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 bâ—ing_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n the_o immoâ—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 alterâ—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 sibâ—_n veniam_fw-la sperare_fw-la possunâ—_n impieâ—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
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 oâ—_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
whole_a world_n gentile_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n it_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n to_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v to_o the_o jew_n first_o and_o also_o to_o the_o greek_a and_o to_o show_v the_o efficacy_n of_o it_o he_o instance_v in_o two_o thing_n which_o render_v it_o so_o powerful_a and_o effectual_a a_o mean_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n first_o because_o therein_o the_o grace_n and_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o declare_v he_o righteous_a be_v so_o clear_o reveal_v ver_fw-la 17._o for_o therein_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n reveal_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v write_v the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n this_o be_v very_o obscure_o express_v but_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o text_n will_v be_v very_o much_o clear_v by_o compare_v it_o with_o another_o in_o the_o 3_o d_o chapter_n of_o this_o epistle_n ver_fw-la 20_o 21_o 22_o etc._n etc._n where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v more_o full_o and_o express_o of_o the_o way_n of_o our_o justification_n by_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n that_o be_v by_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n he_o asseâ—ts_v at_o the_o 20_o the_o verse_n that_o by_o the_o â—â—eds_n of_o the_o law_n there_o shall_v no_o flesh_n be_v â—â—stified_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o this_o â—ay_n of_o justification_n by_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o â—â—wâ—_n he_o oppose_v the_o righteousness_n of_o â—od_n by_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o all_o and_o upon_o all_o they_o that_o believe_v which_o be_v the_o gospel_n way_n of_o justification_n ver_fw-la 21_o 22._o but_o now_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n without_o the_o law_n be_v manifest_v be_v witness_v by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n even_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n which_o be_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n unto_o all_o and_o upon_o all_o they_o that_o believe_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n without_o the_o law_n be_v manifest_v that_o be_v the_o way_n which_o god_n have_v take_v to_o justify_v sinner_n and_o declare_v they_o righteous_a without_o the_o deed_n of_o the_o law_n that_o be_v without_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v manifest_v that_o be_v be_v clear_o reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o what_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v before_o that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v witness_v by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n that_o be_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n or_o the_o justification_n of_o sinner_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v clear_o reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v also_o in_o a_o more_o obscure_a manner_n attest_v or_o foretell_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o he_o call_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o this_o full_o explain_v that_o difficult_a phrase_n of_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v by_o the_o gospel_n from_o faith_n to_o faith_n that_o be_v by_o a_o gradual_a revelation_n be_v more_o obscure_o foretell_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o clear_o discover_v in_o the_o new_a so_o that_o these_o two_o passage_n be_v equivalent_a in_o the_o gospel_n the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o faith_n to_o faith_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n without_o the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n be_v manifest_v be_v witness_v by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n there_o be_v the_o first_o and_o more_o imperfect_a revelation_n of_o it_o but_o the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o it_o be_v in_o the_o gospel_n this_o the_o apostle_n call_v a_o revelation_n from_o faith_n to_o faith_n that_o be_v from_o a_o more_o imperfect_a and_o obscure_a to_o a_o more_o express_a and_o clear_a discovery_n and_o belief_n of_o it_o and_o then_o the_o citation_n which_o follow_v be_v very_o pertinent_a as_o it_o be_v write_v the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n for_o this_o citation_n out_o of_o the_o old_a testament_n plain_o show_v that_o the_o way_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n be_v there_o mention_v or_o as_o our_o apostle_n express_v it_o be_v witness_v by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o consequent_o that_o this_o be_v a_o gradual_a discovery_n which_o he_o call_v a_o revelation_n from_o faith_n to_o faith_n the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n that_o be_v good_a man_n shall_v be_v save_v by_o their_o faith_n shall_v be_v justify_v and_o esteem_v righteous_a in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n and_o final_o save_v by_o their_o faith_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o 5_o the_o chapt._n of_o this_o epistle_n ver_fw-la 18._o call_v our_o justification_n by_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o justification_n of_o life_n in_o opposition_n to_o condemnation_n and_o death_n which_o very_o well_o explain_v that_o say_v of_o the_o prophet_n the_o just_a shall_v live_v by_o faith_n i_o have_v be_v the_o long_o upon_o this_o that_o i_o may_v give_v some_o light_n to_o a_o very_a difficult_a and_o obscure_a text._n second_o the_o other_o instance_n whereby_o the_o apostle_n prove_v the_o gospel_n to_o be_v so_o powerful_a a_o mean_n for_o the_o recovery_n and_o salvation_n of_o man_n be_v that_o therein_o also_o the_o severity_n of_o god_n against_o impenitent_a sinner_n as_o well_o as_o his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n in_o the_o justification_n of_o the_o penitent_a be_v clear_o reveal_v ver_fw-la 18._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_v in_o they_o for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o the_o first_o viz._n the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o our_o justification_n and_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n past_a be_v a_o most_o proper_a and_o powerful_a argument_n to_o encourage_v we_o to_o obedience_n for_o the_o future_a nothing_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o reclaim_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n than_o the_o assurance_n of_o indemnity_n for_o past_a crime_n and_o the_o other_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o effectual_a consideration_n in_o the_o world_n to_o deter_v man_n from_o sin_n that_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 etc._n etc._n from_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v observe_v these_o six_o thing_n first_o the_o infinite_a danger_n that_o a_o wicked_a and_o sinful_a course_n do_v plain_o expose_v man_n to_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v here_o say_v to_o be_v reveal_v against_o the_o impiety_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o men._n second_o the_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a revelation_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v make_v of_o this_o danger_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n be_v say_v to_o be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n three_o that_o every_o wicked_a and_o vicious_a practice_n do_v expose_v man_n to_o this_o great_a danger_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v reveal_v against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o men._n four_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n for_o man_n to_o offend_v against_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n the_o apostle_n here_o aggravate_v the_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n that_o they_o do_v not_o live_v up_o to_o the_o knowledge_n which_o they_o have_v of_o god_n but_o contradict_v it_o in_o their_o life_n which_o he_o call_v hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n five_o the_o natural_a knowledge_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n if_o they_o live_v wicked_o be_v a_o clear_a evidence_n of_o their_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n the_o apostle_n therefore_o charge_v they_o with_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_v in_o they_o god_n have_v show_v it_o to_o they_o six_o and_o last_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 wickedness_n of_o man_n render_v it_o a_o very_a powerful_a and_o likely_a mean_n for_o the_o recovery_n and_o salvation_n of_o men._n for_o the_o apostle_n prove_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o salvation_n because_o therein_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 that_o be_v against_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n i_o shall_v at_o the_o present_a by_o god_n assistance_n speak_v to_o the_o three_o first_o of_o these_o particular_n first_o the_o infinite_a danger_n that_o a_o wicked_a and_o sinful_a course_n do_v plain_o expose_v man_n to_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o make_v the_o world_n and_o govern_v it_o and_o takes_z care_n of_o mankind_n and_o have_v give_v they_o law_n
that_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a shall_v precede_v the_o general_a judgement_n and_o what_o more_o magnificent_a and_o suitable_a to_o this_o glorious_a solemnity_n than_o the_o awful_a circumstance_n which_o the_o scripture_n mention_n of_o the_o appearance_n of_o this_o great_a judge_n that_o he_o shall_v descend_v from_o heaven_n in_o great_a majesty_n and_o glory_n attend_v with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n and_o that_o every_o eye_n shall_v see_v he_o that_o upon_o his_o appearance_n the_o frame_n of_o nature_n shall_v be_v in_o a_o agony_n and_o the_o whole_a world_n in_o flame_n and_o confusion_n that_o those_o great_a and_o glorious_a body_n of_o light_n shall_v be_v obscure_v and_o by_o degree_n extinguish_v the_o sun_n shall_v be_v darken_v and_o the_o moon_n turn_v into_o blood_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o heaven_n shake_v yea_o the_o heaven_n themselves_o shall_v pass_v away_o with_o a_o great_a noiseâ—_n and_o the_o element_n dissolve_v with_o â—ervent_a heat_n the_o earth_n also_o and_o all_o the_o work_n that_o be_v therein_o shall_v be_v burn_v up_o i_o appeal_v to_o any_o man_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o representation_n of_o thing_n very_o proper_a and_o suitable_a to_o that_o great_a dayâ—_n wherein_o he_o who_o make_v the_o world_n shall_v come_v to_o judge_v it_o and_o whether_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n ever_o devise_v any_o thing_n so_o awful_a and_o so_o agreeable_a to_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o the_o solemn_a judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o description_n which_o virgil_n make_v of_o the_o judgement_n of_o another_o world_n of_o the_o elysian_a field_n and_o the_o infernal_a region_n how_o infinite_o do_v they_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o description_n there_o make_v of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o of_o the_o great_a and_o terrible_a day_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o that_o in_o comparison_n they_o be_v childish_a and_o trifle_a and_o yet_o perhaps_o he_o have_v the_o most_o regular_a and_o most_o govern_a imagination_n of_o any_o man_n that_o ever_o live_v and_o observe_v the_o great_a decorum_n in_o his_o character_n and_o description_n but_o who_o can_v declare_v the_o great_a thing_n of_o god_n but_o he_o to_o who_o god_n shall_v reveal_v they_o second_o this_o expression_n of_o the_o â—â—ath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n do_v not_o only_o imply_v the_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o likewise_o something_o extraordinary_a in_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o discovery_n it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o natural_a impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o god_n will_v severe_o punish_v â—inners_n but_o he_o have_v take_v care_n that_o mankind_n shall_v be_v instruct_v in_o this_o matter_n in_o a_o very_a particular_a and_o extraordinary_a manner_n he_o have_v not_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n to_o collect_v it_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o attribute_n and_o perfection_n his_o holiness_n and_o justice_n and_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o promiscuous_a administration_n of_o his_o providence_n towards_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o this_o world_n but_o he_o have_v be_v please_v to_o send_v a_o extraordinary_a person_n from_o heaven_n on_o purpose_n to_o declare_v this_o thing_n plain_o to_o the_o world_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n that_o be_v god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n from_o heaven_n on_o purpose_n to_o declare_v his_o wrath_n against_o all_o obstinate_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n that_o he_o may_v effectual_o awaken_v the_o drowsy_a world_n to_o repentance_n he_o have_v send_v a_o extraordinary_a ambassador_n into_o the_o world_n to_o give_v warning_n to_o all_o those_o who_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n and_o to_o summon_v they_o before_o his_o dreadful_a tribunal_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v the_o athenian_n act_n 17._o 30_o 31._o now_o he_o command_v all_o man_n â—very_n where_o to_o repent_v because_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n in_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n by_o that_o man_n who_o he_o have_v ordain_v whereof_o he_o have_v give_v assurance_n unto_o all_o man_n in_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a three_o this_o expression_n imply_v likewise_o the_o certainty_n of_o this_o discovery_n if_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n have_v only_o be_v declare_v in_o the_o discourse_n of_o wise_a man_n though_o ground_v upon_o very_o probable_a reason_n yet_o it_o may_v have_v be_v bring_v into_o doubt_n by_o the_o contrary_a reason_n of_o subtle_n and_o dispute_a man_n but_o to_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o question_n we_o have_v a_o divine_a testimony_n for_o it_o and_o god_n have_v confirm_v it_o from_o heaven_n by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o miracle_n especial_o by_o the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a for_o by_o this_o he_o have_v give_v assurance_n unto_o all_o man_n that_o it_o be_v he_o who_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n to_o judge_v the_o quick_a and_o dead_a thus_o you_o see_v in_o what_o respect_n the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n in_o that_o the_o gospel_n have_v make_v a_o more_o clear_a and_o particular_a and_o certain_a discovery_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n than_o ever_o be_v make_v to_o the_o world_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o observation_n which_o i_o shall_v speak_v but_o brief_o to_o namely_o that_o every_o wicked_a and_o vicious_a practice_n do_v expose_v man_n to_o this_o dreadful_a danger_n the_o apostle_n instance_v in_o the_o two_o chief_a head_n to_o which_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n may_v be_v reduce_v impiety_n towards_o god_n and_o unrighteousness_n towards_o menâ—_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v to_o denounce_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n against_o every_o particular_a kind_n of_o sin_n comprehend_v under_o these_o general_a head_n so_o that_o no_o man_n that_o allow_v himself_o in_o any_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n of_o life_n can_v hope_v to_o escape_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n therefore_o it_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v entire_o religious_a and_o to_o have_v respect_n to_o all_o god_n commandment_n and_o to_o take_v heed_n that_o we_o do_v not_o allow_v ourselves_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o kind_n of_o sin_n whatsoever_o because_o the_o live_n in_o any_o one_o know_a sin_n be_v enough_o to_o expose_v we_o to_o the_o dreadful_a wrath_n of_o god_n though_o a_o man_n be_v just_a and_o righteous_a in_o his_o dealing_n with_o man_n yet_o if_o he_o neglect_v the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n this_o will_v certain_o bring_v he_o under_o condemnation_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n though_o a_o man_n may_v serve_v god_n never_o so_o diligent_o and_o devout_o yet_o if_o he_o be_v defective_a in_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n if_o he_o deal_v false_o and_o fraudulent_o with_o his_o neighbour_n he_o shall_v not_o escape_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n though_o a_o man_n pretend_v to_o never_o so_o much_o piety_n and_o devotion_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v unrighteous_a he_o shall_v not_o inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n if_o any_o man_n overreach_v and_o defraud_v his_o brother_n in_o any_o matter_n the_o lord_n be_v the_o avenger_n of_o such_o say_v st._n paul_n 1_o thes_n 4._o 6._o so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o very_a powerful_a argument_n to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o all_o sin_n and_o to_o engage_v they_o to_o a_o constant_a and_o careful_a discharge_n of_o their_o whole_a duty_n towards_o god_n and_o man_n and_o to_o reform_v whatever_o be_v amiss_o either_o in_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_n of_o their_o mind_n or_o in_o the_o action_n and_o course_n of_o their_o life_n because_o any_o kind_n of_o wickedness_n any_o one_o sort_n of_o vicious_a course_n lay_v man_n open_a to_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n 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 there_o be_v no_o exception_n in_o the_o case_n we_o must_v forsake_v all_o sin_n subdue_v every_o lust_n be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n otherwise_o we_o can_v have_v no_o reasonable_a hope_n of_o escape_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o the_o damnation_n of_o hell_n but_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o four_o observation_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a aggravation_n of_o sin_n for_o man_n to_o offend_v against_o the_o light_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n the_o apostle_n here_o aggravate_v the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n that_o they_o do_v not_o live_v up_o to_o that_o knowledge_n which_o they_o have_v of_o god_n but_o contradict_v it_o in_o their_o life_n hold_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o that_o he_o speak_v here_o of_o the_o heathen_a be_v
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 distract_a person_n who_o be_v deprive_v either_o whole_o or_o at_o some_o time_n of_o the_o use_n of_o their_o understanding_n so_o far_o and_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v thus_o deprive_v they_o be_v free_a from_o all_o guilt_n and_o to_o person_n who_o have_v the_o free_a and_o perfect_a use_n of_o their_o reason_n no_o neglect_n of_o any_o duty_n be_v impute_v of_o which_o they_o be_v absolute_o and_o invincible_o ignorant_a for_o instance_n it_o be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o all_o mankind_n to_o believe_v in_o the_o son_n of_o god_n where_o he_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_v and_o reveal_v to_o they_o but_o those_o who_o never_o hear_v of_o he_o nor_o have_v any_o opportunity_n of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v for_o this_o infidelity_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v believe_v on_o he_o of_o who_o they_o never_o hear_v they_o may_v indeed_o be_v condemn_v upon_o other_o account_n for_o â—inning_v against_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o for_o not_o obey_v the_o law_n which_o be_v write_v in_o their_o heart_n for_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v of_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o law_n be_v as_o true_a of_o any_o other_o revelation_n of_o god_n as_o many_o as_o have_v sin_v without_o law_n shall_v also_o perish_v without_o law_n and_o as_o many_o as_o have_v sin_v under_o the_o law_n shall_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o law_n rom._n 2._o 12._o in_o like_a manner_n those_o who_o have_v â—inned_v without_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v who_o never_o have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v condemn_v for_o any_o offence_n against_o that_o revelation_n which_o be_v never_o make_v to_o they_o but_o for_o their_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n only_o they_o that_o have_v sin_v under_o the_o gospel_n shall_v be_v judge_v by_o it_o second_o there_o be_v likewise_o another_o sort_n of_o ignorance_n which_o either_o do_v not_o at_o all_o or_o very_o little_a extenuate_v the_o fault_n of_o man_n 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
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 lâ—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
find_v any_o of_o those_o virtue_n that_o i_o have_v mention_v condemn_a and_o forbid_v a_o clear_a evidence_n that_o mankind_n never_o take_v any_o exception_n against_o they_o but_o be_v general_o agree_v about_o the_o goodness_n of_o they_o four_o god_n have_v show_v we_o what_o be_v good_a by_o external_n revelation_n in_o former_a age_n of_o the_o world_n god_n reveal_v his_o will_n to_o particular_a person_n in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n and_o more_o especial_o to_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n leave_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o natural_a light_n but_o in_o these_o late_a age_n he_o have_v make_v a_o public_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n by_o his_o son_n and_o this_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n with_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n for_o our_o saviour_n comprehend_v all_o under_o these_o two_o general_a head_n the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n the_o apostle_n reduce_v all_o to_o three_o sobriety_n justice_n and_o piety_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n so_o that_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o apostle_n the_o gospel_n teach_v we_o the_o very_a same_o thing_n which_o nature_n dictate_v to_o man_n before_o only_o it_o have_v make_v a_o more_o perfect_a discovery_n of_o they_o so_o that_o whatever_o be_v doubtful_a and_o obscure_a before_o be_v now_o certain_a and_o plain_a the_o duty_n be_v still_o the_o same_o only_o it_o offer_v we_o more_o powerful_a argument_n and_o a_o great_a assistance_n to_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o duty_n so_o that_o we_o may_v now_o much_o better_o say_v than_o the_o prophet_n can_v in_o his_o day_n he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o five_o and_o last_o god_n show_v we_o what_o be_v good_a by_o the_o motion_n of_o his_o spirit_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n this_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o of_o and_o good_a man_n have_v experience_n more_o especial_o of_o it_o though_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o it_o and_o to_o say_v what_o motion_n be_v from_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o what_o from_o our_o own_o mind_n for_o as_o the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v and_o we_o hear_v the_o sound_n of_o it_o but_o know_v not_o whence_o it_o come_v nor_o whither_o it_o go_v so_o be_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n secret_a and_o imperceptible_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o all_o that_o now_o remain_v be_v to_o make_v some_o inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v by_o way_n of_o application_n first_o see_v god_n have_v so_o abundant_o provide_v that_o we_o shall_v know_v our_o duty_n we_o be_v altogether_o inexcusable_a if_o we_o do_v not_o do_v it_o because_o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o therefore_o thou_o be_v inexcusable_a o_o man_n whosoever_o thou_o be_v who_o live_v in_o a_o contradiction_n to_o this_o light_n god_n have_v acquaint_v we_o with_o our_o duty_n by_o such_o way_n as_o may_v most_o effectual_o both_o direct_a and_o engage_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o we_o be_v prompt_v to_o it_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o natural_a instinct_n and_o strong_a impression_n upon_o our_o mind_n of_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a we_o be_v lead_v to_o the_o knowledge_n and_o urge_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o by_o our_o nature_n and_o by_o our_o reason_n and_o by_o our_o interest_n and_o by_o that_o which_o be_v common_o very_o prevalent_a among_o man_n the_o general_a voice_n and_o consent_n of_o mankind_n and_o by_o the_o most_o powerful_a and_o govern_v passion_n in_o humane_a nature_n by_o hope_n and_o by_o fear_n and_o by_o shame_n by_o the_o prospect_n of_o advantage_n by_o the_o apprehension_n of_o danger_n and_o by_o the_o sense_n of_o honour_n and_o to_o take_v away_o all_o possible_a excuse_n of_o ignorance_n from_o we_o by_o a_o express_a revelation_n from_o god_n the_o clear_a and_o most_o perfect_a that_o ever_o be_v make_v to_o the_o world_n so_o that_o when_o ever_o we_o do_v contrary_a to_o our_o duty_n in_o any_o of_o these_o great_a instance_n we_o offend_v against_o all_o these_o and_o do_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n fall_v under_o the_o heavy_a sentence_n of_o our_o saviour_n this_o be_v the_o condemnation_n that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v second_o you_o see_v hence_o what_o be_v the_o great_a duty_n of_o religion_n which_o god_n main_o require_v of_o we_o and_o how_o reasonable_a they_o be_v piety_n towards_o god_n and_o justice_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n the_o knowledge_n whereof_o be_v plant_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o grow_v up_o with_o our_o reason_n and_o these_o be_v thing_n which_o be_v unquestionable_o good_a and_o against_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o exception_n thing_n that_o be_v never_o reprove_v nor_o find_v fault_n with_o by_o mankind_n neither_o our_o nature_n nor_o our_o reason_n rise_v up_o against_o they_o or_o dictate_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_n we_o have_v all_o the_o obligation_n and_o we_o have_v all_o the_o encouragement_n to_o they_o and_o be_v secure_a on_o all_o hand_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o in_o the_o do_n of_o these_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o danger_n to_o we_o from_o the_o law_n of_o man_n no_o fear_n of_o displeasure_n from_o god_n no_o offence_n or_o sting_n from_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v so_o agreeable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o our_o reason_n and_o our_o interest_n be_v the_o great_a thing_n which_o our_o religion_n require_v of_o we_o more_o valuable_a in_o themselves_o and_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o whole_a burnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n more_o than_o thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o ten_o thousand_o of_o river_n of_o oil_n more_o than_o if_o we_o offer_v to_o he_o all_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o forest_n and_o the_o cattle_n upon_o a_o thousand_o hill_n we_o be_v not_o to_o neglect_v any_o institution_n of_o god_n but_o above_o all_o we_o be_v to_o secure_v the_o observance_n of_o those_o great_a duty_n to_o which_o we_o be_v direct_v by_o our_o very_a nature_n and_o tie_v by_o the_o sure_a and_o most_o sacred_a of_o all_o other_o law_n those_o which_o god_n have_v rivet_v in_o our_o soul_n and_o write_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o that_o mankind_n may_v have_v no_o pretence_n leave_v to_o excuse_v they_o from_o these_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v set_v we_o free_a from_o those_o many_o positive_a and_o outward_a observance_n that_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v encumber_v withal_o that_o we_o may_v be_v whole_o intent_n upon_o these_o great_a duty_n and_o mind_n nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o real_a and_o substantial_a virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n three_o you_o see_v in_o the_o last_o place_n what_o be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o appease_v the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n towards_o a_o sinful_a nation_n god_n seem_v to_o have_v as_o great_a a_o controversy_n with_o we_o as_o he_o have_v with_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o his_o wrath_n be_v of_o late_a year_n most_o visible_o go_v out_o against_o we_o and_o proportionable_o to_o the_o full_a measure_n of_o our_o sin_n it_o have_v be_v pour_v out_o upon_o we_o in_o full_a vial_n how_o have_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n follow_v we_o and_o how_o close_o have_v they_o follow_v one_o another_o what_o fearful_a calamity_n have_v our_o eye_n see_v enough_o to_o make_v the_o ear_n of_o every_o one_o that_o hear_v they_o to_o tingle_v what_o terrible_a and_o hazardous_a war_n have_v we_o be_v engage_v in_o what_o a_o rage_a pestilence_n do_v god_n send_v among_o we_o that_o sweep_v away_o thousand_o and_o ten_o thousand_o in_o our_o street_n what_o a_o dreadful_a and_o fatal_a fire_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v check_v and_o resist_v in_o its_o course_n till_o it_o have_v lay_v in_o ash_n one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o rich_a city_n in_o the_o world_n what_o unseasonable_a weather_n have_v we_o have_v of_o late_a as_o if_o for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n upon_o the_o earth_n the_o very_a ordinance_n of_o heaven_n be_v change_v and_o summer_n and_o winter_n seedtime_n and_o harvest_n have_v forget_v their_o appoint_a season_n and_o which_o be_v more_o and_o sad_a than_o all_o this_o what_o dangerous_a attempt_n have_v be_v make_v upon_o our_o
the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o of_o goat_n shall_v take_v away_o sin_n i_o shall_v now_o have_v proceed_v to_o the_o three_o particular_a namely_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v supply_v all_o the_o defect_n and_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n but_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o enter_v upon_o but_o make_v one_o plain_a inference_n from_o the_o substance_n of_o what_o i_o have_v already_o discourse_v upon_o this_o argument_n if_o our_o saviour_n come_v not_o to_o dissolve_v and_o loosen_v the_o obligation_n of_o moral_a duty_n but_o to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v it_o and_o to_o enforce_v and_o bind_v the_o practice_n of_o these_o duty_n more_o strong_o upon_o we_o than_o they_o do_v wide_o and_o wilful_o mistake_v the_o design_n of_o christianity_n who_o teach_v that_o it_o discharge_v man_n from_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a and_o avow_a principle_n of_o the_o antinomian_a doctrine_n but_o direct_o contrary_a to_o this_o declaration_n of_o our_o saviour_n in_o the_o text_n that_o he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o to_o perfect_a and_o fulfil_v they_o for_o to_o take_v away_o the_o obligation_n of_o a_o law_n be_v plain_o to_o destroy_v and_o make_v it_o void_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o apostle_n solemn_a resolution_n of_o this_o matter_n rom._n 3._o 31._o do_v we_o then_o make_v void_a the_o law_n through_o faith_n that_o be_v do_v the_o gospel_n destroy_v and_o take_v away_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n god_n forbid_v yea_o we_o establish_v the_o law_n the_o christian_a religion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o design_v or_o do_v any_o such_o thing_n that_o it_o give_v new_a strength_n and_o force_n to_o it_o but_o sure_o they_o that_o teach_v this_o doctrine_n do_v never_o due_o consider_v that_o terrible_a threaten_n of_o our_o saviour_n after_o the_o text_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o direct_o level_v at_o they_o whosoever_o shall_v break_v one_o of_o these_o least_o commandment_n and_o shall_v teach_v man_n so_o he_o shall_v be_v call_v the_o least_o in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n for_o how_o can_v man_n more_o effectual_o teach_v the_o violation_n not_o only_o of_o the_o least_o but_o of_o the_o great_a of_o god_n commandment_n than_o by_o declare_v that_o the_o gospel_n have_v set_v man_n free_a from_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o christian_n may_v act_v contrary_a to_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n that_o be_v do_v the_o most_o impious_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n without_o any_o offence_n against_o god_n and_o notwithstanding_o this_o continue_v to_o be_v his_o child_n and_o high_o in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o all_o the_o security_n they_o have_v against_o this_o impious_a consequence_n be_v that_o weak_a and_o slender_a pretence_n that_o gratitude_n and_o love_n to_o god_n will_v preserve_v they_o from_o make_v this_o ill_a use_n of_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o oblige_v they_o to_o abstain_v from_o sin_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o please_v god_n as_o much_o as_o any_o law_n can_v do_v but_o then_o they_o do_v not_o consider_v the_o nonsense_n of_o this_o for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o sin_n if_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n be_v take_v away_o for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o can_v be_v no_o transgression_n as_o the_o apostle_n and_o common_a reason_n likewise_o tell_v we_o so_o that_o the_o law_n be_v remove_v and_o take_v away_o all_o action_n become_v indifferent_a and_o one_o thing_n be_v not_o more_o a_o sin_n or_o offence_n against_o god_n than_o another_o and_o what_o then_o be_v it_o they_o mean_v that_o gratitude_n will_v oblige_v man_n to_o or_o preserve_v they_o from_o when_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o sin_n or_o duty_n as_o please_v or_o offend_v god_n if_o there_o be_v no_o law_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o one_o or_o restrain_v we_o from_o the_o other_o and_o what_o be_v if_o this_o be_v not_o to_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n and_o to_o make_v christian_a liberty_n a_o cloak_n for_o all_o sort_n of_o sin_n a_o man_n can_v do_v a_o great_a despite_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n nor_o take_v a_o more_o effectual_a course_n to_o bring_v it_o into_o contempt_n and_o to_o make_v it_o to_o be_v hiss_v out_o of_o the_o world_n than_o to_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o lewd_a and_o licentious_a doctrine_n which_o give_v man_n a_o perfect_a discharge_n from_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n and_o oblige_v they_o only_o to_o believe_v confident_o that_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o they_o a_o liberty_n to_o do_v what_o they_o will_v and_o that_o upon_o these_o term_n and_o no_o other_o they_o be_v secure_a of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n and_o eternal_a salvation_n in_o the_o other_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o the_o plain_a result_n of_o the_o antinomian_a doctrine_n the_o most_o pernicious_a heresy_n and_o most_o direct_o destructive_a of_o the_o great_a end_n and_o design_n of_o christianity_n that_o ever_o yet_o be_v broach_v in_o the_o world_n but_o you_o have_v not_o so_o learned_a christ_n if_o so_o be_v you_o have_v hear_v he_o and_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o he_o as_o the_o truth_n be_v in_o jesus_n that_o you_o put_v off_o concern_v your_o former_a conversation_n the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a according_a to_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o that_o you_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o your_o mind_n and_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n sermon_n iu._n christianity_n do_v not_o destroy_v but_o perfect_a the_o law_n of_o moses_n matthew_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 and_o the_o prophet_n i_o be_o not_o come_v to_o destroy_v but_o to_o fulfil_v i_o have_v consider_v this_o say_v of_o our_o saviour_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o those_o precept_n which_o be_v of_o natural_a and_o perpetual_a force_n and_o that_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o come_v either_o to_o dissolve_v or_o loosen_v the_o obligation_n of_o they_o for_o the_o illustration_n of_o which_o i_o propound_v to_o clear_v these_o three_o point_n first_o that_o the_o main_a and_o ultimate_a design_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o engage_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a duty_n that_o be_v of_o real_a and_o substantial_a goodness_n second_o that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v comparative_o very_o weak_a and_o insufficient_a to_o make_v man_n true_o good_a and_o ineffectual_a to_o promote_v inward_a and_o real_a righteousness_n these_o two_o point_n i_o have_v speak_v to_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o namely_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v supply_v all_o the_o defect_n and_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n the_o jewish_a religion_n have_v very_o considerable_a advantage_n above_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v all_o that_o the_o heathen_a world_n have_v to_o conduct_v they_o towards_o eternal_a happiness_n the_o jew_n have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n and_o very_a signal_n and_o particular_a testimony_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n which_o do_v natural_o tend_v to_o beget_v in_o they_o good_a hope_n of_o a_o future_a life_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o world_n they_o have_v the_o natural_a law_n reveal_v and_o the_o main_a precept_n of_o it_o write_v with_o god_n own_o hand_n and_o by_o moses_n deliver_v to_o they_o by_o which_o mean_n they_o have_v a_o more_o certain_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n they_o have_v prophet_n frequent_o send_v to_o they_o to_o admonish_v they_o of_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o exhort_v they_o to_o repentance_n and_o to_o warn_v they_o of_o approach_a judgement_n they_o have_v good_a encouragement_n give_v to_o hope_n for_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n by_o god_n appointment_n of_o several_a way_n of_o expiation_n which_o how_o unlikely_a soever_o they_o be_v to_o be_v available_a to_o the_o effectual_a expiation_n of_o sin_n yet_o they_o do_v signify_v that_o the_o divine_a nature_n be_v placable_a and_o do_v seem_v to_o figure_v some_o more_o effectual_a way_n design_v by_o god_n for_o that_o purpose_n that_o shall_v be_v exhibit_v in_o due_a time_n and_o final_o they_o have_v most_o express_a promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o judgement_n to_o encourage_v they_o in_o their_o obedience_n and_o to_o deter_v they_o from_o the_o transgression_n of_o god_n law_n these_o advantage_n the_o jew_n plain_o have_v above_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n god_n do_v not_o deal_v
uncircumcision_n barbarian_a scythian_a bond_n nor_o free_a but_o christ_n be_v all_o and_o in_o all_o which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v here_o in_o the_o text_n that_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 that_o be_v these_o external_a mark_n and_o difference_n signify_v nothing_o but_o this_o inward_a change_n the_o new_a creature_n christ_n form_v in_o we_o this_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v all_o in_o all_o but_o that_o we_o may_v the_o more_o clear_o understand_v the_o just_a importance_n of_o this_o metaphor_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n or_o a_o new_a creation_n i_o shall_v first_o consider_v what_o it_o do_v certain_o signify_v by_o compare_v this_o metaphorical_a phrase_n with_o other_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n and_o second_o that_o it_o do_v not_o import_v what_o some_o will_v extend_v it_o to_o so_o as_o to_o find_v doctrine_n of_o great_a consequence_n upon_o the_o single_a strength_n of_o this_o and_o the_o like_a metaphor_n in_o scripture_n without_o any_o manner_n of_o countenance_n from_o plain_a text_n first_o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o this_o metaphor_n do_v certain_o import_v so_o as_o to_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a from_o other_o more_o clear_a and_o full_a text_n of_o sripture_n namely_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o change_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v effect_v and_o wrought_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n 1._o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o change_n it_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o new_a creation_n as_o if_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n firm_o entertain_v and_o believe_v do_v as_o it_o be_v mould_n and_o fashion_n man_n over_o again_o transform_v they_o into_o a_o quite_o other_o sort_n of_o person_n than_o what_o they_o be_v before_o and_o make_v such_o a_o change_n in_o they_o as_o the_o create_a power_n of_o god_n do_v in_o bring_v this_o beautiful_a and_o orderly_a frame_n of_o thing_n out_o of_o their_o dark_a and_o rude_a chaos_n thus_o the_o apostle_n represent_v it_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o god_n who_o command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n allude_v to_o the_o first_o creation_n have_v shine_v into_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n we_o be_v translate_v from_o one_o extreme_a to_o another_o act_v 26._o 18._o when_o our_o lord_n send_v paul_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o gentile_n he_o tell_v he_o what_o a_o change_n it_o will_v make_v in_o they_o by_o open_v their_o eye_n and_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n and_o st._n peter_n express_v the_o change_n which_o christianity_n make_v in_o man_n by_o their_o be_v call_v out_o of_o darkness_n into_o a_o marvellous_a light_n 1_o pet._n 2._o 9_o and_o so_o st._n paul_n eph._n 5._o 8._o you_o be_v sometime_o darkness_n but_o now_o be_v you_o light_v in_o the_o lord_n and_o indeed_o wherever_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v its_o full_a effect_n and_o perfect_a work_n it_o make_v a_o mighty_a change_n both_o in_o their_o inward_a principle_n and_o outward_a practice_n it_o dart_v a_o new_a light_n into_o their_o mind_n so_o that_o they_o see_v thing_n otherwise_o than_o they_o do_v before_o and_o form_v a_o different_a judgement_n of_o thing_n from_o what_o they_o do_v before_o it_o endue_v they_o with_o a_o new_a principle_n and_o new_a resolution_n give_v they_o another_o spirit_n and_o another_o temper_n a_o quite_o different_a sense_n and_o gust_n of_o thing_n from_o what_o they_o former_o have_v and_o this_o inward_a change_n of_o their_o mind_n necessary_o produce_v a_o proportionable_a change_n in_o their_o life_n and_o conversation_n so_o that_o the_o man_n steer_v quite_o another_o course_n act_n after_o another_o rate_n and_o drive_v on_o quite_o other_o design_n from_o what_o he_o do_v before_o and_o this_o be_v remarkable_o see_v in_o those_o who_o be_v reclaim_v from_o impiety_n and_o profaneness_n to_o religion_n and_o from_o a_o vicious_a to_o a_o virtuous_a course_n of_o life_n the_o change_n be_v great_a and_o real_a in_o all_o but_o not_o so_o sensible_a and_o visible_a in_o some_o as_o other_o in_o those_o who_o be_v make_v good_a by_o the_o insensible_a step_n of_o a_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a education_n as_o in_o those_o who_o be_v translate_v out_o of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a state_n and_o tâ—rned_v from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n and_o translate_v out_o of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n in_o their_o first_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n second_o this_o change_n be_v effect_v and_o wrought_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o that_o which_o create_v the_o world_n and_o raise_v up_o christ_n jesus_n from_o the_o dead_a two_o great_a and_o glorious_a instance_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o to_o these_o the_o scripture_n frequent_o allude_v when_o it_o speak_v of_o this_o new_a creation_n god_n who_o command_v the_o light_n to_o shine_v out_o of_o darkness_n have_v shine_v into_o our_o heart_n like_a as_o christ_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n so_o we_o also_o be_v raise_v to_o newness_n of_o life_n say_v st._n paul_n rom._n 6._o 4._o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n the_o same_o apostle_n speak_v ephes_n 1._o 19_o 20._o and_o that_o you_o may_v know_v what_o be_v the_o exceed_a greatness_n of_o his_o power_n to_o us-ward_n who_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o operation_n of_o his_o mighty_a power_n which_o he_o wrought_v in_o christ_n when_o he_o raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a so_o that_o our_o renovation_n and_o be_v make_v new_a creature_n be_v a_o instance_n of_o the_o same_o glorious_a power_n which_o exert_v itself_o in_o the_o first_o creation_n of_o thing_n and_o in_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a but_o not_o altogether_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v under_o the_o next_o head_n i_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n proceed_v to_o show_v that_o this_o metaphor_n of_o a_o new_a creation_n do_v not_o import_v what_o some_o man_n will_v extend_v it_o to_o so_o as_o to_o find_v doctrine_n of_o great_a consequence_n upon_o the_o single_a strength_n of_o this_o and_o other_o like_a metaphor_n of_o scripture_n without_o any_o manner_n of_o countenance_n and_o confirmation_n from_o plain_a text_n but_o this_o i_o reserve_v to_o another_o discourse_n sermon_n vi._n 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 in_o these_o word_n be_v contain_v these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o gospel_n have_v take_v away_o the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n have_v take_v away_o the_o sign_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o be_v circumcision_n second_o that_o according_a to_o the_o term_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n nothing_o will_v avail_v to_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n but_o the_o real_a renovation_n of_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n for_o the_o full_a explication_n of_o this_o i_o propound_v to_o do_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o to_o show_v what_o be_v imply_v in_o this_o phrase_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n ii_o that_o this_o be_v the_o great_a condition_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n with_o god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o same_o in_o sense_n and_o substance_n with_o those_o other_o expression_n in_o the_o two_o parallel_a text_n of_o faith_n perfect_v by_o charity_n and_o keep_v the_o commandment_n of_o god_n iii_o that_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a that_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o our_o justification_n and_o acceptance_n to_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o of_o these_o viz._n to_o show_v what_o be_v imply_v in_o this_o phrase_n of_o a_o new_a creature_n as_o to_o which_o i_o show_v first_o what_o this_o metaphor_n do_v certain_o import_v so_o as_o to_o be_v undeniable_o evident_a from_o other_o more_o clear_a and_o full_a text_n of_o scripture_n namely_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o change_n and_o that_o it_o be_v effect_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n i_o now_o proceed_v second_o to_o show_v that_o it_o do_v not_o import_v what_o some_o will_v extend_v it_o to_o and_o that_o so_o as_o to_o find_v doctrine_n of_o great_a consequence_n upon_o the_o mere_a and_o single_a strength_n of_o this_o and_o other_o like_a metaphor_n of_o scripture_n without_o any_o manner_n of_o countenance_n
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 beâ—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 witâ—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
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 â—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 knowledge_n ought_v to_o be_v restrain_v and_o suppress_v for_o all_o knowledge_n be_v apt_a to_o puff_n up_o and_o liable_a to_o be_v abuse_v to_o many_o ill_a purpose_n at_o this_o rate_n light_n and_o liberty_n and_o reason_n yea_o and_o life_n itself_o ought_v all_o to_o be_v take_v away_o because_o they_o be_v all_o great_o abuse_v by_o many_o man_n to_o some_o ill_a purpose_n or_o other_o so_o that_o unless_o these_o ill_a effect_n do_v natural_o and_o necessary_o spring_v from_o knowledge_n in_o religion_n the_o objection_n from_o they_o be_v of_o no_o force_n and_o if_o they_o do_v necessary_o flow_v from_o it_o than_o this_o reason_n will_v reach_v a_o great_a way_n further_o than_o those_o that_o make_v use_v of_o it_o be_v willing_a it_o shall_v for_o if_o this_o be_v true_a that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v of_o its_o own_o nature_n so_o pernicious_a as_o to_o make_v man_n proud_a and_o contentious_a and_o heretical_a and_o disobedient_a to_o authority_n than_o the_o blame_n of_o all_o this_o will_v fall_v upon_o our_o bless_a saviour_n for_o reveal_v so_o pernicious_a a_o doctrine_n and_o upon_o his_o apostle_n for_o publish_v this_o doctrine_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n to_o all_o mankind_n and_o thereby_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o perpetual_a schism_n and_o heresy_n in_o the_o church_n secondlyâ—_o but_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 ought_v not_o to_o be_v take_v away_o and_o thus_o much_o certain_o they_o will_v grant_v because_o it_o can_v with_o any_o face_n be_v deny_v and_o if_o so_o than_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o only_a man_n be_v to_o be_v caution_v not_o to_o prevert_v and_o abuse_v they_o and_o if_o any_o man_n abuse_v the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o the_o patronise_a of_o error_n or_o heresy_n or_o to_o any_o other_o bad_a purpose_n he_o do_v it_o at_o his_o peril_n and_o must_v give_v a_o account_n to_o god_n for_o it_o but_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n for_o fear_v he_o shall_v make_v a_o ill_a use_n of_o they_o we_o must_v not_o hinder_v man_n from_o be_v christian_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o be_v heretic_n and_o put_v out_o man_n eye_n for_o fear_v they_o shall_v some_o time_n or_o other_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o dispute_v their_o way_n with_o their_o guide_n i_o remember_v that_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 8._o 1._o take_v notice_n of_o this_o accidental_a inconvenience_n of_o knowledge_n that_o it_o puff_v up_o and_o that_o this_o pride_n occasion_v great_a contention_n and_o division_n among_o