to_o the_o good_a order_n and_o more_o easy_a government_n of_o humane_a society_n because_o they_o have_v a_o good_a influence_n both_o upon_o magistrate_n and_o subject_n 1._o upon_o magistrate_n religion_n teach_v they_o to_o rule_v over_o man_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n because_o though_o they_o be_v god_n on_o earth_n yet_o they_o be_v subject_n of_o heaven_n and_o accountable_a to_o he_o who_o be_v high_o than_o the_o high_a in_o this_o world_n religion_n in_o a_o magistrate_n strengthen_v his_o authority_n because_o it_o procure_v veneration_n and_o gain_v a_o reputation_n to_o it_o and_o in_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n so_o much_o reputation_n be_v real_o so_o much_o power_n we_o see_v that_o piety_n and_o virtue_n where_o they_o be_v find_v among_o man_n of_o low_a degree_n will_v command_v some_o reverence_n and_o respect_n but_o in_o person_n of_o eminent_a place_n and_o dignity_n they_o be_v seat_v to_o a_o great_a advantage_n so_o as_o to_o cast_v a_o lustre_n upon_o their_o very_a place_n and_o by_o a_o strong_a reflection_n to_o double_v the_o beam_n of_o majesty_n whereas_o impiety_n and_o vice_n do_v strange_o lessen_v greatness_n and_o do_v secret_o and_o unavoidable_o derive_v some_o weakness_n upon_o authority_n itself_o of_o this_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o a_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o david_n for_o among_o other_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o son_n of_o zurviah_n too_o hard_o for_o he_o this_o probable_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o that_o they_o be_v particular_o conscious_a to_o his_o crime_n 2._o religion_n have_v a_o good_a influence_n upon_o the_o people_n to_o make_v they_o obedient_a to_o government_n and_o peaceable_a one_o towards_o another_o 1._o to_o make_v they_o obedient_a to_o government_n and_o conformable_a to_o law_n and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o wrath_n and_o out_o of_o fear_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n which_o be_v but_o a_o weak_a and_o loof_o principle_n of_o obedience_n and_o will_v cease_v when_o ever_o man_n can_v rebel_v with_o safety_n and_o to_o advantage_n but_o out_o of_o conscience_n which_o be_v a_o firm_a and_o constant_a and_o last_a principle_n and_o will_v hold_v a_o man_n fast_o when_o all_o other_o obligation_n will_v break_v he_o that_o have_v entertain_v the_o true_a principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v tempt_v from_o his_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n by_o any_o worldly_a consideration_n because_o he_o believe_v that_o whatsoever_o resist_v authority_n resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o who_o resist_v shall_v receive_v to_o themselves_o damnation_n 2._o religion_n tend_v to_o make_v man_n peaceable_a one_o towards_o another_o for_o it_o endeavour_n to_o plant_v all_o those_o quality_n and_o disposition_n in_o man_n which_o tend_v to_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o to_o fill_v man_n with_o a_o spirit_n of_o universal_a love_n and_o good_a will_n it_o endeavour_v likewise_o to_o secure_v every_o man_n interest_n by_o command_v the_o observation_n of_o that_o great_a rule_n of_o equity_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o even_o so_o to_o they_o by_o enjoin_v that_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n be_v inviolable_o observe_v in_o all_o our_o word_n promise_n and_o contract_n and_o in_o order_n hereunto_o it_o require_v the_o extirpation_n of_o all_o those_o passion_n and_o vice_n which_o render_v man_n unsociable_a and_o troublesome_a to_o one_o another_o as_o pride_n covetousness_n and_o injustice_n hatred_n and_o revenge_n and_o cruelty_n and_o those_o likewise_o which_o be_v not_o so_o common_o repute_v vice_n as_o self-conceit_n and_o peremptoriness_n in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o opinion_n and_o all_o peevishness_n and_o incompliance_n of_o humour_n in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o indifferent_a and_o that_o these_o be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o true_a piety_n the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n every_o where_o teach_v we_o now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o religion_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o this_o temper_n thus_o to_o heal_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o to_o sweeten_v their_o spirit_n to_o correct_v their_o passion_n and_o to_o mortify_v all_o those_o lust_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o enmity_n and_o division_n than_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n it_o tend_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o that_o if_o man_n will_v but_o live_v as_o religion_n require_v they_o shall_v do_v the_o world_n will_v be_v a_o quiet_a habitation_n a_o most_o lovely_a and_o desirable_a place_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o now_o it_o be_v and_o indeed_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o the_o society_n of_o man_n be_v so_o full_a of_o tumult_n and_o disorder_n so_o troublesome_a and_o tempestuous_a be_v because_o there_o be_v so_o little_a of_o true_a religion_n among_o man_n so_o that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o some_o small_a remainder_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v yet_o leave_v scatter_v among_o mankind_n humane_a society_n will_v in_o a_o short_a space_n disband_v and_o run_v into_o confusion_n the_o earth_n will_v grow_v wild_a and_o become_v a_o great_a forest_n and_o mankind_n will_v become_v beast_n of_o prey_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o if_o this_o discourse_n hold_v true_a sure_o than_o one_o will_v think_v that_o virtue_n shall_v find_v itself_o a_o seat_n wherever_o humane_a society_n be_v and_o that_o religion_n shall_v be_v own_v and_o encourage_v in_o the_o world_n until_o man_n cease_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o reason_n ii_o i_o come_v to_o vindicate_v this_o truth_n from_o the_o insinuation_n and_o pretence_n of_o atheistical_a person_n i_o shall_v mention_v two_o 1._o that_o government_n may_v subsist_v well_o enough_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n 2._o that_o as_o for_o virtue_n and_o vice_n they_o be_v arbitrary_a thing_n 1._o that_o government_n may_v subsist_v well_o enough_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n or_o a_o state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n and_o this_o the_o atheist_n do_v and_o must_v assert_v otherwise_o he_o be_v by_o his_o own_o confession_n a_o declare_a enemy_n to_o government_n and_o unfit_a to_o live_v in_o humane_a society_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o though_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n do_v not_o believe_v any_o superior_a be_v nor_o any_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o there_o may_v be_v some_o kind_n of_o government_n keep_v up_o in_o the_o world_n for_o suppose_v man_n to_o have_v reason_n the_o necessity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o mischief_n of_o confusion_n will_v probable_o compel_v they_o into_o some_o kind_n of_o order_n but_o then_o i_o say_v withal_o that_o if_o these_o principle_n be_v banish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n government_n will_v be_v far_o more_o difficult_a than_o now_o it_o be_v because_o it_o will_v want_v its_o firm_a basis_n and_o foundation_n there_o will_v be_v infinite_o more_o disorder_n in_o the_o world_n if_o man_n be_v restrain_v from_o injustice_n and_o violence_n only_o by_o humane_a law_n and_o not_o by_o principle_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o dread_n of_o another_o world_n therefore_o magistrate_n have_v always_o think_v themselves_o concern_v to_o cherish_v religion_n and_o to_o maintain_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o another_o life_n nay_o that_o common_a suggestion_n of_o atheistical_a person_n that_o religion_n be_v at_o first_o a_o politic_a device_n and_o be_v still_o keep_v up_o in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o state-engine_n to_o awe_v man_n into_o obedience_n be_v a_o clear_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o usefulness_n of_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n and_o do_v as_o full_o contradict_v that_o pretence_n of_o they_o which_o i_o be_o now_o confute_v as_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v say_v 2._o that_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v arbitrary_a thing_n found_v only_o in_o the_o imagination_n of_o man_n and_o in_o the_o constitution_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n but_o not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o that_o that_o be_v virtue_n or_o vice_n good_a or_o evil_n which_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o a_o nation_n declare_v to_o be_v so_o and_o this_o be_v frequent_o and_o confident_o assert_v by_o the_o ingenious_a author_n of_o a_o very_a bad_a book_n i_o mean_v the_o leviathan_n now_o the_o proper_a way_n of_o answer_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v confident_o assert_v be_v to_o show_v the_o contrary_a namely_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o natural_a evil_n and_o deformity_n in_o they_o as_o perjury_n perfidiousness_n unrighteousness_n and_o ingratitude_n which_o be_v thing_n not_o only_o condemn_v by_o the_o positive_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o particular_a nation_n and_o government_n but_o by_o the_o general_a verdict_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o
the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o creator_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o he_o the_o wisdom_n of_o please_a god_n by_o do_v what_o he_o command_v and_o avoid_v what_o he_o forbid_v this_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n may_v be_v attain_v by_o man_n and_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v he_o happy_a and_o unto_o man_n he_o say_v behold_v the_o fear_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n be_v understanding_n these_o word_n consist_v of_o two_o proposition_n which_o be_v not_o distinct_a in_o sense_n but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n various_o express_v for_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n be_v synonymous_a word_n here_o and_o though_o sometime_o they_o have_v different_a notion_n yet_o in_o the_o poetical_a book_n of_o scripture_n they_o be_v most_o frequent_o use_v as_o word_n equivalent_a and_o do_v both_o of_o they_o indifferent_o signify_v either_o a_o speculative_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n or_o a_o practical_a skill_n about_o they_o according_a to_o the_o exigency_n of_o the_o matter_n or_o thing_n speak_v of_o and_o so_o likewise_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o departure_n from_o evil_n be_v phrase_n of_o a_o very_a near_o sense_n and_o like_o importance_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v they_o several_a time_n put_v together_o in_o scripture_n 16.6_o pro._n 3.7_o pr._n 16.6_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o depart_v from_o evil_n by_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n man_n depart_v from_o evil_n so_o that_o they_o differ_v only_o as_o cause_n and_o effect_n which_o by_o a_o metonymy_n usual_a in_o all_o sort_n of_o author_n be_v frequent_o put_v one_o for_o another_o now_o to_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n be_v phrase_n which_o the_o scripture_n use_v in_o a_o very_a great_a latitude_n to_o express_v to_o we_o the_o sum_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o whole_a of_o our_o duty_n and_o because_o the_o large_a usage_n of_o these_o phrase_n be_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o my_o follow_a discourse_n i_o shall_v for_o the_o far_o clear_n of_o this_o matter_n endeavour_v to_o show_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v very_o usual_a in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a phrase_n 2._o the_o particular_a fitness_n of_o these_o two_o phrase_n to_o describe_v religion_n i._o it_o be_v very_o usual_a in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n by_o some_o eminent_a principle_n or_o part_n of_o religion_n the_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n be_v knowledge_n faith_n remembrance_n love_n and_o fear_v by_o all_o which_o the_o scripture_n use_v to_o express_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o the_o knowledge_n remembrance_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n religion_n be_v call_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a 10.25_o prov._n 30.3_o jer._n 10.25_o and_o wicked_a man_n be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o know_v not_o god_n so_o likewise_o by_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n frequent_o in_o this_o book_n of_o job_n and_o in_o the_o psalm_n and_o proverb_n and_o then_o they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n speak_v often_o one_o to_o another_o and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v express_o say_v to_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o religion_n 12.13_o eccl._n 12.13_o fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o man_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o wicked_a be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o have_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o their_o eye_n 36.1_o ps_n 36.1_o and_o so_o likewise_o by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n remember_v thy_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n 12.1_o eccl._n 12.1_o that_o be_v enter_v upon_o a_o religious_a course_n betimes_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o character_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v that_o they_o forget_v god_n the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v turn_v into_o hell_n 9.17_o ps_n 9.17_o and_o all_o the_o nation_n that_o forget_v god_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n religion_n be_v usual_o express_v by_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o love_n of_o they_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o true_a christian_n be_v so_o frequent_o call_v believer_n and_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n unbeliever_n and_o that_o good_a man_n be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o love_n god_n all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n 6.24_o ro._n 8.28_o eph._n 6.24_o and_o such_o as_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n now_o the_o reason_n why_o these_o be_v put_v for_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n be_v because_o the_o belief_n and_o knowledge_n and_o remembrance_n and_o love_n and_o fear_v of_o god_n be_v such_o powerful_a principle_n and_o have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o man_n to_o make_v they_o religious_a that_o where_o any_o one_o of_o these_o real_o be_v all_o the_o rest_n together_o with_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a effect_n of_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v and_o so_o likewise_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v often_o express_v by_o some_o eminent_a part_n of_o it_o which_o will_v explain_v the_o second_o phrase_n here_o in_o the_o text_n depart_v from_o evil_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v a_o eminent_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o prayer_n which_o be_v often_o in_o scripture_n express_v by_o seek_v god_n and_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n be_v a_o chief_a part_n of_o religious_a worship_n hence_o religion_n be_v describe_v by_o seek_v god_n 11.6_o heb._n 11.6_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o and_o by_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n 2.21_o act_n 2.21_o whosoever_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o so_o by_o come_v to_o god_n and_o by_o depart_v from_o evil_n in_o this_o fall_a state_n of_o man_n religion_n begin_v with_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n the_o two_o opposite_a term_n of_o which_o be_v god_n and_o sin_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o religion_n be_v describe_v sometime_o by_o come_v to_o god_n 11.6_o heb._n 11.6_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v that_o be_v no_o man_n can_v be_v religious_a unless_o he_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n 59.15_o be_v 59.15_o sometime_o by_o depart_v from_o sin_n and_o he_o that_o depart_v from_o evil_a make_v himself_o a_o prey_n that_o be_v such_o be_v the_o bad_a state_n of_o those_o time_n of_o which_o the_o prophet_n there_o complain_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v religious_a but_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v persecute_v ii_o for_o the_o fitness_n of_o these_o two_o phrase_n to_o describe_v religion_n 1._o for_o the_o first_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o fitness_n of_o this_o phrase_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v how_o great_a a_o influence_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n have_v upon_o man_n to_o make_v they_o religious_a fear_n be_v a_o passion_n that_o be_v most_o deep_o root_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o flow_v immediate_o from_o that_o principle_n of_o self-preservation_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o every_o man_n every_o one_o desire_n his_o own_o preservation_n and_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o have_v a_o natural_a dread_n and_o horror_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o can_v destroy_v his_o be_v or_o endanger_v his_o happiness_n and_o the_o great_a danger_n be_v from_o the_o great_a power_n and_o that_o be_v omnipotency_n so_o that_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v a_o inward_a acknowledgement_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o just_a be_v which_o be_v arm_v with_o a_o almighty_a and_o irresistible_a power_n god_n have_v hide_v in_o every_o man_n conscience_n a_o secret_a awe_n and_o dread_n of_o his_o infinite_a power_n and_o eternal_a justice_n now_o fear_v be_v so_o intimate_v to_o our_o nature_n it_o be_v the_o strong_a bond_n of_o law_n and_o the_o great_a security_n of_o our_o duty_n there_o be_v two_o bridle_n or_o restraint_n which_o god_n have_v put_v upon_o humane_a nature_n shame_n and_o fear_n shame_n be_v the_o weak_a and_o have_v place_n only_o in_o those_o in_o who_o there_o be_v some_o remainder_n of_o virtue_n fear_n be_v the_o strong_a and_o work_n upon_o all_o who_o love_n themselves_o and_o desire_v their_o own_o preservation_n therefore_o in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n fear_n be_v that_o passion_n which_o have_v the_o great_a power_n over_o we_o and_o by_o which_o god_n and_o his_o law_n take_v the_o sure_a hold_n of_o we_o our_o desire_n and_o love_n and_o hope_v be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o representation_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o reward_n and_o happiness_n as_o our_o fear_n be_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o divine_a displeasure_n for_o though_o we_o have_v lose_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o gust_n and_o relish_v of_o true_a happiness_n yet_o we_o
that_o the_o virtue_n contrary_a to_o these_o have_v a_o natural_a goodness_n and_o comeliness_n in_o they_o and_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o common_a principle_n and_o sentiment_n of_o humanity_n and_o this_o will_n most_o evident_o appear_v by_o put_v this_o supposition_n suppose_v the_o reverse_n of_o all_o that_o which_o we_o now_o call_v virtue_n be_v solemn_o enact_v and_o the_o practice_n of_o fraud_n and_o rapine_n and_o perjury_n and_o falseness_n to_o a_o man_n word_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n be_v establish_v by_o a_o law_n i_o ask_v now_o if_o the_o case_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v thus_o alter_v will_v that_o which_o we_o now_o call_v vice_n in_o process_n of_o time_n gain_v the_o reputation_n of_o virtue_n and_o that_o which_o we_o now_o call_v virtue_n grow_v odious_a and_o contemptible_a to_o humane_a nature_n if_o it_o will_v not_o then_o be_v there_o something_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n which_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o authority_n nor_o be_v subject_n to_o any_o arbitrary_a constitution_n but_o that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v thus_o i_o be_o very_o certain_a because_o no_o government_n can_v subsist_v upon_o these_o term_n for_o the_o very_a enjoin_v of_o fraud_n and_o rapine_n and_o perjury_n and_o breach_n of_o trust_n do_v apparent_o destroy_v the_o great_a end_n of_o government_n which_o be_v to_o preserve_v man_n in_o their_o right_n against_o the_o encroachment_n of_o fraud_n and_o violence_n and_o this_o end_n be_v destroy_v humane_a society_n will_v present_o fly_v in_o piece_n and_o man_n will_v necessary_o fall_v into_o a_o state_n of_o war_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v not_o arbitrary_a thing_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a and_o immutable_a and_o eternal_a reason_n for_o that_o which_o we_o call_v goodness_n and_o virtue_n and_o against_o that_o which_o we_o call_v vice_n and_o wickedness_n thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o evidence_n and_o vindicate_v this_o truth_n i_o shall_v only_o draw_v a_o inference_n or_o two_o from_o this_o discourse_n and_o so_o conclude_v 1._o if_o this_o discourse_n be_v true_a than_o those_o who_o be_v in_o place_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v peculiar_o concern_v to_o maintain_v the_o honour_n of_o religion_n 2._o it_o concern_v every_o one_o to_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o 1._o magistrate_n be_v concern_v to_o maintain_v the_o honour_n of_o religion_n which_o do_v not_o only_o tend_v to_o every_o man_n future_a happiness_n but_o be_v the_o best_a instrument_n of_o civil_a government_n and_o of_o the_o temporal_a prosperity_n of_o a_o nation_n for_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o procure_v the_o private_a and_o public_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o restrain_v man_n from_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o will_v make_v they_o miserable_a and_o guilty_a to_o themselves_o unpeaceable_a and_o troublesome_a to_o the_o world_n religion_n have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o the_o felicity_n of_o man_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v uphold_v and_o the_o veneration_n of_o it_o maintain_v not_o only_o out_o of_o a_o just_a dread_n of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n in_o another_o world_n but_o out_o of_o regard_n to_o the_o temporal_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o man_n it_o will_v requite_v all_o the_o kindness_n and_o honour_n we_o can_v do_v it_o by_o the_o advantage_n it_o will_v bring_v to_o civil_a government_n and_o by_o the_o blessing_n it_o will_v draw_v down_o upon_o it_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o those_o that_o honour_v he_o he_o will_v honour_v and_o in_o the_o common_a course_n of_o his_o providence_n he_o usual_o make_v this_o good_a so_o that_o the_o civil_a authority_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n if_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n yet_o out_o of_o reason_n of_o state_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o all_o man_n be_v so_o pious_o dispose_v that_o religion_n by_o its_o own_o authority_n and_o the_o reasonable_a force_n of_o it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o establish_v its_o empire_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n will_v always_o make_v a_o strong_a opposition_n against_o it_o and_o therefore_o at_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n god_n be_v please_v to_o accompany_v it_o with_o a_o miraculous_a power_n but_o after_o it_o be_v plant_v this_o extraordinary_a power_n cease_v and_o god_n have_v now_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v maintain_v and_o support_v by_o more_o ordinary_a and_o humane_a way_n by_o the_o countenance_n of_o authority_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o law_n which_o be_v never_o more_o necessary_a than_o in_o this_o degenerate_a age_n which_o be_v prodigious_o sink_v into_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n and_o be_v run_v headlong_o into_o a_o humour_n of_o scoff_v at_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v sacred_a for_o some_o age_n before_o the_o reformation_n atheism_n be_v consign_v to_o italy_n and_o have_v its_o chief_a residence_n at_o rome_n all_o the_o mention_n that_o be_v of_o it_o in_o the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n that_o papist_n themselves_o give_v we_o in_o the_o life_n of_o their_o own_o pope_n and_o cardinal_n except_v two_o or_o three_o small_a philosopher_n that_o be_v retainer_n to_o that_o court._n so_o that_o this_o atheistical_a humour_n among_o christian_n be_v the_o spawn_n of_o the_o gross_a superstitious_a and_o corrupt_a manner_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o court_n and_o indeed_o nothing_o be_v more_o natural_a than_o for_o extreme_n in_o religion_n to_o beget_v one_o another_o like_o the_o vibration_n of_o a_o pendulum_fw-la which_o the_o more_o violent_o you_o swing_v it_o one_o way_n the_o far_o it_o will_v return_v the_o other_o but_o in_o the_o last_o age_n atheism_n travel_v over_o the_o alps_n and_o infect_v france_n and_o now_o of_o late_o it_o have_v cross_v the_o sea_n and_o invade_v our_o nation_n and_o have_v prevail_v to_o amazement_n for_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o there_o be_v any_o people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v general_o more_o indispose_v to_o it_o and_o can_v worse_o brook_v it_o seriousness_n and_o zeal_n in_o religion_n be_v almost_o the_o natural_a temper_n of_o the_o english_a so_o that_o nothing_o be_v to_o i_o matter_n of_o great_a wonder_n than_o that_o in_o a_o grave_n and_o sober_a nation_n profaneness_n shall_v ever_o come_v to_o gain_v so_o much_o ground_n and_o the_o best_a and_o the_o wise_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v make_v the_o scorn_n of_o fool_n for_o beside_o the_o profane_a and_o atheistical_a discourse_n about_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o the_o bold_a and_o senseless_a abuse_n of_o this_o sacred_a book_n the_o great_a instrument_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o be_v so_o frequent_a in_o the_o public_a place_n of_o resort_n i_o say_v beside_o these_o i_o speak_v it_o know_o a_o man_n can_v hardly_o pass_v the_o street_n without_o have_v his_o ear_n grate_v and_o pierce_v with_o such_o horrid_a and_o blasphemous_a oath_n and_o curse_n as_o be_v enough_o if_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o no_o other_o sin_n to_o sink_v a_o nation_n and_o this_o not_o only_o from_o the_o tribe_n that_o be_v livery_n but_o from_o those_o that_o go_v before_o they_o and_o shall_v give_v better_a example_n be_v it_o not_o then_o high_a time_n that_o the_o law_n shall_v provide_v by_o the_o most_o prudent_a and_o effectual_a mean_n to_o curb_v these_o bold_a and_o insolent_a defier_n of_o heaven_n who_o take_v a_o pride_n in_o be_v monster_n and_o boast_v themselves_o in_o the_o folly_n and_o deformity_n of_o humane_a nature_n the_o heathen_n will_v never_o suffer_v their_o god_n to_o be_v revile_v which_o yet_o be_v not_o go_n and_o shall_v it_o among_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v allow_v to_o any_o man_n to_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o he_o that_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o to_o breath_n out_o blasphemy_n against_o he_o who_o give_v we_o life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o thing_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o hypocrisy_n be_v a_o great_a wickedness_n and_o very_o odious_a to_o god_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n of_o so_o pernicious_a example_n as_o open_a profaneness_n hypocrisy_n be_v a_o more_o modest_a way_n of_o sin_v it_o show_v some_o reverence_n to_o religion_n and_o do_v so_o far_o own_o the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o as_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o deserve_v to_o be_v counterfeit_v whereas_o profaneness_n declare_v open_o against_o it_o and_o endeavour_n to_o make_v a_o party_n to_o drive_v it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n 2._o it_o concern_v every_o one_o to_o live_v
will_n among_o man_n a_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v our_o great_a enemy_n to_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v we_o to_o bless_v they_o that_o curse_v we_o and_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o despiteful_o use_v we_o and_o persecute_v we_o and_o do_v inculcate_v these_o precept_n more_o vehement_o and_o forbid_v malice_n and_o hatred_n and_o revenge_n and_o contention_n more_o strict_o and_o peremptory_o than_o any_o religion_n ever_o do_v before_o as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o that_o do_v but_o attentive_o read_v our_o saviour_n sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n and_o as_o christianity_n have_v give_v we_o a_o more_o certain_a so_o likewise_o a_o more_o perfect_a law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n all_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o be_v reasonable_a and_o wise_a require_v such_o duty_n of_o we_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o do_v approve_v themselves_o to_o the_o best_a reason_n of_o mankind_n such_o as_o have_v their_o foundation_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o be_v a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o persection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o raise_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n the_o law_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v such_o as_o be_v general_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n as_o do_v tend_v to_o the_o outward_a peace_n and_o the_o health_n to_o the_o inward_a comfort_n and_o contentment_n and_o to_o the_o universal_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n they_o command_v nothing_o that_o be_v unnecessary_a and_o burdensome_a as_o be_v the_o numerous_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n but_o what_o be_v reasonable_a and_o useful_a and_o substantial_a and_o they_o omit_v nothing_o that_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o the_o welfare_n of_o man_n nor_o do_v they_o restrain_v we_o in_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v contrary_a either_o to_o the_o regular_a inclination_n of_o nature_n or_o to_o our_o reason_n and_o true_a interest_n they_o forbid_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v base_a and_o unworthy_a to_o serve_v our_o humour_n and_o passion_n to_o reproach_v our_o understanding_n and_o to_o make_v ourselves_o fool_n and_o beast_n in_o a_o word_n nothing_o but_o what_o tend_v either_o to_o our_o private_a harm_n and_o prejudice_n or_o to_o public_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o tenor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o from_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n and_o discourse_n particular_o that_o upon_o the_o mount_n wherein_o he_o charge_v his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n to_o be_v humble_a and_o meek_a and_o righteous_a and_o patient_a under_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n and_o good_a and_o kind_a to_o all_o even_a to_o those_o that_o be_v evil_a and_o injurious_a to_o we_o and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o excel_v in_o all_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n this_o will_v appear_v likewise_o from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n i_o will_v instance_n but_o in_o some_o few_o passage_n in_o they_o st._n paul_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n in_o a_o very_a few_o word_n but_o of_o admirable_a sense_n and_o weight_n 12._o tit._n 2.11_o 12._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n the_o same_o apostle_n make_v this_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n on_o our_o part_n 2.19_o 2_o tim._n 2.19_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n st._n james_n describe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o he_o call_v the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o by_o these_o character_n it_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n st._n peter_n call_v the_o gospel_n 4._o 2_o pet._n 1.3_o 4._o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n whereby_o say_v he_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n he_o exhort_v they_o to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o add_v to_o their_o faith_n the_o several_a virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n 7._o v._o 5_o 6_o 7._o without_o which_o he_o tell_v they_o they_o be_v barren_a and_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n i_o will_v conclude_v with_o that_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a passaage_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o philippian_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o venerable_a esteem_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a or_o chaste_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n but_o the_o perfection_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n will_v most_o plain_o appear_v by_o take_v a_o brief_a survey_n of_o they_o and_o they_o may_v all_o be_v refer_v to_o these_o two_o general_a head_n they_o be_v either_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o make_v man_n single_o and_o personal_o good_a or_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n first_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o make_v man_n good_a single_o and_o personal_o consider_v and_o the_o precept_n of_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v distribute_v likewise_o into_o two_o sort_n such_o as_o enjoin_v piety_n towards_o god_n or_o such_o as_o require_v the_o good_a order_n and_o government_n of_o ourselves_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n 1._o such_o as_o enjoin_v piety_n towards_o god_n all_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o respect_n god_n be_v no_o other_o but_o what_o natural_a light_n prompt_v man_n to_o except_v the_o two_o sacrament_n which_o be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o significancy_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o sum_n of_o natural_a religion_n as_o it_o refer_v more_o immediate_o to_o god_n be_v this_o that_o we_o shall_v inward_o reverence_v and_o love_n god_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v express_v our_o inward_a reverence_n and_o love_n of_o he_o by_o external_a worship_n and_o adoration_n and_o by_o our_o readiness_n to_o receive_v and_o obey_v all_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v testify_v our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o our_o confidence_n of_o his_o goodness_n by_o constant_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o he_o for_o mercy_n and_o help_v for_o ourselves_o and_o other_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v acknowledge_v our_o obligation_n to_o he_o for_o the_o many_o favour_n and_o benefit_n which_o every_o day_n and_o every_o minute_n we_o receive_v from_o he_o by_o continual_a praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o shall_v not_o entertain_v any_o unworthy_a thought_n of_o god_n nor_o give_v that_o honour_n and_o reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o to_o any_o other_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o worship_v he_o in_o any_o manner_n that_o be_v either_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o contrary_a to_o he_o reveal_v will_n that_o we_o shall_v careful_o avoid_v the_o profane_a and_o irreverent_a use_n of_o his_o name_n by_o curse_v or_o customary_a swear_n and_o take_v heed_n of_o the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o his_o worship_n or_o any_o thing_n belong_v to_o it_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o these_o be_v the_o general_a head_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o every_o man_n reason_n tell_v he_o he_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o these_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v express_o require_v of_o we_o as_o may_v be_v evidence_v from_o particular_a text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o part_n of_o christianity_n but_o what_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n 2._o such_o precept_n as_o require_v the_o good_a order_n and_o government_n of_o ourselves_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n christian_n religion_n
provide_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n of_o all_o capacity_n it_o be_v no_o such_o reflection_n upon_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n as_o mr._n s._n imagine_v that_o he_o have_v not_o take_v care_n that_o every_o man_n faith_n shall_v arrive_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n nor_o do_v our_o bless_a saviour_n for_o not_o have_v make_v this_o provision_n deserve_v to_o be_v esteem_v by_o all_o the_o world_n not_o a_o wise_a lawgiver_n but_o a_o mere_a ignoramus_n and_o impostor_n as_o 77._o as_o labyvinthus_n cantuariensis_n p._n 77._o one_o of_o his_o fellow_n controvertist_n speak_v with_o reverence_n beside_o this_o assertion_n that_o infallibility_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o that_o assent_n which_o we_o call_v faith_n be_v plain_o false_a upon_o another_o account_n also_o because_o faith_n admit_v of_o degree_n but_o infallibility_n have_v none_o the_o scripture_n speak_v of_o a_o weak_a and_o a_o strong_a faith_n and_o of_o the_o increase_n of_o faith_n but_o i_o never_o hear_v of_o a_o weak_a and_o strong_a infallibility_n infallibility_n be_v the_o high_a perfection_n of_o the_o know_a faculty_n and_o consequent_o the_o firm_a degree_n of_o assent_n upon_o the_o firm_a ground_n and_o which_o be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o but_o will_v mr._n s._n say_v that_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o assent_n admit_v of_o degree_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o increase_n infallibility_n be_v a_o absolute_a impossibility_n of_o be_v deceive_v now_o i_o desire_v mr._n s._n to_o show_v i_o the_o degree_n of_o absolute_a impossibility_n and_o if_o he_o can_v do_v that_o and_o consequent_o there_o may_v be_v degree_n of_o infallibility_n yet_o i_o can_v believe_v that_o mr._n s._n will_v think_v fit_a to_o call_v any_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n a_o weak_a faith_n or_o assent_n 2._o because_o a_o infallible_a security_n in_o the_o particular_n mention_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v have_v i_o mean_v in_o a_o ordinary_a way_n and_o without_o miracle_n and_o particular_a revelation_n because_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v incapable_a of_o it_o the_o utmost_a security_n we_o have_v of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o any_o book_n be_v humane_a testimony_n and_o all_o humane_a testimony_n be_v fallible_a for_o this_o plain_a reason_n because_o all_o man_n be_v fallible_a and_o though_o mr._n s._n in_o defence_n of_o his_o belove_a tradition_n be_v please_v to_o say_v that_o humane_a testimony_n in_o some_o case_n be_v infallible_a yet_o i_o think_v no_o man_n before_o he_o be_v ever_o so_o hardy_a as_o to_o maintain_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o fallible_a man_n be_v infallible_a i_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v in_o many_o case_n certain_a that_o be_v such_o as_o a_o considerate_a man_n may_v prudent_o rely_v and_o proceed_v upon_o and_o have_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o doubt_v of_o and_o such_o as_o none_o but_o a_o obstinate_a man_n or_o a_o fool_n can_v deny_v and_o that_o thus_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o his_o own_o church_n desine_fw-la certainty_n mr._n s._n if_o he_o will_v but_o vouchsafe_v to_o read_v such_o book_n may_v have_v learn_v from_o possunt_fw-la from_o de_fw-fr lo._n theol._n lib._n 11._o c._n 4._o certa_fw-la apud_fw-la homines_fw-la ea_fw-la sunt_fw-la quae_fw-la negari_fw-la sine_fw-la pervicacia_fw-la &_o stultitia_fw-la non_fw-la possunt_fw-la melchior_n canus_n who_o speak_v of_o the_o firmness_n of_o humane_a testimony_n in_o some_o case_n which_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v to_o be_v infallible_a define_v it_o thus_o those_o thing_n be_v certain_a among_o man_n which_o can_v be_v deny_v without_o obstinacy_n and_o folly_n i_o know_v mr._n s._n be_v please_v to_o say_v that_o certainty_n and_o infallibility_n be_v all_o one_o and_o he_o be_v the_o first_o man_n that_o i_o know_v of_o that_o ever_o say_v it_o and_o yet_o perhaps_o some_o body_n may_v have_v be_v before_o he_o in_o it_o for_o i_o remember_v tully_n say_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o foolish_a but_o some_o philosopher_n or_o other_o have_v say_v it_o i_o be_o sure_a mr._n s_n own_o philosopher_n mr._n wh._n contradict_v he_o in_o this_o most_o clear_o in_o his_o preface_n to_o rushworth_n dialogue_n where_o explicate_v the_o term_n moral_a certainty_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o some_o understand_v by_o it_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o make_v the_o cause_n always_o work_v the_o same_o effect_n though_o it_o take_v not_o away_o the_o absolute_a possibility_n of_o work_v other_o way_n and_o this_o present_o after_o he_o tell_v we_o ought_v absolute_o to_o be_v reckon_v in_o the_o degree_n of_o true_a certainty_n and_o the_o author_n consider_v as_o mistake_v in_o undervalue_v it_o so_o that_o accord_v to_o mr._n wh._n true_a certainty_n may_v consist_v with_o a_o possibility_n of_o the_o contrary_a and_o consequent_o mr._n s._n be_v mistake_v in_o think_v certainty_n and_o infallibility_n to_o be_v all_o one_o nay_o i_o do_v not_o sin_v any_o two_o of_o they_o agree_v among_o themselves_o about_o the_o notion_n of_o infallibility_n and_o certainty_n mr._n wh._n say_v that_o what_o some_o call_v moral_a certainty_n be_v true_a certainty_n though_o it_o do_v not_o take_v away_o a_o possibility_n of_o the_o contrary_n mr._n s._n assert_n the_o direct_a contrary_n that_o moral_a certainty_n be_v only_a probability_n because_o it_o do_v not_o take_v away_o the_o possibility_n of_o the_o contrary_n the_o guide_n in_o controversy_n 135._o controversy_n p._n 135._o differ_v from_o they_o both_o and_o make_v moral_a certain_a and_o infallible_a all_o one_o i_o desire_v that_o they_o will_v agree_v these_o matter_n among_o themselves_o before_o they_o quarrel_n with_o we_o about_o they_o in_o brief_a then_o though_o moral_a certainty_n be_v sometime_o take_v for_o a_o high_a degree_n of_o probability_n which_o can_v only_o produce_v a_o doubt_n full_a assent_n yet_o it_o be_v also_o frequent_o use_v for_o a_o firm_a and_o undoubted_a assent_n to_o a_o thing_n upon_o such_o ground_n as_o be_v fit_a full_o to_o satisfy_v a_o prudent_a man_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o have_v always_o use_v this_o term._n but_o now_o infallibility_n be_v a_o absolute_a security_n of_o the_o understanding_n from_o all_o possibility_n of_o mistake_n in_o what_o it_o believe_v and_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n for_o the_o understanding_n to_o be_v thus_o secure_v either_o by_o the_o perfection_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n or_o by_o supernatural_a assistance_n but_o no_o humane_a understanding_n be_v absolute_o secure_v from_o possibility_n of_o mistake_n by_o the_o perfection_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n which_o i_o think_v all_o mankind_n except_o mr._n s._n have_v hitherto_o grant_v it_o follow_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v infallible_a in_o any_o thing_n but_o by_o supernatural_a assistance_n nor_o do_v ever_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretend_v to_o infallibility_n upon_o any_o other_o account_n as_o every_o one_o know_v that_o have_v be_v conversant_a in_o the_o write_n of_o their_o learned_a man_n and_o mr._n cressy_n in_o his_o 89._o his_o p._n 88_o 89._o answer_n to_o dr._n pierce_n have_v not_o the_o face_n to_o contend_v for_o any_o other_o infallibility_n but_o this_o that_o the_o immutable_a god_n can_v actual_o preserve_v a_o mutable_a creature_n from_o actual_a mutation_n but_o i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n agree_v with_o he_o in_o what_o immediate_o follow_v concern_v the_o omniscience_n of_o a_o creature_n that_o god_n who_o be_v absolute_o omniscient_a can_v teach_v a_o rational_a creature_n all_o truth_n necessary_a or_o expedient_a to_o be_v know_v so_o that_o though_o a_o man_n may_v have_v much_o ignorance_n yet_o he_o may_v be_v in_o a_o sort_n omniscient_a within_o a_o determinate_a sphere_n omniscient_a within_o a_o determinate_a sphere_n be_v a_o infinite_a within_o a_o finite_a sphere_n and_o be_v not_o that_o a_o very_a pretty_a sort_n of_o know_v all_o thing_n which_o may_v consist_v with_o a_o ignorance_n of_o many_o thing_n of_o all_o the_o controvertist_n i_o have_v meet_v with_o except_o mr._n s._n mr._n cressy_n be_v the_o happy_a at_o these_o smart_n and_o ingenious_a kind_n of_o reason_v as_o to_o the_o other_o particular_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o book_n it_o be_v likewise_o plain_o impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v deliver_v in_o such_o clear_a and_o certain_a word_n as_o be_v absolute_o incapable_a of_o any_o other_o sense_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o may_v be_v so_o plain_a as_o that_o any_o unprejudiced_a and_o reasonable_a man_n may_v certain_o understand_v they_o how_o many_o definition_n and_o axiom_n etc._n etc._n be_v there_o in_o euclid_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o which_o man_n be_v universal_o agree_v and_o think_v themselves_o undoubted_o certain_a of_o it_o and_o yet_o the_o word_n in_o which_o they_o be_v express_v may_v possible_o bear_v another_o sense_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o
here_o reader_n present_v thou_o with_o a_o discourse_n which_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v mr._n s._n be_v more_o than_o mathematical_o demonstrative_a a_o rare_a sight_n indeed_o and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o pleasant_a man_n and_o of_o good_a assurance_n i_o now_o find_v it_o true_a which_o he_o 1._o he_o letter_n of_o thanks_o p._n 1._o say_v elsewhere_o that_o principle_n be_v of_o a_o inflexible_a genius_n and_o self-confident_a too_o and_o that_o they_o love_v natural_o to_o express_v themselves_o with_o a_o assuredness_n but_o certain_o the_o sacred_a name_n of_o principle_n and_o demonstration_n be_v never_o so_o profane_v by_o any_o man_n before_o may_v not_o any_o one_o write_v a_o book_n of_o such_o jargon_n and_o call_v it_o demonstration_n and_o will_v it_o not_o equal_o serve_v to_o prove_v or_o confute_v if_o he_o intend_v this_o stuff_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o people_n he_o may_v as_o well_o have_v write_v in_o the_o coptick_n or_o sclavonian_n language_n yet_o i_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v very_o suitable_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n for_o why_o shall_v not_o their_o science_n as_o well_o as_o their_o service_n be_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n that_o the_o one_o may_v be_v as_o sit_v to_o improve_v their_o knowledge_n as_o the_o other_o be_v to_o raise_v their_o devotion_n but_o if_o he_o design_v this_o for_o the_o learned_a nothing_o can_v be_v more_o improper_a for_o they_o be_v far_o less_o apt_a to_o admire_v nonsense_n than_o the_o common_a people_n and_o i_o desire_v that_o no_o man_n how_o learned_a soever_o he_o may_v think_v himself_o will_v be_v over-confident_a that_o this_o be_v sense_n i_o do_v very_o believe_v that_o neither_o harphiu_n nor_o rusbrochius_n nor_o the_o profound_a mother_n juliana_n have_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o writing_n more_o senseless_a and_o obscure_a than_o this_o discourse_n of_o he_o which_o he_o affirm_v to_o be_v more_o than_o mathematical_o demonstrative_a so_o that_o if_o i_o be_v worthy_a to_o advise_v mr._n s._n he_o shall_v give_v over_o this_o pretence_n to_o science_n for_o whatever_o he_o may_v think_v his_o talon_n certain_o do_v not_o lie_v that_o way_n but_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v as_o well_o make_v for_o a_o mystical_a divine_a as_o any_o man_n i_o know_v and_o methinks_v his_o superior_n shall_v be_v sensible_a of_o this_o and_o employ_v he_o to_o write_v about_o the_o deiform_a fund_z of_o the_o soul_n the_o super-essential_a life_n the_o method_n of_o self-annihilation_a and_o the_o passive_a union_n of_o nothing_o with_o nothing_o these_o be_v profound_a subject_n and_o he_o have_v a_o style_n peculiar_o fit_v for_o they_o for_o even_o in_o this_o parcel_n of_o stuff_n which_o i_o have_v now_o cite_v there_o be_v five_o or_o six_o word_n such_o as_o may-not-bee_n potentiality_n actuality_n actuation_n determinative_a supervene_v and_o subsume_v which_o if_o they_o be_v but_o well_o mingle_v and_o discreet_o order_v and_o bring_v in_o now_o and_o then_o with_o a_o that_o be_v to_o explain_v one_o another_o will_v half_o set_v up_o a_o man_n in_o that_o way_n and_o enable_v he_o to_o write_v as_o mystical_a a_o discourse_n as_o a_o man_n will_v wish_v but_o enough_o of_o this_o and_o i_o have_v trespass_v not_o a_o little_a upon_o my_o own_o disposition_n in_o say_v thus_o much_o though_o out_o of_o a_o just_a indignation_n as_o confident_a nonsense_n it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o draw_v towards_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o debate_n i_o shall_v only_a leave_v with_o the_o reader_n a_o few_o observation_n concern_v this_o book_n of_o mr._n s_n and_o his_o doctrine_n of_o infallibility_n first_o that_o the_o main_a drift_n of_o his_o book_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o what_o be_v true_a be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a he_o oppose_v no_o body_n that_o i_o know_v of_o in_o this_o matter_n second_o that_o in_o assert_v infallibility_n to_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o faith_n he_o have_v the_o generality_n of_o his_o own_o church_n his_o profess_a adversary_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n never_o arrogate_a to_o herself_o any_o other_o infallibility_n but_o what_o she_o pretend_v to_o be_v sound_v upon_o christ_n promise_n to_o secure_v his_o church_n always_o from_o error_n by_o a_o supernatural_a assistance_n which_o be_v wide_o different_a from_o mâ—_n s_n rational_a infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n mr._n s._n sure_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o the_o divine_n of_o their_o church_n till_o mr._n rushworth_n and_o mr._n white_n find_v out_o this_o new_a way_n do_v general_o resolve_v faith_n into_o the_o infallible_a testimony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n into_o our_o saviour_n promise_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o true_a church_n into_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o motive_n of_o credibility_n which_o motive_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v only_o prudential_a and_o not_o demonstrative_a eccles_n demonstrative_a i._o 4._o de_fw-fr eccles_n bellarmine_n say_v that_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o church_n do_v not_o make_v it_o evident_o true_a which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n but_o only_o evident_o credible_a and_o that_o say_v he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v evident_o credible_a which_o be_v neither_o see_v in_o itself_o nor_o in_o its_o principle_n but_o yet_o have_v so_o many_o and_o so_o weighty_a testimony_n that_o every_o wise_a man_n have_v reason_n to_o believe_v it_o becanus_n 1._o becanus_n sum._n tom._n 2._o partic_a de_fw-fr tide_n c._n 1._o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n that_o the_o motive_n of_o credibility_n be_v only_o the_o foundation_n of_o a_o prudent_a but_o not_o of_o a_o infallible_a assent_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o mr._n knott_n and_o some_o other_o will_v fain_o persuade_v we_o that_o a_o assent_n in_o some_o sort_n infallible_a may_v be_v build_v upon_o prudential_a motive_n which_o be_v as_o absurd_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a but_o if_o it_o be_v true_a yet_o mr._n s._n will_v not_o accept_v of_o this_o sort_n of_o infallibility_n nothing_o less_o will_v serve_v he_o than_o demonstrative_a motive_n and_o such_o as_o be_v absolute_o conclusive_a of_o the_o thing_n stapleton_n as_o mr._n cressy_n tell_v we_o express_o say_v that_o such_o a_o infallible_a certitude_n of_o means_n be_v not_o now_o necessary_a to_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v the_o first_o founder_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o according_a to_o these_o author_n there_o may_v be_v true_a faith_n where_o neither_o the_o mean_n nor_o the_o motive_n of_o it_o be_v such_o as_o to_o raise_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n and_o this_o be_v as_o much_o to_o the_o full_a as_o any_o protestant_n that_o i_o know_v of_o ever_o say_v nay_o even_o his_o friend_n of_o the_o tradition_n mr._n rushworth_n mr._n white_a and_o mr._n cressy_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o damnable_a and_o fundamental_a error_n as_o mr._n s._n call_v it_o 5._o it_o letter_n to_o his_o answerer_n p._n 5._o for_o they_o grant_v less_o assurance_n than_o that_o which_o be_v infallible_a to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o christian_a faith_n and_o that_o we_o be_v just_o condemn_v if_o we_o refuse_v to_o believe_v upon_o such_o evidence_n as_o do_v ordinary_o satisfy_v prudent_a man_n in_o humane_a affair_n and_o particular_o mr._n wh._n make_v a_o question_n whether_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o infallibility_n as_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a by_o clear_a and_o full_a testimony_n out_o of_o each_o of_o these_o author_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o sure-footing_a etc._n sure-footing_a pâ—â—â—c_n etc._n etc._n of_o which_o testimony_n tho_o mr._n s._n have_v not_o tho_o fit_a to_o take_v the_o least_o notice_n throughout_o his_o book_n yet_o i_o can_v but_o think_v it_o a_o reasonable_a request_n to_o desire_v he_o to_o vindicate_v the_o divine_n of_o his_o own_o church_n especial_o those_o of_o his_o 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the_o jealous_a and_o suspicious_a humour_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n who_o from_o the_o experience_n they_o have_v have_v of_o themselves_o and_o other_o be_v very_o apt_a to_o suspect_v that_o every_o body_n but_o especial_o their_o superior_n and_o governor_n have_v a_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o they_o for_o their_o own_o end_n in_o short_a it_o be_v this_o that_o this_o noise_n about_o a_o god_n be_v a_o mere_a state-engine_n and_o a_o politic_a device_n invent_v at_o first_o by_o some_o great_a prince_n or_o minister_n of_o state_n to_o keep_v people_n in_o awe_n and_o order_n and_o if_o so_o from_o hence_o say_v the_o atheist_n we_o may_v easy_o apprehend_v how_o from_o such_o a_o original_a it_o may_v be_v general_o propagate_v and_o become_v universal_o current_a have_v the_o stamp_n of_o public_a authority_n upon_o it_o beside_o that_o people_n have_v always_o be_v find_v easy_a to_o comply_v with_o the_o inclination_n of_o their_o prince_n and_o from_o hence_o 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that_o whoever_o make_v a_o politic_a advantage_n of_o other_o man_n principle_n ought_v to_o be_v presume_v to_o contrive_v those_o principle_n into_o they_o whereas_o it_o be_v much_o more_o common_a because_o more_o easy_a for_o man_n to_o serve_v their_o own_o end_n of_o those_o principle_n or_o opinion_n which_o they_o do_v not_o put_v into_o man_n but_o find_v there_o so_o that_o if_o the_o question_n of_o a_o god_n be_v to_o be_v decide_v by_o the_o probability_n of_o this_o conjecture_n which_o the_o atheist_n applaud_v himself_o most_o in_o it_o will_v be_v conclude_v in_o the_o affirmative_a it_o be_v much_o more_o likely_a since_o politician_n reap_v the_o advantage_n of_o obedience_n and_o a_o more_o ready_a submission_n to_o government_n from_o man_n believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o they_o find_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n prepossess_v to_o their_o hand_n with_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n than_o that_o they_o plant_v it_o there_o 4._o we_o have_v as_o much_o evidence_n of_o the_o contrary_a to_o this_o supposition_n as_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o arcanum_fw-la imperii_fw-la a_o secret_a of_o government_n to_o propagate_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n among_o the_o people_n when_o the_o governor_n themselves_o know_v it_o to_o be_v a_o cheat_n for_o we_o find_v in_o the_o history_n of_o all_o age_n of_o which_o we_o have_v any_o record_n and_o of_o other_o age_n we_o can_v possible_o judge_v that_o prince_n have_v not_o be_v more_o secure_a from_o trouble_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o another_o world_n nay_o many_o of_o they_o more_o subject_a to_o these_o than_o other_o man_n as_o i_o can_v give_v many_o instance_n and_o those_o no_o mean_a one_o what_o make_v caligula_n creep_v under_o the_o bed_n when_o it_o thunder_v what_o make_v tiberius_n that_o great_a master_n of_o the_o craft_n of_o government_n complain_v so_o much_o of_o the_o 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be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o pretend_v to_o yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o no_o body_n will_v be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o believe_v he_o v._o speculative_a atheism_n be_v unreasonable_a because_o it_o contradict_v itself_o there_o be_v this_o great_a contradiction_n in_o the_o denial_n of_o a_o god_n he_o that_o deny_v a_o god_n say_v that_o that_o be_v impossible_a which_o yet_o he_o must_v grant_v to_o be_v possible_a he_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o god_n in_o say_v that_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la there_o be_v no_o such_o be_v for_o eternity_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n if_o there_o be_v not_o a_o god_n already_o it_o be_v impossible_a now_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o because_o such_o a_o be_v as_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v essential_o eternal_a and_o without_o beginning_n can_v now_o begin_v to_o be_v and_o yet_o he_o must_v grant_v it_o possible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o be_v 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happiness_n of_o mankind_n second_o because_o it_o be_v infinite_o hazardous_a and_o unsafe_a in_o the_o issue_n i._o it_o be_v against_o the_o present_a interest_n and_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n if_o atheism_n be_v the_o general_a opinion_n of_o the_o world_n it_o will_v be_v infinite_o prejudicial_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o will_v open_v a_o wide_a door_n to_o all_o manner_n of_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n but_o this_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o insist_v upon_o because_o i_o design_v a_o particular_a discourse_n of_o that_o by_o itself_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a content_n myself_o to_o show_v how_o uncomfortable_a a_o opinion_n this_o will_v be_v to_o particular_a person_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o man_n be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o himself_o to_o his_o own_o happiness_n he_o be_v liable_a to_o many_o evil_n and_o misery_n which_o he_o can_v neither_o prevent_v nor_o redress_v he_o be_v full_a of_o want_n which_o he_o can_v supply_v and_o compass_v about_o with_o infirmity_n which_o he_o can_v remove_v and_o obnoxious_a to_o danger_n which_o he_o can_v never_o sufficient_o provide_v against_o consider_v man_n without_o the_o protection_n and_o conduct_n of_o a_o superior_a be_v and_o he_o be_v secure_a of_o nothing_o that_o he_o enjoy_v in_o this_o world_n and_o uncertain_a of_o every_o thing_n that_o he_o hope_n for_o he_o be_v apt_a to_o grieve_v for_o what_o he_o can_v help_v and_o eager_o to_o desire_v what_o he_o be_v never_o likely_a to_o obtain_v man_n walk_v in_o a_o vain_a show_n and_o disquiet_v himself_o in_o vain_a he_o court_v happiness_n in_o a_o thousand_o shape_n and_o the_o fast_o he_o pursue_v it_o the_o fast_o it_o fly_v from_o he_o his_o hope_n and_o expectation_n be_v big_a than_o his_o enjoyment_n and_o his_o fear_n and_o jealousy_n more_o troublesome_a than_o the_o evil_n themselves_o which_o he_o be_v so_o much_o afraid_a of_o he_o be_v liable_a to_o a_o great_a many_o inconvenience_n every_o moment_n of_o his_o life_n and_o be_v continual_o insecure_a not_o only_o of_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n but_o even_o of_o life_n itself_o and_o beside_o all_o this_o after_o all_o his_o endeavour_n to_o the_o contrary_a he_o find_v himself_o natural_o to_o dread_v a_o superior_a be_v that_o can_v defeat_v all_o his_o design_n and_o disappoint_v all_o his_o hope_n and_o make_v he_o miserable_a beyond_o all_o his_o fear_n he_o have_v oftentimes_o secret_a misgiving_n concern_v another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o fearful_a apprehension_n of_o a_o invisible_a judge_n and_o thereupon_o he_o be_v full_a of_o anxiety_n concern_v his_o condition_n in_o another_o world_n and_o sometime_o plunge_v into_o that_o anguish_n and_o despair_n that_o he_o grow_v weary_a of_o himself_o so_o that_o the_o atheist_n deprive_v himself_o of_o all_o the_o comfort_n that_o the_o apprehension_n of_o a_o god_n can_v give_v a_o man_n and_o yet_o be_v liable_a to_o all_o the_o trouble_n and_o disquiet_v of_o those_o apprehension_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o these_o inconvenience_n do_v happen_v to_o all_o but_o every_o one_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o they_o for_o man_n nature_n be_v evident_o so_o contrive_v as_o do_v plain_o discover_v how_o unable_a he_o be_v to_o make_v himself_o happy_a so_o that_o he_o must_v necessary_o look_v abroad_o and_o seek_v for_o happiness_n somewhere_o else_o and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o superior_a be_v in_o who_o care_n of_o he_o he_o may_v repose_v his_o confidence_n and_o quiet_a his_o mind_n if_o he_o have_v no_o comfortable_a expectation_n of_o another_o life_n to_o sustain_v he_o under_o the_o evil_n and_o calamity_n he_o be_v liable_a to_o in_o this_o world_n he_o be_v certain_o of_o all_o creature_n the_o most_o miserable_a there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o but_o may_v happen_v to_o fall_v into_o those_o circumstance_n of_o danger_n or_o want_v or_o pain_n or_o some_o other_o sort_n of_o calamity_n that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o hope_n of_o relief_n or_o comfort_n but_o from_o god_n alone_o none_o in_o all_o the_o world_n to_o flee_v to_o but_o he_o and_o what_o will_v man_n do_v in_o such_o a_o case_n if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o god_n humane_a nature_n be_v most_o certain_o liable_a to_o desperate_a exigency_n and_o he_o be_v not_o happy_a that_o be_v not_o provide_v against_o the_o worst_a that_o may_v happen_v it_o be_v bad_a to_o be_v reduce_v to_o such_o a_o condition_n as_o to_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o comfort_n and_o yet_o man_n be_v many_o time_n bring_v to_o that_o extremity_n that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o god_n they_o will_v not_o know_v what_o to_o do_v with_o themselves_o or_o how_o to_o enjoy_v themselves_o for_o one_o hour_n or_o to_o entertain_v their_o thought_n with_o any_o comfortable_a consideration_n under_o their_o present_a anguish_n and_o suffering_n all_o man_n natural_o fly_v to_o god_n in_o extremity_n and_o the_o most_o atheistical_a person_n in_o the_o world_n when_o he_o be_v forsake_v of_o all_o hope_n of_o any_o other_o relief_n be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v he_o and_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o have_v such_o a_o friend_n can_v it_o then_o be_v a_o wise_a and_o reasonable_a design_n to_o endeavour_v to_o banish_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n not_o to_o say_v how_o impious_a it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o god_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o malicious_a to_o man_n and_o more_o effectual_o undermine_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o our_o happiness_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n in_o the_o world_n man_n will_v be_v in_o a_o much_o more_o wretched_a and_o disconsolate_a condition_n than_o the_o creature_n below_o he_o for_o they_o be_v only_o sensible_a of_o present_a pain_n and_o when_o it_o be_v upon_o they_o they_o bear_v it_o as_o they_o can_v but_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o apprehensive_a of_o evil_n at_o a_o distance_n nor_o torment_v with_o the_o fearful_a prospect_n of_o what_o may_v befall_v they_o hereafter_o nor_o be_v they_o plunge_v into_o despair_n upon_o the_o consideration_n that_o the_o evil_n they_o lie_v under_o be_v like_a to_o continue_v and_o be_v incapable_a of_o a_o remedy_n and_o as_o they_o have_v no_o apprehension_n of_o these_o thing_n so_o they_o need_v no_o comfort_n against_o they_o but_o mankind_n be_v liable_a to_o all_o the_o same_o evil_n and_o many_o other_o which_o be_v so_o much_o the_o great_a because_o they_o be_v aggravate_v and_o set_v on_o by_o the_o restless_a working_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o exasperate_v by_o the_o smart_a reflection_n and_o fretting_n of_o our_o own_o thought_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n we_o be_v whole_o without_o comfort_n under_o all_o these_o and_o without_o any_o other_o remedy_n than_o what_o time_n will_v give_v for_o
if_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v take_v away_o what_o security_n have_v we_o against_o those_o innumerable_a danger_n and_o mischief_n to_o which_o humane_a nature_n be_v continual_o expose_v what_o consolation_n under_o they_o when_o we_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o condition_n that_o no_o creature_n can_v give_v we_o any_o hope_n of_o relief_n but_o if_o we_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o take_v care_n of_o we_o and_o we_o be_v careful_a to_o please_v he_o this_o can_v but_o be_v a_o mighty_a comfort_n to_o we_o both_o under_o the_o present_a sense_n of_o affliction_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o evil_n at_o a_o distance_n for_o in_o that_o case_n we_o be_v secure_a of_o one_o of_o these_o three_o thing_n either_o that_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n will_v prevent_v the_o evil_n we_o fear_v if_o that_o be_v best_o for_o we_o or_o that_o he_o will_v support_v we_o under_o they_o when_o they_o be_v present_a and_o add_v to_o our_o strength_n as_o he_o increase_v our_o burden_n or_o that_o he_o will_v make_v they_o the_o occasion_n of_o a_o great_a good_a to_o we_o by_o turn_v they_o either_o to_o our_o advantage_n in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o increase_n of_o our_o happiness_n in_o the_o next_o now_o every_o one_o of_o these_o consideration_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o comfort_n in_o it_o for_o which_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n there_o can_v be_v no_o ground_n nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o most_o real_a foundation_n of_o our_o unhappiness_n will_v be_v lay_v in_o our_o reason_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o much_o more_o miserable_a than_o the_o beast_n by_o how_o much_o we_o have_v a_o quick_a apprehension_n and_o a_o deep_a consideration_n of_o thing_n so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n have_v argument_n sufficient_a to_o persuade_v he_o that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n as_o there_o be_v infinite_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a yet_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n be_v so_o necessary_a to_o the_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n of_o our_o life_n that_o a_o wise_a man_n can_v not_o but_o be_v hearty_o trouble_v to_o quit_v so_o pleasant_a a_o error_n and_o to_o part_v with_o a_o delusion_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o yield_v such_o unspeakable_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n do_v but_o man_n consider_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n he_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v so_o lovely_a a_o be_v and_o so_o full_a of_o goodness_n and_o of_o all_o desirable_a perfection_n that_o even_o those_o very_a person_n who_o be_v of_o such_o irregular_a understanding_n as_o not_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n yet_o can_v not_o if_o they_o understand_v themselves_o refrain_v from_o wish_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n that_o there_o be_v one_o for_o be_v it_o not_o real_o desirable_a to_o every_o man_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o be_v in_o the_o world_n as_o take_v care_n of_o the_o frame_n of_o it_o that_o it_o do_v not_o run_v into_o confusion_n and_o in_o that_o disorder_n ruin_n mankind_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o take_v particular_a care_n of_o every_o one_o of_o we_o and_o love_v we_o and_o delight_n to_o do_v we_o good_a as_o understand_v all_o our_o want_n and_o be_v able_a and_o willing_a to_o relieve_v we_o in_o our_o great_a strait_n when_o nothing_o else_o can_v to_o preserve_v uâ—_n in_o our_o great_a danger_n to_o assist_v we_o against_o our_o worst_a enemy_n and_o to_o comfort_v we_o under_o our_o sharp_a suffering_n when_o all_o other_o thing_n set_v themselves_o against_o we_o be_v it_o not_o every_o man_n interest_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n as_o real_o design_n our_o happiness_n and_o have_v omit_v nothing_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o it_o as_o will_v govern_v we_o for_o our_o advantage_n and_o will_v require_v nothing_o of_o we_o but_o what_o be_v for_o our_o good_a and_o yet_o will_v infinite_o reward_v we_o for_o the_o do_v of_o that_o which_o be_v best_a for_o ourselves_o that_o will_v punish_v any_o man_n that_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o injure_v we_o or_o to_o deal_v otherwise_o with_o we_o than_o himself_o in_o the_o like_a case_n will_v be_v deal_v withal_o by_o we_o in_o a_o word_n such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o we_o when_o we_o have_v offend_v he_o and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o take_v little_a advantage_n against_o we_o for_o every_o fail_v that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o pardon_v our_o most_o wilful_a miscarriage_n upon_o our_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v such_o a_o be_v if_o he_o be_v at_o all_o why_o then_o shall_v any_o man_n be_v trouble_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o this_o or_o think_v himself_o concern_v to_o shut_v he_o out_o of_o the_o world_n how_o can_v such_o a_o governor_n as_o this_o be_v want_v in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v so_o great_a a_o comfort_n and_o security_n to_o mankind_n and_o the_o confidence_n of_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n if_o god_n be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o i_o have_v describe_v woe_n to_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v without_o out_o he_o this_o will_v be_v a_o thousand_o time_n great_a loss_n to_o mankind_n and_o of_o more_o dismal_a consequence_n and_o if_o it_o be_v true_a aught_o to_o affect_v we_o with_o more_o grief_n and_o horror_n than_o the_o extinguish_n of_o the_o sun_n let_v but_o all_o thing_n be_v well_o consider_v and_o i_o be_o very_o confident_a that_o if_o a_o wise_a and_o considerate_a man_n be_v leave_v to_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o choice_n to_o wish_v the_o great_a good_a to_o himself_o he_o can_v devise_v after_o he_o have_v search_v heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o his_o wish_n will_v be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v just_o such_o a_o be_v as_o god_n be_v nor_o will_v he_o choose_v any_o other_o benefactor_n or_o friend_n or_o protector_n for_o himself_o or_o governor_n for_o the_o whole_a world_n than_o infinite_a power_n conduct_v and_o manage_v by_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o justice_n which_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n nay_o so_o necessary_a be_v god_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n that_o though_o there_o be_v no_o god_n yet_o the_o atheist_n himself_o upon_o second_o thought_n will_v judge_v it_o convenient_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n shall_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v one_o for_o when_o the_o atheist_n have_v attain_v his_o end_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n possible_a have_v blot_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n mankind_n will_v in_o all_o probability_n grow_v so_o melancholy_a and_o so_o unruly_a a_o thing_n that_o he_o himself_o will_v think_v it_o fit_a in_o policy_n to_o contribute_v his_o best_a endeavour_n to_o the_o restore_n of_o man_n to_o their_o former_a belief_n thus_o have_v god_n secure_v the_o belief_n of_o himself_o in_o the_o world_n against_o all_o attempt_n to_o the_o contrary_a not_o only_o by_o rivet_a the_o notion_n of_o himself_o into_o our_o nature_n but_o likewise_o by_o make_v the_o belief_n of_o his_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o the_o quiet_a and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n so_o that_o if_o we_o consult_v our_o reason_n we_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v if_o our_o interest_n we_o can_v but_o hearty_o wish_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o god_n in_o the_o world_n every_o thing_n within_o we_o and_o without_o we_o give_v notice_n of_o he_o his_o name_n be_v write_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o in_o every_o creature_n there_o be_v some_o print_n and_o footstep_n of_o he_o every_o moment_n we_o feel_v our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o do_v by_o daily_a experience_n and_o that_o we_o can_v neither_o be_v happy_a without_o he_o nor_o think_v ourselves_o so_o i_o confess_v it_o be_v not_o a_o wicked_a man_n interest_n if_o he_o resolve_v to_o continue_v such_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o god_n but_o than_o it_o be_v not_o man_n interest_n to_o be_v wicked_a it_o be_v for_o the_o general_a good_a of_o humane_a society_n and_o consequent_o of_o particular_a person_n to_o be_v true_a and_o just_a it_o be_v for_o man_n health_n to_o be_v temperate_a and_o so_o i_o can_v instance_n in_o all_o other_o virtue_n but_o this_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o atheism_n man_n be_v wed_v to_o their_o lust_n and_o resolve_v upon_o a_o wicked_a course_n and_o so_o it_o become_v their_o interest_n to_o wish_v there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o to_o believe_v so_o if_o they_o can_v whereas_o if_o man_n be_v mind_v to_o live_v righteous_o and_o sober_o and_o virtuous_o in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v a_o god_n
bestow_v these_o gift_n on_o man_n as_o aholiab_n and_o bezaleel_n do_v their_o mechanical_a skill_n in_o the_o adorn_v and_o beautify_v of_o god_n tabernacle_n for_o this_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o every_o thing_n to_o attain_v its_o true_a and_o propor_n end_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o those_o gift_n and_o endowment_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o be_v to_o glorify_v the_o giver_n here_o be_v subject_a enough_o to_o exercise_v the_o wit_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n to_o praise_v that_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o almighty_a power_n and_o exquisite_a wisdom_n which_o make_v we_o and_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o admire_v what_o we_o can_v never_o sufficient_o praise_v to_o vindicate_v the_o wise_a and_o just_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o endeavour_v as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v upon_o a_o imperfect_a view_n of_o thing_n to_o make_v out_o the_o beauty_n and_o harmony_n of_o all_o the_o seem_a discord_n and_o irregularity_n of_o the_o divine_a administration_n to_o explain_v the_o oracle_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o adore_v that_o great_a mystery_n of_o divine_a love_n which_o the_o angel_n better_a and_o noble_a creature_n than_o we_o be_v desire_v to_o pry_v into_o god_n send_v his_o only_a son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n and_o to_o give_v his_o life_n a_o ransom_n for_o they_o these_o will_v be_v noble_a exercise_n indeed_o for_o the_o tongue_n and_o pen_n of_o the_o great_a wit_n and_o subject_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v the_o best_a trial_n of_o our_o ability_n in_o this_o kind_n satyr_n and_o invective_n be_v the_o easy_a kind_n of_o wit_n almost_o any_o degree_n of_o it_o will_v serve_v to_o abuse_v and_o find_v fault_n for_o wit_n be_v a_o keen_a instrument_n and_o every_o one_o can_v cut_v and_o gash_n with_o it_o but_o to_o carve_v a_o beautiful_a image_n and_o to_o polish_v it_o require_v great_a art_n and_o dexterity_n to_o praise_v any_o thing_n well_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o much_o more_o wit_n than_o to_o abuse_v a_o little_a wit_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o ill_a nature_n will_v furnish_v a_o man_n for_o satyr_n but_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o wit_n be_v to_o commend_v well_o and_o perhaps_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v the_o hard_a to_o be_v due_o commend_v for_o though_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o matter_n to_o work_v upon_o yet_o there_o be_v great_a judgement_n require_v to_o make_v choice_n and_o where_o the_o subject_n be_v great_a and_o excellent_a it_o be_v hard_a not_o to_o sink_v below_o the_o dignity_n of_o it_o this_o i_o say_v on_o purpose_n to_o recommend_v to_o man_n a_o noble_a exercise_n for_o their_o wit_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o put_v they_o out_o of_o conceit_n with_o that_o scoff_a humour_n which_o be_v so_o easy_a and_o so_o ill_o nature_a and_o be_v not_o only_o a_o enemy_n to_o religion_n but_o to_o every_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o worthy_a and_o i_o be_o very_o much_o mistake_v if_o the_o state_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n the_o civil_a government_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n do_v not_o in_o a_o short_a space_n find_v the_o intolerable_a inconvenience_n of_o this_o humour_n but_o i_o confine_v myself_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v sad_a indeed_o that_o in_o a_o nation_n profess_v christianity_n so_o horrid_a a_o impiety_n shall_v dare_v to_o appear_v but_o the_o scripture_n have_v foretell_v we_o that_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n shall_v arise_v in_o the_o gospel-age_n and_o they_o do_v appear_v even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n that_o which_o be_v more_o sad_a and_o strange_a be_v that_o we_o shall_v persist_v in_o this_o profaneness_n notwithstanding_o the_o terrible_a judgement_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v abroad_o in_o this_o nation_n god_n have_v of_o late_a year_n manifest_v himself_o in_o a_o very_a dreadful_a manner_n as_o if_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n to_o give_v a_o check_n to_o this_o insolent_a impiety_n and_o now_o that_o those_o judgement_n have_v do_v no_o good_a upon_o we_o we_o may_v just_o fear_v that_o he_o will_v appear_v once_o for_o all_o and_o it_o be_v time_n for_o he_o to_o show_v himself_o when_o his_o very_a be_v be_v call_v in_o question_n and_o to_o come_v and_o judge_v the_o world_n when_o man_n begin_v to_o doubt_v whether_o he_o make_v it_o the_o scripture_n mention_n two_o thing_n as_o the_o forerunner_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o come_n to_o judgement_n infidelity_n and_o profane_a scoff_v at_o religion_n 18.8_o luke_n 18.8_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o st._n judas_n out_o of_o a_o ancient_a prophecy_n of_o enoch_n express_o mention_n this_o as_o one_o reason_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o convince_v ungodly_a sinner_n of_o all_o their_o hard_a speech_n which_o they_o have_v speak_v against_o he_o for_o judas_n 15._o for_o and_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v a_o sign_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o come_n i_o wish_v that_o we_o in_o this_o age_n have_v not_o too_o much_o cause_n to_o apprehend_v the_o judge_n to_o be_v at_o the_o door_n this_o impiety_n do_v forerun_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o if_o it_o hold_v on_o among_o we_o may_v not_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v that_o either_o the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v at_o hand_n or_o that_o some_o very_a dismal_a calamity_n great_a than_o any_o our_o eye_n have_v yet_o see_v do_v hang_v over_o we_o but_o i_o will_v fain_o hope_v that_o god_n have_v mercy_n still_o for_o we_o and_o that_o man_n will_v pity_v themselves_o and_o repent_v and_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o know_v in_o this_o their_o day_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o their_o peace_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n prov_n fourteen_o 34._o righteousness_n exalt_v a_o nation_n but_o sin_n be_v the_o reproach_n of_o any_o people_n one_o of_o the_o first_o principle_n that_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o which_o lie_v at_o the_o very_a root_n and_o foundation_n of_o his_o be_v be_v the_o desire_n of_o his_o own_o preservation_n and_o happiness_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o every_o man_n be_v lead_v by_o interest_n and_o do_v love_n or_o hate_n choose_v or_o refuse_v thing_n according_a as_o he_o apprehend_v they_o to_o conduce_v to_o this_o end_n or_o to_o contradict_v it_o and_o because_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n be_v most_o present_a and_o sensible_a therefore_o humane_a nature_n which_o in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n be_v extreme_o sink_v down_o into_o sense_n be_v most_o powerful_o affect_v with_o sensible_a and_o temporal_a thing_n and_o consequent_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a prejudice_n raise_v against_o any_o thing_n than_o to_o have_v it_o represent_v as_o inconvenient_a and_o hurtful_a to_o our_o temporal_a interest_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o religion_n have_v extreme_o suffer_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o many_o as_o if_o it_o be_v opposite_a to_o our_o present_a welfare_n and_o do_v rob_v man_n of_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o convenience_n of_o life_n so_o that_o he_o that_o will_v do_v right_a to_o religion_n and_o make_v a_o ready_a way_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o it_o among_o man_n can_v take_v a_o more_o effectual_a course_n than_o by_o reconcile_a it_o with_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o by_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o our_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o enemy_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a friend_n to_o our_o temporal_a interest_n and_o that_o it_o do_v not_o only_o tend_v to_o make_v every_o man_n happy_a consider_v single_o and_o in_o a_o private_a capacity_n but_o be_v excellent_o fit_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o humane_a society_n how_o much_o religion_n tend_v even_o to_o the_o temporal_a advantage_n of_o private_a person_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o consider_v because_o my_o text_n lead_v i_o to_o discourse_v of_o the_o other_o namely_o to_o show_v how_o advantageous_a religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v to_o the_o public_a prosperity_n of_o a_o nation_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o aphorism_n of_o solomon_n righteousness_n exalt_v a_o nation_n etc._n etc._n and_o here_o i_o shall_v not_o restrain_v righteousness_n to_o the_o particular_a virtue_n of_o justice_n though_o in_o this_o sense_n also_o this_o say_n be_v most_o true_a but_o enlarge_v it_o according_a to_o the_o genius_n and_o strain_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o proverb_n in_o which_o the_o word_n wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n be_v common_o use_v very_o comprehensive_o so_o as_o to_o signify_v all_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o that_o
command_v whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a and_o chaste_a all_o manner_n of_o sobriety_n and_o temperance_n and_o moderation_n in_o reference_n to_o our_o appetite_n and_o passion_n and_o forbid_v whatever_o be_v unnatural_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o unhealthful_a in_o the_o use_n of_o pleasure_n and_o of_o any_o of_o god_n creature_n hither_o belong_v all_o those_o text_n which_o require_v of_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n 8.1_o rom._n 8.1_o that_o we_o shall_v cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n 7.1_o 2_o cor._n 7.1_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n 1.15_o 1_o pet._n 1.15_o st._n john_n distribute_v the_o lust_n and_o irregular_a appetite_n of_o man_n into_o three_o kind_n voluptuousness_n covetousness_n and_o ambition_n answerable_o to_o the_o three_o sort_n of_o tempt_a object_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n pleasure_n riches_n and_o honour_n all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n 2.16_o 1_o joh._n 2.16_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n etc._n etc._n and_o christianity_n do_v strict_o forbid_v all_o these_o 12.15_o luke_n 12.15_o take_v heed_n and_o beware_v of_o covetousness_n say_v our_o saviour_n and_o he_o add_v this_o excellent_a reason_n for_o a_o man_n life_n consist_v not_o in_o the_o abundance_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o he_o possess_v it_o forbid_v pride_n and_o ambition_n and_o vain_a glory_n and_o command_v humility_n and_o modesty_n and_o condescension_n to_o other_o 11.29_o mat._n 11.29_o learn_v of_o i_o say_v our_o saviour_n for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o spirit_n 12.16_o rom._n 12.16_o mind_v not_o high_a thing_n but_o condescend_v to_o they_o that_o be_v of_o low_a degree_n let_v nothing_o be_v do_v through_o vain_a glory_n 2.3_o phil._n 2.3_o but_o in_o lowliness_n of_o mind_n let_v each_o esteem_v other_o better_a than_o themselves_o and_o in_o reference_n to_o sensual_a pleasure_n it_o forbid_v all_o irregularity_n and_o excess_n and_o strict_o enjoin_v purity_n and_o temperance_n 21.36_o luke_n 21.36_o caution_v we_o to_o take_v heed_n lest_o we_o be_v overcharge_v with_o surfeit_v and_o drunkenness_n 13.13_o rom._n 13.13_o charge_v we_o to_o walk_v decent_o as_o in_o the_o day_n not_o in_o riot_v and_o drunkenness_n not_o in_o chamber_v and_o wantonness_n 2.11_o 1_o pet._n 2.11_o to_o abstain_v from_o fleshly_a lust_n which_o war_n against_o the_o soul_n now_o all_o these_o precept_n do_v not_o only_o tend_v to_o beget_v in_o we_o such_o virtue_n and_o disposition_n as_o be_v reasonable_a and_o suitable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o every_o way_n for_o our_o temporal_a convenience_n and_o advantage_n but_o such_o as_o do_v likewise_o exceed_o dispose_v we_o to_o piety_n and_o religion_n by_o purify_n our_o soul_n from_o the_o dross_n and_o filth_n of_o sensual_a delight_n for_o covetousness_n debase_v a_o man_n spirit_n and_o sink_v it_o into_o the_o earth_n intemperance_n and_o lust_n cloud_v a_o man_n understanding_n and_o indispose_v it_o for_o the_o contemplation_n of_o thing_n spiritual_a and_o divine_a thus_o you_o see_v how_o the_o precept_n of_o christianity_n do_v tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n consider_v man_n single_o and_o personal_o second_o the_o other_o sort_n of_o precept_n be_v such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n can_v devise_v nothing_o more_o proper_a to_o this_o end_n than_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n be_v for_o they_o command_v all_o those_o virtue_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o sweeten_v the_o spirit_n and_o allay_v the_o passion_n and_o animosity_n of_o man_n one_o towards_o another_o they_o require_v we_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n that_o be_v every_o man_n in_o the_o world_n even_o our_o great_a enemy_n as_o our_o self_n and_o for_o this_o end_n among_o other_o be_v the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n the_o feast_n of_o love_n institute_v that_o by_o commemorate_n the_o love_n of_o our_o die_a saviour_n who_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o enemy_n we_o may_v be_v put_v in_o mind_n how_o we_o ought_v to_o love_v one_o another_o and_o by_o this_o law_n of_o love_v all_o man_n even_o our_o enemy_n christian_a religion_n discover_v itself_o not_o only_o to_o be_v the_o most_o innocent_a and_o harmless_a but_o the_o most_o generous_a and_o best_a nature_a institution_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o general_a precept_n it_o command_v we_o to_o do_v good_a to_o all_o man_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o man_n to_o be_v kind_a one_o to_o another_o ready_a to_o gratify_v and_o oblige_v man_n to_o be_v tender-hearted_a and_o compassionate_a towards_o those_o that_o be_v in_o want_n or_o misery_n and_o ready_a to_o supply_v and_o relieve_v they_o to_o sympathize_v with_o one_o another_o in_o our_o joy_n and_o sorrow_n to_o mourn_v with_o those_o that_o mourn_v and_o to_o rejoice_v with_o they_o that_o rejoice_v to_o bear_v one_o another_o burden_n and_o to_o forbear_v one_o another_o in_o love_n to_o be_v easy_o reconcile_v to_o they_o that_o have_v offend_v we_o and_o to_o be_v ready_a to_o forgive_v from_o our_o heart_n the_o great_a injury_n that_o can_v be_v do_v to_o we_o and_o that_o without_o bound_n and_o limit_n even_o to_o seventy_o seven_o time_n as_o our_o saviour_n express_v it_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n do_v likewise_o secure_v both_o the_o private_a interest_n of_o man_n and_o the_o public_a peace_n by_o confirm_v and_o enforce_v all_o the_o dictate_v of_o nature_n concern_v justice_n and_o equity_n and_o our_o do_v to_o other_o as_o we_o will_v have_v they_o to_o do_v to_o we_o and_o by_o command_a obedience_n to_o humane_a law_n which_o decide_v man_n right_n and_o submission_n to_o government_n under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n and_o by_o forbid_v whatever_o be_v contrary_a to_o these_o violence_n and_o oppression_n defraud_v and_o overreach_v one_o another_o perfidiousness_n and_o treachery_n breach_n of_o trust_n oath_n or_o promise_n undutifulness_n to_o superior_n sedition_n and_o rebellion_n against_o magistracy_n and_o authority_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v apt_a to_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o alienate_v the_o affection_n of_o man_n from_o one_o another_o as_o sourness_n of_o disposition_n and_o rudeness_n of_o behaviour_n censoriousness_n and_o sinister_a interpretation_n of_o thing_n all_o cross_n and_o distasteful_a humour_n and_o what_o ever_o else_o may_v render_v the_o conversation_n of_o man_n grievous_a and_o uneasy_a to_o one_o another_o all_o these_o be_v either_o express_o or_o by_o clear_a consequence_n and_o deduction_n forbid_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o now_o what_o can_v any_o religion_n do_v more_o towards_o the_o reform_n of_o the_o disposition_n and_o manner_n of_o man_n what_o law_n can_v be_v devise_v more_o proper_a and_o effectual_a to_o advance_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n to_o its_o high_a perfection_n to_o procure_v the_o tranquillity_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o the_o world_n than_o these_o precept_n of_o christianity_n be_v several_a of_o which_o as_o those_o of_o love_v our_o enemy_n of_o not_o revenge_a injury_n of_o render_v good_a for_o evil_n etc._n etc._n though_o they_o have_v be_v esteem_v reasonable_a by_o some_o of_o the_o wife_a among_o the_o heathen_a yet_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o obscurity_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o humane_a reason_n they_o never_o obtain_v to_o have_v the_o estimation_n and_o force_n of_o natural_a law_n so_o that_o we_o owe_v to_o christianity_n the_o discovery_n of_o the_o most_o certain_a and_o perfect_a rule_n of_o life_n that_o ever_o the_o world_n be_v acquaint_v withal_o iii_o christian_a religion_n propound_v the_o most_o powerful_a argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o these_o law_n the_o gospel_n offer_v such_o consideration_n to_o we_o as_o be_v fit_a to_o work_v very_o forcible_o upon_o two_o of_o the_o most_o sway_a and_o govern_v passion_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n our_o hope_n and_o our_o fear_n to_o encourage_v our_o hope_n it_o give_v we_o the_o high_a assurance_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o last_a happiness_n in_o case_n of_o obedience_n and_o to_o awaken_v our_o fear_n it_o threaten_v sinner_n with_o the_o most_o dreadful_a and_o durable_a torment_n in_o case_n of_o disobedience_n 8._o rom._n 2.7_o 8._o to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well-doing_n seek_v for_o glory_n and_o honour_n and_o immortality_n it_o promise_v eternal_a life_n but_o unto_o they_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o obey_v
unrighteousness_n it_o threaten_v indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o powerful_a a_o instrument_n for_o the_o reform_n of_o the_o world_n that_o it_o propose_v to_o man_n such_o glorious_a reward_n and_o such_o terrible_a punishment_n as_o no_o religion_n ever_o do_v and_o to_o make_v the_o consideration_n of_o they_o more_o effectual_a it_o give_v we_o far_o great_a assurance_n of_o the_o reality_n and_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n than_o ever_o the_o world_n have_v before_o this_o account_n the_o apostle_n give_v we_o of_o the_o success_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n he_o call_v it_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n 16.18_o rom._n r._n 16.18_o because_o therein_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n before_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o wickedness_n and_o impenitency_n of_o the_o heathen-world_n be_v a_o much_o more_o excusable_a thing_n because_o they_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n ignorant_a of_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o life_n and_o have_v general_o but_o very_o uncertain_a and_o obscure_a apprehension_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o urge_v man_n most_o powerful_o to_o forsake_v their_o sin_n and_o be_v the_o most_o prevalent_a argument_n to_o a_o good_a life_n so_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o athenian_n the_o most_o know_v among_o the_o heathen_a 31._o act._n 17.30_o 31._o the_o time_n of_o this_o ignorance_n god_n wink_v at_o but_o now_o command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v because_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n in_o the_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n by_o that_o man_n who_o he_o have_v ordain_v whereof_o he_o have_v give_v assurance_n unto_o all_o man_n in_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a have_v give_v the_o world_n that_o full_a assurance_n of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o of_o a_o future_a judgement_n which_o it_o never_o have_v before_o for_o he_o who_o god_n raise_v from_o the_o dead_a do_v declare_v and_o testify_v that_o it_o be_v he_o who_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o quick_a and_o dead_a 10.42_o act._n 10.42_o and_o the_o firm_a belief_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n which_o shall_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n if_o it_o be_v well_o consider_v be_v to_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n the_o most_o forcible_a motive_n of_o all_o other_o to_o a_o good_a life_n because_o it_o be_v take_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o last_a happiness_n and_o misery_n that_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o so_o that_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n have_v the_o firm_a sanction_n of_o any_o law_n in_o the_o world_n to_o secure_v the_o obedience_n and_o observance_n of_o they_o for_o what_o can_v restrain_v man_n from_o sin_n if_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o evident_a danger_n of_o eternal_a destruction_n will_v not_o what_o encouragement_n can_v be_v give_v to_o goodness_n beyond_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o endless_a felicity_n iv_o the_o christian_a religion_n furnish_v we_o with_o the_o best_a motive_n and_o consideration_n to_o patience_n and_o contentedness_n under_o the_o evil_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o life_n this_o be_v one_o great_a design_n of_o philosophy_n to_o support_v man_n under_o the_o evil_n and_o calamity_n which_o this_o life_n be_v incident_a to_o and_o to_o fortify_v their_o spirit_n against_o suffering_n and_o to_o this_o end_n the_o wise_a among_o the_o heathen_n rack_v their_o wit_n and_o cast_v about_o every_o way_n they_o advance_v all_o sort_n of_o principle_n and_o manage_v every_o little_a argument_n and_o consideration_n to_o the_o utmost_a advantage_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o these_o attempt_n they_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o give_v any_o considerable_a comfort_n and_o ease_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n under_o any_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o pressure_n of_o this_o life_n the_o bed_n be_v short_a than_o that_o a_o man_n can_v stretch_v himself_o upon_o it_o and_o the_o cover_n narrow_a than_o that_o a_o man_n can_v wrap_v himself_o in_o it_o all_o the_o wise_a say_n and_o advice_n which_o philosopher_n can_v muster_v up_o to_o this_o purpose_n have_v prove_v ineffectual_a to_o the_o common_a people_n and_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n and_o have_v help_v only_o to_o support_v some_o few_o stout_a and_o ostbinate_a mind_n which_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o philosophy_n will_v have_v hold_v up_o pretty_a well_o of_o themselves_o some_o of_o the_o philosopher_n have_v run_v so_o far_o back_o for_o argument_n of_o comfort_n against_o pain_n as_o to_o call_v every_o thing_n into_o 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torment_n and_o death_n have_v the_o precept_n and_o counsel_n of_o philosophy_n ever_o any_o such_o effect_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n i_o will_v conclude_v this_o with_o a_o passage_n in_o the_o life_n of_o lipsius_n who_o be_v a_o great_a study_a and_o admirer_n of_o the_o stoical_a philosophy_n when_o he_o lie_v upon_o his_o deathbed_n and_o one_o of_o his_o friend_n who_o come_v to_o visit_v he_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o need_v not_o use_v argument_n to_o persuade_v he_o to_o patience_n under_o his_o pain_n the_o philosophy_n which_o he_o have_v study_v so_o much_o will_v furnish_v he_o with_o motive_n enough_o to_o that_o purpose_n he_o answer_v he_o with_o this_o ejaculation_n domine_fw-la jesus_n da_fw-la mihi_fw-la patientiam_fw-la christianam_fw-la lord_n jesus_n give_v i_o christian_a patience_n no_o patience_n like_a to_o that_o which_o the_o consideration_n of_o christianity_n be_v apt_a to_o work_v in_o we_o and_o now_o i_o have_v as_o brief_o and_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v to_o you_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o clear_a discovery_n which_o it_o make_v to_o we_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o likewise_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o its_o law_n and_o the_o power_n of_o its_o argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n both_o to_o obey_v and_o suffer_v the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o which_o you_o may_v see_v what_o the_o proper_a tendency_n and_o design_n of_o this_o religion_n be_v and_o what_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o it_o will_v make_v man_n if_o they_o will_v true_o observe_v they_o and_o live_v according_a to_o they_o substantial_o religious_a towards_o god_n chaste_a and_o temperate_a patient_a and_o content_v in_o reference_n to_o themselves_o and_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o they_o just_a and_o honest_a kind_a and_o peaceable_a and_o good_a nature_a 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