ought_v not_o to_o pretend_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o plain_a and_o safe_a path_n of_o religion_n which_o will_v entertain_v we_o with_o pleasure_n all_o along_o in_o the_o way_n and_o crown_v we_o with_o happiness_n at_o the_o end_n 2_o tim_n 2.19_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n the_o whole_a verse_n run_v thus_o nevertheless_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o and_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n in_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n declare_v to_o we_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n for_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v here_o translate_a foundation_n according_a to_o the_o usual_a signification_n of_o it_o be_v likewise_o as_o learned_a man_n have_v observe_v sometime_o use_v for_o a_o instrument_n of_o contract_n whereby_o two_o party_n do_v oblige_v themselves_o mutual_o to_o each_o other_o and_o this_o notion_n of_o the_o word_n agree_v very_o well_o with_o what_o follow_v concern_v the_o seal_n assix_v to_o it_o which_o be_v very_o fuitable_a to_o a_o covenant_n but_o not_o at_o all_o to_o a_o foundation_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o as_o the_o learned_a grotius_n have_v observe_v there_o use_v ancient_o to_o be_v inscription_n on_o foundation-stone_n and_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v seal_n may_v likewise_o signify_v a_o inscription_n and_o then_o the_o sense_n will_v be_v very_a current_n thus_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o inscription_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o though_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v signify_v a_o inscription_n yet_o it_o be_v only_o a_o inscription_n upon_o a_o seal_n which_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o a_o foundation_n but_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o a_o covenant_n or_o mutual_a obligation_n and_o according_o the_o seal_v affix_v to_o this_o instrument_n or_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v in_o allusion_n to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o country_n say_v to_o have_v a_o inscription_n on_o both_o side_n agreeable_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n contract_v on_o god_n part_n there_o be_v this_o impress_n or_o inscription_n the_o lord_n know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o that_o be_v god_n will_v own_v and_o reward_v those_o that_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o and_o on_o our_o part_n let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v that_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n for_o to_o name_v the_o name_n of_o any_o one_o or_o to_o have_v his_o name_n call_v upon_o by_o we_o do_v according_a to_o the_o use_n of_o this_o phrase_n among_o the_o hebrew_n signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o be_v denominate_v from_o he_o thus_o it_o be_v frequent_o use_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o sometime_o in_o the_o new_a 2.7_o jam._n 2.7_o do_v they_o not_o blaspheme_v that_o worthy_a name_n by_o the_o which_o you_o be_v call_v that_o be_v the_o name_n or_o title_n of_o christian_n and_o that_o expression_n 14._o 1_o pet._n 〈◊〉_d 14._o if_o you_o be_v reproach_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v at_o the_o sixteenth_o verse_n vary_v if_o any_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a so_o that_o to_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o call_v ourselves_o christian_n let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v often_o take_v strict_o for_o injustice_n or_o unrighteousness_n but_o sometime_o use_v more_o large_o for_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o the_o general_a and_o so_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v use_v here_o in_o the_o text_n because_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n from_o the_o context_n to_o restrain_v it_o to_o any_o particular_a kind_n of_o sin_n or_o vice_n and_o because_o christianity_n lay_v a_o equal_a obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o abstain_v from_o all_o sin_n let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n that_o be_v every_o christian_a oblige_v himself_o by_o his_o procession_n to_o renounce_v all_o sin_n and_o to_o live_v a_o holy_a life_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o show_v what_o obligation_n the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o man_n to_o live_v holy_a life_n 2._o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v those_o who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n to_o answer_v this_o obligation_n i._o what_o obligation_n the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o man_n to_o live_v holy_a life_n he_o that_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n profess_v to_o entertain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o live_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o his_o holy_a example_n and_o to_o have_v solemn_o engage_v himself_o to_o all_o this_o i_o shall_v speak_v brief_o to_o these_o and_o then_o come_v to_o that_o which_o i_o principal_o intend_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o live_v according_o 1._o he_o that_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n profess_v to_o entertain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o believe_v the_o whole_a gospel_n to_o assent_v to_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o all_o the_o precept_n and_o promise_n and_o theatning_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o the_o great_a design_n the_o proper_a intention_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o sin_n and_o to_o direct_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n it_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v god_n and_o christ_n not_o with_o any_o design_n to_o entertain_v our_o mind_n with_o the_o bare_a speculation_n of_o those_o truth_n but_o to_o better_a our_o life_n for_o every_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v a_o proper_a argument_n against_o sin_n and_o a_o powerful_a motive_n to_o obedience_n the_o whole_a history_n of_o christ_n appearance_n in_o the_o world_n all_o the_o discourse_n and_o action_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o his_o death_n do_v all_o tend_v to_o this_o the_o ultimate_a issue_n of_o all_o be_v the_o destroy_n of_o sin_n so_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o 3.8_o 1_o joh._n 3.8_o for_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n manifest_v that_o he_o may_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o this_o be_v most_o express_o and_o full_o declare_v to_o we_o tit._n 2.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v strict_o command_v holiness_n and_o that_o universal_a the_o purity_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o chastity_n of_o our_o body_n 7.1_o 2_o cor._n 7.1_o to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n 5.22_o 1_o thes_n 5.22_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o kind_n of_o evil_n 1.15_o 1_o pet._n 1.15_o to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n they_o require_v we_o to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v attainable_a by_o we_o in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n to_o be_v holy_a as_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o be_v holy_a 5.48_o mat._n 5.48_o to_o be_v perfect_a as_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o many_o encouragement_n to_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n â—_o â—_o cor._n 7._o â—_o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n we_o be_v tell_v by_o st._n peter_n that_o these_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n be_v give_v to_o we_o that_o by_o these_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n 1.4_o 2_o pet._n 1.4_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o that_o we_o may_v give_v all_o diligence_n to_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o patience_n and_o brotherly-kindness_n and_o charity_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o many_o powerful_a argument_n against_o sin_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o gospel_n the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n
18._o rom._n 1.16_o 18._o because_o therein_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n so_o that_o if_o we_o call_v ourselves_o christians_o we_o profess_v to_o embrace_v the_o holy_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v perfect_o opposite_a to_o all_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n of_o life_n we_o profess_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o those_o law_n which_o do_v strict_o enjoin_v holiness_n and_o virtue_n we_o profess_v to_o be_v persuade_v that_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a which_o offer_v such_o great_a and_o glorious_a reward_n to_o obedience_n and_o threaten_v transgression_n and_o disobedience_n with_o such_o dreadful_a punishment_n and_o if_o so_o we_o be_v oblige_v both_o by_o our_o reason_n and_o our_o interest_n to_o live_v according_o 2._o he_o that_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n profess_v to_o live_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o christ_n example_n and_o to_o follow_v his_o step_n who_o do_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v into_o the_o world_n not_o only_o by_o his_o doctrine_n to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o by_o his_o death_n to_o make_v expiation_n of_o sin_n but_o by_o his_o life_n to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o we_o of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n therefore_o in_o scripture_n we_o find_v several_a title_n give_v he_o which_o import_n his_o exemplariness_n as_o of_o a_o prince_n and_o a_o captain_n a_o master_n and_o a_o guide_n now_o if_o he_o be_v our_o pattern_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o he_o to_o have_v the_o same_o mind_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o walk_v in_o love_n as_o he_o also_o have_v love_v we_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o we_o shall_v aspire_v after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n make_v it_o our_o constant_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n and_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n as_o he_o do_v do_v any_o man_n profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n and_o yet_o abandon_v himself_o to_o intemperance_n and_o filthy_a lust_n be_v this_o like_o our_o saviour_n be_v we_o cruel_a and_o unmerciful_a be_v this_o like_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o profession_n be_v we_o proud_a and_o passionate_a malicious_a and_o revengeful_a be_v this_o to_o be_v likeminded_a with_o christ_n who_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o spirit_n who_o pray_v for_o his_o enemy_n and_o offer_v up_o his_o blood_n to_o god_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o they_o that_o shed_v it_o if_o we_o call_v ourselves_o christians_o we_o profess_v to_o have_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n continual_o before_o we_o and_o to_o be_v always_o correct_v and_o reform_v our_o life_n by_o that_o pattern_n 3._o he_o that_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n have_v solemn_o engage_v himself_o to_o renounce_v all_o sin_n and_o to_o live_v a_o holy_a life_n by_o baptism_n we_o have_v solemn_o take_v upon_o we_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o engage_v ourselves_o to_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n and_o obedient_o to_o keep_v god_n commandment_n ancient_o those_o who_o be_v baptize_v put_v off_o their_o garment_n which_o signify_v the_o put_v off_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v immerse_v and_o bury_v in_o the_o water_n to_o represent_v their_o death_n of_o sin_n and_o then_o do_v rise_v up_o again_o out_o of_o the_o water_n to_o signify_v their_o entrance_n upon_o a_o new_a life_n and_o to_o these_o custom_n the_o apostle_n allude_v when_o he_o say_v how_o shall_v we_o that_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n live_v any_o long_a therein_o 6._o rom._n 6.2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o know_v you_o not_o that_o so_o many_o of_o we_o as_o be_v baptize_v into_o jesus_n christ_n be_v baptize_v into_o his_o death_n therefore_o we_o be_v bury_v with_o he_o in_o baptism_n into_o death_n that_o like_a as_o christ_n be_v raise_v up_o from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n even_o so_o we_o also_o shall_v walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n for_o if_o we_o have_v be_v plant_v together_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o death_n we_o shall_v be_v also_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n know_v this_o that_o our_o old_a man_n be_v crucify_v with_o he_o that_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v destroy_v that_o henceforth_o we_o may_v not_o serve_v sin_n so_o that_o by_o baptism_n we_o profess_v to_o be_v enter_v into_o a_o new_a state_n and_o to_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o new_a nature_n to_o have_v put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n to_o have_v quit_v our_o former_a conversation_n which_o be_v corrupt_a according_a to_o the_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o therefore_o baptism_n be_v call_v the_o put_v on_o of_o christ_n 3.27_o gal._n 3.27_o as_o many_o of_o you_o as_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n have_v put_v on_o christ_n now_o if_o we_o profess_v to_o have_v put_v on_o christ_n we_o must_v quit_v and_o renounce_v our_o lust_n because_o these_o be_v inconsistent_a as_o appear_v by_o the_o opposition_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v between_o they_o put_v you_o on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o make_v not_o provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o 13.14_o rom._n 13.14_o and_o as_o we_o do_v solemn_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o baptism_n so_o we_o do_v solemn_o renew_v this_o obligation_n so_o often_o as_o we_o receive_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n therefore_o the_o cup_n in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v call_v the_o new_a covenant_n in_o his_o blood_n that_o be_v this_o represent_v the_o shed_n of_o christ_n blood_n by_o which_o rite_n the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v ratify_v and_o as_o by_o this_o god_n do_v confirm_v his_o promise_n to_o we_o so_o we_o do_v oblige_v ourselves_o to_o be_v faithful_a and_o obedient_a to_o he_o and_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v after_o we_o be_v become_v christian_n we_o account_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o common_a thing_n that_o be_v we_o make_v nothing_o of_o the_o solemne_v rite_n that_o ever_o be_v use_v in_o the_o world_n for_o confirmation_n of_o any_o covenant_n the_o shed_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o this_o be_v always_o understand_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n to_o renew_v our_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o solemn_o to_o confirm_v our_o resolution_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v very_o plain_a from_o that_o account_n which_o pliny_n 97._o pliny_n plin._n epist_n l._n 10._o epist_n 97._o give_v we_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o trajan_n the_o emperor_n in_o which_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o they_o assemble_v early_o in_o the_o morning_n before_o day_n to_o sing_v a_o hymn_n to_o christ_n as_o god_n and_o then_o say_v he_o they_o do_v sacramento_fw-la se_fw-la obstringere_fw-la bound_v themselves_o by_o a_o sacrament_n or_o oath_n not_o to_o rob_v or_o steal_v or_o commit_v adultery_n not_o to_o break_v their_o word_n or_o falsisie_n their_o trust_n and_o after_o they_o have_v eat_v together_o they_o depart_v home_o which_o be_v plain_o a_o account_n of_o the_o christian_n celebrate_v of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v then_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o oath_n whereby_o christian_n do_v solemn_o covenant_n and_o engage_v themselves_o against_o all_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n thus_o you_o see_v what_o obligation_n the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o we_o to_o holiness_n of_o life_n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o gospel_n require_v something_o on_o our_o part_n for_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o we_o be_v a_o mutual_a engagement_n and_o as_o there_o be_v blessing_n promise_v on_o his_o part_n so_o there_o be_v condition_n to_o be_v perform_v on_o we_o and_o if_o we_o live_v wicked_a and_o unholy_a life_n if_o we_o neglect_v our_o duty_n towards_o god_n we_o have_v no_o title_n at_o all_o to_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o covenant_n the_o contrary_a doctrine_n to_o this_o have_v be_v greedy_o entertain_v to_o the_o vast_a prejudice_n of_o christianity_n as_o if_o in_o this_o new_a covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n god_n take_v all_o upon_o himself_o and_o require_v nothing_o or_o as_o good_a as_o nothing_o of_o we_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o disparagement_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o think_v he_o expect_v any_o thing_n
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
any_o excellency_n and_o i_o have_v show_v that_o religion_n be_v the_o great_a excellency_n to_o be_v singular_a in_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v wise_a and_o worthy_a and_o excellent_a be_v not_o a_o disparagement_n but_o a_o praise_n every_o man_n will_v choose_v to_o be_v thus_o singular_a iii_o the_o three_o imputation_n be_v that_o religion_n be_v a_o foolish_a bargain_n because_o they_o who_o be_v religious_a hazard_n the_o part_n with_o a_o present_a and_o certain_a happiness_n for_o that_o which_o be_v future_a and_o uncertain_a to_o this_o i_o answer_v 1._o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o assurance_n which_o we_o have_v of_o future_a reward_n fall_v short_a of_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o that_o say_n of_o our_o saviour_n bless_a be_v he_o who_o have_v believe_v and_o not_o see_v and_o those_o expression_n of_o the_o apostle_n we_o walk_v by_o faith_n and_o not_o by_o sight_n and_o faith_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v be_v intend_v by_o way_n of_o abatement_n and_o diminution_n to_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n and_o do_v sign_n fie_o that_o the_o report_n and_o testimony_n of_o other_o be_v not_o so_o great_a evidence_n as_o that_o of_o our_o own_o sense_n and_o though_o we_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n of_o another_o state_n yet_o not_o man_n can_v think_v we_o have_v so_o great_a evidence_n as_o if_o we_o ourselves_o have_v be_v in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o see_v how_o all_o thing_n be_v there_o 2._o we_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o such_o as_o may_v beget_v in_o we_o a_o well_o ground_a confidence_n and_o free_v we_o from_o all_o doubt_n of_o the_o contrary_a and_o persuade_v a_o reasonable_a man_n to_o venture_v his_o great_a interest_n in_o this_o world_n upon_o the_o security_n that_o he_o have_v of_o another_o for_o 1._o we_o have_v as_o much_o assurance_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o thing_n future_a and_o at_o a_o distance_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o he_o be_v a_o very_a unreasonable_a man_n that_o will_v desire_v more_o future_a and_o invisible_a thing_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n but_o we_o have_v the_o great_a rational_a evidence_n for_o they_o and_o in_o this_o every_o reasonable_a man_n ought_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v 2._o we_o have_v as_o much_o as_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o justify_v every_o man_n discretion_n who_o for_o the_o great_a and_o eternal_a thing_n of_o another_o world_n hazard_n or_o part_n with_o the_o poor_a and_o transitory_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o for_o the_o clear_n of_o this_o it_o will_v be_v worth_a our_o consider_v that_o the_o great_a affair_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o most_o important_a concernment_n of_o this_o life_n be_v all_o conduct_v only_o by_o moral_a demonstration_n man_n every_o day_n venture_v their_o life_n and_o estate_n only_o upon_o moral_a assurance_n for_o instance_n man_n who_o never_o be_v at_o the_o east_n or_o west-indies_n or_o in_o turkey_n or_o spain_n yet_o do_v venture_v their_o whole_a estate_n in_o traffic_n thither_o though_o they_o have_v no_o mathematical_a demonstration_n but_o only_o moral_a assurance_n that_o there_o be_v such_o place_n nay_o which_o be_v more_o man_n every_o day_n eat_v and_o drink_v though_o i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v demonstrate_v out_o of_o euclid_n or_o apollonius_n that_o his_o baker_n or_o brewer_n or_o cook_n have_v not_o convey_v poison_n into_o his_o meat_n or_o drink_n and_o that_o man_n that_o will_v be_v so_o wise_a and_o cautious_a as_o not_o to_o eat_v or_o drink_v till_o he_o can_v demonstrate_v this_o to_o himself_o i_o know_v no_o other_o remedy_n for_o he_o but_o that_o in_o great_a gravity_n and_o wifedom_n he_o must_v die_v for_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o for_o any_o man_n to_o urge_v that_o though_o man_n in_o temporal_a affair_n proceed_v upon_o moral_a assurance_n yet_o there_o be_v great_a assurance_n require_v to_o make_v man_n seek_v heaven_n and_o avoid_v hell_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v high_o unreasonable_a for_o such_o a_o assurance_n of_o thing_n as_o will_v make_v man_n circumspect_a and_o careful_a to_o avoid_v a_o lesser_a dangér_n ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o awaken_v man_n much_o more_o to_o the_o avoid_n of_o a_o great_a such_o a_o assurance_n as_o will_v sharpen_v man_n desire_n and_o quicken_v their_o endeavour_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o a_o lesser_a good_a ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o animate_v man_n more_o powerful_o and_o to_o inspire_v they_o with_o a_o great_a vigour_n and_o industry_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o that_o which_o be_v infinite_o great_a for_o why_o the_o same_o assurance_n shall_v not_o operate_v as_o well_o in_o a_o great_a danger_n as_o in_o a_o less_o in_o a_o great_a good_a as_o in_o a_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a one_o i_o can_v see_v no_o reason_n unless_o man_n will_v say_v that_o the_o greatness_n of_o a_o evil_a danger_n be_v a_o encouragement_n to_o man_n to_o run_v upon_o it_o and_o that_o the_o greatness_n of_o any_o good_a and_o happiness_n ought_v in_o reason_n to_o dishearten_v man_n from_o the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o and_o now_o i_o think_v i_o may_v with_o reason_n entreat_v such_o as_o be_v atheistical_o incline_v to_o consider_v these_o thing_n serious_o and_o impartial_o and_o if_o there_o be_v weight_n in_o these_o consideration_n which_o i_o have_v offer_v to_o they_o to_o sway_v with_o reasonable_a man_n i_o will_v beg_v of_o such_o that_o they_o will_v not_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v bias_v by_o prejudice_n or_o passion_n or_o the_o interest_n of_o any_o lust_n or_o worldly_a advantage_n to_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n first_o i_o will_v entreat_v they_o serious_o and_o diligent_o to_o consider_v these_o thing_n because_o they_o be_v of_o so_o great_a moment_n and_o concernment_n to_o every_o man_n if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n deserve_v our_o serious_a study_n and_o consideration_n these_o principle_n of_o religion_n do_v for_o what_o can_v import_v we_o more_o to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o than_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o not_o whether_o our_o soul_n shall_v perish_v with_o our_o body_n or_o be_v immortal_a and_o shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o and_o if_o so_o whether_o in_o that_o eternal_a state_n which_o remain_v for_o man_n after_o this_o life_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o ever_o according_a as_o they_o have_v demean_v themselves_o in_o this_o world_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o they_o be_v of_o infinite_a consequence_n to_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o high_o concern_v we_o to_o inquire_v diligent_o about_o they_o and_o to_o satisfy_v our_o mind_n concern_v they_o one_o way_n or_o other_o for_o these_o be_v not_o matter_n to_o be_v slight_o and_o superficial_o think_v upon_o much_o less_o as_o the_o way_n of_o atheistical_a man_n be_v to_o be_v play_v and_o jest_v withal_o there_o be_v no_o great_a argument_n of_o a_o light_n and_o inconsiderate_a person_n than_o profane_o to_o scoff_n at_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o that_o man_n have_v no_o regard_n to_o himself_o and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o touch_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o interest_n who_o love_v to_o be_v jest_v with_o edge_a tool_n and_o to_o play_v with_o life_n and_o death_n this_o be_v the_o very_a madman_n that_o solomon_n speak_v of_o 26.18_o prov._n 26.18_o who_o cast_v firebrand_n arrow_n and_o death_n and_o say_v be_o i_o not_o in_o sport_n to_o examine_v severe_o and_o debate_v serious_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o thing_n worthy_a of_o a_o wise_a man_n but_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v turn_v religion_n into_o raillery_n and_o think_v to_o confute_v it_o by_o two_o or_o three_o bold_a jest_n this_o man_n do_v not_o render_v religion_n but_o himself_o ridiculous_a in_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o considerate_a man_n because_o he_o sport_n with_o his_o own_o life_n if_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a yet_o they_o concern_v we_o so_o near_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v serious_a in_o the_o examination_n of_o they_o and_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o clear_a and_o evident_a yet_o they_o may_v be_v make_v ridiculous_a by_o vain_a and_o frothy_a man_n as_o the_o grave_a and_o wise_a person_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v abuse_v by_o be_v put_v into_o a_o fool_n coat_n and_o the_o most_o noble_a and_o excellent_a poem_n may_v be_v debase_v and_o make_v vile_a by_o be_v turn_v into_o burlesque_fw-la but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v more_o large_o in_o my_o next_o discourse_n so_o that_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n that_o will_v not_o trifle_v away_o his_o soul_n and_o fool_n himself_o into_o irrecoverable_a misery_n with_o the_o great_a seriousness_n to_o inquire_v into_o these_o matter_n whether_o
to_o religion_n religion_n be_v against_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o set_v themselves_o against_o religion_n the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v terrible_a enemy_n to_o wicked_a man_n they_o be_v continnual_o fly_v in_o their_o face_n and_o gall_v their_o conscience_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v they_o kick_v against_o religion_n and_o spurn_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o holy_a book_n and_o this_o may_v probable_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o many_o man_n who_o be_v observe_v to_o be_v sufficient_o dull_a in_o other_o matter_n yet_o can_v talk_v profane_o and_o speak_v against_o religion_n with_o some_o kind_n of_o salt_n and_o smartness_n because_o religion_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o fret_v they_o and_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n so_o in_o this_o vexatio_fw-la that_fw-mi intellectum_fw-la the_o inward_a trouble_n and_o vexation_n of_o their_o mind_n give_v they_o some_o kind_n of_o wit_n and_o sharpness_n in_o rally_v upon_o religion_n their_o conscience_n be_v gall_v by_o it_o and_o this_o make_v they_o winch_v and_o fling_v as_o if_o they_o have_v some_o metal_n for_o let_v man_n pretend_v what_o they_o will_v there_o be_v no_o ease_n and_o comfort_n of_o mind_n to_o be_v have_v from_o atheistical_a principle_n it_o be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o none_o be_v more_o apprehensive_a of_o danger_n or_o more_o fearful_a of_o death_n than_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n even_o when_o they_o be_v in_o prosperity_n they_o ever_o and_o anon_o feel_v many_o inward_a sting_n and_o lash_n but_o when_o any_o great_a affliction_n or_o calamity_n overtake_v they_o they_o be_v the_o most_o poor_a spirit_a creature_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o sum_n be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o any_o man_n be_v a_o atheist_n be_v because_o he_o be_v a_o wicked_a man_n religion_n will_v curb_v he_o in_o his_o lust_n and_o therefore_o he_o cast_v it_o off_o and_o put_v all_o the_o scorn_n upon_o it_o he_o can_v beside_o that_o man_n think_v it_o some_o kind_n of_o apology_n for_o their_o vice_n that_o they_o do_v not_o act_v contrary_a to_o any_o principle_n they_o profess_v their_o practice_n be_v agreeable_a to_o what_o they_o pretend_v to_o believe_v and_o so_o they_o think_v to_o vindicate_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o practice_n by_o laugh_v at_o those_o for_o fool_n who_o believe_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a iii_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propound_v be_v to_o represent_v to_o you_o the_o heinousness_n and_o the_o aggravation_n of_o this_o vice_n and_o to_o make_v this_o out_o we_o will_v make_v these_o three_o supposition_n which_o be_v as_o many_o as_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v 1._o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v false_a 2._o suppose_v the_o matter_n be_v doubtful_a and_o the_o argument_n equal_a on_o both_o side_n 3._o suppose_v it_o certain_a 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 put_v the_o case_n how_o we_o will_v i_o shall_v show_v that_o the_o humour_n be_v intolerable_a i._o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v false_a not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o reason_n for_o such_o a_o supposition_n but_o only_o to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o humour_n put_v the_o case_n that_o these_o man_n be_v in_o the_o right_n in_o deny_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o all_o that_o they_o pretend_v be_v true_a yet_o so_o long_o as_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n believe_v the_o contrary_a it_o be_v certain_o a_o great_a rudeness_n or_o incivility_n at_o least_o to_o deride_v and_o scoff_n at_o these_o thing_n indeed_o upon_o this_o supposition_n there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o sin_n but_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a offence_n against_o the_o law_n of_o civil_a conversation_n suppose_v then_o the_o atheist_n be_v wise_a than_o all_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o do_v upon_o good_a ground_n know_v that_o all_o mankind_n beside_o himself_o and_o two_o or_o three_o more_o be_v mistake_v about_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v either_o so_o wise_a or_o so_o civil_a as_o he_o shall_v be_v he_o will_v keep_v all_o this_o to_o himself_o and_o not_o affront_v other_o man_n about_o these_o thing_n i_o remember_v that_o that_o law_n which_o god_n give_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n thou_o shall_v not_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o ruler_n of_o thy_o people_n be_v render_v by_o josephus_n in_o a_o very_a different_a sense_n what_o other_o nation_n account_v god_n let_v no_o man_n blaspheme_v and_o this_o be_v not_o so_o different_a from_o the_o hebrew_n as_o at_o first_o sight_n one_o will_v imagine_v for_o the_o same_o hebrew_n word_n signify_v both_o god_n and_o ruler_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o law_n or_o not_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o thing_n for_o though_o every_o man_n have_v a_o right_n in_o dispute_n against_o a_o false_a religion_n and_o to_o urge_v it_o with_o all_o its_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a consequence_n as_o the_o ancient_a father_n do_v in_o their_o dispute_n with_o the_o heathen_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o barbarous_a incivility_n for_o any_o man_n scurrilous_o to_o make_v sport_n with_o that_o which_o other_o account_v religion_n not_o with_o any_o design_n to_o convince_v their_o reason_n but_o only_o to_o provoke_v their_o rage_n but_o now_o the_o atheist_n can_v pretend_v no_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n why_o he_o shall_v so_o much_o as_o dispute_v against_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n much_o less_o deride_v they_o he_o that_o pretend_v to_o any_o religion_n may_v pretend_v conscience_n for_o oppose_v a_o contrary_a religion_n but_o he_o that_o deny_v all_o religion_n can_v pretend_v no_o conscience_n for_o any_o thing_n a_o man_n may_v be_v oblige_v indeed_o in_o reason_n and_o common_a humanity_n to_o free_v his_o neighbour_n from_o a_o hurtful_a error_n but_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o god_n this_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n have_v take_v such_o deep_a root_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o either_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extinguish_v or_o if_o they_o be_v it_o will_v be_v no_o kindness_n to_o any_o man_n to_o endeavour_v it_o for_o he_o because_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v but_o with_o so_o much_o trouble_v and_o violence_n that_o the_o remedy_n will_v be_v worse_o than_o the_o disease_n for_o if_o this_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v found_v in_o a_o natural_a fear_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o attempt_v to_o expel_v it_o for_o whatever_o violence_n may_v be_v offer_v to_o nature_n by_o endeavour_v to_o reason_n man_n into_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n nature_n will_v still_o recoil_v and_o at_o last_o return_n to_o itself_o and_o then_o the_o fear_n will_v be_v augment_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o dangerous_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o impiety_n so_o that_o nothing_o can_v create_v more_o trouble_n to_o a_o man_n than_o to_o endeavour_v to_o dispossess_v he_o of_o this_o conceit_n because_o nature_n be_v but_o irritate_v by_o the_o contest_v and_o the_o man_n fear_n will_v be_v double_v upon_o he_o but_o if_o we_o suppose_v this_o apprehension_n of_o a_o deity_n to_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o nature_n but_o to_o have_v have_v its_o rise_n from_o tradition_n which_o have_v be_v confirm_v in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o prejudice_n of_o education_n the_o difficulty_n of_o remove_v it_o will_v almost_o be_v as_o great_a as_o if_o it_o be_v natural_a that_o which_o man_n take_v in_o by_o education_n be_v next_o to_o that_o which_o be_v natural_a and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v extinguish_v yet_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o will_v not_o recompense_v the_o trouble_n of_o the_o cure_n for_o except_o the_o avoid_n of_o persecution_n for_o religion_n there_o be_v no_o advantage_n that_o the_o principle_n of_o atheism_n if_o they_o can_v be_v quiet_o settle_v in_o a_o man_n mind_n can_v give_v he_o the_o advantage_n indeed_o that_o man_n make_v of_o they_o be_v to_o give_v themselves_o the_o liberty_n to_o do_v what_o they_o please_v to_o be_v more_o sensual_a and_o more_o unjust_a than_o other_o man_n that_o be_v they_o have_v the_o privilege_n to_o surfeit_v themselves_o and_o to_o be_v sick_a often_o than_o other_o man_n and_o to_o malt_n mankind_n their_o enemy_n by_o their_o unjust_a and_o dishonest_a action_n and_o consequent_o to_o live_v more_o uneasy_o in_o the_o world_n than_o other_o man_n so_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o another_o life_n by_o oblige_v man_n to_o be_v virtuous_a do_v real_o promote_v their_o temporal_a happiness_n and_o all_o the_o privilege_n that_o atheism_n pretend_v
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
in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n because_o the_o public_a happiness_n and_o prosperity_n depend_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o of_o late_a year_n religion_n be_v very_o sensible_o decline_v among_o we_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n have_v almost_o be_v universal_o corrupt_v by_o a_o civil_a war._n we_o shall_v therefore_o all_o joint_o endeavour_v to_o retrieve_v the_o ancient_a virtue_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o to_o bring_v into_o fashion_n again_o that_o solid_a and_o substantial_a that_o plain_a and_o unaffected_a piety_n free_a from_o the_o extreme_n both_o of_o superstition_n and_o enthusiasm_n which_o flourish_v in_o the_o age_n of_o our_o immediate_a forefather_n which_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o idle_a talk_n but_o in_o real_a effect_n in_o a_o sincere_a love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n in_o a_o pious_a devotion_n and_o reverence_n towards_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o in_o the_o virtuous_a action_n of_o a_o good_a life_n in_o the_o denial_n of_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o in_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n this_o be_v the_o true_a way_n to_o reconcile_v god_n to_o we_o to_o stop_v the_o course_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o to_o bring_v down_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n upon_o we_o god_n have_v now_o be_v please_v to_o settle_v we_o again_o in_o peace_n both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o and_o he_o have_v put_v we_o once_o more_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o own_o counsel_n life_n and_o death_n blessing_n and_o curse_v prosperity_n and_o destruction_n be_v before_o we_o we_o may_v choose_v our_o own_o fortune_n and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o we_o may_v under_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v never_o want_v to_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n become_v a_o happy_a and_o a_o prosperous_a people_n the_o good_a god_n make_v we_o all_o wise_a to_o know_v and_o to_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o temporal_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o to_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n of_o every_o one_o of_o our_o soul_n which_o we_o humble_o beg_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o etc._n etc._n psalm_n nineteeen_o ii_o and_o in_o keep_v of_o they_o there_o be_v great_a reward_n in_o this_o psalm_n david_n celebrate_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o work_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o law_n from_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o work_n verse_n 1_o the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o firmament_n show_v his_o handiwork_n etc._n etc._n from_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o law_n verse_n 7._o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a convert_v the_o soul_n etc._n etc._n and_o among_o many_o other_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n he_o mention_n in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o come_v from_o the_o observance_n of_o they_o verse_n 11._o and_o in_o keep_v of_o they_o there_o be_v great_a reward_n i_o have_v already_o show_v how_o much_o religion_n tend_v to_o the_o public_a welfare_n of_o mankind_n to_o the_o support_n of_o government_n and_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n my_o work_n at_o this_o time_n shall_v be_v to_o show_v that_o religion_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v likewise_o conduce_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o particular_a person_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o for_o though_o there_o be_v but_o little_a express_a mention_n make_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o life_n yet_o all_o religion_n do_v suppose_v these_o principle_n and_o be_v build_v upon_o they_o i._o and_o first_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v how_o religion_n conduce_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n and_o that_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o inward_a and_o outward_a man_n first_o as_o to_o the_o mind_n to_o be_v pious_a and_o religious_a bring_v a_o double_a advantage_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n 1._o it_o tend_v to_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o understanding_n 2._o it_o bring_v peace_n and_o pleasure_n to_o our_o mind_n 1._o it_o tend_v to_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o understanding_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v only_o that_o it_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o make_v we_o to_o understand_v the_o great_a interest_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o eternity_n better_o but_o that_o in_o general_a it_o do_v raise_v and_o enlarge_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o make_v they_o more_o capable_a of_o true_a knowledge_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o understand_v the_o follow_a text_n 19.8_o psal_n 19.8_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n 111.10_o psal_n 111.10_o a_o good_a understanding_n have_v all_o they_o that_o keep_v his_o commandment_n thou_o through_o thy_o commandment_n haste_v make_v i_o wise_a than_o my_o enemy_n 119.98_o psal_n 119.98_o which_o plain_o refer_v to_o political_a prudence_n i_o have_v more_o understanding_n than_o all_o my_o teacher_n 99_o ver_fw-la 99_o for_o thy_o testimony_n be_v my_o meditation_n i_o understand_v more_o than_o the_o ancient_n because_o i_o keep_v thy_o precept_n 130._o ver_fw-la 104._o ver_fw-la 130._o through_o thy_o precept_n i_o get_v understanding_n the_o entrance_n of_o thy_o word_n give_v light_a it_o give_v understanding_n to_o the_o simple_a now_o religion_n do_v improve_v the_o understanding_n of_o man_n by_o subdue_a their_o lust_n and_o moderate_v their_o passion_n the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n do_v sully_v and_o darken_v their_o mind_n even_o by_o a_o natural_a influence_n intemperance_n and_o sensuality_n and_o fleshly_a lust_n do_v debase_v man_n mind_n and_o clog_v their_o spirit_n make_v they_o gross_a and_o foul_a listless_a and_o unactive_a they_o sink_v we_o down_o into_o sense_n and_o glue_v we_o to_o these_o low_a and_o inferior_a thing_n like_o birdlime_n they_o hamper_v and_o entangle_v our_o soul_n and_o hinder_v their_o flight_n upward_o they_o indispose_v and_o unfit_a our_o mind_n for_o the_o most_o noble_a and_o intellectual_a consideration_n so_o likewise_o the_o exorbitant_a passion_n of_o wrath_n and_o malice_n envy_n and_o revenge_n do_v darken_v and_o distort_v the_o understanding_n of_o man_n do_v tincture_n the_o mind_n with_o false_a colour_n and_o fill_v it_o with_o prejudice_n and_o undue_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o be_v intemperate_a or_o lustful_a or_o passionate_a but_o beside_o the_o guilt_n he_o contract_v which_o be_v continual_o fret_v and_o disquiet_v his_o mind_n beside_o the_o inconvenience_n he_o bring_v upon_o himself_o as_o to_o his_o health_n he_o do_v likewise_o stain_v and_o obscure_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o clearness_n of_o his_o discern_a faculty_n such_o person_n have_v not_o that_o free_a use_n of_o their_o reason_n that_o they_o may_v have_v their_o understanding_n be_v not_o bright_a enough_o nor_o their_o spirit_n pure_a and_o fine_a enough_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o high_a and_o noble_a act_n of_o reason_n what_o clearness_n be_v to_o the_o eye_n that_o purity_n be_v to_o our_o mind_n and_o understanding_n and_o as_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o bodily_a eye_n do_v dispose_v it_o for_o a_o quick_a sight_n of_o material_a object_n so_o do_v the_o purity_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o be_v freedom_n from_o lust_n and_o passion_n dispose_v we_o for_o the_o clear_a and_o most_o perfect_a act_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n now_o religion_n do_v purify_v our_o mind_n and_o refine_v our_o spirit_n by_o quench_v the_o fire_n of_o lust_n and_o suppress_v the_o fume_n and_o vapour_n of_o it_o and_o by_o scatter_v the_o cloud_n and_o mist_n of_o passion_n and_o the_o more_o any_o man_n soul_n be_v cleanse_v from_o the_o filth_n and_o dregs_o of_o sensual_a lust_n the_o more_o nimble_a and_o expedite_a it_o will_v be_v in_o its_o operation_n the_o more_o any_o man_n conquer_v his_o passion_n the_o more_o calm_a and_o sedate_v his_o spirit_n be_v and_o the_o great_a equality_n he_o maintain_v in_o his_o temper_n his_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n will_v be_v the_o more_o clear_a and_o unprejudiced_a and_o his_o judgement_n more_o firm_a and_o steady_a and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o say_n of_o solomon_n he_o that_o be_v slow_a to_o wrath_n be_v of_o great_a understanding_n but_o he_o that_o be_v hasty_a of_o spirit_n exalt_v folly_n ira_fw-la furor_fw-la brevis_fw-la est_fw-la anger_n be_v a_o short_a fit_n of_o madness_n and_o he_o that_o be_v passionate_a and_o furious_a deprive_v himself_o of_o his_o
reason_n spoil_v his_o understanding_n and_o help_v to_o make_v himself_o a_o fool_n whereas_o he_o that_o conquer_v his_o passion_n and_o keep_v they_o under_o do_v thereby_o preserve_v and_o improve_v his_o understanding_n freedom_n from_o irregular_a passion_n do_v not_o only_o signify_v that_o a_o man_n be_v wise_a but_o real_o contribute_v to_o the_o make_n of_o he_o such_o 2._o religion_n tend_v to_o the_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o our_o mind_n wherein_o happiness_n chief_o consist_v and_o which_o all_o the_o wisdom_n and_o philosophy_n of_o the_o world_n do_v always_o aim_v at_o as_o the_o utmost_a felicity_n of_o this_o life_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a fruit_n of_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a course_n of_o life_n the_o scripture_n declare_v to_o we_o in_o these_o text_n 97.11_o psal_n 97.11_o light_n be_v sow_o for_o the_o righteous_a and_o gladness_n for_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n great_a peace_n have_v all_o they_o that_o love_v thy_o law_n 119.165_o psal_n 119.165_o and_o nothing_o shall_v offend_v they_o her_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n 3.17_o pro._n 3.17_o and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n 32.17_o isa_n 32.17_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v peace_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o which_o text_n be_v that_o pleasure_n and_o peace_n do_v natural_o result_v from_o a_o holy_a and_o good_a life_n when_o a_o man_n have_v once_o engage_v himself_o in_o a_o religious_a course_n and_o be_v habituate_v to_o piety_n and_o holiness_n all_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o devotion_n all_o act_n of_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n be_v delightful_a to_o he_o to_o honour_v and_o worship_n god_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o to_o praise_v he_o to_o study_v his_o will_n to_o meditate_v upon_o he_o and_o to_o love_v he_o all_o these_o bring_v great_a pleasure_n and_o peace_n along_o with_o they_o what_o great_a contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n can_v there_o be_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o it_o be_v once_o purify_v and_o refine_v from_o the_o dregs_o of_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n and_o raise_v to_o its_o true_a height_n and_o pitch_n than_o to_o contemplate_v and_o admire_v the_o infinite_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n to_o adore_v his_o greatness_n and_o to_o love_v his_o goodness_n how_o can_v the_o thought_n of_o god_n be_v troublesome_a to_o any_o one_o who_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o the_o world_n no_o man_n that_o love_v goodness_n and_o righteous_a ness_n have_v any_o reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o god_n or_o to_o be_v disquiet_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o he_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o god_n that_o be_v terrible_a to_o a_o good_a man_n but_o all_o the_o apprehension_n which_o we_o natural_o have_v of_o he_o speak_v comfort_n and_o promise_v happiness_n to_o such_o a_o one_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o attribute_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o trouble_n to_o he_o that_o it_o be_v his_o recreation_n and_o delight_n it_o be_v for_o wicked_a man_n to_o dread_a god_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o banish_v the_o thought_n of_o he_o out_o of_o their_o mind_n but_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a man_n may_v have_v quiet_a and_o undisturbed_a thought_n even_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n because_o the_o terror_n of_o it_o do_v not_o concern_v he_o now_o religion_n do_v contribute_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o our_o mind_n these_o two_o way_n first_o by_o allay_v those_o passion_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o ruffle_v and_o discompose_v our_o spirit_n malice_n and_o hatred_n wrath_n and_o revenge_n be_v very_o fret_v and_o vexatious_a and_o apt_a to_o make_v our_o mind_n sore_a and_o uneasy_a but_o he_o that_o can_v moderate_v these_o affection_n will_v find_v a_o strange_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n in_o his_o own_o spirit_n second_o by_o free_v we_o from_o the_o anxiety_n of_o guilt_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o divine_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o sting_a and_o torment_v and_o render_v the_o life_n of_o man_n more_o miserable_a and_o unquiet_a and_o whaâ—_n a_o spring_n of_o peace_n and_o joy_n must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o apprehend_v upon_o good_a ground_n that_o god_n be_v reconcile_v to_o we_o and_o become_v our_o friend_n that_o all_o our_o sin_n be_v perfect_o forgive_v and_o shall_v never_o more_o be_v remember_v against_o we_o what_o unexpressible_a comfort_n do_v overflow_v the_o pious_a and_o devout_a soul_n from_o the_o remembrance_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o well-spent_a life_n and_o a_o conscience_n of_o its_o own_o innocency_n and_o integrity_n and_o nothing_o but_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n can_v give_v this_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a kind_n of_o temper_n and_o disposition_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o quiet_a of_o our_o mind_n and_o consequent_o to_o our_o happiness_n and_o that_o be_v holiness_n and_o goodness_n which_o as_o it_o be_v the_o perfection_n so_o be_v it_o likewise_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o of_o those_o accurse_a spirit_n the_o devil_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o disposition_n contrary_n to_o god_n they_o be_v envious_a and_o malicious_a and_o cruel_a and_o of_o such_o a_o temper_n as_o be_v natural_o a_o torment_n and_o disquiet_v to_o itself_o and_o here_o the_o foundation_n of_o hell_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o evil_a disposition_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o till_o this_o be_v cure_v which_o can_v only_o be_v do_v by_o religion_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v happy_a that_o be_v please_v and_o content_v within_o himself_o as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o sick_a man_n to_o be_v at_o ease_n because_o such_o a_o man_n have_v that_o within_o he_o which_o torment_v he_o and_o he_o can_v be_v at_o ease_n till_o that_o be_v remove_v the_o man_n spirit_n be_v out_o of_o order_n and_o off_o the_o hinge_n and_o till_o that_o be_v put_v into_o its_o right_a frame_n he_o will_v be_v perpetual_o disquiet_v and_o can_v find_v no_o rest_n within_o himself_o the_o prophet_n very_o fit_o describe_v to_o we_o the_o unquiet_a condition_n of_o wicked_a man_n 57.10.21_o isa_n 57.10.21_o the_o wicked_a be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n when_o it_o can_v rest_v who_o water_n cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a so_o long_o as_o sin_n and_o corruption_n abound_v in_o our_o heart_n they_o will_v be_v restles_o work_v like_o wine_n which_o will_v be_v in_o a_o perpetual_a motion_n and_o agitation_n till_o it_o have_v purge_v itself_o of_o its_o dregs_o and_o foulness_n second_o religion_n do_v likewise_o tend_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n now_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v such_o as_o either_o respect_n our_o health_n or_o estate_n or_o reputation_n or_o relation_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o these_o religion_n be_v high_o advantageous_a to_o we_o 1._o as_o to_o our_o health_n a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a life_n do_v eminent_o conduce_v to_o that_o and_o to_o long_a life_n as_o a_o consequent_a of_o it_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o understand_v these_o follow_a text_n 2._o prov._n 3.1_o 2._o my_o son_n forget_v not_o my_o law_n but_o let_v thy_o heart_n keep_v my_o commandment_n for_o length_n of_o day_n and_o long_a life_n shall_v they_o add_v to_o thou_o and_o v._o 7_o and_o 8._o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o depart_v from_o evil_n it_o shall_v be_v health_n to_o thy_o navel_n and_o marrow_n to_o thy_o bone_n and_o v._o 16._o among_o the_o temporal_a advantage_n of_o wisdom_n or_o religion_n this_o be_v mention_v as_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o v._o 18._o she_o be_v a_o tree_n of_o life_n to_o they_o that_o lie_v hold_v upon_o she_o and_o again_o whoso_o find_v i_o find_v life_n but_o he_o that_o sin_v against_o i_o wrong_v his_o own_o soul_n 36._o prov._n 8.35_o 36._o that_o be_v injurious_a to_o his_o own_o life_n all_o they_o that_o hate_v i_o love_v death_n all_o which_o be_v undoubted_o true_a in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n but_o be_v certain_o mean_v by_o solomon_n in_o the_o natural_a sense_n and_o these_o promise_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o health_n and_o long_a life_n to_o good_a man_n be_v not_o only_o declaratory_a of_o the_o good_a pleasure_n and_o intention_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o but_o likewise_o of_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o religion_n do_v oblige_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o virtue_n which_o do_v in_o their_o
do_v now_o so_o much_o spoil_v the_o pleasure_n and_o disturb_v the_o quiet_a of_o mankind_n all_o quarrel_n and_o contention_n schism_n and_o division_n will_v then_o be_v effectual_o hinder_v not_o by_o force_n but_o by_o love_n not_o by_o compulsion_n but_o by_o that_o charity_n which_o never_o fail_v and_o all_o those_o controversy_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v now_o so_o hot_o agitate_a will_n then_o be_v final_o determine_v not_o as_o we_o endeavour_v to_o end_v they_o now_o by_o canon_n and_o decree_n but_o by_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n and_o convince_a light_n and_o when_o this_o bless_a society_n be_v meet_v together_o and_o thus_o unite_v by_o love_n they_o shall_v all_o join_v in_o gratitude_n to_o their_o great_a patron_n and_o benefactor_n to_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o to_o the_o lamb_n that_o be_v slay_v to_o god_n even_o our_o father_n and_o to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o they_o shall_v sing_v everlasting_a song_n of_o praise_n to_o god_n for_o all_o his_o work_n of_o wonder_n for_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o admirable_a wisdom_n and_o almighty_a power_n which_o be_v clear_o see_v in_o the_o creation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o it_o particular_o for_o his_o favour_n to_o mankind_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o their_o being_n for_o the_o comfort_n of_o their_o life_n and_o for_o all_o his_o merciful_a providence_n towards_o they_o in_o this_o world_n but_o above_o all_o for_o the_o redemption_n of_o their_o soul_n by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n for_o the_o free_a forgiveness_n of_o their_o sin_n for_o the_o gracious_a assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o for_o conduct_v they_o safe_o through_o all_o the_o snare_n and_o danger_n the_o trouble_n and_o temptation_n of_o this_o world_n to_o the_o secure_a possession_n of_o that_o glory_n and_o happiness_n which_o then_o they_o shall_v be_v partaker_n of_o and_o be_v bind_v to_o praise_n god_n for_o to_o all_o eternity_n this_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o employment_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n above_o and_o these_o be_v the_o chief_a ingredient_n of_o our_o happiness_n which_o the_o scripture_n mention_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o as_o there_o may_v be_v ten_o thousand_o more_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v tell_v yet_o generous_a and_o virtuous_a mind_n will_v easy_o understand_v how_o great_a a_o pleasure_n there_o be_v in_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o love_n and_o in_o a_o grateful_a and_o perpetual_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o great_a benefit_n that_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o receive_v 3._o this_o happiness_n shall_v be_v eternal_a and_o though_o this_o be_v but_o a_o circumstance_n and_o do_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o happiness_n yet_o it_o be_v so_o material_a a_o one_o that_o all_o the_o felicity_n which_o heaven_n afford_v will_v be_v imperfect_a without_o it_o it_o will_v strange_o damp_n and_o allay_v all_o our_o joy_n to_o think_v that_o they_o shall_v sometime_o have_v a_o end_n and_o the_o great_a our_o happiness_n be_v the_o great_a trouble_n it_o will_v be_v to_o we_o to_o consider_v that_o it_o must_v have_v a_o period_n it_o will_v make_v a_o man_n sorrowful_a indeed_o to_o think_v of_o leave_v such_o vast_a possession_n indeed_o if_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n be_v such_o as_o the_o joy_n of_o this_o world_n be_v it_o be_v fit_a they_o shall_v be_v as_o short_a for_o after_o a_o little_a enjoyment_n it_o will_v cloy_v we_o and_o we_o shall_v soon_o grow_v weary_a of_o it_o but_o be_v so_o excellent_a it_o will_v scarce_o be_v a_o happiness_n if_o it_o be_v not_o eternal_a it_o will_v embitter_v the_o pleasure_n of_o heaven_n as_o great_a as_o they_o be_v to_o see_v to_o a_o end_n of_o they_o though_o it_o be_v at_o never_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n to_o consider_v that_o all_o this_o vast_a treasure_n of_o happiness_n will_v one_o day_n be_v exhaust_v and_o that_o after_o so_o many_o year_n be_v pass_v we_o shall_v be_v as_o poor_a and_o miserable_a again_o as_o we_o be_v once_o in_o this_o world_n god_n have_v so_o order_v thing_n that_o the_o vain_a and_o empty_a delight_n of_o this_o world_n shall_v be_v temporary_a and_o transient_a but_o that_o the_o great_a and_o substantial_a pleasure_n of_o the_o other_o world_n shall_v be_v as_o lasting_a as_o they_o be_v excellent_a for_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v a_o exceed_a so_o it_o be_v a_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o crown_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o banish_v all_o fear_n and_o trouble_v from_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o thus_o to_o be_v secure_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o our_o happiness_n be_v a_o unspeakable_a addition_n to_o it_o for_o that_o which_o be_v eternal_a as_o it_o shall_v never_o determine_v so_o it_o can_v never_o be_v diminish_v for_o to_o be_v diminish_v and_o to_o decay_n be_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o a_o end_n but_o that_o which_o shall_v never_o have_v a_o end_n can_v never_o come_v near_o to_o it_o o_o vast_a eternity_n how_o do_v thou_o swallow_v up_o our_o thought_n and_o entertain_v we_o at_o once_o with_o delight_n and_o amazement_n this_o be_v the_o very_a top_n and_o high_a pitch_n of_o our_o happiness_n upon_o which_o we_o may_v stand_v secure_a and_o look_v down_o with_o scorn_n upon_o all_o thing_n here_o below_o and_o how_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a do_v they_o appear_v to_o we_o compare_v with_o the_o vast_a and_o endless_a enjoyment_n of_o our_o future_a state_n but_o oh_o vain_a and_o foolish_a soul_n that_o be_v so_o little_o concern_v for_o eternity_n that_o for_o the_o trifle_n of_o time_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n can_v find_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o forfeit_v a_o everlasting_a felicity_n bless_a god_n why_o have_v thou_o prepare_v such_o a_o happiness_n for_o those_o who_o neither_o consider_v it_o nor_o seek_v after_o it_o why_o be_v such_o a_o price_n put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o fool_n who_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o who_o fond_o choose_v to_o gratify_v their_o lust_n rather_o than_o to_o save_v their_o soul_n and_o sottish_o prefer_v the_o temporary_a enjoyment_n of_o sin_n before_o a_o bless_a immortality_n 4._o and_o last_o this_o happiness_n be_v far_o above_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v now_o conceive_v or_o imagine_v it_o be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o can_v now_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n we_o can_v from_o the_o experience_n of_o any_o of_o those_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n which_o we_o have_v be_v acquaint_v withal_o in_o this_o world_n frame_v a_o equal_a idea_n and_o conception_n of_o it_o so_o that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v of_o it_o as_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n do_v of_o solomon_n wisdom_n and_o prosperity_n that_o half_a of_o it_o have_v not_o be_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o felicity_n and_o glory_n of_o that_o state_n do_v far_o exceed_v all_o the_o fame_n which_o we_o hear_v of_o they_o in_o this_o world_n for_o who_o can_v say_v how_o great_a a_o good_a god_n be_v and_o how_o happy_a he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n can_v make_v those_o soul_n that_o love_v he_o and_o those_o who_o he_o love_v in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o full_a representation_n of_o those_o glory_n we_o can_v now_o see_v god_n and_o live_v a_o full_a description_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o that_o state_n will_v let_v in_o joy_n upon_o we_o too_o big_a for_o our_o narrow_a capacity_n and_o too_o strong_a for_o weak_a mortality_n to_o bear_v we_o be_v now_o but_o child_n and_o we_o speak_v as_o child_n and_o understand_v and_o think_v as_o child_n concern_v these_o thing_n but_o in_o the_o other_o state_n we_o shall_v grow_v up_o to_o be_v man_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v put_v away_o these_o childish_a thought_n now_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n but_o when_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a be_v come_v 11._o 1_o cor._n 13.9_o 10_o 11._o that_o which_o be_v imperfect_a shall_v be_v do_v away_o now_o we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o a_o riddle_n but_o than_o we_o shall_v see_v face_n to_o face_n now_o we_o know_v in_o part_n but_o then_o we_o shall_v know_v even_o as_o also_o we_o be_v know_v as_o the_o apostle_n discourse_v excellent_o concern_v this_o very_a matter_n no_o soon_o shall_v we_o enter_v upon_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o other_o world_n but_o our_o mind_n shall_v be_v raise_v to_o a_o strength_n