the_o jealous_a and_o suspicious_a humour_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n who_o from_o the_o experience_n they_o have_v have_v of_o themselves_o and_o other_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o suspect_v that_o every_o body_n but_o especial_o their_o superior_n and_o governor_n have_v a_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o they_o for_o their_o own_o end_n in_o short_a it_o be_v this_o that_o this_o noise_n about_o a_o god_n be_v a_o mere_a state-engine_n and_o a_o politic_a device_n invent_v at_o first_o by_o some_o great_a prince_n or_o minister_n of_o state_n to_o keep_v people_n in_o awe_n and_o order_n and_o if_o so_o from_o hence_o say_v the_o atheist_n we_o may_v easy_o apprehend_v how_o from_o such_o a_o original_a it_o may_v be_v general_o propagate_v and_o become_v universal_o current_a have_v the_o stamp_n of_o public_a authority_n upon_o it_o beside_o that_o people_n have_v always_o be_v find_v easy_a to_o comply_v with_o the_o inclination_n of_o their_o prince_n and_o from_o hence_o 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to_o say_v 1._o that_o all_o this_o be_v mere_a conjecture_n and_o supposition_n he_o can_v bring_v the_o least_o shadow_n of_o proof_n or_o evidence_n for_o any_o one_o tittle_n of_o it_o 2._o this_o supposition_n grant_v the_o opinion_n of_o a_o god_n to_o conduce_v very_o much_o to_o the_o support_n of_o government_n and_o order_n in_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v very_o beneficial_a to_o mankind_n so_o that_o the_o atheist_n can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v true_a and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a interest_n of_o mankind_n if_o there_o be_v but_o probable_a argument_n for_o it_o not_o to_o admit_v of_o any_o slight_a reason_n against_o it_o and_o to_o punish_v all_o those_o who_o will_v seduce_v man_n to_o atheism_n as_o the_o great_a disturber_n of_o the_o world_n and_o pest_n of_o humane_a society_n 3._o this_o supposition_n can_v have_v nothing_o of_o certainty_n in_o it_o unless_o this_o be_v true_a that_o whoever_o make_v a_o politic_a advantage_n of_o other_o man_n principle_n ought_v to_o be_v presume_v to_o contrive_v those_o principle_n into_o they_o whereas_o it_o be_v much_o more_o common_a because_o more_o easy_a for_o man_n to_o serve_v their_o own_o end_n of_o those_o principle_n or_o opinion_n which_o they_o do_v not_o put_v into_o man_n but_o find_v there_o so_o that_o if_o the_o question_n of_o a_o god_n be_v to_o be_v decide_v by_o the_o probability_n of_o this_o conjecture_n which_o the_o atheist_n applaud_v himself_o most_o in_o it_o will_v be_v conclude_v in_o the_o affirmative_a it_o be_v much_o more_o likely_a since_o politician_n reap_v the_o advantage_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o more_o ready_a submission_n to_o government_n from_o man_n believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o they_o find_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n prepossess_v to_o their_o hand_n with_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n than_o that_o they_o plant_v it_o there_o 4._o we_o have_v as_o much_o evidence_n of_o the_o contrary_a to_o this_o supposition_n as_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o arcanum_fw-la imperii_fw-la a_o secret_a of_o government_n to_o propagate_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n among_o the_o people_n when_o the_o governor_n themselves_o know_v it_o to_o be_v a_o cheat_n for_o we_o find_v in_o the_o history_n of_o all_o age_n of_o which_o we_o have_v any_o record_n and_o of_o other_o age_n we_o can_v possible_o judge_v that_o prince_n have_v not_o be_v more_o secure_a from_o trouble_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o another_o world_n nay_o many_o of_o they_o more_o subject_a to_o these_o than_o other_o man_n as_o i_o can_v give_v many_o instance_n and_o those_o no_o mean_a one_o what_o make_v caligula_n creep_v under_o the_o bed_n when_o it_o thunder_v what_o make_v tiberius_n that_o great_a master_n of_o the_o craft_n of_o government_n complain_v so_o much_o of_o the_o grievous_a sting_n and_o lash_v he_o feel_v in_o his_o conscience_n what_o make_v cardinal_n woolsey_n that_o great_a minister_n of_o state_n in_o our_o own_o nation_n to_o pour_v forth_o his_o soul_n in_o those_o sad_a word_n have_v i_o be_v as_o diligent_a to_o please_v my_o god_n as_o i_o have_v be_v to_o please_v my_o king_n he_o will_v not_o have_v forsake_v i_o now_o in_o my_o gray_a hair_n what_o reason_n for_o such_o action_n and_o speech_n if_o these_o great_a man_n have_v know_v that_o religion_n be_v but_o a_o cheat_n but_o if_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o this_o secret_a i_o think_v we_o may_v safe_o conclude_v that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n do_v not_o come_v from_o the_o court_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o invention_n of_o politician_n and_o a_o juggle_v of_o state_n to_o cozen_v the_o people_n into_o obedience_n and_o now_o from_o all_o this_o that_o have_v be_v say_v it_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o apprehension_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n must_v in_o all_o reason_n be_v ascribe_v to_o some_o more_o certain_a and_o universal_a cause_n than_o fear_n or_o tradition_n or_o state-policy_n viz._n to_o this_o that_o god_n himself_o have_v wrought_v this_o image_n of_o himself_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o so_o weave_v it_o into_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o his_o be_v that_o like_a phidias_n his_o picture_n in_o minerva_n shield_n it_o can_v never_o total_o be_v deface_v without_o the_o ruin_n of_o humane_a nature_n i_o know_v but_o one_o objection_n that_o this_o discourse_n be_v liable_a to_o which_o be_v this_o that_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o god_n be_v no_o more_o a_o argument_n that_o he_o real_o be_v than_o the_o general_a agreement_n of_o so_o many_o nation_n for_o so_o many_o age_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o many_o god_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o there_o be_v many_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v i._n that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o wise_a man_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o age_n do_v dissent_v from_o the_o multitude_n in_o these_o thing_n they_o believe_v but_o one_o supreme_a deity_n which_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o various_a benefit_n man_n receive_v from_o he_o have_v several_a title_n bestow_v upon_o he_o and_o although_o they_o do_v servile_o comply_v with_o the_o people_n in_o worship_v god_n by_o sensible_a image_n and_o representation_n yet_o it_o appear_v by_o their_o writing_n that_o they_o despise_v this_o way_n of_o worship_n as_o superstitious_a and_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n so_o that_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n be_v far_o from_o be_v able_a to_o pretend_v to_o universal_a consent_n from_o their_o have_v have_v the_o vote_n of_o the_o multitude_n in_o most_o nation_n for_o several_a age_n together_o because_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o vulgar_a separate_v from_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o wise_a signify_v no_o more_o than_o a_o great_a many_o cipher_n will_v do_v without_o figure_n 2._o the_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o mistake_n of_o the_o heathen_a about_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n because_o they_o show_v that_o man_n sink_v into_o the_o most_o degenerate_a condition_n into_o the_o great_a blindness_n and_o darkness_n imaginable_a do_v yet_o retain_v some_o sense_n and_o awe_n of_o a_o deity_n that_o religion_n be_v a_o property_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v intimate_v to_o our_o understanding_n and_o stick_n close_o to_o they_o see_v man_n will_v rather_o have_v any_o god_n than_o none_o and_o rather_o than_o want_v a_o deity_n they_o will_v worship_v any_o thing_n 3._o that_o there_o have_v be_v so_o many_o false_a god_n devise_v be_v rather_o
the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o creator_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o he_o the_o wisdom_n of_o please_a god_n by_o do_v what_o he_o command_v and_o avoid_v what_o he_o forbid_v this_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n may_v be_v attain_v by_o man_n and_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v he_o happy_a and_o unto_o man_n he_o say_v behold_v the_o fear_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n be_v understanding_n these_o word_n consist_v of_o two_o proposition_n which_o be_v not_o distinct_a in_o sense_n but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n various_o express_v for_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n be_v synonymous_a word_n here_o and_o though_o sometime_o they_o have_v different_a notion_n yet_o in_o the_o poetical_a book_n of_o scripture_n they_o be_v most_o frequent_o use_v as_o word_n equivalent_a and_o do_v both_o of_o they_o indifferent_o signify_v either_o a_o speculative_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n or_o a_o practical_a skill_n about_o they_o according_a to_o the_o exigency_n of_o the_o matter_n or_o thing_n speak_v of_o and_o so_o likewise_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o departure_n from_o evil_n be_v phrase_n of_o a_o very_a near_o sense_n and_o like_o importance_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v they_o several_a time_n put_v together_o in_o scripture_n 16.6_o pro._n 3.7_o pr._n 16.6_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o depart_v from_o evil_n by_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n man_n depart_v from_o evil_n so_o that_o they_o differ_v only_o as_o cause_n and_o effect_n which_o by_o a_o metonymy_n usual_a in_o all_o sort_n of_o author_n be_v frequent_o put_v one_o for_o another_o now_o to_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n be_v phrase_n which_o the_o scripture_n use_v in_o a_o very_a great_a latitude_n to_o express_v to_o we_o the_o sum_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o whole_a of_o our_o duty_n and_o because_o the_o large_a usage_n of_o these_o phrase_n be_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o my_o follow_a discourse_n i_o shall_v for_o the_o far_o clear_n of_o this_o matter_n endeavour_v to_o show_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v very_o usual_a in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a phrase_n 2._o the_o particular_a fitness_n of_o these_o two_o phrase_n to_o describe_v religion_n i._o it_o be_v very_o usual_a in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n by_o some_o eminent_a principle_n or_o part_n of_o religion_n the_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n be_v knowledge_n faith_n remembrance_n love_n and_o fear_v by_o all_o which_o the_o scripture_n use_v to_o express_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o the_o knowledge_n remembrance_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n religion_n be_v call_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a 10.25_o prov._n 30.3_o jer._n 10.25_o and_o wicked_a man_n be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o know_v not_o god_n so_o likewise_o by_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n frequent_o in_o this_o book_n of_o job_n and_o in_o the_o psalm_n and_o proverb_n and_o then_o they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n speak_v often_o one_o to_o another_o and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v express_o say_v to_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o religion_n 12.13_o eccl._n 12.13_o fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o man_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o wicked_a be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o have_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o their_o eye_n 36.1_o ps_n 36.1_o and_o so_o likewise_o by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n remember_v thy_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n 12.1_o eccl._n 12.1_o that_o be_v enter_v upon_o a_o religious_a course_n betimes_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o character_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v that_o they_o forget_v god_n the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v turn_v into_o hell_n 9.17_o ps_n 9.17_o and_o all_o the_o nation_n that_o forget_v god_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n religion_n be_v usual_o express_v by_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o love_n of_o they_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o true_a christian_n be_v so_o frequent_o call_v believer_n and_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n unbeliever_n and_o that_o good_a man_n be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o love_n god_n all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n 6.24_o ro._n 8.28_o eph._n 6.24_o and_o such_o as_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n now_o the_o reason_n why_o these_o be_v put_v for_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n be_v because_o the_o belief_n and_o knowledge_n and_o remembrance_n and_o love_n and_o fear_v of_o god_n be_v such_o powerful_a principle_n and_o have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o man_n to_o make_v they_o religious_a that_o where_o any_o one_o of_o these_o real_o be_v all_o the_o rest_n together_o with_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a effect_n of_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v and_o so_o likewise_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v often_o express_v by_o some_o eminent_a part_n of_o it_o which_o will_v explain_v the_o second_o phrase_n here_o in_o the_o text_n depart_v from_o evil_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v a_o eminent_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o prayer_n which_o be_v often_o in_o scripture_n express_v by_o seek_v god_n and_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n be_v a_o chief_a part_n of_o religious_a worship_n hence_o religion_n be_v describe_v by_o seek_v god_n 11.6_o heb._n 11.6_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o and_o by_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n 2.21_o act_n 2.21_o whosoever_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o so_o by_o come_v to_o god_n and_o by_o depart_v from_o evil_n in_o this_o fall_a state_n of_o man_n religion_n begin_v with_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n the_o two_o opposite_a term_n of_o which_o be_v god_n and_o sin_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o religion_n be_v describe_v sometime_o by_o come_v to_o god_n 11.6_o heb._n 11.6_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v that_o be_v no_o man_n can_v be_v religious_a unless_o he_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n 59.15_o be_v 59.15_o sometime_o by_o depart_v from_o sin_n and_o he_o that_o depart_v from_o evil_a make_v himself_o a_o prey_n that_o be_v such_o be_v the_o bad_a state_n of_o those_o time_n of_o which_o the_o prophet_n there_o complain_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v religious_a but_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v persecute_v ii_o for_o the_o fitness_n of_o these_o two_o phrase_n to_o describe_v religion_n 1._o for_o the_o first_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o fitness_n of_o this_o phrase_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v how_o great_a a_o influence_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n have_v upon_o man_n to_o make_v they_o religious_a fear_n be_v a_o passion_n that_o be_v most_o deep_o root_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o flow_v immediate_o from_o that_o principle_n of_o self-preservation_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o every_o man_n every_o one_o desire_n his_o own_o preservation_n and_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o have_v a_o natural_a dread_n and_o horror_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o can_v destroy_v his_o be_v or_o endanger_v his_o happiness_n and_o the_o great_a danger_n be_v from_o the_o great_a power_n and_o that_o be_v omnipotency_n so_o that_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v a_o inward_a acknowledgement_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o just_a be_v which_o be_v arm_v with_o a_o almighty_a and_o irresistible_a power_n god_n have_v hide_v in_o every_o man_n conscience_n a_o secret_a awe_n and_o dread_n of_o his_o infinite_a power_n and_o eternal_a justice_n now_o fear_v be_v so_o intimate_v to_o our_o nature_n it_o be_v the_o strong_a bond_n of_o law_n and_o the_o great_a security_n of_o our_o duty_n there_o be_v two_o bridle_n or_o restraint_n which_o god_n have_v put_v upon_o humane_a nature_n shame_n and_o fear_n shame_n be_v the_o weak_a and_o have_v place_n only_o in_o those_o in_o who_o there_o be_v some_o remainder_n of_o virtue_n fear_n be_v the_o strong_a and_o work_n upon_o all_o who_o love_n themselves_o and_o desire_v their_o own_o preservation_n therefore_o in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n fear_n be_v that_o passion_n which_o have_v the_o great_a power_n over_o we_o and_o by_o which_o god_n and_o his_o law_n take_v the_o sure_a hold_n of_o we_o our_o desire_n and_o love_n and_o hope_v be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o representation_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o reward_n and_o happiness_n as_o our_o fear_n be_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o divine_a displeasure_n for_o though_o we_o have_v lose_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o gust_n and_o relish_v of_o true_a happiness_n yet_o we_o
and_o use_v and_o that_o be_v the_o best_a thing_n which_o serve_v the_o best_a end_n and_o purpose_n and_o the_o more_o necessary_a any_o thing_n be_v to_o such_o a_o end_n the_o better_a it_o be_v so_o that_o the_o best_a knowledge_n be_v that_o which_o be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o necessity_n to_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o great_a end_n which_o be_v eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n curious_a speculation_n and_o the_o contemplation_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v impertinent_a to_o we_o and_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o nor_o serve_v to_o promote_v our_o happiness_n be_v but_o a_o more_o specious_a and_o ingenious_a sort_n of_o idleness_n a_o more_o pardonable_a and_o creditable_a kind_n of_o ignorance_n that_o man_n that_o do_v not_o know_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o use_n and_o necessity_n for_o he_o to_o know_v be_v but_o a_o ignorant_a man_n whatever_o he_o may_v know_v beside_o now_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n and_o of_o our_o duty_n be_v of_o the_o great_a usefulness_n and_o necessity_n to_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n it_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n that_o we_o shall_v know_v god_n and_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v happy_a this_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o be_v 17.3_o joh._n 17.3_o the_o only_a way_n to_o it_o to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o he_o who_o thou_o have_v send_v jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v necessary_a also_o in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n to_o know_v our_o duty_n because_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o do_v it_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o do_v it_o except_o we_o know_v it_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o other_o knowledge_n a_o man_n may_v be_v endue_v withal_o he_o be_v but_o a_o ignorant_a person_n who_o do_v not_o know_v god_n the_o author_n of_o his_o be_v the_o preserver_n and_o protector_n of_o his_o life_n his_o sovereign_n and_o his_o judge_n the_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n his_o sure_a refuge_n in_o trouble_n his_o best_a friend_n or_o worst_a enemy_n the_o present_a support_n of_o his_o life_n his_o hope_n in_o death_n his_o future_a happiness_n and_o his_o portion_n for_o ever_o who_o do_v not_o know_v his_o relation_n to_o god_n the_o duty_n that_o he_o owe_v he_o and_o the_o way_n to_o please_v he_o who_o can_v make_v he_o happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o ever_o who_o do_v not_o know_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n if_o a_o man_n by_o a_o vast_a and_o imperious_a mind_n and_o a_o heart_n large_a as_o the_o sand_n upon_o the_o seashore_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o solomon_n can_v command_v all_o the_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n and_o art_n of_o word_n and_o thing_n can_v attain_v to_o a_o mastery_n in_o all_o language_n and_o sound_v the_o depth_n of_o all_o art_n and_o science_n measure_v the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n and_o tell_v the_o star_n and_o declare_v their_o order_n and_o motion_n can_v discourse_v of_o the_o interest_n of_o all_o state_n the_o intrigue_n of_o all_o court_n the_o reason_n of_o all_o civil_a law_n and_o constitution_n and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o history_n of_o all_o age_n can_v speak_v of_o tree_n from_o the_o cedar-tree_n that_o be_v in_o lebanon_n even_o unto_o the_o hyssop_n that_o spring_v out_o of_o the_o wall_n and_o of_o beast_n also_o and_o of_o fowl_n and_o of_o creep_a thing_n and_o of_o fish_n and_o yet_o shall_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v destitute_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o duty_n all_o this_o will_v be_v but_o a_o impertinent_a vanity_n and_o a_o more_o glitter_a kind_n of_o ignorance_n and_o such_o a_o man_n like_o the_o philosopher_n who_o whilst_o he_o be_v gaze_v upon_o the_o star_n fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n will_v but_o sapienter_fw-la descendere_fw-la in_o infernum_fw-la be_v undo_v with_o all_o this_o knowledge_n and_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o wisdom_n go_v down_o to_o hell_n 2._o second_o that_o to_o be_v religious_a be_v the_o true_a wisdom_n and_o that_o likewise_o upon_o two_o account_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a for_o ourselves_o 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a as_o to_o our_o main_a interest_n and_o concernment_n 1._o it_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a for_o ourselves_o there_o be_v a_o expression_n job_n 22.21_o he_o that_o be_v wise_a be_v profitable_a to_o himself_o and_o prov._n 9.12_o if_o thou_o be_v wise_a thou_o shall_v be_v wise_a for_o thyself_o intimate_v that_o wisdom_n regard_v a_o man_n be_v own_o interest_n and_o advantage_n and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o wise_a man_n that_o do_v not_o take_v care_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o concernment_n according_a to_o that_o of_o old_a ennius_n nequicquam_fw-la sapere_fw-la sapientem_fw-la qui_fw-la sibi_fw-la ipsi_fw-la prodesse_fw-la non_fw-la quiret_fw-la that_o man_n have_v but_o a_o empty_a title_n of_o wisdom_n and_o be_v not_o real_o wise_a who_o be_v not_o wise_a for_o himself_o as_o self-preservation_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o nature_n so_o care_v of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o interest_n be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o wisdom_n he_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o the_o affair_n and_o concernment_n of_o other_o man_n but_o careless_a and_o negligent_a of_o his_o own_o that_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v busy_a but_o he_o be_v not_o wise_a he_o be_v employ_v indeed_o but_o not_o so_o as_o a_o wise_a man_n shall_v be_v now_o this_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o direct_v a_o man_n to_o a_o care_n of_o his_o own_o proper_a interest_n and_o concernment_n 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a as_o to_o our_o main_a interest_n our_o chief_a end_n and_o high_a interest_n be_v happiness_n and_o this_o be_v happiness_n to_o be_v free_v from_o all_o if_o it_o may_v however_o from_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o to_o enjoy_v if_o it_o may_v be_v all_o good_a however_o the_o chief_a to_o be_v happy_a be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o pain_n and_o disease_n of_o the_o body_n but_o from_o anxiety_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n not_o only_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n but_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n to_o be_v happy_a be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v so_o for_o a_o little_a while_n but_o as_o long_o as_o may_v be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o ever_o now_o religion_n design_n our_o great_a and_o long_a happiness_n it_o aim_v at_o a_o freedom_n from_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o possession_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o great_a good_a for_o religion_n wise_o consider_v that_o man_n have_v immortal_a spirit_n which_o as_o they_o be_v spirit_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o our_o body_n and_o our_o sense_n and_o because_o they_o be_v immortal_a be_v capable_a of_o a_o everlasting_a happiness_n now_o our_o soul_n be_v the_o best_a part_n of_o ourselves_o and_o eternity_n be_v infinite_o the_o most_o considerable_a duration_n the_o great_a wisdom_n be_v to_o secure_v the_o interest_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o of_o eternity_n though_o it_o be_v with_o loss_n and_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o our_o temporal_a and_o inferior_a interest_n therefore_o religion_n direct_v we_o rather_o to_o secure_v inward_a peace_n than_o outward_a ease_n to_o be_v more_o careful_a to_o avoid_v everlasting_a and_o intolerable_a torment_n than_o short_a and_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n to_o court_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n more_o than_o the_o friendship_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o so_o much_o to_o fear_v they_o that_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n and_o after_o that_o have_v no_o more_o that_o they_o can_v do_v as_o he_o who_o after_o he_o have_v kill_v can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n in_o a_o word_n our_o main_a interest_n be_v to_o be_v as_o happy_a as_o we_o can_v and_o as_o long_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o if_o we_o be_v cast_v into_o such_o circumstance_n that_o we_o must_v be_v either_o in_o part_n and_o for_o a_o time_n or_o else_o whole_o and_o always_o miserable_a the_o best_a wisdom_n be_v to_o choose_v the_o great_a and_o most_o last_a happiness_n but_o the_o least_o and_o short_a misery_n upon_o this_o account_n religion_n prefer_v those_o pleasure_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o evermore_o infinite_o before_o the_o transitory_a pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o be_v much_o more_o careful_a to_o avoid_v eternal_a misery_n than_o present_a suffering_n this_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o religion_n that_o upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o cast_v up_o all_o thing_n together_o it_o do_v advise_v and_o lead_v we_o to_o our_o best_a interest_n
to_o be_v to_o let_v man_n loose_v to_o vice_n which_o be_v natural_o attend_v with_o temporal_a inconvenience_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a than_o the_o atheist_n can_v pretend_v this_o reason_n of_o charity_n to_o mankind_n which_o be_v the_o only_a one_o i_o can_v think_v of_o to_o dispute_v against_o religion_n much_o less_o to_o rally_v upon_o it_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o kindness_n to_o any_o man_n to_o be_v undeceive_v in_o these_o principle_n of_o religion_n suppose_v they_o be_v false_a because_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o hinder_v that_o they_o promote_v a_o man_n happiness_n even_o in_o this_o world_n and_o as_o to_o the_o other_o world_n there_o can_v be_v no_o inconvenience_n in_o the_o mistake_n for_o when_o a_o man_n be_v not_o it_o will_v be_v no_o trouble_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v once_o deceive_v about_o these_o matter_n and_o where_o no_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n nor_o of_o reason_n can_v be_v pretend_v there_o certal_o the_o law_n of_o civility_n ought_v to_o take_v place_n now_o man_n do_v profess_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a and_o to_o have_v a_o great_a veneration_n for_o these_o thing_n can_v there_o then_o be_v a_o great_a insolence_n than_o for_o a_o man_n when_o he_o come_v into_o company_n to_o rally_v and_o fall_v soul_n upon_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o he_o know_v the_o company_n have_v a_o reverence_n can_v one_o man_n offer_v a_o great_a affront_n to_o another_o than_o to_o expose_v to_o scorn_v he_o who_o he_o own_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v his_o best_a friend_n the_o patron_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o great_a benefactor_n he_o have_v in_o the_o world_n and_o do_v not_o every_o man_n that_o own_v a_o god_n say_v this_o of_o he_o but_o when_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n the_o rudeness_n be_v still_o the_o great_a so_o that_o whoever_o do_v open_o contemn_v god_n and_o religion_n do_v delinquere_fw-la in_o majestatem_fw-la populi_fw-la &_o humani_fw-la generis_fw-la '_o he_o do_v offend_v against_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o people_n and_o that_o reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o common_a apprehension_n of_o mankind_n whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o not_o which_o be_v the_o great_a incivility_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v this_o be_v the_o first_o consideration_n and_o it_o be_v the_o least_o that_o i_o have_v to_o urge_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o yet_o i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a upon_o it_o because_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o aught_o especial_o to_o prevail_v upon_o those_o who_o i_o be_o afraid_a be_v too_o often_o guilty_a of_o this_o vice_n i_o mean_v those_o who_o be_v of_o better_a breed_n because_o they_o pretend_v to_o understand_v the_o law_n of_o behaviour_n and_o the_o decency_n of_o conversation_n better_o than_o other_o man_n 2._o suppose_v it_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o not_o and_o whether_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a or_o not_o and_o that_o the_o argument_n be_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a folly_n to_o deride_v these_o thing_n and_o here_o i_o suppose_v as_o much_o as_o the_o atheist_n can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n pretend_v to_o for_o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o pretend_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n nor_o no_o life_n after_o this_o for_o these_o be_v pure_a negative_n be_v capable_a of_o no_o proof_n unless_o a_o man_n can_v show_v they_o to_o be_v plain_o impossible_a the_o utmost_a that_o be_v pretend_v be_v that_o the_o argument_n that_o be_v bring_v for_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v but_o if_o they_o be_v only_o probable_a so_o long_o as_o no_o argument_n be_v produce_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n but_o i_o will_v for_o the_o present_n suppose_v the_o probability_n equal_a on_o both_o side_n and_o upon_o this_o supposition_n i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o monstrous_a folly_n to_o deride_v these_o thing_n because_o though_o the_o argument_n on_o both_o side_n be_v equal_a yet_o the_o danger_n and_o hazard_n be_v infinite_o unequal_a if_o it_o prove_v true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n the_o religious_a man_n may_v be_v as_o happy_a in_o this_o world_n as_o the_o atheist_n nay_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n do_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n tend_v to_o make_v he_o happy_a because_o they_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o his_o mind_n and_o his_o conscience_n by_o this_o mean_n be_v free_v from_o many_o fearful_a gird_n and_o twinge_n which_o the_o atheist_n feel_v beside_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n do_v natural_o promote_v our_o temporal_a felicity_n it_o be_v more_o for_o a_o man_n health_n and_o more_o for_o his_o reputation_n and_o more_o for_o his_o advantage_n in_o all_o other_o worldly_a respect_n to_o lead_v a_o virtuous_a than_o a_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n and_o for_o the_o other_o world_n if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n the_o case_n of_o the_o religious_a man_n and_o the_o atheist_n will_v be_v alike_o because_o they_o will_v both_o be_v extinguish_v by_o death_n and_o insensible_a of_o any_o far_a happiness_n or_o misery_n but_o then_o if_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n shall_v prove_v true_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v transmit_v out_o of_o this_o world_n into_o the_o other_o there_o to_o receive_v the_o just_a reward_n of_o their_o action_n then_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o every_o man_n at_o first_o sight_n that_o the_o case_n of_o the_o religious_a man_n and_o the_o atheist_n must_v be_v vast_o different_a then_o where_o shall_v the_o wicked_a and_o the_o ungodly_a appear_v and_o what_o think_v we_o shall_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o those_o who_o have_v affront_v god_n and_o deride_v his_o word_n and_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v sacred_a and_o religious_a what_o can_v they_o expect_v but_o to_o be_v reject_v by_o he_o who_o they_o have_v renounce_v and_o to_o feel_v the_o terrible_a effect_n of_o that_o power_n and_o justice_n which_o they_o have_v despise_v so_o that_o though_o the_o argument_n on_o both_o side_n be_v equal_a yet_o the_o danger_n be_v not_o so_o on_o the_o one_o side_n there_o be_v none_o at_o all_o but_o it_o be_v infinite_a on_o the_o other_o and_o consequent_o it_o must_v be_v a_o monstrous_a folly_n for_o any_o man_n to_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o be_v or_o not_o and_o if_o they_o be_v of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v no_o jest_a matter_n 3._o suppose_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a then_o be_v it_o not_o only_o a_o heinous_a impiety_n but_o a_o perfect_a madness_n to_o scoff_n at_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a i_o have_v already_o in_o my_o former_a discourse_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v both_o from_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v and_o from_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o these_o principle_n of_o which_o universal_a consent_n no_o sufficient_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v unless_o they_o be_v true_a and_o suppose_v they_o be_v so_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o utmost_a pitch_n of_o impiety_n but_o the_o high_a flight_n of_o folly_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o deride_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v disobedient_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v a_o great_a contempt_n but_o to_o deny_v his_o be_v and_o to_o make_v sport_n with_o his_o word_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o render_v it_o ridiculous_a by_o turn_v the_o wise_a and_o weighty_a say_n of_o that_o holy_a book_n into_o raillery_n be_v a_o most_o direct_a affront_n to_o the_o god_n that_o be_v above_o thus_o the_o psalmist_n describe_v these_o atheistical_a person_n as_o level_v their_o blasphemy_n immediate_o against_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n they_o set_v their_o mouth_n against_o the_o heaven_n and_o their_o tongue_n walk_v through_o the_o earth_n they_o do_v mischief_n among_o man_n but_o the_o affront_n be_v immediate_o to_o god_n beside_o that_o this_o profane_a spirit_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o most_o incorrigible_a temper_n the_o wise_a man_n every_o where_o speak_v of_o the_o scorner_n as_o one_o of_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o sinner_n and_o hard_a to_o be_v reclaim_v because_o he_o despise_v instruction_n and_o mock_n at_o all_o the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o shall_v be_v reform_v and_o then_o be_v it_o not_o a_o most_o black_a and_o horrid_a ingratitude_n
this_o word_n be_v so_o to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o text_n may_v appear_v far_o from_o the_o opposition_n of_o it_o to_o sin_n or_o vice_n in_o general_a righteousness_n exalt_v a_o nation_n but_o sin_n be_v the_o reproach_n of_o any_o people_n you_o see_v then_o what_o will_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o my_o present_a discourse_n namely_o that_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o public_a happiness_n and_o prosperity_n and_o though_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o have_v be_v universal_o acknowledge_v and_o long_o enough_o experience_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o because_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o age_n be_v to_o call_v every_o thing_n into_o question_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o satisfy_v man_n reason_n about_o it_o to_o which_o end_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o this_o truth_n 2._o to_o vindicate_v it_o from_o the_o pretence_n and_o insinuation_n of_o atheistical_a person_n i._o shall_v give_v you_o this_o twofold_a account_n of_o it_o 1._o from_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n 2._o from_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o the_o thing_n 1._o from_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n indeed_o as_o to_o particular_a person_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v many_o time_n promiscuous_o administer_v in_o this_o world_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v certain_o conclude_v god_n love_n or_o hatred_n to_o any_o person_n by_o any_o thing_n that_o befall_v he_o in_o this_o life_n but_o god_n do_v not_o deal_v thus_o with_o nation_n because_o public_a body_n and_o community_n of_o man_n as_o such_o can_v only_o be_v reward_v and_o punish_v in_o this_o world_n for_o in_o the_o next_o all_o those_o public_a society_n and_o combination_n wherein_o man_n be_v now_o link_v together_o under_o several_a government_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v god_n will_v not_o then_o reward_n or_o punish_v nation_n as_o nation_n but_o every_o man_n shall_v then_o give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n and_o receive_v his_o own_o reward_n and_o bear_v his_o own_o burden_n for_o although_o god_n account_v it_o no_o disparagement_n to_o his_o justice_n to_o let_v particular_a good_a man_n suffer_v in_o this_o world_n and_o pass_v through_o many_o tribulation_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n because_o there_o be_v another_o day_n a_o come_n which_o will_v be_v a_o more_o proper_a season_n of_o reward_n yet_o in_o the_o usual_a course_n of_o his_o providence_n he_o recompense_v religious_a and_o virtuous_a nation_n with_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o prosperity_n for_o which_o reason_n st._n austin_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o mighty_a success_n and_o long_a prosperity_n of_o the_o roman_n be_v a_o reward_n give_v they_o by_o god_n for_o their_o eminent_a justice_n and_o temperance_n and_o other_o virtue_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n god_n many_o time_n suffer_v the_o most_o grievous_a sin_n of_o particular_a person_n to_o go_v unpunished_a in_o this_o world_n because_o he_o know_v that_o his_o justice_n will_v have_v another_o and_o better_a opportunity_n to_o meet_v and_o reckon_v with_o they_o but_o the_o general_a and_o cry_a sin_n of_o a_o nation_n can_v hope_v to_o escape_v public_a judgement_n unless_o they_o be_v prevent_v by_o a_o general_a repentance_n god_n may_v defer_v his_o judgement_n for_o a_o time_n and_o give_v a_o people_n a_o long_a space_n of_o repentance_n he_o may_v stay_v till_o the_o iniquity_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v full_a but_o soon_o or_o late_a they_o have_v reason_n to_o expect_v his_o vengeance_n and_o usual_o the_o long_a punishment_n be_v delay_v it_o be_v the_o heavy_a when_o it_o come_v now_o all_o this_o be_v very_o reasonable_a because_n this_o world_n be_v the_o only_a season_n for_o national_a punishment_n and_o indeed_o they_o be_v in_o a_o great_a degree_n necessary_a for_o the_o present_a vindication_n of_o the_o honour_n and_o majesty_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o to_o give_v some_o 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course_n of_o god_n providence_n that_o a_o righteous_a nation_n shall_v be_v happy_a the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v peace_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o he_o use_v to_o shower_v down_o his_o judgement_n upon_o a_o wicked_a people_n he_o turn_v a_o fruitful_a land_n into_o barrenness_n for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o they_o that_o dwell_v therein_o and_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n have_v make_v this_o good_a all_o along_o the_o history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o find_v the_o interchangeable_a providence_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n always_o suit_v to_o their_o manner_n they_o be_v constant_o prosperous_a or_o afflict_a according_a as_o piety_n and_o virtue_n flourish_v or_o decline_v among_o they_o and_o god_n do_v not_o only_o exercise_v this_o providence_n towards_o his_o own_o people_n but_o he_o deal_v thus_o also_o with_o other_o nation_n the_o roman_a empire_n whilst_o the_o virtue_n of_o that_o people_n remain_v firm_a be_v strong_a as_o iron_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n but_o upon_o the_o dissolution_n of_o their_o manner_n the_o iron_n begin_v to_o be_v mix_v with_o miry_a clay_n and_o the_o foot_n upon_o which_o that_o empire_n stand_v to_o be_v break_v and_o though_o god_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o justice_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o precedent_n and_o we_o can_v argue_v from_o scripture_n example_n that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n towards_o other_o nation_n shall_v in_o all_o circumstance_n be_v conformable_a to_o his_o deal_n with_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n yet_o thus_o much_o may_v with_o great_a probability_n be_v collect_v from_o they_o that_o as_o god_n always_o bless_v that_o people_n while_o they_o be_v obedient_a to_o he_o and_o follow_v they_o with_o his_o judgement_n when_o they_o rebel_v against_o he_o so_o he_o will_v also_o deal_v with_o other_o nation_n because_o the_o reason_n of_o those_o dispensation_n as_o to_o the_o main_a and_o substance_n of_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v perpetual_a and_o found_v in_o that_o which_o can_v never_o change_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n 2_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o far_a appear_v from_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o every_o particular_a virtue_n do_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n conduce_v to_o the_o public_a interest_n religion_n wherever_o it_o be_v true_o plant_v be_v certain_o the_o great_a obligation_n upon_o conscience_n to_o all_o civil_a office_n and_o moral_a duty_n chastity_n and_o temperance_n and_o industry_n do_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n tend_v to_o health_n and_o plenty_n truth_n and_o fidelity_n in_o all_o our_o deal_n do_v create_v mutual_a love_n and_o goodwill_n and_o confidence_n among_o man_n which_o be_v the_o great_a band_n of_o peace_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a wickedness_n do_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n produce_v many_o public_a mischief_n for_o as_o sin_n be_v link_v together_o and_o draw_v on_o one_o another_o so_o almost_o every_o vice_n have_v some_o temporal_a inconvenience_n annex_v to_o it_o and_o natural_o follow_v it_o intemperance_n and_o lust_n breed_v infirmity_n and_o disease_n which_o be_v propagate_v spoil_v the_o strain_n of_o a_o nation_n idleness_n and_o luxury_n bring_v forth_o poverty_n and_o want_n and_o this_o tempt_v man_n to_o injustice_n and_o that_o cause_v enmity_n and_o animosity_n and_o these_o bring_v on_o strife_n and_o confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n this_o philosophical_a account_n of_o public_a trouble_n and_o confusion_n st._n james_n give_v we_o 4.1_o jam._n 4.1_o whence_o come_v war_n and_o fight_n among_o you_o be_v they_o not_o hence_o even_o from_o your_o lust_n that_o war_n in_o your_o member_n but_o i_o shall_v show_v more_o particular_o that_o religion_n and_o virtue_n do_v natural_o tend_v
present_a in_o order_n to_o our_o future_a disquiet_n but_o if_o we_o resist_v and_o conquer_v they_o we_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o perpetual_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n in_o our_o mind_n if_o we_o govern_v ourselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o sensual_a delight_n by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o reason_n we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o more_o at_o ease_n than_o if_o we_o shall_v let_v loose_a the_o reins_o to_o our_o appetite_n and_o lust_n for_o the_o more_o we_o gratify_v our_o lust_n the_o more_o crave_v they_o will_v be_v and_o the_o more_o impatient_a of_o denial_n crescit_fw-la indulgens_fw-la sibi_fw-la dirus_fw-la hydrops_fw-la every_o lust_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o hydropic_a distemper_n and_o the_o more_o we_o drink_v the_o more_o we_o shall_v thirst_v so_o that_o by_o retrench_v our_o inordinate_a desire_n we_o do_v not_o rob_v ourselves_o of_o any_o true_a pleasure_n but_o only_o prevent_v the_o pain_n and_o trouble_v of_o far_a dissatisfaction_n humility_n though_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o expose_v a_o man_n to_o some_o contempt_n yet_o it_o be_v true_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o honour_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a pride_n be_v a_o most_o improper_a and_o absurd_a mean_n for_o the_o accomplish_n of_o the_o end_n it_o aim_v at_o all_o other_o vice_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n attain_v their_o end_n covetousness_n do_v usual_o raise_v a_o estate_n and_o ambitious_a endeavour_n do_v often_o advance_v man_n to_o high_a place_n but_o pride_n and_o insolence_n and_o contempt_n of_o other_o do_v infallible_o defeat_v their_o own_o design_n they_o aim_v at_o respect_n and_o esteem_v but_o never_o attain_v it_o for_o all_o mankind_n do_v natural_o hate_v and_o slight_v a_o proud_a man_n what_o more_o reasonable_a than_o patience_n and_o contentedness_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v in_o all_o thing_n resign_v up_o ourselves_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o love_v we_o as_o well_o as_o we_o do_v ourselves_o and_o know_v what_o be_v good_a for_o we_o better_o than_o we_o do_v ourselves_o this_o certain_o be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o prevent_v anxiety_n and_o perplexity_n of_o mind_n and_o to_o make_v the_o worst_a condition_n as_o tolerable_a as_o it_o can_v be_v and_o much_o more_o easy_a than_o it_o will_v be_v otherwise_o as_o for_o that_o peculiar_a law_n of_o christianity_n which_o forbid_v revenge_n and_o command_v we_o to_o forgive_v injury_n and_o to_o love_v our_o enemy_n no_o man_n can_v think_v it_o grievous_a who_o consider_v the_o pleasure_n and_o sweetness_n of_o love_n and_o the_o glorious_a victory_n of_o overcome_v evil_a with_o good_a and_o then_o compare_v these_o with_o the_o restless_a torment_n and_o perpetual_a tumult_n of_o a_o malicious_a and_o revengeful_a spirit_n and_o last_o self-denial_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n this_o be_v neither_o unreasonable_a nor_o to_o our_o disadvantage_n if_o we_o consider_v our_o infinite_a obligation_n to_o god_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v much_o to_o sacrifice_v to_o he_o our_o dear_a interest_n in_o this_o world_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v withal_o how_o disproportionable_o great_a the_o reward_n of_o our_o suffering_n shall_v be_v in_o another_o world_n beside_o that_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n be_v of_o so_o great_a concernment_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n that_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v for_o that_o reason_n to_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o with_o the_o hazard_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o valuable_a to_o he_o in_o this_o world_n ii_o we_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o sufficient_a power_n and_o strength_n for_o the_o perform_n of_o god_n command_n have_v god_n give_v we_o law_n but_o no_o power_n to_o keep_v they_o his_o commandment_n will_v then_o indeed_o have_v be_v grievous_a it_o be_v true_a we_o have_v contract_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o weakness_n and_o impotency_n by_o our_o wilful_a degeneracy_n from_o goodness_n but_o that_o grace_n which_o the_o gospel_n offer_v to_o we_o for_o our_o assistance_n be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o particular_a reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n say_v here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a because_o he_o offer_v we_o a_o assistance_n proportionable_a to_o the_o difficulty_n of_o his_o command_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o condition_n for_o it_o follow_v immediate_o after_o the_o text_n for_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n overcome_v the_o world_n therefore_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o grievous_a because_o every_o child_n of_o god_n that_o be_v every_o christian_a be_v endue_v with_o a_o power_n whereby_o he_o be_v enable_v to_o resist_v and_o conquer_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o same_o apostle_n elsewhere_o encourage_v christian_n upon_o the_o same_o consideration_n great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o you_o 4.4_o 1_o joh._n 4.4_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n though_o we_o be_v encompass_v with_o many_o and_o potent_a enemy_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o tempt_v and_o to_o deter_v we_o from_o our_o duty_n yet_o our_o case_n be_v not_o hard_o so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v a_o great_a strength_n on_o our_o side_n and_o this_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o christian_a great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o you_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v there_o legion_n of_o devil_n who_o be_v continual_o design_v and_o work_v our_o ruin_n there_o be_v also_o miriads_o of_o good_a angel_n who_o be_v more_o cheerful_a and_o officious_a to_o do_v we_o good_a for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o as_o those_o who_o be_v bend_v to_o do_v wicked_o will_v never_o want_v tempter_n to_o urge_v they_o on_o and_o to_o push_v they_o forward_o in_o a_o evil_a course_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n those_o who_o apply_v themselves_o serious_o to_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n and_o yield_v themselves_o tractable_a to_o good_a motion_n will_v find_v the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n more_o ready_a and_o active_a to_o encourage_v they_o than_o the_o devil_n can_v be_v to_o pull_v they_o back_o unless_o we_o think_v that_o god_n have_v give_v a_o great_a power_n and_o a_o large_a commission_n to_o the_o devil_n to_o do_v man_n mischief_n than_o to_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n for_o our_o assistance_n and_o encouragement_n but_o then_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o this_o assistance_n be_v only_o offer_v to_o man_n and_o not_o force_v upon_o they_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no._n for_o if_o we_o beg_v god_n grace_n but_o neglect_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o if_o we_o implore_v his_o assistance_n for_o the_o mortify_n of_o our_o lust_n but_o will_v not_o contribute_v our_o own_o endeavour_n god_n will_v withdraw_v his_o grace_n and_o take_v away_o his_o holy_a spirit_n from_o we_o nay_o if_o after_o we_o have_v begin_v well_o we_o do_v notorious_o slacken_v our_o endeavour_n we_o forfeit_v the_o divine_a assistance_n if_o when_o by_o god_n grace_n we_o have_v in_o a_o good_a measure_n conquer_v the_o first_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o gain_v some_o habitual_a strength_n against_o sin_n if_o after_o this_o we_o grow_v careless_a and_o remiss_a and_o neglect_v our_o guard_n and_o lay_v ourselves_o open_a to_o temptation_n god_n spirit_n will_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o we_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o mighty_a assistance_n there_o offer_v to_o we_o if_o we_o love_v any_o lust_n and_o will_v with_o samson_n lay_v our_o head_n in_o dalilah_n lap_n we_o shall_v be_v insensible_o rob_v of_o our_o strength_n and_o become_v like_o other_o man_n iii_o we_o have_v the_o great_a encouragement_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o god_n command_n two_o thing_n make_v any_o course_n of_o life_n easy_a present_a pleasure_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n religion_n give_v part_n of_o its_o reward_n in_o hand_n the_o present_a comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o have_v do_v our_o duty_n and_o for_o the_o rest_n it_o offer_v we_o the_o best_a security_n that_o heaven_n can_v give_v now_o these_o two_o must_v needs_o make_v our_o duty_n very_o easy_a a_o considerable_a reward_n in_o hand_n and_o not_o only_o the_o hope_n but_o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o far_o great_a recompense_n hereafter_o 1._o present_a peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n and_o unexpressible_a joy_n and_o pleasure_n flow_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n this_o be_v present_a payment_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o a_o future_a and_o great_a happiness_n and_o this_o do_v natural_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o good_a man_n great_a peace_n have_v they_o that_o love_v thy_o law_n and_o nothing_o shall_v offend_v they_o all_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n be_v not_o only_o delightful_a for_o the_o
present_a but_o they_o leave_v peace_n and_o contentment_n behind_o they_o a_o peace_n that_o no_o outward_a violence_n can_v interrupt_v or_o take_v from_o we_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n have_v moreover_o this_o peculiar_a advantage_n of_o all_o worldly_a joy_n that_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v weary_a of_o they_o we_o can_v be_v cloy_v by_o the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o these_o pleasure_n nor_o by_o the_o long_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o i_o know_v that_o some_o vice_n pretend_v to_o bring_v great_a pleasure_n along_o with_o they_o and_o that_o the_o delight_n of_o a_o sensual_a and_o voluptuous_a life_n make_v a_o glorious_a show_n and_o be_v attend_v with_o much_o pomp_n and_o noise_n like_o the_o sport_n of_o child_n and_o fool_n which_o be_v loud_a and_o clamorous_a or_o as_o solomon_n elegant_o compare_v they_o like_o the_o crackle_n of_o thorn_n under_o a_o pot_n which_o make_v a_o little_a noise_n and_o a_o sudden_a blaze_n that_o be_v present_o over_o but_o the_o serious_a and_o the_o manly_a pleasure_n the_o solid_a and_o substantial_a joy_n be_v only_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n the_o most_o sensual_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n never_o feel_v his_o heart_n touch_v with_o so_o delicious_a and_o last_a a_o pleasure_n as_o that_o be_v which_o spring_v from_o a_o clear_a conscience_n and_o a_o mind_n full_o satisfy_v with_o its_o own_o action_n 2._o but_o the_o great_a encouragement_n of_o all_o be_v the_o assurance_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n the_o firm_a persuasion_n whereof_o be_v enough_o to_o raise_v we_o above_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o animate_v we_o with_o courage_n and_o resolution_n against_o the_o great_a difficulty_n so_o the_o apostle_n reason_n his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a for_o whatsoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n overcome_v the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o victory_n that_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n and_o glory_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o primitive_a christian_n so_o victorious_a over_o the_o world_n and_o give_v they_o the_o courage_n to_o resist_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o terror_n of_o sense_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v encumber_v with_o many_o difficulty_n which_o be_v natural_o grievous_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o a_o christian_n be_v able_a to_o comfort_v himself_o under_o all_o these_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o end_n which_o be_v everlasting_a life_n he_o consider_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o he_o believe_v will_v not_o deny_v he_o the_o free_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v it_o not_o that_o he_o have_v such_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n in_o store_n for_o he_o as_o will_v abundant_o recompense_v his_o present_a self_n denial_n and_o suffering_n let_v we_o now_o put_v both_o these_o together_o the_o pleasure_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o and_o they_o can_v but_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n with_o what_o pleasure_n do_v a_o man_n that_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o a_o virtuous_a life_n despise_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o allurement_n of_o sense_n persist_v resolute_o in_o his_o course_n and_o how_o be_v such_o a_o man_n confirm_v in_o his_o purpose_n and_o animate_v in_o his_o holy_a resolution_n when_o he_o find_v that_o god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n do_v applaud_v his_o choice_n when_o all_o along_o in_o the_o course_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o virtuous_a life_n in_o his_o conflict_n with_o sin_n and_o resistance_n of_o temptation_n he_o have_v for_o his_o present_a reward_n the_o two_o great_a pleasure_n of_o innocence_n and_o of_o victory_n and_o for_o his_o future_a encouragement_n the_o joyful_a hope_n of_o a_o crown_n and_o a_o kingdom_n a_o recompense_n so_o great_a as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o lame_a man_n walk_v enough_o to_o make_v any_o one_o willing_a to_o offer_v violence_n to_o his_o strong_a passion_n and_o inclination_n a_o man_n will_v be_v content_a to_o strive_v with_o himself_o and_o to_o conflict_n with_o great_a difficulty_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o mighty_a reward_n what_o poor_a man_n will_v not_o cheerful_o carry_v a_o great_a burden_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n that_o be_v assure_v to_o have_v the_o great_a share_n of_o it_o for_o his_o pain_n and_o thereby_o to_o be_v make_v a_o man_n for_o ever_o whatever_o difficulty_n religion_n be_v attend_v withal_o they_o be_v all_o sweeten_v and_o make_v easy_a by_o the_o proposal_n of_o a_o great_a and_o eternal_a reward_n but_o be_v there_o no_o difficulty_n then_o in_o religion_n be_v every_o thing_n so_o plain_a and_o easy_a be_v all_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n so_o smooth_a and_o even_a as_o we_o have_v here_o represent_v they_o have_v not_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o 7.14_o mat_n 7.14_o that_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o 14.22_o act._n 14.22_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o through_o much_o tributation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 3.12_o 2_o tim_n 3.12_o and_o that_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v persecution_n and_o do_v not_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o speak_v of_o strive_v and_o wrestle_v and_o run_v and_o fight_v of_o labour_v and_o watch_v and_o give_v all_o diligence_n and_o be_v there_o nothing_o grievous_a in_o all_o this_o this_o be_v a_o very_a material_a objection_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o careful_a to_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o it_o and_o that_o i_o may_v do_v it_o the_o more_o distinct_o be_v please_v to_o consider_v these_o six_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o persecution_n for_o religion_n be_v a_o extraordinary_a case_n which_o do_v chief_o concern_v the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n 2._o that_o this_o discourse_n concern_v the_o easiness_n of_o god_n command_n do_v all_o along_o suppose_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o entrance_n upon_o a_o religious_a course_n 3._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n it_o shall_v exclude_v our_o after_o care_n and_o diligence_n 4._o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n be_v very_o much_o mitigate_v and_o allay_v by_o hope_n and_o by_o love_n 5._o there_o be_v incomparable_o more_o difficulty_n and_o trouble_n in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o vice_n than_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n 6._o if_o we_o do_v but_o put_v virtue_n and_o vice_n a_o religious_a and_o a_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n in_o equal_a circumstance_n if_o we_o will_v but_o suppose_v a_o man_n as_o much_o accustom_a and_o inure_v to_o the_o one_o as_o he_o have_v be_v to_o the_o other_o than_o i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v to_o pronounce_v that_o the_o advantage_n of_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v on_o the_o side_n of_o religion_n i._o the_o suffering_n of_o persecution_n for_o religion_n be_v a_o extraordinary_a case_n and_o do_v chief_o concern_v the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o the_o general_a say_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n concern_v the_o persecute_a state_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v limit_v as_o doubtless_o they_o be_v intend_v principal_o to_o those_o first_o time_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v equal_o extend_v to_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n at_o first_o indeed_o whoever_o embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n do_v thereby_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o the_o suffering_n which_o the_o power_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o world_n can_v afflict_v they_o withal_o but_o since_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n begin_v to_o be_v patron_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v universal_o true_a that_o every_o christian_n have_v suffer_v the_o violence_n of_o persecution_n that_o it_o have_v be_v a_o rare_a case_n and_o happen_v only_o in_o some_o few_o age_n and_o to_o some_o person_n so_o that_o this_o be_v accidental_a to_o a_o state_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o ordinary_a difficulty_n of_o it_o and_o when_o it_o happen_v god_n give_v extraordinary_a support_n and_o promise_n mighty_a reward_n to_o make_v it_o tolerable_a ii_o this_o discourse_n concern_v the_o easiness_n of_o god_n command_n do_v all_o along_o suppose_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o first_o entrance_n upon_o a_o religious_a course_n except_o only_o in_o those_o person_n who_o have_v have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v train_v up_o to_o religion_n by_o the_o easy_a
the_o great_a pleasure_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o will_v be_v to_o please_v he_o for_o nothing_o be_v difficult_a to_o love_v it_o will_v make_v a_o man_n deny_v himself_o and_o cross_v his_o own_o inclination_n to_o pleasure_v they_o who_o he_o love_v it_o be_v a_o passion_n of_o a_o strange_a power_n where_o it_o reign_v and_o will_v cause_v a_o man_n to_o submit_v to_o those_o thing_n with_o delight_n which_o in_o other_o circumstance_n will_v seem_v grievous_a to_o he_o jacob_n serve_v for_o rachel_n seven_o year_n and_o after_o that_o seven_o year_n more_o and_o they_o seem_v unto_o he_o but_o a_o few_o day_n for_o the_o love_n he_o have_v to_o she_o do_v but_o the_o love_n of_o god_n rule_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o have_v we_o as_o real_a a_o affection_n for_o he_o as_o some_o man_n have_v for_o their_o friend_n there_o be_v no_o such_o difficulty_n in_o religion_n but_o what_o love_n will_v conquer_v and_o the_o severe_a part_n of_o it_o will_v become_v easy_a when_o they_o be_v once_o undertake_v by_o a_o willing_a mind_n v._o there_o be_v incomparable_o more_o trouble_n in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o vice_n than_o in_o those_o of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n every_o notorious_a sin_n be_v natural_o attend_v with_o some_o inconvenience_n of_o harm_n or_o danger_n or_o disgrace_n which_o the_o sinner_n seldom_o consider_v till_o the_o sin_n be_v commit_v and_o then_o he_o be_v in_o a_o labyrinth_n and_o in_o seek_v the_o way_n out_o of_o a_o present_a inconvenience_n he_o entangle_v himself_o in_o more_o he_o be_v glad_a to_o make_v use_n of_o indirect_a art_n and_o laborious_a craft_n to_o avoid_v the_o consequence_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o many_o time_n be_v fain_o to_o cover_v one_o sin_n with_o another_o and_o the_o more_o he_o strive_v to_o disentangle_v himself_o the_o more_o be_v he_o snare_v in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n into_o what_o perplexity_n do_v david_n sin_n bring_v he_o such_o as_o by_o all_o his_o power_n and_o art_n he_o can_v not_o free_v himself_o from_o he_o be_v glad_a to_o commit_v a_o great_a crime_n to_o avoid_v the_o shame_n of_o a_o less_o and_o can_v find_v no_o other_o way_n to_o conceal_v his_o adultery_n but_o by_o plunge_v himself_o into_o the_o guilt_n of_o murder_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v proportionable_o in_o all_o other_o vice_n the_o way_n of_o sin_n be_v crooked_a path_n full_a of_o wind_n and_o turn_n but_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n be_v a_o high_a way_n 35.8_o isa_n 35.8_o and_o lie_v so_o plain_a before_o we_o that_o wayfaring_a man_n though_o fool_n shall_v not_o err_v therein_o there_o need_v no_o skill_n to_o keep_v a_o man_n self_n true_a and_o honest_a if_o we_o will_v but_o resolve_v to_o deal_v just_o and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n to_o our_o neighbour_n nothing_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v easy_a for_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o artifice_n and_o reach_v require_v to_o enable_v a_o man_n to_o speak_v as_o he_o think_v and_o to_o do_v to_o other_o as_o he_o will_v be_v deal_v withal_o himself_o and_o as_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n be_v full_a of_o intricacy_n and_o perplexity_n so_o likewise_o of_o trouble_n and_o disquiet_v there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o wilful_o commit_v any_o sin_n but_o his_o conscience_n smite_v he_o for_o it_o and_o his_o guilty_a mind_n be_v frequent_o gall_v with_o the_o remembrance_n of_o it_o but_o the_o reflection_n upon_o honest_a and_o virtuous_a action_n have_v nothing_o of_o regret_n and_o disquiet_n in_o it_o no_o man_n conscience_n ever_o trouble_v he_o for_o not_o be_v honest_a no_o man_n reason_n ever_o challenge_v he_o for_o not_o be_v drink_v no_o man_n ever_o break_v his_o sleep_n or_o be_v haunt_v with_o fear_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n because_o he_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o the_o world_n but_o with_o the_o ungodly_a it_o be_v not_o so_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o be_v know_o wicked_a but_o he_o be_v guilty_a to_o himself_o and_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o carry_v guilt_n about_o he_o but_o he_o have_v receive_v a_o sting_n into_o his_o soul_n which_o make_v he_o restless_a so_o that_o he_o can_v never_o have_v any_o perfect_a case_n and_o pleasure_n in_o his_o mind_n i_o may_v have_v descend_v to_o particular_a instance_n and_o have_v show_v how_o much_o more_o troublesome_a the_o practice_n of_o every_o sin_n and_o vice_n be_v than_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o contrary_a grace_n and_o virtue_n but_o that_o will_v be_v too_o large_a a_o subject_a to_o be_v bring_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o a_o single_a discourse_n vi_o let_v but_o virtue_n and_o vice_n a_o religious_a and_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n be_v put_v in_o equal_a circumstance_n do_v but_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o be_v as_o much_o accustom_a and_o snure_v to_o the_o one_o as_o he_o have_v be_v to_o the_o other_o and_o then_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o advantage_n of_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v on_o the_o side_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o put_v the_o case_n thus_o we_o make_v a_o unequal_a comparison_n for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o when_o he_o first_o begin_v a_o wicked_a course_n feel_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o regret_n in_o his_o mind_n the_o terror_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o damnation_n be_v very_o troublesome_a to_o he_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o by_o degree_n a_o man_n may_v harden_v his_o conscience_n and_o by_o a_o long_a custom_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o by_o a_o long_a custom_n of_o sin_v may_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n wear_v off_o that_o tender_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o make_v sin_n so_o uneasy_a but_o then_o if_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n a_o man_n may_v by_o the_o same_o degree_n arrive_v to_o far_o great_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n than_o ever_o any_o wicked_a man_n find_v in_o a_o sinful_a course_n if_o by_o custom_n virtue_n will_v come_v to_o be_v more_o pleasant_a than_o ever_o vice_n be_v than_o the_o advantage_n be_v plain_o on_o the_o side_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v true_o the_o case_n it_o be_v troublesome_a at_o first_o for_o a_o man_n to_o begin_v any_o new_a course_n and_o to_o do_v contrary_a to_o what_o he_o have_v be_v accustom_a too_o but_o let_v a_o man_n but_o habituate_v himself_o to_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a life_n and_o the_o trouble_n will_v go_v off_o by_o degree_n and_o unspeakable_a pleasure_n succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a rule_n which_o pythagoras_n give_v to_o his_o scholar_n optimum_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la genus_fw-la eligito_fw-la nam_fw-la consuetudo_fw-la faciet_fw-la jâ—cundissmum_fw-la pitch_n upon_o the_o best_a course_n of_o life_n resolve_v always_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o virtuous_a and_o custom_n will_v soon_o render_v it_o the_o most_o easy_a there_o be_v nothing_o of_o difficulty_n in_o a_o good_a life_n but_o what_o 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mean_n whereby_o that_o happiness_n be_v to_o be_v attain_v ii_o the_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n do_v imply_v likewise_o the_o effect_n which_o those_o consideration_n ought_v to_o have_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n as_o 1._o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n god_n have_v on_o purpose_n make_v this_o world_n troublesome_a and_o uneasy_a to_o we_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o sufficient_a temptation_n to_o reasonable_a and_o considerate_a man_n to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o the_o care_n and_o thought_n of_o their_o future_a happiness_n that_o god_n and_o heaven_n may_v have_v no_o rival_n here_o below_o that_o there_o may_v be_v nothing_o in_o this_o world_n that_o may_v pretend_v to_o our_o affection_n or_o court_v we_o with_o any_o advantage_n in_o comparison_n of_o everlasting_a life_n and_o glory_n when_o we_o come_v to_o die_v and_o eternity_n shall_v present_v itself_o to_o our_o serious_a and_o wake_a thought_n than_o thing_n will_v put_v on_o another_o face_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o value_v so_o much_o in_o this_o life_n will_v then_o appear_v to_o be_v nothing_o worth_a but_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o neglect_v to_o be_v of_o infinite_a concernment_n to_o we_o and_o worthy_a to_o have_v be_v the_o care_n and_o endeavour_v of_o our_o whole_a life_n and_o if_o we_o will_v consider_v these_o thing_n in_o time_n while_o the_o opportunity_n of_o life_n and_o health_n be_v before_o we_o we_o may_v be_v convince_v at_o a_o cheap_a rate_n and_o come_v to_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o world_n before_o we_o despair_v of_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o 2._o to_o make_v we_o very_o active_a and_o industrious_a to_o be_v as_o good_a and_o to_o do_v as_o much_o good_a as_o we_o can_v in_o this_o life_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v qualify_v and_o dispose_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o man_n be_v usual_o very_o industrious_a for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n to_o 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we_o feel_v in_o our_o heart_n we_o shall_v be_v all_o life_n and_o spirit_n and_o wing_n and_o shall_v do_v god_n will_n almost_o with_o the_o same_o readiness_n and_o delight_n as_o the_o angel_n do_v who_o continual_o behold_v the_o face_n of_o their_o father_n the_o consideration_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o our_o future_a happiness_n shall_v actuate_v all_o the_o power_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o be_v continual_o inspire_v we_o with_o new_a vigour_n in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n how_o shall_v this_o thought_n swell_v our_o resolution_n and_o confirm_v our_o purpose_n of_o obedience_n that_o if_o we_o have_v our_o fruit_n unto_o holiness_n our_o end_n will_v be_v everlasting_a life_n 3._o to_o mitigate_v and_o lighten_v the_o evil_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o life_n it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n how_o rough_a the_o way_n be_v provide_v we_o be_v sure_a that_o it_o lead_v to_o happiness_n the_o incomparable_o great_a good_a of_o the_o next_o life_n will_v to_o a_o wise_a and_o considerate_a man_n weigh_v down_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o and_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o they_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n which_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o 8.18_o rom._n 8.18_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n afflict_v man_n more_o or_o less_o according_a as_o the_o soul_n be_v fortify_v with_o consideration_n proper_a to_o support_v we_o under_o they_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v but_o a_o little_a while_n to_o be_v here_o that_o we_o be_v upon_o our_o journey_n travel_v towards_o our_o heavenly_a country_n where_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o all_o the_o delight_n we_o can_v desire_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o trouble_v we_o much_o to_o endure_v storm_n and_o foul_a way_n and_o to_o want_v many_o of_o those_o accommodation_n we_o may_v expect_v at_o home_n this_o be_v the_o common_a fate_n of_o traveller_n and_o we_o must_v take_v thing_n as_o we_o find_v they_o and_o not_o look_v to_o have_v every_o thing_n just_a to_o our_o mind_n these_o difficulty_n and_o inconvenience_n will_v short_o be_v over_o and_o after_o a_o few_o day_n will_v be_v quite_o forget_v and_o be_v to_o we_o as_o if_o they_o have_v never_o be_v and_o when_o we_o be_v safe_o land_v in_o our_o own_o country_n with_o what_o pleasure_n shall_v we_o look_v back_o upon_o those_o rough_a and_o boisterous_a sea_n which_o we_o have_v escape_v the_o more_o trouble_v we_o have_v pass_v through_o the_o kind_a usage_n we_o shall_v find_v when_o we_o come_v to_o our_o father_n house_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n our_o happiness_n shall_v then_o be_v as_o real_a as_o our_o misery_n be_v here_o upon_o earth_n and_o far_o great_a and_o more_o last_a and_o what_o great_a matter_n be_v it_o though_o we_o suffer_v a_o while_n in_o this_o world_n provide_v we_o escape_v the_o endless_a unsufferable_a torment_n of_o the_o next_o though_o we_o have_v not_o our_o good_a thing_n in_o this_o life_n if_o infinite_o great_a be_v reserve_v for_o we_o and_o we_o shall_v receive_v they_o with_o interest_n in_o the_o other_o several_a of_o the_o evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o this_o life_n will_v be_v unsufferable_a indeed_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o better_a to_o be_v hope_v for_o hereafter_o if_o this_o be_v true_a christian_n will_v not_o only_o be_v of_o all_o man_n but_o of_o all_o creature_n the_o most_o miserable_a but_o out_o religion_n have_v abundant_o assure_v we_o to_o the_o contrary_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o primitive_a christian_n to_o embrace_v suffering_n with_o so_o much_o cheerfulness_n to_o glory_n in_o tribulation_n and_o to_o take_v joyful_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n know_v that_o in_o heaven_n they_o have_v a_o better_a and_o more_o endure_a substance_n the_o seven_o brethren_n in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o maccabee_n upon_o this_o persuasion_n will_v not_o accept_v deliverance_n that_o they_o may_v obtain_v a_o better_a resurrection_n that_o storm_n of_o stone_n which_o be_v pour_v upon_o st._n stephen_n be_v no_o more_o to_o he_o than_o a_o common_a shower_n when_o he_o see_v the_o heaven_n open_v and_o jesus_n in_o who_o cause_n he_o suffer_v stand_v on_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n 4._o to_o make_v we_o sincere_a in_o all_o our_o profession_n word_n and_o action_n do_v man_n firm_o believe_v the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n their_o religion_n will_v not_o be_v only_o in_o show_n and_o pretence_n but_o in_o life_n and_o reality_n no_o man_n will_v put_v on_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n that_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o power_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v do_v nothing_o for_o the_o opinion_n of_o other_o but_o 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