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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
knowledge_n know_v sin_n transgression_n 1,337 5 11.0260 5 false
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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

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plain_a from_o his_o follow_a discourse_n and_o the_o character_n he_o give_v of_o those_o person_n of_o who_o he_o be_v speak_v who_o hold_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o unrighteousness_n because_o 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 and_o this_o he_o prove_v because_o those_o who_o be_v destitute_a of_o divine_a revelation_n be_v not_o without_o all_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v lead_v by_o the_o sight_n of_o this_o visible_a world_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o invisible_a be_v and_o power_n that_o be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o ver_fw-la 20_o 21._o 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 be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n so_o that_o they_o be_v without_o excuse_n because_o that_o when_o they_o know_v god_n they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n haec_fw-la est_fw-la summa_fw-la delicti_fw-la nolle_fw-la agnoscere_fw-la quem_fw-la ignorare_fw-la non_fw-la possis_fw-la say_v tertullian_n to_o the_o heathen_a this_o be_v the_o height_n of_o thy_o fault_n not_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o who_o thou_o can_v not_o but_o know_v not_o to_o own_v he_o of_o who_o thou_o can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a if_o thou_o will_v neither_o be_v thankful_a they_o do_v not_o pay_v those_o acknowledgement_n to_o he_o which_o of_o right_n be_v due_a to_o the_o author_n of_o their_o be_v and_o of_o all_o good_a thing_n but_o become_v vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v fool_v with_o their_o own_o reason_n this_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o philosopher_n who_o in_o those_o great_a argument_n of_o the_o b●ing_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o immo●allity_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n have_v lose_v the_o truth_n by_o too_o much_o subtlety_n about_o it_o and_o have_v dispute_v themselves_o into_o doubt_n and_o uncertainty_n about_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v natural_o know_v for_o nimium_fw-la alter●ando_fw-la veritas_fw-la amittitur_fw-la truth_n be_v many_o time_n glo_v by_o too_o much_o contention_n and_o dispute_n about_o it_o and_o by_o too_o eager_a a_o pursuit_n of_o it_o man_n many_o time_n outrun_v it_o and_o leave_v it_o behind_o ver_fw-la 22._o and_o profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v wise_a they_o become_v fool_n man_n never_o play_v the_o fool_n more_o than_o by_o endeavour_v to_o be_v over_o subtle_a and_o wise_a ver_fw-la 23._o and_o change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorruptible_a god_n into_o a_o image_n make_v like_a to_o corruptible_a man_n and_o to_o bird_n four_o footed_a beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n here_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o sottishness_n of_o their_o idolatry_n whereby_o they_o provoke_v god_n to_o give_v they_o up_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o lewdness_n and_o impurity_n ver_fw-la 24._o wherefore_o god_n also_o give_v they_o up_o unto_o uncleanness_n through_o the_o lust_n of_o their_o own_o heart_n and_o again_o ver_fw-la 26._o for_o this_o cause_n god_n give_v they_o up_o to_o vile_a affection_n and_o then_o he_o innumerate_v the_o abominable_a lust_n and_o vice_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o notwithstanding_o their_o natural_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a justice_n ver_fw-la 32._o who_o know_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n that_o they_o which_o commit_v such_o thing_n be_v worthy_a of_o death_n not_o only_o do_v the_o same_o but_o have_v pleasure_n in_o they_o that_o do_v they_o by_o all_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o heathen_a who_o offend_v against_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o therefore_o be_v without_o excuse_n quam_fw-la sib●_n veniam_fw-la sperare_fw-la possun●_n impie●atis_fw-la suae_fw-la qui_fw-la non_fw-la agnoscunt_fw-la cultum_fw-la ejus_fw-la quem_fw-la prorsùs_fw-la ignorari_fw-la ab_fw-la hominibus_fw-la fas_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la say_v lactantius_n how_o can_v they_o hope_v for_o pardon_v of_o their_o impiety_n who_o deny_v to_o worship_v that_o god_n of_o who_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a mankind_n shall_v be_v whole_o ignorant_a so_o that_o this_o be_v to_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n injurious_o to_o suppress_v it_o and_o to_o hinder_v the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o it_o upon_o our_o mind_n and_o action_n for_o so_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sometime_o signify_v as_o well_o as_o to_o hold_v fast_o and_o this_o every_o man_n do_v who_o act_v contrary_a to_o what_o he_o believe_v and_o know_v he_o offer_v violence_n to_o the_o light_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o do_v injury_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o keep_v that_o a_o prisoner_n which_o will_v set_v he_o free_a you_o shall_v know_v the_o truth_n say_v our_o lord_n and_o the_o truth_n shall_v make_v you_o free_a and_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n to_o offend_v against_o knowledge_n and_o that_o light_n which_o god_n have_v set_v up_o in_o every_o man_n mind_n if_o man_n wander_v and_o stumble_v in_o the_o dark_a it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o many_o time_n it_o be_v unavoidable_a and_o no_o care_n can_v prevent_v it_o but_o in_o the_o light_n it_o be_v expect_v man_n shall_v look_v before_o they_o and_o discern_v their_o way_n that_o natural_a light_n which_o the_o heathen_n have_v though_o it_o be_v but_o comparative_o dim_a and_o imperfect_a yet_o the_o apostle_n take_v notice_n of_o it_o as_o a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o their_o idolatrous_a and_o abominable_a practice_n those_o natural_a notion_n which_o all_o man_n have_v of_o god_n if_o they_o have_v in_o any_o measure_n attend_v to_o they_o and_o govern_v themselves_o by_o they_o may_v have_v be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v preserve_v they_o from_o dishonour_v the_o deity_n by_o worship_v creature_n instead_o of_o god_n the_o common_a light_n of_o nature_n be_v enough_o to_o have_v discover_v to_o they_o the_o evil_n of_o those_o lewd_a and_o unnatural_a practice_n which_o many_o of_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o but_o they_o detain_v and_o suppress_v the_o truth_n most_o injurious_o and_o will_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o have_v its_o natural_a and_o proper_a influence_n upon_o they_o and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o leave_v they_o without_o excuse_n that_o from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n they_o have_v knowledge_n enough_o to_o have_v do_v better_a and_o to_o have_v preserve_v they_o from_o those_o great_a crime_n which_o be_v so_o common_a among_o they_o and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o aggravation_n of_o the_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o leave_v they_o without_o excuse_n what_o apology_n can_v be_v make_v for_o the_o impiety_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o christian_n who_o have_v so_o strong_a and_o clear_a a_o light_n to_o discover_v to_o they_o their_o duty_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o neglect_v it_o to_o who_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v plain_o reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o very_o clear_a and_o powerful_a and_o such_o a_o improvement_n of_o natural_a light_n that_o man_n must_v use_v great_a force_n and_o violence_n to_o suppress_v they_o and_o to_o hinder_v the_o efficacy_n of_o they_o upon_o their_o life_n and_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n by_o how_o much_o the_o great_a our_o knowledge_n by_o so_o much_o the_o less_o be_v our_o excuse_n and_o so_o much_o the_o great_a punishment_n be_v due_a to_o our_o fault_n so_o our_o lord_n have_v tell_v we_o luke_n 12._o 47._o that_o servant_n which_o know_v his_o lord_n will_n and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neither_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n and_o john_n 9_o 41._o if_o you_o be_v blind_a say_v our_o saviour_n to_o the_o jew_n you_o shall_v have_v no_o sin_n so_o much_o ignorance_n as_o there_o be_v of_o our_o duty_n so_o much_o abatement_n of_o the_o wilfulness_n of_o our_o fault_n but_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n say_v the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n chap._n 10._o 26_o 27._o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n imply_v that_o man_n can_v pretend_v ignorance_n for_o their_o fault_n after_o so_o clear_a a_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n as_o be_v make_v to_o mankind_n by_o the_o gospel_n and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n do_v so_o aggravate_v the_o impenitency_n and_o unbelief_n of_o the_o jew_n because_o it_o be_v in_o opposition_n to_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o knowledge_n which_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o be_v afford_v to_o
we_o in_o break_a piece_n or_o mix_v and_o adulterate_v here_o a_o lesson_n of_o scripture_n and_o there_o a_o legend_n but_o whole_a and_o entire_a sincere_a and_o uncorrupt_a god_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o as_o he_o do_v the_o heathen_a for_o many_o age_n to_o the_o imperfect_a and_o uncertain_a direction_n of_o natural_a light_n nor_o have_v he_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o we_o as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o dark_a type_n and_o shadow_n but_o have_v make_v a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o we_o the_o dispensation_n which_o we_o be_v under_o have_v no_o vail_n upon_o it_o the_o darkness_n be_v past_a and_o the_o true_a light_n now_o shine_v we_o be_v of_o the_o day_n and_o of_o the_o light_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v just_o be_v expect_v that_o we_o shall_v put_v off_o the_o work_v of_o darkness_n and_o walk_v as_o child_n of_o the_o light_n every_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n which_o we_o have_v be_v a_o aggravation_n of_o the_o sin_n commit_v against_o it_o and_o when_o our_o lord_n come_v to_o pass_v sentence_n upon_o we_o will_v add_v to_o the_o number_n of_o our_o stripe_n nay_o if_o god_n shall_v inflict_v no_o positive_a torment_n upon_o sinner_n yet_o their_o own_o mind_n will_v deal_v most_o severe_o with_o they_o upon_o this_o account_n and_o nothing_o will_v gall_v their_o conscience_n more_o than_o to_o remember_v against_o what_o light_n they_o do_v offend_v for_o herein_o lie_v the_o very_a nature_n and_o sting_n of_o all_o guilt_n to_o be_v conscious_a to_o ourselves_o that_o we_o know_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v and_o do_v it_o not_o the_o vice_n and_o corruption_n which_o reign_v in_o the_o world_n before_o will_v be_v pardonable_a in_o comparison_n of_o we_o the_o time_n of_o that_o ignorance_n god_n wink_v at_o but_o now_o he_o command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v mankind_n have_v some_o excuse_n for_o their_o error_n before_o and_o god_n be_v please_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o overlook_v they_o but_o if_o we_o continue_v still_o in_o our_o sin_n we_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o they_o all_o the_o degree_n of_o light_n which_o we_o enjoy_v be_v so_o many_o talent_n commit_v to_o we_o by_o our_o lord_n for_o the_o improve_n whereof_o he_o will_v call_v we_o to_o a_o strict_a account_n for_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o much_o shall_v be_v require_v and_o to_o who_o he_o have_v commit_v much_o of_o he_o he_o will_v ask_v the_o more_o and_o nothing_o be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o man_n shall_v account_v for_o all_o the_o advantage_n and_o opportunity_n they_o have_v have_v of_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o that_o as_o their_o knowledge_n be_v increase_v so_o their_o sorrow_n and_o punishment_n shall_v proportionable_o rise_v if_o they_o sin_n against_o it_o the_o ignorance_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v deserve_o pity_v and_o lament_v by_o we_o but_o the_o condemnation_n of_o none_o be_v so_o sad_a as_o of_o those_o who_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n neglect_v to_o do_v it_o how_o much_o better_a have_v it_o be_v for_o they_o not_o to_o have_v kuow_v the_o way_n of_o righteousness_n than_o after_o they_o have_v know_v it_o to_o turn_v from_o the_o holy_a commandment_n deliver_v unto_o they_o if_o we_o have_v be_v bear_v and_o bring_v up_o in_o ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a god_n and_o his_o will_n we_o have_v have_v no_o sin_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o now_o we_o have_v but_o now_o that_o we_o see_v our_o sin_n remain_v this_o will_v aggravate_v our_o condemnation_n beyond_o measure_n that_o we_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o salvation_n so_o clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o our_o duty_n lie_v plain_o before_o we_o we_o know_v what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n we_o believe_v the_o come_n of_o our_o lord_n to_o judgement_n and_o we_o know_v not_o how_o soon_o he_o may_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n not_o only_o to_o take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n but_o on_o they_o that_o have_v know_v he_o and_o yet_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n and_o if_o all_o this_o will_v not_o move_v we_o to_o prepare_v ourselves_o to_o do_v our_o lord_n will_n we_o deserve_v to_o have_v our_o stripe_n multiply_v no_o condemnation_n can_v be_v too_o heavy_a for_o those_o who_o offend_v against_o the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n and_o their_o duty_n let_v we_o then_o be_v persuade_v to_o set_v upon_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o we_o know_v let_v the_o light_n which_o be_v in_o our_o understanding_n descend_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n let_v we_o not_o dare_v to_o continue_v any_o long_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n nor_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v convince_v be_v our_o duty_n and_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o not_o neither_o for_o the_o neglect_n of_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n nor_o for_o rebel_a against_o the_o light_n of_o god_n truth_n shine_v in_o our_o mind_n and_o glare_v upon_o our_o conscience_n then_o have_v we_o confidence_n towards_o god_n but_o if_o our_o heart_n condemn_v we_o god_n be_v great_a than_o our_o heart_n and_o know_v all_o thing_n sermon_n fourteen_o 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 next_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n there_o be_v nothing_o 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 sin_n and_o that_o every_o man_n sin_n lie_v at_o his_o own_o door_n and_o he_o have_v reason_n to_o blame_v himself_o for_o all_o the_o evil_a that_o he_o do_v first_o that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o sin_n that_o he_o be_v no_o way_n accessary_a to_o our_o fault_n either_o by_o tempt_v or_o force_v we_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o they_o for_o if_o he_o be_v they_o will_v neither_o proper_o be_v sin_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v just_o punish_v they_o will_v not_o proper_o be_v sin_n for_o sin_n be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o suppose_v man_n to_o be_v either_o tempt_v or_o necessitate_v thereto_o that_o which_o we_o call_v sin_n will_v either_o be_v a_o mere_a passive_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o a_o active_a compliance_n with_o it_o but_o neither_o way_n a_o contradiction_n to_o it_o nor_o can_v these_o action_n be_v just_o punish_v for_o all_o punishment_n suppose_v a_o fault_n and_o a_o fault_n suppose_v liberty_n and_o freedom_n from_o force_n and_o necessity_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v just_o punish_v for_o that_o which_o he_o can_v help_v and_o no_o man_n can_v help_v that_o which_o he_o be_v necessitate_v and_o compel_v to_o and_o though_o there_o be_v no_o force_n in_o the_o case_n but_o only_a temptation_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a for_o the_o same_o person_n to_o tempt_v and_o punish_v for_o as_o nothing_o be_v more_o contrary_a to_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n than_o to_o tempt_v man_n to_o sin_n so_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o against_o justice_n and_o goodness_n than_o first_o to_o draw_v man_n into_o a_o fault_n and_o then_o to_o chastise_v they_o for_o it_o so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o principle_n which_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o religion_n that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o men._n and_o then_o second_o that_o every_o man_n fault_n lie_v at_o his_o own_o door_n and_o he_o have_v reason_n enough_o to_o blame_v himself_o for_o all_o the_o evil_a that_o he_o do_v and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v man_n proper_o guilty_a that_o when_o they_o have_v do_v amiss_o they_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o it_o be_v their_o own_o act_n and_o they_o may_v have_v do_v otherwise_o and_o guilt_n be_v that_o which_o make_v man_n liable_a to_o punishment_n and_o fear_v of_o punishment_n be_v the_o great_a restraint_n from_o sin_n and_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a argument_n for_o virtue_n and_o obedience_n and_o both_o these_o principle_n our_o apostle_n st._n james_n do_v here_o full_o assert_v in_o the_o word_n which_o i_o have_v read_v unto_o you_o l●t_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
the_o most_o reverend_a d_o r._n john_n tillotson_n late_a archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n several_a discourse_n viz._n of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n institute_v religion_n not_o intend_v to_o undermine_v natural_a christianity_n not_o destructive_a but_o perfective_a of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o nature_n and_o necessity_n of_o regeneration_n the_o danger_n of_o all_o know_a sin_n knowledge_n and_o practice_n necessary_a in_o religion_n the_o sin_n of_o man_n not_o chargeable_a on_o god_n by_o the_o most_o reverend_a dr._n john_n tillotson_n late_a lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n be_v the_o four_o volume_n publish_v from_o the_o original_n by_o ralph_n barker_n d._n d._n chaplain_n to_o his_o grace_n london_n print_v for_o ri._n chiswell_n at_o the_o rose_n and_o crown_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1697._o the_o content_n serm._n i._o of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n with_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o know_v they_o micah_n vi_o 6_o 7_o 8._o wherewith_o shall_v i_o come_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o bow_v myself_o before_o the_o high_a god_n shall_v i_o come_v before_o he_o with_o burnt-offering_n with_o calf_n of_o a_o year_n old_a will_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v with_o thousand_o of_o ram_n or_o with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o river_n of_o oil_n shall_v i_o give_v my_o first-born_a for_o my_o transgression_n the_o fruit_n of_o my_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o soul_n 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 just_o and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n page_n 1._o serm._n ii_o institute_v religion_n not_o intend_v to_o undermine_v natural_a matth_n ix_o 13._o but_o go_v you_o and_o learn_v what_o that_o mean_v i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n p._n 43._o serm._n iii_o iu_o christianity_n do_v not_o destroy_v but_o perfect_a the_o law_n of_o moses_n matth_n v._o 17._o think_v not_o that_o i_o be_o come_v to_o destroy_v the_o law_n or_o the_o prophet_n i_o be_o not_o come_v to_o destroy_v but_o to_o fulfil_v p._n 85_o 113._o serm._n v._o vi_o vii_o viii_o ix_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o regeneration_n and_o its_o necessity_n in_o order_n to_o justification_n and_o salvation_n galat._n vi_o 15._o for_o in_o christ_n jesus_n neither_o circumcision_n avail_v any_o thing_n nor_o uncircumcision_n but_o a_o new_a creature_n p._n 139_o 165_o 191_o 217_o 241._o serm._n x_o xi_o the_o danger_n of_o all_o know_a sin_n both_o from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o revelation_n rome_n i._o 18_o 19_o for_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n who_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n because_o 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 p._n 267_o 305._o serm._n xii_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n necessary_a in_o religion_n john_n xiii_o 17._o if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o p._n 343._o serm._n xiii_o practise_v in_o religion_n necessary_a in_o proportion_n to_o our_o knowledge_n luke_n xii_o 47_o 48._o and_o that_o servant_n which_o know_v his_o lord_n will_n and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neither_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n but_o he_o that_o know_v not_o and_o do_v commit_v thing_n worthy_a of_o stripe_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o few_o stripe_n for_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v be_v much_o require_v and_o to_o who_o man_n have_v commit_v much_o of_o he_o they_o will_v ask_v the_o more_o p._n 373._o serm._n fourteen_o xv._n the_o sin_n of_o man_n not_o chargeabl●_n 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 p._n 403_o 447._o sermon_n i._n of_o the_o great_a duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n with_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o know_v they_o micah_n 6._o 6_o 7_o 8._o wherewith_o shall_v i_o come_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o bow_v myself_o before_o the_o high_a god_n shall_v i_o come_v before_o he_o with_o burn_a offering_n with_o calf_n of_o a_o year_n old_a will_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v with_o thousand_o of_o ram_n or_o with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o river_n of_o oil_n shall_v i_o give_v my_o first_o bear_v for_o my_o transgression_n the_o fruit_n of_o my_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o soul_n 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 just_o and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o chapter_n the_o prophet_n tell_v the_o people_n of_o israel_n that_o the_o lord_n have_v a_o controversy_n with_o they_o and_o that_o he_o may_v direct_v they_o how_o to_o take_v up_o this_o quarrel_n he_o bring_v in_o one_o make_v this_o enquiry_n in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o people_n wherewith_o shall_v i_o come_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o bow_v myself_o before_o the_o high_a god_n that_o be_v by_o what_o kind_n of_o worship_n or_o devotion_n may_v i_o address_v myself_o to_o he_o in_o the_o most_o acceptable_a manner_n by_o what_o mean_n may_v i_o hope_v to_o appease_v his_o displeasure_n to_o satisfy_v this_o enquiry_n he_o first_o instance_v in_o the_o chief_a kind_n of_o sacrifice_n and_o expiation_n that_o be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n shall_v i_o come_v before_o he_o with_o burnt-offering_n the_o constant_a sacrifice_n that_o be_v offer_v to_o god_n by_o way_n of_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o dominion_n over_o the_o creature_n with_o calf_n of_o a_o year_n old_a which_o be_v the_o sin-offering_a which_o the_o highpriest_n offer_v for_o himself_o or_o will_v he_o rather_o accept_v of_o those_o great_a and_o costly_a sacrifice_n which_o be_v offer_v upon_o solemn_a and_o public_a occasion_n such_o as_o that_o be_v which_o solomon_n offer_v at_o the_o dedication_n of_o the_o temple_n will_v the_o lord_n be_v please_v with_o thousand_o of_o ram_n or_o with_o ten_o thousand_o of_o river_n of_o oil_n or_o if_o none_o of_o these_o will_v do_v shall_v i_o try_v to_o atone_v he_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o heathen_a by_o the_o dear_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n the_o first-born_a of_o my_o child_n shall_v i_o give_v my_o first-born_a for_o my_o transgression_n the_o fruit_n of_o my_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o my_o soul_n if_o god_n be_v to_o be_v appease_v at_o all_o sure_o they_o think_v it_o must_v be_v by_o some_o of_o these_o way_n for_o beyond_o these_o they_o can_v imagine_v nothing_o of_o great_a value_n and_o efficacy_n but_o the_o prophet_n tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v quite_o out_o of_o the_o way_n in_o think_v to_o pacify_v god_n upon_o these_o term_n that_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o be_v much_o better_a and_o more_o please_v to_o he_o than_o any_o of_o these_o sacrifice_n for_o some_o of_o they_o be_v express_o forbid_v by_o god_n as_o the_o offering_n up_o of_o our_o child_n and_o for_o the_o rest_n they_o be_v not_o good_a in_o themselves_o but_o mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o institution_n and_o because_o they_o be_v command_v but_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o will_v recommend_v to_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v good_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o require_v of_o we_o by_o god_n upon_o that_o account_n 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 just_o and_o to_o love_v mer●y_o and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n so_o that_o in_o these_o word_n you_o have_v first_o a_o enquiry_n which_o be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o appease_v god_n when_o he_o be_v offend_v wherewith_o shall_v i_o come_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o bow_v myself_o before_o the_o high_a god_n second_o the_o way_n that_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o take_v in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o be_v by_o some_o external_a piece_n of_o religion_n and_o devotion_n such_o as_o sacrifice_n be_v both_o among_o jew_n and_o heathen_a shall_v i_o come_v before_o he_o with_o burnt-offering_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o question_n the_o prophet_n intimate_v that_o man_n be_v very_o apt_a to_o pitch_v upon_o this_o course_n three_o the_o course_n which_o god_n himself_o direct_v to_o and_o which_o will_v effectual_o pacify_v he_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
mankind_n john_n 15._o 22_o 23_o 24._o if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n that_o be_v in_o comparison_n their_o sin_n have_v be_v much_o more_o excusable_a but_o now_o they_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o their_o sin_n he_o that_o hate_v i_o hate_v my_o father_n also_o if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o none_o other_o man_n do_v they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n but_o now_o have_v they_o both_o see_v and_o hate_v both_o i_o and_o my_o father_n how_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n mean_v that_o they_o have_v now_o sin_v against_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o mankind_n can_v possible_o have_v at_o once_o oppose_v natural_a light_n which_o be_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o his_o son_n now_o have_v they_o both_o see_v and_o hate_v both_o i_o and_o my_o father_n the_o two_o remain_a observation_n i_o shall_v reserve_v to_o another_o opportunity_n sermon_n xi_o the_o danger_n of_o all_o know_a sin_n both_o from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o revelation_n rome_n i._o 18_o 19_o for_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n who_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n because_o 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 i_o have_v handle_v four_o of_o the_o observation_n which_o i_o raise_v from_o these_o word_n and_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o other_o two_o that_o remain_v five_o observation_n that_o the_o natural_a knowledge_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n if_o they_o live_v contrary_a to_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o their_o hold_v the_o tr●th_n of_o god_n i●_n unrighteousness_n for_o th●●eason_n why_o the_o apostle_n charge_v they_o with_o this_o be_v because_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o that_o god_n have_v show_v it_o ●nto_o they_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o he_o which_o the_o apostle_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o of_o god_n which_o be_v obvious_a to_o be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v as_o much_o as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v there_o be_v something_o of_o god_n that_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o understanding_n but_o his_o be_v and_o essential_a perfection_n may_v be_v know_v which_o he_o call_v his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n th●se_a he_o tell_v we_o be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v that_o be_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n to_o man_n of_o the_o be_v and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o if_o so_o then_o god_n be_v natural_o know_v to_o man_n the_o contrary_a whereof_o socinus_n positive_o maintain_v though_o therein_o he_o be_v forsake_v by_o most_o of_o his_o follower_n a_o opinion_n in_o my_o judgement_n very_o unworthy_a of_o one_o who_o not_o without_o reason_n be_v esteem_v so_o great_a a_o master_n of_o reason_n and_o though_o i_o believe_v he_o do_v not_o see_v it_o undermine_v the_o strong_a and_o sure_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n which_o when_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n be_v once_o take_v away_o will_v certain_o want_v its_o best_a support_n beside_o that_o by_o deny_v any_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o essential_a perfection_n he_o free_o give_v away_o one_o of_o the_o most_o plausible_a ground_n of_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n but_o because_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n and_o he_o be_v a_o great_a man_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v confute_v by_o contempt_n but_o by_o better_a reason_n if_o it_o can_v be_v find_v i_o will_v consider_v his_o reason_n for_o this_o opinion_n and_o return_v a_o particular_a answer_n to_o they_o first_o he_o say_v that_o if_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v natural_a it_o will_v not_o be_v of_o faith_n but_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v the_o force_n of_o which_o argument_n if_o it_o have_v any_o lie_v in_o this_o that_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v divine_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v be_v say_v to_o believe_v what_o we_o natural_o know_v the_o schoolman_n indeed_o say_v so_o but_o the_o scripture_n use_v the_o word_n faith_n more_o large_o for_o a_o rela_fw-la persuasion_n of_o any_o thing_n whether_o ground_v upon_o sense_n or_o reason_n or_o divine_a revelation_n and_o our_o saviour_n speech_n to_o thomas_n because_o thou_o have_v see_v thou_o have_v believe_v do_v sufficient_o intimate_v that_o a_o man_n may_v believe_v what_o he_o see_v and_o if_o so_o what_o shall_v hinder_v but_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o believe_v what_o he_o natural_o know_v that_o be_v be_v real_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n from_o natural_a light_n second_o his_o next_o argument_n be_v because_o the_o same_o apostle_n conclude_v enoch_n to_o have_v believe_v god_n because_o he_o please_v god_n and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o from_o whence_o he_o say_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o man_n may_v be_v without_o this_o belief_n which_o if_o it_o be_v natural_a they_o can_v indeed_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v that_o whoever_o believe_v a_o god_n must_v of_o necessity_n obey_v and_o please_v he_o than_o the_o inference_n have_v be_v good_a that_o all_o man_n do_v not_o natural_o believe_v a_o god_n because_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o do_v not_o please_v he_o but_o it_o be_v not_o good_a the_o other_o way_n no_o more_o than_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v argue_v thus_o that_o because_o whoever_o act_n reasonable_o must_v be_v endow_v with_o reason_n therefore_o man_n be_v not_o natural_o endow_v with_o reason_n for_o as_o man_n may_v natural_o be_v endow_v with_o reason_n and_o yet_o not_o always_o make_v use_n of_o it_o so_o man_n may_v natural_o know_v and_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v careful_a to_o please_v he_o his_o three_o argument_n be_v that_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o there_o be_v some_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v a_o god_n for_o which_o he_o cite_v that_o of_o david_n the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n which_o certain_o prove_v that_o bad_a man_n live_v so_o as_o if_o they_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o god_n nay_o it_o may_v far_o import_v that_o they_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o stifle_v and_o extinguish_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o will_v glad_o persuade_v themselves_o there_o be_v no_o god_n because_o it_o be_v convenient_a for_o they_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o and_o whether_o david_n mean_v so_o or_o not_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o some_o may_v arrive_v to_o that_o height_n of_o impiety_n as_o for_o a_o time_n at_o least_o and_o in_o some_o mood_n to_o disbelieve_v a_o god_n and_o to_o be_v very_o confident_a of_o the_o argument_n on_o that_o side_n but_o what_o then_o be_v the_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n therefore_o not_o natural_a to_o mankind_n nature_n itself_o as_o constant_a and_o uniform_a as_o it_o be_v admit_v of_o some_o irregularity_n and_o exception_n in_o effect_n that_o be_v mere_o natural_a much_o more_o in_o those_o which_o have_v something_o in_o they_o that_o be_v voluntary_a and_o depend_v upon_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o there_o be_v no_o argue_v from_o what_o be_v monstrous_a against_o what_o be_v natural_a it_o be_v natural_a for_o man_n to_o have_v five_o finger_n upon_o a_o hand_n and_o yet_o some_o be_v bear_v otherwise_o but_o in_o voluntary_a agent_n that_o which_o be_v natural_a may_v be_v pervert_v and_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n extinguish_v in_o some_o particular_a instance_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o force_n at_o all_o in_o this_o objection_n his_o four_o and_o last_o argument_n be_v that_o there_o have_v not_o only_o be_v particular_a person_n but_o whole_a nation_n who_o have_v have_v no_o sense_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o suspicion_n of_o a_o deity_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v of_o great_a force_n if_o it_o be_v true_a and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o he_o produce_v the_o instance_n of_o brasil_n in_o america_n but_o i_o utter_o deny_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o history_n and_o challenge_v any_o man_n to_o bring_v good_a testimony_n not_o only_o of_o any_o nation_n but_o of_o any_o city_n in_o the_o world_n that_o ever_o be_v profess_v atheist_n i_o know_v
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
the_o natural_a knowledge_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n be_v when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o sure_a and_o fast_o hold_v that_o religion_n have_v on_o humane_a nature_n beside_o how_o shall_v god_n judge_v that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v whole_o destitute_a of_o divine_a revelation_n if_o they_o have_v no_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o consequent_o can_v not_o be_v under_o the_o direction_n and_o government_n of_o any_o law_n for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n and_o where_o man_n be_v guilty_a o●_n the_o breach_n of_o no_o law_n they_o can_v be_v judge_v and_o condemn_v for_o it_o for_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v according_a to_o truth_n and_o now_o this_o be_v establish_v that_o man_n have_v a_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o god_n if_o they_o contradict_v it_o by_o their_o life_n and_o practice_n they_o be_v guilty_a of_o detain_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o unrighteousness_n for_o by_o this_o argument_n the_o apostle_n prove_v the_o heathen_a to_o be_v guilty_a of_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n because_o notwithstanding_o the_o natural_a knowledge_n which_o they_o have_v of_o god_n by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v they_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o gross_a idolatry_n and_o the_o most_o abominable_a sin_n and_o vice_n and_o this_o concern_v we_o much_o more_o who_o have_v the_o glorious_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n add_v to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n for_o if_o they_o who_o offend_v against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n of_o how_o much_o sore_a punishment_n shall_v we_o be_v think_v worthy_a if_o we_o neglect_v those_o infinite_a advantage_n which_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v superad_v to_o natural_a light_n he_o have_v now_o set_v our_o duty_n in_o the_o clear_a and_o strong_a light_n that_o ever_o be_v afford_v to_o mankind_n so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v not_o now_o believe_v and_o repent_v there_o be_v no_o remedy_n for_o we_o but_o we_o must_v die_v in_o our_o sin_n if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o so_o much_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n there_o remain_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n but_o a_o fearful_a look_v for_o of_o judgement_n and_o fiery_a indignation_n to_o consume_v we_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v on_o this_o argument_n be_v brief_o this_o that_o man_n have_v a_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o those_o great_a duty_n which_o result_n from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o so_o that_o whatever_o man_n say_v and_o pretend_v as_o to_o the_o main_a thing_n of_o religion_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n setting_z aside_o divine_a revelation_n we_o be_v all_o natural_o convince_v of_o our_o duty_n and_o of_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o those_o who_o live_v in_o a_o bad_a course_n need_v only_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o what_o they_o natural_o know_v better_a than_o any_o body_n else_o can_v tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v in_o a_o bad_a course_n so_o that_o i_o may_v appeal_v to_o all_o wicked_a man_n from_o themselves_o rash_a and_o heat_v and_o intoxicate_v with_o pleasure_n and_o vanity_n transport_v and_o hurry_v away_o by_o lust_n and_o passion_n to_o themselves_o serious_a and_o compose_v and_o in_o a_o cool_a and_o considerate_a temper_n and_o can_v any_o sober_a man_n forbear_v to_o follow_v the_o conviction_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o to_o resolve_v to_o do_v what_o he_o inward_o consent_v to_o as_o best_o let_v we_o but_o be_v true_a to_o ourselves_o and_o obey_v the_o dictate_v of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o give_v leave_v to_o our_o own_o conscience_n to_o counsel_n we_o and_o tell_v we_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o we_o shall_v be_v a_o law_n to_o ourselves_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o six_o and_o last_o observation_n namely_o that_o the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n against_o the_o impiety_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n be_v one_o principal_a thing_n which_o render_v it_o so_o very_o powerful_a and_o likely_a a_o mean_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n for_o the_o apostle_n instance_v in_o two_o thing_n which_o give_v the_o gospel_n so_o great_a a_o advantage_n to_o this_o purpose_n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n to_o penitent_a sinner_n and_o his_o severity_n towards_o the_o impenitent_a both_o which_o be_v so_o full_o and_o clear_o reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v because_o therein_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v that_o be_v his_o great_a grace_n and_o mercy_n in_o the_o justification_n and_o pardon_n of_o sinner_n by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o i_o have_v already_o show_v to_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n by_o compare_v this_o with_o the_o explication_n which_o be_v give_v of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n chap._n 3._o ver_fw-la 22._o the_o other_o reason_n which_o he_o give_v of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n be_v the_o plain_a declaration_n of_o the_o severity_n of_o god_n towards_o impenitent_a sinner_n because_o therein_o also_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o men._n the_o force_n of_o which_o argument_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o follow_a particular_n first_o that_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o express_v second_o that_o they_o be_v very_o dreadful_a and_o terrible_a three_o that_o there_o be_v no_o safety_n or_o hope_n of_o impunity_n for_o man_n that_o go_v on_o and_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n four_o that_o this_o argument_n will_v take_v hold_n of_o the_o most_o desperate_a and_o profligate_v sinner_n and_o still_o retain_v its_o force_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o all_o other_o consideration_n fail_v and_o be_v of_o little_a or_o no_o efficacy_n and_o five_o that_o no_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n can_v urge_v this_o argument_n with_o that_o force_n and_o advantage_n that_o christianity_n do_v first_o that_o the_o declaration_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v most_o plain_a and_o express_v and_o that_o not_o only_o against_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o general_n but_o against_o particular_a sin_n and_o vice_n so_o that_o no_o man_n that_o live_v in_o any_o evil_a and_o vicious_a course_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o danger_n our_o lord_n have_v tell_v we_o in_o general_a what_o shall_v be_v the_o doom_n of_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n yea_o though_o they_o may_v have_v own_v he_o and_o make_v profession_n of_o his_o name_n mat._n 7._o 21._o not_o every_o one_o that_o say_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n many_o will_v say_v unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n etc._n etc._n then_o will_v i_o profess_v unto_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o that_o work_n iniquity_n math._n 13._o 49_o 50._o so_o shall_v it_o be_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n the_o angel_n shall_v come_v forth_o and_o sever_v the_o wicked_a from_o among_o the_o just_a and_o shall_v cast_v they_o into_o the_o furnace_n of_o fire_n there_o shall_v be_v wail_v and_o gnash_v of_o tooth_n math._n 25._o 46._o the_o wicked_a shall_v go_v away_o into_o everlasting_a punishment_n but_o the_o righteous_a into_o life_n eternal_a joh._n 5._o 28_o 29._o the_o hour_n be_v come_v in_o which_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o grave_n shall_v hear_v his_o voice_n and_o shall_v come_v forth_o they_o that_o have_v do_v good_a unto_o the_o resurrection_n of_o life_n and_o they_o that_o have_v do_v evil_a unto_o the_o resurrection_n of_o damnatiom_n rom._n 2._o 6._o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o day_n of_o wrath_n and_o of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o righteous_a judgement_n of_o god_n who_o will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n to_o they_o who_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o obey_v unrighteousness_n indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n upon_o every_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o do_v evil_a 2_o thes_n 1._o 7_o 8_o 9_o that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n in_o flame_a fire_n take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o shall_v be_v punish_v with_o everlasting_a destruction_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o from_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a and_o express_v than_o these_o general_a
when_o vice_n have_v get_v such_o head_n that_o it_o can_v hardly_o bear_v to_o be_v ●keckt_v and_o control_v and_o when_o as_o the_o roman_a historian_n complain_v of_o his_o time_n ad_fw-la ea_fw-la tempora_fw-la quibus_fw-la nec_fw-la vitia_fw-la nostra_fw-la nec_fw-la remedia_fw-la pati_fw-la possumus_fw-la perventum_fw-la est_fw-la thing_n be_v come_v to_o that_o pass_n that_o we_o can_v neither_o bear_v ou●_n vice_n no●_n the_o remedy_n of_o they_o our_o vice_n be_v grow_v to_o a_o prodigious_a and_o intolerable_a height_n and_o yet_o man_n hardly_o have_v the_o patience_n to_o hear_v of_o they_o and_o sure_o a_o disease_n be_v then_o dangerous_a indeed_o when_o it_o can_v bear_v the_o severity_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o cure_n but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o we_o who_o be_v the_o messenger_n of_o god_n to_o man_n to_o warn_v they_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o danger_n must_v not_o keep_v silence_n and_o spare_v to_o tell_v they_o both_o of_o their_o sin_n and_o of_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n which_o hang_v over_o they_o that_o god_n will_v visit_v for_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o his_o soul_n will_v be_v avenge_v on_o such_o a_o nation_n as_o this_o at_o least_o we_o may_v have_v leave_n to_o warn_v other_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o run_v to_o the_o same_o excess_n of_o riot_n to_o save_v themselves_o from_o this_o untoward_a generation_n god_n judgement_n be_v abroad_o in_o the_o earth_n and_o call_v aloud_o upon_o we_o to_o learn_v righteousness_n but_o this_o be_v but_o a_o small_a consideration_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o another_o world_n which_o we_o who_o call_v ourselves_o christian_n do_v profess_v to_o believe_v as_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o consideration_n of_o this_o shall_v check_v and_o cool_v we_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o all_o our_o sinful_a pleasure_n and_o that_o bitter_a irony_n of_o solomon_n shall_v cut_v we_o to_o the_o heart_n rejoice_v o_o young_a man_n in_o thy_o youth_n and_o let_v thy_o heart_n cheer_v thou_o in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n and_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o thy_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o thy_o eye_n but_o know_v that_o for_o all_o these_o thing_n god_n will_v bring_v thou_o into_o judgement_n think_v often_o and_o serious_o on_o that_o time_n wherein_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n which_o be_v now_o reveal_v against_o sin_n shall_v be_v execute_v upon_o sinner_n and_o if_o we_o believe_v this_o we_o be_v strange_o stupid_a and_o obstinate_a if_o we_o be_v not_o move_v by_o it_o the_o assurance_n of_o this_o make_a st_n paul_n extreme_o importunate_a in_o exhort_v man_n to_o avoid_v so_o great_a a_o danger_n 2_o cor._n 5._o 10_o 11._o we_o must_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n that_o every_o one_o may_v receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o the_o body_n according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_a know_v therefore_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o persuade_v men._n and_o if_o this_o aught_o to_o move_v we_o to_o take_v so_o great_a a_o care_n of_o other_o much_o more_o of_o ourselves_o the_o judgement_n to_o come_v be_v a_o very_a amaze_a consideration_n it_o be_v a_o fearful_a thing_n to_o hear_v of_o it_o but_o it_o will_v be_v much_o more_o terrible_a to_o see_v it_o especial_o to_o those_o who_o guilt_n must_v needs_o make_v they_o so_o hearty_o concern_v in_o the_o dismal_a consequence_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o as_o sure_o as_o i_o stand_v and_o you_o sit_v here_o this_o great_a and_o terrible_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n will_v come_v and_o who_o may_v abide_v his_o come_n what_o will_v we_o do_v when_o that_o day_n shall_v surprise_v we_o careless_a and_o unprepared_a what_o unspeakable_a horror_n and_o amazement_n will_v then_o take_v hold_n of_o we_o when_o lift_v up_o our_o eye_n to_o heaven_n we_o shall_v see_v the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v in_o the_o cloud_n of_o it_o with_o power_n and_o great_a glory_n when_o that_o powerful_a voice_n which_o shall_v pierce_v the_o ear_n of_o the_o dead_a shall_v ring_v through_o the_o world_n arise_v you_o dead_a and_o come_v to_o judgement_n when_o the_o mighty_a trumpet_n shall_v sound_v and_o wake_v the_o sleeper_n of_o a_o thousand_o year_n and_o summon_v the_o disperse_a part_n of_o the_o body_n of_o all_o man_n that_o ever_o live_v to_o rally_v together_o and_o take_v their_o place_n and_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o man_n which_o have_v be_v so_o long_a stranger_n to_o one_o another_o shall_v meet_v and_o be_v unite_v again_o to_o receive_v the_o doom_n due_a to_o their_o deed_n what_o fear_n shall_v then_o surprise_v sinner_n and_o how_o will_v they_o tremble_v at_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o great_a judge_n and_o for_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o majesty_n how_o will_v their_o conscience_n fly_v in_o their_o face_n and_o their_o own_o heart_n condemn_v they_o for_o their_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a life_n and_o even_o prevent_v that_o sentence_n which_o yet_o shall_v certain_o be_v past_a and_o execute_v upon_o they_o but_o i_o will_v proceed_v no_o further_o in_o this_o argument_n which_o have_v so_o much_o of_o terror_n in_o it_o i_o will_v conclude_v my_o sermon_n as_o solomon_n do_v his_o ecclesiaste_n ch._n 12._o 13_o 14._o let_v we_o hear_v the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o man_n for_o god_n shall_v bring_v every_o work_n into_o judgement_n and_o every_o secret_a thing_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v evil_a to_o which_o i_o will_v only_o add_v that_o serious_a and_o merciful_a admonition_n of_o a_o great_a than_o solomon_n i_o mean_v the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n our_o bless_a lord_n and_o saviour_n luke_n 21._o 34_o 35_o 36._o take_v heed_n to_o yourselves_o lest_o at_o any_o time_n your_o heart_n be_v overcharge_v with_o surfeit_v and_o drunkenness_n and_o the_o care_n of_o this_o life_n and_o so_o that_o day_n come_v upon_o you_o at_o unaware_o for_o as_o a_o snare_n shall_v it_o come_v upon_o all_o they_o that_o dwell_v on_o the_o face_n of_o the_o whole_a earth_n watch_v you_o therefore_o and_o pray_v always_o that_o you_o may_v be_v accowt_v worthy_a to_o escape_v all_o these_o thing_n that_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v and_o to_o stand_v before_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n sermon_n xii_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n necessary_a in_o religion_n john_n xiii_o 17._o if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o two_o thing_n make_v up_o religion_n the_o knowledge_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o the_o first_o be_v whole_o in_o order_n to_o the_o second_o and_o god_n have_v not_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o will_n mere_o for_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o understanding_n but_o for_o the_o better_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n not_o to_o entertain_v our_o mind_n with_o the_o speculation_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n but_o to_o form_n and_o govern_v our_o action_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o in_o which_o word_n our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v from_o a_o particular_a instance_n take_v occasion_n to_o settle_v a_o general_a conclusion_n namely_o that_o religion_n do_v main_o consist_v in_o practice_n and_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o doctrine_n without_o the_o real_a effect_n of_o it_o upon_o our_o life_n will_v bring_v no_o man_n to_o heaven_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n our_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n to_o testify_v his_o love_n to_o his_o disciple_n and_o to_o give_v they_o a_o lively_a instance_n and_o example_n of_o that_o great_a virtue_n of_o humility_n be_v please_v to_o condescend_v to_o a_o very_a low_a and_o mean_a office_n such_o as_o be_v use_v to_o be_v perform_v by_o servant_n to_o their_o master_n and_o not_o by_o the_o master_n to_o his_o servant_n namely_o to_o wash_v their_o foot_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v this_o he_o ask_v they_o if_o they_o do_v understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o strange_a action_n know_v you_o what_o i_o have_v do_v unto_o you_o you_o call_v i_o master_n and_o lord_n and_o you_o say_v well_o for_o so_o i_o be_o if_o i_o than_o your_o lord_n and_o master_n have_v wash_v your_o foot_n you_o also_o aught_o to_o wash_v one_o another_o foot_n for_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o example_n that_o you_o shall_v do_v as_o i_o have_v do_v to_o you_o very_o very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o the_o servant_n be_v not_o great_a than_o the_o lord_n neither_o he_o that_o be_v send_v great_a than_o he_o that_o send_v he_o if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n
happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v this_o which_o i_o have_v now_o do_v be_v easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o so_o likewise_o be_v all_o those_o other_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n which_o i_o have_v heretofore_o by_o my_o doctrine_n and_o example_n recommend_v to_o you_o but_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o know_v these_o thing_n but_o you_o must_v likewise_o do_v they_o the_o end_n and_o the_o life_n of_o all_o our_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n be_v to_o put_v in_o practice_n what_o we_o know_v it_o be_v necessary_a indeed_o that_o we_o shall_v know_v our_o duty_n but_o knowledge_n alone_o will_v never_o bring_v we_o to_o that_o happiness_n which_o religion_n design_n to_o make_v we_o partaker_n of_o if_o our_o knowledge_n have_v not_o its_o due_a and_o proper_a influence_n upon_o our_o life_n nay_o so_o far_o will_v our_o knowledge_n be_v from_o make_v we_o happy_a if_o it_o be_v separate_v from_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n that_o it_o will_v prove_v one_o of_o the_o heavy_a aggravation_n of_o our_o misery_n and_o it_o be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n woe_n be_v unto_o you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o not_o from_o these_o word_n then_o i_o shall_v observe_v these_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o shall_v speak_v but_o brief_o to_o first_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n and_o our_o duty_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n which_o suppose_v that_o we_o must_v know_v our_o duty_n before_o we_o can_v do_v it_o second_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o may_v be_v and_o too_o often_o be_v separate_v this_o likewise_o the_o text_n suppose_v that_o man_n may_v know_v their_o duty_n and_o yet_o not_o do_v it_o and_o that_o this_o be_v very_o frequent_a which_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o our_o saviour_n give_v this_o caution_n three_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o do_v of_o what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o happiness_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a ●re_n you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o namely_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n will_n and_o our_o duty_n be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n be_v so_o clear_a and_o evident_a at_o first_o view_n that_o nothing_o can_v obscure_v it_o and_o bring_v it_o in_o question_n but_o to_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o spend_v time_n in_o that_o i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n from_o it_o just_o to_o reprove_v that_o preposterous_a course_n which_o be_v take_v and_o open_o avow_v and_o justify_v by_o some_o as_o the_o safe_a and_o best_a way_n to_o make_v man_n religious_a and_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o happiness_n namely_o by_o take_v away_o from_o they_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n as_o if_o the_o best_a way_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v to_o keep_v they_o from_o know_v it_o for_o what_o else_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o maxim_n so_o currant_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o ignorance_n be_v the_o mother_n of_o devotion_n or_o of_o that_o strange_a and_o injurious_a practice_n of_o they_o of_o lock_v up_o from_o the_o people_n that_o great_a storehouse_n and_o treasury_n of_o divine_a knowledge_n the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o in_o justification_n of_o this_o hard_a usage_n of_o their_o people_n it_o be_v pretend_v that_o knowledge_n be_v apt_a to_o puff_n man_n up_o to_o make_v they_o proud_a and_o contentious_a refractory_a and_o disobedient_a and_o heretical_a and_o what_o not_o and_o particular_o that_o the_o free_a and_o familiar_a use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n permit_v to_o the_o people_n have_v minister_v occasion_n to_o the_o people_n of_o fall_v into_o great_a and_o dangerous_a error_n and_o of_o make_v great_a disturbance_n and_o division_n among_o christian_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o pretence_n i_o desire_v these_o four_o or_o five_o thing_n may_v be_v consider_v first_o that_o unless_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a and_o necessary_a effect_n of_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o free_a use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o be_v no_o force_n in_o this_o reason_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o natural_a effect_n of_o this_o knowledge_n than_o this_o reason_n will_v reach_v a_o great_a way_n far_o than_o those_o who_o make_v use_v of_o it_o be_v willing_a it_o shall_v second_o that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a and_o necessary_a effect_n of_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n but_o only_o accidental_a and_o proceed_v from_o man_n abuse_n of_o it_o for_o which_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v away_o three_o that_o the_o proper_a and_o natural_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o ignorance_n be_v equal_o pernicious_a and_o much_o more_o certain_a and_o unavoidable_a than_o those_o which_o be_v accidental_o occasion_v by_o knowledge_n four_o that_o if_o this_o reason_n be_v good_a it_o be_v much_o strong_a for_o withhold_v the_o scripture_n from_o the_o priest_n and_o the_o learned_a than_o from_o the_o people_n five_o that_o this_o danger_n be_v as_o great_a and_o as_o well_o know_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o yet_o they_o take_v a_o quite_o contrary_a course_n first_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o unless_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a and_o necessary_a effect_n of_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n and_o of_o the_o free_a use_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o be_v no_o force_n in_o this_o reason_n for_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a or_o high_o useful_a ought_v not_o to_o be_v take_v away_o because_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v pervert_v and_o abuse_v to_o ill_a purpose_n if_o it_o ought_v than_o not_o only_a knowledge_n in_o religion_n but_o all_o other_o 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they_o but_o the_o remedy_n which_o he_o prescribe_v against_o this_o mischief_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o to_o withhold_v from_o man_n the_o mean_n of_o it_o and_o to_o celebrate_v the_o service_n of_o god_n the_o prayer_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o read_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n but_o quite_o contrary_a chap._n 14._o of_o that_o epistle_n he_o strict_o enjoin_v that_o the_o service_n of_o god_n in_o the_o church_n be_v so_o perform_v as_o may_v be_v for_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n which_o he_o say_v can_v be_v if_o it_o be_v celebrate_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o the_o remedy_n he_o prescribe_v against_o the_o accidental_a mischief_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o ignorance_n but_o charity_n to_o govern_v their_o knowledge_n and_o to_o help_v they_o to_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o it_o ver_fw-la 20._o of_o that_o chapt._n after_o he_o have_v declare_v that_o the_o service_n of_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v 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and_o unstable_a wrist_n as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n here_o the_o danger_n object_v be_v take_v notice_n of_o but_o the_o remedy_n prescribe_v by_o st._n peter_n be_v not_o to_o take_v ●●om_o the_o people_n the_o use_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o ignorance_n ●ut_v after_o he_o have_v caution_v against_o the_o like_a weakness_n and_o error_n he_o exhort_v they_o to_o grow_v in_o knowledge_n ver_fw-la 17_o 18._o you_o therefore_o beloved_n see_v you_o know_v these_o thing_n before_o that_o be_v see_v you_o be_v so_o plain_o tell_v and_o warn_v of_o this_o danger_n beware_v lest_o you_o also_o be_v lead_v away_o with_o the_o error_n of_o the_o wicked_a fall_v from_o your_o own_o steadfastness_n but_o grow_v in_o grace_n and_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n believe_v it_o seem_v that_o the_o more_o knowledge_n they_o have_v 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and_o conversation_n and_o by_o die_v for_o our_o sin_n and_o rise_v again_o for_o our_o justification_n these_o be_v thing_n which_o man_n may_v easy_o understand_v and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o they_o be_v difficulty_n bring_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n i_o shall_v instance_n in_o three_o sort_n of_o person_n in_o who_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n be_v more_o remarkable_o separate_v from_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o and_o for_o distinction_n sake_n i_o may_v call_v they_o by_o these_o three_o name_n the_o speculative_a the_o formal_a and_o the_o hypocritical_a christian_a the_o first_o of_o these_o make_v religion_n only_o a_o science_n the_o second_o take_v it_o up_o for_o a_o fashion_n the_o three_o make_v some_o worldly_a advantage_n of_o it_o and_o serve_v some_o secular_a interest_n and_o design_n by_o it_o all_o these_o be_v upon_o several_a account_n concern_v to_o understand_v something_o of_o religion_n but_o yet_o will_v not_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o first_o of_o these_o who_o i_o call_v the_o speculative_a christian_a be_v he_o who_o make_v religion_n only_o a_o science_n and_o study_v it_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o learning_n and_o part_n of_o that_o general_a knowledge_n in_o which_o he_o affect_v the_o reputation_n of_o be_v a_o master_n he_o have_v no_o design_n to_o practise_v it_o but_o he_o be_v loath_a to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v a_o good_a ornament_n of_o conversation_n and_o will_v serve_v for_o discourse_n and_o entertainment_n among_o those_o who_o be_v dispose_v to_o be_v grave_a and_o serious_a and_o because_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o practise_v it_o he_o pass_v over_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o apply_v himself_o chief_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v more_o abstruse_a and_o will_v afford_v matter_n of_o controversy_n and_o subtle_a dispute_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n predestination_n freewill_n and_o the_o like_a of_o this_o temper_n seem_v many_o of_o the_o schoolman_n of_o old_a to_o have_v be_v who_o make_v it_o their_o great_a study_n and_o business_n to_o puzzle_v religion_n and_o to_o make_v every_o thing_n in_o it_o intricate_a by_o start_v infinite_a question_n and_o difficulty_n about_o the_o plain_a truth_n and_o of_o the_o same_o rank_n usual_o be_v the_o head_n and_o leader_n of_o party_n and_o faction_n in_o religion_n who_o by_o needless_a controversy_n and_o endless_a dispute_n about_o some_o thing_n or_o other_o common_o of_o no_o great_a moment_n in_o religion_n hinder_v themselves_o and_o other_o from_o mind_v the_o practice_n of_o the_o great_a and_o substantial_a duty_n of_o a_o good_a life_n second_o there_o be_v the_o formal_n ch●istian_n who_o take_v up_o religion_n for_o a_o fashion_n he_o be_v bear_v and_o breed_v in_o a_o nation_n where_o christianity_n be_v profess_v and_o countenance_v and_o therefore_o think_v it_o convenient_a for_o he_o to_o know_v something_o of_o it_o of_o this_o sort_n there_o be_v i_o fear_v a_o great_a many_o who_o read_v the_o scripture_n sometime_o as_o other_o do_v to_o know_v the_o history_n of_o it_o and_o go_v to_o church_n and_o hear_v the_o gospel_n preach_v and_o by_o this_o mean_n come_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o understand_v the_o history_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n but_o do_v not_o at_o all_o bend_v themselves_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o it_o they_o do_v not_o hearty_o endeavour_v to_o form_n and_o fashion_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o it_o they_o think_v they_o be_v very_o good_a christian_n if_o they_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o article_n of_o their_o faith_n profess_v their_o belief_n in_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o declare_v that_o they_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v by_o he_o though_o they_o take_v no_o care_n to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n these_o be_v they_o of_o who_o our_o saviour_n speak_v luke_n 6._o 46._o who_o call_v he_o lord_n lord_n but_o do_v not_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o say_v three_o hypocritical_a christian_n who_o make_v a_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o serve_v some_o worldly_a design_n by_o it_o these_o be_v concern_v to_o understand_v religion_n more_o than_o ordinary_a that_o they_o may_v counterfeit_v it_o handsome_o and_o may_v not_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n when_o they_o have_v occasion_n to_o put_v on_o the_o garb_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v one_o part_n of_o the_o character_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v of_o those_o person_n who_o he_o foretell_v will_v appear_v in_o the_o last_o day_n 2_o tim._n 3._o 2._o he_o say_v they_o shall_v be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n covetous_a heady_a highminded_a lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n of_o it_o now_o these_o man_n do_v not_o love_v religion_n but_o they_o have_v occasion_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o they_o will_v have_v no_o more_o of_o it_o than_o will_v just_o serve_v their_o purpose_n and_o design_n and_o indeed_o he_o that_o have_v any_o other_o design_n in_o religion_n than_o to_o please_v god_n and_o save_v his_o soul_n needs_o no_o more_o than_o so_o much_o knowledge_n of_o it_o as_o will_v serve_v he_o to_o act_v a_o part_n in_o it_o upon_o occasion_n i_o come_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o observation_n viz._n that_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o do_v of_o what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o happiness_n if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o if_o you_o do_v they_o not_o if_o you_o know_v these_o thing_n happy_a be_v you_o but_o
if_o you_o know_v and_o do_v they_o now_o to_o convince_v man_n of_o so_o important_a a_o truth_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o gospel_n make_v the_o practice_n of_o religion_n a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o happiness_n second_o that_o the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n make_v it_o a_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o it_o first_o the_o gospel_n make_v the_o practice_n of_o religion_n a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o happiness_n our_o saviour_n in_o his_o first_o sermon_n where_o he_o repeat_v the_o promise_n of_o blessedness_n so_o often_o he_o make_v no_o promise_n of_o it_o to_o the_o mere_a knowledge_n of_o religion_n but_o to_o the_o habit_n and_o practice_n of_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o meekness_n and_o humility_n and_o mercifulness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o peaceableness_n and_o p●r●ty_n and_o patience_n under_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n for_o righteousness_n sake_n and_o matth._n 7._o 2._o our_o saviour_n do_v most_o full_o declare_v that_o the_o happiness_n which_o he_o promise_v do_v not_o belong_v to_o those_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o his_o name_n and_o be_v so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o his_o doctrine_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o instruct_v other_o if_o themselves_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n do_v not_o practice_v it_o not_o every_o one_o that_o ●aith_v unto_o i_o lord_n lord_n shall_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n but_o he_o that_o do_v the_o will_n of_o my_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n many_o will_v say_v unto_o i_o in_o that_o day_n lord_n lord_n have_v we_o not_o prophesy_v in_o thy_o name_n and_o in_o thy_o name_n cast_v out_o devil_n and_o do_v many_o wondrous_a work_n and_o then_o will_v i_o profess_v unto_o they_o i_o never_o know_v you_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n though_o they_o profess_v to_o know_v he_o yet_o because_o their_o life_n be_v not_o answerable_a to_o the_o knowledge_n which_o they_o have_v of_o he_o and_o his_o doctrine_n he_o declare_v that_o he_o will_v not_o know_v they_o but_o bid_v they_o depart_v from_o he_o and_o then_o he_o go_v on_o to_o show_v that_o though_o a_o man_n attend_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o gain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o yet_o if_o it_o do_v not_o descend_v into_o his_o life_n and_o govern_v his_o action_n all_o that_o man_n hope_n of_o heaven_n be_v fond_a and_o groundless_a and_o only_o that_o man_n hope_n of_o heaven_n be_v well_o ground_v who_o know_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v it_o ver._n 24._o whosoever_o hear_v these_o say_n of_o i_o and_o do_v they_o i_o will_v liken_v he_o to_o a_o wise_a man_n who_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o a_o rock_n and_o the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blue_a and_o beat_v upon_o that_o house_n and_o it_o fall_v not_o for_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o roc●_n 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 to_o a_o foolish_a man_n who_o build_v his_o house_n upon_o the_o sand_n and_o the_o rain_n descend_v and_o the_o flood_n come_v and_o the_o wind_n blue_a 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 though_o a_o man_n have_v a_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n as_o great_a and_o perfect_a as_o that_o which_o solomon_n have_v of_o natural_a thing_n large_a as_o the_o sand_n upon_o the_o sea_n shore_n yet_o all_o th●s_n knowledge_n separate_v from_o practice_n will_v be_v like_o the_o sand_n also_o in_o another_o respect_n a_o weak_a foundation_n for_o any_o man_n to_o build_v his_o hope_n ●f_a happiness_n upon_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n paul_n speak_v rom._n 2._o 13._o not_o the_o hearer_n of_o the_o law_n be_v just_a before_o god_n but_o the_o d●ers_n of_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v justify_v so_o likewise_o st._n james_n chap._n 1._o 22._o be_v you_o doer_n of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o hearer_n only_o deceive_v your_o own_o self_n and_o ver_fw-la 25._o who_o be_v look_v into_o the_o perfect_a law_n of_o libert_n that_o be_v the_o law_n or_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o continue_v therein_o he_o be_v not_o a_o forgetful_a hearer_n but_o a_o doer_n of_o the_o work_n this_o man_n shall_v be_v bless_v in_o his_o deed_n and_o therefore_o he_o add_v that_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o the_o government_n of_o our_o word_n and_o order_v of_o our_o life_n ver._n 26._o if_o any_o man_n among_o you_o seem_v to_o be_v religious_a and_o bridle_v not_o his_o tongue_n but_o deceive_v his_o own_o heart_n this_o man_n religion_n be_v vain_a pure_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 fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o their_o aff●iction_n and_o to_o keep_v himself_o unspotted_a from_o the_o world_n man_n talk_v of_o religion_n and_o keep_v a_o great_a stir_n about_o it_o but_o nothing_o will_v pass_v for_o true_a religion_n before_o god_n but_o the_o virtuous_a and_o charitable_a action_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o god_n will_v accept_v no_o man_n to_o eternal_a life_n upon_o any_o other_o condition_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o most_o express_o heb._n 12._o 14._o follow_v peace_n with_o all_o man_n and_o holiness_n without_o which_o no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n second_o as_o god_n have_v make_v the_o practice_n of_o religion_n a_o necessary_a condition_n of_o our_o happiness_n so_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n make_v it_o a_o necessary_a qualification_n for_o it_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o become_v like_a to_o god_n in_o order_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o and_o nothing_o make_v we_o like_a to_o god_n but_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n knowledge_n indeed_o be_v a_o divine_a perfection_n but_o that_o alone_a as_o it_o do_v not_o render_v a_o man_n like_o god_n so_o neither_o do_v it_o dispose_v he_o for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o if_o a_o man_n have_v the_o understanding_n of_o a_o angel_n he_o may_v for_o all_o that_o be_v a_o devil_n he_o that_o commit_v sin_n be_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o whatever_o knowledge_n such_o a_o man_n may_v have_v he_o be_v of_o a_o devilish_a temper_n and_o disposition_n but_o every_o one_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o god_n by_o this_o we_o be_v like_o god_n and_o only_o by_o our_o likeness_n to_o he_o do_v we_o become_v capable_a of_o the_o ●ight_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o he_o therefore_o every_o man_n that_o hope_v to_o be_v happy_a by_o the_o bless_a ●ight_n of_o god_n in_o the_o next_o life_n must_v endeavour_v after_o holiness_n in_o this_o life_n so_o the_o same_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 1_o john_n 3._o 3._o every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a a_o wicked_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n be_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n utter_o inconsistent_a with_o all_o reasonable_a hope_n of_o heaven_n thus_o i_o have_v show_v that_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o do_v of_o what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v our_o duty_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o happiness_n and_o now_o the_o proper_a inference_n from_o all_o this_o be_v to_o put_v man_n upon_o the_o careful_a practice_n of_o religion_n let_v no_o man_n content_v himself_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o duty_n unless_o he_o do_v it_o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o shall_v brief_o urge_v these_o three_o consideration_n first_o this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o all_o our_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n to_o practice_v what_o we_o know_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o duty_n have_v so_o essential_a a_o respect_n to_o practice_n that_o the_o scripture_n will_v hardly_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v proper_o call_v knowledge_n unless_o it_o have_v a_o influence_n upon_o our_o life_n 1_o john_n 2._o 3_o 4._o hereby_o we_o do_v know_v that_o we_o know_v he_o if_o we_o keep_v his_o commandment_n he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n be_v a_o liar_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v not_o in_o he_o second_o practice_n be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o increase_v and_o perfect_v our_o knowledge_n knowledge_n direct_v we_o in_o our_o practice_n but_o practice_n confirm_v and_o increase_v our_o knowledge_n john_n 7._o 17._o if_o any_o man_n will_v do_v the_o will_n of_o god_n he_o shall_v know_v of_o the_o doctrine_n the_o best_a way_n to_o know_v god_n be_v to_o be_v like_o he_o ourselves_o and_o to_o have_v the_o lively_a image_n of_o his_o perfection_n imprint_v upon_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o best_a way_n to_o understand_v
the_o christian_a religion_n be_v serious_o to_o set_v about_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o this_o will_v give_v a_o man_n a_o better_a notion_n of_o christianity_n than_o any_o speculation_n can_v three_o without_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n our_o knowledge_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v any_o furtherance_n and_o advantage_n to_o our_o happiness_n that_o it_o will_v be_v one_o of_o the_o unhappy_a aggravation_n of_o our_o misery_n he_o that_o be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o duty_n have_v some_o excuse_n to_o pretend_v for_o himself_o but_o he_o that_o understand_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o do_v not_o live_v according_a to_o it_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o his_o sin_n the_o defect_n of_o our_o knowledge_n unless_o they_o be_v gross_a and_o wilful_a will_v find_v a_o easy_a pardon_n with_o god_n but_o the_o fault_n of_o our_o life_n shall_v be_v severe_o punish_v when_o we_o know_v our_o duty_n and_o will_v not_o do_v it_o i_o will_v conclude_v with_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n luke_n 12._o 47_o 48._o that_o servant_n which_o know_v his_o lord_n will_n and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neither_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n for_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o much_o shall_v be_v require_v when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n no_o consideration_n will_v sting_v we_o more_o and_o add_v more_o to_o the_o rage_n of_o our_o torment_n than_o this_o that_o we_o do_v wicked_o when_o we_o understand_v to_o have_v do_v better_o and_o choose_v to_o make_v ourselves_o miserable_a when_o we_o know_v so_o well_o the_o way_n to_o have_v be_v happy_a sermon_n xiii_o practise_v in_o religion_n necessary_a in_o proportion_n to_o our_o knowledge_n luke_n xii_o 47_o 48._o and_o that_o servant_n which_o know_v his_o lord_n will_n and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neither_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n but_o he_o that_o know_v not_o and_o do_v commit_v thing_n worthy_a of_o stripe_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o few_o stripe_n for_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v be_v much_o require_v and_o to_o who_o man_n have_v commit_v much_o of_o he_o they_o will_v ask_v the_o more_o in_o prosecution_n of_o the_o argument_n which_o i_o handle_v in_o my_o last_o discourse_n namely_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n without_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o will_v not_o bring_v we_o to_o happiness_n i_o shall_v proceed_v to_o show_v that_o if_o our_o practice_n be_v not_o answerable_a to_o our_o knowledge_n this_o will_v be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n both_o of_o our_o sin_n and_o punishment_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o have_v pitch_v upon_o these_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n which_o be_v the_o application_n of_o two_o parable_n which_o he_o have_v deliver_v before_o to_o stir_v up_o man_n to_o a_o diligent_a and_o careful_a practice_n of_o their_o duty_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v in_o a_o continual_a readiness_n and_o preparation_n for_o the_o come_n of_o their_o lord_n the_o first_o parable_n be_v more_o general_a and_o concern_v all_o man_n who_o be_v represent_v as_o so_o many_o servant_n in_o a_o great_a family_n from_o which_o the_o lord_n be_v absent_a and_o they_o be_v uncertain_a of_o the_o time_n of_o his_o return_n shall_v always_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n and_o posture_n to_o receive_v he_o upon_o the_o hear_n of_o this_o parable_n peter_n inquire_v of_o our_o saviour_n whether_o he_o intend_v this_o only_a for_o his_o disciple_n or_o for_o all_o to_o which_o question_n our_o saviour_n return_v a_o answer_n in_o another_o parable_n which_o more_o particular_o concern_v they_o who_o because_o they_o be_v to_o be_v the_o chief_a ruler_n and_o governor_n of_o his_o church_n be_v represent_v by_o the_o steward_n of_o a_o great_a family_n ver._n 42._o who_o then_o be_v that_o faithful_a and_o wise_a steward_n who_o his_o lord_n shall_v make_v ruler_n over_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o their_o portion_n of_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n if_o he_o discharge_v his_o duty_n bless_a be_v he_o but_o if_o he_o shall_v take_v occasion_n in_o his_o lord_n absence_n to_o domineer_v over_o his_o fellow_n servant_n and_o riotous_o to_o waste_v his_o lord_n good_n his_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v will_v punish_v he_o after_o a_o more_o severe_a and_o exemplary_a manner_n and_o then_o follow_v the_o application_n of_o the_o whole_a in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n and_o that_o servant_n which_o know_v his_o lord_n will_n and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neither_o do_v according_a to_o his_o will_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v and_o well_o may_v such_o a_o servant_n deserve_v so_o severe_a a_o punishment_n who_o have_v such_o a_o trust_n commit_v to_o he_o and_o know_v his_o lord_n will_n so_o much_o better_a yet_o do_v contrary_a to_o it_o upon_o which_o our_o saviour_n take_v occasion_n to_o compare_v the_o fault_n and_o punishment_n of_o those_o who_o have_v great_a advantage_n and_o opportunity_n of_o know_v their_o duty_n with_o those_o wh●_n be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o that_o servant_n which_o know_v his_o lord_n will_n and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neither_o do_v according_a to_o it_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n but_o he_o that_o know_v not_o but_o do_v commit_v thing_n worthy_a of_o stripe_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o few_o stripe_n and_o then_o he_o add_v the_o reason_n and_o the_o equity_n of_o this_o proceed_n for_o unto_o whosoever_o much_o be_v give_v of_o he_o shall_v be_v much_o require_v and_o to_o who_o man_n have_v commit_v much_o of_o he_o they_o will_v ask_v the_o more_o the_o word_n in_o general_n do_v allude_v to_o that_o law_n of_o the_o jew_n mention_v deut._n 25._o 2._o where_o the_o judge_n be_v require_v to_o se●_n the_o malefactor_n punish_v according_a to_o his_o fault_n by_o a_o certain_a number_n of_o stripe_n in_o relation_n to_o which_o know_a law_n among_o the_o jew_n our_o saviour_n here_o say_v that_o those_o who_o know_v their_o lord_n will_n and_o do_v it_o not_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n but_o those_o who_o know_v it_o not_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o few_o stripe_n so_o that_o there_o be_v two_o observation_n lie_v plain_o before_o we_o in_o the_o word_n first_o that_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o opportunity_n and_o man_n have_v of_o know_v his_o duty_n if_o he_o do_v it_o not_o the_o great_a will_v be_v his_o condemnation_n the_o servant_n which_o know_v his_o lord_n will_n and_o prepare_v not_o himself_o neither_o do_v according_a to_o it_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o many_o stripe_n second_o that_o ignorance_n be_v a_o great_a excuse_n of_o man_n fault_n and_o will_v lessen_v their_o punishment_n but_o he_o that_o know_v not_o but_o do_v commit_v thing_n worthy_a of_o stripe_n shall_v be_v beat_v with_o few_o stripe_n i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o first_o because_o it_o will_v 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that_o he_o will_v not_o do_v what_o he_o know_v he_o ought_v to_o do_v or_o will_v do_v what_o he_o know_v he_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v now_o if_o a_o man_n be_v simple_o and_o invincible_o ignorant_a of_o his_o duty_n his_o neglect_n of_o it_o be_v altogether_o involuntary_a for_o the_o will_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v where_o the_o understanding_n do_v not_o first_o direct_v and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o child_n who_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v to_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n for_o though_o they_o may_v do_v that_o which_o be_v material_o a_o fault_n yet_o it_o be_v none_o in_o they_o because_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o incapacity_n they_o be_v at_o present_a invincible_o ignorant_a of_o what_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n likewise_o of_o idiot_n who_o be_v under_o a_o natural_a incapacity_n of_o knowledge_n and_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v so_o nothing_o that_o they_o do_v be_v impute_v to_o they_o as_o a_o fault_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o 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when_o man_n be_v not_o only_o ignorant_a but_o choose_v to_o be_v so_o that_o be_v when_o they_o wilful_o neglect_v those_o mean_n and_o opportunity_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v afford_v to_o they_o such_o as_o job_n speak_v of_o job_n 21._o 14._o who_o say_v unto_o god_n depart_v from_o we_o for_o we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o way_n and_o this_o sort_n of_o ignorance_n many_o among_o the_o jew_n be_v guilty_a of_o when_o our_o saviour_n come_v and_o preach_v to_o they_o but_o they_o will_v not_o be_v instruct_v by_o he_o the_o light_n come_v among_o they_o but_o they_o love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v as_o he_o himself_o say_v of_o they_o and_o as_o he_o say_v elsewhere_o of_o the_o pharisee_n they_o reject_v the_o counsel_n of_o god_n against_o themselves_o they_o wilful_o shut_v their_o eye_n against_o that_o light_n which_o offer_v itself_o to_o they_o they_o will_v not_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n nor_o hear_v with_o their_o ear_n nor_o understand_v with_o their_o heart_n that_o they_o may_v be_v convert_v and_o heal_v now_o a_o ignorance_n in_o this_o degree_n wilful_a can_v hardly_o be_v imagine_v to_o carry_v any_o excuse_n at_o all_o in_o it_o he_o that_o know_v not_o his_o lord_n will_n because_o he_o will_v not_o know_v it_o because_o he_o wilful_o reject_v the_o mean_n of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o deserve_v to_o be_v beat_v with_o as_o many_o stripe_n as_o if_o he_o have_v know_v it_o because_o he_o may_v have_v know_v it_o and_o will_v not_o he_o that_o will_v not_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o king_n proclamation_n or_o will_v stop_v his_o ear_n when_o it_o be_v read_v and_o afterward_o offend_v against_o it_o do_v equal_o deserve_v punishment_n with_o those_o who_o have_v read_v it_o and_o hear_v it_o and_o disobey_v it_o because_o he_o be_v as_o gross_o faulty_a in_o not_o know_v it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n that_o any_o man_n be_v gross_a fault_n shall_v be_v his_o excuse_n so_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o of_o these_o sort_n of_o ignorance_n that_o our_o saviour_n mean_v neither_o absolute_a and_o invincible_a ignorance_n nor_o that_o which_o be_v gross_o wilful_a and_o affect_v for_o the_o first_o man_n deserve_v not_o to_o be_v beat_v at_o all_o because_o they_o can_v help_v it_o for_o the_o latter_a they_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v excuse_v because_o they_o may_v have_v help_v their_o ignorance_n and_o will_v not_o but_o our_o saviour_n here_o speak_v of_o such_o a_o ignorance_n as_o do_v in_o a_o good_a degree_n extenuate_v the_o fault_n and_o yet_o not_o whole_o excuse_v it_o for_o he_o say_v of_o they_o that_o they_o know_v not_o their_o lord_n will_n and_o yet_o that_o this_o ignorance_n do_v not_o whole_o excuse_v they_o from_o blame_n nor_o exempt_v they_o from_o punishment_n but_o they_o shall_v be_v beat_v with_o few_o stripe_n in_o the_o three_o place_n then_o there_o be_v a_o ignorance_n which_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n faulty_a and_o yet_o do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n excuse_v the_o fault_n which_o proceed_v from_o it_o and_o this_o be_v when_o man_n be_v not_o absolute_o ignorant_a of_o their_o duty_n but_o only_o in_o comparison_n of_o other_o who_o have_v a_o far_o more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o though_o they_o do_v not_o gross_o and_o wilful_o neglect_v the_o mean_n of_o further_a knowledge_n yet_o perhaps_o they_o do_v not_o make_v the_o best_a use_n they_o may_v of_o the_o opportunity_n they_o have_v of_o know_v their_o duty_n better_o and_o therefore_o in_o comparison_n of_o other_o who_o have_v far_o better_a mean_n and_o advantage_n of_o know_v their_o lord_n will_n they_o may_v be_v say_v not_o to_o know_v it_o though_o they_o be_v not_o simple_o ignorant_a of_o it_o but_o only_o have_v a_o more_o obscure_a and_o uncertain_a knowledge_n of_o it_o now_o this_o ignorance_n do_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n excuse_v such_o person_n and_o extenuate_v their_o crime_n in_o comparison_n of_o those_o who_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o more_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o their_o master_n will_n and_o yet_o it_o do_v not_o free_v they_o from_o all_o guilt_n because_o they_o do_v not_o live_v up_o to_o that_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n which_o they_o have_v and_o perhaps_o if_o they_o have_v use_v more_o care_n and_o industry_n they_o may_v have_v know_v their_o lord_n will_n better_o and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o heathen_a who_o in_o comparison_n of_o those_o who_o enjoy_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n may_v be_v say_v not_o to_o have_v know_v their_o lord_n will_n though_o as_o to_o many_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n they_o have_v some_o direction_n from_o natural_a light_n and_o their_o conscience_n do_v urge_v they_o to_o many_o thing_n by_o the_o obscure_a apprehension_n and_o hope_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o future_a punishment_n but_o this_o be_v but_o a_o very_a obscure_a and_o uncertain_a knowledge_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o have_v discover_v to_o we_o our_o duty_n so_o plain_o by_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o it_o and_o have_v present_v we_o with_o such_o powerful_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o obedience_n in_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o it_o and_o this_o likewise_o be_v the_o case_n of_o many_o christian_n who_o either_o through_o the_o natural_a slowness_n of_o their_o understanding_n or_o by_o the_o neglect_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o teacher_n or_o other_o circumstance_n of_o their_o education_n have_v have_v far_o less_o mean_n and_o advantage_n of_o knowledge_n than_o other_o god_n do_v not_o expect_v so_o much_o from_o those_o as_o from_o other_o to_o who_o he_o have_v give_v great_a capacity_n and_o advantage_n
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 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