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the_o certainty_n of_o revelation_n for_o what_o other_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o that_o difference_n man_n make_v between_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o of_o revelation_n but_o that_o they_o allow_v sense_n and_o reason_n to_o be_v good_a and_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v evident_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n how_o mysterious_a soever_o their_o nature_n be_v but_o that_o mere_a revelation_n be_v no_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o evident_a also_o to_o sense_n and_o reason_n how_o plain_o soever_o it_o be_v reveal_v that_o be_v that_o revelation_n alone_o can_v prove_v nothing_o for_o if_o revelation_n itself_o can_v prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o what_o be_v reveal_v the_o difficulty_n in_o nature_n and_o philosophy_n can_v no_o more_o disprove_v a_o revelation_n than_o confute_v our_o sense_n now_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o unequal_a usage_n to_o 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impossibility_n because_o we_o know_v not_o the_o true_a mystery_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v this_o vain_a humour_n of_o criticise_v upon_o nature_n which_o make_v so_o many_o atheist_n they_o go_v upon_o the_o same_o principle_n with_o infidel_n and_o heretic_n to_o believe_v nothing_o which_o natural_a reason_n can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v now_o they_o can_v comprehend_v the_o notion_n and_o idea_n of_o a_o god_n which_o they_o say_v be_v make_v up_o of_o contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n and_o therefore_o they_o reject_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n they_o can_v conceive_v a_o create_a power_n which_o can_v give_v be_v to_o that_o which_o have_v no_o be_v before_o which_o they_o think_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o make_v something_o of_o nothing_o and_o therefore_o they_o reject_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o either_o assert_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n or_o at_o least_o the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n they_o can_v
conceive_v no_o substance_n but_o matter_n and_o body_n and_o therefore_o reject_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n as_o nonsense_n and_o contradiction_n they_o will_v allow_v nothing_o to_o be_v wise_o make_v which_o they_o understand_v not_o the_o reason_n and_o use_n of_o and_o therefore_o they_o fancy_v a_o great_a many_o botch_n and_o blunder_n in_o nature_n which_o can_v be_v the_o design_n and_o contrivance_n of_o wisdom_n but_o the_o effect_n of_o chance_n and_o then_o the_o consequence_n be_v plain_a that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o chance_n not_o by_o a_o wise_a author_n now_o i_o confess_v if_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v be_v allow_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o defend_v either_o sense_n or_o reason_n or_o revelation_n against_o the_o cavil_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n for_o there_o be_v unconceivable_a and_o incomprehensible_a secret_n and_o mystery_n in_o they_o all_o and_o if_o to_o conceive_v and_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n must_v be_v make_v the_o measure_n and_o standard_n of_o true_a and_o false_a we_o must_v deny_v our_o sense_n and_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o our_o faith_n and_o if_o we_o do_v and_o must_v believe_v our_o sense_n and_o reason_n beyond_o our_o comprehension_n why_o must_v we_o believe_v nothing_o that_o be_v reveal_v any_o far_a than_o we_o can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o sum_n be_v this_o humane_a knowledge_n whatever_o the_o mean_n of_o know_v be_v whether_o sense_n or_o reason_n or_o revelation_n do_v not_o reach_v to_o the_o philosophical_a cause_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o only_o to_o their_o be_v and_o natural_a virtue_n and_o power_n and_o as_o a_o wise_a man_n who_o know_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o understanding_n expect_v no_o more_o from_o sense_n and_o reason_n than_o to_o know_v what_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o they_o be_v as_o far_o as_o they_o fall_v under_o the_o notice_n of_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n so_o we_o must_v expect_v no_o more_o from_o revelation_n than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n can_v discover_v but_o we_o must_v no_o more_o expect_v the_o philosophy_n of_o supernatural_a truth_n from_o revelation_n than_o we_o do_v the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n from_o sense_n and_o reason_n now_o since_o humane_a knowledge_n be_v not_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mysterious_a nature_n of_o thing_n but_o only_o to_o know_v what_o thing_n there_o be_v and_o what_o they_o be_v there_o can_v be_v no_o contradiction_n between_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o revelation_n unless_o one_o deny_v what_o the_o other_o affirm_v not_o that_o one_o teach_v more_o than_o the_o other_o teach_v or_o that_o one_o can_v comprehend_v what_o the_o other_o teach_v reason_n teach_v more_o than_o sense_n teach_v or_o can_v comprehend_v and_o revelation_n teach_v more_o than_o either_o sense_n or_o natural_a reason_n teach_v or_o can_v comprehend_v but_o this_o be_v no_o contradiction_n but_o only_o a_o subordination_n between_o these_o different_a kind_n and_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n but_o as_o for_o unconceivableness_n and_o incomprehensibility_n that_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o any_o thing_n for_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n can_v no_o more_o comprehend_v their_o own_o object_n than_o they_o do_v what_o be_v reveal_v and_o it_o be_v manifest_a perverseness_n to_o make_v that_o a_o objection_n against_o revelation_n which_o we_o will_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o sense_n and_o reason_n this_o be_v sufficient_a as_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o remove_v mens_fw-la prejudices_fw-la also_o against_o believe_v mystery_n i_o shall_v brief_o answer_v two_o very_a popular_a objection_n 1._o it_o be_v think_v very_o unnatural_a that_o when_o god_n have_v make_v we_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o therefore_o make_v natural_a reason_n to_o we_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n he_o shall_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v without_o reason_n as_o we_o must_v do_v if_o he_o reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o as_o we_o know_v not_o and_o can_v possible_o know_v the_o reason_n of_o if_o we_o must_v believe_v with_o our_o understanding_n how_o can_v we_o believe_v thing_n which_o we_o can_v understand_v this_o be_v a_o reasonable_a objection_n be_v it_o true_a for_o we_o can_v believe_v what_o we_o have_v no_o knowledge_n nor_o understanding_n of_o for_o faith_n be_v knowledge_n though_o not_o natural_a knowledge_n but_o do_v we_o not_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v do_v we_o not_o know_v what_o we_o mean_v when_o we_o say_v we_o believe_v in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n nay_o do_v not_o our_o adversary_n understand_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o it_o how_o then_o come_v they_o to_o charge_v we_o with_o believe_v contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n for_o if_o they_o know_v not_o what_o we_o believe_v they_o can_v know_v whether_o we_o believe_v contradiction_n or_o not_o and_o if_o we_o do_v understand_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v than_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v without_o understanding_n which_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a if_o we_o know_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v and_o we_o know_v also_o why_o we_o believe_v our_o faith_n be_v found_v in_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o high_a and_o most_o infallible_a reason_n the_o miracle_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v be_v evident_a to_o sense_n and_o own_a by_o reason_n to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o the_o answer_v the_o blind_a man_n give_v to_o the_o pharisee_n when_o christ_n have_v open_v his_o eye_n speak_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o nature_n herein_o be_v a_o marvellous_a thing_n that_o you_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o he_o be_v and_o yet_o he_o have_v open_v my_o eye_n now_o we_o know_v that_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n but_o if_o any_o man_n be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n he_o he_o hear_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v be_v it_o not_o hear_v that_o any_o man_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a if_o this_o man_n be_v not_o of_o god_n he_o can_v do_v nothing_o 9_o john_n 30_o 31_o 32_o 33._o and_o all_o mankind_n own_o that_o the_o most_o absolute_a faith_n be_v due_a to_o god_n and_o to_o those_o who_o speak_v from_o god_n and_o this_o as_o i_o take_v it_o be_v to_o believe_v with_o reason_n but_o still_o we_o believe_v such_o thing_n who_o nature_n we_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o can_v account_v for_o by_o natural_a reason_n and_o this_o be_v to_o believe_v without_o reason_n we_o believe_v that_o god_n the_o father_n have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n and_o that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v but_o one_o eternal_a god_n but_o this_o be_v what_o natural_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v nor_o give_v we_o any_o notion_n or_o conception_n of_o how_o god_n can_v have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n real_o distinct_a from_o himself_o and_o yet_o with_o himself_o one_o eternal_a and_o infinite_a god_n reason_n can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n nor_o of_o the_o eternal_a procession_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o believe_v without_o reason_n which_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n ought_v not_o to_o do_v and_o which_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v that_o god_n who_o make_v we_o reasonable_a creature_n expect_v from_o we_o and_o this_o i_o grant_v will_v be_v a_o material_a objection_n be_v reason_n the_o judge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o philosophy_n of_o thing_n and_o do_v reason_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o understand_v and_o comprehend_v but_o then_o we_o must_v no_o more_o believe_v sense_n and_o reason_n than_o revelation_n for_o we_o do_v not_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o any_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n how_o evident_a soever_o it_o be_v to_o sense_n and_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n nature_n be_v as_o great_a a_o mystery_n as_o revelation_n and_o it_o be_v no_o great_a affront_n to_o our_o understanding_n no_o more_o against_o reason_n for_o god_n to_o reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o as_o our_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v than_o 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o make_v a_o whole_a world_n which_o â—…eason_n can_v comprehend_v when_o we_o make_v it_o a_o objection_n against_o â—…ny_a thing_n that_o it_o be_v without_o reason_n or_o â—…s_v we_o apprehend_v against_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n we_o must_v first_o conâ—…ider_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o reason_n otherwise_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n as_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o sound_n that_o we_o can_v see_v they_o nor_o against_o colour_n
that_o we_o can_v hear_v they_o because_o sound_n be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o sight_n nor_o colour_n of_o hear_v now_o no_o man_n pretend_v that_o the_o pure_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o thing_n or_o their_o essential_a reason_n property_n union_n operation_n be_v the_o object_n of_o humane_a reason_n for_o no_o man_n live_v know_v any_o thing_n about_o they_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v all_o the_o incomprehensibility_n man_n have_v to_o complain_v of_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n that_o they_o can_v comprehend_v how_o god_n can_v beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n nor_o how_o three_o divine_a person_n shall_v be_v so_o unite_v as_o to_o be_v essential_o one_o god_n nor_o how_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n can_v be_v unite_v into_o one_o person_n god-man_n all_o which_o concern_v the_o essence_n and_o essential_a property_n operation_n union_n relation_n of_o the_o deity_n which_o a_o modest_a man_n may_v allow_v to_o be_v incomprehensible_a if_o god_n be_v infinite_a though_o he_o can_v comprehend_v the_o nature_n essence_n and_o essential_a reason_n and_o property_n of_o create_a being_n but_o when_o all_o create_a nature_n be_v such_o a_o mystery_n to_o we_o that_o we_o know_v not_o the_o pure_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o any_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v it_o a_o affront_n to_o our_o reason_n that_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o divine_a nature_n such_o matter_n as_o these_o be_v neither_o without_o reason_n nor_o against_o reason_n nor_o contrary_a to_o reason_n because_o reason_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o and_o can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n of_o they_o they_o belong_v not_o to_o reason_n but_o to_o that_o infinite_a mind_n which_o comprehend_v itself_o and_o the_o idea_n of_o all_o possible_a being_n a_o perfect_a comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o nature_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o know_v what_o thing_n be_v but_o how_o to_o make_v they_o which_o will_v be_v a_o vain_a curiosity_n and_o useless_a knowledge_n to_o those_o who_o have_v not_o a_o make_v and_o create_v power_n this_o be_v to_o know_v thing_n à _fw-fr priori_fw-la with_o a_o intuitive_a ideal_o knowledge_n which_o be_v infinite_o more_o superior_a to_o reason_n â—…an_n reason_n be_v to_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v the_o â—…ffectation_n of_o this_o intuitive_a make_v knowledge_n which_o make_v some_o man_n atheist_n and_o other_o heretic_n 2_o another_o great_a objection_n against_o such_o a_o revelation_n as_o contain_v matter_n which_o natural_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v be_v to_o what_o purpose_n such_o â—…a_n revelation_n serve_v what_o merit_n there_o can_v be_v in_o believe_v such_o doctrine_n and_o of_o what_o good_a use_n such_o a_o faith_n can_v be_v to_o we_o now_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v think_v it_o meritorious_a mere_o to_o believe_v thing_n which_o be_v incomprehensible_a or_o that_o god_n any_o more_o intend_a to_o puzzle_v our_o faith_n with_o reveal_v mystery_n than_o to_o puzzle_v our_o reason_n in_o make_v a_o mysterious_a world_n whether_o we_o receive_v our_o information_n from_o sense_n or_o natural_a reason_n or_o revelation_n it_o be_v certain_a we_o must_v believe_v mystery_n if_o we_o believe_v any_o thing_n for_o all_o thing_n have_v something_o mysterious_a and_o incomprehensible_a in_o their_o nature_n what_o natural_a reason_n can_v account_v for_o and_o what_o god_n never_o intend_v we_o shall_v understand_v for_o god_n never_o intend_v to_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o make_v the_o world_n nor_o how_o every_o creature_n be_v make_v and_o therefore_o we_o can_v and_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o know_v the_o internal_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o nature_n but_o though_o neither_o natural_a nor_o reveal_v knowledge_n extend_v to_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o essential_a property_n and_o operation_n yet_o both_o natural_a and_o reveal_v knowledge_n be_v of_o as_o much_o use_n to_o we_o as_o if_o we_o do_v perfect_o understand_v all_o the_o secret_a and_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o creature_n both_o natural_a and_o reveal_v knowledge_n be_v alike_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o they_o only_o acquaint_v we_o what_o thing_n be_v and_o what_o end_v they_o serve_v and_o then_o we_o know_v what_o use_n to_o make_v of_o they_o without_o understand_v the_o secret_a mystery_n of_o nature_n be_v this_o world_n or_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o the_o less_o useful_a to_o we_o because_o we_o can_v conceive_v how_o god_n create_v all_o thing_n of_o nothing_o or_o because_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o matter_n nor_o how_o the_o several_a part_n of_o matter_n come_v by_o their_o different_a virtue_n and_o quality_n be_v corn_n or_o fruit_n or_o herb_n the_o less_o nourish_a or_o refresh_v because_o we_o know_v not_o how_o they_o grow_v do_v it_o require_v any_o philosophy_n to_o know_v how_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o sleep_v will_v not_o our_o food_n nourish_v we_o â—…less_v we_o understand_v how_o it_o be_v concoctâ—…_n and_o turn_v into_o chile_n and_o blood_n â—…d_a spirit_n nay_o be_v it_o of_o no_o use_n to_o â—…ow_v that_o god_n be_v a_o eternal_a omnipoâ—…nt_a omniscient_a omnipresent_v be_v â—…less_v we_o can_v conceive_v how_o any_o be_v â—…n_v be_v eternal_a without_o a_o cause_n and_o â—…ithout_v a_o beginning_n or_o can_v compreâ—…end_v how_o he_o can_v do_v and_o know_v all_o thing_n â—…d_v be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n at_o once_o â—…ithout_n extension_n and_o without_o part_n â—…e_o may_v make_v all_o the_o use_n that_o can_v be_v â—…ade_v of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o every_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d it_o without_o understand_v the_o essential_a â—…easons_n and_o cause_n or_o internal_a nature_n â—…f_o any_o thing_n and_o we_o must_v do_v so_o if_o we_o will_v make_v any_o use_n of_o it_o and_o we_o know_v god_n to_o all_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_n for_o which_o creature_n ought_v to_o know_v god_n â—…hough_o his_o nature_n be_v incomprehensible_a and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n such_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n how_o unaccountable_a soever_o the_o mystery_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v yet_o it_o be_v the_o most_o useful_a knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o the_o eternal_a father_n beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n of_o his_o own_o substance_n nor_o how_o this_o eternal_a son_n in_o time_n become_v man_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o most_o desirable_a knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n to_o sinner_n to_o know_v that_o god_n have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o that_o he_o so_o love_v the_o world_n as_o to_o give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o that_o this_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n become_v man_n live_v a_o poor_a necessitous_a laborious_a life_n and_o die_v a_o accurse_a death_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n and_o to_o know_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o proceed_v from_o father_n and_o son_n dwell_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o quicken_v and_o animate_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ._n if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o we_o must_v suppose_v in_o this_o argument_n all_o mankind_n must_v confess_v that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a useful_a knowledge_n and_o never_o the_o less_o useful_a because_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v great_a and_o unconceivable_a mystery_n can_v we_o give_v a_o rational_a and_o philosophical_a account_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o of_o the_o incarnation_n we_o shall_v know_v more_o than_o we_o now_o do_v but_o faith_n make_v it_o as_o useful_a to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o most_o perfect_a intuitive_a knowledge_n can_v do_v this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o that_o objection_n against_o the_o usefulness_n of_o such_o mystery_n as_o have_v something_o incomprehensible_a and_o unconceivable_a in_o their_o nature_n which_o be_v a_o equal_a objection_n against_o all_o create_a nature_n which_o be_v but_o one_o great_a mystery_n and_o yet_o the_o world_n be_v a_o very_a useful_a world_n and_o we_o know_v in_o some_o good_a degree_n what_o use_n to_o make_v of_o it_o and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o gospel_n mystery_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o present_a dispute_n be_v manifest_o of_o infinite_a use_n to_o we_o if_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n and_o death_n and_o intercession_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a be_v of_o any_o use_n and_o
of_o humane_a nature_n be_v to_o do_v good_a this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o great_a advantage_n and_o glory_n of_o riches_n and_o power_n that_o it_o make_v man_n public_a patron_n and_o tutelar_a angel_n to_o their_o fellow_n creature_n which_o be_v the_o near_a resemblance_n of_o the_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o pagan_a world_n make_v god_n of_o man_n but_o self-love_n know_v nothing_o of_o this_o happiness_n but_o destroy_v not_o only_o the_o sense_n but_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o but_o to_o set_v aside_o other_o consideration_n mankind_n will_v not_o suffer_v a_o man_n to_o make_v himself_o easy_a and_o happy_a by_o self-love_n when_o he_o be_v know_v they_o combine_v against_o he_o as_o a_o common_a enemy_n they_o load_v he_o with_o infamy_n and_o reproach_n they_o strip_v he_o of_o his_o ill-gotten_a riches_n and_o severe_o revenge_v his_o injury_n this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o humane_a government_n and_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o the_o 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faction_n no_o emulation_n and_o jealousy_n no_o private_a interest_n no_o rival_n where_o all_o centre_n in_o god_n and_o embrace_v each_o other_o and_o mingle_v flame_n and_o feel_v and_o rejoice_v in_o each_o other_o happiness_n to_o which_o bless_a place_n god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n bring_v we_o all_o through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v honour_n glory_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n xvi_o preach_v at_o the_o temple_n church_n 2_o cor._n four_o ver_fw-la 18._o while_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a this_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o that_o true_a greatness_n of_o mind_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n and_o enable_v they_o to_o do_v that_o which_o the_o pagan_a philosophy_n boast_v of_o without_o do_v viz._n to_o contemn_v the_o world_n and_o to_o live_v above_o its_o hope_n and_o fear_n to_o bear_v the_o misery_n of_o life_n and_o to_o despise_v the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o to_o suffer_v shame_n and_o reproach_n and_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o death_n itself_o make_v as_o terrible_a as_o pain_n can_v make_v it_o not_o only_o without_o fear_n but_o with_o joy_n and_o triumph_n for_o which_o cause_n say_v the_o apostle_n we_o faint_v not_o but_o though_o our_o outward_a man_n perish_v yet_o the_o inward_a man_n be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n while_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v mean_v all_o the_o good_a and_o all_o the_o evil_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v all_o the_o happiness_n and_o misery_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v but_o be_v not_o this_o a_o very_a strange_a choice_n to_o prefer_v what_o be_v absent_a and_o unseen_a before_o what_o be_v present_a and_o sensible_a to_o be_v unconcern_v about_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n and_o to_o live_v upon_o unseen_a hope_n and_o fear_n no_o saiâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d apostle_n we_o have_v all_o the_o reasoâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d world_n to_o do_v so_o because_o see_v thingâ—…â—…re_o but_o temporal_a and_o unseen_a thing_n be_v eternal_a this_o world_n will_v last_v but_o a_o little_a while_n the_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n pass_v away_o but_o the_o world_n to_o come_v will_v have_v no_o end_n and_o this_o make_v such_o a_o difference_n between_o see_v and_o unseen_a thing_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reasonable_a competition_n as_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o they_o so_o that_o in_o speak_v to_o these_o word_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n distinct_o to_o be_v consider_v 1._o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o principle_n of_o look_v to_o unseen_a thing_n or_o of_o live_v by_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v faith_n alone_o that_o can_v give_v we_o a_o view_n of_o the_o invisible_a world_n and_o 2._o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o choice_n in_o prefer_v unseen_a before_o see_v thing_n because_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a 1._o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o christian_a principle_n of_o action_n of_o look_v at_o unseen_a thing_n or_o live_v by_o faith_n some_o unthinking_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v a_o jest_n of_o believe_v if_o you_o have_v any_o natural_a reason_n or_o sensible_a demonstration_n they_o will_v hearken_v to_o you_o but_o faith_n be_v below_o a_o man_n of_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n who_o know_v how_o many_o cheat_n and_o impostor_n there_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o such_o man_n little_o consider_v how_o necessary_a faith_n be_v in_o humane_a life_n that_o they_o themselves_o in_o a_o thousand_o case_n have_v no_o other_o principle_n to_o act_v upon_o in_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o that_o upon_o much_o less_o evidence_n than_o we_o have_v for_o another_o world_n there_o be_v but_o three_o way_n of_o know_v any_o thing_n sense_n or_o reason_n or_o faith_n which_o last_o extend_v further_a and_o have_v a_o more_o universal_a influence_n upon_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n than_o either_o sense_n or_o reason_n our_o whole_a conversation_n with_o mankind_n be_v resolve_v into_o believe_v into_o a_o civil_a historical_a or_o political_a faith_n all_o humane_a commerce_n and_o intercourse_n be_v found_v on_o it_o and_o there_o be_v very_o few_o action_n of_o our_o life_n that_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o it_o that_o he_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v must_v not_o live_v in_o this_o world_n and_o be_v it_o not_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a then_o to_o laugh_v at_o believe_v when_o they_o may_v as_o well_o laugh_v sense_n and_o reason_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o live_v as_o well_o without_o they_o now_o if_o we_o must_v live_v by_o faith_n in_o this_o world_n if_o we_o must_v believe_v and_o must_v trust_v one_o another_o if_o we_o must_v depend_v on_o man_n word_n or_o oath_n or_o friendship_n or_o honesty_n though_o we_o can_v have_v no_o natural_a certainty_n or_o demonstration_n of_o moral_a cause_n what_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v to_o banish_v faith_n out_o of_o religion_n which_o be_v of_o such_o absolute_a necessity_n in_o all_o the_o other_o concernment_n of_o life_n one_o will_v think_v there_o shall_v be_v less_o need_n of_o faith_n for_o this_o world_n than_o for_o the_o next_o which_o be_v a_o invisible_a state_n and_o can_v be_v certain_o know_v only_o by_o revelation_n and_o if_o faith_n be_v ever_o reasonable_a it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a where_o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a where_o there_o be_v no_o other_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v you_o how_o little_a those_o man_n understand_v themselves_o who_o ridicule_n faith_n which_o be_v to_o ridicule_n humane_a nature_n and_o all_o humane_a conversation_n if_o we_o may_v if_o we_o must_v believe_v if_o we_o can_v live_v without_o believe_v it_o must_v make_v a_o man_n contemptible_a to_o talk_v against_o all_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n and_o a_o necessary_a principle_n of_o moral_a prudence_n some_o man_n be_v so_o afraid_a of_o be_v think_v easy_a and_o credulous_a that_o they_o run_v into_o the_o other_o extreme_a and_o will_v believe_v nothing_o at_o lest_o nothing_o concern_v another_o world_n and_o think_v
be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o dispute_n of_o philosophy_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o apostolical_a command_n to_o be_v whole_o fling_v out_o of_o religion_n and_o not_o suffer_v to_o affect_v our_o faith_n one_o way_n or_o other_o to_o be_v a_o philosopher_n and_o a_o christian_a to_o dispute_v and_o to_o believe_v be_v two_o very_a different_a thing_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o most_o of_o the_o argument_n against_o revelation_n in_o general_n and_o most_o of_o the_o dispute_n about_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v no_o better_o than_o this_o vain_a deceit_n of_o philosophy_n that_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o dispute_n of_o philosophy_n true_o distinguish_v this_o alone_a will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o settle_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_n and_o restore_v peace_n and_o unity_n at_o least_o in_o the_o great_a fundamental_o of_o religion_n to_o the_o christian_a world_n 1._o as_o to_o begin_v with_o 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and_o pharisee_n in_o disbelieve_v our_o saviour_n after_o all_o the_o miracle_n they_o do_v for_o if_o they_o will_v disbelieve_v moses_n and_o christ_n though_o they_o have_v nothing_o material_a to_o object_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o history_n nothing_o which_o they_o will_v allow_v to_o be_v good_a objection_n against_o any_o other_o history_n they_o must_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n have_v disbelieved_a they_o though_o they_o have_v see_v they_o do_v all_o those_o great_a work_n which_o be_v report_v of_o they_o in_o such_o credible_a history_n but_o whatever_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n be_v they_o think_v they_o may_v secure_o reject_v they_o if_o they_o contain_v any_o thing_n which_o contradict_v their_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n and_o they_o find_v a_o great_a many_o such_o thing_n to_o quarrel_n with_o they_o think_v moses_n history_n of_o the_o creation_n very_o unphilosophical_a that_o the_o story_n of_o eve_n and_o the_o serpent_n be_v a_o incredible_a fiction_n that_o the_o universal_a deluge_n be_v absolute_o impossible_a and_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o principle_n of_o philosophy_n and_o it_o do_v not_o become_v philosopher_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o miracle_n that_o what_o we_o call_v miracle_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n but_o may_v be_v resolve_v into_o natural_a cause_n that_o inspiration_n and_o prophecy_n be_v nothing_o but_o natural_a enthusiasm_n and_o all_o the_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n a_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n that_o nature_n teach_v we_o all_o that_o we_o need_v to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o certain_a knowledge_n but_o this_o that_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o our_o own_o reason_n can_v grasp_v and_o comprehend_v and_o therefore_o revelation_n be_v perfect_o useless_a and_o god_n himself_o can_v oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o philosophy_n of_o nature_n those_o who_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o modern_a infidelity_n know_v that_o these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o wise_a reason_n for_o which_o they_o reject_v and_o ridicule_n all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o endeavour_v to_o rob_v and_o spoil_v man_n of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a blessing_n in_o the_o world_n a_o divine_a revelation_n so_o that_o infidelity_n be_v resolve_v into_o these_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n that_o man_n will_v understand_v how_o to_o make_v destroy_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n better_o than_o god_n 2._o as_o these_o man_n oppose_v reason_n and_o philosophy_n to_o revelation_n so_o other_o either_o deny_v the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o christianity_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o philosophical_a difficulty_n or_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n by_o a_o mixture_n of_o philosophy_n the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o plain_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v to_o the_o world_n all_o its_o doctrine_n be_v easy_o understand_v without_o art_n and_o subtilty_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o nice_a intricate_a perplex_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n than_o what_o some_o man_n have_v make_v the_o christian_a faith_n all_o the_o subtle_a dispute_n of_o philosophy_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n and_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n be_v become_v as_o great_a apostle_n as_o st._n peter_n or_o st._n paul_n as_o to_o give_v some_o few_o instance_n of_o it_o for_o time_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o discourse_v it_o at_o large_a what_o be_v the_o arian_n socinian_n pelagian_a controversy_n but_o mere_a philosophical_a dispute_n with_o which_o these_o heretic_n corrupt_v the_o catholic_n faith_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_a and_o express_v in_o scripture_n than_o the_o faith_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o that_o great_a art_n and_o subtlety_n which_o have_v be_v use_v and_o to_o so_o little_a purpose_n to_o pervert_v those_o text_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o this_o doctrine_n be_v contain_v be_v a_o evident_a proof_n that_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a natural_a obvious_a sense_n of_o those_o text_n since_o it_o require_v so_o much_o art_n and_o criticism_n to_o put_v any_o other_o sense_n on_o they_o and_o that_o will_v not_o do_v neither_o till_o man_n be_v resolve_v rather_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n of_o scripture_n than_o to_o find_v a_o real_a trinity_n there_o if_o then_o this_o faith_n be_v so_o plain_o contain_v in_o scripture_n what_o make_v all_o this_o dispute_n about_o it_o what_o make_v those_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n so_o obstinate_a against_o this_o faith_n true_o that_o which_o make_v some_o man_n infidel_n make_v other_o heretic_n that_o be_v a_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n the_o first_o philosophical_a dispute_n be_v about_o the_o divine_a unity_n we_o all_o own_o with_o the_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o we_o say_v further_o as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v three_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n each_o of_o which_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n this_o they_o say_v be_v a_o contradiction_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o faith_n for_o both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a but_o to_o be_v three_o and_o one_o upon_o different_a account_n and_o in_o different_a sense_n be_v no_o contradiction_n for_o thus_o three_o may_v be_v one_o and_o one_o three_o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o scripture_n teach_v or_o that_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v whatever_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o distinction_n and_o unity_n be_v but_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v these_o philosophical_a wit_n unless_o they_o can_v comprehend_v how_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v real_o and_o distinct_o three_o and_o essential_o one_o the_o manner_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n give_v no_o account_n of_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v no_o dispute_n in_o faith_n but_o only_o in_o philosophy_n another_o objection_n concern_v the_o divine_a generation_n how_o god_n can_v beget_v a_o son_n of_o his_o own_o substance_n which_o the_o arian_n think_v infer_v a_o division_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n and_o a_o three_o objection_n concern_v a_o eternal_a generation_n how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o father_n shall_v beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n that_o the_o son_n shall_v be_v beget_v without_o any_o begin_n of_o be_v and_o that_o the_o father_n shall_v not_o be_v at_o least_o some_o few_o moment_n before_o the_o son_n and_o consequent_o the_o son_n not_o eternal_a now_o we_o all_o grant_v that_o we_o can_v give_v no_o philosophical_a account_n of_o this_o no_o more_o than_o we_o can_v of_o the_o simple_a divine_a essence_n or_o of_o eternity_n itself_o but_o we_o may_v believe_v that_o god_n have_v a_o eternal_a son_n as_o we_o do_v that_o there_o be_v
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not_o a_o wise_a man_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a consequence_n choose_v to_o be_v safe_a and_o though_o we_o reject_v the_o plain_a and_o express_v revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o it_o be_v still_o reasonable_a to_o fear_v as_o it_o must_v be_v if_o nature_n teach_v that_o god_n will_v punish_v sinner_n it_o can_v be_v safe_a to_o venture_v man_n who_o pretend_v to_o live_v by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n aught_o to_o look_v upon_o reasonable_a fear_n as_o certain_a rule_n to_o live_v by_o for_o they_o have_v no_o other_o and_o â—…n_o they_o gain_v nothing_o by_o reject_v â—…e_o certain_a revelation_n for_o they_o must_v fear_v on_o and_o if_o they_o act_v reasonable_o must_v live_v as_o if_o their_o fear_n be_v certain_a and_o if_o they_o do_v though_o they_o reject_v revelation_n natural_a conscience_n will_v make_v they_o fear_v and_o tremble_v too_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no._n though_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v not_o give_v we_o such_o certain_a evidence_n of_o future_a punishment_n as_o the_o gospel_n do_v yet_o the_o natural_a fear_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n will_v as_o certain_o torment_v we_o as_o if_o we_o do_v believe_v the_o gospel_n for_o a_o reasonable_a fear_n have_v a_o certain_a torment_n proportion_v to_o the_o object_n of_o our_o fear_n man_n do_v not_o fear_v mere_o according_a to_o the_o evidence_n they_o have_v for_o thing_n but_o according_a to_o the_o concernment_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o fear_v and_o when_o eternal_a misery_n be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o fear_n a_o little_a evidence_n will_v raise_v a_o terrible_a and_o furious_a passion_n 2._o and_o though_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v not_o so_o particular_o acquaint_v we_o what_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o damn_a be_v nor_o how_o long_o they_o shall_v con-continue_a as_o the_o gospel_n do_v yet_o this_o give_v very_o little_a relief_n to_o a_o deist_n though_o he_o 〈◊〉_d not_o believe_v the_o scripture_n accoâ—…â—…f_o eternal_a punishment_n yet_o when_o his_o fear_n be_v awaken_v he_o can_v set_v no_o bound_n or_o measure_n to_o they_o the_o fear_n of_o unknown_a misery_n paint_v the_o fancy_n with_o as_o frightful_a representation_n as_o the_o gospel_n make_v for_o when_o we_o know_v not_o particular_o what_o to_o fear_v we_o always_o fear_v the_o worst_a that_o can_v be_v this_o give_v occasion_n to_o those_o poetical_a description_n of_o styx_n and_o acheron_n and_o the_o infernal_a judge_n and_o fury_n and_o those_o various_a torment_n inflict_v on_o tyrant_n and_o other_o bad_a man_n and_o though_o they_o do_v not_o positive_o assert_v the_o eternity_n of_o punishment_n yet_o they_o set_v no_o bound_n to_o they_o but_o what_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o philosophy_n infer_v in_o the_o various_a transmigration_n of_o soul_n or_o periodical_a revolution_n or_o the_o final_a conflagration_n which_o they_o think_v their_o god_n themselves_o can_v not_o escape_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n prescribe_v no_o measure_n nor_o limit_n to_o the_o punishment_n of_o sinner_n and_o therefore_o a_o deist_n can_v never_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o great_a and_o so_o endless_a as_o the_o gospel_n describe_v they_o and_o if_o reason_n can_v prove_v they_o to_o be_v less_o guilty_a fear_n will_v never_o make_v they_o less_o especial_o since_o the_o gospel_n be_v now_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n and_o those_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v it_o yet_o know_v what_o it_o say_v and_o though_o â—…hey_n can_v bribe_v their_o reason_n not_o to_o believe_v it_o their_o fear_n will_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o believe_v the_o worst_a and_o now_o i_o will_v desire_v these_o man_n who_o think_v themselves_o so_o safe_a if_o they_o can_v â—…gh_v the_o gospel_n and_o all_o reveal_v religion_n out_o of_o the_o world_n serious_o to_o consider_v what_o they_o intend_v or_o what_o they_o gain_v by_o it_o if_o they_o do_v sincere_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o righteous_a god_n who_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n and_o punish_v wicked_a man_n they_o be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n as_o a_o christian_a be_v and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o same_o rebuke_n and_o lash_n of_o conscience_n and_o guilty_a fear_n that_o they_o have_v not_o so_o much_o certainty_n of_o this_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o make_v no_o difference_n if_o they_o fear_v it_o their_o fear_n will_v be_v as_o great_a and_o outrageous_a the_o sting_n of_o sin_n will_v be_v as_o sharp_a but_o their_o strength_n to_o resist_v the_o flatter_a temptation_n of_o the_o world_n will_v not_o be_v so_o great_a the_o more_o certain_a our_o faith_n be_v the_o more_o easy_a and_o secure_a our_o victory_n will_v be_v and_o to_o weaken_v our_o evidence_n be_v only_o to_o make_v ourselves_o a_o easy_a prey_n and_o if_o this_o be_v what_o they_o aim_v at_o to_o sin_v more_o easy_o and_o secure_o at_o present_a and_o by_o degree_n to_o conquer_v their_o natural_a fear_n which_o they_o can_v more_o easy_o do_v and_o so_o make_v deism_n a_o easy_a step_n to_o atheism_n i_o confess_v they_o be_v in_o a_o hopeful_a way_n but_o while_o they_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o 〈◊〉_d reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o next_o life_n it_o will_v do_v they_o no_o service_n to_o reject_v the_o gospel_n they_o may_v weaken_v their_o faith_n by_o it_o but_o not_o cure_v but_o increase_v their_o fear_n second_o as_o a_o deist_n if_o he_o be_v true_a to_o the_o principle_n he_o profess_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o next_o life_n gain_v noâ—…ing_v at_o all_o by_o reject_v the_o gospel_n â—…evelation_n so_o he_o lose_v all_o the_o supâ—…rts_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o gospel_n â—…xcepting_v those_o terrible_a theatning_n â—…hich_v the_o
be_v the_o sure_a side_n to_o believe_v or_o to_o disbelieve_v christianity_n and_o a_o future_a state_n if_o christianity_n be_v true_a and_o there_o be_v a_o eternal_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o the_o next_o life_n if_o we_o disbelieve_v it_o we_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o but_o if_o we_o do_v believe_v it_o and_o it_o shall_v not_o prove_v true_a we_o lose_v nothing_o by_o it_o but_o the_o transient_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o instead_o of_o they_o have_v all_o the_o present_a ease_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o virtue_n and_o great_a hope_n and_o those_o who_o have_v try_v both_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o virtue_n far_o exceed_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o immortal_a life_n do_v more_o ravish_v and_o transport_v than_o the_o possession_n of_o this_o world_n can_v do_v the_o truth_n be_v the_o eternal_a misery_n of_o the_o next_o world_n be_v so_o very_o terrible_a that_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v run_v the_o least_o hazard_n of_o they_o but_o instead_o of_o demand_v a_o demonstrative_a certainty_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n of_o torment_n will_v demand_v a_o demonstrative_a certainty_n that_o there_o be_v not_o before_o he_o will_v venture_v and_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o world_n so_o exceed_v all_o our_o imagination_n that_o a_o very_a little_a evidence_n will_v persuade_v a_o wise_a man_n to_o venture_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o short_a be_v this_o to_o despise_v all_o faith_n be_v to_o ridicule_n human_a nature_n and_o human_a conversation_n for_o god_n have_v make_v we_o such_o creature_n that_o three_o part_n of_o our_o life_n must_v be_v govern_v by_o faith_n and_o if_o faith_n be_v a_o foolish_a absurd_a unsafe_a principle_n of_o action_n i_o be_o sure_a man_n be_v a_o very_a wretched_a and_o contemptible_a creature_n for_o man_n must_v live_v by_o faith_n we_o can_v see_v each_o other_o heart_n and_o thought_n and_o i_o believe_v no_o man_n desire_v that_o other_o man_n shall_v see_v his_o heart_n how_o much_o soever_o he_o may_v desire_v to_o see_v they_o and_o then_o we_o can_v converse_v with_o each_o other_o with_o any_o pleasure_n and_o security_n without_o believe_v we_o be_v finite_a creature_n our_o life_n be_v short_a and_o we_o can_v be_v but_o in_o one_o place_n at_o a_o time_n and_o if_o we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o ourselves_o see_v what_o a_o narrow_a contemptible_a thing_n be_v human_a knowledge_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v allow_v of_o the_o testimony_n of_o eye_n and_o ear_n witness_n and_o of_o credible_a history_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n and_o furnish_v we_o with_o the_o best_a as_o well_o as_o with_o the_o large_a part_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o with_o the_o wise_a rule_n and_o example_n of_o life_n and_o though_o we_o may_v be_v and_o often_o be_v mistake_v this_o only_a make_v man_n more_o prudent_a and_o cautious_a not_o infidel_n but_o a_o divine_a faith_n give_v we_o a_o much_o more_o infallible_a assurance_n than_o human_a faith_n can_v do_v for_o we_o know_v god_n can_v deceive_v we_o as_o man_n may_v and_o then_o if_o we_o have_v as_o great_a nay_o much_o great_a evidence_n for_o a_o divine_a revelation_n than_o we_o have_v for_o any_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n at_o such_o a_o distance_n we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o most_o certain_a human_a faith_n and_o the_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o a_o divine_a faith_n nay_o if_o they_o will_v but_o allow_v which_o no_o consider_a man_n can_v deny_v that_o we_o have_v as_o good_a evidence_n for_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o they_o have_v for_o any_o other_o history_n which_o they_o most_o firm_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o give_v a_o wise_a reason_n why_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n nay_o be_v there_o less_o evidence_n than_o there_o be_v the_o vast_a importance_n of_o it_o which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o eternal_a life_n and_o death_n be_v reason_n enough_o to_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o choose_v the_o sure_a side_n and_o to_o live_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o another_o world_n 2._o let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o reason_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o choice_n we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a the_o difference_n between_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a be_v so_o demonstrative_a a_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v prefer_v eternal_a unseen_a thing_n before_o temporal_a see_v thing_n that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o give_v a_o new_a strength_n to_o it_o if_o man_n do_v but_o understand_v what_o these_o word_n time_n and_o eternity_n signify_v suppose_v you_o shall_v ask_v any_o man_n whether_o he_o will_v choose_v to_o live_v threescore_o or_o fourscore_o year_n or_o to_o live_v for_o ever_o he_o will_v certain_o wonder_v at_o your_o question_n and_o think_v it_o a_o affront_n since_o nature_n teach_v all_o man_n to_o answer_v it_o without_o the_o least_o dispute_n or_o consideration_n about_o it_o all_o man_n love_v life_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n desire_v to_o live_v for_o ever_o which_o be_v so_o strong_a a_o passion_n that_o i_o doubt_v not_o at_o all_o but_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n suppose_v no_o other_o life_n after_o this_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o be_v immortal_a beggar_n than_o mortal_a prince_n or_o at_o least_o will_v content_v themselves_o with_o a_o very_a mean_a station_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o take_v their_o chance_n as_o to_o the_o suffering_n of_o it_o rather_o than_o not_o to_o be_v for_o life_n be_v sweet_a and_o it_o be_v a_o pleasant_a thing_n to_o the_o eye_n to_o behold_v the_o sun_n and_o if_o man_n who_o know_v no_o better_o will_v be_v content_v 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this_o be_v lose_v labour_n for_o they_o all_o own_o it_o and_o have_v a_o natural_a sense_n of_o it_o which_o be_v more_o powerful_a than_o any_o other_o argument_n will_v you_o then_o persuade_v they_o to_o prefer_v eternal_a before_o temporal_a thing_n but_o by_o what_o argument_n will_v you_o persuade_v if_o eternity_n itself_o can_v persuade_v in_o such_o case_n where_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o dispute_v no_o need_n to_o convince_v man_n reason_n i_o know_v nothing_o leave_v but_o to_o paint_v and_o represent_v to_o draw_v such_o lively_a image_n and_o picture_n as_o may_v move_v man_n passion_n and_o give_v they_o a_o feel_a sense_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o time_n and_o eternity_n and_o to_o do_v this_o to_o as_o great_a advantage_n as_o i_o can_v i_o shall_v one_a consider_v the_o
bitter_a what_o gratify_v their_o bodily_a sense_n that_o be_v their_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o virtue_n modesty_n or_o honour_n what_o lay_v restraint_n upon_o their_o sensual_a inclination_n that_o be_v bitter_a uneasy_a and_o grievous_a and_o no_o wonder_n that_o there_o be_v a_o woe_n denounce_v against_o these_o men._n 4_o woe_n be_v to_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n where_o the_o prophâ—…t_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o man_n still_o those_o who_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n who_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n who_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a and_o yet_o think_v themselves_o the_o only_a wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n though_o they_o contradict_v the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n the_o natural_a uncorrupted_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o 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than_o monster_n that_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v rather_o think_v and_o judge_v with_o the_o multitude_n when_o they_o think_v on_o nature_n side_n than_o with_o the_o most_o fame_a philosopher_n against_o nature_n but_o those_o who_o affect_v to_o contradict_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n must_v think_v themselves_o the_o only_a wise_a man_n if_o they_o think_v at_o all_o that_o we_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o their_o pride_n and_o insolence_n than_o at_o their_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n 2_o let_v we_o now_o inquire_v how_o these_o man_n come_v to_o sink_v into_o so_o degenerate_a a_o state_n as_o one_o will_v think_v impossible_a to_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n and_o that_o be_v intimate_v in_o that_o order_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o my_o text_n that_o they_o first_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o then_o good_a evil_n first_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o then_o light_a for_o darkness_n etc._n etc._n as_o to_o consider_v this_o particular_o one_a they_o begin_v with_o call_v evil_n good_a for_o no_o man_n can_v begin_v with_o call_v good_a evil_n nature_n will_v have_v the_o first_o word_n and_o pass_v the_o first_o judgement_n on_o thing_n and_o nature_n as_o corrupt_v as_o it_o be_v till_o it_o be_v deprave_v and_o vitiate_a by_o evil_a custom_n will_v call_v good_a good_a and_o evil_a evil_n atheist_n and_o infidel_n must_v confess_v that_o as_o wise_a as_o they_o think_v themselves_o now_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o they_o be_v as_o very_a fool_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v when_o they_o have_v the_o same_o opinion_n about_o good_a and_o evil_a which_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n still_o have_v when_o they_o do_v own_o a_o moral_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o call_v good_a and_o evil_a by_o their_o right_a name_n and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o the_o only_a reason_n for_o alter_v their_o opinion_n and_o change_v the_o name_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v change_v their_o manner_n that_o they_o grow_v very_o fond_a of_o what_o they_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o the_o foolish_a multitude_n think_v and_o call_v evil_a and_o then_o they_o begin_v to_o think_v and_o to_o call_v it_o good_a and_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o this_o be_v to_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o as_o unwilling_a as_o they_o be_v to_o own_o this_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o though_o these_o man_n can_v prove_v which_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o do_v that_o there_o be_v no_o moral_n essential_a immutable_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o call_v evil_a good_a or_o good_a evil_n for_o though_o they_o be_v neither_o sin_n nor_o virtue_n neither_o forbid_v nor_o command_v by_o a_o divine_a law_n yet_o they_o themselves_o confess_v as_o i_o observe_v before_o that_o what_o we_o call_v virtue_n have_v so_o much_o good_a in_o they_o that_o they_o be_v the_o best_a and_o wise_a rule_n of_o society_n and_o conversation_n necessary_a to_o secure_v every_o man_n private_a interest_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o fit_a to_o be_v encourage_v and_o to_o be_v make_v law_n in_o all_o civilise_a nation_n and_o that_o what_o we_o call_v sin_n have_v so_o much_o evil_n in_o they_o that_o they_o be_v very_o destructive_a to_o human_a society_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v restrain_v and_o punish_v and_o than_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o reason_n to_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n which_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o call_v that_o evil_a which_o they_o themselves_o own_o to_o be_v a_o great_a and_o public_a good_a and_o that_o good_a which_o they_o own_v to_o be_v a_o public_a mischief_n which_o there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o reason_n for_o so_o that_o the_o case_n be_v plain_a it_o be_v not_o reason_n but_o lust_n which_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n till_o lust_n prevail_v above_o reason_n virtue_n and_o vice_n good_a and_o evil_a keep_v those_o name_n which_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v give_v they_o and_o such_o man_n offer_v as_o much_o force_n and_o violence_n to_o their_o natural_a understanding_n when_o they_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n as_o they_o do_v to_o natural_a conscience_n when_o they_o choose_v the_o evil_a and_o refuse_v the_o good_n this_o be_v answer_n enough_o to_o such_o man_n who_o will_v reason_n or_o laugh_v away_o the_o distinction_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o warn_v to_o we_o all_o how_o we_o engage_v in_o a_o course_n of_o wickedness_n for_o how_o much_o soever_o we_o despise_v and_o abhor_v these_o wicked_a principle_n we_o shall_v soon_o think_v as_o these_o man_n do_v if_o we_o grow_v as_o wicked_a as_o they_o be_v two_o these_o man_n first_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o then_o light_a for_o darkness_n man_n be_v not_o bear_v stark_o blind_a but_o have_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n to_o discern_v the_o natural_a difference_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o direct_v their_o life_n and_o as_o weak_a and_o defective_a as_o mere_a natural_a reason_n be_v especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o another_o world_n it_o direct_v we_o to_o a_o safe_a guide_n for_o reason_n itself_o teach_v we_o to_o believe_v god_n who_o can_v deceive_v we_o and_o can_v itself_o judge_v of_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a mark_n of_o a_o revelation_n that_o be_v can_v judge_v when_o god_n speak_v and_o what_o we_o must_v receive_v as_o teach_v by_o god_n this_o be_v the_o light_n of_o mankind_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n or_o revelation_n what_o nature_n teach_v or_o what_o god_n reveal_v and_o all_o mankind_n at_o first_o both_o see_v and_o own_o this_o light_n for_o no_o man_n be_v bear_v a_o atheist_n or_o a_o infidel_n but_o bad_a man_n who_o have_v corrupt_v their_o manner_n and_o can_v justify_v their_o vice_n nor_o quiet_v their_o conscience_n if_o they_o attend_v either_o to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o revelation_n must_v seek_v for_o other_o remedy_n and_o this_o make_v they_o espouse_v the_o principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n and_o these_o they_o call_v light_n which_o in_o truth_n be_v a_o mere_a egyptian_a darkness_n and_o then_o they_o must_v call_v light_a darkness_n reject_v and_o scorn_v both_o the_o natural_a dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o the_o supernatural_a revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n as_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n now_o whatever_o opinion_n man_n have_v of_o their_o philosophy_n yet_o how_o they_o shall_v learn_v what_o neither_o nature_n nor_o god_n teach_v they_o or_o how_o they_o shall_v discover_v that_o what_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o
world_n believe_v that_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v teach_v they_o be_v false_a be_v a_o mystery_n to_o i_o and_o the_o only_a account_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o it_o be_v what_o our_o saviour_n give_v that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a and_o when_o they_o love_v darkness_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o call_v it_o light_n but_o they_o must_v first_o call_v darkness_n light_n before_o they_o can_v put_v out_o the_o light_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o darkness_n now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n as_o our_o own_o experience_n and_o our_o observation_n of_o other_o man_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o reject_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n without_o dispute_v for_o they_o be_v not_o bear_v and_o breed_v with_o we_o as_o what_o be_v natural_a be_v and_o therefore_o must_v be_v owe_v to_o the_o lust_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o hate_v the_o light_n and_o nothing_o seem_v strange_a to_o i_o than_o that_o of_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n these_o man_n shall_v pretend_v to_o reason_n who_o have_v the_o least_o right_a oâ—…_n pretence_n to_o it_o for_o what_o principle_n can_v they_o reason_v on_o who_o reject_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o revelation_n what_o be_v natural_a reason_n but_o the_o reason_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v what_o this_o be_v but_o by_o those_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n which_o nature_n have_v implant_v in_o all_o mankind_n and_o which_o art_n and_o wit_n and_o vice_n itself_o have_v much_o ado_n to_o silence_n and_o can_v never_o perfect_o root_v out_o and_o certain_o that_o be_v not_o natural_a reason_n which_o contradict_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o what_o be_v that_o reason_n which_o be_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o humane_a nature_n or_o how_o be_v mankind_n concern_v in_o such_o reason_n as_o can_v be_v no_o rule_n to_o they_o unless_o they_o put_v off_o humane_a nature_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o these_o very_a man_n they_o have_v put_v off_o humane_a nature_n be_v degenerate_v into_o bruit_n and_o have_v the_o reason_n and_o understanding_n of_o bruit_n espouse_v such_o principle_n as_o serve_v no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o justify_v the_o brutal_a nature_n and_o therefore_o laugh_v at_o the_o common_a sentiment_n and_o faith_n of_o mankind_n and_o pretend_v to_o reason_n only_o to_o reason_v humane_a nature_n as_o well_o as_o revelation_n out_o of_o the_o world_n how_o subtle_o soever_o these_o man_n may_v dispute_v it_o suffice_v i_o that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o original_a belief_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o owe_v to_o god_n or_o nature_n but_o to_o lust._n no_o man_n can_v call_v light_a darkness_n till_o he_o be_v in_o love_n with_o darkness_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n 3_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a man_n must_v first_o reconcile_v themselves_o to_o wickedness_n which_o be_v natural_o very_o bitter_a uneasy_a and_o grievous_a and_o shake_v off_o all_o sense_n of_o shame_n and_o modesty_n and_o fear_v before_o they_o can_v in_o good_a earnest_a reproach_n virtue_n for_o till_o man_n be_v very_o wicked_a virtue_n be_v the_o great_a pleasure_n the_o true_a and_o sweet_a pleasure_n of_o humane_a nature_n three_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o woe_n that_o be_v denounce_v against_o these_o man_n and_o how_o unavoidable_a it_o be_v woe_n be_v to_o they_o that_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n etc._n etc._n what_o this_o woe_n be_v be_v not_o here_o express_v but_o a_o indefinite_a woe_n be_v very_o terrible_a for_o it_o include_v all_o the_o woe_n that_o god_n have_v any_o where_n in_o scripture_n threaten_v against_o sinner_n the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o eternal_a misery_n of_o the_o next_o a_o woe_n signify_v a_o state_n of_o extreme_a misery_n wherein_o man_n shall_v bewail_v and_o lament_v themselves_o without_o hope_n or_o redress_v all_o the_o misery_n that_o such_o sinner_n deserve_v and_o therefore_o the_o great_a that_o humane_a nature_n can_v suffer_v because_o this_o be_v the_o great_a degeneracy_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o therefore_o to_o warn_v you_o all_o of_o fall_v into_o this_o state_n i_o shall_v brief_o show_v you_o how_o unavoidable_a this_o woe_n be_v when_o man_n be_v so_o in_o love_n with_o their_o sin_n that_o they_o resolve_v never_o to_o part_v with_o they_o they_o vain_o think_v that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o secure_v themselves_o be_v to_o banish_v god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o destroy_v all_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o then_o they_o may_v please_v themselves_o and_o live_v as_o they_o listen_v without_o fear_n or_o shame_n or_o any_o danger_n of_o a_o future_a account_n now_o so_o far_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n that_o if_o they_o can_v banish_v god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n their_o work_n be_v do_v and_o they_o may_v bid_v defiance_n to_o all_o the_o pulpit-thunder_n and_o laugh_v at_o all_o the_o superstitious_a fear_n of_o sinner_n but_o to_o persuade_v themselves_o contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o universal_a belief_n of_o mankind_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n will_v not_o banish_v god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v find_v a_o god_n after_o they_o have_v persuade_v themselves_o there_o be_v none_o as_o they_o certain_o will_v they_o will_v find_v this_o god_n a_o provoke_v and_o terrible_a judge_n for_o what_o great_a contempt_n and_o despite_n can_v be_v offer_v to_o god_n than_o to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n this_o be_v a_o state_n of_o open_a enmity_n they_o hate_v god_n and_o will_v destroy_v his_o be_v if_o they_o can_v for_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o there_o be_v no_o god_n be_v because_o they_o will_v have_v none_o and_o those_o who_o hate_n god_n be_v hate_v by_o he_o and_o must_v suffer_v his_o eternal_a vengeance_n thus_o if_o there_o be_v no_o essential_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o may_v choose_v for_o themselves_o and_o call_v thing_n by_o what_o name_n they_o please_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n but_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o difference_n however_o they_o hauâ—…_n make_v shift_v to_o conquer_v this_o sense_n at_o present_a if_o they_o refuse_v the_o good_a and_o choose_v the_o evil_a they_o must_v lose_v all_o that_o happiness_n which_o they_o may_v expect_v from_o what_o be_v a_o natural_a good_a that_o be_v all_o the_o true_a happiness_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o suffer_v all_o those_o misery_n which_o those_o evil_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o destructive_a of_o it_o will_v expose_v they_o too_o for_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v not_o empty_a name_n but_o good_a signify_v the_o happiness_n of_o that_o nature_n who_o good_a it_o be_v and_o evil_a its_o misery_n and_o if_o after_o all_o their_o philosophy_n there_o be_v such_o a_o distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a with_o respect_n to_o humane_a nature_n and_o that_o be_v a_o strange_a nature_n which_o have_v no_o good_a or_o evil_a belong_v to_o it_o to_o reject_v the_o good_a must_v deprive_v they_o of_o happiness_n and_o to_o choose_v the_o evil_n must_v make_v they_o miserable_a and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o moral_a as_o well_o as_o natural_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o one_o deserve_v to_o be_v reward_v and_o the_o other_o punish_v we_o must_v expect_v that_o the_o righteous_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n will_v reward_v and_o punish_v we_o according_a to_o our_o work_n if_o man_n shut_v their_o eye_n or_o put_v out_o the_o light_n and_o then_o call_v darkness_n light_n and_o light_a darkness_n how_o secure_a soever_o this_o may_v make_v they_o at_o present_a all_o that_o they_o gain_v by_o it_o be_v to_o go_v to_o hell_n blindfold_a not_o to_o see_v their_o danger_n before_o they_o feel_v themselves_o irrecoverable_o miserable_a if_o there_o be_v a_o distinction_n between_o light_n and_o darkness_n in_o the_o moral_a and_o spiritual_a as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a world_n as_o there_o must_v be_v if_o there_o be_v any_o difference_n between_o true_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n and_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n if_o the_o office_n of_o light_n be_v to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n those_o bless_a region_n of_o eternal_a light_n which_o those_o who_o wander_v in_o darkness_n can_v never_o find_v if_o the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n be_v to_o lose_v the_o sight_n
be_v vain_a and_o fruitless_a for_o there_o be_v no_o medium_fw-la to_o unite_v in_o the_o only_a way_n to_o peace_n be_v to_o silence_v all_o these_o dispute_n as_o matter_n which_o mankind_n will_v never_o agree_v about_o and_o wherein_o religion_n be_v no_o more_o concern_v than_o the_o government_n of_o kingdom_n or_o state_n and_o on_o which_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n no_o more_o depend_v than_o the_o conduct_n of_o our_o secular_a affair_n or_o the_o preservation_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n for_o the_o dispute_n about_o decree_n predestination_n god_n power_n over_o our_o will_n how_o god_n and_o creature_n produce_v the_o same_o effect_n what_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o what_o belong_v to_o the_o creature_n in_o every_o action_n since_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v concern_v every_o thing_n else_o as_o well_o as_o religion_n and_o yet_o in_o all_o other_o case_n man_n let_v philosopher_n dispute_v these_o point_n and_o quiet_o go_v about_o their_o business_n and_o do_v what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o controversy_n about_o these_o matter_n and_o i_o can_v imagine_v why_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v so_o in_o religion_n too_o believe_v what_o be_v plain_o teach_v and_o do_v what_o be_v command_v use_v the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o our_o utmost_a diligence_n in_o do_v good_a and_o depend_v upon_o the_o succour_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o leave_v these_o dispute_n to_o be_v decide_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o that_o will_v decide_v they_o all_o by_o this_o mean_n i_o be_o sure_a most_o of_o the_o dispute_n among_o protestant_n which_o have_v give_v the_o great_a disturbance_n to_o the_o church_n will_v be_v for_o ever_o silence_v and_o christian_a religion_n will_v not_o be_v clog_v nor_o reproach_v with_o such_o philosophical_a controversy_n 2_o the_o unity_n of_o communion_n and_o that_o consist_v in_o our_o worship_a god_n together_o when_o we_o resort_v to_o the_o same_o church_n to_o offer_v up_o our_o unite_a prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n and_o to_o partake_v of_o that_o holy_a supper_n which_o be_v the_o sacrament_n and_o symbol_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o each_o other_o and_o this_o indeed_o be_v true_a church-unity_n and_o it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o man_n who_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n and_o agree_v in_o all_o the_o essential_o of_o worship_n shall_v divide_v communion_n and_o refuse_v to_o pray_v together_o and_o to_o feast_n at_o the_o same_o holy_a table_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o can_v indeed_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n because_o they_o have_v corrupt_v the_o very_a essential_o of_o christian_a worship_n most_o man_n do_v not_o understand_v their_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o can_v join_v in_o prayer_n with_o they_o they_o worship_v image_n and_o picture_n which_o be_v express_o forbid_v by_o the_o second_o commandment_n instead_o of_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o only_a mediator_n and_o advocate_n jesus_n christ_n they_o have_v join_v other_o intercessor_n with_o he_o pray_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o virgin_n mary_n to_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o help_v they_o they_o worship_v the_o host_n which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o bread_n and_o wine_n as_o to_o the_o substance_n and_o therefore_o no_o object_n of_o worship_n and_o turn_v the_o sacramental_a feast_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n into_o a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o live_n and_o the_o dead_a such_o a_o worship_n as_o this_o we_o dare_v not_o join_v in_o because_o it_o be_v sinful_a and_o idolatrous_a but_o the_o case_n be_v quite_o different_a among_o protestant_n they_o pray_v to_o the_o same_o god_n in_o the_o only_a name_n of_o the_o same_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n put_v up_o the_o same_o petition_n offer_v the_o same_o thanksgiving_n and_o praise_n observe_v the_o same_o divine_a institution_n without_o any_o essential_a change_n and_o alteration_n and_o yet_o can_v worship_v god_n together_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o impious_a thing_n to_o put_v up_o the_o same_o prayer_n and_o to_o offer_v the_o same_o praise_n to_o god_n in_o a_o pious_a and_o grave_n and_o well-composed_a form_n of_o word_n which_o other_o do_v it_o may_v be_v not_o so_o well_o and_o decent_o in_o their_o conceive_a prayer_n as_o if_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o communicant_a in_o receive_v so_o inestimable_a a_o blessing_n as_o the_o sacramental_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n upon_o his_o knee_n be_v a_o profanation_n of_o that_o holy_a feast_n as_o if_o a_o white_a linnen-garment_n which_o never_o undergo_v any_o religious_a conjuration_n and_o be_v use_v only_o as_o a_o decent_a habit_n without_o any_o opinion_n of_o its_o virtue_n or_o sanctity_n be_v a_o just_a reason_n to_o drive_v man_n out_o of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o christian_a communion_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n these_o will_v be_v surprise_v story_n to_o any_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n who_o have_v never_o hear_v before_o of_o such_o dispute_n among_o we_o pray_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o speak_v my_o mind_n free_o upon_o this_o occasion_n upon_o the_o best_a and_o most_o impartial_a inquiry_n and_o observation_n i_o can_v make_v i_o do_v in_o my_o conscience_n believe_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v the_o most_o apostolical_a and_o best_a reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n to_o make_v any_o material_a alteration_n in_o her_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n and_o therefore_o i_o confess_v it_o have_v give_v i_o very_o just_a resentment_n to_o hear_v our_o church_n charge_v with_o such_o unjust_a imputation_n of_o popery_n superstition_n idolatry_n will-worship_n and_o what_o not_o and_o to_o see_v a_o blind_a and_o furious_a zeal_n ready_a to_o raze_v up_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o it_o it_o have_v often_o grieve_v i_o to_o see_v such_o a_o church_n as_o this_o rent_n and_o tear_v by_o schism_n which_o a_o man_n of_o ordinary_a prudence_n may_v easy_o foresee_v will_v give_v great_a advantage_n to_o the_o common_a enemy_n of_o the_o protestant_n faith_n this_o and_o the_o care_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o of_o their_o temporal_a fortune_n too_o move_v several_a divine_n of_o this_o church_n when_o the_o government_n think_v fit_a to_o reinforce_v the_o law_n of_o uniformity_n to_o examine_v and_o answer_v all_o the_o argument_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n which_o they_o perform_v with_o that_o good_a temper_n with_o that_o perswasiveness_n and_o strength_n of_o argument_n as_o will_v be_v a_o vindication_n of_o our_o church_n to_o future_a age_n and_o i_o wish_v it_o may_v upon_o second_o thought_n have_v yet_o a_o better_a effect_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v not_o then_o persuade_v and_o this_o i_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v call_v persecution_n much_o less_o can_v the_o many_o kind_a office_n they_o do_v in_o keep_v off_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n be_v call_v a_o persecution_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o when_o it_o be_v so_o apparent_a that_o prejudices_fw-la be_v grow_v as_o obstinate_a as_o they_o be_v unreasonable_a when_o not_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o the_o weakness_n of_o some_o and_o the_o ill_a design_n of_o other_o require_v some_o compliance_n and_o condescension_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o hope_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n take_v such_o prudent_a be_v not_o to_o offend_v the_o papist_n by_o go_v far_o from_o they_o than_o be_v necessary_a will_v whenever_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o do_v good_a condescend_v a_o great_a deal_n far_o than_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o reform_v to_o meet_v the_o dissenter_n for_o while_o the_o external_a decency_n gravity_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n be_v secure_v no_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n will_v think_v much_o to_o change_v a_o changeable_a ceremony_n when_o it_o will_v heal_v the_o breach_n and_o division_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v we_o all_o hearty_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o there_o may_v be_v this_o good_a and_o peaceable_a disposition_n of_o mind_n in_o all_o conformist_n and_o nonconformist_n towards_o a_o happy_a reunion_n and_o all_o consider_v man_n will_v think_v it_o time_n to_o lay_v aside_o such_o little_a dispute_n when_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o the_o church_n of_o england_n nor_o any_o particular_a sect_n of_o protestant_n who_o ruin_n be_v aim_v at_o but_o the_o whole_a protestant_a faith_n 3_o another_o kind_n of_o unity_n be_v love_n and_o charity_n and_o a_o mutual_a forbearance_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o very_a difficult_a thing_n when_o the_o dispute_n run_v so_o high_a as_o to_o divide_v christian_a communion_n for_o it_o seem_v in_o effect_n to_o declare_v man_n to_o be_v heathen_n and_o publican_n when_o we_o refuse_v to_o worship_n god_n with_o they_o and_o few_o man_n can_v
he_o also_o free_o give_v we_o all_o thingâ—…_n who_o then_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o christ_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distreâ—…_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n nay_o in_o 〈◊〉_d these_o we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n throâ—…_n he_o that_o love_v we_o for_o i_o be_o perswadâ—…_n that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o â—…gels_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o coâ—…_n nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o otâ—…_n creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o câ—…_n jesus_n our_o lord_n 8._o rom._n 32_o 35_o 37_o 〈◊〉_d while_o our_o mind_n be_v warm_v wâ—…_n such_o thought_n as_o these_o we_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d able_a to_o bear_v up_o under_o the_o greaâ—…_n trial_n if_o not_o with_o cheerfulness_n yet_o at_o least_o with_o patience_n and_o a_o quiâ—…_n submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n aâ—…_n if_o ever_o there_o be_v occasion_n for_o suâ—…_n comfortable_a and_o support_a thougâ—…_n the_o divine_a providence_n have_v make_v it_o 〈◊〉_d necessary_a at_o this_o time_n to_o bear_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o incomparable_a lady_n our_o most_o â—…acious_a queen_n who_o death_n all_o â—…od_a subject_n must_v lament_v and_o i_o â—…ay_v god_n forgive_v those_o that_o do_v not_o â—…ch_o severe_a providence_n as_o these_o will_v â—…ach_v the_o great_a and_o most_o unbroken_a â—…inds_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o fear_n and_o to_o â—…joyce_v with_o tremble_a but_o how_o seâ—…re_o soever_o providence_n be_v in_o some_o parâ—…cular_a instance_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o diâ—…ne_a goodness_n iâ—…_n the_o redemption_n of_o â—…ankind_n by_o the_o incarnation_n and_o â—…eath_n of_o his_o own_o son_n shall_v teach_v 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v dumb_a and_o not_o open_v our_o mouth_n â—…cause_fw-mi it_o be_v his_o do_n in_o speak_v to_o which_o word_n i_o â—…all_v 1._o inquire_v what_o may_v be_v call_v â—…e_n do_n of_o the_o lord_n 2._o what_o it_o 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v dumb_a and_o not_o to_o open_v â—…ur_n mouth_n 3._o the_o force_n of_o this_o â—…rgument_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o a_o quiet_a and_o â—…atient_a submission_n under_o the_o greatâ—…st_a suffering_n that_o it_o be_v god_n doâ—…ng_n 1._o what_o may_v be_v call_v the_o doâ—…ng_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o may_v be_v think_v 〈◊〉_d very_o needless_a question_n for_o be_v â—…here_o any_o event_n good_a or_o evil_a which_o be_v not_o god_n do_v if_o wâ—…_n believe_v a_o particular_a providence_n wâ—…_n must_v answer_v no_o and_o yet_o somâ—…_n thing_n be_v more_o peculiarly_a god'â—…_n do_n than_o other_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o this_o present_a argument_n aâ—…_n god_n do_v it_o be_v a_o reason_n for_o 〈◊〉_d quiet_a and_o patient_a submission_n to_o the_o divine_a will._n in_o many_o case_n man_n bring_v ruin_n and_o misery_n upon_o themselves_o by_o theâ—…_n own_o sin_n and_o folly_n and_o then_o they_o may_v thank_v themselves_o for_o it_o but_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o providence_n and_o when_o they_o can_v charge_v providence_n with_o their_o misfortune_n patience_n itself_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o submission_n to_o god_n because_o their_o suffering_n be_v no_o more_o god_n will_n than_o their_o sin_n and_o folly_n be_v if_o man_n destroy_v their_o estate_n by_o profuseness_n and_o prodigality_n and_o their_o body_n by_o intemperance_n and_o lust_n if_o ill-contracted_n friendship_n indiscreet_a bargain_n or_o a_o ungovernable_a tongue_n perplex_v their_o affair_n and_o prove_v very_o troublesome_a or_o dangerous_a all_o this_o be_v owe_v not_o mere_o to_o providence_n but_o to_o themselves_o and_o they_o must_v be_v content_v to_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o do_n and_o to_o implore_v the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o providence_n to_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o folly_n whatever_o evil_n we_o suffer_v which_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a or_o moral_a effect_n of_o our_o own_o sin_n or_o folly_n they_o be_v proper_o god_n do_n as_o inflict_v by_o god_n either_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n or_o for_o the_o trial_n and_o exercise_n of_o our_o virtue_n or_o to_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n those_o evil_n which_o we_o do_v not_o immediate_o bring_v upon_o ourselves_o god_n inflict_v on_o we_o either_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o wicked_a and_o injurious_a man_n or_o by_o the_o disorder_n of_o natural_a cause_n or_o by_o some_o seem_a casual_a and_o fortuitous_a event_n for_o the_o action_n of_o man_n the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o what_o we_o call_v chance_n and_o fortune_n be_v all_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v more_o or_o less_o his_o do_n but_o if_o we_o may_v say_v that_o some_o thing_n be_v more_o peculiar_o the_o care_n of_o providence_n than_o other_o life_n and_o death_n be_v certain_o so_o no_o man_n can_v be_v bear_v or_o die_v without_o the_o particular_a order_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o not_o a_o sparrow_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n without_o our_o father_n much_o less_o man_n and_o assure_v his_o disciple_n that_o all_o the_o hair_n of_o their_o head_n be_v number_v and_o their_o life_n be_v more_o sacred_a than_o their_o hair_n some_o man_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o god_n have_v absolute_o decree_v the_o certain_a term_n and_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n but_o i_o know_v no_o foundation_n for_o this_o neither_o in_o scripture_n nor_o reason_n nor_o do_v any_o man_n believe_v it_o but_o those_o who_o subject_a all_o mankind_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o irreversible_a necessity_n and_o fate_n which_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o atheistick_a hypothesis_n though_o incautious_o espouse_v by_o some_o man_n who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v atheist_n that_o i_o hope_v they_o be_v very_o good_a christian_n and_o therefore_o i_o suppose_v these_o christian_a fatalist_n if_o i_o may_v so_o call_v they_o mean_v no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o all_o own_o that_o no_o sparrow_n much_o less_o a_o man_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n without_o our_o father_n that_o god_n not_o only_o foreknow_v the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o shall_v die_v but_o with_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o â—…ustice_n order_n and_o appoint_v it_o â—…ot_v by_o a_o absolute_a and_o unconditional_a â—…ecree_n but_o as_o the_o wise_a determiâ—…ation_n of_o a_o free_a and_o just_a prouâ—…ce_n and_o if_o god_n have_v any_o more_o conâ—…ernment_n for_o nation_n and_o commonwealth_n than_o he_o have_v for_o particular_a man_n as_o we_o who_o can_v attend_v but_o a_o few_o thing_n at_o once_o and_o therefore_o make_v the_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n our_o more_o particular_a care_n be_v apt_a to_o conceive_v then_o the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o prince_n must_v be_v more_o particular_o order_v and_o determine_v by_o god_n because_o nation_n it_o may_v be_v many_o nation_n and_o country_n more_o than_o their_o own_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o more_o universal_a concernment_n any_o thing_n be_v the_o more_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v it_o belong_v to_o the_o care_n of_o god_n for_o this_o reason_n some_o philosopher_n have_v confine_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o the_o heaven_n and_o heavenly_a body_n which_o have_v such_o a_o univerversal_a influence_n on_o thing_n below_o or_o to_o nation_n and_o public_a society_n and_o to_o the_o several_a kind_n and_o species_n of_o being_n not_o to_o particular_a man_n or_o creature_n and_o so_o far_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n that_o if_o the_o divine_a providence_n can_v not_o equal_o take_v care_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o of_o every_o particular_a creature_n in_o it_o it_o will_v certain_o in_o the_o first_o place_n take_v care_n of_o the_o great_a spring_n of_o motion_n but_o though_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o god_n peculiar_a care_n of_o one_o thing_n more_o than_o another_o because_o his_o all-seeing_a eye_n and_o almighty_a arm_n can_v equal_o take_v care_n of_o all_o yet_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o from_o the_o worth_n and_o value_n of_o thing_n that_o god_n will_v certain_o take_v the_o more_o care_n of_o they_o and_o in_o case_n of_o any_o competition_n give_v the_o preference_n to_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n behold_v the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n for_o they_o sow_v not_o neither_o do_v they_o reap_v nor_o gather_v into_o barn_n yet_o your_o heavenly_a father_n feed_v they_o be_v you_o not_o much_o better_a than_o they_o and_o if_o god_n so_o clothe_v the_o grass_n of_o the_o field_n which_o to_o day_n be_v and_o to_o morrow_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o oven_n shall_v he_o not_o much_o more_o clothe_v you_o o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n
way_n of_o live_v which_o as_o they_o grow_v up_o â—…mproves_v into_o a_o habit_n of_o idleness_n and_o that_o betray_v they_o to_o all_o degree_n and_o kind_n of_o wickedness_n train_v they_o up_o to_o the_o gallow_n or_o fill_v our_o other_o hospital_n with_o vagrant_n and_o miserable_a people_n there_o be_v nothing_o which_o all_o wise_a commonwealth_n have_v be_v more_o concern_v for_o than_o the_o education_n of_o child_n which_o prove_v a_o great_a support_n and_o give_v great_a ease_n and_o security_n to_o any_o government_n by_o breed_v up_o useful_a member_n of_o it_o so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o charity_n which_o will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n make_v some_o other_o charitiâ—…_n less_o needful_a and_o it_o be_v certain_o a_o great_a charity_n to_o prevent_v the_o misery_n of_o mankind_n than_o to_o relieve_v they_o this_o be_v a_o charity_n wherein_o every_o member_n of_o this_o great_a city_n be_v most_o near_o concern_v because_o they_o and_o no_o other_o have_v a_o right_a to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o provision_n for_o their_o posterity_n against_o aâ—…_n the_o sudden_a stroke_n of_o fortune_n whicâ—…_n no_o man_n can_v be_v secure_v from_o here_o it_o be_v that_o family_n which_o be_v unexpected_o ruin_v by_o the_o uncertain_a chance_n of_o trade_n may_v be_v raise_v again_o by_o charity_n at_o least_o by_o thâ—…_n virtue_n and_o industry_n which_o their_o education_n teach_v they_o and_o those_o fair_a advantage_n with_o which_o according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n they_o be_v place_v in_o the_o world_n they_o have_v a_o new_a opportunity_n give_v they_o of_o try_v a_o better_a fortune_n or_o rather_o 〈◊〉_d more_o propitious_a providence_n so_o that_o every_o citizen_n be_v concern_v to_o promote_v and_o enlarge_v this_o charity_n because_o no_o man_n know_v who_o shall_v want_v it_o 〈◊〉_d not_o for_o his_o child_n yet_o for_o his_o grandchild_n or_o remote_a descendants_n and_o possible_o to_o man_n who_o be_v â—…sible_a of_o the_o uncertain_a change_n of_o â—…e_a world_n and_o have_v a_o religious_a reâ—…rence_n for_o the_o divine_a providence_n it_o â—…ould_v be_v no_o mean_a argument_n to_o proâ—…ote_v this_o charity_n be_v care_n take_v â—…at_o the_o descendants_n of_o benefactor_n ever_o they_o shall_v want_v this_o chaâ—…ty_n shall_v certain_o have_v it_o it_o be_v certain_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o great_a city_n to_o make_v the_o best_a â—…rovision_n it_o can_v for_o the_o child_n of_o â—…nfortunate_a citizen_n and_o those_o on_o who_o providence_n have_v smile_v while_o â—…hey_n have_v see_v their_o neighbour_n shipâ—…racked_v by_o such_o unavoidable_a acciâ—…ents_n as_o no_o prudence_n or_o conduct_n â—…ould_v escape_v can_v make_v a_o more_o proper_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o diâ—…ine_a goodness_n than_o this_o i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o of_o â—…his_fw-la nature_n this_o be_v the_o only_a charity_n which_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o raise_v a_o fund_z of_o charity_n among_o such_o great_a number_n as_o have_v their_o education_n in_o this_o place_n there_o have_v be_v and_o we_o may_v reasonable_o hope_v there_o always_o will_v be_v not_o a_o few_o who_o will_v raise_v their_o fortune_n in_o the_o world_n and_o remember_v their_o beginning_n be_v charity_n i_o be_o sure_a such_o man_n ought_v to_o do_v so_o and_o then_o such_o a_o hospital_n as_o this_o may_v help_v to_o support_v and_o enlarge_v itself_o and_o in_o time_n raise_v new_a hospital_n for_o new_a colony_n of_o charity_n but_o while_o i_o plead_v for_o christ_n hospital_n i_o will_v not_o be_v think_v to_o divert_v the_o whole_a current_n of_o charity_n into_o this_o one_o channel_n as_o thing_n now_o be_v there_o be_v absolute_a necessity_n of_o other_o charity_n the_o sick_a disease_a and_o maim_a be_v great_a object_n of_o charity_n especial_o soldier_n and_o seaman_n who_o venture_v their_o life_n and_o lose_v their_o health_n and_o their_o limb_n in_o the_o service_n of_o their_o country_n to_o defend_v our_o fortune_n liberty_n life_n and_o religion_n there_o be_v none_o of_o we_o but_o will_v think_v it_o a_o very_a poor_a recompense_n for_o the_o loss_n of_o health_n and_o limb_n to_o be_v cure_v upon_o charity_n it_o be_v certain_o the_o least_o that_o we_o can_v do_v for_o they_o so_o very_o little_a that_o if_o it_o be_v charity_n to_o do_v it_o it_o be_v barbarity_n to_o deny_v it_o and_o that_o be_v but_o a_o very_a small_a degree_n of_o charity_n which_o be_v but_o one_o remove_n from_o barbarity_n itself_o as_o for_o other_o sick_a and_o disease_v and_o lame_a people_n who_o can_v be_v at_o the_o charge_n of_o a_o cure_n where_o sickness_n â—…isability_n and_o poverty_n meet_v this_o â—…akes_v they_o double_a object_n of_o chaâ—…ty_n especial_o as_o it_o often_o happen_v when_o these_o disability_n fall_v upon_o the_o â—…dustrious_a who_o before_o support_v â—…hemselves_n and_o their_o family_n by_o hoâ—…est_a labour_n without_o charity_n nay_o as_o for_o those_o who_o may_v be_v justâ—…y_o think_v the_o least_o object_n of_o chaâ—…ity_n the_o wicked_a and_o vicious_a who_o â—…eap_v the_o deserve_a fruit_n of_o their_o own_o wickedness_n i_o be_o sure_a they_o be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o great_a pity_n because_o this_o life_n will_v not_o end_v their_o misery_n and_o if_o we_o can_v prolong_v their_o life_n here_o to_o save_v their_o soul_n it_o will_v be_v charity_n indeed_o and_o what_o effect_v the_o sense_n of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o suffering_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n may_v have_v upon_o they_o no_o man_n can_v tell_v as_o for_o distract_a person_n i_o believe_v no_o man_n who_o consider_v what_o a_o blessing_n reason_n and_o understanding_n be_v and_o what_o a_o misery_n the_o want_n of_o it_o be_v can_v think_v of_o they_o without_o the_o most_o sensible_a compassion_n i_o think_v all_o other_o evil_n whatsoever_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o it_o and_o therefore_o to_o restore_v they_o to_o their_o sense_n again_o which_o we_o hear_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n be_v often_o do_v or_o however_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o do_v themselves_o or_o other_o any_o injury_n and_o to_o preserve_v human_a nature_n from_o that_o contempt_n which_o such_o public_a spectacle_n expose_v it_o to_o be_v a_o very_a extraordinary_a charity_n now_o all_o this_o show_v that_o a_o charitable_a man_n need_v not_o be_v at_o any_o great_a loss_n how_o to_o dispose_v of_o his_o charity_n here_o be_v too_o many_o very_a proper_a object_n of_o charity_n if_o god_n so_o please_v and_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o thankful_a to_o god_n that_o we_o ourselves_o be_v not_o in_o the_o number_n for_o it_o be_v more_o bless_a to_o give_v than_o to_o receive_v but_o then_o the_o great_a number_n of_o miserable_a people_n who_o in_o several_a kind_n want_v our_o charity_n be_v a_o very_a powerful_a argument_n to_o great_a liberality_n and_o bounty_n for_o this_o i_o must_v add_v to_o what_o i_o have_v already_o say_v concern_v the_o measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o charity_n that_o a_o true_o charitable_a mind_n will_v increase_v its_o proportion_n according_a to_o present_a want_n will_v sometime_o abridge_v itself_o even_o in_o the_o convenience_n of_o life_n to_o supply_v great_a and_o press_a necessity_n for_o a_o great_a love_n will_v not_o only_o spare_v what_o it_o easy_o can_v but_o when_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o it_o will_v deny_v itself_o to_o do_v good_a and_o here_o i_o intend_v to_o have_v represent_v to_o you_o our_o apostle_n argument_n for_o a_o liberal_a and_o bountiful_a charity_n but_o i_o fear_v i_o have_v already_o too_o much_o trespass_v and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o willing_a mind_n so_o many_o and_o so_o great_a object_n of_o charity_n be_v themselves_o very_o press_v argument_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n endeavour_v to_o inspire_v his_o corinthian_n with_o a_o holy_a emulation_n of_o the_o zeal_n and_o forwardness_n of_o the_o church_n of_o macedonia_n how_o that_o in_o a_o great_a trial_n of_o affliction_n the_o abundance_n of_o their_o joy_n and_o their_o deep_a poverty_n abound_v unto_o the_o riches_n of_o their_o liberality_n so_o i_o shall_v only_o desire_v you_o to_o emulate_v the_o great_a example_n of_o past_a and_o present_a time_n and_o that_o you_o will_v set_v as_o great_a example_n for_o time_n to_o come_v if_o any_o thing_n deserve_v our_o emulation_n great_a and_o generous_a charity_n do_v which_o be_v a_o resemblance_n and_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v more_o endear_v we_o to_o god_n or_o man_n we_o owe_v all_o our_o present_a foundation_n to_o royal_a bounty_n and_o private_a charity_n and_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n our_o present_a age_n as_o bad_a as_o it_o be_v be_v not_o without_o some_o great_a example_n and_o though_o true_a virtue_n be_v void_a of_o the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n and_o envy_n and_o jealousy_n
of_o earthly_a rival_n yet_o it_o fire_v at_o great_a example_n and_o be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v outdo_v by_o equal_n in_o love_n to_o god_n or_o man_n especial_o when_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n and_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v be_v concern_v it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o many_o pious_a and_o charitable_a foundation_n be_v owe_v to_o popish_a superstition_n they_o hope_v to_o expiate_v their_o sin_n and_o to_o merit_v heaven_n by_o their_o good_a work_n and_o in_o this_o hope_n and_o this_o persuasion_n they_o do_v a_o very_a great_a many_o we_o understand_v better_a than_o to_o think_v of_o merit_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n much_o less_o of_o purchase_v a_o liberty_n of_o sin_v by_o act_n of_o charity_n but_o if_o those_o great_a reward_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o charity_n and_o which_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v will_v not_o make_v we_o charitable_a without_o the_o opinion_n of_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n charity_n be_v so_o great_a and_o excellent_a a_o virtue_n and_o so_o very_o useful_a to_o mankind_n that_o at_o least_o thus_o far_o popery_n will_v be_v think_v the_o better_a religion_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v as_o you_o abound_v in_o every_o thing_n in_o faith_n and_o utterance_n and_o knowledge_n and_o all_o diligence_n and_o in_o your_o love_n to_o we_o see_v that_o you_o abound_v in_o this_o grace_n also_o as_o we_o have_v a_o more_o orthodox_n faith_n a_o clear_a and_o a_o distinct_a knowledge_n and_o a_o pure_a worship_n than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n let_v we_o excel_v in_o charity_n too_o and_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o to_o renounce_v popery_n be_v not_o to_o renounce_v good_a work_n sermon_n x._o preach_v before_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o lord-mayor_n and_o court_n of_o alderman_n at_o guildhall_n chappel_n on_o sunday_n april_n 25._o 1697._o coloss._n ii_o 8._o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ._n have_v st._n paul_n live_v in_o our_o age_n it_o will_v have_v require_v little_o less_o than_o the_o courage_n and_o bravery_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o martyrdom_n to_o have_v say_v this_o and_o nothing_o but_o the_o authority_n of_o so_o great_a a_o apostle_n which_o though_o some_o man_n do_v not_o much_o value_n yet_o they_o dare_v not_o open_o despise_v can_v screen_n those_o who_o venture_v to_o say_v iâ—…_n after_o he_o what_o some_o man_n call_v philosophy_n and_o reason_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o foolish_a and_o absurd_a which_o some_o man_n will_v not_o call_v so_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n which_o those_o man_n adore_v who_o will_v either_o have_v no_o god_n or_o a_o god_n and_o a_o religion_n of_o their_o own_o make_n and_o what_o attempt_v some_o have_v make_v to_o undermine_v all_o religion_n and_o other_o to_o corrupt_v and_o transform_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o its_o contradict_a natural_a reason_n and_o philosophy_n be_v too_o well_o know_v to_o need_v a_o proof_n that_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o his_o day_n and_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v in_o future_a age_n st._n paul_n be_v very_o sensible_a when_o he_o give_v this_o caution_n to_o his_o colossian_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v as_o proper_a a_o caution_n for_o we_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v for_o any_o age_n since_o the_o write_n of_o this_o epistle_n for_o this_o vain_a pretence_n to_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n never_o more_o prevail_v and_o never_o do_v more_o mischief_n to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o endless_a and_o fruitless_a task_n to_o go_v about_o to_o confute_v all_o the_o absurd_a hypothesis_n and_o wild_a inconsistent_a reason_n wherewith_o man_n abuse_v themselves_o and_o other_o the_o experience_n of_o so_o â—…ny_a age_n wherein_o philosophy_n be_v in_o all_o 〈◊〉_d glory_n and_o the_o several_a sect_n dispute_v â—…d_v wrangle_v eternal_o without_o end_v â—…y_o one_o controversy_n give_v no_o great_a enâ—…uragement_n to_o hope_v for_o much_o this_o way_n 〈◊〉_d lest_o it_o can_v never_o be_v expect_v that_o â—…dinary_a christian_n shall_v be_v better_o â—…structed_v and_o confirm_v in_o the_o faith_n by_o â—…hilosophical_a dispute_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v from_o â—…e_n very_o begin_v be_v corrupt_v by_o 〈◊〉_d mixture_n of_o philosophy_n thus_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d the_o apostle_n day_n and_o thus_o it_o have_v â—…een_v more_o or_o less_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n to_o this_o day_n and_o the_o direction_n the_o apostle_n give_v for_o the_o security_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v not_o to_o dispute_v such_o matter_n but_o to_o distinguish_v between_o philosophical_a dispute_n and_o matter_n of_o revelation_n and_o to_o reject_v all_o the_o pretence_n of_o philosophy_n when_o it_o do_v or_o seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n or_o will_v make_v any_o corrupt_a addition_n to_o it_o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o make_v a_o prey_n or_o to_o carry_v away_o as_o a_o prey_n that_o be_v to_o seduce_v they_o from_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o from_o the_o pâ—…rity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o it_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n that_o be_v through_o the_o vain_a deceit_n of_o philosophy_n which_o cheat_v man_n with_o a_o flatter_a but_o empty_a appearance_n may_v unsettle_v weak_a mind_n but_o can_v lay_v a_o sure_a and_o solid_a foundation_n of_o faith_n may_v cheat_v man_n out_o of_o their_o faith_n but_o when_o that_o be_v do_v can_v give_v they_o nothing_o certain_a in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v but_o after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o this_o world_n some_o of_o these_o doctrine_n may_v possible_o plead_v prescription_n as_o have_v be_v so_o long_o receive_v that_o no_o man_n know_v their_o original_a or_o if_o they_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o great_a name_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o human_a authority_n and_o they_o be_v but_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o of_o man_n who_o at_o best_o have_v no_o better_a information_n than_o from_o the_o visible_a appearance_n of_o nature_n and_o their_o own_o imperfect_a observation_n and_o corrupt_v or_o defective_a reason_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o this_o world_n and_o be_v this_o a_o authority_n to_o oppose_v against_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n which_o both_o want_v that_o divine_a confirmation_n which_o he_o give_v to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o contradict_v they_o for_o they_o be_v not_o after_o christ_n neither_o teach_v by_o christ_n nor_o consonant_n to_o what_o he_o teach_v these_o word_n may_v afford_v great_a variety_n of_o discourse_n but_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o what_o be_v most_o useful_a and_o reduce_v that_o into_o as_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o i_o can_v by_o show_v i._n what_o great_a need_n there_o be_v of_o this_o caution_n to_o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v we_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n ii_o what_o great_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o rejectall_v these_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n when_o they_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n i._o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o whoever_o consider_v what_o a_o enemy_n these_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n have_v always_o be_v to_o religion_n will_v see_v need_n enough_o for_o this_o caution_n true_a reason_n and_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v true_a philosophy_n will_v certain_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n and_o worship_n of_o that_o supreme_a be_v who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o atheist_n without_o some_o pretence_n to_o philosophy_n and_o general_o such_o loud_a noisy_a pretence_n too_o as_o make_v ignorant_a 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therefore_o it_o become_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o reveal_v these_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n to_o we_o especial_o if_o we_o add_v to_o this_o that_o the_o lapse_v state_n of_o humane_a nature_n make_v supernatural_a knowledge_n necessary_a natural_a knowledge_n we_o grant_v be_v sufficient_a for_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n though_o no_o man_n will_v have_v have_v reason_n to_o complain_v have_v god_n in_o a_o state_n of_o innocence_n by_o a_o more_o familiar_a intercourse_n with_o man_n or_o by_o the_o frequent_a conversation_n of_o angel_n improve_v his_o knowledge_n beyond_o the_o mere_a attainment_n of_o his_o natural_a faculty_n and_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o this_o may_v have_v be_v i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v a_o impatient_a thirst_n after_o knowledge_n in_o humane_a nature_n and_o such_o a_o great_a curiosity_n for_o secret_a and_o hide_a mystery_n that_o it_o look_v very_o unnatural_a for_o man_n to_o complain_v that_o god_n reveal_v more_o 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they_o which_o make_v it_o necessary_a that_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v a_o reveal_v religion_n and_o if_o god_n in_o infinite_a goodness_n be_v not_o only_o please_v to_o restore_v sinner_n to_o grace_n and_o favour_n but_o to_o advance_v they_o to_o a_o supernatural_a state_n of_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o the_o next_o world_n this_o must_v be_v do_v by_o supernatural_a mean_n and_o therefore_o require_v a_o supernatural_a knowledge_n for_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v neither_o raise_v we_o above_o nature_n nor_o discover_v supernatural_a truth_n to_o we_o and_o this_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o know_v and_o believe_v such_o thing_n as_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n or_o idea_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v if_o nature_n can_v save_v we_o it_o can_v discover_v to_o we_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n neither_o and_o if_o we_o must_v be_v save_v by_o a_o supernatural_a grace_n and_o power_n it_o must_v be_v supernatural_o reveal_v and_o what_o be_v supernatural_a be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n not_o of_o natural_a knowledge_n this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o give_v a_o plain_a account_n why_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v such_o mystery_n to_o we_o as_o nature_n can_v teach_v and_o as_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n of_o because_o our_o lapse_v state_n have_v make_v such_o supernatural_a revelation_n necessary_a to_o the_o recovery_n of_o mankind_n and_o when_o we_o be_v fall_v below_o the_o relief_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o natural_a knowledge_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o thankful_a to_o our_o good_a god_n for_o supernatural_a knowledge_n and_o supernatural_a mean_n of_o salvation_n to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n three_o person_n one_o eternal_a god_n be_v honour_n glory_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n xi_o the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o deism_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n at_o hampton-court_n june_n 16._o 1700_o john_n fourteen_o 1._o you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o i_o shall_v not_o consider_v these_o word_n as_o they_o relate_v to_o what_o follow_v but_o only_o observe_v in_o they_o that_o our_o saâ—…iour_n not_o only_o require_v his_o disciple_n to_o â—…elieve_v in_o god_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v believe_v also_o in_o he_o that_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n and_o from_o hence_o i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o consider_v the_o case_n of_o deist_n who_o pretend_v to_o own_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o to_o pay_v such_o worship_n to_o he_o and_o to_o obey_v such_o law_n as_o mere_a nature_n teach_v but_o reject_v all_o reveal_v religion_n even_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n itself_o as_o no_o better_a than_o cheat_n and_o impostor_n this_o profession_n of_o deism_n be_v grow_v very_o fashionable_a among_o our_o great_a pretender_n to_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n and_o i_o be_o very_o glad_a that_o such_o man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o name_n of_o atheist_n and_o hope_v that_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o deism_n that_o be_v to_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o to_o deny_v all_o reveal_v religion_n may_v dispose_v they_o to_o a_o impartial_a inquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n i._o the_o folly_n of_o deism_n i_o will_v begin_v with_o this_o to_o make_v man_n consider_v a_o little_a what_o they_o intend_v by_o it_o or_o what_o wise_a end_v it_o will_v serve_v every_o one_o see_v what_o man_n intend_v by_o atheism_n to_o deliver_v themselves_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o invisible_a power_n that_o they_o may_v follow_v their_o own_o inclination_n and_o do_v what_o they_o like_v best_a themselves_o without_o any_o awe_n of_o god_n or_o reproof_n and_o terror_n of_o conscience_n or_o the_o dismal_a apprehension_n of_o unknown_a and_o endless_a punishment_n in_o the_o next_o world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o wise_a course_n man_n can_v take_v who_o resolve_v to_o be_v wicked_a that_o they_o may_v sin_v with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n without_o the_o bitter_a allay_v of_o shame_n and_o fear_n but_o now_o if_o a_o deist_n real_o be_v what_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v that_o be_v if_o he_o do_v real_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a and_o that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v reward_v and_o bad_a man_n punish_v in_o the_o next_o world_n he_o believe_v a_o great_a deal_n too_o much_o to_o sin_n with_o security_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n too_o little_a to_o have_v any_o comfortable_a hope_n of_o a_o better_a life_n that_o this_o be_v certain_o the_o most_o hopeless_a state_n that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v in_o in_o this_o world_n it_o have_v all_o the_o restraint_n and_o fear_n of_o religion_n but_o none_o of_o the_o support_v and_o comfort_n of_o it_o as_o to_o show_v this_o brief_o 1._o he_o who_o do_v hearty_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o will_v punish_v man_n for_o their_o sin_n not_o only_o in_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o next_o believe_v too_o much_o to_o sin_n with_o security_n though_o he_o believe_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o revelation_n for_o if_o nature_n as_o they_o grant_v teach_v man_n that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o just_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n who_o observe_v what_o we_o do_v and_o will_v punish_v wickedness_n natural_a conscience_n also_o will_v accuse_v and_o terrify_v and_o condemn_v wicked_a men._n thus_o st._n paul_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v with_o the_o heathen_a world_n before_o they_o have_v any_o revelation_n of_o god_n will._n for_o when_o the_o gentile_n which_o have_v not_o the_o law_n do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n these_o have_v not_o the_o law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o 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spell_v out_o from_o the_o visible_a creation_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n though_o we_o must_v not_o urge_v the_o authority_n of_o revelation_n to_o prove_v a_o god_n which_o will_v â—…e_v to_o beg_v the_o question_n yet_o the_o be_v of_o a_o revelation_n we_o may_v for_o whatever_o prove_v a_o divine_a revelation_n prove_v a_o god_n the_o wise_a and_o acute_a philosopher_n among_o the_o heathen_n think_v this_o the_o best_a and_o most_o sensible_a proof_n of_o a_o god_n balbus_n the_o stoic_a have_v begin_v his_o deorum_fw-la cicero_n de_fw-fr natura_fw-la deorum_fw-la proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n from_o â—…his_fw-la visible_a creation_n and_o the_o univerâ—…al_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o belief_n â—…e_o resolve_v the_o firmness_n and_o stability_n of_o this_o persuasion_n into_o those_o visible_a sign_n which_o their_o god_n oftentimes_o give_v of_o their_o own_o power_n and_o presence_n quòd_fw-la presentiam_fw-la soepe_fw-la divi_z svam_fw-la declarant_fw-la and_o the_o argument_n be_v certain_o a_o very_a good_a one_o though_o the_o particular_a instance_n he_o give_v of_o it_o may_v be_v vain_a and_o fictitious_a and_o want_v sufficient_a attestation_n to_o gain_v belief_n but_o have_v balbus_n instead_o of_o the_o apparition_n of_o castor_n and_o pollux_n and_o their_o ridiculous_a rite_n of_o divination_n see_v the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o christ_n the_o familiar_a conversation_n of_o god_n with_o abraham_n and_o moses_n the_o terrible_a appearance_n of_o mount_n sinai_n when_o god_n deliver_v the_o law_n in_o a_o audible_a voice_n and_o the_o infallible_a accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n that_o be_v have_v his_o proof_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o presence_n be_v as_o undeniable_a as_o his_o reason_n from_o such_o divine_a appearance_n to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n be_v unanswerable_a all_o the_o wit_n and_o sophistry_n in_o the_o world_n can_v never_o have_v evade_v this_o argument_n for_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o persuade_v man_n there_o be_v no_o god_n when_o they_o do_v little_o less_o than_o see_v he_o in_o such_o present_a and_o sensible_a effect_n as_o can_v have_v no_o other_o cause_n but_o a_o god_n however_o thus_o much_o we_o learn_v from_o this_o dispute_n that_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n such_o visible_a effect_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o presence_n be_v the_o most_o irresistible_a argument_n for_o the_o be_v of_o god_n that_o the_o wise_a man_n do_v believe_v that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n he_o will_v give_v some_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o his_o own_o be_v in_o the_o act_n of_o government_n and_o providence_n as_o well_o as_o of_o creation_n and_o that_o if_o there_o never_o have_v be_v any_o such_o sensible_a appearance_n of_o such_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o presence_n it_o will_v at_o least_o have_v render_v the_o be_v of_o god_n very_o doubtful_a this_o shall_v make_v all_o those_o who_o hearty_o believe_v a_o god_n 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with_o or_o without_o such_o visible_a appearance_n speak_v to_o they_o and_o talk_v as_o familiar_o with_o they_o as_o one_o man_n converse_v with_o another_o and_o than_o whatever_o truth_n there_o be_v in_o the_o story_n which_o be_v another_o enquiry_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n incredible_a in_o those_o relation_n we_o have_v of_o god_n appear_v to_o adam_n and_o converse_v with_o he_o in_o paradise_n of_o his_o appear_v to_o abraham_n and_o jacob_n who_o see_v god_n face_n to_o face_n gen._n 32._o 30._o of_o his_o speak_n to_o moses_n face_n to_o face_n as_o a_o man_n talk_v with_o his_o friend_n exod._n 33._o 11._o can_v god_n who_o form_v our_o mind_n and_o know_v all_o the_o spring_n of_o thought_n draw_v such_o clear_a and_o bright_a scene_n and_o picture_n of_o thing_n on_o our_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n whether_o sleep_v or_o wake_v as_o shall_v need_v no_o other_o proof_n of_o their_o divinity_n but_o themselves_o as_o light_n be_v know_v by_o 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the_o thing_n be_v not_o incredible_a because_o it_o be_v what_o god_n can_v do_v but_o the_o prophet_n must_v be_v try_v because_o there_o may_v be_v cheat_n and_o imposture_n now_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o prophet_n whether_o he_o come_v from_o god_n be_v by_o such_o work_n as_o no_o man_n can_v do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o that_o be_v in_o short_a by_o what_o we_o call_v miracle_n and_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o here_o again_o he_o who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n can_v think_v either_o miracle_n or_o a_o prediction_n of_o future_a event_n impossible_a for_o what_o can_v that_o god_n do_v and_o know_v who_o power_n and_o knowledge_n be_v infinite_a what_o can_v that_o god_n do_v who_o make_v the_o world_n be_v it_o such_o a_o difficulty_n to_o he_o who_o frame_v our_o body_n out_o of_o the_o â—…ust_n to_o give_v health_n to_o the_o sick_a or_o sight_n to_o the_o blind_a to_o make_v the_o deaf_a to_o hear_v and_o the_o lame_a to_o walk_v and_o to_o â—…aise_v the_o dead_a we_o all_o know_v this_o be_v above_o humane_a power_n and_o therefore_o if_o â—…uch_o thing_n be_v do_v they_o must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o we_o know_v â—…hat_fw-mi god_n can_v do_v they_o and_o therefore_o miracle_n be_v not_o impossible_a or_o incredible_a to_o he_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n thus_o far_o the_o deist_n must_v agree_v with_o i_o unless_o he_o have_v a_o very_a mean_a opinion_n of_o his_o god_n for_o a_o god_n who_o can_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n who_o can_v inspire_v prophet_n nor_o work_v miracle_n nor_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v be_v no_o god_n have_v not_o the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o power_n of_o a_o god_n now_o this_o be_v a_o great_a point_n gain_v for_o if_o god_n can_v do_v all_o this_o than_o there_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o nature_n of_o
one_o place_n neither_o to_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n nor_o samaria_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v free_a all_o the_o world_n over_o to_o erect_v house_n of_o prayer_n and_o worship_n where_o god_n will_v be_v as_o present_v with_o they_o as_o in_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o end_n now_o put_v to_o that_o typical_a state_n and_o typical_a worship_n which_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o true_a worshipper_n shall_v worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o this_o spiritual_a worship_n be_v confine_v to_o no_o one_o place_n but_o will_v find_v god_n present_v all_o the_o world_n over_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o abrogate_a all_o peculiar_a place_n of_o worship_n such_o as_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o samaria_n be_v that_o it_o make_v every_o church_n whatever_o part_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v in_o in_o a_o true_a sense_n the_o house_n of_o god_n than_o ever_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v and_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o of_o great_a consequence_n which_o we_o learn_v from_o this_o that_o we_o now_o want_v no_o new_a appearance_n of_o god_n to_o consecrate_v a_o place_n for_o his_o worship_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o patriarch_n nor_o any_o new_a command_n to_o appoint_v we_o where_o to_o build_v a_o house_n for_o god_n as_o it_o be_v under_o the_o law_n our_o saviour_n have_v consecrate_v every_o part_n of_o the_o world_n where_o christian_n live_v to_o be_v such_o holy_a ground_n as_o be_v fit_a to_o receive_v a_o temple_n and_o house_n of_o god_n and_o his_o promise_n to_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n give_v we_o as_o great_a a_o assurance_n of_o a_o divine_a presence_n in_o such_o place_n as_o if_o like_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o temple_n we_o see_v they_o again_o fill_v with_o a_o cloud_n and_o a_o visible_a glory_n have_v thus_o show_v you_o that_o god_n who_o fill_v all_o place_n be_v yet_o peculiar_o present_a in_o some_o place_n and_o what_o this_o peculiar_a presence_n be_v that_o god_n be_v present_a as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o worship_n to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o to_o receive_v our_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n our_o alm_n and_o oblation_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o exhortation_n of_o my_o text_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a improvement_n of_o this_o o_o worship_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n one_a and_o here_o first_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o very_a external_n beauty_n and_o ornament_n of_o god_n house_n be_v one_o part_n of_o homage_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o he_o the_o riches_n and_o visible_a glory_n of_o solomon_n temple_n be_v one_o of_o the_o wonder_n of_o the_o world_n a_o divine_a art_n and_o nature_n conspire_v to_o build_v a_o house_n as_o fit_a as_o art_n and_o nature_n can_v make_v it_o to_o signify_v the_o incommunicable_a majesty_n and_o glory_n of_o that_o god_n who_o dwell_v there_o and_o this_o nature_n teach_v all_o mankind_n the_o magnificence_n of_o their_o temple_n do_v not_o only_o show_v their_o devotion_n but_o what_o their_o art_n and_o what_o their_o riches_n be_v and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n when_o they_o enjoy_v peace_n and_o plenty_n under_o christian_a emperor_n be_v so_o far_o from_o think_v this_o a_o piece_n of_o pagan_a or_o jewish_a superstition_n that_o their_o first_o care_n be_v to_o erect_v beautiful_a and_o stately_a church_n to_o rival_n and_o outdo_v all_o the_o external_n glory_n of_o pagan_a temple_n and_o it_o be_v always_o account_v a_o great_a instance_n of_o the_o piety_n of_o prince_n to_o encourage_v and_o promote_v such_o work_n but_o you_o will_v say_v what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o god_n can_v we_o think_v that_o he_o who_o have_v make_v the_o world_n with_o such_o unimitable_a art_n and_o beauty_n can_v be_v please_v with_o any_o house_n we_o can_v build_v for_o he_o whatever_o art_n or_o riches_n we_o bestow_v on_o it_o but_o this_o very_a objection_n answer_v itself_o for_o god_n have_v make_v this_o beautiful_a world_n for_o his_o temple_n and_o have_v choose_v the_o most_o glorious_a part_n of_o it_o for_o his_o throne_n which_o show_v that_o though_o he_o be_v a_o infinite_a pure_a spirit_n he_o do_v not_o despise_v a_o external_n glory_n for_o thus_o he_o must_v represent_v his_o invisible_a greatness_n and_o majesty_n to_o his_o creature_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o vouchsafe_v his_o presence_n with_o we_o on_o earth_n we_o must_v provide_v the_o most_o honourable_a reception_n for_o he_o that_o we_o can_v and_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o art_n and_o nature_n can_v do_v we_o have_v so_o far_o express_v our_o devotion_n and_o reverence_n for_o the_o divine_a presence_n this_o objection_n lie_v against_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o well_o as_o against_o christian_a church_n and_o yet_o david_n think_v it_o very_o undecent_a and_o a_o want_n of_o a_o just_a reverence_n for_o god_n that_o he_o himself_o shall_v dwell_v in_o a_o house_n of_o cedar_n and_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n dwell_v within_o curtain_n 2_o sam._n 7._o 2._o which_o shall_v be_v consider_v by_o those_o man_n who_o think_v all_o that_o be_v bestow_v upon_o beautify_v and_o adorn_v god_n house_n a_o vain_a and_o superfluous_a expense_n when_o they_o think_v no_o cost_n too_o great_a to_o adorn_v their_o own_o 2_o the_o house_n of_o god_n too_o must_v be_v use_v as_o god_n house_n that_o be_v must_v be_v separate_v from_o common_a uses_n and_o appropriate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n it_o must_v not_o be_v a_o place_n of_o trade_n and_o commerce_n and_o ordinary_a conversation_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o our_o saviour_n zeal_n in_o drive_v those_o who_o sell_v ox_n and_o sheep_n and_o dove_n and_o the_o changer_n of_o money_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n which_o he_o do_v at_o two_o several_a time_n the_o first_o immediate_o upon_o his_o entrance_n on_o his_o ministry_n joh_n 2._o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o the_o second_o immediate_o before_o his_o crucifixion_n matth._n 21._o 12_o 13._o some_o learned_a man_n observe_v that_o the_o place_n of_o this_o merchandise_n in_o the_o temple_n be_v the_o court_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o from_o hence_o conclude_v that_o our_o saviour_n zeal_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o jewish_a temple_n but_o concern_v all_o christian_a church_n to_o which_o the_o court_n of_o the_o gentile_n bear_v a_o great_a analogy_n but_o whatever_o force_n there_o may_v be_v in_o this_o i_o think_v the_o reason_n our_o saviour_n give_v do_v much_o better_o explain_v his_o meaning_n make_v not_o my_o father_n house_n a_o house_n of_o merchandise_n john_n 2._o 16._o and_o it_o be_v write_v my_o house_n shall_v be_v call_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n but_o you_o have_v make_v it_o a_o den_n of_o thief_n matth._n 21._o 13._o which_o reason_n have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o typical_a state_n of_o the_o jewish_a temple_n but_o equal_o concern_v all_o place_n which_o be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o the_o house_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v where_o god_n vouchsafe_v his_o peculiar_a presence_n to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o indeed_o when_o christ_n express_v so_o much_o zeal_n for_o the_o house_n of_o god_n when_o the_o typical_a glory_n of_o the_o jewish_a temple_n be_v at_o a_o end_n have_v receive_v its_o accomplishment_n in_o his_o own_o person_n it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o intend_v this_o as_o a_o stand_a rule_n for_o the_o religious_a use_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n and_o oratory_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o reason_n be_v universal_a and_o unanswerable_a that_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v profane_v by_o any_o common_a uses_n 3_o let_v we_o worship_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v let_v we_o resort_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o the_o house_n of_o prayer_n there_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o he_o for_o if_o god_n have_v a_o house_n where_o he_o have_v promise_v his_o peculiar_a presence_n to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a place_n of_o worship_n the_o scripture_n make_v it_o a_o very_a material_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n to_o approach_v god_n house_n to_o enter_v into_o his_o court_n to_o come_v into_o his_o presence_n to_o own_v ourselves_o his_o servant_n and_o worshipper_n and_o without_o disparage_v private_a prayer_n or_o closet_n and_o family_n devotion_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v god_n will_v own_v those_o for_o his_o worshipper_n who_o deny_v he_o this_o public_a homage_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n know_v our_o prayer_n wherever_o we_o make_v they_o for_o he_o know_v our_o very_a thought_n but_o to_o hear_v prayer_n
that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o condemn_v all_o self-love_n which_o when_o it_o act_v regular_o be_v the_o natural_a principle_n of_o all_o moral_a and_o religious_a action_n and_o have_v prevent_v this_o objection_n which_o lie_v in_o my_o way_n for_o the_o further_a explication_n and_o improvement_n of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o inquire_v what_o that_o self-love_n be_v which_o the_o apostle_n here_o condemn_v 2._o how_o dangerous_a and_o perilous_a such_o time_n must_v needs_o be_v wherein_o this_o self-love_n prevail_v 3._o show_v the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n as_o well_o as_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n of_o it_o 1._o what_o that_o self-love_n be_v which_o the_o apostle_n condemn_v for_o can_v self-love_n be_v the_o fruitful_a parent_n of_o all_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o evil_a and_o wickedness_n which_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o world_n can_v the_o same_o fountain_n send_v forth_o sweet_a water_n and_o bitter_a and_o yet_o thus_o we_o see_v it_o be_v both_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n act_v from_o a_o principle_n of_o self-love_n and_o design_v their_o own_o happiness_n and_o satisfaction_n this_o inspire_v good_a man_n with_o great_a and_o generous_a design_n set_v they_o above_o this_o world_n make_v they_o devout_a worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o very_o just_a and_o charitable_a to_o man_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o principle_n which_o act_v in_o bad_a man_n and_o drive_v they_o into_o all_o the_o excess_n of_o wickedness_n they_o gratify_v their_o own_o inclination_n and_o appetite_n â—…y_v it_o they_o find_v present_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n they_o do_v what_o they_o love_v they_o please_v themselves_o they_o pursue_v what_o they_o call_v happiness_n which_o be_v self-love_n still_o though_o turn_v off_o of_o its_o natural_a bias_n by_o mistake_a notion_n of_o happiness_n all_o man_n love_v themselves_o but_o self-love_n do_v not_o act_v alike_o in_o all_o man_n because_o they_o be_v not_o all_o agree_v what_o self_n to_o love_v for_o man_n consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o spirit_n and_o flesh_n which_o have_v different_a interest_n appetite_n and_o inclination_n and_o have_v distinct_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o own_o a_o good_a man_n love_v his_o whole_a self_n soul_n and_o body_n too_o and_o design_n and_o endeavour_n the_o happiness_n of_o both_o which_o be_v the_o entire_a happiness_n of_o a_o man_n and_o this_o be_v a_o virtuous_a self-love_n which_o make_v the_o flesh_n subordinate_a to_o the_o spirit_n govern_v our_o sensual_a appetite_n by_o reason_n improve_v our_o mind_n in_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n raise_v our_o soul_n up_o to_o god_n and_o entertain_v they_o with_o the_o love_n and_o the_o admiration_n of_o that_o best_a of_o being_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n secure_v a_o eternal_a interest_n the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o glorious_a resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n into_o immortal_a life_n but_o a_o bad_a man_n love_v but_o one_o part_n of_o himself_o and_o that_o the_o mean_a part_n too_o and_o make_v much_o more_o mean_a and_o vile_a by_o be_v love_v alone_o his_o self-love_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o love_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o lust_n and_o appetite_n and_o pleasure_n of_o it_o a_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o all_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n which_o gratify_v a_o carnal_a and_o fleshly_a mind_n the_o soul_n be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o care_n so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o he_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o believe_v he_o have_v a_o soul_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o subdue_v reason_n to_o sense_n and_o brutish_a passion_n to_o stifle_v the_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n to_o root_v up_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n or_o to_o charm_v his_o conscience_n that_o it_o may_v not_o chide_v and_o condemn_v and_o disturb_v he_o in_o his_o enjoyment_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o when_o the_o scripture_n condemn_v the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o it_o do_v not_o mean_v our_o personal_a self_n for_o so_o every_o man_n do_v and_o must_v love_v himself_o or_o his_o own_o person_n but_o it_o be_v to_o love_v something_o for_o ourselves_o which_o we_o will_v have_v to_o be_v ourselves_o when_o god_n never_o make_v it_o to_o be_v so_o which_o be_v our_o own_o self_n or_o a_o self_n of_o our_o own_o make_n and_o to_o love_v this_o self_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o man_n which_o be_v to_o love_v our_o self_n only_o and_o to_o make_v all_o other_o thing_n subordinate_a to_o self_n which_o be_v the_o adequate_a notion_n of_o a_o vicious_a self-love_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o self_n of_o our_o own_o make_n that_o be_v it_o be_v what_o a_o sinner_n will_v call_v himself_o and_o will_v account_v his_o whole_a self_n and_o in_o please_v of_o which_o he_o place_v his_o whole_a happiness_n though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a part_n of_o that_o self_n which_o god_n make_v god_n make_v man_n soul_n and_o body_n but_o such_o man_n will_v call_v nothing_o themselves_o but_o flesh_n god_n make_v man_n for_o a_o rational_a and_o intellectual_a happiness_n as_o he_o make_v he_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n but_o such_o man_n place_v their_o whole_a happiness_n in_o sense_n now_o flesh_n be_v not_o the_o man_n of_o god_n make_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n be_v not_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o man_n man_n be_v make_v to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n in_o conjunction_n with_o those_o of_o reason_n and_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o a_o sensual_a happiness_n he_o be_v not_o make_v for_o that_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o a_o inferior_a and_o brutish_a nature_n and_o those_o who_o will_v have_v this_o to_o be_v their self_o and_o their_o happiness_n be_v their_o own_o creature_n not_o god_n and_o be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n their_o own_o way_n and_o device_n as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v 2._o such_o man_n be_v lover_n of_o themselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o be_v they_o be_v lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v they_o prefer_v their_o own_o will_n and_o humour_n and_o the_o gratification_n of_o their_o lust_n before_o the_o will_n and_o law_n of_o god_n and_o in_o contradiction_n to_o they_o a_o good_a man_n live_v in_o subordination_n to_o god_n as_o a_o creature_n ought_v to_o do_v to_o his_o maker_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o will_n and_o choice_n the_o love_n of_o god_n give_v law_n and_o bound_n to_o his_o love_n of_o himself_o he_o please_v himself_o in_o such_o instance_n as_o god_n allow_v he_o deny_v his_o own_o will_n and_o appetite_n inclination_n and_o interest_n when_o they_o oppose_v the_o will_n and_o law_n of_o god_n such_o a_o man_n can_v hardly_o be_v say_v to_o have_v any_o self_n to_o have_v any_o will_n any_o love_n any_o desire_n of_o his_o own_o for_o god_n be_v all_o this_o to_o he_o god_n live_v in_o he_o he_o be_v more_o god_n than_o he_o be_v his_o own_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v i_o live_v yet_o not_o i_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o i_o 2_o gal._n 20._o but_o a_o bad_a man_n have_v divide_v himself_o from_o god_n cast_v off_o his_o obedience_n affect_v a_o independent_a state_n to_o stand_v by_o himself_o and_o to_o be_v his_o own_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o a_o god_n to_o himself_o and_o such_o a_o man_n be_v proper_o say_v to_o love_v himself_o for_o he_o distinguish_v himself_o from_o god_n and_o prefer_v himself_o before_o he_o three_o such_o man_n be_v proper_o say_v to_o be_v lover_n of_o themselves_o because_o they_o love_v themselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n they_o gratify_v their_o lust_n and_o serve_v their_o private_a interest_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o law_n of_o justice_n or_o charity_n it_o be_v their_o principle_n to_o do_v good_a to_o themselves_o without_o ever_o be_v concern_v what_o either_o private_a man_n or_o public_a society_n suffer_v by_o it_o they_o be_v the_o whole_a world_n to_o themselves_o and_o have_v no_o body_n else_o to_o please_v or_o take_v care_n of_o unless_o they_o can_v serve_v their_o own_o design_n by_o it_o such_o man_n be_v proper_o lover_n of_o themselves_o that_o be_v only_o of_o themselves_o for_o they_o love_v no_o body_n else_o and_o this_o be_v the_o sordid_a narrow_a selfish_a spirit_n of_o flesh_n and_o sense_n which_o dwell_v within_o itself_o be_v its_o own_o centre_n and_o its_o own_o circumference_n for_o flesh_n be_v a_o narrow_a principle_n can_v have_v no_o pleasure_n nor_o feel_v any_o pain_n but_o its_o own_o and_o therefore_o must_v confine_v
infidelity_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o wit_n and_o understanding_n because_o it_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o credulity_n which_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o folly_n and_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n covetousness_n must_v be_v a_o virtue_n because_o it_o be_v the_o opposite_a extreme_a to_o prodigality_n credulity_n and_o infidelity_n both_o argue_v the_o same_o weakness_n of_o judgement_n for_o it_o be_v as_o great_a want_n of_o judgement_n not_o to_o believe_v upon_o sufficient_a evidence_n as_o to_o believe_v without_o it_o but_o credulity_n be_v the_o most_o pardonable_a because_o it_o be_v the_o better_a nature_a fault_n and_o argue_v the_o better_a temper_n of_o mind_n a_o credulous_a man_n believe_v too_o well_o of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o be_v apt_a to_o trust_v they_o too_o soon_o or_o he_o be_v very_o religious_o incline_v and_o that_o dispose_v he_o to_o believe_v all_o religious_a tale_n but_o a_o infidel_n distrust_v all_o mankind_n and_o fear_n or_o hate_v all_o religion_n and_o therefore_o will_v believe_v nothing_o that_o of_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n i_o will_v least_o trust_v myself_o with_o a_o infidel_n for_o those_o who_o distrust_v all_o mankind_n and_o hate_v god_n know_v some_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v do_v it_o and_o they_o must_v find_v it_o in_o themselves_o now_o if_o faith_n be_v a_o reasonable_a principle_n of_o action_n if_o we_o may_v have_v such_o moral_a evidence_n of_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v demonstrate_v as_o a_o wise_a and_o cautious_a man_n may_v and_o aught_o to_o rely_v on_o and_o which_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v contradict_v or_o act_v against_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o same_o evidence_n satisfy_v we_o with_o reference_n to_o another_o world_n if_o you_o will_v scorn_v a_o man_n who_o shall_v reject_v caesar_n commentary_n or_o any_o other_o approve_a write_n against_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o history_n why_o do_v it_o not_o deserve_v as_o much_o scorn_n to_o reject_v the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o best_a attest_v history_n in_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v be_v it_o not_o very_o unreasonable_a to_o demand_v any_o other_o evidence_n than_o what_o belong_v to_o faith_n to_o demand_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n or_o demonstration_n for_o pure_a matter_n of_o faith_n when_o we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n all_o the_o evidence_n which_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v ask_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v not_o and_o can_v see_v to_o demand_v more_o be_v to_o reject_v faith_n itself_o and_o to_o condemn_v all_o mankind_n of_o credulity_n who_o believe_v any_o thing_n and_o indeed_o whoever_o consider_v what_o kind_n of_o objection_n infidel_n urge_v against_o christianity_n will_v find_v that_o they_o all_o tend_v either_o to_o downright_a scepticism_n or_o to_o reject_v all_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n as_o unfit_a for_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o act_v on_o which_o overthrow_v all_o humane_a as_o well_o as_o divine_a faith_n i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o who_o think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o demand_v much_o great_a evidence_n for_o another_o world_n than_o what_o may_v satisfy_v a_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o affair_n and_o concernment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n we_o have_v great_a evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o faith_n for_o another_o world_n than_o we_o have_v for_o most_o of_o the_o concernment_n of_o this_o life_n in_o which_o we_o must_v act_v by_o faith_n and_o moral_a evidence_n as_o much_o great_a as_o a_o divine_a faith_n be_v more_o certain_a than_o human_a faith_n but_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o demand_v any_o other_o kind_n of_o evidence_n for_o the_o next_o world_n than_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n because_o we_o can_v have_v no_o other_o evidence_n for_o unseen_a thing_n and_o if_o we_o have_v the_o high_a evidence_n that_o faith_n can_v give_v we_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o ask_v more_o but_o yet_o why_o shall_v not_o that_o evidence_n satisfy_v we_o for_o another_o world_n which_o in_o a_o thousand_o case_n satisfy_v we_o in_o this_o what_o excuse_v can_v we_o make_v for_o our_o infidelity_n if_o god_n give_v we_o such_o evidence_n for_o another_o world_n as_o wise_a man_n think_v sufficient_a to_o act_v on_o in_o this_o their_o reason_n for_o this_o have_v so_o little_a appearance_n of_o sense_n that_o they_o may_v look_v like_o abuse_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v the_o best_a and_o the_o only_a reason_n they_o can_v give_v 1._o that_o they_o be_v force_v in_o many_o case_n to_o act_v upon_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o trust_v in_o this_o world_n because_o in_o many_o thing_n they_o can_v have_v no_o better_a evidence_n and_o yet_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o act_v and_o choose_v one_o thing_n or_o other_o if_o they_o will_v live_v in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o be_v under_o no_o necessity_n of_o believe_v any_o religion_n and_o therefore_o may_v demand_v such_o evidence_n as_o will_v force_v a_o assent_n and_o leave_v no_o possibility_n of_o a_o mistake_n or_o deceit_n for_o why_o shall_v they_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o absolute_o certain_a of_o when_o they_o need_v not_o believe_v it_o unless_o they_o will_n now_o both_o part_n of_o this_o answer_n be_v very_o faulty_a wise_a man_n do_v not_o act_v upon_o moral_a evidence_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o human_a faith_n mere_o because_o they_o can_v have_v no_o better_o but_o because_o they_o think_v this_o sufficient_a and_o to_o be_v a_o wise_a and_o reasonable_a principle_n of_o action_n and_o therefore_o they_o act_v with_o great_a security_n where_o they_o have_v no_o other_o evidence_n and_o be_v under_o no_o necessity_n one_o way_n nor_o other_o do_v they_o not_o think_v it_o wise_a and_o safe_a and_o prudent_a which_o show_v what_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o wise_a part_n of_o mankind_n be_v concern_v the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v much_o stranger_n that_o any_o man_n who_o ever_o hear_v of_o another_o world_n and_o of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n can_v think_v it_o indifferent_a whether_o he_o believe_v it_o or_o not_o he_o must_v either_o believe_v or_o disbelieve_v it_o and_o the_o consequence_n either_o way_n be_v of_o infinite_a concernment_n they_o have_v a_o mighty_a mastery_n over_o themselves_o if_o they_o can_v believe_v and_o disbelieve_v what_o they_o will_v there_o be_v such_o degree_n of_o evidence_n even_o of_o moral_a evidence_n as_o wise_a man_n can_v resist_v and_o i_o think_v that_o make_v faith_n necessary_a if_o we_o believe_v like_o men._n but_o when_o we_o read_v in_o the_o gospel_n he_o that_o believe_v shall_v be_v save_v and_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v this_o lay_v a_o terrible_a necessity_n upon_o we_o for_o if_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a and_o we_o continue_v infidel_n we_o must_v perish_v for_o ever_o and_o if_o necessity_n will_v justify_v our_o believe_a and_o act_v upon_o reasonable_a moral_a evidence_n though_o we_o have_v not_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n or_o natural_a demonstration_n those_o who_o do_v not_o think_v eternal_a happiness_n or_o misery_n to_o be_v necessity_n enough_o let_v they_o find_v a_o great_a if_o they_o can_v 2._o another_o pretence_n be_v that_o the_o vast_a difference_n between_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o if_o there_o be_v another_o world_n require_v a_o very_a different_a degree_n of_o evidence_n the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v of_o such_o little_a consequence_n that_o they_o may_v better_o venture_v though_o they_o shall_v be_v deceive_v but_o religion_n be_v of_o eternal_a importance_n and_o therefore_o it_o concern_v they_o not_o to_o be_v too_o credulous_a in_o such_o matter_n now_o though_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o this_o world_n and_o the_o next_o i_o can_v bear_v that_o man_n who_o believe_v no_o other_o world_n shall_v make_v this_o difference_n for_o if_o this_o life_n be_v all_o that_o they_o expect_v no_o man_n can_v ever_o venture_v more_o than_o all_o whether_o it_o be_v time_n or_o eternity_n and_o if_o they_o will_v venture_v their_o temporal_a all_o upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n why_o be_v it_o unreasonable_a to_o venture_v our_o eternal_a all_o upon_o it_o when_o we_o can_v have_v and_o indeed_o need_v no_o better_a evidence_n but_o this_o very_a consideration_n of_o the_o vast_a difference_n between_o time_n and_o eternity_n turn_v upon_o themselves_o and_o make_v it_o wise_a and_o reasonable_a to_o act_v upon_o much_o less_o evidence_n than_o we_o have_v for_o the_o other_o world_n for_o in_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a importance_n as_o every_o thing_n be_v that_o be_v eternal_a it_o concern_v we_o always_o to_o be_v on_o the_o sure_a side_n where_o we_o venture_v least_o if_o it_o shall_v happen_v that_o we_o be_v mistake_v and_o let_v any_o man_n consider_v which_o
their_o vice_n and_o bad_a name_n to_o virtue_n this_o be_v so_o common_a and_o so_o well_o know_v that_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v on_o it_o a_o easy_a oblige_v friendly_a conversation_n be_v very_o charm_a when_o it_o be_v govern_v by_o strict_a virtue_n these_o man_n let_v the_o virtue_n alone_o and_o justify_v their_o vice_n as_o only_o the_o effect_n and_o instance_n of_o good_a humour_n and_o sociableness_n and_o of_o a_o comply_a temper_n to_o make_v their_o company_n easy_a and_o their_o conversation_n pleasant_a and_o entertain_v and_o this_o they_o think_v a_o good_a apology_n for_o all_o their_o lewdness_n debauchery_n and_o profaneness_n which_o may_v make_v they_o agreeable_a company_n for_o one_o another_o but_o very_o unfit_a for_o the_o conversation_n not_o only_o of_o good_a man_n but_o of_o prudent_a and_o cautious_a sinner_n but_o that_o be_v all_o one_o they_o will_v have_v this_o good_a humour_n and_o that_o be_v a_o good_a name_n which_o will_v suit_v any_o vice_n which_o please_v themselves_o and_o their_o company_n thus_o to_o be_v diligent_a in_o our_o business_n prudent_a and_o frugal_a in_o our_o expense_n to_o mortify_v our_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o deny_v the_o crave_n of_o lust_n and_o use_v our_o body_n hardly_o be_v very_o commendable_a thing_n when_o they_o be_v oppose_v to_o idleness_n and_o luxury_n and_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o care_n of_o our_o family_n and_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o all_o act_n of_o charity_n and_o to_o subdue_v the_o flesh_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o make_v we_o more_o devout_a worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o a_o mere_a earthworm_n who_o do_v all_o this_o for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o get_v or_o to_o save_v his_o money_n though_o he_o starve_v himself_o and_o his_o family_n and_o the_o poor_a by_o it_o and_o make_v himself_o a_o vile_a slave_n all_o his_o day_n call_v this_o fordo_v covetousness_n by_o these_o good_a name_n of_o diligence_n prudence_n frugality_n temperance_n mortification_n when_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o love_n of_o money_n above_o his_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n and_o adore_v it_o as_o his_o god_n thus_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n superstition_n and_o hypocrisy_n be_v very_o ill_a name_n and_o these_o at_o all_o adventure_n they_o bestow_v upon_o piety_n and_o virtue_n to_o excuse_v their_o own_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o both_o as_o if_o no_o man_n can_v be_v sincere_a because_o there_o be_v some_o hypocrite_n or_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o religion_n because_o some_o man_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v religious_a who_o be_v not_o though_o it_o be_v a_o better_a argument_n for_o religion_n that_o even_o bad_a man_n desire_v to_o be_v think_v religious_a thus_o a_o affect_a singularity_n be_v very_o offensive_a and_o nauseous_a to_o all_o wise_a man_n and_o this_o be_v their_o name_n for_o a_o sullen_a inflexible_a virtue_n which_o will_v not_o do_v a_o bad_a thing_n to_o please_v its_o company_n nor_o admit_v bad_a man_n into_o the_o privacy_n and_o familiarity_n of_o conversation_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o medium_fw-la between_o affect_a singularity_n and_o be_v wicked_a for_o company_n this_o be_v the_o art_n of_o change_a name_n call_v any_o virtue_n or_o vice_n by_o its_o own_o name_n such_o as_o piety_n justice_n charity_n temperance_n chastity_n or_o profaneness_n injustice_n drunkenness_n adultery_n and_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o the_o one_o nor_o for_o the_o other_o for_o these_o be_v name_n of_o honour_n and_o esteem_v or_o of_o infamy_n and_o reproach_n all_o the_o world_n over_o but_o if_o they_o can_v find_v any_o thing_n in_o vice_n which_o bear_v the_o least_o resemblance_n to_o what_o some_o virtue_n oblige_v we_o to_o they_o present_o give_v the_o name_n of_o those_o virtue_n to_o their_o vice_n and_o if_o a_o virtuous_a man_n may_v do_v any_o thing_n for_o wise_a and_o good_a reason_n which_o have_v any_o likeness_n or_o analogy_n to_o what_o bad_a man_n do_v for_o very_o bad_a reason_n they_o give_v the_o name_n of_o those_o vice_n to_o virtue_n which_o be_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n to_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n and_o this_o there_o be_v too_o many_o guilty_a of_o who_o be_v not_o profess_v atheist_n or_o infidel_n who_o think_v it_o some_o excuse_n for_o their_o vice_n if_o they_o can_v find_v any_o thing_n good_a to_o say_v of_o they_o and_o a_o apology_n for_o their_o lukewarmness_n and_o indifferency_n in_o religion_n if_o they_o can_v charge_v some_o zealous_a professor_n with_o pharisaism_n and_o hypocrisy_n but_o by_o whosoever_o and_o for_o what_o reason_n soever_o this_o be_v do_v the_o woe_n belong_v to_o all_o those_o who_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n 2_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n darkness_n and_o light_n very_o often_o in_o scripture_n signify_v vice_n and_o virtue_n sin_n be_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n be_v to_o live_v holy_o as_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o 1_o john_n 1._o for_o 6_o 7._o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o god_n and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n live_v in_o any_o sin_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o if_o we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o light_n if_o we_o be_v holy_a as_o god_n be_v holy_a then_o have_v we_o fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o call_v evil_n good_a and_o good_a evil._n but_o then_o darkness_n signify_v also_o ignorance_n and_o error_n false_a and_o corrupt_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o light_v a_o clear_a and_o certain_a knowledge_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n what_o concern_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n but_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v john_n 3._o 19_o and_o thus_o we_o must_v understand_v it_o here_o those_o man_n who_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n who_o reject_v the_o moral_a difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o confound_v the_o name_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n pervert_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o knowledge_n and_o rule_n of_o judge_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n call_v all_o the_o arbitrary_a and_o ridiculous_a principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n light_n and_o esteem_v they_o as_o the_o most_o true_a and_o certain_a knowledge_n though_o indeed_o they_o teach_v we_o nothing_o but_o reduce_v we_o to_o the_o most_o perfect_a state_n of_o ignorance_n by_o unteach_v all_o that_o mankind_n know_v before_o for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o mind_n for_o the_o next_o step_n be_v to_o put_v light_n for_o darkness_n to_o reject_v all_o the_o natural_a and_o all_o the_o supernatural_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n the_o natural_a notion_n of_o our_o mind_n the_o natural_a light_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o supernatural_a light_n of_o revelation_n as_o mere_a ignorance_n and_o imposture_n the_o cheat_n of_o education_n or_o of_o a_o timorous_a fancy_n or_o the_o cunning_a of_o statesman_n or_o the_o invention_n of_o priest_n such_o man_n you_o know_v there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o woe_n belong_v to_o they_o 3_o to_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a be_v a_o corruption_n not_o mere_o of_o our_o judgement_n but_o of_o our_o natural_a sensation_n of_o our_o natural_a taste_n and_o relish_v of_o thing_n bitter_n signify_v whatever_o be_v natural_o uneasy_a grievous_a offensive_a as_o bitter_a thing_n be_v to_o the_o palate_n that_o which_o cause_n trouble_v anguish_n remorse_n as_o all_o wicked_a action_n natural_o do_v now_o such_o thingâ—…_n as_o be_v grievous_a and_o afflict_a to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n who_o have_v any_o natural_a sense_n leave_v these_o man_n call_v sweet_a account_v their_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n but_o than_o what_o be_v natural_o sweet_a have_v a_o natural_a easiness_n pleasure_n satisfaction_n as_o all_o good_a and_o virtuous_a action_n have_v this_o they_o call_v bitter_a these_o be_v the_o grievance_n of_o their_o life_n a_o intolerable_a yoke_n which_o they_o can_v and_o will_v not_o bear_v this_o be_v the_o most_o degenerate_a state_n of_o human_a nature_n which_o have_v lose_v all_o relish_n of_o virtue_n and_o all_o sense_n of_o shame_n and_o fear_n and_o remorse_n when_o they_o do_v evil_a their_o mind_n be_v perfect_o dead_a and_o stupid_a without_o any_o rational_a or_o spiritual_a sensation_n they_o have_v nothing_o but_o their_o bodily_a sense_n leave_v and_o by_o these_o alone_o they_o judge_v of_o sweet_a and_o
of_o the_o other_o world_n both_o of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o each_o if_o there_o be_v still_o a_o heaven_n and_o a_o hell_n as_o they_o will_v certain_o find_v there_o be_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o they_o either_o to_o get_v to_o heaven_n or_o to_o miss_v hell_n they_o will_v lose_v their_o way_n in_o the_o dark_a to_o heaven_n but_o darkness_n lead_v direct_o to_o hell_n whither_o no_o man_n will_v venture_v to_o go_v but_o in_o the_o dark_a man_n who_o have_v their_o eye_n open_a and_o see_v hell_n before_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o start_v and_o give_v back_o at_o such_o a_o sight_n but_o those_o who_o can_v shut_v their_o eye_n and_o put_v out_o the_o light_n and_o neither_o see_v a_o god_n nor_o a_o judge_n heaven_n nor_o hell_n will_v sin_v on_o without_o fear_n of_o hell_n till_o they_o feel_v its_o torment_n there_o be_v no_o such_o infallible_a way_n to_o make_v ourselves_o wicked_a and_o miserable_a as_o to_o shut_v out_o the_o light_n which_o will_v discover_v to_o we_o both_o our_o shame_n and_o danger_n and_o let_v no_o man_n envy_v those_o who_o have_v so_o blind_v their_o mind_n that_o they_o can_v sin_v without_o shame_n and_o fear_v who_o do_v not_o think_v it_o a_o great_a happiness_n to_o be_v eternal_o damn_v before_o they_o know_v it_o but_o there_o be_v this_o further_a danger_n in_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n that_o it_o ordinary_o seal_v man_n up_o to_o the_o day_n of_o destruction_n man_n who_o thus_o wilful_o and_o obstinate_o shut_v their_o eye_n seldom_o open_v they_o again_o in_o this_o world_n and_o it_o be_v too_o late_o for_o they_o to_o open_v they_o in_o the_o next_o such_o man_n do_v not_o deserve_v that_o god_n shall_v use_v any_o extraordinary_a method_n to_o convince_v they_o and_o they_o have_v already_o harden_v themselves_o against_o all_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o grace_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v arrive_v at_o that_o degree_n of_o assurance_n to_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n to_o think_v all_o mankind_n easy_a ignorant_a credulous_a fool_n but_o themselves_o there_o be_v no_o way_n leave_v of_o deal_n with_o such_o man_n as_o with_o reasonable_a creature_n neither_o argument_n nor_o authority_n can_v prevail_v while_o they_o believe_v themselves_o the_o only_a master_n and_o judge_n of_o reason_n and_o have_v judge_v all_o beforehand_o and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o keep_v their_o ground_n and_o to_o reject_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v offer_v for_o their_o conviction_n with_o scorn_n this_o show_v how_o dangerous_a a_o state_n these_o man_n be_v in_o and_o how_o little_a hope_n there_o be_v if_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n that_o they_o shall_v ever_o see_v their_o mistake_n and_o deliver_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n and_o certain_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v well_o about_o we_o before_o we_o shut_v our_o eye_n when_o there_o be_v so_o little_a hope_n that_o we_o shall_v ever_o open_v they_o again_o thus_o when_o man_n put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a what_o be_v bitter_a will_v prove_v bitterness_n in_o the_o latter_a end_n if_o a_o sense_n of_o gild_n and_o sin_n be_v so_o grievous_a and_o torment_a as_o all_o man_n feel_v it_o be_v before_o they_o have_v stupefy_v their_o conscience_n and_o corrupt_v their_o natural_a sense_n of_o thing_n when_o this_o unnatural_a force_n be_v take_v off_o when_o these_o opiate_n have_v lose_v their_o virtue_n and_o conscience_n awake_v again_o as_o it_o will_v certain_o do_v in_o the_o next_o world_n it_o will_v awake_v in_o a_o terrible_a fright_n and_o fury_n never_o to_o fall_v asleep_o more_o when_o sinner_n be_v convince_v of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o of_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o danger_n sin_n have_v bring_v they_o into_o repentance_n itself_o have_v its_o agony_n and_o terror_n its_o remorse_n and_o shame_n and_o fear_v but_o not_o without_o hope_n and_o repentance_n as_o it_o reform_v our_o life_n cure_v our_o fear_n and_o heal_v the_o wound_n which_o it_o make_v but_o when_o man_n eye_n shall_v be_v open_v in_o the_o next_o world_n to_o see_v their_o sin_n and_o their_o misery_n when_o repentance_n come_v too_o late_o to_o procure_v a_o pardon_n when_o they_o shall_v repent_v with_o eternal_a anguish_n horror_n despair_n and_o self-revenge_n than_o they_o will_v find_v what_o a_o evil_a and_o bitter_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o sin_n against_o god_n which_o breed_v a_o worm_n in_o the_o conscience_n which_o perpetual_o knaw_v and_o torment_n but_o never_o die_v to_o conclude_v let_v this_o warn_v we_o all_o how_o we_o engage_v in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o pervert_v our_o judgement_n to_o blind_v our_o mind_n and_o to_o corrupt_v our_o natural_a sense_n of_o thing_n or_o if_o we_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n be_v conquer_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n let_v we_o rather_o choose_v the_o shame_n and_o the_o sorrow_n of_o repentance_n than_o take_v sanctuary_n in_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n which_o may_v skin_n over_o the_o wound_n at_o present_a but_o can_v heal_v it_o which_o may_v give_v we_o some_o present_a ease_n and_o relief_n but_o will_v end_v in_o eternal_a woe_n let_v we_o always_o preserve_v a_o great_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o hearken_v to_o the_o dictate_v and_o reproof_n of_o natural_a conscience_n and_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v never_o fall_v under_o the_o woe_n denounce_v in_o my_o text_n against_o those_o who_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n who_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n who_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a who_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v honour_n glory_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n xix_o preach_v at_o the_o temple-church_n isaiah_n 5._o for_o 20_o 21._o wo_n unto_o they_o that_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n that_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n that_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a wo_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n i_o have_v already_o explain_v these_o word_n and_o show_v 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o call_v evil_n good_a and_o good_a evil_n by_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n by_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a and_o who_o those_o be_v who_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n 2._o how_o man_n come_v to_o judge_v thus_o perverse_o of_o thing_n 3._o the_o woe_n denounce_v against_o such_o man_n and_o how_o unavoidable_a it_o be_v but_o there_o be_v one_o which_o i_o must_v observe_v from_o the_o whole_a which_o may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o we_o viz._n the_o natural_a progress_n of_o wickedness_n and_o what_o art_n and_o pain_n it_o require_v to_o make_v a_o finish_v and_o accomplish_a sinner_n in_o this_o corrupt_a state_n of_o nature_n our_o sensual_a inclination_n be_v very_o strong_a and_o the_o first_o thing_n we_o learn_v be_v to_o please_v our_o sense_n and_o this_o be_v apt_a to_o corrupt_v our_o life_n with_o all_o worldly_a and_o fleshly_a lust_n but_o still_o while_o man_n be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o in_o any_o instance_n that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v evil_a and_o deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v both_o by_o god_n and_o man_n they_o be_v but_o very_o imperfect_a beginner_n they_o sin_n with_o shame_n and_o fear_v and_o remorse_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o the_o terrible_a rebuke_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o future_a vengeance_n may_v reclaim_v they_o if_o this_o do_v not_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o they_o but_o they_o proceed_v in_o a_o habitual_a course_n of_o wickedness_n and_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o part_v with_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v time_n for_o they_o to_o consider_v how_o to_o get_v rid_v of_o those_o torment_a passion_n of_o shame_n and_o fear_n 1._o and_o the_o first_o step_v to_o this_o be_v to_o destroy_v the_o essential_a difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a to_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n but_o how_o hard_o be_v it_o to_o do_v this_o for_o beside_o the_o difficulty_n of_o root_n up_o those_o natural_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a which_o be_v so_o deep_o imprint_v on_o our_o mind_n which_o if_o it_o be_v allow_v possible_a as_o i_o believe_v
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be_v as_o easy_a and_o natural_a as_o of_o a_o eternal_a be_v and_o that_o natural_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o the_o relation_n and_o dependence_n between_o cause_n and_o effect_n necessary_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n for_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v eternal_a without_o a_o cause_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o there_o shall_v ever_o after_o be_v any_o natural_a relation_n between_o they_o of_o cause_n and_o effect_n and_o yet_o destroy_v the_o doctrine_n of_o cause_n and_o effect_n and_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o reason_n and_o discourse_n but_o then_o as_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o all_o thing_n so_o all_o the_o appearance_n of_o nature_n contradict_v it_o and_o will_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o lie_v easy_a in_o our_o mind_n we_o see_v every_o day_n that_o all_o individual_n be_v make_v man_n be_v bear_v every_o day_n and_o die_v and_o one_o generation_n succeed_v another_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o 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creation_n when_o all_o mankind_n have_v believe_v otherwise_o and_o be_v natural_o incline_v to_o believe_v so_o and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v do_v so_o and_o none_o to_o think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o especial_o when_o we_o have_v such_o evident_a proof_n of_o this_o in_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n which_o so_o strong_o persuade_v the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n for_o to_o deny_v prophecy_n and_o miracle_n when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v plain_a that_o there_o have_v be_v true_a prophecy_n or_o miracle_n and_o no_o man_n beside_o themselves_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n doubt_n whether_o he_o can_v foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v or_o exercise_v a_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o nature_n when_o he_o please_v can_v be_v call_v by_o no_o soft_a name_n than_o stupidity_n or_o impudence_n and_o whatever_o they_o say_v it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o believe_v what_o they_o say_v for_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n carry_v such_o a_o 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he_o may_v pretend_v he_o will_v find_v it_o a_o very_a hard_a matter_n after_o all_o his_o criticism_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o best_a attest_v and_o most_o credible_a history_n in_o the_o world_n these_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o be_v a_o atheist_n or_o infidel_n without_o which_o man_n can_v never_o reject_v or_o confound_v the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o all_o these_o principle_n contradict_v the_o natural_a idea_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o destroy_v all_o the_o natural_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o reason_n that_o we_o can_v no_o more_o distinguish_v between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n than_o between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a ever_o thus_o to_o efface_v the_o natural_a notion_n of_o our_o mind_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v a_o very_a uneasy_a and_o difficult_a task_n 3_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v at_o least_o as_o difficult_a to_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a man_n may_v bribe_v their_o 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discourse_n upon_o several_a occasion_n 8vo_fw-la dr._n pelling_n practical_a discourse_n concern_v holiness_n 8vo_fw-la discourse_n concern_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n mr._n blackhalt'_v sermon_n at_o brentwood_n in_o essex_n octob._n 7._o 1693._o at_o the_o visitation_n of_o the_o right_n reverend_a father_n in_o god_n henry_n lord_n bishop_n of_o london_n mr._n ellis_n necessity_n of_o serious_a consideration_n 8vo_fw-la pr._n bind_v 1_n 6d_o sum_n of_o christianity_n 8vo_fw-la price_n 3d._n scripturie_n catechism_n price_n 3d._n