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faith_n believe_v church_n infallibility_n 5,773 5 11.7611 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A42831 Some discourses, sermons, and remains of the Reverend Mr. Jos. Glanvil ... collected into one volume, and published by Ant. Horneck ... ; together with a sermon preached at his funeral, by Joseph Pleydell ... Glanvill, Joseph, 1636-1680.; Horneck, Anthony, 1641-1697.; Pleydell, Josiah, d. 1707. 1681 (1681) Wing G831; ESTC R23396 193,219 458

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doctrine_n both_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n continual_o appeal_v here_o be_v the_o firm_a reasonable_a foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a certainty_n the_o truth_n we_o believe_v be_v confirm_v by_o miracle_n than_o which_o there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a evidence_n but_o now_o the_o roman_a church_n destroy_v this_o ground_n of_o certainty_n by_o a_o multitude_n of_o lie_a wonder_n which_o they_o impudent_o obtrude_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o people_n for_o proof_n and_o confirmation_n of_o their_o false_a and_o corrupt_a religion_n the_o immediate_a consequence_n of_o which_o be_v a_o suspicion_n thereby_o bring_v upon_o the_o true_a miracle_n and_o here_o be_v way_n make_v for_o scepticism_n and_o uncertainty_n in_o the_o great_a and_o most_o sacred_a christian_a doctrine_n and_o beside_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v introduce_v among_o these_o many_o doubtful_a uncertain_a and_o many_o certain_o false_a opinion_n and_o impose_v they_o upon_o the_o faith_n of_o its_o votary_n under_o the_o same_o obligation_n as_o it_o do_v the_o most_o fundamental_a article_n what_o can_v be_v the_o consequence_n but_o that_o those_o who_o discover_v the_o error_n or_o uncertainty_n of_o some_o of_o those_o pretend_a proposition_n of_o faith_n shall_v doubt_v all_o the_o rest_n and_o indeed_o since_o the_o main_a assurance_n be_v place_v in_o the_o infallibility_n of_o that_o church_n for_o which_o there_o be_v so_o no_o reason_n and_o so_o much_o plain_a evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_a since_o themselves_o can_v tell_v where_o that_o boast_a infallibility_n be_v whether_o in_o pope_n or_o council_n if_o we_o shall_v allow_v they_o any_o such_o it_o follow_v that_o their_o faith_n be_v precarious_a and_o have_v no_o foundation_n at_o all_o in_o like_a manner_n the_o sect_n among_o we_o resolve_v all_o their_o assurance_n either_o into_o a_o bare_a belief_n or_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o private_a spirit_n for_o their_o ground_n of_o credit_v the_o scripture_n be_v but_o this_o testimony_n and_o consequent_o whatever_o they_o receive_v from_o hence_o bottom_n here_o the_o papist_n believe_v the_o scripture_n on_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o these_o believe_v they_o on_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v in_o earnest_n the_o suggestion_n and_o resolution_n of_o their_o own_o viz._n they_o believe_v because_o they_o will_v believe_v and_o they_o find_v themselves_o incline_v unto_o it_o and_o upon_o the_o same_o reason_n when_o the_o imagination_n and_o humour_n alter_v they_o may_v cease_v to_o believe_v or_o believe_v the_o contrary_n and_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n more_o various_a and_o uncertain_a than_o the_o suggestion_n and_o impulse_n of_o a_o private_a spirit_n beside_o the_o sect_n also_o have_v vast_o multiply_v article_n of_o faith_n and_o make_v all_o their_o private_a opinion_n sacred_a call_v they_o gospel_n truth_n precious_a truth_n save_v truth_n and_o the_o like_a when_o they_o be_v but_o uncertainty_n at_o the_o best_a and_o usual_o false_a and_o senseless_a imagination_n by_o which_o way_n also_o they_o expose_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_a principle_n to_o suspicion_n and_o so_o weaken_v the_o faith_n of_o some_o and_o destroy_v the_o faith_n of_o other_o but_o the_o church_n of_o england_n secure_v the_o certainty_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o resolve_v it_o into_o the_o scripture_n the_o true_a seat_n of_o infallibility_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o that_o into_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o true_a sense_n viz._n that_o testimony_n that_o god_n give_v by_o his_o spirit_n to_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o those_o miraculous_a work_n he_o enable_v they_o to_o perform_v they_o do_v not_o only_o bear_v witness_n of_o themselves_o that_o as_o our_o saviour_n argue_v with_o the_o jew_n luk._n 11._o 48._o will_v not_o have_v signify_v much_o the_o father_n bear_v witness_v with_o they_o john_n 15._o 8._o and_o the_o work_v they_o perform_v by_o his_o power_n be_v the_o sure_a testimony_n believe_v i_o for_o the_o work_v sake_n say_v our_o saviour_n here_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o certainty_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n entertain_v no_o article_n of_o faith_n but_o those_o principle_n that_o have_v be_v so_o confirm_v that_o be_v none_o but_o what_o be_v evident_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n whereas_o the_o roman_a church_n to_o mention_v no_o other_o have_v make_v the_o absurd_a doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n sacred_a though_o it_o be_v not_o only_o not_o contain_v in_o scripture_n but_o contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n and_o even_o to_o the_o sound_a sense_n of_o mankind_n and_o if_o neither_o reason_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o our_o sense_n may_v be_v believe_v what_o assurance_n can_v we_o have_v of_o any_o thing_n a_o ground_n be_v here_o lay_v for_o everlasting_a scepticism_n and_o uncertainty_n and_o the_o sect_n have_v lay_v the_o same_o in_o their_o numerous_a silly_a tenant_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o some_o of_o the_o most_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o reason_n nothing_o of_o which_o can_v with_o any_o show_n be_v object_v against_o this_o church_n 6._o the_o faith_n deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n be_v catholic_n it_o be_v deliver_v to_o all_o the_o saint_n entertain_v by_o all_o and_o be_v not_o only_o the_o opinion_n and_o belief_n of_o a_o prevail_a faction_n or_o of_o particular_a man_n in_o corner_n the_o commission_n give_v the_o disciple_n be_v to_o go_v and_o teach_v all_o nation_n and_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n and_o according_o it_o be_v wide_o diffuse_v and_o all_o that_o profess_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v instruct_v in_o his_o faith_n and_o religion_n in_o all_o the_o article_n and_o duty_n of_o it_o that_o be_v essential_a and_o necessary_a in_o these_o they_o join_v in_o holy_a love_n and_o communion_n till_o sect_n come_v among_o they_o that_o introduce_v damnable_a heresy_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n they_o have_v receive_v these_o divide_v from_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o pure_a catholic_n church_n and_o separate_v themselves_o from_o it_o gather_v into_o select_a company_n of_o their_o own_o under_o pretence_n of_o more_o truth_n and_o holiness_n after_o this_o manner_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o have_v for_o some_o age_n be_v eminent_a in_o the_o catholic_n church_n do_v at_o last_o corrupt_v and_o introduce_v divers_a unsound_a doctrine_n and_o usage_n unknown_a to_o the_o ancient_a catholic_n and_o be_v great_a and_o powerful_a it_o assume_v the_o name_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o itself_o and_o condemn_v all_o other_o christian_n as_o heretic_n when_o it_o be_v it_o self_n but_o a_o grand_a sect_n against_o who_o deprave_a doctrine_n and_o way_n there_o be_v a_o church_n in_o all_o age_n that_o do_v protest_v for_o the_o greek_a church_n which_o be_v of_o as_o large_a extent_n as_o they_o never_o assent_v to_o they_o and_o divers_a other_o christian_n in_o all_o time_n bear_v testimony_n against_o those_o error_n and_o depravation_n this_o sect_n be_v large_a and_o numerous_a indeed_o but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o number_n but_o the_o principle_n make_v the_o catholic_n principle_n conformable_a to_o those_o that_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n from_o these_o they_o have_v depart_v and_o the_o lesser_a sect_n among_o we_o have_v do_v the_o same_o by_o the_o many_o vain_a addition_n that_o they_o have_v make_v to_o the_o faith_n and_o their_o unjust_a separation_n from_o that_o church_n which_o retain_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o catholic_n doctrine_n and_o main_a practice_n without_o the_o mixture_n of_o any_o thing_n heretical_a or_o unlawful_a a_o church_n that_o do_v not_o damn_v all_o the_o world_n beside_o her_o own_o member_n as_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o divers_a of_o the_o sect_n do_v but_o extend_v her_o charity_n to_o all_o christian_n though_o many_o of_o they_o be_v under_o great_a mistake_n and_o so_o be_v true_o catholic_n both_o in_o her_o principle_n and_o affection_n i_o mean_v the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o now_o establish_v by_o law_n which_o god_n preserve_v in_o its_o purity_n amen_n finis_fw-la a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o funeral_n of_o m_n r._n jos_n glanvil_n late_a rector_n of_o bath_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n who_o die_v at_o his_o rectory_n of_o bath_n the_o four_o of_o november_n 1680._o and_o be_v bury_v there_o the_o nine_o of_o the_o same_o month._n by_o jos_n pleydell_n archdeacon_n of_o chichester_n london_n print_v for_o henry_n mortlock_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o phoenix_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n and_o the_o white_a hart_n in_o westminster-hall_n 1681._o revel_v fourteen_o ver._n 13._o and_o i_o hear_v a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n say_v unto_o i_o write_v bless_a be_v the_o dead_a which_o die_v in_o the_o lord_n from_o henceforth_o yea_o say_v the_o spirit_n that_o they_o may_v rest_v from_o their_o
pure_a time_n those_o of_o the_o first_o three_o hundred_o nay_o six_o hundred_o year_n which_o assertion_n i_o have_v in_o this_o place_n particular_o and_o large_o make_v good_a and_o divers_a of_o our_o learned_a divine_n have_v in_o their_o write_n full_o prove_v it_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o one_o thing_n which_o we_o condemn_v in_o the_o roman_a belief_n or_o practice_n but_o what_o have_v arise_v by_o the_o corruption_n of_o time_n long_o since_o the_o beginning_n and_o indeed_o in_o the_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n there_o be_v a_o eternal_a fountain_n of_o innovation_n in_o the_o authority_n they_o assume_v of_o declare_v that_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n in_o make_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o their_o people_n can_v never_o know_v when_o they_o have_v all_o new_a thing_n may_v still_o be_v obtrude_v as_o necessary_a and_o essential_a without_o end_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o character_n of_o antiquity_n condemn_v the_o sect_n also_o among_o they_o there_o be_v some_o old_a heresy_n receive_v but_o their_o principle_n and_o practice_n as_o opposite_a to_o those_o of_o our_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o in_o the_o first_o best_a time_n presbytery_n independency_n anabaptism_n quakerism_n may_v have_v be_v here_o and_o there_o of_o old_a in_o the_o brain_n of_o some_o particular_a conceit_a man_n but_o never_o be_v in_o any_o general_a practice_n any_o where_o the_o elder_a not_o two_o hundred_o year_n ago_o and_o some_o have_v arise_v in_o our_o own_o time_n their_o way_n they_o pretend_v to_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o if_o so_o we_o will_v present_o acknowledge_v they_o to_o be_v primitive_a but_o they_o be_v in_o the_o scripture_n only_o as_o those_o be_v interpret_v by_o their_o private_a spirit_n that_o be_v not_o there_o but_o in_o the_o fancy_n of_o the_o innovator_n and_o these_o be_v their_o guide_n in_o interpret_n lo_o here_o also_o be_v a_o fountain_n of_o perpetual_a novellize_a and_o as_o long_o as_o the_o imagination_n of_o man_n can_v frame_v novelty_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o new_a sect_n we_o have_v see_v the_o rise_n of_o some_o in_o our_o late_a time_n of_o confusion_n and_o if_o ever_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o see_v such_o again_o which_o god_n forbid_v in_o all_o likelihood_n from_o the_o same_o source_n other_o new_a yet_o unheard_a of_o sect_n and_o heresy_n will_v arise_v to_o the_o further_o divide_v of_o the_o chncurh_n ad_fw-la scandal_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v nothing_o so_o pregnant_a with_o novelty_n as_o imagination_n and_o the_o sectarian_n private_a spirit_n be_v no_o better_a nor_o worse_o than_o fancy_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o these_o all_o sort_n of_o they_o do_v retain_v some_o of_o the_o primitive_a doctrine_n as_o the_o roman_a church_n also_o do_v but_o their_o opinion_n and_o way_n that_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v not_o such_o this_o our_o church_n without_o fondness_n or_o 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real_a goodness_n in_o heart_n and_o life_n the_o business_n of_o it_o be_v to_o conform_v we_o unto_o god_n and_o to_o make_v we_o like_o he_o and_o the_o lord_n our_o god_n be_v holy_a and_o by_o this_o character_n also_o be_v popery_n condemn_v for_o this_o teach_v some_o direct_a impiety_n and_o immorality_n and_o by_o the_o consequence_n of_o some_o other_o of_o its_o doctrine_n the_o necessity_n of_o reformation_n of_o life_n be_v quite_o take_v away_o the_o reins_o be_v lay_v on_o man_n neck_n and_o god_n law_n be_v make_v void_a by_o their_o tradition_n of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v their_o idolatry_n and_o invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n which_o god_n both_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a have_v so_o earnest_o declare_v against_o as_o the_o high_a dishonour_n to_o his_o majesty_n and_o affront_v to_o his_o glory_n and_o which_o he_o stigmatize_v as_o the_o great_a impurity_n and_o frequent_o call_v fornication_n and_o whoredom_n they_o be_v spiritual_o so_o likewise_o their_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o depose_v and_o murder_v of_o prince_n and_o absolve_v the_o people_n from_o their_o allegiance_n their_o dispense_n with_o perjury_n rebellion_n and_o other_o sort_n of_o wickedness_n be_v high_a immorality_n and_o most_o antichristian_a that_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o the_o spirit_n genius_n and_o design_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n which_o be_v to_o redeem_v unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n beside_o which_o direct_a and_o point_v blank_a opposition_n to_o the_o christian_a principle_n and_o rule_n they_o strike_v at_o the_o root_n and_o main_a design_n of_o christianity_n by_o those_o their_o doctrine_n that_o render_v repentance_n and_o change_n of_o life_n unnecessary_a for_o according_a to_o they_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n may_v be_v have_v upon_o easy_a term_n cross_n pilgrimage_n ave_fw-la mary_n whip_n fast_n with_o confession_n and_o absolution_n will_v do_v the_o business_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o cut_v off_o right_a hand_n of_o pluck_v out_o of_o right_a eye_n and_o mortify_v the_o body_n in_o our_o saviour_n spiritual_a sense_n that_o be_v of_o subdue_a and_o rescind_v all_o inordinate_a appetite_n and_o affection_n which_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o religion_n the_o bodily_a exercise_n will_v suffice_v we_o may_v be_v safe_a and_o saint_v without_o obedience_n to_o those_o hard_a say_n or_o if_o the_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v omit_v it_o be_v but_o go_v to_o purgatory_n at_o last_o and_o if_o you_o have_v money_n to_o leave_v for_o mass_n and_o dirge_n you_o be_v secure_a of_o be_v pray_v out_o thence_o so_o that_o here_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v real_a inward_a holiness_n and_o purity_n be_v destroy_v and_o without_o holiness_n it_o be_v here_o make_v possible_a to_o see_v god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o worst_a thing_n that_o any_o thing_n that_o pretend_v to_o religion_n can_v 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virtue_n but_o free_o that_o be_v for_o no_o reason_n but_o mere_a unaccountable_a will_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o amend_v our_o life_n to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o order_n to_o our_o acceptance_n with_o he_o though_o we_o be_v the_o quite_o contrary_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o evil_a conversation_n we_o may_v yet_o be_v his_o belove_a his_o choose_a this_o have_v the_o malignity_n of_o the_o worst_a of_o popery_n or_o heathenism_n and_o such_o a_o principle_n be_v among_o some_o of_o the_o sect_n i_o accuse_v not_o all_o other_o that_o do_v not_o affirm_v so_o much_o as_o this_o do_v in_o a_o manner_n make_v good_a work_v unnecessary_a faith_n their_o airy_a faith_n that_o prescind_v from_o moral_a goodness_n be_v all_o all_o be_v believe_v receive_v trust_v rely_v which_o be_v great_a duty_n part_n of_o faith_n but_o this_o as_o
say_v when_o i_o consider_v these_o and_o then_o look_v upon_o man_n as_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n apprehensive_a of_o duty_n and_o interest_n and_o apt_a to_o be_v move_v by_o hope_n and_o fear_n i_o can_v but_o wonder_n and_o be_v astonish_v to_o think_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o man_n shall_v final_o miscarry_v and_o be_v undo_v it_o be_v possible_a some_o such_o consideration_n may_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o question_n propound_v to_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o verse_n immediate_o forego_v the_o text._n lord_n be_v there_o few_o that_o be_v save_v god_n be_v love_n and_o all_o the_o creature_n be_v his_o and_o man_n a_o noble_a sort_n he_o be_v the_o lover_n of_o man_n and_o thou_o be_v the_o redeemer_n of_o man_n and_o though_o man_n have_v offend_v yet_o god_n be_v propense_a to_o pardon_v and_o in_o thou_o he_o be_v reconcile_v he_o be_v desirous_a of_o our_o happiness_n and_o thou_o be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o offer_v and_o promote_v it_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v powerful_a and_o ready_a to_o assist_v our_o endeavour_n we_o be_v make_v for_o happiness_n and_o we_o seek_v it_o and_o lord_n be_v there_o few_o that_o be_v save_v the_o text_n be_v christ_n return_n to_o the_o question_n strive_v to_o enter_v in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o many_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a in_o which_o word_n we_o have_v three_o thing_n ay_o a_o answer_v imply_v straight_o be_v the_o gate_n two_o a_o duty_n express_v strive_v to_o enter_v iii_o a_o consideration_n to_o engage_v our_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n in_o the_o duty_n for_o many_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a by_o the_o gate_n we_o may_v understand_v the_o entrance_n and_o all_o the_o way_n of_o happiness_n and_o that_o be_v religion_n by_o the_o straitness_n of_o it_o the_o difficulty_n we_o be_v to_o encounter_v by_o strive_v earnest_n and_o sincere_a endeavour_n by_o seek_v a_o imperfect_a strive_n and_o from_o the_o word_n thus_o brief_o explain_v these_o proposition_n offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o consideration_n i._o there_o be_v many_o and_o great_a difficulty_n in_o religion_n the_o gate_n be_v straight_o ii_o the_o difficulty_n may_v be_v overcome_v by_o strive_v strive_v to_o enter_v iii_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o strive_v that_o will_v not_o procure_v a_o entrance_n for_o many_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o in_o order_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v many_o and_o great_a difficulty_n in_o religion_n and_o to_o what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v about_o it_o i_o premise_v this_o negative_a consideration_n that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o the_o understanding_n religion_n be_v a_o plain_a thing_n and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v it_o be_v no_o deep_a subtlety_n or_o high-strained_a notion_n it_o be_v no_o gild_a fancy_n or_o elaborate_a exercise_n of_o the_o brain_n it_o be_v not_o place_v in_o the_o cloud_n of_o imagination_n nor_o wrap_v up_o in_o mystical_a clothing_n but_o it_o be_v obvious_a and_o familiar_a easy_a and_o intelligible_a first_o preach_v by_o fisherman_n and_o mechanic_n without_o pomp_n of_o speech_n or_o height_n of_o speculation_n address_v to_o babe_n and_o plebeian_n head_n and_o intend_v to_o govern_v the_o will_n of_o the_o honest_a and_o sincere_a and_o not_o to_o exercise_v the_o wit_n of_o the_o notional_a and_o curious_a so_o that_o we_o need_v not_o mount_v the_o wing_n of_o the_o wind_n to_o fetch_v religion_n from_o the_o star_n nor_o go_v down_o to_o the_o deep_a to_o fetch_v it_o up_o from_o thence_o for_o it_o be_v with_o we_o and_o before_o we_o as_o open_a as_o the_o day_n and_o as_o familiar_a as_o the_o light_n the_o great_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v clothe_v in_o sunbeam_n and_o be_v as_o visible_a to_o the_o common_a eye_n as_o to_o the_o eagle_n upon_o the_o high_a perch_n it_o be_v no_o piece_n of_o wit_n or_o subtlety_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n nor_o will_v it_o require_v much_o study_n or_o learned_a retirement_n to_o understand_v the_o religion_n we_o must_v practice_v that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a to_o the_o very_a heathen_a rom._n 1._o 19_o the_o law_n be_v light_a say_v solomon_n prov._n 6._o 13._o and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o single_a pass_a glance_n on_o the_o eye_n but_o it_o be_v put_v into_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o promise_n be_v that_o we_o shall_v all_o know_v he_o from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o least_o our_o duty_n be_v set_v up_o in_o open_a place_n and_o shine_v upon_o by_o a_o clear_a beam_n it_o be_v write_v of_o old_a upon_o the_o plain_a table_n of_o habakkuk_n hab._n 2._o 2._o so_o that_o the_o run_a eye_n may_v see_v and_o read_v and_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o h._n jesus_n like_o himself_o come_v into_o the_o world_n with_o ray_n about_o its_o head_n religion_n i_o say_v be_v clear_a and_o plain_a and_o what_o be_v not_o so_o may_v concern_v the_o theatre_n or_o the_o school_n may_v entertain_v man_n wit_n and_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o dispute_n but_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o religion_n it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o interest_n of_o man_n soul_n religion_n be_v once_o a_o mystery_n but_o the_o mystery_n be_v reveal_v and_o those_o thing_n that_o we_o yet_o count_v mystery_n be_v plain_o enough_o discover_v as_o to_o their_o be_v such_o as_o we_o believe_v they_o though_o we_o can_v understand_v the_o manner_n how_o and_o it_o be_v no_o part_n of_o religion_n to_o inquire_v into_o that_o but_o rather_o it_o enjoin_v we_o meek_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o plain_a declaration_n of_o faith_n without_o bold_a scrutiny_n into_o hide_a thing_n in_o short_a i_o say_v the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o in_o the_o understanding_n in_o prompto_fw-la &_o facili_fw-la est_fw-la aeternitas_fw-la say_v the_o father_n the_o affair_n of_o eternity_n depend_v on_o thing_n easy_a and_o familiar_a and_o i_o premise_v this_o to_o prevent_v dangerous_a mistake_n but_o though_o religion_n be_v so_o facile_a and_o plain_a a_o thing_n to_o be_v understand_v yet_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v no_o broad_a or_o easy_a path_n the_o gate_n be_v straight_o enough_o for_o all_o that_o and_o i_o now_o come_v to_o show_v what_o be_v the_o real_a difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o whence_o they_o arise_v i._o one_o great_a difficulty_n arise_v from_o the_o depravity_n of_o our_o nature_n the_o scripture_n intimate_v that_o we_o be_v conceive_v in_o sin_n psalm_n 55._o 5._o transgressor_n from_o the_o womb_n isaiah_n 48._o 8._o child_n of_o wrath_n ephes_n 2._o 3._o and_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o we_o bring_v vile_a inclination_n into_o the_o world_n with_o we_o some_o be_v natural_o cruel_a and_o injurious_a proud_a and_o imperious_a lustful_a and_o revengeful_a other_o covetous_a and_o unjust_a humourfome_v and_o discontent_v treacherous_a and_o false_a and_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o instance_n of_o habitual_a vice_n or_o villainy_n but_o some_o or_o other_o be_v addict_v to_o it_o by_o their_o particular_a make_n and_o nature_n i_o say_v their_o nature_n for_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o true_a what_o some_o affirm_v to_o serve_v their_o opinion_n in_o contradiction_n to_o experience_n that_o vice_n be_v not_o in_o man_n natural_a propension_n but_o instill_a by_o corrupt_a education_n evil_a custom_n and_o example_n for_o we_o see_v that_o those_o who_o education_n have_v be_v the_o same_o do_v yet_o differ_v extreme_o from_o each_o other_o in_o their_o inclination_n and_o some_o who_o breed_n have_v be_v careless_a and_o loose_a who_o have_v see_v almost_o nothing_o else_o but_o example_n of_o vice_n and_o be_v instruct_v in_o little_a beside_o the_o art_n of_o vanity_n and_o pleasure_n i_o say_v there_o be_v such_o who_o notwithstanding_o these_o their_o unhappy_a circumstance_n discover_v none_o of_o those_o vile_a inclination_n and_o propension_n that_o be_v in_o other_o who_o education_n have_v be_v very_o strict_a and_o advantageous_a this_o i_o think_v be_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o many_o of_o our_o evil_a habit_n be_v from_o nature_n and_o not_o from_o custom_n only_o and_o yet_o i_o can_v say_v that_o humane_a nature_n be_v so_o debauch_a that_o every_o man_n be_v incline_v to_o every_o evil_a by_o it_o for_o there_o be_v those_o who_o by_o their_o temper_n be_v averse_a to_o some_o kind_n of_o vice_n and_o natural_o dispose_v to_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n some_o by_o their_o constitution_n be_v incline_v to_o hate_v cruelty_n covetousness_n lie_v impudence_n and_o injustice_n and_o be_v by_o temper_n merciful_a liberal_a modest_a true_a and_o just_a there_o be_v kind_n of_o vice_n which_o
require_v strong_a faith_n and_o many_o prayer_n and_o much_o time_n and_o great_a watchfulness_n and_o invincible_a resolution_n employ_v these_o hearty_o and_o though_o thou_o now_o and_o then_o may_v receive_v a_o foil_n yet_o give_v not_o off_o so_o but_o rise_v again_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o god_n implore_v new_a aid_n and_o fortify_v thyself_o with_o more_o consideration_n and_o deep_a resolve_n and_o then_o renew_v the_o combat_n upon_o the_o encouragement_n of_o divine_a assistance_n and_o christ_n merit_n and_o intercession_n and_o the_o promise_n that_o sin_n shall_v not_o have_v dominion_n over_o we_o rom._n 6._o 14._o remember_v that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a work_n and_o the_o big_a difficulty_n if_o this_o be_v not_o overcome_v all_o our_o other_o labour_n have_v be_v in_o vain_a and_o will_v be_v lose_v if_o this_o root_n remain_v it_o will_v still_o bear_v poisonous_a fruit_n which_o will_v be_v matter_n for_o temptation_n and_o occasion_n of_o continual_a fall_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v reconcile_v again_o to_o our_o old_a sin_n and_o to_o undo_v all_o and_o so_o our_o latter_a end_n will_v be_v worse_o than_o our_o beginning_n 2_o pet._n 2._o 20._o or_o at_o least_o though_o we_o stand_v at_o a_o stay_n and_o satisfy_v ourselves_o with_o that_o yet_o though_o we_o be_v content_v our_o condition_n be_v not_o safe_a if_o we_o will_v endeavour_v to_o any_o purpose_n of_o duty_n or_o security_n we_o must_v proceed_v still_o after_o our_o lesser_a conquest_n till_o the_o sin_n of_o complexion_n be_v lay_v dead_a at_o our_o foot_n he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n sin_v not_o and_o he_o can_v sin_v 1_o joh._n 3._o 9_o till_o we_o come_v to_o this_o we_o be_v but_o struggle_v in_o the_o birth_n such_o a_o perfection_n as_o be_v mortify_n of_o vicious_a temper_n be_v i_o hope_v attainable_a and_o it_o be_v no_o doubt_n that_o which_o religion_n aim_v at_o and_o though_o it_o be_v a_o difficult_a height_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o sit_v down_o this_o side_n at_o least_o we_o must_v be_v always_o press_v on_o to_o this_o mark_n if_o providence_n cut_v off_o our_o day_n before_o we_o have_v arrive_v to_o it_o we_o may_v expect_v acceptance_n of_o the_o sincerity_n of_o our_o endeavour_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o our_o saviour_n for_o he_o have_v procure_v favour_n for_o those_o sincere_a believer_n and_o endeavourer_n who_o day_n be_v do_v before_o their_o work_n be_v complete_v this_o i_o mean_v of_o subdue_a the_o darling_n sin_n of_o their_o particular_a nature_n but_o then_o if_o we_o rest_v and_o please_v ourselves_o with_o the_o little_a victory_n and_o attainment_n and_o let_v these_o our_o great_a enemy_n quiet_o alone_a it_o be_v a_o argument_n our_o endeavour_n be_v not_o sincere_a but_o much_o short_a of_o that_o strive_n which_o will_v procure_v a_o entrance_n into_o the_o strait_a gate_n the_o next_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v the_o last_o i_o shall_v mention_v which_o be_v employ_v in_o strive_v be_v 4._o to_o furnish_v ourselves_o through_o divine_a grace_n with_o the_o habit_n and_o inclination_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n for_o goodness_n to_o become_v a_o kind_n of_o nature_n to_o the_o soul_n be_v a_o height_n indeed_o but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o may_v be_v reach_v the_o new_a nature_n and_o new_a creature_n gal._n 6._o 15._o be_v not_o mere_a name_n we_o have_v observe_v that_o some_o man_n be_v of_o a_o natural_a generosity_n veracity_n and_o sweetness_n and_o they_o can_v act_v contrary_a to_o these_o native_a virtue_n without_o a_o mighty_a violence_n why_o now_o shall_v not_o the_o new_a nature_n be_v as_o powerful_a as_o the_o old_a and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n work_v by_o a_o active_a faith_n and_o endeavour_n fix_v habit_n and_o inclination_n on_o the_o soul_n as_o prevalent_a as_o those_o no_o doubt_n it_o may_v and_o do_v upon_o the_o divine_a soul_n for_o who_o to_o do_v a_o wicked_a or_o unworthy_a action_n it_o will_v be_v as_o violent_a and_o unnatural_a as_o for_o the_o meek_a and_o compassionate_a temper_n to_o butcher_v the_o innocent_a or_o for_o he_o that_o be_v natural_o just_a to_o oppress_v and_o make_v a_o prey_n of_o the_o fatherless_a and_o the_o widow_n i_o say_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o perfection_n as_o this_o shall_v be_v aim_v at_o heb._n 6._o 1._o and_o we_o shall_v not_o slacken_v or_o intermit_v our_o endeavour_n till_o it_o be_v attain_v in_o order_n to_o it_o we_o be_v to_o use_v frequent_a meditation_n on_o the_o excellency_n and_o pleasure_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n and_o earnest_a prayer_n for_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n and_o diligent_a attendance_n upon_o the_o public_a worship_n and_o pious_a company_n and_o converse_v for_o this_o great_a design_n these_o help_n be_v requisite_a and_o if_o we_o exercise_v ourselves_o in_o they_o as_o we_o ought_v they_o will_v fire_v our_o soul_n with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o goodness_n and_o so_o at_o last_o all_o christian_a virtue_n will_v become_v as_o natural_a to_o we_o as_o sin_n be_v before_o and_o to_o one_o that_o be_v so_o prepare_v the_o gate_n of_o happiness_n will_v be_v open_a and_o of_o easy_a entrance_n the_o difficulty_n be_v overcome_v and_o from_o henceforth_o the_o way_n be_v pleasant_a and_o plain_a before_o he_o prov._n 3._o 17._o thus_o i_o have_v show_v that_o the_o formidable_a difficulty_n may_v be_v overcome_v and_o how_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a course_n i_o have_v direct_v that_o will_v not_o puzzle_v man_n understanding_n with_o needless_a nicety_n nor_o distract_v their_o memory_n with_o multitude_n let_v we_o walk_v in_o this_o way_n and_o do_v it_o constant_o with_o vigour_n and_o alacrity_n and_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n but_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o god_n through_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o his_o son_n we_o shall_v overcome_v and_o at_o last_o enter_v i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o this_o general_a head_n but_o that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o note_v three_o thing_n more_o 1._o those_o instrument_n of_o our_o happiness_n which_o we_o must_v use_v in_o strive_v viz._n faith_n prayer_n and_o active_a endeavour_n must_v all_o of_o they_o be_v employ_v not_o any_o one_o single_o will_v do_v the_o great_a work_n nor_o can_v the_o other_o if_o any_o one_o be_v want_v if_o we_o believe_v and_o do_v not_o pray_v or_o pray_v and_o do_v not_o endeavour_v or_o endeavour_v without_o those_o the_o difficulty_n will_v remain_v and_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o enter_v 2._o we_o must_v be_v diligent_a in_o our_o course_n if_o we_o do_v not_o exercise_v faith_n vigorous_o and_o pray_v hearty_o and_o endeavour_v with_o our_o whole_a might_n the_o mean_n will_v not_o succeed_v and_o it_o be_v as_o good_a not_o at_o all_o as_o not_o to_o purpose_v the_o difficulty_n will_v not_o be_v overcome_v by_o cold_a faith_n or_o sleepy_a prayer_n or_o remiss_a endeavour_n a_o very_a intense_a degree_n of_o these_o be_v necessary_a 3._o our_o strive_v must_v be_v constant_a we_o must_v not_o begin_v and_o look_v back_o heb._n 10._o 38._o or_o run_v a_o while_n and_o stop_v in_o mid_a course_n 1_o cor._n 9_o 24._o and_o content_v ourselves_o with_o some_o attainment_n and_o think_v we_o have_v arrive_v phil._n 3._o 14._o if_o we_o do_v so_o we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o dangerous_o mistake_v the_o crown_n be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o warfare_n and_o the_o prize_n at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o race_n if_o we_o will_v succeed_v we_o must_v hold_v on_o the_o life_n of_o one_o that_o strive_v as_o he_o ought_v must_v be_v a_o continual_a motion_n forward_o always_o proceed_v always_o grow_v if_o we_o strive_v thus_o we_o can_v fail_v if_o any_o of_o these_o qualification_n be_v want_v we_o can_v but_o miscarry_v and_o hence_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v that_o many_o that_o seek_v to_o enter_v shall_v not_o be_v able_a and_o the_o presume_a son_n of_o the_o kingdom_n be_v shut_v out_o mat._n 8._o 12._o they_o seek_v and_o be_v very_o desirous_a to_o be_v admit_v they_o do_v some_o thing_n and_o strive_v but_o their_o strive_n be_v partial_a or_o careless_a or_o short_a by_o reason_n of_o which_o defect_n they_o do_v not_o overcome_v and_o shall_v not_o enter_v this_o be_v a_o dangerous_a rock_n and_o perhaps_o there_o be_v as_o many_o undo_v by_o cold_a and_o half_o strive_v as_o by_o not_o strive_v at_o all_o he_o that_o have_v do_v some_o thing_n presume_v he_o be_v secure_a he_o go_v the_o round_a of_o ordinary_a duty_n but_o advance_v nothing_o in_o his_o way_n he_o overcome_v none_o of_o the_o great_a difficulty_n none_o of_o the_o habit_n or_o deprave_a inclination_n he_o be_v content_v with_o other_o thing_n that_o make_v a_o more_o glorious_a show_n though_o they_o signify_v less_o
and_o perhaps_o despise_v these_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o morality_n and_o so_o presume_v that_o he_o be_v a_o saint_n too_o soon_o he_o never_o come_v to_o be_v one_o at_o all_o such_o be_v the_o seeker_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o enter_v their_o seek_v import_v some_o strive_n but_o it_o be_v such_o as_o though_o it_o be_v specious_a yet_o it_o be_v imperfect_a and_o will_v not_o succeed_v and_o hence_o the_o three_o proposition_n arise_v that_o i_o propose_v to_o discourse_v iii_o that_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o strive_v that_o will_v not_o procure_v a_o entrance_n employ_v in_o these_o word_n for_o many_o will_v seek_v to_o enter_v in_o and_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n to_o be_v flatter_v into_o a_o false_a peace_n and_o to_o take_v up_o with_o imperfect_a godliness_n to_o reconcile_v the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n to_o our_o belove_a sin_n and_o to_o judge_v our_o condition_n safe_a upon_o insufficient_a ground_n this_o multitude_n do_v and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a danger_n of_o our_o day_n man_n can_v be_v content_v without_o do_v something_o in_o religion_n but_o they_o be_v content_v with_o a_o little_a and_o then_o they_o reckon_v themselves_o godly_a before_o they_o be_v virtuous_a and_o take_v themselves_o to_o be_v saint_n upon_o such_o thing_n as_o will_v not_o distinguish_v a_o good_a man_n from_o a_o bad_a we_o seek_v after_o mark_n of_o godliness_n and_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o know_v how_o we_o may_v try_v our_o state_n the_o thing_n be_v of_o great_a importance_n and_o if_o the_o sign_n we_o judge_v by_o be_v either_o false_a or_o imperfect_a we_o be_v deceive_v to_o our_o undo_n mere_a speculative_a mistake_n about_o opinion_n do_v no_o great_a hurt_n but_o error_n in_o the_o mark_n and_o measure_n of_o religion_n be_v deadly_a now_o there_o be_v sundry_a thing_n common_o take_v for_o sign_n of_o godliness_n which_o though_o they_o be_v something_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o enough_o they_o be_v hopeful_a for_o beginning_n but_o nothing_o worth_a when_o they_o be_v our_o end_n and_o rest_n they_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o seek_v and_o imperfect_a strive_n but_o not_o such_o as_o overcome_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o way_n or_o will_v procure_v we_o a_o entrance_n at_o the_o gate_n therefore_o to_o disable_v the_o flatter_a insufficient_a mark_n of_o godliness_n i_o shall_v discover_v in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o three_o proposition_n how_o far_o a_o man_n may_v strive_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o be_v find_v at_o last_o among_o those_o seeker_n that_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o enter_v and_o though_o i_o have_v intimate_v something_o of_o this_o in_o the_o general_n before_o yet_o i_o shall_v now_o more_o particular_o show_v it_o in_o the_o instance_n that_o follow_v and_o in_o these_o i_o shall_v discover_v a_o religion_n that_o may_v be_v call_v animal_n to_o which_o the_o natural_a man_n may_v attain_v 1._o a_o man_n may_v believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o assent_v hearty_o to_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o creed_n and_o if_o he_o proceed_v not_o he_o be_v no_o further_o by_o this_o than_o the_o faith_n of_o devil_n jam._n 2._o 19_o 2._o he_o may_v go_v on_o and_o have_v a_o great_a thirst_n to_o be_v more_o acquaint_v with_o truth_n he_o may_v seek_v it_o diligent_o in_o scripture_n and_o sermon_n and_o good_a book_n and_o know_v company_n and_o yet_o do_v this_o by_o the_o motion_n of_o no_o high_a principle_n than_o a_o inbred_a curiosity_n and_o desire_v of_o knowledge_n and_o many_o time_n this_o earnestness_n after_o truth_n proceed_v from_o a_o proud_a affectation_n to_o be_v wise_a than_o our_o neighbour_n that_o we_o may_v pity_v their_o darkness_n or_o the_o itch_n of_o a_o dispute_a humour_n that_o we_o may_v out-talk_v they_o or_o a_o design_n to_o carry_v on_o or_o make_v a_o party_n that_o we_o may_v be_v call_v rabbi_n or_o serve_v a_o interest_n and_o the_o zeal_n for_o truth_n that_o be_v set_v on_o work_n by_o such_o motive_n be_v a_o spark_n of_o that_o fire_n that_o be_v from_o beneath_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o a_o man_n self_n and_o to_o the_o public_a weal_n of_o the_o church_n and_o mankind_n but_o the_o man_n proceed_v and_o be_v 3._o very_o much_o concern_v to_o defend_v and_o propagate_v his_o faith_n and_o the_o pharisee_n be_v so_o in_o relation_n to_o they_o mat._n 23._o 15._o and_o so_o have_v be_v many_o professor_n of_o all_o the_o religion_n that_o be_v or_o ever_o be_v man_n natural_o love_v their_o own_o tenant_n and_o be_v ambitious_a to_o mould_v other_o judgement_n according_a to_o they_o there_o be_v glory_n in_o be_v a_o instructor_n of_o other_o man_n and_o turn_v they_o to_o our_o way_n and_o opinion_n so_o that_o here_o be_v nothing_o yet_o above_o nature_n nothing_o but_o what_o may_v be_v find_v in_o many_o that_o seek_v and_o be_v shut_v out_o 4._o faith_n work_v great_a effect_n than_o these_o and_o man_n offer_v themselves_o to_o martyrdom_n for_o it_o this_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v be_v the_o great_a height_n and_o a_o argument_n that_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o way_n be_v overcome_v by_o one_o that_o be_v so_o resolve_v and_o that_o the_o gate_n can_v but_o be_v open_v to_o he_o and_o so_o no_o doubt_n it_o be_v when_o all_o thing_n else_o be_v suitable_a but_o otherwise_o these_o consequence_n by_o no_o mean_n follow_v s._n paul_n suppose_v that_o a_o man_n may_v give_v his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v and_o not_o have_v charity_n without_o which_o his_o martyrdom_n will_v not_o profit_v 1_o cor._n 13._o for_o one_o to_o deny_v his_o religion_n or_o what_o he_o believe_v to_o be_v certain_a and_o of_o great_a consequence_n be_v dishonourable_a and_o base_a and_o some_o out_o of_o principle_n of_o mere_a natural_a bravery_n will_v die_v rather_o than_o they_o will_v do_v it_o and_o yet_o upon_o other_o account_n be_v far_o enough_o from_o be_v heroical_o virtuous_a beside_o the_o desire_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o martyrdom_n and_o saintship_n after_o it_o may_v in_o some_o be_v strong_a than_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n and_o we_o see_v frequent_o that_o man_n will_v sacrifice_v their_o life_n to_o their_o honour_n and_o reputation_n yea_o to_o the_o most_o contemptible_a shadow_n of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o passion_n in_o we_o so_o weak_a no_o lust_n so_o impotent_a but_o have_v in_o many_o instance_n prevail_v over_o the_o fear_n of_o die_v every_o appetite_n have_v have_v its_o martyr_n and_o all_o religion_n they_o and_o though_o a_o man_n give_v his_o body_n to_o be_v burn_v for_o the_o best_a and_o have_v not_o charity_n viz._n prevalent_a love_n to_o god_n and_o man_n it_o will_v not_o signify_v so_o that_o martyrdom_n be_v no_o infallible_a mark_n nor_o will_v it_o avail_v any_o thing_n except_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o overcome_v the_o great_a difficulty_n have_v go_v before_o it_o thus_o far_o faith_n may_v go_v without_o effect_n and_o yet_o one_o step_n further_o 5._o man_n may_v confident_o rely_v upon_o christ_n for_o salvation_n and_o be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o he_o have_v justify_v and_o will_v make_v they_o happy_a they_o may_v appropriate_v he_o to_o themselves_o and_o be_v please_v mighty_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o his_o be_v they_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o confidence_n may_v be_v in_o the_o number_n of_o those_o seeker_n that_o shall_v not_o enter_v for_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a life_n only_o to_o those_o that_o obey_v he_o heb._n 5._o 9_o and_o to_o obey_v he_o be_v to_o strive_v vigorous_o and_o constant_o to_o overcome_v all_o our_o sinful_a inclination_n and_o habit_n and_o those_o that_o trust_v he_o will_v save_v they_o though_o they_o have_v never_o serious_o set_v about_o this_o work_n deceive_v themselves_o by_o vain_a presumption_n and_o in_o effect_n say_v that_o he_o will_v dissolve_v or_o dispense_v with_o his_o law_n in_o their_o favour_n for_o he_o require_v we_o to_o deny_v ourselves_o mar._n 8._o 34._o to_o mortify_v the_o body_n rom._n 8._o 13._o to_o love_v enemy_n mat._n 5._o 44._o to_o be_v meek_a mat._n 11._o 29._o and_o patient_a jam._n 5._o 8._o and_o humble_a 1_o pet._n 5._o 7._o and_o just_a mat._n 7._o 12._o and_o charitable_a heb._n 13._o 16._o and_o holy_a as_o he_o that_o call_v we_o be_v holy_a 1_o pet._n 1._o 15._o and_o he_o have_v promise_v to_o save_v upon_o no_o other_o term_n for_o all_o these_o be_v include_v in_o faith_n when_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o justify_n sense_n and_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o happiness_n and_o salvation_n if_o we_o walk_v not_o in_o this_o but_o in_o the_o path_n of_o our_o own_o choose_n our_o rely_v upon_o christ_n be_v a_o mockery_n and_o will_v deceive_v
he_o that_o be_v extreme_a in_o his_o principle_n must_v needs_o be_v narrow_a in_o his_o affection_n whereas_o he_o that_o stand_v on_o the_o middle_a path_n may_v extend_v the_o arm_n of_o his_o charity_n to_o those_o on_o both_o side_n it_o be_v indeed_o very_o natural_a to_o most_o to_o run_v into_o extreme_n and_o when_o man_n be_v fall_v out_o with_o a_o practice_n or_o opinion_n they_o think_v they_o can_v never_o remove_v to_o too_o great_a a_o distance_n from_o it_o be_v fright_v by_o the_o steep_a before_o they_o they_o run_v so_o far_o back_o till_o they_o fall_v into_o a_o precipice_n behind_o they_o every_o truth_n be_v near_o a_o error_n for_o it_o lie_v between_o two_o falsehood_n and_o he_o that_o go_v far_o from_o one_o be_v apt_a to_o slip_v into_o the_o other_o and_o while_o he_o fly_v from_o a_o bear_n a_o lion_n meet_v he_o so_o that_o the_o best_a way_n to_o avoid_v the_o danger_n be_v to_o steer_v the_o middle_a course_n in_o which_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a there_o be_v charity_n and_o peace_n and_o very_o probable_o truth_n in_o their_o company_n thus_o of_o my_o direction_n for_o consideration_n i_o will_v propose_v such_o as_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o our_o enmity_n and_o disagreement_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o different_a opinion_n which_o will_v prove_v that_o our_o affection_n ought_v to_o meet_v though_o our_o judgement_n can_v my_o first_o be_v this_o i._o love_n be_v part_n of_o religion_n but_o opinion_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o we_o lose_v charity_n be_v not_o so_o the_o first_o i_o have_v prove_v already_o and_o for_o the_o other_o we_o may_v consider_v that_o religion_n consist_v not_o in_o know_v many_o thing_n but_o in_o practise_v the_o few_o plain_a thing_n we_o know_v the_o necessary_a principle_n of_o faith_n lie_v in_o a_o little_a room_n this_o be_v life_n eternal_a to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v say_v he_o that_o best_o know_v what_o be_v eternal_a life_n and_o what_o necessary_a unto_o it_o joh._n 17._o 3._o and_o the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n draw_v up_o all_o into_o the_o same_o two_o principle_n he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n must_v know_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o heb._n 11._o 6._o st._n peter_n be_v pronounce_v bless_v upon_o the_o single_a profession_n that_o jesus_n be_v christ_n the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n mat._n 16._o 16._o and_o the_o eunuch_n be_v baptize_v upon_o the_o same_o act._n 8._o 37._o st._n paul_n reckon_v these_o as_o the_o only_a necessary_n to_o salvation_n rom._n 10._o 9_o if_o thou_o confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o st._n john_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n whosever_v believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n this_o faith_n indeed_o must_v suppose_v the_o general_a principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o produce_v the_o real_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n to_o make_v it_o effectual_a to_o its_o end_n and_o these_o suppose_a the_o apostle_n speak_v as_o if_o it_o contain_v all_o that_o be_v essential_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o know_v in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n thus_o the_o fundamental_o of_o belief_n be_v few_o and_o plain_a for_o certain_o the_o divine_a goodness_n will_v not_o lay_v our_o eternal_a interest_n in_o difficulty_n and_o multitude_n thing_n hard_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o retain_v the_o difficult_a work_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o in_o the_o understanding_n but_o in_o the_o affection_n and_o will._n so_o that_o the_o principle_n in_o which_o religion_n consist_v be_v the_o clear_o reveal_v article_n in_o which_o we_o be_v agree_v for_o the_o other_o about_o which_o we_o differ_v and_o dispute_v though_o some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v consequence_n of_o those_o and_o good_a help_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n yet_o i_o shall_v be_v loath_a to_o make_v they_o a_o necessary_a and_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o for_o he_o that_o say_v they_o be_v conclude_v all_o man_n under_o a_o state_n of_o ruin_n and_o damnation_n who_o either_o do_v not_o know_v or_o be_v not_o able_a to_o receive_v they_o a_o uncharitableness_n that_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o heresy_n if_o it_o be_v not_o one_o itself_o the_o sum_n be_v religion_n lie_v in_o few_o principle_n i_o mean_v as_o to_o the_o essence_n of_o it_o and_o that_o principal_o consist_v in_o practice_n so_o the_o prophet_n reckon_v mic._n 6._o 8._o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v justice_n and_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n and_o st._n james_n give_v a_o account_n of_o religion_n like_o it_o jam._n 1._o 17._o true_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o widow_n and_o fatherless_a in_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o keep_v himself_o unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n religion_n be_v a_o holy_a life_n and_o charity_n be_v a_o main_a branch_n of_o that_o but_o opinion_n be_v no_o vital_a part_n nor_o do_v they_o appertain_v to_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o and_o shall_v we_o lose_v a_o limb_n for_o a_o excrescence_n or_o a_o ornament_n a_o essential_a of_o religion_n for_o that_o which_o be_v but_o accessary_a and_o extrinsic_a charity_n for_o a_o opinion_n i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a and_o i_o hope_v you_o think_v so_o likewise_o but_o i_o offer_v to_o your_o consideration_n ii_o charity_n be_v certain_o our_o duty_n but_o many_o of_o the_o opinion_n about_o which_o we_o fall_v out_o be_v uncertain_o true_a viz._n as_o to_o we_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a point_n of_o faith_n be_v indeed_o as_o firm_a as_o the_o centre_n but_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n be_v as_o fluctuate_a as_o the_o wave_n of_o the_o ocean_n the_o root_n and_o body_n of_o a_o tree_n be_v fast_o and_o unshaken_a while_o the_o leave_n be_v make_v the_o sport_n of_o every_o wind_n and_o colour_n sometime_o vary_v with_o every_o position_n of_o the_o object_n and_o the_o eye_n though_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v a_o uniform_a splendour_n the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a but_o man_n often_o build_v upon_o it_o what_o be_v very_o totter_v and_o uncertain_a the_o great_a truth_n of_o religion_n be_v easy_o discernible_a but_o the_o small_a and_o remote_a one_o require_v more_o sagacity_n and_o acuteness_n to_o descry_v they_o and_o the_o best_a sight_n may_v be_v deceive_v about_o such_o obscure_a and_o distant_a object_n and_o methinks_v it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o excessive_o confident_a of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o their_o opinion_n since_o they_o can_v but_o know_v the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a understanding_n in_o general_n and_o can_v but_o often_o have_v find_v the_o fallibility_n of_o their_o own_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n 1_o cor._n 13._o 9_o and_o make_v confidence_n a_o argument_n of_o ignorance_n 1_o cor._n 8._o 2._o if_o any_o man_n think_v that_o he_o know_v any_o thing_n he_o know_v nothing_o yet_o as_o he_o ought_v to_o know_v and_o solomon_n reckon_v it_o as_o a_o argument_n of_o folly_n the_o fool_n rage_v and_o be_v confident_a and_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o discover_v it_o more_o for_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o scripture_n have_v not_o be_v so_o clear_a and_o express_v in_o define_v lesser_a point_n and_o the_o word_n in_o which_o they_o be_v think_v to_o be_v lodge_v be_v many_o time_n figurative_a and_o obscure_a and_o of_o various_a meaning_n speak_v only_o by_o the_o by_o or_o agreeable_o to_o form_n of_o speech_n or_o custom_n that_o we_o do_v not_o know_v or_o by_o way_n of_o condescension_n to_o common_a apprehension_n and_o therefore_o we_o see_v that_o interpretation_n be_v infinite_a and_o there_o be_v no_o sort_n of_o man_n less_o agree_v than_o commentator_n all_o opinion_n plead_v scripture_n and_o many_o pretend_v to_o reason_n and_o most_o to_o antiquity_n the_o learned_a and_o the_o prudent_a church_n and_o council_n confessor_n and_o father_n the_o former_a and_o the_o latter_a age_n the_o virtuous_a and_o the_o devout_a the_o credulous_a and_o the_o inquisitive_a they_o have_v all_o differ_v in_o the_o lesser_a matter_n of_o belief_n and_o every_o man_n differ_v from_o almost_o every_o other_o in_o some_o thing_n and_o every_o man_n differ_v often_o from_o himself_o in_o many_o thing_n age_n have_v alter_v our_o judgement_n or_o we_o be_v child_n still_o our_o affection_n change_v our_o thought_n and_o our_o imagination_n shift_v the_o scene_n
prerogative_n and_o dignity_n of_o humane_a nature_n man_n be_v but_o a_o beast_n of_o prey_n and_o his_o use_n of_o and_o dominion_n over_o the_o other_o creature_n be_v but_o a_o proud_a usurpation_n over_o his_o equal_n so_o that_o this_o opinion_n degrade_v our_o nature_n and_o affront_v the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n together_o and_o 2._o in_o the_o direct_a tendency_n of_o it_o it_o destroy_v humane_a society_n for_o those_o can_v subsist_v without_o law_n nor_o law_n without_o some_o conscience_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n nor_o will_v this_o signify_v to_o any_o great_a purpose_n without_o the_o belief_n of_o another_o world_n take_v away_o this_o and_o every_o thing_n will_v be_v good_a that_o be_v profitable_a and_o honest_a that_o conduce_v to_o a_o man_n design_n that_o will_v be_v i_o that_o i_o can_v get_v by_o force_n and_o i_o have_v no_o right_n to_o any_o thing_n long_o than_o i_o have_v strength_n to_o defend_v it_o and_o thus_o the_o world_n will_v be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la in_o a_o state_n of_o war_n and_o fall_v into_o endless_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n so_o that_o the_o whole_a earth_n will_v quick_o be_v a_o hell_n intolerable_a every_o man_n will_v be_v a_o devil_n to_o another_o yea_o and_o every_o man_n to_o himself_o 3._o it_o suppress_v man_n private_a happiness_n and_o felicity_n and_o even_o the_o rioter_n of_o the_o world_n have_v sting_n and_o torment_n from_o it_o if_o a_o man_n live_v in_o sensuality_n and_o fullness_n of_o pleasure_n what_o a_o cut_a thought_n be_v it_o to_o consider_v that_o in_o a_o little_a time_n he_o must_v bid_v adieu_o to_o this_o and_o to_o all_o felicity_n for_o ever_o and_o if_o his_o life_n be_v in_o trouble_n and_o discomfort_v how_o terrible_a be_v it_o to_o reflect_v that_o he_o must_v go_v from_o be_v miserable_a to_o be_v nothing_o how_o can_v those_o think_v of_o part_v with_o their_o possession_n and_o enjoyment_n that_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o expect_v or_o how_o can_v they_o bear_v up_o under_o the_o burden_n and_o vexation_n of_o this_o state_n that_o can_v relieve_v themselves_o by_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o better_a with_o what_o sad_a pang_n of_o sorrow_n shall_v we_o lay_v our_o friend_n into_o the_o grave_a if_o we_o have_v cause_n to_o be_v assure_v that_o they_o be_v lose_v eternal_o and_o how_o can_v we_o reflect_v upon_o our_o own_o mortality_n if_o we_o be_v to_o look_v for_o no_o far_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o present_a life_n be_v go_v in_o a_o moment_n and_o leave_v nothing_o but_o dregs_o and_o bitterness_n behind_o they_o and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o further_a delight_n beside_o these_o mean_a and_o fade_a satisfaction_n it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o while_n to_o live_v but_o we_o have_v better_a to_o have_v be_v nothing_o for_o ever_o the_o sum_n be_v the_o sadducee_n vilify_v mankind_n destroy_v the_o peace_n of_o society_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o every_o private_a person_n and_o so_o profess_v himself_o the_o common_a enemy_n of_o man_n and_o a_o renegado_n to_o humane_a nature_n it_o will_v not_o be_v needful_a for_o i_o to_o say_v much_o in_o apply_v this_o discourse_n almost_o every_o sermon_n we_o hear_v be_v a_o application_n of_o it_o for_o here_o be_v the_o matter_n and_o ground_n of_o our_o hope_n and_o hence_o be_v take_v the_o great_a enforcement_n of_o our_o duty_n i_o presume_v there_o be_v few_o or_o none_o in_o this_o place_n but_o who_o be_v ready_a to_o profess_v their_o belief_n of_o a_o future_a life_n and_o as_o i_o premise_v i_o have_v not_o insist_v on_o the_o proof_n to_o persuade_v you_o of_o this_o article_n but_o to_o show_v that_o the_o confidence_n be_v groundless_a which_o affirm_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o contribute_v somewhat_o towards_o the_o settlement_n of_o the_o weak_a against_o such_o temptation_n now_o if_o we_o believe_v this_o great_a truth_n as_o we_o say_v let_v we_o do_v it_o to_o purpose_n and_o not_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o cold_a and_o customary_a assent_n but_o endeavour_v to_o raise_v our_o faith_n to_o such_o a_o height_n that_o it_o may_v have_v a_o effectual_a influence_n upon_o our_o life_n the_o general_a belief_n that_o education_n have_v infuse_v be_v but_o a_o dead_a image_n in_o the_o soul_n that_o produce_v nothing_o let_v we_o endeavour_v by_o fervent_a prayer_n and_o frequent_a meditation_n to_o invigorate_v and_o excite_v we_o to_o that_o degree_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o live_a representation_n of_o eternal_a thing_n that_o our_o faith_n may_v be_v the_o certainty_n and_o presence_n of_o the_o invisible_a world_n the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v heb._n 11._o that_o we_o may_v have_v such_o a_o apprehension_n of_o it_o as_o if_o the_o prospect_n be_v open_a and_o our_o eye_n behold_v it_o that_o we_o may_v fix_v our_o thought_n there_o and_o fill_v up_o our_o soul_n with_o the_o consideration_n of_o that_o world_n such_o a_o faith_n as_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v our_o aim_n and_o if_o we_o do_v so_o believe_v the_o other_o world_n what_o excellent_a what_o heroical_a what_o happy_a person_n shall_v we_o be_v in_o this_o such_o a_o faith_n will_v secure_v we_o from_o the_o flattery_n and_o temptation_n of_o this_o sensual_a life_n and_o excite_v we_o to_o more_o earnest_n long_n and_o more_o vigorous_a endeavour_n after_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o better_a it_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o despise_v this_o vain_a world_n in_o comparison_n and_o to_o bear_v all_o the_o cross_n of_o it_o with_o magnanimity_n and_o steadiness_n of_o mind_n it_o will_v quiet_v our_o solicitude_n and_o answer_v the_o objection_n against_o providence_n and_o the_o present_a unequal_a distribution_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n it_o will_v make_v the_o most_o difficult_a service_n of_o religion_n easy_a and_o pleasant_a to_o we_o and_o fill_v our_o life_n with_o sweet_a hope_n and_o delight_n infinite_o more_o agreeable_a than_o the_o most_o relish_v sensual_a joy_n it_o will_v afford_v we_o satisfaction_n amid_o our_o disappointment_n and_o rest_n amid_o our_o anxiety_n and_o care_n it_o will_v raise_v our_o design_n and_o thought_n to_o thing_n generous_a and_o noble_a and_o make_v we_o live_v like_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o a_o heavenly_a country_n such_o bless_a effect_n as_o these_o follow_v this_o faith_n here_o and_o unmeasurable_o unspeakable_o great_a in_o the_o other_o world_n the_o vision_n of_o god_n and_o full_a enjoyment_n of_o his_o love_n the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o compleatment_n of_o our_o happiness_n in_o the_o arm_n of_o our_o redeemer_n and_o amid_o the_o triumphant_a song_n of_o angel_n and_o saint_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o holy_a love_n admiration_n and_o praise_n thing_n too_o great_a to_o be_v express_v or_o to_o be_v imagine_v for_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v what_o god_n have_v reserve_v for_o those_o that_o love_v he_o to_o he_o be_v all_o glory_n and_o humble_a adoration_n henceforth_o and_o for_o ever_o sermon_n vii_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o future_a judgement_n the_o second_o edition_n sermon_n vii_o act_n xvii_o 31._o because_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n in_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n by_o the_o man_n who_o he_o have_v ordain_v although_o it_o may_v be_v well_o expect_v that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n shall_v abundant_o prevail_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o their_o own_o native_a reason_n and_o goodness_n yet_o such_o be_v the_o stupidity_n and_o perverseness_n of_o man_n that_o these_o alone_o have_v not_o usual_o any_o considerable_a effect_n upon_o we_o and_o therefore_o god_n who_o earnest_o desire_v our_o reformation_n and_o our_o happiness_n have_v superad_v the_o great_a sanction_n to_o enforce_v his_o law_n glorious_a reward_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o most_o terrible_a penalty_n on_o the_o other_o and_o these_o to_o be_v distribute_v in_o a_o most_o solemn_a manner_n represent_v in_o such_o circumstance_n as_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o work_v upon_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n for_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n which_o word_n be_v part_n of_o st._n paul_n speech_n to_o the_o athenian_n upon_o the_o occasion_n of_o their_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n these_o in_o the_o time_n of_o gentile_a ignorance_n god_n wink_v at_o vers_n 30._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o those_o sin_n in_o comparison_n he_o be_v not_o so_o much_o offend_v and_o displease_v but_o consider_v the_o general_a ignorance_n and_o temptation_n and_o make_v abatement_n for_o they_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o jew_n joh._n 15._o 22._o if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v
that_o native_a majesty_n and_o splendour_n in_o the_o face_n of_o universal_a mankind_n that_o he_o who_o make_v a_o humble_a stoop_n from_o the_o throne_n to_o the_o manger_n from_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o life_n of_o a_o mean_a subject_n shall_v at_o last_o be_v illustrious_o advance_v as_o much_o above_o the_o height_n of_o humane_a grandeurs_fw-fr as_o than_o he_o be_v below_o they_o it_o be_v fit_a that_o that_o holy_a and_o divine_a person_n who_o be_v buffet_v and_o affront_v condemn_v and_o crucify_v by_o a_o abusive_a and_o injurious_a world_n shall_v righteous_o judge_v his_o judge_n that_o herod_n may_v see_v that_o he_o persecute_v not_o the_o infant_n king_n of_o a_o little_a province_n but_o the_o sovereign_n of_o angel_n and_o man_n and_o that_o pontius_n pilate_n and_o the_o jew_n may_v be_v convince_v that_o he_o who_o they_o call_v king_n in_o scorn_n be_v real_o a_o great_a emperor_n than_o caesar_n and_o that_o those_o who_o be_v scandal_v at_o the_o cross_n and_o a_o verse_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o humble_a saviour_n may_v see_v the_o shame_n and_o confutation_n of_o their_o infidelity_n and_o their_o folly_n in_o the_o exaltation_n of_o the_o holy_a jesus_n above_o all_o the_o possibility_n of_o worldly_a glory_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v reasonable_a and_o become_v that_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n shall_v be_v the_o judge_n and_o it_o be_v so_o upon_o another_o viz._n 2._o because_o he_o contract_v a_o alliance_n with_o our_o nature_n and_o experimental_o know_v and_o feel_v the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o state_n if_o the_o supreme_a naked_a deity_n shall_v judge_v we_o immediate_o we_o shall_v be_v confund_v and_o astonish_v at_o the_o mjaesty_n of_o his_o presence_n &_o his_o greatness_n will_v make_v we_o afraid_a for_o who_o can_v bear_v that_o dazzle_a glory_n who_o can_v stand_v before_o a_o throne_n surround_v with_o incomprehensible_a light_n and_o flame_n this_o glory_n be_v therefore_o allay_v by_o the_o interposal_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o this_o light_n wear_v a_o veil_n upon_o it_o to_o encourage_v our_o approach_n yea_o it_o be_v our_o brother_n and_o our_o friend_n that_o love_v we_o and_o die_v for_o we_o who_o be_v the_o man_n ordain_v to_o be_v our_o judge_n he_o have_v the_o same_o compassion_n as_o when_o he_o weep_v over_o a_o obstinate_a city_n and_o the_o same_o love_n as_o when_o he_o bleed_v and_o die_v for_o a_o rebellious_a world_n he_o know_v the_o strength_n of_o our_o temptation_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o will_v make_v abatement_n for_o they_o so_o that_o the_o faithful_a may_v hearful_o appear_v before_o his_o throne_n confess_v their_o sin_n and_o rely_v upon_o his_o love_n he_o that_o love_v we_o and_o be_v like_o we_o be_v to_o take_v our_o account_n it_o be_v our_o redeemer_n be_v to_o be_v our_o judge_n thus_o may_v believe_v penitent_n encourage_v themselves_o before_o he_o and_o hold_v up_o their_o head_n in_o that_o day_n of_o terror_n as_o much_o revive_v by_o the_o apprehension_n of_o his_o humanity_n and_o meekness_n as_o the_o wicked_a will_v be_v deject_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o greatness_n and_o power_n and_o for_o this_o cause_n also_o it_o be_v congruous_a and_o fit_a that_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n shall_v be_v judge_n when_o mankind_n be_v at_o the_o bar._n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o iv._o general_n to_o be_v consider_v he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n viz._n 1._o by_o a_o rule_n not_o by_o unaccountable_a humour_n or_o arbitrary_a will_n not_o by_o hide_a decree_n or_o secret_a scrowl_v of_o predestination_n but_o by_o those_o plain_a and_o open_a record_n that_o be_v in_o our_o house_n and_o our_o hand_n that_o be_v preach_v in_o public_a place_n and_o declare_v in_o a_o language_n we_o understand_v the_o book_n shall_v be_v open_v rev._n 20._o 12._o and_o the_o book_n the_o rule_n of_o righteousness_n be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o gospel_n the_o one_o strict_o require_v perfect_a obedience_n the_o other_o accept_v of_o sincere_a now_o while_o our_o action_n be_v try_v by_o the_o law_n and_o measure_v by_o its_o righteousness_n our_o straight_a line_n be_v crooked_a and_o uneven_a and_o our_o great_a service_n be_v very_o scant_o and_o defective_a the_o best_a be_v like_o the_o dust_n in_o the_o balance_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v light_a than_o vanity_n for_o as_o magnify_v glass_n betray_v roughness_n and_o a_o ragged_a surface_n in_o the_o best_a polish_a marble_n so_o this_o glass_n of_o the_o law_n discover_v wrinkle_n and_o deformity_n in_o the_o fair_a and_o most_o even_a virtue_n and_o while_o man_n life_n and_o action_n be_v compare_v with_o this_o rule_n all_o mankind_n be_v distress_v and_o a_o cloud_n hang_v upon_o the_o brow_n of_o the_o most_o religious_a and_o most_o innocent_a the_o law_n conclude_v all_o man_n under_o sin_n and_o sin_n under_o wrath_n so_o that_o by_o this_o all_o the_o world_n be_v cast_v and_o be_v happiness_n to_o be_v have_v upon_o no_o other_o term_n straight_o will_v be_v the_o gate_n indeed_o and_o so_o narrow_a the_o way_n that_o none_o will_v find_v it_o and_o while_o no_o other_o book_n than_o this_o be_v open_v all_o the_o generation_n of_o man_n fall_v prostrate_a before_o the_o throne_n condemn_v by_o the_o law_n and_o by_o themselves_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v hear_v but_o a_o universal_a groan_n and_o the_o suppliant_a cry_n of_o mercy_n mercy_n lord_n when_o lo_o the_o other_o book_n be_v open_v and_o out_o of_o it_o be_v read_v grace_n and_o peace_n and_o multiply_v pardon_n to_o all_o the_o follower_n of_o the_o lamb_n who_o have_v believe_v in_o the_o crucify_a jesus_n and_o testify_v that_o faith_n by_o their_o repentance_n and_o sincere_a obedience_n but_o shame_n and_o darkness_n and_o new_a confusion_n death_n horror_n and_o everlasting_a destruction_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n to_o all_o the_o stubborn_a rejecter_n of_o his_o grace_n who_o will_v not_o have_v he_o to_o rule_v over_o they_o nor_o accept_v of_o his_o offer_a salvation_n these_o be_v the_o declaration_n of_o this_o book_n and_o these_o the_o measure_n of_o that_o righteousness_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v as_o the_o judge_n himself_o have_v tell_v we_o john_n 12._o 48._o the_o word_n that_o he_o speak_v the_o same_o shall_v judge_v we_o in_o the_o last_o day_n and_o god_n will_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n say_v st._n paul_n according_a to_o my_o gospel_n rom._n 2._o so_o that_o believe_v penitent_n that_o be_v not_o perfect_a according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o work_n may_v plead_v their_o sincerity_n their_o faith_n repentance_n and_o new_a obedience_n which_o be_v their_o perfection_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o pardon_n and_o this_o will_v be_v accept_v by_o the_o judge_n with_o a_o gracious_a air_n and_o the_o sweet_a revive_a voice_n of_o well_o do_v you_o good_a and_o faithful_a servant_n he_o invite_v they_o to_o he_o with_o the_o voice_n of_o pity_n and_o endearment_n and_o ravish_v their_o soul_n with_o the_o pleasant_a sound_n of_o come_v you_o bless_v of_o my_o father_n matth._n 25._o 34._o o_o the_o ecstasy_n that_o be_v in_o that_o sentence_n o_o the_o kill_a harmony_n of_o that_o voice_n can_v a_o finite_a spirit_n bear_v such_o excess_n the_o pleasure_n of_o eternity_n crowd_v into_o a_o moment_n do_v unfaln_a angel_n ever_o know_v such_o another_o or_o can_v there_o be_v more_o transport_v in_o ten_o thousand_o hallelujah_n certain_o the_o boundless_a imagination_n itself_o can_v form_v a_o idea_n of_o that_o rapture_n nor_o the_o tongue_n of_o a_o cherub_n express_v it_o the_o sum_n be_v the_o world_n shall_v be_v judge_v in_o righteousness_n viz._n according_a to_o a_o rule_n and_o not_o by_o mere_a power_n and_o will_n a_o rule_n not_o the_o strict_a and_o severe_a one_o of_o the_o law_n but_o the_o sweet_a and_o gracious_a one_o of_o the_o gospel_n who_o righteousness_n be_v faith_n and_o sincere_a obedience_n which_o in_o the_o great_a day_n shall_v be_v accept_v and_o glorious_o reward_v 2._o god_n will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n viz._n with_o impartial_a equity_n to_o evidence_n this_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o judge_n in_o the_o three_o great_a qualification_n of_o his_o wisdom_n justice_z and_o power_n 1._o he_o be_v wise_a and_o can_v be_v abuse_v by_o witness_n nor_o mistake_v in_o law_n can_v be_v impose_v on_o by_o false_a allegation_n nor_o cozen_v by_o fair_a pretension_n he_o intimate_o understand_v the_o fact_n and_o the_o cause_n and_o can_v be_v deceive_v by_o malice_n of_o enemy_n nor_o subtlety_n of_o excuse_n 2._o he_o be_v just_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o pure_a mind_n without_o interest_n or_o affection_n he_o can_v be_v awe_v by_o
of_o his_o father_n glory_n and_o the_o express_a image_n of_o his_o person_n who_o do_v as_o never_o man_n do_v speak_v as_o never_o man_n speak_v even_o he_o come_v unto_o his_o own_o and_o they_o receive_v he_o not_o they_o many_o of_o they_o believe_v not_o his_o word_n nor_o will_v they_o abide_v his_o counsel_n but_o give_v he_o occasion_n to_o lament_v their_o hardness_n with_o tear_n of_o compassion_n when_o he_o draw_v near_o the_o city_n he_o behold_v and_o weep_v over_o it_o say_v if_o thou_o have_v know_v even_o thou_o in_o this_o thy_o day_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o thy_o peace_n and_o then_o grief_n and_o tenderness_n break_v off_o the_o sentence_n they_o will_v not_o know_v the_o thing_n belong_v to_o their_o peace_n though_o the_o prince_n of_o peace_n be_v the_o preacher_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o elsewhere_o he_o passionate_o expostulate_v with_o they_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o the_o same_o perverseness_n o_o jerusalem_n jerusalem_n thou_o that_o kill_v the_o prophet_n and_o stone_v they_o that_o be_v send_v unto_o thou_o how_o often_o will_v i_o have_v gather_v thou_o as_o a_o hen_n gather_v her_o chicken_n under_o her_o wing_n and_o you_o will_v not_o the_o son_n of_o god_n himself_o can_v not_o prevail_v upon_o a_o city_n to_o which_o he_o make_v his_o frequent_a and_o earnest_a address_n all_o he_o can_v do_v by_o the_o method_n of_o his_o grace_n be_v to_o bewail_v their_o obstinacy_n resolve_v impenitency_n and_o unbelief_n but_o jonah_n succeed_v on_o one_o as_o wicked_a and_o much_o great_a in_o the_o very_a first_o attempt_n he_o make_v on_o it_o v_o 4._o and_o jonah_n begin_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o city_n a_o day_n journey_n and_o he_o cry_v and_o say_v yet_o forty_o day_n and_o nineveh_n shall_v be_v destroy_v and_o the_o very_a next_o word_n be_v those_o of_o my_o text_n so_o the_o people_n of_o nineveh_n believe_v god_n and_o proclaim_v a_o fast_a and_o put_v on_o sackcloth_n from_o the_o great_a of_o they_o to_o the_o least_o of_o they_o etc._n etc._n in_o discourse_v of_o this_o wonderful_a change_n and_o conversion_n of_o the_o ninevite_n i_o shall_v 1._o consider_v their_o sin_n and_o 2._o their_o reformation_n in_o the_o two_o main_a part_n of_o it_o their_o faith_n they_o believe_v god_n their_o repentance_n express_v by_o fast_v prayer_n and_o turn_v from_o evil_a way_n and_o 3._o the_o universality_n of_o both_o from_o the_o great_a of_o they_o to_o the_o least_o of_o they_o and_o as_o i_o go_v shall_v humble_o compare_v their_o circumstance_n with_o our_o own_o and_o consider_v what_o duty_n be_v suggest_v to_o we_o by_o that_o comparison_n i_o begin_v 1._o with_o their_o sin_n those_o be_v great_a and_o the_o cry_n of_o they_o be_v loud_a their_o wickedness_n be_v come_v up_o before_o i_o chap._n 1._o 2._o what_o their_o sin_n be_v in_o particular_a we_o be_v not_o tell_v but_o from_o the_o circumstance_n and_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o judgement_n threaten_v we_o may_v conclude_v they_o be_v very_o grievous_a st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o at_o the_o time_n of_o ignorance_n god_n wink_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_n overlookt_a in_o comparison_n he_o make_v abatement_n and_o have_v respect_n to_o their_o frailty_n he_o consider_v our_o frame_n our_o impotency_n and_o temptation_n and_o be_v not_o so_o severe_a in_o judge_v and_o punish_v man_n under_o those_o circumstance_n of_o disadvantage_n according_a to_o the_o same_o scheme_n of_o speech_n our_o saviour_n speak_v if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v the_o work_n that_o no_o man_n ever_o do_v they_o have_v have_v no_o sin_n viz._n they_o have_v not_o be_v so_o great_a not_o such_o in_o comparison_n but_o now_o notwithstanding_o the_o allowance_n the_o divine_a goodness_n make_v for_o a_o state_n of_o ignorance_n and_o consequent_a infirmity_n the_o sin_n of_o these_o ninevite_n be_v such_o as_o call_v for_o the_o severe_a judgement_n even_o desolation_n destruction_n nineveh_n shall_v be_v destroy_v what_o this_o destruction_n be_v in_o particular_a whether_o fire_n from_o heaven_n such_o as_o destroy_v sodom_n and_o gomorrha_n or_o a_o inundation_n of_o water_n such_o as_o have_v overwhelm_v divers_a city_n and_o country_n whether_o a_o earthquake_n such_o as_o swallow_v corah_n and_o his_o company_n a_o sudden_a surprise_n of_o foreign_a enemy_n such_o as_o that_o of_o the_o barbarous_a nation_n among_o the_o roman_n or_o of_o the_o european_n on_o the_o american_n or_o else_o any_o unexpected_a violent_a commotion_n among_o themselves_o by_o massacre_n or_o rebellion_n whether_o to_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a or_o in_o a_o plain_a and_o visible_a course_n which_o of_o these_o it_o be_v whether_o any_o of_o they_o in_o particular_a we_o be_v not_o tell_v only_a destruction_n be_v threaten_v thing_n be_v come_v to_o a_o sad_a issue_n with_o they_o their_o sin_n be_v full_a and_o ripe_a for_o vengeance_n let_v we_o now_o in_o the_o name_n and_o fear_v of_o god_n humble_o compare_v this_o with_o our_o own_o case_n our_o sin_n also_o be_v very_o great_a great_a as_o they_o in_o their_o nature_n and_o quality_n in_o their_o circumstance_n and_o aggravation_n much_o great_a and_o more_o heinous_a blasphemy_n profane_v swear_v perjury_n luxury_n uncleanness_n drunkenness_n disobedience_n murder_n treason_n violence_n oppression_n all_o the_o deadly_a sin_n whatever_o be_v contrary_a to_o find_v religion_n and_o true_a doctrine_n reign_n triumph_n brave_a the_o sun_n be_v fashionable_a almost_o creditable_a fear_v and_o shame_n all_o the_o restraint_n be_v go_v man_n make_v a_o mock_n of_o sin_n glory_n in_o it_o be_v ashamed_a of_o nothing_o but_o virtue_n sobriety_n religion_n religion_n matter_n of_o the_o best_a high_a true_a honour_n despise_v buffoon_v expose_v as_o ridiculous_a atheism_n the_o great_a the_o less_o former_o hide_v its_o head_n the_o fool_n of_o old_a say_v only_o in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n but_o now_o it_o appear_v open_o and_o bold_o claim_v the_o reputation_n of_o wit_n the_o only_a wit_n and_o good_a sense_n man_n like_v not_o to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n but_o dispute_v his_o be_v attribute_n providence_n and_o you_o be_v behold_v to_o they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o blunt_o tell_v you_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n or_o do_v not_o say_v at_o least_o with_o those_o in_o the_o psalmist_n tush_o god_n see_v not_o he_o care_v not_o be_v there_o knowledge_n in_o the_o most_o high_a such_o we_o be_v and_o thus_o do_v after_o miracle_n of_o mercy_n and_o of_o judgement_n after_o mighty_a calamity_n and_o equal_a deliverance_n frequent_a warning_n and_o importunate_n call_v to_o repentance_n and_o now_o we_o have_v not_o indeed_o any_o immediate_a extraordinary_a prophet_n particular_o send_v to_o thunder_n against_o we_o but_o we_o have_v the_o warning_n of_o moses_n and_o all_o the_o prophet_n of_o christ_n his_o apostle_n and_o minister_n of_o all_o sort_n beside_o all_o which_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o affair_n and_o all_o thing_n about_o we_o call_v loud_o that_o we_o shall_v prepare_v ourselves_o to_o meet_v the_o lord_n come_v to_o reckon_v with_o we_o but_o alas_o how_o shall_v we_o do_v this_o strength_n be_v weakness_n policy_n be_v folly_n and_o infatuation_n when_o he_o be_v angry_a his_o power_n be_v not_o to_o be_v resist_v have_v thou_o a_o arm_n like_o god_n or_o can_v thou_o thunder_v like_o he_o job_n his_o presence_n be_v not_o to_o be_v avoid_v whither_o shall_v i_o flee_v from_o thy_o spirit_n ps_n what_o shall_v we_o do_v then_o must_v we_o sit_v down_o in_o despondency_n in_o despair_n of_o mercy_n be_v there_o no_o remedy_n no_o way_n bless_a be_v god_n there_o be_v one_o the_o same_o that_o be_v take_v by_o the_o poor_a ninevite_n who_o do_v not_o summon_v their_o arm_a force_n nor_o put_v their_o wit_n upon_o the_o rack_n for_o stratagem_n and_o counsel_n for_o public_a safety_n mean_n that_o may_v be_v use_v and_o aught_o in_o their_o place_n no_o they_o look_v on_o the_o evil_n threaten_v as_o from_o the_o lord_n with_o who_o there_o be_v no_o contend_v against_o who_o there_o be_v no_o contrive_n and_o apply_v themselves_o to_o appease_v the_o offend_a majesty_n and_o they_o take_v the_o right_a course_n to_o do_v it_o for_o they_o believe_v god_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v 2._o their_o reformation_n the_o second_o thing_n i_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o in_o which_o i_o consider_v first_o their_o faith_n they_o believe_v god_n his_o be_v attribute_n providence_n love_n of_o virtue_n hatred_n of_o vice_n and_o that_o the_o way_n to_o appease_v he_o when_o he_o be_v angry_a be_v by_o the_o use_n of_o prayer_n fast_v and_o turn_v from_o evil_a way_n these_o they_o understand_v without_o a_o prophet_n and_o believe_v before_o the_o preach_n
of_o jonah_n god_n have_v convey_v some_o main_a knowledge_n of_o himself_o to_o all_o his_o world_n and_o have_v not_o any_o where_o leave_v himself_o without_o a_o witness_n his_o law_n be_v write_v upon_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o all_o of_o those_o we_o call_v most_o heathen_a rom._n 2._o what_o be_v to_o be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a chapter_n the_o first_o of_o the_o same_o epistle_n all_o the_o world_n be_v he_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n especial_o so_o of_o his_o family_n his_o offspring_n as_o it_o be_v bone_n of_o his_o bone_n flesh_n of_o his_o flesh_n and_o he_o provide_v for_o his_o own_o they_o be_v worse_o than_o infidel_n that_o do_v not_o he_o take_v care_n for_o ox_n for_o sparrow_n for_o lily_n much_o more_o than_o for_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o reasonable_a creature_n the_o very_a hair_n of_o our_o head_n be_v number_v certain_o then_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v every_o one_o consider_v every_o one_o some_o way_n or_o other_o provide_v for_o the_o sum_n be_v god_n have_v disperse_v some_o light_n some_o glimmering_n at_o least_o of_o light_n and_o truth_n among_o universal_a mankind_n and_o these_o man_n of_o nineveh_n have_v their_o portion_n and_o by_o that_o be_v prepare_v for_o more_o that_o alone_o be_v not_o sufficient_a and_o therefore_o god_n send_v they_o a_o prophet_n not_o a_o angel_n to_o destroy_v like_o those_o send_v to_o sodom_n not_o a_o common_a ordinary_a messenger_n from_o among_o themselves_o their_o case_n require_v more_o but_o a_o extraordinary_a person_n one_o from_o far_o when_o man_n be_v prepare_v for_o repentance_n they_o shall_v have_v the_o proper_a mean_n god_n will_v not_o be_v want_v to_o his_o creature_n when_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n will_v not_o do_v they_o shall_v have_v such_o as_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o uncommon_a when_o the_o native_a light_n and_o conviction_n be_v not_o sufficient_a they_o shall_v have_v a_o external_a preacher_n such_o be_v philip_n to_o the_o aethiopian_a eunuch_n act_v 8._o and_o a_o angel_n send_v to_o cornelius_n to_o direct_v he_o to_o a_o apostle_n act_v 10._o thus_o be_v jonah_n send_v to_o the_o ninevite_n and_o doubtless_o many_o other_o good_a heathen_n be_v so_o assist_v he_o go_v though_o after_o a_o repulse_v of_o the_o divine_a commission_n and_o they_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o hear_v than_o he_o to_o preach_v in_o that_o they_o both_o believe_v the_o messenger_n and_o the_o terrible_a message_n that_o he_o bring_v we_o alas_o believe_v what_o we_o like_v what_o be_v grateful_a and_o agreeable_a to_o we_o and_o our_o faith_n be_v much_o in_o our_o affection_n but_o they_o believe_v what_o be_v dreadful_a and_o amaze_a the_o truth_n be_v most_o opposite_a to_o their_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o carnal_a interest_n and_o this_o their_o belief_n be_v interpret_v as_o faith_n in_o god_n to_o believe_v his_o messenger_n come_v in_o his_o name_n and_o with_o his_o truth_n be_v believe_v he_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v he_o that_o receive_v you_o receive_v i_o and_o he_o that_o receive_v i_o receive_v he_o that_o send_v i_o and_o again_o he_o that_o despise_v you_o despise_v i_o he_o that_o despise_v i_o despise_v he_o that_o send_v i_o the_o ninevite_n do_v not_o so_o by_o jonah_n or_o his_o message_n consciousness_n of_o their_o own_o guilt_n and_o their_o natural_a apprehension_n of_o divine_a justice_n make_v they_o apt_a to_o receive_v impression_n of_o dread_n and_o doubtless_o they_o have_v ill_a aboding_n in_o their_o mind_n before_o by_o which_o they_o be_v prepare_v for_o such_o a_o message_n and_o a_o prophet_n one_o come_v from_o another_o country_n to_o appear_v with_o so_o much_o resolution_n and_o to_o speak_v with_o so_o much_o authority_n and_o assurance_n affect_v they_o more_o than_o if_o they_o have_v be_v use_v to_o such_o preacher_n of_o error_n nor_o be_v we_o to_o suppose_v that_o he_o only_o repeat_v to_o they_o these_o dreadful_a word_n yet_o forty_o day_n and_o nineveh_n shall_v be_v destroy_v no_o these_o more_o likely_a be_v but_o the_o sum_n the_o text_n the_o burden_n of_o his_o sermon_n which_o probable_o he_o amplify_v with_o all_o those_o consideration_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o move_v and_o awaken_v and_o possible_o the_o mariner_n that_o be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o ship_n and_o throw_v he_o overboard_o upon_o the_o lot_n that_o see_v the_o fish_n swallow_v he_o and_o the_o tempest_n quiet_v upon_o it_o may_v have_v come_v into_o nineveh_n before_o he_o divert_v from_o their_o intend_a voyage_n by_o the_o storm_n meet_v he_o again_o after_o they_o have_v see_v he_o plunge_v into_o the_o ocean_n may_v certify_v the_o people_n of_o the_o miracle_n and_o they_o thereby_o assure_v that_o he_o be_v a_o extraordinary_a person_n and_o be_v come_v to_o they_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o divine_a errand_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v so_o or_o not_o whether_o they_o credit_v the_o prophet_n on_o these_o motive_n or_o any_o other_o be_v not_o certain_a but_o this_o be_v they_o believe_v upon_o the_o preach_n of_o jonah_n and_o now_o as_o god_n daily_o preach_v unto_o we_o by_o his_o various_a messenger_n so_o he_o do_v by_o his_o providence_n by_o which_o we_o be_v sometime_o bring_v into_o great_a strait_n even_o to_o the_o brink_n of_o ruin_n and_o when_o it_o be_v thus_o with_o we_o when_o we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o perplexity_n under_o present_a evil_n and_o fear_n of_o great_a let_v we_o not_o abuse_v ourselves_o with_o false_a confidence_n put_v far_o from_o we_o the_o evil_a day_n and_o cry_v peace_n peace_n when_o there_o be_v no_o peace_n let_v we_o not_o impute_v our_o trouble_n and_o disorder_n to_o accident_n and_o common_a cause_n but_o consider_v that_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n be_v in_o they_o who_o be_v then_o about_o to_o reckon_v with_o we_o for_o our_o sin_n and_o a_o voice_n sound_v from_o thence_o repent_v repent_v for_o your_o iniquity_n will_v be_v your_o ruin_n let_v we_o not_o be_v deaf_a and_o stupid_a as_o the_o careless_a 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way_n they_o must_v not_o be_v part_v with_o or_o silence_v no_o all_o law_n and_o constitution_n of_o government_n must_v be_v thwart_v overthrow_v rather_o love_n and_o peace_n and_o all_o must_v be_v sacrifice_v to_o the_o idol_n which_o be_v so_o what_o quietness_n can_v there_o be_v from_o hence_o what_o peace_n or_o temper_n among_o such_o principle_n these_o perpetual_o annoy_n and_o disturb_v the_o church_n and_o to_o know_v what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o state_n let_v we_o consider_v germany_n scotland_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v though_o we_o have_v frail_a memory_n on_o this_o side_n we_o shall_v not_o forget_v how_o peaceable_a the_o sectary_n have_v be_v in_o england_n or_o not_o observe_v how_o quiet_a they_o be_v at_o this_o day_n remember_v i_o hope_v we_o shall_v for_o caution_n i_o urge_v no_o other_o remembrance_n i_o wish_v they_o themselves_o do_v not_o remember_v they_o so_o well_o as_o we_o find_v they_o do_v by_o many_o of_o the_o same_o action_n and_o discourse_n that_o king_n hold_v from_o the_o people_n be_v only_a trustee_n for_o they_o and_o may_v be_v resist_v and_o depose_v when_o they_o fail_v in_o that_o trust_n be_v politic_n that_o do_v not_o much_o tend_v to_o civil_a peace_n and_o we_o know_v who_o principle_n those_o be_v and_o we_o have_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o think_v they_o have_v quit_v they_o i_o can_v give_v but_o brief_a hint_n of_o thing_n that_o will_v afford_v matter_n enough_o to_o fill_v volume_n as_o both_o popish_a and_o sectarian_n disloyalty_n rebellion_n and_o disturbance_n will_v do_v but_o into_o these_o man_n secret_n let_v not_o our_o soul_n come_v the_o church_n that_o we_o some_o of_o we_o at_o least_o profess_v ourselves_o to_o be_v member_n of_o teach_v no_o unpeaceable_a doctrine_n be_v guilty_a of_o no_o such_o practice_n it_o impose_v no_o article_n on_o our_o belief_n as_o necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n but_o the_o ancient_a creed_n no_o term_n of_o communion_n but_o such_o 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and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o in_o this_o nor_o in_o any_o case_n to_o resist_v suitable_a to_o this_o have_v be_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o people_n of_o this_o peaceable_a church_n among_o who_o there_o have_v not_o yet_o be_v find_v a_o rebel_n we_o never_o hear_v of_o a_o church_n of_o england-man_n in_o the_o late_a war_n against_o the_o king_n nor_o of_o a_o sectary_n for_o he_o but_o 4._o the_o faith_n deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n be_v a_o reasonable_a faith_n the_o understanding_n of_o man_n be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n prov._n 20._o 27._o the_o light_n of_o reason_n be_v his_o light_n with_o this_o the_o true_a light_n have_v enlighten_v every_o one_o that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n joh._n 1._o 9_o and_o one_o light_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o another_o there_o be_v difference_n in_o degree_n but_o no_o opposition_n of_o nature_n faith_n and_o reason_n accord_v yea_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v the_o high_a reason_n to_o believe_v in_o god_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o our_o reason_n be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n viz._n faith_n in_o the_o truth_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o will_v not_o give_v we_o faculty_n to_o delude_v and_o deceive_v we_o when_o we_o right_o exercise_v and_o employ_v they_o by_o faith_n reason_n be_v further_o enlighten_v and_o by_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n faith_n be_v apply_v religion_n and_o reason_n sweet_o agree_v and_o nothing_o can_v be_v religious_a that_o be_v unreasonable_a religion_n be_v a_o reasonable_a service_n and_o by_o this_o character_n popery_n be_v disprove_v also_o for_o that_o impose_v on_o the_o practice_n and_o mind_n of_o man_n thing_n that_o be_v extreme_o unreasonable_a and_o absurd_a as_o article_n of_o religion_n such_o be_v the_o worship_n of_o invisible_a being_n by_o image_n of_o wood_n or_o stone_n and_o especial_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n which_o be_v full_a of_o contradiction_n as_o that_o the_o same_o body_n can_v be_v in_o a_o thousand_o place_n at_o once_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o may_v be_v big_a and_o less_o than_o itself_o that_o it_o may_v move_v towards_o and_o from_o itself_o that_o it_o may_v be_v divide_v not_o into_o part_n but_o whole_n these_o and_o numerous_a other_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o senseless_a mystery_n of_o popish_a transubstantiation_n to_o defend_v which_o the_o doctor_n of_o that_o church_n be_v put_v upon_o this_o miserable_a shift_n of_o deny_v all_o reason_n in_o religion_n even_o the_o great_a and_o most_o fundamental_a article_n of_o it_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n can_v be_v and_o not_o be_v which_o some_o of_o they_o say_v be_v the_o only_a method_n to_o confute_v heretic_n and_o while_o reason_n and_o our_o faculty_n be_v acknowledge_v we_o can_v entertain_v their_o nonsense_n nor_o be_v answer_v in_o our_o just_a opposition_n of_o their_o gross_a absurdity_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o character_n of_o a_o reasonable_a faith_n condemn_v the_o sect_n the_o great_a part_n of_o who_o divinity_n be_v make_v up_o of_o senseless_a absurd_a notion_n set_v forth_o in_o unintelligible_a fantastical_a phrase_n and_o these_o they_o account_v the_o height_n of_o spirituality_n and_o mystery_n upon_o which_o they_o value_v and_o boast_v themselves_o as_o the_o only_o know_v the_o only_a spiritual_a people_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o their_o pretend_a height_n and_o spirituality_n but_o vain_a imagination_n and_o dream_v and_o in_o v_o 8._o of_o this_o epistle_n they_o be_v describe_v by_o this_o character_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dreamer_n and_o as_o the_o light_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n dispel_v the_o vain_a image_n of_o dream_n so_o these_o admit_v will_v cure_v fanatical_a imposture_n and_o delusion_n for_o which_o cause_n there_o be_v nothing_o they_o so_o vehement_o declaim_v against_o as_o reason_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o carnal_a and_o as_o a_o enemy_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o carnal_a reason_n that_o be_v enmity_n to_o truth_n and_o goodness_n but_o that_o be_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o appetite_n passion_n and_o corrupt_a interest_n which_o be_v not_o reason_n true_o so_o call_v no_o more_o than_o a_o ape_n be_v a_o man_n but_o for_o want_v of_o thus_o distinguish_v the_o thing_n that_o so_o differ_v enthusiast_n rail_v violent_o against_o all_o reason_n as_o the_o grand_a adversary_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n their_o tenant_n that_o she_o call_v so_o will_v not_o bear_v that_o light_n but_o the_o church_n of_o england_n teach_v no_o opinion_n no_o mystery_n that_o need_v such_o a_o desperate_a course_n to_o defend_v they_o its_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v all_o contain_v in_o the_o ancient_a christian_a creed_n which_o be_v no_o way_n opposite_a to_o reason_n in_o any_o article_n yea_o reason_n either_o prove_v or_o defend_v they_o all_o so_o that_o we_o never_o give_v out_o at_o this_o weapon_n but_o be_v ready_a to_o use_v it_o upon_o all_o occasion_n against_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n of_o all_o sort_n the_o church_n of_o england_n own_v no_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v reasonable_a 5._o the_o faith_n deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n be_v certain_a it_o be_v deliver_v to_o they_o by_o those_o that_o have_v it_o from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o immediate_a inspiration_n those_o holy_a man_n speak_v as_o they_o be_v inspire_v and_o that_o they_o be_v real_o so_o be_v no_o fond_a imagination_n or_o bold_a presumption_n but_o a_o truth_n assure_v by_o those_o mighty_a miracle_n they_o be_v enable_v to_o perform_v those_o be_v god_n seal_n and_o the_o grand_a confirmation_n of_o a_o commission_n from_o he_o and_o to_o this_o proof_n of_o their_o
the_o purity_n and_o spirituality_n of_o worship_n it_o never_o leave_v cant_v on_o the_o subject_a till_o man_n tongue_n and_o mind_n be_v fire_v against_o every_o matter_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n as_o formal_a and_o antichristian_a and_o so_o far_o have_v it_o prevail_v as_o to_o drive_v those_o of_o warm_a affection_n and_o weak_a head_n from_o all_o external_a reverence_n to_o god_n and_o holy_a thing_n and_o the_o well_o mean_v people_n be_v fright_v with_o the_o terrible_a noise_n of_o popery_n superstition_n and_o antichristianism_n word_n they_o have_v learn_v to_o hate_v though_o not_o to_o understand_v boggle_v and_o fly_v off_o from_o every_o thing_n their_o furious_a guide_n have_v mark_v with_o these_o abhor_a character_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o innocent_a and_o become_a and_o thus_o a_o rude_a and_o slovenly_a religion_n have_v make_v its_o way_n into_o the_o world_n and_o such_o a_o sordid_a carelessness_n in_o matter_n of_o divine_a worship_n that_o shall_v a_o stranger_n have_v come_v into_o the_o assembly_n that_o be_v act_v by_o this_o spirit_n he_o will_v not_o have_v imagine_v what_o they_o have_v be_v do_v and_o that_o they_o be_v about_o holy_a office_n will_v perhaps_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o last_o thing_n in_o his_o conjecture_n thus_o bold_a and_o saucy_a talk_n have_v creep_v into_o man_n prayer_n under_o pretence_n of_o holy_a familiarity_n with_o god_n nauseous_a impertinent_a gibberish_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o pray_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o all_o kind_n of_o irreverence_n in_o external_a demeanour_n under_o the_o shelter_n of_o a_o pretend_a spiritual_a worship_n man_n have_v subtilise_v religion_n till_o they_o have_v destroy_v it_o make_v it_o first_o invisible_a and_o then_o nothing_o and_o now_o it_o be_v thus_o multiply_v corrupt_a and_o debauch_v be_v make_v the_o game_n of_o the_o tongue_n and_o the_o frolic_a of_o imagination_n fantastic_a in_o its_o principle_n sordid_a in_o its_o practice_n separate_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o a_o virtuous_a life_n and_o make_v to_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o pride_n and_o avarice_n what_o be_v like_a to_o follow_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o order_n of_o thing_n but_o atheism_n and_o contempt_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o when_o one_o say_v here_o be_v religion_n and_o another_o say_v there_o be_v religion_n a_o three_o will_v scornful_o ask_v where_o be_v religion_n and_o what_o be_v religion_n when_o the_o heathen_a deity_n be_v so_o multiply_v that_o every_o thing_n be_v make_v a_o god_n protagoras_n diagoras_n and_o other_o first_o begin_v to_o question_v and_o next_o to_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v none_o religion_n have_v be_v multiply_v in_o our_o day_n as_o much_o as_o god_n in_o they_o and_o we_o have_v see_v much_o of_o the_o same_o fatal_a event_n and_o issue_n they_o make_v their_o god_n contemptible_a and_o vile_a by_o deify_v thing_n that_o be_v so_o and_o we_o have_v no_o less_o detract_v from_o the_o credit_n of_o religion_n by_o bring_v it_o down_o to_o thing_n of_o the_o low_a and_o vile_a rank_n and_o nature_n our_o idolised_a opinion_n be_v no_o better_a than_o their_o garlic_n and_o onion_n the_o disease_n of_o the_o mind_n frenzy_n and_o enthusiasm_n which_o our_o day_n have_v worship_v be_v no_o better_a than_o those_o of_o the_o body_n which_o they_o adore_v and_o they_o never_o raise_v altar_n to_o worse_a vice_n than_o rebellion_n fraud_n and_o violence_n which_o our_o age_n have_v hallow_v and_o make_v sacred_a so_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o glorious_a pretension_n of_o those_o time_n religion_n be_v among_o many_o take_v off_o all_o its_o foundation_n and_o the_o world_n prepare_v for_o atheism_n the_o folly_n and_o division_n of_o one_o age_n make_v way_n for_o atheism_n in_o the_o next_o thus_o also_o brief_o of_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v how_o much_o resistance_n of_o the_o authority_n that_o be_v over_o we_o be_v against_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o interest_n the_o former_a god_n have_v plain_o tell_v we_o and_o the_o latter_a we_o have_v sad_o feel_v it_o remain_v that_o we_o humble_v ourselves_o under_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o public_a guilt_n as_o well_o as_o complain_v of_o the_o consequent_a misery_n that_o we_o may_v not_o draw_v down_o new_a judgement_n by_o repeat_v old_a provocation_n and_o add_v our_o particular_a sin_n to_o the_o common_a score_n and_o i_o think_v we_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v what_o we_o who_o abhor_v rebellion_n have_v contribute_v to_o the_o fatal_a evil_n that_o follow_v it_o we_o can_v perhaps_o be_v well_o enough_o content_v that_o the_o visible_a actor_n of_o those_o mischief_n shall_v be_v lash_v and_o expose_v and_o it_o may_v be_v be_v well_o please_v and_o tickle_v with_o our_o reprehension_n in_o which_o we_o think_v ourselves_o not_o concern_v but_o if_o we_o will_v be_v just_a if_o we_o will_v have_v this_o fast_a to_o signify_v we_o must_v turn_v our_o reproof_n upon_o ourselves_o also_o and_o with_o grief_n and_o shame_n acknowledge_v that_o our_o sin_n and_o debauch_n our_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o scorn_n of_o religion_n have_v help_v towards_o the_o pluck_n down_o that_o sad_a judgement_n upon_o the_o nation_n which_o we_o lament_v this_o day_n and_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o there_o be_v those_o that_o fight_v against_o the_o king_n who_o yet_o spend_v their_o blood_n in_o his_o service_n and_o many_o by_o their_o vice_n endeavour_v to_o engage_v heaven_n against_o that_o cause_n which_o themselves_o strive_v in_o another_o way_n to_o less_o purpose_n to_o promote_v and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v that_o this_o fast_a be_v appoint_v to_o inveigh_v against_o the_o fault_n of_o other_o and_o to_o make_v they_o and_o their_o action_n odious_a but_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o under_o the_o apprehension_n of_o our_o own_o and_o to_o teach_v we_o to_o show_v our_o love_n to_o the_o king_n and_o readiness_n to_o obey_v he_o by_o subject_v ourselves_o first_o unto_o god_n who_o vicegerent_n he_o be_v and_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o they_o that_o be_v not_o loyal_a to_o the_o universal_a lord_n of_o all_o the_o world_n can_v scarce_o possible_o be_v so_o to_o their_o particular_a sovereign_n and_o it_o will_v need_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o charity_n to_o help_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o those_o who_o make_v no_o scruple_n to_o blaspheme_v the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o to_o break_v the_o plain_a most_o earnest_a and_o most_o express_a of_o his_o law_n will_v be_v withhold_v by_o consideration_n of_o duty_n or_o conscience_n from_o rebel_a against_o their_o king_n or_o affront_a he_o when_o there_o be_v any_o powerful_a interest_n to_o oblige_v they_o to_o it_o if_o therefore_o we_o will_v give_v any_o evidence_n of_o a_o serious_a humiliation_n at_o present_a or_o any_o security_n of_o a_o future_a loyalty_n let_v we_o do_v so_o by_o confess_v our_o particular_a sin_n and_o forsake_v they_o and_o then_o there_o will_v be_v hope_n that_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n may_v oblige_v we_o quiet_o and_o peaceable_o to_o submit_v to_o his_o minister_n and_o in_o do_v so_o we_o shall_v be_v blessed_v with_o his_o influence_n and_o deserve_v his_o protection_n and_o thus_o demeaning_a ourselves_o like_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o peace_n and_o subject_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o peace_n the_o peace_n he_o leave_v with_o his_o disciple_n will_v be_v with_o we_o here_o and_o everlasting_a peace_n will_v encircle_v our_o head_n with_o ray_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o peace_n and_o so_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n keep_v your_o heart_n and_o mind_n in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o who_o with_o god_n the_o father_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v ascribe_v all_o glory_n honour_n and_o adoration_n henceforth_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n and_o amen_o sermon_n iu._n the_o sin_n and_o danger_n of_o scoff_v at_o religion_n the_o second_o edition_n sermon_n iv._o against_o scoff_v at_o religion_n 2_o pet._n iii_o 3._o there_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n it_o be_v a_o question_n that_o have_v much_o exercise_v the_o wit_n of_o the_o curious_a whether_o there_o be_v any_o decay_n in_o nature_n or_o whether_o all_o thing_n be_v not_o still_o as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n in_o all_o their_o kind_n and_o in_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o vigour_n and_o perfection_n i_o shall_v not_o undertake_v to_o determine_v aught_o in_o this_o theory_n be_v the_o matter_n how_o it_o will_v as_o to_o the_o natural_a world_n we_o have_v cause_n to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v degeneracy_n in_o the_o moral_a this_o our_o saviour_n suppose_v in_o the_o question_n luke_n 18._o 8._o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v
faith_n on_o earth_n imply_v that_o in_o the_o last_o time_n there_o shall_v be_v remarkable_a fall_n from_o the_o faith_n and_o a_o general_a reign_n of_o unbelief_n which_o can_v be_v without_o great_a defection_n in_o manner_n also_o and_o st._n paul_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 1._o tell_v we_o that_o the_o last_o day_n shall_v be_v perilous_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n covetous_a boaster_n proud_a blasphemer_n and_o our_o apostle_n in_o the_o text_n scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n now_o we_o be_v not_o to_o think_v that_o the_o holy_a writer_n suppose_v that_o these_o evil_n be_v not_o in_o other_o day_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o last_o no_o the_o same_o catalogue_n of_o vice_n run_v through_o all_o age_n which_o more_o or_o less_o be_v infect_v with_o they_o but_o the_o meaning_n i_o conceive_v be_v that_o in_o the_o latter_a they_o shall_v be_v more_o notorious_a and_o more_o numerous_a act_v in_o high_a degree_n of_o impudence_n and_o with_o more_o circumstance_n of_o guilt_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o there_o be_v always_o scoffer_n but_o never_o such_o nor_o so_o many_o as_o in_o the_o last_o day_n the_o last_o of_o the_o world_n simple_o and_o not_o only_o those_o of_o the_o jewish_a state_n scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n viz._n as_o absolute_a slave_n to_o their_o appetite_n and_o passion_n for_o the_o word_n lust_n take_v in_o all_o unruly_a desire_n and_o inclination_n in_o treat_v of_o the_o word_n i_o shall_v show_v 1._o what_o sort_n of_o scoffer_n we_o may_v suppose_v here_o mean_v 2._o what_o be_v the_o evil_a and_o malignity_n of_o the_o humour_n 3._o what_o be_v the_o consequence_n and_o effect_n of_o it_o and_o thence_o 4._o pass_v to_o improvement_n for_o practice_n for_o the_o first_o who_o be_v the_o scoffer_n mean_v i_o take_v direction_n in_o it_o from_o the_o character_n annex_v scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n now_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n will_v be_v boundless_a and_o be_v impatient_a of_o any_o check_n or_o stop_v they_o hate_v all_o restraint_n that_o be_v lay_v upon_o they_o and_o the_o great_a restraint_n of_o appetite_n be_v from_o religion_n religion_n hinder_v man_n most_o from_o walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o these_o be_v most_o resolve_v on_o that_o so_o that_o we_o may_v suppose_v the_o scoffer_n in_o the_o text_n who_o walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n to_o be_v scoffer_n at_o religion_n which_o will_v hinder_v and_o disturb_v they_o most_o in_o that_o course_n and_o that_o they_o be_v such_o appear_v from_o the_o follow_a verse_n in_o which_o they_o argue_v scoff_o against_o the_o christian_a belief_n and_o expectation_n say_v where_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o his_o come_n for_o since_o the_o father_n fell_a a-sleep_o all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n vers_fw-la 4._o now_o general_o the_o less_o impudent_a sort_n of_o sinner_n endeavour_v to_o reconcile_v religion_n to_o their_o lust_n by_o walk_v in_o some_o of_o the_o form_n of_o godliness_n so_o do_v the_o pharisee_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o divers_a heretic_n among_o the_o ancient_a christian_n and_o their_o modern_a successor_n do_v the_o same_o still_o but_o there_o be_v a_o other_o sort_n who_o be_v more_o bold_a and_o impatient_a they_o will_v not_o give_v themselves_o the_o trouble_n of_o reconcile_a religion_n to_o their_o lust_n but_o take_v the_o short_a course_n of_o oppose_v it_o in_o favour_n of_o they_o this_o some_o do_v by_o engage_v their_o part_n and_o knowledge_n grave_o and_o serious_o to_o reason_v it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o these_o be_v the_o few_o reason_n be_v a_o severe_a thing_n and_o do_v as_o little_o comport_v with_o man_n lust_n as_o religion_n and_o the_o same_o lust_n that_o make_v they_o willing_a to_o reason_n against_o religion_n make_v they_o incapable_a of_o it_o for_o debauchery_n be_v almost_o as_o great_a a_o enemy_n to_o man_n intellectual_n as_o to_o their_o moral_n and_o therefore_o other_o and_o the_o most_o go_v a_o easy_a way_n and_o fight_v against_o religion_n by_o scoff_v and_o buffonery_n this_o be_v the_o game_n the_o devil_n seem_v to_o be_v play_v in_o the_o present_a age._n he_o have_v try_v the_o power_n and_o rage_n of_o the_o mighty_a and_o the_o wit_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o learned_a but_o these_o have_v not_o succeed_v for_o the_o destruction_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o now_o he_o be_v make_v a_o experiment_n by_o a_o other_o sort_n of_o enemy_n and_o set_v the_o ape_n and_o droller_n upon_o it_o and_o certain_o there_o be_v never_o any_o other_o age_n in_o which_o sacred_a and_o serious_a thing_n have_v be_v so_o rude_o and_o impudent_o assault_v by_o the_o profane_a abuse_n of_o jester_n and_o buffoon_n who_o have_v be_v the_o contempt_n of_o all_o wise_a time_n but_o be_v the_o darling_n and_o wit_n of_o these_o o_o the_o invention_n the_o rare_a invention_n of_o this_o happy_a age_n how_o easy_a have_v it_o make_v the_o way_n to_o this_o glorious_a reputation_n it_o be_v but_o laugh_v graceful_o at_o the_o fop_n the_o grave_n the_o learned_a the_o religious_a fop_n and_o a_o man_n can_v fail_v of_o be_v a_o wit_n in_o spite_n of_o ignorance_n and_o impertinence_n away_o with_o the_o pedantry_n and_o dull_a formality_n of_o former_a day_n we_o be_v wit_n upon_o term_n more_o generous_a and_o more_o easy_a our_o age_n have_v more_o spirit_n and_o flame_n our_o conversation_n yes_o our_o virtuous_a conversation_n have_v refine_v and_o improve_v we_o we_o see_v the_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n of_o our_o forefather_n and_o laugh_v at_o the_o tale_n with_o which_o crafty_a priest_n abuse_v their_o easiness_n and_o credulity_n spiritual_a substance_n immortal_a soul_n authority_n of_o scripture_n fiction_n idea_n phantome_n jargon_n here_o be_v demonstration_n against_o the_o spiritual_a trade_n and_o spiritual_a man_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o work_n be_v for_o song_n and_o play_n for_o the_o wit_n and_o humour_n of_o agreeable_a conversation_n thus_o far_o we_o be_v come_v and_o the_o infection_n spread_v so_o that_o there_o be_v scarce_o a_o little_a vain_a thing_n that_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v modish_a but_o set_v up_o for_o a_o derider_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n and_o make_v a_o scoff_n of_o the_o most_o serious_a thought_n and_o profession_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o all_o age_n heaven_n and_o hell_n be_v become_v word_n of_o sport_n and_o devil_n and_o angel_n fairy_n and_o chimaera_n it_o be_v foppish_a to_o speak_v of_o religion_n but_o in_o raillery_n or_o to_o mention_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o scripture_n except_o it_o be_v to_o burlesque_fw-la and_o deride_v it_o it_o be_v dreadful_a to_o consider_v and_o a_o man_n may_v tremble_v to_o describe_v this_o monstrous_a humour_n of_o many_o in_o our_o age_n which_o i_o believe_v have_v outdo_v all_o former_a in_o the_o height_n of_o this_o amaze_a sort_n of_o wickedness_n and_o sad_o prove_v that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n shall_v come_v scoffer_n and_o such_o as_o have_v not_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n for_o though_o former_a age_n no_o doubt_n have_v have_v derider_n of_o religion_n yet_o in_o those_o time_n they_o hide_v their_o head_n and_o do_v it_o covert_o behind_o the_o curtain_n in_o their_o privacy_n and_o among_o their_o confident_n but_o in_o these_o they_o face_n the_o sun_n and_o impudent_o vent_v their_o folly_n in_o all_o company_n and_o place_n as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o renown_n and_o glory_n and_o they_o expect_v to_o be_v count_v hero_n for_o it_o thus_o we_o see_v what_o sort_n of_o scoffer_n they_o be_v that_o be_v to_o come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n impudent_a derider_n of_o religion_n because_o they_o be_v resolve_v on_o walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n i_o come_v ii_o to_o show_v the_o malignity_n and_o aggravation_n of_o this_o humour_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o open_a defiance_n of_o god_n and_o a_o direct_a opposition_n of_o his_o glory_n his_o glory_n namely_o the_o derivative_a consist_v in_o those_o praise_n and_o acknowledgement_n that_o be_v due_a to_o his_o perfection_n and_o those_o be_v pay_v in_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o to_o buffoon_n this_o be_v to_o shoot_v the_o arrow_n of_o our_o scorn_n direct_o at_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n indeed_o all_o sin_n be_v opposition_n of_o he_o and_o of_o his_o glory_n but_o in_o most_o they_o be_v so_o in_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o sin_n not_o in_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o sinner_n the_o drunkard_n the_o oppressor_n and_o the_o unclean_a person_n design_v only_o their_o own_o satisfaction_n not_o any_o immediate_a affront_n to_o their_o maker_n but_o the_o scoffer_n with_o prodigious_a impudence_n do_v that_o he_o deride_v the_o love_n and_o obedience_n fear_n and_o