mankind_n john_n 15._o 22_o 23_o 24._o if_o i_o have_v not_o come_v and_o speak_v unto_o they_o they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n that_o be_v in_o comparison_n their_o sin_n have_v be_v much_o more_o excusable_a but_o now_o they_o have_v no_o cloak_n for_o their_o sin_n he_o that_o hate_v i_o hate_v my_o father_n also_o if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n which_o none_o other_o man_n do_v they_o have_v not_o have_v sin_n but_o now_o have_v they_o both_o see_v and_o hate_v both_o i_o and_o my_o father_n how_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n mean_v that_o they_o have_v now_o sin_v against_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o mankind_n can_v possible_o have_v at_o once_o oppose_v natural_a light_n which_o be_v the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o father_n and_o the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o god_n will_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o his_o son_n now_o have_v they_o both_o see_v and_o hate_v both_o i_o and_o my_o father_n the_o two_o remain_a observation_n i_o shall_v reserve_v to_o another_o opportunity_n sermon_n xi_o the_o danger_n of_o all_o know_a sin_n both_o from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o revelation_n rome_n i._o 18_o 19_o for_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n who_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n because_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o they_o for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o i_o have_v handle_v four_o of_o the_o observation_n which_o i_o raise_v from_o these_o word_n and_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o other_o two_o that_o remain_v five_o observation_n that_o the_o natural_a knowledge_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n if_o they_o live_v contrary_a to_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o their_o hold_v the_o trâ—th_n of_o god_n iâ—_n unrighteousness_n for_o thâ—â—eason_n why_o the_o apostle_n charge_v they_o with_o this_o be_v because_o that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o that_o god_n have_v show_v it_o â—nto_o they_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o he_o which_o the_o apostle_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o of_o god_n which_o be_v obvious_a to_o be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v as_o much_o as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v there_o be_v something_o of_o god_n that_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o understanding_n but_o his_o be_v and_o essential_a perfection_n may_v be_v know_v which_o he_o call_v his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n thâ—se_a he_o tell_v we_o be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v that_o be_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n to_o man_n of_o the_o be_v and_o power_n of_o god_n and_o if_o so_o then_o god_n be_v natural_o know_v to_o man_n the_o contrary_a whereof_o socinus_n positive_o maintain_v though_o therein_o he_o be_v forsake_v by_o most_o of_o his_o follower_n a_o opinion_n in_o my_o judgement_n very_o unworthy_a of_o one_o who_o not_o without_o reason_n be_v esteem_v so_o great_a a_o master_n of_o reason_n and_o though_o i_o believe_v he_o do_v not_o see_v it_o undermine_v the_o strong_a and_o sure_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n which_o when_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o god_n be_v once_o take_v away_o will_v certain_o want_v its_o best_a support_n beside_o that_o by_o deny_v any_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o essential_a perfection_n he_o free_o give_v away_o one_o of_o the_o most_o plausible_a ground_n of_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n but_o because_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o great_a consequence_n and_o he_o be_v a_o great_a man_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v confute_v by_o contempt_n but_o by_o better_a reason_n if_o it_o can_v be_v find_v i_o will_v consider_v his_o reason_n for_o this_o opinion_n and_o return_v a_o particular_a answer_n to_o they_o first_o he_o say_v that_o if_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v natural_a it_o will_v not_o be_v of_o faith_n but_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v the_o force_n of_o which_o argument_n if_o it_o have_v any_o lie_v in_o this_o that_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v divine_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o we_o can_v be_v say_v to_o believe_v what_o we_o natural_o know_v the_o schoolman_n indeed_o say_v so_o but_o the_o scripture_n use_v the_o word_n faith_n more_o large_o for_o a_o rela_fw-la persuasion_n of_o any_o thing_n whether_o ground_v upon_o sense_n or_o reason_n or_o divine_a revelation_n and_o our_o saviour_n speech_n to_o thomas_n because_o thou_o have_v see_v thou_o have_v believe_v do_v sufficient_o intimate_v that_o a_o man_n may_v believe_v what_o he_o see_v and_o if_o so_o what_o shall_v hinder_v but_o that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o believe_v what_o he_o natural_o know_v that_o be_v be_v real_o persuade_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n from_o natural_a light_n second_o his_o next_o argument_n be_v because_o the_o same_o apostle_n conclude_v enoch_n to_o have_v believe_v god_n because_o he_o please_v god_n and_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v he_o from_o whence_o he_o say_v it_o be_v certain_a that_o man_n may_v be_v without_o this_o belief_n which_o if_o it_o be_v natural_a they_o can_v indeed_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v say_v that_o whoever_o believe_v a_o god_n must_v of_o necessity_n obey_v and_o please_v he_o than_o the_o inference_n have_v be_v good_a that_o all_o man_n do_v not_o natural_o believe_v a_o god_n because_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o do_v not_o please_v he_o but_o it_o be_v not_o good_a the_o other_o way_n no_o more_o than_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v argue_v thus_o that_o because_o whoever_o act_n reasonable_o must_v be_v endow_v with_o reason_n therefore_o man_n be_v not_o natural_o endow_v with_o reason_n for_o as_o man_n may_v natural_o be_v endow_v with_o reason_n and_o yet_o not_o always_o make_v use_n of_o it_o so_o man_n may_v natural_o know_v and_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v careful_a to_o please_v he_o his_o three_o argument_n be_v that_o the_o scripture_n say_v that_o there_o be_v some_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v a_o god_n for_o which_o he_o cite_v that_o of_o david_n the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n which_o certain_o prove_v that_o bad_a man_n live_v so_o as_o if_o they_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o god_n nay_o it_o may_v far_o import_v that_o they_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v to_o stifle_v and_o extinguish_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n in_o their_o mind_n and_o will_v glad_o persuade_v themselves_o there_o be_v no_o god_n because_o it_o be_v convenient_a for_o they_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o and_o whether_o david_n mean_v so_o or_o not_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o some_o may_v arrive_v to_o that_o height_n of_o impiety_n as_o for_o a_o time_n at_o least_o and_o in_o some_o mood_n to_o disbelieve_v a_o god_n and_o to_o be_v very_o confident_a of_o the_o argument_n on_o that_o side_n but_o what_o then_o be_v the_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n therefore_o not_o natural_a to_o mankind_n nature_n itself_o as_o constant_a and_o uniform_a as_o it_o be_v admit_v of_o some_o irregularity_n and_o exception_n in_o effect_n that_o be_v mere_o natural_a much_o more_o in_o those_o which_o have_v something_o in_o they_o that_o be_v voluntary_a and_o depend_v upon_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a use_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o there_o be_v no_o argue_v from_o what_o be_v monstrous_a against_o what_o be_v natural_a it_o be_v natural_a for_o man_n to_o have_v five_o finger_n upon_o a_o hand_n and_o yet_o some_o be_v bear_v otherwise_o but_o in_o voluntary_a agent_n that_o which_o be_v natural_a may_v be_v pervert_v and_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n extinguish_v in_o some_o particular_a instance_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o force_n at_o all_o in_o this_o objection_n his_o four_o and_o last_o argument_n be_v that_o there_o have_v not_o only_o be_v particular_a person_n but_o whole_a nation_n who_o have_v have_v no_o sense_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o suspicion_n of_o a_o deity_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v of_o great_a force_n if_o it_o be_v true_a and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o he_o produce_v the_o instance_n of_o brasil_n in_o america_n but_o i_o utter_o deny_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o history_n and_o challenge_v any_o man_n to_o bring_v good_a testimony_n not_o only_o of_o any_o nation_n but_o of_o any_o city_n in_o the_o world_n that_o ever_o be_v profess_v atheist_n i_o know_v
do_v for_o justice_n be_v a_o strict_a debt_n but_o mercy_n be_v favour_n and_o kindness_n and_o this_o perhaps_o may_v be_v the_o reason_n of_o the_o different_a expression_n in_o the_o text_n that_o when_o god_n bare_o command_v we_o to_o do_v just_o he_o require_v we_o shall_v love_v mercy_n that_o be_v take_v a_o particular_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o virtue_n which_o be_v so_o proper_a and_o agreeable_a to_o mankind_n that_o we_o common_o call_v it_o humanity_n give_v it_o its_o name_n from_o our_o very_a nature_n in_o short_a it_o be_v so_o excellent_a a_o virtue_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o sorry_a that_o any_o religion_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o pretend_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o more_o than_o our_o own_o 3._o piety_n to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n to_o walk_v humble_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n so_o the_o chaldee_n paraphrase_n render_v these_o word_n and_o this_o phrase_n may_v comprehend_v all_o those_o act_n of_o religion_n which_o refer_v immediate_o to_o god_n a_o firm_a belief_n of_o his_o be_v and_o perfection_n a_o awful_a sense_n of_o he_o as_o the_o dread_a sovereign_n and_o righteous_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n a_o due_a regard_n to_o his_o service_n and_o a_o reverend_a behaviour_n of_o ourselves_o towards_o he_o in_o all_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o religion_n in_o opposition_n to_o atheism_n and_o a_o profane_a neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n a_o new_a and_o monstrous_a kind_n of_o impiety_n which_o of_o late_a year_n have_v break_v in_o upon_o we_o and_o get_v head_n among_o we_o not_o only_o contrary_a to_o the_o example_n of_o former_a age_n but_o in_o despite_n of_o the_o very_a genius_n and_o temper_n of_o the_o nation_n which_o be_v natural_o devout_a and_o zealous_a in_o religion_n or_o else_o this_o phrase_n of_o walk_v humble_o with_o god_n may_v refer_v more_o particular_o to_o the_o posture_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n at_o that_o time_n who_o be_v fall_v under_o the_o heavy_a displeasure_n of_o god_n for_o their_o sin_n and_o then_o the_o duty_n require_v be_v that_o be_v sensible_a how_o high_o god_n have_v be_v offend_v by_o we_o by_o the_o general_a corruption_n and_o viciousness_n of_o the_o age_n which_o like_o a_o leprosy_n have_v spread_v itself_o almost_o over_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o by_o that_o open_a lewdness_n and_o those_o insolent_a impiety_n which_o be_v daily_o commit_v among_o we_o i_o say_v that_o be_v deep_o sensible_a of_o this_o we_o do_v with_o all_o humility_n acknowledge_v our_o sin_n to_o god_n and_o repent_v of_o they_o and_o implore_v his_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n and_o resolve_v by_o his_o grace_n to_o turn_v every_o one_o from_o the_o evil_n of_o our_o way_n and_o from_o the_o wickedness_n that_o be_v in_o our_o hand_n which_o god_n grant_v we_o may_v every_o one_o do_v fâ—â—â—â—_n this_o day_n according_a to_o the_o pious_a design_n and_o intention_n of_o it_o and_o if_o we_o be_v sincere_a in_o this_o resolution_n who_o can_v tell_v but_o god_n may_v turn_v and_o repent_v and_o turn_v away_o his_o anger_n from_o we_o that_o we_o perish_v not_o nay_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v be_v pacify_v towards_o we_o so_o he_o have_v declare_v isa_n 1._o 16._o wash_v you_o make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n from_o before_o my_o eye_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o seek_v judgement_n relieve_v the_o oppress_v judge_v the_o fatherless_a plead_v for_o the_o widow_n come_v now_o and_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_n though_o your_o sin_n be_v as_o scarlet_a they_o shall_v be_v as_o white_a as_o snow_n though_o they_o be_v red_a like_o crimson_a they_o shall_v be_v as_o wool_n but_o if_o we_o continue_v unreformed_a god_n will_v say_v to_o we_o as_o he_o do_v there_o to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrifice_n unto_o i_o your_o call_n of_o assembly_n i_o can_v away_o with_o it_o be_v iniquity_n even_o the_o solemn_a meeting_n and_o when_o you_o spread_v forth_o your_o hand_n i_o will_v hide_v my_o eye_n from_o you_o when_o you_o make_v many_o prayer_n i_o will_v not_o hear_v to_o which_o let_v i_o add_v that_o excellent_a say_v of_o the_o son_n of_o syrach_n to_o this_o purpose_n ecclesiastic_a 34._o 25_o 26._o he_o that_o wash_v himself_o after_o the_o touch_v of_o a_o dead_a body_n if_o he_o touch_v it_o again_o what_o avail_v his_o wash_n so_o be_v it_o with_o a_o man_n that_o fast_v for_o his_o sin_n and_o go_v again_o and_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n who_o will_v hear_v his_o prayer_n or_o what_o do_v his_o humble_v profit_v he_o ii_o let_v we_o consider_v by_o what_o way_n and_o mean_v god_n have_v make_v know_v these_o duty_n to_o we_o and_o the_o goodness_n and_o the_o obligation_n of_o they_o he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o i_o shall_v mention_v five_o way_n whereby_o god_n have_v discover_v this_o to_o we_o 1._o by_o a_o kind_n of_o natural_a instinct_n 2._o by_o natural_a reason_n 3._o by_o the_o general_a vote_n and_o consent_n of_o mankind_n 4._o by_o external_a revelation_n 5._o by_o the_o inward_a dictate_v and_o motion_n of_o god_n spirit_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n first_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o natural_a instinct_n by_o which_o i_o mean_v a_o secret_a impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n whereby_o they_o be_v natural_o carry_v to_o approve_v some_o thing_n as_o good_a and_o fit_a and_o to_o dislike_v other_o thing_n as_o have_v a_o native_a evil_n and_o deformity_n in_o they_o and_o this_o i_o call_v a_o natural_a instinct_n because_o it_o do_v not_o seem_v to_o proceed_v so_o much_o from_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o reason_n as_o from_o a_o natural_a propension_n and_o inclination_n like_o those_o instinct_n which_o be_v in_o brute_n creature_n of_o natural_a affection_n and_o care_n towards_o their_o young_a one_o and_o that_o these_o inclination_n be_v precedent_a to_o all_o reason_n and_o discourse_n about_o they_o evident_o appear_v by_o this_o that_o they_o do_v put_v forth_o themselves_o every_o whit_n as_o vigorous_o in_o young_a person_n as_o in_o those_o of_o ripe_a reason_n in_o the_o rude_a and_o ignorant_a sort_n of_o people_n as_o in_o those_o who_o be_v more_o polish_a and_o refine_a for_o we_o see_v plain_o that_o the_o young_a and_o ignorant_a have_v as_o strong_a impression_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n as_o true_a a_o sense_n of_o gratitude_n and_o justice_n and_o pity_n as_o the_o wise_a and_o more_o know_a part_n of_o mankind_n a_o plain_a indication_n that_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n be_v prevent_v by_o a_o kind_n of_o natural_a instinct_n and_o anticipation_n concern_v the_o good_a or_o evil_n the_o comeliness_n or_o deformity_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o though_o this_o do_v not_o equal_o extend_v to_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o our_o duty_n yet_o as_o to_o the_o great_a line_n and_o essential_a part_n of_o it_o mankind_n hardly_o need_v to_o consult_v any_o other_o oracle_n than_o the_o mere_a propension_n and_o inclination_n of_o their_o nature_n as_o whether_o we_o ought_v to_o reverence_v the_o divine_a nature_n to_o be_v grateful_a to_o those_o who_o have_v confer_v benefit_n upon_o we_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n to_o be_v faithful_a to_o our_o promise_n to_o restore_v that_o which_o be_v commit_v to_o we_o in_o trust_n to_o pity_v and_o relieve_v those_o that_o be_v in_o misery_n and_o in_o all_o thing_n to_o do_v to_o other_o as_o we_o will_v have_v they_o do_v to_o we_o and_o this_o will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o man_n be_v natural_o innocent_a or_o guilty_a to_o themselves_o according_a to_o what_o they_o do_v in_o these_o thing_n so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o rom._n 2._o 14_o 15._o when_o the_o gentile_n which_o have_v not_o the_o law_n do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n these_o have_v not_o the_o law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o and_o do_v show_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n by_o turn_n that_o be_v according_a as_o they_o do_v well_o or_o ill_a accuse_v or_o excuse_v they_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a comfort_n in_o innocence_n and_o a_o strange_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o be_v acquit_v by_o our_o own_o mind_n for_o what_o we_o do_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o we_o contradict_v these_o natural_a dictate_v what_o uneasiness_n do_v we_o find_v in_o our_o own_o breast_n nay_o even_o before_o the_o
put_v to_o death_n because_o they_o can_v not_o understand_v this_o hardword_n and_o believe_v this_o impossible_a thing_n and_o yet_o if_o the_o supremacy_n of_o the_o pope_n be_v clear_o of_o divine_a right_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n as_o plain_a as_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o sacrament_n yet_o these_o be_v but_o positive_a matter_n in_o religion_n there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o kill_v man_n for_o not_o understand_v and_o believe_v these_o thing_n nay_o it_o will_v be_v contrary_a to_o religion_n to_o do_v it_o because_o the_o law_n of_o mercy_n and_o humanity_n which_o be_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v violate_v for_o the_o promote_a of_o any_o positive_a institution_n and_o god_n have_v plain_o say_v that_o he_o will_v have_v mercy_n rather_o than_o sacrifice_n yea_o rather_o than_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n if_o it_o be_v what_o they_o pretend_v it_o be_v the_o offering_z of_o the_o natural_a body_n and_o blooâ—_n of_o christ_n because_o it_o will_v be_v needless_a for_o propitiation_n of_o sin_n be_v once_o make_v by_o christ_n offering_n himself_o once_o for_o all_o upon_o the_o cross_n there_o need_v no_o more_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n nay_o i_o will_v go_v further_o yet_o i_o have_v rather_o never_o administer_v the_o sacrament_n nor_o ever_o receive_v it_o than_o take_v away_o any_o man_n life_n about_o it_o because_o the_o sacrament_n be_v but_o a_o positive_a rite_n and_o institution_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o god_n prefer_v mercy_n which_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n before_o any_o rite_n or_o institution_n whatsoever_o beside_o that_o all_o act_n of_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o particular_a nature_n and_o design_n of_o this_o bless_a sacrament_n which_o be_v to_o commemorate_v the_o suffering_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n for_o our_o sake_n and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o example_n of_o the_o great_a love_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o thereby_o to_o excite_v we_o to_o the_o imitation_n of_o it_o 2._o what_o have_v be_v say_v give_v we_o a_o right_a notion_n and_o character_n of_o that_o church_n and_o religion_n which_o prefer_v the_o positive_a rite_n and_o institution_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o observance_n of_o they_o to_o those_o duty_n which_o be_v of_o natural_a and_o eternal_a obligation_n mercy_n and_o goodness_n fidelity_n and_o justice_n and_o which_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o pretend_a article_n of_o religion_n or_o rite_n of_o worship_n which_o if_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v reveal_v and_o institute_v by_o god_n be_v yet_o mere_o positive_a will_v break_v the_o great_a of_o god_n commandment_n and_o teach_v man_n so_o it_o be_v too_o plain_a to_o be_v deny_v that_o the_o principle_n and_o precept_n of_o natural_a religion_n be_v never_o so_o effectual_o undermine_v and_o the_o morality_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n never_o so_o intolerable_o corrupt_v and_o debauch_v by_o any_o thing_n that_o ever_o yet_o have_v the_o face_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n as_o by_o the_o allow_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o this_o out_o of_o a_o blind_a and_o furious_a zeal_n for_o some_o imaginary_a doctrine_n and_o rite_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o at_o the_o best_a be_v of_o mere_a positive_a institution_n and_o of_o the_o same_o rank_n among_o christian_n that_o sacrifice_n be_v in_o the_o jewish_a religion_n for_o which_o we_o need_v go_v no_o further_o for_o a_o instance_n than_o in_o the_o occasion_n of_o thâ—s_n day_n be_v solemnity_n upon_o which_o day_n about_o fourscore_o year_n ago_o there_o be_v design_v a_o mighty_a sacrifice_n indeed_o the_o great_a and_o rich_a burnt-offering_a that_o ever_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v offer_v up_o to_o almighty_a god_n by_o those_o of_o any_o religion_n whatsoever_o not_o the_o blood_n of_o bull_n and_o goat_n but_o of_o king_n and_o prince_n and_o noble_n more_o in_o value_n than_o thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o ten_o thousand_o of_o river_n of_o oil_n than_o all_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o forest_n and_o the_o cattle_n upon_o a_o thousand_o hill_n here_o be_v a_o prodigious_a sacrifice_n indeed_o but_o where_o be_v mercy_n the_o thing_n god_n chief_o desire_v and_o which_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v acceptable_a to_o he_o no_o mercy_n not_o even_o to_o those_o of_o their_o own_o religion_n who_o these_o nice_a and_o tender_a casuist_n after_o a_o solemn_a debate_n of_o the_o case_n have_v resolve_v to_o involve_v in_o the_o same_o common_a destruction_n with_o the_o rest_n rather_o no_o mercy_n than_o that_o this_o sacrificewhich_n their_o mad_a zeal_n have_v prompt_v they_o to_o shall_v be_v omit_v to_o conclude_v they_o that_o can_v do_v such_o inhuman_a thing_n and_o think_v they_o to_o be_v religion_n do_v not_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o but_o have_v need_n to_o be_v teach_v the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o natural_a duty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v violate_v upon_o pretence_n no_o nor_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o positive_a institution_n because_o natural_a religion_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o that_o which_o be_v institute_v and_o therefore_o to_o violate_v any_o natural_a duty_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o which_o be_v institute_v be_v for_o religion_n to_o undermine_v and_o blow_v up_o itself_o let_v those_o who_o do_v such_o thing_n and_o teach_v man_n so_o go_v and_o learn_v what_o that_o mean_v i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n sermon_n iii_o christianity_n do_v not_o destroy_v but_o perfect_a the_o law_n of_o moses_n matthew_n v._o 17._o think_v not_o that_o i_o be_o come_v to_o destroy_v the_o law_n or_o the_o prophet_n i_o be_o not_o come_v to_o destroy_v but_o to_o fulfil_v there_o be_v no_o say_v in_o the_o whole_a gospel_n which_o the_o jew_n do_v so_o frequent_o object_v to_o the_o christian_n as_o this_o of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n as_o if_o his_o word_n and_o action_n be_v plain_o repugnant_a and_o contrary_a to_o one_o another_o for_o when_o it_o be_v evident_a say_v they_o that_o he_o take_v away_o so_o many_o ceremony_n purification_n distinction_n of_o meat_n sacrifice_n judicial_a law_n and_o many_o other_o thing_n yet_o he_o say_v he_o come_v not_o to_o destroy_v the_o law_n or_o the_o prophet_n so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o he_o do_v throw_v down_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o in_o so_o do_v contradict_v his_o own_o say_v that_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o destroy_v the_o law_n to_o clear_v our_o saviour_n word_n of_o this_o objection_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o consider_v the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o his_o discourse_n in_o this_o chapter_n by_o which_o we_o shall_v full_o understand_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n in_o the_o text._n our_o saviour_n in_o this_o sermon_n which_o contain_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n of_o his_o religion_n do_v earnest_o recommend_v to_o his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n and_o strict_o enjoin_v the_o perfect_a practice_n of_o all_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n declare_v to_o they_o that_o he_o come_v to_o bring_v in_o and_o establish_v that_o righteousness_n which_o the_o jewish_a religion_n indeed_o aim_v at_o but_o through_o the_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o that_o dispensation_n be_v not_o able_a to_o effect_v and_o accomplish_v and_o to_o take_v away_o all_o suspicion_n of_o a_o design_n to_o contradict_v the_o former_a revelation_n of_o god_n make_v to_o the_o jew_n by_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n or_o to_o destroy_v their_o divine_a authority_n by_o carry_v on_o a_o design_n contrary_n to_o they_o i_o say_v to_o prevent_v any_o imagination_n of_o this_o kind_n he_o do_v here_o in_o the_o text_n express_o declare_v the_o contrary_a think_v not_o etc._n etc._n intimate_v that_o some_o either_o do_v or_o at_o least_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v that_o his_o design_n be_v to_o destroy_v the_o obligation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o to_o undermine_v the_o authority_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o free_v they_o from_o this_o jealousy_n he_o declare_v plain_o that_o he_o have_v no_o such_o thought_n and_o intention_n it_o be_v far_o from_o he_o i_o be_o not_o come_v to_o destroy_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o abrogate_v or_o dissolve_v the_o law_n to_o encourage_v man_n to_o the_o breach_n and_o violation_n of_o it_o for_o the_o word_n be_v of_o the_o same_o sense_n with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d at_o the_o 19_o ver_fw-la whosoever_o shall_v break_v one_o of_o these_o least_o commandment_n and_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d rom._n 3._o 31._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v we_o then_o make_v void_a the_o law_n by_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o same_o question_n with_o that_o of_o the_o same_o apostle_n gal._n 3._o 21._o be_v the_o law_n
prophet_n be_v to_o engage_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a duty_n that_o be_v of_o real_a and_o substantial_a goodness_n second_o that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v comparative_o very_o weak_a and_o insufficient_a to_o this_o purpose_n three_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v supply_v all_o the_o defect_n and_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o that_o dispensation_n these_o three_o particular_n will_n full_o clear_v our_o saviour_n meaning_n in_o this_o text._n first_o that_o the_o main_a and_o ultimate_a design_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v to_o engage_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a duty_n that_o be_v of_o real_a and_o substantial_a goodness_n consist_v in_o those_o virtue_n which_o our_o saviour_n mention_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o sermon_n humility_n and_o meekness_n and_o mercy_n and_o righteousness_n and_o purity_n and_o peaceableness_n this_o our_o saviour_n more_o than_o once_o tell_v we_o be_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n mat._n 7._o 12._o therefore_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o even_o so_o unto_o they_o for_o this_o be_v the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o mat._n 22._o 40._o that_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n those_o two_o great_a command_n to_o which_o all_o moral_a duty_n be_v reduce_v be_v the_o two_o great_a hinge_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n on_o these_o two_o hang_v all_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n st._n paul_n call_v love_n the_o fulfil_n of_o the_o whole_a law_n rom._n 13._o 10._o st._n james_n the_o perfect_a and_o the_o royal_a law_n as_o that_o which_o have_v a_o sovereign_a influence_n upon_o all_o part_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o the_o apostle_n rom._n 3._o 21._o tell_v we_o that_o this_o more_o perfect_a righteousness_n which_o be_v bring_v in_o by_o the_o gospel_n or_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v witness_v by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o indeed_o the_o prophet_n every_o where_o do_v slight_a and_o undervalue_v the_o ritual_a and_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o religion_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a duty_n isa_n 1._o 11._o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrifice_n unto_o i_o bring_v no_o more_o vain_a oblation_n your_o new_a moon_n and_o your_o appoint_a feast_n my_o soul_n hate_v but_o what_o then_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n he_o tell_v we_o at_o the_o 16_o the_o ver_fw-la wash_v you_o make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n from_o before_o my_o eye_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o seek_v judgement_n relieve_v the_o oppress_v judge_v the_o fatherless_a plead_v for_o the_o widow_n and_o by_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n god_n tell_v that_o people_n that_o the_o business_n of_o sacrifice_n be_v not_o the_o thing_n primary_o design_v by_o god_n but_o obedience_n to_o the_o moral_a law_n the_o ritual_a law_n come_v in_o upon_o occasion_n for_o the_o prevention_n of_o idolatry_n and_o by_o way_n of_o condescension_n to_o the_o temper_n of_o that_o people_n and_o thus_o maimonides_n and_o the_o learned_a jew_n understand_v these_o word_n jer._n 7._o 22_o 23._o i_o speak_v not_o unto_o your_o father_n nor_o command_v they_o in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o the_o land_n of_o egypt_n concern_v burnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n but_o this_o thing_n command_v i_o they_o say_v obey_v my_o voice_n and_o walk_v in_o all_o the_o way_n that_o i_o have_v command_v and_o i_o will_v be_v your_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n so_o likewise_o in_o the_o prophet_n hosea_n god_n plain_o prefer_v the_o moral_a before_o the_o ritual_a part_n of_o religion_n as_o that_o which_o be_v principal_o design_v and_o intend_v by_o he_o hos_fw-la 6._o 6._o i_o desire_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n more_o than_o burnt-offering_n but_o most_o plain_o and_o express_o mich._n 6._o 6._o wherewith_o shall_v i_o come_v before_o the_o lord_n shall_v i_o come_v before_o he_o with_o burnt-offering_n wiâ—_n the_o lord_n be_v please_v with_o thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o ten_o thousand_o of_o river_n of_o oil_n he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v â—ustly_o and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n these_o it_o seem_v be_v the_o great_a thing_n which_o god_n stand_v upon_o and_o require_v of_o man_n even_o under_o that_o imperfect_a dispensation_n and_o these_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v so_o strict_o enjoin_v and_o command_v so_o that_o this_o righteousness_n which_o the_o gospel_n require_v be_v witness_v to_o by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o point_n that_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n or_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n be_v comparative_o very_o weak_a and_o insufficient_a to_o make_v man_n true_o good_a and_o for_o the_o promote_a of_o real_a and_o inward_a righteousness_n it_o give_v law_n indeed_o to_o this_o purpose_n but_o those_o not_o so_o clear_a and_o perfect_a or_o at_o least_o not_o so_o clear_o understand_v as_o they_o be_v now_o under_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o make_v no_o express_a promise_n of_o inward_a grace_n and_o assistance_n to_o quicken_v and_o strengthen_v we_o in_o the_o do_n of_o our_o duty_n it_o make_v no_o explicit_a promise_n of_o any_o blessing_n and_o reward_n to_o the_o do_v of_o our_o duty_n beyond_o this_o life_n so_o that_o the_o best_a and_o most_o powerful_a argument_n and_o encouragement_n to_o obedience_n be_v either_o whole_o want_v or_o very_o obscure_o reveal_v under_o this_o dispensation_n and_o this_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o jewish_a dispensation_n both_o to_o our_o justification_n and_o sanctification_n to_o the_o reconcile_n of_o we_o to_o god_n and_o the_o make_n of_o we_o real_o good_a the_o apostle_n frequent_o inculcate_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n st._n paul_n act_v 13._o 38_o 39_o be_v it_o know_v unto_o you_o therefore_o man_n and_o brethren_n that_o through_o this_o man_n be_v preach_v unto_o you_o the_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o by_o he_o all_o that_o believe_v be_v justify_v from_o all_o those_o thing_n from_o which_o you_o can_v not_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o rom._n 8._o 3._o what_o the_o law_n can_v not_o do_v in_o that_o it_o be_v weak_a through_o the_o flesh_n that_o be_v by_o reason_n of_o the_o carnality_n of_o that_o dispensation_n consist_v in_o the_o purification_n of_o the_o body_n gal._n 3._o 21._o he_o call_v it_o a_o law_n unfit_a to_o give_v life_n if_o there_o have_v be_v a_o law_n which_o can_v have_v give_v life_n very_o righteousness_n have_v be_v by_o the_o law_n and_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n ch._n 8._o 6_o 7_o 8_o etc._n etc._n find_v fault_n with_o the_o dispensation_n of_o the_o law_n for_o the_o lowness_n and_o meanness_n of_o its_o promise_n be_v only_o of_o temporal_a good_a thing_n and_o for_o want_v of_o confer_v a_o inward_a and_o a_o powerful_a principle_n to_o enable_v man_n to_o obedience_n but_o now_o have_v he_o obtain_v speak_v of_o christ_n a_o more_o excellent_a ministry_n by_o how_o much_o also_o he_o be_v the_o mediator_n of_o a_o better_a covenant_n which_o be_v establish_v upon_o better_a promise_n for_o if_o that_o first_o covenant_n have_v be_v faultless_a then_o shall_v no_o place_n have_v be_v seek_v for_o a_o second_o and_o this_o second_o and_o better_a covenant_n he_o tell_v we_o be_v foretell_v by_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n for_o find_v fault_n with_o they_o he_o say_v behold_v the_o day_n come_v say_v the_o lord_n when_o i_o will_v make_v a_o new_a covenant_n with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o the_o house_n of_o judah_n not_o according_a to_o the_o covenant_n which_o i_o make_v with_o their_o father_n for_o this_o be_v the_o covenant_n which_o i_o will_v make_v with_o the_o house_n of_o israel_n after_o those_o day_n say_v the_o lord_n i_o will_v put_v my_o law_n into_o their_o mind_n and_o write_v they_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o chap._n 10._o 1_o 4._o he_o show_v the_o inefficacy_n of_o their_o sacrifice_n for_o the_o real_a expiation_n of_o sin_n the_o law_n have_v but_o a_o shadow_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v and_o not_o the_o lively_a representation_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o can_v never_o with_o those_o sacrifice_n which_o they_o offer_v year_n by_o year_n continual_o make_v the_o comer_n thereunto_o perfect_a for_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o
christ_n have_v redeem_v we_o from_o the_o curse_n of_o the_o law_n be_v make_v a_o curse_n for_o we_o that_o be_v whereas_o the_o law_n leave_v sinner_n as_o to_o those_o sin_n which_o stand_v most_o in_o need_n of_o pardon_n under_o a_o curse_n have_v provide_v no_o expiation_n for_o they_o christ_n have_v redeem_v they_o from_o that_o curse_n by_o make_v a_o general_a expiation_n for_o sin_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v that_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n say_v ch._n 9_o 15._o that_o christ_n die_v for_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o transgression_n that_o be_v under_o the_o first_o covenant_n that_o be_v for_o those_o sin_n for_o which_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o law_n have_v provide_v no_o way_n of_o forgiveness_n and_o therefore_o st._n john_n say_v emphatical_o 1_o joh._n 1._o 7._o that_o the_o blood_n of_o jesus_n christ_n cleanse_v we_o from_o all_o sin_n three_o the_o law_n do_v not_o afford_v sufficient_o plain_a and_o certain_a rule_n and_o direction_n for_o a_o good_a life_n as_o the_o corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n grow_v worse_a so_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n wax_v dimmer_v and_o dimmer_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v more_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a and_o that_o in_o very_o considerable_a instance_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o jew_n and_o even_o to_o they_o who_o only_o have_v the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o it_o do_v not_o give_v clear_a and_o perfect_a light_n and_o direction_n as_o to_o moral_a duty_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a reason_n and_o goodness_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n in_o this_o sermon_n explain_v it_o to_o a_o great_a perfection_n than_o it_o be_v understand_v to_o have_v among_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o letter_n of_o it_o seem_v to_o intend_v and_o have_v not_o only_o forbid_v several_a thing_n permit_v by_o that_o law_n as_o divorce_n and_o retaliation_n of_o injury_n but_o have_v heighten_v our_o duty_n in_o several_a instance_n of_o it_o require_v we_o to_o love_v our_o enemy_n and_o to_o forgive_v the_o great_a injury_n and_o provocation_n though_o never_o so_o often_o repeat_v and_o not_o only_o not_o to_o revenge_v they_o but_o to_o requite_v they_o with_o good_a turn_n which_o be_v not_o understand_v by_o mankind_n to_o be_v law_n before_o but_o yet_o when_o due_o consider_v be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o right_a reason_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o bâ—st_a men._n so_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n â—ath_v not_o only_o fix_v and_o determine_v our_o duty_n and_o bring_v it_o to_o a_o great_a certainty_n but_o have_v raise_v it_o to_o a_o great_a perfection_n and_o render_v it_o every_o way_n fit_a to_o bring_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o a_o more_o divine_a temper_n and_o a_o more_o reasonable_a and_o perfect_a way_n of_o serve_v god_n than_o ever_o the_o world_n be_v instruct_v in_o before_o four_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n be_v only_o of_o temporal_a good_a and_o evil_a thing_n which_o be_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o endless_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n but_o very_o languid_a and_o faint_a motive_n to_o obedience_n not_o but_o that_o the_o jew_n under_o the_o law_n have_v such_o apprehension_n of_o their_o own_o immortality_n and_o of_o a_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n and_o misery_n after_o this_o life_n as_o natural_a light_n suggest_v to_o they_o which_o be_v in_o most_o but_o a_o waver_a and_o uncertain_a persuasion_n and_o consequent_o of_o small_a efficacy_n to_o engage_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n but_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n add_v little_a or_o nothing_o to_o the_o clearness_n of_o those_o natural_a notion_n concern_v a_o future_a state_n and_o the_o strengthen_n of_o this_o persuasion_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n it_o do_v rather_o suppose_v it_o than_o give_v any_o new_a force_n and_o life_n to_o it_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n more_o particular_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o law_n be_v but_o weak_a to_o make_v man_n good_a because_o it_o do_v not_o work_v strong_o enough_o upon_o the_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o man_n by_o the_o weight_n of_o its_o promise_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o its_o threaten_n and_o that_o for_o this_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o it_o it_o be_v remove_v and_o a_o more_o powerful_a and_o awaken_n dispensation_n bring_v in_o in_o the_o place_n of_o it_o heb._n 7._o 18_o 19_o for_o there_o be_v very_o a_o disannul_n of_o the_o commandment_n that_o be_v before_o that_o be_v of_o the_o jewish_a law_n for_o the_o weakness_n and_o unprofitableness_n thereof_o for_o the_o law_n make_v nothing_o perfect_a but_o the_o bring_n in_o of_o a_o better_a hope_n do_v that_o be_v the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o promise_v eternal_a life_n and_o ch._n 8._o 6._o for_o this_o reason_n more_o especial_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o christ_n have_v obtain_v a_o more_o excellent_a ministry_n be_v the_o mediator_n of_o a_o better_a covenant_n which_o be_v establish_v upon_o better_a promise_n and_o rom._n 1._o 16_o 18._o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o for_o this_o reason_n the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n because_o therein_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o men._n the_o clear_a revelation_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o gospel_n so_o proper_a and_o so_o powerful_a a_o instrument_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o men._n the_o great_a impiety_n of_o mankind_n and_o their_o impenitency_n in_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o before_o while_o the_o world_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n ignorant_a of_o the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o therefore_o god_n be_v say_v in_o some_o sort_n to_o overlook_v it_o but_o now_o he_o command_v all_o man_n every_o where_o to_o repent_v because_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n in_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n by_o that_o man_n who_o he_o have_v ordain_v whereof_o he_o have_v give_v assurance_n unto_o all_o man_n in_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a act_v 17._o 30_o 31._o the_o clear_a discovery_n and_o perfect_a assurance_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n call_v loud_o upon_o all_o man_n to_o leave_v their_o sin_n and_o turn_v to_o god_n five_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o law_n have_v no_o spiritual_a promise_n contain_v in_o it_o of_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n holy_a spirit_n for_o the_o mortify_n of_o sin_n and_o enable_v man_n to_o their_o duty_n and_o support_v they_o under_o suffering_n but_o the_o gospel_n be_v full_a of_o clear_a and_o express_v promise_n to_o this_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n have_v assure_v we_o that_o god_n will_v give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o they_o that_o ask_v he_o luke_n 11._o 13._o and_o this_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v actual_o confer_v upon_o all_o true_a christian_n those_o who_o do_v sincere_o embrace_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n rom._n 8._o 9_o if_o any_o man_n have_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n he_o be_v none_o of_o he_o hence_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v by_o the_o same_o apostle_n the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n v_o 2d_o of_o that_o chap._n the_o law_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n in_o christ_n jesus_n have_v make_v i_o free_a from_o the_o law_n of_o sin_n and_o death_n and_o in_o the_o next_o word_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o herein_o manifest_o appear_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o law_n that_o it_o leave_v man_n destitute_a of_o this_o mighty_a help_n and_o advantage_n at_o least_o as_o to_o any_o special_a promise_n of_o it_o what_o the_o law_n can_v not_o do_v in_o that_o it_o be_v weak_a through_o the_o flesh_n god_n send_v his_o own_o son_n in_o the_o likeness_n of_o sinful_a flesh_n and_o by_o make_v he_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n condemn_a sin_n in_o the_o flesh_n that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o law_n may_v be_v fulfil_v in_o we_o who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v that_o that_o righteousness_n which_o the_o law_n aim_v at_o and_o signify_v but_o be_v too_o weak_a to_o effect_v may_v be_v real_o accomplish_v in_o we_o who_o walk_v not_o after_o the_o flesh_n but_o after_o the_o spirit_n that_o be_v who_o be_v act_v and_o assist_v by_o a_o high_a and_o better_a principle_n than_o man_n either_o have_v in_o nature_n or_o the_o carnal_a dispesnation_n of_o the_o law_n do_v endow_v man_n withal_o and_o because_o of_o this_o great_a defect_n the_o law_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o bondage_n and_o servitude_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a
this_o be_v affirm_v of_o some_o part_n of_o brasil_n by_o some_o of_o the_o first_o discoverer_n who_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n own_v that_o these_o very_a people_n do_v most_o express_o believe_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n opinion_n which_o no_o man_n can_v well_o reconcile_v with_o the_o denial_n and_o disbelief_n of_o a_o deity_n but_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o argument_n late_a and_o more_o perfect_a discovery_n have_v find_v this_o not_o to_o be_v true_a and_o do_v assure_v we_o upon_o better_a acquaintance_n with_o those_o barbarous_a people_n that_o they_o be_v deep_o possess_v with_o the_o belief_n of_o one_o supreme_a god_n who_o make_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n have_v thus_o give_v a_o particular_a answer_n to_o socinus_n his_o argument_n against_o the_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o a_o god_n i_o will_v now_o brief_o offer_v some_o argument_n for_o it_o and_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o knowledge_n and_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n be_v natural_a to_o mankind_n my_o first_o argument_n shall_v be_v from_o the_o universal_a consent_n in_o this_o matter_n of_o all_o nation_n in_o all_o age_n and_o this_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o great_a force_n there_o be_v no_o better_a way_n to_o prove_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v natural_a to_o any_o kind_n of_o be_v than_o if_o it_o be_v general_o find_v in_o the_o whole_a kind_a omnium_fw-la consensus_fw-la naturae_fw-la vox_fw-la est_fw-la the_o consent_n of_o all_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o nature_n say_v tully_n and_o indeed_o by_o what_o other_o argument_n can_v we_o prove_v that_o reason_n and_o speech_n and_o a_o inclination_n to_o society_n be_v natural_a to_o man_n but_o that_o these_o belong_v to_o the_o whole_a kind_a second_o unless_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o his_o essential_a perfection_n be_v natural_a i_o do_v not_o see_v what_o sufficient_a and_o certain_a foundation_n there_o can_v be_v of_o reveal_v religion_n for_o unless_o we_o natural_o know_v god_n to_o be_v a_o be_v of_o all_o perfection_n and_o consequent_o that_o whatever_o he_o say_v be_v true_a i_o can_v see_v what_o divine_a revelation_n can_v signify_v for_o god_n reveal_n or_o declare_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o we_o be_v no_o necessary_a argument_n that_o it_o be_v so_o unless_o antecedent_o to_o this_o revelation_n we_o be_v possess_v firm_o with_o this_o principle_n that_o whatever_o god_n say_v be_v true_a and_o whatever_o be_v know_v antecedent_o to_o revelation_n must_v be_v know_v by_o natural_a light_n and_o by_o reason_v and_o deduction_n from_o natural_a principle_n i_o may_v further_o add_v to_o this_o argument_n that_o the_o only_a standard_n and_o measure_n to_o judge_v of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o to_o distinguish_v between_o what_o be_v true_a and_o what_o be_v counterfeit_a be_v the_o natural_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o essential_a perfection_n three_o if_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n be_v not_o natural_a i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o man_n can_v have_v any_o natural_a notion_n of_o the_o difference_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a just_a and_o unjust_a for_o if_o i_o do_v not_o natural_o know_v there_o be_v a_o god_n how_o can_v i_o natural_o know_v that_o there_o be_v any_o law_n oblige_v to_o the_o one_o and_o forbid_v the_o other_o all_o law_n and_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n necessary_o suppose_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o superior_a be_v but_o the_o apostle_n express_o assert_n that_o the_o gentile_n who_o be_v destitute_a of_o a_o reveal_v law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o but_o there_o can_v be_v a_o natural_a law_n oblige_v mankind_n unless_o god_n be_v natural_o know_v to_o they_o and_o this_o socinus_n himself_o in_o his_o discourse_n upon_o this_o very_a argument_n be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v in_o all_o man_n say_v he_o there_o be_v natural_o a_o difference_n of_o just_a and_o unjust_a or_o at_o least_o there_o be_v plant_v in_o all_o man_n a_o acknowledgement_n that_o just_o ought_v to_o be_v prefer_v beâ—ore_o unjust_a and_o that_o which_o be_v honest_a before_o the_o contrary_a and_o this_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o word_n of_o god_n witâ—in_v a_o man_n which_o whosoever_o obey_v in_o so_o do_v obey_v god_n though_o otherwise_o he_o neither_o know_v nor_o think_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o he_o that_o thus_o obey_v god_n be_v accept_v of_o he_o so_o that_o here_o be_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o natural_a obligation_n to_o a_o law_n without_o any_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o a_o superior_a authority_n which_o i_o think_v can_v be_v and_o which_o be_v worse_o that_o a_o man_n may_v obey_v god_n acceptable_o without_o know_v and_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n which_o direct_o thwart_v the_o ground_n of_o his_o first_o argument_n from_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o please_v god_n for_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n that_o be_v he_o that_o will_v be_v religious_a and_o please_v god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v so_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o any_o man_n to_o contradict_v nature_n without_o contradict_v himself_o four_o my_o last_o argument_n i_o ground_n upon_o the_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o my_o text_n that_o which_o may_v be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o they_o for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o be_v manifest_a in_o they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d among_o they_o god_n have_v sufficient_o manifest_v it_o to_o mankind_n and_o which_o way_n have_v god_n do_v this_o by_o revelation_n or_o by_o the_o natural_a light_n of_o reason_n he_o tell_v we_o at_o the_o 20_o the_o ver_fw-la for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v that_o be_v god_n who_o in_o himself_o be_v invisible_a ever_o since_o he_o have_v create_v the_o world_n have_v give_v a_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o himself_o that_o be_v of_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v the_o plain_a sense_n of_o the_o whole_a be_v that_o this_o wise_a and_o wonderful_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n which_o can_v reasonable_o be_v ascribe_v to_o any_o other_o cause_n but_o god_n be_v a_o sensible_a demonstration_n to_o all_o mankind_n of_o a_o eternal_a and_o powerful_a be_v that_o be_v the_o author_n and_o framer_n of_o it_o the_o only_a question_n now_o be_v whether_o this_o text_n speak_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o particular_a revelation_n or_o by_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n socinus_n have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o avoid_v the_o force_n of_o this_o text_n will_v needs_o understand_v it_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n his_o word_n be_v these_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o say_v in_o this_o place_n that_o the_o eternal_a godhead_n of_o god_n that_o be_v that_o which_o god_n will_v always_o have_v we_o to_o do_v for_o the_o godhead_n be_v sometime_o take_v in_o this_o sense_n and_o his_o eternal_a power_n that_o be_v his_o promise_n which_o never_o fail_v in_o which_o sense_n he_o say_v a_o little_a before_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n these_o i_o say_v which_o be_v never_o see_v by_o man_n that_o be_v be_v never_o know_v to_o they_o since_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v know_v by_o his_o work_n that_o be_v by_o the_o wonderful_a operation_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a man_n especial_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n these_o be_v his_o very_a word_n and_o now_o i_o refer_v it_o to_o any_o indifferent_a judgement_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o very_a force_a and_o constrain_v interpretation_n of_o this_o text_n and_o whether_o that_o which_o i_o have_v before_o give_v be_v not_o infinite_o more_o free_a and_o natural_a and_o every_o way_n more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o obvious_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n for_o he_o plain_o speak_v of_o the_o heathen_a and_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v inexcusable_a because_o they_o hold_v the_o truth_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o have_v a_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o god_n from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o work_n and_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v they_o do_v not_o glorify_v he_o as_o god_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v myself_o to_o give_v any_o other_o answer_n to_o it_o for_o by_o the_o absurd_a violence_n of_o it_o in_o every_o part_n it_o confute_v itself_o more_o effectual_o than_o any_o discourse_n about_o it_o can_v do_v i_o have_v be_v the_o large_a upon_o this_o because_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o so_o great_a consequence_n and_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o religion_n for_o
kingdom_n of_o god_n st._n paul_n likewise_o very_o full_o declare_v unto_o we_o the_o great_a danger_n of_o this_o condition_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 9_o 10._o but_o they_o that_o will_v be_v rich_a fall_v into_o temptation_n and_o a_o snare_n and_o into_o many_o foolish_a and_o hurtful_a lust_n which_o drown_v man_n in_o destruction_n and_o perdition_n for_o the_o love_n of_o money_n be_v the_o root_n of_o all_o evil_a which_o while_o some_o covet_v after_o they_o have_v err_v from_o the_o faith_n and_o pierce_v themselves_o through_o with_o many_o sorrow_n but_o the_o great_a bait_n of_o all_o to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n be_v sensual_a pleasure_n the_o very_a presence_n and_o opportunity_n of_o these_o be_v apt_a to_o kindle_v the_o desire_n and_o to_o inflame_v the_o lust_n of_o man_n especial_o where_o these_o temptation_n meet_v with_o suitable_a temper_n where_o every_o spark_n that_o fall_v catch_v and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o this_o world_n especial_o if_o they_o threaten_v or_o fall_v upon_o man_n in_o any_o degree_n of_o extremity_n be_v strong_a temptation_n to_o human_a nature_n poverty_n and_o want_n pain_n and_o suffer_v and_o the_o fear_n of_o any_o great_a evil_n especial_o of_o death_n these_o be_v great_a strait_n to_o humane_a nature_n and_o apt_a to_o tempt_v man_n to_o great_a sin_n to_o impatience_n and_o discontent_n to_o unjust_a and_o dishonest_a shift_n to_o the_o forsake_v of_o god_n and_o apostasy_n from_o his_o truth_n and_o religion_n agur_n be_v sensible_a of_o the_o dangerous_a temptation_n of_o poverty_n and_o therefore_o he_o pray_v against_o that_o as_o well_o as_o against_o riches_n give_v i_o not_o poverty_n lest_o be_v poor_a i_o steal_v and_o take_v the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n my_o god_n in_o vain_a that_o be_v lest_o i_o be_v tempt_v to_o theft_n and_o perjury_n the_o devil_n who_o trade_n it_o be_v to_o tempt_v man_n to_o sin_n know_v very_o well_o the_o force_n of_o these_o sort_n of_o temptation_n when_o he_o desire_v god_n first_o to_o touch_n job_n in_o his_o estate_n and_o to_o see_v what_o effect_n that_o will_v have_v job_n 1._o 11._o but_o put_v forth_o thy_o hand_n now_o and_o touch_v all_o that_o he_o have_v and_o he_o will_v curse_v thou_o to_o thy_o face_n and_o when_o he_o find_v himself_o deceive_v in_o this_o sure_o he_o think_v that_o be_v he_o but_o afflict_v with_o great_a bodily_a pain_n that_o will_v put_v he_o out_o of_o all_o patience_n and_o flesh_n and_o blood_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o withstand_v this_o temptation_n chap._n 2._o ver_fw-la 5._o but_o put_v forth_o thy_o hand_n now_o and_o touch_v his_o bone_n and_o his_o flesh_n and_o he_o will_v curse_v thou_o to_o thy_o face_n and_o this_o be_v the_o great_a temptation_n that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n be_v assault_v withal_o they_o be_v tempt_v to_o forsake_v christ_n and_o his_o religion_n by_o a_o most_o violent_a persecution_n by_o the_o spoil_n of_o their_o good_n by_o imprisonment_n and_o torture_n and_o death_n and_o this_o be_v that_o kind_n of_o temptation_n which_o the_o apostle_n particular_o speak_v of_o before_o the_o text_n bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o endure_v temptation_n for_o when_o he_o be_v try_v he_o shall_v receive_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o than_o it_o follow_v let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o several_a sort_n of_o temptation_n comprehend_v under_o this_o second_o head_n namely_o when_o man_n be_v tempt_v by_o be_v bring_v into_o such_o circumstance_n as_o do_v great_o endanger_v their_o fall_n into_o sin_n by_o the_o allurement_n of_o this_o world_n and_o by_o the_o evil_n and_o calamity_n of_o it_o now_o the_o question_n be_v how_o far_o god_n have_v a_o hand_n in_o these_o kind_n of_o temptation_n that_o so_o we_o may_v know_v how_o to_o limit_v this_o proposition_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o reject_v that_o man_n be_v tempt_v of_o god_n let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v order_n or_o at_o least_o permit_v man_n to_o be_v bring_v into_o these_o circumstance_n i_o have_v speak_v of_o which_o be_v such_o dangerous_a temptation_n to_o sin_n no_o man_n can_v doubt_v that_o believe_v his_o providence_n to_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v how_o far_o the_o apostle_n do_v here_o intend_v to_o exempt_a god_n from_o a_o hand_n in_o these_o temptation_n now_o for_o the_o clear_a understanding_n of_o this_o it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o consider_v the_o several_a end_n and_o reason_n which_o those_o who_o tempt_v other_o may_v have_v in_o tempt_v they_o and_o all_o temptation_n be_v for_o one_o of_o these_o three_o end_n or_o reason_n either_o for_o the_o trial_n and_o improvement_n of_o man_n virtue_n or_o by_o way_n of_o judgement_n and_o punishment_n for_o some_o former_a great_a sin_n and_o provocation_n or_o with_o a_o direct_a purpose_n and_o design_n to_o seduce_v man_n to_o sin_n these_o i_o think_v be_v the_o chief_a end_n and_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v of_o exercise_v man_n with_o dangerous_a temptation_n first_o for_o the_o exercise_n and_o improvement_n of_o man_n grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o this_o be_v the_o end_n which_o god_n always_o aim_v at_o in_o bring_v good_a man_n or_o permit_v they_o to_o be_v bring_v into_o dangerous_a temptation_n and_o therefore_o st._n james_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o joy_n when_o good_a man_n be_v exercise_v with_o affliction_n not_o because_o affliction_n be_v desirable_a for_o themselves_o but_o because_o of_o the_o happy_a consequence_n of_o they_o ver._n 2_o 3._o of_o this_o chap._n my_o brethren_n count_v it_o all_o joy_n when_o you_o fall_v into_o divers_a temptation_n know_v this_o that_o the_o try_v of_o your_o faith_n work_v patience_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n paul_n rom._n 5._o 3_o 4_o 5._o we_o glory_v in_o tribulation_n know_v that_o tribulation_n work_v patience_n and_o patience_n experience_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d patience_n try_v a_o man_n and_o this_o trial_n work_v hope_n and_o hope_n make_v not_o ashamed_a these_o be_v happy_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n when_o they_o improve_v the_o virtue_n of_o man_n and_o increase_v their_o grace_n and_o thereby_o make_v way_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o glory_n upon_o this_o account_n st._n james_n pronounce_v those_o bless_a who_o be_v thus_o tempt_v bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o endure_v temptation_n for_o when_o he_o be_v try_v he_o shall_v receive_v the_o crown_n of_o life_n which_o the_o lord_n have_v promise_v to_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o this_o certain_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o permit_v man_n to_o be_v thus_o tempt_v when_o he_o permit_v it_o for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o make_v they_o better_a man_n and_o thereby_o to_o prepare_v they_o for_o a_o great_a reward_n and_o so_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o rom._n 8._o 17_o 18._o if_o so_o be_v we_o suffer_v with_o he_o we_o shall_v also_o be_v glorify_v with_o he_o for_o i_o reckon_v that_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o present_a time_n be_v not_o worthy_a to_o be_v compare_v with_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v in_o we_o and_o ver_fw-la 28._o for_o we_o know_v that_o all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n and_o this_o happy_a end_n and_o issue_n of_o temptation_n to_o good_a man_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n secure_v to_o they_o if_o they_o be_v not_o want_v to_o themselves_o one_o of_o these_o two_o way_n either_o by_o proportion_v the_o temptation_n to_o their_o strength_n or_o if_o it_o exceed_v that_o by_o minister_a new_a strength_n and_o support_v to_o they_o by_o the_o secret_a and_o extraordinary_a aid_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n first_o by_o proportion_v the_o temptation_n to_o their_o strength_n order_v thing_n so_o by_o his_o secret_a and_o wise_a providence_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v assault_v by_o any_o temptation_n which_o be_v beyond_o their_o strength_n to_o resist_v and_o overcome_v and_o herein_o the_o security_n of_o good_a man_n do_v ordinary_o consist_v and_o the_o very_o best_a of_o we_o those_o who_o have_v the_o firm_a and_o most_o resolute_a virtue_n be_v in_o infinite_a danger_n if_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n do_v not_o take_v this_o care_n of_o we_o for_o a_o temptation_n may_v set_v upon_o the_o best_a man_n with_o so_o much_o violence_n or_o surprise_v they_o at_o such_o a_o advantage_n as_o no_o ordinary_a degree_n of_o grace_n
other_o as_o above_o any_o occasion_n of_o be_v contemn_v by_o they_o he_o grudge_v no_o man_n happiness_n and_o therefore_o can_v tempt_v man_n to_o sin_n out_o of_o a_o desire_n to_o see_v they_o miserable_a so_o that_o none_o of_o those_o consideration_n which_o move_v the_o devil_n to_o tempt_v man_n to_o sin_n and_o evil_a man_n to_o tempt_v one_o another_o to_o do_v wicked_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o have_v any_o place_n in_o god_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v the_o force_n of_o the_o apostle_n argument_n that_o because_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v to_o evil_a therefore_o he_o can_v tempt_v no_o man._n none_o tempt_v other_o to_o be_v bad_a but_o those_o who_o be_v first_o so_o themsemselves_fw-mi i_o shall_v now_o in_o the_o second_o place_n consider_v the_o nature_n and_o kind_a of_o the_o argument_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o use_v let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man._n he_o do_v not_o reject_v this_o impious_a proposition_n bare_o upon_o his_o own_o authority_n but_o he_o argue_v against_o it_o from_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o therein_o appeal_v to_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o mankind_n concern_v god_n we_o may_v very_o well_o have_v rest_v in_o his_o authority_n be_v a_o apostle_n commissioned_n by_o our_o saviour_n and_o extraordinary_o assist_v and_o witness_v to_o by_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n wherewith_o he_o be_v endow_v but_o he_o condescend_v to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o what_o he_o say_v and_o appeal_v to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o mankind_n for_o all_o man_n will_v ready_o agree_v to_o this_o that_o god_n have_v all_o imaginable_a perfection_n but_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a imperfection_n to_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v tempt_v to_o evil_a and_o therefore_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v to_o evil._n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v as_o impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v tempt_v other_o to_o it_o for_o none_o can_v have_v either_o a_o inclination_n or_o interest_n to_o seduce_v other_o to_o evil_a but_o those_o who_o have_v be_v first_o seduce_v to_o it_o themselves_o now_o in_o this_o method_n of_o argue_v the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o one_o of_o the_o sure_a way_n of_o reason_v in_o religion_n namely_o from_o the_o natural_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n so_o that_o all_o doctrine_n plain_o contrary_a to_o those_o natural_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v reject_v what_o authority_n soever_o they_o pretend_v to_o whatever_o plain_o derogate_v from_o the_o goodness_n or_o justice_n of_o god_n or_o any_o other_o of_o his_o perfection_n be_v certain_o false_a what_o authority_n soever_o it_o may_v claim_v from_o the_o judgement_n of_o learned_a and_o pious_a man_n yea_o though_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v countenance_v from_o the_o text_n and_o expression_n of_o holy_a scripture_n because_o nothing_o can_v be_v entertain_v as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n which_o plain_o contradict_v the_o common_a natural_a notion_n which_o mankind_n have_v of_o god_n for_o all_o reason_v about_o divine_a revelation_n and_o whether_o that_o which_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o be_v real_o so_o or_o not_o be_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o those_o natural_a notion_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n shall_v teach_v man_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o that_o he_o be_v not_o wiâ—e_v and_o good_a and_o just_o and_o powerful_a this_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o reject_v it_o how_o confident_a soever_o the_o pretence_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n be_v upon_o good_a ground_n in_o reason_n receive_v for_o a_o divine_a revelation_n as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v among_o christian_n no_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v regard_v who_o from_o thence_o pretend_v to_o maintain_v any_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o the_o natural_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n such_o as_o clear_o contradict_v his_o holiness_n or_o goodness_n or_o justice_n or_o do_v by_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a consequence_n make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o sin_n or_o the_o like_a because_o the_o very_a attempt_n to_o prove_v any_o such_o thing_n out_o of_o scripture_n do_v strike_v at_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o those_o book_n for_o if_o they_o be_v from_o god_n it_o be_v certain_a they_o can_v contain_v no_o such_o thing_n so_o that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v seduce_v into_o any_o such_o opinion_n upon_o pretence_n that_o there_o be_v expression_n in_o scripture_n which_o seem_v to_o countenance_v they_o for_o if_o they_o real_o do_v so_o the_o consequence_n will_v not_o be_v the_o confirm_v of_o such_o opinion_n but_o the_o weaken_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o for_o just_a so_o many_o argument_n as_o any_o man_n can_v draw_v from_o scripture_n for_o any_o such_o opinion_n so_o many_o weapon_n he_o put_v into_o the_o hanâ—s_n of_o atheist_n against_o the_o scripture_n itself_o i_o do_v not_o speak_v this_o as_o if_o i_o think_v there_o be_v any_o ground_n from_o scripture_n for_o any_o such_o doctrine_n i_o be_o very_o certain_a there_o be_v not_o and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o particular_a expression_n which_o to_o prejudice_v man_n may_v seem_v to_o import_v any_o such_o thing_n every_o man_n ought_v to_o govern_v himself_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o such_o passage_n by_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o plain_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o tenor_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o to_o those_o natural_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o perfection_n for_o when_o all_o be_v do_v this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o sure_a way_n of_o reason_v in_o religion_n and_o whoever_o guide_v himself_o and_o steer_v by_o this_o compass_n can_v never_o err_v much_o but_o whoever_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o the_o appearance_n of_o some_o more_o obscure_a phrase_n in_o the_o expression_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o gloss_n of_o man_n upon_o they_o without_o regard_n to_o this_o rule_n may_v run_v into_o the_o great_a delusion_n may_v wander_v eternal_o and_o lose_v himself_o in_o one_o mistake_v after_o another_o and_o shall_v never_o find_v his_o way_n out_o of_o this_o endless_a labyrinth_n but_o by_o this_o clue_n if_o st._n james_n have_v not_o be_v a_o apostle_n the_o argument_n which_o he_o use_v will_v have_v convince_v any_o reasonable_a man_n that_o god_n tempt_v no_o man_n to_o sin_n because_o he_o can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a himself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v he_o shall_v tempt_v any_o man._n for_o he_o argue_v from_o such_o a_o principle_n as_o all_o mankind_n will_v at_o first_o hear_v assent_n to_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n assert_v by_o the_o apostle_n here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o god_n tempt_v no_o man_n to_o sin_n let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v of_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man._n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o assertion_n that_o every_o man_n be_v his_o own_o great_a tempter_n i_o shall_v draw_v some_o useful_a inference_n from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o deliver_v but_o i_o reserve_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o to_o the_o next_o opportunity_n sermon_n xv._n the_o sin_n of_o man_n not_o chargeable_a upon_o god_n but_o upon_o themselves_o james_n i._n 13_o 14._o let_v no_o man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v with_o evil_a neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man_n but_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v when_o i_o make_v entrance_n upon_o these_o word_n i_o tell_v you_o that_o next_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n nothing_o be_v more_o fundamental_o necessary_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o good_a life_n than_o the_o belief_n of_o these_o two_o principle_n that_o god_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n and_o that_o every_o man_n fault_n lie_v at_o his_o own_o door_n and_o both_o these_o principle_n st._n james_n do_v clear_o and_o full_o assert_v in_o these_o word_n first_o god_n tempt_v no_o man_n to_o sin_n second_o every_o man_n be_v his_o own_o great_a tempter_n the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o have_v large_o speak_v to_o in_o my_o former_a discourse_n and_o from_o what_o i_o then_o say_v i_o shall_v only_o draw_v a_o few_o useful_a inference_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o second_o viz._n these_o which_o follow_v first_o let_v we_o beware_v of_o all_o such_o doctrine_n as_o do_v any_o way_n tend_v to_o
more_o secret_a and_o unknown_a to_o we_o for_o the_o power_n of_o spirit_n whether_o good_a or_o bad_a and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o operation_n upon_o our_o mind_n be_v thing_n very_o secret_a and_o of_o which_o we_o can_v give_v little_a or_o no_o account_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o we_o have_v many_o time_n reason_v sufficient_a to_o believe_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o when_o we_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o there_o be_v reason_n from_o what_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o devil_n in_o some_o case_n have_v a_o more_o immediate_a power_n and_o influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o excite_v they_o to_o sin_n and_o where_o he_o discover_v a_o very_a bad_a inclination_n or_o resolution_n to_o help_v it_o forward_o and_o to_o keep_v man_n to_o it_o as_o when_o it_o be_v say_v john_n 13._o 27._o that_o the_o devil_n enter_v into_o judas_n to_o push_v he_o on_o in_o that_o ill_a design_n which_o he_o have_v already_o engage_v in_o of_o betray_v our_o saviour_n and_o act_v 5._o 3._o satan_n be_v say_v to_o have_v fill_v the_o heart_n of_o ananias_n to_o lie_v to_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o to_o keep_v back_o part_n of_o the_o price_n for_o which_o he_o have_v sell_v his_o estate_n which_o expression_n do_v seem_v to_o intimate_v to_o we_o some_o more_o immediate_a power_n and_o influence_n which_o the_o devil_n have_v upon_o those_o person_n but_o then_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o this_o power_n be_v never_o ascribe_v to_o the_o devil_n but_o in_o the_o case_n of_o great_a and_o horrid_a sin_n and_o whâ—re_v man_n be_v beforehand_o notorious_o deprave_v and_o either_o by_o the_o actual_a commission_n of_o some_o former_a great_a sin_n or_o by_o entertain_v some_o very_a wicked_a design_n have_v provoke_v god_n to_o permit_v the_o devil_n a_o near_a access_n to_o they_o for_o judas_n have_v first_o take_v council_n how_o to_o betray_v christ_n before_o it_o be_v say_v the_o devil_n enter_v into_o he_o to_o push_v he_o on_o to_o the_o execution_n of_o it_o and_o ananias_n his_o covetousness_n have_v first_o tempt_v he_o to_o keep_v back_o part_n of_o his_o estate_n before_o it_o be_v say_v the_o devil_n fill_v his_o heart_n to_o lie_v to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o that_o what_o power_n the_o devil_n have_v over_o man_n they_o first_o give_v it_o himâ—_n they_o consent_v to_o his_o outward_a temptation_n before_o he_o can_v get_v within_o they_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o in_o scripture_n great_a sinner_n be_v describe_v as_o be_v more_o immediate_o under_o the_o government_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o devil_n ephes_n 2._o 1_o 2_o where_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o those_o who_o from_o heatâ—enisin_n be_v convert_v to_o christianity_n you_o say_v he_o have_v he_o quicken_v who_o be_v once_o dead_a in_o trespass_n and_o sin_n wherein_o in_o time_n past_o you_o walk_v according_a to_o the_o course_n of_o this_o world_n according_a to_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o air_n the_o spirit_n that_o now_o work_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n or_o unbelief_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o spirit_n thâ—t_v sâ—â—ll_v act_n and_o inspire_v the_o child_n of_o unbelief_n that_o be_v those_o who_o continue_v in_o their_o infidelity_n and_o will_v not_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n when_o man_n be_v notorious_o wicked_a and_o disobedient_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n the_o devil_n be_v say_v to_o act_n and_o inspire_v they_o which_o certain_o signify_v some_o more_o immediate_a power_n and_o influence_n which_o he_o have_v over_o such_o person_n for_o as_o it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o the_o devil_n be_v sometime_o permit_v to_o come_v near_o good_a man_n so_o as_o to_o tempt_v they_o so_o by_o notorious_a wickedness_n and_o impiety_n man_n do_v give_v admission_n to_o he_o and_o he_o be_v permit_v by_o the_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n to_o exercise_v great_a dominion_n over_o they_o by_o resist_v his_o temptation_n we_o drive_v he_o from_o we_o so_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o chap._n 4._o ver_fw-la 7._o resist_v the_o devil_n and_o he_o will_v flee_v from_o you_o but_o as_o we_o yield_v to_o his_o temptation_n he_o continual_o make_v near_a approach_n to_o we_o and_o gain_v a_o great_a power_n over_o we_o three_o but_o for_o all_o this_o the_o devil_n can_v force_v no_o man_n to_o sin_n his_o temptation_n may_v move_v and_o excite_v man_n to_o sin_n but_o that_o they_o be_v prevalent_a and_o effectual_a proceed_v from_o our_o own_o will_n and_o consent_n it_o be_v our_o own_o lust_n close_v with_o his_o temptation_n that_o produce_v sin_n the_o devil_n have_v more_o or_o less_o power_n over_o man_n according_a as_o they_o give_v way_n to_o he_o but_o never_o so_o much_o as_o to_o force_v their_o will_n and_o to_o compel_v they_o to_o consent_v to_o and_o comply_v with_o his_o temptation_n the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v hardly_o offer_v this_o violence_n to_o man_n for_o their_o good_a in_o order_n to_o their_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o much_o less_o will_v he_o permit_v the_o devil_n to_o have_v this_o power_n over_o man_n to_o their_o ruin_n and_o destruction_n god_n command_v we_o to_o resist_v the_o devil_n suppose_v that_o his_o temptation_n be_v not_o irresistible_a four_o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o appear_v that_o though_o the_o devil_n be_v frequent_o accessary_a to_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n yet_o we_o ourselves_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o he_o tempt_v we_o many_o time_n to_o sin_n but_o it_o be_v we_o that_o commit_v it_o his_o temptation_n may_v sometime_o be_v so_o violent_a as_o to_o extenuate_v our_o fault_n but_o never_o so_o forcible_a as_o whole_o to_o excuse_v we_o for_o we_o be_v so_o far_o guilty_a of_o sin_n as_o we_o give_v our_o consent_n to_o it_o and_o how_o powerful_a soever_o the_o temptation_n be_v to_o any_o kind_n of_o evil_n there_o be_v always_o enough_o of_o our_o own_o will_n in_o it_o to_o render_v we_o guilty_a i_o be_o far_o from_o think_v that_o the_o devil_n tempt_v man_n to_o all_o the_o evil_a that_o they_o do_v i_o rather_o think_v that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o wickedness_n that_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o world_n spring_v from_o the_o evil_a motion_n of_o man_n own_o mind_n man_n own_o lust_n be_v general_o to_o they_o the_o worst_a devil_n of_o the_o two_o and_o do_v more_o strong_o incline_v they_o to_o sin_n than_o any_o devil_n without_o they_o can_v tempt_v they_o to_o it_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o the_o devil_n do_v all_o the_o mischief_n he_o can_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n so_o far_o as_o god_n permit_v he_o and_o though_o the_o number_n of_o evil_a angel_n be_v probable_o very_o great_a yet_o it_o be_v but_o finite_a and_o every_o one_o of_o they_o have_v a_o limit_a power_n and_o though_o they_o be_v very_o active_a yet_o they_o can_v be_v but_o one_o where_o at_o once_o so_o that_o his_o malice_n at_o the_o utmost_a do_v only_o all_o the_o evil_a that_o it_o can_v not_o all_o that_o it_o will_v he_o ply_v where_o he_o have_v the_o best_a custom_n where_o he_o have_v the_o fair_a opportunity_n and_o the_o great_a hope_n he_o leave_v man_n many_o time_n for_o a_o season_n as_o it_o be_v say_v he_o do_v our_o saviour_n because_o he_o despair_n of_o success_n at_o that_o time_n and_o it_o may_v be_v sometime_o when_o he_o be_v go_v these_o person_n grow_v secure_a and_o through_o their_o own_o security_n and_o folly_n fall_v into_o those_o sin_n which_o the_o devil_n with_o all_o his_o bait_n and_o wile_n whilst_o they_o be_v upon_o their_o guard_n can_v not_o tempt_v they_o to_o commit_v other_o after_o he_o have_v make_v they_o sure_o and_o put_v they_o into_o the_o way_n of_o it_o will_v go_v on_o of_o themselves_o and_o be_v as_o mad_a of_o sin_v and_o as_o forward_o to_o destroy_v themselves_o as_o the_o devil_n himself_o can_v wish_v so_o that_o he_o can_v hardly_o tempt_v man_n to_o any_o wickedness_n which_o he_o do_v not_o find_v they_o incline_v to_o of_o themselves_o these_o he_o can_v trust_v with_o themselves_o and_o leave_v they_o to_o their_o own_o inclination_n and_o conduct_n find_v by_o experience_n that_o they_o will_v do_v as_o ill_a thing_n of_o their_o own_o motion_n as_o if_o satan_n stand_v continual_o at_o their_o right_a hand_n to_o prompt_v they_o and_o put_v they_o on_o so_o that_o he_o can_v go_v into_o a_o far_a country_n and_o employ_v himself_o elsewhere_o and_o leave_v they_o for_o a_o long_a time_n be_v confident_a that_o in_o his_o absence_n they_o will_v not_o bury_v their_o talon_n and_o hide_v it_o in_o a_o napkin_n but_o will_v improve_v it_o to_o a_o great_a advantage_n and_o i_o wish_v