impudent_a and_o intolerable_a shall_v even_o allege_v conscience_n itself_o as_o the_o very_a reason_n for_o the_o do_v they_o so_o that_o such_o wretch_n shall_v out_o of_o mere_a conscience_n forsooth_o betray_v the_o country_n that_o breed_v and_o the_o church_n that_o baptise_a they_o and_o have_v first_o practise_v a_o dispense_n power_n upon_o all_o law_n within_o they_o shall_v help_v to_o let_v the_o same_o loose_a upon_o all_o law_n without_o they_o too_o and_o when_o they_o have_v do_v shall_v wipe_v their_o mouth_n and_o with_o as_o boon_n a_o grace_n and_o as_o bold_a a_o front_n look_v the_o world_n in_o the_o face_n as_o if_o they_o expect_v thanks_o for_o such_o villainy_n as_o a_o modest_a malefactor_n will_v scarce_o presume_v to_o expect_v a_o pardon_n for_o but_o as_o for_o these_o ambitious_a animal_n who_o can_v thus_o sell_v their_o credit_n and_o their_o conscience_n wade_v through_o thick_a and_o thin_a and_o break_v through_o all_o that_o be_v sacred_a and_o civil_a only_o to_o make_v themselves_o high_a and_o great_a i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o of_o they_o but_o this_o that_o instead_o of_o be_v advance_v to_o what_o they_o so_o much_o desire_v it_o be_v well_o for_o they_o that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v advance_v to_o what_o they_o so_o high_o deserve_v for_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o that_o neither_o papist_n nor_o fanatic_n both_o of_o they_o our_o mortal_a implacable_a enemy_n can_v conceive_v a_o prayer_n more_o full_o and_o effectual_o for_o their_o own_o interest_n than_o this_o that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v never_o want_v store_n of_o ambitious_a time-serving_a men._n and_o if_o god_n shall_v in_o his_o anger_n to_o this_o poor_a church_n and_o nation_n grant_v they_o this_o they_o doubt_v not_o but_o in_o a_o little_a time_n to_o grant_v or_o rather_o give_v themselves_o the_o rest_n let_v this_o therefore_o be_v fix_v upon_o as_o a_o certain_a maxim_n that_o ambition_n first_o blind_v the_o conscience_n and_o then_o lead_v the_o man_n whither_o it_o will_v and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o direct_a course_n of_o it_o to_o the_o devil_n i_o know_v there_o be_v many_o more_o irregular_a and_o corrupt_a affection_n belong_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o all_o of_o they_o in_o their_o degree_n apt_a to_o darken_v and_o obscure_v the_o light_n of_o conscience_n such_o as_o be_v wrath_n and_o revenge_n envy_n and_o malice_n fear_v and_o despair_n with_o many_o such_o other_o even_o too_o many_o a_o great_a deal_n to_o be_v crowd_v into_o one_o hour_n discourse_n but_o the_o three_o foremention_v which_o we_o have_v be_v treat_v of_o be_v doubtless_o the_o most_o predominant_a the_o most_o potent_a in_o their_o influence_n and_o most_o pernicious_a in_o their_o effect_n as_o answer_v to_o those_o three_o principal_a object_n which_o of_o all_o other_o do_v the_o most_o absolute_o command_v and_o domineer_v over_o the_o desire_n of_o man_n to_o wit_n the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n work_v upon_o their_o sensuality_n the_o profit_n of_o the_o world_n upon_o their_o covetousness_n and_o last_o the_o honour_n of_o it_o upon_o their_o ambition_n which_o three_o powerful_a incentives_n meet_v with_o these_o three_o violent_a affection_n be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o great_a trident_n in_o the_o tempter_n hand_n by_o which_o he_o strike_v through_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o soul_n of_o man_n or_o as_o a_o mighty_a three_o fold_v cord_n by_o which_o he_o first_o hamper_n and_o then_o draw_v the_o whole_a world_n after_o he_o and_o that_o with_o such_o a_o rapid_n swing_n such_o a_o irresistible_a fascination_n upon_o the_o understanding_n as_o well_o as_o appetite_n of_o man_n that_o as_o god_n say_v heretofore_o let_v there_o be_v light_n and_o there_o be_v light_a so_o this_o proud_a rival_n of_o his_o creator_n and_o over-turne_a of_o the_o creation_n be_v still_o say_v in_o defiance_n of_o he_o let_v there_o be_v darkness_n and_o according_o there_o be_v darkness_n darkness_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o reason_n darkness_n upon_o the_o judgement_n and_o conscience_n of_o all_o mankind_n so_o that_o hell_n itself_o seem_v to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o devil_n finish_v this_o his_o great_a work_n and_o the_o consummation_n of_o that_o darkness_n in_o another_o world_n which_o he_o have_v so_o fatal_o begin_v in_o this_o and_o now_o to_o sum_v up_o brief_o the_o forego_n particular_n you_o have_v hear_v of_o what_o vast_a and_o infinite_a moment_n it_o be_v to_o have_v a_o clear_a impartial_a and_o right-judging_a conscience_n such_o a_o one_o as_o a_o man_n may_v reckon_v himself_o safe_a in_o the_o direction_n of_o as_o of_o a_o guide_n that_o will_v always_o tell_v he_o truth_n and_o truth_n with_o authority_n and_o that_o the_o eye_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v always_o thus_o quick_a and_o lively_a let_v constant_a use_n be_v sure_a to_o keep_v it_o constant_o open_a and_o thereby_o ready_a and_o prepare_v to_o admit_v and_o let_v in_o those_o heavenly_a beam_n which_o be_v always_o stream_v forth_o from_o god_n upon_o mind_n fit_v to_o receive_v they_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n let_v a_o man_n fly_v from_o every_o thing_n which_o may_v leave_v either_o a_o foulness_n or_o a_o bias_n upon_o it_o for_o the_o first_o will_n blacken_v and_o the_o other_o will_v distort_v it_o and_o both_o be_v sure_a to_o darken_v it_o particular_o let_v he_o dread_v every_o gross_a act_n of_o sin_n for_o one_o great_a stab_n may_v as_o certain_o and_o speedy_o destroy_v life_n as_o forty_o lesser_a wound_n let_v he_o also_o carry_v a_o jealous_a eye_n over_o every_o grow_a habit_n of_o sin_n for_o custom_n be_v a_o over-match_n to_o nature_n and_o seldom_o conquer_a by_o grace_n and_o above_o all_o let_v he_o keep_v aloof_o from_o all_o commerce_n or_o fellowship_n with_o any_o vicious_a and_o base_a affection_n especial_o from_o all_o sensuality_n which_o be_v not_o only_o the_o dirt_n but_o the_o black_a dirt_n which_o the_o devil_n throw_v upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n according_o let_v hâ—â—_n keep_v himself_o untouched_a with_o the_o hellish_a unhallowed_a heat_n of_o lust_n and_o the_o noisome_a steam_n and_o exhalation_n of_o intemperance_n which_o never_o fail_v to_o leave_v a_o brutish_a dullness_n and_o infatuation_n behind_o they_o likewise_o let_v he_o bear_v himself_o above_o that_o sordid_a and_o low_a thing_n that_o utter_a contradiction_n to_o all_o greatness_n of_o mind_n covetousness_n let_v he_o disenslave_v himself_o from_o the_o pelf_n of_o the_o world_n from_o that_o amor_fw-la sceleratus_fw-la habendi_fw-la for_o all_o love_n have_v something_o of_o blindness_n attend_v it_o but_o the_o love_n of_o money_n especial_o and_o last_o let_v he_o learn_v so_o to_o look_v upon_o the_o honour_n the_o pomp_n and_o greatness_n of_o the_o world_n as_o to_o look_v through_o they_o too_o fool_n indeed_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v blow_v up_o by_o they_o and_o to_o sacrifice_v all_o for_o they_o sometime_o venture_v their_o very_a head_n only_o to_o get_v a_o feather_n in_o their_o cap_n but_o wise_a man_n instead_o of_o look_v above_o they_o choose_v rather_o to_o look_v about_o they_o and_o within_o they_o and_o by_o so_o do_v keep_v their_o eye_n always_o in_o their_o head_n and_o maintain_v a_o noble_a clearness_n in_o one_o and_o steadiness_n in_o the_o other_o these_o i_o say_v be_v 〈◊〉_d of_o those_o way_n and_o method_n by_o which_o this_o great_a internal_a light_n the_o judge_a faculty_n of_o conscience_n may_v be_v preserve_v in_o its_o native_a vigour_n and_o quickness_n and_o to_o complete_a the_o forego_n direction_n by_o the_o addition_n of_o one_o word_n more_o that_o we_o may_v the_o more_o sure_o prevent_v our_o affection_n from_o work_v too_o much_o upon_o our_o judgement_n let_v we_o wise_o beware_v of_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o may_v work_v too_o strong_o upon_o our_o affection_n if_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o be_v darkness_n say_v our_o saviour_n how_o great_a must_v that_o darkness_n need_v be_v that_o be_v how_o fatal_a how_o destructive_a and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v close_v up_o all_o with_o those_o other_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n john_n 12._o while_o you_o have_v the_o light_a walk_n in_o the_o light_n so_o that_o the_o way_n to_o have_v it_o we_o see_v be_v to_o walk_v in_o it_o that_o be_v by_o the_o action_n of_o a_o pious_a innocent_a and_o well-governed_n life_n to_o cherish_v heighten_v and_o improve_v it_o for_o still_o so_o much_o innocence_n so_o much_o light_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o abhor_v and_o loath_a whatsoever_o may_v any_o way_n discourage_v and_o eclipse_v it_o as_o every_o degree_n of_o vice_n assure_o will_n and_o thus_o by_o continual_o feed_v and_o trim_v our_o lamp_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o bless_a light_n within_o we_o will_v grow_v every_o day_n strong_a and_o
do_v and_o always_o condemn_v himself_o for_o what_o he_o do_v and_o for_o this_o cause_n a_o man_n shut_v his_o eye_n and_o stop_v his_o ear_n against_o all_o that_o his_o reason_n will_v tell_v he_o of_o the_o sinfulness_n of_o that_o practice_n which_o long_a custom_n and_o frequency_n have_v endear_v to_o he_o so_o that_o he_o become_v studious_o and_o affect_o ignorant_a of_o the_o illness_n of_o the_o course_n he_o take_v that_o he_o may_v the_o moâ—â—_n sensible_o taste_v the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o when_o a_o inveterate_a imperious_a custom_n have_v so_o overrule_v all_o a_o man_n faculty_n as_o neither_o to_o suffer_v his_o eye_n to_o see_v nor_o his_o ear_n to_o hear_v nor_o his_o mind_n to_o think_v of_o the_o evil_a of_o what_o he_o do_v that_o be_v when_o all_o the_o instrument_n of_o knowledge_n be_v forbid_v to_o do_v their_o office_n ignorance_n and_o obscurity_n must_v needs_o be_v upon_o the_o whole_a soul_n for_o when_o the_o window_n be_v stop_v up_o no_o wonder_n if_o the_o whole_a room_n be_v dark_a the_o truth_n be_v such_o a_o habitual_a frequency_n of_o sin_v do_v as_o it_o be_v bar_n and_o bolt_n up_o the_o conscience_n against_o the_o sharp_a reproof_n and_o the_o most_o convince_v instruction_n so_o that_o when_o god_n by_o the_o thunder_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o the_o voice_n of_o his_o minister_n have_v be_v ring_v hell_n and_o vengeance_n into_o the_o ear_n of_o such_o a_o sinner_n perhaps_o like_o felix_n he_o may_v tremble_v a_o little_a for_o the_o present_a and_o seem_v to_o yield_v and_o fall_v down_o before_o the_o overpower_v evidence_n of_o the_o conviction_n but_o after_o a_o while_n custom_n overcome_v conscience_n the_o man_n go_v his_o way_n and_o though_o he_o be_v convince_v and_o satisfy_v what_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v yet_o he_o actual_o do_v what_o he_o use_v to_o do_v and_o all_o this_o because_o through_o the_o darkness_n of_o his_o intellect_n he_o judge_n the_o present_a pleasure_n of_o such_o a_o sinful_a course_n a_o overbalance_n to_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o for_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o nature_n have_v place_v all_o humane_a choice_n in_o such_o a_o essential_a dependence_n upon_o the_o judgement_n that_o no_o man_n do_v any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o vile_a wicked_a and_o inexcusable_a but_o all_o circumstance_n consider_v he_o judge_n it_o pro_fw-la hìc_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la absolute_o better_o for_o he_o to_o do_v it_o than_o not_o to_o do_v it_o and_o what_o a_o darkness_n and_o delusion_n must_v conscience_n needs_o be_v under_o while_o it_o make_v a_o man_n judge_v that_o real_o best_a for_o he_o which_o direct_o tend_v to_o and_o general_o end_v in_o his_o utter_a ruin_n and_o damnation_n custom_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o second_o nature_n and_o if_o by_o the_o first_o we_o be_v already_o so_o bad_a by_o the_o second_o to_o be_v sure_a we_o shall_v be_v much_o worse_o three_o every_o corrupt_a passion_n or_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n will_v certain_o pervert_v the_o judge_a and_o obscure_a and_o darken_v the_o discern_a power_n of_o conscience_n the_o affection_n which_o the_o greek_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o latin_n affectus_fw-la animi_fw-la be_v of_o much_o the_o same_o use_n to_o the_o soul_n which_o the_o member_n be_v of_o to_o the_o body_n serve_v as_o the_o proper_a instrument_n of_o most_o of_o its_o action_n and_o be_v always_o attend_v with_o a_o certain_a preternatural_a motion_n of_o the_o blood_n and_o spirit_n peculiar_a to_o each_o passion_n or_o affection_n and_o as_o for_o the_o seat_n or_o fountain_n of_o they_o philosopher_n both_o place_n they_o in_o and_o derive_v they_o from_o the_o heart_n but_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o mere_a speculation_n the_o passion_n or_o affection_n be_v as_o i_o may_v so_o call_v they_o the_o mighty_a flight_n and_o sallying_n out_o of_o the_o soul_n upon_o such_o object_n as_o come_v before_o it_o and_o be_v general_o accompany_v with_o such_o vehemence_n that_o the_o stoic_n reckon_v they_o in_o their_o very_a nature_n and_o essence_n as_o so_o many_o irregularity_n and_o deviation_n from_o right_a reason_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n incident_a to_o a_o wise_a or_o good_a man._n but_o though_o better_a philosophy_n have_v long_o since_o explode_v this_o opinion_n and_o christianity_n which_o be_v the_o great_a and_o the_o best_a have_v teach_v we_o that_o we_o may_v be_v angry_a and_o yet_o not_o sin_n eph._n 4.26_o and_o that_o godly_a sorrow_n be_v neither_o a_o paradox_n nor_o a_o contradiction_n 2_o cor._n 7.10_o and_o consequent_o that_o in_o every_o passion_n or_o affection_n there_o be_v something_o pure_o natural_a which_o may_v both_o be_v distinguish_v and_o divide_v too_o from_o what_o be_v sinful_a and_o irregular_a yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o passion_n be_v such_o that_o they_o be_v extreme_o prone_a and_o apt_a to_o pass_v into_o excess_n and_o that_o when_o they_o do_v so_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o mind_n or_o reason_n of_o man_n from_o make_v a_o true_a clear_a and_o exact_a judgement_n of_o thing_n than_o the_o passion_n thus_o wrought_v up_o to_o any_o thing_n of_o ferment_n or_o agitation_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o keep_v the_o judge_a faculty_n steady_a in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o view_v a_o thing_n distinct_o and_o perfect_o through_o a_o perspective_n glass_n hold_v by_o a_o shake_n paralytic_a hand_n when_o the_o affection_n be_v once_o engage_v the_o judgement_n be_v always_o partial_a and_o concern_v there_o be_v a_o strong_a bent_n or_o bias_n upon_o it_o it_o be_v possess_v and_o gain_v over_o and_o as_o it_o be_v fee_v and_o retain_v in_o their_o cause_n and_o thereby_o make_v utter_o unable_a to_o carry_v such_o a_o equal_a regard_n to_o the_o object_n as_o to_o consider_v truth_n naked_o and_o strip_v of_o all_o foreign_a respect_n and_o as_o such_o to_o make_v it_o the_o rigid_a inflexible_a rule_n which_o it_o be_v to_o judge_n by_o especial_o where_o duty_n be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o for_o a_o man_n will_v hardly_o be_v bring_v to_o judge_n right_o and_o true_a when_o by_o such_o a_o judgement_n he_o be_v sure_a to_o condemn_v himself_o but_o this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o such_o high_a and_o practical_a importance_n i_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o particular_a about_o it_o and_o show_v several_o in_o several_a corrupt_a and_o vicious_a affection_n how_o impossible_a it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o keep_v his_o conscience_n right_o inform_v and_o fit_a to_o guide_v and_o direct_v he_o in_o all_o the_o arduous_a perplex_v case_n of_o sin_n and_o duty_n while_o he_o be_v actual_o under_o the_o power_n of_o any_o of_o they_o this_o i_o know_v man_n general_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o believe_v or_o to_o think_v that_o the_o flaw_n or_o failure_n of_o their_o moral_n can_v at_o all_o affect_v their_o intellectual_n but_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o make_v it_o not_o only_o credible_a but_o undeniable_a now_o the_o vicious_a affection_n which_o i_o shall_v single_a and_o cull_v out_o of_o those_o vast_a number_n which_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n that_o great_a storehouse_n of_o the_o devil_n abound_v with_o as_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a which_o thus_o darken_n and_o debauch_v the_o conscience_n shall_v be_v these_o three_o first_o sensuality_n second_o covetousness_n three_o ambition_n of_o each_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v speak_v particular_o and_o first_o for_o sensuality_n or_o a_o vehement_a delight_n in_o and_o pursuit_n of_o bodily_a pleasure_n we_o may_v true_o say_v of_o the_o body_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o soul_n what_o be_v say_v by_o the_o poet_n of_o a_o ill_a neighbour_n nemo_fw-la tam_fw-la propè_fw-la tam_fw-la proculque_fw-la none_o so_o near_o join_v in_o point_n of_o vicinity_n and_o yet_o so_o wide_o distant_a in_o point_n of_o interest_n and_o inclination_n the_o ancient_a philosopher_n general_o hold_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a immaterial_a substance_n can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o the_o several_a failure_n and_o defect_n in_o the_o operation_n of_o it_o which_o they_o be_v sufficient_o sensible_a of_o but_o from_o its_o immersion_n into_o and_o intimate_a conjunction_n with_o matter_n call_v by_o the_o greek_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o according_o all_o their_o complaint_n and_o accusation_n be_v still_o level_v at_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o only_a cause_n of_o all_o that_o they_o find_v amiss_o in_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o man_n nature_n in_o a_o word_n whatsoever_o be_v observe_v by_o they_o either_o irregular_a or_o defective_a in_o the_o work_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v all_o charge_v upon_o the_o body_n as_o
draught_n of_o their_o duty_n when_o yet_o it_o require_v of_o they_o a_o low_a degree_n of_o obedience_n than_o nature_n have_v before_o oblige_v they_o to_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o most_o rational_a to_o suppose_v the_o latter_a declaration_n of_o a_o legislator_n mind_n to_o be_v still_o the_o full_a and_o more_o authentic_a and_o therefore_o if_o other_o duty_n have_v be_v incumbent_n upon_o the_o jewish_a church_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n beside_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n it_o be_v not_o imaginable_a how_o they_o can_v avoid_v the_o omission_n of_o those_o duty_n while_o they_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o direction_n of_o moses_n as_o a_o full_a and_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o obedience_n and_o have_v so_o mâ—â—â—_n reason_n so_o to_o do_v which_o yet_o sure_o must_v have_v render_v the_o whole_a mosaic_a dispensation_n by_o no_o mean_n agreeable_a either_o to_o the_o wisdom_n or_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o his_o choose_a people_n for_o though_o indeed_o the_o moral_a law_n as_o a_o covenant_n promise_v life_n upon_o condition_n of_o absolute_a indefective_a obedience_n be_v now_o of_o no_o use_n to_o justify_v sin_n have_v disable_v it_o for_o that_o use_n through_o the_o incapacity_n of_o the_o subject_a yet_o as_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n direct_v our_o obedience_n and_o a_o law_n bind_v to_o it_o it_o still_o continue_v in_o full_a force_n and_o will_v do_v as_o long_o as_o humane_a nature_n endure_v and_o as_o for_o the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o it_o in_o the_o quality_n of_o a_o rule_n direct_v and_o a_o law_n oblige_v can_v that_o be_v more_o ample_o declare_v and_o irrefragable_o prove_v than_o as_o it_o stand_v state_v and_o represent_v to_o we_o in_o the_o vast_a latitude_n of_o that_o injunction_n deut._n 6._o â—_o and_o levit._n 19.18_o thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o strength_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n and_o thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o i_o say_v be_v there_o any_o high_a degree_n of_o obedience_n which_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o yield_v to_o his_o maker_n than_o this_o nevertheless_o there_o be_v some_o artist_n i_o must_v confess_v who_o can_v draw_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o any_o thing_n who_o answer_n that_o these_o word_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o absolute_o all_o that_o a_o man_n can_v do_v but_o of_o all_o that_o he_o can_v be_v engage_v to_o do_v by_o the_o law_n as_o propose_v under_o such_o a_o oeconomy_n namely_o as_o enforce_v with_o temporal_a promise_n and_o threaten_n so_o that_o upon_o these_o term_n to_o love_n god_n with_o all_o the_o heart_n etc._n etc._n be_v to_o love_v he_o with_o the_o utmost_a of_o such_o a_o obedience_n as_o law_n second_v with_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o curse_n be_v able_a to_o produce_v but_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o the_o argument_n bear_v upon_o a_o supposition_n by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o wit_n that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n proceed_v only_o upon_o temporal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o be_v most_o false_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o constant_o receive_v doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o it_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o six_o of_o her_o article_n but_o second_o i_o add_v further_o that_o the_o oblige_a power_n of_o the_o law_n be_v neither_o found_v in_o nor_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n annex_v to_o it_o but_o by_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n spring_v from_o the_o relation_n which_o he_o bear_v of_o a_o creator_n and_o governor_n to_o mankind_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o entire_a dependence_n of_o mankind_n upon_o he_o by_o virtue_n whereof_o they_o owe_v he_o the_o utmost_a service_n that_o their_o nature_n render_v they_o capable_a of_o do_v he_o and_o that_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v capable_a of_o serve_v he_o at_o a_o â—igher_a rate_n than_o the_o consideration_n of_o any_o temporal_a reward_n or_o punishment_n can_v raise_v it_o to_o since_o oftentimes_o the_o bare_a love_n of_o virtue_n itself_o will_v carry_v a_o man_n further_o than_o these_o can_v but_o however_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o eternal_a reward_n can_v do_v so_o which_o yet_o add_v nothing_o to_o our_o natural_a power_n of_o obey_v though_o they_o draw_v they_o forth_o to_o a_o high_a pitch_n of_o obedience_n and_o can_v we_o then_o imagine_v that_o god_n will_v sink_v his_o law_n below_o these_o power_n by_o leave_a some_o degree_n of_o love_n and_o service_n to_o himself_o absolute_o within_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o man_n which_o he_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a by_o the_o mosaic_a law_n to_o oblige_v he_o to_o when_o yet_o our_o saviour_n himself_o promise_v eternal_a life_n to_o one_o upon_o supposal_n of_o his_o performance_n of_o this_o law_n luke_n 10.28_o this_o certain_o be_v very_o strange_a divinity_n but_o after_o all_o some_o may_v possible_o reply_v do_v not_o the_o gospel_n enjoin_v we_o that_o perfection_n and_o height_n of_o charity_n which_o the_o law_n never_o do_v in_o command_v we_o to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o our_o brother_n 1_o joh._n 3.16_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o this_o be_v a_o precept_n by_o no_o mean_n absolute_a and_o universal_a but_o always_o to_o be_v limit_v by_o these_o two_o condition_n viz._n first_o that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o second_o that_o the_o eternal_a welfare_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o our_o brother_n indispensable_o require_v this_o of_o we_o upon_o the_o supposal_n of_o either_o of_o which_o i_o affirm_v it_o be_v as_o real_o a_o duty_n from_o the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o be_v from_o that_o very_a time_n that_o the_o apostle_n write_v these_o word_n the_o very_a common_a voice_n of_o reason_n upon_o these_o term_n and_o under_o these_o circumstance_n dictate_v and_o enjoin_v no_o less_o as_o sound_v itself_o upon_o these_o two_o self-evident_a and_o undeniable_a principle_n viz._n that_o the_o life_n of_o the_o creature_n ought_v when_o necessity_n call_v to_o be_v sacrifice_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o he_o who_o give_v it_o and_o second_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o prefer_v the_o eternal_a good_a of_o our_o neighbour_n or_o brother_n before_o the_o high_a temporal_a good_a of_o ourselves_o which_o manifest_o show_v that_o this_o high_a instance_n of_o charity_n as_o extraordinary_a as_o it_o appear_v do_v not_o at_o length_n begin_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n by_o any_o evangelicâ—â—_n sanction_n but_o be_v so_o ever_o since_o there_o be_v such_o creature_n in_o the_o world_n as_o man_n and_o consequent_o that_o all_o both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n whether_o they_o actual_o know_v so_o much_o or_o no_o will_v have_v sin_v against_o this_o duty_n of_o charity_n shall_v they_o have_v refuse_v to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o maker_n or_o prevent_v the_o destruction_n of_o their_o brother_n be_v immortal_a soul_n be_v call_v thereto_o by_o quit_v this_o temporal_a life_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o either_o and_o consequently_n that_o this_o be_v no_o such_o new_a precept_n to_o be_v reckon_v by_o anno_fw-la domini_fw-la but_o as_o old_a as_o the_o obligation_n of_o charity_n and_o of_o right_a reason_n discourse_v and_o act_v upon_o the_o dictate_v of_o that_o noble_a principle_n and_o now_o to_o apply_v this_o general_n discourse_n to_o the_o particular_n mention_v in_o this_o chapter_n i_o affirm_v that_o christ_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n here_o set_v himself_o against_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o a_o law_n either_o faulty_a or_o imperfect_a and_o upon_o those_o account_n need_v either_o correction_n or_o addition_n but_o only_o oppose_v the_o corrupt_a comment_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n upon_o the_o law_n as_o real_o contradiction_n to_o it_o rather_o than_o exposition_n of_o it_o and_o that_o for_o these_o follow_a reason_n first_o because_o the_o word_n in_o this_o sermon_n mention_v and_o oppose_v by_o christ_n be_v manifest_o for_o the_o most_o part_n not_o the_o word_n of_o the_o law_n itself_o but_o of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n as_o for_o instance_n whosoever_o shall_v kill_v shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o the_o judgement_n and_o again_o in_o the_o next_o verse_n he_o shall_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o the_o council_n they_o all_o refer_v to_o the_o pharisee_n way_n of_o express_v themselves_o which_o manifest_o show_v that_o it_o be_v their_o doctrine_n and_o word_n which_o he_o be_v now_o dispute_v against_o and_o not_o the_o law_n itself_o which_o this_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n the_o language_n of_o second_o that_o expression_n that_o be_v be_v say_v those_o by_o those_o of_o old_a time_n be_v not_o utter_v by_o christ_n in_o his_o own_o person_n but_o by_o way_n of_o
that_o a_o sovereign_n can_v suffer_v from_o his_o subject_n scorn_v all_o revenge_n as_o more_o below_o he_o than_o the_o very_a person_n who_o he_o may_v have_v be_v revenge_v upon_o he_o glory_v in_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o in_o give_v mercy_n the_o upper_a hand_n of_o majesty_n itself_o make_v amnesty_n his_o symbol_n or_o motto_n and_o forgiveness_n the_o peculiar_a signalize_a character_n of_o his_o reign_n herein_o resemble_v the_o almighty_a himself_o as_o far_o as_o mortality_n can_v who_o seem_v to_o claim_v a_o great_a glory_n for_o spare_v and_o redeem_v man_n than_o for_o create_v he_o so_o that_o in_o a_o word_n as_o our_o saviour_n have_v make_v love_n to_o our_o enemy_n one_o of_o the_o chief_a badge_n of_o our_o religion_n so_o our_o king_n have_v almost_o make_v it_o the_o very_a mark_n of_o our_o allegiance_n thus_o even_o to_o a_o prodigy_n merciful_a have_v he_o show_v himself_o merciful_a by_o inclination_n and_o merciful_a by_o extraction_n merciful_a in_o his_o example_n and_o merciful_a in_o hiâ—_n law_n and_o thereby_o express_v the_o utmost_a dutifulness_n of_o a_o son_n as_o well_o as_o the_o high_a magnanimity_n and_o clemency_n of_o a_o prince_n while_o he_o be_v still_o make_v that_o good_a upon_o the_o throne_n which_o the_o royal_a martyr_n his_o father_n have_v enjoin_v upon_o the_o scaffold_n where_o he_o die_v pardon_v and_o pray_v for_o those_o who_o malice_n he_o be_v then_o fall_v a_o victim_n to_o and_o this_o with_o a_o charity_n so_o unparalleled_a and_o a_o devotion_n so_o â—ervent_a that_o the_o voice_n of_o his_o prayer_n it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v drown_v the_o very_a cry_n of_o his_o blood_n but_o i_o love_v not_o to_o dwell_v upon_o such_o tragedy_n save_v only_o to_o illustrate_v the_o height_n of_o one_o contrary_a by_o the_o height_n of_o another_o and_o therefore_o as_o a_o humble_a follower_n of_o the_o princely_a pattern_n here_o set_v before_o we_o i_o shall_v draw_v a_o veil_n of_o silence_n over_o all_o especial_o since_o it_o surpass_v the_o power_n of_o word_n sufficient_o to_o set_v forth_o either_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o crime_n forgive_v or_o of_o the_o mercy_n that_o forgive_v they_o but_o to_o draw_v to_o a_o close_a we_o have_v here_o have_v the_o high_a and_o the_o hard_a duty_n perhaps_o belong_v to_o a_o christian_a both_o recommend_v to_o our_o judgement_n by_o argument_n and_o to_o our_o practice_n by_o example_n and_o what_o remain_v but_o that_o we_o submit_v our_o judgement_n to_o the_o one_o and_o govern_v our_o practice_n by_o the_o other_o and_o for_o that_o purpose_n that_o we_o beg_v of_o god_n a_o assistance_n equal_a to_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o duty_n enjoin_v for_o certain_o it_o be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a measure_n of_o grace_n that_o can_v conquer_v the_o opposition_n that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o corrupt_a reason_n itself_o after_o all_o its_o conviction_n will_v be_v sure_a to_o make_v to_o it_o the_o great_a misery_n that_o befall_v we_o in_o this_o world_n be_v from_o enemy_n and_o so_o long_o as_o man_n natural_o desire_v to_o be_v happy_a it_o will_v be_v natural_o as_o hard_a to_o they_o to_o love_v those_o who_o they_o know_v be_v the_o grand_a obstacle_n to_o their_o be_v so_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n will_v convince_v a_o man_n of_o many_o duty_n which_o it_o will_v never_o enable_v he_o to_o perform_v and_o if_o we_o shall_v look_v no_o further_o than_o bare_a nature_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v one_o cut_v out_o rather_o for_o our_o admiration_n than_o our_o practice_n it_o be_v not_o more_o difficult_a where_o grace_n do_v not_o interpose_v to_o cut_v off_o a_o right_a hand_n than_o to_o reach_v it_o hearty_o to_o the_o relief_n of_o a_o inveterate_a implacable_a adversary_n and_o yet_o god_n expect_v this_o from_o we_o and_o that_o so_o peremptory_o that_o he_o have_v make_v the_o pardon_n of_o our_o enemy_n the_o indispensable_a condition_n of_o our_o own_o and_o therefore_o that_o wretch_n whosoever_o he_o be_v who_o be_v press_v hard_o upon_o his_o deathbed_n to_o pardon_v a_o notable_a enemy_n which_o he_o have_v answer_v that_o if_o he_o die_v indeed_o he_o pardon_v he_o but_o if_o he_o live_v he_o will_v be_v revenge_v on_o he_o that_o wretch_n i_o say_v and_o every_o other_o such_o image_n of_o the_o devil_n no_o doubt_n go_v out_o of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o he_o have_v better_o never_o have_v come_v into_o it_o in_o fine_a after_o we_o have_v say_v the_o utmost_a upon_o this_o subject_a that_o we_o can_v i_o believe_v we_o shall_v find_v this_o the_o result_n of_o all_o that_o he_o be_v a_o happy_a man_n who_o have_v no_o enemy_n and_o he_o a_o much_o happy_a who_o have_v never_o so_o many_o and_o can_v pardon_v they_o god_n preserve_v we_o from_o the_o one_o or_o enable_v we_o to_o do_v the_o other_o to_o who_o be_v render_v and_o ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o praise_n may_v majesty_n and_o dominion_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n false_a foundation_n remove_v and_o true_a one_o lay_v for_o such_o wise_a builder_n as_o design_n to_o build_v for_o eternity_n in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n mary_n oxon_n before_o the_o university_n decem._n 10._o 1661._o matt._n vii_o 26_o 27._o and_o every_o one_o that_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o not_o shall_v be_v liken_v unto_o a_o foolish_a man_n which_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand._n and_o the_o rain_v descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blow_v and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n and_o it_o fall_v and_o great_a be_v the_o fall_n of_o it_o it_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v all_o along_o the_o prime_a art_n and_o method_n of_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o soul_n not_o be_v able_a to_o root_v the_o sense_n of_o religion_n out_o of_o man_n heart_n yet_o by_o his_o sophistry_n and_o delusion_n to_o defeat_v the_o design_n of_o it_o upon_o their_o life_n and_o either_o by_o empty_a notion_n or_o false_a persuasion_n to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o the_o main_a business_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v duty_n and_o obedience_n by_o bribe_v the_o conscience_n to_o rest_v satisfy_v with_o something_o less_o a_o project_n extreme_o suitable_a to_o the_o corrupt_a nature_n of_o man_n who_o chief_a or_o rather_o sole_a quarrel_n to_o religion_n be_v the_o severity_n of_o its_o precept_n and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o their_o practice_n so_o that_o although_o it_o be_v as_o natural_a for_o he_o to_o desire_v to_o be_v happy_a as_o to_o breath_n yet_o he_o have_v rather_o lose_v and_o miss_v of_o happiness_n than_o seek_v it_o in_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n upon_o which_o account_v nothing_o speak_v so_o full_a and_o home_o to_o the_o very_a inmost_a desire_n of_o his_o soul_n as_o those_o doctrine_n and_o opinion_n which_o will_v persuade_v he_o that_o it_o may_v and_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o he_o hereafter_o without_o any_o necessity_n of_o his_o live_n well_o here_o which_o great_a mystery_n of_o iniquity_n be_v careful_o manage_v by_o the_o utmost_a skill_n of_o the_o tempter_n and_o greedy_o embrace_v by_o a_o man_n be_v own_o treacherous_a affection_n lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o false_a religion_n and_o eat_v out_o the_o very_a heart_n and_o vital_n of_o the_o true_a for_o in_o the_o strength_n of_o this_o some_o hope_n to_o be_v save_v by_o believe_v well_o some_o by_o mean_v well_o some_o by_o pay_v well_o and_o some_o by_o shed_v a_o few_o insipid_a tear_n and_o utter_v a_o few_o hard_a word_n against_o those_o sin_n which_o they_o have_v no_o other_o controversy_n with_o but_o that_o they_o be_v so_o unkind_a as_o to_o leave_v the_o sinner_n before_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o leave_v they_o for_o all_o this_o man_n can_v well_o enough_o submit_v to_o as_o not_o force_v they_o to_o abandon_v any_o one_o of_o their_o belove_a lusts._n and_o therefore_o they_o will_v not_o think_v themselves_o hardly_o deal_v with_o though_o you_o require_v faith_n of_o they_o if_o you_o will_v but_o dispense_v with_o good_a work_n they_o will_v abound_v and_o even_o overflow_v with_o good_a intention_n if_o you_o will_v allow_v they_o in_o quite_o contrary_a action_n and_o you_o shall_v not_o want_v for_o sacrifice_n if_o that_o may_v compound_v for_o obedience_n nor_o last_o will_v they_o grudge_v to_o find_v money_n if_o some_o body_n else_o will_v find_v merit_n but_o to_o live_v well_o and_o to_o do_v well_o be_v thing_n of_o too_o hard_a a_o digestion_n according_o our_o saviour_n who_o well_o know_v all_o these_o false_a hope_n and_o fallacious_a reason_n of_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o be_v never_o so_o subtle_a as_o when_o it_o will_v deceive_v itself_o tell_v his_o hearer_n that_o all_o these_o little_a trifle_a invention_n will_v avail_v they_o
and_o utter_o abhor_v and_o fly_v from_o those_o practice_n which_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o religion_n condemn_v as_o evident_o wicked_a and_o unjust_a but_o the_o tenderness_n we_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o be_v quite_o of_o another_o nature_n be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o make_v man_n scruple_n at_o the_o lawfulness_n of_o a_o set_a form_n of_o divine_a worship_n at_o the_o use_n of_o some_o solemn_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n but_o make_v they_o not_o stick_v at_o all_o at_o sacrilege_n which_o st._n paul_n equal_v to_o idolatry_n nor_o at_o rebellion_n which_o the_o prophet_n make_v as_o bad_a as_o withcraft_n nor_o at_o the_o murder_n of_o their_o king_n and_o the_o rob_v and_o undo_v their_o fellow_n subject_n villainy_n which_o not_o only_o christianity_n proscribe_v but_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n rise_v up_o against_o and_o by_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n condemn_v and_o do_v not_o those_o who_o plead_v tenderness_n of_o conscience_n among_o we_o do_v all_o these_o thing_n nay_o do_v they_o not_o do_v they_o in_o the_o very_a strength_n of_o this_o plea_n in_o a_o word_n be_v the_o particular_n allege_v true_a or_o be_v they_o not_o if_o not_o then_o let_v shame_n and_o confusion_n and_o a_o just_a judgement_n from_o god_n light_n upon_o those_o who_o make_v such_o charge_n where_o they_o be_v not_o due_a but_o if_o all_o which_o have_v be_v allege_v be_v true_a then_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o god_n of_o truth_n let_v not_o those_o pass_n for_o weak_a and_o much_o less_o for_o â—ender_a conscience_n which_o can_v digest_v such_o horrid_a clamorous_a impiety_n nor_o let_v they_o abuse_v the_o world_n nor_o disturb_v the_o church_n by_o a_o false_a cry_n of_o superstition_n and_o a_o causeless_a separation_n from_o she_o thereupon_o especial_o if_o they_o will_v but_o calm_o and_o serious_o consider_v who_o end_n by_o all_o this_o they_o certain_o serve_v who_o work_n they_o do_v and_o who_o wage_n they_o have_v so_o much_o cause_n to_o dread_v in_o fine_a the_o result_n of_o the_o whole_a discourse_n be_v this_o that_o since_o the_o weakness_n of_o conscience_n speak_v of_o by_o st._n paul_n be_v ground_v upon_o some_o ignorance_n for_o the_o present_a excusable_a and_o since_o none_o among_o we_o enjoy_v the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n daily_o hold_v forth_o by_o the_o church_n together_o with_o the_o common_a use_n of_o his_o reason_n can_v be_v excusable_o ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n which_o he_o be_v concern_v to_o know_v the_o plea_n of_o such_o weakness_n can_v have_v no_o place_n among_o we_o much_o less_o can_v it_o be_v allowable_o continue_v in_o and_o least_o of_o all_o can_v it_o be_v suffer_v to_o control_v the_o civil_a magistrate_n either_o in_o the_o make_n or_o the_o execution_n of_o law_n but_o ought_v whole_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o well_o for_o its_o pernicious_a consequence_n to_o wit_n that_o it_o be_v boundless_a and_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v no_o way_n discoverable_a and_o withal_o that_o it_o subject_n the_o sovereign_a power_n to_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o it_o and_o govern_v by_o it_o as_o also_o for_o the_o partiality_n and_o cruelty_n of_o its_o pleader_n who_o deny_v that_o to_o other_o which_o they_o claim_v to_o themselves_o together_o with_o their_o hypocrisy_n in_o stop_v at_o molehill_n and_o leap_v over_o mountain_n in_o practise_v thing_n notorious_o unjust_a while_o they_o stick_v at_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o at_o the_o most_o but_o doubtful_a from_o all_o which_o it_o follow_v that_o how_o much_o soever_o such_o pretender_n may_v beguile_v factious_a and_o unstable_a mind_n deceive_v other_o and_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o and_o how_o much_o soever_o they_o may_v mock_v the_o power_n of_o this_o world_n yet_o god_n be_v not_o mock_v who_o search_n the_o heart_n and_o look_n through_o the_o pretence_n and_o will_v reward_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n whatsoever_o may_v be_v his_o profession_n to_o which_o god_n be_v render_v and_o ascribe_v as_o be_v most_o due_a all_o praise_n may_v majesty_n and_o dominion_n both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n christianity_n mysterious_a and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o make_v it_o so_o prove_v in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o westminster-abbey_n april_n 29._o 1694._o 1_o cor._n ii_o 7_o but_o we_o speak_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n etc._n etc._n the_o two_o great_a work_n which_o god_n have_v be_v please_v to_o signalise_v his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n by_o be_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n the_o first_o of_o they_o declare_v by_o moses_n and_o the_o other_o by_o christ_n himself_o bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_n through_o the_o gospel_n but_o yet_o so_o that_o as_o in_o the_o open_n of_o the_o day_n the_o appearance_n of_o light_n do_v not_o present_o and_o total_o drive_v away_o all_o darkness_n but_o that_o some_o degree_n remain_v and_o mingle_v with_o it_o so_o neither_o have_v this_o glorious_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n quite_o clear_v off_o the_o obscurity_n of_o many_o great_a thing_n reveal_v in_o it_o but_o that_o as_o god_n have_v hereby_o vouchsafe_v we_o light_a enough_o to_o inform_v and_o guide_v our_o faith_n so_o he_o have_v leave_v darkness_n enough_o to_o exercise_v it_o too_o upon_o which_o account_n the_o apostle_n here_o design_v to_o set_v forth_o the_o transcendent_a worth_n of_o the_o gospel_n above_o all_o other_o doctrine_n whatsoever_o recommend_v it_o to_o our_o esteem_n by_o these_o two_o qualification_n and_o property_n eminent_o belong_v to_o it_o as_o first_o that_o it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o second_o that_o it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o which_o namely_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o grand_a instance_n and_o product_n of_o it_o if_o we_o will_v take_v a_o survey_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o wisdom_n according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n we_o shall_v find_v aristotle_n in_o the_o six_o of_o his_o ethic_n and_o the_o seven_o chapter_n define_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v the_o understanding_n and_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n in_o their_o nature_n the_o most_o excellent_a and_o valuable_a where_o though_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v suppose_v that_o aristotle_n carry_v his_o notion_n no_o high_o nor_o far_o than_o the_o thing_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o st._n paul_n point_v chief_o at_o thing_n reveal_v and_o supernatural_a yet_o i_o can_v see_v but_o that_o the_o term_n make_v use_v of_o by_o that_o great_a philosopher_n in_o the_o definition_n or_o rather_o description_n of_o wisdom_n lay_v down_o by_o he_o do_v with_o full_a propriety_n and_o fitness_n fall_v in_o with_o the_o account_n here_o give_v of_o this_o divine_a wisdom_n by_o our_o apostle_n in_o the_o text_n and_o that_o whether_o we_o take_v it_o for_o a_o wisdom_n respect_v speculation_n or_o relate_v to_o practice_n the_o thing_n treat_v of_o in_o the_o gospel_n about_o which_o the_o say_a wisdom_n be_v employ_v be_v certain_o the_o noble_a and_o most_o excellent_a that_o can_v be_v upon_o both_o account_n and_o though_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o determine_v whether_o of_o the_o two_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o pre-eminence_n yet_o i_o think_v we_o may_v rational_o enough_o conclude_v that_o the_o wisdom_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v principal_o of_o a_o practical_a import_n as_o denote_v to_o we_o god_n admirable_a and_o steady_a bring_v about_o his_o great_a end_n and_o purpose_n by_o mean_n most_o suitable_a and_o proper_a to_o they_o and_o particular_o his_o accomplish_v his_o grand_a design_n of_o mercy_n upon_o the_o world_n by_o the_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n a_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n so_o far_o as_o the_o same_o wisdom_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v they_o and_o yet_o such_o have_v be_v the_o blindness_n and_o baseness_n of_o man_n mind_n even_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n down_o along_o to_o we_o as_o bad_a as_o any_o that_o this_o very_a wisdom_n have_v not_o fail_v to_o meet_v with_o a_o sect_n of_o man_n who_o vote_v themselves_o the_o only_a wit_n and_o wise_a man_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o great_a sot_n may_v easy_o do_v have_v make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o ridicule_n and_o reproach_n it_o as_o downright_a foolishness_n but_o yet_o such_o a_o sort_n of_o foolishness_n if_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o apostle_n may_v outweigh_v the_o scoff_n be_v of_o a_o buffoon_n as_o be_v infinite_o wise_a than_o all_o the_o wisdom_n of_o men._n for_o the_o very_o wise_a of_o man_n do_v not_o always_o compass_v what_o they_o
even_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a have_v condemn_v this_o and_o all_o those_o scripture_n which_o make_v christ_n either_o one_o with_o or_o equal_a to_o the_o father_n clear_o confute_v and_o overthrow_v so_o absurd_a as_o well_o as_o blasphemous_a a_o assertion_n let_v this_o therefore_o be_v fix_v upon_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o root_n or_o original_a of_o david_n as_o he_o be_v of_o all_o mankind_n beside_o namely_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o divinity_n of_o that_o infinite_a eternal_a power_n which_o display_v itself_o in_o the_o work_v of_o the_o creation_n for_o by_o he_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v as_o the_o evangelist_n tell_v we_o john_n 1.3_o but_o how_o ready_a natural_a reason_n will_v be_v to_o rise_v up_o against_o this_o assertion_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a and_o how_o that_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n a_o man_n like_o ourselves_o shall_v be_v account_v by_o nature_n god_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n omniscient_a omnipotent_a and_o eternal_a be_v look_v upon_o 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that_o in_o as_o clear_a term_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o one_o man_n to_o express_v his_o mind_n by_o to_o another_o if_o it_o be_v his_o purpose_n to_o declare_v this_o very_a thing_n to_o he_o and_o therefore_o i_o have_v often_o wonder_v at_o the_o preposterous_a tenet_n of_o socinus_n and_o that_o not_o so_o much_o for_o his_o deny_v the_o natural_a deity_n of_o our_o saviour_n as_o that_o he_o shall_v do_v it_o after_o he_o have_v write_v a_o book_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o upon_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o he_o and_o his_o sect_n deny_v the_o deity_n of_o christ_n i_o shall_v rather_o deny_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n they_o say_v for_o christ_n to_o be_v god_n be_v a_o thing_n absurd_a and_o impossible_a from_o which_o i_o shall_v argue_v that_o that_o write_n or_o doctrine_n which_o affirm_v a_o thing_n absurd_a and_o impossible_a can_v be_v true_a and_o much_o less_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o the_o gospel_n affirm_v so_o much_o of_o christ_n we_o may_v appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o any_o impartial_a heathen_a who_o understand_v the_o language_n in_o which_o it_o be_v write_v but_o he_o who_o first_o deny_v the_o deity_n of_o christ_n as_o absurd_a and_o impossible_a and_o thereupon_o reject_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o affirm_v it_o may_v be_v presume_v upon_o the_o supposal_n of_o the_o former_a to_o do_v the_o latter_a very_o rational_o so_o that_o he_o who_o will_v take_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o direct_a way_n to_o convince_v such_o a_o one_o of_o his_o heresy_n if_o there_o be_v any_o convince_a of_o one_o who_o first_o take_v up_o his_o opinion_n and_o then_o seek_v for_o reason_n for_o it_o must_v not_o i_o conceive_v endeavour_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o convince_v he_o out_o of_o scripture_n that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v god_n but_o turn_v the_o whole_a force_n and_o stress_n of_o his_o disputation_n to_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n ought_v to_o be_v interpret_v as_o the_o write_n of_o man_n use_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v and_o if_o so_o he_o who_o will_v make_v sense_n of_o they_o must_v grant_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v clear_o assert_v in_o they_o and_o irrefragable_o infer_v from_o they_o in_o short_a if_o the_o adversary_n of_o christ_n divinity_n can_v prove_v christ_n not_o to_o be_v god_n they_o must_v by_o consequence_n prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n natural_o and_o grammatical_o interpret_v be_v not_o the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o church_n be_v assure_v that_o the_o scripture_n so_o interpret_v be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v consequent_o assure_v also_o that_o christ_n be_v and_o must_v be_v god_n nevertheless_o if_o according_a to_o the_o unreasonable_a demand_n of_o the_o man_n of_o this_o sect_n this_o and_o all_o other_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n shall_v be_v put_v to_o answer_v for_o themselves_o at_o the_o bar_n of_o humane_a reason_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v wherein_o consist_v the_o paradox_n of_o assert_v christ_n to_o be_v god_n for_o no_o man_n say_v that_o his_o humane_a nature_n be_v his_o divine_a or_o that_o he_o be_v god_n as_o he_o be_v man._n but_o we_o assert_v that_o he_o who_o be_v god_n be_v also_o man_n by_o have_v two_o nature_n unite_v into_o one_o and_o the_o same_o subsistence_n and_o if_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v a_o immaterial_a substance_n be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n which_o be_v a_o material_a though_o the_o case_n be_v not_o altogether_o the_o same_o yet_o it_o be_v so_o very_o near_o that_o we_o may_v well_o ask_v what_o repugnancy_n there_o be_v but_o that_o the_o divine_a nature_n may_v as_o well_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o humane_a i_o believe_v if_o we_o reduce_v thing_n to_o our_o way_n of_o conception_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o altogether_o as_o hard_o to_o conceive_v the_o conjunction_n of_o the_o two_o former_a as_o of_o the_o two_o latter_a and_o this_o notwithstanding_o that_o other_o difference_n also_o of_o finite_a and_o infinite_a between_o they_o for_o why_o a_o finite_a and_o a_o infinite_a be_v may_v not_o be_v unite_v to_o one_o another_o by_o a_o intimate_v and_o inseparable_a relation_n and_o a_o assumption_n of_o the_o finite_a into_o the_o personal_a subsistence_n of_o the_o infinite_a i_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v hard_a for_o any_o one_o to_o give_v a_o solid_a and_o demonstrative_a reason_n for_o scoff_v and_o raillery_n the_o usual_a argument_n bring_v against_o it_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v not_o so_o but_o i_o forget_v myself_o for_o the_o person_n here_o dispute_v against_o believe_v not_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v either_o immaterial_a or_o etc._n natural_o immortal_a but_o be_v much_o the_o same_o with_o the_o sadducee_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n fit_a to_o be_v crush_v by_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n as_o destructive_a to_o government_n and_o society_n than_o to_o be_v confute_v as_o mere_o heretic_n in_o religion_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o against_o the_o scoff_v of_o the_o heathen_n the_o disputation_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o impiety_n of_o arius_n and_o the_o bold_a blasphemous_a assertion_n of_o socinus_n that_o the_o man_n christ_n jesus_n bear_v at_o bethlem_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n be_v god_n god_n by_o nature_n the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o fountain_n of_o be_v the_o ancient_n of_o day_n the_o first_o and_o the_o last_o of_o who_o be_v there_o be_v no_o beginning_n and_o of_o who_o kingdom_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n and_o in_o this_o one_o proposition_n the_o very_a life_n and_o heart_n of_o christianity_n do_v consist_v for_o as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v the_o grand_a foundation_n of_o religion_n in_o general_a so_o that_o jesus_n christ_n be_v god_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o i_o believe_v it_o will_v one_o day_n be_v find_v that_o he_o who_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v christ_n for_o his_o creator_n shall_v never_o have_v he_o for_o his_o redeemer_n have_v thus_o show_v how_o christ_n be_v the_o root_n and_o original_a of_o david_n pass_v we_o now_o to_o the_o next_o thing_n propose_v which_o be_v to_o show_v second_o that_o he_o be_v his_o offspring_n too_o and_o so_o have_v assert_v his_o divinity_n to_o clear_v also_o his_o humanity_n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_a be_v the_o eternal_a concernment_n of_o all_o those_o who_o believe_v it_o and_o look_v to_o be_v save_v by_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v so_o depend_v upon_o jesus_n christ_n be_v the_o true_a promise_a messiah_n the_o grand_a and_o chief_a thing_n assert_v by_o he_o in_o his_o gospel_n and_o last_o christ_n be_v the_o true_a messiah_n depend_v upon_o