stain_v the_o best_a life_n and_o the_o clear_a duty_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o all_o nation_n have_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o confession_n that_o this_o need_v blood_n and_o indeed_o if_o on_o one_o hand_n we_o consider_v sin_n in_o all_o its_o horror_n and_o on_o the_o other_o the_o purity_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n we_o may_v as_o soon_o bring_v antipathy_n together_o as_o god_n and_o man_n without_o a_o mediator_n the_o affliction_n of_o this_o life_n be_v they_o even_o distribute_v will_v be_v far_o from_o clear_v our_o account_n with_o divine_a justice_n but_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o so_o therefore_o can_v be_v rely_v upon_o as_o satisfaction_n and_o whatever_o some_o may_v think_v of_o the_o virtue_n of_o a_o true_a repentance_n come_v to_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o there_o be_v none_o so_o true_a but_o if_o it_o stand_v alone_o itself_o be_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v repent_v of_o needs_o a_o sacrifice_n and_o lead_v to_o a_o redeemer_n the_o other_o part_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o train_n of_o proposition_n from_o these_o two_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o one_o mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n 1_o tim._n 2.5_o will_v be_v rational_a because_o they_o be_v so_o and_o i_o know_v not_o why_o we_o shall_v be_v afraid_a of_o that_o way_n of_o speak_v that_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o religion_n be_v rational_a too_o since_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v of_o thing_n above_o reason_n so_o they_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o it_o which_o whoever_o affirm_v concern_v the_o reveal_v act_n of_o a_o infinite_a incomprehensible_a nature_n be_v himself_o most_o irrational_a and_o perhaps_o some_o of_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o reason_n in_o its_o present_a state_n may_v not_o be_v so_o much_o secret_n to_o we_o in_o another_o when_o we_o shall_v know_v as_o we_o be_v know_v 1_o cor._n 13.12_o nor_o perhaps_o be_v so_o now_o to_o some_o high_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n the_o active_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v reduce_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o our_o neighbour_n which_o be_v so_o confess_o rational_a that_o all_o moralist_n of_o good_a credit_n have_v tho'_o in_o different_a term_n use_v they_o as_o principle_n therefore_o to_o be_v short_a with_o they_o if_o that_o be_v rational_a which_o make_v we_o like_o god_n and_o admit_v we_o into_o his_o favour_n which_o employ_v and_o advance_v our_o divine_a part_n and_o render_v we_o profitable_a in_o the_o world_n then_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o rational_a than_o religion_n thus_o have_v i_o consider_v some_o of_o the_o common_a obligation_n to_o religion_n second_o i_o shall_v urge_v the_o obligation_n of_o national_a interest_n i_o call_v this_o our_o great_a interest_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v little_a to_o none_o but_o those_o who_o soul_n be_v such_o other_o creature_n have_v a_o principle_n that_o direct_v they_o to_o preserve_v their_o own_o be_v but_o man_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d capable_a of_o a_o public_a care_n nay_o we_o may_v consider_v the_o community_n so_o too_o a_o great_a animal_n whereof_o we_o be_v all_o part_n live_v by_o one_o common_a soul_n and_o as_o it_o be_v unnatural_a that_o one_o of_o the_o member_n shall_v rejoice_v whilst_o the_o rest_n suffer_v 2_o cor._n 12.26_o so_o in_o this_o great_a body_n none_o shall_v have_v a_o felicity_n by_o himself_o it_o be_v monstrous_a that_o the_o case_n of_o the_o whole_a shall_v not_o be_v the_o case_n of_o particular_n by_o this_o our_o private_a respect_n be_v to_o be_v try_v the_o love_n of_o parent_n in_o comparison_n with_o that_o of_o our_o country_n scarce_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o virtue_n nor_o our_o fondness_n of_o prince_n but_o as_o they_o be_v a_o common_a good_a otherwise_o it_o be_v but_o a_o private_a respect_n to_o say_v no_o worse_o of_o it_o i_o believe_v it_o be_v our_o duty_n to_o love_v our_o country_n above_o any_o one_o part_n of_o it_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o think_v of_o this_o and_o not_o be_v a_o little_a warm_a against_o a_o unnatural_a generation_n among_o we_o that_o will_v sell_v we_o we_o have_v many_o that_o speak_v half_a ashdod_n enough_o to_o make_v it_o question_v whether_o they_o have_v english_a father_n but_o i_o will_v leave_v they_o to_o other_o hand_n to_o be_v treat_v suitable_o to_o their_o merit_n and_o show_v how_o religion_n serve_v this_o interest_n 1._o by_o a_o natural_a influence_n inasmuch_o as_o it_o make_v good_a citizen_n fear_v might_n indeed_o bring_v man_n into_o society_n but_o there_o must_v be_v some_o other_o principle_n to_o keep_v they_o together_o that_o make_v they_o a_o great_a heap_n of_o people_n but_o love_n cement_v and_o unite_v they_o without_o this_o society_n be_v but_o a_o more_o sly_a state_n of_o war_n and_o compact_n be_v but_o snare_n to_o they_o that_o hold_v they_o sacred_a now_o whatever_o tend_v to_o settlement_n as_o justice_n sobriety_n contentment_n love_v of_o peace_n and_o common_a good_a be_v the_o dictate_v of_o religion_n who_o kingdom_n be_v in_o the_o mind_n and_o affection_n of_o man_n and_o make_v they_o not_o only_o a_o society_n but_o sociable_a a_o people_n be_v secure_a under_o governor_n that_o fear_v god_n of_o good_a law_n and_o those_o in_o good_a hand_n that_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v their_o labour_n and_o find_v the_o protection_n they_o pay_v for_o they_o will_v know_v their_o meaning_n in_o their_o solemn_a profession_n and_o not_o fear_v their_o have_a interest_n distinct_a from_o their_o people_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n a_o prince_n do_v not_o find_v that_o service_n from_o his_o own_o law_n as_o from_o religion_n obedience_n from_o a_o inward_a principle_n need_v not_o the_o quicken_a of_o legal_a penalty_n but_o move_v by_o a_o everlasting_a spring_n and_o scorn_v to_o stay_v for_o motive_n that_o be_v invent_v for_o slave_n and_o cattle_n man_n will_v more_o free_o pay_v for_o their_o share_n in_o the_o public_a safety_n and_o redeem_v it_o out_o of_o some_o chargeable_a vanity_n religion_n will_v cut_v off_o murder_n invasion_n of_o right_a and_o all_o disorder_n at_o the_o root_n and_o leave_v no_o work_n for_o the_o law_n and_o this_o by_o take_v away_o envy_n unlawful_a desire_n and_o soften_a the_o genius_n of_o man_n yet_o make_v they_o not_o so_o soft_a as_o to_o shrink_v from_o their_o station_n in_o a_o just_a war_n when_o their_o country_n require_v their_o service_n that_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o vice_n and_o luxury_n these_o will_v make_v man_n great_a soldier_n in_o peace_n to_o distinguish_v themselves_o now_o and_o then_o in_o a_o fit_a of_o drunken_a valour_n but_o dare_v not_o see_v a_o enemy_n sober_a and_o whilst_o other_o spend_v their_o blood_n and_o rest_n for_o their_o country_n these_o lie_v inglorious_a at_o home_n dissolve_v and_o dispirited_a by_o a_o corrupt_a life_n it_o be_v for_o want_n of_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o religion_n among_o man_n that_o a_o government_n notwithstanding_o the_o caution_n of_o oath_n and_o test_n scarce_o know_v she_o own_o i_o know_v that_o accidental_o the_o true_a religion_n bring_v a_o sword_n upon_o earth_n mat._n 10.34_o pretence_n to_o it_o have_v hurry_v man_n into_o immorality_n and_o some_o false_a religion_n have_v very_o casuistical_o determine_v they_o lawful_a but_o let_v this_o be_v lay_v to_o the_o vice_n and_o passion_n and_o prepossession_n of_o man_n which_o where_o religion_n can_v not_o reform_v it_o irritate_v some_o from_o the_o hot_a advice_n of_o these_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o desolation_n and_o call_v it_o religion_n and_o the_o undistinguish_a fool_n that_o say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n cant_v lucretius_n tantum_n relligio_fw-la potuit_fw-la etc._n etc._n certain_o man_n will_v think_v it_o hard_o to_o be_v deal_v with_o in_o their_o own_o reputation_n as_o they_o deal_v with_o that_o wisdom_n which_o be_v from_o above_o pure_a peaceable_a james_n 3.17_o no_o parent_n of_o strife_n or_o ruin_n its_o mistake_v and_o pretence_n indeed_o may_v be_v so_o but_o itself_o be_v natural_o fit_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n 2._o as_o it_o procure_v god_n to_o be_v gracious_a to_o a_o nation_n ambition_n can_v propound_v nothing_o high_a than_o to_o command_v the_o creation_n and_o this_o follow_v from_o the_o friendship_n of_o omnipotence_n in_o calamity_n the_o libertine_n will_v be_v glad_a of_o a_o god_n too_o to_o mend_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n now_o whether_o we_o can_v apply_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n or_o no_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o encouragement_n of_o present_a thing_n be_v no_o such_o strange_a find_v under_o the_o gospel_n godliness_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v as_o well_o as_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v 1_o tim._n 4.8_o and_o if_o ever_o
cor._n 11.19_o by_o this_o rule_n atticus_n of_o constantinople_n count_v the_o novatian_o good_a witness_n of_o the_o common_a faith_n 25._o faith_n soc._n l._n 7._o c._n 25._o and_o tho'_o the_o marcionite_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o martyrdom_n yet_o god_n accept_v the_o confession_n of_o some_o of_o they_o 10._o they_o euseb_n de_fw-fr martyr_n palaest_a c._n 10._o not_o because_o they_o give_v a_o testimony_n to_o marcionism_n but_o christianity_n it_o be_v general_o agree_v among_o the_o contend_v party_n that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o person_n as_o jesus_n christ_n that_o the_o history_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v for_o the_o main_a true_a that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o resurrection_n etc._n etc._n to_o turn_v the_o argument_n upon_o they_o if_o we_o may_v in_o any_o case_n prejudge_v it_o be_v here_o in_o favour_n of_o religion_n these_o must_v needs_o be_v truth_n of_o great_a evidence_n which_o be_v preserve_v among_o the_o heat_n of_o so_o many_o different_a dispute_n have_v we_o agree_v in_o all_o little_a particular_n they_o will_v have_v have_v the_o better_a colour_n to_o make_v a_o plot_n of_o it_o but_o the_o difference_n that_o have_v be_v among_o we_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n do_v that_o service_n as_o to_o refute_v any_o such_o pretence_n how_o will_v a_o confederacy_n have_v hang_v together_o of_o man_n of_o such_o contrary_a sentiment_n paul_n against_o peter_n barnabas_n against_o paul_n yet_o all_o ready_a to_o offer_v themselves_o for_o their_o common_a saviour_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n how_o inconsistent_a be_v these_o people_n with_o themselves_o sometime_o we_o be_v all_o unite_a in_o one_o design_n to_o cheat_v the_o world_n sometime_o we_o be_v so_o scandalous_o contentious_a that_o the_o safe_a way_n be_v to_o believe_v none_o of_o we_o so_o like_v be_v the_o argument_n of_o sin_n to_o itself_o i._n e._n full_a of_o contradiction_n 2._o suppose_v that_o the_o teacher_n of_o religion_n have_v in_o some_o thing_n alter_v their_o mind_n this_o can_v only_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o their_o infallibility_n which_o without_o all_o this_o trouble_n will_v be_v confess_v we_o pretend_v to_o no_o other_o way_n of_o come_v at_o knowledge_n than_o other_o man_n the_o use_n of_o mean_n which_o god_n bless_v in_o several_a measure_n every_o soul_n have_v its_o private_a relish_v a_o natural_a kindness_n towards_o some_o reason_n and_o opinion_n more_o than_o other_o which_o perhaps_o it_o bring_v from_o some_o former_a state_n and_o in_o this_o we_o be_v like_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n till_o by_o good_a think_v we_o have_v recover_v ourselves_o we_o have_v not_o a_o universal_a genius_n and_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o when_o we_o be_v out_o of_o our_o province_n we_o run_v into_o some_o small_a error_n beside_o some_o thing_n especial_o relate_v to_o government_n may_v promise_v fair_a in_o the_o speculation_n but_o deceive_v in_o practice_n and_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o they_o admit_v of_o no_o proof_n but_o experience_n and_o as_o a_o man_n be_v not_o present_o a_o knave_n for_o not_o foreseeing_a all_o consequence_n so_o when_o trial_n have_v show_v he_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o reason_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o crime_n that_o i_o think_v he_o ought_v to_o forsake_v they_o but_o if_o the_o teacher_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o fallible_a what_o security_n have_v those_o that_o be_v teach_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v deceive_v i_o answer_v you_o have_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n hear_v they_o you_o have_v the_o gospel_n we_o deny_v you_o no_o mean_n that_o we_o have_v you_o be_v not_o to_o expect_v new_a oracle_n from_o we_o and_o if_o in_o explain_v the_o old_a we_o corrupt_v they_o you_o have_v they_o by_o you_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o law_n and_o to_o the_o testimony_n we_o decline_v not_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n except_o you_o contribute_v by_o your_o own_o laziness_n you_o be_v secure_a from_o capital_a error_n and_o those_o which_o you_o can_v avoid_v by_o use_v all_o possible_a care_n and_o help_n of_o which_o we_o be_v but_o one_o part_n shall_v never_o be_v capital_a to_o you_o but_o if_o man_n can_v do_v all_o this_o themselves_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o teacher_n i_o answer_v this_o proceed_v upon_o a_o wrong_a notion_n of_o teach_v which_o be_v not_o only_o bear_v man_n down_o with_o authority_n but_o lead_v they_o by_o reason_n it_o be_v true_a every_o man_n must_v see_v for_o himself_o but_o he_o that_o set_v a_o matter_n in_o a_o clear_a light_n to_o he_o do_v he_o a_o service_n call_v no_o man_n master_n take_v religion_n upon_o no_o man_n credit_n but_o we_o may_v from_o his_o argument_n a_o very_a understanding_n man_n have_v not_o always_o a_o good_a reason_n at_o hand_n yet_o can_v see_v and_o immediate_o embrace_v one_o when_o propound_v and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a use_n of_o teach_v in_o religion_n to_o help_v not_o to_o supersede_n your_o inquiry_n 3._o if_o we_o must_v needs_o go_v by_o prejudices_fw-la there_o be_v enough_o against_o those_o that_o use_v these_o inference_n mind_v they_o and_o you_o will_v certain_o find_v that_o either_o they_o be_v a_o lazy_a people_n that_o will_v fain_o throw_v all_o the_o trouble_n of_o their_o salvation_n upon_o their_o teacher_n or_o a_o sort_n of_o empty_a peevish_a disputer_n that_o for_o want_v of_o argument_n begin_v to_o be_v angry_a and_o throw_v dirt_n or_o most_o common_o a_o vicious_a loose_a generation_n that_o will_v fain_o get_v rid_v of_o the_o restraint_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o catch_v at_o any_o presumption_n against_o it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o they_o will_v apply_v the_o same_o rule_n to_o other_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n there_o be_v as_o many_o difference_n in_o law_n almost_o every_o cause_n suppose_v one_o be_v there_o therefore_o no_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o will_v they_o use_v no_o physician_n that_o be_v ever_o in_o a_o error_n or_o confess_v himself_o mortal_a i_o know_v of_o some_o heretic_n in_o mathematics_n but_o it_o will_v be_v pity_n they_o shall_v ruin_v the_o credit_n of_o demonstration_n nor_o will_v they_o say_v this_o tho'_o it_o be_v just_a the_o same_o inference_n which_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n they_o consult_v their_o lust_n and_o not_o their_o reason_n in_o their_o argument_n against_o religion_n however_o since_o argument_n work_v as_o they_o delight_v not_o as_o they_o conclude_v it_o will_v be_v well_o if_o we_o take_v they_o out_o of_o their_o hand_n i_o wish_v our_o difference_n be_v manage_v with_o more_o candour_n and_o ingenuous_a allowance_n for_o the_o various_a inclination_n of_o soul_n how_o happy_a be_v some_o of_o our_o modern_a controvertist_n if_o they_o can_v but_o make_v a_o opinion_n which_o they_o can_v solid_o refute_v look_v like_o some_o old_a heresy_n or_o show_v how_o atheist_n may_v make_v a_o advantage_n of_o it_o this_o too_o often_o prove_v teach_v of_o atheism_n we_o shall_v careful_o avoid_v these_o excess_n and_o make_v our_o difference_n wide_a than_o they_o be_v add_v to_o this_o ingenuity_n a_o holy_a life_n and_o we_o secure_v our_o common_a religion_n nor_o can_v atheism_n find_v a_o argument_n to_o delude_v with_o after_o we_o have_v strip_v it_o of_o those_o which_o our_o contest_v and_o vice_n furnish_v it_o with_o i_o have_v be_v so_o large_a upon_o this_o first_o head_n of_o religion_n that_o i_o have_v leave_v myself_o but_o little_a room_n to_o speak_v of_o civil_a justice_n i_o shall_v therefore_o wave_v the_o common_a argument_n and_o only_o in_o my_o way_n to_o a_o conclusion_n lie_v before_o you_o the_o obligation_n of_o national_a interest_n 1._o justice_n secure_v that_o order_n by_o which_o nation_n be_v establish_v the_o form_v a_o society_n consist_v in_o the_o resign_v of_o private_a will_n and_o submit_v to_o one_o common_a rule_n or_o law_n its_o end_n be_v a_o general_a good_a which_o yet_o will_v be_v frustrate_v except_o there_o be_v some_o to_o put_v life_n into_o the_o law_n by_o a_o vigorous_a execution_n cicero_n de_fw-fr legib._n l._n 3._o call_v the_o magistrate_n a_o speak_a law_n and_o the_o law_n a_o mute_a magistrate_n but_o what_o if_o the_o magistrate_n will_v not_o speak_v but_o be_v as_o mute_a as_o the_o law_n then_o the_o one_o may_v pass_v for_o a_o shadow_n of_o power_n the_o other_o for_o waste_v paper_n the_o same_o author_n call_v reason_n the_o universal_a and_o eternal_a law_n the_o law_n of_o the_o god_n be_v it_o in_o effect_n the_o law_n of_o man_n too_o a_o nation_n may_v be_v happy_a with_o a_o lesser_a body_n of_o statute_n and_o its_o disorder_n provide_v against_o by_o the_o quick_a method_n of_o conscience_n quo_fw-la judice_fw-la nemo_fw-la nocens_fw-la absolvitur_fw-la
a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o assize_n hold_v at_o chelmsford_n in_o the_o county_n of_o essex_n september_n 2d_o 1691._o before_o the_o honourable_a sir_n william_n dolben_n knight_n one_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o court_n of_o king_n bench_n by_o stephen_n thornton_n rector_n of_o ludsdown_n in_o kent_n london_n print_v for_o samuel_n smith_n at_o the_o prince_n arm_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1691._o to_o the_o honourable_a coll._n john_n cook_n high_a sheriff_n for_o the_o county_n of_o essex_n sir_n i_o can_v have_v easy_o sit_v down_o content_v with_o the_o good_a reception_n this_o performance_n find_v upon_o the_o place_n nor_o be_o i_o ignorant_a how_o impolitic_a it_o be_v to_o push_v on_o too_o far_o upon_o the_o flattery_n of_o a_o happy_a beginning_n but_o as_o your_o command_n alone_o draw_v i_o from_o my_o private_a station_n so_o they_o have_v prevale_v with_o i_o to_o be_v yet_o more_o public_a if_o any_o thing_n prove_v worthy_a of_o blame_n in_o this_o attempt_n you_o must_v be_v please_v to_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n answerable_a for_o it_o with_o those_o other_o gentleman_n who_o will_v not_o be_v deny_v and_o indeed_o who_o kindness_n have_v merit_v this_o and_o a_o great_a obedience_n i_o confess_v it_o be_v something_o uneasy_a to_o think_v of_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o man_n which_o be_v not_o common_o so_o fair_a as_o they_o shall_v be_v but_o let_v they_o be_v what_o they_o will_v i_o ought_v to_o gratify_v you_o at_o some_o hazard_n and_o for_o once_o will_v try_v the_o ingenuity_n of_o the_o world_n in_o hope_n that_o what_o be_v here_o say_v may_v benefit_v some_o part_n of_o it_o not_o be_v conversant_a in_o modern_a write_n perhaps_o i_o have_v say_v nothing_o here_o but_o what_o some_o other_o have_v say_v better_a before_o i_o if_o any_o know_v where_o they_o have_v my_o leave_n to_o repair_v thither_o and_o my_o prayer_n for_o a_o blessing_n upon_o their_o application_n i_o will_v not_o willing_o be_v accessary_a to_o any_o man_n loss_n of_o time_n and_o disappointment_n but_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v allow_v i_o a_o province_n among_o those_o of_o lesser_a read_n and_o attainment_n and_o i_o assure_v you_o sir_n there_o be_v those_o in_o the_o world_n to_o who_o the_o thing_n here_o speak_v be_v new_a and_o some_o of_o they_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o converse_v and_o talk_v of_o book_n and_o from_o who_o one_o may_v expect_v other_o thing_n write_v will_v be_v at_o a_o stand_n be_v every_o one_o bind_v to_o produce_v something_o perfect_o new_a the_o action_n of_o the_o world_n be_v little_a else_o but_o a_o series_n of_o repetition_n i_o never_o have_v the_o vanity_n to_o think_v of_o please_v all_o man_n on_o the_o contrary_a i_o certain_o reckon_v upon_o it_o that_o i_o shall_v displease_v some_o perhaps_o too_o the_o fault_n will_v be_v on_o their_o side_n which_o i_o pray_v god_n to_o forgive_v they_o if_o any_o shall_v desire_v to_o triumph_v in_o my_o infirmity_n i_o shall_v prevent_v they_o in_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o discovery_n be_v always_o ready_a to_o make_v a_o large_a confession_n of_o they_o but_o if_o a_o honest_a intention_n may_v make_v amends_o let_v they_o know_v that_o i_o be_o a_o great_a lover_n of_o mankind_n and_o when_o i_o please_v they_o least_o i_o desire_v to_o do_v they_o good_a god_n grant_v this_o performance_n may_v attain_v that_o end_n and_o i_o have_v i_o that_o those_o who_o be_v skill_v in_o critic_n may_v not_o think_v themselves_o neglect_v i_o will_v excuse_v one_o thing_n to_o they_o perhaps_o some_o thing_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v bring_v into_o this_o discourse_n impertinent_o it_o may_v be_v necessary_a therefore_o to_o tell_v they_o that_o my_o text_n be_v not_o only_o those_o few_o word_n of_o the_o prophet_n prefix_v to_o the_o sermon_n but_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o world_n as_o it_o fall_v under_o my_o observation_n and_o if_o they_o think_v i_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v accommodate_v my_o thought_n to_o it_o it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o tell_v they_o that_o i_o be_o of_o another_o mind_n and_o if_o in_o a_o error_n not_o past_o all_o hope_n of_o be_v make_v sensible_a of_o it_o sir_n i_o beg_v your_o pardon_n if_o i_o have_v do_v you_o any_o dishonour_n in_o this_o dedication_n and_o shall_v take_v this_o occasion_n public_o to_o acknowledge_v my_o obligation_n to_o yourself_o and_o relation_n to_o who_o i_o owe_v the_o opportunity_n which_o i_o have_v of_o serve_v the_o church_n of_o god_n that_o you_o may_v continue_v immovable_a in_o the_o love_n which_o i_o know_v you_o have_v to_o our_o establish_a church_n and_o your_o largeness_n of_o soul_n towards_o all_o good_a christian_n that_o you_o may_v still_o become_v your_o honourable_a station_n and_o find_v return_n of_o all_o in_o this_o and_o another_o world_n be_v the_o hearty_a prayer_n of_o sir_n your_o most_o humble_a and_o most_o oblige_a servant_n stephen_n thornton_n amos_n v.xu._n hate_v the_o evil_a and_o love_v the_o good_a and_o establish_v judgement_n in_o the_o gate_n it_o may_v be_v that_o the_o lord_n god_n of_o host_n will_v be_v gracious_a unto_o the_o remnant_n of_o joseph_n by_o the_o complaint_n that_o make_v so_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o this_o prophecy_n we_o understand_v that_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v at_o this_o time_n fall_v into_o great_a corruption_n of_o religion_n and_o civil_a justice_n for_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v but_o a_o light_a thing_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o way_n of_o jeroboam_n the_o son_n of_o nebat_fw-la who_o have_v teach_v they_o to_o sin_n they_o have_v multiply_v their_o impiety_n and_o make_v the_o abomination_n of_o gilgal_n and_o beersheba_n as_o famous_a as_o those_o of_o dan_n and_o bethel_n ver_fw-la 5._o the_o bitterness_n of_o their_o judgement_n their_o exaction_n upon_o the_o poor_a the_o affliction_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o take_v bribe_n make_v up_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o character_n in_o this_o chapter_n to_o such_o a_o suspension_n of_o justice_n that_o it_o be_v become_v a_o prudent_a thing_n to_o keep_v silence_n ver_fw-la 13._o rather_o than_o to_o be_v waste_v with_o delay_n to_o dissemble_v a_o injury_n rather_o than_o suffer_v a_o great_a in_o form_n of_o law_n all_o then_o seem_v to_o be_v silent_a but_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o prophet_n who_o discharge_v his_o office_n at_o that_o rate_n that_o the_o land_n be_v not_o able_a to_o bear_v his_o word_n chap._n 7.10_o indeed_o the_o land_n be_v not_o in_o case_n to_o bear_v much_o search_n and_o the_o poor_a man_n find_v by_o his_o reception_n that_o he_o have_v not_o much_o change_v his_o employment_n when_o the_o lord_n take_v he_o from_o among_o the_o herdsman_n to_o make_v he_o a_o prophet_n ver_fw-la 14._o but_o have_v now_o as_o senseless_a creature_n to_o deal_v with_o as_o those_o he_o have_v feed_v in_o the_o field_n of_o tekoa_n yet_o no_o fear_n of_o disturb_v the_o land_n which_o desire_v to_o be_v leave_v in_o a_o quiet_a apostasy_n nor_o any_o construction_n of_o disrespect_n to_o the_o king_n court_n and_o chappel_n ver_fw-la 13._o can_v make_v he_o suppress_v a_o divine_a message_n but_o he_o fill_v they_o with_o reproof_n lamentation_n and_o warning_n of_o approach_a judgement_n and_o sometime_o clear_v up_o into_o a_o mild_a exhortation_n with_o proposition_n of_o mercy_n of_o which_o latter_a sort_n be_v the_o text_n now_o under_o consideration_n hate_v the_o evil_a and_o love_v the_o good_a etc._n etc._n these_o word_n hate_v the_o evil_a and_o love_v the_o good_a be_v in_o themselves_o of_o a_o large_a signification_n but_o compare_v with_o the_o 6_o and_o 14_o verse_n and_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o discourse_n they_o seem_v capable_a of_o this_o limit_a sense_n viz._n be_v religious_a to_o establish_v judgement_n in_o the_o gate_n be_v to_o administer_v public_a justice_n which_o in_o those_o time_n and_o country_n be_v do_v at_o the_o gate_n of_o city_n by_o joseph_n he_o understand_v the_o ten_o tribe_n which_o it_o seem_v the_o syrian_a war_n and_o other_o calamity_n have_v now_o reduce_v to_o a_o remnant_n and_o the_o particle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o may_v be_v import_v no_o distrust_n of_o god_n mercy_n for_o never_o any_o one_o so_o persuade_v repentance_n but_o be_v a_o artificial_a propound_v of_o a_o difficulty_n to_o heighten_v and_o warm_v their_o application_n i_o shall_v enlarge_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o prophet_n into_o this_o general_a proposition_n that_o beside_o the_o common_a obligation_n to_o religion_n and_o justice_n there_o be_v that_o of_o the_o great_a interest_n we_o have_v in_o the_o world_n viz._n the_o establishment_n of_o a_o nation_n in_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o secure_v the_o public_a happiness_n i_o begin_v with_o
religion_n and_o shall_v first_o consider_v the_o common_a obligation_n to_o it_o then_o that_o of_o national_a interest_n and_o last_o a_o modern_a prejudice_n against_o it_o first_o common_a obligation_n to_o religion_n be_v 1._o it_o be_v authority_n this_o be_v that_o short_a way_n of_o satisfaction_n so_o much_o in_o esteem_n with_o some_o of_o the_o philosopher_n who_o save_v themselves_o the_o labour_n of_o reason_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o master_n and_o what_o be_v this_o set_n up_o man_n for_o god_n but_o worship_v error_n and_o impertinence_n but_o if_o the_o authority_n be_v true_o divine_a itself_o be_v the_o high_a reason_n now_o that_o the_o religion_n which_o we_o profess_v have_v such_o a_o authority_n be_v demonstrate_v by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o propagation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n not_o by_o the_o pretence_n of_o secret_a conference_n with_o nymph_n or_o resort_v to_o far_o distant_a oracle_n as_o in_o the_o know_a story_n of_o numa_n and_o lycurgus_n but_o by_o the_o active_a presence_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n with_o they_o in_o their_o ministry_n and_o by_o a_o conduct_n that_o may_v clear_v their_o sincerity_n to_o mankind_n it_o will_v be_v too_o much_o to_o send_v those_o that_o deny_v this_o so_o many_o age_n backward_a they_o be_v common_o too_o weak_a and_o lazy_a to_o travel_v so_o far_o after_o a_o argument_n let_v they_o then_o but_o look_v about_o they_o at_o the_o progress_n that_o this_o religion_n have_v make_v in_o the_o world_n and_o give_v a_o tolerable_a account_n how_o all_o this_o can_v come_v to_o pass_v without_o such_o a_o divine_a power_n none_o speak_v more_o of_o the_o dulness_n and_o unpoliteness_n of_o the_o apostle_n than_o they_o with_o what_o a_o spiteful_a sort_n of_o satisfaction_n be_v the_o character_n of_o the_o same_o virtue_n in_o seneca_n admire_v in_o st._n paul_n blaspheme_v how_o have_v some_o heathen_a writer_n in_o their_o judgement_n for_o fineness_n of_o wit_n and_o expression_n outdo_v the_o teacher_n of_o christianity_n cast_v into_o this_o account_n all_o the_o contempt_n the_o corinthian_n treat_v their_o apostle_n with_o tho'_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o they_o all_o his_o presence_n weak_a perhaps_o homo_fw-la tricubitalis_fw-la his_o speech_n contemptible_a without_o any_o grace_n of_o oratory_n 2_o cor._n 10.10_o allow_v all_o their_o little_a witticism_n upon_o the_o apostle_n mean_v accomplishment_n and_o way_n of_o life_n and_o what_o do_v all_o this_o come_v to_o but_o that_o it_o prove_v they_o assist_v with_o a_o divine_a power_n it_o be_v true_a tully_n and_o seneca_n etc._n etc._n speak_v fine_a thing_n concern_v virtue_n and_o felicity_n but_o who_o ever_o hear_v of_o their_o conversion_n in_o the_o world_n a_o fisherman_n under_o the_o prejudice_n of_o drunkenness_n with_o a_o plain_a inartificial_a speech_n bring_v in_o 3000_o soul_n act_n 2._o a_o tentmaker_n venture_v to_o preach_v at_o athens_n the_o seat_n of_o learning_n and_o the_o mechanic_n find_v proselyte_n among_o the_o philosopher_n act_n 17._o look_v into_o the_o present_a state_n of_o the_o world_n and_o wherever_o there_o be_v learning_n and_o civility_n the_o write_n of_o these_o man_n be_v keep_v be_v reverence_v be_v consult_v as_o oracle_n never_o be_v philosophy_n wit_n all_o science_n so_o far_o advance_v and_o yet_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o accomplish_a of_o the_o age_n grow_v old_a in_o study_v these_o apostle_n nor_o have_v all_o tully_n so_o much_o comment_n as_o one_o paragraph_n of_o the_o tentmaker_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a to_o persuade_v any_o consider_a man_n that_o all_o this_o can_v proceed_v from_o man_n of_o their_o figure_n without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n st._n paul_n acknowledge_v that_o this_o treasure_n be_v put_v into_o earthen_a vessel_n and_o make_v advantage_n of_o it_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o power_n may_v be_v of_o god_n and_o not_o of_o man_n 2_o cor._n 4.7_o we_o must_v then_o confess_v a_o miracle_n on_o one_o hand_n for_o either_o those_o attribute_v to_o the_o apostle_n be_v true_a or_o else_o the_o success_n of_o christianity_n will_v itself_o be_v the_o great_a miracle_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o take_v which_o side_n you_o will_v it_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o our_o religion_n 2._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o propound_v which_o be_v of_o the_o great_a consequence_n to_o we_o imaginable_a the_o high_a enquiry_n of_o our_o life_n be_v after_o blessedness_n beatior_fw-la de_fw-fr finib_fw-la l._n 5._o id_fw-la esse_fw-la in_o bonis_fw-la ultimum_fw-la secundùm_fw-la naturam_fw-la vivere_fw-la exit_fw-la hominis_fw-la naturâ_fw-la undique_fw-la perfectâ_fw-la etc._n etc._n omnes_fw-la sapientes_fw-la esse_fw-la beatos_fw-la sed_fw-la tamen_fw-la fieri_fw-la posse_fw-la ut_fw-la sit_fw-la alius_fw-la alio_fw-la beatior_fw-la and_o this_o christian_a philosophy_n kind_o offer_v we_o her_o hand_n in_o the_o search_n cicero_n who_o i_o mention_v for_o a_o pattern_n have_v a_o whole_a treatise_n of_o beatitude_n wherein_o beside_o some_o learning_n in_o sort_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_n we_o find_v little_a of_o any_o thing_n positive_o assert_v but_o that_o our_o supreme_a good_a be_v to_o live_v according_a to_o perfect_a nature_n and_o that_o all_o wise_a man_n be_v happy_a but_o in_o several_a degree_n this_o go_v a_o good_a way_n towards_o a_o confession_n that_o beatitude_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v in_o some_o other_o state_n but_o indeed_o herein_o be_v the_o weakness_n of_o that_o philosophy_n that_o it_o still_o leave_v man_n upon_o the_o confine_n of_o felicity_n but_o a_o moderate_a proficient_a in_o reveal_v religion_n know_v more_o than_o a_o whole_a age_n of_o philosopher_n from_o what_o cause_n proceed_v the_o misery_n that_o vex_v and_o embitter_v humane_a life_n what_o allay_v may_v be_v give_v to_o they_o here_o what_o correction_n of_o nature_n what_o approach_v to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o divine_a and_o original_a life_n that_o our_o soul_n be_v immortal_a and_o shall_v subsist_v in_o another_o state_n wherein_o they_o shall_v better_o know_v what_o belong_v to_o felicity_n what_o manifestation_n the_o supreme_a be_v have_v make_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o love_n to_o the_o world_n how_o to_o understand_v and_o submit_v to_o his_o providence_n and_o make_v use_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o life_n what_o hope_v we_o have_v of_o mercy_n and_o what_o assistance_n of_o a_o divine_a grace_n by_o what_o duty_n we_o may_v please_v and_o enjoy_v our_o creator_n these_o be_v proposition_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o how_o worthy_a be_v these_o to_o employ_v our_o most_o serious_a consideration_n it_o be_v only_o in_o such_o that_o our_o mind_n be_v match_v with_o a_o object_n what_o be_v heavenly_a in_o they_o expire_v while_o they_o mingle_v too_o free_o with_o the_o dust_n let_v our_o thought_n then_o arise_v and_o soar_v to_o the_o utmost_a reach_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o let_v we_o distinguish_v ourselves_o from_o the_o brute_n leave_v they_o their_o own_o enjoyment_n nothing_o but_o religion_n can_v sufficient_o vindicate_v we_o from_o be_v part_n of_o the_o herd_n 3._o it_o be_v reasonableness_n this_o join_v to_o its_o authority_n be_v wonderful_o oblige_v without_o which_o that_o may_v seem_v tyranny_n over_o the_o soul_n but_o this_o bring_v the_o engagement_n of_o love_n now_o religion_n be_v rational_a as_o to_o point_n of_o faith_n that_o god_n be_v be_v as_o certain_a as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o world_n as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o cause_n which_o itself_o be_v not_o also_o the_o effect_n of_o something_o else_o he_o that_o know_v his_o own_o frame_n find_v a_o great_a many_o step_n of_o a_o divine_a wisdom_n that_o have_v be_v there_o reason_n itself_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a wonder_n and_o its_o own_o argument_n of_o a_o god_n the_o great_a thought_n of_o a_o soul_n show_v a_o great_a original_a and_o it_o can_v conceive_v no_o less_o of_o its_o power_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o be_v who_o have_v they_o in_o perfection_n itself_o be_v a_o little_a deity_n govern_v its_o own_o world_n which_o must_v needs_o facilitate_v the_o belief_n of_o something_o parallel_n in_o the_o universe_n and_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o reason_n that_o god_n be_v so_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o heb_fw-mi 11.6_o and_o consequent_o that_o there_o be_v a_o future_a state_n and_o tho'_o we_o be_v not_o agree_v upon_o revelation_n as_o to_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o redeemer_n it_o will_v be_v no_o irrational_a belief_n we_o can_v but_o confess_v the_o debt_n of_o a_o perfect_a obedience_n to_o our_o creator_n and_o yet_o all_o find_v a_o strange_a iniquity_n in_o their_o nature_n which_o god_n place_v not_o there_o and_o therefore_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o make_v allowance_n for_o which_o