prevail_v and_o like_o a_o irresistible_a torrent_n bear_v all_o before_o he_o as_o some_o kind_a friend_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o europe_n and_o the_o protestant_a name_n and_o interest_n wish_v and_o pray_v he_o may_v it_o require_v not_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n to_o foretell_v what_o will_v become_v of_o protestant_n but_o our_o hope_n and_o trust_n be_v in_o god_n that_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n shall_v never_o be_v root_v out_o and_o i_o be_o as_o certain_o persuade_v that_o the_o protestant_a faith_n and_o worship_n as_o to_o the_o essential_o of_o it_o and_o â—…s_v oppose_v to_o popery_n be_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o worship_n as_o i_o be_o â—…f_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o christiaâ—…ity_n itself_o and_o when_o i_o remember_v â—…y_n what_o little_a beginning_n and_o weak_a â—…nd_n contemptible_a mean_n god_n spread_v â—…he_v true_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n over_o great_a part_n of_o the_o european_a world_n when_o it_o be_v cover_v with_o the_o egyptian_a darkness_n and_o oppress_v by_o the_o unsupportable_a tyranny_n of_o popery_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o folly_n division_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o protestant_n i_o can_v fear_v that_o god_n will_v cause_v our_o sun_n to_o set_v again_o and_o that_o he_o will_v final_o remove_v his_o gospel_n from_o we_o and_o that_o give_v great_a reason_n to_o hope_v that_o he_o will_v â—…heck_v the_o pride_n and_o ambition_n and_o â—…t_o a_o stop_v to_o the_o success_n of_o a_o prince_n who_o glory_v in_o the_o extirpation_n of_o his_o â—…rotestant_n subject_n and_o at_o once_o enâ—…aves_v both_o the_o body_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n who_o challenge_v as_o absolute_a a_o dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n as_o over_o the_o estate_n of_o his_o vassal_n to_o fill_v his_o exchequer_n and_o purgatory_n together_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o ought_v hearty_o to_o â—…eg_v of_o god_n in_o our_o most_o solemn_a prayer_n and_o fast_n and_o those_o who_o scruple_n this_o if_o they_o understand_v themselves_o must_v never_o say_v the_o lord_n prayer_n more_o wherein_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v thy_o kingdom_n come_v which_o those_o who_o wish_v success_n to_o persecute_v and_o antichristian_a power_n do_v not_o and_o can_v pray_v ii_o i_o observe_v far_o that_o as_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n be_v sure_a and_o steadfast_a that_o no_o provocation_n can_v ever_o tempt_v he_o utter_o to_o destroy_v they_o so_o he_o never_o inflict_v any_o public_a judgement_n and_o calamity_n on_o they_o but_o when_o he_o be_v great_o provoke_v by_o their_o sin_n this_o be_v god_n express_a covenant_n with_o they_o 26._o levit._n that_o if_o they_o walk_v in_o his_o statute_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n than_o he_o will_v bestow_v all_o temporal_a blessing_n on_o they_o rain_v in_o its_o season_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o land_n in_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n peace_n at_o home_n and_o victory_n abroad_o and_o his_o special_a presence_n and_o favour_n i_o will_v set_v my_o tabernacle_n among_o you_o and_o my_o soul_n shall_v not_o abhor_v you_o and_o i_o will_v walk_v among_o you_o and_o will_v be_v your_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o he_o and_o will_v not_o do_v all_o his_o commandment_n â—…hen_o he_o threaten_v all_o sort_n of_o evil_n â—…hould_v befall_v they_o sickness_n of_o body_n â—…o_o fly_v before_o their_o enemy_n the_o unâ—…ruitfulness_n and_o barrenness_n of_o their_o land_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v a_o prey_n to_o wild_a beast_n that_o the_o sword_n shall_v devour_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v enslave_v to_o their_o enemy_n and_o buy_v their_o own_o bread_n of_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v famine_n to_o such_o extremity_n as_o to_o eat_v their_o own_o son_n and_o daughter_n that_o he_o will_v lay_v waste_v their_o city_n and_o make_v their_o country_n desolate_a and_o carry_v they_o away_o captive_a into_o foreign_a country_n as_o you_o may_v see_v at_o large_a in_o that_o chapâ—…er_n this_o be_v his_o covenant_n with_o they_o and_o this_o he_o punctual_o observe_v whenever_o they_o do_v obey_v he_o they_o be_v a_o happy_a and_o prosperous_a people_n their_o enemy_n crouch_v before_o they_o they_o enjoy_v plenty_n and_o peace_n â—…nlarged_v their_o border_n and_o make_v their_o neighbour_n subject_n and_o tributariâ—…s_n â—…o_v they_o and_o though_o god_n do_v not_o always_o punish_v they_o according_a to_o their_o â—…leserts_n yet_o he_o never_o do_v inflict_v any_o public_a or_o national_a judgement_n on_o they_o but_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v very_o corrupt_a and_o wicked_a in_o their_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v from_o the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n and_o all_o the_o remarkable_a judgement_n god_n inflict_v on_o they_o now_o i_o must_v confess_v when_o we_o apply_v the_o be_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o case_n be_v very_o different_a for_o god_n have_v not_o so_o express_o covenant_v with_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o external_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n as_o he_o do_v with_o the_o jew_n they_o be_v the_o carnal_a seed_n and_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n heir_n of_o a_o earthly_a canaan_n and_o external_a prosperity_n but_o the_o spiritual_a seed_n of_o abraham_n be_v heir_n of_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a blessing_n which_o be_v typify_v by_o the_o carnal_a promise_n make_v to_o the_o jewish_a church_n the_o christian_a church_n be_v found_v in_o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n the_o christian_a faith_n be_v at_o first_o propagate_v by_o the_o courage_n patience_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a martyr_n and_o confessor_n the_o term_n ouâ—…_n saviour_n propose_v to_o we_o be_v if_o any_o mâ—…_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himsel_n and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o hâ—…_n that_o love_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o but_o 〈◊〉_d that_o lose_v his_o life_n for_o my_o sake_n shall_v find_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o most_o sincere_a believer_n and_o most_o exemplary_a christian_n may_v suffer_v very_o severe_o in_o this_o worlâ—…_n and_o their_o support_n and_o comfort_n be_v that_o â—…hey_n shall_v be_v proportionable_o reward_v â—…n_o the_o next_o this_o be_v the_o great_a objeâ—…ction_n the_o jew_n make_v against_o christian_n be_v the_o son_n and_o peculiar_a people_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v hate_v and_o persecute_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o god_n suffer_v they_o to_o be_v so_o whereas_o he_o have_v promise_v all_o temporal_a prosperity_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o his_o law_n and_o staâ—…utes_n and_o if_o believe_v in_o christ_n have_v be_v the_o will_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n he_o will_v certain_o have_v make_v good_a all_o the_o promise_n of_o their_o law_n to_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n a_o objection_n which_o very_o much_o trouble_v many_o believe_a jew_n themselves_o who_o do_v not_o thorough_o understand_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a dispensation_n between_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v particular_o answer_v by_o st._n paul_n 8._o rom._n and_o in_o the_o 7._o heb._n but_o this_o show_v that_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o always_o reward_v with_o external_a prosperity_n and_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v it_o shall_v be_v and_o consequent_o that_o very_o severe_a suffering_n and_o persecution_n may_v befall_v christian_n not_o always_o for_o the_o correction_n and_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n but_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n to_o make_v they_o conform_v to_o their_o suffer_a head_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o rich_a and_o bright_a crown_n to_o convince_v and_o convert_v their_o persecutor_n and_o to_o propagate_v the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o world_n though_o it_o be_v observe_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o particular_o by_o st._n cyprian_n that_o god_n never_o send_v a_o general_a persecution_n upon_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o when_o their_o sin_n the_o general_a declension_n of_o piety_n and_o discipline_n their_o worldly-mindedness_a the_o formality_n and_o coldness_n of_o their_o devotion_n call_v for_o a_o scourge_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n while_o it_o sojourn_v as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v in_o the_o world_n as_o in_o a_o strange_a land_n have_v no_o place_n of_o its_o own_o no_o earthly_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o support_v it_o but_o live_v under_o pagan_a power_n be_v intermix_v with_o they_o and_o oppress_v by_o they_o when_o they_o please_v but_o the_o case_n of_o a_o christian_a nation_n where_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v christian_n seem_v very_o different_a and_o to_o come_v near_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n for_o god_n do_v not_o use_v to_o inflict_v public_a judgement_n and_o
calamity_n upon_o nation_n but_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o some_o publlick_n and_o national_a sin_n and_o therefore_o a_o christian_a nation_n which_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n preserve_v the_o reverence_n of_o religion_n correct_v and_o suppress_v vice_n may_v expect_v to_o be_v bless_v with_o all_o external_a prosperity_n for_o righteousness_n exâ—…alteth_v a_o nation_n it_o do_v so_o in_o its_o natural_a tendency_n and_o effect_n and_o it_o do_v so_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o when_o god_n bring_v any_o public_a judgement_n upon_o a_o nation_n profess_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o displeasure_n to_o inquire_v what_o be_v amiss_o among_o we_o what_o that_o accurse_a thing_n be_v which_o have_v provoke_v god_n to_o jealousy_n and_o make_v he_o take_v the_o rod_n into_o his_o hand_n we_o have_v then_o reason_n to_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n to_o deprecate_v his_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n to_o turn_v from_o all_o the_o evil_a of_o our_o way_n that_o hem_n ay_o return_n and_o be_v merciful_a to_o we_o but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n worth_n observe_v which_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o hope_n and_o comfort_n to_o we_o at_o this_o time_n that_o god_n never_o deliver_v the_o jewish_a church_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n to_o oppress_v they_o never_o carry_v they_o away_o into_o captivity_n except_v the_o last_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o crucify_a their_o messiah_n but_o only_o when_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n a_o corruption_n of_o manner_n may_v bring_v other_o judgement_n upon_o they_o but_o it_o be_v general_o and_o i_o think_v always_o for_o their_o idolatry_n that_o god_n make_v their_o enemy_n rule_n over_o they_o and_o carry_v they_o captive_a into_o a_o strange_a land_n this_o we_o have_v a_o summary_n account_v of_o judge_n 2._o how_o that_o after_o the_o death_n of_o joshua_n and_o those_o elder_n who_o have_v see_v all_o that_o god_n do_v for_o they_o they_o forsake_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v baal_n and_o ashtaroth_n and_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v kindle_v against_o they_o and_o god_n deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o spoiler_n who_o spoil_v they_o v._o 11_o 12_o etc._n etc._n for_o this_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v carry_v away_o into_o a_o perpetual_a captivity_n and_o judah_n carry_v captive_a to_o babylon_n which_o they_o be_v threaten_v with_o by_o the_o prophet_n for_o their_o whoredom_n that_o be_v their_o idolatry_n 2_o 4_o 5._o ch_z of_o hosea_n and_o this_o be_v the_o account_n the_o prophet_n jeremy_n give_v of_o it_o like_a as_o you_o have_v forsake_v i_o and_o serve_v strange_a god_n in_o your_o land_n so_o shall_v you_o serve_v stranger_n in_o a_o land_n which_o be_v not_o you_o 5._o jer._n 19_o now_o in_o proportion_n to_o god_n dealâ—…g_n with_o the_o jewish_a church_n we_o have_v â—…ason_n to_o hope_n that_o though_o a_o church_n â—…nd_v nation_n which_o profess_v the_o true_a â—…aith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v â—…everely_o punish_v for_o their_o other_o sin_n â—…et_o while_o they_o preserve_v themselves_o â—…lean_a from_o spiritual_a fornication_n from_o all_o antichristian_a idolatry_n god_n will_v not_o un-church_n they_o nor_o deliver_v they_o final_o up_o into_o the_o power_n of_o idolatrous_a oppressor_n i_o be_o sure_a we_o of_o this_o nation_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n among_o we_o though_o god_n have_v make_v we_o smart_v severe_o for_o our_o other_o sin_n have_v yet_o always_o find_v a_o watchful_a providence_n defend_v we_o from_o all_o attempt_n though_o contrive_v with_o art_n and_o skill_n and_o back_v with_o power_n to_o reduce_v we_o again_o under_o the_o roman_a yoke_n may_v the_o same_o good_a providence_n still_o watch_v over_o we_o and_o defend_v we_o and_o neither_o suffer_v our_o popish_a enemy_n to_o rejoice_v over_o we_o nor_o delude_a protestant_n to_o make_v dangerous_a and_o fatal_a experiment_n 3_o when_o god_n do_v think_v fit_a to_o correct_v his_o people_n he_o always_o keep_v the_o rod_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o prescribe_v the_o measure_n and_o continuance_n of_o their_o suffering_n this_o be_v so_o plain_a from_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n and_o from_o the_o example_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o israel_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o multiply_v particular_a instance_n there_o be_v no_o good_a not_o evil_a befall_v israel_n but_o by_o a_o particular_a providence_n god_n inflict_v judgement_n on_o they_o when_o he_o see_v fit_a and_o he_o remove_v they_o again_o he_o give_v the_o commission_n to_o plague_n and_o sword_n and_o famine_n which_o they_o can_v not_o exceed_v in_o the_o 26._o levit._n we_o may_v observe_v that_o god_n proportion_v his_o judgement_n to_o their_o sin_n when_o their_o sin_n be_v grow_v so_o public_a and_o national_a as_o to_o deserve_v some_o public_a judgement_n yet_o at_o first_o god_n threaten_v they_o with_o some_o more_o light_a and_o gentle_a punishment_n but_o if_o they_o continue_v incorrigible_a he_o tell_v they_o he_o have_v more_o terrible_a judgement_n in_o reserve_n for_o they_o which_o prove_v that_o god_n determine_v the_o kind_n degree_n and_o continuance_n of_o his_o judgement_n when_o david_n for_o his_o sin_n in_o number_v the_o people_n have_v that_o hard_a choice_n give_v he_o of_o seven_o year_n famine_n or_o to_o flee_v three_o month_n before_o his_o enemy_n or_o three_o day_n pestilence_n he_o answer_v let_v i_o fall_v now_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o mercy_n be_v great_a and_o let_v i_o not_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n 〈◊〉_d sam._n 24._o 14._o that_o be_v he_o choose_v peâ—…ilence_n before_o the_o sword_n for_o pestiâ—…ence_n be_v god_n immediate_a hand_n and_o â—…ho_o the_o sword_n be_v god_n judgement_n too_o â—…et_v it_o be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n who_o gratify_v their_o own_o lust_n and_o rage_n and_o revenge_n with_o it_o and_o yet_o though_o god_n leave_v more_o to_o man_n in_o this_o than_o â—…n_o any_o other_o judgement_n he_o do_v not_o â—…ut_o the_o sword_n whole_o out_o of_o his_o own_o hand_n when_o he_o put_v it_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n but_o give_v law_n to_o it_o as_o appear_v from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n who_o god_n send_v against_o jerusalem_n to_o take_v the_o spoil_n and_o to_o take_v the_o prey_n and_o to_o tread_v they_o down_o like_o the_o mire_n in_o the_o street_n howbeit_o he_o mean_v not_o so_o neither_o do_v his_o heart_n think_v so_o but_o it_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o destroy_v and_o cut_v off_o nation_n not_o a_o few_o wherefore_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v perform_v his_o whole_a work_n upon_o mount_n zion_n what_o he_o himself_o not_o what_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n intend_v to_o do_v i_o will_v punish_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o stout_a heart_n of_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o high_a look_n 10._o isa._n 5_o 6_o 7_o 12._o now_o god_n have_v the_o same_o tender_a care_n of_o a_o christian_a nation_n that_o he_o have_v of_o israel_n he_o mingle_v our_o cup_n for_o we_o he_o prescribe_v what_o we_o shall_v suffer_v and_o how_o long_o and_o he_o correct_v as_o a_o father_n not_o to_o destroy_v but_o to_o reform_v and_o this_o be_v a_o mighty_a comfort_n that_o whatever_o man_n threaten_v we_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n who_o have_v the_o wind_n and_o sea_n aâ—…_n his_o command_n who_o give_v salvation_n 〈◊〉_d king_n who_o deliver_v david_n his_o servaâ—…_n from_o the_o hurtful_a sword_n psal._n 144._o 10._o the_o most_o powerful_a oppressor_n be_v but_o the_o rod_n of_o god_n anger_n the_o more_o fierce_a and_o savage_a instrument_n god_n employ_v to_o correct_v we_o we_o may_v conclude_v the_o more_o angry_a god_n be_v but_o whatever_o the_o rod_n be_v it_o be_v god_n that_o strike_v whâ—…_n know_v when_o to_o strike_v and_o when_o to_o spare_v we_o never_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o man_n whatever_o their_o power_n how_o great_a soever_o their_o rage_n and_o vengeance_n be_v but_o aught_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o the_o prophet_n do_v o_o lord_n correct_v i_o but_o with_o judgement_n not_o in_o thy_o anger_n lest_o thou_o bring_v i_o to_o nothing_o jer._n 10._o 24._o o_o lord_n rebuke_v i_o not_o in_o thy_o anger_n neither_o chasten_v i_o in_o thy_o sore_a displeasure_n have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o o_o lord_n for_o i_o be_o weak_a o_o lord_n heal_v i_o for_o my_o bone_n be_v vex_v psal._n 6._o 1_o 2._o or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o psal._n 56._o 1_o 2_o 3._o be_v merciful_a to_o i_o o_o
in_o danger_n when_o we_o can_v reasonable_o promise_v ourselves_o to_o receive_v our_o own_o again_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v but_o this_o be_v great_a charity_n but_o then_o this_o must_v be_v conduct_v by_o the_o measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o give_v what_o charity_n will_v oblige_v we_o to_o give_v it_o will_v as_o reasonable_o oblige_v we_o to_o lend_v but_o where_o the_o retuâ—…n_n be_v very_o hazardous_a it_o can_v oblige_v we_o to_o lend_v no_o more_o than_o what_o it_o will_v become_v we_o to_o â—…e_v and_o yet_o in_o such_o case_n lend_v â—…y_o be_v a_o great_a charity_n than_o give_v â—…ich_a be_v the_o second_o thing_n propose_v â—…ich_a i_o can_v speak_v but_o brief_o to_o 2._o the_o excellency_n and_o advantaâ—…s_n of_o this_o charity_n of_o lend_v and_o â—…w_v it_o may_v be_v improve_v to_o be_v the_o best_a â—…rpose_n now_o if_o we_o compare_v give_v and_o â—…nding_v together_o lend_v have_v much_o â—…e_a advantage_n of_o give_v as_o to_o â—…e_v true_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o chaâ—…y_n to_o lend_v be_v a_o great_a obligation_n to_o â—…dustry_n than_o to_o give_v and_o there_o canâ—…ot_v be_v a_o great_a kindness_n do_v to_o the_o â—…oor_a next_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o starâ—…ing_n than_o to_o teach_v they_o industry_n i_o â—…eed_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o there_o be_v many_o â—…oor_n who_o will_v never_o work_v while_o they_o â—…an_v meet_v with_o charitable_a people_n to_o â—…ive_v nay_o who_o choose_v to_o be_v sick_a to_o â—…e_v lame_a to_o be_v blind_a to_o move_v chariâ—…y_n rather_o than_o work_v to_o supply_v their_o want_n but_o when_o man_n have_v nothing_o â—…o_o live_v on_o but_o the_o improvement_n of_o lend_a money_n which_o they_o know_v they_o must_v repay_v when_o it_o be_v call_v for_o this_o must_v make_v they_o industrious_a for_o it_o both_o encourage_v their_o industry_n and_o keep_v the_o rod_n over_o they_o especial_o be_v this_o make_v a_o stand_a rule_n to_o give_v nothing_o to_o those_o who_o be_v able_a but_o will_v not_o work_v who_o have_v a_o stock_n lend_v they_o to_o trade_n with_o and_o neglect_v to_o improve_v it_o thus_o what_o we_o give_v do_v but_o one_o single_a act_n of_o charity_n for_o we_o can_v give_v it_o but_o once_o but_o what_o we_o lend_v may_v circulate_v as_o the_o blood_n do_v in_o our_o vein_n and_o communicate_v warmth_n and_o spirit_n to_o more_o part_n of_o the_o body_n than_o one_o that_o be_v what_o we_o lend_v may_v be_v lend_v again_o and_o do_v a_o great_a many_o successive_a charity_n as_o great_a or_o great_a than_o that_o one_o single_a charity_n have_v be_v if_o we_o have_v give_v it_o and_o that_o certain_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o noble_a charity_n which_o be_v most_o diffusive_a but_o yet_o to_o make_v this_o charity_n of_o â—…ending_v the_o more_o effectual_a it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o a_o public_a bank_n of_o charity_n raise_v out_o of_o such_o free_a loan_n will_v have_v many_o advantage_n above_o any_o private_a act_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o i_o can_v â—…y_v no_o mean_n think_v this_o either_o impractiâ—…able_a or_o difficult_a i_o doubt_v not_o but_o most_o of_o this_o hoâ—…ourable_a assembly_n can_v contrive_v very_o advantageous_a way_n of_o do_v this_o be_v man_n but_o charitable_o dispose_v for_o suppose_v you_o shall_v make_v your_o hospital_n or_o your_o company_n such_o public_a bank_n or_o if_o it_o can_v be_v more_o public_a still_o the_o more_o useful_a and_o the_o more_o secure_a where_o charitable_a people_n may_v safe_o deposit_v their_o money_n without_o use_n or_o those_o who_o can_v spare_v the_o whole_a interest_n may_v abate_v some_o part_n of_o it_o and_o where_o the_o run_a cash_n may_v be_v lodge_v which_o man_n expect_v no_o interest_n for_o this_o may_v easy_o rise_v to_o a_o very_a vast_a sum_n which_o with_o wise_a improvement_n will_v make_v a_o sure_a and_o last_a fund_z of_o charity_n and_o can_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v more_o easy_a than_o this_o which_o no_o man_n can_v feel_v what_o will_v it_o be_v to_o a_o rich_a man_n who_o have_v many_o thousand_o employ_v in_o trade_n or_o secure_v at_o interest_n or_o if_o he_o know_v when_o he_o have_v enough_o have_v no_o need_n to_o increase_v it_o to_o drop_v some_o thousand_o into_o such_o a_o free_a bank_n to_o sanctify_v and_o prosper_v his_o trade_n and_o other_o way_n of_o gain_n and_o to_o secure_v a_o blessing_n to_o his_o posterity_n how_o may_v other_o be_v there_o who_o can_v spare_v a_o hundred_o or_o it_o may_v be_v some_o hundred_o pound_n out_o of_o their_o stock_n and_o not_o feel_v the_o want_n of_o interest_n or_o at_o least_o if_o they_o can_v not_o spare_v the_o whole_a interest_n may_v spare_v the_o half_a or_o three_o part_n of_o it_o how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o have_v some_o hundred_o by_o they_o useless_a which_o they_o will_v not_o and_o can_v not_o with_o any_o reason_n grudge_n to_o lay_v up_o in_o a_o safe_a bank_n how_o many_o be_v there_o who_o will_v easy_o be_v persuade_v to_o lend_v be_v there_o such_o a_o safe_a bank_n to_o receive_v it_o who_o be_v very_o unwilling_a to_o give_v and_o be_v there_o such_o a_o bank_n of_o charity_n once_o settle_v there_o will_v be_v very_o little_a need_n of_o give_v for_o i_o know_v not_o any_o kind_n of_o charity_n but_o may_v be_v provide_v for_o in_o this_o way_n be_v man_n but_o free_a and_o liberal_a in_o lend_v it_o will_v enlarge_v your_o hospital_n clear_v your_o street_n of_o beggar_n the_o great_a reproach_n of_o this_o city_n maintain_v those_o who_o can_v work_v and_o employ_v those_o who_o can_v put_v poor_a child_n to_o apprentice_n provide_v stock_n for_o â—…ngenious_a and_o industrious_a young_a man_n â—…ho_o want_v they_o redeem_v prisoner_n â—…nd_n which_o justice_n and_o honour_n require_v â—…f_a you_o as_o far_o as_o possible_o you_o can_v may_v 〈◊〉_d some_o measure_n provide_v a_o fund_z for_o â—…our_n orphan_n this_o will_v advance_v the_o glory_n of_o â—…his_n great_a city_n it_o will_v perpetuate_v â—…nd_v consecrate_v the_o memory_n of_o such_o â—…orthy_a person_n as_o will_v begin_v and_o â—…romote_v such_o a_o last_a and_o extensive_a charity_n the_o child_n which_o be_v unâ—…orn_v will_v rise_v up_o and_o call_v they_o blesâ—…ed_v it_o will_v draw_v a_o great_a share_n of_o â—…e_n charitable_a money_n of_o the_o nation_n â—…to_fw-mi your_o hand_n which_o will_v quicken_v â—…rade_n and_o increase_v your_o riches_n and_o â—…bove_o all_o it_o will_v procure_v all_o the_o great_a â—…ewards_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o chariâ—…y_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o â—…ext_n but_o whatever_o become_v of_o this_o proâ—…osal_n you_o must_v always_o remember_v that_o 〈◊〉_d be_v great_a charity_n to_o lend_v as_o well_o as_o â—…o_o give_v this_o be_v what_o our_o saviour_n exâ—…ects_v from_o we_o this_o be_v what_o he_o comâ—…ands_v to_o do_v good_a and_o lend_v hope_v for_o â—…othing_v again_o and_o if_o out_o of_o a_o greedy_a desire_n of_o gain_n we_o will_v lend_v nothing_o free_o to_o the_o relief_n and_o encouragement_n of_o the_o industrious_a poor_a this_o will_v make_v all_o our_o other_o usury_n and_o increase_n which_o be_v lawful_a and_o innocent_a in_o itself_o when_o it_o neither_o oppress_v the_o poor_a nor_o stop_v our_o charity_n to_o become_v sin_n sermon_n vi._n â—…reached_v before_o the_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n june_n 26._o 1692._o prov._n xviii_o 14._o â—…he_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n will_v sustain_v his_o infirmity_n but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v one_o great_a objection_n against_o providence_n be_v take_v from_o the_o many_o evil_n and_o calamity_n â—…hich_v mankind_n suffer_v which_o will_v â—…e_v a_o reasonable_a objection_n be_v they_o more_o than_o be_v deserve_v or_o more_o than_o â—…are_v necessary_a for_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o the_o world_n but_o beside_o other_o answer_n that_o may_v be_v give_v to_o it_o the_o wise-man_n observation_n in_o my_o text_n furnish_v we_o with_o two_o very_a plain_a answer_n 1._o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o â—…ife_n be_v not_o disproportion_v to_o our_o strength_n to_o bear_v they_o and_o when_o affliction_n and_o misfortune_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a vindication_n of_o providence_n that_o god_n lay_v no_o more_o on_o we_o than_o what_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n can_v bear_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n will_v sustain_v his_o infirmity_n and_o two_o that_o the_o only_a evil_n that_o be_v intolerable_a and_o insupportable_a be_v whole_o owe_v to_o ourselves_o and_o then_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o quarrel_v at_o the_o divine_a providence_n when_o god_n be_v more_o merciful_a to_o we_o than_o we_o be_v to_o ourselves_o but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o caâ—…_n bear_v for_o the_o explication_n and_o
conviction_n of_o conscience_n and_o enforceâ—…_n the_o reproof_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o word_n with_o such_o sensible_a and_o smart_a proof_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o god_n anger_n against_o it_o as_o will_v make_v all_o man_n consider_v who_o have_v not_o lose_v their_o sense_n and_o many_o time_n restore_v sense_n and_o understanding_n to_o those_o who_o have_v lose_v they_o but_o this_o to_o some_o man_n will_v seem_v a_o very_a dull_a account_n of_o god_n judgement_n which_o will_v neither_o gratify_v their_o curiosity_n nor_o ill_a nature_n nor_o which_o they_o think_v worse_o leave_v they_o any_o excuse_n to_o palliate_v their_o hypocrisy_n the_o judgement_n of_o god_n declare_v god_n anger_n against_o sin_n and_o call_v we_o to_o repentance_n this_o man_n will_v own_v but_o do_v not_o like_a to_o hear_v it_o express_v in_o such_o general_a term_n as_o if_o when_o god_n send_v his_o judgement_n among_o we_o he_o be_v angry_a with_o â—…s_n for_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o call_v we_o to_o repent_v of_o they_o all_o this_o they_o think_v hard_a that_o they_o must_v part_v with_o all_o their_o sin_n to_o remove_v these_o judgement_n nay_o this_o they_o think_v can_v be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n because_o the_o world_n be_v always_o very_o wicked_a and_o yet_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v not_o always_o abroad_o in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o they_o suppose_v that_o when_o god_n do_v execute_v judgement_n it_o be_v not_o sin_n in_o general_n but_o some_o particular_a sin_n which_o so_o high_o provoke_v he_o and_o can_v they_o learn_v what_o they_o be_v and_o reform_v they_o they_o may_v see_v happy_a day_n again_o and_o this_o set_v man_n at_o liberty_n to_o favour_v what_o sin_n they_o please_v to_o reproach_n and_o accuse_v each_o other_o and_o to_o charge_v all_o the_o evil_n and_o calamity_n they_o suffer_v upon_o one_o another_o without_o think_v of_o reform_v themselves_o thus_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o always_o be_v when_o there_o be_v differ_v party_n and_o faction_n in_o a_o nation_n who_o judge_n very_o different_o of_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o will_v all_o confess_v they_o be_v great_a sinner_n and_o it_o may_v be_v too_o many_o of_o all_o party_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o sin_n but_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v common_a to_o they_o all_o must_v pass_v for_o nothing_o because_o so_o far_o they_o be_v all_o agree_v but_o then_o there_o be_v peculiar_a party-sin_n which_o every_o party_n dislike_v in_o each_o other_o and_o what_o they_o dislike_v they_o conclude_v god_n dislike_v too_o and_o to_o these_o they_o attribute_v all_o the_o evil_n they_o suffer_v as_o if_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o reform_v the_o world_n but_o to_o decide_v some_o party-quarrel_n which_o will_v never_o be_v decide_v this_o way_n when_o every_o party_n will_v expound_v judgement_n in_o favour_n of_o themselves_o but_o all_o man_n see_v that_o this_o be_v to_o judge_v by_o a_o false_a and_o partial_a rule_n this_o be_v neither_o conscience_n nor_o scripture_n for_o conscience_n equal_o condemn_v all_o sin_n and_o so_o do_v the_o scripture_n too_o i_o grant_v though_o there_o be_v always_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o wickedness_n commit_v in_o the_o world_n god_n do_v not_o always_o inflict_v public_a judgement_n which_o be_v common_o execute_v when_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n be_v grow_v public_a too_o when_o public_a government_n be_v remiss_a in_o punish_v wickedness_n or_o the_o number_n and_o power_n of_o sinner_n be_v grow_v too_o great_a for_o the_o correction_n of_o public_a justice_n but_o we_o shall_v always_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o when_o god_n do_v inflict_v public_a judgement_n he_o call_v for_o a_o general_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o so_o no_o man_n can_v understand_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o rod_n without_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n but_o this_o deserve_v a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o those_o sin_n for_o which_o god_n most_o common_o send_v his_o judgement_n when_o he_o see_v fit_a to_o execute_v a_o public_a vengeance_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o universal_a reformation_n when_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o we_o 1._o the_o most_o general_a account_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o public_a judgement_n be_v a_o universal_a corruption_n of_o manner_n thus_o the_o prophet_n describe_v the_o state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n when_o god_n threaten_v his_o judgement_n against_o they_o ah_o â—…nful_a nation_n a_o people_n lade_v with_o iniquiry_n a_o seed_n of_o evil_a doer_n child_n that_o be_v corrupter_n they_o have_v forsake_v the_o lord_n they_o have_v provoke_v the_o holy_a one_o oâ—…_n israel_n they_o be_v go_v away_o backward_o and_o the_o whole_a head_n be_v sick_a and_o the_o wholâ—…_n heart_n faint_a from_o the_o sole_a of_o the_o foot_n unto_o the_o head_n there_o be_v no_o soundnesâ—…_n in_o it_o but_o wound_n and_o bruise_n and_o puâ—…_n trify_v sore_n they_o have_v not_o be_v close_v nor_o bind_v up_o nor_o mollify_v with_o oint_n mean_v isa._n 1._o 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o in_o verse_n 10_o he_o call_v they_o the_o ruler_n of_o sodom_n anâ—…_n people_n of_o gomorrah_n when_o wickednesâ—…_n be_v grow_v universal_a and_o have_v infect_v alâ—…_n rank_n and_o order_n of_o man_n such_o a_o nation_n be_v ripe_a for_o judgement_n but_o it_o addâ—…_n great_o to_o the_o gild_n and_o provocation_n when_o man_n be_v not_o content_v to_o bâ—…_n wicked_a without_o bid_v open_a defiane_n to_o god_n and_o to_o all_o religion_n wo_n untâ—…_n they_o who_o draw_v iniquity_n with_o cord_n of_o vanity_n and_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v with_o cart-ropeâ—…_a who_o deride_v all_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o even_o dare_v his_o power_n and_o justice_n that_o say_v let_v he_o make_v speed_n and_o haste_n en_fw-fr his_o work_n that_o we_o may_v see_v it_o and_o leâ—…_n the_o counsel_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n draâ—…_n nigh_o and_o come_v that_o we_o may_v know_v iâ—…_n who_o mock_v at_o the_o difference_n of_o gooâ—…_n and_o evil_n and_o value_v the_o reputation_n oâ—…_n their_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n too_o much_o to_o beâ—…_n cheat_v with_o such_o empty_a name_n 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 darâ—…ss_n that_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a 〈◊〉_d â—…itter_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 who_o have_v first_o destroy_v the_o eternal_a and_o essential_a difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a change_v their_o name_n too_o at_o pleasure_n and_o think_v themselves_o the_o only_a wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n for_o do_v so_o this_o take_v off_o all_o restraint_n and_o give_v the_o reins_o to_o their_o lust_n and_o they_o live_v just_a as_o they_o believe_v without_o make_v any_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil._n woe_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v mighty_a to_o drink_v wine_n and_o man_n if_o strength_n to_o mingle_v strong_a drink_n who_o justify_v the_o wicked_a for_o a_o reward_n and_o take_v â—…ay_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o righteous_a from_o he_o therefore_o as_o the_o fire_n devouâ—…eth_v the_o stubble_n and_o the_o flame_n consume_v the_o chaff_n so_o their_o root_n shall_v be_v as_o rotâ—…nness_n and_o their_o blossom_n shall_v go_v up_o as_o the_o dust_n because_o they_o have_v cast_v away_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o despise_v the_o word_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n isa._n 5._o 18_o etc._n etc._n the_o like_a account_n we_o find_v in_o the_o other_o prophet_n and_o when_o the_o state_n of_o a_o church_n and_o nation_n be_v so_o corrupt_a we_o need_v not_o inquire_v for_o what_o particular_a sin_n god_n strike_v but_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n which_o god_n express_v 〈◊〉_d severe_a indignation_n against_o and_o seldoâ—…_n delay_v to_o punish_v such_o as_o their_o idâ—…_n latry_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o god_n oâ—…_n israel_n of_o his_o word_n and_o prophet_n profanation_n of_o his_o worship_n atheâ—…_n istical_a notion_n of_o providence_n and_o 〈◊〉_d good_a and_o evil_a or_o their_o abominabâ—…_n hypocrisy_n in_o commit_v all_o the_o lewâ—…_n ness_n and_o villainy_n which_o man_n couâ—…_n commit_v and_o shelter_v themselves_o in_o aâ—…_n external_a form_n and_o appearance_n of_o râ—…_n ligion_n which_o the_o prophet_n every_o wheâ—…_n complain_v of_o to_o these_o cause_n be_v oâ—…_n ing_z the_o universal_a corruption_n of_o maâ—…_n ner_z for_o it_o be_v impossible_a any_o natiâ—…_n shall_v so_o universal_o degenerate_a tâ—…_n they_o have_v either_o corrupt_v their_o reâ—…_n gion_n by_o superstition_n and_o hypocrisy_n lose_v all_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o tâ—…_n call_v for_o a_o speedy_a vengeance_n as_o for_o what_o more_o particular_o
coâ—…_n cern_v the_o christian_a church_n we_o maâ—…_n learn_v from_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o seuâ—…_n church_n of_o asia_n what_o it_o be_v provokâ—…_n our_o lord_n either_o severe_o to_o punish_v we_o to_o remove_v the_o gospel_n from_o we_o tâ—…_n church_n of_o ephesus_n though_o she_o have_v aâ—…_n quit_v herself_o well_o in_o many_o thing_n yet_o have_v leave_v she_o first_o love_n have_v abate_v very_o much_o of_o her_o zeal_n and_o fervour_n for_o the_o name_n and_o religion_n of_o christ._n the_o church_n of_o pergamâ—…s_n be_v threaten_v for_o suffer_v those_o among_o she_o who_o teach_v idolatrous_a worship_n and_o fleshly_a lust_n and_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n likewise_o for_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jezaâ—…el_v to_o commit_v fornicatâ—…on_n and_o to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n the_o church_n of_o sardis_n make_v a_o glorious_a and_o pompous_a profession_n of_o religion_n but_o without_o the_o true_a life_n and_o spirit_n of_o it_o â—…e_o have_v a_o name_n to_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a and_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n grow_v very_o cold_a and_o indifferent_a even_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o she_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a 〈◊〉_d lukewarm_a all_o these_o our_o saviour_n summons_n to_o repentance_n and_o threaten_v to_o punish_v or_o destroy_v they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o chap._n 2_o and_o 3._o of_o the_o revelation_n the_o application_n of_o all_o this_o to_o ourselves_o be_v so_o obvious_a that_o i_o need_v not_o multiply_v word_n about_o it_o we_o be_v that_o very_a nation_n wherein_o all_o these_o evil_n meet_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o name_v any_o vice_n which_o be_v not_o open_o commit_v among_o we_o without_o fear_n or_o shame_n nay_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o that_o pass_n that_o to_o be_v a_o modest_a sinner_n to_o boggle_v at_o any_o wickedness_n oâ—…_n to_o blush_v at_o it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o reproach_n as_o to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o though_o somâ—…_n man_n be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o themselveâ—…_n atheist_n yet_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o own_o any_o reveal_v religion_n or_o tâ—…_n talk_v serious_o of_o providence_n of_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o punishinâ—…_n city_n and_o nation_n for_o their_o wickeâ—…_n ness_n be_v think_v a_o jest_n and_o i_o wiâ—…_n it_o be_v a_o jest_n only_o among_o vile_a anâ—…_n mean_v people_n of_o no_o fortune_n or_o education_n whereas_o we_o often_o see_v that_o theâ—…_n condition_n make_v they_o modest_a and_o uâ—…_n teach_v nature_n teach_v they_o better_o tâ—…_n they_o be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o example_n 〈◊〉_d man_n of_o wit_n and_o figure_n in_o the_o worlâ—…_n and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o relâ—…_n gion_n it_o be_v a_o very_a melancholy_a prospecâ—…_n to_o observe_v how_o little_a of_o the_o true_a liâ—…_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d among_o they_o there_o be_v indeed_o noiâ—…_n and_o zeal_n and_o faction_n enough_o amonâ—…_n some_o people_n and_o that_o make_v other_o 〈◊〉_d cold_a and_o indifferent_a the_o temper_n of_o thâ—…_n church_n of_o sardis_n and_o laodicea_n thâ—…_n one_o that_o have_v a_o name_n to_o live_v but_o waâ—…_n dead_a the_o other_o that_o be_v lukewarmâ—…_n make_v much_o the_o great_a party_n amonâ—…_n we_o and_o the_o very_o best_a man_n i_o fear_v be_v too_o much_o incline_v to_o the_o state_n of_o ephesus_n which_o have_v leave_v she_o first_o love_n those_o great_a passion_n and_o ardour_n of_o devotion_n which_o ought_v to_o inspire_v the_o mind_n of_o christian_n let_v we_o then_o hear_v the_o rod_n and_o tremble_v see_v how_o god_n deal_v with_o the_o jewish_a church_n for_o these_o sin_n see_v what_o our_o lord_n have_v do_v to_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o though_o we_o can_v say_v what_o god_n will_v do_v to_o we_o because_o we_o know_v not_o what_o wonderful_a design_n be_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o providence_n yet_o we_o know_v what_o we_o do_v and_o how_o god_n have_v deal_v with_o those_o who_o have_v do_v as_o we_o do_v which_o be_v too_o just_a reason_n to_o fear_v that_o he_o will_v deal_v so_o by_o we_o too_o unless_o we_o repent_v and_o reform_v which_o they_o do_v not_o for_o two_o when_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o we_o the_o reformation_n must_v be_v universal_a too_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n to_o reform_v himself_o for_o a_o nation_n can_v never_o be_v reform_v but_o by_o the_o reformation_n of_o particular_a man_n who_o make_v up_o the_o nation_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o be_v summon_v to_o repentance_n as_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n summon_v we_o all_o every_o man_n must_v examine_v himself_o what_o he_o have_v to_o repent_v of_o and_o reform_v himself_o but_o yet_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o a_o national_a and_o personal_n repentance_n and_o reformation_n and_o they_o serve_v very_o different_a ends._n a_o nation_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o god_n may_v in_o great_a mercy_n remove_v his_o judgement_n though_o what_o be_v never_o to_o be_v expect_v every_o particular_a man_n do_v not_o repent_v and_o reform_v himself_o but_o then_o such_o a_o national_a reformation_n require_v the_o execution_n of_o public_a justice_n against_o public_a wickedness_n to_o make_v sin_n public_o infamous_a and_o to_o teach_v the_o great_a and_o most_o powerfuâ—…_n sinner_n modesty_n to_o banish_v if_o noâ—…_n sinner_n yet_o sin_n out_o of_o our_o court_n and_o out_o of_o our_o street_n and_o to_o make_v it_o once_o more_o seek_v for_o night_n and_o darkness_n foâ—…_n a_o cover_v that_o virtue_n may_v no_o long_o blush_v in_o company_n or_o need_v apology_n nor_o vice_n dare_v to_o brave_v it_o at_o noonday_n there_o have_v indeed_o of_o late_o be_v some_o care_n take_v by_o public_a law_n and_o royal_a proclamation_n to_o punish_v the_o profanation_n of_o god_n name_n by_o accurse_a oath_n but_o yet_o in_o most_o case_n man_n may_v be_v as_o vile_a as_o they_o please_v and_o as_o public_o so_o as_o they_o please_v and_o little_a or_o no_o notice_n take_v of_o they_o nay_o they_o may_v talk_v and_o write_v what_o they_o please_v against_o god_n and_o religion_n ridicule_fw-la the_o history_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o gain_v credit_n and_o reputation_n by_o it_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v not_o many_o christian_a nation_n in_o the_o world_n which_o in_o so_o public_a a_o manner_n permit_v these_o thing_n we_o have_v talk_v of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o reformation_n to_o good_a purpose_n if_o the_o only_a effect_n of_o it_o be_v a_o liberty_n of_o ridicul_v the_o christian_a faith_n which_o may_v make_v one_o suspect_v that_o all_o the_o zeal_n some_o man_n have_v express_v against_o popery_n be_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o a_o zeal_n for_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n which_o the_o discipline_n of_o popery_n as_o bad_a a_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v will_v not_o endure_v it_o be_v indeed_o well_o fit_v to_o make_v atheist_n and_o infidel_n but_o will_v make_v man_n have_v a_o care_n how_o they_o profess_v it_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o this_o scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n and_o contempt_n of_o religion_n will_v prove_v a_o backdoor_n to_o let_v in_o popery_n again_o upon_o we_o but_o to_o leave_v these_o thought_n with_o those_o who_o proper_a care_n and_o business_n it_o be_v whether_o a_o nation_n will_v be_v reform_v or_o not_o it_o concern_v every_o particular_a man_n to_o hear_v the_o rod_n the_o judgement_n of_o god_n warn_v we_o of_o his_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n against_o sin_n that_o we_o may_v fly_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o we_o do_v not_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o rod_n nor_o improve_v judgement_n to_o their_o true_a end_n if_o we_o do_v not_o so_o repent_v and_o reform_v as_o to_o save_v our_o soul_n and_o this_o to_o be_v sure_o must_v be_v a_o personal_n and_o a_o universal_a reformation_n and_o yet_o even_o with_o respect_n to_o present_a judgement_n a_o personal_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n be_v of_o great_a use_n for_o when_o the_o judgement_n be_v public_a and_o national_a god_n many_o time_n make_v a_o remarkable_a distinction_n between_o person_n say_v you_o to_o the_o righteous_a it_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o they_o for_o they_o shall_v reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o do_n wo_n unto_o the_o wicked_a it_o shall_v be_v ill_a with_o he_o for_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o hand_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o he_o which_o be_v speak_v with_o respect_n to_o public_a judgement_n isa._n 3._o 10_o 11._o which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a encouragement_n for_o particular_a man_n to_o repent_v and_o reform_v their_o life_n whatever_o other_o do_v but_o it_o be_v time_n to_o apply_v what_o i_o have_v now_o discourse_v to_o the_o
bitter_a what_o gratify_v their_o bodily_a sense_n that_o be_v their_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o virtue_n modesty_n or_o honour_n what_o lay_v restraint_n upon_o their_o sensual_a inclination_n that_o be_v bitter_a uneasy_a and_o grievous_a and_o no_o wonder_n that_o there_o be_v a_o woe_n denounce_v against_o these_o men._n 4_o woe_n be_v to_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 where_o the_o prophâ—…t_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o man_n still_o those_o who_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n who_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n who_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a and_o yet_o think_v themselves_o the_o only_a wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n though_o they_o contradict_v the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n the_o natural_a uncorrupted_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o just_a character_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n who_o think_v themselves_o the_o only_a wit_n the_o only_a philosopher_n and_o laugh_v at_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n as_o easy_a credulous_a unthinking_a fool_n who_o be_v under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o custom_n and_o popular_a opinion_n which_o expose_v they_o to_o all_o other_o cheat_n they_o think_v it_o a_o argument_n of_o wit_n and_o profound_a thought_n to_o contradict_v all_o mankind_n for_o there_o be_v but_o few_o wise_a man_n they_o say_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o most_o be_v usual_o in_o the_o wrong_n which_o may_v be_v allow_v as_o to_o improve_a knowledge_n which_o be_v gain_v by_o laborious_a study_n and_o observation_n but_o the_o folly_n lie_v on_o the_o other_o side_n when_o man_n advance_v paradox_n which_o contradict_v the_o universal_a sense_n of_o nature_n for_o in_o such_o case_n the_o most_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n because_o natural_a production_n be_v more_o common_a than_o monster_n that_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v rather_o think_v and_o judge_v with_o the_o multitude_n when_o they_o think_v on_o nature_n side_n than_o with_o the_o most_o fame_a philosopher_n against_o nature_n but_o those_o who_o affect_v to_o contradict_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n must_v think_v themselves_o the_o only_a wise_a man_n if_o they_o think_v at_o all_o that_o we_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o their_o pride_n and_o insolence_n than_o at_o their_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n 2_o let_v we_o now_o inquire_v how_o these_o man_n come_v to_o sink_v into_o so_o degenerate_a a_o state_n as_o one_o will_v think_v impossible_a to_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n and_o that_o be_v intimate_v in_o that_o order_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o my_o text_n that_o they_o first_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o then_o good_a evil_n first_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o then_o light_a for_o darkness_n etc._n etc._n as_o to_o consider_v this_o particular_o one_a they_o begin_v with_o call_v evil_n good_a for_o no_o man_n can_v begin_v with_o call_v good_a evil_n nature_n will_v have_v the_o first_o word_n and_o pass_v the_o first_o judgement_n on_o thing_n and_o nature_n as_o corrupt_v as_o it_o be_v till_o it_o be_v deprave_v and_o vitiate_a by_o evil_a custom_n will_v call_v good_a good_a and_o evil_a evil_n atheist_n and_o infidel_n must_v confess_v that_o as_o wise_a as_o they_o think_v themselves_o now_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o they_o be_v as_o very_a fool_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v when_o they_o have_v the_o same_o opinion_n about_o good_a and_o evil_a which_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n still_o have_v when_o they_o do_v own_o a_o moral_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o call_v good_a and_o evil_a by_o their_o right_a name_n and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o the_o only_a reason_n for_o alter_v their_o opinion_n and_o change_v the_o name_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v change_v their_o manner_n that_o they_o grow_v very_o fond_a of_o what_o they_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o the_o foolish_a multitude_n think_v and_o call_v evil_a and_o then_o they_o begin_v to_o think_v and_o to_o call_v it_o good_a and_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o this_o be_v to_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o as_o unwilling_a as_o they_o be_v to_o own_o this_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o though_o these_o man_n can_v prove_v which_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o do_v that_o there_o be_v no_o moral_n essential_a immutable_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o call_v evil_a good_a or_o good_a evil_n for_o though_o they_o be_v neither_o sin_n nor_o virtue_n neither_o forbid_v nor_o command_v by_o a_o divine_a law_n yet_o they_o themselves_o confess_v as_o i_o observe_v before_o that_o what_o we_o call_v virtue_n have_v so_o much_o good_a in_o they_o that_o they_o be_v 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