and_o use_v and_o that_o be_v the_o best_a thing_n which_o serve_v the_o best_a end_n and_o purpose_n and_o the_o more_o necessary_a any_o thing_n be_v to_o such_o a_o end_n the_o better_a it_o be_v so_o that_o the_o best_a knowledge_n be_v that_o which_o be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o necessity_n to_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o great_a end_n which_o be_v eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n curious_a speculation_n and_o the_o contemplation_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v impertinent_a to_o we_o and_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o nor_o serve_v to_o promote_v our_o happiness_n be_v but_o a_o more_o specious_a and_o ingenious_a sort_n of_o idleness_n a_o more_o pardonable_a and_o creditable_a kind_n of_o ignorance_n that_o man_n that_o do_v not_o know_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o use_n and_o necessity_n for_o he_o to_o know_v be_v but_o a_o ignorant_a man_n whatever_o he_o may_v know_v beside_o now_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n and_o of_o 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the_o interest_n of_o all_o state_n the_o intrigue_n of_o all_o court_n the_o reason_n of_o all_o civil_a law_n and_o constitution_n and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o history_n of_o all_o age_n can_v speak_v of_o tree_n from_o the_o cedar-tree_n that_o be_v in_o lebanon_n even_o unto_o the_o hyssop_n that_o spring_v out_o of_o the_o wall_n and_o of_o beast_n also_o and_o of_o fowl_n and_o of_o creep_a thing_n and_o of_o fish_n and_o yet_o shall_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v destitute_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o duty_n all_o this_o will_v be_v but_o a_o impertinent_a vanity_n and_o a_o more_o glitter_a kind_n of_o ignorance_n and_o such_o a_o man_n like_o the_o philosopher_n who_o whilst_o he_o be_v gaze_v upon_o the_o star_n fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n will_v but_o sapienter_fw-la descendere_fw-la in_o infernum_fw-la be_v undo_v with_o all_o this_o knowledge_n and_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o wisdom_n go_v down_o to_o hell_n 2._o second_o that_o to_o be_v religious_a be_v the_o true_a wisdom_n and_o that_o likewise_o upon_o two_o account_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a for_o ourselves_o 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a as_o to_o our_o main_a interest_n and_o concernment_n 1._o it_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a for_o ourselves_o there_o be_v a_o expression_n job_n 22.21_o he_o that_o be_v wise_a be_v profitable_a to_o himself_o and_o prov._n 9.12_o if_o thou_o be_v wise_a thou_o shall_v be_v wise_a for_o thyself_o intimate_v that_o wisdom_n regard_v a_o man_n be_v own_o interest_n and_o advantage_n and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o wise_a man_n that_o do_v not_o take_v care_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o concernment_n according_a to_o that_o of_o old_a ennius_n nequicquam_fw-la sapere_fw-la sapientem_fw-la qui_fw-la sibi_fw-la ipsi_fw-la prodesse_fw-la non_fw-la quiret_fw-la that_o man_n have_v but_o a_o empty_a title_n of_o wisdom_n and_o be_v not_o real_o wise_a who_o be_v not_o wise_a for_o himself_o as_o 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and_o disease_n of_o the_o body_n but_o from_o anxiety_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n not_o only_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n but_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n to_o be_v happy_a be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v so_o for_o a_o little_a while_n but_o as_o long_o as_o may_v be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o ever_o now_o religion_n design_n our_o great_a and_o long_a happiness_n it_o aim_v at_o a_o freedom_n from_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o possession_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o great_a good_a for_o religion_n wise_o consider_v that_o man_n have_v immortal_a spirit_n which_o as_o they_o be_v spirit_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o our_o body_n and_o our_o sense_n and_o because_o they_o be_v immortal_a be_v capable_a of_o a_o everlasting_a happiness_n now_o our_o soul_n be_v the_o best_a part_n of_o ourselves_o and_o eternity_n be_v infinite_o the_o most_o considerable_a duration_n the_o great_a wisdom_n be_v to_o secure_v the_o interest_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o of_o eternity_n though_o it_o be_v with_o loss_n and_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o our_o temporal_a and_o inferior_a interest_n therefore_o religion_n direct_v we_o rather_o to_o secure_v inward_a peace_n than_o outward_a ease_n to_o be_v more_o careful_a to_o avoid_v everlasting_a and_o intolerable_a torment_n than_o short_a and_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n to_o court_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n more_o than_o the_o friendship_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o so_o much_o to_o fear_v they_o that_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n and_o after_o that_o have_v no_o more_o that_o they_o can_v do_v as_o he_o who_o after_o he_o have_v kill_v can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n in_o a_o word_n our_o main_a interest_n be_v to_o be_v as_o happy_a as_o we_o can_v and_o as_o long_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o if_o we_o be_v cast_v into_o such_o circumstance_n that_o we_o must_v be_v either_o in_o part_n and_o for_o a_o time_n or_o else_o whole_o and_o always_o miserable_a the_o best_a wisdom_n be_v to_o choose_v the_o great_a and_o most_o last_a happiness_n but_o the_o least_o and_o short_a misery_n upon_o this_o account_n religion_n prefer_v those_o pleasure_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o evermore_o infinite_o before_o the_o transitory_a pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o be_v much_o more_o careful_a to_o avoid_v eternal_a misery_n than_o present_a suffering_n this_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o religion_n that_o upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o cast_v up_o all_o thing_n together_o it_o do_v advise_v and_o lead_v we_o to_o our_o best_a interest_n
his_o grace_n john_n lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n sermon_n preach_v upon_o several_a occasion_n by_o his_o grace_n john_n lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n the_o first_o volume_n the_o eight_o edition_n correct_v london_n print_v for_o brabazon_n aylmer_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n against_o the_o royal_a exchange_n in_o cornhill_n and_o william_n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1694._o to_o the_o worshipful_a the_o master_n of_o the_o bench_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o member_n of_o the_o honourable_a society_n of_o lincolns-inn_n gentleman_n when_o i_o resolve_v to_o publish_v these_o sermon_n there_o can_v be_v no_o dispute_n to_o who_o i_o shall_v dedicate_v they_o they_o do_v of_o right_o belong_v to_o you_o be_v most_o of_o they_o first_o preach_v among_o you_o beside_o my_o great_a obligation_n to_o you_o for_o your_o constant_a respect_n to_o i_o both_o in_o the_o favourable_a acceptance_n and_o in_o the_o generous_a encouragement_n of_o my_o labour_n ever_o since_o i_o have_v the_o honour_n and_o happiness_n to_o be_v relate_v to_o you_o in_o a_o thankful_a acknowledgement_n whereof_o i_o humble_o present_v this_o small_a part_n of_o they_o to_o you_o hope_v that_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n they_o may_v be_v of_o some_o use_n for_o the_o promote_a of_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v the_o sincere_a wish_n and_o aim_v of_o your_o most_o oblige_a and_o faithful_a servant_n john_n cant._n the_o preface_n i_o shall_v neither_o trouble_v the_o reader_n nor_o myself_o with_o any_o apology_n for_o the_o publish_n of_o these_o sermon_n for_o if_o they_o be_v in_o any_o measure_n true_o serviceable_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v design_v to_o establish_v man_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o recommend_v to_o they_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o with_o any_o considerable_a advantage_n i_o do_v not_o see_v what_o apology_n be_v necessary_a and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o i_o be_o sure_a none_o can_v be_v sufficient_a however_o if_o there_o need_v any_o the_o common_a head_n of_o excuse_n in_o these_o case_n be_v very_o well_o know_v and_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v a_o equal_a right_n to_o they_o with_o other_o man_n i_o shall_v choose_v rather_o in_o this_o preface_n to_o give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n and_o as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v to_o vindicate_v a_o single_a passage_n in_o the_o first_o of_o they_o from_o the_o exception_n of_o a_o gentleman_n who_o have_v be_v please_v to_o honour_v it_o so_o far_o as_o to_o write_v a_o whole_a book_n against_o it_o the_o design_n of_o these_o discourse_n be_v fourfold_a first_o to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n and_o of_o scoff_v at_o religion_n which_o i_o be_o sorry_a be_v so_o necessary_a to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o age._n this_o i_o have_v endeavour_v in_o the_o two_o first_o of_o these_o discourse_n second_o to_o recommend_v religion_n to_o man_n from_o the_o great_a and_o manifold_a advantage_n which_o it_o bring_v both_o to_o public_a society_n and_o to_o particular_a person_n and_o this_o be_v the_o argument_n of_o the_o three_o and_o four_o three_o to_o represent_v the_o excellency_n more_o particular_o of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o to_o vindicate_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o from_o the_o suspicion_n of_o those_o grievous_a trouble_n and_o difficulty_n which_o many_o imagine_v it_o to_o be_v attend_v withal_o and_o this_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o five_o and_o six_o four_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o this_o holy_a religion_n from_o the_o great_a obligation_n which_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o man_n to_o that_o purpose_n and_o more_o particular_o from_o the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o another_o life_n which_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o two_o last_o discourse_n have_v give_v this_o short_a account_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n i_o crave_v leave_n of_o the_o reader_n to_o detain_v he_o a_o little_a long_o whilst_o i_o vindicate_v a_o passage_n in_o the_o first_o of_o these_o sermon_n from_o the_o assault_n of_o a_o whole_a book_n purposely_o write_v against_o it_o the_o title_n of_o the_o book_n be_v faith_n vindicate_v from_o the_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n the_o author_n mr._n j._n s._n the_o famous_a author_n of_o sure_a foot_n he_o have_v indeed_o in_o this_o last_o book_n of_o he_o to_o my_o great_a amazement_n quit_v that_o glorious_a title_n not_o that_o i_o dare_v assume_v to_o myself_o to_o have_v put_v he_o out_o of_o conceit_n with_o it_o by_o have_v convince_v he_o of_o the_o phantasticalness_n of_o it_o no_o i_o despair_v to_o convince_v that_o man_n of_o any_o thing_n who_o after_o so_o fair_a a_o admonition_n do_v still_o persist_v to_o maintain_v etc._n maintain_v letter_n of_o thanks_o p._n 24_o etc._n etc._n that_o first_o and_o self-evident_a principle_n not_o only_o may_v but_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v demonstrate_v and_o 11._o and_o ibid._n p._n 11._o that_o those_o ridiculous_a identical_a proposition_n that_o faith_n be_v faith_n and_o a_o rule_n be_v a_o rule_n be_v first_o principle_n in_o this_o controversy_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n without_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v solid_o conclude_v either_o about_o rule_n or_o faith_n but_o there_o be_v another_o reason_n for_o his_o quit_n of_o that_o title_n and_o a_o prudent_a one_o indeed_o he_o have_v forsake_v the_o defence_n of_o sure_a foot_n and_o then_o it_o become_v convenient_a to_o lay_v aside_o that_o title_n for_o fear_v of_o put_v people_n any_o more_o in_o mind_n of_o that_o book_n i_o expect_v indeed_o after_o his_o letter_n of_o thanks_o in_o which_o he_o 14._o he_o p._n 14._o tell_v we_o he_o intend_v to_o throw_v aside_o the_o rubbish_n of_o my_o book_n that_o in_o his_o answer_n he_o may_v the_o better_o lay_v open_a the_o fabric_n of_o my_o discourse_n and_o have_v nothing_o there_o to_o do_v but_o to_o speak_v to_o solid_a point_n i_o say_v after_o this_o i_o expect_v a_o full_a answer_n to_o the_o solid_a point_n as_o he_o be_v please_v to_o call_v they_o of_o my_o book_n and_o that_o according_a to_o his_o excellent_a method_n of_o remove_v the_o rubbish_n in_o order_n to_o the_o pull_v down_o of_o a_o building_n the_o fabric_n of_o my_o book_n will_v long_o since_o have_v be_v demolish_v and_o lay_v even_o with_o the_o ground_n but_o especial_o when_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o that_o most_o civil_a and_o oblige_a letter_n he_o threaten_v never_o to_o leave_v follow_v on_o his_o blow_n till_o he_o have_v either_o bring_v dr._n still_o and_o i_o to_o lay_v principle_n that_o will_v bear_v the_o test_n or_o it_o be_v make_v evident_a to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o we_o have_v none_o i_o begin_v as_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o be_v in_o a_o terrible_a fear_n of_o he_o and_o to_o look_v upon_o myself_o as_o a_o dead_a man_n and_o indeed_o who_o can_v think_v himself_o so_o considerable_a as_o not_o to_o dread_v this_o mighty_a man_n of_o demonstration_n this_o prince_n of_o controvertist_n this_o great_a lord_n and_o possessor_n of_o first_o principle_n but_o i_o perceive_v that_o great_a mind_n be_v merciful_a and_o do_v sometime_o content_v themselves_o to_o threaten_v when_o they_o can_v destroy_v for_o instead_o of_o return_v a_o full_a answer_n to_o my_o book_n he_o according_a to_o their_o new_a mode_n of_o confute_v book_n manful_o fall_v a_o nibble_v at_o one_o single_a passage_n in_o it_o pag._n 118._o wherein_o he_o make_v i_o to_o say_v for_o i_o say_v no_o such_o thing_n that_o the_o rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o consequent_o faith_n itself_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a nay_o in_o his_o letter_n of_o thanks_o 13._o thanks_o p._n 13._o he_o say_v it_o be_v a_o avow_v position_n in_o that_o place_n that_o faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o to_o give_v the_o more_o countenance_n to_o this_o calumny_n he_o charge_v the_o same_o position_n in_o equivalent_a term_n of_o the_o possible_a falsehood_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o as_o to_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o fundamental_a point_n the_o tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n upon_o the_o forementioned_a sermon_n but_o because_o he_o know_v in_o his_o conscience_n that_o i_o have_v avow_v no_o such_o position_n he_o dare_v not_o cite_v the_o word_n either_o of_o my_o book_n or_o sermon_n lest_o the_o reader_n shall_v have_v discover_v the_o notorious_a falsehood_n and_o groundlesness_n of_o this_o calumny_n nay_o he_o dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o refer_v to_o any_o particular_a place_n in_o my_o sermon_n where_o such_o a_o passage_n may_v be_v find_v and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o man_n that_o have_v the_o face_n to_o charge_v other_o with_o false_a citation_n to_o which_o charge_n before_o i_o have_v do_v i_o shall_v say_v something_o
reason_n spoil_v his_o understanding_n and_o help_v to_o make_v himself_o a_o fool_n whereas_o he_o that_o conquer_v his_o passion_n and_o keep_v they_o under_o do_v thereby_o preserve_v and_o improve_v his_o understanding_n freedom_n from_o irregular_a passion_n do_v not_o only_o signify_v that_o a_o man_n be_v wise_a but_o real_o contribute_v to_o the_o make_n of_o he_o such_o 2._o religion_n tend_v to_o the_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o our_o mind_n wherein_o happiness_n chief_o consist_v and_o which_o all_o the_o wisdom_n and_o philosophy_n of_o the_o world_n do_v always_o aim_v at_o as_o the_o utmost_a felicity_n of_o this_o life_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a fruit_n of_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a course_n of_o life_n the_o scripture_n declare_v to_o we_o in_o these_o text_n 97.11_o psal_n 97.11_o light_n be_v sow_o for_o the_o righteous_a and_o gladness_n for_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n great_a peace_n have_v all_o they_o that_o love_v thy_o law_n 119.165_o psal_n 119.165_o and_o nothing_o shall_v offend_v they_o her_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n 3.17_o pro._n 3.17_o and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n 32.17_o isa_n 32.17_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v peace_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o which_o text_n be_v that_o pleasure_n and_o peace_n do_v natural_o result_v from_o a_o holy_a and_o good_a life_n when_o a_o man_n have_v once_o engage_v himself_o in_o a_o religious_a course_n and_o be_v habituate_v to_o piety_n and_o holiness_n all_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o devotion_n all_o act_n of_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n be_v delightful_a to_o he_o to_o honour_v and_o worship_n god_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o to_o praise_v he_o to_o study_v his_o will_n to_o meditate_v upon_o he_o and_o to_o love_v he_o all_o these_o bring_v great_a pleasure_n and_o peace_n along_o with_o they_o what_o great_a contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n can_v there_o be_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o it_o be_v once_o purify_v and_o refine_v from_o the_o dregs_o of_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n and_o raise_v to_o its_o true_a height_n and_o pitch_n than_o to_o contemplate_v and_o admire_v the_o infinite_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n to_o adore_v his_o greatness_n and_o to_o love_v his_o goodness_n how_o can_v the_o thought_n of_o god_n be_v troublesome_a to_o any_o one_o who_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o the_o world_n no_o man_n that_o love_v goodness_n and_o righteous_a ness_n have_v any_o reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o god_n or_o to_o be_v disquiet_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o he_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o god_n that_o be_v terrible_a to_o a_o good_a man_n but_o all_o the_o apprehension_n which_o we_o natural_o have_v of_o he_o speak_v comfort_n and_o promise_v happiness_n to_o such_o a_o one_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o attribute_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o trouble_n to_o he_o that_o it_o be_v his_o recreation_n and_o delight_n it_o be_v for_o wicked_a man_n to_o dread_a god_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o banish_v the_o thought_n of_o he_o out_o of_o their_o mind_n but_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a man_n may_v have_v quiet_a and_o undisturbed_a thought_n even_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n because_o the_o terror_n of_o it_o do_v not_o concern_v he_o now_o religion_n do_v contribute_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o our_o mind_n these_o two_o way_n first_o by_o allay_v those_o passion_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o ruffle_v and_o discompose_v our_o spirit_n malice_n and_o hatred_n wrath_n and_o revenge_n be_v very_o fret_v and_o vexatious_a and_o apt_a to_o make_v our_o mind_n sore_a and_o uneasy_a but_o he_o that_o can_v moderate_v these_o affection_n will_v find_v a_o strange_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n in_o his_o own_o spirit_n second_o by_o free_v we_o from_o the_o anxiety_n of_o guilt_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o divine_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o sting_a and_o torment_v and_o render_v the_o life_n of_o man_n more_o miserable_a and_o unquiet_a and_o whaâ—_n a_o spring_n of_o peace_n and_o joy_n must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o apprehend_v upon_o good_a ground_n that_o god_n be_v reconcile_v to_o we_o and_o become_v our_o friend_n that_o all_o our_o sin_n be_v perfect_o forgive_v and_o shall_v never_o more_o be_v remember_v against_o we_o what_o unexpressible_a comfort_n do_v overflow_v the_o pious_a and_o devout_a soul_n from_o the_o remembrance_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o well-spent_a life_n and_o a_o conscience_n of_o its_o own_o innocency_n and_o integrity_n and_o nothing_o but_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n can_v give_v this_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a kind_n of_o temper_n and_o disposition_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o quiet_a of_o our_o mind_n and_o consequent_o to_o our_o happiness_n and_o that_o be_v holiness_n and_o goodness_n which_o as_o it_o be_v the_o perfection_n so_o be_v it_o likewise_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o of_o those_o accurse_a spirit_n the_o devil_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o disposition_n contrary_n to_o god_n they_o be_v envious_a and_o malicious_a and_o cruel_a and_o of_o such_o a_o temper_n as_o be_v natural_o a_o torment_n and_o disquiet_v to_o itself_o and_o here_o the_o foundation_n of_o hell_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o evil_a disposition_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o till_o this_o be_v cure_v which_o can_v only_o be_v do_v by_o religion_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v happy_a that_o be_v please_v and_o content_v within_o himself_o as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o sick_a man_n to_o be_v at_o ease_n because_o such_o a_o man_n have_v that_o within_o he_o which_o torment_v he_o and_o he_o can_v be_v at_o ease_n till_o that_o be_v remove_v the_o man_n spirit_n be_v out_o of_o order_n and_o off_o the_o hinge_n and_o till_o that_o be_v put_v into_o its_o right_a frame_n he_o will_v be_v perpetual_o disquiet_v and_o can_v find_v no_o rest_n within_o himself_o the_o prophet_n very_o fit_o describe_v to_o we_o the_o unquiet_a condition_n of_o wicked_a man_n 57.10.21_o isa_n 57.10.21_o the_o wicked_a be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n when_o it_o can_v rest_v who_o water_n cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a so_o long_o as_o sin_n and_o corruption_n abound_v in_o our_o heart_n they_o will_v be_v restles_o work_v like_o wine_n which_o will_v be_v in_o a_o perpetual_a motion_n and_o agitation_n till_o it_o have_v purge_v itself_o of_o its_o dregs_o and_o foulness_n second_o religion_n do_v likewise_o tend_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n now_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v such_o as_o either_o respect_n our_o health_n or_o estate_n or_o reputation_n or_o relation_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o these_o religion_n be_v high_o advantageous_a to_o we_o 1._o as_o to_o our_o health_n a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a life_n do_v eminent_o conduce_v to_o that_o and_o to_o long_a life_n as_o a_o consequent_a of_o it_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o understand_v these_o follow_a text_n 2._o prov._n 3.1_o 2._o my_o son_n forget_v not_o my_o law_n but_o let_v thy_o heart_n keep_v my_o commandment_n for_o length_n of_o day_n and_o long_a life_n shall_v they_o add_v to_o thou_o and_o v._o 7_o and_o 8._o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o depart_v from_o evil_n it_o shall_v be_v health_n to_o thy_o navel_n and_o marrow_n to_o thy_o bone_n and_o v._o 16._o among_o the_o temporal_a advantage_n of_o wisdom_n or_o religion_n this_o be_v mention_v as_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o v._o 18._o she_o be_v a_o tree_n of_o life_n to_o they_o that_o lie_v hold_v upon_o she_o and_o again_o whoso_o find_v i_o find_v life_n but_o he_o that_o sin_v against_o i_o wrong_v his_o own_o soul_n 36._o prov._n 8.35_o 36._o that_o be_v injurious_a to_o his_o own_o life_n all_o they_o that_o hate_v i_o love_v death_n all_o which_o be_v undoubted_o true_a in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n but_o be_v certain_o mean_v by_o solomon_n in_o the_o natural_a sense_n and_o these_o promise_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o health_n and_o long_a life_n to_o good_a man_n be_v not_o only_o declaratory_a of_o the_o good_a pleasure_n and_o intention_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o but_o likewise_o of_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o religion_n do_v oblige_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o virtue_n which_o do_v in_o their_o
a_o good_a man_n leave_v a_o inheritance_n to_o his_o child_n child_n 14.26_o prov._n 14.26_o and_o again_o in_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v strong_a confidence_n and_o his_o child_n shall_v have_v a_o place_n of_o refuge_n but_o the_o wicked_a derive_v a_o curse_n upon_o all_o that_o be_v relate_v to_o he_o he_o be_v say_v to_o trouble_v his_o own_o house_n and_o again_o 11.29_o prov._n 11.29_o the_o wicked_a be_v overthrow_v and_o be_v not_o 12.7_o prov._n 12.7_o but_o the_o house_n of_o the_o righteous_a shall_v stand_v but_o set_v aside_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n providence_n religion_n do_v likewise_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n tend_v to_o the_o welfare_n of_o those_o who_o be_v relate_v to_o we_o because_o it_o lay_v the_o strict_a obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o family_n and_o relation_n and_o to_o make_v the_o best_a provision_n both_o for_o their_o comfortable_a subsistence_n here_o in_o this_o world_n and_o their_o salvation_n in_o the_o next_o and_o those_o who_o neglect_v those_o duty_n the_o scripture_n be_v so_o far_o from_o esteem_v they_o christian_n that_o it_o account_v they_o worse_o than_o heathen_n and_o infidel_n 5.8_o 1_o tim._n 5.8_o he_o that_o provide_v not_o for_o his_o own_o especial_o those_o of_o his_o own_o house_n be_v worse_a than_o a_o infidel_n and_o have_v deny_v the_o faith_n this_o i_o know_v be_v speak_v in_o respect_n of_o temporal_a provision_n but_o it_o hold_v à _fw-la fortiori_fw-la as_o to_o the_o care_n of_o their_o soul_n beside_o it_o be_v many_o time_n see_v that_o the_o posterity_n of_o holy_a and_o good_a man_n especial_o of_o such_o as_o have_v evidence_v their_o piety_n towards_o god_n by_o bounty_n and_o charity_n to_o man_n have_v meet_v with_o unusual_a kindness_n and_o respect_n from_o other_o and_o have_v by_o a_o strange_a and_o secret_a disposition_n of_o divine_a providence_n be_v unexpected_o care_v and_o provide_v for_o and_o that_o as_o they_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v upon_o the_o account_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o piety_n and_o charity_n of_o their_o parent_n this_o david_n tell_v we_o from_o his_o own_o particular_a observation_n 2d_o ps_n 37_o 2d_o i_o have_v be_v young_a and_o now_o be_o old_a yet_o have_v i_o not_o see_v the_o righteous_a forsake_v nor_o his_o seed_n beg_v bread_n and_o that_o by_o the_o righteous_a be_v here_o mean_v the_o good_a and_o merciful_a man_n appear_v from_o the_o description_n of_o he_o in_o the_o next_o word_n 26._o ver._n 26._o he_o be_v ever_o merciful_a and_o dare_v and_o his_o seed_n be_v bless_v and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o posterity_n of_o the_o wicked_a do_v many_o time_n inherit_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o father_n sin_n and_o vice_n and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o a_o just_a judgement_n of_o god_n but_o from_o the_o natural_a course_n and_o consequence_n of_o thing_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n that_o expression_n in_o job_n be_v often_o verify_v that_o god_n lay_v up_o the_o iniquity_n of_o wicked_a man_n for_o their_o child_n 21.19_o job_n 21.19_o and_o do_v not_o experience_n testify_v that_o the_o intemperate_a and_o unjust_a do_v many_o time_n transmit_v their_o bodily_a infirmity_n and_o disease_n to_o their_o child_n and_o entail_v a_o secret_a curse_n upon_o their_o estate_n which_o do_v either_o insensible_o waste_v and_o consume_v it_o or_o eat_v out_o the_o heart_n and_o comfort_n of_o it_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o religion_n in_o all_o respect_n conduce_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n ii_o religion_n and_o virtue_n do_v likewise_o most_o certain_o and_o direct_o tend_v to_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n of_o man_n in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o this_o be_v incomparable_o the_o great_a advantage_n that_o redound_v to_o man_n by_o be_v religious_a in_o comparison_n of_o which_o all_o temporal_a consideration_n be_v less_o than_o nothing_o and_o vanity_n the_o worldly_a advantage_n that_o religion_n bring_v to_o man_n in_o this_o present_a life_n be_v a_o sensible_a recommendation_n of_o religion_n even_o to_o the_o low_a and_o mean_a spirit_n but_o to_o those_o who_o be_v raise_v above_o sense_n and_o aspire_v after_o immortality_n who_o believe_v the_o perpetual_a duration_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o body_n to_o those_o who_o be_v thorough_o convince_v of_o the_o inconsiderableness_n of_o this_o short_a die_a life_n and_o of_o all_o the_o concernment_n of_o it_o in_o comparison_n of_o that_o eternal_a state_n which_o remain_v for_o we_o in_o another_o life_n to_o these_o i_o say_v the_o consideration_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n and_o of_o those_o unspeakable_a and_o everlasting_a reward_n which_o shall_v then_o be_v give_v to_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n be_v certain_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n and_o the_o most_o likely_a to_o prevail_v upon_o they_o for_o those_o who_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o can_v choose_v but_o aspire_v after_o a_o happiness_n commensurate_a to_o their_o duration_n nor_o can_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v conscious_a to_o its_o self_n of_o its_o own_o immortality_n be_v satisfy_v and_o content_v with_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o endless_a felicity_n and_o this_o hope_n religion_n alone_o give_v man_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n only_o can_v settle_v man_n in_o a_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a assurance_n of_o it_o but_o because_o all_o man_n who_o have_v entertain_v any_o religion_n have_v consent_v to_o these_o principle_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o recompense_n of_o another_o world_n and_o have_v always_o promise_v to_o themselves_o some_o reward_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n after_o this_o life_n and_o because_o i_o do_v more_o particular_o design_n from_o this_o text_n to_o speak_v of_o the_o temporal_a benefit_n and_o adavantage_n which_o redound_v to_o man_n from_o religion_n therefore_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o to_o show_v very_o brief_o how_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a life_n do_v conduce_v to_o our_o future_a happiness_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n from_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n 1._o from_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n 4.8_o 1_o tim._n 4.8_o godliness_n say_v the_o apostle_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o be_v to_o come_v god_n have_v all_o along_o in_o the_o scripture_n suspend_v the_o promise_n of_o eternal_a life_n upon_o this_o condition_n he_o have_v peremptory_o declare_v that_o without_o obedience_n and_o holiness_n of_o life_n no_o man_n shall_v ever_o see_v the_o lord_n and_o this_o very_a thing_n that_o it_o be_v the_o constitution_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n may_v be_v argument_n enough_o to_o we_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o obey_v the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n and_o to_o persuade_v we_o thereunto_o for_o eternal_a life_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n and_o he_o may_v do_v what_o he_o will_v with_o his_o own_o he_o be_v master_n of_o his_o own_o favour_n and_o may_v dispense_v they_o upon_o what_o term_n and_o condition_n he_o please_v but_o it_o be_v no_o hard_a condition_n that_o he_o have_v impose_v upon_o we_o if_o religion_n bring_v no_o advantage_n to_o we_o in_o this_o world_n yet_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n be_v so_o great_a as_o will_v abundant_o recompense_v all_o our_o pain_n and_o endeavour_n there_o be_v temptation_n enough_o in_o the_o reward_n to_o engage_v any_o man_n in_o the_o work_n have_v god_n think_v fit_a to_o have_v impose_v the_o most_o grievous_a and_o difficult_a thing_n upon_o we_o ought_v we_o not_o to_o have_v submit_v to_o they_o and_o to_o have_v undertake_v they_o with_o cheerfulness_n upon_o such_o great_a and_o glorious_a encouragement_n as_o naaman_n servant_n say_v to_o he_o in_o another_o case_n have_v he_o bid_v thou_o do_v some_o great_a thing_n will_v thou_o not_o have_v do_v it_o so_o if_o god_n have_v say_v that_o without_o poverty_n and_o actual_a martyrdom_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n will_v not_o any_o man_n that_o believe_v heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o understand_v what_o these_o word_n signify_v and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o escape_v extreme_a and_o eternal_a misery_n and_o to_o enjoy_v unspeakable_a and_o endless_a glory_n have_v be_v willing_a to_o accept_v these_o condition_n how_o much_o more_o when_o he_o have_v only_o say_v wash_v and_o be_v clean_a and_o let_v every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a but_o god_n have_v not_o deal_v thus_o with_o we_o nor_o be_v the_o impose_v of_o this_o condition_n of_o eternal_a life_n a_o mere_a arbitrary_a constitution_n therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v two_o that_o a_o
and_o insensible_a degree_n of_o a_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a education_n these_o indeed_o be_v free_v from_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n and_o difficulty_n which_o other_o who_o be_v reclaim_v from_o a_o bad_a course_n of_o life_n must_v expect_v to_o undergo_v they_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n excuse_v from_o the_o pang_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n from_o the_o pain_n of_o a_o sudden_a and_o violent_a change_n from_o the_o terror_n of_o a_o affright_a mind_n and_o from_o the_o deep_a and_o pierce_a sorrow_n of_o a_o more_o solemn_a repentance_n whereas_o those_o who_o have_v live_v wicked_o before_o must_v look_v to_o meet_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o trouble_n because_o they_o be_v put_v upon_o change_v the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o life_n at_o once_o and_o must_v contend_v with_o inveterate_a habit_n and_o offer_v no_o small_a violence_n to_o themselves_o in_o pluck_v up_o those_o vice_n which_o have_v be_v root_v in_o they_o by_o long_a custom_n and_o continuance_n this_o indeed_o be_v grievous_a and_o must_v needs_o be_v sensible_o painful_a like_o the_o pluck_n out_o of_o a_o right_a eye_n or_o the_o cut_n off_o a_o right_a hand_n for_o in_o this_o case_n a_o man_n must_v strive_v against_o the_o very_a bent_n and_o inclination_n of_o his_o strong_a appetite_n against_o the_o tyranny_n of_o custom_n and_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o a_o second_o nature_n but_o this_o be_v no_o just_a reflection_n upon_o religion_n because_o this_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n law_n but_o from_o a_o accidental_a indisposition_n in_o ourselves_o which_o religion_n be_v apt_a to_o remove_v and_o if_o we_o will_v but_o allow_v some_o time_n of_o trouble_n and_o uneasiness_n for_o the_o cure_n when_o that_o be_v once_o wrought_v the_o command_n of_o god_n will_v be_v more_o easy_a and_o delightful_a to_o we_o than_o ever_o our_o sin_n and_o lust_n be_v iii_o nor_n do_v this_o exclude_v our_o after_o care_n and_o diligence_n for_o when_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o grievous_a he_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n intend_v to_o insinuate_v that_o they_o be_v calculate_v for_o slothful_a and_o lazy_a person_n that_o they_o be_v so_o easy_a as_o to_o require_v no_o industry_n and_o endeavour_n on_o our_o part_n he_o only_o aim_v to_o prevent_v a_o tacit_n objection_n which_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o many_o man_n heart_n as_o if_o religion_n be_v a_o most_o grievous_a and_o intolerable_a burden_n and_o there_o be_v more_o trouble_n and_o less_o pleasure_n in_o it_o than_o in_o any_o other_o action_n of_o humane_a life_n this_o he_o utter_o deny_v but_o do_v not_o hereby_o intend_v to_o exclude_v such_o diligence_n and_o industry_n as_o man_n use_v about_o other_o matter_n and_o if_o i_o shall_v tell_v you_o that_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n do_v not_o require_v a_o very_a vigorous_a prosecution_n and_o great_a earnestness_n of_o endeavour_n i_o shall_v speak_v quite_o beside_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o so_o frequent_o command_v seek_v and_o strive_v and_o labour_v beside_o many_o other_o such_o phrase_n that_o import_v diligence_n and_o earnestness_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v unfit_a that_o so_o excellent_a and_o glorious_a a_o reward_n as_o the_o gospel_n promise_n shall_v stoop_v down_o like_o fruit_n upon_o a_o full-laden_a bough_n to_o be_v pluck_v by_o every_o idle_a and_o wanton_a hand_n that_o heaven_n shall_v be_v prostitute_v to_o the_o lazy_a desire_n and_o faint_a wish_n to_o the_o cheap_a and_o ordinary_a endeavour_n of_o slothful_a man_n god_n will_v not_o so_o much_o disparage_v eternal_a life_n and_o happiness_n as_o to_o bestow_v it_o upon_o those_o who_o have_v conceive_v so_o low_a a_o opinion_n of_o it_o as_o not_o to_o think_v it_o worth_a the_o labour_a for_o and_o sure_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o recommend_v religion_n to_o any_o considerate_a man_n if_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o be_v much_o great_a than_o of_o any_o worldly_a design_n that_o we_o can_v propound_v to_o ourselves_o and_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o not_o great_a if_o the_o same_o seriousness_n and_o industry_n of_o endeavour_n which_o man_n common_o use_v to_o raise_v a_o fortune_n and_o advance_v themselves_o in_o the_o world_n will_v serve_v to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o good_a man_n and_o to_o bring_v he_o to_o heaven_n what_o reason_n have_v any_o man_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o hard_a term_n of_o religion_n and_o i_o think_v i_o may_v true_o say_v that_o usual_o less_o than_o this_o do_v it_o for_o god_n consider_v our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o press_a necessity_n of_o this_o life_n that_o we_o be_v flesh_n as_o well_o as_o spirit_n and_o that_o we_o have_v great_a need_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o therefore_o he_o allow_v we_o to_o be_v very_o sedulous_a and_o industrious_a about_o they_o however_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a of_o that_o if_o man_n will_v be_v as_o serious_a to_o save_v their_o immortal_a soul_n as_o they_o be_v to_o support_v these_o die_a body_n if_o they_o will_v but_o provide_v for_o eternity_n with_o the_o same_o solicitude_n and_o real_a care_n as_o they_o do_v for_o this_o life_n if_o they_o will_v but_o seek_v heaven_n with_o the_o same_o ardour_n of_o affection_n and_o vigour_n of_o prosecution_n as_o they_o seek_v earthly_a thing_n if_o they_o will_v but_o love_v god_n as_o much_o as_o many_o man_n do_v the_o world_n and_o mind_n godliness_n as_o much_o as_o man_n usual_o do_v gain_v if_o they_o will_v but_o go_v to_o church_n with_o as_o good_a a_o will_n as_o man_n ordinary_o do_v to_o their_o market_n and_o fair_n and_o be_v in_o as_o good_a earnest_n at_o their_o devotion_n as_o man_n common_o be_v in_o drive_v a_o bargain_n if_o they_o will_v but_o endure_v some_o trouble_n and_o inconvenience_n in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n with_o the_o same_o patience_n and_o constancy_n as_o they_o can_v do_v storm_n and_o foul_a way_n and_o mischance_n when_o they_o be_v travel_v about_o their_o worldly_a occasion_n if_o they_o will_v but_o avoid_v bad_a company_n as_o man_n use_v to_o do_v cheater_n and_o reject_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o world_n as_o they_o will_v do_v the_o kind_a word_n and_o insinuation_n of_o a_o man_n who_o they_o very_o believe_v to_o have_v a_o design_n to_o overreach_v they_o i_o be_o confident_a that_o such_o a_o one_o can_v not_o fail_v of_o heaven_n and_o will_v be_v much_o sure_a of_o it_o upon_o these_o term_n than_o any_o man_n that_o do_v all_o the_o other_o thing_n can_v be_v of_o get_v a_o estate_n or_o of_o attain_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n and_o can_v every_o man_n do_v thus_o much_o all_o that_o i_o have_v say_v signify_v no_o more_o but_o that_o man_n shall_v use_v their_o sincere_a endeavour_n and_o this_o sure_o every_o man_n can_v do_v for_o to_o use_v our_o sincere_a endeavour_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o do_v as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v and_o it_o be_v nonsense_n for_o any_o man_n to_o deny_v that_o he_o can_v do_v as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v and_o if_o we_o will_v do_v thus_o much_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v never_o want_v to_o the_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o man_n but_o man_n expect_v that_o religion_n shall_v cost_v they_o no_o pain_n that_o happiness_n shall_v drop_v into_o their_o lap_n without_o any_o design_n and_o endeavour_v on_o their_o part_n and_o that_o after_o they_o have_v do_v what_o they_o please_v while_o they_o live_v god_n shall_v snatch_v they_o up_o to_o heaven_n when_o they_o die_v but_o though_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o grievous_a yet_o it_o be_v sit_v to_o let_v man_n know_v that_o they_o be_v not_o thus_o easy_a iu._n all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n be_v very_o much_o allay_v and_o sweeten_v by_o hope_n and_o by_o love_n by_o the_o hope_n of_o a_o mighty_a reward_n so_o great_a as_o be_v enough_o to_o raise_v we_o above_o ourselves_o and_o to_o make_v we_o break_v through_o all_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n and_o by_o the_o love_n of_o god_n who_o have_v take_v all_o imaginable_a way_n to_o endear_v himself_o to_o we_o he_o give_v we_o our_o being_n and_o when_o we_o be_v fall_v from_o that_o happiness_n to_o which_o at_o first_o we_o be_v design_v he_o be_v please_v to_o restore_v we_o to_o a_o new_a capacity_n of_o it_o by_o send_v his_o only_a son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o we_o so_o that_o if_o we_o have_v any_o sense_n of_o kindness_n we_o can_v but_o love_v he_o who_o have_v do_v so_o much_o to_o oblige_v we_o and_o if_o we_o love_v he_o entire_o nothing_o that_o he_o command_v will_v be_v grievous_a to_o we_o nay_o so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o
the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o creator_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o he_o the_o wisdom_n of_o please_a god_n by_o do_v what_o he_o command_v and_o avoid_v what_o he_o forbid_v this_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n may_v be_v attain_v by_o man_n and_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v he_o happy_a and_o unto_o man_n he_o say_v behold_v the_o fear_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n be_v understanding_n these_o word_n consist_v of_o two_o proposition_n which_o be_v not_o distinct_a in_o sense_n but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n various_o express_v for_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n be_v synonymous_a word_n here_o and_o though_o sometime_o they_o have_v different_a notion_n yet_o in_o the_o poetical_a book_n of_o scripture_n they_o be_v most_o frequent_o use_v as_o word_n equivalent_a and_o do_v both_o of_o they_o indifferent_o signify_v either_o a_o speculative_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n or_o a_o practical_a skill_n about_o they_o according_a to_o the_o exigency_n of_o the_o matter_n or_o thing_n speak_v of_o and_o so_o likewise_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o departure_n from_o evil_n be_v phrase_n of_o a_o very_a near_o sense_n and_o like_o importance_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v they_o several_a time_n put_v together_o in_o scripture_n 16.6_o pro._n 3.7_o pr._n 16.6_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o depart_v from_o evil_n by_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n man_n depart_v from_o evil_n so_o that_o they_o differ_v only_o as_o cause_n and_o effect_n which_o by_o a_o metonymy_n usual_a in_o all_o sort_n of_o author_n be_v frequent_o put_v one_o for_o another_o now_o to_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n be_v phrase_n which_o the_o scripture_n use_v in_o a_o very_a great_a latitude_n to_o express_v to_o we_o the_o sum_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o whole_a of_o our_o duty_n and_o because_o the_o large_a usage_n of_o these_o phrase_n be_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o my_o follow_a discourse_n i_o shall_v for_o the_o far_o clear_n of_o this_o matter_n endeavour_v to_o show_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v very_o usual_a in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a phrase_n 2._o the_o particular_a fitness_n of_o these_o two_o phrase_n to_o describe_v religion_n i._o it_o be_v very_o usual_a in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n by_o some_o eminent_a principle_n or_o part_n of_o religion_n the_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n be_v knowledge_n faith_n remembrance_n love_n and_o fear_v by_o all_o which_o the_o scripture_n use_v to_o express_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o the_o knowledge_n remembrance_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n religion_n be_v call_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a 10.25_o prov._n 30.3_o jer._n 10.25_o and_o wicked_a man_n be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o know_v not_o god_n so_o likewise_o by_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n frequent_o in_o this_o book_n of_o job_n and_o in_o the_o psalm_n and_o proverb_n and_o then_o they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n speak_v often_o one_o to_o another_o and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v express_o say_v to_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o religion_n 12.13_o eccl._n 12.13_o fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o man_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o wicked_a be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o have_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o their_o eye_n 36.1_o ps_n 36.1_o and_o so_o likewise_o by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n remember_v thy_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n 12.1_o eccl._n 12.1_o that_o be_v enter_v upon_o a_o religious_a course_n betimes_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o character_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v that_o they_o forget_v god_n the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v turn_v into_o hell_n 9.17_o ps_n 9.17_o and_o all_o the_o nation_n that_o forget_v god_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n religion_n be_v usual_o express_v by_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o love_n of_o they_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o true_a christian_n be_v so_o frequent_o call_v believer_n and_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n unbeliever_n and_o that_o good_a man_n be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o love_n god_n all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n 6.24_o ro._n 8.28_o eph._n 6.24_o and_o such_o as_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n now_o the_o reason_n why_o these_o be_v put_v for_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n be_v because_o the_o belief_n and_o knowledge_n and_o remembrance_n and_o love_n and_o fear_v of_o god_n be_v such_o powerful_a principle_n and_o have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o man_n to_o make_v they_o religious_a that_o where_o any_o one_o of_o these_o real_o be_v all_o the_o rest_n together_o with_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a effect_n of_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v and_o so_o likewise_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v often_o express_v by_o some_o eminent_a part_n of_o it_o which_o will_v explain_v the_o second_o phrase_n here_o in_o the_o text_n depart_v from_o evil_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v a_o eminent_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o prayer_n which_o be_v often_o in_o scripture_n express_v by_o seek_v god_n and_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n be_v a_o chief_a part_n of_o religious_a worship_n hence_o religion_n be_v describe_v by_o seek_v god_n 11.6_o heb._n 11.6_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o and_o by_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n 2.21_o act_n 2.21_o whosoever_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o so_o by_o come_v to_o god_n and_o by_o depart_v from_o evil_n in_o this_o fall_a state_n of_o man_n religion_n begin_v with_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n the_o two_o opposite_a term_n of_o which_o be_v god_n and_o sin_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o religion_n be_v describe_v sometime_o by_o come_v to_o god_n 11.6_o heb._n 11.6_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v that_o be_v no_o man_n can_v be_v religious_a unless_o he_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n 59.15_o be_v 59.15_o sometime_o by_o depart_v from_o sin_n and_o he_o that_o depart_v from_o evil_a make_v himself_o a_o prey_n that_o be_v such_o be_v the_o bad_a state_n of_o those_o time_n of_o which_o the_o prophet_n there_o complain_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v religious_a but_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v persecute_v ii_o for_o the_o fitness_n of_o these_o two_o phrase_n to_o describe_v religion_n 1._o for_o the_o first_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o fitness_n of_o this_o phrase_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v how_o great_a a_o influence_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n have_v upon_o man_n to_o make_v they_o religious_a fear_n be_v a_o passion_n that_o be_v most_o deep_o root_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o flow_v immediate_o from_o that_o principle_n of_o self-preservation_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o every_o man_n every_o one_o desire_n his_o own_o preservation_n and_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o have_v a_o natural_a dread_n and_o horror_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o can_v destroy_v his_o be_v or_o endanger_v his_o happiness_n and_o the_o great_a danger_n be_v from_o the_o great_a power_n and_o that_o be_v omnipotency_n so_o that_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v a_o inward_a acknowledgement_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o just_a be_v which_o be_v arm_v with_o a_o almighty_a and_o irresistible_a power_n god_n have_v hide_v in_o every_o man_n conscience_n a_o secret_a awe_n and_o dread_n of_o his_o infinite_a power_n and_o eternal_a justice_n now_o fear_v be_v so_o intimate_v to_o our_o nature_n it_o be_v the_o strong_a bond_n of_o law_n and_o the_o great_a security_n of_o our_o duty_n there_o be_v two_o bridle_n or_o restraint_n which_o god_n have_v put_v upon_o humane_a nature_n shame_n and_o fear_n shame_n be_v the_o weak_a and_o 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ii_o the_o second_o way_n of_o confirmation_n shall_v be_v by_o endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n now_o all_o that_o be_v irreligious_a be_v so_o upon_o one_o of_o these_o two_o account_n either_o first_o because_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o foundation_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o future_a reward_n or_o else_o second_o because_o though_o they_o do_v in_o some_o sort_n believe_v these_o thing_n yet_o they_o live_v contrary_a to_o this_o their_o belief_n and_o of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o wicked_a man_n the_o first_o sort_n be_v guilty_a of_o that_o which_o we_o call_v speculative_a the_o other_o of_o practical_a atheism_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n of_o both_o these_o first_o speculative_a atheism_n be_v unreasonable_a and_o that_o upon_o these_o five_o account_n 1._o because_o it_o give_v 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be_v from_o all_o eternity_n such_o a_o be_v as_o we_o conceive_v god_n to_o be_v infinite_a in_o power_n goodness_n and_o wisdom_n which_o make_v we_o and_o all_o other_o thing_n the_o first_o of_o these_o opinion_n i_o shall_v show_v to_o be_v altogether_o incredible_a and_o the_o latter_a to_o have_v all_o the_o credibility_n and_o evidence_n of_o which_o a_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n be_v capable_a and_o such_o evidence_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o impartial_a and_o considerate_a man_n now_o in_o compare_v the_o probability_n of_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v know_v on_o which_o side_n the_o advantage_n lie_v these_o two_o consideration_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n what_o the_o argument_n be_v on_o each_o side_n and_o what_o the_o difficulty_n for_o if_o there_o be_v fair_a proof_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o none_o at_o all_o on_o the_o other_o and_o if_o the_o most_o press_a difficulty_n be_v on_o that_o side_n on_o which_o there_o be_v no_o proof_n this_o 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decide_v these_o two_o way_n by_o testimony_n and_o by_o probability_n of_o reason_n testimony_n be_v the_o principal_a argument_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o if_o fair_a probability_n of_o reason_n concur_v with_o it_o this_o argument_n have_v all_o the_o strength_n it_o can_v have_v now_o both_o these_o be_v clear_o on_o the_o affirmative_a side_n of_o the_o question_n viz._n that_o the_o world_n be_v create_v and_o have_v a_o beginning_n 1._o testimony_n of_o which_o there_o be_v two_o kind_n divine_a and_o humane_a divine_a testimony_n as_o such_o be_v not_o proper_a to_o be_v use_v in_o this_o cause_n consider_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o present_a debate_n for_o that_o will_v be_v to_o beg_v the_o first_o and_o main_a question_n now_o in_o controversy_n which_o be_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n
apprehension_n of_o a_o god_n do_v spring_n from_o a_o infinite_a jealousy_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o a_o endless_a fear_n of_o the_o worst_a that_o may_v happen_v according_a to_o that_o divine_a say_n of_o the_o poet_n which_o he_o can_v never_o sufficient_o admire_v primum_fw-la in_fw-la orle_fw-mi deos_fw-la fecit_fw-la timor_fw-la fear_v first_o make_v go_n so_o that_o it_o be_v grant_v on_o both_o side_n that_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o deity_n do_v universal_o possess_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n now_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v more_o likely_a that_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o fear_n or_o that_o this_o fear_n shall_v be_v the_o cause_n why_o man_n imagine_v there_o be_v a_o god_n if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o have_v impress_v this_o image_n of_o himself_o upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o all_o man_n shall_v stand_v in_o awe_n of_o he_o but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n it_o 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we_o shall_v fear_v will_v do_v we_o as_o much_o harm_n as_o we_o can_v hope_v it_o will_v do_v we_o good_a which_o will_v be_v quid_fw-la pro_fw-la quo_fw-la and_o which_o our_o reason_n will_v oblige_v we_o to_o lay_v aside_o so_o soon_o as_o we_o have_v fancy_v it_o because_o it_o will_v signify_v just_a nothing_o but_o second_o suppose_v fear_v alone_o can_v do_v it_o how_o come_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o be_v subject_a to_o such_o groundless_a and_o unreasonable_a fear_n the_o aristotelian_a atheist_n will_v say_v it_o always_o be_v so_o but_o this_o be_v to_o affirm_v and_o not_o to_o give_v any_o account_n of_o a_o thing_n the_o epicurean_a atheist_n if_o he_o will_v speak_v consonant_o to_o himself_o must_v say_v that_o there_o happen_v in_o the_o original_a constitution_n of_o the_o first_o man_n such_o a_o contexture_n of_o atom_n as_o do_v natural_o dispose_v man_n to_o these_o panic_n fear_n unless_o he_o will_v say_v that_o the_o first_o man_n when_o they_o grow_v 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hell_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v high_o unreasonable_a for_o such_o a_o assurance_n of_o thing_n as_o will_v make_v man_n circumspect_a and_o careful_a to_o avoid_v a_o lesser_a dangér_n ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o awaken_v man_n much_o more_o to_o the_o avoid_n of_o a_o great_a such_o a_o assurance_n as_o will_v sharpen_v man_n desire_n and_o quicken_v their_o endeavour_n for_o the_o obtain_n of_o a_o lesser_a good_a ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o animate_v man_n more_o powerful_o and_o to_o inspire_v they_o with_o a_o great_a vigour_n and_o industry_n in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o that_o which_o be_v infinite_o great_a for_o why_o the_o same_o assurance_n shall_v not_o operate_v as_o well_o in_o a_o great_a danger_n as_o in_o a_o less_o in_o a_o great_a good_a as_o in_o a_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a one_o i_o can_v see_v no_o reason_n unless_o man_n will_v say_v that_o the_o greatness_n of_o a_o evil_a danger_n be_v a_o encouragement_n to_o man_n to_o run_v upon_o it_o and_o that_o the_o greatness_n of_o any_o good_a and_o happiness_n ought_v in_o reason_n to_o dishearten_v man_n from_o the_o pursuit_n of_o it_o and_o now_o i_o think_v i_o may_v with_o reason_n entreat_v such_o as_o be_v atheistical_o incline_v to_o consider_v these_o thing_n serious_o and_o impartial_o and_o if_o there_o be_v weight_n in_o these_o consideration_n which_o i_o have_v offer_v to_o they_o to_o sway_v with_o reasonable_a man_n i_o will_v beg_v of_o such_o that_o they_o will_v not_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v bias_v by_o prejudice_n or_o passion_n or_o the_o interest_n of_o any_o lust_n or_o worldly_a advantage_n to_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n first_o i_o will_v entreat_v they_o serious_o and_o diligent_o to_o consider_v these_o thing_n because_o they_o be_v of_o so_o great_a moment_n and_o concernment_n to_o every_o man_n if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n deserve_v our_o serious_a study_n and_o consideration_n these_o principle_n of_o religion_n do_v for_o what_o can_v import_v we_o more_o to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o than_o whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o not_o whether_o our_o soul_n shall_v perish_v with_o our_o body_n or_o be_v immortal_a and_o shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o and_o if_o so_o whether_o in_o that_o eternal_a state_n which_o remain_v for_o man_n after_o this_o life_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o ever_o according_a as_o they_o have_v demean_v themselves_o in_o this_o world_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o they_o be_v of_o infinite_a consequence_n to_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o high_o concern_v we_o to_o inquire_v diligent_o about_o they_o and_o to_o satisfy_v our_o mind_n concern_v they_o one_o way_n or_o other_o for_o these_o be_v not_o matter_n to_o be_v slight_o and_o superficial_o think_v upon_o much_o less_o as_o the_o way_n of_o atheistical_a man_n be_v to_o be_v play_v and_o jest_v withal_o there_o be_v no_o great_a argument_n of_o a_o light_n and_o inconsiderate_a person_n than_o profane_o to_o scoff_n at_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o that_o man_n have_v no_o regard_n to_o himself_o and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o touch_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o interest_n who_o love_v to_o be_v jest_v with_o edge_a tool_n and_o to_o play_v with_o life_n and_o death_n this_o be_v the_o very_a madman_n that_o solomon_n speak_v of_o 26.18_o prov._n 26.18_o who_o cast_v firebrand_n arrow_n and_o death_n and_o say_v be_o i_o not_o in_o sport_n to_o examine_v severe_o and_o debate_v serious_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o thing_n worthy_a of_o a_o wise_a man_n but_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v turn_v religion_n into_o raillery_n and_o think_v to_o confute_v it_o by_o two_o or_o three_o bold_a jest_n this_o man_n do_v not_o render_v religion_n but_o himself_o ridiculous_a in_o the_o opinion_n of_o all_o considerate_a man_n because_o he_o sport_n with_o his_o own_o life_n if_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a yet_o they_o concern_v we_o so_o near_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v serious_a in_o the_o examination_n of_o they_o and_o though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o clear_a and_o evident_a yet_o they_o may_v be_v make_v ridiculous_a by_o vain_a and_o frothy_a man_n as_o the_o grave_a and_o wise_a person_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v abuse_v by_o be_v put_v into_o a_o fool_n coat_n and_o the_o most_o noble_a and_o excellent_a poem_n may_v be_v debase_v and_o make_v vile_a by_o be_v turn_v into_o burlesque_fw-la but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v more_o large_o in_o my_o next_o discourse_n so_o that_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n that_o will_v not_o trifle_v away_o his_o soul_n and_o fool_n himself_o into_o irrecoverable_a misery_n with_o the_o great_a seriousness_n to_o inquire_v into_o these_o matter_n whether_o
they_o be_v so_o or_o not_o and_o patient_o to_o consider_v the_o argument_n which_o be_v bring_v for_o they_o for_o many_o have_v miscarry_v about_o these_o thing_n not_o because_o there_o be_v not_o reason_n and_o evidence_n enough_o for_o they_o but_o because_o they_o have_v not_o have_v patience_n enough_o to_o consider_v they_o second_o consider_v these_o thing_n impartial_o all_o wicked_a man_n be_v of_o a_o party_n against_o religion_n some_o lust_n or_o interest_n engage_v they_o against_o it_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o slight_v the_o strong_a argument_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v for_o it_o and_o to_o cry_v up_o very_o weak_a one_o against_o it_o man_n do_v general_o and_o without_o difficulty_n assent_v to_o mathematical_a truth_n because_o it_o be_v no_o body_n interest_n to_o deny_v they_o but_o man_n be_v slow_a to_o believe_v moral_a and_o divine_a truth_n because_o by_o their_o lust_n and_o interest_n they_o be_v prejudice_v against_o they_o and_o therefore_o you_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o more_o virtuous_o any_o man_n live_v and_o the_o less_o he_o be_v enslave_v to_o any_o lust_n the_o more_o ready_a he_o be_v to_o entertain_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n therefore_o when_o you_o be_v examine_v these_o matter_n do_v not_o take_v into_o consideration_n any_o sensual_a or_o worldly_a interest_n but_o deal_v clear_o and_o impartial_o with_o yourselves_o let_v not_o temporal_a and_o little_a advantage_n sway_v you_o against_o a_o great_a and_o more_o durable_a interest_n think_v thus_o with_o yourselves_o that_o you_o have_v not_o the_o make_n of_o thing_n true_a or_o false_a but_o that_o the_o truth_n and_o existence_n of_o thing_n be_v already_o fix_v and_o settle_v and_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v already_o either_o determinate_o true_a or_o false_a before_o you_o think_v of_o they_o either_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o there_o be_v not_o either_o your_o soul_n be_v immortal_a or_o 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that_o we_o may_v do_v as_o often_o as_o we_o please_v but_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o if_o then_o thou_o be_v as_o wise_a as_o thou_o ought_v to_o be_v thou_o will_v reason_v thus_o with_o thyself_o my_o high_a interest_n be_v not_o to_o be_v deceive_v about_o these_o matter_n therefore_o set_v aside_o all_o other_o consideration_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n and_o yield_v to_o that_o and_o now_o it_o be_v time_n to_o draw_v towards_o a_o conclusion_n of_o this_o long_a discourse_n and_o that_o which_o i_o have_v all_o this_o while_n be_v endeavour_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o and_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o be_v no_o other_o but_o what_o god_n himself_o do_v particular_o recommend_v to_o we_o as_o proper_a for_o humane_a consideration_n unto_o man_n he_o say_v behold_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n be_v understanding_n whoever_o pretend_v to_o reason_n and_o call_v himself_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o acknowledge_v god_n and_o to_o demean_v himself_o religious_o towards_o he_o for_o god_n be_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v to_o our_o eye_n the_o first_o and_o the_o plain_a and_o the_o most_o glorious_a object_n of_o it_o he_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o every_o thing_n in_o they_o do_v represent_v he_o to_o we_o which_o way_n soever_o we_o turn_v ourselves_o we_o be_v encounter_v with_o clear_a evidence_n and_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o a_o deity_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n reason_n 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 1._o rom._n 1._o be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o that_o they_o be_v without_o excuse_n that_o be_v those_o man_n that_o know_v not_o god_n have_v no_o apology_n to_o make_v for_o themselves_o or_o if_o man_n do_v know_v and_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o god_n not_o to_o consider_v the_o proper_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o principle_n not_o to_o demean_v ourselves_o towards_o he_o as_o become_v our_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o the_o duty_n which_o we_o natural_o owe_v he_o this_o be_v great_a stupidity_n and_o inconsiderateness_n and_o yet_o he_o that_o consider_v the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n will_v very_o think_v that_o they_o understand_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n represent_v wicked_a man_n as_o without_o understanding_n it_o be_v a_o nation_n void_a of_o counsel_n 14.4_o deut._n 32.28_o psal_n 14.4_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o understanding_n in_o they_o and_o elsewhere_o have_v all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n no_o knowledge_n not_o that_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o understanding_n but_o they_o do_v not_o use_v it_o as_o they_o ought_v they_o be_v not_o blind_a but_o they_o wink_v they_o detain_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o though_o they_o know_v god_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o glorify_v he_o as_o god_n nor_o suffer_v the_o apprehension_n of_o he_o to_o have_v a_o due_a influence_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n man_n general_o stand_v very_o much_o upon_o the_o credit_n and_o reputation_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n hate_v to_o be_v account_v fool_n because_o it_o be_v so_o great_a a_o reproach_n the_o best_a way_n to_o avoid_v this_o imputation_n and_o to_o bring_v off_o the_o credit_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v to_o be_v true_o religious_a to_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n for_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o such_o imprudent_a person_n as_o he_o that_o neglect_v god_n and_o his_o soul_n and_o be_v careless_a and_o slothful_a about_o his_o everlasting_a concernment_n because_o this_o man_n act_v contrary_a to_o his_o true_a reason_n and_o best_a interest_n he_o neglect_v his_o own_o safety_n and_o be_v active_a to_o procure_v his_o own_o ruin_n he_o fly_v from_o happiness_n and_o run_v away_o from_o it_o as_o fast_o as_o he_o can_v but_o pursue_v misery_n and_o make_v haste_n to_o be_v undo_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o solomon_n do_v all_o along_o in_o the_o proverb_n give_v the_o title_n of_o fool_n to_o a_o wicked_a man_n as_o if_o it_o be_v his_o proper_a name_n and_o the_o fit_a character_n of_o he_o because_o he_o be_v so_o eminent_o such_o there_o be_v no_o fool_n to_o the_o sinner_n who_o every_o moment_n venture_v his_o soul_n and_o lay_v his_o everlasting_a interest_n at_o the_o stake_n every_o time_n a_o man_n provoke_v god_n he_o do_v the_o great_a mischief_n to_o himself_o that_o can_v be_v imagine_v a_o mad_a man_n that_o cut_v himself_o and_o tear_n his_o own_o flesh_n and_o dash_v his_o head_n against_o the_o stone_n do_v not_o act_v so_o unreasonable_o as_o he_o because_o he_o be_v not_o so_o sensible_a of_o what_o he_o do_v wickedness_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o voluntary_a frenzy_n and_o a_o choose_a distraction_n and_o every_o sinner_n do_v wild_a and_o more_o extravagant_a thing_n than_o any_o man_n can_v do_v that_o be_v craze_v and_o out_o of_o his_o wit_n only_o with_o this_o sad_a difference_n that_o he_o know_v better_a what_o he_o do_v for_o to_o they_o who_o believe_v another_o life_n after_o this_o a_o eternal_a state_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n in_o another_o world_n which_o be_v but_o a_o reasonable_a postulatum_fw-la or_o demand_v among_o christian_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o mathematics_n more_o demonstrable_a than_o the_o folly_n of_o wicked_a man_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o clear_a and_o more_o evident_a principle_n that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o a_o
part_n than_o that_o eternity_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o time_n i_o will_v therefore_o put_v the_o matter_n into_o a_o temporal_a case_n that_o wicked_a man_n who_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o rule_n and_o principle_n of_o worldly_a wisdom_n may_v see_v the_o imprudence_n of_o a_o irreligious_a and_o sinful_a course_n and_o be_v convince_v that_o this_o their_o way_n be_v their_o folly_n even_o themselves_o be_v judge_n be_v that_o man_n wise_a as_o to_o his_o body_n and_o his_o health_n who_o only_o clothes_v his_o hand_n but_o leave_v his_o whole_a body_n naked_a who_o provide_v only_o against_o the_o toothache_n and_o neglect_v whole_a troop_n of_o mortal_a disease_n that_o be_v ready_a to_o rush_v in_o upon_o he_o just_o thus_o do_v he_o who_o take_v care_n only_o for_o this_o vile_a body_n but_o neglect_v his_o precious_a and_o immortal_a soul_n who_o be_v very_o solicitous_a to_o prevent_v small_a and_o temporal_a 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do_v himself_o a_o mischief_n but_o be_v dull_a and_o stupid_a as_o to_o the_o design_v of_o any_o real_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n to_o himself_o such_o a_o one_o be_v he_o who_o be_v ingenious_a in_o his_o call_v but_o a_o bad_a christian_a for_o christianity_n be_v more_o our_o proper_a call_n and_o profession_n than_o the_o very_a trade_n we_o live_v upon_o and_o such_o be_v every_o sinner_n who_o be_v wise_a to_o do_v evil_a but_o to_o do_v good_a have_v no_o understanding_n be_v it_o wisdom_n in_o any_o man_n to_o neglect_v and_o disoblige_v he_o who_o be_v his_o best_a friend_n and_o can_v be_v his_o sore_a enemy_n or_o with_o one_o weak_a troop_n to_o go_v out_o to_o meet_v he_o that_o come_v against_o he_o with_o thousand_o of_o thousand_o to_o fly_v a_o small_a danger_n and_o run_v upon_o a_o great_a thus_o do_v every_o wicked_a man_n that_o neglect_v and_o contemn_v god_n who_o can_v save_v or_o destroy_v he_o who_o strive_v with_o his_o maker_n and_o provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n and_o with_o the_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a force_n of_o a_o man_n take_v the_o field_n against_o the_o mighty_a god_n the_o lord_n of_o host_n who_o fear_v they_o that_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n but_o after_o that_o have_v no_o more_o that_o they_o can_v do_v but_o fear_v not_o he_o who_o after_o he_o have_v kill_v can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n and_o thus_o do_v he_o who_o for_o fear_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n venture_v to_o displease_v god_n for_o in_o so_o do_v he_o run_v away_o from_o man_n and_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o live_a god_n he_o fly_v from_o a_o temporal_a danger_n and_o leap_v into_o hell_n be_v not_o he_o a_o imprudent_a man_n who_o in_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o concernment_n neglect_v opportunity_n never_o to_o be_v retrieve_v who_o stand_v upon_o the_o shore_n and_o see_v the_o tide_n make_v haste_n towards_o he_o apace_o and_o that_o he_o have_v but_o a_o few_o minute_n to_o save_v himself_o yet_o will_v lay_v himself_o to_o sleep_v there_o till_o the_o cruel_a sea_n rush_v in_o upon_o he_o and_o overwhelm_v he_o and_o be_v he_o any_o better_a who_o trifle_n away_o this_o day_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o patience_n and_o foolish_o adjourn_v the_o necessary_a work_n of_o repentance_n and_o the_o weighty_a business_n of_o religion_n to_o a_o die_a hour_n and_o to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o these_o question_n be_v he_o wise_a who_o hope_v to_o attain_v the_o end_n without_o the_o mean_n nay_o by_o mean_n that_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o it_o such_o be_v every_o wicked_a man_n who_o hope_v to_o be_v bless_v hereafter_o without_o be_v holy_a here_o and_o to_o be_v happy_a that_o be_v to_o find_v a_o pleasure_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o company_n of_o holy_a spirit_n by_o render_v himself_o as_o unsuitable_a and_o unlike_a to_o they_o as_o he_o can_v will_v thou_o then_o be_v true_o wise_a be_v wise_a for_o thyself_o wise_a for_o thy_o soul_n wise_a for_o eternity_n resolve_v upon_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n fear_v god_n and_o depart_v from_o evil_n look_v beyond_o thing_n present_a and_o sensible_a unto_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v and_o be_v eternal_a labour_v to_o secure_v the_o great_a interest_n of_o another_o world_n and_o refer_v all_o the_o action_n of_o this_o short_a and_o die_a life_n to_o that_o state_n which_o will_v short_o begin_v but_o never_o have_v a_o end_n and_o this_o will_v approve_v itself_o to_o be_v wisdom_n at_o the_o last_o whatever_o the_o world_n judge_v of_o it_o now_o for_o not_o that_o which_o be_v approve_v of_o man_n now_o but_o what_o shall_v final_o be_v approve_v by_o god_n be_v true_a wisdom_n that_o which_o be_v esteem_v so_o by_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n and_o original_n of_o all_o wisdom_n the_o first_o rule_n and_o measure_n the_o best_a and_o most_o competent_a judge_n of_o it_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o those_o that_o be_v wicked_a and_o neglect_a religion_n may_v think_v themselves_o wise_a and_o may_v enjoy_v this_o their_o delusion_n for_o a_o while_n but_o there_o be_v a_o time_n a_o come_n when_o the_o most_o profane_a and_o atheistical_a who_o now_o account_v it_o a_o piece_n of_o gallantry_n and_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o great_a spirit_n and_o of_o a_o more_o than_o common_a wit_n and_o understanding_n to_o slight_a god_n and_o to_o baffle_v religion_n and_o to_o level_v all_o the_o discourse_n of_o another_o world_n with_o the_o poetical_a description_n of_o the_o fairy-land_n i_o say_v there_o be_v a_o day_n a_o come_n when_o all_o these_o witty_a fool_n shall_v be_v unhappy_o undeceive_v and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o enjoy_v their_o delusion_n any_o long_a shall_v call_v themselves_o fool_n for_o ever_o but_o why_o shall_v i_o use_v so_o much_o importunity_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o that_o which_o be_v so_o excellent_a so_o useful_a and_o so_o necessary_a the_o thing_n itself_o have_v allurement_n in_o it_o beyond_o all_o argument_n for_o if_o religion_n be_v the_o best_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n i_o can_v offer_v any_o thing_n beyond_o this_o to_o your_o understanding_n to_o raise_v your_o esteem_n of_o it_o i_o can_v present_v nothing_o beyond_o this_o to_o your_o affection_n to_o excite_v your_o love_n and_o desire_v all_o that_o can_v be_v do_v be_v to_o set_v the_o thing_n before_o man_n and_o to_o offer_v it_o to_o their_o choice_n and_o if_o man_n natural_a desire_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o happiness_n will_v not_o persuade_v they_o to_o be_v religious_a it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o use_v argument_n if_o the_o sight_n of_o these_o beauty_n will_v not_o charm_v man_n affection_n it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o go_v about_o to_o compel_v a_o like_n and_o to_o urge_v and_o push_v forward_o a_o match_n to_o the_o make_v whereof_o consent_n be_v necessary_a religion_n be_v matter_n of_o our_o free_a choice_n and_o if_o man_n will_v obstinate_o and_o wilful_o set_v themselves_o against_o it_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n pertinacioe_fw-mi nullum_fw-la remedium_fw-la posuit_fw-la deus_fw-la god_n have_v provide_v no_o remedy_n for_o the_o obstinacy_n of_o man_n but_o if_o they_o will_v choose_v to_o be_v fool_n and_o to_o be_v miserable_a he_o will_v leave_v they_o to_o inherit_v their_o own_o choice_n and_o to_o enjoy_v the_o portion_n of_o sinner_n 2_o pet._n three_o 3._o know_v this_o first_o that_o there_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n scoffer_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n know_v this_o first_o in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o apostle_n be_v speak_v of_o a_o famous_a prophecy_n before_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o which_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o he_o call_v scoffer_n shall_v come_v that_o you_o
to_o religion_n religion_n be_v against_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o set_v themselves_o against_o religion_n the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v terrible_a enemy_n to_o wicked_a man_n they_o be_v continnual_o fly_v in_o their_o face_n and_o gall_v their_o conscience_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v they_o kick_v against_o religion_n and_o spurn_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o holy_a book_n and_o this_o may_v probable_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o many_o man_n who_o be_v observe_v to_o be_v sufficient_o dull_a in_o other_o matter_n yet_o can_v talk_v profane_o and_o speak_v against_o religion_n with_o some_o kind_n of_o salt_n and_o smartness_n because_o religion_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o fret_v they_o and_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n so_o in_o this_o vexatio_fw-la that_fw-mi intellectum_fw-la the_o inward_a trouble_n and_o vexation_n of_o their_o mind_n give_v they_o some_o kind_n of_o wit_n and_o sharpness_n in_o rally_v upon_o religion_n their_o conscience_n be_v gall_v by_o it_o and_o this_o make_v they_o winch_v and_o fling_v as_o if_o they_o have_v some_o metal_n for_o let_v man_n pretend_v what_o they_o will_v there_o be_v no_o ease_n and_o comfort_n of_o mind_n to_o be_v have_v from_o atheistical_a principle_n it_o be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o none_o be_v more_o apprehensive_a of_o danger_n or_o more_o fearful_a of_o death_n than_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n even_o when_o they_o be_v in_o prosperity_n they_o ever_o and_o anon_o feel_v many_o inward_a sting_n and_o lash_n but_o when_o any_o great_a affliction_n or_o calamity_n overtake_v they_o they_o be_v the_o most_o poor_a spirit_a creature_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o sum_n be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o any_o man_n be_v a_o atheist_n be_v because_o he_o be_v a_o wicked_a man_n religion_n will_v curb_v he_o in_o his_o lust_n and_o therefore_o he_o cast_v it_o off_o and_o put_v all_o the_o scorn_n upon_o it_o he_o can_v beside_o that_o man_n think_v it_o some_o kind_n of_o apology_n for_o their_o vice_n that_o they_o do_v not_o act_v contrary_a to_o any_o principle_n they_o profess_v their_o practice_n be_v agreeable_a to_o what_o they_o pretend_v to_o believe_v and_o so_o they_o think_v to_o vindicate_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o practice_n by_o laugh_v at_o those_o for_o fool_n who_o believe_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a iii_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propound_v be_v to_o represent_v to_o you_o the_o heinousness_n and_o the_o aggravation_n of_o this_o vice_n and_o to_o make_v this_o out_o we_o will_v make_v these_o three_o supposition_n which_o be_v as_o many_o as_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v 1._o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v false_a 2._o suppose_v the_o matter_n be_v doubtful_a and_o the_o argument_n equal_a on_o both_o side_n 3._o suppose_v it_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a put_v the_o case_n how_o we_o will_v i_o shall_v show_v that_o the_o humour_n be_v intolerable_a i._o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v false_a not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o reason_n for_o such_o a_o supposition_n but_o only_o to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o humour_n put_v the_o case_n that_o these_o man_n be_v in_o the_o right_n in_o deny_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o all_o that_o they_o pretend_v be_v true_a yet_o so_o long_o as_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n believe_v the_o contrary_a it_o be_v certain_o a_o great_a rudeness_n or_o incivility_n at_o least_o to_o deride_v and_o scoff_n at_o these_o thing_n indeed_o upon_o this_o supposition_n there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o sin_n but_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a offence_n against_o the_o law_n of_o civil_a conversation_n suppose_v then_o the_o atheist_n be_v wise_a than_o all_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o do_v upon_o good_a ground_n know_v that_o all_o mankind_n beside_o himself_o and_o two_o or_o three_o more_o be_v mistake_v about_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v either_o so_o wise_a or_o so_o civil_a as_o he_o shall_v be_v he_o will_v keep_v all_o this_o to_o himself_o and_o not_o affront_v other_o man_n about_o these_o thing_n i_o remember_v that_o that_o law_n which_o god_n give_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n thou_o shall_v not_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o ruler_n of_o thy_o people_n be_v render_v by_o josephus_n in_o a_o very_a different_a sense_n what_o other_o nation_n account_v god_n let_v no_o man_n blaspheme_v and_o this_o be_v not_o so_o different_a from_o the_o hebrew_n as_o at_o first_o sight_n one_o will_v imagine_v for_o the_o same_o hebrew_n word_n signify_v both_o god_n and_o ruler_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o law_n or_o not_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o thing_n for_o though_o every_o man_n have_v a_o right_n in_o dispute_n against_o a_o false_a religion_n and_o to_o urge_v it_o with_o all_o its_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a consequence_n as_o the_o ancient_a father_n do_v in_o their_o dispute_n with_o the_o heathen_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o barbarous_a incivility_n for_o any_o man_n scurrilous_o to_o make_v sport_n with_o that_o which_o other_o account_v religion_n not_o with_o any_o design_n to_o convince_v their_o reason_n but_o only_o to_o provoke_v their_o rage_n but_o now_o the_o atheist_n can_v pretend_v no_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n why_o he_o shall_v so_o much_o as_o dispute_v against_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n much_o less_o deride_v they_o he_o that_o pretend_v to_o any_o religion_n may_v pretend_v conscience_n for_o oppose_v a_o contrary_a religion_n but_o he_o that_o deny_v all_o religion_n can_v pretend_v no_o conscience_n for_o any_o thing_n a_o man_n may_v be_v oblige_v indeed_o in_o reason_n and_o common_a humanity_n to_o free_v his_o neighbour_n from_o a_o hurtful_a error_n but_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o god_n this_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n have_v take_v such_o deep_a root_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o either_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extinguish_v or_o if_o they_o be_v it_o will_v be_v no_o kindness_n to_o any_o man_n to_o endeavour_v it_o for_o he_o because_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v but_o with_o so_o much_o trouble_v and_o violence_n that_o the_o remedy_n will_v be_v worse_o than_o the_o disease_n for_o if_o this_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v found_v in_o a_o natural_a fear_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o attempt_v to_o expel_v it_o for_o whatever_o violence_n may_v be_v offer_v to_o nature_n by_o endeavour_v to_o reason_n man_n into_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n nature_n will_v still_o recoil_v and_o at_o last_o return_n to_o itself_o and_o then_o the_o fear_n will_v be_v augment_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o dangerous_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o impiety_n so_o that_o nothing_o can_v create_v more_o trouble_n to_o a_o man_n than_o to_o endeavour_v to_o dispossess_v he_o of_o this_o conceit_n because_o nature_n be_v but_o irritate_v by_o the_o contest_v and_o the_o man_n fear_n will_v be_v double_v upon_o he_o but_o if_o we_o suppose_v this_o apprehension_n of_o a_o deity_n to_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o nature_n but_o to_o have_v have_v its_o rise_n from_o tradition_n which_o have_v be_v confirm_v in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o prejudice_n of_o education_n the_o difficulty_n of_o remove_v it_o will_v almost_o be_v as_o great_a as_o if_o it_o be_v natural_a that_o which_o man_n take_v in_o by_o education_n be_v next_o to_o that_o which_o be_v natural_a and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v extinguish_v yet_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o will_v not_o recompense_v the_o trouble_n of_o the_o cure_n for_o except_o the_o avoid_n of_o persecution_n for_o religion_n there_o be_v no_o advantage_n that_o the_o principle_n of_o atheism_n if_o they_o can_v be_v quiet_o settle_v in_o a_o man_n mind_n can_v give_v he_o the_o advantage_n indeed_o that_o man_n make_v of_o they_o be_v to_o give_v themselves_o the_o liberty_n to_o do_v what_o they_o please_v to_o be_v more_o sensual_a and_o more_o unjust_a than_o other_o man_n that_o be_v they_o have_v the_o privilege_n to_o surfeit_v themselves_o and_o to_o be_v sick_a often_o than_o other_o man_n and_o to_o malt_n mankind_n their_o enemy_n by_o their_o unjust_a and_o dishonest_a action_n and_o consequent_o to_o live_v more_o uneasy_o in_o the_o world_n than_o other_o man_n so_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o another_o life_n by_o oblige_v man_n to_o be_v virtuous_a do_v real_o promote_v their_o temporal_a happiness_n and_o all_o the_o privilege_n that_o atheism_n pretend_v
to_o be_v to_o let_v man_n loose_v to_o vice_n which_o be_v natural_o attend_v with_o temporal_a inconvenience_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a than_o the_o atheist_n can_v pretend_v this_o reason_n of_o charity_n to_o mankind_n which_o be_v the_o only_a one_o i_o can_v think_v of_o to_o dispute_v against_o religion_n much_o less_o to_o rally_v upon_o it_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o kindness_n to_o any_o man_n to_o be_v undeceive_v in_o these_o principle_n of_o religion_n suppose_v they_o be_v false_a because_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o hinder_v that_o they_o promote_v a_o man_n happiness_n even_o in_o this_o world_n and_o as_o to_o the_o other_o world_n there_o can_v be_v no_o inconvenience_n in_o the_o mistake_n for_o when_o a_o man_n be_v not_o it_o will_v be_v no_o trouble_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v once_o deceive_v about_o these_o matter_n and_o where_o no_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n nor_o of_o reason_n can_v be_v pretend_v there_o certal_o the_o law_n of_o civility_n ought_v to_o take_v place_n now_o man_n do_v profess_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a and_o to_o have_v a_o great_a veneration_n for_o these_o thing_n can_v there_o then_o be_v a_o great_a insolence_n than_o for_o a_o man_n when_o he_o come_v into_o company_n to_o rally_v and_o fall_v soul_n upon_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o he_o know_v the_o company_n have_v a_o reverence_n can_v one_o man_n offer_v a_o great_a affront_n to_o another_o than_o to_o expose_v to_o scorn_v he_o who_o he_o own_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v his_o best_a friend_n the_o patron_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o great_a benefactor_n he_o have_v in_o the_o world_n and_o do_v not_o every_o man_n that_o own_v a_o god_n say_v this_o of_o he_o but_o when_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n the_o rudeness_n be_v still_o the_o great_a so_o that_o whoever_o do_v open_o contemn_v god_n and_o religion_n do_v delinquere_fw-la in_o majestatem_fw-la populi_fw-la &_o humani_fw-la generis_fw-la '_o he_o do_v offend_v against_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o people_n and_o that_o reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o common_a apprehension_n of_o mankind_n whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o not_o which_o be_v the_o great_a incivility_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v this_o be_v the_o first_o consideration_n and_o it_o be_v the_o least_o that_o i_o have_v to_o urge_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o yet_o i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a upon_o it_o because_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o aught_o especial_o to_o prevail_v upon_o those_o who_o i_o be_o afraid_a be_v too_o often_o guilty_a of_o this_o vice_n i_o mean_v those_o who_o be_v of_o better_a breed_n because_o they_o pretend_v to_o understand_v the_o law_n of_o behaviour_n and_o the_o decency_n of_o conversation_n better_o than_o other_o man_n 2._o suppose_v it_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o not_o and_o whether_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a or_o not_o and_o that_o the_o argument_n be_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a folly_n to_o deride_v these_o thing_n and_o here_o i_o suppose_v as_o much_o as_o the_o atheist_n can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n pretend_v to_o for_o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o pretend_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n nor_o no_o life_n after_o this_o for_o these_o be_v pure_a negative_n be_v capable_a of_o no_o proof_n unless_o a_o man_n can_v show_v they_o to_o be_v plain_o impossible_a the_o utmost_a that_o be_v pretend_v be_v that_o the_o argument_n that_o be_v bring_v for_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v but_o if_o they_o be_v only_o probable_a so_o long_o as_o no_o argument_n be_v produce_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n but_o i_o will_v for_o the_o present_n suppose_v the_o probability_n equal_a on_o both_o side_n and_o upon_o this_o supposition_n i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o monstrous_a folly_n to_o deride_v these_o thing_n because_o though_o the_o argument_n on_o both_o side_n be_v equal_a yet_o the_o danger_n and_o hazard_n be_v infinite_o unequal_a if_o it_o prove_v true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n the_o religious_a man_n may_v be_v as_o happy_a in_o this_o world_n as_o the_o atheist_n nay_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n do_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n tend_v to_o make_v he_o happy_a because_o they_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o his_o mind_n and_o his_o conscience_n by_o this_o mean_n be_v free_v from_o many_o fearful_a gird_n and_o twinge_n which_o the_o atheist_n feel_v beside_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n do_v natural_o promote_v our_o temporal_a felicity_n it_o be_v more_o for_o a_o man_n health_n and_o more_o for_o his_o reputation_n and_o more_o for_o his_o advantage_n in_o all_o other_o worldly_a respect_n to_o lead_v a_o virtuous_a than_o a_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n and_o for_o the_o other_o world_n if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n the_o case_n of_o the_o religious_a man_n and_o the_o atheist_n will_v be_v alike_o because_o they_o will_v both_o be_v extinguish_v by_o death_n and_o insensible_a of_o any_o far_a happiness_n or_o misery_n but_o then_o if_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n shall_v prove_v true_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v transmit_v out_o of_o this_o world_n into_o the_o other_o there_o to_o receive_v the_o just_a reward_n of_o their_o action_n then_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o every_o man_n at_o first_o sight_n that_o the_o case_n of_o the_o religious_a man_n and_o the_o atheist_n must_v be_v vast_o different_a then_o where_o shall_v the_o wicked_a and_o the_o ungodly_a appear_v and_o what_o think_v we_o shall_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o those_o who_o have_v affront_v god_n and_o deride_v his_o word_n and_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v sacred_a and_o religious_a what_o can_v they_o expect_v but_o to_o be_v reject_v by_o he_o who_o they_o have_v renounce_v and_o to_o feel_v the_o terrible_a effect_n of_o that_o power_n and_o justice_n which_o they_o have_v despise_v so_o that_o though_o the_o argument_n on_o both_o side_n be_v equal_a yet_o the_o danger_n be_v not_o so_o on_o the_o one_o side_n there_o be_v none_o at_o all_o but_o it_o be_v infinite_a on_o the_o other_o and_o consequent_o it_o must_v be_v a_o monstrous_a folly_n for_o any_o man_n to_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o be_v or_o not_o and_o if_o they_o be_v of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v no_o jest_a matter_n 3._o suppose_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a then_o be_v it_o not_o only_o a_o heinous_a impiety_n but_o a_o perfect_a madness_n to_o scoff_n at_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a i_o have_v already_o in_o my_o former_a discourse_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v both_o from_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v and_o from_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o these_o principle_n of_o which_o universal_a consent_n no_o sufficient_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v unless_o they_o be_v true_a and_o suppose_v they_o be_v so_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o utmost_a pitch_n of_o impiety_n but_o the_o high_a flight_n of_o folly_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o deride_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v disobedient_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v a_o great_a contempt_n but_o to_o deny_v his_o be_v and_o to_o make_v sport_n with_o his_o word_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o render_v it_o ridiculous_a by_o turn_v the_o wise_a and_o weighty_a say_n of_o that_o holy_a book_n into_o raillery_n be_v a_o most_o direct_a affront_n to_o the_o god_n that_o be_v above_o thus_o the_o psalmist_n describe_v these_o atheistical_a person_n as_o level_v their_o blasphemy_n immediate_o against_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n they_o set_v their_o mouth_n against_o the_o heaven_n and_o their_o tongue_n walk_v through_o the_o earth_n they_o do_v mischief_n among_o man_n but_o the_o affront_n be_v immediate_o to_o god_n beside_o that_o this_o profane_a spirit_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o most_o incorrigible_a temper_n the_o wise_a man_n every_o where_o speak_v of_o the_o scorner_n as_o one_o of_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o sinner_n and_o hard_a to_o be_v reclaim_v because_o he_o despise_v instruction_n and_o mock_n at_o all_o the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o shall_v be_v reform_v and_o then_o be_v it_o not_o a_o most_o black_a and_o horrid_a ingratitude_n
thus_o to_o use_v the_o author_n of_o our_o being_n and_o the_o patron_n of_o our_o life_n to_o make_v a_o scorn_n of_o he_o that_o make_v we_o and_o to_o live_v in_o a_o open_a defiance_n of_o he_o in_o who_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o being_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o as_o it_o be_v a_o most_o heinous_a so_o it_o be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a impiety_n to_o despise_v he_o that_o can_v destroy_v we_o and_o to_o oppose_v he_o who_o be_v infinite_o more_o powerful_a than_o we_o be_v will_v you_o say_v the_o apostle_n provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n be_v you_o strong_a than_o he_o what_o gamaliel_n say_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o another_o case_n may_v with_o a_o little_a change_n be_v apply_v to_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a you_o can_v overthrow_v they_o therefore_o refrain_v from_o speak_v against_o these_o thing_n lest_o you_o be_v find_v fighter_n against_o god_n i_o will_v but_o add_v one_o thing_n more_o to_o show_v the_o folly_n of_o this_o profane_a temper_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o other_o sin_n so_o there_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o least_o temptation_n to_o it_o when_o the_o devil_n tempt_v man_n with_o riches_n or_o honour_n to_o ruin_v themselves_o he_o offer_v they_o some_o kind_n of_o consideration_n but_o the_o profane_a person_n serve_v the_o devil_n for_o nought_o and_o sin_n only_o for_o sin_n sake_n suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v tempt_v to_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o into_o the_o great_a danger_n for_o no_o other_o reward_n but_o the_o slender_a reputation_n of_o seem_v to_o say_v that_o witty_o which_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v say_v and_o what_o a_o folly_n be_v this_o for_o a_o man_n to_o offend_v his_o conscience_n to_o please_v his_o humour_n and_o only_o for_o his_o jest_n to_o lose_v two_o of_o the_o best_a friend_n he_o have_v in_o the_o world_n god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o upon_o this_o argument_n and_o now_o i_o beg_v your_o patience_n to_o apply_v what_o i_o have_v say_v to_o these_o three_o purpose_n 1._o to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o this_o impious_a and_o dangerous_a folly_n of_o profaneness_n which_o by_o some_o be_v miscall_v wit_n 2._o to_o caution_n man_n not_o to_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o religion_n because_o some_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o despise_v and_o deride_v it_o 3._o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o employ_v that_o reason_n and_o wit_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o to_o better_a and_o noble_a purpose_n in_o the_o service_n and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o god_n who_o have_v bestow_v these_o gift_n on_o man_n 1._o to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o this_o impious_a and_o dangerous_a folly_n i_o know_v not_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o some_o man_n have_v the_o fortune_n to_o be_v esteem_v wit_n only_o for_o jest_v out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n and_o for_o make_v bold_a to_o scoff_n at_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n reverence_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v account_v a_o wit_n for_o revile_v those_o in_o authority_n which_o be_v no_o more_o a_o argument_n of_o any_o man_n wit_n than_o it_o be_v of_o his_o discretion_n a_o wise_a man_n will_v not_o speak_v contemptuous_o of_o a_o great_a prince_n though_o he_o be_v out_o of_o his_o dominion_n because_o he_o remember_v that_o king_n have_v long_a hand_n and_o that_o their_o power_n and_o influence_n do_v many_o time_n reach_v a_o great_a way_n far_o than_o their_o direct_a authority_n but_o god_n be_v a_o great_a king_n and_o in_o his_o hand_n be_v all_o the_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n we_o can_v go_v no_o whither_o from_o his_o spirit_n nor_o can_v we_o flee_v from_o his_o presence_n wherever_o we_o be_v his_o eye_n see_v we_o and_o his_o right_a hand_n can_v reach_v we_o if_o man_n do_v true_o consult_v the_o interest_n either_o of_o their_o safety_n or_o reputation_n they_o will_v never_o exercise_v their_o wit_n in_o dangerous_a matter_n wit_n be_v a_o very_a commendable_a quality_n but_o then_o a_o wise_a man_n shall_v always_o have_v the_o keep_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o sharp_a weapon_n as_o apt_a for_o mischief_n as_o for_o good_a purpose_n if_o it_o be_v not_o well_o manage_v the_o proper_a use_n of_o it_o be_v to_o season_v conversation_n to_o represent_v what_o be_v praiseworthy_a to_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o to_o expose_v the_o vice_n and_o folly_n of_o man_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v in_o themselves_o true_o ridiculous_a but_o if_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o grave_a and_o most_o serious_a matter_n it_o then_o lose_v its_o commendation_n if_o any_o man_n think_v he_o abound_v in_o this_o quality_n and_o have_v wit_n to_o spare_v there_o be_v scope_n enough_o for_o it_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o religion_n and_o decency_n and_o when_o it_o transgress_v these_o it_o degenerate_v into_o insolence_n and_o impiety_n all_o wit_n which_o border_n upon_o profaneness_n and_o make_v bold_a with_o those_o thing_n to_o which_o the_o great_a reverence_n be_v due_a deserve_v to_o be_v brand_v for_o folly_n and_o if_o we_o will_v preserve_v ourselves_o from_o the_o infection_n of_o this_o vice_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n how_o we_o scoff_v at_o religion_n under_o any_o form_n lest_o insensible_o we_o derive_v some_o contempt_n upon_o religion_n itself_o and_o we_o must_v likewise_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o a_o slight_a and_o irreverent_a use_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o phrase_n and_o expression_n of_o the_o holy_a bible_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v upon_o every_o light_a occasion_n man_n will_v easy_o slide_v into_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o profaneness_n who_o be_v not_o careful_a to_o preserve_v a_o due_a reverence_n of_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a name_n of_o god_n and_o a_o awful_a regard_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n none_o so_o near_o dispose_v to_o scoff_v at_o religion_n as_o those_o who_o have_v accustom_v themselves_o to_o swear_v upon_o trifle_a occasion_n for_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o permit_v those_o who_o allow_v themselves_o in_o one_o degree_n of_o profaneness_n to_o proceed_v to_o another_o till_o at_o last_o they_o come_v to_o that_o height_n of_o impiety_n as_o to_o contemn_v all_o religion_n 2._o let_v no_o man_n think_v the_o worse_a of_o religion_n because_o some_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o despise_v and_o deride_v it_o for_o it_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o any_o person_n or_o thing_n to_o be_v laugh_v at_o but_o to_o deserve_v to_o be_v so_o the_o most_o grave_a and_o serious_a matter_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v abuse_v it_o be_v a_o know_v say_v of_o epictetus_n that_o every_o thing_n have_v two_o handle_n by_o which_o he_o mean_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o bad_a but_o a_o man_n may_v lay_v hold_n of_o something_o or_o other_o about_o it_o that_o will_v afford_v matter_n of_o excuse_n and_o extenuation_n nor_o nothing_o so_o excellent_a but_o a_o man_n may_v fasten_v upon_o something_o or_o other_o belong_v to_o it_o whereby_o to_o reduce_v it_o a_o sharp_a wit_n may_v find_v something_o in_o the_o wise_a man_n whereby_o to_o expose_v he_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o injudicious_a people_n the_o grave_a book_n that_o ever_o be_v write_v may_v be_v make_v ridiculous_a by_o apply_v the_o say_n of_o it_o to_o a_o foolish_a purpose_n for_o a_o jest_n may_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o any_o thing_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o less_o reverence_n for_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n or_o for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o idle_a and_o profane_a wit_n can_v break_v jest_n upon_o they_o nothing_o be_v so_o easy_a as_o to_o take_v particular_a phrase_n and_o expression_n out_o of_o the_o best_a book_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o abuse_v they_o by_o force_v a_o odd_a and_o ridiculous_a sense_n upon_o they_o but_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v think_v a_o good_a book_n foolish_a for_o this_o reason_n but_o the_o man_n that_o abuse_v it_o nor_o will_v he_o esteem_v that_o to_o which_o every_o thing_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v a_o just_a exception_n against_o any_o thing_n at_o this_o rate_n we_o must_v despise_v all_o thing_n but_o sure_o the_o better_a and_o the_o short_a way_n be_v to_o contemn_v those_o who_o will_v bring_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v worthy_a into_o contempt_n 3._o and_o last_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o employ_v that_o reason_n and_o wit_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o to_o better_a and_o noble_a purpose_n in_o the_o service_n and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o god_n who_o have_v
bestow_v these_o gift_n on_o man_n as_o aholiab_n and_o bezaleel_n do_v their_o mechanical_a skill_n in_o the_o adorn_v and_o beautify_v of_o god_n tabernacle_n for_o this_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o every_o thing_n to_o attain_v its_o true_a and_o propor_n end_n and_o the_o end_n of_o all_o those_o gift_n and_o endowment_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o be_v to_o glorify_v the_o giver_n here_o be_v subject_a enough_o to_o exercise_v the_o wit_n of_o man_n and_o angel_n to_o praise_v that_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o almighty_a power_n and_o exquisite_a wisdom_n which_o make_v we_o and_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o admire_v what_o we_o can_v never_o sufficient_o praise_v to_o vindicate_v the_o wise_a and_o just_a providence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o endeavour_v as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v upon_o a_o imperfect_a view_n of_o thing_n to_o make_v out_o the_o beauty_n and_o harmony_n of_o all_o the_o seem_a discord_n and_o irregularity_n of_o the_o divine_a administration_n to_o explain_v the_o oracle_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o to_o adore_v that_o great_a mystery_n of_o divine_a love_n which_o the_o angel_n better_a and_o noble_a creature_n than_o we_o be_v desire_v to_o pry_v into_o god_n send_v his_o only_a son_n into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n and_o to_o give_v his_o life_n a_o ransom_n for_o they_o these_o will_v be_v noble_a exercise_n indeed_o for_o the_o tongue_n and_o pen_n of_o the_o great_a wit_n and_o subject_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v the_o best_a trial_n of_o our_o ability_n in_o this_o kind_n satyr_n and_o invective_n be_v the_o easy_a kind_n of_o wit_n almost_o any_o degree_n of_o it_o will_v serve_v to_o abuse_v and_o find_v fault_n for_o wit_n be_v a_o keen_a instrument_n and_o every_o one_o can_v cut_v and_o gash_n with_o it_o but_o to_o carve_v a_o beautiful_a image_n and_o to_o polish_v it_o require_v great_a art_n and_o dexterity_n to_o praise_v any_o thing_n well_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o much_o more_o wit_n than_o to_o abuse_v a_o little_a wit_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o ill_a nature_n will_v furnish_v a_o man_n for_o satyr_n but_o the_o great_a instance_n of_o wit_n be_v to_o commend_v well_o and_o perhaps_o the_o best_a thing_n be_v the_o hard_a to_o be_v due_o commend_v for_o though_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o matter_n to_o work_v upon_o yet_o there_o be_v great_a judgement_n require_v to_o make_v choice_n and_o where_o the_o subject_n be_v great_a and_o excellent_a it_o be_v hard_a not_o to_o sink_v below_o the_o dignity_n of_o it_o this_o i_o say_v on_o purpose_n to_o recommend_v to_o man_n a_o noble_a exercise_n for_o their_o wit_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o put_v they_o out_o of_o conceit_n with_o that_o scoff_a humour_n which_o be_v so_o easy_a and_o so_o ill_o nature_a and_o be_v not_o only_o a_o enemy_n to_o religion_n but_o to_o every_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o worthy_a and_o i_o be_o very_o much_o mistake_v if_o the_o state_n as_o well_o as_o the_o church_n the_o civil_a government_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n do_v not_o in_o a_o short_a space_n find_v the_o intolerable_a inconvenience_n of_o this_o humour_n but_o i_o confine_v myself_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v sad_a indeed_o that_o in_o a_o nation_n profess_v christianity_n so_o horrid_a a_o impiety_n shall_v dare_v to_o appear_v but_o the_o scripture_n have_v foretell_v we_o that_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n shall_v arise_v in_o the_o gospel-age_n and_o they_o do_v appear_v even_o in_o the_o apostle_n day_n that_o which_o be_v more_o sad_a and_o strange_a be_v that_o we_o shall_v persist_v in_o this_o profaneness_n notwithstanding_o the_o terrible_a judgement_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v abroad_o in_o this_o nation_n god_n have_v of_o late_a year_n manifest_v himself_o in_o a_o very_a dreadful_a manner_n as_o if_o it_o be_v on_o purpose_n to_o give_v a_o check_n to_o this_o insolent_a impiety_n and_o now_o that_o those_o judgement_n have_v do_v no_o good_a upon_o we_o we_o may_v just_o fear_v that_o he_o will_v appear_v once_o for_o all_o and_o it_o be_v time_n for_o he_o to_o show_v himself_o when_o his_o very_a be_v be_v call_v in_o question_n and_o to_o come_v and_o judge_v the_o world_n when_o man_n begin_v to_o doubt_v whether_o he_o make_v it_o the_o scripture_n mention_n two_o thing_n as_o the_o forerunner_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o come_n to_o judgement_n infidelity_n and_o profane_a scoff_v at_o religion_n 18.8_o luke_n 18.8_o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v he_o find_v faith_n on_o the_o earth_n and_o st._n judas_n out_o of_o a_o ancient_a prophecy_n of_o enoch_n express_o mention_n this_o as_o one_o reason_n of_o the_o come_n of_o the_o lord_n to_o convince_v ungodly_a sinner_n of_o all_o their_o hard_a speech_n which_o they_o have_v speak_v against_o he_o for_o judas_n 15._o for_o and_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v a_o sign_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o come_n i_o wish_v that_o we_o in_o this_o age_n have_v not_o too_o much_o cause_n to_o apprehend_v the_o judge_n to_o be_v at_o the_o door_n this_o impiety_n do_v forerun_v the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n and_o if_o it_o hold_v on_o among_o we_o may_v not_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v that_o either_o the_o end_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v at_o hand_n or_o that_o some_o very_a dismal_a calamity_n great_a than_o any_o our_o eye_n have_v yet_o see_v do_v hang_v over_o we_o but_o i_o will_v fain_o hope_v that_o god_n have_v mercy_n still_o for_o we_o and_o that_o man_n will_v pity_v themselves_o and_o repent_v and_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o know_v in_o this_o their_o day_n the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o their_o peace_n which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n etc._n etc._n prov_n fourteen_o 34._o righteousness_n exalt_v a_o nation_n but_o sin_n be_v the_o reproach_n of_o any_o people_n one_o of_o the_o first_o principle_n that_o be_v plant_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o which_o lie_v at_o the_o very_a root_n and_o foundation_n of_o his_o be_v be_v the_o desire_n of_o his_o own_o preservation_n and_o happiness_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o every_o man_n be_v lead_v by_o interest_n and_o do_v love_n or_o hate_n choose_v or_o refuse_v thing_n according_a as_o he_o apprehend_v they_o to_o conduce_v to_o this_o end_n or_o to_o contradict_v it_o and_o because_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n be_v most_o present_a and_o sensible_a therefore_o humane_a nature_n which_o in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n be_v extreme_o sink_v down_o into_o sense_n be_v most_o powerful_o affect_v with_o sensible_a and_o temporal_a thing_n and_o consequent_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a prejudice_n raise_v against_o any_o thing_n than_o to_o have_v it_o represent_v as_o inconvenient_a and_o hurtful_a to_o our_o temporal_a interest_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o religion_n have_v extreme_o suffer_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o many_o as_o if_o it_o be_v opposite_a to_o our_o present_a welfare_n and_o do_v rob_v man_n of_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o convenience_n of_o life_n so_o that_o he_o that_o will_v do_v right_a to_o religion_n and_o make_v a_o ready_a way_n for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o it_o among_o man_n can_v take_v a_o more_o effectual_a course_n than_o by_o reconcile_a it_o with_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o by_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o our_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o enemy_n that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a friend_n to_o our_o temporal_a interest_n and_o that_o it_o do_v not_o only_o tend_v to_o make_v every_o man_n happy_a consider_v single_o and_o in_o a_o private_a capacity_n but_o be_v excellent_o fit_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o humane_a society_n how_o much_o religion_n tend_v even_o to_o the_o temporal_a advantage_n of_o private_a person_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o consider_v because_o my_o text_n lead_v i_o to_o discourse_v of_o the_o other_o namely_o to_o show_v how_o advantageous_a religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v to_o the_o public_a prosperity_n of_o a_o nation_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o aphorism_n of_o solomon_n righteousness_n exalt_v a_o nation_n etc._n etc._n and_o here_o i_o shall_v not_o restrain_v righteousness_n to_o the_o particular_a virtue_n of_o justice_n though_o in_o this_o sense_n also_o this_o say_n be_v most_o true_a but_o enlarge_v it_o according_a to_o the_o genius_n and_o strain_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o proverb_n in_o which_o the_o word_n wisdom_n and_o righteousness_n be_v common_o use_v very_o comprehensive_o so_o as_o to_o signify_v all_o religion_n and_o virtue_n and_o that_o
this_o word_n be_v so_o to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o text_n may_v appear_v far_o from_o the_o opposition_n of_o it_o to_o sin_n or_o vice_n in_o general_a righteousness_n exalt_v a_o nation_n but_o sin_n be_v the_o reproach_n of_o any_o people_n you_o see_v then_o what_o will_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o my_o present_a discourse_n namely_o that_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o public_a happiness_n and_o prosperity_n and_o though_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o have_v be_v universal_o acknowledge_v and_o long_o enough_o experience_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o because_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o age_n be_v to_o call_v every_o thing_n into_o question_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o satisfy_v man_n reason_n about_o it_o to_o which_o end_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o this_o truth_n 2._o to_o vindicate_v it_o from_o the_o pretence_n and_o insinuation_n of_o atheistical_a person_n i._o shall_v give_v you_o this_o twofold_a account_n of_o it_o 1._o from_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n 2._o from_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o the_o thing_n 1._o from_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n indeed_o as_o to_o particular_a person_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v many_o time_n promiscuous_o administer_v in_o this_o world_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v certain_o conclude_v god_n love_n or_o hatred_n to_o any_o person_n by_o any_o thing_n that_o befall_v he_o in_o this_o life_n but_o god_n do_v not_o deal_v thus_o with_o nation_n because_o public_a body_n and_o community_n of_o man_n as_o such_o can_v only_o be_v reward_v and_o punish_v in_o this_o world_n for_o in_o the_o next_o all_o those_o public_a society_n and_o combination_n wherein_o man_n be_v now_o link_v together_o under_o several_a government_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v god_n will_v not_o then_o reward_n or_o punish_v nation_n as_o nation_n but_o every_o man_n shall_v then_o give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n and_o receive_v his_o own_o reward_n and_o bear_v his_o own_o burden_n for_o although_o god_n account_v it_o no_o disparagement_n to_o his_o justice_n to_o let_v particular_a good_a man_n suffer_v in_o this_o world_n and_o pass_v through_o many_o tribulation_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n because_o there_o be_v another_o day_n a_o come_n which_o will_v be_v a_o more_o proper_a season_n of_o reward_n yet_o in_o the_o usual_a course_n of_o his_o providence_n he_o recompense_v religious_a and_o virtuous_a nation_n with_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o prosperity_n for_o which_o reason_n st._n austin_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o mighty_a success_n and_o long_a prosperity_n of_o the_o roman_n be_v a_o reward_n give_v they_o by_o god_n for_o their_o eminent_a justice_n and_o temperance_n and_o other_o virtue_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n god_n many_o time_n suffer_v the_o most_o grievous_a sin_n of_o particular_a person_n to_o go_v unpunished_a in_o this_o world_n because_o he_o know_v that_o his_o justice_n will_v have_v another_o and_o better_a opportunity_n to_o meet_v and_o reckon_v with_o they_o but_o the_o general_a and_o cry_a sin_n of_o a_o nation_n can_v hope_v to_o escape_v public_a judgement_n unless_o they_o be_v prevent_v by_o a_o general_a repentance_n god_n may_v defer_v his_o judgement_n for_o a_o time_n and_o give_v a_o people_n a_o long_a space_n of_o repentance_n he_o may_v stay_v till_o the_o iniquity_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v full_a but_o soon_o or_o late_a they_o have_v reason_n to_o expect_v his_o vengeance_n and_o usual_o the_o long_a punishment_n be_v delay_v it_o be_v the_o heavy_a when_o it_o come_v now_o all_o this_o be_v very_o reasonable_a because_n this_o world_n be_v the_o only_a season_n for_o national_a punishment_n and_o indeed_o they_o be_v in_o a_o great_a degree_n necessary_a for_o the_o present_a vindication_n of_o the_o honour_n and_o majesty_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o to_o give_v some_o check_n to_o the_o overflow_a of_o wickedness_n public_a judgement_n be_v the_o bank_n and_o shore_n upon_o which_o god_n break_v the_o insolency_n of_o sinner_n and_o stay_v their_o proud_a wave_n and_o though_o among_o man_n the_o multitude_n of_o offender_n be_v many_o time_n a_o cause_n of_o impunity_n because_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a government_n which_o be_v glad_a to_o spare_v where_o they_o be_v not_o strong_a enough_o to_o punish_v yet_o in_o the_o government_n of_o god_n thing_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o no_o combination_n of_o sinner_n be_v too_o hard_a for_o he_o and_o the_o great_a and_o more_o numerous_a the_o offender_n be_v the_o more_o his_o justice_n be_v concern_v to_o vindicate_v the_o affront_n however_o god_n may_v pass_v by_o single_a sinner_n in_o this_o world_n yet_o when_o a_o nation_n combine_v against_o he_o when_o hand_n join_v in_o hand_n the_o wicked_a shall_v not_o go_v unpunished_a this_o the_o scripture_n declare_v to_o be_v the_o settle_a course_n of_o god_n providence_n that_o a_o righteous_a nation_n shall_v be_v happy_a the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v peace_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o he_o use_v to_o shower_v down_o his_o judgement_n upon_o a_o wicked_a people_n he_o turn_v a_o fruitful_a land_n into_o barrenness_n for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o they_o that_o dwell_v therein_o and_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n have_v make_v this_o good_a all_o along_o the_o history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o find_v the_o interchangeable_a providence_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n always_o suit_v to_o their_o manner_n they_o be_v constant_o prosperous_a or_o afflict_a according_a as_o piety_n and_o virtue_n flourish_v or_o decline_v among_o they_o and_o god_n do_v not_o only_o exercise_v this_o providence_n towards_o his_o own_o people_n but_o he_o deal_v thus_o also_o with_o other_o nation_n the_o roman_a empire_n whilst_o the_o virtue_n of_o that_o people_n remain_v firm_a be_v strong_a as_o iron_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n but_o upon_o the_o dissolution_n of_o their_o manner_n the_o iron_n begin_v to_o be_v mix_v with_o miry_a clay_n and_o the_o foot_n upon_o which_o that_o empire_n stand_v to_o be_v break_v and_o though_o god_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o justice_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o precedent_n and_o we_o can_v argue_v from_o scripture_n example_n that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n towards_o other_o nation_n shall_v in_o all_o circumstance_n be_v conformable_a to_o his_o deal_n with_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n yet_o thus_o much_o may_v with_o great_a probability_n be_v collect_v from_o they_o that_o as_o god_n always_o bless_v that_o people_n while_o they_o be_v obedient_a to_o he_o and_o follow_v they_o with_o his_o judgement_n when_o they_o rebel_v against_o he_o so_o he_o will_v also_o deal_v with_o other_o nation_n because_o the_o reason_n of_o those_o dispensation_n as_o to_o the_o main_a and_o substance_n of_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v perpetual_a and_o found_v in_o that_o which_o can_v never_o change_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n 2_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o far_a appear_v from_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o every_o particular_a virtue_n do_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n conduce_v to_o the_o public_a interest_n religion_n wherever_o it_o be_v true_o plant_v be_v certain_o the_o great_a obligation_n upon_o conscience_n to_o all_o civil_a office_n and_o moral_a duty_n chastity_n and_o temperance_n and_o industry_n do_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n tend_v to_o health_n and_o plenty_n truth_n and_o fidelity_n in_o all_o our_o deal_n do_v create_v mutual_a love_n and_o goodwill_n and_o confidence_n among_o man_n which_o be_v the_o great_a band_n of_o peace_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a wickedness_n do_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n produce_v many_o public_a mischief_n for_o as_o sin_n be_v link_v together_o and_o draw_v on_o one_o another_o so_o almost_o every_o vice_n have_v some_o temporal_a inconvenience_n annex_v to_o it_o and_o natural_o follow_v it_o intemperance_n and_o lust_n breed_v infirmity_n and_o disease_n which_o be_v propagate_v spoil_v the_o strain_n of_o a_o nation_n idleness_n and_o luxury_n bring_v forth_o poverty_n and_o want_n and_o this_o tempt_v man_n to_o injustice_n and_o that_o cause_v enmity_n and_o animosity_n and_o these_o bring_v on_o strife_n and_o confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n this_o philosophical_a account_n of_o public_a trouble_n and_o confusion_n st._n james_n give_v we_o 4.1_o jam._n 4.1_o whence_o come_v war_n and_o fight_n among_o you_o be_v they_o not_o hence_o even_o from_o your_o lust_n that_o war_n in_o your_o member_n but_o i_o shall_v show_v more_o particular_o that_o religion_n and_o virtue_n do_v natural_o tend_v
to_o the_o good_a order_n and_o more_o easy_a government_n of_o humane_a society_n because_o they_o have_v a_o good_a influence_n both_o upon_o magistrate_n and_o subject_n 1._o upon_o magistrate_n religion_n teach_v they_o to_o rule_v over_o man_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n because_o though_o they_o be_v god_n on_o earth_n yet_o they_o be_v subject_n of_o heaven_n and_o accountable_a to_o he_o who_o be_v high_o than_o the_o high_a in_o this_o world_n religion_n in_o a_o magistrate_n strengthen_v his_o authority_n because_o it_o procure_v veneration_n and_o gain_v a_o reputation_n to_o it_o and_o in_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n so_o much_o reputation_n be_v real_o so_o much_o power_n we_o see_v that_o piety_n and_o virtue_n where_o they_o be_v find_v among_o man_n of_o low_a degree_n will_v command_v some_o reverence_n and_o respect_n but_o in_o person_n of_o eminent_a place_n and_o dignity_n they_o be_v seat_v to_o a_o great_a advantage_n so_o as_o to_o cast_v a_o lustre_n upon_o their_o very_a place_n and_o by_o a_o strong_a reflection_n to_o double_v the_o beam_n of_o majesty_n whereas_o impiety_n and_o vice_n do_v strange_o lessen_v greatness_n and_o do_v secret_o and_o unavoidable_o derive_v some_o weakness_n upon_o authority_n itself_o of_o this_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o a_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o david_n for_o among_o other_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o son_n of_o zurviah_n too_o hard_o for_o he_o this_o probable_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o that_o they_o be_v particular_o conscious_a to_o his_o crime_n 2._o religion_n have_v a_o good_a influence_n upon_o the_o people_n to_o make_v they_o obedient_a to_o government_n and_o peaceable_a one_o towards_o another_o 1._o to_o make_v they_o obedient_a to_o government_n and_o conformable_a to_o law_n and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o wrath_n and_o out_o of_o fear_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n which_o be_v but_o a_o weak_a and_o loof_o principle_n of_o obedience_n and_o will_v cease_v when_o ever_o man_n can_v rebel_v with_o safety_n and_o to_o advantage_n but_o out_o of_o conscience_n which_o be_v a_o firm_a and_o constant_a and_o last_a principle_n and_o will_v hold_v a_o man_n fast_o when_o all_o other_o obligation_n will_v break_v he_o that_o have_v entertain_v the_o true_a principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v tempt_v from_o his_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n by_o any_o worldly_a consideration_n because_o he_o believe_v that_o whatsoever_o resist_v authority_n resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o who_o resist_v shall_v receive_v to_o themselves_o damnation_n 2._o religion_n tend_v to_o make_v man_n peaceable_a one_o towards_o another_o for_o it_o endeavour_n to_o plant_v all_o those_o quality_n and_o disposition_n in_o man_n which_o tend_v to_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o to_o fill_v man_n with_o a_o spirit_n of_o universal_a love_n and_o good_a will_n it_o endeavour_v likewise_o to_o secure_v every_o man_n interest_n by_o command_v the_o observation_n of_o that_o great_a rule_n of_o equity_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 to_o they_o by_o enjoin_v that_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n be_v inviolable_o observe_v in_o all_o our_o word_n promise_n and_o contract_n and_o in_o order_n hereunto_o it_o require_v the_o extirpation_n of_o all_o those_o passion_n and_o vice_n which_o render_v man_n unsociable_a and_o troublesome_a to_o one_o another_o as_o pride_n covetousness_n and_o injustice_n hatred_n and_o revenge_n and_o cruelty_n and_o those_o likewise_o which_o be_v not_o so_o common_o repute_v vice_n as_o self-conceit_n and_o peremptoriness_n in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o opinion_n and_o all_o peevishness_n and_o incompliance_n of_o humour_n in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o indifferent_a and_o that_o these_o be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o true_a piety_n the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n every_o where_o teach_v we_o now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o religion_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o this_o temper_n thus_o to_o heal_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o to_o sweeten_v their_o spirit_n to_o correct_v their_o passion_n and_o to_o mortify_v all_o those_o lust_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o enmity_n and_o division_n than_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n it_o tend_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o that_o if_o man_n will_v but_o live_v as_o religion_n require_v they_o shall_v do_v the_o world_n will_v be_v a_o quiet_a habitation_n a_o most_o lovely_a and_o desirable_a place_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o now_o it_o be_v and_o indeed_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o the_o society_n of_o man_n be_v so_o full_a of_o tumult_n and_o disorder_n so_o troublesome_a and_o tempestuous_a be_v because_o there_o be_v so_o little_a of_o true_a religion_n among_o man_n so_o that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o some_o small_a remainder_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v yet_o leave_v scatter_v among_o mankind_n humane_a society_n will_v in_o a_o short_a space_n disband_v and_o run_v into_o confusion_n the_o earth_n will_v grow_v wild_a and_o become_v a_o great_a forest_n and_o mankind_n will_v become_v beast_n of_o prey_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o if_o this_o discourse_n hold_v true_a sure_o than_o one_o will_v think_v that_o virtue_n shall_v find_v itself_o a_o seat_n wherever_o humane_a society_n be_v and_o that_o religion_n shall_v be_v own_v and_o encourage_v in_o the_o world_n until_o man_n cease_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o reason_n ii_o i_o come_v to_o vindicate_v this_o truth_n from_o the_o insinuation_n and_o pretence_n of_o atheistical_a person_n i_o shall_v mention_v two_o 1._o that_o government_n may_v subsist_v well_o enough_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n 2._o that_o as_o for_o virtue_n and_o vice_n they_o be_v arbitrary_a thing_n 1._o that_o government_n may_v subsist_v well_o enough_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n or_o a_o state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n and_o this_o the_o atheist_n do_v and_o must_v assert_v otherwise_o he_o be_v by_o his_o own_o confession_n a_o declare_a enemy_n to_o government_n and_o unfit_a to_o live_v in_o humane_a society_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o though_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n do_v not_o believe_v any_o superior_a be_v nor_o any_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o there_o may_v be_v some_o kind_n of_o government_n keep_v up_o in_o the_o world_n for_o suppose_v man_n to_o have_v reason_n the_o necessity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o mischief_n of_o confusion_n will_v probable_o compel_v they_o into_o some_o kind_n of_o order_n but_o then_o i_o say_v withal_o that_o if_o these_o principle_n be_v banish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n government_n will_v be_v far_o more_o difficult_a than_o now_o it_o be_v because_o it_o will_v want_v its_o firm_a basis_n and_o foundation_n there_o will_v be_v infinite_o more_o disorder_n in_o the_o world_n if_o man_n be_v restrain_v from_o injustice_n and_o violence_n only_o by_o humane_a law_n and_o not_o by_o principle_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o dread_n of_o another_o world_n therefore_o magistrate_n have_v always_o think_v themselves_o concern_v to_o cherish_v religion_n and_o to_o maintain_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o another_o life_n nay_o that_o common_a suggestion_n of_o atheistical_a person_n that_o religion_n be_v at_o first_o a_o politic_a device_n and_o be_v still_o keep_v up_o in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o state-engine_n to_o awe_v man_n into_o obedience_n be_v a_o clear_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o usefulness_n of_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n and_o do_v as_o full_o contradict_v that_o pretence_n of_o they_o which_o i_o be_o now_o confute_v as_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v say_v 2._o that_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v arbitrary_a thing_n found_v only_o in_o the_o imagination_n of_o man_n and_o in_o the_o constitution_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n but_o not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o that_o that_o be_v virtue_n or_o vice_n good_a or_o evil_n which_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o a_o nation_n declare_v to_o be_v so_o and_o this_o be_v frequent_o and_o confident_o assert_v by_o the_o ingenious_a author_n of_o a_o very_a bad_a book_n i_o mean_v the_o leviathan_n now_o the_o proper_a way_n of_o answer_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v confident_o assert_v be_v to_o show_v the_o contrary_a namely_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o natural_a evil_n and_o deformity_n in_o they_o as_o perjury_n perfidiousness_n unrighteousness_n and_o ingratitude_n which_o be_v thing_n not_o only_o condemn_v by_o the_o positive_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o
particular_a nation_n and_o government_n but_o by_o the_o general_a verdict_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o that_o the_o virtue_n contrary_a to_o these_o have_v a_o natural_a goodness_n and_o comeliness_n in_o they_o and_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o common_a principle_n and_o sentiment_n of_o humanity_n and_o this_o will_n most_o evident_o appear_v by_o put_v this_o supposition_n suppose_v the_o reverse_n of_o all_o that_o which_o we_o now_o call_v virtue_n be_v solemn_o enact_v and_o the_o practice_n of_o fraud_n and_o rapine_n and_o perjury_n and_o falseness_n to_o a_o man_n word_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n be_v establish_v by_o a_o law_n i_o ask_v now_o if_o the_o case_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v thus_o alter_v will_v that_o which_o we_o now_o call_v vice_n in_o process_n of_o time_n gain_v the_o reputation_n of_o virtue_n and_o that_o which_o we_o now_o call_v virtue_n grow_v odious_a and_o contemptible_a to_o humane_a nature_n if_o it_o will_v not_o then_o be_v there_o something_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n which_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o authority_n nor_o be_v subject_n to_o any_o arbitrary_a constitution_n but_o that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v thus_o i_o be_o very_o certain_a because_o no_o government_n can_v subsist_v upon_o these_o term_n for_o the_o very_a enjoin_v of_o fraud_n and_o rapine_n and_o perjury_n and_o breach_n of_o trust_n do_v apparent_o destroy_v the_o great_a end_n of_o government_n which_o be_v to_o preserve_v man_n in_o their_o right_n against_o the_o encroachment_n of_o fraud_n and_o violence_n and_o this_o end_n be_v destroy_v humane_a society_n will_v present_o fly_v in_o piece_n and_o man_n will_v necessary_o fall_v into_o a_o state_n of_o war_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v not_o arbitrary_a thing_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a and_o immutable_a and_o eternal_a reason_n for_o that_o which_o we_o call_v goodness_n and_o virtue_n and_o against_o that_o which_o we_o call_v vice_n and_o wickedness_n thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o evidence_n and_o vindicate_v this_o truth_n i_o shall_v only_o draw_v a_o inference_n or_o two_o from_o this_o discourse_n and_o so_o conclude_v 1._o if_o this_o discourse_n be_v true_a than_o those_o who_o be_v in_o place_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v peculiar_o concern_v to_o maintain_v the_o honour_n of_o religion_n 2._o it_o concern_v every_o one_o to_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o 1._o magistrate_n be_v concern_v to_o maintain_v the_o honour_n of_o religion_n which_o do_v not_o only_o tend_v to_o every_o man_n future_a happiness_n but_o be_v the_o best_a instrument_n of_o civil_a government_n and_o of_o the_o temporal_a prosperity_n of_o a_o nation_n for_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o procure_v the_o private_a and_o public_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o restrain_v man_n from_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o will_v make_v they_o miserable_a and_o guilty_a to_o themselves_o unpeaceable_a and_o troublesome_a to_o the_o world_n religion_n have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o the_o felicity_n of_o man_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v uphold_v and_o the_o veneration_n of_o it_o maintain_v not_o only_o out_o of_o a_o just_a dread_n of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n in_o another_o world_n but_o out_o of_o regard_n to_o the_o temporal_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o man_n it_o will_v requite_v all_o the_o kindness_n and_o honour_n we_o can_v do_v it_o by_o the_o advantage_n it_o will_v bring_v to_o civil_a government_n and_o by_o the_o blessing_n it_o will_v draw_v down_o upon_o it_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o those_o that_o honour_v he_o he_o will_v honour_v and_o in_o the_o common_a course_n of_o his_o providence_n he_o usual_o make_v this_o good_a so_o that_o the_o civil_a authority_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n if_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n yet_o out_o of_o reason_n of_o state_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o all_o man_n be_v so_o pious_o dispose_v that_o religion_n by_o its_o own_o authority_n and_o the_o reasonable_a force_n of_o it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o establish_v its_o empire_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n will_v always_o make_v a_o strong_a opposition_n against_o it_o and_o therefore_o at_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n god_n be_v please_v to_o accompany_v it_o with_o a_o miraculous_a power_n but_o after_o it_o be_v plant_v this_o extraordinary_a power_n cease_v and_o god_n have_v now_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v maintain_v and_o support_v by_o more_o ordinary_a and_o humane_a way_n by_o the_o countenance_n of_o authority_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o law_n which_o be_v never_o more_o necessary_a than_o in_o this_o degenerate_a age_n which_o be_v prodigious_o sink_v into_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n and_o be_v run_v headlong_o into_o a_o humour_n of_o scoff_v at_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v sacred_a for_o some_o age_n before_o the_o reformation_n atheism_n be_v consign_v to_o italy_n and_o have_v its_o chief_a residence_n at_o rome_n all_o the_o mention_n that_o be_v of_o it_o in_o the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n that_o papist_n themselves_o give_v we_o in_o the_o life_n of_o their_o own_o pope_n and_o cardinal_n except_v two_o or_o three_o small_a philosopher_n that_o be_v retainer_n to_o that_o court._n so_o that_o this_o atheistical_a humour_n among_o christian_n be_v the_o spawn_n of_o the_o gross_a superstitious_a and_o corrupt_a manner_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o court_n and_o indeed_o nothing_o be_v more_o natural_a than_o for_o extreme_n in_o religion_n to_o beget_v one_o another_o like_o the_o vibration_n of_o a_o pendulum_fw-la which_o the_o more_o violent_o you_o swing_v it_o one_o way_n the_o far_o it_o will_v return_v the_o other_o but_o in_o the_o last_o age_n atheism_n travel_v over_o the_o alps_n and_o infect_v france_n and_o now_o of_o late_o it_o have_v cross_v the_o sea_n and_o invade_v our_o nation_n and_o have_v prevail_v to_o amazement_n for_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o there_o be_v any_o people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v general_o more_o indispose_v to_o it_o and_o can_v worse_o brook_v it_o seriousness_n and_o zeal_n in_o religion_n be_v almost_o the_o natural_a temper_n of_o the_o english_a so_o that_o nothing_o be_v to_o i_o matter_n of_o great_a wonder_n than_o that_o in_o a_o grave_n and_o sober_a nation_n profaneness_n shall_v ever_o come_v to_o gain_v so_o much_o ground_n and_o the_o best_a and_o the_o wise_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v make_v the_o scorn_n of_o fool_n for_o beside_o the_o profane_a and_o atheistical_a discourse_n about_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o the_o bold_a and_o senseless_a abuse_n of_o this_o sacred_a book_n the_o great_a instrument_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o be_v so_o frequent_a in_o the_o public_a place_n of_o resort_n i_o say_v beside_o these_o i_o speak_v it_o know_o a_o man_n can_v hardly_o pass_v the_o street_n without_o have_v his_o ear_n grate_v and_o pierce_v with_o such_o horrid_a and_o blasphemous_a oath_n and_o curse_n as_o be_v enough_o if_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o no_o other_o sin_n to_o sink_v a_o nation_n and_o this_o not_o only_o from_o the_o tribe_n that_o be_v livery_n but_o from_o those_o that_o go_v before_o they_o and_o shall_v give_v better_a example_n be_v it_o not_o then_o high_a time_n that_o the_o law_n shall_v provide_v by_o the_o most_o prudent_a and_o effectual_a mean_n to_o curb_v these_o bold_a and_o insolent_a defier_n of_o heaven_n who_o take_v a_o pride_n in_o be_v monster_n and_o boast_v themselves_o in_o the_o folly_n and_o deformity_n of_o humane_a nature_n the_o heathen_n will_v never_o suffer_v their_o god_n to_o be_v revile_v which_o yet_o be_v not_o go_n and_o shall_v it_o among_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v allow_v to_o any_o man_n to_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o he_o that_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o to_o breath_n out_o blasphemy_n against_o he_o who_o give_v we_o life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o thing_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o hypocrisy_n be_v a_o great_a wickedness_n and_o very_o odious_a to_o god_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n of_o so_o pernicious_a example_n as_o open_a profaneness_n hypocrisy_n be_v a_o more_o modest_a way_n of_o sin_v it_o show_v some_o reverence_n to_o religion_n and_o do_v so_o far_o own_o the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o as_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o deserve_v to_o be_v counterfeit_v whereas_o profaneness_n declare_v open_o against_o it_o and_o endeavour_n to_o make_v a_o party_n to_o drive_v it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n 2._o it_o concern_v every_o one_o to_o live_v
own_o nature_n conduce_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o health_n and_o the_o lengthen_v of_o our_o day_n such_o as_o temperance_n and_o chastity_n and_o moderation_n of_o our_o passion_n and_o the_o contrary_a vice_n to_o these_o do_v apparent_o tend_v to_o the_o impair_n of_o man_n health_n and_o the_o shorten_n of_o their_o day_n how_o many_o have_v waste_v and_o consume_v their_o body_n by_o lust_n and_o bring_v grievous_a pain_n and_o mortal_a disease_n upon_o themselves_o see_v how_o the_o wise_a man_n describe_v the_o sad_a consequence_n of_o this_o sin_n he_o go_v as_o a_o ox_n to_o the_o slaughter_n till_o a_o dart_n strike_v through_o his_o liver_n 23._o prov._n 7.22_o 23._o as_o a_o bird_n hasten_v to_o the_o snare_n and_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v for_o his_o life_n and_o v._o 25_o 26_o 27._o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n decline_v to_o her_o way_n go_v not_o astray_o in_o her_o path_n for_o she_o have_v cast_v down_o many_o wound_a yea_o many_o young_a man_n have_v be_v slay_v by_o she_o her_o house_n be_v the_o way_n to_o hell_n that_o be_v to_o the_o grave_n go_v down_o to_o the_o chamber_n of_o death_n how_o many_o have_v be_v ruin_v by_o intemperance_n and_o excess_n and_o most_o unnatural_o have_v pervert_v those_o blessing_n which_o god_n have_v give_v for_o the_o support_n of_o nature_n to_o the_o overthrow_n and_o destruction_n of_o it_o how_o often_o have_v man_n malice_n and_o envy_n and_o discontent_n against_o other_o terminate_v in_o a_o cruel_a revenge_n upon_o themselves_o how_o many_o by_o the_o wild_a fury_n and_o extravagancy_n of_o their_o own_o passion_n have_v put_v their_o body_n into_o a_o combustion_n and_o fire_v their_o spirit_n and_o by_o stir_v up_o their_o rage_n and_o choler_n against_o other_o have_v arm_v that_o fierce_a humour_n against_o themselves_o 2._o as_o to_o our_o estate_n religion_n be_v likewise_o a_o mighty_a advantage_n to_o man_n in_o that_o respect_n not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n more_o especial_a providence_n and_o peculiar_a blessing_n which_o usual_o attend_v good_a man_n in_o their_o undertake_n and_o crown_n they_o with_o good_a success_n but_o also_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o expression_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n concern_v the_o temporal_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o wisdom_n or_o religion_n 3.16_o pro._n 3.16_o in_o her_o left_a hand_n be_v riches_n and_o honour_n 8.21_o pro._n 8.21_o they_o that_o love_v i_o shall_v inherit_v substance_n and_o i_o will_v fill_v their_o treasure_n and_o this_o religion_n principal_o do_v by_o charge_v man_n with_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n and_o justice_n in_o their_o deal_n which_o be_v a_o sure_a way_n of_o thrive_a and_o will_v hold_v out_o when_o all_o fraudulent_a art_n and_o device_n will_v fail_v and_o this_o also_o solomon_n observe_v to_o we_o he_o that_o walk_v upright_o walk_v sure_o 10.9_o pro._n 10.9_o but_o he_o that_o pervert_v his_o way_n shall_v be_v know_v his_o indirect_a deal_n will_v be_v discover_v one_o time_n or_o other_o and_o then_o lose_v his_o reputation_n and_o his_o interest_n sink_v falshood_n and_o deceit_n only_o serve_v a_o present_a turn_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o they_o be_v pernicious_a but_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n be_v of_o last_a advantage_n 10.5_o pro._n 10.5_o the_o righteous_a have_v a_o everlasting_a foundation_n 12.19_o prov._n 12.19_o the_o lip_n of_o truth_n be_v establish_v for_o ever_o but_o a_o lie_a tongue_n be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n and_o religion_n do_v likewise_o engage_v man_n to_o diligence_n and_o industry_n in_o their_o calling_n and_o how_o much_o this_o conduce_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o man_n fortune_n daily_a experience_n teach_v and_o the_o wiseman_n have_v tell_v we_o the_o diligent_a hand_n make_v rich_a 10.4_o prov._n 10.4_o and_o again_o see_v thou_o a_o man_n diligent_a in_o business_n he_o shall_v stand_v before_o prince_n 22.19_o prov._n 22.19_o he_o shall_v not_o stand_v before_o mean_a person_n and_o where_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o difficult_a circumstance_n of_o their_o condition_n can_v arrive_v to_o any_o eminency_n of_o estate_n yet_o religion_n make_v a_o compensation_n for_o this_o by_o teach_v man_n to_o be_v content_v with_o that_o moderate_a and_o competent_a fortune_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o for_o the_o short_a way_n to_o be_v rich_a be_v not_o by_o enlarge_n our_o estate_n but_o by_o contract_v our_o desire_n what_o seneca_n say_v of_o philosophy_n be_v much_o more_o true_a of_o religion_n praestat_fw-la opes_fw-la sapientia_fw-la quas_fw-la cuicunque_fw-la fecit_fw-la supervacuas_fw-la dedit_fw-la it_o make_v all_o those_o rich_a to_o who_o it_o make_v riches_n superfluous_a and_o they_o be_v so_o to_o those_o who_o be_v teach_v by_o religion_n to_o be_v content_v with_o such_o a_o portion_n of_o they_o as_o god_n providence_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o allot_v to_o they_o 3._o as_o to_o our_o reputation_n there_o be_v nothing_o give_v a_o man_n a_o more_o firm_a and_o establish_a reputation_n among_o wise_a and_o serious_a person_n who_o judgement_n be_v only_o valuable_a than_o a_o prudent_a and_o substantial_a piety_n this_o do_v many_o time_n command_v reverence_n and_o esteem_v from_o the_o worse_a sort_n of_o man_n and_o such_o as_o be_v no_o great_a friend_n to_o religion_n and_o sometime_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n will_v extort_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o its_o excellency_n even_o from_o its_o great_a enemy_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o good_a man_n may_v and_o often_o do_v blemish_v the_o reputation_n of_o their_o piety_n by_o overacting_a some_o thing_n in_o religion_n by_o a_o indiscreet_a zeal_n about_o thing_n wherein_o religion_n be_v not_o concern_v by_o a_o ungrateful_a austerity_n and_o sourness_n which_o religion_n do_v not_o require_v by_o little_a affectation_n and_o a_o imprudent_a ostentation_n of_o devotion_n but_o a_o substantial_a and_o solid_a a_o discreet_a and_o unaffected_a piety_n which_o make_v no_o great_a noise_n and_o show_v but_o express_v itself_o in_o a_o constant_a and_o serious_a devotion_n and_o be_v accompany_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o goodness_n and_o kindness_n and_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n will_v not_o only_o give_v a_o man_n a_o credit_n and_o value_n among_o the_o sober_a and_o the_o virtuous_a but_o even_o among_o the_o vicious_a and_o more_o degenerate_a sort_n of_o man_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n advise_v christian_n if_o they_o will_v recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n and_o man_n earnest_o to_o mind_v the_o weighty_a and_o substantial_a part_n of_o religion_n let_v not_o then_o your_o good_a be_v evil_o speak_v of_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o be_v some_o person_n of_o so_o profligate_v a_o temper_n and_o of_o such_o a_o inveterate_a enmity_n to_o all_o goodness_n as_o to_o scorn_v and_o reproach_n even_o religion_n and_o virtue_n itself_o but_o the_o reproach_n of_o such_o person_n do_v not_o real_o wound_v a_o man_n reputation_n for_o why_o shall_v any_o man_n be_v trouble_v at_o the_o contumely_n of_o those_o who_o judgement_n deserve_v not_o to_o be_v value_v who_o despise_v goodness_n and_o good_a man_n out_o of_o malice_n and_o ignorance_n if_o these_o reproach_n which_o they_o cast_v upon_o they_o be_v the_o censure_n of_o wise_a and_o sober_a man_n a_o man_n reputation_n may_v be_v concern_v in_o they_o but_o they_o be_v the_o rash_a word_n of_o inconsiderate_a and_o injudicious_a man_n the_o extravagant_a speech_n of_o those_o who_o be_v unexperienced_a in_o the_o thing_n they_o speak_v against_o and_o therefore_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v trouble_v at_o they_o or_o think_v either_o religion_n or_o himself_o disparage_v by_o they_o 4._o as_o to_o our_o relation_n religion_n also_o conduce_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o these_o as_o it_o derive_v a_o large_a and_o extensive_a blessing_n upon_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o we_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v so_o diffusive_a as_o to_o scatter_v his_o blessing_n round_o about_o the_o habitation_n of_o the_o just_a and_o to_o show_v mercy_n unto_o thousand_o of_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n so_o david_n tell_v we_o 3._o psal_n 112.1_o 2_o 3._o bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o delight_v great_o in_o his_o commandment_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v mighty_a upon_o earth_n the_o generation_n of_o the_o upright_o shall_v be_v bless_v wealth_n and_o riches_n be_v in_o his_o house_n and_o his_o righteousness_n endure_v for_o ever_o 13.22_o prov._n 13.22_o and_o so_o solomon_n
religious_a and_o holy_a life_n do_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n conduce_v to_o our_o future_a happiness_n by_o way_n of_o necessary_a disposition_n and_o preparation_n of_o we_o for_o it_o we_o can_v be_v otherwise_o happy_a but_o by_o our_o conformity_n to_o god_n without_o this_o we_o can_v possible_o love_v he_o nor_o find_v any_o pleasure_n or_o happiness_n in_o communion_n with_o he_o for_o we_o can_v love_v a_o nature_n contrary_n to_o our_o own_o nor_o delight_n to_o converse_v with_o it_o therefore_o religion_n in_o order_n to_o the_o fit_v of_o we_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n do_v design_n to_o mortify_v our_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o to_o restrain_v we_o from_o the_o inordinate_a love_n of_o the_o gross_a and_o sensual_a delight_n of_o this_o world_n to_o call_v off_o our_o mind_n from_o these_o inferior_a thing_n and_o to_o raise_v they_o to_o high_a and_o more_o spiritual_a object_n that_o we_o may_v be_v dispose_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o teach_v not_o to_o relish_v the_o delight_n of_o it_o whereas_o shall_v we_o set_v our_o heart_n only_o upon_o these_o thing_n and_o be_v able_a to_o taste_v no_o pleasure_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v sensual_a and_o earthly_a we_o must_v needs_o be_v extreme_o miserable_a when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n because_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o nothing_o to_o entertain_v ourselves_o withal_o no_o employment_n suitable_a to_o our_o disposition_n no_o pleasure_n that_o will_v agree_v with_o our_o deprave_a appetite_n and_o vicious_a inclination_n all_o that_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n signify_v be_v unsuitable_a to_o a_o wicked_a man_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v no_o felicity_n to_o he_o but_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v more_o full_o to_o in_o my_o last_o discourse_n from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o religion_n clear_o appear_v which_o tend_v so_o direct_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n and_o be_v upon_o all_o account_v calculate_v for_o our_o benefit_n let_v but_o all_o thing_n be_v true_o consider_v and_o cast_v up_o and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o there_o be_v no_o advantage_n to_o any_o man_n from_o a_o irreligious_a and_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n i_o challenge_v any_o one_o to_o instance_n in_o any_o real_a benefit_n that_o ever_o come_v to_o he_o this_o way_n let_v the_o sinner_n declare_v what_o he_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n have_v lewdness_n and_o intemperance_n be_v more_o for_o his_o health_n than_o if_o he_o have_v live_v chaste_o and_o sober_o have_v falsehood_n and_o injustice_n prove_v at_o the_o long_o run_v more_o for_o the_o advancement_n and_o security_n of_o his_o estate_n than_o truth_n and_o honesty_n will_v have_v do_v have_v any_o vice_n that_o he_o have_v live_v in_o make_v he_o more_o true_a friend_n and_o gain_v he_o a_o better_a reputation_n in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n will_v have_v do_v have_v he_o find_v that_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n in_o a_o evil_a course_n and_o that_o quiet_a enjoyment_n of_o himself_o and_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o good_a hope_n of_o his_o future_a condition_n which_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a life_n will_v have_v not_o some_o of_o his_o vice_n weaken_a his_o body_n and_o break_a his_o health_n have_v not_o other_o dissipate_v his_o estate_n and_o reduce_v he_o to_o want_v what_o notorious_a vice_n be_v there_o that_o do_v not_o blemish_v a_o man_n reputation_n and_o make_v he_o either_o hate_v or_o despise_v and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o the_o wise_a and_o the_o virtuous_a but_o even_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n but_o be_v ever_o any_o wicked_a man_n free_a from_o the_o sting_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o the_o torment_n of_o a_o restless_a and_o uneasy_a mind_n from_o the_o secret_a dread_n of_o divine_a displeasure_n and_o of_o the_o vengeance_n of_o another_o world_n let_v the_o sinner_n free_o speak_v the_o very_a inward_a sense_n of_o his_o soul_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o spare_v not_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o if_o he_o will_v deal_v clear_o and_o impartial_o but_o that_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v all_o this_o to_o be_v true_a and_o be_v able_a to_o confirm_v it_o from_o his_o own_o sad_a experience_n for_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a fruit_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o present_a revenge_n which_o it_o take_v upon_o sinner_n beside_o that_o fearful_a punishment_n which_o shall_v be_v inflict_v on_o they_o in_o another_o life_n what_o reason_n then_o can_v any_o man_n pretend_v against_o religion_n when_o it_o be_v so_o apparent_o for_o the_o benefit_n not_o only_o of_o humane_a society_n but_o of_o every_o particular_a person_n when_o there_o be_v no_o real_a interest_n of_o this_o world_n but_o may_v ordinary_o be_v as_o effectual_o promote_v and_o pursue_v no_o as_o great_a advantage_n nay_o usual_o to_o far_o great_a by_o a_o man_n that_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o the_o world_n than_o by_o any_o one_o that_o lead_v the_o contrary_a course_n of_o life_n let_v no_o man_n then_o say_v with_o those_o profane_a person_n who_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o 3.14_o mal._n 3.14_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o serve_v the_o lord_n and_o what_o profit_n be_v it_o that_o we_o have_v keep_v his_o commandment_n god_n have_v not_o be_v so_o hard_a a_o master_n to_o we_o that_o we_o have_v reason_n thus_o to_o complain_v of_o he_o he_o have_v give_v we_o no_o law_n but_o what_o be_v for_o our_o good_a nay_o so_o gracious_a have_v he_o be_v to_o we_o as_o to_o link_v together_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o interest_n and_o to_o make_v those_o very_a thing_n the_o instance_n of_o our_o obedience_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a mean_n and_o cause_n of_o our_o happiness_n the_o devil_n be_v so_o far_o in_o the_o right_n when_o he_o charge_v job_n that_o he_o do_v not_o serve_v god_n for_o nought_o it_o be_v he_o himself_o that_o be_v the_o hard_a master_n and_o make_v man_n serve_v he_o for_o nought_o who_o reward_v his_o drudge_n and_o slave_n with_o nothing_o but_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n and_o misery_n but_o god_n require_v no_o man_n service_n upon_o hard_a and_o unreasonable_a term_n the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o work_n be_v a_o present_a reward_n to_o itself_o and_o for_o whatever_o else_o we_o do_v or_o suffer_v for_o he_o he_o offer_v we_o abundant_a consideration_n and_o if_o man_n do_v but_o true_o and_o wise_o love_v themselves_o they_o will_v upon_o this_o very_a ground_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o become_v religious_a for_o when_o all_o be_v do_v there_o be_v no_o man_n can_v serve_v his_o own_o interest_n better_o than_o by_o serve_v god_n religion_n conduce_v both_o to_o our_o present_a and_o future_a happiness_n and_o when_o the_o gospel_n charge_v we_o with_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o justice_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n and_o temperance_n and_o chastity_n in_o reference_n to_o ourselves_o the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o these_o law_n be_v this_o god_n require_v of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n that_o they_o shall_v do_v those_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o their_o temporal_a welfare_n that_o be_v in_o plain_a word_n he_o promise_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a for_o ever_o upon_o condition_n that_o we_o will_v but_o do_v that_o which_o be_v best_a for_o ourselves_o in_o this_o world_n to_o conclude_v religion_n be_v found_v in_o the_o interest_n of_o man_n right_o apprehend_v so_o that_o if_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n do_v not_o blind_a their_o eye_n so_o as_o to_o render_v they_o unfit_a to_o discern_v their_o true_a interest_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a so_o long_o as_o man_n love_v themse_n ve_z and_o desire_v their_o own_o happiness_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o be_v religious_a for_o they_o can_v not_o but_o conclude_v that_o to_o be_v their_o interest_n and_o be_v so_o convince_v they_o will_v resolve_v to_o pursue_v it_o and_o stick_v to_o it_o phil._n iii_o 8._o yea_o doubtless_o and_o i_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o chapter_n the_o apostle_n make_v a_o comparison_n between_o the_o jewish_a and_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o show_v the_o christian_n to_o be_v in_o truth_n and_o substance_n what_o the_o jewish_a be_v only_o in_o type_n and_o shadow_n v._o 3._o we_o be_v the_o circumcision_n which_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o he_o enumerate_v the_o several_a privilege_n he_o be_v partaker_n of_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n v._o 4_o 5_o 6._o though_o i_o may_v
also_o have_v confidence_n in_o the_o flesh_n if_o any_o other_o man_n think_v that_o he_o have_v whereof_o he_o may_v trust_v in_o the_o flesh_n i_o more_o circumcise_v the_o eight_o day_n of_o the_o stock_n of_o israel_n etc._n etc._n and_o yet_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o be_v content_v to_o forgo_v all_o these_o advantage_n for_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a religion_n v._o 7._o but_o what_o thing_n be_v gain_v to_o i_o those_o i_o count_v loss_n for_o christ_n and_o not_o only_o these_o but_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n else_o that_o man_n value_v in_o this_o world_n he_o be_v willing_a to_o hazard_v that_o also_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n v._o 8._o yea_o doubtless_o and_o i_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n in_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n declare_v the_o high_a esteem_n he_o have_v for_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o he_o call_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n his_o lord_n the_o excellency_n whereof_o appear_v so_o great_a to_o he_o that_o he_o value_v nothing_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o advantage_n which_o he_o have_v by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o my_o design_n at_o this_o time_n from_o this_o text_n be_v to_o represent_v the_o excellency_n of_o this_o knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n above_o that_o of_o any_o other_o religion_n or_o institution_n in_o the_o world_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v not_o consider_v the_o external_a evidence_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o of_o the_o divinity_n of_o its_o doctrine_n in_o which_o respect_n it_o have_v incomparable_o the_o advantage_n of_o any_o other_o religion_n but_o only_o the_o internal_a excellency_n of_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o abstract_v from_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o it_o and_o that_o in_o these_o four_o respect_n first_o as_o it_o do_v more_o clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n second_o as_o it_o give_v we_o a_o more_o certain_a and_o perfect_a law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n three_o as_o it_o propound_v to_o we_o more_o powerful_a argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o this_o law_n four_o as_o it_o furnish_v we_o with_o better_a motive_n and_o consideration_n to_o patience_n and_o contentedness_n under_o the_o evil_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o life_n now_o these_o be_v the_o great_a advantage_n that_o any_o religion_n can_v have_v to_o give_v man_n right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n a_o perfect_a rule_n of_o good_a â—ife_n and_o efficacious_a argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o be_v good_a and_o patient_o to_o bear_v the_o evil_n and_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n and_o these_o shall_v be_v the_o head_n of_o my_o follow_a discourse_n i._o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v more_o clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n than_o any_o religion_n ever_o do_v and_o to_o have_v right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n for_o according_a as_o man_n notion_n of_o god_n be_v such_o will_v their_o religion_n be_v if_o man_n have_v gross_a and_o false_a conception_n of_o god_n their_o religion_n will_v be_v absurd_a and_o superstitious_a if_o man_n fancy_n god_n to_o be_v a_o ill-natured_a be_v arm_v with_o infinite_a power_n one_o that_o delight_v in_o the_o misery_n and_o ruin_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o take_v all_o advantage_n against_o they_o they_o may_v fear_v he_o but_o they_o will_v bate_v he_o and_o they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o be_v such_o towards_o one_o another_o as_o they_o fancy_n god_n to_o be_v towards_o they_o for_o all_o religion_n do_v natural_o incline_v man_n to_o imitate_v he_o who_o they_o worship_v now_o the_o christian_a religion_n give_v we_o a_o more_o perfect_a and_o a_o more_o lovely_a character_n of_o god_n than_o any_o religion_n ever_o do_v it_o represent_v he_o to_o we_o as_o a_o pure_a spirit_n which_o the_o heathen_n do_v not_o general_o believe_v and_o that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v worship_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o spiritual_a nature_n which_o not_o only_o the_o heathen_n but_o even_o the_o jew_n themselves_o be_v extreme_o mistake_v about_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n say_v our_o saviour_n and_o they_o that_o worship_v he_o must_v worship_v he_o in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o god_n himself_o do_v command_v sacrifice_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o all_o those_o external_a and_o troublesome_a observance_n of_o which_o their_o religion_n do_v consist_v but_o than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o he_o do_v not_o institute_v this_o way_n of_o worship_n because_o it_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o his_o own_o nature_n but_o because_o of_o the_o carnality_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o the_o proneness_n of_o that_o people_n to_o idolatry_n god_n do_v not_o prescribe_v these_o thing_n because_o they_o be_v best_a but_o because_o the_o temper_n of_o that_o people_n will_v then_o admit_v of_o nothing_o better_a and_o this_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o several_a intimation_n of_o 51.16_o psal_n 51.16_o thou_o desire_v not_o sacrifice_v thou_o delight_v not_o in_o burnt-offering_n say_v david_n and_o elsewhere_o more_o express_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o speak_v not_o unto_o your_o father_n say_v god_n by_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n nor_o command_v they_o in_o the_o day_n that_o i_o bring_v they_o forth_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 a_o sufficient_a intimation_n that_o god_n do_v not_o primary_o intend_v to_o appoint_v this_o way_n of_o worship_n and_o to_o impose_v it_o upon_o they_o as_o that_o which_o be_v most_o proper_a and_o agreeable_a to_o he_o but_o that_o he_o condescend_v to_o it_o as_o most_o accommodate_v to_o their_o present_a state_n and_o inclination_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n also_o some_o understand_v what_o god_n say_v to_o the_o same_o people_n by_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n 20.25_o ezek._n 20.25_o that_o he_o give_v they_o statute_n that_o be_v not_o good_a and_o as_o the_o christian_a religion_n give_v a_o more_o perfect_a so_o a_o more_o amiable_a and_o lovely_a character_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n no_o religion_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n do_v so_o full_o represent_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o tender_a love_n to_o mankind_n which_o be_v the_o best_a and_o most_o powerful_a argument_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n the_o heathen_n do_v general_o dread_a god_n and_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o fierce_a and_o cruel_a and_o revengeful_a and_o therefore_o they_o endeavour_v to_o appease_v he_o by_o the_o horrid_a and_o barbarous_a sacrifice_n of_o man_n and_o of_o their_o own_o child_n and_o all_o along_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n be_v general_o represent_v as_o very_o strict_a and_o severe_a but_o there_o be_v not_o where_o so_o plain_a and_o full_a declaration_n of_o his_o mercy_n and_o love_n to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n as_o be_v make_v in_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n god_n be_v usual_o style_v the_o lord_n of_o host_n the_o great_a and_o the_o terrible_a god_n but_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n he_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o by_o mild_a title_n the_o god_n and_o father_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n the_o father_n of_o mercy_n and_o the_o god_n of_o all_o consolation_n the_o god_n of_o all_o patience_n the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o peace_n nay_o he_o be_v say_v to_o be_v love_n itself_o and_o to_o dwell_v in_o love_n and_o this_o difference_n between_o the_o style_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o remarkable_a that_o one_o of_o the_o great_a sect_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n i_o mean_v that_o of_o the_o gnostic_n do_v upon_o this_o very_a ground_n find_v their_o heresy_n of_o two_o god_n the_o one_o evil_a and_o fierce_a and_o cruel_a who_o they_o call_v the_o god_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n the_o other_o good_a and_o kind_a and_o merciful_a who_o they_o call_v the_o god_n of_o the_o new_a so_o great_a a_o difference_n be_v there_o between_o the_o representation_n which_o be_v make_v of_o god_n in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o to_o give_v at_o least_o some_o colour_n and_o pretence_n for_o a_o imagination_n of_o two_o go_n ii_o christian_a religion_n have_v give_v we_o a_o more_o certain_a and_o perfect_a law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n it_o have_v make_v our_o duty_n more_o plain_a and_o certain_a in_o many_o instance_n than_o either_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o heathen_a or_o the_o precept_n of_o moses_n have_v do_v it_o command_v universal_a love_n and_o kindness_n and_o good_a
will_n among_o man_n a_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v our_o great_a enemy_n to_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v we_o to_o bless_v they_o that_o curse_v we_o and_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o despiteful_o use_v we_o and_o persecute_v we_o and_o do_v inculcate_v these_o precept_n more_o vehement_o and_o forbid_v malice_n and_o hatred_n and_o revenge_n and_o contention_n more_o strict_o and_o peremptory_o than_o any_o religion_n ever_o do_v before_o as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o that_o do_v but_o attentive_o read_v our_o saviour_n sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n and_o as_o christianity_n have_v give_v we_o a_o more_o certain_a so_o likewise_o a_o more_o perfect_a law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n all_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o be_v reasonable_a and_o wise_a require_v such_o duty_n of_o we_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o do_v approve_v themselves_o to_o the_o best_a reason_n of_o mankind_n such_o as_o have_v their_o foundation_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o be_v a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o persection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o raise_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n the_o law_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v such_o as_o be_v general_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n as_o do_v tend_v to_o the_o outward_a peace_n and_o the_o health_n to_o the_o inward_a comfort_n and_o contentment_n and_o to_o the_o universal_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n they_o command_v nothing_o that_o be_v unnecessary_a and_o burdensome_a as_o be_v the_o numerous_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n but_o what_o be_v reasonable_a and_o useful_a and_o substantial_a and_o they_o omit_v nothing_o that_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o the_o welfare_n of_o man_n nor_o do_v they_o restrain_v we_o in_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v contrary_a either_o to_o the_o regular_a inclination_n of_o nature_n or_o to_o our_o reason_n and_o true_a interest_n they_o forbid_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v base_a and_o unworthy_a to_o serve_v our_o humour_n and_o passion_n to_o reproach_v our_o understanding_n and_o to_o make_v ourselves_o fool_n and_o beast_n in_o a_o word_n nothing_o but_o what_o tend_v either_o to_o our_o private_a harm_n and_o prejudice_n or_o to_o public_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o tenor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o from_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n and_o discourse_n particular_o that_o upon_o the_o mount_n wherein_o he_o charge_v his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n to_o be_v humble_a and_o meek_a and_o righteous_a and_o patient_a under_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n and_o good_a and_o kind_a to_o all_o even_a to_o those_o that_o be_v evil_a and_o injurious_a to_o we_o and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o excel_v in_o all_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n this_o will_v appear_v likewise_o from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n i_o will_v instance_n but_o in_o some_o few_o passage_n in_o they_o st._n paul_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n in_o a_o very_a few_o word_n but_o of_o admirable_a sense_n and_o weight_n 12._o tit._n 2.11_o 12._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n the_o same_o apostle_n make_v this_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n on_o our_o part_n 2.19_o 2_o tim._n 2.19_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n st._n james_n describe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o he_o call_v the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o by_o these_o character_n it_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n st._n peter_n call_v the_o gospel_n 4._o 2_o pet._n 1.3_o 4._o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n whereby_o say_v he_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n he_o exhort_v they_o to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o add_v to_o their_o faith_n the_o several_a virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n 7._o v._o 5_o 6_o 7._o without_o which_o he_o tell_v they_o they_o be_v barren_a and_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n i_o will_v conclude_v with_o that_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a passaage_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o philippian_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o venerable_a esteem_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a or_o chaste_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n but_o the_o perfection_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n will_v most_o plain_o appear_v by_o take_v a_o brief_a survey_n of_o they_o and_o they_o may_v all_o be_v refer_v to_o these_o two_o general_a head_n they_o be_v either_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o make_v man_n single_o and_o personal_o good_a or_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n first_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o make_v man_n good_a single_o and_o personal_o consider_v and_o the_o precept_n of_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v distribute_v likewise_o into_o two_o sort_n such_o as_o enjoin_v piety_n towards_o god_n or_o such_o as_o require_v the_o good_a order_n and_o government_n of_o ourselves_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n 1._o such_o as_o enjoin_v piety_n towards_o god_n all_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o respect_n god_n be_v no_o other_o but_o what_o natural_a light_n prompt_v man_n to_o except_v the_o two_o sacrament_n which_o be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o significancy_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o sum_n of_o natural_a religion_n as_o it_o refer_v more_o immediate_o to_o god_n be_v this_o that_o we_o shall_v inward_o reverence_v and_o love_n god_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v express_v our_o inward_a reverence_n and_o love_n of_o he_o by_o external_a worship_n and_o adoration_n and_o by_o our_o readiness_n to_o receive_v and_o obey_v all_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v testify_v our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o our_o confidence_n of_o his_o goodness_n by_o constant_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o he_o for_o mercy_n and_o help_v for_o ourselves_o and_o other_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v acknowledge_v our_o obligation_n to_o he_o for_o the_o many_o favour_n and_o benefit_n which_o every_o day_n and_o every_o minute_n we_o receive_v from_o he_o by_o continual_a praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o shall_v not_o entertain_v any_o unworthy_a thought_n of_o god_n nor_o give_v that_o honour_n and_o reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o to_o any_o other_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o worship_v he_o in_o any_o manner_n that_o be_v either_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o contrary_a to_o he_o reveal_v will_n that_o we_o shall_v careful_o avoid_v the_o profane_a and_o irreverent_a use_n of_o his_o name_n by_o curse_v or_o customary_a swear_n and_o take_v heed_n of_o the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o his_o worship_n or_o any_o thing_n belong_v to_o it_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o these_o be_v the_o general_a head_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o every_o man_n reason_n tell_v he_o he_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o these_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v express_o require_v of_o we_o as_o may_v be_v evidence_v from_o particular_a text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o part_n of_o christianity_n but_o what_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n 2._o such_o precept_n as_o require_v the_o good_a order_n and_o government_n of_o ourselves_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n christian_n religion_n
unrighteousness_n it_o threaten_v indignation_n and_o wrath_n tribulation_n and_o anguish_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o powerful_a a_o instrument_n for_o the_o reform_n of_o the_o world_n that_o it_o propose_v to_o man_n such_o glorious_a reward_n and_o such_o terrible_a punishment_n as_o no_o religion_n ever_o do_v and_o to_o make_v the_o consideration_n of_o they_o more_o effectual_a it_o give_v we_o far_o great_a assurance_n of_o the_o reality_n and_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n than_o ever_o the_o world_n have_v before_o this_o account_n the_o apostle_n give_v we_o of_o the_o success_n and_o efficacy_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n he_o call_v it_o the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n 16.18_o rom._n r._n 16.18_o 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 man_n before_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o wickedness_n and_o impenitency_n of_o the_o heathen-world_n be_v a_o much_o more_o excusable_a thing_n because_o they_o be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n ignorant_a of_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o life_n and_o have_v general_o but_o very_o uncertain_a and_o obscure_a apprehension_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o urge_v man_n most_o powerful_o to_o forsake_v their_o sin_n and_o be_v the_o most_o prevalent_a argument_n to_o a_o good_a life_n so_o st._n paul_n tell_v the_o athenian_n the_o most_o know_v among_o the_o heathen_a 31._o act._n 17.30_o 31._o the_o time_n of_o this_o ignorance_n god_n wink_v at_o but_o now_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 the_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 the_o resurrection_n of_o jesus_n christ_n from_o the_o dead_a have_v give_v the_o world_n that_o full_a assurance_n of_o another_o life_n after_o this_o and_o of_o a_o future_a judgement_n which_o it_o never_o have_v before_o for_o he_o who_o god_n raise_v from_o the_o dead_a do_v declare_v and_o testify_v that_o it_o be_v he_o who_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o quick_a and_o dead_a 10.42_o act._n 10.42_o and_o the_o firm_a belief_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n which_o shall_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n if_o it_o be_v well_o consider_v be_v to_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n the_o most_o forcible_a motive_n of_o all_o other_o to_o a_o good_a life_n because_o it_o be_v take_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o last_a happiness_n and_o misery_n that_o humane_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o so_o that_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n have_v the_o firm_a sanction_n of_o any_o law_n in_o the_o world_n to_o secure_v the_o obedience_n and_o observance_n of_o they_o for_o what_o can_v restrain_v man_n from_o sin_n if_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o the_o evident_a danger_n of_o eternal_a destruction_n will_v not_o what_o encouragement_n can_v be_v give_v to_o goodness_n beyond_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o endless_a felicity_n iv_o the_o christian_a religion_n furnish_v we_o with_o the_o best_a motive_n and_o consideration_n to_o patience_n and_o contentedness_n under_o the_o evil_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o life_n this_o be_v one_o great_a design_n of_o philosophy_n to_o support_v man_n under_o the_o evil_n and_o calamity_n which_o this_o life_n be_v incident_a to_o and_o to_o fortify_v their_o spirit_n against_o suffering_n and_o to_o this_o end_n the_o wise_a among_o the_o heathen_n rack_v their_o wit_n and_o cast_v about_o every_o way_n they_o advance_v all_o sort_n of_o principle_n and_o manage_v every_o little_a argument_n and_o consideration_n to_o the_o utmost_a advantage_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o these_o attempt_n they_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o give_v any_o considerable_a comfort_n and_o ease_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n under_o any_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o pressure_n of_o this_o life_n the_o bed_n be_v short_a than_o that_o a_o man_n can_v stretch_v himself_o upon_o it_o and_o the_o cover_n narrow_a than_o that_o a_o man_n can_v wrap_v himself_o in_o it_o all_o the_o wise_a say_n and_o advice_n which_o philosopher_n can_v muster_v up_o to_o this_o purpose_n have_v prove_v ineffectual_a to_o the_o common_a people_n and_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n and_o have_v help_v only_o to_o support_v some_o few_o stout_a and_o ostbinate_a mind_n which_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o philosophy_n will_v have_v hold_v up_o pretty_a well_o of_o themselves_o some_o of_o the_o philosopher_n have_v run_v so_o far_o back_o for_o argument_n of_o comfort_n against_o pain_n as_o to_o call_v every_o thing_n into_o question_n and_o to_o doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o sense_n or_o pain_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o when_o any_o great_a evil_n have_v be_v upon_o they_o they_o will_v certain_o sigh_v and_o groan_v as_o pitiful_o and_o cry_v out_o as_o loud_a as_o other_o man_n other_o have_v seek_v to_o ease_v themselves_o of_o all_o the_o evil_a of_o affliction_n by_o dispute_v subtle_o against_o it_o and_o pertinacious_o maintain_v that_o affliction_n be_v no_o real_a evil_n but_o only_a in_o opinion_n and_o imagination_n and_o therefore_o a_o wise_a man_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v trouble_v at_o they_o but_o he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a wise_a man_n that_o can_v forbear_v be_v trouble_v at_o thing_n that_o be_v very_o troublesome_a and_o yet_o thus_o possidonius_fw-la as_o tully_n tell_v we_o distinguish_v he_o can_v not_o deny_v pain_n to_o be_v very_o troublesome_a but_o for_o all_o that_o he_o be_v resolve_v never_o to_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o evil_a but_o 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of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n how_o gross_o and_o open_o do_v many_o of_o we_o contradict_v the_o plain_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o our_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n by_o live_v intemperate_o or_o unjust_o or_o profane_o in_o this_o present_a world_n as_o if_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n have_v never_o appear_v to_o we_o as_o if_o we_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o heaven_n or_o hell_n or_o believe_v not_o one_o word_n that_o the_o scripture_n say_v concern_v they_o as_o if_o we_o be_v in_o no_o expectation_n of_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n and_o who_o will_v bestow_v mighty_a reward_n upon_o those_o who_o faithful_o serve_v he_o but_o will_v come_v in_o flame_a sire_n to_o take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o 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and_o christ_n and_o do_v thou_o for_o all_o that_o continue_v to_o practice_v these_o vice_n what_o can_v thou_o say_v man_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v to_o thou_o according_a to_o thy_o faith_n if_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o thou_o be_v miserable_a and_o undo_v for_o ever_o thou_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v surprise_v as_o if_o some_o unexpected_a thing_n have_v happen_v to_o thou_o it_o be_v but_o with_o thou_o just_a as_o thou_o believ'd_v it_o will_v be_v when_o thou_o do_v these_o thing_n for_o how_o can_v thou_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v accept_v of_o thy_o good_a belief_n when_o thou_o do_v so_o notorious_o contradict_v it_o by_o a_o bad_a life_n how_o can_v thou_o look_v for_o other_o but_o that_o god_n shall_v condemn_v thou_o for_o the_o do_v of_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o thy_o own_o conscience_n do_v condemn_v thou_o all_o the_o while_o thou_o be_v do_v of_o they_o when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n there_o be_v no_o consideration_n that_o 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that_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o grievous_a and_o though_o this_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n if_o it_o be_v impartial_o consider_v yet_o it_o be_v also_o a_o great_a paradox_n to_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o vicious_a practice_n who_o be_v prejudice_v against_o religion_n and_o the_o holy_a law_n of_o god_n by_o their_o interest_n and_o their_o lust_n this_o seem_v a_o strange_a proposition_n to_o those_o who_o look_v upon_o religion_n at_o a_o distance_n and_o never_o try_v the_o experiment_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n who_o measure_v the_o law_n of_o god_n not_o by_o the_o intrinsical_a goodness_n and_o equity_n of_o they_o but_o by_o the_o reluctancy_n and_o opposition_n which_o they_o find_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n against_o they_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o take_v some_o pain_n to_o satisfy_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n concern_v this_o truth_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o make_v it_o so_o evident_a that_o those_o who_o be_v unwilling_a to_o own_v it_o may_v yet_o be_v ashamed_a to_o deny_v it_o and_o methinks_v i_o have_v this_o peculiar_a advantage_n in_o the_o argument_n i_o have_v now_o undertake_v that_o every_o reasonable_a man_n can_v choose_v but_o wish_v i_o success_n in_o this_o attempt_n because_o i_o undertake_v the_o proof_n of_o that_o which_o it_o be_v every_o man_n interest_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v true_a and_o if_o i_o can_v make_v it_o out_o this_o pretence_n against_o religion_n will_v not_o only_o be_v baffle_v but_o we_o shall_v gain_v a_o new_a and_o forcible_a argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n over_o to_o it_o now_o the_o easiness_n or_o difficulty_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o any_o law_n or_o command_n depend_v chief_o upon_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o upon_o the_o nature_n of_o
present_a in_o order_n to_o our_o future_a disquiet_n but_o if_o we_o resist_v and_o conquer_v they_o we_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o perpetual_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n in_o our_o mind_n if_o we_o govern_v ourselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o sensual_a delight_n by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o reason_n we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o more_o at_o ease_n than_o if_o we_o shall_v let_v loose_a the_o reins_o to_o our_o appetite_n and_o lust_n for_o the_o more_o we_o gratify_v our_o lust_n the_o more_o crave_v they_o will_v be_v and_o the_o more_o impatient_a of_o denial_n crescit_fw-la indulgens_fw-la sibi_fw-la dirus_fw-la hydrops_fw-la every_o lust_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o hydropic_a distemper_n and_o the_o more_o we_o drink_v the_o more_o we_o shall_v thirst_v so_o that_o by_o retrench_v our_o inordinate_a desire_n we_o do_v not_o rob_v ourselves_o of_o any_o true_a pleasure_n but_o only_o prevent_v the_o pain_n and_o trouble_v of_o far_a dissatisfaction_n humility_n though_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o expose_v a_o man_n to_o some_o contempt_n yet_o it_o be_v true_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o honour_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a pride_n be_v a_o most_o improper_a and_o absurd_a mean_n for_o the_o accomplish_n of_o the_o end_n it_o aim_v at_o all_o other_o vice_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n attain_v their_o end_n covetousness_n do_v usual_o raise_v a_o estate_n and_o ambitious_a endeavour_n do_v often_o advance_v man_n to_o high_a place_n but_o pride_n and_o insolence_n and_o contempt_n of_o other_o do_v infallible_o defeat_v their_o own_o design_n they_o aim_v at_o respect_n and_o esteem_v but_o never_o attain_v it_o for_o all_o mankind_n do_v natural_o hate_v and_o slight_v a_o proud_a man_n what_o more_o reasonable_a than_o patience_n and_o contentedness_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v in_o all_o thing_n resign_v up_o ourselves_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o love_v we_o as_o well_o as_o we_o do_v ourselves_o and_o know_v what_o be_v good_a for_o we_o better_o than_o 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sacrifice_v to_o he_o our_o dear_a interest_n in_o this_o world_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v withal_o how_o disproportionable_o great_a the_o reward_n of_o our_o suffering_n shall_v be_v in_o another_o world_n beside_o that_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n be_v of_o so_o great_a concernment_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n that_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v for_o that_o reason_n to_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o with_o the_o hazard_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o valuable_a to_o he_o in_o this_o world_n ii_o we_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o sufficient_a power_n and_o strength_n for_o the_o perform_n of_o god_n command_n have_v god_n give_v we_o law_n but_o no_o power_n to_o keep_v they_o his_o commandment_n will_v then_o indeed_o have_v be_v grievous_a it_o be_v true_a we_o have_v contract_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o weakness_n and_o impotency_n by_o our_o wilful_a degeneracy_n from_o goodness_n but_o that_o grace_n which_o the_o gospel_n offer_v to_o we_o for_o 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potent_a enemy_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o tempt_v and_o to_o deter_v we_o from_o our_o duty_n yet_o our_o case_n be_v not_o hard_o so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v a_o great_a strength_n on_o our_o side_n and_o this_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o christian_a great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o you_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v there_o legion_n of_o devil_n who_o be_v continual_o design_v and_o work_v our_o ruin_n there_o be_v also_o miriads_o of_o good_a angel_n who_o be_v more_o cheerful_a and_o officious_a to_o do_v we_o good_a for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o as_o those_o who_o be_v bend_v to_o do_v wicked_o will_v never_o want_v tempter_n to_o urge_v they_o on_o and_o to_o push_v they_o forward_o in_o a_o evil_a course_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n those_o who_o apply_v themselves_o serious_o to_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n and_o yield_v themselves_o tractable_a to_o good_a motion_n will_v find_v the_o good_a 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present_a but_o they_o leave_v peace_n and_o contentment_n behind_o they_o a_o peace_n that_o no_o outward_a violence_n can_v interrupt_v or_o take_v from_o we_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n have_v moreover_o this_o peculiar_a advantage_n of_o all_o worldly_a joy_n that_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v weary_a of_o they_o we_o can_v be_v cloy_v by_o the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o these_o pleasure_n nor_o by_o the_o long_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o i_o know_v that_o some_o vice_n pretend_v to_o bring_v great_a pleasure_n along_o with_o they_o and_o that_o the_o delight_n of_o a_o sensual_a and_o voluptuous_a life_n make_v a_o glorious_a show_n and_o be_v attend_v with_o much_o pomp_n and_o noise_n like_o the_o sport_n of_o child_n and_o fool_n which_o be_v loud_a and_o clamorous_a or_o as_o solomon_n elegant_o compare_v they_o like_o the_o crackle_n of_o thorn_n under_o a_o pot_n which_o make_v a_o little_a noise_n and_o a_o sudden_a blaze_n that_o be_v present_o over_o but_o 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of_o a_o future_a happiness_n and_o glory_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o primitive_a christian_n so_o victorious_a over_o the_o world_n and_o give_v they_o the_o courage_n to_o resist_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o terror_n of_o sense_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v encumber_v with_o many_o difficulty_n which_o be_v natural_o grievous_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o a_o christian_n be_v able_a to_o comfort_v himself_o under_o all_o these_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o end_n which_o be_v everlasting_a life_n he_o consider_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o he_o believe_v will_v not_o deny_v he_o the_o free_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v it_o not_o that_o he_o have_v such_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n in_o store_n for_o he_o as_o will_v abundant_o recompense_v his_o present_a self_n denial_n and_o suffering_n let_v we_o now_o put_v both_o these_o together_o the_o pleasure_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o and_o they_o can_v but_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n with_o what_o pleasure_n do_v a_o man_n that_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o a_o virtuous_a life_n despise_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o allurement_n of_o sense_n persist_v resolute_o in_o his_o course_n and_o how_o be_v such_o a_o man_n confirm_v in_o his_o purpose_n and_o animate_v in_o his_o holy_a resolution_n when_o he_o find_v that_o god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n do_v applaud_v his_o choice_n when_o all_o along_o in_o the_o course_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o virtuous_a life_n in_o his_o conflict_n with_o sin_n and_o resistance_n of_o temptation_n he_o have_v for_o his_o present_a reward_n the_o two_o great_a pleasure_n of_o innocence_n and_o of_o victory_n and_o for_o his_o future_a encouragement_n the_o joyful_a hope_n of_o a_o crown_n and_o a_o kingdom_n a_o recompense_n so_o great_a as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o lame_a man_n walk_v enough_o to_o make_v any_o one_o willing_a to_o offer_v violence_n to_o his_o strong_a passion_n and_o inclination_n a_o man_n will_v be_v content_a to_o strive_v with_o himself_o and_o to_o conflict_n with_o great_a difficulty_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o mighty_a reward_n what_o poor_a man_n will_v not_o cheerful_o carry_v a_o great_a burden_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n that_o be_v assure_v to_o have_v the_o great_a share_n of_o it_o for_o his_o pain_n and_o thereby_o to_o be_v make_v a_o man_n for_o ever_o whatever_o difficulty_n religion_n be_v attend_v withal_o they_o be_v all_o sweeten_v and_o make_v easy_a by_o the_o proposal_n of_o a_o great_a and_o eternal_a reward_n but_o be_v there_o no_o difficulty_n then_o in_o religion_n be_v every_o thing_n so_o plain_a and_o easy_a be_v all_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n so_o smooth_a and_o even_a as_o we_o have_v here_o represent_v they_o have_v not_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o 7.14_o mat_n 7.14_o that_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o 14.22_o act._n 14.22_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o through_o much_o tributation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 3.12_o 2_o tim_n 3.12_o and_o that_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v persecution_n and_o do_v not_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o speak_v of_o strive_v and_o wrestle_v and_o run_v and_o fight_v of_o labour_v and_o watch_v and_o give_v all_o diligence_n and_o be_v there_o nothing_o grievous_a in_o all_o this_o this_o be_v a_o very_a material_a objection_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o careful_a to_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o it_o and_o that_o i_o may_v do_v it_o the_o more_o distinct_o be_v please_v to_o consider_v these_o six_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o persecution_n for_o religion_n be_v a_o extraordinary_a case_n which_o do_v chief_o concern_v the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n 2._o that_o this_o discourse_n concern_v the_o easiness_n of_o god_n command_n do_v all_o along_o suppose_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o entrance_n upon_o a_o religious_a course_n 3._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n it_o shall_v exclude_v our_o after_o care_n and_o diligence_n 4._o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n be_v very_o much_o mitigate_v and_o allay_v by_o hope_n and_o by_o love_n 5._o there_o be_v incomparable_o more_o difficulty_n and_o trouble_n in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o vice_n than_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n 6._o if_o we_o do_v but_o put_v virtue_n and_o vice_n a_o religious_a and_o a_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n in_o equal_a circumstance_n if_o we_o will_v but_o suppose_v a_o man_n as_o much_o accustom_a and_o inure_v to_o the_o one_o as_o he_o have_v be_v to_o the_o other_o than_o i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v to_o pronounce_v that_o the_o advantage_n of_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v on_o the_o side_n of_o religion_n i._o the_o suffering_n of_o persecution_n for_o religion_n be_v a_o extraordinary_a case_n and_o do_v chief_o concern_v the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o the_o general_a say_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n concern_v the_o persecute_a state_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v limit_v as_o doubtless_o they_o be_v intend_v principal_o to_o those_o first_o time_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v equal_o extend_v to_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n at_o first_o indeed_o whoever_o embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n do_v thereby_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o the_o suffering_n which_o the_o power_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o world_n can_v afflict_v they_o withal_o but_o since_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n begin_v to_o be_v patron_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v universal_o true_a that_o every_o christian_n have_v suffer_v the_o violence_n of_o persecution_n that_o it_o have_v be_v a_o rare_a case_n and_o happen_v only_o in_o some_o few_o age_n and_o to_o some_o person_n so_o that_o this_o be_v accidental_a to_o a_o state_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o ordinary_a difficulty_n of_o it_o and_o when_o it_o happen_v god_n give_v extraordinary_a support_n and_o promise_n mighty_a reward_n to_o make_v it_o tolerable_a ii_o this_o discourse_n concern_v the_o easiness_n of_o god_n command_n do_v all_o along_o suppose_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o first_o entrance_n upon_o a_o religious_a course_n except_o only_o in_o those_o person_n who_o have_v have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v train_v up_o to_o religion_n by_o the_o easy_a
the_o great_a pleasure_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o will_v be_v to_o please_v he_o for_o nothing_o be_v difficult_a to_o love_v it_o will_v make_v a_o man_n deny_v himself_o and_o cross_v his_o own_o inclination_n to_o pleasure_v they_o who_o he_o love_v it_o be_v a_o passion_n of_o a_o strange_a power_n where_o it_o reign_v and_o will_v cause_v a_o man_n to_o submit_v to_o those_o thing_n with_o delight_n which_o in_o other_o circumstance_n will_v seem_v grievous_a to_o he_o jacob_n serve_v for_o rachel_n seven_o year_n and_o after_o that_o seven_o year_n more_o and_o they_o seem_v unto_o he_o but_o a_o few_o day_n for_o the_o love_n he_o have_v to_o she_o do_v but_o the_o love_n of_o god_n rule_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o have_v we_o as_o real_a a_o affection_n for_o he_o as_o some_o man_n have_v for_o their_o friend_n there_o be_v no_o such_o difficulty_n in_o religion_n but_o what_o love_n will_v conquer_v and_o the_o severe_a part_n of_o it_o will_v become_v easy_a when_o they_o be_v once_o undertake_v by_o a_o willing_a mind_n v._o there_o be_v incomparable_o more_o trouble_n in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o vice_n than_o in_o those_o of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n every_o notorious_a sin_n be_v natural_o attend_v with_o some_o inconvenience_n of_o harm_n or_o danger_n or_o disgrace_n which_o the_o sinner_n seldom_o consider_v till_o the_o sin_n be_v commit_v and_o then_o he_o be_v in_o a_o labyrinth_n and_o in_o seek_v the_o way_n out_o of_o a_o present_a inconvenience_n he_o entangle_v himself_o in_o more_o he_o be_v glad_a to_o make_v use_n of_o indirect_a art_n and_o laborious_a craft_n to_o avoid_v the_o consequence_n of_o his_o fault_n and_o many_o time_n be_v fain_o to_o cover_v one_o sin_n with_o another_o and_o the_o more_o he_o strive_v to_o disentangle_v himself_o the_o more_o be_v he_o snare_v in_o the_o work_n of_o his_o own_o hand_n into_o what_o perplexity_n do_v david_n sin_n bring_v he_o such_o as_o by_o all_o his_o power_n and_o art_n he_o can_v not_o free_v himself_o from_o he_o be_v glad_a to_o commit_v a_o great_a crime_n to_o avoid_v the_o shame_n of_o a_o less_o and_o can_v find_v no_o other_o way_n to_o conceal_v his_o adultery_n but_o by_o plunge_v himself_o into_o the_o guilt_n of_o murder_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v proportionable_o in_o all_o other_o vice_n the_o way_n of_o sin_n be_v crooked_a path_n full_a of_o wind_n and_o turn_n but_o the_o way_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n be_v a_o high_a way_n 35.8_o isa_n 35.8_o and_o lie_v so_o plain_a before_o we_o that_o wayfaring_a man_n though_o fool_n shall_v not_o err_v therein_o there_o need_v no_o skill_n to_o keep_v a_o man_n self_n true_a and_o honest_a if_o we_o will_v but_o resolve_v to_o deal_v just_o and_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n to_o our_o neighbour_n nothing_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v easy_a for_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o artifice_n and_o reach_v require_v to_o enable_v a_o man_n to_o speak_v as_o he_o think_v and_o to_o do_v to_o other_o as_o he_o will_v be_v deal_v withal_o himself_o and_o as_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n be_v full_a of_o intricacy_n and_o perplexity_n so_o likewise_o of_o trouble_n and_o disquiet_v there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o wilful_o commit_v any_o sin_n but_o his_o conscience_n smite_v he_o for_o it_o and_o his_o guilty_a mind_n be_v frequent_o gall_v with_o the_o remembrance_n of_o it_o but_o the_o reflection_n upon_o honest_a and_o virtuous_a action_n have_v nothing_o of_o regret_n and_o disquiet_n in_o it_o no_o man_n conscience_n ever_o trouble_v he_o for_o not_o be_v honest_a no_o man_n reason_n ever_o challenge_v he_o for_o not_o be_v drink_v no_o man_n ever_o break_v his_o sleep_n or_o be_v haunt_v with_o fear_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n because_o he_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o have_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o the_o world_n but_o with_o the_o ungodly_a it_o be_v not_o so_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o be_v know_o wicked_a but_o he_o be_v guilty_a to_o himself_o and_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o carry_v guilt_n about_o he_o but_o he_o have_v receive_v a_o sting_n into_o his_o soul_n which_o make_v he_o restless_a so_o that_o he_o can_v never_o have_v any_o perfect_a case_n and_o pleasure_n in_o his_o mind_n i_o may_v have_v descend_v to_o particular_a instance_n and_o have_v show_v how_o much_o more_o troublesome_a the_o practice_n of_o every_o sin_n and_o vice_n be_v than_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o contrary_a grace_n and_o virtue_n but_o that_o will_v be_v too_o large_a a_o subject_a to_o be_v bring_v within_o the_o limit_n of_o a_o single_a discourse_n vi_o let_v but_o virtue_n and_o vice_n a_o religious_a and_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n be_v put_v in_o equal_a circumstance_n do_v but_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o be_v as_o much_o accustom_a and_o snure_v to_o the_o one_o as_o he_o have_v be_v to_o the_o other_o and_o then_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o advantage_n of_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v on_o the_o side_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o put_v the_o case_n thus_o we_o make_v a_o unequal_a comparison_n for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o when_o he_o first_o begin_v a_o wicked_a course_n feel_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o regret_n in_o his_o mind_n the_o terror_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o damnation_n be_v very_o troublesome_a to_o he_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o by_o degree_n a_o man_n may_v harden_v his_o conscience_n and_o by_o a_o long_a custom_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o by_o a_o long_a custom_n of_o sin_v may_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n wear_v off_o that_o tender_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o make_v sin_n so_o uneasy_a but_o then_o if_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n a_o man_n may_v by_o the_o same_o degree_n arrive_v to_o far_o great_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n than_o ever_o any_o wicked_a man_n find_v in_o a_o sinful_a course_n if_o by_o custom_n virtue_n will_v come_v to_o be_v more_o pleasant_a than_o ever_o vice_n be_v than_o the_o advantage_n be_v plain_o on_o the_o side_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o be_v true_o the_o case_n it_o be_v troublesome_a at_o first_o for_o a_o man_n to_o begin_v any_o new_a course_n and_o to_o do_v contrary_a to_o what_o he_o have_v be_v accustom_a too_o but_o let_v a_o man_n but_o habituate_v himself_o to_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a life_n and_o the_o trouble_n will_v go_v off_o by_o degree_n and_o unspeakable_a pleasure_n succeed_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o excellent_a rule_n which_o pythagoras_n give_v to_o his_o scholar_n optimum_fw-la aquavitae_fw-la genus_fw-la eligito_fw-la nam_fw-la consuetudo_fw-la faciet_fw-la jâ—cundissmum_fw-la pitch_n upon_o the_o best_a course_n of_o life_n resolve_v always_o to_o do_v that_o which_o be_v most_o reasonable_a and_o virtuous_a and_o custom_n will_v soon_o render_v it_o the_o most_o easy_a there_o be_v nothing_o of_o difficulty_n in_o a_o good_a life_n but_o what_o may_v be_v conquer_v by_o custom_n as_o well_o as_o the_o difficulty_n of_o any_o other_o course_n and_o when_o a_o man_n be_v once_o use_v to_o it_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o will_v be_v great_a than_o of_o any_o other_o course_n let_v no_o man_n then_o decline_v or_o forsake_v religion_n for_o the_o pretend_a difficulty_n of_o it_o and_o lay_v aside_o all_o care_n of_o god_n commandment_n upon_o this_o suggestion_n that_o they_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v keep_v for_o you_o see_v they_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o easy_a and_o those_o who_o upon_o pretence_n of_o the_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n abandon_v themselves_o to_o a_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n may_v easy_o be_v convince_v that_o they_o take_v more_o pain_n to_o make_v themselves_o miserable_a than_o will_v serve_v to_o bring_v they_o to_o happiness_n there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o be_v a_o servant_n of_o sin_n and_o a_o slave_n to_o any_o base_a lust_n but_o may_v if_o he_o please_v get_v to_o heaven_n with_o less_o trouble_n than_o he_o go_v to_o hell_n so_o that_o upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v deter_v from_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n for_o fear_n of_o the_o labour_n and_o pain_n of_o it_o because_o every_o one_o that_o be_v wicked_a take_v more_o pain_n in_o another_o way_n and_o be_v more_o industrious_a only_o to_o a_o worse_a purpose_n now_o he_o that_o can_v travel_v in_o deep_a and_o foul_a way_n ought_v not_o to_o say_v that_o he_o can_v walk_v in_o fair_a he_o that_o venture_v to_o run_v upon_o a_o precipice_n when_o every_o step_n he_o take_v be_v with_o danger_n of_o his_o life_n and_o his_o soul_n
18._o rom._n 1.16_o 18._o 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 man_n so_o that_o if_o we_o call_v ourselves_o christians_o we_o profess_v to_o embrace_v the_o holy_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v perfect_o opposite_a to_o all_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n of_o life_n we_o profess_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o those_o law_n which_o do_v strict_o enjoin_v holiness_n and_o virtue_n we_o profess_v to_o be_v persuade_v that_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a which_o offer_v such_o great_a and_o glorious_a reward_n to_o obedience_n and_o threaten_v transgression_n and_o disobedience_n with_o such_o dreadful_a punishment_n and_o if_o so_o we_o be_v oblige_v both_o by_o our_o reason_n and_o our_o interest_n to_o live_v according_o 2._o he_o that_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n profess_v to_o live_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o christ_n example_n and_o to_o follow_v his_o step_n who_o do_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v into_o the_o world_n not_o only_o by_o his_o doctrine_n to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o by_o his_o death_n to_o make_v expiation_n of_o sin_n but_o by_o his_o life_n to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o we_o of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n therefore_o in_o scripture_n we_o find_v several_a title_n give_v he_o which_o import_n his_o exemplariness_n as_o of_o a_o prince_n and_o a_o captain_n a_o master_n and_o a_o guide_n now_o if_o he_o be_v our_o pattern_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o he_o to_o have_v the_o same_o mind_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o walk_v in_o love_n as_o he_o also_o have_v love_v we_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o we_o shall_v aspire_v after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n make_v it_o our_o constant_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n and_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n as_o he_o do_v do_v any_o man_n profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n and_o yet_o abandon_v himself_o to_o intemperance_n and_o filthy_a lust_n be_v this_o like_o our_o saviour_n be_v we_o cruel_a and_o unmerciful_a be_v this_o like_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o profession_n be_v we_o proud_a and_o passionate_a malicious_a and_o revengeful_a be_v this_o to_o be_v likeminded_a with_o christ_n who_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o spirit_n who_o pray_v for_o his_o enemy_n and_o offer_v up_o his_o blood_n to_o god_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o they_o that_o shed_v it_o if_o we_o call_v ourselves_o christians_o we_o profess_v to_o have_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n continual_o before_o we_o and_o to_o be_v always_o correct_v and_o reform_v our_o life_n by_o that_o pattern_n 3._o he_o that_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n have_v solemn_o engage_v himself_o to_o renounce_v all_o sin_n and_o to_o live_v a_o holy_a life_n by_o baptism_n we_o have_v solemn_o take_v upon_o we_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o engage_v ourselves_o to_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n and_o obedient_o to_o keep_v god_n commandment_n ancient_o those_o who_o be_v baptize_v put_v off_o their_o garment_n which_o signify_v the_o put_v off_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v immerse_v and_o bury_v in_o the_o water_n to_o represent_v their_o death_n of_o sin_n and_o then_o do_v rise_v up_o again_o out_o of_o the_o water_n to_o signify_v their_o entrance_n upon_o a_o new_a life_n and_o to_o these_o custom_n the_o apostle_n allude_v when_o he_o say_v how_o shall_v we_o that_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n live_v any_o long_a therein_o 6._o rom._n 6.2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o know_v you_o not_o that_o so_o many_o of_o we_o as_o be_v baptize_v into_o jesus_n christ_n be_v baptize_v into_o his_o death_n therefore_o we_o be_v bury_v with_o he_o in_o baptism_n into_o death_n that_o like_a as_o christ_n be_v raise_v up_o from_o the_o 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and_o as_o by_o this_o god_n do_v confirm_v his_o promise_n to_o we_o so_o we_o do_v oblige_v ourselves_o to_o be_v faithful_a and_o obedient_a to_o he_o and_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v after_o we_o be_v become_v christian_n we_o account_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o common_a thing_n that_o be_v we_o make_v nothing_o of_o the_o solemne_v rite_n that_o ever_o be_v use_v in_o the_o world_n for_o confirmation_n of_o any_o covenant_n the_o shed_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o this_o be_v always_o understand_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n to_o renew_v our_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o solemn_o to_o confirm_v our_o resolution_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v very_o plain_a from_o that_o account_n which_o pliny_n 97._o pliny_n plin._n epist_n l._n 10._o epist_n 97._o give_v we_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o trajan_n the_o emperor_n in_o which_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o they_o assemble_v early_o in_o the_o morning_n before_o day_n to_o sing_v a_o hymn_n to_o christ_n as_o god_n and_o then_o say_v he_o they_o do_v sacramento_fw-la se_fw-la obstringere_fw-la bound_v themselves_o by_o a_o sacrament_n or_o oath_n not_o to_o rob_v or_o steal_v or_o commit_v adultery_n not_o to_o break_v their_o word_n or_o falsisie_n their_o trust_n and_o after_o they_o have_v eat_v together_o they_o depart_v home_o which_o be_v plain_o a_o account_n of_o the_o christian_n celebrate_v of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v then_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o oath_n whereby_o christian_n do_v solemn_o covenant_n and_o engage_v themselves_o against_o all_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n thus_o you_o see_v what_o obligation_n the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o we_o to_o holiness_n of_o life_n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o gospel_n require_v something_o on_o our_o part_n for_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o we_o be_v a_o mutual_a engagement_n and_o as_o there_o be_v blessing_n promise_v on_o his_o part_n so_o there_o be_v condition_n to_o be_v perform_v on_o we_o and_o if_o we_o live_v wicked_a and_o unholy_a life_n if_o we_o neglect_v our_o duty_n towards_o god_n we_o have_v no_o title_n at_o all_o to_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o covenant_n the_o contrary_a doctrine_n to_o this_o have_v be_v greedy_o entertain_v to_o the_o vast_a prejudice_n of_o christianity_n as_o if_o in_o this_o new_a covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n god_n take_v all_o upon_o himself_o and_o require_v nothing_o or_o as_o good_a as_o nothing_o of_o we_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o disparagement_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o think_v he_o expect_v any_o thing_n
from_o we_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v all_o promise_n and_o our_o part_n be_v only_o to_o believe_v and_o embrace_v they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v confident_a that_o god_n will_v perform_v they_o if_o we_o can_v but_o think_v so_o though_o we_o do_v nothing_o else_o which_o be_v a_o easy_a condition_n to_o fool_n but_o the_o hard_a in_o the_o world_n to_o a_o wise_a man_n who_o if_o his_o salvation_n depend_v upon_o it_o can_v never_o persuade_v himself_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o holy_a god_n without_o any_o respect_n at_o all_o to_o his_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n will_v bestow_v upon_o he_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n only_o because_o he_o be_v confident_a that_o god_n will_v do_v so_o as_o if_o any_o man_n can_v think_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o high_o acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o man_n shall_v believe_v of_o he_o that_o he_o love_v to_o dispense_v his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n upon_o the_o most_o unfit_a and_o unreasonable_a term_n a_o covenant_n do_v necessary_o imply_v a_o mutual_a obligation_n and_o the_o scripture_n plain_o tell_v we_o what_o be_v the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o this_o covenant_n both_o on_o god_n part_n and_o we_o namely_o that_o he_o will_v be_v our_o god_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v his_o people_n but_o he_o have_v nowhere_o say_v that_o though_o we_o be_v not_o his_o people_n yet_o he_o will_v be_v our_o god_n the_o seal_n of_o this_o covenant_n have_v two_o inscription_n upon_o it_o one_o on_o god_n part_n that_o he_o will_v know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o and_o another_o on_o our_o part_n that_o we_o shall_v depart_v from_o iniquity_n but_o if_o we_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o this_o condition_n god_n will_v not_o know_v we_o but_o will_v bid_v we_o depart_v from_o he_o so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o 7.23_o mat._n 7.23_o i_o will_v say_v unto_o they_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n i_o know_v you_o not_o if_o we_o deal_v false_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o break_v loose_a 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let_v we_o fill_v up_o this_o great_a title_n and_o make_v good_a our_o profession_n by_o a_o sutitable_a life_n and_o practice_n and_o to_o persuade_v we_o hereto_o i_o will_v urge_v these_o three_o consideration_n 1._o the_o indecency_n of_o the_o contrary_n 2._o the_o great_a scandal_n of_o it_o to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o holy_a religion_n and_o 3._o the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o it_o to_o our_o own_o soul_n 1._o consider_v how_o unbecoming_a it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o live_v unsuitable_o to_o his_o profession_n if_o we_o call_v ourselves_o christians_o we_o profess_v to_o entertain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v teach_v and_o instruct_v by_o the_o best_a master_n to_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o the_o high_a and_o most_o perfect_a institution_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n to_o have_v embrace_v a_o religion_n which_o contain_v the_o most_o exact_a rule_n for_o the_o conduct_n and_o government_n of_o our_o life_n which_o lay_v down_o the_o plain_a precept_n set_v before_o we_o the_o best_a pattern_n and_o example_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o offer_v we_o the_o great_a assistance_n and_o encouragement_n to_o this_o purpose_n we_o profess_v to_o be_v furnish_v with_o the_o best_a argument_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n to_o be_v awe_v with_o the_o great_a fear_n and_o animate_v with_o the_o best_a hope_n of_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n now_o whoever_o make_v such_o a_o profession_n as_o this_o oblige_v himself_o to_o live_v answerable_o to_o do_v nothing_o that_o shall_v gross_o contradict_v it_o nothing_o be_v more_o absurd_a than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o act_v contrary_a to_o his_o profession_n to_o pretend_v to_o great_a matter_n and_o perform_v nothing_o of_o what_o he_o pretend_v to_o wise_a man_n will_v not_o be_v catch_v with_o pretence_n nor_o be_v impose_v upon_o with_o a_o empty_a profession_n but_o they_o will_v inquire_v into_o our_o life_n and_o action_n and_o by_o these_o they_o will_v make_v a_o judgement_n of_o we_o they_o can_v see_v into_o our_o heart_n nor_o pry_v into_o our_o understanding_n to_o discover_v what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o inward_o believe_v they_o can_v discern_v those_o secret_a and_o supernatural_a principle_n that_o we_o pretend_v to_o be_v act_v by_o but_o this_o they_o can_v do_v they_o can_v examine_v our_o action_n and_o behold_v our_o good_a or_o bad_a work_n and_o try_v whether_o our_o life_n be_v indeed_o answerable_a to_o our_o profession_n and_o do_v real_o excel_v the_o life_n of_o other_o man_n who_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o such_o great_a thing_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o sagacious_a person_n who_o will_v easy_o find_v we_o out_o will_v look_v under_o our_o mask_n and_o see_v through_o all_o our_o fine_a pretension_n and_o will_v quick_o discern_v the_o absurdity_n of_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o we_o believe_v one_o thing_n when_o we_o do_v the_o contrary_n if_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n we_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o every_o discern_a man_n if_o we_o do_v not_o live_v up_o to_o it_o with_o what_o face_n can_v any_o man_n continue_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n that_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o holy_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o forbid_v all_o sin_n under_o the_o high_a and_o severe_a penalty_n if_o we_o do_v but_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o we_o do_v any_o ordinary_a credible_a story_n and_o do_v we_o but_o regard_v the_o law_n of_o christianity_n as_o we_o do_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v we_o but_o persuade_v that_o fraud_n and_o oppression_n lie_v and_o perjury_n intemperance_n and_o uncleanness_n covetousness_n and_o pride_n malice_n and_o revenge_n the_o neglect_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n will_v bring_v man_n to_o hell_n as_o certain_o as_o treason_n and_o felony_n will_v bring_v a_o man_n under_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o law_n have_v we_o but_o the_o same_o awe_n and_o regard_n for_o the_o threaten_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o have_v for_o the_o frown_n and_o smile_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o power_n and_o authority_n even_o this_o will_v be_v effectual_a to_o keep_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o if_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o this_o effect_n upon_o we_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v man_n that_o we_o do_v hearty_o entertain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n that_o doctrine_n which_o have_v all_o the_o character_n of_o piety_n and_o justice_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n upon_o it_o which_o oblige_v man_n to_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v chaste_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a and_o of_o good_a report_n if_o we_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o these_o thing_n in_o our_o life_n he_o that_o will_v know_v what_o a_o man_n believe_v let_v he_o attend_v rather_o to_o what_o he_o do_v than_o to_o what_o he_o talk_v he_o that_o lead_v a_o wicked_a life_n make_v a_o more_o credible_a and_o effectual_a profession_n of_o infidelity_n than_o he_o who_o in_o word_n only_o deny_v the_o gospel_n it_o be_v the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o imagine_v that_o that_o man_n believe_v christianity_n who_o by_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n do_v deny_v and_o renounce_v it_o if_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o christian_n it_o may_v just_o be_v expect_v from_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v evidence_n this_o by_o our_o action_n that_o we_o shall_v live_v at_o another_o rate_n than_o the_o heathen_n do_v that_o we_o who_o worship_v a_o holy_a and_o just_a god_n shall_v not_o allow_v ourselves_o the_o liberty_n to_o sin_n as_o those_o do_v who_o
worship_v such_o god_n as_o be_v example_n of_o sin_n and_o patron_n of_o their_o vice_n thou_o who_o profess_v thyself_o a_o christian_n may_v not_o walk_v in_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o uncleanness_n as_o those_o do_v who_o worship_v a_o lastful_a jupiter_n and_o a_o wanton_a venus_n thou_o may_v not_o be_v intemperate_a as_o those_o be_v who_o worship_v a_o drunken_a bacchus_n thou_o may_v not_o be_v cruel_a and_o unmerciful_a as_o those_o be_v who_o worship_v a_o fierce_a saturn_n nor_o may_v thou_o steal_v as_o those_o do_v who_o worship_v a_o thievish_a mercury_n thou_o must_v remember_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o christian_n and_o when_o thou_o be_v ready_a to_o debase_v thyself_o to_o any_o vile_a lust_n consider_v what_o title_n thou_o bear_v by_o what_o name_n thou_o be_v call_v who_o disciple_n thou_o be_v and_o then_o say_v to_o thyself_o shall_v i_o allow_v myself_o in_o any_o impiety_n or_o wickedness_n of_o life_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v instruct_v by_o that_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o teach_v man_n to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n shall_v i_o cherish_v any_o sinful_a passion_n who_o pretend_v to_o have_v mortify_v all_o these_o and_o to_o have_v put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n it_o be_v not_o be_v gild_v over_o with_o the_o external_a profession_n of_o christianity_n that_o will_v avail_v we_o our_o religion_n must_v be_v a_o vital_a principle_n inward_o to_o change_v and_o transform_v we_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v concern_v circumcision_n we_o may_v apply_v to_o they_o that_o be_v baptize_v and_o make_v a_o outward_a profession_n of_o christianity_n baptism_n very_o profit_v if_o we_o obey_v the_o gospel_n but_o if_o we_o walk_v contrary_a to_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o our_o baptism_n be_v no_o baptism_n and_o our_o christianity_n be_v heathenism_n if_o by_o our_o life_n and_o action_n we_o do_v contradict_v that_o religion_n which_o we_o profess_v we_o do_v by_o this_o very_a thing_n prove_v 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perfectos_fw-la philosophos_fw-la turpiter_fw-la vivere_fw-la that_o some_o great_a philosopher_n lead_v very_o filthy_a life_n celsus_n and_o porphyry_n hierocles_n and_o julian_n among_o all_o their_o witty_a invective_n against_o christian_a religion_n have_v nothing_o against_o it_o that_o reflect_v so_o much_o upon_o it_o as_o do_v the_o wicked_a life_n of_o so_o many_o christian_n the_o great_a enmity_n to_o religion_n be_v to_o profess_v it_o and_o to_o live_v unanswerable_o to_o it_o this_o consideration_n ought_v great_o to_o affect_v we_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o it_o with_o great_a passion_n and_o vehemency_n for_o many_o walk_n of_o who_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o often_o 3.18_o phil._n 3.18_o and_o now_o tell_v you_o even_o weep_v that_o they_o be_v enemy_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n who_o end_n be_v destruction_n who_o god_n be_v their_o belly_n who_o glory_n be_v in_o their_o shame_n who_o mind_n earthly_a thing_n a_o jew_n or_o a_o turk_n be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o enemy_n to_o christianity_n as_o a_o lewd_a and_o vicious_a christian_a therefore_o let_v i_o beseech_v christian_n as_o they_o tender_v the_o honour_n of_o their_o saviour_n and_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o religion_n that_o they_o will_v conform_v their_o life_n to_o the_o holy_a precept_n of_o christianity_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o who_o be_v resolve_v to_o continue_v in_o a_o vicious_a course_n to_o the_o injury_n and_o disparagement_n of_o christianity_n i_o can_v almost_o entreat_v of_o they_o that_o they_o will_v quit_v their_o profession_n and_o renounce_v their_o baptism_n that_o they_o will_v lay_v aside_o their_o title_n of_o christian_n and_o initiate_v themselves_o in_o heathenish_a rite_n and_o superstition_n or_o be_v circumcise_v for_o jew_n or_o turk_n for_o it_o be_v real_o better_a upon_o some_o account_n that_o such_o man_n shall_v abandon_v their_o profession_n than_o keep_v on_o a_o vizard_n which_o serve_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n 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case_n but_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v upon_o another_o occasion_n weep_v not_o for_o they_o weep_v for_o yourselves_o there_o be_v no_o such_o miserable_a person_n in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o degenerate_a christian_a because_o he_o fall_v into_o the_o great_a misery_n from_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o opportunity_n of_o be_v happy_a do_v thou_o lament_v the_o condition_n of_o socrates_n and_o cato_n and_o aristides_n and_o doubt_v what_o shall_v become_v of_o they_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o can_v thou_o who_o be_v a_o impious_a and_o profane_a christian_a think_v that_o thou_o shall_v escape_v the_o damnation_n of_o hell_n do_v thou_o believe_v that_o the_o moral_a heathen_a shall_v be_v cast_v out_o and_o can_v thou_o who_o have_v lead_v a_o wicked_a life_n under_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n have_v the_o impudence_n to_o hope_v that_o thou_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n no_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v commit_v by_o christian_n under_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v of_o deep_a dye_n and_o clothe_v with_o black_a aggravation_n than_o the_o sin_n of_o heathen_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o pagan_a may_v live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v unjust_a towards_o man_n at_o a_o cheap_a rate_n and_o upon_o easy_a term_n than_o thou_o who_o be_v a_o christian_n better_a have_v it_o be_v thou_o have_v never_o know_v one_o syllable_n of_o the_o gospel_n never_o hear_v of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n than_o that_o have_v take_v it_o upon_o thou_o thou_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n happy_a have_v it_o be_v for_o thou_o that_o thou_o have_v be_v bear_v a_o jew_n or_o a_o turk_n or_o a_o poor_a indian_a rather_o than_o that_o be_v breed_v among_o christian_n and_o profess_v thyself_o of_o that_o number_n thou_o shall_v lead_v a_o vicious_a and_o unholy_a life_n i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a upon_o these_o argument_n that_o i_o may_v if_o possible_a awaken_v man_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o their_o life_n and_o persuade_v they_o to_o a_o real_a reformation_n of_o they_o that_o i_o may_v oblige_v all_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o essential_a and_o fundamental_a law_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o love_n god_n and_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n to_o do_v to_o every_o man_n as_o we_o will_v have_v he_o to_o do_v to_o we_o to_o mortify_v our_o lust_n and_o subdue_v our_o passion_n and_o sincere_o to_o endeavour_v to_o grow_v in_o every_o grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o to_o abound_v in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n this_o indeed_o will_v become_v our_o profession_n and_o be_v honourable_a to_o our_o religion_n and_o will_v remove_v one_o of_o the_o great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o how_o can_v we_o expect_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n shall_v gain_v any_o considerable_a ground_n in_o the_o world_n so_o long_o as_o by_o the_o unworthy_a life_n of_o so_o many_o christian_n it_o be_v represent_v to_o the_o world_n at_o so_o great_a disadvantage_n if_o ever_o we_o will_v have_v christian_a religion_n effectual_o recommend_v it_o must_v be_v by_o the_o holy_a and_o unblameable_a life_n of_o those_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o it_o then_o indeed_o it_o will_v look_v with_o so_o amiable_a a_o countenance_n as_o to_o invite_v many_o to_o it_o and_o carry_v so_o much_o majesty_n and_o authority_n in_o it_o as_o to_o command_v reverence_n from_o its_o great_a enemy_n and_o make_v man_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n be_v in_o we_o of_o a_o truth_n and_o to_o glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o good_a god_n grant_v that_o as_o we_o have_v take_v upon_o we_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n so_o we_o may_v be_v careful_a so_o to_o live_v that_o we_o may_v adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o 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fugitive_a be_v they_o that_o after_o all_o our_o endeavour_n to_o secure_v they_o they_o may_v break_v loose_a from_o we_o and_o in_o a_o instant_n vanish_v out_o of_o our_o sight_n riches_n make_v to_o themselves_o wing_n and_o fly_v like_o a_o eagle_n intimate_v to_o we_o that_o riches_n be_v often_o accessary_a to_o their_o own_o ruin_n many_o time_n the_o greatness_n of_o a_o man_n estate_n and_o nothing_o else_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o loss_n of_o it_o and_o of_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o the_o owner_n thereof_o the_o fairness_n of_o some_o man_n fortune_n have_v be_v a_o temptation_n to_o those_o who_o have_v be_v more_o powerful_a to_o ravish_v it_o from_o they_o thus_o riches_n make_v to_o themselves_o wing_n so_o that_o he_o that_o enjoy_v the_o great_a happiness_n of_o this_o world_n do_v still_o want_v one_o happiness_n more_o to_o secure_v to_o he_o for_o the_o future_a what_o he_o possess_v for_o the_o persent_a but_o the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n be_v a_o steady_a and_o constant_a light_n fix_v and_o unchangeable_a as_o the_o fountain_n from_o whence_o it_o spring_v the_o father_n of_o light_n with_o who_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o turn_v and_o if_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n be_v certain_a yet_o they_o be_v unsatisfy_v this_o be_v the_o vanity_n of_o vanity_n that_o every_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n can_v trouble_v we_o but_o nothing_o can_v give_v we_o satisfaction_n i_o know_v not_o how_o it_o be_v but_o either_o we_o or_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n or_o both_o be_v so_o fantastical_a that_o we_o can_v neither_o be_v well_o with_o these_o thing_n nor_o well_o without_o they_o if_o we_o be_v hungry_a we_o be_v in_o pain_n and_o if_o we_o eat_v to_o the_o full_a we_o be_v uneasy_a if_o we_o be_v poor_a we_o think_v ourselves_o miserable_a and_o when_o we_o come_v to_o be_v rich_a we_o common_o real_o be_v so_o if_o we_o be_v in_o a_o low_a condition_n we_o fret_v and_o murmur_n and_o if_o 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