good_a or_o never_o so_o weighty_a yet_o if_o we_o use_v any_o dishonest_a unlawful_a art_n for_o the_o gain_n of_o it_o that_o be_v to_o say_v if_o we_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v either_o in_o itself_o evil_a and_o appear_v
do_v so_o perverse_o apply_v to_o their_o own_o case_n as_o thereby_o to_o increase_v their_o trouble_n but_o not_o to_o get_v any_o relief_n i_o have_v know_v several_a well-disposed_a person_n and_o some_o of_o they_o sincere_o pious_a that_o have_v be_v in_o this_o condition_n what_o now_o be_v to_o be_v say_v to_o this_o why_o it_o be_v very_o certain_a that_o all_o these_o thought_n and_o fancy_n be_v thrust_v upon_o they_o and_o be_v not_o the_o free_a natural_a voluntary_a operation_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n but_o the_o effect_n of_o vapour_n or_o hypochondriac_a melancholy_a nor_o can_v the_o person_n themselves_o any_o more_o help_v their_o thus_o think_v or_o fancy_v than_o they_o can_v help_v the_o disturbance_n of_o their_o dream_n when_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o sleep_v quiet_o indeed_o we_o may_v proper_o enough_o call_v these_o fancy_n of_o they_o their_o wake_a dream_n as_o their_o dream_n be_v their_o sleep_a fancy_n well_o but_o now_o of_o all_o person_n whatsoever_o these_o people_n be_v most_o desirous_a to_o have_v rule_n give_v they_o for_o the_o government_n of_o their_o thought_n and_o i_o can_v blame_v they_o because_o their_o thought_n be_v certain_o very_o troublesome_a but_o true_o if_o we_o shall_v speak_v pertinent_o to_o their_o case_n instead_o of_o give_v they_o advice_n for_o the_o regulate_v their_o thought_n they_o shall_v rather_o be_v advise_v to_o look_v after_o their_o body_n and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o good_a prescription_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o those_o fume_n and_o vapour_n which_o occasion_n these_o fancy_n when_o the_o cause_n be_v remove_v the_o effect_n will_v soon_o cease_v i_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o doubt_n whatever_o these_o people_n may_v think_v of_o their_o own_o case_n but_o that_o this_o be_v as_o proper_o a_o bodily_a disease_n as_o a_o fever_n or_o fit_v of_o the_o fall_v sickness_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n while_o they_o be_v in_o this_o condition_n whatever_o rule_n be_v proper_a to_o be_v give_v to_o other_o person_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o thought_n of_o all_o people_n live_v those_o rule_n do_v the_o least_o concern_v they_o for_o those_o thought_n which_o they_o complain_v of_o do_v not_o at_o all_o fall_n under_o regulation_n or_o government_n because_o they_o be_v suggest_v to_o their_o mind_n whether_o they_o will_v or_o no._n and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o think_v it_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o advisable_a if_o it_o can_v be_v to_o neglect_v and_o despise_v they_o than_o to_o be_v perpetual_o struggle_v and_o dispute_v with_o they_o and_o vex_v themselves_o about_o they_o but_o you_o will_v say_v if_o man_n be_v such_o slave_n to_o their_o thought_n and_o be_v thus_o necessary_o passive_a under_o they_o where_o be_v the_o freedom_n of_o thought_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v in_o the_o four_o place_n out_o of_o these_o three_o case_n i_o before_o mention_v we_o have_v liberty_n of_o think_v and_o may_v choose_v our_o own_o thought_n and_o that_o liberty_n and_o freedom_n we_o have_v in_o think_v do_v to_o my_o apprehension_n main_o consist_v in_o this_o viz._n that_o all_o of_o we_o who_o be_v not_o in_o the_o circumstance_n i_o have_v be_v hitherto_o speak_v of_o can_v if_o we_o please_v apply_v our_o mind_n more_o vigorous_o to_o one_o sort_n of_o thing_n than_o to_o another_o and_z according_o as_o we_o do_v thus_o apply_v our_o mind_n so_o will_v the_o most_o of_o our_o thought_n be_v it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n among_o the_o multitude_n of_o object_n which_o present_v themselves_o to_o our_o mind_n as_o for_o instance_n god_n virtue_n holiness_n heaven_n wealth_n power_n greatness_n preferment_n fine_a clothes_n splendid_a equipage_n sensual_a pleasure_n recreation_n divertisement_n knowledge_n learning_n art_n and_o the_o like_a i_o say_v that_o among_o all_o this_o multitude_n of_o object_n that_o present_v themselves_o to_o our_o mind_n it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o determine_v ourselves_o which_o of_o they_o we_o will_v dwell_v upon_o and_o make_v a_o business_n of_o and_o according_o when_o at_o any_o time_n we_o have_v pitch_v upon_o any_o of_o they_o as_o a_o business_n it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n to_o mind_v that_o business_n either_o more_o or_o less_o diligent_o and_o if_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o that_o we_o mean_v in_o good_a earnest_n to_o concern_v ourselves_o about_o it_o it_o will_v then_o so_o fill_v our_o mind_n as_o that_o by_o attend_v to_o that_o we_o shall_v either_o prevent_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n other_o thought_n from_o come_v into_o our_o head_n or_o if_o they_o do_v come_v in_o they_o will_v not_o long_o stay_v there_o but_o will_v very_o speedy_o give_v place_n to_o that_o which_o be_v our_o main_a business_n at_o that_o time_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v plain_a because_o our_o nature_n be_v of_o that_o make_v that_o two_o thing_n at_o once_o can_v well_o possess_v our_o mind_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o be_v intent_n about_o one_o thing_n we_o can_v have_v much_o room_n or_o leisure_n for_o thought_n of_o another_o nature_n but_o than_o five_o and_o last_o though_o this_o that_o i_o have_v say_v be_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o that_o power_n we_o have_v over_o our_o thought_n as_o to_o the_o direct_v they_o to_o a_o particular_a object_n yet_o there_o be_v another_o power_n we_o have_v over_o they_o that_o ought_v here_o more_o especial_o to_o be_v consider_v because_o in_o it_o be_v lay_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o upon_o account_n of_o it_o all_o our_o thought_n become_v either_o moral_o good_a or_o evil_n that_o which_o i_o mean_v be_v this_o though_o we_o can_v in_o many_o case_n think_v always_o of_o what_o we_o will_v nay_o though_o we_o can_v hinder_v abundance_n of_o thought_n from_o come_v into_o our_o mind_n against_o our_o will_n yet_o it_o be_v always_o in_o our_o power_n to_o assent_v to_o our_o thought_n or_o to_o deny_v our_o consent_n to_o they_o and_o here_o it_o be_v that_o the_o morality_n of_o our_o thought_n begin_v according_a as_o we_o assent_v or_o dissent_n to_o the_o motion_n that_o be_v make_v in_o our_o mind_n so_o will_v our_o thought_n have_v the_o notion_n of_o virtuous_a or_o sinful_a thought_n when_o any_o temptation_n be_v present_v to_o we_o from_o without_o we_o can_v perhaps_o as_o i_o say_v before_o avoid_v the_o feel_n a_o irregular_a passion_n or_o motion_n or_o inclination_n stir_v within_o we_o upon_o occasion_n thereof_o but_o yet_o at_o that_o very_a time_n it_o be_v in_o our_o power_n whether_o we_o will_v comply_v with_o those_o passion_n and_o inclination_n or_o not_o whether_o we_o will_v consent_v to_o they_o or_o not_o whether_o we_o will_v pursue_v they_o further_o or_o not_o now_o if_o we_o do_v not_o consent_v to_o they_o but_o endeavour_v to_o stop_v and_o stifle_v and_o resist_v they_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v aware_a of_o they_o there_o be_v yet_o no_o harm_n do_v our_o thought_n how_o undecent_a or_o irregular_a soever_o they_o be_v be_v rather_o to_o be_v account_v the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n than_o our_o sin_n proper_o so_o call_v and_o thus_o it_o be_v likewise_o as_o to_o our_o wander_v thought_n in_o our_o prayer_n if_o we_o strive_v against_o they_o and_o endeavour_v to_o keep_v our_o mind_n in_o a_o devout_a compose_a temper_n and_o attend_v as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v to_o the_o duty_n we_o be_v about_o i_o say_v if_o we_o do_v this_o i_o hope_v those_o distraction_n and_o wander_n will_v never_o rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o we_o and_o as_o for_o the_o frightful_a blasphemous_a fancy_n which_o as_o i_o tell_v you_o some_z even_o pious_a person_n be_v torment_v with_o as_o to_o they_o i_o say_v they_o of_o all_o other_o irregular_a thought_n have_v the_o least_o danger_n of_o sin_n in_o they_o though_o they_o be_v not_o so_o solemn_o and_o formal_o dispute_v with_o and_o contest_v against_o because_o indeed_o they_o be_v so_o terrible_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n that_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n and_o that_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o god_n or_o goodness_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o consent_v to_o they_o they_o be_v indeed_o great_a infelicity_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n any_o sin_n any_o far_a than_o we_o approve_v of_o they_o and_o to_o approve_v of_o they_o for_o any_o tolerable_a good_a man_n be_v impossible_a but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o we_o consent_v to_o any_o wicked_a motion_n or_o inclination_n that_o we_o feel_v in_o ourselves_o let_v it_o come_v in_o how_o it_o will_v never_o so_o sudden_o never_o so_o unexpected_o if_o we_o close_v with_o any_o thought_n that_o prompt_v we_o to_o evil_a so_o as_o to_o be_v please_v with_o it_o to_o delight_v in_o it_o to_o think_v of_o pursue_v it_o till_o
our_o spiritual_a life_n consist_v as_o meat_n and_o drink_n be_v to_o preserve_v the_o union_n between_o our_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o which_o our_o natural_a life_n consist_v and_o we_o may_v every_o whit_n as_o reasonable_o expect_v to_o keep_v our_o body_n alive_a without_o the_o constant_a and_o daily_a use_n of_o eat_v and_o drink_v as_o we_o can_v expect_v to_o keep_v our_o soul_n alive_a to_o god_n without_o the_o constant_a and_o daily_a exercise_n of_o devotion_n this_o may_v to_o some_o appear_v strange_a doctrine_n but_o i_o do_v believe_v i_o may_v appeal_v to_o experience_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o nay_o i_o dare_v put_v the_o question_n to_o any_o one_o that_o ever_o take_v any_o serious_a care_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o live_v virtuous_o and_o to_o please_v god_n whether_o he_o have_v not_o find_v the_o matter_n to_o be_v so_o as_o i_o have_v represent_v have_v not_o such_o always_o find_v that_o so_o long_o as_o they_o keep_v up_o the_o fervour_n and_o vigour_n of_o their_o devotion_n so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v constant_a and_o diligent_a in_o their_o prayer_n and_o other_o holy_a exercise_n so_o long_v nothing_o can_v hurt_v they_o so_o long_o they_o have_v always_o maintain_v their_o post_n and_o rather_o grow_v better_o than_o worse_o and_o though_o they_o have_v sometime_o be_v foul_o overtake_v by_o some_o sin_n that_o they_o resolve_v against_o yet_o that_o relapse_n have_v do_v they_o no_o mischief_n their_o continuance_n in_o their_o prayer_n have_v be_v a_o antidote_n against_o the_o malignity_n of_o the_o sin_n and_o they_o have_v present_o weather_v it_o out_o and_o suffer_v no_o ill_a consequence_n by_o it_o but_o it_o have_v rather_o make_v they_o more_o watchful_a over_o themselves_o and_o more_o careful_a of_o their_o action_n afterward_o but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n have_v they_o not_o always_o find_v that_o when_o once_o they_o begin_v to_o abate_v of_o the_o fervour_n of_o their_o devotion_n when_o once_o they_o begin_v to_o pray_v seldomer_n or_o with_o more_o coldness_n and_o indifference_n they_o than_o begin_v to_o live_v more_o loose_o and_o careless_o to_o be_v more_o dull_a and_o sluggish_a towards_o every_o good_a work_n till_o perhaps_o by_o degree_n the_o true_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n have_v be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n wear_v off_o from_o their_o spirit_n and_o they_o in_o a_o manner_n have_v return_v to_o a_o worldly_a and_o sensual_a life_n nay_o have_v they_o not_o often_o find_v that_o when_o it_o have_v be_v their_o misfortune_n to_o break_v loose_a from_o their_o duty_n and_o sink_v for_o some_o time_n into_o a_o state_n of_o carelessness_n and_o forgetfulness_n of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o own_o vow_n and_o resolution_n as_o it_o have_v sometime_o happen_v to_o very_o good_a man_n i_o say_v have_v they_o not_o often_o find_v that_o this_o their_o go_v backward_o in_o goodness_n be_v occasion_v pure_o and_o sole_o by_o the_o intermission_n of_o their_o devotion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a reason_n or_o account_v to_o be_v give_v of_o this_o their_o fall_n but_o only_o that_o through_o sluggishness_n or_o some_o other_o cause_n they_o have_v neglect_v to_o pray_v to_o god_n so_o earnest_o and_o so_o frequent_o as_o they_o use_v to_o do_v i_o be_o confident_a a_o great_a many_o can_v say_v this_o out_o of_o their_o own_o experience_n so_o that_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n that_o be_v at_o present_a in_o a_o good_a disposition_n of_o mind_n and_o have_v good_a hope_n towards_o god_n it_o concern_v he_o as_o he_o love_v his_o soul_n as_o he_o will_v not_o lose_v all_o the_o fruit_n of_o his_o past_a labour_n and_o endeavour_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n by_o all_o mean_n possible_a to_o keep_v his_o heart_n in_o a_o devout_a frame_n and_o whatever_o come_v of_o it_o not_o to_o grow_v cold_a or_o languid_a in_o his_o prayer_n or_o to_o omit_v or_o disuse_n they_o either_o in_o public_a or_o private_a upon_o any_o pretence_n whatsoever_o but_o three_o and_o last_o to_o conclude_v all_o there_o be_v this_o far_a to_o be_v say_v for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o person_n to_o persevere_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o duty_n namely_o that_o whoever_o make_v conscience_n of_o say_v his_o prayer_n frequent_o and_o hearty_o and_o continue_v so_o to_o do_v though_o he_o be_v not_o good_a at_o the_o present_a yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o long_o to_o continue_v bad_a he_o will_v at_o last_o certain_o get_v the_o victory_n over_o all_o his_o lust_n and_o evil_a habit_n and_o attain_v to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n this_o necessary_o follow_v from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v a_o course_n of_o prayer_n and_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n can_v consist_v together_o one_o will_v necessary_o destroy_v the_o other_o pray_v will_n either_o make_v a_o man_n leave_v sin_v as_o a_o pious_a man_n of_o our_o own_o use_v to_o say_v or_o sin_v will_v make_v a_o man_n leave_v pray_v but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o prayer_n that_o be_v put_v up_o to_o god_n with_o great_a seriousness_n and_o heartiness_n and_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o duty_n and_o conscience_n for_o as_o for_o those_o formal_a prayer_n that_o be_v make_v out_o of_o custom_n or_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o education_n or_o for_o the_o serve_v some_o worldly_a end_n of_o interest_n or_o reputation_n or_o the_o like_a god_n respect_v they_o no_o more_o than_o the_o impertinent_a tattle_n of_o fool_n all_o those_o of_o we_o therefore_o that_o mean_a and_o design_n to_o be_v good_a though_o we_o be_v not_o so_o already_o let_v we_o above_o all_o thing_n take_v care_n to_o mind_v our_o prayer_n let_v we_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o private_a let_v we_o pray_v to_o god_n with_o our_o family_n and_o let_v we_o join_v as_o oft_o as_o we_o can_v with_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o public_a assembly_n this_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v the_o best_a method_n we_o can_v take_v for_o the_o reform_v our_o life_n and_o for_o the_o gow_n in_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o the_o more_o we_o practise_v it_o the_o better_a we_o shall_v like_v it_o and_o if_o we_o persevere_v therein_o we_o shall_v find_v the_o comfort_n of_o it_o both_o in_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n we_o shall_v receive_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o vanquish_a all_o our_o lust_n and_o corruption_n and_o in_o the_o blessing_n we_o shall_v procure_v from_o god_n both_o to_o our_o self_n and_o our_o family_n and_o all_o our_o affair_n and_o concernment_n and_o last_o in_o the_o everlasting_a salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n to_o who_o etc._n etc._n finis_fw-la