principle_n of_o all_o religious_a obligation_n be_v deduce_v p._n 202._o which_o be_v reduce_v to_o five_o head_n p._n 102_o 103._o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v true_o religious_a p._n 104_o 105._o atheism_n resolve_v into_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n will_n and_o imagination_n sect._n 1._o p._n 106_o 107_o 108_o 109._o the_o particular_a cause_n of_o it_o reduce_v to_o nine_o head_n and_o of_o the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o p._n 109_o to_o p._n 157._o of_o the_o great_a folly_n and_o madness_n of_o atheism_n in_o its_o self_n p._n 157_o 158._o this_o show_v at_o large_a in_o six_o particular_n p._n 158_o to_o p._n 196._o chap._n iu._n that_o to_o the_o sound_n the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v acknowledge_v the_o divine_a providence_n p._n 196_o 197_o 198_o 199._o what_o be_v the_o particular_a act_n of_o providence_n which_o we_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v show_v in_o five_o particular_n p._n 200_o to_o 244._o the_o divine_a providence_n prove_v first_o à _fw-la priori_fw-la by_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o be_v reduce_v to_o four_o head_n p._n 245_o to_o 256._o second_o à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la by_o argument_n draw_v from_o sensible_a effect_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n of_o which_o six_o instance_n be_v give_v p._n 256_o to_o p._n 310._o the_o most_o considerable_a objection_n against_o a_o divine_a providence_n reduce_v to_o five_o head_n and_o particular_o answer_v p._n 310_o to_o p._n 354._o chap._n v._n the_o necessity_n of_o acknowledge_v divine_a reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v true_o religious_a p._n 355_o 356_o 357_o 358._o how_o far_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v they_o show_v in_o four_o particular_n p._n 358_o to_o 369._o of_o the_o universal_a acknowledgement_n of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n p._n 370_o 371_o 372_o 373._o the_o reality_n of_o these_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n prove_v by_o six_o argument_n p._n 373_o to_o 399._o by_o what_o mean_v our_o belief_n of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v to_o be_v acquire_v and_o confirm_v show_v in_o four_o particular_n p._n 399_o to_o 410._o of_o the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o this_o belief_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v true_o religious_a p._n 410_o to_o 417._o chap._n vi_o the_o necessity_n of_o right_a notion_n of_o god_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v true_o religious_a p._n 417_o 418._o in_o what_o respect_n they_o be_v necessary_a to_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v true_o religious_a show_v in_o four_o particular_n p._n 419_o to_o p._n 444._o of_o the_o way_n of_o form_v right_a notion_n of_o god_n in_o general_n p._n 445_o to_o 449._o siâ—_n general_a rule_n lay_v down_o for_o the_o frame_n right_a notion_n of_o god_n p._n 449_o to_o 484._o of_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o man_n misapprehension_n of_o god_n in_o siâ—_n particular_a instance_n p._n 485_o to_o 513._o of_o the_o christian_a life_n part_n ii_o chap._n i._o concern_v the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o moral_a goodness_n all_o humane_a action_n be_v either_o necessary_a or_o sinful_a or_o indifferent_a the_o necessary_a be_v such_o as_o be_v command_v the_o sinful_a such_o as_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n the_o indifferent_a such_o as_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v but_o leave_v entire_o free_a to_o our_o choice_n and_o discretion_n again_o the_o necessary_a and_o the_o sinful_a action_n be_v either_o such_o as_o be_v necessary_a and_o sinful_a in_o themselves_o and_o be_v command_v and_o forbid_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o some_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o be_v inseparable_a to_o their_o nature_n or_o such_o as_o be_v indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n as_o to_o any_o good_a or_o evil_a inherent_a in_o they_o but_o be_v make_v necessary_a or_o sinful_a by_o some_o positive_a command_n or_o prohibition_n superinduce_v upon_o they_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v those_o which_o we_o call_v moral_a action_n as_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o command_v and_o forbid_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v essential_o and_o immutable_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o whilst_o there_o be_v no_o other_o law_n but_o this_o every_o action_n which_o do_v not_o oblige_v by_o some_o eternal_a reason_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o by_o some_o inseparable_a good_a or_o evil_n be_v leave_v free_a and_o indifferent_a but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n god_n superad_v to_o this_o moral_a law_n a_o great_a many_o positive_a one_o whereby_o he_o oblige_a man_n to_o do_v and_o forbear_v sundry_a of_o those_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n for_o such_o we_o call_v the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n all_o which_o be_v indifferent_a before_o they_o be_v impose_v and_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o the_o imposition_n be_v take_v off_o from_o they_o do_v immediate_o return_v to_o their_o primitive_a indifferency_n so_o that_o by_o the_o abolition_n of_o their_o ceremonial_a law_n the_o jew_n be_v restore_v to_o all_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o moral_a except_v only_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o two_o sacrament_n and_o of_o maintain_v a_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n which_o be_v determine_v by_o positive_a law_n of_o christianity_n and_o of_o this_o late_a sort_n of_o necessary_a and_o sinful_a action_n be_v not_o only_o all_o those_o indifferent_a one_o which_o god_n himself_o have_v command_v and_o forbid_v immediate_o but_o also_o all_o those_o which_o he_o command_v and_o forbid_v by_o his_o viceroy_n and_o representative_n in_o this_o world_n for_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v not_o command_v or_o forbid_v by_o his_o own_o immediate_a dictate_v and_o authority_n he_o have_v authorize_v his_o vicegerent_n to_o command_v or_o forbid_v as_o they_o shall_v judge_v it_o most_o expedient_a for_o the_o public_a so_o that_o when_o they_o command_v what_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v or_o forbid_v what_o he_o have_v not_o command_v their_o will_n be_v god_n who_o command_v we_o by_o their_o mouth_n and_o stamp_n their_o injunction_n with_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o of_o this_o distinction_n between_o action_n that_o be_v moral_o and_o positive_o necessary_a the_o scripture_n frequent_o take_v notice_n and_o particular_o mich._n vi_fw-la 6.7_o 8._o wherewithal_o shall_v i_o come_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o bow_n myself_o before_o the_o high_a god_n shall_v i_o come_v before_o he_o with_o burnt-offering_n with_o calf_n of_o a_o year_n old_a etc._n etc._n no_o these_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o will_v render_v i_o acceptable_a in_o his_o eye_n and_o procure_v i_o a_o welcome_a admission_n into_o his_o presence_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o thing_n be_v then_o require_v and_o command_v and_o therefore_o be_v positive_o necessary_a but_o that_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o any_o intrinsic_a goodness_n that_o be_v in_o they_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o follow_v he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v the_o thing_n above_o name_v be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a have_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a in_o themselves_o and_o be_v make_v necessary_a mere_o by_o positive_a command_n upon_o which_o account_n they_o be_v insufficient_a to_o recommend_v you_o to_o god_n but_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n that_o carry_v a_o intrinsic_a beauty_n and_o goodness_n in_o their_o nature_n by_o which_o they_o strict_o oblige_v you_o to_o embrace_v and_o practice_v they_o and_o do_v thereupon_o recommend_v you_o by_o their_o own_o native_a charm_n to_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o what_o these_o good_a thing_n be_v he_o have_v sufficient_o show_v or_o discover_v to_o you_o viz._n to_o do_v just_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o your_o god_n which_o be_v the_o main_a and_o principal_a duty_n that_o he_o require_v of_o you_o which_o plain_o imply_v that_o there_o be_v some_o action_n which_o be_v moral_o that_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n eternal_o good_a and_o therefore_o eternal_o necessary_a and_o some_o that_o be_v necessary_a only_o because_o for_o some_o present_a reason_n god_n will_n and_o command_v they_o for_o no_o account_n can_v be_v give_v why_o he_o shall_v be_v more_o please_v with_o justice_n and_o mercy_n and_o humility_n than_o with_o sacrifice_n unless_o we_o suppose_v the_o former_a to_o be_v good_a and_o therefore_o necessary_a upon_o immutable_a reason_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o be_v immutable_o please_v to_o he_o and_o the_o latter_a to_o be_v necessary_a only_o upon_o mutable_a reason_n which_o therefore_o be_v to_o lose_v their_o necessity_n as_o soon_o as_o those_o reason_n
not_o to_o live_v like_o hog_n that_o wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n while_o they_o be_v full_a and_o whine_v and_o clamour_v when_o they_o be_v empty_a which_o forbid_v they_o to_o feed_v on_o eagle_n and_o other_o bird_n of_o prey_n to_o instruct_v they_o to_o live_v by_o honest_a industry_n and_o not_o by_o rapine_n which_o prohibit_v fish_n without_o scale_n that_o general_o live_v in_o the_o mud_n to_o teach_v the_o evil_n of_o sensuality_n and_o earthly-mindedness_a etc._n etc._n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o moral_a goodness_n be_v the_o constant_a mark_n at_o which_o all_o the_o positive_a precept_n of_o their_o law_n be_v level_v and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o christian_a religion_n all_o the_o positive_a precept_n it_o contain_v be_v direct_v to_o the_o same_o end_n it_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o his_o mediation_n to_o draw_v near_o unto_o god_n the_o design_n of_o which_o faith_n it_o express_o tell_v we_o be_v to_o sanctify_v our_o nature_n act_n 26.18_o and_o to_o purify_v our_o heart_n act_n 15.9_o it_o enjoin_v we_o to_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o for_o what_o purpose_n but_o to_o oblige_v we_o thereby_o to_o die_v to_o sin_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n rom._n 6.4_o it_o require_v we_o to_o commemorate_v our_o saviour_n passion_n in_o a_o sacramental_a communion_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n and_o to_o what_o end_n but_o only_o to_o excite_v we_o to_o love_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n and_o charity_n towards_o one_o another_o 1_o cor._n 5.7_o 8._o in_o a_o word_n it_o require_v we_o to_o live_v in_o unity_n with_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o her_o sacred_a assembly_n and_o for_o what_o other_o reason_n but_o that_o we_o may_v become_v a_o holy_a temple_n and_o a_o habitation_n of_o god_n by_o be_v compact_v together_o into_o a_o uniform_a and_o regular_a society_n eph._n 2.21_o 22._o since_o therefore_o all_o the_o precept_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v pure_o positive_a do_v bear_v a_o respect_n to_o moral_a goodness_n and_o be_v impose_v by_o god_n in_o subserviency_n thereunto_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o that_o be_v the_o principal_a mark_n which_o he_o design_n and_o aim_v at_o iii_o another_o evidence_n from_o scripture_n that_o moral_a goodness_n be_v the_o principal_a matter_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v the_o great_a contempt_n which_o god_n express_v of_o the_o positive_a duty_n of_o religion_n when_o ever_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o moral_a goodness_n for_o thus_o concern_v the_o positives_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n prov._n 15.8_o and_o concern_v the_o whole_a of_o their_o positive_a religion_n the_o prophet_n thus_o pronounce_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrifice_n to_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n i_o be_o full_a of_o the_o burnt-offering_n of_o ram_n and_o of_o the_o fat_a of_o feed_a beast_n i._n e_o so_o full_a as_o that_o i_o loathe_v they_o and_o i_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o bullock_n or_o of_o lamb_n or_o of_o he-goat_n when_o you_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o i_o who_o have_v require_v these_o thing_n at_o your_o hand_n to_o tread_v my_o court_n bring_v no_o more_o vain_a oblation_n incense_n be_v abomination_n to_o i_o the_o new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n the_o call_n of_o assâ—emblies_n i_o can_v away_o with_o it_o be_v iniquity_n even_o the_o solemn_a meeting_n your_o new_a moon_n and_o your_o appoint_a feast_n my_o soul_n hate_v they_o be_v a_o trouble_n to_o i_o i_o be_o weary_a to_o bear_v they_o and_o when_o you_o spread_v forth_o your_o hand_n i_o will_v hide_v my_o eye_n yea_o when_o you_o make_v many_o prayer_n i_o will_v not_o hear_v and_o what_o i_o beseech_v you_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o god_n shall_v thus_o dislike_v his_o own_o institution_n why_o he_o plain_o tell_v you_o your_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o blood_n your_o cruelty_n and_o oppression_n do_v profane_v your_o worship_n and_o turn_v it_o all_o into_o impiety_n isai._n 1.11_o to_o the_o 16_o for_o so_o isai._n 66.3_o he_o plain_o tell_v they_o he_o that_o kill_v a_o ox_n be_v as_o if_o he_o slay_v a_o man_n he_o that_o sacrifice_v a_o lamb_n as_o if_o he_o cut_v off_o a_o dog_n neck_n he_o that_o offer_v a_o oblation_n as_o if_o he_o offer_v swine_n blood_n he_o that_o burn_v incense_n as_o if_o he_o bless_v a_o idol_n and_o why_o so_o why_o they_o have_v choose_v their_o own_o way_n i._n e._n of_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n and_o their_o soul_n delight_v in_o their_o abomination_n nor_o do_v god_n express_v a_o less_o contempt_n of_o the_o positives_n of_o christianity_n when_o separate_v from_o moral_a goodness_n for_o thus_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o even_o of_o our_o faith_n or_o belief_n in_o jesus_n that_o without_o work_v it_o be_v dead_a that_o be_v a_o senseless_a squalid_a thing_n that_o have_v neither_o life_n nor_o beauty_n in_o it_o james_z 2.17_o and_o s._n peter_n compare_v baptism_n to_o the_o wash_n of_o a_o swine_n when_o it_o be_v separate_v from_o purity_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n 2_o pet._n 2.22_o and_o our_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n without_o charity_n and_o devotion_n be_v by_o st._n paul_n style_v come_v together_o to_o condemnation_n 1_o cor._n 11.34_o all_o which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o moral_a goodness_n be_v the_o principal_a matter_n that_o god_n insist_o on_o since_o it_o be_v this_o that_o sanctify_a the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o crown_v all_o their_o ceremonial_a observance_n with_o the_o divine_a acceptation_n and_o without_o this_o all_o their_o other_o service_n be_v noisome_a and_o offensive_a to_o he_o and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o perfume_v our_o faith_n and_o our_o sacrament_n our_o prayer_n and_o religious_a assembly_n and_o render_v they_o a_o grateful_a and_o sweet_a smell_a savour_n in_o the_o nostril_n of_o god_n and_o without_o this_o they_o be_v all_o a_o hateful_a stench_n and_o annoyance_n to_o he_o doubtless_o therefore_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o be_v that_o which_o he_o esteem_v the_o grace_n and_o fragrancy_n of_o all_o our_o other_o duty_n iv._o another_o evidence_n from_o scripture_n that_o moral_a goodness_n be_v the_o principal_a matter_n that_o god_n require_v of_o we_o be_v that_o where_o ever_o we_o find_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n sum_v up_o in_o a_o few_o particular_n they_o be_v always_o such_o as_o be_v part_n and_o instance_n of_o moral_a goodness_n thus_o in_o the_o above_o cite_v mic._n 6._o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n thus_o also_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n give_v a_o account_n to_o his_o people_n what_o they_o be_v to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o their_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n thus_o direct_v they_o wash_v you_o make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n from_o before_o my_o eye_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o seek_v judgement_n relieve_v the_o oppress_v judge_v the_o fatherless_a plead_v for_o the_o widow_n come_v now_o and_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_n isai_n 1.16.17_o 18._o so_o also_o our_o bless_a saviour_n sum_v up_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n into_o two_o particular_n and_o what_o be_v they_o why_o thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n and_o the_o second_o be_v like_a unto_o it_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o on_o these_o two_o commandment_n hang_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n mat._n 22.37_o 38_o 39_o 40._o thus_o st._n james_n true_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o keep_v himself_o unspotted_a from_o the_o word_n james_n 1.27_o and_o elsewhere_o the_o apostle_n sum_v up_o the_o whole_a law_n into_o one_o lead_v head_n of_o morality_n and_o that_o be_v love_n for_o love_n say_v he_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n rom._n 13.10_o so_o this_o observation_n general_o hold_v true_a that_o in_o all_o those_o summary_n of_o duty_n mention_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n only_o such_o duty_n be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o be_v part_n and_o instance_n of_o morality_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o it_o be_v this_o which_o god_n principal_o require_v since_o it_o be_v this_o which_o he_o most_o take_v notice_n
do_v alter_v or_o cease_v for_o have_v sacrifice_n be_v good_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n their_o goodness_n have_v be_v as_o unalterable_a as_o their_o nature_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o find_v that_o whereas_o their_o nature_n neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v alter_v yet_o their_o goodness_n or_o necessity_n be_v for_o as_o before_o god_n adopt_v they_o into_o the_o rubric_n of_o religion_n by_o his_o own_o positive_a institution_n they_o be_v indifferent_a thing_n so_o after_o this_o institution_n be_v repeal_v by_o a_o contrary_a command_n they_o become_v unlawful_a so_o that_o it_o be_v now_o as_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v not_o offer_v they_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v before_o that_o we_o shall_v and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o the_o other_o rite_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n which_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a can_v no_o otherewise_o be_v convert_v either_o into_o necessary_a or_o sinful_a but_o by_o god_n express_a command_n or_o prohibition_n whereas_o justice_n and_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n be_v good_a in_o themselves_o abstract_o consider_v from_o all_o will_n and_o command_n and_o be_v not_o good_a mere_o because_o they_o be_v command_v but_o be_v command_v because_o they_o be_v good_a because_o they_o carry_v with_o they_o such_o unalterable_a reason_n as_o do_v in_o themselves_o render_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o eternal_o necessary_a for_o though_o there_o be_v very_o good_a reason_n why_o man_n shall_v not_o offer_v material_a sacrifice_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v once_o enjoin_v yet_o it_o can_v never_o be_v reasonable_a for_o they_o to_o be_v unjust_a or_o cruel_a or_o proud_a because_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n carry_v such_o fix_v and_o immutable_a reason_n with_o they_o as_o will_v bind_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o eternity_n insomuch_o that_o though_o we_o have_v a_o dispensation_n to_o be_v proud_a under_o the_o broad-seal_n of_o heaven_n yet_o it_o will_v ill_o be_v very_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o be_v so_o and_o as_o thing_n that_o be_v only_o positive_o necessary_a or_o sinful_a derive_v all_o their_o necessity_n and_o sinfulness_n from_o god_n direct_a or_o express_v command_n and_o prohibition_n so_o they_o can_v be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o consequence_n for_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v antecedent_o lawful_a or_o indifferent_a it_o must_v necessary_o remain_v so_o till_o it_o be_v direct_o command_v or_o forbid_v there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o bound_v and_o limit_v it_o but_o only_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n in_o who_o disposal_n it_o be_v and_o therefore_o till_o he_o direct_o signify_v his_o will_n either_o for_o or_o against_o it_o it_o must_v remain_v as_o it_o be_v i._n e._n free_a and_o indifferent_a but_o you_o will_v say_v suppose_v god_n have_v command_v such_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n for_o such_o a_o reason_n do_v it_o not_o thence_o follow_v that_o he_o thereby_o command_v every_o other_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o have_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o i_o answer_v no_o for_o if_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o command_v it_o be_v necessary_a and_o eternal_a it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a but_o moral_o necessary_a and_o so_o be_v every_o thing_n else_o that_o have_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o consequent_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o law_n though_o it_o be_v apply_v but_o to_o one_o thing_n extend_v to_o every_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n because_o in_o all_o moral_a case_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o law_n be_v the_o law_n but_o if_o the_o thing_n command_v be_v in_o itself_o indifferent_a the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v command_v can_v be_v necessary_a and_o therefore_o though_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n why_o another_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n shall_v be_v command_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o necessary_o oblige_v unless_o it_o be_v command_v actual_o because_o in_o such_o case_n it_o be_v not_o the_o reason_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o law_n that_o oblige_v and_o therefore_o where_o there_o be_v only_o the_o reason_n and_o not_o the_o law_n it_o lay_v no_o obligation_n on_o the_o conscience_n from_o the_o whole_a therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a what_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o thing_n that_o be_v positive_o and_o moral_o necessary_a and_o sinful_a which_o i_o think_v very_o necessary_a to_o explain_v at_o large_a for_o the_o give_v a_o full_a light_n to_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n in_o which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v first_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o intrinsic_a goodness_n in_o some_o humane_a action_n as_o render_v they_o for_o ever_o necessary_a and_o oblige_v to_o we_o second_o that_o god_n have_v sufficient_o discover_v to_o we_o what_o those_o humane_a action_n be_v which_o carry_v with_o they_o this_o perpetual_a obligation_n three_o that_o these_o action_n which_o carry_v with_o they_o this_o perpetual_a obligation_n be_v the_o main_a and_o principal_a part_n of_o religion_n sect_n i._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o intrinsic_a good_a in_o some_o humane_a action_n as_o render_v they_o for_o ever_o necessary_a and_o oblige_v to_o we_o good_a be_v twofold_a absolute_a or_o respective_a or_o the_o good_a of_o the_o end_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o mean_n the_o good_a of_o the_o end_n be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n of_o any_o be_v the_o good_a of_o the_o mean_n be_v that_o which_o tend_v and_o conduce_v thereunto_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o absolute_a good_a of_o a_o brute_n animal_n consist_v in_o the_o perfection_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o its_o sense_n or_o in_o have_v perfect_a feel_v and_o sensation_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v most_o grateful_a to_o its_o appetite_n and_o sense_n it_o be_v respective_a good_a be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o its_o sense_n be_v perfect_v or_o render_v lively_a and_o vigorous_a and_o by_o which_o it_o be_v provide_v for_o with_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v grateful_a and_o please_a to_o they_o for_o there_o be_v in_o every_o animate_v nature_n a_o principle_n whereby_o it_o be_v necessary_o incline_v to_o promote_v its_o own_o preservation_n and_o wellbeing_a that_o which_o have_v in_o it_o a_o fitness_n to_o promote_v this_o end_n be_v call_v good_a as_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o which_o be_v apt_a to_o hinder_v it_o evil._n now_o man_n be_v not_o only_o a_o sensitive_a but_o a_o rational_a creature_n have_v a_o twofold_a good_a belong_v to_o his_o nature_n the_o first_o sensitive_a which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o brute_n animal_n consist_v in_o the_o perfection_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o bodily_a sense_n and_o appetite_n and_o in_o those_o mean_n which_o conduce_v thereunto_o and_o this_o for_o distinction_n sake_n be_v call_v his_o natural_a good_a the_o second_o rational_a which_o consist_v in_o the_o perfection_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o rational_a faculty_n and_o in_o those_o mean_n which_o tend_v thereunto_o and_o this_o be_v style_v his_o moral_a good_a though_o in_o reality_n it_o be_v as_o much_o natural_a as_o the_o former_a for_o man_n be_v natural_o as_o well_o rational_a as_o sensitive_a that_o which_o promote_v his_o rational_a perfection_n and_o happiness_n be_v no_o less_o natural_o good_a for_o he_o than_o that_o which_o promote_v his_o sensitive_a nay_o his_o rational_a nature_n be_v the_o much_o more_o noble_a and_o excellent_a part_n of_o he_o that_o which_o natural_o promote_v the_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n of_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o much_o great_a good_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v prefer_v by_o he_o before_o any_o of_o those_o natural_a good_n which_o conduce_v only_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o sensitive_a nature_n and_o he_o who_o indulge_v his_o sensitive_a part_n in_o any_o pleasure_n which_o his_o rational_a disallow_n do_v thereby_o create_v a_o torment_n to_o himself_o and_o raise_v a_o devil_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o though_o reason_n and_o religion_n do_v allow_v that_o the_o sensitive_a nature_n shall_v be_v gratify_v in_o all_o its_o natural_a appetite_n and_o desire_n yet_o neither_o allow_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v pamper_a and_o indulge_v in_o any_o such_o excss_n as_o be_v prejudicial_a either_o to_o itself_o or_o to_o that_o rational_a nature_n whereunto_o it_o be_v join_v and_o he_o who_o indulge_v his_o sense_n in_o any_o such_o excess_n render_v himself_o obnoxious_a to_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o to_o gratify_v the_o brute_n in_o he_o displease_v the_o man_n and_o set_v his_o two_o nature_n at_o variance_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v natural_o good_a for_o we_o that_o be_v any_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o what_o be_v moral_o so_o i._n e._n with_o what_o conduce_v to_o the_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n of_o our_o rational_a nature_n and_o though_o this_o natural_a and_o moral_a good_a be_v no_o way_n
of_o horror_n in_o the_o conscience_n anguish_n in_o the_o mind_n discord_n in_o the_o affection_n disease_n in_o the_o body_n and_o confusion_n and_o disturbance_n in_o humane_a society_n since_o therefore_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o contrivance_n have_v thus_o inseparable_o couple_v good_a effect_n to_o good_a action_n and_o evil_a one_o to_o evil_a it_o have_v hereby_o very_o plain_o and_o sensible_o declare_v to_o we_o what_o it_o will_v have_v we_o do_v and_o what_o not_o for_o see_v it_o have_v so_o constitute_v thing_n as_o that_o in_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n such_o proportion_n of_o happiness_n do_v necessary_o result_v to_o we_o from_o such_o action_n and_o such_o proportion_n of_o misery_n from_o their_o contrary_n what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o its_o design_n be_v hereby_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o the_o one_o and_o affright_v we_o from_o the_o other_o so_o that_o by_o these_o natural_a reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o in_o the_o course_n of_o thing_n god_n have_v chain_v to_o our_o action_n he_o have_v as_o express_o prescribe_v we_o what_o to_o do_v and_o what_o not_o as_o he_o can_v have_v do_v if_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o we_o in_o a_o audible_a voice_n from_o the_o battlement_n of_o heaven_n for_o since_o the_o whole_a train_n of_o natural_a effect_n be_v to_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o since_o his_o providence_n have_v so_o order_v and_o contrive_v thing_n as_o that_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o they_o good_a effect_n do_v spring_v out_o of_o good_a action_n and_o evil_a out_o of_o evil_a one_o what_o else_o can_v he_o intend_v by_o it_o but_o to_o allure_v we_o to_o the_o one_o and_o terrify_v we_o from_o the_o other_o for_o it_o be_v by_o reward_n and_o punishment_n that_o all_o lawgiver_n declare_v their_o will_n and_o pleasure_n concern_v those_o action_n which_o they_o command_v and_o sorbid_v and_o therefore_o since_o god_n in_o his_o providential_a government_n of_o the_o world_n have_v think_v good_a to_o link_v natural_a reward_n to_o such_o action_n and_o natural_a punishment_n to_o such_o these_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o great_a sanction_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n whereby_o he_o command_v what_o please_v and_o prohibit_n what_o displease_v he_o for_o when_o god_n have_v no_o otherwise_o reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n than_o only_o by_o the_o establsht_a course_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o great_a bible_n by_o which_o alone_a mankind_n be_v instruct_v in_o their_o duty_n and_o there_o be_v no_o reveal_v threat_n or_o promise_v annex_v to_o good_a and_o bad_a action_n god_n will_v and_o pleasure_n concern_v they_o be_v visible_a only_o in_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a consequent_n which_o they_o draw_v after_o they_o which_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o observation_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o will_v be_v the_o most_o inexcusable_a inadvertency_n not_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o so_o that_o the_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a of_o all_o action_n final_o resolve_v into_o the_o natural_a good_a and_o evil_a that_o be_v appendant_a to_o they_o and_o therefore_o be_v our_o action_n moral_o good_a because_o they_o be_v natural_o beneficial_a to_o we_o and_o therefore_o moral_o evil_a because_o they_o be_v natural_o prejudicial_a and_o hurtful_a and_o those_o which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a be_v indifferent_a in_o themselves_o and_o leave_v altogether_o undetermined_a by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o command_v and_o forbid_v nothing_o but_o under_o the_o sanction_n of_o those_o natural_a reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o in_o the_o course_n of_o thing_n be_v make_v necessary_a to_o humane_a action_n v._o to_o these_o natural_a reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o god_n have_v entail_v upon_o good_a and_o bad_a action_n he_o have_v think_v good_a many_o time_n to_o superadd_a supernatural_a blessing_n and_o judgement_n for_o though_o he_o have_v before_o sufficient_o express_v his_o will_n concern_v humane_a action_n in_o the_o great_a bible_n of_o nature_n and_o by_o their_o natural_a effect_n have_v plain_o enough_o distinguish_v the_o good_a from_o the_o bad_a yet_o consider_v what_o heedless_a and_o inobservant_a creature_n we_o be_v and_o how_o apt_a to_o overlook_v the_o ordinary_a consequent_n of_o our_o action_n he_o have_v not_o altogether_o abandon_v we_o to_o the_o easy_a instruction_n of_o nature_n but_o out_o of_o his_o superabundant_a care_n to_o show_v we_o what_o be_v good_a and_o lead_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n and_o happiness_n he_o have_v from_o time_n to_o time_n second_v the_o natural_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o our_o action_n with_o supernatural_a favour_n and_o judgement_n that_o so_o by_o these_o he_o may_v awake_v our_o drowsy_a attention_n and_o revive_v in_o we_o the_o languish_a sense_n of_o our_o duty_n of_o which_o we_o have_v infinite_a instance_n in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o history_n either_o sacred_a or_o prosane_a that_o abound_v not_o with_o they_o several_a of_o which_o both_o blessing_n and_o judgement_n do_v as_o plain_o evince_v themselves_o to_o be_v intend_v by_o god_n for_o reward_n and_o punishment_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v attend_v with_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n proclaim_v the_o reason_n for_o which_o they_o be_v send_v for_o how_o many_o famous_a instance_n have_v of_o we_o miraculous_a deliverance_n of_o righteous_a person_n who_o by_o a_o invisible_a hand_n have_v be_v rescue_v from_o the_o great_a danger_n when_o in_o all_o outward_a appearance_n their_o condition_n be_v hopeless_a and_o desperate_a and_o of_o wonderful_a blessing_n that_o have_v happen_v to_o they_o not_o only_o without_o but_o contrary_a to_o all_o secondary_a cause_n of_o some_o that_o have_v be_v so_o eminent_o reward_v in_o kind_n as_o that_o the_o good_n which_o they_o receive_v be_v most_o visible_a signification_n of_o the_o good_n which_o they_o do_v of_o other_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o blessing_n which_o they_o have_v ask_v whilst_o they_o be_v pray_v for_o they_o and_o obtain_v they_o with_o such_o distinguish_a circumstance_n as_o plain_o signify_v they_o to_o be_v the_o answer_n and_o return_v of_o their_o devout_a address_n to_o heaven_n and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a how_o many_o notable_a example_n be_v there_o of_o such_o miraculous_a judgement_n inflict_v upon_o unrighteous_a person_n as_o have_v either_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o secondary_a cause_n or_o be_v cause_v by_o they_o contrary_a to_o their_o natural_a tendency_n of_o man_n that_o have_v be_v punish_v in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o sometime_o in_o the_o very_a part_n by_o which_o they_o have_v offend_v that_o have_v have_v the_o evil_a of_o their_o sin_n retaliate_v upon_o they_o in_o a_o correspondent_a evil_n of_o suffer_v and_o be_v strike_v with_o those_o very_a judgement_n which_o they_o have_v imprecate_v on_o themselves_o in_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o know_a falsehood_n all_o which_o supernatural_a judgement_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v only_o his_o comment_n on_o the_o text_n of_o nature_n by_o which_o he_o far_o explain_v to_o we_o the_o mean_v of_o those_o natural_a reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o virtue_n and_o vice_n draw_v after_o they_o and_o show_v we_o what_o clear_a indication_n they_o be_v of_o his_o almighty_a pleasure_n and_o displeasure_n for_o when_o he_o reward_v man_n supernatural_o it_o be_v for_o those_o action_n that_o carry_v a_o natural_a reward_n with_o they_o and_o when_o he_o punish_v they_o supernatural_o it_o be_v for_o such_o action_n as_o do_v carry_v a_o natural_a punishment_n with_o they_o so_o that_o his_o supernatural_a reward_n and_o punishment_n do_v speak_v the_o same_o sense_n and_o language_n with_o his_o natural_a only_o they_o speak_v plain_a and_o loud_o to_o rouse_v and_o awake_v those_o stupid_a soul_n that_o be_v deaf_a to_o and_o regardless_o of_o the_o soft_a and_o still_a voice_n of_o natural_a reward_n and_o punishment_n thus_o when_o the_o old_a world_n by_o not_o attend_v to_o the_o natural_a consequent_n of_o their_o own_o action_n have_v almost_o extinguish_v their_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a god_n by_o a_o supernatural_a deluge_n in_o which_o he_o drown_v the_o wicked_a and_o preserve_v the_o righteous_a consign_v to_o all_o future_a generation_n a_o stand_a monument_n of_o his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o love_n of_o righteousness_n that_o so_o by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o it_o he_o may_v keep_v man_n heedless_a mind_n more_o attentive_a to_o the_o natural_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o their_o action_n and_o when_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o be_v almost_o wear_v out_o and_o with_o it_o man_n natural_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n god_n by_o rain_v down_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n upon_o sodom_n and_o gomorra_n and_o rescue_v
enforce_v and_o if_o notwithstanding_o they_o will_v be_v so_o regardless_o of_o god_n as_o to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o mercy_n so_o rude_a to_o his_o authority_n as_o not_o to_o mind_v either_o his_o law_n within_o or_o his_o law_n without_o they_o upon_o what_o reasonable_a pretence_n can_v they_o excuse_v themselves_o but_o then_o as_o for_o we_o christian_n we_o have_v not_o only_o all_o those_o natural_a discovery_n of_o our_o duty_n which_o the_o heathen_a have_v and_o all_o those_o supernatural_a one_o which_o the_o jew_n have_v but_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o for_o in_o our_o revelation_n the_o law_n and_o motive_n of_o virtue_n be_v set_v before_o we_o in_o a_o much_o clear_a light_n and_o be_v neither_o wrap_v up_o in_o mystical_a sense_n nor_o overcast_v with_o typical_a representation_n but_o lay_v before_o we_o in_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o easy_a proposition_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o mystical_a sense_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n be_v the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o christian_a in_o which_o all_o those_o precept_n and_o promise_n and_o threat_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o dark_a riddle_n obscure_a and_o typical_a adumbration_n be_v bring_v forth_o to_o we_o from_o behind_o the_o curtain_n and_o propose_v in_o plain_a and_o popular_a article_n so_o that_o if_o we_o still_o continue_v in_o our_o sinful_a course_n we_o be_v of_o all_o man_n the_o most_o inexcusable_a the_o heathen_a may_v plead_v against_o the_o jew_n that_o their_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a in_o its_o precept_n nor_o yet_o so_o cogent_a in_o its_o motive_n as_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o jew_n may_v plead_v against_o we_o christian_n that_o their_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v neither_o so_o express_v in_o its_o precept_n nor_o yet_o so_o intelligible_a in_o its_o best_a and_o most_o powerful_a motive_n as_o our_o gospel_n but_o as_o for_o we_o christian_n we_o have_v nothing_o to_o plead_v but_o by_o our_o own_o obstinacy_n against_o the_o clear_a discovery_n of_o our_o duty_n do_v stand_v condemn_v to_o everlasting_a silence_n so_o that_o when_o it_o shall_v appear_v at_o the_o dread_a tribunal_n of_o god_n that_o we_o have_v persist_v in_o our_o wickedness_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o advantage_n we_o must_v expect_v to_o be_v reproach_v by_o all_o the_o reasonable_a world_n to_o be_v explode_v and_o hiss_v at_o not_o only_o by_o saint_n and_o angel_n but_o by_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o devil_n themselves_o who_o will_v all_o conspire_v with_o our_o own_o conscience_n to_o second_v our_o woeful_a doom_n with_o the_o loud_a acclamation_n of_o just_a and_o righteous_a be_v thou_o o_o lord_n in_o all_o thy_o way_n wherefore_o as_o we_o will_v not_o perish_v for_o ever_o without_o pity_n and_o excuse_v let_v we_o make_v haste_n to_o forsake_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n sect_n iii_o that_o those_o action_n which_o carry_v with_o they_o this_o perpetual_a obligation_n be_v the_o main_a and_o principal_a part_n of_o religion_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v most_o evident_a from_o the_o abovenamed_a text_n mic._n 6.8_o and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n which_o interrogation_n though_o it_o imply_v not_o a_o absolute_a negation_n viz._n that_o the_o lord_n require_v nothing_o else_o of_o they_o for_o under_o the_o law_n he_o require_v sacrifice_n and_o sundry_a other_o positive_a duty_n as_o under_o the_o gospel_n he_o require_v sacrament_n and_o read_v and_o hear_v his_o holy_a word_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v positive_a duty_n as_o well_o as_o those_o legal_a institution_n of_o moses_n yet_o it_o plain_o imply_v a_o comparative_a negation_n viz._n that_o the_o lord_n require_v nothing_o else_o so_o principal_o and_o affectionate_o so_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o own_o inherent_a beauty_n and_o goodness_n as_o he_o do_v these_o moral_a duty_n here_o specify_v he_o do_v indeed_o require_v the_o jew_n to_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o he_o and_o to_o perform_v those_o other_o ceremonial_a rite_n specify_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o for_o they_o wilful_o to_o have_v neglect_v those_o duty_n will_v have_v be_v such_o a_o avow_a defiance_n to_o his_o authority_n as_o will_v have_v render_v they_o just_o obnoxious_a to_o all_o the_o judgement_n threaten_v in_o their_o law_n but_o yet_o he_o do_v much_o more_o earnest_o require_v they_o to_o be_v just_a and_o merciful_a and_o humble_a and_o manifest_v himself_o to_o be_v far_o better_a please_v with_o one_o act_n of_o moral_a goodness_n than_o with_o a_o thousand_o sacrifice_n and_o thus_o he_o require_v of_o we_o christian_n that_o we_o shall_v communicate_v with_o he_o and_o with_o one_o another_o in_o our_o evangelical_n sacrament_n and_o dutiful_o conform_v to_o all_o those_o sacred_a institution_n and_o solemnity_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o we_o wilful_o neglect_v they_o we_o just_o incur_v all_o that_o everlasting_a vengeance_n which_o be_v there_o denounce_v but_o yet_o our_o sincere_a compliance_n with_o the_o immutable_a obligation_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n be_v a_o thousandfold_n more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o our_o strict_a observation_n of_o these_o his_o positive_a institution_n so_o that_o the_o question_n in_o the_o text_n what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o plain_o imply_v this_o proposition_n that_o though_o god_n do_v exact_a of_o we_o certain_a duty_n which_o be_v not_o moral_a i._n e._n have_v no_o intrinsic_a necessity_n in_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o moral_a duty_n such_o as_o justice_n and_o mercy_n and_o humility_n which_o he_o principal_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n thus_o concern_v sacrifice_n god_n plain_o tell_v we_o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n i._n e._n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n rather_o than_o sacrifice_n hos._n 6.6_o and_o the_o wise_a man_n assure_v we_o that_o to_o do_v justice_n be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o the_o lord_n than_o sacrifice_n prov._n 21.3_o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n himself_o pronounce_v even_o before_o that_o ceremonial_a worship_n be_v abolish_v that_o to_o love_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n with_o all_o our_o understanding_n with_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o our_o strength_n and_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o be_v more_o than_o all_o burnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n mark_v 12.33_o but_o for_o the_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o this_o great_a and_o necessary_a truth_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v first_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o some_o scripture_n argument_n second_o to_o assign_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o as_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o the_o follow_a particular_n will_v be_v abundant_o sufficient_a first_o that_o the_o scripture_n plain_o declare_v that_o the_o great_a design_n of_o all_o the_o doctrinal_n of_o religion_n have_v always_o be_v to_o move_v and_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a goodness_n second_o that_o the_o main_a drift_n and_o scope_n of_o all_o the_o positive_a duty_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v always_o to_o improve_v and_o perfect_a man_n in_o moral_a goodness_n three_o that_o god_n express_v in_o scripture_n a_o great_a contempt_n of_o all_o the_o positive_a duty_n of_o religion_n when_o ever_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o moral_a goodness_n four_o that_o where_o ever_o we_o find_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n sum_v up_o in_o a_o few_o particular_n they_o be_v always_o such_o as_o be_v instance_n of_o moral_a goodness_n five_o that_o wherever_o such_o person_n as_o have_v be_v most_o dear_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n be_v describe_v in_o scripture_n their_o character_n always_o consist_v of_o some_o instance_n or_o other_o of_o moral_a goodness_n six_o that_o the_o scripture_n plain_o declare_v that_o at_o the_o great_a account_n between_o god_n and_o our_o soul_n the_o main_a inquisition_n will_v be_v concern_v our_o moral_a good_a or_o evil._n i._o the_o scripture_n express_o declare_v that_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o move_v and_o persuade_v man_n to_o moral_a goodness_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i._n e._n the_o gospel_n assure_v we_o that_o its_o great_a design_n be_v to_o teach_v man_n to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n tit._n 2.12_o and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n in_o particular_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o all_o conspire_v in_o this_o great_a design_n for_o so_o the_o doctrine_n of_o eternal_a life_n be_v
nature_n we_o do_v in_o obey_v they_o take_v impression_n from_o he_o and_o stamp_v his_o bless_a nature_n on_o our_o own_o for_o all_o those_o virtuous_a disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o we_o acquire_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n be_v so_o many_o genuine_a signature_n of_o god_n take_v from_o the_o seal_n of_o his_o law_n and_o participation_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o so_o holiness_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o conformity_n of_o soul_n with_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o goodness_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o signature_n or_o impression_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o we_o be_v seal_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n eph._n 4.30_o and_o such_o as_o do_v righteousness_n be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n 1_o john_n 2.29_o which_o imply_v their_o derive_v from_o he_o who_o be_v their_o divine_a parent_n a_o divine_a and_o godlike_a nature_n even_o as_o child_n do_v their_o humane_a nature_n from_o their_o humane_a parent_n so_o that_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a goodness_n we_o receive_v from_o god_n the_o best_a thing_n he_o can_v bestow_v viz._n a_o divine_a and_o godlike_a nature_n and_o consequent_o by_o so_o do_v we_o render_v he_o the_o high_a honour_n and_o glory_n for_o since_o we_o can_v no_o otherwise_o honour_v he_o but_o by_o receive_v from_o he_o we_o doubtless_o do_v he_o the_o great_a honour_n when_o we_o receive_v himself_o by_o partake_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o great_a gift_n he_o can_v communicate_v to_o we_o herein_o say_v our_o saviour_n be_v my_o father_n glorify_v that_o you_o bear_v much_o fruit_n john_n 15.8_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v the_o aforenamed_a philosopher_n i._n e._n he_o only_o know_v how_o to_o honour_v god_n who_o presenr_n himself_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o he_o carve_v his_o own_o soul_n into_o a_o divine_a image_n and_o compose_v his_o mind_n into_o a_o temple_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o divine_a light_n and_o glory_n it_o be_v then_o therefore_o that_o we_o best_a honour_n god_n when_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o true_a godliness_n we_o conform_v our_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o he_o and_o derive_v into_o ourselves_o his_o nature_n and_o perfection_n and_o shall_v you_o erect_v to_o he_o a_o temple_n more_o magnificent_a than_o solomon_n and_o load_v its_o altar_n with_o hecatomb_n of_o sacrifice_n and_o make_v it_o perpetual_o ring_n with_o psalm_n and_o resound_a choir_n of_o halelujah_n it_o will_v not_o be_v comparable_o so_o great_a a_o honour_n to_o he_o as_o to_o convert_v your_o own_o soul_n into_o live_a temple_n and_o make_v they_o the_o habitation_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o perfection_n for_o he_o value_v no_o sacrifice_n like_o that_o of_o a_o obedient_a will_n delight_n in_o no_o choir_n like_o that_o of_o pure_a and_o heavenly_a affection_n nor_o have_v he_o in_o all_o his_o creation_n a_o ensign_n of_o honour_n so_o true_o worthy_a of_o he_o as_o that_o of_o a_o divine_a and_o godlike_a soul_n a_o soul_n that_o reflect_v his_o image_n and_o shine_v back_o his_o own_o glory_n upon_o he_o wherefore_o since_o it_o be_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a goodness_n that_o we_o receive_v god_n and_o copy_n his_o nature_n into_o our_o own_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n he_o shall_v make_v it_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n for_o how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o expect_v but_o that_o he_o shall_v exact_v that_o chief_o of_o we_o which_o most_o conduce_v to_o his_o own_o glory_n since_o then_o nothing_o we_o can_v do_v can_v conduce_v to_o his_o glory_n but_o only_o our_o receive_a benefit_n from_o he_o and_o since_o no_o benefit_n we_o receive_v from_o he_o can_v so_o much_o conduce_v to_o it_o as_o our_o receive_a himself_o and_o since_o we_o can_v no_o otherwise_o receive_v himself_o but_o by_o practise_v that_o goodness_n which_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n we_o must_v hereby_o doubtless_o render_v he_o the_o great_a honour_n and_o glory_n ii_o god_n have_v make_v moral_a goodness_n the_o principal_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n because_o it_o be_v by_o this_o that_o we_o do_v most_o true_o imitate_v he_o for_o so_o you_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o wherever_o god_n be_v propose_v to_o we_o for_o a_o pattern_n of_o action_n it_o be_v by_o some_o act_n or_o other_o of_o morality_n that_o we_o be_v require_v to_o transcribe_v and_o imitate_v he_o so_o 1_o pet._n 1.16_o be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a and_o luke_n 6.36_o be_v you_o merciful_a as_o your_o father_n be_v merciful_a and_o mat._n 5.48_o be_v you_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a and_o indeed_o it_o be_v only_o in_o moral_a goodness_n that_o god_n can_v be_v the_o pattern_n of_o our_o imitation_n as_o for_o those_o perfection_n of_o he_o which_o for_o distinction-sake_n we_o call_v natural_a viz._n his_o omniscience_n and_o omnipresence_n omnipotence_n and_o eternity_n they_o be_v all_o beyond_o the_o sphere_n of_o our_o imitation_n and_o therefore_o be_v never_o propose_v to_o we_o as_o the_o copy_n of_o our_o action_n but_o as_o for_o his_o moral_a perfection_n viz._n his_o goodness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o purity_n and_o mercy_n they_o be_v the_o fundamental_a rule_n and_o standard_n of_o all_o moral_a action_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o righteous_a be_v the_o eternal_a fountain_n whence_o all_o the_o law_n of_o morality_n be_v derive_v and_o all_o those_o moral_a precept_n by_o which_o he_o govern_v his_o rational_a creation_n be_v only_o so_o many_o exemplification_n of_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n for_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n which_o comprehend_v all_o his_o moral_a perfection_n consist_v in_o that_o essential_a rectitude_n of_o nature_n whereby_o he_o always_o choose_v and_o act_n conformable_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o infallible_a reason_n and_o it_o be_v to_o this_o rectitude_n of_o choose_v and_o act_v that_o all_o his_o moral_a law_n do_v oblige_v we_o for_o moral_a law_n be_v only_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n prescribe_v we_o what_o to_o do_v and_o what_o to_o avoid_v so_o that_o in_o our_o compliance_n with_o they_o we_o follow_v the_o rule_n of_o god_n own_o will_n and_o action_n and_o thereby_o imitate_v the_o eternal_a rectitude_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o though_o in_o those_o different_a state_n and_o relation_n of_o god_n and_o creature_n right_a reason_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o oblige_v he_o and_o we_o to_o all_o the_o same_o particular_a choice_n and_o action_n yet_o it_o oblige_v we_o both_o to_o act_v reasonable_o in_o our_o respective_a state_n and_o relation_n it_o oblige_v god_n to_o act_v reasonable_o and_o as_o it_o become_v the_o state_n and_o relation_n of_o a_o god_n and_o creator_n and_o it_o oblige_v we_o to_o act_v reasonable_o and_o as_o it_o become_v the_o state_n and_o relation_n of_o man_n and_o creature_n and_o as_o for_o god_n he_o be_v invariable_o incline_v to_o do_v all_o that_o right_a reason_n oblige_v he_o to_o by_o the_o essential_a rectitude_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o herein_o consist_v all_o his_o moral_a perfection_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o immutable_a inclination_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o do_v whatever_o be_v just_a and_o good_a and_o reasonable_a so_o that_o while_o we_o live_v according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n the_o eternal_a law_n of_o morality_n we_o trace_v and_o imitate_v the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o in_o our_o place_n and_o station_n live_v at_o the_o same_o rate_n and_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n that_o he_o do_v in_o he_o we_o do_v what_o god_n himself_o will_v do_v if_o he_o be_v in_o our_o place_n and_o what_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v do_v when_o he_o be_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o difference_n between_o his_o life_n and_o we_o but_o what_o necessary_o arise_v out_o of_o our_o different_a state_n and_o relation_n since_o therefore_o moral_a goodness_n be_v a_o imitation_n of_o god_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o he_o so_o much_o prefer_v it_o before_o all_o other_o matter_n of_o duty_n for_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v suppose_v to_o love_v that_o above_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o true_a copy_n and_o image_n of_o those_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o he_o love_v himself_o above_o all_o for_o he_o love_v himself_o not_o mere_o because_o he_o be_v himself_o but_o because_o he_o be_v in_o all_o respect_v moral_o good_a and_o his_o will_n and_o power_n be_v perfect_o compliant_a with_o the_o infallible_a dictate_v of_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o hence_o arise_v his_o infinite_a complacency_n in_o himself_o that_o there_o be_v
and_o when_o he_o please_v direct_v they_o quite_o contrary_a to_o their_o intention_n for_o the_o way_n of_o man_n say_v the_o prophet_n be_v not_o in_o himself_o it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n that_o walk_v to_o direct_v his_o step_n jer._n 10.23_o it_o be_v the_o man_n that_o walk_v and_o act_n but_o it_o be_v god_n alone_o that_o lead_v his_o way_n and_o direct_v his_o action_n to_o what_o end_n he_o please_v all_o which_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v true_o religious_a for_o while_o we_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o a_o foreiner_n to_o the_o world_n that_o have_v altogether_o retire_v himself_o from_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o and_o abandon_v it_o to_o the_o disposal_n of_o blind_a chance_n or_o necessity_n he_o must_v stand_v for_o a_o cypher_n in_o our_o esteem_n and_o signify_v no_o more_o to_o we_o than_o the_o emperor_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o moon_n who_o for_o all_o we_o know_v may_v be_v a_o glorious_a and_o puissant_a prince_n but_o be_v so_o far_o remove_v from_o we_o and_o our_o affair_n that_o he_o can_v do_v we_o neither_o good_a nor_o hurt_n and_o if_o god_n intermeddle_v not_o with_o those_o good_n and_o evil_n which_o happen_v here_o below_o what_o do_v he_o signify_v to_o we_o who_o live_v apart_o from_o he_o in_o another_o world_n from_o which_o he_o be_v whole_o retire_v and_o withdraw_v but_o if_o we_o firm_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o befall_v we_o whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n or_o by_o chance_n or_o design_n but_o by_o his_o order_n and_o direction_n we_o must_v lay_v aside_o our_o reason_n and_o humanity_n if_o for_o every_o good_a we_o want_v or_o do_v receive_v we_o do_v not_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o he_o with_o humble_a and_o submissive_a thankful_a and_o ingenuous_a mind_n and_o if_o under_o every_o evil_n that_o we_o feel_v or_o fear_n we_o do_v not_o resign_v up_o our_o will_n and_o lift_v up_o our_o eye_n to_o he_o as_o to_o the_o sole_a arbitrator_n of_o our_o fate_n for_o where_o shall_v we_o pay_v our_o thanks_o or_o whence_o shall_v we_o expect_v our_o supply_n and_o deliverance_n but_o to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o good_a and_o from_o he_o who_o be_v the_o supreme_a moderator_n of_o all_o event_n who_o be_v there_o in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n who_o we_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v to_o please_v and_o so_o much_o oblige_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o submit_v to_o so_o much_o engage_v to_o trust_v to_o and_o rely_v on_o as_o him_z who_o have_v all_o our_o fortune_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o the_o absolute_a disposal_n of_o every_o thing_n in_o which_o we_o be_v or_o may_v or_o can_v be_v any_o way_n interest_v or_o concern_v so_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o god_n overrule_a providence_n have_v every_o link_n of_o our_o duty_n fasten_v to_o it_o in_o a_o strong_a and_o rational_a concatenation_n and_o if_o it_o be_v loosen_v from_o this_o principle_n the_o whole_a chain_n must_v necessary_o fall_v in_o sunder_o v._o and_o last_o to_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v true_o religious_a it_o be_v also_o necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o rational_a world_n which_o be_v a_o distinct_a branch_n of_o providence_n from_o the_o former_a for_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o be_v subject_a to_o god_n order_n and_o disposal_n but_o in_o strictness_n of_o speech_n it_o be_v only_o rational_a being_n that_n be_v subject_a to_o his_o government_n for_o government_n suppose_v law_n and_o law_n reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o which_o rational_a being_n alone_a be_v capable_a they_o alone_o have_v the_o power_n to_o deliberate_v and_o upon_o deliberation_n to_o choose_v what_o be_v good_a and_o refuse_v what_o be_v evil_a without_o which_o no_o be_v can_v deserve_v either_o to_o be_v reward_v or_o punish_v so_o that_o the_o government_n of_o god_n in_o strictness_n of_o speech_n respect_v only_o the_o rational_a world_n consist_v of_o angel_n and_o men._n as_o for_o the_o government_n of_o angel_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v understand_v any_o more_o of_o it_o than_o what_o god_n have_v reveal_v because_o though_o they_o converse_v with_o we_o and_o our_o affair_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o converse_v with_o they_o our_o spiritual_a nature_n by_o which_o we_o be_v near_o ally_v to_o they_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o matter_n which_o like_o a_o wall_n of_o partition_n divide_v we_o from_o they_o and_o hinder_v we_o from_o look_v over_o into_o their_o world_n and_o from_o see_v their_o nature_n and_o operation_n and_o survey_v their_o polity_n and_o government_n indeed_o so_o far_o as_o we_o understand_v their_o nature_n we_o may_v easy_o understand_v the_o law_n by_o which_o god_n govern_v they_o because_o we_o know_v god_n law_n be_v always_o adapt_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o consequent_o since_o we_o know_v that_o they_o be_v rational_a creature_n we_o may_v conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v fit_a and_o decorous_a for_o rational_a creature_n as_o such_o they_o stand_v oblige_v to_o by_o the_o law_n of_o their_o nature_n but_o since_o there_o be_v particular_a power_n and_o property_n in_o their_o nature_n which_o we_o understand_v not_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v understand_v all_o the_o particular_a law_n by_o which_o they_o be_v govern_v only_o thus_o much_o in_o general_n we_o know_v that_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o angelical_a being_n be_v from_o the_o first_o moment_n of_o their_o creation_n subject_v to_o law_n fit_v to_o their_o nature_n by_o which_o natural_a law_n they_o stand_v oblige_v to_o obey_v their_o creator_n in_o all_o his_o positive_a command_n and_o institution_n and_o that_o these_o law_n whatsoever_o they_o be_v both_o natural_a and_o positive_a be_v establish_v in_o reward_n and_o punishment_n by_o which_o if_o they_o continue_v obedient_a they_o be_v to_o continue_v for_o ever_o in_o their_o most_o blissful_a rank_n and_o station_n but_o if_o they_o rebel_v be_v immediate_o to_o be_v banish_v thence_o into_o everlasting_a wretchedness_n and_o misery_n that_o a_o certain_a order_n of_o these_o angelical_a being_n excite_v either_o by_o their_o pride_n or_o envy_n or_o sensual_a affection_n do_v under_o their_o head_n or_o chieftain_n revolt_n from_o god_n by_o transgress_v some_o natural_a or_o positive_a law_n for_o which_o they_o be_v expel_v the_o high_a territory_n of_o happiness_n and_o drive_v into_o these_o low_a part_n of_o the_o world_n where_o under_o the_o prince_n of_o their_o rebellion_n they_o have_v ever_o since_o wage_v war_n against_o god_n and_o man_n that_o in_o this_o state_n of_o war_n they_o be_v under_o the_o restraint_n of_o god_n almighty_a power_n who_o set_v bound_n to_o their_o power_n and_o malice_n which_o it_o can_v pass_v and_o determin_n it_o to_o what_o end_v and_o purpose_v he_o please_v employ_v it_o sometime_o to_o try_v and_o chasten_v good_a man_n sometime_o to_o execute_v his_o wrath_n upon_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n and_o sometime_o again_o let_v it_o loose_a mere_o to_o display_v his_o own_o almighty_a power_n in_o its_o defeat_n and_o overthrow_n in_o which_o state_n they_o be_v reserve_v as_o prisoner_n at_o large_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n whereby_o together_o with_o wicked_a man_n they_o shall_v be_v sentence_v and_o confine_v to_o everlasting_a flame_n and_o darkness_n that_o the_o good_a angel_n in_o reward_n of_o their_o constant_a obedience_n be_v continue_v and_o fix_v in_o a_o most_o blissful_a condition_n in_o which_o they_o enjoy_v the_o constant_a smile_n of_o god_n and_o the_o unspeakable_a pleasure_n of_o be_v entire_o resign_v to_o his_o will_n who_o upon_o all_o occasion_n send_v they_o to_o and_o fro_o the_o world_n as_o the_o great_a messenger_n and_o minister_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o minister_v to_o the_o recovery_n of_o recoverable_a sinner_n and_o to_o pour_v out_o the_o vial_n of_o his_o wrath_n upon_o the_o obstinate_a and_o unreclaimable_a to_o assist_v protect_v and_o comfort_v good_a man_n while_o they_o live_v and_o when_o they_o depart_v from_o hence_o to_o conduct_v their_o spirit_n through_o the_o airy_a territory_n of_o the_o wicked_a angel_n into_o those_o blissful_a mansion_n that_o be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v they_o till_o the_o resurrection_n at_o which_o time_n their_o part_n will_v be_v to_o summon_v and_o gather_v both_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o christ_n to_o receive_v their_o final_a sentence_n to_o everlasting_a weal_n or_o wo._n this_o be_v the_o main_a of_o what_o we_o know_v concern_v god_n government_n of_o angel_n the_o sincere_a belief_n of_o which_o will_v be_v of_o vast_a advantage_n to_o we_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o since_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mighty_a colony_n of_o evil_a
reserve_v the_o absolute_a propriety_n in_o himself_o and_o his_o right_n be_v supreme_a absolute_a and_o independent_a and_o we_o but_o subordinate_a and_o conditional_a whatsoever_o we_o can_v just_o do_v he_o can_v just_o do_v and_o abundant_o more_o so_o that_o though_o we_o may_v argue_v this_o or_o that_o be_v just_a in_o the_o creature_n therefore_o it_o be_v just_a in_o god_n yet_o we_o can_v argue_v è_fw-la contra_fw-la this_o or_o that_o be_v just_a in_o god_n therefore_o it_o be_v just_a in_o the_o creature_n because_o his_o right_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v infinite_o paramount_n to_o our_o right_n in_o any_o thing_n and_o therefore_o though_o he_o can_v without_o our_o own_o fault_n and_o forfeiture_n reduce_v we_o to_o a_o worse_a state_n than_o that_o of_o not_o be_v wherein_o he_o find_v we_o because_o to_o do_v so_o will_v be_v equivalent_a to_o the_o take_v away_o from_o we_o more_o than_o he_o give_v we_o and_o consequent_o more_o than_o he_o have_v a_o right_a to_o yet_o god_n right_o be_v infinite_o more_o absolute_a and_o extensive_a than_o we_o he_o can_v just_o take_v away_o from_o we_o infinite_o more_o than_o we_o can_v just_o take_v away_o from_o one_o another_o and_o therefore_o to_o correct_v the_o iniquity_n of_o wicked_a nation_n and_o parent_n god_n sometime_o lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o good_a king_n and_o innocent_a child_n and_o either_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o comfort_n and_o pursue_v they_o with_o constant_a infelicity_n or_o put_v a_o untimely_a period_n to_o their_o life_n and_o when_o he_o do_v so_o he_o have_v a_o absolute_a right_n to_o do_v it_o which_o no_o other_o be_v can_v pretend_v to_o wherefore_o in_o attribute_v to_o god_n the_o perfection_n of_o the_o creature_n we_o be_v careful_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o state_n of_o god_n and_o creature_n and_o neither_o to_o ascribe_v to_o he_o any_o of_o those_o perfection_n which_o belong_v to_o a_o creature_n as_o a_o creature_n nor_o to_o bound_v the_o exercise_n of_o those_o absolute_a perfection_n we_o ascribe_v to_o he_o by_o the_o rule_n and_o limitation_n of_o the_o creature_n v._o although_o in_o argue_v from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o creature_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n we_o be_v not_o to_o subject_v he_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o creature_n yet_o we_o ought_v always_o to_o suppose_v his_o will_n and_o power_n to_o be_v entire_o subject_a to_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n for_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_o exalt_v above_o all_o other_o being_n can_v be_v subject_a to_o no_o other_o law_n but_o that_o of_o his_o own_o essential_a wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o since_o every_o thing_n have_v a_o right_a to_o exercise_v its_o own_o faculty_n so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v just_a and_o lawful_a god_n who_o be_v subject_a to_o no_o other_o law_n but_o only_o that_o of_o his_o own_o perfection_n have_v a_o essential_a right_n to_o will_n and_o do_v whatever_o that_o law_n allow_v and_o approve_v of_o now_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o give_v law_n to_o his_o will_n and_o power_n be_v those_o which_o for_o distinction_n sake_n we_o call_v moral_a because_o their_o office_n be_v the_o same_o in_o he_o with_o that_o of_o moral_a virtue_n in_o the_o creature_n viz._n to_o conduct_n and_o regulate_v his_o will_n and_o power_n of_o action_n and_o these_o moral_a perfection_n be_v his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n justice_n and_o truth_n which_o be_v all_o essential_a to_o he_o be_v as_o much_o a_o law_n to_o his_o will_n and_o power_n as_o moral_a law_n be_v to_o we_o and_o to_o suppose_v his_o will_n and_o power_n not_o to_o be_v perfect_o subject_a to_o they_o be_v to_o suppose_v he_o a_o very_a defective_a and_o imperfect_a be_v a_o lawless_a will_n and_o power_n be_v the_o great_a defect_n in_o nature_n wherefore_o to_o secure_v our_o mind_n against_o all_o injurious_a apprehension_n of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o most_o necessary_a rule_n that_o we_o conceive_v he_o to_o be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o can_v neither_o will_n nor_o act_n any_o thing_n but_o what_o his_o own_o essential_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o justice_n do_v approve_v that_o in_o all_o his_o decree_n purpose_n choice_n and_o action_n consult_v his_o moral_a perfection_n and_o perfect_o regulate_v himself_o by_o they_o and_o do_v neither_o choose_v nor_o refuse_v elect_v nor_o reprobate_n save_v nor_o damn_v without_o their_o full_a consent_n and_o approbation_n for_o to_o affirm_v that_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o regulate_v himself_o by_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n or_o that_o he_o can_v do_v otherwise_o be_v to_o attribute_v to_o he_o a_o power_n to_o will_n and_o act_n foolish_o malicious_o and_o unjust_o which_o indeed_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o power_n as_o impotence_n and_o to_o suppose_v that_o he_o can_v thus_o will_n and_o act_n be_v to_o deny_v that_o he_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o just_o and_o good_a which_o utter_o exclude_v all_o possibility_n of_o be_v otherwise_o in_o any_o respect_n or_o degree_n for_o to_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o just_a be_v to_o be_v infinite_o remove_v from_o folly_n and_o injustice_n which_o nothing_o can_v be_v that_o have_v the_o least_o degree_n of_o possibility_n to_o act_v unwise_o or_o unjust_o wherefore_o in_o conceive_v of_o god_n it_o be_v always_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o his_o will_n and_o power_n be_v so_o immutable_o subject_a to_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n as_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o will_n or_o act_n against_o they_o for_o all_o that_o liberty_n of_o will_n that_o be_v determinable_a to_o good_a or_o evil_n just_a or_o unjust_a be_v a_o flaw_n and_o imperfection_n in_o the_o reasonable_a nature_n because_o it_o speak_v the_o will_n to_o be_v defective_a in_o that_o which_o be_v the_o utmost_a possibility_n of_o goodness_n and_o justice_n i._n e._n in_o be_v immutable_o determine_v thereunto_o and_o therefore_o to_o attribute_v such_o a_o liberty_n to_o god_n be_v to_o scandalize_v his_o nature_n and_o reproach_v it_o with_o imperfection_n for_o all_o that_o power_n which_o be_v not_o conduct_v by_o justice_n and_o goodness_n be_v only_a power_n to_o do_v mischief_n to_o tyrannize_v over_o other_o being_n and_o to_o sport_n and_o play_v with_o their_o misery_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o perfection_n of_o power_n that_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o most_o wretched_a weakness_n and_o impotence_n so_o that_o by_o attribute_v such_o a_o power_n to_o god_n we_o foul_o asperse_v and_o blaspheme_v he_o and_o instead_o of_o a_o god_n imagine_v a_o worse_a devil_n and_o more_o qualify_v to_o do_v mischief_n than_o any_o that_o be_v now_o in_o hell_n who_o though_o they_o be_v powerful_a enough_o to_o do_v mischief_n be_v none_o of_o they_o omnipotent_o mischievous_a it_o be_v to_o imagine_v a_o god_n without_o a_o deity_n that_o be_v without_o that_o essential_a rectitude_n of_o will_n wherein_o all_o his_o moral_a perfection_n do_v consist_v which_o be_v the_o crown_n and_o glory_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o to_o be_v good_a and_o just_a be_v the_o bright_a ray_n of_o the_o deity_n the_o ray_n that_o illustrate_v and_o glorify_v all_o his_o other_o perfection_n and_o without_o which_o infinite_a knowledge_n and_o infinite_a power_n will_v be_v nothing_o but_o infinite_a craft_n and_o mischief_n so_o that_o to_o imagine_v that_o he_o have_v any_o will_n or_o power_n that_o be_v not_o essential_o subject_a to_o his_o moral_a perfection_n be_v to_o deface_v the_o very_a beauty_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o represent_v he_o the_o most_o horrid_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n wherefore_o in_o conceive_v of_o god_n we_o ought_v to_o fix_v this_o as_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a rule_n of_o our_o thought_n that_o he_o have_v no_o will_n to_o choose_v or_o power_n to_o act_n but_o what_o be_v in_o perfect_a subjection_n to_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n and_o this_o will_v secure_v our_o mind_n from_o all_o those_o rigid_a and_o sour_a apprehension_n of_o he_o which_o by_o reflect_v on_o his_o moral_a perfection_n do_v he_o the_o great_a dishonour_n and_o represent_v he_o the_o most_o disadvantageous_o to_o mankind_n vi_o and_o last_o it_o be_v also_o necessary_a that_o in_o conceive_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n we_o always_o suppose_v they_o exact_o harmonious_a and_o consistent_a with_o each_o other_o for_o all_o perfection_n of_o be_v so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o be_v perfection_n be_v consistent_a with_o each_o other_o and_o like_o strait_a line_n draw_v from_o the_o same_o centre_n run_v parallel_v together_o without_o any_o cross_n or_o interfere_v for_o there_o be_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o perfection_n but_o imperfection_n and_o there_o be_v no_o disagreement_n but_o what_o arise_v from_o contrariety_n
doctrine_n which_o have_v be_v handle_v at_o large_a in_o other_o english_a treatise_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o especial_o in_o that_o incomparable_a one_o of_o our_o most_o learned_a bishop_n of_o chester_n on_o the_o creed_n a_o book_n which_o next_o to_o the_o bible_n i_o thankful_o acknowledge_v myself_o more_o beholden_a to_o for_o my_o instruction_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n than_o to_o any_o one_o i_o ever_o read_v i_o have_v contract_v myself_o into_o as_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o the_o bare_o necessary_a explication_n of_o they_o will_v permit_v i_o but_o where_o that_o renown_a pen_n have_v insist_v more_o cursory_o as_o for_o instance_n on_o the_o particular_a office_n of_o our_o bless_a mediator_n i_o have_v most_o enlarge_v myself_o though_o even_o there_o i_o have_v for_o brevity_n sake_n pretermit_v some_o thing_n i_o intend_v less_o immediate_a and_o necessary_a appertain_v to_o the_o argument_n upon_o the_o whole_a i_o can_v true_o say_v that_o to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o understanding_n i_o have_v herein_o deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o as_o the_o most_o faithful_a comment_n on_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n i_o have_v all_o along_o careful_o consult_v in_o doubtful_a and_o difficult_a case_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o it_o have_v stick_v so_o long_o in_o hand_n the_o pain_n i_o have_v take_v in_o consult_v the_o ancient_a monument_n of_o christianity_n about_o it_o be_v as_o i_o may_v true_o say_v at_o least_o double_a to_o that_o of_o compose_v it_o and_o in_o follow_v the_o primitive_a doctrine_n i_o have_v follow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o in_o its_o faith_n government_n and_o discipline_n i_o believe_v in_o my_o conscience_n be_v the_o most_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o world_n as_o for_o the_o method_n i_o have_v choose_v which_o be_v to_o deduce_v all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n from_o one_o general_a head_n viz._n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o mediator_n it_o be_v the_o most_o convenient_a i_o can_v think_v of_o for_o my_o purpose_n which_o be_v to_o represent_v at_o once_o to_o the_o reader_n view_v all_o the_o part_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n in_o their_o natural_a connexion_n with_o and_o dependence_n on_o one_o another_o that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o beautiful_a contexture_n and_o admirable_a contrivance_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o that_o by_o see_v how_o regular_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o proceed_v out_o of_o one_o common_a principle_n and_o conspire_v in_o one_o common_a end_n he_o may_v be_v the_o better_o satisfy_v that_o christianity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o heap_n of_o incoherency_n as_o some_o have_v injurious_o represent_v it_o that_o consider_v it_o mere_o as_o a_o hypothesis_n abstract_v from_o all_o that_o external_a evidence_n that_o accompany_v it_o the_o very_a art_n and_o contrivance_n of_o it_o the_o proportion_n symmetry_n and_o correspondence_n of_o its_o part_n their_o subserviency_n to_o each_o other_o and_o the_o concurrence_n and_o tendency_n of_o they_o all_o together_o to_o the_o common_a end_n of_o religion_n be_v such_o as_o do_v apparent_o exceed_v all_o humane_a invention_n and_o argue_v it_o to_o be_v the_o product_n of_o a_o divine_a mind_n for_o as_o he_o who_o will_v form_v a_o true_a idea_n of_o the_o beauty_n of_o a_o picture_n must_v not_o contemplate_v the_o part_n of_o it_o separately_z but_o survey_v they_o all_o together_o and_o consider_v they_o in_o their_o proportion_n and_o correspondency_n with_o each_o other_o so_o he_o who_o will_v frame_v a_o right_a notion_n of_o religion_n must_v not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o it_o lie_v scatter_v and_o divide_v into_o single_a part_n and_o proposition_n but_o consider_v they_o in_o contexture_n and_o as_o they_o be_v connect_v all_o together_o into_o one_o body_n or_o hypothesis_n for_o it_o be_v in_o their_o apt_a juncture_n their_o mutual_a dependency_n and_o admirable_a coherency_n with_o one_o another_o that_o the_o beauty_n and_o harmony_n of_o the_o whole_a consist_v and_o therefore_o to_o do_v right_a to_o christianity_n and_o enable_v the_o reader_n to_o contemplate_v it_o with_o the_o great_a advantage_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v to_o he_o the_o whole_a in_o a_o view_n and_o to_o give_v he_o a_o prospect_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o together_o in_o a_o harmonious_a union_n and_o connexion_n with_o each_o other_o for_o i_o very_o believe_v that_o the_o mean_a opinion_n which_o some_o witty_a man_n have_v entertain_v of_o christianity_n proceed_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n from_o their_o break_a and_o imperfect_a apprehension_n of_o it_o they_o understand_v it_o piecemeal_o and_o take_v it_o asunder_o into_o single_a proposition_n which_o they_o consider_v separately_z and_o apart_o by_o themselves_o without_o ever_o put_v they_o together_o into_o one_o regular_a system_n and_o present_v they_o to_o their_o thought_n in_o that_o orderly_a connexion_n wherein_o the_o holy_a oracle_n have_v deliver_v they_o to_o we_o for_o i_o can_v scarce_o imagine_v how_o any_o man_n of_o sense_n shall_v contemplate_v christianity_n all_o together_o and_o thorough_o consider_v the_o harmonious_a coherence_n of_o all_o its_o part_n and_o the_o wonderful_a contrivance_n of_o the_o whole_a without_o be_v captivate_v with_o the_o beauty_n and_o elegancy_n of_o it_o and_o now_o i_o have_v nothing_o further_a to_o add_v concern_v this_o treatise_n but_o only_o to_o entreat_v the_o reader_n not_o to_o be_v too_o severe_a in_o the_o perusal_n of_o it_o for_o though_o as_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o apologise_v for_o it_o because_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o yet_o be_v force_v as_o i_o be_v to_o compose_v it_o by_o snatch_n and_o in_o the_o more_o quiet_a interval_n of_o a_o busy_a and_o uneasy_a life_n i_o very_o much_o suspect_v the_o exactness_n both_o of_o the_o style_n and_o method_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o all_o the_o favour_n i_o desire_n be_v this_o that_o where_o i_o have_v improper_o or_o obscure_o express_v myself_o i_o may_v be_v construe_v in_o the_o most_o favourable_a sense_n and_o that_o wherever_o i_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v confuse_v or_o immethodical_a it_o may_v be_v attribute_v to_o those_o frequent_a interruption_n which_o the_o disorder_n of_o my_o body_n have_v give_v to_o my_o thought_n and_o these_o be_v request_n so_o very_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o i_o be_o confident_a none_o will_v be_v so_o peevish_a as_o to_o deny_v i_o but_o they_o who_o read_v book_n only_o to_o carp_v and_o find_v fault_n and_o without_o any_o design_n to_o edify_v their_o own_o understanding_n but_o i_o hope_v the_o reader_n will_v consider_v that_o the_o argument_n here_o treat_v of_o be_v of_o too_o great_a moment_n to_o he_o to_o be_v so_o wretched_o trifle_v with_o and_o that_o therefore_o he_o will_v not_o be_v either_o so_o disingenuous_a to_o i_o or_o uncharitable_a to_o himself_o as_o to_o peruse_v with_o such_o a_o spiteful_a design_n that_o which_o i_o sincere_o intend_v for_o his_o good_a and_o which_o he_o i_o be_o sure_a if_o he_o please_v may_v be_v the_o better_a for_o for_o ever_o the_o content_n chapter_n i._n humane_a action_n of_o three_o sort_n page_n 1_o necessary_a and_o sinful_a action_n be_v either_o such_o as_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n in_o themselves_o which_o be_v those_o we_o call_v moral_a action_n or_o such_o as_o be_v command_v and_o forbid_v by_o positive_a law_n p._n 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o the_o nature_n of_o moral_a good_a explain_v sect._n 1._o p._n 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o moral_a good_a in_o humane_a action_n prove_v in_o five_o proposition_n p._n 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27._o the_o various_a way_n by_o which_o god_n have_v discover_v to_o we_o what_o be_v moral_o good_a in_o six_o particular_n sect._n 2._o p._n 28_o to_o p._n 53._o action_n moral_o good_a be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o religion_n sect._n 3._o p._n 53_o 54_o 55._o this_o demonstrate_v by_o six_o argument_n from_o scripture_n p._n 55_o to_o p._n 71._o four_o reason_n why_o god_n principal_o require_v what_o be_v moral_o good_a p._n 71_o to_o p._n 91._o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o of_o natural_a religion_n what_o it_o be_v p._n 92_o 93_o 94_o 95_o 96._o and_o of_o reveal_v religion_n p._n 97_o 98_o 99_o 100_o a_o definition_n of_o natural_a and_o reveal_v religion_n consider_v as_o they_o be_v now_o in_o conjunction_n p._n 101_o 102._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n thus_o define_v the_o
of_o contradictory_n judgement_n for_o shall_v one_o rational_a faculty_n natural_o judge_v this_o and_o another_o the_o contrary_a they_o must_v necessary_o be_v so_o frame_v as_o to_o contradict_v each_o other_o and_o consequent_o he_o who_o frame_v both_o must_v be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o contradiction_n so_o that_o this_o universal_a consent_n of_o man_n concern_v the_o good_a and_o evil_a of_o humane_a action_n be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o god_n and_o all_o other_o rational_a being_n be_v consent_v with_o '_o they_o v._o and_o last_o that_o man_n act_v conformable_o to_o these_o rule_n of_o moral_a goodness_n in_o which_o they_o be_v thus_o universal_o consent_v have_v by_o long_a and_o constant_a experience_n be_v find_v most_o conducive_a to_o man_n welfare_n and_o happiness_n for_o the_o proof_n whereof_o i_o shall_v need_v urge_v no_o other_o argument_n than_o this_o that_o the_o great_a design_n of_o all_o humane_a law_n and_o constitution_n have_v be_v to_o secure_v and_o enforce_v these_o rule_n of_o morality_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o man_n have_v always_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o they_o be_v natural_o good_a and_o productive_a of_o their_o happiness_n and_o welfare_n for_o how_o can_v it_o be_v think_v that_o after_o man_n have_v have_v so_o many_o thousand_o year_n trial_n of_o piety_n and_o justice_n and_o mercy_n and_o temperance_n they_o shall_v still_o be_v so_o solicitous_a to_o fence_v and_o guard_v they_o with_o law_n have_v they_o not_o find_v they_o high_o advantageous_a and_o their_o contrary_n as_o mischievous_a to_o mankind_n for_o do_v but_o suppose_v that_o the_o contrary_n to_o all_o virtue_n be_v for_o experimentsake_n impose_v for_o some_o time_n upon_o mankind_n and_o it_o be_v make_v as_o penal_a by_o the_o law_n of_o nation_n to_o be_v pious_a and_o just_o merciful_a and_o temperate_a as_o it_o be_v now_o to_o be_v the_o contrary_a be_v it_o imaginable_a that_o that_o which_o we_o now_o call_v vice_n shall_v in_o process_n of_o time_n acquire_v the_o same_o universal_a reputation_n that_o virtue_n have_v always_o have_v among_o man_n or_o at_o least_o be_v it_o probable_a that_o after_o some_o thousand_o year_n trial_n and_o experience_n of_o such_o a_o law_n man_n shall_v still_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v to_o guard_n and_o enforce_v it_o as_o they_o be_v and_o always_o have_v be_v to_o secure_v the_o law_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n no_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a they_o will_v not_o for_o the_o very_a enjoin_v of_o impiety_n injustice_n and_o cruelty_n will_v be_v in_o effect_n to_o enjoin_v man_n to_o render_v themselves_o most_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a to_o surrender_v up_o all_o the_o support_v of_o their_o hope_n the_o peace_n of_o their_o conscience_n and_o the_o tranquillity_n of_o their_o mind_n to_o live_v in_o everlasting_a broil_n and_o discord_n and_o turn_v robber_n and_o cutthroat_n to_o one_o another_o and_o utter_o deprive_v themselves_o of_o all_o the_o comfort_n and_o security_n of_o humane_a society_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o after_o a_o few_o year_n experience_v of_o the_o mischievous_a consequent_n of_o such_o a_o law_n the_o whole_a world_n will_v groan_v under_o it_o as_o a_o insupportable_a tyranny_n and_o even_o the_o most_o vicious_a will_v soon_o grow_v quite_o weary_a of_o it_o and_o hearty_o wish_v that_o it_o be_v for_o ever_o repeal_v and_o the_o good_a old_a law_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n restore_v and_o enforce_v upon_o mankind_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v distinguish_v by_o their_o nature_n into_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o that_o the_o obligation_n we_o lie_v under_o to_o practice_v the_o one_o and_o abstain_v from_o the_o other_o be_v not_o found_v in_o any_o arbitrary_a constitution_n but_o in_o the_o essential_a goodness_n and_o malignity_n that_o inseparable_o adhere_v to_o they_o and_o if_o we_o consult_v the_o experience_n of_o particular_a man_n we_o shall_v always_o find_v that_o whereas_o impiety_n and_o injustice_n fraud_n and_o malice_n do_v natural_o torment_v man_n mind_n with_o anguish_n and_o confusion_n haunt_v their_o breast_n with_o fearful_a thought_n and_o dire_a expectation_n harrass_n their_o soul_n with_o perpetual_a malecontentedness_n and_o intricate_a their_o whole_a life_n with_o everlasting_a shift_n and_o intrigue_n piety_n and_o justice_n truth_n and_o benevolence_n do_v as_o natural_o sooth_n and_o ravish_v their_o mind_n fill_v they_o with_o bless_a hope_n and_o cheerful_a reflection_n compose_v their_o passion_n strengthen_v and_o invigorate_v their_o heart_n and_o render_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n plain_a and_o direct_v even_a and_o easy_a and_o hereby_o virtue_n do_v sensible_o recommend_v itself_o to_o our_o nature_n in_o all_o its_o capacity_n as_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o its_o reasonable_a desire_n and_o so_o by_o consequence_n design_v to_o make_v up_o the_o compleat_a and_o most_o entire_a enjoyment_n all_o which_o be_v as_o plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n as_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o be_v before_o we_o so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o reason_n but_o also_o the_o experience_n of_o mankind_n that_o universal_o agree_v and_o consent_v in_o this_o great_a truth_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o good_a in_o virtuous_a and_o such_o a_o evil_a in_o vicious_a action_n as_o do_v eternal_o and_o inseparable_o cleave_v to_o their_o nature_n and_o therefore_o since_o our_o nature_n be_v to_o continue_v the_o same_o for_o ever_o the_o same_o virtue_n and_o vice_n which_o be_v now_o the_o perfection_n and_o depravation_n and_o consequent_o the_o happiness_n and_o misery_n of_o it_o will_v be_v so_o for_o ever_o from_o whence_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o misery_n be_v found_v in_o the_o course_n of_o our_o own_o action_n so_o that_o as_o in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o virtuous_a life_n we_o be_v grow_v up_o into_o a_o state_n of_o fix_a and_o everlasting_a virtue_n wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v everlasting_o perfect_a and_o happy_a so_o on_o the_o contrary_a in_o a_o course_n of_o vicious_a action_n we_o be_v sink_v into_o a_o state_n of_o everlasting_a viciousness_n wherein_o we_o shall_v be_v everlasting_o wretched_a and_o miserable_a for_o since_o virtue_n be_v good_a for_o and_o vice_n evil_a to_o we_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o according_a as_o we_o remain_v virtuous_a or_o vicious_a for_o ever_o our_o condition_n must_v be_v good_a or_o evil_n for_o ever_o and_o this_o be_v so_o of_o what_o unspeakable_a consequence_n be_v the_o action_n of_o man_n that_o thus_o draw_v after_o they_o a_o chain_n of_o joy_n or_o woe_n as_o long_o as_o eternity_n and_o how_o careful_a ought_v we_o to_o be_v to_o what_o course_n of_o life_n we_o determine_v ourselves_o consider_v that_o our_o eternal_a fate_n depend_v upon_o what_o we_o be_v now_o do_v that_o every_o moral_a action_n we_o perform_v be_v a_o step_n heaven_n or_o hell_n ward_n that_o in_o every_o bad_a or_o good_a choice_n we_o make_v we_o be_v plant_v our_o tophet_n or_o our_o paradise_n and_o that_o in_o the_o consequent_n of_o our_o present_a action_n we_o shall_v rue_v or_o rejoice_v to_o eternal_a age_n o_o will_v to_o god_n man_n will_v at_o last_o be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o consider_v these_o thing_n before_o it_o be_v too_o late_a and_o not_o live_v at_o random_n as_o they_o do_v without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o certain_a and_o unavoidable_a fate_n of_o their_o own_o action_n for_o doubtless_o will_v they_o but_o thorough_o weigh_v the_o nature_n and_o event_n of_o thing_n and_o look_v before_o they_o leap_v into_o action_n they_o will_v see_v infinite_o more_o charm_n and_o terror_n in_o that_o good_a and_o evil_a which_o inseparable_o adhere_v to_o virtuous_a and_o vicious_a action_n than_o in_o all_o the_o temptation_n in_o the_o world_n wherefore_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n let_v we_o look_v about_o we_o and_o for_o once_o resolve_v to_o act_v like_o being_n that_n must_v for_o ever_o feel_v the_o bad_a or_o good_a effect_n of_o our_o own_o do_n which_o if_o we_o do_v we_o shall_v not_o only_o live_v well_o and_o happy_o here_o but_o to_o all_o eternity_n experience_n the_o bless_a consequent_n of_o it_o sect_n ii_o that_o god_n have_v sufficient_o discover_v to_o we_o what_o those_o humane_a action_n be_v which_o be_v moral_o good_a and_o upon_o that_o account_n perpetual_o oblige_v the_o truth_n of_o which_o will_v evident_o appear_v by_o consider_v the_o particular_n what_o it_o be_v that_o god_n have_v do_v in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v this_o great_a discovery_n to_o we_o the_o most_o considerable_a of_o which_o be_v reducible_a to_o these_o six_o head_n first_o he_o have_v implant_v in_o we_o a_o natural_a desire_n of_o
the_o righteous_a lot_n from_o that_o dire_a conflagration_n alarm_v the_o world_n with_o a_o new_a declaration_n of_o the_o wide_a distinction_n he_o make_v between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o last_o when_o the_o virtue_n of_o these_o great_a example_n be_v almost_o spend_v god_n raise_v up_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n and_o by_o the_o miraculous_a blessing_n he_o bestow_v on_o they_o when_o they_o do_v well_o and_o the_o stupendous_a judgement_n he_o inflict_v when_o they_o do_v wicked_o expose_v they_o to_o all_o the_o nation_n round_o about_o for_o a_o stand_a demonstration_n of_o the_o vast_a difference_n he_o make_v between_o good_a and_o evil._n for_o so_o the_o psalmist_n tell_v we_o psalm_n 98._o verse_n 2._o compare_v with_o psalm_n 102._o verse_n 15._o the_o lord_n have_v make_v know_v his_o salvation_n his_o righteousness_n have_v he_o open_o show_v in_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o heathen_a that_o the_o heathen_a may_v fear_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o all_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n his_o glory_n thus_o by_o frequent_a example_n of_o supernatural_a reward_n and_o punishment_n god_n have_v be_v always_o instruct_v the_o degenerate_a world_n in_o the_o essential_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil._n vi_o and_o last_o to_o enforce_v all_o this_o god_n have_v make_v sundry_a supernatural_a revelation_n wherein_o he_o have_v plain_o instruct_v we_o what_o action_n be_v good_a and_o what_o evil_a that_o he_o have_v make_v sundry_a revelation_n to_o the_o world_n be_v evident_a in_o fact_n because_o there_o be_v sundry_a revelation_n extant_a which_o by_o those_o many_o miraculous_a effect_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n that_o attend_v the_o ministration_n of_o they_o have_v be_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v to_o be_v of_o a_o divine_a original_a and_o such_o be_v those_o contain_v in_o the_o five_o book_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n which_o have_v be_v all_o most_o ample_o confirm_v both_o by_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o their_o inspire_a author_n and_o the_o exact_a accomplishment_n of_o the_o several_a prediction_n contain_v in_o they_o and_o such_o be_v also_o the_o last_o and_o best_a revelation_n contain_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o both_o by_o the_o type_n and_o prediction_n of_o the_o law_n and_o prophet_n and_o the_o infinite_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o jesus_n and_o his_o follower_n together_o with_o its_o own_o inherent_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n have_v be_v so_o effectual_o prove_v a_o divine_a revelation_n that_o nothing_o but_o ignorance_n or_o inveterate_a prejudice_n can_v cause_v any_o man_n to_o disbelieve_v or_o suspect_v it_o now_o if_o you_o consult_v these_o several_a revelation_n you_o will_v find_v that_o the_o main_a drift_n and_o design_n of_o they_o be_v to_o detect_v and_o expose_v what_o be_v moral_o evil_a and_o explain_v and_o recommend_v to_o we_o what_o be_v moral_o good_a for_o thus_o the_o several_a revelation_n make_v to_o abraham_n and_o his_o child_n be_v only_o so_o many_o repetition_n of_o that_o covenant_n of_o righteousness_n which_o god_n have_v strike_v with_o they_o to_o encourage_v they_o to_o persevere_v in_o welldoing_a thus_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n consist_v partly_o of_o ceremonial_a rite_n which_o be_v either_o intend_v for_o divine_a hieroglyphic_n to_o instruct_v that_o dull_a and_o stupid_a people_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o inward_a purity_n and_o goodness_n or_o else_o for_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o holy_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o partly_o of_o precept_n of_o morality_n together_o with_o some_o few_o of_o policy_n suit_v to_o the_o genius_n of_o that_o people_n and_o partly_o of_o such_o promise_n and_o threat_v as_o be_v judge_v most_o apt_a to_o oblige_v they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o piety_n and_o as_o for_o the_o prophet_n the_o substance_n of_o their_o revelation_n be_v either_o reprehension_n of_o sin_n together_o with_o severe_a denunciation_n against_o it_o or_o invitation_n to_o virtue_n and_o piety_n together_o with_o gracious_a promise_n to_o encourage_v they_o to_o practice_v it_o or_o prediction_n of_o the_o messiah_n and_o of_o that_o everlasting_a righteousness_n which_o be_v to_o be_v introduce_v by_o he_o and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o consist_v either_o in_o instance_n or_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o moral_a goodness_n and_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o powerful_a argument_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o duty_n thus_o the_o great_a intendment_n of_o all_o god_n revelation_n be_v to_o explain_v and_o enforce_v the_o duty_n of_o morality_n to_o discover_v the_o nature_n and_o lead_v we_o on_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o by_o the_o most_o powerful_a obligation_n and_o in_o this_o most_o perfect_a map_n of_o the_o road_n to_o happiness_n all_o the_o tract_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n be_v so_o plain_o describe_v and_o delineate_v to_o we_o that_o no_o man_n can_v possible_o miss_v his_o way_n that_o sincere_o inquire_v after_o it_o for_o though_o in_o matter_n of_o opinion_n man_n may_v be_v innocent_o mislead_v and_o deceive_v yet_o there_o be_v no_o article_n either_o of_o doctrine_n or_o duty_n upon_o which_o our_o happiness_n necessary_o depend_v wherein_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o honest_a and_o diligent_a mind_n to_o be_v mistake_v and_o thus_o you_o see_v by_o how_o many_o excellent_a way_n god_n have_v discover_v to_o we_o which_o of_o our_o action_n be_v good_a and_o which_o evil_a so_o that_o if_o after_o all_o this_o we_o proceed_v in_o any_o sinful_a and_o immoral_a course_n we_o be_v utter_o inexcusable_a for_o if_o after_o god_n have_v thus_o plain_o make_v know_v his_o will_n to_o we_o we_o still_o persist_v to_o contradict_v it_o in_o our_o practice_n we_o do_v thereby_o in_o effect_n declare_v that_o we_o regard_v not_o the_o almighty_a and_o that_o we_o will_v do_v what_o we_o list_v let_v he_o will_v what_o he_o please_v and_o what_o a_o unpardonable_a insolence_n be_v it_o for_o we_o who_o depend_v upon_o his_o breath_n and_o hang_v upon_o his_o providence_n every_o moment_n to_o treat_v he_o as_o if_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o we_o and_o be_v the_o mere_a cypher_n and_o most_o insignificant_a be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o though_o it_o be_v true_a he_o have_v not_o make_v so_o full_a a_o discovery_n of_o his_o will_n to_o some_o as_o to_o other_o yet_o he_o have_v so_o sufficient_o discover_v it_o to_o all_o that_o none_o can_v pretend_v to_o the_o excuse_n either_o of_o invincible_a or_o unaffected_a ignorance_n for_o as_o for_o the_o heathen_a though_o they_o have_v no_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_v without_o they_o yet_o they_o have_v the_o bible_n of_o conscience_n within_o they_o and_o the_o large_a and_o legible_a bible_n of_o nature_n that_o lie_v continual_o open_a before_o they_o in_o which_o they_o may_v easy_o read_v the_o principal_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o all_o the_o great_a principle_n of_o morality_n and_o if_o notwithstanding_o this_o they_o will_v be_v so_o regardless_o of_o god_n as_o not_o to_o attend_v to_o and_o comply_v with_o those_o natural_a discovery_n of_o his_o will_n what_o pretence_n can_v be_v make_v for_o they_o why_o they_o shall_v not_o perish_v for_o ever_o in_o their_o obstinacy_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o though_o they_o have_v not_o the_o law_n that_o be_v the_o revealed_z law_n yet_o they_o do_v or_o at_o least_o may_v have_v do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n and_o therefore_o as_o many_o of_o they_o say_v he_o as_o sind_z without_o this_o reveal_v law_n shall_v perish_v without_o the_o law_n that_o be_v by_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n rom._n 2.12_o 14._o and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o jew_n beside_o those_o natural_a indication_n of_o god_n will_n which_o they_o have_v in_o common_a with_o the_o heathen_a they_o have_v sundry_a supernatural_a one_o they_o have_v sundry_a great_a and_o notorious_a example_n of_o god_n reward_v good_a man_n and_o punish_v bad_a and_o beside_o they_o have_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o moral_a part_n of_o which_o be_v but_o a_o new_a edition_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o for_o the_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o it_o it_o be_v though_o a_o obscure_a yet_o a_o intelligible_a representation_n of_o all_o those_o sublime_a motive_n to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n which_o the_o gospel_n more_o plain_o propose_v so_o that_o will_v the_o jew_n but_o have_v heedful_o attend_v either_o to_o the_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o their_o law_n or_o to_o the_o sermon_n of_o their_o prophet_n which_o very_o much_o clear_v and_o explain_v it_o they_o can_v not_o have_v be_v ignorant_a either_o of_o any_o material_a part_n of_o their_o duty_n or_o of_o any_o considerable_a motive_n by_o which_o it_o be_v press_v and_o
propose_v by_o god_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 2._o cor._n 7.1_o so_o also_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o future_a punishment_n be_v level_v against_o all_o unrighteousness_n and_o ungodliness_n of_o man_n rom._n 1.18_o and_o as_o for_o those_o doctrine_n which_o concern_v the_o transaction_n of_o our_o saviour_n they_o be_v all_o propose_v to_o we_o as_o argument_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n for_o it_o be_v for_o this_o cause_n that_o christ_n be_v manifest_v to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n 1_o john_n 3.8_o it_o be_v for_o this_o purpose_n that_o he_o bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n that_o we_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n shall_v live_v to_o righteousness_n 1_o pet._n 2.24_o it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n that_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o thereby_o he_o may_v prevail_v with_o we_o to_o walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n rom._n 6.4_o and_o it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n that_o he_o intercede_v for_o we_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v encourage_v we_o to_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o heb._n 7.2_o and_o in_o a_o word_n for_o this_o cause_n he_o have_v tell_v we_o he_o will_v come_v to_o judgement_n to_o reward_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o sobriety_n and_o vigilance_n and_o to_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n mat._n 24.42_o compare_v with_o 2_o pet._n 3._o verse_n 11._o thus_o you_o see_v all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n be_v only_o so_o many_o topic_n of_o divine_a persuasion_n whereby_o god_n address_v himself_o to_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n and_o every_o other_o affection_n in_o we_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o persuasion_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o eternal_a obligation_n of_o morality_n and_o there_o be_v no_o one_o article_n in_o all_o our_o religion_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o mere_a speculation_n or_o that_o entertain_v our_o mind_n with_o dry_a and_o empty_a notion_n that_o have_v no_o influence_n on_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n for_o since_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n be_v to_o bind_v and_o fasten_v our_o soul_n to_o god_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o it_o but_o what_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n contribute_v hereunto_o since_o therefore_o it_o be_v moral_a goodness_n that_o god_n chief_o recommend_v to_o we_o by_o the_o persuasion_n of_o religion_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o what_o his_o argument_n do_v chief_o persuade_v we_o to_o that_o his_o command_n do_v chief_o oblige_v we_o to_o ii_o from_o scripture_n it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o the_o main_a drift_n and_o scope_n of_o all_o the_o positive_a duty_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o improve_v and_o perfect_a man_n in_o moral_a goodness_n we_o find_v the_o jewish_a religion_n exceed_o abound_v with_o positive_a precept_n for_o such_o be_v all_o those_o sacred_a rite_n and_o solemnity_n of_o which_o the_o bark_n and_o outside_o of_o that_o religion_n consist_v of_o all_o which_o it_o be_v true_a what_o the_o psalmist_n say_v of_o sacrifice_n in_o particular_a thou_o desire_v not_o sacrifice_n thou_o delight_v not_o in_o burn_a offering_n psal._n 51.16_o that_o be_v thou_o take_v no_o delight_n in_o they_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o any_o internal_a goodness_n that_o be_v in_o they_o but_o desire_v they_o mere_o as_o they_o be_v institute_v mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o moral_a goodness_n for_o so_o many_o of_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n be_v institute_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o magical_a unclean_a and_o idolatrous_a rite_n of_o the_o eastern_a heathen_a as_o particular_o that_o prohibition_n of_o sow_v their_o field_n with_o mingle_a seed_n leu._n 19.19_o in_o opposition_n to_o that_o magical_a rite_n which_o the_o heathen_n use_v as_o a_o charm_n for_o fructification_n so_o also_o that_o command_n of_o sprinkle_v the_o blood_n of_o their_o sacrifice_n upon_o the_o ground_n like_o water_n and_o cover_v it_o with_o dust_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o idolatrous_a rite_n of_o gather_v the_o blood_n into_o a_o trench_n or_o vessel_n and_o then_o sit_v round_o it_o in_o a_o circle_n whilst_o they_o imagine_v their_o god_n to_o be_v lick_v it_o up_o and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o of_o this_o kind_n the_o prohibition_n of_o seethe_v a_o kid_n in_o his_o mother_n milk_n exod._n 23.19_o be_v in_o opposition_n to_o a_o custom_n of_o the_o ancient_a heathen_a who_o at_o the_o ingather_n of_o their_o fruit_n be_v wont_a to_o take_v a_o kid_n and_o see_v it_o in_o the_o milk_n of_o its_o dam_n and_o then_o in_o a_o magical_a procession_n to_o sprinkle_v all_o their_o tree_n and_o field_n and_o garden_n with_o it_o thereby_o to_o render_v they_o more_o fruitful_a the_o follow_a year_n beside_o all_o which_o you_o may_v find_v a_o world_n of_o other_o instance_n in_o maimonides_n more-nevoch_a lib._n 3._o who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o opinion_n and_o custom_n of_o these_o eastern_a heathen_n be_v porta_fw-la magna_fw-la ad_fw-la reddendas_fw-la praeceptorum_fw-la causas_fw-la the_o great_a rationale_n of_o the_o mosaic_a precept_n and_o that_o multarum_fw-la legum_fw-la rationes_fw-la &_o causae_fw-la mihi_fw-la innotuerint_fw-la ex_fw-la cognition_n fidei_fw-la rituum_fw-la &_o cultus_fw-la zabiorum_n i._n e._n that_o by_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o opinion_n and_o custom_n of_o those_o eastern_a heathen_n he_o understand_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o many_o of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n more-nevoch_a lib._n 3._o cap._n 29._o so_o that_o though_o these_o precept_n be_v not_o moral_a yet_o be_v they_o set_v up_o as_o so_o many_o fence_n by_o god_n to_o keep_v his_o people_n from_o straggle_v into_o those_o heathen_a immorality_n again_o there_o be_v other_o rite_n of_o their_o religion_n which_o be_v institute_v to_o shadow_v out_o the_o holy_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o great_a design_n of_o which_o mystery_n be_v to_o invite_v and_o persuade_v man_n to_o comply_v with_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o morality_n thus_o their_o law_n of_o sacrifice_n be_v institute_v to_o represent_v to_o they_o the_o great_a transaction_n of_o their_o future_a messiah_n his_o incarnation_n and_o immaculate_a life_n his_o death_n and_o resurrection_n ascension_n and_o intercession_n at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n so_o also_o their_o festival_n law_n and_o particular_o their_o law_n of_o jubilee_n be_v make_v to_o shadow_v out_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o eternal_a life_n and_o their_o pour_v out_o water_n in_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o their_o ritual_a purgation_n from_o uncleanness_n be_v intend_v for_o obscure_a intimation_n of_o the_o effusion_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o remission_n of_o sin_n all_o which_o doctrine_n carry_v with_o they_o the_o most_o pregnant_a invitation_n to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n last_o there_o be_v other_o rite_n of_o that_o law_n which_o be_v appoint_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o moral_a duty_n for_o god_n find_v they_o not_o only_o a_o perverse_a but_o a_o dull_a and_o sottish_a people_n as_o those_o general_o be_v that_o have_v be_v bear_v and_o breed_v in_o slavery_n apprehend_v that_o the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o instruct_v they_o will_v be_v by_o sign_n and_o material_a representation_n even_o as_o parent_n do_v their_o child_n by_o picture_n and_o according_o in_o isaiah_n 28.10_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o give_v they_o line_n upon_o line_n and_o precept_n upon_o precept_n here_o a_o little_a and_o there_o a_o little_a with_o a_o stammer_a tongue_n i._n e._n he_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o child_n and_o so_o condescend_v to_o their_o weakness_n and_o speak_v to_o they_o in_o their_o own_o dialect_n and_o this_o way_n of_o instruct_v they_o by_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n be_v much_o in_o use_n in_o the_o eastern_a country_n and_o more_o especial_o in_o egypt_n who_o manner_n they_o be_v infinite_o fond_a of_o be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o probable_a and_o take_v and_o according_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a rite_n consist_v of_o hieroglyphic_n or_o visible_a sign_n by_o which_o their_o mind_n be_v instruct_v in_o the_o precept_n of_o morality_n thus_o by_o circumcision_n god_n signify_v to_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o mortify_v their_o unchaste_a desire_n by_o their_o legal_a wash_n he_o intimate_v to_o they_o their_o obligation_n to_o cleanse_v themselves_o from_o all_o impurity_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n yea_o this_o as_o st._n barnabas_n in_o his_o epistle_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o intent_n of_o all_o that_o difference_n of_o meat_n in_o the_o jewish_a law_n which_o pronounce_v swine_n flesh_n unclean_a to_o instruct_v they_o
of_o and_o it_o may_v be_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o in_o those_o summary_n of_o our_o duty_n wherein_o but_o a_o few_o part_n be_v enumerate_v they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a it_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o rule_n of_o language_n to_o express_v the_o whole_a of_o any_o thing_n by_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o inconsiderable_a part_n of_o it_o v._o another_o evidence_n from_o scripture_n that_o moral_a goodness_n be_v the_o principal_a matter_n of_o duty_n that_o god_n require_v of_o we_o be_v that_o wheresoever_o such_o person_n as_o have_v be_v most_o dear_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n be_v describe_v their_o character_n be_v always_o make_v up_o of_o instance_n of_o morality_n thus_o the_o description_n of_o job_n be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n perfect_a and_o upright_o and_o one_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a job_n 1.1_o and_o in_o the_o 15_o psalm_n the_o description_n which_o david_n give_v of_o the_o man_n who_o shall_v abide_v in_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v this_o that_o he_o walk_v upright_o and_o work_v righteousness_n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o his_o heart_n that_o he_o backbit_v not_o with_o his_o tongue_n nor_o do_v evil_a to_o his_o neighbour_n nor_o take_v up_o a_o reproach_n against_o his_o neighbour_n etc._n etc._n he_o that_o do_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o shall_v never_o be_v move_v and_o the_o great_a character_n that_o be_v give_v of_o moses_n the_o darling_n and_o favourite_n of_o god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v very_o meek_a above_o all_o the_o man_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n numb_a 12.3_o thus_o also_o the_o character_n of_o cornelius_n by_o which_o he_o be_v so_o endear_v to_o god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o just_a and_o devout_a man_n one_o that_o fear_v god_n with_o all_o his_o house_n who_o give_v much_o alm_n to_o the_o people_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n always_o act_v 10.2_o and_o in_o a_o word_n the_o general_a character_n of_o those_o who_o god_n accept_v be_v in_o every_o nation_n he_o who_o do_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n act_v 10.35_o thus_o moral_a goodness_n be_v the_o great_a stamp_n and_o impress_n that_o render_v man_n current_a in_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o common_a brand_n by_o which_o hypocrite_n and_o false_a pretender_n to_o religion_n be_v stigmatise_v be_v their_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o positives_n and_o cold_a and_o indifferent_a as_o to_o the_o moral_n of_o religion_n for_o so_o our_o saviour_n character_n the_o pharisee_n woe_n unto_o you_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n hypocrite_n for_o you_o pay_v tithe_n of_o mint_n annis_n and_o cummin_n which_o yet_o be_v a_o positive_a duty_n and_o have_v omit_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n judgement_n mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n these_o ought_v you_o to_o have_v do_v and_o not_o to_o leave_v the_o other_o undo_v you_o blind_a guide_n you_o strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v a_o camel_n math._n 23.23.24_o plain_o imply_v the_o moral_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v as_o much_o great_a than_o the_o positives_n in_o weight_n and_o moment_n as_o a_o camel_n be_v than_o a_o gnat_n in_o bulk_n since_o therefore_o moral_a goodness_n be_v always_o mention_v as_o the_o great_a character_n of_o god_n favourite_n and_o the_o neglect_v of_o it_o out_o of_o a_o pretend_a zeal_n to_o the_o positive_a duty_n of_o religion_n be_v always_o record_v as_o a_o mark_n of_o the_o most_o odious_a hypocrite_n this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n how_o high_a a_o value_n god_n set_v upon_o the_o morality_n of_o religion_n vi_o and_o last_o another_o evidence_n from_o scripture_n that_o moral_a goodness_n be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v that_o at_o the_o great_a account_n between_o god_n and_o we_o his_o main_a inquisition_n will_v be_v concern_v such_o action_n as_o be_v moral_o good_a or_o evil_n for_o so_o rom._n 2.6_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o god_n will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v seek_v for_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n but_o to_o they_o who_o be_v contentious_a and_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n but_o obey_v unrighteousness_n tribulation_n and_o wrath_n indignation_n and_o anguish_n and_o according_o enoch_n as_o he_o be_v quote_v by_o st._n judas_n verse_n 14.15_o declare_v this_o to_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v with_o thousand_o of_o his_o saint_n viz._n to_o execute_v judgement_n upon_o all_o and_o to_o convince_v all_o that_o be_v ungodly_a among_o they_o of_o all_o their_o ungodly_a deed_n which_o they_o have_v ungodly_a commit_v and_o of_o all_o their_o hard_a speech_n which_o ungodly_a sinner_n have_v speak_v against_o he_o all_o which_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n against_o the_o eternal_a rule_n of_o morality_n and_o our_o saviour_n himself_o in_o that_o popular_a scheme_n and_o description_n he_o give_v of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n plain_o declare_v that_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a matter_n he_o will_v then_o inquire_v into_o will_v be_v our_o neglect_n or_o observance_n of_o that_o great_a moral_a duty_n of_o charity_n towards_o the_o poor_a and_o needy_a mat._n 25.32_o 46._o which_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o our_o obey_n or_o disobey_v the_o eternal_a law_n of_o morality_n be_v that_o by_o which_o we_o do_v most_o please_v or_o displease_v god_n since_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o that_o he_o will_v most_o insist_v in_o his_o final_a arbitration_n of_o our_o eternal_a fate_n for_o since_o his_o last_o judgement_n be_v only_o the_o final_a execution_n of_o his_o law_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o whatsoever_o it_o be_v that_o he_o will_v principal_o insist_v on_o in_o his_o judgement_n that_o be_v the_o principal_a matter_n of_o his_o law_n and_o now_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o upon_o what_o account_n it_o be_v that_o god_n have_v make_v moral_a goodness_n the_o main_a and_o principal_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n the_o chief_a reason_n of_o which_o be_v these_o four_o first_o because_o it_o be_v by_o moral_a goodness_n that_o we_o do_v most_o honour_n he_o second_o because_o it_o be_v by_o this_o that_o we_o do_v most_o imitate_v he_o three_o because_o it_o be_v by_o this_o that_o we_o advance_v to_o our_o own_o happiness_n four_o when_o all_o our_o positive_a duty_n be_v cease_v this_o be_v to_o be_v the_o eternal_a work_n and_o business_n of_o our_o nature_n i._o god_n have_v make_v moral_a goodness_n the_o principal_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v by_o this_o that_o we_o do_v he_o the_o great_a honour_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a say_n of_o hierocles_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n the_o best_a honour_n we_o can_v do_v to_o a_o self_n sufficient_a being_n be_v to_o receive_v the_o good_a thing_n he_o hold_v forth_o unto_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o by_o give_v to_o god_n that_o you_o honour_v he_o but_o by_o render_v yourselves_o worthy_a to_o receive_v of_o he_o for_o say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n whosoever_o give_v honour_n to_o god_n as_o to_o one_o that_o want_v do_v not_o consider_v that_o he_o thereby_o set_v himself_o above_o god_n for_o by_o his_o own_o selfsufficiency_n he_o be_v infinite_o remove_v above_o all_o capacity_n of_o want_n and_o so_o can_v never_o need_v any_o additional_a contribution_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n from_o his_o creature_n for_o glory_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o resplendency_n of_o perfection_n which_o always_o reflect_v its_o own_o beam_n upon_o itself_o where_o ever_o there_o be_v infinite_a perfection_n as_o to_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n there_o must_v a_o infinite_a glory_n proceed_v from_o it_o and_o therefore_o be_v infinite_o glorious_a in_o himself_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n we_o do_v shall_v add_v any_o further_a glory_n to_o he_o so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v true_o honour_v and_o glorify_v he_o it_o must_v not_o be_v by_o give_v to_o but_o by_o receive_v from_o he_o now_o the_o best_a thing_n we_o can_v receive_v from_o god_n be_v himself_o and_o himself_o we_o do_v receive_v in_o our_o strict_a compliance_n with_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o goodness_n which_o law_n be_v transcribe_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n from_o his_o own_o eternal_a righteousness_n and_o goodness_n we_o do_v by_o obey_v they_o derive_v god_n nature_n into_o we_o so_o that_o while_o we_o write_v after_o the_o copy_n of_o his_o law_n we_o write_v out_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o be_v and_o his_o law_n be_v the_o seal_n upon_o which_o he_o have_v engrave_v his_o
capacity_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o survive_v our_o body_n and_o enjoy_v future_a reward_n and_o suffer_v future_a punishment_n it_o also_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n for_o we_o find_v in_o our_o soul_n a_o certain_a innate_a force_n and_o power_n whereby_o they_o determine_v themselves_o which_o way_n they_o please_v in_o their_o motion_n and_o operation_n whereby_o they_o be_v exempt_a from_o the_o necessitating_a influence_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v foreign_a to_o they_o and_o this_o innate_a liberty_n or_o power_n of_o self-determination_n be_v necessary_o suppose_v in_o the_o management_n of_o all_o humane_a affair_n in_o commerce_n and_o treaty_n in_o government_n and_o law_n and_o administration_n of_o justice_n in_o council_n admonition_n reproof_n and_o persuasion_n in_o all_o which_o application_n be_v make_v to_o our_o soul_n as_o to_o free_a and_o self-determining_a agent_n that_o have_v the_o absolute_a disposal_n of_o their_o own_o motion_n and_o can_v direct_v they_o which_o way_n they_o please_v and_o indeed_o be_v not_o our_o soul_n leave_v to_o their_o own_o free_a disposal_n but_o conclude_v by_o the_o law_n of_o a_o fatal_a necessity_n as_o we_o see_v all_o material_a agent_n be_v such_o application_n to_o they_o as_o these_o will_v be_v very_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a and_o we_o may_v as_o reasonable_o hope_v to_o tame_v wolf_n and_o tiger_n by_o read_v ethic_n to_o they_o or_o to_o still_o the_o northwind_n by_o send_v ambassador_n to_o he_o to_o propose_v article_n of_o peace_n as_o to_o prevail_v upon_o man_n mind_n by_o moral_a address_n and_o persuasion_n because_o if_o they_o be_v not_o master_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n whatsoever_o the_o rigid_a law_n of_o necessity_n determine_v they_o to_o they_o must_v necessary_o choose_v in_o despite_n of_o all_o persuasion_n to_o the_o contrary_n now_o by_o this_o self-determining_a power_n our_o soul_n do_v evident_o manifest_v themselves_o to_o be_v immaterial_a substance_n and_o consequent_o not_o liable_a to_o death_n and_o corruption_n for_o if_o they_o be_v matter_n they_o will_v be_v move_v like_o matter_n i._n e._n by_o the_o pressure_n or_o thrust_v of_o other_o matter_n upon_o they_o and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o more_o in_o their_o power_n to_o move_v any_o other_o way_n than_o that_o which_o some_o other_o matter_n press_v and_o impel_v they_o than_o it_o be_v for_o a_o stone_n not_o to_o move_v upward_o when_o it_o be_v impele_v by_o the_o force_n which_o your_o arm_n impress_n on_o it_o and_o not_o to_o move_v down_o again_o when_o that_o force_n be_v spend_v and_o it_o be_v press_v back_o by_o its_o own_o weight_n and_o gravity_n whereas_o we_o feel_v in_o our_o soul_n a_o innate_a power_n to_o determine_v itself_o which_o way_n it_o please_v and_o even_o to_o move_v quite_o contrary_a to_o all_o foreign_a impression_n for_o when_o it_o be_v press_v on_o by_o outward_a object_n to_o such_o and_o such_o thought_n and_o purpose_n with_o all_o imaginable_a vigour_n it_o often_o stem_n the_o impetuous_a tide_n and_o think_v and_o purpose_v the_o quite_o contrary_a how_o then_o can_v that_o be_v matter_n which_o be_v not_o determine_v in_o its_o motion_n by_o matter_n but_o when_o it_o please_v can_n either_o move_v counter_a to_o all_o material_a impression_n or_o of_o two_o material_a impression_n can_v move_v counter_a to_o the_o strong_a that_o our_o soul_n therefore_o be_v immaterial_a be_v just_a as_o evident_a as_o that_o they_o have_v liberty_n of_o will_n and_o that_o they_o have_v liberty_n of_o will_n need_v no_o other_o proof_n than_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o feel_n of_o mankind_n and_o whatsoever_o essence_n feel_v this_o freedom_n within_o itself_o whereby_o it_o be_v absolve_v from_o the_o rigid_a law_n of_o matter_n may_v with_o all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n conclude_v itself_o immaterial_a and_o if_o our_o soul_n be_v immaterial_a substance_n to_o be_v sure_a they_o can_v natural_o subsist_v and_o live_v without_o these_o body_n and_o must_v necessary_o do_v so_o unless_o god_n destroy_v they_o as_o have_v no_o contrary_a quality_n or_o divisible_a part_n no_o principle_n of_o death_n or_o corruption_n in_o they_o and_o since_o god_n have_v make_v our_o soul_n of_o a_o immaterial_a and_o immortal_a nature_n we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o conclude_v that_o he_o will_v not_o unravel_v his_o own_o workmanship_n but_o permit_v it_o to_o survive_v its_o body_n and_o enjoy_v or_o endure_v that_o happy_a ot_fw-mi miserable_a fate_n which_o itself_o have_v choose_v and_o make_v iv._o from_o the_o natural_a expectance_n we_o have_v of_o future_a reward_n and_o dread_a of_o future_a punishment_n it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v a_o state_n of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n thus_o after_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o flagitious_a wickedness_n there_o natural_o arise_v ill-abodings_a in_o man_n mind_n of_o a_o dire_a after-reckoning_n and_o though_o the_o commission_n be_v secret_a and_o conceal_v from_o all_o humane_a cognizance_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o dread_v the_o correction_n of_o public_a justice_n for_o it_o yet_o when_o ever_o the_o man_n reflect_v on_o it_o it_o fill_v his_o mind_n with_o horrible_a presage_n of_o a_o woeful_a futurity_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o ever_o a_o man_n do_v any_o great_a good_a or_o conquer_v any_o violent_a temptation_n to_o evil_n it_o lift_v up_o his_o soul_n into_o a_o bless_a expectation_n and_o swell_v his_o hope_n with_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n and_o though_o the_o good_a he_o have_v do_v or_o the_o evil_n he_o have_v avoid_v give_v he_o no_o kind_n of_o prospect_n of_o any_o present_a advantage_n yet_o his_o mind_n be_v soothe_v and_o ravish_v with_o the_o contemplation_n of_o it_o which_o natural_o suggest_v to_o he_o the_o joyous_a hope_n of_o a_o recompense_n to_o come_v for_o whence_o shall_v this_o hope_n and_o dread_a spring_n up_o in_o man_n mind_n upon_o the_o commission_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a action_n but_o from_o some_o common_a impression_n upon_o humane_a nature_n intimate_v to_o we_o a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n if_o you_o say_v it_o be_v from_o those_o religious_a principle_n which_o we_o imbibe_n in_o our_o education_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v how_o come_v this_o principle_n concern_v the_o future_a state_n to_o be_v so_o universal_o imbibe_v if_o there_o be_v not_o something_o in_o it_o that_o be_v very_o agreeable_a with_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o mankind_n for_o whatever_o be_v the_o matter_n we_o see_v it_o be_v very_o easy_o embrace_v but_o very_o difficult_o part_v with_o man_n mind_n do_v catch_v at_o it_o with_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o greediness_n but_o when_o once_o they_o have_v swallow_v it_o it_o never_o come_v up_o again_o without_o strain_v and_o violence_n and_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o if_o there_o be_v not_o something_o in_o it_o that_o be_v very_o agreeable_a with_o the_o natural_a taste_n and_o relish_v of_o our_o understanding_n we_o know_v there_o have_v be_v great_a wit_n and_o philosopher_n that_o have_v take_v as_o much_o pain_n to_o raze_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o future_a state_n out_o of_o man_n mind_n as_o ever_o any_o other_o do_v to_o imprint_v it_o there_o and_o yet_o though_o their_o doctrine_n have_v be_v always_o high_o befriend_v by_o man_n wicked_a lust_n and_o affection_n to_o which_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o future_a state_n be_v the_o most_o terrible_a and_o vexatious_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o with_o all_o their_o wit_n and_o sophistry_n they_o have_v never_o be_v able_a to_o root_v it_o out_o of_o man_n mind_n if_o then_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o another_o world_n be_v mere_o owe_v to_o our_o teach_v and_o education_n why_o shall_v not_o teach_v erase_n as_o well_o as_o imprint_v they_o especial_o when_o it_o be_v so_o powerful_o second_v with_o all_o the_o bosom_n rhetoric_n of_o man_n vicious_a inclination_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o who_o have_v most_o industrious_o attempt_v to_o extinguish_v their_o sense_n of_o another_o world_n have_v general_o be_v very_o unsuccessful_a and_o though_o in_o the_o riot_n of_o their_o sinful_a delight_n they_o many_o time_n charm_v and_o stupefy_v it_o for_o the_o present_a yet_o no_o soon_o do_v they_o retire_v into_o themselves_o and_o cool_o reflect_v upon_o their_o own_o mind_n but_o it_o present_o awake_v again_o and_o haunt_v and_o pursue_v they_o and_o though_o they_o use_v all_o imaginable_a way_n to_o divert_v their_o mind_n from_o the_o thought_n of_o another_o world_n and_o to_o avoid_v these_o bosom_n accuser_n and_o tormentor_n run_v for_o sanctuary_n to_o all_o thing_n without_o they_o to_o sport_n and_o recreation_n to_o wine_n and_o woman_n to_o care_n and_o business_n
when_o therefore_o we_o conceive_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n we_o must_v so_o conceive_v of_o they_o as_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o manner_n of_o inconsistency_n or_o disagreement_n between_o they_o otherwise_o we_o must_v admit_v into_o our_o conception_n of_o they_o something_o or_o other_o that_o be_v defective_a or_o imperfect_a as_o for_o instance_n in_o god_n there_o be_v infinite_a wisdom_n and_o infinite_a justice_n infinite_a goodness_n and_o infinite_a mercy_n wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v conceive_v aright_o of_o these_o his_o glorious_a perfection_n we_o must_v take_v care_v not_o to_o admit_v any_o notion_n of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o that_o render_v it_o repugnant_a to_o any_o other_o but_o so_o to_o conceive_v of_o they_o altogether_o as_o that_o they_o may_v mutual_o accord_v and_o agree_v with_o each_o other_o for_o while_o we_o apprehend_v his_o goodness_n to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o will_v not_o accord_v with_o his_o wisdom_n we_o must_v either_o suppose_v his_o wisdom_n to_o be_v craft_n or_o his_o goodness_n to_o be_v folly_n and_o whilst_o we_o apprehend_v his_o mercy_n to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o will_v not_o agree_v with_o his_o justice_n we_o must_v either_o suppose_v his_o justice_n to_o be_v cruelty_n or_o his_o mercy_n to_o be_v blind_a pity_n and_o fondness_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o that_o goodness_n can_v be_v a_o perfection_n which_o exceed_v the_o measure_n of_o wisdom_n nor_o that_o mercy_n neither_o which_o transgress_v the_o bound_n of_o justice_n and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_n for_o if_o either_o god_n goodness_n exclude_v his_o wisdom_n or_o his_o wisdom_n his_o goodness_n if_o either_o his_o mercy_n swallow_v up_o his_o justice_n or_o his_o justice_n his_o mercy_n there_o be_v a_o apparent_a repugnance_n and_o contrariety_n between_o they_o and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o contrariety_n there_o must_v be_v imperfection_n in_o one_o or_o tother_o or_o both_o wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v apprehend_v they_o altogether_o as_o they_o true_o be_v in_o god_n that_o be_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o perfection_n we_o must_v so_o conceive_v of_o they_o as_o that_o in_o all_o respect_v they_o may_v be_v perfect_o consistent_a and_o harmonious_a as_o that_o his_o wisdom_n may_v not_o clash_v with_o his_o goodness_n nor_o his_o goodness_n with_o his_o wisdom_n as_o that_o his_o mercy_n may_v not_o justle_v with_o his_o justice_n nor_o his_o justice_n with_o his_o mercy_n that_o be_v we_o must_v conceive_v he_o to_o be_v as_o wise_a as_o he_o can_v be_v with_o infinite_a goodness_n as_o good_a as_o he_o can_v be_v with_o infinite_a wisdom_n as_o just_a as_o he_o can_v be_v with_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o as_o merciful_a as_o he_o can_v be_v with_o infinite_a justice_n which_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a and_o just_a and_o merciful_a so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v a_o perfection_n to_o be_v so_o for_o to_o be_v wise_a beyond_o what_o be_v good_a be_v craft_n to_o be_v good_a beyond_o what_o be_v wise_a be_v dotage_n to_o be_v just_a beyond_o what_o be_v merciful_a be_v rigour_n to_o be_v merciful_a beyond_o what_o be_v just_a be_v easiness_n that_o be_v they_o be_v all_o imperfection_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v beyond_o what_o be_v perfect_a wherefore_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o represent_v these_o his_o moral_a perfection_n as_o run_v a_o tilt_n at_o one_o another_o but_o to_o conceive_v of_o they_o all_o together_o as_o one_o entire_a perfection_n which_o though_o like_o the_o centre_n of_o a_o circle_n it_o have_v many_o line_n draw_v from_o it_o round_o about_o and_o so_o be_v look_v upon_o sometime_o as_o the_o term_n of_o this_o line_n and_o sometime_o of_o that_o yet_o be_v but_o one_o common_a and_o undivided_a term_n to_o they_o all_o or_o to_o speak_v more_o plain_o though_o it_o exert_v itself_o in_o different_a way_n and_o action_n and_o operate_v diverse_o according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o its_o object_n and_o according_o admit_v of_o divers_a name_n such_o as_o wisdom_n goodness_n justice_n and_o mercy_n yet_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o one_o simple_a and_o indivisible_a principle_n of_o action_n all_o who_o operation_n how_o diverse_a soever_o be_v such_o as_o perfect_o accord_v with_o each_o other_o who_o act_n of_o wisdom_n be_v all_o infinite_o good_a who_o act_n of_o goodness_n be_v all_o infinite_o wise_a who_o act_n of_o justice_n be_v infinite_o merciful_a and_o who_o act_n of_o mercy_n be_v infinite_o just_a so_o that_o in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o their_o extension_n and_o degree_n they_o be_v all_o most_o perfect_a viz._n that_o they_o always_o operate_v with_o mutual_a consent_n and_o in_o perfect_a harmony_n and_o while_o we_o thus_o conceive_v of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n our_o mind_n will_v be_v mighty_o secure_v against_o all_o those_o false_a apprehension_n of_o god_n which_o lead_v to_o superstition_n and_o presumption_n for_o we_o shall_v so_o apprehend_v his_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n as_o not_o to_o be_v superstitious_o afraid_a and_o so_o apprehend_v his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n as_o not_o to_o be_v presumptuous_o secure_a and_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n his_o justice_n will_v protect_v his_o mercy_n from_o be_v abuse_v by_o our_o wanton_a security_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n his_o goodness_n will_v protect_v his_o wisdom_n from_o be_v misrepresent_v by_o our_o anxious_a suspicion_n for_o while_o we_o consider_v his_o mercy_n thus_o temper_v with_o his_o justice_n and_o his_o wisdom_n with_o his_o goodness_n we_o can_v neither_o expect_v impunity_n from_o the_o one_o if_o we_o continue_v wicked_a nor_o yet_o suspect_v any_o ill_a design_n against_o we_o in_o the_o other_o if_o we_o return_v from_o our_o evil_a way_n and_o persevere_v in_o well_o do_v sect_n iii_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o assign_v and_o remove_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n misapprehension_n of_o god_n many_o of_o which_o be_v so_o secret_a and_o obscure_a so_o peculiar_a to_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_n of_o man_n brain_n so_o interweave_v with_o the_o infinite_a variety_n of_o humane_a constitution_n that_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o trace_v they_o so_o as_o to_o make_v a_o exact_a enumeration_n of_o they_o all_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o assign_v the_o most_o common_a and_o visible_a cause_n by_o which_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v mislead_v in_o their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n whinh_v be_v reducible_a to_o these_o six_o head_n first_o ignorance_n of_o what_o be_v the_o true_a perfection_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n second_o frame_v our_o notion_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o model_n of_o our_o own_o humour_n and_o temper_n three_o obstinate_a partiality_n to_o our_o own_o sinful_a lust_n and_o affection_n four_o measure_v god_n nature_n by_o particular_a providence_n five_o take_v up_o our_o notion_n of_o god_n from_o obscure_a and_o particular_a passage_n and_o not_o from_o the_o plain_a and_o general_a current_n of_o scripture_n six_o indevotion_n i._o one_o great_a cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n be_v ignorance_n of_o what_o be_v the_o true_a perfection_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n for_o as_o i_o show_v before_o in_o conceive_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n we_o must_v take_v our_o rise_n from_o those_o perfection_n we_o behold_v in_o his_o creature_n and_o particular_o in_o our_o own_o nature_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o composition_n of_o all_o create_a perfection_n so_o that_o while_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v the_o true_a perfection_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n our_o thought_n can_v have_v no_o rule_n or_o aim_v whereby_o to_o judge_n of_o god_n that_o he_o have_v all_o those_o perfection_n in_o himself_o which_o he_o have_v derive_v to_o we_o be_v the_o fundamental_a maxim_n upon_o which_o we_o be_v to_o erect_v our_o notion_n of_o he_o and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o know_v what_o those_o perfection_n be_v which_o he_o have_v derive_v to_o we_o and_o wherein_o they_o consist_v our_o mind_n have_v no_o footing_n or_o foundation_n whereon_o to_o raise_v any_o certain_a idea_n of_o he_o for_o since_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o conceive_v of_o his_o perfection_n but_o by_o our_o own_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o while_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o own_o we_o shall_v ever_o conceive_v aright_o of_o he_o this_o therefore_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o man_n do_v so_o gross_o misconceive_v of_o god_n because_o they_o have_v no_o true_a notion_n of_o their_o own_o perfection_n by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o form_v their_o conception_n of_o he_o for_o whereas_o the_o true_a perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n consist_v in_o moral_a goodness_n or_o a_o universal_a compliance_n of_o
its_o will_n affection_n and_o action_n with_o those_o everlasting_a law_n of_o righteousness_n which_o right_a reason_n prescribe_v how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o look_n upon_o this_o as_o a_o very_a mean_a and_o carnal_a accomplishment_n and_o place_n all_o their_o perfection_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n viz._n in_o the_o ebb_n and_o flow_v of_o their_o sensitive_a passion_n and_o the_o extraordinary_a fermentation_n of_o their_o blood_n and_o spirit_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o unaccountable_a dejection_n and_o exaltation_n of_o mind_n in_o vehement_a impression_n of_o fancy_n and_o mechanical_a movement_n of_o affection_n in_o rapture_n and_o ecstacy_n and_o hypocondriacal_a income_n and_o manifestation_n that_o have_v nothing_o of_o substantial_a virtue_n or_o piety_n in_o they_o nor_o common_o any_o other_o effect_n but_o to_o cause_n man_n to_o renounce_v that_o righteousness_n which_o they_o never_o have_v and_o rely_v upon_o that_o which_o they_o have_v no_o title_n to_o and_o to_o sooth_n and_o tickle_v their_o fancy_n and_o blow_v they_o up_o into_o glorious_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o and_o triumphant_a assurance_n of_o their_o be_v the_o darling_n and_o favourite_n of_o god_n whilst_o poor_a moral_a man_n that_o make_v conscience_n of_o regulate_v their_o affection_n and_o action_n by_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o righteousness_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o they_o with_o a_o scornful_a compassion_n and_o place_v in_o the_o lowermost_a form_n of_o sinner_n at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n now_o when_o man_n take_v such_o false_a measure_n of_o their_o own_o perfection_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v conceive_v aright_o of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o conceive_v of_o but_o only_o by_o argue_v from_o their_o own_o wherefore_o in_o order_n to_o the_o form_v our_o idea_n of_o god_n perfection_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v first_o fix_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o our_o own_o which_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o we_o to_o do_v for_o our_o nature_n be_v reasonable_a to_o be_v sure_a its_o perfection_n must_v consist_v in_o willing_a affect_v and_o act_v reasonable_o or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o govern_v itself_o in_o all_o its_o relation_n and_o circumstance_n by_o those_o immutable_a law_n of_o goodness_n which_o right_a reason_n prescribe_v and_o which_o be_v exemplify_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o when_o we_o have_v fix_v in_o our_o mind_n this_o notion_n of_o our_o own_o perfection_n it_o will_v natural_o conduct_v our_o thought_n to_o god_n and_o let_v we_o see_v that_o his_o perfection_n consist_v not_o in_o a_o lawless_a and_o boundless_a will_n that_o decree_n without_o foresight_n resolve_v without_o reason_n and_o will_n because_o it_o will_v and_o then_o execute_v its_o own_o blind_a and_o unaccountable_a purpose_n by_o dint_n of_o irresistible_a power_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o right_n or_o wrong_n for_o if_o we_o right_o understand_v our_o own_o perfection_n we_o can_v but_o discern_v that_o such_o a_o will_n as_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o monstrous_a deformity_n in_o nature_n because_o it_o be_v the_o most_o diametrical_o opposite_a to_o the_o true_a idea_n of_o our_o own_o perfection_n which_o while_o we_o attentive_o fix_v our_o eye_n on_o we_o can_v but_o infer_v from_o it_o that_o the_o true_a perfection_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o the_o unvariable_a determination_n of_o his_o will_n by_o the_o all-comprehending_a reason_n of_o his_o mind_n or_o in_o choose_v and_o refuse_v decree_a and_o execute_v upon_o such_o reason_n as_o best_o become_v a_o god_n to_o will_n and_o act_v on_o i._n e._n upon_o such_o as_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o just_a and_o merciful_a for_o if_o to_o will_n and_o act_n upon_o such_o reason_n as_o these_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n too_o but_o if_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o own_o perfection_n we_o must_v necessary_o think_v of_o god_n at_o rover_n without_o any_o certain_a aim_n or_o rule_v to_o square_v and_o direct_v our_o apprehension_n ii_o another_o cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n be_v our_o frame_v our_o notion_n of_o he_o according_a to_o the_o model_n of_o our_o own_o particular_a humour_n and_o temper_n for_o self-love_n be_v the_o most_o vehement_a affection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o that_o upon_o which_o all_o it_o be_v other_o affection_n be_v found_v there_o be_v no_o one_o vice_n to_o which_o we_o be_v more_o universal_o obnoxious_a than_o that_o of_o excessive_a fondness_n and_o partiality_n to_o ourselves_o which_o make_v we_o too_o often_o dote_v upon_o the_o deformity_n and_o even_o idolise_v the_o vice_n of_o our_o own_o temper_n so_o that_o whether_o our_o nature_n be_v stern_a sour_a and_o imperious_a or_o fond_a easy_a and_o indulgent_a we_o be_v apt_a to_o admire_v it_o as_o a_o great_a perfection_n mere_o because_o it_o be_v we_o without_o measure_v it_o by_o those_o eternal_a reason_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a perfection_n and_o imperfection_n and_o than_o whatever_o we_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o perfection_n in_o ourselves_o we_o natural_o attribute_v to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o perfection_n and_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n mind_n have_v be_v always_o tincture_v with_o such_o false_a and_o repugnant_a opinion_n of_o god_n because_o they_o frame_v their_o judgement_n of_o he_o not_o so_o much_o by_o their_o reason_n as_o by_o their_o temper_n and_o humour_n and_o so_o their_o different_a humour_n be_v not_o only_o unreasonable_a in_o themselves_o but_o repugnant_a and_o contrary_a to_o one_o another_o produce_v in_o they_o not_o only_o false_a and_o unreasonable_a but_o contrary_a and_o repugnant_a opinion_n of_o god_n thus_o for_o instance_n the_o epicurean_o who_o be_v a_o soft_a and_o voluptuous_a sect_n entire_o addict_v to_o ease_v and_o pleasure_n fancy_v god_n to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o themselves_o a_o be_v that_o be_v whole_o sequester_v from_o action_n and_o confine_v to_o a_o extra-mundane_a paradise_n where_o he_o live_v in_o perfect_a ease_n and_o be_v entertain_v with_o infinite_a luxury_n without_o ever_o concern_v his_o thought_n with_o any_o thing_n abroad_o for_o this_o they_o think_v be_v the_o top_n of_o all_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o thus_o they_o will_v have_v choose_v to_o live_v have_v they_o be_v god_n themselves_o thus_o the_o stoic_n who_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o very_a morose_n and_o inflexible_a people_n copy_v their_o notion_n of_o god_n from_o their_o own_o complexion_n suppose_v he_o to_o be_v a_o inflexible_a be_v that_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o be_v move_v and_o affect_v by_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n but_o be_v whole_o govern_v by_o a_o stern_a and_o inexorable_a fate_n and_o according_o the_o scythian_n and_o thracian_n the_o gaul_n and_o carthaginian_n who_o be_v a_o people_n of_o a_o bloody_a and_o barbarous_a nature_n picture_v their_o god_n from_o their_o own_o temper_n imagine_v they_o to_o be_v of_o a_o bloodthirsty_a nature_n that_o delight_v to_o feed_v their_o hungry_a nostril_n with_o the_o nidorous_a reek_n and_o steam_n of_o humane_a gore_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o platonist_n who_o be_v general_o of_o a_o very_a soft_a and_o amorous_a nature_n take_v their_o measure_n of_o god_n thereby_o and_o so_o frame_v a_o idea_n of_o he_o that_o be_v as_o soft_a and_o amorous_a as_o their_o own_o complexion_n compose_v altogether_o of_o love_n and_o smile_n and_o endearment_n without_o the_o least_o intermixture_n of_o vengeance_n and_o severity_n how_o just_a soever_o in_o itself_o or_o necessary_a to_o the_o well-government_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o as_o the_o ethiopian_n picture_v their_o god_n black_a because_o they_o be_v black_a themselves_o so_o general_o man_n have_v be_v always_o prone_a to_o represent_v god_n in_o the_o colour_n of_o their_o own_o complexion_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o they_o many_o time_n represent_v he_o so_o utter_o unlike_a to_o himself_o because_o out_o of_o a_o unreasonable_a partiality_n to_o themselves_o they_o first_o mistake_v the_o deformity_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n for_o perfection_n and_o then_o deify_v they_o they_o into_o divine_a attribute_n thou_o think_v say_v god_n that_o i_o be_v altogether_o such_o a_o one_o as_o thyself_o psal._n 50.21_o that_o be_v thou_o do_v frame_v thy_o conception_n of_o i_o according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o thy_o own_o ill-nature_n and_o so_o think_v base_o and_o unworthy_o of_o i_o and_o hence_o i_o doubt_v not_o spring_v most_o of_o those_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v receive_v among_o christian_n for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o of_o