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nature_n contain_v law_n moral_a 2,485 5 9.8922 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A58795 The Christian life. Part II wherein the fundamental principles of Christian duty are assigned, explained, and proved : volume I / by John Scott ...; Christian life. Part 2 Scott, John, 1639-1695. 1685 (1685) Wing S2050; ESTC R20527 226,080 542

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principle_n of_o all_o religious_a obligation_n be_v deduce_v p._n 202._o which_o be_v reduce_v to_o five_o head_n p._n 102_o 103._o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v true_o religious_a p._n 104_o 105._o atheism_n resolve_v into_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n will_n and_o imagination_n sect._n 1._o p._n 106_o 107_o 108_o 109._o the_o particular_a cause_n of_o it_o reduce_v to_o nine_o head_n and_o of_o the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o p._n 109_o to_o p._n 157._o of_o the_o great_a folly_n and_o madness_n of_o atheism_n in_o its_o self_n p._n 157_o 158._o this_o show_v at_o large_a in_o six_o particular_n p._n 158_o to_o p._n 196._o chap._n iu._n that_o to_o the_o sound_n the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v acknowledge_v the_o divine_a providence_n p._n 196_o 197_o 198_o 199._o what_o be_v the_o particular_a act_n of_o providence_n which_o we_o be_v to_o 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humble_o with_o your_o god_n which_o be_v the_o main_a and_o principal_a duty_n that_o he_o require_v of_o you_o which_o plain_o imply_v that_o there_o be_v some_o action_n which_o be_v moral_o that_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n eternal_o good_a and_o therefore_o eternal_o necessary_a and_o some_o that_o be_v necessary_a only_o because_o for_o some_o present_a reason_n god_n will_n and_o command_v they_o for_o no_o account_n can_v be_v give_v why_o he_o shall_v be_v more_o please_v with_o justice_n and_o mercy_n and_o humility_n than_o with_o sacrifice_n unless_o we_o suppose_v the_o former_a to_o be_v good_a and_o therefore_o necessary_a upon_o immutable_a reason_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o be_v immutable_o please_v to_o he_o and_o the_o latter_a to_o be_v necessary_a only_o upon_o mutable_a reason_n which_o therefore_o be_v to_o lose_v their_o necessity_n as_o soon_o as_o those_o reason_n
do_v alter_v or_o cease_v for_o have_v sacrifice_n be_v good_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n their_o goodness_n have_v be_v as_o unalterable_a as_o their_o nature_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o find_v that_o whereas_o their_o nature_n neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v alter_v yet_o their_o goodness_n or_o necessity_n be_v for_o as_o before_o god_n adopt_v they_o into_o the_o rubric_n of_o religion_n by_o his_o own_o positive_a institution_n they_o be_v indifferent_a thing_n so_o after_o this_o institution_n be_v repeal_v by_o a_o contrary_a command_n they_o become_v unlawful_a so_o that_o it_o be_v now_o as_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v not_o offer_v they_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v before_o that_o we_o shall_v and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o the_o other_o rite_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n which_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a can_v no_o otherewise_o be_v convert_v either_o into_o necessary_a or_o sinful_a but_o by_o god_n express_a command_n or_o prohibition_n whereas_o justice_n and_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n be_v good_a in_o themselves_o abstract_o consider_v from_o all_o will_n and_o command_n and_o be_v not_o good_a mere_o because_o they_o be_v command_v but_o be_v command_v because_o they_o be_v good_a because_o they_o carry_v with_o they_o such_o unalterable_a reason_n as_o do_v in_o themselves_o render_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o eternal_o necessary_a for_o though_o there_o be_v very_o good_a reason_n why_o man_n shall_v not_o offer_v material_a sacrifice_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v once_o enjoin_v yet_o it_o can_v never_o be_v reasonable_a for_o they_o to_o be_v unjust_a or_o cruel_a or_o proud_a because_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n carry_v such_o fix_v and_o immutable_a reason_n with_o they_o as_o will_v bind_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o eternity_n insomuch_o that_o though_o we_o have_v a_o dispensation_n to_o be_v proud_a under_o the_o broad-seal_n of_o heaven_n yet_o it_o will_v ill_o be_v very_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o be_v so_o and_o as_o thing_n that_o be_v only_o positive_o necessary_a or_o sinful_a derive_v all_o their_o necessity_n and_o sinfulness_n from_o god_n direct_a or_o express_v command_n and_o prohibition_n so_o they_o can_v be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o consequence_n for_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v antecedent_o lawful_a or_o indifferent_a it_o must_v necessary_o remain_v so_o till_o it_o be_v direct_o command_v or_o forbid_v there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o bound_v and_o limit_v it_o but_o only_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n in_o who_o disposal_n it_o be_v and_o therefore_o till_o he_o direct_o signify_v his_o will_n either_o for_o or_o against_o it_o it_o must_v remain_v as_o it_o be_v i._n e._n free_a and_o indifferent_a but_o you_o will_v say_v suppose_v god_n have_v command_v such_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n for_o such_o a_o reason_n do_v it_o not_o thence_o follow_v that_o he_o thereby_o command_v every_o other_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o have_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o i_o answer_v no_o for_o if_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o command_v it_o be_v necessary_a and_o eternal_a it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a but_o moral_o necessary_a and_o so_o be_v every_o thing_n else_o that_o have_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o consequent_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o law_n though_o it_o be_v apply_v but_o to_o one_o thing_n extend_v to_o every_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n because_o in_o all_o moral_a case_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o law_n be_v the_o law_n but_o if_o the_o thing_n command_v be_v in_o itself_o indifferent_a the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v command_v can_v be_v necessary_a and_o therefore_o though_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n why_o another_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n shall_v be_v command_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o necessary_o oblige_v unless_o it_o be_v command_v actual_o because_o in_o such_o case_n it_o be_v not_o the_o reason_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o law_n that_o oblige_v and_o therefore_o where_o there_o be_v only_o the_o reason_n and_o not_o the_o law_n it_o lay_v no_o obligation_n on_o the_o conscience_n from_o the_o whole_a therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a what_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o thing_n that_o be_v positive_o and_o moral_o necessary_a and_o sinful_a which_o i_o think_v very_o necessary_a to_o explain_v at_o large_a for_o the_o give_v a_o full_a light_n to_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n in_o which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v first_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o intrinsic_a goodness_n in_o some_o humane_a action_n as_o render_v they_o for_o ever_o necessary_a and_o oblige_v to_o we_o second_o that_o god_n have_v sufficient_o discover_v to_o we_o what_o those_o humane_a action_n be_v which_o carry_v with_o they_o this_o perpetual_a obligation_n three_o that_o these_o action_n which_o carry_v with_o they_o this_o perpetual_a obligation_n be_v the_o main_a and_o principal_a part_n of_o religion_n sect_n i._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o intrinsic_a good_a in_o some_o humane_a action_n as_o render_v they_o for_o ever_o necessary_a and_o oblige_v to_o we_o good_a be_v twofold_a absolute_a or_o respective_a or_o the_o good_a of_o the_o end_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o mean_n the_o good_a of_o the_o end_n be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n of_o any_o be_v the_o good_a of_o the_o mean_n be_v that_o which_o tend_v and_o conduce_v thereunto_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o absolute_a good_a of_o a_o brute_n animal_n consist_v in_o the_o perfection_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o its_o sense_n or_o in_o have_v perfect_a feel_v and_o sensation_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v most_o grateful_a to_o its_o appetite_n and_o sense_n it_o be_v respective_a good_a be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o its_o sense_n be_v perfect_v or_o render_v lively_a and_o vigorous_a and_o by_o which_o it_o be_v provide_v for_o with_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v grateful_a and_o please_a to_o they_o for_o there_o be_v in_o every_o animate_v nature_n a_o principle_n whereby_o it_o be_v necessary_o incline_v to_o promote_v its_o own_o preservation_n and_o wellbeing_a that_o which_o have_v in_o it_o a_o fitness_n to_o promote_v this_o end_n be_v call_v good_a as_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o which_o be_v apt_a to_o hinder_v it_o evil._n now_o man_n be_v not_o only_o a_o sensitive_a but_o a_o rational_a creature_n have_v a_o twofold_a good_a belong_v to_o his_o nature_n the_o first_o sensitive_a which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o brute_n animal_n consist_v in_o the_o perfection_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o bodily_a sense_n and_o appetite_n and_o in_o those_o mean_n which_o conduce_v thereunto_o and_o this_o for_o distinction_n sake_n be_v call_v his_o natural_a good_a the_o second_o rational_a which_o consist_v in_o the_o perfection_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o rational_a faculty_n and_o in_o those_o mean_n which_o tend_v thereunto_o and_o this_o be_v style_v his_o moral_a good_a though_o in_o reality_n it_o be_v as_o much_o natural_a as_o the_o former_a for_o man_n be_v natural_o as_o well_o rational_a as_o sensitive_a that_o which_o promote_v his_o rational_a perfection_n and_o happiness_n be_v no_o less_o natural_o good_a for_o he_o than_o that_o which_o promote_v his_o sensitive_a nay_o his_o rational_a nature_n be_v the_o much_o more_o noble_a and_o excellent_a part_n of_o he_o that_o which_o natural_o promote_v the_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n of_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o much_o great_a good_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v prefer_v by_o he_o before_o any_o of_o those_o natural_a good_n which_o conduce_v only_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o sensitive_a nature_n and_o he_o who_o indulge_v his_o sensitive_a part_n in_o any_o pleasure_n which_o his_o rational_a disallow_n do_v thereby_o create_v a_o torment_n to_o himself_o and_o raise_v a_o devil_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o though_o reason_n and_o religion_n do_v allow_v that_o the_o sensitive_a nature_n shall_v be_v gratify_v in_o all_o its_o natural_a appetite_n and_o desire_n yet_o neither_o allow_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v pamper_a and_o indulge_v in_o any_o such_o excss_n as_o be_v prejudicial_a either_o to_o itself_o or_o to_o that_o rational_a nature_n whereunto_o it_o be_v join_v and_o he_o who_o indulge_v his_o sense_n in_o any_o such_o excess_n render_v himself_o obnoxious_a to_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o to_o gratify_v the_o brute_n in_o he_o displease_v the_o man_n and_o set_v his_o two_o nature_n at_o variance_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v natural_o good_a for_o we_o that_o be_v any_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o what_o be_v moral_o so_o i._n e._n with_o what_o conduce_v to_o the_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n of_o our_o rational_a nature_n and_o though_o this_o natural_a and_o moral_a good_a be_v no_o way_n
not_o to_o live_v like_o hog_n that_o wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n while_o they_o be_v full_a and_o whine_v and_o clamour_v when_o they_o be_v empty_a which_o forbid_v they_o to_o feed_v on_o eagle_n and_o other_o bird_n of_o prey_n to_o instruct_v they_o to_o live_v by_o honest_a industry_n and_o not_o by_o rapine_n which_o prohibit_v fish_n without_o scale_n that_o general_o live_v in_o the_o mud_n to_o teach_v the_o evil_n of_o sensuality_n and_o earthly-mindedness_a etc._n etc._n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o moral_a goodness_n be_v the_o constant_a mark_n at_o which_o all_o the_o positive_a precept_n of_o their_o law_n be_v level_v and_o then_o as_o for_o the_o christian_a religion_n all_o the_o positive_a precept_n it_o contain_v be_v direct_v to_o the_o same_o end_n it_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o his_o mediation_n to_o draw_v near_o unto_o god_n the_o design_n of_o which_o faith_n it_o express_o tell_v we_o be_v to_o sanctify_v our_o nature_n act_n 26.18_o and_o to_o purify_v our_o heart_n act_n 15.9_o it_o enjoin_v we_o to_o be_v baptise_a into_o the_o name_n of_o jesus_n and_o for_o what_o purpose_n but_o to_o oblige_v we_o thereby_o to_o die_v to_o sin_n and_o to_o walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n rom._n 6.4_o it_o require_v we_o to_o commemorate_v our_o saviour_n passion_n in_o a_o sacramental_a communion_n of_o his_o body_n and_o blood_n and_o to_o what_o end_n but_o only_o to_o excite_v we_o to_o love_n and_o thankfulness_n to_o god_n and_o charity_n towards_o one_o another_o 1_o cor._n 5.7_o 8._o in_o a_o word_n it_o require_v we_o to_o live_v in_o unity_n with_o the_o church_n and_o not_o to_o separate_v ourselves_o from_o her_o sacred_a assembly_n and_o for_o what_o other_o reason_n but_o that_o we_o may_v become_v a_o holy_a temple_n and_o a_o habitation_n of_o god_n by_o be_v compact_v together_o into_o a_o uniform_a and_o regular_a society_n eph._n 2.21_o 22._o since_o therefore_o all_o the_o precept_n both_o of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n which_o be_v pure_o positive_a do_v bear_v a_o respect_n to_o moral_a goodness_n and_o be_v impose_v by_o god_n in_o subserviency_n thereunto_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o that_o be_v the_o principal_a mark_n which_o he_o design_n and_o aim_v at_o iii_o another_o evidence_n from_o scripture_n that_o moral_a goodness_n be_v the_o principal_a matter_n of_o our_o duty_n be_v the_o great_a contempt_n which_o god_n express_v of_o the_o positive_a duty_n of_o religion_n when_o ever_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o moral_a goodness_n for_o thus_o concern_v the_o positives_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n we_o be_v tell_v that_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v a_o abomination_n to_o the_o lord_n prov._n 15.8_o and_o concern_v the_o whole_a of_o their_o positive_a religion_n the_o prophet_n thus_o pronounce_v in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrifice_n to_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n i_o be_o full_a of_o the_o burnt-offering_n of_o ram_n and_o of_o the_o fat_a of_o feed_a beast_n i._n e_o so_o full_a as_o that_o i_o loathe_v they_o and_o i_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o bullock_n or_o of_o lamb_n or_o of_o he-goat_n when_o you_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o i_o who_o have_v require_v these_o thing_n at_o your_o hand_n to_o tread_v my_o court_n bring_v no_o more_o vain_a oblation_n incense_n be_v abomination_n to_o i_o the_o new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n the_o call_n of_o ass●emblies_n i_o can_v away_o with_o it_o be_v iniquity_n even_o the_o solemn_a meeting_n your_o new_a moon_n and_o your_o appoint_a feast_n my_o soul_n hate_v they_o be_v a_o trouble_n to_o i_o i_o be_o weary_a to_o bear_v they_o and_o when_o you_o spread_v forth_o your_o hand_n i_o will_v hide_v my_o eye_n yea_o when_o you_o make_v many_o prayer_n i_o will_v not_o hear_v and_o what_o i_o beseech_v you_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o god_n shall_v thus_o dislike_v his_o own_o institution_n why_o he_o plain_o tell_v you_o your_o hand_n be_v full_a of_o blood_n your_o cruelty_n and_o oppression_n do_v profane_v your_o worship_n and_o turn_v it_o all_o into_o impiety_n isai._n 1.11_o to_o the_o 16_o for_o so_o isai._n 66.3_o he_o plain_o tell_v they_o he_o that_o kill_v a_o ox_n be_v as_o if_o he_o slay_v a_o man_n he_o that_o sacrifice_v a_o lamb_n as_o if_o he_o cut_v off_o a_o dog_n neck_n he_o that_o offer_v a_o oblation_n as_o if_o he_o offer_v swine_n blood_n he_o that_o burn_v incense_n as_o if_o he_o bless_v a_o idol_n and_o why_o so_o why_o they_o have_v choose_v their_o own_o way_n i._n e._n of_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n and_o their_o soul_n delight_v in_o their_o abomination_n nor_o do_v god_n express_v a_o less_o contempt_n of_o the_o positives_n of_o christianity_n when_o separate_v from_o moral_a goodness_n for_o thus_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o even_o of_o our_o faith_n or_o belief_n in_o jesus_n that_o without_o work_v it_o be_v dead_a that_o be_v a_o senseless_a squalid_a thing_n that_o have_v neither_o life_n nor_o beauty_n in_o it_o james_z 2.17_o and_o s._n peter_n compare_v baptism_n to_o the_o wash_n of_o a_o swine_n when_o it_o be_v separate_v from_o purity_n of_o life_n and_o manner_n 2_o pet._n 2.22_o and_o our_o receive_v the_o lord_n supper_n without_o charity_n and_o devotion_n be_v by_o st._n paul_n style_v come_v together_o to_o condemnation_n 1_o cor._n 11.34_o all_o which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o moral_a goodness_n be_v the_o principal_a matter_n that_o god_n insist_o on_o since_o it_o be_v this_o that_o sanctify_a the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o crown_v all_o their_o ceremonial_a observance_n with_o the_o divine_a acceptation_n and_o without_o this_o all_o their_o other_o service_n be_v noisome_a and_o offensive_a to_o he_o and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o perfume_v our_o faith_n and_o our_o sacrament_n our_o prayer_n and_o religious_a assembly_n and_o render_v they_o a_o grateful_a and_o sweet_a smell_a savour_n in_o the_o nostril_n of_o god_n and_o without_o this_o they_o be_v all_o a_o hateful_a stench_n and_o annoyance_n to_o he_o doubtless_o therefore_o the_o principal_a matter_n of_o duty_n which_o god_n require_v of_o we_o be_v that_o which_o he_o esteem_v the_o grace_n and_o fragrancy_n of_o all_o our_o other_o duty_n iv._o another_o evidence_n from_o scripture_n that_o moral_a goodness_n be_v the_o principal_a matter_n that_o god_n require_v of_o we_o be_v that_o where_o ever_o we_o find_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n sum_v up_o in_o a_o few_o particular_n they_o be_v always_o such_o as_o be_v part_n and_o instance_n of_o moral_a goodness_n thus_o in_o the_o above_o cite_v mic._n 6._o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n thus_o also_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n give_v a_o account_n to_o his_o people_n what_o they_o be_v to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o their_o reconciliation_n with_o god_n thus_o direct_v they_o wash_v you_o make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n from_o before_o my_o eye_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o seek_v judgement_n relieve_v the_o oppress_v judge_v the_o fatherless_a plead_v for_o the_o widow_n come_v now_o and_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_n isai_n 1.16.17_o 18._o so_o also_o our_o bless_a saviour_n sum_v up_o the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n into_o two_o particular_n and_o what_o be_v they_o why_o thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o great_a commandment_n and_o the_o second_o be_v like_a unto_o it_o thou_o shall_v love_v thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o on_o these_o two_o commandment_n hang_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n mat._n 22.37_o 38_o 39_o 40._o thus_o st._n james_n true_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n and_o the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o their_o affliction_n and_o to_o keep_v himself_o unspotted_a from_o the_o word_n james_n 1.27_o and_o elsewhere_o the_o apostle_n sum_v up_o the_o whole_a law_n into_o one_o lead_v head_n of_o morality_n and_o that_o be_v love_n for_o love_n say_v he_o be_v the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o law_n rom._n 13.10_o so_o this_o observation_n general_o hold_v true_a that_o in_o all_o those_o summary_n of_o duty_n mention_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n only_o such_o duty_n be_v take_v notice_n of_o as_o be_v part_n and_o instance_n of_o morality_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o it_o be_v this_o which_o god_n principal_o require_v since_o it_o be_v this_o which_o he_o most_o take_v notice_n
nature_n we_o do_v in_o obey_v they_o take_v impression_n from_o he_o and_o stamp_v his_o bless_a nature_n on_o our_o own_o for_o all_o those_o virtuous_a disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o we_o acquire_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n be_v so_o many_o genuine_a signature_n of_o god_n take_v from_o the_o seal_n of_o his_o law_n and_o participation_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o so_o holiness_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o conformity_n of_o soul_n with_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o goodness_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o signature_n or_o impression_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o we_o be_v seal_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n eph._n 4.30_o and_o such_o as_o do_v righteousness_n be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n 1_o john_n 2.29_o which_o imply_v their_o derive_v from_o he_o who_o be_v their_o divine_a parent_n a_o divine_a and_o godlike_a nature_n even_o as_o child_n do_v their_o humane_a nature_n from_o their_o humane_a parent_n so_o that_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a goodness_n we_o receive_v from_o god_n the_o best_a thing_n he_o can_v bestow_v viz._n a_o divine_a and_o godlike_a nature_n and_o consequent_o by_o so_o do_v we_o render_v he_o the_o high_a honour_n and_o glory_n for_o since_o we_o can_v no_o otherwise_o honour_v he_o but_o by_o receive_v from_o he_o we_o doubtless_o do_v he_o the_o great_a honour_n when_o we_o receive_v himself_o by_o partake_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o great_a gift_n he_o can_v communicate_v to_o we_o herein_o say_v our_o saviour_n be_v my_o father_n glorify_v that_o you_o bear_v much_o fruit_n john_n 15.8_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v the_o aforenamed_a philosopher_n i._n e._n he_o only_o know_v how_o to_o honour_v god_n who_o presenr_n himself_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o he_o carve_v his_o own_o soul_n into_o a_o divine_a image_n and_o compose_v his_o mind_n into_o a_o temple_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o divine_a light_n and_o glory_n it_o be_v then_o therefore_o that_o we_o best_a honour_n god_n when_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o true_a godliness_n we_o conform_v our_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o he_o and_o derive_v into_o ourselves_o his_o nature_n and_o perfection_n and_o shall_v you_o erect_v to_o he_o a_o temple_n more_o magnificent_a than_o solomon_n and_o load_v its_o altar_n with_o hecatomb_n of_o sacrifice_n and_o make_v it_o perpetual_o ring_n with_o psalm_n and_o resound_a choir_n of_o halelujah_n it_o will_v not_o be_v comparable_o so_o great_a a_o honour_n to_o he_o as_o to_o convert_v your_o own_o soul_n into_o live_a temple_n and_o make_v they_o the_o habitation_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o perfection_n for_o he_o value_v no_o sacrifice_n like_o that_o of_o a_o obedient_a will_n delight_n in_o no_o choir_n like_o that_o of_o pure_a and_o heavenly_a affection_n nor_o have_v he_o in_o all_o his_o creation_n a_o ensign_n of_o honour_n so_o true_o worthy_a of_o he_o as_o that_o of_o a_o divine_a and_o godlike_a soul_n a_o soul_n that_o reflect_v his_o image_n and_o shine_v back_o his_o own_o glory_n upon_o he_o wherefore_o since_o it_o be_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a goodness_n that_o we_o receive_v god_n and_o copy_n his_o nature_n into_o our_o own_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n he_o shall_v make_v it_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n for_o how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o expect_v but_o that_o he_o shall_v exact_v that_o chief_o of_o we_o which_o most_o conduce_v to_o his_o own_o glory_n since_o then_o nothing_o we_o can_v do_v can_v conduce_v to_o his_o glory_n but_o only_o our_o receive_a benefit_n from_o he_o and_o since_o no_o benefit_n we_o receive_v from_o he_o can_v so_o much_o conduce_v to_o it_o as_o our_o receive_a himself_o and_o since_o we_o can_v no_o otherwise_o receive_v himself_o but_o by_o practise_v that_o goodness_n which_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n we_o must_v hereby_o doubtless_o render_v he_o the_o great_a honour_n and_o glory_n ii_o god_n have_v make_v moral_a goodness_n the_o principal_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n because_o it_o be_v by_o this_o that_o we_o do_v most_o true_o imitate_v he_o for_o so_o you_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o wherever_o god_n be_v propose_v to_o we_o for_o a_o pattern_n of_o action_n it_o be_v by_o some_o act_n or_o other_o of_o morality_n that_o we_o be_v require_v to_o transcribe_v and_o imitate_v he_o so_o 1_o pet._n 1.16_o be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a and_o luke_n 6.36_o be_v you_o merciful_a as_o your_o father_n be_v merciful_a and_o mat._n 5.48_o be_v you_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a and_o indeed_o it_o be_v only_o in_o moral_a goodness_n that_o god_n can_v be_v the_o pattern_n of_o our_o imitation_n as_o for_o those_o perfection_n of_o he_o which_o for_o distinction-sake_n we_o call_v natural_a viz._n his_o omniscience_n and_o omnipresence_n omnipotence_n and_o eternity_n they_o be_v all_o beyond_o the_o sphere_n of_o our_o imitation_n and_o therefore_o be_v never_o propose_v to_o we_o as_o the_o copy_n of_o our_o action_n but_o as_o for_o his_o moral_a perfection_n viz._n his_o goodness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o purity_n and_o mercy_n they_o be_v the_o fundamental_a rule_n and_o standard_n of_o all_o moral_a action_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o righteous_a be_v the_o eternal_a fountain_n whence_o all_o the_o law_n of_o morality_n be_v derive_v and_o all_o those_o moral_a precept_n by_o which_o he_o govern_v his_o rational_a creation_n be_v only_o so_o many_o exemplification_n of_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n for_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n which_o comprehend_v all_o his_o moral_a perfection_n consist_v in_o that_o essential_a rectitude_n of_o nature_n whereby_o he_o always_o choose_v and_o act_n conformable_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o infallible_a reason_n and_o it_o be_v to_o this_o rectitude_n of_o choose_v and_o act_v that_o all_o his_o moral_a law_n do_v oblige_v we_o for_o moral_a law_n be_v only_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n prescribe_v we_o what_o to_o do_v and_o what_o to_o avoid_v so_o that_o in_o our_o compliance_n with_o they_o we_o follow_v the_o rule_n of_o god_n own_o will_n and_o action_n and_o thereby_o imitate_v the_o eternal_a rectitude_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o though_o in_o those_o different_a state_n and_o relation_n of_o god_n and_o creature_n right_a reason_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o oblige_v he_o and_o we_o to_o all_o the_o same_o particular_a choice_n and_o action_n yet_o it_o oblige_v we_o both_o to_o act_v reasonable_o in_o our_o respective_a state_n and_o relation_n it_o oblige_v god_n to_o act_v reasonable_o and_o as_o it_o become_v the_o state_n and_o relation_n of_o a_o god_n and_o creator_n and_o it_o oblige_v we_o to_o act_v reasonable_o and_o as_o it_o become_v the_o state_n and_o relation_n of_o man_n and_o creature_n and_o as_o for_o god_n he_o be_v invariable_o incline_v to_o do_v all_o that_o right_a reason_n oblige_v he_o to_o by_o the_o essential_a rectitude_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o herein_o consist_v all_o his_o moral_a perfection_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o immutable_a inclination_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o do_v whatever_o be_v just_a and_o good_a and_o reasonable_a so_o that_o while_o we_o live_v according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n the_o eternal_a law_n of_o morality_n we_o trace_v and_o imitate_v the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o in_o our_o place_n and_o station_n live_v at_o the_o same_o rate_n and_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n that_o he_o do_v in_o he_o we_o do_v what_o god_n himself_o will_v do_v if_o he_o be_v in_o our_o place_n and_o what_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v do_v when_o he_o be_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o difference_n between_o his_o life_n and_o we_o but_o what_o necessary_o arise_v out_o of_o our_o different_a state_n and_o relation_n since_o therefore_o moral_a goodness_n be_v a_o imitation_n of_o god_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o he_o so_o much_o prefer_v it_o before_o all_o other_o matter_n of_o duty_n for_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v suppose_v to_o love_v that_o above_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o true_a copy_n and_o image_n of_o those_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o he_o love_v himself_o above_o all_o for_o he_o love_v himself_o not_o mere_o because_o he_o be_v himself_o but_o because_o he_o be_v in_o all_o respect_v moral_o good_a and_o his_o will_n and_o power_n be_v perfect_o compliant_a with_o the_o infallible_a dictate_v of_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o hence_o arise_v his_o infinite_a complacency_n in_o himself_o that_o there_o be_v
for_o whether_o we_o bow_v to_o god_n or_o to_o a_o idol_n be_v all_o one_o to_o the_o devil_n so_o long_o as_o our_o soul_n remain_v profane_a and_o indevout_a whether_o we_o communicate_v in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o christ_n death_n or_o in_o the_o impure_a right_n of_o venus_n and_o priapus_n be_v indifferent_a to_o he_o so_o long_o as_o our_o heart_n continue_v putrid_a and_o corrupt_a steam_a with_o unchaste_a desire_n and_o affection_n whether_o we_o celebrate_v the_o christian_a festival_n or_o the_o bloody_a saturnal_n or_o barbarous_a bacchanalia_fw-la be_v no_o great_a matter_n to_o he_o provide_v our_o mind_n be_v but_o canker_a with_o wrath_n and_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n and_o revenge_n these_o be_v the_o sinew_n of_o his_o government_n and_o the_o band_n of_o our_o allegiance_n to_o his_o throne_n and_o whilst_o they_o be_v preserve_v he_o know_v his_o kingdom_n be_v safe_a and_o so_o long_o he_o do_v not_o much_o regard_n what_o our_o outward_a religion_n be_v nay_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v a_o high_a gratification_n to_o his_o ambition_n than_o to_o behold_v himself_o serve_v in_o christ_n own_o livery_n and_o worship_v in_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n by_o which_o he_o have_v the_o pleasure_n of_o divide_v empire_n with_o god_n and_o ravish_v the_o better_a share_n from_o he_o of_o behold_v his_o hate_a creator_n mock_v with_o the_o shell_n and_o outside_o of_o a_o worshipper_n whilst_o himself_o be_v treat_v with_o the_o kernol_n and_o inside_n for_o whilst_o we_o continue_v wicked_a under_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o religion_n we_o do_v in_o effect_n sacrifice_n our_o beast_n to_o god_n and_o ourselves_o to_o the_o devil_n who_o above_o all_o thing_n love_v those_o unnatural_a commixture_n of_o hearer_n and_o slanderer_n worshipper_n and_o deceiver_n communicant_a and_o drunkard_n sacrificer_n and_o oppressor_n by_o which_o we_o only_o exalt_v and_o sublimate_v impiety_n which_o never_o look_v so_o glorious_a as_o when_o it_o be_v gild_a with_o fast_n and_o long_a prayer_n wherefore_o as_o you_o will_v answer_v it_o at_o your_o eternal_a peril_n do_v not_o cheat_v and_o abuse_v yourselves_o with_o the_o name_n and_o shadow_n of_o religion_n lest_o when_o you_o have_v superstruct_v your_o hope_n of_o happiness_n on_o a_o rot_a foundation_n it_o shall_v final_o miscarry_v and_o sink_v underneath_o you_o into_o everlasting_a wretchedness_n and_o despair_n chap._n ii_o concern_v religion_n what_o it_o be_v and_o what_o thing_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o sound_n and_o secure_v its_o obligation_n have_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n brief_o discourse_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o moral_a goodness_n and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o explain_v what_o religion_n be_v that_o so_o from_o thence_o we_o may_v collect_v what_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o sound_n and_o secure_v its_o obligation_n which_o will_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o the_o ensue_a chapter_n religion_n in_o the_o general_n respect_v god_n as_o the_o object_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o its_o act_n and_o office_n for_o upon_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o a_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o being_n as_o reasonable_a creature_n or_o capable_a subject_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o religion_n or_o other_o to_o tie_v and_o oblige_v these_o creature_n to_o that_o god_n for_o by_o god_n we_o mean_v a_o be_v that_o have_v all_o possible_a perfection_n in_o he_o and_o be_v the_o supreme_a cause_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o other_o be_v and_o perfection_n and_o such_o a_o be_v we_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v do_v not_o only_o deserve_v the_o worthy_a act_n of_o religion_n that_o reasonable_a creature_n who_o alone_o be_v capable_a of_o understand_v his_o worth_n can_v render_v to_o he_o but_o have_v also_o a_o unalienable_a right_n to_o exact_v and_o require_v they_o and_o that_o not_o only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o own_o essential_a desert_n for_o whatever_o he_o deserve_v he_o have_v a_o right_a to_o demand_v but_o also_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o right_n he_o have_v to_o reasonable_a creature_n who_o owe_v their_o being_n to_o he_o and_o all_o their_o capacity_n of_o serve_v he_o and_o so_o can_v dispose_v of_o themselves_o without_o manifest_a injury_n to_o he_o contrary_a to_o his_o will_n and_o order_n by_o reasonable_a creature_n we_o mean_v being_n that_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n and_o be_v endow_v by_o he_o with_o a_o capacity_n of_o understand_v he_o and_o themselves_o and_o such_o creature_n must_v necessary_o stand_v oblige_v to_o render_v he_o such_o act_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o and_o due_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o their_o own_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o this_o obligation_n be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v religion_n which_o word_n according_a to_o lactantius_n lib._n 4._o divin_n institut_n c._n 28._o be_v derive_v a_o religando_fw-la from_o bind_v or_o oblige_v we_o to_o god_n so_o that_o true_a religion_n in_o the_o general_n be_v the_o obligation_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o render_v such_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o god_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o their_o dependence_n upon_o he_o which_o definition_n include_v both_o the_o doctrine_n and_o dutuy_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o doctrine_n be_v the_o reason_n by_o which_o it_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o duty_n and_o as_o there_o be_v no_o duty_n in_o religion_n but_o what_o derive_v its_o tie_n and_o obligation_n from_o some_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o so_o there_o be_v no_o doctrine_n in_o religion_n but_o what_o tie_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o some_o duty_n that_o be_v enjoin_v in_o it_o when_o therefore_o i_o call_v religion_n a_o obligation_n i_o include_v in_o that_o term_n all_o those_o doctrine_n of_o it_o concern_v god_n his_o nature_n and_o his_o transaction_n with_o his_o creature_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n by_o which_o we_o stand_v oblige_v to_o render_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o he_o but_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a religion_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v distinguish_v it_o into_o natural_a and_o reveal_v by_o natural_a religion_n i_o mean_v the_o obligation_n which_o natural_a reason_n lay_v upon_o we_o to_o render_v to_o god_n all_o that_o worship_n and_o obedience_n which_o upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o it_o discover_v to_o be_v due_a to_o he_o for_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o we_o a_o rational_a faculty_n by_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o which_o we_o be_v natural_o lead_v into_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o perfection_n and_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o providence_n he_o expect_v we_o shall_v follow_v it_o as_o the_o guide_n and_o directory_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n and_o whatsoever_o this_o faculty_n do_v natural_o and_o in_o its_o due_a exercise_n dictate_v to_o we_o be_v as_o much_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n as_o any_o revelation_n for_o whatever_o it_o natural_o dictate_v it_o must_v dictate_v by_o his_o direction_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o who_o have_v frame_v it_o to_o speak_v such_o a_o sense_n and_o pronounce_v such_o a_o judgement_n of_o thing_n have_v thereby_o put_v his_o word_n into_o its_o mouth_n and_o do_v himself_o speak_v through_o it_o as_o through_o a_o stand_a oracle_n which_o he_o have_v erect_v in_o our_o breast_n on_o purpose_n to_o convey_v and_o deliver_v his_o own_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o we_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o natural_a reason_n right_o exercise_v teach_v we_o concern_v god_n and_o our_o duty_n towards_o he_o be_v true_a religion_n and_o do_v as_o effectual_o bind_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o he_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v immediate_o reveal_v by_o he_o it_o teach_v we_o that_o god_n be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o just_a and_o powerful_a and_o good_a that_o he_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o our_o being_n the_o disposer_n of_o our_o affair_n and_o the_o arbitrator_n of_o our_o fate_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o and_o by_o these_o doctrine_n it_o oblige_v we_o to_o admire_v and_o adore_v he_o to_o fear_v and_o love_v he_o to_o trust_v and_o obey_v he_o and_o this_o be_v natural_a religion_n which_o consist_v of_o such_o doctrine_n as_o natural_a reason_n teach_v we_o concern_v god_n and_o his_o nature_n and_o providence_n and_o of_o such_o duty_n as_o it_o infer_v from_o those_o doctrine_n and_o enforce_v by_o they_o and_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o religion_n upon_o which_o it_o find_v its_o duty_n be_v eternal_a verity_n as_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v be_v all_o deduce_v from_o the_o immutable_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o thing_n
doctrine_n which_o have_v be_v handle_v at_o large_a in_o other_o english_a treatise_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o especial_o in_o that_o incomparable_a one_o of_o our_o most_o learned_a bishop_n of_o chester_n on_o the_o creed_n a_o book_n which_o next_o to_o the_o bible_n i_o thankful_o acknowledge_v myself_o more_o beholden_a to_o for_o my_o instruction_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n than_o to_o any_o one_o i_o ever_o read_v i_o have_v contract_v myself_o into_o as_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o the_o bare_o necessary_a explication_n of_o they_o will_v permit_v i_o but_o where_o that_o renown_a pen_n have_v insist_v more_o cursory_o as_o for_o instance_n on_o the_o particular_a office_n of_o our_o bless_a mediator_n i_o have_v most_o enlarge_v myself_o though_o even_o there_o i_o have_v for_o brevity_n sake_n pretermit_v some_o thing_n i_o intend_v less_o immediate_a and_o necessary_a appertain_v to_o the_o argument_n upon_o the_o whole_a i_o can_v true_o say_v that_o to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o understanding_n i_o have_v herein_o deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o as_o the_o most_o faithful_a comment_n on_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n i_o have_v all_o along_o careful_o consult_v in_o doubtful_a and_o difficult_a case_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o it_o have_v stick_v so_o long_o in_o hand_n the_o pain_n i_o have_v take_v in_o consult_v the_o ancient_a monument_n of_o christianity_n about_o it_o be_v as_o i_o may_v true_o say_v at_o least_o double_a to_o that_o of_o compose_v it_o and_o in_o follow_v the_o primitive_a doctrine_n i_o have_v follow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o in_o its_o faith_n government_n and_o discipline_n i_o believe_v in_o my_o conscience_n be_v the_o most_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o world_n as_o for_o the_o method_n i_o have_v choose_v which_o be_v to_o deduce_v all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n from_o one_o general_a head_n viz._n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o mediator_n it_o be_v the_o most_o convenient_a i_o can_v think_v of_o for_o my_o purpose_n which_o be_v to_o represent_v at_o once_o to_o the_o reader_n view_v all_o the_o part_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n in_o their_o natural_a connexion_n with_o and_o dependence_n on_o one_o another_o that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o beautiful_a contexture_n and_o admirable_a contrivance_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o that_o by_o see_v how_o regular_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o proceed_v out_o of_o one_o common_a principle_n and_o conspire_v in_o one_o common_a end_n he_o may_v be_v the_o better_o satisfy_v that_o christianity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o heap_n of_o incoherency_n as_o some_o have_v injurious_o represent_v it_o that_o consider_v it_o mere_o as_o a_o hypothesis_n abstract_v from_o all_o that_o external_a evidence_n that_o accompany_v it_o the_o very_a art_n and_o contrivance_n of_o it_o the_o proportion_n symmetry_n and_o correspondence_n of_o its_o part_n their_o subserviency_n to_o each_o other_o and_o the_o concurrence_n and_o tendency_n of_o they_o all_o together_o to_o the_o common_a end_n of_o religion_n be_v such_o as_o do_v apparent_o exceed_v all_o humane_a invention_n and_o argue_v it_o to_o be_v the_o product_n of_o a_o divine_a mind_n for_o as_o he_o who_o will_v form_v a_o true_a idea_n of_o the_o beauty_n of_o a_o picture_n must_v not_o contemplate_v the_o part_n of_o it_o separately_z but_o survey_v they_o all_o together_o and_o consider_v they_o in_o their_o proportion_n and_o correspondency_n with_o each_o other_o so_o he_o who_o will_v frame_v a_o right_a notion_n of_o religion_n must_v not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o it_o lie_v scatter_v and_o divide_v into_o single_a part_n and_o proposition_n but_o consider_v they_o in_o contexture_n and_o as_o they_o be_v connect_v all_o together_o into_o one_o body_n or_o hypothesis_n for_o it_o be_v in_o their_o apt_a juncture_n their_o mutual_a dependency_n and_o admirable_a coherency_n with_o one_o another_o that_o the_o beauty_n and_o harmony_n of_o the_o whole_a consist_v and_o therefore_o to_o do_v right_a to_o christianity_n and_o enable_v the_o reader_n to_o contemplate_v it_o with_o the_o great_a advantage_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v to_o he_o the_o whole_a in_o a_o view_n and_o to_o give_v he_o a_o prospect_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o together_o in_o a_o harmonious_a union_n and_o connexion_n with_o each_o other_o for_o i_o very_o believe_v that_o the_o mean_a opinion_n which_o some_o witty_a man_n have_v entertain_v of_o christianity_n proceed_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n from_o their_o break_a and_o imperfect_a apprehension_n of_o it_o they_o understand_v it_o piecemeal_o and_o take_v it_o asunder_o into_o single_a proposition_n which_o they_o consider_v separately_z and_o apart_o by_o themselves_o without_o ever_o put_v they_o together_o into_o one_o regular_a system_n and_o present_v they_o to_o their_o thought_n in_o that_o orderly_a connexion_n wherein_o the_o holy_a oracle_n have_v deliver_v they_o to_o we_o for_o i_o can_v scarce_o imagine_v how_o any_o man_n of_o sense_n shall_v contemplate_v christianity_n all_o together_o and_o thorough_o consider_v the_o harmonious_a coherence_n of_o all_o its_o part_n and_o the_o wonderful_a contrivance_n of_o the_o whole_a without_o be_v captivate_v with_o the_o beauty_n and_o elegancy_n of_o it_o and_o now_o i_o have_v nothing_o further_a to_o add_v concern_v this_o treatise_n but_o only_o to_o entreat_v the_o reader_n not_o to_o be_v too_o severe_a in_o the_o perusal_n of_o it_o for_o though_o as_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o apologise_v for_o it_o because_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o yet_o be_v force_v as_o i_o be_v to_o compose_v it_o by_o snatch_n and_o in_o the_o more_o quiet_a interval_n of_o a_o busy_a and_o uneasy_a life_n i_o very_o much_o suspect_v the_o exactness_n both_o of_o the_o style_n and_o method_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o all_o the_o favour_n i_o desire_n be_v this_o that_o where_o i_o have_v improper_o or_o obscure_o express_v myself_o i_o may_v be_v construe_v in_o the_o most_o favourable_a sense_n and_o that_o wherever_o i_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v confuse_v or_o immethodical_a it_o may_v be_v attribute_v to_o those_o frequent_a interruption_n which_o the_o disorder_n of_o my_o body_n have_v give_v to_o my_o thought_n and_o these_o be_v request_n so_o very_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o i_o be_o confident_a none_o will_v be_v so_o peevish_a as_o to_o deny_v i_o but_o they_o who_o read_v book_n only_o to_o carp_v and_o find_v fault_n and_o without_o any_o design_n to_o edify_v their_o own_o understanding_n but_o i_o hope_v the_o reader_n will_v consider_v that_o the_o argument_n here_o treat_v of_o be_v of_o too_o great_a moment_n to_o he_o to_o be_v so_o wretched_o trifle_v with_o and_o that_o therefore_o he_o will_v not_o be_v either_o so_o disingenuous_a to_o i_o or_o uncharitable_a to_o himself_o as_o to_o peruse_v with_o such_o a_o spiteful_a design_n that_o which_o i_o sincere_o intend_v for_o his_o good_a and_o which_o he_o i_o be_o sure_a if_o he_o please_v may_v be_v the_o better_a for_o for_o ever_o the_o content_n chapter_n i._n humane_a action_n of_o three_o sort_n page_n 1_o necessary_a and_o sinful_a action_n be_v either_o such_o as_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n in_o themselves_o which_o be_v those_o we_o call_v moral_a action_n or_o such_o as_o be_v command_v and_o forbid_v by_o positive_a law_n p._n 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o the_o nature_n of_o moral_a good_a explain_v sect._n 1._o p._n 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o moral_a good_a in_o humane_a action_n prove_v in_o five_o proposition_n p._n 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27._o the_o various_a way_n by_o which_o god_n have_v discover_v to_o we_o what_o be_v moral_o good_a in_o six_o particular_n sect._n 2._o p._n 28_o to_o p._n 53._o action_n moral_o good_a be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o religion_n sect._n 3._o p._n 53_o 54_o 55._o this_o demonstrate_v by_o six_o argument_n from_o scripture_n p._n 55_o to_o p._n 71._o four_o reason_n why_o god_n principal_o require_v what_o be_v moral_o good_a p._n 71_o to_o p._n 91._o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o of_o natural_a religion_n what_o it_o be_v p._n 92_o 93_o 94_o 95_o 96._o and_o of_o reveal_v religion_n p._n 97_o 98_o 99_o 100_o a_o definition_n of_o natural_a and_o reveal_v religion_n consider_v as_o they_o be_v now_o in_o conjunction_n p._n 101_o 102._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n thus_o define_v the_o
inconsistent_a with_o one_o another_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o moral_a that_o be_v the_o supreme_a good_a of_o a_o man_n because_o it_o be_v the_o good_a of_o his_o most_o excellent_a nature_n have_v thus_o premise_v what_o i_o mean_v by_o good_a in_o general_n and_o particular_o by_o moral_a good_a i_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o in_o some_o humane_a action_n there_o be_v such_o a_o intrinsic_a moral_a good_a as_o render_v they_o for_o ever_o oblige_v to_o we_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v in_o these_o follow_a proposition_n first_o that_o the_o happiness_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v found_v in_o its_o perfection_n second_o that_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n consist_v in_o act_v suitable_o to_o the_o most_o perfect_a reason_n three_o that_o the_o most_o perfect_a reason_n be_v that_o wherein_o all_o reasonable_a being_n do_v consent_n and_o agree_v four_o that_o there_o be_v certain_a rule_n of_o moral_a good_a wherein_o all_o reasonable_a being_n be_v agree_v five_o that_o to_o act_v suitable_o to_o those_o rule_n have_v be_v always_o find_v by_o universal_a experience_n conducible_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o contrary_a mischievous_a thereunto_o i._o that_o the_o happiness_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v found_v in_o its_o perfection_n for_o the_o perfection_n of_o being_n consist_v in_o their_o be_v complete_o dispose_v and_o adapt_v for_o the_o end_n whereunto_o they_o be_v design_v now_o the_o end_n of_o all_o being_n that_n have_v life_n and_o sense_n be_v that_o sort_n of_o happiness_n that_o be_v suitable_a to_o their_o nature_n for_o it_o be_v thither_o that_o they_o all_o of_o they_o natural_o tend_v and_o therein_o that_o their_o faculty_n do_v all_o concentre_v when_o therefore_o their_o faculty_n or_o power_n of_o action_n be_v complete_o dispose_v to_o enjoy_v the_o proper_a happiness_n of_o their_o nature_n then_o be_v they_o perfect_a in_o their_o kind_a thus_o for_o instance_n the_o end_n of_o brute_n which_o have_v only_o bodily_a sense_n be_v sensitive_a and_o corporeal_a happiness_n and_o thererefore_o then_o be_v the_o brute_n creature_n perfect_a in_o its_o kind_n when_o it_o have_v not_o only_o all_o the_o part_n and_o sense_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o procure_v and_o enjoy_v its_o happiness_n but_o have_v they_o also_o perfect_o sit_v temper_a and_o qualify_v to_o pursue_v and_o relish_v it_o and_o suppose_v that_o all_o the_o pleasure_n or_o happiness_n of_o a_o beast_n consist_v in_o the_o taste_n and_o smell_v of_o its_o pasture_n it_o can_v never_o be_v complete_o happy_a so_o long_o as_o the_o organ_n of_o its_o smell_n or_o taste_n be_v imperfect_a so_o that_o the_o perfection_n of_o every_o sensible_a nature_n consist_v in_o be_v perfe_o dispose_v to_o enjoy_v its_o natural_a happiness_n and_o according_o herein_o consist_v the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n in_o be_v perfect_o fit_v and_o dispose_v to_o enjoy_v and_o relish_v humane_a happiness_n for_o this_o be_v its_o proper_a end_n it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v ever_o be_v perfect_a in_o its_o kind_a till_o it_o be_v complete_o contemper_v and_o adapt_v thereunto_o so_o that_o our_o happiness_n must_v necessary_o be_v found_v in_o our_o perfection_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o perfect_a disposition_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o relish_v and_o enjoy_v those_o good_n wherein_o the_o happiness_n of_o our_o nature_n consist_v and_o till_o our_o nature_n be_v perfect_o dispose_v to_o enjoy_v they_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n will_v be_v insufficient_a to_o render_v we_o perfect_o happy_a ii_o that_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n consist_v in_o act_v suitable_o to_o the_o most_o perfect_a reason_n for_o reason_n be_v the_o top_n and_o crown_n of_o humane_a nature_n have_v a_o natural_a right_o to_o command_v and_o dispose_v of_o its_o motion_n to_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o its_o will_n and_o the_o guide_n of_o its_o affection_n and_o the_o law_n of_o all_o its_o power_n of_o action_n and_o indeed_o for_o what_o other_o use_n serve_v the_o reason_n of_o a_o man_n but_o to_o prescribe_v rule_n to_o his_o unreasonable_a affection_n to_o light_v and_o direct_v they_o to_o their_o proper_a object_n and_o as_o they_o be_v move_v towards_o they_o to_o moderate_v their_o excess_n and_o to_o quicken_v their_o defect_n and_o to_o lead_v they_o on_o to_o true_a happiness_n in_o a_o even_a course_n through_o all_o the_o wild_a maze_n of_o popular_a mistake_v and_o unless_o it_o be_v thus_o employ_v the_o man_n be_v reasonable_a in_o vain_a and_o his_o light_n like_o a_o candle_n enclose_v in_o a_o darklanthorn_n burn_v out_o in_o waist_n and_o spend_v itself_o in_o a_o useless_a and_o unprofitable_a blaze_n and_o whilst_o to_o please_v our_o appetite_n and_o passion_n we_o run_v counter_a to_o the_o advice_n of_o our_o reason_n we_o forsake_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o act_n like_o beast_n and_o not_o like_o man_n in_o which_o course_n of_o action_n if_o we_o persist_v we_o must_v necessary_o degenerate_v from_o ourselves_o and_o sink_v by_o degree_n into_o the_o most_o sordid_a brutality_n for_o when_o once_o our_o appetite_n have_v get_v the_o command_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o not_o only_o dethrone_v but_o enslave_v it_o the_o very_a order_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v transpose_v and_o we_o be_v become_v our_o own_o reverse_n and_o antipode_n if_o therefore_o we_o will_v arrive_v at_o our_o own_o perfection_n it_o must_v be_v by_o follow_v our_o reason_n and_o submit_v all_o our_o affection_n and_o appetite_n to_o its_o government_n for_o what_o else_o can_v be_v the_o perfection_n of_o a_o rational_a nature_n but_o to_o be_v perfect_o rational_a and_o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v perfect_o rational_a but_o to_o have_v our_o mind_n thorough_o instruct_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n entire_o regulate_v by_o they_o for_o herein_o consist_v the_o supreme_a perfection_n not_o only_o of_o man_n but_o of_o angel_n yea_o and_o of_o god_n himself_o the_o crown_n and_o glory_n of_o who_o nature_n it_o be_v that_o he_o always_o know_v and_o choose_v and_o act_n what_o be_v fit_a and_o best_a and_o most_o reasonable_a and_o when_o once_o our_o understanding_n be_v so_o far_o enlighten_v as_o that_o it_o always_o dictate_v right_a reason_n to_o we_o and_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v so_o far_o subdue_v as_o that_o they_o always_o free_o and_o cheerful_o comply_v with_o it_o we_o have_v arrive_v to_o the_o very_a top_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o be_v commence_v perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n jesus_n iii_o that_o the_o most_o perfect_a reason_n be_v that_o wherein_o all_o reasonable_a being_n do_v consent_n and_o agree_v for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o matter_n as_o true_a and_o false_a reasonable_a and_o unreasonable_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o understanding_n among_o being_n whereby_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o distinguish_v between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o either_o that_o must_v be_v true_a and_o reasonable_a which_o all_o understanding_n do_v consent_n and_o agree_v in_o or_o all_o the_o understanding_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n must_v be_v under_o a_o fatal_a cheat_n and_o delusion_n which_o late_a be_v suppose_v inevitable_o destroy_v all_o knowledge_n and_o certainty_n and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o wild_a scepticism_n for_o suppose_v all_o understanding_n to_o be_v deceive_v and_o impose_v on_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o be_v certain_a of_o any_o thing_n and_o for_o all_o we_o know_v a_o part_n may_v be_v big_a than_o the_o whole_a two_o and_o two_o may_v make_v twenty_o and_o both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n may_v be_v true_a nay_o we_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a whether_o we_o be_v not_o dream_v when_o we_o think_v we_o be_v awake_v and_o whether_o we_o be_v not_o awake_v when_o we_o think_v we_o be_v dream_v either_o therefore_o we_o must_v renounce_v all_o certainty_n whatsoever_o and_o fluctuate_v in_o eternal_a scepticism_n or_o allow_v that_o to_o be_v true_a and_o reasonable_a which_o all_o understanding_n do_v unanimous_o vote_v so_o iv._o that_o there_o be_v certain_a rule_n of_o moral_a goodness_n concern_v the_o immutable_a reason_n whereof_o all_o understanding_n be_v agree_v for_o such_o be_v all_o those_o which_o prescribe_v the_o dueness_n of_o worship_n and_o veneration_n to_o god_n of_o obedience_n and_o loyalty_n to_o our_o parent_n and_o superior_n of_o temperance_n and_o fortitude_n to_o ourselves_o and_o of_o justice_n and_o charity_n to_o one_o another_o to_o the_o goodness_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o which_o rule_n all_o understanding_n do_v as_o unanimous_o consent_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o proposition_n in_o the_o mathematics_n now_o of_o all_o the_o order_n of_o reasonable_a being_n
direction_n to_o virtue_n antecedent_n to_o all_o our_o reason_v and_o discourse_n which_o theages_n the_o pythagorean_n style_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o certain_a natural_a impetus_fw-la or_o enthusiasm_n by_o which_o without_o any_o previous_a discourse_n or_o deliberation_n we_o be_v forcible_o carry_v on_o towards_o virtuous_a action_n for_o some_o affection_n there_o be_v in_o our_o nature_n which_o do_v in_o the_o general_a plain_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a in_o humane_a action_n and_o other_o that_o do_v as_o plain_o point_v out_o what_o those_o action_n be_v wherein_o this_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_n be_v subject_v of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v the_o affection_n of_o love_n and_o hatred_n complacency_n and_o horror_n glory_n and_o shame_n repentance_n and_o self-satisfaction_n which_o plain_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v answerable_a object_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o action_n that_o there_o be_v a_o good_a to_o be_v belove_v and_o a_o evil_a to_o be_v hate_v a_o deformity_n to_o be_v abhor_v and_o a_o beauty_n to_o be_v delight_v in_o a_o excellency_n to_o be_v glory_v in_o and_o a_o filthiness_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o a_o welldoing_a to_o be_v satisfy_v 〈…〉_z a_o ill_o do_v to_o be_v repent_v of_o for_o 〈◊〉_d the●e_n be_v no_o such_o real_a distinction_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o action_n all_o these_o affection_n in_o we_o will_v be_v utter_o vain_a and_o impertinent_a and_o as_o these_o affection_n of_o our_o nature_n do_v signify_v in_o the_o general_a that_o there_o be_v a_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a in_o our_o action_n so_o there_o be_v other_o which_o do_v particular_o point_v out_o what_o action_n be_v moral_o good_a and_o what_o evil._n thus_o for_o instance_n the_o passion_n of_o veneration_n and_o disdain_n do_v plain_o direct_v we_o to_o honour_n god_n and_o our_o superior_n and_o to_o be_v constant_a in_o good_a course_n out_o of_o a_o generous_a scorn_n of_o all_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_n thus_o commiseration_n and_o envy_n direct_v we_o to_o charity_n and_o justice_n to_o lament_v and_o assist_v those_o who_o be_v undeserved_o unfortunate_a and_o to_o be_v displease_v with_o the_o advancement_n of_o base_a and_o undeserving_a people_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v just_a and_o equal_a in_o our_o distribution_n and_o to_o proportion_v they_o to_o man_n merit_n and_o desert_n for_o by_o this_o passion_n of_o envy_n nature_n teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o just_a and_o unjust_a equal_a and_o unequal_a and_o that_o the_o former_a be_v to_o be_v embrace_v and_o the_o latter_a to_o be_v shun_v and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o thus_o sorrow_n and_o joy_n do_v by_o a_o silent_a language_n dissuade_v we_o from_o injure_v and_o persuade_v we_o to_o benefit_v one_o another_o for_o so_o by_o the_o mournful_a voice_n the_o deject_a eye_n and_o countenance_n the_o sigh_n and_o groan_n and_o tear_n of_o the_o sorrowful_a and_o oppress_v all_o which_o be_v the_o powerful_a rhetoric_n of_o nature_n we_o be_v importune_v not_o only_o to_o forbear_v heap_v any_o further_a injury_n upon_o they_o but_o also_o to_o commiserate_v their_o grief_n and_o by_o our_o timely_a aid_n to_o succour_v and_o relieve_v they_o as_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o florid_n and_o cheerful_a look_n the_o pleasant_a and_o grateful_a air_n which_o we_o behold_v in_o those_o that_o rejoice_v be_v so_o many_o charm_n and_o attractive_n by_o which_o nature_n allure_v we_o to_o mutual_a urbanity_n and_o sweetness_n of_o behaviour_n and_o a_o continual_a study_n to_o please_v and_o gratify_v one_o another_o by_o these_o and_o many_o other_o instance_n i_o may_v give_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o though_o by_o our_o own_o ill_a government_n we_o too_o often_o deprave_v our_o affection_n and_o corrupt_v they_o into_o vice_n yet_o their_o natural_a drift_n and_o tendency_n lie_v towards_o virtue_n thus_o by_o their_o own_o natural_a light_n which_o they_o carry_v before_o we_o they_o direct_v our_o step_n to_o the_o way_n we_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o and_o point_n out_o all_o those_o tract_n of_o eternal_a goodness_n that_o lead_v to_o our_o happiness_n for_o since_o these_o affection_n be_v in_o we_o antecedent_o to_o all_o our_o deliberation_n and_o choice_n it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v place_v there_o by_o the_o author_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o therefore_o since_o it_o be_v he_o who_o have_v incline_v they_o to_o all_o that_o they_o natural_o incline_v to_o he_o do_v in_o effect_n direct_v and_o guide_v we_o by_o their_o inclination_n so_o that_o their_o natural_a tendency_n and_o direction_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n in_o our_o nature_n which_o murmur_n and_o whisper_v to_o we_o that_o natural_a law_n which_o our_o reason_n indeed_o do_v more_o plain_o and_o articulate_o promulge_v and_o from_o this_o natural_a tendency_n of_o our_o affection_n to_o good_a proceed_v that_o pleasant_a and_o painful_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a action_n which_o we_o experience_n in_o ourselves_o before_o ever_o we_o can_v discourse_v for_o thus_o before_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o reason_v ourselves_o into_o any_o pleasure_n or_o displeasure_n our_o nature_n be_v rejoice_v in_o a_o kind_n or_o just_a action_n either_o in_o ourselves_o or_o other_o and_o we_o be_v sensible_o please_v when_o we_o have_v pleasure_v those_o that_o oblige_v we_o and_o as_o sensible_o grieve_v when_o we_o be_v conscious_a of_o have_v grieve_v and_o offend_v they_o we_o love_v to_o see_v those_o fare_n well_o who_o we_o imagine_v have_v deserve_v well_o and_o when_o any_o unjust_a violence_n be_v offer_v they_o our_o nature_n shrink_v at_o and_o abhor_v it_o we_o pity_v and_o compassionate_v the_o miserable_a when_o we_o know_v not_o why_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o offer_v at_o their_o relief_n when_o we_o can_v give_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o which_o show_v that_o these_o thing_n proceed_v not_o either_o from_o our_o education_n or_o deliberate_a choice_n but_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o affection_n which_o have_v a_o sympathy_n with_o virtue_n and_o a_o antipathy_n to_o vice_n implant_v in_o their_o very_a constitution_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o sin_n our_o nature_n be_v common_o so_o shy_a of_o a_o evil_a action_n that_o it_o approach_v it_o with_o such_o a_o modest_a coyness_n and_o go_v blush_v to_o it_o like_o a_o bashful_a virgin_n to_o a_o adulterer_n bed_n that_o it_o pass_v into_o it_o with_o such_o regret_n and_o reluctancy_n and_o look_v back_o upon_o it_o with_o such_o shame_n and_o confusion_n which_o in_o our_o tender_a year_n when_o as_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o arrive_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o understanding_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o proceed_v from_o reason_n and_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v from_o the_o natural_a sense_n of_o our_o affection_n which_o by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a indication_n do_v signify_v that_o they_o be_v violate_v and_o offend_v now_o this_o natural_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a which_o spring_v from_o the_o frame_n and_o nature_n of_o our_o affection_n be_v doubtless_o intend_v by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d guide_v of_o humane_a nature_n that_o so_o when_o as_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o follow_v reason_n and_o conscience_n it_o may_v be_v direct_v to_o what_o be_v good_a and_o be_v preserve_v from_o wicked_a habit_n and_o prejudices_fw-la by_o its_o own_o sense_n and_o feel_v till_o such_o time_n as_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o conduct_n of_o reason_n that_o so_o when_o this_o lead_a faculty_n undertake_v the_o charge_n of_o it_o it_o may_v find_v it_o 〈…〉_z to_o its_o 〈◊〉_d and_o be_v able_a to_o manage_v it_o with_o more_o ease_n and_o facility_n and_o thus_o by_o the_o natural_a drift_n and_o tendency_n of_o our_o affection_n god_n have_v plain_o reveal_v to_o we_o what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o not_o iv._o god_n have_v also_o entail_v upon_o our_o action_n natural_a reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o thereby_o plain_o declare_v which_o be_v good_a and_o which_o evil_a for_o it_o be_v easy_o demonstrable_a by_o a_o induction_n of_o particular_n that_o every_o virtue_n have_v some_o natural_a efficacy_n in_o it_o to_o advance_v both_o our_o public_a good_a and_o our_o private_a interest_n that_o temperance_n and_o charity_n righteousness_n and_o fidelity_n gratitude_n and_o humility_n be_v not_o only_o convenient_a but_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o our_o joy_n and_o comfort_n our_o peace_n and_o quietness_n our_o safety_n and_o contentment_n to_o the_o health_n of_o our_o body_n and_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o security_n and_o happiness_n of_o our_o society_n with_o one_o another_o whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a vice_n natural_o teem_v with_o mischievous_a effect_n and_o be_v ever_o productive_a
of_o and_o it_o may_v be_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o in_o those_o summary_n of_o our_o duty_n wherein_o but_o a_o few_o part_n be_v enumerate_v they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a it_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o rule_n of_o language_n to_o express_v the_o whole_a of_o any_o thing_n by_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o inconsiderable_a part_n of_o it_o v._o another_o evidence_n from_o scripture_n that_o moral_a goodness_n be_v the_o principal_a matter_n of_o duty_n that_o god_n require_v of_o we_o be_v that_o wheresoever_o such_o person_n as_o have_v be_v most_o dear_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n be_v describe_v their_o character_n be_v always_o make_v up_o of_o instance_n of_o morality_n thus_o the_o description_n of_o job_n be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n perfect_a and_o upright_o and_o one_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a job_n 1.1_o and_o in_o the_o 15_o psalm_n the_o description_n which_o david_n give_v of_o the_o man_n who_o shall_v abide_v in_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v this_o that_o he_o walk_v upright_o and_o work_v righteousness_n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o his_o heart_n that_o he_o backbit_v not_o with_o his_o tongue_n nor_o do_v evil_a to_o his_o neighbour_n nor_o take_v up_o a_o reproach_n against_o his_o neighbour_n etc._n etc._n he_o that_o do_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o shall_v never_o be_v move_v and_o the_o great_a character_n that_o be_v give_v of_o moses_n the_o darling_n and_o favourite_n of_o god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v very_o meek_a above_o all_o the_o man_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n numb_a 12.3_o thus_o also_o the_o character_n of_o cornelius_n by_o which_o he_o be_v so_o endear_v to_o god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o just_a and_o devout_a man_n one_o that_o fear_v god_n with_o all_o his_o house_n who_o give_v much_o alm_n to_o the_o people_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n always_o act_v 10.2_o and_o in_o a_o word_n the_o general_a character_n of_o those_o who_o god_n accept_v be_v in_o every_o nation_n he_o who_o do_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n act_v 10.35_o thus_o moral_a goodness_n be_v the_o great_a stamp_n and_o impress_n that_o render_v man_n current_a in_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o common_a brand_n by_o which_o hypocrite_n and_o false_a pretender_n to_o religion_n be_v stigmatise_v be_v their_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o positives_n and_o cold_a and_o indifferent_a as_o to_o the_o moral_n of_o religion_n for_o so_o our_o saviour_n character_n the_o pharisee_n woe_n unto_o you_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n hypocrite_n for_o you_o pay_v tithe_n of_o mint_n annis_n and_o cummin_n which_o yet_o be_v a_o positive_a duty_n and_o have_v omit_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n judgement_n mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n these_o ought_v you_o to_o have_v do_v and_o not_o to_o leave_v the_o other_o undo_v you_o blind_a guide_n you_o strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v a_o camel_n math._n 23.23.24_o plain_o imply_v the_o moral_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v as_o much_o great_a than_o the_o positives_n in_o weight_n and_o moment_n as_o a_o camel_n be_v than_o a_o gnat_n in_o bulk_n since_o therefore_o moral_a goodness_n be_v always_o mention_v as_o the_o great_a character_n of_o god_n favourite_n and_o the_o neglect_v of_o it_o out_o of_o a_o pretend_a zeal_n to_o the_o positive_a duty_n of_o religion_n be_v always_o record_v as_o a_o mark_n of_o the_o most_o odious_a hypocrite_n this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n how_o high_a a_o value_n god_n set_v upon_o the_o morality_n of_o religion_n vi_o and_o last_o another_o evidence_n from_o scripture_n that_o moral_a goodness_n be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v that_o at_o the_o great_a account_n between_o god_n and_o we_o his_o main_a inquisition_n will_v be_v concern_v such_o action_n as_o be_v moral_o good_a or_o evil_n for_o so_o rom._n 2.6_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o god_n will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v seek_v for_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n but_o to_o they_o who_o be_v contentious_a and_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n but_o obey_v unrighteousness_n tribulation_n and_o wrath_n indignation_n and_o anguish_n and_o according_o enoch_n as_o he_o be_v quote_v by_o st._n judas_n verse_n 14.15_o declare_v this_o to_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v with_o thousand_o of_o his_o saint_n viz._n to_o execute_v judgement_n upon_o all_o and_o to_o convince_v all_o that_o be_v ungodly_a among_o they_o of_o all_o their_o ungodly_a deed_n which_o they_o have_v ungodly_a commit_v and_o of_o all_o their_o hard_a speech_n which_o ungodly_a sinner_n have_v speak_v against_o he_o all_o which_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n against_o the_o eternal_a rule_n of_o morality_n and_o our_o saviour_n himself_o in_o that_o popular_a scheme_n and_o description_n he_o give_v of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n plain_o declare_v that_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a matter_n he_o will_v then_o inquire_v into_o will_v be_v our_o neglect_n or_o observance_n of_o that_o great_a moral_a duty_n of_o charity_n towards_o the_o poor_a and_o needy_a mat._n 25.32_o 46._o which_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o our_o obey_n or_o disobey_v the_o eternal_a law_n of_o morality_n be_v that_o by_o which_o we_o do_v most_o please_v or_o displease_v god_n since_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o that_o he_o will_v most_o insist_v in_o his_o final_a arbitration_n of_o our_o eternal_a fate_n for_o since_o his_o last_o judgement_n be_v only_o the_o final_a execution_n of_o his_o law_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o whatsoever_o it_o be_v that_o he_o will_v principal_o insist_v on_o in_o his_o judgement_n that_o be_v the_o principal_a matter_n of_o his_o law_n and_o now_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o upon_o what_o account_n it_o be_v that_o god_n have_v make_v moral_a goodness_n the_o main_a and_o principal_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n the_o chief_a reason_n of_o which_o be_v these_o four_o first_o because_o it_o be_v by_o moral_a goodness_n that_o we_o do_v most_o honour_n he_o second_o because_o it_o be_v by_o this_o that_o we_o do_v most_o imitate_v he_o three_o because_o it_o be_v by_o this_o that_o we_o advance_v to_o our_o own_o happiness_n four_o when_o all_o our_o positive_a duty_n be_v cease_v this_o be_v to_o be_v the_o eternal_a work_n and_o business_n of_o our_o nature_n i._o god_n have_v make_v moral_a goodness_n the_o principal_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v by_o this_o that_o we_o do_v he_o the_o great_a honour_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a say_n of_o hierocles_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n the_o best_a honour_n we_o can_v do_v to_o a_o self_n sufficient_a being_n be_v to_o receive_v the_o good_a thing_n he_o hold_v forth_o unto_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o by_o give_v to_o god_n that_o you_o honour_v he_o but_o by_o render_v yourselves_o worthy_a to_o receive_v of_o he_o for_o say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n whosoever_o give_v honour_n to_o god_n as_o to_o one_o that_o want_v do_v not_o consider_v that_o he_o thereby_o set_v himself_o above_o god_n for_o by_o his_o own_o selfsufficiency_n he_o be_v infinite_o remove_v above_o all_o capacity_n of_o want_n and_o so_o can_v never_o need_v any_o additional_a contribution_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n from_o his_o creature_n for_o glory_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o resplendency_n of_o perfection_n which_o always_o reflect_v its_o own_o beam_n upon_o itself_o where_o ever_o there_o be_v infinite_a perfection_n as_o to_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n there_o must_v a_o infinite_a glory_n proceed_v from_o it_o and_o therefore_o be_v infinite_o glorious_a in_o himself_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n we_o do_v shall_v add_v any_o further_a glory_n to_o he_o so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v true_o honour_v and_o glorify_v he_o it_o must_v not_o be_v by_o give_v to_o but_o by_o receive_v from_o he_o now_o the_o best_a thing_n we_o can_v receive_v from_o god_n be_v himself_o and_o himself_o we_o do_v receive_v in_o our_o strict_a compliance_n with_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o goodness_n which_o law_n be_v transcribe_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n from_o his_o own_o eternal_a righteousness_n and_o goodness_n we_o do_v by_o obey_v they_o derive_v god_n nature_n into_o we_o so_o that_o while_o we_o write_v after_o the_o copy_n of_o his_o law_n we_o write_v out_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o be_v and_o his_o law_n be_v the_o seal_n upon_o which_o he_o have_v engrave_v his_o
nothing_o in_o he_o but_o what_o his_o own_o reason_n perfect_o approve_v no_o inclination_n in_o his_o will_n or_o nature_n but_o what_o be_v exact_o agreeable_a to_o the_o fair_a idea_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o since_o it_o be_v for_o his_o own_o goodness-sake_n that_o he_o love_v himself_o as_o he_o do_v we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o without_o he_o can_v be_v so_o dear_a to_o he_o as_o that_o in_o we_o which_o be_v the_o image_n of_o his_o goodness_n every_o like_a we_o say_v love_v its_o like_a and_o the_o righteous_a lord_n say_v the_o psalmist_n love_v righteousness_n psal._n 11.7_o i_o e._n be_v righteous_a himself_o he_o love_v righteousness_n in_o other_o by_o a_o invincible_a sympathy_n of_o nature_n his_o great_a heaven_n and_o delight_n be_v in_o his_o own_o most_o righteous_a nature_n and_o next_o to_o that_o in_o righteous_a soul_n that_o imitate_v and_o resemble_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d god_n have_v not_o a_o more_o grateful_a habitation_n upon_o earth_n than_o in_o a_o pure_a and_o virtuous_a mind_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v apollo_n that_o mimic_n of_o god_n by_o his_o pythian_a oracle_n i_o e._n i_o rejoice_v as_o much_o in_o pious_a soul_n as_o in_o my_o own_o heaven_n which_o be_v much_o what_o the_o same_o with_o that_o gracious_a declaration_n that_o god_n himself_o make_v by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n 57.15_o thus_o say_v the_o high_a and_o lofty_a one_o that_o inhabit_v eternity_n who_o name_n be_v holy_a i_o dwell_v in_o the_o high_a and_o holy_a place_n with_o he_o also_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrite_a and_o humble_a spirit_n to_o revive_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o humble_a and_o to_o revive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o contrite_a one_o since_o therefore_o moral_a duty_n be_v all_o but_o so_o many_o copy_n and_o exemplification_n of_o god_n nature_n this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o he_o shall_v prefer_v they_o before_o all_o the_o positives_n of_o religion_n iii_o god_n principal_o require_v moral_a goodness_n because_o it_o be_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o that_o we_o advance_v to_o our_o own_o natural_a happiness_n for_o the_o natural_a happiness_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n consist_v in_o be_v entire_o govern_v by_o right_a reason_n i._n e._n in_o have_v our_o mind_n perfect_o inform_v what_o it_o be_v that_o right_a reason_n require_v of_o we_o and_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n reduce_v to_o a_o entire_a conformity_n thereunto_o and_o this_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o moral_a goodness_n which_o consist_v in_o behave_v ourselves_o towards_o god_n and_o ourselves_o and_o all_o the_o world_n as_o right_a reason_n advise_v or_o as_o it_o become_v rational_a creature_n place_v in_o our_o circumstance_n and_o relation_n and_o when_o by_o practise_v all_o that_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n which_o moral_a goodness_n imply_v we_o be_v perfect_o accomplish_v in_o our_o behaviour_n towards_o god_n ourselves_o and_o all_o the_o world_n so_o as_o to_o render_v to_o each_o without_o any_o reserve_v or_o reluctancy_n what_o be_v fit_a and_o due_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a reason_n we_o be_v arrive_v to_o the_o most_o happy_a state_n that_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n can_v aspire_v to_o it_o be_v true_a in_o this_o life_n we_o can_v be_v perfect_o happy_a and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o we_o live_v in_o wretched_a body_n that_o be_v continual_o liable_a to_o pain_n and_o sickness_n but_o also_o because_o we_o be_v imperfect_a ourselves_o and_o have_v none_o to_o converse_v with_o but_o imperfect_a creature_n but_o be_v we_o once_o strip_v of_o these_o natural_a and_o moral_a imperfection_n wheresoever_o we_o live_v we_o shall_v necessary_o be_v happy_a be_v i_o to_o live_v all_o alone_a without_o this_o painful_a body_n i_o shall_v necessary_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n happy_a while_o i_o follow_v right_a reason_n though_o i_o live_v in_o the_o dark_a nook_n of_o the_o creation_n for_o there_o i_o shall_v still_o contemplate_v god_n and_o while_o i_o do_v so_o my_o mind_n will_v be_v always_o ravish_v with_o his_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n there_o i_o shall_v most_o ardent_o love_v he_o and_o while_o i_o do_v so_o i_o shall_v sympathize_v and_o share_v with_o he_o in_o his_o happiness_n there_o i_o shall_v still_o adore_v and_o praise_v he_o and_o while_o i_o do_v so_o i_o shall_v feel_v myself_o continual_o draw_v up_o to_o he_o and_o wrap_v into_o a_o real_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o there_o i_o shall_v be_v imitate_v his_o perfection_n and_o while_o i_o do_v so_o i_o shall_v enjoy_v a_o unspeakable_a self-satisfaction_n perceive_v how_o every_o moment_n i_o grow_v a_o more_o divine_a and_o godlike_a creature_n there_o i_o shall_v entire_o resign_v up_o myself_o to_o his_o heavenly_a will_n and_o disposal_n and_o while_o i_o do_v so_o i_o shall_v be_v perpetual_o exult_v under_o a_o joyous_a assurance_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n in_o a_o word_n there_o i_o shall_v firm_o depend_v upon_o his_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o while_o i_o do_v so_o i_o shall_v be_v always_o triumph_v in_o a_o sure_a and_o certain_a hope_n of_o a_o happy_a be_v for_o ever_o thus_o be_v i_o shut_v up_o all_o alone_a in_o a_o unbodied_a state_n and_o have_v none_o but_o god_n to_o converse_v with_o by_o behave_v myself_o towards_o he_o as_o right_a reason_n direct_v i_o i_o shall_v always_o enjoy_v he_o and_o in_o that_o enjoyment_n shall_v be_v always_o happy_a and_o if_o while_o i_o thus_o behave_v myself_o towards_o god_n i_o take_v care_n at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o demean_v myself_o towards_o myself_o with_o that_o exact_a prudence_n and_o temperance_n and_o fortitude_n and_o humility_n which_o right_a reason_n require_v i_o shall_v hereby_o create_v another_o heaven_n within_o i_o a_o heaven_n of_o calm_a thought_n quiet_a and_o uniform_a desire_n serene_a and_o placid_a affection_n which_o will_v be_v so_o many_o everflow_a spring_n of_o pleasure_n tranquillity_n and_o contentment_n within_o i_o but_o if_o while_o i_o thus_o enjoy_v god_n and_o myself_o by_o behave_v myself_o as_o right_a reason_n direct_v i_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o live_v and_o converse_v among_o perfect_a spirit_n and_o to_o demean_v myself_o towards_o they_o with_o that_o exact_a charity_n and_o justice_n and_o peaceableness_n and_o modesty_n which_o right_a reason_n require_v the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v not_o conceive_v a_o true_a pleasure_n beyond_o what_o i_o shall_v now_o enjoy_v for_o now_o i_o shall_v be_v possess_v of_o every_o thing_n my_o utmost_a wish_n can_v propose_v of_o a_o good_a god_n a_o godlike_a joyful_a and_o content_a soul_n a_o peaceable_a kind_a and_o righteous_a neighbourhood_n and_o so_o all_o above_o within_z and_o without_o i_o will_v be_v a_o pure_a and_o perfect_a heaven_n and_o indeed_o when_o i_o have_v throw_v off_o this_o body_n and_o be_o strip_v into_o a_o naked_a ghost_n the_o only_a or_o at_o least_o the_o great_a good_n my_o nature_n will_v be_v capable_a of_o enjoy_v be_v god_n myself_o and_o bless_a spirit_n and_o these_o be_v no_o otherwise_o injoyable_a but_o only_o by_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o good_a thing_n beyond_o the_o grave_a that_o a_o soul_n can_v taste_v or_o relish_v so_o that_o if_o when_o i_o go_v to_o seek_v my_o fortune_n in_o the_o world_n of_o spirit_n god_n shall_v thus_o bespeak_v i_o o_o man_n now_o thou_o be_v leave_v all_o these_o enjoyment_n of_o sense_n consult_v with_o thyself_o what_o will_v do_v thou_o good_a and_o thou_o shall_v have_v whatsoever_o thou_o will_v ask_v to_o carry_v with_o thou_o into_o that_o spiritual_a state_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o utmost_a i_o shall_v crave_v will_v be_v this_o lord_n give_v i_o a_o heart_n inflame_v with_o love_n and_o wing_a with_o duty_n to_o thou_o that_o thereby_o i_o may_v but_o enjoy_v thou_o give_v i_o a_o sober_a and_o a_o temperate_a mind_n that_o thereby_o i_o may_v but_o enjoy_v myself_o give_v i_o a_o kind_n a_o peaceable_a and_o a_o righteous_a temper_n that_o thereby_o i_o may_v but_o enjoy_v the_o sweet_a society_n of_o bless_a spirit_n o_o give_v i_o but_o these_o bless_a thing_n and_o thou_o have_v crown_v all_o my_o wish_n and_o to_o eternity_n i_o will_v never_o crave_v any_o other_o favour_n for_o myself_o but_o only_o this_o that_o i_o may_v continue_v a_o pious_a and_o a_o virtuous_a soul_n for_o ever_o for_o while_o i_o continue_v so_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o shall_v enjoy_v all_o spiritual_a good_a and_o be_v as_o happy_a as_o heaven_n can_v make_v i_o so_o that_o the_o main_a happiness_n you_o see_v of_o humane_a nature_n consist_v in_o the_o perfection_n of_o moral_a goodness_n and_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o good_a god_n who_o above_o all_o thing_n desire_v the_o
happiness_n of_o his_o creature_n shall_v above_o all_o thing_n exact_v of_o we_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n he_o know_v that_o our_o supreme_a beatitude_n be_v found_v in_o our_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o that_o out_o of_o our_o free_a and_o constant_a sprightly_a and_o vivacious_a exercise_n of_o these_o arise_v all_o our_o heaven_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o and_o know_v this_o that_o tender_a love_n which_o he_o bear_v we_o that_o mighty_a concern_v which_o he_o have_v for_o our_o welfare_n make_v he_o thus_o urgent_a and_o importunate_a with_o we_o for_o he_o regard_v our_o duty_n no_o far_o than_o it_o tend_v to_o our_o good_a and_o value_v each_o act_n of_o our_o obedience_n by_o what_o it_o contribute_v to_o our_o happiness_n and_o it_o be_v therefore_o that_o he_o prefer_v moral_a duty_n above_o positive_a because_o they_o be_v more_o essential_a to_o our_o eternal_a welfare_n iu._n and_o last_o god_n principal_o require_v of_o we_o moral_a goodness_n because_o when_o all_o positive_a duty_n be_v cease_v this_o be_v to_o be_v the_o eternal_a work_n and_o exercise_n of_o our_o nature_n for_o moral_a good_a be_v from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a its_o birth_n be_v elder_a than_o the_o world_n and_o its_o life_n and_o duration_n run_v parallel_v with_o eternity_n before_o ever_o the_o mountain_n be_v bring_v forth_o it_o be_v found_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o as_o a_o inseparable_a beam_n of_o his_o all-comprehending_a reason_n it_o shine_v from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o other_o for_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o rational_a creature_n in_o be_v the_o obligation_n of_o morality_n lay_v hold_v on_o he_o before_o ever_o any_o positive_a duty_n be_v impose_v and_o as_o long_o as_o ever_o there_o remain_v a_o rational_a creature_n the_o obligation_n of_o morality_n will_v abide_v on_o he_o when_o all_o positive_a duty_n be_v expire_v for_o moral_a obligation_n be_v not_o found_v like_o positive_a one_o upon_o mutable_a circumstance_n but_o upon_o firm_a and_o everlasting_a reason_n upon_o reason_n that_o to_o all_o eternity_n will_v carry_v with_o they_o the_o same_o force_n and_o necessity_n for_o as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v the_o creature_n of_o a_o infinite_o perfect_a creator_n it_o will_v be_v as_o much_o our_o duty_n as_o it_o be_v now_o to_o love_v and_o adore_v he_o as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v reasonable_a creature_n it_o will_v be_v as_o much_o our_o duty_n as_o it_o be_v now_o to_o submit_v our_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o our_o reason_n and_o as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v relate_v to_o other_o reasonable_a creature_n it_o will_v be_v as_o much_o our_o duty_n as_o it_o be_v now_o to_o be_v kind_a and_o just_a and_o peaceable_a in_o all_o our_o intercourse_n with_o they_o so_o that_o these_o be_v such_o duty_n as_o no_o will_n can_v dispense_v with_o no_o reason_n abrogate_v no_n circumstance_n disannul_v or_o make_v void_a but_o as_o long_o as_o god_n be_v what_o he_o be_v and_o we_o be_v what_o we_o be_v they_o must_v and_o will_v oblige_v we_o so_o that_o what_o the_o psalmist_n say_v of_o god_n may_v be_v true_o apply_v to_o moral_a goodness_n the_o heaven_n shall_v perish_v but_o thou_o shall_v remain_v they_o all_o shall_v wax_v old_a as_o do_v a_o garment_n and_o be_v fold_v up_o and_o change_v but_o thou_o be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o and_o thy_o year_n shall_v have_v no_o end_n but_o as_o long_o since_o the_o positive_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v cancel_v and_o repeal_v the_o veil_n of_o the_o temple_n rend_v in_o twain_o the_o temple_n itself_o bury_v in_o ruin_n and_o all_o its_o altar_n throw_v down_o and_o their_o sacrifice_n abolish_v whilst_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o that_o religion_n still_o stand_v firm_a as_o the_o everlasting_a mountain_n about_o jerusalem_n so_o the_o time_n will_v come_v whem_fw-mi the_o positive_a part_n of_o christianity_n itself_o must_v cease_v when_o faith_n must_v be_v swallow_v up_o in_o vision_n and_o sacrament_n be_v make_v void_a by_o perfection_n and_o all_o the_o state_v time_n and_o outward_a solemnity_n of_o our_o worship_n expire_v into_o a_o everlasting_a sabbath_n but_o then_o when_o all_o this_o scene_n of_o thing_n be_v quite_o vanish_v away_o piety_n and_o virtue_n will_v still_o keep_v the_o stage_n and_o be_v the_o everlasting_a exercise_n of_o our_o glorify_a nature_n for_o as_o i_o show_v before_o all_o positive_a duty_n be_v institute_v in_o subserviency_n to_o moral_n and_o like_o a_o scaffold_n to_o a_o house_n be_v only_o erect_v for_o the_o convenience_n of_o building_n up_o this_o everlasting_a structure_n of_o morality_n and_o when_o this_o be_v once_o finish_v must_v be_v all_o take_v down_o again_o as_o a_o unnecessary_a encumbrance_n that_o now_o only_o hide_v and_o obscure_v the_o beauty_n of_o that_o heavenly_a building_n that_o be_v raise_v on_o it_o and_o shall_v abide_v without_o it_o for_o ever_o to_o entertain_v our_o faculty_n through_o all_o the_o future_a age_n of_o our_o be_v and_o to_o be_v the_o everlasting_a mansion_n of_o our_o nature_n wherefore_o since_o positive_a duty_n must_v all_o cease_v and_o expire_v and_o only_o moral_a goodness_n be_v to_o be_v our_o business_n for_o ever_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o god_n who_o be_v so_o good_a a_o master_n take_v so_o much_o care_n in_o this_o short_a apprenticeship_n of_o our_o life_n to_o train_v we_o up_o in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v our_o trade_n for_o ever_o he_o know_v it_o be_v upon_o piety_n and_o virtue_n that_o we_o must_v live_v to_o eternity_n and_o maintain_v ourselves_o in_o all_o our_o glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o that_o if_o when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o invisible_a world_n we_o have_v not_o this_o bless_a trade_n to_o subsist_v by_o we_o be_v undo_v for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o out_o of_o a_o tender_a regard_n to_o our_o welfare_n he_o make_v it_o his_o principal_a care_n to_o train_v we_o up_o in_o this_o everlasting_a business_n of_o our_o nature_n what_o then_o remain_v but_o that_o above_o all_o thing_n we_o take_v care_n to_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a goodness_n to_o contemplate_v and_o love_n and_o adore_v and_o imitate_v god_n to_o depend_v upon_o he_o and_o resign_v up_o ourselves_o to_o his_o disposal_n and_o government_n to_o be_v sober_a and_o temperate_a in_o our_o affection_n and_o appetite_n and_o just_a and_o charitable_a and_o modest_a and_o peaceable_a towards_o one_o another_o these_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n which_o god_n require_v at_o our_o hand_n and_o without_o these_o all_o our_o religion_n be_v a_o fulsome_a cheat._n it_o be_v true_a the_o positive_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v our_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o these_o and_o god_n by_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n exact_v they_o at_o our_o hand_n and_o unless_o when_o jesus_n christ_n have_v be_v sufficient_o propose_v to_o we_o we_o do_v sincere_o believe_v in_o he_o unless_o we_o strike_v covenant_n with_o he_o by_o baptism_n and_o frequent_o renew_v that_o covenant_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n unless_o we_o diligent_o attend_v on_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o use_v a_o honest_a care_n to_o avoid_v schism_n and_o to_o persist_v in_o unity_n with_o his_o true_a catholic_n church_n there_o be_v no_o pretence_n of_o morality_n will_v bear_v we_o out_o when_o we_o appear_v before_o his_o dread_a tribunal_n but_o then_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o all_o these_o positive_a duty_n be_v to_o improve_v and_o perfect_v we_o in_o moral_a goodness_n and_o unless_o we_o use_v they_o to_o this_o effect_n we_o shall_v render_v they_o altogether_o void_a and_o insignificant_a wherefore_o as_o we_o will_v not_o lose_v all_o the_o fruit_n of_o our_o positive_a duty_n let_v we_o take_v care_n to_o extend_v they_o to_o their_o utmost_a design_n to_o improve_v our_o sacrifice_n to_o obedience_n our_o sacrament_n to_o gratitude_n and_o love_n our_o hear_v to_o practice_n our_o pray_v to_o devotion_n and_o our_o fast_n to_o humility_n and_o repentance_n for_o if_o we_o rest_v in_o these_o duty_n and_o go_v no_o far_o think_v by_o such_o short_a payment_n to_o compound_v with_o god_n for_o all_o those_o debt_n we_o owe_v to_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o morality_n we_o miserable_o cheat_v and_o befool_v our_o own_o soul_n which_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o exactness_n about_o the_o positives_n of_o religion_n be_v by_o their_o own_o immoral_a affection_n still_o enslave_v to_o the_o devil_n to_o who_o it_o be_v much_o one_o what_o our_o outward_a form_n of_o religion_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v christian_a or_o heathen_a or_o mahometan_a provide_v it_o do_v not_o operate_v on_o our_o mind_n or_o give_v any_o check_n to_o the_o current_n of_o our_o deprave_a nature_n
when_o therefore_o we_o conceive_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n we_o must_v so_o conceive_v of_o they_o as_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o manner_n of_o inconsistency_n or_o disagreement_n between_o they_o otherwise_o we_o must_v admit_v into_o our_o conception_n of_o they_o something_o or_o other_o that_o be_v defective_a or_o imperfect_a as_o for_o instance_n in_o god_n there_o be_v infinite_a wisdom_n and_o infinite_a justice_n infinite_a goodness_n and_o infinite_a mercy_n wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v conceive_v aright_o of_o these_o his_o glorious_a perfection_n we_o must_v take_v care_v not_o to_o admit_v any_o notion_n of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o that_o render_v it_o repugnant_a to_o any_o other_o but_o so_o to_o conceive_v of_o they_o altogether_o as_o that_o they_o may_v mutual_o accord_v and_o agree_v with_o each_o other_o for_o while_o we_o apprehend_v his_o goodness_n to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o will_v not_o accord_v with_o his_o wisdom_n we_o must_v either_o suppose_v his_o wisdom_n to_o be_v craft_n or_o his_o goodness_n to_o be_v folly_n and_o whilst_o we_o apprehend_v his_o mercy_n to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o will_v not_o agree_v with_o his_o justice_n we_o must_v either_o suppose_v his_o justice_n to_o be_v cruelty_n or_o his_o mercy_n to_o be_v blind_a pity_n and_o fondness_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o that_o goodness_n can_v be_v a_o perfection_n which_o exceed_v the_o measure_n of_o wisdom_n nor_o that_o mercy_n neither_o which_o transgress_v the_o bound_n of_o justice_n and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_n for_o if_o either_o god_n goodness_n exclude_v his_o wisdom_n or_o his_o wisdom_n his_o goodness_n if_o either_o his_o mercy_n swallow_v up_o his_o justice_n or_o his_o justice_n his_o mercy_n there_o be_v a_o apparent_a repugnance_n and_o contrariety_n between_o they_o and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o contrariety_n there_o must_v be_v imperfection_n in_o one_o or_o tother_o or_o both_o wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v apprehend_v they_o altogether_o as_o they_o true_o be_v in_o god_n that_o be_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o perfection_n we_o must_v so_o conceive_v of_o they_o as_o that_o in_o all_o respect_v they_o may_v be_v perfect_o consistent_a and_o harmonious_a as_o that_o his_o wisdom_n may_v not_o clash_v with_o his_o goodness_n nor_o his_o goodness_n with_o his_o wisdom_n as_o that_o his_o mercy_n may_v not_o justle_v with_o his_o justice_n nor_o his_o justice_n with_o his_o mercy_n that_o be_v we_o must_v conceive_v he_o to_o be_v as_o wise_a as_o he_o can_v be_v with_o infinite_a goodness_n as_o good_a as_o he_o can_v be_v with_o infinite_a wisdom_n as_o just_a as_o he_o can_v be_v with_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o as_o merciful_a as_o he_o can_v be_v with_o infinite_a justice_n which_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a and_o just_a and_o merciful_a so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v a_o perfection_n to_o be_v so_o for_o to_o be_v wise_a beyond_o what_o be_v good_a be_v craft_n to_o be_v good_a beyond_o what_o be_v wise_a be_v dotage_n to_o be_v just_a beyond_o what_o be_v merciful_a be_v rigour_n to_o be_v merciful_a beyond_o what_o be_v just_a be_v easiness_n that_o be_v they_o be_v all_o imperfection_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v beyond_o what_o be_v perfect_a wherefore_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o represent_v these_o his_o moral_a perfection_n as_o run_v a_o tilt_n at_o one_o another_o but_o to_o conceive_v of_o they_o all_o together_o as_o one_o entire_a perfection_n which_o though_o like_o the_o centre_n of_o a_o circle_n it_o have_v many_o line_n draw_v from_o it_o round_o about_o and_o so_o be_v look_v upon_o sometime_o as_o the_o term_n of_o this_o line_n and_o sometime_o of_o that_o yet_o be_v but_o one_o common_a and_o undivided_a term_n to_o they_o all_o or_o to_o speak_v more_o plain_o though_o it_o exert_v itself_o in_o different_a way_n and_o action_n and_o operate_v diverse_o according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o its_o object_n and_o according_o admit_v of_o divers_a name_n such_o as_o wisdom_n goodness_n justice_n and_o mercy_n yet_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o one_o simple_a and_o indivisible_a principle_n of_o action_n all_o who_o operation_n how_o diverse_a soever_o be_v such_o as_o perfect_o accord_v with_o each_o other_o who_o act_n of_o wisdom_n be_v all_o infinite_o good_a who_o act_n of_o goodness_n be_v all_o infinite_o wise_a who_o act_n of_o justice_n be_v infinite_o merciful_a and_o who_o act_n of_o mercy_n be_v infinite_o just_a so_o that_o in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o their_o extension_n and_o degree_n they_o be_v all_o most_o perfect_a viz._n that_o they_o always_o operate_v with_o mutual_a consent_n and_o in_o perfect_a harmony_n and_o while_o we_o thus_o conceive_v of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n our_o mind_n will_v be_v mighty_o secure_v against_o all_o those_o false_a apprehension_n of_o god_n which_o lead_v to_o superstition_n and_o presumption_n for_o we_o shall_v so_o apprehend_v his_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n as_o not_o to_o be_v superstitious_o afraid_a and_o so_o apprehend_v his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n as_o not_o to_o be_v presumptuous_o secure_a and_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n his_o justice_n will_v protect_v his_o mercy_n from_o be_v abuse_v by_o our_o wanton_a security_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n his_o goodness_n will_v protect_v his_o wisdom_n from_o be_v misrepresent_v by_o our_o anxious_a suspicion_n for_o while_o we_o consider_v his_o mercy_n thus_o temper_v with_o his_o justice_n and_o his_o wisdom_n with_o his_o goodness_n we_o can_v neither_o expect_v impunity_n from_o the_o one_o if_o we_o continue_v wicked_a nor_o yet_o suspect_v any_o ill_a design_n against_o we_o in_o the_o other_o if_o we_o return_v from_o our_o evil_a way_n and_o persevere_v in_o well_o do_v sect_n iii_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o assign_v and_o remove_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n misapprehension_n of_o god_n many_o of_o which_o be_v so_o secret_a and_o obscure_a so_o peculiar_a to_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_n of_o man_n brain_n so_o interweave_v with_o the_o infinite_a variety_n of_o humane_a constitution_n that_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o trace_v they_o so_o as_o to_o make_v a_o exact_a enumeration_n of_o they_o all_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o assign_v the_o most_o common_a and_o visible_a cause_n by_o which_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v mislead_v in_o their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n whinh_v be_v reducible_a to_o these_o six_o head_n first_o ignorance_n of_o what_o be_v the_o true_a perfection_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n second_o frame_v our_o notion_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o model_n of_o our_o own_o humour_n and_o temper_n three_o obstinate_a partiality_n to_o our_o own_o sinful_a lust_n and_o affection_n four_o measure_v god_n nature_n by_o particular_a providence_n five_o take_v up_o our_o notion_n of_o god_n from_o obscure_a and_o particular_a passage_n and_o not_o from_o the_o plain_a and_o general_a current_n of_o scripture_n six_o indevotion_n i._o one_o great_a cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n be_v ignorance_n of_o what_o be_v the_o true_a perfection_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n for_o as_o i_o show_v before_o in_o conceive_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n we_o must_v take_v our_o rise_n from_o those_o perfection_n we_o behold_v in_o his_o creature_n and_o particular_o in_o our_o own_o nature_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o composition_n of_o all_o create_a perfection_n so_o that_o while_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v the_o true_a perfection_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n our_o thought_n can_v have_v no_o rule_n or_o aim_v whereby_o to_o judge_n of_o god_n that_o he_o have_v all_o those_o perfection_n in_o himself_o which_o he_o have_v derive_v to_o we_o be_v the_o fundamental_a maxim_n upon_o which_o we_o be_v to_o erect_v our_o notion_n of_o he_o and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o know_v what_o those_o perfection_n be_v which_o he_o have_v derive_v to_o we_o and_o wherein_o they_o consist_v our_o mind_n have_v no_o footing_n or_o foundation_n whereon_o to_o raise_v any_o certain_a idea_n of_o he_o for_o since_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o conceive_v of_o his_o perfection_n but_o by_o our_o own_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o while_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o own_o we_o shall_v ever_o conceive_v aright_o of_o he_o this_o therefore_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o man_n do_v so_o gross_o misconceive_v of_o god_n because_o they_o have_v no_o true_a notion_n of_o their_o own_o perfection_n by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o form_v their_o conception_n of_o he_o for_o whereas_o the_o true_a perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n consist_v in_o moral_a goodness_n or_o a_o universal_a compliance_n of_o
light_n of_o a_o infallible_a experience_n he_o know_v what_o god_n be_v not_o so_o much_o by_o reason_v and_o discourse_n as_o by_o a_o quick_a and_o lively_a sense_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n which_o he_o have_v copy_v and_o transcribe_v into_o his_o own_o temper_n and_o which_o like_o the_o beam_n of_o the_o sun_n light_v up_o his_o thought_n to_o that_o fountain_n of_o light_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v derive_v and_o he_o who_o have_v god_n picture_n in_o his_o own_o breast_n and_o can_v see_v his_o perfection_n in_o the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n know_v he_o by_o his_o sense_n as_o well_o as_o by_o his_o reason_n he_o see_v and_o feel_v god_n in_o the_o godlike_a temper_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n the_o grace_n whereof_o be_v so_o many_o live_a image_n of_o god_n and_o sensible_a comment_n on_o his_o nature_n which_o render_v the_o man_n notion_n of_o he_o not_o only_o as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a but_o also_o as_o certain_a and_o indubitable_a as_o any_o demonstration_n in_o geometry_n for_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n will_v give_v we_o so_o full_a a_o certainty_n of_o thing_n as_o that_o of_o our_o own_o sense_n it_o be_v by_o sensible_a evidence_n that_o our_o saviour_n demonstrate_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o confute_v the_o infidelity_n of_o his_o apostle_n st._n thomas_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o our_o bodily_a sense_n be_v not_o more_o infallible_a than_o be_v the_o purify_a sense_n of_o our_o mind_n when_o therefore_o we_o be_v transform_v into_o the_o likeness_n of_o god_n and_o make_v partaker_n of_o his_o nature_n we_o shall_v have_v a_o vital_a sense_n and_o feel_n of_o his_o perfection_n within_o we_o by_o which_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o he_o will_v be_v more_o confirm_v and_o ascertain_v to_o we_o than_o by_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o demonstration_n in_o the_o world_n for_o now_o we_o shall_v behold_v the_o beauty_n of_o god_n nature_n in_o the_o godlike_a disposition_n of_o our_o own_o and_o behold_v his_o face_n in_o the_o glass_n of_o our_o nature_n whensoever_o we_o reflect_v on_o it_o his_o perfection_n will_v be_v as_o intimate_v and_o familiar_a to_o we_o as_o the_o grace_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n which_o will_v not_o only_o awaken_v our_o thought_n into_o frequent_a meditation_n of_o he_o but_o also_o heighten_v and_o improve_v our_o meditation_n into_o the_o most_o glorious_a idea_n of_o he_o for_o when_o all_o be_v do_v there_o be_v no_o man_n can_v think_v so_o well_o of_o god_n as_o he_o who_o have_v a_o godlike_a nature_n because_o the_o resemblance_n he_o bear_v to_o he_o will_v not_o only_o frequent_o raise_v up_o his_o thought_n to_o god_n but_o also_o shape_v they_o into_o a_o conformity_n with_o his_o nature_n whereas_o whilst_o we_o be_v unlike_a to_o god_n we_o be_v not_o only_o devoid_a of_o all_o that_o evidence_n of_o his_o perfection_n which_o the_o purify_a sense_n of_o our_o nature_n will_v give_v we_o and_o consequent_o our_o notion_n of_o he_o for_o want_v of_o that_o evidence_n will_v be_v only_o superficial_a and_o uncertain_a but_o through_o our_o partiality_n to_o our_o own_o ungodlike_a disposition_n we_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o entertain_v such_o notion_n of_o he_o as_o be_v as_o unlike_o he_o as_o ourselves_o for_o either_o out_o of_o fondness_n to_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v look_v upon_o our_o ill_a disposition_n as_o perfection_n and_o so_o attribute_v they_o to_o god_n or_o out_o of_o fondness_n to_o those_o ill_a disposition_n we_o shall_v be_v tempt_v to_o admit_v such_o opinion_n of_o god_n as_o will_v license_v and_o indulge_v they_o wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v secure_v our_o mind_n against_o all_o false_a apprehension_n of_o god_n we_o must_v above_o all_o thing_n endeavour_v to_o purify_v our_o heart_n from_o those_o evil_a disposition_n which_o render_v we_o unlike_o he_o from_o sensuality_n and_o injustice_n from_o pride_n and_o discontent_n from_o envy_n hatred_n and_o all_o uncharitableness_n which_o be_v the_o great_a corrupter_n of_o our_o mind_n the_o bosom_n heretic_n that_o seduce_v and_o pervert_v we_o and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o conform_v ourselves_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n by_o practise_v the_o contrary_a virtue_n and_o when_o once_o by_o imitate_v the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n we_o have_v transcribe_v they_o into_o our_o own_o we_o shall_v see_v and_o feel_v he_o in_o ourselves_o and_o our_o sense_n of_o he_o will_v conduct_v our_o reason_n our_o experience_n of_o he_o will_v correct_v our_o knowledge_n and_o our_o vision_n of_o he_o consummate_v our_o faith_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o enlighten_v in_o our_o knowledge_n of_o he_o by_o behold_v his_o face_n in_o the_o sanctity_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n than_o by_o a_o thousand_o volume_n of_o curious_a speculation_n and_o now_o have_v see_v what_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o all_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n be_v let_v we_o from_o henceforth_o beware_v of_o they_o and_o so_o far_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v labour_v to_o avoid_v they_o and_o consider_v of_o what_o vast_a advantage_n to_o our_o religion_n right_a and_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n be_v let_v we_o diligent_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o abovenamed_a rule_v for_o the_o regulate_v our_o apprehension_n concern_v he_o that_o so_o have_v thorough_o purge_v our_o thought_n of_o all_o erroneous_a opinion_n we_o may_v see_v god_n true_o as_o he_o be_v array_v in_o all_o the_o genuine_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v find_v our_o life_n and_o affection_n under_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o most_o powerful_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n for_o every_o thing_n of_o god_n be_v full_a of_o persuasion_n all_o his_o perfection_n have_v a_o constrain_a rhetoric_n in_o they_o that_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o moral_a violence_n conquer_v all_o that_o attend_v to_o it_o and_o seize_v and_o captivate_v their_o will_n in_o despite_n of_o all_o the_o reluctance_n of_o their_o nature_n so_o that_o when_o once_o our_o mind_n be_v thorough_o instruct_v with_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o seek_v abroad_o for_o motive_n and_o argument_n for_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o fountain_n of_o divine_a oratory_n within_o our_o own_o bosom_n from_o whence_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n will_v be_v continual_o water_v with_o the_o most_o fruitful_a inducement_n to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n insomuch_o that_o which_o way_n soever_o we_o turn_v ourselves_o we_o shall_v see_v ourselves_o surround_v with_o such_o invincible_a reason_n to_o trust_v in_o god_n and_o to_o fear_v he_o to_o admire_v and_o love_v he_o to_o obey_v and_o worship_v he_o as_o will_v animate_v our_o faculty_n wing_n and_o inspire_v our_o droop_a endeavour_n and_o carry_v we_o on_o with_o unspeakable_a cheerfulness_n and_o alacrity_n through_o all_o the_o weary_a stage_n of_o religion_n and_o we_o shall_v no_o long_o look_v upon_o religion_n as_o the_o burden_n and_o oppression_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o ready_o embrace_v it_o as_o our_o ornament_n and_o crown_n our_o glory_n and_o happiness_n as_o be_v full_o convince_v that_o in_o serve_v of_o god_n we_o serve_v not_o only_o the_o great_a but_o the_o best_a master_n in_o the_o world_n finis_fw-la vide_fw-la lessius_fw-la de_fw-la prov._n
its_o will_n affection_n and_o action_n with_o those_o everlasting_a law_n of_o righteousness_n which_o right_a reason_n prescribe_v how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o look_n upon_o this_o as_o a_o very_a mean_a and_o carnal_a accomplishment_n and_o place_n all_o their_o perfection_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n viz._n in_o the_o ebb_n and_o flow_v of_o their_o sensitive_a passion_n and_o the_o extraordinary_a fermentation_n of_o their_o blood_n and_o spirit_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o unaccountable_a dejection_n and_o exaltation_n of_o mind_n in_o vehement_a impression_n of_o fancy_n and_o mechanical_a movement_n of_o affection_n in_o rapture_n and_o ecstacy_n and_o hypocondriacal_a income_n and_o manifestation_n that_o have_v nothing_o of_o substantial_a virtue_n or_o piety_n in_o they_o nor_o common_o any_o other_o effect_n but_o to_o cause_n man_n to_o renounce_v that_o righteousness_n which_o they_o never_o have_v and_o rely_v upon_o that_o which_o they_o have_v no_o title_n to_o and_o to_o sooth_n and_o tickle_v their_o fancy_n and_o blow_v they_o up_o into_o glorious_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o and_o triumphant_a assurance_n of_o their_o be_v the_o darling_n and_o favourite_n of_o god_n whilst_o poor_a moral_a man_n that_o make_v conscience_n of_o regulate_v their_o affection_n and_o action_n by_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o righteousness_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o they_o with_o a_o scornful_a compassion_n and_o place_v in_o the_o lowermost_a form_n of_o sinner_n at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n now_o when_o man_n take_v such_o false_a measure_n of_o their_o own_o perfection_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v conceive_v aright_o of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o conceive_v of_o but_o only_o by_o argue_v from_o their_o own_o wherefore_o in_o order_n to_o the_o form_v our_o idea_n of_o god_n perfection_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v first_o fix_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o our_o own_o which_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o we_o to_o do_v for_o our_o nature_n be_v reasonable_a to_o be_v sure_a its_o perfection_n must_v consist_v in_o willing_a affect_v and_o act_v reasonable_o or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o govern_v itself_o in_o all_o its_o relation_n and_o circumstance_n by_o those_o immutable_a law_n of_o goodness_n which_o right_a reason_n prescribe_v and_o which_o be_v exemplify_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o when_o we_o have_v fix_v in_o our_o mind_n this_o notion_n of_o our_o own_o perfection_n it_o will_v natural_o conduct_v our_o thought_n to_o god_n and_o let_v we_o see_v that_o his_o perfection_n consist_v not_o in_o a_o lawless_a and_o boundless_a will_n that_o decree_n without_o foresight_n resolve_v without_o reason_n and_o will_n because_o it_o will_v and_o then_o execute_v its_o own_o blind_a and_o unaccountable_a purpose_n by_o dint_n of_o irresistible_a power_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o right_n or_o wrong_n for_o if_o we_o right_o understand_v our_o own_o perfection_n we_o can_v but_o discern_v that_o such_o a_o will_n as_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o monstrous_a deformity_n in_o nature_n because_o it_o be_v the_o most_o diametrical_o opposite_a to_o the_o true_a idea_n of_o our_o own_o perfection_n which_o while_o we_o attentive_o fix_v our_o eye_n on_o we_o can_v but_o infer_v from_o it_o that_o the_o true_a perfection_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o the_o unvariable_a determination_n of_o his_o will_n by_o the_o all-comprehending_a reason_n of_o his_o mind_n or_o in_o choose_v and_o refuse_v decree_a and_o execute_v upon_o such_o reason_n as_o best_o become_v a_o god_n to_o will_n and_o act_v on_o i._n e._n upon_o such_o as_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o just_a and_o merciful_a for_o if_o to_o will_n and_o act_n upon_o such_o reason_n as_o these_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n too_o but_o if_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o own_o perfection_n we_o must_v necessary_o think_v of_o god_n at_o rover_n without_o any_o certain_a aim_n or_o rule_v to_o square_v and_o direct_v our_o apprehension_n ii_o another_o cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n be_v our_o frame_v our_o notion_n of_o he_o according_a to_o the_o model_n of_o our_o own_o particular_a humour_n and_o temper_n for_o self-love_n be_v the_o most_o vehement_a affection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o that_o upon_o which_o all_o it_o be_v other_o affection_n be_v found_v there_o be_v no_o one_o vice_n to_o which_o we_o be_v more_o universal_o obnoxious_a than_o that_o of_o excessive_a fondness_n and_o partiality_n to_o ourselves_o which_o make_v we_o too_o often_o dote_v upon_o the_o deformity_n and_o even_o idolise_v the_o vice_n of_o our_o own_o temper_n so_o that_o whether_o our_o nature_n be_v stern_a sour_a and_o imperious_a or_o fond_a easy_a and_o indulgent_a we_o be_v apt_a to_o admire_v it_o as_o a_o great_a perfection_n mere_o because_o it_o be_v we_o without_o measure_v it_o by_o those_o eternal_a reason_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a perfection_n and_o imperfection_n and_o than_o whatever_o we_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o perfection_n in_o ourselves_o we_o natural_o attribute_v to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o perfection_n and_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n mind_n have_v be_v always_o tincture_v with_o such_o false_a and_o repugnant_a opinion_n of_o god_n because_o they_o frame_v their_o judgement_n of_o he_o not_o so_o much_o by_o their_o reason_n as_o by_o their_o temper_n and_o humour_n and_o so_o their_o different_a humour_n be_v not_o only_o unreasonable_a in_o themselves_o but_o repugnant_a and_o contrary_a to_o one_o another_o produce_v in_o they_o not_o only_o false_a and_o unreasonable_a but_o contrary_a and_o repugnant_a opinion_n of_o god_n thus_o for_o instance_n the_o epicurean_o who_o be_v a_o soft_a and_o voluptuous_a sect_n entire_o addict_v to_o ease_v and_o pleasure_n fancy_v god_n to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o themselves_o a_o be_v that_o be_v whole_o sequester_v from_o action_n and_o confine_v to_o a_o extra-mundane_a paradise_n where_o he_o live_v in_o perfect_a ease_n and_o be_v entertain_v with_o infinite_a luxury_n without_o ever_o concern_v his_o thought_n with_o any_o thing_n abroad_o for_o this_o they_o think_v be_v the_o top_n of_o all_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o thus_o they_o will_v have_v choose_v to_o live_v have_v they_o be_v god_n themselves_o thus_o the_o stoic_n who_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o very_a morose_n and_o inflexible_a people_n copy_v their_o notion_n of_o god_n from_o their_o own_o complexion_n suppose_v he_o to_o be_v a_o inflexible_a be_v that_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o be_v move_v and_o affect_v by_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n but_o be_v whole_o govern_v by_o a_o stern_a and_o inexorable_a fate_n and_o according_o the_o scythian_n and_o thracian_n the_o gaul_n and_o carthaginian_n who_o be_v a_o people_n of_o a_o bloody_a and_o barbarous_a nature_n picture_v their_o god_n from_o their_o own_o temper_n imagine_v they_o to_o be_v of_o a_o bloodthirsty_a nature_n that_o delight_v to_o feed_v their_o hungry_a nostril_n with_o the_o nidorous_a reek_n and_o steam_n of_o humane_a gore_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o platonist_n who_o be_v general_o of_o a_o very_a soft_a and_o amorous_a nature_n take_v their_o measure_n of_o god_n thereby_o and_o so_o frame_v a_o idea_n of_o he_o that_o be_v as_o soft_a and_o amorous_a as_o their_o own_o complexion_n compose_v altogether_o of_o love_n and_o smile_n and_o endearment_n without_o the_o least_o intermixture_n of_o vengeance_n and_o severity_n how_o just_a soever_o in_o itself_o or_o necessary_a to_o the_o well-government_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o as_o the_o ethiopian_n picture_v their_o god_n black_a because_o they_o be_v black_a themselves_o so_o general_o man_n have_v be_v always_o prone_a to_o represent_v god_n in_o the_o colour_n of_o their_o own_o complexion_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o they_o many_o time_n represent_v he_o so_o utter_o unlike_a to_o himself_o because_o out_o of_o a_o unreasonable_a partiality_n to_o themselves_o they_o first_o mistake_v the_o deformity_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n for_o perfection_n and_o then_o deify_v they_o they_o into_o divine_a attribute_n thou_o think_v say_v god_n that_o i_o be_v altogether_o such_o a_o one_o as_o thyself_o psal._n 50.21_o that_o be_v thou_o do_v frame_v thy_o conception_n of_o i_o according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o thy_o own_o ill-nature_n and_o so_o think_v base_o and_o unworthy_o of_o i_o and_o hence_o i_o doubt_v not_o spring_v most_o of_o those_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v receive_v among_o christian_n for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o of_o