of_o earthly_a rival_n yet_o it_o fire_v at_o great_a example_n and_o be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v outdo_v by_o equal_n in_o love_n to_o god_n or_o man_n especial_o when_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n and_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v be_v concern_v it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o many_o pious_a and_o charitable_a foundation_n be_v owe_v to_o popish_a superstition_n they_o hope_v to_o expiate_v their_o sin_n and_o to_o merit_v heaven_n by_o their_o good_a work_n and_o in_o this_o hope_n and_o this_o persuasion_n they_o do_v a_o very_a great_a many_o we_o understand_v better_a than_o to_o think_v of_o merit_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n much_o less_o of_o purchase_v a_o liberty_n of_o sin_v by_o act_n of_o charity_n but_o if_o those_o great_a reward_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o charity_n and_o which_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v will_v not_o make_v we_o charitable_a without_o the_o opinion_n of_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n charity_n be_v so_o great_a and_o excellent_a a_o virtue_n and_o so_o very_o useful_a to_o mankind_n that_o at_o least_o thus_o far_o popery_n will_v be_v think_v the_o better_a religion_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v as_o you_o abound_v in_o every_o thing_n in_o faith_n and_o utterance_n and_o knowledge_n and_o all_o diligence_n and_o in_o your_o love_n to_o we_o see_v that_o you_o abound_v in_o this_o grace_n also_o as_o we_o have_v a_o more_o orthodox_n faith_n a_o clear_a and_o a_o distinct_a knowledge_n and_o a_o pure_a worship_n than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n let_v we_o excel_v in_o charity_n too_o and_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o to_o renounce_v popery_n be_v not_o to_o renounce_v good_a work_n sermon_n x._o preach_v before_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o lord-mayor_n and_o court_n of_o alderman_n at_o guildhall_n chappel_n on_o sunday_n april_n 25._o 1697._o coloss._n ii_o 8._o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ._n have_v st._n paul_n live_v in_o our_o age_n it_o will_v have_v require_v little_o less_o than_o the_o courage_n and_o bravery_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o martyrdom_n to_o have_v say_v this_o and_o nothing_o but_o the_o authority_n of_o so_o great_a a_o apostle_n which_o though_o some_o man_n do_v not_o much_o value_n yet_o they_o dare_v not_o open_o despise_v can_v screen_n those_o who_o venture_v to_o say_v iâ—…_n after_o he_o what_o some_o man_n call_v philosophy_n and_o reason_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o foolish_a and_o absurd_a which_o some_o man_n will_v not_o call_v so_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n which_o those_o man_n adore_v who_o will_v either_o have_v no_o god_n or_o a_o god_n and_o a_o religion_n of_o their_o own_o make_n and_o what_o attempt_v some_o have_v make_v to_o undermine_v all_o religion_n and_o other_o to_o corrupt_v and_o transform_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o its_o contradict_a natural_a reason_n and_o philosophy_n be_v too_o well_o know_v to_o need_v a_o proof_n that_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o his_o day_n and_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v in_o future_a age_n st._n paul_n be_v very_o sensible_a when_o he_o give_v this_o caution_n to_o his_o colossian_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v as_o proper_a a_o caution_n for_o we_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v for_o any_o age_n since_o the_o write_n of_o this_o epistle_n for_o this_o vain_a pretence_n to_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n never_o more_o prevail_v and_o never_o do_v more_o mischief_n to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o endless_a and_o fruitless_a task_n to_o go_v about_o to_o confute_v all_o the_o absurd_a hypothesis_n and_o wild_a inconsistent_a reason_n wherewith_o man_n abuse_v themselves_o and_o other_o the_o experience_n of_o so_o â—…ny_a age_n wherein_o philosophy_n be_v in_o all_o 〈◊〉_d glory_n and_o the_o several_a sect_n dispute_v â—…d_v wrangle_v eternal_o without_o end_v â—…y_o one_o controversy_n give_v no_o great_a enâ—…uragement_n to_o hope_v for_o much_o this_o way_n 〈◊〉_d lest_o it_o can_v never_o be_v expect_v that_o â—…dinary_a christian_n shall_v be_v better_o â—…structed_v and_o confirm_v in_o the_o faith_n by_o â—…hilosophical_a dispute_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v from_o â—…e_n very_o begin_v be_v corrupt_v by_o 〈◊〉_d mixture_n of_o philosophy_n thus_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d the_o apostle_n day_n and_o thus_o it_o have_v â—…een_v more_o or_o less_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n to_o this_o day_n and_o the_o direction_n the_o apostle_n give_v for_o the_o security_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v not_o to_o dispute_v such_o matter_n but_o to_o distinguish_v between_o philosophical_a dispute_n and_o matter_n of_o revelation_n and_o to_o reject_v all_o the_o pretence_n of_o philosophy_n when_o it_o do_v or_o seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n or_o will_v make_v any_o corrupt_a addition_n to_o it_o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o make_v a_o prey_n or_o to_o carry_v away_o as_o a_o prey_n that_o be_v to_o seduce_v they_o from_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o from_o the_o pâ—…rity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o it_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n that_o be_v through_o the_o vain_a deceit_n of_o philosophy_n which_o cheat_v man_n with_o a_o flatter_a but_o empty_a appearance_n may_v unsettle_v weak_a mind_n but_o can_v lay_v a_o sure_a and_o solid_a foundation_n of_o faith_n may_v cheat_v man_n out_o of_o their_o faith_n but_o when_o that_o be_v do_v can_v give_v they_o nothing_o certain_a in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v but_o after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o this_o world_n some_o of_o these_o doctrine_n may_v possible_o plead_v prescription_n as_o have_v be_v so_o long_o receive_v that_o no_o man_n know_v their_o original_a or_o if_o they_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o great_a name_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o human_a authority_n and_o they_o be_v but_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o of_o man_n who_o at_o best_o have_v no_o better_a information_n than_o from_o the_o visible_a appearance_n of_o nature_n and_o their_o own_o imperfect_a observation_n and_o corrupt_v or_o defective_a reason_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o this_o world_n and_o be_v this_o a_o authority_n to_o oppose_v against_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n which_o both_o want_v that_o divine_a confirmation_n which_o he_o give_v to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o contradict_v they_o for_o they_o be_v not_o after_o christ_n neither_o teach_v by_o christ_n nor_o consonant_n to_o what_o he_o teach_v these_o word_n may_v afford_v great_a variety_n of_o discourse_n but_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o what_o be_v most_o useful_a and_o reduce_v that_o into_o as_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o i_o can_v by_o show_v i._n what_o great_a need_n there_o be_v of_o this_o caution_n to_o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v we_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n ii_o what_o great_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o rejectall_v these_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n when_o they_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n i._o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o whoever_o consider_v what_o a_o enemy_n these_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n have_v always_o be_v to_o religion_n will_v see_v need_n enough_o for_o this_o caution_n true_a reason_n and_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v true_a philosophy_n will_v certain_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n and_o worship_n of_o that_o supreme_a be_v who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o atheist_n without_o some_o pretence_n to_o philosophy_n and_o general_o such_o loud_a noisy_a pretence_n too_o as_o make_v ignorant_a people_n think_v they_o very_o notable_a philosopher_n and_o that_o tempt_v some_o vain_a empty_a person_n to_o affect_v atheism_n that_o they_o may_v be_v think_v philosopher_n that_o this_o be_v vain_a deceit_n all_o man_n must_v own_v who_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o pretend_v philosophy_n for_o atheism_n itself_o it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n if_o it_o be_v make_v to_o patronize_v infidelity_n and_o heresy_n but_o this_o plain_o show_v of_o what_o dangerous_a consequence_n it_o be_v to_o admit_v philosophical_a dispute_n into_o religion_n which_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o may_v do_v any_o service_n to_o religion_n much_o often_o great_o corrupt_v it_o and_o shake_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o it_o of_o which_o more_o anon_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o show_v you_o how_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n stand_v that_o most_o of_o the_o dispute_n in_o religion_n
of_o our_o church_n that_o man_n who_o have_v no_o devotion_n come_v only_o for_o music_n for_o church-music_n can_v create_v devotion_n though_o it_o may_v improve_v it_o where_o it_o be_v but_o indeed_o we_o ought_v all_o to_o be_v aware_a that_o the_o music_n do_v not_o employ_v our_o thought_n more_o than_o our_o devotion_n which_o it_o can_v never_o do_v if_o as_o common_a sense_n teach_v we_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v our_o mind_n be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n fix_v and_o intent_n upon_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n which_o be_v express_v in_o the_o hymn_n or_o anthem_n which_o when_o convey_v unto_o we_o in_o musical_a sound_n will_v give_v life_n and_o quickness_n to_o our_o devotion_n not_o first_o fix_v on_o the_o music_n which_o most_o probable_o will_v leave_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o anthem_n behind_o it_o those_o who_o find_v that_o music_n do_v not_o assist_v but_o stifle_v their_o devotion_n and_o many_o such_o there_o may_v be_v have_v much_o better_o keep_v to_o their_o parish-church_n and_o prefer_v devotion_n before_o music_n for_o to_o come_v to_o church_n without_o any_o intention_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o his_o own_o house_n or_o to_o pretend_v to_o worship_v he_o without_o devotion_n be_v great_a affront_v to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n in_o a_o word_n those_o who_o profess_v themselves_o lover_n of_o music_n aught_o to_o consider_v what_o the_o true_a end_n of_o music_n be_v and_o to_o improve_v it_o to_o the_o noble_a purpose_n the_o mere_a harmony_n of_o sound_n be_v a_o very_a pleasant_a and_o innocent_a entertainment_n of_o all_o the_o delight_n of_o sense_n this_o be_v in_o itself_o the_o least_o sensual_a when_o it_o be_v not_o abuse_v to_o recommend_v vice_n and_o to_o convey_v impure_a image_n to_o our_o mind_n but_o yet_o mere_o to_o be_v delight_v with_o charm_v and_o musical_a air_n do_v not_o answer_v the_o true_a character_n of_o a_o lover_n of_o music_n for_o it_o be_v the_o least_o thing_n in_o music_n to_o please_v the_o ear_n its_o proper_a natural_a use_n and_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o pleasure_n of_o it_o relate_v to_o our_o passion_n to_o compose_v to_o soften_v to_o inflame_v they_o and_o the_o divine_a passion_n it_o inspire_v we_o with_o the_o more_o it_o be_v to_o be_v admire_v and_o value_v and_o then_o music_n must_v attain_v its_o great_a glory_n and_o perfection_n in_o true_a devotion_n that_o the_o lover_n of_o music_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o devout_a man_n if_o they_o love_v music_n for_o that_o which_o be_v most_o valuable_a in_o it_o and_o its_o last_o and_o noble_a end_n to_o conclude_v it_o concern_v the_o lover_n of_o music_n to_o vindicate_v it_o from_o all_o profane_a abuse_n not_o to_o suffer_v so_o divine_a a_o thing_n to_o be_v prostitute_v to_o man_n lust_n to_o discountenance_v all_o lewd_a profane_a atheistical_a song_n how_o admirable_a soever_o the_o composition_n be_v to_o preserve_v music_n in_o its_o virgin_n modesty_n and_o without_o confine_v she_o always_o to_o the_o temple_n make_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n her_o chief_a employment_n as_o it_o be_v her_o great_a glory_n thus_o have_v i_o speak_v my_o mind_n very_o free_o show_v you_o the_o use_v and_o the_o abuse_n of_o music_n which_o be_v one_o great_a inducement_n to_o i_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o desire_n of_o those_o honourable_a and_o worthy_a person_n who_o impose_v this_o office_n on_o i_o that_o i_o may_v have_v a_o opportunity_n of_o say_v that_o which_o i_o think_v fit_a shall_v be_v say_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o and_o for_o say_v of_o which_o there_o can_v not_o be_v a_o more_o proper_a occasion_n than_o this_o and_o i_o hope_v this_o may_v plead_v my_o excuse_n with_o all_o good_a christian_n if_o it_o have_v draw_v my_o sermon_n out_o to_o too_o great_a a_o length_n and_o give_v too_o long_o a_o interruption_n to_o the_o entertainment_n of_o those_o the_o least_o part_n of_o who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o hear_v a_o sermon_n to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v honour_n glory_n and_o power_n now_o and_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n xv._o preach_v before_o the_o queen_n at_o white_a hall_n in_o lent_n 2_o tim._n three_o ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o this_o know_v also_o that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n perilous_a time_n shall_v come_v for_o man_n shall_v be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n be_v self-love_n then_o so_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n as_o to_o make_v the_o time_n perilous_a what_o time_n then_o can_v be_v prosperous_a and_o happy_a what_o age_n produce_v such_o monster_n as_o do_v not_o love_v themselves_o and_o where_o be_v the_o man_n that_o will_v be_v content_v to_o live_v in_o such_o a_o age_n the_o apostle_n then_o by_o the_o lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n can_v mean_v all_o those_o who_o be_v act_v by_o this_o natural_a principle_n of_o self-love_n to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o own_o happiness_n for_o that_o be_v all_o mankind_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o can_v be_v the_o character_n only_o of_o the_o last_o day_n nor_o the_o cause_n of_o perilous_a time_n self-love_n be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o reasonable_a world_n which_o have_v no_o other_o spring_n of_o motion_n it_o unite_v man_n into_o society_n be_v the_o parent_n of_o all_o art_n and_o science_n it_o make_v we_o take_v care_n of_o ourselves_o and_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o do_v good_a to_o other_o it_o be_v no_o virtue_n itself_o because_o it_o be_v not_o matter_n of_o our_o choice_n but_o as_o necessary_a as_o our_o be_v but_o it_o be_v the_o seed_n and_o principle_n of_o all_o moral_a virtue_n as_o it_o oblige_v we_o to_o make_v ourselves_o happy_a to_o preserve_v our_o health_n to_o increase_v our_o fortune_n to_o gain_v the_o goodwill_n and_o good_a opinion_n of_o our_o neighbour_n to_o be_v easy_a to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o make_v the_o world_n easy_a to_o we_o which_o require_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o healthful_a thrive_a and_o sociable_a virtue_n it_o be_v self-love_n which_o inspire_v we_o with_o that_o divine_a principle_n of_o universal_a goodness_n and_o charity_n to_o do_v to_o other_o man_n what_o we_o desire_v they_o shall_v do_v to_o we_o it_o be_v this_o which_o make_v we_o soft_a and_o tender_a to_o all_o the_o impression_n of_o kindness_n which_o make_v we_o feel_v other_o man_n suffering_n and_o other_o man_n resentment_n in_o our_o own_o which_o make_v we_o relish_v the_o sweetness_n and_o pleasure_n of_o do_v good_a by_o the_o pleasure_n of_o receive_v it_o and_o give_v we_o a_o antipathy_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o do_v injury_n from_o our_o natural_a aversion_n to_o suffer_v they_o it_o be_v this_o self-love_n which_o make_v mankind_n governable_a and_o secure_v the_o peace_n and_o good_a order_n of_o humane_a society_n humane_a law_n will_v signify_v very_o little_a without_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o reward_n and_o punishment_n will_v signify_v as_o little_a as_o law_n without_o self-love_n for_o can_v man_n be_v unconcern_v for_o themselves_o do_v they_o neither_o hope_n nor_o fear_v any_o thing_n they_o can_v be_v govern_v only_o as_o beast_n be_v by_o external_a force_n it_o be_v the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o which_o make_v we_o delight_n in_o humane_a conversation_n and_o promote_v the_o public_a good_a wherein_o all_o man_n private_a fortune_n be_v involve_v in_o a_o word_n this_o self-love_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o love_v and_o worship_n god_n who_o be_v eternal_a and_o essential_a love_n and_o goodness_n to_o praise_v he_o for_o our_o be_v for_o our_o preservation_n for_o all_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o for_o the_o great_a hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o next_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o reverence_v his_o law_n to_o fear_v his_o justice_n and_o power_n to_o depend_v on_o his_o providence_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o supply_n of_o our_o want_n and_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n 〈◊〉_d it_o give_v virtue_n and_o efficacy_n to_o faith_n and_o hope_n which_o be_v the_o great_a gospel-principle_n of_o obedience_n for_o what_o will_v the_o belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o unseen_a glory_n signify_v if_o man_n be_v not_o concern_v to_o make_v themselves_o eternal_o happy_a so_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a be_v that_o enthusiastic_a conceit_n of_o serve_v god_n without_o respect_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n which_o contradict_v the_o whole_a scope_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o motive_n and_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o evangelical_n obedience_n the_o example_n of_o all_o good_a man_n and_o of_o christ_n himself_o who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v
be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o as_o certain_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o religion_n all_o other_o argument_n without_o this_o belief_n can_v support_v we_o and_o there_o be_v no_o suffering_n too_o great_a for_o a_o man_n to_o bear_v who_o be_v thorough_o possess_v with_o a_o firm_a belief_n and_o vigorous_a sense_n of_o these_o can_v we_o ourselves_o or_o the_o kind_a â—…riend_n in_o the_o world_n choose_v better_o for_o â—…s_n than_o god_n do_v we_o suspect_v his_o wisdom_n or_o his_o goodness_n can_v he_o mistake_v our_o condition_n who_o know_v our_o frame_n can_v he_o be_v want_v in_o his_o care_n of_o we_o or_o in_o good_a will_n to_o we_o who_o make_v we_o what_o be_v it_o we_o desire_v but_o to_o be_v happy_a and_o if_o god_n intend_v our_o happiness_n in_o his_o severe_a correction_n why_o shall_v we_o complain_v religion_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v of_o much_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o than_o bodily_a ease_n or_o pleasure_n and_o if_o god_n see_v pain_n and_o sickness_n poverty_n and_o disgrace_n necessary_a to_o cure_v or_o restrain_v our_o vicious_a and_o distemper_a passion_n or_o to_o improve_v and_o exercise_v our_o grace_n have_v we_o any_o reason_n to_o complain_v that_o god_n take_v such_o severe_a method_n to_o save_v our_o soul_n have_v we_o rather_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o than_o suffer_v some_o present_a want_n and_o pain_n the_o soul_n be_v the_o best_a part_n of_o man_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o a_o man_n be_v to_o improve_v his_o better_a part_n and_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o particular_a man_n to_o train_v they_o up_o to_o virtue_n by_o such_o method_n of_o kindness_n or_o severity_n as_o he_o see_v they_o want_v this_o i_o confess_v may_v be_v very_o grievous_a and_o afflict_a at_o present_a but_o then_o we_o have_v the_o hope_n of_o immortal_a life_n to_o support_v we_o and_o can_v that_o man_n be_v miserable_a can_v he_o sink_v under_o present_a suffering_n who_o have_v the_o hope_n of_o immortal_a life_n as_o the_o anchor_n of_o the_o soul_n both_o sure_a and_o steadfast_a to_o believe_v that_o all_o thing_n at_o present_a be_v intend_v for_o our_o good_a and_o shall_v work_v together_o for_o our_o good_a if_o we_o love_v god_n and_o that_o when_o we_o have_v out-rid_a the_o storm_n of_o this_o world_n by_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o hope_v these_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n shall_v work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n this_o if_o any_o thing_n will_v make_v all_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n easy_a if_o natural_a courage_n or_o natural_a reason_n fail_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n support_v by_o religion_n will_v sustain_v his_o infirmity_n three_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o wound_a spirit_n this_o be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n and_o signify_v a_o spirit_n which_o suffer_v pain_n and_o trouble_v a_o wound_n in_o the_o body_n be_v a_o division_n of_o one_o part_n from_o another_o which_o be_v always_o painful_a and_o though_o a_o spirit_n can_v be_v thus_o divide_v yet_o because_o a_o wound_n cause_v pain_n a_o spirit_n which_o be_v disorder_v and_o suffer_v pain_n be_v say_v to_o be_v wound_v as_o for_o instance_n some_o man_n spirit_n be_v wound_v with_o the_o disorder_n and_o violence_n of_o their_o own_o passion_n they_o love_v or_o hope_v or_o fear_v or_o desire_v or_o grieve_v immoderate_o and_o all_o passion_n be_v very_o painful_a when_o they_o be_v in_o excess_n upon_o this_o account_n the_o wicked_a be_v say_v to_o be_v like_o a_o trouble_a sea_n when_o it_o can_v rest_v who_o water_n cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a other_o man_n spirit_n be_v wound_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o gild_n their_o own_o conscience_n reproach_n and_o shame_v they_o and_o threaten_v the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n against_o they_o they_o have_v gratify_v their_o lust_n or_o revenge_n their_o ambition_n or_o covetousness_n and_o dream_v of_o nothing_o but_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n the_o temptation_n be_v very_o charm_v as_o it_o come_v towards_o they_o but_o now_o the_o heat_n and_o impetus_fw-la be_v allay_v and_o the_o enjoyment_n over_o they_o can_v review_v what_o they_o have_v do_v without_o horror_n their_o affright_a conscience_n draw_v the_o most_o amaze_a scene_n of_o judgement_n and_o paint_v their_o fancy_n with_o all_o the_o black_a image_n of_o terror_n the_o sinner_n of_o zion_n be_v afraid_a fear_n have_v surprise_v the_o hypocrite_n who_o shall_v dwell_v with_o devour_a fire_n who_o shall_v dwell_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n four_o this_o be_v the_o wound_a spirit_n and_o such_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v this_o be_v matter_n of_o sense_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o we_o must_v appeal_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o mankind_n and_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o this_o appeal_n for_o though_o some_o man_n may_v scorn_v to_o confess_v what_o they_o feel_v yet_o if_o all_o man_n mind_n be_v of_o a_o make_v we_o can_v feel_v in_o ourselves_o what_o other_o man_n feel_v and_o then_o we_o all_o know_v that_o anger_n when_o it_o grow_v immoderate_a and_o increase_v into_o rage_n and_o fury_n worry_v the_o mind_n and_o sharpen_v itself_o into_o such_o a_o keeness_n as_o cut_v deep_a into_o our_o own_o soul_n that_o a_o immoderate_a love_n of_o riches_n or_o honour_n or_o pleasure_n create_v we_o infinite_a trouble_n torment_n with_o a_o impatient_a thirst_n with_o restless_a and_o uneasy_a expectation_n distract_v we_o between_o hope_n and_o fear_n kill_v with_o delay_n and_o disappointment_n and_o there_o be_v but_o few_o man_n who_o can_v long_o dissemble_v their_o inward_a pain_n and_o uneasiness_n but_o confess_v it_o in_o their_o look_n and_o word_n and_o behaviour_n by_o external_a and_o visible_a symptom_n of_o frenzy_n and_o distraction_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o agony_n of_o a_o guilty_a mind_n as_o any_o man_n â—…ust_v confess_v who_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o â—…e_v self-condemned_n and_o to_o live_v under_o â—…he_a apprehension_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o â—…he_v terrible_a expectation_n of_o endless_a torment_n for_o with_o what_o courage_n and_o patience_n can_v any_o man_n bear_v such_o a_o thought_n as_o this_o that_o he_o must_v be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o some_o man_n may_v laugh_v away_o the_o thought_n of_o hell_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o man_n who_o believe_v in_o good_a earnest_n that_o there_o be_v a_o hell_n and_o that_o he_o himself_o be_v in_o the_o most_o apparent_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o it_o can_v bear_v this_o thought_n the_o many_o sad_a example_n of_o despair_a sinner_n who_o at_o the_o last_o moment_n groan_v out_o their_o soul_n in_o agony_n and_o horror_n be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o this_o man_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v a_o hell_n may_v laugh_v at_o it_o till_o they_o feel_v it_o but_o for_o experiment_n sake_n let_v they_o only_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o hell_n and_o that_o hell_n be_v to_o be_v their_o portion_n and_o then_o let_v they_o tell_v i_o how_o they_o can_v bear_v such_o a_o thought_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v we_o how_o unsupportable_a a_o wound_a spirit_n be_v but_o to_o give_v we_o a_o deep_a and_o more_o last_a sense_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v further_o observe_v that_o a_o wound_a spirit_n have_v no_o refuge_n or_o retreat_n have_v nothing_o leave_v to_o support_v itself_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n can_v bear_v his_o infirmity_n but_o when_o the_o spirit_n itself_o be_v wound_v there_o be_v nothing_o to_o support_v that_o this_o wound_v our_o courage_n our_o reason_n make_v all_o external_a comfort_n tasteless_a and_o deprive_v we_o of_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o religion_n for_o one_a what_o courage_n can_v any_o man_n have_v against_o himself_o against_o the_o wound_n and_o disorder_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n courage_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o firmness_n of_o mind_n to_o govern_v its_o own_o resentment_n and_o passion_n to_o suffer_v pain_n and_o reproach_n and_o other_o evil_n without_o immoderate_a grief_n and_o to_o encounter_v danger_n without_o a_o amaze_a fear_n but_o when_o the_o mind_n itself_o be_v oppress_v with_o grief_n and_o fear_n and_o care_n the_o disease_n which_o courage_n shall_v prevent_v have_v already_o seize_v the_o spirit_n courage_n fortify_v we_o against_o external_a evil_n to_o keep_v they_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o wound_v our_o spirit_n but_o the_o disorder_n of_o our_o own_o passion_n be_v inward_a wound_n which_o we_o must_v feel_v and_o languish_v under_o when_o our_o own_o conscience_n reproach_n chide_v and_o threaten_v we_o the_o good_a opinion_n and_o
that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o condemn_v all_o self-love_n which_o when_o it_o act_v regular_o be_v the_o natural_a principle_n of_o all_o moral_a and_o religious_a action_n and_o have_v prevent_v this_o objection_n which_o lie_v in_o my_o way_n for_o the_o further_a explication_n and_o improvement_n of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o inquire_v what_o that_o self-love_n be_v which_o the_o apostle_n here_o condemn_v 2._o how_o dangerous_a and_o perilous_a such_o time_n must_v needs_o be_v wherein_o this_o self-love_n prevail_v 3._o show_v the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n as_o well_o as_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n of_o it_o 1._o what_o that_o self-love_n be_v which_o the_o apostle_n condemn_v for_o can_v self-love_n be_v the_o fruitful_a parent_n of_o all_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o evil_a and_o wickedness_n which_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o world_n can_v the_o same_o fountain_n send_v forth_o sweet_a water_n and_o bitter_a and_o yet_o thus_o we_o see_v it_o be_v both_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n act_v from_o a_o principle_n of_o self-love_n and_o design_v their_o own_o happiness_n and_o satisfaction_n this_o inspire_v good_a man_n with_o great_a and_o generous_a design_n set_v they_o above_o this_o world_n make_v they_o devout_a worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o very_o just_a and_o charitable_a to_o man_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o principle_n which_o act_v in_o bad_a man_n and_o drive_v they_o into_o all_o the_o excess_n of_o wickedness_n they_o gratify_v their_o own_o inclination_n and_o appetite_n â—…y_v it_o they_o find_v present_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n they_o do_v what_o they_o love_v they_o please_v themselves_o they_o pursue_v what_o they_o call_v happiness_n which_o be_v self-love_n still_o though_o turn_v off_o of_o its_o natural_a bias_n by_o mistake_a notion_n of_o happiness_n all_o man_n love_v themselves_o but_o self-love_n do_v not_o act_v alike_o in_o all_o man_n because_o they_o be_v not_o all_o agree_v what_o self_n to_o love_v for_o man_n consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o spirit_n and_o flesh_n which_o have_v different_a interest_n appetite_n and_o inclination_n and_o have_v distinct_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o own_o a_o good_a man_n love_v his_o whole_a self_n soul_n and_o body_n too_o and_o design_n and_o endeavour_n the_o happiness_n of_o both_o which_o be_v the_o entire_a happiness_n of_o a_o man_n and_o this_o be_v a_o virtuous_a self-love_n which_o make_v the_o flesh_n subordinate_a to_o the_o spirit_n govern_v our_o sensual_a appetite_n by_o reason_n improve_v our_o mind_n in_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n raise_v our_o soul_n up_o to_o god_n and_o entertain_v they_o with_o the_o love_n and_o the_o admiration_n of_o that_o best_a of_o being_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n secure_v a_o eternal_a interest_n the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o glorious_a resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n into_o immortal_a life_n but_o a_o bad_a man_n love_v but_o one_o part_n of_o himself_o and_o that_o the_o mean_a part_n too_o and_o make_v much_o more_o mean_a and_o vile_a by_o be_v love_v alone_o his_o self-love_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o love_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o lust_n and_o appetite_n and_o pleasure_n of_o it_o a_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o all_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n which_o gratify_v a_o carnal_a and_o fleshly_a mind_n the_o soul_n be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o care_n so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o he_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o believe_v he_o have_v a_o soul_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o subdue_v reason_n to_o sense_n and_o brutish_a passion_n to_o stifle_v the_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n to_o root_v up_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n or_o to_o charm_v his_o conscience_n that_o it_o may_v not_o chide_v and_o condemn_v and_o disturb_v he_o in_o his_o enjoyment_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o when_o the_o scripture_n condemn_v the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o it_o do_v not_o mean_v our_o personal_a self_n for_o so_o every_o man_n do_v and_o must_v love_v himself_o or_o his_o own_o person_n but_o it_o be_v to_o love_v something_o for_o ourselves_o which_o we_o will_v have_v to_o be_v ourselves_o when_o god_n never_o make_v it_o to_o be_v so_o which_o be_v our_o own_o self_n or_o a_o self_n of_o our_o own_o make_n and_o to_o love_v this_o self_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o man_n which_o be_v to_o love_v our_o self_n only_o and_o to_o make_v all_o other_o thing_n subordinate_a to_o self_n which_o be_v the_o adequate_a notion_n of_o a_o vicious_a self-love_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o self_n of_o our_o own_o make_n that_o be_v it_o be_v what_o a_o sinner_n will_v call_v himself_o and_o will_v account_v his_o whole_a self_n and_o in_o please_v of_o which_o he_o place_v his_o whole_a happiness_n though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a part_n of_o that_o self_n which_o god_n make_v god_n make_v man_n soul_n and_o body_n but_o such_o man_n will_v call_v nothing_o themselves_o but_o flesh_n god_n make_v man_n for_o a_o rational_a and_o intellectual_a happiness_n as_o he_o make_v he_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n but_o such_o man_n place_v their_o whole_a happiness_n in_o sense_n now_o flesh_n be_v not_o the_o man_n of_o god_n make_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n be_v not_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o man_n man_n be_v make_v to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n in_o conjunction_n with_o those_o of_o reason_n and_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o a_o sensual_a happiness_n he_o be_v not_o make_v for_o that_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o a_o inferior_a and_o brutish_a nature_n and_o those_o who_o will_v have_v this_o to_o be_v their self_o and_o their_o happiness_n be_v their_o own_o creature_n not_o god_n and_o be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n their_o own_o way_n and_o device_n as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v 2._o such_o man_n be_v lover_n of_o themselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o be_v they_o be_v lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v they_o prefer_v their_o own_o will_n and_o humour_n and_o the_o gratification_n of_o their_o lust_n before_o the_o will_n and_o law_n of_o god_n and_o in_o contradiction_n to_o they_o a_o good_a man_n live_v in_o subordination_n to_o god_n as_o a_o creature_n ought_v to_o do_v to_o his_o maker_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o will_n and_o choice_n the_o love_n of_o god_n give_v law_n and_o bound_n to_o his_o love_n of_o himself_o he_o please_v himself_o in_o such_o instance_n as_o god_n allow_v he_o deny_v his_o own_o will_n and_o appetite_n inclination_n and_o interest_n when_o they_o oppose_v the_o will_n and_o law_n of_o god_n such_o a_o man_n can_v hardly_o be_v say_v to_o have_v any_o self_n to_o have_v any_o will_n any_o love_n any_o desire_n of_o his_o own_o for_o god_n be_v all_o this_o to_o he_o god_n live_v in_o he_o he_o be_v more_o god_n than_o he_o be_v his_o own_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v i_o live_v yet_o not_o i_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o i_o 2_o gal._n 20._o but_o a_o bad_a man_n have_v divide_v himself_o from_o god_n cast_v off_o his_o obedience_n affect_v a_o independent_a state_n to_o stand_v by_o himself_o and_o to_o be_v his_o own_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o a_o god_n to_o himself_o and_o such_o a_o man_n be_v proper_o say_v to_o love_v himself_o for_o he_o distinguish_v himself_o from_o god_n and_o prefer_v himself_o before_o he_o three_o such_o man_n be_v proper_o say_v to_o be_v lover_n of_o themselves_o because_o they_o love_v themselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n they_o gratify_v their_o lust_n and_o serve_v their_o private_a interest_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o law_n of_o justice_n or_o charity_n it_o be_v their_o principle_n to_o do_v good_a to_o themselves_o without_o ever_o be_v concern_v what_o either_o private_a man_n or_o public_a society_n suffer_v by_o it_o they_o be_v the_o whole_a world_n to_o themselves_o and_o have_v no_o body_n else_o to_o please_v or_o take_v care_n of_o unless_o they_o can_v serve_v their_o own_o design_n by_o it_o such_o man_n be_v proper_o lover_n of_o themselves_o that_o be_v only_o of_o themselves_o for_o they_o love_v no_o body_n else_o and_o this_o be_v the_o sordid_a narrow_a selfish_a spirit_n of_o flesh_n and_o sense_n which_o dwell_v within_o itself_o be_v its_o own_o centre_n and_o its_o own_o circumference_n for_o flesh_n be_v a_o narrow_a principle_n can_v have_v no_o pleasure_n nor_o feel_v any_o pain_n but_o its_o own_o and_o therefore_o must_v confine_v
will_v i_o can_v imagine_v that_o it_o shall_v weaken_v the_o argument_n to_o translate_v this_o immortal_a life_n from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n which_o be_v so_o much_o a_o happy_a place_n than_o this_o earth_n and_o yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o be_v this_o the_o case_n that_o virtuous_a man_n shall_v be_v immortal_a in_o this_o world_n and_o none_o but_o sinner_n shall_v die_v sin_n will_v render_v man_n the_o most_o contemptible_a and_o infamous_a creature_n to_o prefer_v the_o short_a extravagancy_n of_o vice_n before_o a_o virtuous_a immortality_n in_o short_a the_o difference_n between_o time_n and_o eternity_n be_v such_o a_o reason_n as_o no_o difficulty_n can_v answer_v eternal_a happiness_n be_v a_o abundant_a recompense_n for_o any_o temporal_a suffering_n and_o whatever_o the_o difficulty_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n may_v be_v they_o must_v not_o be_v compare_v with_o eternal_a misery_n 2_o as_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o time_n and_o eternity_n so_o there_o be_v as_o vast_a a_o difference_n between_o thing_n temporal_a and_o thing_n eternal_a i_o do_v not_o intend_v at_o present_a to_o represent_v to_o you_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o the_o next_o life_n as_o i_o find_v they_o describe_v in_o scripture_n nor_o either_o lessen_v the_o happiness_n or_o aggravate_v the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a life_n but_o shall_v keep_v close_o to_o my_o argument_n and_o only_o consider_v the_o difference_n which_o time_n and_o eternity_n make_v between_o thing_n and_o a_o very_a few_o word_n will_v explain_v this_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o whatever_o be_v subject_a to_o time_n be_v liable_a to_o change_n revolution_n intermission_n but_o what_o be_v eternal_a have_v a_o unchangeable_a nature_n and_o be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o what_o a_o vast_a difference_n do_v this_o make_v between_o the_o happiness_n and_o misery_n of_o this_o perish_a life_n and_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o misery_n of_o the_o next_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n can_v be_v very_o valuable_a because_o it_o be_v not_o constant_a the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o be_v frequent_o delay_v disappoint_v or_o interrupt_v and_o the_o misery_n of_o it_o be_v not_o so_o very_o formidable_a because_o they_o have_v their_o allay_v and_o intermission_n too_o and_o can_v continue_v long_o in_o great_a extremity_n this_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o temporal_a thing_n to_o change_v and_o alter_v which_o lessen_v the_o pleasure_n and_o temper_n the_o misery_n of_o life_n but_o a_o eternal_a constant_a uninterrupted_a happiness_n a_o eternal_a constant_a uninterrupted_a misery_n a_o happiness_n and_o misery_n without_o any_o end_n and_o without_o any_o intermission_n or_o alloy_n this_o be_v perfect_a happiness_n and_o perfect_a misery_n infinite_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v and_o fear_v than_o what_o time_n can_v alter_v this_o represent_v temporal_a thing_n as_o in_o themselves_o of_o no_o great_a value_n and_o give_v a_o natural_a preference_n to_o eternal_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o saviour_n exhortation_n lay_v not_o up_o for_o yourselves_o treasure_n on_o earth_n where_o moth_n and_o rust_n do_v corrupt_a and_o where_o thief_n break_v through_o and_o steal_v but_o lay_v up_o for_o yourselves_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n where_o neither_o moth_n nor_o rust_n do_v corrupt_a and_o where_o thief_n can_v break_v through_o and_o steal_v this_o make_v a_o natural_a subordination_n between_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a thing_n and_o justify_v the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o choice_n in_o make_v to_o ourselves_o friend_n of_o the_o mammon_n of_o unrighteousness_n that_o when_o we_o fail_v they_o may_v receive_v we_o into_o â—…verlasting_a habitation_n or_o like_o that_o wise_a merchant_n in_o the_o gospel_n who_o have_v find_v a_o treasure_n hide_v in_o a_o field_n go_v and_o fold_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o buy_v that_o field_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v those_o man_n who_o believe_v another_o life_n of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o choice_n to_o govern_v our_o life_n by_o the_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o unseen_a thing_n not_o to_o look_v at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v bad_a man_n themselves_o feel_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n and_o have_v no_o way_n to_o avoid_v it_o but_o by_o make_v these_o unseen_a thing_n more_o invisible_a than_o they_o real_o be_v they_o love_v these_o see_v thing_n so_o well_o though_o they_o be_v but_o temporal_a that_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o such_o unseen_a eternal_a thing_n which_o they_o be_v convince_v aught_o to_o have_v the_o preference_n if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o eternal_a thing_n and_o therefore_o for_o a_o conclusion_n i_o shall_v brief_o reason_v the_o case_n with_o these_o man_n nor_o direct_o to_o prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o another_o world_n but_o to_o show_v they_o how_o unreasonable_a and_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o entertain_v such_o a_o aversion_n as_o they_o manifest_o betray_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o for_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o infamous_a than_o a_o aversion_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o immortality_n be_v any_o thing_n more_o natural_a to_o mankind_n than_o the_o desire_n of_o immortality_n next_o to_o the_o fear_n of_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o be_v there_o a_o more_o terrible_a thought_n than_o fall_v into_o nothing_o and_o how_o unnatural_a then_o be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o believe_v themselves_o immortal_a and_o to_o take_v great_a pain_n to_o persuade_v themselves_o against_o all_o the_o hope_n and_o inclination_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o shall_v die_v like_o beast_n and_o to_o appear_v never_o better_o please_v than_o when_o they_o can_v start_v some_o difficulty_n to_o weaken_v the_o belief_n and_o hope_n of_o another_o world_n true_o you_o will_v say_v this_o seem_v somewhat_o unnatural_a but_o this_o be_v partial_o represent_v and_o not_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o case_n the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o promise_v eternal_a life_n to_o all_o penitent_n threaten_v eternal_a death_n too_o against_o all_o impenitent_a sinner_n and_o if_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o believe_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o just_a into_o immortal_a life_n we_o must_v believe_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o wicked_a to_o eternal_a punishment_n and_o these_o be_v such_o terrible_a thing_n that_o it_o be_v more_o desirable_a there_o shall_v be_v no_o heaven_n then_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o hell_n and_o they_o have_v rather_o reject_v these_o great_a hope_n than_o take_v the_o hope_n and_o the_o fear_v together_o this_o no_o doubt_n be_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o man_n infidelity_n not_o that_o they_o absolute_o despise_v immortal_a life_n the_o desire_n of_o which_o be_v so_o natural_a and_o necessary_a but_o that_o they_o fear_v eternal_a misery_n and_o yet_o in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v very_o unnatural_a to_o reject_v the_o belief_n and_o hope_n of_o immortal_a life_n for_o the_o desire_n of_o immortality_n be_v the_o first_o and_o most_o necessary_a desire_n of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o govern_v all_o other_o desire_v for_o it_o be_v unnatural_a to_o prefer_v any_o thing_n before_o it_o as_o fond_a as_o man_n be_v of_o their_o sin_n yet_o any_o man_n of_o understanding_n will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o that_o he_o have_v rather_o enjoy_v his_o lust_n thirty_o or_o forty_o year_n than_o be_v immortal_a the_o design_n of_o infidelity_n be_v not_o only_o to_o cure_v man_n fear_n but_o to_o salve_v their_o reputation_n and_o to_o make_v their_o vice_n less_o infamous_a if_o there_o be_v no_o life_n after_o this_o let_v we_o eat_v and_o drink_v for_o to_o morrow_n we_o die_v seem_v natural_a and_o reasonable_a enough_o but_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o riot_n away_o immortality_n must_v make_v a_o man_n infamous_a suppose_v god_n have_v promise_v immortal_a life_n to_o good_a man_n and_o threaten_v not_o eternal_a punishment_n but_o annihilation_n to_o the_o wicked_a when_o eternal_a punishment_n be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o way_n will_v you_o have_v think_v it_o reasonable_a then_o to_o believe_v immortality_n and_o to_o live_v virtuous_o for_o the_o hope_n of_o immortality_n will_v you_o have_v think_v it_o infamous_a then_o to_o prefer_v sin_n and_o annihilation_n before_o virtue_n and_o immortality_n and_o be_v it_o not_o infamous_a then_o for_o the_o love_n of_o sin_n to_o reject_v the_o hope_n of_o immortality_n and_o to_o hope_v for_o annihilation_n as_o such_o man_n general_o do_v if_o we_o think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o serve_v god_n that_o we_o may_v be_v immortal_a and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v infamous_a not_o to_o do_v so_o suppose_v the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o immortal_a life_n then_o the_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n can_v be_v no_o reasonable_a prejudice_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o immortality_n
for_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o reject_v the_o hope_n of_o immortal_a life_n for_o fear_n of_o such_o misery_n as_o we_o may_v escape_v if_o we_o please_v that_o be_v if_o we_o believe_v and_o choose_v immortal_a life_n no_o man_n who_o do_v not_o prefer_v something_o else_o or_o to_o speak_v plain_o who_o do_v not_o prefer_v the_o short_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n before_o immortal_a life_n need_v fear_v eternal_a misery_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o eternal_a misery_n which_o they_o know_v they_o may_v escape_v but_o the_o contempt_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o make_v they_o infidel_n and_o it_o concern_v they_o to_o consider_v well_o what_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o be_v for_o 1._o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v and_o there_o need_v no_o great_a proof_n of_o it_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o infamous_a than_o to_o contradict_v the_o most_o noble_a and_o generous_a desire_n of_o human_a nature_n to_o be_v afraid_a to_o be_v immortal_a be_v to_o desire_v to_o be_v a_o beast_n and_o to_o perish_v like_o a_o beast_n nay_o it_o be_v to_o desire_v what_o no_o beast_n will_v desire_v for_o self-love_n and_o self-preservation_n be_v implant_v even_o in_o the_o brutal_a nature_n and_o what_o a_o prodigious_a degeneracy_n be_v it_o of_o human_a nature_n for_o man_n to_o hate_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o be_v and_o to_o wish_v and_o hope_n that_o they_o may_v perish_v in_o the_o grave_a it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o set_v up_o for_o the_o reputation_n of_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n in_o this_o cause_n for_o human_a nature_n be_v against_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n who_o will_v always_o hope_v and_o desire_v on_o nature_n side_n will_v be_v against_o they_o too_o and_o nature_n so_o abhor_v the_o thought_n of_o annihilation_n and_o dissolution_n that_o all_o man_n must_v despise_v those_o as_o very_o contemptible_a creature_n who_o can_v be_v content_v to_o fall_v into_o nothing_o themselves_o and_o abhor_v they_o for_o their_o malicious_a attempt_n to_o deprive_v other_o man_n of_o the_o hope_n of_o immortality_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o strong_a presumption_n against_o infidelity_n that_o it_o contradict_v the_o hope_n and_o desire_v of_o nature_n be_v there_o any_o other_o natural_a desire_n and_o appetite_n which_o have_v no_o natural_a object_n to_o answer_v they_o and_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o nature_n shall_v implant_v in_o we_o a_o desire_n of_o immortality_n if_o we_o be_v not_o make_v to_o be_v immortal_a this_o can_v be_v if_o we_o be_v make_v by_o a_o wise_a be_v for_o then_o all_o the_o desire_n and_o appetite_n of_o nature_n must_v be_v wise_o make_v that_o be_v fit_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o be_v to_o which_o they_o belong_v and_o then_o immortal_a desire_n can_v belong_v only_o to_o a_o immortal_a nature_n 3._o it_o also_o aught_o to_o be_v well_o consider_v that_o this_o make_v infidelity_n the_o most_o inexcusable_a sin_n for_o to_o reject_v not_o only_o all_o supernatural_a evidence_n but_o all_o the_o desire_n and_o inclination_n of_o nature_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o excuse_n this_o be_v a_o apostasy_n from_o human_a nature_n and_o though_o the_o divine_a goodness_n have_v a_o great_a tenderness_n for_o human_a infirmity_n yet_o when_o man_n wilful_o put_v off_o human_a nature_n they_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o excuse_n or_o to_o the_o compassion_n which_o be_v due_a to_o men._n and_o such_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o sure_a that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n who_o have_v no_o excuse_n to_o make_v if_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n 4._o and_o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v secure_a against_o the_o inclination_n desire_n and_o sentiment_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v possible_a with_o great_a art_n and_o violence_n for_o some_o time_n to_o stifle_v the_o sense_n of_o nature_n but_o nature_n will_v take_v some_o occasion_n or_o other_o to_o get_v loose_a and_o to_o revive_v our_o fear_n when_o we_o have_v forfeit_v all_o our_o hope_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v certain_a there_o can_v be_v demonstration_n against_o nature_n if_o the_o natural_a desire_n of_o immortality_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o we_o be_v immortal_a yet_o they_o be_v a_o bar_n against_o all_o demonstration_n that_o we_o be_v not_o for_o that_o will_v be_v a_o ill-contrived_a nature_n indeed_o which_o shall_v have_v natural_a desire_n and_o appetite_n against_o demonstration_n that_o shall_v have_v a_o great_a passion_n for_o immortality_n when_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o we_o be_v not_o immortal_a and_o if_o they_o can_v demonstrate_v that_o we_o be_v not_o immortal_a we_o shall_v certain_o hope_v and_o fear_n on_o nature_n side_n and_o what_o will_v all_o the_o boast_a pretence_n to_o infidelity_n signify_v if_o they_o can_v cure_v our_o natural_a hope_n and_o fear_n 2._o for_o natural_a fear_n and_o hope_n be_v very_o mechanical_a passion_n and_o not_o under_o the_o government_n of_o our_o will_n and_o arbitrary_a opinion_n they_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v silence_v with_o wit_n and_o sophistry_n than_o some_o natural_a antipathy_n be_v which_o man_n may_v think_v to_o reason_n away_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o object_n of_o that_o antipathy_n appear_v all_o their_o argument_n be_v lose_v and_o they_o sweat_v and_o tremble_v and_o fly_v and_o thus_o do_v infidel_n too_o who_o please_v themselves_o that_o they_o can_v reason_v away_o another_o world_n into_o a_o fairy_n land_n but_o yet_o can_v think_v serious_o of_o it_o without_o tremble_v 3._o for_o whatever_o baffle_v man_n put_v upon_o their_o faith_n yet_o these_o hope_n and_o fear_n be_v so_o natural_a that_o they_o can_v never_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o what_o be_v report_v of_o the_o other_o world_n do_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v hope_v or_o fear_v no_o argument_n can_v convince_v any_o man_n that_o it_o be_v not_o desirable_a to_o live_v for_o ever_o or_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o most_o terrible_a thing_n of_o all_o to_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o and_o then_o it_o be_v impossible_a not_o to_o hope_v or_o fear_n the_o desire_n of_o a_o less_o happiness_n or_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o less_o misery_n may_v be_v conquer_v but_o when_o man_n hear_v of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o eternal_a misery_n the_o one_o the_o most_o desirable_a the_o other_o the_o most_o formidable_a thing_n to_o human_a nature_n it_o make_v it_o impossible_a to_o any_o think_v man_n neither_o to_o desire_v nor_o fear_n this_o show_v how_o vain_a it_o be_v to_o struggle_v against_o nature_n for_o nature_n will_v be_v too_o strong_a for_o all_o our_o pretence_n to_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n and_o thus_o all_o infidel_n find_v it_o be_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o 5._o i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o since_o the_o desire_n of_o immortality_n be_v so_o natural_a consider_v what_o a_o eternal_a torment_n this_o must_v be_v if_o we_o lose_v immortal_a life_n by_o our_o infidelity_n natural_a appetite_n last_o as_o long_o as_o nature_n do_v and_o when_o they_o be_v disappoint_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v by_o our_o own_o fault_n will_v torment_v we_o as_o long_o as_o they_o last_o now_o beside_o all_o the_o positive_a misery_n which_o our_o saviour_n threaten_v against_o infidel_n here_o be_v a_o natural_a cause_n and_o demonstration_n of_o their_o misery_n the_o very_a loss_n of_o eternal_a life_n must_v eternal_o torment_v they_o because_o they_o must_v eternal_o desire_v it_o and_o these_o disappoint_v desire_n will_v turn_v into_o eternal_a anguish_n despair_n and_o self-revenge_n will_v but_o man_n serious_o consider_v these_o thing_n how_o unnatural_a the_o inclination_n to_o infidelity_n be_v and_o how_o unnatural_a the_o aversion_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o immortality_n be_v and_o what_o terrible_a consequence_n they_o have_v it_o will_v make_v they_o willing_a and_o desirous_a to_o believe_v and_o then_o they_o will_v find_v no_o want_n of_o evidence_n there_o will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o need_v then_o of_o dispute_v against_o infidelity_n but_o we_o may_v employ_v our_o time_n much_o better_a in_o exhort_v and_o persuade_v you_o to_o the_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a religion_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v the_o end_n of_o our_o faith_n even_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o god_n etc._n etc._n sermon_n xvii_o preach_v at_o the_o temple_n church_n isaiah_n 5._o for_o 20_o 21._o wo_n unto_o they_o that_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n that_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n that_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a wo_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n it_o give_v great_a disturbance_n to_o good_a man_n not_o only_o to_o observe_v the_o general_a corruption_n of_o manner_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n