Selected quad for the lemma: knowledge_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
knowledge_n natural_a reason_n revelation_n 1,320 5 9.7973 5 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59893 Sermons preach'd upon several occasions some of which were never before printed / by W. Sherlock. Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1700 (1700) Wing S3364; ESTC R29357 211,709 562

There are 10 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o dispute_n of_o philosophy_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o apostolical_a command_n to_o be_v whole_o fling_v out_o of_o religion_n and_o not_o suffer_v to_o affect_v our_o faith_n one_o way_n or_o other_o to_o be_v a_o philosopher_n and_o a_o christian_a to_o dispute_v and_o to_o believe_v be_v two_o very_a different_a thing_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o most_o of_o the_o argument_n against_o revelation_n in_o general_n and_o most_o of_o the_o dispute_n about_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v no_o better_o than_o this_o vain_a deceit_n of_o philosophy_n that_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o dispute_n of_o philosophy_n true_o distinguish_v this_o alone_a will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o settle_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_n and_o restore_v peace_n and_o unity_n at_o least_o in_o the_o great_a fundamental_o of_o religion_n to_o the_o christian_a world_n 1._o as_o to_o begin_v with_o revelation_n in_o general_n the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o most_o ancient_a and_o that_o consider_v the_o best_a attest_v history_n in_o the_o world_n the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o history_n he_o write_v pay_v the_o great_a veneration_n to_o he_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o he_o relate_v he_o be_v certain_o a_o inspire_a man_n who_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o have_v great_a evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o authenticalness_n of_o any_o write_n at_o such_o a_o distance_n of_o time_n than_o we_o have_v for_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o indeed_o the_o infidel_n of_o our_o age_n have_v very_o little_a to_o say_v pure_o against_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o history_n and_o than_o one_o will_v think_v that_o all_o their_o other_o objection_n shall_v come_v too_o late_o unless_o they_o will_v justify_v pharaoh_n in_o disbelieve_v moses_n and_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n in_o disbelieve_v our_o saviour_n after_o all_o the_o miracle_n they_o do_v for_o if_o they_o will_v disbelieve_v moses_n and_o christ_n though_o they_o have_v nothing_o material_a to_o object_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o history_n nothing_o which_o they_o will_v allow_v to_o be_v good_a objection_n against_o any_o other_o history_n they_o must_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n have_v disbelieved_a they_o though_o they_o have_v see_v they_o do_v all_o those_o great_a work_n which_o be_v report_v of_o they_o in_o such_o credible_a history_n but_o whatever_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n be_v they_o think_v they_o may_v secure_o reject_v they_o if_o they_o contain_v any_o thing_n which_o contradict_v their_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n and_o they_o find_v a_o great_a many_o such_o thing_n to_o quarrel_n with_o they_o think_v moses_n history_n of_o the_o creation_n very_o unphilosophical_a that_o the_o story_n of_o eve_n and_o the_o serpent_n be_v a_o incredible_a fiction_n that_o the_o universal_a deluge_n be_v absolute_o impossible_a and_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o principle_n of_o philosophy_n and_o it_o do_v not_o become_v philosopher_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o miracle_n that_o what_o we_o call_v miracle_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n but_o may_v be_v resolve_v into_o natural_a cause_n that_o inspiration_n and_o prophecy_n be_v nothing_o but_o natural_a enthusiasm_n and_o all_o the_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n a_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n that_o nature_n teach_v we_o all_o that_o we_o need_v to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o certain_a knowledge_n but_o this_o that_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o our_o own_o reason_n can_v grasp_v and_o comprehend_v and_o therefore_o revelation_n be_v perfect_o useless_a and_o god_n himself_o can_v oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o philosophy_n of_o nature_n those_o who_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o modern_a infidelity_n know_v that_o these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o wise_a reason_n for_o which_o they_o reject_v and_o ridicule_n all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o endeavour_v to_o rob_v and_o spoil_v man_n of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a blessing_n in_o the_o world_n a_o divine_a revelation_n so_o that_o infidelity_n be_v resolve_v into_o these_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n that_o man_n will_v understand_v how_o to_o make_v destroy_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n better_o than_o god_n 2._o as_o these_o man_n oppose_v reason_n and_o philosophy_n to_o revelation_n so_o other_o either_o deny_v the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o christianity_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o philosophical_a difficulty_n or_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n by_o a_o mixture_n of_o philosophy_n the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o plain_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v to_o the_o world_n all_o its_o doctrine_n be_v easy_o understand_v without_o art_n and_o subtilty_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o nice_a intricate_a perplex_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n than_o what_o some_o man_n have_v make_v the_o christian_a faith_n all_o the_o subtle_a dispute_n of_o philosophy_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n and_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n be_v become_v as_o great_a apostle_n as_o st._n peter_n or_o st._n paul_n as_o to_o give_v some_o few_o instance_n of_o it_o for_o time_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o discourse_v it_o at_o large_a what_o be_v the_o arian_n socinian_n pelagian_a controversy_n but_o mere_a philosophical_a dispute_n with_o which_o these_o heretic_n corrupt_v the_o catholic_n faith_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_a and_o express_v in_o scripture_n than_o the_o faith_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o that_o great_a art_n and_o subtlety_n which_o have_v be_v use_v and_o to_o so_o little_a purpose_n to_o pervert_v those_o text_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o this_o doctrine_n be_v contain_v be_v a_o evident_a proof_n that_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a natural_a obvious_a sense_n of_o those_o text_n since_o it_o require_v so_o much_o art_n and_o criticism_n to_o put_v any_o other_o sense_n on_o they_o and_o that_o will_v not_o do_v neither_o till_o man_n be_v resolve_v rather_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n of_o scripture_n than_o to_o find_v a_o real_a trinity_n there_o if_o then_o this_o faith_n be_v so_o plain_o contain_v in_o scripture_n what_o make_v all_o this_o dispute_n about_o it_o what_o make_v those_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n so_o obstinate_a against_o this_o faith_n true_o that_o which_o make_v some_o man_n infidel_n make_v other_o heretic_n that_o be_v a_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n the_o first_o philosophical_a dispute_n be_v about_o the_o divine_a unity_n we_o all_o own_o with_o the_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o we_o say_v further_o as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v three_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n each_o of_o which_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n this_o they_o say_v be_v a_o contradiction_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o faith_n for_o both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a but_o to_o be_v three_o and_o one_o upon_o different_a account_n and_o in_o different_a sense_n be_v no_o contradiction_n for_o thus_o three_o may_v be_v one_o and_o one_o three_o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o scripture_n teach_v or_o that_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v whatever_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o distinction_n and_o unity_n be_v but_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v these_o philosophical_a wit_n unless_o they_o can_v comprehend_v how_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v real_o and_o distinct_o three_o and_o essential_o one_o the_o manner_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n give_v no_o account_n of_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v no_o dispute_n in_o faith_n but_o only_o in_o philosophy_n another_o objection_n concern_v the_o divine_a generation_n how_o god_n can_v beget_v a_o son_n of_o his_o own_o substance_n which_o the_o arian_n think_v infer_v a_o division_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n and_o a_o three_o objection_n concern_v a_o eternal_a generation_n how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o father_n shall_v beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n that_o the_o son_n shall_v be_v beget_v without_o any_o begin_n of_o be_v and_o that_o the_o father_n shall_v not_o be_v at_o least_o some_o few_o moment_n before_o the_o son_n and_o consequent_o the_o son_n not_o eternal_a now_o we_o all_o grant_v that_o we_o can_v give_v no_o philosophical_a account_n of_o this_o no_o more_o than_o we_o can_v of_o the_o simple_a divine_a essence_n or_o of_o eternity_n itself_o but_o we_o may_v believe_v that_o god_n have_v a_o eternal_a son_n as_o we_o do_v that_o there_o be_v
conceive_v no_o substance_n but_o matter_n and_o body_n and_o therefore_o reject_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n as_o nonsense_n and_o contradiction_n they_o will_v allow_v nothing_o to_o be_v wise_o make_v which_o they_o understand_v not_o the_o reason_n and_o use_n of_o and_o therefore_o they_o fancy_v a_o great_a many_o botch_n and_o blunder_n in_o nature_n which_o can_v be_v the_o design_n and_o contrivance_n of_o wisdom_n but_o the_o effect_n of_o chance_n and_o then_o the_o consequence_n be_v plain_a that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o chance_n not_o by_o a_o wise_a author_n now_o i_o confess_v if_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v be_v allow_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o defend_v either_o sense_n or_o reason_n or_o revelation_n against_o the_o cavil_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n for_o there_o be_v unconceivable_a and_o incomprehensible_a secret_n and_o mystery_n in_o they_o all_o and_o if_o to_o conceive_v and_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n must_v be_v make_v the_o measure_n and_o standard_n of_o true_a and_o false_a we_o must_v deny_v our_o sense_n and_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o our_o faith_n and_o if_o we_o do_v and_o must_v believe_v our_o sense_n and_o reason_n beyond_o our_o comprehension_n why_o must_v we_o believe_v nothing_o that_o be_v reveal_v any_o far_a than_o we_o can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o sum_n be_v this_o humane_a knowledge_n whatever_o the_o mean_n of_o know_v be_v whether_o sense_n or_o reason_n or_o revelation_n do_v not_o reach_v to_o the_o philosophical_a cause_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o only_o to_o their_o be_v and_o natural_a virtue_n and_o power_n and_o as_o a_o wise_a man_n who_o know_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o understanding_n expect_v no_o more_o from_o sense_n and_o reason_n than_o to_o know_v what_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o they_o be_v as_o far_o as_o they_o fall_v under_o the_o notice_n of_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n so_o we_o must_v expect_v no_o more_o from_o revelation_n than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n can_v discover_v but_o we_o must_v no_o more_o expect_v the_o philosophy_n of_o supernatural_a truth_n from_o revelation_n than_o we_o do_v the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n from_o sense_n and_o reason_n now_o since_o humane_a knowledge_n be_v not_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mysterious_a nature_n of_o thing_n but_o only_o to_o know_v what_o thing_n there_o be_v and_o what_o they_o be_v there_o can_v be_v no_o contradiction_n between_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o revelation_n unless_o one_o deny_v what_o the_o other_o affirm_v not_o that_o one_o teach_v more_o than_o the_o other_o teach_v or_o that_o one_o can_v comprehend_v what_o the_o other_o teach_v reason_n teach_v more_o than_o sense_n teach_v or_o can_v comprehend_v and_o revelation_n teach_v more_o than_o either_o sense_n or_o natural_a reason_n teach_v or_o can_v comprehend_v but_o this_o be_v no_o contradiction_n but_o only_o a_o subordination_n between_o these_o different_a kind_n and_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n but_o as_o for_o unconceivableness_n and_o incomprehensibility_n that_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o any_o thing_n for_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n can_v no_o more_o comprehend_v their_o own_o object_n than_o they_o do_v what_o be_v reveal_v and_o it_o be_v manifest_a perverseness_n to_o make_v that_o a_o objection_n against_o revelation_n which_o we_o will_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o sense_n and_o reason_n this_o be_v sufficient_a as_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o remove_v mens_fw-la prejudices_fw-la also_o against_o believe_v mystery_n i_o shall_v brief_o answer_v two_o very_a popular_a objection_n 1._o it_o be_v think_v very_o unnatural_a that_o when_o god_n have_v make_v we_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o therefore_o make_v natural_a reason_n to_o we_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n he_o shall_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v without_o reason_n as_o we_o must_v do_v if_o he_o reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o as_o we_o know_v not_o and_o can_v possible_o know_v the_o reason_n of_o if_o we_o must_v believe_v with_o our_o understanding_n how_o can_v we_o believe_v thing_n which_o we_o can_v understand_v this_o be_v a_o reasonable_a objection_n be_v it_o true_a for_o we_o can_v believe_v what_o we_o have_v no_o knowledge_n nor_o understanding_n of_o for_o faith_n be_v knowledge_n though_o not_o natural_a knowledge_n but_o do_v we_o not_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v do_v we_o not_o know_v what_o we_o mean_v when_o we_o say_v we_o believe_v in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n nay_o do_v not_o our_o adversary_n understand_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o it_o how_o then_o come_v they_o to_o charge_v we_o with_o believe_v contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n for_o if_o they_o know_v not_o what_o we_o believe_v they_o can_v know_v whether_o we_o believe_v contradiction_n or_o not_o and_o if_o we_o do_v understand_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v than_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v without_o understanding_n which_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a if_o we_o know_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v and_o we_o know_v also_o why_o we_o believe_v our_o faith_n be_v found_v in_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o high_a and_o most_o infallible_a reason_n the_o miracle_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v be_v evident_a to_o sense_n and_o own_a by_o reason_n to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o the_o answer_v the_o blind_a man_n give_v to_o the_o pharisee_n when_o christ_n have_v open_v his_o eye_n speak_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o nature_n herein_o be_v a_o marvellous_a thing_n that_o you_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o he_o be_v and_o yet_o he_o have_v open_v my_o eye_n now_o we_o know_v that_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n but_o if_o any_o man_n be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n he_o he_o hear_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v be_v it_o not_o hear_v that_o any_o man_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a if_o this_o man_n be_v not_o of_o god_n he_o can_v do_v nothing_o 9_o john_n 30_o 31_o 32_o 33._o and_o all_o mankind_n own_o that_o the_o most_o absolute_a faith_n be_v due_a to_o god_n and_o to_o those_o who_o speak_v from_o god_n and_o this_o as_o i_o take_v it_o be_v to_o believe_v with_o reason_n but_o still_o we_o believe_v such_o thing_n who_o nature_n we_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o can_v account_v for_o by_o natural_a reason_n and_o this_o be_v to_o believe_v without_o reason_n we_o believe_v that_o god_n the_o father_n have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n and_o that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v but_o one_o eternal_a god_n but_o this_o be_v what_o natural_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v nor_o give_v we_o any_o notion_n or_o conception_n of_o how_o god_n can_v have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n real_o distinct_a from_o himself_o and_o yet_o with_o himself_o one_o eternal_a and_o infinite_a god_n reason_n can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n nor_o of_o the_o eternal_a procession_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o believe_v without_o reason_n which_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n ought_v not_o to_o do_v and_o which_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v that_o god_n who_o make_v we_o reasonable_a creature_n expect_v from_o we_o and_o this_o i_o grant_v will_v be_v a_o material_a objection_n be_v reason_n the_o judge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o philosophy_n of_o thing_n and_o do_v reason_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o understand_v and_o comprehend_v but_o then_o we_o must_v no_o more_o believe_v sense_n and_o reason_n than_o revelation_n for_o we_o do_v not_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o any_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n how_o evident_a soever_o it_o be_v to_o sense_n and_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n nature_n be_v as_o great_a a_o mystery_n as_o revelation_n and_o it_o be_v no_o great_a affront_n to_o our_o understanding_n no_o more_o against_o reason_n for_o god_n to_o reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o as_o our_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v than_o 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o make_v a_o whole_a world_n which_o ●…eason_n can_v comprehend_v when_o we_o make_v it_o a_o objection_n against_o ●…ny_a thing_n that_o it_o be_v without_o reason_n or_o ●…s_v we_o apprehend_v against_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n we_o must_v first_o con●…ider_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o reason_n otherwise_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n as_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o sound_n that_o we_o can_v see_v they_o nor_o against_o colour_n
that_o we_o can_v hear_v they_o because_o sound_n be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o sight_n nor_o colour_n of_o hear_v now_o no_o man_n pretend_v that_o the_o pure_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o thing_n or_o their_o essential_a reason_n property_n union_n operation_n be_v the_o object_n of_o humane_a reason_n for_o no_o man_n live_v know_v any_o thing_n about_o they_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v all_o the_o incomprehensibility_n man_n have_v to_o complain_v of_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n that_o they_o can_v comprehend_v how_o god_n can_v beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n nor_o how_o three_o divine_a person_n shall_v be_v so_o unite_v as_o to_o be_v essential_o one_o god_n nor_o how_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n can_v be_v unite_v into_o one_o person_n god-man_n all_o which_o concern_v the_o essence_n and_o essential_a property_n operation_n union_n relation_n of_o the_o deity_n which_o a_o modest_a man_n may_v allow_v to_o be_v incomprehensible_a if_o god_n be_v infinite_a though_o he_o can_v comprehend_v the_o nature_n essence_n and_o essential_a reason_n and_o property_n of_o create_a being_n but_o when_o all_o create_a nature_n be_v such_o a_o mystery_n to_o we_o that_o we_o know_v not_o the_o pure_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o any_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v it_o a_o affront_n to_o our_o reason_n that_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o divine_a nature_n such_o matter_n as_o these_o be_v neither_o without_o reason_n nor_o against_o reason_n nor_o contrary_a to_o reason_n because_o reason_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o and_o can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n of_o they_o they_o belong_v not_o to_o reason_n but_o to_o that_o infinite_a mind_n which_o comprehend_v itself_o and_o the_o idea_n of_o all_o possible_a being_n a_o perfect_a comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o nature_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o know_v what_o thing_n be_v but_o how_o to_o make_v they_o which_o will_v be_v a_o vain_a curiosity_n and_o useless_a knowledge_n to_o those_o who_o have_v not_o a_o make_v and_o create_v power_n this_o be_v to_o know_v thing_n à_fw-fr priori_fw-la with_o a_o intuitive_a ideal_o knowledge_n which_o be_v infinite_o more_o superior_a to_o reason_n ●…an_n reason_n be_v to_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v the_o ●…ffectation_n of_o this_o intuitive_a make_v knowledge_n which_o make_v some_o man_n atheist_n and_o other_o heretic_n 2_o another_o great_a objection_n against_o such_o a_o revelation_n as_o contain_v matter_n which_o natural_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v be_v to_o what_o purpose_n such_o ●…a_n revelation_n serve_v what_o merit_n there_o can_v be_v in_o believe_v such_o doctrine_n and_o of_o what_o good_a use_n such_o a_o faith_n can_v be_v to_o we_o now_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v think_v it_o meritorious_a mere_o to_o believe_v thing_n which_o be_v incomprehensible_a or_o that_o god_n any_o more_o intend_a to_o puzzle_v our_o faith_n with_o reveal_v mystery_n than_o to_o puzzle_v our_o reason_n in_o make_v a_o mysterious_a world_n whether_o we_o receive_v our_o information_n from_o sense_n or_o natural_a reason_n or_o revelation_n it_o be_v certain_a we_o must_v believe_v mystery_n if_o we_o believe_v any_o thing_n for_o all_o thing_n have_v something_o mysterious_a and_o incomprehensible_a in_o their_o nature_n what_o natural_a reason_n can_v account_v for_o and_o what_o god_n never_o intend_v we_o shall_v understand_v for_o god_n never_o intend_v to_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o make_v the_o world_n nor_o how_o every_o creature_n be_v make_v and_o therefore_o we_o can_v and_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o know_v the_o internal_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o nature_n but_o though_o neither_o natural_a nor_o reveal_v knowledge_n extend_v to_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o essential_a property_n and_o operation_n yet_o both_o natural_a and_o reveal_v knowledge_n be_v of_o as_o much_o use_n to_o we_o as_o if_o we_o do_v perfect_o understand_v all_o the_o secret_a and_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o creature_n both_o natural_a and_o reveal_v knowledge_n be_v alike_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o they_o only_o acquaint_v we_o what_o thing_n be_v and_o what_o end_v they_o serve_v and_o then_o we_o know_v what_o use_n to_o make_v of_o they_o without_o understand_v the_o secret_a mystery_n of_o nature_n be_v this_o world_n or_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o the_o less_o useful_a to_o we_o because_o we_o can_v conceive_v how_o god_n create_v all_o thing_n of_o nothing_o or_o because_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o matter_n nor_o how_o the_o several_a part_n of_o matter_n come_v by_o their_o different_a virtue_n and_o quality_n be_v corn_n or_o fruit_n or_o herb_n the_o less_o nourish_a or_o refresh_v because_o we_o know_v not_o how_o they_o grow_v do_v it_o require_v any_o philosophy_n to_o know_v how_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o sleep_v will_v not_o our_o food_n nourish_v we_o ●…less_v we_o understand_v how_o it_o be_v concoct●…_n and_o turn_v into_o chile_n and_o blood_n ●…d_a spirit_n nay_o be_v it_o of_o no_o use_n to_o ●…ow_v that_o god_n be_v a_o eternal_a omnipo●…nt_a omniscient_a omnipresent_v be_v ●…less_v we_o can_v conceive_v how_o any_o be_v ●…n_v be_v eternal_a without_o a_o cause_n and_o ●…ithout_v a_o beginning_n or_o can_v compre●…end_v how_o he_o can_v do_v and_o know_v all_o thing_n ●…d_v be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n at_o once_o ●…ithout_n extension_n and_o without_o part_n ●…e_o may_v make_v all_o the_o use_n that_o can_v be_v ●…ade_v of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o every_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d it_o without_o understand_v the_o essential_a ●…easons_n and_o cause_n or_o internal_a nature_n ●…f_o any_o thing_n and_o we_o must_v do_v so_o if_o we_o will_v make_v any_o use_n of_o it_o and_o we_o know_v god_n to_o all_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_n for_o which_o creature_n ought_v to_o know_v god_n ●…hough_o his_o nature_n be_v incomprehensible_a and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n such_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n how_o unaccountable_a soever_o the_o mystery_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v yet_o it_o be_v the_o most_o useful_a knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o the_o eternal_a father_n beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n of_o his_o own_o substance_n nor_o how_o this_o eternal_a son_n in_o time_n become_v man_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o most_o desirable_a knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n to_o sinner_n to_o know_v that_o god_n have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o that_o he_o so_o love_v the_o world_n as_o to_o give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o that_o this_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n become_v man_n live_v a_o poor_a necessitous_a laborious_a life_n and_o die_v a_o accurse_a death_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n and_o to_o know_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o proceed_v from_o father_n and_o son_n dwell_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o quicken_v and_o animate_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ._n if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o we_o must_v suppose_v in_o this_o argument_n all_o mankind_n must_v confess_v that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a useful_a knowledge_n and_o never_o the_o less_o useful_a because_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v great_a and_o unconceivable_a mystery_n can_v we_o give_v a_o rational_a and_o philosophical_a account_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o of_o the_o incarnation_n we_o shall_v know_v more_o than_o we_o now_o do_v but_o faith_n make_v it_o as_o useful_a to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o most_o perfect_a intuitive_a knowledge_n can_v do_v this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o that_o objection_n against_o the_o usefulness_n of_o such_o mystery_n as_o have_v something_o incomprehensible_a and_o unconceivable_a in_o their_o nature_n which_o be_v a_o equal_a objection_n against_o all_o create_a nature_n which_o be_v but_o one_o great_a mystery_n and_o yet_o the_o world_n be_v a_o very_a useful_a world_n and_o we_o know_v in_o some_o good_a degree_n what_o use_n to_o make_v of_o it_o and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o gospel_n mystery_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o present_a dispute_n be_v manifest_o of_o infinite_a use_n to_o we_o if_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n and_o death_n and_o intercession_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a be_v of_o any_o use_n and_o
therefore_o it_o become_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o reveal_v these_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n to_o we_o especial_o if_o we_o add_v to_o this_o that_o the_o lapse_v state_n of_o humane_a nature_n make_v supernatural_a knowledge_n necessary_a natural_a knowledge_n we_o grant_v be_v sufficient_a for_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n though_o no_o man_n will_v have_v have_v reason_n to_o complain_v have_v god_n in_o a_o state_n of_o innocence_n by_o a_o more_o familiar_a intercourse_n with_o man_n or_o by_o the_o frequent_a conversation_n of_o angel_n improve_v his_o knowledge_n beyond_o the_o mere_a attainment_n of_o his_o natural_a faculty_n and_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o this_o may_v have_v be_v i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v a_o impatient_a thirst_n after_o knowledge_n in_o humane_a nature_n and_o such_o a_o great_a curiosity_n for_o secret_a and_o hide_a mystery_n that_o it_o look_v very_o unnatural_a for_o man_n to_o complain_v that_o god_n reveal_v more_o to_o they_o than_o nature_n teach_v but_o yet_o i_o say_v natural_a knowledge_n must_v be_v allow_v sufficient_a to_o all_o the_o end_n of_o humane_a life_n while_o man_n continue_v innocent_a for_o that_o be_v the_o original_a state_n of_o human_a nature_n as_o all_o man_n must_v grant_v who_o believe_v that_o man_n be_v make_v by_o god_n but_o when_o man_n sin_v he_o forfeit_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o a_o natural_a immortality_n and_o whether_o he_o shall_v be_v restore_v or_o not_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o shall_v be_v restore_v depend_v whole_o on_o the_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n though_o it_o can_v direct_v a_o innocent_a man_n how_o to_o please_v and_o worship_n god_n and_o to_o preserve_v himself_o immortal_a it_o can_v not_o teach_v sinner_n how_o to_o make_v atonement_n for_o sin_n nor_o give_v they_o any_o certain_a hope_n that_o god_n will_v forgive_v sin_n and_o bestow_v immortal_a life_n on_o they_o which_o make_v it_o necessary_a that_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v a_o reveal_v religion_n and_o if_o god_n in_o infinite_a goodness_n be_v not_o only_o please_v to_o restore_v sinner_n to_o grace_n and_o favour_n but_o to_o advance_v they_o to_o a_o supernatural_a state_n of_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o the_o next_o world_n this_o must_v be_v do_v by_o supernatural_a mean_n and_o therefore_o require_v a_o supernatural_a knowledge_n for_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v neither_o raise_v we_o above_o nature_n nor_o discover_v supernatural_a truth_n to_o we_o and_o this_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o know_v and_o believe_v such_o thing_n as_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n or_o idea_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v if_o nature_n can_v save_v we_o it_o can_v discover_v to_o we_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n neither_o and_o if_o we_o must_v be_v save_v by_o a_o supernatural_a grace_n and_o power_n it_o must_v be_v supernatural_o reveal_v and_o what_o be_v supernatural_a be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n not_o of_o natural_a knowledge_n this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o give_v a_o plain_a account_n why_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v such_o mystery_n to_o we_o as_o nature_n can_v teach_v and_o as_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n of_o because_o our_o lapse_v state_n have_v make_v such_o supernatural_a revelation_n necessary_a to_o the_o recovery_n of_o mankind_n and_o when_o we_o be_v fall_v below_o the_o relief_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o natural_a knowledge_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o thankful_a to_o our_o good_a god_n for_o supernatural_a knowledge_n and_o supernatural_a mean_n of_o salvation_n to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n three_o person_n one_o eternal_a god_n be_v honour_n glory_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n xi_o the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o deism_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n at_o hampton-court_n june_n 16._o 1700_o john_n fourteen_o 1._o you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o i_o shall_v not_o consider_v these_o word_n as_o they_o relate_v to_o what_o follow_v but_o only_o observe_v in_o they_o that_o our_o sa●…iour_n not_o only_o require_v his_o disciple_n to_o ●…elieve_v in_o god_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v believe_v also_o in_o he_o that_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n and_o from_o hence_o i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o consider_v the_o case_n of_o deist_n who_o pretend_v to_o own_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o to_o pay_v such_o worship_n to_o he_o and_o to_o obey_v such_o law_n as_o mere_a nature_n teach_v but_o reject_v all_o reveal_v religion_n even_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n itself_o as_o no_o better_a than_o cheat_n and_o impostor_n this_o profession_n of_o deism_n be_v grow_v very_o fashionable_a among_o our_o great_a pretender_n to_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n and_o i_o be_o very_o glad_a that_o such_o man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o name_n of_o atheist_n and_o hope_v that_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o deism_n that_o be_v to_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o to_o deny_v all_o reveal_v religion_n may_v dispose_v they_o to_o a_o impartial_a inquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n i._o the_o folly_n of_o deism_n i_o will_v begin_v with_o this_o to_o make_v man_n consider_v a_o little_a what_o they_o intend_v by_o it_o or_o what_o wise_a end_v it_o will_v serve_v every_o one_o see_v what_o man_n intend_v by_o atheism_n to_o deliver_v themselves_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o invisible_a power_n that_o they_o may_v follow_v their_o own_o inclination_n and_o do_v what_o they_o like_v best_a themselves_o without_o any_o awe_n of_o god_n or_o reproof_n and_o terror_n of_o conscience_n or_o the_o dismal_a apprehension_n of_o unknown_a and_o endless_a punishment_n in_o the_o next_o world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o wise_a course_n man_n can_v take_v who_o resolve_v to_o be_v wicked_a that_o they_o may_v sin_v with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n without_o the_o bitter_a allay_v of_o shame_n and_o fear_n but_o now_o if_o a_o deist_n real_o be_v what_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v that_o be_v if_o he_o do_v real_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a and_o that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v reward_v and_o bad_a man_n punish_v in_o the_o next_o world_n he_o believe_v a_o great_a deal_n too_o much_o to_o sin_n with_o security_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n too_o little_a to_o have_v any_o comfortable_a hope_n of_o a_o better_a life_n that_o this_o be_v certain_o the_o most_o hopeless_a state_n that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v in_o in_o this_o world_n it_o have_v all_o the_o restraint_n and_o fear_n of_o religion_n but_o none_o of_o the_o support_v and_o comfort_n of_o it_o as_o to_o show_v this_o brief_o 1._o he_o who_o do_v hearty_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o will_v punish_v man_n for_o their_o sin_n not_o only_o in_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o next_o believe_v too_o much_o to_o sin_n with_o security_n though_o he_o believe_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o revelation_n for_o if_o nature_n as_o they_o grant_v teach_v man_n that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o just_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n who_o observe_v what_o we_o do_v and_o will_v punish_v wickedness_n natural_a conscience_n also_o will_v accuse_v and_o terrify_v and_o condemn_v wicked_a men._n thus_o st._n paul_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v with_o the_o heathen_a world_n before_o they_o have_v any_o revelation_n of_o god_n will._n for_o when_o the_o gentile_n which_o have_v not_o the_o law_n do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n these_o have_v not_o the_o law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o which_o show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n the_o mean_a while_n accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v one_o another_o 2_o rom._n 14_o 15._o and_o the_o same_o be_v attest_v by_o all_o the_o heathen_a orator_n philosopher_n and_o poet_n and_o those_o natural_a terror_n of_o conscience_n and_o fear_n of_o vengeance_n be_v in_o those_o day_n before_o man_n have_v ever_o hear_v of_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n so_o very_o unsupportable_a to_o bad_a man_n that_o they_o take_v refuge_n in_o atheism_n against_o they_o as_o lucretius_n do_v very_o honest_o confess_v and_o admire_v his_o master_n epicurus_n for_o his_o brave_a and_o bold_a attempt_n in_o deliver_v the_o world_n from_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n so_o that_o whoever_o believe_v a_o
their_o vice_n and_o bad_a name_n to_o virtue_n this_o be_v so_o common_a and_o so_o well_o know_v that_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v on_o it_o a_o easy_a oblige_v friendly_a conversation_n be_v very_o charm_a when_o it_o be_v govern_v by_o strict_a virtue_n these_o man_n let_v the_o virtue_n alone_o and_o justify_v their_o vice_n as_o only_o the_o effect_n and_o instance_n of_o good_a humour_n and_o sociableness_n and_o of_o a_o comply_a temper_n to_o make_v their_o company_n easy_a and_o their_o conversation_n pleasant_a and_o entertain_v and_o this_o they_o think_v a_o good_a apology_n for_o all_o their_o lewdness_n debauchery_n and_o profaneness_n which_o may_v make_v they_o agreeable_a company_n for_o one_o another_o but_o very_o unfit_a for_o the_o conversation_n not_o only_o of_o good_a man_n but_o of_o prudent_a and_o cautious_a sinner_n but_o that_o be_v all_o one_o they_o will_v have_v this_o good_a humour_n and_o that_o be_v a_o good_a name_n which_o will_v suit_v any_o vice_n which_o please_v themselves_o and_o their_o company_n thus_o to_o be_v diligent_a in_o our_o business_n prudent_a and_o frugal_a in_o our_o expense_n to_o mortify_v our_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o deny_v the_o crave_n of_o lust_n and_o use_v our_o body_n hardly_o be_v very_o commendable_a thing_n when_o they_o be_v oppose_v to_o idleness_n and_o luxury_n and_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o care_n of_o our_o family_n and_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o all_o act_n of_o charity_n and_o to_o subdue_v the_o flesh_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o make_v we_o more_o devout_a worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o a_o mere_a earthworm_n who_o do_v all_o this_o for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o get_v or_o to_o save_v his_o money_n though_o he_o starve_v himself_o and_o his_o family_n and_o the_o poor_a by_o it_o and_o make_v himself_o a_o vile_a slave_n all_o his_o day_n call_v this_o fordo_v covetousness_n by_o these_o good_a name_n of_o diligence_n prudence_n frugality_n temperance_n mortification_n when_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o love_n of_o money_n above_o his_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n and_o adore_v it_o as_o his_o god_n thus_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n superstition_n and_o hypocrisy_n be_v very_o ill_a name_n and_o these_o at_o all_o adventure_n they_o bestow_v upon_o piety_n and_o virtue_n to_o excuse_v their_o own_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o both_o as_o if_o no_o man_n can_v be_v sincere_a because_o there_o be_v some_o hypocrite_n or_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o religion_n because_o some_o man_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v religious_a who_o be_v not_o though_o it_o be_v a_o better_a argument_n for_o religion_n that_o even_o bad_a man_n desire_v to_o be_v think_v religious_a thus_o a_o affect_a singularity_n be_v very_o offensive_a and_o nauseous_a to_o all_o wise_a man_n and_o this_o be_v their_o name_n for_o a_o sullen_a inflexible_a virtue_n which_o will_v not_o do_v a_o bad_a thing_n to_o please_v its_o company_n nor_o admit_v bad_a man_n into_o the_o privacy_n and_o familiarity_n of_o conversation_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o medium_fw-la between_o affect_a singularity_n and_o be_v wicked_a for_o company_n this_o be_v the_o art_n of_o change_a name_n call_v any_o virtue_n or_o vice_n by_o its_o own_o name_n such_o as_o piety_n justice_n charity_n temperance_n chastity_n or_o profaneness_n injustice_n drunkenness_n adultery_n and_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o the_o one_o nor_o for_o the_o other_o for_o these_o be_v name_n of_o honour_n and_o esteem_v or_o of_o infamy_n and_o reproach_n all_o the_o world_n over_o but_o if_o they_o can_v find_v any_o thing_n in_o vice_n which_o bear_v the_o least_o resemblance_n to_o what_o some_o virtue_n oblige_v we_o to_o they_o present_o give_v the_o name_n of_o those_o virtue_n to_o their_o vice_n and_o if_o a_o virtuous_a man_n may_v do_v any_o thing_n for_o wise_a and_o good_a reason_n which_o have_v any_o likeness_n or_o analogy_n to_o what_o bad_a man_n do_v for_o very_o bad_a reason_n they_o give_v the_o name_n of_o those_o vice_n to_o virtue_n which_o be_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n to_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n and_o this_o there_o be_v too_o many_o guilty_a of_o who_o be_v not_o profess_v atheist_n or_o infidel_n who_o think_v it_o some_o excuse_n for_o their_o vice_n if_o they_o can_v find_v any_o thing_n good_a to_o say_v of_o they_o and_o a_o apology_n for_o their_o lukewarmness_n and_o indifferency_n in_o religion_n if_o they_o can_v charge_v some_o zealous_a professor_n with_o pharisaism_n and_o hypocrisy_n but_o by_o whosoever_o and_o for_o what_o reason_n soever_o this_o be_v do_v the_o woe_n belong_v to_o all_o those_o who_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n 2_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n darkness_n and_o light_n very_o often_o in_o scripture_n signify_v vice_n and_o virtue_n sin_n be_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n be_v to_o live_v holy_o as_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o 1_o john_n 1._o for_o 6_o 7._o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o god_n and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n live_v in_o any_o sin_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o if_o we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o light_n if_o we_o be_v holy_a as_o god_n be_v holy_a then_o have_v we_o fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o call_v evil_n good_a and_o good_a evil._n but_o then_o darkness_n signify_v also_o ignorance_n and_o error_n false_a and_o corrupt_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o light_v a_o clear_a and_o certain_a knowledge_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n what_o concern_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n but_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v john_n 3._o 19_o and_o thus_o we_o must_v understand_v it_o here_o those_o man_n who_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n who_o reject_v the_o moral_a difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o confound_v the_o name_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n pervert_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o knowledge_n and_o rule_n of_o judge_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n call_v all_o the_o arbitrary_a and_o ridiculous_a principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n light_n and_o esteem_v they_o as_o the_o most_o true_a and_o certain_a knowledge_n though_o indeed_o they_o teach_v we_o nothing_o but_o reduce_v we_o to_o the_o most_o perfect_a state_n of_o ignorance_n by_o unteach_v all_o that_o mankind_n know_v before_o for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o mind_n for_o the_o next_o step_n be_v to_o put_v light_n for_o darkness_n to_o reject_v all_o the_o natural_a and_o all_o the_o supernatural_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n the_o natural_a notion_n of_o our_o mind_n the_o natural_a light_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o supernatural_a light_n of_o revelation_n as_o mere_a ignorance_n and_o imposture_n the_o cheat_n of_o education_n or_o of_o a_o timorous_a fancy_n or_o the_o cunning_a of_o statesman_n or_o the_o invention_n of_o priest_n such_o man_n you_o know_v there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o woe_n belong_v to_o they_o 3_o to_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a be_v a_o corruption_n not_o mere_o of_o our_o judgement_n but_o of_o our_o natural_a sensation_n of_o our_o natural_a taste_n and_o relish_v of_o thing_n bitter_n signify_v whatever_o be_v natural_o uneasy_a grievous_a offensive_a as_o bitter_a thing_n be_v to_o the_o palate_n that_o which_o cause_n trouble_v anguish_n remorse_n as_o all_o wicked_a action_n natural_o do_v now_o such_o thing●…_n as_o be_v grievous_a and_o afflict_a to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n who_o have_v any_o natural_a sense_n leave_v these_o man_n call_v sweet_a account_v their_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n but_o than_o what_o be_v natural_o sweet_a have_v a_o natural_a easiness_n pleasure_n satisfaction_n as_o all_o good_a and_o virtuous_a action_n have_v this_o they_o call_v bitter_a these_o be_v the_o grievance_n of_o their_o life_n a_o intolerable_a yoke_n which_o they_o can_v and_o will_v not_o bear_v this_o be_v the_o most_o degenerate_a state_n of_o human_a nature_n which_o have_v lose_v all_o relish_n of_o virtue_n and_o all_o sense_n of_o shame_n and_o fear_n and_o remorse_n when_o they_o do_v evil_a their_o mind_n be_v perfect_o dead_a and_o stupid_a without_o any_o rational_a or_o spiritual_a sensation_n they_o have_v nothing_o but_o their_o bodily_a sense_n leave_v and_o by_o these_o alone_o they_o judge_v of_o sweet_a and_o
i_o shall_v observe_v this_o follow_a method_n i._o consider_v the_o duty_n of_o gospel-bishop_n and_o pastor_n which_o be_v to_o feed_v and_o to_o govern_v the_o household_n of_o christ._n ii_o the_o qualification_n of_o gospel-minister_n which_o be_v faithfulness_n and_o prudence_n a_o faithful_a and_o wise_a servant_n iii_o the_o great_a reward_n of_o such_o man_n bless_a be_v that_o servant_n i._o the_o duty_n of_o gospel_n minister_n whether_o bishop_n or_o other_o and_o that_o consist_v of_o two_o part_n 1._o to_o feed_v 2._o to_o govern_v the_o household_n or_o church_n of_o christ._n they_o be_v appoint_v ruler_n of_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n 1._o to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ._n this_o command_n christ_n give_v to_o peter_n 28._o 20._o ac●…s_fw-la 28._o and_o repeat_v it_o three_o time_n simon_n son_n of_o jonas_n love_v thou_o i_o more_o than_o 17._o 21._o john_n 15_o 16_o 17._o these_o then_o feed_v my_o lamb_n feed_v my_o sheep_n now_o to_o feed_v signify_v to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n for_o knowledge_n be_v the_o proper_a food_n and_o nourishment_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o which_o it_o grow_v in_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o 2._o 1_o pet_n 2._o 2._o our_o spiritual_a life_n as_o natural_a food_n be_v to_o the_o life_n of_o our_o body_n this_o be_v life_n 3._o 17._o john_n 3._o eternal_a say_v our_o saviour_n to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v for_o this_o reason_n our_o saviour_n appoint_v steward_n and_o dispenser_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o kingdom_n who_o whole_a business_n it_o shall_v be_v to_o study_v the_o divine_a will_n themselves_o and_o to_o instruct_v other_o for_o this_o be_v a_o knowledge_n which_o must_v be_v teach_v nature_n may_v instruct_v we_o in_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o morality_n but_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o whole_a oeconomy_n of_o man_n salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v know_v only_o by_o revelation_n christ_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o reveal_v this_o to_o we_o and_o he_o instruct_v his_o apostle_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o their_o preach_a and_o write_n instruct_v the_o church_n and_o have_v leave_v we_o a_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o man_n peculiar_o devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o instruct_v and_o teach_v those_o who_o have_v neither_o leisure_n not_o opportunity_n for_o enquiry_n nor_o capacity_n to_o learn_v without_o a_o guide_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n especial_o since_o religion_n have_v be_v clog_v with_o such_o infinite_a dispute_n and_o there_o have_v be_v so_o much_o be_v use_v to_o make_v the_o plain_a truth_n difficult_a obscure_a and_o uncertain_a to_o corrupt_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o make_v it_o comply_v with_o man_n sensual_a lust_n or_o secular_a interest_n a_o guide_n and_o instructor_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o turn_n and_o labyrinth_n wherein_o man_n may_v lose_v themselves_o and_o their_o way_n to_o heaven_n but_o though_o there_o be_v no_o dispute_n in_o religion_n no_o difficulty_n in_o understand_v it_o though_o all_o man_n be_v agree_v about_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n though_o the_o mean_a christian_n understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a divine_a yet_o there_o will_v be_v constant_a need_n of_o a_o spiritual_a guide_n while_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v unmindful_a of_o their_o duty_n and_o careless_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o work_n of_o a_o evangelical_n pastor_n be_v not_o mere_o to_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a but_o to_o exhort_v to_o reprove_v to_o admonish_v to_o watch_v over_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o christian_n to_o make_v seasonable_a application_n to_o their_o conscience_n to_o administer_v comfort_n to_o afflict_a spirit_n to_o excite_v and_o quicken_v the_o slothful_a and_o to_o encourage_v the_o fearful_a and_o timorous_a and_o to_o assist_v and_o direct_v man_n in_o their_o spiritual_a warfare_n how_o to_o obtain_v a_o glorious_a victory_n over_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh._n this_o be_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o give_v they_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o already_o know_v that_o their_o faith_n may_v be_v turn_v into_o a_o principle_n of_o life_n and_o action_n and_o this_o heavenly_a food_n may_v be_v digest_v into_o blood_n and_o spirit_n to_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n 2._o another_o part_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n consist_v in_o act_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n christ_n have_v make_v these_o minister_n and_o servant_n ruler_n over_o his_o household_n no_o society_n can_v be_v preserve_v 14._o 5._o eph._n 23._o 10._o john_n 14._o without_o order_n and_o government_n which_o be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o state_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o husband_n the_o shepherd_n the_o lord_n which_o be_v all_o name_n of_o authority_n and_o power_n and_o the_o church_n be_v his_o body_n his_o spouse_n his_o flock_n his_o household_n and_o family_n which_o be_v name_n of_o subjection_n and_o denote_v a_o regular_a and_o orderly_a society_n but_o christ_n have_v now_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o do_v not_o visible_o appear_v among_o we_o to_o direct_v and_o govern_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n where_o he_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o exercise_v a_o invisible_a power_n and_o providence_n for_o the_o defence_n and_o preservation_n of_o his_o church_n on_o earth_n he_o govern_v we_o by_o his_o law_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o by_o his_o minister_n for_o when_o he_o 13._o 4._o eph._n 8_o 11_o 12_o 13._o ascend_v on_o high_a he_o lead_v captivity_n captive_a and_o give_v gift_n to_o man_n and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ._n when_o our_o saviour_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o tell_v his_o disciple_n all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o i_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o 20._o 28._o mat._n 18_o 19_o 20._o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v their_o commission_n to_o p●…ach_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o govern_v his_o church_n which_o be_v not_o mere_o a_o personal_a commission_n to_o the_o apostle_n but_o extend_v to_o all_o their_o successor_n as_o appear_v from_o christ_n promise_n to_o be_v with_o they_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o ministerial_a authority_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o st._n john_n acquaint_v we_o that_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n appear_v to_o his_o apostle_n when_o they_o be_v meet_v together_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o peace_n be_v unto_o you_o as_o my_o father_n have_v send_v 23._o 20._o john_n 21_o 22_o 23._o i_o so_o send_v i_o you_o and_o as_o he_o have_v say_v this_o he_o breathe_v on_o they_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o receive_v you_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o soever_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v unto_o they_o and_o who_o soever_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v this_o invest_v they_o with_o authority_n but_o then_o the_o actual_a communication_n of_o power_n which_o especial_o at_o that_o time_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n be_v reserve_v for_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n command_v they_o not_o to_o depart_v from_o jerusalem_n but_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n that_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o say_v
great_a loss_n when_o the_o church_n be_v encompass_v and_o assault_v with_o busy_a and_o restless_a enemy_n a_o man_n of_o a_o exemplary_a life_n and_o untainted_a virtue_n who_o shine_v like_o a_o light_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n who_o maintain_v the_o decline_a honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o religion_n and_o true_a virtue_n be_v a_o mighty_a loss_n in_o a_o profligate_v age_n when_o man_n be_v grow_v such_o stranger_n to_o the_o sincere_a practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n that_o they_o begin_v to_o think_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n but_o i_o can_v go_v on_o no_o far_a the_o very_a mention_v of_o these_o thing_n bring_v the_o fresh_a idea_n of_o our_o decease_a brother_n to_o mind_n and_o the_o afflict_a sense_n of_o that_o great_a loss_n which_o we_o suffer_v by_o his_o death_n it_o become_v we_o to_o reverence_n and_o adore_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n even_o when_o we_o can_v understand_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o we_o be_v certain_a god_n be_v never_o want_v in_o his_o care_n of_o his_o church_n and_o yet_o have_v we_o be_v make_v judge_n of_o this_o case_n we_o shall_v have_v think_v it_o a_o very_a ill_a time_n to_o have_v spare_v he_o he_o be_v abundant_o furnish_v with_o all_o good_a learning_n both_o for_o use_v and_o ornament_n he_o be_v a_o accomplish_a scholar_n and_o a_o well-studied_n divine_a he_o know_v book_n and_o read_v they_o and_o judge_v of_o they_o he_o be_v a_o scribe_n instruct_v unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n ●…ho_n like_o a_o housholder_n can_v bring_v forth_o ●…ut_o of_o his_o treasure_n thing_n new_a and_o ●…ld_a 13._o matth._n 52._o he_o have_v careful●…y_o peruse_v the_o ancient_a philosopher_n ●…rators_n and_o poet_n to_o discover_v what_o nature_n teach_v which_o give_v he_o a_o true_a knowledge_n and_o great_a value_n for_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o gospel-revelation_n he_o have_v true_a and_o clear_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o he_o be_v master_n of_o they_o he_o know_v why_o he_o believe_v any_o thing_n and_o be_v neither_o prejudice_v nor_o impose_v on_o by_o popular_a opinion_n he_o be_v a_o hearty_a and_o zealous_a assertor_n of_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n he_o see_v nothing_o material_a which_o can_v be_v change_v for_o the_o better_a which_o make_v he_o jealous_a of_o innovation_n as_o not_o know_v where_o they_o will_v end_v he_o be_v a_o friend_n to_o all_o sincere_a christian_n pity_v their_o mistake_v and_o bear_v with_o their_o frowardness_n but_o do_v not_o think_v that_o christian_a charity_n require_v he_o to_o sacrifice_v truth_n or_o good_a order_n and_o government_n to_o the_o pretence_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n he_o be_v for_o several_a year_n a_o very_a diligent_a and_o constant_a preacher_n to_o a_o numerous_a auditory_a till_o his_o own_o diocesan_n who_o know_v his_o worth_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o constitution_n and_o be_v desirous_a to_o preserve_v he_o for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n provide_v this_o place_n where_o we_o now_o be_v for_o his_o ease_n and_o health_n and_o retirement_n where_o he_o live_v many_o year_n a_o constant_a preacher_n though_o his_o labour_n be_v then_o divive_v between_o his_o two_o cure_n which_o do_v not_o lessen_v his_o preach_a but_o make_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o the_o more_o diffusive_a for_o indeed_o he_o be_v a_o admirable_a preacher_n not_o for_o noise_n and_o lung_n but_o for_o well-digested_a useful_a pious_a discourse_n deliver_v with_o all_o that_o become_a gravity_n seriousness_n and_o a_o command_a elocution_n as_o make_v they_o sink_v deep_a into_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o hearer_n and_o make_v they_o hear_v this_o i_o speak_v with_o assurance_n and_o confidence_n in_o this_o place_n which_o be_v so_o long_o bless_v with_o his_o labour_n with_o what_o fineness_n of_o thought_n pe●…spicuity_n and_o easiness_n of_o expression_n instruct_v and_o entertain_v image_n of_o thing_n he_o expound_v the_o doctrine_n and_o inculcate_v the_o law_n of_o our_o saviour_n how_o plain_o he_o teach_v with_o what_o vehemence_n and_o passion_n he_o exhort●…d_v with_o what_o tender_a sharpness_n he_o re●…roved_v remember_v how_o he_o use_v both_o to_o please_v and_o instruct_v to_o chide_v and_o shame_v you_o without_o make_v you_o angry_a ●…ow_o he_o have_v warm_v and_o chafe_v your_o mind_n into_o the_o most_o pious_a and_o serious_a resolution_n and_o send_v you_o home_o from_o this_o place_n wise_a and_o better_a than_o you_o come_v and_o if_o you_o grow_v cold_a and_o suffer_v your_o good_a resolution_n to_o die_v again_o consider_v i_o beseech_v you_o what_o account_v you_o have_v to_o give_v as_o he_o grow_v in_o year_n it_o be_v necessary_a by_o degree_n to_o ease_v his_o labour_n he_o can_v not_o preach_v so_o often_o but_o yet_o continue_v to_o preach_v and_o yet_o have_v he_o not_o preach_v at_o all_o or_o much_o less_o than_o he_o do_v he_o have_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o very_a useful_a pastor_n to_o the_o church_n for_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o great_a experience_n and_o great_a prudence_n and_o foresight_n fit_a for_o government_n and_o counsel_n who_o know_v man_n and_o thing_n be_v dexterous_a in_o his_o application_n zealous_a without_o passion_n or_o peevishness_n steady_a and_o resolve_v without_o violent_a opposition_n and_o needless_a provocation_n who_o serve_v the_o church_n and_o the_o truth_n with_o little_a noise_n and_o without_o make_v many_o enemy_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o there_o be_v more_o need_n of_o such_o man_n and_o a_o much_o great_a scarcity_n of_o they_o than_o of_o good_a preacher_n but_o he_o be_v not_o only_o a_o good_a preacher_n and_o a_o prudent_a guide_n but_o a_o very_a good_a man_n he_o preach_v continual_o by_o his_o life_n and_o example_n his_o conversation_n be_v innocent_a entertain_v and_o useful_a he_o be_v a_o true_a sincere_a friend_n very_o courteous_a affable_a civil_a to_o all_o man_n but_o never_o pretend_v friendship_n where_o he_o have_v none_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v all_o good_a office_n be_v liberal_a generous_n and_o charitable_a a_o man_n of_o a_o true_a public_a spirit_n who_o scorn_v to_o serve_v himself_o to_o the_o injury_n of_o other_o who_o hate_v little_a art_n and_o trick_n mean_v and_o servile_a compliance_n he_o be_v a_o open_a and_o generous_a enemy_n if_o we_o may_v ever_o call_v he_o a_o enemy_n who_o never_o wish_v never_o intend_v any_o hurt_n to_o any_o man_n but_o my_o meaning_n be_v that_o when_o any_o dispute_n and_o quarrel_v happen_v as_o such_o thing_n will_v sometime_o happen_v he_o be_v open_a and_o undisguised_a any_o man_n may_v know_v what_o he_o dislike_v and_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o fear_v any_o thing_n worse_o from_o he_o than_o what_o he_o will_v ●…ell_v they_o in_o a_o word_n he_o be_v a_o very_a ●…ood_n christian_n and_o that_o make_v he_o ●…ood_a in_o all_o relation_n and_o that_o crown_v all_o his_o other_o labour_n he_o take_v care_n ●…s_v st._n paul_n do_v lest_o while_o he_o preach_v to_o ●…thers_n he_o himself_o shall_v become_v a_o castaway_n and_o now_o he_o be_v go_v to_o rest_n and_o we_o ●…ust_v all_o short_o follow_v he_o god_n grant_v ●…hat_o we_o may_v all_o so_o run_v our_o race_n and_o ●…inish_v our_o course_n that_o when_o we_o depart_v ●…his_fw-la life_n we_o may_v rest_v in_o he_o as_o our_o ●…ope_n be_v this_o our_o brother_n do_v and_o may_v ●…eceive_v that_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o god_n the_o righteous_a judge_n will_v ●…t_v that_o day_n bestow_v on_o all_o his_o faithful_a servant_n and_o on_o all_o those_o who_o love_v his_o appear_v sermon_n viii_o ●…eached_v at_o the_o temple-church_n december_n 30._o 1694._o upon_o the_o sad_a occasion_n of_o the_o death_n of_o our_o gracious_a queen_n and_o publish_v at_o the_o earnest_a request_n of_o several_a master_n of_o the_o bench_n of_o both_o society_n thirty-nine_o psalm_n 9_o ●…as_o dumb_a and_o open_v not_o my_o mouth_n because_o thou_o do_v it_o this_o may_v be_v think_v a_o very_a improper_a text_n for_o the_o feast_n of_o our_o saviour_n birth_n when_o our_o ●…ouths_n ought_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o prai●…_n of_o god_n and_o sing_v with_o the_o whole_a ●…ire_n of_o angel_n glory_n be_v to_o god_n in_o the_o ●…hest_a on_o earth_n peace_n good_a will_n towards_o ●…n_n this_o indeed_o be_v that_o peace_n which_o ●…e_a world_n can_v give_v and_o which_o the_o world_n can_v take_v away_o whateve●…_n the_o external_n appearance_n of_o providence_n be_v here_o we_o find_v a_o safe_a retre●…_n and_o a_o never-failing_a spring_n of_o joy_n f●…_n he_o that_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n but_o 〈◊〉_d liver_v he_o up_o for_o we_o all_o how_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d not_o with_o
but_o to_o persuade_v and_o direct_v you_o to_o turn_v the_o delight_n and_o charm_n of_o music_n into_o the_o rapture_n of_o devotion_n which_o will_v the_o most_o effectual_o silence_v all_o the_o enemy_n of_o church-music_n and_o cathedral-worship_n while_o as_o a_o divine_a poet_n of_o our_o own_o sing_v this_o will_v visible_o turn_v delight_n into_o a_o sacrifice_n now_o since_o music_n what_o ever_o it_o be_v and_o how_o well_o soever_o perform_v be_v of_o no_o use_n or_o value_n in_o religion_n but_o as_o it_o serve_v the_o true_a end_n of_o devotion_n we_o must_v inquire_v what_o that_o harmony_n and_o melody_n be_v which_o be_v so_o acceptable_a to_o god_n how_o fit_a external_n and_o sensible_n melody_n be_v to_o promote_v this_o and_o how_o it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v improve_v to_o that_o purpose_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o i_o need_v not_o tell_v any_o man_n who_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o christian_a worship_n that_o it_o be_v only_o they_o melody_n of_o the_o heart_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v that_o please_v god_n all_o true_a christian_a worship_n whatever_o the_o external_o of_o it_o be_v be_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n this_o alone_a be_v that_o worship_n which_o it_o become_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o pay_v to_o his_o maker_n his_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o saviour_n as_o the_o bless_a virgin_n sing_v my_o soul_n do_v magnify_v the_o lord_n and_o my_o spirit_n have_v rejoice_v in_o god_n my_o saviour_n for_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n only_o that_o can_v praise_n god_n though_o the_o tongue_n must_v sing_v his_o praise_n the_o best_a compose_a hymn_n the_o most_o musical_a instrument_n the_o most_o charm_a voice_n be_v but_o lifeless_a mechanical_a sound_n till_o they_o be_v animate_v and_o inspire_v by_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o god_n take_v no_o more_o pleasure_n in_o the_o best_a voice_n than_o in_o bodily_a strength_n or_o beauty_n now_o the_o melody_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o all_o the_o power_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n when_o love_n and_o joy_n and_o admiration_n and_o the_o profound_a reverence_n bear_v their_o several_a part_n and_o offer_v up_o our_o whole_a soul_n as_o a_o live_v vocal_a hymn_n of_o praise_n then_o we_o sing_v aloud_o in_o our_o heart_n to_o god_n when_o we_o feel_v the_o great_a transport_v and_o ecstasy_n of_o these_o divine_a passion_n which_o swallow_v we_o up_o in_o god_n and_o unite_v we_o to_o the_o heavenly_a choir_n then_o we_o sing_v with_o true_a melody_n in_o our_o heart_n to_o god_n when_o these_o divine_a passion_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n charm_v all_o our_o earthly_a passion_n into_o a_o calm_a quiet_a all_o their_o storm_n and_o tumult_n leave_v no_o jar_a discord_n no_o discontent_n no_o solicitous_a care_n no_o jealousy_n no_o envy_n to_o discompose_v the_o harmony_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o must_v be_v all_o peace_n all_o love_n all_o joy_n to_o sing_v with_o a_o true_a divine_a melody_n the_o praise_n of_o god_n this_o and_o nothing_o else_o be_v the_o true_a praise_n of_o god_n when_o our_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o such_o bright_a idea_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o perfection_n with_o such_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o his_o majesty_n wisdom_n goodness_n power_n discover_v in_o his_o great_a and_o wonderful_a work_n of_o creation_n providence_n and_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o transport_v we_o with_o love_n admiration_n and_o joy_n a_o heart_n thus_o full_a of_o god_n will_v break_v forth_o into_o song_n of_o praise_n when_o the_o fire_n be_v kindle_v within_o as_o the_o psalmist_n observe_v from_o his_o own_o experience_n we_o shall_v then_o speak_v with_o our_o tongue_n here_o our_o praise_n ought_v to_o begin_v to_o be_v sure_a here_o they_o must_v always_o end_v in_o the_o heat_n and_o fervour_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o a_o inward_a feel_n of_o the_o divine_a praise_n if_o we_o will_v have_v they_o a_o acceptable_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o the_o harmony_n of_o voice_n or_o musical_a instrument_n serve_v this_o end_n they_o be_v excellent_a help_n to_o devotion_n but_o it_o be_v only_o their_o subserviency_n to_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o give_v they_o any_o value_n or_o allow_v they_o any_o place_n in_o religious_a worship_n 2_o let_v we_o then_o consider_v of_o what_o use_v music_n be_v to_o excite_v and_o quicken_v our_o affection_n and_o to_o give_v a_o new_a life_n and_o spirit_n to_o devotion_n man_n be_v not_o all_o soul_n and_o spirit_n but_o a_o compound_n creature_n consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o while_o our_o soul_n be_v vital_o unite_v to_o body_n they_o receive_v most_o of_o their_o passion_n from_o they_o at_o least_o feel_v the_o most_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a motion_n from_o those_o impression_n which_o our_o sense_n make_v and_o sight_n itself_o do_v not_o more_o various_o affect_v our_o mind_n than_o hearing_n do_v word_n and_o sound_n have_v very_o powerful_a charm_n and_o give_v as_o quick_a a_o turn_v to_o our_o thought_n and_o passion_n as_o sight_n itself_o and_o not_o only_a word_n but_o even_o a_o diversity_n of_o sound_n be_v fit_v by_o nature_n to_o express_v and_o to_o excite_v very_o different_a passion_n love_n joy_n admiration_n desire_n fear_v sorrow_n indignation_n revenge_n give_v some_o distinguish_a note_n and_o accent_n to_o the_o very_a voice_n which_o no_o art_n but_o nature_n teach_v and_o which_o betray_v the_o passion_n without_o speak_v a_o word_n and_o such_o different_a note_n will_v also_o as_o forcible_o imprint_v such_o passion_n on_o our_o mind_n as_o they_o natural_o represent_v and_o that_o many_o time_n whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o which_o be_v a_o great_a secret_n in_o nature_n and_o show_v a_o unaccountable_a sympathy_n between_o sound_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v by_o turn_v the_o natural_a effect_n and_o cause_n of_o each_o other_o and_o there_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n what_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o music_n must_v be_v to_o raise_v and_o to_o calm_v our_o passion_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o mankind_n tell_v we_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v when_o the_o composer_n know_v how_o to_o fit_v note_n to_o passion_n which_o the_o knowledge_n of_o humane_a nature_n not_o the_o mere_a proportion_n of_o sound_n must_v teach_v he_o without_o this_o a_o fine_a piece_n of_o music_n be_v like_o a_o company_n of_o fine_a word_n put_v together_o without_o any_o great_a sense_n or_o mean_v they_o make_v a_o fine_a sound_n and_o that_o be_v all_o now_o if_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a sympathy_n and_o mutual_a causality_n between_o sound_n and_o passion_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o true_a devotional_a music_n will_v excite_v or_o heighten_v our_o devotional_a passion_n as_o we_o daily_o see_v and_o complain_v that_o wanton_a and_o amorous_a air_n be_v apt_a to_o kindle_v wanton_a fire_n for_o nature_n will_v act_v like_o itself_o whether_o you_o apply_v it_o to_o good_a or_o to_o bad_a purpose_n if_o there_o be_v no_o force_n in_o music_n to_o give_v a_o good_a or_o bad_a tincture_n to_o the_o mind_n why_o do_v any_o man_n complain_v of_o wanton_a song_n they_o may_v then_o blame_v the_o poet_n but_o neither_o the_o composer_n nor_o singer_n for_o the_o music_n it_o seem_v do_v no_o hurt_n if_o there_o be_v why_o do_v they_o condemn_v church-music_n which_o will_v have_v as_o good_a a_o influence_n upon_o a_o devout_a mind_n as_o the_o other_o have_v a_o bad_a one_o why_o then_o shall_v any_o man_n think_v music_n improper_a for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o natural_a power_n though_o improve_v by_o art_n as_o most_o other_o natural_a power_n be_v and_o all_o natural_a power_n be_v make_v for_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o serve_v he_o which_o music_n be_v in_o a_o very_a high_a degree_n if_o it_o have_v such_o a_o natural_a power_n over_o our_o passion_n as_o to_o increase_v and_o actuate_v though_o it_o can_v create_v devotion_n both_o poetry_n and_o music_n be_v original_o use_v to_o celebrate_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n lose_v their_o glory_n when_o they_o descend_v to_o mean_a subject_n but_o be_v profane_v by_o a_o prostitution_n to_o man_n lust_n and_o vice_n the_o first_o account_n we_o have_v of_o sing_v be_v the_o song_n of_o moses_n exod._n 15._o when_o god_n have_v make_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o pass_v through_o the_o red-sea_n on_o dry_a ground_n and_o have_v drown_v the_o egyptian_n and_o we_o can_v have_v a_o more_o ancient_a account_n than_o this_o which_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a history_n in_o the_o world_n and_o throughout_o the_o old_a testament_n both_o
world_n believe_v that_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v teach_v they_o be_v false_a be_v a_o mystery_n to_o i_o and_o the_o only_a account_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o it_o be_v what_o our_o saviour_n give_v 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 because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a and_o when_o they_o love_v darkness_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o call_v it_o light_n but_o they_o must_v first_o call_v darkness_n light_n before_o they_o can_v put_v out_o the_o light_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o darkness_n now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n as_o our_o own_o experience_n and_o our_o observation_n of_o other_o man_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o reject_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n without_o dispute_v for_o they_o be_v not_o bear_v and_o breed_v with_o we_o as_o what_o be_v natural_a be_v and_o therefore_o must_v be_v owe_v to_o the_o lust_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o hate_v the_o light_n and_o nothing_o seem_v strange_a to_o i_o than_o that_o of_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n these_o man_n shall_v pretend_v to_o reason_n who_o have_v the_o least_o right_a o●…_n pretence_n to_o it_o for_o what_o principle_n can_v they_o reason_v on_o who_o reject_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o revelation_n what_o be_v natural_a reason_n but_o the_o reason_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v what_o this_o be_v but_o by_o those_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n which_o nature_n have_v implant_v in_o all_o mankind_n and_o which_o art_n and_o wit_n and_o vice_n itself_o have_v much_o ado_n to_o silence_n and_o can_v never_o perfect_o root_v out_o and_o certain_o that_o be_v not_o natural_a reason_n which_o contradict_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o what_o be_v that_o reason_n which_o be_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o humane_a nature_n or_o how_o be_v mankind_n concern_v in_o such_o reason_n as_o can_v be_v no_o rule_n to_o they_o unless_o they_o put_v off_o humane_a nature_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o these_o very_a man_n they_o have_v put_v off_o humane_a nature_n be_v degenerate_v into_o bruit_n and_o have_v the_o reason_n and_o understanding_n of_o bruit_n espouse_v such_o principle_n as_o serve_v no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o justify_v the_o brutal_a nature_n and_o therefore_o laugh_v at_o the_o common_a sentiment_n and_o faith_n of_o mankind_n and_o pretend_v to_o reason_n only_o to_o reason_v humane_a nature_n as_o well_o as_o revelation_n out_o of_o the_o world_n how_o subtle_o soever_o these_o man_n may_v dispute_v it_o suffice_v i_o that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o original_a belief_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o owe_v to_o god_n or_o nature_n but_o to_o lust._n no_o man_n can_v call_v light_a darkness_n till_o he_o be_v in_o love_n with_o darkness_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n 3_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a man_n must_v first_o reconcile_v themselves_o to_o wickedness_n which_o be_v natural_o very_o bitter_a uneasy_a and_o grievous_a and_o shake_v off_o all_o sense_n of_o shame_n and_o modesty_n and_o fear_v before_o they_o can_v in_o good_a earnest_a reproach_n virtue_n for_o till_o man_n be_v very_o wicked_a virtue_n be_v the_o great_a pleasure_n the_o true_a and_o sweet_a pleasure_n of_o humane_a nature_n three_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o woe_n that_o be_v denounce_v against_o these_o man_n and_o how_o unavoidable_a it_o be_v woe_n be_v to_o they_o that_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n etc._n etc._n what_o this_o woe_n be_v be_v not_o here_o express_v but_o a_o indefinite_a woe_n be_v very_o terrible_a for_o it_o include_v all_o the_o woe_n that_o god_n have_v any_o where_n in_o scripture_n threaten_v against_o sinner_n the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o eternal_a misery_n of_o the_o next_o a_o woe_n signify_v a_o state_n of_o extreme_a misery_n wherein_o man_n shall_v bewail_v and_o lament_v themselves_o without_o hope_n or_o redress_v all_o the_o misery_n that_o such_o sinner_n deserve_v and_o therefore_o the_o great_a that_o humane_a nature_n can_v suffer_v because_o this_o be_v the_o great_a degeneracy_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o therefore_o to_o warn_v you_o all_o of_o fall_v into_o this_o state_n i_o shall_v brief_o show_v you_o how_o unavoidable_a this_o woe_n be_v when_o man_n be_v so_o in_o love_n with_o their_o sin_n that_o they_o resolve_v never_o to_o part_v with_o they_o they_o vain_o think_v that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o secure_v themselves_o be_v to_o banish_v god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o destroy_v all_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o then_o they_o may_v please_v themselves_o and_o live_v as_o they_o listen_v without_o fear_n or_o shame_n or_o any_o danger_n of_o a_o future_a account_n now_o so_o far_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n that_o if_o they_o can_v banish_v god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n their_o work_n be_v do_v and_o they_o may_v bid_v defiance_n to_o all_o the_o pulpit-thunder_n and_o laugh_v at_o all_o the_o superstitious_a fear_n of_o sinner_n but_o to_o persuade_v themselves_o contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o universal_a belief_n of_o mankind_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n will_v not_o banish_v god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v find_v a_o god_n after_o they_o have_v persuade_v themselves_o there_o be_v none_o as_o they_o certain_o will_v they_o will_v find_v this_o god_n a_o provoke_v and_o terrible_a judge_n for_o what_o great_a contempt_n and_o despite_n can_v be_v offer_v to_o god_n than_o to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n this_o be_v a_o state_n of_o open_a enmity_n they_o hate_v god_n and_o will_v destroy_v his_o be_v if_o they_o can_v for_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o there_o be_v no_o god_n be_v because_o they_o will_v have_v none_o and_o those_o who_o hate_n god_n be_v hate_v by_o he_o and_o must_v suffer_v his_o eternal_a vengeance_n thus_o if_o there_o be_v no_o essential_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o may_v choose_v for_o themselves_o and_o call_v thing_n by_o what_o name_n they_o please_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n but_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o difference_n however_o they_o hau●…_n make_v shift_v to_o conquer_v this_o sense_n at_o present_a if_o they_o refuse_v the_o good_a and_o choose_v the_o evil_a they_o must_v lose_v all_o that_o happiness_n which_o they_o may_v expect_v from_o what_o be_v a_o natural_a good_a that_o be_v all_o the_o true_a happiness_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o suffer_v all_o those_o misery_n which_o those_o evil_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o destructive_a of_o it_o will_v expose_v they_o too_o for_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v not_o empty_a name_n but_o good_a signify_v the_o happiness_n of_o that_o nature_n who_o good_a it_o be_v and_o evil_a its_o misery_n and_o if_o after_o all_o their_o philosophy_n there_o be_v such_o a_o distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a with_o respect_n to_o humane_a nature_n and_o that_o be_v a_o strange_a nature_n which_o have_v no_o good_a or_o evil_a belong_v to_o it_o to_o reject_v the_o good_a must_v deprive_v they_o of_o happiness_n and_o to_o choose_v the_o evil_n must_v make_v they_o miserable_a and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o moral_a as_o well_o as_o natural_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o one_o deserve_v to_o be_v reward_v and_o the_o other_o punish_v we_o must_v expect_v that_o the_o righteous_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n will_v reward_v and_o punish_v we_o according_a to_o our_o work_n if_o man_n shut_v their_o eye_n or_o put_v out_o the_o light_n and_o then_o call_v darkness_n light_n and_o light_a darkness_n how_o secure_a soever_o this_o may_v make_v they_o at_o present_a all_o that_o they_o gain_v by_o it_o be_v to_o go_v to_o hell_n blindfold_a not_o to_o see_v their_o danger_n before_o they_o feel_v themselves_o irrecoverable_o miserable_a if_o there_o be_v a_o distinction_n between_o light_n and_o darkness_n in_o the_o moral_a and_o spiritual_a as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a world_n as_o there_o must_v be_v if_o there_o be_v any_o difference_n between_o true_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n and_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n if_o the_o office_n of_o light_n be_v to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n those_o bless_a region_n of_o eternal_a light_n which_o those_o who_o wander_v in_o darkness_n can_v never_o find_v if_o the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n be_v to_o lose_v the_o sight_n
law_n the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o nation_n who_o have_v no_o communication_n with_o each_o other_o in_o this_o distinction_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n intimate_v no_o other_o compact_n but_o that_o of_o a_o common_a nature_n and_o not_o only_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n but_o the_o universal_a voice_n of_o mankind_n attribute_v these_o law_n to_o nature_n not_o to_o human_a institution_n and_o it_o must_v appear_v strange_a if_o these_o law_n have_v no_o high_a original_a than_o human_a compact_n that_o mankind_n for_o so_o many_o age_n shall_v not_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o but_o shall_v mistake_v they_o for_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o after_o all_o the_o information_n these_o man_n can_v give_v the_o world_n the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n do_v to_o this_o day_n but_o suppose_v this_o distinction_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o those_o law_n which_o command_v the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n and_o forbid_v vice_n be_v original_o frame_v and_o enact_v by_o man_n be_v there_o no_o reason_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n why_o they_o agree_v upon_o such_o law_n yes_o they_o will_v grant_v that_o they_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o peace_n and_o good_a order_n and_o government_n of_o human_a society_n to_o secure_v private_a man_n from_o injury_n and_o violence_n and_o to_o make_v they_o helpful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o each_o other_o and_o therefore_o they_o agree_v to_o make_v they_o law_n but_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v not_o make_v those_o law_n which_o have_v natural_a and_o necessary_a reason_n to_o make_v they_o law_n can_v mere_a human_a compact_n and_o government_n either_o make_v or_o change_v the_o reason_n and_o necessity_n of_o thing_n can_v they_o if_o they_o so_o please_v make_v virtue_n vice_n or_o vice_n virtue_n and_o as_o well_o consult_v the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n by_o do_v so_o if_o not_o then_o mere_a human_a compact_n can_v neither_o make_v nor_o unmake_v these_o law_n god_n have_v make_v these_o law_n for_o we_o by_o make_v we_o such_o creature_n and_o give_v we_o such_o nature_n as_o require_v such_o law_n if_o we_o will_v live_v by_o nature_n and_o attain_v our_o natural_a happiness_n and_o who_o then_o can_v think_v that_o god_n will_v not_o as_o much_o exact_a from_o we_o the_o observance_n of_o these_o law_n as_o man_n do_v that_o he_o will_v not_o punish_v the_o breach_n of_o these_o law_n when_o human_a government_n find_v it_o necessary_a to_o do_v so_o and_o have_v god_n make_v the_o restraint_n and_o punishment_n of_o man_n lust_n and_o vice_n necessary_a and_o will_v he_o not_o punish_v they_o himself_o especial_o when_o the_o authority_n of_o human_a law_n and_o human_a government_n be_v very_o precarious_a without_o the_o awe_n of_o religion_n as_o those_o lawgiver_n be_v very_o sensible_a who_o to_o give_v the_o great_a veneration_n to_o their_o law_n pretend_v to_o receive_v they_o from_o their_o go_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o very_a hypothesis_n which_o allow_v no_o other_o difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n but_o what_o human_a law_n and_o human_n contract_v make_v leave_v every_o man_n at_o liberty_n to_o break_v these_o law_n when_o he_o can_v do_v it_o safe_o or_o will_v venture_v the_o punishment_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o make_v these_o man_n so_o fond_a of_o it_o and_o show_v how_o necessary_a a_o divine_a authority_n be_v to_o enforce_v the_o obligation_n of_o these_o law_n and_o to_o secure_v the_o very_a be_v of_o human_a society_n so_o that_o those_o who_o reason_n according_a to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n can_v never_o get_v rid_v of_o the_o notition_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a nor_o attribute_v these_o law_n to_o any_o other_o author_n but_o that_o god_n who_o make_v we_o and_o fit_v our_o nature_n to_o these_o law_n and_o no_o man_n who_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o these_o law_n can_v doubt_v whether_o he_o will_v punish_v the_o breach_n of_o they_o but_o then_o if_o to_o this_o we_o add_v the_o more_o certain_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o unrighteousness_n and_o ungodliness_n of_o man_n this_o confirm_v all_o the_o fear_n of_o nature_n and_o leave_v no_o possible_a hope_n for_o sinner_n but_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n who_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o sin_n secure_o with_o their_o eye_n open_a and_o therefore_o two_o the_o next_o step_n they_o take_v be_v to_o put_v out_o their_o eye_n or_o to_o put_v out_o the_o light_n to_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n to_o reject_v all_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n and_o all_o divine_a revelation_n as_o ignorance_n folly_n and_o imposture_n but_o what_o a_o task_n be_v this_o to_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o darkness_n be_v light_a and_o light_a darkness_n for_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n which_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n must_v reject_v before_o they_o can_v deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o a_o divine_a revelation_n shine_v as_o clear_a and_o bright_a in_o the_o mind_n as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n do_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o admire_a principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n put_v out_o our_o eye_n leave_v no_o distinction_n between_o thing_n nor_o any_o certain_a rule_n of_o judge_v as_o to_o give_v some_o few_o instance_n of_o this_o there_o be_v nothing_o lie_v more_o easy_a and_o obvious_a in_o our_o mind_n than_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n which_o give_v be_v to_o all_o thing_n else_o i_o will_v not_o dispute_v this_o point_n now_o but_o allege_v it_o as_o a_o first_o principle_n which_o mankind_n natural_o assent_v to_o as_o the_o most_o reasonable_a account_n of_o the_o origin_n of_o all_o thing_n now_o this_o the_o atheist_n reject_v for_o if_o they_o shall_v allow_v a_o first_o cause_n they_o must_v own_v a_o god_n for_o the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v a_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o wise_a reason_n they_o have_v against_o it_o though_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o great_a confirmation_n of_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n because_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n be_v as_o natural_a and_o universal_a as_o of_o a_o first_o cause_n and_o these_o two_o notion_n which_o be_v both_o so_o natural_a to_o mankind_n do_v mutual_o confirm_v each_o other_o but_o what_o account_n do_v these_o man_n give_v of_o the_o origin_n of_o all_o thing_n they_o either_o say_v the_o world_n be_v eternal_a and_o always_o be_v what_o it_o now_o be_v or_o that_o atom_n be_v eternal_a and_o that_o the_o world_n that_o now_o be_v be_v make_v by_o chance_n but_o be_v this_o the_o natural_a persuasion_n of_o mankind_n that_o the_o world_n have_v no_o beginning_n and_o no_o cause_n or_o that_o it_o be_v made-by_a chance_n be_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n hard_a to_o be_v believe_v than_o this_o which_o we_o can_v form_v no_o possible_a notion_n of_o nature_n teach_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o and_o how_o then_o shall_v they_o come_v to_o know_v it_o when_o they_o neither_o see_v the_o world_n from_o eternity_n nor_o see_v it_o make_v by_o the_o fortuitous_a jumble_v of_o atom_n it_o be_v certain_a these_o principle_n differ_v as_o light_v and_o darkness_n do_v to_o ascribe_v all_o thing_n to_o a_o first_o cause_n give_v a_o sensible_a account_n how_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v so_o wise_o make_v which_o be_v knowledge_n and_o light_n but_o to_o say_v that_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a without_o a_o cause_n or_o that_o it_o be_v make_v by_o chance_n when_o we_o see_v all_o thing_n in_o it_o so_o wise_o make_v only_o confound_v and_o amaze_v we_o and_o leave_v we_o in_o darkness_n indeed_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n have_v nothing_o natural_a or_o enlighten_v in_o they_o but_o be_v a_o force_n upon_o our_o understanding_n and_o destroy_v all_o the_o true_a principle_n of_o knowledge_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a and_o natural_a to_o our_o mind_n to_o believe_v that_o something_o be_v eternal_a for_o if_o there_o ever_o have_v be_v nothing_o there_o never_o can_v have_v be_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o question_n be_v which_o be_v most_o easy_a and_o natural_a to_o human_a understanding_n to_o say_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v eternal_a without_o a_o cause_n or_o to_o assert_v one_o eternal_a be_v who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o every_o man_n may_v feel_v the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o in_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n