thing_n as_o happiness_n here_o below_o and_o yet_o this_o opinion_n have_v so_o universal_o possess_v mankind_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o teach_v with_o too_o general_a a_o consent_n that_o happiness_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v only_o in_o another_o world_n and_o this_o doctrine_n be_v very_o common_o think_v to_o have_v the_o countenance_n and_o patronage_n of_o divine_a revelation_n these_o false_a persuasion_n have_v not_o a_o little_a obstruct_v the_o happiness_n of_o man_n deter_v man_n at_o once_o from_o the_o embrace_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o from_o the_o pursuit_n of_o true_a happiness_n i_o will_v therefore_o first_o endeavour_v to_o free_v this_o assertion_n that_o happiness_n be_v attainable_a in_o this_o world_n from_o that_o prejudice_n which_o the_o authority_n of_o revelation_n seem_v to_o some_o to_o bring_v upon_o it_o by_o a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o revelation_n in_o this_o point_n second_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o plain_a and_o obvious_a proof_n three_o i_o will_v answer_v this_o and_o what_o other_o objection_n may_v be_v start_v from_o a_o imaginary_a incapacity_n of_o happiness_n cause_v by_o fortune_n fate_n or_o nature_n sect_n i._o as_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o revelation_n in_o this_o point_n happiness_n religion_n deny_v not_o the_o possibility_n of_o present_a happiness_n religion_n ever_o have_v and_o always_o must_v have_v the_o character_n of_o its_o author_n visible_o stamp_v upon_o it_o nothing_o that_o be_v not_o infinite_o kind_a and_o infinite_o wise_a can_v be_v find_v in_o any_o part_n of_o revelation_n true_o divine_a from_o whence_o we_o may_v rational_o conclude_v that_o the_o great_a aim_n of_o god_n in_o the_o establish_n religion_n be_v to_o advance_v the_o happiness_n of_o man_n and_o to_o advance_v it_o in_o a_o method_n consonant_a to_o those_o natural_a principle_n he_o have_v implant_v in_o he_o nor_o do_v any_o one-inspir'd-author_n ever_o think_v otherwise_o 29._o prov._n 29._o he_o that_o â—eepeth_v the_o law_n say_v solomon_n happy_a be_v he_o 119._o psal_n 119._o great_a peace_n have_v they_o that_o love_v thy_o law_n and_o nothing_o shall_v offend_v they_o 3_o prov._n 3_o happy_a be_v the_o man_n that_o find_v wisdom_n and_o the_o man_n that_o get_v understanding_n that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o actual_a and_o present_a happiness_n in_o this_o life_n be_v apparent_a from_o what_o follow_v a_o little_a after_o length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o in_o her_o left_a hand_n riches_n and_o honour_n her_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n she_o be_v a_o tree_n of_o life_n to_o those_o that_o lay_v hold_v upon_o she_o and_o tho'_o the_o gospel_n as_o a_o high_a and_o more_o perfect_a dispensation_n do_v propose_v to_o we_o as_o our_o great_a and_o chief_a end_n life_n and_o immortality_n yet_o it_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n exclude_v we_o from_o happiness_n here_o but_o rather_o do_v establish_v it_o upon_o proper_a and_o firm_a foundation_n and_o fence_n it_o about_o with_o impregnable_a bulwark_n 14.27_o john_n 14.27_o peace_n i_o leave_v with_o you_o my_o peace_n i_o give_v unto_o you_o not_o as_o the_o world_n give_v give_v i_o unto_o you_o let_v not_o your_o heart_n be_v trouble_v neither_o let_v it_o be_v afraid_a 5.22_o gal._n 5.22_o now_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v joy_n peace_n etc._n etc._n 15._o rom._n 15._o now_o the_o god_n of_o hope_n fill_v you_o with_o all_o joy_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v and_o make_v you_o abound_v in_o hope_n through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 4.8_o 1_o tim._n 4.8_o godliness_n be_v profitable_a to_o all_o thing_n have_v promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v nor_o can_v i_o indeed_o conceive_v how_o the_o state_n of_o a_o righteous_a and_o holy_a soul_n shall_v be_v other_o than_o a_o happy_a and_o bless_a one_o the_o belief_n and_o confident_a expectation_n of_o a_o heaven_n must_v needs_o be_v more_o transport_v and_o ravish_v than_o the_o rich_a fancy_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o that_o security_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o and_o a_o future_a life_n which_o a_o good_a man_n enjoy_v in_o the_o protection_n of_o god_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o his_o favour_n who_o be_v almighty_a immutable_a etc._n etc._n must_v infinite_o exceed_v any_o thing_n that_o a_o sinner_n can_v attain_v to_o and_o must_v exclude_v those_o uneasy_a fear_n which_o do_v frequent_o interrupt_v the_o sinner_n enjoyment_n and_o over_o cast_v his_o hope_n he_o that_o love_v god_n and_o virtue_n can_v but_o be_v happy_a in_o the_o daily_a practice_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o what_o he_o most_o delight_n in_o and_o he_o last_o that_o have_v subdue_v his_o passion_n and_o overcome_v the_o world_n can_v choose_v but_o reap_v the_o daily_a fruit_n of_o so_o glorious_a a_o conquest_n and_o be_v constant_o entertain_v with_o please_a reflection_n and_o delightful_a prospect_n and_o yet_o if_o he_o shall_v enjoy_v nothing_o else_o that_o sovereignty_n liberty_n magnanimity_n and_o divine_a charity_n and_o enlargement_n of_o soul_n which_o he_o thereby_o gain_v be_v a_o abundant_a reward_n of_o his_o victory_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o a_o good_a man_n have_v the_o best_a title_n to_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o another_o he_o enjoy_v this_o world_n with_o as_o great_a security_n as_o wisdom_n and_o moderation_n and_o have_v a_o assure_a hope_n of_o a_o far_o better_a when_o he_o quit_v this_o the_o anticipation_n of_o which_o by_o faith_n love_n and_o hope_v do_v at_o once_o facilitate_v and_o confirm_v his_o conquest_n over_o all_o unworthy_a lust_n and_o entertain_v he_o with_o unexpressible_a satisfaction_n and_o pleasure_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o do_v in_o this_o chapter_n discourse_n of_o happiness_n without_o that_o immediate_a regard_n to_o another_o life_n which_o may_v be_v expect_v not_o judge_v myself_o oblige_v either_o to_o prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o or_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o embrace_v misery_n during_o the_o space_n of_o this_o short_a life_n in_o expectation_n of_o that_o perfect_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o be_v promise_v hereafter_o since_o i_o see_v well_o enough_o that_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o providence_n the_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o other_o be_v not_o incompatible_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o that_o wherein_o the_o life_n and_o be_v of_o true_a happiness_n in_o this_o world_n do_v consist_v be_v but_o a_o necessary_a introduction_n to_o or_o qualification_n of_o we_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o another_o which_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n already_o appear_v and_o will_v much_o more_o in_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n 16.24_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o cross_n no_o obstruction_n of_o this_o life_n happiness_n math._n 16.24_o but_o what_o become_v now_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o cross_n this_o be_v a_o very_a soft_a and_o mild_a commentary_n upon_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o but_o this_o be_v not_o so_o formidable_a a_o objection_n as_o it_o may_v at_o first_o sight_n seem_v it_o be_v true_a suffer_v through_o all_o the_o progress_n and_o stage_n of_o evil_n even_o to_o the_o last_o that_o be_v death_n itself_o be_v a_o common_a nay_o almost_o a_o universal_a duty_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n be_v indispensible_o necessary_a to_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o bless_v be_v god_n the_o obligation_n of_o that_o duty_n have_v long_o ago_o cease_v and_o all_o that_o i_o can_v think_v necessary_a to_o be_v say_v here_o in_o pursuance_n of_o my_o design_n be_v that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o those_o confessor_n and_o martyr_n do_v far_o outweigh_v their_o suffering_n while_o they_o live_v that_o when_o they_o suffer_v death_n itself_o the_o time_n be_v come_v when_o they_o must_v exchange_v temporal_a for_o eternal_a happiness_n nor_o do_v this_o at_o all_o infringe_v the_o truth_n of_o my_o proposition_n which_o do_v not_o vain_o assert_v a_o eternal_a duration_n of_o happiness_n in_o this_o life_n but_o only_o teach_v the_o possibility_n of_o attain_v it_o and_o i_o think_v the_o death_n of_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n be_v rather_o a_o great_a confirmation_n than_o confutation_n of_o this_o opinion_n teach_v we_o plain_o that_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o calamity_n it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a to_o live_v but_o to_o die_v happy_o which_o last_o be_v no_o small_a accession_n to_o temporal_a happiness_n from_o this_o little_a i_o have_v say_v on_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o shape_v a_o answer_n to_o what_o be_v object_v from_o st._n paul_n 15._o 1_o
give_v i_o leave_v to_o make_v a_o stand_n and_o like_o a_o traveller_n when_o he_o have_v gain_v a_o ascent_n look_v back_o upon_o the_o way_n i_o have_v go_v and_o see_v how_o much_o of_o my_o journey_n i_o have_v dispatch_v my_o undertake_n be_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o love_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n thus_o far_o i_o have_v advance_v towards_o this_o with_o undeniable_a evidence_n i_o have_v prove_v that_o peevishness_n malignity_n and_o cruelty_n can_v belong_v to_o god_n because_o this_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o state_n nor_o can_v it_o rational_o be_v suppose_v that_o the_o same_o property_n shall_v belong_v to_o those_o evil_a spirit_n which_o for_o a_o long_a time_n delude_v the_o world_n and_o that_o god_n who_o have_v do_v so_o much_o to_o destroy_v that_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n and_o rescue_v man_n to_o restore_v he_o to_o a_o capacity_n of_o happiness_n and_o glory_n how_o can_v it_o be_v that_o god_n shall_v have_v do_v so_o much_o as_o it_o be_v apparent_a he_o have_v in_o the_o contexture_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o contrivance_n of_o our_o state_n to_o make_v we_o in_o love_n with_o goodness_n and_o irreconcilable_o enemy_n to_o tyranny_n cruelty_n arbitrary_a revenge_n etc._n etc._n if_o he_o himself_o be_v passionate_a furious_a and_o arbitrary_a in_o his_o cruelty_n nay_o i_o have_v advance_v further_o and_o have_v prove_v second_o that_o boundless_a love_n and_o goodness_n be_v the_o unquestionable_a attribute_n of_o god_n for_o the_o very_a same_o argument_n which_o exclude_v all_o manner_n of_o imperfection_n and_o evil_n from_o the_o deity_n do_v necessary_o assert_v to_o it_o all_o manner_n of_o perfection_n and_o good_a nor_o do_v the_o unconceivable_a majesty_n and_o eminence_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n only_o but_o also_o the_o indigence_n and_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n require_v this_o since_o without_o it_o he_o can_v not_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o love_n or_o dependence_n nor_o consequent_o our_o worship_n have_v proceed_v thus_o far_o and_o prove_v that_o tyranny_n or_o cruelty_n be_v utter_o repugnant_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o boundless_a love_n and_o goodness_n the_o essential_a and_o inseparable_a property_n of_o it_o i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o prove_v that_o the_o emanation_n oâ—_n this_o his_o goodness_n do_v extend_v even_o to_o man_n for_o tho'_o the_o epicurean_o acknowledge_v god_n perfect_a do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n allow_v he_o no_o other_o employment_n than_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o own_o perfection_n and_o tho'_o aristotle_n confine_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o the_o irradiation_n of_o his_o goodness_n within_o heaven_n and_o tho'_o last_o before_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n we_o be_v uncapable_a of_o conceive_v any_o subject_n about_o which_o divine_a love_n can_v exercise_v itself_o and_o consequent_o can_v conceive_v of_o it_o no_o otherwise_o than_o confine_v within_o himself_o all_o which_o seem_v to_o conclude_v thus_o much_o that_o the_o deity_n may_v be_v infinite_o good_a and_o yet_o this_o goodness_n not_o extend_v itself_o to_o man_n all_o this_o concern_v not_o our_o present_a question_n for_o tho'_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v the_o object_n of_o divine_a goodness_n yet_o if_o god_n be_v infinite_o good_a this_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o free_a man_n from_o unreasonable_a and_o superstitious_a fear_n of_o he_o and_o to_o acquit_v god_n from_o the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o humane_a misery_n which_o be_v the_o utmost_a i_o be_v oblige_v to_o make_v good_a in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o design_n of_o this_o chapter_n beside_o they_o who_o accuse_v god_n of_o their_o misery_n do_v not_o suppose_v he_o unconcern_v about_o all_o thing_n but_o himself_o as_o epicurus_n nor_o bind_v and_o limit_v his_o providence_n within_o the_o enclosure_n of_o heaven_n but_o do_v plain_o suppose_v all_o the_o affair_n of_o mankind_n to_o depend_v upon_o the_o first_o contrivance_n of_o god_n in_o the_o creation_n or_o upon_o the_o overrule_v influence_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o his_o present_a government_n of_o the_o world_n however_o i_o be_o not_o willing_a to_o quit_v one_o inch_n of_o the_o ground_n i_o have_v get_v and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o world_n be_v now_o create_v and_o mankind_n form_v after_o god_n image_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o be_v his_o offspring_n say_v st._n paul_n out_o of_o the_o poet_n unactive_a and_o unconcern_v love_n seem_v to_o i_o a_o contradiction_n and_o infinite_a boundless_a goodness_n confine_v within_o heaven_n can_v but_o seem_v as_o gross_a a_o one_o let_v it_o therefore_o remain_v a_o unshaken_a truth_n the_o god_n be_v good_a and_o that_o this_o goodness_n do_v exert_a and_o express_v itself_o towards_o mankind_n and_o we_o shall_v from_o hence_o gain_v these_o two_o point_n 1._o that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o cause_n oâ—_n man_n misery_n and_o what_o be_v more_o yet_o 2._o that_o he_o be_v most_o ready_a and_o willing_a to_o further_o and_o assist_v he_o in_o all_o his_o endeavour_n after_o happiness_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v apparent_a for_o if_o god_n be_v infinite_o good_a than_o every_o thing_n that_o come_v out_o of_o his_o hand_n must_v in_o the_o state_n of_o its_o creation_n have_v be_v exceed_o good_a the_o end_n of_o the_o creation_n must_v have_v be_v something_o extreme_o kind_a and_o gracious_a and_o the_o law_n he_o prescribe_v his_o creature_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o that_o end_n must_v be_v as_o good_a as_o wise_a this_o must_v have_v be_v the_o glorious_a state_n of_o thing_n when_o god_n contrive_v this_o wonderful_a frame_n of_o nature_n when_o he_o erect_v this_o vast_a work_n the_o world_n and_o in_o all_o the_o continue_a progress_n of_o divine_a providence_n we_o be_v to_o expect_v no_o other_o act_n of_o government_n than_o what_o may_v become_v the_o most_o gracious_a prince_n the_o most_o tender_a father_n for_o the_o same_o immense_a goodness_n that_o once_o create_v do_v ever_o continue_v to_o rule_v the_o world_n let_v we_o not_o therefore_o accuse_v god_n but_o ourselves_o if_o we_o be_v not_o happy_a blessing_n indeed_o and_o mercy_n like_o warm_a sun_n and_o fruitful_a season_n descend_v upon_o we_o without_o our_o importunity_n or_o merit_n but_o evil_n and_o mischief_n come_v not_o till_o our_o sin_n and_o provocation_n have_v pull_v they_o down_o upon_o we_o solon_n indeed_o in_o herodotus_n tell_v croesus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o the_o deity_n be_v envious_a and_o froward_a and_o delight_v to_o magnify_v itself_o in_o the_o disturbance_n of_o the_o settle_a happiness_n and_o calm_a of_o poor_a man_n but_o alas_o it_o be_v our_o fondness_n or_o our_o pride_n our_o peevishness_n or_o our_o wantonness_n which_o raise_v in_o we_o these_o unworthy_a thought_n of_o god_n he_o may_v indeed_o like_o a_o kind_a parent_n train_n up_o a_o son_n through_o a_o strict_a discipline_n to_o virtue_n and_o glory_n he_o may_v throw_v difficulty_n into_o our_o way_n on_o purpose_n to_o reward_v our_o conquest_n he_o may_v like_v a_o wise_a physician_n restore_v we_o to_o our_o health_n by_o bitter_a potion_n and_o will_v like_v a_o excellent_a governor_n vindicate_v if_o need_v be_v our_o wanton_a contempt_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n by_o severity_n and_o chastisement_n but_o he_o will_v never_o like_o a_o savage_a tyrant_n delight_n in_o the_o suffering_n or_o ruin_n of_o innocent_a or_o humble_a subject_n he_o will_v never_o prescribe_v impossible_a law_n that_o he_o may_v enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o bloody_a execution_n he_o will_v never_o make_v the_o groan_n of_o wretched_a people_n his_o music_n nor_o think_v misery_n and_o death_n the_o best_a mark_n of_o his_o absolute_a power_n or_o fair_a ornament_n of_o his_o throne_n no_o we_o shall_v never_o need_v any_o other_o proof_n to_o clear_v the_o divine_a majesty_n from_o any_o such_o imputation_n than_o to_o examine_v ourselves_o and_o reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o behaviour_n we_o shall_v soon_o find_v that_o we_o alone_o be_v guilty_a of_o our_o ruin_n and_o that_o god_n be_v utter_o free_a from_o it_o our_o excessive_a enjoyment_n create_v the_o disease_n of_o the_o body_n and_o our_o excessive_a passion_n the_o pain_n and_o torment_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o most_o of_o the_o change_n in_o our_o fortune_n derive_v themselves_o from_o both_o a_o languish_a body_n and_o a_o languish_a reputation_n a_o break_a estate_n and_o a_o deject_a mind_n be_v the_o common_a effect_n of_o a_o disorderly_a and_o debauched_a life_n and_o such_o a_o life_n be_v the_o natural_a effect_n of_o a_o mind_n enslave_v to_o the_o body_n and_o estrange_v from_o god_n not_o only_o by_o a_o neglect_n but_o by_o a_o contempt_n and_o defiance_n of_o all_o those_o mean_n by_o
power_n i_o attribute_v to_o man_n i_o acknowledge_v derive_v from_o god_n i_o will_v therefore_o with_o good_a assurance_n proceed_v and_o try_v whether_o i_o can_v take_v in_o and_o demolish_v this_o fort_n which_o stop_v our_o way_n to_o happiness_n they_o who_o affirm_v a_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n incapable_a of_o virtue_n forget_v that_o they_o dishonour_n god_n whilst_o they_o reproach_v their_o nature_n for_o be_v it_o so_o to_o what_o end_n can_v we_o imagine_v such_o man_n endow_v with_o reason_n and_o understanding_n not_o to_o worship_v but_o defy_v their_o maker_n and_o be_v it_o for_o this_o end_n that_o they_o be_v make_v immortal_a too_o have_v god_n make_v man_n only_o to_o take_v his_o pastime_n in_o the_o world_n like_o the_o leviathan_n in_o the_o wave_n such_o a_o soul_n as_o that_o which_o move_v the_o fish_n of_o the_o sea_n or_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o earth_n a_o sensitive_a soul_n have_v be_v most_o proper_a for_o this_o end_n then_o may_v he_o have_v enjoy_v himself_o without_o reluctancy_n without_o control_v without_o remorse_n without_o shame_n what_o can_v be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o a_o rational_a creature_n to_o which_o you_o allow_v not_o a_o capacity_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n till_o you_o can_v show_v i_o this_o i_o can_v never_o believe_v that_o god_n shall_v endow_v man_n with_o a_o rational_a and_o immortal_a mind_n out_o of_o any_o other_o design_n than_o such_o a_o one_o as_o may_v become_v such_o a_o be_v create_v after_o his_o own_o image_n which_o be_v the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n but_o what_o shall_v i_o wonder_v that_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v aware_a of_o their_o contradict_a reason_n when_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v insensible_a of_o that_o contradiction_n even_o to_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o experience_n of_o mankind_n which_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v there_o so_o many_o school_n of_o learning_n and_o good_a manner_n found_v to_o what_o purpose_n be_v there_o so_o many_o treatise_n of_o the_o education_n of_o youth_n write_v to_o what_o purpose_n do_v the_o wakeful_a parent_n strive_v to_o inculcate_v the_o seed_n of_o virtue_n into_o the_o child_n and_o train_v he_o up_o by_o a_o wise_a discipline_n to_o the_o practice_n and_o custom_n of_o virtue_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o proposal_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o the_o restraint_n of_o law_n if_o either_o they_o do_v not_o raise_v those_o hope_n and_o fear_n they_o aim_v at_o or_o if_o hope_n and_o fear_n be_v altogether_o useless_a and_o ineffectual_a if_o no_o instruction_n no_o discipline_n can_v mould_n and_o fashion_v rough_a unpolished_a crooked_a incorrigible_a nature_n now_o here_o tho'_o any_o man_n may_v have_v confidence_n enough_o to_o disparage_v the_o judgement_n of_o mankind_n and_o attribute_v all_o the_o pain_n they_o take_v in_o the_o education_n of_o youth_n or_o the_o government_n and_o direction_n of_o ripe_a year_n to_o custom_n not_o to_o right_a reason_n yet_o sure_o he_o will_v not_o so_o far_o disparage_v his_o own_o observation_n and_o knowledge_n as_o utter_o to_o deny_v the_o success_n of_o these_o mean_n for_o not_o to_o instance_n in_o particular_n it_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o any_o one_o the_o least_o verse_v in_o the_o history_n of_o the_o world_n that_o there_o have_v be_v national_a virtue_n as_o well_o as_o vice_n that_o there_o have_v be_v time_n wherein_o learning_n and_o religion_n have_v be_v as_o much_o in_o fashion_n and_o reputation_n as_o wickedness_n and_o barbarism_n in_o other_o shall_v we_o say_v those_o nation_n those_o time_n breed_v none_o of_o those_o nature_n which_o the_o objector_n affirm_v be_v uncapable_a of_o virtue_n let_v they_o show_v what_o heavenly_a influence_n what_o miraculous_a power_n produce_v this_o change_n in_o nature_n what_o shall_v i_o urge_v the_o power_n of_o vain_a and_o false_a principle_n the_o mighty_a force_n even_o of_o irrational_a custom_n vanquish_a those_o inclination_n which_o be_v more_o deep_o root_v more_o close_o interweave_v with_o our_o blood_n and_o spirit_n than_o any_o inclination_n to_o vice_n and_o folly_n can_v be_v such_o be_v for_o example_n the_o love_n of_o life_n and_o the_o abhorrence_n of_o pain_n and_o yet_o what_o a_o contempt_n of_o death_n be_v to_o be_v find_v even_o in_o the_o most_o timorous_a sex_n as_o in_o the_o indian_a woman_n what_o a_o contempt_n of_o pain_n even_o in_o the_o weak_a age_n as_o in_o the_o spartan_a youth_n and_o all_o this_o have_v no_o strong_a foundation_n than_o irrational_a custom_n and_o vain_a fantastic_a principle_n why_o shall_v we_o therefore_o be_v unwilling_a to_o attribute_v to_o excellent_a principle_n and_o virtuous_a custom_n bless_a and_o aid_v by_o heaven_n as_o much_o power_n and_o virtue_n as_o we_o do_v to_o such_o as_o these_o if_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o man_n to_o wickedness_n can_v be_v curb_v if_o his_o most_o furious_a and_o violent_a passion_n can_v be_v restrain_v and_o stifle_v than_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v as_o reasonable_o suppose_v that_o divine_a truth_n religious_a discipline_n together_o with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n may_v effect_v this_o as_o any_o thing_n else_o whatever_a if_o the_o press_a necessity_n and_o perplexity_n of_o the_o state_n can_v change_v the_o softness_n and_o luxury_n of_o otho_n into_o military_a hardship_n and_o courage_n i_o know_v not_o why_o a_o rational_a sense_n of_o the_o true_a honour_n and_o glory_n of_o virtue_n and_o of_o our_o eternal_a interest_n and_o innumerable_a other_o consideration_n which_o the_o gospel_n lay_v before_o we_o christian_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o work_v the_o same_o wonder_n if_o the_o reverence_n of_o seneca_n or_o the_o senate_n or_o any_o other_o motive_n can_v produce_v a_o quinquennium_fw-la neronis_n can_v restrain_v the_o violent_a inclination_n of_o that_o wretched_a man_n so_o that_o his_o government_n for_o so_o many_o year_n shall_v be_v as_o gentle_a and_o just_a as_o that_o of_o the_o most_o gracious_a and_o virtuous_a prince_n why_o shall_v not_o the_o reverence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o eternity_n be_v able_a to_o awe_v and_o curb_v the_o most_o vicious_a nature_n this_o methinks_v aught_o well_o to_o be_v weigh_v by_o all_o who_o assert_v man_n impotence_n and_o incapacity_n of_o virtue_n they_o disparage_v the_o gospel_n and_o reproach_n grace_n as_o well_o as_o man_n with_o impotence_n and_o insufficiency_n and_o yet_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n do_v you_o consider_v that_o if_o you_o suppose_v man_n by_o nature_n unable_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o then_o deny_v he_o and_o utter_o debar_v he_o from_o god_n grace_n you_o introduce_v fate_n for_o what_o more_o fatal_a necessity_n can_v a_o wretched_a creature_n lie_v under_o than_o natural_a impotence_n utter_o destitute_a and_o for_o ever_o forsake_v of_o divine_a assistance_n or_o if_o you_o bereave_v not_o man_n of_o grace_n but_o yet_o bereave_v grace_n of_o its_o sufficiency_n do_v you_o not_o understand_v that_o the_o fatal_a necessity_n continue_v still_o the_o same_o there_o be_v no_o change_n in_o the_o man_n condition_n only_o in_o this_o hypothesis_n grace_n be_v dishonour_v and_o reproach_v as_o well_o as_o nature_n and_o this_o reflect_v very_o rude_o too_o upon_o god_n it_o call_v the_o wisdom_n the_o goodness_n the_o sincerity_n the_o power_n of_o god_n into_o dispute_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o power_n of_o god_n not_o to_o be_v able_a by_o his_o spirit_n and_o truth_n to_o subdue_v and_o overpower_v the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o goodness_n not_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o aid_v his_o poor_a creature_n when_o they_o call_v upon_o he_o inconsistent_a with_o his_o sincerity_n to_o afford_v they_o such_o aid_n as_o must_v tend_v to_o their_o great_a mischief_n not_o good_a as_o grace_v its_o self_n will_v if_o it_o be_v only_o sufficient_a to_o increase_v their_o gild_n but_o not_o to_o subdue_v their_o sin_n this_o be_v indeed_o when_o a_o child_n ask_v bread_n to_o give_v he_o a_o stone_n 7._o matth._n 7._o and_o when_o he_o ask_v fish_n to_o gie_n he_o a_o scorpion_n it_o be_v last_o as_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o confer_v grace_n to_o no_o purpose_n as_o it_o be_v with_o his_o goodness_n to_o confer_v it_o to_o a_o ill_a one_o these_o with_o many_o other_o be_v the_o absurd_a consequence_n which_o attend_v the_o denial_n of_o the_o universality_n or_o sufficiency_n of_o grace_n but_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o do_v grant_v that_o god_n almighty_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v every_o man_n who_o call_v on_o he_o in_o his_o endeavour_n after_o virtue_n and_o happiness_n and_o that_o his_o assistance_n be_v sufficient_a to_o
the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v then_o we_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v in_o every_o man_n power_n to_o be_v good_a and_o happy_a for_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o man_n can_v do_v what_o he_o can_v do_v or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o what_o god_n have_v put_v in_o his_o power_n to_o do_v by_o what_o a_o crowd_n of_o argument_n may_v i_o confirm_v this_o truth_n sufficient_a to_o bear_v down_o and_o even_o shame_v the_o most_o impudent_a caviller_n why_o be_v not_o man_n good_a why_o be_v they_o not_o happy_a shall_v we_o say_v that_o god_n do_v not_o vouchsafe_v they_o his_o grace_n shall_v we_o impute_v man_n misery_n to_o god_n shall_v we_o charge_v that_o glorious_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v with_o want_n of_o compassion_n or_o sincerity_n towards_o his_o poor_a creature_n how_o easy_a will_v it_o be_v for_o he_o to_o appeal_v to_o the_o suffering_n of_o his_o son_n to_o the_o vigorous_a attempt_n and_o endeavour_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o heaven_n and_o earth_n stamp_v with_o the_o impress_n of_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n on_o purpose_n to_o teach_v invite_v and_o almost_o compel_v we_o to_o worship_n and_o obey_v he_o to_o the_o various_a method_n of_o his_o providence_n contrive_v and_o pursue_v our_o happiness_n how_o easy_o last_o may_v he_o appeal_v for_o his_o purgation_n to_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o these_o will_v tell_v we_o as_o they_o ever_o do_v in_o the_o distress_n of_o our_o fortune_n and_o the_o approach_n of_o danger_n and_o death_n to_o what_o we_o be_v to_o impute_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o ruin_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o do_v god_n vouchsafe_v man_n his_o grace_n the_o revelation_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n but_o that_o this_o grace_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o we_o alas_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o any_o of_o we_o to_o refute_v this_o fancy_n by_o appeal_n to_o the_o solemn_a covenant_n of_o our_o baptism_n to_o the_o character_n and_o description_n of_o good_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o effect_n which_o our_o reason_n teach_v we_o must_v be_v natural_a and_o inseparable_a from_o a_o true_a faith_n and_o divine_a assistance_n but_o i_o will_v choose_v to_o make_v use_n of_o one_o argument_n which_o st._n paul_n furnish_v we_o with_o 11._o heb._n 11._o heb._n 11._o there_o the_o apostle_n prove_v the_o possibility_n of_o please_a god_n by_o faith_n from_o undeniable_a instance_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n infer_v from_o what_o man_n have_v actual_o do_v what_o it_o be_v still_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o do_v omit_v the_o miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a effect_n of_o faith_n i_o will_v reduce_v the_o instance_n of_o this_o chapter_n to_o three_o head_n first_o such_o wherein_o faith_n appear_v victorious_a over_o the_o temptation_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o vicious_a custom_n of_o the_o place_n man_n live_v in_o from_o the_o prevalency_n &_o fashionableness_n of_o sin_n among_o those_o they_o converse_v with_o second_o such_o wherein_o faith_n triumph_v over_o temptation_n arise_v from_o sensual_a pleasure_n three_o such_o wherein_o it_o overcome_v the_o sense_n of_o pain_n and_o fear_v of_o approach_a evil._n i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o instance_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o consider_v the_o propension_n of_o our_o body_n and_o the_o vanity_n and_o sensuality_n which_o the_o mind_n natural_o derive_v from_o it_o and_o from_o its_o commerce_n with_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v a_o difficult_a thing_n to_o encounter_v temptation_n naked_a and_o alone_a how_o much_o more_o difficult_a when_o back_v and_o assist_v by_o custom_n and_o fashion_n when_o universal_a practice_n give_v authority_n and_o reputation_n to_o sin_n and_o folly_n and_o the_o poor_a man_n be_v leave_v destitute_a of_o the_o assistance_n of_o good_a counsel_n and_o the_o encouragement_n of_o good_a example_n to_o encounter_v not_o only_o the_o difficulty_n with_o which_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o also_o the_o reproach_n with_o which_o the_o popularity_n and_o prevalency_n of_o sin_n clog_v and_o imbitter_v virtue_n and_o yet_o behold_v enoch_n in_o a_o world_n it_o seem_v give_v up_o to_o sin_n do_v not_o only_o keep_v up_o in_o private_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o despise_a forsake_a virtue_n but_o be_v open_o and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n eminent_a and_o exemplary_a in_o it_o and_o therefore_o be_v his_o end_n as_o extraordinary_a as_o his_o life_n for_o have_v obtain_v this_o testimony_n that_o he_o please_v god_n he_o be_v translate_v this_o be_v owe_v to_o his_o faith_n he_o be_v content_a to_o endure_v the_o reproach_n of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o may_v obtain_v the_o approbation_n of_o god_n and_o despise_v the_o honour_n and_o applause_n of_o popular_a vice_n and_o fashionable_a compliance_n that_o he_o may_v gain_v the_o kingdom_n wherein_o dwell_v righteousness_n such_o a_o other_o example_n be_v noah_n his_o righteousness_n be_v like_o his_o ark_n afterward_o raise_v above_o a_o deluge_n not_o of_o water_n but_o impiety_n he_o live_v in_o a_o world_n so_o wicked_a that_o it_o grieve_v god_n at_o his_o heart_n that_o he_o have_v make_v it_o in_o this_o world_n he_o be_v a_o preacher_n and_o example_n of_o righteousness_n and_o his_o zeal_n by_o a_o antiperistasis_n be_v not_o quench_v but_o enkindle_v by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o world_n he_o live_v in_o this_o too_o be_v owe_v to_o his_o faith_n he_o fear_v those_o threat_n which_o that_o impious_a world_n scoff_v at_o and_o so_o prepare_v a_o ark_n to_o the_o save_n of_o his_o house_n 7._o c._n 7._o by_o which_o he_o condemn_v the_o world_n and_o become_v heir_n of_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n no_o doubt_n when_o this_o strange_a building_n be_v prepare_v noah_n be_v assault_v by_o all_o the_o raillery_n and_o contempt_n by_o all_o the_o show_v of_o wit_n and_o reason_n lust_n and_o profaneness_n can_v furnish_v a_o impious_a age_n with_o this_o man_n say_v they_o have_v ever_o be_v singular_a and_o fantastic_a in_o the_o whole_a method_n of_o his_o conversation_n there_o want_v but_o such_o a_o prank_n as_o this_o to_o complete_a fancy_n into_o madness_n he_o ever_o dream_v of_o judgement_n and_o yet_o we_o he_o threaten_v continue_v our_o mirth_n and_o pleasure_n he_o alone_o in_o fear_n and_o anxiety_n have_v suffer_v the_o evil_n which_o his_o melancholy_a fancy_n create_v and_o which_o be_v all_o that_o we_o shall_v ever_o see_v for_o how_o long_o have_v he_o be_v preach_v dreadful_a thing_n and_o yet_o still_o the_o sun_n shine_v the_o heaven_n be_v fair_a and_o clear_a our_o feast_n and_o lust_n have_v the_o same_o relish_n still_o nor_o do_v our_o experience_n only_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o falsehood_n but_o our_o reason_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o this_o man_n dream_n for_o which_o way_n shall_v the_o fix_a state_n of_o nature_n be_v turn_v upside_o down_o whence_o will_v this_o universal_a deluge_n come_v will_v his_o god_n break_v up_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deep_a or_o will_v he_o open_v the_o cataract_n of_o heaven_n but_o while_o they_o thus_o profane_o scoff_v and_o measure_v the_o divine_a power_n by_o their_o deprave_a fancy_n noah_n religious_o fear_v who_o have_v a_o different_a sense_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o provocation_n of_o sin_n he_o know_v that_o as_o mercy_n so_o wrath_n be_v with_o god_n that_o as_o he_o be_v mighty_a to_o forgive_v 16._o eccles_n 16._o so_o be_v he_o too_o to_o pour_v out_o displeasure_n and_o by_o this_o faith_n he_o preserve_v himself_o as_o from_o the_o impiety_n so_o from_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o old_a world_n for_o tho'_o he_o be_v not_o like_o enoch_n translate_v yet_o be_v preserve_v out_o of_o a_o general_a ruin_n he_o live_v to_o see_v a_o end_n of_o the_o old_a world_n and_o give_v beginning_n to_o the_o new_a to_o these_o i_o may_v add_v lot_n who_o righteous_a soul_n be_v not_o infect_v but_o provoke_v and_o grieve_v by_o the_o impiety_n of_o sodom_n joshuah_n as_o eminent_a for_o his_o faith_n as_o victory_n who_o resolve_v whatever_o course_n the_o israelite_n will_v take_v who_o to_o the_o last_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o as_o great_a prodigy_n to_o rescue_v they_o from_o idolatry_n as_o once_o from_o egypt_n he_o and_o his_o house_n will_v serve_v the_o lord_n 24._o josh_n 24._o these_o instance_n be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v the_o power_n of_o faith_n in_o its_o victory_n over_o popular_a error_n and_o fashionable_a sin_n and_o by_o consequence_n over_o many_o inclination_n at_o once_o for_o the_o popularity_n and_o prevalency_n of_o any_o sin_n be_v a_o bait_n appropriate_v to_o our_o pride_n and_o vanity_n which_o make_v man_n affect_v precedence_n and_o superiority_n in_o all_o thing_n which_o the_o world_n