the_o measure_n of_o justice_n and_o the_o dictate_v of_o common_a sense_n that_o the_o bare_a do_v a_o irregular_a act_n or_o the_o bare_a have_v a_o irregular_a propension_n shall_v be_v punishable_a at_o all_o much_o more_o with_o eternal_a damnation_n as_o it_o must_v be_v if_o every_o dependence_n of_o a_o action_n upon_o the_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o render_v it_o imputable_a that_o be_v if_o every_o material_a be_v also_o a_o formal_a sin_n this_o i_o say_v will_v be_v very_o unjust_a because_o such_o irregular_a act_n be_v no_o more_o a_o man_n be_v own_o than_o those_o commit_v by_o another_o man._n 8._o but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n do_v not_o proceed_v by_o such_o measure_n as_o may_v be_v gather_v from_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o his_o severe_a dispensation_n the_o law._n for_o when_o he_o forbid_v murder_n with_o such_o strictness_n and_o severity_n as_o to_o order_v the_o murderer_n sect_n ii_o a_o more_o particular_a and_o explicit_a consideration_n of_o material_a sin_n and_o what_o it_o add_v to_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o evil_n 1._o after_o our_o distinction_n of_o sin_n into_o material_a and_o formal_a and_o our_o justification_n of_o that_o distinction_n it_o follow_v that_o in_o the_o next_o place_n we_o give_v some_o more_o particular_a and_o explicit_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o material_a sin_n that_o it_o be_v a_o irregular_a act_n in_o general_a be_v intimate_v before_o but_o to_o speculate_v its_o nature_n more_o thorough_o we_o must_v set_v it_o in_o a_o clear_a light_n and_o define_v what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v a_o action_n irregular_a and_o the_o account_n which_o i_o shall_v give_v of_o this_o i_o shall_v ground_v upon_o that_o definition_n of_o st._n john_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o sin_n be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law._n so_o that_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n be_v the_o irregularity_n of_o a_o action_n and_o be_v more_o explicit_o the_o material_a part_n of_o sin_n 2._o thus_o far_o in_o general_n but_o now_o to_o make_v transgression_n of_o the_o law_n full_o adequate_a and_o commensurate_a to_o material_a sin_n so_o as_o to_o extend_v to_o all_o kind_n of_o it_o it_o concern_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o inquire_v what_o be_v here_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o law_n and_o upon_o the_o right_n state_v of_o this_o will_v depend_v the_o whole_a theory_n of_o material_a sin_n 3._o by_o law_n therefore_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v that_o which_o be_v positive_a that_o be_v any_o rule_n of_o action_n prescribe_v to_o we_o by_o god_n consider_v only_o as_o prescribe_v any_o action_n so_o prescribe_v be_v it_o otherwise_o never_o so_o indifferent_a for_o the_o matter_n put_v on_o the_o force_n of_o a_o law_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o prescriber_n and_o every_o transgression_n of_o such_o a_o rule_n be_v sin._n 4._o but_o the_o transgression_n of_o law_n in_o this_o narrow_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n will_v not_o comprehend_v all_o the_o kind_n of_o material_a sin_n for_o although_o positive_a law_n create_v the_o first_o difference_n in_o some_o thing_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o in_o all_o for_o have_v god_n never_o make_v any_o positive_a law_n yet_o the_o do_v of_o some_o action_n will_v have_v be_v sin_n nay_o there_o be_v sin_n where_o there_o be_v no_o positive_a law_n as_o may_v be_v probable_o collect_v from_o the_o fall_n of_o angel_n but_o where_o there_o be_v no_o law_n there_o be_v no_o transgression_n there_o must_v be_v therefore_o some_o other_o law_n beside_o positive_a law._n 5._o by_o law_n therefore_o 2_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v the_o law_n of_o reason_n that_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o light_v every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n in_o his_o passage_n through_o it_o this_o be_v twofold_a for_o one_a by_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n may_v be_v understand_v that_o original_a stock_n of_o rational_a tendency_n or_o practical_a sentiment_n which_o prevent_v all_o discourse_n and_o reason_v about_o what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o answer_v to_o speculative_a principle_n for_o as_o the_o animal_n and_o sensitive_a nature_n be_v not_o only_o furnish_v with_o sense_n and_o perception_n but_o also_o with_o certain_a connatural_a instinct_n and_o impression_n whereby_o animal_n be_v direct_v and_o incline_v to_o sensitive_a good_a so_o for_o the_o guardianship_n and_o security_n of_o virtue_n against_o the_o danger_n either_o of_o ignorance_n or_o inadvertence_n god_n have_v furnish_v the_o rational_a nature_n not_o only_o with_o the_o faculty_n of_o reason_v but_o with_o certain_a common_a principle_n and_o notion_n whereby_o it_o be_v incline_v to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o reasonable_a life_n this_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o much_o talk_v of_o and_o that_o which_o man_n general_o mean_v by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n 6._o or_o else_o 2_o by_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n may_v be_v understand_v a_o power_n which_o a_o rational_a creature_n have_v of_o find_v out_o by_o discourse_v from_o first_o principle_n what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v and_o of_o reflect_v upon_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o those_o moral_a anticipation_n and_o impression_n which_o he_o before_o entertain_v though_o he_o know_v not_o upon_o what_o ground_n 7._o these_o two_o make_v up_o the_o adequate_a notion_n of_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n but_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o come_v to_o the_o adequate_a notion_n of_o law._n for_o if_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n be_v take_v in_o the_o first_o sense_n for_o a_o stock_n of_o moral_a anticipation_n implant_v by_o god_n in_o the_o soul_n this_o will_v be_v but_o another_o branch_n of_o positive_a law._n for_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o light_n of_o scripture_n be_v but_o different_a mode_n and_o divine_a revelation_n and_o neither_o of_o these_o can_v be_v the_o ultimate_a reason_n into_o which_o the_o morality_n of_o every_o action_n be_v to_o be_v resolve_v 8._o but_o if_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n be_v take_v in_o the_o latter_a sense_n for_o a_o power_n which_o a_o rational_a creature_n have_v of_o find_v out_o by_o discourse_n what_o be_v reasonable_a to_o be_v do_v this_o will_n of_o necessity_n lead_v we_o high_o namely_o to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v certain_a antecedent_n and_o independent_a aptness_n or_o quality_n in_o thing_n with_o respect_n to_o which_o they_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o the_o wise_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n in_o some_o positive_a law_n whether_o that_o of_o internal_a or_o external_a revelation_n or_o both_o 9_o we_o be_v therefore_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o resolve_v these_o antecedent_n aptness_n of_o thing_n into_o their_o proper_a ground_n or_o to_o assign_v what_o that_o be_v which_o make_v a_o action_n fit_a to_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v which_o when_o we_o have_v do_v we_o be_v advance_v as_o high_a as_o we_o can_v go_v and_o have_v find_v out_o that_o supreme_a eternal_a and_o irreversible_a law_n which_o prescribe_v measure_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o be_v the_o last_o reason_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n 10._o that_o therefore_o which_o make_v a_o action_n fit_a to_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o the_o wise_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n can_v be_v nothing_o else_o in_o general_n but_o its_o respective_a tendency_n to_o prompt_v or_o hinder_v the_o attainment_n of_o some_o certain_a end_n or_o other_o which_o that_o governor_n propose_v for_o all_o action_n be_v for_o some_o end_n and_o not_o the_o end_v it_o self_n its_o aptness_n to_o be_v command_v or_o forbid_v must_v be_v found_v upon_o its_o serviceableness_n or_o disserviceableness_n to_o some_o end_n so_o much_o in_o general_n 11._o i_o further_o consider_v that_o this_o end_n must_v be_v that_o which_o be_v simple_o and_o absolute_o the_o best_a and_o great_a for_o no_o other_o be_v worthy_a of_o god._n now_o certain_o there_o be_v none_o better_a or_o great_a than_o the_o universal_a good_a of_o the_o whole_a sisteme_a of_o thing_n which_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v regard_v and_o prosecute_v to_o the_o utmost_a both_o by_o god_n and_o all_o other_o intelligent_a being_n 12._o and_o hence_o arise_v this_o first_o and_o great_a canon_n or_o law_n that_o whatever_o natural_o tend_v to_o the_o promotion_n of_o the_o common_a interest_n be_v good_a and_o apt_a to_o be_v command_v and_o whatever_o natural_o tend_v to_o the_o disinterest_n of_o the_o public_a be_v evil_a and_o apt_a to_o be_v forbid_v this_o be_v the_o great_a basis_n of_o morality_n the_o fix_a and_o immutable_a standard_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o the_o fundamental_a law_n of_o nature_n 13._o and_o because_o there_o be_v some_o action_n in_o specie_fw-la which_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o present_a system_a both_o of_o the_o material_a and_o intellectual_a world_n have_v such_o a_o natural_a connexion_n with_o the_o
furtherance_n or_o prejudice_n of_o this_o great_a end_n therefore_o these_o by_o way_n of_o assumption_n under_o the_o two_o general_a proposition_n be_v intrinsical_o and_o natural_o good_a or_o bad_a and_o be_v thereby_o difference_v from_o those_o that_o be_v make_v so_o only_o by_o arbitrary_a constitution_n though_o yet_o in_o one_o respect_v these_o be_v arbitranry_n too_o in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o depend_v upon_o such_o a_o particular_a hypothesis_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v itself_o arbitrary_a and_o which_o if_o god_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n change_n the_o relation_n of_o action_n to_o the_o great_a end_n may_v change_v too_o that_o which_o now_o natural_o make_v for_o the_o common_a advantage_n may_v as_o natural_o make_v against_o it_o and_o consequent_o that_o which_o be_v now_o good_a may_v have_v be_v then_o evil_a but_o still_o the_o two_o great_a hinge_n of_o morality_n stand_v as_o fix_v and_o as_o unvariable_a as_o the_o two_o pole_n whatever_o be_v natural_o conducive_a to_o the_o common_a interest_n be_v good_a and_o whatever_o have_v a_o contrary_a influence_n be_v evil_a these_o be_v proposition_n of_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a verity_n and_o which_o god_n can_v no_o more_o cancel_v or_o disannul_v than_o he_o can_v deny_v himself_o 14._o so_o that_o now_o to_o analyze_v the_o immorality_n of_o any_o action_n into_o its_o last_o principle_n if_o it_o be_v inquire_v why_o such_o a_o action_n be_v to_o be_v avoid_v the_o immediate_a answer_n be_v because_o it_o be_v sin_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o it_o be_v sin_n the_o immediate_a answer_n be_v because_o it_o be_v forbid_v if_o why_o forbid_v because_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o fit_a to_o be_v forbid_v if_o why_o fit_a because_o natural_o apt_a to_o prejudice_v the_o common_a interest_n if_o it_o be_v ask_v why_o the_o natural_a aptness_n of_o a_o thing_n to_o prejudice_v the_o common_a interest_n shall_v make_v it_o fit_a to_o be_v forbid_v the_o answer_n be_v because_o the_o common_a interest_n be_v above_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v regard_v and_o prosecute_v if_o far_a a_o reason_n be_v demand_v of_o this_o there_o can_v no_o other_o be_v give_v but_o because_o it_o be_v the_o best_a and_o great_a end_n and_o consequent_o be_v to_o be_v desire_v and_o prosecute_v not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o pure_o for_o itself_o 15._o so_o that_o now_o the_o last_o law_n whereof_o sin_n be_v a_o transgression_n be_v this_o great_a and_o supreme_a law_n concern_v the_o prosecution_n of_o the_o common_a interest_n and_o every_o sin_n be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o direct_o or_o indirect_o a_o transgression_n of_o this_o law._n those_o against_o any_o moral_a precept_n direct_o and_o those_o against_o a_o precept_n mere_o positive_a indirect_o because_o it_o be_v for_o the_o common_a good_a that_o the_o supreme_a authority_n be_v acknowledge_v and_o submit_v to_o let_v the_o instance_n wherein_o obedience_n be_v require_v be_v in_o itself_o never_o so_o indifferent_a 16._o if_o it_o be_v now_o object_v that_o according_a to_o these_o measure_n there_o will_v be_v no_o difference_n between_o moral_a and_o physical_a evil_n contrary_a to_o the_o common_a distinction_n between_o malum_fw-la turpe_fw-la and_o malum_fw-la noxium_fw-la the_o one_o as_o oppose_v to_o bonum_fw-la utile_fw-la and_o the_o other_o as_o oppose_v to_o bonum_fw-la honestum_fw-la i_o answer_v that_o i_o know_v of_o no_o good_a or_o evil_n but_o of_o the_o end_n and_o of_o the_o mean_n good_a of_o the_o end_n be_v what_o we_o call_v bonum_fw-la jucundum_fw-la good_a of_o the_o mean_n be_v what_o we_o call_v utile_fw-la evil_n of_o the_o end_n there_o be_v proper_o none_o but_o that_o only_o be_v evil_n which_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o it_o indeed_o the_o old_a master_n of_o morality_n discourse_v of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a as_o of_o absolute_a nature_n and_o according_o nothing_o so_o common_a among_o they_o as_o to_o talk_v of_o essential_a rectitude_n and_o essential_a turpitude_n but_o i_o think_v it_o great_a accuracy_n to_o say_v that_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_n be_v relative_n thing_n that_o bonum_fw-la honestum_fw-la be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o be_v true_o utile_a and_o that_o malum_fw-la turpe_fw-la be_v that_o which_o be_v natural_o against_o the_o profit_n of_o the_o community_n and_o herein_o i_o assert_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o great_a master_n of_o the_o latin_a philosophy_n and_o eloquence_n profess_o contend_v for_o throughout_o the_o whole_a three_o book_n of_o his_o office_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o evade_n the_o objection_n i_o free_o own_o its_o charge_n and_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o moral_a and_o physical_a evil_n any_o otherwise_o than_o that_o physical_a evil_n extend_v to_o all_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o obstruct_v happiness_n whereas_o moral_a evil_n be_v appropriate_v to_o action_n that_o do_v so_o sect_n iii_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o discourse_n which_o brief_o treat_v of_o formal_a sin_n with_o the_o requisite_n necessary_a to_o its_o constitution_n where_o also_o it_o be_v inquire_v whether_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n be_v positive_a or_o privative_a 1._o we_o be_v now_o come_v to_o the_o second_o part_n of_o our_o discourse_n where_o we_o be_v to_o treat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o formal_a sin_n that_o be_v of_o sin_n consider_v not_o abstract_o for_o the_o mere_a act_n of_o obliquity_n but_o concrete_o with_o such_o a_o special_a dependence_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o will_v as_o serve_v to_o render_v the_o agent_n guilty_a or_o obnoxious_a to_o punishment_n 2._o and_o here_o the_o first_o thing_n to_o be_v observe_v be_v that_o although_o material_a sin_n do_v neither_o in_o its_o notion_n nor_o in_o its_o existence_n include_v formal_a sin_n yet_o formal_a sin_n do_v always_o include_v the_o other_o though_o there_o may_v be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n without_o formal_a sin_n yet_o the_o latter_a always_o suppose_v the_o former_a and_o as_o st._n john_n say_v whosoever_o 4._o commit_v sin_n transgress_v also_o the_o law._n 3._o but_o that_o which_o formal_a sin_n add_v over_o and_o above_o to_o material_a and_o under_o who_o respect_n we_o be_v now_o to_o consider_v it_o be_v the_o connotation_n of_o that_o special_a dependence_n of_o it_o upon_o the_o will_n which_o derive_v guilt_n upon_o the_o agent_n so_o that_o for_o a_o definition_n of_o formal_a sin_n we_o may_v say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o irregular_a action_n or_o a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n so_o depend_v upon_o the_o will_n as_o to_o make_v the_o agent_n liable_a to_o punishment_n this_o be_v in_o the_o phrase_n of_o st._n john_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o have_v sin_n that_o â—_o be_v so_o as_o to_o be_v accountable_a for_o it_o for_o he_o speak_v of_o that_o sin_n which_o upon_o confession_n god_n be_v faithful_a and_o just_a to_o forgive_v and_o consequent_o not_o of_o material_a for_o where_o there_o be_v no_o guilt_n there_o can_v be_v no_o remission_n but_o of_o formal_a sin_n 4._o from_o this_o general_a notion_n of_o formal_a sin_n proceed_v we_o to_o inquire_v what_o that_o special_a dependence_n be_v that_o make_v a_o irregular_a action_n formal_o a_o sin_n and_o here_o it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n suppose_v that_o not_o every_o dependence_n of_o a_o action_n upon_o the_o will_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v it_o imputable_a and_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n for_o otherwise_o the_o action_n of_o infant_n fool_n and_o madman_n will_v be_v imputable_a for_o these_o as_o indeed_o all_o action_n have_v some_o dependence_n upon_o the_o will_n at_o least_o as_o a_o physical_a principle_n 5._o to_o be_v positive_a therefore_o that_o a_o irregular_a action_n may_v so_o depend_v upon_o the_o will_v as_o to_o derive_v guilt_n upon_o the_o agent_n it_o be_v necessary_a first_o that_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o will_v as_o from_o a_o free_a principle_n free_v not_o only_o in_o opposition_n to_o coaction_n for_o so_o all_o the_o action_n of_o the_o will_v be_v free_a but_o in_o opposition_n to_o necessity_n or_o determination_n to_o one_o part_n of_o the_o contradiction_n that_o be_v in_o one_o word_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o imputableness_n of_o a_o action_n that_o it_o be_v avoidable_o to_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o common_a say_n of_o st._n austin_n nemo_fw-la peccat_fw-la that_o be_v formaliter_fw-la in_fw-la eo_fw-la quod_fw-la vitare_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la and_o great_a reason_n the_o father_n have_v to_o say_v so_o for_o he_o that_o can_v avoid_v transgress_v the_o law_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o capable_a of_o be_v oblige_v by_o it_o because_o no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o what_o be_v impossible_a and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o oblige_v by_o it_o certain_o he_o can_v moral_o and_o formal_o break_v it_o a_o thing_n which_o the_o
folly_n past_o complain_v but_o joy_n to_o see_v these_o bless_a abode_n again_o vi_o a_o good_a retrieve_n but_o lo_o while_o thus_o i_o speak_v with_o pierce_a ray_n the_o eternal_a day_n do_v break_v the_o beauty_n of_o the_o face_n divine_a strike_v strong_o on_o my_o feeble_a sight_n with_o what_o bright_a glory_n do_v it_o shine_v it_o be_v one_o immense_a and_o everflow_a light._n stop_v here_o my_o soul_n thou_o can_v not_o bear_v more_o bliss_n nor_o can_v thy_o now_o raise_a palate_n ever_o relish_v less_o annotation_n the_o general_a design_n of_o the_o precedent_a poem_n be_v to_o represent_v the_o gradual_a ascent_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o contemplation_n to_o the_o supreme_a good_a together_o with_o its_o firm_a adherency_n to_o it_o and_o its_o full_a acquiescence_n in_o it_o all_o which_o be_v do_v figurative_o under_o the_o allegory_n of_o a_o local_a elevation_n from_o the_o feculent_a region_n of_o this_o low_a world._n pure_a uncorrupted_a element_n i_o breathe_v and_o pity_v their_o gross_a atmosphere_n beneath_o by_o pure_a uncorrupted_a element_n be_v mean_v the_o refine_a intellectual_a entertainment_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n which_o be_v abstract_v from_o all_o corporeal_a allay_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o divine_a plato_n call_v they_o those_o pleasure_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o man_n as_o such_o by_o gross_a atmosphere_n be_v mean_v the_o more_o drossy_a gratification_n of_o the_o animal_n life_n which_o come_v as_o short_a in_o purity_n of_o the_o divine_a as_o the_o thick_a atmosphere_n do_v of_o the_o pure_a aether_n no_o steam_n of_o earth_n can_v here_o retard_v thy_o flight_n etc._n etc._n the_o thing_n intend_v in_o this_o whole_a stanza_n be_v to_o insinuate_v the_o great_a facility_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n to_o one_o that_o be_v arrive_v to_o a_o habit_n of_o it_o for_o as_o the_o magnetic_a influence_n of_o the_o earth_n can_v have_v no_o force_n upon_o he_o that_o be_v place_v in_o the_o upper_a region_n beyond_o the_o sphere_n of_o its_o activity_n so_o which_o be_v the_o counterpart_n of_o the_o allegory_n the_o inclination_n of_o the_o animal_n nature_n have_v little_a or_o no_o power_n over_o he_o who_o have_v advance_v to_o the_o height_n of_o habitual_a contemplation_n he_o look_v down_o upon_o and_o observe_v the_o tumult_n of_o his_o sensitive_a appetite_n but_o no_o way_n sympathize_v with_o it_o he_o view_v the_o trouble_a sea_n but_o with_o the_o unconcernedness_n of_o a_o slander_n by_o not_o as_o one_o that_o sail_v in_o it_o his_o soul_n though_o in_o conjunction_n with_o his_o body_n be_v yet_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o its_o gust_n and_o relish_v and_o from_o her_o serene_a station_n at_o once_o see_v and_o smile_v at_o its_o little_a complacency_n as_o lucan_n say_v of_o the_o soul_n of_o pompey_n when_o advance_v to_o the_o ethereal_a region_n illic_fw-la postquam_fw-la se_fw-la lumine_fw-la vero_fw-la implevit_fw-la stellasque_fw-la vagas_fw-la miratur_fw-la &_o astrâ—_n fixa_fw-la polis_fw-la vidit_fw-la quanta_fw-la sub_fw-la nocte_fw-la jaceret_fw-la nostra_fw-la dies_fw-la risitque_fw-la svi_fw-la ludibria_fw-la trunci_fw-la and_o here_o i_o can_v choose_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o a_o difficulty_n which_o be_v very_o incident_a to_o the_o business_n in_o hand_n and_o wherewith_o i_o myself_o be_v once_o very_o much_o perplex_v when_o i_o first_o apply_v my_o thought_n to_o moral_a contemplation_n it_o be_v in_o short_a this_o we_o have_v a_o receive_a axiom_n that_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o performance_n commend_v the_o merit_n of_o a_o good_a action_n now_o if_o so_o it_o seem_v to_o follow_v that_o he_o who_o by_o a_o long_a habitual_a course_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n have_v make_v his_o duty_n easy_a and_o natural_a to_o himself_o will_v be_v less_o perfect_a than_o another_o who_o do_v hardly_o abstain_v from_o vice_n or_o than_o himself_o before_o the_o acquisition_n of_o that_o habit_n and_o then_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o aristotle_n in_o the_o seven_o of_o his_o ethic_n make_v only_o a_o semi-vertue_n because_o of_o the_o difficulty_n of_o its_o performance_n will_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n become_v virtus_fw-la heroica_fw-la and_o if_o so_o to_o make_v a_o progress_n in_o virtue_n will_v involve_v a_o contradiction_n this_o i_o confess_v appear_v to_o i_o no_o inconsiderable_a intricacy_n when_o it_o first_o occur_v to_o my_o thought_n and_o i_o can_v not_o present_o unwind_v myself_o from_o it_o but_o in_o answer_n to_o it_o i_o consider_v i._o that_o when_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o performance_n be_v say_v to_o commend_v the_o action_n it_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o difficulty_n do_v in_o itself_o as_o a_o ingredient_n add_v any_o moment_n to_o the_o excellency_n of_o a_o man_n virtue_n but_o only_o that_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o it_o a_o posteriori_fw-la because_o be_v not_o a_o man_n endow_v with_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o virtue_n he_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o conquer_v the_o suppose_a difficulty_n so_o that_o if_o a_o man_n have_v a_o stock_n of_o resolution_n sufficient_a to_o conquer_v such_o a_o difficulty_n his_o virtue_n be_v the_o same_o though_o he_o never_o be_v engage_v in_o it_o for_o all_o the_o virtue_n be_v absolve_v in_o the_o degree_n of_o resolution_n the_o difficulty_n be_v only_o a_o sign_n or_o indication_n of_o it_o and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n it_o be_v that_o those_o who_o nature_n have_v befriend_v with_o such_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o happy_a constitution_n as_o carry_v with_o it_o little_a or_o no_o temptation_n to_o vice_n may_v yet_o be_v account_v virtuous_a because_o their_o resolution_n to_o virtue_n may_v be_v so_o firm_a and_o peremptory_a that_o they_o will_v adhere_v to_o it_o notwithstanding_o any_o opposition_n 2_o i_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v to_o distinguish_v of_o a_o twofold_a difficulty_n i._o there_o be_v a_o difficulty_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o work_n itself_o and_o 2_o there_o be_v a_o difficulty_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o agent_n now_o it_o be_v not_o this_o latter_a difficulty_n that_o commend_v the_o excellency_n of_o virtue_n but_o only_o the_o former_a which_o be_v no_o way_n diminish_v by_o the_o habit_n for_o after_o the_o induction_n of_o the_o habit_n the_o work_n remain_v the_o same_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n which_o it_o be_v before_o the_o only_a change_n be_v in_o the_o agent_n who_o by_o his_o habit_n be_v render_v more_o expedite_a and_o ready_a for_o the_o performance_n of_o what_o be_v good_a but_o as_o for_o the_o latter_a difficulty_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o agent_n himself_o that_o be_v so_o far_o from_o commend_v the_o worth_n of_o any_o good_a action_n that_o it_o derogate_v much_o from_o its_o commendation_n it_o be_v easiness_n of_o performance_n that_o here_o give_v the_o value_n he_o that_o abstain_v from_o sensual_a pleasure_n with_o great_a abhorrency_n and_o have_v set_v himself_o at_o a_o wide_a distance_n from_o it_o discover_v more_o and_o have_v more_o of_o a_o virtuous_a resolution_n than_o he_o who_o mind_n stand_v almost_o in_o a_o equipoise_n and_o do_v but_o just_a abstain_v for_o since_o we_o become_v virtuous_a by_o a_o right_a application_n of_o our_o will_n the_o excellency_n of_o our_o virtue_n must_v be_v measure_v by_o the_o great_a or_o less_o strength_n of_o our_o resolution_n and_o consequent_o he_o who_o by_o a_o strong_a habit_n have_v make_v his_o virtue_n most_o natural_a and_o easy_a to_o he_o be_v arrive_v to_o the_o great_a perfection_n draw_v by_o the_o bent_n of_o the_o aethereal_a tide_n this_o be_v in_o allusion_n to_o the_o cartesian_a hypothesis_n of_o vortices_fw-la or_o whirlpool_n of_o subtle_a matter_n the_o mystic_a sense_n be_v this_o that_o the_o high_a a_o seraphic_a soul_n advance_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o supreme_a good_a the_o strong_a he_o will_v find_v its_o attraction_n i_o know_v it_o well_o it_o be_v my_o native_a home_n this_o verse_n with_o the_o whole_a stanza_n proceed_v upon_o the_o platonic_a hypothesis_n of_o preexistence_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o dispute_v the_o problem_n those_o that_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v concern_v it_o i_o refer_v to_o the_o work_n of_o that_o oracle_n of_o profound_a wisdom_n and_o learning_n the_o excellent_a dr._n more_o to_o a_o ingenious_a treatise_n call_v lux_fw-la orientalis_n and_o to_o the_o account_n of_o origen_n in_o the_o mean_a while_o i_o hope_v the_o most_o rigid_a maintainer_n of_o orthodoxy_n will_v allow_v i_o the_o liberty_n of_o allude_v to_o it_o as_o a_o hypothesis_n if_o not_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o law_n of_o poetry_n will._n my_o business_n here_o be_v to_o imitate_v nature_n and_o to_o represent_v how_o a_o soul_n will_v be_v affect_v in_o such_o a_o case_n suppose_v it_o true_a which_o i_o think_v i_o
strictness_n of_o notion_n for_o a_o production_n of_o something_o out_o of_o nothing_o be_v most_o confess_o a_o great_a and_o more_o difficult_a performance_n as_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o work_n than_o the_o raise_v of_o the_o dead_a can_v be_v or_o if_o more_o large_o for_o produce_v something_o out_o of_o preaexistent_a but_o natural_o unapt_a matter_n yet_o it_o be_v still_o at_o least_o equal_a with_o it_o he_o that_o with_o the_o bare_a energy_n of_o his_o omnipotent_a word_n can_v inspirit_v the_o dead_a stupid_a void_a and_o formless_a mass_n and_o make_v it_o move_v into_o a_o frame_n so_o elegant_a and_o harmonious_a that_o the_o mere_a contemplation_n of_o its_o beauty_n and_o order_n have_v by_o many_o philosopher_n be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a entertainment_n of_o life_n may_v easy_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v able_a to_o do_v the_o same_o in_o the_o lesser_a world_n and_o with_o effect_n to_o say_v to_o a_o rude_a and_o disorder_a heap_n of_o dust_n the_o chaos_n of_o a_o human_a body_n stand_v up_o and_o live_v 24._o but_o after_o all_o be_v this_o article_n of_o the_o resurrection_n much_o more_o thickset_a with_o difficulty_n than_o it_o be_v yet_o will_v we_o before_o we_o venture_v to_o determine_v against_o its_o possibility_n sit_v a_o while_n and_o consider_v that_o we_o be_v nonpluse_v at_o a_o thousand_o phaenomenas_n in_a nature_n which_o if_o they_o be_v not_o do_v we_o shall_v have_v think_v they_o absolute_o impossible_a as_o for_o instance_n to_o go_v no_o further_o the_o central_n libration_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o now_o they_o be_v we_o can_v comprehend_v 43._o they_o that_o we_o have_v see_v but_o a_o few_o of_o god_n work_n and_o understand_v yet_o few_o and_o last_o that_o as_o the_o possibility_n of_o the_o effect_n be_v above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o our_o reason_n so_o the_o power_n of_o the_o agent_n be_v much_o more_o so_o we_o shall_v discern_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v cautious_a how_o we_o set_v limit_n to_o the_o divine_a omnipotence_n and_o shall_v rather_o support_v our_o faith_n against_o all_o objection_n with_o that_o universal_a salvo_n of_o the_o apostle_n i_o know_v 12._o who_o i_o have_v believe_v 25._o i_o descend_v now_o from_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v to_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o those_o may_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o reasonable_a service_n i_o consider_v first_o in_o general_n that_o the_o christian_a law_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n retrieve_v explain_v and_o set_v in_o a_o clear_a light_n christ_n indeed_o add_v some_o new_a precept_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o not_o any_o that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o he_o only_o restore_v and_o rescue_v from_o the_o sophistication_n of_o ill_a principle_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o degenerate_a manner_n for_o the_o clear_a understanding_n of_o which_o proposition_n it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v twice_o retrieve_v by_o moses_n and_o by_o christ_n moses_n do_v it_o imperfect_o with_o a_o shake_a hand_n and_o with_o a_o rude_a pencil_n he_o adopt_v it_o be_v true_a into_o his_o table_n as_o many_o of_o nature_n law_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o present_a state_n and_o capacity_n of_o the_o jewish_a people_n but_o he_o do_v not_o exhaust_v the_o whole_a code_n and_o digest_v of_o nature_n for_o there_o be_v many_o instance_n and_o branch_n of_o the_o natural_a law_n which_o be_v no_o way_n reducible_a to_o the_o mosaic_a table_n unless_o hook_a in_o by_o long_a tedious_a consequence_n which_o as_o the_o law_n never_o intend_v so_o neither_o be_v one_o of_o a_o thousand_o able_a to_o deduce_v they_o from_o it_o as_o appear_v in_o the_o instance_n of_o gratitude_n to_o benefactor_n love_n to_o enemy_n forgiveness_n of_o injury_n humility_n and_o the_o like_a which_o be_v excellence_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n in_o the_o imperial_a constitution_n of_o nature_n but_o not_o transcribe_v in_o the_o copy_n and_o extract_v of_o moses_n as_o too_o refine_v for_o the_o grossness_n of_o that_o age_n for_o the_o hardness_n of_o the_o jewish_a people_n and_o for_o the_o infancy_n of_o that_o dispensation_n 26._o this_o therefore_o be_v reserve_v for_o the_o work_n of_o a_o divine_a prophet_n who_o shall_v retrieve_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o the_o full_a and_o restore_v it_o as_o at_o the_o beginning_n for_o he_o come_v as_o he_o testify_v 17._o of_o himself_o and_o as_o be_v before_o observe_v to_o another_o purpose_n to_o fill_v up_o moses_n his_o law_n which_o imply_v that_o it_o be_v imperfect_a and_o deficient_a and_o wherein_o shall_v its_o defectiveness_n consist_v but_o in_o want_v something_o of_o the_o natural_a law._n the_o christian_a law_n therefore_o be_v only_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n retrieve_v 27._o this_o be_v premise_v it_o be_v but_o now_o to_o consider_v what_o the_o formal_a notion_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v and_o we_o have_v find_v out_o one_o general_a measure_n whereby_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o christian_a law._n now_o by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n i_o suppose_v we_o all_o understand_v certain_a practical_a maxim_n or_o dictate_v the_o observe_v or_o transgress_v of_o which_o consider_v the_o present_a system_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n have_v a_o natural_a connexion_n with_o the_o well_o or_o ill_o be_v of_o man_n either_o as_o to_o his_o private_a or_o political_a capacity_n i_o say_v consider_v the_o present_a system_fw-la of_o the_o universe_n for_o no_o question_n god_n may_v have_v so_o contrive_v the_o order_n and_o scheme_n of_o the_o creation_n as_o that_o many_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v now_o for_o the_o interest_n may_v have_v be_v for_o the_o disinterest_n of_o mankind_n as_o he_o may_v have_v so_o frame_v the_o texture_n of_o a_o human_a body_n that_o what_o be_v now_o wholesome_a and_o sovereign_a may_v have_v be_v poisonous_a and_o pernicious_a and_o in_o this_o respect_n i_o conceive_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n may_v be_v say_v to_o depend_v upon_o the_o arbitrary_a will_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v mutable_a at_o his_o pleasure_n but_o yet_o it_o still_o remain_v immutable_o true_a in_o the_o general_n that_o whatsoever_o have_v such_o a_o natural_a ordination_n to_o or_o connexion_n with_o the_o well_o or_o ill_o be_v of_o mankind_n be_v good_a or_o evil_n respective_o this_o be_v the_o standard_n of_o morality_n and_o immorality_n and_o the_o essential_a difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice._n and_o it_o be_v as_o immutable_o true_a that_o some_o particular_a instance_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o natural_a connexion_n stante_fw-la rerum_fw-la hypothesi_fw-la during_o the_o present_a state_n and_o order_n of_o thing_n now_o whatever_o have_v so_o be_v a_o essential_a branch_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o oblige_v we_o to_o act_v or_o not_o to_o act_v respective_o to_o the_o term_n of_o its_o ordination_n so_o that_o bonum_fw-la honestum_fw-la be_v that_o which_o in_o the_o order_n of_o thing_n be_v bonum_fw-la utile_fw-la and_o conduce_v as_o a_o natural_a medium_fw-la to_o felicity_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o man._n 28._o hence_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o christian_a law_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n retrieve_v consist_v only_o of_o such_o practical_a maxim_n which_o carry_v a_o natural_a relation_n to_o the_o true_a interest_n and_o well_o be_v of_o mankind_n and_o consequent_o contain_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v reasonable_a very_o reasonable_a to_o be_v do_v but_o to_o evince_v this_o more_o particulary_a it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o take_v a_o cursory_a view_n of_o the_o christian_a law._n and_o this_o i_o shall_v consider_v first_o as_o i_o find_v it_o sum_v up_o in_o general_a by_o our_o b._n saviour_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o lawyer_n question_n what_o he_o shall_v do_v to_o inherit_v eternal_a life_n and_o second_o in_o some_o of_o those_o particular_a instance_n of_o it_o which_o seem_v most_o to_o cross_v the_o present_a interest_n of_o mankind_n 29._o as_o to_o the_o it_v the_o sum_n which_o our_o b._n saviour_n give_v of_o it_o be_v this_o thou_o shall_v 27._o love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n with_o all_o thy_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o thy_o mind_n and_o thy_o neighbour_n as_o thyself_o these_o he_o tell_v he_o be_v the_o two_o great_a commandment_n and_o that_o there_o be_v none_o great_a than_o these_o and_o certain_o none_o more_o reasonable_a for_o since_o man_n be_v not_o his_o own_o end_n but_o have_v a_o amorous_a principle_n within_o he_o which_o transport_v he_o to_o good_a without_o himself_o since_o he_o be_v not_o a_o central_n and_o selfterminate_v be_v but_o by_o the_o weight_n
nature_n but_o whoever_o consider_v the_o great_a usefulness_n of_o love_n and_o benevolence_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o society_n will_v quick_o perceive_v that_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v disengage_v from_o the_o observance_n of_o so_o necessary_a a_o duty_n upon_o so_o slight_a a_o ground_n as_o another_o default_n in_o it_o i_o grant_v it_o be_v neither_o reasonable_a nor_o possible_a to_o love_v a_o enemy_n for_o be_v so_o that_o be_v no_o proper_a motive_n of_o love_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o love_v the_o man_n notwithstanding_o his_o enmity_n because_o the_o necessity_n of_o charity_n be_v so_o indispensable_a that_o it_o ought_v to_o oblige_v in_o all_o cafe_v and_o beside_o as_o by_o this_o mean_v all_o enmity_n be_v certain_o prevent_v on_o one_o side_n which_o be_v of_o very_o great_a consideration_n to_o the_o public_a peace_n so_o be_v it_o the_o likely_a method_n to_o bring_v over_o the_o other_o kindness_n will_v at_o length_n prevail_v upon_o he_o who_o be_v proof_n against_o all_o the_o sense_n of_o duty_n and_o conscience_n and_o the_o coal_n of_o fire_n which_o be_v heap_v upon_o his_o head_n when_o nothing_o else_o will_v do_v it_o will_v melt_v he_o down_o into_o love_n and_o sweetness_n 36._o there_o be_v one_o instance_n more_o wherein_o the_o christian_a law_n seem_v not_o to_o consult_v the_o interest_n of_o human_a life_n and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o divorce_n which_o our_o saviour_n allow_v in_o no_o case_n but_o that_o of_o adultery_n now_o this_o also_o seem_v to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o hard_a say_n for_o the_o natural_a propension_n to_o procreation_n be_v not_o to_o be_v satisfy_v out_o of_o marriage_n and_o marriage_n by_o this_o appendage_n seem_v to_o be_v such_o a_o burden_n that_o the_o 10._o disciple_n may_v well_o say_v if_o the_o case_n of_o a_o man_n be_v so_o with_o his_o wife_n it_o be_v not_o good_a to_o marry_v but_o yet_o upon_o consideration_n this_o also_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o very_a reasonable_a confinement_n for_o one_a all_o the_o supposable_a inconvenience_n of_o this_o restraint_n may_v be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n prevent_v by_o prudent_a and_o wise_a choice_n but_o suppose_v they_o can_v yet_o 2_o as_o it_o will_v be_v most_o advisable_v for_o some_o man_n to_o marry_v though_o with_o this_o restraint_n so_o be_v marriage_n with_o this_o restraint_n better_o for_o society_n than_o without_o it_o for_o be_v there_o liberty_n of_o divorce_n upon_o other_o ground_n every_o petty_a dislike_n will_v never_o want_v a_o pretence_n for_o a_o dissolution_n and_o then_o the_o same_o inconvenience_n will_v ensue_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o the_o matrimonial_a institution_n such_o as_o diminution_n of_o affection_n to_o child_n neglect_v of_o their_o education_n and_o the_o like_a beside_o the_o perpetual_a quarrel_n and_o animosity_n between_o the_o party_n themselves_o so_o divide_v and_o their_o respective_a relative_n all_o which_o will_v bring_v more_o inconveniency_n upon_o society_n than_o those_o which_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v avoid_v by_o distend_v and_o enlarge_n the_o licence_n of_o divorce_n 37._o now_o if_o to_o this_o apology_n for_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n take_v from_o its_o conduciveness_n and_o natural_a tendency_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o human_a life_n we_o further_o add_v the_o dominion_n and_o right_n that_o god_n have_v over_o we_o the_o great_a benefit_n wherewith_o he_o have_v already_o prevent_v we_o and_o the_o exceed_a weight_n of_o glory_n lay_v up_o in_o reversion_n for_o we_o and_o will_v we_o further_o consider_v that_o holiness_n have_v a_o natural_a ordination_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n as_o well_o as_o of_o earth_n that_o it_o be_v among_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 9_o the_o thing_n that_o accompany_v or_o be_v essential_o retain_v to_o salvation_n so_o that_o will_v god_n in_o mercy_n dispense_v with_o it_o as_o a_o conditionary_a yet_o we_o can_v not_o be_v happy_a without_o it_o as_o a_o natural_a qualification_n for_o heaven_n further_n yet_o will_v we_o consider_v the_o great_a easiness_n as_o well_o as_o manifold_a advantage_n of_o christianity_n that_o many_o instance_n of_o duty_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o inclination_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o law_n in_o our_o member_n that_o run_v counter_a to_o that_o of_o the_o mind_n we_o have_v the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o grace_n that_o god_n have_v require_v nothing_o of_o we_o but_o what_o be_v substantial_o within_o the_o verge_n and_o compass_n of_o human_a nature_n for_o to_o believe_v repent_v and_o love_n be_v all_o natural_a act_n we_o believe_v some_o story_n we_o repent_v of_o some_o folly_n we_o love_v some_o man_n and_o god_n oblige_v we_o but_o to_o believe_v he_o to_o repent_v of_o folly_n against_o he_o and_o to_o love_v he_o the_o act_n be_v the_o same_o for_o their_o substance_n though_o not_o in_o their_o determination_n last_o will_v we_o consider_v how_o much_o all_o this_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o argument_n of_o practice_n and_o experience_n that_o the_o devil_n have_v more_o apostate_n than_o christ_n that_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o leave_v sin_n and_o come_v over_o to_o virtue_n be_v much_o great_a than_o of_o those_o that_o leave_v virtue_n and_o come_v over_o to_o sin_n which_o be_v the_o apology_n that_o the_o platonist_n simplicius_n make_v for_o virtue_n the_o conclusion_n will_v be_v place_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o controversy_n that_o christianity_n be_v a_o reasonable_a service_n and_o that_o the_o precept_n of_o our_o excellent_a lawgiver_n both_o begin_v continue_v and_o end_v with_o a_o beatitude_n 38._o i_o can_v now_o foresee_v but_o one_o objection_n of_o any_o moment_n which_o the_o argument_n of_o this_o discourse_n be_v liable_a to_o which_o be_v that_o although_o virtue_n and_o vice_n have_v a_o natural_a ordination_n to_o the_o happiness_n and_o misery_n of_o life_n respective_o yet_o it_o may_v so_o happen_v by_o the_o intervening_a of_o some_o accident_n that_o this_o connexion_n of_o thing_n may_v be_v break_v off_o and_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v a_o loser_n by_o virtue_n and_o a_o gainer_n by_o vice_n as_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o martyrdom_n and_o secure_a theft_n and_o here_o the_o question_n will_v be_v whether_o it_o be_v then_o reasonable_a to_o act_v virtuous_o and_o unreasonable_a to_o do_v the_o contrary_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v one_a that_o it_o may_v be_v just_o question_v notwithstanding_o the_o intervention_n of_o any_o accident_n whether_o a_o man_n may_v be_v virtuous_a to_o his_o disadvantage_n or_o vicious_a to_o his_o advantage_n even_o as_o to_o this_o present_a state_n consider_v the_o internal_a satisfaction_n and_o ácquiescence_n or_o dissatisfaction_n and_o molestation_n of_o spirit_n that_o attend_v the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n respective_o but_o suppose_v he_o may_v then_o 2_o i_o reply_v that_o here_o come_v in_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n to_o supply_v the_o natural_a sanction_n of_o the_o law_n then_o 3_o to_o the_o second_o instance_n i_o offer_v this_o in_o peculiar_a that_o although_o in_o some_o circumstance_n i_o may_v be_v dishonest_a to_o my_o present_a gain_n yet_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a that_o all_o shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o the_o law_n of_o justice_n because_o if_o every_o one_o shall_v be_v permit_v to_o use_v secret_a fraud_n and_o all_o may_v as_o well_o as_o one_o the_o evil_a will_v come_v about_o again_o even_o to_o he_o who_o we_o just_o now_o suppose_v a_o gainer_n by_o his_o theft_n and_o as_o to_o the_o public_a it_o will_v be_v all_o one_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o property_n and_o then_o for_o want_v of_o encouragement_n and_o security_n the_o final_a issue_n of_o the_o matter_n will_v be_v a_o utter_a neglect_n and_o disimprovement_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o a_o continual_a disturbance_n of_o the_o public_a peace_n so_o that_o when_o all_o be_v do_v honesty_n be_v the_o best_a policy_n and_o to_o live_v most_o happy_o be_v to_o live_v most_o virtuous_o and_o religious_o so_o true_a be_v that_o of_o the_o psalmist_n i_o see_v that_o all_o thing_n come_v to_o a_o end_n but_o thy_o 119._o commandment_n be_v exceed_o broad_a 39_o from_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o discourse_v i_o shall_v now_o brief_o deduce_v some_o practical_a inference_n and_o conclude_v since_o than_o our_o religion_n be_v so_o reasonable_a a_o service_n it_o will_v follow_v hence_o in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o due_a exercise_n and_o use_v of_o reason_n in_o divine_a matter_n and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v apparent_o contrary_a to_o reason_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v obtrude_v as_o of_o divine_a authority_n nor_o be_v account_v as_o any_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n a_o inference_n wherein_o the_o
not_o so_o oblige_v will_v evident_o appear_v from_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o one_o single_a proposition_n that_o every_o one_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v what_o be_v best_a the_o reasonableness_n of_o which_o proposition_n appear_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o since_o that_o which_o be_v best_o be_v a_o superlative_a it_o necessary_o suppose_v the_o positive_a to_o be_v good_a and_o if_o so_o than_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o that_o which_o be_v best_a for_o if_o we_o be_v then_o that_o which_o be_v only_o good_a will_v be_v evil_a it_o be_v short_a of_o what_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o supposition_n 8._o this_o argument_n i_o take_v to_o be_v demonstrative_a and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o supererogation_n in_o i_o to_o allege_v any_o more_o but_o however_o for_o the_o clear_a eviction_n and_o strong_a confirmation_n of_o this_o assertion_n i_o far_o consider_v that_o the_o scripture_n consist_v of_o counsel_n as_o 6._o well_o as_o command_n now_o if_o some_o thing_n be_v matter_n of_o counsel_n only_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o conclude_v two_o thing_n 1._o from_o their_o be_v counsel_v that_o they_o be_v good_a nothing_o be_v matter_n of_o counsel_n but_o what_o be_v so_o and_o second_o from_o their_o be_v only_o counsel_v that_o they_o do_v not_o oblige_v and_o consequent_o that_o there_o be_v some_o degree_n of_o good_a that_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o 9_o it_o be_v far_a observable_a that_o in_o scripture_n there_o be_v mention_v make_v of_o a_o threefold_a will_n of_o god._n rom._n 12._o 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o will_n which_o be_v good_a that_o which_o be_v well-pleasing_a and_o that_o which_o be_v perfect_a the_o first_o of_o these_o denote_v absolute_a duty_n the_o two_o last_o the_o various_a degree_n of_o perfection_n and_o heroic_a excellence_n thus_o for_o st._n paul_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o corinthian_n be_v a_o act_n of_o strict_a duty_n which_o he_o can_v not_o leave_v undo_v without_o incur_v that_o woe_n which_o he_o annex_v to_o the_o omission_n of_o it_o 1_o cor._n 9_o 16._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o to_o preach_v without_o charge_v they_o be_v a_o instance_n of_o theophylact._n generosity_n and_o in_o that_o respect_n there_o be_v room_n for_o boast_v thus_o again_o for_o a_o jew_n to_o allot_v the_o ten_o part_n of_o his_o revenue_n every_o three_o year_n towards_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v a_o act_n of_o express_a duty_n and_o in_o do_v of_o that_o he_o will_v but_o satisfy_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n but_o now_o if_o in_o his_o charitable_a contribution_n he_o shall_v exceed_v that_o proportion_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o excess_n so_o will_v the_o degree_n of_o his_o perfection_n be_v thus_o again_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o devotion_n daily_a prayer_n be_v general_o conclude_v to_o be_v a_o duty_n and_o by_o some_o critic_n that_o it_o be_v twice_o perform_v in_o proportion_n to_o the_o return_n of_o the_o jewish_a sacrifice_n morning_n and_o evening_n but_o now_o if_o a_o more_o generous_o dispose_v christian_n shall_v add_v a_o three_o time_n or_o out_o of_o abundance_n of_o zeal_n shall_v come_v up_o to_o the_o psalmist_n resolution_n of_o seven_o time_n a_o day_n will_v i_o praise_v thou_o this_o will_v be_v a_o freewill_n offer_v well_o please_v and_o of_o sweet_a savour_n but_o not_o command_v 10._o from_o these_o and_o many_o other_o instance_n which_o if_o necessary_a i_o can_v easy_o produce_v it_o plain_o appear_v that_o religion_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o indivisible_a point_n but_o have_v a_o latitude_n and_o be_v capable_a of_o more_o and_o less_o and_o consequent_o there_o be_v room_n for_o voluntary_a oblation_n and_o act_n of_o heroic_a piety_n 11._o i_o know_v it_o be_v usual_o object_v here_o that_o what_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v thus_o heroical_o perform_v be_v inclusive_o enjoin_v by_o virtue_n of_o those_o comprehensive_a word_n thou_o shall_v love_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n with_o all_o thy_o heart_n with_o all_o thy_o soul_n etc._n etc._n but_o i_o conceive_v that_o all_o which_o be_v intend_v by_o that_o phrase_n will_v amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o first_o a_o sincere_a love_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o that_o which_o be_v partial_a and_o divide_v and_o second_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o love_v he_o as_o admits_z of_o nothing_o into_o competition_n with_o he_o and_o thus_o far_o reach_v the_o boundary_n of_o indispensable_a duty_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o who_o do_v not_o love_n god_n in_o this_o sense_n and_o degree_n shall_v keep_v his_o commandment_n but_o beyond_o this_o there_o be_v high_a degree_n which_o because_o we_o may_v fall_v short_a of_o without_o sin_n be_v the_o more_o excellent_a when_o attain_v so_o that_o in_o this_o precept_n of_o love_a god_n as_o in_o all_o other_o instance_n of_o religion_n there_o be_v a_o great_a latitude_n it_o be_v very_o possible_a for_o two_o person_n to_o love_n god_n sincere_o and_o with_o their_o whole_a soul_n and_o yet_o in_o different_a measure_n which_o be_v observe_v even_o among_o the_o angel_n the_o seraphin_n have_v their_o name_n from_o their_o excess_n of_o love_n nay_o for_o the_o same_o person_n always_o to_o love_n god_n sincere_o and_o yet_o at_o some_o time_n to_o exceed_v himself_o and_o with_o his_o saviour_n who_o to_o be_v sure_a never_o fail_v of_o necessary_a duty_n to_o pray_v yet_o more_o earnest_o 12._o there_o be_v another_o objection_n yet_o behind_o which_o i_o think_v myself_o concern_v to_o answer_v as_o well_o in_o my_o own_o defence_n as_o that_o of_o my_o argument_n some_o perhaps_o may_v be_v so_o weak_a to_o imagine_v that_o by_o assert_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o heroic_a piety_n and_o that_o a_o christian_n may_v do_v more_o than_o he_o be_v command_v i_o too_o much_o favour_v the_o doctrine_n of_o supererogation_n but_o i_o consider_v that_o for_o a_o man_n to_o do_v more_o than_o he_o be_v command_v be_v a_o ambiguous_a expression_n and_o may_v denote_v either_o that_o he_o can_v perform_v the_o whole_a law_n of_o god_n and_o more_o or_o that_o though_o he_o fail_v of_o his_o duty_n in_o many_o instance_n and_o consequent_o with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n be_v conclude_v under_o sin_n yet_o in_o some_o other_o he_o may_v exceed_v it_o by_o press_v forward_o to_o some_o degree_n of_o excellency_n he_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o i_o do_v not_o assert_v the_o former_a of_o these_o but_o the_o latter_a and_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v certain_a degree_n in_o religion_n which_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o under_o pain_n of_o sin_n and_o consequent_o that_o he_o who_o arrive_v so_o far_o do_v according_a to_o the_o latter_a notion_n of_o the_o phrase_n do_v more_o than_o he_o be_v command_v 13._o have_v in_o the_o forego_n period_n state_v the_o notion_n of_o heroic_a piety_n and_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n i_o proceed_v now_o to_o my_o three_o and_o last_o undertake_n which_o be_v to_o offer_v some_o persuasive_n to_o recommend_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o first_o then_o i_o consider_v that_o religion_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o a_o man_n the_o improvement_n and_o accomplishment_n of_o that_o part_n of_o he_o wherein_o he_o resemble_v his_o maker_n the_o pursuance_n of_o his_o best_a and_o last_o end_n and_o consequent_o his_o happiness_n and_o will_v a_o man_n set_v bound_n to_o his_o happiness_n will_v he_o be_v no_o more_o happy_a than_o he_o be_v command_v no_o more_o than_o what_o will_v just_o serve_v to_o secure_v he_o from_o a_o miserable_a eternity_n be_v not_o happiness_n desirable_a for_o it_o self_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o avoid_n of_o misery_n why_o then_o do_v we_o deal_v with_o it_o as_o with_o dangerous_a physic_n weigh_v it_o by_o grain_n and_o scruple_n and_o nice_a proportion_n why_o do_v we_o drink_v so_o moderate_o of_o the_o river_n of_o paradise_n so_o spare_o of_o the_o well_o of_o life_n be_v we_o afraid_a of_o make_v too_o nigh_o advance_v to_o the_o state_n of_o angel_n of_o become_v too_o like_o god_n of_o antedate_v heaven_n be_v we_o afraid_a our_o happiness_n will_v flow_v in_o too_o thick_a upon_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o bear_v up_o against_o the_o tide_n but_o sink_v under_o the_o too_o powerful_a enjoyment_n hereafter_o indeed_o when_o we_o be_v blessed_v with_o the_o beatific_a vision_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a brightness_n shall_v flash_v too_o strong_a upon_o our_o soul_n so_o that_o our_o happiness_n begin_v to_o be_v lessen_v by_o its_o greatness_n we_o may_v then_o with_o the_o angel_n that_o attend_v the_o throne_n veil_v our_o face_n and_o divert_v some_o
patron_n of_o physical_a predetermination_n will_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v 6._o but_o when_o i_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o the_o imputableness_n of_o a_o action_n that_o it_o be_v free_o exert_v i_o will_v not_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o immediate_a freeness_n for_o certain_o those_o root_a and_o confirm_v sinner_n who_o have_v by_o long_o use_v reduce_v themselves_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o sin_v be_v never_o the_o more_o excusable_a for_o the_o impotence_n they_o have_v contract_v if_o there_o be_v liberty_n in_o the_o principle_n it_o be_v sufficient_a 7._o the_o next_o requisite_a and_o that_o which_o give_v the_o last_o and_o finish_v stroke_n to_o formal_a sin_n be_v that_o it_o proceed_v from_o the_o will_v sufficient_o instruct_v by_o the_o understanding_n that_o be_v to_o make_v a_o man_n sin_n formal_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o he_o have_v not_o only_o a_o power_n of_o avoid_v that_o action_n which_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n but_o that_o he_o also_o know_v it_o to_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n at_o least_o that_o he_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n so_o to_o do_v that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v induce_v to_o exert_v that_o power_n and_o it_o be_v also_o necessary_a that_o he_o know_v that_o he_o commit_v it_o that_o be_v he_o must_v have_v or_o at_o least_o be_v in_o a_o capacity_n of_o have_v both_o notitia_fw-la juris_fw-la and_o notitia_fw-la facti_fw-la 8._o the_o former_a of_o these_o depend_v upon_o that_o common_a principle_n that_o law_n do_v not_o oblige_v till_o they_o be_v publish_v according_a to_o that_o know_a maxim_n of_o the_o canon_n law_n leges_fw-la constituuntur_fw-la cum_fw-la promulgantur_fw-la and_o that_o of_o the_o civilian_n leges_fw-la quae_fw-la constringunt_fw-la hominum_fw-la vitas_fw-la intelligi_fw-la ab_fw-la omnibus_fw-la debent_fw-la and_o the_o latter_a also_o depend_v upon_o the_o equity_n of_o the_o same_o principle_n though_o somewhat_o more_o remote_o for_o without_o this_o the_o law_n with_o relation_n to_o that_o particular_a instance_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v proper_o know_v for_o although_o i_o know_v such_o a_o species_n of_o action_n suppose_v adultery_n to_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n yet_o if_o i_o know_v not_o that_o by_o such_o a_o particular_a instance_n i_o commit_v it_o i_o can_v be_v say_v to_o know_v that_o this_o my_o action_n be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n and_o consequent_o suppose_v this_o my_o ignorance_n invincible_a be_o whole_o excusable_a as_o appear_v in_o the_o case_n 20._o of_o abimelech_n when_o he_o take_v abraham_n wife_n 9_o so_o that_o to_o the_o constitution_n of_o formal_a sin_n these_o two_o thing_n be_v require_v one_a that_o the_o transgressor_n have_v a_o power_n either_o immediate_o or_o at_o least_o in_o the_o principle_n of_o not_o do_v that_o action_n which_o be_v a_o transgression_n 2_o that_o he_o either_o do_v or_o may_v know_v that_o act_n to_o be_v a_o transgression_n of_o the_o law_n and_o likewise_o that_o he_o know_v when_o he_o commit_v it_o and_o thus_o have_v i_o show_v the_o rise_n progress_n and_o maturity_n of_o sin_n i_o have_v present_v to_o view_v both_o the_o imperfect_a embryo_n and_o the_o full_a proportion_a and_o animate_v monster_n all_o which_o i_o shall_v brief_o comprise_v in_o that_o compendious_a description_n of_o st._n james_n lust_n when_o it_o be_v conceive_v 15._o bring_v forth_o sin_n and_o sin_n when_o it_o be_v finish_v bring_v forth_o death_n 10._o there_o be_v one_o thing_n behind_o relate_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n in_o common_a which_o i_o shall_v brief_o consider_v and_o that_o be_v whether_o its_o nature_n be_v positive_a or_o privative_a the_o latter_a be_v general_o hold_v both_o by_o metaphysitian_n moralist_n and_o divine_n but_o upon_o what_o sufficient_a ground_n i_o can_v never_o yet_o understand_v the_o formal_a part_n of_o sin_n without_o all_o question_n be_v positive_a as_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o it_o for_o it_o denote_v only_o that_o special_a dependence_n which_o a_o irregular_a act_n have_v upon_o the_o will_n which_o be_v the_o same_o as_o well_o as_o the_o common_a substance_n of_o the_o act_n both_o in_o good_a and_o bad_a action_n and_o consequent_o alike_o positive_a 11._o all_o the_o controversy_n therefore_o remain_v concern_v the_o material_a part_n of_o sin_n whether_o that_o be_v positive_a or_o privative_a and_o this_o too_o not_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o mere_a act_n for_o that_o without_o question_n be_v positive_a but_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o irregularity_n of_o it_o 12._o here_o than_o i_o consider_v that_o according_a to_o the_o forego_n measure_v the_o irregularity_n of_o a_o action_n be_v not_o only_o its_o aberration_n from_o the_o rule_n but_o its_o cross_n or_o go_v contrary_a to_o it_o for_o it_o be_v not_o only_a its_o not_o promote_a but_o its_o oppose_a or_o at_o least_o its_o natural_a aptness_n to_o oppose_v the_o great_a and_o best_a of_o end_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o a_o irregularity_n as_o a_o contra-regularity_n and_o therefore_o good_a and_o bad_a action_n be_v not_o privative_o but_o contrary_o oppose_v and_o consequent_o both_o positive_a for_o contrary_n be_v always_o so_o 13._o for_o as_o to_o be_v in_o pain_n be_v not_o privative_o but_o contrary_o oppose_v to_o be_v happy_a for_o pain_n be_v something_o more_o than_o want_v of_o happiness_n so_o that_o action_n which_o cause_v pain_n or_o misery_n be_v not_o privative_o but_o contrary_o oppose_v to_o that_o which_o be_v effective_a of_o happiness_n and_o consequent_o be_v as_o positive_a as_o the_o other_o 14._o those_o sin_n which_o bid_v the_o fair_a for_o privation_n be_v sin_n of_o omission_n but_o even_o these_o if_o we_o consider_v their_o nature_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v also_o positive_a for_o to_o speak_v proper_o their_o irregularity_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o the_o not_o do_v or_o the_o not_o willing_a to_o do_v what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v but_o in_o the_o willing_a not_o to_o do_v it_o but_o to_o will_v the_o not_o do_v of_o a_o thing_n be_v as_o positive_a as_o the_o willing_a to_o do_v it_o as_o be_v not_o contradictory_o or_o privative_o but_o contrary_o oppose_v to_o it_o the_o sin_n therefore_o of_o omission_n be_v as_o positive_a as_o those_o of_o commission_n the_o only_a difference_n be_v that_o the_o positiveness_n of_o sin_n of_o commission_n lie_v both_o in_o the_o habitude_n of_o the_o will_n and_o in_o the_o execute_a act_n too_o whereas_o the_o positiveness_n of_o sin_n of_o omission_n be_v in_o the_o habitude_n of_o the_o will_v only_o 15._o and_o what_o be_v here_o determine_v concern_v moral_a evil_n will_n i_o suppose_v hold_v equal_o true_a in_o all_o evil_a except_o only_o that_o which_o be_v absolute_a that_o be_v who_o evil_a be_v not_o its_o noxiousness_n to_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o only_o the_o want_n of_o some_o constituent_a perfection_n due_a to_o its_o self_n according_a to_o that_o distinction_n mention_v by_o suarez_n in_o his_o disputation_n de_fw-fr malo_n of_o malum_fw-la in_o se_fw-la and_o malum_fw-la alteri_fw-la this_o indeed_o do_v import_v no_o more_o than_o a_o privation_n and_o this_o i_o suppose_v may_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o mistake_n to_o those_o who_o first_o think_v moral_a evil_n to_o consist_v in_o a_o privation_n only_o for_o absolute_a evil_n do_v so_o and_o they_o as_o i_o intimate_v above_o take_v moral_a evil_n to_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o absolute_a nature_n 16._o many_o thing_n i_o know_v may_v be_v and_o be_v common_o object_v against_o the_o positiveness_n of_o sin_n but_o i_o can_v think_v but_o of_o one_o that_o be_v worth_a consider_v which_o be_v that_o if_o sin_n be_v positive_a it_o will_v be_v a_o real_a entity_n and_o if_o so_o than_o we_o be_v press_v with_o a_o double_a absurdity_n one_a that_o god_n will_v be_v the_o author_n of_o it_o as_o be_v the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o all_o entity_n 2_o that_o it_o will_v be_v good_a goodness_n be_v a_o necessary_a affection_n of_o ens._n 17._o to_o this_o i_o answer_v one_a that_o i_o not_o only_o free_o acknowledge_v but_o contend_v that_o sin_n be_v a_o real_a entity_n but_o then_o i_o distinguish_v of_o entity_n there_o be_v physical_a and_o there_o be_v moral_a entitys_n by_o the_o latter_a which_o alone_o need_v explication_n i_o understand_v certain_a mode_n of_o determination_n superad_v to_o physical_a thing_n or_o motion_n by_o intelligent_a being_n in_o order_n either_o to_o the_o interest_n or_o disinterest_n of_o the_o universe_n 18._o this_o be_v premise_v i_o answer_v to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o objection_n by_o deny_v that_o it_o hence_o follow_v that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n god_n indeed_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o physical_a being_n and_o motion_n but_o not_o of_o those_o mode_n of_o
determination_n superad_v by_o intelligent_a being_n which_o i_o call_v moral_a entitys_n as_o to_o the_o second_o i_o grant_v the_o consequence_n but_o deny_v the_o absurdity_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v no_o absurdity_n that_o moral_a evil_n shall_v be_v metaphysical_o good_a for_o this_o metaphysical_a transcendental_a goodness_n which_o be_v the_o affection_n of_o ens_fw-la be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o being_n have_v that_o essence_n whereof_o it_o be_v capable_a or_o as_o suarez_n express_v it_o its_o have_v that_o perfection_n which_o be_v convenient_a to_o it_o but_o this_o be_v very_o consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o moral_a evil_n for_o this_o may_v have_v what_o belong_v to_o its_o idea_n as_o well_o as_o good_a and_o it_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o sin_n to_o be_v exceed_o sinful_a sect_n iv._o corollarys_n deduce_v from_o the_o whole_a the_o foulness_n and_o deformity_n of_o sin_n represent_v that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a of_o evil_n that_o no_o formal_a sin_n can_v be_v in_o its_o self_n venial_a that_o in_o all_o probability_n vindicative_a justice_n be_v essential_a to_o god_n hence_o deduce_v a_o new_a hypothesis_n for_o the_o reconcile_n of_o eternal_a punishment_n with_o the_o divine_a justice_n that_o he_o who_o thorough_o understand_v and_o actual_o attend_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n can_v possible_o commit_v it_o 1._o have_v thus_o far_o carry_v on_o the_o theory_n of_o sin_n we_o may_v now_o sit_v down_o and_o take_v a_o estimate_n of_o its_o foulness_n and_o deformity_n and_o methinks_v i_o be_o affright_v at_o the_o ugliness_n of_o the_o face_n which_o i_o have_v unmask_v and_o be_o ready_a to_o start_v back_o from_o the_o distort_a and_o ill-boding_a monster_n for_o however_o the_o magic_n of_o self-love_n may_v reconcile_v man_n to_o their_o own_o fault_n yet_o if_o we_o set_v the_o object_n at_o a_o more_o convenient_a distance_n from_o the_o eye_n and_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o sin_n irrespective_o to_o our_o self_n it_o will_v certain_o appear_v according_a to_o the_o precedent_a measure_n to_o be_v the_o most_o deform_v monstrous_a thing_n that_o can_v either_o be_v find_v or_o conceive_v in_o nature_n 2._o for_o if_o we_o consider_v it_o in_o its_o full_a latitude_n it_o be_v the_o high_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o habitude_n of_o the_o will_n to_o the_o worst_a of_o object_n than_o which_o what_o can_v be_v imagine_v more_o monstrous_a and_o absurd_a if_o we_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o violation_n of_o positive_a law_n what_o can_v be_v more_o indecorous_a than_o for_o a_o creature_n to_o violate_v the_o command_n and_o trample_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o awful_a excellence_n to_o who_o he_o owe_v his_o life_n his_o motion_n and_o his_o very_a be_v if_o we_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n what_o can_v be_v more_o monstrous_a and_o unnatural_a than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o rebel_v against_o the_o vicarious_a power_n of_o god_n in_o his_o soul_n to_o refuse_v to_o live_v according_a to_o that_o part_n of_o he_o whereby_o he_o be_v a_o man_n to_o suffer_v the_o ferine_n and_o brutish_a part_n to_o get_v the_o ascendent_n over_o that_o which_o be_v rational_a and_o divine_a to_o refuse_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o those_o sacred_a digest_v which_o be_v the_o transcript_n of_o the_o moral_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o to_o act_v against_o the_o very_a frame_n and_o contexture_n of_o his_o be_v last_o if_o we_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o transgression_n against_o that_o great_a and_o sovereign_a law_n of_o promote_a the_o common_a happiness_n what_o a_o monstrous_a evil_n must_v that_o be_v which_o cross_n and_o oppose_v the_o best_a of_o end_n and_o which_o be_v also_o propose_v by_o the_o best_a of_o being_n that_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o a_o inconsiderable_a part_n common_o one_o self_n justle_v the_o great_a wheel_n of_o society_n out_o of_o its_o proper_a tract_n that_o by_o pursue_v a_o lesser_a in_o prejudice_n to_o a_o great_a good_a disturb_v the_o order_n of_o thing_n dislocate_v the_o frame_n and_o untune_n the_o harmony_n of_o the_o universe_n 3._o we_o may_v also_o hence_o conclude_v that_o sin_n be_v the_o great_a evil_n that_o be_v or_o that_o can_v possible_o be_v for_o it_o be_v contrary_o oppose_v to_o the_o great_a possible_a good_a and_o consequent_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o great_a evil_n and_o beside_o it_o be_v that_o which_o in_o no_o case_n or_o juncture_n whatsoever_o be_v to_o be_v commit_v and_o therefore_o must_v be_v the_o great_a evil_n because_o otherwise_o it_o may_v happen_v to_o come_v into_o competition_n with_o a_o great_a and_o so_o commence_v eligible_a which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o supposition_n moreover_o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o evil_n above_o all_o other_o be_v à _fw-fr posteriori_fw-la further_o confirm_v from_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o sacrifice_n require_v for_o its_o atonement_n god_n can_v not_o or_o at_o least_o think_v not_o fit_a to_o remit_v it_o without_o the_o shed_n of_o blood_n and_o that_o too_o of_o the_o blood_n of_o god._n so_o great_a a_o fool_n be_v he_o so_o little_o do_v he_o consider_v that_o make_v a_o mock_n at_o sin_n 4._o again_o it_o may_v be_v hence_o collect_v that_o no_o formal_a sin_n can_v be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n venial_a for_o according_a to_o the_o former_a measure_n every_o formal_a sin_n though_o never_o so_o small_a be_v a_o sin_n against_o the_o great_a charity_n imaginable_a for_o it_o be_v against_o that_o charity_n whereby_o i_o ought_v to_o promote_v the_o end_n of_o god_n and_o prosecute_v the_o great_a interest_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o consequent_o can_v be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n venial_a or_o pardonable_a without_o repentance_n 5._o nay_o may_v i_o not_o further_o conclude_v according_a to_o the_o precede_a measure_n that_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o no_o sin_n can_v have_v be_v pardon_v even_o with_o repentance_n have_v there_o not_o be_v also_o satisfaction_n make_v for_o it_o and_o that_o vindicative_a justice_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n for_o when_o i_o consider_v sin_n i_o find_v it_o so_o diametrical_o contrary_a to_o the_o essential_a sanctity_n of_o god_n and_o so_o destructive_a of_o that_o great_a end_n which_o he_o can_v but_o propose_v that_o he_o must_v needs_o hate_v it_o with_o a_o infinite_a hatred_n but_o how_o he_o shall_v do_v so_o and_o yet_o not_o punish_v for_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o understand_v 6._o upon_o these_o measure_n we_o may_v also_o find_v out_o a_o way_n of_o reconcile_a eternal_a punishment_n with_o divine_a justice_n the_o great_a objection_n be_v what_o proportion_n be_v there_o between_o a_o transient_a act_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a misery_n and_o if_o there_o be_v none_o how_o be_v it_o consistent_a with_o divine_a justice_n to_o inflict_v the_o one_o for_o the_o other_o this_o have_v be_v a_o great_a difficulty_n and_o have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n stand_v proof_n against_o all_o solution_n but_o now_o if_o we_o consider_v sin_n as_o contrary_o oppose_v to_o the_o great_a possible_a good_a the_o good_a of_o the_o universe_n and_o consequent_o as_o the_o great_a possible_a evil_a its_o demerit_n will_v be_v such_o that_o we_o need_v not_o fear_n it_o will_v be_v over-punished_a even_o with_o eternal_a misery_n for_o if_o any_o misery_n be_v to_o be_v endure_v rather_o than_o one_o sin_n to_o be_v commit_v it_o be_v also_o just_a that_o any_o may_v be_v when_o it_o be_v commit_v for_o the_o equity_n of_o both_o depend_v upon_o sin_n be_v the_o great_a evil_n 7._o the_o last_o deduction_n which_o i_o shall_v make_v from_o the_o premise_n be_v this_o that_o he_o who_o thorough_o understand_v and_o actual_o attend_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n can_v possible_o commit_v it_o for_o as_o long_o as_o he_o do_v so_o he_o must_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o great_a evil_n otherwise_o he_o can_v be_v say_v right_o to_o understand_v it_o and_o if_o he_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o the_o great_a evil_n he_o can_v choose_v it_o so_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v in_o that_o judgement_n because_o the_o then_o choose_v it_o will_v be_v the_o choose_n of_o all_o that_o whereby_o it_o exceed_v other_o evil_n gratis_o which_o be_v the_o choose_n of_o evil_a as_o evil_a which_o be_v impossible_a 8._o whosoever_o therefore_o consent_v to_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n pass_v first_o a_o wrong_a judgement_n upon_o it_o have_v the_o light_n of_o his_o understanding_n darken_v and_o intercept_v by_o a_o cloud_n of_o passion_n lose_v the_o present_a conviction_n of_o sin_n be_v the_o great_a evil_n and_o so_o commit_v it_o to_o avoid_v as_o he_o then_o foolish_o think_v a_o great_a so_o that_o the_o cause_n and_o origine_fw-la of_o all_o sin_n be_v ignorance_n folly_n and_o inadvertence_n there_o be_v a_o false_a
of_o his_o affection_n gravitates_fw-la and_o incline_v to_o something_o further_a what_o be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o he_o fix_v upon_o god_n as_o his_o centre_n who_o be_v as_o well_o the_o end_n as_o the_o author_n of_o his_o be_v and_o since_o whatever_o portion_n of_o his_o love_n be_v not_o direct_v hither_o will_v necessary_o light_a for_o it_o can_v be_v idle_a and_o must_v fix_v somewhere_o upon_o disproportionate_a and_o vain_a object_n which_o neither_o deserve_v it_o nor_o can_v satisfy_v it_o and_o consequent_o will_v but_o vex_v and_o torment_v he_o what_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o that_o he_o unite_v and_o concentre_v all_o the_o ray_n of_o his_o affection_n both_o intellectual_a and_o sensitive_a upon_o god_n and_o according_a to_o the_o strict_a sense_n of_o this_o great_a commandment_n love_v he_o with_o all_o his_o heart_n soul_n and_o mind_n vision_z and_o love_n make_v up_o the_o full_a composition_n of_o our_o celestial_a happiness_n hereafter_o and_o they_o be_v the_o near_a approach_n we_o can_v make_v to_o it_o here_o 30._o nor_o be_v the_o 2d_o great_a commandment_n less_o reasonable_a than_o the_o first_o the_o true_a and_o most_o effectual_a way_n a_o man_n can_v take_v to_o love_v himself_o be_v to_o love_v his_o neighbour_n as_o himself_o for_o since_o man_n be_v a_o necessitous_a and_o indigent_a creature_n of_o all_o creature_n the_o most_o indigent_a and_o since_o he_o can_v upon_o his_o own_o solitary_a stock_n supply_v the_o necessity_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o want_n of_o society_n be_v one_o of_o they_o and_o since_o of_o all_o creature_n here_o below_o none_o be_v capable_a of_o do_v he_o either_o so_o much_o good_a or_o so_o much_o harm_n as_o those_o of_o his_o own_o species_n as_o it_o will_v be_v his_o best_a security_n to_o have_v as_o many_o friend_n and_o as_o few_o enemy_n as_o he_o can_v so_o as_o a_o mean_n to_o this_o to_o hate_v and_o injure_v none_o but_o to_o love_v and_o oblige_v all_o will_v be_v his_o best_a policy_n so_o far_o be_v the_o state_n of_o nature_n from_o be_v according_a to_o the_o element_n of_o the_o leviathan_n a_o state_n of_o hostility_n and_o war_n that_o there_o be_v no_o one_o thing_n that_o make_v more_o apparent_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o mankind_n than_o universal_a charity_n and_o benevolence_n and_o indeed_o will_v all_o man_n but_o once_o agree_v to_o espouse_v one_o another_o interest_n and_o prosecute_v the_o public_a good_a true_o and_o faithful_o nothing_o will_v be_v want_v to_o verify_v and_o realize_v the_o dream_n of_o the_o golden_a age_n to_o anticipate_v the_o millennial_a happiness_n and_o bring_v down_o heaven_n upon_o earth_n society_n will_v stand_v firm_a and_o compact_a like_o a_o mathematical_a frame_n of_o architecture_n support_v by_o mutual_a dependency_n and_o coherence_n and_o every_o man_n kindness_n will_v return_v again_o upon_o himself_o in_o the_o circle_n and_o reciprocation_n of_o love._n 31._o but_o beside_o this_o consideration_n of_o interest_n there_o be_v another_o which_o equal_o contribute_v to_o recommend_v this_o law_n of_o universal_a benevolence_n and_o perhaps_o with_o more_o sweetness_n of_o insinuation_n than_o the_o former_a and_o that_o be_v pleasure_n these_o two_o be_v put_v together_o by_o the_o psalmist_n 1._o who_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v both_o good_a and_o pleasant_a for_o brethren_n to_o dwell_v together_o in_o unity_n there_o be_v certain_o a_o most_o divine_a pleasure_n in_o the_o act_n and_o express_v of_o benevolence_n so_o that_o if_o god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o take_v pleasure_n in_o any_o one_o thing_n beside_o the_o richness_n of_o his_o own_o infinity_n it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o communication_n of_o it_o sure_o i_o be_o no_o man_n can_v do_v good_a to_o another_o without_o recreate_v and_o feast_v his_o own_o spirit_n nay_o even_o the_o most_o happy_a and_o self-sufficient_a man_n who_o as_o to_o his_o interest_n have_v the_o least_o need_n to_o be_v kind_a and_o oblige_a yet_o as_o to_o his_o pleasure_n have_v the_o great_a for_o he_o enjoy_v his_o happy_a state_n most_o when_o he_o communicate_v it_o and_o take_v a_o partner_n with_o he_o into_o his_o paradise_n and_o receive_v a_o more_o vigorous_a joy_n from_o the_o reflection_n than_o from_o the_o direct_a incidency_n of_o his_o happiness_n 32._o i_o may_v here_o take_v occasion_n to_o show_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o justice_n and_o honesty_n with_o other_o particular_a branch_n of_o this_o great_a law_n but_o the_o necessity_n of_o these_o be_v so_o notorious_a no_o society_n be_v able_a to_o subsist_v without_o they_o and_o withal_o so_o attest_v by_o the_o common_a vote_n and_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v the_o business_n of_o all_o human_a law_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o civil_a government_n to_o engage_v man_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o they_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o need_v to_o make_v any_o plea_n in_o their_o behalf_n instead_o therefore_o of_o lend_v any_o further_a light_n to_o what_o shine_v already_o so_o conspicuous_o by_o its_o own_o i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o justify_v the_o christian_a law_n in_o some_o of_o those_o instance_n which_o seem_v most_o to_o cross_v the_o present_a interest_n of_o mankind_n 33._o there_o be_v some_o precept_n of_o the_o christian_a law_n which_o seem_v direct_o and_o in_o their_o whole_a kind_n to_o be_v against_o the_o interest_n of_o man._n for_o as_o for_o those_o which_o may_v accidental_o and_o in_o some_o juncture_n of_o circumstance_n i_o shall_v consider_v they_o afterward_o now_o these_o i_o shall_v derive_v from_o that_o abstract_n of_o christian_a philosophy_n the_o divine_a sermon_n on_o the_o mount._n the_o one_a instance_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o precept_n of_o meekness_n which_o our_o divine_a lawgiver_n have_v extend_v so_o far_o as_o 39_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o we_o resist_v not_o evil_a which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o prejudice_n either_o of_o the_o civil_a sword_n or_o of_o legal_a prosecution_n for_o the_o reparation_n of_o injury_n for_o this_o will_v be_v to_o give_v the_o worst_a of_o man_n a_o continual_a advantage_n against_o the_o best_a nor_o of_o public_a war_n between_o distinct_a kingdom_n for_o they_o be_v under_o no_o common_a jurisdiction_n have_v no_o other_o expedient_a whereby_o to_o right_v themselves_o when_o injure_a but_o only_a as_o to_o private_a person_n who_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o precept_n be_v not_o permit_v unless_o in_o apparent_a danger_n of_o life_n for_o then_o the_o law_n of_o self-preservation_n take_v place_n the_o benefit_n of_o other_o law_n be_v not_o at_o hand_n i_o say_v be_v not_o permit_v to_o retaliate_v evil_a but_o oblige_v rather_o with_o their_o divine_a master_n to_o give_v 6._o their_o back_n to_o the_o smiter_n and_o their_o cheek_n to_o they_o that_o pluck_v off_o the_o hair_n 34._o now_o this_o may_v seem_v a_o very_a disadvantageous_a and_o inconvenient_a command_n in_o as_o much_o as_o it_o may_v be_v say_v by_o tie_v up_o our_o hand_n to_o expose_v we_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o contumely_n and_o affront_n and_o invite_v the_o ill_a treatment_n of_o rude_a and_o disingenuous_a spirit_n but_o whoever_o serious_o consider_v the_o matter_n will_v find_v that_o pure_a and_o simple_a revenge_n be_v a_o thing_n very_o absurd_a and_o very_o productive_a of_o ill_a consequence_n and_o in_o some_o respect_n worse_o than_o the_o first_o injury_n for_o that_o may_v have_v some_o end_n of_o profit_n and_o advantage_n in_o it_o but_o to_o do_v another_o man_n a_o diskindness_n mere_o because_o he_o have_v do_v i_o one_o serve_v to_o no_o good_a purpose_n and_o to_o many_o ill_a one_o for_o it_o contribute_v nothing_o to_o the_o reparation_n of_o the_o first_o injury_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o act_n of_o any_o wrong_n shall_v be_v rescind_v though_o the_o permanent_a effect_n may_v but_o instead_o of_o make_v up_o the_o breach_n of_o my_o happiness_n it_o increase_v the_o object_n of_o my_o pity_n by_o bring_v in_o a_o new_a misery_n into_o the_o world_n more_o than_o be_v before_o and_o occasion_n fresh_a return_n of_o malice_n one_o beget_v another_o like_o the_o encircling_n of_o disturb_a water_n till_o the_o evil_n become_v fruitful_a and_o multiply_v into_o a_o long_a succession_n a_o genealogy_n of_o mischief_n and_o by_o this_o time_n i_o think_v the_o man_n have_v reason_n to_o repent_v he_o of_o his_o revenge_n and_o to_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o equity_n of_o the_o law_n which_o forbid_v it_o 35._o the_o next_o instance_n i_o shall_v mention_v be_v that_o of_o love_a enemy_n this_o run_v high_a than_o the_o former_a that_o be_v only_o negative_a not_o to_o return_v evil_a but_o this_o positive_a to_o do_v good_a a_o strange_a precept_n one_o will_v think_v and_o high_o contradictory_n to_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o