who_o be_v in_o heart_n and_o life_n obedient_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o be_v the_o observation_n as_o brief_o as_o may_v be_v to_o be_v treat_v of_o vicious_a and_o dissolute_a man_n wonder_v that_o all_o other_o be_v not_o like_o themselves_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v of_o but_o that_o they_o have_v their_o reason_n for_o it_o whatever_o they_o be_v and_o they_o be_v the_o same_o by_o which_o they_o use_v to_o justify_v and_o excuse_v themselves_o and_o all_o other_o who_o be_v draw_v to_o compliance_n with_o naughty_a manner_n and_o corrupt_v by_o evil_a example_n it_o shall_v be_v my_o business_n at_o this_o time_n to_o see_v what_o some_o of_o they_o be_v and_o to_o give_v the_o strong_a of_o they_o its_o full_a answer_n we_o may_v conceive_v some_o of_o they_o to_o be_v these_o they_o say_v then_o that_o as_o the_o world_n ever_o do_v and_o now_o go_v to_o be_v conscientious_a pious_a and_o virtuous_a be_v 1._o to_o be_v singular_a and_o to_o call_v 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piety_n to_o god_n charity_n and_o compassion_n to_o the_o world_n prudent_a care_n of_o their_o own_o great_a interest_n final_o they_o think_v that_o the_o opposite_a manner_n of_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n reproach_v they_o first_o these_o by_o their_o course_n of_o life_n which_o they_o take_v in_o effect_n call_v they_o fool_n or_o perverse_a weak_a or_o wilful_a which_o indeed_o be_v true_a but_o it_o be_v the_o necessary_a signification_n of_o their_o principle_n which_o they_o can_v help_v nor_o be_v they_o willing_a if_o they_o can_v because_o they_o hope_v it_o may_v at_o last_o prevail_v upon_o some_o of_o they_o to_o be_v wise_a and_o to_o do_v better_o at_o least_o they_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o appear_v in_o and_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o not_o any_o way_n to_o contribute_v to_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o few_o good_a or_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o many_o bad_a but_o let_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o unjust_a usage_n of_o 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and_o therefore_o their_o quality_n to_o be_v despise_v and_o their_o person_n pity_v let_v man_n give_v i_o better_a reason_n than_o i_o have_v for_o what_o they_o do_v and_o i_o will_v follow_v and_o thank_v they_o too_o but_o this_o contempt_n of_o those_o who_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n but_o their_o confidence_n number_n and_o humour_n or_o blind_a passion_n and_o inclination_n be_v to_o be_v contemn_v and_o will_v never_o move_v a_o man_n of_o ordinary_a spirit_n or_o understanding_n who_o know_v what_o and_o for_o what_o reason_n he_o ought_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o argument_n for_o imitation_n of_o the_o many_o great_a or_o small_a in_o evil_a manner_n to_o avoid_v be_v neglect_v contemn_a despise_a frown_v upon_o or_o hate_v reach_v only_o the_o more_o mean_a and_o vulgar_a mind_n whatever_o they_o appear_v from_o which_o notwithstanding_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v secure_v by_o particular_o show_v and_o mind_v they_o of_o the_o folly_n and_o injustice_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n our_o neighbour_n and_o ourselves_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n to_o be_v make_v which_o be_v worst_a to_o be_v real_o a_o ill_a man_n and_o to_o be_v ill-spoken_a of_o or_o ill-used_a by_o ill_a man_n through_o pride_n and_o ill-nature_n or_o even_o by_o the_o better_a through_o mistake_n for_o we_o will_v take_v but_o that_o one_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o true_a interest_n and_o a_o prudent_a care_n of_o ourselves_o who_o will_v not_o take_v it_o for_o a_o reproach_n to_o be_v count_v like_o a_o silly_a sheep_n to_o drown_v for_o company_n or_o prefer_v be_v wicked_a and_o miserable_a with_o a_o multitude_n before_o be_v innocent_a and_o happy_a alone_a lest_o they_o shall_v scoff_n or_o be_v angry_a with_o they_o for_o cowardice_n or_o break_v company_n suppose_v nineteen_o of_o twenty_o shall_v in_o a_o frolic_a draw_v their_o blood_n or_o drink_v poison_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o health_n or_o endanger_v life_n do_v any_o man_n think_v himself_o under_o the_o least_o temptation_n to_o imitate_v such_o folly_n and_o madness_n lest_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v for_o a_o dastard_n or_o a_o ill_a companion_n these_o similitude_n be_v not_o impertinent_a or_o improper_a let_v man_n believe_v as_o they_o please_v for_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n continue_v in_o be_v and_o will_v be_v as_o sure_o the_o death_n and_o destruction_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o often_o of_o our_o body_n and_o estate_n altogether_o as_o some_o wound_n and_o potion_n be_v mortiferous_a to_o our_o body_n only_o add_v to_o this_o the_o consideration_n of_o piety_n to_o god_n and_o charity_n to_o men._n the_o good_a man_n who_o reckon_v himself_o bear_v for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o to_o do_v good_a to_o other_o as_o well_o as_o enjoy_v it_o himself_o reason_n
observe_v in_o noncompliance_n with_o evil_a example_n v._o make_v a_o inference_n or_o two_o i._o what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o example_n be_v more_o powerful_a than_o precept_n and_o consequent_o bad_a one_o prevail_v easy_o against_o precept_n and_o rule_n of_o duty_n they_o seem_v to_o be_v these_o 1._o because_o example_n be_v more_o frequent_a than_o instruction_n for_o instruction_n the_o rule_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o opinion_n and_o practice_n be_v meet_v withal_o only_o in_o a_o few_o good_a book_n the_o bible_n in_o the_o first_o place_n or_o in_o discourse_n and_o lecture_n out_o of_o pulpit_n and_o desk_n or_o in_o the_o conversation_n of_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a men._n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v seldom_o look_v upon_o except_o on_o the_o outside_n and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a few_o hour_n of_o their_o life_n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n and_o even_o of_o those_o of_o education_n and_o leisure_n who_o time_n lie_v upon_o their_o hand_n spend_v in_o 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have_v be_v by_o read_v their_o discourse_n shame_v and_o reason_v into_o good_a manner_n and_o restrain_v in_o bad_a one_o and_o thereby_o mighty_o prepare_v for_o a_o great_a esteem_n and_o relish_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n wherefore_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o modern_a humour_n of_o call_v read_v even_o of_o the_o choice_a book_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n by_o the_o contemptuous_a name_n of_o pedantry_n and_o justle_a out_o the_o study_n of_o book_n by_o the_o pretend_a study_n of_o man_n not_o to_o help_v to_o mend_v but_o to_o corrupt_v humane_a nature_n not_o to_o avoid_v but_o to_o imitate_v vice_n which_o otherwise_o they_o have_v never_o know_v not_o so_o much_o to_o secure_v themselves_o and_o their_o friend_n the_o honest_a and_o innocent_a as_o to_o circumvent_v and_o supplant_v other_o i_o say_v that_o this_o modern_a humour_n have_v have_v a_o considerable_a influence_n upon_o the_o degeneracy_n and_o immorality_n of_o this_o age_n and_o 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discreet_o for_o honest_a and_o virtuous_a end_n be_v a_o great_a improvement_n for_o any_o and_o even_o necessary_a for_o many_o employment_n and_o station_n of_o life_n and_o then_o for_o pulpit-discourse_n or_o other_o of_o the_o like_a nature_n they_o be_v but_o rare_a likewise_o in_o comparison_n of_o example_n which_o occur_v every_o hour_n and_o many_o of_o they_o too_o as_o they_o sometime_o shall_v contain_v matter_n of_o faith_n more_o than_o of_o practice_n and_o when_o they_o be_v practical_a to_o mention_v it_o by_o the_o bye_n they_o be_v but_o too_o little_o regard_v though_o they_o want_v not_o eloquence_n reason_n and_o judgement_n or_o at_o least_o such_o both_o matter_n and_o dress_n as_o may_v be_v most_o proper_a for_o the_o auditory_a final_o the_o conversation_n of_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n be_v seldom_o to_o be_v have_v few_o man_n company_n be_v instructive_a or_o else_o more_o in_o matter_n of_o speculation_n than_o practice_n more_o in_o other_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n than_o in_o wise_a and_o useful_a observation_n in_o practical_a religion_n and_o good_a manner_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n example_n be_v in_o our_o view_n every_o moment_n almost_o except_o we_o be_v of_o that_o small_a number_n who_o converse_n much_o with_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o absent_a i_o mean_v book_n and_o with_o themselves_o which_o be_v it_o more_o frequent_a and_o intermix_v seasonable_o and_o discreet_o with_o experience_n and_o conversation_n will_v much_o secure_v we_o from_o the_o corruption_n of_o the_o example_n of_o vice_n and_o folly_n of_o which_o otherwise_o we_o be_v in_o very_o great_a danger_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o frequency_n notwithstanding_o the_o precept_n and_o rule_n and_o exhortation_n which_o be_v to_o oppose_v and_o hinder_v they_o 2._o a_o second_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a efficacy_n of_o example_n above_o that_o of_o precept_n be_v that_o example_n be_v object_n of_o sense_n and_o imagination_n but_o the_o precept_n or_o rule_n of_o life_n only_o of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n the_o impression_n of_o example_n upon_o sense_n imagination_n and_o corporeal_a memory_n be_v deep_o and_o strong_a than_o those_o of_o precept_n upon_o our_o understanding_n and_o consequent_o upon_o our_o passion_n and_o then_o upon_o our_o choice_n and_o inclination_n that_o be_v our_o manner_n and_o we_o may_v true_o add_v final_o upon_o our_o opinion_n for_o there_o be_v not_o a_o persuasion_n in_o a_o hundred_o which_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n more_o of_o affection_n and_o inclination_n than_o of_o reason_n and_o judgement_n the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o precept_n be_v by_o few_o man_n well_o conceive_v and_o apprehend_v or_o but_o faint_o and_o obscure_o because_o they_o be_v intellectual_a object_n for_o which_o reason_n history_n but_o more_o especial_o biography_n or_o the_o history_n of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o most_o excellent_a man_n in_o all_o kind_n where_o mental_a endowment_n or_o the_o quality_n of_o man_n mind_n be_v represent_v as_o it_o be_v embody_v with_o sensible_a circumstance_n write_v by_o judicious_a and_o virtuous_a man_n seem_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o effectual_a way_n for_o the_o good_a instruction_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o men._n 3._o a_o three_o cause_n of_o the_o prevail_a influence_n of_o example_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o whole_a life_n of_o man_n together_o be_v the_o early_a precedency_n of_o it_o to_o that_o of_o precept_n and_o instruction_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o observe_v and_o receive_v great_a impression_n from_o and_o imitate_v of_o example_n too_o especial_o of_o those_o who_o we_o love_v and_o esteem_v before_o we_o know_v what_o we_o do_v or_o come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o any_o reason_n much_o more_o of_o so_o much_o as_o to_o understand_v a_o good_a instruction_n or_o precept_n the_o first_o be_v from_o our_o very_a childhood_n the_o second_o
be_v to_o be_v honour_v but_o then_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v to_o direct_v and_o determine_v that_o power_n deserve_v it_o much_o more_o it_o be_v true_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n without_o power_n be_v moveless_a and_o ineffectual_a thing_n but_o then_o power_n without_o they_o may_v be_v most_o mischievous_a goodness_n without_o power_n if_o it_o can_v do_v no_o good_a yet_o it_o can_v do_v no_o harm_n but_o power_n without_o goodness_n may_v be_v use_v to_o make_v miserable_a if_o it_o be_v manage_v by_o cunning_a pride_n malice_n and_o ill-nature_n but_o above_o all_o be_v that_o person_n honourable_a and_o amiable_a where_o greatness_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n be_v in_o conjunction_n as_o it_o be_v in_o god_n with_o infinity_o the_o example_n of_o such_o work_n marvellous_a effect_n in_o their_o sphere_n and_o carry_v all_o before_o they_o they_o have_v great_a force_n to_o change_v the_o very_a inward_a spring_n and_o principle_n of_o man_n action_n their_o opinion_n and_o inclination_n at_o least_o they_o outward_o bound_v they_o to_o their_o good_a behaviour_n and_o oh_o that_o heaven_n as_o it_o have_v begin_v among_o we_o will_v go_v on_o to_o bless_v the_o world_n with_o such_o a_o happiness_n and_o refresh_v the_o soul_n of_o righteous_a man_n grieve_v and_o tire_v with_o wicked_a generation_n by_o so_o beautiful_a and_o lovely_a a_o sight_n and_o here_o we_o can_v miss_v to_o make_v the_o observation_n how_o much_o great_a obligation_n the_o great_a be_v under_o to_o look_v at_o their_o conduct_n and_o example_n than_o other_o and_o how_o much_o large_a their_o account_n will_v be_v for_o the_o evil_n they_o have_v and_o the_o good_a they_o may_v have_v do_v and_o what_o can_v be_v say_v by_o those_o for_o themselves_o who_o because_o they_o be_v great_a already_o will_v be_v great_a than_o god_n himself_o who_o make_v they_o so_o and_o take_v that_o liberty_n which_o he_o never_o use_v 3._o a_o three_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a influence_n of_o bad_a example_n be_v their_o confidence_n promptness_n and_o fierceness_n good_a man_n more_o general_o unless_o they_o be_v very_o happy_a in_o the_o gift_n of_o eloquence_n quick_a apprehension_n and_o courage_n all_o together_o converse_v with_o caution_n and_o consequent_o be_v more_o spare_v in_o their_o speech_n and_o action_n more_o modest_a in_o their_o affirmation_n more_o tender_a of_o the_o reputation_n of_o their_o conduct_n more_o careful_a of_o their_o own_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n more_o solicitous_a concern_v the_o influence_n of_o their_o example_n now_o the_o confidence_n and_o boldness_n of_o bad_a example_n be_v usual_o accompany_v with_o some_o wit_n and_o freedom_n of_o speech_n and_o carriage_n and_o some_o passion_n always_o with_o more_o vigour_n and_o life_n which_o thing_n be_v more_o discernible_a and_o acceptable_a to_o most_o company_n than_o good_a sense_n and_o reason_n and_o often_o make_v so_o great_a a_o impression_n as_o almost_o to_o force_v themselves_o upon_o those_o who_o assure_o know_v much_o better_a there_o be_v also_o in_o such_o confidence_n a_o certain_a heedlessness_n and_o negligence_n which_o carry_v the_o air_n and_o appearance_n and_o be_v some_o ingredient_n of_o generosity_n and_o courage_n which_o first_o much_o commend_v the_o person_n and_o then_o their_o discourse_n and_o action_n especial_o to_o those_o who_o be_v their_o equal_n or_o inferior_n and_o be_v no_o wise_a than_o themselves_o though_o in_o other_o circumstance_n where_o it_o may_v seem_v excessive_a or_o unseasonable_a to_o understand_v man_n it_o be_v usual_o as_o offensive_a final_o the_o confidence_n of_o bad_a example_n to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o spectator_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o assurance_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n in_o what_o they_o say_v and_o do_v at_o least_o of_o no_o great_a harm_n or_o folly_n but_o where_o the_o former_a inclination_n to_o imitation_n be_v back_v by_o appear_a reason_n its_o force_n be_v irresistible_a on_o the_o contrary_a calmness_n and_o reservedness_n seem_v lifeless_a dubious_a cowardly_a and_o even_o when_o they_o be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o wisdom_n and_o judgement_n yet_o they_o be_v grateful_a but_o to_o very_a few_o of_o the_o same_o temper_n and_o the_o example_n of_o such_o reach_n the_o generality_n with_o no_o force_n or_o with_o very_o little_a impression_n whence_o good_a man_n may_v be_v advise_v that_o there_o be_v place_n and_o reason_n sometime_o for_o freedom_n and_o a_o handsome_a confidence_n in_o conversation_n though_o many_o very_a wise_a may_v want_v that_o faculty_n manage_v with_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o measure_n seasonableness_n and_o other_o circumstance_n and_o with_o a_o design_n to_o convey_v as_o opportunity_n may_v serve_v some_o good_a sentiment_n and_o instruction_n it_o be_v a_o laudable_a and_o useful_a dexterity_n in_o conversation_n to_o communicate_v wise_a and_o virtuous_a thing_n with_o advantage_n and_o to_o convey_v it_o acceptable_o and_o particular_o with_o a_o seem_a heedlessness_n of_o what_o one_o be_v do_v when_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o main_a design_n to_o do_v it_o well_o like_v as_o the_o discreet_a physician_n may_v seem_v to_o his_o ungovernable_a patient_n to_o be_v do_v nothing_o of_o consequence_n when_o he_o design_v the_o administration_n of_o some_o effectual_a remedy_n for_o his_o disease_n 4._o the_o last_o cause_n we_o shall_v name_n be_v the_o most_o general_a corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n consist_v principal_o in_o prevail_a inclination_n to_o other_o object_n above_o those_o to_o religion_n virtue_n and_o wisdom_n the_o depravation_n and_o vitiosity_n of_o our_o active_a power_n be_v this_o that_o those_o appetite_n and_o inclination_n which_o shall_v be_v moderate_a governable_a and_o subservient_fw-fr be_v the_o most_o violent_a ungovernable_a and_o command_a though_o this_o cause_n be_v very_o general_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o remote_a but_o near_o and_o immediate_a this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o suppose_v good_a and_o bad_a example_n equal_a in_o number_n set_v before_o we_o and_o recommend_v alike_o advantageous_o we_o shall_v except_o here_o and_o there_o one_o secure_v by_o a_o rare_a felicity_n of_o temper_n or_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n without_o much_o deliberation_n enter_v ourselves_o into_o the_o worst_a company_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o if_o oration_n can_v be_v make_v with_o equal_a seem_a reason_n and_o eloquence_n for_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o we_o be_v the_o moderator_n perfect_o leave_v to_o our_o own_o liberty_n without_o the_o restraint_n of_o shame_n we_o shall_v soon_o hearty_o determine_v against_o virtue_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n at_o the_o bottom_n why_o one_o single_a example_n of_o one_o great_a man_n have_v more_o influence_n than_o twenty_o of_o the_o prudent_a and_o virtuous_a the_o wise_a and_o the_o good_a it_o be_v because_o our_o very_a opinion_n as_o well_o as_o our_o practice_n be_v pervert_v and_o corrupt_v we_o esteem_v admire_v and_o love_v power_n more_o than_o goodness_n to_o be_v great_a rather_o than_o good_a to_o do_v what_o we_o list_v rather_o than_o what_o we_o ought_v and_o then_o our_o general_a veneration_n and_o great_a opinion_n of_o the_o great_a incline_v we_o to_o a_o particular_a promiscuous_a approbation_n and_o imitation_n of_o what_o he_o be_v and_o do_v it_o be_v from_o this_o miserable_a inborn_a propension_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o vice_n heavy_a and_o forcible_a that_o if_o sometime_o by_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o celebrate_a example_n we_o be_v a_o little_a heave_v upward_o that_o be_v all_o and_o we_o present_o flop_n down_o again_o all_o at_o once_o and_o sometime_o they_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o move_v we_o and_o all_o their_o beauty_n and_o lustre_n no_o more_o affect_v we_o than_o if_o we_o be_v deaf_a or_o blind_a it_o be_v from_o hence_o till_o it_o be_v change_v that_o like_o the_o fill_v it_o by_o swine_n we_o will_v never_o learn_v to_o be_v clean_o though_o in_o the_o midst_n â—f_n a_o verdant_a meadow_n cover_v with_o innocent_a sheep_n if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o puddle_n where_o we_o may_v wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n or_o like_o some_o natural_o clownish_a and_o slovenly_a people_n who_o will_v never_o be_v teach_v any_o decent_a carriage_n and_o manner_n though_o always_o in_o the_o company_n of_o those_o who_o be_v gentile_a and_o well-bred_a oh_o the_o deplorable_a pravity_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n desperate_a and_o utter_o incurable_a without_o a_o merciful_a touch_n by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o the_o special_a powerful_a influence_n of_o his_o grace_n prevent_v follow_a assist_v our_o earnest_a prayer_n and_o serious_a endeavour_n without_o which_o the_o company_n of_o heaven_n itself_o will_v never_o mend_v they_o they_o will_v still_o retain_v the_o propension_n and_o inclination_n nay_o the_o action_n too_o if_o they_o can_v of_o devil_n and_o brute_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n these_o
word_n read_v and_o see_v what_o instruction_n they_o will_v afford_v we_o to_o discourse_v upon_o by_o the_o term_n fool_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o in_o the_o scripture_n general_o be_v not_o mean_v only_o a_o ignorant_a or_o erroneous_a person_n but_o also_o one_o who_o be_v wicked_a and_o of_o ill-manner_n because_o he_o know_v not_o or_o mistake_v his_o own_o interest_n as_o well_o as_o depart_v from_o his_o duty_n the_o hebrew_n word_n be_v here_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o signify_v he_o that_o do_v foul_a as_o well_o as_o foolish_a action_n so_o nabal_n be_v say_v to_o have_v do_v according_a to_o his_o name_n when_o he_o be_v so_o ungrateful_a and_o churlish_a to_o david_n as_o well_o as_o so_o foolish_a and_o imprudent_a that_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o abigail_n by_o spare_v a_o little_a he_o have_v lose_v all_o 1_o sam._n 25._o 25._o and_o the_o syriack_n version_n here_o render_v the_o hebrew_n word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._o e._n a_o unjust_a wicked_a and_o perverse_a man._n 2._o it_o follow_v have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n i._n e._n he_o have_v think_v so_o though_o perhaps_o he_o never_o dare_v to_o say_v so_o for_o that_o be_v blasphemy_n and_o therefore_o death_n by_o the_o jewish_a law_n 3._o there_o be_v no_o god_n i._n e._n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n real_o existent_a it_o be_v but_o a_o name_n or_o a_o imagination_n or_o if_o he_o be_v any_o where_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o present_a upon_o this_o earth_n he_o meddle_v not_o with_o humane_a affair_n some_o foolish_a wicked_a man_n in_o their_o thought_n deny_v either_o the_o be_v or_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n extend_v itself_o to_o this_o low_a world_n like_o the_o ancient_a sect_n of_o the_o epicurean_o among_o the_o greek_n long_o after_o these_o fool_n of_o the_o psalmist_n and_o consequent_o the_o true_a and_o necessary_a perfection_n and_o attribute_n of_o his_o nature_n his_o omnipresence_n omniscience_n omnipotence_n his_o universal_a goodness_n whereby_o he_o govern_v and_o direct_v the_o whole_a universe_n at_o once_o to_o the_o best_a end_n his_o sanctity_n justice_n and_o the_o like_a and_o further_o consequent_a to_o this_o they_o deny_v all_o distinction_n between_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_n right_a and_o wrong_n virtue_n and_o vice_n other_o than_o the_o present_a gratification_n and_o fulfil_v their_o own_o lust_n of_o haughtiness_n pride_n violence_n covetousness_n voluptuousness_n etc._n etc._n which_o sort_n of_o man_n the_o psalmist_n here_o more_o particular_o mean_v by_o the_o fool._n nay_o final_o hence_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o jew_n speak_v i._n e._n they_o deny_v their_o religion_n despise_v even_o the_o authority_n and_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o be_v judaical_a infidel_n as_o we_o nowadays_o be_v christian_n once_o which_o be_v the_o more_o usual_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n and_o restrain_v to_o reveal_v truth_n this_o last_o sense_n want_v not_o equal_a probability_n with_o the_o former_a for_o it_o be_v likely_a that_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o mankind_n there_o have_v be_v many_o more_o who_o have_v question_v the_o providence_n and_o true_a attribute_n than_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n for_o want_v of_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o therefore_o the_o chaldee_n paraphrase_n seem_v not_o to_o have_v do_v amiss_o when_o it_o paraphrase_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v no_o dominion_n or_o government_n in_o the_o earth_n 4._o the_o word_n they_o be_v corrupt_v they_o have_v do_v abominable_a work_n etc._n etc._n may_v be_v look_v upon_o with_o the_o coherence_n either_o of_o a_o cause_n or_o a_o effect_n of_o the_o precede_a proposition_n the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v thus_o utter_v because_o they_o be_v corrupt_v etc._n etc._n therefore_o they_o have_v proceed_v to_o that_o extremity_n of_o folly_n and_o impudence_n as_o to_o think_v there_o be_v no_o god_n at_o all_o and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o see_v and_o know_v what_o they_o do_v or_o if_o he_o do_v yet_o he_o can_v or_o will_v not_o concern_v himself_o to_o punish_v they_o or_o we_o may_v read_v then_o to_o this_o sense_n foolish_a and_o lewd_a man_n have_v first_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o no_o providence_n which_o reach_v humane_a affair_n and_o then_o have_v let_v loose_v the_o reign_v to_o their_o lust_n which_o have_v carry_v they_o to_o the_o most_o wicked_a work_n and_o abominable_a practice_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v learn_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o they_o who_o deny_v the_o be_v or_o providence_n of_o god_n over_o mankind_n and_o the_o consequent_a truth_n mention_v be_v both_o ignorant_a and_o wicked_a or_o infidelity_n be_v the_o quality_n of_o vicious_a fool_n the_o fool_n etc._n etc._n 2._o that_o the_o deny_v of_o those_o great_a truth_n and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o cause_n of_o corrupt_a manner_n or_o infidelity_n be_v follow_v with_o still_o great_a corruption_n of_o manner_n and_o wickedness_n of_o practice_n to_o take_v the_o first_o of_o these_o among_o many_o head_n of_o discourse_n which_o have_v and_o may_v be_v handle_v in_o this_o great_a and_o most_o important_a argument_n i_o shall_v choose_v but_o these_o two_n one_a to_o observe_v some_o of_o the_o most_o frequent_a cause_n of_o this_o disease_n and_o 2_o to_o propose_v some_o remedy_n to_o prevent_v or_o suppress_v their_o efficacy_n and_o because_o those_o of_o both_o part_n be_v many_o to_o be_v name_v i_o shall_v be_v as_o brief_a as_o i_o can_v in_o each_o of_o they_o and_o do_v little_a more_o than_o enumerate_v they_o one_a the_o first_o cause_n then_o of_o this_o infidelity_n be_v ignorance_n a_o charge_n which_o perhaps_o they_o may_v wonder_v or_o smile_v at_o who_o have_v so_o often_o be_v by_o themselves_o and_o other_o take_v for_o more_o than_o ordinary_a wit_n and_o so_o indeed_o they_o be_v but_o it_o be_v in_o levity_n shallowness_n temerity_n self-conceit_n and_o boldness_n and_o some_o other_o as_o worthy_a quality_n to_o be_v mention_v and_o we_o affirm_v still_o that_o one_o of_o the_o lead_n and_o first_o cause_n of_o infidelity_n be_v great_a ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o being_n short_a of_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o material_a or_o corporeal_a world_n to_o believe_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o thing_n to_o exist_v without_o a_o god_n or_o a_o be_v who_o essence_n be_v to_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a and_o consequent_o necessary_o to_o exist_v himself_o and_o to_o be_v the_o productive_a and_o conservative_a cause_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n whatsoever_o existent_n and_o then_o when_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v it_o be_v to_o have_v lose_v the_o faculty_n of_o reason_v serious_o to_o deny_v those_o attribute_n of_o his_o nature_n before_o mention_v and_o his_o universal_a providence_n for_o it_o will_v be_v to_o ungod_o he_o again_o it_o must_v be_v from_o a_o gross_a ignorance_n more_o particular_o for_o any_o man_n to_o doubt_v his_o universal_a goodness_n whereby_o he_o dispose_v and_o order_v all_o thing_n for_o the_o best_a state_n of_o the_o universe_n of_o being_n in_o all_o its_o duration_n take_v together_o and_o consequent_o his_o justice_n so_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v better_o with_o the_o good_a and_o righteous_a than_o with_o the_o evil_a and_o wicked_a all_o condition_n or_o their_o whole_a duration_n consider_v and_o comprehend_v it_o be_v from_o no_o better_a cause_n that_o any_o man_n question_n the_o immortality_n of_o humane_a soul_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o the_o unsuitableness_n of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n to_o annihilate_v they_o and_o it_o be_v far_o more_o incredible_a and_o further_o from_o all_o belief_n that_o god_n shall_v make_v our_o soul_n only_o for_o this_o point_n of_o time_n we_o live_v upon_o this_o earth_n than_o that_o he_o shall_v make_v all_o humane_a race_n to_o come_v into_o this_o world_n only_o to_o cry_v and_o die_v it_o be_v i_o say_v it_o again_o from_o a_o contemptible_a ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o body_n and_o spirit_n the_o nature_n of_o god_n the_o true_a end_n of_o all_o be_v life_n and_o action_n that_o these_o grand_a and_o fundamental_a verity_n be_v serious_o and_o ex_fw-la animo_fw-la dispute_v or_o deny_v by_o any_o it_o will_v be_v at_o present_a too_o tedious_a and_o impertinent_a to_o deduce_v at_o large_a the_o particular_a proof_n of_o these_o most_o important_a truth_n it_o have_v be_v especial_o in_o this_o last_o age_n excellent_o well_o perform_v to_o which_o in_o some_o thing_n a_o further_a addition_n may_v be_v make_v let_v infidel_n or_o sceptic_n sufficient_o
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the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n but_o rather_o reprove_v they_o say_v the_o apostle_n in_o that_o excellent_a epistle_n eph._n 5._o 11._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n from_o the_o good_a you_o will_v learn_v good_a among_o the_o bad_a you_o will_v sure_o grow_v worse_o like_v to_o that_o of_o the_o wise_a man_n prov._n 13._o 20._o he_o that_o walk_v with_o wise_a man_n shall_v be_v wise_a but_o the_o companion_n of_o fool_n shall_v be_v destroy_v aspice_fw-la quid_fw-la faciunt_fw-la commercia_fw-la venerat_fw-la obses_fw-la the_o youth_n once_o be_v very_o innocent_a behold_v what_o he_o be_v now_o how_o strange_o change_v by_o lewd_a company_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d associate_n not_o thyself_o to_o a_o wicked_a man_n these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o say_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o wise_a sort_n of_o man_n which_o do_v but_o remind_v we_o of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o example_n upon_o our_o manner_n and_o that_o far_o beyond_o the_o power_n 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cause_n of_o their_o great_a influence_n i_o do_v not_o know_v but_o that_o in_o proportion_n to_o their_o number_n there_o may_v be_v as_o many_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a person_n in_o the_o superior_a as_o in_o the_o inferior_a rank_n of_o man_n and_o that_o with_o more_o judgement_n and_o generosity_n but_o still_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o great_a the_o potent_a the_o honourable_a the_o rich_a the_o more_o be_v the_o pity_n be_v of_o the_o bad_a side_n though_o in_o the_o whole_a lump_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n put_v together_o infinite_o the_o major_a part_n in_o their_o practice_n at_o least_o shall_v vote_n for_o the_o licentious_a and_o vicious_a side_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o have_v near_o the_o influence_n it_o now_o have_v be_v not_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o great_a on_o that_o side_n too_o and_o of_o the_o same_o party_n to_o head_n and_o lead_v they_o so_o that_o it_o appear_v it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o number_n of_o voter_n but_o also_o the_o power_n and_o greatness_n of_o they_o that_o make_v ill_a example_n go_v so_o far_o and_o prevail_v so_o much_o be_v it_o the_o property_n of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o inferior_a sort_n only_o to_o be_v irreligious_a immoral_a and_o dissolute_a we_o shall_v soon_o see_v that_o party_n decrease_v and_o general_o desert_n both_o in_o inward_a principle_n and_o outward_a practice_n one_o excellent_a example_n of_o a_o great_a man_n will_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d outweigh_v a_o great_a number_n of_o small_a one_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n far_o from_o wise_a first_o esteem_v the_o man_n and_o then_o the_o manner_n at_o least_o the_o dignity_n and_o height_n of_o a_o vicious_a man_n make_v that_o vice_n seem_v little_a and_o tolerable_a if_o not_o honourable_a which_o be_v it_o only_o see_v in_o those_o of_o low_a place_n will_v be_v think_v contemptible_a and_o punishable_a alea_n turpis_fw-la turpe_fw-la &_o adulterium_fw-la mediocribus_fw-la haec_fw-la tamen_fw-la illi_fw-la omnia_fw-la cùm_fw-la faciant_fw-la hilares_fw-la nitidique_fw-la vocantur_fw-la we_o admire_v man_n for_o their_o power_n pomp_n and_o wealth_n and_o then_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o they_o leave_v not_o out_o their_o very_a vice_n too_o like_a as_o the_o pagan_n of_o old_a not_o only_o deify_v their_o hero_n but_o build_v temple_n and_o erect_a altar_n to_o some_o of_o their_o flagitious_a action_n and_o abominable_a crime_n as_o tully_n somewhere_o complain_v on_o the_o contrary_a the_o poor_a and_o mean_a man_n action_n according_a to_o the_o wise-man_n little_a history_n eccl._n 9_o 14._o though_o never_o so_o wise_a and_o beneficial_a too_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n be_v not_o heed_v or_o soon_o forget_v indeed_o it_o be_v truth_n and_o reason_n and_o not_o vulgar_a opinion_n only_o that_o power_n and_o greatness_n ability_n to_o effect_n and_o bring_v to_o pass_v
well_o assure_v that_o the_o example_n be_v real_o evil_a one_o of_o the_o most_o certain_a sign_n of_o which_o be_v a_o thing_n be_v be_v universal_o forbid_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o we_o can_v be_v equal_o assure_v of_o it_o by_o true_a reason_n too_o that_o which_o be_v prohibit_v by_o god_n universal_o have_v certain_o in_o every_o particular_a action_n more_o mischievous_a than_o good_a effect_n though_o we_o may_v not_o see_v it_o at_o present_v ourselves_o or_o be_v able_a to_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o other_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o at_o any_o time_n to_o be_v do_v as_o contrariwise_o that_o which_o be_v universal_o command_v have_v more_o good_a than_o bad_a and_o therefore_o be_v never_o to_o be_v omit_v in_o thing_n therefore_o that_o be_v thus_o forbid_v or_o command_v compliance_n with_o other_o to_o do_v or_o not_o do_v as_o they_o will_v have_v we_o be_v never_o justifiable_a if_o company_n conversation_n and_o custom_n desire_v we_o and_o god_n forbid_v we_o if_o they_o forbid_v we_o and_o god_n command_v we_o it_o be_v no_o question_n who_o we_o be_v to_o follow_v but_o because_o we_o be_v ofttimes_o liable_a to_o great_a mistake_n we_o be_v hear_v to_o endeavour_v sincere_o to_o be_v well_o inform_v as_o be_v before_o advise_v we_o may_v judge_v that_o universal_o forbid_a or_o command_v by_o god_n which_o true_o be_v not_o so_o we_o be_v to_o avoid_v singularity_n through_o ignorance_n or_o misinformation_n in_o our_o duty_n and_o consequent_o give_v a_o needless_a offence_n and_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o ill-natured_a and_o ungenerous_a or_o to_o the_o pity_n and_o disesteem_v of_o the_o best_a sort_n of_o man_n for_o our_o weakness_n or_o suspect_a contumacy_n and_o selfwill_a sometime_o to_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o secular_a advantage_n whereby_o we_o may_v not_o only_o live_v comfortable_o but_o perhaps_o very_o useful_o and_o then_o we_o be_v with_o the_o same_o sincerity_n to_o judge_v as_o true_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n too_o and_o not_o to_o believe_v that_o lawful_a which_o be_v real_o forbid_v or_o that_o not_o to_o be_v command_v which_o be_v real_o so_o and_o consequent_o to_o take_v a_o undue_a liberty_n and_o in_o a_o more_o proper_a and_o important_a sense_n give_v offence_n and_o because_o of_o our_o general_a proneness_n to_o indulge_v ourselves_o and_o live_v easy_o we_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o be_v vigilant_a and_o careful_a over_o ourselves_o in_o this_o last_o extreme_a 2._o the_o second_o caution_n be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o end_n we_o be_v to_o take_v care_n and_o there_o be_v need_n of_o it_o that_o we_o refuse_v not_o to_o conform_v to_o and_o follow_v receive_v practice_n and_o common_a example_n or_o to_o comply_v with_o company_n at_o any_o time_n no_o not_o in_o thing_n material_o evil_a out_o of_o pride_n or_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n not_o out_o of_o a_o humour_n to_o contradict_v the_o world_n and_o control_v other_o to_o 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no_o good_a reason_n against_o it_o and_o even_o where_o we_o refuse_v sinful_a and_o incommodious_a compliance_n we_o be_v to_o appear_v unwilling_a to_o give_v offence_n or_o not_o to_o gratify_v but_o that_o our_o charity_n to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o and_o even_o to_o our_o companion_n themselves_o our_o prudence_n and_o our_o duty_n to_o god_n oblige_v we_o necessary_o so_o to_o do_v to_o conclude_v this_o caution_n we_o must_v take_v care_n to_o avoid_v two_o extreme_n the_o one_o pride_n which_o word_n and_o vice_n i_o take_v so_o general_o as_o to_o comprehend_v all_o particular_n of_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n contradiction_n etc._n etc._n just_a before_o warn_v against_o as_o so_o many_o kind_n and_o many_o more_o which_o may_v be_v name_v the_o other_o be_v too_o much_o softness_n too_o great_a loathness_n to_o offend_v or_o displease_v for_o the_o present_a either_o out_o of_o love_n or_o fear_n when_o we_o know_v in_o our_o conscience_n that_o it_o will_v be_v 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it_o if_o any_o be_v so_o wicked_a as_o design_o to_o give_v a_o ill_a example_n in_o any_o vice_n suppose_v irreligion_n and_o to_o make_v it_o their_o study_n or_o diversion_n to_o corrupt_v the_o world_n this_o seem_v to_o proceed_v from_o pure_a malice_n against_o god_n and_o men._n but_o if_o we_o be_v only_o careless_a and_o heedless_a of_o what_o we_o do_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o ill_a and_o what_o other_o may_v do_v after_o we_o it_o be_v at_o least_o want_n of_o good_a government_n of_o ourselves_o and_o want_v of_o that_o kindness_n and_o charity_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o our_o brother_n and_o draw_v upon_o we_o the_o guilt_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o our_o example_n have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o like_a as_o we_o shall_v reckon_v that_o man_n devilish_a and_o inhuman_a and_o worthy_a of_o the_o severe_a punishment_n who_o know_v himself_o infect_v with_o the_o plague_n shall_v mingle_v himself_o with_o all_o company_n and_o industrious_o or_o careless_o breathe_v out_o his_o pestiferous_a steam_n upon_o all_o he_o meet_v but_o more_o especial_o be_v they_o concern_v in_o this_o admonition_n who_o example_n be_v of_o the_o most_o forcible_a and_o diffusive_a influence_n such_o who_o be_v most_o eminent_a and_o conspicuous_a with_o who_o compliance_n and_o invitation_n bring_v great_a conversation_n honour_n and_o secular_a advantage_n the_o rich_a the_o potent_a the_o ingenious_a and_o learned_a be_v like_o star_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n which_o draw_v all_o man_n eye_n towards_o they_o and_o we_o know_v how_o far_o it_o reach_v and_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n we_o know_v too_o how_o far_o it_o be_v prevent_v when_o the_o command_n and_o example_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n come_v together_o from_o the_o throne_n itself_o who_o force_n we_o hope_v will_n in_o some_o time_n make_v its_o way_n through_o and_o alter_v the_o constitution_n of_o the_o
cheerful_a with_o other_o such_o than_o be_v the_o second_o answer_n to_o the_o plea_n of_o the_o extreme_a difficulty_n pain_n and_o pain_n in_o conversion_n and_o reformation_n in_o correct_v this_o propension_n of_o deprave_a nature_n and_o quit_v the_o most_o numerous_a evil_a example_n namely_o that_o we_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o assist_v we_o and_o render_v it_o more_o easy_a that_o the_o difficulty_n be_v principal_o at_o the_o beginning_n and_o first_o onset_n and_o yet_o that_o even_o there_o the_o pleasure_n and_o ease_v far_o outweigh_v the_o pain_n and_o labour_n and_o final_o that_o in_o the_o suit_n of_o a_o virtuous_a state_n of_o soul_n exercise_n and_o action_n there_o be_v pleasure_n sincere_a deep_a constant_a and_o durable_a and_o but_o the_o sample_n and_o commencement_n of_o infinite_o great_a still_o the_o difficulty_n and_o pain_n will_v lie_v on_o the_o side_n of_o vice_n and_o that_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o a_o sincere_a and_o generous_a good_a man_n may_v find_v it_o more_o hard_a and_o vexatious_a to_o he_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o do_v a_o evil_a thing_n than_o the_o most_o bold_a and_o accustom_a sinner_n to_o do_v a_o good_a one_o go_v we_o on_o further_a and_o 3._o suppose_v if_o we_o please_v that_o which_o be_v false_a the_o utmost_a difficulty_n labour_n and_o suffer_v throughout_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o virtuous_a and_o conscientious_a life_n nay_o suppose_v we_o may_v lose_v life_n itself_o for_o their_o sake_n and_o in_o their_o cause_n have_v we_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o thing_n hereafter_o or_o have_v we_o satisfy_v ourselves_o with_o a_o demonstration_n that_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o that_o will_v there_o be_v no_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a no_o vengeance_n for_o the_o wicked_a have_v not_o these_o very_a gentile_n themselves_o their_o elysian_a field_n for_o the_o just_a their_o tartara_fw-la styx_n and_o acheron_n and_o various_a sort_n of_o never_o end_a punishment_n for_o their_o wicked_a too_o have_v not_o the_o jew_n many_o of_o who_o be_v infect_v with_o the_o heathen_a manner_n their_o paradise_n for_o the_o holy_a and_o their_o gehinnom_n for_o sinner_n if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o fable_n they_o assure_o do_v believe_v the_o moral_a of_o it_o viz._n the_o happy_a state_n of_o the_o good_a and_o the_o miserable_a one_o of_o the_o bad_a and_o that_o everlasting_a too_o as_o may_v be_v show_v as_o for_o christian_n do_v they_o not_o know_v that_o in_o the_o day_n when_o god_n shall_v judge_v the_o world_n by_o jesus_n christ_n he_o will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n to_o those_o who_o patient_o continue_v in_o well-doing_n eternal_a life_n and_o to_o those_o who_o obey_v unrighteousness_n indignation_n wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n have_v not_o truth_n itself_o tell_v they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o the_o righteous_a shall_v go_v into_o everlasting_a life_n but_o the_o wicked_a into_o everlasting_a punishment_n we_o need_v not_o stand_v to_o reason_n upon_o such_o concession_n the_o case_n be_v plain_a what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v if_o we_o have_v but_o common_a sense_n and_o understanding_n be_v it_o not_o a_o most_o contemptible_a and_o pitiable_a condition_n we_o be_v in_o if_o we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o perish_v everlasting_o because_o we_o will_v not_o take_v the_o pain_n of_o a_o few_o day_n to_o be_v save_v to_o fall_v into_o a_o state_n of_o meanness_n and_o misery_n whence_o no_o redemption_n through_o mere_a laziness_n or_o cowardice_n have_v not_o the_o heart_n to_o encounter_v some_o difficulty_n or_o courage_n to_o bear_v some_o present_a pain_n and_o pain_n though_o it_o be_v the_o pull_v out_o of_o a_o eye_n or_o cut_v off_o a_o hand_n oh_o where_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o such_o who_o easy_o swim_v down_o in_o a_o pleasant_a stream_n which_o run_v into_o a_o dead_a sea_n or_o a_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n where_o be_v their_o reason_n who_o forewarn_v dance_v on_o merry_o with_o a_o jolly_a crowd_n in_o a_o smooth_a way_n till_o at_o last_o they_o tumble_v altogether_o into_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o volcano_n when_o they_o be_v a_o hundred_o time_n advise_v and_o entreat_v to_o take_v a_o certain_a path_n at_o its_o entrance_n indeed_o more_o solitary_a rugged_a and_o a_o little_a toilsome_a if_o you_o please_v but_o which_o in_o a_o short_a time_n will_v bring_v they_o into_o a_o place_n beyond_o all_o imagination_n delicious_a furnish_v with_o the_o most_o agreeable_a and_o excellent_a company_n eternal_o secure_a from_o any_o disturbance_n from_o within_o or_o without_o who_o part_n be_v it_o now_o to_o wonder_v be_v the_o riotous_a dissolute_a and_o vicious_a to_o wonder_v at_o the_o folly_n and_o weakness_n as_o they_o think_v of_o the_o pious_a virtuous_a and_o well-governed_a or_o these_o at_o the_o wilful_a madness_n or_o sottishness_n of_o the_o former_a these_o no_o doubt_n if_o all_o be_v true_a that_o have_v be_v say_v but_o some_o who_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o fear_n will_v not_o believe_v so_o great_a severity_n so_o they_o term_v it_o of_o almighty_a god_n to_o sinner_n though_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v his_o kindness_n and_o bounty_n to_o the_o good_a man_n can_v believe_v almost_o what_o they_o please_v and_o that_o against_o the_o most_o universal_a tradition_n reason_n and_o conscience_n of_o mankind_n but_o they_o have_v some_o reason_n what_o be_v that_o sinner_n can_v hurt_v god_n and_o do_v but_o enjoy_v themselves_o be_v this_o say_v in_o earnest_n or_o be_v it_o only_o because_o they_o will_v not_o open_o own_o infidelity_n but_o 1_o they_o will_v hurt_v god_n almighty_a if_o they_o can_v and_o every_o one_o else_o be_v their_o power_n answerable_a to_o their_o will_n god_n himself_o will_v not_o be_v safe_a or_o happy_a every_o know_v and_o wilful_a sinner_n who_o oppose_v or_o comply_v not_o with_o god_n most_o wise_a and_o beneficial_a government_n of_o the_o world_n by_o his_o law_n and_o decree_n by_o his_o command_n and_o appointment_n have_v the_o insolence_n and_o do_v what_o he_o can_v to_o make_v god_n and_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o personal_a pleasure_n and_o lust_n and_o be_v the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v make_v and_o i_o think_v such_o a_o one_o deserve_v the_o severe_a punishment_n and_o so_o do_v all_o humane_a government_n judge_v and_o act_v too_o the_o very_a will_n and_o purpose_n alone_o be_v a_o tendency_n to_o such_o mischief_n it_o be_v a_o partial_a and_o inchoative_a cause_n and_o be_v according_o to_o be_v use_v of_o which_o further_a reason_n may_v be_v still_o give_v but_o 2._o according_a to_o this_o reason_a god_n must_v not_o reward_v his_o faithful_a servant_n who_o love_v he_o for_o they_o can_v as_o little_a profit_n god_n as_o the_o rebellious_a and_o malicious_a hurt_v he_o if_o god_n accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n and_o reward_v it_o too_o why_o may_v he_o not_o punish_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n likewise_o and_o 3._o i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o that_o the_o act_n of_o will_n be_v the_o only_a proper_a act_n of_o a_o man_n and_o that_o all_o external_a effect_n be_v from_o god_n when_o and_o in_o what_o measure_n he_o please_v so_o that_o in_o proper_a speak_n a_o sinner_n hurt_v no_o body_n but_o will_n to_o do_v it_o he_o be_v indeed_o inward_o malicious_a proud_a careless_a of_o every_o one_o but_o himself_o or_o gratify_v his_o own_o lust_n that_o these_o have_v any_o external_a effect_n more_o or_o less_o come_v from_o another_o hand_n last_o he_o can_v hardly_o seem_v in_o earnest_n who_o ask_v why_o vicious_a man_n shall_v be_v punish_v so_o severe_o only_o for_o enjoy_v themselves_o nevertheless_o because_o we_o do_v not_o know_v how_o childish_a trifle_a and_o foolish_a vice_n may_v indeed_o render_v some_o man_n even_o in_o thing_n of_o the_o vast_a importance_n we_o say_v that_o to_o take_v the_o three_o capital_a and_o general_a one_o malice_n pride_n and_o sensuality_n impiety_n injustice_n covetousness_n and_o a_o hundred_o other_o be_v only_o their_o kind_n or_o instrument_n the_o malicious_a man_n delight_v in_o mischief_n and_o will_v do_v nothing_o else_o too_o if_o god_n will_v permit_v or_o rather_o lend_v he_o his_o power_n for_o such_o a_o purpose_n the_o proud_a man_n and_o the_o envious_a which_o seem_v compose_v of_o pride_n and_o ill-nature_n will_v have_v every_o one_o under_o his_o foot_n and_o may_v affect_v superiority_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o to_o permit_v none_o to_o enjoy_v any_o good_a thing_n but_o himself_o if_o his_o will_n and_o desire_n be_v attend_v by_o a_o equal_a power_n to_o execute_v they_o the_o sensualist_n who_o seem_v most_o intend_v in_o this_o excuse_n if_o he_o will_v
use_v it_o and_o indeed_o the_o first_o be_v always_o attend_v with_o the_o other_o two_o for_o he_o that_o have_v a_o great_a affection_n for_o truth_n will_v ready_o embrace_v it_o where_o ever_o he_o discover_v it_o endeavour_v to_o recommend_v and_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o it_o he_o can_v show_v what_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o his_o heart_n and_o life_n this_o excellent_a quality_n of_o our_o spirit_n be_v more_o than_o once_o commend_v and_o command_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o be_v this_o which_o our_o saviour_n mean_v in_o his_o parable_n by_o the_o honest_a and_o good_a heart_n which_o have_v receive_v the_o word_n keep_v it_o and_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n with_o patience_n luke_n 8._o 15._o it_o be_v the_o want_n of_o this_o which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o seduction_n from_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o those_o who_o perish_v viz._n because_o they_o receive_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n i._n e._n not_o only_o the_o gospel_n particular_o call_v the_o truth_n but_o of_o truth_n in_o general_a 1_o thess_n 2._o 10._o and_o it_o be_v this_o our_o saviour_n above_o all_o thing_n require_v in_o man_n to_o become_v his_o disciple_n and_o it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n together_o with_o the_o incomparable_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v that_o never_o a_o honest_a man_n of_o capacity_n who_o have_v be_v right_o instruct_v in_o the_o principal_a doctrine_n of_o it_o have_v long_o hold_v out_o against_o it_o and_o final_o disbelieved_a it_o we_o may_v add_v to_o this_o natural_a effect_n of_o probity_n the_o extraordinary_a and_o supernatural_a one_o even_o in_o those_o who_o may_v be_v for_o some_o time_n doubtful_a or_o erroneous_a in_o those_o great_a verity_n so_o perhaps_o may_v god_n permit_v it_o procure_v god_n especial_a care_n to_o enlighten_v and_o incline_v such_o to_o the_o reception_n of_o truth_n 3_o another_o cure_n of_o this_o infidelity_n be_v a_o branch_n of_o modesty_n that_o be_v but_o a_o just_a and_o true_a esteem_n and_o value_n for_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o particular_o to_o be_v careful_a we_o entertain_v not_o too_o great_a a_o conceit_n of_o our_o own_o ability_n and_o sufficiency_n above_o other_o man_n to_o find_v out_o the_o falsity_n or_o weakness_n or_o uncertainty_n in_o common_a receive_v opinion_n of_o consequence_n if_o we_o seem_v to_o ourselves_o to_o observe_v it_o let_v we_o still_o be_v diffident_a of_o our_o own_o judgement_n and_o believe_v we_o may_v be_v mistake_v and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v something_o in_o they_o or_o for_o they_o which_o we_o do_v not_o yet_o see_v and_o therefore_o reserve_v the_o alteration_n of_o our_o belief_n to_o further_a consideration_n those_o who_o be_v strong_o conceit_v of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o sufficiency_n in_o judgement_n above_o other_o man_n and_o be_v huge_o please_v with_o it_o be_v very_o forward_o and_o ambitious_a to_o show_v it_o to_o themselves_o first_o and_o then_o to_o other_o man_n more_o especial_o in_o contradict_v and_o correct_v what_o be_v general_o teach_v and_o believe_v and_o that_o by_o the_o most_o esteem_v and_o of_o the_o best_a reputation_n and_o authority_n the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v give_v we_o this_o general_a advice_n also_o rom._n 12._o 3._o not_o to_o think_v too_o high_o of_o ourselves_o but_o sober_o according_a as_o god_n have_v deal_v to_o every_o man_n the_o measure_n of_o faith_n but_o because_o some_o man_n in_o their_o infidelity_n may_v rely_v more_o upon_o the_o wit_n and_o learning_n of_o one_o who_o they_o much_o esteem_v than_o upon_o their_o own_o it_o be_v to_o be_v advise_v 4_o to_o have_v a_o great_a deference_n and_o respect_n to_o the_o most_o public_a testimony_n or_o to_o the_o most_o general_a receive_v opinion_n so_o much_o the_o more_o still_o by_o how_o much_o it_o be_v large_a in_o respect_n of_o place_n and_o age_n the_o least_o effect_n this_o consideration_n ought_v to_o have_v upon_o we_o be_v to_o make_v we_o cautious_a and_o suspicious_a when_o we_o be_v incline_v to_o believe_v and_o advance_v any_o opinion_n contrary_a because_o it_o appear_v true_a to_o ourselves_o or_o some_o few_o other_o real_o know_v man_n we_o ought_v diligent_o and_o impartial_o to_o examine_v what_o it_o be_v in_o the_o common_a opinion_n we_o can_v persuade_v ourselves_o to_o be_v true_a and_o how_o such_o a_o general_a mistake_n shall_v come_v to_o pass_v he_o that_o contradict_v a_o universal_a belief_n have_v need_n be_v the_o wise_a of_o man_n and_o he_o that_o reject_v a_o very_a general_a one_o shall_v be_v very_o wise_a the_o first_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v without_o a_o demonstration_n and_o even_o that_o which_o so_o appear_v to_o we_o be_v reasonable_o to_o be_v suspect_v though_o till_o we_o see_v otherwise_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v by_o we_o because_o in_o a_o thing_n a_o thousand_o time_n consider_v and_o debate_v it_o may_v seem_v much_o that_o none_o before_o have_v light_n upon_o this_o demonstration_n though_o i_o do_v not_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a and_o as_o for_o those_o persuasion_n which_o be_v very_o general_a in_o thing_n judge_v of_o great_a concern_v and_o consequent_o most_o frequent_o bring_v into_o conversation_n write_v and_o practice_n it_o have_v need_n be_v a_o very_a great_a evidence_n and_o have_v lie_v long_o under_o variety_n of_o examination_n be_v at_o last_o also_o general_o approve_v that_o shall_v entire_o remove_v or_o displace_v they_o yet_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o a_o man_n may_v have_v sometime_o a_o reason_n sufficient_a at_o first_o to_o suspect_v to_o doubt_v to_o say_v that_o the_o new_a opinion_n look_v with_o a_o good_a countenance_n and_o seem_v not_o to_o want_v a_o fair_a probability_n and_o then_o it_o seem_v no_o more_o than_o justice_n and_o a_o thing_n become_v the_o public_a care_n that_o it_o shall_v have_v a_o fair_a hear_n but_o here_o too_o that_o we_o be_v not_o impose_v upon_o we_o be_v to_o take_v a_o true_a account_n of_o the_o universality_n or_o generality_n of_o receive_a persuasion_n not_o call_v those_o of_o one_o nation_n or_o country_n or_o perhaps_o one_o quarter_n of_o the_o world_n introduce_v and_o maintain_v by_o mere_a interest_n cunning_a and_o force_n or_o of_o one_o or_o some_o few_o age_n i_o say_v we_o must_v not_o call_v these_o universal_a or_o more_o general_a than_o indeed_o they_o be_v this_o be_v the_o fault_n and_o folly_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o will_v needs_o have_v transubstantiation_n purgatory_n image_n and_o saint_n worship_n and_o a_o hundred_o other_o to_o be_v the_o catholic_n opinion_n and_o practice_n in_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n when_o we_o can_v produce_v whole_a country_n and_o nation_n great_a than_o they_o now_o and_o many_o more_o age_n and_o the_o best_a even_o of_o their_o own_o church_n which_o neither_o believe_v nor_o practise_v such_o thing_n this_o remedy_n be_v proper_a against_o unblamable_a singularity_n whether_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o affectation_n i_o will_v add_v but_o one_o more_o and_o so_o have_v do_v with_o this_o general_a head_n also_o and_o that_o be_v 5_o that_o as_o it_o have_v be_v already_o a_o general_a advice_n to_o possess_v our_o mind_n thorough_o with_o probity_n and_o plain_a honesty_n and_o consequent_o a_o prevalent_a love_n of_o the_o truth_n so_o it_o will_v much_o help_v and_o assure_v the_o effect_n thereof_o to_o purge_v they_o of_o all_o prejudices_fw-la which_o may_v oppose_v it_o and_o to_o leave_v truth_n and_o honesty_n as_o few_o and_o as_o weak_a enemy_n in_o our_o breast_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o we_o must_v therefore_o turn_v out_o and_o send_v away_o all_o unreasonable_a inclination_n humour_n appetite_n and_o passion_n which_o may_v have_v any_o influence_n upon_o our_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n in_o our_o inquire_n or_o assent_n to_o any_o truth_n we_o be_v to_o keep_v our_o mind_n sincere_a and_o upright_a this_o will_v prevent_v or_o repress_v the_o influence_n of_o many_o cause_n of_o infidelity_n at_o once_o for_o in_o pursuance_n and_o application_n of_o this_o general_a direction_n we_o shall_v free_v our_o mind_n from_o the_o love_n of_o any_o lust_n from_o the_o extravagant_a and_o most_o unreasonable_a desire_n of_o liberty_n uncontroulableness_n and_o independency_n from_o pride_n vain_a self-conceit_n and_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n from_o the_o humour_n of_o set_v ourselves_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o oppose_v and_o contradict_v from_o wrath_n and_o impatience_n against_o god_n almighty_a and_o his_o providence_n from_o spite_n and_o envy_v against_o knowledge_n and_o goodness_n and_o good_a man_n against_o their_o reputation_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n and_o final_o from_o scepticism_n itself_o or_o as_o i_o now_o take_v the_o word_n from_o timidity_n
generous_a obediential_a disposition_n of_o soul_n towards_o the_o true_a god_n ready_a and_o prepare_v cheerful_o to_o receive_v and_o execute_v all_o his_o command_n though_o never_o so_o difficult_a at_o all_o time_n and_o as_o he_o be_v then_o justify_v by_o that_o pious_a temper_n of_o heart_n manifest_v itself_o in_o actual_a obedience_n to_o the_o command_v of_o god_n then_o lay_v upon_o he_o so_o shall_v we_o christian_n say_v st._n paul_n if_o we_o be_v of_o the_o same_o pious_a temper_n of_o soul_n with_o abraham_n exert_v itself_o in_o a_o actual_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n now_o declare_v and_o enjoin_v by_o jesus_n christ_n nay_o we_o may_v add_v that_o the_o jew_n themselves_o though_o they_o little_o understand_v it_o be_v all_o along_o justify_v upon_o the_o same_o condition_n too_o not_o so_o much_o by_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o particular_a law_n of_o moses_n as_o send_v from_o god_n by_o moses_n as_o they_o stiff_o contend_v most_o of_o which_o be_v but_o temporary_a and_o fit_v for_o the_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o that_o people_n as_o by_o that_o devout_a temper_n of_o love_n reverence_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n declare_v his_o will_n for_o that_o time_n by_o moses_n and_o wherever_o that_o temper_n be_v among_o the_o jew_n it_o have_v the_o same_o effect_n of_o actual_a obedience_n to_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n when_o he_o be_v sufficient_o preach_v and_o make_v know_v to_o they_o true_o sincere_a piety_n the_o love_n of_o truth_n and_o goodness_n prevail_v against_o all_o worldly_a interest_n and_o prejudices_fw-la bring_v the_o jew_n themselves_o most_o certain_o over_o to_o christianity_n if_o we_o will_v know_v more_o of_o this_o temper_n by_o example_n we_o may_v see_v the_o 119_o psalm_n the_o history_n of_o cornelius_n those_o of_o the_o new_a covenant_n into_o who_o heart_n and_o mind_n god_n will_v put_v and_o write_v his_o law_n heb._n 10._o 16._o those_o who_o our_o saviour_n call_v his_o sheep_n who_o know_v hear_v his_o voice_n and_o follow_v he_o and_o what_o be_v say_v of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o heb._n 10._o 7._o lo_o i_o come_v in_o the_o volume_n of_o thy_o book_n it_o be_v write_v of_o i_o to_o do_v thy_o will_n o_o god_n these_o be_v the_o person_n this_o the_o qualification_n condition_n and_o capacity_n for_o god_n favour_n approbation_n commendation_n and_o reward_n or_o in_o one_o word_n for_o his_o justification_n a_o submissive_a obediential_a temper_n of_o heart_n to_o god_n i_o say_v a_o qualification_n or_o condition_n of_o god_n favour_n in_o general_n and_o particular_o express_v in_o remission_n of_o sin_n which_o by_o no_o mean_n exclude_v the_o consideration_n of_o christ_n obedience_n and_o sacrifice_n which_o ever_o be_v another_o cause_n of_o justification_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o ever_o will_v be_v this_o sense_n of_o faith_n viz._n piety_n will_v not_o be_v think_v strange_a by_o those_o who_o have_v observe_v the_o hebrew_n way_n of_o speak_v thus_o we_o read_v exod._n 14._o ult_n that_o the_o israelite_n believe_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o servant_n moses_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n they_o submit_v themselves_o to_o god_n law_n and_o government_n by_o moses_n their_o belief_n or_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o moses_n be_v a_o disposition_n of_o mind_n in_o they_o to_o observe_v the_o command_v of_o god_n by_o moses_n for_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o general_a importance_n with_o the_o phrase_n immediate_o before_o the_o people_n fear_v the_o lord_n the_o israelite_n be_v as_o they_o profess_v ready_a to_o hear_v and_o do_v the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n by_o moses_n so_o they_o express_v themselves_o exod._n 19_o 8._o all_o that_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v we_o will_v do_v to_o obey_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o to_o keep_v his_o covenant_n nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o the_o israelite_n if_o they_o be_v real_o in_o their_o heart_n what_o they_o profess_v with_o their_o mouth_n be_v then_o also_o justify_v and_o in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n before_o they_o have_v hear_v any_o one_o particular_a command_n of_o the_o law_n from_o god_n by_o moses_n either_o ceremonial_a as_o circumcision_n festival_n sacrifice_n etc._n etc._n or_o moral_a and_o if_o any_o of_o they_o then_o die_v as_o no_o doubt_n some_o do_v they_o be_v also_o save_v nor_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o signification_n of_o faith_n when_o it_o be_v join_v with_o justification_n and_o salvation_n less_o easy_a it_o be_v because_o faith_n in_o its_o strict_a and_o primary_n sense_n of_o assent_n to_o some_o truth_n necessary_o precede_v this_o religiousness_n of_o heart_n this_o habitual_a piety_n a_o man_n must_v firm_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v right_a and_o wrong_n moral_a good_a and_o evil_n that_o the_o will_n and_o law_n of_o god_n be_v the_o most_o infallible_a rule_n of_o it_o that_o he_o will_v reward_v and_o punish_v the_o observer_n or_o transgressor_n of_o they_o before_o he_o be_v effectual_o resolve_v or_o habitual_o dispose_v universal_o to_o be_v obedient_a to_o god_n and_o to_o please_v he_o as_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n have_v it_o chap._n 11._o in_o like_a manner_n the_o love_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v every_o where_o use_v in_o the_o scripture_n synecdochical_o for_o all_o religion_n and_o virtue_n because_o those_o affection_n in_o their_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n produce_v in_o we_o a_o disposition_n of_o soul_n to_o universal_a obedience_n to_o he_o and_o consequent_o all_o instance_n of_o righteousness_n such_o may_v be_v the_o first_o notion_n of_o justify_v or_o save_v faith_n second_o a_o second_o be_v more_o particular_a and_o limit_v and_o that_o be_v a_o obedient_a temper_n of_o heart_n to_o god_n make_v know_v his_o will_n and_o law_n to_o we_o by_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n the_o true_a christ_n or_o by_o be_v a_o christian_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a error_n of_o the_o jew_n against_o who_o st._n paul_n in_o various_a place_n dispute_v about_o the_o point_n of_o justification_n that_o they_o will_v admit_v no_o other_o condition_n of_o it_o than_o the_o observance_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n which_o he_o call_v the_o law_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n st._n paul_n maintain_v against_o they_o that_o it_o be_v not_o but_o a_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a temper_n of_o soul_n which_o love_v righteousness_n and_o hate_a iniquity_n and_o consequent_o most_o desirous_a to_o know_v and_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n when_o and_o in_o whatsoever_o instance_n he_o shall_v please_v to_o declare_v and_o reveal_v it_o but_o more_o especial_o and_o particular_o now_o by_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n the_o true_a messiah_n describe_v foretell_v and_o promise_v to_o their_o own_o nation_n he_o be_v now_o appoint_v by_o god_n to_o be_v his_o vicegerent_n and_o legislator_n under_o himself_o to_o all_o mankind_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n as_o moses_n be_v for_o a_o certain_a time_n only_o to_o the_o jew_n now_o god_n expect_v and_o require_v submission_n and_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n by_o this_o jesus_n from_o all_o man_n every_o where_n all_o i_o say_v to_o who_o this_o declaration_n of_o his_o will_n shall_v come_v and_o particular_o from_o the_o jew_n to_o who_o he_o be_v preach_v by_o himself_o and_o other_o disciple_n which_o if_o they_o do_v and_o persevere_v they_o shall_v be_v justify_v by_o god_n and_o in_o his_o favour_n particular_o receive_v from_o he_o remission_n of_o sin_n the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n three_o and_o last_o some_o have_v name_v a_o three_o sense_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o be_v faith_n objective_o take_v or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n or_o if_o you_o please_v the_o christian_a religion_n for_o religion_n objective_o take_v i_o will_v call_v a_o doctrine_n reveal_v from_o god_n or_o a_o system_fw-la of_o reveal_v doctrine_n and_o that_o which_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n the_o christian_a doctrine_n or_o religion_n so_o that_o justification_n by_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o with_o justification_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o according_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o justification_n by_o the_o law_n or_o work_v of_o the_o law_n be_v justification_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a law_n not_o that_o which_o moses_n himself_o real_o teach_v or_o deliver_v but_o that_o which_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n the_o interpreter_n of_o that_o law_n and_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o jew_n teach_v and_o believe_v in_o st._n paul_n time_n such_o may_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o rom._n 3._o 22._o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n by_o faith_n i._n e._n teach_v by_o the_o gospel_n and_o then_o fit_o follow_v the_o particular_n of_o that_o doctrine_n in_o the_o four_o next_o verse_n and_o v._o 28._o we_o
usual_o signify_v among_o we_o between_o god_n and_o the_o best_a of_o man_n or_o the_o most_o excellent_a angel_n be_v to_o give_v a_o very_a false_a idea_n of_o the_o case_n for_o to_o merit_v from_o any_o one_o be_v first_o to_o profit_n or_o advantage_v he_o some_o way_n and_o than_o it_o be_v to_o impart_v somewhat_o of_o his_o own_o and_o last_o he_o that_o receive_v the_o benefit_n be_v bind_v to_o requite_v it_o by_o some_o law_n without_o and_o superior_a to_o himself_o now_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o between_o god_n and_o his_o creature_n for_o can_v a_o man_n profit_v his_o maker_n a_o master_n indeed_o may_v be_v benefit_v by_o the_o labour_n and_o service_n of_o his_o servant_n next_o the_o strength_n industry_n and_o fidelity_n of_o the_o servant_n be_v his_o own_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o master_n he_o never_o have_v any_o of_o this_o from_o he_o but_o what_o have_v we_o which_o we_o have_v not_o receive_v from_o god_n our_o very_a be_v faculty_n liberty_n all_o kind_n of_o ability_n and_o capacity_n be_v they_o not_o the_o free_a gift_n of_o our_o great_a and_o good_a creator_n final_o what_o law_n be_v there_o superior_a to_o god_n own_o nature_n and_o will_n to_o oblige_v he_o to_o any_o action_n who_o can_v or_o aught_o to_o say_v to_o he_o what_o do_v thou_o not_o so_o much_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o irresistible_a power_n for_o there_o be_v no_o tyranny_n in_o heaven_n as_o his_o all_o comprehend_v wisdom_n his_o immutable_a righteousness_n and_o essential_a goodness_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o just_a and_o right_a eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a but_o it_o be_v therefore_o so_o because_o god_n be_v so_o it_o be_v eternal_o a_o property_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v as_o truth_n be_v of_o the_o divine_a understanding_n it_o be_v his_o own_o immutable_a nature_n to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v right_a and_o fit_a that_o which_o we_o call_v right_a fit_a just_a be_v a_o due_a relation_n or_o habitude_n of_o all_o will_n action_n power_n to_o its_o object_n which_o object_n be_v bonum_fw-la good_a and_o that_o the_o great_a too_o in_o respect_n of_o intention_n extension_n and_o duration_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o respect_n this_o be_v the_o ultimate_a due_a end_n and_o object_n i_o say_v of_o all_o will_n action_n and_o power_n whatsoever_o but_o this_o relation_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v therefore_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a only_o because_o god_n be_v so_o it_o can_v never_o have_v exi_v without_o a_o subject_a and_o that_o subject_a the_o divine_a will_n exist_v necessary_o the_o very_a be_v or_o existence_n therefore_o of_o any_o such_o thing_n depend_v upon_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o divine_a will._n beside_o this_o relation_n which_o we_o call_v right_o and_o just_a be_v something_o wherefore_o it_o as_o all_o other_o something_n must_v have_v the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o active_a power_n or_o his_o nature_n for_o its_o cause_n but_o though_o right_a and_o just_o depend_v upon_o the_o divine_a will_n for_o its_o eternal_a existence_n yet_o we_o can_v conceive_v it_o ever_o separate_v from_o they_o or_o without_o they_o we_o can_v but_o conceive_v it_o a_o pure_a perfection_n and_o therefore_o can_v but_o attribute_v it_o to_o god_n a_o all-perfect_a be_v for_o a_o instance_n or_o application_n we_o say_v that_o the_o object_n of_o god_n will_n be_v always_o the_o universal_a good_a the_o good_a of_o all_o being_n the_o great_a good_a either_o fit_a or_o possible_a and_o in_o order_n to_o this_o he_o will_v benè_fw-la bonis_fw-la malè_fw-la malis_fw-la he_o justify_v the_o righteous_a and_o condemn_v the_o wicked_a he_o order_n and_o distribute_v respective_a recompense_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a the_o quantity_n quality_n time_n and_o other_o circumstance_n be_v to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n but_o this_o proceed_v from_o no_o cause_n without_o the_o divine_a will_n itself_o we_o can_v but_o conceive_v the_o divine_a will_n thus_o to_o act_v there_o be_v no_o power_n or_o will_n to_o determine_v or_o constrain_v it_o god_n nature_n be_v such_o that_o we_o can_v but_o conceive_v he_o to_o will_n and_o do_v that_o which_o be_v just_a and_o right_a for_o the_o great_a good_a of_o all_o reasonable_a being_n and_o yet_o most_o free_o because_o it_o be_v his_o own_o immutable_a nature_n for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o free_a than_o what_o be_v natural_a liberty_n in_o god_n be_v not_o a_o indifferency_n for_o that_o will_v be_v a_o imperfection_n but_o that_o infinite_a force_n and_o delight_n with_o which_o he_o act_v i_o have_v no_o better_a word_n to_o express_v my_o meaning_n by_o liberty_n and_o necessity_n therefore_o in_o god_n be_v not_o only_o consistent_a but_o inseparable_a it_o be_v right_a and_o just_a for_o god_n to_o reward_v the_o good_a who_o keep_v his_o commandment_n and_o observe_v his_o law_n which_o be_v the_o infallible_a rule_n and_o instance_n of_o what_o be_v right_a and_o just_a but_o we_o must_v not_o say_v god_n be_v bind_v to_o it_o or_o that_o those_o who_o be_v good_a merit_n it_o from_o he_o in_o a_o strict_a and_o most_o receive_a sense_n and_o common_a usage_n because_o that_o import_v as_o if_o he_o must_v do_v it_o whether_o he_o will_v or_o no_o and_o there_o be_v some_o law_n or_o person_n without_o or_o superior_a to_o himself_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o say_v that_o god_n most_o certain_o will_v do_v so_o because_o it_o be_v his_o own_o immutable_a nature_n to_o do_v it_o the_o righteous_a lord_n love_v righteousness_n and_o his_o countenance_n behold_v the_o upright_a it_o be_v true_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o not_o useless_a or_o very_o impertinent_a digression_n that_o worthy_a quality_n and_o action_n i._n e._n such_o as_o do_v effect_n or_o but_o tend_v to_o the_o common_a good_a that_o be_v useful_a or_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n do_v just_o entitle_v any_o person_n to_o a_o reward_n such_o as_o honour_n power_n wealth_n or_o pleasurable_a life_n because_o those_o same_o quality_n and_o action_n be_v thereby_o maintain_v increase_v and_o propagate_v and_o consequent_o the_o best_a and_o happy_a state_n of_o the_o world_n further_v and_o advance_v every_o one_o in_o his_o place_n and_o according_a to_o his_o ability_n be_v bind_v to_o this_o but_o especial_o all_o sort_n of_o governor_n and_o such_o quality_n have_v and_o may_v with_o good_a reason_n obtain_v the_o name_n of_o merit_n among_o man_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o they_o in_o its_o most_o common_a and_o receive_a sense_n for_o they_o be_v the_o property_n of_o those_o who_o possess_v they_o they_o never_o receive_v they_o from_o other_o man_n they_o be_v beneficial_a and_o useful_a to_o man_n and_o there_o be_v a_o superior_a law_n and_o power_n to_o oblige_v and_o compel_v man_n to_o reward_v they_o none_o of_o which_o can_v be_v say_v in_o respect_n to_o god_n though_o it_o be_v a_o congruous_a and_o reasonable_a thing_n as_o be_v above_o mention_v god_n always_o do_v and_o always_o will_v necessary_o from_o his_o own_o nature_n will_n and_o act_n in_o such_o manner_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o more_o mean_v by_o merit_v than_o that_o we_o may_v safe_o in_o such_o a_o sense_n be_v say_v to_o merit_v from_o god_n too_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v that_o st._n paul_n say_v that_o god_n be_v not_o unrighteous_a to_o forget_v your_o work_n and_o labour_n of_o love_n heb._n 6._o 9_o and_o benceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o the_o lord_n the_o righteous_a judge_n shall_v give_v i_o at_o that_o day_n and_o not_o to_o i_o only_o but_o unto_o all_o they_o also_o that_o love_n his_o appear_v 2_o tim._n 4._o 8._o i_o e._n it_o be_v a_o congruous_a and_o fit_a thing_n of_o best_a effect_n certain_o in_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v so_o use_v by_o he_o i_o have_v be_v somewhat_o the_o long_a in_o this_o digression_n because_o i_o believe_v the_o whole_a controversy_n about_o merit_n between_o the_o jew_n and_o st._n paul_n with_o his_o christian_n and_o between_o the_o pontifician_n and_o the_o protestant_n may_v by_o the_o little_a that_o have_v be_v here_o say_v be_v easy_o clear_v and_o decide_v at_o last_o we_o conclude_v then_o with_o st._n paul_n and_o the_o gospel-doctrine_n against_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n and_o the_o legal_a doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v viz._n that_o we_o sinner_n be_v justify_v by_o god_n and_o more_o particular_o upon_o our_o repentance_n and_o perseverance_n in_o holiness_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n pardon_v and_o save_v not_o by_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o have_v do_v not_o by_o any_o