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gospel_n particular_o call_v the_o truth_n but_o of_o truth_n in_o general_a 1_o thess_n 2._o 10._o and_o it_o be_v this_o our_o saviour_n above_o all_o thing_n require_v in_o man_n to_o become_v his_o disciple_n and_o it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n together_o with_o the_o incomparable_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a religion_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v that_o never_o a_o honest_a man_n of_o capacity_n who_o have_v be_v right_o instruct_v in_o the_o principal_a doctrine_n of_o it_o have_v long_o hold_v out_o against_o it_o and_o final_o disbelieved_a it_o we_o may_v add_v to_o this_o natural_a effect_n of_o probity_n the_o extraordinary_a and_o supernatural_a one_o even_o in_o those_o who_o may_v be_v for_o some_o time_n doubtful_a or_o erroneous_a in_o those_o great_a verity_n so_o perhaps_o may_v god_n permit_v it_o procure_v god_n especial_a care_n to_o enlighten_v and_o incline_v such_o to_o the_o reception_n of_o truth_n 3_o another_o cure_n of_o 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be_v proper_a against_o unblamable_a singularity_n whether_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o affectation_n i_o will_v add_v but_o one_o more_o and_o so_o have_v do_v with_o this_o general_a head_n also_o and_o that_o be_v 5_o that_o as_o it_o have_v be_v already_o a_o general_a advice_n to_o possess_v our_o mind_n thorough_o with_o probity_n and_o plain_a honesty_n and_o consequent_o a_o prevalent_a love_n of_o the_o truth_n so_o it_o will_v much_o help_v and_o assure_v the_o effect_n thereof_o to_o purge_v they_o of_o all_o prejudices_fw-la which_o may_v oppose_v it_o and_o to_o leave_v truth_n and_o honesty_n as_o few_o and_o as_o weak_a enemy_n in_o our_o breast_n as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o we_o must_v therefore_o turn_v out_o and_o send_v away_o all_o unreasonable_a inclination_n humour_n appetite_n and_o passion_n which_o may_v have_v any_o influence_n upon_o our_o understanding_n and_o judgement_n in_o our_o inquire_n or_o assent_n to_o any_o truth_n we_o be_v to_o keep_v 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imprimatur_fw-la carolus_n alston_n r._n p._n d._n hen._n episc_n lond._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la febr._n 12._o 1694_o 5._o six_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o late_a incomparable_a princess_z queen_n mary_n at_o whitehall_n with_o several_a addition_n and_o large_a annotation_n to_o the_o discourse_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n by_o george_n bright_n d._n d._n dean_n of_o st._n asaph_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o j._n h._n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop's-head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n mdcxcv_o to_o the_o king_n most_o excellent_a majesty_n sir_n this_o small_a volume_n be_v design_v humble_o to_o crave_v the_o acceptance_n of_o your_o late_a royal_a consort_n that_o most_o true_o excellent_a princess_n who_o not_o only_o hear_v but_o relish_v discourse_n proper_a for_o her_o edification_n these_o present_a one_o dare_v pretend_v only_o to_o a_o attempt_n and_o endeavour_v for_o such_o a_o purpose_n but_o she_o be_v for_o ever_o go_v from_o hence_o where_o her_o virtuous_a and_o pious_a soul_n have_v neither_o book_n nor_o company_n good_a enough_o for_o its_o entertainment_n may_v her_o just_a character_n be_v preserve_v fresh_a and_o fair_a to_o the_o last_o of_o time_n may_v her_o goodly_a presence_n strike_v the_o imagination_n of_o every_o one_o who_o enter_v into_o your_o royal_a palace_n that_o her_o exemplary_a virtue_n piety_n prudence_n and_o sweetness_n may_v never_o be_v forget_v there_o forgive_v i_o great_a sir_n if_o i_o for_o once_o light_o touch_v the_o wound_n not_o only_o of_o your_o own_o royal_a heart_n but_o also_o of_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o your_o subject_n except_o here_o and_o there_o a_o self-interested_n weak_a and_o peevish_a thing_n or_o two_o in_o this_o matter_n whatever_o they_o may_v be_v elsewhere_o but_o as_o this_o severe_a providence_n have_v bring_v with_o it_o a_o mighty_a loss_n and_o not_o reparable_a to_o your_o majesty_n one_o way_n so_o have_v it_o give_v you_o a_o mighty_a advantage_n another_o for_o all_o the_o affection_n and_o hope_n which_o your_o people_n have_v divide_v between_o two_o be_v now_o public_o vest_v in_o and_o settle_v upon_o your_o majesty_n person_n alone_o and_o we_o hope_v and_o pray_v that_o as_o god_n will_v continue_v your_o own_o portion_n of_o his_o blessing_n to_o you_o so_o he_o will_v not_o withhold_v she_o from_o you_o so_o that_o now_o your_o force_n be_v double_v and_o unite_v too_o can_v probable_o be_v much_o long_o resist_v by_o your_o haughty_a and_o malicious_a though_o puissant_a enemy_n that_o god_n will_v continue_v and_o multiply_v his_o blessing_n upon_o your_o royal_a head_n fill_v your_o heart_n with_o piety_n wisdom_n and_o integrity_n in_o all_o your_o counsel_n prosper_v your_o arm_n for_o the_o chastisement_n of_o tyranny_n violence_n and_o injustice_n for_o the_o peace_n safety_n and_o universal_a happiness_n of_o your_o people_n and_o all_o europe_n be_v the_o constant_a 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examine_v thing_n in_o religion_n not_o to_o show_v their_o subtlety_n or_o pose_v man_n not_o to_o disgrace_v another_o profession_n or_o to_o get_v room_n and_o ease_n for_o licentiousness_n or_o to_o make_v themselves_o and_o other_o great_a sceptic_n and_o doubt_v and_o droll_n more_o but_o like_o the_o noble_a beraean_n to_o see_v whether_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o no_o that_o they_o may_v know_v more_o and_o be_v satisfy_v in_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a concernment_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v abuse_v lead_v into_o error_n and_o keep_v there_o by_o force_n confidence_n or_o bare_a authority_n such_o as_o these_o i_o think_v be_v to_o be_v take_v care_n of_o that_o they_o be_v not_o just_o scandalize_v or_o offend_v at_o religion_n nay_o they_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v regard_v who_o be_v not_o only_o intend_v sure_o by_o god_n to_o be_v save_v as_o well_o as_o the_o vulgar_a but_o may_v also_o be_v great_a instrument_n of_o the_o instruction_n and_o confirmation_n of_o other_o and_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o due_a esteem_n and_o reputation_n of_o religion_n strange_a it_o be_v that_o the_o weak_a the_o ignorant_a and_o the_o peevish_a shall_v be_v treat_v with_o so_o much_o tenderness_n but_o these_o shall_v be_v rude_o put_v off_o with_o the_o wise_a application_n of_o not_o many_o wise_a according_a to_o the_o flesh_n etc._n etc._n and_o where_o be_v the_o wise_a where_o be_v the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n or_o perhaps_o with_o the_o reproach_n and_o backbite_v of_o indifferent_n and_o vnderminer_n of_o religion_n this_o way_n of_o teach_v and_o preach_v the_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v at_o all_o time_n just_a and_o of_o solid_a advantage_n to_o it_o so_o be_v it_o now_o become_v necessary_a there_o be_v very_o many_o in_o this_o age_n more_o than_o former_o inquisitive_a know_v use_v to_o a_o more_o accurate_a exercise_n of_o their_o understanding_n every_o where_n in_o divine_a matter_n as_o well_o as_o natural_a moral_a and_o political_n these_o will_v not_o be_v put_v off_o with_o general_a confuse_a figurative_a and_o obscure_a notion_n nor_o with_o false_a uncertain_a remote_a reason_n they_o will_v know_v what_o and_o why_o they_o believe_v and_o hitherto_o be_v very_o well_o the_o present_a age_n be_v happy_a in_o it_o whatever_o other_o may_v please_v to_o think_v and_o have_v it_o be_v thus_o for_o some_o century_n before_o we_o a_o thousand_o falsehood_n and_o foppery_n have_v never_o creep_v into_o christian_a religion_n which_o have_v already_o and_o yet_o will_v cost_v the_o world_n so_o vast_a a_o expense_n of_o labour_n and_o fill_v it_o with_o infinite_a trouble_n and_o vnquietness_n to_o drive_v they_o out_o again_o and_o restore_v our_o excellent_a religion_n to_o its_o native_a and_o primitive_a beauty_n but_o as_o that_o occasion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o clearness_n and_o true_a reason_v in_o religion_n be_v good_a so_o hardly_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v worse_o than_o the_o licentiousness_n of_o our_o time_n when_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n especial_o of_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o any_o wit_n or_o breed_n have_v not_o only_o rescue_v themselves_o from_o the_o slavery_n of_o superstition_n and_o usurp_a authority_n but_o shake_v off_o even_o the_o natural_a reverence_n of_o mankind_n to_o true_a religion_n the_o sublimest_n perfection_n and_o glory_n of_o humane_a nature_n nay_o they_o have_v run_v further_o yet_o and_o pert_o take_v up_o a_o mean_a opinion_n and_o contempt_n of_o it_o and_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o it_o as_o be_v nothing_o but_o craft_n or_o pedantry_n now_o these_o man_n must_v be_v knock_v down_o by_o weighty_a reason_n for_o they_o slight_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o expose_v to_o contempt_n themselves_o for_o gentle_a deal_v will_v not_o do_v it_o must_v be_v show_v that_o if_o they_o will_v make_v good_a their_o title_n to_o the_o man_n they_o must_v be_v religious_a and_o christian_n too_o and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o reasonable_a than_o a_o christian_n belief_n and_o nothing_o in_o his_o genuine_a religion_n not_o adulterate_v unbecoming_a of_o god_n and_o disagreeable_a to_o reason_n if_o right_o sense_v and_o understand_v that_o it_o be_v the_o weakness_n or_o ignorance_n of_o its_o doctor_n and_o commentator_n and_o perhaps_o ever_o will_v be_v in_o some_o degree_n if_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o appear_v or_o be_v represent_v otherwise_o and_o that_o they_o have_v be_v infinite_o to_o blame_v who_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o grudge_n and_o dissatisfaction_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n between_o religion_n and_o reason_n and_o even_o make_v irreconcilable_a quarrel_n between_o they_o which_o shall_v cohabit_v with_o constant_a and_o mutual_a endearment_n and_o assistance_n i_o hope_v and_o be_o apt_a believe_v that_o such_o will_v be_v the_o next_o turn_n of_o divine_a providence_n which_o invisible_o govern_v the_o world_n that_o the_o holy_a write_n will_v every_o day_n
receive_v more_o light_a and_o divine_a truth_n more_o clearness_n from_o another_o method_n than_o what_o most_o man_n make_v use_n of_o to_o conclude_v this_o short_a preface_n i_o be_o of_o opinion_n that_o now_o miracle_n be_v cease_v this_o way_n of_o teach_v the_o christian_a religion_n accompany_v with_o a_o judicious_a affection_n and_o follow_v with_o a_o sober_a and_o well_o govern_v life_n seem_v the_o principal_a mean_n leave_v in_o our_o power_n to_o restore_v it_o to_o its_o beauty_n force_n and_o just_a authority_n and_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n to_o its_o purity_n and_o honour_n which_o now_o as_o it_o be_v say_v be_v cram_v with_o conceit_a droll_n indifferent_n and_o downright_a infidel_n and_o in_o no_o part_n of_o christendom_n more_o than_o where_o it_o appear_v with_o its_o great_a external_n splendour_n and_o domination_n this_o very_a bad_a estate_n of_o the_o church_n i_o beseech_v god_n to_o amend_v in_o his_o own_o time_n and_o to_o introduce_v sincere_a and_o judicious_a religion_n neither_o theatrical_a nor_o fanatical_a g._n b._n the_o text_n of_o the_o several_a sermon_n sermon_n i._n 1_o cor._n 15._o 33._o evil_a communication_n corrupt_v good_a manner_n sermon_n ii_o 1_o pet._n 4._o 4._o wherein_o they_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o you_o run_v not_o with_o they_o to_o the_o same_o excess_n of_o riot_n speak_v evil_a of_o you_o sermon_n iii_o psalm_n 35._o 5._o i_o will_v confess_v my_o transgression_n unto_o the_o lord_n sermon_n iu._n psalm_n 14._o 1._o the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n they_o be_v corrupt_v they_o have_v do_v abominable_a work_n sermon_n v._n rom._n 5._o 1._o therefore_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n sermon_n vi._n 2_o cor._n 5._o 19_o to_o wit_n that_o god_n be_v in_o christ_n reconcile_n the_o world_n to_o himself_o not_o impute_v their_o trespass_n unto_o they_o sermon_n i._n 1_o cor._n xv._o 33._o 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expect_v be_v that_o if_o you_o live_v virtuous_o and_o pious_o some_o few_o will_v commend_v you_o but_o rare_o any_o imitate_v you_o the_o number_n of_o good_a example_n be_v very_o small_a and_o when_o we_o have_v in_o our_o view_n those_o of_o both_o kind_n we_o be_v all_o more_o apt_a to_o run_v to_o the_o worst_a side_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o most_o unhappy_a inclination_n and_o pen_v of_o our_o nature_n quoniam_fw-la dociles_fw-la imitandis_fw-la turpibus_fw-la &_o pravis_fw-la omnes_fw-la sumus_fw-la to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v the_o observation_n that_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a man_n be_v general_o of_o a_o more_o modest_a prudent_a and_o reserve_a temper_n and_o behaviour_n but_o contrariwise_o vicious_a man_n general_o be_v more_o confident_a active_a and_o bold_a which_o seem_v to_o inconsiderate_a spectator_n infinite_o the_o great_a number_n witty_a generous_a and_o pleasant_a yea_o and_o reasonable_a too_o because_o reason_n shall_v precede_v confidence_n and_o consequent_o their_o example_n make_v great_a impression_n but_o i_o somewhat_o prevent_v myself_o the_o word_n be_v a_o proverbial_a verse_n in_o menander_n the_o poet._n whether_o s._n paul_n have_v read_v it_o himself_o or_o hear_v it_o often_o quote_v as_o a_o very_a useful_a proverbial_a speech_n be_v not_o material_a something_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o true_a render_n of_o the_o word_n before_o we_o lie_v out_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o discourse_n but_o very_o brief_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n in_o the_o translation_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d communication_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d good_a manner_n the_o first_o be_v translate_v by_o some_o colloquy_n narration_n discourse_n by_o our_o own_o here_o communication_n by_o other_o conversation_n use_v of_o company_n or_o the_o like_a i_o shall_v think_v this_o last_o best_a 1._o because_o it_o be_v more_o general_a and_o include_v the_o former_a 2._o because_o lexicographer_n expound_v it_o of_o both_o phavor_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v take_v for_o discourse_v or_o converse_v with_o another_o and_o in_o suidas_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o converse_v together_o as_o for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d good_a manner_n a_o learned_a expositor_n of_o our_o own_o will_v rather_o have_v it_o turn_v good_a nature_n or_o good_a disposition_n i_o e._n such_o who_o be_v very_o pliable_a and_o easy_a to_o agree_v with_o other_o in_o their_o discourse_n and_o action_n which_o be_v usual_o out_o of_o weakness_n of_o understanding_n and_o softness_n of_o nature_n together_o and_o sometime_o from_o a_o imprudent_a civility_n in_o which_o may_v be_v excess_n and_o loathness_n to_o give_v offence_n and_o willingness_n to_o please_v every_o body_n but_o i_o shall_v rather_o retain_v our_o own_o translation_n of_o good_a manner_n because_o although_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v sometime_o 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observe_v in_o noncompliance_n with_o evil_a example_n v._o make_v a_o inference_n or_o two_o i._o what_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o example_n be_v more_o powerful_a than_o precept_n and_o consequent_o bad_a one_o prevail_v easy_o against_o precept_n and_o rule_n of_o duty_n they_o seem_v to_o be_v these_o 1._o because_o example_n be_v more_o frequent_a than_o instruction_n for_o instruction_n the_o rule_n and_o reason_n of_o our_o opinion_n and_o practice_n be_v meet_v withal_o only_o in_o a_o few_o good_a book_n the_o bible_n in_o the_o first_o place_n or_o in_o discourse_n and_o lecture_n out_o of_o pulpit_n and_o desk_n or_o in_o the_o conversation_n of_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a men._n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v seldom_o look_v upon_o except_o on_o the_o outside_n and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a few_o hour_n of_o their_o life_n that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n and_o even_o of_o those_o of_o education_n and_o leisure_n who_o time_n lie_v upon_o their_o hand_n spend_v in_o 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the_o unfruitful_a work_n of_o darkness_n but_o rather_o reprove_v they_o say_v the_o apostle_n in_o that_o excellent_a epistle_n eph._n 5._o 11._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n from_o the_o good_a you_o will_v learn_v good_a among_o the_o bad_a you_o will_v sure_o grow_v worse_o like_v to_o that_o of_o the_o wise_a man_n prov._n 13._o 20._o he_o that_o walk_v with_o wise_a man_n shall_v be_v wise_a but_o the_o companion_n of_o fool_n shall_v be_v destroy_v aspice_fw-la quid_fw-la faciunt_fw-la commercia_fw-la venerat_fw-la obses_fw-la the_o youth_n once_o be_v very_o innocent_a behold_v what_o he_o be_v now_o how_o strange_o change_v by_o lewd_a company_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d associate_n not_o thyself_o to_o a_o wicked_a man_n these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o say_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o wise_a sort_n of_o man_n which_o do_v but_o remind_v we_o of_o the_o efficacy_n of_o example_n upon_o our_o manner_n and_o that_o far_o beyond_o the_o power_n 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the_o reason_n of_o the_o prevail_a influence_n of_o bad_a example_n against_o good_a one_o why_o ill_a example_n do_v so_o much_o more_o harm_n than_o good_a one_o do_v good_a we_o may_v observe_v these_o among_o other_o 1._o evil_a example_n be_v infinite_o more_o numerous_a we_o can_v hardly_o light_v upon_o a_o good_a one_o we_o can_v hardly_o miss_v a_o bad_a one_o good_a one_o we_o can_v hardly_o see_v any_o bad_a one_o we_o can_v but_o see_v many_o the_o high_a and_o the_o low_a the_o rich_a and_o the_o poor_a and_o the_o middle_a too_o it_o have_v be_v think_v indeed_o that_o this_o last_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v general_o the_o most_o sober_a and_o religious_a because_o great_a and_o rich_a man_n think_v themselves_o above_o god_n and_o religion_n poor_a man_n below_o it_o the_o one_o behave_v themselves_o as_o if_o god_n almighty_n dare_v not_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o they_o the_o other_o as_o if_o he_o will_v not_o both_o equal_o mistake_v but_o suppose_v it_o so_o yet_o 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be_v the_o reason_n why_o in_o a_o family_n small_a or_o great_a and_o in_o palace_n themselves_o the_o single_a example_n even_o of_o one_o or_o two_o of_o the_o great_a in_o it_o though_o deserve_o honour_v and_o belove_v too_o do_v so_o little_a good_a upon_o all_o the_o rest_n though_o it_o will_v otherwise_o be_v far_o worse_o it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v very_o many_o against_o one_o and_o how_o much_o less_o be_v it_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o in_o a_o place_n consist_v of_o many_o score_n or_o hundred_o of_o family_n the_o example_n of_o one_o or_o two_o who_o business_n it_o shall_v be_v to_o back_v their_o instruction_n with_o good_a one_o shall_v have_v any_o visible_a good_a effect_n unless_o their_o number_n be_v increase_v which_o will_v become_v the_o ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a care_n too_o or_o some_o more_o be_v please_v to_o give_v their_o assistance_n and_o make_v up_o a_o number_n 2._o but_o second_o the_o greatness_n of_o bad_a example_n be_v another_o cause_n of_o their_o great_a influence_n i_o do_v not_o know_v but_o that_o in_o proportion_n to_o their_o number_n there_o may_v be_v as_o many_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a person_n in_o the_o superior_a as_o in_o the_o inferior_a rank_n of_o man_n and_o that_o with_o more_o judgement_n and_o generosity_n but_o still_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o great_a the_o potent_a the_o honourable_a the_o rich_a the_o more_o be_v the_o pity_n be_v of_o the_o bad_a side_n though_o in_o the_o whole_a lump_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n put_v together_o infinite_o the_o major_a part_n in_o their_o practice_n at_o least_o shall_v vote_n for_o the_o licentious_a and_o vicious_a side_n yet_o it_o will_v not_o have_v near_o the_o influence_n it_o now_o have_v be_v not_o the_o major_a part_n of_o the_o great_a on_o that_o side_n too_o and_o of_o the_o same_o party_n to_o head_n and_o lead_v they_o so_o that_o it_o appear_v it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o number_n of_o voter_n but_o also_o the_o power_n and_o greatness_n of_o they_o that_o make_v ill_a example_n go_v so_o far_o and_o prevail_v so_o much_o be_v it_o the_o property_n of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o inferior_a sort_n only_o to_o be_v irreligious_a immoral_a and_o dissolute_a we_o shall_v soon_o see_v that_o party_n decrease_v and_o general_o desert_n both_o in_o inward_a principle_n and_o outward_a practice_n one_o excellent_a example_n of_o a_o great_a man_n will_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d outweigh_v a_o great_a number_n of_o small_a one_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n far_o from_o wise_a first_o esteem_v the_o man_n and_o then_o the_o manner_n at_o least_o the_o dignity_n and_o height_n of_o a_o vicious_a man_n make_v that_o vice_n seem_v little_a and_o tolerable_a if_o not_o honourable_a which_o be_v it_o only_o see_v in_o those_o of_o low_a place_n will_v be_v think_v contemptible_a and_o punishable_a alea_n turpis_fw-la turpe_fw-la &_o adulterium_fw-la mediocribus_fw-la haec_fw-la tamen_fw-la illi_fw-la omnia_fw-la cùm_fw-la faciant_fw-la hilares_fw-la nitidique_fw-la vocantur_fw-la we_o admire_v man_n for_o their_o power_n pomp_n and_o wealth_n and_o then_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o they_o leave_v not_o out_o their_o very_a vice_n too_o like_a as_o the_o pagan_n of_o old_a not_o only_o deify_v their_o hero_n but_o build_v temple_n and_o erect_a altar_n to_o some_o of_o their_o flagitious_a action_n and_o abominable_a crime_n as_o tully_n somewhere_o complain_v on_o the_o contrary_a the_o poor_a and_o mean_a man_n action_n according_a to_o the_o wise-man_n little_a history_n eccl._n 9_o 14._o though_o never_o so_o wise_a and_o beneficial_a too_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n be_v not_o heed_v or_o soon_o forget_v indeed_o it_o be_v truth_n and_o reason_n and_o not_o vulgar_a opinion_n only_o that_o power_n and_o greatness_n ability_n to_o effect_n and_o bring_v to_o pass_v
be_v to_o be_v honour_v but_o then_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v to_o direct_v and_o determine_v that_o power_n deserve_v it_o much_o more_o it_o be_v true_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n without_o power_n be_v moveless_a and_o ineffectual_a thing_n but_o then_o power_n without_o they_o may_v be_v most_o mischievous_a goodness_n without_o power_n if_o it_o can_v do_v no_o good_a yet_o it_o can_v do_v no_o harm_n but_o power_n without_o goodness_n may_v be_v use_v to_o make_v miserable_a if_o it_o be_v manage_v by_o cunning_a pride_n malice_n and_o ill-nature_n but_o above_o all_o be_v that_o person_n honourable_a and_o amiable_a where_o greatness_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n be_v in_o conjunction_n as_o it_o be_v in_o god_n with_o infinity_o the_o example_n of_o such_o work_n marvellous_a effect_n in_o their_o sphere_n and_o carry_v all_o before_o they_o they_o have_v great_a force_n to_o change_v the_o very_a inward_a spring_n and_o principle_n of_o man_n action_n their_o opinion_n and_o inclination_n at_o least_o they_o outward_o bound_v they_o to_o their_o good_a behaviour_n and_o oh_o that_o heaven_n as_o it_o have_v begin_v among_o we_o will_v go_v on_o to_o bless_v the_o world_n with_o such_o a_o happiness_n and_o refresh_v the_o soul_n of_o righteous_a man_n grieve_v and_o tire_v with_o wicked_a generation_n by_o so_o beautiful_a and_o lovely_a a_o sight_n and_o here_o we_o can_v miss_v to_o make_v the_o observation_n how_o much_o great_a obligation_n the_o great_a be_v under_o to_o look_v at_o their_o conduct_n and_o example_n than_o other_o and_o how_o much_o large_a their_o account_n will_v be_v for_o the_o evil_n they_o have_v and_o the_o good_a they_o may_v have_v do_v and_o what_o can_v be_v say_v by_o those_o for_o themselves_o who_o because_o they_o be_v great_a already_o will_v be_v great_a than_o god_n himself_o who_o make_v they_o so_o and_o take_v that_o liberty_n which_o he_o never_o use_v 3._o a_o three_o cause_n of_o the_o great_a 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to_o convey_v it_o acceptable_o and_o particular_o with_o a_o seem_a heedlessness_n of_o what_o one_o be_v do_v when_o indeed_o it_o be_v the_o main_a design_n to_o do_v it_o well_o like_v as_o the_o discreet_a physician_n may_v seem_v to_o his_o ungovernable_a patient_n to_o be_v do_v nothing_o of_o consequence_n when_o he_o design_v the_o administration_n of_o some_o effectual_a remedy_n for_o his_o disease_n 4._o the_o last_o cause_n we_o shall_v name_n be_v the_o most_o general_a corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n consist_v principal_o in_o prevail_a inclination_n to_o other_o object_n above_o those_o to_o religion_n virtue_n and_o wisdom_n the_o depravation_n and_o vitiosity_n of_o our_o active_a power_n be_v this_o that_o those_o appetite_n and_o inclination_n which_o shall_v be_v moderate_a governable_a and_o subservient_fw-fr be_v the_o most_o violent_a ungovernable_a and_o command_a though_o this_o cause_n be_v very_o general_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o remote_a but_o near_o and_o immediate_a this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o suppose_v good_a and_o bad_a example_n equal_a in_o number_n set_v before_o we_o and_o recommend_v alike_o advantageous_o we_o shall_v except_o here_o and_o there_o one_o secure_v by_o a_o rare_a felicity_n of_o temper_n or_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n without_o much_o deliberation_n enter_v ourselves_o into_o the_o worst_a company_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o if_o oration_n can_v be_v make_v with_o equal_a seem_a reason_n and_o eloquence_n for_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o we_o be_v the_o moderator_n perfect_o leave_v to_o our_o own_o liberty_n without_o the_o restraint_n of_o shame_n we_o shall_v soon_o hearty_o determine_v against_o virtue_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n at_o the_o bottom_n why_o one_o single_a example_n of_o one_o great_a man_n have_v more_o influence_n than_o twenty_o of_o the_o prudent_a and_o virtuous_a the_o wise_a and_o the_o good_a it_o be_v because_o our_o very_a opinion_n as_o well_o as_o our_o practice_n be_v pervert_v and_o corrupt_v we_o esteem_v admire_v and_o love_v power_n more_o than_o goodness_n to_o be_v great_a rather_o than_o good_a to_o do_v what_o we_o list_v rather_o than_o what_o we_o ought_v and_o then_o our_o general_a veneration_n and_o great_a opinion_n of_o the_o great_a incline_v we_o to_o a_o particular_a promiscuous_a approbation_n and_o imitation_n of_o what_o he_o be_v and_o do_v it_o be_v from_o this_o miserable_a inborn_a propension_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o vice_n heavy_a and_o forcible_a that_o if_o sometime_o by_o the_o most_o excellent_a and_o celebrate_a example_n we_o be_v a_o little_a heave_v upward_o that_o be_v all_o and_o we_o present_o flop_n down_o again_o all_o at_o once_o and_o sometime_o they_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o move_v we_o and_o all_o their_o beauty_n and_o lustre_n no_o more_o affect_v we_o than_o if_o we_o be_v deaf_a or_o blind_a it_o be_v from_o hence_o till_o it_o be_v change_v that_o like_o the_o fill_v it_o by_o swine_n we_o will_v never_o learn_v to_o be_v clean_o though_o in_o the_o midst_n â—f_n a_o verdant_a meadow_n cover_v with_o innocent_a sheep_n if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o puddle_n where_o we_o may_v wallow_v in_o the_o mire_n or_o like_o some_o natural_o clownish_a and_o slovenly_a people_n who_o will_v never_o be_v teach_v any_o decent_a carriage_n and_o manner_n though_o always_o in_o the_o company_n of_o those_o who_o be_v gentile_a and_o well-bred_a oh_o the_o deplorable_a pravity_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n desperate_a and_o utter_o incurable_a without_o a_o merciful_a touch_n by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o the_o special_a powerful_a influence_n of_o his_o grace_n prevent_v follow_a assist_v our_o earnest_a prayer_n and_o serious_a endeavour_n without_o which_o the_o company_n of_o heaven_n itself_o will_v never_o mend_v they_o they_o will_v still_o retain_v the_o propension_n and_o inclination_n nay_o the_o action_n too_o if_o they_o can_v of_o devil_n and_o brute_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n these_o
whole_a body_n and_o drive_v out_o the_o venom_n and_o leprosy_n of_o vice_n which_o have_v so_o long_o defile_v and_o deform_v it_o after_o hypocrisy_n enthusiasm_n immorality_n impiety_n and_o contempt_n of_o all_o religion_n superstition_n and_o idolatry_n successive_o we_o be_v in_o hope_n to_o see_v a_o serious_a enlighten_v and_o judicious_a piety_n and_o virtue_n which_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o frighten_v as_o shame_v and_o reason_n man_n out_o of_o vice_n and_o if_o together_o with_o this_o virtue_n and_o sobriety_n be_v always_o among_o other_o the_o distinguish_a condition_n as_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v of_o honour_n and_o all_o other_o secular_a advantage_n a_o great_a work_n will_v soon_o be_v in_o great_a measure_n do_v for_o i_o think_v vice_n never_o yet_o have_v so_o much_o esteem_v as_o to_o have_v one_o small_a martyr_n for_o it_o but_o 2._o we_o be_v not_o to_o follow_v bad_a example_n when_o give_v they_o can_v but_o tempt_v we_o not_o force_v we_o when_o the_o 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find_v they_o foolish_a mean_a impious_a or_o bad_a we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v draw_v away_o by_o their_o greatness_n number_n impunity_n nay_o encouragement_n too_o for_o we_o need_v not_o be_v advise_v of_o a_o thing_n so_o common_a that_o the_o companion_n and_o minister_n of_o vice_n may_v be_v cherish_v honour_a and_o reward_v when_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v neglect_v and_o slight_v as_o troublesome_a uneasy_a and_o ill_a company_n thus_o we_o may_v behave_v ourselves_o and_o not_o only_o secure_v ourselves_o but_o many_o other_o from_o the_o infection_n and_o contagion_n of_o foolish_a and_o wicked_a example_n but_o it_o may_v be_v otherwise_o too_o and_o we_o be_v always_o in_o very_o great_a danger_n of_o they_o and_o true_o general_o as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n now_o go_v they_o reach_v we_o and_o have_v their_o mischievous_a and_o pernicious_a effect_n more_o or_o less_o upon_o we_o which_o ought_v not_o to_o dismay_v we_o but_o still_o to_o increase_v our_o caution_n courage_n and_o resolution_n indeed_o we_o have_v have_v too_o long_o a_o experience_n of_o it_o and_o have_v feel_v its_o influence_n so_o deep_a and_o almost_o universal_a that_o it_o be_v not_o like_a in_o a_o long_a time_n yet_o to_o be_v work_v and_o wear_v out_o by_o the_o most_o operative_a and_o powerful_a remedy_n that_o can_v be_v apply_v we_o seem_v to_o have_v great_a need_n of_o a_o confederacy_n here_o too_o and_o all_o too_o weak_a and_o insufficient_a without_o the_o conjunction_n of_o the_o supreme_a power_n to_o head_n and_o conduct_v it_o which_o we_o may_v promise_v ourselves_o never_o can_v authority_n and_o power_n be_v employ_v in_o a_o better_a cause_n in_o which_o they_o shall_v certain_o have_v god_n on_o their_o side_n his_o assistance_n favour_n blessing_n and_o reward_n the_o hand_n and_o heart_n of_o the_o best_a man_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o all_o even_o of_o the_o very_o worst_a as_o for_o our_o particular_a let_v we_o listen_v ourselves_o under_o this_o confederacy_n and_o augment_v the_o number_n of_o heaven_n force_n against_o the_o army_n of_o hell_n and_o vice_n and_o even_o by_o multitude_n oppress_v they_o if_o we_o can_v but_o if_o not_o that_o at_o least_o let_v we_o by_o courage_n and_o conduct_n make_v good_a our_o ground_n and_o keep_v ourselves_o entire_a not_o only_o receive_v the_o bold_a attack_n of_o vice_n and_o folly_n unmoved_a but_o sometime_o charge_v through_o the_o most_o resolute_a of_o their_o troop_n and_o may_v the_o god_n of_o all_o power_n and_o victory_n who_o be_v not_o a_o unconcern_v spectator_n of_o the_o endeavour_n and_o prayer_n of_o his_o faithful_a servant_n multiply_v their_o number_n increase_v their_o zeal_n courage_n and_o constancy_n and_o in_o some_o measure_n grant_v they_o here_o present_a success_n however_o we_o be_v abundant_o assure_v that_o he_o will_v hereafter_o signal_o own_o their_o service_n and_o crown_v it_o with_o a_o glorious_a reward_n sermon_n ii_o 1_o pet._n iu_o 4._o wherein_o they_o think_v it_o strange_a that_o you_o run_v not_o with_o they_o to_o the_o same_o excess_n of_o riot_n speak_v evil_a of_o you_o when_o first_o christian_n religion_n be_v introduce_v and_o society_n which_o make_v public_a profession_n of_o it_o be_v form_v there_o never_o appear_v a_o great_a contrariety_n of_o manner_n in_o the_o world_n than_o there_o be_v between_o the_o christian_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n the_o former_a be_v eminent_o pure_a spiritually-minded_n humble_a just_a and_o in_o all_o instance_n charitable_a the_o latter_a most_o impure_a proud_a malicious_a envious_a cruel_a the_o gentile_n except_o here_o and_o there_o a_o philosopher_n or_o a_o good_a natur'd-man_n be_v as_o much_o corrupt_v in_o their_o manner_n and_o life_n as_o inhabit_v together_o upon_o this_o earth_n can_v well_o bear_v their_o very_a religion_n be_v the_o worst_a part_n of_o their_o condition_n teach_v they_o beastliness_n and_o cruelty_n to_o such_o excess_n that_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v correct_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o supreme_a civil_a power_n as_o the_o bacchanalia_fw-la among_o the_o roman_n some_o of_o the_o father_n just_o reproach_v they_o that_o their_o religion_n teach_v they_o nothing_o of_o morality_n as_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v but_o only_o childish_a superstitious_a or_o beastly_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o several_a place_n give_v we_o abundant_o to_o understand_v the_o most_o lamentable_a condition_n of_o the_o gentile_a world_n when_o the_o gospel_n or_o christian_a institution_n come_v first_o among_o they_o particular_o the_o epistle_n 4._o rom._n 1._o ephes_n 2._o 4._o to_o the_o roman_n and_o the_o ephesian_n as_o for_o the_o jew_n though_o their_o religion_n be_v good_a and_o wise_o institute_v in_o that_o place_n which_o it_o have_v of_o the_o whole_a divine_a oeconomy_n and_o providence_n over_o all_o mankind_n from_o beginning_n to_o end_n and_o although_o they_o have_v excellent_a book_n of_o morality_n of_o which_o i_o reckon_v piety_n and_o devotion_n the_o principal_a part_n in_o their_o hand_n yet_o both_o their_o inward_a manner_n and_o outward_a practice_n general_o be_v little_o better_a than_o that_o of_o the_o heathen_n except_o in_o one_o point_n of_o idolatry_n they_o live_v every_o where_o promiscuous_o with_o the_o gentile_n and_o under_o their_o dominion_n soon_o grow_v like_o they_o retain_v only_o what_o they_o can_v of_o the_o rite_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o some_o true_a opinion_n concern_v the_o deity_n to_o distinguish_v they_o st._n paul_n charge_v they_o with_o a_o universal_a defection_n and_o corruption_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n chap._n 2._o 3._o and_o their_o own_o writer_n be_v witness_n how_o wicked_a they_o be_v and_o the_o talmudist_n particular_o have_v a_o tradition_n that_o just_a before_o the_o come_n of_o the_o messiah_n impudence_n in_o wickedness_n shall_v abound_v as_o some_o think_v it_o will_v before_o his_o second_o come_v this_o be_v a_o deplorable_a state_n of_o humane_a race_n but_o consider_v the_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n which_o have_v so_o long_o cover_v the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n where_o they_o rare_o hear_v or_o but_o suspect_v any_o thing_n better_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o but_o strange_a it_o be_v when_o they_o hear_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o do_v but_o see_v the_o contrary_a manner_n and_o practiser_n of_o its_o professor_n that_o they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o they_o startle_v and_o yet_o strange_a that_o they_o shall_v wonder_v at_o the_o christian_n that_o they_o will_v not_o live_v as_o they_o do_v and_o yet_o so_o it_o be_v then_o with_o the_o heathen_n towards_o the_o christian_n and_o so_o it_o be_v still_o with_o bad_a christian_n little_o more_o such_o than_o in_o name_n and_o infinite_o the_o most_o numerous_a towards_o the_o good_a
who_o be_v in_o heart_n and_o life_n obedient_a to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o be_v the_o observation_n as_o brief_o as_o may_v be_v to_o be_v treat_v of_o vicious_a and_o dissolute_a man_n wonder_v that_o all_o other_o be_v not_o like_o themselves_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v of_o but_o that_o they_o have_v their_o reason_n for_o it_o whatever_o they_o be_v and_o they_o be_v the_o same_o by_o which_o they_o use_v to_o justify_v and_o excuse_v themselves_o and_o all_o other_o who_o be_v draw_v to_o compliance_n with_o naughty_a manner_n and_o corrupt_v by_o evil_a example_n it_o shall_v be_v my_o business_n at_o this_o time_n to_o see_v what_o some_o of_o they_o be_v and_o to_o give_v the_o strong_a of_o they_o its_o full_a answer_n we_o may_v conceive_v some_o of_o they_o to_o be_v these_o they_o say_v then_o that_o as_o the_o world_n ever_o do_v and_o now_o go_v to_o be_v conscientious_a pious_a and_o virtuous_a be_v 1._o to_o be_v singular_a and_o to_o call_v all_o man_n eye_n and_o talk_v and_o censure_n towards_o we_o 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v solitary_a melancholy_n and_o cheerless_a when_o other_o be_v divert_v court_v and_o crowd_v with_o good_a company_n 3._o it_o be_v to_o be_v contemptible_a and_o ridiculous_a 4._o to_o be_v revile_v and_o persecute_v 5._o it_o be_v to_o undertake_v a_o impossible_a or_o at_o least_o a_o extreme_o difficult_a and_o consequent_o painful_a thing_n we_o have_v not_o time_n to_o speak_v any_o thing_n considerable_a to_o all_o these_o excuse_n for_o the_o present_a we_o will_v take_v only_o the_o three_o last_o and_o of_o they_o put_v the_o two_o first_o together_o more_o brief_o but_o the_o last_o of_o all_o which_o seem_v the_o best_a they_o have_v and_o be_v by_o experience_n find_v most_o to_o deter_v man_n from_o the_o resolution_n of_o undertake_v a_o virtuous_a life_n and_o bid_v a_o final_a farewell_n to_o vicious_a manner_n and_o company_n be_v that_o which_o we_o shall_v hear_v and_o answer_v more_o particular_o 1._o in_o the_o first_o place_n then_o to_o abstain_v from_o the_o evil_a manner_n and_o life_n of_o the_o bad_a to_o join_v ourselves_o to_o and_o practice_v with_o the_o good_a the_o first_o be_v the_o generality_n of_o man_n of_o all_o rank_n and_o condition_n will_v expose_v we_o to_o much_o contempt_n hatred_n and_o ill_a treatment_n we_o shall_v meet_v with_o neither_o favour_n nor_o justice_n such_o be_v the_o usage_n of_o the_o christian_n by_o the_o heathen_n here_o in_o the_o text_n they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d speak_v evil_a viz._n of_o the_o christian_n no_o doubt_v their_o tongue_n and_o their_o heart_n and_o their_o action_n go_v together_o they_o revile_v despise_v hate_a and_o ill_o use_v the_o christian_n because_o they_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o their_o abominable_a custom_n and_o practice_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n still_o in_o general_n though_o there_o may_v be_v some_o difference_n in_o degree_n and_o some_o circumstance_n between_o the_o bad_a and_o the_o good_a even_o of_o the_o same_o external_a profession_n of_o religion_n of_o which_o some_o of_o the_o cause_n in_o few_o word_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o foolish_a and_o false_a opinion_n of_o libertine_n especial_o if_o great_a who_o take_v licentiousness_n to_o be_v the_o privilege_n and_o property_n of_o their_o rank_n that_o religious_a and_o conscientious_a man_n be_v timorous_a and_o mean_v spirit_v because_o they_o dare_v not_o venture_v upon_o some_o action_n and_o course_n which_o they_o fear_v not_o when_o it_o true_o proceed_v from_o their_o judgement_n choice_n and_o a_o great_a mind_n or_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v proud_a and_o self-conceited_a think_v themselves_o wise_a than_o every_o body_n else_o and_o on_o purpose_n contradict_v common_a practice_n whereas_o it_o be_v true_a wisdom_n and_o good_a understanding_n to_o fear_n god_n and_o depart_v from_o evil_n it_o be_v piety_n to_o god_n charity_n and_o compassion_n to_o the_o world_n prudent_a care_n of_o their_o own_o great_a interest_n final_o they_o think_v that_o the_o opposite_a manner_n of_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n reproach_v they_o first_o these_o by_o their_o course_n of_o life_n which_o they_o take_v in_o effect_n call_v they_o fool_n or_o perverse_a weak_a or_o wilful_a which_o indeed_o be_v true_a but_o it_o be_v the_o necessary_a signification_n of_o their_o principle_n which_o they_o can_v help_v nor_o be_v they_o willing_a if_o they_o can_v because_o they_o hope_v it_o may_v at_o last_o prevail_v upon_o some_o of_o they_o to_o be_v wise_a and_o to_o do_v better_o at_o least_o they_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o appear_v in_o and_o for_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o not_o any_o way_n to_o contribute_v to_o the_o danger_n of_o the_o few_o good_a or_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o many_o bad_a but_o let_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o unjust_a usage_n of_o the_o religious_a and_o conscientious_a be_v what_o they_o will_v it_o be_v confess_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v true_a but_o it_o be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n either_o for_o the_o compliance_n of_o the_o good_a or_o for_o the_o wonder_n of_o the_o bad_a that_o they_o do_v not_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o better_a reason_n for_o virtue_n and_o live_v well_o than_o the_o please_a of_o man_n not_o one_o in_o 1000_o of_o which_o have_v any_o reason_n at_o all_o for_o what_o they_o be_v use_v do_v but_o only_a humour_n passion_n appetite_n and_o example_n of_o the_o most_o and_o worst_a it_o be_v true_a he_o that_o discreet_o and_o conscientious_o will_v not_o go_v with_o a_o multitude_n to_o do_v evil_a may_v be_v evil_o speak_v of_o and_o ill_o use_v by_o the_o blind_a inconsiderate_a or_o cowardly_a but_o can_v never_o deserve_v it_o it_o be_v they_o who_o be_v the_o foolish_a and_o ofttimes_o perverse_a and_o wilful_a in_o their_o pernicious_a folly_n and_o therefore_o their_o quality_n to_o be_v despise_v and_o their_o person_n pity_v let_v man_n give_v i_o better_a reason_n than_o i_o have_v for_o what_o they_o do_v and_o i_o will_v follow_v and_o thank_v they_o too_o but_o this_o contempt_n of_o those_o who_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n but_o their_o confidence_n number_n and_o humour_n or_o blind_a passion_n and_o inclination_n be_v to_o be_v contemn_v and_o will_v never_o move_v a_o man_n of_o ordinary_a spirit_n or_o understanding_n who_o know_v what_o and_o for_o what_o reason_n he_o ought_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o argument_n for_o imitation_n of_o the_o many_o great_a or_o small_a in_o evil_a manner_n to_o avoid_v be_v neglect_v contemn_a despise_a frown_v upon_o or_o hate_v reach_v only_o the_o more_o mean_a and_o vulgar_a mind_n whatever_o they_o appear_v from_o which_o notwithstanding_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v secure_v by_o particular_o show_v and_o mind_v they_o of_o the_o folly_n and_o injustice_n of_o it_o in_o respect_n of_o god_n our_o neighbour_n and_o ourselves_o and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n to_o be_v make_v which_o be_v worst_a to_o be_v real_o a_o ill_a man_n and_o to_o be_v ill-spoken_a of_o or_o ill-used_a by_o ill_a man_n through_o pride_n and_o ill-nature_n or_o even_o by_o the_o better_a through_o mistake_n for_o we_o will_v take_v but_o that_o one_o consideration_n of_o our_o own_o true_a interest_n and_o a_o prudent_a care_n of_o ourselves_o who_o will_v not_o take_v it_o for_o a_o reproach_n to_o be_v count_v like_o a_o silly_a sheep_n to_o drown_v for_o company_n or_o prefer_v be_v wicked_a and_o miserable_a with_o a_o multitude_n before_o be_v innocent_a and_o happy_a alone_a lest_o they_o shall_v scoff_n or_o be_v angry_a with_o they_o for_o cowardice_n or_o break_v company_n suppose_v nineteen_o of_o twenty_o shall_v in_o a_o frolic_a draw_v their_o blood_n or_o drink_v poison_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o health_n or_o endanger_v life_n do_v any_o man_n think_v himself_o under_o the_o least_o temptation_n to_o imitate_v such_o folly_n and_o madness_n lest_o he_o shall_v be_v take_v for_o a_o dastard_n or_o a_o ill_a companion_n these_o similitude_n be_v not_o impertinent_a or_o improper_a let_v man_n believe_v as_o they_o please_v for_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n continue_v in_o be_v and_o will_v be_v as_o sure_o the_o death_n and_o destruction_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o often_o of_o our_o body_n and_o estate_n altogether_o as_o some_o wound_n and_o potion_n be_v mortiferous_a to_o our_o body_n only_o add_v to_o this_o the_o consideration_n of_o piety_n to_o god_n and_o charity_n to_o men._n the_o good_a man_n who_o reckon_v himself_o bear_v for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o to_o do_v good_a to_o other_o as_o well_o as_o enjoy_v it_o himself_o reason_n
any_o in_o sincerity_n and_o reality_n but_o only_o for_o by-end_n and_o in_o outward_a appearance_n but_o this_o be_v certain_o false_a and_o there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o world_n who_o after_o impartial_a enquiry_n and_o mature_a deliberation_n of_o what_o be_v real_o true_a and_o good_a nor_o do_v they_o affect_v to_o be_v mistake_v as_o wilful_o vicious_a man_n do_v be_v convince_v that_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n be_v the_o perfection_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o only_a source_n of_o felicity_n of_o life_n which_o leave_v not_o there_o but_o entire_o possess_v they_o with_o the_o most_o inward_a inclination_n of_o their_o heart_n to_o it_o and_o with_o the_o most_o ardent_a aspire_v to_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n of_o it_o their_o nature_n can_v receive_v and_o be_v so_o uneasy_a under_o the_o delay_n hindrance_n and_o opposition_n they_o meet_v withal_o in_o this_o state_n that_o they_o have_v ofttimes_o much_o ado_n to_o secure_v their_o patience_n and_o dutiful_a behaviour_n to_o god_n almighty_a that_o against_o the_o pretend_a impossibility_n 2._o for_o the_o great_a difficulty_n pain_n and_o pain_n we_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o great_a and_o frightful_a as_o be_v usual_o imagine_v for_o 1._o we_o be_v not_o alone_o and_o helpless_a far_o from_o it_o there_o be_v in_o this_o design_n and_o resolution_n of_o rescue_v ourselves_o from_o the_o dominion_n and_o slavery_n of_o that_o evil_a one_o of_o blind_a concupiscence_n contemptible_a appetite_n and_o pernicious_a lust_n and_o of_o return_v to_o our_o just_a obedience_n to_o god_n and_o reason_n there_o be_v i_o say_v one_o great_a for_o we_o than_o all_o that_o be_v against_o we_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o assist_v we_o nay_o it_o be_v that_o which_o prevent_v we_o all_o in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o with_o good_a counsel_n and_o desire_n and_o cause_v we_o to_o begin_v to_o look_v the_o right-way_n to_o bethink_v ourselves_o to_o be_v serious_a and_o not_o to_o play_v the_o child_n all_o our_o life_n this_o if_o we_o cherish_v they_o be_v more_o at_o hand_n still_o and_o if_o conscious_a or_o suspicious_a of_o our_o own_o weakness_n we_o by_o earnest_a prayer_n implore_v it_o and_o by_o our_o endeavour_n concur_v with_o it_o we_o shall_v not_o fail_v of_o such_o a_o supply_n which_o together_o with_o the_o divine_a providence_n dispose_v the_o circumstance_n of_o our_o life_n will_v render_v the_o work_n much_o easy_a than_o be_v at_o first_o thought_n and_o in_o some_o time_n delightful_a the_o heathen_n themselves_o be_v not_o ignorant_a of_o divine_a operation_n and_o influence_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n but_o it_o make_v a_o considerable_a and_o in_o my_o opinion_n a_o very_a august_n part_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o reveal_v religion_n but_o 2_o it_o be_v true_o say_v that_o this_o difficulty_n of_o change_n from_o bad_a to_o good_a of_o withdraw_v from_o old_a but_o evil_a company_n and_o practice_n be_v principal_o at_o the_o beginning_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n thing_n be_v indeed_o by_o the_o divine_a disposition_n come_v to_o that_o pass_n that_o virtue_n be_v to_o be_v sweat_n for_o at_o the_o beginning_n the_o way_n to_o it_o at_o first_o be_v steep_a and_o rough_a but_o when_o the_o ascent_n be_v mount_v there_o open_v a_o spacious_a and_o smooth_a plain_n which_o make_v abundant_a recompense_n by_o its_o ease_n and_o delight_n the_o suit_n the_o progress_n of_o a_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a state_n of_o soul_n perpetual_o exercise_v itself_o in_o act_n of_o godliness_n righteousness_n and_o sobriety_n be_v full_a of_o pleasure_n the_o most_o sincere_a penetrate_a constant_a and_o durable_a without_o any_o mixture_n remorse_n uncomfortable_a reflection_n suspicion_n or_o foreboding_n nay_o multiply_v by_o remembrance_n and_o hope_n which_o vice_n never_o dare_v to_o pretend_v to_o when_o the_o first_o brunt_n be_v over_o and_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o mind_n set_v right_a and_o restore_v to_o their_o primitive_a just_a and_o natural_a order_n and_o constitution_n for_o virtue_n be_v first_o vice_n super-induced_n the_o great_a pain_n and_o difficulty_n than_o will_v be_v to_o commit_v a_o sin_n to_o do_v a_o foolish_a or_o ill_a thing_n and_o continue_v in_o it_o the_o ease_n the_o pleasure_n will_v be_v to_o acknowledge_v condemn_v and_o forsake_v it_o then_o the_o scale_n will_v be_v turn_v not_o gratify_v obey_v submit_v to_o a_o malapert_a appetite_n a_o insolent_a lust_n a_o blind_a passion_n but_o the_o denial_n command_n suppression_n steady_a government_n of_o all_o these_o by_o religion_n and_o reason_n will_v be_v our_o glory_n peace_n and_o intimate_a satisfaction_n they_o have_v be_v the_o heathen_n too_o who_o have_v say_v such_o thing_n as_o these_o of_o which_o sure_o many_o of_o these_o very_a wanderer_n can_v not_o be_v ignorant_a semita_fw-la certè_fw-la tranquillae_fw-la per_fw-la virtutem_fw-la patet_fw-la unica_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la much_o like_o that_o of_o the_o divine_a poet_n great_a peace_n have_v all_o they_o that_o keep_v thy_o law_n now_o if_o it_o be_v thus_o as_o most_o certain_o it_o be_v bad_a man_n be_v mistake_v in_o their_o plea_n and_o much_o out_o in_o their_o reckon_n when_o they_o fright_v themselves_o and_o other_o from_o a_o good_a and_o virtuous_a life_n by_o the_o painfulness_n of_o it_o for_o the_o tediousness_n and_o pleasure_n of_o a_o whole_a journey_n such_o as_o our_o life_n be_v will_v be_v very_o childish_o estimate_v by_o the_o first_o mile_n or_o two_o and_o yet_o further_o 3_o i_o think_v it_o most_o certain_a that_o we_o may_v not_o shrink_v at_o the_o first_o onset_n that_o the_o very_o first_o step_n of_o change_n and_o conversion_n from_o bad_a manner_n to_o good_a some_o of_o the_o first_o act_n of_o repentance_n such_o as_o be_v self-condemnation_n indignation_n sorrow_n and_o contrition_n of_o heart_n for_o our_o most_o belove_a sin_n firm_a resolution_n utter_o to_o forsake_v they_o follow_v with_o watchfulness_n and_o endeavour_n earnest_a prayer_n to_o god_n for_o forgiveness_n i_o say_v even_o these_o have_v that_o secret_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n attend_v they_o which_o outweigh_v their_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n it_o be_v true_a to_o be_v disorder_v ashamed_a confound_v and_o vex_v at_o our_o wickedness_n and_o folly_n to_o despise_v and_o reproach_v ourselves_o to_o pull_v from_o our_o heart_n with_o a_o violent_a hand_n that_o which_o have_v have_v so_o long_o and_o kind_a a_o abode_n there_o and_o still_o make_v great_a resistance_n for_o all_o can_v be_v do_v at_o once_o this_o certain_o by_o itself_o be_v no_o desirable_a condition_n but_o than_o it_o be_v blend_v with_o or_o immediate_o follow_v by_o a_o strange_a secret_a joy_n and_o satisfaction_n diffuse_v through_o the_o intimate_a recess_n of_o the_o spirit_n from_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o beginning_n recovery_n and_o reconvalescency_n of_o our_o soul_n of_o their_o restitution_n to_o their_o natural_a constitution_n at_o the_o first_o birth_n of_o soul_n of_o the_o assure_a reconciliation_n and_o favour_n of_o almighty_a god_n our_o heavenly_a father_n and_o final_o of_o a_o hopeful_a nay_o safe_a condition_n to_o eternity_n so_o that_o take_v all_o together_o a_o man_n may_v with_o great_a assurance_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v or_o may_v be_v more_o of_o joy_n than_o sadness_n more_o of_o ease_n and_o comfort_n than_o pain_n and_o sorrow_n in_o repentance_n the_o sour_a diet_n a_o good_a man_n taste_v of_o and_o this_o proportion_n be_v still_o the_o great_a by_o how_o much_o the_o grief_n for_o sin_n be_v more_o penetrate_a and_o press_v as_o be_v a_o evidence_n of_o its_o sincerity_n a_o penitent_a upon_o his_o knee_n sip_v in_o his_o briny_a tear_n as_o they_o trickle_v may_v take_v down_o a_o more_o delicious_a draught_n than_o he_o who_o quaff_v off_o his_o full_a bowl_n fill_v with_o the_o choice_a liquor_n sincere_a repentance_n be_v like_a relief_n under_o a_o heavy_a burden_n or_o the_o set_n a_o disjoint_v limb_n or_o the_o recover_n of_o good_a appetite_n clear_a health_n and_o vigorous_a sense_n by_o a_o bitter_a potion_n or_o two_o so_o be_v it_o i_o say_v even_o now_o find_v by_o experience_n as_o unhappy_a as_o our_o nature_n now_o be_v and_o those_o who_o be_v at_o present_a very_o hard_o to_o believe_v it_o will_v never_o i_o be_o sure_o employ_v their_o time_n better_o than_o to_o make_v trial_n of_o it_o themselves_o all_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o be_v most_o remarkable_o verify_v in_o holy_a david_n one_o of_o the_o great_a soul_n that_o ever_o dwell_v in_o a_o earthly_a body_n of_o which_o he_o himself_o be_v witness_n in_o several_a psalm_n and_o it_o may_v be_v often_o observe_v in_o other_o good_a man_n after_o such_o a_o performance_n who_o without_o any_o design_n never_o appear_v more_o easy_a and_o please_v in_o themselves_o and_o more_o innocent_o
cheerful_a with_o other_o such_o than_o be_v the_o second_o answer_n to_o the_o plea_n of_o the_o extreme_a difficulty_n pain_n and_o pain_n in_o conversion_n and_o reformation_n in_o correct_v this_o propension_n of_o deprave_a nature_n and_o quit_v the_o most_o numerous_a evil_a example_n namely_o that_o we_o have_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n to_o assist_v we_o and_o render_v it_o more_o easy_a that_o the_o difficulty_n be_v principal_o at_o the_o beginning_n and_o first_o onset_n and_o yet_o that_o even_o there_o the_o pleasure_n and_o ease_v far_o outweigh_v the_o pain_n and_o labour_n and_o final_o that_o in_o the_o suit_n of_o a_o virtuous_a state_n of_o soul_n exercise_n and_o action_n there_o be_v pleasure_n sincere_a deep_a constant_a and_o durable_a and_o but_o the_o sample_n and_o commencement_n of_o infinite_o great_a still_o the_o difficulty_n and_o pain_n will_v lie_v on_o the_o side_n of_o vice_n and_o that_o it_o be_v most_o true_a that_o a_o sincere_a and_o generous_a good_a man_n may_v find_v it_o more_o hard_a and_o vexatious_a to_o he_o to_o be_v bring_v to_o do_v a_o evil_a thing_n than_o the_o most_o bold_a and_o accustom_a sinner_n to_o do_v a_o good_a one_o go_v we_o on_o further_a and_o 3._o suppose_v if_o we_o please_v that_o which_o be_v false_a the_o utmost_a difficulty_n labour_n and_o suffer_v throughout_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o virtuous_a and_o conscientious_a life_n nay_o suppose_v we_o may_v lose_v life_n itself_o for_o their_o sake_n and_o in_o their_o cause_n have_v we_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o thing_n hereafter_o or_o have_v we_o satisfy_v ourselves_o with_o a_o demonstration_n that_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v in_o that_o will_v there_o be_v no_o reward_n for_o the_o righteous_a no_o vengeance_n for_o the_o wicked_a have_v not_o these_o very_a gentile_n themselves_o their_o elysian_a field_n for_o the_o just_a their_o tartara_fw-la styx_n and_o acheron_n and_o various_a sort_n of_o never_o end_a punishment_n for_o their_o wicked_a too_o have_v not_o the_o jew_n many_o of_o who_o be_v infect_v with_o the_o heathen_a manner_n their_o paradise_n for_o the_o holy_a and_o their_o gehinnom_n for_o sinner_n if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o fable_n they_o assure_o do_v believe_v the_o moral_a of_o it_o viz._n the_o happy_a state_n of_o the_o good_a and_o the_o miserable_a one_o of_o the_o bad_a and_o that_o everlasting_a too_o as_o may_v be_v show_v as_o for_o christian_n do_v they_o not_o know_v that_o in_o the_o day_n when_o god_n shall_v judge_v the_o world_n by_o jesus_n christ_n he_o will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n to_o those_o who_o patient_o continue_v in_o well-doing_n eternal_a life_n and_o to_o those_o who_o obey_v unrighteousness_n indignation_n wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n have_v not_o truth_n itself_o tell_v they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o the_o righteous_a shall_v go_v into_o everlasting_a life_n but_o the_o wicked_a into_o everlasting_a punishment_n we_o need_v not_o stand_v to_o reason_n upon_o such_o concession_n the_o case_n be_v plain_a what_o we_o ought_v to_o do_v if_o we_o have_v but_o common_a sense_n and_o understanding_n be_v it_o not_o a_o most_o contemptible_a and_o pitiable_a condition_n we_o be_v in_o if_o we_o suffer_v ourselves_o to_o perish_v everlasting_o because_o we_o will_v not_o take_v the_o pain_n of_o a_o few_o day_n to_o be_v save_v to_o fall_v into_o a_o state_n of_o meanness_n and_o misery_n whence_o no_o redemption_n through_o mere_a laziness_n or_o cowardice_n have_v not_o the_o heart_n to_o encounter_v some_o difficulty_n or_o courage_n to_o bear_v some_o present_a pain_n and_o pain_n though_o it_o be_v the_o pull_v out_o of_o a_o eye_n or_o cut_v off_o a_o hand_n oh_o where_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o such_o who_o easy_o swim_v down_o in_o a_o pleasant_a stream_n which_o run_v into_o a_o dead_a sea_n or_o a_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n where_o be_v their_o reason_n who_o forewarn_v dance_v on_o merry_o with_o a_o jolly_a crowd_n in_o a_o smooth_a way_n till_o at_o last_o they_o tumble_v altogether_o into_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o volcano_n when_o they_o be_v a_o hundred_o time_n advise_v and_o entreat_v to_o take_v a_o certain_a path_n at_o its_o entrance_n indeed_o more_o solitary_a rugged_a and_o a_o little_a toilsome_a if_o you_o please_v but_o which_o in_o a_o short_a time_n will_v bring_v they_o into_o a_o place_n beyond_o all_o imagination_n delicious_a furnish_v with_o the_o most_o agreeable_a and_o excellent_a company_n eternal_o secure_a from_o any_o disturbance_n from_o within_o or_o without_o who_o part_n be_v it_o now_o to_o wonder_v be_v the_o riotous_a dissolute_a and_o vicious_a to_o wonder_v at_o the_o folly_n and_o weakness_n as_o they_o think_v of_o the_o pious_a virtuous_a and_o well-governed_a or_o these_o at_o the_o wilful_a madness_n or_o sottishness_n of_o the_o former_a these_o no_o doubt_n if_o all_o be_v true_a that_o have_v be_v say_v but_o some_o who_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n to_o fear_n will_v not_o believe_v so_o great_a severity_n so_o they_o term_v it_o of_o almighty_a god_n to_o sinner_n though_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o believe_v his_o kindness_n and_o bounty_n to_o the_o good_a man_n can_v believe_v almost_o what_o they_o please_v and_o that_o against_o the_o most_o universal_a tradition_n reason_n and_o conscience_n of_o mankind_n but_o they_o have_v some_o reason_n what_o be_v that_o sinner_n can_v hurt_v god_n and_o do_v but_o enjoy_v themselves_o be_v this_o say_v in_o earnest_n or_o be_v it_o only_o because_o they_o will_v not_o open_o own_o infidelity_n but_o 1_o they_o will_v hurt_v god_n almighty_a if_o they_o can_v and_o every_o one_o else_o be_v their_o power_n answerable_a to_o their_o will_n god_n himself_o will_v not_o be_v safe_a or_o happy_a every_o know_v and_o wilful_a sinner_n who_o oppose_v or_o comply_v not_o with_o god_n most_o wise_a and_o beneficial_a government_n of_o the_o world_n by_o his_o law_n and_o decree_n by_o his_o command_n and_o appointment_n have_v the_o insolence_n and_o do_v what_o he_o can_v to_o make_v god_n and_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o personal_a pleasure_n and_o lust_n and_o be_v the_o enemy_n of_o god_n and_o all_o that_o he_o have_v make_v and_o i_o think_v such_o a_o one_o deserve_v the_o severe_a punishment_n and_o so_o do_v all_o humane_a government_n judge_v and_o act_v too_o the_o very_a will_n and_o purpose_n alone_o be_v a_o tendency_n to_o such_o mischief_n it_o be_v a_o partial_a and_o inchoative_a cause_n and_o be_v according_o to_o be_v use_v of_o which_o further_a reason_n may_v be_v still_o give_v but_o 2._o according_a to_o this_o reason_a god_n must_v not_o reward_v his_o faithful_a servant_n who_o love_v he_o for_o they_o can_v as_o little_a profit_n god_n as_o the_o rebellious_a and_o malicious_a hurt_v he_o if_o god_n accept_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n and_o reward_v it_o too_o why_o may_v he_o not_o punish_v the_o will_n for_o the_o deed_n likewise_o and_o 3._o i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o that_o the_o act_n of_o will_n be_v the_o only_a proper_a act_n of_o a_o man_n and_o that_o all_o external_a effect_n be_v from_o god_n when_o and_o in_o what_o measure_n he_o please_v so_o that_o in_o proper_a speak_n a_o sinner_n hurt_v no_o body_n but_o will_n to_o do_v it_o he_o be_v indeed_o inward_o malicious_a proud_a careless_a of_o every_o one_o but_o himself_o or_o gratify_v his_o own_o lust_n that_o these_o have_v any_o external_a effect_n more_o or_o less_o come_v from_o another_o hand_n last_o he_o can_v hardly_o seem_v in_o earnest_n who_o ask_v why_o vicious_a man_n shall_v be_v punish_v so_o severe_o only_o for_o enjoy_v themselves_o nevertheless_o because_o we_o do_v not_o know_v how_o childish_a trifle_a and_o foolish_a vice_n may_v indeed_o render_v some_o man_n even_o in_o thing_n of_o the_o vast_a importance_n we_o say_v that_o to_o take_v the_o three_o capital_a and_o general_a one_o malice_n pride_n and_o sensuality_n impiety_n injustice_n covetousness_n and_o a_o hundred_o other_o be_v only_o their_o kind_n or_o instrument_n the_o malicious_a man_n delight_v in_o mischief_n and_o will_v do_v nothing_o else_o too_o if_o god_n will_v permit_v or_o rather_o lend_v he_o his_o power_n for_o such_o a_o purpose_n the_o proud_a man_n and_o the_o envious_a which_o seem_v compose_v of_o pride_n and_o ill-nature_n will_v have_v every_o one_o under_o his_o foot_n and_o may_v affect_v superiority_n in_o every_o thing_n to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o to_o permit_v none_o to_o enjoy_v any_o good_a thing_n but_o himself_o if_o his_o will_n and_o desire_n be_v attend_v by_o a_o equal_a power_n to_o execute_v they_o the_o sensualist_n who_o seem_v most_o intend_v in_o this_o excuse_n if_o he_o will_v
and_o the_o justifier_n of_o bad_a man_n and_o manner_n the_o answer_n in_o few_o word_n be_v this_o that_o suppose_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o a_o conscientious_a and_o virtuous_a life_n to_o be_v very_o painful_a and_o grievous_a which_o be_v false_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o folly_n and_o madness_n which_o deserve_v the_o great_a wonder_n and_o pity_n for_o the_o avoid_n of_o that_o to_o lose_v a_o everlasting_a happiness_n and_o to_o plunge_v ourselves_o into_o a_o eternal_a misery_n which_o be_v not_o talk_v only_o but_o truth_n and_o justice_n if_o there_o be_v any_o god_n or_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n to_o a_o man_n of_o a_o comprehensive_a reason_n justice_n and_o generosity_n may_v be_v add_v further_o and_o beyond_o all_o the_o rest_n a_o 4._o answer_v which_o i_o must_v not_o now_o insist_v upon_o but_o only_o in_o very_o few_o word_n say_v to_o please_v serve_v and_o honour_n god_n by_o love_n and_o obedience_n to_o contribute_v what_o we_o can_v to_o the_o common_a good_a and_o happiness_n by_o all_o virtuous_a life_n and_o action_n vice_n be_v useless_a or_o mischievous_a a_o common_a nuysance_n be_v certain_o a_o duty_n and_o a_o obligation_n which_o no_o difficulty_n pain_n or_o suffer_v in_o this_o life_n can_v discharge_v we_o from_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v how_o all_o our_o duty_n be_v derive_v from_o our_o own_o interest_n although_o i_o know_v they_o be_v inseparable_a to_o serve_v and_o please_v god_n and_o to_o do_v good_a to_o other_o mere_o for_o our_o own_o sake_n and_o to_o refuse_v to_o undergo_v any_o thing_n for_o they_o when_o necessary_a seem_v neither_o ingenuous_a nor_o reasonable_a and_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o seem_v so_o to_o that_o great_a heathen_a tully_n as_o if_o such_o thing_n or_o rather_o nothing_o as_o we_o be_v more_o to_o be_v consider_v than_o the_o infinite_a god_n and_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o when_o we_o may_v as_o well_o weigh_v a_o single_a atom_n against_o the_o universe_n nor_o seem_v there_o any_o difference_n between_o a_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o will_n but_o only_o of_o their_o understanding_n if_o both_o of_o they_o make_v themselves_o their_o entire_a ultimate_n end_n the_o one_o take_v the_o right_a course_n to_o be_v happy_a the_o other_o the_o wrong_n but_o this_o last_o be_v mistake_v only_o and_o will_v have_v do_v as_o the_o first_o if_o he_o have_v know_v better_a and_o even_o the_o man_n of_o courage_n and_o generosity_n will_v take_v it_o for_o a_o great_a reproach_n to_o be_v tell_v that_o he_o fight_v only_o for_o a_o little_a wage_n or_o honour_n either_o and_o will_v not_o venture_v upon_o a_o wound_n or_o death_n itself_o to_o save_v his_o prince_n and_o country_n and_o to_o repress_v a_o insolent_a and_o malicious_a enemy_n who_o please_v himself_o in_o the_o destruction_n of_o all_o mankind_n to_o gratify_v his_o boundless_a lust_n which_o with_o many_o other_o instance_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n at_o present_a be_v not_o uncapable_a of_o so_o great_a and_o noble_a a_o quality_n i_o be_o sure_a our_o divine_a religion_n have_v teach_v we_o as_o much_o both_o by_o precept_n and_o example_n when_o it_o command_v we_o to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o nor_o do_v i_o see_v reason_n to_o find_v a_o figure_n in_o the_o know_a expression_n of_o moses_n and_o st._n paul_n to_o such_o a_o greatness_n of_o soul_n we_o ought_v to_o aspire_v notwithstanding_o we_o be_v to_o know_v which_o may_v be_v prove_v even_o to_o a_o demonstration_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o soul_n that_o our_o duty_n and_o interest_n our_o perfection_n of_o nature_n and_o happiness_n of_o life_n be_v inseparable_a except_o for_o a_o moment_n or_o two_o in_o this_o life_n for_o exercise_n and_o improvement_n of_o virtue_n or_o other_o end_v which_o vanish_v into_o nothing_o compare_v with_o eternal_a duration_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v happy_a or_o not_o miserable_a and_o that_o the_o virtuous_a and_o good_a shall_v be_v miserable_a or_o not_o happy_a as_o impossible_a as_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n at_o all_o or_o that_o god_n shall_v not_o be_v infinite_o powerful_a wise_a and_o good_a and_o consequent_o distributive_o just_a and_o now_o i_o have_v say_v all_o i_o have_v at_o present_a in_o answer_n to_o the_o wonderer_n and_o their_o best_a reason_n for_o vicious_a manner_n practice_n custom_n and_o example_n and_o perhaps_o the_o general_a head_n of_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v and_o what_o i_o think_v can_v be_v answer_v again_o by_o those_o who_o will_v act_v like_o man_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o truth_n and_o reason_n but_o as_o for_o those_o who_o disclaim_v or_o burlesque_fw-la their_o own_o most_o excellent_a nature_n and_o will_v abandon_v themselves_o to_o blind_a and_o haughty_a selfwill_a humour_n lust_n and_o passion_n who_o will_v be_v like_o the_o horse_n or_o mule_n that_o want_v understanding_n i_o leave_v they_o to_o other_o art_n and_o method_n of_o persuasion_n and_o to_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n almighty_n which_o we_o will_v not_o confine_v all_o that_o can_v be_v do_v for_o they_o on_o our_o part_n be_v to_o pity_n and_o pray_v for_o they_o as_o we_o do_v daily_o when_o we_o say_v thy_o kingdom_n come_v thy_o will_n be_v do_v that_o god_n may_v at_o last_o rule_v over_o and_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o all_o the_o son_n of_o men._n he_o can_v when_o he_o please_v work_v most_o effectual_o upon_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o most_o senseless_a and_o obdurate_a sinner_n even_o upon_o those_o who_o scorn_v all_o instruction_n as_o a_o mean_a and_o hate_v understanding_n as_o a_o troublesome_a thing_n even_o upon_o those_o who_o most_o foolish_o take_v it_o for_o a_o point_n of_o wisdom_n and_o greatness_n of_o heart_n to_o make_v a_o mock_n at_o sin_n even_o upon_o those_o final_o who_o with_o the_o heathen_a idolater_n in_o the_o text_n think_v it_o strange_a that_o all_o man_n run_v not_o with_o they_o to_o the_o same_o excess_n of_o riot_n speak_v evil_a of_o they_o because_o they_o will_v not_o sermon_n iii_o psal._n xxxii_o 5._o i_o say_v i_o will_v confess_v my_o transgression_n unto_o the_o lord_n i_o be_o a_o while_n to_o treat_v of_o a_o duty_n of_o religion_n both_o reveal_v and_z as_o i_o think_v natural_a which_o perhaps_o pass_v among_o the_o wise_a and_o brave_a of_o this_o world_n for_o a_o weak_a and_o mean_a thing_n and_o a_o effect_n of_o superstition_n rather_o than_o religion_n but_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v just_a contrary_n so_o qualify_v and_o direct_v as_o shall_v present_o be_v mention_v confession_n of_o sin_n to_o almighty_a god_n have_v very_o evident_a argument_n of_o many_o excellent_a quality_n for_o be_v it_o not_o a_o sign_n of_o a_o just_a honour_n for_o god_n and_o all_o his_o law_n make_v know_v by_o reason_n or_o revelation_n be_v it_o not_o a_o mark_n of_o a_o generous_a love_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o a_o man_n will_v own_v his_o fault_n and_o folly_n though_o to_o his_o present_a disadvantage_n and_o that_o he_o be_v more_o ashamed_a to_o commit_v a_o sin_n than_o confess_v it_o be_v it_o not_o a_o proof_n of_o great_a probity_n and_o strength_n of_o mind_n for_o a_o man_n not_o only_o to_o permit_v but_o command_v his_o conscience_n and_o other_o too_o if_o there_o be_v occasion_n to_o report_v to_o he_o all_o the_o truth_n and_o nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n concern_v himself_o to_o set_v all_o his_o fault_n and_o infirmity_n before_o he_o and_o not_o to_o conceal_v excuse_n or_o justify_v any_o because_o he_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o mend_v any_o or_o have_v no_o concern_n for_o the_o health_n and_o ornament_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v not_o these_o and_o such_o like_a quality_n high_o laudable_a on_o the_o contrary_a be_v not_o a_o vulgar_a carelessness_n and_o insensibility_n of_o our_o manner_n and_o action_n vain_a self-conceit_n arrogance_n affectation_n of_o appear_v to_o one_o self_n and_o other_o something_o worthy_a rather_o than_o be_v so_o indeed_o and_o above_o all_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o word_n and_o commandment_n of_o omnipotent_a goodness_n wisdom_n and_o sanctity_n by_o a_o weak_a ignorant_a and_o sinful_a creature_n i_o say_v be_v not_o these_o sordid_a and_o true_o contemptible_a nor_o do_v this_o confession_n of_o sin_n to_o the_o supreme_a deity_n seem_v to_o i_o less_o a_o part_n of_o natural_a religion_n than_o prayer_n and_o praise_n to_o he_o though_o we_o have_v little_a mention_n of_o it_o among_o the_o heathen_a moralist_n and_o as_o this_o be_v truth_n in_o itself_o so_o we_o find_v that_o the_o great_a soul_n who_o have_v have_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n have_v always_o behave_v themselves_o with_o truth_n
and_o decency_n towards_o he_o acknowledge_v their_o sin_n throw_v themselves_o at_o his_o foot_n and_o humble_o implore_v his_o pardon_n and_o grace_n nor_o be_v there_o ever_o record_v a_o more_o eminent_a example_n of_o this_o than_o david_n as_o great_a a_o prince_n as_o saint_n he_o want_v not_o sure_o that_o courage_n which_o be_v so_o magnify_v and_o adore_v by_o the_o world_n who_o when_o scarce_o get_v out_o of_o his_o childhood_n kill_v the_o lion_n and_o the_o bear_n and_o when_o a_o stripling_n arm_v only_o with_o a_o sling_n venture_v upon_o the_o prodigious_a bulk_n of_o a_o giant_n a_o man_n of_o war_n from_o his_o youth_n and_o lay_v he_o dead_a at_o his_o foot_n and_o return_v to_o the_o camp_n lug_a his_o head_n the_o trophy_n of_o his_o victory_n who_o from_o a_o simple_a swain_n be_v advance_v to_o the_o alliance_n and_o then_o possession_n of_o a_o throne_n for_o his_o prowess_n and_o wisdom_n and_o yet_o lo_o this_o be_v the_o man_n who_o cry_v out_o psalm_n 51._o have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o o_o god_n according_a to_o thy_o love_a kindness_n according_a to_o the_o multitude_n of_o thy_o tender_a mercy_n blot_v put_v all_o my_o transgression_n wash_v i_o thorough_o from_o my_o sin_n for_o i_o acknowledge_v my_o transgression_n and_o my_o sin_n be_v ever_o before_o i_o against_o thou_o only_o have_v i_o sin_v etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o man_n who_o in_o this_o psalm_n proclaim_v the_o blessedness_n of_o the_o innocent_a or_o the_o pardon_v and_o tell_v we_o that_o while_o he_o keep_v silence_v his_o bone_n wax_v old_a through_o his_o roar_v all_o the_o day_n long_o this_o be_v he_o final_o who_o in_o the_o verse_n of_o the_o text_n acknowledge_v his_o sin_n unto_o god_n who_o say_v and_o do_v according_o that_o he_o will_v confess_v his_o transgression_n unto_o the_o lord_n and_o because_o it_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o daily_a religious_a duty_n enjoin_v and_o recommend_v in_o our_o public_a and_o private_a devotion_n and_o worship_n it_o ought_v also_o more_o especial_o to_o be_v well_o understand_v prudent_o direct_v and_o show_v to_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o natural_a reason_n and_o justice_n as_o well_o as_o express_o command_v and_o constant_o practise_v by_o good_a man_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n according_o we_o shall_v choose_v out_o three_o thing_n for_o the_o head_n of_o our_o discourse_n concern_v it_o first_o the_o nature_n and_o part_n of_o it_o second_o the_o rule_n for_o it_o three_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o 1._o and_o very_o brief_o in_o a_o more_o solemn_a and_o deliberate_a confession_n of_o sin_n especial_o and_o it_o be_v best_a to_o take_v into_o its_o signification_n more_o than_o one_o single_a act_n three_o part_n three_o part_n part_n may_v be_v observe_v and_o that_o in_o this_o order_n 1._o self-accusation_n the_o penitent_a have_v first_o inquire_v into_o his_o past_a temper_n and_o behaviour_n consult_v his_o conscience_n concern_v his_o duty_n and_o observe_v his_o aberration_n from_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o he_o proceed_v as_o a_o person_n different_a from_o himself_o to_o accuse_v and_o bring_v a_o endictment_n against_o himself_o and_o here_o he_o act_n like_o a_o plaintiff_n 2._o but_o second_o follow_v a_o ingenuous_a and_o free_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o with_o the_o great_a impartiality_n he_o judge_v to_o have_v be_v bad_a in_o he_o or_o ill_o do_v by_o he_o neither_o by_o superstition_n or_o timidity_n vain_o fright_v nor_o by_o boldness_n or_o partiality_n favour_v himself_o here_o he_o act_v the_o part_n of_o a_o guilty_a defendant_n and_o a_o upright_a witness_n against_o himself_o 3._o three_o he_o pronounce_v himself_o guilty_a and_o deserve_a of_o the_o punishment_n which_o god_n have_v threaten_v for_o the_o transgression_n of_o his_o just_a law_n and_o so_o he_o leave_v himself_o to_o god_n whether_o he_o will_v execute_v the_o sentence_n and_o punish_v he_o as_o he_o deserve_v or_o else_o be_v please_v upon_o his_o humble_a confession_n and_o other_o part_n of_o a_o complete_a repentance_n to_o show_v he_o mercy_n reprieve_n and_o forgive_v he_o thus_o the_o true_a penitent_n in_o this_o part_n of_o repentance_n term_v confession_n act_n as_o a_o prosecutor_n guilty_a defendant_n and_o witness_n and_o a_o inferior_a judge_n in_o such_o manner_n may_v be_v in_o short_a distinct_o conceive_v the_o nature_n and_o part_n of_o confession_n 2_o the_o rule_n follow_v some_o of_o which_o may_v be_v these_o 1._o let_v our_o confession_n be_v make_v with_o exact_a truth_n we_o be_v at_o no_o time_n and_o with_o no_o person_n to_o say_v that_o which_o be_v not_o true_a lest_o of_o all_o when_o we_o address_v ourselves_o too_o god_n this_o fault_n can_v only_o be_v on_o one_o side_n viz._n by_o confess_v those_o thing_n to_o be_v sinful_a in_o we_o which_o be_v not_o so_o or_o to_o deserve_v a_o great_a punishment_n than_o they_o true_o do_v for_o if_o we_o false_o think_v any_o thing_n real_o sinful_a in_o we_o not_o to_o be_v so_o we_o do_v not_o confess_v that_o at_o all_o the_o number_n and_o evil_a desert_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v true_o great_a enough_o in_o themselves_o we_o need_v not_o to_o multiply_v or_o magnify_v they_o in_o our_o confession_n by_o imagination_n and_o passion_n as_o those_o for_o example_n have_v always_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o do_v who_o in_o their_o prayer_n acknowledge_v all_o their_o action_n before_o their_o conversion_n to_o be_v sin_n i._n e._n before_o grace_n be_v general_o the_o roll_a principle_n in_o their_o heart_n or_o their_o life_n be_v govern_v by_o their_o conscience_n for_o a_o bad_a man_n general_o speak_v may_v now_o and_o then_o drop_v a_o good_a action_n nay_o there_o be_v those_o who_o have_v be_v so_o humble_a which_o be_v excellent_a when_o it_o speak_v truth_n and_o not_o despisable_v even_o when_o it_o be_v mistake_v if_o sincere_a in_o their_o confession_n as_o to_o say_v that_o all_o the_o very_o best_a action_n of_o the_o best_a man_n after_o their_o conversion_n be_v sin_n too_o but_o pardon_v in_o christ_n which_o i_o do_v not_o well_o understand_v defective_a indeed_o they_o may_v be_v and_o so_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a love_n to_o god_n in_o the_o high_a angel_n for_o no_o creature_n can_v honour_v and_o love_v he_o in_o that_o degree_n which_o he_o deserve_v defective_a i_o say_v they_o must_v needs_o be_v but_o not_o sin_n he_o who_o love_v god_n with_o all_o his_o might_n strength_n and_o understanding_n as_o i_o doubt_v not_o have_v be_v do_v often_o by_o pious_a soul_n sure_o sin_n not_o nor_o need_v ask_v any_o pardon_n for_o it_o though_o he_o may_v just_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o great_a affection_n our_o heart_n be_v capable_a of_o to_o he_o be_v infinite_o below_o the_o infinite_a excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o confession_n of_o the_o neglect_n of_o a_o more_o than_o jewish_a observation_n of_o the_o sabbath_n in_o some_o man_n phrase_n be_v upon_o this_o account_n unblamable_a but_o such_o a_o observation_n of_o the_o lord_n day_n and_o other_o festival_n as_o be_v prescribe_v by_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o one_o of_o their_o pious_a and_o grave_a canon_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o christian_a piety_n and_o prudence_n and_o the_o general_a wilful_a neglect_n of_o it_o more_o than_o savour_v of_o profaneness_n there_o be_v other_o strange_a thing_n too_o which_o in_o the_o depth_n of_o a_o seem_a or_o mistake_a humility_n have_v be_v utter_v especial_o in_o some_o man_n ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la confession_n without_o countenance_n from_o scripture_n right_o interpret_v and_o shock_v the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n numerous_n also_o be_v the_o instance_n of_o this_o error_n among_o the_o romanist_n who_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o design_n unreasonable_o ofttimes_o rack_n and_o vex_v man_n conscience_n but_o these_o thing_n need_v not_o to_o be_v too_o subtle_o search_v into_o it_o be_v too_o much_o that_o the_o best_a of_o we_o have_v too_o many_o and_o too_o great_a fault_n to_o confess_v to_o almighty_a god_n the_o most_o usual_a cause_n of_o this_o fault_n in_o confession_n be_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o self-revenge_n indignation_n and_o contempt_n against_o ourselves_o as_o to_o cause_v we_o to_o forget_v truth_n and_o justice_n to_o ourselves_o as_o they_o will_v ordinary_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o false_a judgement_n on_o the_o worst_a side_n against_o other_o who_o we_o be_v apt_a in_o such_o fit_v to_o accuse_v of_o much_o more_o than_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o but_o of_o this_o cause_n though_o sure_o it_o be_v a_o fault_n i_o be_o almost_o tempt_v to_o wish_v we_o can_v see_v more_o but_o there_o be_v a_o second_o cause_n very_o dangerous_a and_o that_o be_v a_o design_n to_o flatter_v almighty_a god_n it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o that_o some_o
beat_v his_o breast_n and_o sigh_n out_o o_o lord_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o what_o be_v the_o effect_n i_o tell_v you_o this_o man_n go_v down_o rather_o justify_v than_o the_o other_o as_o the_o pharisee_n self-conceit_n and_o arrogance_n make_v he_o pray_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o he_o do_v so_o his_o prayer_n make_v he_o more_o arrogant_a still_o it_o can_v not_o but_o increase_v his_o presumptuous_a opinion_n of_o himself_o to_o reckon_v up_o and_o that_o before_o god_n himself_o all_o his_o religious_a quality_n and_o action_n without_o take_v notice_n of_o but_o one_o small_a fault_n and_o to_o have_v compare_v himself_o with_o one_o so_o despicable_a in_o his_o eye_n as_o the_o poor_a publican_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v he_o go_v away_o big_a and_o stately_a from_o his_o prayer_n than_o he_o come_v to_o they_o on_o the_o contrary_a as_o the_o publican_n behaviour_n posture_n and_o prayer_n proceed_v no_o doubt_n from_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o guilt_n and_o consequent_a humility_n so_o do_v it_o likewise_o dismiss_v and_o send_v he_o away_o with_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o it_o he_o see_v that_o before_o in_o himself_o which_o make_v he_o cry_v out_o with_o shame_n and_o indignation_n against_o himself_o lord_n be_v merciful_a to_o i_o a_o sinner_n and_o doubtless_o he_o see_v it_o yet_o more_o and_o with_o deep_a impression_n upon_o his_o heart_n for_o have_v make_v his_o short_a but_o most_o passionate_a confession_n 4._o this_o confession_n of_o sin_n make_v we_o less_o censorious_a and_o contemptuous_a of_o other_o more_o backward_o to_o publish_v their_o fault_n or_o to_o insult_v over_o they_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o censure_v talk_v of_o despise_v other_o when_o we_o be_v accustom_v to_o look_v upon_o and_o just_o and_o humble_o to_o acknowledge_v what_o be_v as_o bad_a or_o worse_o at_o least_o bad_a enough_o in_o ourselves_o we_o be_v not_o so_o forward_o to_o reproach_v other_o when_o we_o permit_v our_o own_o conscience_n to_o reproach_n ourselves_o we_o be_v loath_a to_o condemn_v at_o least_o to_o treat_v other_o with_o wrath_n and_o contempt_n when_o if_o we_o be_v impartial_a we_o see_v too_o much_o cause_n to_o do_v the_o like_a by_o ourselves_o no_o man_n so_o ready_a to_o proclaim_v and_o aggravate_v other_o man_n fault_n as_o those_o who_o take_v the_o least_o notice_n of_o their_o own_o he_o who_o know_v his_o own_o defect_n and_o miscarriage_n as_o he_o pity_v himself_o so_o be_v he_o apt_a to_o do_v to_o other_o most_o man_n esteem_v and_o despise_v other_o comparative_o or_o as_o thy_o judge_n they_o superior_a or_o inferior_a to_o themselves_o in_o worthy_a and_o deserve_a quality_n and_o performance_n we_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o other_o from_o ourselves_o now_o he_o that_o observe_v most_o infirmity_n and_o fault_n in_o himself_o will_v think_v himself_o less_o above_o or_o more_o under_o man_n than_o he_o who_o though_o ignorance_n or_o self-conceit_n see_v no_o blemish_n nor_o blame_v in_o himself_o the_o former_a often_o despise_v himself_o comparative_o with_o other_o the_o latter_a foolish_o despise_v every_o one_o beside_o himself_o in_o the_o example_n just_o now_o allege_v how_o haughty_o do_v the_o pharisee_n hold_v up_o his_o head_n and_o with_o what_o contempt_n do_v he_o throw_v his_o eye_n upon_o the_o publican_n this_o publican_n say_v he_o but_o we_o hear_v no_o such_o language_n from_o the_o publican_n who_o in_o truth_n have_v more_o reason_n to_o have_v deride_v the_o ignorant_a and_o hypocritical_a pharisee_n 5_o and_o last_o this_o confession_n make_v we_o more_o sensible_a of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o dispose_v we_o to_o great_a gratitude_n and_o love_n to_o god_n the_o divine_a goodness_n may_v well_o be_v our_o wonder_n that_o the_o infinite_a majesty_n so_o provoke_v have_v not_o yet_o make_v we_o remarkable_a example_n of_o his_o justice_n and_o displeasure_n nay_o that_o he_o have_v continue_v to_o we_o life_n health_n strength_n plenty_n power_n and_o the_o like_a favour_n which_o we_o ungrateful_a wretch_n have_v dishonour_v he_o with_o his_o lenity_n and_o long_a suffering_n can_v but_o be_v admire_v by_o we_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v grow_v wanton_a and_o proud_a against_o he_o by_o his_o own_o benefit_n and_o his_o bounteous_a goodness_n which_o shall_v have_v high_o oblige_v we_o have_v make_v we_o careless_a and_o presumptuous_a as_o if_o we_o now_o want_v he_o no_o more_o and_o can_v stand_v upon_o our_o own_o leg_n but_o that_o which_o may_v just_o increase_v our_o wonder_n be_v that_o after_o all_o this_o upon_o our_o humble_a confession_n and_o actual_a change_n of_o our_o behaviour_n towards_o he_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o forgive_v our_o great_a crime_n and_o to_o blot_v out_o all_o our_o transgression_n so_o great_a be_v his_o goodness_n that_o he_o be_v more_o ready_a to_o give_v we_o his_o pardon_n upon_o such_o a_o repentance_n than_o we_o be_v to_o ask_v it_o or_o by_o repentance_n to_o render_v ourselves_o capable_a of_o it_o as_o if_o he_o court_v our_o friendship_n and_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o our_o reconciliation_n final_o there_o be_v something_o yet_o more_o which_o exceed_v wonder_n and_o that_o be_v that_o god_n shall_v be_v please_v so_o kind_o to_o accept_v our_o late_a repentance_n and_o obedience_n as_o to_o take_v occasion_n from_o thence_o to_o bestow_v upon_o we_o no_o less_o than_o eternal_a life_n now_o the_o serious_a and_o deliberate_a confession_n of_o our_o sin_n give_v we_o a_o necessary_a occasion_n to_o observe_v and_o consider_v all_o this_o so_o certain_o the_o truth_n can_v but_o deep_o affect_v we_o with_o gratitude_n and_o love_n to_o the_o author_n of_o such_o unparalleled_a goodness_n and_o love_n express_v itself_o by_o all_o way_n possible_a our_o word_n service_n whole_a life_n of_o so_o great_a and_o much_o great_a spiritual_a benefit_n and_o profit_n be_v a_o true_a sincere_a serious_a affectionate_a and_o free_a confession_n of_o our_o sin_n to_o almighty_a god_n which_o be_v the_o five_o reason_n for_o the_o performance_n and_o frequent_a exercise_n of_o it_o and_o now_o if_o we_o put_v all_o these_o argument_n together_o the_o just_a honour_n we_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o his_o law_n the_o edification_n and_o pleasure_n of_o other_o our_o own_o spiritual_a comfort_n and_o great_a benefit_n one_o will_v think_v they_o shall_v be_v sufficient_a to_o reasonable_a man_n guide_v in_o their_o opinion_n and_o action_n by_o good_a understanding_n though_o we_o have_v no_o command_n from_o reveal_v religion_n not_o only_o to_o secure_v this_o duty_n of_o religion_n and_o piety_n from_o contempt_n or_o neglect_n but_o especial_o to_o recommend_v it_o to_o their_o frequent_a and_o serious_a practice_n from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a for_o no_o mortal_a so_o high_a who_o it_o do_v not_o exceed_o become_v and_o perhaps_o better_a than_o the_o mean_a for_o excellent_a and_o great_a quality_n sit_v best_a upon_o the_o great_a be_v most_o amiable_a in_o they_o and_o most_o just_o expect_v from_o they_o and_o true_a religion_n the_o right_a knowledge_n reasonable_a worship_n and_o resemblance_n and_o imitation_n of_o the_o supreme_a be_v and_o the_o universal_a parent_n be_v the_o utmost_a perfection_n and_o attainment_n of_o humane_a nature_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o in_o this_o life_n so_o holy_a and_o innocent_a take_v all_o our_o life_n together_o who_o have_v not_o great_a cause_n for_o and_o abundant_a need_n of_o this_o confession_n of_o sin_n throne_n and_o shrine_n crown_n and_o glory_n sovereign_n and_o saint_n be_v with_o all_o just_a humility_n to_o lie_v at_o the_o footstool_n of_o the_o almighty_a and_o most_o merciful_a father_n of_o his_o creature_n we_o may_v altogether_o send_v up_o with_o one_o heart_n and_o voice_n our_o common_a cry_n of_o confession_n of_o gild_n and_o petition_v for_o pardon_n without_o fear_n of_o offend_v against_o the_o dignity_n of_o our_o condition_n or_o sanctity_n of_o our_o profession_n none_o too_o great_a none_o too_o good_a to_o say_v with_o this_o great_a and_o good_a prince_n i_o acknowledge_v my_o sin_n unto_o thou_o and_o my_o iniquity_n have_v i_o not_o hide_v i_o say_v i_o will_v confess_v my_o transgression_n to_o the_o lord_n that_o he_o may_v forgive_v the_o iniquity_n of_o my_o sin_n for_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o discourse_n it_o may_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o pick_v out_o of_o it_o and_o put_v together_o a_o brief_a representation_n of_o a_o true_a penitent_a confessor_n in_o some_o such_o manner_n as_o follow_v the_o sincere_a and_o deliberate_a penitent_n than_o be_v no_o negligent_a person_n of_o himself_o to_o let_v all_o thing_n go_v at_o random_n but_o be_v desirous_a to_o bring_v thing_n to_o a_o trial_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o order_n
in_o the_o affair_n of_o his_o soul_n nor_o be_v he_o slothful_a or_o afraid_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o bring_v a_o indictment_n against_o the_o offender_n though_o it_o be_v himself_o when_o he_o think_v he_o have_v be_v guilty_a he_o will_v bring_v his_o accusation_n and_o let_v he_o answer_v for_o himself_o as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v nor_o do_v he_o after_o this_o endeavour_n to_o withdraw_v himself_o not_o to_o appear_v to_o his_o action_n or_o indictment_n but_o to_o sculk_n lie_v hide_v or_o have_v the_o business_n pass_v over_o nor_o do_v he_o when_o his_o carriage_n come_v to_o be_v canvas_v allege_v pretence_n make_v frivolous_a apology_n shift_n and_o turn_v himself_o any_o way_n to_o excuse_v and_o defend_v himself_o or_o to_o abate_v and_o extenuate_v what_o he_o can_v deny_v no_o but_o he_o willing_o make_v his_o appearance_n desire_v nothing_o more_o than_o that_o the_o truth_n may_v be_v know_v and_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v against_o he_o may_v be_v produce_v that_o either_o he_o may_v where_o he_o just_o can_v vindicate_v or_o where_o he_o can_v condemn_v himself_o be_v he_o be_v convince_v of_o his_o fault_n or_o crime_n though_o never_o so_o heinous_a he_o own_v it_o he_o cry_v guilty_a to_o god_n say_v o_o lord_n i_o have_v indeed_o transgress_v thy_o commandment_n i_o have_v do_v foolish_o i_o have_v be_v wicked_a ungrateful_a wilful_o ignorant_a or_o careless_a or_o presumptuous_a i_o confess_v it_o i_o be_o perfect_o ashamed_a of_o myself_o i_o despise_v and_o abhor_v myself_o what_o shall_v i_o say_v unto_o thou_o o_o thou_o great_a maker_n and_o preserver_n and_o benefactor_n of_o man_n i_o be_o obnoxious_a to_o thy_o great_a severity_n and_o justice_n i_o deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v as_o thy_o unerring_a wisdom_n think_v most_o fit_a i_o submit_v myself_o to_o thy_o sentence_n and_o receive_v and_o own_v it_o whatsoever_o it_o shall_v be_v as_o the_o most_o just_a but_o i_o hope_v that_o justice_n may_v be_v mix_v and_o allay_v with_o mercy_n and_o that_o that_o goodness_n which_o have_v some_o way_n thus_o far_o lead_v i_o to_o true_a repentance_n will_v go_v on_o so_o far_o to_o complete_a it_o in_o i_o as_o to_o render_v i_o capable_a of_o thy_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n nor_o be_v this_o confession_n force_v from_o this_o confess_v penitent_a nor_o wring_v out_o of_o he_o nor_o thrust_v upon_o he_o by_o his_o persecute_v conscience_n which_o he_o fly_v as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v nor_o extort_a by_o the_o urge_n interrogatory_n of_o his_o friend_n or_o enemy_n with_o a_o great_a coldness_n and_o unwillingness_n no_o it_o be_v the_o most_o free_a and_o voluntary_a he_o himself_o disclose_v and_o open_v all_o his_o heart_n and_o whatever_o he_o know_v by_o himself_o and_o earnest_o desire_v both_o witness_n and_o judge_v too_o to_o produce_v all_o his_o fault_n and_o to_o tell_v he_o what_o he_o may_v be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o have_v forget_v he_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o connive_v at_o any_o in_o himself_o though_o never_o so_o criminal_a and_o shameful_a nor_o do_v he_o desire_v any_o to_o conceal_v they_o from_o he_o he_o have_v no_o darling_n which_o he_o will_v not_o look_v upon_o because_o he_o will_v not_o leave_v or_o wink_v hard_o because_o he_o will_v not_o see_v it_o or_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v no_o sin_n or_o so_o small_a that_o it_o deserve_v not_o the_o trouble_n of_o any_o notice_n or_o acknowledgement_n he_o drag_v out_o his_o most_o belove_a and_o his_o most_o just_o suspect_v sin_n and_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o betray_v they_o which_o he_o have_v so_o pernicious_o hug_v and_o which_o have_v and_o will_v betray_v he_o by_o their_o flattery_n insinuation_n and_o charm_n to_o his_o utter_a ruin_n and_o destruction_n he_o prudent_o have_v his_o eye_n there_o where_o there_o be_v the_o great_a danger_n and_o his_o great_a most_o delightful_a and_o most_o frequent_a sin_n he_o will_v bring_v to_o the_o light_n and_o so_o often_o till_o he_o make_v almost_o the_o sin_n themselves_o to_o blush_v and_o perfect_o wonder_v at_o his_o own_o blindness_n and_o stupidity_n it_o be_v not_o a_o few_o word_n only_o that_o this_o man_n mumble_v over_o or_o a_o repetition_n of_o any_o form_n as_o it_o be_v of_o recantation_n with_o his_o lip_n when_o he_o be_v insensible_a or_o perhaps_o laugh_v at_o it_o in_o his_o heart_n no_o it_o be_v within_o in_o his_o soul_n judgement_n and_o conscience_n and_o affection_n all_o within_o he_o be_v employ_v and_o move_v he_o be_v no_o hypocrite_n or_o actor_n of_o a_o part_n but_o ofttimes_o appear_v rather_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o have_v no_o such_o thing_n or_o to_o be_v of_o no_o such_o temper_n when_o he_o be_v none_o can_v tell_v perhaps_o whether_o he_o have_v be_v in_o his_o closet_n or_o what_o he_o have_v be_v do_v there_o nevertheless_o he_o do_v not_o refuse_v if_o there_o be_v just_a occasion_n as_o in_o public_a devotion_n to_o let_v all_o the_o world_n know_v both_o by_o his_o word_n and_o carriage_n what_o he_o think_v of_o himself_o generous_o to_o justify_v god_n and_o his_o most_o righteous_a law_n and_o dispensation_n but_o to_o accuse_v reproach_n and_o condemn_v himself_o to_o advise_v and_o admonish_v all_o man_n that_o they_o beware_v of_o what_o he_o see_v his_o folly_n in_o and_o not_o to_o imitate_v his_o past_a bad_a example_n he_o be_v willing_a that_o good_a man_n shall_v understand_v they_o have_v one_o come_v over_o to_o their_o party_n and_o that_o bad_a man_n shall_v follow_v he_o he_o be_v very_o glad_a to_o please_v good_a man_n with_o such_o a_o sight_n nad_z even_o to_o add_v to_o the_o joy_n of_o angel_n he_o soon_o spy_v the_o great_a benefit_n of_o this_o devout_a exercise_n and_o be_v very_o sensible_a of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o comfort_n of_o it_o he_o now_o discover_v more_o pravity_n disorder_n and_o sin_n and_o more_o aggravation_n of_o they_o than_o he_o do_v and_o consequent_o according_a to_o his_o earnest_a desire_n can_v better_o prevent_v or_o amend_v they_o he_o understand_v himself_o infinite_o better_o than_o he_o do_v and_o see_v great_a reason_n for_o humility_n charity_n pity_n and_o compassion_n to_o offender_n but_o not_o for_o a_o indifferency_n and_o neglect_n of_o the_o proper_a way_n he_o can_v use_v to_o reform_v they_o as_o he_o be_v grave_a and_o serious_a and_o have_v a_o very_a indifferent_a and_o mean_a and_o sometime_o contemptuous_a opinion_n of_o himself_o so_o be_v he_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n again_o cheerful_a and_o gay_a for_o that_o nothing_o be_v more_o so_o than_o innocence_n or_o repentance_n he_o make_v his_o address_n to_o god_n almighty_a as_o with_o great_a humility_n and_o modesty_n so_o with_o great_a good_a hope_n for_o success_n in_o his_o request_n or_o for_o that_o which_o be_v better_o he_o make_v use_v of_o god_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o in_o all_o concern_v as_o his_o refuge_n his_o shelter_n his_o support_n his_o supply_n his_o patron_n protector_n benefactor_n nay_o his_o father_n cast_v all_o his_o care_n upon_o he_o with_o moderate_a industry_n and_o endeavour_n but_o without_o solicitude_n and_o vexation_n in_o fine_a though_o he_o have_v grievous_o and_o unworthy_o for_o the_o time_n pass_v offend_v and_o displease_v god_n yet_o he_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o he_o but_o assure_v of_o his_o pardon_n love_n and_o favour_n for_o christ_n sake_n because_o he_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o his_o repentance_n and_o because_o that_o god_n can_v lie_v who_o have_v say_v that_o he_o that_o confess_v and_o forsake_v his_o sin_n shall_v find_v mercy_n sermon_n iu._n psalm_n fourteen_o 1._o the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n they_o be_v corrupt_v etc._n etc._n a_o argument_n of_o late_a especial_o often_o treat_v of_o and_o perhaps_o in_o this_o great_a audience_n and_o true_o for_o great_a reason_n it_o may_v be_v hope_v there_o be_v less_o need_n of_o it_o now_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v great_a hope_n that_o there_o will_v be_v when_o simplicity_n probity_n and_o piety_n have_v more_o season_v the_o first_o source_n of_o manner_n and_o opinion_n however_o i_o doubt_v there_o may_v be_v some_o need_n of_o it_o still_o the_o god_n who_o the_o wicked_a fool_n deny_v only_o know_v when_o it_o will_v be_v otherwise_o good_a man_n will_v rejoice_v to_o see_v the_o time_n and_o it_o may_v come_v when_o it_o shall_v be_v as_o ridiculous_a to_o doubt_v of_o the_o be_v attribute_n and_o providence_n of_o the_o true_a god_n as_o it_o be_v of_o the_o sun_n be_v be_v in_o heaven_n and_o its_o influence_n upon_o this_o earth_n as_o indeed_o it_o now_o be_v too_o in_o itself_o and_o to_o a_o honest_a man_n think_v in_o a_o right_a method_n but_o let_v we_o brief_o run_v over_o the_o
answer_v that_o first_o i_o think_v we_o may_v without_o vanity_n challenge_v all_o the_o power_n and_o force_v of_o their_o wit_n and_o learning_n to_o do_v its_o utmost_a let_v we_o see_v if_o they_o be_v in_o earnest_n whether_o they_o be_v not_o extreme_o ignorant_a and_o if_o we_o may_v have_v the_o leave_n or_o pardon_v of_o this_o royal_a audience_n to_o provoke_v they_o with_o a_o great_a but_o just_a reproach_n whether_o they_o be_v not_o both_o bold_a and_o blockish_a of_o which_o the_o second_o cause_n of_o infidelity_n will_v give_v some_o account_n 2_o and_o that_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o apprehend_v and_o conceive_v those_o intellectual_a object_n which_o be_v absolute_a such_o as_o be_v the_o property_n and_o action_n of_o god_n angel_n humane_a soul_n whence_o some_o have_v conclude_v they_o to_o be_v mere_a word_n and_o talk_v or_o mistake_v for_o some_o corporeal_a nature_n such_o be_v those_o who_o first_o beginning_n at_o the_o substantiality_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n proceed_v to_o deny_v the_o providence_n the_o attribute_n and_o at_o last_o the_o very_a be_v of_o god_n impudent_o affirm_v nothing_o can_v be_v conceive_v by_o we_o but_o body_n and_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o it_o this_o miserable_a infirmity_n of_o humane_a nature_n confine_n the_o noble_a soul_n of_o man_n to_o the_o most_o ignoble_a and_o dead_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n deprive_v it_o of_o its_o great_a pleasure_n and_o perfection_n and_o debase_v it_o both_o in_o its_o knowledge_n and_o manner_n in_o its_o perceptive_a and_o active_a power_n the_o man_n who_o be_v most_o liable_a to_o it_o be_v those_o of_o much_o secular_a business_n and_o employment_n perpetual_o take_v up_o with_o observation_n and_o reason_n and_o plod_v about_o sensible_a object_n and_o affair_n of_o this_o bodily_a life_n and_o some_o there_o be_v run_v so_o far_o to_o the_o extreme_a of_o this_o side_n as_o to_o give_v little_a either_o encouragement_n or_o opportunity_n to_o any_o other_o knowledge_n or_o employment_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n beside_o mechanic_n trade_n and_o civil_a justice_n as_o if_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v mere_a chimaera_n and_o unprofitable_a fruitless_a empty_a notion_n and_o nothing_o deserve_v our_o regard_n but_o only_o how_o to_o handle_v a_o tool_n well_o or_o to_o buy_v and_o sell_v or_o at_o the_o high_a to_o prevent_v or_o decide_v a_o controversy_n about_o a_o house_n field_n or_o fence_n and_o other_o little_a property_n which_o indeed_o be_v at_o present_a necessary_a and_o of_o great_a use_n for_o temporal_a plenty_n and_o peace_n but_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o be_v compare_v to_o the_o good_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o the_o hope_n acquisition_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o immortality_n in_o the_o heaven_n alas_o how_o little_a do_v such_o man_n understand_v or_o consider_v that_o if_o all_o the_o furniture_n of_o this_o momentany_a bodily_a life_n be_v not_o design_v by_o god_n and_o use_v by_o we_o for_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a good_a thing_n it_o be_v scarce_o worth_a our_o come_n into_o be_v at_o all_o much_o less_o undergo_a the_o manifold_a uneasiness_n incommodity_n care_n and_o calamity_n of_o it_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o humour_n and_o genius_n in_o a_o nation_n to_o which_o lapse_v and_o degenerate_a mankind_n be_v prone_a enough_o for_o some_o small_a time_n prevail_v seem_v to_o be_v profound_a ignorance_n and_o oblivion_n of_o intellectual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n the_o increase_n of_o atheism_n irreligion_n and_o profaneness_n immorality_n in_o heart_n and_o life_n any_o further_a than_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o secular_a interest_n and_o restrain_v by_o the_o law_n of_o civil_a society_n for_o which_o one_o reason_n it_o seem_v high_o expedient_a or_o rather_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o set_v apart_o one_o order_n of_o man_n in_o considerable_a number_n with_o place_n and_o other_o proper_a and_o convenient_a circumstance_n to_o preserve_v and_o improve_v the_o knowledge_n and_o esteem_n of_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a thing_n among_o man_n otherwise_o true_o in_o great_a danger_n to_o be_v lose_v and_o without_o which_o we_o shall_v live_v like_o the_o fish_n and_o mole_n as_o ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n and_o privilege_n and_o felicity_n of_o the_o superior_a world_n infinite_o the_o vast_a and_o noble_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n as_o they_o be_v of_o we_o it_o be_v more_o than_o likely_a some_o man_n may_v be_v content_a with_o it_o but_o sure_o they_o will_v be_v so_o humane_a and_o charitable_a as_o not_o to_o hinder_v but_o to_o help_v those_o which_o be_v not_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o two_o great_a difference_n between_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v call_v barbarous_a and_o that_o which_o be_v civil_a be_v intellectuality_n and_o charity_n and_o so_o far_o as_o we_o lose_v either_o we_o return_v again_o to_o barbarism_n 3_o another_o most_o frequent_a and_o lamentable_a cause_n indeed_o of_o infidelity_n be_v licentiousness_n man_n will_v live_v as_o they_o listen_v and_o gratify_v and_o indulge_v their_o lust_n to_o the_o full_a without_o any_o fear_n restraint_n or_o allay_v and_o because_o their_o conscience_n be_v at_o first_o more_o or_o less_o troublesome_a they_o endeavour_v to_o bribe_v corrupt_a and_o bring_v they_o over_o to_o their_o party_n to_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o may_v safe_o and_o honest_o too_o follow_v such_o course_n for_o that_o which_o be_v ordinary_o believe_v say_v they_o and_o talk_v of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o difference_n of_o action_n except_o only_o from_o agreeableness_n and_o present_a pleasure_n of_o god_n his_o sanctity_n and_o justice_n of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n of_o reckon_n and_o recompense_n hereafter_o be_v but_o imagination_n and_o talk_n or_o false_a or_o at_o least_o dubious_a thing_n these_o man_n do_v the_o work_n thorough_o of_o debauch_v and_o eternal_o ruine_v themselves_o they_o do_v not_o only_o hire_v their_o conscience_n to_o be_v silent_a or_o stand_v neuter_n but_o to_o give_v their_o lust_n all_o possible_a assistance_n and_o encouragement_n like_o some_o who_o have_v fight_v desperate_o in_o a_o bad_a cause_n not_o without_o conscience_n but_o with_o one_o as_o bad_a as_o their_o cause_n and_o here_o these_o person_n who_o will_v suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v thus_o abuse_v by_o their_o lust_n ought_v timely_o to_o be_v aware_a in_o what_o great_a danger_n they_o be_v not_o only_o to_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o but_o also_o the_o lord_n that_o make_v they_o with_o all_o religion_n that_o ever_o reason_n and_o nature_n have_v teach_v and_o consequent_o to_o be_v deny_v by_o they_o 4._o in_o man_n of_o a_o haughty_a spirit_n that_o very_a temper_n of_o they_o be_v a_o frequent_a cause_n of_o infidelity_n they_o will_v needs_o be_v uncontrollable_a by_o any_o and_o not_o endure_v any_o bound_n to_o their_o desire_n and_o enjoyment_n but_o what_o they_o please_v to_o set_v themselves_o it_o be_v for_o ordinary_a and_o low_a spirit_n and_o not_o for_o such_o great_a mind_n as_o they_o be_v so_o say_v their_o flatterer_n and_o they_o believe_v they_o to_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v restrain_v by_o any_o law_n of_o nature_n reason_n or_o religion_n or_o to_o depend_v upon_o any_o be_v whatsoever_o so_o much_o as_o to_o hope_v or_o fear_v from_o he_o and_o therefore_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n man_n who_o speak_v as_o big_a as_o pharaoh_n who_o be_v the_o lord_n that_o i_o shall_v obey_v he_o exod._n 5._o 2._o poor_a creature_n who_o though_o they_o be_v not_o a_o jot_n wise_a or_o better_o and_o true_o comparative_o very_o little_o great_a than_o other_o mean_a mortal_n yet_o they_o will_v aspire_v to_o the_o prerogative_n of_o god_n their_o creator_n to_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o essential_a sanctity_n immutable_a justice_n all_o comprehend_v wisdom_n and_o almighty_a power_n it_o only_o belong_v to_o know_v no_o other_o law_n but_o those_o of_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o will_n and_o to_o court_v no_o power_n superior_a to_o his_o own_o 5_o we_o may_v add_v to_o these_o a_o certain_a gayness_n of_o spirit_n in_o some_o man_n these_o hate_n all_o care_n attention_n reflection_n and_o foresight_n which_o contract_v the_o spirit_n and_o cause_v it_o to_o gather_v itself_o together_o and_o consequent_o they_o like_v not_o to_o hear_v of_o or_o believe_v nay_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o disbelieve_v every_o thing_n which_o may_v disturb_v the_o security_n or_o confine_v the_o liberty_n or_o darken_v the_o gaiety_n of_o their_o mind_n it_o be_v plain_a if_o we_o entertain_v and_o settle_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o great_a practical_a truth_n of_o reveal_v and_o natural_a religion_n they_o will_v oblige_v we_o to_o make_v use_n of_o some_o prudence_n and_o attention_n to_o direct_v our_o action_n by_o certain_a rule_n to_o a_o certain_a
end_n and_o not_o to_o leave_v ourselves_o to_o a_o tumultuous_a boonness_n of_o spirit_n and_o to_o the_o fortuitous_a tide_n or_o rush_n of_o our_o appetite_n and_o passion_n so_o it_o have_v be_v say_v of_o the_o ancient_a epicurean_o that_o their_o exclusion_n of_o their_o deity_n from_o humane_a affair_n be_v recommend_v by_o they_o as_o a_o comfortable_a dogm_n free_v man_n from_o all_o fear_n and_o solicitude_n to_o please_v or_o displease_v they_o 6_o sometime_o in_o some_o man_n infidelity_n have_v proceed_v from_o a_o sourness_n of_o mind_n great_a displeasure_n conceive_v and_o ferment_v into_o a_o impatience_n against_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n perhaps_o their_o impetuous_a desire_n have_v be_v cross_v their_o darling_n design_n break_v and_o their_o jolly_a hope_n frustrate_v or_o their_o sweet_a enjoyment_n sudden_o sweep_v away_o from_o they_o whence_o first_o they_o have_v entertain_v very_o hard_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o his_o providence_n and_o break_v out_o into_o rude_a and_o unmannerly_a expression_n against_o they_o then_o in_o revenge_n proceed_v to_o wish_v they_o out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o at_o last_o have_v think_v it_o more_o easy_a and_o safe_a to_o deny_v they_o 7_o in_o other_o again_o a_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n and_o despise_v what_o be_v common_a a_o humour_n of_o contradict_v of_o what_o be_v ordinary_o believe_v dispose_v to_o infidelity_n because_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n do_v believe_v those_o great_a truth_n so_o often_o mention_v therefore_o they_o will_v not_o they_o will_v seem_v more_o search_v or_o fortunate_a or_o bold_a in_o their_o discovery_n and_o opinion_n than_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o they_o will_v appear_v to_o know_v or_o at_o least_o dare_v to_o say_v that_o which_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n have_v be_v ignorant_a of_o or_o that_o which_o if_o some_o few_o of_o the_o more_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a and_o penetrate_a have_v think_v as_o well_o as_o themselves_o yet_o they_o have_v not_o the_o courage_n to_o publish_v it_o now_o these_o man_n be_v under_o a_o far_o more_o dangerous_a prejudice_n from_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n and_o novelty_n than_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n who_o they_o usual_o despise_v be_v from_o antiquity_n custom_n and_o example_n if_o we_o consider_v both_o these_o abstract_o it_o be_v far_o safe_a to_o follow_v common_a receive_v opinion_n of_o many_o country_n and_o age_n especial_o if_o believe_v of_o great_a importance_n than_o the_o new_a invention_n of_o one_o or_o some_o few_o though_o both_o may_v be_v false_a yet_o if_o no_o other_o reason_n be_v consider_v the_o old_a be_v much_o more_o likely_a to_o be_v true_a than_o the_o new_a and_o i_o believe_v it_o be_v the_o experience_n of_o those_o who_o impartial_o examine_v thing_n that_o general_o the_o common_a and_o well_o near_o universal_o receive_v opinion_n of_o all_o place_n and_o age_n especial_o if_o think_v of_o great_a consequence_n whether_o true_a or_o false_a be_v at_o last_o find_v in_o the_o main_a part_n of_o they_o to_o be_v true_a and_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a employment_n of_o man_n of_o great_a wit_n and_o more_o than_o ordinary_a sagacity_n and_o capacity_n to_o conceive_v and_o deliver_v they_o more_o clear_o and_o distinct_o and_o to_o pare_v off_o and_o separate_v some_o absurdity_n and_o falsehood_n which_o may_v in_o some_o tract_n of_o time_n by_o pass_v through_o many_o unskilful_a hand_n have_v be_v fasten_v to_o they_o but_o of_o this_o more_o will_v be_v say_v when_o we_o come_v to_o the_o remedy_n of_o infidelity_n 8._o to_o add_v no_o more_o at_o present_a envy_n against_o the_o professor_n but_o of_o ingenuity_n philosophy_n and_o sobriety_n much_o more_o of_o religion_n and_o piety_n especial_o if_o attend_v with_o any_o thing_n of_o dignity_n reputation_n and_o revenue_n have_v be_v the_o cause_n i_o doubt_v in_o many_o ill-tempered_a and_o ill-living_a man_n of_o this_o infidelity_n some_o of_o these_o at_o first_o out_o of_o this_o ill-humour_n and_o quality_n feign_v to_o themselves_o and_o then_o industrious_o bring_v themselves_o to_o believe_v it_o that_o the_o thing_n be_v frivolous_a or_o false_a for_o which_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o religion_n have_v be_v think_v worthy_a of_o their_o reward_n of_o esteem_n honour_n and_o revenue_n and_o what_o be_v the_o cause_n or_o reason_n no_o other_o but_o that_o their_o eye_n be_v evil_a and_o they_o will_v not_o have_v they_o to_o enjoy_v they_o they_o do_v not_o well_o abide_v it_o to_o see_v they_o in_o possession_n of_o that_o which_o either_o they_o will_v have_v themselves_o whither_o deserve_o or_o not_o or_o at_o lest_o no_o body_n else_o other_o again_o speak_v mean_o or_o disgraceful_o of_o their_o doctrine_n opinion_n and_o profession_n because_o they_o spoil_v the_o reputation_n of_o their_o manner_n of_o life_n and_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o that_o licentiousness_n and_o liberty_n which_o they_o profess_v practice_n and_o delight_n in_o hence_o it_o be_v they_o give_v they_o the_o bad_a and_o contemptible_a name_n of_o pedantry_n uncertainty_n or_o falsehood_n here_o we_o may_v take_v in_o another_o sort_n of_o man_n which_o be_v but_o servant_n and_o attendant_n to_o the_o former_a those_o viz._n who_o get_v their_o livelihood_n and_o sometime_o more_o by_o the_o excess_n contention_n quarrel_n perjury_n and_o other_o wickedness_n of_o the_o age._n these_o two_o as_o far_o as_o their_o wit_n and_o interest_n will_v go_v help_v on_o and_o promote_v the_o disbelief_n of_o all_o sober_a virtuous_a and_o religious_a principle_n these_o and_o other_o which_o may_v be_v still_o add_v be_v the_o inward_a cause_n and_o inherent_a in_o ourselves_o of_o unbelief_n and_o disbelief_n and_o which_o be_v most_o in_o our_o own_o power_n to_o prevent_v or_o remove_v there_o be_v also_o some_o other_o external_a and_o occasional_a such_o as_o the_o example_n of_o witty_a and_o acceptable_a company_n hypocrisy_n in_o religion_n both_o reveal_v and_o natural_a so_o take_v and_o seem_v at_o least_o especial_o in_o the_o teacher_n of_o they_o when_o man_n profess_v they_o believe_v their_o grand_a truth_n but_o do_v not_o live_v in_o any_o sort_n as_o if_o they_o do_v which_o accusation_n be_v partly_o false_a for_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n though_o they_o do_v not_o indeed_o live_v near_o up_o to_o their_o faith_n yet_o they_o will_v be_v much_o worse_o without_o it_o partly_o it_o be_v to_o be_v put_v to_o another_o cause_n viz._n heedlessness_n and_o want_n of_o application_n of_o their_o belief_n to_o their_o practice_n but_o perhaps_o few_o thing_n have_v be_v more_o a_o occasion_n of_o the_o infidelity_n of_o some_o man_n than_o the_o overzealous_a and_o blind_a credulity_n of_o other_o some_o man_n believe_v too_o much_o and_o otherwise_o than_o they_o ought_v and_o yet_o fierce_o impose_v it_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o other_o believe_v too_o little_a and_o sometime_o they_o who_o have_v most_o complain_v of_o scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n unbelief_n and_o disbelief_n which_o be_v different_a thing_n have_v contribute_v much_o to_o it_o themselves_o the_o introduce_v of_o many_o opinion_n of_o neither_o light_n or_o use_v or_o very_o little_a either_o way_n uncertain_a or_o trivial_a nay_o sometime_o not_o only_o just_o suspicious_a but_o manifest_o false_a and_o then_o the_o impose_v they_o under_o what_o penalty_n man_n have_v in_o their_o own_o power_n the_o least_o of_o which_o be_v common_o the_o censure_n and_o reproach_n of_o enemy_n or_o indifferent_n in_o religion_n heretic_n atheist_n infidel_n i_o say_v these_o have_v beget_v and_o extreme_o nourish_v scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n especial_o in_o this_o know_n and_o inquisitive_a age_n bold_a when_o they_o dare_v lurk_v and_o do_v more_o mischief_n ofttimes_o when_o they_o dare_v not_o show_v themselves_o because_o they_o can_v be_v examine_v and_o receive_v their_o answer_n this_o be_v the_o infirmity_n of_o those_o well-meaning_a man_n who_o will_v have_v every_o thing_n believe_v and_o impose_v too_o which_o seem_v to_o they_o to_o make_v for_o the_o honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o their_o religion_n not_o mind_v what_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n know_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a but_o it_o be_v the_o wickedness_n of_o those_o who_o do_v it_o for_o their_o own_o secular_a interest_n and_o care_v not_o how_o much_o mankind_n be_v abuse_v so_o that_o their_o domination_n be_v advance_v and_o secure_v at_o least_o they_o connive_v at_o it_o and_o let_v it_o pass_v this_o cause_n have_v its_o effect_n principal_o among_o the_o ingenious_a and_o witty_a the_o great_a and_o haughty_a but_o not_o wise_a and_o just_a who_o want_v either_o leisure_n or_o patience_n or_o capacity_n or_o probity_n to_o examine_v and_o distinguish_v thing_n they_o easy_o throw_v away_o the_o wheat_n with_o the_o chaff_n what_o be_v true_a and_o solid_a
with_o what_o be_v false_a and_o light_n it_o be_v also_o probity_n of_o mind_n they_o want_v who_o be_v licentious_o give_v and_o no_o great_a friend_n to_o any_o religion_n or_o truth_n either_o which_o may_v lay_v any_o restraint_n upon_o they_o in_o their_o opinion_n or_o practice_n glad_o take_v any_o advantage_n against_o they_o that_o man_n look_v upon_o all_o profess_v religion_n and_o conscience_n to_o be_v ignorant_a superstitious_a or_o cunning_a so_o that_o their_o example_n or_o reason_n be_v of_o no_o authority_n with_o they_o neither_o do_v this_o humour_n stop_v among_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n but_o it_o be_v soon_o convey_v into_o the_o vulgar_a too_o who_o soon_o learn_v to_o contemn_v religion_n and_o the_o priest_n especial_o in_o time_n of_o liberty_n wherefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v advise_v and_o sincere_o religious_a man_n wise_a and_o honest_a who_o hearty_o desire_v the_o advancement_n of_o true_a religion_n will_v so_o do_v that_o we_o be_v first_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o belief_n and_o opinion_n in_o religion_n and_o be_v now_o careful_a and_o just_a to_o appear_v for_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v so_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n and_o when_o we_o can_v fair_o maintain_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v such_o though_o it_o appear_v never_o so_o much_o for_o the_o honour_n and_o interest_n of_o religion_n as_o many_o very_a false_a and_o forge_a thing_n have_v let_v it_o rest_v and_o go_v as_o it_o be_v till_o time_n may_v further_o discover_v and_o as_o for_o the_o vulgar_a it_o be_v sure_o their_o safe_a way_n to_o rely_v upon_o the_o conduct_n of_o such_o wise_a and_o honest_a man_n though_o they_o may_v be_v even_o exhort_v to_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n too_o if_o they_o can_v for_o it_o be_v much_o more_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o know_v who_o be_v such_o than_o to_o judge_v themselves_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n universal_a conveniency_n and_o inconvenience_n of_o thing_n to_o know_v who_o be_v the_o best_a guide_n than_o to_o guide_v themselves_o this_o plain_a deal_n without_o fraud_n or_o force_n will_v sure_o much_o advance_v the_o just_a esteem_n of_o religion_n and_o its_o minister_n and_o consequent_o its_o influence_n and_o efficacy_n we_o have_v but_o too_o much_o proof_n of_o this_o cause_n of_o infidelity_n from_o experience_n we_o have_v see_v some_o man_n and_o that_o of_o the_o first_o rank_n who_o have_v teach_v we_o such_o a_o god_n and_o that_o out_o of_o his_o own_o book_n which_o other_o judge_v to_o be_v a_o absolute_a impossibility_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o they_o will_v be_v the_o only_a orthodox_n and_o reprobate_a all_o those_o who_o will_v not_o be_v of_o their_o opinion_n many_o also_o be_v those_o who_o have_v make_v the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o most_o excellent_a collection_n of_o write_n which_o be_v ever_o extant_a to_o speak_v such_o thing_n which_o have_v cause_v other_o not_o brook_v their_o interpretation_n nor_o be_v sufficient_a to_o find_v out_o better_a themselves_o to_o have_v mean_a and_o injurious_a thought_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o if_o any_o pious_a man_n with_o the_o sincere_a intention_n and_o endeavour_n to_o preserve_v and_o vindicate_v their_o due_a honour_n by_o salve_v difficulty_n which_o seem_v to_o check_v reason_n do_v advance_v any_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o their_o settle_a opinion_n and_o system_n he_o be_v present_o irreligious_a and_o a_o severe_a atheist_n too_o severe_a censure_n whatever_o their_o mistake_n may_v be_v but_o they_o be_v much_o more_o numerous_a still_o who_o have_v make_v up_o such_o a_o hotchpotch_n in_o religion_n by_o their_o addition_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o pretend_a or_o enthusiastical_a revelation_n forge_v or_o false_a miracle_n tradition_n ecclesiastical_a authority_n and_o infallibility_n as_o first_o to_o turn_v man_n stomach_n against_o it_o and_o at_o last_o to_o cause_v a_o great_a many_o quite_o to_o discharge_v themselves_o of_o it_o altogether_o but_o of_o these_o and_o such_o like_a i_o shall_v say_v no_o more_o at_o present_a but_o go_v on_o to_o the_o next_o general_n head_n 2_o to_o propose_v some_o remedy_n proper_a to_o prevent_v or_o repress_v the_o influence_n of_o these_o cause_n of_o infidelity_n whereof_o some_o be_v more_o general_a some_o more_o particular_o relate_v to_o some_o cause_n and_o circumstance_n the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v one_a to_o advise_v and_o assist_v man_n to_o improve_v and_o advance_v their_o knowledge_n to_o the_o high_a degree_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o for_o it_o seem_v just_a to_o deal_v so_o upright_o and_o plain_o with_o the_o world_n as_o not_o to_o make_v use_n of_o mere_a authority_n instead_o of_o understanding_n and_o reason_n where_o man_n be_v true_o capable_a and_o honest_a though_o where_o they_o be_v ignorant_a but_o yet_o conceit_v self-willed_a or_o dishonest_a in_o thing_n of_o importance_n and_o consequence_n authority_n must_v be_v allow_v to_o interpose_v for_o their_o own_o and_o the_o public_a good_a which_o otherwise_o will_v great_o suffer_v let_v therefore_o man_n know_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v and_o examine_v these_o great_a verity_n with_o the_o great_a severity_n assure_o the_o more_o they_o know_v the_o more_o reason_n they_o will_v see_v to_o believe_v they_o serious_o and_o resolute_o to_o live_v according_a to_o they_o search_v the_o scripture_n say_v our_o saviour_n to_o the_o unbelieve_a jew_n john_n 5._o 39_o to_o convince_v they_o that_o he_o be_v the_o promise_a messiah_n and_o the_o person_n to_o who_o all_o his_o character_n there_o do_v agree_v so_o say_v we_o search_v the_o scripture_n nature_n itself_o and_o reason_n too_o for_o they_o bear_v witness_n of_o all_o these_o great_a truth_n but_o then_o search_v they_o thorough_o examine_v they_o to_o the_o bottom_n see_v clear_o reason_n careful_o and_o just_o weigh_v all_o thing_n with_o indifferency_n and_o impartiality_n which_o will_v be_v present_o a_o direction_n by_o itself_o otherwise_o as_o the_o jew_n do_v erroneous_o interpret_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o conclude_v from_o they_o so_o may_v man_n here_o through_o want_n of_o patience_n and_o attention_n and_o apprehension_n err_v and_o mistake_v in_o their_o conclusion_n concern_v the_o great_a truth_n of_o morality_n and_o all_o religion_n we_o hearty_o desire_v that_o man_n faith_n and_o belief_n may_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o plain_a serious_a and_o deliberate_a conviction_n more_o than_o of_o custom_n where_o it_o may_v be_v and_o true_o then_o as_o well_o as_o when_o it_o be_v wrought_v in_o the_o heart_n by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o be_v another_o cause_n mention_v in_o the_o scripture_n great_a be_v its_o power_n and_o forcible_a its_o operation_n and_o life_n itself_o be_v at_o its_o devotion_n and_o service_n such_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o all_o the_o apostle_n and_o particular_o such_o be_v the_o faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n mention_v of_o saint_n thomas_n and_o saint_n peter_n when_o one_o cry_n out_o my_o lord_n and_o my_o god_n and_o the_o other_o lord_z whither_o shall_v we_o go_v thou_o have_v the_o word_n of_o eternal_a life_n let_v that_o then_o be_v the_o first_o remedy_n against_o infidelity_n viz._n the_o utmost_a improvement_n and_o best_a exercise_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o reason_n 2_o possess_v we_o our_o mind_n with_o a_o sincere_a and_o zealous_a honesty_n and_o probity_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v a_o strong_a habitual_a propension_n and_o inclination_n to_o that_o which_o be_v right_a and_o just_a this_o will_v have_v three_o effect_n very_o proper_a to_o beget_v or_o confirm_v a_o right_a belief_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o to_o preserve_v we_o in_o it_o the_o first_o a_o fervent_a love_n of_o the_o truth_n the_o second_o a_o free_a and_o ingenuous_a acknowledgement_n of_o it_o wherever_o we_o discover_v it_o be_v it_o for_o we_o or_o be_v it_o against_o we_o three_o a_o desire_n to_o act_v suitable_a and_o live_v according_a to_o it_o i_o say_v a_o sincere_a and_o resolute_a probity_n have_v these_o effect_n for_o sure_o never_o any_o honest_a man_n doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v material_a more_o fit_a and_o just_a of_o better_a effect_n for_o a_o good_a man_n who_o will_v make_v good_a use_n of_o his_o knowledge_n to_o be_v know_v rather_o than_o ignorant_a or_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n rather_o than_o a_o lie_n in_o order_n to_o direct_v he_o in_o all_o his_o inward_a motion_n and_o outward_a action_n without_o the_o first_o we_o shall_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o to_o search_v or_o find_v the_o truth_n without_o the_o second_o when_o we_o know_v it_o we_o shall_v either_o not_o believe_v or_o deny_v it_o if_o possible_a or_o if_o by_o the_o clearness_n and_o evidence_n we_o can_v do_v that_o yet_o we_o shall_v turn_v our_o mind_n away_o from_o it_o final_o without_o the_o three_o we_o shall_v little_o esteem_v or_o
inconstancy_n instability_n of_o judgement_n and_o assent_n in_o which_o there_o seem_v some_o passion_n and_o inclination_n without_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o in_o all_o the_o rest_n then_o shall_v we_o be_v clear_a and_o free_a to_o believe_v the_o truth_n mere_o because_o it_o be_v the_o truth_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v apprehend_v and_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n whatsoever_o till_o we_o have_v thus_o cleanse_v our_o soul_n depose_v and_o lay_v aside_o all_o these_o prejudices_fw-la the_o more_o ingenious_a and_o witty_a we_o be_v the_o great_a be_v our_o danger_n of_o error_n and_o unbelief_n and_o the_o common_a sort_n of_o man_n who_o have_v not_o so_o much_o wit_n haughtiness_n self-conceit_n and_o pride_n do_v with_o much_o more_o safety_n and_o security_n follow_v the_o easy_a and_o natural_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o common_a belief_n of_o the_o world_n who_o be_v wise_a than_o themselves_o and_o now_o what_o use_n shall_v we_o make_v of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n i_o shall_v make_v but_o one_o inference_n from_o it_o and_o that_o be_v if_o what_o we_o have_v all_o this_o time_n be_v deliver_v be_v truth_n and_o reason_n as_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v than_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o contradict_v the_o fool_n here_o in_o the_o text_n and_o that_o two_o way_n both_o in_o his_o infidelity_n and_o in_o his_o consequent_a practice_n have_v the_o vicious_a fool_n say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o no_o providence_n let_v we_o deliberate_o peremptory_o and_o decretory_o conclude_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o confess_v it_o with_o our_o mouth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o very_o that_o this_o god_n judge_v in_o the_o earth_n but_o then_o let_v we_o be_v sure_a bold_o to_o oppose_v and_o contradict_v he_o in_o the_o consequence_n of_o our_o faith_n else_o our_o faith_n and_o profession_n will_v serve_v we_o to_o no_o purpose_n but_o to_o condemn_v we_o out_o of_o our_o own_o mouth_n or_o it_o will_v be_v suspect_v that_o our_o inward_a faith_n and_o outward_a profession_n do_v not_o agree_v that_o we_o say_v one_o thing_n as_o loud_o as_o any_o and_o think_v another_o at_o least_o that_o our_o faith_n be_v very_o slight_a cold_a and_o rare_a and_o therefore_o little_o value_v by_o we_o for_o a_o serious_a express_a firm_a and_o frequent_a faith_n or_o actual_a assent_n especial_o after_o deliberation_n or_o doubt_v be_v a_o great_a matter_n and_o very_o operative_a we_o see_v the_o settle_a opinion_n of_o man_n in_o other_o affair_n of_o life_n how_o sturdy_a and_o forcible_a they_o be_v they_o govern_v even_o their_o passion_n and_o person_n and_o be_v difficult_o master_v or_o hinder_v by_o any_o opposition_n so_o will_v it_o be_v also_o in_o divine_a faith_n if_o it_o be_v as_o well_o root_v in_o our_o heart_n and_o as_o frequent_o make_v actual_a use_n of_o be_v then_o this_o wicked_a fool_n corrupt_v and_o vicious_a have_v he_o do_v abominable_a work_n let_v it_o be_v our_o firm_a resolution_n and_o utmost_a care_n and_o endeavour_v to_o be_v of_o a_o incorrupt_a sound_a and_o strong_a virtue_n and_o a_o laudable_a and_o amiable_a practice_n and_o do_v good_a work_n but_o more_o particular_o and_o immediate_o the_o virtue_n which_o our_o belief_n in_o god_n his_o nature_n attribute_n and_o action_n shall_v produce_v and_o preserve_v be_v that_o of_o piety_n and_o religion_n or_o divine_a worship_n in_o which_o i_o comprehend_v all_o our_o duty_n to_o this_o god_n let_v we_o then_o spare_v he_o as_o many_o thought_n as_o we_o can_v and_o contemplate_v his_o beauty_n and_o glory_n as_o much_o as_o our_o frail_a nature_n and_o condition_n will_v bear_v let_v we_o conceive_v the_o most_o worthy_o of_o he_o let_v we_o honour_v he_o with_o all_o the_o force_n of_o our_o soul_n love_v he_o with_o all_o our_o might_n above_o all_o thing_n together_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n rejoice_v and_o be_v happy_a in_o his_o favour_n and_o fear_v his_o displeasure_n put_v our_o ultimate_a trust_n in_o he_o alone_o and_o above_o all_o entire_o resign_v up_o our_o will_n to_o he_o in_o whatever_o be_v to_o be_v do_v or_o undergo_v by_o we_o and_o all_o his_o creature_n that_o his_o will_n may_v be_v do_v both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n this_o which_o be_v the_o internal_a worship_n of_o god_n we_o be_v at_o all_o fit_a season_n and_o circumstance_n to_o signify_v by_o our_o laud_n praise_n prayer_n thanksgiving_n solemn_a profession_n of_o a_o sincere_a universal_a constant_a perpetual_a obedience_n to_o all_o his_o command_n and_o appointment_n and_o above_o all_o by_o the_o tenor_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n which_o be_v external_n worship_n behold_v a_o heart_n and_o life_n suitable_a to_o our_o faith_n and_o to_o the_o god_n in_o who_o we_o believe_v a_o employment_n worthy_a indeed_o of_o all_o reasonable_a creature_n from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a the_o perfection_n of_o all_o their_o noble_a power_n and_o exercise_n of_o they_o this_o religion_n and_o conversation_n with_o the_o deity_n be_v the_o high_a accomplishment_n and_o felicity_n of_o any_o spiritual_a nature_n all_o other_o object_n do_v not_o fill_v their_o capacity_n this_o state_n we_o be_v all_o here_o as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v which_o be_v but_o little_a to_o endeavour_v to_o attain_v to_o the_o rest_n we_o be_v to_o desire_v hope_v and_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o now_o to_o this_o god_n who_o the_o wicked_a fool_n deny_v who_o make_v and_o uphold_v all_o thing_n by_o the_o omnipotent_a word_n of_o his_o power_n and_o govern_v all_o thing_n by_o his_o alwise_a providence_n to_o this_o one_o most_o excellent_a infinite_a nature_n in_o three_o person_n the_o father_n the_o son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v all_o this_o inward_a and_o outward_a worship_n constant_o render_v by_o man_n and_o angel_n from_o henceforth_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n sermon_n v._n rom_n v._o 1._o therefore_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n we_o have_v peace_n with_o god_n through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n there_o be_v hardly_o any_o word_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n more_o common_a in_o the_o mouth_n of_o christian_n especial_o reform_v or_o utter_v with_o more_o affection_n or_o more_o frequent_o make_v use_n of_o than_o these_o of_o justification_n by_o faith_n nor_n be_v there_o any_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n which_o have_v of_o late_o be_v dispute_v with_o more_o volume_n or_o great_a heat_n than_o that_o which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v contain_v under_o they_o to_o which_o we_o may_v add_v that_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o doctrine_n both_o in_o matter_n and_o phrase_n in_o great_a measure_n new_a and_o proper_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o yet_o of_o a_o great_a importance_n honourable_a to_o god_n and_o comfortable_a to_o men._n for_o the_o most_o devout_a and_o even_o inspire_v by_o god_n among_o the_o jew_n as_o far_o as_o appear_v know_v little_a of_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o and_o the_o most_o learned_a among_o the_o heathen_n nothing_o nay_o it_o seem_v by_o what_o we_o read_v that_o it_o have_v be_v defective_o and_o but_o ill-understood_a even_o by_o christian_n themselves_o till_o of_o late_a and_o although_o in_o a_o good_a part_n of_o this_o last_o century_n it_o have_v be_v much_o clear_v and_o recover_v by_o many_o learned_a man_n who_o begin_v better_a to_o understand_v the_o style_n phrase_n occasion_n and_o other_o circumstance_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o by_o none_o more_o perhaps_o than_o our_o own_o judicious_a pious_a paraphra_v yet_o methinks_v somewhat_o more_o may_v be_v do_v in_o the_o matter_n i_o shall_v at_o present_a only_o brief_o and_o plain_o endeavour_v the_o explication_n and_o application_n of_o the_o word_n the_o two_o thing_n which_o deserve_v a_o particular_a explication_n be_v 1_o justification_n 2_o faith_n 1._o for_o the_o word_n justification_n i_o take_v the_o original_n and_o general_a notion_n of_o it_o to_o be_v the_o do_v by_o any_o person_n for_o to_o that_o i_o now_o restrain_v it_o though_o it_o be_v speak_v of_o action_n also_o as_o use_v to_o be_v do_v to_o one_o who_o be_v just_a and_o righteous_a i_o e_o some_o way_n to_o show_v favour_n or_o to_o do_v good_a to_o he_o whether_o by_o approbation_n commendation_n or_o beneficence_n of_o this_o general_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o see_v that_o the_o juridical_a sense_n of_o acquit_v absolve_v etc._n etc._n be_v but_o one_o instance_n or_o kind_n this_o usage_n may_v be_v in_o respect_n of_o some_o particular_a act_n or_o quality_n only_o or_o of_o a_o man_n general_a temper_n of_o mind_n and_o course_n of_o life_n we_o have_v several_a example_n of_o the_o first_o it_o be_v say_v by_o our_o saviour_n of_o the_o publican_n who_o go_v up_o with_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi to_o the_o temple_n to_o
their_o repentance_n prayer_n sacrifice_n and_o all_o other_o their_o good_a work_n and_o quality_n be_v not_o bare_o a_o capacitating_a condition_n of_o justification_n forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o happy_a life_n to_o come_v but_o meritorious_a and_o that_o god_n be_v oblige_v in_o justice_n to_o give_v these_o for_o they_o and_o as_o for_o the_o perfect_o righteous_a who_o need_v no_o repentance_n no_o question_n but_o that_o god_n be_v strict_o bind_v to_o reward_v they_o with_o a_o future_a happy_a state_n of_o life_n especial_o at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o the_o day_n of_o the_o great_a judgement_n nay_o when_o they_o want_v merit_n of_o their_o own_o they_o have_v recourse_n to_o those_o of_o their_o ancestor_n abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n and_o other_o like_o the_o work_n of_o supererogation_n among_o the_o papist_n nay_o some_o be_v so_o besot_v with_o vain_a conceit_n and_o arrogance_n that_o they_o think_v god_n choose_v their_o ancestor_n for_o their_o merit_n and_o be_v in_o love_n with_o their_o posterity_n for_o it_o too_o and_o still_o there_o remain_v among_o they_o a_o enthusiastical_a and_o arrogant_a strain_n beyond_o all_o this_o probable_o old_a than_o st._n paul_n that_o god_n create_v the_o world_n for_o their_o sake_n foresee_v i_o suppose_v what_o a_o lovely_a and_o excellent_a people_n they_o will_v prove_v we_o need_v but_o look_v into_o both_o ancient_n and_o modern_a jewish_a author_n to_o learn_v all_o this_o though_o if_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o this_o their_o arrogant_a opinion_n and_o temper_n from_o themselves_o yet_o the_o holy_a scripture_n will_v sufficient_o inform_v we_o d_o now_o st._n paul_n so_o zealous_a for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n most_o deserve_o in_o his_o dispute_n with_o they_o about_o justification_n repress_v and_o refute_v such_o insolent_a and_o false_a opinion_n and_o language_n and_o therefore_o assert_v the_o righteousness_n or_o justification_n of_o god_n or_o of_o god_n appointment_n by_o faith_n of_o jesus_n christ_n describe_v and_o teach_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o all_o they_o that_o believe_v this_o way_n of_o justification_n of_o god_n appointment_n be_v first_o to_o believer_n i._n e._n real_a christian_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n and_o then_o through_o the_o redemption_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n the_o propitiation_n and_o last_o free_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n this_o god_n way_n of_o justification_n be_v thus_o upon_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o christian_a obedience_n and_o consideration_n of_o perfect_a obedience_n and_o death_n of_o jesus_n and_o of_o the_o free_a grace_n of_o god_n every_o way_n exclude_v the_o boast_n of_o the_o jew_n which_o they_o think_v in_o their_o way_n they_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n for_o this_o righteousness_n of_o god_n be_v neither_o without_o the_o interposition_n of_o the_o perfect_a obedience_n and_o sacrifice_n of_o jesus_n the_o true_a messiah_n nor_o by_o any_o merit_n of_o they_o by_o which_o they_o may_v claim_v justification_n as_o a_o debt_n from_o god_n nor_o be_v it_o so_o much_o as_o upon_o condition_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n of_o which_o present_o much_o less_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o merit_n rom._n 3._o 22._o and_o because_o the_o jew_n have_v so_o great_a a_o opinion_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o their_o father_n abraham_n he_o affirm_v that_o abraham_n himself_o be_v justify_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n too_o he_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n too_o take_v faith_n first_o for_o a_o godly_a religious_a temper_n of_o heart_n as_o the_o condition_n and_o then_o this_o one_o part_n of_o the_o gospel-doctrine_n of_o justification_n for_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o by_o a_o figure_n ordinary_a enough_o with_o st._n paul_n and_o other_o holy_a writer_n as_o have_v be_v before_o observe_v but_o he_o deny_v peremptory_o that_o abraham_n be_v justify_v by_o his_o work_n of_o any_o sort_n i._n e._n that_o he_o be_v justify_v either_o according_a to_o their_o doctrine_n in_o general_n or_o more_o particular_o by_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o work_n he_o do_v not_o deny_v justification_n by_o good_a work_n as_o a_o qualification_n or_o condition_n which_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o st._n james_n write_v against_o a_o error_n of_o some_o christian_n who_o teach_v a_o bare_a belief_n in_o jesus_n and_o profession_n of_o it_o enough_o and_o it_o be_v likely_a they_o have_v it_o from_o the_o jew_n too_o the_o vulgar_a of_o who_o think_v their_o mere_a be_v jew_n sufficient_a for_o salvation_n nor_o have_v either_o the_o jewish_a or_o christian_a church_n ever_o want_v such_o sort_n of_o people_n and_o very_o numerous_a too_o especial_o in_o time_n and_o place_n of_o great_a ignorance_n when_o their_o idle_a ignorant_a and_o corrupt_a guide_n themselves_o have_v teach_v they_o as_o much_o st._n aug._n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v some_o in_o his_o time_n who_o believe_v all_o to_o be_v save_v 22._o civ_o dei_fw-la lib._n 21._o cap._n 22._o who_o give_v alm_n who_o say_v daily_o in_o the_o lord_n prayer_n forgive_v we_o our_o trespass_n etc._n etc._n and_o do_v forgive_v when_o ask_v sometime_o who_o remain_v in_o the_o church_n however_o they_o live_v otherwise_o and_o he_o believe_v there_o be_v many_o in_o st._n paul_n time_n too_o who_o not_o right_o quaest_n lib._n 80._o quaest_n understanding_n st._n paul_n justification_n by_o faith_n without_o work_n do_v real_o think_v that_o have_v once_o believe_v in_o christ_n they_o shall_v be_v save_v by_o that_o faith_n though_o they_o live_v wicked_a and_o flagitious_a life_n those_o christian_n in_o st._n james_n seem_v such_o a_o sort_n of_o people_n and_o if_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n be_v write_v before_o that_o of_o st._n james_n they_o also_o may_v be_v lead_v into_o such_o a_o conceit_n by_o st._n paul_n himself_o misunderstand_v not_o mind_v what_o he_o have_v otherwise_o by_o word_n or_o write_v every_o where_o teach_v and_o particular_o in_o rom._n 10._o 9_o 10._o that_o if_o thou_o shall_v confess_v with_o thy_o mouth_n the_o lord_n jesus_n and_o shall_v believe_v in_o thy_o heart_n that_o god_n have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a thou_o shall_v be_v save_v for_o with_o the_o heart_n man_n believe_v unto_o righteousness_n i._n e._n justification_n and_o with_o the_o mouth_n confession_n be_v make_v unto_o salvation_n here_o it_o be_v observable_a how_o one_o circumstance_n of_o the_o person_n who_o be_v write_v to_o and_o their_o opinion_n may_v determine_v the_o sense_n of_o word_n st._n paul_n write_v to_o the_o jew_n who_o affirm_v that_o their_o good_a work_n merit_v justification_n st._n james_n to_o christian_n who_o believe_v and_o teach_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o qualification_n or_o condition_n and_o no_o way_n necessary_a to_o it_o they_o both_o write_v true_a justification_n be_v and_o be_v not_o by_o good_a work_n it_o be_v by_o they_o as_o a_o qualification_n and_o condition_n it_o be_v not_o by_o they_o as_o meritorious_a in_o the_o most_o receive_v and_o common_a sense_n of_o that_o word_n but_o to_o return_v to_o st._n paul_n he_o flat_o deny_v that_o abraham_n himself_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o merit_n of_o his_o work_n so_o as_o that_o god_n be_v in_o manner_n of_o a_o debtor_n oblige_v to_o it_o much_o less_o be_v his_o posterity_n abraham_n indeed_o be_v a_o person_n extraordinary_a and_o so_o may_v just_o pretend_v to_o some_o privilege_n among_o man_n but_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o claim_v or_o challenge_v any_o thing_n particular_o so_o great_a thing_n as_o remission_n of_o sin_n and_o salvation_n from_o god_n mere_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n or_o in_o such_o manner_n as_o a_o creditor_n or_o servant_n may_v do_v from_o his_o debtor_n or_o master_n rom._n 4._o this_o doctrine_n of_o his_o so_o direct_o opposite_a to_o they_o he_o prove_v from_o moses_n and_o david_n for_o one_o say_v that_o abraham_n faith_n his_o piety_n and_o obedience_n be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n or_o justification_n and_o the_o other_o bless_a be_v the_o man_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n will_v not_o impute_v sin_n now_o this_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d impute_v import_v in_o god_n nothing_o of_o payment_n of_o a_o debt_n nor_o of_o merit_n from_o he_o but_o a_o act_n of_o discretion_n liberty_n choice_n goodness_n though_o most_o wise_a and_o reasonable_a too_o in_o pursuance_n of_o the_o one_o great_a end_n of_o all_o his_o counsel_n and_o action_n this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o st._n paul_n and_o the_o other_o apostle_n elsewhere_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n they_o much_o desire_v christian_n shall_v be_v well_o instruct_v in_o and_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o natural_a reason_n for_o to_o talk_v of_o merit_n in_o its_o proper_a sense_n and_o so_o as_o it_o
the_o scripture_n of_o faith_n justify_v or_o save_v as_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o instrument_n nor_o of_o any_o thing_n which_o infer_v it_o or_o will_v so_o much_o as_o give_v any_o hint_n or_o suspicion_n of_o it_o but_o as_o a_o necessary_a condition_n or_o qualification_n every_o where_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o repentance_n obedience_n confession_n of_o sin_n and_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v raise_v from_o the_o dead_a rom._n 10._o 9_o 10._o both_o these_o last_o be_v synecdochical_o take_v for_o be_v true_a christian_n or_o obedience_n to_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n these_o notion_n i_o conceive_v have_v be_v invent_v and_o receive_v principal_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o pontifician_n sense_n and_o then_o for_o want_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o oriental_a way_n of_o speak_v or_o from_o former_a prejudices_fw-la such_o notion_n and_o language_n will_v have_v seem_v very_o strange_a and_o unintelligible_a to_o the_o greek_a the_o roman_a and_o especial_o the_o jew_n the_o adversary_n of_o st._n paul_n who_o he_o endeavour_v to_o convince_v and_o confute_v and_o when_o understand_v very_o mean_a and_o improbable_a and_o yet_o there_o may_v be_v truth_n under_o all_o these_o expression_n if_o they_o be_v take_v figurative_o with_o some_o sort_n of_o explication_n and_o we_o may_v be_v so_o charitable_a as_o to_o believe_v that_o pious_a and_o good_a man_n have_v so_o understand_v they_o and_o that_o other_o sometime_o can_v better_o tell_v and_o explain_v their_o thought_n than_o they_o themselves_o as_o for_o example_n if_o we_o take_v faith_n first_o strict_o for_o a_o assent_n but_o then_o add_v so_o firm_a repeat_v attentive_a and_o deliberate_a a_o one_o like_o that_o of_o thomas_n as_o to_o produce_v in_o we_o profound_a veneration_n and_o submission_n of_o soul_n to_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o a_o actual_a obedience_n to_o their_o will_n and_o command_n and_o consequent_o a_o true_a virtue_n and_o real_a sanctity_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n i_o say_v if_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o justify_v faith_n it_o be_v true_a and_o good_a and_o so_o if_o believe_v and_o rely_v upon_o christ_n and_o trust_v in_o he_o for_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o acceptance_n be_v not_o a_o presumptuous_a one_o but_o well_o ground_v upon_o a_o true_a repentance_n the_o real_a change_n and_o conversion_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o suppose_v and_o comprehend_v that_o it_o may_v pass_v for_o a_o justify_v faith_n so_o may_v receive_n and_o embrace_v whole_a christ_n as_o they_o phrase_v it_o as_o king_n priest_n and_o prophet_n because_o it_o include_v obedience_n to_o christ_n law_n as_o a_o king_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n to_o receive_v christ_n as_o a_o priest_n and_o prophet_n may_v be_v include_v in_o obedience_n because_o we_o be_v command_v to_o believe_v christ_n doctrine_n and_o to_o trust_v in_o god_n for_o the_o remission_n of_o sin_n procure_v by_o he_o upon_o repentance_n final_o when_o they_o call_v their_o justify_n faith_n a_o lively_a faith_n or_o faith_n work_v by_o love_n and_o bring_v forth_o the_o fruit_n of_o holiness_n and_o good_a work_n it_o may_v do_v very_o well_o though_o it_o be_v a_o odd_a kind_n of_o expression_n of_o what_o some_o contend_v for_o that_o faith_n alone_o justify_v without_o work_n or_o obedience_n which_o be_v like_a as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v say_v that_o the_o root_n and_o the_o fruit_n of_o a_o tree_n nourish_v to_o signify_v that_o the_o root_n only_o do_v it_o we_o have_v now_o go_v through_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o word_n promise_v for_o the_o application_n of_o they_o let_v the_o apostle_n own_o inference_n suffice_v at_o present_a to_o recommend_v unto_o we_o a_o justify_v state_n we_o that_o be_v justify_v by_o faith_n say_v the_o apostle_n have_v peace_n with_o god_n that_o be_v we_o be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o amity_n and_o friendship_n with_o god_n so_o that_o we_o not_o only_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o fear_v any_o harm_n from_o that_o terrible_a and_o 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we_o shall_v neglect_v we_o or_o forsake_v we_o or_o hate_v we_o or_o which_o be_v certain_a to_o come_v to_o pass_v soon_o or_o late_a shall_v not_o be_v able_a in_o the_o least_o to_o help_v we_o though_o it_o will_v then_o when_o death_n shall_v envisage_n and_o summon_v we_o to_o a_o appearance_n before_o that_o sovereign_a tribunal_n and_o when_o we_o shall_v stand_v there_o to_o receive_v our_o final_a doom_n and_o irreversible_a sentence_n oh_o most_o desirable_a and_o happy_a of_o all_o condition_n without_o the_o assurance_n of_o which_o if_o we_o will_v draw_v our_o curtain_n about_o we_o and_o be_v serious_a but_o one_o hour_n we_o can_v not_o be_v quiet_a or_o easy_a in_o ourselves_o we_o proclaim_v the_o person_n most_o happy_a and_o fortunate_a who_o have_v the_o eye_n the_o ear_n the_o heart_n of_o a_o prince_n but_o what_o can_v the_o great_a potentate_n do_v for_o we_o more_o than_o heap_n upon_o we_o riches_n and_o honour_n for_o a_o few_o day_n which_o many_o to_o one_o we_o have_v better_o have_v want_v even_o the_o continuance_n of_o bodily_a life_n and_o health_n the_o great_a bodily_a blessing_n be_v out_o of_o their_o power_n but_o how_o much_o more_o the_o good_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o treasure_n of_o heaven_n whereas_o the_o eternal_a sovereign_a lord_n of_o the_o universe_n have_v all_o thing_n perfect_o at_o his_o own_o disposal_n to_o bestow_v upon_o who_o he_o please_v and_o that_o here_o with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o care_n of_o a_o father_n but_o hereafter_o certain_o fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n for_o ever_o more_o beside_o where_o god_n fix_v his_o affection_n and_o vouchsafe_v his_o friendship_n we_o be_v sure_o there_o be_v true_a worth_n and_o something_o of_o real_a and_o good_a value_n though_o of_o his_o own_o gift_n when_o earthly_a greatness_n through_o ignorance_n misinformation_n humour_n or_o necessity_n may_v misplace_v they_o and_o the_o belief_n of_o and_o reflection_n upon_o god_n approbation_n who_o be_v the_o best_a judge_n be_v at_o all_o time_n extreme_o grateful_a and_o satisfactory_a to_o we_o natural_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o wise_a and_o just_a man_n take_v more_o pleasure_n in_o not_o be_v unworthy_a of_o favour_n which_o he_o do_v not_o enjoy_v than_o in_o enjoy_v what_o he_o do_v not_o deserve_v we_o conclude_v all_o in_o turn_v st._n paul_n s_o doctrine_n and_o inference_n into_o a_o exhortation_n and_o motive_n let_v we_o use_v our_o utmost_a care_n and_o endeavour_v on_o our_o part_n and_o god_n will_v not_o fail_v to_o perform_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v on_o he_o to_o get_v into_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o be_v evangelical_o justify_v our_o sin_n pardon_v our_o soul_n inhabit_v and_o sanctify_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o our_o eternal_a salvation_n assure_v that_o so_o we_o may_v enjoy_v the_o great_a honour_n and_o the_o unspeakable_a comfort_n of_o be_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n and_o at_o peace_n with_o he_o through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o holy_a spirit_n be_v all_o honour_n and_o praise_v both_o now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n annotation_n and_o addition_n on_o the_o discourse_n of_o justification_n a_o for_o the_o ample_a proof_n of_o the_o notion_n and_o sense_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sometime_o which_o i_o have_v give_v i_o think_v what_o follow_v will_v be_v abundant_o sufficient_a 1_o let_v it_o be_v premise_v that_o though_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o its_o most_o precise_a notion_n signify_v to_o pronounce_v just_a to_o discharge_v acquit_v and_o absolve_v from_o fault_n and_o punishment_n yet_o in_o its_o more_o general_a use_n it_o signify_v more_o general_o viz._n to_o treat_v or_o use_v as_o just_a in_o our_o opinion_n word_n or_o action_n and_o
well_o when_o he_o think_v himself_o the_o more_o oblige_v to_o honour_n god_n and_o to_o preserve_v himself_o and_o other_o from_o the_o infection_n of_o bad_a example_n when_o their_o number_n confidence_n and_o security_n be_v so_o great_a as_o to_o wonder_v and_o despise_v and_o treat_v hardly_o all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o like_o themselves_o the_o more_o the_o misery_n and_o folly_n and_o impiety_n of_o the_o world_n increase_v he_o think_v himself_o the_o more_o bind_v to_o endeavour_v to_o lessen_v it_o by_o save_v himself_o at_o least_o if_o he_o can_v do_v no_o more_o it_o be_v the_o most_o seasonable_a and_o necessary_a then_o to_o be_v the_o best_a when_o the_o world_n be_v the_o worst_a and_o man_n be_v general_o run_v to_o their_o ruin_n such_o be_v the_o apostolical_a admonition_n to_o christian_n to_o be_v harmless_a and_o blameless_a the_o son_n 15._o ephes_n 2._o 15._o of_o god_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a nation_n and_o to_o shine_v as_o light_n in_o the_o world_n never_o more_o need_v of_o light_n than_o in_o a_o gross_a and_o general_a darkness_n nor_o of_o the_o mound_n and_o bank_n of_o resolute_a virtuous_a example_n than_o when_o the_o flood_n of_o vicious_a one_o threaten_v to_o drown_v all_o after_o all_o this_o we_o must_v not_o allow_v or_o grant_v too_o much_o to_o this_o plea_n and_o excuse_n for_o conformity_n to_o evil_a example_n and_o bad_a manner_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n though_o too_o few_o who_o commendation_n favour_n and_o assistance_n we_o shall_v not_o fail_v of_o by_o our_o retreat_n and_o separation_n from_o wicked_a practice_n though_o never_o so_o numerous_a and_o great_a and_o then_o ofttimes_o at_o least_o if_o our_o nonconformity_n be_v as_o discreet_a and_o prudent_a as_o it_o be_v sincere_a and_o conscientious_a those_o very_a person_n who_o from_o the_o tooth_n outward_a reproach_n and_o slight_v we_o will_v silent_o in_o their_o own_o thought_n esteem_v and_o commend_v we_o or_o if_o at_o sometime_o when_o upon_o the_o rant_v and_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o passion_n they_o may_v inward_o contemn_v and_o hate_v we_o too_o yet_o at_o other_o in_o their_o sober_a mood_n when_o they_o be_v most_o themselves_o they_o may_v be_v of_o another_o opinion_n and_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o the_o text_n speak_v here_o only_o very_o general_o and_o that_o some_o even_o of_o the_o gentile_n be_v strike_v and_o awaken_v by_o the_o light_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o innocent_a virtuous_a spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a conversation_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o inward_o move_v to_o esteem_v and_o admire_v they_o nay_o after_o some_o time_n some_o even_n of_o those_o who_o at_o first_o wonder_v at_o the_o singularity_n and_o novelty_n of_o their_o manner_n be_v so_o affect_v though_o they_o do_v not_o yet_o leave_v their_o own_o for_o that_o we_o may_v observe_v by_o the_o way_n that_o man_n may_v in_o some_o considerable_a degree_n approve_v esteem_v and_o love_n that_o in_o other_o which_o they_o do_v not_o practice_v themselves_o the_o one_o cost_v nothing_o the_o other_o much_o pain_n and_o solicitude_n and_o that_o therefore_o sincere_a piety_n and_o virtue_n have_v not_o so_o many_o and_o fierce_a enemy_n as_o from_o appearance_n may_v be_v think_v beside_o this_o excuse_n have_v no_o place_n when_o the_o greatness_n of_o our_o condition_n and_o our_o advantageous_a circumstance_n may_v be_v such_o as_o to_o command_v honour_n and_o imitation_n of_o we_o not_o to_o fear_v contempt_n or_o ill-usage_n for_o not_o imitate_v of_o other_o when_o it_o be_v think_v our_o part_n to_o give_v example_n not_o to_o follow_v but_o as_o i_o have_v say_v it_o be_v the_o last_o excuse_n of_o man_n for_o go_v along_o with_o the_o crowd_n of_o the_o vicious_a namely_o the_o difficulty_n and_o painfulness_n of_o do_v otherwise_o that_o shall_v most_o enlarge_v this_o discourse_n to_o follow_v a_o multitude_n be_v always_o jolly_a and_o pleasant_a but_o when_o our_o nature_n set_v we_o go_v too_o it_o be_v little_o less_o than_o necessary_a and_o the_o contrary_a impossible_a let_v we_o hear_v it_o at_o large_a 2._o they_o will_v then_o allege_v for_o themselves_o that_o virtue_n and_o sanctity_n to_o our_o nature_n such_o as_o they_o be_v bear_v and_o such_o as_o they_o be_v by_o long_a use_n and_o custom_n now_o make_v be_v in_o the_o high_a degree_n difficult_a and_o laborious_a and_o consequent_o grievous_a and_o painful_a and_o next_o to_o impossible_a but_o vice_n be_v easy_a and_o thence_o delightful_a and_o pleasant_a and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o one_o of_o the_o most_o general_a and_o sure_a cause_n of_o the_o beginning_n and_o continuance_n of_o the_o inclination_n and_o action_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v first_o facility_n and_o then_o pleasure_n what_o be_v painful_a will_v either_o be_v never_o attempt_v or_o soon_o leave_v off_o to_o speak_v more_o distinct_o and_o proper_o we_o acknowledge_v say_v they_o some_o remainder_n of_o a_o appetite_n to_o virtue_n and_o moral_a good_a but_o we_o find_v a_o hundred_o other_o incomparable_o more_o forcible_a and_o strong_a now_o to_o exalt_v virtue_n to_o a_o universal_a supremacy_n and_o to_o preserve_v it_o there_o constant_o to_o bring_v all_o other_o appetite_n and_o passion_n down_o to_o its_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n so_o as_o to_o receive_v all_o their_o motion_n their_o very_a be_v end_n and_o measure_n from_o its_o direction_n and_o command_n tell_v we_o whether_o and_o how_o it_o may_v be_v do_v for_o the_o man_n void_a of_o all_o honour_n and_o love_n to_o god_n nay_o a_o hater_n of_o that_o most_o perfect_a and_o holy_a nature_n to_o be_v his_o devout_a adorer_n and_o imitator_n for_o the_o little_a selfish_a soul_n contract_v to_o a_o point_n to_o become_v great_a and_o widen_v itself_o to_o his_o country_n mankind_n or_o even_o the_o universe_n for_o the_o malicious_a and_o sour_a ill-nature_n to_o be_v sweeten_v into_o charity_n for_o the_o proud_a and_o covetous_a to_o desire_v and_o value_n no_o more_o of_o honour_n power_n and_o wealth_n than_o what_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o manage_v to_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n his_o sovereign_n and_o the_o good_a of_o other_o his_o fellow_n subject_n and_o for_o that_o very_a end_n for_o the_o voluptuous_a and_o luxurious_a to_o scorn_v any_o bodily_a pleasure_n or_o sensual_a delight_n any_o further_a than_o they_o be_v the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o piety_n charity_n and_o our_o own_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a good_a any_o further_a than_o they_o be_v necessary_a or_o useful_a in_o this_o frail_a life_n of_o flesh_n to_o remove_v the_o hindrance_n or_o to_o procure_v the_o help_n of_o virtue_n and_o beneficence_n of_o be_v and_o do_v good_a thus_o to_o turn_v all_o the_o motion_n inclination_n and_o aversion_n of_o our_o soul_n upside_o down_o to_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n 10._o eph._n 4._o 22_o 24._o col._n 3._o 9_o 10._o which_o be_v corrupt_a according_a to_o deceitful_a lust_n as_o the_o scripture_n phrase_v it_o and_o to_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o be_v create_v after_o god_n in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n this_o this_o be_v a_o undertake_v most_o difficult_a irksome_a tedious_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o be_v ever_o perform_v of_o which_o the_o small_a number_n of_o those_o who_o but_o seem_v to_o do_v it_o and_o the_o vast_a multitude_n of_o those_o that_o never_o think_v of_o it_o be_v a_o evident_a argument_n and_o may_v we_o not_o well_o wonder_v at_o the_o first_o who_o will_v adventure_v to_o turn_v head_n and_o with_o sore_a labour_n perpetual_o tug_v against_o the_o stream_n of_o nature_n and_o almost_o universal_a example_n may_v we_o not_o well_o excuse_v those_o who_o swim_v down_o easy_o with_o so_o violent_a a_o tide_n or_o permit_v themselves_o to_o be_v carry_v by_o it_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o their_o last_o plea_n and_o i_o think_v the_o best_a they_o have_v make_v use_v of_o by_o vicious_a and_o dissolute_a man_n for_o their_o wonder_n at_o those_o who_o will_v undertake_v to_o be_v better_o and_o defence_n of_o those_o who_o be_v as_o bad_a as_o themselves_o and_o to_o this_o we_o shall_v return_v i_o hope_v no_o insufficient_a answer_n and_o that_o in_o these_o particular_n 1._o that_o reformation_n and_o conversion_n from_o vice_n to_o virtue_n from_o sin_n to_o sanctity_n however_o it_o be_v effect_v be_v not_o impossible_a needs_o no_o other_o evidence_n than_o the_o eminent_a example_n of_o some_o and_o the_o good_a one_o of_o many_o we_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v but_o few_o comparative_o yet_o in_o various_a instance_n and_o degree_n more_o than_o bad_a man_n be_v willing_a to_o allow_v who_o industrious_o diminish_v they_o and_o will_v sometime_o pretend_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v hardly_o