will_n among_o man_n a_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v our_o great_a enemy_n to_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v we_o to_o bless_v they_o that_o curse_v we_o and_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o despiteful_o use_v we_o and_o persecute_v we_o and_o do_v inculcate_v these_o precept_n more_o vehement_o and_o forbid_v malice_n and_o hatred_n and_o revenge_n and_o contention_n more_o strict_o and_o peremptory_o than_o any_o religion_n ever_o do_v before_o as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o that_o do_v but_o attentive_o read_v our_o saviour_n sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n and_o as_o christianity_n have_v give_v we_o a_o more_o certain_a so_o likewise_o a_o more_o perfect_a law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n all_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o be_v reasonable_a and_o wise_a require_v such_o duty_n of_o we_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o do_v approve_v themselves_o to_o the_o best_a reason_n of_o mankind_n such_o as_o have_v their_o foundation_n 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of_o nature_n or_o to_o our_o reason_n and_o true_a interest_n they_o forbid_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v base_a and_o unworthy_a to_o serve_v our_o humour_n and_o passion_n to_o reproach_v our_o understanding_n and_o to_o make_v ourselves_o fool_n and_o beast_n in_o a_o word_n nothing_o but_o what_o tend_v either_o to_o our_o private_a harm_n and_o prejudice_n or_o to_o public_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o tenor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o from_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n and_o discourse_n particular_o that_o upon_o the_o mount_n wherein_o he_o charge_v his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n to_o be_v humble_a and_o meek_a and_o righteous_a and_o patient_a under_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n and_o good_a and_o kind_a to_o all_o even_a to_o those_o that_o be_v evil_a and_o injurious_a to_o we_o and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o excel_v in_o all_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n this_o will_v appear_v likewise_o from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n i_o will_v instance_n but_o in_o some_o few_o passage_n in_o they_o st._n paul_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n in_o a_o very_a few_o word_n but_o of_o admirable_a sense_n and_o weight_n 12._o tit._n 2.11_o 12._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n the_o same_o apostle_n make_v this_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n on_o our_o part_n 2.19_o 2_o tim._n 2.19_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n st._n james_n describe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o he_o call_v the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o by_o these_o character_n it_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n st._n peter_n call_v the_o gospel_n 4._o 2_o pet._n 1.3_o 4._o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n whereby_o say_v he_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n he_o exhort_v they_o to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o add_v to_o their_o faith_n the_o several_a virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n 7._o v._o 5_o 6_o 7._o without_o which_o he_o tell_v they_o they_o be_v barren_a and_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n i_o will_v conclude_v with_o that_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a passaage_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o philippian_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o venerable_a esteem_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a or_o chaste_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n but_o the_o perfection_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n will_v most_o plain_o appear_v by_o take_v a_o brief_a survey_n of_o they_o and_o they_o may_v all_o be_v refer_v to_o these_o two_o general_a head_n they_o be_v either_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o make_v man_n single_o and_o personal_o good_a or_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n first_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o make_v man_n good_a single_o and_o personal_o consider_v and_o the_o precept_n of_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v distribute_v likewise_o into_o two_o sort_n such_o as_o enjoin_v piety_n towards_o god_n or_o such_o as_o require_v the_o good_a order_n and_o government_n of_o ourselves_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n 1._o such_o as_o enjoin_v piety_n towards_o god_n all_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o respect_n god_n be_v no_o other_o but_o what_o natural_a light_n prompt_v man_n to_o except_v the_o two_o sacrament_n which_o be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o significancy_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o sum_n of_o natural_a religion_n as_o it_o refer_v more_o immediate_o to_o god_n be_v this_o that_o we_o shall_v inward_o reverence_v and_o love_n god_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v express_v our_o inward_a reverence_n and_o love_n of_o he_o by_o external_a worship_n and_o adoration_n and_o by_o our_o readiness_n to_o receive_v and_o obey_v all_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v testify_v our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o our_o confidence_n of_o his_o goodness_n by_o constant_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o he_o for_o mercy_n and_o help_v for_o ourselves_o and_o other_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v acknowledge_v our_o obligation_n to_o he_o for_o the_o many_o favour_n and_o benefit_n which_o every_o day_n and_o every_o minute_n we_o receive_v from_o he_o by_o continual_a praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o shall_v not_o entertain_v any_o unworthy_a thought_n of_o god_n nor_o give_v that_o honour_n and_o reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o to_o any_o other_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o worship_v he_o in_o any_o manner_n that_o be_v either_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o contrary_a to_o he_o reveal_v will_n that_o we_o shall_v careful_o avoid_v the_o profane_a and_o irreverent_a use_n of_o his_o name_n by_o curse_v or_o customary_a swear_n and_o take_v heed_n of_o the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o his_o worship_n or_o any_o thing_n belong_v to_o it_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o these_o be_v the_o general_a head_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o every_o man_n reason_n tell_v he_o he_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o these_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v express_o require_v of_o we_o as_o may_v be_v evidence_v from_o particular_a text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o part_n of_o christianity_n but_o what_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n 2._o such_o precept_n as_o require_v the_o good_a order_n and_o government_n of_o ourselves_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n christian_n religion_n
the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o creator_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o he_o the_o wisdom_n of_o please_a god_n by_o do_v what_o he_o command_v and_o avoid_v what_o he_o forbid_v this_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n may_v be_v attain_v by_o man_n and_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v he_o happy_a and_o unto_o man_n he_o say_v behold_v the_o fear_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n be_v understanding_n these_o word_n consist_v of_o two_o proposition_n which_o be_v not_o distinct_a in_o sense_n but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n various_o express_v for_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n be_v synonymous_a word_n here_o and_o though_o sometime_o they_o have_v different_a notion_n yet_o in_o the_o poetical_a book_n of_o scripture_n they_o be_v most_o frequent_o use_v as_o word_n equivalent_a and_o do_v both_o of_o they_o indifferent_o signify_v either_o a_o speculative_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n or_o a_o practical_a skill_n about_o they_o according_a to_o the_o exigency_n of_o the_o matter_n or_o thing_n speak_v of_o and_o so_o likewise_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o departure_n from_o evil_n be_v phrase_n of_o a_o very_a near_o sense_n and_o like_o importance_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v they_o several_a time_n put_v together_o in_o scripture_n 16.6_o pro._n 3.7_o pr._n 16.6_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o depart_v from_o evil_n by_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n man_n depart_v from_o evil_n so_o that_o they_o differ_v only_o as_o cause_n and_o effect_n which_o by_o a_o metonymy_n usual_a in_o all_o sort_n of_o author_n be_v frequent_o put_v one_o for_o another_o now_o to_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n be_v phrase_n which_o the_o scripture_n use_v in_o a_o very_a great_a latitude_n to_o express_v to_o we_o the_o sum_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o whole_a of_o our_o duty_n and_o because_o the_o large_a usage_n of_o these_o phrase_n be_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o my_o follow_a discourse_n i_o shall_v for_o the_o far_o clear_n of_o this_o matter_n endeavour_v to_o show_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v very_o usual_a in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a phrase_n 2._o the_o particular_a fitness_n of_o these_o two_o phrase_n to_o describe_v religion_n i._o it_o be_v very_o usual_a in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n by_o some_o eminent_a principle_n or_o part_n of_o religion_n the_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n be_v knowledge_n faith_n remembrance_n love_n and_o fear_v by_o all_o which_o the_o scripture_n use_v to_o express_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o the_o knowledge_n remembrance_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n religion_n be_v call_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a 10.25_o prov._n 30.3_o jer._n 10.25_o and_o wicked_a man_n be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o know_v not_o god_n so_o likewise_o by_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n frequent_o in_o this_o book_n of_o job_n and_o in_o the_o psalm_n and_o proverb_n and_o then_o they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n speak_v often_o one_o to_o another_o and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v express_o say_v to_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o religion_n 12.13_o eccl._n 12.13_o fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o man_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o wicked_a be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o have_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o their_o eye_n 36.1_o ps_n 36.1_o and_o so_o likewise_o by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n remember_v thy_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n 12.1_o eccl._n 12.1_o that_o be_v enter_v upon_o a_o religious_a course_n betimes_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o character_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v that_o they_o forget_v god_n the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v turn_v into_o hell_n 9.17_o ps_n 9.17_o and_o all_o the_o nation_n that_o forget_v god_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n religion_n be_v usual_o express_v by_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o love_n of_o they_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o true_a christian_n be_v so_o frequent_o call_v believer_n and_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n unbeliever_n and_o that_o good_a man_n be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o love_n god_n all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n 6.24_o ro._n 8.28_o eph._n 6.24_o and_o such_o as_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n now_o the_o reason_n why_o these_o be_v put_v for_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n be_v because_o the_o belief_n and_o knowledge_n and_o remembrance_n and_o love_n and_o fear_v of_o god_n be_v such_o powerful_a principle_n and_o have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o man_n to_o make_v they_o religious_a that_o where_o any_o one_o of_o these_o real_o be_v all_o the_o rest_n together_o with_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a effect_n of_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v and_o so_o likewise_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v often_o express_v by_o some_o eminent_a part_n of_o it_o which_o will_v explain_v the_o second_o phrase_n here_o in_o the_o text_n depart_v from_o evil_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v a_o eminent_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o prayer_n which_o be_v often_o in_o scripture_n express_v by_o seek_v god_n and_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n be_v a_o chief_a part_n of_o religious_a worship_n hence_o religion_n be_v describe_v by_o seek_v god_n 11.6_o heb._n 11.6_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o and_o by_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n 2.21_o act_n 2.21_o whosoever_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o so_o by_o come_v to_o god_n and_o by_o depart_v from_o evil_n in_o this_o fall_a state_n of_o man_n religion_n begin_v with_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n the_o two_o opposite_a term_n of_o which_o be_v god_n and_o sin_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o religion_n be_v describe_v sometime_o by_o come_v to_o god_n 11.6_o heb._n 11.6_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v that_o be_v no_o man_n can_v be_v religious_a unless_o he_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n 59.15_o be_v 59.15_o sometime_o by_o depart_v from_o sin_n and_o he_o that_o depart_v from_o evil_a make_v himself_o a_o prey_n that_o be_v such_o be_v the_o bad_a state_n of_o those_o time_n of_o which_o the_o prophet_n there_o complain_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v religious_a but_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v persecute_v ii_o for_o the_o fitness_n of_o these_o two_o phrase_n to_o describe_v religion_n 1._o for_o the_o first_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o fitness_n of_o this_o phrase_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v how_o great_a a_o influence_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n have_v upon_o man_n to_o make_v they_o religious_a fear_n be_v a_o passion_n that_o be_v most_o deep_o root_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o flow_v immediate_o from_o that_o principle_n of_o self-preservation_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o every_o man_n every_o one_o desire_n his_o own_o preservation_n and_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o have_v a_o natural_a dread_n and_o horror_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o can_v destroy_v his_o be_v or_o endanger_v his_o happiness_n and_o the_o great_a danger_n be_v from_o the_o great_a power_n and_o that_o be_v omnipotency_n so_o that_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v a_o inward_a acknowledgement_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o just_a be_v which_o be_v arm_v with_o a_o almighty_a and_o irresistible_a power_n god_n have_v hide_v in_o every_o man_n conscience_n a_o secret_a awe_n and_o dread_n of_o his_o infinite_a power_n and_o eternal_a justice_n now_o fear_v be_v so_o intimate_v to_o our_o nature_n it_o be_v the_o strong_a bond_n of_o law_n and_o the_o great_a security_n of_o our_o duty_n there_o be_v two_o bridle_n or_o restraint_n which_o god_n have_v put_v upon_o humane_a nature_n shame_n and_o fear_n shame_n be_v the_o weak_a and_o have_v place_n only_o in_o those_o in_o who_o there_o be_v some_o remainder_n of_o virtue_n fear_n be_v the_o strong_a and_o work_n upon_o all_o who_o love_n themselves_o and_o desire_v their_o own_o preservation_n therefore_o in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n fear_n be_v that_o passion_n which_o have_v the_o great_a power_n over_o we_o and_o by_o which_o god_n and_o his_o law_n take_v the_o sure_a hold_n of_o we_o our_o desire_n and_o love_n and_o hope_v be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o representation_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o reward_n and_o happiness_n as_o our_o fear_n be_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o divine_a displeasure_n for_o though_o we_o have_v lose_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o gust_n and_o relish_v of_o true_a happiness_n yet_o we_o
this_o word_n be_v so_o to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o text_n may_v appear_v far_o from_o the_o opposition_n of_o it_o to_o sin_n or_o vice_n in_o general_a righteousness_n exalt_v a_o nation_n but_o sin_n be_v the_o reproach_n of_o any_o people_n you_o see_v then_o what_o will_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o my_o present_a discourse_n namely_o that_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o public_a happiness_n and_o prosperity_n and_o though_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o have_v be_v universal_o acknowledge_v and_o long_o enough_o experience_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o because_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o age_n be_v to_o call_v every_o thing_n into_o question_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o satisfy_v man_n reason_n about_o it_o to_o which_o end_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o this_o truth_n 2._o to_o vindicate_v it_o from_o the_o pretence_n and_o insinuation_n of_o atheistical_a person_n i._o shall_v give_v you_o this_o twofold_a account_n of_o it_o 1._o from_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n 2._o from_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o the_o thing_n 1._o from_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n indeed_o as_o to_o particular_a person_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v many_o time_n promiscuous_o administer_v in_o this_o world_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v certain_o conclude_v god_n love_n or_o hatred_n to_o any_o person_n by_o any_o thing_n that_o befall_v he_o in_o this_o life_n but_o god_n do_v not_o deal_v thus_o with_o nation_n because_o public_a body_n and_o community_n of_o man_n as_o such_o can_v only_o be_v reward_v and_o punish_v in_o this_o world_n for_o in_o the_o next_o all_o those_o public_a society_n and_o combination_n wherein_o man_n be_v now_o link_v together_o under_o several_a government_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v god_n will_v not_o then_o reward_n or_o punish_v nation_n as_o nation_n but_o every_o man_n shall_v then_o give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n and_o receive_v his_o own_o reward_n and_o bear_v his_o own_o burden_n for_o although_o god_n account_v it_o no_o disparagement_n to_o his_o justice_n to_o let_v particular_a good_a man_n suffer_v in_o this_o world_n and_o pass_v through_o many_o tribulation_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n because_o there_o be_v another_o day_n a_o come_n which_o will_v be_v a_o more_o proper_a season_n of_o reward_n yet_o in_o the_o usual_a course_n of_o his_o providence_n he_o recompense_v religious_a and_o virtuous_a nation_n with_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o prosperity_n for_o which_o reason_n st._n austin_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o mighty_a success_n and_o long_a prosperity_n of_o the_o roman_n be_v a_o reward_n give_v they_o by_o god_n for_o their_o eminent_a justice_n and_o temperance_n and_o other_o virtue_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n god_n many_o time_n suffer_v the_o most_o grievous_a sin_n of_o particular_a person_n to_o go_v unpunished_a in_o this_o world_n because_o he_o know_v that_o his_o justice_n will_v have_v another_o and_o better_a opportunity_n to_o meet_v and_o reckon_v with_o they_o but_o the_o general_a and_o cry_a sin_n of_o a_o nation_n can_v hope_v to_o escape_v public_a judgement_n unless_o they_o be_v prevent_v by_o a_o general_a repentance_n god_n may_v defer_v his_o judgement_n for_o a_o time_n and_o give_v a_o people_n a_o long_a space_n of_o repentance_n he_o may_v stay_v till_o the_o iniquity_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v full_a but_o soon_o or_o late_a they_o have_v reason_n to_o expect_v his_o vengeance_n and_o usual_o the_o long_a punishment_n be_v delay_v it_o be_v the_o heavy_a when_o it_o come_v now_o all_o this_o be_v very_o reasonable_a because_n this_o world_n be_v the_o only_a season_n for_o national_a punishment_n and_o indeed_o they_o be_v in_o a_o great_a degree_n necessary_a for_o the_o present_a vindication_n of_o the_o honour_n and_o majesty_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o to_o give_v some_o check_n to_o the_o overflow_a of_o wickedness_n public_a judgement_n be_v the_o bank_n and_o shore_n upon_o which_o god_n break_v the_o insolency_n of_o sinner_n and_o stay_v their_o proud_a wave_n and_o though_o among_o man_n the_o multitude_n of_o offender_n be_v many_o time_n a_o cause_n of_o impunity_n because_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a government_n which_o be_v glad_a to_o spare_v where_o they_o be_v not_o strong_a enough_o to_o punish_v yet_o in_o the_o government_n of_o god_n thing_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o no_o combination_n of_o sinner_n be_v too_o hard_a for_o he_o and_o the_o great_a and_o more_o numerous_a the_o offender_n be_v the_o more_o his_o justice_n be_v concern_v to_o vindicate_v the_o affront_n however_o god_n may_v pass_v by_o single_a sinner_n in_o this_o world_n yet_o when_o a_o nation_n combine_v against_o he_o when_o hand_n join_v in_o hand_n the_o wicked_a shall_v not_o go_v unpunished_a this_o the_o scripture_n declare_v to_o be_v the_o settle_a course_n of_o god_n providence_n that_o a_o righteous_a nation_n shall_v be_v happy_a the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v peace_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o he_o use_v to_o shower_v down_o his_o judgement_n upon_o a_o wicked_a people_n he_o turn_v a_o fruitful_a land_n into_o barrenness_n for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o they_o that_o dwell_v therein_o and_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n have_v make_v this_o good_a all_o along_o the_o history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o find_v the_o interchangeable_a providence_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n always_o suit_v to_o their_o manner_n they_o be_v constant_o prosperous_a or_o afflict_a according_a as_o piety_n and_o virtue_n flourish_v or_o decline_v among_o they_o and_o god_n do_v not_o only_o exercise_v this_o providence_n towards_o his_o own_o people_n but_o he_o deal_v thus_o also_o with_o other_o nation_n the_o roman_a empire_n whilst_o the_o virtue_n of_o that_o people_n remain_v firm_a be_v strong_a as_o iron_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n but_o upon_o the_o dissolution_n of_o their_o manner_n the_o iron_n begin_v to_o be_v mix_v with_o miry_a clay_n and_o the_o foot_n upon_o which_o that_o empire_n stand_v to_o be_v break_v and_o though_o god_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o justice_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o precedent_n and_o we_o can_v argue_v from_o scripture_n example_n that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n towards_o other_o nation_n shall_v in_o all_o circumstance_n be_v conformable_a to_o his_o deal_n with_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n yet_o thus_o much_o may_v with_o great_a probability_n be_v collect_v from_o they_o that_o as_o god_n always_o bless_v that_o people_n while_o they_o be_v obedient_a to_o he_o and_o follow_v they_o with_o his_o judgement_n when_o they_o rebel_v against_o he_o so_o he_o will_v also_o deal_v with_o other_o nation_n because_o the_o reason_n of_o those_o dispensation_n as_o to_o the_o main_a and_o substance_n of_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v perpetual_a and_o found_v in_o that_o which_o can_v never_o change_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n 2_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o far_a appear_v from_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o every_o particular_a virtue_n do_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n conduce_v to_o the_o public_a interest_n religion_n wherever_o it_o be_v true_o plant_v be_v certain_o the_o great_a obligation_n upon_o conscience_n to_o all_o civil_a office_n and_o moral_a duty_n chastity_n and_o temperance_n and_o industry_n do_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n tend_v to_o health_n and_o plenty_n truth_n and_o fidelity_n in_o all_o our_o deal_n do_v create_v mutual_a love_n and_o goodwill_n and_o confidence_n among_o man_n which_o be_v the_o great_a band_n of_o peace_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a wickedness_n do_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n produce_v many_o public_a mischief_n for_o as_o sin_n be_v link_v together_o and_o draw_v on_o one_o another_o so_o almost_o every_o vice_n have_v some_o temporal_a inconvenience_n annex_v to_o it_o and_o natural_o follow_v it_o intemperance_n and_o lust_n breed_v infirmity_n and_o disease_n which_o be_v propagate_v spoil_v the_o strain_n of_o a_o nation_n idleness_n and_o luxury_n bring_v forth_o poverty_n and_o want_n and_o this_o tempt_v man_n to_o injustice_n and_o that_o cause_v enmity_n and_o animosity_n and_o these_o bring_v on_o strife_n and_o confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n this_o philosophical_a account_n of_o public_a trouble_n and_o confusion_n st._n james_n give_v we_o 4.1_o jam._n 4.1_o whence_o come_v war_n and_o fight_n among_o you_o be_v they_o not_o hence_o even_o from_o your_o lust_n that_o war_n in_o your_o member_n but_o i_o shall_v show_v more_o particular_o that_o religion_n and_o virtue_n do_v natural_o tend_v
also_o have_v confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n if_o any_o other_o man_n think_v that_o he_o have_v whereof_o he_o may_v trust_v in_o the_o flesh_n i_o more_o circumcise_v the_o eight_o day_n of_o the_o stock_n of_o israel_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o be_v content_v to_o forgo_v all_o these_o advantage_n for_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n v._o 7._o but_o what_o thing_n be_v gain_v to_o i_o those_o i_o count_v loss_n for_o christ_n and_o not_o only_o these_o but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n else_o that_o man_n value_v in_o this_o world_n he_o be_v willing_a to_o hazard_v that_o also_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n v._o 8._o yea_o doubtless_o and_o i_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n in_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n declare_v the_o high_a esteem_n he_o have_v for_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o he_o call_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n his_o lord_n the_o excellency_n whereof_o appear_v so_o great_a to_o he_o that_o he_o value_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o advantage_n which_o he_o have_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o my_o design_n at_o this_o time_n from_o this_o text_n be_v to_o represent_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n above_o that_o of_o any_o other_o religion_n or_o institution_n in_o the_o world_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v not_o consider_v the_o external_a evidence_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o of_o the_o divinity_n of_o its_o doctrine_n in_o which_o respect_n it_o have_v incomparable_o the_o advantage_n of_o any_o other_o religion_n but_o only_o the_o internal_a excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o abstract_v from_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o it_o and_o that_o in_o these_o four_o respect_n first_o as_o it_o do_v more_o clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n second_o as_o it_o give_v we_o a_o more_o certain_a and_o perfect_a law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n three_o as_o it_o propound_v to_o we_o more_o powerful_a argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o this_o law_n four_o as_o it_o furnish_v we_o with_o better_a motive_n and_o consideration_n to_o patience_n and_o contentedness_n under_o the_o evil_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o life_n now_o these_o be_v the_o great_a advantage_n that_o any_o religion_n can_v have_v to_o give_v man_n right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o good_a â—ife_n and_o efficacious_a argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o patient_o to_o bear_v the_o evil_n and_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n and_o these_o shall_v be_v the_o head_n of_o my_o follow_a discourse_n i._o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v more_o clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n than_o any_o religion_n ever_o do_v and_o to_o have_v right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n for_o according_a as_o man_n notion_n of_o god_n be_v such_o will_v their_o religion_n be_v if_o man_n have_v gross_a and_o false_a conception_n of_o god_n their_o religion_n will_v be_v absurd_a and_o superstitious_a if_o man_n fancy_n god_n to_o be_v a_o ill-natured_a be_v arm_v with_o infinite_a power_n one_o that_o delight_v in_o the_o misery_n and_o ruin_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v all_o advantage_n against_o they_o they_o may_v fear_v he_o but_o they_o will_v bate_v he_o and_o they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v such_o towards_o one_o another_o as_o they_o fancy_n god_n to_o be_v towards_o they_o for_o all_o religion_n do_v natural_o incline_v man_n to_o imitate_v he_o who_o they_o worship_v now_o the_o christian_a religion_n give_v we_o a_o more_o perfect_a and_o a_o more_o lovely_a character_n of_o god_n than_o any_o religion_n ever_o do_v it_o represent_v he_o to_o we_o as_o a_o pure_a spirit_n which_o the_o heathen_n do_v not_o general_o believe_v and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o spiritual_a nature_n which_o not_o only_o the_o heathen_n but_o even_o the_o jew_n themselves_o be_v extreme_o mistake_v about_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n say_v our_o saviour_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o god_n himself_o do_v command_v sacrifice_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o all_o those_o external_a and_o troublesome_a observance_n of_o which_o their_o religion_n do_v consist_v but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o he_o do_v not_o institute_v this_o way_n of_o worship_n because_o it_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n but_o because_o of_o the_o carnality_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o the_o proneness_n of_o that_o people_n to_o idolatry_n god_n do_v not_o prescribe_v these_o thing_n because_o they_o be_v best_a but_o because_o the_o temper_n of_o that_o people_n will_v then_o admit_v of_o nothing_o better_a and_o this_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o several_a intimation_n of_o 51.16_o psal_n 51.16_o thou_o desire_v not_o sacrifice_v thou_o delight_v not_o in_o burnt-offering_n say_v david_n and_o elsewhere_o more_o express_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o speak_v not_o unto_o your_o father_n say_v god_n by_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n nor_o command_v they_o in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o bring_v they_o forth_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n concern_v burnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n but_o this_o thing_n command_v i_o they_o say_v obey_v my_o voice_n a_o sufficient_a intimation_n that_o god_n do_v not_o primary_o intend_v to_o appoint_v this_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o to_o impose_v it_o upon_o they_o as_o that_o which_o be_v most_o proper_a and_o agreeable_a to_o he_o but_o that_o he_o condescend_v to_o it_o as_o most_o accommodate_v to_o their_o present_a state_n and_o inclination_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n also_o some_o understand_v what_o god_n say_v to_o the_o same_o people_n by_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n 20.25_o ezek._n 20.25_o that_o he_o give_v they_o statute_n that_o be_v not_o good_a and_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n give_v a_o more_o perfect_a so_o a_o more_o amiable_a and_o lovely_a character_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n no_o religion_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n do_v so_o full_o represent_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o tender_a love_n to_o mankind_n which_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o powerful_a argument_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o heathen_n do_v general_o dread_a god_n and_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o fierce_a and_o cruel_a and_o revengeful_a and_o therefore_o they_o endeavour_v to_o appease_v he_o by_o the_o horrid_a and_o barbarous_a sacrifice_n of_o man_n and_o of_o their_o own_o child_n and_o all_o along_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n be_v general_o represent_v as_o very_o strict_a and_o severe_a but_o there_o be_v not_o where_o so_o plain_a and_o full_a declaration_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o love_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o be_v make_v in_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n be_v usual_o style_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n the_o great_a and_o the_o terrible_a god_n but_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n he_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o mild_a title_n the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o god_n of_o all_o consolation_n the_o god_n of_o all_o patience_n the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n nay_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v love_n itself_o and_o to_o dwell_v in_o love_n and_o this_o difference_n between_o the_o style_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o remarkable_a that_o one_o of_o the_o great_a sect_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n i_o mean_v that_o of_o the_o gnostic_n do_v upon_o this_o very_a ground_n find_v their_o heresy_n of_o two_o god_n the_o one_o evil_a and_o fierce_a and_o cruel_a who_o they_o call_v the_o god_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o other_o good_a and_o kind_a and_o merciful_a who_o they_o call_v the_o god_n of_o the_o new_a so_o great_a a_o difference_n be_v there_o between_o the_o representation_n which_o be_v make_v of_o god_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o to_o give_v at_o least_o some_o colour_n and_o pretence_n for_o a_o imagination_n of_o two_o go_n ii_o christian_a religion_n have_v give_v we_o a_o more_o certain_a and_o perfect_a law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n it_o have_v make_v our_o duty_n more_o plain_a and_o certain_a in_o many_o instance_n than_o either_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_a or_o the_o precept_n of_o moses_n have_v do_v it_o command_v universal_a love_n and_o kindness_n and_o good_a