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which_o st._n peter_n 3.5_o peter_n 2_o pet._n 3.5_o express_v thus_o that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n for_o so_o the_o hebrew_n call_v the_o world_n be_v of_o old_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d constitute_v or_o make_v of_o water_n not_o stand_v out_o of_o the_o water_n as_o our_o translation_n render_v it_o nay_o aristotle_n 3._o aristotle_n metaph._n l._n 1._o c._n 3._o himself_o who_o be_v the_o great_a asserter_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n give_v this_o account_n why_o the_o god_n be_v ancient_o represent_v by_o the_o heathen_n as_o swear_v by_o the_o lake_n styx_n because_o water_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o this_o he_o tell_v we_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a opinion_n concern_v the_o original_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o very_o old_a writer_n of_o theology_n and_o those_o who_o live_v at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o his_o time_n be_v of_o this_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o 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if_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v take_v away_o what_o security_n have_v we_o against_o those_o innumerable_a danger_n and_o mischief_n to_o which_o humane_a nature_n be_v continual_o expose_v what_o consolation_n under_o they_o when_o we_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o condition_n that_o no_o creature_n can_v give_v we_o any_o hope_n of_o relief_n but_o if_o we_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o take_v care_n of_o we_o and_o we_o be_v careful_a to_o please_v he_o this_o can_v but_o be_v a_o mighty_a comfort_n to_o we_o both_o under_o the_o present_a sense_n of_o affliction_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o evil_n at_o a_o distance_n for_o in_o that_o case_n we_o be_v secure_a of_o one_o of_o these_o three_o thing_n either_o that_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n will_v prevent_v the_o evil_n we_o fear_v if_o that_o be_v best_o for_o we_o or_o that_o he_o will_v support_v we_o under_o they_o when_o they_o be_v present_a and_o add_v to_o our_o strength_n as_o he_o 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as_o they_o ought_v they_o be_v not_o blind_a but_o they_o wink_v they_o detain_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o though_o they_o know_v god_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o glorify_v he_o as_o god_n nor_o suffer_v the_o apprehension_n of_o he_o to_o have_v a_o due_a influence_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n man_n general_o stand_v very_o much_o upon_o the_o credit_n and_o reputation_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n hate_v to_o be_v account_v fool_n because_o it_o be_v so_o great_a a_o reproach_n the_o best_a way_n to_o avoid_v this_o imputation_n and_o to_o bring_v off_o the_o credit_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v to_o be_v true_o religious_a to_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n for_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o such_o imprudent_a person_n as_o he_o that_o neglect_v god_n and_o his_o soul_n and_o be_v careless_a and_o slothful_a about_o his_o everlasting_a concernment_n because_o this_o man_n act_v contrary_a to_o his_o true_a reason_n and_o best_a interest_n he_o neglect_v his_o own_o safety_n and_o be_v active_a to_o procure_v his_o own_o ruin_n he_o fly_v from_o happiness_n and_o run_v away_o from_o it_o as_o fast_o as_o he_o can_v but_o pursue_v misery_n and_o make_v haste_n to_o be_v undo_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o solomon_n do_v all_o along_o in_o the_o proverb_n give_v the_o title_n of_o fool_n to_o a_o wicked_a man_n as_o if_o it_o be_v his_o proper_a name_n and_o the_o fit_a character_n of_o he_o because_o he_o be_v so_o eminent_o such_o there_o be_v no_o fool_n to_o the_o sinner_n who_o every_o moment_n venture_v his_o soul_n and_o lay_v his_o everlasting_a interest_n at_o the_o stake_n every_o time_n a_o man_n provoke_v god_n he_o do_v the_o great_a mischief_n to_o himself_o that_o can_v be_v imagine_v a_o mad_a man_n that_o cut_v himself_o and_o tear_n his_o own_o flesh_n and_o dash_v his_o head_n against_o the_o stone_n do_v not_o act_v so_o unreasonable_o as_o he_o because_o he_o be_v not_o so_o sensible_a of_o what_o he_o do_v wickedness_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o voluntary_a frenzy_n and_o a_o choose_a distraction_n and_o every_o sinner_n do_v wild_a and_o more_o extravagant_a thing_n than_o any_o man_n can_v do_v that_o be_v craze_v and_o out_o of_o his_o wit_n only_o with_o this_o sad_a difference_n that_o he_o know_v better_a what_o he_o do_v for_o to_o they_o who_o believe_v another_o life_n after_o this_o a_o eternal_a state_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n in_o another_o world_n which_o be_v but_o a_o reasonable_a postulatum_fw-la or_o demand_v among_o christian_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o mathematics_n more_o demonstrable_a than_o the_o folly_n of_o wicked_a man_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o clear_a and_o more_o evident_a principle_n that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o a_o
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
particular_a nation_n and_o government_n but_o by_o the_o general_a verdict_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o that_o the_o virtue_n contrary_a to_o these_o have_v a_o natural_a goodness_n and_o comeliness_n in_o they_o and_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o common_a principle_n and_o sentiment_n of_o humanity_n and_o this_o will_n most_o evident_o appear_v by_o put_v this_o supposition_n suppose_v the_o reverse_n of_o all_o that_o which_o we_o now_o call_v virtue_n be_v solemn_o enact_v and_o the_o practice_n of_o fraud_n and_o rapine_n and_o perjury_n and_o falseness_n to_o a_o man_n word_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n be_v establish_v by_o a_o law_n i_o ask_v now_o if_o the_o case_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v thus_o alter_v will_v that_o which_o we_o now_o call_v vice_n in_o process_n of_o time_n gain_v the_o reputation_n of_o virtue_n and_o that_o which_o we_o now_o call_v virtue_n grow_v odious_a and_o contemptible_a to_o humane_a nature_n if_o it_o will_v not_o then_o be_v there_o something_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n which_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o authority_n nor_o be_v subject_n to_o any_o arbitrary_a constitution_n but_o that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v thus_o i_o be_o very_o certain_a because_o no_o government_n can_v subsist_v upon_o these_o term_n for_o the_o very_a enjoin_v of_o fraud_n and_o rapine_n and_o perjury_n and_o breach_n of_o trust_n do_v apparent_o destroy_v the_o great_a end_n of_o government_n which_o be_v to_o preserve_v man_n in_o their_o right_n against_o the_o encroachment_n of_o fraud_n and_o violence_n and_o this_o end_n be_v destroy_v humane_a society_n will_v present_o fly_v in_o piece_n and_o man_n will_v necessary_o fall_v into_o a_o state_n of_o war_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v not_o arbitrary_a thing_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a and_o immutable_a and_o eternal_a reason_n for_o that_o which_o we_o call_v goodness_n and_o virtue_n and_o against_o that_o which_o we_o call_v vice_n and_o wickedness_n thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o evidence_n and_o vindicate_v this_o truth_n i_o shall_v only_o draw_v a_o inference_n or_o two_o from_o this_o discourse_n and_o so_o conclude_v 1._o if_o this_o discourse_n be_v true_a than_o those_o who_o be_v in_o place_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v peculiar_o concern_v to_o maintain_v the_o honour_n of_o religion_n 2._o it_o concern_v every_o one_o to_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o 1._o magistrate_n be_v concern_v to_o maintain_v the_o honour_n of_o religion_n which_o do_v not_o only_o tend_v to_o every_o man_n future_a happiness_n but_o be_v the_o best_a instrument_n of_o civil_a government_n and_o of_o the_o temporal_a prosperity_n of_o a_o nation_n for_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o procure_v the_o private_a and_o public_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o restrain_v man_n from_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o will_v make_v they_o miserable_a and_o guilty_a to_o themselves_o unpeaceable_a and_o troublesome_a to_o the_o world_n religion_n have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o the_o felicity_n of_o man_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v uphold_v and_o the_o veneration_n of_o it_o maintain_v not_o only_o out_o of_o a_o just_a dread_n of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n in_o another_o world_n but_o out_o of_o regard_n to_o the_o temporal_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o man_n it_o will_v requite_v all_o the_o kindness_n and_o honour_n we_o can_v do_v it_o by_o the_o advantage_n it_o will_v bring_v to_o civil_a government_n and_o by_o the_o blessing_n it_o will_v draw_v down_o upon_o it_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o those_o that_o honour_v he_o he_o will_v honour_v and_o in_o the_o common_a course_n of_o his_o providence_n he_o usual_o make_v this_o good_a so_o that_o the_o civil_a authority_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n if_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n yet_o out_o of_o reason_n of_o state_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o all_o man_n be_v so_o pious_o dispose_v that_o religion_n by_o its_o own_o authority_n and_o the_o reasonable_a force_n of_o it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o establish_v its_o empire_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n will_v always_o make_v a_o strong_a opposition_n against_o it_o and_o therefore_o at_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n god_n be_v please_v to_o accompany_v it_o with_o a_o miraculous_a power_n but_o after_o it_o be_v plant_v this_o extraordinary_a power_n cease_v and_o god_n have_v now_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v maintain_v and_o support_v by_o more_o ordinary_a and_o humane_a way_n by_o the_o countenance_n of_o authority_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o law_n which_o be_v never_o more_o necessary_a than_o in_o this_o degenerate_a age_n which_o be_v prodigious_o sink_v into_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n and_o be_v run_v headlong_o into_o a_o humour_n of_o scoff_v at_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v sacred_a for_o some_o age_n before_o the_o reformation_n atheism_n be_v consign_v to_o italy_n and_o have_v its_o chief_a residence_n at_o rome_n all_o the_o mention_n that_o be_v of_o it_o in_o the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n that_o papist_n themselves_o give_v we_o in_o the_o life_n of_o their_o own_o pope_n and_o cardinal_n except_v two_o or_o three_o small_a philosopher_n that_o be_v retainer_n to_o that_o court._n so_o that_o this_o atheistical_a humour_n among_o christian_n be_v the_o spawn_n of_o the_o gross_a superstitious_a and_o corrupt_a manner_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o court_n and_o indeed_o nothing_o be_v more_o natural_a than_o for_o extreme_n in_o religion_n to_o beget_v one_o another_o like_o the_o vibration_n of_o a_o pendulum_fw-la which_o the_o more_o violent_o you_o swing_v it_o one_o way_n the_o far_o it_o will_v return_v the_o other_o but_o in_o the_o last_o age_n atheism_n travel_v over_o the_o alps_n and_o infect_v france_n and_o now_o of_o late_o it_o have_v cross_v the_o sea_n and_o invade_v our_o nation_n and_o have_v prevail_v to_o amazement_n for_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o there_o be_v any_o people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v general_o more_o indispose_v to_o it_o and_o can_v worse_o brook_v it_o seriousness_n and_o zeal_n in_o religion_n be_v almost_o the_o natural_a temper_n of_o the_o english_a so_o that_o nothing_o be_v to_o i_o matter_n of_o great_a wonder_n than_o that_o in_o a_o grave_n and_o sober_a nation_n profaneness_n shall_v ever_o come_v to_o gain_v so_o much_o ground_n and_o the_o best_a and_o the_o wise_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v make_v the_o scorn_n of_o fool_n for_o beside_o the_o profane_a and_o atheistical_a discourse_n about_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o the_o bold_a and_o senseless_a abuse_n of_o this_o sacred_a book_n the_o great_a instrument_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o be_v so_o frequent_a in_o the_o public_a place_n of_o resort_n i_o say_v beside_o these_o i_o speak_v it_o know_o a_o man_n can_v hardly_o pass_v the_o street_n without_o have_v his_o ear_n grate_v and_o pierce_v with_o such_o horrid_a and_o blasphemous_a oath_n and_o curse_n as_o be_v enough_o if_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o no_o other_o sin_n to_o sink_v a_o nation_n and_o this_o not_o only_o from_o the_o tribe_n that_o be_v livery_n but_o from_o those_o that_o go_v before_o they_o and_o shall_v give_v better_a example_n be_v it_o not_o then_o high_a time_n that_o the_o law_n shall_v provide_v by_o the_o most_o prudent_a and_o effectual_a mean_n to_o curb_v these_o bold_a and_o insolent_a defier_n of_o heaven_n who_o take_v a_o pride_n in_o be_v monster_n and_o boast_v themselves_o in_o the_o folly_n and_o deformity_n of_o humane_a nature_n the_o heathen_n will_v never_o suffer_v their_o god_n to_o be_v revile_v which_o yet_o be_v not_o go_n and_o shall_v it_o among_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v allow_v to_o any_o man_n to_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o he_o that_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o to_o breath_n out_o blasphemy_n against_o he_o who_o give_v we_o life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o thing_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o hypocrisy_n be_v a_o great_a wickedness_n and_o very_o odious_a to_o god_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n of_o so_o pernicious_a example_n as_o open_a profaneness_n hypocrisy_n be_v a_o more_o modest_a way_n of_o sin_v it_o show_v some_o reverence_n to_o religion_n and_o do_v so_o far_o own_o the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o as_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o deserve_v to_o be_v counterfeit_v whereas_o profaneness_n declare_v open_o against_o it_o and_o endeavour_n to_o make_v a_o party_n to_o drive_v it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n 2._o it_o concern_v every_o one_o to_o live_v
own_o nature_n conduce_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o health_n and_o the_o lengthen_v of_o our_o day_n such_o as_o temperance_n and_o chastity_n and_o moderation_n of_o our_o passion_n and_o the_o contrary_a vice_n to_o these_o do_v apparent_o tend_v to_o the_o impair_n of_o man_n health_n and_o the_o shorten_n of_o their_o day_n how_o many_o have_v waste_v and_o consume_v their_o body_n by_o lust_n and_o bring_v grievous_a pain_n and_o mortal_a disease_n upon_o themselves_o see_v how_o the_o wise_a man_n describe_v the_o sad_a consequence_n of_o this_o sin_n he_o go_v as_o a_o ox_n to_o the_o slaughter_n till_o a_o dart_n strike_v through_o his_o liver_n 23._o prov._n 7.22_o 23._o as_o a_o bird_n hasten_v to_o the_o snare_n and_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v for_o his_o life_n and_o v._o 25_o 26_o 27._o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n decline_v to_o her_o way_n go_v not_o astray_o in_o her_o path_n for_o she_o have_v cast_v down_o many_o wound_a yea_o many_o young_a man_n have_v be_v slay_v by_o she_o her_o house_n be_v the_o way_n to_o hell_n that_o be_v to_o the_o grave_n go_v down_o to_o the_o chamber_n of_o death_n how_o many_o have_v be_v ruin_v by_o intemperance_n and_o excess_n and_o most_o unnatural_o have_v pervert_v those_o blessing_n which_o god_n have_v give_v for_o the_o support_n of_o nature_n to_o the_o overthrow_n and_o destruction_n of_o it_o how_o often_o have_v man_n malice_n and_o envy_n and_o discontent_n against_o other_o terminate_v in_o a_o cruel_a revenge_n upon_o themselves_o how_o many_o by_o the_o wild_a fury_n and_o extravagancy_n of_o their_o own_o passion_n have_v put_v their_o body_n into_o a_o combustion_n and_o fire_v their_o spirit_n and_o by_o stir_v up_o their_o rage_n and_o choler_n against_o other_o have_v arm_v that_o fierce_a humour_n against_o themselves_o 2._o as_o to_o our_o estate_n religion_n be_v likewise_o a_o mighty_a advantage_n to_o man_n in_o that_o respect_n not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n more_o especial_a providence_n and_o peculiar_a blessing_n which_o usual_o attend_v good_a man_n in_o their_o undertake_n and_o crown_n they_o with_o good_a success_n but_o also_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o expression_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n concern_v the_o temporal_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o wisdom_n or_o religion_n 3.16_o pro._n 3.16_o in_o her_o left_a hand_n be_v riches_n and_o honour_n 8.21_o pro._n 8.21_o they_o that_o love_v i_o shall_v inherit_v substance_n and_o i_o will_v fill_v their_o treasure_n and_o this_o religion_n principal_o do_v by_o charge_v man_n with_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n and_o justice_n in_o their_o deal_n which_o be_v a_o sure_a way_n of_o thrive_a and_o will_v hold_v out_o when_o all_o fraudulent_a art_n and_o device_n will_v fail_v and_o this_o also_o solomon_n observe_v to_o we_o he_o that_o walk_v upright_o walk_v sure_o 10.9_o pro._n 10.9_o but_o he_o that_o pervert_v his_o way_n shall_v be_v know_v his_o indirect_a deal_n will_v be_v discover_v one_o time_n or_o other_o and_o then_o lose_v his_o reputation_n and_o his_o interest_n sink_v falshood_n and_o deceit_n only_o serve_v a_o present_a turn_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o they_o be_v pernicious_a but_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n be_v of_o last_a advantage_n 10.5_o pro._n 10.5_o the_o righteous_a have_v a_o everlasting_a foundation_n 12.19_o prov._n 12.19_o the_o lip_n of_o truth_n be_v establish_v for_o ever_o but_o a_o lie_a tongue_n be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n and_o religion_n do_v likewise_o engage_v man_n to_o diligence_n and_o industry_n in_o their_o calling_n and_o how_o much_o this_o conduce_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o man_n fortune_n daily_a experience_n teach_v and_o the_o wiseman_n have_v tell_v we_o the_o diligent_a hand_n make_v rich_a 10.4_o prov._n 10.4_o and_o again_o see_v thou_o a_o man_n diligent_a in_o business_n he_o shall_v stand_v before_o prince_n 22.19_o prov._n 22.19_o he_o shall_v not_o stand_v before_o mean_a person_n and_o where_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o difficult_a circumstance_n of_o their_o condition_n can_v arrive_v to_o any_o eminency_n of_o estate_n yet_o religion_n make_v a_o compensation_n for_o this_o by_o teach_v man_n to_o be_v content_v with_o that_o moderate_a and_o competent_a fortune_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o for_o the_o short_a way_n to_o be_v rich_a be_v not_o by_o enlarge_n our_o estate_n but_o by_o contract_v our_o desire_n what_o seneca_n say_v of_o philosophy_n be_v much_o more_o true_a of_o religion_n praestat_fw-la opes_fw-la sapientia_fw-la quas_fw-la cuicunque_fw-la fecit_fw-la supervacuas_fw-la dedit_fw-la it_o make_v all_o those_o rich_a to_o who_o it_o make_v riches_n superfluous_a and_o they_o be_v so_o to_o those_o who_o be_v teach_v by_o religion_n to_o be_v content_v with_o such_o a_o portion_n of_o they_o as_o god_n providence_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o allot_v to_o they_o 3._o as_o to_o our_o reputation_n there_o be_v nothing_o give_v a_o man_n a_o more_o firm_a and_o establish_a reputation_n among_o wise_a and_o serious_a person_n who_o judgement_n be_v only_o valuable_a than_o a_o prudent_a and_o substantial_a piety_n this_o do_v many_o time_n command_v reverence_n and_o esteem_v from_o the_o worse_a sort_n of_o man_n and_o such_o as_o be_v no_o great_a friend_n to_o religion_n and_o sometime_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n will_v extort_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o its_o excellency_n even_o from_o its_o great_a enemy_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o good_a man_n may_v and_o often_o do_v blemish_v the_o reputation_n of_o their_o piety_n by_o overacting_a some_o thing_n in_o religion_n by_o a_o indiscreet_a zeal_n about_o thing_n wherein_o religion_n be_v not_o concern_v by_o a_o ungrateful_a austerity_n and_o sourness_n which_o religion_n do_v not_o require_v by_o little_a affectation_n and_o a_o imprudent_a ostentation_n of_o devotion_n but_o a_o substantial_a and_o solid_a a_o discreet_a and_o unaffected_a piety_n which_o make_v no_o great_a noise_n and_o show_v but_o express_v itself_o in_o a_o constant_a and_o serious_a devotion_n and_o be_v accompany_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o goodness_n and_o kindness_n and_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n will_v not_o only_o give_v a_o man_n a_o credit_n and_o value_n among_o the_o sober_a and_o the_o virtuous_a but_o even_o among_o the_o vicious_a and_o more_o degenerate_a sort_n of_o man_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n advise_v christian_n if_o they_o will_v recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n and_o man_n earnest_o to_o mind_v the_o weighty_a and_o substantial_a part_n of_o religion_n let_v not_o then_o your_o good_a be_v evil_o speak_v of_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o be_v some_o person_n of_o so_o profligate_v a_o temper_n and_o of_o such_o a_o inveterate_a enmity_n to_o all_o goodness_n as_o to_o scorn_v and_o reproach_n even_o religion_n and_o virtue_n itself_o but_o the_o reproach_n of_o such_o person_n do_v not_o real_o wound_v a_o man_n reputation_n for_o why_o shall_v any_o man_n be_v trouble_v at_o the_o contumely_n of_o those_o who_o judgement_n deserve_v not_o to_o be_v value_v who_o despise_v goodness_n and_o good_a man_n out_o of_o malice_n and_o ignorance_n if_o these_o reproach_n which_o they_o cast_v upon_o they_o be_v the_o censure_n of_o wise_a and_o sober_a man_n a_o man_n reputation_n may_v be_v concern_v in_o they_o but_o they_o be_v the_o rash_a word_n of_o inconsiderate_a and_o injudicious_a man_n the_o extravagant_a speech_n of_o those_o who_o be_v unexperienced_a in_o the_o thing_n they_o speak_v against_o and_o therefore_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v trouble_v at_o they_o or_o think_v either_o religion_n or_o himself_o disparage_v by_o they_o 4._o as_o to_o our_o relation_n religion_n also_o conduce_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o these_o as_o it_o derive_v a_o large_a and_o extensive_a blessing_n upon_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o we_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v so_o diffusive_a as_o to_o scatter_v his_o blessing_n round_o about_o the_o habitation_n of_o the_o just_a and_o to_o show_v mercy_n unto_o thousand_o of_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n so_o david_n tell_v we_o 3._o psal_n 112.1_o 2_o 3._o bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o delight_v great_o in_o his_o commandment_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v mighty_a upon_o earth_n the_o generation_n of_o the_o upright_o shall_v be_v bless_v wealth_n and_o riches_n be_v in_o his_o house_n and_o his_o righteousness_n endure_v for_o ever_o 13.22_o prov._n 13.22_o and_o so_o solomon_n
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 be_v rich_a and_o great_a in_o the_o world_n do_v we_o but_o value_v heaven_n half_a as_o much_o as_o it_o deserve_v we_o shall_v take_v infinite_o more_o pain_n for_o that_o so_o often_o as_o we_o consider_v the_o glory_n that_o be_v above_o how_o do_v it_o accuse_v our_o sloth_n and_o condemn_v our_o folly_n that_o we_o be_v less_o concern_v for_o our_o soul_n than_o most_o man_n be_v for_o their_o body_n that_o we_o will_v not_o labour_v half_a so_o much_o for_o a_o eternal_a inheritance_n as_o man_n ordinary_o do_v for_o these_o corruptible_a thing_n let_v we_o remember_v that_o we_o be_v haste_v apace_o to_o another_o world_n and_o that_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n now_o lie_v at_o the_o stake_n and_o how_o shall_v it_o quicken_v our_o endeavour_n to_o have_v such_o a_o reward_n set_v before_o we_o to_o have_v crown_n and_o sceptre_n in_o our_o eye_n will_v we_o but_o often_o represent_v to_o our_o mind_n the_o glorious_a thing_n of_o another_o world_n what_o fervour_n shall_v 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 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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 all_o with_o regard_n to_o god_n and_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o be_v as_o curious_a of_o our_o thought_n and_o most_o retire_a action_n as_o if_o we_o be_v in_o a_o open_a theatre_n and_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a assembly_n for_o in_o the_o next_o life_n man_n shall_v not_o be_v reward_v for_o what_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v but_o for_o what_o they_o real_o be_v in_o this_o world_n therefore_o whatever_o we_o think_v or_o speak_v or_o do_v we_o shall_v always_o remember_v that_o the_o day_n of_o revelation_n be_v come_v when_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n shall_v be_v disclose_v when_o all_o disguise_n shall_v be_v lay_v aside_o and_o every_o one_o mask_n shall_v be_v take_v off_o and_o all_o our_o action_n and_o design_n shall_v be_v