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cause_n great_a let_v see_v 3,350 5 3.0636 3 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A42831 Some discourses, sermons, and remains of the Reverend Mr. Jos. Glanvil ... collected into one volume, and published by Ant. Horneck ... ; together with a sermon preached at his funeral, by Joseph Pleydell ... Glanvill, Joseph, 1636-1680.; Horneck, Anthony, 1641-1697.; Pleydell, Josiah, d. 1707. 1681 (1681) Wing G831; ESTC R23396 193,219 458

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that_o native_a majesty_n and_o splendour_n in_o the_o face_n of_o universal_a mankind_n that_o he_o who_o make_v a_o humble_a stoop_n from_o the_o throne_n to_o the_o manger_n from_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o life_n of_o a_o mean_a subject_n shall_v at_o last_o be_v illustrious_o advance_v as_o much_o above_o the_o height_n of_o humane_a grandeurs_fw-fr as_o than_o he_o be_v below_o they_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o that_o holy_a and_o divine_a person_n who_o be_v buffet_v and_o affront_v condemn_v and_o crucify_v by_o a_o abusive_a and_o injurious_a world_n shall_v righteous_o judge_v his_o judge_n that_o herod_n may_v see_v that_o he_o persecute_v not_o the_o infant_n king_n of_o a_o little_a province_n but_o the_o sovereign_n of_o angel_n and_o man_n and_o that_o pontius_n pilate_n and_o the_o jew_n may_v be_v convince_v that_o he_o who_o they_o call_v king_n in_o scorn_n be_v real_o a_o great_a emperor_n than_o caesar_n and_o that_o those_o who_o be_v scandal_v at_o the_o cross_n and_o a_o verse_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o humble_a saviour_n may_v see_v the_o shame_n and_o confutation_n of_o their_o infidelity_n and_o their_o folly_n in_o the_o exaltation_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n above_o all_o the_o possibility_n of_o worldly_a glory_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v reasonable_a and_o become_v that_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n shall_v be_v the_o judge_n and_o it_o be_v so_o upon_o another_o viz._n 2._o because_o he_o contract_v a_o alliance_n with_o our_o nature_n and_o experimental_o know_v and_o feel_v the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o state_n if_o the_o supreme_a naked_a deity_n shall_v judge_v we_o immediate_o we_o shall_v be_v confund_v and_o astonish_v at_o the_o mjaesty_n of_o his_o presence_n &_o his_o greatness_n will_v make_v we_o afraid_a for_o who_o can_v bear_v that_o dazzle_a glory_n who_o can_v stand_v before_o a_o throne_n surround_v with_o incomprehensible_a light_n and_o flame_n this_o glory_n be_v therefore_o allay_v 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8._o and_o a_o angel_n send_v to_o cornelius_n to_o direct_v he_o to_o a_o apostle_n act_v 10._o thus_o be_v jonah_n send_v to_o the_o ninevite_n and_o doubtless_o many_o other_o good_a heathen_n be_v so_o assist_v he_o go_v though_o after_o a_o repulse_v of_o the_o divine_a commission_n and_o they_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o hear_v than_o he_o to_o preach_v in_o that_o they_o both_o believe_v the_o messenger_n and_o the_o terrible_a message_n that_o he_o bring_v we_o alas_o believe_v what_o we_o like_v what_o be_v grateful_a and_o agreeable_a to_o we_o and_o our_o faith_n be_v much_o in_o our_o affection_n but_o they_o believe_v what_o be_v dreadful_a and_o amaze_a the_o truth_n be_v most_o opposite_a to_o their_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o carnal_a interest_n and_o this_o their_o belief_n be_v interpret_v as_o faith_n in_o god_n to_o believe_v his_o messenger_n come_v in_o his_o name_n and_o with_o his_o truth_n be_v believe_v he_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v he_o that_o receive_v 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provocation_n of_o he_o their_o faith_n have_v be_v a_o aggravation_n and_o may_v just_o have_v heighten_v and_o hasten_v their_o ruin_n it_o have_v then_o be_v a_o great_a argument_n of_o their_o impudence_n and_o obduration_n but_o they_o be_v not_o a_o fanatical_a pharisaical_a faith_n without_o work_n but_o a_o faith_n operative_a and_o fruitful_a and_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o be_v repentance_n and_o the_o expression_n of_o that_o repentance_n fast_v and_o prayer_n and_o turn_v from_o evil_a way_n 1._o fast_v this_o be_v a_o rite_n of_o humiliation_n and_o repentance_n in_o which_o we_o acknowledge_v our_o unworthiness_n and_o our_o vileness_n that_o we_o merit_v not_o common_a mercy_n but_o deserve_v the_o great_a punishment_n and_o this_o ancient_o and_o in_o all_o time_n be_v also_o express_v by_o sackcloth_n and_o vile_a clothing_n whereby_o these_o ninevite_n likewise_o set_v out_o their_o wretchedness_n and_o ill_a deserve_n god_n almighty_a have_v so_o make_v we_o that_o we_o be_v apt_a and_o can_v help_v it_o to_o represent_v our_o inward_a affection_n by_o outward_a expression_n and_o here_o be_v the_o ground_n in_o nature_n and_o in_o reason_n of_o sacrifice_n and_o all_o the_o rite_n of_o external_n worship_n and_o particular_o of_o this_o by_o which_o the_o man_n of_o nineveh_n declare_v their_o abasement_n before_o god_n and_o we_o have_v need_n of_o some_o eminent_a signal_n way_n to_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o he_o in_o acknowledgement_n of_o our_o great_a and_o more_o aggravate_v crime_n we_o have_v sometime_o public_a fast_n and_o day_n of_o public_a humiliation_n but_o be_v they_o such_o as_o god_n have_v choose_v do_v we_o in_o they_o afflict_v our_o soul_n with_o penitence_n and_o godly_a sorrow_n do_v we_o as_o much_o as_o impose_v any_o penance_n upon_o our_o
grace_n and_o hope_n and_o this_o very_a often_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o the_o scoffer_n who_o have_v debauch_v and_o jest_v away_o all_o feel_n of_o these_o interest_n yea_o 2._o there_o be_v great_a cause_n to_o think_v that_o he_o commit_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o a_o sin_n that_o be_v very_o near_o it_o for_o that_o consist_v in_o the_o disbelief_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o great_a and_o last_o testimony_n that_o be_v give_v by_o the_o spirit_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o speak_v this_o without_o ground_n let_v we_o look_v into_o the_o place_n where_o the_o first_o and_o full_a account_n of_o this_o sin_n be_v we_o have_v it_o matth._n 12._o our_o saviour_n have_v cure_v one_o that_o be_v possess_v ver_fw-la 22._o the_o people_n marvel_v and_o be_v incline_v to_o believe_v upon_o it_o ver_fw-la 23._o but_o the_o pharisee_n revile_v say_v that_o he_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o belzebub_n ver_fw-la 24._o christ_n show_v the_o absurdity_n and_o falsehood_n of_o their_o suggestion_n argue_v that_o then_o satan_n will_v be_v divide_v against_o himself_o and_o his_o kingdom_n so_o divide_v can_v not_o stand_v ver_fw-la 25_o 26._o and_o have_v reason_v against_o that_o malicious_a account_n of_o his_o miracle_n he_o infer_v from_o the_o contrary_a and_o true_a way_n of_o his_o perform_v it_o ver_fw-la 28._o if_o i_o by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n cast_v out_o devil_n then_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n come_v unto_o you_o viz._n then_o i_o that_o have_v do_v this_o be_o the_o messiah_n and_o he_o conclude_v by_o a_o serious_a application_n to_o they_o to_o show_v the_o sad_a consequence_n of_o such_o bold_a and_o impious_a suggestion_n 31._o wherefore_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o all_o manner_n of_o sin_n and_o blasphemy_n shall_v be_v forgive_v unto_o man_n but_o the_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v not_o be_v forgive_v unto_o man_n where_o by_o blasphemy_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n must_v be_v understand_v according_a to_o the_o context_n that_o of_o impute_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o miracle_n to_o the_o devil_n which_o be_v therefore_o so_o heinous_a because_o it_o be_v a_o expression_n of_o the_o great_a contempt_n of_o it_o and_o a_o bar_n against_o the_o be_v persuade_v by_o it_o now_o to_o apply_v this_o though_o the_o scoffer_n do_v not_o impute_v the_o spirit_n testimony_n in_o miracle_n to_o the_o devil_n yet_o that_o be_v not_o because_o he_o have_v a_o great_a esteem_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n but_o because_o he_o have_v less_o belief_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o devil_n yea_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v so_o much_o as_o the_o pharisee_n do_v that_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v do_v but_o suppose_v all_o to_o have_v be_v imposture_n and_o delusion_n in_o the_o author_n or_o cunning_o devise_v fable_n in_o the_o relator_n which_o be_v a_o contempt_n put_v upon_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n equal_a to_o that_o of_o ascribe_v they_o to_o the_o devil_n and_o do_v as_o effectual_o and_o incurable_o strike_v up_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n as_o that_o so_o that_o in_o substance_n the_o sin_n of_o the_o scoffer_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o describe_v in_o the_o text_n though_o differ_v in_o circumstance_n and_o form_n yea_o it_o be_v the_o sin_n with_o aggravation_n since_o they_o do_v not_o bare_o speak_v against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o his_o operation_n but_o deride_v they_o a_o expression_n of_o the_o great_a contempt_n possible_a and_o when_o man_n be_v come_v thus_o far_o to_o despise_v the_o great_a testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o ground_n of_o faith_n after_o it_o have_v be_v sufficient_o propound_v to_o they_o and_o entertain_v by_o they_o in_o favour_n of_o their_o lust_n we_o have_v cause_n to_o think_v their_o infidelity_n be_v incurable_a and_o consequent_o unpardonable_a for_o so_o the_o apostle_n have_v declare_v plain_o heb._n 6._o 4_o 5_o 6._o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o those_o who_o be_v once_o enlighten_v and_o have_v taste_v of_o the_o heavenly_a gift_n and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n viz._n in_o baptism_n and_o have_v taste_v the_o good_a word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v all_o which_o be_v expression_n of_o the_o visible_o own_v christianity_n and_o partake_v in_o the_o duty_n and_o privilege_n of_o it_o if_o they_o shall_v fall_v away_o to_o renew_v they_o again_o to_o repentance_n and_o they_o that_o be_v arrive_v at_o the_o impudent_a height_n of_o deride_v all_o this_o be_v fall_v away_o with_o a_o witness_n and_o therefore_o i_o think_v we_o may_v conclude_v safe_o from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o they_o be_v incurable_a and_o unpardonable_a and_o from_o this_o and_o the_o discourse_n before_o that_o it_o be_v sad_o probable_a they_o have_v commit_v the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n this_o it_o be_v like_a may_v seem_v very_o severe_a doctrine_n but_o i_o can_v help_v that_o if_o it_o be_v true_a i_o be_o not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o the_o severity_n of_o it_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o book_n of_o homily_n declare_v more_o positive_o in_o the_o case_n than_o i_o have_v do_v for_o speak_v in_o the_o ten_o homily_n of_o the_o scorner_n of_o godliness_n and_o religion_n who_o be_v there_o describe_v the_o author_n say_v of_o they_o i_o think_v i_o may_v without_o danger_n of_o god_n judgement_n pronounce_v that_o never_o any_o yet_o be_v convert_v unto_o god_n by_o repentance_n but_o continue_v still_o in_o their_o abominable_a wickedness_n heap_v up_o to_o themselves_o damnation_n against_o the_o day_n of_o god_n inevitable_a judgement_n i_o come_v now_o iv._o to_o the_o application_n which_o shall_v be_v 1._o earnest_o to_o dehort_v all_o that_o have_v the_o least_o sense_n of_o virtue_n or_o reason_n from_o scoff_v at_o religion_n or_o at_o man_n for_o make_v profession_n of_o it_o and_o then_o 2._o i_o shall_v conclude_v with_o some_o very_a brief_a direction_n and_o rule_n of_o caution_n to_o secure_v we_o from_o the_o danger_n of_o this_o sin_n concern_v the_o first_o i_o consider_v that_o the_o scoffer_n with_o who_o i_o be_o further_a to_o treat_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o the_o desperate_a who_o have_v debauch_v themselves_o into_o downright_a infidelity_n and_o 2._o the_o fashionable_a one_o as_o i_o crave_v leave_n for_o distinction_n to_o call_v they_o who_o do_v not_o scoff_n at_o religion_n out_o of_o enmity_n or_o malice_n but_o out_o of_o modishness_n and_o compliance_n and_o it_o may_v be_v out_o of_o design_n to_o be_v account_v wit_n for_o so_o do_v i_o shall_v deal_v first_o with_o the_o former_a sort_n and_o in_o treat_v with_o they_o shall_v use_v none_o of_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o religion_n but_o from_o plain_a unassisted_a reason_n shall_v show_v the_o extreme_a vanity_n and_o madness_n of_o their_o practice_n and_o i_o will_v entreat_v they_o to_o think_v of_o the_o follow_a thing_n 2._o be_v religion_n true_a as_o we_o know_v or_o false_a as_o they_o vain_o imagine_v their_o scoff_v at_o it_o be_v exceed_o absurd_a every_o faculty_n be_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o its_o proper_a object_n to_o employ_v and_o of_o they_o about_o other_o that_o belong_v not_o to_o they_o be_v foolish_a and_o unnatural_a now_o god_n have_v bestow_v upon_o we_o reason_n and_o understanding_n to_o judge_v and_o discourse_n about_o thing_n that_o be_v serious_a and_o the_o faculty_n of_o laughter_n and_o derision_n to_o be_v exercise_v upon_o thing_n that_o be_v vain_a to_o employ_v the_o former_a and_o discourse_v grave_o about_o ludicrous_a trifle_a matter_n be_v ridiculous_a and_o it_o be_v equal_o absurd_a to_o be_v sportive_a about_o affair_n that_o be_v serious_a now_o whether_o religion_n be_v true_a or_o not_o it_o be_v a_o serious_a thing_n if_o true_a the_o great_a interest_n of_o this_o world_n and_o another_o be_v include_v and_o concern_v in_o it_o or_o if_o it_o be_v otherwise_o it_o must_v yet_o be_v grant_v that_o it_o have_v much_o agreeableness_n with_o the_o reason_n and_o most_o serious_a faculty_n of_o mankind_n and_o our_o great_a and_o most_o important_a concern_v in_o this_o life_n viz._n the_o main_a affair_n of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n be_v bind_v up_o with_o it_o and_o have_v relation_n to_o it_o so_o that_o whether_o true_a or_o false_a it_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o sport_n but_o subject_a for_o our_o most_o serious_a consideration_n and_o discourse_n and_o from_o this_o last_o hint_n about_o government_n i_o mind_v the_o scoffer_n 2._o that_o his_o practice_n tend_v to_o the_o dissolution_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o the_o turn_n of_o mankind_n into_o the_o condition_n of_o wild_a nature_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v
appearance_n if_o they_o be_v no_o more_o lie_v on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v bedlam_n madness_n i_o have_v thus_o represent_v to_o the_o desperate_a scoffer_n who_o lust_n have_v make_v he_o serious_o believe_v that_o religion_n be_v contemptible_a that_o the_o practice_n of_o scoff_v at_o it_o be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v be_v very_o absurd_a and_o dangerous_a but_o there_o be_v yet_o another_o sort_n of_o scoffer_n to_o be_v treat_v with_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v so_o far_o as_o to_o believe_v that_o religion_n be_v a_o fable_n and_o yet_o scoff_v at_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o out_o of_o modishness_n and_o a_o humour_n of_o imitation_n they_o do_v not_o in_o their_o heart_n deny_v religion_n but_o yet_o they_o deride_v those_o that_o practise_v according_a to_o it_o they_o be_v not_o content_a to_o laugh_v at_o the_o foppery_n that_o many_o time_n call_v themselves_o by_o that_o sacred_a name_n but_o fleer_v also_o and_o spend_v the_o silly_a thing_n they_o think_v to_o be_v wit_n upon_o those_o action_n that_o be_v undoubted_o religious_a such_o never_o enter_v into_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o matter_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o awaken_v they_o that_o they_o may_v know_v what_o they_o do_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o follow_v 1._o they_o scoff_v at_o the_o religious_a for_o act_v according_a to_o reason_n that_o be_v because_o they_o be_v man_n and_o not_o bruit_n because_o they_o act_n like_o intelligent_a creature_n and_o not_o like_o the_o horse_n and_o mule_n that_o have_v no_o understanding_n they_o deride_v they_o for_o pass_v right_a judgement_n and_o make_v a_o right_a choice_n for_o prefer_v god_n before_o the_o creature_n the_o soul_n before_o the_o body_n and_o eternity_n before_o time_n for_o choose_v light_n before_o darkness_n beauty_n before_o deformity_n and_o life_n and_o happiness_n before_o the_o extreme_n of_o death_n and_o misery_n god_n have_v give_v to_o all_o his_o creature_n a_o principle_n to_o direct_v their_o action_n reason_n to_o man_n and_o sense_n and_o appetite_n to_o beast_n so_o that_o to_o deride_v man_n for_o govern_v themselves_o by_o their_o reason_n and_o not_o by_o inferior_a principle_n be_v as_o absurd_a as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v laugh_v at_o the_o ox_n for_o graze_v free_o in_o the_o field_n and_o not_o stand_v still_o to_o grow_v like_o a_o tree_n or_o at_o the_o bird_n because_o it_o fly_v in_o the_o air_n and_o do_v not_o creep_v like_o the_o worm_n on_o the_o ground_n he_o that_o do_v so_o be_v a_o idiot_n and_o a_o natural_a and_o the_o scoffer_n act_v at_o the_o same_o rate_n of_o folly_n 2._o he_o deride_v man_n for_o live_v by_o the_o most_o catholic_n rule_n of_o nature_n viz._n that_o of_o self-love_n and_o self-preservation_n he_o flout_v they_o for_o seek_v health_n and_o happiness_n riches_n honour_n and_o pleasure_n the_o true_a and_o the_o best_a for_o endeavour_v to_o obtain_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n the_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o security_n of_o future_a and_o eternal_a well_o be_v for_o strive_v to_o avoid_v the_o snare_n of_o satan_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o pain_n of_o hell_n he_o laugh_v at_o they_o because_o they_o will_v not_o thrust_v their_o head_n into_o the_o fire_n and_o leap_v the_o precipice_n into_o the_o gulf_n of_o woe_n because_o they_o will_v not_o be_v their_o own_o executioner_n and_o beat_v out_o their_o own_o brain_n 3._o he_o scoff_v at_o the_o religious_a because_o they_o act_n for_o the_o great_a end_n of_o their_o be_v god_n make_v all_o thing_n for_o a_o end_n and_o man_n for_o a_o noble_a one_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o for_o ever_o now_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n be_v the_o way_n to_o this_o end_n and_o to_o deride_v man_n for_o this_o be_v to_o laugh_v at_o they_o for_o act_v and_o design_v pertinent_o and_o noble_o the_o scoffer_n jeer_v the_o religious_a because_o he_o live_v for_o great_a end_n than_o the_o beast_n and_o endeavour_n to_o be_v happy_a than_o his_o horse_n and_o his_o swine_n because_o he_o will_v not_o be_v content_a only_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o revel_v and_o die_v 4._o the_o scoffer_n laugh_v at_o the_o religious_a for_o aim_v at_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n god_n make_v man_n perfect_a but_o we_o have_v corrupt_v ourselves_o eccl._n 7._o 29._o and_o debase_v our_o noble_a being_n we_o have_v destroy_v our_o maker_n image_n and_o deform_v our_o nature_n now_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o repair_v our_o ruin_n and_o to_o recover_v we_o to_o the_o integrity_n and_o perfection_n of_o our_o first_o self_n to_o restore_v light_n to_o the_o mind_n and_o virtue_n to_o the_o will_n and_o order_n to_o the_o affection_n to_o heal_v cleanse_v and_o beautify_v the_o soul_n so_o that_o to_o scoff_n at_o man_n for_o live_v by_o this_o be_v as_o if_o one_o shall_v deride_v the_o sick_a for_o take_v physic_n and_o the_o blind_a for_o use_v a_o guide_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v scorn_v for_o wash_v after_o he_o have_v fall_v into_o a_o mire_n or_o for_o seek_v cure_n for_o a_o foul_a leprosy_n that_o have_v overspread_v he_o 5._o the_o scoffer_n deride_v the_o religious_a for_o act_v according_a to_o his_o own_o principle_n he_o say_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o jeer_v those_o that_o worship_v he_o he_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v infinite_o amiable_a wise_a great_a and_o good_a and_o yet_o laugh_v at_o man_n for_o love_a his_o beauty_n and_o believe_v his_o wisdom_n and_o trust_v in_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n he_o say_v that_o christ_n be_v the_o saviour_n and_o deride_v those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v the_o sanctifier_n and_o laugh_v at_o that_o holiness_n he_o teach_v and_o produce_v he_o will_v tell_v you_o he_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o heaven_n of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o scorn_v those_o that_o seek_v it_o that_o there_o be_v a_o hell_n of_o endless_a woe_n and_o torment_n and_o make_v sport_n of_o all_o endeavour_n to_o avoid_v it_o 6._o he_o deride_v man_n because_o they_o be_v true_a to_o their_o engagement_n and_o profession_n because_o when_o they_o have_v promise_v to_o forsake_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n they_o be_v not_o willing_a in_o practice_n to_o forsake_v god_n and_o all_o his_o because_o when_o they_o say_v thy_o will_v be_v do_v they_o do_v resolve_v to_o do_v all_o they_o can_v to_o cross_v it_o because_o after_o they_o have_v pray_v a_o hundred_o time_n incline_v our_o heart_n to_o keep_v thy_o law_n they_o do_v not_o set_v themselves_o every_o day_n to_o break_v they_o at_o such_o extravagant_a rate_n as_o these_o do_v he_o act_v that_o retain_v the_o belief_n of_o religion_n and_o scoff_v at_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o o_o that_o they_o be_v wise_a and_o will_v consider_v this_o who_o so_o far_o forget_v god_n and_o the_o reasonable_a nature_n he_o have_v give_v they_o i_o shall_v now_o ii_o conclude_v with_o some_o direction_n and_o rule_n of_o caution_n for_o security_n against_o this_o grievous_a folly_n and_o 1._o let_v we_o be_v in_o earnest_n in_o religion_n endeavour_v to_o understand_v what_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v what_o we_o understand_v and_o to_o practice_v what_o we_o believe_v and_o then_o we_o shall_v feel_v such_o a_o sense_n of_o religion_n on_o our_o soul_n as_o will_v beget_v the_o high_a reverence_n to_o it_o and_o effectual_o secure_v we_o from_o any_o such_o impiety_n for_o it_o be_v ignorance_n infidelity_n and_o a_o evil_a life_n that_o be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o man_n contempt_n of_o religion_n 2._o let_v we_o take_v care_n that_o we_o place_v not_o religion_n in_o uncertain_a opinion_n and_o vain_a trifle_n man_n superstitious_a fondness_n of_o such_o have_v expose_v christianity_n to_o much_o scorn_n and_o derision_n while_o its_o enemy_n will_v not_o or_o can_v not_o distinguish_v between_o religion_n itself_o and_o those_o foppery_n that_o pretend_v unto_o it_o this_o have_v be_v a_o main_a ground_n of_o most_o of_o the_o contempt_n that_o be_v upon_o it_o at_o this_o day_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o substantial_a naked_a religion_n that_o can_v afford_v the_o least_o just_a occasion_n for_o laughter_n or_o malicious_a sport_n it_o be_v in_o itself_o the_o most_o reasonable_a venerable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n let_v we_o take_v care_n then_o that_o we_o mingle_v not_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v ridiculous_a with_o it_o 3._o when_o we_o deride_v the_o vanity_n of_o error_n and_o superstition_n let_v we_o be_v cautious_a lest_o we_o give_v encouragement_n or_o ground_n to_o other_o by_o it_o to_o scoff_n at_o religion_n itself_o and_o consider_v that_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n be_v ready_a to_o catch_v at_o any_o occasion_n to_o abuse_v and_o vilify_v their_o
eternal_a enemy_n 4._o let_v we_o beware_v of_o too_o much_o delight_n in_o the_o humour_n of_o drollery_n and_o jest_a express_o forbid_v by_o the_o apostle_n eph._n 5._o 4._o this_o sort_n of_o wit_n in_o most_o be_v a_o dangerous_a and_o ungovernable_a lust_n and_o spare_v nothing_o sacred_a or_o serious_a when_o it_o be_v indulge_v it_o make_v the_o spirit_n vain_a and_o trifle_a and_o indispose_v it_o for_o any_o weighty_a exercise_n either_o of_o reason_n or_o religion_n and_o from_o the_o indisposition_n it_o produce_v to_o such_o employment_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a step_n to_o the_o contempt_n of_o they_o 5._o let_v we_o not_o intimate_o and_o frequent_o converse_v with_o the_o people_n of_o this_o sort_n there_o be_v infection_n in_o such_o company_n and_o a_o secret_a witchcraft_n in_o this_o humour_n that_o may_v work_v we_o insensible_o to_o a_o imitation_n of_o it_o and_o o_o that_o the_o youth_n of_o the_o present_a age_n will_v be_v persuade_v to_o put_v a_o mark_n upon_o those_o man_n and_o to_o avoid_v their_o dangerous_a conversation_n certain_o they_o have_v better_o join_v themselves_o to_o poisoner_n and_o cutthroat_n than_o to_o have_v much_o to_o do_v with_o those_o factor_n for_o damnation_n a_o generation_n so_o vile_a that_o shall_v satan_n send_v the_o most_o malignant_a spirit_n of_o hell_n open_o and_o profess_o to_o trade_n for_o he_o they_o can_v not_o act_v with_o more_o direct_a and_o declare_v opposition_n to_o god_n and_o goodness_n than_o these_o wretched_a man_n do_v so_o that_o one_o may_v just_o wonder_v that_o they_o be_v not_o shun_v by_o all_o sensible_a man_n as_o desolation_n and_o the_o plague_n and_o hoot_v into_o their_o wit_n or_o quite_o out_o of_o they_o by_o a_o universal_a contempt_n and_o most_o deserve_a scorn_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o become_v all_o that_o be_v of_o a_o gentile_a virtuous_a and_o ingenuous_a education_n to_o avoid_v give_v they_o any_o countenance_n or_o encouragement_n by_o any_o familiarity_n of_o acquaintance_n and_o it_o be_v a_o duty_n they_o owe_v to_o god_n their_o nation_n and_o their_o own_o present_a and_o eternal_a interest_n 6._o take_v heed_n of_o speak_v light_o of_o any_o thing_n that_o appertain_v to_o religion_n sacred_a thing_n be_v never_o to_o be_v mention_v but_o with_o seriousness_n and_o reverence_n if_o we_o toy_v and_o play_v in_o our_o discourse_n with_o they_o though_o without_o direct_a scorn_n or_o malice_n this_o too_o familiar_a use_n of_o divine_a thing_n will_v at_o last_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o habitual_a disvalue_n of_o they_o which_o in_o time_n will_v grow_v into_o contempt_n if_o we_o direct_v ourselves_o by_o such_o rule_n of_o caution_n we_o may_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n escape_v the_o epidemical_a infection_n that_o fly_v almost_o every_o where_o in_o our_o day_n from_o the_o scoffer_n that_o walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n i_o have_v thus_o show_v the_o sin_n folly_n and_o danger_n of_o scoff_v at_o religion_n and_o give_v some_o rule_n of_o caution_n against_o it_o one_o will_v think_v there_o shall_v be_v no_o need_n of_o such_o a_o discourse_n among_o a_o christian_a people_n who_o have_v feel_v so_o many_o judgement_n and_o enjoy_v so_o many_o mercy_n who_o have_v the_o gospel_n preach_v to_o they_o with_o so_o much_o power_n and_o plainness_n and_o have_v make_v so_o long_o and_o so_o zealous_a a_o profession_n of_o it_o but_o be_v there_o not_o a_o cause_n for_o all_o this_o if_o there_o be_v none_o i_o crave_v pardon_n for_o my_o trouble_v you_o so_o long_o to_o no_o purpose_n but_o if_o there_o be_v i_o pray_v god_n that_o we_o may_v all_o lay_v it_o to_o heart_n earnest_o beseech_v he_o to_o awaken_v those_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o heinous_a impiety_n to_o see_v their_o sin_n and_o their_o danger_n before_o it_o be_v too_o late_a and_o to_o divert_v from_o they_o and_o other_o the_o judgement_n that_o such_o bold_a height_n in_o wickedness_n do_v most_o just_o deserve_v that_o he_o will_v in_o mercy_n find_v a_o way_n to_o remove_v this_o vile_a abomination_n and_o scandal_n from_o our_o land_n and_o diffuse_v such_o a_o awful_a sense_n of_o religion_n through_o the_o nation_n as_o may_v keep_v we_o under_o the_o power_n and_o obedience_n of_o it_o that_o he_o will_v make_v we_o all_o tender_a and_o zealous_a in_o the_o thing_n that_o refer_v to_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o religion_n and_o assist_v we_o by_o his_o grace_n in_o all_o holy_a endeavour_n to_o promote_v those_o interest_n beg_v all_o in_o the_o name_n and_o mediation_n of_o christ_n our_o lord_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o adoration_n henceforth_o and_o for_o ever_o sermon_n v._o the_o church_n prayer_n and_o complaint_n of_o contempt_n from_o profane_a and_o fanatic_a enemy_n the_o second_o edition_n sermon_n v._o the_o church_n prayer_n and_o complaint_n psal._n cxxiii_o 3_o 4._o have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o o_o lord_n have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o for_o we_o be_v exceed_o fill_v with_o contempt_n our_o soul_n be_v exceed_o fill_v with_o the_o scorn_v of_o those_o that_o be_v at_o ease_n and_o with_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o proud_a the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n be_v militant_a and_o uncertain_a subject_n to_o those_o alteration_n and_o vicissitude_n which_o attend_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o a_o mutable_a nature_n one_o while_n it_o be_v in_o a_o fair_a and_o flourish_a condition_n orderly_o without_o and_o unite_v within_o beautiful_a in_o its_o external_a appearance_n and_o more_o so_o in_o its_o inward_a holiness_n and_o peace_n and_o then_o its_o heaven_n be_v overcast_v cloud_n and_o thick_a darkness_n rest_n upon_o it_o it_o be_v overwhelm_v by_o trouble_n and_o disorder_n and_o rend_v asunder_o by_o heresy_n and_o division_n so_o that_o the_o way_n of_o zion_n mourn_v and_o her_o gate_n be_v desolate_a in_o the_o afflict_a state_n be_v the_o church_n at_o the_o pen_n of_o this_o psalm_n whether_o its_o affliction_n be_v from_o the_o tyranny_n of_o antiochus_n the_o babylonish_n captivity_n or_o its_o own_o corruption_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o dispute_v it_o may_v suffice_v for_o we_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o church_n be_v now_o in_o great_a distress_n and_o that_o it_o take_v the_o right_a way_n of_o remedy_n by_o apply_v itself_o to_o god_n for_o relief_n have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o o_o lord_n have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o in_o which_o word_n we_o have_v two_o part_n 1._o a_o passionate_a supplication_n have_v mercy_n upon_o we_o o_o lord_n have_v mercy_n 2._o the_o ground_n and_o occasion_n of_o it_o for_o we_o be_v exceed_o fill_v with_o contempt_n this_o be_v last_o in_o order_n of_o word_n but_o first_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v begin_v here_o and_o consider_v in_o it_o 1._o the_o matter_n of_o trouble_n and_o complaint_n it_o be_v contempt_n and_o scorn_v 2._o the_o degree_n of_o it_o it_o be_v exceed_a contempt_n and_o their_o soul_n be_v fill_v with_o it_o 3._o the_o character_n of_o the_o person_n by_o who_o the_o church_n be_v so_o contemn_v they_o be_v 1._o those_o at_o ease_n and_o 2._o the_o proud_a 1._o for_o the_o matter_n of_o complaint_n it_o be_v express_v to_o be_v contempt_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o mean_a and_o vile_a opinion_n of_o the_o person_n contemn_v and_o scorn_v which_o may_v be_v take_v for_o the_o show_v of_o it_o in_o actual_a derision_n and_o abuse_v now_o contempt_n suppose_v a_o mean_a and_o low_a condition_n and_o hatred_n upon_o it_o for_o misery_n move_v pity_n and_o not_o contempt_n where_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o charity_n or_o kindness_n so_o that_o at_o this_o time_n the_o church_n be_v low_a and_o hate_v in_o its_o lowness_n both_o which_o together_o make_v up_o the_o occasion_n of_o contempt_n and_o the_o scorn_v that_o be_v consequent_a to_o it_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o grievous_a of_o all_o evil_n express_v well_o by_o he_o that_o say_v nihil_fw-la in_o se_fw-la gravius_fw-la habet_fw-la paupertas_fw-la quam_fw-la quòd_fw-la homines_fw-la efficit_fw-la ridiculos_fw-la want_v we_o may_v think_v be_v misery_n enough_o but_o it_o be_v aggravate_v and_o heighten_v by_o the_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n that_o usual_o go_v along_o with_o it_o even_o the_o virtue_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v despise_v 2._o we_o have_v the_o degree_n of_o contempt_n express_v they_o be_v exceed_o contemn_v and_o exceed_o fill_v with_o contempt_n and_o their_o soul_n be_v exceed_o fill_v with_o scorn_v exceed_o fill_v glut_v with_o it_o it_o be_v a_o metaphor_n take_v from_o a_o oppressive_a repletion_n of_o the_o stomach_n even_o to_o nauseat_v and_o loathe_v their_o soul_n be_v fill_v the_o great_a and_o quick_a sense_n of_o evil_n be_v overcharge_v with_o
will_v suffer_v a_o contradiction_n and_o become_v imperfect_a and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o the_o future_a but_o the_o present_a by_o introduce_v such_o passion_n as_o must_v needs_o debase_v and_o allay_v the_o high_a delight_n so_o that_o by_o be_v thus_o secure_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o our_o happiness_n we_o receive_v thereby_o a_o unspeakable_a addition_n to_o it_o ii_o proceed_v we_o next_o to_o show_v you_o the_o security_n and_o evidence_n upon_o which_o this_o happiness_n be_v promise_v and_o assert_v and_o whether_o it_o bear_v any_o proportion_n to_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o for_o so_o we_o be_v allow_v to_o call_v they_o though_o not_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o merit_n yet_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o necessary_a connexion_n with_o dependence_n upon_o and_o that_o kind_a such_o a_o one_o as_o it_o be_v of_o proportion_n they_o bear_v to_o each_o other_o there_o be_v a_o twofold_a evidence_n god_n almighty_n have_v give_v we_o for_o the_o strengthen_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o confirm_v of_o our_o faith_n in_o the_o belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o other_o world_n the_o first_o moral_n ground_v upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n the_o other_o i_o call_v natural_a and_o be_v ground_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o 1._o the_o first_o evidence_n of_o our_o future_a bliss_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n express_v in_o the_o text_n yea_o say_v the_o spirit_n but_o then_o we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n of_o what_o kind_n of_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n we_o understand_v it_o for_o understand_v it_o as_o it_o be_v vulgar_o take_v for_o some_o act_n or_o operation_n wrought_v in_o and_o upon_o we_o beside_o the_o enthusiasm_n of_o it_o fain_o will_v i_o be_v satisfy_v what_o validity_n can_v there_o be_v in_o such_o a_o testimony_n as_o itself_o need_v something_o else_o to_o confirm_v it_o for_o so_o this_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v to_o be_v try_v by_o its_o concordance_n and_o agreement_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o other_o way_n to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o a_o motion_n or_o suggestion_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v beside_o and_o though_o to_o err_v thus_o in_o this_o single_a instance_n may_v not_o be_v very_o pernicious_a for_o i_o be_o not_o mighty_a solicitous_a how_o it_o be_v wrought_v so_o there_o be_v a_o firm_a persuasion_n in_o we_o of_o this_o truth_n yet_o in_o other_o case_n i_o know_v how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v nor_o be_v it_o safe_a in_o this_o for_o it_o leave_v a_o passage_n open_a and_o unguarded_a to_o downright_a atheism_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n therefore_o i_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o scripture_n as_o make_v know_v and_o prove_v to_o we_o to_o be_v derive_v from_o this_o divine_a spirit_n which_o we_o may_v call_v the_o outward_a testimony_n thereof_o for_o though_o st._n john_n know_v this_o by_o the_o other_o way_n as_o most_o certain_o all_o other_o do_v who_o receive_v any_o revelation_n yet_o never_o be_v any_o other_o than_o the_o person_n himself_o assure_v that_o way_n nor_o do_v i_o make_v degree_n of_o more_o or_o less_o certainty_n in_o the_o way_n or_o manner_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v reveal_v a_o thing_n for_o the_o apostle_n be_v as_o well_o assure_v of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o doctrine_n before_o they_o wrought_v any_o miracle_n as_o we_o be_v by_o they_o but_o we_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v so_o but_o this_o notwithstanding_o in_o respect_n of_o we_o we_o must_v admit_v of_o such_o degree_n for_o no_o body_n i_o hope_v will_v be_v so_o blasphemous_a to_o equal_v such_o private_a dictate_v they_o have_v in_o their_o own_o breast_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n so_o then_o i_o make_v this_o to_o be_v the_o moral_a evidence_n of_o future_a happiness_n god_n have_v say_v it_o in_o his_o word_n and_o this_o i_o call_v a_o moral_a certainty_n not_o in_o opposition_n to_o divine_a and_o infallible_a as_o they_o be_v sometime_o contradistinguish_v but_o only_o to_o natural_a for_o we_o can_v desire_v no_o great_a evidence_n we_o can_v have_v a_o high_a confirmation_n of_o any_o truth_n than_o the_o veracity_n of_o heaven_n to_o attest_v it_o i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o proposition_n that_o carry_v great_a self-evidence_n than_o this_o that_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v believe_v in_o what_o he_o say_v and_o therefore_o though_o we_o may_v question_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o do_v so_o of_o any_o thing_n we_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v so_o reveal_v so_o that_o the_o stress_n of_o this_o point_n lie_v upon_o that_o great_a and_o necessary_a praecognition_n in_o our_o religion_n namely_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n upon_o which_o postulate_v if_o we_o proceed_v there_o be_v as_o great_a certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n that_o good_a man_n shall_v enjoy_v eternal_a happiness_n after_o this_o life_n as_o if_o we_o shall_v again_o hear_v that_o daughter_n of_o voice_n and_o god_n himself_o shall_v sensible_o attest_v it_o 2._o but_o there_o be_v another_o ground_n or_o evidence_n of_o our_o future_a happiness_n which_o i_o call_v natural_a because_o it_o depend_v upon_o that_o intrinsic_a relation_n and_o consent_n there_o be_v between_o goodness_n and_o it_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o be_v only_o in_o degree_n like_o the_o dawn_n of_o the_o morning_n to_o the_o lustre_n of_o the_o noon_n for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v happy_a but_o to_o be_v unite_v to_o god_n and_o what_o do_v unite_v we_o to_o god_n but_o love_n and_o what_o be_v the_o love_n of_o god_n but_o religion_n and_o if_o you_o remove_v but_o all_o inward_a imperfection_n and_o all_o outward_a impediment_n there_o remain_v no_o difference_n at_o all_o so_o that_o virtue_n and_o piety_n do_v not_o only_o dispose_v and_o prepare_v we_o for_o heaven_n and_o salvation_n but_o we_o thereby_o receive_v and_o experience_n the_o very_a beginning_n and_o anticipation_n of_o it_o and_o though_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o mutability_n of_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n towards_o god_n and_o goodness_n in_o this_o world_n we_o can_v be_v infallible_o assure_v of_o it_o as_o to_o our_o own_o particular_n because_o every_o alteration_n in_o the_o one_o produce_v a_o like_a answerable_a effect_n as_o to_o the_o other_o yet_o in_o the_o general_n we_o may_v even_o from_o hence_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v hereof_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o require_v to_o the_o complete_n of_o our_o essential_a happiness_n than_o a_o advance_v and_o progression_n in_o the_o same_o virtuous_a tract_n and_o however_o it_o look_v in_o a_o divine_a if_o we_o will_v speak_v rational_o to_o the_o thing_n we_o must_v allow_v the_o love_n and_o hatred_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o true_a natural_a cause_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o damnation_n even_o of_o their_o very_a eternity_n it_o be_v 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