will_n among_o man_n a_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v our_o great_a enemy_n to_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v we_o to_o bless_v they_o that_o curse_v we_o and_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o despiteful_o use_v we_o and_o persecute_v we_o and_o do_v inculcate_v these_o precept_n more_o vehement_o and_o forbid_v malice_n and_o hatred_n and_o revenge_n and_o contention_n more_o strict_o and_o peremptory_o than_o any_o religion_n ever_o do_v before_o as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o that_o do_v but_o attentive_o read_v our_o saviour_n sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n and_o as_o christianity_n have_v give_v we_o a_o more_o certain_a so_o likewise_o a_o more_o perfect_a law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n all_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o be_v reasonable_a and_o wise_a require_v such_o duty_n of_o we_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o do_v approve_v themselves_o to_o the_o best_a reason_n of_o mankind_n such_o as_o have_v their_o foundation_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o be_v a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o persection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o raise_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n the_o law_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v such_o as_o be_v general_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n as_o do_v tend_v to_o the_o outward_a peace_n and_o the_o health_n to_o the_o inward_a comfort_n and_o contentment_n and_o to_o the_o universal_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n they_o command_v nothing_o that_o be_v unnecessary_a and_o burdensome_a as_o be_v the_o numerous_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n but_o what_o be_v reasonable_a and_o useful_a and_o substantial_a and_o they_o omit_v nothing_o that_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o the_o welfare_n of_o man_n nor_o do_v they_o restrain_v we_o in_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v contrary_a either_o to_o the_o regular_a inclination_n of_o nature_n or_o to_o our_o reason_n and_o true_a interest_n they_o forbid_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v base_a and_o unworthy_a to_o serve_v our_o humour_n and_o passion_n to_o reproach_v our_o understanding_n and_o to_o make_v ourselves_o fool_n and_o beast_n in_o a_o word_n nothing_o but_o what_o tend_v either_o to_o our_o private_a harm_n and_o prejudice_n or_o to_o public_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o tenor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o from_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n and_o discourse_n particular_o that_o upon_o the_o mount_n wherein_o he_o charge_v his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n to_o be_v humble_a and_o meek_a and_o righteous_a and_o patient_a under_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n and_o good_a and_o kind_a to_o all_o even_a to_o those_o that_o be_v evil_a and_o injurious_a to_o we_o and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o excel_v in_o all_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n this_o will_v appear_v likewise_o from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n i_o will_v instance_n but_o in_o some_o few_o passage_n in_o they_o st._n paul_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n in_o a_o very_a few_o word_n but_o of_o admirable_a sense_n and_o weight_n 12._o tit._n 2.11_o 12._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n the_o same_o apostle_n make_v this_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n on_o our_o part_n 2.19_o 2_o tim._n 2.19_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n st._n james_n describe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o he_o call_v the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o by_o these_o character_n it_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n st._n peter_n call_v the_o gospel_n 4._o 2_o pet._n 1.3_o 4._o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n whereby_o say_v he_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n he_o exhort_v they_o to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o add_v to_o their_o faith_n the_o several_a virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n 7._o v._o 5_o 6_o 7._o without_o which_o he_o tell_v they_o they_o be_v barren_a and_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n i_o will_v conclude_v with_o that_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a passaage_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o philippian_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o venerable_a esteem_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a or_o chaste_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n but_o the_o perfection_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n will_v most_o plain_o appear_v by_o take_v a_o brief_a survey_n of_o they_o and_o they_o may_v all_o be_v refer_v to_o these_o two_o general_a head_n they_o be_v either_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o make_v man_n single_o and_o personal_o good_a or_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n first_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o make_v man_n good_a single_o and_o personal_o consider_v and_o the_o precept_n of_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v distribute_v likewise_o into_o two_o sort_n such_o as_o enjoin_v piety_n towards_o god_n or_o such_o as_o require_v the_o good_a order_n and_o government_n of_o ourselves_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n 1._o such_o as_o enjoin_v piety_n towards_o god_n all_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o respect_n god_n be_v no_o other_o but_o what_o natural_a light_n prompt_v man_n to_o except_v the_o two_o sacrament_n which_o be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o significancy_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o sum_n of_o natural_a religion_n as_o it_o refer_v more_o immediate_o to_o god_n be_v this_o that_o we_o shall_v inward_o reverence_v and_o love_n god_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v express_v our_o inward_a reverence_n and_o love_n of_o he_o by_o external_a worship_n and_o adoration_n and_o by_o our_o readiness_n to_o receive_v and_o obey_v all_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v testify_v our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o our_o confidence_n of_o his_o goodness_n by_o constant_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o he_o for_o mercy_n and_o help_v for_o ourselves_o and_o other_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v acknowledge_v our_o obligation_n to_o he_o for_o the_o many_o favour_n and_o benefit_n which_o every_o day_n and_o every_o minute_n we_o receive_v from_o he_o by_o continual_a praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o shall_v not_o entertain_v any_o unworthy_a thought_n of_o god_n nor_o give_v that_o honour_n and_o reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o to_o any_o other_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o worship_v he_o in_o any_o manner_n that_o be_v either_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o contrary_a to_o he_o reveal_v will_n that_o we_o shall_v careful_o avoid_v the_o profane_a and_o irreverent_a use_n of_o his_o name_n by_o curse_v or_o customary_a swear_n and_o take_v heed_n of_o the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o his_o worship_n or_o any_o thing_n belong_v to_o it_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o these_o be_v the_o general_a head_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o every_o man_n reason_n tell_v he_o he_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o these_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v express_o require_v of_o we_o as_o may_v be_v evidence_v from_o particular_a text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o part_n of_o christianity_n but_o what_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n 2._o such_o precept_n as_o require_v the_o good_a order_n and_o government_n of_o ourselves_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n christian_n religion_n
command_v whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a and_o chaste_a all_o manner_n of_o sobriety_n and_o temperance_n and_o moderation_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o appetite_n and_o passion_n and_o forbid_v whatever_o be_v unnatural_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o unhealthful_a in_o the_o use_n of_o pleasure_n and_o of_o any_o of_o god_n creature_n hither_o belong_v all_o those_o text_n which_o require_v of_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n 8.1_o rom._n 8.1_o that_o we_o shall_v cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n 7.1_o 2_o cor._n 7.1_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n 1.15_o 1_o pet._n 1.15_o st._n john_n distribute_v the_o lust_n and_o irregular_a appetite_n of_o man_n into_o three_o kind_n voluptuousness_n covetousness_n and_o ambition_n answerable_o to_o the_o three_o sort_n of_o tempt_a object_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n pleasure_n riches_n and_o honour_n all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n 2.16_o 1_o joh._n 2.16_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n etc._n etc._n and_o christianity_n do_v strict_o forbid_v all_o these_o 12.15_o luke_n 12.15_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n say_v our_o saviour_n and_o he_o add_v this_o excellent_a reason_n for_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v it_o forbid_v pride_n and_o ambition_n and_o vain_a glory_n and_o command_v humility_n and_o modesty_n and_o condescension_n to_o other_o 11.29_o mat._n 11.29_o learn_v of_o i_o say_v our_o saviour_n for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o spirit_n 12.16_o rom._n 12.16_o mind_v not_o high_a thing_n but_o condescend_v to_o they_o that_o be_v of_o low_a degree_n let_v nothing_o be_v do_v through_o vain_a glory_n 2.3_o phil._n 2.3_o but_o in_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n let_v each_o esteem_v other_o better_a than_o themselves_o and_o in_o reference_n to_o sensual_a pleasure_n it_o forbid_v all_o irregularity_n and_o excess_n and_o strict_o enjoin_v purity_n and_o temperance_n 21.36_o luke_n 21.36_o caution_v we_o to_o take_v heed_n lest_o we_o be_v overcharge_v with_o surfeit_v and_o drunkenness_n 13.13_o rom._n 13.13_o charge_v we_o to_o walk_v decent_o as_o in_o the_o day_n not_o in_o riot_v and_o drunkenness_n not_o in_o chamber_v and_o wantonness_n 2.11_o 1_o pet._n 2.11_o to_o abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n which_o war_n against_o the_o soul_n now_o all_o these_o precept_n do_v not_o only_o tend_v to_o beget_v in_o we_o such_o virtue_n and_o disposition_n as_o be_v reasonable_a and_o suitable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o every_o way_n for_o our_o temporal_a convenience_n and_o advantage_n but_o such_o as_o do_v likewise_o exceed_o dispose_v we_o to_o piety_n and_o religion_n by_o purify_n our_o soul_n from_o the_o dross_n and_o filth_n of_o sensual_a delight_n for_o covetousness_n debase_v a_o man_n spirit_n and_o sink_v it_o into_o the_o earth_n intemperance_n and_o lust_n cloud_v a_o man_n understanding_n and_o indispose_v it_o for_o the_o contemplation_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o divine_a thus_o you_o see_v how_o the_o precept_n of_o christianity_n do_v tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n consider_v man_n single_o and_o personal_o second_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o precept_n be_v such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n can_v devise_v nothing_o more_o proper_a to_o this_o end_n than_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n be_v for_o they_o command_v all_o those_o virtue_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o sweeten_v the_o spirit_n and_o allay_v the_o passion_n and_o animosity_n of_o man_n one_o towards_o another_o they_o require_v we_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n that_o be_v every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n even_o our_o great_a enemy_n as_o our_o self_n and_o for_o this_o end_n among_o other_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o feast_n of_o love_n institute_v that_o by_o commemorate_n the_o love_n of_o our_o die_a saviour_n who_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o enemy_n we_o may_v be_v put_v in_o mind_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o love_v one_o another_o and_o by_o this_o law_n of_o love_v all_o man_n even_o our_o enemy_n christian_a religion_n discover_v itself_o not_o only_o to_o be_v the_o most_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a but_o the_o most_o generous_a and_o best_a nature_a institution_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o general_a precept_n it_o command_v we_o to_o do_v good_a to_o all_o man_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o man_n to_o be_v kind_a one_o to_o another_o ready_a to_o gratify_v and_o oblige_v man_n to_o be_v tender-hearted_a and_o compassionate_a towards_o those_o that_o be_v in_o want_n or_o misery_n and_o ready_a to_o supply_v and_o relieve_v they_o to_o sympathize_v with_o one_o another_o in_o our_o joy_n and_o sorrow_n to_o mourn_v with_o those_o that_o mourn_v and_o to_o rejoice_v with_o they_o that_o rejoice_v to_o bear_v one_o another_o burden_n and_o to_o forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n to_o be_v easy_o reconcile_v to_o they_o that_o have_v offend_v we_o and_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o forgive_v from_o our_o heart_n the_o great_a injury_n that_o can_v be_v do_v to_o we_o and_o that_o without_o bound_n and_o limit_n even_o to_o seventy_o seven_o time_n as_o our_o saviour_n express_v it_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n do_v likewise_o secure_v both_o the_o private_a interest_n of_o man_n and_o the_o public_a peace_n by_o confirm_v and_o enforce_v all_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n concern_v justice_n and_o equity_n and_o our_o do_v to_o other_o as_o we_o will_v have_v they_o to_o do_v to_o we_o and_o by_o command_a obedience_n to_o humane_a law_n which_o decide_v man_n right_n and_o submission_n to_o government_n under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n and_o by_o forbid_v whatever_o be_v contrary_a to_o these_o violence_n and_o oppression_n defraud_v and_o overreach_v one_o another_o perfidiousness_n and_o treachery_n breach_n of_o trust_n oath_n or_o promise_n undutifulness_n to_o superior_n sedition_n and_o rebellion_n against_o magistracy_n and_o authority_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v apt_a to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o alienate_v the_o affection_n of_o man_n from_o one_o another_o as_o sourness_n of_o disposition_n and_o rudeness_n of_o behaviour_n censoriousness_n and_o sinister_a interpretation_n of_o thing_n all_o cross_n and_o distasteful_a humour_n and_o what_o ever_o else_o may_v render_v the_o conversation_n of_o man_n grievous_a and_o uneasy_a to_o one_o another_o all_o these_o be_v either_o express_o or_o by_o clear_a consequence_n and_o deduction_n forbid_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o now_o what_o can_v any_o religion_n do_v more_o towards_o the_o reform_n of_o the_o disposition_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n what_o law_n can_v be_v devise_v more_o proper_a and_o effectual_a to_o advance_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n to_o its_o high_a perfection_n to_o procure_v the_o tranquillity_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o world_n than_o these_o precept_n of_o christianity_n be_v several_a of_o which_o as_o those_o of_o love_v our_o enemy_n of_o not_o revenge_a injury_n of_o render_v good_a for_o evil_n etc._n etc._n though_o they_o have_v be_v esteem_v reasonable_a by_o some_o of_o the_o wife_a among_o the_o heathen_a yet_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o obscurity_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o humane_a reason_n they_o never_o obtain_v to_o have_v the_o estimation_n and_o force_n of_o natural_a law_n so_o that_o we_o owe_v to_o christianity_n the_o discovery_n of_o the_o most_o certain_a and_o perfect_a rule_n of_o life_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n be_v acquaint_v withal_o iii_o christian_a religion_n propound_v the_o most_o powerful_a argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o these_o law_n the_o gospel_n offer_v such_o consideration_n to_o we_o as_o be_v fit_a to_o work_v very_o forcible_o upon_o two_o of_o the_o most_o sway_a and_o govern_v passion_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n our_o hope_n and_o our_o fear_n to_o encourage_v our_o hope_n it_o give_v we_o the_o high_a assurance_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o last_a happiness_n in_o case_n of_o obedience_n and_o to_o awaken_v our_o fear_n it_o threaten_v sinner_n with_o the_o most_o dreadful_a and_o durable_a torment_n in_o case_n of_o disobedience_n 8._o rom._n 2.7_o 8._o to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n it_o promise_v eternal_a life_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o obey_v
this_o word_n be_v so_o to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o text_n may_v appear_v far_o from_o the_o opposition_n of_o it_o to_o sin_n or_o vice_n in_o general_a righteousness_n exalt_v a_o nation_n but_o sin_n be_v the_o reproach_n of_o any_o people_n you_o see_v then_o what_o will_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o my_o present_a discourse_n namely_o that_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o public_a happiness_n and_o prosperity_n and_o though_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o have_v be_v universal_o acknowledge_v and_o long_o enough_o experience_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o because_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o age_n be_v to_o call_v every_o thing_n into_o question_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o satisfy_v man_n reason_n about_o it_o to_o which_o end_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o this_o truth_n 2._o to_o vindicate_v it_o from_o the_o pretence_n and_o insinuation_n of_o atheistical_a person_n i._o shall_v give_v you_o this_o twofold_a account_n of_o it_o 1._o from_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n 2._o from_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o the_o thing_n 1._o from_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n indeed_o as_o to_o particular_a person_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v many_o time_n promiscuous_o administer_v in_o this_o world_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v certain_o conclude_v god_n love_n or_o hatred_n to_o any_o person_n by_o any_o thing_n that_o befall_v he_o in_o this_o life_n but_o god_n do_v not_o deal_v thus_o with_o nation_n because_o public_a body_n and_o community_n of_o man_n as_o such_o can_v only_o be_v reward_v and_o punish_v in_o this_o world_n for_o in_o the_o next_o all_o those_o public_a society_n and_o combination_n wherein_o man_n be_v now_o link_v together_o under_o several_a government_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v god_n will_v not_o then_o reward_n or_o punish_v nation_n as_o nation_n but_o every_o man_n shall_v then_o give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n and_o receive_v his_o own_o reward_n and_o bear_v his_o own_o burden_n for_o although_o god_n account_v it_o no_o disparagement_n to_o his_o justice_n to_o let_v particular_a good_a man_n suffer_v in_o this_o world_n and_o pass_v through_o many_o tribulation_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n because_o there_o be_v another_o day_n a_o come_n which_o will_v be_v a_o more_o proper_a season_n of_o reward_n yet_o in_o the_o usual_a course_n of_o his_o providence_n he_o recompense_v religious_a and_o virtuous_a nation_n with_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o prosperity_n for_o which_o reason_n st._n austin_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o mighty_a success_n and_o long_a prosperity_n of_o the_o roman_n be_v a_o reward_n give_v they_o by_o god_n for_o their_o eminent_a justice_n and_o temperance_n and_o other_o virtue_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n god_n many_o time_n suffer_v the_o most_o grievous_a sin_n of_o particular_a person_n to_o go_v unpunished_a in_o this_o world_n because_o he_o know_v that_o his_o justice_n will_v have_v another_o and_o better_a opportunity_n to_o meet_v and_o reckon_v with_o they_o but_o the_o general_a and_o cry_a sin_n of_o a_o nation_n can_v hope_v to_o escape_v public_a judgement_n unless_o they_o be_v prevent_v by_o a_o general_a repentance_n god_n may_v defer_v his_o judgement_n for_o a_o time_n and_o give_v a_o people_n a_o long_a space_n of_o repentance_n he_o may_v stay_v till_o the_o iniquity_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v full_a but_o soon_o or_o late_a they_o have_v reason_n to_o expect_v his_o vengeance_n and_o usual_o the_o long_a punishment_n be_v delay_v it_o be_v the_o heavy_a when_o it_o come_v now_o all_o this_o be_v very_o reasonable_a because_n this_o world_n be_v the_o only_a season_n for_o national_a punishment_n and_o indeed_o they_o be_v in_o a_o great_a degree_n necessary_a for_o the_o present_a vindication_n of_o the_o honour_n and_o majesty_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o to_o give_v some_o check_n to_o the_o overflow_a of_o wickedness_n public_a judgement_n be_v the_o bank_n and_o shore_n upon_o which_o god_n break_v the_o insolency_n of_o sinner_n and_o stay_v their_o proud_a wave_n and_o though_o among_o man_n the_o multitude_n of_o offender_n be_v many_o time_n a_o cause_n of_o impunity_n because_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a government_n which_o be_v glad_a to_o spare_v where_o they_o be_v not_o strong_a enough_o to_o punish_v yet_o in_o the_o government_n of_o god_n thing_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o no_o combination_n of_o sinner_n be_v too_o hard_a for_o he_o and_o the_o great_a and_o more_o numerous_a the_o offender_n be_v the_o more_o his_o justice_n be_v concern_v to_o vindicate_v the_o affront_n however_o god_n may_v pass_v by_o single_a sinner_n in_o this_o world_n yet_o when_o a_o nation_n combine_v against_o he_o when_o hand_n join_v in_o hand_n the_o wicked_a shall_v not_o go_v unpunished_a this_o the_o scripture_n declare_v to_o be_v the_o settle_a course_n of_o god_n providence_n that_o a_o righteous_a nation_n shall_v be_v happy_a the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v peace_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o he_o use_v to_o shower_v down_o his_o judgement_n upon_o a_o wicked_a people_n he_o turn_v a_o fruitful_a land_n into_o barrenness_n for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o they_o that_o dwell_v therein_o and_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n have_v make_v this_o good_a all_o along_o the_o history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o find_v the_o interchangeable_a providence_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n always_o suit_v to_o their_o manner_n they_o be_v constant_o prosperous_a or_o afflict_a according_a as_o piety_n and_o virtue_n flourish_v or_o decline_v among_o they_o and_o god_n do_v not_o only_o exercise_v this_o providence_n towards_o his_o own_o people_n but_o he_o deal_v thus_o also_o with_o other_o nation_n the_o roman_a empire_n whilst_o the_o virtue_n of_o that_o people_n remain_v firm_a be_v strong_a as_o iron_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n but_o upon_o the_o dissolution_n of_o their_o manner_n the_o iron_n begin_v to_o be_v mix_v with_o miry_a clay_n and_o the_o foot_n upon_o which_o that_o empire_n stand_v to_o be_v break_v and_o though_o god_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o justice_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o precedent_n and_o we_o can_v argue_v from_o scripture_n example_n that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n towards_o other_o nation_n shall_v in_o all_o circumstance_n be_v conformable_a to_o his_o deal_n with_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n yet_o thus_o much_o may_v with_o great_a probability_n be_v collect_v from_o they_o that_o as_o god_n always_o bless_v that_o people_n while_o they_o be_v obedient_a to_o he_o and_o follow_v they_o with_o his_o judgement_n when_o they_o rebel_v against_o he_o so_o he_o will_v also_o deal_v with_o other_o nation_n because_o the_o reason_n of_o those_o dispensation_n as_o to_o the_o main_a and_o substance_n of_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v perpetual_a and_o found_v in_o that_o which_o can_v never_o change_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n 2_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o far_a appear_v from_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o every_o particular_a virtue_n do_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n conduce_v to_o the_o public_a interest_n religion_n wherever_o it_o be_v true_o plant_v be_v certain_o the_o great_a obligation_n upon_o conscience_n to_o all_o civil_a office_n and_o moral_a duty_n chastity_n and_o temperance_n and_o industry_n do_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n tend_v to_o health_n and_o plenty_n truth_n and_o fidelity_n in_o all_o our_o deal_n do_v create_v mutual_a love_n and_o goodwill_n and_o confidence_n among_o man_n which_o be_v the_o great_a band_n of_o peace_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a wickedness_n do_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n produce_v many_o public_a mischief_n for_o as_o sin_n be_v link_v together_o and_o draw_v on_o one_o another_o so_o almost_o every_o vice_n have_v some_o temporal_a inconvenience_n annex_v to_o it_o and_o natural_o follow_v it_o intemperance_n and_o lust_n breed_v infirmity_n and_o disease_n which_o be_v propagate_v spoil_v the_o strain_n of_o a_o nation_n idleness_n and_o luxury_n bring_v forth_o poverty_n and_o want_n and_o this_o tempt_v man_n to_o injustice_n and_o that_o cause_v enmity_n and_o animosity_n and_o these_o bring_v on_o strife_n and_o confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n this_o philosophical_a account_n of_o public_a trouble_n and_o confusion_n st._n james_n give_v we_o 4.1_o jam._n 4.1_o whence_o come_v war_n and_o fight_n among_o you_o be_v they_o not_o hence_o even_o from_o your_o lust_n that_o war_n in_o your_o member_n but_o i_o shall_v show_v more_o particular_o that_o religion_n and_o virtue_n do_v natural_o tend_v
reason_n spoil_v his_o understanding_n and_o help_v to_o make_v himself_o a_o fool_n whereas_o he_o that_o conquer_v his_o passion_n and_o keep_v they_o under_o do_v thereby_o preserve_v and_o improve_v his_o understanding_n freedom_n from_o irregular_a passion_n do_v not_o only_o signify_v that_o a_o man_n be_v wise_a but_o real_o contribute_v to_o the_o make_n of_o he_o such_o 2._o religion_n tend_v to_o the_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o our_o mind_n wherein_o happiness_n chief_o consist_v and_o which_o all_o the_o wisdom_n and_o philosophy_n of_o the_o world_n do_v always_o aim_v at_o as_o the_o utmost_a felicity_n of_o this_o life_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a fruit_n of_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a course_n of_o life_n the_o scripture_n declare_v to_o we_o in_o these_o text_n 97.11_o psal_n 97.11_o light_n be_v sow_o for_o the_o righteous_a and_o gladness_n for_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n great_a peace_n have_v all_o they_o that_o love_v thy_o law_n 119.165_o psal_n 119.165_o and_o nothing_o shall_v offend_v they_o her_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n 3.17_o pro._n 3.17_o and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n 32.17_o isa_n 32.17_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v peace_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o which_o text_n be_v that_o pleasure_n and_o peace_n do_v natural_o result_v from_o a_o holy_a and_o good_a life_n when_o a_o man_n have_v once_o engage_v himself_o in_o a_o religious_a course_n and_o be_v habituate_v to_o piety_n and_o holiness_n all_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o devotion_n all_o act_n of_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n be_v delightful_a to_o he_o to_o honour_v and_o worship_n god_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o to_o praise_v he_o to_o study_v his_o will_n to_o meditate_v upon_o he_o and_o to_o love_v he_o all_o these_o bring_v great_a pleasure_n and_o peace_n along_o with_o they_o what_o great_a contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n can_v there_o be_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o it_o be_v once_o purify_v and_o refine_v from_o the_o dregs_o of_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n and_o raise_v to_o its_o true_a height_n and_o pitch_n than_o to_o contemplate_v and_o admire_v the_o infinite_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n to_o adore_v his_o greatness_n and_o to_o love_v his_o goodness_n how_o can_v the_o thought_n of_o god_n be_v troublesome_a to_o any_o one_o who_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o the_o world_n no_o man_n that_o love_v goodness_n and_o righteous_a ness_n have_v any_o reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o god_n or_o to_o be_v disquiet_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o he_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o god_n that_o be_v terrible_a to_o a_o good_a man_n but_o all_o the_o apprehension_n which_o we_o natural_o have_v of_o he_o speak_v comfort_n and_o promise_v happiness_n to_o such_o a_o one_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o attribute_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o trouble_n to_o he_o that_o it_o be_v his_o recreation_n and_o delight_n it_o be_v for_o wicked_a man_n to_o dread_a god_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o banish_v the_o thought_n of_o he_o out_o of_o their_o mind_n but_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a man_n may_v have_v quiet_a and_o undisturbed_a thought_n even_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n because_o the_o terror_n of_o it_o do_v not_o concern_v he_o now_o religion_n do_v contribute_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o our_o mind_n these_o two_o way_n first_o by_o allay_v those_o passion_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o ruffle_v and_o discompose_v our_o spirit_n malice_n and_o hatred_n wrath_n and_o revenge_n be_v very_o fret_v and_o vexatious_a and_o apt_a to_o make_v our_o mind_n sore_a and_o uneasy_a but_o he_o that_o can_v moderate_v these_o affection_n will_v find_v a_o strange_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n in_o his_o own_o spirit_n second_o by_o free_v we_o from_o the_o anxiety_n of_o guilt_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o divine_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o sting_a and_o torment_v and_o render_v the_o life_n of_o man_n more_o miserable_a and_o unquiet_a and_o whaâ—_n a_o spring_n of_o peace_n and_o joy_n must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o apprehend_v upon_o good_a ground_n that_o god_n be_v reconcile_v to_o we_o and_o become_v our_o friend_n that_o all_o our_o sin_n be_v perfect_o forgive_v and_o shall_v never_o more_o be_v remember_v against_o we_o what_o unexpressible_a comfort_n do_v overflow_v the_o pious_a and_o devout_a soul_n from_o the_o remembrance_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o well-spent_a life_n and_o a_o conscience_n of_o its_o own_o innocency_n and_o integrity_n and_o nothing_o but_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n can_v give_v this_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a kind_n of_o temper_n and_o disposition_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o quiet_a of_o our_o mind_n and_o consequent_o to_o our_o happiness_n and_o that_o be_v holiness_n and_o goodness_n which_o as_o it_o be_v the_o perfection_n so_o be_v it_o likewise_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o of_o those_o accurse_a spirit_n the_o devil_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o disposition_n contrary_n to_o god_n they_o be_v envious_a and_o malicious_a and_o cruel_a and_o of_o such_o a_o temper_n as_o be_v natural_o a_o torment_n and_o disquiet_v to_o itself_o and_o here_o the_o foundation_n of_o hell_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o evil_a disposition_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o till_o this_o be_v cure_v which_o can_v only_o be_v do_v by_o religion_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v happy_a that_o be_v please_v and_o content_v within_o himself_o as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o sick_a man_n to_o be_v at_o ease_n because_o such_o a_o man_n have_v that_o within_o he_o which_o torment_v he_o and_o he_o can_v be_v at_o ease_n till_o that_o be_v remove_v the_o man_n spirit_n be_v out_o of_o order_n and_o off_o the_o hinge_n and_o till_o that_o be_v put_v into_o its_o right_a frame_n he_o will_v be_v perpetual_o disquiet_v and_o can_v find_v no_o rest_n within_o himself_o the_o prophet_n very_o fit_o describe_v to_o we_o the_o unquiet_a condition_n of_o wicked_a man_n 57.10.21_o isa_n 57.10.21_o the_o wicked_a be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n when_o it_o can_v rest_v who_o water_n cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a so_o long_o as_o sin_n and_o corruption_n abound_v in_o our_o heart_n they_o will_v be_v restles_o work_v like_o wine_n which_o will_v be_v in_o a_o perpetual_a motion_n and_o agitation_n till_o it_o have_v purge_v itself_o of_o its_o dregs_o and_o foulness_n second_o religion_n do_v likewise_o tend_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n now_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v such_o as_o either_o respect_n our_o health_n or_o estate_n or_o reputation_n or_o relation_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o these_o religion_n be_v high_o advantageous_a to_o we_o 1._o as_o to_o our_o health_n a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a life_n do_v eminent_o conduce_v to_o that_o and_o to_o long_a life_n as_o a_o consequent_a of_o it_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o understand_v these_o follow_a text_n 2._o prov._n 3.1_o 2._o my_o son_n forget_v not_o my_o law_n but_o let_v thy_o heart_n keep_v my_o commandment_n for_o length_n of_o day_n and_o long_a life_n shall_v they_o add_v to_o thou_o and_o v._o 7_o and_o 8._o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o depart_v from_o evil_n it_o shall_v be_v health_n to_o thy_o navel_n and_o marrow_n to_o thy_o bone_n and_o v._o 16._o among_o the_o temporal_a advantage_n of_o wisdom_n or_o religion_n this_o be_v mention_v as_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o v._o 18._o she_o be_v a_o tree_n of_o life_n to_o they_o that_o lie_v hold_v upon_o she_o and_o again_o whoso_o find_v i_o find_v life_n but_o he_o that_o sin_v against_o i_o wrong_v his_o own_o soul_n 36._o prov._n 8.35_o 36._o that_o be_v injurious_a to_o his_o own_o life_n all_o they_o that_o hate_v i_o love_v death_n all_o which_o be_v undoubted_o true_a in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n but_o be_v certain_o mean_v by_o solomon_n in_o the_o natural_a sense_n and_o these_o promise_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o health_n and_o long_a life_n to_o good_a man_n be_v not_o only_o declaratory_a of_o the_o good_a pleasure_n and_o intention_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o but_o likewise_o of_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o religion_n do_v oblige_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o virtue_n which_o do_v in_o their_o
a_o good_a man_n leave_v a_o inheritance_n to_o his_o child_n child_n 14.26_o prov._n 14.26_o and_o again_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v strong_a confidence_n and_o his_o child_n shall_v have_v a_o place_n of_o refuge_n but_o the_o wicked_a derive_v a_o curse_n upon_o all_o that_o be_v relate_v to_o he_o he_o be_v say_v to_o trouble_v his_o own_o house_n and_o again_o 11.29_o prov._n 11.29_o the_o wicked_a be_v overthrow_v and_o be_v not_o 12.7_o prov._n 12.7_o but_o the_o house_n of_o the_o righteous_a shall_v stand_v but_o set_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n providence_n religion_n do_v likewise_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n tend_v to_o the_o welfare_n of_o those_o who_o be_v relate_v to_o we_o because_o it_o lay_v the_o strict_a obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o family_n and_o relation_n and_o to_o make_v the_o best_a provision_n both_o for_o their_o comfortable_a subsistence_n here_o in_o this_o world_n and_o their_o salvation_n in_o the_o next_o and_o those_o who_o neglect_v those_o duty_n the_o scripture_n be_v so_o far_o from_o esteem_v they_o christian_n that_o it_o account_v they_o worse_o than_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n 5.8_o 1_o tim._n 5.8_o he_o that_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o especial_o those_o of_o his_o own_o house_n be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n and_o have_v deny_v the_o faith_n this_o i_o know_v be_v speak_v in_o respect_n of_o temporal_a provision_n but_o it_o hold_v à _fw-la fortiori_fw-la as_o to_o the_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n beside_o it_o be_v many_o time_n see_v that_o the_o posterity_n of_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n especial_o of_o such_o as_o have_v evidence_v their_o piety_n towards_o god_n by_o bounty_n and_o charity_n to_o man_n have_v meet_v with_o unusual_a kindness_n and_o respect_n from_o other_o and_o have_v by_o a_o strange_a and_o secret_a disposition_n of_o divine_a providence_n be_v unexpected_o care_v and_o provide_v for_o and_o that_o as_o they_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v upon_o the_o account_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o piety_n and_o charity_n of_o their_o parent_n this_o david_n tell_v we_o from_o his_o own_o particular_a observation_n 2d_o ps_n 37_o 2d_o i_o have_v be_v young_a and_o now_o be_o old_a yet_o have_v i_o not_o see_v the_o righteous_a forsake_v nor_o his_o seed_n beg_v bread_n and_o that_o by_o the_o righteous_a be_v here_o mean_v the_o good_a and_o merciful_a man_n appear_v from_o the_o description_n of_o he_o in_o the_o next_o word_n 26._o ver._n 26._o he_o be_v ever_o merciful_a and_o dare_v and_o his_o seed_n be_v bless_v and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o posterity_n of_o the_o wicked_a do_v many_o time_n inherit_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o father_n sin_n and_o vice_n and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o a_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n but_o from_o the_o natural_a course_n and_o consequence_n of_o thing_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n that_o expression_n in_o job_n be_v often_o verify_v that_o god_n lay_v up_o the_o iniquity_n of_o wicked_a man_n for_o their_o child_n 21.19_o job_n 21.19_o and_o do_v not_o experience_n testify_v that_o the_o intemperate_a and_o unjust_a do_v many_o time_n transmit_v their_o bodily_a infirmity_n and_o disease_n to_o their_o child_n and_o entail_v a_o secret_a curse_n upon_o their_o estate_n which_o do_v either_o insensible_o waste_v and_o consume_v it_o or_o eat_v out_o the_o heart_n and_o comfort_n of_o it_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o religion_n in_o all_o respect_n conduce_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n ii_o religion_n and_o virtue_n do_v likewise_o most_o certain_o and_o direct_o tend_v to_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n of_o man_n in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o this_o be_v incomparable_o the_o great_a advantage_n that_o redound_v to_o man_n by_o be_v religious_a in_o comparison_n of_o which_o all_o temporal_a consideration_n be_v less_o than_o nothing_o and_o vanity_n the_o worldly_a advantage_n that_o religion_n bring_v to_o man_n in_o this_o present_a life_n be_v a_o sensible_a recommendation_n of_o religion_n even_o to_o the_o low_a and_o mean_a spirit_n but_o to_o those_o who_o be_v raise_v above_o sense_n and_o aspire_v after_o immortality_n who_o believe_v the_o perpetual_a duration_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o body_n to_o those_o who_o be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o the_o inconsiderableness_n of_o this_o short_a die_a life_n and_o of_o all_o the_o concernment_n of_o it_o in_o comparison_n of_o that_o eternal_a state_n which_o remain_v for_o we_o in_o another_o life_n to_o these_o i_o say_v the_o consideration_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n and_o of_o those_o unspeakable_a and_o everlasting_a reward_n which_o shall_v then_o be_v give_v to_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n be_v certain_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n and_o the_o most_o likely_a to_o prevail_v upon_o they_o for_o those_o who_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o can_v choose_v but_o aspire_v after_o a_o happiness_n commensurate_a to_o their_o duration_n nor_o can_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v conscious_a to_o its_o self_n of_o its_o own_o immortality_n be_v satisfy_v and_o content_v with_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o endless_a felicity_n and_o this_o hope_n religion_n alone_o give_v man_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n only_o can_v settle_v man_n in_o a_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a assurance_n of_o it_o but_o because_o all_o man_n who_o have_v entertain_v any_o religion_n have_v consent_v to_o these_o principle_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o recompense_n of_o another_o world_n and_o have_v always_o promise_v to_o themselves_o some_o reward_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n after_o this_o life_n and_o because_o i_o do_v more_o particular_o design_n from_o this_o text_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o temporal_a benefit_n and_o adavantage_n which_o redound_v to_o man_n from_o religion_n therefore_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o to_o show_v very_o brief_o how_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a life_n do_v conduce_v to_o our_o future_a happiness_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n from_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n 1._o from_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n 4.8_o 1_o tim._n 4.8_o godliness_n say_v the_o apostle_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o be_v to_o come_v god_n have_v all_o along_o in_o the_o scripture_n suspend_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n upon_o this_o condition_n he_o have_v peremptory_o declare_v that_o without_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n no_o man_n shall_v ever_o see_v the_o lord_n and_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o it_o be_v the_o constitution_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n may_v be_v argument_n enough_o to_o we_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n and_o to_o persuade_v we_o thereunto_o for_o eternal_a life_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o he_o may_v do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o his_o own_o he_o be_v master_n of_o his_o own_o favour_n and_o may_v dispense_v they_o upon_o what_o term_n and_o condition_n he_o please_v but_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a condition_n that_o he_o have_v impose_v upon_o we_o if_o religion_n bring_v no_o advantage_n to_o we_o in_o this_o world_n yet_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n be_v so_o great_a as_o will_v abundant_o recompense_v all_o our_o pain_n and_o endeavour_n there_o be_v temptation_n enough_o in_o the_o reward_n to_o engage_v any_o man_n in_o the_o work_n have_v god_n think_v fit_a to_o have_v impose_v the_o most_o grievous_a and_o difficult_a thing_n upon_o we_o ought_v we_o not_o to_o have_v submit_v to_o they_o and_o to_o have_v undertake_v they_o with_o cheerfulness_n upon_o such_o great_a and_o glorious_a encouragement_n as_o naaman_n servant_n say_v to_o he_o in_o another_o case_n have_v he_o bid_v thou_o do_v some_o great_a thing_n will_v thou_o not_o have_v do_v it_o so_o if_o god_n have_v say_v that_o without_o poverty_n and_o actual_a martyrdom_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n will_v not_o any_o man_n that_o believe_v heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o understand_v what_o these_o word_n signify_v and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o escape_v extreme_a and_o eternal_a misery_n and_o to_o enjoy_v unspeakable_a and_o endless_a glory_n have_v be_v willing_a to_o accept_v these_o condition_n how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o have_v only_o say_v wash_v and_o be_v clean_a and_o let_v every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a but_o god_n have_v not_o deal_v thus_o with_o we_o nor_o be_v the_o impose_v of_o this_o condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n a_o mere_a arbitrary_a constitution_n therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v two_o that_o a_o
also_o have_v confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n if_o any_o other_o man_n think_v that_o he_o have_v whereof_o he_o may_v trust_v in_o the_o flesh_n i_o more_o circumcise_v the_o eight_o day_n of_o the_o stock_n of_o israel_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o be_v content_v to_o forgo_v all_o these_o advantage_n for_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n v._o 7._o but_o what_o thing_n be_v gain_v to_o i_o those_o i_o count_v loss_n for_o christ_n and_o not_o only_o these_o but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n else_o that_o man_n value_v in_o this_o world_n he_o be_v willing_a to_o hazard_v that_o also_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n v._o 8._o yea_o doubtless_o and_o i_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n in_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n declare_v the_o high_a esteem_n he_o have_v for_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o he_o call_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n his_o lord_n the_o excellency_n whereof_o appear_v so_o great_a to_o he_o that_o he_o value_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o advantage_n which_o he_o have_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o my_o design_n at_o this_o time_n from_o this_o text_n be_v to_o represent_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n above_o that_o of_o any_o other_o religion_n or_o institution_n in_o the_o world_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v not_o consider_v the_o external_a evidence_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o of_o the_o divinity_n of_o its_o doctrine_n in_o which_o respect_n it_o have_v incomparable_o the_o advantage_n of_o any_o other_o religion_n but_o only_o the_o internal_a excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o abstract_v from_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o it_o and_o that_o in_o these_o four_o respect_n first_o as_o it_o do_v more_o clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n second_o as_o it_o give_v we_o a_o more_o certain_a and_o perfect_a law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n three_o as_o it_o propound_v to_o we_o more_o powerful_a argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o this_o law_n four_o as_o it_o furnish_v we_o with_o better_a motive_n and_o consideration_n to_o patience_n and_o contentedness_n under_o the_o evil_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o life_n now_o these_o be_v the_o great_a advantage_n that_o any_o religion_n can_v have_v to_o give_v man_n right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o good_a â—ife_n and_o efficacious_a argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o patient_o to_o bear_v the_o evil_n and_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n and_o these_o shall_v be_v the_o head_n of_o my_o follow_a discourse_n i._o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v more_o clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n than_o any_o religion_n ever_o do_v and_o to_o have_v right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n for_o according_a as_o man_n notion_n of_o god_n be_v such_o will_v their_o religion_n be_v if_o man_n have_v gross_a and_o false_a conception_n of_o god_n their_o religion_n will_v be_v absurd_a and_o superstitious_a if_o man_n fancy_n god_n to_o be_v a_o ill-natured_a be_v arm_v with_o infinite_a power_n one_o that_o delight_v in_o the_o misery_n and_o ruin_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v all_o advantage_n against_o they_o they_o may_v fear_v he_o but_o they_o will_v bate_v he_o and_o they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v such_o towards_o one_o another_o as_o they_o fancy_n god_n to_o be_v towards_o they_o for_o all_o religion_n do_v natural_o incline_v man_n to_o imitate_v he_o who_o they_o worship_v now_o the_o christian_a religion_n give_v we_o a_o more_o perfect_a and_o a_o more_o lovely_a character_n of_o god_n than_o any_o religion_n ever_o do_v it_o represent_v he_o to_o we_o as_o a_o pure_a spirit_n which_o the_o heathen_n do_v not_o general_o believe_v and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o spiritual_a nature_n which_o not_o only_o the_o heathen_n but_o even_o the_o jew_n themselves_o be_v extreme_o mistake_v about_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n say_v our_o saviour_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o god_n himself_o do_v command_v sacrifice_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o all_o those_o external_a and_o troublesome_a observance_n of_o which_o their_o religion_n do_v consist_v but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o he_o do_v not_o institute_v this_o way_n of_o worship_n because_o it_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n but_o because_o of_o the_o carnality_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o the_o proneness_n of_o that_o people_n to_o idolatry_n god_n do_v not_o prescribe_v these_o thing_n because_o they_o be_v best_a but_o because_o the_o temper_n of_o that_o people_n will_v then_o admit_v of_o nothing_o better_a and_o this_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o several_a intimation_n of_o 51.16_o psal_n 51.16_o thou_o desire_v not_o sacrifice_v thou_o delight_v not_o in_o burnt-offering_n say_v david_n and_o elsewhere_o more_o express_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o speak_v not_o unto_o your_o father_n say_v god_n by_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n nor_o command_v they_o in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o bring_v they_o forth_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n concern_v burnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n but_o this_o thing_n command_v i_o they_o say_v obey_v my_o voice_n a_o sufficient_a intimation_n that_o god_n do_v not_o primary_o intend_v to_o appoint_v this_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o to_o impose_v it_o upon_o they_o as_o that_o which_o be_v most_o proper_a and_o agreeable_a to_o he_o but_o that_o he_o condescend_v to_o it_o as_o most_o accommodate_v to_o their_o present_a state_n and_o inclination_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n also_o some_o understand_v what_o god_n say_v to_o the_o same_o people_n by_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n 20.25_o ezek._n 20.25_o that_o he_o give_v they_o statute_n that_o be_v not_o good_a and_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n give_v a_o more_o perfect_a so_o a_o more_o amiable_a and_o lovely_a character_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n no_o religion_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n do_v so_o full_o represent_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o tender_a love_n to_o mankind_n which_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o powerful_a argument_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o heathen_n do_v general_o dread_a god_n and_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o fierce_a and_o cruel_a and_o revengeful_a and_o therefore_o they_o endeavour_v to_o appease_v he_o by_o the_o horrid_a and_o barbarous_a sacrifice_n of_o man_n and_o of_o their_o own_o child_n and_o all_o along_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n be_v general_o represent_v as_o very_o strict_a and_o severe_a but_o there_o be_v not_o where_o so_o plain_a and_o full_a declaration_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o love_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o be_v make_v in_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n be_v usual_o style_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n the_o great_a and_o the_o terrible_a god_n but_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n he_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o mild_a title_n the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o god_n of_o all_o consolation_n the_o god_n of_o all_o patience_n the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n nay_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v love_n itself_o and_o to_o dwell_v in_o love_n and_o this_o difference_n between_o the_o style_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o remarkable_a that_o one_o of_o the_o great_a sect_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n i_o mean_v that_o of_o the_o gnostic_n do_v upon_o this_o very_a ground_n find_v their_o heresy_n of_o two_o god_n the_o one_o evil_a and_o fierce_a and_o cruel_a who_o they_o call_v the_o god_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o other_o good_a and_o kind_a and_o merciful_a who_o they_o call_v the_o god_n of_o the_o new_a so_o great_a a_o difference_n be_v there_o between_o the_o representation_n which_o be_v make_v of_o god_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o to_o give_v at_o least_o some_o colour_n and_o pretence_n for_o a_o imagination_n of_o two_o go_n ii_o christian_a religion_n have_v give_v we_o a_o more_o certain_a and_o perfect_a law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n it_o have_v make_v our_o duty_n more_o plain_a and_o certain_a in_o many_o instance_n than_o either_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_a or_o the_o precept_n of_o moses_n have_v do_v it_o command_v universal_a love_n and_o kindness_n and_o good_a
ought_v not_o to_o pretend_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o plain_a and_o safe_a path_n of_o religion_n which_o will_v entertain_v we_o with_o pleasure_n all_o along_o in_o the_o way_n and_o crown_v we_o with_o happiness_n at_o the_o end_n 2_o tim_n 2.19_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n the_o whole_a verse_n run_v thus_o nevertheless_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o and_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n in_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n declare_v to_o we_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n for_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v here_o translate_a foundation_n according_a to_o the_o usual_a signification_n of_o it_o be_v likewise_o as_o learned_a man_n have_v observe_v sometime_o use_v for_o a_o instrument_n of_o contract_n whereby_o two_o party_n do_v oblige_v themselves_o mutual_o to_o each_o other_o and_o this_o notion_n of_o the_o word_n agree_v very_o well_o with_o what_o follow_v concern_v the_o seal_n assix_v to_o it_o which_o be_v very_o fuitable_a to_o a_o covenant_n but_o not_o at_o all_o to_o a_o foundation_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o as_o the_o learned_a grotius_n have_v observe_v there_o use_v ancient_o to_o be_v inscription_n on_o foundation-stone_n and_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v seal_n may_v likewise_o signify_v a_o inscription_n and_o then_o the_o sense_n will_v be_v very_a current_n thus_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o inscription_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o though_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v signify_v a_o inscription_n yet_o it_o be_v only_o a_o inscription_n upon_o a_o seal_n which_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o a_o foundation_n but_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o a_o covenant_n or_o mutual_a obligation_n and_o according_o the_o seal_v affix_v to_o this_o instrument_n or_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v in_o allusion_n to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o country_n say_v to_o have_v a_o inscription_n on_o both_o side_n agreeable_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n contract_v on_o god_n part_n there_o be_v this_o impress_n or_o inscription_n the_o lord_n know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o that_o be_v god_n will_v own_v and_o reward_v those_o that_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o and_o on_o our_o part_n let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v that_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n for_o to_o name_v the_o name_n of_o any_o one_o or_o to_o have_v his_o name_n call_v upon_o by_o we_o do_v according_a to_o the_o use_n of_o this_o phrase_n among_o the_o hebrew_n signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o be_v denominate_v from_o he_o thus_o it_o be_v frequent_o use_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o sometime_o in_o the_o new_a 2.7_o jam._n 2.7_o do_v they_o not_o blaspheme_v that_o worthy_a name_n by_o the_o which_o you_o be_v call_v that_o be_v the_o name_n or_o title_n of_o christian_n and_o that_o expression_n 14._o 1_o pet._n 〈◊〉_d 14._o if_o you_o be_v reproach_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v at_o the_o sixteenth_o verse_n vary_v if_o any_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a so_o that_o to_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o call_v ourselves_o christian_n let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v often_o take_v strict_o for_o injustice_n or_o unrighteousness_n but_o sometime_o use_v more_o large_o for_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o the_o general_a and_o so_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v use_v here_o in_o the_o text_n because_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n from_o the_o context_n to_o restrain_v it_o to_o any_o particular_a kind_n of_o sin_n or_o vice_n and_o because_o christianity_n lay_v a_o equal_a obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o abstain_v from_o all_o sin_n let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n that_o be_v every_o christian_a oblige_v himself_o by_o his_o procession_n to_o renounce_v all_o sin_n and_o to_o live_v a_o holy_a life_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o show_v what_o obligation_n the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o man_n to_o live_v holy_a life_n 2._o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v those_o who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n to_o answer_v this_o obligation_n i._o what_o obligation_n the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o man_n to_o live_v holy_a life_n he_o that_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n profess_v to_o entertain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o live_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o his_o holy_a example_n and_o to_o have_v solemn_o engage_v himself_o to_o all_o this_o i_o shall_v speak_v brief_o to_o these_o and_o then_o come_v to_o that_o which_o i_o principal_o intend_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o live_v according_o 1._o he_o that_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n profess_v to_o entertain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o believe_v the_o whole_a gospel_n to_o assent_v to_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o all_o the_o precept_n and_o promise_n and_o theatning_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o the_o great_a design_n the_o proper_a intention_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o sin_n and_o to_o direct_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n it_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v god_n and_o christ_n not_o with_o any_o design_n to_o entertain_v our_o mind_n with_o the_o bare_a speculation_n of_o those_o truth_n but_o to_o better_a our_o life_n for_o every_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v a_o proper_a argument_n against_o sin_n and_o a_o powerful_a motive_n to_o obedience_n the_o whole_a history_n of_o christ_n appearance_n in_o the_o world_n all_o the_o discourse_n and_o action_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o his_o death_n do_v all_o tend_v to_o this_o the_o ultimate_a issue_n of_o all_o be_v the_o destroy_n of_o sin_n so_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o 3.8_o 1_o joh._n 3.8_o for_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n manifest_v that_o he_o may_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o this_o be_v most_o express_o and_o full_o declare_v to_o we_o tit._n 2.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v strict_o command_v holiness_n and_o that_o universal_a the_o purity_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o chastity_n of_o our_o body_n 7.1_o 2_o cor._n 7.1_o to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n 5.22_o 1_o thes_n 5.22_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o kind_n of_o evil_n 1.15_o 1_o pet._n 1.15_o to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n they_o require_v we_o to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v attainable_a by_o we_o in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n to_o be_v holy_a as_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o be_v holy_a 5.48_o mat._n 5.48_o to_o be_v perfect_a as_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o many_o encouragement_n to_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n â—_o â—_o cor._n 7._o â—_o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n we_o be_v tell_v by_o st._n peter_n that_o these_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n be_v give_v to_o we_o that_o by_o these_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n 1.4_o 2_o pet._n 1.4_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o that_o we_o may_v give_v all_o diligence_n to_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o patience_n and_o brotherly-kindness_n and_o charity_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o many_o powerful_a argument_n against_o sin_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o gospel_n the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n