be_v vain_a and_o fruitless_a for_o there_o be_v no_o medium_fw-la to_o unite_v in_o the_o only_a way_n to_o peace_n be_v to_o silence_v all_o these_o dispute_n as_o matter_n which_o mankind_n will_v never_o agree_v about_o and_o wherein_o religion_n be_v no_o more_o concern_v than_o the_o government_n of_o kingdom_n or_o state_n and_o on_o which_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n no_o more_o depend_v than_o the_o conduct_n of_o our_o secular_a affair_n or_o the_o preservation_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n for_o the_o dispute_n about_o decree_n predestination_n god_n power_n over_o our_o will_n how_o god_n and_o creature_n produce_v the_o same_o effect_n what_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o what_o belong_v to_o the_o creature_n in_o every_o action_n since_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v concern_v every_o thing_n else_o as_o well_o as_o religion_n and_o yet_o in_o all_o other_o case_n man_n let_v philosopher_n dispute_v these_o point_n and_o quiet_o go_v about_o their_o business_n and_o do_v what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o controversy_n about_o these_o matter_n and_o i_o can_v imagine_v why_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v so_o in_o religion_n too_o believe_v what_o be_v plain_o teach_v and_o do_v what_o be_v command_v use_v the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o our_o utmost_a diligence_n in_o do_v good_a and_o depend_v upon_o the_o succour_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o leave_v these_o dispute_n to_o be_v decide_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o that_o will_v decide_v they_o all_o by_o this_o mean_n i_o be_o sure_a most_o of_o the_o dispute_n among_o protestant_n which_o have_v give_v the_o great_a disturbance_n to_o the_o church_n will_v be_v for_o ever_o silence_v and_o christian_a religion_n will_v not_o be_v clog_v nor_o reproach_v with_o such_o philosophical_a controversy_n 2_o the_o unity_n of_o communion_n and_o that_o consist_v in_o our_o worship_a god_n together_o when_o we_o resort_v to_o the_o same_o church_n to_o offer_v up_o our_o unite_a prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n and_o to_o partake_v of_o that_o holy_a supper_n which_o be_v the_o sacrament_n and_o symbol_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o each_o other_o and_o this_o indeed_o be_v true_a church-unity_n and_o it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o man_n who_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n and_o agree_v in_o all_o the_o essential_o of_o worship_n shall_v divide_v communion_n and_o refuse_v to_o pray_v together_o and_o to_o feast_n at_o the_o same_o holy_a table_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o can_v indeed_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n because_o they_o have_v corrupt_v the_o very_a essential_o of_o christian_a worship_n most_o man_n do_v not_o understand_v their_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o can_v join_v in_o prayer_n with_o they_o they_o worship_v image_n and_o picture_n which_o be_v express_o forbid_v by_o the_o second_o commandment_n instead_o of_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o only_a mediator_n and_o advocate_n jesus_n christ_n they_o have_v join_v other_o intercessor_n with_o he_o pray_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o virgin_n mary_n to_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o help_v they_o they_o worship_v the_o host_n which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o bread_n and_o wine_n as_o to_o the_o substance_n and_o therefore_o no_o object_n of_o worship_n and_o turn_v the_o sacramental_a feast_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n into_o a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o live_n and_o the_o dead_a such_o a_o worship_n as_o this_o we_o dare_v not_o join_v in_o because_o it_o be_v sinful_a and_o idolatrous_a but_o the_o case_n be_v quite_o different_a among_o protestant_n they_o pray_v to_o the_o same_o god_n in_o the_o only_a name_n of_o the_o same_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n put_v up_o the_o same_o petition_n offer_v the_o same_o thanksgiving_n and_o praise_n observe_v the_o same_o divine_a institution_n without_o any_o essential_a change_n and_o alteration_n and_o yet_o can_v worship_v god_n together_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o impious_a thing_n to_o put_v up_o the_o same_o prayer_n and_o to_o offer_v the_o same_o praise_n to_o god_n in_o a_o pious_a and_o grave_n and_o well-composed_a form_n of_o word_n which_o other_o do_v it_o may_v be_v not_o so_o well_o and_o decent_o in_o their_o conceive_a prayer_n as_o if_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o communicant_a in_o receive_v so_o inestimable_a a_o blessing_n as_o the_o sacramental_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n upon_o his_o knee_n be_v a_o profanation_n of_o that_o holy_a feast_n as_o if_o a_o white_a linnen-garment_n which_o never_o undergo_v any_o religious_a conjuration_n and_o be_v use_v only_o as_o a_o decent_a habit_n without_o any_o opinion_n of_o its_o virtue_n or_o sanctity_n be_v a_o just_a reason_n to_o drive_v man_n out_o of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o christian_a communion_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n these_o will_v be_v surprise_v story_n to_o any_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n who_o have_v never_o hear_v before_o of_o such_o dispute_n among_o we_o pray_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o speak_v my_o mind_n free_o upon_o this_o occasion_n upon_o the_o best_a and_o most_o impartial_a inquiry_n and_o observation_n i_o can_v make_v i_o do_v in_o my_o conscience_n believe_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v the_o most_o apostolical_a and_o best_a reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n to_o make_v any_o material_a alteration_n in_o her_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n and_o therefore_o i_o confess_v it_o have_v give_v i_o very_o just_a resentment_n to_o hear_v our_o church_n charge_v with_o such_o unjust_a imputation_n of_o popery_n superstition_n idolatry_n will-worship_n and_o what_o not_o and_o to_o see_v a_o blind_a and_o furious_a zeal_n ready_a to_o raze_v up_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o it_o it_o have_v often_o grieve_v i_o to_o see_v such_o a_o church_n as_o this_o rent_n and_o tear_v by_o schism_n which_o a_o man_n of_o ordinary_a prudence_n may_v easy_o foresee_v will_v give_v great_a advantage_n to_o the_o common_a enemy_n of_o the_o protestant_n faith_n this_o and_o the_o care_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o of_o their_o temporal_a fortune_n too_o move_v several_a divine_n of_o this_o church_n when_o the_o government_n think_v fit_a to_o reinforce_v the_o law_n of_o uniformity_n to_o examine_v and_o answer_v all_o the_o argument_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n which_o they_o perform_v with_o that_o good_a temper_n with_o that_o perswasiveness_n and_o strength_n of_o argument_n as_o will_v be_v a_o vindication_n of_o our_o church_n to_o future_a age_n and_o i_o wish_v it_o may_v upon_o second_o thought_n have_v yet_o a_o better_a effect_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v not_o then_o persuade_v and_o this_o i_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v call_v persecution_n much_o less_o can_v the_o many_o kind_a office_n they_o do_v in_o keep_v off_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n be_v call_v a_o persecution_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o when_o it_o be_v so_o apparent_a that_o prejudices_fw-la be_v grow_v as_o obstinate_a as_o they_o be_v unreasonable_a when_o not_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o the_o weakness_n of_o some_o and_o the_o ill_a design_n of_o other_o require_v some_o compliance_n and_o condescension_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o hope_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n take_v such_o prudent_a be_v not_o to_o offend_v the_o papist_n by_o go_v far_o from_o they_o than_o be_v necessary_a will_v whenever_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o do_v good_a condescend_v a_o great_a deal_n far_o than_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o reform_v to_o meet_v the_o dissenter_n for_o while_o the_o external_a decency_n gravity_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n be_v secure_v no_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n will_v think_v much_o to_o change_v a_o changeable_a ceremony_n when_o it_o will_v heal_v the_o breach_n and_o division_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v we_o all_o hearty_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o there_o may_v be_v this_o good_a and_o peaceable_a disposition_n of_o mind_n in_o all_o conformist_n and_o nonconformist_n towards_o a_o happy_a reunion_n and_o all_o consider_v man_n will_v think_v it_o time_n to_o lay_v aside_o such_o little_a dispute_n when_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o the_o church_n of_o england_n nor_o any_o particular_a sect_n of_o protestant_n who_o ruin_n be_v aim_v at_o but_o the_o whole_a protestant_a faith_n 3_o another_o kind_n of_o unity_n be_v love_n and_o charity_n and_o a_o mutual_a forbearance_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o very_a difficult_a thing_n when_o the_o dispute_n run_v so_o high_a as_o to_o divide_v christian_a communion_n for_o it_o seem_v in_o effect_n to_o declare_v man_n to_o be_v heathen_n and_o publican_n when_o we_o refuse_v to_o worship_n god_n with_o they_o and_o few_o man_n can_v
therefore_o it_o become_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o reveal_v these_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n to_o we_o especial_o if_o we_o add_v to_o this_o that_o the_o lapse_v state_n of_o humane_a nature_n make_v supernatural_a knowledge_n necessary_a natural_a knowledge_n we_o grant_v be_v sufficient_a for_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n though_o no_o man_n will_v have_v have_v reason_n to_o complain_v have_v god_n in_o a_o state_n of_o innocence_n by_o a_o more_o familiar_a intercourse_n with_o man_n or_o by_o the_o frequent_a conversation_n of_o angel_n improve_v his_o knowledge_n beyond_o the_o mere_a attainment_n of_o his_o natural_a faculty_n and_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o this_o may_v have_v be_v i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v a_o impatient_a thirst_n after_o knowledge_n in_o humane_a nature_n and_o such_o a_o great_a curiosity_n for_o secret_a and_o hide_a mystery_n that_o it_o look_v very_o unnatural_a for_o man_n to_o complain_v that_o god_n reveal_v more_o to_o they_o than_o nature_n teach_v but_o yet_o i_o say_v natural_a knowledge_n must_v be_v allow_v sufficient_a to_o all_o the_o end_n of_o humane_a life_n while_o man_n continue_v innocent_a for_o that_o be_v the_o original_a state_n of_o human_a nature_n as_o all_o man_n must_v grant_v who_o believe_v that_o man_n be_v make_v by_o god_n but_o when_o man_n sin_v he_o forfeit_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o a_o natural_a immortality_n and_o whether_o he_o shall_v be_v restore_v or_o not_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o shall_v be_v restore_v depend_v whole_o on_o the_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n though_o it_o can_v direct_v a_o innocent_a man_n how_o to_o please_v and_o worship_n god_n and_o to_o preserve_v himself_o immortal_a it_o can_v not_o teach_v sinner_n how_o to_o make_v atonement_n for_o sin_n nor_o give_v they_o any_o certain_a hope_n that_o god_n will_v forgive_v sin_n and_o bestow_v immortal_a life_n on_o they_o which_o make_v it_o necessary_a that_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v a_o reveal_v religion_n and_o if_o god_n in_o infinite_a goodness_n be_v not_o only_o please_v to_o restore_v sinner_n to_o grace_n and_o favour_n but_o to_o advance_v they_o to_o a_o supernatural_a state_n of_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o the_o next_o world_n this_o must_v be_v do_v by_o supernatural_a mean_n and_o therefore_o require_v a_o supernatural_a knowledge_n for_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v neither_o raise_v we_o above_o nature_n nor_o discover_v supernatural_a truth_n to_o we_o and_o this_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o know_v and_o believe_v such_o thing_n as_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n or_o idea_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v if_o nature_n can_v save_v we_o it_o can_v discover_v to_o we_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n neither_o and_o if_o we_o must_v be_v save_v by_o a_o supernatural_a grace_n and_o power_n it_o must_v be_v supernatural_o reveal_v and_o what_o be_v supernatural_a be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n not_o of_o natural_a knowledge_n this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o give_v a_o plain_a account_n why_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v such_o mystery_n to_o we_o as_o nature_n can_v teach_v and_o as_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n of_o because_o our_o lapse_v state_n have_v make_v such_o supernatural_a revelation_n necessary_a to_o the_o recovery_n of_o mankind_n and_o when_o we_o be_v fall_v below_o the_o relief_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o natural_a knowledge_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o thankful_a to_o our_o good_a god_n for_o supernatural_a knowledge_n and_o supernatural_a mean_n of_o salvation_n to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n three_o person_n one_o eternal_a god_n be_v honour_n glory_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n xi_o the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o deism_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n at_o hampton-court_n june_n 16._o 1700_o john_n fourteen_o 1._o you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o i_o shall_v not_o consider_v these_o word_n as_o they_o relate_v to_o what_o follow_v but_o only_o observe_v in_o they_o that_o our_o saâ—…iour_n not_o only_o require_v his_o disciple_n to_o â—…elieve_v in_o god_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v believe_v also_o in_o he_o that_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n and_o from_o hence_o i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o consider_v the_o case_n of_o deist_n who_o pretend_v to_o own_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o to_o pay_v such_o worship_n to_o he_o and_o to_o obey_v such_o law_n as_o mere_a nature_n teach_v but_o reject_v all_o reveal_v religion_n even_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n itself_o as_o no_o better_a than_o cheat_n and_o impostor_n this_o profession_n of_o deism_n be_v grow_v very_o fashionable_a among_o our_o great_a pretender_n to_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n and_o i_o be_o very_o glad_a that_o such_o man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o name_n of_o atheist_n and_o hope_v that_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o deism_n that_o be_v to_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o to_o deny_v all_o reveal_v religion_n may_v dispose_v they_o to_o a_o impartial_a inquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n i._o the_o folly_n of_o deism_n i_o will_v begin_v with_o this_o to_o make_v man_n consider_v a_o little_a what_o they_o intend_v by_o it_o or_o what_o wise_a end_v it_o will_v serve_v every_o one_o see_v what_o man_n intend_v by_o atheism_n to_o deliver_v themselves_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o invisible_a power_n that_o they_o may_v follow_v their_o own_o inclination_n and_o do_v what_o they_o like_v best_a themselves_o without_o any_o awe_n of_o god_n or_o reproof_n and_o terror_n of_o conscience_n or_o the_o dismal_a apprehension_n of_o unknown_a and_o endless_a punishment_n in_o the_o next_o world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o wise_a course_n man_n can_v take_v who_o resolve_v to_o be_v wicked_a that_o they_o may_v sin_v with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n without_o the_o bitter_a allay_v of_o shame_n and_o fear_n but_o now_o if_o a_o deist_n real_o be_v what_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v that_o be_v if_o he_o do_v real_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 that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v reward_v and_o bad_a man_n punish_v in_o the_o next_o world_n he_o believe_v a_o great_a deal_n too_o much_o to_o sin_n with_o security_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n too_o little_a to_o have_v any_o comfortable_a hope_n of_o a_o better_a life_n that_o this_o be_v certain_o the_o most_o hopeless_a state_n that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v in_o in_o this_o world_n it_o have_v all_o the_o restraint_n and_o fear_n of_o religion_n but_o none_o of_o the_o support_v and_o comfort_n of_o it_o as_o to_o show_v this_o brief_o 1._o he_o who_o do_v hearty_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o will_v punish_v man_n for_o their_o sin_n not_o only_o in_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o next_o believe_v too_o much_o to_o sin_n with_o security_n though_o he_o believe_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o revelation_n for_o if_o nature_n as_o they_o grant_v teach_v man_n that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o just_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n who_o observe_v what_o we_o do_v and_o will_v punish_v wickedness_n natural_a conscience_n also_o will_v accuse_v and_o terrify_v and_o condemn_v wicked_a men._n thus_o st._n paul_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v with_o the_o heathen_a world_n before_o they_o have_v any_o revelation_n of_o god_n will._n for_o when_o the_o gentile_n which_o have_v not_o the_o law_n do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n these_o have_v not_o the_o law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o which_o show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n the_o mean_a while_n accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v one_o another_o 2_o rom._n 14_o 15._o and_o the_o same_o be_v attest_v by_o all_o the_o heathen_a orator_n philosopher_n and_o poet_n and_o those_o natural_a terror_n of_o conscience_n and_o fear_n of_o vengeance_n be_v in_o those_o day_n before_o man_n have_v ever_o hear_v of_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n so_o very_o unsupportable_a to_o bad_a man_n that_o they_o take_v refuge_n in_o atheism_n against_o they_o as_o lucretius_n do_v very_o honest_o confess_v and_o admire_v his_o master_n epicurus_n for_o his_o brave_a and_o bold_a attempt_n in_o deliver_v the_o world_n from_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n so_o that_o whoever_o believe_v a_o
consider_v what_o they_o do_v i_o may_v name_v many_o but_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o some_o few_o at_o present_a which_o be_v least_o observe_v and_o which_o prove_v snare_n to_o good_a man_n as_o for_o instance_n to_o impose_v upon_o ourselves_o constant_a task_n of_o religion_n that_o we_o will_v read_v and_o pray_v so_o much_o and_o so_o often_o every_o day_n and_o observe_v voluntary_a fast_n and_o abstain_v from_o such_o innocent_a diversion_n etc._n etc._n which_o man_n common_o resolve_v in_o some_o great_a heat_n and_o fit_n of_o devotion_n which_o they_o fancy_v will_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o fervour_n but_o never_o do_v and_o then_o these_o task_n grow_v very_o uneasy_a as_o every_o thing_n of_o religion_n do_v when_o it_o grow_v a_o task_n and_o then_o they_o degenerate_a into_o dulness_n and_o formality_n and_o then_o man_n either_o leave_v they_o off_o and_o with_o that_o be_v tempt_v to_o leave_v off_o religion_n itself_o or_o they_o be_v so_o very_o cold_a that_o they_o fancy_v themselves_o spiritual_o dead_a and_o fall_v into_o melancholy_n into_o desertion_n into_o despair_n itself_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n for_o man_n by_o rash_a and_o arbitrary_a vow_n to_o tie_v themselves_o up_o from_o do_v that_o which_o otherwise_o they_o may_v very_o innocent_o do_v and_o which_o they_o will_v be_v strong_o tempt_v to_o do_v when_o they_o have_v vow_v not_o to_o do_v it_o the_o guide_n of_o soul_n know_v that_o this_o be_v no_o imaginary_a case_n but_o what_o they_o so_o often_o meet_v with_o and_o see_v such_o ill_a effect_n of_o that_o it_o be_v very_o fit_a to_o warn_v man_n of_o the_o snare_n be_v there_o no_o other_o reason_n against_o the_o monkish_a vow_n of_o celibacy_n poverty_n and_o obedience_n i_o shall_v think_v this_o sufficient_a that_o consider_v only_o as_o perpetual_a vow_n they_o be_v a_o dangerous_a state_n of_o temptation_n and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o will_v never_o advise_v any_o man_n to_o make_v a_o perpetual_a vow_n to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o it_o be_v not_o perpetual_o his_o duty_n to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v thus_o to_o marry_v with_o person_n of_o a_o disagreeable_a age_n or_o a_o disagreeable_a humour_n or_o a_o contrary_a religion_n be_v to_o put_v ourselves_o into_o a_o state_n of_o temptation_n but_o such_o particular_a instance_n will_v be_v endless_a and_o therefore_o i_o forbear_v if_o god_n lead_v we_o into_o temptation_n he_o will_v give_v we_o sufficient_a strength_n to_o resist_v if_o we_o improve_v his_o grace_n if_o we_o lead_v â—…ur_n self_n into_o temptation_n and_o god_n â—…eave_v we_o to_o the_o power_n and_o subtlety_n of_o â—…he_a tempter_n the_o sin_n and_o the_o folly_n be_v our_o own_o 5th_o i_o observe_v by_o what_o mean_v our_o saviour_n conquer_v the_o devil_n temptation_n and_o that_o be_v by_o the_o authority_n and_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v write_v man_n shall_v not_o live_v by_o bread_n alone_o it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v not_o tempt_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v these_o be_v such_o answer_n as_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o reply_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n can_v never_o be_v answer_v and_o thus_o we_o must_v conquer_v also_o if_o ever_o we_o will_v conquer_v by_o a_o firm_a faith_n in_o god_n and_o belief_n of_o his_o word_n faith_n be_v our_o shield_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o we_o have_v no_o other_o sure_a defence_n against_o all_o temptation_n this_o ruin_v our_o first_o parent_n in_o paradise_n when_o their_o reason_n and_o natural_a power_n be_v in_o their_o great_a vigour_n perfection_n and_o integrity_n that_o instead_o of_o insist_v on_o god_n authority_n they_o venture_v to_o reason_v the_o case_n with_o the_o tempter_n set_a aside_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o the_o devil_n will_v quick_o outwit_n and_o out-reason_n we_o he_o be_v skill_v in_o all_o the_o art_n of_o deceit_n and_o method_n of_o persuasion_n and_o without_o god_n authority_n our_o courage_n our_o resolution_n our_o honour_n our_o reason_n itself_o even_o all_o the_o rant_v and_o triumphant_a speculation_n of_o philosophy_n will_v fail_v we_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n to_o tempt_v be_v either_o to_o deceive_v or_o to_o persuade_v and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o secure_a defence_n against_o either_o but_o the_o authority_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o wise_a reasoner_n may_v be_v impose_v on_o by_o so_o artificial_a a_o tempter_n but_o god_n can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v and_o than_o while_o we_o believe_v god_n and_o have_v regard_n to_o his_o command_n we_o can_v be_v deceive_v neither_o and_o what_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v all_o the_o terror_n and_o flattery_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v our_o maker_n and_o our_o judge_n what_o insignificant_a name_n be_v virtue_n and_o vice_n how_o weak_a and_o feeble_a be_v the_o sense_n of_o decency_n and_o honour_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o of_o a_o life_n of_o reason_n after_o we_o have_v read_v or_o write_v so_o many_o volume_n about_o it_o when_o we_o feel_v the_o soft_a charm_n of_o pleasure_n and_o our_o eye_n be_v fill_v with_o visible_a glory_n who_o will_v not_o part_v with_o a_o fine_a thought_n or_o two_o with_o some_o pretty_a notion_n of_o moral_a beauty_n and_o intellectual_a pleasure_n for_o a_o happiness_n which_o may_v be_v see_v and_o feel_v but_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n the_o firm_a belief_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n the_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o another_o world_n be_v beyond_o all_o other_o persuasion_n unless_o any_o thing_n can_v persuade_v a_o man_n to_o be_v eternal_o miserable_a this_o may_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v in_o general_n concern_v our_o saviour_n temptation_n we_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v ii_o the_o particular_a temptation_n wherewith_o our_o saviour_n be_v assault_v and_o they_o be_v three_o 1._o the_o first_o be_v to_o relieve_v his_o hunger_n after_o his_o long_a fast_n by_o work_v a_o miracle_n and_o when_o the_o tempter_n come_v to_o he_o he_o say_v if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n command_v that_o these_o stone_n be_v make_v bread_n this_o be_v a_o very_a artificial_a temptation_n which_o it_o may_v be_v none_o but_o christ_n himself_o will_v have_v be_v aware_a of_o for_o what_o hurt_n be_v it_o for_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o work_v a_o miracle_n what_o hurt_n be_v it_o for_o a_o man_n who_o be_v hungry_a to_o relieve_v his_o hunger_n for_o here_o be_v no_o temptation_n to_o excess_n but_o to_o satisfy_v the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n what_o hurt_n be_v it_o for_o he_o who_o afterward_o feed_v so_o many_o thousand_o by_o miracle_n in_o this_o great_a distress_n to_o have_v wrought_v a_o miracle_n to_o satisfy_v his_o own_o hunger_n this_o be_v very_o plausible_a and_o look_v like_o very_o charitable_a advice_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a snare_n in_o it_o one_a for_o this_o be_v make_v a_o trial_n whether_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o not_o if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n command_v that_o these_o stone_n be_v make_v bread_n now_o have_v he_o comply_v with_o this_o it_o have_v argue_v a_o distrust_n of_o his_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o of_o the_o love_n of_o his_o father_n and_o this_o be_v a_o temptation_n to_o sin_n thus_o the_o tempter_n deal_v with_o our_o first_o parent_n make_v they_o jealous_a of_o god_n good_a intention_n towards_o they_o and_o by_o that_o tempt_v they_o to_o disobedience_n the_o serpent_n say_v unto_o the_o woman_n you_o shall_v not_o sure_o die_v for_o god_n know_v that_o in_o the_o day_n you_o eat_v thereof_o than_o your_o eye_n shall_v be_v open_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v as_o god_n know_v good_a and_o evil_n that_o be_v god_n envy_v your_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o have_v forbid_v you_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n thus_o the_o devil_n suggest_v to_o our_o saviour_n that_o he_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o question_n whether_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o he_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o the_o comfort_n and_o support_v of_o life_n and_o after_o forty_o day_n fast_v have_v nothing_o in_o the_o wilderness_n to_o eat_v unless_o he_o will_v turn_v stone_n into_o bread_n and_o though_o this_o part_n of_o the_o temptation_n our_o saviour_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o in_o his_o answer_n but_o scorn_v it_o yet_o we_o find_v it_o make_v a_o very_a powerful_a impression_n upon_o other_o man_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o measure_v god_n love_n or_o hatred_n by_o present_a thing_n when_o they_o
he_o also_o free_o give_v we_o all_o thingâ—…_n who_o then_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o christ_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distreâ—…_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n nay_o in_o 〈◊〉_d these_o we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n throâ—…_n he_o that_o love_v we_o for_o i_o be_o perswadâ—…_n that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o â—…gels_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o coâ—…_n nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o otâ—…_n creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o câ—…_n jesus_n our_o lord_n 8._o rom._n 32_o 35_o 37_o 〈◊〉_d while_o our_o mind_n be_v warm_v wâ—…_n such_o thought_n as_o these_o we_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d able_a to_o bear_v up_o under_o the_o greaâ—…_n trial_n if_o not_o with_o cheerfulness_n yet_o at_o least_o with_o patience_n and_o a_o quiâ—…_n submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n aâ—…_n if_o ever_o there_o be_v occasion_n for_o suâ—…_n comfortable_a and_o support_a thougâ—…_n the_o divine_a providence_n have_v make_v it_o 〈◊〉_d necessary_a at_o this_o time_n to_o bear_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o incomparable_a lady_n our_o most_o â—…acious_a queen_n who_o death_n all_o â—…od_a subject_n must_v lament_v and_o i_o â—…ay_v god_n forgive_v those_o that_o do_v not_o â—…ch_o severe_a providence_n as_o these_o will_v â—…ach_v the_o great_a and_o most_o unbroken_a â—…inds_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o fear_n and_o to_o â—…joyce_v with_o tremble_a but_o how_o seâ—…re_o soever_o providence_n be_v in_o some_o parâ—…cular_a instance_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o diâ—…ne_a goodness_n iâ—…_n the_o redemption_n of_o â—…ankind_n by_o the_o incarnation_n and_o â—…eath_n of_o his_o own_o son_n shall_v teach_v 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v dumb_a and_o not_o open_v our_o mouth_n â—…cause_fw-mi it_o be_v his_o do_n in_o speak_v to_o which_o word_n i_o â—…all_v 1._o inquire_v what_o may_v be_v call_v â—…e_n do_n of_o the_o lord_n 2._o what_o it_o 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v dumb_a and_o not_o to_o open_v â—…ur_n mouth_n 3._o the_o force_n of_o this_o â—…rgument_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o a_o quiet_a and_o â—…atient_a submission_n under_o the_o greatâ—…st_a suffering_n that_o it_o be_v god_n doâ—…ng_n 1._o what_o may_v be_v call_v the_o doâ—…ng_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o may_v be_v think_v 〈◊〉_d very_o needless_a question_n for_o be_v â—…here_o any_o event_n good_a or_o evil_a which_o be_v not_o god_n do_v if_o wâ—…_n believe_v a_o particular_a providence_n wâ—…_n must_v answer_v no_o and_o yet_o somâ—…_n thing_n be_v more_o peculiarly_a god'â—…_n do_n than_o other_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o this_o present_a argument_n aâ—…_n god_n do_v it_o be_v a_o reason_n for_o 〈◊〉_d quiet_a and_o patient_a submission_n to_o the_o divine_a will._n in_o many_o case_n man_n bring_v ruin_n and_o misery_n upon_o themselves_o by_o theâ—…_n own_o sin_n and_o folly_n and_o then_o they_o may_v thank_v themselves_o for_o it_o but_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o providence_n and_o when_o they_o can_v charge_v providence_n with_o their_o misfortune_n patience_n itself_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o submission_n to_o god_n because_o their_o suffering_n be_v no_o more_o god_n will_n than_o their_o sin_n and_o folly_n be_v if_o man_n destroy_v their_o estate_n by_o profuseness_n and_o prodigality_n and_o their_o body_n by_o intemperance_n and_o lust_n if_o ill-contracted_n friendship_n indiscreet_a bargain_n or_o a_o ungovernable_a tongue_n perplex_v their_o affair_n and_o prove_v very_o troublesome_a or_o dangerous_a all_o this_o be_v owe_v not_o mere_o to_o providence_n but_o to_o themselves_o and_o they_o must_v be_v content_v to_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o do_n and_o to_o implore_v the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o providence_n to_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o folly_n whatever_o evil_n we_o suffer_v which_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a or_o moral_a effect_n of_o our_o own_o sin_n or_o folly_n they_o be_v proper_o god_n do_n as_o inflict_v by_o god_n either_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n or_o for_o the_o trial_n and_o exercise_n of_o our_o virtue_n or_o to_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n those_o evil_n which_o we_o do_v not_o immediate_o bring_v upon_o ourselves_o god_n inflict_v on_o we_o either_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o wicked_a and_o injurious_a man_n or_o by_o the_o disorder_n of_o natural_a cause_n or_o by_o some_o seem_a casual_a and_o fortuitous_a event_n for_o the_o action_n of_o man_n the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o what_o we_o call_v chance_n and_o fortune_n be_v all_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v more_o or_o less_o his_o do_n but_o if_o we_o may_v say_v that_o some_o thing_n be_v more_o peculiar_o the_o care_n of_o providence_n than_o other_o life_n and_o death_n be_v certain_o so_o no_o man_n can_v be_v bear_v or_o die_v without_o the_o particular_a order_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o not_o a_o sparrow_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n without_o our_o father_n much_o less_o man_n and_o assure_v his_o disciple_n that_o all_o the_o hair_n of_o their_o head_n be_v number_v and_o their_o life_n be_v more_o sacred_a than_o their_o hair_n some_o man_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o god_n have_v absolute_o decree_v the_o certain_a term_n and_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n but_o i_o know_v no_o foundation_n for_o this_o neither_o in_o scripture_n nor_o reason_n nor_o do_v any_o man_n believe_v it_o but_o those_o who_o subject_a all_o mankind_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o irreversible_a necessity_n and_o fate_n which_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o atheistick_a hypothesis_n though_o incautious_o espouse_v by_o some_o man_n who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v atheist_n that_o i_o hope_v they_o be_v very_o good_a christian_n and_o therefore_o i_o suppose_v these_o christian_a fatalist_n if_o i_o may_v so_o call_v they_o mean_v no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o all_o own_o that_o no_o sparrow_n much_o less_o a_o man_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n without_o our_o father_n that_o god_n not_o only_o foreknow_v the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o shall_v die_v but_o with_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o â—…ustice_n order_n and_o appoint_v it_o â—…ot_v by_o a_o absolute_a and_o unconditional_a â—…ecree_n but_o as_o the_o wise_a determiâ—…ation_n of_o a_o free_a and_o just_a prouâ—…ce_n and_o if_o god_n have_v any_o more_o conâ—…ernment_n for_o nation_n and_o commonwealth_n than_o he_o have_v for_o particular_a man_n as_o we_o who_o can_v attend_v but_o a_o few_o thing_n at_o once_o and_o therefore_o make_v the_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n our_o more_o particular_a care_n be_v apt_a to_o conceive_v then_o the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o prince_n must_v be_v more_o particular_o order_v and_o determine_v by_o god_n because_o nation_n it_o may_v be_v many_o nation_n and_o country_n more_o than_o their_o own_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o more_o universal_a concernment_n any_o thing_n be_v the_o more_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v it_o belong_v to_o the_o care_n of_o god_n for_o this_o reason_n some_o philosopher_n have_v confine_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o the_o heaven_n and_o heavenly_a body_n which_o have_v such_o a_o univerversal_a influence_n on_o thing_n below_o or_o to_o nation_n and_o public_a society_n and_o to_o the_o several_a kind_n and_o species_n of_o being_n not_o to_o particular_a man_n or_o creature_n and_o so_o far_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n that_o if_o the_o divine_a providence_n can_v not_o equal_o take_v care_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o of_o every_o particular_a creature_n in_o it_o it_o will_v certain_o in_o the_o first_o place_n take_v care_n of_o the_o great_a spring_n of_o motion_n but_o though_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o god_n peculiar_a care_n of_o one_o thing_n more_o than_o another_o because_o his_o all-seeing_a eye_n and_o almighty_a arm_n can_v equal_o take_v care_n of_o all_o yet_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o from_o the_o worth_n and_o value_n of_o thing_n that_o god_n will_v certain_o take_v the_o more_o care_n of_o they_o and_o in_o case_n of_o any_o competition_n give_v the_o preference_n to_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n behold_v the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n for_o they_o sow_v not_o neither_o do_v they_o reap_v nor_o gather_v into_o barn_n yet_o your_o heavenly_a father_n feed_v they_o be_v you_o not_o much_o better_a than_o they_o and_o if_o god_n so_o clothe_v the_o grass_n of_o the_o field_n which_o to_o day_n be_v and_o to_o morrow_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o oven_n shall_v he_o not_o much_o more_o clothe_v you_o o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n
visible_a to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o a_o will_v to_o do_v good_a be_v the_o only_a thing_n we_o want_v but_o such_o a_o readiness_n and_o wilâ—…ingness_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v active_a and_o vigorous_a as_o contrive_v and_o lay_v design_n of_o charity_n or_o embrace_v such_o as_o be_v offer_v and_o take_v all_o wise_a opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a this_o be_v very_o acceptaâ—…le_a to_o god_n as_o be_v the_o most_o divine_a and_o godlike_a temper_n the_o image_n of_o â—…is_n own_o goodness_n and_o the_o noble_a exercise_n of_o our_o love_n to_o man_n inspire_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n now_o in_o moâ—…al_a action_n it_o be_v the_o principle_n that_o give_v the_o value_n not_o so_o much_o the_o gift_n as_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o giver_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o though_o we_o give_v all_o our_o good_n to_o feed_v the_o poor_a and_o have_v not_o charity_n we_o be_v nothing_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 3._o god_n can_v feed_v the_o poor_a without_o we_o if_o he_o so_o please_v but_o as_o for_o several_a other_o wise_a end_n of_o providence_n so_o he_o have_v order_v that_o the_o poor_a shall_v be_v always_o with_o we_o for_o the_o trial_n and_o exercise_n of_o our_o virtue_n but_o the_o virtue_n be_v not_o the_o gift_n but_o the_o charity_n and_o can_v we_o perform_v all_o the_o act_n of_o charity_n without_o a_o charitable_a mind_n the_o world_n may_v be_v better_o for_o it_o but_o not_o we_o ourselves_o 2_o this_o readiness_n and_o forwardness_n of_o mind_n to_o do_v good_a will_v observe_v the_o just_a proportion_n of_o charity_n will_v give_v according_a to_o what_o a_o man_n have_v i_o observe_v before_o that_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o gospel_n have_v prescribe_v no_o fix_a measure_n nor_o proportion_n of_o charity_n nor_o can_v he_o reasonable_o do_v this_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o charity_n which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o absolute_o free_a that_o we_o may_v choose_v whether_o we_o will_v be_v charitable_a or_o no_o for_o charitable_a we_o must_v be_v at_o the_o peril_n of_o our_o soul_n yet_o the_o proportion_n must_v be_v free_a or_o it_o be_v not_o charity_n but_o a_o poor_n rate_n as_o all_o the_o positive_a law_n which_o god_n give_v the_o jew_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v no_o better_o and_o therefore_o by_o the_o wise_a jew_n be_v never_o place_v to_o the_o account_n of_o charity_n but_o of_o justice_n and_o a_o legal_a righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o very_a distinction_n st._n paul_n make_v between_o a_o righteous_a and_o a_o good_a man_n rom._n 5._o 7._o but_o scarce_o for_o a_o righteous_a man_n wiâ—…_n one_o die_v yet_o peradventure_o for_o a_o good_a man_n one_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v a_o righteous_a man_n be_v one_o who_o be_v legal_o righteous_a and_o observe_v what_o the_o law_n require_v but_o a_o good_a man_n be_v one_o who_o be_v act_v by_o a_o free_a unconfined_a and_o generous_a goodness_n now_o upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o there_o 〈◊〉_d no_o proportion_n assign_v to_o charity_n â—…ere_o be_v too_o many_o who_o content_a themâ—…lves_n with_o very_o little_a indeed_o with_o noâ—…ing_v which_o can_v proper_o be_v call_v chaâ—…ty_n but_o i_o wonder_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n â—…hat_o these_o man_n make_v of_o all_o those_o comâ—…ands_n and_o exhortation_n which_o we_o find_v 〈◊〉_d the_o gospel_n to_o charity_n which_o be_v so_o â—…any_o so_o press_v and_o importunate_a and_o â—…und_v on_o we_o by_o so_o many_o promise_n of_o â—…esent_a and_o future_a reward_n and_o with_o 〈◊〉_d many_o terrible_a threaten_n denounâ—…d_v against_o the_o uncharitable_a that_o sureâ—…_n they_o must_v mean_v something_o and_o as_o â—…illing_a as_o man_n be_v in_o these_o case_n to_o â—…etend_v ignorance_n i_o believe_v there_o be_v â—…w_a man_n live_v but_o know_v in_o some_o meaâ—…re_n what_o charity_n mean_v and_o though_o â—…ey_n may_v dispute_v how_o much_o they_o ought_v â—…o_o give_v yet_o certain_o know_v that_o they_o â—…ught_v to_o give_v and_o that_o to_o give_v noâ—…hing_n or_o what_o be_v next_o to_o nothing_o all_o circumstance_n consider_v be_v not_o chaâ—…ity_n a_o charitable_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n be_v a_o indispensible_a duty_n and_o the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o our_o saviour_n command_v and_o he_o need_v command_v no_o more_o for_o charity_n be_v and_o will_v be_v a_o rule_n and_o measure_n to_o itself_o where_o this_o divine_a principle_n be_v it_o will_v teach_v we_o when_o and_o how_o and_o in_o what_o proportion_n to_o give_v the_o sun_n need_v no_o rule_n and_o direction_n how_o to_o communicate_v its_o light_n and_o heat_n nature_n be_v the_o sure_a and_o most_o infallible_a rule_n and_o law_n to_o itself_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v proportionable_o in_o moral_a as_o well_o as_o in_o natural_a agent_n for_o what_o be_v the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o nature_n and_o life_n can_v never_o be_v teach_v without_o its_o principle_n can_v exceed_v its_o principle_n and_o can_v fall_v below_o it_o all_o the_o rule_n in_o the_o world_n can_v never_o teach_v that_o man_n charity_n who_o want_v the_o principle_n a_o charitable_a mind_n need_v no_o rule_n but_o turn_v natural_o on_o its_o own_o bias_n which_o will_v direct_v its_o motion_n right_a there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n indeed_o between_o natural_a and_o moral_a agent_n natural_a agent_n be_v necessary_o determine_v to_o some_o one_o end_n and_o therefore_o have_v but_o one_o principle_n which_o uniform_o and_o steady_o pursue_v the_o end_n of_o nature_n but_o moral_a agent_n as_o they_o act_v free_o so_o they_o have_v many_o different_a principle_n inclination_n and_o passion_n which_o stint_n and_o limit_v each_o other_o that_o none_o of_o they_o can_v act_v to_o their_o utmost_a vigour_n but_o as_o they_o be_v mutual_o poiâ—…ed_v and_o balance_v and_o this_o be_v the_o â—…ork_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n to_o put_v â—…em_n into_o their_o natural_a order_n and_o to_o â—…t_v just_a bound_n to_o they_o and_o that_o proâ—…ortions_v the_o degree_n of_o their_o activity_n â—…d_v strength_n but_o yet_o every_o principle_n â—…nless_a violent_o oppress_v will_v act_v acâ—…ording_v to_o its_o nature_n as_o it_o more_o or_o â—…ess_o prevail_v and_o this_o give_v meaâ—…res_n and_o proportion_n to_o all_o our_o actiâ—…ns_n as_o to_o show_v you_o this_o in_o our_o preâ—…ent_a case_n charity_n be_v that_o love_n to_o mankind_n â—…hich_v make_v we_o pity_v all_o their_o want_n â—…nd_v suffering_n and_o inspire_v we_o with_o a_o â—…reat_a zeal_n and_o concernment_n to_o help_v â—…nd_v relieve_v they_o if_o you_o inquire_v what_o the_o natural_a measure_n of_o this_o charity_n be_v i_o know_v no_o other_o natural_a measure_n but_o its_o natural_a end_n that_o be_v to_o relieve_v all_o that_o suffer_v and_o be_v in_o want_n for_o that_o be_v what_o charity_n will_v do_v and_o what_o all_o charitable_a man_n hearty_o wish_v that_o they_o can_v do_v well!_o but_o this_o be_v impossible_a for_o there_o be_v too_o many_o miserable_a people_n for_o any_o man_n to_o relieve_v they_o all_o this_o be_v true_a and_o want_v of_o power_n must_v of_o necessity_n set_v bound_n to_o our_o charity_n but_o since_o we_o can_v relieve_v all_o we_o must_v relieve_v such_o as_o we_o can_v and_o wise_o consider_v where_o the_o great_a necessity_n and_o great_a obligation_n be_v which_o will_v give_v the_o preference_n to_o christian_n before_o infidel_n to_o good_a man_n before_o the_o wicked_a to_o god_n poor_a who_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v make_v poor_a to_o the_o poor_a of_o their_o own_o make_v who_o idleness_n luxury_n and_o vice_n have_v make_v poor_a and_o miserable_a well!_o but_o how_o far_o must_v we_o relieve_v these_o poor_a must_v we_o give_v as_o long_o as_o we_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o give_v and_o make_v ourselves_o the_o object_n of_o charity_n by_o no_o mean_n there_o be_v other_o as_o natural_a principle_n as_o charity_n which_o must_v set_v bound_n to_o it_o self-love_n be_v a_o natural_a and_o necessary_a principle_n no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o love_v any_o man_n better_o than_o himself_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o be_v all_o that_o the_o gospel_n itself_o make_v our_o necessary_a duty_n though_o some_o great_a and_o generous_a friendship_n and_o divine_a charity_n may_v go_v further_o as_o far_o as_o concern_v this_o life_n next_o to_o self-love_n our_o natural_a affection_n for_o our_o wife_n and_o child_n must_v take_v place_n as_o ingraft_v in_o it_o and_o think_v the_o best_a and_o the_o dear_a part_n of_o it_o as_o be_v near_o to_o ourselves_o and_o what_o the_o best_a â—…en_n be_v the_o most_o tender_o concern_v â—…or_n and_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n which_o â—…mong_a man_n of_o any_o principle_n dispute_v â—…he_a bound_n of_o charity_n for_o as_o for_o â—…hose_v stupid_a
conceive_v no_o substance_n but_o matter_n and_o body_n and_o therefore_o reject_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n as_o nonsense_n and_o contradiction_n they_o will_v allow_v nothing_o to_o be_v wise_o make_v which_o they_o understand_v not_o the_o reason_n and_o use_n of_o and_o therefore_o they_o fancy_v a_o great_a many_o botch_n and_o blunder_n in_o nature_n which_o can_v be_v the_o design_n and_o contrivance_n of_o wisdom_n but_o the_o effect_n of_o chance_n and_o then_o the_o consequence_n be_v plain_a that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o chance_n not_o by_o a_o wise_a author_n now_o i_o confess_v if_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v be_v allow_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o defend_v either_o sense_n or_o reason_n or_o revelation_n against_o the_o cavil_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n for_o there_o be_v unconceivable_a and_o incomprehensible_a secret_n and_o mystery_n in_o they_o all_o and_o if_o to_o conceive_v and_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n must_v be_v make_v the_o measure_n and_o standard_n of_o true_a and_o false_a we_o must_v deny_v our_o sense_n and_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o our_o faith_n and_o if_o we_o do_v and_o must_v believe_v our_o sense_n and_o reason_n beyond_o our_o comprehension_n why_o must_v we_o believe_v nothing_o that_o be_v reveal_v any_o far_a than_o we_o can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o sum_n be_v this_o humane_a knowledge_n whatever_o the_o mean_n of_o know_v be_v whether_o sense_n or_o reason_n or_o revelation_n do_v not_o reach_v to_o the_o philosophical_a cause_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o only_o to_o their_o be_v and_o natural_a virtue_n and_o power_n and_o as_o a_o wise_a man_n who_o know_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o understanding_n expect_v no_o more_o from_o sense_n and_o reason_n than_o to_o know_v what_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o they_o be_v as_o far_o as_o they_o fall_v under_o the_o notice_n of_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n so_o we_o must_v expect_v no_o more_o from_o revelation_n than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n can_v discover_v but_o we_o must_v no_o more_o expect_v the_o philosophy_n of_o supernatural_a truth_n from_o revelation_n than_o we_o do_v the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n from_o sense_n and_o reason_n now_o since_o humane_a knowledge_n be_v not_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mysterious_a nature_n of_o thing_n but_o only_o to_o know_v what_o thing_n there_o be_v and_o what_o they_o be_v there_o can_v be_v no_o contradiction_n between_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o revelation_n unless_o one_o deny_v what_o the_o other_o affirm_v not_o that_o one_o teach_v more_o than_o the_o other_o teach_v or_o that_o one_o can_v comprehend_v what_o the_o other_o teach_v reason_n teach_v more_o than_o sense_n teach_v or_o can_v comprehend_v and_o revelation_n teach_v more_o than_o either_o sense_n or_o natural_a reason_n teach_v or_o can_v comprehend_v but_o this_o be_v no_o contradiction_n but_o only_o a_o subordination_n between_o these_o different_a kind_n and_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n but_o as_o for_o unconceivableness_n and_o incomprehensibility_n that_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o any_o thing_n for_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n can_v no_o more_o comprehend_v their_o own_o object_n than_o they_o do_v what_o be_v reveal_v and_o it_o be_v manifest_a perverseness_n to_o make_v that_o a_o objection_n against_o revelation_n which_o we_o will_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o sense_n and_o reason_n this_o be_v sufficient_a as_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o remove_v mens_fw-la prejudices_fw-la also_o against_o believe_v mystery_n i_o shall_v brief_o answer_v two_o very_a popular_a objection_n 1._o it_o be_v think_v very_o unnatural_a that_o when_o god_n have_v make_v we_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o therefore_o make_v natural_a reason_n to_o we_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n he_o shall_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v without_o reason_n as_o we_o must_v do_v if_o he_o reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o as_o we_o know_v not_o and_o can_v possible_o know_v the_o reason_n of_o if_o we_o must_v believe_v with_o our_o understanding_n how_o can_v we_o believe_v thing_n which_o we_o can_v understand_v this_o be_v a_o reasonable_a objection_n be_v it_o true_a for_o we_o can_v believe_v what_o we_o have_v no_o knowledge_n nor_o understanding_n of_o for_o faith_n be_v knowledge_n though_o not_o natural_a knowledge_n but_o do_v we_o not_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v do_v we_o not_o know_v what_o we_o mean_v when_o we_o say_v we_o believe_v in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n nay_o do_v not_o our_o adversary_n understand_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o it_o how_o then_o come_v they_o to_o charge_v we_o with_o believe_v contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n for_o if_o they_o know_v not_o what_o we_o believe_v they_o can_v know_v whether_o we_o believe_v contradiction_n or_o not_o and_o if_o we_o do_v understand_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v than_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v without_o understanding_n which_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a if_o we_o know_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v and_o we_o know_v also_o why_o we_o believe_v our_o faith_n be_v found_v in_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o high_a and_o most_o infallible_a reason_n the_o miracle_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v be_v evident_a to_o sense_n and_o own_a by_o reason_n to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o the_o answer_v the_o blind_a man_n give_v to_o the_o pharisee_n when_o christ_n have_v open_v his_o eye_n speak_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o nature_n herein_o be_v a_o marvellous_a thing_n that_o you_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o he_o be_v and_o yet_o he_o have_v open_v my_o eye_n now_o we_o know_v that_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n but_o if_o any_o man_n be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n he_o he_o hear_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v be_v it_o not_o hear_v that_o any_o man_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a if_o this_o man_n be_v not_o of_o god_n he_o can_v do_v nothing_o 9_o john_n 30_o 31_o 32_o 33._o and_o all_o mankind_n own_o that_o the_o most_o absolute_a faith_n be_v due_a to_o god_n and_o to_o those_o who_o speak_v from_o god_n and_o this_o as_o i_o take_v it_o be_v to_o believe_v with_o reason_n but_o still_o we_o believe_v such_o thing_n who_o nature_n we_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o can_v account_v for_o by_o natural_a reason_n and_o this_o be_v to_o believe_v without_o reason_n we_o believe_v that_o god_n the_o father_n have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n and_o that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v but_o one_o eternal_a god_n but_o this_o be_v what_o natural_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v nor_o give_v we_o any_o notion_n or_o conception_n of_o how_o god_n can_v have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n real_o distinct_a from_o himself_o and_o yet_o with_o himself_o one_o eternal_a and_o infinite_a god_n reason_n can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n nor_o of_o the_o eternal_a procession_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o believe_v without_o reason_n which_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n ought_v not_o to_o do_v and_o which_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v that_o god_n who_o make_v we_o reasonable_a creature_n expect_v from_o we_o and_o this_o i_o grant_v will_v be_v a_o material_a objection_n be_v reason_n the_o judge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o philosophy_n of_o thing_n and_o do_v reason_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o understand_v and_o comprehend_v but_o then_o we_o must_v no_o more_o believe_v sense_n and_o reason_n than_o revelation_n for_o we_o do_v not_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o any_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n how_o evident_a soever_o it_o be_v to_o sense_n and_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n nature_n be_v as_o great_a a_o mystery_n as_o revelation_n and_o it_o be_v no_o great_a affront_n to_o our_o understanding_n no_o more_o against_o reason_n for_o god_n to_o reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o as_o our_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v than_o 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o make_v a_o whole_a world_n which_o â—…eason_n can_v comprehend_v when_o we_o make_v it_o a_o objection_n against_o â—…ny_a thing_n that_o it_o be_v without_o reason_n or_o â—…s_v we_o apprehend_v against_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n we_o must_v first_o conâ—…ider_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o reason_n otherwise_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n as_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o sound_n that_o we_o can_v see_v they_o nor_o against_o colour_n
that_o we_o can_v hear_v they_o because_o sound_n be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o sight_n nor_o colour_n of_o hear_v now_o no_o man_n pretend_v that_o the_o pure_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o thing_n or_o their_o essential_a reason_n property_n union_n operation_n be_v the_o object_n of_o humane_a reason_n for_o no_o man_n live_v know_v any_o thing_n about_o they_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v all_o the_o incomprehensibility_n man_n have_v to_o complain_v of_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n that_o they_o can_v comprehend_v how_o god_n can_v beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n nor_o how_o three_o divine_a person_n shall_v be_v so_o unite_v as_o to_o be_v essential_o one_o god_n nor_o how_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n can_v be_v unite_v into_o one_o person_n god-man_n all_o which_o concern_v the_o essence_n and_o essential_a property_n operation_n union_n relation_n of_o the_o deity_n which_o a_o modest_a man_n may_v allow_v to_o be_v incomprehensible_a if_o god_n be_v infinite_a though_o he_o can_v comprehend_v the_o nature_n essence_n and_o essential_a reason_n and_o property_n of_o create_a being_n but_o when_o all_o create_a nature_n be_v such_o a_o mystery_n to_o we_o that_o we_o know_v not_o the_o pure_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o any_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v it_o a_o affront_n to_o our_o reason_n that_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o divine_a nature_n such_o matter_n as_o these_o be_v neither_o without_o reason_n nor_o against_o reason_n nor_o contrary_a to_o reason_n because_o reason_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o and_o can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n of_o they_o they_o belong_v not_o to_o reason_n but_o to_o that_o infinite_a mind_n which_o comprehend_v itself_o and_o the_o idea_n of_o all_o possible_a being_n a_o perfect_a comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o nature_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o know_v what_o thing_n be_v but_o how_o to_o make_v they_o which_o will_v be_v a_o vain_a curiosity_n and_o useless_a knowledge_n to_o those_o who_o have_v not_o a_o make_v and_o create_v power_n this_o be_v to_o know_v thing_n à _fw-fr priori_fw-la with_o a_o intuitive_a ideal_o knowledge_n which_o be_v infinite_o more_o superior_a to_o reason_n â—…an_n reason_n be_v to_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v the_o â—…ffectation_n of_o this_o intuitive_a make_v knowledge_n which_o make_v some_o man_n atheist_n and_o other_o heretic_n 2_o another_o great_a objection_n against_o such_o a_o revelation_n as_o contain_v matter_n which_o natural_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v be_v to_o what_o purpose_n such_o â—…a_n revelation_n serve_v what_o merit_n there_o can_v be_v in_o believe_v such_o doctrine_n and_o of_o what_o good_a use_n such_o a_o faith_n can_v be_v to_o we_o now_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v think_v it_o meritorious_a mere_o to_o believe_v thing_n which_o be_v incomprehensible_a or_o that_o god_n any_o more_o intend_a to_o puzzle_v our_o faith_n with_o reveal_v mystery_n than_o to_o puzzle_v our_o reason_n in_o make_v a_o mysterious_a world_n whether_o we_o receive_v our_o information_n from_o sense_n or_o natural_a reason_n or_o revelation_n it_o be_v certain_a we_o must_v believe_v mystery_n if_o we_o believe_v any_o thing_n for_o all_o thing_n have_v something_o mysterious_a and_o incomprehensible_a in_o their_o nature_n what_o natural_a reason_n can_v account_v for_o and_o what_o god_n never_o intend_v we_o shall_v understand_v for_o god_n never_o intend_v to_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o make_v the_o world_n nor_o how_o every_o creature_n be_v make_v and_o therefore_o we_o can_v and_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o know_v the_o internal_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o nature_n but_o though_o neither_o natural_a nor_o reveal_v knowledge_n extend_v to_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o essential_a property_n and_o operation_n yet_o both_o natural_a and_o reveal_v knowledge_n be_v of_o as_o much_o use_n to_o we_o as_o if_o we_o do_v perfect_o understand_v all_o the_o secret_a and_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o creature_n both_o natural_a and_o reveal_v knowledge_n be_v alike_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o they_o only_o acquaint_v we_o what_o thing_n be_v and_o what_o end_v they_o serve_v and_o then_o we_o know_v what_o use_n to_o make_v of_o they_o without_o understand_v the_o secret_a mystery_n of_o nature_n be_v this_o world_n or_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o the_o less_o useful_a to_o we_o because_o we_o can_v conceive_v how_o god_n create_v all_o thing_n of_o nothing_o or_o because_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o matter_n nor_o how_o the_o several_a part_n of_o matter_n come_v by_o their_o different_a virtue_n and_o quality_n be_v corn_n or_o fruit_n or_o herb_n the_o less_o nourish_a or_o refresh_v because_o we_o know_v not_o how_o they_o grow_v do_v it_o require_v any_o philosophy_n to_o know_v how_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o sleep_v will_v not_o our_o food_n nourish_v we_o â—…less_v we_o understand_v how_o it_o be_v concoctâ—…_n and_o turn_v into_o chile_n and_o blood_n â—…d_a spirit_n nay_o be_v it_o of_o no_o use_n to_o â—…ow_v that_o god_n be_v a_o eternal_a omnipoâ—…nt_a omniscient_a omnipresent_v be_v â—…less_v we_o can_v conceive_v how_o any_o be_v â—…n_v be_v eternal_a without_o a_o cause_n and_o â—…ithout_v a_o beginning_n or_o can_v compreâ—…end_v how_o he_o can_v do_v and_o know_v all_o thing_n â—…d_v be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n at_o once_o â—…ithout_n extension_n and_o without_o part_n â—…e_o may_v make_v all_o the_o use_n that_o can_v be_v â—…ade_v of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o every_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d it_o without_o understand_v the_o essential_a â—…easons_n and_o cause_n or_o internal_a nature_n â—…f_o any_o thing_n and_o we_o must_v do_v so_o if_o we_o will_v make_v any_o use_n of_o it_o and_o we_o know_v god_n to_o all_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_n for_o which_o creature_n ought_v to_o know_v god_n â—…hough_o his_o nature_n be_v incomprehensible_a and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n such_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n how_o unaccountable_a soever_o the_o mystery_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v yet_o it_o be_v the_o most_o useful_a knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o the_o eternal_a father_n beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n of_o his_o own_o substance_n nor_o how_o this_o eternal_a son_n in_o time_n become_v man_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o most_o desirable_a knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n to_o sinner_n to_o know_v that_o god_n have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o that_o he_o so_o love_v the_o world_n as_o to_o give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o that_o this_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n become_v man_n live_v a_o poor_a necessitous_a laborious_a life_n and_o die_v a_o accurse_a death_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n and_o to_o know_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o proceed_v from_o father_n and_o son_n dwell_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o quicken_v and_o animate_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ._n if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o we_o must_v suppose_v in_o this_o argument_n all_o mankind_n must_v confess_v that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a useful_a knowledge_n and_o never_o the_o less_o useful_a because_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v great_a and_o unconceivable_a mystery_n can_v we_o give_v a_o rational_a and_o philosophical_a account_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o of_o the_o incarnation_n we_o shall_v know_v more_o than_o we_o now_o do_v but_o faith_n make_v it_o as_o useful_a to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o most_o perfect_a intuitive_a knowledge_n can_v do_v this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o that_o objection_n against_o the_o usefulness_n of_o such_o mystery_n as_o have_v something_o incomprehensible_a and_o unconceivable_a in_o their_o nature_n which_o be_v a_o equal_a objection_n against_o all_o create_a nature_n which_o be_v but_o one_o great_a mystery_n and_o yet_o the_o world_n be_v a_o very_a useful_a world_n and_o we_o know_v in_o some_o good_a degree_n what_o use_n to_o make_v of_o it_o and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o gospel_n mystery_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o present_a dispute_n be_v manifest_o of_o infinite_a use_n to_o we_o if_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n and_o death_n and_o intercession_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a be_v of_o any_o use_n and_o
gospel_n denounce_v against_o â—…penitent_a sinner_n every_o thing_n else_o 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v a_o true_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d glad_a tiding_n 〈◊〉_d great_a joy_n to_o mankind_n it_o give_v we_o 〈◊〉_d many_o signal_n token_n and_o pledge_n of_o â—…e_n divine_a favour_n and_o such_o express_a â—…romises_n of_o god_n care_n of_o good_a man_n 〈◊〉_d this_o world_n and_o of_o the_o glorious_a reâ—…ards_n of_o the_o next_o as_o mere_a nature_n at_o â—…ost_n afford_v but_o very_o imperfect_a conâ—…ectures_n of_o that_o the_o deist_n if_o he_o have_v â—…ny_a generous_a hope_n of_o immortality_n â—…eft_v shall_v be_v glad_a to_o have_v some_o betâ—…er_a assurance_n of_o immortal_a happiness_n â—…han_o nature_n give_v and_o can_v think_v it_o no_o advantage_n that_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o next_o life_n be_v uncertain_a when_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o be_v as_o uncertain_a too_o if_o we_o will_v allow_v no_o other_o evidence_n but_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o i_o shall_v consine_n myself_o at_o present_a but_o to_o one_o thing_n which_o all_o mankind_n be_v equal_o concern_v in_o and_o which_o we_o can_v never_o be_v assure_v of_o but_o by_o revelation_n and_o that_o be_v the_o certain_a pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n if_o god_n be_v holy_a and_o just_a a_o sinner_n as_o all_o mankind_n be_v must_v be_v punish_v except_o he_o be_v pardon_v and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o good_a hope_n towards_o god_n till_o he_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o pardon_n now_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n give_v we_o no_o absolute_a assurance_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o it_o do_v that_o god_n will_v punish_v sinner_n and_o therefore_o a_o deist_n who_o reject_v the_o gospel_n revelation_n can_v possible_o be_v so_o certain_a that_o his_o sin_n shall_v be_v pardon_v as_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v punish_v for_o they_o the_o holiness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n make_v he_o a_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o all_o sin_n and_o the_o only_a refuge_n sinner_n have_v be_v in_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n but_o goodness_n do_v not_o so_o necessary_o prove_v that_o god_n will_v forgive_v sin_n as_o justice_n do_v that_o he_o will_v punish_v it_o for_o goodness_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n must_v give_v place_n to_o justice_n that_o be_v goodness_n can_v pardon_v while_o it_o be_v unjust_a to_o pardon_v for_o a_o unjust_a goodness_n be_v no_o divine_a perfection_n so_o that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n how_o great_a soever_o we_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v and_o we_o can_v conceive_v it_o great_a than_o it_o be_v do_v not_o necessary_o prove_v that_o god_n must_v or_o will_v pardon_v sinner_n but_o only_o that_o he_o will_v pardon_v sinner_n when_o it_o be_v wise_a and_o just_a to_o do_v so_o but_o who_o can_v tell_v when_o god_n will_v think_v it_o wise_a and_o just_a to_o do_v so_o without_o a_o revelation_n or_o who_o can_v tell_v what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v it_o wise_a and_o just_a for_o a_o good_a god_n to_o forgive_v sin_n a_o good_a man_n do_v not_o always_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o forgive_v those_o personal_a injury_n and_o affront_n which_o be_v offer_v he_o much_o less_o be_v a_o kind_n and_o merciful_a prince_n who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n and_o the_o sacred_a authority_n of_o government_n bind_v to_o forgive_v every_o malefactor_n out_o of_o pure_a good_a nature_n which_o will_v soon_o dissolve_v government_n and_o make_v authority_n contemptible_a and_o if_o we_o consider_v god_n as_o the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n it_o will_v satisfy_v we_o that_o to_o forgive_v sin_n be_v not_o the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o goodness_n but_o must_v be_v temper_v and_o accommodate_v to_o the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o government_n which_o we_o understand_v so_o little_a of_o that_o we_o can_v never_o certain_o learn_v from_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n when_o and_o upon_o what_o term_v god_n will_v forgive_v sin_n the_o general_a hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o mankind_n be_v that_o god_n will_v forgive_v all_o humble_a penitent_a sinner_n and_o yet_o i_o can_v find_v that_o any_o man_n ever_o think_v that_o mere_a repentance_n be_v sufficient_a to_o obtain_v our_o pardon_n for_o all_o religion_n have_v some_o institute_v rite_n to_o appease_v their_o god_n which_o seem_v to_o argue_v that_o natural_a sense_n they_o all_o have_v that_o some_o atonement_n and_o expiation_n as_o well_o as_o repentance_n be_v necessary_a to_o pardon_v nor_o can_v reason_n prove_v the_o contrary_n repentance_n render_v man_n fit_a object_n of_o mercy_n when_o no_o other_o reason_n hinder_v but_o the_o reason_n of_o government_n may_v supersede_n the_o inclination_n to_o show_v mercy_n how_o often_o do_v a_o merciful_a prince_n hang_v a_o penitent_a malefactor_n without_o any_o blemish_n to_o the_o mercy_n of_o his_o government_n and_o if_o good_a man_n and_o good_a prince_n be_v not_o always_o bind_v to_o forgive_v penitent_n than_o repentance_n itself_o alone_o can_v entitle_v we_o to_o mercy_n so_o that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o security_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n but_o by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n wherein_o god_n have_v express_o promise_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n to_o all_o true_a penitent_n in_o the_o name_n and_o through_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o christ._n good_a god_n what_o a_o consolation_n be_v this_o to_o sinner_n who_o will_v be_v without_o the_o certain_a hope_n of_o forgiveness_n for_o all_o the_o world_n how_o terrible_a be_v it_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o just_a god_n who_o will_v punish_v sinner_n without_o know_v or_o believe_v a_o saviour_n do_v these_o man_n due_o consider_v thing_n they_o will_v think_v deism_n to_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a state_n in_o the_o world_n which_o have_v no_o covenant_n no_o promise_n no_o priest_n no_o sacrifice_n which_o may_v be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n but_o be_v no_o religion_n for_o sinner_n second_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o deism_n and_o how_o inconsistent_a it_o be_v with_o itself_o for_o to_o deny_v all_o divine_a revelation_n do_v extreme_o weaken_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n make_v it_o high_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v a_o revelation_n first_o that_o to_o deny_v all_o divine_a revelation_n do_v extreme_o weaken_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n a_o deist_n indeed_o have_v this_o visible_a world_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o god_n as_o st._n paul_n argue_v the_o invisible_a thing_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n rom._n 1._o 20._o and_o this_o i_o grant_v be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n but_o lose_v very_o much_o of_o its_o strength_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o deist_n for_o though_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a to_o 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declarant_fw-la and_o the_o argument_n be_v certain_o a_o very_a good_a one_o though_o the_o particular_a instance_n he_o give_v of_o it_o may_v be_v vain_a and_o fictitious_a and_o want_v sufficient_a attestation_n to_o gain_v belief_n but_o have_v balbus_n instead_o of_o the_o apparition_n of_o castor_n and_o pollux_n and_o their_o ridiculous_a rite_n of_o divination_n see_v the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o christ_n the_o familiar_a conversation_n of_o god_n with_o abraham_n and_o moses_n the_o terrible_a appearance_n of_o mount_n sinai_n when_o god_n deliver_v the_o law_n in_o a_o audible_a voice_n and_o the_o infallible_a accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n that_o be_v have_v his_o proof_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o presence_n be_v as_o undeniable_a as_o his_o reason_n from_o such_o divine_a appearance_n to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n be_v unanswerable_a all_o the_o wit_n and_o sophistry_n in_o the_o world_n can_v never_o have_v evade_v this_o argument_n for_o it_o will_v 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to_o think_v and_o speak_v more_o honourable_o of_o revelation_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o revelation_n will_v stand_v and_o fall_v together_o that_o a_o deist_n who_o ridicules_a all_o revelation_n take_v a_o very_a ill_a course_n to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o he_o believe_v a_o god_n second_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o deism_n will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n make_v it_o high_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v a_o revelation_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o to_o believe_v a_o god_n oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v every_o pretend_a revelation_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o particular_a revelation_n depend_v on_o those_o peculiar_a mark_n of_o divinity_n and_o credibility_n which_o it_o bear_v on_o it_o but_o whoever_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n can_v think_v it_o incredible_a that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n nay_o will_v see_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v do_v so_o as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o different_a age_n and_o dispensation_n of_o it_o do_v require_v and_o will_v admit_v for_o first_o no_o man_n who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n can_v question_v whether_o god_n can_v if_o he_o so_o please_v make_v a_o more_o perfect_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n than_o he_o have_v do_v by_o the_o work_v of_o nature_n for_o what_o can_v he_o do_v who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o be_v infinite_a in_o wisdom_n and_o power_n as_o to_o consider_v particular_o some_o of_o those_o way_n whereby_o god_n be_v suppose_v to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n god_n be_v a_o pure_a and_o infinite_a mind_n who_o can_v be_v see_v by_o mortal_a eye_n and_o yet_o will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o god_n can_v by_o some_o visible_a appearance_n convince_v man_n of_o his_o immediate_a presence_n beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o doubt_n that_o he_o can_v either_o with_o or_o without_o such_o visible_a appearance_n speak_v to_o they_o and_o talk_v as_o familiar_o with_o they_o as_o one_o man_n converse_v with_o another_o and_o than_o whatever_o truth_n there_o be_v in_o the_o story_n which_o be_v another_o enquiry_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n incredible_a in_o those_o relation_n we_o have_v of_o god_n appear_v to_o adam_n and_o converse_v with_o he_o in_o paradise_n of_o his_o appear_v to_o abraham_n and_o jacob_n who_o see_v god_n face_n to_o face_n gen._n 32._o 30._o of_o his_o speak_n to_o moses_n face_n to_o face_n as_o a_o man_n talk_v with_o his_o friend_n exod._n 33._o 11._o can_v god_n who_o form_v our_o mind_n and_o know_v all_o the_o spring_n of_o thought_n draw_v such_o clear_a and_o bright_a scene_n and_o picture_n of_o thing_n on_o our_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n whether_o sleep_v or_o wake_v as_o shall_v need_v no_o other_o proof_n of_o their_o divinity_n but_o themselves_o as_o light_n be_v know_v by_o itself_o and_o the_o first_o principle_n and_o maxim_n of_o reason_n by_o their_o own_o evidence_n can_v the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o make_v man_n if_o he_o so_o please_v clothe_v himself_o with_o humane_a nature_n and_o appear_v and_o converse_v in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o man_n and_o familiar_o instruct_v mankind_n in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n there_o be_v no_o question_n then_o but_o god_n can_v if_o he_o please_v inspire_v man_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n either_o by_o dream_n and_o vision_n or_o by_o a_o audible_a voice_n and_o a_o familiar_a conversation_n oâ—…_n by_o a_o immediate_a impression_n upon_o the_o high_a faculty_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n there_o may_v be_v prophet_n inspire_v by_o god_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o man_n and_o therefore_o the_o pretence_n to_o prophesy_v must_v not_o be_v laugh_v out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o examine_v the_o thing_n be_v not_o incredible_a because_o it_o be_v what_o god_n can_v do_v but_o the_o prophet_n must_v be_v try_v because_o there_o may_v be_v cheat_n and_o imposture_n now_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o prophet_n whether_o he_o come_v from_o god_n be_v by_o such_o work_n as_o no_o man_n can_v do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o that_o be_v in_o short_a by_o what_o we_o call_v miracle_n and_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o here_o again_o he_o who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n can_v think_v either_o miracle_n or_o a_o prediction_n of_o future_a event_n impossible_a for_o what_o can_v that_o god_n do_v and_o know_v who_o power_n and_o knowledge_n be_v infinite_a what_o can_v that_o god_n do_v who_o make_v the_o world_n be_v it_o such_o a_o difficulty_n to_o he_o who_o frame_v our_o body_n out_o of_o the_o â—…ust_n to_o give_v health_n to_o the_o sick_a or_o sight_n to_o the_o blind_a to_o make_v the_o deaf_a to_o hear_v and_o the_o lame_a to_o walk_v and_o to_o â—…aise_v the_o dead_a we_o all_o know_v this_o be_v above_o humane_a power_n and_o therefore_o if_o â—…uch_o thing_n be_v do_v they_o must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o we_o know_v â—…hat_fw-mi god_n can_v do_v they_o and_o therefore_o miracle_n be_v not_o impossible_a or_o incredible_a to_o he_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n thus_o far_o the_o deist_n must_v agree_v with_o i_o unless_o he_o have_v a_o very_a mean_a opinion_n of_o his_o god_n for_o a_o god_n who_o can_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n who_o can_v inspire_v prophet_n nor_o work_v miracle_n nor_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v be_v no_o god_n have_v not_o the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o power_n of_o a_o god_n now_o this_o be_v a_o great_a point_n gain_v for_o if_o god_n can_v do_v all_o this_o than_o there_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o nature_n of_o
the_o thing_n and_o the_o only_a dispute_n be_v about_o matter_n of_o fact_n whether_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n whether_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o inspire_a man_n send_v by_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n whether_o there_o ever_o be_v any_o true_a miracle_n wrought_v or_o any_o certain_a prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o when_o man_n be_v satisfy_v that_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v as_o they_o certain_o may_v be_v if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n it_o will_v dispose_v they_o to_o a_o more_o modest_a and_o impartial_a examination_n of_o such_o matter_n and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o despise_v reveal_v religion_n at_o all_o adventure_n for_o in_o matter_n especial_o of_o such_o vast_a moment_n no_o wise_a man_n will_v reject_v and_o scorn_v what_o may_v be_v true_a till_o he_o can_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v false_a 2._o since_o than_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n let_v we_o consider_v which_o be_v most_o probable_a which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o those_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v or_o shall_v not_o make_v such_o a_o revelation_n of_o his_o will._n now_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o this_o by_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o mankind_n there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n in_o the_o world_n in_o former_a age_n who_o believe_v a_o god_n but_o do_v believe_v also_o some_o kind_n of_o commerce_n and_o communication_n between_o god_n and_o men._n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o their_o religious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o every_o nation_n pretend_v to_o receive_v from_o their_o go_n this_o give_v birth_n to_o all_o their_o superstitious_a art_n of_o divination_n that_o they_o believe_v their_o god_n have_v a_o perpetual_a intercourse_n with_o man_n and_o by_o various_a mean_n give_v they_o notice_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v â—…nd_v the_o stoic_a in_o tully_n think_v that_o â—…e_a acknowledgement_n of_o a_o god_n do_v as_o â—…ecessarily_o infer_v divination_n as_o divinaâ—…on_n do_v prove_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n ego_fw-la â—…im_fw-la sic_fw-la existimo_fw-la si_fw-la sint_fw-la ea_fw-la genera_fw-la diviâ—…andi_fw-la vera_fw-la de_fw-la quibus_fw-la accepimus_fw-la quoeque_fw-la coâ—…imus_fw-la esse_fw-la deos_fw-la vicissimque_fw-la si_fw-la dii_fw-la sint_fw-la esse_fw-la â—…ui_fw-la divinent_fw-la be_v it_o possible_a as_o i_o observe_v before_o to_o â—…magine_v that_o god_n shall_v make_v reasoâ—…able_a creature_n who_o be_v make_v to_o know_v â—…im_a and_o to_o be_v happy_a in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n and_o admiration_n of_o he_o and_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o they_o without_o give_v they_o any_o visible_a token_n of_o his_o presence_n or_o any_o other_o view_n of_o his_o glory_n then_o in_o the_o weak_a and_o glimmer_a reflection_n of_o his_o work_n have_v man_n preserve_v the_o innocence_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o whether_o we_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o moses_n or_o not_o if_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n make_v man_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o he_o make_v he_o holy_a he_o have_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o presence_n and_o conversation_n of_o god_n as_o angel_n and_o holy_a and_o pure_a spirit_n be_v and_o in_o this_o state_n there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n will_v have_v show_v himself_o and_o his_o glory_n to_o man_n in_o some_o measure_n and_o proportion_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n as_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n do_v to_o adam_n in_o paradise_n so_o that_o man_n be_v make_v if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v with_o reverence_n for_o the_o conversation_n of_o god_n which_o pious_a and_o devout_a soul_n recover_v in_o some_o measure_n on_o earth_n and_o which_o we_o all_o hope_v perfect_o to_o enjoy_v in_o heaven_n sin_n indeed_o as_o necessary_o it_o must_v have_v make_v a_o great_a distance_n between_o god_n and_o man_n but_o if_o we_o must_v live_v in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a there_o as_o the_o deist_n profess_v to_o believe_v if_o god_n still_o exercise_v any_o care_n and_o providence_n over_o mankind_n it_o seem_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v give_v some_o sensible_a token_n of_o his_o own_o be_v and_o presence_n and_o instruct_v they_o more_o perfect_o in_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o will_n than_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v for_o how_o much_o soever_o man_n may_v magnify_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n be_v very_o ignorant_a and_o corrupt_a and_o mankind_n know_v little_a of_o god_n beyond_o a_o general_a persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v and_o therefore_o worship_v a_o multiplicity_n of_o god_n and_o any_o thing_n for_o god_n and_o that_o with_o such_o ridiculous_a and_o barbarous_a rite_n as_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o the_o naâ—…e_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man._n and_o can_v â—…y_v man_n who_o believe_v a_o divine_a proviâ—…nce_n think_v that_o god_n take_v no_o care_n of_o â—…s_n own_o glory_n and_o worship_n nor_o of_o the_o â—…uls_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o have_v â—…ken_v none_o if_o he_o have_v not_o reveal_v â—…mself_n and_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o in_o â—…ose_n dark_a time_n of_o paganism_n the_o deâ—…l_n and_o evil_a spirit_n have_v every_o where_o â—…eir_n temple_n and_o altar_n and_o priest_n â—…d_a sacrifice_n frequent_o appear_v to_o â—…eir_n votary_n in_o visible_a shape_v and_o inâ—…ituted_v their_o own_o rite_n of_o worship_n and_o â—…ave_v forth_o their_o oracle_n and_o response_n â—…nd_v by_o their_o various_a art_n of_o divinatiâ—…n_n give_v they_o notice_n of_o many_o event_n â—…or_n though_o these_o be_v cheat_n and_o imâ—…ostures_n they_o be_v not_o all_o the_o cheat_n â—…f_a priest_n but_o of_o evil_a spirit_n who_o imâ—…osed_v both_o upon_o priest_n and_o people_n and_o â—…y_v these_o art_n beget_v in_o they_o a_o great_a oâ—…inion_n of_o their_o own_o divinity_n as_o we_o must_v confess_v unless_o we_o will_v deny_v the_o credit_n of_o all_o history_n and_o when_o this_o by_o the_o secret_a and_o hide_a counsel_n of_o god_n be_v the_o miserable_a and_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n can_v we_o think_v that_o god_n shall_v leave_v himself_o without_o any_o other_o witness_v than_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n shall_v give_v no_o demonstration_n of_o a_o power_n superior_a to_o all_o these_o vulgar_a deity_n nor_o give_v man_n any_o certain_a notice_n of_o his_o will_n no_o rule_n of_o conversation_n or_o worship_n it_o be_v certain_a in_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o all_o the_o reformation_n which_o have_v be_v make_v in_o man_n faith_n and_o worship_n and_o manner_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a religion_n this_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o their_o absurd_a idolatry_n and_o restore_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v so_o wonderful_a a_o change_n as_o can_v not_o have_v be_v wrought_v without_o some_o visible_a and_o irresistible_a proof_n of_o divinity_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v in_o those_o man_n who_o believe_v a_o god_n to_o deny_v all_o revelation_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n can_v reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n if_o he_o please_v and_o that_o the_o nature_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n make_v it_o high_o reasonable_a to_o think_v he_o have_v do_v it_o the_o design_n of_o all_o which_o be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o to_o remove_v mens_fw-la prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o reveal_v religion_n for_o be_v this_o effectual_o do_v they_o will_v soon_o discover_v the_o most_o unquestionable_a character_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n i_o be_o sure_a if_o we_o do_v believe_v a_o god_n and_o another_o world_n nothing_o can_v be_v so_o desirable_a as_o a_o more_o explicit_a and_o perfect_a account_n of_o â—…he_n will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n than_o mere_a nature_n can_v give_v we_o what_o impression_n this_o may_v make_v upon_o profess_a deist_n i_o can_v tell_v they_o â—…ave_v so_o use_v themselves_o to_o laugh_v at_o eveâ—…y_a thing_n that_o be_v serious_a and_o to_o confute_v â—…he_v wise_a argument_n with_o bold_a and_o profane_a jest_n that_o little_a good_a can_v be_v expect_v from_o they_o but_o i_o hope_v this_o may_v caution_n those_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o â—…nfected_v and_o make_v the_o name_n of_o a_o deistâ—…n_n â—…n_z a_o christian_a nation_n as_o contemptible_a â—…s_v the_o name_n of_o a_o atheist_n they_o be_v both_o â—…wing_v to_o the_o same_o cause_n they_o live_v much_o alike_o they_o be_v equal_a enemy_n to_o christianity_n and_o equal_o dangerous_a to_o any_o government_n where_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o â—…ppermost_a it_o be_v a_o
coâ—…_n cern_v the_o christian_a church_n we_o maâ—…_n learn_v from_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o seuâ—…_n church_n of_o asia_n what_o it_o be_v provokâ—…_n our_o lord_n either_o severe_o to_o punish_v we_o to_o remove_v the_o gospel_n from_o we_o tâ—…_n church_n of_o ephesus_n though_o she_o have_v aâ—…_n quit_v herself_o well_o in_o many_o thing_n yet_o have_v leave_v she_o first_o love_n have_v abate_v very_o much_o of_o her_o zeal_n and_o fervour_n for_o the_o name_n and_o religion_n of_o christ._n the_o church_n of_o pergamâ—…s_n be_v threaten_v for_o suffer_v those_o among_o she_o who_o teach_v idolatrous_a worship_n and_o fleshly_a lust_n and_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n likewise_o for_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jezaâ—…el_v to_o commit_v fornicatâ—…on_n and_o to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n the_o church_n of_o sardis_n make_v a_o glorious_a and_o pompous_a profession_n of_o religion_n but_o without_o the_o true_a life_n and_o spirit_n of_o it_o â—…e_o have_v a_o name_n to_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a and_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n grow_v very_o cold_a and_o indifferent_a even_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o she_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a 〈◊〉_d lukewarm_a all_o these_o our_o saviour_n summons_n to_o repentance_n and_o threaten_v to_o punish_v or_o destroy_v they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o chap._n 2_o and_o 3._o of_o the_o revelation_n the_o application_n of_o all_o this_o to_o ourselves_o be_v so_o obvious_a that_o i_o need_v not_o multiply_v word_n about_o it_o we_o be_v that_o very_a nation_n wherein_o all_o these_o evil_n meet_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o name_v any_o vice_n which_o be_v not_o open_o commit_v among_o we_o without_o fear_n or_o shame_n nay_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o that_o pass_n that_o to_o be_v a_o modest_a sinner_n to_o boggle_v at_o any_o wickedness_n oâ—…_n to_o blush_v at_o it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o reproach_n as_o to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o though_o somâ—…_n man_n be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o themselveâ—…_n atheist_n yet_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o own_o any_o reveal_v religion_n or_o tâ—…_n talk_v serious_o of_o providence_n of_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o punishinâ—…_n city_n and_o nation_n for_o their_o wickeâ—…_n ness_n be_v think_v a_o jest_n and_o i_o wiâ—…_n it_o be_v a_o jest_n only_o among_o vile_a anâ—…_n mean_v people_n of_o no_o fortune_n or_o education_n whereas_o we_o often_o see_v that_o theâ—…_n condition_n make_v they_o modest_a and_o uâ—…_n teach_v nature_n teach_v they_o better_o tâ—…_n they_o be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o example_n 〈◊〉_d man_n of_o wit_n and_o figure_n in_o the_o worlâ—…_n and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o relâ—…_n gion_n it_o be_v a_o very_a melancholy_a prospecâ—…_n to_o observe_v how_o little_a of_o the_o true_a liâ—…_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d among_o they_o there_o be_v indeed_o noiâ—…_n and_o zeal_n and_o faction_n enough_o amonâ—…_n some_o people_n and_o that_o make_v other_o 〈◊〉_d cold_a and_o indifferent_a the_o temper_n of_o thâ—…_n church_n of_o sardis_n and_o laodicea_n thâ—…_n one_o that_o have_v a_o name_n to_o live_v but_o waâ—…_n dead_a the_o other_o that_o be_v lukewarmâ—…_n make_v much_o the_o great_a party_n amonâ—…_n we_o and_o the_o very_o best_a man_n i_o fear_v be_v too_o much_o incline_v to_o the_o state_n of_o ephesus_n which_o have_v leave_v she_o first_o love_n those_o great_a passion_n and_o ardour_n of_o devotion_n which_o ought_v to_o inspire_v the_o mind_n of_o christian_n let_v we_o then_o hear_v the_o rod_n and_o tremble_v see_v how_o god_n deal_v with_o the_o jewish_a church_n for_o these_o sin_n see_v what_o our_o lord_n have_v do_v to_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o though_o we_o can_v say_v what_o god_n will_v do_v to_o we_o because_o we_o know_v not_o what_o wonderful_a design_n be_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o providence_n yet_o we_o know_v what_o we_o do_v and_o how_o god_n have_v deal_v with_o those_o who_o have_v do_v as_o we_o do_v which_o be_v too_o just_a reason_n to_o fear_v that_o he_o will_v deal_v so_o by_o we_o too_o unless_o we_o repent_v and_o reform_v which_o they_o do_v not_o for_o two_o when_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o we_o the_o reformation_n must_v be_v universal_a too_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n to_o reform_v himself_o for_o a_o nation_n can_v never_o be_v reform_v but_o by_o the_o reformation_n of_o particular_a man_n who_o make_v up_o the_o nation_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o be_v summon_v to_o repentance_n as_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n summon_v we_o all_o every_o man_n must_v examine_v himself_o what_o he_o have_v to_o repent_v of_o and_o reform_v himself_o but_o yet_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o a_o national_a and_o personal_n repentance_n and_o reformation_n and_o they_o serve_v very_o different_a ends._n a_o nation_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o god_n may_v in_o great_a mercy_n remove_v his_o judgement_n though_o what_o be_v never_o to_o be_v expect_v every_o particular_a man_n do_v not_o repent_v and_o reform_v himself_o but_o then_o such_o a_o national_a reformation_n require_v the_o execution_n of_o public_a justice_n against_o public_a wickedness_n to_o make_v sin_n public_o infamous_a and_o to_o teach_v the_o great_a and_o most_o powerfuâ—…_n sinner_n modesty_n to_o banish_v if_o noâ—…_n sinner_n yet_o sin_n out_o of_o our_o court_n and_o out_o of_o our_o street_n and_o to_o make_v it_o once_o more_o seek_v for_o night_n and_o darkness_n foâ—…_n a_o cover_v that_o virtue_n may_v no_o long_o blush_v in_o company_n or_o need_v apology_n nor_o vice_n dare_v to_o brave_v it_o at_o noonday_n there_o have_v indeed_o of_o late_o be_v some_o care_n take_v by_o public_a law_n and_o royal_a proclamation_n to_o punish_v the_o profanation_n of_o god_n name_n by_o accurse_a oath_n but_o yet_o in_o most_o case_n man_n may_v be_v as_o vile_a as_o they_o please_v and_o as_o public_o so_o as_o they_o please_v and_o little_a or_o no_o notice_n take_v of_o they_o nay_o they_o may_v talk_v and_o write_v what_o they_o please_v against_o god_n and_o religion_n ridicule_fw-la the_o history_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o gain_v credit_n and_o reputation_n by_o it_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v not_o many_o christian_a nation_n in_o the_o world_n which_o in_o so_o public_a a_o manner_n permit_v these_o thing_n we_o have_v talk_v of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o reformation_n to_o good_a purpose_n if_o the_o only_a effect_n of_o it_o be_v a_o liberty_n of_o ridicul_v the_o christian_a faith_n which_o may_v make_v one_o suspect_v that_o all_o the_o zeal_n some_o man_n have_v express_v against_o popery_n be_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o a_o zeal_n for_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n which_o the_o discipline_n of_o popery_n as_o bad_a a_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v will_v not_o endure_v it_o be_v indeed_o well_o fit_v to_o make_v atheist_n and_o infidel_n but_o will_v make_v man_n have_v a_o care_n how_o they_o profess_v it_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o this_o scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n and_o contempt_n of_o religion_n will_v prove_v a_o backdoor_n to_o let_v in_o popery_n again_o upon_o we_o but_o to_o leave_v these_o thought_n with_o those_o who_o proper_a care_n and_o business_n it_o be_v whether_o a_o nation_n will_v be_v reform_v or_o not_o it_o concern_v every_o particular_a man_n to_o hear_v the_o rod_n the_o judgement_n of_o god_n warn_v we_o of_o his_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n against_o sin_n that_o we_o may_v fly_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o we_o do_v not_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o rod_n nor_o improve_v judgement_n to_o their_o true_a end_n if_o we_o do_v not_o so_o repent_v and_o reform_v as_o to_o save_v our_o soul_n and_o this_o to_o be_v sure_o must_v be_v a_o personal_n and_o a_o universal_a reformation_n and_o yet_o even_o with_o respect_n to_o present_a judgement_n a_o personal_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n be_v of_o great_a use_n for_o when_o the_o judgement_n be_v public_a and_o national_a god_n many_o time_n make_v a_o remarkable_a distinction_n between_o person_n say_v you_o to_o the_o righteous_a it_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o they_o for_o they_o shall_v reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o do_n wo_n unto_o the_o wicked_a it_o shall_v be_v ill_a with_o he_o for_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o hand_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o he_o which_o be_v speak_v with_o respect_n to_o public_a judgement_n isa._n 3._o 10_o 11._o which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a encouragement_n for_o particular_a man_n to_o repent_v and_o reform_v their_o life_n whatever_o other_o do_v but_o it_o be_v time_n to_o apply_v what_o i_o have_v now_o discourse_v to_o the_o
one_o place_n neither_o to_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n nor_o samaria_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v free_a all_o the_o world_n over_o to_o erect_v house_n of_o prayer_n and_o worship_n where_o god_n will_v be_v as_o present_v with_o they_o as_o in_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o end_n now_o put_v to_o that_o typical_a state_n and_o typical_a worship_n which_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o true_a worshipper_n shall_v worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o this_o spiritual_a worship_n be_v confine_v to_o no_o one_o place_n but_o will_v find_v god_n present_v all_o the_o world_n over_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o abrogate_a all_o peculiar_a place_n of_o worship_n such_o as_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o samaria_n be_v that_o it_o make_v every_o church_n whatever_o part_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v in_o in_o a_o true_a sense_n the_o house_n of_o god_n than_o ever_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v and_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o of_o great_a consequence_n which_o we_o learn_v from_o this_o that_o we_o now_o want_v no_o new_a appearance_n of_o god_n to_o consecrate_v a_o place_n for_o his_o worship_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o patriarch_n nor_o any_o new_a command_n to_o appoint_v we_o where_o to_o build_v a_o house_n for_o god_n as_o it_o be_v under_o the_o law_n our_o saviour_n have_v consecrate_v every_o part_n of_o the_o world_n where_o christian_n live_v to_o be_v such_o holy_a ground_n as_o be_v fit_a to_o receive_v a_o temple_n and_o house_n of_o god_n and_o his_o promise_n to_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n give_v we_o as_o great_a a_o assurance_n of_o a_o divine_a presence_n in_o such_o place_n as_o if_o like_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o temple_n we_o see_v they_o again_o fill_v with_o a_o cloud_n and_o a_o visible_a glory_n have_v thus_o show_v you_o that_o god_n who_o fill_v all_o place_n be_v yet_o peculiar_o present_a in_o some_o place_n and_o what_o this_o peculiar_a presence_n be_v that_o god_n be_v present_a as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o worship_n to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o to_o receive_v our_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n our_o alm_n and_o oblation_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o exhortation_n of_o my_o text_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a improvement_n of_o this_o o_o worship_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n one_a and_o here_o first_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o very_a external_n beauty_n and_o ornament_n of_o god_n house_n be_v one_o part_n of_o homage_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o he_o the_o riches_n and_o visible_a glory_n of_o solomon_n temple_n be_v one_o of_o the_o wonder_n of_o the_o world_n a_o divine_a art_n and_o nature_n conspire_v to_o build_v a_o house_n as_o fit_a as_o art_n and_o nature_n can_v make_v it_o to_o signify_v the_o incommunicable_a majesty_n and_o glory_n of_o that_o god_n who_o dwell_v there_o and_o this_o nature_n teach_v all_o mankind_n the_o magnificence_n of_o their_o temple_n do_v not_o only_o show_v their_o devotion_n but_o what_o their_o art_n and_o what_o their_o riches_n be_v and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n when_o they_o enjoy_v peace_n and_o plenty_n under_o christian_a emperor_n be_v so_o far_o from_o think_v this_o a_o piece_n of_o pagan_a or_o jewish_a superstition_n that_o their_o first_o care_n be_v to_o erect_v beautiful_a and_o stately_a church_n to_o rival_n and_o outdo_v all_o the_o external_n glory_n of_o pagan_a temple_n and_o it_o be_v always_o account_v a_o great_a instance_n of_o the_o piety_n of_o prince_n to_o encourage_v and_o promote_v such_o work_n but_o you_o will_v say_v what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o god_n can_v we_o think_v that_o he_o who_o have_v make_v the_o world_n with_o such_o unimitable_a art_n and_o beauty_n can_v be_v please_v with_o any_o house_n we_o can_v build_v for_o he_o whatever_o art_n or_o riches_n we_o bestow_v on_o it_o but_o this_o very_a objection_n answer_v itself_o for_o god_n have_v make_v this_o beautiful_a world_n for_o his_o temple_n and_o have_v choose_v the_o most_o glorious_a part_n of_o it_o for_o his_o throne_n which_o show_v that_o though_o he_o be_v a_o infinite_a pure_a spirit_n he_o do_v not_o despise_v a_o external_n glory_n for_o thus_o he_o must_v represent_v his_o invisible_a greatness_n and_o majesty_n to_o his_o creature_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o vouchsafe_v his_o presence_n with_o we_o on_o earth_n we_o must_v provide_v the_o most_o honourable_a reception_n for_o he_o that_o we_o can_v and_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o art_n and_o nature_n can_v do_v we_o have_v so_o far_o express_v our_o devotion_n and_o reverence_n for_o the_o divine_a presence_n this_o objection_n lie_v against_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o well_o as_o against_o christian_a church_n and_o yet_o david_n think_v it_o very_o undecent_a and_o a_o want_n of_o a_o just_a reverence_n for_o god_n that_o he_o himself_o shall_v dwell_v in_o a_o house_n of_o cedar_n and_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n dwell_v within_o curtain_n 2_o sam._n 7._o 2._o which_o shall_v be_v consider_v by_o those_o man_n who_o think_v all_o that_o be_v bestow_v upon_o beautify_v and_o adorn_v god_n house_n a_o vain_a and_o superfluous_a expense_n when_o they_o think_v no_o cost_n too_o great_a to_o adorn_v their_o own_o 2_o the_o house_n of_o god_n too_o must_v be_v use_v as_o god_n house_n that_o be_v must_v be_v separate_v from_o common_a uses_n and_o appropriate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n it_o must_v not_o be_v a_o place_n of_o trade_n and_o commerce_n and_o ordinary_a conversation_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o our_o saviour_n zeal_n in_o drive_v those_o who_o sell_v ox_n and_o sheep_n and_o dove_n and_o the_o changer_n of_o money_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n which_o he_o do_v at_o two_o several_a time_n the_o first_o immediate_o upon_o his_o entrance_n on_o his_o ministry_n joh_n 2._o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o the_o second_o immediate_o before_o his_o crucifixion_n matth._n 21._o 12_o 13._o some_o learned_a man_n observe_v that_o the_o place_n of_o this_o merchandise_n in_o the_o temple_n be_v the_o court_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o from_o hence_o conclude_v that_o our_o saviour_n zeal_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o jewish_a temple_n but_o concern_v all_o christian_a church_n to_o which_o the_o court_n of_o the_o gentile_n bear_v a_o great_a analogy_n but_o whatever_o force_n there_o may_v be_v in_o this_o i_o think_v the_o reason_n our_o saviour_n give_v do_v much_o better_o explain_v his_o meaning_n make_v not_o my_o father_n house_n a_o house_n of_o merchandise_n john_n 2._o 16._o and_o it_o be_v write_v my_o house_n shall_v be_v call_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n but_o you_o have_v make_v it_o a_o den_n of_o thief_n matth._n 21._o 13._o which_o reason_n have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o typical_a state_n of_o the_o jewish_a temple_n but_o equal_o concern_v all_o place_n which_o be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o the_o house_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v where_o god_n vouchsafe_v his_o peculiar_a presence_n to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o indeed_o when_o christ_n express_v so_o much_o zeal_n for_o the_o house_n of_o god_n when_o the_o typical_a glory_n of_o the_o jewish_a temple_n be_v at_o a_o end_n have_v receive_v its_o accomplishment_n in_o his_o own_o person_n it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o intend_v this_o as_o a_o stand_a rule_n for_o the_o religious_a use_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n and_o oratory_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o reason_n be_v universal_a and_o unanswerable_a that_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v profane_v by_o any_o common_a uses_n 3_o let_v we_o worship_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v let_v we_o resort_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o the_o house_n of_o prayer_n there_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o he_o for_o if_o god_n have_v a_o house_n where_o he_o have_v promise_v his_o peculiar_a presence_n to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a place_n of_o worship_n the_o scripture_n make_v it_o a_o very_a material_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n to_o approach_v god_n house_n to_o enter_v into_o his_o court_n to_o come_v into_o his_o presence_n to_o own_v ourselves_o his_o servant_n and_o worshipper_n and_o without_o disparage_v private_a prayer_n or_o closet_n and_o family_n devotion_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v god_n will_v own_v those_o for_o his_o worshipper_n who_o deny_v he_o this_o public_a homage_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n know_v our_o prayer_n wherever_o we_o make_v they_o for_o he_o know_v our_o very_a thought_n but_o to_o hear_v prayer_n
its_o love_n and_o care_n to_o its_o self_n but_o a_o man_n who_o have_v a_o true_o great_a and_o divine_a mind_n who_o love_v all_o man_n as_o himself_o and_o love_v himself_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v call_v a_o selfish_a man_n or_o a_o lover_n of_o himself_o for_o he_o have_v a_o universal_a love_n to_o humane_a nature_n which_o begin_v with_o himself_o but_o extend_v to_o all_o the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o short_a account_n what_o this_o vicious_a self-love_n be_v and_o why_o it_o be_v so_o call_v two_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propose_v be_v to_o show_v how_o dangerous_a and_o perilous_a such_o time_n must_v needs_o be_v wherein_o this_o self-love_n prevail_v now_o those_o be_v perilous_a time_n which_o expose_v man_n to_o great_a danger_n and_o to_o great_a trouble_n and_o calamity_n and_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o own_o private_a fortune_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o public_a and_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n and_o what_o a_o malignant_a influence_n this_o vicious_a self-love_n have_v upon_o all_o these_o great_a and_o dear_a interest_n be_v so_o visible_a that_o methinks_v it_o shall_v need_v no_o proof_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v at_o present_v only_o give_v some_o brief_a hint_n of_o it_o and_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o take_v notice_n how_o much_o such_o self-lover_n suffer_v from_o themselves_o and_o from_o their_o own_o self-love_n for_o though_o this_o make_v themselves_o â—…iserable_a it_o do_v not_o make_v the_o time_n dangerous_a the_o time_n may_v be_v very_o prosperous_a and_o good_a man_n very_o happy_a though_o such_o sinner_n may_v reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o work_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o their_o own_o device_n though_o they_o sacrifice_v their_o honour_n their_o estate_n their_o health_n their_o life_n to_o intemperance_n and_o lust_n though_o ambition_n heat_v their_o brain_n into_o a_o distraction_n and_o care_n and_o disappointment_n break_v their_o heart_n or_o gild_n disturb_v their_o conscience_n and_o fill_v they_o with_o rage_n and_o furious_a despair_n the_o world_n be_v not_o much_o concern_v in_o this_o let_v such_o self-lover_n look_v to_o it_o and_o thank_v themselves_o for_o what_o they_o suffer_v but_o then_o the_o time_n be_v dangerous_a with_o respect_n to_o our_o private_a and_o personal_a interest_n when_o man_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n from_o one_o another_o when_o they_o be_v never_o secure_a from_o private_a injury_n when_o they_o know_v not_o who_o to_o trust_v nor_o with_o who_o to_o converse_v when_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o find_v a_o friend_n and_o almost_o impossible_a to_o escape_v a_o enemy_n when_o the_o great_a virtue_n innocence_n inoffenciveness_n nay_o the_o divine_a charity_n and_o all_o the_o charm_n of_o a_o oblige_a conversation_n can_v secure_v man_n from_o envy_n rapine_n and_o detraction_n from_o the_o venom_n of_o tongue_n or_o from_o more_o malicious_a design_n against_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n such_o a_o state_n as_o this_o will_v make_v all_o good_a man_n wish_v as_o david_n do_v o_o that_o i_o have_v wing_n like_o a_o dove_n for_o than_o will_v i_o fly_v away_o and_o be_v at_o rest_n lo_o than_o will_v i_o wander_v far_o off_o and_o remain_v in_o the_o wilderness_n i_o will_v hasten_v my_o escape_n from_o the_o windy_a storm_n and_o tempest_n 55_o psa._n 6_o 7_o 8_o verse_n and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a state_n which_o self-love_n put_v mankind_n into_o when_o it_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n this_o a_o late_a admire_a philosopher_n call_v the_o state_n of_o nature_n wherein_o every_o man_n be_v a_o wolf_n to_o a_o man_n but_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v only_o the_o state_n of_o this_o vicious_a self-love_n which_o be_v the_o corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o a_o reasonable_a and_o sociable_a nature_n if_o man_n be_v make_v for_o society_n it_o can_v be_v his_o nature_n to_o love_v no_o body_n but_o himself_o which_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o society_n he_o must_v first_o put_v off_o nature_n if_o that_o be_v this_o self-love_n before_o he_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o live_v in_o society_n which_o seem_v very_o unaccountable_a that_o a_o creature_n who_o be_v make_v for_o society_n shall_v not_o be_v fit_a for_o society_n till_o he_o change_v his_o nature_n for_o man_n can_v live_v together_o in_o safety_n while_o they_o be_v all_o act_v by_o this_o principle_n self-love_n make_v every_o man_n his_o own_o centre_n and_o the_o centre_n draw_v all_o to_o itself_o all_o that_o be_v within_o its_o sphere_n of_o activity_n pride_n be_v self-love_n such_o a_o esteem_n for_o ourselves_o as_o value_v no_o man_n honour_n or_o reputation_n but_o our_o own_o and_o this_o draw_v all_o honour_n to_o itself_o be_v not_o content_v unless_o it_o can_v outshine_v all_o other_o and_o either_o by_o a_o great_a brightness_n swallow_v they_o up_o or_o eclipse_v they_o by_o black_a and_o misty_a vapour_n by_o all_o the_o art_n of_o infamy_n and_o reproach_n covetousness_n be_v self-love_n when_o man_n will_v be_v rich_a whoever_o be_v poor_a and_o by_o whatever_o art_n they_o can_v do_v it_o and_o this_o draw_v all_o riches_n to_o itself_o and_o snatch_v they_o from_o all_o that_o come_v within_o its_o reach_n and_o what_o injustice_n and_o violence_n theft_n murder_n perjury_n do_v this_o occasion_n self-love_n be_v the_o love_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o love_n of_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n which_o will_v please_v itself_o whoever_o be_v grieve_v and_o injure_v by_o it_o such_o brutish_a sensualist_n have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o honour_n and_o peace_n of_o family_n to_o the_o modesty_n of_o virgin_n to_o the_o sacred_a vow_n of_o wife_n to_o the_o stain_n and_o infamy_n of_o posterity_n nay_o many_o time_n not_o to_o the_o dignity_n of_o humane_a nature_n but_o gratify_v their_o lust_n in_o contradiction_n to_o they_o all_o where_o self-love_n reign_v there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o compassion_n for_o charity_n for_o justice_n for_o true_a friendship_n every_o thing_n must_v give_v way_n to_o self_n and_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n whether_o such_o be_v not_o perilous_a time_n some_o such_o man_n there_o be_v always_o in_o the_o world_n and_o great_a number_n of_o they_o too_o and_o we_o daily_o feel_v what_o mischief_n they_o do_v but_o the_o more_o the_o number_n of_o they_o increase_v the_o more_o this_o self-love_n prevail_v the_o more_o intolerable_a will_n humane_a conversation_n be_v and_o if_o we_o allow_v that_o pride_n ambition_n covetousness_n sensuality_n be_v great_a enemy_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n to_o the_o good_a order_n and_o government_n of_o any_o nation_n we_o must_v grant_v that_o self-love_n which_o be_v the_o impure_a fountain_n from_o whence_o all_o these_o corrupt_a stream_n flow_v be_v very_o destructive_a to_o humane_a society_n too_o it_o corrupt_v public_a justice_n loosen_v the_o reign_n of_o government_n soften_v and_o emasculate_v man_n spirit_n render_v they_o unfit_a for_o counsel_n or_o for_o arm_n make_v they_o contemptible_a to_o their_o neighbour_n and_o bring_v down_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o be_v any_o thing_n so_o destructive_a to_o any_o state_n as_o division_n and_o faction_n at_o home_n and_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o state-faction_n without_o self-love_n and_o private_a interest_n at_o the_o bottom_n when_o great_a man_n will_v rival_n one_o another_o and_o be_v impatient_a either_o of_o superior_n or_o equal_n and_o prosecute_v their_o private_a animosity_n with_o the_o public_a danger_n and_o when_o common_a safety_n require_v unite_v heart_n and_o counsel_n will_v not_o adjourn_v their_o private_a quarrel_n nor_o sacrifice_v their_o private_a interest_n and_o resentment_n to_o save_v a_o nation_n it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o observe_v that_o when_o a_o kingdom_n be_v divide_v into_o party_n and_o faction_n the_o most_o threaten_a danger_n be_v so_o far_o from_o unite_n they_o that_o they_o take_v advantage_n of_o public_a fear_n and_o apprehension_n to_o get_v ground_n of_o their_o adversary_n though_o they_o hazard_v the_o whole_a by_o it_o and_o what_o be_v such_o faction_n but_o a_o combination_n of_o self-lover_n who_o divide_v themselves_o from_o the_o public_a interest_n unless_o their_o private_a humour_n and_o intrigue_n may_v take_v place_n when_o a_o party_n will_v be_v the_o whole_a and_o if_o other_o will_v not_o let_v they_o be_v the_o whole_a let_v the_o whole_a perish_v this_o be_v the_o narrow_a peevish_a unsociable_a spirit_n of_o self-love_n a_o temper_n which_o generous_a heathen_n have_v in_o the_o great_a abhorrence_n and_o till_o a_o more_o public_a spirit_n revive_v in_o the_o world_n we_o must_v never_o expect_v to_o see_v easy_a and_o happy_a day_n the_o time_n will_v be_v perilous_a while_o man_n be_v such_o lover_n of_o themselves_o but_o how_o
deplorable_a must_v the_o state_n of_o religion_n need_v be_v when_o self-love_n prevail_v which_o be_v such_o a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o all_o piety_n and_o virtue_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o man_n the_o apostle_n indeed_o tell_v we_o of_o these_o lover_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o they_o make_v a_o show_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o it_o may_v be_v a_o very_a glorious_a and_o pompous_a show_n too_o for_o this_o may_v serve_v their_o interest_n and_o give_v they_o reputation_n with_o their_o prince_n or_o with_o the_o people_n but_o their_o religion_n have_v no_o power_n upon_o their_o life_n can_v subdue_v any_o one_o lust_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v while_o they_o be_v act_v by_o self-love_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v desire_v that_o such_o man_n will_v retain_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n that_o they_o will_v not_o public_o affront_v religion_n nor_o ridicule_n all_o that_o be_v sacred_a but_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o hope_v for_o thus_o much_o from_o all_o of_o they_o st._n paul_n perilous_a time_n be_v a_o very_a modest_a and_o a_o very_a religious_a age_n to_o we_o wherein_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v think_v religious_a and_o therefore_o if_o they_o ever_o think_v fit_a to_o go_v to_o church_n take_v great_a care_n that_o no_o man_n who_o see_v they_o shall_v suspect_v that_o they_o come_v thither_o to_o worship_n god_n but_o though_o few_o man_n attain_v to_o such_o a_o outrageous_a contempt_n of_o religion_n as_o this_o yet_o all_o the_o corruption_n of_o religion_n be_v more_o owe_v to_o self-love_n than_o to_o innocent_n mistake_v this_o secret_o influence_n man_n faith_n and_o form_n their_o notion_n and_o opinion_n this_o invent_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o turn_v religion_n into_o show_n and_o pageantry_n when_o man_n bring_v self-love_n into_o the_o church_n it_o quick_o turn_v true_a religion_n out_o it_o be_v pride_n and_o ambition_n or_o covetousness_n and_o a_o love_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n which_o make_v man_n infidel_n and_o heretic_n and_o occasion_n all_o the_o schism_n which_o divide_v the_o church_n for_o when_o such_o self-lover_n can_v cast_v off_o all_o religion_n they_o must_v fit_v their_o religion_n to_o self-love_n to_o serve_v their_o lust_n or_o to_o give_v they_o security_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o when_o they_o can_v raise_v self_n up_o to_o the_o term_n of_o religion_n they_o must_v bring_v religion_n down_o to_o self_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o give_v undeniable_a proof_n and_o infinite_a example_n of_o this_o but_o i_o must_v proceed_v for_o have_v show_v what_o this_o vicious_a self-love_n be_v and_o what_o mischief_n it_o do_v in_o the_o world_n both_o to_o man_n private_a fortune_n to_o public_a society_n and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n it_o remain_v 3_o to_o consider_v the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n as_o well_o as_o impiety_n 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a_o natural_a sense_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a a_o natural_a modesty_n which_o make_v they_o blush_v in_o secret_a at_o some_o infamous_a vice_n and_o sour_v the_o pleasure_n and_o frequent_o interrupt_v the_o commission_n of_o they_o a_o natural_a belief_n of_o a_o god_n who_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o avenger_n of_o all_o wickedness_n a_o strong_a persuasion_n that_o they_o shall_v live_v after_o death_n and_o be_v reward_v and_o punish_v according_a to_o their_o work_n i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o how_o uneasy_a such_o thought_n as_o these_o make_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o a_o uneasy_a happiness_n be_v a_o contradiction_n that_o if_o god_n intend_v man_n for_o a_o sensual_a happiness_n i_o must_v confess_v he_o be_v the_o worst_a contrive_a creature_n in_o the_o world_n as_o if_o he_o be_v make_v by_o chance_n not_o by_o a_o wise_a creator_n for_o the_o principle_n of_o his_o nature_n disturb_v and_o contradict_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o natural_a happiness_n or_o whether_o you_o will_v call_v this_o nature_n or_o education_n or_o what_o you_o please_v there_o be_v very_o few_o man_n with_o the_o help_n of_o all_o the_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n of_o atheist_n can_v deliver_v themselves_o from_o this_o belief_n and_o from_o these_o fear_n and_o much_o few_o do_v it_o than_o pretend_v to_o do_v so_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v very_o few_o who_o have_v a_o easy_a and_o undisturbed_a enjoyment_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n that_o be_v who_o be_v easy_a and_o happy_a in_o they_o unless_o to_o sin_n with_o fear_n with_o shame_n with_o guilty_a remorse_n with_o frightful_a presage_n of_o judgement_n be_v a_o easy_a and_o undisturbed_a enjoyment_n as_o for_o the_o second_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n can_v never_o answer_v the_o
vast_a and_o boundless_a desire_n of_o happiness_n in_o humane_a nature_n a_o reasonable_a and_o intelligent_a be_v have_v no_o other_o bound_n to_o its_o desire_n of_o happiness_n but_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o perpetual_a enjoyment_n whereas_o sensual_a pleasure_n beside_o all_o other_o disappointment_n must_v wait_v the_o return_v of_o strength_n and_o appetite_n and_o object_n and_o therefore_o can_v always_o be_v have_v or_o can_v always_o please_v sensual_a pleasure_n can_v never_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o any_o creature_n which_o have_v any_o high_a principle_n than_o appetite_n for_o appetite_n be_v the_o utmost_a bound_n of_o sensual_a enjoyment_n but_o when_o knowledge_n serve_v instead_o of_o appetite_n as_o it_o must_v do_v in_o reasonable_a creature_n it_o create_v such_o desire_n as_o no_o appetite_n can_v answer_v this_o make_v sensual_a man_n so_o insatiable_a in_o their_o desire_n of_o pleasure_n though_o bruit_n beast_n know_v their_o measure_n because_o they_o 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do_v we_o know_v ourselves_o so_o well_o as_o he_o that_o make_v we_o do_v not_o god_n know_v what_o happiness_n he_o have_v make_v we_o for_o or_o do_v he_o envy_v we_o the_o happiness_n for_o which_o he_o make_v we_o why_o then_o do_v he_o make_v we_o for_o such_o a_o happiness_n so_o impious_a be_v it_o to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v forbid_v we_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v our_o true_a happiness_n so_o vain_a be_v it_o to_o hope_v to_o make_v ourselves_o happy_a in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o will_n and_o law_n of_o god_n no_o man_n think_v honourable_o of_o god_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o his_o law_n be_v the_o most_o infallible_a method_n of_o our_o happiness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n and_o he_o who_o do_v so_o can_v never_o think_v of_o make_v himself_o happy_a by_o disobey_v god_n but_o suppose_v it_o be_v otherwise_o be_v it_o not_o perfect_a distraction_n to_o oppose_v ourselves_o against_o god_n can_v we_o make_v ourselves_o happy_a whether_o he_o will_v or_o no_o be_v we_o a_o fit_a match_n for_o infinite_a power_n can_v we_o resist_v his_o almighty_a arm_n how_o easy_o can_v he_o look_v we_o into_o misery_n and_o confusion_n and_o do_v it_o not_o become_v we_o to_o submit_v to_o he_o and_o rather_o choose_v to_o obey_v his_o will_n than_o to_o suffer_v his_o vengeance_n this_o be_v the_o natural_a state_n of_o a_o creature_n to_o live_v in_o subjection_n to_o his_o maker_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n to_o receive_v law_n from_o he_o and_o to_o give_v up_o himself_o without_o any_o reserve_n to_o his_o government_n and_o disposal_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a method_n of_o our_o happiness_n too_o three_o as_o for_o the_o three_o notion_n of_o self-love_n to_o love_v ourselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o love_n of_o man_n to_o divide_v ourselves_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o carry_v on_o a_o separate_a interest_n to_o which_o as_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a we_o make_v all_o other_o interest_n give_v place_n this_o be_v so_o hateful_a a_o temper_n that_o the_o very_a name_n of_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o expose_v it_o no_o man_n dare_v to_o undertake_v its_o defence_n those_o who_o be_v most_o guilty_a of_o it_o dare_v not_o own_v it_o but_o disguise_v it_o with_o some_o more_o popular_a appearance_n a_o great_a and_o generous_a mind_n that_o be_v concern_v for_o all_o the_o world_n that_o do_v all_o the_o good_a it_o can_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o sacrifice_v his_o private_a ease_n satisfaction_n and_o fortune_n nay_o life_n itself_o to_o serve_v his_o country_n or_o to_o cleanse_v the_o world_n of_o monster_n be_v the_o darling_n and_o favourite_n of_o mankind_n he_o be_v love_v he_o be_v reverence_v of_o all_o as_o a_o common_a friend_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o humane_a society_n but_o a_o man_n who_o love_v no_o body_n but_o himself_o be_v a_o universal_a enemy_n and_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o care_n of_o he_o and_o all_o man_n will_v despise_v and_o abhor_v he_o when_o they_o know_v he_o these_o self-lover_n themselves_o when_o they_o see_v their_o own_o picture_n in_o another_o face_n will_v spit_v at_o it_o for_o those_o who_o love_v no_o body_n but_o themselves_o yet_o desire_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v love_v they_o and_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o their_o concernment_n though_o they_o value_v no_o body_n interest_n and_o happiness_n but_o their_o own_o but_o though_o this_o self-love_n be_v universal_o condemn_v yet_o it_o be_v too_o universal_o practise_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v brief_o show_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o this_o self-love_n which_o divide_v we_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n shall_v make_v we_o happy_a the_o principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n make_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o very_o uneasy_a and_o that_o can_v never_o be_v our_o happiness_n which_o be_v a_o force_n and_o violence_n to_o nature_n we_o feel_v a_o natural_a compassion_n for_o the_o suffering_n of_o mankind_n especial_o of_o innocent_a man_n who_o have_v not_o deserve_v it_o and_o as_o well_o as_o any_o man_n love_v himself_o this_o make_v it_o very_o painful_a to_o serve_v his_o own_o interest_n by_o do_v injury_n to_o other_o one_o of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o morality_n which_o all_o man_n confess_v to_o be_v high_o reasonable_a be_v to_o do_v to_o other_o man_n what_o we_o desire_v they_o shall_v do_v to_o we_o which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a maxim_n both_o of_o justice_n and_o charity_n and_o in_o other_o word_n be_v to_o love_v all_o man_n as_o ourselves_o and_o no_o man_n can_v violate_v this_o law_n that_o be_v no_o man_n can_v love_v himself_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n without_o fall_v under_o the_o censure_n and_o reproach_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n which_o be_v no_o happy_a state_n one_o of_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n
be_v the_o sure_a side_n to_o believe_v or_o to_o disbelieve_v christianity_n and_o a_o future_a state_n if_o christianity_n be_v true_a and_o there_o be_v a_o eternal_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o the_o next_o life_n if_o we_o disbelieve_v it_o we_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o but_o if_o we_o do_v believe_v it_o and_o it_o shall_v not_o prove_v true_a we_o lose_v nothing_o by_o it_o but_o the_o transient_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o instead_o of_o they_o have_v all_o the_o present_a ease_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o virtue_n and_o great_a hope_n and_o those_o who_o have_v try_v both_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o virtue_n far_o exceed_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o immortal_a life_n do_v more_o ravish_v and_o transport_v than_o the_o possession_n of_o this_o world_n can_v do_v the_o truth_n be_v the_o eternal_a misery_n of_o the_o next_o world_n be_v so_o very_o terrible_a that_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v run_v the_o least_o hazard_n of_o they_o but_o instead_o of_o demand_v a_o demonstrative_a certainty_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n of_o torment_n will_v demand_v a_o demonstrative_a certainty_n that_o there_o be_v not_o before_o he_o will_v venture_v and_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o world_n so_o exceed_v all_o our_o imagination_n that_o a_o very_a little_a evidence_n will_v persuade_v a_o wise_a man_n to_o venture_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o short_a be_v this_o to_o despise_v all_o faith_n be_v to_o ridicule_n human_a nature_n and_o human_a conversation_n for_o god_n have_v make_v we_o such_o creature_n that_o three_o part_n of_o our_o life_n must_v be_v govern_v by_o faith_n and_o if_o faith_n be_v a_o foolish_a absurd_a unsafe_a principle_n of_o action_n i_o be_o sure_a man_n be_v a_o very_a wretched_a and_o contemptible_a creature_n for_o man_n must_v live_v by_o faith_n we_o can_v 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then_o have_v be_v cut_v off_o by_o some_o exemplary_a punishment_n and_o have_v perish_v in_o the_o grave_a what_o will_v you_o think_v reasonable_a in_o this_o case_n to_o choose_v a_o virtuous_a immortality_n or_o the_o short_a and_o die_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n you_o can_v not_o pretend_v in_o this_o case_n that_o the_o reward_n be_v absent_a and_o unknown_a for_o they_o will_v be_v present_a and_o sensible_a they_o will_v be_v see_v thing_n as_o all_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n be_v but_o the_o difficulty_n of_o virtue_n till_o we_o have_v bring_v our_o earthly_a appetite_n and_o passion_n under_o government_n will_v be_v the_o same_o that_o they_o be_v now_o and_o if_o you_o will_v think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o be_v virtuous_a for_o a_o earthly_a immortality_n as_o i_o persuade_v myself_o most_o man_n
bitter_a what_o gratify_v their_o bodily_a sense_n that_o be_v their_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o virtue_n modesty_n or_o honour_n what_o lay_v restraint_n upon_o their_o sensual_a inclination_n that_o be_v bitter_a uneasy_a and_o grievous_a and_o no_o wonder_n that_o there_o be_v a_o woe_n denounce_v against_o these_o men._n 4_o woe_n be_v to_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n where_o the_o prophâ—…t_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o man_n still_o those_o who_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n who_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n who_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a and_o yet_o think_v themselves_o the_o only_a wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n though_o they_o contradict_v the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n the_o natural_a uncorrupted_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o 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than_o monster_n that_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v rather_o think_v and_o judge_v with_o the_o multitude_n when_o they_o think_v on_o nature_n side_n than_o with_o the_o most_o fame_a philosopher_n against_o nature_n but_o those_o who_o affect_v to_o contradict_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n must_v think_v themselves_o the_o only_a wise_a man_n if_o they_o think_v at_o all_o that_o we_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o their_o pride_n and_o insolence_n than_o at_o their_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n 2_o let_v we_o now_o inquire_v how_o these_o man_n come_v to_o sink_v into_o so_o degenerate_a a_o state_n as_o one_o will_v think_v impossible_a to_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n and_o that_o be_v intimate_v in_o that_o order_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o my_o text_n that_o they_o first_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o then_o good_a evil_n first_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o then_o light_a for_o darkness_n etc._n etc._n as_o to_o consider_v this_o particular_o one_a they_o begin_v with_o call_v evil_n good_a for_o no_o man_n can_v begin_v with_o call_v good_a evil_n nature_n will_v have_v the_o first_o word_n and_o pass_v the_o first_o judgement_n on_o thing_n and_o nature_n as_o corrupt_v as_o it_o be_v till_o it_o be_v deprave_v and_o vitiate_a by_o evil_a custom_n will_v call_v good_a good_a and_o evil_a evil_n atheist_n and_o infidel_n must_v confess_v that_o as_o wise_a as_o they_o think_v themselves_o now_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o they_o be_v as_o very_a fool_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v when_o they_o have_v the_o same_o opinion_n about_o good_a and_o evil_a which_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n still_o have_v when_o they_o do_v own_o a_o moral_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o call_v good_a and_o evil_a by_o their_o right_a name_n and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o the_o only_a reason_n for_o alter_v their_o opinion_n and_o change_v the_o name_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v change_v their_o manner_n that_o they_o grow_v very_o fond_a of_o what_o they_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o the_o foolish_a multitude_n think_v and_o call_v evil_a and_o then_o they_o begin_v to_o think_v and_o to_o call_v it_o good_a and_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o this_o be_v to_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o as_o unwilling_a as_o they_o be_v to_o own_o this_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o though_o these_o man_n can_v prove_v which_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o do_v that_o there_o be_v no_o moral_n essential_a immutable_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o call_v evil_a good_a or_o good_a evil_n for_o though_o they_o be_v neither_o sin_n nor_o virtue_n neither_o forbid_v nor_o command_v by_o a_o divine_a law_n yet_o they_o themselves_o confess_v as_o i_o observe_v before_o that_o what_o we_o call_v virtue_n have_v so_o much_o good_a in_o they_o that_o they_o be_v the_o best_a and_o wise_a rule_n of_o society_n and_o conversation_n necessary_a to_o secure_v every_o man_n private_a interest_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o fit_a to_o be_v encourage_v and_o to_o be_v make_v law_n in_o all_o civilise_a nation_n and_o that_o what_o we_o call_v sin_n have_v so_o much_o evil_n in_o they_o that_o they_o be_v very_o destructive_a to_o human_a society_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v restrain_v and_o punish_v and_o than_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o reason_n to_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n which_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o call_v that_o evil_a which_o they_o themselves_o own_o to_o be_v a_o great_a and_o public_a good_a and_o that_o good_a which_o they_o own_v to_o be_v a_o public_a mischief_n which_o there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o reason_n for_o so_o that_o the_o case_n be_v plain_a it_o be_v not_o reason_n but_o lust_n which_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n till_o lust_n prevail_v above_o reason_n virtue_n and_o vice_n good_a and_o evil_a keep_v those_o name_n which_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v give_v they_o and_o such_o man_n offer_v as_o much_o force_n and_o violence_n to_o their_o natural_a understanding_n when_o they_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n as_o they_o do_v to_o natural_a conscience_n when_o they_o choose_v the_o evil_a and_o refuse_v the_o good_n this_o be_v answer_n enough_o to_o such_o man_n who_o will_v reason_n or_o laugh_v away_o the_o distinction_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o warn_v to_o we_o all_o how_o we_o engage_v in_o a_o course_n of_o wickedness_n for_o how_o much_o soever_o we_o despise_v and_o abhor_v these_o wicked_a principle_n we_o shall_v soon_o think_v as_o these_o man_n do_v if_o we_o grow_v as_o wicked_a as_o they_o be_v two_o these_o man_n first_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o then_o light_a for_o darkness_n man_n be_v not_o bear_v stark_o blind_a but_o have_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n to_o discern_v the_o natural_a difference_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o direct_v their_o life_n and_o as_o weak_a and_o defective_a as_o mere_a natural_a reason_n be_v especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o another_o world_n it_o direct_v we_o to_o a_o safe_a guide_n for_o reason_n itself_o teach_v we_o to_o believe_v god_n who_o can_v deceive_v we_o and_o can_v itself_o judge_v of_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a mark_n of_o a_o revelation_n that_o be_v can_v judge_v when_o god_n speak_v and_o what_o we_o must_v receive_v as_o teach_v by_o god_n this_o be_v the_o light_n of_o mankind_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n or_o revelation_n what_o nature_n teach_v or_o what_o god_n reveal_v and_o all_o mankind_n at_o first_o both_o see_v and_o own_o this_o light_n for_o no_o man_n be_v bear_v a_o atheist_n or_o a_o infidel_n but_o bad_a man_n who_o have_v corrupt_v their_o manner_n and_o can_v justify_v their_o vice_n nor_o quiet_v their_o conscience_n if_o they_o attend_v either_o to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o revelation_n must_v seek_v for_o other_o remedy_n and_o this_o make_v they_o espouse_v the_o principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n and_o these_o they_o call_v light_n which_o in_o truth_n be_v a_o mere_a egyptian_a darkness_n and_o then_o they_o must_v call_v light_a darkness_n reject_v and_o scorn_v both_o the_o natural_a dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o the_o supernatural_a revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n as_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n now_o whatever_o opinion_n man_n have_v of_o their_o philosophy_n yet_o how_o they_o shall_v learn_v what_o neither_o nature_n nor_o god_n teach_v they_o or_o how_o they_o shall_v discover_v that_o what_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o
world_n believe_v that_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v teach_v they_o be_v false_a be_v a_o mystery_n to_o i_o and_o the_o only_a account_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o it_o be_v what_o our_o saviour_n give_v that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a and_o when_o they_o love_v darkness_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o call_v it_o light_n but_o they_o must_v first_o call_v darkness_n light_n before_o they_o can_v put_v out_o the_o light_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o darkness_n now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n as_o our_o own_o experience_n and_o our_o observation_n of_o other_o man_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o reject_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n without_o dispute_v for_o they_o be_v not_o bear_v and_o breed_v with_o we_o as_o what_o be_v natural_a be_v and_o therefore_o must_v be_v owe_v to_o the_o lust_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o hate_v the_o light_n and_o nothing_o seem_v strange_a to_o i_o than_o that_o of_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n these_o man_n shall_v pretend_v to_o reason_n who_o have_v the_o least_o right_a oâ—…_n pretence_n to_o it_o for_o what_o principle_n can_v they_o reason_v on_o who_o reject_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o revelation_n what_o be_v natural_a reason_n but_o the_o reason_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v what_o this_o be_v but_o by_o those_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n which_o nature_n have_v implant_v in_o all_o mankind_n and_o which_o art_n and_o wit_n and_o vice_n itself_o have_v much_o ado_n to_o silence_n and_o can_v never_o perfect_o root_v out_o and_o certain_o that_o be_v not_o natural_a reason_n which_o contradict_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o what_o be_v that_o reason_n which_o be_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o humane_a nature_n or_o how_o be_v mankind_n concern_v in_o such_o reason_n as_o can_v be_v no_o rule_n to_o they_o unless_o they_o put_v off_o humane_a nature_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o these_o very_a man_n they_o have_v put_v off_o humane_a nature_n be_v degenerate_v into_o bruit_n and_o have_v the_o reason_n and_o understanding_n of_o bruit_n espouse_v such_o principle_n as_o serve_v no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o justify_v the_o brutal_a nature_n and_o therefore_o laugh_v at_o the_o common_a sentiment_n and_o faith_n of_o mankind_n and_o pretend_v to_o reason_n only_o to_o reason_v humane_a nature_n as_o well_o as_o revelation_n out_o of_o the_o world_n how_o subtle_o soever_o these_o man_n may_v dispute_v it_o suffice_v i_o that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o original_a belief_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o owe_v to_o god_n or_o nature_n but_o to_o lust._n no_o man_n can_v call_v light_a darkness_n till_o he_o be_v in_o love_n with_o darkness_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n 3_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a man_n must_v first_o reconcile_v themselves_o to_o wickedness_n which_o be_v natural_o very_o bitter_a uneasy_a and_o grievous_a and_o shake_v off_o all_o sense_n of_o shame_n and_o modesty_n and_o fear_v before_o they_o can_v in_o good_a earnest_a reproach_n virtue_n for_o till_o man_n be_v very_o wicked_a virtue_n be_v the_o great_a pleasure_n the_o true_a and_o sweet_a pleasure_n of_o humane_a nature_n three_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o woe_n that_o be_v denounce_v against_o these_o man_n and_o how_o unavoidable_a it_o be_v woe_n be_v to_o they_o that_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n etc._n etc._n what_o this_o woe_n be_v be_v not_o here_o express_v but_o a_o indefinite_a woe_n be_v very_o terrible_a for_o it_o include_v all_o the_o woe_n that_o god_n have_v any_o where_n in_o scripture_n threaten_v against_o sinner_n the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o eternal_a misery_n of_o the_o next_o a_o woe_n signify_v a_o state_n of_o extreme_a misery_n wherein_o man_n shall_v bewail_v and_o lament_v themselves_o without_o hope_n or_o redress_v all_o the_o misery_n that_o such_o sinner_n deserve_v and_o therefore_o the_o great_a that_o humane_a nature_n can_v suffer_v because_o this_o be_v the_o great_a degeneracy_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o therefore_o to_o warn_v you_o all_o of_o fall_v into_o this_o state_n i_o shall_v brief_o show_v you_o how_o unavoidable_a this_o woe_n be_v when_o man_n be_v so_o in_o love_n with_o their_o sin_n that_o they_o resolve_v never_o to_o part_v with_o they_o they_o vain_o think_v that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o secure_v themselves_o be_v to_o banish_v god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o destroy_v all_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o then_o they_o may_v please_v themselves_o and_o live_v as_o they_o listen_v without_o fear_n or_o shame_n or_o any_o danger_n of_o a_o future_a account_n now_o so_o far_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n that_o if_o they_o can_v banish_v god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n their_o work_n be_v do_v and_o they_o may_v bid_v defiance_n to_o all_o the_o pulpit-thunder_n and_o laugh_v at_o all_o the_o superstitious_a fear_n of_o sinner_n but_o to_o persuade_v themselves_o contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o universal_a belief_n of_o mankind_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n will_v not_o banish_v god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v find_v a_o god_n after_o they_o have_v persuade_v themselves_o there_o be_v none_o as_o they_o certain_o will_v they_o will_v find_v this_o god_n a_o provoke_v and_o terrible_a judge_n for_o what_o great_a contempt_n and_o despite_n can_v be_v offer_v to_o god_n than_o to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n this_o be_v a_o state_n of_o open_a enmity_n they_o hate_v god_n and_o will_v destroy_v his_o be_v if_o they_o can_v for_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o there_o be_v no_o god_n be_v because_o they_o will_v have_v none_o and_o those_o who_o hate_n god_n be_v hate_v by_o he_o and_o must_v suffer_v his_o eternal_a vengeance_n thus_o if_o there_o be_v no_o essential_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o may_v choose_v for_o themselves_o and_o call_v thing_n by_o what_o name_n they_o please_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n but_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o difference_n however_o they_o hauâ—…_n make_v shift_v to_o conquer_v this_o sense_n at_o present_a if_o they_o refuse_v the_o good_a and_o choose_v the_o evil_a they_o must_v lose_v all_o that_o happiness_n which_o they_o may_v expect_v from_o what_o be_v a_o natural_a good_a that_o be_v all_o the_o true_a happiness_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o suffer_v all_o those_o misery_n which_o those_o evil_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o destructive_a of_o it_o will_v expose_v they_o too_o for_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v not_o empty_a name_n but_o good_a signify_v the_o happiness_n of_o that_o nature_n who_o good_a it_o be_v and_o evil_a its_o misery_n and_o if_o after_o all_o their_o philosophy_n there_o be_v such_o a_o distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a with_o respect_n to_o humane_a nature_n and_o that_o be_v a_o strange_a nature_n which_o have_v no_o good_a or_o evil_a belong_v to_o it_o to_o reject_v the_o good_a must_v deprive_v they_o of_o happiness_n and_o to_o choose_v the_o evil_n must_v make_v they_o miserable_a and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o moral_a as_o well_o as_o natural_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o one_o deserve_v to_o be_v reward_v and_o the_o other_o punish_v we_o must_v expect_v that_o the_o righteous_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n will_v reward_v and_o punish_v we_o according_a to_o our_o work_n if_o man_n shut_v their_o eye_n or_o put_v out_o the_o light_n and_o then_o call_v darkness_n light_n and_o light_a darkness_n how_o secure_a soever_o this_o may_v make_v they_o at_o present_a all_o that_o they_o gain_v by_o it_o be_v to_o go_v to_o hell_n blindfold_a not_o to_o see_v their_o danger_n before_o they_o feel_v themselves_o irrecoverable_o miserable_a if_o there_o be_v a_o distinction_n between_o light_n and_o darkness_n in_o the_o moral_a and_o spiritual_a as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a world_n as_o there_o must_v be_v if_o there_o be_v any_o difference_n between_o true_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n and_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n if_o the_o office_n of_o light_n be_v to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n those_o bless_a region_n of_o eternal_a light_n which_o those_o who_o wander_v in_o darkness_n can_v never_o find_v if_o the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n be_v to_o lose_v the_o sight_n
it_o be_v not_o must_v yet_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v very_o difficult_a as_o difficult_a as_o it_o must_v be_v to_o change_v or_o unmake_v our_o nature_n i_o say_v beside_o this_o what_o good_a do_v sin_n ever_o do_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v call_v it_o good_a or_o what_o hurt_n do_v virtue_n ever_o do_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v call_v it_o evil_a if_o they_o will_v but_o tell_v we_o what_o they_o mean_v by_o good_a and_o evil_a we_o may_v come_v to_o some_o resolution_n in_o this_o matter_n nay_o if_o they_o will_v but_o allow_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n can_v be_v both_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n we_o may_v soon_o decide_v this_o controversy_n there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o vice_n how_o fond_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v of_o it_o themselves_o but_o what_o they_o will_v condemn_v in_o other_o man_n as_o a_o great_a evil_n especial_o when_o they_o themselves_o suffer_v by_o it_o nor_o any_o one_o virtue_n how_o averse_a soever_o they_o be_v to_o practice_v it_o but_o what_o they_o must_v commend_v in_o other_o man_n as_o that_o which_o do_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o good_a especial_o when_o they_o themselves_o receive_v good_a by_o it_o now_o can_v any_o man_n possible_o persuade_v himself_o that_o that_o be_v evil_a which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o confess_v do_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o good_a or_o that_o to_o be_v good_a which_o he_o confess_v do_v great_a evil_n and_o mischief_n man_n lust_n and_o vice_n may_v persuade_v they_o to_o refuse_v the_o good_a and_o to_o choose_v the_o evil_a and_o to_o think_v it_o very_o good_a for_o they_o to_o do_v so_o but_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o how_o much_o soever_o they_o gratify_v themselves_o by_o it_o to_o think_v those_o good_a action_n which_o do_v great_a evil_a and_o mischief_n or_o those_o evil_a action_n which_o do_v great_a good_a to_o the_o world_n to_o think_v in_o good_a earnest_n that_o they_o do_v good_a when_o they_o see_v and_o know_v that_o they_o do_v hurt_v and_o mischief_n or_o that_o they_o do_v evil_a when_o they_o do_v good_a and_o as_o long_o as_o this_o distinction_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a action_n last_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o get_v rid_v of_o the_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n but_o this_o they_o own_o and_o be_v not_o much_o concern_v about_o it_o that_o in_o please_a themselves_o in_o the_o gratification_n of_o their_o lust_n which_o they_o call_v good_a they_o very_o often_o grieve_v and_o injure_v other_o man_n to_o deny_v their_o own_o profit_n pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n nor_o to_o grieve_v and_o afflict_v themselves_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o very_o expensive_a and_o laborious_a virtue_n for_o other_o man_n ease_n and_o pleasure_n all_o that_o they_o mean_v when_o they_o reject_v the_o moral_a difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v that_o what_o we_o call_v virtue_n do_v not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n deserve_v praise_n and_o reward_n nor_o vice_n shame_n and_o punishment_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o choose_v what_o they_o please_v and_o their_o only_a natural_a rule_n be_v to_o please_v themselves_o i_o shall_v not_o dispute_v this_o matter_n with_o they_o now_o which_o one_o will_v think_v those_o who_o live_v in_o human_a society_n shall_v be_v afraid_a as_o well_o as_o ashamed_a to_o own_o lest_o mankind_n shall_v think_v it_o as_o much_o their_o interest_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o they_o as_o they_o do_v to_o destroy_v all_o beast_n of_o prey_n but_o it_o seem_v impossible_a to_o i_o that_o man_n can_v real_o believe_v this_o whatever_o they_o say_v that_o praise_n and_o shame_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n inseparable_a from_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v not_o only_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o man_n but_o what_o all_o man_n feel_v good_a man_n find_v the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n in_o the_o applause_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o first_o revenge_n that_o sin_n take_v upon_o bad_a man_n be_v in_o the_o lash_n and_o 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man_n venture_v to_o commend_v another_o for_o be_v unjust_a unchaste_a or_o intemperate_a or_o to_o reproach_v he_o for_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n he_o will_v make_v himself_o ridiculous_a for_o mankind_n be_v unacquainted_a with_o such_o new_a term_n of_o honour_n and_o reproach_n which_o in_o their_o language_n signify_v quite_o contrary_a nay_o these_o very_a man_n who_o tell_v you_o that_o there_o be_v no_o natural_a shame_n due_a to_o vice_n whenever_o they_o quarrel_v and_o intend_v to_o reproach_v each_o other_o in_o good_a earnest_n which_o often_o happen_v they_o always_o make_v one_o vice_n or_o other_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o reproach_n which_o prove_v whatever_o they_o say_v that_o they_o do_v still_o believe_v vice_n to_o be_v very_o infamous_a or_o it_o be_v a_o great_a misfortune_n to_o they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o language_n in_o the_o world_n for_o they_o to_o rail_v at_o each_o other_o in_o without_o confute_v their_o own_o philosophy_n and_o blemish_v the_o honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o vice_n and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o these_o man_n shall_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o virtue_n deserve_v no_o reward_n nor_o vice_n punishment_n when_o they_o themselves_o find_v a_o kind_a resentment_n of_o all_o good_a office_n that_o be_v do_v they_o and_o a_o great_a inclination_n to_o return_v they_o which_o be_v to_o reward_v virtue_n and_o when_o they_o suffer_v injury_n they_o have_v as_o sharp_a and_o quick_a a_o sense_n of_o revenge_n and_o be_v as_o restless_a and_o impatient_a to_o punish_v those_o injury_n as_o if_o they_o think_v they_o deserve_v it_o nay_o how_o dare_v they_o say_v that_o virtue_n deserve_v nâ—…â—…eward_n nor_o sin_n punishment_n when_o in_o so_o say_v they_o reproach_v all_o the_o wise_a government_n in_o the_o world_n which_o make_v it_o a_o principal_a care_n to_o punish_v wickedness_n and_o reward_n virtue_n at_o least_o as_o far_o as_o the_o peace_n and_o security_n of_o the_o government_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o and_o yet_o if_o these_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v not_o due_a by_o nature_n this_o be_v a_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o right_n and_o liberty_n of_o nature_n which_o i_o shall_v think_v as_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a as_o the_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n which_o these_o man_n be_v general_o so_o zealous_a for_o well!_o they_o will_v allow_v this_o too_o that_o it_o be_v very_o fit_v and_o necessary_a that_o some_o law_n shall_v be_v agree_v on_o for_o the_o preservation_n and_o good_a government_n of_o human_a society_n and_o that_o man_n shall_v submit_v their_o natural_a liberty_n to_o the_o restraint_n of_o law_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o public_a protection_n but_o still_o this_o make_v no_o moral_a difference_n between_o good_a or_o evil_a nor_o any_o natural_a desert_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o it_o be_v all_o owe_v to_o human_a compact_n and_o government_n and_o can_v reach_v no_o far_o and_o therefore_o not_o to_o another_o world_n and_o as_o for_o this_o world_n they_o be_v content_v to_o take_v their_o fortune_n in_o it_o to_o use_v their_o natural_a liberty_n as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v and_o to_o defenâ—…â—…emselves_n against_o private_a revenge_n and_o public_a justice_n as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v this_o be_v a_o hypothesis_n i_o confess_v which_o effectual_o destroy_v all_o the_o moral_a difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o deliver_v man_n from_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o next_o life_n but_o what_o think_v man_n can_v persuade_v himself_o to_o believe_v this_o or_o can_v so_o firm_o believe_v it_o as_o to_o give_v he_o any_o security_n and_o confidence_n in_o sin_v there_o be_v no_o record_n no_o symptom_n of_o any_o such_o original_a contract_n as_o this_o for_o mankind_n to_o give_v up_o their_o natural_a liberty_n to_o the_o restraint_n of_o arbitrary_a
law_n the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o nation_n who_o have_v no_o communication_n with_o each_o other_o in_o this_o distinction_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n intimate_v no_o other_o compact_n but_o that_o of_o a_o common_a nature_n and_o not_o only_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n but_o the_o universal_a voice_n of_o mankind_n attribute_v these_o law_n to_o nature_n not_o to_o human_a institution_n and_o it_o must_v appear_v strange_a if_o these_o law_n have_v no_o high_a original_a than_o human_a compact_n that_o mankind_n for_o so_o many_o age_n shall_v not_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o but_o shall_v mistake_v they_o for_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o after_o all_o the_o information_n these_o man_n can_v give_v the_o world_n the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n do_v to_o this_o day_n but_o suppose_v this_o distinction_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o those_o law_n which_o command_v the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n and_o forbid_v vice_n be_v original_o frame_v and_o enact_v by_o man_n be_v there_o no_o reason_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n why_o they_o agree_v upon_o such_o law_n yes_o they_o will_v grant_v that_o they_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o peace_n and_o good_a order_n and_o government_n of_o human_a society_n to_o secure_v private_a man_n from_o injury_n and_o violence_n and_o to_o make_v they_o helpful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o each_o other_o and_o therefore_o they_o agree_v to_o make_v they_o law_n but_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v not_o make_v those_o law_n which_o have_v natural_a and_o necessary_a reason_n to_o make_v they_o law_n can_v mere_a human_a compact_n and_o government_n either_o make_v or_o change_v the_o reason_n and_o necessity_n of_o thing_n can_v they_o if_o they_o so_o please_v make_v virtue_n vice_n or_o vice_n virtue_n and_o as_o well_o consult_v the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n by_o do_v so_o if_o not_o then_o mere_a human_a compact_n can_v neither_o make_v nor_o unmake_v these_o law_n god_n have_v make_v these_o law_n for_o we_o by_o make_v we_o such_o creature_n and_o give_v we_o such_o nature_n as_o require_v such_o law_n if_o we_o will_v live_v by_o nature_n and_o attain_v our_o natural_a happiness_n and_o who_o then_o can_v think_v that_o god_n will_v not_o as_o much_o exact_a from_o we_o the_o observance_n of_o these_o law_n as_o man_n do_v that_o he_o will_v not_o punish_v the_o breach_n of_o these_o law_n when_o human_a government_n find_v it_o necessary_a to_o do_v so_o and_o have_v god_n make_v the_o restraint_n and_o punishment_n of_o man_n lust_n and_o vice_n necessary_a and_o will_v he_o not_o punish_v they_o himself_o especial_o when_o the_o authority_n of_o human_a law_n and_o human_a government_n be_v very_o precarious_a without_o the_o awe_n of_o religion_n as_o those_o lawgiver_n be_v very_o sensible_a who_o to_o give_v the_o great_a veneration_n to_o their_o law_n pretend_v to_o receive_v they_o from_o their_o go_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o very_a hypothesis_n which_o allow_v no_o other_o difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n but_o what_o human_a law_n and_o human_n contract_v make_v leave_v every_o man_n at_o liberty_n to_o break_v these_o law_n when_o he_o can_v do_v it_o safe_o or_o will_v venture_v the_o punishment_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o make_v these_o man_n so_o fond_a of_o it_o and_o show_v how_o necessary_a a_o divine_a authority_n be_v to_o enforce_v the_o obligation_n of_o these_o law_n and_o to_o secure_v the_o very_a be_v of_o human_a society_n so_o that_o those_o who_o reason_n according_a to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n can_v never_o get_v rid_v of_o the_o notition_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a nor_o attribute_v these_o law_n to_o any_o other_o author_n but_o that_o god_n who_o make_v we_o and_o fit_v our_o nature_n to_o these_o law_n and_o no_o man_n who_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o these_o law_n can_v doubt_v whether_o he_o will_v punish_v the_o breach_n of_o they_o but_o then_o if_o to_o this_o we_o add_v the_o more_o certain_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o unrighteousness_n and_o ungodliness_n of_o man_n this_o confirm_v all_o the_o fear_n of_o nature_n and_o leave_v no_o possible_a hope_n for_o sinner_n but_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n who_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o sin_n secure_o with_o their_o eye_n open_a and_o therefore_o two_o the_o next_o step_n they_o take_v be_v to_o put_v out_o their_o eye_n or_o to_o put_v out_o the_o light_n to_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n to_o reject_v all_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n and_o all_o divine_a revelation_n as_o ignorance_n folly_n and_o imposture_n but_o what_o a_o task_n be_v this_o to_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o darkness_n be_v light_a and_o light_a darkness_n for_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n which_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n must_v reject_v before_o they_o can_v deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o a_o divine_a revelation_n shine_v as_o clear_a and_o bright_a in_o the_o mind_n as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n do_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o admire_a principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n put_v out_o our_o eye_n leave_v no_o distinction_n between_o thing_n nor_o any_o certain_a rule_n of_o judge_v as_o to_o give_v some_o few_o instance_n of_o this_o there_o be_v nothing_o lie_v more_o easy_a and_o obvious_a in_o our_o mind_n than_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n which_o give_v be_v to_o all_o thing_n else_o i_o will_v not_o dispute_v this_o point_n now_o but_o allege_v it_o as_o a_o first_o principle_n which_o mankind_n natural_o assent_v to_o as_o the_o most_o reasonable_a account_n of_o the_o origin_n of_o all_o thing_n now_o this_o the_o atheist_n reject_v for_o if_o they_o shall_v allow_v a_o first_o cause_n they_o must_v own_v a_o god_n for_o the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v a_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o wise_a reason_n they_o have_v against_o it_o though_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o great_a confirmation_n of_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n because_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n be_v as_o natural_a and_o universal_a as_o of_o a_o first_o cause_n and_o these_o two_o notion_n which_o be_v both_o so_o natural_a to_o mankind_n do_v mutual_o confirm_v each_o other_o but_o what_o account_n do_v these_o man_n give_v of_o the_o origin_n of_o all_o thing_n they_o either_o say_v the_o world_n be_v eternal_a and_o always_o be_v what_o it_o now_o be_v or_o that_o atom_n be_v eternal_a and_o that_o the_o world_n that_o now_o be_v be_v make_v by_o chance_n but_o be_v this_o the_o natural_a persuasion_n of_o mankind_n that_o the_o world_n have_v no_o 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be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o put_v out_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o may_v transgress_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v a_o very_a foolish_a design_n to_o put_v out_o the_o light_n that_o we_o may_v sin_v and_o not_o know_v it_o till_o we_o feel_v ourselves_o eternal_o damn_v for_o it_o 2_o this_o may_v satisfy_v we_o how_o difficult_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o sin_n with_o security_n much_o more_o difficult_a than_o to_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o much_o easy_a thing_n to_o conquer_v and_o subdue_v our_o sensual_a lust_n and_o appetite_n by_o the_o argument_n and_o motive_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o next_o life_n than_o it_o be_v to_o deliver_v ourselves_o from_o the_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a from_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n that_o if_o we_o consult_v our_o own_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n it_o be_v much_o easy_a to_o be_v a_o good_a man_n and_o to_o be_v save_v than_o to_o live_v in_o sin_n without_o the_o fear_n of_o damnation_n 3_o i_o observe_v how_o vain_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wicked_a upon_o principle_n man_n of_o honour_n when_o they_o know_v they_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o the_o world_n account_v infamous_a think_v themselves_o in_o reputation_n bind_v to_o justify_v they_o but_o those_o principle_n whereby_o they_o pretend_v to_o justify_v their_o vice_n be_v more_o infamous_a than_o their_o vice_n themselves_o as_o a_o atheist_n or_o infidel_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o more_o contemptible_a creature_n than_o a_o common_a sinner_n all_o man_n who_o be_v liable_a to_o temptation_n themselves_o have_v a_o great_a compassion_n for_o the_o weakness_n of_o human_a nature_n but_o when_o man_n will_v justify_v their_o vice_n and_o justify_v they_o by_o renounce_v god_n and_o all_o religion_n this_o strike_v those_o who_o otherwise_o it_o may_v be_v be_v as_o bad_a themselves_o with_o horror_n and_o indignation_n make_v wise_a man_n despise_v they_o and_o good_a man_n abhor_v they_o and_o i_o wish_v this_o general_a contempt_n of_o they_o be_v more_o public_a and_o visible_a which_o will_v either_o cure_v their_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n or_o make_v they_o more_o modest_a that_o they_o shall_v not_o appear_v so_o wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n 4thly_a i_o observe_v the_o irrecoverable_a condition_n of_o these_o man_n who_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n who_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n who_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a who_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n they_o have_v harden_v themselves_o beyond_o the_o ordinary_a method_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o therefore_o must_v unavoidable_o fall_v under_o this_o woe_n for_o when_o man_n have_v wilful_o put_v out_o their_o eye_n and_o 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popery_n in_o two_o part_n with_o a_o vindication_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o cavil_n of_o lewis_n sabran_n jesuit_n 4to_fw-la a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o nature_n unity_n and_o communion_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n first_o part._n 4to_fw-la a_o vindication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a and_o everblessed_n trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n 3d._a edition_n 4to_fw-la the_o case_n of_o allegiance_n due_a to_o sovereign_a power_n state_v and_o resolve_v according_a to_o scripture_n reason_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n 4to_fw-la a_o vindication_n of_o the_o case_n of_o allegiance_n due_a to_o sovereign_a power_n 4to_fw-la a_o practical_a discourse_n concern_v death_n 8vo_fw-la 10_o edition_n a_o practical_a discourse_n concern_v a_o future_a judgement_n 5_o ed._n 8u8_n a_o apology_n for_o write_v against_o socinian_o 4to_fw-la a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o divine_a providence_n 4to_fw-la 2d_o edition_n a_o 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8vo_fw-la price_n stitch_v 3d._n discourse_v against_o transubstantiation_n 8vo_fw-la price_n stitch_v 3d._n the_o way_n to_o prevent_v the_o ruin_n of_o a_o sinful_a people_n in_o a_o fast-sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o lord_n mayor_n etc._n etc._n 8vo_fw-la price_n stitch_v 3d._n sermon_n of_o steadfastness_n in_o religion_n of_o family_n religion_n of_o education_n of_o child_n and_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o early_a piety_n 12_o o._n price_n 1_v 6d_o archbishop_z sharp_a the_o reasonableness_n of_o believe_v without_o see_v a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n in_o st._n james_n chapel_n on_o palm-sunday_n march_v 24._o 1699._o bishop_n wilkin_n fifteen_o sermon_n 2d_o edition_n 8vo_fw-la bishop_n of_o worcester_n doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n true_o represent_v etc._n etc._n 4to_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o transubstantiation_n compare_v in_o two_o part_n 4to_fw-la bishop_n of_o norwich_n two_o sermon_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o providence_n before_o the_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n 4to_fw-la sermon_n preach_v at_o st._n andrew_n holborn_n on_o gal._n 6._o 7._o of_o religious_a melancholy_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n four_o edition_n 8vo_fw-la price_n 3d._n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n and_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n 4to_fw-la thanksgiving_n sermon_n before_o the_o king_n at_o st._n james_n april_n 16._o 96._o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o house_n of_o lord_n in_o the_o abbey-church_n at_o westminster_n upon_o monday_n jan._n 31._o 1697._o 4to_fw-la bishop_n of_o bath_n and_o wells_n on_o the_o pentateuch_n in_o 2_o volume_n 8vo_fw-la sermon_n upon_o the_o resurrection_n preach_v before_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o lord_n mayor_n 4to_fw-la demonstration_n of_o the_o messiah_n the_o second_o and_o 3d._n vol._n 8vo_fw-la dr._n clagget_n sermon_n in_o two_o volume_n 8vo_fw-la dr._n wake_v we_o sermon_n and_o discourse_n upon_o several_a occasion_n 8vo_fw-la dr._n pelling_n practical_a discourse_n concern_v holiness_n 8vo_fw-la discourse_n concern_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n mr._n blackhalt'_v sermon_n at_o brentwood_n in_o essex_n octob._n 7._o 1693._o at_o the_o visitation_n of_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n henry_n lord_n bishop_n of_o london_n mr._n ellis_n necessity_n of_o serious_a consideration_n 8vo_fw-la pr._n bind_v 1_n 6d_o sum_n of_o christianity_n 8vo_fw-la price_n 3d._n scripturie_n catechism_n price_n 3d._n
for_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o reject_v the_o hope_n of_o immortal_a life_n for_o fear_n of_o such_o misery_n as_o we_o may_v escape_v if_o we_o please_v that_o be_v if_o we_o believe_v and_o choose_v immortal_a life_n no_o man_n who_o do_v not_o prefer_v something_o else_o or_o to_o speak_v plain_o who_o do_v not_o prefer_v the_o short_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n before_o immortal_a life_n need_v fear_v eternal_a misery_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o eternal_a misery_n which_o they_o know_v they_o may_v escape_v but_o the_o contempt_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o make_v they_o infidel_n and_o it_o concern_v they_o to_o consider_v well_o what_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o be_v for_o 1._o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v and_o there_o need_v no_o great_a proof_n of_o it_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o infamous_a than_o to_o contradict_v the_o most_o noble_a and_o generous_a desire_n of_o human_a nature_n to_o be_v afraid_a to_o be_v immortal_a be_v to_o desire_v to_o be_v a_o beast_n and_o to_o perish_v like_o a_o beast_n nay_o it_o be_v to_o desire_v what_o no_o beast_n will_v desire_v for_o self-love_n and_o self-preservation_n be_v implant_v even_o in_o the_o brutal_a nature_n and_o what_o a_o prodigious_a degeneracy_n be_v it_o of_o human_a nature_n for_o man_n to_o hate_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o be_v and_o to_o wish_v and_o hope_n that_o they_o may_v perish_v in_o the_o grave_a it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o set_v up_o for_o the_o reputation_n of_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n in_o this_o cause_n for_o human_a nature_n be_v against_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n who_o will_v always_o hope_v and_o desire_v on_o nature_n side_n will_v be_v against_o they_o too_o and_o nature_n so_o abhor_v the_o thought_n of_o annihilation_n and_o dissolution_n that_o all_o man_n must_v despise_v those_o as_o very_o contemptible_a creature_n who_o can_v be_v content_v to_o fall_v into_o nothing_o themselves_o and_o abhor_v they_o for_o their_o malicious_a attempt_n to_o deprive_v other_o man_n of_o the_o hope_n of_o immortality_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o strong_a presumption_n against_o infidelity_n that_o it_o contradict_v the_o hope_n and_o desire_v of_o nature_n be_v there_o any_o other_o natural_a desire_n and_o appetite_n which_o have_v no_o natural_a object_n to_o answer_v they_o and_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o nature_n shall_v implant_v in_o we_o a_o desire_n of_o immortality_n if_o we_o be_v not_o make_v to_o be_v immortal_a this_o can_v be_v if_o we_o be_v make_v by_o a_o wise_a be_v for_o then_o all_o the_o desire_n and_o appetite_n of_o nature_n must_v be_v wise_o make_v that_o be_v fit_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o be_v to_o which_o they_o belong_v and_o then_o immortal_a desire_n can_v belong_v only_o to_o a_o immortal_a nature_n 3._o it_o also_o aught_o to_o be_v well_o consider_v that_o this_o make_v infidelity_n the_o most_o inexcusable_a sin_n for_o to_o reject_v not_o only_o all_o supernatural_a evidence_n but_o all_o the_o desire_n and_o inclination_n of_o nature_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o excuse_n this_o be_v a_o apostasy_n from_o human_a nature_n and_o though_o the_o divine_a goodness_n have_v a_o great_a tenderness_n for_o human_a infirmity_n yet_o when_o man_n wilful_o put_v off_o human_a nature_n they_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o excuse_n or_o to_o the_o compassion_n which_o be_v due_a to_o men._n and_o such_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o sure_a that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n who_o have_v no_o excuse_n to_o make_v if_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n 4._o and_o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v secure_a against_o the_o inclination_n desire_n and_o sentiment_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v possible_a with_o great_a art_n and_o violence_n for_o some_o time_n to_o stifle_v the_o sense_n of_o nature_n but_o nature_n will_v take_v some_o occasion_n or_o other_o to_o get_v loose_a and_o to_o revive_v our_o fear_n when_o we_o have_v forfeit_v all_o our_o hope_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v certain_a there_o can_v be_v demonstration_n against_o nature_n if_o the_o natural_a desire_n of_o immortality_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o we_o be_v immortal_a yet_o they_o be_v a_o bar_n against_o all_o demonstration_n that_o we_o be_v not_o for_o that_o will_v be_v a_o ill-contrived_a nature_n indeed_o which_o shall_v have_v natural_a desire_n and_o appetite_n against_o demonstration_n that_o shall_v have_v a_o great_a passion_n for_o immortality_n when_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o we_o be_v not_o immortal_a and_o if_o they_o can_v demonstrate_v that_o we_o be_v not_o immortal_a we_o shall_v certain_o hope_v and_o fear_n on_o nature_n side_n and_o what_o will_v all_o the_o boast_a pretence_n to_o infidelity_n signify_v if_o they_o can_v cure_v our_o natural_a hope_n and_o fear_n 2._o for_o natural_a fear_n and_o hope_n be_v very_o mechanical_a passion_n and_o not_o under_o the_o government_n of_o our_o will_n and_o arbitrary_a opinion_n they_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v silence_v with_o wit_n and_o sophistry_n than_o some_o natural_a antipathy_n be_v which_o man_n may_v think_v to_o reason_n away_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o object_n of_o that_o antipathy_n appear_v all_o their_o argument_n be_v lose_v and_o they_o sweat_v and_o tremble_v and_o fly_v and_o thus_o do_v infidel_n too_o who_o please_v themselves_o that_o they_o can_v reason_v away_o another_o world_n into_o a_o fairy_n land_n but_o yet_o can_v think_v serious_o of_o it_o without_o tremble_v 3._o for_o whatever_o baffle_v man_n put_v upon_o their_o faith_n yet_o these_o hope_n and_o fear_n be_v so_o natural_a that_o they_o can_v never_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o what_o be_v report_v of_o the_o other_o world_n do_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v hope_v or_o fear_v no_o argument_n can_v convince_v any_o man_n that_o it_o be_v not_o desirable_a to_o live_v for_o ever_o or_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o most_o terrible_a thing_n of_o all_o to_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o and_o then_o it_o be_v impossible_a not_o to_o hope_v or_o fear_n the_o desire_n of_o a_o less_o happiness_n or_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o less_o misery_n may_v be_v conquer_v but_o when_o man_n hear_v of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o eternal_a misery_n the_o one_o the_o most_o desirable_a the_o other_o the_o most_o formidable_a thing_n to_o human_a nature_n it_o make_v it_o impossible_a to_o any_o think_v man_n neither_o to_o desire_v nor_o fear_n this_o show_v how_o vain_a it_o be_v to_o struggle_v against_o nature_n for_o nature_n will_v be_v too_o strong_a for_o all_o our_o pretence_n to_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n and_o thus_o all_o infidel_n find_v it_o be_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o 5._o i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o since_o the_o desire_n of_o immortality_n be_v so_o natural_a consider_v what_o a_o eternal_a torment_n this_o must_v be_v if_o we_o lose_v immortal_a life_n by_o our_o infidelity_n natural_a appetite_n last_o as_o long_o as_o nature_n do_v and_o when_o they_o be_v disappoint_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v by_o our_o own_o fault_n will_v torment_v we_o as_o long_o as_o they_o last_o now_o beside_o all_o the_o positive_a misery_n which_o our_o saviour_n threaten_v against_o infidel_n here_o be_v a_o natural_a cause_n and_o demonstration_n of_o their_o misery_n the_o very_a loss_n of_o eternal_a life_n must_v eternal_o torment_v they_o because_o they_o must_v eternal_o desire_v it_o and_o these_o disappoint_v desire_n will_v turn_v into_o eternal_a anguish_n despair_n and_o self-revenge_n will_v but_o man_n serious_o consider_v these_o thing_n how_o unnatural_a the_o inclination_n to_o infidelity_n be_v and_o how_o unnatural_a the_o aversion_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o immortality_n be_v and_o what_o terrible_a consequence_n they_o have_v it_o will_v make_v they_o willing_a and_o desirous_a to_o believe_v and_o then_o they_o will_v find_v no_o want_n of_o evidence_n there_o will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o need_v then_o of_o dispute_v against_o infidelity_n but_o we_o may_v employ_v our_o time_n much_o better_a in_o exhort_v and_o persuade_v you_o to_o the_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a religion_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v the_o end_n of_o our_o faith_n even_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o god_n etc._n etc._n sermon_n xvii_o preach_v at_o the_o temple_n church_n isaiah_n 5._o for_o 20_o 21._o wo_n unto_o they_o that_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n that_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n that_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a wo_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n it_o give_v great_a disturbance_n to_o good_a man_n not_o only_o to_o observe_v the_o general_a corruption_n of_o manner_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n
but_o the_o mean_n whereby_o mankind_n be_v now_o corrupt_v that_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a be_v almost_o lose_v among_o we_o that_o man_n call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n darkness_n light_n and_o light_a darkness_n bitter_a sweet_a and_o sweet_a bitter_a and_o show_v their_o good_a will_n to_o change_v the_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o name_n of_o thing_n be_v that_o in_o their_o power_n this_o may_v seem_v new_a and_o surprise_v to_o man_n unaquaint_v with_o the_o state_n of_o former_a age_n but_o even_o upon_o this_o account_n there_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n under_o the_o sun_n man_n have_v be_v as_o wicked_a in_o former_a age_n as_o they_o be_v now_o and_o have_v take_v the_o same_o way_n to_o justify_v their_o wickedness_n and_o to_o harden_v themselves_o in_o sin_n that_o they_o do_v now_o as_o great_a a_o degeneracy_n as_o this_o be_v of_o human_a nature_n the_o prophet_n assure_v we_o in_o my_o text_n that_o there_o be_v such_o man_n in_o his_o day_n who_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o there_o will_v always_o be_v a_o succession_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o eternal_a difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a will_v never_o be_v lose_v but_o then_o good_a man_n must_v endeavour_v by_o all_o wise_a art_n to_o preserve_v a_o sense_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n to_o vindicate_v religion_n from_o the_o attempt_v of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n and_o to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o grow_a evil_n for_o this_o reason_n god_n by_o his_o prophet_n denounce_v a_o woe_n against_o such_o man_n which_o it_o shall_v be_v my_o business_n at_o present_a to_o explain_v to_o you_o 1._o i_o shall_v explain_v the_o several_a term_n in_o my_o text_n what_o it_o be_v to_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n to_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n to_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a and_o who_o those_o be_v that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n 2._o i_o shall_v inquire_v how_o man_n come_v to_o judge_v thus_o perverse_o of_o thing_n which_o be_v intimate_v in_o the_o order_n here_o observe_v that_o they_o first_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o then_o good_a evil_n first_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o then_o light_a for_o darkness_n first_o bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o then_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a three_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o woe_n denounce_v against_o these_o man_n and_o how_o unavoidable_a it_o be_v 1._o to_o explain_v the_o term_n and_o 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o call_v evil_n good_a and_o good_a evil._n for_o be_v there_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n so_o senseless_a or_o impudent_a as_o to_o affirm_v that_o what_o mankind_n call_v sin_n be_v virtue_n or_o what_o they_o call_v virtue_n be_v sin_n i_o never_o hear_v of_o such_o man_n and_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o such_o man_n to_o be_v find_v for_o there_o be_v no_o fault_n which_o atheist_n themselves_o can_v find_v with_o those_o which_o we_o call_v moral_a virtue_n such_o as_o justice_n and_o charity_n meekness_n humility_n patience_n temperance_n chastity_n and_o the_o like_a but_o that_o they_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o their_o inclination_n and_o interest_n and_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v at_o liberty_n from_o such_o restraint_n to_o live_v as_o they_o like_v best_a they_o be_v not_o please_v that_o the_o one_o shall_v be_v think_v essential_o good_a and_o the_o other_o evil_n or_o that_o the_o one_o shall_v be_v think_v command_v and_o the_o other_o forbid_v by_o a_o divine_a law_n which_o make_v they_o accountable_a to_o a_o superior_a lord_n and_o judge_n for_o what_o they_o do_v but_o if_o you_o will_v not_o call_v they_o sin_n or_o virtue_n nor_o pretend_v a_o divine_a law_n for_o it_o they_o will_v allow_v what_o we_o call_v moral_a virtue_n to_o be_v good_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o very_o necessary_a for_o the_o prudent_a government_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o such_o as_o mankind_n ought_v to_o agree_v in_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n and_o for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o that_o the_o contrary_a vice_n be_v great_a and_o public_a mischief_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v restrain_v and_o punish_v by_o civil_a law_n they_o be_v very_o well_o content_v and_o think_v it_o necessary_a that_o man_n shall_v make_v they_o law_n but_o not_o god_n for_o this_o still_o leave_v they_o at_o liberty_n to_o transgress_v these_o law_n when_o they_o can_v do_v it_o safe_o and_o when_o their_o interest_n and_o inclination_n tempt_v they_o to_o it_o this_o indeed_o be_v to_o reject_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a but_o not_o in_o a_o strict_a sense_n to_o call_v evil_a good_a or_o good_a evil_n for_o they_o allow_v of_o no_o such_o distinction_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a in_o a_o moral_a sense_n though_o by_o the_o way_n i_o can_v never_o understand_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o this_o for_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o these_o virtue_n or_o vice_n be_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v natural_o good_a or_o evil_n than_o the_o do_v such_o thing_n must_v be_v moral_o good_a or_o evil_n for_o i_o know_v no_o other_o notion_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a but_o do_v or_o choose_v such_o thing_n as_o have_v a_o natural_a good_a and_o evil_a if_o to_o rob_v our_o neighbour_n of_o his_o estate_n to_o desame_n he_o to_o abuse_v his_o wife_n or_o daughter_n be_v a_o great_a injury_n to_o he_o it_o be_v a_o great_a wickedness_n in_o we_o if_o to_o defend_v the_o injure_v and_o oppress_v to_o relieve_v the_o poor_a and_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n be_v a_o great_a good_a to_o they_o it_o be_v a_o great_a virtue_n in_o we_o and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o other_o sanction_n man_n will_v have_v for_o natural_a law_n but_o the_o natural_a good_a or_o evil_a of_o thing_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o essential_a and_o eternal_a difference_n between_o natural_a good_a and_o evil_a nature_n have_v make_v a_o essential_a difference_n between_o do_v good_a and_o evil_a that_o be_v between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n but_o to_o let_v this_o pass_v since_o these_o man_n discard_v all_o the_o moral_a difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o yet_o own_o that_o what_o we_o call_v virtue_n do_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o good_a and_o what_o we_o call_v vice_n do_v great_a hurt_n and_o mischief_n the_o difficulty_n remain_v in_o what_o sense_n any_o man_n can_v be_v charge_v with_o call_v evil_n good_a and_o good_a evil_n and_o i_o can_v think_v but_o of_o two_o account_n of_o this_o matter_n 1._o that_o they_o make_v their_o own_o appetite_n interest_n and_o inclination_n the_o only_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a as_o they_o must_v necessary_o do_v when_o they_o allow_v of_o no_o common_a rule_n and_o standard_n for_o all_o mankind_n for_o if_o as_o these_o man_n persuade_v themselves_o there_o be_v no_o law_n either_o of_o god_n or_o nature_n to_o distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o distinction_n but_o what_o every_o man_n be_v own_o appetite_n and_o inclination_n make_v for_o he_o that_o be_v his_o good_a which_o he_o best_a like_v and_o that_o be_v evil_a which_o he_o do_v not_o like_a good_a and_o evil_n signify_v nothing_o more_o but_o what_o please_v or_o displease_v he_o and_o therefore_o when_o he_o feel_v himself_o high_o please_v and_o gratify_v with_o what_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n think_v a_o great_a evil_n and_o real_o be_v so_o he_o laugh_v at_o their_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n and_o call_v and_o choose_v it_o as_o his_o good_a and_o when_o that_o which_o be_v real_o good_a cross_n his_o interest_n and_o inclination_n he_o reject_v it_o as_o a_o great_a evil_n when_o such_o man_n think_v it_o their_o interest_n to_o be_v unjust_a or_o their_o inclination_n tempt_v they_o to_o be_v unchaste_a they_o do_v think_v such_o action_n virtue_n for_o they_o disow_v that_o name_n but_o they_o think_v they_o good_a that_o be_v profitable_a and_o please_a nor_o do_v they_o think_v justice_n temperance_n and_o chastity_n to_o be_v vice_n but_o great_a evil_n as_o contrary_a to_o their_o gain_n or_o pleasure_n which_o be_v to_o call_v that_o which_o be_v moral_o good_a evil_a and_o that_o which_o be_v moral_o evil_a good_n two_o beside_o this_o the_o better_a to_o excuse_v themselves_o from_o the_o shame_n and_o reproach_n of_o such_o action_n which_o will_v be_v always_o infamous_a when_o they_o have_v do_v and_o say_v all_o they_o can_v though_o they_o dare_v not_o call_v vice_n virtue_n nor_o virtue_n vice_n yet_o they_o give_v good_a name_n which_o be_v the_o appendage_n and_o property_n of_o some_o virtue_n to_o