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the_o certainty_n of_o revelation_n for_o what_o other_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o that_o difference_n man_n make_v between_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o of_o revelation_n but_o that_o they_o allow_v sense_n and_o reason_n to_o be_v good_a and_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v evident_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n how_o mysterious_a soever_o their_o nature_n be_v but_o that_o mere_a revelation_n be_v no_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o evident_a also_o to_o sense_n and_o reason_n how_o plain_o soever_o it_o be_v reveal_v that_o be_v that_o revelation_n alone_o can_v prove_v nothing_o for_o if_o revelation_n itself_o can_v prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o what_o be_v reveal_v the_o difficulty_n in_o nature_n and_o philosophy_n can_v no_o more_o disprove_v a_o revelation_n than_o confute_v our_o sense_n now_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o unequal_a usage_n to_o expect_v more_o from_o revelation_n than_o they_o do_v from_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o not_o to_o believe_v revelation_n upon_o the_o same_o term_n that_o they_o believe_v their_o sense_n shall_v man_n resolve_v to_o believe_v nothing_o which_o they_o see_v till_o they_o can_v give_v a_o philosophical_a account_n of_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n and_o nature_n of_o all_o they_o see_v as_o they_o refuse_v to_o believe_v a_o revelation_n any_o far_a than_o they_o can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v the_o thing_n reveal_v they_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v as_o great-scepticks_a as_o they_o be_v infidel_n for_o as_o for_o contradiction_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o make_v or_o find_v seem_v contradiction_n in_o what_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v for_o when_o we_o know_v not_o the_o philosophical_a nature_n of_o thing_n nor_o how_o they_o act_v and_o yet_o will_v be_v reason_v and_o guess_v at_o they_o all_o our_o false_a guess_n may_v be_v full_a of_o contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n because_o we_o know_v not_o the_o true_a mystery_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v this_o vain_a humour_n of_o criticise_v upon_o nature_n which_o make_v so_o many_o atheist_n they_o go_v upon_o the_o same_o principle_n with_o infidel_n and_o heretic_n to_o believe_v nothing_o which_o natural_a reason_n can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v now_o they_o can_v comprehend_v the_o notion_n and_o idea_n of_o a_o god_n which_o they_o say_v be_v make_v up_o of_o contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n and_o therefore_o they_o reject_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n they_o can_v conceive_v a_o create_a power_n which_o can_v give_v be_v to_o that_o which_o have_v no_o be_v before_o which_o they_o think_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o make_v something_o of_o nothing_o and_o therefore_o they_o reject_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o either_o assert_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n or_o at_o least_o the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n they_o can_v
that_o we_o can_v hear_v they_o because_o sound_n be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o sight_n nor_o colour_n of_o hear_v now_o no_o man_n pretend_v that_o the_o pure_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o thing_n or_o their_o essential_a reason_n property_n union_n operation_n be_v the_o object_n of_o humane_a reason_n for_o no_o man_n live_v know_v any_o thing_n about_o they_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v all_o the_o incomprehensibility_n man_n have_v to_o complain_v of_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n that_o they_o can_v comprehend_v how_o god_n can_v beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n nor_o how_o three_o divine_a person_n shall_v be_v so_o unite_v as_o to_o be_v essential_o one_o god_n nor_o how_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n can_v be_v unite_v into_o one_o person_n god-man_n all_o which_o concern_v the_o essence_n and_o essential_a property_n operation_n union_n relation_n of_o the_o deity_n which_o a_o modest_a man_n may_v allow_v to_o be_v incomprehensible_a if_o god_n be_v infinite_a though_o he_o can_v comprehend_v the_o nature_n essence_n and_o essential_a reason_n and_o property_n of_o create_a being_n but_o when_o all_o create_a nature_n be_v such_o a_o mystery_n to_o we_o that_o we_o know_v not_o the_o pure_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o any_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v it_o a_o affront_n to_o our_o reason_n that_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o divine_a nature_n such_o matter_n as_o these_o be_v neither_o without_o reason_n nor_o against_o reason_n nor_o contrary_a to_o reason_n because_o reason_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o and_o can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n of_o they_o they_o belong_v not_o to_o reason_n but_o to_o that_o infinite_a mind_n which_o comprehend_v itself_o and_o the_o idea_n of_o all_o possible_a being_n a_o perfect_a comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o nature_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o know_v what_o thing_n be_v but_o how_o to_o make_v they_o which_o will_v be_v a_o vain_a curiosity_n and_o useless_a knowledge_n to_o those_o who_o have_v not_o a_o make_v and_o create_v power_n this_o be_v to_o know_v thing_n à _fw-fr priori_fw-la with_o a_o intuitive_a ideal_o knowledge_n which_o be_v infinite_o more_o superior_a to_o reason_n â—…an_n reason_n be_v to_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v the_o â—…ffectation_n of_o this_o intuitive_a make_v knowledge_n which_o make_v some_o man_n atheist_n and_o other_o heretic_n 2_o another_o great_a objection_n against_o such_o a_o revelation_n as_o contain_v matter_n which_o natural_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v be_v to_o what_o purpose_n such_o â—…a_n revelation_n serve_v what_o merit_n there_o can_v be_v in_o believe_v such_o doctrine_n and_o of_o what_o good_a use_n such_o a_o faith_n can_v be_v to_o we_o now_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v think_v it_o meritorious_a mere_o to_o believe_v thing_n which_o be_v incomprehensible_a or_o that_o god_n any_o more_o intend_a to_o puzzle_v our_o faith_n with_o reveal_v mystery_n than_o to_o puzzle_v our_o reason_n in_o make_v a_o mysterious_a world_n whether_o we_o receive_v our_o information_n from_o sense_n or_o natural_a reason_n or_o revelation_n it_o be_v certain_a we_o must_v believe_v mystery_n if_o we_o believe_v any_o thing_n for_o all_o thing_n have_v something_o mysterious_a and_o incomprehensible_a in_o their_o nature_n what_o natural_a reason_n can_v account_v for_o and_o what_o god_n never_o intend_v we_o shall_v understand_v for_o god_n never_o intend_v to_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o make_v the_o world_n nor_o how_o every_o creature_n be_v make_v and_o therefore_o we_o can_v and_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o know_v the_o internal_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o nature_n but_o though_o neither_o natural_a nor_o reveal_v knowledge_n extend_v to_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o essential_a property_n and_o operation_n yet_o both_o natural_a and_o reveal_v knowledge_n be_v of_o as_o much_o use_n to_o we_o as_o if_o we_o do_v perfect_o understand_v all_o the_o secret_a and_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o creature_n both_o natural_a and_o reveal_v knowledge_n be_v alike_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o they_o only_o acquaint_v we_o what_o thing_n be_v and_o what_o end_v they_o serve_v and_o then_o we_o know_v what_o use_n to_o make_v of_o they_o without_o understand_v the_o secret_a mystery_n of_o nature_n be_v this_o world_n or_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o the_o less_o useful_a to_o we_o because_o we_o can_v conceive_v how_o god_n create_v all_o thing_n of_o nothing_o or_o because_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o matter_n nor_o how_o the_o several_a part_n of_o matter_n come_v by_o their_o different_a virtue_n and_o quality_n be_v corn_n or_o fruit_n or_o herb_n the_o less_o nourish_a or_o refresh_v because_o we_o know_v not_o how_o they_o grow_v do_v it_o require_v any_o philosophy_n to_o know_v how_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o sleep_v will_v not_o our_o food_n nourish_v we_o â—…less_v we_o understand_v how_o it_o be_v concoctâ—…_n and_o turn_v into_o chile_n and_o blood_n â—…d_a spirit_n nay_o be_v it_o of_o no_o use_n to_o â—…ow_v that_o god_n be_v a_o eternal_a omnipoâ—…nt_a omniscient_a omnipresent_v be_v â—…less_v we_o can_v conceive_v how_o any_o be_v â—…n_v be_v eternal_a without_o a_o cause_n and_o â—…ithout_v a_o beginning_n or_o can_v compreâ—…end_v how_o he_o can_v do_v and_o know_v all_o thing_n â—…d_v be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n at_o once_o â—…ithout_n extension_n and_o without_o part_n â—…e_o may_v make_v all_o the_o use_n that_o can_v be_v â—…ade_v of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o every_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d it_o without_o understand_v the_o essential_a â—…easons_n and_o cause_n or_o internal_a nature_n â—…f_o any_o thing_n and_o we_o must_v do_v so_o if_o we_o will_v make_v any_o use_n of_o it_o and_o we_o know_v god_n to_o all_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_n for_o which_o creature_n ought_v to_o know_v god_n â—…hough_o his_o nature_n be_v incomprehensible_a and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n such_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n how_o unaccountable_a soever_o the_o mystery_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v yet_o it_o be_v the_o most_o useful_a knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o the_o eternal_a father_n beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n of_o his_o own_o substance_n nor_o how_o this_o eternal_a son_n in_o time_n become_v man_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o most_o desirable_a knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n to_o sinner_n to_o know_v that_o god_n have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o that_o he_o so_o love_v the_o world_n as_o to_o give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o that_o this_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n become_v man_n live_v a_o poor_a necessitous_a laborious_a life_n and_o die_v a_o accurse_a death_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n and_o to_o know_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o proceed_v from_o father_n and_o son_n dwell_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o quicken_v and_o animate_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ._n if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o we_o must_v suppose_v in_o this_o argument_n all_o mankind_n must_v confess_v that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a useful_a knowledge_n and_o never_o the_o less_o useful_a because_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v great_a and_o unconceivable_a mystery_n can_v we_o give_v a_o rational_a and_o philosophical_a account_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o of_o the_o incarnation_n we_o shall_v know_v more_o than_o we_o now_o do_v but_o faith_n make_v it_o as_o useful_a to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o most_o perfect_a intuitive_a knowledge_n can_v do_v this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o that_o objection_n against_o the_o usefulness_n of_o such_o mystery_n as_o have_v something_o incomprehensible_a and_o unconceivable_a in_o their_o nature_n which_o be_v a_o equal_a objection_n against_o all_o create_a nature_n which_o be_v but_o one_o great_a mystery_n and_o yet_o the_o world_n be_v a_o very_a useful_a world_n and_o we_o know_v in_o some_o good_a degree_n what_o use_n to_o make_v of_o it_o and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o gospel_n mystery_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o present_a dispute_n be_v manifest_o of_o infinite_a use_n to_o we_o if_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n and_o death_n and_o intercession_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a be_v of_o any_o use_n and_o
its_o love_n and_o care_n to_o its_o self_n but_o a_o man_n who_o have_v a_o true_o great_a and_o divine_a mind_n who_o love_v all_o man_n as_o himself_o and_o love_v himself_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v call_v a_o selfish_a man_n or_o a_o lover_n of_o himself_o for_o he_o have_v a_o universal_a love_n to_o humane_a nature_n which_o begin_v with_o himself_o but_o extend_v to_o all_o the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o short_a account_n what_o this_o vicious_a self-love_n be_v and_o why_o it_o be_v so_o call_v two_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propose_v be_v to_o show_v how_o dangerous_a and_o perilous_a such_o time_n must_v needs_o be_v wherein_o this_o self-love_n prevail_v now_o those_o be_v perilous_a time_n which_o expose_v man_n to_o great_a danger_n and_o to_o great_a trouble_n and_o calamity_n and_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o own_o private_a fortune_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o public_a and_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n and_o what_o a_o malignant_a influence_n this_o vicious_a self-love_n have_v upon_o all_o these_o great_a and_o dear_a interest_n be_v so_o visible_a that_o methinks_v it_o shall_v need_v no_o proof_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v at_o present_v only_o give_v some_o brief_a hint_n of_o it_o and_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o take_v notice_n how_o much_o such_o self-lover_n suffer_v from_o themselves_o and_o from_o their_o own_o self-love_n for_o though_o this_o make_v themselves_o â—…iserable_a it_o do_v not_o make_v the_o time_n dangerous_a the_o time_n may_v be_v very_o prosperous_a and_o good_a man_n very_o happy_a though_o such_o sinner_n may_v reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o work_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o their_o own_o device_n though_o they_o sacrifice_v their_o honour_n their_o estate_n their_o health_n their_o life_n to_o intemperance_n and_o lust_n though_o ambition_n heat_v their_o brain_n into_o a_o distraction_n and_o care_n and_o disappointment_n break_v their_o heart_n or_o gild_n disturb_v their_o conscience_n and_o fill_v they_o with_o rage_n and_o furious_a despair_n the_o world_n be_v not_o much_o concern_v in_o this_o let_v such_o self-lover_n look_v to_o it_o and_o thank_v themselves_o for_o what_o they_o suffer_v but_o then_o the_o time_n be_v dangerous_a with_o respect_n to_o our_o private_a and_o personal_a interest_n when_o man_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n from_o one_o another_o when_o they_o be_v never_o secure_a from_o private_a injury_n when_o they_o know_v not_o who_o to_o trust_v nor_o with_o who_o to_o converse_v when_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o find_v a_o friend_n and_o almost_o impossible_a to_o escape_v a_o enemy_n when_o the_o great_a virtue_n innocence_n inoffenciveness_n nay_o the_o divine_a charity_n and_o all_o the_o charm_n of_o a_o oblige_a conversation_n can_v secure_v man_n from_o envy_n rapine_n and_o detraction_n from_o the_o venom_n of_o tongue_n or_o from_o more_o malicious_a design_n against_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n such_o a_o state_n as_o this_o will_v make_v all_o good_a man_n wish_v as_o david_n do_v o_o that_o i_o have_v wing_n like_o a_o dove_n for_o than_o will_v i_o fly_v away_o and_o be_v at_o rest_n lo_o than_o will_v i_o wander_v far_o off_o and_o remain_v in_o the_o wilderness_n i_o will_v hasten_v my_o escape_n from_o the_o windy_a storm_n and_o tempest_n 55_o psa._n 6_o 7_o 8_o verse_n and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a state_n which_o self-love_n put_v mankind_n into_o when_o it_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n this_o a_o late_a admire_a philosopher_n call_v the_o state_n of_o nature_n wherein_o every_o man_n be_v a_o wolf_n to_o a_o man_n but_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v only_o the_o state_n of_o this_o vicious_a self-love_n which_o be_v the_o corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o a_o reasonable_a and_o sociable_a nature_n if_o man_n be_v make_v for_o society_n it_o can_v be_v his_o nature_n to_o love_v no_o body_n but_o himself_o which_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o society_n he_o must_v first_o put_v off_o nature_n if_o that_o be_v this_o self-love_n before_o he_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o live_v in_o society_n which_o seem_v very_o unaccountable_a that_o a_o creature_n who_o be_v make_v for_o society_n shall_v not_o be_v fit_a for_o society_n till_o he_o change_v his_o nature_n for_o man_n can_v live_v together_o in_o safety_n while_o they_o be_v all_o act_v by_o this_o principle_n self-love_n make_v every_o man_n his_o own_o centre_n and_o the_o centre_n draw_v all_o to_o itself_o all_o that_o be_v within_o its_o sphere_n of_o activity_n pride_n be_v self-love_n such_o a_o esteem_n for_o ourselves_o as_o value_v no_o man_n honour_n or_o reputation_n but_o our_o own_o and_o this_o draw_v all_o honour_n to_o itself_o be_v not_o content_v unless_o it_o can_v outshine_v all_o other_o and_o either_o by_o a_o great_a brightness_n swallow_v they_o up_o or_o eclipse_v they_o by_o black_a and_o misty_a vapour_n by_o all_o the_o art_n of_o infamy_n and_o reproach_n covetousness_n be_v self-love_n when_o man_n will_v be_v rich_a whoever_o be_v poor_a and_o by_o whatever_o art_n they_o can_v do_v it_o and_o this_o draw_v all_o riches_n to_o itself_o and_o snatch_v they_o from_o all_o that_o come_v within_o its_o reach_n and_o what_o injustice_n and_o violence_n theft_n murder_n perjury_n do_v this_o occasion_n self-love_n be_v the_o love_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o love_n of_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n which_o will_v please_v itself_o whoever_o be_v grieve_v and_o injure_v by_o it_o such_o brutish_a sensualist_n have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o honour_n and_o peace_n of_o family_n to_o the_o modesty_n of_o virgin_n to_o the_o sacred_a vow_n of_o wife_n to_o the_o stain_n and_o infamy_n of_o posterity_n nay_o many_o time_n not_o to_o the_o dignity_n of_o humane_a nature_n but_o gratify_v their_o lust_n in_o contradiction_n to_o they_o all_o where_o self-love_n reign_v there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o compassion_n for_o charity_n for_o justice_n for_o true_a friendship_n every_o thing_n must_v give_v way_n to_o self_n and_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n whether_o such_o be_v not_o perilous_a time_n some_o such_o man_n there_o be_v always_o in_o the_o world_n and_o great_a number_n of_o they_o too_o and_o we_o daily_o feel_v what_o mischief_n they_o do_v but_o the_o more_o the_o number_n of_o they_o increase_v the_o more_o this_o self-love_n prevail_v the_o more_o intolerable_a will_n humane_a conversation_n be_v and_o if_o we_o allow_v that_o pride_n ambition_n covetousness_n sensuality_n be_v great_a enemy_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n to_o the_o good_a order_n and_o government_n of_o any_o nation_n we_o must_v grant_v that_o self-love_n which_o be_v the_o impure_a fountain_n from_o whence_o all_o these_o corrupt_a stream_n flow_v be_v very_o destructive_a to_o humane_a society_n too_o it_o corrupt_v public_a justice_n loosen_v the_o reign_n of_o government_n soften_v and_o emasculate_v man_n spirit_n render_v they_o unfit_a for_o counsel_n or_o for_o arm_n make_v they_o contemptible_a to_o their_o neighbour_n and_o bring_v down_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o be_v any_o thing_n so_o destructive_a to_o any_o state_n as_o division_n and_o faction_n at_o home_n and_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o state-faction_n without_o self-love_n and_o private_a interest_n at_o the_o bottom_n when_o great_a man_n will_v rival_n one_o another_o and_o be_v impatient_a either_o of_o superior_n or_o equal_n and_o prosecute_v their_o private_a animosity_n with_o the_o public_a danger_n and_o when_o common_a safety_n require_v unite_v heart_n and_o counsel_n will_v not_o adjourn_v their_o private_a quarrel_n nor_o sacrifice_v their_o private_a interest_n and_o resentment_n to_o save_v a_o nation_n it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o observe_v that_o when_o a_o kingdom_n be_v divide_v into_o party_n and_o faction_n the_o most_o threaten_a danger_n be_v so_o far_o from_o unite_n they_o that_o they_o take_v advantage_n of_o public_a fear_n and_o apprehension_n to_o get_v ground_n of_o their_o adversary_n though_o they_o hazard_v the_o whole_a by_o it_o and_o what_o be_v such_o faction_n but_o a_o combination_n of_o self-lover_n who_o divide_v themselves_o from_o the_o public_a interest_n unless_o their_o private_a humour_n and_o intrigue_n may_v take_v place_n when_o a_o party_n will_v be_v the_o whole_a and_o if_o other_o will_v not_o let_v they_o be_v the_o whole_a let_v the_o whole_a perish_v this_o be_v the_o narrow_a peevish_a unsociable_a spirit_n of_o self-love_n a_o temper_n which_o generous_a heathen_n have_v in_o the_o great_a abhorrence_n and_o till_o a_o more_o public_a spirit_n revive_v in_o the_o world_n we_o must_v never_o expect_v to_o see_v easy_a and_o happy_a day_n the_o time_n will_v be_v perilous_a while_o man_n be_v such_o lover_n of_o themselves_o but_o how_o
law_n the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o nation_n who_o have_v no_o communication_n with_o each_o other_o in_o this_o distinction_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n intimate_v no_o other_o compact_n but_o that_o of_o a_o common_a nature_n and_o not_o only_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n but_o the_o universal_a voice_n of_o mankind_n attribute_v these_o law_n to_o nature_n not_o to_o human_a institution_n and_o it_o must_v appear_v strange_a if_o these_o law_n have_v no_o high_a original_a than_o human_a compact_n that_o mankind_n for_o so_o many_o age_n shall_v not_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o but_o shall_v mistake_v they_o for_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o after_o all_o the_o information_n these_o man_n can_v give_v the_o world_n the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n do_v to_o this_o day_n but_o suppose_v this_o distinction_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o those_o law_n which_o command_v the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n and_o forbid_v vice_n be_v original_o frame_v and_o enact_v 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task_n be_v this_o to_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o darkness_n be_v light_a and_o light_a darkness_n for_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n which_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n must_v reject_v before_o they_o can_v deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o a_o divine_a revelation_n shine_v as_o clear_a and_o bright_a in_o the_o mind_n as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n do_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o admire_a principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n put_v out_o our_o eye_n leave_v no_o distinction_n between_o thing_n nor_o any_o certain_a rule_n of_o judge_v as_o to_o give_v some_o few_o instance_n of_o this_o there_o be_v nothing_o lie_v more_o easy_a and_o obvious_a in_o our_o mind_n than_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n which_o give_v be_v to_o all_o thing_n else_o i_o will_v not_o dispute_v this_o point_n now_o but_o allege_v it_o as_o a_o first_o principle_n which_o mankind_n natural_o assent_v to_o as_o the_o most_o reasonable_a account_n of_o the_o origin_n 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all_o the_o principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n have_v nothing_o natural_a or_o enlighten_v in_o they_o but_o be_v a_o force_n upon_o our_o understanding_n and_o destroy_v all_o the_o true_a principle_n of_o knowledge_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a and_o natural_a to_o our_o mind_n to_o believe_v that_o something_o be_v eternal_a for_o if_o there_o ever_o have_v be_v nothing_o there_o never_o can_v have_v be_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o question_n be_v which_o be_v most_o easy_a and_o natural_a to_o human_a understanding_n to_o say_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v eternal_a without_o a_o cause_n or_o to_o assert_v one_o eternal_a be_v who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o every_o man_n may_v feel_v the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o in_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n
i_o shall_v observe_v this_o follow_a method_n i._o consider_v the_o duty_n of_o gospel-bishop_n and_o pastor_n which_o be_v to_o feed_v and_o to_o govern_v the_o household_n of_o christ._n ii_o the_o qualification_n of_o gospel-minister_n which_o be_v faithfulness_n and_o prudence_n a_o faithful_a and_o wise_a servant_n iii_o the_o great_a reward_n of_o such_o man_n bless_a be_v that_o servant_n i._o the_o duty_n of_o gospel_n minister_n whether_o bishop_n or_o other_o and_o that_o consist_v of_o two_o part_n 1._o to_o feed_v 2._o to_o govern_v the_o household_n or_o church_n of_o christ._n they_o be_v appoint_v ruler_n of_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n 1._o to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ._n this_o command_n christ_n give_v to_o peter_n 28._o 20._o acâ—…s_fw-la 28._o and_o repeat_v it_o three_o time_n simon_n son_n of_o jonas_n love_v thou_o i_o more_o than_o 17._o 21._o john_n 15_o 16_o 17._o these_o then_o feed_v my_o lamb_n feed_v my_o sheep_n now_o to_o feed_v signify_v to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n for_o knowledge_n be_v the_o proper_a food_n and_o nourishment_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o which_o it_o grow_v in_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o 2._o 1_o pet_n 2._o 2._o our_o spiritual_a life_n as_o natural_a food_n be_v to_o the_o life_n of_o our_o body_n this_o be_v life_n 3._o 17._o john_n 3._o eternal_a say_v our_o saviour_n to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v for_o this_o reason_n our_o saviour_n appoint_v steward_n and_o dispenser_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o kingdom_n who_o whole_a business_n it_o shall_v be_v to_o study_v the_o divine_a will_n themselves_o and_o to_o instruct_v other_o for_o this_o be_v a_o knowledge_n which_o must_v be_v teach_v nature_n may_v instruct_v we_o in_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o morality_n but_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o whole_a oeconomy_n of_o man_n salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v know_v only_o by_o revelation_n christ_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o reveal_v this_o to_o we_o and_o he_o instruct_v his_o apostle_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o their_o preach_a and_o write_n instruct_v the_o church_n and_o have_v leave_v we_o a_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o man_n peculiar_o devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o instruct_v and_o teach_v those_o who_o have_v neither_o leisure_n not_o opportunity_n for_o enquiry_n nor_o capacity_n to_o learn_v without_o a_o guide_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n especial_o since_o religion_n have_v be_v clog_v with_o such_o infinite_a dispute_n and_o there_o have_v be_v so_o much_o be_v use_v to_o make_v the_o plain_a truth_n difficult_a obscure_a and_o uncertain_a to_o corrupt_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o make_v it_o comply_v with_o man_n sensual_a lust_n or_o secular_a interest_n a_o guide_n and_o instructor_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o turn_n and_o labyrinth_n wherein_o man_n may_v lose_v themselves_o and_o their_o way_n to_o heaven_n but_o though_o there_o be_v no_o dispute_n in_o religion_n no_o difficulty_n in_o understand_v it_o though_o all_o man_n be_v agree_v about_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n though_o the_o mean_a christian_n understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a divine_a yet_o there_o will_v be_v constant_a need_n of_o a_o spiritual_a guide_n while_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v unmindful_a of_o their_o duty_n and_o careless_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o work_n of_o a_o evangelical_n pastor_n be_v not_o mere_o to_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a but_o to_o exhort_v to_o reprove_v to_o admonish_v to_o watch_v over_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o christian_n to_o make_v seasonable_a application_n to_o their_o conscience_n to_o administer_v comfort_n to_o afflict_a spirit_n to_o excite_v and_o quicken_v the_o slothful_a and_o to_o encourage_v the_o fearful_a and_o timorous_a and_o to_o assist_v and_o direct_v man_n in_o their_o spiritual_a warfare_n how_o to_o obtain_v a_o glorious_a victory_n over_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh._n this_o be_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o give_v they_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o already_o know_v that_o their_o faith_n may_v be_v turn_v into_o a_o principle_n of_o life_n and_o action_n and_o this_o heavenly_a food_n may_v be_v digest_v into_o blood_n and_o spirit_n to_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n 2._o another_o part_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n consist_v in_o act_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n christ_n have_v make_v these_o minister_n and_o servant_n ruler_n over_o his_o household_n no_o society_n can_v be_v preserve_v 14._o 5._o eph._n 23._o 10._o john_n 14._o without_o order_n and_o government_n which_o be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o state_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o husband_n the_o shepherd_n the_o lord_n which_o be_v all_o name_n of_o authority_n and_o power_n and_o the_o church_n be_v his_o body_n his_o spouse_n his_o flock_n his_o household_n and_o family_n which_o be_v name_n of_o subjection_n and_o denote_v a_o regular_a and_o orderly_a society_n but_o christ_n have_v now_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o do_v not_o visible_o appear_v among_o we_o to_o direct_v and_o govern_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n where_o he_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o exercise_v a_o invisible_a power_n and_o providence_n for_o the_o defence_n and_o preservation_n of_o his_o church_n on_o earth_n he_o govern_v we_o by_o his_o law_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o by_o his_o minister_n for_o when_o he_o 13._o 4._o eph._n 8_o 11_o 12_o 13._o ascend_v on_o high_a he_o lead_v captivity_n captive_a and_o give_v gift_n to_o man_n and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ._n when_o our_o saviour_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o tell_v his_o disciple_n all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o i_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o 20._o 28._o mat._n 18_o 19_o 20._o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v their_o commission_n to_o pâ—…ach_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o govern_v his_o church_n which_o be_v not_o mere_o a_o personal_a commission_n to_o the_o apostle_n but_o extend_v to_o all_o their_o successor_n as_o appear_v from_o christ_n promise_n to_o be_v with_o they_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o ministerial_a authority_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o st._n john_n acquaint_v we_o that_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n appear_v to_o his_o apostle_n when_o they_o be_v meet_v together_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o peace_n be_v unto_o you_o as_o my_o father_n have_v send_v 23._o 20._o john_n 21_o 22_o 23._o i_o so_o send_v i_o you_o and_o as_o he_o have_v say_v this_o he_o breathe_v on_o they_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o receive_v you_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o soever_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v unto_o they_o and_o who_o soever_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v this_o invest_v they_o with_o authority_n but_o then_o the_o actual_a communication_n of_o power_n which_o especial_o at_o that_o time_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n be_v reserve_v for_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n command_v they_o not_o to_o depart_v from_o jerusalem_n but_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n that_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o say_v
our_o servant_n and_o importunate_a prayer_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o our_o arm_n to_o pray_v in_o faith_n in_o â—…e_n with_o a_o entire_a dependence_n on_o 〈◊〉_d and_o a_o perfect_a resignation_n to_o his_o 〈◊〉_d thus_o gideon_n and_o barak_n and_o â—…id_v and_o the_o worthy_n of_o old_a subâ—…d_a kingdom_n wax_v valiant_a in_o fight_n 〈◊〉_d turn_v to_o flight_n the_o army_n of_o aliâ—…_n and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n that_o i_o â—…w_v of_o still_o if_o god_n be_v still_o the_o only_a â—…er_n of_o victory_n faith_n and_o prayer_n be_v 〈◊〉_d the_o only_a way_n to_o obtain_v victory_n 〈◊〉_d god_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o be_v 〈◊〉_d and_o remiss_a in_o our_o prayer_n if_o 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o pray_v at_o all_o or_o expect_v noâ—…g_v from_o our_o prayer_n let_v we_o not_o charge_v any_o ill_a success_n to_o ill_a conduct_n or_o â—…ardize_n but_o to_o our_o infidelity_n and_o â—…igion_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o only_a â—…ncholly_a consideration_n in_o our_o preâ—…_n circumstance_n if_o the_o courage_n 〈◊〉_d conduct_n of_o a_o prince_n if_o the_o braveâ—…_n and_o resolution_n of_o soldier_n if_o a_o â—…erous_a army_n and_o navy_n if_o a_o arm_n â—…lesh_n can_v give_v victory_n we_o have_v â—…on_n to_o hope_v well_o but_o if_o god_n go_v 〈◊〉_d forth_o with_o our_o army_n all_o our_o â—…er_a preparation_n be_v vain_a and_o how_o 〈◊〉_d we_o expect_v that_o when_o we_o will_v not_o 〈◊〉_d it_o or_o only_o mock_v god_n with_o some_o â—…nal_n and_o customary_a address_n without_o be_v concern_v whether_o he_o hear_v oâ—…_n no_o or_o without_o expect_v or_o at_o least_o without_o trust_v and_o depend_v on_o his_o help_n six_o but_o to_o encourage_v those_o gooâ—…_n man_n how_o few_o soever_o there_o be_v amoâ—…_n we_o who_o have_v a_o great_a sense_n of_o thâ—…_n divine_a providence_n and_o a_o firm_a trâ—…_n and_o faith_n in_o god_n to_o be_v very_o importunate_a in_o their_o prayer_n for_o thâ—…_n church_n and_o nation_n i_o observe_v fartheâ—…_n that_o god_n many_o time_n have_v spare_v 〈◊〉_d wicked_a people_n at_o the_o earnest_a intercesâ—…ons_n of_o some_o few_o good_a man_n thus_o 〈◊〉_d the_o intercession_n of_o abraham_n god_n promise_v to_o have_v spare_v sodom_n have_v theâ—…_n be_v ten_o righteous_a person_n find_v 〈◊〉_d that_o great_a city_n god_n spare_v isrâ—…_n when_o they_o have_v so_o provoke_v he_o 〈◊〉_d their_o idolatry_n that_o he_o threaten_v 〈◊〉_d destroy_v they_o only_o at_o the_o importuâ—…_n of_o moses_n as_o the_o psalmist_n observe_v thâ—…fore_o he_o say_v he_o will_v destroy_v they_o 〈◊〉_d not_o moses_n his_o choose_a stand_v before_o he_o 〈◊〉_d the_o breach_n to_o turn_v away_o his_o wrath_n 〈◊〉_d be_v shall_v destroy_v they_o 106._o psal._n 23._o 〈◊〉_d story_n of_o which_o we_o have_v 32._o exod._n 7_o 〈◊〉_d at_o another_o time_n when_o they_o have_v pâ—…voked_v god_n by_o their_o idolatries_n aâ—…_n whoredom_n with_o the_o daughter_n 〈◊〉_d moab_n and_o the_o plague_n break_v in_o amoâ—…_n they_o than_o stand_v up_o phineas_n and_o execuâ—…d_a judgement_n and_o the_o plague_n be_v stay_v 〈◊〉_d numb_a and_o therefore_o when_o god_n â—…clared_v his_o resolution_n to_o punish_v they_o 〈◊〉_d forbid_v his_o prophet_n so_o much_o as_o to_o â—…ay_v for_o they_o 7._o jer._n 16._o and_o in_o 14._o â—…ek_n 14._o profess_v that_o he_o will_v not_o â—…cept_v of_o any_o intercession_n for_o they_o â—…o_o these_o three_o man_n noah_n daniel_n and_o â—…b_n be_v in_o it_o yet_o they_o shall_v deliver_v â—…t_v their_o own_o soul_n by_o their_o righteousness_n â—…ith_o the_o lord_n which_o suppose_v that_o 〈◊〉_d another_o time_n the_o intercession_n of_o â—…ese_n good_a man_n will_v have_v prevail_v â—…d_o that_o it_o be_v very_o extraordinary_a for_o god_n 〈◊〉_d deny_v it_o and_o if_o the_o importunate_a prayer_n of_o 〈◊〉_d few_o good_a man_n may_v obtain_v victory_n â—…d_a success_n and_o save_v a_o church_n and_o â—…ation_n let_v every_o good_a man_n at_o this_o â—…me_n cry_v mighty_o to_o god_n especial_o as_o â—…e_v prophet_n isaiah_n exhort_v you_o that_o â—…ake_v mention_n of_o the_o lord_n keep_v not_o silence_n â—…nd_v give_v he_o no_o rest_n till_o he_o make_v jerusaâ—…em_v a_o praise_n in_o the_o earth_n 62._o isa._n 6_o 7._o 7thly_a to_o add_v no_o more_o and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a comfortable_a consideration_n god_n many_o time_n save_v israel_n for_o his_o own_o name_n sake_n when_o their_o sin_n provoke_v he_o to_o destroy_v they_o 48._o isa._n 9_o for_o my_o name_n sake_n will_v i_o defer_v my_o anger_n and_o for_o my_o praise_n will_v i_o refrain_v for_o thou_o that_o i_o cut_v thou_o not_o off_o 11._o v._n for_o my_o owâ—…_n sake_n even_o for_o my_o own_o sake_n will_v i_o do_v it_o for_o how_o shall_v my_o name_n be_v pollute_v and_o i_o will_v not_o give_v my_o glory_n to_o another_o thus_o god_n assign_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o do_v not_o destroy_v israel_n in_o the_o wilderness_n when_o they_o so_o high_o provoke_v he_o i_o wrought_v for_o my_o name_n sake_n that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v pollute_v before_o the_o heathen_a among_o who_o they_o be_v in_o who_o sight_n i_o madâ—…_n myself_o know_v unto_o they_o in_o bring_v they_o forth_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n 20._o ezek._n 9_o that_o be_v they_o be_v god_n peculiar_a people_n the_o only_a worshipper_n of_o the_o lord_n jehovah_n who_o he_o have_v bring_v out_o of_o egypt_n by_o a_o mighty_a hand_n to_o make_v his_o name_n know_v in_o the_o world_n and_o though_o they_o never_o so_o much_o deserve_v to_o be_v destroy_v have_v he_o then_o destroy_v they_o his_o own_o great_a name_n will_v have_v suffer_v with_o they_o as_o moses_n plead_v with_o god_n wherefore_o shall_v the_o egyptian_n say_v for_o mischief_n do_v he_o bring_v they_o out_o to_o slay_v they_o in_o the_o mountain_n and_o to_o consume_v they_o from_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n 32._o exod._n 12._o and_o thus_o the_o psalmist_n pray_v help_v we_o o_o god_n of_o our_o salvation_n for_o the_o glory_n of_o thy_o name_n and_o deliver_v we_o and_o purge_v away_o our_o sin_n for_o thy_o name_n sake_n wherefore_o shall_v the_o heathen_a say_v where_o be_v their_o god_n let_v he_o be_v know_v among_o the_o heathen_a in_o our_o sight_n by_o revenge_v the_o blood_n of_o thy_o servant_n which_o be_v shed_v 79._o psalm_n 9_o 10._o and_o this_o be_v matter_n of_o hope_n to_o we_o that_o though_o our_o sin_n be_v very_o great_a yet_o god_n will_v not_o utter_o destroy_v we_o but_o will_v send_v deliverance_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o holy_a faith_n which_o be_v profess_v among_o we_o lest_o our_o antichristian_a enemy_n shall_v triunph_v and_o say_v where_o be_v now_o their_o god_n when_o the_o preservation_n of_o a_o wicked_a people_n be_v for_o the_o defence_n and_o honour_n of_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o hope_n and_o good_a man_n have_v a_o very_a powerful_a argument_n to_o plead_v with_o god_n that_o he_o will_v save_v we_o for_o his_o own_o name_n sake_n sermon_n iu._n â—…reached_v before_o the_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n february_n the_o xiith_o 1691_o 2._o iv_o matth_n 1._o â—…hen_o be_v jesus_n lead_v up_o of_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o wilderness_n to_o be_v tempt_v of_o the_o devil_n the_o temptation_n of_o our_o saviour_n after_o his_o fast_v forty_o day_n be_v a_o very_a proper_a subject_n for_o our_o meditation_n at_o this_o time_n and_o suggest_v â—…o_o many_o useful_a observation_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o waste_v any_o time_n in_o a_o needless_a preface_n but_o shall_v 1._o consider_v in_o general_a what_o concern_v his_o temptation_n and_o 2._o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o particular_a temptation_n wherewith_o the_o devil_n assault_v he_o 1._o in_o general_n concern_v our_o saviour_n be_v tempt_v by_o the_o devil_n now_o to_o tempt_v be_v to_o make_v a_o trial_n and_o experiment_n and_o when_o the_o devil_n tempt_v it_o be_v to_o try_v if_o he_o can_v persuade_v or_o seduce_v we_o from_o the_o fear_n and_o worship_n and_o obedience_n of_o god_n 1._o now_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o christ_n himself_o when_o he_o become_v man_n be_v tempt_v of_o the_o devil_n and_o there_o be_v no_o great_a mystery_n in_o this_o than_o that_o he_o be_v liable_a to_o hunger_n and_o cold_a and_o have_v all_o the_o innocent_a appetite_n inclination_n infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o true_a and_o real_a man._n the_o ancient_n general_o conclude_v that_o the_o devil_n do_v not_o know_v at_o this_o time_n how_o great_a a_o person_n our_o saviour_n be_v even_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n for_o it_o be_v hardly_o credible_a that_o have_v he_o know_v this_o he_o will_v have_v make_v so_o vain_a and_o hopeless_a a_o attempt_n on_o he_o it_o
visible_a to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o a_o will_v to_o do_v good_a be_v the_o only_a thing_n we_o want_v but_o such_o a_o readiness_n and_o wilâ—…ingness_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v active_a and_o vigorous_a as_o contrive_v and_o lay_v design_n of_o charity_n or_o embrace_v such_o as_o be_v offer_v and_o take_v all_o wise_a opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a this_o be_v very_o acceptaâ—…le_a to_o god_n as_o be_v the_o most_o divine_a and_o godlike_a temper_n the_o image_n of_o â—…is_n own_o goodness_n and_o the_o noble_a exercise_n of_o our_o love_n to_o man_n inspire_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n now_o in_o moâ—…al_a action_n it_o be_v the_o principle_n that_o give_v the_o value_n not_o so_o much_o the_o gift_n as_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o giver_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o though_o we_o give_v all_o our_o good_n to_o feed_v the_o poor_a and_o have_v not_o charity_n we_o be_v nothing_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 3._o god_n can_v feed_v the_o poor_a without_o we_o if_o he_o so_o please_v but_o as_o for_o several_a other_o wise_a end_n of_o providence_n so_o he_o have_v order_v that_o the_o poor_a shall_v be_v always_o with_o we_o for_o the_o trial_n and_o exercise_n of_o our_o virtue_n but_o the_o virtue_n be_v not_o the_o gift_n but_o the_o charity_n and_o can_v we_o perform_v all_o the_o act_n of_o charity_n without_o a_o charitable_a mind_n the_o world_n may_v be_v better_o for_o it_o but_o not_o we_o ourselves_o 2_o this_o readiness_n and_o forwardness_n of_o mind_n to_o do_v good_a will_v observe_v the_o just_a proportion_n of_o charity_n will_v give_v according_a to_o what_o a_o man_n have_v i_o observe_v before_o that_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o gospel_n have_v prescribe_v no_o fix_a measure_n nor_o proportion_n of_o charity_n nor_o can_v he_o reasonable_o do_v this_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o charity_n which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o absolute_o free_a that_o we_o may_v choose_v whether_o we_o will_v be_v charitable_a or_o no_o for_o charitable_a we_o must_v be_v at_o the_o peril_n of_o our_o soul_n yet_o the_o proportion_n must_v be_v free_a or_o it_o be_v not_o charity_n but_o a_o poor_n rate_n as_o all_o the_o positive_a law_n which_o god_n give_v the_o jew_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v no_o better_o and_o therefore_o by_o the_o wise_a jew_n be_v never_o place_v to_o the_o account_n of_o charity_n but_o of_o justice_n and_o a_o legal_a righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o very_a distinction_n st._n paul_n make_v between_o a_o righteous_a and_o a_o good_a man_n rom._n 5._o 7._o but_o scarce_o for_o a_o righteous_a man_n wiâ—…_n one_o die_v yet_o peradventure_o for_o a_o good_a man_n one_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v a_o righteous_a man_n be_v one_o who_o be_v legal_o righteous_a and_o observe_v what_o the_o law_n require_v but_o a_o good_a man_n be_v one_o who_o be_v act_v by_o a_o free_a unconfined_a and_o generous_a goodness_n now_o upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o there_o 〈◊〉_d no_o proportion_n assign_v to_o charity_n â—…ere_o be_v too_o many_o who_o content_a themâ—…lves_n with_o very_o little_a indeed_o with_o noâ—…ing_v which_o can_v proper_o be_v call_v chaâ—…ty_n but_o i_o wonder_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n â—…hat_o these_o man_n make_v of_o all_o those_o comâ—…ands_n and_o exhortation_n which_o we_o find_v 〈◊〉_d the_o gospel_n to_o charity_n which_o be_v so_o â—…any_o so_o press_v and_o importunate_a and_o â—…und_v on_o we_o by_o so_o many_o promise_n of_o â—…esent_a and_o future_a reward_n and_o with_o 〈◊〉_d many_o terrible_a threaten_n denounâ—…d_v against_o the_o uncharitable_a that_o sureâ—…_n they_o must_v mean_v something_o and_o as_o â—…illing_a as_o man_n be_v in_o these_o case_n to_o â—…etend_v ignorance_n i_o believe_v there_o be_v â—…w_a man_n live_v but_o know_v in_o some_o meaâ—…re_n what_o charity_n mean_v and_o though_o â—…ey_n may_v dispute_v how_o much_o they_o ought_v â—…o_o give_v yet_o certain_o know_v that_o they_o â—…ught_v to_o give_v and_o that_o to_o give_v noâ—…hing_n or_o what_o be_v next_o to_o nothing_o all_o circumstance_n consider_v be_v not_o chaâ—…ity_n a_o charitable_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n be_v a_o indispensible_a duty_n and_o the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o our_o saviour_n command_v and_o he_o need_v command_v no_o more_o for_o charity_n be_v and_o will_v be_v a_o rule_n and_o measure_n to_o itself_o where_o this_o divine_a principle_n be_v it_o will_v teach_v we_o when_o and_o how_o and_o in_o what_o proportion_n to_o give_v the_o sun_n need_v no_o rule_n and_o direction_n how_o to_o communicate_v its_o light_n and_o heat_n nature_n be_v the_o sure_a and_o most_o infallible_a rule_n and_o law_n to_o itself_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v proportionable_o in_o moral_a as_o well_o as_o in_o natural_a agent_n for_o what_o be_v the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o nature_n and_o life_n can_v never_o be_v teach_v without_o its_o principle_n can_v exceed_v its_o principle_n and_o can_v fall_v below_o it_o all_o the_o rule_n in_o the_o world_n can_v never_o teach_v that_o man_n charity_n who_o want_v the_o principle_n a_o charitable_a mind_n need_v no_o rule_n but_o turn_v natural_o on_o its_o own_o bias_n which_o will_v direct_v its_o motion_n right_a there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n indeed_o between_o natural_a and_o moral_a agent_n natural_a agent_n be_v necessary_o determine_v to_o some_o one_o end_n and_o therefore_o have_v but_o one_o principle_n which_o uniform_o and_o steady_o pursue_v the_o end_n of_o nature_n but_o moral_a agent_n as_o they_o act_v free_o so_o they_o have_v many_o different_a principle_n inclination_n and_o passion_n which_o stint_n and_o limit_v each_o other_o that_o none_o of_o they_o can_v act_v to_o their_o utmost_a vigour_n but_o as_o they_o be_v mutual_o poiâ—…ed_v and_o balance_v and_o this_o be_v the_o â—…ork_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n to_o put_v â—…em_n into_o their_o natural_a order_n and_o to_o â—…t_v just_a bound_n to_o they_o and_o that_o proâ—…ortions_v the_o degree_n of_o their_o activity_n â—…d_v strength_n but_o yet_o every_o principle_n â—…nless_a violent_o oppress_v will_v act_v acâ—…ording_v to_o its_o nature_n as_o it_o more_o or_o â—…ess_o prevail_v and_o this_o give_v meaâ—…res_n and_o proportion_n to_o all_o our_o actiâ—…ns_n as_o to_o show_v you_o this_o in_o our_o preâ—…ent_a case_n charity_n be_v that_o love_n to_o mankind_n â—…hich_v make_v we_o pity_v all_o their_o want_n â—…nd_v suffering_n and_o inspire_v we_o with_o a_o â—…reat_a zeal_n and_o concernment_n to_o help_v â—…nd_v relieve_v they_o if_o you_o inquire_v what_o the_o natural_a measure_n of_o this_o charity_n be_v i_o know_v no_o other_o natural_a measure_n but_o its_o natural_a end_n that_o be_v to_o relieve_v all_o that_o suffer_v and_o be_v in_o want_n for_o that_o be_v what_o charity_n will_v do_v and_o what_o all_o charitable_a man_n hearty_o wish_v that_o they_o can_v do_v well!_o but_o this_o be_v impossible_a for_o there_o be_v too_o many_o miserable_a people_n for_o any_o man_n to_o relieve_v they_o all_o this_o be_v true_a and_o want_v of_o power_n must_v of_o necessity_n set_v bound_n to_o our_o charity_n but_o since_o we_o can_v relieve_v all_o we_o must_v relieve_v such_o as_o we_o can_v and_o wise_o consider_v where_o the_o great_a necessity_n and_o great_a obligation_n be_v which_o will_v give_v the_o preference_n to_o christian_n before_o infidel_n to_o good_a man_n before_o the_o wicked_a to_o god_n poor_a who_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v make_v poor_a to_o the_o poor_a of_o their_o own_o make_v who_o idleness_n luxury_n and_o vice_n have_v make_v poor_a and_o miserable_a well!_o but_o how_o far_o must_v we_o relieve_v these_o poor_a must_v we_o give_v as_o long_o as_o we_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o give_v and_o make_v ourselves_o the_o object_n of_o charity_n by_o no_o mean_n there_o be_v other_o as_o natural_a principle_n as_o charity_n which_o must_v set_v bound_n to_o it_o self-love_n be_v a_o natural_a and_o necessary_a principle_n no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o love_v any_o man_n better_o than_o himself_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o be_v all_o that_o the_o gospel_n itself_o make_v our_o necessary_a duty_n though_o some_o great_a and_o generous_a friendship_n and_o divine_a charity_n may_v go_v further_o as_o far_o as_o concern_v this_o life_n next_o to_o self-love_n our_o natural_a affection_n for_o our_o wife_n and_o child_n must_v take_v place_n as_o ingraft_v in_o it_o and_o think_v the_o best_a and_o the_o dear_a part_n of_o it_o as_o be_v near_o to_o ourselves_o and_o what_o the_o best_a â—…en_n be_v the_o most_o tender_o concern_v â—…or_n and_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n which_o â—…mong_a man_n of_o any_o principle_n dispute_v â—…he_a bound_n of_o charity_n for_o as_o for_o â—…hose_v stupid_a
of_o earthly_a rival_n yet_o it_o fire_v at_o great_a example_n and_o be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v outdo_v by_o equal_n in_o love_n to_o god_n or_o man_n especial_o when_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n and_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v be_v concern_v it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o many_o pious_a and_o charitable_a foundation_n be_v owe_v to_o popish_a superstition_n they_o hope_v to_o expiate_v their_o sin_n and_o to_o merit_v heaven_n by_o their_o good_a work_n and_o in_o this_o hope_n and_o this_o persuasion_n they_o do_v a_o very_a great_a many_o we_o understand_v better_a than_o to_o think_v of_o merit_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n much_o less_o of_o purchase_v a_o liberty_n of_o sin_v by_o act_n of_o charity_n but_o if_o those_o great_a reward_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o charity_n and_o which_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v will_v not_o make_v we_o charitable_a without_o the_o opinion_n of_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n charity_n be_v so_o great_a and_o excellent_a a_o virtue_n and_o so_o very_o useful_a to_o mankind_n that_o at_o least_o thus_o far_o popery_n will_v be_v think_v the_o better_a religion_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v as_o you_o abound_v in_o every_o thing_n in_o faith_n and_o utterance_n and_o knowledge_n and_o all_o diligence_n and_o in_o your_o love_n to_o we_o see_v that_o you_o abound_v in_o this_o grace_n also_o as_o we_o have_v a_o more_o orthodox_n faith_n a_o clear_a and_o a_o distinct_a knowledge_n and_o a_o pure_a worship_n than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n let_v we_o excel_v in_o charity_n too_o and_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o to_o renounce_v popery_n be_v not_o to_o renounce_v good_a work_n sermon_n x._o preach_v before_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o lord-mayor_n and_o court_n of_o alderman_n at_o guildhall_n chappel_n on_o sunday_n april_n 25._o 1697._o coloss._n ii_o 8._o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ._n have_v st._n paul_n live_v in_o our_o age_n it_o will_v have_v require_v little_o less_o than_o the_o courage_n and_o bravery_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o martyrdom_n to_o have_v say_v this_o and_o nothing_o but_o the_o authority_n of_o so_o great_a a_o apostle_n which_o though_o some_o man_n do_v not_o much_o value_n yet_o they_o dare_v not_o open_o despise_v can_v screen_n those_o who_o venture_v to_o say_v iâ—…_n after_o he_o what_o some_o man_n call_v philosophy_n and_o reason_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o foolish_a and_o absurd_a which_o some_o man_n will_v not_o call_v so_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n which_o those_o man_n adore_v who_o will_v either_o have_v no_o god_n or_o a_o god_n and_o a_o religion_n of_o their_o own_o make_n and_o what_o attempt_v some_o have_v make_v to_o undermine_v all_o religion_n and_o other_o to_o corrupt_v and_o transform_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o its_o contradict_a natural_a reason_n and_o philosophy_n be_v too_o well_o know_v to_o need_v a_o proof_n that_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o his_o day_n and_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v in_o future_a age_n st._n paul_n be_v very_o sensible_a when_o he_o give_v this_o caution_n to_o his_o colossian_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v as_o proper_a a_o caution_n for_o we_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v for_o any_o age_n since_o the_o write_n of_o this_o epistle_n for_o this_o vain_a pretence_n to_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n never_o more_o prevail_v and_o never_o do_v more_o mischief_n to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o endless_a and_o fruitless_a task_n to_o go_v about_o to_o confute_v all_o the_o absurd_a hypothesis_n and_o wild_a inconsistent_a reason_n wherewith_o man_n abuse_v themselves_o and_o other_o the_o experience_n of_o so_o â—…ny_a age_n wherein_o philosophy_n be_v in_o all_o 〈◊〉_d glory_n and_o the_o several_a sect_n dispute_v â—…d_v wrangle_v eternal_o without_o end_v â—…y_o one_o controversy_n give_v no_o great_a enâ—…uragement_n to_o hope_v for_o much_o this_o way_n 〈◊〉_d lest_o it_o can_v never_o be_v expect_v that_o â—…dinary_a christian_n shall_v be_v better_o â—…structed_v and_o confirm_v in_o the_o faith_n by_o â—…hilosophical_a dispute_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v from_o â—…e_n very_o begin_v be_v corrupt_v by_o 〈◊〉_d mixture_n of_o philosophy_n thus_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d the_o apostle_n day_n and_o thus_o it_o have_v â—…een_v more_o or_o less_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n to_o this_o day_n and_o the_o direction_n the_o apostle_n give_v for_o the_o security_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v not_o to_o dispute_v such_o matter_n but_o to_o distinguish_v between_o philosophical_a dispute_n and_o matter_n of_o revelation_n and_o to_o reject_v all_o the_o pretence_n of_o philosophy_n when_o it_o do_v or_o seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n or_o will_v make_v any_o corrupt_a addition_n to_o it_o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o make_v a_o prey_n or_o to_o carry_v away_o as_o a_o prey_n that_o be_v to_o seduce_v they_o from_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o from_o the_o pâ—…rity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o it_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n that_o be_v through_o the_o vain_a deceit_n of_o philosophy_n which_o cheat_v man_n with_o a_o flatter_a but_o empty_a appearance_n may_v unsettle_v weak_a mind_n but_o can_v lay_v a_o sure_a and_o solid_a foundation_n of_o faith_n may_v cheat_v man_n out_o of_o their_o faith_n but_o when_o that_o be_v do_v can_v give_v they_o nothing_o certain_a in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v but_o after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o this_o world_n some_o of_o these_o doctrine_n may_v possible_o plead_v prescription_n as_o have_v be_v so_o long_o receive_v that_o no_o man_n know_v their_o original_a or_o if_o they_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o great_a name_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o human_a authority_n and_o they_o be_v but_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o of_o man_n who_o at_o best_o have_v no_o better_a information_n than_o from_o the_o visible_a appearance_n of_o nature_n and_o their_o own_o imperfect_a observation_n and_o corrupt_v or_o defective_a reason_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o this_o world_n and_o be_v this_o a_o authority_n to_o oppose_v against_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n which_o both_o want_v that_o divine_a confirmation_n which_o he_o give_v to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o contradict_v they_o for_o they_o be_v not_o after_o christ_n neither_o teach_v by_o christ_n nor_o consonant_n to_o what_o he_o teach_v these_o word_n may_v afford_v great_a variety_n of_o discourse_n but_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o what_o be_v most_o useful_a and_o reduce_v that_o into_o as_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o i_o can_v by_o show_v i._n what_o great_a need_n there_o be_v of_o this_o caution_n to_o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v we_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n ii_o what_o great_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o rejectall_v these_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n when_o they_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n i._o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o whoever_o consider_v what_o a_o enemy_n these_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n have_v always_o be_v to_o religion_n will_v see_v need_n enough_o for_o this_o caution_n true_a reason_n and_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v true_a philosophy_n will_v certain_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n and_o worship_n of_o that_o supreme_a be_v who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o atheist_n without_o some_o pretence_n to_o philosophy_n and_o general_o such_o loud_a noisy_a pretence_n too_o as_o make_v ignorant_a people_n think_v they_o very_o notable_a philosopher_n and_o that_o tempt_v some_o vain_a empty_a person_n to_o affect_v atheism_n that_o they_o may_v be_v think_v philosopher_n that_o this_o be_v vain_a deceit_n all_o man_n must_v own_v who_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o pretend_v philosophy_n for_o atheism_n itself_o it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n if_o it_o be_v make_v to_o patronize_v infidelity_n and_o heresy_n but_o this_o plain_o show_v of_o what_o dangerous_a consequence_n it_o be_v to_o admit_v philosophical_a dispute_n into_o religion_n which_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o may_v do_v any_o service_n to_o religion_n much_o often_o great_o corrupt_v it_o and_o shake_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o it_o of_o which_o more_o anon_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o show_v you_o how_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n stand_v that_o most_o of_o the_o dispute_n in_o religion_n
be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o dispute_n of_o philosophy_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o apostolical_a command_n to_o be_v whole_o fling_v out_o of_o religion_n and_o not_o suffer_v to_o affect_v our_o faith_n one_o way_n or_o other_o to_o be_v a_o philosopher_n and_o a_o christian_a to_o dispute_v and_o to_o believe_v be_v two_o very_a different_a thing_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o most_o of_o the_o argument_n against_o revelation_n in_o general_n and_o most_o of_o the_o dispute_n about_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v no_o better_o than_o this_o vain_a deceit_n of_o philosophy_n that_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o dispute_n of_o philosophy_n true_o distinguish_v this_o alone_a will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o settle_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_n and_o restore_v peace_n and_o unity_n at_o least_o in_o the_o great_a fundamental_o of_o religion_n to_o the_o christian_a world_n 1._o as_o to_o begin_v with_o revelation_n in_o general_n the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o most_o ancient_a and_o that_o consider_v the_o best_a attest_v history_n in_o the_o world_n the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o history_n he_o write_v pay_v the_o great_a veneration_n to_o he_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o he_o relate_v he_o be_v certain_o a_o inspire_a man_n who_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o have_v great_a evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o authenticalness_n of_o any_o write_n at_o such_o a_o distance_n of_o time_n than_o we_o have_v for_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o indeed_o the_o infidel_n of_o our_o age_n have_v very_o little_a to_o say_v pure_o against_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o history_n and_o than_o one_o will_v think_v that_o all_o their_o other_o objection_n shall_v come_v too_o late_o unless_o they_o will_v justify_v pharaoh_n in_o disbelieve_v moses_n and_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n in_o disbelieve_v our_o saviour_n after_o all_o the_o miracle_n they_o do_v for_o if_o they_o will_v disbelieve_v moses_n and_o christ_n though_o they_o have_v nothing_o material_a to_o object_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o history_n nothing_o which_o they_o will_v allow_v to_o be_v good_a objection_n against_o any_o other_o history_n they_o must_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n have_v disbelieved_a they_o though_o they_o have_v see_v they_o do_v all_o those_o great_a work_n which_o be_v report_v of_o they_o in_o such_o credible_a history_n but_o whatever_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n be_v they_o think_v they_o may_v secure_o reject_v they_o if_o they_o contain_v any_o thing_n which_o contradict_v their_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n and_o they_o find_v a_o great_a many_o such_o thing_n to_o quarrel_n with_o they_o think_v moses_n history_n of_o the_o creation_n very_o unphilosophical_a that_o the_o story_n of_o eve_n and_o the_o serpent_n be_v a_o incredible_a fiction_n that_o the_o universal_a deluge_n be_v absolute_o impossible_a and_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o principle_n of_o philosophy_n and_o it_o do_v not_o become_v philosopher_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o miracle_n that_o what_o we_o call_v miracle_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n but_o may_v be_v resolve_v into_o natural_a cause_n that_o inspiration_n and_o prophecy_n be_v nothing_o but_o natural_a enthusiasm_n and_o all_o the_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n a_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n that_o nature_n teach_v we_o all_o that_o we_o need_v to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o certain_a knowledge_n but_o this_o that_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o our_o own_o reason_n can_v grasp_v and_o comprehend_v and_o therefore_o revelation_n be_v perfect_o useless_a and_o god_n himself_o can_v oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o philosophy_n of_o nature_n those_o who_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o modern_a infidelity_n know_v that_o these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o wise_a reason_n for_o which_o they_o reject_v and_o ridicule_n all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o endeavour_v to_o rob_v and_o spoil_v man_n of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a blessing_n in_o the_o world_n a_o divine_a revelation_n so_o that_o infidelity_n be_v resolve_v into_o these_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n that_o man_n will_v understand_v how_o to_o make_v destroy_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n better_o than_o god_n 2._o as_o these_o man_n oppose_v reason_n and_o philosophy_n to_o revelation_n so_o other_o either_o deny_v the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o christianity_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o philosophical_a difficulty_n or_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n by_o a_o mixture_n of_o philosophy_n the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o plain_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o ever_o be_v 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have_v be_v use_v and_o to_o so_o little_a purpose_n to_o pervert_v those_o text_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o this_o doctrine_n be_v contain_v be_v a_o evident_a proof_n that_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a natural_a obvious_a sense_n of_o those_o text_n since_o it_o require_v so_o much_o art_n and_o criticism_n to_o put_v any_o other_o sense_n on_o they_o and_o that_o will_v not_o do_v neither_o till_o man_n be_v resolve_v rather_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n of_o scripture_n than_o to_o find_v a_o real_a trinity_n there_o if_o then_o this_o faith_n be_v so_o plain_o contain_v in_o scripture_n what_o make_v all_o this_o dispute_n about_o it_o what_o make_v those_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n so_o obstinate_a against_o this_o faith_n true_o that_o which_o make_v some_o man_n infidel_n make_v other_o heretic_n that_o be_v a_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n the_o first_o philosophical_a dispute_n be_v about_o the_o divine_a unity_n we_o all_o own_o with_o the_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o we_o say_v further_o as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v three_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n each_o of_o which_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n this_o they_o say_v be_v a_o contradiction_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o faith_n for_o both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a but_o to_o be_v three_o and_o one_o upon_o different_a account_n and_o in_o different_a sense_n be_v no_o contradiction_n for_o thus_o three_o may_v be_v one_o and_o one_o three_o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o scripture_n teach_v or_o that_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v whatever_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o distinction_n and_o unity_n be_v but_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v these_o philosophical_a wit_n unless_o they_o can_v comprehend_v how_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v real_o and_o distinct_o three_o and_o essential_o one_o the_o manner_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n give_v no_o account_n of_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v no_o dispute_n in_o faith_n but_o only_o in_o philosophy_n another_o objection_n concern_v the_o divine_a generation_n how_o god_n can_v beget_v a_o son_n of_o his_o own_o substance_n which_o the_o arian_n think_v infer_v a_o division_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n and_o a_o three_o objection_n concern_v a_o eternal_a generation_n how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o father_n shall_v beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n that_o the_o son_n shall_v be_v beget_v without_o any_o begin_n of_o be_v and_o that_o the_o father_n shall_v not_o be_v at_o least_o some_o few_o moment_n before_o the_o son_n and_o consequent_o the_o son_n not_o eternal_a now_o we_o all_o grant_v that_o we_o can_v give_v no_o philosophical_a account_n of_o this_o no_o more_o than_o we_o can_v of_o the_o simple_a divine_a essence_n or_o of_o eternity_n itself_o but_o we_o may_v believe_v that_o god_n have_v a_o eternal_a son_n as_o we_o do_v that_o there_o be_v
conceive_v no_o substance_n but_o matter_n and_o body_n and_o therefore_o reject_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n as_o nonsense_n and_o contradiction_n they_o will_v allow_v nothing_o to_o be_v wise_o make_v which_o they_o understand_v not_o the_o reason_n and_o use_n of_o and_o therefore_o they_o fancy_v a_o great_a many_o botch_n and_o blunder_n in_o nature_n which_o can_v be_v the_o design_n and_o contrivance_n of_o wisdom_n but_o the_o effect_n of_o chance_n and_o then_o the_o consequence_n be_v plain_a that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o chance_n not_o by_o a_o wise_a author_n now_o i_o confess_v if_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v be_v allow_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o defend_v either_o sense_n or_o reason_n or_o revelation_n against_o the_o cavil_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n for_o there_o be_v unconceivable_a and_o incomprehensible_a secret_n and_o mystery_n in_o they_o all_o and_o if_o to_o conceive_v and_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n must_v be_v make_v the_o measure_n and_o standard_n of_o true_a and_o false_a we_o must_v deny_v our_o sense_n and_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o our_o faith_n and_o if_o we_o do_v and_o must_v believe_v our_o sense_n and_o reason_n beyond_o our_o comprehension_n why_o must_v we_o believe_v nothing_o that_o be_v reveal_v any_o far_a than_o we_o can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o sum_n be_v this_o humane_a knowledge_n whatever_o the_o mean_n of_o know_v be_v whether_o sense_n or_o reason_n or_o revelation_n do_v not_o reach_v to_o the_o philosophical_a cause_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o only_o to_o their_o be_v and_o natural_a virtue_n and_o power_n and_o as_o a_o wise_a man_n who_o know_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o understanding_n expect_v no_o more_o from_o sense_n and_o reason_n than_o to_o know_v what_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o they_o be_v as_o far_o as_o they_o fall_v under_o the_o notice_n of_o sense_n and_o 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comprehend_v but_o this_o be_v no_o contradiction_n but_o only_o a_o subordination_n between_o these_o different_a kind_n and_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n but_o as_o for_o unconceivableness_n and_o incomprehensibility_n that_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o any_o thing_n for_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n can_v no_o more_o comprehend_v their_o own_o object_n than_o they_o do_v what_o be_v reveal_v and_o it_o be_v manifest_a perverseness_n to_o make_v that_o a_o objection_n against_o revelation_n which_o we_o will_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o sense_n and_o reason_n this_o be_v sufficient_a as_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o remove_v mens_fw-la prejudices_fw-la also_o against_o believe_v mystery_n i_o shall_v brief_o answer_v two_o very_a popular_a objection_n 1._o it_o be_v think_v very_o unnatural_a that_o when_o god_n have_v make_v we_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o therefore_o make_v natural_a reason_n to_o we_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n he_o shall_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v without_o reason_n as_o we_o must_v do_v if_o he_o reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o as_o we_o know_v not_o and_o can_v possible_o know_v the_o reason_n of_o if_o we_o must_v believe_v with_o our_o understanding_n how_o can_v we_o believe_v thing_n which_o we_o can_v understand_v this_o be_v a_o reasonable_a objection_n be_v it_o true_a for_o we_o can_v believe_v what_o we_o have_v no_o knowledge_n nor_o understanding_n of_o for_o faith_n be_v knowledge_n though_o not_o natural_a knowledge_n but_o do_v we_o not_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v do_v we_o not_o know_v what_o we_o mean_v when_o we_o say_v we_o believe_v in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n nay_o do_v not_o our_o adversary_n understand_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o it_o how_o then_o come_v they_o to_o charge_v we_o with_o believe_v contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n for_o if_o they_o know_v not_o what_o we_o believe_v they_o can_v know_v whether_o we_o believe_v contradiction_n or_o not_o and_o if_o we_o do_v understand_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v than_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v without_o understanding_n which_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a if_o we_o know_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v and_o we_o know_v also_o why_o we_o believe_v our_o faith_n be_v found_v in_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o high_a and_o most_o infallible_a reason_n the_o miracle_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v be_v evident_a to_o sense_n and_o own_a by_o reason_n to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o the_o answer_v the_o blind_a man_n give_v to_o the_o pharisee_n when_o christ_n have_v open_v his_o eye_n speak_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o nature_n herein_o be_v a_o marvellous_a thing_n that_o you_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o he_o be_v and_o yet_o he_o have_v open_v my_o eye_n now_o we_o know_v that_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n but_o if_o any_o man_n be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n he_o he_o hear_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v be_v it_o not_o hear_v that_o any_o man_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a if_o this_o man_n be_v not_o of_o god_n he_o can_v do_v nothing_o 9_o john_n 30_o 31_o 32_o 33._o and_o all_o mankind_n own_o that_o the_o most_o absolute_a faith_n be_v due_a to_o god_n and_o to_o those_o who_o speak_v from_o god_n and_o this_o as_o i_o take_v it_o be_v to_o believe_v with_o reason_n but_o still_o we_o believe_v such_o thing_n who_o nature_n we_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o can_v account_v for_o by_o natural_a reason_n and_o this_o be_v to_o believe_v without_o reason_n we_o believe_v that_o god_n the_o father_n have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n and_o that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v but_o one_o eternal_a god_n but_o this_o be_v what_o natural_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v nor_o give_v we_o any_o notion_n or_o conception_n of_o how_o god_n can_v have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n real_o distinct_a from_o himself_o and_o yet_o with_o himself_o one_o eternal_a and_o infinite_a god_n reason_n can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n nor_o of_o the_o eternal_a procession_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o believe_v without_o reason_n which_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n ought_v not_o to_o do_v and_o which_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v that_o god_n who_o make_v we_o reasonable_a creature_n expect_v from_o we_o and_o this_o i_o grant_v will_v be_v a_o material_a objection_n be_v reason_n the_o judge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o philosophy_n of_o thing_n and_o do_v reason_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o understand_v and_o comprehend_v but_o then_o we_o must_v no_o more_o believe_v sense_n and_o reason_n than_o revelation_n for_o we_o do_v not_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o any_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n how_o evident_a soever_o it_o be_v to_o sense_n and_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n nature_n be_v as_o great_a a_o mystery_n as_o revelation_n and_o it_o be_v no_o great_a affront_n to_o our_o understanding_n no_o more_o against_o reason_n for_o god_n to_o reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o as_o our_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v than_o 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o make_v a_o whole_a world_n which_o â—…eason_n can_v comprehend_v when_o we_o make_v it_o a_o objection_n against_o â—…ny_a thing_n that_o it_o be_v without_o reason_n or_o â—…s_v we_o apprehend_v against_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n we_o must_v first_o conâ—…ider_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o reason_n otherwise_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n as_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o sound_n that_o we_o can_v see_v they_o nor_o against_o colour_n
therefore_o it_o become_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o reveal_v these_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n to_o we_o especial_o if_o we_o add_v to_o this_o that_o the_o lapse_v state_n of_o humane_a nature_n make_v supernatural_a knowledge_n necessary_a natural_a knowledge_n we_o grant_v be_v sufficient_a for_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n though_o no_o man_n will_v have_v have_v reason_n to_o complain_v have_v god_n in_o a_o state_n of_o innocence_n by_o a_o more_o familiar_a intercourse_n with_o man_n or_o by_o the_o frequent_a conversation_n of_o angel_n improve_v his_o knowledge_n beyond_o the_o mere_a attainment_n of_o his_o natural_a faculty_n and_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o this_o may_v have_v be_v i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v a_o impatient_a thirst_n after_o knowledge_n in_o humane_a nature_n and_o such_o a_o great_a curiosity_n for_o secret_a and_o hide_a mystery_n that_o it_o look_v very_o unnatural_a for_o man_n to_o complain_v that_o god_n reveal_v more_o to_o they_o than_o nature_n teach_v but_o yet_o i_o say_v natural_a knowledge_n must_v be_v allow_v sufficient_a to_o all_o the_o end_n of_o humane_a life_n while_o man_n continue_v innocent_a for_o that_o be_v the_o original_a state_n of_o human_a nature_n as_o all_o man_n must_v grant_v who_o believe_v that_o man_n be_v make_v by_o god_n but_o when_o man_n sin_v he_o forfeit_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o a_o natural_a immortality_n and_o whether_o he_o shall_v be_v restore_v or_o not_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o shall_v be_v restore_v depend_v whole_o on_o the_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n though_o it_o can_v direct_v a_o innocent_a man_n how_o to_o please_v and_o worship_n god_n and_o to_o preserve_v himself_o immortal_a it_o can_v not_o teach_v sinner_n how_o to_o make_v atonement_n for_o sin_n nor_o give_v they_o any_o certain_a hope_n that_o god_n will_v forgive_v sin_n and_o bestow_v immortal_a life_n on_o they_o which_o make_v it_o necessary_a that_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v a_o reveal_v religion_n and_o if_o god_n in_o infinite_a goodness_n be_v not_o only_o please_v to_o restore_v sinner_n to_o grace_n and_o favour_n but_o to_o advance_v they_o to_o a_o supernatural_a state_n of_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o the_o next_o world_n this_o must_v be_v do_v by_o supernatural_a mean_n and_o therefore_o require_v a_o supernatural_a knowledge_n for_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v neither_o raise_v we_o above_o nature_n nor_o discover_v supernatural_a truth_n to_o we_o and_o this_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o know_v and_o believe_v such_o thing_n as_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n or_o idea_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v if_o nature_n can_v save_v we_o it_o can_v discover_v to_o we_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n neither_o and_o if_o we_o must_v be_v save_v by_o a_o supernatural_a grace_n and_o power_n it_o must_v be_v supernatural_o reveal_v and_o what_o be_v supernatural_a be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n not_o of_o natural_a knowledge_n this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o give_v a_o plain_a account_n why_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v such_o mystery_n to_o we_o as_o nature_n can_v teach_v and_o as_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n of_o because_o our_o lapse_v state_n have_v make_v such_o supernatural_a revelation_n necessary_a to_o the_o recovery_n of_o mankind_n and_o when_o we_o be_v fall_v below_o the_o relief_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o natural_a knowledge_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o thankful_a to_o our_o good_a god_n for_o supernatural_a knowledge_n and_o supernatural_a mean_n of_o salvation_n to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n three_o person_n one_o eternal_a god_n be_v honour_n glory_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n xi_o the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o deism_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n at_o hampton-court_n june_n 16._o 1700_o john_n fourteen_o 1._o you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o i_o shall_v not_o consider_v these_o word_n as_o they_o relate_v to_o what_o follow_v but_o only_o observe_v in_o they_o that_o our_o saâ—…iour_n not_o only_o require_v his_o disciple_n to_o â—…elieve_v in_o god_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v believe_v also_o in_o he_o that_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n and_o from_o hence_o i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o consider_v the_o case_n of_o deist_n who_o pretend_v to_o own_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o to_o pay_v such_o worship_n to_o he_o and_o to_o obey_v such_o law_n as_o mere_a nature_n teach_v but_o reject_v all_o reveal_v religion_n even_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n itself_o as_o no_o better_a than_o cheat_n and_o impostor_n this_o profession_n of_o deism_n be_v grow_v very_o fashionable_a among_o our_o great_a pretender_n to_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n and_o i_o be_o very_o glad_a that_o such_o man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o name_n of_o atheist_n and_o hope_v that_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o deism_n that_o be_v to_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o to_o deny_v all_o reveal_v religion_n may_v dispose_v they_o to_o a_o impartial_a inquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n i._o the_o folly_n of_o deism_n i_o will_v begin_v with_o this_o to_o make_v man_n consider_v a_o little_a what_o they_o intend_v by_o it_o or_o what_o wise_a end_v it_o will_v serve_v every_o one_o see_v what_o man_n intend_v by_o atheism_n to_o deliver_v themselves_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o invisible_a power_n that_o they_o may_v follow_v their_o own_o inclination_n and_o do_v what_o they_o like_v best_a themselves_o without_o any_o awe_n of_o god_n or_o reproof_n and_o terror_n of_o conscience_n or_o the_o dismal_a apprehension_n of_o unknown_a and_o endless_a punishment_n in_o the_o next_o world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o wise_a course_n man_n can_v take_v who_o resolve_v to_o be_v wicked_a that_o they_o may_v sin_v with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n without_o the_o bitter_a allay_v of_o shame_n and_o fear_n but_o now_o if_o a_o deist_n real_o be_v what_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v that_o be_v if_o he_o do_v real_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a and_o that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v reward_v and_o bad_a man_n punish_v in_o the_o next_o world_n he_o believe_v a_o great_a deal_n too_o much_o to_o sin_n with_o security_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n too_o little_a to_o have_v any_o comfortable_a hope_n of_o a_o better_a life_n that_o this_o be_v certain_o the_o most_o hopeless_a state_n that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v in_o in_o this_o world_n it_o have_v all_o the_o restraint_n and_o fear_n of_o religion_n but_o none_o of_o the_o support_v and_o comfort_n of_o it_o as_o to_o show_v this_o brief_o 1._o he_o who_o do_v hearty_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o will_v punish_v man_n for_o their_o sin_n not_o only_o in_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o next_o believe_v too_o much_o to_o sin_n with_o security_n though_o he_o believe_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o revelation_n for_o if_o nature_n as_o they_o grant_v teach_v man_n that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o just_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n who_o observe_v what_o we_o do_v and_o will_v punish_v wickedness_n natural_a conscience_n also_o will_v accuse_v and_o terrify_v and_o condemn_v wicked_a men._n thus_o st._n paul_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v with_o the_o heathen_a world_n before_o they_o have_v any_o revelation_n of_o god_n will._n for_o when_o the_o gentile_n which_o have_v not_o the_o law_n do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n these_o have_v not_o the_o law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o which_o show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n the_o mean_a while_n accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v one_o another_o 2_o rom._n 14_o 15._o and_o the_o same_o be_v attest_v by_o all_o the_o heathen_a orator_n philosopher_n and_o poet_n and_o those_o natural_a terror_n of_o conscience_n and_o fear_n of_o vengeance_n be_v in_o those_o day_n before_o man_n have_v ever_o hear_v of_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n so_o very_o unsupportable_a to_o bad_a man_n that_o they_o take_v refuge_n in_o atheism_n against_o they_o as_o lucretius_n do_v very_o honest_o confess_v and_o admire_v his_o master_n epicurus_n for_o his_o brave_a and_o bold_a attempt_n in_o deliver_v the_o world_n from_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n so_o that_o whoever_o believe_v a_o
gospel_n denounce_v against_o â—…penitent_a sinner_n every_o thing_n else_o 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v a_o true_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d glad_a tiding_n 〈◊〉_d great_a joy_n to_o mankind_n it_o give_v we_o 〈◊〉_d many_o signal_n token_n and_o pledge_n of_o â—…e_n divine_a favour_n and_o such_o express_a â—…romises_n of_o god_n care_n of_o good_a man_n 〈◊〉_d this_o world_n and_o of_o the_o glorious_a reâ—…ards_n of_o the_o next_o as_o mere_a nature_n at_o â—…ost_n afford_v but_o very_o imperfect_a conâ—…ectures_n of_o that_o the_o deist_n if_o he_o have_v â—…ny_a generous_a hope_n of_o immortality_n â—…eft_v shall_v be_v glad_a to_o have_v some_o betâ—…er_a assurance_n of_o immortal_a happiness_n â—…han_o nature_n give_v and_o can_v think_v it_o no_o advantage_n that_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o next_o life_n be_v uncertain_a when_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o be_v as_o uncertain_a too_o if_o we_o will_v allow_v no_o other_o evidence_n but_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o i_o shall_v consine_n myself_o at_o present_a but_o to_o one_o thing_n which_o all_o mankind_n be_v equal_o concern_v in_o and_o which_o we_o can_v never_o be_v assure_v of_o but_o by_o revelation_n and_o that_o be_v the_o certain_a pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n if_o god_n be_v holy_a and_o just_a a_o sinner_n as_o all_o mankind_n be_v must_v be_v punish_v except_o he_o be_v pardon_v and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o good_a hope_n towards_o god_n till_o he_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o pardon_n now_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n give_v we_o no_o absolute_a assurance_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o it_o do_v that_o god_n will_v punish_v sinner_n and_o therefore_o a_o deist_n who_o reject_v the_o gospel_n revelation_n can_v possible_o be_v so_o certain_a that_o his_o sin_n shall_v be_v pardon_v as_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v punish_v for_o they_o the_o holiness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n make_v he_o a_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o all_o sin_n and_o the_o only_a refuge_n sinner_n have_v be_v in_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n but_o goodness_n do_v not_o so_o necessary_o prove_v that_o god_n will_v forgive_v sin_n as_o justice_n do_v that_o he_o will_v punish_v it_o for_o goodness_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n must_v give_v place_n to_o justice_n that_o be_v goodness_n can_v pardon_v while_o it_o be_v unjust_a to_o pardon_v for_o a_o unjust_a goodness_n be_v no_o divine_a perfection_n so_o that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n how_o great_a soever_o we_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v and_o we_o can_v conceive_v it_o great_a than_o it_o be_v do_v not_o necessary_o prove_v that_o god_n must_v or_o will_v pardon_v sinner_n but_o only_o that_o he_o will_v pardon_v sinner_n when_o it_o be_v wise_a and_o just_a to_o do_v so_o but_o who_o can_v tell_v when_o god_n will_v think_v it_o wise_a and_o just_a to_o do_v so_o without_o a_o revelation_n or_o who_o can_v tell_v what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v it_o wise_a and_o just_a for_o a_o good_a god_n to_o forgive_v sin_n a_o good_a man_n do_v not_o always_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o forgive_v those_o personal_a injury_n and_o affront_n which_o be_v offer_v he_o much_o less_o be_v a_o kind_n and_o merciful_a prince_n who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n and_o the_o sacred_a authority_n of_o government_n bind_v to_o forgive_v every_o malefactor_n out_o of_o pure_a good_a nature_n which_o will_v soon_o dissolve_v government_n and_o make_v authority_n contemptible_a and_o if_o we_o consider_v god_n as_o the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n it_o will_v satisfy_v we_o that_o to_o forgive_v sin_n be_v not_o the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o goodness_n but_o must_v be_v temper_v and_o accommodate_v to_o the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o government_n which_o we_o understand_v so_o little_a of_o that_o we_o can_v never_o certain_o learn_v from_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n when_o and_o upon_o what_o term_v god_n will_v forgive_v sin_n the_o general_a hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o mankind_n be_v that_o god_n will_v forgive_v all_o humble_a penitent_a sinner_n and_o yet_o i_o can_v find_v that_o any_o man_n ever_o think_v that_o mere_a repentance_n be_v sufficient_a to_o obtain_v our_o pardon_n for_o all_o religion_n have_v some_o institute_v rite_n to_o appease_v their_o god_n which_o seem_v to_o argue_v that_o natural_a sense_n they_o all_o have_v that_o some_o atonement_n and_o expiation_n as_o well_o as_o repentance_n be_v necessary_a to_o pardon_v nor_o can_v reason_n prove_v the_o contrary_n repentance_n render_v man_n fit_a object_n of_o mercy_n when_o no_o other_o reason_n hinder_v but_o the_o reason_n of_o government_n may_v supersede_n the_o inclination_n to_o show_v mercy_n how_o often_o do_v a_o merciful_a prince_n hang_v a_o penitent_a malefactor_n without_o any_o blemish_n to_o the_o mercy_n of_o his_o government_n and_o if_o good_a man_n and_o good_a prince_n be_v not_o always_o bind_v to_o forgive_v penitent_n than_o repentance_n itself_o alone_o can_v entitle_v we_o to_o mercy_n so_o that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o security_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n but_o by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n wherein_o god_n have_v express_o promise_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n to_o all_o true_a penitent_n in_o the_o name_n and_o through_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o christ._n good_a god_n what_o a_o consolation_n be_v this_o to_o sinner_n who_o will_v be_v without_o the_o certain_a hope_n of_o forgiveness_n for_o all_o the_o world_n how_o terrible_a be_v it_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o just_a god_n who_o will_v punish_v sinner_n without_o know_v or_o believe_v a_o saviour_n do_v these_o man_n due_o consider_v thing_n they_o will_v think_v deism_n to_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a state_n in_o the_o world_n which_o have_v no_o covenant_n no_o promise_n no_o priest_n no_o sacrifice_n which_o may_v be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n but_o be_v no_o religion_n for_o sinner_n second_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o deism_n and_o how_o inconsistent_a it_o be_v with_o itself_o for_o to_o deny_v all_o divine_a revelation_n do_v extreme_o weaken_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n make_v it_o high_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v a_o revelation_n first_o that_o to_o deny_v all_o divine_a revelation_n do_v extreme_o weaken_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n a_o deist_n indeed_o have_v this_o visible_a world_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o god_n as_o st._n paul_n argue_v the_o invisible_a thing_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n rom._n 1._o 20._o and_o this_o i_o grant_v be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n but_o lose_v very_o much_o of_o its_o strength_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o deist_n for_o though_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o that_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a be_v who_o we_o call_v god_n yet_o have_v we_o no_o other_o notice_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n but_o from_o this_o visible_a creation_n have_v there_o never_o be_v any_o commerce_n or_o intercourse_n between_o god_n and_o man_n have_v he_o never_o since_o the_o make_n of_o the_o world_n give_v any_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o his_o power_n and_o presence_n it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o very_a strong_a presumption_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o argument_n from_o the_o frame_n of_o this_o visible_a world_n that_o there_o be_v one_o for_o it_o seem_v as_o unreasonable_a to_o think_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o mankind_n hear_v nothing_o of_o he_o see_v no_o visible_a mark_n of_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a consequence_n as_o the_o worship_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n certain_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v receive_v no_o notice_n of_o his_o will_n what_o homage_n he_o expect_v from_o they_o and_o what_o he_o will_v accept_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o communication_n between_o reasonable_a being_n and_n the_o supreme_a mind_n as_o it_o be_v to_o think_v that_o the_o world_n can_v be_v make_v without_o a_o god_n for_o what_o end_n do_v god_n make_v reasonable_a creature_n but_o to_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o they_o which_o be_v the_o high_a happiness_n and_o perfection_n of_o reasonable_a being_n and_o can_v we_o then_o imagine_v that_o when_o god_n have_v make_v the_o world_n and_o make_v man_n he_o shall_v withdraw_v himself_o into_o silence_n and_o obâ—…curity_n and_o take_v no_o far_o notice_n of_o mankind_n nor_o make_v any_o other_o discovery_n of_o himself_o to_o they_o than_o what_o they_o can_v imperfect_o
one_o place_n neither_o to_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n nor_o samaria_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v free_a all_o the_o world_n over_o to_o erect_v house_n of_o prayer_n and_o worship_n where_o god_n will_v be_v as_o present_v with_o they_o as_o in_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o end_n now_o put_v to_o that_o typical_a state_n and_o typical_a worship_n which_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o true_a worshipper_n shall_v worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o this_o spiritual_a worship_n be_v confine_v to_o no_o one_o place_n but_o will_v find_v god_n present_v all_o the_o world_n over_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o abrogate_a all_o peculiar_a place_n of_o worship_n such_o as_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o samaria_n be_v that_o it_o make_v every_o church_n whatever_o part_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v in_o in_o a_o true_a sense_n the_o house_n of_o god_n than_o ever_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v and_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o of_o great_a consequence_n which_o we_o learn_v from_o this_o that_o we_o now_o want_v no_o new_a appearance_n of_o god_n to_o consecrate_v a_o place_n for_o his_o worship_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o patriarch_n nor_o any_o new_a command_n to_o appoint_v we_o where_o to_o build_v a_o house_n for_o god_n as_o it_o be_v under_o the_o law_n our_o saviour_n have_v consecrate_v every_o part_n of_o the_o world_n where_o christian_n live_v to_o be_v such_o holy_a ground_n as_o be_v fit_a to_o receive_v a_o temple_n and_o house_n of_o god_n and_o his_o promise_n to_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n give_v we_o as_o great_a a_o assurance_n of_o a_o divine_a presence_n in_o such_o place_n as_o if_o like_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o temple_n we_o see_v they_o again_o fill_v with_o a_o cloud_n and_o a_o visible_a glory_n have_v thus_o show_v you_o that_o god_n who_o fill_v all_o place_n be_v yet_o peculiar_o present_a in_o some_o place_n and_o what_o this_o peculiar_a presence_n be_v that_o god_n be_v present_a as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o worship_n to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o to_o receive_v our_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n our_o alm_n and_o oblation_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o exhortation_n of_o my_o text_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a improvement_n of_o this_o o_o worship_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n one_a and_o here_o first_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o very_a external_n beauty_n and_o ornament_n of_o god_n house_n be_v one_o part_n of_o homage_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o he_o the_o riches_n and_o visible_a glory_n of_o solomon_n temple_n be_v one_o of_o the_o wonder_n of_o the_o world_n a_o divine_a art_n and_o nature_n conspire_v to_o build_v a_o house_n as_o fit_a as_o art_n and_o nature_n can_v make_v it_o to_o signify_v the_o incommunicable_a majesty_n and_o glory_n of_o that_o god_n who_o dwell_v there_o and_o this_o nature_n teach_v all_o mankind_n the_o magnificence_n of_o their_o temple_n do_v not_o only_o show_v their_o devotion_n but_o what_o their_o art_n and_o what_o their_o riches_n be_v and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n when_o they_o enjoy_v peace_n and_o plenty_n under_o christian_a emperor_n be_v so_o far_o from_o think_v this_o a_o piece_n of_o pagan_a or_o jewish_a superstition_n that_o their_o first_o care_n be_v to_o erect_v beautiful_a and_o stately_a church_n to_o rival_n and_o outdo_v all_o the_o external_n glory_n of_o pagan_a temple_n and_o it_o be_v always_o account_v a_o great_a instance_n of_o the_o piety_n of_o prince_n to_o encourage_v and_o promote_v such_o work_n but_o you_o will_v say_v what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o god_n can_v we_o think_v that_o he_o who_o have_v make_v the_o world_n with_o such_o unimitable_a art_n and_o beauty_n can_v be_v please_v with_o any_o house_n we_o can_v build_v for_o he_o whatever_o art_n or_o riches_n we_o bestow_v on_o it_o but_o this_o very_a objection_n answer_v itself_o for_o god_n have_v make_v this_o beautiful_a world_n for_o his_o temple_n and_o have_v choose_v the_o most_o glorious_a part_n of_o it_o for_o his_o throne_n which_o show_v that_o though_o he_o be_v a_o infinite_a pure_a spirit_n he_o do_v not_o despise_v a_o external_n glory_n for_o thus_o he_o must_v represent_v his_o invisible_a greatness_n and_o majesty_n to_o his_o creature_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o vouchsafe_v his_o presence_n with_o we_o on_o earth_n we_o must_v provide_v the_o most_o honourable_a reception_n for_o he_o that_o we_o can_v and_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o art_n and_o nature_n can_v do_v we_o have_v so_o far_o express_v our_o devotion_n and_o reverence_n for_o the_o divine_a presence_n this_o objection_n lie_v against_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o well_o as_o against_o christian_a church_n and_o yet_o david_n think_v it_o very_o undecent_a and_o a_o want_n of_o a_o just_a reverence_n for_o god_n that_o he_o himself_o shall_v dwell_v in_o a_o house_n of_o cedar_n and_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n dwell_v within_o curtain_n 2_o sam._n 7._o 2._o which_o shall_v be_v consider_v by_o those_o man_n who_o think_v all_o that_o be_v bestow_v upon_o beautify_v and_o adorn_v god_n house_n a_o vain_a and_o superfluous_a expense_n when_o they_o think_v no_o cost_n too_o great_a to_o adorn_v their_o own_o 2_o the_o house_n of_o god_n too_o must_v be_v use_v as_o god_n house_n that_o be_v must_v be_v separate_v from_o common_a uses_n and_o appropriate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n it_o must_v not_o be_v a_o place_n of_o trade_n and_o commerce_n and_o ordinary_a conversation_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o our_o saviour_n zeal_n in_o drive_v those_o who_o sell_v ox_n and_o sheep_n and_o dove_n and_o the_o changer_n of_o money_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n which_o he_o do_v at_o two_o several_a time_n the_o first_o immediate_o upon_o his_o entrance_n on_o his_o ministry_n joh_n 2._o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o the_o second_o immediate_o before_o his_o crucifixion_n matth._n 21._o 12_o 13._o some_o learned_a man_n observe_v that_o the_o place_n of_o this_o merchandise_n in_o the_o temple_n be_v the_o court_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o from_o hence_o conclude_v that_o our_o saviour_n zeal_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o jewish_a temple_n but_o concern_v all_o christian_a church_n to_o which_o the_o court_n of_o the_o gentile_n bear_v a_o great_a analogy_n but_o whatever_o force_n there_o may_v be_v in_o this_o i_o think_v the_o reason_n our_o saviour_n give_v do_v much_o better_o explain_v his_o meaning_n make_v not_o my_o father_n house_n a_o house_n of_o merchandise_n john_n 2._o 16._o and_o it_o be_v write_v my_o house_n shall_v be_v call_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n but_o you_o have_v make_v it_o a_o den_n of_o thief_n matth._n 21._o 13._o which_o reason_n have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o typical_a state_n of_o the_o jewish_a temple_n but_o equal_o concern_v all_o place_n which_o be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o the_o house_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v where_o god_n vouchsafe_v his_o peculiar_a presence_n to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o indeed_o when_o christ_n express_v so_o much_o zeal_n for_o the_o house_n of_o god_n when_o the_o typical_a glory_n of_o the_o jewish_a temple_n be_v at_o a_o end_n have_v receive_v its_o accomplishment_n in_o his_o own_o person_n it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o intend_v this_o as_o a_o stand_a rule_n for_o the_o religious_a use_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n and_o oratory_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o reason_n be_v universal_a and_o unanswerable_a that_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v profane_v by_o any_o common_a uses_n 3_o let_v we_o worship_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v let_v we_o resort_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o the_o house_n of_o prayer_n there_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o he_o for_o if_o god_n have_v a_o house_n where_o he_o have_v promise_v his_o peculiar_a presence_n to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a place_n of_o worship_n the_o scripture_n make_v it_o a_o very_a material_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n to_o approach_v god_n house_n to_o enter_v into_o his_o court_n to_o come_v into_o his_o presence_n to_o own_v ourselves_o his_o servant_n and_o worshipper_n and_o without_o disparage_v private_a prayer_n or_o closet_n and_o family_n devotion_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v god_n will_v own_v those_o for_o his_o worshipper_n who_o deny_v he_o this_o public_a homage_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n know_v our_o prayer_n wherever_o we_o make_v they_o for_o he_o know_v our_o very_a thought_n but_o to_o hear_v prayer_n
that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o condemn_v all_o self-love_n which_o when_o it_o act_v regular_o be_v the_o natural_a principle_n of_o all_o moral_a and_o religious_a action_n and_o have_v prevent_v this_o objection_n which_o lie_v in_o my_o way_n for_o the_o further_a explication_n and_o improvement_n of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o inquire_v what_o that_o self-love_n be_v which_o the_o apostle_n here_o condemn_v 2._o how_o dangerous_a and_o perilous_a such_o time_n must_v needs_o be_v wherein_o this_o self-love_n prevail_v 3._o show_v the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n as_o well_o as_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n of_o it_o 1._o what_o that_o self-love_n be_v which_o the_o apostle_n condemn_v for_o can_v self-love_n be_v the_o fruitful_a parent_n of_o all_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o evil_a and_o wickedness_n which_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o world_n can_v the_o same_o fountain_n send_v forth_o sweet_a water_n and_o bitter_a and_o yet_o thus_o we_o see_v it_o be_v both_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n act_v from_o a_o principle_n of_o self-love_n and_o design_v their_o own_o happiness_n and_o satisfaction_n this_o inspire_v good_a man_n with_o great_a and_o generous_a design_n set_v they_o above_o this_o world_n make_v they_o devout_a worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o very_o just_a and_o charitable_a to_o man_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o principle_n which_o act_v in_o bad_a man_n and_o drive_v they_o into_o all_o the_o excess_n of_o wickedness_n they_o gratify_v their_o own_o inclination_n and_o appetite_n â—…y_v it_o they_o find_v present_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n they_o do_v what_o they_o love_v they_o please_v themselves_o they_o pursue_v what_o they_o call_v happiness_n which_o be_v self-love_n still_o though_o turn_v off_o of_o its_o natural_a bias_n by_o mistake_a notion_n of_o happiness_n all_o man_n love_v themselves_o but_o self-love_n do_v not_o act_v alike_o in_o all_o man_n because_o they_o be_v not_o all_o agree_v what_o self_n to_o love_v for_o man_n consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o spirit_n and_o flesh_n which_o have_v different_a interest_n appetite_n and_o inclination_n and_o have_v distinct_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o own_o a_o good_a man_n love_v his_o whole_a self_n soul_n and_o body_n too_o and_o design_n and_o endeavour_n the_o happiness_n of_o both_o which_o be_v the_o entire_a happiness_n of_o a_o man_n and_o this_o be_v a_o virtuous_a self-love_n which_o make_v the_o flesh_n subordinate_a to_o the_o spirit_n govern_v our_o sensual_a appetite_n by_o reason_n improve_v our_o mind_n in_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n raise_v our_o soul_n up_o to_o god_n and_o entertain_v they_o with_o the_o love_n and_o the_o admiration_n of_o that_o best_a of_o being_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n secure_v a_o eternal_a interest_n the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o glorious_a resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n into_o immortal_a life_n but_o a_o bad_a man_n love_v but_o one_o part_n of_o himself_o and_o that_o the_o mean_a part_n too_o and_o make_v much_o more_o mean_a and_o vile_a by_o be_v love_v alone_o his_o self-love_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o love_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o lust_n and_o appetite_n and_o pleasure_n of_o it_o a_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o all_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n which_o gratify_v a_o carnal_a and_o fleshly_a mind_n the_o soul_n be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o care_n so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o he_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o believe_v he_o have_v a_o soul_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o subdue_v reason_n to_o sense_n and_o brutish_a passion_n to_o stifle_v the_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n to_o root_v up_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n or_o to_o charm_v his_o conscience_n that_o it_o may_v not_o chide_v and_o condemn_v and_o disturb_v he_o in_o his_o enjoyment_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o when_o the_o scripture_n condemn_v the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o it_o do_v not_o mean_v our_o personal_a self_n for_o so_o every_o man_n do_v and_o must_v love_v himself_o or_o his_o own_o person_n but_o it_o be_v to_o love_v something_o for_o ourselves_o which_o we_o will_v have_v to_o be_v ourselves_o when_o god_n never_o make_v it_o to_o be_v so_o which_o be_v our_o own_o self_n or_o a_o self_n of_o our_o own_o make_n and_o to_o love_v this_o self_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o man_n which_o be_v to_o love_v our_o self_n only_o and_o to_o make_v all_o other_o thing_n subordinate_a to_o self_n which_o be_v the_o adequate_a notion_n of_o a_o vicious_a self-love_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o self_n of_o our_o own_o make_n that_o be_v it_o be_v what_o a_o sinner_n will_v call_v himself_o and_o will_v account_v his_o whole_a self_n and_o in_o please_v of_o which_o he_o place_v his_o whole_a happiness_n though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a part_n of_o that_o self_n which_o god_n make_v god_n make_v man_n soul_n and_o body_n but_o such_o man_n will_v call_v nothing_o themselves_o but_o flesh_n god_n make_v man_n for_o a_o rational_a and_o intellectual_a happiness_n as_o he_o make_v he_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n but_o such_o man_n place_v their_o whole_a happiness_n in_o sense_n now_o flesh_n be_v not_o the_o man_n of_o god_n make_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n be_v not_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o man_n man_n be_v make_v to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n in_o conjunction_n with_o those_o of_o reason_n and_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o a_o sensual_a happiness_n he_o be_v not_o make_v for_o that_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o a_o inferior_a and_o brutish_a nature_n and_o those_o who_o will_v have_v this_o to_o be_v their self_o and_o their_o happiness_n be_v their_o own_o creature_n not_o god_n and_o be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n their_o own_o way_n and_o device_n as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v 2._o such_o man_n be_v lover_n of_o themselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o be_v they_o be_v lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v they_o prefer_v their_o own_o will_n and_o humour_n and_o the_o gratification_n of_o their_o lust_n before_o the_o will_n and_o law_n of_o god_n and_o in_o contradiction_n to_o they_o a_o good_a man_n live_v in_o subordination_n to_o god_n as_o a_o creature_n ought_v to_o do_v to_o his_o maker_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o will_n and_o choice_n the_o love_n of_o god_n give_v law_n and_o bound_n to_o his_o love_n of_o himself_o he_o please_v himself_o in_o such_o instance_n as_o god_n allow_v he_o deny_v his_o own_o will_n and_o appetite_n inclination_n and_o interest_n when_o they_o oppose_v the_o will_n and_o law_n of_o god_n such_o a_o man_n can_v hardly_o be_v say_v to_o have_v any_o self_n to_o have_v any_o will_n any_o love_n any_o desire_n of_o his_o own_o for_o god_n be_v all_o this_o to_o he_o god_n live_v in_o he_o he_o be_v more_o god_n than_o he_o be_v his_o own_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v i_o live_v yet_o not_o i_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o i_o 2_o gal._n 20._o but_o a_o bad_a man_n have_v divide_v himself_o from_o god_n cast_v off_o his_o obedience_n affect_v a_o independent_a state_n to_o stand_v by_o himself_o and_o to_o be_v his_o own_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o a_o god_n to_o himself_o and_o such_o a_o man_n be_v proper_o say_v to_o love_v himself_o for_o he_o distinguish_v himself_o from_o god_n and_o prefer_v himself_o before_o he_o three_o such_o man_n be_v proper_o say_v to_o be_v lover_n of_o themselves_o because_o they_o love_v themselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n they_o gratify_v their_o lust_n and_o serve_v their_o private_a interest_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o law_n of_o justice_n or_o charity_n it_o be_v their_o principle_n to_o do_v good_a to_o themselves_o without_o ever_o be_v concern_v what_o either_o private_a man_n or_o public_a society_n suffer_v by_o it_o they_o be_v the_o whole_a world_n to_o themselves_o and_o have_v no_o body_n else_o to_o please_v or_o take_v care_n of_o unless_o they_o can_v serve_v their_o own_o design_n by_o it_o such_o man_n be_v proper_o lover_n of_o themselves_o that_o be_v only_o of_o themselves_o for_o they_o love_v no_o body_n else_o and_o this_o be_v the_o sordid_a narrow_a selfish_a spirit_n of_o flesh_n and_o sense_n which_o dwell_v within_o itself_o be_v its_o own_o centre_n and_o its_o own_o circumference_n for_o flesh_n be_v a_o narrow_a principle_n can_v have_v no_o pleasure_n nor_o feel_v any_o pain_n but_o its_o own_o and_o therefore_o must_v confine_v
of_o humane_a nature_n be_v to_o do_v good_a this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o great_a advantage_n and_o glory_n of_o riches_n and_o power_n that_o it_o make_v man_n public_a patron_n and_o tutelar_a angel_n to_o their_o fellow_n creature_n which_o be_v the_o near_a resemblance_n of_o the_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o pagan_a world_n make_v god_n of_o man_n but_o self-love_n know_v nothing_o of_o this_o happiness_n but_o destroy_v not_o only_o the_o sense_n but_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o but_o to_o set_v aside_o other_o consideration_n mankind_n will_v not_o suffer_v a_o man_n to_o make_v himself_o easy_a and_o happy_a by_o self-love_n when_o he_o be_v know_v they_o combine_v against_o he_o as_o a_o common_a enemy_n they_o load_v he_o with_o infamy_n and_o reproach_n they_o strip_v he_o of_o his_o ill-gotten_a riches_n and_o severe_o revenge_v his_o injury_n this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o humane_a government_n and_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o the_o rod_n and_o axe_n of_o prince_n to_o restrain_v and_o govern_v self-love_n and_o to_o punish_v the_o outrage_n it_o commit_v this_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v we_o of_o the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o principle_n and_o how_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o self-love_n shall_v make_v any_o man_n happy_a i_o will_v add_v but_o one_o argument_n more_o to_o dissuade_v you_o from_o it_o that_o this_o self-love_n can_v never_o enter_v into_o heaven_n that_o be_v a_o holy_a place_n a_o spiritual_a state_n wherein_o nothing_o can_v enter_v that_o be_v unclean_a flesh_n and_o blood_n whether_o a_o fleshly_a carnal_a mind_n or_o a_o earthly_a body_n can_v inherit_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n there_o god_n be_v all_o in_o all_o there_o be_v universal_a love_n among_o all_o those_o bless_a inhabitant_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o of_o self_n o_o that_o bless_a place_n where_o there_o be_v perfect_a unity_n and_o harmony_n of_o soul_n no_o party_n and_o faction_n no_o emulation_n and_o jealousy_n no_o private_a interest_n no_o rival_n where_o all_o centre_n in_o god_n and_o embrace_v each_o other_o and_o mingle_v flame_n and_o feel_v and_o rejoice_v in_o each_o other_o happiness_n to_o which_o bless_a place_n god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n bring_v we_o all_o through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v honour_n glory_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n xvi_o preach_v at_o the_o temple_n church_n 2_o cor._n four_o ver_fw-la 18._o while_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a this_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o that_o true_a greatness_n of_o mind_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n and_o enable_v they_o to_o do_v that_o which_o the_o pagan_a philosophy_n boast_v of_o without_o do_v viz._n to_o contemn_v the_o world_n and_o to_o live_v above_o its_o hope_n and_o fear_n to_o bear_v the_o misery_n of_o life_n and_o to_o despise_v the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o to_o suffer_v shame_n and_o reproach_n and_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o death_n itself_o make_v as_o terrible_a as_o pain_n can_v make_v it_o not_o only_o without_o fear_n but_o with_o joy_n and_o triumph_n for_o which_o cause_n say_v the_o apostle_n we_o faint_v not_o but_o though_o our_o outward_a man_n perish_v yet_o the_o inward_a man_n be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n while_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v mean_v all_o the_o good_a and_o all_o the_o evil_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v all_o the_o happiness_n and_o misery_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v but_o be_v not_o this_o a_o very_a strange_a choice_n to_o prefer_v what_o be_v absent_a and_o unseen_a before_o what_o be_v present_a and_o sensible_a to_o be_v unconcern_v about_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n and_o to_o live_v upon_o unseen_a hope_n and_o fear_n no_o saiâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d apostle_n we_o have_v all_o the_o reasoâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d world_n to_o do_v so_o because_o see_v thingâ—…â—…re_o but_o temporal_a and_o unseen_a thing_n be_v eternal_a this_o world_n will_v last_v but_o a_o little_a while_n the_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n pass_v away_o but_o the_o world_n to_o come_v will_v have_v no_o end_n and_o this_o make_v such_o a_o difference_n between_o see_v and_o unseen_a thing_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reasonable_a competition_n as_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o they_o so_o that_o in_o speak_v to_o these_o word_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n distinct_o to_o be_v consider_v 1._o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o principle_n of_o look_v to_o unseen_a thing_n or_o of_o live_v by_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v faith_n alone_o that_o can_v give_v we_o a_o view_n of_o the_o invisible_a world_n and_o 2._o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o choice_n in_o prefer_v unseen_a before_o see_v thing_n because_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a 1._o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o christian_a principle_n of_o action_n of_o look_v at_o unseen_a thing_n or_o live_v by_o faith_n some_o unthinking_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v a_o jest_n of_o believe_v if_o you_o have_v any_o natural_a reason_n or_o sensible_a demonstration_n they_o will_v hearken_v to_o you_o but_o faith_n be_v below_o a_o man_n of_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n who_o know_v how_o many_o cheat_n and_o impostor_n there_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o such_o man_n little_o consider_v how_o necessary_a faith_n be_v in_o humane_a life_n that_o they_o themselves_o in_o a_o thousand_o case_n have_v no_o other_o principle_n to_o act_v upon_o in_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o that_o upon_o much_o less_o evidence_n than_o we_o have_v for_o another_o world_n there_o be_v but_o three_o way_n of_o know_v any_o thing_n sense_n or_o reason_n or_o faith_n which_o last_o extend_v further_a and_o have_v a_o more_o universal_a influence_n upon_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n than_o either_o sense_n or_o reason_n our_o whole_a conversation_n with_o mankind_n be_v resolve_v into_o believe_v into_o a_o civil_a historical_a or_o political_a faith_n all_o humane_a commerce_n and_o intercourse_n be_v found_v on_o it_o and_o there_o be_v very_o few_o action_n of_o our_o life_n that_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o it_o that_o he_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v must_v not_o live_v in_o this_o world_n and_o be_v it_o not_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a then_o to_o laugh_v at_o believe_v when_o they_o may_v as_o well_o laugh_v sense_n and_o reason_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o live_v as_o well_o without_o they_o now_o if_o we_o must_v live_v by_o faith_n in_o this_o world_n if_o we_o must_v believe_v and_o must_v trust_v one_o another_o if_o we_o must_v depend_v on_o man_n word_n or_o oath_n or_o friendship_n or_o honesty_n though_o we_o can_v have_v no_o natural_a certainty_n or_o demonstration_n of_o moral_a cause_n what_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v to_o banish_v faith_n out_o of_o religion_n which_o be_v of_o such_o absolute_a necessity_n in_o all_o the_o other_o concernment_n of_o life_n one_o will_v think_v there_o shall_v be_v less_o need_n of_o faith_n for_o this_o world_n than_o for_o the_o next_o which_o be_v a_o invisible_a state_n and_o can_v be_v certain_o know_v only_o by_o revelation_n and_o if_o faith_n be_v ever_o reasonable_a it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a where_o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a where_o there_o be_v no_o other_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v you_o how_o little_a those_o man_n understand_v themselves_o who_o ridicule_n faith_n which_o be_v to_o ridicule_n humane_a nature_n and_o all_o humane_a conversation_n if_o we_o may_v if_o we_o must_v believe_v if_o we_o can_v live_v without_o believe_v it_o must_v make_v a_o man_n contemptible_a to_o talk_v against_o all_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n and_o a_o necessary_a principle_n of_o moral_a prudence_n some_o man_n be_v so_o afraid_a of_o be_v think_v easy_a and_o credulous_a that_o they_o run_v into_o the_o other_o extreme_a and_o will_v believe_v nothing_o at_o lest_o nothing_o concern_v another_o world_n and_o think_v
for_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o reject_v the_o hope_n of_o immortal_a life_n for_o fear_n of_o such_o misery_n as_o we_o may_v escape_v if_o we_o please_v that_o be_v if_o we_o believe_v and_o choose_v immortal_a life_n no_o man_n who_o do_v not_o prefer_v something_o else_o or_o to_o speak_v plain_o who_o do_v not_o prefer_v the_o short_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n before_o immortal_a life_n need_v fear_v eternal_a misery_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o eternal_a misery_n which_o they_o know_v they_o may_v escape_v but_o the_o contempt_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o make_v they_o infidel_n and_o it_o concern_v they_o to_o consider_v well_o what_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o be_v for_o 1._o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v and_o there_o need_v no_o great_a proof_n of_o it_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o infamous_a than_o to_o contradict_v the_o most_o noble_a and_o generous_a desire_n of_o human_a nature_n to_o be_v afraid_a to_o be_v immortal_a be_v to_o desire_v to_o be_v a_o beast_n and_o to_o perish_v like_o a_o beast_n nay_o it_o be_v to_o desire_v what_o no_o beast_n will_v desire_v for_o self-love_n and_o self-preservation_n be_v implant_v even_o in_o the_o brutal_a nature_n and_o what_o a_o prodigious_a degeneracy_n be_v it_o of_o human_a nature_n for_o man_n to_o hate_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o be_v and_o to_o wish_v and_o hope_n that_o they_o may_v perish_v in_o the_o grave_a it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o set_v up_o for_o the_o reputation_n of_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n in_o this_o cause_n for_o human_a nature_n be_v against_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n who_o will_v always_o hope_v and_o desire_v on_o nature_n side_n will_v be_v against_o they_o too_o and_o nature_n so_o abhor_v the_o thought_n of_o annihilation_n and_o dissolution_n that_o all_o man_n must_v despise_v those_o as_o very_o contemptible_a creature_n who_o can_v be_v content_v to_o fall_v into_o nothing_o themselves_o and_o abhor_v they_o for_o their_o malicious_a attempt_n to_o deprive_v other_o man_n of_o the_o hope_n of_o immortality_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o strong_a presumption_n against_o infidelity_n that_o it_o contradict_v the_o hope_n and_o desire_v of_o nature_n be_v there_o any_o other_o natural_a desire_n and_o appetite_n which_o have_v no_o natural_a object_n to_o answer_v they_o and_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o nature_n shall_v implant_v in_o we_o a_o desire_n of_o immortality_n if_o we_o be_v not_o make_v to_o be_v immortal_a this_o can_v be_v if_o we_o be_v make_v by_o a_o wise_a be_v for_o then_o all_o the_o desire_n and_o appetite_n of_o nature_n must_v be_v wise_o make_v that_o be_v fit_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o be_v to_o which_o they_o belong_v and_o then_o immortal_a desire_n can_v belong_v only_o to_o a_o immortal_a nature_n 3._o it_o also_o aught_o to_o be_v well_o consider_v that_o this_o make_v infidelity_n the_o most_o inexcusable_a sin_n for_o to_o reject_v not_o only_o all_o supernatural_a evidence_n but_o all_o the_o desire_n and_o inclination_n of_o nature_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o excuse_n this_o be_v a_o apostasy_n from_o human_a nature_n and_o though_o the_o divine_a goodness_n have_v a_o great_a tenderness_n for_o human_a infirmity_n yet_o when_o man_n wilful_o put_v off_o human_a nature_n they_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o excuse_n or_o to_o the_o compassion_n which_o be_v due_a to_o men._n and_o such_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o sure_a that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n who_o have_v no_o excuse_n to_o make_v if_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n 4._o and_o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v secure_a against_o the_o inclination_n desire_n and_o sentiment_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v possible_a with_o great_a art_n and_o violence_n for_o some_o time_n to_o stifle_v the_o sense_n of_o nature_n but_o nature_n will_v take_v some_o occasion_n or_o other_o to_o get_v loose_a and_o to_o revive_v our_o fear_n when_o we_o have_v forfeit_v all_o our_o hope_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v certain_a there_o can_v be_v demonstration_n against_o nature_n if_o the_o natural_a desire_n of_o immortality_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o we_o be_v immortal_a yet_o they_o be_v a_o bar_n against_o all_o demonstration_n that_o we_o be_v not_o for_o that_o will_v be_v a_o ill-contrived_a nature_n indeed_o which_o shall_v have_v natural_a desire_n and_o appetite_n against_o demonstration_n that_o shall_v have_v a_o great_a passion_n for_o immortality_n when_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o we_o be_v not_o immortal_a and_o if_o they_o can_v demonstrate_v that_o we_o be_v not_o immortal_a we_o shall_v certain_o hope_v and_o fear_n on_o nature_n side_n and_o what_o will_v all_o the_o boast_a pretence_n to_o infidelity_n signify_v if_o they_o can_v cure_v our_o natural_a hope_n and_o fear_n 2._o for_o natural_a fear_n and_o hope_n be_v very_o mechanical_a passion_n and_o not_o under_o the_o government_n of_o our_o will_n and_o arbitrary_a opinion_n they_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v silence_v with_o wit_n and_o sophistry_n than_o some_o natural_a antipathy_n be_v which_o man_n may_v think_v to_o reason_n away_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o object_n of_o that_o antipathy_n appear_v all_o their_o argument_n be_v lose_v and_o they_o sweat_v and_o tremble_v and_o fly_v and_o thus_o do_v infidel_n too_o who_o please_v themselves_o that_o they_o can_v reason_v away_o another_o world_n into_o a_o fairy_n land_n but_o yet_o can_v think_v serious_o of_o it_o without_o tremble_v 3._o for_o whatever_o baffle_v man_n put_v upon_o their_o faith_n yet_o these_o hope_n and_o fear_n be_v so_o natural_a that_o they_o can_v never_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o what_o be_v report_v of_o the_o other_o world_n do_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v hope_v or_o fear_v no_o argument_n can_v convince_v any_o man_n that_o it_o be_v not_o desirable_a to_o live_v for_o ever_o or_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o most_o terrible_a thing_n of_o all_o to_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o and_o then_o it_o be_v impossible_a not_o to_o hope_v or_o fear_n the_o desire_n of_o a_o less_o happiness_n or_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o less_o misery_n may_v be_v conquer_v but_o when_o man_n hear_v of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o eternal_a misery_n the_o one_o the_o most_o desirable_a the_o other_o the_o most_o formidable_a thing_n to_o human_a nature_n it_o make_v it_o impossible_a to_o any_o think_v man_n neither_o to_o desire_v nor_o fear_n this_o show_v how_o vain_a it_o be_v to_o struggle_v against_o nature_n for_o nature_n will_v be_v too_o strong_a for_o all_o our_o pretence_n to_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n and_o thus_o all_o infidel_n find_v it_o be_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o 5._o i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o since_o the_o desire_n of_o immortality_n be_v so_o natural_a consider_v what_o a_o eternal_a torment_n this_o must_v be_v if_o we_o lose_v immortal_a life_n by_o our_o infidelity_n natural_a appetite_n last_o as_o long_o as_o nature_n do_v and_o when_o they_o be_v disappoint_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v by_o our_o own_o fault_n will_v torment_v we_o as_o long_o as_o they_o last_o now_o beside_o all_o the_o positive_a misery_n which_o our_o saviour_n threaten_v against_o infidel_n here_o be_v a_o natural_a cause_n and_o demonstration_n of_o their_o misery_n the_o very_a loss_n of_o eternal_a life_n must_v eternal_o torment_v they_o because_o they_o must_v eternal_o desire_v it_o and_o these_o disappoint_v desire_n will_v turn_v into_o eternal_a anguish_n despair_n and_o self-revenge_n will_v but_o man_n serious_o consider_v these_o thing_n how_o unnatural_a the_o inclination_n to_o infidelity_n be_v and_o how_o unnatural_a the_o aversion_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o immortality_n be_v and_o what_o terrible_a consequence_n they_o have_v it_o will_v make_v they_o willing_a and_o desirous_a to_o believe_v and_o then_o they_o will_v find_v no_o want_n of_o evidence_n there_o will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o need_v then_o of_o dispute_v against_o infidelity_n but_o we_o may_v employ_v our_o time_n much_o better_a in_o exhort_v and_o persuade_v you_o to_o the_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a religion_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v the_o end_n of_o our_o faith_n even_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o god_n etc._n etc._n sermon_n xvii_o preach_v at_o the_o temple_n church_n isaiah_n 5._o for_o 20_o 21._o wo_n unto_o they_o that_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n that_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n that_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a wo_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n it_o give_v great_a disturbance_n to_o good_a man_n not_o only_o to_o observe_v the_o general_a corruption_n of_o manner_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n
bitter_a what_o gratify_v their_o bodily_a sense_n that_o be_v their_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o virtue_n modesty_n or_o honour_n what_o lay_v restraint_n upon_o their_o sensual_a inclination_n that_o be_v bitter_a uneasy_a and_o grievous_a and_o no_o wonder_n that_o there_o be_v a_o woe_n denounce_v against_o these_o men._n 4_o woe_n be_v to_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n where_o the_o prophâ—…t_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o man_n still_o those_o who_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n who_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n who_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a and_o yet_o think_v themselves_o the_o only_a wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n though_o they_o contradict_v the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n the_o natural_a uncorrupted_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o just_a character_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n who_o think_v themselves_o the_o only_a wit_n the_o only_a philosopher_n and_o laugh_v at_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n as_o easy_a credulous_a unthinking_a fool_n who_o be_v under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o custom_n and_o popular_a opinion_n which_o expose_v they_o to_o all_o other_o cheat_n they_o think_v it_o a_o argument_n of_o wit_n and_o profound_a thought_n to_o contradict_v all_o mankind_n for_o there_o be_v but_o few_o wise_a man_n they_o say_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o most_o be_v usual_o in_o the_o wrong_n which_o may_v be_v allow_v as_o to_o improve_a knowledge_n which_o be_v gain_v by_o laborious_a study_n and_o observation_n but_o the_o folly_n lie_v on_o the_o other_o side_n when_o man_n advance_v paradox_n which_o contradict_v the_o universal_a sense_n of_o nature_n for_o in_o such_o case_n the_o most_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n because_o natural_a production_n be_v more_o common_a than_o monster_n that_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v rather_o think_v and_o judge_v with_o the_o multitude_n when_o they_o think_v on_o nature_n side_n than_o with_o the_o most_o fame_a philosopher_n against_o nature_n but_o those_o who_o affect_v to_o contradict_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n must_v think_v themselves_o the_o only_a wise_a man_n if_o they_o think_v at_o all_o that_o we_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o their_o pride_n and_o insolence_n than_o at_o their_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n 2_o let_v we_o now_o inquire_v how_o these_o man_n come_v to_o sink_v into_o so_o degenerate_a a_o state_n as_o one_o will_v think_v impossible_a to_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n and_o that_o be_v intimate_v in_o that_o order_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o my_o text_n that_o they_o first_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o then_o good_a evil_n first_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o then_o light_a for_o darkness_n etc._n etc._n as_o to_o consider_v this_o particular_o one_a they_o begin_v with_o call_v evil_n good_a for_o no_o man_n can_v begin_v with_o call_v good_a evil_n nature_n will_v have_v the_o first_o word_n and_o pass_v the_o first_o judgement_n on_o thing_n and_o nature_n as_o corrupt_v as_o it_o be_v till_o it_o be_v deprave_v and_o vitiate_a by_o evil_a custom_n will_v call_v good_a good_a and_o evil_a evil_n atheist_n and_o infidel_n must_v confess_v that_o as_o wise_a as_o they_o think_v themselves_o now_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o they_o be_v as_o very_a fool_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v when_o they_o have_v the_o same_o opinion_n about_o good_a and_o evil_a which_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n still_o have_v when_o they_o do_v own_o a_o moral_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o call_v good_a and_o evil_a by_o their_o right_a name_n and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o the_o only_a reason_n for_o alter_v their_o opinion_n and_o change_v the_o name_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v change_v their_o manner_n that_o they_o grow_v very_o fond_a of_o what_o they_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o the_o foolish_a multitude_n think_v and_o call_v evil_a and_o then_o they_o begin_v to_o think_v and_o to_o call_v it_o good_a and_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o this_o be_v to_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o as_o unwilling_a as_o they_o be_v to_o own_o this_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o though_o these_o man_n can_v prove_v which_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o do_v that_o there_o be_v no_o moral_n essential_a immutable_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o call_v evil_a good_a or_o good_a evil_n for_o though_o they_o be_v neither_o sin_n nor_o virtue_n neither_o forbid_v nor_o command_v by_o a_o divine_a law_n yet_o they_o themselves_o confess_v as_o i_o observe_v before_o that_o what_o we_o call_v virtue_n have_v so_o much_o good_a in_o they_o that_o they_o be_v the_o best_a and_o wise_a rule_n of_o society_n and_o conversation_n necessary_a to_o secure_v every_o man_n private_a interest_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o fit_a to_o be_v encourage_v and_o to_o be_v make_v law_n in_o all_o civilise_a nation_n and_o that_o what_o we_o call_v sin_n have_v so_o much_o evil_n in_o they_o that_o they_o be_v very_o destructive_a to_o human_a society_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v restrain_v and_o punish_v and_o than_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o reason_n to_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n which_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o call_v that_o evil_a which_o they_o themselves_o own_o to_o be_v a_o great_a and_o public_a good_a and_o that_o good_a which_o they_o own_v to_o be_v a_o public_a mischief_n which_o there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o reason_n for_o so_o that_o the_o case_n be_v plain_a it_o be_v not_o reason_n but_o lust_n which_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n till_o lust_n prevail_v above_o reason_n virtue_n and_o vice_n good_a and_o evil_a keep_v those_o name_n which_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v give_v they_o and_o such_o man_n offer_v as_o much_o force_n and_o violence_n to_o their_o natural_a understanding_n when_o they_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n as_o they_o do_v to_o natural_a conscience_n when_o they_o choose_v the_o evil_a and_o refuse_v the_o good_n this_o be_v answer_n enough_o to_o such_o man_n who_o will_v reason_n or_o laugh_v away_o the_o distinction_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o warn_v to_o we_o all_o how_o we_o engage_v in_o a_o course_n of_o wickedness_n for_o how_o much_o soever_o we_o despise_v and_o abhor_v these_o wicked_a principle_n we_o shall_v soon_o think_v as_o these_o man_n do_v if_o we_o grow_v as_o wicked_a as_o they_o be_v two_o these_o man_n first_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o then_o light_a for_o darkness_n man_n be_v not_o bear_v stark_o blind_a but_o have_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n to_o discern_v the_o natural_a difference_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o direct_v their_o life_n and_o as_o weak_a and_o defective_a as_o mere_a natural_a reason_n be_v especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o another_o world_n it_o direct_v we_o to_o a_o safe_a guide_n for_o reason_n itself_o teach_v we_o to_o believe_v god_n who_o can_v deceive_v we_o and_o can_v itself_o judge_v of_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a mark_n of_o a_o revelation_n that_o be_v can_v judge_v when_o god_n speak_v and_o what_o we_o must_v receive_v as_o teach_v by_o god_n this_o be_v the_o light_n of_o mankind_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n or_o revelation_n what_o nature_n teach_v or_o what_o god_n reveal_v and_o all_o mankind_n at_o first_o both_o see_v and_o own_o this_o light_n for_o no_o man_n be_v bear_v a_o atheist_n or_o a_o infidel_n but_o bad_a man_n who_o have_v corrupt_v their_o manner_n and_o can_v justify_v their_o vice_n nor_o quiet_v their_o conscience_n if_o they_o attend_v either_o to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o revelation_n must_v seek_v for_o other_o remedy_n and_o this_o make_v they_o espouse_v the_o principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n and_o these_o they_o call_v light_n which_o in_o truth_n be_v a_o mere_a egyptian_a darkness_n and_o then_o they_o must_v call_v light_a darkness_n reject_v and_o scorn_v both_o the_o natural_a dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o the_o supernatural_a revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n as_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n now_o whatever_o opinion_n man_n have_v of_o their_o philosophy_n yet_o how_o they_o shall_v learn_v what_o neither_o nature_n nor_o god_n teach_v they_o or_o how_o they_o shall_v discover_v that_o what_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o
vast_a and_o boundless_a desire_n of_o happiness_n in_o humane_a nature_n a_o reasonable_a and_o intelligent_a be_v have_v no_o other_o bound_n to_o its_o desire_n of_o happiness_n but_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o perpetual_a enjoyment_n whereas_o sensual_a pleasure_n beside_o all_o other_o disappointment_n must_v wait_v the_o return_v of_o strength_n and_o appetite_n and_o object_n and_o therefore_o can_v always_o be_v have_v or_o can_v always_o please_v sensual_a pleasure_n can_v never_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o any_o creature_n which_o have_v any_o high_a principle_n than_o appetite_n for_o appetite_n be_v the_o utmost_a bound_n of_o sensual_a enjoyment_n but_o when_o knowledge_n serve_v instead_o of_o appetite_n as_o it_o must_v do_v in_o reasonable_a creature_n it_o create_v such_o desire_n as_o no_o appetite_n can_v answer_v this_o make_v sensual_a man_n so_o insatiable_a in_o their_o desire_n of_o pleasure_n though_o bruit_n beast_n know_v their_o measure_n because_o they_o misplace_v their_o natural_a desire_n of_o happiness_n which_o be_v boundless_a and_o infinite_a upon_o sensual_a pleasure_n which_o be_v limit_v and_o confine_v and_o what_o disapointment_n and_o distraction_n must_v this_o create_v when_o there_o be_v no_o proportion_n between_o the_o desire_n and_o the_o object_n beside_o those_o sensible_a mischief_n of_o it_o which_o do_v not_o much_o contribute_v to_o their_o happiness_n for_o when_o desire_n force_v a_o appetite_n beyond_o the_o strength_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o natural_a end_n and_o use_v of_o such_o pleasure_n it_o impair_v their_o health_n weaken_v their_o body_n shorten_v their_o life_n or_o make_v they_o miserable_a which_o be_v the_o common_a reward_n of_o intemperance_n and_o lust._n these_o beast_n who_o be_v govern_v by_o appetite_n know_v nothing_o of_o sense_n be_v their_o happiness_n and_o appetite_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o their_o enjoyment_n and_o sensual_a pleasure_n can_v fill_v and_o satisfy_v a_o mere_a sensual_a appetite_n but_o when_o knowledge_n be_v both_o the_o reason_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o desire_n sensual_a pleasure_n can_v never_o fill_v such_o desire_n for_o we_o know_v more_o than_o nature_n itself_o can_v enjoy_v and_o yet_o when_o we_o place_v our_o high_a happiness_n in_o it_o must_v desire_v all_o we_o know_v and_o as_o long_o as_o we_o know_v which_o be_v long_o than_o we_o can_v enjoy_v this_o prove_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v the_o happiness_n of_o a_o know_v and_o reasonable_a creature_n but_o intellectual_a pleasure_n where_o knowledge_n be_v enjoyment_n and_o then_o enjoyment_n will_v equal_v knowledge_n and_o desire_n but_o when_o knowledge_n and_o enjoyment_n be_v two_o thing_n they_o may_v be_v part_v and_o may_v be_v unequal_a and_o such_o a_o creature_n can_v be_v complete_o happy_a two_o all_o man_n who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n must_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v very_o foolish_a and_o very_a wicked_a to_o love_v ourselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o god_n be_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o be_v happy_a who_o separate_v himself_o from_o god_n the_o world_n may_v much_o better_o subsist_v without_o the_o sun_n for_o god_n be_v the_o life_n of_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n the_o bright_a object_n of_o our_o mind_n eternal_a truth_n and_o wisdom_n there_o be_v nothing_o worth_a know_v without_o god_n for_o to_o contemplate_v his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o power_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v that_o which_o give_v a_o relish_n to_o all_o other_o knowledge_n in_o he_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v no_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v content_v to_o live_v in_o a_o world_n which_o have_v not_o a_o god_n to_o govern_v it_o nor_o to_o live_v any_o long_o in_o it_o than_o he_o can_v trust_v to_o and_o depend_v on_o his_o protection_n and_o be_v it_o then_o the_o way_n to_o be_v happy_a to_o divide_v ourselves_o from_o god_n can_v any_o man_n choose_v better_o for_o himself_o than_o god_n can_v do_v we_o know_v ourselves_o so_o well_o as_o he_o that_o make_v we_o do_v not_o god_n know_v what_o happiness_n he_o have_v make_v we_o for_o or_o do_v he_o envy_v we_o the_o happiness_n for_o which_o he_o make_v we_o why_o then_o do_v he_o make_v we_o for_o such_o a_o happiness_n so_o impious_a be_v it_o to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v forbid_v we_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v our_o true_a happiness_n so_o vain_a be_v it_o to_o hope_v to_o make_v ourselves_o happy_a in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o will_n and_o law_n of_o god_n no_o man_n think_v honourable_o of_o god_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o his_o law_n be_v the_o most_o infallible_a method_n of_o our_o happiness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n and_o he_o who_o do_v so_o can_v never_o think_v of_o make_v himself_o happy_a by_o disobey_v god_n but_o suppose_v it_o be_v otherwise_o be_v it_o not_o perfect_a distraction_n to_o oppose_v ourselves_o against_o god_n can_v we_o make_v ourselves_o happy_a whether_o he_o will_v or_o no_o be_v we_o a_o fit_a match_n for_o infinite_a power_n can_v we_o resist_v his_o almighty_a arm_n how_o easy_o can_v he_o look_v we_o into_o misery_n and_o confusion_n and_o do_v it_o not_o become_v we_o to_o submit_v to_o he_o and_o rather_o choose_v to_o obey_v his_o will_n than_o to_o suffer_v his_o vengeance_n this_o be_v the_o natural_a state_n of_o a_o creature_n to_o live_v in_o subjection_n to_o his_o maker_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n to_o receive_v law_n from_o he_o and_o to_o give_v up_o himself_o without_o any_o reserve_n to_o his_o government_n and_o disposal_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a method_n of_o our_o happiness_n too_o three_o as_o for_o the_o three_o notion_n of_o self-love_n to_o love_v ourselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o love_n of_o man_n to_o divide_v ourselves_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o carry_v on_o a_o separate_a interest_n to_o which_o as_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a we_o make_v all_o other_o interest_n give_v place_n this_o be_v so_o hateful_a a_o temper_n that_o the_o very_a name_n of_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o expose_v it_o no_o man_n dare_v to_o undertake_v its_o defence_n those_o who_o be_v most_o guilty_a of_o it_o dare_v not_o own_v it_o but_o disguise_v it_o with_o some_o more_o popular_a appearance_n a_o great_a and_o generous_a mind_n that_o be_v concern_v for_o all_o the_o world_n that_o do_v all_o the_o good_a it_o can_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o sacrifice_v his_o private_a ease_n satisfaction_n and_o fortune_n nay_o life_n itself_o to_o serve_v his_o country_n or_o to_o cleanse_v the_o world_n of_o monster_n be_v the_o darling_n and_o favourite_n of_o mankind_n he_o be_v love_v he_o be_v reverence_v of_o all_o as_o a_o common_a friend_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o humane_a society_n but_o a_o man_n who_o love_v no_o body_n but_o himself_o be_v a_o universal_a enemy_n and_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o care_n of_o he_o and_o all_o man_n will_v despise_v and_o abhor_v he_o when_o they_o know_v he_o these_o self-lover_n themselves_o when_o they_o see_v their_o own_o picture_n in_o another_o face_n will_v spit_v at_o it_o for_o those_o who_o love_v no_o body_n but_o themselves_o yet_o desire_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v love_v they_o and_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o their_o concernment_n though_o they_o value_v no_o body_n interest_n and_o happiness_n but_o their_o own_o but_o though_o this_o self-love_n be_v universal_o condemn_v yet_o it_o be_v too_o universal_o practise_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v brief_o show_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o this_o self-love_n which_o divide_v we_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n shall_v make_v we_o happy_a the_o principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n make_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o very_o uneasy_a and_o that_o can_v never_o be_v our_o happiness_n which_o be_v a_o force_n and_o violence_n to_o nature_n we_o feel_v a_o natural_a compassion_n for_o the_o suffering_n of_o mankind_n especial_o of_o innocent_a man_n who_o have_v not_o deserve_v it_o and_o as_o well_o as_o any_o man_n love_v himself_o this_o make_v it_o very_o painful_a to_o serve_v his_o own_o interest_n by_o do_v injury_n to_o other_o one_o of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o morality_n which_o all_o man_n confess_v to_o be_v high_o reasonable_a be_v to_o do_v to_o other_o man_n what_o we_o desire_v they_o shall_v do_v to_o we_o which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a maxim_n both_o of_o justice_n and_o charity_n and_o in_o other_o word_n be_v to_o love_v all_o man_n as_o ourselves_o and_o no_o man_n can_v violate_v this_o law_n that_o be_v no_o man_n can_v love_v himself_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n without_o fall_v under_o the_o censure_n and_o reproach_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n which_o be_v no_o happy_a state_n one_o of_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n