weakness_n of_o mind_n the_o first_o be_v heedlessness_n rashness_n and_o inconsideration_n the_o other_o be_v infidelity_n and_o ignorance_n or_o inapprehensiveness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n all_o irreligion_n be_v owe_v to_o these_o two_o cause_n for_o either_o man_n do_v not_o mind_n and_o consider_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v those_o principle_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o own_o and_o believe_v as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o heaven_n and_o a_o hell_n and_o a_o eternal_a state_n of_o bliss_n and_o misery_n after_o this_o life_n so_o as_o to_o let_v these_o have_v that_o full_a force_n and_o influence_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v upon_o their_o mind_n or_o else_o they_o do_v not_o real_o believe_v and_o apprehend_v those_o to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v both_o high_a degree_n of_o folly_n and_o proceed_v from_o a_o great_a defect_n of_o understanding_n and_o want_n of_o wisdom_n as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o what_o can_v be_v a_o grosser_n folly_n than_o to_o act_v contrary_a to_o those_o principle_n which_o we_o own_o and_o allow_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a and_o yet_o to_o live_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o life_n but_o this_o this_o be_v certain_o the_o most_o desperate_a folly_n and_o madness_n to_o run_v upon_o the_o great_a danger_n that_o we_o see_v evident_o before_o we_o and_o to_o leap_v into_o hell_n with_o our_o eye_n open_a when_o man_n do_v real_o believe_v they_o shall_v be_v damn_v for_o a_o wicked_a and_o ill_a life_n and_o yet_o still_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v folly_n one_o will_v think_v even_o to_o the_o height_n of_o distraction_n to_o live_v thus_o contrary_a to_o their_o belief_n and_o let_v their_o principle_n and_o their_o action_n thus_o disagree_v and_o to_o condemn_v themselves_o in_o their_o act_n contrary_a to_o their_o own_o knowledge_n belief_n and_o understanding_n in_o a_o matter_n which_o be_v of_o so_o great_a moment_n and_o concern_v as_o they_o must_v acknowledge_v this_o to_o be_v of_o the_o two_o the_o other_o one_o will_v think_v be_v more_o excusable_a who_o do_v not_o believe_v these_o thing_n though_o that_o be_v great_a ignorance_n and_o folly_n for_o it_o be_v dis-believing_a that_o which_o all_o mankind_n have_v in_o all_o age_n believe_v in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o and_o which_o we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v as_o we_o can_v have_v if_o the_o thing_n be_v never_o so_o true_a and_o certain_a and_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v ever_o know_v or_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o believe_v to_o be_v false_a and_o which_o if_o it_o be_v only_o doubtful_a and_o but_o mere_o probable_a or_o indeed_o possible_a yet_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v not_o run_v a_o great_a hazard_n or_o venture_v upon_o it_o but_o will_v take_v care_n to_o save_v and_o secure_v himself_o against_o the_o worst_a and_o utmost_a possibility_n that_o may_v happen_v i_o shall_v not_o now_o consider_v the_o great_a weakness_n and_o folly_n of_o infidelity_n against_o the_o clear_a reason_n and_o evidence_n and_o the_o utmost_a demonstration_n the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o require_v more_o than_o a_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n can_v have_v nor_o how_o religion_n be_v wisdom_n as_o be_v establish_v upon_o the_o great_a foundation_n of_o truth_n and_o certainty_n it_o be_v the_o other_o folly_n that_o of_o inconsideration_n by_o which_o most_o man_n perish_v by_o not_o attend_v to_o the_o power_n and_o force_v of_o those_o truth_n which_o they_o do_v believe_v but_o rash_o and_o inconsiderate_o follow_v the_o career_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o violence_n of_o their_o inclination_n against_o the_o reason_n and_o belief_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n for_o can_v any_o man_n that_o serious_o consider_v and_o believe_v a_o everlasting_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o let_v his_o mind_n due_o attend_v and_o be_v affect_v with_o those_o consideration_n which_o he_o real_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a can_v he_o be_v wicked_a without_o the_o great_a folly_n and_o madness_n and_o can_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v any_o other_o than_o the_o most_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v all_o those_o great_a and_o important_a thing_n which_o religion_n teach_v we_o and_o yet_o to_o live_v as_o if_o we_o believe_v none_o of_o they_o this_o be_v such_o unaccountable_a folly_n as_o want_v a_o name_n and_o can_v have_v nothing_o to_o palliate_v or_o excuse_v it_o indeed_o a_o wicked_a life_n be_v the_o great_a folly_n in_o the_o world_n and_o appear_v to_o all_o to_o be_v so_o upon_o reflection_n and_o a_o little_a serious_a consideration_n no_o body_n but_o repent_v of_o it_o afterward_o and_o be_v sorry_a for_o it_o one_o time_n or_o other_o though_o perhaps_o it_o be_v too_o late_a and_o when_o he_o can_v retrieve_v or_o amend_v it_o unless_o he_o be_v stupefy_v and_o harden_v and_o have_v lose_v the_o use_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a own_n it_o to_o be_v folly_n and_o unadvisedness_n even_o upon_o trial_n and_o experience_n and_o a_o wish_v they_o have_v do_v better_a and_o that_o they_o have_v be_v much_o wise_a no_o man_n repent_v of_o his_o have_v do_v virtuous_o and_o live_v religious_o but_o be_v please_v and_o satisfy_v in_o himself_o upon_o his_o reflect_v upon_o it_o which_o show_v that_o he_o act_v wise_o and_o prudent_o but_o the_o direful_a agony_n and_o sad_a reflection_n and_o horror_n and_o disquiet_v that_o a_o man_n feel_v in_o his_o mind_n upon_o his_o have_v live_v wicked_o show_v the_o height_n of_o his_o folly_n and_o how_o he_o be_v force_v to_o condemn_v himself_o for_o it_o and_o to_o bewail_v and_o lament_v his_o extreme_a weakness_n and_o madness_n and_o this_o be_v true_o hell_n when_o he_o must_v do_v so_o to_o all_o eternity_n than_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o will_v appear_v whatever_o it_o do_v now_o that_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n be_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o that_o virtue_n and_o religion_n be_v the_o true_a and_o only_a wisdom_n and_o that_o what_o the_o psalmist_n say_v be_v true_a the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n the_o eight_o sermon_n rom_n xii_o 21._o be_v not_o overcome_v of_o evil_a but_o overcome_v evil_a with_o good_n it_o be_v a_o question_n with_o some_o whether_o christ_n have_v add_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o require_v any_o high_a and_o more_o perfect_a virtue_n than_o be_v found_v in_o that_o as_o for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n he_o have_v take_v away_o the_o ritual_a and_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o it_o and_o as_o to_o the_o moral_a he_o have_v clear_v it_o from_o the_o false_a gloss_n and_o corruption_n and_o error_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o have_v expound_v it_o into_o a_o meaning_n contrary_n to_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o law_n for_o that_o to_o be_v sure_o come_v from_o god_n can_v have_v nothing_o immoral_a in_o it_o and_o therefore_o whatever_o correction_n be_v make_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v only_o of_o the_o perverse_a and_o corrupt_a interpretation_n of_o other_o and_o not_o of_o the_o law_n itself_o but_o whether_o he_o have_v not_o add_v any_o new_a and_o more_o perfect_a law_n both_o to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o that_o of_o nature_n and_o require_v high_a instance_n of_o virtue_n of_o we_o christian_n than_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n be_v a_o great_a question_n on_o the_o one_o side_n it_o seem_v more_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n in_o which_o there_o be_v some_o noble_a precept_n that_o excel_v any_o that_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o any_o other_o moralist_n as_o against_o lust_n and_o revenge_n for_o love_a enemy_n and_o not_o retaliate_v injury_n and_o the_o like_a on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o christ_n have_v add_v any_o new_a law_n not_o found_v in_o nature_n they_o must_v be_v mere_o positive_a and_o alterable_a and_o not_o have_v any_o natural_a or_o intrinsic_a good_a in_o they_o but_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o mere_a arbitrary_a will_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o the_o original_a settlement_n and_o constitution_n of_o thing_n for_o if_o they_o have_v a_o foundation_n either_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n they_o can_v be_v new_a and_o so_o add_v to_o those_o of_o nature_n but_o i_o think_v this_o controversy_n may_v be_v thus_o compound_v and_o resolve_v that_o those_o law_n though_o they_o be_v found_v in_o nature_n and_o have_v a_o natural_a and_o intrinsic_a and_o eternal_a goodness_n in_o they_o as_o all_o moral_a virtue_n have_v yet_o
can_v not_o be_v so_o well_o know_v and_o discover_v by_o the_o dim-light_n of_o nature_n nor_o be_v so_o full_o promulge_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n as_o they_o be_v now_o by_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o christian_a revelation_n one_o of_o the_o high_a and_o noble_a virtue_n of_o christianity_n be_v that_o advice_n precept_n or_o duty_n give_v here_o in_o my_o text_n be_v not_o overcome_v concern_v which_o though_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n hardly_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o quite_o contrary_a to_o be_v often_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o best_a heathen_a moralist_n who_o reckon_v revenge_a a_o injury_n as_o a_o part_n of_o justice_n and_o among_o the_o number_n of_o their_o virtue_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a if_o we_o consider_v of_o it_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a and_o have_v a_o natural_a and_o intrinsic_a goodness_n in_o it_o and_o tend_v very_o much_o to_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o our_o life_n among_o the_o many_o evil_n injury_n and_o ill_a usage_n from_o other_o we_o may_v probable_o meet_v with_o in_o this_o world_n the_o best_a shelter_n and_o security_n against_o which_o and_o the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a virtue_n a_o christian_n ought_v to_o learn_v be_v that_o of_o the_o text_n which_o though_o it_o be_v so_o much_o against_o the_o practice_n and_o therefore_o seem_v to_o be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o but_o be_v a_o most_o excellent_a duty_n in_o itself_o and_o what_o we_o be_v always_o indispensible_o bind_v to_o both_o as_o wise_a man_n and_o good_a christian_n be_v not_o overcome_v of_o evil_a but_o overcome_v evil_a with_o good_a from_o whence_o i_o shall_v first_o show_v you_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v overcome_v of_o evil_a second_o the_o good_a and_o excellency_n of_o not_o be_v overcome_v of_o evil_a but_o overcome_v evil_a with_o good_a first_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v overcome_v of_o evil_a i._n e._n the_o evil_a that_o be_v do_v to_o we_o by_o other_o not_o that_o be_v do_v by_o ourselves_o for_o that_o overcome_v we_o whenever_o we_o fall_v into_o it_o but_o we_o may_v suffer_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o evil_n or_o injury_n from_o other_o without_o be_v overcome_v by_o it_o for_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o overcome_v we_o only_o by_o these_o several_a way_n 1._o when_o it_o so_o take_v away_o the_o peace_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n as_o to_o make_v he_o sink_v under_o it_o now_o no_o evil_n aught_o to_o do_v this_o but_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o guilt_n and_o the_o sad_a consequence_n of_o those_o which_o be_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n and_o eternal_a damnation_n these_o be_v so_o dreadful_a that_o nothing_o can_v bear_v or_o stand_v up_o against_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v bear_v but_o to_o be_v avoid_v and_o wrought_v to_o take_v care_n to_o escape_v they_o by_o repentance_n and_o a_o good_a life_n for_o there_o be_v no_o master_v and_o overcome_v they_o they_o be_v so_o great_a and_o intolerable_a that_o humane_a nature_n can_v grapple_v with_o they_o or_o endure_v they_o with_o any_o degree_n of_o courage_n or_o patience_n but_o now_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n may_v be_v brave_o withstand_v or_o overcome_v and_o we_o can_v rally_v up_o power_n and_o resolution_n sufficient_a to_o contend_v with_o they_o and_o hold_v out_o pretty_a tolerable_o against_o they_o so_o as_o to_o preserve_v a_o inward_a ease_n and_o comsort_n peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n under_o all_o or_o any_o of_o they_o and_o that_o strength_n and_o vigour_n and_o firmness_n and_o constancy_n of_o a_o man_n mind_n may_v not_o be_v break_v or_o dissolve_v by_o they_o and_o this_o be_v true_a courage_n and_o bravery_n and_o greatness_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v most_o eminent_o in_o the_o first_o martyr_n and_o christian_n under_o all_o their_o suffering_n wherein_o they_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o christ_n who_o strengthen_v they_o rom._n 8.37_o and_o many_o other_o have_v bear_v sickness_n and_o adversity_n reproach_n and_o calumny_n and_o other_o misfortune_n of_o this_o world_n with_o great_a evenness_n and_o equanimity_n and_o cheerfullness_n of_o mind_n and_o have_v not_o be_v sink_v or_o depress_v by_o they_o they_o have_v not_o lie_v down_o under_o the_o burden_n but_o though_o it_o have_v be_v heavy_a and_o hard_o and_o they_o have_v feel_v it_o so_o and_o not_o be_v without_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o yet_o they_o have_v bear_v up_o under_o it_o and_o with_o put_v forth_o their_o strength_n and_o patience_n make_v it_o less_o than_o it_o otherwise_o will_v have_v be_v or_o if_o they_o have_v fall_v down_o under_o it_o ill_o usage_n and_o injustice_n from_o other_o be_v not_o the_o least_o of_o evil_n nor_o the_o easy_a to_o be_v bear_v but_o when_o we_o consider_v they_o be_v no_o more_o in_o our_o power_n to_o prevent_v than_o disease_n or_o any_o other_o accident_n that_o may_v befall_v we_o the_o peace_n of_o our_o mind_n shall_v not_o be_v much_o affect_v with_o they_o since_o that_o ought_v always_o to_o depend_v upon_o what_o be_v in_o our_o own_o power_n and_o upon_o our_o own_o voluntary_a choice_n and_o action_n or_o else_o we_o can_v never_o have_v any_o security_n of_o it_o but_o it_o will_v be_v at_o the_o mercy_n whole_o of_o every_o chance_n or_o accident_n without_o we_o and_o second_o the_o way_n not_o to_o be_v overcome_v by_o they_o be_v not_o to_o dwell_v too_o much_o upon_o they_o in_o our_o thought_n not_o to_o chew_v or_o ruminate_v upon_o they_o nor_o keep_v they_o in_o our_o thought_n too_o morose_o for_o that_o be_v to_o roll_v the_o bitterness_n of_o they_o as_o it_o be_v up_o and_o down_o in_o our_o mouth_n and_o to_o taste_v they_o over_o again_o whereas_o to_o spit_v they_o out_o to_o pass_v they_o by_o to_o neglect_v they_o and_o not_o think_v of_o they_o be_v the_o speedy_a way_n to_o have_v do_v with_o they_o if_o they_o lie_v heat_n and_o boil_v upon_o our_o stomach_n and_o the_o choleric_a and_o revengeful_a humour_n be_v ferment_v and_o put_v in_o agitation_n by_o they_o it_o will_v great_o trouble_v and_o annoy_v we_o but_o when_o we_o check_v and_o suppress_v it_o at_o first_o we_o be_v at_o ease_n present_o and_o have_v none_o of_o those_o tumultuous_a and_o disorderly_a disturbance_n that_o be_v in_o the_o breast_n of_o revengeful_a and_o malicious_a man_n that_o can_v never_o forget_v or_o pass_v by_o a_o injury_n but_o let_v it_o like_o a_o thorn_n in_o the_o flesh_n always_o pain_n they_o and_o go_v in_o further_a and_o deep_o and_o cause_v a_o ulcer_n that_o shall_v throb_v and_o burn_v within_o and_o be_v very_o troublesome_a whereas_o all_o may_v have_v be_v cure_v by_o pluck_v it_o out_o present_o and_o throw_v it_o away_o and_o not_o let_v it_o stick_v long_a or_o enter_v deep_a into_o our_o thought_n 3._o not_o to_o have_v any_o thought_n of_o revenge_a it_o be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o overcome_v it_o for_o this_o lessen_v the_o trouble_n of_o it_o and_o put_v a_o quick_a and_o speedy_a end_n to_o it_o whereas_o the_o other_o put_v a_o man_n upon_o a_o thousand_o uneasy_a thought_n and_o contrivance_n set_v his_o head_n upon_o work_v like_o the_o devil_n how_o to_o do_v mischief_n and_o like_o he_o be_v all_o the_o while_n torment_v with_o his_o own_o mischievous_a design_n whether_o they_o succeed_v or_o not_o and_o be_v always_o restless_a and_o uneasy_a lest_o they_o shall_v sail_v and_o he_o shall_v be_v disappoint_v and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o yet_o he_o procure_v no_o manner_n of_o good_a to_o himself_o but_o only_a mischief_n to_o another_o which_o be_v all_o the_o diabolical_a pleasure_n of_o the_o most_o successful_a revenge_n and_o he_o be_v certain_o overcome_v by_o a_o injury_n who_o be_v thus_o provoke_v to_o return_v and_o retaliate_v it_o and_o will_v give_v himself_o a_o vast_a deal_n of_o trouble_n for_o no_o manner_n of_o good_a but_o mere_o to_o do_v ill_o to_o another_o much_o good_a may_v do_v these_o man_n with_o the_o sweet_n of_o their_o revenge_n as_o they_o call_v it_o the_o devil_n themselves_o may_v be_v please_v and_o delight_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o hell_n if_o there_o be_v great_a and_o true_a pleasure_n in_o this_o 4._o we_o be_v overcome_v by_o evil_a when_o we_o be_v bring_v to_o commit_v the_o same_o evil_n and_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o other_o which_o they_o do_v to_o we_o when_o we_o be_v bring_v to_o render_v rail_v for_o rail_v curse_v for_o curse_v evil_n speak_v for_o evil_n speak_n and_o the_o like_a i._n e._n when_o other_o treat_v we_o in_o this_o rude_a manner_n and_o we_o return_v they_o the_o same_o again_o and_o give_v they_o as_o we_o say_v
as_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o the_o real_a goodness_n of_o what_o be_v command_v nor_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n but_o only_o in_o his_o arbitrary_a will_n and_o pleasure_n whereas_o this_o it_o be_v that_o true_o commend_v religion_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o consider_v man_n that_o it_o be_v the_o oblige_v we_o to_o such_o law_n as_o be_v eternal_o and_o unalterable_o good_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n which_o do_v natural_o produce_v good_a effect_n to_o ourselves_o and_o the_o world_n and_o be_v the_o necessary_a cause_n of_o our_o happiness_n and_o that_o therefore_o god_n have_v lay_v they_o upon_o we_o not_o as_o a_o yoke_n he_o will_v have_v we_o submit_v to_o mere_o because_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o he_o but_o as_o they_o be_v good_a in_o themselves_o and_o the_o necessary_a mean_n of_o our_o happiness_n that_o his_o command_n be_v but_o the_o copy_n of_o his_o own_o original_a and_o wise_a reason_n the_o transcript_n of_o his_o own_o eternal_a righteousness_n and_o perfection_n and_o that_o the_o righteousness_n he_o command_v we_o be_v take_v from_o god_n himself_o and_o be_v a_o lively_a pattern_n and_o exemplar_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o essential_a righteousness_n this_o do_v extreme_o commend_v religion_n and_o righteousness_n to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o found_v in_o the_o will_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n too_o and_o be_v not_o only_o interweave_v with_o the_o very_o make_v of_o our_o humane_a nature_n but_o derive_v from_o the_o natural_a perfection_n of_o god_n as_o the_o fountain_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o imperious_a restraint_n upon_o we_o from_o humoursom_a and_o boundless_a will_n that_o have_v no_o antecedent_n reason_n thus_o to_o limit_v and_o confine_v we_o but_o that_o all_o the_o law_n of_o righteousness_n beside_o the_o stamp_n and_o impress_n that_o heaven_n have_v fix_v upon_o they_o be_v of_o intrinsic_a worth_n and_o value_n and_o that_o their_o own_o goodness_n be_v the_o firm_a sanction_n and_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o their_o obligation_n 4._o the_o have_v such_o a_o conception_n of_o god_n be_v very_o dishonourable_a to_o god_n and_o uncomfortable_a to_o ourselves_o if_o we_o consider_v no_o other_o effect_n of_o it_o upon_o our_o life_n it_o be_v a_o rob_n he_o of_o one_o of_o the_o noble_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n of_o the_o rich_a jewel_n of_o his_o crown_n and_o the_o most_o resplendent_a justice_n and_o righteousness_n be_v the_o great_a excellency_n of_o a_o governor_n of_o a_o great_a and_o powerful_a be_v and_o his_o power_n without_o those_o will_v be_v only_o a_o great_a mischief_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o all_o man_n do_v more_o admire_v and_o commend_v than_o impartial_a justice_n in_o those_o who_o be_v above_o they_o because_o it_o be_v a_o guard_n and_o protection_n of_o every_o man_n a_o fence_n set_v about_o he_o and_o all_o his_o interest_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o manifest_a than_o the_o influence_n which_o justice_n have_v upon_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o every_o body_n when_o he_o think_v on_o a_o cato_n or_o a_o aristides_n bless_v he_o in_o his_o heart_n and_o speak_v well_o of_o he_o with_o his_o li_n and_o what_o we_o think_v such_o a_o perfection_n in_o man_n and_o such_o a_o object_n of_o esteem_n there_o if_o we_o deny_v it_o to_o god_n we_o stop_v one_o of_o the_o main_a stream_n of_o honour_n that_o shall_v flow_v from_o he_o and_o cut_v off_o the_o bright_a ray_n of_o the_o divine_a lustre_n neither_o can_v we_o give_v that_o honour_n that_o belong_v to_o he_o if_o we_o strip_v he_o of_o those_o perfection_n any_o more_o than_o we_o can_v see_v the_o sun_n if_o we_o disrobe_v it_o of_o its_o light_n or_o admire_v the_o face_n that_o we_o have_v mangle_v and_o deform_v there_o must_v be_v such_o a_o congruity_n in_o the_o object_n like_o charm_n sit_v to_o attract_v our_o passion_n and_o excite_v our_o esteem_n or_o else_o we_o can_v no_o more_o love_n and_o honour_n than_o we_o can_v taste_v with_o our_o eye_n and_o see_v with_o our_o palate_n and_o mere_a power_n be_v no_o more_o a_o object_n of_o love_n and_o honour_n but_o as_o it_o be_v a_o instrument_n to_o do_v 〈◊〉_d good_a than_o a_o earthquake_n or_o a_o clap_n of_o thunder_n it_o will_v amaze_v and_o affright_v we_o and_o put_v we_o into_o a_o consternation_n but_o never_o bring_v we_o hearty_o to_o honour_n and_o esteem_v it_o we_o shall_v dread_v such_o a_o be_v as_o have_v we_o under_o and_o can_v crush_v we_o as_o he_o please_v just_a as_o a_o little_a bird_n do_v the_o eagle_n when_o its_o claw_n be_v upon_o it_o and_o we_o shall_v live_v in_o as_o much_o terror_n and_o confusion_n and_o uncertain_a distraction_n of_o mind_n from_o such_o thought_n of_o god_n as_o a_o slave_n do_v under_o his_o merciless_a patron_n who_o know_v not_o what_o hardship_n he_o shall_v suffer_v next_o whether_o he_o shall_v be_v sell_v or_o starve_v or_o murder_v if_o when_o we_o know_v that_o his_o power_n be_v absolute_a and_o irresistible_a and_o have_v no_o security_n from_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o nature_n that_o he_o shall_v not_o use_v it_o to_o rack_n and_o torture_v we_o and_o do_v we_o mischief_n unless_o we_o do_v that_o which_o just_o deserve_v it_o we_o may_v then_o be_v glad_a if_o we_o can_v with_o the_o epicurean_o free_a our_o mind_n from_o the_o melancholy_a thought_n of_o such_o a_o cruel_a and_o overrule_v nemesis_n and_o must_v never_o hope_v to_o come_v to_o perfect_a ease_n and_o tranquillity_n and_o repose_v of_o mind_n till_o we_o have_v get_v rid_v of_o the_o sear_n of_o such_o a_o invisible_a mormo_n but_o god_n forbid_v that_o this_o shall_v be_v the_o case_n of_o mankind_n no_o it_o be_v the_o most_o equal_a and_o impartial_a justice_n that_o rule_v the_o world_n that_o administer_v all_o affair_n with_o the_o great_a justice_n and_o righteousness_n who_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o dread_v unless_o we_o do_v base_a and_o wicked_a thing_n that_o disorder_n and_o do_v mischief_n then_o indeed_o he_o will_v severe_o chastise_v and_o punish_v we_o but_o else_o there_o be_v not_o the_o severity_n or_o injustice_n or_o hard_a usage_n that_o we_o need_v ever_o fear_v from_o he_o no_o more_o than_o a_o child_n from_o the_o most_o indulgent_a parent_n or_o a_o subject_a from_o the_o best_a nature_a prince_n and_o governor_n there_o be_v never_o in_o all_o his_o vast_a kingdom_n and_o empire_n of_o the_o world_n in_o all_o his_o long_a and_o last_a government_n any_o the_o least_o unrighteousness_n that_o can_v ever_o be_v charge_v upon_o it_o nor_o have_v any_o the_o mean_a person_n reason_n to_o complain_v of_o any_o the_o least_o injustice_n do_v it_o nor_o ever_o shall_v have_v which_o be_v the_o three_o and_o last_o particular_a 3._o to_o vindicate_v the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n according_a to_o this_o true_a account_n of_o it_o and_o clear_v it_o from_o what_o either_o in_o this_o chapter_n or_o any_o where_o else_o may_v seem_v to_o reflect_v upon_o it_o which_o will_v be_v great_a ease_n to_o our_o mind_n and_o confirm_v what_o have_v be_v assert_v before_o and_o this_o i_o shall_v do_v by_o lay_v down_o brief_o two_o or_o three_o principle_n that_o will_v meet_v with_o almost_o all_o case_n and_o all_o objection_n about_o this_o matter_n for_o i_o must_v not_o descend_v now_o to_o particular_n 1._o that_o arbitrary_a and_o unlimited_a goodness_n be_v no_o instance_n of_o unrighteousness_n as_o if_o a_o prince_n think_v fit_a to_o show_v extraordinary_a favour_n to_o some_o of_o his_o subject_n more_o than_o other_o to_o raise_v they_o to_o high_a place_n and_o preferment_n or_o to_o give_v they_o some_o great_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n under_o he_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v call_v unjust_a or_o unrighteous_a if_o he_o do_v no_o wrong_n to_o his_o other_o subject_n though_o they_o do_v not_o taste_v so_o large_o of_o his_o favour_n and_o bounty_n for_o a_o power_n and_o prerogative_n to_o do_v good_a be_v unlimited_a only_a justice_n like_o the_o angel_n to_o abraham_n stop_v its_o hand_n from_o do_v mischief_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n in_o this_o difficult_a chapter_n of_o god_n bestow_v the_o privilege_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o christianity_n on_o the_o gentile_n rather_o than_o the_o jew_n as_o the_o gentile_n which_o follow_v not_o after_o righteousness_n have_v attain_v to_o righteousness_n even_o the_o righteousness_n that_o be_v of_o faith_n but_o israel_n which_o follow_v after_o the_o law_n of_o righteousness_n have_v not_o attain_v to_o the_o law_n of_o righteousness_n v._o 30.31_o though_o that_o be_v whole_o by_o their_o own_o fault_n and_o this_o principle_n the_o jew_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o disallow_v who_o have_v before_o reap_v so_o much_o benefit_n
ourselves_o and_o mischievous_a to_o the_o world_n it_o do_v not_o destroy_v any_o of_o our_o natural_a pleasure_n but_o refine_v and_o purify_v they_o and_o draw_v they_o off_o from_o the_o filth_n and_o sediment_n which_o lie_v always_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o those_o that_o be_v sinful_a and_o so_o it_o make_v they_o clear_a and_o sweet_a and_o free_v they_o from_o all_o that_o nauseousness_n and_o bitterness_n that_o vice_n general_o mix_v with_o they_o virtue_n do_v neither_o decay_n nor_o disease_n our_o body_n trouble_v or_o torment_v our_o mind_n consume_v or_o squander_v away_o our_o estate_n nor_o ruin_n and_o shipwreck_n our_o fortune_n nor_o bring_v any_o such_o mischief_n upon_o we_o in_o this_o world_n as_o man_n sin_n often_o do_v but_o as_o keep_v the_o bound_n of_o it_o will_v lead_v we_o to_o eternal_a life_n so_o it_o will_v general_o promote_v and_o improve_v the_o great_a happiness_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o 3._o religion_n be_v as_o easy_a as_o god_n can_v possible_o make_v it_o and_o none_o of_o its_o straitness_n and_o severity_n be_v arbitrary_o impose_v upon_o we_o but_o from_o the_o reason_n and_o necessity_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o absolute_a fitness_n goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o whatever_o it_o command_v and_o its_o real_a tendency_n to_o our_o great_a perfection_n and_o happiness_n for_o religion_n be_v not_o a_o arbitrary_a and_o positive_a thing_n make_v so_o by_o the_o mere_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n which_o may_v have_v lessen_v our_o burden_n and_o abate_v of_o our_o duty_n in_o many_o case_n have_v he_o please_v and_o not_o impose_v such_o hard_a task_n and_o such_o strait_a and_o severe_a virtue_n upon_o we_o but_o have_v leave_v we_o more_o loose_a and_o not_o tie_v we_o up_o so_o strict_o as_o he_o have_v do_v this_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n and_o a_o wretched_a misunderstand_a of_o religion_n for_o that_o as_o to_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o it_o be_v found_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o be_v eternal_a and_o unalterable_a and_o in_o the_o as_o eternal_a and_o unalterable_a reason_n of_o thing_n and_o those_o respect_n and_o relation_n which_o they_o necessary_o have_v to_o one_o another_o so_o that_o as_o god_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o circle_n or_o a_o triangle_n nor_o make_v two_o and_o two_o not_o to_o be_v four_o so_o neither_o can_v he_o the_o nature_n of_o vice_n and_o virtue_n nor_o make_v good_a to_o be_v evil_a or_o evil_a good_n moral_a virtue_n be_v as_o much_o found_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n as_o mathematical_a truth_n or_o metaphysical_a verity_n and_o the_o property_n of_o they_o be_v as_o certain_a and_o fix_v as_o those_o of_o line_n or_o number_n such_o action_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o society_n and_o particular_a person_n as_o such_o office_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o body_n be_v to_o maintain_v its_o life_n and_o health_n so_o that_o breathe_v be_v not_o more_o necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o one_o than_o justice_n fidelity_n and_o other_o virtue_n be_v to_o the_o other_o and_o shall_v god_n have_v let_v we_o loose_v from_o any_o of_o those_o virtue_n even_o the_o strict_a of_o they_o which_o the_o libertine_n be_v most_o apt_a to_o complain_v against_o such_o as_o those_o which_o restrain_v their_o natural_a passion_n of_o lust_n and_o anger_n he_o will_v have_v let_v in_o a_o thousand_o mischief_n and_o evil_n into_o the_o world_n and_o have_v road_v we_o as_o brutish_a and_o uncivilized_a and_o as_o miserable_a as_o the_o very_a beast_n themselves_o and_o as_o uncapable_a of_o society_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o good_a order_n and_o government_n but_o 4._o as_o all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v good_a and_o as_o easy_a as_o he_o can_v make_v they_o so_o they_o be_v make_v more_o easy_a by_o that_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n whereby_o he_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v they_o and_o whereby_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n be_v much_o lighten_v and_o abate_v for_o every_o thing_n be_v say_v to_o be_v light_n or_o heavy_a in_o proportion_n to_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o another_o and_o according_a as_o our_o strength_n be_v increase_v by_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n so_o be_v religion_n and_o virtue_n make_v more_o easy_a to_o we_o so_o much_o then_o of_o inward_a strength_n and_o power_n as_o be_v convey_v to_o our_o mind_n by_o god_n grace_n which_o be_v a_o physical_a and_o secret_a energy_n like_o that_o of_o inward_a life_n strengthen_v we_o mighty_o in_o the_o inward_a man_n regenerate_v quicken_a renew_v raise_v enliven_a we_o as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v so_o much_o light_a be_v the_o burden_n of_o religion_n that_o god_n lay_v upon_o we_o for_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o take_v off_o so_o much_o from_o that_o or_o to_o add_v so_o much_o new_a strength_n to_o he_o that_o be_v to_o bear_v it_o and_o therefore_o however_o hard_a and_o difficult_a religion_n be_v to_o the_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o human_a nature_n to_o our_o single_a power_n which_o will_v of_o itself_o fall_v and_o sink_v under_o it_o yet_o when_o we_o have_v the_o assistance_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o aid_n and_o supply_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o help_v and_o cooperate_v with_o we_o than_o we_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n which_o strengthen_v we_o and_o through_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o and_o we_o can_v in_o reason_n complain_v for_o want_v of_o power_n when_o we_o may_v have_v it_o and_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o give_v we_o whatever_o power_n we_o want_v even_o to_o conquer_v the_o strong_a propensity_n and_o most_o irresistible_a temptation_n and_o this_o will_v take_v great_o off_o from_o the_o badness_n of_o the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o life_n when_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n like_o a_o good_a angel_n to_o lead_v we_o through_o it_o always_o to_o comfort_n and_o help_v and_o encourage_v we_o in_o it_o so_o that_o it_o will_v be_v much_o more_o tolerable_a though_o it_o be_v through_o never_o so_o dark_a and_o unpleasant_a a_o wilderness_n when_o like_o the_o jew_n we_o have_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o power_n to_o conduct_v we_o all_o along_o to_o the_o happy_a land_n 5._o though_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o complain_v of_o the_o difficulty_n in_o religion_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o great_a end_n whatever_o which_o we_o can_v attain_v without_o as_o much_o pain_n and_o labour_n and_o go_v through_o as_o many_o difficulty_n and_o hardship_n as_o we_o do_v in_o religion_n no_o man_n can_v arrive_v to_o learning_n or_o to_o any_o liberal_a art_n or_o science_n in_o any_o perfection_n no_o man_n can_v rise_v to_o honour_n and_o preferment_n can_v get_v a_o estate_n or_o the_o like_a without_o use_v as_o much_o diligence_n as_o much_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n as_o in_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n without_o deny_v himself_o as_o many_o liberty_n spend_v as_o much_o time_n and_o keep_v himself_o to_o as_o strict_a rule_n and_o measure_n as_o be_v in_o religion_n nay_o i_o dare_v say_v many_o a_o man_n take_v more_o pain_n and_o meet_v with_o more_o difficulty_n to_o get_v a_o sorry_a livelihood_n in_o this_o world_n than_o will_v ordinary_o carry_v a_o man_n to_o heaven_n and_o make_v he_o live_v happy_o for_o ever_o what_o shall_v we_o then_o charge_v god_n so_o foolish_o as_o if_o he_o have_v use_v we_o hardly_o in_o religion_n and_o make_v the_o way_n to_o happiness_n straight_o and_o narrow_a and_o difficult_a when_o we_o as_o ordinary_o and_o more_o willing_o take_v as_o much_o pain_n and_o go_v through_o as_o many_o difficulty_n in_o all_o other_o thing_n it_o be_v because_o we_o have_v not_o such_o a_o value_n and_o esteem_v of_o the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n as_o we_o have_v of_o other_o worldly_a one_o that_o we_o complain_v of_o the_o hardness_n and_o difficulty_n of_o that_o above_o the_o other_o do_v we_o think_v heaven_n as_o desirable_a as_o a_o estate_n and_o virtue_n as_o great_a a_o good_a as_o honour_n which_o be_v but_o the_o shadow_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v pursue_v it_o as_o vigorous_o and_o overlook_v and_o contemn_v all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o way_n to_o it_o and_o there_o be_v this_o advantage_n in_o seek_v and_o pursue_v the_o end_n and_o design_n of_o religion_n above_o any_o of_o those_o in_o this_o world_n not_o only_o as_o they_o be_v far_o great_a and_o infinite_o more_o valuable_a and_o important_a but_o that_o the_o one_o be_v certain_o to_o be_v attain_v if_o we_o use_v our_o utmost_a care_n and_o diligence_n whereas_o we_o may_v sail_v and_o be_v disappoint_v of_o the_o other_o after_o use_v all_o mean_n in_o order_n
since_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o have_v find_v it_o necessary_a to_o appoint_v many_o external_a rite_n in_o their_o religious_a service_n 4._o it_o be_v impossible_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o perform_v divine_a worship_n without_o some_o rite_n and_o usage_n that_o god_n have_v now_o here_o command_v nor_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o make_v law_n concern_v these_o to_o reach_v all_o place_n for_o they_o must_v alter_v according_a to_o the_o several_a manner_n and_o custom_n of_o different_a people_n and_o country_n we_o must_v worship_v god_n with_o all_o sign_n of_o honour_n and_o reverence_n with_o respect_n and_o decency_n become_v so_o great_a a_o majesty_n but_o the_o mark_n and_o outward_a sign_n of_o honour_n alter_v and_o change_v according_a to_o custom_n and_o place_n and_o people_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a particular_o to_o determine_v they_o as_o for_o example_n pull_v off_o the_o shoe_n be_v a_o sign_n of_o honour_n and_o reverence_n in_o the_o eastern_a country_n as_o pull_v off_o the_o hat_n with_o we_o and_o to_o this_o it_o be_v think_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n allude_v eccles_n 5.1_o keep_v thy_o foot_n when_o thou_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o god_n i._n e._n be_v careful_a to_o show_v all_o manner_n of_o reverence_n in_o his_o presence_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v who_o always_o go_v barefoot_a into_o god_n house_n as_o the_o mahometan_n i_o think_v do_v still_o into_o their_o religious_a place_n but_o this_o will_v be_v a_o very_a odd_a and_o irreverent_a thing_n with_o we_o it_o be_v no_o irreverence_n among_o the_o jew_n to_o have_v their_o head_n cover_v in_o divine_a worship_n at_o their_o prayer_n and_o sacrifice_n when_o the_o priest_n constant_o wear_v their_o cap_n and_o bonnet_n and_o sometime_o veil_n and_o other_o cover_n and_o so_o plutarch_n say_v it_o be_v account_v comely_a among_o the_o roman_n to_o be_v cover_v at_o their_o worship_n but_o among_o the_o grecian_n it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o and_o at_o corinth_n where_o st._n paul_n declare_v it_o to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o irreverence_n for_o the_o man_n to_o pray_v or_o prophesy_v have_v the_o head_n cover_v 1._o cor._n 11.4_o though_o it_o be_v otherwise_o for_o the_o woman_n and_o therefore_o since_o matter_n of_o decency_n and_o order_n depend_v upon_o particular_a custom_n and_o place_n and_o circumstance_n and_o be_v in_o itself_o variable_a and_o mutable_a there_o can_v be_v a_o law_n give_v to_o determine_v it_o in_o all_o place_n nor_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o have_v all_o the_o little_a rite_n and_o circumstance_n of_o religious_a worship_n be_v comprehend_v in_o a_o divine_a law_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o 5._o five_o place_n god_n have_v leave_v those_o to_o be_v determine_v by_o particular_a church_n and_o governor_n and_o have_v only_o command_v the_o substantial_o of_o his_o worship_n and_o give_v general_a rule_n for_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v decent_o and_o in_o order_n 1_o cor._n 14.40_o and_o for_o mutual_a edification_n and_o the_o lesser_a circumstance_n and_o adjunct_n that_o belong_v to_o divine_a worship_n those_o he_o have_v lest_o undetermined_a and_o indifferent_a and_o those_o to_o who_o he_o have_v commit_v the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n they_o be_v to_o settle_v those_o for_o prevention_n of_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o prudence_n and_o those_o general_a measure_n which_o god_n have_v give_v in_o the_o gospel_n it_o be_v plain_a he_o have_v no_o where_o command_v they_o himself_o nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o particular_a directory_n for_o they_o produce_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n and_o as_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o there_o will_v be_v perpetual_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n in_o the_o church_n if_o these_o be_v not_o appoint_v in_o several_a place_n by_o those_o who_o be_v governor_n of_o it_o and_o when_o they_o be_v so_o they_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v and_o observe_v when_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o they_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o a_o law_n of_o god_n they_o can_v be_v unlawful_a when_o no_o law_n forbid_v they_o but_o they_o may_v become_v necessary_a in_o their_o use_n when_o they_o be_v indifferent_a in_o their_o nature_n by_o a_o lawful_a authority_n be_v command_v they_o and_o sure_o there_o can_v be_v no_o sin_n or_o superstition_n in_o they_o upon_o that_o account_n which_o that_o i_o may_v then_o clear_a the_o particular_a ceremony_n and_o imposition_n of_o our_o church_n from_o i_o shall_v very_o free_o and_o open_o give_v you_o my_o thought_n in_o some_o far_a particular_n about_o the_o lawful_a and_o the_o superstitious_a use_n of_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n 1._o i_o own_o that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v no_o new_a part_n of_o worship_n other_o than_o what_o god_n himself_o have_v appoint_v there_o may_v be_v new_a circumstance_n and_o adjunct_n appoint_v but_o no_o real_a and_o substantial_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n as_o for_o example_n no_o human_a authority_n can_v institute_v new_a sacrament_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v or_o more_o sacramental_a part_n of_o worship_n than_o those_o two_o which_o christ_n himself_o have_v appoint_v to_o wit_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n but_o whether_o baptism_n shall_v be_v perform_v by_o sprinkle_v or_o by_o dip_v that_o be_v but_o a_o circumstance_n which_o the_o church_n may_v determine_v according_a to_o the_o difference_n of_o the_o climate_n or_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o child_n or_o the_o season_n of_o the_o year_n and_o be_v leave_v to_o every_o minister_n discretion_n in_o his_o own_o church_n and_o so_o also_o whether_o it_o shall_v be_v by_o single_a or_o a_o trine_n immersion_n this_o as_o not_o be_v a_o essential_a of_o baptism_n have_v be_v various_o determine_v so_o in_o the_o other_o sacrament_n none_o can_v add_v or_o take_v away_o from_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o christ_n own_o institution_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v in_o deprive_v the_o laity_n of_o the_o cup_n but_o whether_o we_o shall_v take_v this_o in_o a_o posture_n of_o sit_v or_o kneel_v or_o which_o be_v very_o ancient_a stand_v be_v not_o essential_a to_o it_o but_o what_o the_o church_n may_v appoint_v as_o it_o think_v most_o become_v so_o solemn_a a_o duty_n and_o most_o suit_v the_o prayer_n and_o devotion_n that_o be_v join_v with_o it_o which_o no_o doubt_n kneel_v be_v so_o far_o to_o use_v adoration_n and_o invocation_n to_o god_n alone_o and_o not_o to_o angel_n or_o saint_n be_v a_o necessary_a duty_n but_o whether_o we_o shall_v pray_v to_o god_n with_o a_o form_n or_o without_o it_o this_o be_v not_o necessary_a though_o the_o former_a be_v much_o more_o convenient_a in_o public_a to_o prevent_v the_o many_o fault_n and_o undecency_n of_o extemporary_a effusion_n so_o whether_o we_o adore_v god_n by_o bow_v or_o by_o prostration_n or_o by_o kneel_v or_o by_o stand_v as_o the_o ancient_a church_n do_v between_o easter_n and_o pentecost_n be_v only_o a_o new_a manner_n or_o circumstance_n of_o adoration_n not_o a_o new_a act_n or_o part_n of_o it_o and_o this_o i_o have_v the_o more_o careful_o illustrate_v that_o we_o may_v see_v the_o difference_n between_o part_n of_o worship_n and_o only_a accident_n and_o appendage_n and_o circumstance_n of_o worship_n the_o church_n of_o england_n appoint_v only_o the_o latter_a not_o any_o substantial_a worship_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o but_o what_o god_n himself_o have_v appoint_v as_o will_v appear_v far_o 2._o that_o which_o be_v in_o itself_o very_o lawful_a and_o innocent_a may_v become_v superstitious_a by_o the_o opinion_n which_o he_o that_o use_v it_o have_v of_o it_o as_o if_o he_o think_v it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o please_v god_n and_o procure_v his_o favour_n and_o that_o it_o have_v such_o a_o virtue_n in_o itself_o to_o do_v this_o as_o that_o god_n will_v be_v please_v with_o we_o for_o the_o do_v this_o and_o displease_v with_o we_o if_o we_o shall_v not_o do_v it_o mere_o for_o itself_o though_o there_o be_v no_o human_a authority_n that_o require_v it_o of_o we_o as_o the_o jew_n think_v that_o their_o wash_n of_o their_o hand_n will_v please_v god_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o defilement_n of_o their_o conscience_n to_o eat_v with_o unwashen_n hand_n which_o be_v the_o mistake_n our_o saviour_n reprove_v they_o for_o mat._n 15.20_o their_o superstitious_a opinion_n of_o that_o ceremony_n and_o the_o tradition_n of_o their_o elder_n to_o think_v that_o it_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o sanctity_n and_o religion_n to_o wash_v their_o hand_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o real_a defilement_n of_o their_o conscience_n not_o to_o do_v it_o to_o ascribe_v a_o true_a spiritual_a virtue_n to_o a_o outward_a ceremony_n as_o that_o it_o expiate_v inward_a guilt_n and_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a
indifferent_a matter_n of_o decency_n which_o be_v the_o true_a fault_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o that_o matter_n and_o such_o a_o superstitious_a opinion_n the_o papist_n have_v of_o their_o holy_a water_n that_o it_o cleanse_v they_o from_o venial_a sin_n and_o drive_v away_o the_o devil_n as_o they_o also_o say_v of_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n that_o it_o have_v a_o proper_a efficiency_n against_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o that_o their_o ceremony_n have_v a_o real_a efficacy_n and_o produce_v spiritual_a effect_n upon_o those_o that_o use_v they_o that_o they_o be_v operative_a of_o grace_n or_o that_o they_o have_v any_o proper_a and_o real_a goodness_n in_o they_o antecedent_n to_o the_o command_n of_o authority_n and_o their_o being_n subservient_fw-fr to_o meet_a order_n and_o decency_n and_o to_o the_o external_a solemnity_n of_o religion_n this_o indeed_o make_v they_o superstitious_a and_o this_o the_o pharisee_n think_v of_o their_o tradition_n and_o therefore_o teach_v for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o man_n matthew_z 15.9_o i_o e._n their_o own_o command_n and_o imposition_n as_o if_o they_o have_v have_v a_o like_a divine_a authority_n and_o institution_n and_o have_v have_v a_o equal_a authority_n if_o not_o superior_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n for_o they_o sometime_o make_v void_a the_o law_n of_o god_n by_o their_o tradition_n but_o this_o the_o church_n of_o england_n whole_o disclaim_v and_o therefore_o in_o the_o 3._o three_o place_n it_o be_v own_o declaration_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o use_n and_o design_n of_o all_o its_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n do_v sufficient_o vindicate_v it_o from_o the_o least_o shadow_n or_o semblance_n of_o superstition_n it_o declare_v that_o it_o look_v on_o the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n use_v in_o the_o liturgy_n as_o thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a and_o alterable_a and_o that_o change_v and_o alteration_n may_v be_v make_v as_o seem_v necessary_a or_o expedient_a to_o those_o in_o authority_n and_o that_o every_o country_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o use_v their_o own_o ceremony_n and_o that_o it_o neither_o condemn_v other_o nor_o prescribe_v to_o they_o these_o be_v its_o own_o word_n in_o the_o preface_n to_o the_o common_a prayer_n and_o there_o be_v most_o excellent_a temper_n and_o wisdom_n in_o they_o it_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v appoint_v only_o for_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o not_o for_o any_o virtue_n or_o spiritual_a efficacy_n it_o declare_v concern_v kneel_v at_o the_o sacrament_n that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o decent_a posture_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o design_v to_o give_v any_o adoration_n to_o the_o element_n concern_v the_o cross_n in_o baptism_n it_o make_v it_o no_o part_n of_o the_o sacrament_n but_o own_v the_o child_n to_o be_v baptise_a without_o it_o and_o require_v it_o not_o in_o private_a baptism_n and_o that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o sign_n that_o the_o child_n be_v become_v the_o disciple_n of_o the_o crucified_a jesus_n and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o wear_v his_o badge_n upon_o it_o it_o attribute_n no_o peculiar_a holiness_n to_o its_o ceremony_n as_o the_o papist_n do_v to_o they_o it_o ascribe_v no_o spiritual_a virtue_n and_o efficacy_n nor_o make_v they_o operative_a of_o grace_n but_o declare_v that_o they_o be_v only_o for_o order_n and_o decency_n and_o be_v indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n even_o after_o they_o be_v determine_v and_o that_o they_o be_v require_v only_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o general_a obedience_n that_o we_o owe_v to_o lawful_a authority_n and_o he_o that_o will_v think_v there_o be_v any_o superstition_n in_o these_o may_v in_o time_n come_v to_o the_o quaker_n principle_n and_o think_v it_o superstition_n to_o pull_v off_o his_o hat_n but_o so_o far_o be_v the_o church_n of_o england_n from_o all_o the_o superstition_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n and_o so_o wise_a and_o moderate_a in_o its_o whole_a constitution_n that_o as_o i_o believe_v it_o in_o my_o conscience_n to_o be_v the_o best_a church_n in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o far_a from_o superstition_n so_o i_o do_v not_o at_o all_o doubt_n but_o the_o papist_n themselves_o as_o well_o as_o other_o have_v raise_v and_o promote_v this_o loud_a outcry_n of_o superstition_n against_o it_o as_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a enemy_n to_o their_o superstitious_a worship_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o bring_v in_o their_o foppery_n and_o superstition_n till_o the_o manly_a and_o decent_a worship_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v run_v down_o and_o destroy_v which_o god_n in_o his_o mercy_n prevent_v and_o which_o i_o hope_v our_o dissent_v brethren_n will_v endeavour_v to_o prevent_v also_o if_o they_o be_v true_o enemy_n to_o superstition_n but_o in_o the_o 4._o four_o place_n i_o must_v plain_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v more_o guilty_a of_o superstition_n in_o avoid_v the_o communion_n of_o our_o church_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o indifferent_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n than_o that_o be_v for_o impose_v they_o for_o it_o be_v as_o true_o superstition_n to_o think_v god_n will_v be_v offend_v at_o little_a thing_n and_o displease_v with_o we_o for_o do_v what_o be_v no_o way_n sinful_a or_o unlawful_a as_o to_o think_v he_o will_v be_v please_v with_o we_o for_o what_o be_v indifferent_a and_o no_o way_n good_a in_o its_o self_n superstition_n do_v as_o often_o proceed_v from_o a_o anxious_a and_o ungrounded_a fear_n as_o from_o a_o fond_a and_o vain_a hope_n and_o as_o he_o be_v superstitious_a in_o the_o outward_a thing_n of_o religion_n who_o lay_v a_o great_a stress_n upon_o they_o than_o they_o deserve_v who_o think_v religion_n lie_v in_o they_o and_o that_o god_n be_v please_v with_o they_o mere_o for_o themselves_o so_o he_o be_v as_o true_o so_o who_o think_v there_o be_v a_o great_a evil_a or_o sin_n in_o they_o and_o avoid_v they_o upon_o that_o account_n and_o think_v he_o shall_v displease_v god_n if_o he_o shall_v observe_v '_o they_o this_o be_v not_o only_a disobedience_n to_o our_o governor_n and_o to_o lawful_a authority_n which_o be_v a_o great_a sin_n when_o they_o command_v nothing_o that_o be_v unlawful_a that_o be_v contrary_a to_o any_o law_n of_o god_n for_o if_o we_o must_v not_o obey_v they_o in_o such_o a_o case_n we_o must_v obey_v they_o in_o nothing_o at_o all_o if_o we_o must_v not_o obey_v they_o in_o thing_n indifferent_a and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o obey_v they_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o be_v a_o sin_n that_o neither_o god_n nor_o man_n have_v make_v so_o but_o the_o quite_o contrary_a beside_o this_o i_o say_v and_o the_o breach_n of_o christian_a unity_n and_o the_o horrid_a guilt_n of_o schism_n and_o separation_n which_o can_v never_o be_v justify_v but_o where_o thing_n unlawful_a and_o not_o thing_n indifferent_a be_v command_v and_o make_v term_n of_o communion_n beside_o this_o i_o say_v it_o be_v true_o superstition_n to_o think_v it_o unlawful_a to_o communicate_v with_o we_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o indifferent_a ceremony_n to_o think_v god_n be_v offend_v or_o displease_v at_o what_o be_v in_o itself_o very_o innocent_a and_o be_v confess_v by_o themselves_o to_o be_v so_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n before_o it_o be_v impose_v 3._o i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o last_o and_o three_o head_n of_o discourse_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o the_o cure_n of_o superstition_n and_o as_o to_o the_o cause_n they_o be_v as_o many_o and_o the_o same_o as_o of_o false_a religion_n or_o false_a worship_n of_o god_n for_o that_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o superstition_n it_o be_v a_o religious_a sense_n of_o the_o mind_n mix_v with_o great_a error_n and_o darkness_n nay_o it_o be_v not_o only_a religion_n blind_a but_o craze_v and_o distemper_v too_o in_o some_o it_o be_v come_v to_o a_o perfect_a rage_n and_o distraction_n as_o in_o the_o bloody_a and_o barbarous_a superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_n who_o offer_v up_o their_o slave_n and_o child_n as_o sacrifice_n to_o their_o deity_n and_o think_v it_o religion_n to_o murder_v themselves_o and_o sprinkle_v the_o altar_n with_o human_a gore_n in_o other_o the_o frenzy_n be_v not_o so_o high_a nor_o do_v it_o work_v so_o strong_o but_o put_v they_o only_o upon_o foolish_a and_o antic_a and_o silly_a way_n of_o worship_v and_o please_v god_n and_o discover_v itself_o in_o lesser_a symptom_n it_o be_v the_o design_n of_o superstition_n to_o please_v the_o deity_n but_o it_o use_v wrong_a way_n and_o do_v something_o that_o be_v very_o improper_a in_o order_n to_o its_o design_n it_o be_v very_o forward_o in_o religion_n and_o like_o the_o clown_n that_o will_v be_v very_o mannerly_a and_o over_o officious_a but_o know_v not_o how_o and_o so_o commit_v a_o thousand_o rudeness_n and_o indecency_n in_o his_o awkard_n
those_o thing_n whereof_o you_o be_v now_o ashamed_a rom._n 6.21_o they_o have_v walk_v after_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o profit_v as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v in_o another_o case_n jer._n 2.8_o after_o mere_a idol_n and_o image_n of_o good_a pleasure_n and_o profit_n which_o they_o have_v find_v to_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o have_v no_o reality_n in_o they_o they_o have_v court_v and_o embrace_v a_o mere_a airy_a empty_a cloud_n instead_o of_o juno_n and_o be_v lead_v by_o a_o mere_a meteor_n a_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la a_o false_a light_n and_o seem_a appearance_n which_o have_v bewilder_v and_o misguide_v they_o in_o their_o blind_a search_n and_o dark_a pursuit_n after_o their_o own_o good_a and_o happiness_n where_o they_o have_v look_v for_o and_o expect_v any_o good_a they_o have_v always_o miss_v of_o it_o and_o find_v the_o contrary_a evil_n their_o sin_n have_v be_v so_o hard_a and_o cruel_a to_o they_o that_o when_o they_o have_v ask_v bread_n they_o have_v give_v they_o a_o stone_n and_o instead_o of_o a_o fish_n a_o serpent_n and_o their_o own_o experience_n which_o be_v the_o best_a and_o only_o teacher_n to_o they_o if_o they_o will_v attend_v to_o it_o will_v learn_v they_o above_o all_o thing_n the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n 5._o sin_n deceive_v very_o much_o with_o be_v customary_a and_o fashionable_a this_o draw_v in_o a_o great_a many_o by_o the_o power_n of_o example_n and_o the_o have_v such_o number_n and_o so_o great_a a_o party_n on_o its_o side_n for_o thereby_o the_o shame_n and_o reproach_n of_o it_o be_v in_o great_a measure_n take_v of_o and_o the_o sinner_n run_v he_o think_v but_o the_o same_o risk_a and_o venture_v with_o so_o many_o other_o and_o hope_n to_o fare_v as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o companion_n and_o as_o other_o in_o the_o crowd_n this_o be_v a_o strong_a delusion_n and_o work_n upon_o a_o great_a many_o and_o be_v not_o so_o easy_o take_v off_o unless_o a_o great_a authority_n and_o a_o great_a example_n bring_v virtue_n into_o fashion_n as_o it_o easy_o may_v by_o have_v god_n and_o all_o good_a man_n on_o its_o side_n and_o so_o discounterance_n vice_n and_o make_v it_o become_v as_o infamous_a and_o contemptible_a in_o the_o thought_n of_o other_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o and_o when_o a_o mark_n of_o infamy_n be_v set_v upon_o any_o thing_n even_o upon_o the_o great_a power_n or_o the_o great_a sin_n it_o can_v never_o long_o hold_v its_o interest_n nor_o keep_v its_o ground_n virtue_n can_v never_o lose_v its_o credit_n by_o all_o the_o attempt_n in_o the_o world_n but_o will_v always_o be_v honour_v and_o have_v a_o true_a value_n and_o esteem_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o even_o those_o who_o forsake_v it_o will_v yet_o have_v a_o inward_a awe_n and_o secret_a reverence_n of_o it_o but_o vice_n though_o it_o bear_v a_o mark_n like_o cain_n of_o shame_n and_o ignominy_n upon_o it_o yet_o when_o it_o become_v modish_a and_o fashionable_a grow_v more_o bold_a and_o impudent_a and_o escape_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o that_o reproach_n and_o disgrace_n that_o belong_v to_o it_o and_o bear_v out_o with_o some_o confidence_n and_o assurance_n when_o otherwise_o it_o will_v sneak_v and_o be_v cover_v with_o confusion_n than_o it_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o it_o can_v to_o run_v down_o solitary_a virtue_n as_o a_o piece_n of_o singularity_n and_o affectation_n and_o to_o change_v the_o opinion_n of_o man_n in_o those_o thing_n and_o alter_v if_o it_o can_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o vice_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o thought_n and_o sentiment_n of_o mankind_n about_o they_o and_o make_v false_a name_n and_o counterfeit_a term_n of_o honour_n to_o itself_o but_o it_o may_v as_o well_o change_v the_o season_n of_o the_o year_n and_o turn_v summer_n into_o winter_n and_o day_n into_o night_n and_o pluck_v up_o the_o sundamental_a constitution_n of_o thing_n as_o destroy_v the_o fix_v and_o immutable_a nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o as_o well_o pervert_v our_o sense_n or_o our_o perception_n of_o the_o motion_n make_v upon_o we_o by_o outward_a object_n as_o the_o settle_a judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o mankind_n concern_v the_o moral_a object_n of_o our_o mind_n nature_n and_o reason_n and_o wisdom_n be_v stubborn_a and_o inflexible_a thing_n and_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o mode_n and_o humour_n of_o a_o foolish_a world_n and_o will_v be_v always_o on_o virtue_n be_v side_n and_o however_o the_o mad_a man_n and_o the_o vicious_a may_v have_v the_o majority_n yet_o they_o will_v never_o carry_v it_o against_o the_o other_o nor_o be_v able_a to_o contend_v with_o they_o in_o a_o cause_n that_o heaven_n and_o nature_n and_o reason_n have_v decide_v and_o settle_v by_o a_o decree_n that_o be_v irreversible_a health_n will_v be_v still_o health_n and_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v to_o pain_n and_o disease_n though_o in_o a_o general_a contagion_n and_o when_o never_o so_o many_o be_v sick_a and_o though_o the_o disease_n make_v they_o never_o so_o frantic_a and_o lightheaded_a life_n be_v a_o thing_n very_o valuable_a and_o comfortable_a to_o noah_n when_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o perish_v and_o heaven_n will_v be_v never_o the_o less_o desirable_a nor_o hell_n never_o the_o more_o tolerable_a though_o there_o be_v few_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o find_v the_o one_o and_o many_o that_o go_v into_o the_o other_o so_o little_o be_v there_o in_o this_o deceitful_a temptation_n to_o sin_n that_o it_o have_v number_n on_o its_o side_n and_o be_v customary_a and_o fashionable_a 6._o sin_n deceive_v very_o often_o by_o be_v count_v a_o little_a one_o but_o a_o small_a trifle_n and_o peccadillo_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o great_a and_o more_o scandalous_a vice_n that_o bear_v a_o black_a mark_n and_o foul_a character_n thus_o to_o drop_v a_o oath_n now_o and_o then_o to_o take_v a_o cup_n a_o little_a too_o much_o sometime_o to_o set_v off_o discourse_n with_o a_o little_a 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and_o be_v exclude_v out_o of_o heaven_n beside_o these_o lesser_a unregarded_a sin_n lead_v to_o other_o and_o take_v off_o the_o strict_a guard_n and_o serious_a watchfulness_n we_o ought_v always_o to_o maintain_v over_o ourselves_o and_o lay_v we_o open_v very_o often_o to_o the_o great_a temptation_n by_o carry_v we_o to_o the_o utmost_a bound_n of_o what_o be_v lawful_a and_o so_o to_o the_o near_a approach_n of_o what_o be_v sinful_a and_o like_o small_a wound_n and_o lesser_a illness_n by_o be_v over_o much_o slight_v and_o not_o take_v care_n of_o they_o become_v in_o time_n dangerous_a and_o mortal_a last_o for_o the_o deceit_n of_o sin_n be_v innumerable_a and_o can_v all_o be_v reckon_v up_o though_o it_o concern_v mankind_n above_o all_o thing_n to_o know_v and_o escape_v they_o and_o not_o be_v cheat_v in_o the_o main_a thing_n wherein_o their_o happiness_n or_o misery_n consist_v but_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o shall_v name_n be_v this_o that_o many_o man_n be_v deceive_v into_o sin_n by_o think_v it_o may_v be_v easy_a to_o get_v rid_v of_o all_o the_o evil_a and_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n of_o it_o by_o the_o help_n of_o repentance_n and_o the_o merciful_a provision_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o which_o they_o may_v quick_o be_v set_v right_o again_o and_o be_v in_o as_o good_a a_o state_n as_o they_o be_v before_o now_o here_o be_v too_o many_o mistake_n to_o be_v consider_v at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v deceive_v not_o only_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n but_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o repentance_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v that_o rather_o a_o incourager_n and_o promoter_n of_o sin_n than_o a_o destroyer_n of_o it_o and_o to_o find_v out_o a_o trick_n if_o