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 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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
doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o h._n scripture_n and_o one_o great_a reason_n why_o man_n do_v not_o so_o general_o agree_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o as_o of_o the_o other_o be_v because_o the_o interest_n and_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n be_v more_o concern_v in_o the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o but_o whatever_o uncertainty_n there_o may_v be_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o text_n of_o scripture_n oral_a tradition_n be_v so_o far_o from_o afford_v we_o any_o help_n in_o this_o case_n that_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o uncertain_a and_o less_o to_o be_v trust_v to_o especial_o if_o we_o may_v take_v that_o to_o be_v the_o traditionary_a sense_n of_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o decretal_n of_o their_o pope_n and_o the_o act_n of_o some_o of_o their_o council_n than_o which_o never_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n more_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a and_o whence_o may_v we_o expect_v to_o have_v the_o 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ever_o deny_v viz._n that_o what_o be_v true_a be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a which_o though_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o plain_a truth_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o he_o prove_v it_o so_o foolish_o as_o will_v make_v any_o man_n if_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a of_o itself_o to_o doubt_v of_o it_o he_o prove_v it_o from_o logic_n and_o nature_n and_o metaphysic_n and_o ethic_n etc._n etc._n i_o wonder_v he_o do_v not_o do_v it_o likewise_o from_o arithmetic_n and_o geometry_n the_o principle_n whereof_o he_o 93._o he_o sure-footing_a p._n 93._o tell_v we_o be_v concern_v in_o demonstrate_v the_o certainty_n of_o oral_a tradition_n he_o may_v also_o have_v proceed_v to_o astrology_n and_o palmistry_n and_o chemistry_n and_o have_v show_v how_o each_o of_o these_o lend_v their_o assistance_n to_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o truth_n for_o that_o can_v not_o have_v be_v more_o ridiculous_a than_o his_o etc._n his_o faith_n vindic_n p._n 6.7_o etc._n etc._n argument_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o subject_a and_o predicate_v and_o copula_fw-la in_o faith-proposition_n because_o forsooth_o whoever_o affirm_v any_o proposition_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a affirm_v it_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a very_o true_a but_o will_v any_o man_n argue_v that_o what_o be_v true_a be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o subject_a predicate_v and_o copula_fw-la for_o be_v the_o proposition_n true_a or_o false_a these_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n in_o both_o that_o be_v they_o be_v subject_a predicate_v and_o copula_fw-la but_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v have_v a_o taste_n of_o his_o clear_a style_n and_o way_n of_o reason_v i_o shall_v for_o his_o satisfaction_n transcribe_v mr._n s_n whole_a argument_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o predicate_a his_o word_n be_v these_o our_o argument_n from_o the_o copula_fw-la be_v particular_o strengthen_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o predicate_v in_o the_o proposition_n we_o speak_v of_o i_o mean_v in_o such_o speech_n as_o affirm_v such_o and_o such_o point_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a 12._o p._n 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o for_o true_a mean_n existent_a in_o proposition_n which_o express_v only_o the_o a_o est_fw-fr of_o a_o thing_n as_o most_o point_n of_o faith_n do_v which_o speak_v abstract_o and_o tell_v not_o wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_n it_o speak_v of_o consist_v or_o the_o quid_fw-la est_fw-la so_o that_o most_o of_o the_o proposition_n christian_n be_v bind_v to_o profess_v be_v full_o express_v thus_o a_o trinity_n be_v existent_a etc._n etc._n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o those_o point_n which_o belong_v to_o a_o thing_n or_o action_n past_a as_o creation_n be_v etc._n etc._n for_o existent_n be_v the_o predicate_a in_o these_o two_o only_o affix_v to_o another_o difference_n of_o time_n and_o it_o be_v equal_o impossible_a such_o subject_n shall_v neither_o have_v be_v nor_o not_o have_v be_v or_o have_v be_v and_o have_v not_o be_v at_o once_o as_o it_o be_v that_o a_o thing_n shall_v neither_o be_v nor_o not_o be_v at_o present_a or_o both_o be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o present_a regard_v then_o steadfast_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o predicate_v existent_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o express_v the_o utmost_a actuality_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o as_o take_v in_o the_o posture_n it_o bear_v in_o those_o proposition_n that_o actual_o exercise_v that_o be_v the_o utmost_a actuality_n in_o its_o most_o actual_a state_n that_o be_v as_o absolute_o exclude_v all_o manner_n or_o least_o degree_n of_o potentiality_n and_o consequent_o all_o possibility_n of_o be_v otherwise_o which_o be_v radical_o destroy_v when_o all_o potentiality_n be_v take_v away_o this_o discourse_n hold_v which_o in_o right_a to_o truth_n i_o shall_v not_o fear_v to_o affirm_v unconcern_v in_o the_o drollery_n of_o any_o opposer_n to_o be_v more_o than_o mathematical_o demonstrative_a it_o follow_v inevitable_o that_o whoso_o be_v bind_v to_o profess_v a_o trinity_n incarnation_n etc._n etc._n be_v or_o be_v existent_a be_v also_o bind_v to_o profess_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v not_o existent_a or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a these_o point_n of_o faith_n shall_v be_v false_a the_o same_o appear_v out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o distinction_n or_o division_n apply_v to_o our_o predicate_a existent_n as_o find_v in_o these_o proposition_n for_o can_v that_o predicate_v bear_v a_o pertinent_a distinction_n express_v this_o and_o the_o other_o respect_n or_o thus_o and_o thus_o it_o may_v possible_o be_v according_a to_o one_o of_o these_o respect_n or_o thus_o consider_v and_o not_o be_v according_a to_o another_o that_o be_v another_o way_n consider_v but_o this_o evasion_n be_v here_o impossible_a for_o either_o those_o distinguish_a notion_n must_v be_v more_o potential_a or_o antecedent_n to_o the_o notion_n of_o existent_n and_o then_o they_o neither_o reach_v existent_a nor_o supervene_v to_o it_o as_o its_o determination_n or_o actuation_n which_o difference_n ought_v to_o do_v nor_o can_v any_o notion_n be_v more_o actual_a or_o determinative_a in_o the_o line_n of_o substance_n or_o be_v than_o existent_n be_v and_o so_o fit_a to_o distinguish_v it_o in_o that_o line_n nor_o last_o can_v any_o determination_n in_o the_o line_n of_o accident_n serve_v the_o turn_n for_o those_o suppose_v existence_n already_o 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o the_o whole_a truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n entire_a and_o complete_a antecedent_o to_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a therefore_o that_o what_o be_v thus_o affirm_v to_o be_v true_a shall_v in_o any_o regard_n be_v affirm_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a the_o impossibility_n of_o distinguish_v the_o predicate_a pertinent_o exclude_v here_o all_o possibility_n of_o divers_a respect_n the_o same_o be_v demonstrate_v from_o the_o impossibility_n of_o distinguish_v the_o subject_n of_o those_o faith-proposition_n for_o those_o subject_n be_v proposition_n themselves_o and_o accept_v for_o truth_n as_o be_v suppose_v they_o be_v incapable_a of_o distinction_n as_o shall_v be_v particular_o show_v hereafter_o beside_o those_o subject_n be_v point_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o stand_v in_o the_o abstract_n that_o be_v not_o descend_v to_o subsume_v respect_n even_o in_o that_o regard_n too_o they_o be_v free_v from_o all_o pertinent_a distinguishableness_n the_o same_o be_v demonstrate_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o truth_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o indivisible_a whence_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o truth_n have_v how_o great_a soever_o the_o conceive_a approach_n towards_o it_o may_v be_v till_o all_o may-not-bee_n or_o potentiality_n to_o be_v otherwise_o be_v utter_o exclude_v by_o the_o actuality_n of_o be_v or_o existence_n which_o put_v or_o discover_v the_o light_n of_o truth_n break_v forth_o and_o the_o dim_a twilight_n of_o may-not-bee_n vanish_v and_o disappear_v i_o have_v
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 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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
ii_o the_o second_o way_n of_o confirmation_n shall_v be_v by_o endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n now_o all_o that_o be_v irreligious_a be_v so_o upon_o one_o of_o these_o two_o account_n either_o first_o because_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o foundation_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o future_a reward_n or_o else_o second_o because_o though_o they_o do_v in_o some_o sort_n believe_v these_o thing_n yet_o they_o live_v contrary_a to_o this_o their_o belief_n and_o of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o wicked_a man_n the_o first_o sort_n be_v guilty_a of_o that_o which_o we_o call_v speculative_a the_o other_o of_o practical_a atheism_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n of_o both_o these_o first_o speculative_a atheism_n be_v unreasonable_a and_o that_o upon_o these_o five_o account_n 1._o because_o it_o give_v 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there_o be_v but_o these_o two_o way_n imaginable_a for_o the_o world_n to_o be_v either_o it_o must_v be_v say_v that_o not_o only_o the_o matter_n but_o also_o the_o frame_n of_o this_o world_n be_v eternal_a and_o that_o as_o to_o the_o main_a thing_n always_o be_v as_o they_o be_v without_o any_o first_o cause_n of_o their_o be_v which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o aristotelian_a atheist_n those_o i_o mean_v who_o proceed_v upon_o aristotle_n supposition_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n but_o yet_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v from_o god_n which_o he_o express_o assert_n or_o else_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o world_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v eternal_a and_o of_o itself_o the_o original_n of_o this_o vast_a and_o beautiful_a frame_n must_v be_v ascribe_v more_o to_o chance_n and_o the_o casual_a concourse_n of_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o epicurean_a atheist_n but_o neither_o of_o these_o way_n give_v a_o tolerable_a account_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o world_n 1._o i_o shall_v first_o consider_v the_o hypothesis_n of_o those_o who_o for_o distinction_n sake_n i_o call_v the_o aristotelian_a atheist_n which_o be_v this_o that_o not_o only_o the_o matter_n but_o also_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a and_o that_o as_o to_o the_o main_a it_o be_v always_o as_o it_o be_v of_o it_o self_n and_o that_o there_o have_v be_v from_o all_o eternity_n a_o succession_n of_o man_n and_o other_o creature_n without_o any_o first_o cause_n of_o their_o be_v it_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o hard_a and_o if_o that_o will_v do_v any_o good_a may_v be_v just_a matter_n of_o complaint_n that_o we_o be_v fall_v into_o so_o profane_a and_o sceptical_a a_o age_n which_o take_v a_o pleasure_n and_o a_o pride_n in_o unravil_v almost_o all_o the_o receive_v principle_n both_o of_o religion_n and_o reason_n so_o that_o we_o be_v put_v many_o time_n to_o prove_v those_o thing_n which_o can_v hardly_o be_v make_v plain_a than_o they_o be_v of_o themselves_o and_o such_o almost_o be_v these_o principle_n that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o which_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o bold_a cavil_n of_o perverse_a and_o unreasonable_a man_n we_o be_v now_o a-days_o put_v to_o defend_v that_o something_o be_v of_o itself_o be_v evident_a because_o we_o see_v thing_n be_v and_o the_o thing_n that_o we_o see_v must_v either_o have_v have_v some_o first_o cause_n of_o their_o be_v or_o have_v be_v always_o and_o of_o themselves_o one_o of_o these_o two_o be_v unavoidable_a so_o that_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o this_o sort_n of_o atheist_n come_v to_o this_o which_o be_v the_o more_o credible_a opinion_n that_o the_o world_n be_v never_o make_v nor_o have_v a_o begin_n but_o always_o be_v as_o it_o be_v and_o that_o there_o have_v be_v from_o all_o eternity_n a_o succession_n of_o man_n and_o other_o creature_n without_o any_o first_o cause_n of_o their_o be_v or_o that_o there_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n such_o a_o be_v as_o we_o conceive_v god_n to_o be_v infinite_a in_o power_n goodness_n and_o wisdom_n which_o make_v we_o and_o all_o other_o thing_n the_o first_o of_o these_o opinion_n i_o shall_v show_v to_o be_v altogether_o incredible_a and_o the_o latter_a to_o have_v all_o the_o credibility_n and_o evidence_n of_o which_o a_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v capable_a and_o such_o evidence_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o impartial_a and_o considerate_a man_n now_o in_o compare_v the_o probability_n of_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v know_v on_o which_o side_n the_o advantage_n lie_v these_o two_o consideration_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n what_o the_o argument_n be_v on_o each_o side_n and_o what_o the_o difficulty_n for_o if_o there_o be_v fair_a proof_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o none_o at_o all_o on_o the_o other_o and_o if_o the_o most_o press_a difficulty_n be_v on_o that_o side_n on_o which_o there_o be_v no_o proof_n this_o 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this_o apprehension_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n must_v in_o all_o reason_n be_v ascribe_v to_o some_o more_o certain_a and_o universal_a cause_n than_o fear_n or_o tradition_n or_o state-policy_n viz._n to_o this_o that_o god_n himself_o have_v wrought_v this_o image_n of_o himself_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o so_o weave_v it_o into_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o his_o be_v that_o like_a phidias_n his_o picture_n in_o minerva_n shield_n it_o can_v never_o total_o be_v deface_v without_o the_o ruin_n of_o humane_a nature_n i_o know_v but_o one_o objection_n that_o this_o discourse_n be_v liable_a to_o which_o be_v this_o that_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o god_n be_v no_o more_o a_o argument_n that_o he_o real_o be_v than_o the_o general_a agreement_n of_o so_o many_o nation_n for_o so_o many_o age_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o many_o god_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o there_o be_v many_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v i._n that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o philosopher_n and_o wise_a man_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o age_n do_v dissent_v from_o the_o multitude_n in_o these_o thing_n they_o believe_v but_o one_o supreme_a deity_n which_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o various_a benefit_n man_n receive_v from_o he_o have_v several_a title_n bestow_v upon_o he_o and_o although_o they_o do_v servile_o comply_v with_o the_o people_n in_o worship_v god_n by_o sensible_a image_n and_o representation_n yet_o it_o appear_v by_o their_o writing_n that_o they_o despise_v this_o way_n of_o worship_n as_o superstitious_a and_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n so_o that_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n be_v far_o from_o be_v able_a to_o pretend_v to_o universal_a consent_n from_o their_o have_v have_v the_o vote_n of_o the_o multitude_n in_o most_o nation_n for_o several_a age_n together_o because_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o vulgar_a separate_v from_o the_o consent_n and_o approbation_n of_o the_o wise_a signify_v no_o more_o than_o a_o great_a many_o cipher_n will_v do_v without_o figure_n 2._o the_o gross_a ignorance_n and_o mistake_n of_o the_o heathen_a about_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n because_o they_o show_v that_o man_n sink_v into_o the_o most_o degenerate_a condition_n into_o the_o great_a blindness_n and_o darkness_n imaginable_a do_v yet_o retain_v some_o sense_n and_o awe_n of_o a_o deity_n that_o religion_n be_v a_o property_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v intimate_v to_o our_o understanding_n and_o stick_n close_o to_o they_o see_v man_n will_v rather_o have_v any_o god_n than_o none_o and_o rather_o than_o want_v a_o deity_n they_o will_v worship_v any_o thing_n 3._o that_o there_o have_v be_v so_o many_o false_a god_n devise_v be_v rather_o
to_o religion_n religion_n be_v against_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o set_v themselves_o against_o religion_n the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v terrible_a enemy_n to_o wicked_a man_n they_o be_v continnual_o fly_v in_o their_o face_n and_o gall_v their_o conscience_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v they_o kick_v against_o religion_n and_o spurn_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o holy_a book_n and_o this_o may_v probable_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o many_o man_n who_o be_v observe_v to_o be_v sufficient_o dull_a in_o other_o matter_n yet_o can_v talk_v profane_o and_o speak_v against_o religion_n with_o some_o kind_n of_o salt_n and_o smartness_n because_o religion_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o fret_v they_o and_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n so_o in_o this_o vexatio_fw-la that_fw-mi intellectum_fw-la the_o inward_a trouble_n and_o vexation_n of_o their_o mind_n give_v they_o some_o kind_n of_o wit_n and_o sharpness_n in_o rally_v upon_o religion_n their_o conscience_n be_v gall_v by_o it_o and_o this_o make_v they_o winch_v and_o fling_v as_o if_o they_o have_v some_o metal_n for_o let_v man_n pretend_v what_o they_o will_v there_o be_v no_o ease_n and_o comfort_n of_o mind_n to_o be_v have_v from_o atheistical_a principle_n it_o be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o none_o be_v more_o apprehensive_a of_o danger_n or_o more_o fearful_a of_o death_n than_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n even_o when_o they_o be_v in_o prosperity_n they_o ever_o and_o anon_o feel_v many_o inward_a sting_n and_o lash_n but_o when_o any_o great_a affliction_n or_o calamity_n overtake_v they_o they_o be_v the_o most_o poor_a spirit_a creature_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o sum_n be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o any_o man_n be_v a_o atheist_n be_v because_o he_o be_v a_o wicked_a man_n religion_n will_v curb_v he_o in_o his_o lust_n and_o therefore_o he_o cast_v it_o off_o and_o put_v all_o the_o scorn_n upon_o it_o he_o can_v beside_o that_o man_n think_v it_o some_o kind_n of_o apology_n for_o their_o vice_n that_o they_o do_v not_o act_v contrary_a to_o any_o principle_n they_o profess_v their_o practice_n be_v agreeable_a to_o what_o they_o pretend_v to_o believe_v and_o so_o they_o think_v to_o vindicate_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o practice_n by_o laugh_v at_o those_o for_o fool_n who_o believe_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a iii_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propound_v be_v to_o represent_v to_o you_o the_o heinousness_n and_o the_o aggravation_n of_o this_o vice_n and_o to_o make_v this_o out_o we_o will_v make_v these_o three_o supposition_n which_o be_v as_o many_o as_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v 1._o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v false_a 2._o suppose_v the_o matter_n be_v doubtful_a and_o the_o argument_n equal_a on_o both_o side_n 3._o suppose_v it_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a put_v the_o case_n how_o we_o will_v i_o shall_v show_v that_o the_o humour_n be_v intolerable_a i._o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v false_a not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o reason_n for_o such_o a_o supposition_n but_o only_o to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o humour_n put_v the_o case_n that_o these_o man_n be_v in_o the_o right_n in_o deny_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o all_o that_o they_o pretend_v be_v true_a yet_o so_o long_o as_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n believe_v the_o contrary_a it_o be_v certain_o a_o great_a rudeness_n or_o incivility_n at_o least_o to_o deride_v and_o scoff_n at_o these_o thing_n indeed_o upon_o this_o supposition_n there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o sin_n but_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a offence_n against_o the_o law_n of_o civil_a conversation_n suppose_v then_o the_o atheist_n be_v wise_a than_o all_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o do_v upon_o good_a ground_n know_v that_o all_o mankind_n beside_o himself_o and_o two_o or_o three_o more_o be_v mistake_v about_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v either_o so_o wise_a or_o so_o civil_a as_o he_o shall_v be_v he_o will_v keep_v all_o this_o to_o himself_o and_o not_o affront_v other_o man_n about_o these_o thing_n i_o remember_v that_o that_o law_n which_o god_n give_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n thou_o shall_v not_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o ruler_n of_o thy_o people_n be_v render_v by_o josephus_n in_o a_o very_a different_a sense_n what_o other_o nation_n account_v god_n let_v no_o man_n blaspheme_v and_o this_o be_v not_o so_o different_a from_o the_o hebrew_n as_o at_o first_o sight_n one_o will_v imagine_v for_o the_o same_o hebrew_n word_n signify_v both_o god_n and_o ruler_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o law_n or_o not_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o thing_n for_o though_o every_o man_n have_v a_o right_n in_o dispute_n against_o a_o false_a religion_n and_o to_o urge_v it_o with_o all_o its_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a consequence_n as_o the_o ancient_a father_n do_v in_o their_o dispute_n with_o the_o heathen_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o barbarous_a incivility_n for_o any_o man_n scurrilous_o to_o make_v sport_n with_o that_o which_o other_o account_v religion_n not_o with_o any_o design_n to_o convince_v their_o reason_n but_o only_o to_o provoke_v their_o rage_n but_o now_o the_o atheist_n can_v pretend_v no_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n why_o he_o shall_v so_o much_o as_o dispute_v against_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n much_o less_o deride_v they_o he_o that_o pretend_v to_o any_o religion_n may_v pretend_v conscience_n for_o oppose_v a_o contrary_a religion_n but_o he_o that_o deny_v all_o religion_n can_v pretend_v no_o conscience_n for_o any_o thing_n a_o man_n may_v be_v oblige_v indeed_o in_o reason_n and_o common_a humanity_n to_o free_v his_o neighbour_n from_o a_o hurtful_a error_n but_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o god_n this_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n have_v take_v such_o deep_a root_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o either_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extinguish_v or_o if_o they_o be_v it_o will_v be_v no_o kindness_n to_o any_o man_n to_o endeavour_v it_o for_o he_o because_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v but_o with_o so_o much_o trouble_v and_o violence_n that_o the_o remedy_n will_v be_v worse_o than_o the_o disease_n for_o if_o this_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v found_v in_o a_o natural_a fear_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o attempt_v to_o expel_v it_o for_o whatever_o violence_n may_v be_v offer_v to_o nature_n by_o endeavour_v to_o reason_n man_n into_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n nature_n will_v still_o recoil_v and_o at_o last_o return_n to_o itself_o and_o then_o the_o fear_n will_v be_v augment_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o dangerous_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o impiety_n so_o that_o nothing_o can_v create_v more_o trouble_n to_o a_o man_n than_o to_o endeavour_v to_o dispossess_v he_o of_o this_o conceit_n because_o nature_n be_v but_o irritate_v by_o the_o contest_v and_o the_o man_n fear_n will_v be_v double_v upon_o he_o but_o if_o we_o suppose_v this_o apprehension_n of_o a_o deity_n to_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o nature_n but_o to_o have_v have_v its_o rise_n from_o tradition_n which_o have_v be_v confirm_v in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o prejudice_n of_o education_n the_o difficulty_n of_o remove_v it_o will_v almost_o be_v as_o great_a as_o if_o it_o be_v natural_a that_o which_o man_n take_v in_o by_o education_n be_v next_o to_o that_o which_o be_v natural_a and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v extinguish_v yet_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o will_v not_o recompense_v the_o trouble_n of_o the_o cure_n for_o except_o the_o avoid_n of_o persecution_n for_o religion_n there_o be_v no_o advantage_n that_o the_o principle_n of_o atheism_n if_o they_o can_v be_v quiet_o settle_v in_o a_o man_n mind_n can_v give_v he_o the_o advantage_n indeed_o that_o man_n make_v of_o they_o be_v to_o give_v themselves_o the_o liberty_n to_o do_v what_o they_o please_v to_o be_v more_o sensual_a and_o more_o unjust_a than_o other_o man_n that_o be_v they_o have_v the_o privilege_n to_o surfeit_v themselves_o and_o to_o be_v sick_a often_o than_o other_o man_n and_o to_o malt_n mankind_n their_o enemy_n by_o their_o unjust_a and_o dishonest_a action_n and_o consequent_o to_o live_v more_o uneasy_o in_o the_o world_n than_o other_o man_n so_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o another_o life_n by_o oblige_v man_n to_o be_v virtuous_a do_v real_o promote_v their_o temporal_a happiness_n and_o all_o the_o privilege_n that_o atheism_n pretend_v
bestow_v these_o gift_n on_o man_n as_o aholiab_n and_o bezaleel_n do_v their_o mechanical_a skill_n in_o the_o adorn_v and_o beautify_v of_o god_n tabernacle_n for_o this_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o every_o thing_n to_o attain_v its_o true_a and_o propor_n end_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o those_o gift_n and_o endowment_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o be_v to_o glorify_v the_o giver_n here_o be_v subject_a enough_o to_o exercise_v the_o wit_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n to_o praise_v that_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o almighty_a power_n and_o exquisite_a wisdom_n which_o make_v we_o and_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o admire_v what_o we_o can_v never_o sufficient_o praise_v to_o vindicate_v the_o wise_a and_o just_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o endeavour_v as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v upon_o a_o imperfect_a view_n of_o thing_n to_o make_v out_o the_o beauty_n and_o harmony_n of_o all_o the_o seem_a discord_n and_o irregularity_n of_o the_o divine_a administration_n to_o explain_v the_o oracle_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o adore_v that_o great_a mystery_n of_o divine_a love_n which_o the_o angel_n better_a and_o noble_a creature_n than_o we_o be_v desire_v to_o pry_v into_o god_n send_v his_o only_a son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n and_o to_o give_v his_o life_n a_o ransom_n for_o they_o these_o will_v be_v noble_a exercise_n indeed_o for_o the_o tongue_n and_o pen_n of_o the_o great_a wit_n and_o subject_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v the_o best_a trial_n of_o our_o ability_n in_o this_o kind_n satyr_n and_o invective_n be_v the_o easy_a kind_n of_o wit_n almost_o any_o degree_n of_o it_o will_v serve_v to_o abuse_v and_o find_v fault_n for_o wit_n be_v a_o keen_a instrument_n and_o every_o one_o can_v cut_v and_o gash_n with_o it_o but_o to_o carve_v a_o beautiful_a image_n and_o to_o polish_v it_o require_v great_a art_n and_o dexterity_n to_o praise_v any_o thing_n well_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o much_o more_o wit_n than_o to_o abuse_v a_o little_a wit_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o ill_a nature_n will_v furnish_v a_o man_n for_o satyr_n but_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o wit_n be_v to_o commend_v well_o and_o perhaps_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v the_o hard_a to_o be_v due_o commend_v for_o though_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o matter_n to_o work_v upon_o yet_o there_o be_v great_a judgement_n require_v to_o make_v choice_n and_o where_o the_o subject_n be_v great_a and_o excellent_a it_o be_v hard_a not_o to_o sink_v below_o the_o dignity_n of_o it_o this_o i_o say_v on_o purpose_n to_o recommend_v to_o man_n a_o noble_a exercise_n for_o their_o wit_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o put_v they_o out_o of_o conceit_n with_o that_o scoff_a humour_n which_o be_v so_o easy_a and_o so_o ill_o nature_a and_o be_v not_o only_o a_o enemy_n to_o religion_n but_o to_o every_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o worthy_a and_o i_o be_o very_o much_o mistake_v if_o the_o state_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n the_o civil_a government_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n do_v not_o in_o a_o short_a space_n find_v the_o intolerable_a inconvenience_n of_o this_o humour_n but_o i_o confine_v myself_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v sad_a indeed_o that_o in_o a_o nation_n profess_v christianity_n so_o horrid_a a_o impiety_n shall_v dare_v to_o appear_v but_o the_o scripture_n have_v foretell_v we_o that_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n shall_v arise_v in_o the_o gospel-age_n and_o they_o do_v appear_v even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n that_o which_o be_v more_o sad_a and_o strange_a be_v that_o we_o shall_v persist_v in_o this_o profaneness_n notwithstanding_o the_o terrible_a judgement_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v abroad_o in_o this_o nation_n god_n have_v of_o late_a year_n manifest_v himself_o in_o a_o very_a dreadful_a manner_n as_o if_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n to_o give_v a_o check_n to_o this_o insolent_a impiety_n and_o now_o that_o those_o judgement_n have_v do_v no_o good_a upon_o we_o we_o may_v just_o fear_v that_o he_o will_v appear_v once_o for_o all_o and_o it_o be_v time_n for_o he_o to_o show_v himself_o when_o his_o very_a be_v be_v call_v in_o question_n and_o to_o come_v and_o judge_v the_o world_n when_o man_n begin_v to_o doubt_v whether_o he_o make_v it_o the_o scripture_n mention_n two_o thing_n as_o the_o forerunner_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o come_n to_o judgement_n infidelity_n and_o profane_a scoff_v at_o religion_n 18.8_o luke_n 18.8_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o st._n judas_n out_o of_o a_o ancient_a prophecy_n of_o enoch_n express_o mention_n this_o as_o one_o reason_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o convince_v ungodly_a sinner_n of_o all_o their_o hard_a speech_n which_o they_o have_v speak_v against_o he_o for_o judas_n 15._o for_o and_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v a_o sign_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o come_n i_o wish_v that_o we_o in_o this_o age_n have_v not_o too_o much_o cause_n to_o apprehend_v the_o judge_n to_o be_v at_o the_o door_n this_o impiety_n do_v forerun_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o if_o it_o hold_v on_o among_o we_o may_v not_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v that_o either_o the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v at_o hand_n or_o that_o some_o very_a dismal_a calamity_n great_a than_o any_o our_o eye_n have_v yet_o see_v do_v hang_v over_o we_o but_o i_o will_v fain_o hope_v that_o god_n have_v mercy_n still_o for_o we_o and_o that_o man_n will_v pity_v themselves_o and_o repent_v and_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o know_v in_o this_o their_o day_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o their_o peace_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n prov_n fourteen_o 34._o righteousness_n exalt_v a_o nation_n but_o sin_n be_v the_o reproach_n of_o any_o people_n one_o of_o the_o first_o principle_n that_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o which_o lie_v at_o the_o very_a root_n and_o foundation_n of_o his_o be_v be_v the_o desire_n of_o his_o own_o preservation_n and_o happiness_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o every_o man_n be_v lead_v by_o interest_n and_o do_v love_n or_o hate_n choose_v or_o refuse_v thing_n according_a as_o he_o apprehend_v they_o to_o conduce_v to_o this_o end_n or_o to_o contradict_v it_o and_o because_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n be_v most_o present_a and_o sensible_a therefore_o humane_a nature_n which_o in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n be_v extreme_o sink_v down_o into_o sense_n be_v most_o powerful_o affect_v with_o sensible_a and_o temporal_a thing_n and_o consequent_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a prejudice_n raise_v against_o any_o thing_n than_o to_o have_v it_o represent_v as_o inconvenient_a and_o hurtful_a to_o our_o temporal_a interest_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o religion_n have_v extreme_o suffer_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o many_o as_o if_o it_o be_v opposite_a to_o our_o present_a welfare_n and_o do_v rob_v man_n of_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o convenience_n of_o life_n so_o that_o he_o that_o will_v do_v right_a to_o religion_n and_o make_v a_o ready_a way_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o it_o among_o man_n can_v take_v a_o more_o effectual_a course_n than_o by_o reconcile_a it_o with_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o by_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o our_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o enemy_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a friend_n to_o our_o temporal_a interest_n and_o that_o it_o do_v not_o only_o tend_v to_o make_v every_o man_n happy_a consider_v single_o and_o in_o a_o private_a capacity_n but_o be_v excellent_o fit_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o humane_a society_n how_o much_o religion_n tend_v even_o to_o the_o temporal_a advantage_n of_o private_a person_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o consider_v because_o my_o text_n lead_v i_o to_o discourse_v of_o the_o other_o namely_o to_o show_v how_o advantageous_a religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v to_o the_o public_a prosperity_n of_o a_o nation_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o aphorism_n of_o solomon_n righteousness_n exalt_v a_o nation_n etc._n etc._n and_o here_o i_o shall_v not_o restrain_v righteousness_n to_o the_o particular_a virtue_n of_o justice_n though_o in_o this_o sense_n also_o this_o say_n be_v most_o true_a but_o enlarge_v it_o according_a to_o the_o genius_n and_o strain_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o proverb_n in_o which_o the_o word_n wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n be_v common_o use_v very_o comprehensive_o so_o as_o to_o signify_v all_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o that_o
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
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 in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o be_v a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o persection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o raise_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n the_o law_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v such_o as_o be_v general_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n as_o do_v tend_v to_o the_o outward_a peace_n and_o the_o health_n to_o the_o inward_a comfort_n and_o contentment_n and_o to_o the_o universal_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n they_o command_v nothing_o that_o be_v unnecessary_a and_o burdensome_a as_o be_v the_o numerous_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n but_o what_o be_v reasonable_a and_o useful_a and_o substantial_a and_o they_o omit_v nothing_o that_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o the_o welfare_n of_o man_n nor_o do_v they_o restrain_v we_o in_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v contrary_a either_o to_o the_o regular_a inclination_n 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
unrighteousness_n it_o threaten_v indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o powerful_a a_o instrument_n for_o the_o reform_n of_o the_o world_n that_o it_o propose_v to_o man_n such_o glorious_a reward_n and_o such_o terrible_a punishment_n as_o no_o religion_n ever_o do_v and_o to_o make_v the_o consideration_n of_o they_o more_o effectual_a it_o give_v we_o far_o great_a assurance_n of_o the_o reality_n and_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n than_o ever_o the_o world_n have_v before_o this_o account_n the_o apostle_n give_v we_o of_o the_o success_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n he_o call_v it_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n 16.18_o rom._n r._n 16.18_o because_o therein_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n before_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o wickedness_n and_o impenitency_n of_o the_o heathen-world_n be_v a_o much_o more_o excusable_a thing_n because_o they_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n ignorant_a of_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o life_n and_o have_v general_o but_o very_o uncertain_a and_o obscure_a apprehension_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o urge_v man_n most_o powerful_o to_o forsake_v their_o sin_n and_o be_v the_o most_o prevalent_a argument_n to_o a_o good_a life_n so_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o athenian_n the_o most_o know_v among_o the_o heathen_a 31._o act._n 17.30_o 31._o the_o time_n of_o this_o ignorance_n god_n wink_v at_o but_o now_o command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v because_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n in_o the_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n by_o that_o man_n who_o he_o have_v ordain_v whereof_o he_o have_v give_v assurance_n unto_o all_o man_n in_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a have_v give_v the_o world_n that_o full_a assurance_n of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o of_o a_o future_a judgement_n which_o it_o never_o have_v before_o for_o he_o who_o god_n raise_v from_o the_o dead_a do_v declare_v and_o testify_v that_o it_o be_v he_o who_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o quick_a and_o dead_a 10.42_o act._n 10.42_o and_o the_o firm_a belief_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n which_o shall_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n if_o it_o be_v well_o consider_v be_v to_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n the_o most_o forcible_a motive_n of_o all_o other_o to_o a_o good_a life_n because_o it_o be_v take_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o last_a happiness_n and_o misery_n that_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o so_o that_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n have_v the_o firm_a sanction_n of_o any_o law_n in_o the_o world_n to_o secure_v the_o obedience_n and_o observance_n of_o they_o for_o what_o can_v restrain_v man_n from_o sin_n if_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o evident_a danger_n of_o eternal_a destruction_n will_v not_o what_o encouragement_n can_v be_v give_v to_o goodness_n beyond_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o endless_a felicity_n iv_o the_o christian_a religion_n furnish_v we_o with_o the_o best_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 this_o be_v one_o great_a design_n of_o philosophy_n to_o support_v man_n under_o the_o evil_n and_o calamity_n which_o this_o life_n be_v incident_a to_o and_o to_o fortify_v their_o spirit_n against_o suffering_n and_o to_o this_o end_n the_o wise_a among_o the_o heathen_n rack_v their_o wit_n and_o cast_v about_o every_o way_n they_o advance_v all_o sort_n of_o principle_n and_o manage_v every_o little_a argument_n and_o consideration_n to_o the_o utmost_a advantage_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o these_o attempt_n they_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o give_v any_o considerable_a comfort_n and_o ease_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n under_o any_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o pressure_n of_o this_o life_n the_o bed_n be_v short_a than_o that_o a_o man_n can_v stretch_v himself_o upon_o it_o and_o the_o cover_n narrow_a than_o that_o a_o man_n can_v wrap_v himself_o in_o it_o all_o the_o wise_a say_n and_o advice_n which_o philosopher_n can_v muster_v up_o to_o this_o purpose_n have_v prove_v ineffectual_a to_o the_o common_a people_n and_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n and_o have_v help_v only_o to_o support_v some_o few_o stout_a and_o ostbinate_a mind_n which_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o philosophy_n will_v have_v hold_v up_o pretty_a well_o of_o themselves_o some_o of_o the_o philosopher_n have_v run_v so_o far_o back_o for_o argument_n of_o comfort_n against_o pain_n as_o to_o call_v every_o thing_n into_o question_n and_o to_o doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o sense_n or_o pain_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o when_o any_o great_a evil_n have_v be_v upon_o they_o they_o will_v certain_o sigh_v and_o groan_v as_o pitiful_o and_o cry_v out_o as_o loud_a as_o other_o man_n other_o have_v seek_v to_o ease_v themselves_o of_o all_o the_o evil_a of_o affliction_n by_o dispute_v subtle_o against_o it_o and_o pertinacious_o maintain_v that_o affliction_n be_v no_o real_a evil_n but_o only_a in_o opinion_n and_o imagination_n and_o therefore_o a_o wise_a man_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v trouble_v at_o they_o but_o he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a wise_a man_n that_o can_v forbear_v be_v trouble_v at_o thing_n that_o be_v very_o troublesome_a and_o yet_o thus_o possidonius_fw-la as_o tully_n tell_v we_o distinguish_v he_o can_v not_o deny_v pain_n to_o be_v very_o troublesome_a but_o for_o all_o that_o he_o be_v resolve_v never_o to_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o evil_a but_o sure_o it_o be_v a_o very_a slender_a comfort_n that_o rely_v upon_o this_o nice_a distinction_n between_o thing_n be_v troublesome_a and_o be_v evil_n when_o all_o the_o evil_a of_o affliction_n lie_v in_o the_o trouble_n it_o create_v to_o we_o but_o when_o the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v be_v make_v of_o this_o argument_n it_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o be_v throw_v away_o as_o a_o stupid_a paradox_n and_o against_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n other_o have_v endeavour_v to_o delude_v their_o trouble_n by_o a_o grave_a way_n of_o reason_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v fatal_a and_o necessary_a and_o therefore_o no_o body_n ought_v to_o be_v trouble_v at_o they_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o be_v trouble_v at_o that_o which_o we_o can_v help_v and_o yet_o perhaps_o it_o may_v as_o reasonable_o be_v say_v on_o the_o other_o side_n that_o this_o very_a consideration_n that_o a_o thing_n can_v be_v help_v be_v one_o of_o the_o just_a cause_n of_o trouble_n to_o a_o wise_a man_n for_o it_o be_v some_o kind_n of_o comfort_n if_o these_o evil_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v because_o than_o we_o may_v be_v careful_a to_o prevent_v they_o another_o time_n but_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_a than_o my_o trouble_n be_v as_o fatal_a as_o the_o calamity_n that_o occasion_n it_o and_o though_o i_o know_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o be_v trouble_v for_o that_o which_o i_o can_v help_v yet_o i_o can_v choose_v but_o be_v afflict_v it_o be_v a_o smart_a reply_n that_o augustus_n make_v to_o one_o that_o minister_v this_o comfort_n to_o he_o of_o the_o fatality_n of_o thing_n hoc_fw-la ipsum_fw-la est_fw-la say_v he_o quoth_v i_o male_a habet_fw-la this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o give_v any_o ease_n to_o his_o mind_n that_o this_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o trouble_v he_o other_o have_v try_v to_o divert_v and_o entertain_v the_o trouble_n of_o other_o man_n by_o pretty_a and_o plausible_a say_n such_o as_o this_o that_o if_o evil_n be_v long_o they_o be_v but_o light_n if_o sharp_a i_o but_o short_a and_o a_o hundred_o such_o like_a now_o be_o apt_a to_o imagine_v that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o very_a small_a comfort_n that_o a_o plain_a and_o ordinary_a man_n lie_v under_o a_o sharp_a fit_a of_o the_o stone_n for_o a_o week_n together_o receive_v from_o this_o fine_a sentence_n for_o what_o pleasure_n soever_o man_n that_o be_v at_o ease_n and_o leisure_n may_v take_v in_o be_v the_o author_n of_o witty_a say_n i_o doubt_v it_o be_v but_o poor_a consolation_n that_o a_o man_n under_o great_a and_o sting_a affliction_n find_v from_o they_o the_o best_a moral_a argument_n to_o patience_n in_o my_o opinion_n be_v the_o advantage_n of_o patience_n itself_o to_o bear_v evil_n as_o quiet_o as_o we_o can_v be_v the_o way_n to_o make_v they_o light_a and_o easy_a but_o to_o toss_v and_o fling_v and_o to_o
be_v restless_a be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o fret_v and_o enrage_v our_o pain_n to_o gall_v our_o sore_n and_o to_o make_v the_o burden_n that_o be_v upon_o we_o sit_v more_o uneasy_a but_o this_o be_v proper_o no_o consideration_n of_o comfort_n but_o a_o art_n of_o manage_v ourselves_o under_o affliction_n so_o as_o not_o to_o make_v they_o more_o grievous_a than_o indeed_o the_o be_v but_o now_o the_o argument_n which_o christianity_n propound_v to_o we_o be_v such_o as_o be_v a_o just_a and_o reasonable_a encouragement_n to_o man_n to_o bear_v suffering_n patient_o our_o religion_n set_v before_o we_o not_o the_o example_n of_o a_o stupid_a stoic_a who_o have_v by_o obstinate_a principle_n harden_v himself_o against_o all_o sense_n of_o pain_n beyond_o the_o common_a measure_n of_o humanity_n but_o a_o example_n that_o lie_v level_a to_o all_o mankind_n of_o a_o man_n like_o ourselves_o that_o have_v a_o tender_a sense_n of_o the_o least_o suffering_n and_o yet_o patient_o endure_v the_o great_a of_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n 1.22_o heb._n 1.22_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 the_o throne_n of_o god_n god_n think_v it_o expedient_a that_o the_o first_o christian_n shall_v by_o great_a hardship_n and_o persecution_n be_v train_v up_o for_o glory_n and_o to_o animate_v and_o encourage_v they_o hereto_o the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v crown_v by_o suffering_n 2.10_o heb._n 2.10_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o consideration_n of_o this_o pattern_n arm_v we_o with_o patience_n against_o the_o common_a and_o ordinary_a calamity_n of_o this_o life_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v his_o example_n with_o this_o advantage_n that_o though_o his_o suffering_n be_v whole_o undeserved_a and_o not_o for_o himself_o but_o for_o we_o yet_o he_o bear_v they_o patient_o but_o the_o main_a consideration_n of_o all_o be_v the_o glory_n which_o shall_v follow_v our_o suffering_n as_o the_o reward_n of_o they_o if_o they_o be_v for_o god_n and_o his_o cause_n and_o if_o upon_o any_o other_o innocent_a account_n as_o reward_v of_o our_o patience_n 4.17_o 2_o cor._n 4.17_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n christian_n religion_n have_v secure_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v infinite_a gainer_n by_o our_o suffering_n and_o who_o will_v not_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v upon_o term_n of_o such_o advantage_n to_o pass_v through_o many_o tribulation_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o to_o endure_v a_o short_a ffliction_n for_o a_o endless_a happiness_n the_o assurance_n of_o a_o future_a blessedness_n be_v a_o cordial_a that_o will_v revive_v our_o spirit_n more_o in_o the_o day_n of_o adversity_n than_o all_o the_o wise_a say_n and_o consideration_n of_o philosophy_n these_o be_v the_o argument_n which_o christianity_n propound_v to_o we_o and_o they_o be_v firm_a and_o sound_a at_o the_o bottom_n they_o have_v strength_n and_o substance_n in_o they_o and_o be_v apt_a to_o work_v upon_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o most_o ordinary_a understanding_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o force_n of_o they_o in_o the_o strength_n and_o virtue_n of_o this_o great_a example_n and_o in_o contemplation_n of_o this_o glorious_a reward_n with_o what_o resolution_n and_o cheerfulness_n with_o what_o courage_n and_o patience_n do_v vast_a number_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n not_o only_o man_n but_o woman_n not_o only_o those_o of_o great_a spirit_n and_o more_o generous_a education_n but_o those_o of_o the_o poor_a and_o low_a condition_n not_o only_o the_o learned_a and_o the_o wise_a but_o the_o ignorant_a and_o illiterate_a encounter_v all_o the_o rage_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o world_n and_o embrace_v torment_n and_o death_n have_v the_o precept_n and_o counsel_n of_o philosophy_n ever_o any_o such_o effect_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n i_o will_v conclude_v this_o with_o a_o passage_n in_o the_o life_n of_o lipsius_n who_o be_v a_o great_a study_a and_o admirer_n of_o the_o stoical_a philosophy_n when_o he_o lie_v upon_o his_o deathbed_n and_o one_o of_o his_o friend_n who_o come_v to_o visit_v he_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o need_v not_o use_v argument_n to_o persuade_v he_o to_o patience_n under_o his_o pain_n the_o philosophy_n which_o he_o have_v study_v so_o much_o will_v furnish_v he_o with_o motive_n enough_o to_o that_o purpose_n he_o answer_v he_o with_o this_o ejaculation_n domine_fw-la jesus_n da_fw-la mihi_fw-la patientiam_fw-la christianam_fw-la lord_n jesus_n give_v i_o christian_a patience_n no_o patience_n like_a to_o that_o which_o the_o consideration_n of_o christianity_n be_v apt_a to_o work_v in_o we_o and_o now_o i_o have_v as_o brief_o and_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v to_o you_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o clear_a discovery_n which_o it_o make_v to_o we_o of_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 and_o likewise_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o its_o law_n and_o the_o power_n of_o its_o argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n both_o to_o obey_v and_o suffer_v the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o which_o you_o may_v see_v what_o the_o proper_a tendency_n and_o design_n of_o this_o religion_n be_v and_o what_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o it_o will_v make_v man_n if_o they_o will_v true_o observe_v they_o and_o live_v according_a to_o they_o substantial_o religious_a towards_o god_n chaste_a and_o temperate_a patient_a and_o content_v in_o reference_n to_o themselves_o and_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o they_o just_a and_o honest_a kind_a and_o peaceable_a and_o good_a nature_a 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the_o law_n themselves_o and_o their_o suitableness_n or_o unsuitableness_n to_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v give_v second_o upon_o the_o ability_n or_o weakness_n of_o those_o on_o who_o these_o law_n be_v impose_v for_o the_o keep_n of_o they_o for_o easiness_n and_o difficulty_n be_v relative_a term_n and_o refer_v to_o some_o power_n and_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v difficult_a to_o a_o weak_a man_n which_o yet_o may_v be_v easy_a to_o the_o same_o person_n when_o assist_v with_o a_o great_a strength_n three_o upon_o the_o encouragement_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o they_o for_o the_o proposal_n of_o great_a reward_n do_v very_o much_o qualify_v and_o allay_v the_o difficulty_n of_o any_o undertake_n now_o if_o i_o can_v make_v these_o three_o thing_n evident_a 1._o that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v reasonable_a that_o be_v suitable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o advantageous_a to_o our_o interest_n 2._o that_o we_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o sufficient_a power_n 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thing_n only_o they_o have_v make_v our_o duty_n more_o clear_a and_o certain_a but_o this_o i_o have_v have_v occasion_n to_o make_v out_o large_o in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v say_v the_o less_o to_o it_o now_o as_o to_o the_o several_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v of_o the_o sacrament_n these_o be_v all_o no_o less_o for_o our_o own_o comfort_n and_o advantage_n than_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o difficulty_n or_o trouble_n in_o the_o external_a performance_n of_o they_o but_o what_o hypocrisy_n can_v make_v tolerable_a to_o itself_o and_o certain_o they_o must_v be_v not_o only_o much_o more_o easy_a but_o even_o delightful_a when_o they_o be_v direct_v by_o our_o understanding_n and_o accompany_v with_o our_o heart_n and_o affection_n as_o for_o those_o law_n of_o religion_n which_o concern_v our_o duty_n to_o ourselves_o as_o temperance_n and_o chastity_n or_o to_o other_o as_o the_o several_a branch_n of_o justice_n and_o charity_n comprehend_v in_o those_o general_a rule_n of_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o and_o of_o do_v to_o other_o as_o we_o will_v have_v they_o to_o do_v to_o we_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o these_o law_n but_o what_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o fit_a to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o nothing_o but_o what_o if_o we_o be_v to_o consult_v our_o own_o interest_n and_o happiness_n and_o do_v right_o understand_v ourselves_o we_o will_v choose_v for_o ourselves_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o as_o easy_a to_o be_v practise_v by_o a_o honest_a and_o a_o willing_a mind_n now_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o these_o be_v suitable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o understanding_n proper_a to_o our_o condition_n and_o circumstance_n in_o this_o world_n and_o preparatory_a to_o our_o happiness_n in_o the_o next_o and_o no_o man_n reason_n do_v ever_o dictate_v to_o he_o the_o contrary_a of_o any_o of_o these_o that_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o a_o creature_n not_o to_o love_v god_n to_o be_v undutiful_a to_o his_o great_a sovereign_n and_o ungrateful_a to_o his_o best_a benefactor_n that_o it_o be_v reasonable_a for_o a_o man_n to_o debauch_v himself_o by_o intemperance_n and_o brutish_a sensuality_n to_o hate_v defraud_n and_o oppress_v other_o man_n our_o very_a natural_a reason_n if_o we_o will_v but_o listen_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o it_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o all_o these_o sin_n and_o a_o law_n against_o all_o these_o vice_n and_o as_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o piety_n and_o virtue_n be_v agreeable_a to_o our_o reason_n so_o be_v it_o likewise_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o mankind_n both_o of_o private_a person_n and_o of_o public_a society_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v some_o virtue_n plain_o tend_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o health_n 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and_o self-denial_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n if_o we_o look_v well_o into_o they_o and_o consider_v thorough_o the_o nature_n and_o tendency_n of_o they_o even_o these_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v both_o reasonable_a in_o themselves_o and_o upon_o one_o account_n or_o other_o real_o for_o our_o advantage_n what_o more_o reasonable_a than_o repentance_n than_o that_o a_o man_n when_o he_o have_v do_v amiss_o and_o contrary_a to_o his_o duty_n shall_v be_v hearty_o sorry_a for_o it_o and_o resolve_v to_o do_v so_o no_o more_o and_o how_o grievous_a soever_o it_o be_v it_o be_v necessary_a be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o pardon_n and_o peace_n and_o in_o case_n our_o offence_n against_o god_n have_v be_v complicate_v with_o injury_n to_o man_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a we_o shall_v make_v restitution_n as_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o injury_n for_o without_o this_o our_o repentance_n be_v not_o real_a because_o we_o have_v 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be_v a_o steady_a and_o constant_a light_n fix_v and_o unchangeable_a as_o the_o fountain_n from_o whence_o it_o spring_v the_o father_n of_o light_n with_o who_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v and_o if_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n be_v certain_a yet_o they_o be_v unsatisfy_v this_o be_v the_o vanity_n of_o vanity_n that_o every_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n can_v trouble_v we_o but_o nothing_o can_v give_v we_o satisfaction_n i_o know_v not_o how_o it_o be_v but_o either_o we_o or_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n or_o both_o be_v so_o fantastical_a that_o we_o can_v neither_o be_v well_o with_o these_o thing_n nor_o well_o without_o they_o if_o we_o be_v hungry_a we_o be_v in_o pain_n and_o if_o we_o eat_v to_o the_o full_a we_o be_v uneasy_a if_o we_o be_v poor_a we_o think_v ourselves_o miserable_a and_o when_o we_o come_v to_o be_v rich_a we_o common_o real_o be_v so_o if_o we_o be_v in_o a_o low_a condition_n we_o fret_v and_o murmur_n and_o if_o we_o chance_v to_o get_v up_o and_o to_o be_v raise_v to_o greatness_n we_o be_v many_o time_n far_o from_o contentment_n than_o we_o be_v before_o so_o that_o we_o pursue_v the_o happiness_n of_o this_o world_n just_a as_o little_a child_n chase_v bird_n when_o we_o think_v we_o be_v come_v very_o near_o it_o and_o have_v it_o almost_o in_o our_o hand_n it_o fly_v far_a from_o we_o than_o it_o be_v at_o first_o nay_o so_o far_o be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n from_o afford_v we_o satisfaction_n that_o the_o sweet_a of_o they_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o satiate_v and_o cloy_v we_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n be_v so_o contrive_v as_o to_o yield_v we_o very_o little_a happiness_n if_o they_o go_v off_o quick_o they_o signify_v nothing_o and_o if_o they_o stay_v long_o we_o be_v sick_a of_o they_o after_o a_o full_a draught_n of_o any_o sensual_a pleasure_n we_o present_o loathe_v it_o and_o hate_v it_o as_o much_o after_o the_o enjoyment_n as_o we_o court_v it_o and_o long_v for_o it_o in_o the_o expectation_n but_o the_o delight_n of_o the_o other_o world_n as_o they_o will_v give_v we_o full_a satisfaction_n so_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v weary_a of_o they_o every_o repetition_n of_o they_o will_v be_v accompany_v with_o a_o new_a pleasure_n and_o contentment_n in_o the_o felicity_n of_o heaven_n these_o two_o thing_n shall_v be_v reconcile_v which_o never_o meet_v together_o in_o any_o sensual_a delight_n long_o and_o full_a enjoyment_n and_o yet_o a_o fresh_a and_o perpetual_a pleasure_n as_o in_o god_n presence_n there_o be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n so_o at_o his_o right_a hand_n there_o shall_v be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o 2._o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o life_n be_v not_o only_o incomparable_o beyond_o any_o happiness_n of_o this_o world_n that_o it_o may_v be_v be_v no_o great_a commendation_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v very_o great_a in_o itself_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n be_v usual_o in_o scripture_n descirb_v to_o we_o by_o such_o pleasure_n as_o be_v manly_a and_o excellent_a chaste_a and_o intellectual_a infinite_o more_o pure_a and_o refine_a than_o those_o of_o sense_n and_o if_o the_o scripture_n at_o any_o time_n descend_v to_o the_o metaphor_n of_o a_o feast_n and_o a_o banquet_n and_o a_o marriage_n it_o be_v plain_o by_o way_n of_o accommodation_n to_o our_o weakness_n and_o condescension_n to_o our_o capacity_n but_o the_o chief_a ingredient_n of_o this_o happiness_n so_o far_o as_o the_o scripture_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v it_o to_o we_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o the_o height_n of_o our_o love_n and_o the_o perpetual_a society_n and_o friendship_n of_o all_o the_o bless_a inhabitant_n of_o those_o glorious_a mansion_n and_o the_o joyful_a concurrence_n of_o all_o these_o in_o cheerful_a expression_n of_o gratitude_n in_o the_o incessant_a praise_n and_o admiration_n of_o the_o fountain_n and_o author_n of_o all_o this_o happiness_n and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o delightful_a than_o to_o have_v our_o understanding_n entertain_v with_o a_o clear_a sight_n of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o his_o work_n and_o of_o the_o wise_a design_n of_o his_o providence_n here_o in_o the_o world_n than_o to_o live_v in_o the_o revive_a presence_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v continual_o attend_v upon_o he_o who_o favour_n be_v life_n and_o who_o glory_n be_v much_o more_o above_o that_o of_o any_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n than_o the_o great_a of_o they_o be_v above_o the_o poor_a worm_n the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n think_v solomon_n servant_n happy_a in_o have_v the_o opportunity_n by_o stand_v continual_o before_o he_o to_o hear_v his_o wisdom_n but_o in_o the_o other_o world_n it_o shall_v be_v a_o happiness_n to_o solomon_n himself_o and_o to_o the_o wise_a and_o great_a person_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o this_o world_n to_o stand_v before_o this_o great_a king_n to_o admire_v his_o wisdom_n and_o to_o behold_v his_o glory_n not_o that_o i_o imagine_v the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n to_o consist_v in_o a_o perpetual_a gaze_v upon_o god_n and_o in_o a_o idle_a contemplation_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o place_n for_o as_o by_o that_o bless_a sight_n we_o shall_v be_v infinite_o transport_v so_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o we_o shall_v be_v also_o transform_v into_o the_o image_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n we_o shall_v see_v god_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o and_o what_o great_a happiness_n can_v there_o be_v than_o to_o be_v like_o the_o happy_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v in_o the_o world_n beside_o who_o can_v tell_v what_o employment_n god_n may_v have_v for_o we_o in_o the_o next_o life_n we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o that_o he_o who_o be_v happiness_n itself_o and_o have_v promise_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a can_v easy_o find_v out_o such_o employment_n and_o delight_n for_o we_o in_o the_o other_o world_n as_o will_v be_v proper_a and_o suitable_a to_o that_o state_n but_o then_o beside_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o knowledge_n there_o shall_v be_v the_o most_o delightful_a exercise_n of_o love_n when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n we_o shall_v enter_v into_o the_o society_n of_o the_o bless_a angel_n and_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o just_a man_n make_v perfect_a that_o be_v free_v from_o all_o those_o passion_n and_o infirmity_n which_o do_v now_o render_v the_o conversation_n even_o of_o the_o best_a man_n sometime_o troublesome_a to_o one_o another_o we_o shall_v then_o meet_v with_o all_o those_o excellent_a person_n those_o brave_a mind_n those_o innocent_a and_o charitable_a soul_n who_o we_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v and_o read_v of_o in_o this_o world_n there_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o many_o of_o our_o dear_a relation_n and_o intimate_a friend_n and_o perhaps_o with_o many_o of_o our_o enemy_n to_o who_o we_o shall_v then_o be_v perfect_o reconcile_v notwithstanding_o all_o the_o warm_a contest_v and_o peevish_a difference_n which_o we_o have_v with_o they_o in_o this_o world_n even_o about_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o heaven_n be_v a_o state_n of_o perfect_a love_n and_o friendship_n there_o will_v be_v nothing_o but_o kindness_n and_o good_a nature_n there_o and_o all_o the_o prudent_a art_n of_o endearment_n and_o wise_a way_n of_o render_v conversation_n mutual_o pleasant_a to_o one_o another_o and_o what_o great_a happiness_n can_v be_v imagine_v than_o to_o converse_v free_o with_o so_o many_o excellent_a person_n without_o any_o thing_n of_o folly_n or_o disguise_n of_o jealousy_n or_o design_n upon_o one_o another_o for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v none_o of_o those_o vice_n and_o passion_n of_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n of_o envy_n and_o hatred_n of_o wrath_n and_o peevishness_n which_o
do_v now_o so_o much_o spoil_v the_o pleasure_n and_o disturb_v the_o quiet_a of_o mankind_n all_o quarrel_n and_o contention_n schism_n and_o division_n will_v then_o be_v effectual_o hinder_v not_o by_o force_n but_o by_o love_n not_o by_o compulsion_n but_o by_o that_o charity_n which_o never_o fail_v and_o all_o those_o controversy_n in_o religion_n which_o be_v now_o so_o hot_o agitate_a will_n then_o be_v final_o determine_v not_o as_o we_o endeavour_v to_o end_v they_o now_o by_o canon_n and_o decree_n but_o by_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n and_o convince_a light_n and_o when_o this_o bless_a society_n be_v meet_v together_o and_o thus_o unite_v by_o love_n they_o shall_v all_o join_v in_o gratitude_n to_o their_o great_a patron_n and_o benefactor_n to_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o to_o the_o lamb_n that_o be_v slay_v to_o god_n even_o our_o father_n and_o to_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o have_v love_v we_o and_o wash_v we_o from_o our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o blood_n and_o they_o shall_v sing_v everlasting_a song_n of_o praise_n to_o god_n for_o all_o his_o work_n of_o wonder_n for_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o admirable_a wisdom_n and_o almighty_a power_n which_o be_v clear_o see_v in_o the_o creation_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o it_o particular_o for_o his_o favour_n to_o mankind_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o their_o being_n for_o the_o comfort_n of_o their_o life_n and_o for_o all_o his_o merciful_a providence_n towards_o they_o in_o this_o world_n but_o above_o all_o for_o the_o redemption_n of_o their_o soul_n by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n for_o the_o free_a forgiveness_n of_o their_o sin_n for_o the_o gracious_a assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o for_o conduct_v they_o safe_o through_o all_o the_o snare_n and_o danger_n the_o trouble_n and_o temptation_n of_o this_o world_n to_o the_o secure_a possession_n of_o that_o glory_n and_o happiness_n which_o then_o they_o shall_v be_v partaker_n of_o and_o be_v bind_v to_o praise_n god_n for_o to_o all_o eternity_n this_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o employment_n of_o the_o bless_a spirit_n above_o and_o these_o be_v the_o chief_a ingredient_n of_o our_o happiness_n which_o the_o scripture_n mention_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o as_o there_o may_v be_v ten_o thousand_o more_o for_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v tell_v yet_o generous_a and_o virtuous_a mind_n will_v easy_o understand_v how_o great_a a_o pleasure_n there_o be_v in_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o love_n and_o in_o a_o grateful_a and_o perpetual_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o great_a benefit_n that_o creature_n be_v capable_a of_o receive_v 3._o this_o happiness_n shall_v be_v eternal_a and_o though_o this_o be_v but_o a_o circumstance_n and_o do_v not_o enter_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o happiness_n yet_o it_o be_v so_o material_a a_o one_o that_o all_o the_o felicity_n which_o heaven_n afford_v will_v be_v imperfect_a without_o it_o it_o will_v strange_o damp_n and_o allay_v all_o our_o joy_n to_o think_v that_o they_o shall_v sometime_o have_v a_o end_n and_o the_o great_a our_o happiness_n be_v the_o great_a trouble_n it_o will_v be_v to_o we_o to_o consider_v that_o it_o must_v have_v a_o period_n it_o will_v make_v a_o man_n sorrowful_a indeed_o to_o think_v of_o leave_v such_o vast_a possession_n indeed_o if_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n be_v such_o as_o the_o joy_n of_o this_o world_n be_v it_o be_v fit_a they_o shall_v be_v as_o short_a for_o after_o a_o little_a enjoyment_n it_o will_v cloy_v we_o and_o we_o shall_v soon_o grow_v weary_a of_o it_o but_o be_v so_o excellent_a it_o will_v scarce_o be_v a_o happiness_n if_o it_o be_v not_o eternal_a it_o will_v embitter_v the_o pleasure_n of_o heaven_n as_o great_a as_o they_o be_v to_o see_v to_o a_o end_n of_o they_o though_o it_o be_v at_o never_o so_o great_a a_o distance_n to_o consider_v that_o all_o this_o vast_a treasure_n of_o happiness_n will_v one_o day_n be_v exhaust_v and_o that_o after_o so_o many_o year_n be_v pass_v we_o shall_v be_v as_o poor_a and_o miserable_a again_o as_o we_o be_v once_o in_o this_o world_n god_n have_v so_o order_v thing_n that_o the_o vain_a and_o empty_a delight_n of_o this_o world_n shall_v be_v temporary_a and_o transient_a but_o that_o the_o great_a and_o substantial_a pleasure_n of_o the_o other_o world_n shall_v be_v as_o lasting_a as_o they_o be_v excellent_a for_o heaven_n as_o it_o be_v a_o exceed_a so_o it_o be_v a_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o crown_v the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o banish_v all_o fear_n and_o trouble_v from_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o bless_a and_o thus_o to_o be_v secure_v in_o the_o possession_n of_o our_o happiness_n be_v a_o unspeakable_a addition_n to_o it_o for_o that_o which_o be_v eternal_a as_o it_o shall_v never_o determine_v so_o it_o can_v never_o be_v diminish_v for_o to_o be_v diminish_v and_o to_o decay_n be_v to_o draw_v near_o to_o a_o end_n but_o that_o which_o shall_v never_o have_v a_o end_n can_v never_o come_v near_o to_o it_o o_o vast_a eternity_n how_o do_v thou_o swallow_v up_o our_o thought_n and_o entertain_v we_o at_o once_o with_o delight_n and_o amazement_n this_o be_v the_o very_a top_n and_o high_a pitch_n of_o our_o happiness_n upon_o which_o we_o may_v stand_v secure_a and_o look_v down_o with_o scorn_n upon_o all_o thing_n here_o below_o and_o how_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a do_v they_o appear_v to_o we_o compare_v with_o the_o vast_a and_o endless_a enjoyment_n of_o our_o future_a state_n but_o oh_o vain_a and_o foolish_a soul_n that_o be_v so_o little_o concern_v for_o eternity_n that_o for_o the_o trifle_n of_o time_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o season_n can_v find_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o forfeit_v a_o everlasting_a felicity_n bless_a god_n why_o have_v thou_o prepare_v such_o a_o happiness_n for_o those_o who_o neither_o consider_v it_o nor_o seek_v after_o it_o why_o be_v such_o a_o price_n put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o fool_n who_o have_v no_o heart_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o who_o fond_o choose_v to_o gratify_v their_o lust_n rather_o than_o to_o save_v their_o soul_n and_o sottish_o prefer_v the_o temporary_a enjoyment_n of_o sin_n before_o a_o bless_a immortality_n 4._o and_o last_o this_o happiness_n be_v far_o above_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v now_o conceive_v or_o imagine_v it_o be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o can_v now_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n we_o can_v from_o the_o experience_n of_o any_o of_o those_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n which_o we_o have_v be_v acquaint_v withal_o in_o this_o world_n frame_v a_o equal_a idea_n and_o conception_n of_o it_o so_o that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o say_v of_o it_o as_o the_o queen_n of_o sheba_n do_v of_o solomon_n wisdom_n and_o prosperity_n that_o half_a of_o it_o have_v not_o be_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o felicity_n and_o glory_n of_o that_o state_n do_v far_o exceed_v all_o the_o fame_n which_o we_o hear_v of_o they_o in_o this_o world_n for_o who_o can_v say_v how_o great_a a_o good_a god_n be_v and_o how_o happy_a he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o happiness_n can_v make_v those_o soul_n that_o love_v he_o and_o those_o who_o he_o love_v in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o a_o full_a representation_n of_o those_o glory_n we_o can_v now_o see_v god_n and_o live_v a_o full_a description_n of_o heaven_n and_o of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o that_o state_n will_v let_v in_o joy_n upon_o we_o too_o big_a for_o our_o narrow_a capacity_n and_o too_o strong_a for_o weak_a mortality_n to_o bear_v we_o be_v now_o but_o child_n and_o we_o speak_v as_o child_n and_o understand_v and_o think_v as_o child_n concern_v these_o thing_n but_o in_o the_o other_o state_n we_o shall_v grow_v up_o to_o be_v man_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v put_v away_o these_o childish_a thought_n now_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n but_o when_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a be_v come_v 11._o 1_o cor._n 13.9_o 10_o 11._o that_o which_o be_v imperfect_a shall_v be_v do_v away_o now_o we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o a_o riddle_n but_o than_o we_o shall_v see_v face_n to_o face_n now_o we_o know_v in_o part_n but_o then_o we_o shall_v know_v even_o as_o also_o we_o be_v know_v as_o the_o apostle_n discourse_v excellent_o concern_v this_o very_a matter_n no_o soon_o shall_v we_o enter_v upon_o the_o joy_n of_o the_o other_o world_n but_o our_o mind_n shall_v be_v raise_v to_o a_o strength_n
bring_v upon_o the_o public_a stage_n and_o expose_v to_o the_o view_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n there_o be_v nothing_o now_o hide_v which_o shall_v not_o then_o be_v reveal_v nor_o secret_a which_o shall_v not_o be_v make_v know_v 5._o to_o arm_v we_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n death_n be_v terrible_a to_o nature_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o it_o be_v infinite_o increase_v by_o the_o fearful_a apprehension_n of_o what_o may_v follow_v it_o but_o the_o comfortable_a hope_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n do_v strange_o relieve_v the_o faint_a spirit_n of_o die_a man_n and_o be_v able_a to_o reconcile_v we_o to_o death_n and_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o take_v away_o the_o terror_n of_o it_o i_o know_v that_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n be_v dismal_a even_o to_o good_a man_n and_o we_o have_v never_o more_o need_v of_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n than_o when_o we_o be_v conflict_v with_o this_o last_o enemy_n and_o there_o be_v no_o such_o comfortable_a consideration_n to_o a_o die_a man_n as_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o happy_a eternity_n he_o that_o look_v upon_o death_n only_o as_o a_o passage_n to_o glory_n may_v welcome_v the_o messenger_n of_o it_o as_o bring_v he_o the_o best_a and_o most_o joyful_a news_n that_o ever_o come_v to_o he_o in_o his_o whole_a life_n and_o no_o man_n can_v stay_v behind_o in_o this_o world_n with_o half_a the_o comfort_n that_o this_o man_n leave_v it_o and_o now_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o two_o thing_n employ_v in_o this_o phrase_n of_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n viz._n the_o serious_a thought_n and_o consideration_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o these_o thought_n and_o consideration_n upon_o our_o heart_n and_o life_n i_o crave_v your_o patience_n but_o a_o little_a long_o till_o i_o make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v concern_v the_o happiness_n of_o good_a man_n after_o this_o life_n i_o have_v tell_v you_o that_o it_o be_v incomparable_o beyond_o any_o happiness_n of_o this_o world_n that_o it_o be_v great_a in_o itself_o and_o eternal_a in_o its_o duration_n and_o far_o above_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v now_o conceive_v or_o imagine_v and_o now_o after_o all_o this_o i_o be_o very_o sensible_a how_o much_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v come_v short_a of_o the_o greatness_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o thing_n so_o that_o i_o can_v almost_o begin_v again_o and_o make_v a_o new_a attempt_n upon_o this_o subject_n and_o indeed_o who_o will_v not_o be_v loath_a to_o be_v take_v off_o from_o so_o delightful_a a_o argument_n methinks_v it_o be_v good_a for_o we_o to_o be_v here_o and_o to_o let_v our_o mind_n dwell_v upon_o these_o consideration_n we_o be_v unworthy_a of_o heaven_n and_o unfit_a to_o partake_v of_o so_o great_a a_o glory_n if_o we_o can_v take_v pleasure_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o those_o thing_n now_o the_o possession_n whereof_o shall_v be_v our_o happiness_n for_o ever_o with_o what_o joy_n then_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o those_o great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o of_o that_o inheritance_n incorruptible_a undefiled_a which_o fade_v not_o away_o reserve_v for_o we_o in_o the_o heaven_n how_o shall_v we_o welcome_v the_o thought_n of_o that_o happy_a hour_n when_o we_o shall_v make_v our_o escape_n out_o of_o these_o prison_n when_o we_o shall_v pass_v out_o of_o this_o howl_a wilderness_n into_o the_o promise_a land_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v remove_v from_o all_o the_o trouble_n and_o temptation_n of_o a_o wicked_a and_o ill-natured_a world_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v pass_v all_o storm_n and_o secure_v from_o all_o further_a danger_n of_o shipwreck_n and_o shall_v be_v safe_o land_v in_o the_o region_n of_o bliss_n and_o immortality_n o_o bless_a time_n when_o all_o tear_n shall_v be_v wipe_v from_o our_o eye_n and_o death_n and_o sorrow_n shall_v be_v no_o more_o when_o mortality_n shall_v be_v swallow_v up_o of_o life_n and_o we_o shall_v enter_v upon_o the_o possession_n of_o all_o that_o happiness_n and_o glory_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v and_o our_o faith_n have_v believe_v and_o our_o hope_n have_v raise_v we_o to_o the_o expectation_n of_o when_o we_o shall_v be_v ease_v of_o all_o our_o pain_n and_o resolve_v of_o all_o our_o doubt_n and_o be_v purge_v from_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o be_v free_v from_o all_o our_o fear_n and_o be_v happy_a beyond_o all_o our_o hope_n and_o have_v all_o the_o happiness_n secure_v to_o we_o beyond_o the_o power_n of_o time_n and_o change_n when_o we_o shall_v know_v god_n and_o other_o thing_n without_o study_n and_o love_v he_o and_o one_o another_o without_o measure_n and_o serve_v and_o praise_v he_o without_o weariness_n and_o obey_v his_o will_n without_o the_o least_o reluctancy_n and_o shall_v still_o be_v more_o and_o more_o delight_v in_o the_o know_n and_o love_v and_o praise_v and_o obey_v of_o god_n to_o all_o eternity_n how_o shall_v these_o thought_n affect_v our_o heart_n and_o what_o a_o mighty_a influence_n ought_v they_o to_o have_v upon_o our_o life_n the_o great_a disadvantage_n of_o the_o argument_n fetch_v from_o another_o world_n be_v this_o that_o those_o thing_n be_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o we_o and_o not_o sensible_a to_o we_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o apt_a to_o affect_v we_o so_o strong_o and_o to_o work_v so_o powerful_o upon_o we_o now_o to_o make_v amends_o for_o this_o disadvantage_n we_o shall_v often_o revive_v these_o consideration_n upon_o our_o mind_n and_o inculcate_v upon_o ourselves_o the_o reality_n and_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n together_o with_o the_o infinite_a weight_n and_o importance_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v reason_v thus_o with_o ourselves_o if_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v so_o unspeakable_o happy_a and_o consequent_o wicked_a man_n so_o extreme_o miserable_a in_o another_o world_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o will_v one_o day_n be_v find_v to_o be_v so_o why_o shall_v they_o not_o be_v to_o i_o as_o if_o they_o be_v already_o present_a why_o shall_v not_o i_o be_v as_o much_o afraid_a to_o commit_v any_o sin_n as_o if_o hell_n be_v naked_a before_o i_o and_o i_o see_v the_o astonish_a misery_n of_o the_o damn_a and_o why_o shall_v i_o not_o be_v as_o careful_a to_o serve_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n as_o if_o heaven_n be_v open_a to_o my_o view_n and_o i_o see_v jesus_n stand_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n with_o crown_n of_o glory_n in_o his_o hand_n ready_a to_o be_v set_v upon_o the_o head_n of_o all_o those_o who_o continue_v faithful_a to_o he_o the_o lively_a apprehension_n of_o the_o nearness_n of_o death_n and_o eternity_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v man_n thought_n more_o quick_a and_o pierce_a and_o according_a as_o we_o think_v ourselves_o prepare_v for_o our_o future_a state_n to_o transport_v we_o with_o joy_n or_o to_o amaze_v we_o with_o horror_n for_o the_o soul_n that_o be_v full_o satisfy_v of_o his_o future_a bliss_n be_v already_o enter_v into_o heaven_n have_v begin_v to_o take_v possession_n of_o glory_n and_o have_v as_o it_o be_v his_o bless_a saviour_n in_o his_o arm_n and_o may_v say_v with_o old_a simeon_n lord_n now_o let_v thou_o thy_o servant_n depart_v in_o peace_n for_o my_o eye_n have_v see_v thy_o salvation_n but_o the_o thought_n of_o death_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o terrible_a to_o that_o man_n who_o be_v doubtful_a or_o despair_a of_o his_o future_a condition_n it_o will_v daunt_v the_o stout_a man_n that_o ever_o breathe_v to_o look_v upon_o death_n when_o he_o can_v see_v nothing_o but_o hell_n beyond_o it_o when_o the_o apparition_n at_o endor_n tell_v saul_n to_o morrow_n thou_o and_o thy_o son_n shall_v be_v with_o i_o these_o word_n strike_v he_o to_o the_o heart_n so_o that_o he_o fall_v down_o to_o the_o ground_n and_o there_o be_v no_o more_o strength_n leave_v in_o he_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o we_o shall_v die_v as_o if_o a_o express_a messenger_n shall_v come_v to_o every_o one_o of_o we_o from_o the_o other_o world_n and_o tell_v we_o so_o why_o shall_v we_o not_o then_o always_o live_v as_o those_o that_o must_v die_v and_o as_o those_o that_o hope_v to_o be_v happy_a after_o death_n to_o have_v these_o apprehension_n vigorous_a and_o lively_a upon_o our_o mind_n this_o be_v to_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n from_o whence_o also_o we_o look_v for_o a_o saviour_n the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o shall_v change_v our_o vile_a body_n that_o it_o may_v be_v fashion_v like_o unto_o his_o glorious_a body_n according_a to_o the_o work_n of_o that_o mighty_a power_n whereby_o he_o be_v able_a even_o to_o subdue_v all_o thing_n to_o himself_o finis_fw-la