Selected quad for the lemma: ground_n

Word A	Word B	Word C	Word D	Occurrence	Frequency Band	MI	MI Band	Prominent
ground_n	authority_n	faith_n	word_n	1,792	5	4.8868	4	false

Text snippets containing the quad

ID	Title	Author	Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication)	STC	Words	Pages
A62632	Several discourses viz. Of the great duties of natural religion. Instituted religion not intended to undermine natural. Christianity not destructive; but perfective of the law of Moses. The nature and necessity of regeneration. The danger of all known sin. Knowledge and practice necessary in religion. The sins of men not chargeable on God. By the most reverend Dr. John Tillotson, late lord arch-bishop of Canterbury. Being the fourth volume; published from the originals, by Ralph Barker, D.D. chaplain to his Grace.	Tillotson, John, 1630-1694.; Barker, Ralph, 1648-1708.; White, Robert, 1600-1690, engraver.	1697 (1697)	Wing T1261A; ESTC R221745	169,748	495

this_o be_v affirm_v of_o some_o part_n of_o brasil_n by_o some_o of_o the_o first_o discoverer_n who_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n own_v that_o these_o very_a people_n do_v most_o express_o believe_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n opinion_n which_o no_o man_n can_v well_o reconcile_v with_o the_o denial_n and_o disbelief_n of_o a_o deity_n but_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o argument_n late_a and_o more_o perfect_a discovery_n have_v find_v this_o not_o to_o be_v true_a and_o do_v assure_v we_o upon_o better_a acquaintance_n with_o those_o barbarous_a people_n that_o they_o be_v deep_o possess_v with_o the_o belief_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n who_o make_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n have_v thus_o give_v a_o particular_a answer_n to_o socinus_n his_o argument_n against_o the_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o a_o god_n i_o will_v now_o brief_o offer_v some_o argument_n for_o it_o and_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n be_v natural_a to_o mankind_n my_o first_o argument_n shall_v be_v from_o the_o universal_a consent_n in_o this_o matter_n of_o all_o nation_n in_o all_o age_n and_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o great_a force_n there_o be_v no_o better_a way_n to_o prove_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v natural_a to_o any_o kind_n of_o be_v than_o if_o it_o be_v general_o find_v in_o the_o whole_a kind_a omnium_fw-la consensus_fw-la naturae_fw-la vox_fw-la est_fw-la the_o consent_n of_o all_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o nature_n say_v tully_n and_o indeed_o by_o what_o other_o argument_n can_v we_o prove_v that_o reason_n and_o speech_n and_o a_o inclination_n to_o society_n be_v natural_a to_o man_n but_o that_o these_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a kind_a second_o unless_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o essential_a perfection_n be_v natural_a i_o do_v not_o see_v what_o sufficient_a and_o certain_a foundation_n there_o can_v be_v of_o reveal_v religion_n for_o unless_o we_o natural_o know_v god_n to_o be_v a_o be_v of_o all_o perfection_n and_o consequent_o that_o whatever_o he_o say_v be_v true_a i_o can_v see_v what_o divine_a revelation_n can_v signify_v for_o god_n reveal_n or_o declare_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o we_o be_v no_o necessary_a argument_n that_o it_o be_v so_o unless_o antecedent_o to_o this_o revelation_n we_o be_v possess_v firm_o with_o this_o principle_n that_o whatever_o god_n say_v be_v true_a and_o whatever_o be_v know_v antecedent_o to_o revelation_n must_v be_v know_v by_o natural_a light_n and_o by_o reason_v and_o deduction_n from_o natural_a principle_n i_o may_v further_o add_v to_o this_o argument_n that_o the_o only_a standard_n and_o measure_n to_o judge_v of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o to_o distinguish_v between_o what_o be_v true_a and_o what_o be_v counterfeit_a be_v the_o natural_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o essential_a perfection_n three_o if_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n be_v not_o natural_a i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o man_n can_v have_v any_o natural_a notion_n of_o the_o difference_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a just_a and_o unjust_a for_o if_o i_o do_v not_o natural_o know_v there_o be_v a_o god_n how_o can_v i_o natural_o know_v that_o there_o be_v any_o law_n oblige_v to_o the_o one_o and_o forbid_v the_o other_o all_o law_n and_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n necessary_o suppose_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o superior_a be_v but_o the_o apostle_n express_o assert_n that_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o a_o reveal_v law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o but_o there_o can_v be_v a_o natural_a law_n oblige_v mankind_n unless_o god_n be_v natural_o know_v to_o they_o and_o this_o socinus_n himself_o in_o his_o discourse_n upon_o this_o very_a argument_n be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v in_o all_o man_n say_v he_o there_o be_v natural_o a_o difference_n of_o just_a and_o unjust_a or_o at_o least_o there_o be_v plant_v in_o all_o man_n a_o acknowledgement_n that_o just_o ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v be●ore_o unjust_a and_o that_o which_o be_v honest_a before_o the_o contrary_a and_o this_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n wit●in_v a_o man_n which_o whosoever_o obey_v in_o so_o do_v obey_v god_n though_o otherwise_o he_o neither_o know_v nor_o think_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o he_o that_o thus_o obey_v god_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o natural_a obligation_n to_o a_o law_n without_o any_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o a_o superior_a authority_n which_o i_o think_v can_v be_v and_o which_o be_v worse_o that_o a_o man_n may_v obey_v god_n acceptable_o without_o know_v and_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n which_o direct_o thwart_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o first_o argument_n from_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n that_o be_v he_o that_o will_v be_v religious_a and_o please_v god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v so_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o any_o man_n to_o contradict_v nature_n without_o contradict_v himself_o four_o my_o last_o argument_n i_o ground_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o my_o text_n that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o they_o for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o be_v manifest_a in_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d among_o they_o god_n have_v sufficient_o manifest_v it_o to_o mankind_n and_o which_o way_n have_v god_n do_v this_o by_o revelation_n or_o by_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o reason_n he_o tell_v we_o at_o the_o 20_o the_o ver_fw-la for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v that_o be_v god_n who_o in_o himself_o be_v invisible_a ever_o since_o he_o have_v create_v the_o world_n have_v give_v a_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o himself_o that_o be_v of_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v that_o this_o wise_a and_o wonderful_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n which_o can_v reasonable_o be_v ascribe_v to_o any_o other_o cause_n but_o god_n be_v a_o sensible_a demonstration_n to_o all_o mankind_n of_o a_o eternal_a and_o powerful_a be_v that_o be_v the_o author_n and_o framer_n of_o it_o the_o only_a question_n now_o be_v whether_o this_o text_n speak_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o particular_a revelation_n or_o by_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n socinus_n have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o avoid_v the_o force_n of_o this_o text_n will_v needs_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n his_o word_n be_v these_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o say_v in_o this_o place_n that_o the_o eternal_a godhead_n of_o god_n that_o be_v that_o which_o god_n will_v always_o have_v we_o to_o do_v for_o the_o godhead_n be_v sometime_o take_v in_o this_o sense_n and_o his_o eternal_a power_n that_o be_v his_o promise_n which_o never_o fail_v in_o which_o sense_n he_o say_v a_o little_a before_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n these_o i_o say_v which_o be_v never_o see_v by_o man_n that_o be_v be_v never_o know_v to_o they_o since_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v know_v by_o his_o work_n that_o be_v by_o the_o wonderful_a operation_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a man_n especial_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n these_o be_v his_o very_a word_n and_o now_o i_o refer_v it_o to_o any_o indifferent_a judgement_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o very_a force_a and_o constrain_v interpretation_n of_o this_o text_n and_o whether_o that_o which_o i_o have_v before_o give_v be_v not_o infinite_o more_o free_a and_o natural_a and_o every_o way_n more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o obvious_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n for_o he_o plain_o speak_v of_o the_o heathen_a and_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v inexcusable_a because_o they_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o have_v a_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o god_n from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o work_n and_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v they_o do_v not_o glorify_v he_o as_o god_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v myself_o to_o give_v any_o other_o answer_n to_o it_o for_o by_o the_o absurd_a violence_n of_o it_o in_o every_o part_n it_o confute_v itself_o more_o effectual_o than_o any_o discourse_n about_o it_o can_v do_v i_o have_v be_v the_o large_a upon_o this_o because_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a consequence_n and_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o religion_n for_o

and_o degeneracy_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o there_o be_v a_o real_a change_n make_v in_o they_o by_o the_o operation_n of_o god_n grace_n upon_o their_o mind_n yet_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a in_o experience_n that_o this_o change_n be_v make_v in_o very_a many_o by_o very_o silent_a and_o insensible_a degree_n till_o at_o length_n the_o seed_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v plant_v in_o they_o by_o a_o good_a education_n do_v visible_o prevail_v over_o all_o the_o evil_a inclination_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n so_o as_o to_o sway_v and_o govern_v the_o action_n of_o their_o life_n and_o when_o the_o principle_n of_o grace_n and_o goodness_n do_v apparent_o prevail_v we_o may_v conclude_v they_o to_o be_v in_o a_o regenerate_v s●ate_n though_o perhaps_o very_a few_o of_o these_o can_v give_v any_o account_n of_o the_o particular_a time_n and_o occasion_n of_o this_o change_n for_o thing_n may_v be_v see_v in_o their_o effect_n which_o be_v never_o very_o sensible_a in_o their_o cause_n and_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a that_o such_o person_n who_o never_o live_v in_o any_o evil_a course_n shall_v escape_v those_o pang_n and_o terror_n which_o unavoidable_o happen_v unto_o other_o from_o a_o course_n of_o actual_a sin_n and_o the_o guilt_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o person_n as_o i_o have_v describe_v who_o be_v in_o this_o gradual_a and_o insensible_a manner_n regenerate_v and_o make_v good_a this_o be_v a_o demonstration_n that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o this_o change_n shall_v be_v in_o a_o instant_n it_o be_v so_o frequent_o find_v to_o be_v otherwise_o in_o experience_n and_o as_o for_o other_o who_o be_v visible_o reclaim_v from_o a_o notorious_a wicked_a course_n in_o these_o we_o likewise_o frequent_o see_v this_o change_n gradual_o make_v by_o strong_a impression_n make_v upon_o their_o mind_n most_o frequent_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n sometime_o by_o his_o providence_n whereby_o they_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o evil_a and_o danger_n of_o their_o course_n and_o awaken_v to_o consideration_n and_o melt_v into_o sorrow_n and_o repentance_n and_o perhaps_o exercise_v with_o great_a terror_n of_o conscience_n till_o at_o length_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n they_o come_v to_o a_o fix_a purpose_n and_o resolution_n of_o forsake_v their_o sin_n and_o turn_v to_o god_n and_o after_o many_o struggle_n and_o conflict_n with_o their_o lust_n and_o the_o strong_a bias_n of_o evil_a habit_n this_o resolution_n assist_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v effectual_o prevail_v and_o make_v a_o real_a change_n both_o in_o the_o temper_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v and_o not_o before_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v regenerate_v but_o all_o the_o while_n this_o be_v a_o do_v the_o new_a man_n be_v form_v and_o the_o work_n of_o regeneration_n be_v go_v on_o and_o it_o be_v perhaps_o a_o very_a considerable_a time_n from_o the_o first_o beginning_n of_o it_o till_o it_o come_v to_o a_o fix_a and_o settle_a state_n and_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o in_o experience_n of_o most_o person_n who_o be_v reclaim_v from_o a_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n be_v find_v to_o be_v the_o usual_a and_o ordinary_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n in_o their_o conversion_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o pretend_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o a_o instant_n which_o by_o so_o manifold_a experience_n be_v find_v to_o take_v up_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n and_o to_o be_v effect_v by_o degree_n and_o whereas_o some_o man_n be_v please_v to_o call_v all_o this_o the_o preparatory_a work_n to_o regeneration_n but_o not_o the_o regeneration_n itself_o this_o be_v a_o idle_a contention_n about_o word_n for_o if_o these_o preparation_n be_v a_o degree_n of_o goodness_n and_o a_o gradual_a tendency_n towards_o it_o than_o the_o work_n be_v begin_v by_o they_o and_o during_o the_o continuance_n of_o they_o be_v all_o the_o while_n a_o do_v and_o though_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o fix_v the_o point_n or_o instant_n when_o a_o man_n just_o arrive_v at_o this_o state_n and_o not_o before_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o sensible_a when_o a_o man_n be_v in_o it_o and_o this_o change_n when_o it_o be_v real_o make_v will_v soon_o discover_v itself_o by_o plain_a and_o sensible_a effect_n four_o and_o last_o all_o this_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o plain_a and_o constant_a tenor_n of_o scripture_n isa_n 1._o 16._o where_o the_o prophet_n exhort_v to_o this_o change_n he_o speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o gradual_a thing_n wash_v you_o make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n from_o before_o my_o eye_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o that_o be_v break_v off_o evil_a and_o vicious_a habit_n and_o gain_v the_o contrary_a habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n by_o the_o exercise_n of_o it_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o some_o as_o far_a from_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n than_o other_o jer._n 13._o 23._o can_v the_o ethiopian_a change_n his_o skin_n or_o the_o leopard_n his_o spot_n then_o may_v you_o also_o do_v good_a that_o be_v accustom_v to_o do_v evil_a plain_o declare_v the_o great_a difficulty_n equal_a almost_o to_o a_o natural_a impossibility_n of_o reclaim_v those_o to_o goodness_n who_o have_v be_v long_o habituate_v to_o a_o evil_a course_n and_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o some_o as_o near_a to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n than_o other_o our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o young_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n who_o say_v he_o have_v keep_v the_o command_n of_o god_n from_o his_o youth_n that_o he_o be_v not_o far_o from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n but_o now_o if_o by_o a_o irresistible_a act_n of_o god_n power_n this_o change_n be_v make_v in_o a_o instant_n and_o can_v otherwise_o be_v make_v how_o be_v one_o man_n near_o to_o a_o state_n of_o grace_n or_o far_o from_o it_o than_o another_o if_o all_o that_o be_v make_v good_a must_v be_v make_v so_o in_o a_o instant_n or_o not_o at_o all_o than_o no_o man_n be_v near_o be_v make_v good_a than_o another_o for_o if_o he_o be_v near_o to_o it_o he_o may_v soon_o be_v make_v so_o but_o that_o can_v be_v if_o all_o must_v be_v make_v good_a in_o a_o instant_n for_o soon_o than_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v make_v so_o if_o the_o similitude_n of_o our_o be_v dead_a in_o sin_n and_o trespass_n be_v strict_o take_v no_o man_n be_v near_a a_o resurrection_n to_o a_o new_a life_n than_o another_o as_o he_o that_o die_v but_o a_o week_n ago_o be_v as_o far_o from_o be_v raise_v to_o life_n again_o as_o he_o that_o die_v a_o thousand_o year_n ago_o the_o resurrection_n of_o both_o require_v a_o omnipotent_a act_n and_o to_o that_o both_o be_v equal_o easy_a the_o two_o parable_n of_o our_o saviour_n matth._n 13._o 31_o 33._o be_v by_o many_o interpreter_n understand_v of_o the_o gradual_a operation_n of_o grace_n upon_o the_o heart_n of_o men._n that_o wherein_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n be_v liken_v to_o a_o grain_n of_o mustardseed_n which_o be_v sow_v be_v the_o least_o of_o all_o seed_n but_o by_o degree_n grow_v up_o to_o be_v the_o great_a of_o herb_n and_o to_o leaven_n which_o a_o woman_n take_v and_o hide_v in_o three_o measure_n of_o meal_n till_o the_o whole_a be_v leaven_v intimate_v the_o progress_n of_o god_n grace_n which_o by_o degree_n diffuse_v itself_o over_o the_o whole_a temper_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n into_o all_o the_o action_n of_o his_o life_n to_o be_v sure_a the_o parable_n of_o the_o seed_n which_o fall_v upon_o good_a ground_n do_v represent_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n accompany_v by_o his_o grace_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o that_o be_v say_v to_o spring_v up_o and_o increase_v and_o to_o bring_v forth_o fruit_n with_o patience_n which_o sure_o do_v express_v to_o we_o the_o gradual_a operation_n of_o god_n word_n and_o grace_n in_o the_o renovation_n and_o change_n of_o a_o man_n heart_n and_o life_n the_o new_a testament_n indeed_o speak_v of_o the_o sudden_a change_n of_o many_o upon_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n which_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o before_o be_v not_o a_o standard_n of_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n the_o not_o consider_v of_o which_o have_v be_v a_o great_a cause_n of_o all_o the_o mistake_v in_o this_o matter_n it_o be_v true_a those_o which_o be_v thus_o convert_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n their_o faith_n be_v a_o virtual_a principle_n of_o all_o grace_n and_o virtue_n though_o not_o formal_o the_o habit_n of_o every_o particular_a grace_n st._n paul_n himself_o who_o be_v a_o prime_a instance_n of_o this_o kind_n speak_v as_o if_o he_o acquire_v

define_v and_o determine_v so_o that_o no_o man_n that_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n free_a from_o interest_n and_o prejudice_n can_v easy_o mistake_v in_o any_o great_a and_o material_a part_n of_o his_o duty_n we_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n plain_o reveal_v to_o we_o and_o such_o a_o character_n of_o he_o give_v as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o our_o natural_a conception_n of_o a_o deity_n as_o render_v he_o both_o awful_a and_o amiable_a for_o the_o scripture_n represent_v he_o to_o we_o as_o great_a and_o good_a powerful_a and_o merciful_a a_o perfect_a hater_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o great_a lover_n of_o mankind_n and_o we_o have_v the_o law_n and_o manner_n of_o his_o worship_n so_o far_o as_o be_v needful_a and_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o good_a life_n clear_o express_v and_o lay_v down_o and_o as_o a_o powerful_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o those_o law_n a_o plain_a discovery_n make_v to_o we_o of_o the_o endless_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o mighty_a advantage_n to_o the_o do_v of_o god_n will_n to_o have_v it_o so_o plain_o declare_v to_o we_o and_o so_o powerful_o enforce_v upon_o we_o so_o that_o our_o duty_n lie_v plain_o before_o we_o we_o see_v what_o we_o have_v to_o do_v and_o the_o danger_n of_o neglect_v it_o so_o that_o consider_v the_o advantage_n we_o have_v of_o do_v god_n will_n by_o our_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o it_o we_o be_v altogether_o inexcusable_a if_o we_o do_v it_o not_o second_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n will_n be_v likewise_o a_o great_a obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o the_o do_v of_o it_o for_o what_o ought_v in_o reason_n to_o oblige_v we_o more_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n than_o to_o be_v full_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o law_n of_o the_o great_a sovereign_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v able_a to_o save_v or_o to_o destroy_v that_o it_o be_v the_o pleasure_n of_o he_o that_o make_v we_o and_o who_o have_v declare_v that_o he_o design_n to_o make_v we_o happy_a by_o our_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n so_o that_o if_o we_o know_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n we_o have_v the_o great_a obligation_n to_o do_v they_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n or_o our_o own_o interest_n and_o if_o we_o neglect_v they_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v in_o our_o own_o excuse_n we_o know_v the_o law_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o keep_v it_o and_o the_o penalty_n of_o break_v it_o and_o if_o after_o this_o we_o will_v transgress_v there_o be_v no_o apology_n to_o be_v make_v for_o we_o they_o have_v something_o to_o plead_v for_o themselves_o who_o can_v say_v that_o though_o they_o have_v some_o apprehension_n of_o some_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o their_o mind_n be_v apt_a to_o dictate_v to_o they_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v some_o thing_n yet_o the_o different_a apprehension_n of_o mankind_n about_o several_a of_o these_o thing_n and_o the_o doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n concern_v they_o make_v they_o easy_a to_o be_v carry_v off_o from_o their_o duty_n by_o the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o the_o tyranny_n of_o custom_n and_o example_n and_o the_o pleasant_a temptation_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o have_v they_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a revelation_n from_o god_n and_o have_v certain_o know_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v his_o will_n this_o will_v have_v conquer_v and_o bear_v down_o all_o objection_n and_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_a or_o if_o it_o have_v not_o will_v have_v stop_v their_o mouth_n and_o take_v away_o all_o excuse_n from_o they_o there_o be_v some_o colour_n in_o this_o plea_n that_o in_o many_o case_n they_o do_v not_o know_v certain_o what_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v but_o for_o we_o who_o own_o a_o clear_a revelation_n from_o god_n and_o profess_v to_o believe_v it_o what_o can_v we_o say_v for_o ourselves_o to_o mitigate_v the_o severity_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o why_o he_o shall_v not_o pour_v forth_o all_o his_o wrath_n and_o execute_v upon_o we_o the_o fierceness_n of_o his_o anger_n three_o the_o neglect_n of_o god_n will_n when_o we_o know_v it_o can_v be_v without_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o wilfulness_n and_o contempt_n if_o we_o know_v it_o and_o do_v it_o not_o the_o fault_n be_v sole_o in_o our_o will_n and_o the_o more_o wilful_a any_o sin_n be_v the_o more_o heinous_o wicked_a be_v it_o there_o can_v hardly_o be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o a_o crime_n than_o if_o it_o proceed_v from_o mere_a obstinacy_n and_o perverseness_n and_o if_o we_o know_v it_o to_o be_v our_o lord_n will_n and_o do_v it_o not_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o the_o high_a contempt_n of_o the_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o world_n and_o do_v we_o think_v this_o to_o be_v but_o a_o small_a aggravation_n to_o affront_v the_o great_a sovereign_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n not_o only_o to_o break_v his_o law_n but_o to_o trample_v upon_o they_o and_o despise_v they_o when_o we_o know_v who_o law_n they_o be_v will_v we_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n be_v we_o strong_a than_o he_o we_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v god_n who_o say_v thou_o shall_v not_o commit_v adultery_n thou_o shall_v not_o steal_v thou_o shall_v not_o bear_v false_a witness_n against_o thy_o neighbour_n thou_o shall_v not_o hate_v or_o oppress_v or_o defraud_v thy_o brother_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o and_o will_v we_o notwithstanding_o venture_v to_o break_v these_o law_n know_v who_o authority_n they_o be_v stamp_v withal_o after_o this_o contempt_n of_o he_o what_o favour_n can_v we_o hope_v for_o from_o he_o what_o can_v we_o say_v for_o ourselves_o why_o any_o one_o of_o those_o many_o stripe_n which_o be_v threaten_v shall_v be_v abate_v to_o we_o ignosci_fw-la aliquatenus_fw-la ignorantiae_fw-la potest_fw-la contemptus_fw-la veniam_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la something_n may_v be_v pardon_v to_o ignorance_n but_o contempt_n can_v expect_v no_o forgiveness_n he_o that_o strike_v his_o prince_n not_o know_v he_o to_o be_v so_o have_v something_o to_o say_v for_o himself_o that_o though_o he_o do_v a_o disloyal_a act_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o a_o disloyal_a mind_n but_o he_o that_o first_o acknowledge_v he_o for_o his_o prince_n and_o then_o affront_v he_o deserve_v to_o be_v prosecute_v with_o the_o utmost_a severity_n because_o he_o do_v it_o wilful_o and_o in_o mere_a contempt_n the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n which_o we_o go_v against_o take_v away_o all_o possible_a excuse_n from_o we_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v why_o we_o shall_v offend_v he_o who_o have_v both_o authority_n to_o command_v we_o and_o power_n to_o destroy_v we_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v represent_v to_o you_o the_o true_a ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o aggravation_n of_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v commit_v against_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n and_o our_o duty_n because_o this_o knowledge_n be_v so_o great_a a_o advantage_n to_o the_o do_v of_o our_o duty_n so_o great_a a_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o it_o and_o because_o the_o neglect_n of_o our_o lord_n will_n in_o this_o case_n can_v be_v without_o great_a wilfulness_n and_o a_o downright_a contempt_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o shall_v i_o now_o need_v to_o tell_v you_o how_o much_o it_o concern_v every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o live_v up_o to_o that_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v of_o our_o lord_n will_n and_o to_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o do_v according_a to_o it_o to_o be_v always_o in_o a_o readiness_n and_o disposition_n to_o do_v what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v his_o will_n and_o actual_o to_o do_v it_o when_o there_o be_v occasion_n and_o opportunity_n and_o it_o concern_v we_o the_o more_o because_o we_o in_o this_o age_n and_o nation_n have_v so_o many_o advantage_n above_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n we_o enjoy_v the_o clear_a and_o most_o perfect_a revelation_n which_o god_n ever_o make_v of_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n and_o have_v the_o light_n of_o divine_a truth_n plentiful_o shed_v among_o we_o by_o the_o free_a use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v not_o a_o seal_a book_n to_o we_o but_o lie_v open_a to_o be_v read_v and_o study_v by_o we_o this_o spiritual_a food_n be_v rain_v down_o like_o manna_n round_o about_o our_o tent_n and_o every_o one_o may_v gather_v so_o much_o as_o be_v sufficient_a we_o be_v not_o stint_v nor_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n give_v out_o to_o

other_o as_o above_o any_o occasion_n of_o be_v contemn_v by_o they_o he_o grudge_v no_o man_n happiness_n and_o therefore_o can_v tempt_v man_n to_o sin_n out_o of_o a_o desire_n to_o see_v they_o miserable_a so_o that_o none_o of_o those_o consideration_n which_o move_v the_o devil_n to_o tempt_v man_n to_o sin_n and_o evil_a man_n to_o tempt_v one_o another_o to_o do_v wicked_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o have_v any_o place_n in_o god_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v the_o force_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n that_o because_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v to_o evil_a therefore_o he_o can_v tempt_v no_o man._n none_o tempt_v other_o to_o be_v bad_a but_o those_o who_o be_v first_o so_o themsemselves_fw-mi i_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n consider_v the_o nature_n and_o kind_a of_o the_o argument_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o use_v let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man._n he_o do_v not_o reject_v this_o impious_a proposition_n bare_o upon_o his_o own_o authority_n but_o he_o argue_v against_o it_o from_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o therein_o appeal_v to_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o mankind_n concern_v god_n we_o may_v very_o well_o have_v rest_v in_o his_o authority_n be_v a_o apostle_n commissioned_n by_o our_o saviour_n and_o extraordinary_o assist_v and_o witness_v to_o by_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wherewith_o he_o be_v endow_v but_o he_o condescend_v to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o what_o he_o say_v and_o appeal_v to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o mankind_n for_o all_o man_n will_v ready_o agree_v to_o this_o that_o god_n have_v all_o imaginable_a perfection_n but_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a imperfection_n to_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v tempt_v to_o evil_a and_o therefore_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v to_o evil._n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v tempt_v other_o to_o it_o for_o none_o can_v have_v either_o a_o inclination_n or_o interest_n to_o seduce_v other_o to_o evil_a but_o those_o who_o have_v be_v first_o seduce_v to_o it_o themselves_o now_o in_o this_o method_n of_o argue_v the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o one_o of_o the_o sure_a way_n of_o reason_v in_o religion_n namely_o from_o the_o natural_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n so_o that_o all_o doctrine_n plain_o contrary_a to_o those_o natural_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v what_o authority_n soever_o they_o pretend_v to_o whatever_o plain_o derogate_v from_o the_o goodness_n or_o justice_n of_o god_n or_o any_o other_o of_o his_o perfection_n be_v certain_o false_a what_o authority_n soever_o it_o may_v claim_v from_o the_o judgement_n of_o learned_a and_o pious_a man_n yea_o though_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v countenance_v from_o the_o text_n and_o expression_n of_o holy_a scripture_n because_o nothing_o can_v be_v entertain_v as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n which_o plain_o contradict_v the_o common_a natural_a notion_n which_o mankind_n have_v of_o god_n for_o all_o reason_v about_o divine_a revelation_n and_o whether_o that_o which_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o be_v real_o so_o or_o not_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o those_o natural_a notion_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n shall_v teach_v man_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o that_o he_o be_v not_o wi●e_v and_o good_a and_o just_o and_o powerful_a this_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o reject_v it_o how_o confident_a soever_o the_o pretence_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v upon_o good_a ground_n in_o reason_n receive_v for_o a_o divine_a revelation_n as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v among_o christian_n no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v regard_v who_o from_o thence_o pretend_v to_o maintain_v any_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o natural_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n such_o as_o clear_o contradict_v his_o holiness_n or_o goodness_n or_o justice_n or_o do_v by_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a consequence_n make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n or_o the_o like_a because_o the_o very_a attempt_n to_o prove_v any_o such_o thing_n out_o of_o scripture_n do_v strike_v at_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o those_o book_n for_o if_o they_o be_v from_o god_n it_o be_v certain_a they_o can_v contain_v no_o such_o thing_n so_o that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v seduce_v into_o any_o such_o opinion_n upon_o pretence_n that_o there_o be_v expression_n in_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o countenance_v they_o for_o if_o they_o real_o do_v so_o the_o consequence_n will_v not_o be_v the_o confirm_v of_o such_o opinion_n but_o the_o weaken_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o for_o just_a so_o many_o argument_n as_o any_o man_n can_v draw_v from_o scripture_n for_o any_o such_o opinion_n so_o many_o weapon_n he_o put_v into_o the_o han●s_n of_o atheist_n against_o the_o scripture_n itself_o i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o as_o if_o i_o think_v there_o be_v any_o ground_n from_o scripture_n for_o any_o such_o doctrine_n i_o be_o very_o certain_a there_o be_v not_o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o particular_a expression_n which_o to_o prejudice_v man_n may_v seem_v to_o import_v any_o such_o thing_n every_o man_n ought_v to_o govern_v himself_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o such_o passage_n by_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o plain_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o to_o those_o natural_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o perfection_n for_o when_o all_o be_v do_v this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sure_a way_n of_o reason_v in_o religion_n and_o whoever_o guide_v himself_o and_o steer_v by_o this_o compass_n can_v never_o err_v much_o but_o whoever_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o the_o appearance_n of_o some_o more_o obscure_a phrase_n in_o the_o expression_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o gloss_n of_o man_n upon_o they_o without_o regard_n to_o this_o rule_n may_v run_v into_o the_o great_a delusion_n may_v wander_v eternal_o and_o lose_v himself_o in_o one_o mistake_v after_o another_o and_o shall_v never_o find_v his_o way_n out_o of_o this_o endless_a labyrinth_n but_o by_o this_o clue_n if_o st._n james_n have_v not_o be_v a_o apostle_n the_o argument_n which_o he_o use_v will_v have_v convince_v any_o reasonable_a man_n that_o god_n tempt_v no_o man_n to_o sin_n because_o he_o can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a himself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v he_o shall_v tempt_v any_o man._n for_o he_o argue_v from_o such_o a_o principle_n as_o all_o mankind_n will_v at_o first_o hear_v assent_n to_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n assert_v by_o the_o apostle_n here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o god_n tempt_v no_o man_n to_o sin_n let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v of_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man._n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o assertion_n that_o every_o man_n be_v his_o own_o great_a tempter_n i_o shall_v draw_v some_o useful_a inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o deliver_v but_o i_o reserve_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o to_o the_o next_o opportunity_n sermon_n xv._n the_o sin_n of_o man_n not_o chargeable_a upon_o god_n but_o upon_o themselves_o james_n i._n 13_o 14._o let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man_n but_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v when_o i_o make_v entrance_n upon_o these_o word_n i_o tell_v you_o that_o next_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n nothing_o be_v more_o fundamental_o necessary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o good_a life_n than_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o two_o principle_n that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o that_o every_o man_n fault_n lie_v at_o his_o own_o door_n and_o both_o these_o principle_n st._n james_n do_v clear_o and_o full_o assert_v in_o these_o word_n first_o god_n tempt_v no_o man_n to_o sin_n second_o every_o man_n be_v his_o own_o great_a tempter_n the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o have_v large_o speak_v to_o in_o my_o former_a discourse_n and_o from_o what_o i_o then_o say_v i_o shall_v only_o draw_v a_o few_o useful_a inference_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o viz._n these_o which_o follow_v first_o let_v we_o beware_v of_o all_o such_o doctrine_n as_o do_v any_o way_n tend_v to_o