doctrine_n which_o have_v be_v handle_v at_o large_a in_o other_o english_a treatise_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o especial_o in_o that_o incomparable_a one_o of_o our_o most_o learned_a bishop_n of_o chester_n on_o the_o creed_n a_o book_n which_o next_o to_o the_o bible_n i_o thankful_o acknowledge_v myself_o more_o beholden_a to_o for_o my_o instruction_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n than_o to_o any_o one_o i_o ever_o read_v i_o have_v contract_v myself_o into_o as_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o the_o bare_o necessary_a explication_n of_o they_o will_v permit_v i_o but_o where_o that_o renown_a pen_n have_v insist_v more_o cursory_o as_o for_o instance_n on_o the_o particular_a office_n of_o our_o bless_a mediator_n i_o have_v most_o enlarge_v myself_o though_o even_o there_o i_o have_v for_o brevity_n sake_n pretermit_v some_o thing_n i_o intend_v less_o immediate_a and_o necessary_a appertain_v to_o the_o argument_n upon_o the_o whole_a i_o can_v true_o say_v that_o to_o the_o best_a of_o my_o understanding_n i_o have_v herein_o deliver_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n which_o as_o the_o most_o faithful_a comment_n on_o the_o holy_a write_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n i_o have_v all_o along_o careful_o consult_v in_o doubtful_a and_o difficult_a case_n and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o it_o have_v stick_v so_o long_o in_o hand_n the_o pain_n i_o have_v take_v in_o consult_v the_o ancient_a monument_n of_o christianity_n about_o it_o be_v as_o i_o may_v true_o say_v at_o least_o double_a to_o that_o of_o compose_v it_o and_o in_o follow_v the_o primitive_a doctrine_n i_o have_v follow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o in_o its_o faith_n government_n and_o discipline_n i_o believe_v in_o my_o conscience_n be_v the_o most_o primitive_a church_n in_o the_o world_n as_o for_o the_o method_n i_o have_v choose_v which_o be_v to_o deduce_v all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n from_o one_o general_a head_n viz._n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o mediator_n it_o be_v the_o most_o convenient_a i_o can_v think_v of_o for_o my_o purpose_n which_o be_v to_o represent_v at_o once_o to_o the_o reader_n view_v all_o the_o part_n of_o our_o holy_a religion_n in_o their_o natural_a connexion_n with_o and_o dependence_n on_o one_o another_o that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o beautiful_a contexture_n and_o admirable_a contrivance_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o that_o by_o see_v how_o regular_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o proceed_v out_o of_o one_o common_a principle_n and_o conspire_v in_o one_o common_a end_n he_o may_v be_v the_o better_o satisfy_v that_o christianity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o heap_n of_o incoherency_n as_o some_o have_v injurious_o represent_v it_o that_o consider_v it_o mere_o as_o a_o hypothesis_n abstract_v from_o all_o that_o external_a evidence_n that_o accompany_v it_o the_o very_a art_n and_o contrivance_n of_o it_o the_o proportion_n symmetry_n and_o correspondence_n of_o its_o part_n their_o subserviency_n to_o each_o other_o and_o the_o concurrence_n and_o tendency_n of_o they_o all_o together_o to_o the_o common_a end_n of_o religion_n be_v such_o as_o do_v apparent_o exceed_v all_o humane_a invention_n and_o argue_v it_o to_o be_v the_o product_n of_o a_o divine_a mind_n for_o as_o he_o who_o will_v form_v a_o true_a idea_n of_o the_o beauty_n of_o a_o picture_n must_v not_o contemplate_v the_o part_n of_o it_o separately_z but_o survey_v they_o all_o together_o and_o consider_v they_o in_o their_o proportion_n and_o correspondency_n with_o each_o other_o so_o he_o who_o will_v frame_v a_o right_a notion_n of_o religion_n must_v not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o it_o lie_v scatter_v and_o divide_v into_o single_a part_n and_o proposition_n but_o consider_v they_o in_o contexture_n and_o as_o they_o be_v connect_v all_o together_o into_o one_o body_n or_o hypothesis_n for_o it_o be_v in_o their_o apt_a juncture_n their_o mutual_a dependency_n and_o admirable_a coherency_n with_o one_o another_o that_o the_o beauty_n and_o harmony_n of_o the_o whole_a consist_v and_o therefore_o to_o do_v right_a to_o christianity_n and_o enable_v the_o reader_n to_o contemplate_v it_o with_o the_o great_a advantage_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v to_o he_o the_o whole_a in_o a_o view_n and_o to_o give_v he_o a_o prospect_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o together_o in_o a_o harmonious_a union_n and_o connexion_n with_o each_o other_o for_o i_o very_o believe_v that_o the_o mean_a opinion_n which_o some_o witty_a man_n have_v entertain_v of_o christianity_n proceed_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n from_o their_o break_a and_o imperfect_a apprehension_n of_o it_o they_o understand_v it_o piecemeal_o and_o take_v it_o asunder_o into_o single_a proposition_n which_o they_o consider_v separately_z and_o apart_o by_o themselves_o without_o ever_o put_v they_o together_o into_o one_o regular_a system_n and_o present_v they_o to_o their_o thought_n in_o that_o orderly_a connexion_n wherein_o the_o holy_a oracle_n have_v deliver_v they_o to_o we_o for_o i_o can_v scarce_o imagine_v how_o any_o man_n of_o sense_n shall_v contemplate_v christianity_n all_o together_o and_o thorough_o consider_v the_o harmonious_a coherence_n of_o all_o its_o part_n and_o the_o wonderful_a contrivance_n of_o the_o whole_a without_o be_v captivate_v with_o the_o beauty_n and_o elegancy_n of_o it_o and_o now_o i_o have_v nothing_o further_a to_o add_v concern_v this_o treatise_n but_o only_o to_o entreat_v the_o reader_n not_o to_o be_v too_o severe_a in_o the_o perusal_n of_o it_o for_o though_o as_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o apologise_v for_o it_o because_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o yet_o be_v force_v as_o i_o be_v to_o compose_v it_o by_o snatch_n and_o in_o the_o more_o quiet_a interval_n of_o a_o busy_a and_o uneasy_a life_n i_o very_o much_o suspect_v the_o exactness_n both_o of_o the_o style_n and_o method_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o all_o the_o favour_n i_o desire_n be_v this_o that_o where_o i_o have_v improper_o or_o obscure_o express_v myself_o i_o may_v be_v construe_v in_o the_o most_o favourable_a sense_n and_o that_o wherever_o i_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v confuse_v or_o immethodical_a it_o may_v be_v attribute_v to_o those_o frequent_a interruption_n which_o the_o disorder_n of_o my_o body_n have_v give_v to_o my_o thought_n and_o these_o be_v request_n so_o very_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o i_o be_o confident_a none_o will_v be_v so_o peevish_a as_o to_o deny_v i_o but_o they_o who_o read_v book_n only_o to_o carp_v and_o find_v fault_n and_o without_o any_o design_n to_o edify_v their_o own_o understanding_n but_o i_o hope_v the_o reader_n will_v consider_v that_o the_o argument_n here_o treat_v of_o be_v of_o too_o great_a moment_n to_o he_o to_o be_v so_o wretched_o trifle_v with_o and_o that_o therefore_o he_o will_v not_o be_v either_o so_o disingenuous_a to_o i_o or_o uncharitable_a to_o himself_o as_o to_o peruse_v with_o such_o a_o spiteful_a design_n that_o which_o i_o sincere_o intend_v for_o his_o good_a and_o which_o he_o i_o be_o sure_a if_o he_o please_v may_v be_v the_o better_a for_o for_o ever_o the_o content_n chapter_n i._n humane_a action_n of_o three_o sort_n page_n 1_o necessary_a and_o sinful_a action_n be_v either_o such_o as_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n in_o themselves_o which_o be_v those_o we_o call_v moral_a action_n or_o such_o as_o be_v command_v and_o forbid_v by_o positive_a law_n p._n 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o the_o nature_n of_o moral_a good_a explain_v sect._n 1._o p._n 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o moral_a good_a in_o humane_a action_n prove_v in_o five_o proposition_n p._n 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27._o the_o various_a way_n by_o which_o god_n have_v discover_v to_o we_o what_o be_v moral_o good_a in_o six_o particular_n sect._n 2._o p._n 28_o to_o p._n 53._o action_n moral_o good_a be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o religion_n sect._n 3._o p._n 53_o 54_o 55._o this_o demonstrate_v by_o six_o argument_n from_o scripture_n p._n 55_o to_o p._n 71._o four_o reason_n why_o god_n principal_o require_v what_o be_v moral_o good_a p._n 71_o to_o p._n 91._o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o of_o natural_a religion_n what_o it_o be_v p._n 92_o 93_o 94_o 95_o 96._o and_o of_o reveal_v religion_n p._n 97_o 98_o 99_o 100_o a_o definition_n of_o natural_a and_o reveal_v religion_n consider_v as_o they_o be_v now_o in_o conjunction_n p._n 101_o 102._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n thus_o define_v the_o
principle_n of_o all_o religious_a obligation_n be_v deduce_v p._n 202._o which_o be_v reduce_v to_o five_o head_n p._n 102_o 103._o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v true_o religious_a p._n 104_o 105._o atheism_n resolve_v into_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n will_n and_o imagination_n sect._n 1._o p._n 106_o 107_o 108_o 109._o the_o particular_a cause_n of_o it_o reduce_v to_o nine_o head_n and_o of_o the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o p._n 109_o to_o p._n 157._o of_o the_o great_a folly_n and_o madness_n of_o atheism_n in_o its_o self_n p._n 157_o 158._o this_o show_v at_o large_a in_o six_o particular_n p._n 158_o to_o p._n 196._o chap._n iu._n that_o to_o the_o sound_n the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v acknowledge_v the_o divine_a providence_n p._n 196_o 197_o 198_o 199._o what_o be_v the_o particular_a act_n of_o providence_n which_o we_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v show_v in_o five_o particular_n p._n 200_o to_o 244._o the_o divine_a providence_n prove_v first_o à _fw-la priori_fw-la by_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o be_v reduce_v to_o four_o head_n p._n 245_o to_o 256._o second_o à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la by_o argument_n draw_v from_o sensible_a effect_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n of_o which_o six_o instance_n be_v give_v p._n 256_o to_o p._n 310._o the_o most_o considerable_a objection_n against_o a_o divine_a providence_n reduce_v to_o five_o head_n and_o particular_o answer_v p._n 310_o to_o p._n 354._o chap._n v._n the_o necessity_n of_o acknowledge_v divine_a reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v true_o religious_a p._n 355_o 356_o 357_o 358._o how_o far_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v they_o show_v in_o four_o particular_n p._n 358_o to_o 369._o of_o the_o universal_a acknowledgement_n of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n p._n 370_o 371_o 372_o 373._o the_o reality_n of_o these_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n prove_v by_o six_o argument_n p._n 373_o to_o 399._o by_o what_o mean_v our_o belief_n of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v to_o be_v acquire_v and_o confirm_v show_v in_o four_o particular_n p._n 399_o to_o 410._o of_o the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o this_o belief_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v true_o religious_a p._n 410_o to_o 417._o chap._n vi_o the_o necessity_n of_o right_a notion_n of_o god_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v true_o religious_a p._n 417_o 418._o in_o what_o respect_n they_o be_v necessary_a to_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v true_o religious_a show_v in_o four_o particular_n p._n 419_o to_o p._n 444._o of_o the_o way_n of_o form_v right_a notion_n of_o god_n in_o general_n p._n 445_o to_o 449._o siâ—_n general_a rule_n lay_v down_o for_o the_o frame_n right_a notion_n of_o god_n p._n 449_o to_o 484._o of_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o man_n misapprehension_n of_o god_n in_o siâ—_n particular_a instance_n p._n 485_o to_o 513._o of_o the_o christian_a life_n part_n ii_o chap._n i._o concern_v the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o moral_a goodness_n all_o humane_a action_n be_v either_o necessary_a or_o sinful_a or_o indifferent_a the_o necessary_a be_v such_o as_o be_v command_v the_o sinful_a such_o as_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n the_o indifferent_a such_o as_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v but_o leave_v entire_o free_a to_o our_o choice_n and_o discretion_n again_o the_o necessary_a and_o the_o sinful_a action_n be_v either_o such_o as_o be_v necessary_a and_o sinful_a in_o themselves_o and_o be_v command_v and_o forbid_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o some_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o be_v inseparable_a to_o their_o nature_n or_o such_o as_o be_v indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n as_o to_o any_o good_a or_o evil_a inherent_a in_o they_o but_o be_v make_v necessary_a or_o sinful_a by_o some_o positive_a command_n or_o prohibition_n superinduce_v upon_o they_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v those_o which_o we_o call_v moral_a action_n as_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o command_v and_o forbid_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v essential_o and_o immutable_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o whilst_o there_o be_v no_o other_o law_n but_o this_o every_o action_n which_o do_v not_o oblige_v by_o some_o eternal_a reason_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o by_o some_o inseparable_a good_a or_o evil_n be_v leave_v free_a and_o indifferent_a but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n god_n superad_v to_o this_o moral_a law_n a_o great_a many_o positive_a one_o whereby_o he_o oblige_a man_n to_o do_v and_o forbear_v sundry_a of_o those_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n for_o such_o we_o call_v the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n all_o which_o be_v indifferent_a before_o they_o be_v impose_v and_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o the_o imposition_n be_v take_v off_o from_o they_o do_v immediate_o return_v to_o their_o primitive_a indifferency_n so_o that_o by_o the_o abolition_n of_o their_o ceremonial_a law_n the_o jew_n be_v restore_v to_o all_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o moral_a except_v only_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o two_o sacrament_n and_o of_o maintain_v a_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n which_o be_v determine_v by_o positive_a law_n of_o christianity_n and_o of_o this_o late_a sort_n of_o necessary_a and_o sinful_a action_n be_v not_o only_o all_o those_o indifferent_a one_o which_o god_n himself_o have_v command_v and_o forbid_v immediate_o but_o also_o all_o those_o which_o he_o command_v and_o forbid_v by_o his_o viceroy_n and_o representative_n in_o this_o world_n for_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v not_o command_v or_o forbid_v by_o his_o own_o immediate_a dictate_v and_o authority_n he_o have_v authorize_v his_o vicegerent_n to_o command_v or_o forbid_v as_o they_o shall_v judge_v it_o most_o expedient_a for_o the_o public_a so_o that_o when_o they_o command_v what_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v or_o forbid_v what_o he_o have_v not_o command_v their_o will_n be_v god_n who_o command_v we_o by_o their_o mouth_n and_o stamp_n their_o injunction_n with_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o of_o this_o distinction_n between_o action_n that_o be_v moral_o and_o positive_o necessary_a the_o scripture_n frequent_o take_v notice_n and_o particular_o mich._n vi_fw-la 6.7_o 8._o wherewithal_o shall_v i_o come_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o bow_n myself_o before_o the_o high_a god_n shall_v i_o come_v before_o he_o with_o burnt-offering_n with_o calf_n of_o a_o year_n old_a etc._n etc._n no_o these_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o will_v render_v i_o acceptable_a in_o his_o eye_n and_o procure_v i_o a_o welcome_a admission_n into_o his_o presence_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o thing_n be_v then_o require_v and_o command_v and_o therefore_o be_v positive_o necessary_a but_o that_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o any_o intrinsic_a goodness_n that_o be_v in_o they_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o follow_v he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v the_o thing_n above_o name_v be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a have_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a in_o themselves_o and_o be_v make_v necessary_a mere_o by_o positive_a command_n upon_o which_o account_n they_o be_v insufficient_a to_o recommend_v you_o to_o god_n but_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n that_o carry_v a_o intrinsic_a beauty_n and_o goodness_n in_o their_o nature_n by_o which_o they_o strict_o oblige_v you_o to_o embrace_v and_o practice_v they_o and_o do_v thereupon_o recommend_v you_o by_o their_o own_o native_a charm_n to_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o what_o these_o good_a thing_n be_v he_o have_v sufficient_o show_v or_o discover_v to_o you_o viz._n to_o do_v just_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o your_o god_n which_o be_v the_o main_a and_o principal_a duty_n that_o he_o require_v of_o you_o which_o plain_o imply_v that_o there_o be_v some_o action_n which_o be_v moral_o that_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n eternal_o good_a and_o therefore_o eternal_o necessary_a and_o some_o that_o be_v necessary_a only_o because_o for_o some_o present_a reason_n god_n will_n and_o command_v they_o for_o no_o account_n can_v be_v give_v why_o he_o shall_v be_v more_o please_v with_o justice_n and_o mercy_n and_o humility_n than_o with_o sacrifice_n unless_o we_o suppose_v the_o former_a to_o be_v good_a and_o therefore_o necessary_a upon_o immutable_a reason_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o be_v immutable_o please_v to_o he_o and_o the_o latter_a to_o be_v necessary_a only_o upon_o mutable_a reason_n which_o therefore_o be_v to_o lose_v their_o necessity_n as_o soon_o as_o those_o reason_n
that_o which_o we_o most_o converse_v with_o and_o with_o who_o consent_n and_o agreement_n in_o any_o matter_n we_o be_v best_a acquaint_v be_v that_o of_o man_n and_o therefore_o if_o among_o man_n we_o can_v discover_v such_o a_o universal_a agreement_n concern_v the_o goodness_n of_o these_o rule_n as_o will_v warrant_v we_o to_o conclude_v all_o other_o rational_a being_n to_o be_v consent_v with_o they_o this_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n these_o two_o thing_n therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o 1._o that_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n be_v universal_o consent_v in_o this_o matter_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o immutable_a goodness_n in_o these_o rule_n of_o morality_n 2._o that_o this_o universal_a consent_n of_o man_n reason_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n that_o all_o other_o reasonable_a being_n be_v consent_v with_o they_o first_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o 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for_o we_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n it_o be_v true_a when_o the_o reason_n that_o be_v in_o one_o man_n judge_n contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n that_o be_v in_o another_o there_o must_v be_v a_o disagreement_n on_o one_o side_n or_o the_o other_o from_o the_o reason_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n but_o when_o all_o man_n reason_n be_v agree_v that_o this_o be_v good_a and_o that_o evil_a it_o be_v plain_a that_o this_o be_v be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n which_o natural_o make_v such_o a_o distinction_n of_o thing_n for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o use_v his_o reason_n can_v possible_o think_v that_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n justice_n and_o injustice_n mercy_n and_o cruelty_n be_v equal_o good_a in_o themselves_o his_o rational_a faculty_n be_v so_o frame_v as_o that_o at_o the_o first_o glance_n and_o reflection_n it_o natural_o distinguish_v they_o into_o good_a and_o evil._n when_o therefore_o god_n have_v create_v we_o 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and_o when_o he_o please_v direct_v they_o quite_o contrary_a to_o their_o intention_n for_o the_o way_n of_o man_n say_v the_o prophet_n be_v not_o in_o himself_o it_o be_v not_o in_o man_n that_o walk_v to_o direct_v his_o step_n jer._n 10.23_o it_o be_v the_o man_n that_o walk_v and_o act_n but_o it_o be_v god_n alone_o that_o lead_v his_o way_n and_o direct_v his_o action_n to_o what_o end_n he_o please_v all_o which_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v true_o religious_a for_o while_o we_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o a_o foreiner_n to_o the_o world_n that_o have_v altogether_o retire_v himself_o from_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o and_o abandon_v it_o to_o the_o disposal_n of_o blind_a chance_n or_o necessity_n he_o must_v stand_v for_o a_o cypher_n in_o our_o esteem_n and_o signify_v no_o more_o to_o we_o than_o the_o emperor_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o moon_n who_o for_o all_o we_o know_v may_v be_v a_o glorious_a and_o puissant_a prince_n 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arbitrator_n of_o our_o fate_n for_o where_o shall_v we_o pay_v our_o thanks_o or_o whence_o shall_v we_o expect_v our_o supply_n and_o deliverance_n but_o to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o all_o good_a and_o from_o he_o who_o be_v the_o supreme_a moderator_n of_o all_o event_n who_o be_v there_o in_o heaven_n or_o earth_n who_o we_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v to_o please_v and_o so_o much_o oblige_v to_o acknowledge_v and_o submit_v to_o so_o much_o engage_v to_o trust_v to_o and_o rely_v on_o as_o him_z who_o have_v all_o our_o fortune_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o the_o absolute_a disposal_n of_o every_o thing_n in_o which_o we_o be_v or_o may_v or_o can_v be_v any_o way_n interest_v or_o concern_v so_o that_o the_o belief_n of_o god_n overrule_a providence_n have_v every_o link_n of_o our_o duty_n fasten_v to_o it_o in_o a_o strong_a and_o rational_a concatenation_n and_o if_o it_o be_v loosen_v from_o this_o principle_n the_o whole_a chain_n must_v necessary_o fall_v in_o 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as_o for_o the_o government_n of_o angel_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v understand_v any_o more_o of_o it_o than_o what_o god_n have_v reveal_v because_o though_o they_o converse_v with_o we_o and_o our_o affair_n yet_o we_o do_v not_o converse_v with_o they_o our_o spiritual_a nature_n by_o which_o we_o be_v near_o ally_v to_o they_o be_v shut_v up_o in_o matter_n which_o like_o a_o wall_n of_o partition_n divide_v we_o from_o they_o and_o hinder_v we_o from_o look_v over_o into_o their_o world_n and_o from_o see_v their_o nature_n and_o operation_n and_o survey_v their_o polity_n and_o government_n indeed_o so_o far_o as_o we_o understand_v their_o nature_n we_o may_v easy_o understand_v the_o law_n by_o which_o god_n govern_v they_o because_o we_o know_v god_n law_n be_v always_o adapt_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o consequent_o since_o we_o know_v that_o they_o be_v rational_a creature_n we_o may_v conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v fit_a and_o 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the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n and_o sometime_o again_o let_v it_o loose_a mere_o to_o display_v his_o own_o almighty_a power_n in_o its_o defeat_n and_o overthrow_n in_o which_o state_n they_o be_v reserve_v as_o prisoner_n at_o large_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n whereby_o together_o with_o wicked_a man_n they_o shall_v be_v sentence_v and_o confine_v to_o everlasting_a flame_n and_o darkness_n that_o the_o good_a angel_n in_o reward_n of_o their_o constant_a obedience_n be_v continue_v and_o fix_v in_o a_o most_o blissful_a condition_n in_o which_o they_o enjoy_v the_o constant_a smile_n of_o god_n and_o the_o unspeakable_a pleasure_n of_o be_v entire_o resign_v to_o his_o will_n who_o upon_o all_o occasion_n send_v they_o to_o and_o fro_o the_o world_n as_o the_o great_a messenger_n and_o minister_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o minister_v to_o the_o recovery_n of_o recoverable_a sinner_n and_o to_o pour_v out_o the_o vial_n of_o his_o wrath_n upon_o the_o obstinate_a and_o unreclaimable_a to_o assist_v protect_v and_o comfort_v good_a man_n while_o they_o live_v and_o when_o they_o depart_v from_o hence_o to_o conduct_v their_o spirit_n through_o the_o airy_a territory_n of_o the_o wicked_a angel_n into_o those_o blissful_a mansion_n that_o be_v prepare_v to_o receive_v they_o till_o the_o resurrection_n at_o which_o time_n their_o part_n will_v be_v to_o summon_v and_o gather_v both_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o christ_n to_o receive_v their_o final_a sentence_n to_o everlasting_a weal_n or_o wo._n this_o be_v the_o main_a of_o what_o we_o know_v concern_v god_n government_n of_o angel_n the_o sincere_a belief_n of_o which_o will_v be_v of_o vast_a advantage_n to_o we_o in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o religion_n for_o since_o there_o be_v such_o a_o mighty_a colony_n of_o evil_a
that_o frame_v it_o and_o indeed_o this_o notion_n of_o a_o future_a state_n be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v general_o embrace_v by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v least_o capable_a of_o deduce_v it_o by_o a_o logical_a dependence_n of_o one_o thing_n upon_o another_o and_o therefore_o since_o it_o have_v no_o dependency_n in_o their_o mind_n on_o any_o other_o antecedent_n notion_n how_o can_v it_o have_v be_v so_o general_o entertain_v do_v not_o the_o common_a dictate_v of_o nature_n or_o reason_n act_v alike_o in_o all_o man_n move_v they_o to_o conspire_v in_o it_o though_o they_o know_v not_o one_o another_o mind_n for_o it_o have_v be_v believe_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o repugnancy_n to_o sense_n which_o discover_v all_o thing_n round_o about_o it_o to_o be_v mortal_a and_o which_o upon_o that_o account_n will_v have_v be_v too_o apt_a to_o have_v seduce_v rude_a mind_n into_o a_o disbelief_n of_o any_o other_o state_n have_v not_o some_o more_o powerful_a impression_n on_o their_o soul_n forcible_o urge_v they_o to_o believe_v it_o but_o because_o this_o argument_n draw_v from_o universal_a consent_n be_v liable_a to_o some_o little_a exception_n i_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o it_o but_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v the_o reality_n of_o this_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n from_o these_o topic_n first_o from_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n government_n second_o from_o the_o justice_n of_o his_o providence_n three_o from_o the_o natural_a capacity_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o survive_v our_o body_n and_o to_o enjoy_v future_a reward_n and_o suffer_v future_a punishment_n four_o from_o the_o natural_a expectance_n we_o have_v of_o future_a reward_n and_o dread_a of_o future_a punishment_n five_o from_o the_o excellent_a frame_n and_o structure_n of_o humane_a nature_n six_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i._o from_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n government_n that_o mankind_n be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o god_n be_v evident_a from_o that_o law_n which_o he_o have_v imprint_v on_o our_o nature_n by_o which_o our_o action_n be_v distinguish_v into_o good_a and_o evil_a virtuous_a and_o vicious_a of_o which_o sufficient_a proof_n have_v be_v give_v ch._n 1._o and_o since_o god_n have_v give_v a_o law_n to_o our_o nature_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o he_o have_v take_v sufficient_a care_n to_o enforce_v the_o observance_n of_o it_o by_o reward_n and_o punishment_n otherwise_o his_o government_n over_o we_o will_v be_v very_o insecure_a and_o precarious_a for_o that_o law_n giver_n do_v only_o petition_v his_o subject_n to_o obey_v who_o do_v not_o promise_v such_o reward_n and_o denounce_v such_o penalty_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o oblige_v they_o thereunto_o but_o now_o there_o be_v no_o reward_n can_v be_v sufcient_a to_o oblige_v we_o to_o obey_v which_o do_v not_o abundant_o compensate_a any_o loss_n or_o evil_n we_o may_v sustain_v by_o our_o obedience_n no_o punishment_n sufficient_a to_o deter_v we_o from_o disobey_v that_o do_v not_o far_o surmount_v all_o the_o benefit_n and_o pleasure_n which_o we_o can_v hope_v to_o reap_v from_o our_o disobedience_n but_o unless_o there_o be_v a_o future_a state_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n can_v propose_v no_o such_o reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o we_o for_o if_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o dread_n or_o hope_n for_o beyond_o the_o grave_a our_o present_a interest_n be_v all_o our_o concern_n and_o in_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o judge_n thing_n to_o be_v good_a or_o evil_a according_a as_o they_o promote_v or_o obstruct_v our_o temporal_a happiness_n now_o though_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o the_o general_a there_o be_v a_o natural_a good_a accrue_v to_o we_o from_o all_o virtuous_a action_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o natural_a evil_n from_o all_o vicious_a one_o and_o it_o be_v ordinary_o more_o conducive_a to_o our_o temporal_a interest_n to_o obey_v than_o to_o disobey_v the_o law_n of_o our_o nature_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o instance_n wherein_o vice_n may_v be_v more_o advantageous_a to_o we_o than_o virtue_n abstract_v from_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n it_o be_v ordinary_o better_a for_o i_o to_o be_v a_o honest_a man_n than_o a_o knave_n it_o be_v more_o for_o my_o reputation_n and_o usual_o for_o my_o profit_n too_o and_o it_o be_v more_o for_o the_o public_a good_a in_o which_o my_o own_o be_v involve_v but_o yet_o in_o several_a circumstance_n it_o may_v be_v better_o for_o i_o with_o respect_n only_o to_o this_o world_n to_o be_v a_o knave_n than_o a_o honest_a man._n for_o whensoever_o i_o can_v cheat_v so_o secret_o and_o secure_o as_o not_o to_o fall_v under_o the_o public_a lash_n nor_o impair_v my_o reputation_n and_o i_o can_v gain_v more_o by_o the_o cheat_n than_o i_o shall_v lose_v in_o the_o damage_n of_o the_o public_a it_o will_v be_v doubtless_o more_o advantageous_a for_o i_o as_o to_o my_o worldly_a interest_n to_o cheat_v than_o to_o be_v honest_a and_o how_o often_o such_o fair_a opportunity_n of_o cozenage_n do_v occur_v no_o man_n can_v be_v insensible_a that_o have_v but_o the_o least_o insight_n into_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n this_o great_a law_n of_o righteousness_n will_v not_o have_v force_n enough_o universal_o to_o oblige_v we_o because_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o instance_n wherein_o we_o may_v gain_v more_o good_a and_o eschew_v more_o evil_a by_o do_v unrighteous_o than_o all_o its_o present_a reward_n and_o punishment_n do_v amount_v to_o and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o other_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o without_o the_o great_a motive_n of_o future_a happiness_n and_o misery_n can_v no_o long_o induce_v man_n to_o obey_v they_o than_o it_o be_v for_o their_o temporal_a interest_n to_o do_v so_o for_o suppose_v i_o can_v secret_o stab_v or_o poison_v a_o man_n who_o i_o hate_v or_o dread_n or_o from_o who_o death_n i_o may_v reap_v any_o considerable_a advantage_n what_o shall_v restrain_v i_o from_o it_o if_o you_o say_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n pray_v what_o reward_n do_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n propose_v that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o compensate_a for_o the_o disatisfaction_n of_o my_o revenge_n or_o for_o the_o danger_n i_o run_v in_o suffer_v my_o enemy_n to_o live_v or_o what_o punishment_n do_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n denounce_v that_o can_v balance_v the_o advantage_n of_o a_o thousand_o or_o perhaps_o ten_o thousand_o pound_n a_o year_n that_o may_v accrue_v to_o i_o by_o his_o death_n if_o you_o say_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n propose_v to_o i_o the_o reward_n of_o a_o quiet_a and_o satisfy_v mind_n and_o denounce_v the_o punishment_n of_o a_o guilty_a and_o amaze_a conscience_n i_o easy_o answer_v that_o this_o peace_n and_o horror_n which_o be_v consequent_a to_o the_o forbearance_n or_o commission_n of_o sin_n arise_v from_o the_o hope_n and_o dread_n of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o be_v take_v away_o to_o sin_n or_o not_o sin_n will_v be_v indifferent_a as_o to_o any_o peace_n or_o horror_n that_o can_v follow_v upon_o it_o and_o when_o this_o restraint_n be_v take_v off_o what_o consideration_n will_v there_o be_v leave_v that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o withhold_v i_o from_o the_o bloody_a fact_n when_o ever_o i_o have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o act_v it_o secure_o and_o be_o furious_o spur_v on_o to_o it_o by_o my_o own_o revenge_n and_o covetousness_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o life_n to_o enforce_v the_o command_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o annex_v to_o it_o in_o this_o as_o be_v universal_o sufficient_a to_o oblige_v we_o to_o observe_v '_o they_o for_o as_o for_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n they_o be_v ordinary_o distribute_v among_o man_n with_o so_o little_a respect_n and_o discrimination_n as_o not_o only_o to_o occasion_v but_o to_o justify_v that_o famous_a observation_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n that_o all_o thing_n happen_v alike_o to_o all_o either_o therefore_o there_o be_v other_o good_n to_o be_v hope_v for_o and_o other_o evil_n to_o be_v fear_v or_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o case_n wherein_o god_n have_v not_o sufficient_o provide_v to_o secure_v our_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o to_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v give_v a_o law_n to_o his_o creature_n and_o take_v no_o care_n to_o secure_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o be_v a_o most_o senseless_a blasphemy_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o government_n for_o this_o will_v be_v to_o expose_v his_o own_o authority_n to_o contempt_n and_o to_o cast_v his_o law_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o his_o creature_n to_o be_v spurn_v
and_o trample_v on_o by_o they_o at_o their_o pleasure_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o all_o that_o this_o argument_n prove_v be_v that_o to_o secure_v our_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o that_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n because_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n or_o no_o our_o belief_n of_o they_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o secure_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o law_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o our_o belief_n of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v necessary_a one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n must_v inevitable_o follow_v either_o that_o the_o object_n of_o our_o belief_n be_v real_a which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o be_o prove_v or_o that_o to_o countenance_v the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o god_n to_o impose_v upon_o our_o faith_n and_o deceive_v we_o into_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o falsehood_n for_o if_o to_o enforce_v god_n law_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n either_o there_o must_v be_v such_o thing_n real_o exist_v or_o god_n must_v enforce_v his_o law_n with_o our_o belief_n of_o a_o falsehood_n and_o to_o imagine_v that_o when_o god_n may_v have_v create_v for_o we_o a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n if_o he_o have_v so_o please_v and_o govern_v we_o by_o the_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o it_o he_o have_v rather_o choose_v to_o govern_v we_o by_o trick_n and_o lie_n and_o to_o wheedle_n we_o into_o obedience_n by_o a_o cheat_n and_o delusion_n be_v a_o blasphemy_n no_o less_o senseless_a than_o horrid_a since_o therefore_o to_o secure_v the_o authority_n of_o that_o law_n by_o which_o the_o humane_a nature_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v enforce_v with_o the_o motive_n of_o everlasting_a reward_n and_o punishment_n one_o of_o these_o three_o thing_n necessary_o follow_v either_o that_o god_n have_v not_o sufficient_o enforce_v his_o law_n which_o be_v a_o soul_n imputation_n on_o his_o wisdom_n or_o that_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o enforce_v it_o with_o a_o lie_n which_o be_v a_o impious_a reflection_n on_o his_o truth_n or_o that_o there_o be_v everlasting_a reward_n and_o punishment_n ii_o from_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a providence_n preside_v over_o the_o world_n as_o that_o there_o be_v have_v be_v already_o sufficient_o prove_v justice_n and_o equity_n which_o be_v the_o most_o glorious_a perfection_n of_o a_o overrule_v power_n must_v necessary_o be_v include_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o for_o without_o justice_n overrule_a power_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o impotent_a tyranny_n which_o to_o attribute_v to_o god_n be_v far_o more_o dishonourable_a and_o incongruous_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o perfection_n than_o to_o strip_v he_o of_o all_o providence_n as_o epicurus_n do_v and_o shut_v he_o up_o in_o the_o heaven_n in_o a_o state_n of_o everlasting_a sloth_n and_o luxury_n for_o not_o to_o govern_v be_v only_o to_o do_v nothing_o but_o to_o govern_v without_o justice_n be_v to_o do_v mischief_n and_o it_o be_v a_o much_o less_o derogation_n from_o the_o perfection_n of_o any_o be_v to_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v idle_a than_o to_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v mischievous_a so_o that_o allow_v that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a of_o all_o being_n govern_v the_o world_n it_o will_v not_o be_v only_o blasphemous_a but_o nonsense_n to_o imagine_v that_o he_o govern_v it_o unjust_o now_o the_o proper_a justice_n of_o government_n consist_v in_o the_o equality_n of_o its_o distribution_n for_o since_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o immutable_a good_a and_o evil_a in_o the_o action_n of_o free_a and_o reasonable_a agent_n it_o be_v natural_o fit_a and_o due_a that_o those_o who_o do_v good_a shall_v receive_v good_a and_o those_o who_o do_v evil_a evil_a from_o their_o hand_n who_o have_v the_o government_n of_o action_n and_o this_o proportionable_o to_o the_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o their_o do_n so_o that_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n just_o consist_v in_o distribute_v good_a to_o those_o that_o do_v good_a and_o evil_a to_o those_o that_o do_v evil_a or_o in_o other_o word_n in_o proportion_v reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o man_n according_a to_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a he_o find_v in_o their_o action_n and_o unless_o we_o suppose_v he_o to_o do_v this_o it_o be_v nonsense_n to_o imagine_v that_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n but_o if_o all_o his_o distribution_n be_v confine_v to_o this_o life_n and_o there_o be_v neither_o reward_n nor_o punishment_n to_o be_v expect_v from_o he_o in_o another_o there_o be_v infinite_a instance_n of_o his_o providence_n wherein_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o defend_v his_o equality_n and_o justice_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o scene_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o only_o this_o life_n all_o the_o afflict_a good_a and_o prosperous_a bad_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n of_o which_o there_o infinite_a instance_n be_v so_o many_o reproachful_a monument_n of_o the_o woeful_a inequality_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n for_o how_o many_o million_o of_o brave_a soul_n have_v there_o be_v who_o have_v think_v nothing_o too_o dear_a for_o god_n and_o his_o service_n and_o have_v sacrifice_v their_o lust_n their_o life_n and_o their_o fortune_n to_o he_o and_o yet_o upon_o this_o supposal_n have_v reap_v no_o other_o recompense_n for_o so_o do_v but_o only_o a_o miserable_a life_n and_o a_o woeful_a death_n and_o a_o obscure_a dishonourable_a grave_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a how_o many_o million_o of_o million_o of_o wicked_a man_n that_o have_v live_v in_o open_a defiance_n to_o all_o that_o be_v sacred_a and_o just_a and_o good_a blaspheme_v god_n affront_v his_o authority_n and_o trample_v upon_o all_o the_o law_n of_o his_o government_n and_o yet_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o other_o life_n have_v undergo_v no_o other_o punishment_n for_o so_o do_v but_o to_o live_v prosperous_o and_o die_v quiet_o and_o lie_v enshrine_v in_o a_o marble_n monument_n now_o how_o can_v we_o otherwise_o apologise_v for_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n when_o it_o thus_o cross-couple_n prosperity_n with_o vice_n and_o adversity_n with_o virtue_n but_o only_o by_o suppose_v this_o present_a life_n to_o be_v only_o the_o state_n of_o our_o trial_n and_o probation_n which_o will_v quick_o determine_v in_o our_o everlasting_a recompense_n or_o punishment_n according_a as_o we_o behave_v and_o acquit_v ourselves_o in_o it_o upon_o which_o supposal_n the_o justice_n of_o providence_n may_v be_v fair_o account_v for_o be_v the_o present_a distribution_n of_o it_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o unequal_a than_o they_o be_v for_o than_o we_o need_v not_o wonder_v that_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n be_v at_o present_a so_o unequal_o treat_v since_o now_o they_o be_v only_o upon_o their_o proof_n and_o trial_n which_o as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o require_v such_o a_o treatment_n but_o their_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v reserve_v for_o another_o state_n wherein_o all_o these_o seem_a inequality_n shall_v be_v fair_o adjust_v and_o virtue_n shall_v be_v crown_v with_o everlasting_a glory_n and_o pleasure_n and_o vice_n damn_v to_o eternal_a horror_n and_o confusion_n but_o if_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o present_a life_n be_v all_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n that_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n be_v to_o expect_v where_o be_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n that_o many_o time_n oppress_v its_o friend_n and_o advance_v its_o enemy_n and_o in_o the_o conclusion_n extinguish_v their_o being_n together_o and_o therewith_o all_o possibility_n of_o make_v any_o future_a retribution_n of_o good_a to_o the_o one_o or_o evil_a to_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n will_v do_v righteous_o that_o first_o or_o last_o he_o will_v certain_o distribute_v his_o reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o his_o subject_n accord_v to_o the_o merit_n and_o demerit_n of_o their_o action_n it_o must_v be_v as_o true_a that_o for_o the_o main_a he_o have_v reserve_v the_o do_v it_o to_o a_o future_a state_n since_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o at_o present_a he_o very_o often_o do_v the_o quite_o contrary_a and_o if_o it_o be_v but_o as_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o future_a state_n as_o it_o be_v that_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n just_o i_o think_v it_o be_v as_o fair_a a_o assurance_n of_o it_o as_o any_o modest_a man_n can_v require_v iii_o from_o the_o natural_a
yet_o still_o they_o pursue_v they_o and_o ever_o and_o anon_o break_v in_o upon_o they_o and_o scare_v and_o terrify_v they_o and_o because_o their_o mind_n be_v so_o haunt_v with_o these_o importunate_a terror_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v they_o be_v afraid_a to_o look_v inward_o but_o be_v fain_o to_o live_v abroad_o in_o their_o own_o defence_n as_o not_o dare_v to_o trust_v themselves_o alone_o with_o themselves_o all_o which_o be_v plain_a presage_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o vengeance_n that_o await_v wicked_a soul_n after_o this_o life_n for_o if_o this_o dread_n of_o future_a punishment_n be_v natural_a to_o we_o as_o its_o stick_v so_o close_o and_o universal_o to_o humane_a nature_n plain_o argue_v it_o be_v it_o must_v be_v impress_v on_o we_o by_o the_o great_a author_n of_o nature_n and_o for_o he_o to_o impress_v a_o passion_n on_o we_o which_o have_v no_o real_a object_n will_v be_v to_o impose_v a_o cheat_n upon_o our_o nature_n and_o abuse_v our_o mind_n with_o a_o false_a alarm_n so_o that_o either_o we_o must_v suppose_v that_o god_n have_v implant_v in_o our_o nature_n a_o â—â—ead_n of_o that_o which_o be_v not_o which_o be_v a_o dishonourable_a reflection_n on_o his_o truth_n and_o veracity_n or_o that_o there_o be_v real_o a_o future_a punishment_n answerable_a to_o that_o dread_n and_o as_o the_o dread_n of_o future_a punishment_n be_v natural_a to_o we_o when_o we_o do_v ill_a so_o the_o desire_n and_o expectance_n of_o future_a reward_n be_v no_o less_o natural_a to_o we_o when_o we_o do_v well_o for_o i_o dare_v bold_o say_v there_o never_o be_v any_o virtuous_a man_n of_o whatsoever_o nation_n or_o religion_n or_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n who_o mind_n have_v not_o be_v wing_v with_o earnest_a hope_n and_o desire_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n and_o there_o be_v none_o that_o ever_o yet_o either_o deny_v or_o despair_v of_o it_o but_o only_o such_o as_o have_v first_o debauch_v the_o very_a principle_n of_o their_o nature_n for_o such_o it_o be_v evident_a be_v the_o sadducee_n and_o epicurean_o sect_n of_o man_n that_o have_v drown_v all_o that_o be_v humane_a in_o they_o in_o sensuality_n and_o voluptuousness_n and_o be_v brand_v upon_o record_n for_o their_o shameful_a indulgence_n to_o their_o own_o brutish_a genius_n and_o such_o be_v no_o standard_n of_o humane_a nature_n but_o ought_v rather_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o monster_n of_o men._n and_o therefore_o as_o we_o do_v not_o judge_n of_o the_o natural_a figure_n and_o proportion_n of_o humane_a body_n by_o monstrous_a and_o misshape_a birth_n so_o neither_o ought_v we_o to_o judge_n of_o what_o be_v natural_a or_o unnatural_a to_o man_n by_o those_o brute_n in_o humane_a shape_n who_o by_o submit_v their_o reason_n to_o their_o passion_n and_o appetite_n have_v disfigure_v their_o nature_n and_o distort_v it_o into_o a_o unnatural_a position_n but_o if_o we_o will_v know_v what_o be_v humane_a and_o natural_a to_o we_o we_o must_v take_v our_o measure_n from_o those_o who_o live_v most_o conformable_o to_o the_o law_n of_o a_o rational_a nature_n and_o these_o be_v they_o who_o we_o call_v pious_a and_o virtuous_a who_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o true_a standard_n of_o humane_a nature_n by_o who_o we_o may_v best_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v natural_a and_o unnatural_a to_o we_o and_o if_o we_o judge_v by_o these_o we_o shall_v most_o certain_o find_v that_o virtue_n and_o the_o hope_n of_o immortality_n be_v so_o near_o ally_v that_o like_o hypocrates_n twin_n they_o live_v and_o die_v together_o for_o though_o while_o man_n live_v a_o brutish_a and_o sensual_a life_n their_o future_a hope_n be_v usual_o drown_v in_o their_o present_a enjoyment_n yet_o when_o once_o they_o recover_v out_o of_o this_o unnatural_a state_n and_o begin_v to_o live_v like_o reasonable_a being_n immediate_o they_o feel_v great_a desire_n and_o expectation_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n spring_v up_o in_o their_o mind_n and_o so_o arise_v high_a and_o high_a proportionable_o as_o they_o advance_v in_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o these_o hope_n and_o desire_n be_v natural_a to_o we_o and_o interweave_v with_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o soul_n but_o now_o how_o can_v it_o consist_v with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o implant_v such_o desire_n and_o hope_n in_o our_o nature_n and_o then_o withhold_v from_o they_o that_o which_o be_v the_o only_a object_n that_o can_v suit_n and_o satisfy_v '_o they_o for_o as_o a_o great_a divine_a of_o our_o own_o have_v well_o observe_v other_o being_n we_o see_v have_v no_o natural_a desire_n in_o vain_a the_o good_a god_n have_v so_o order_v thing_n that_o there_o be_v object_n in_o nature_n apportion_v to_o all_o their_o natural_a appetite_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n reserve_v for_o good_a man_n we_o be_v by_o a_o natural_a principle_n most_o strong_o incline_v to_o that_o which_o we_o can_v never_o attain_v to_o as_o if_o god_n have_v purposely_o frame_v we_o with_o such_o inclination_n that_o so_o we_o may_v be_v perpetual_o torment_v between_o those_o two_o passion_n desire_v and_o despair_n a_o earnest_a propension_n after_o a_o future_a happiness_n and_o a_o utter_a incapacity_n of_o enjoy_v it_o as_o if_o nature_n itself_o whereby_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v dispose_v to_o their_o perfection_n do_v serve_v only_o in_o man_n to_o make_v he_o miserable_a and_o which_o be_v more_o considerable_a as_o if_o virtue_n which_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o nature_n do_v only_o serve_v to_o contribute_v to_o our_o infelicity_n by_o raise_v in_o we_o such_o desire_n and_o expectation_n as_o without_o a_o future_a happiness_n must_v be_v for_o ever_o disappoint_v but_o if_o this_o desire_n and_o expectation_n be_v natural_a to_o we_o as_o it_o evident_o be_v it_o must_v be_v implant_v there_o by_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n with_o who_o truth_n and_o goodness_n it_o can_v never_o consist_v to_o inspire_v we_o with_o such_o desire_n and_o hope_n as_o he_o know_v have_v no_o object_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o so_o can_v never_o be_v fulfil_v and_o accomplish_a v._o from_o the_o excellent_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o humane_a nature_n it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n for_o whoever_o shall_v impartial_o consider_v the_o frame_n of_o our_o nature_n will_v easy_o discern_v that_o we_o be_v make_v for_o much_o great_a purpose_n than_o to_o enjoy_v this_o world_n and_o that_o our_o faculty_n be_v as_o much_o too_o big_a for_o these_o sensitive_a fruition_n as_o the_o channel_n of_o the_o ocean_n be_v for_o the_o stream_n of_o a_o little_a river_n for_o the_o high_a happiness_n we_o can_v frame_v a_o idea_n of_o be_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n by_o contemplation_n and_o love_n and_o imitation_n of_o his_o perfection_n as_o i_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a part._n 1._o c._n 3._o which_o do_v as_o far_o excel_v all_o worldly_a happiness_n as_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o a_o prince_n do_v the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o fly_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o mind_n be_v frame_v with_o a_o natural_a capacity_n of_o enjoy_v this_o supreme_a beatitude_n i._n e._n of_o contemplate_v and_o love_v and_o imitate_v god_n for_o as_o for_o the_o be_v and_o existence_n of_o god_n all_o thing_n round_o about_o we_o preach_v and_o proclaim_v it_o and_o which_o way_n soever_o we_o turn_v our_o eye_n we_o behold_v the_o footstep_n of_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o be_v endow_v with_o a_o reason_a faculty_n we_o can_v easy_o ascend_v to_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n by_o those_o borrow_a perfection_n we_o behold_v in_o his_o creature_n which_o be_v so_o many_o lively_a comment_n and_o paraphrase_n upon_o he_o and_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o they_o be_v perfefection_n must_v necessary_o meet_v and_o concentre_v in_o he_o and_o then_o such_o be_v the_o frame_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o any_o be_v we_o natural_o proceed_v to_o admire_v and_o love_v it_o so_o that_o unless_o our_o will_n be_v violent_o prejudice_v against_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n our_o contemplation_n must_v necessary_o kindle_v our_o love_n of_o they_o and_o then_o those_o perfection_n which_o we_o love_v and_o admire_v in_o another_o we_o be_v natural_o ambitious_a to_o transcribe_v into_o ourselves_o so_o that_o be_v once_o inflame_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o will_v be_v continual_o prompt_v we_o to_o imitate_v he_o and_o that_o will_v by_o degree_n mould_v we_o into_o a_o fair_a and_o glorious_a resemblance_n of_o he_o thus_o god_n have_v implant_v in_o the_o very_a frame_n of_o our_o nature_n
its_o will_n affection_n and_o action_n with_o those_o everlasting_a law_n of_o righteousness_n which_o right_a reason_n prescribe_v how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o look_n upon_o this_o as_o a_o very_a mean_a and_o carnal_a accomplishment_n and_o place_n all_o their_o perfection_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n viz._n in_o the_o ebb_n and_o flow_v of_o their_o sensitive_a passion_n and_o the_o extraordinary_a fermentation_n of_o their_o blood_n and_o spirit_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o unaccountable_a dejection_n and_o exaltation_n of_o mind_n in_o vehement_a impression_n of_o fancy_n and_o mechanical_a movement_n of_o affection_n in_o rapture_n and_o ecstacy_n and_o hypocondriacal_a income_n and_o manifestation_n that_o have_v nothing_o of_o substantial_a virtue_n or_o piety_n in_o they_o nor_o common_o any_o other_o effect_n but_o to_o cause_n man_n to_o renounce_v that_o righteousness_n which_o they_o never_o have_v and_o rely_v upon_o that_o which_o they_o have_v no_o title_n to_o and_o to_o sooth_n and_o tickle_v their_o fancy_n and_o blow_v they_o up_o into_o glorious_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o and_o triumphant_a assurance_n of_o their_o be_v the_o darling_n and_o favourite_n of_o god_n whilst_o poor_a moral_a man_n that_o make_v conscience_n of_o regulate_v their_o affection_n and_o action_n by_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o righteousness_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o they_o with_o a_o scornful_a compassion_n and_o place_v in_o the_o lowermost_a form_n of_o sinner_n at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n now_o when_o man_n take_v such_o false_a measure_n of_o their_o own_o perfection_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v conceive_v aright_o of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o conceive_v of_o but_o only_o by_o argue_v from_o their_o own_o wherefore_o in_o order_n to_o the_o form_v our_o idea_n of_o god_n perfection_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v first_o fix_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o our_o own_o which_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o we_o to_o do_v for_o our_o nature_n be_v reasonable_a to_o be_v sure_a its_o perfection_n must_v consist_v in_o willing_a affect_v and_o act_v reasonable_o or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o govern_v itself_o in_o all_o its_o relation_n and_o circumstance_n by_o those_o immutable_a law_n of_o goodness_n which_o right_a reason_n prescribe_v and_o which_o be_v exemplify_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o when_o we_o have_v fix_v in_o our_o mind_n this_o notion_n of_o our_o own_o perfection_n it_o will_v natural_o conduct_v our_o thought_n to_o god_n and_o let_v we_o see_v that_o his_o perfection_n consist_v not_o in_o a_o lawless_a and_o boundless_a will_n that_o decree_n without_o foresight_n resolve_v without_o reason_n and_o will_n because_o it_o will_v and_o then_o execute_v its_o own_o blind_a and_o unaccountable_a purpose_n by_o dint_n of_o irresistible_a power_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o right_n or_o wrong_n for_o if_o we_o right_o understand_v our_o own_o perfection_n we_o can_v but_o discern_v that_o such_o a_o will_n as_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o monstrous_a deformity_n in_o nature_n because_o it_o be_v the_o most_o diametrical_o opposite_a to_o the_o true_a idea_n of_o our_o own_o perfection_n which_o while_o we_o attentive_o fix_v our_o eye_n on_o we_o can_v but_o infer_v from_o it_o that_o the_o true_a perfection_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o the_o unvariable_a determination_n of_o his_o will_n by_o the_o all-comprehending_a reason_n of_o his_o mind_n or_o in_o choose_v and_o refuse_v decree_a and_o execute_v upon_o such_o reason_n as_o best_o become_v a_o god_n to_o will_n and_o act_v on_o i._n e._n upon_o such_o as_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o just_a and_o merciful_a for_o if_o to_o will_n and_o act_n upon_o such_o reason_n as_o these_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n too_o but_o if_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o own_o perfection_n we_o must_v necessary_o think_v of_o god_n at_o rover_n without_o any_o certain_a aim_n or_o rule_v to_o square_v and_o direct_v our_o apprehension_n ii_o another_o cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n be_v our_o frame_v our_o notion_n of_o he_o according_a to_o the_o model_n of_o our_o own_o particular_a humour_n and_o temper_n for_o self-love_n be_v the_o most_o vehement_a affection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o that_o upon_o which_o all_o it_o be_v other_o affection_n be_v found_v there_o be_v no_o one_o vice_n to_o which_o we_o be_v more_o universal_o obnoxious_a than_o that_o of_o excessive_a fondness_n and_o partiality_n to_o ourselves_o which_o make_v we_o too_o often_o dote_v upon_o the_o deformity_n and_o even_o idolise_v the_o vice_n of_o our_o own_o temper_n so_o that_o whether_o our_o nature_n be_v stern_a sour_a and_o imperious_a or_o fond_a easy_a and_o indulgent_a we_o be_v apt_a to_o admire_v it_o as_o a_o great_a perfection_n mere_o because_o it_o be_v we_o without_o measure_v it_o by_o those_o eternal_a reason_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a perfection_n and_o imperfection_n and_o than_o whatever_o we_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o perfection_n in_o ourselves_o we_o natural_o attribute_v to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o perfection_n and_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n mind_n have_v be_v always_o tincture_v with_o such_o false_a and_o repugnant_a opinion_n of_o god_n because_o they_o frame_v their_o judgement_n of_o he_o not_o so_o much_o by_o their_o reason_n as_o by_o their_o temper_n and_o humour_n and_o so_o their_o different_a humour_n be_v not_o only_o unreasonable_a in_o themselves_o but_o repugnant_a and_o contrary_a to_o one_o another_o produce_v in_o they_o not_o only_o false_a and_o unreasonable_a but_o contrary_a and_o repugnant_a opinion_n of_o god_n thus_o for_o instance_n the_o epicurean_o who_o be_v a_o soft_a and_o voluptuous_a sect_n entire_o addict_v to_o ease_v and_o pleasure_n fancy_v god_n to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o themselves_o a_o be_v that_o be_v whole_o sequester_v from_o action_n and_o confine_v to_o a_o extra-mundane_a paradise_n where_o he_o live_v in_o perfect_a ease_n and_o be_v entertain_v with_o infinite_a luxury_n without_o ever_o concern_v his_o thought_n with_o any_o thing_n abroad_o for_o this_o they_o think_v be_v the_o top_n of_o all_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o thus_o they_o will_v have_v choose_v to_o live_v have_v they_o be_v god_n themselves_o thus_o the_o stoic_n who_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o very_a morose_n and_o inflexible_a people_n copy_v their_o notion_n of_o god_n from_o their_o own_o complexion_n suppose_v he_o to_o be_v a_o inflexible_a be_v that_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o be_v move_v and_o affect_v by_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n but_o be_v whole_o govern_v by_o a_o stern_a and_o inexorable_a fate_n and_o according_o the_o scythian_n and_o thracian_n the_o gaul_n and_o carthaginian_n who_o be_v a_o people_n of_o a_o bloody_a and_o barbarous_a nature_n picture_v their_o god_n from_o their_o own_o temper_n imagine_v they_o to_o be_v of_o a_o bloodthirsty_a nature_n that_o delight_v to_o feed_v their_o hungry_a nostril_n with_o the_o nidorous_a reek_n and_o steam_n of_o humane_a gore_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o platonist_n who_o be_v general_o of_o a_o very_a soft_a and_o amorous_a nature_n take_v their_o measure_n of_o god_n thereby_o and_o so_o frame_v a_o idea_n of_o he_o that_o be_v as_o soft_a and_o amorous_a as_o their_o own_o complexion_n compose_v altogether_o of_o love_n and_o smile_n and_o endearment_n without_o the_o least_o intermixture_n of_o vengeance_n and_o severity_n how_o just_a soever_o in_o itself_o or_o necessary_a to_o the_o well-government_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o as_o the_o ethiopian_n picture_v their_o god_n black_a because_o they_o be_v black_a themselves_o so_o general_o man_n have_v be_v always_o prone_a to_o represent_v god_n in_o the_o colour_n of_o their_o own_o complexion_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o they_o many_o time_n represent_v he_o so_o utter_o unlike_a to_o himself_o because_o out_o of_o a_o unreasonable_a partiality_n to_o themselves_o they_o first_o mistake_v the_o deformity_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n for_o perfection_n and_o then_o deify_v they_o they_o into_o divine_a attribute_n thou_o think_v say_v god_n that_o i_o be_v altogether_o such_o a_o one_o as_o thyself_o psal._n 50.21_o that_o be_v thou_o do_v frame_v thy_o conception_n of_o i_o according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o thy_o own_o ill-nature_n and_o so_o think_v base_o and_o unworthy_o of_o i_o and_o hence_o i_o doubt_v not_o spring_v most_o of_o those_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v receive_v among_o christian_n for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o of_o
do_v alter_v or_o cease_v for_o have_v sacrifice_n be_v good_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n their_o goodness_n have_v be_v as_o unalterable_a as_o their_o nature_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o find_v that_o whereas_o their_o nature_n neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v alter_v yet_o their_o goodness_n or_o necessity_n be_v for_o as_o before_o god_n adopt_v they_o into_o the_o rubric_n of_o religion_n by_o his_o own_o positive_a institution_n they_o be_v indifferent_a thing_n so_o after_o this_o institution_n be_v repeal_v by_o a_o contrary_a command_n they_o become_v unlawful_a so_o that_o it_o be_v now_o as_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v not_o offer_v they_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v before_o that_o we_o shall_v and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o the_o other_o rite_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n which_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a can_v no_o otherewise_o be_v convert_v either_o into_o necessary_a or_o sinful_a but_o by_o god_n express_a command_n or_o prohibition_n whereas_o justice_n and_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n be_v good_a in_o themselves_o abstract_o consider_v from_o all_o will_n and_o command_n and_o be_v not_o good_a mere_o because_o they_o be_v command_v but_o be_v command_v because_o they_o be_v good_a because_o they_o carry_v with_o they_o such_o unalterable_a reason_n as_o do_v in_o themselves_o render_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o eternal_o necessary_a for_o though_o there_o be_v very_o good_a reason_n why_o man_n shall_v not_o offer_v material_a sacrifice_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v once_o enjoin_v yet_o it_o can_v never_o be_v reasonable_a for_o they_o to_o be_v unjust_a or_o cruel_a or_o proud_a because_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n carry_v such_o fix_v and_o immutable_a reason_n with_o they_o as_o will_v bind_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o eternity_n insomuch_o that_o though_o we_o have_v a_o dispensation_n to_o be_v proud_a under_o the_o broad-seal_n of_o heaven_n yet_o it_o will_v ill_o be_v very_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o be_v so_o and_o as_o thing_n that_o be_v only_o positive_o necessary_a or_o sinful_a derive_v all_o their_o necessity_n and_o sinfulness_n from_o god_n direct_a or_o express_v command_n and_o prohibition_n so_o they_o can_v be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o consequence_n for_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v antecedent_o lawful_a or_o indifferent_a it_o must_v necessary_o remain_v so_o till_o it_o be_v direct_o command_v or_o forbid_v there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o bound_v and_o limit_v it_o but_o only_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n in_o who_o disposal_n it_o be_v and_o therefore_o till_o he_o direct_o signify_v his_o will_n either_o for_o or_o against_o it_o it_o must_v remain_v as_o it_o be_v i._n e._n free_a and_o indifferent_a but_o you_o will_v say_v suppose_v god_n have_v command_v such_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n for_o such_o a_o reason_n do_v it_o not_o thence_o follow_v that_o he_o thereby_o command_v every_o other_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o have_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o i_o answer_v no_o for_o if_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o command_v it_o be_v necessary_a and_o eternal_a it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a but_o moral_o necessary_a and_o so_o be_v every_o thing_n else_o that_o have_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o consequent_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o law_n though_o it_o be_v apply_v but_o to_o one_o thing_n extend_v to_o every_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n because_o in_o all_o moral_a case_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o law_n be_v the_o law_n but_o if_o the_o thing_n command_v be_v in_o itself_o indifferent_a the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v command_v can_v be_v necessary_a and_o therefore_o though_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n why_o another_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n shall_v be_v command_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o necessary_o oblige_v unless_o it_o be_v command_v actual_o because_o in_o such_o case_n it_o be_v not_o the_o reason_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o law_n that_o oblige_v and_o therefore_o where_o there_o be_v only_o the_o reason_n and_o not_o the_o law_n it_o lay_v no_o obligation_n on_o the_o conscience_n from_o the_o whole_a therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a what_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o thing_n that_o be_v positive_o and_o moral_o necessary_a and_o sinful_a which_o i_o think_v very_o necessary_a to_o explain_v at_o large_a for_o the_o give_v a_o full_a light_n to_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n in_o which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v first_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o intrinsic_a goodness_n in_o some_o humane_a action_n as_o render_v they_o for_o ever_o necessary_a and_o oblige_v to_o we_o second_o that_o god_n have_v sufficient_o discover_v to_o we_o what_o those_o humane_a action_n be_v which_o carry_v with_o they_o this_o perpetual_a obligation_n three_o that_o these_o action_n which_o carry_v with_o they_o this_o perpetual_a obligation_n be_v the_o main_a and_o principal_a part_n of_o religion_n sect_n i._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o intrinsic_a good_a in_o some_o humane_a action_n as_o render_v they_o for_o ever_o necessary_a and_o oblige_v to_o we_o good_a be_v twofold_a absolute_a or_o respective_a or_o the_o good_a of_o the_o end_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o mean_n the_o good_a of_o the_o end_n be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n of_o any_o be_v the_o good_a of_o the_o mean_n be_v that_o which_o tend_v and_o conduce_v thereunto_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o absolute_a good_a of_o a_o brute_n animal_n consist_v in_o the_o perfection_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o its_o sense_n or_o in_o have_v perfect_a feel_v and_o sensation_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v most_o grateful_a to_o its_o appetite_n and_o sense_n it_o be_v respective_a good_a be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o its_o sense_n be_v perfect_v or_o render_v lively_a and_o vigorous_a and_o by_o which_o it_o be_v provide_v for_o with_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v grateful_a and_o please_a to_o they_o for_o there_o be_v in_o every_o animate_v nature_n a_o principle_n whereby_o it_o be_v necessary_o incline_v to_o promote_v its_o own_o preservation_n and_o wellbeing_a that_o which_o have_v in_o it_o a_o fitness_n to_o promote_v this_o end_n be_v call_v good_a as_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o which_o be_v apt_a to_o hinder_v it_o evil._n now_o man_n be_v not_o only_o a_o sensitive_a but_o a_o rational_a creature_n have_v a_o twofold_a good_a belong_v to_o his_o nature_n the_o first_o sensitive_a which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o brute_n animal_n consist_v in_o the_o perfection_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o bodily_a sense_n and_o appetite_n and_o in_o those_o mean_n which_o conduce_v thereunto_o and_o this_o for_o distinction_n sake_n be_v call_v his_o natural_a good_a the_o second_o rational_a which_o consist_v in_o the_o perfection_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o rational_a faculty_n and_o in_o those_o mean_n which_o tend_v thereunto_o and_o this_o be_v style_v his_o moral_a good_a though_o in_o reality_n it_o be_v as_o much_o natural_a as_o the_o former_a for_o man_n be_v natural_o as_o well_o rational_a as_o sensitive_a that_o which_o promote_v his_o rational_a perfection_n and_o happiness_n be_v no_o less_o natural_o good_a for_o he_o than_o that_o which_o promote_v his_o sensitive_a nay_o his_o rational_a nature_n be_v the_o much_o more_o noble_a and_o excellent_a part_n of_o he_o that_o which_o natural_o promote_v the_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n of_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o much_o great_a good_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v prefer_v by_o he_o before_o any_o of_o those_o natural_a good_n which_o conduce_v only_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o sensitive_a nature_n and_o he_o who_o indulge_v his_o sensitive_a part_n in_o any_o pleasure_n which_o his_o rational_a disallow_n do_v thereby_o create_v a_o torment_n to_o himself_o and_o raise_v a_o devil_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o though_o reason_n and_o religion_n do_v allow_v that_o the_o sensitive_a nature_n shall_v be_v gratify_v in_o all_o its_o natural_a appetite_n and_o desire_n yet_o neither_o allow_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v pamper_a and_o indulge_v in_o any_o such_o excss_n as_o be_v prejudicial_a either_o to_o itself_o or_o to_o that_o rational_a nature_n whereunto_o it_o be_v join_v and_o he_o who_o indulge_v his_o sense_n in_o any_o such_o excess_n render_v himself_o obnoxious_a to_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o to_o gratify_v the_o brute_n in_o he_o displease_v the_o man_n and_o set_v his_o two_o nature_n at_o variance_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v natural_o good_a for_o we_o that_o be_v any_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o what_o be_v moral_o so_o i._n e._n with_o what_o conduce_v to_o the_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n of_o our_o rational_a nature_n and_o though_o this_o natural_a and_o moral_a good_a be_v no_o way_n
inconsistent_a with_o one_o another_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o moral_a that_o be_v the_o supreme_a good_a of_o a_o man_n because_o it_o be_v the_o good_a of_o his_o most_o excellent_a nature_n have_v thus_o premise_v what_o i_o mean_v by_o good_a in_o general_n and_o particular_o by_o moral_a good_a i_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o in_o some_o humane_a action_n there_o be_v such_o a_o intrinsic_a moral_a good_a as_o render_v they_o for_o ever_o oblige_v to_o we_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v in_o these_o follow_a proposition_n first_o that_o the_o happiness_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v found_v in_o its_o perfection_n second_o that_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n consist_v in_o act_v suitable_o to_o the_o most_o perfect_a reason_n three_o that_o the_o most_o perfect_a reason_n be_v that_o wherein_o all_o reasonable_a being_n do_v consent_n and_o agree_v four_o that_o there_o be_v certain_a rule_n of_o moral_a good_a wherein_o all_o reasonable_a being_n be_v agree_v five_o that_o to_o act_v suitable_o to_o those_o rule_n have_v be_v always_o find_v by_o universal_a experience_n conducible_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o contrary_a mischievous_a thereunto_o i._o that_o the_o happiness_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v found_v in_o its_o perfection_n for_o the_o perfection_n of_o being_n consist_v in_o their_o be_v complete_o dispose_v and_o adapt_v for_o the_o end_n whereunto_o they_o be_v design_v now_o the_o end_n of_o all_o being_n that_n have_v life_n and_o sense_n be_v that_o sort_n of_o happiness_n that_o be_v suitable_a to_o their_o nature_n for_o it_o be_v thither_o that_o they_o all_o of_o they_o natural_o tend_v and_o therein_o that_o their_o faculty_n do_v all_o concentre_v when_o therefore_o their_o faculty_n or_o power_n of_o action_n be_v complete_o dispose_v to_o enjoy_v the_o proper_a happiness_n of_o their_o nature_n then_o be_v they_o perfect_a in_o their_o kind_a thus_o for_o instance_n the_o end_n of_o brute_n which_o have_v only_o bodily_a sense_n be_v sensitive_a and_o corporeal_a happiness_n and_o thererefore_o then_o be_v the_o brute_n creature_n perfect_a in_o its_o kind_n when_o it_o have_v not_o only_o all_o the_o part_n and_o sense_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o procure_v and_o enjoy_v its_o happiness_n but_o have_v they_o also_o perfect_o sit_v temper_a and_o qualify_v to_o pursue_v and_o relish_v it_o and_o suppose_v that_o all_o the_o pleasure_n or_o happiness_n of_o a_o beast_n consist_v in_o the_o taste_n and_o smell_v of_o its_o pasture_n it_o can_v never_o be_v complete_o happy_a so_o long_o as_o the_o organ_n of_o its_o smell_n or_o taste_n be_v imperfect_a so_o that_o the_o perfection_n of_o every_o sensible_a nature_n consist_v in_o be_v perfe_o dispose_v to_o enjoy_v its_o natural_a happiness_n and_o according_o herein_o consist_v the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n in_o be_v perfect_o fit_v and_o dispose_v to_o enjoy_v and_o relish_v humane_a happiness_n for_o this_o be_v its_o proper_a end_n it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v ever_o be_v perfect_a in_o its_o kind_a till_o it_o be_v complete_o contemper_v and_o adapt_v thereunto_o so_o that_o our_o happiness_n must_v necessary_o be_v found_v in_o our_o perfection_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o perfect_a disposition_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o relish_v and_o enjoy_v those_o good_n wherein_o the_o happiness_n of_o our_o nature_n consist_v and_o till_o our_o nature_n be_v perfect_o dispose_v to_o enjoy_v they_o all_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n will_v be_v insufficient_a to_o render_v we_o perfect_o happy_a ii_o that_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n consist_v in_o act_v suitable_o to_o the_o most_o perfect_a reason_n for_o reason_n be_v the_o top_n and_o crown_n of_o humane_a nature_n have_v a_o natural_a right_o to_o command_v and_o dispose_v of_o its_o motion_n to_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o its_o will_n and_o the_o guide_n of_o its_o affection_n and_o the_o law_n of_o all_o its_o power_n of_o action_n and_o indeed_o for_o what_o other_o use_n serve_v the_o reason_n of_o a_o man_n but_o to_o prescribe_v rule_n to_o his_o unreasonable_a affection_n to_o light_v and_o direct_v they_o to_o their_o proper_a object_n and_o as_o they_o be_v move_v towards_o they_o to_o moderate_v their_o excess_n and_o to_o quicken_v their_o defect_n and_o to_o lead_v they_o on_o to_o true_a happiness_n in_o a_o even_a course_n through_o all_o the_o wild_a maze_n of_o popular_a mistake_v and_o unless_o it_o be_v thus_o employ_v the_o man_n be_v reasonable_a in_o vain_a and_o his_o light_n like_o a_o candle_n enclose_v in_o a_o darklanthorn_n burn_v out_o in_o waist_n and_o spend_v itself_o in_o a_o useless_a and_o unprofitable_a blaze_n and_o whilst_o to_o please_v our_o appetite_n and_o passion_n we_o run_v counter_a to_o the_o advice_n of_o our_o reason_n we_o forsake_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o act_n like_o beast_n and_o not_o like_o man_n in_o which_o course_n of_o action_n if_o we_o persist_v we_o must_v necessary_o degenerate_v from_o ourselves_o and_o sink_v by_o degree_n into_o the_o most_o sordid_a brutality_n for_o when_o once_o our_o appetite_n have_v get_v the_o command_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o not_o only_o dethrone_v but_o enslave_v it_o the_o very_a order_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v transpose_v and_o we_o be_v become_v our_o own_o reverse_n and_o antipode_n if_o therefore_o we_o will_v arrive_v at_o our_o own_o perfection_n it_o must_v be_v by_o follow_v our_o reason_n and_o submit_v all_o our_o affection_n and_o appetite_n to_o its_o government_n for_o what_o else_o can_v be_v the_o perfection_n of_o a_o rational_a nature_n but_o to_o be_v perfect_o rational_a and_o what_o be_v it_o to_o be_v perfect_o rational_a but_o to_o have_v our_o mind_n thorough_o instruct_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n entire_o regulate_v by_o they_o for_o herein_o consist_v the_o supreme_a perfection_n not_o only_o of_o man_n but_o of_o angel_n yea_o and_o of_o god_n himself_o the_o crown_n and_o glory_n of_o who_o nature_n it_o be_v that_o he_o always_o know_v and_o choose_v and_o act_n what_o be_v fit_a and_o best_a and_o most_o reasonable_a and_o when_o once_o our_o understanding_n be_v so_o far_o enlighten_v as_o that_o it_o always_o dictate_v right_a reason_n to_o we_o and_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n be_v so_o far_o subdue_v as_o that_o they_o always_o free_o and_o cheerful_o comply_v with_o it_o we_o have_v arrive_v to_o the_o very_a top_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o be_v commence_v perfect_a man_n in_o christ_n jesus_n iii_o that_o the_o most_o perfect_a reason_n be_v that_o wherein_o all_o reasonable_a being_n do_v consent_n and_o agree_v for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o matter_n as_o true_a and_o false_a reasonable_a and_o unreasonable_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o understanding_n among_o being_n whereby_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o distinguish_v between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o either_o that_o must_v be_v true_a and_o reasonable_a which_o all_o understanding_n do_v consent_n and_o agree_v in_o or_o all_o the_o understanding_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n must_v be_v under_o a_o fatal_a cheat_n and_o delusion_n which_o late_a be_v suppose_v inevitable_o destroy_v all_o knowledge_n and_o certainty_n and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o the_o wild_a scepticism_n for_o suppose_v all_o understanding_n to_o be_v deceive_v and_o impose_v on_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o be_v certain_a of_o any_o thing_n and_o for_o all_o we_o know_v a_o part_n may_v be_v big_a than_o the_o whole_a two_o and_o two_o may_v make_v twenty_o and_o both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n may_v be_v true_a nay_o we_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a whether_o we_o be_v not_o dream_v when_o we_o think_v we_o be_v awake_v and_o whether_o we_o be_v not_o awake_v when_o we_o think_v we_o be_v dream_v either_o therefore_o we_o must_v renounce_v all_o certainty_n whatsoever_o and_o fluctuate_v in_o eternal_a scepticism_n or_o allow_v that_o to_o be_v true_a and_o reasonable_a which_o all_o understanding_n do_v unanimous_o vote_v so_o iv._o that_o there_o be_v certain_a rule_n of_o moral_a goodness_n concern_v the_o immutable_a reason_n whereof_o all_o understanding_n be_v agree_v for_o such_o be_v all_o those_o which_o prescribe_v the_o dueness_n of_o worship_n and_o veneration_n to_o god_n of_o obedience_n and_o loyalty_n to_o our_o parent_n and_o superior_n of_o temperance_n and_o fortitude_n to_o ourselves_o and_o of_o justice_n and_o charity_n to_o one_o another_o to_o the_o goodness_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o which_o rule_n all_o understanding_n do_v as_o unanimous_o consent_n as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o proposition_n in_o the_o mathematics_n now_o of_o all_o the_o order_n of_o reasonable_a being_n
happiness_n second_o he_o have_v give_v we_o reason_n to_o discern_v what_o action_n they_o be_v that_o make_v for_o our_o happiness_n and_o what_o not_o three_o he_o have_v so_o contrive_v our_o nature_n as_o that_o we_o be_v thrust_v on_o by_o our_o own_o instinct_n and_o passion_n to_o those_o action_n which_o make_v for_o our_o happiness_n four_o he_o have_v take_v care_n to_o excite_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o those_o action_n by_o annex_v natural_a reward_n to_o they_o and_o entail_v natural_a punishment_n on_o their_o contrary_n five_o to_o strengthen_v and_o enforce_v this_o obligation_n he_o have_v frequent_o superad_v to_o these_o natural_a reward_n and_o punishment_n supernatural_a blessing_n and_o judgement_n six_o that_o to_o enforce_v all_o this_o he_o have_v make_v sundry_a supernatural_a revelation_n wherein_o he_o have_v plain_o tell_v we_o what_o those_o thing_n be_v that_o carry_v with_o they_o this_o intrinsic_a good_a and_o necessity_n i._o god_n have_v take_v care_n to_o discover_v to_o we_o what_o be_v moral_o good_a by_o implant_n in_o we_o a_o natural_a desire_n of_o happiness_n which_o be_v so_o inseparable_a to_o humane_a nature_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o forbear_v desire_v what_o be_v good_a for_o we_o or_o at_o lest_o what_o appear_v so_o for_o though_o through_o our_o own_o ignorance_n and_o inconsideration_n we_o many_o time_n mistake_v evil_a for_o good_a and_o misery_n for_o happiness_n yet_o such_o be_v the_o frame_n of_o our_o nature_n that_o we_o can_v desire_v evil_a as_o evil_a or_o misery_n as_o misery_n but_o whensoever_o we_o embrace_v a_o real_a evil_n it_o be_v either_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o less_o evil_a or_o of_o a_o real_a and_o substantial_a good_n now_o by_o this_o unquenchable_a thirst_n and_o desire_n of_o happiness_n which_o god_n have_v implant_v in_o our_o nature_n we_o be_v continual_o importune_v and_o excite_v to_o search_v out_o and_o inquire_v by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_n we_o may_v arrive_v to_o be_v happy_a so_o that_o as_o hunger_n and_o thirst_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o bodily_a pain_n and_o pleasure_n force_v man_n upon_o the_o invention_n of_o trade_n and_o civil_a occupation_n to_o supply_v their_o necessity_n and_o convenience_n so_o this_o vehement_a hunger_n and_o thirst_n after_o happiness_n which_o god_n have_v create_v in_o our_o bosom_n do_v almost_o necessitate_v and_o constrain_v we_o to_o pry_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o action_n that_o so_o we_o may_v discover_v what_o trade_n and_o course_n of_o life_n it_o be_v that_o tend_v most_o direct_o to_o our_o own_o felicity_n and_o by_o thus_o importune_v we_o by_o our_o own_o self_n love_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o action_n and_o into_o their_o natural_a tendency_n to_o our_o weal_n or_o woe_n he_o have_v not_o only_o express_v his_o good_a will_n towards_o we_o by_o take_v security_n of_o ourselves_o for_o our_o own_o welfare_n and_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v happy_a by_o the_o most_o tender_a and_o vigorous_a passion_n in_o our_o nature_n but_o have_v also_o take_v a_o effectual_a course_n to_o discover_v to_o we_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a of_o our_o own_o action_n consider_v ii_o that_o he_o have_v give_v we_o reason_n to_o discern_v what_o action_n they_o be_v that_o make_v for_o our_o happiness_n and_o what_o not_o it_o be_v true_a have_v he_o only_o implant_v in_o our_o breast_n a_o blind_a desire_n of_o happiness_n without_o any_o eye_n of_o reason_n in_o our_o head_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v our_o action_n towards_o it_o we_o must_v have_v wander_v in_o the_o dark_a for_o ever_o till_o we_o have_v pine_v away_o our_o wretched_a being_n with_o a_o hungry_a and_o unsatisfied_a desire_n but_o by_o give_v we_o a_o quick-sighted_a faculty_n of_o reason_n to_o guide_v and_o conduct_v this_o our_o blind_a desire_n he_o have_v take_v sufficient_a care_n not_o only_o to_o excite_v our_o enquiry_n after_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n but_o also_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o find_v it_o for_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o our_o action_n to_o our_o happiness_n or_o misery_n be_v so_o very_o obvious_a and_o visible_a that_o we_o can_v scarce_o open_v our_o eye_n and_o look_v abroad_o without_o observe_v they_o for_o how_o can_v any_o man_n who_o make_v any_o observation_n upon_o thing_n be_v so_o stupid_a as_o not_o to_o discern_v the_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n justice_n and_o injustice_n as_o to_o their_o natural_a tendency_n to_o the_o good_a and_o hurt_n happiness_n and_o misery_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v true_a if_o man_n will_v neglect_v use_v their_o reason_n they_o may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o plain_a proposition_n but_o if_o they_o be_v it_o be_v their_o inexcusable_a folly_n but_o if_o man_n will_v be_v so_o true_a to_o their_o own_o interest_n as_o calm_o to_o reflect_v upon_o their_o action_n their_o sense_n can_v more_o ready_o distinguish_v between_o honey_n and_o gall_n than_o their_o reason_n will_v between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n the_o fundamental_a reason_n of_o which_o be_v so_o legible_a in_o all_o the_o appearance_n of_o nature_n so_o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v and_o preservation_n of_o mankind_n and_o their_o equity_n be_v so_o apparent_a and_o their_o convenience_n so_o obvious_a that_o a_o man_n can_v hardly_o reflect_v upon_o any_o thing_n either_o within_o or_o without_o he_o without_o be_v convince_v of_o their_o force_n and_o obligation_n so_o that_o for_o a_o man_n that_o have_v the_o use_n of_o his_o reason_n not_o to_o observe_v the_o difference_n of_o his_o action_n as_o to_o their_o intrinsic_a good_a and_o evil_a and_o necessary_a tendency_n to_o his_o happiness_n and_o misery_n will_v be_v as_o gross_a and_o unexcusable_a a_o stupidity_n as_o if_o he_o shall_v pass_v through_o the_o world_n without_o ever_o take_v notice_n that_o two_o and_o two_o make_v four_o god_n therefore_o by_o give_v we_o a_o reasonable_a faculty_n to_o discern_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n upon_o which_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v so_o plain_o and_o legible_o imprint_v have_v hereby_o take_v sufficient_a care_n to_o show_v we_o the_o difference_n of_o our_o own_o action_n for_o to_o inspire_v we_o with_o a_o faculty_n of_o reason_v by_o which_o we_o can_v form_v true_a notion_n of_o thing_n from_o single_a experiment_n and_o infer_v one_o truth_n from_o another_o and_o immediate_o to_o inspire_v this_o faculty_n with_o divine_a truth_n be_v only_o two_o different_a modes_n of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o god_n do_v as_o real_o reveal_v himself_o to_o we_o when_o he_o give_v we_o reason_n to_o understand_v his_o will_n as_o when_o he_o send_v to_o we_o his_o messenger_n from_o heaven_n to_o make_v know_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o we_o for_o god_n have_v so_o frame_v our_o understanding_n as_o that_o whensoever_o we_o impartial_o reason_n about_o thing_n we_o be_v force_v to_o distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o can_v persuade_v ourselves_o without_o do_v infinite_a violence_n to_o our_o own_o faculty_n that_o to_o blaspheme_n god_n or_o to_o reverence_n he_o to_o lie_v or_o speak_v truth_n to_o honour_v our_o parent_n or_o to_o scorn_n and_o despise_v they_o be_v thing_n of_o a_o indifferent_a nature_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o we_o open_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o reason_n we_o discern_v such_o a_o essential_a difference_n between_o they_o as_o forces_z we_o to_o condemn_v the_o one_o and_o approve_v the_o other_o and_o according_o as_o for_o the_o great_a stroke_n of_o iniquity_n we_o find_v they_o have_v as_o much_o the_o universal_a judgement_n of_o our_o reason_n against_o they_o as_o any_o false_a conclusion_n in_o the_o mathematics_n whilst_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o contrary_a virtue_n be_v as_o universal_o acknowledge_v by_o we_o as_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o first_o principle_n in_o philosophy_n since_o therefore_o god_n have_v so_o frame_v our_o understanding_n as_o that_o it_o can_v calm_o reflect_v upon_o our_o action_n without_o distinguish_v between_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a he_o have_v hereby_o sufficient_o reveal_v to_o we_o what_o that_o good_a be_v that_o immutable_o bind_v and_o oblige_v we_o iii_o god_n have_v so_o contrive_v our_o nature_n as_o that_o we_o be_v thrust_v on_o by_o our_o own_o instinct_n and_o passion_n to_o those_o action_n which_o be_v moral_o good_a and_o do_v make_v for_o our_o happiness_n for_o we_o be_v frame_v and_o constitute_v with_o such_o passion_n and_o affection_n as_o do_v natural_o point_v and_o direct_v we_o unto_o virtuous_a action_n and_o though_o by_o the_o constitution_n of_o our_o nature_n our_o passion_n be_v subject_v to_o our_o reason_n and_o all_o our_o virtue_n consist_v in_o be_v reasonable_o affect_v yet_o in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o our_o passion_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a tendency_n and_o
direction_n to_o virtue_n antecedent_n to_o all_o our_o reason_v and_o discourse_n which_o theages_n the_o pythagorean_n style_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o certain_a natural_a impetus_fw-la or_o enthusiasm_n by_o which_o without_o any_o previous_a discourse_n or_o deliberation_n we_o be_v forcible_o carry_v on_o towards_o virtuous_a action_n for_o some_o affection_n there_o be_v in_o our_o nature_n which_o do_v in_o the_o general_a plain_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a in_o humane_a action_n and_o other_o that_o do_v as_o plain_o point_v out_o what_o those_o action_n be_v wherein_o this_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_n be_v subject_v of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v the_o affection_n of_o love_n and_o hatred_n complacency_n and_o horror_n glory_n and_o shame_n repentance_n and_o self-satisfaction_n which_o plain_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v answerable_a object_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o action_n that_o there_o be_v a_o good_a to_o be_v belove_v and_o a_o evil_a to_o be_v hate_v a_o deformity_n to_o be_v abhor_v and_o a_o beauty_n to_o be_v delight_v in_o a_o excellency_n to_o be_v glory_v in_o and_o a_o filthiness_n to_o be_v ashamed_a of_o a_o welldoing_a to_o be_v satisfy_v 〈…〉_z a_o ill_o do_v to_o be_v repent_v of_o for_o 〈◊〉_d theâ—e_n be_v no_o such_o real_a distinction_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o action_n all_o these_o affection_n in_o we_o will_v be_v utter_o vain_a and_o impertinent_a and_o as_o these_o affection_n of_o our_o nature_n do_v signify_v in_o the_o general_a that_o there_o be_v a_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a in_o our_o action_n so_o there_o be_v other_o which_o do_v particular_o point_v out_o what_o action_n be_v moral_o good_a and_o what_o evil._n thus_o for_o instance_n the_o passion_n of_o veneration_n and_o disdain_n do_v plain_o direct_v we_o to_o honour_n god_n and_o our_o superior_n and_o to_o be_v constant_a in_o good_a course_n out_o of_o a_o generous_a scorn_n of_o all_o temptation_n to_o the_o contrary_n thus_o commiseration_n and_o envy_n direct_v we_o to_o charity_n and_o justice_n to_o lament_v and_o assist_v those_o who_o be_v undeserved_o unfortunate_a and_o to_o be_v displease_v with_o the_o advancement_n of_o base_a and_o undeserving_a people_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v just_a and_o equal_a in_o our_o distribution_n and_o to_o proportion_v they_o to_o man_n merit_n and_o desert_n for_o by_o this_o passion_n of_o envy_n nature_n teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o just_a and_o unjust_a equal_a and_o unequal_a and_o that_o the_o former_a be_v to_o be_v embrace_v and_o the_o latter_a to_o be_v shun_v and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o thus_o sorrow_n and_o joy_n do_v by_o a_o silent_a language_n dissuade_v we_o from_o injure_v and_o persuade_v we_o to_o benefit_v one_o another_o for_o so_o by_o the_o mournful_a voice_n the_o deject_a eye_n and_o countenance_n the_o sigh_n and_o groan_n and_o tear_n of_o the_o sorrowful_a and_o oppress_v all_o which_o be_v the_o powerful_a rhetoric_n of_o nature_n we_o be_v importune_v not_o only_o to_o forbear_v heap_v any_o further_a injury_n upon_o they_o but_o also_o to_o commiserate_v their_o grief_n and_o by_o our_o timely_a aid_n to_o succour_v and_o relieve_v they_o as_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o florid_n and_o cheerful_a look_n the_o pleasant_a and_o grateful_a air_n which_o we_o behold_v in_o those_o that_o rejoice_v be_v so_o many_o charm_n and_o attractive_n by_o which_o nature_n allure_v we_o to_o mutual_a urbanity_n and_o sweetness_n of_o behaviour_n and_o a_o continual_a study_n to_o please_v and_o gratify_v one_o another_o by_o these_o and_o many_o other_o instance_n i_o may_v give_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o though_o by_o our_o own_o ill_a government_n we_o too_o often_o deprave_v our_o affection_n and_o corrupt_v they_o into_o vice_n yet_o their_o natural_a drift_n and_o tendency_n lie_v towards_o virtue_n thus_o by_o their_o own_o natural_a light_n which_o they_o carry_v before_o we_o they_o direct_v our_o step_n to_o the_o way_n we_o be_v to_o walk_v in_o and_o point_n out_o all_o those_o tract_n of_o eternal_a goodness_n that_o lead_v to_o our_o happiness_n for_o since_o these_o affection_n be_v in_o we_o antecedent_o to_o all_o our_o deliberation_n and_o choice_n it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v place_v there_o by_o the_o author_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o therefore_o since_o it_o be_v he_o who_o have_v incline_v they_o to_o all_o that_o they_o natural_o incline_v to_o he_o do_v in_o effect_n direct_v and_o guide_v we_o by_o their_o inclination_n so_o that_o their_o natural_a tendency_n and_o direction_n be_v the_o voice_n of_o god_n in_o our_o nature_n which_o murmur_n and_o whisper_v to_o we_o that_o natural_a law_n which_o our_o reason_n indeed_o do_v more_o plain_o and_o articulate_o promulge_v and_o from_o this_o natural_a tendency_n of_o our_o affection_n to_o good_a proceed_v that_o pleasant_a and_o painful_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a action_n which_o we_o experience_n in_o ourselves_o before_o ever_o we_o can_v discourse_v for_o thus_o before_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o reason_v ourselves_o into_o any_o pleasure_n or_o displeasure_n our_o nature_n be_v rejoice_v in_o a_o kind_n or_o just_a action_n either_o in_o ourselves_o or_o other_o and_o we_o be_v sensible_o please_v when_o we_o have_v pleasure_v those_o that_o oblige_v we_o and_o as_o sensible_o grieve_v when_o we_o be_v conscious_a of_o have_v grieve_v and_o offend_v they_o we_o love_v to_o see_v those_o fare_n well_o who_o we_o imagine_v have_v deserve_v well_o and_o when_o any_o unjust_a violence_n be_v offer_v they_o our_o nature_n shrink_v at_o and_o abhor_v it_o we_o pity_v and_o compassionate_v the_o miserable_a when_o we_o know_v not_o why_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o offer_v at_o their_o relief_n when_o we_o can_v give_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o which_o show_v that_o these_o thing_n proceed_v not_o either_o from_o our_o education_n or_o deliberate_a choice_n but_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o affection_n which_o have_v a_o sympathy_n with_o virtue_n and_o a_o antipathy_n to_o vice_n implant_v in_o their_o very_a constitution_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o sin_n our_o nature_n be_v common_o so_o shy_a of_o a_o evil_a action_n that_o it_o approach_v it_o with_o such_o a_o modest_a coyness_n and_o go_v blush_v to_o it_o like_o a_o bashful_a virgin_n to_o a_o adulterer_n bed_n that_o it_o pass_v into_o it_o with_o such_o regret_n and_o reluctancy_n and_o look_v back_o upon_o it_o with_o such_o shame_n and_o confusion_n which_o in_o our_o tender_a year_n when_o as_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o arrive_v to_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o understanding_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o proceed_v from_o reason_n and_o conscience_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v from_o the_o natural_a sense_n of_o our_o affection_n which_o by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a indication_n do_v signify_v that_o they_o be_v violate_v and_o offend_v now_o this_o natural_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a which_o spring_v from_o the_o frame_n and_o nature_n of_o our_o affection_n be_v doubtless_o intend_v by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d guide_v of_o humane_a nature_n that_o so_o when_o as_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o follow_v reason_n and_o conscience_n it_o may_v be_v direct_v to_o what_o be_v good_a and_o be_v preserve_v from_o wicked_a habit_n and_o prejudices_fw-la by_o its_o own_o sense_n and_o feel_v till_o such_o time_n as_o it_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o conduct_n of_o reason_n that_o so_o when_o this_o lead_a faculty_n undertake_v the_o charge_n of_o it_o it_o may_v find_v it_o 〈…〉_z to_o its_o 〈◊〉_d and_o be_v able_a to_o manage_v it_o with_o more_o ease_n and_o facility_n and_o thus_o by_o the_o natural_a drift_n and_o tendency_n of_o our_o affection_n god_n have_v plain_o reveal_v to_o we_o what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o not_o iv._o god_n have_v also_o entail_v upon_o our_o action_n natural_a reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o thereby_o plain_o declare_v which_o be_v good_a and_o which_o evil_a for_o it_o be_v easy_o demonstrable_a by_o a_o induction_n of_o particular_n that_o every_o virtue_n have_v some_o natural_a efficacy_n in_o it_o to_o advance_v both_o our_o public_a good_a and_o our_o private_a interest_n that_o temperance_n and_o charity_n righteousness_n and_o fidelity_n gratitude_n and_o humility_n be_v not_o only_o convenient_a but_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o our_o joy_n and_o comfort_n our_o peace_n and_o quietness_n our_o safety_n and_o contentment_n to_o the_o health_n of_o our_o body_n and_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o security_n and_o happiness_n of_o our_o society_n with_o one_o another_o whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a vice_n natural_o teem_v with_o mischievous_a effect_n and_o be_v ever_o productive_a
of_o horror_n in_o the_o conscience_n anguish_n in_o the_o mind_n discord_n in_o the_o affection_n disease_n in_o the_o body_n and_o confusion_n and_o disturbance_n in_o humane_a society_n since_o therefore_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o contrivance_n have_v thus_o inseparable_o couple_v good_a effect_n to_o good_a action_n and_o evil_a one_o to_o evil_a it_o have_v hereby_o very_o plain_o and_o sensible_o declare_v to_o we_o what_o it_o will_v have_v we_o do_v and_o what_o not_o for_o see_v it_o have_v so_o constitute_v thing_n as_o that_o in_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n such_o proportion_n of_o happiness_n do_v necessary_o result_v to_o we_o from_o such_o action_n and_o such_o proportion_n of_o misery_n from_o their_o contrary_n what_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o its_o design_n be_v hereby_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o the_o one_o and_o affright_v we_o from_o the_o other_o so_o that_o by_o these_o natural_a reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o in_o the_o course_n of_o thing_n god_n have_v chain_v to_o our_o action_n he_o have_v as_o express_o prescribe_v we_o what_o to_o do_v and_o what_o not_o as_o he_o can_v have_v do_v if_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o we_o in_o a_o audible_a voice_n from_o the_o battlement_n of_o heaven_n for_o since_o the_o whole_a train_n of_o natural_a effect_n be_v to_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o since_o his_o providence_n have_v so_o order_v and_o contrive_v thing_n as_o that_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o they_o good_a effect_n do_v spring_v out_o of_o good_a action_n and_o evil_a out_o of_o evil_a one_o what_o else_o can_v he_o intend_v by_o it_o but_o to_o allure_v we_o to_o the_o one_o and_o terrify_v we_o from_o the_o other_o for_o it_o be_v by_o reward_n and_o punishment_n that_o all_o lawgiver_n declare_v their_o will_n and_o pleasure_n concern_v those_o action_n which_o they_o command_v and_o sorbid_v and_o therefore_o since_o god_n in_o his_o providential_a government_n of_o the_o world_n have_v think_v good_a to_o link_v natural_a reward_n to_o such_o action_n and_o natural_a punishment_n to_o such_o these_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o great_a sanction_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n whereby_o he_o command_v what_o please_v and_o prohibit_n what_o displease_v he_o for_o when_o god_n have_v no_o otherwise_o reveal_v himself_o to_o the_o world_n than_o only_o by_o the_o establsht_a course_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o great_a bible_n by_o which_o alone_a mankind_n be_v instruct_v in_o their_o duty_n and_o there_o be_v no_o reveal_v threat_n or_o promise_v annex_v to_o good_a and_o bad_a action_n god_n will_v and_o pleasure_n concern_v they_o be_v visible_a only_o in_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a consequent_n which_o they_o draw_v after_o they_o which_o be_v so_o plain_a and_o obvious_a to_o the_o observation_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o will_v be_v the_o most_o inexcusable_a inadvertency_n not_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o so_o that_o the_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a of_o all_o action_n final_o resolve_v into_o the_o natural_a good_a and_o evil_a that_o be_v appendant_a to_o they_o and_o therefore_o be_v our_o action_n moral_o good_a because_o they_o be_v natural_o beneficial_a to_o we_o and_o therefore_o moral_o evil_a because_o they_o be_v natural_o prejudicial_a and_o hurtful_a and_o those_o which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a be_v indifferent_a in_o themselves_o and_o leave_v altogether_o undetermined_a by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o command_v and_o forbid_v nothing_o but_o under_o the_o sanction_n of_o those_o natural_a reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o in_o the_o course_n of_o thing_n be_v make_v necessary_a to_o humane_a action_n v._o to_o these_o natural_a reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o god_n have_v entail_v upon_o good_a and_o bad_a action_n he_o have_v think_v good_a many_o time_n to_o superadd_a supernatural_a blessing_n and_o judgement_n for_o though_o he_o have_v before_o sufficient_o express_v his_o will_n concern_v humane_a action_n in_o the_o great_a bible_n of_o nature_n and_o by_o their_o natural_a effect_n have_v plain_o enough_o distinguish_v the_o good_a from_o the_o bad_a yet_o consider_v what_o heedless_a and_o inobservant_a creature_n we_o be_v and_o how_o apt_a to_o overlook_v the_o ordinary_a consequent_n of_o our_o action_n he_o have_v not_o altogether_o abandon_v we_o to_o the_o easy_a instruction_n of_o nature_n but_o out_o of_o his_o superabundant_a care_n to_o show_v we_o what_o be_v good_a and_o lead_v we_o to_o our_o duty_n and_o happiness_n he_o have_v from_o time_n to_o time_n second_v the_o natural_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o our_o action_n with_o supernatural_a favour_n and_o judgement_n that_o so_o by_o these_o he_o may_v awake_v our_o drowsy_a attention_n and_o revive_v in_o we_o the_o languish_a sense_n of_o our_o duty_n of_o which_o we_o have_v infinite_a instance_n in_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o history_n either_o sacred_a or_o prosane_a that_o abound_v not_o with_o they_o several_a of_o which_o both_o blessing_n and_o judgement_n do_v as_o plain_o evince_v themselves_o to_o be_v intend_v by_o god_n for_o reward_n and_o punishment_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v attend_v with_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n proclaim_v the_o reason_n for_o which_o they_o be_v send_v for_o how_o many_o famous_a instance_n have_v of_o we_o miraculous_a deliverance_n of_o righteous_a person_n who_o by_o a_o invisible_a hand_n have_v be_v rescue_v from_o the_o great_a danger_n when_o in_o all_o outward_a appearance_n their_o condition_n be_v hopeless_a and_o desperate_a and_o of_o wonderful_a blessing_n that_o have_v happen_v to_o they_o not_o only_o without_o but_o contrary_a to_o all_o secondary_a cause_n of_o some_o that_o have_v be_v so_o eminent_o reward_v in_o kind_n as_o that_o the_o good_n which_o they_o receive_v be_v most_o visible_a signification_n of_o the_o good_n which_o they_o do_v of_o other_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o blessing_n which_o they_o have_v ask_v whilst_o they_o be_v pray_v for_o they_o and_o obtain_v they_o with_o such_o distinguish_a circumstance_n as_o plain_o signify_v they_o to_o be_v the_o answer_n and_o return_v of_o their_o devout_a address_n to_o heaven_n and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a how_o many_o notable_a example_n be_v there_o of_o such_o miraculous_a judgement_n inflict_v upon_o unrighteous_a person_n as_o have_v either_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o secondary_a cause_n or_o be_v cause_v by_o they_o contrary_a to_o their_o natural_a tendency_n of_o man_n that_o have_v be_v punish_v in_o the_o very_a act_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o sometime_o in_o the_o very_a part_n by_o which_o they_o have_v offend_v that_o have_v have_v the_o evil_a of_o their_o sin_n retaliate_v upon_o they_o in_o a_o correspondent_a evil_n of_o suffer_v and_o be_v strike_v with_o those_o very_a judgement_n which_o they_o have_v imprecate_v on_o themselves_o in_o the_o justification_n of_o a_o know_a falsehood_n all_o which_o supernatural_a judgement_n and_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v only_o his_o comment_n on_o the_o text_n of_o nature_n by_o which_o he_o far_o explain_v to_o we_o the_o mean_v of_o those_o natural_a reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o virtue_n and_o vice_n draw_v after_o they_o and_o show_v we_o what_o clear_a indication_n they_o be_v of_o his_o almighty_a pleasure_n and_o displeasure_n for_o when_o he_o reward_v man_n supernatural_o it_o be_v for_o those_o action_n that_o carry_v a_o natural_a reward_n with_o they_o and_o when_o he_o punish_v they_o supernatural_o it_o be_v for_o such_o action_n as_o do_v carry_v a_o natural_a punishment_n with_o they_o so_o that_o his_o supernatural_a reward_n and_o punishment_n do_v speak_v the_o same_o sense_n and_o language_n with_o his_o natural_a only_o they_o speak_v plain_a and_o loud_o to_o rouse_v and_o awake_v those_o stupid_a soul_n that_o be_v deaf_a to_o and_o regardless_o of_o the_o soft_a and_o still_a voice_n of_o natural_a reward_n and_o punishment_n thus_o when_o the_o old_a world_n by_o not_o attend_v to_o the_o natural_a consequent_n of_o their_o own_o action_n have_v almost_o extinguish_v their_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a god_n by_o a_o supernatural_a deluge_n in_o which_o he_o drown_v the_o wicked_a and_o preserve_v the_o righteous_a consign_v to_o all_o future_a generation_n a_o stand_a monument_n of_o his_o hatred_n of_o sin_n and_o love_n of_o righteousness_n that_o so_o by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o it_o he_o may_v keep_v man_n heedless_a mind_n more_o attentive_a to_o the_o natural_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o their_o action_n and_o when_o the_o remembrance_n of_o this_o be_v almost_o wear_v out_o and_o with_o it_o man_n natural_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n god_n by_o rain_v down_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n upon_o sodom_n and_o gomorra_n and_o rescue_v
nature_n we_o do_v in_o obey_v they_o take_v impression_n from_o he_o and_o stamp_v his_o bless_a nature_n on_o our_o own_o for_o all_o those_o virtuous_a disposition_n of_o mind_n which_o we_o acquire_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n be_v so_o many_o genuine_a signature_n of_o god_n take_v from_o the_o seal_n of_o his_o law_n and_o participation_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o so_o holiness_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o conformity_n of_o soul_n with_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o goodness_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o signature_n or_o impression_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n whereby_o we_o be_v seal_v unto_o the_o day_n of_o redemption_n eph._n 4.30_o and_o such_o as_o do_v righteousness_n be_v say_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n 1_o john_n 2.29_o which_o imply_v their_o derive_v from_o he_o who_o be_v their_o divine_a parent_n a_o divine_a and_o godlike_a nature_n even_o as_o child_n do_v their_o humane_a nature_n from_o their_o humane_a parent_n so_o that_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a goodness_n we_o receive_v from_o god_n the_o best_a thing_n he_o can_v bestow_v viz._n a_o divine_a and_o godlike_a nature_n and_o consequent_o by_o so_o do_v we_o render_v he_o the_o high_a honour_n and_o glory_n for_o since_o we_o can_v no_o otherwise_o honour_v he_o but_o by_o receive_v from_o he_o we_o doubtless_o do_v he_o the_o great_a honour_n when_o we_o receive_v himself_o by_o partake_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o great_a gift_n he_o can_v communicate_v to_o we_o herein_o say_v our_o saviour_n be_v my_o father_n glorify_v that_o you_o bear_v much_o fruit_n john_n 15.8_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v the_o aforenamed_a philosopher_n i._n e._n he_o only_o know_v how_o to_o honour_v god_n who_o presenr_n himself_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o he_o carve_v his_o own_o soul_n into_o a_o divine_a image_n and_o compose_v his_o mind_n into_o a_o temple_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o divine_a light_n and_o glory_n it_o be_v then_o therefore_o that_o we_o best_a honour_n god_n when_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o true_a godliness_n we_o conform_v our_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o he_o and_o derive_v into_o ourselves_o his_o nature_n and_o perfection_n and_o shall_v you_o erect_v to_o he_o a_o temple_n more_o magnificent_a than_o solomon_n and_o load_v its_o altar_n with_o hecatomb_n of_o sacrifice_n and_o make_v it_o perpetual_o ring_n with_o psalm_n and_o resound_a choir_n of_o halelujah_n it_o will_v not_o be_v comparable_o so_o great_a a_o honour_n to_o he_o as_o to_o convert_v your_o own_o soul_n into_o live_a temple_n and_o make_v they_o the_o habitation_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o perfection_n for_o he_o value_v no_o sacrifice_n like_o that_o of_o a_o obedient_a will_n delight_n in_o no_o choir_n like_o that_o of_o pure_a and_o heavenly_a affection_n nor_o have_v he_o in_o all_o his_o creation_n a_o ensign_n of_o honour_n so_o true_o worthy_a of_o he_o as_o that_o of_o a_o divine_a and_o godlike_a soul_n a_o soul_n that_o reflect_v his_o image_n and_o shine_v back_o his_o own_o glory_n upon_o he_o wherefore_o since_o it_o be_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a goodness_n that_o we_o receive_v god_n and_o copy_n his_o nature_n into_o our_o own_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n he_o shall_v make_v it_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n for_o how_o can_v it_o be_v otherwise_o expect_v but_o that_o he_o shall_v exact_v that_o chief_o of_o we_o which_o most_o conduce_v to_o his_o own_o glory_n since_o then_o nothing_o we_o can_v do_v can_v conduce_v to_o his_o glory_n but_o only_o our_o receive_a benefit_n from_o he_o and_o since_o no_o benefit_n we_o receive_v from_o he_o can_v so_o much_o conduce_v to_o it_o as_o our_o receive_a himself_o and_o since_o we_o can_v no_o otherwise_o receive_v himself_o but_o by_o practise_v that_o goodness_n which_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n we_o must_v hereby_o doubtless_o render_v he_o the_o great_a honour_n and_o glory_n ii_o god_n have_v make_v moral_a goodness_n the_o principal_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n because_o it_o be_v by_o this_o that_o we_o do_v most_o true_o imitate_v he_o for_o so_o you_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o wherever_o god_n be_v propose_v to_o we_o for_o a_o pattern_n of_o action_n it_o be_v by_o some_o act_n or_o other_o of_o morality_n that_o we_o be_v require_v to_o transcribe_v and_o imitate_v he_o so_o 1_o pet._n 1.16_o be_v you_o holy_a for_o i_o be_o holy_a and_o luke_n 6.36_o be_v you_o merciful_a as_o your_o father_n be_v merciful_a and_o mat._n 5.48_o be_v you_o perfect_a as_o your_o father_n in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a and_o indeed_o it_o be_v only_o in_o moral_a goodness_n that_o god_n can_v be_v the_o pattern_n of_o our_o imitation_n as_o for_o those_o perfection_n of_o he_o which_o for_o distinction-sake_n we_o call_v natural_a viz._n his_o omniscience_n and_o omnipresence_n omnipotence_n and_o eternity_n they_o be_v all_o beyond_o the_o sphere_n of_o our_o imitation_n and_o therefore_o be_v never_o propose_v to_o we_o as_o the_o copy_n of_o our_o action_n but_o as_o for_o his_o moral_a perfection_n viz._n his_o goodness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o purity_n and_o mercy_n they_o be_v the_o fundamental_a rule_n and_o standard_n of_o all_o moral_a action_n for_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v infinite_o good_a and_o righteous_a be_v the_o eternal_a fountain_n whence_o all_o the_o law_n of_o morality_n be_v derive_v and_o all_o those_o moral_a precept_n by_o which_o he_o govern_v his_o rational_a creation_n be_v only_o so_o many_o exemplification_n of_o the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n for_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n which_o comprehend_v all_o his_o moral_a perfection_n consist_v in_o that_o essential_a rectitude_n of_o nature_n whereby_o he_o always_o choose_v and_o act_n conformable_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o his_o own_o infallible_a reason_n and_o it_o be_v to_o this_o rectitude_n of_o choose_v and_o act_v that_o all_o his_o moral_a law_n do_v oblige_v we_o for_o moral_a law_n be_v only_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n prescribe_v we_o what_o to_o do_v and_o what_o to_o avoid_v so_o that_o in_o our_o compliance_n with_o they_o we_o follow_v the_o rule_n of_o god_n own_o will_n and_o action_n and_o thereby_o imitate_v the_o eternal_a rectitude_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o though_o in_o those_o different_a state_n and_o relation_n of_o god_n and_o creature_n right_a reason_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o oblige_v he_o and_o we_o to_o all_o the_o same_o particular_a choice_n and_o action_n yet_o it_o oblige_v we_o both_o to_o act_v reasonable_o in_o our_o respective_a state_n and_o relation_n it_o oblige_v god_n to_o act_v reasonable_o and_o as_o it_o become_v the_o state_n and_o relation_n of_o a_o god_n and_o creator_n and_o it_o oblige_v we_o to_o act_v reasonable_o and_o as_o it_o become_v the_o state_n and_o relation_n of_o man_n and_o creature_n and_o as_o for_o god_n he_o be_v invariable_o incline_v to_o do_v all_o that_o right_a reason_n oblige_v he_o to_o by_o the_o essential_a rectitude_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o herein_o consist_v all_o his_o moral_a perfection_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o immutable_a inclination_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o do_v whatever_o be_v just_a and_o good_a and_o reasonable_a so_o that_o while_o we_o live_v according_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n the_o eternal_a law_n of_o morality_n we_o trace_v and_o imitate_v the_o moral_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o in_o our_o place_n and_o station_n live_v at_o the_o same_o rate_n and_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n that_o he_o do_v in_o he_o we_o do_v what_o god_n himself_o will_v do_v if_o he_o be_v in_o our_o place_n and_o what_o the_o son_n of_o god_n do_v do_v when_o he_o be_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o difference_n between_o his_o life_n and_o we_o but_o what_o necessary_o arise_v out_o of_o our_o different_a state_n and_o relation_n since_o therefore_o moral_a goodness_n be_v a_o imitation_n of_o god_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o he_o so_o much_o prefer_v it_o before_o all_o other_o matter_n of_o duty_n for_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v suppose_v to_o love_v that_o above_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o true_a copy_n and_o image_n of_o those_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o he_o love_v himself_o above_o all_o for_o he_o love_v himself_o not_o mere_o because_o he_o be_v himself_o but_o because_o he_o be_v in_o all_o respect_v moral_o good_a and_o his_o will_n and_o power_n be_v perfect_o compliant_a with_o the_o infallible_a dictate_v of_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o hence_o arise_v his_o infinite_a complacency_n in_o himself_o that_o there_o be_v
nothing_o in_o he_o but_o what_o his_o own_o reason_n perfect_o approve_v no_o inclination_n in_o his_o will_n or_o nature_n but_o what_o be_v exact_o agreeable_a to_o the_o fair_a idea_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o since_o it_o be_v for_o his_o own_o goodness-sake_n that_o he_o love_v himself_o as_o he_o do_v we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o without_o he_o can_v be_v so_o dear_a to_o he_o as_o that_o in_o we_o which_o be_v the_o image_n of_o his_o goodness_n every_o like_a we_o say_v love_v its_o like_a and_o the_o righteous_a lord_n say_v the_o psalmist_n love_v righteousness_n psal._n 11.7_o i_o e._n be_v righteous_a himself_o he_o love_v righteousness_n in_o other_o by_o a_o invincible_a sympathy_n of_o nature_n his_o great_a heaven_n and_o delight_n be_v in_o his_o own_o most_o righteous_a nature_n and_o next_o to_o that_o in_o righteous_a soul_n that_o imitate_v and_o resemble_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d god_n have_v not_o a_o more_o grateful_a habitation_n upon_o earth_n than_o in_o a_o pure_a and_o virtuous_a mind_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v apollo_n that_o mimic_n of_o god_n by_o his_o pythian_a oracle_n i_o e._n i_o rejoice_v as_o much_o in_o pious_a soul_n as_o in_o my_o own_o heaven_n which_o be_v much_o what_o the_o same_o with_o that_o gracious_a declaration_n that_o god_n himself_o make_v by_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n 57.15_o thus_o say_v the_o high_a and_o lofty_a one_o that_o inhabit_v eternity_n who_o name_n be_v holy_a i_o dwell_v in_o the_o high_a and_o holy_a place_n with_o he_o also_o that_o be_v of_o a_o contrite_a and_o humble_a spirit_n to_o revive_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o humble_a and_o to_o revive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o contrite_a one_o since_o therefore_o moral_a duty_n be_v all_o but_o so_o many_o copy_n and_o exemplification_n of_o god_n nature_n this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o he_o shall_v prefer_v they_o before_o all_o the_o positives_n of_o religion_n iii_o god_n principal_o require_v moral_a goodness_n because_o it_o be_v by_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o that_o we_o advance_v to_o our_o own_o natural_a happiness_n for_o the_o natural_a happiness_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n consist_v in_o be_v entire_o govern_v by_o right_a reason_n i._n e._n in_o have_v our_o mind_n perfect_o inform_v what_o it_o be_v that_o right_a reason_n require_v of_o we_o and_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n reduce_v to_o a_o entire_a conformity_n thereunto_o and_o this_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o moral_a goodness_n which_o consist_v in_o behave_v ourselves_o towards_o god_n and_o ourselves_o and_o all_o the_o world_n as_o right_a reason_n advise_v or_o as_o it_o become_v rational_a creature_n place_v in_o our_o circumstance_n and_o relation_n and_o when_o by_o practise_v all_o that_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n which_o moral_a goodness_n imply_v we_o be_v perfect_o accomplish_v in_o our_o behaviour_n towards_o god_n ourselves_o and_o all_o the_o world_n so_o as_o to_o render_v to_o each_o without_o any_o reserve_v or_o reluctancy_n what_o be_v fit_a and_o due_a in_o the_o judgement_n of_o right_a reason_n we_o be_v arrive_v to_o the_o most_o happy_a state_n that_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n can_v aspire_v to_o it_o be_v true_a in_o this_o life_n we_o can_v be_v perfect_o happy_a and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o we_o live_v in_o wretched_a body_n that_o be_v continual_o liable_a to_o pain_n and_o sickness_n but_o also_o because_o we_o be_v imperfect_a ourselves_o and_o have_v none_o to_o converse_v with_o but_o imperfect_a creature_n but_o be_v we_o once_o strip_v of_o these_o natural_a and_o moral_a imperfection_n wheresoever_o we_o live_v we_o shall_v necessary_o be_v happy_a be_v i_o to_o live_v all_o alone_a without_o this_o painful_a body_n i_o shall_v necessary_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n happy_a while_o i_o follow_v right_a reason_n though_o i_o live_v in_o the_o dark_a nook_n of_o the_o creation_n for_o there_o i_o shall_v still_o contemplate_v god_n and_o while_o i_o do_v so_o my_o mind_n will_v be_v always_o ravish_v with_o his_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n there_o i_o shall_v most_o ardent_o love_v he_o and_o while_o i_o do_v so_o i_o shall_v sympathize_v and_o share_v with_o he_o in_o his_o happiness_n there_o i_o shall_v still_o adore_v and_o praise_v he_o and_o while_o i_o do_v so_o i_o shall_v feel_v myself_o continual_o draw_v up_o to_o he_o and_o wrap_v into_o a_o real_a enjoyment_n of_o he_o there_o i_o shall_v be_v imitate_v his_o perfection_n and_o while_o i_o do_v so_o i_o shall_v enjoy_v a_o unspeakable_a self-satisfaction_n perceive_v how_o every_o moment_n i_o grow_v a_o more_o divine_a and_o godlike_a creature_n there_o i_o shall_v entire_o resign_v up_o myself_o to_o his_o heavenly_a will_n and_o disposal_n and_o while_o i_o do_v so_o i_o shall_v be_v perpetual_o exult_v under_o a_o joyous_a assurance_n of_o his_o love_n and_o favour_n in_o a_o word_n there_o i_o shall_v firm_o depend_v upon_o his_o truth_n and_o goodness_n and_o while_o i_o do_v so_o i_o shall_v be_v always_o triumph_v in_o a_o sure_a and_o certain_a hope_n of_o a_o happy_a be_v for_o ever_o thus_o be_v i_o shut_v up_o all_o alone_a in_o a_o unbodied_a state_n and_o have_v none_o but_o god_n to_o converse_v with_o by_o behave_v myself_o towards_o he_o as_o right_a reason_n direct_v i_o i_o shall_v always_o enjoy_v he_o and_o in_o that_o enjoyment_n shall_v be_v always_o happy_a and_o if_o while_o i_o thus_o behave_v myself_o towards_o god_n i_o take_v care_n at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o demean_v myself_o towards_o myself_o with_o that_o exact_a prudence_n and_o temperance_n and_o fortitude_n and_o humility_n which_o right_a reason_n require_v i_o shall_v hereby_o create_v another_o heaven_n within_o i_o a_o heaven_n of_o calm_a thought_n quiet_a and_o uniform_a desire_n serene_a and_o placid_a affection_n which_o will_v be_v so_o many_o everflow_a spring_n of_o pleasure_n tranquillity_n and_o contentment_n within_o i_o but_o if_o while_o i_o thus_o enjoy_v god_n and_o myself_o by_o behave_v myself_o as_o right_a reason_n direct_v i_o may_v be_v admit_v to_o live_v and_o converse_v among_o perfect_a spirit_n and_o to_o demean_v myself_o towards_o they_o with_o that_o exact_a charity_n and_o justice_n and_o peaceableness_n and_o modesty_n which_o right_a reason_n require_v the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v not_o conceive_v a_o true_a pleasure_n beyond_o what_o i_o shall_v now_o enjoy_v for_o now_o i_o shall_v be_v possess_v of_o every_o thing_n my_o utmost_a wish_n can_v propose_v of_o a_o good_a god_n a_o godlike_a joyful_a and_o content_a soul_n a_o peaceable_a kind_a and_o righteous_a neighbourhood_n and_o so_o all_o above_o within_z and_o without_o i_o will_v be_v a_o pure_a and_o perfect_a heaven_n and_o indeed_o when_o i_o have_v throw_v off_o this_o body_n and_o be_o strip_v into_o a_o naked_a ghost_n the_o only_a or_o at_o least_o the_o great_a good_n my_o nature_n will_v be_v capable_a of_o enjoy_v be_v god_n myself_o and_o bless_a spirit_n and_o these_o be_v no_o otherwise_o injoyable_a but_o only_o by_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o good_a thing_n beyond_o the_o grave_a that_o a_o soul_n can_v taste_v or_o relish_v so_o that_o if_o when_o i_o go_v to_o seek_v my_o fortune_n in_o the_o world_n of_o spirit_n god_n shall_v thus_o bespeak_v i_o o_o man_n now_o thou_o be_v leave_v all_o these_o enjoyment_n of_o sense_n consult_v with_o thyself_o what_o will_v do_v thou_o good_a and_o thou_o shall_v have_v whatsoever_o thou_o will_v ask_v to_o carry_v with_o thou_o into_o that_o spiritual_a state_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o utmost_a i_o shall_v crave_v will_v be_v this_o lord_n give_v i_o a_o heart_n inflame_v with_o love_n and_o wing_a with_o duty_n to_o thou_o that_o thereby_o i_o may_v but_o enjoy_v thou_o give_v i_o a_o sober_a and_o a_o temperate_a mind_n that_o thereby_o i_o may_v but_o enjoy_v myself_o give_v i_o a_o kind_n a_o peaceable_a and_o a_o righteous_a temper_n that_o thereby_o i_o may_v but_o enjoy_v the_o sweet_a society_n of_o bless_a spirit_n o_o give_v i_o but_o these_o bless_a thing_n and_o thou_o have_v crown_v all_o my_o wish_n and_o to_o eternity_n i_o will_v never_o crave_v any_o other_o favour_n for_o myself_o but_o only_o this_o that_o i_o may_v continue_v a_o pious_a and_o a_o virtuous_a soul_n for_o ever_o for_o while_o i_o continue_v so_o i_o be_o sure_a i_o shall_v enjoy_v all_o spiritual_a good_a and_o be_v as_o happy_a as_o heaven_n can_v make_v i_o so_o that_o the_o main_a happiness_n you_o see_v of_o humane_a nature_n consist_v in_o the_o perfection_n of_o moral_a goodness_n and_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o good_a god_n who_o above_o all_o thing_n desire_v the_o
happiness_n of_o his_o creature_n shall_v above_o all_o thing_n exact_v of_o we_o the_o duty_n of_o morality_n he_o know_v that_o our_o supreme_a beatitude_n be_v found_v in_o our_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o that_o out_o of_o our_o free_a and_o constant_a sprightly_a and_o vivacious_a exercise_n of_o these_o arise_v all_o our_o heaven_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o and_o know_v this_o that_o tender_a love_n which_o he_o bear_v we_o that_o mighty_a concern_v which_o he_o have_v for_o our_o welfare_n make_v he_o thus_o urgent_a and_o importunate_a with_o we_o for_o he_o regard_v our_o duty_n no_o far_o than_o it_o tend_v to_o our_o good_a and_o value_v each_o act_n of_o our_o obedience_n by_o what_o it_o contribute_v to_o our_o happiness_n and_o it_o be_v therefore_o that_o he_o prefer_v moral_a duty_n above_o positive_a because_o they_o be_v more_o essential_a to_o our_o eternal_a welfare_n iu._n and_o last_o god_n principal_o require_v of_o we_o moral_a goodness_n because_o when_o all_o positive_a duty_n be_v cease_v this_o be_v to_o be_v the_o eternal_a work_n and_o exercise_n of_o our_o nature_n for_o moral_a good_a be_v from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a its_o birth_n be_v elder_a than_o the_o world_n and_o its_o life_n and_o duration_n run_v parallel_v with_o eternity_n before_o ever_o the_o mountain_n be_v bring_v forth_o it_o be_v found_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o as_o a_o inseparable_a beam_n of_o his_o all-comprehending_a reason_n it_o shine_v from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o other_o for_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o there_o be_v a_o rational_a creature_n in_o be_v the_o obligation_n of_o morality_n lay_v hold_v on_o he_o before_o ever_o any_o positive_a duty_n be_v impose_v and_o as_o long_o as_o ever_o there_o remain_v a_o rational_a creature_n the_o obligation_n of_o morality_n will_v abide_v on_o he_o when_o all_o positive_a duty_n be_v expire_v for_o moral_a obligation_n be_v not_o found_v like_o positive_a one_o upon_o mutable_a circumstance_n but_o upon_o firm_a and_o everlasting_a reason_n upon_o reason_n that_o to_o all_o eternity_n will_v carry_v with_o they_o the_o same_o force_n and_o necessity_n for_o as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v the_o creature_n of_o a_o infinite_o perfect_a creator_n it_o will_v be_v as_o much_o our_o duty_n as_o it_o be_v now_o to_o love_v and_o adore_v he_o as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v reasonable_a creature_n it_o will_v be_v as_o much_o our_o duty_n as_o it_o be_v now_o to_o submit_v our_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o our_o reason_n and_o as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v relate_v to_o other_o reasonable_a creature_n it_o will_v be_v as_o much_o our_o duty_n as_o it_o be_v now_o to_o be_v kind_a and_o just_a and_o peaceable_a in_o all_o our_o intercourse_n with_o they_o so_o that_o these_o be_v such_o duty_n as_o no_o will_n can_v dispense_v with_o no_o reason_n abrogate_v no_n circumstance_n disannul_v or_o make_v void_a but_o as_o long_o as_o god_n be_v what_o he_o be_v and_o we_o be_v what_o we_o be_v they_o must_v and_o will_v oblige_v we_o so_o that_o what_o the_o psalmist_n say_v of_o god_n may_v be_v true_o apply_v to_o moral_a goodness_n the_o heaven_n shall_v perish_v but_o thou_o shall_v remain_v they_o all_o shall_v wax_v old_a as_o do_v a_o garment_n and_o be_v fold_v up_o and_o change_v but_o thou_o be_v the_o same_o yesterday_o to_o day_n and_o for_o ever_o and_o thy_o year_n shall_v have_v no_o end_n but_o as_o long_o since_o the_o positive_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v cancel_v and_o repeal_v the_o veil_n of_o the_o temple_n rend_v in_o twain_o the_o temple_n itself_o bury_v in_o ruin_n and_o all_o its_o altar_n throw_v down_o and_o their_o sacrifice_n abolish_v whilst_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o that_o religion_n still_o stand_v firm_a as_o the_o everlasting_a mountain_n about_o jerusalem_n so_o the_o time_n will_v come_v whem_fw-mi the_o positive_a part_n of_o christianity_n itself_o must_v cease_v when_o faith_n must_v be_v swallow_v up_o in_o vision_n and_o sacrament_n be_v make_v void_a by_o perfection_n and_o all_o the_o state_v time_n and_o outward_a solemnity_n of_o our_o worship_n expire_v into_o a_o everlasting_a sabbath_n but_o then_o when_o all_o this_o scene_n of_o thing_n be_v quite_o vanish_v away_o piety_n and_o virtue_n will_v still_o keep_v the_o stage_n and_o be_v the_o everlasting_a exercise_n of_o our_o glorify_a nature_n for_o as_o i_o show_v before_o all_o positive_a duty_n be_v institute_v in_o subserviency_n to_o moral_n and_o like_o a_o scaffold_n to_o a_o house_n be_v only_o erect_v for_o the_o convenience_n of_o building_n up_o this_o everlasting_a structure_n of_o morality_n and_o when_o this_o be_v once_o finish_v must_v be_v all_o take_v down_o again_o as_o a_o unnecessary_a encumbrance_n that_o now_o only_o hide_v and_o obscure_v the_o beauty_n of_o that_o heavenly_a building_n that_o be_v raise_v on_o it_o and_o shall_v abide_v without_o it_o for_o ever_o to_o entertain_v our_o faculty_n through_o all_o the_o future_a age_n of_o our_o be_v and_o to_o be_v the_o everlasting_a mansion_n of_o our_o nature_n wherefore_o since_o positive_a duty_n must_v all_o cease_v and_o expire_v and_o only_o moral_a goodness_n be_v to_o be_v our_o business_n for_o ever_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o god_n who_o be_v so_o good_a a_o master_n take_v so_o much_o care_n in_o this_o short_a apprenticeship_n of_o our_o life_n to_o train_v we_o up_o in_o that_o which_o be_v to_o be_v our_o trade_n for_o ever_o he_o know_v it_o be_v upon_o piety_n and_o virtue_n that_o we_o must_v live_v to_o eternity_n and_o maintain_v ourselves_o in_o all_o our_o glory_n and_o happiness_n and_o that_o if_o when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o invisible_a world_n we_o have_v not_o this_o bless_a trade_n to_o subsist_v by_o we_o be_v undo_v for_o ever_o and_o therefore_o out_o of_o a_o tender_a regard_n to_o our_o welfare_n he_o make_v it_o his_o principal_a care_n to_o train_v we_o up_o in_o this_o everlasting_a business_n of_o our_o nature_n what_o then_o remain_v but_o that_o above_o all_o thing_n we_o take_v care_n to_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a goodness_n to_o contemplate_v and_o love_n and_o adore_v and_o imitate_v god_n to_o depend_v upon_o he_o and_o resign_v up_o ourselves_o to_o his_o disposal_n and_o government_n to_o be_v sober_a and_o temperate_a in_o our_o affection_n and_o appetite_n and_o just_a and_o charitable_a and_o modest_a and_o peaceable_a towards_o one_o another_o these_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n which_o god_n require_v at_o our_o hand_n and_o without_o these_o all_o our_o religion_n be_v a_o fulsome_a cheat._n it_o be_v true_a the_o positive_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v our_o duty_n as_o well_o as_o these_o and_o god_n by_o his_o sovereign_a authority_n exact_v they_o at_o our_o hand_n and_o unless_o when_o jesus_n christ_n have_v be_v sufficient_o propose_v to_o we_o we_o do_v sincere_o believe_v in_o he_o unless_o we_o strike_v covenant_n with_o he_o by_o baptism_n and_o frequent_o renew_v that_o covenant_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n unless_o we_o diligent_o attend_v on_o the_o public_a assembly_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o use_v a_o honest_a care_n to_o avoid_v schism_n and_o to_o persist_v in_o unity_n with_o his_o true_a catholic_n church_n there_o be_v no_o pretence_n of_o morality_n will_v bear_v we_o out_o when_o we_o appear_v before_o his_o dread_a tribunal_n but_o then_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o all_o these_o positive_a duty_n be_v to_o improve_v and_o perfect_v we_o in_o moral_a goodness_n and_o unless_o we_o use_v they_o to_o this_o effect_n we_o shall_v render_v they_o altogether_o void_a and_o insignificant_a wherefore_o as_o we_o will_v not_o lose_v all_o the_o fruit_n of_o our_o positive_a duty_n let_v we_o take_v care_n to_o extend_v they_o to_o their_o utmost_a design_n to_o improve_v our_o sacrifice_n to_o obedience_n our_o sacrament_n to_o gratitude_n and_o love_n our_o hear_v to_o practice_n our_o pray_v to_o devotion_n and_o our_o fast_n to_o humility_n and_o repentance_n for_o if_o we_o rest_v in_o these_o duty_n and_o go_v no_o far_o think_v by_o such_o short_a payment_n to_o compound_v with_o god_n for_o all_o those_o debt_n we_o owe_v to_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o morality_n we_o miserable_o cheat_v and_o befool_v our_o own_o soul_n which_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o exactness_n about_o the_o positives_n of_o religion_n be_v by_o their_o own_o immoral_a affection_n still_o enslave_v to_o the_o devil_n to_o who_o it_o be_v much_o one_o what_o our_o outward_a form_n of_o religion_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v christian_a or_o heathen_a or_o mahometan_a provide_v it_o do_v not_o operate_v on_o our_o mind_n or_o give_v any_o check_n to_o the_o current_n of_o our_o deprave_a nature_n
and_o to_o absent_a one_o self_n ordinary_o from_o the_o public_a assembly_n be_v hardly_o consistent_a with_o the_o reputation_n of_o be_v a_o christian._n by_o which_o mean_v their_o natural_a sense_n and_o dread_a of_o the_o divine_a power_n be_v continual_o awaken_v and_o revive_v they_o be_v not_o only_o secure_v by_o it_o from_o all_o atheistical_a impression_n but_o also_o animate_v and_o excite_v to_o a_o pious_a and_o sober_a conversation_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o schism_n prevail_v against_o the_o power_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n till_o it_o have_v uttter_o disable_v it_o from_o restrain_v the_o wantonness_n of_o that_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n some_o incorporate_v themselves_o into_o separate_a communion_n and_o other_o under_o pretence_n of_o so_o do_v withdraw_v from_o the_o public_a assembly_n to_o the_o common_a resort_n of_o idleness_n drunkenness_n and_o debauchery_n and_o whilst_o the_o master_n take_v the_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n to_o go_v to_o conventicle_n the_o servant_n pretend_v to_o be_v of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n assume_v the_o liberty_n of_o will_n to_o go_v to_o tavern_n and_o alehouse_n insomuch_o that_o it_o grow_v a_o common_a observation_n that_o there_o have_v be_v more_o young_a people_n debauch_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n than_o all_o the_o week_n after_o whilst_o under_o pretence_n of_o join_v with_o a_o different_a communion_n they_o have_v take_v occasion_n to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o inspection_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o master_n and_o till_o once_o our_o schism_n and_o division_n be_v cure_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o prevent_v this_o ill_a practice_n unless_o we_o will_v be_v so_o unjust_a as_o to_o deny_v that_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n to_o our_o servant_n which_o with_o so_o much_o clamour_n and_o confidence_n we_o demand_v of_o our_o governor_n and_o thus_o by_o degree_n profaneness_n have_v insinuate_v itself_o under_o the_o covert_a of_o schism_n and_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n become_v a_o common_a sanctuary_n for_o the_o licentious_a neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n worship_n till_o at_o last_o it_o grow_v so_o common_a and_o fashionable_a that_o it_o almost_o cease_v to_o be_v scandalous_a yea_o so_o far_o at_o length_n have_v this_o impious_a humour_n prevail_v that_o to_o go_v to_o church_n and_o be_v devout_a be_v among_o too_o many_o man_n grow_v a_o note_n of_o disgrace_n and_o the_o character_n of_o a_o priestridden_a fool_n and_o a_o man_n be_v hardly_o look_v upon_o as_o fit_v for_o genteel_a conversation_n that_o know_v any_o other_o use_n of_o a_o holiday_n but_o only_o to_o be_v at_o leisure_n to_o lie_v abed_o or_o to_o game_n or_o drink_n and_o debauch_v by_o which_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o natural_a sense_n of_o he_o which_o shall_v have_v be_v quicken_v and_o cherish_v by_o it_o have_v be_v gradual_o wear_v out_o of_o man_n mind_n the_o consequence_n of_o which_o be_v all_o that_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n that_o overspread_v this_o present_a age._n for_o when_o once_o man_n have_v renounce_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o in_o consequence_n be_v abandon_v of_o their_o natural_a sense_n of_o his_o majesty_n they_o be_v upon_o the_o brink_n of_o atheism_n into_o which_o their_o own_o vile_a lust_n who_o interest_n it_o be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n will_v easy_o precipitate_v they_o but_o alas_o how_o ridiculous_a as_o well_o as_o impious_a be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o take_v occasion_n from_o their_o own_o neglect_n of_o god_n worship_n to_o renounce_v the_o belief_n of_o his_o be_v what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o tail_n one_o folly_n to_o another_o and_o to_o second_o extravagance_n with_o madness_n it_o will_v make_v one_o amaze_v to_o think_v that_o ever_o reasonable_a being_n shall_v be_v so_o besot_v as_o to_o live_v in_o a_o world_n over_o which_o a_o almighty_a be_v preside_v who_o see_v all_o their_o action_n and_o in_o who_o hand_n all_o event_n be_v which_o concen_v they_o and_o even_o the_o everlasting_a fate_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o yet_o take_v no_o more_o notice_n of_o he_o pay_v no_o more_o respect_n or_o veneration_n to_o he_o than_o if_o he_o be_v the_o mere_a trifle_n or_o most_o insignificant_a cypher_n in_o the_o whole_a creation_n but_o sure_o when_o man_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o black_a and_o horrid_a impiety_n one_o will_v think_v their_o wise_a course_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v shall_v be_v to_o repent_v of_o it_o and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o compensate_a for_o their_o past_a profaneness_n by_o the_o strictness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o their_o future_a devotion_n but_o for_o man_n to_o proceed_v from_o neglect_v god_n worship_n to_o deny_v his_o be_v be_v to_o do_v worse_a because_o they_o have_v do_v ill_o and_o thereby_o to_o inflame_v the_o provocation_n as_o if_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o render_v their_o condition_n desperate_a because_o they_o have_v be_v so_o foolhardy_a as_o to_o render_v it_o dangerous_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o atheism_n which_o you_o see_v be_v all_o derive_v from_o man_n will_n and_o not_o from_o their_o reason_n for_o this_o i_o do_v most_o firm_o believe_v that_o the_o argument_n of_o god_n existence_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o convince_a that_o no_o man_n ever_o be_v or_o can_v be_v a_o atheist_n without_o some_o inexcusable_a fault_n in_o his_o will._n sect_n ii_o of_o the_o inexcusable_a folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n the_o next_o thing_n i_o propose_v be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v this_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n viz._n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n by_o represent_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n in_o discourse_v which_o i_o shall_v meddle_v no_o more_o than_o needs_o must_v with_o the_o proof_n and_o argument_n of_o a_o deity_n because_o as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o argument_n that_o man_n turn_v atheist_n but_o for_o want_v of_o consideration_n and_o a_o honest_a will_n and_o that_o the_o bias_n that_o carry_v they_o towards_o infidelity_n be_v not_o in_o their_o understand_n but_o in_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n that_o it_o be_v only_o their_o partiality_n to_o their_o lust_n that_o incline_v they_o to_o atheism_n and_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n be_v because_o they_o wish_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o there_o be_v none_o to_o establish_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o man_n be_v partial_a on_o the_o side_n of_o atheism_n suppose_v it_o be_v disputable_a whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o no_o and_o this_o will_v evident_o appear_v in_o the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o the_o atheist_n conclude_v against_o the_o dignity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o render_v it_o not_o only_o mean_v but_o ridiculous_a 2._o he_o conclude_v against_o the_o very_a be_v and_o wellbeing_a of_o humane_a society_n 3._o he_o conclude_v against_o that_o which_o be_v the_o main_a support_n and_o comfort_n of_o humane_a life_n 4._o he_o conclude_v for_o that_o side_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v infinite_o the_o most_o unsafe_a and_o hazardous_a 5._o he_o conclude_v for_o the_o unsafe_v side_n of_o the_o question_n upon_o the_o high_a uncertainty_n 6._o he_o plain_o contradict_v himself_o in_o his_o conclusion_n i._o the_o atheist_n conclude_v against_o the_o dignity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o thereby_o render_v it_o not_o only_o mean_v but_o ridiculous_a for_o the_o chief_a worth_n and_o dignity_n of_o humane_a nature_n consist_v in_o its_o relation_n to_o god_n without_o who_o its_o noble_a and_o most_o excellent_a faculty_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n useless_a and_o insignificant_a for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n the_o object_n of_o our_o five_o sense_n be_v the_o sole_a entertainment_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o will_n and_o we_o have_v no_o other_o use_n of_o these_o mighty_a faculty_n which_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o infinite_a truth_n and_o goodness_n be_v natural_o capable_a of_o enjoy_v they_o but_o only_a to_o consult_v and_o choose_v the_o gratification_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o perish_a body_n for_o except_v god_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o nature_n as_o a_o spiritual_a enjoyment_n no_o good_a to_o be_v find_v but_o what_o be_v prepare_v to_o entertain_v the_o boundless_a liquorishness_n of_o our_o carnal_a appetite_n and_o have_v we_o none_o but_o such_o as_o these_o to_o consult_v for_o our_o reason_n which_o be_v the_o crown_n and_o glory_n of_o our_o nature_n will_v have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o cater_n for_o our_o flesh_n and_o we_o shall_v
have_v a_o understanding_n and_o will_n to_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o play_v the_o brute_n with_o more_o skill_n and_o sagacity_n and_o indeed_o set_v god_n aside_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o brute_n by_o be_v rational_a that_o we_o be_v rather_o so_o much_o the_o more_o wretched_a and_o despicable_a than_o they_o for_o as_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n which_o whole_o consist_v of_o sensual_a good_a the_o sense_n and_o appetite_n we_o have_v in_o common_a with_o the_o beast_n that_o perish_v be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o and_o with_o these_o we_o may_v relish_v it_o as_o well_o without_o our_o reason_n as_o with_o it_o we_o may_v eat_v and_o drink_v and_o sleep_n and_o enjoy_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o brute_n with_o as_o much_o gust_n and_o savour_n as_o we_o do_v now_o with_o our_o reason_n for_o if_o we_o be_v brute_n we_o shall_v do_v as_o brute_n do_v we_o shall_v weary_v ourselves_o no_o long_o with_o vain_a pursuit_n nor_o vex_v ourselves_o with_o fruitless_a expectation_n nor_o torment_v ourselves_o with_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o disappointment_n but_o even_o take_v our_o pleasure_n when_o our_o appetite_n crave_v they_o and_o they_o free_o offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o enjoyment_n and_o though_o our_o reason_n do_v sometime_o cook_n the_o enjoyment_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o give_v they_o a_o high_a relish_n and_o and_o luxury_n yet_o this_o advantage_n be_v very_o much_o outweigh_v by_o the_o many_o regret_v and_o remorse_n and_o sting_a reflection_n it_o intermingle_v with_o our_o pleasure_n so_o that_o have_v we_o only_o the_o faculty_n of_o brute_n i_o be_o very_o persuade_v we_o shall_v more_o sincere_o enjoy_v the_o happiness_n of_o the_o brutal_a nature_n but_o to_o be_v sure_a we_o shall_v bear_v our_o misery_n with_o much_o more_o ease_n and_o cheerfulness_n for_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o god_n our_o reason_n can_v afford_v we_o no_o solid_a support_n under_o any_o calamity_n the_o main_a argument_n of_o comfort_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v by_o and_o by_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n which_o be_v take_v away_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o we_o shall_v bear_v our_o misery_n without_o our_o reason_n much_o better_a than_o with_o it_o for_o than_o we_o shall_v neither_o be_v terrify_v at_o the_o approach_n of_o they_o nor_o torment_v with_o despair_n under_o they_o then_o we_o shall_v neither_o multiply_v they_o with_o false_a opinion_n nor_o enrage_v they_o with_o bitter_a reflection_n on_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o but_o whenever_o they_o happen_v bear_v they_o as_o beast_n do_v without_o any_o other_o pain_n or_o uneasiness_n than_o what_o they_o necessary_o impress_v on_o our_o sense_n which_o will_v render_v they_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o tolerable_a to_o we_o than_o all_o our_o argument_n can_v do_v suppose_v we_o have_v no_o god_n nor_o providence_n to_o argue_v from_o so_o that_o be_v that_o true_a which_o the_o atheist_n conclude_v for_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o reason_n in_o a_o man_n serve_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o render_v he_o more_o wretched_a and_o despicable_a if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n indeed_o our_o rational_a faculty_n be_v of_o excellent_a use_n as_o have_v a_o object_n commensurate_a to_o their_o wide_a capacity_n and_o every_o way_n fit_a and_o worthy_a to_o employ_v and_o exercise_v they_o a_o infinite_a truth_n for_o our_o understanding_n to_o dive_v into_o and_o a_o infinite_a good_a for_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o pursue_v and_o embrace_v but_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v enjoy_v by_o we_o but_o what_o be_v carnal_a and_o sensual_a our_o reason_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v our_o ornament_n and_o perfection_n that_o it_o be_v the_o plague_n and_o disgrace_n of_o our_o nature_n for_o for_o any_o nature_n to_o have_v more_o faculty_n than_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o its_o happiness_n be_v monstrous_a and_o therefore_o have_v we_o nothing_o to_o enjoy_v but_o the_o happiness_n of_o brute_n it_o will_v be_v a_o deformity_n to_o our_o nature_n to_o have_v the_o faculty_n of_o angel_n because_o these_o faculty_n will_v be_v in_o vain_a there_o be_v no_o adequate_a object_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n to_o employ_v and_o entertain_v they_o so_o that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o atheist_n true_a it_o will_v cashier_v our_o reason_n for_o a_o vain_a and_o useless_a faculty_n a_o thing_n that_o serve_v our_o nature_n to_o little_a other_o purpose_n but_o only_o to_o vex_v and_o disquiet_v it_o and_o what_o man_n that_o have_v any_o regard_n or_o reverence_n for_o himself_o will_v ever_o be_v fond_a of_o a_o belief_n that_o thus_o sink_v and_o depreciate_n he_o and_o lay_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o nature_n in_o the_o dust_n for_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o man_n be_v a_o most_o despicable_a creature_n that_o his_o reason_n upon_o which_o he_o so_o much_o value_v himself_o be_v a_o frivolous_a and_o impertinent_a faculty_n a_o faculty_n that_o can_v serve_v he_o to_o no_o high_a purpose_n than_o only_o to_o be_v a_o cook_n and_o a_o tailor_n to_o his_o body_n to_o study_v sauce_n and_o fashion_n for_o it_o and_o that_o while_o it_o serve_v he_o in_o this_o disserve_v he_o in_o a_o thousand_o other_o instance_n in_o mingle_v his_o pleasure_n with_o gall_n and_o wormwood_n with_o fear_n and_o impatience_n anxiety_n and_o remorse_n and_o in_o aggravate_v and_o put_v sting_n into_o his_o grief_n and_o calamity_n so_o that_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o make_v it_o worth_a the_o while_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v reasonable_a be_v that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v of_o infifinite_a perfection_n to_o be_v know_v and_o love_v and_o imitate_v and_o adore_v by_o he_o and_o to_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o this_o bless_a be_v be_v infinite_o to_o undervalue_v ourselves_o and_o to_o eclipse_v the_o glory_n and_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n so_o that_o by_o be_v partial_a to_o atheism_n we_o be_v partial_a to_o our_o own_o shame_n and_o disgrace_n and_o industrious_o consult_v the_o reproach_n and_o infamy_n of_o humane_a nature_n for_o the_o devil_n himself_o can_v affix_v a_o black_a scandal_n on_o our_o reason_n than_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o this_o assertion_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o as_o it_o lay_v the_o great_a reproach_n upon_o our_o nature_n so_o it_o also_o render_v we_o the_o most_o ridiculous_a of_o all_o being_n for_o there_o be_v certain_a affection_n interweave_v with_o humane_a nature_n which_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n be_v shameful_o ridiculous_a such_o as_o the_o dread_a of_o invisible_a power_n the_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o the_o anxious_a expectation_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v all_o which_o be_v so_o deep_o inlay_v in_o our_o being_n as_o that_o with_o all_o our_o art_n and_o reason_v we_o can_v total_o erase_v they_o and_o even_o the_o atheist_n themselves_o who_o have_v try_v all_o possible_a way_n of_o extinguish_v they_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o utmost_a they_o can_v do_v be_v to_o damp_n and_o stupefy_v they_o at_o present_a but_o that_o in_o despite_n of_o they_o they_o will_v revive_v and_o awake_v again_o when_o death_n or_o danger_n approach_v they_o now_o how_o ridiculous_a be_v these_o affection_n in_o humane_a nature_n if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o be_v as_o a_o god_n for_o upon_o this_o supposal_n we_o have_v passion_n that_o have_v no_o object_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o have_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n to_o move_v and_o affect_v they_o but_o wild_a chimaera_n fly_v dragon_n and_o castle_n in_o the_o air_n and_o whereas_o all_o other_o being_n have_v real_a object_n in_o nature_n correspond_v to_o their_o several_a instinct_n and_o affection_n for_o so_o the_o hare_n have_v a_o natural_a dread_n of_o a_o dog_n the_o sheep_n of_o a_o wolf_n the_o mouse_n of_o a_o cat_n the_o toad_n of_o a_o spider_n all_o the_o object_n of_o which_o dread_n have_v a_o real_a existence_n poor_a silly_a man_n suppose_v there_o be_v no_o god_n natural_o tremble_v at_o a_o invisible_a nothing_o and_o be_v horrible_o afraid_a of_o the_o shadow_n of_o a_o imagination_n so_o that_o if_o the_o atheist_n opinion_n be_v true_a the_o ape_n that_o look_v pale_a at_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o snail_n and_o fly_v as_o if_o he_o fear_v lest_o that_o slow_a creature_n shall_v overtake_v and_o devour_v he_o will_v be_v a_o great_a deal_n less_o ridiculous_a than_o timorous_a man_n who_o nature_n be_v thus_o hag_v with_o frightful_a imagination_n of_o invisible_a power_n and_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o what_o man_n
that_o have_v any_o reverence_n for_o the_o humane_a nature_n within_o he_o will_v ever_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v bribe_v for_o a_o opinion_n that_o do_v not_o only_o undervalue_v but_o deride_v and_o ridicule_n it_o shall_v you_o hear_v yourself_o brand_v with_o a_o contemptible_a character_n or_o rank_v among_o ape_n or_o any_o such_o ridiculous_a animal_n you_o will_v doubtless_o be_v so_o far_o from_o court_v the_o author_n of_o it_o that_o you_o will_v resent_v it_o as_o a_o great_a affront_n and_o think_v yourselves_o oblige_v in_o honour_n to_o return_v the_o provocation_n and_o yet_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o few_o base_a lust_n which_o be_v the_o shame_n and_o scandal_n of_o your_o nature_n you_o espouse_v the_o cause_n of_o atheism_n though_o it_o deride_v and_o affront_v you_o to_o your_o face_n and_o stain_v the_o glory_n of_o your_o nature_n with_o the_o most_o contemptible_a and_o ridiculous_a character_n in_o the_o world_n ii_o the_o atheist_n conclude_v against_o the_o very_a be_v and_o wellbeing_a of_o humane_a society_n for_o the_o soul_n that_o penetrate_v through_o all_o humane_a society_n and_o compact_n and_o unite_v it_o in_o a_o regular_a body_n be_v religion_n or_o the_o sense_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n without_o which_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o corporation_n of_o mankind_n like_o the_o member_n of_o a_o dead_a body_n must_v necessary_o disband_v and_o fly_v abroad_o into_o atom_n for_o a_o form_a society_n which_o be_v a_o unite_a multitude_n consist_v in_o the_o harmony_n and_o consent_n of_o its_o member_n mutual_o unite_v by_o law_n and_o agreement_n and_o dispose_v into_o a_o regular_a subordination_n to_o one_o another_o neither_o of_o which_o can_v any_o humane_a society_n long_o continue_v without_o the_o belief_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o god_n for_o without_o this_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o part_n of_o any_o society_n shall_v continue_v unite_v by_o 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issue_n there_o remain_v no_o foundation_n of_o trust_n and_o mutual_a confidence_n among_o men._n for_o what_o can_v any_o man_n promise_n signify_v if_o he_o be_v under_o no_o obligation_n but_o interest_n to_o be_v sure_a if_o it_o be_v for_o his_o interest_n he_o will_v do_v what_o he_o say_v without_o any_o promise_n but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o what_o promise_n can_v oblige_v he_o you_o will_v say_v it_o be_v his_o interest_n to_o keep_v his_o word_n because_o otherwise_o he_o will_v forfeit_v his_o reputation_n for_o the_o future_a but_o pray_v what_o reputation_n can_v a_o man_n have_v to_o forfeit_v that_o own_v no_o other_o law_n or_o obligation_n but_o his_o interest_n or_o who_o will_v ever_o presume_v upon_o that_o man_n word_n and_o engagement_n who_o avow_a principle_n it_o be_v to_o be_v honest_a no_o long_o than_o he_o can_v gain_v by_o it_o thus_o atheism_n you_o see_v resolve_v all_o our_o obligation_n into_o our_o worldly_a interest_n which_o be_v so_o fickle_a and_o mutable_a a_o principle_n so_o dependent_a upon_o chance_n and_o the_o inconstancy_n of_o fortune_n that_o there_o be_v no_o hold_n to_o be_v take_v of_o those_o that_o be_v govern_v by_o it_o for_o that_o which_o be_v their_o interest_n to_o day_n may_v be_v their_o disadvantage_n to_o morrow_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v so_o happen_v they_o must_v steer_v a_o contrary_a course_n or_o else_o act_v contrary_a to_o their_o lead_a principle_n so_o that_o for_o man_n to_o trust_v each_o other_o upon_o this_o fickle_a principle_n be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o rely_v upon_o the_o constancy_n of_o a_o weathercock_n which_o every_o contrary_a wind_n turn_v to_o a_o contrary_a position_n and_o thing_n be_v once_o reduce_v to_o this_o issue_n that_o man_n can_v place_v no_o trust_n or_o confidence_n in_o one_o another_o their_o society_n will_v soon_o become_v their_o great_a plague_n and_o vexation_n for_o every_o man_n will_v be_v force_v to_o stand_v upon_o his_o guard_n against_o every_o man_n and_o keep_v himself_o reserve_v and_o retire_v within_o himself_o till_o at_o last_o out_o of_o mutual_a distrust_n and_o jealousy_n of_o one_o another_o they_o be_v force_v to_o withdraw_v their_o society_n and_o to_o live_v apart_o in_o separate_a den_n for_o fear_n of_o be_v entrap_v and_o devour_v by_o each_o other_o and_o as_o atheism_n cut_v in_o sunder_o those_o ligament_n of_o mutual_a trust_n and_o agreement_n by_o which_o the_o part_n of_o humane_a society_n be_v unite_v so_o it_o also_o dissolve_v that_o regular_a subordination_n that_o be_v between_o they_o plutarch_n observe_v in_o his_o treatise_n against_o colot_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n it_o seem_v to_o i_o more_o possible_a for_o a_o city_n to_o stand_v without_o ground_n than_o for_o a_o commonwealth_n to_o subsist_v and_o continue_v without_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d only_o firm_a foundation_n whereupon_o 〈…〉_z and_o society_n depend_v for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n what_o shall_v oblige_v any_o to_o own_o any_o superior_a or_o pay_v any_o submission_n and_o if_o his_o interest_n be_v his_o only_a obligation_n to_o his_o superior_n when_o ever_o he_o can_v mend_v his_o fortune_n by_o rebel_a against_o they_o that_o very_o same_o interest_n which_o at_o present_a restrain_v he_o from_o it_o will_v with_o equal_a force_n invite_v he_o to_o it_o nor_o will_v it_o signify_v any_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o the_o contrary_a by_o oath_n of_o fidelity_n and_o allegiance_n for_o if_o it_o be_v our_o interest_n to_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o government_n our_o own_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n will_v oblige_v we_o to_o it_o without_o such_o oath_n as_o well_o as_o with_o they_o but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o our_o interest_n and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a principle_n that_o oblige_v we_o no_o oath_n or_o engagement_n can_v hold_v we_o so_o that_o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n all_o the_o security_n that_o governor_n can_v have_v of_o their_o subject_n be_v that_o they_o will_v not_o rebel_v when_o they_o be_v not_o able_a but_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o think_v it_o safe_a to_o be_v sure_a they_o will_v think_v it_o lawful_a which_o be_v once_o admit_v will_v undermine_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o government_n and_o utter_o dissolve_v that_o regular_a subordination_n by_o which_o humane_a society_n be_v support_v whereas_o admit_v that_o the_o law_n of_o our_o prince_n be_v bind_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o sovereign_a lord_n who_o can_v render_v we_o eternal_o happy_a or_o miserable_a we_o be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v he_o by_o all_o that_o we_o can_v hope_v or_o fear_n and_o have_v all_o the_o engagement_n to_o loyalty_n that_o the_o reflection_n on_o a_o happy_a or_o miserable_a eternity_n can_v lay_v upon_o we_o what_o a_o prodigious_a piece_n of_o folly_n be_v it_o therefore_o for_o man_n to_o embrace_v atheism_n as_o their_o interest_n which_o do_v thus_o direct_o tend_v to_o deprive_v we_o of_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o society_n by_o involve_v we_o in_o eternal_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n for_o if_o once_o we_o take_v away_o mutual_a trust_n and_o government_n from_o the_o world_n both_o which_o have_v a_o necessary_a dependence_n on_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n we_o break_v all_o the_o harmony_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o convert_v it_o into_o a_o commonwealth_n of_o cannibal_n and_o what_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n will_v ever_o be_v find_v of_o a_o opinion_n that_o proclaim_v open_a war_n with_o mankind_n and_o be_v pregnant_a with_o consequent_n so_o fatal_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o world_n can_v we_o think_v it_o more_o advantageous_a to_o we_o that_o atheism_n shall_v be_v true_a than_o that_o humane_a society_n shall_v be_v uphold_v and_o perpetuate_v or_o be_v the_o pleasure_n we_o reap_v from_o the_o lust_n which_o incline_v we_o to_o atheism_n comparable_o
so_o valuable_a as_o the_o benefit_n which_o accrue_v to_o we_o from_o be_v form_v and_o unite_v into_o regular_a corporation_n if_o not_o how_o apparent_o do_v we_o engage_v against_o our_o own_o interest_n when_o we_o espouse_v the_o cause_n of_o irreligion_n iii_o the_o atheist_n conclude_v against_o that_o which_o be_v the_o main_a support_n and_o comfort_n of_o humane_a life_n for_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n our_o best_a and_o secure_a condition_n be_v expose_v to_o a_o world_n of_o sad_a and_o uncomfortable_a accident_n which_o we_o have_v neither_o the_o wisdom_n to_o foresee_v nor_o the_o power_n to_o prevent_v so_o far_o be_v we_o from_o be_v self-sufficient_a as_o to_o our_o worldly_a happiness_n that_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o cause_n upon_o which_o we_o depend_v for_o it_o that_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o dispose_v of_o and_o in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o uncertainty_n wherein_o we_o be_v continal_o bandy_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o make_v the_o game_n of_o inconstant_a fortune_n what_o quiet_a or_o security_n can_v we_o enjoy_v within_o ourselves_o without_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n at_o the_o helm_n that_o steady_o overrule_v all_o event_n that_o concern_v we_o and_o steer_v and_o direct_v they_o by_o the_o invariable_a compass_n of_o his_o own_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n for_o consider_v how_o poor_a and_o indigent_a our_o nature_n be_v how_o we_o be_v fain_o to_o seek_v abroad_o and_o to_o go_v a_o beg_n from_o door_n to_o door_n for_o our_o happiness_n how_o we_o depend_v upon_o chance_n and_o be_v secure_a of_o nothing_o we_o possess_v or_o desire_v or_o hope_v for_o how_o prone_a we_o be_v to_o be_v alarm_v with_o the_o prospect_n of_o a_o sad_a futurity_n and_o to_o magnify_v distant_a evil_n in_o our_o own_o aprehension_n how_o apt_a we_o be_v to_o aggravate_v our_o misery_n by_o our_o impatience_n and_o despair_n and_o to_o pall_v our_o enjoyment_n by_o expect_v more_o from_o they_o than_o their_o nature_n will_v afford_v consider_v these_o thing_n i_o say_v which_o way_n can_v we_o turn_v ourselves_o without_o a_o god_n or_o where_o can_v we_o repose_v our_o restless_a thought_n but_o in_o his_o providence_n very_o can_v i_o be_v tempt_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n i_o shall_v look_v upon_o humane_a nature_n in_o its_o present_a circumstance_n as_o the_o most_o forlorn_a and_o abandon_v part_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o wish_v that_o i_o have_v have_v the_o luck_n to_o be_v of_o any_o other_o species_n than_o that_o of_o a_o rational_a animal_n for_o in_o the_o state_n i_o be_o i_o find_v myself_o liable_a to_o a_o thousand_o danger_n against_o which_o i_o have_v no_o sanctuary_n and_o under_o which_o i_o have_v no_o support_n if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n to_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o have_v such_o a_o dismal_a prospect_n of_o thing_n before_o i_o and_o a_o busy_a mind_n within_o i_o that_o will_v be_v continual_o work_v on_o and_o aggravate_v the_o evil_n of_o it_o what_o can_v i_o do_v with_o myself_o or_o how_o can_v i_o enjoy_v myself_o without_o a_o god_n to_o rely_v on_o upon_o the_o supposal_n that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n i_o can_v easy_o relieve_v myself_o under_o the_o most_o dismal_a apprehension_n i_o can_v fair_o conclude_v and_o safe_o depend_v on_o it_o that_o if_o i_o take_v care_n by_o my_o submission_n to_o god_n will_v to_o make_v he_o my_o friend_n he_o will_v either_o prevent_v the_o evil_n i_o apprehend_v or_o support_v i_o under_o they_o or_o convert_v they_o to_o my_o good_a either_o of_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o set_v my_o heart_n at_o ease_n and_o instate_v i_o in_o a_o quiet_a enjoyment_n of_o myself_o but_o now_o by_o give_v up_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n i_o throw_v away_o all_o these_o consideration_n and_o leave_v myself_o utter_o destitute_a and_o supportless_a for_o what_o solid_a ground_n of_o support_n can_v i_o have_v when_o i_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o security_n either_o that_o the_o evil_n i_o dread_n shall_v be_v prevent_v or_o that_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o proportionable_a strength_n to_o bear_v they_o or_o that_o i_o shall_v ever_o reap_v any_o good_a or_o advantage_n from_o they_o without_o which_o consideration_n every_o evil_a that_o threaten_v or_o befall_v i_o be_v pure_a unmingled_a misery_n against_o which_o there_o be_v no_o fence_n or_o cordial_n in_o reason_n or_o philosophy_n for_o suppose_v i_o shall_v argue_v with_o the_o ancient_a moralist_n that_o every_o ill_a accident_n that_o befall_v i_o be_v fatal_a as_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o some_o necessary_a cause_n that_o be_v without_o my_o power_n or_o disposal_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a for_o i_o to_o grieve_v at_o it_o this_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o any_o way_n mollify_a the_o anguish_n of_o my_o mind_n that_o it_o will_v rather_o enrage_v and_o inflame_v it_o for_o that_o my_o calamity_n be_v fatal_a so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o my_o power_n to_o avoid_v or_o remove_v it_o be_v rather_o a_o aggravation_n than_o a_o diminution_n of_o it_o or_o suppose_v i_o shall_v reason_v as_o the_o same_o moralist_n otherwhiles_o do_v why_o shall_v i_o grieve_v at_o the_o evil_n that_o befall_v i_o when_o alas_o my_o grief_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o lessen_v they_o that_o it_o will_v rather_o increase_v and_o multiply_v they_o contribute_v new_a venom_n to_o their_o sting_n and_o render_v they_o more_o pungent_a and_o dolorous_a what_o a_o faint_a cordial_n will_v it_o be_v to_o my_o oppress_a mind_n to_o consider_v that_o my_o grief_n will_v but_o augment_v my_o load_n it_o be_v some_o ease_n to_o a_o deject_a soul_n to_o vent_v its_o grief_n in_o moan_n and_o lamentation_n which_o while_o she_o seek_v to_o smother_v in_o a_o sullen_a silence_n like_o imprison_a wind_n will_v breed_v a_o colic_n in_o her_o bowel_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o sad_a thing_n that_o i_o must_v deny_v myself_o the_o only_a solace_n of_o a_o miserable_a man_n for_o fear_v of_o augment_v my_o misery_n again_o suppose_v i_o shall_v reason_v thus_o with_o the_o same_o author_n that_o affliction_n be_v indifferent_a thing_n and_o in_o themselves_o neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a but_o indifferent_o improvable_a into_o mischief_n or_o benefit_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o good_a argument_n suppose_v that_o the_o affliction_n come_v from_o a_o good_a god_n who_o can_v extract_v good_a out_o of_o all_o our_o evil_n and_o render_v the_o rank_a poison_n medicinal_a but_o otherwise_o you_o will_v find_v it_o be_v but_o a_o cold_a comfort_n to_o call_v your_o misery_n by_o another_o name_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n to_o temper_v our_o evil_n and_o to_o ordain_v and_o direct_v they_o to_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o the_o issue_n they_o will_v prove_v themselves_o evil_n to_o we_o by_o what_o soft_a name_n soever_o we_o may_v call_v they_o again_o and_o to_o name_n no_o more_o suppose_v i_o shall_v reason_v thus_o as_o these_o master_n of_o morality_n do_v that_o to_o bear_v affliction_n with_o a_o unconcerned_a mind_n be_v brave_a and_o manly_a and_o generous_a that_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o great_a and_o heroic_a mind_n that_o have_v raise_v itself_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o misfortune_n i_o ready_o confess_v so_o it_o be_v suppose_v a_o man_n have_v good_a reason_n thus_o to_o bear_v his_o affliction_n which_o be_v the_o question_n in_o debate_n for_o than_o it_o be_v the_o triumph_n of_o reason_n over_o passion_n and_o a_o illustrious_a instance_n of_o a_o well_o fortify_v mind_n but_o if_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o all_o these_o glorious_a word_n generous_a brave_n etc._n etc._n be_v nothing_o but_o empty_a flash_n and_o mere_a rodomontado_n for_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v unconcern_v with_o evil_n without_o reason_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v generous_a and_o brave_a that_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o his_o brutal_a stupidity_n and_o fool-hardiness_n but_o yet_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n these_o be_v the_o main_a argument_n we_o have_v to_o support_v ourselves_o under_o any_o calamity_n but_o alas_o such_o real_a grief_n of_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v redress_v with_o pretty_a say_n and_o grave_a sentence_n which_o though_o they_o may_v look_v take_o at_o a_o distance_n will_v when_o we_o come_v to_o apply_v and_o experience_n they_o force_v we_o to_o pronounce_v as_o job_n do_v of_o his_o friend_n miserable_a comforter_n be_v you_o all_o and_o physician_n of_o no_o value_n so_o that_o be_v we_o leave_v destitute_a of_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o of_o all_o those_o bless_a support_v we_o derive_v from_o thence_o we_o be_v of_o all_o creature_n the_o most_o miserable_a for_o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n we_o
only_o a_o possible_a kind_a of_o be_v want_v but_o a_o kind_a which_o by_o partake_v both_o of_o reason_n and_o sense_n of_o spirit_n and_o of_o matter_n be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o simplicius_n express_v it_o i._n e._n the_o vital_a joint_n that_o clasp_v the_o upper_a and_o low_a world_n together_o and_o if_o it_o be_v no_o way_n unsuitable_a to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o create_v the_o two_o extreme_n viz._n angel_n and_o brute_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v unsuitable_a to_o make_v a_o middle_a nature_n between_o they_o it_o be_v true_a by_o partake_v of_o both_o nature_n we_o be_v not_o only_o free_a to_o evil_a in_o common_a with_o angel_n but_o also_o liable_a to_o strong_a temptation_n to_o it_o than_o they_o because_o we_o be_v place_v in_o a_o tempt_a body_n among_o a_o great_a many_o brutish_a passion_n and_o appetite_n and_o that_o body_n be_v place_v in_o a_o tempt_a world_n among_o a_o great_a many_o sensitive_a good_n and_o evil_n that_o be_v continual_o importune_v those_o appetite_n to_o mutiny_v against_o reason_n and_o to_o carry_v we_o away_o captive_a into_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n but_o to_o place_v we_o in_o this_o state_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v exact_o pursuant_n to_o the_o design_n of_o a_o most_o wise_a and_o gracious_a providence_n for_o since_o we_o be_v place_v by_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o nature_n in_o a_o low_a rank_n of_o be_v and_o perfection_n than_o angel_n we_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o that_o than_o ant_n or_o fly_n have_v that_o they_o be_v not_o men._n but_o in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n the_o high_a good_a that_o providence_n can_v design_v we_o be_v to_o put_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o probation_n wherein_o by_o the_o good_a use_n of_o our_o liberty_n we_o may_v by_o degree_n fit_v ourselves_o for_o and_o at_o length_n arrive_v to_o a_o better_a and_o more_o raise_v condition_n and_o by_o a_o orderly_a progression_n from_o this_o rude_a and_o imperfect_a state_n may_v in_o the_o different_a period_n of_o our_o life_n grow_v up_o into_o high_a and_o more_o excellent_a capacity_n and_o at_o length_n ripen_v into_o perfection_n now_o in_o order_n to_o our_o trial_n it_o be_v tequisite_a we_o shall_v be_v place_v among_o difficulty_n without_o which_o no_o proof_n can_v be_v make_v of_o our_o virtue_n of_o our_o patience_n and_o temperance_n and_o chastity_n and_o equanimity_n meekness_n and_o sobriety_n all_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o we_o as_o being_n made_n up_o of_o angel_n and_o brute_n from_o the_o latter_a of_o which_o nature_n all_o those_o brutal_a appetite_n arise_v in_o we_o in_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a government_n whereof_o consist_v the_o nature_n of_o humane_a virtue_n and_o vice_n so_o that_o this_o present_a state_n of_o our_o life_n be_v intend_v by_o god_n for_o a_o field_n of_o combat_n between_o our_o sense_n and_o our_o reason_n our_o brutal_a and_o angelical_a nature_n and_o that_o the_o victory_n of_o our_o reason_n may_v through_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o be_v render_v more_o glorious_a and_o rewardable_a god_n have_v furnish_v its_o antagonist_n with_o the_o weapon_n of_o worldly_a temptation_n to_o assault_v and_o oppose_v it_o to_o try_v its_o strength_n and_o mettle_n and_o to_o exercise_v both_o its_o active_a and_o passive_a virtue_n intend_v when_o it_o have_v conquer_v to_o translate_v we_o hence_o as_o a_o reward_n of_o our_o victory_n into_o a_o free_a and_o disintangled_a state_n where_o we_o shall_v be_v vex_v and_o entice_v no_o more_o with_o the_o importunity_n of_o sensual_a lust_n and_o affection_n but_o to_o all_o eternity_n enjoy_v the_o serenity_n and_o pleasure_n of_o a_o pure_a angelical_a nature_n and_o what_o be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o that_o be_v any_o way_n unsuitable_a yea_o that_o be_v not_o every_o way_n answerable_a to_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n it_o be_v true_a instead_o of_o conquer_a we_o may_v if_o we_o please_v yield_v ourselves_o captive_a to_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n but_o what_o then_o be_v providence_n to_o be_v blame_v for_o leave_v man_n hand_n at_o liberty_n because_o some_o have_v be_v so_o desperate_a as_o to_o cut_v their_o own_o throat_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o he_o have_v propose_v to_o we_o reward_n enough_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o contend_v and_o contribute_v to_o we_o assistance_n enough_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o conquer_v and_o have_v do_v all_o that_o become_v a_o wise_a and_o good_a governor_n to_o prevent_v our_o sin_n and_o ruin_n who_o be_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o it_o but_o ourselves_o god_n leave_v we_o at_o liberty_n indeed_o among_o temptation_n to_o evil_a and_o this_o the_o very_a state_n and_o composition_n of_o our_o nature_n require_v but_o all_o he_o design_n by_o it_o be_v to_o exercise_v our_o virtue_n and_o thereby_o to_o improve_v and_o train_v we_o up_o to_o a_o state_n of_o high_a perfection_n and_o to_o furnish_v we_o with_o glorious_a opportunity_n of_o fight_v for_o and_o win_a crown_n and_o reward_n and_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o any_o way_n reflect_v on_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o providence_n that_o it_o be_v a_o illustrious_a instance_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v only_o thus_o far_o that_o he_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o be_v of_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n all_o the_o rest_n be_v owe_v to_o our_o own_o mad_a and_o desperate_a abuse_n of_o our_o natural_a liberty_n to_o our_o wilful_a opposition_n to_o his_o gracious_a intention_n and_o obstinate_a resistance_n to_o his_o powerful_a art_n and_o method_n of_o prevent_v our_o sin_n and_o ruin_n what_o then_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o for_o we_o to_o object_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n providence_n that_o which_o be_v pure_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o own_o madness_n and_o folly_n and_o if_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n be_v no_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n much_o less_o be_v the_o evil_a of_o misery_n since_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o evil_n which_o we_o suffer_v in_o this_o world_n be_v either_o the_o natural_a effect_n or_o the_o just_a punishment_n or_o the_o necessary_a antidote_n and_o preventives_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o therefore_o when_o you_o come_v into_o a_o great_a school_n of_o wild_a and_o unruly_a boy_n you_o may_v as_o well_o argue_v that_o there_o be_v no_o master_n of_o it_o because_o there_o be_v rod_n and_o ferulaes_n in_o it_o as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n over_o this_o sinful_a world_n because_o there_o be_v misery_n and_o affliction_n in_o it_o for_o upon_o the_o be_v of_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n the_o be_v of_o misery_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o providence_n that_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o demonstration_n of_o it_o because_o aâ—_n sinful_a world_n can_v no_o more_o be_v govern_v without_o misery_n than_o a_o unruly_a school_n without_o correction_n iv._o another_o objection_n that_o be_v make_v against_o providence_n be_v that_o unequal_a division_n of_o good_n and_o evil_n that_o be_v make_v in_o this_o world_n if_o there_o be_v a_o just_a providence_n that_o overrule_v the_o world_n one_o will_v think_v it_o shall_v make_v a_o more_o visible_a distinction_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o its_o reward_n and_o punishment_n whereas_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o thing_n we_o see_v all_o thing_n happen_v alike_o to_o all_o and_o many_o time_n it_o fare_v worst_a with_o the_o best_a and_o best_a with_o the_o worst_a of_o men._n now_o because_o this_o be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o universal_a objection_n that_o be_v ever_o urge_v against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v in_o answer_n to_o it_o endeavour_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n false_a and_o groundless_a 2._o that_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v no_o argument_n at_o all_o against_o a_o providence_n first_o i_o say_v this_o objection_n that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n make_v among_o man_n as_o to_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n false_a and_o groundless_a for_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o thing_n good_a man_n be_v more_o prosperous_a even_o in_o this_o world_n than_o bad_a as_o for_o time_n of_o persecution_n they_o be_v a_o just_a exception_n from_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o providence_n because_o therein_o god_n to_o serve_v his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n exchange_v with_o good_a man_n spiritual_a for_o temporal_a and_o heavenly_a for_o earthly_a enjoyment_n which_o be_v such_o a_o exchange_n as_o no_o man_n will_v account_v a_o robbery_n that_o understand_v the_o just_a value_n of_o
ill_a as_o certain_o pursue_v he_o with_o a_o dire_a revenge_n this_o belief_n carry_v with_o it_o such_o constrain_a terror_n and_o allurement_n as_o can_v but_o affect_v all_o reasonable_a mind_n and_o final_o prevail_v with_o their_o hope_n and_o fear_n against_o all_o contrary_a temptation_n wherefore_o if_o ever_o we_o will_v fix_v the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n upon_o our_o mind_n it_o concern_v we_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o confirm_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v divine_a reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v true_o religious_a humane_a nature_n be_v frame_v to_o move_v upon_o the_o hinge_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v and_o to_o be_v elicit_v and_o draw_v forth_o in_o action_n either_o by_o the_o proposal_n of_o some_o attainable_a good_a or_o prospect_n of_o some_o avoidable_a evil_n the_o former_a of_o which_o beget_v hope_n in_o we_o and_o that_o pursuit_n the_o latter_a fear_n and_o that_o flight_n and_o avoidance_n and_o according_o we_o find_v all_o law_n address_v to_o the_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o man_n with_o proposal_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n as_o to_o the_o master-spring_n and_o principle_n of_o their_o action_n by_o which_o they_o be_v move_v to_o do_v or_o forbear_v according_a as_o they_o be_v require_v and_o enjoin_v and_o indeed_o to_o give_v law_n to_o man_n without_o enforce_v they_o with_o reward_n and_o punishment_n will_v be_v to_o leave_v it_o indifferent_a whether_o they_o obey_v they_o or_o no_o which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o law_n for_o law_n necessary_o imply_v a_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n but_o what_o obligation_n can_v we_o have_v to_o obey_v they_o do_v they_o leave_v it_o indifferent_a as_o to_o any_o good_a or_o evil_a accrue_v from_o it_o whether_o we_o obey_v they_o or_o no_o for_o if_o it_o will_v be_v as_o well_o for_o we_o one_o way_n as_o other_o what_o matter_n be_v it_o which_o way_n we_o determine_v ourselves_o and_o this_o hold_v good_a in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n to_o which_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v above_o all_o thing_n backward_o and_o averse_a all_o that_o spiritual_a exercise_n which_o those_o law_n require_v be_v quite_o against_o the_o grain_n of_o our_o earthy_a and_o sensual_a inclination_n so_o that_o be_v we_o not_o draw_v to_o it_o by_o the_o hope_n of_o good_a and_o drive_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o evil_a to_o be_v sure_a our_o own_o bad_a nature_n will_v keep_v we_o at_o a_o eternal_a distance_n from_o it_o but_o unless_o we_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o obey_v and_o a_o punisher_n of_o those_o that_o despise_v he_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o hope_v for_o any_o good_a or_o to_o dread_v any_o evil_n at_o his_o hand_n for_o unless_o we_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v crown_v those_o that_o serve_v he_o with_o some_o mark_n of_o his_o favour_n how_o can_v we_o think_v he_o be_v please_v with_o they_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n for_o he_o to_o express_v his_o be_v please_v but_o by_o crown_v they_o with_o some_o signal_n reward_n and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o please_v with_o those_o that_o serve_v he_o to_o be_v sure_a he_o be_v not_o displease_v with_o those_o that_o neglect_v he_o and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o displease_v with_o they_o what_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o apprehend_v that_o he_o will_v punish_v '_o they_o thus_o the_o unbelief_n of_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o obey_v he_o draw_v after_o it_o a_o unbelief_n of_o his_o be_v a_o punisher_n of_o those_o that_o despise_v he_o and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_n for_o unless_o we_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v for_o his_o service_n as_o to_o punish_v those_o that_o neglect_v it_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v he_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v for_o it_o as_o to_o reward_v those_o that_o embrace_v it_o so_o that_o the_o belief_n and_o unbelief_n of_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n and_o a_o punisher_n do_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n mutual_o imply_v each_o other_o and_o unless_o we_o believe_v both_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n we_o shall_v believe_v either_o and_o when_o our_o nature_n be_v so_o averse_a as_o it_o be_v to_o his_o service_n what_o shall_v induce_v we_o to_o serve_v he_o when_o we_o expect_v no_o good_a from_o he_o or_o hinder_v we_o from_o slight_v he_o when_o we_o fear_v no_o evil_a and_o what_o be_v there_o can_v bring_v we_o home_o to_o god_n when_o we_o be_v carry_v away_o from_o he_o with_o a_o impetuous_a tide_n of_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o have_v neither_o hope_n nor_o fear_n to_o bind_v or_o restrain_v it_o so_o that_o consider_v the_o aversation_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o god_n service_n it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a we_o shall_v ever_o be_v hearty_o reconcile_v to_o it_o without_o be_v draw_v with_o the_o hope_n of_o reward_n and_o drive_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v first_o how_o far_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o our_o belief_n of_o divine_a reward_n and_o punishment_n shall_v extend_v second_o what_o evidence_n there_o be_v to_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v they_o three_o by_o what_o mean_v this_o be_v to_o be_v beget_v and_o confirm_v sect_n i._o how_o far_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o our_o belief_n of_o divine_a reward_n and_o punishment_n shall_v extend_v for_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n sufficient_a that_o we_o believe_v in_o the_o general_a that_o god_n will_v reward_v we_o if_o we_o do_v well_o and_o punish_v we_o if_o we_o do_v wicked_o for_o this_o we_o may_v firm_o believe_v and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n prefer_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n as_o much_o great_a good_n than_o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n and_o dread_a the_o difficulty_n of_o virtue_n as_o much_o great_a evil_n than_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n wherefore_o to_o render_v our_o belief_n of_o divine_a reward_n and_o punishment_n a_o effectual_a principle_n of_o religion_n these_o four_o thing_n be_v necessary_a first_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v so_o far_o a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o serve_v he_o and_o so_o far_o a_o punisher_n of_o those_o that_o neglect_v he_o as_o to_o make_v a_o plain_a and_o sensible_a distinction_n between_o they_o second_o consider_v how_o promiscuous_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n be_v distribute_v among_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n three_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v those_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o be_v such_o as_o do_v infinite_o transcend_v any_o good_a we_o can_v reap_v by_o our_o sin_n and_o any_o evil_n we_o can_v incur_v by_o do_v our_o duty_n four_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n for_o we_o to_o avoid_v those_o punishment_n but_o by_o forsake_v our_o sin_n or_o to_o acquire_v those_o reward_n but_o by_o submit_v to_o our_o duty_n i._o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v so_o far_o a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o serve_v and_o so_o far_o a_o punisher_n of_o those_o that_o neglect_v he_o as_o to_o make_v a_o plain_a and_o sensible_a distinction_n between_o they_o for_o unless_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n make_v some_o distinction_n between_o those_o serve_v and_o those_o that_o neglect_v he_o we_o shall_v confound_v good_a and_o evil_a in_o our_o own_o apprehension_n and_o look_v upon_o all_o humane_a action_n as_o indifferent_a and_o thereby_o dissolve_v all_o the_o tie_v and_o obligation_n of_o religion_n for_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o judgement_n and_o esteem_n of_o god_n who_o can_v be_v mistake_v in_o estimate_v their_o nature_n and_o therefore_o unless_o there_o be_v some_o distinction_n between_o man_n and_o man_n and_o action_n and_o action_n in_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n rhey_n must_v be_v all_o alike_o and_o indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o if_o all_o action_n be_v indifferent_a in_o themselves_o we_o be_v free_a from_o all_o the_o tie_v and_o obligation_n of_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v leave_v indifferent_a to_o we_o whether_o we_o will_v worship_n god_n or_o blaspheme_n he_o so_o that_o unless_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n make_v some_o distinction_n between_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a religion_n can_v have_v no_o force_n at_o all_o upon_o our_o mind_n but_o now_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n for_o god_n to_o
capacity_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o survive_v our_o body_n and_o enjoy_v future_a reward_n and_o suffer_v future_a punishment_n it_o also_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n for_o we_o find_v in_o our_o soul_n a_o certain_a innate_a force_n and_o power_n whereby_o they_o determine_v themselves_o which_o way_n they_o please_v in_o their_o motion_n and_o operation_n whereby_o they_o be_v exempt_a from_o the_o necessitating_a influence_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v foreign_a to_o they_o and_o this_o innate_a liberty_n or_o power_n of_o self-determination_n be_v necessary_o suppose_v in_o the_o management_n of_o all_o humane_a affair_n in_o commerce_n and_o treaty_n in_o government_n and_o law_n and_o administration_n of_o justice_n in_o council_n admonition_n reproof_n and_o persuasion_n in_o all_o which_o application_n be_v make_v to_o our_o soul_n as_o to_o free_a and_o self-determining_a agent_n that_o have_v the_o absolute_a disposal_n of_o their_o own_o motion_n and_o can_v direct_v they_o which_o way_n they_o please_v and_o indeed_o be_v not_o our_o soul_n leave_v to_o their_o own_o free_a disposal_n but_o conclude_v by_o the_o law_n of_o a_o fatal_a necessity_n as_o we_o see_v all_o material_a agent_n be_v such_o application_n to_o they_o as_o these_o will_v be_v very_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a and_o we_o may_v as_o reasonable_o hope_v to_o tame_v wolf_n and_o tiger_n by_o read_v ethic_n to_o they_o or_o to_o still_o the_o northwind_n by_o send_v ambassador_n to_o he_o to_o propose_v article_n of_o peace_n as_o to_o prevail_v upon_o man_n mind_n by_o moral_a address_n and_o persuasion_n because_o if_o they_o be_v not_o master_n of_o their_o own_o choice_n whatsoever_o the_o rigid_a law_n of_o necessity_n determine_v they_o to_o they_o must_v necessary_o choose_v in_o despite_n of_o all_o persuasion_n to_o the_o contrary_n now_o by_o this_o self-determining_a power_n our_o soul_n do_v evident_o manifest_v themselves_o to_o be_v immaterial_a substance_n and_o consequent_o not_o liable_a to_o death_n and_o corruption_n for_o if_o they_o be_v matter_n they_o will_v be_v move_v like_o matter_n i._n e._n by_o the_o pressure_n or_o thrust_v of_o other_o matter_n upon_o they_o and_o it_o will_v be_v no_o more_o in_o their_o power_n to_o move_v any_o other_o way_n than_o that_o which_o some_o other_o matter_n press_v and_o impel_v they_o than_o it_o be_v for_o a_o stone_n not_o to_o move_v upward_o when_o it_o be_v impele_v by_o the_o force_n which_o your_o arm_n impress_n on_o it_o and_o not_o to_o move_v down_o again_o when_o that_o force_n be_v spend_v and_o it_o be_v press_v back_o by_o its_o own_o weight_n and_o gravity_n whereas_o we_o feel_v in_o our_o soul_n a_o innate_a power_n to_o determine_v itself_o which_o way_n it_o please_v and_o even_o to_o move_v quite_o contrary_a to_o all_o foreign_a impression_n for_o when_o it_o be_v press_v on_o by_o outward_a object_n to_o such_o and_o such_o thought_n and_o purpose_n with_o all_o imaginable_a vigour_n it_o often_o stem_n the_o impetuous_a tide_n and_o think_v and_o purpose_v the_o quite_o contrary_a how_o then_o can_v that_o be_v matter_n which_o be_v not_o determine_v in_o its_o motion_n by_o matter_n but_o when_o it_o please_v can_n either_o move_v counter_a to_o all_o material_a impression_n or_o of_o two_o material_a impression_n can_v move_v counter_a to_o the_o strong_a that_o our_o soul_n therefore_o be_v immaterial_a be_v just_a as_o evident_a as_o that_o they_o have_v liberty_n of_o will_n and_o that_o they_o have_v liberty_n of_o will_n need_v no_o other_o proof_n than_o the_o common_a sense_n and_o feel_n of_o mankind_n and_o whatsoever_o essence_n feel_v this_o freedom_n within_o itself_o whereby_o it_o be_v absolve_v from_o the_o rigid_a law_n of_o matter_n may_v with_o all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n conclude_v itself_o immaterial_a and_o if_o our_o soul_n be_v immaterial_a substance_n to_o be_v sure_a they_o can_v natural_o subsist_v and_o live_v without_o these_o body_n and_o must_v necessary_o do_v so_o unless_o god_n destroy_v they_o as_o have_v no_o contrary_a quality_n or_o divisible_a part_n no_o principle_n of_o death_n or_o corruption_n in_o they_o and_o since_o god_n have_v make_v our_o soul_n of_o a_o immaterial_a and_o immortal_a nature_n we_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o conclude_v that_o he_o will_v not_o unravel_v his_o own_o workmanship_n but_o permit_v it_o to_o survive_v its_o body_n and_o enjoy_v or_o endure_v that_o happy_a ot_fw-mi miserable_a fate_n which_o itself_o have_v choose_v and_o make_v iv._o from_o the_o natural_a expectance_n we_o have_v of_o future_a reward_n and_o dread_a of_o future_a punishment_n it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v a_o state_n of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n thus_o after_o the_o commission_n of_o any_o flagitious_a wickedness_n there_o natural_o arise_v ill-abodings_a in_o man_n mind_n of_o a_o dire_a after-reckoning_n and_o though_o the_o commission_n be_v secret_a and_o conceal_v from_o all_o humane_a cognizance_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o dread_v the_o correction_n of_o public_a justice_n for_o it_o yet_o when_o ever_o the_o man_n reflect_v on_o it_o it_o fill_v his_o mind_n with_o horrible_a presage_n of_o a_o woeful_a futurity_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o ever_o a_o man_n do_v any_o great_a good_a or_o conquer_v any_o violent_a temptation_n to_o evil_n it_o lift_v up_o his_o soul_n into_o a_o bless_a expectation_n and_o swell_v his_o hope_n with_o the_o promise_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n and_o though_o the_o good_a he_o have_v do_v or_o the_o evil_n he_o have_v avoid_v give_v he_o no_o kind_n of_o prospect_n of_o any_o present_a advantage_n yet_o his_o mind_n be_v soothe_v and_o ravish_v with_o the_o contemplation_n of_o it_o which_o natural_o suggest_v to_o he_o the_o joyous_a hope_n of_o a_o recompense_n to_o come_v for_o whence_o shall_v this_o hope_n and_o dread_a spring_n up_o in_o man_n mind_n upon_o the_o commission_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a action_n but_o from_o some_o common_a impression_n upon_o humane_a nature_n intimate_v to_o we_o a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n if_o you_o say_v it_o be_v from_o those_o religious_a principle_n which_o we_o imbibe_n in_o our_o education_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v how_o come_v this_o principle_n concern_v the_o future_a state_n to_o be_v so_o universal_o imbibe_v if_o there_o be_v not_o something_o in_o it_o that_o be_v very_o agreeable_a with_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o mankind_n for_o whatever_o be_v the_o matter_n we_o see_v it_o be_v very_o easy_o embrace_v but_o very_o difficult_o part_v with_o man_n mind_n do_v catch_v at_o it_o with_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o greediness_n but_o when_o once_o they_o have_v swallow_v it_o it_o never_o come_v up_o again_o without_o strain_v and_o violence_n and_o what_o shall_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o if_o there_o be_v not_o something_o in_o it_o that_o be_v very_o agreeable_a with_o the_o natural_a taste_n and_o relish_v of_o our_o understanding_n we_o know_v there_o have_v be_v great_a wit_n and_o philosopher_n that_o have_v take_v as_o much_o pain_n to_o raze_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o future_a state_n out_o of_o man_n mind_n as_o ever_o any_o other_o do_v to_o imprint_v it_o there_o and_o yet_o though_o their_o doctrine_n have_v be_v always_o high_o befriend_v by_o man_n wicked_a lust_n and_o affection_n to_o which_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o future_a state_n be_v the_o most_o terrible_a and_o vexatious_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o with_o all_o their_o wit_n and_o sophistry_n they_o have_v never_o be_v able_a to_o root_v it_o out_o of_o man_n mind_n if_o then_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o another_o world_n be_v mere_o owe_v to_o our_o teach_v and_o education_n why_o shall_v not_o teach_v erase_n as_o well_o as_o imprint_v they_o especial_o when_o it_o 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influence_n upon_o we_o unless_o we_o have_v a_o right_n and_o genuine_a apprehension_n of_o they_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o majesty_n be_v natural_o apt_a to_o strike_v our_o mind_n into_o a_o awful_a reverence_n of_o his_o authority_n but_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o mere_a arbitrary_a greatness_n that_o govern_v not_o itself_o by_o counsel_n and_o reason_n but_o by_o a_o blind_a and_o absolute_a and_o unaccountable_a will_n that_o always_o choose_v and_o refuse_v pro_fw-la imperio_fw-la without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o eternal_a reason_n of_o thing_n we_o may_v be_v astonish_v and_o confound_v at_o it_o but_o we_o can_v never_o true_o reverence_v it_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o holiness_n be_v natural_o apt_a to_o deter_v we_o from_o approach_v he_o with_o vicious_a and_o impure_a affection_n but_o if_o we_o place_v his_o holiness_n in_o a_o mere_a formal_a affectation_n of_o external_a decency_n respect_n and_o reverence_n and_o 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and_o as_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o the_o consideration_n of_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v of_o wonderful_a force_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o serve_v and_o obey_v he_o and_o there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o all_o those_o glorious_a perfection_n in_o which_o his_o nature_n be_v array_v but_o will_v suggest_v to_o we_o some_o powerful_a persuasive_a to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o either_o by_o our_o hope_n or_o our_o fear_n our_o love_n or_o our_o gratitude_n incline_v our_o heart_n to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n so_o that_o if_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o perfection_n or_o do_v entertain_v false_a notion_n concern_v they_o we_o shall_v either_o want_v those_o motive_n to_o piety_n which_o they_o natural_o suggest_v or_o draw_v argument_n from_o they_o to_o encourage_v and_o justify_v we_o in_o our_o rebellion_n against_o he_o and_o thus_o you_o see_v in_o all_o these_o instance_n how_o indispensable_o necessary_a right_a notion_n of_o god_n be_v to_o engage_v we_o to_o serve_v and_o obey_v he_o sect_n ii_o rule_n for_o the_o form_v right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n and_o from_o he_o all_o the_o schoolman_n assign_v three_o way_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o frame_v our_o apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n viz._n viam_fw-la causalitatis_fw-la viam_fw-la eminentiae_fw-la &_o viam_fw-la remotionis_fw-la i._n e._n the_o way_n of_o causality_n the_o way_n of_o eminency_n and_o the_o way_n of_o remotion_n the_o first_o consist_v in_o argue_v from_o those_o perfection_n which_o god_n have_v cause_v and_o produce_v in_o his_o creature_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o whatsoever_o degree_n of_o perfection_n there_o be_v in_o the_o creature_n they_o must_v either_o be_v uncreated_a which_o be_v a_o contradiction_n or_o flow_v from_o the_o creator_n as_o from_o the_o immense_a ocean_n of_o all_o perfection_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v flow_v from_o he_o unless_o they_o be_v first_o in_o he_o so_o that_o when_o we_o behold_v such_o and_o such_o perfection_n in_o the_o creature_n we_o may_v from_o they_o most_o certain_o infer_v that_o the_o same_o be_v all_o in_o god_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o fountain_n of_o they_o and_o though_o the_o divine_a nature_n abound_v with_o innumerable_a virtue_n and_o perfection_n yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o by_o our_o own_o natural_a light_n to_o discover_v any_o other_o of_o they_o than_o those_o of_o which_o he_o himself_o have_v imprint_v some_o speciman_n upon_o create_a being_n these_o be_v the_o only_a scale_n by_o which_o our_o understanding_n can_v ascend_v to_o the_o reach_n and_o view_v of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n but_o because_o all_o create_a perfection_n be_v not_o only_o short_a in_o their_o degree_n but_o also_o intermingle_v with_o defect_n in_o their_o very_a kind_n and_o nature_n therefore_o in_o attribute_v they_o to_o god_n we_o ought_v careful_o to_o abstract_n from_o they_o whatever_o be_v defective_a whether_o it_o be_v in_o kind_n or_o in_o degree_n for_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o perfection_n only_o but_o not_o of_o defect_n which_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o create_v being_n have_v no_o cause_n at_o all_o but_o be_v mere_o a_o negation_n or_o nonentity_n for_o every_o create_a thing_n be_v a_o negation_n or_o nonentity_n before_o ever_o it_o have_v a_o positive_a be_v and_o it_o have_v only_o so_o much_o of_o its_o primitive_a negation_n take_v away_o from_o it_o as_o it_o have_v positive_a be_v confer_v on_o it_o and_o therefore_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v its_o be_v be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o that_o sovereign_a cause_n that_o produce_v it_o but_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v not_o it_o be_v not_o be_v be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o that_o original_a nonentity_n out_o of_o which_o it_o be_v produce_v for_o that_o which_o be_v once_o nothing_o will_v still_o have_v
when_o therefore_o we_o conceive_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n we_o must_v so_o conceive_v of_o they_o as_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o manner_n of_o inconsistency_n or_o disagreement_n between_o they_o otherwise_o we_o must_v admit_v into_o our_o conception_n of_o they_o something_o or_o other_o that_o be_v defective_a or_o imperfect_a as_o for_o instance_n in_o god_n there_o be_v infinite_a wisdom_n and_o infinite_a justice_n infinite_a goodness_n and_o infinite_a mercy_n wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v conceive_v aright_o of_o these_o his_o glorious_a perfection_n we_o must_v take_v care_v not_o to_o admit_v any_o notion_n of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o that_o render_v it_o repugnant_a to_o any_o other_o but_o so_o to_o conceive_v of_o they_o altogether_o as_o that_o they_o may_v mutual_o accord_v and_o agree_v with_o each_o other_o for_o while_o we_o apprehend_v his_o goodness_n to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o will_v not_o accord_v with_o his_o wisdom_n we_o must_v either_o suppose_v his_o wisdom_n to_o be_v craft_n or_o his_o goodness_n to_o be_v folly_n and_o whilst_o we_o apprehend_v his_o mercy_n to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o will_v not_o agree_v with_o his_o justice_n we_o must_v either_o suppose_v his_o justice_n to_o be_v cruelty_n or_o his_o mercy_n to_o be_v blind_a pity_n and_o fondness_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o that_o goodness_n can_v be_v a_o perfection_n which_o exceed_v the_o measure_n of_o wisdom_n nor_o that_o mercy_n neither_o which_o transgress_v the_o bound_n of_o justice_n and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_n for_o if_o either_o god_n goodness_n exclude_v his_o wisdom_n or_o his_o wisdom_n his_o goodness_n if_o either_o his_o mercy_n swallow_v up_o his_o justice_n or_o his_o justice_n his_o mercy_n there_o be_v a_o apparent_a repugnance_n and_o contrariety_n between_o they_o and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o contrariety_n there_o must_v be_v imperfection_n in_o one_o or_o tother_o or_o both_o wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v apprehend_v they_o altogether_o as_o they_o true_o be_v in_o god_n that_o be_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o perfection_n we_o must_v so_o conceive_v of_o they_o as_o that_o in_o all_o respect_v they_o may_v be_v perfect_o consistent_a and_o harmonious_a as_o that_o his_o wisdom_n may_v not_o clash_v with_o his_o goodness_n nor_o his_o goodness_n with_o his_o wisdom_n as_o that_o his_o mercy_n may_v not_o justle_v with_o his_o justice_n nor_o his_o justice_n with_o his_o mercy_n that_o be_v we_o must_v conceive_v he_o to_o be_v as_o wise_a as_o he_o can_v be_v with_o infinite_a goodness_n as_o good_a as_o he_o can_v be_v with_o infinite_a wisdom_n as_o just_a as_o he_o can_v be_v with_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o as_o merciful_a as_o he_o can_v be_v with_o infinite_a justice_n which_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a and_o just_a and_o merciful_a so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v a_o perfection_n to_o be_v so_o for_o to_o be_v wise_a beyond_o what_o be_v good_a be_v craft_n to_o be_v good_a beyond_o what_o be_v wise_a be_v dotage_n to_o be_v just_a beyond_o what_o be_v merciful_a be_v rigour_n to_o be_v merciful_a beyond_o what_o be_v just_a be_v easiness_n that_o be_v they_o be_v all_o imperfection_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v beyond_o what_o be_v perfect_a wherefore_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o represent_v these_o his_o moral_a perfection_n as_o run_v a_o tilt_n at_o one_o another_o but_o to_o conceive_v of_o they_o all_o together_o as_o one_o entire_a perfection_n which_o though_o like_o the_o centre_n of_o a_o circle_n it_o have_v many_o line_n draw_v from_o it_o round_o about_o and_o so_o be_v look_v upon_o sometime_o as_o the_o term_n of_o this_o line_n and_o sometime_o of_o that_o yet_o be_v but_o one_o common_a and_o undivided_a term_n to_o they_o all_o or_o to_o speak_v more_o plain_o though_o it_o exert_v itself_o in_o different_a way_n and_o action_n and_o operate_v diverse_o according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o its_o object_n and_o according_o admit_v of_o divers_a name_n such_o as_o wisdom_n goodness_n justice_n and_o mercy_n yet_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o one_o simple_a and_o indivisible_a principle_n of_o action_n all_o who_o operation_n how_o diverse_a soever_o be_v such_o as_o perfect_o accord_v with_o each_o other_o who_o act_n of_o wisdom_n be_v all_o infinite_o good_a who_o act_n of_o goodness_n be_v all_o infinite_o wise_a who_o act_n of_o justice_n be_v infinite_o merciful_a and_o who_o act_n of_o mercy_n be_v infinite_o just_a so_o that_o in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o their_o extension_n and_o degree_n they_o be_v all_o most_o perfect_a viz._n that_o they_o always_o operate_v with_o mutual_a consent_n and_o in_o perfect_a harmony_n and_o while_o we_o thus_o conceive_v of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n our_o mind_n will_v be_v mighty_o secure_v against_o all_o those_o false_a apprehension_n of_o god_n which_o lead_v to_o superstition_n and_o presumption_n for_o we_o shall_v so_o apprehend_v his_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n as_o not_o to_o be_v superstitious_o afraid_a and_o so_o apprehend_v his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n as_o not_o to_o be_v presumptuous_o secure_a and_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n his_o justice_n will_v protect_v his_o mercy_n from_o be_v abuse_v by_o our_o wanton_a security_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n his_o goodness_n will_v protect_v his_o wisdom_n from_o be_v misrepresent_v by_o our_o anxious_a suspicion_n for_o while_o we_o consider_v his_o mercy_n thus_o temper_v with_o his_o justice_n and_o his_o wisdom_n with_o his_o goodness_n we_o can_v neither_o expect_v impunity_n from_o the_o one_o if_o we_o continue_v wicked_a nor_o yet_o suspect_v any_o ill_a design_n against_o we_o in_o the_o other_o if_o we_o return_v from_o our_o evil_a way_n and_o persevere_v in_o well_o do_v sect_n iii_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o assign_v and_o remove_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n misapprehension_n of_o god_n many_o of_o which_o be_v so_o secret_a and_o obscure_a so_o peculiar_a to_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_n of_o man_n brain_n so_o interweave_v with_o the_o infinite_a variety_n of_o humane_a constitution_n that_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o trace_v they_o so_o as_o to_o make_v a_o exact_a enumeration_n of_o they_o all_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o assign_v the_o most_o common_a and_o visible_a cause_n by_o which_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v mislead_v in_o their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n whinh_v be_v reducible_a to_o these_o six_o head_n first_o ignorance_n of_o what_o be_v the_o true_a perfection_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n second_o frame_v our_o notion_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o model_n of_o our_o own_o humour_n and_o temper_n three_o obstinate_a partiality_n to_o our_o own_o sinful_a lust_n and_o affection_n four_o measure_v god_n nature_n by_o particular_a providence_n five_o take_v up_o our_o notion_n of_o god_n from_o obscure_a and_o particular_a passage_n and_o not_o from_o the_o plain_a and_o general_a current_n of_o scripture_n six_o indevotion_n i._o one_o great_a cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n be_v ignorance_n of_o what_o be_v the_o true_a perfection_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n for_o as_o i_o show_v before_o in_o conceive_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n we_o must_v take_v our_o rise_n from_o those_o perfection_n we_o behold_v in_o his_o creature_n and_o particular_o in_o our_o own_o nature_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o composition_n of_o all_o create_a perfection_n so_o that_o while_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v the_o true_a perfection_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n our_o thought_n can_v have_v no_o rule_n or_o aim_v whereby_o to_o judge_n of_o god_n that_o he_o have_v all_o those_o perfection_n in_o himself_o which_o he_o have_v derive_v to_o we_o be_v the_o fundamental_a maxim_n upon_o which_o we_o be_v to_o erect_v our_o notion_n of_o he_o and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o know_v what_o those_o perfection_n be_v which_o he_o have_v derive_v to_o we_o and_o wherein_o they_o consist_v our_o mind_n have_v no_o footing_n or_o foundation_n whereon_o to_o raise_v any_o certain_a idea_n of_o he_o for_o since_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o conceive_v of_o his_o perfection_n but_o by_o our_o own_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o while_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o own_o we_o shall_v ever_o conceive_v aright_o of_o he_o this_o therefore_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o man_n do_v so_o gross_o misconceive_v of_o god_n because_o they_o have_v no_o true_a notion_n of_o their_o own_o perfection_n by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o form_v their_o conception_n of_o he_o for_o whereas_o the_o true_a perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n consist_v in_o moral_a goodness_n or_o a_o universal_a compliance_n of_o