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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n bear_v common_a great_a 247 4 2.0925 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59893 Sermons preach'd upon several occasions some of which were never before printed / by W. Sherlock. Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1700 (1700) Wing S3364; ESTC R29357 211,709 562

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instruct_v unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n who_o be_v like_a 52._o 13._o mat._n 52._o unto_o a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o householder_n which_o bring_v forth_o out_o of_o his_o treasure_n thing_n new_a and_o old_a the_o priest_n lip_n must_v preserve_v knowledge_n but_o we_o must_v first_o have_v it_o before_o we_o can_v teach_v it_o other_o and_o since_o none_o of_o we_o now_o pretend_v to_o immediate_a inspiration_n this_o be_v a_o work_n 〈◊〉_d difficulty_n and_o labour_n and_o require_v as_o much_o faithfulness_n in_o our_o study_n as_o in_o the_o pulpit_n it_o be_v no_o argument_n of_o faithfulness_n whatever_o it_o may_v be_v of_o diligence_n to_o run_v like_o ahimaaz_n without_o 22._o 2_o sam._n 18._o 22._o tiding_n to_o vent_v some_o crude_a and_o indigested_a thought_n for_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n 2._o faithfulness_n require_v we_o to_o preach_v nothing_o for_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o what_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v so_o to_o deliver_v no_o message_n but_o what_o we_o have_v receive_v in_o commission_n not_o to_o indulge_v our_o own_o private_a conjecture_n and_o fancy_n nor_o think_v to_o mend_v and_o sublimate_v religion_n by_o philosophical_a speculation_n but_o to_o content_v ourselves_o with_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o preach_v christ_n jesus_n and_o he_o crucify_v nothing_o have_v do_v great_a mischief_n to_o religion_n than_o when_o the_o very_a teacher_n of_o it_o have_v be_v ambitious_a to_o be_v wise_a above_o what_o be_v write_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o distinguish_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n can_v be_v know_v only_o by_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n about_o they_o any_o far_a than_o to_o know_v what_o be_v reveal_v and_o what_o be_v not_o reveal_v for_o whatever_o be_v more_o than_o this_o be_v so_o uncertain_a and_o so_o useless_a that_o it_o be_v not_o worth_a the_o know_n since_o we_o preach_v in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o christ_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o instruct_v our_o people_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o we_o have_v his_o authority_n for_o for_o this_o be_v to_o exceed_v our_o commission_n other_o nice_a speculation_n may_v entertain_v we_o in_o private_a conversation_n but_o when_o we_o preach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n let_v we_o only_o preach_v his_o gospel_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v command_v we_o 3._o faithfulness_n require_v that_o we_o preach_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o instruct_v man_n in_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n especial_o where_o there_o be_v any_o apparent_a and_o present_a danger_n of_o a_o mistake_n and_o that_o we_o teach_v they_o every_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n especial_o such_o duty_n as_o they_o be_v most_o unwilling_a to_o learn_v and_o most_o averse_a to_o practice_n this_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o faithfulness_n and_o require_v no_o small_a courage_n too_o there_o be_v no_o time_n so_o bad_a no_o hearer_n so_o captious_a but_o they_o will_v very_o well_o bear_v some_o general_a commendation_n of_o religion_n or_o some_o common_a topic_n about_o virtue_n or_o vice_n which_o be_v of_o great_a use_n too_o especial_o in_o such_o a_o scep●…cal_n and_o unbelieving_a age_n as_o this_o but_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o our_o ministry_n require_v somewhat_o more_o a_o particular_a application_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n according_a to_o their_o want_n and_o necessity_n not_o so_o much_o to_o consult_v what_o will_v please_v they_o as_o what_o will_v do_v they_o good_a it_o mighty_o concern_v a_o gospel-minister_n as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v to_o maintain_v a_o fair_a reputation_n in_o the_o world_n but_o a_o good_a name_n be_v nothing_o worth_a when_o we_o can_v do_v no_o good_a by_o it_o when_o we_o can_v get_v or_o maintain_v a_o good_a name_n without_o neglect_v our_o duty_n or_o betray_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n i_o have_v a_o thousand_o time_n rather_o that_o man_n shall_v reproach_v and_o revile_v i_o for_o instruct_v they_o in_o such_o duty_n as_o they_o can_v with_o patience_n hear_v of_o than_o that_o they_o shall_v commend_v i_o for_o my_o silence_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o live_v in_o any_o age_n wherein_o there_o be_v not_o some_o popular_a error_n or_o some_o popular_a vice_n to_o be_v correct_v and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a thing_n to_o meddle_v with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v popular_a but_o what_o be_v danger_n to_o that_o man_n who_o be_v in_o a_o great_a danger_n by_o the_o neglect_n of_o his_o duty_n shall_v any_o man_n call_v himself_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o such_o a_o age_n as_o we_o now_o live_v in_o be_v ashamed_a or_o afraid_a to_o censure_v or_o confute_v the_o error_n of_o popery_n or_o fanaticism_n or_o to_o reprove_v schism_n and_o faction_n because_o they_o be_v very_o popular_a vice_n let_v a_o man_n so_o account_v 3._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 1_o 2_o 3._o of_o we_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n moreover_o it_o be_v require_v in_o steward_n that_o a_o man_n be_v find_v faithful_a but_o with_o i_o it_o be_v a_o very_a small_a thing_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v judge_v of_o you_o or_o of_o man_n judgement_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v when_o we_o leave_v out_o several_a flock_n it_o will_v be_v infinite_a satisfaction_n to_o we_o to_o be_v able_a to_o say_v as_o st._n paul_n do_v to_o the_o asian_a bishop_n i_o 27._o 20._o act_n 26_o 27._o take_v you_o to_o record_v this_o day_n that_o i_o be_o pure_a from_o the_o blood_n of_o all_o man_n for_o i_o have_v not_o shun_v to_o declare_v to_o you_o all_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n second_o prudence_n be_v as_o necessary_a in_o a_o gospel-minister_n as_o faithfulness_n be_v by_o prudence_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v cunning_a and_o subtilty_n artificial_a insinuation_n and_o address_n which_o be_v more_o like_o the_o art_n of_o seducer_n than_o of_o gospel-minister_n who_o by_o good_a word_n and_o fai●…_n 18._o 16._o rom._n 18._o speech_n deceive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o simple_a prudence_n will_v not_o allow_v we_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n whate●…er_v the_o event_n be_v but_o we_o must_v renounce_v 2._o 2_o cor._n 4._o 2._o ●…he_a hide_a thing_n of_o dishonesty_n not_o walk●…ng_v in_o craftiness_n nor_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o but_o by_o manifestation_n of_o ●…he_a truth_n commend_v ourselves_o to_o eve●…y_a man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o prudence_n as_o it_o be_v con●…istent_a with_o faithfulness_n and_o honesty_n ●…n_v the_o discharge_v of_o our_o trust_n can_v signify_v no_o more_o but_o this_o to_o instruct_v exhort_v persuade_v and_o perform_v all_o the_o part_n and_o office_n of_o a_o gospel-minister_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v render_v our_o ●…nstructions_n and_o persuasion_n most_o effectual_a to_o take_v the_o most_o convenient_a season_n when_o man_n be_v most_o apt_a to_o be_v wrought_v on_o to_o teach_v they_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v of_o most_o present_a use_n to_o they_o to_o use_v such_o argument_n as_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o prevail_v to_o avoid_v all_o unnecessary_a provocation_n when_o the_o duty_n itself_o which_o we_o be_v to_o teach_v they_o be_v not_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o provocation_n for_o if_o man_n will_v be_v provoke_v with_o hear_v of_o their_o duty_n there_o be_v no_o help_n for_o that_o prudence_n never_o dispense_v with_o any_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o direct_v to_o the_o best_a way_n of_o do_v it_o a_o faithful_a servant_n do_v what_o he_o be_v command_v and_o a_o wise_a servant_n do_v it_o in_o the_o most_o effectual_a manner_n iii_o the_o last_o part_n of_o my_o text_n concern_v the_o great_a reward_n of_o such_o faithful_a and_o wise_a servant_n blessed_n be_v that_o servant_n what_o this_o reward_n be_v we_o be_v not_o here_o particular_o tell_v all_o good_a man_n we_o know_v shall_v be_v very_o bless_v and_o happy_a in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o we_o may_v reasonable_o presume_v that_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n have_v reserve_v some_o peculiar_a mark_n of_o honour_n for_o his_o immediate_a servant_n this_o he_o plain_o intimate_v to_o we_o in_o that_o distinction_n he_o make_v between_o the_o reward_n of_o a_o prophet_n and_o of_o a_o righteous_a man_n he_o that_o receive_v a_o prophet_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o prophet_n shall_v receive_v a_o 41._o 10._o mat._n 41._o prophet_n reward_n and_o he_o that_o receive_v a_o righteous_a man_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n shall_v receive_v a_o righteous_a man_n reward_n our_o reward_n in_o
be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o as_o certain_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o religion_n all_o other_o argument_n without_o this_o belief_n can_v support_v we_o and_o there_o be_v no_o suffering_n too_o great_a for_o a_o man_n to_o bear_v who_o be_v thorough_o possess_v with_o a_o firm_a belief_n and_o vigorous_a sense_n of_o these_o can_v we_o ourselves_o or_o the_o kind_a ●…riend_n in_o the_o world_n choose_v better_o for_o ●…s_n than_o god_n do_v we_o suspect_v his_o wisdom_n or_o his_o goodness_n can_v he_o mistake_v our_o condition_n who_o know_v our_o frame_n can_v he_o be_v want_v in_o his_o care_n of_o we_o or_o in_o good_a will_n to_o we_o who_o make_v we_o what_o be_v it_o we_o desire_v but_o to_o be_v happy_a and_o if_o god_n intend_v our_o happiness_n in_o his_o severe_a correction_n why_o shall_v we_o complain_v religion_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v of_o much_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o than_o bodily_a ease_n or_o pleasure_n and_o if_o god_n see_v pain_n and_o sickness_n poverty_n and_o disgrace_n necessary_a to_o cure_v or_o restrain_v our_o vicious_a and_o distemper_a passion_n or_o to_o improve_v and_o exercise_v our_o grace_n have_v we_o any_o reason_n to_o complain_v that_o god_n take_v such_o severe_a method_n to_o save_v our_o soul_n have_v we_o rather_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o than_o suffer_v some_o present_a want_n and_o pain_n the_o soul_n be_v the_o best_a part_n of_o man_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o a_o man_n be_v to_o improve_v his_o better_a part_n and_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o particular_a man_n to_o train_v they_o up_o to_o virtue_n by_o such_o method_n of_o kindness_n or_o severity_n as_o he_o see_v they_o want_v this_o i_o confess_v may_v be_v very_o grievous_a and_o afflict_a at_o present_a but_o then_o we_o have_v the_o hope_n of_o immortal_a life_n to_o support_v we_o and_o can_v that_o man_n be_v miserable_a can_v he_o sink_v under_o present_a suffering_n who_o have_v the_o hope_n of_o immortal_a life_n as_o the_o anchor_n of_o the_o soul_n both_o sure_a and_o steadfast_a to_o believe_v that_o all_o thing_n at_o present_a be_v intend_v for_o our_o good_a and_o shall_v work_v together_o for_o our_o good_a if_o we_o love_v god_n and_o that_o when_o we_o have_v out-rid_a the_o storm_n of_o this_o world_n by_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o hope_v these_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n shall_v work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n this_o if_o any_o thing_n will_v make_v all_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n easy_a if_o natural_a courage_n or_o natural_a reason_n fail_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n support_v by_o religion_n will_v sustain_v his_o infirmity_n three_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o wound_a spirit_n this_o be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n and_o signify_v a_o spirit_n which_o suffer_v pain_n and_o trouble_v a_o wound_n in_o the_o body_n be_v a_o division_n of_o one_o part_n from_o another_o which_o be_v always_o painful_a and_o though_o a_o spirit_n can_v be_v thus_o divide_v yet_o because_o a_o wound_n cause_v pain_n a_o spirit_n which_o be_v disorder_v and_o suffer_v pain_n be_v say_v to_o be_v wound_v as_o for_o instance_n some_o man_n spirit_n be_v wound_v with_o the_o disorder_n and_o violence_n of_o their_o own_o passion_n they_o love_v or_o hope_v or_o fear_v or_o desire_v or_o grieve_v immoderate_o and_o all_o passion_n be_v very_o painful_a when_o they_o be_v in_o excess_n upon_o this_o account_n the_o wicked_a be_v say_v to_o be_v like_o a_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 other_o man_n spirit_n be_v wound_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o gild_n their_o own_o conscience_n reproach_n and_o shame_v they_o and_o threaten_v the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n against_o they_o they_o have_v gratify_v their_o lust_n or_o revenge_n their_o ambition_n or_o covetousness_n and_o dream_v of_o nothing_o but_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n the_o temptation_n be_v very_o charm_v as_o it_o come_v towards_o they_o but_o now_o the_o heat_n and_o impetus_fw-la be_v allay_v and_o the_o enjoyment_n over_o they_o can_v review_v what_o they_o have_v do_v without_o horror_n their_o affright_a conscience_n draw_v the_o most_o amaze_a scene_n of_o judgement_n and_o paint_v their_o fancy_n with_o all_o the_o black_a image_n of_o terror_n the_o sinner_n of_o zion_n be_v afraid_a fear_n have_v surprise_v the_o hypocrite_n who_o shall_v dwell_v with_o devour_a fire_n who_o shall_v dwell_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n four_o this_o be_v the_o wound_a spirit_n and_o such_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v this_o be_v matter_n of_o sense_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o we_o must_v appeal_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o mankind_n and_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o this_o appeal_n for_o though_o some_o man_n may_v scorn_v to_o confess_v what_o they_o feel_v yet_o if_o all_o man_n mind_n be_v of_o a_o make_v we_o can_v feel_v in_o ourselves_o what_o other_o man_n feel_v and_o then_o we_o all_o know_v that_o anger_n when_o it_o grow_v immoderate_a and_o increase_v into_o rage_n and_o fury_n worry_v the_o mind_n and_o sharpen_v itself_o into_o such_o a_o keeness_n as_o cut_v deep_a into_o our_o own_o soul_n that_o a_o immoderate_a love_n of_o riches_n or_o honour_n or_o pleasure_n create_v we_o infinite_a trouble_n torment_n with_o a_o impatient_a thirst_n with_o restless_a and_o uneasy_a expectation_n distract_v we_o between_o hope_n and_o fear_n kill_v with_o delay_n and_o disappointment_n and_o there_o be_v but_o few_o man_n who_o can_v long_o dissemble_v their_o inward_a pain_n and_o uneasiness_n but_o confess_v it_o in_o their_o look_n and_o word_n and_o behaviour_n by_o external_a and_o visible_a symptom_n of_o frenzy_n and_o distraction_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o agony_n of_o a_o guilty_a mind_n as_o any_o man_n ●…ust_v confess_v who_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o ●…e_v self-condemned_n and_o to_o live_v under_o ●…he_a apprehension_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o ●…he_v terrible_a expectation_n of_o endless_a torment_n for_o with_o what_o courage_n and_o patience_n can_v any_o man_n bear_v such_o a_o thought_n as_o this_o that_o he_o must_v be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o some_o man_n may_v laugh_v away_o the_o thought_n of_o hell_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o man_n who_o believe_v in_o good_a earnest_n that_o there_o be_v a_o hell_n and_o that_o he_o himself_o be_v in_o the_o most_o apparent_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o it_o can_v bear_v this_o thought_n the_o many_o sad_a example_n of_o despair_a sinner_n who_o at_o the_o last_o moment_n groan_v out_o their_o soul_n in_o agony_n and_o horror_n be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o this_o man_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v a_o hell_n may_v laugh_v at_o it_o till_o they_o feel_v it_o but_o for_o experiment_n sake_n let_v they_o only_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o hell_n and_o that_o hell_n be_v to_o be_v their_o portion_n and_o then_o let_v they_o tell_v i_o how_o they_o can_v bear_v such_o a_o thought_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v we_o how_o unsupportable_a a_o wound_a spirit_n be_v but_o to_o give_v we_o a_o deep_a and_o more_o last_a sense_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v further_o observe_v that_o a_o wound_a spirit_n have_v no_o refuge_n or_o retreat_n have_v nothing_o leave_v to_o support_v itself_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n can_v bear_v his_o infirmity_n but_o when_o the_o spirit_n itself_o be_v wound_v there_o be_v nothing_o to_o support_v that_o this_o wound_v our_o courage_n our_o reason_n make_v all_o external_a comfort_n tasteless_a and_o deprive_v we_o of_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o religion_n for_o one_a what_o courage_n can_v any_o man_n have_v against_o himself_o against_o the_o wound_n and_o disorder_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n courage_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o firmness_n of_o mind_n to_o govern_v its_o own_o resentment_n and_o passion_n to_o suffer_v pain_n and_o reproach_n and_o other_o evil_n without_o immoderate_a grief_n and_o to_o encounter_v danger_n without_o a_o amaze_a fear_n but_o when_o the_o mind_n itself_o be_v oppress_v with_o grief_n and_o fear_n and_o care_n the_o disease_n which_o courage_n shall_v prevent_v have_v already_o seize_v the_o spirit_n courage_n fortify_v we_o against_o external_a evil_n to_o keep_v they_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o wound_v our_o spirit_n but_o the_o disorder_n of_o our_o own_o passion_n be_v inward_a wound_n which_o we_o must_v feel_v and_o languish_v under_o when_o our_o own_o conscience_n reproach_n chide_v and_o threaten_v we_o the_o good_a opinion_n and_o
be_v vain_a and_o fruitless_a for_o there_o be_v no_o medium_fw-la to_o unite_v in_o the_o only_a way_n to_o peace_n be_v to_o silence_v all_o these_o dispute_n as_o matter_n which_o mankind_n will_v never_o agree_v about_o and_o wherein_o religion_n be_v no_o more_o concern_v than_o the_o government_n of_o kingdom_n or_o state_n and_o on_o which_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n no_o more_o depend_v than_o the_o conduct_n of_o our_o secular_a affair_n or_o the_o preservation_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n for_o the_o dispute_n about_o decree_n predestination_n god_n power_n over_o our_o will_n how_o god_n and_o creature_n produce_v the_o same_o effect_n what_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o what_o belong_v to_o the_o creature_n in_o every_o action_n since_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v concern_v every_o thing_n else_o as_o well_o as_o religion_n and_o yet_o in_o all_o other_o case_n man_n let_v philosopher_n dispute_v these_o point_n and_o quiet_o go_v about_o their_o business_n and_o do_v what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o controversy_n about_o these_o matter_n and_o i_o can_v imagine_v why_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v so_o in_o religion_n too_o believe_v what_o be_v plain_o teach_v and_o do_v what_o be_v command_v use_v the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o our_o utmost_a diligence_n in_o do_v good_a and_o depend_v upon_o the_o succour_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o leave_v these_o dispute_n to_o be_v decide_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o that_o will_v decide_v they_o all_o by_o this_o mean_n i_o be_o sure_a most_o of_o the_o dispute_n among_o protestant_n which_o have_v give_v the_o great_a disturbance_n to_o the_o church_n will_v be_v for_o ever_o silence_v and_o christian_a religion_n will_v not_o be_v clog_v nor_o reproach_v with_o such_o philosophical_a controversy_n 2_o the_o unity_n of_o communion_n and_o that_o consist_v in_o our_o worship_a god_n together_o when_o we_o resort_v to_o the_o same_o church_n to_o offer_v up_o our_o unite_a prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n and_o to_o partake_v of_o that_o holy_a supper_n which_o be_v the_o sacrament_n and_o symbol_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o each_o other_o and_o this_o indeed_o be_v true_a church-unity_n and_o it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o man_n who_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n and_o agree_v in_o all_o the_o essential_o of_o worship_n shall_v divide_v communion_n and_o refuse_v to_o pray_v together_o and_o to_o feast_n at_o the_o same_o holy_a table_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o can_v indeed_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n because_o they_o have_v corrupt_v the_o very_a essential_o of_o christian_a worship_n most_o man_n do_v not_o understand_v their_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o can_v join_v in_o prayer_n with_o they_o they_o worship_v image_n and_o picture_n which_o be_v express_o forbid_v by_o the_o second_o commandment_n instead_o of_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o only_a mediator_n and_o advocate_n jesus_n christ_n they_o have_v join_v other_o intercessor_n with_o he_o pray_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o virgin_n mary_n to_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o help_v they_o they_o worship_v the_o host_n which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o bread_n and_o wine_n as_o to_o the_o substance_n and_o therefore_o no_o object_n of_o worship_n and_o turn_v the_o sacramental_a feast_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n into_o a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o live_n and_o the_o dead_a such_o a_o worship_n as_o this_o we_o dare_v not_o join_v in_o because_o it_o be_v sinful_a and_o idolatrous_a but_o the_o case_n be_v quite_o different_a among_o protestant_n they_o pray_v to_o the_o same_o god_n in_o the_o only_a name_n of_o the_o same_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n put_v up_o the_o same_o petition_n offer_v the_o same_o thanksgiving_n and_o praise_n observe_v the_o same_o divine_a institution_n without_o any_o essential_a change_n and_o alteration_n and_o yet_o can_v worship_v god_n together_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o impious_a thing_n to_o put_v up_o the_o same_o prayer_n and_o to_o offer_v the_o same_o praise_n to_o god_n in_o a_o pious_a and_o grave_n and_o well-composed_a form_n of_o word_n which_o other_o do_v it_o may_v be_v not_o so_o well_o and_o decent_o in_o their_o conceive_a prayer_n as_o if_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o communicant_a in_o receive_v so_o inestimable_a a_o blessing_n as_o the_o sacramental_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n upon_o his_o knee_n be_v a_o profanation_n of_o that_o holy_a feast_n as_o if_o a_o white_a linnen-garment_n which_o never_o undergo_v any_o religious_a conjuration_n and_o be_v use_v only_o as_o a_o decent_a habit_n without_o any_o opinion_n of_o its_o virtue_n or_o sanctity_n be_v a_o just_a reason_n to_o drive_v man_n out_o of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o christian_a communion_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n these_o will_v be_v surprise_v story_n to_o any_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n who_o have_v never_o hear_v before_o of_o such_o dispute_n among_o we_o pray_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o speak_v my_o mind_n free_o upon_o this_o occasion_n upon_o the_o best_a and_o most_o impartial_a inquiry_n and_o observation_n i_o can_v make_v i_o do_v in_o my_o conscience_n believe_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v the_o most_o apostolical_a and_o best_a reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n to_o make_v any_o material_a alteration_n in_o her_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n and_o therefore_o i_o confess_v it_o have_v give_v i_o very_o just_a resentment_n to_o hear_v our_o church_n charge_v with_o such_o unjust_a imputation_n of_o popery_n superstition_n idolatry_n will-worship_n and_o what_o not_o and_o to_o see_v a_o blind_a and_o furious_a zeal_n ready_a to_o raze_v up_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o it_o it_o have_v often_o grieve_v i_o to_o see_v such_o a_o church_n as_o this_o rent_n and_o tear_v by_o schism_n which_o a_o man_n of_o ordinary_a prudence_n may_v easy_o foresee_v will_v give_v great_a advantage_n to_o the_o common_a enemy_n of_o the_o protestant_n faith_n this_o and_o the_o care_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o of_o their_o temporal_a fortune_n too_o move_v several_a divine_n of_o this_o church_n when_o the_o government_n think_v fit_a to_o reinforce_v the_o law_n of_o uniformity_n to_o examine_v and_o answer_v all_o the_o argument_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n which_o they_o perform_v with_o that_o good_a temper_n with_o that_o perswasiveness_n and_o strength_n of_o argument_n as_o will_v be_v a_o vindication_n of_o our_o church_n to_o future_a age_n and_o i_o wish_v it_o may_v upon_o second_o thought_n have_v yet_o a_o better_a effect_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v not_o then_o persuade_v and_o this_o i_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v call_v persecution_n much_o less_o can_v the_o many_o kind_a office_n they_o do_v in_o keep_v off_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n be_v call_v a_o persecution_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o when_o it_o be_v so_o apparent_a that_o prejudices_fw-la be_v grow_v as_o obstinate_a as_o they_o be_v unreasonable_a when_o not_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o the_o weakness_n of_o some_o and_o the_o ill_a design_n of_o other_o require_v some_o compliance_n and_o condescension_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o hope_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n take_v such_o prudent_a be_v not_o to_o offend_v the_o papist_n by_o go_v far_o from_o they_o than_o be_v necessary_a will_v whenever_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o do_v good_a condescend_v a_o great_a deal_n far_o than_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o reform_v to_o meet_v the_o dissenter_n for_o while_o the_o external_a decency_n gravity_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n be_v secure_v no_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n will_v think_v much_o to_o change_v a_o changeable_a ceremony_n when_o it_o will_v heal_v the_o breach_n and_o division_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v we_o all_o hearty_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o there_o may_v be_v this_o good_a and_o peaceable_a disposition_n of_o mind_n in_o all_o conformist_n and_o nonconformist_n towards_o a_o happy_a reunion_n and_o all_o consider_v man_n will_v think_v it_o time_n to_o lay_v aside_o such_o little_a dispute_n when_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o the_o church_n of_o england_n nor_o any_o particular_a sect_n of_o protestant_n who_o ruin_n be_v aim_v at_o but_o the_o whole_a protestant_a faith_n 3_o another_o kind_n of_o unity_n be_v love_n and_o charity_n and_o a_o mutual_a forbearance_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o very_a difficult_a thing_n when_o the_o dispute_n run_v so_o high_a as_o to_o divide_v christian_a communion_n for_o it_o seem_v in_o effect_n to_o declare_v man_n to_o be_v heathen_n and_o publican_n when_o we_o refuse_v to_o worship_n god_n with_o they_o and_o few_o man_n can_v
i_o shall_v observe_v this_o follow_a method_n i._o consider_v the_o duty_n of_o gospel-bishop_n and_o pastor_n which_o be_v to_o feed_v and_o to_o govern_v the_o household_n of_o christ._n ii_o the_o qualification_n of_o gospel-minister_n which_o be_v faithfulness_n and_o prudence_n a_o faithful_a and_o wise_a servant_n iii_o the_o great_a reward_n of_o such_o man_n bless_a be_v that_o servant_n i._o the_o duty_n of_o gospel_n minister_n whether_o bishop_n or_o other_o and_o that_o consist_v of_o two_o part_n 1._o to_o feed_v 2._o to_o govern_v the_o household_n or_o church_n of_o christ._n they_o be_v appoint_v ruler_n of_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n 1._o to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ._n this_o command_n christ_n give_v to_o peter_n 28._o 20._o ac●…s_fw-la 28._o and_o repeat_v it_o three_o time_n simon_n son_n of_o jonas_n love_v thou_o i_o more_o than_o 17._o 21._o john_n 15_o 16_o 17._o these_o then_o feed_v my_o lamb_n feed_v my_o sheep_n now_o to_o feed_v signify_v to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n for_o knowledge_n be_v the_o proper_a food_n and_o nourishment_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o which_o it_o grow_v in_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o 2._o 1_o pet_n 2._o 2._o our_o spiritual_a life_n as_o natural_a food_n be_v to_o the_o life_n of_o our_o body_n this_o be_v life_n 3._o 17._o john_n 3._o eternal_a say_v our_o saviour_n to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v for_o this_o reason_n our_o saviour_n appoint_v steward_n and_o dispenser_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o kingdom_n who_o whole_a business_n it_o shall_v be_v to_o study_v the_o divine_a will_n themselves_o and_o to_o instruct_v other_o for_o this_o be_v a_o knowledge_n which_o must_v be_v teach_v nature_n may_v instruct_v we_o in_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o morality_n but_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o whole_a oeconomy_n of_o man_n salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v know_v only_o by_o revelation_n christ_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o reveal_v this_o to_o we_o and_o he_o instruct_v his_o apostle_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o their_o preach_a and_o write_n instruct_v the_o church_n and_o have_v leave_v we_o a_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o man_n peculiar_o devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o instruct_v and_o teach_v those_o who_o have_v neither_o leisure_n not_o opportunity_n for_o enquiry_n nor_o capacity_n to_o learn_v without_o a_o guide_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n especial_o since_o religion_n have_v be_v clog_v with_o such_o infinite_a dispute_n and_o there_o have_v be_v so_o much_o be_v use_v to_o make_v the_o plain_a truth_n difficult_a obscure_a and_o uncertain_a to_o corrupt_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o make_v it_o comply_v with_o man_n sensual_a lust_n or_o secular_a interest_n a_o guide_n and_o instructor_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o turn_n and_o labyrinth_n wherein_o man_n may_v lose_v themselves_o and_o their_o way_n to_o heaven_n but_o though_o there_o be_v no_o dispute_n in_o religion_n no_o difficulty_n in_o understand_v it_o though_o all_o man_n be_v agree_v about_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n though_o the_o mean_a christian_n understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a divine_a yet_o there_o will_v be_v constant_a need_n of_o a_o spiritual_a guide_n while_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v unmindful_a of_o their_o duty_n and_o careless_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o work_n of_o a_o evangelical_n pastor_n be_v not_o mere_o to_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a but_o to_o exhort_v to_o reprove_v to_o admonish_v to_o watch_v over_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o christian_n to_o make_v seasonable_a application_n to_o their_o conscience_n to_o administer_v comfort_n to_o afflict_a spirit_n to_o excite_v and_o quicken_v the_o slothful_a and_o to_o encourage_v the_o fearful_a and_o timorous_a and_o to_o assist_v and_o direct_v man_n in_o their_o spiritual_a warfare_n how_o to_o obtain_v a_o glorious_a victory_n over_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh._n this_o be_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o give_v they_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o already_o know_v that_o their_o faith_n may_v be_v turn_v into_o a_o principle_n of_o life_n and_o action_n and_o this_o heavenly_a food_n may_v be_v digest_v into_o blood_n and_o spirit_n to_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n 2._o another_o part_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n consist_v in_o act_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n christ_n have_v make_v these_o minister_n and_o servant_n ruler_n over_o his_o household_n no_o society_n can_v be_v preserve_v 14._o 5._o eph._n 23._o 10._o john_n 14._o without_o order_n and_o government_n which_o be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o state_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o husband_n the_o shepherd_n the_o lord_n which_o be_v all_o name_n of_o authority_n and_o power_n and_o the_o church_n be_v his_o body_n his_o spouse_n his_o flock_n his_o household_n and_o family_n which_o be_v name_n of_o subjection_n and_o denote_v a_o regular_a and_o orderly_a society_n but_o christ_n have_v now_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o do_v not_o visible_o appear_v among_o we_o to_o direct_v and_o govern_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n where_o he_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o exercise_v a_o invisible_a power_n and_o providence_n for_o the_o defence_n and_o preservation_n of_o his_o church_n on_o earth_n he_o govern_v we_o by_o his_o law_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o by_o his_o minister_n for_o when_o he_o 13._o 4._o eph._n 8_o 11_o 12_o 13._o ascend_v on_o high_a he_o lead_v captivity_n captive_a and_o give_v gift_n to_o man_n and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ._n when_o our_o saviour_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o tell_v his_o disciple_n all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o i_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o 20._o 28._o mat._n 18_o 19_o 20._o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v their_o commission_n to_o p●…ach_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o govern_v his_o church_n which_o be_v not_o mere_o a_o personal_a commission_n to_o the_o apostle_n but_o extend_v to_o all_o their_o successor_n as_o appear_v from_o christ_n promise_n to_o be_v with_o they_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o ministerial_a authority_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o st._n john_n acquaint_v we_o that_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n appear_v to_o his_o apostle_n when_o they_o be_v meet_v together_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o peace_n be_v unto_o you_o as_o my_o father_n have_v send_v 23._o 20._o john_n 21_o 22_o 23._o i_o so_o send_v i_o you_o and_o as_o he_o have_v say_v this_o he_o breathe_v on_o they_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o receive_v you_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o soever_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v unto_o they_o and_o who_o soever_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v this_o invest_v they_o with_o authority_n but_o then_o the_o actual_a communication_n of_o power_n which_o especial_o at_o that_o time_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n be_v reserve_v for_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n command_v they_o not_o to_o depart_v from_o jerusalem_n but_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n that_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o say_v
heaven_n will_v bear_v some_o proportion_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o work_n and_o to_o that_o service_n we_o do_v for_o god_n in_o this_o world_n now_o we_o can_v do_v any_o more_o acceptable_a service_n than_o to_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n to_o use_v our_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o propagate_v religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o make_v other_o man_n wise_a and_o good_a and_o happy_a our_o saviour_n ●…imself_n come_v into_o the_o world_n on_o this_o ve●…y_a design_n and_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o ●…ght_a hand_n of_o glory_n and_o power_n as_o a_o ●…eward_n of_o it_o and_o those_o who_o be_v work●…rs_n together_o with_o he_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v 1._o 2_o cor._n 6._o 1._o will_v receive_v some_o proportionable_a reward_n ●…lso_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v a_o work_n of_o infinite_a care_n and_o difficulty_n that_o it_o make_v a_o apostle_n himself_o cry_v out_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n 16._o 2_o cor._n 2_o 16._o it_o require_v the_o exercise_n of_o great_a care_n ●…nd_v great_a prudence_n and_o great_a patience_n it_o be_v abundant_o enough_o to_o employ_v our_o whole_a time_n and_o thought_n either_o in_o study_v the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o in_o attend_v the_o public_a ministry_n of_o religion_n or_o in_o private_a address_n and_o application_n to_o man_n who_o want_v our_o advice_n and_o counsel_n we_o must_v content_o bear_v all_o the_o affront_v and_o insolence_n of_o bad_a man_n the_o frowardness_n and_o peevishness_n of_o many_o profess_a christian_n the_o gainsaying_n and_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n we_o must_v go_v on_o and_o persevere_v in_o our_o work_n though_o our_o person_n and_o our_o ministry_n be_v despise_v when_o we_o be_v revile_v 13._o 1_o cor._n 4_o 12_o 13._o we_o must_v bless_v when_o persecute_v we_o must_v suffer_v when_o defame_v we_o must_v entreat_v yea_o though_o we_o be_v make_v as_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o offscouring_a of_o all_o thing_n this_o be_v not_o very_o please_v to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o the_o hard_a the_o work_n be_v the_o great_a will_v our_o reward_n be_v if_o we_o be_v find_v faithful_a and_o wise_a servant_n nay_o there_o be_v no_o work_n do_v so_o ennoble_v the_o mind_n as_o this_o and_o qualify_v we_o for_o a_o excellent_a reward_n no_o man_n can_v faithful_o discharge_v this_o work_n but_o it_o must_v purge_v and_o refine_v his_o mind_n and_o set_v he_o vast_o above_o this_o world_n and_o the_o little_a concernment_n of_o it_o it_o give_v we_o a_o more_o clear_a distinct_a comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n which_o be_v a_o angelical_a perfection_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n and_o he_o must_v be_v a_o strange_a man_n who_o can_v be_v so_o constant_o employ_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o another_o and_o a_o better_a life_n and_o not_o find_v his_o soul_n ravish_v with_o those_o unseen_a and_o unspeakable_a glory_n who_o be_v so_o constant_o employ_v in_o take_v care_n of_o other_o man_n soul_n and_o take_v no_o care_n of_o his_o own_o who_o be_v so_o frequent_a in_o his_o devotion_n as_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o our_o work_n exact_v from_o we_o and_o not_o live_v a_o most_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a life_n there_o be_v indeed_o some_o who_o in_o the_o most_o divine_a employment_n be_v no_o great_a example_n of_o such_o a_o divine_a conversation_n but_o i_o fear_v they_o will_v not_o be_v ●…ound_v in_o the_o number_n of_o these_o faithful_a and_o wise_a servant_n whoever_o hearty_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o care_n of_o soul_n will_v in_o the_o first_o place_n take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o and_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n will_v raise_v we_o so_o much_o above_o the_o ordinary_a level_n and_o attainment_n of_o christian_n as_o will_v prepare_v we_o for_o a_o great_a reward_n and_o advance_v we_o to_o a_o more_o perfect_a state_n of_o glory_n nay_o that_o immediate_a relation_n we_o stand_v in_o to_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n if_o we_o approve_v ourselves_o faithful_a and_o wise_a servant_n will_v secure_v we_o of_o a_o more_o excellent_a reward_n the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n be_v but_o one_o church_n one_o household_n and_o family_n and_o those_o who_o he_o have_v make_v ruler_n of_o his_o household_n here_o to_o who_o he_o have_v commit_v the_o great_a place_n of_o trust_n and_o dignity_n need_v not_o fear_v be_v degrade_v in_o the_o other_o world_n if_o they_o adorn_v their_o office_n and_o faithful_o discharge_v their_o trust_n here_o and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o apostle_n very_o 28._o 19_o mat._n 28._o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o which_o have_v follow_v i_o in_o the_o regeneration_n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v sit_v in_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o glory_n you_o also_o shall_v sit_v upon_o twelve_o throne_n judge_v the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n that_o be_v that_o their_o reward_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o other_o world_n shall_v answer_v to_o that_o place_n of_o trust_n and_o power_n and_o dignity_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o this_o promise_n be_v no_o more_o peculiar_a to_o the_o apostle_n than_o their_o office_n be_v in_o a_o word_n if_o we_o consider_v what_o the_o state_n of_o the_o other_o world_n be_v and_o who_o be_v king_n there_o that_o it_o be_v the_o bless_a jesus_n our_o great_a high_a priest_n king_n of_o salem_n or_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o priest_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n how_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a soever_o our_o office_n be_v think_v here_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o the_o scene_n will_v be_v mighty_o change_v when_o we_o come_v into_o that_o kingdom_n where_o the_o king_n be_v a_o high_a priest_n let_v this_o then_o belove_a brethren_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o we_o 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receive_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n a_o crown_n of_o immortality_n and_o glory_n he_o be_v now_o go_v to_o that_o great_a bishop_n and_o shepherd_n of_o soul_n who_o flock_n he_o have_v so_o careful_o and_o diligent_o feed_v and_o who_o wander_a and_o straggle_a sheep_n he_o have_v reduce_v into_o the_o fold_n to_o that_o kind_a shepherd_n who_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o sheep_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o reward_v those_o who_o have_v spend_v their_o life_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o have_v sacrifice_v they_o too_o for_o the_o service_n of_o soul_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o so_o great_a a_o man_n it_o be_v below_o his_o character_n to_o mention_v such_o thing_n as_o will_v be_v think_v considerable_a attainment_n in_o mean_a person_n though_o indeed_o a_o true_o great_a man_n do_v nothing_o mean_o a_o great_a mind_n give_v a_o peculiar_a grace_n and_o decency_n to_o common_a action_n as_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v in_o his_o very_a mirth_n and_o 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steward_n there_o be_v not_o many_o man_n i_o shall_v soon_o have_v think_v on_o than_o dr._n calamy_n to_o have_v be_v the_o pattern_n that_o he_o do_v take_v care_n to_o give_v you_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o because_o you_o all_o know_v it_o if_o preach_v in_o season_n and_o out_o of_o season_n if_o public_a instruction_n and_o private_a application_n where_o they_o be_v needful_a or_o desire_a be_v feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o give_v ●…eat_a to_o his_o household_n and_o family_n this_o ●…e_n do_v and_o that_o very_o faithful_o and_o ●…isely_o too_o in_o the_o first_o place_n he_o take_v care_n ●…o_o inform_v himself_o and_o to_o furnish_v ●…is_o own_o mind_n with_o all_o useful_a know●…edge_n and_o his_o constant_a preach_v though_o without_o any_o vain_a affectation_n of_o learning_n which_o serve_v only_o to_o amuse_v not_o to_o instruct_v do_v sufficient_o discover_v ●…oth_v his_o natural_a and_o acquire_v ability_n he_o have_v a_o 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faction_n dare_v teach_v man_n to_o conform_v to_o the_o church_n and_o to_o obey_v and_o honour_v the_o king_n dare_v vindicate_v the_o despise_a church_n of_o england_n and_o the_o hate_a doctrine_n of_o passive_a obedience_n though_o the_o one_o be_v think_v to_o favour_n popery_n and_o the_o ●…ther_n to_o introduce_v slavery_n but_o he_o be_v ●…bove_o the_o powerful_a charm_n of_o name_n ●…nd_v like_v truth_n never_o the_o worse_o be●…ause_v it_o be_v miscalled_n his_o public_a ●…ermons_n preach_v in_o those_o day_n and_o ●…rinted_v by_o public_a authority_n be_v ●…asting_a proof_n of_o this_o and_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o ●…apist_v neither_o but_o dare_v reprove_v the_o error_n of_o popery_n when_o some_o other_o who_o make_v the_o great_a noise_n and_o out●…ry_n about_o it_o grow_v wise_a and_o cautious_a this_o be_v like_o a_o true_o honest_a and_o faith●…l_a servant_n to_o oppose_v the_o grow_a di●…tempers_n of_o the_o age_n without_o any_o regard_n either_o to_o unjust_a censure_n or_o apparent_a danger_n and_o yet_o he_o do_v not_o needless_o provoke_v any_o man_n he_o give_v no_o hard_a word_n but_o think_v it_o severe_a enough_o to_o confute_v man_n error_n without_o upbraid_v or_o reproach_v their_o person_n his_o conversation_n be_v courteous_a and_o affable_a to_o all_o man_n soft_a and_o easy_a as_o his_o principle_n be_v stubborn_a he_o can_v yield_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o truth_n and_o bear_v with_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o vice_n of_o man_n he_o will_v indeed_o have_v be_v the_o wonder_n of_o his_o age_n have_v he_o not_o live_v in_o such_o a_o age_n as_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n can_v show_v many_o such_o wonder_n and_o yet_o in_o such_o a_o age_n as_o this_o he_o make_v a_o illustrious_a figure_n though_o he_o have_v his_o equal_n he_o have_v not_o many_o superior_n thus_o he_o live_v and_o thus_o this_o good_a man_n die_v for_o thus_o he_o be_v find_v do_v when_o his_o lord_n come_v the_o first_o symptom_n of_o his_o distemper_n seize_v he_o just_a before_o his_o last_o sermon_n at_o whitehall_n but_o give_v he_o so_o much_o respite_n as_o to_o take_v his_o leave_n of_o the_o world_n in_o a_o excellent_a discourse_n of_o immortality_n which_o he_o speak_v of_o with_o such_o a_o sensible_a gust_n and_o relish_v as_o if_o his_o soul_n have_v be_v then_o upon_o the_o wing_n and_o have_v some_o fore-taste_a of_o those_o joy_n it_o be_v just_a a_o go_v to_o possess_v and_o indeed_o he_o encounter_v the_o apprehension_n of_o death_n like_o one_o who_o believe_v and_o hope_v for_o immortality_n he_o be_v neither_o overfond_a of_o live_v nor_o afraid_a to_o die_v he_o receive_v the_o supper_n of_o our_o lord_n profess_v his_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o which_o he_o have_v live_v and_o in_o which_o he_o now_o die_v and_o have_v recommend_v his_o soul_n to_o god_n he_o quiet_o expect_v how_o he_o will_v dispose_v of_o he_o but_o i_o must_v not_o forget_v to_o tell_v you_o that_o he_o die_v 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consider_v what_o they_o do_v i_o may_v name_v many_o but_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o some_o few_o at_o present_a which_o be_v least_o observe_v and_o which_o prove_v snare_n to_o good_a man_n as_o for_o instance_n to_o impose_v upon_o ourselves_o constant_a task_n of_o religion_n that_o we_o will_v read_v and_o pray_v so_o much_o and_o so_o often_o every_o day_n and_o observe_v voluntary_a fast_n and_o abstain_v from_o such_o innocent_a diversion_n etc._n etc._n which_o man_n common_o resolve_v in_o some_o great_a heat_n and_o fit_n of_o devotion_n which_o they_o fancy_v will_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o fervour_n but_o never_o do_v and_o then_o these_o task_n grow_v very_o uneasy_a as_o every_o thing_n of_o religion_n do_v when_o it_o grow_v a_o task_n and_o then_o they_o degenerate_a into_o dulness_n and_o formality_n and_o then_o man_n either_o leave_v they_o off_o and_o with_o that_o be_v tempt_v to_o leave_v off_o religion_n itself_o or_o they_o be_v so_o very_o cold_a 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write_v thou_o shall_v not_o tempt_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v these_o be_v such_o answer_n as_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o reply_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n can_v never_o be_v answer_v and_o thus_o we_o must_v conquer_v also_o if_o ever_o we_o will_v conquer_v by_o a_o firm_a faith_n in_o god_n and_o belief_n of_o his_o word_n faith_n be_v our_o shield_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o we_o have_v no_o other_o sure_a defence_n against_o all_o temptation_n this_o ruin_v our_o first_o parent_n in_o paradise_n when_o their_o reason_n and_o natural_a power_n be_v in_o their_o great_a vigour_n perfection_n and_o integrity_n that_o instead_o of_o insist_v on_o god_n authority_n they_o venture_v to_o reason_v the_o case_n with_o the_o tempter_n set_a aside_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o the_o devil_n will_v quick_o outwit_n and_o 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what_o insignificant_a name_n be_v virtue_n and_o vice_n how_o weak_a and_o feeble_a be_v the_o sense_n of_o decency_n and_o honour_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o of_o a_o life_n of_o reason_n after_o we_o have_v read_v or_o write_v so_o many_o volume_n about_o it_o when_o we_o feel_v the_o soft_a charm_n of_o pleasure_n and_o our_o eye_n be_v fill_v with_o visible_a glory_n who_o will_v not_o part_v with_o a_o fine_a thought_n or_o two_o with_o some_o pretty_a notion_n of_o moral_a beauty_n and_o intellectual_a pleasure_n for_o a_o happiness_n which_o may_v be_v see_v and_o feel_v but_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n the_o firm_a belief_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n the_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o another_o world_n be_v beyond_o all_o other_o persuasion_n unless_o any_o thing_n can_v persuade_v a_o man_n to_o be_v eternal_o miserable_a this_o may_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v in_o general_n concern_v our_o saviour_n temptation_n we_o come_v now_o to_o 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be_v very_o plausible_a and_o look_v like_o very_o charitable_a advice_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a snare_n in_o it_o one_a for_o this_o be_v make_v a_o trial_n whether_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o not_o if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n command_v that_o these_o stone_n be_v make_v bread_n now_o have_v he_o comply_v with_o this_o it_o have_v argue_v a_o distrust_n of_o his_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o of_o the_o love_n of_o his_o father_n and_o this_o be_v a_o temptation_n to_o sin_n thus_o the_o tempter_n deal_v with_o our_o first_o parent_n make_v they_o jealous_a of_o god_n good_a intention_n towards_o they_o and_o by_o that_o tempt_v they_o to_o disobedience_n the_o serpent_n say_v unto_o the_o woman_n you_o shall_v not_o sure_o die_v for_o god_n know_v that_o in_o the_o day_n you_o eat_v thereof_o than_o your_o eye_n shall_v be_v open_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v as_o god_n know_v good_a and_o evil_n that_o be_v god_n envy_v your_o happiness_n and_o 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great_a loss_n when_o the_o church_n be_v encompass_v and_o assault_v with_o busy_a and_o restless_a enemy_n a_o man_n of_o a_o exemplary_a life_n and_o untainted_a virtue_n who_o shine_v like_o a_o light_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n who_o maintain_v the_o decline_a honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o religion_n and_o true_a virtue_n be_v a_o mighty_a loss_n in_o a_o profligate_v age_n when_o man_n be_v grow_v such_o stranger_n to_o the_o sincere_a practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n that_o they_o begin_v to_o think_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n but_o i_o can_v go_v on_o no_o far_a the_o very_a mention_v of_o these_o thing_n bring_v the_o fresh_a idea_n of_o our_o decease_a brother_n to_o mind_n and_o the_o afflict_a sense_n of_o that_o great_a loss_n which_o we_o suffer_v by_o his_o death_n it_o become_v we_o to_o reverence_n and_o adore_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n even_o when_o we_o can_v understand_v the_o 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6._o matth._n 26_o 30._o where_o from_o god_n care_n of_o mean_a inferior_a creature_n the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n and_o the_o grass_n of_o the_o field_n he_o more_o strong_o conclude_v his_o care_n of_o man_n and_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n from_o his_o care_n of_o particular_a man_n we_o may_v more_o strong_o conclude_v his_o care_n of_o kingdom_n and_o nation_n and_o therefore_o of_o the_o life_n of_o prince_n who_o be_v the_o great_a minister_n of_o his_o government_n and_o providence_n and_o who_o life_n or_o death_n make_v such_o a_o mighty_a change_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o when_o or_o by_o what_o mean_v soever_o prince_n die_v this_o be_v god_n do_n and_o how_o severe_a soever_o we_o may_v feel_v it_o we_o must_v be_v dumb_a and_o not_o open_v our_o mouth_n because_o he_o have_v do_v it_o which_o be_v the_o 2._o thing_n to_o be_v explain_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o be_v dumb_a and_o not_o open_v our_o mouth_n for_o this_o seem_v a_o very_a hard_a 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lash●…_n of_o spiteful_a and_o envenom_a tongue●…_n but_o what_o a_o loss_n have_v religion_n and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o such_o a_o critical_a time_n in_o the_o death_n of_o such_o a_o queen_n and_o such_o a_o prelate_n i_o pray_v god_n make_v up_o this_o loss_n in_o a_o word_n that_o great_a passion_n which_o afflict_v and_o oppress_v our_o good_a king_n give_v a_o unexceptionable_a testimony_n to_o the_o incomparable_a worth_n of_o our_o decease_a queen_n the_o too_o severe_a and_o visible_a effect_n of_o it_o show_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a nor_o a_o dissemble_a passion_n nor_o be_v it_o a_o ordinary_a thing_n for_o a_o prince_n of_o so_o great_a a_o mind_n who_o can_v look_v the_o most_o formidable_a danger_n and_o death_n itself_o in_o the_o face_n without_o fear_n who_o all_o the_o power_n of_o france_n can_v make_v look_v pale_a or_o tremble_v to_o sink_v and_o faint_a and_o to_o feel_v all_o the_o agony_n of_o death_n in_o the_o die_a look_v of_o a_o 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●…dden_a and_o untimely_a death_n of_o a_o ●…cellent_a princess_n who_o have_v strength_n ●…d_a vigour_n of_o age_n which_o promise_v 〈◊〉_d much_o long_a life_n and_o who_o ●…ould_v certain_o have_v do_v great_a ●…ood_n to_o the_o world_n as_o long_o as_o she_o ●…ad_v live_v but_o be_v cut_v off_o in_o the_o ●…igor_n and_o strength_n of_o age_n and_o all_o ●…er_a thought_n even_o all_o her_o great_a ●…d_n excellent_a design_n of_o do_v good_a 〈◊〉_d the_o world_n perish_v with_o she_o ●…hile_o tyrant_n and_o oppressor_n live_v ●…o_o be_v the_o plague_n and_o scourge_v of_o mankind_n now_o though_o we_o do_v not_o know_v ●…he_o particular_a reason_n of_o such_o pro●…idences_n yet_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o frame_v some_o general_a answer_n which_o may_v ●…atisfy_v all_o the_o friend_n of_o providence_n if_o the_o objection_n relate_v to_o ourselves_o who_o suffer_v by_o this_o loss_n there_o be_v a_o very_a plain_a answer_n to_o it_o but_o a_o very_a terrible_a one_o that_o god_n be_v angry_a with_o we_o and_o by_o the_o untimely_a death_n of_o a_o excellent_a princess_n who_o make_v it_o her_o whole_a study_n and_o design_n to_o do_v we_o good_a threaten_v his_o judgement_n against_o we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o take_v care_n to_o prevent_v they_o by_o a_o timely_a repentance_n if_o the_o objection_n relate_v only_o to_o the_o untimely_a death_n of_o a_o excellent_a princess_n that_o she_o shall_v so_o sudden_o be_v snatch_v away_o from_o the_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n of_o a_o throne_n this_o be_v no_o objection_n at_o all_o at_o least_o not_o a●…_n objection_n fit_a for_o christian_n to_o make_v for_o can_v we_o think_v that_o the_o great_a and_o most_o happy_a monarch_n lose_v any_o thing_n by_o the_o exchange_n if_o he_o be_v translate_v from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n that_o the_o joy_n of_o paradise_n be_v not_o great_a than_o a_o crown_n our_o good_a queen_n do_v not_o think_v so_o who_o know_v what_o a_o earthly_a crown_n mean_v but_o be_v willing_a to_o part_v with_o it_o for_o heaven_n who_o see_v death_n approach_v without_o fear_n and_o prepare_v to_o receive_v its_o stroke_n with_o that_o calmness_n and_o sedateness_n of_o mind_n as_o nothing_o can_v give_v but_o a_o innocent_a conscience_n and_o much_o great_a hope_n but_o as_o for_o ourselves_o though_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o we_o have_v re●…eived_v a_o very_a great_a loss_n in_o the_o ●…eath_n of_o a_o excellent_a queen_n yet_o we_o ●…ave_v no_o reason_n to_o quarrel_v at_o pro●…idence_n while_o god_n preserve_v our_o ●…ing_n to_o go_v in_o and_o out_o before_o we_o ●…e_o have_v indeed_o perpetual_a day_n and_o ●…o_o soon_o be_v one_o sun_n withdraw_v ●…ut_o another_o ascend_v our_o horizon_n ●…ith_o equal_a lustre_n and_o brightness_n ●…his_n be_v a_o peculiar_a happiness_n ●…hich_v we_o never_o have_v before_o and_o ●…hich_v the_o necessity_n of_o our_o affair_n ●…equired_v now_o but_o though_o god_n have_v ●…ut_v we_o short_a in_o this_o we_o have_v a_o king_n still_o the_o terror_n of_o france_n ●…nd_v the_o protector_n of_o europe_n a_o king_n who_o affection_n as_o well_o as_o blood_n have_v naturalize_v to_o we_o who_o love_v our_o nation_n and_o our_o church_n which_o he_o have_v once_o deliver_v and_o god_n grant_v ●…e_o may_v live_v long_o to_o settle_v and_o pro●…ect_v both_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o fear_v our_o enemy_n either_o at_o home_n or_o abroad_o while_o a_o prince_n be_v at_o the_o helm_n who_o want_v neither_o counsel_n nor_o courage_n especial_o if_o we_o follow_v that_o noble_a example_n which_o the_o two_o house_n of_o parliament_n have_v set_v we_o to_o give_v he_o such_o fresh_a assurance_n of_o our_o fidelity_n as_o may_v strengthen_v his_o hand_n against_o he_o and_o our_o enemy_n abroad_o and_o make_v he_o easy_a and_o safe_a at_o home_n to_o conclude_v this_o be_v god_n do_v and_o it_o become_v we_o to_o be_v dumb_a and_o not_o to_o open_v our_o mouth_n because_o he_o have_v do_v it_o he_o be_v the_o sovereign_n and_o unaccountable_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n who_o shall_v say_v unto_o he_o what_o dos●…_n thou_o life_n and_o death_n be_v in_o his_o hand_n the_o fate_n of_o prince_n and_o kingdom_n that_o he_o have_v do_v it_o shall_v be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o we_o to_o submit_v because_o though_o he_o do_v thing_n great_a and_o wonderful_a and_o beyond_o our_o understanding_n yet_o he_o never_o do_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a this_o i_o be_o sure_o be_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o turn_v even_o the_o severe_a judgement_n into_o blessing_n to_o reverence_n god_n and_o to_o humble_v ourselves_o under_o his_o mighty_a hand_n and_o implore_v his_o mercy_n to_o repair_v those_o breach_n he_o have_v make_v upon_o we_o we_o must_v not_o complain_v of_o
providence_n but_o we_o may_v make_v our_o complaint_n to_o god_n and_o be_v the_o more_o importunate_a in_o our_o prayer_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o king_n the_o death_n of_o our_o excellent_a queen_n both_o call_v for_o and_o will_v justify_v and_o recommend_v such_o humble_a importunity_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o king_n will_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n make_v up_o this_o loss_n to_o we_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v honour_n glory_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n ix_o preach_v before_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o lord_n mayor_n and_o the_o court_n of_o alderman_n at_o the_o parish-church_n of_o st._n bridget_n on_o tuesday_n in_o easter-week_n april_n 6._o 1697._o 2_o cor._n viii_o 12._o for_o if_o there_o be_v first_o a_o willing_a mind_n it_o be_v accept_v according_a to_o that_o a_o man_n have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v not_o the_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n be_v this_o the_o christian_n of_o judaea_n be_v at_o this_o time_n in_o great_a want_n by_o reason_n of_o a_o general_a dearth_n which_o be_v foretell_v by_o agabus_n at_o antioch_n act_v ii_o 28._o and_o there_o stand_v up_o one_o of_o they_o name_v agabus_n and_o signify_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v great_a dearth_n throughout_o all_o the_o world_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o day_n of_o claudius_n caesar._n upon_o this_o notice_n the_o disciple_n every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o ability_n determine_v to_o send_v relief_n unto_o the_o brethren_n which_o dwell_v in_o judaea_n this_o be_v that_o contribution_n for_o the_o saint_n which_o st._n paul_n direct_v they_o about_o at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o they_o ch._n 16._o and_o this_o be_v what_o he_o inculcate_n on_o they_o in_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a chapter_n but_o with_o so_o much_o art_n and_o insinuation_n that_o though_o he_o use_v the_o most_o powerful_a argument_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o persuade_v nor_o to_o think_v that_o they_o need_v any_o persuasion_n for_o it_o be_v not_o honourable_a for_o christian_n who_o religion_n be_v charity_n to_o need_v such_o persuasion_n and_o importunity_n they_o may_v be_v direct_v in_o their_o charity_n and_o put_v in_o mind_n of_o such_o particular_a charity_n as_o be_v of_o the_o great_a necessity_n or_o the_o most_o present_a use_n or_o have_v the_o most_o general_a influence_n or_o do_v the_o great_a reputation_n and_o service_n to_o religion_n or_o their_o charity_n may_v be_v heighten_v inflame_a and_o enlarge_v by_o the_o proper_a argument_n and_o motive_n of_o liberality_n but_o their_o religion_n teach_v they_o to_o be_v charitable_a and_o the_o name_n and_o profession_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v a_o reproach_n to_o they_o without_o it_o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o apostle_n aim_v at_o even_o in_o his_o soft_a and_o tender_a way_n of_o persuasion_n not_o mere_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o contribute_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n which_o he_o know_v they_o be_v willing_a ●…o_o do_v but_o that_o they_o shall_v contri●…ute_v liberal_o with_o a_o free_a and_o cheerful_a heart_n and_o open_a hand_n which_o be_v the_o ●…um_n of_o all_o his_o argument_n as_o i_o shall_v ●…hew_v you_o in_o the_o conclusion_n if_o time_n permit_v but_o the_o great_a difficulty_n concern_v the_o proper_a measure_n of_o a_o liberal_a and_o overflow_a charity_n our_o saviour_n have_v prescribe_v no_o set_a bound_n and_o proportion_n to_o our_o charity_n and_o it_o be_v think_v as_o possible_a to_o be_v imprudent_a and_o excessive_a as_o too_o frugal_a and_o spare_a we_o have_v many_o other_o obligation_n upon_o we_o beside_o charity_n to_o provide_v for_o our_o own_o comfortable_a subsistence_n to_o take_v care_n of_o our_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o to_o discharge_v all_o other_o duty_n and_o office_n according_a to_o our_o station_n and_o character_n in_o the_o world_n all_o which_o ought_v to_o set_v bound_n to_o our_o charity_n but_o what_o these_o bound_n be_v be_v think_v the_o great_a question_n which_o be_v not_o easy_o answer_v this_o be_v true_a nor_o can_v any_o certain_a measure_n be_v prescribe_v nor_o do_v the_o apostle_n pretend_v to_o it_o but_o though_o there_o be_v a_o great_a latitude_n in_o true_a christian_a charity_n which_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o point_n but_o admit_v of_o different_a degree_n and_o proportion_n yet_o the_o apostle_n in_o my_o text_n direct_v we_o to_o such_o a_o principle_n as_o be_v much_o better_a and_o safe_a than_o any_o state_v rule_n because_o it_o will_v be_v sure_a never_o to_o sink_v below_o the_o just_a proportion_n of_o charity_n and_o will_v render_v all_o we_o do_v be_v it_o more_o or_o less_o very_o acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o if_o there_o be_v first_o a_o willing_a mind_n it_o be_v accept_v according_a to_o that_o a_o man_n have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v not_o in_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v observe_v three_o thing_n which_o be_v express_v or_o necessary_o imply_v in_o they_o first_o that_o a_o great_a readiness_n and_o forwardness_n of_o mind_n to_o do_v good_a be_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o charity_n which_o give_v value_v and_o acceptation_n to_o all_o we_o do_v second_o that_o this_o readiness_n of_o mind_n to_o do_v good_a to_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o those_o who_o want_v will_v observe_v the_o just_a proportion_n of_o give_v will_v give_v according_a to_o what_o a_o man_n have_v as_o be_v necessary_o imply_v in_o the_o word_n for_o if_o a_o willing_a mind_n be_v accept_v according_a to_o what_o a_o man_n have_v it_o be_v because_o it_o give_v according_a to_o what_o a_o man_n have_v three_o that_o where_o there_o be_v this_o willing_a mind_n with_o a_o fit_a proportion_n according_a to_o our_o ability_n whether_o it_o be_v more_o or_o less_o which_o we_o give_v it_o be_v equal_o acceptable_a to_o god_n such_o a_o man_n be_v accept_v according_a to_o what_o ●…e_n have_v not_o according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v ●…ot_v i_o shall_v speak_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v to_o each_o of_o these_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v prevent_v in_o such_o a_o application_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o this_o solemnity_n first_o that_o a_o great_a readiness_n and_o forwardness_n of_o mind_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v to_o do_v good_a to_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o those_o in_o want_n be_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o charity_n and_o give_v value_v and_o acceptation_n to_o all_o we_o do_v such_o a_o willingness_n of_o mind_n when_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o first_o mover_n in_o all_o our_o charitable_a action_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d very_o acceptable_a to_o god_n this_o i_o think_v i_o may_v take_v for_o grant_v for_o what_o be_v the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o charity_n but_o a_o charitable_a inclination_n disposition_n temper_n habit_n of_o mind_n and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o a_o readiness_n and_o forwardness_n to_o do_v good_a our_o inclination_n and_o passion_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o action_n and_o therefore_o have_v a_o natural_a tendency_n towards_o their_o proper_a act_n and_o object_n and_o will_v act_v when_o they_o have_v the_o power_n and_o opportunity_n of_o action_n charity_n be_v love_n the_o love_n of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n to_o the_o misery_n and_o suffering_n and_o want_v of_o our_o brethren_n and_o love_n in_o all_o other_o instance_n be_v a_o very_a restless_a active_a principle_n and_o so_o will_v our_o love_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o miserable_a be_v if_o it_o be_v inclination_n and_o habit._n there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o will_v pretend_v to_o be_v very_o ready_a and_o willing_a to_o do_v good_a though_o he_o never_o do_v any_o for_o to_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o do_v good_a be_v so_o infamous_a that_o those_o who_o do_v no_o good_a be_v ashamed_a to_o own_v it_o but_o to_o do_v no_o good_a be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n against_o they_o when_o nothing_o can_v hinder_v they_o from_o do_v good_a but_o the_o want_n of_o will_n and_o inclination_n to_o do_v it_o when_o god_n have_v furnish_v they_o with_o the_o mean_n of_o do_v good_a and_o there_o be_v thousand_o of_o object_n to_o exercise_v their_o charity_n and_o to_o move_v their_o pity_n if_o they_o have_v any_o the_o will_n be_v accept_v for_o the_o deed_n both_o by_o god_n and_o man_n when_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o do_v that_o good_a which_o we_o sincere_o desire_v to_o do_v and_o which_o we_o will_v certain_o do_v be_v it_o in_o our_o power_n but_o it_o be_v to_o mock_v both_o god_n and_o man_n to_o pretend_v a_o willingness_n when_o ●…t_n be_v
brute_n who_o love_n money_n only_o to_o look_v on_o or_o to_o count_v their_o bag_n and_o security_n without_o suffer_v themselves_o or_o any_o body_n else_o to_o use_v it_o they_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o be_v name_v for_o i_o can_v hardly_o reckon_v they_o among_o reasonable_a creature_n but_o man_n care_n of_o themselves_o and_o of_o their_o wife_n and_o child_n not_o to_o descend_v at_o present_a to_o other_o relation_n which_o may_v come_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o charity_n though_o of_o a_o near_o and_o more_o sacred_a obligation_n be_v think_v a_o very_a prudent_a and_o reasonable_a consideration_n in_o this_o case_n and_o indeed_o be_v so_o for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n in_o that_o common_a say_v right_o understand_v that_o charity_n begin_v at_o home_n the_o great_a controversy_n then_o be_v between_o our_o love_n to_o ourselves_o our_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a now_o there_o be_v no_o dispute_n but_o the_o first_o must_v have_v the_o preference_n but_o yet_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a must_v have_v its_o place_n also_o and_o then_o the_o only_a question_n be_v in_o what_o proportion_n this_o must_v be_v and_o that_o be_v a_o very_a hard_a question_n if_o you_o put_v it_o in_o arithmetic_n for_o i_o can_v name_v no_o proportion_n nor_o have_v our_o saviour_n think_v fit_a to_o name_v any_o but_o as_o i_o observe_v to_o you_o before_o true_a charity_n will_v assign_v a_o just_a proportion_n to_o itself_o for_o a_o true_a charitable_a mind_n will_v spare_v what_o it_o reasonable_o can_v and_o never_o below_o the_o proportion_n of_o charity_n and_o will_v spare_v more_o or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o its_o charity_n i_o must_v be_v force_v to_o represent_v this_o in_o short_a to_o you_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v tedious_a that_o love_n we_o have_v for_o ourselves_o and_o for_o our_o natural_a dependent_n will_v general_o secure_v we_o against_o exceed_v the_o 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will_v observe_v a_o just_a proportion_n let_v no_o man_n then_o inquire_v how_o much_o he_o must_v give_v the_o proper_a enquiry_n be_v how_o much_o he_o must_v love_v let_v no_o man_n satisfy_v himself_o with_o some_o small_a trifle_a present_n which_o bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o what_o he_o have_v upon_o pretence_n that_o god_n have_v prescribe_v no_o proportion_n of_o give_v but_o let_v he_o ask_v himself_o whether_o in_o his_o own_o conscience_n what_o he_o give_v bear_v any_o proportion_n to_o that_o love_n and_o charity_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o miserable_a which_o god_n require_v and_o let_v he_o remember_v that_o though_o god_n have_v not_o fix_v the_o proportion_n of_o give_v he_o require_v great_a degree_n of_o charity_n and_o though_o man_n may_v give_v liberal_o without_o charity_n yet_o not_o to_o give_v in_o some_o due_a proportion_n be_v a_o certain_a sign_n of_o want_n of_o charity_n when_o there_o want_v no_o ability_n to_o give_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o observe_v 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the_o public_a exercise_n of_o religion_n must_v be_v regulate_v by_o the_o public_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n which_o as_o to_o time_n and_o place_n and_o other_o external_a circumstance_n be_v the_o safe_a rule_n yet_o our_o private_a devotion_n be_v free_a and_o both_o public_a and_o private_a devotion_n have_v a_o great_a latitude_n and_o thus_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o case_n of_o charity_n some_o man_n think_v they_o can_v never_o spend_v time_n enough_o in_o the_o public_a and_o private_a ●…xercises_n of_o religion_n and_o other_o ●…hink_v a_o very_a little_a will_v serve_v the_o turn_n ●…nd_v any_o trifle_a pretence_n be_v sufficient_a to_o ●…xcuse_v they_o from_o their_o closet_n or_o the_o church_n and_o especial_o from_o the_o lord_n table_n and_o the_o resolution_n of_o this_o be_v the_o same_o ●…s_v in_o the_o case_n of_o charity_n we_o be_v command_v to_o be_v devout_a worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o devotion_n ●…aturally_o prescribe_v the_o external_a mea●…ures_n and_o proportion_n devout_a mind_n who_o have_v a_o true_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o constant_a dependence_n on_o he_o that_o they_o owe_v all_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a blessing_n to_o he_o and_o daily_o need_v the_o pardon_n of_o their_o sin_n the_o ptotection_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o the_o supply_n of_o his_o grace_n will_v never_o fail_v to_o worship_n god_n who_o they_o inward_o reverence_v and_o adore_v and_o as_o our_o devout_a sense_n of_o god_n increase_v in_o strength_n and_o vigour_n the_o external_a expression_n of_o devotion_n will_v be_v more_o frequent_a more_o lively_a and_o affect_a for_o nature_n will_v exert_v itself_o and_o will_v exert_v itself_o in_o proportion_n to_o its_o strength_n and_o vigour_n but_o to_o return_v 3._o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v i_o must_v at_o present_a wave_n that_o where_o there_o be_v a_o willing_a mind_n with_o a_o fit_a proportion_n according_a to_o our_o ability_n which_o as_o you_o have_v hear_v there_o will_v be_v where_o there_o be_v a_o true_o willing_a and_o charitable_a mind_n whether_o it_o be_v more_o or_o less_o that_o we_o give_v it_o be_v equal_o acceptable_a to_o god_n such_o a_o man_n be_v accept_v according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v not_o according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v not_o and_o indeed_o there_o be_v no_o great_a occasion_n to_o insist_v on_o it_o for_o it_o be_v self-evident_a that_o god_n will_v not_o exact_v that_o from_o we_o which_o we_o have_v not_o only_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o this_o do_v not_o excuse_v any_o man_n from_o charity_n though_o he_o have_v nothing_o to_o give_v he_o must_v have_v a_o willing_a charitable_a mind_n to_o make_v he_o accept_v nor_o do_v it_o excuse_v those_o from_o charity_n who_o have_v but_o little_a to_o give_v for_o they_o must_v give_v according_a to_o what_o they_o have_v nor_o do_v it_o excuse_v those_o who_o have_v nothing_o to_o give_v from_o other_o act_n of_o charity_n which_o require_v the_o give_v nothing_o and_o a_o great_a many_o such_o act_n of_o real_a charity_n there_o be_v which_o poor_a people_n may_v do_v for_o each_o other_o though_o they_o have_v not_o a_o penny_n in_o their_o purse_n but_o it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o turn_v my_o discourse_n to_o the_o proper_a business_n of_o this_o great_a solemnity_n public_a charity_n be_v always_o reckon_v among_o the_o great_a ornament_n of_o any_o country_n and_o make_v up_o the_o most_o lovely_a and_o charm_a part_n of_o their_o character_n stately_a and_o magnificent_a building_n show_v great_a art_n and_o great_a riches_n and_o a_o gallant_a and_o noble_a genius_n but_o great_a charity_n have_v something_o divine_a and_o strike_v the_o mind_n with_o a_o religious_a veneration_n there_o may_v be_v much_o more_o magnificent_a show_n than_o this_o day_n be_v procession_n but_o none_o which_o affect_v wise_a and_o good_a man_n with_o a_o sincerer_n pleasure_n to_o follow_v a_o great_a number_n of_o orphan_n in_o the_o mean_a but_o decent_a dress_n of_o charity_n sing_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n and_o pray_v for_o their_o benefactor_n be_v beyond_o all_o the_o roman_a triumph_n however_o adorn_v with_o a_o pompous_a equipage_n and_o great_a number_n of_o royal_a slave_n these_o present_v we_o with_o nothing_o but_o the_o miserable_a spectacle_n of_o spoil_n and_o rapine_n the_o uncertain_a change_n and_o vi●…issitudes_n of_o fortune_n the_o lamentable_a fate_n of_o conquer_a prince_n and_o people_n and_o the_o pride_n and_o insolence_n of_o conqueror_n but_o here_o be_v the_o triumph_n of_o a_o generous_a goodness_n and_o divine_a charity_n triumph_n without_o blood_n and_o spoil_n without_o slave_n and_o captive_n unless_o redeem_v slave_n rescue_v from_o the_o jaw_n of_o poverty_n and_o all_o the_o injury_n and_o misery_n of_o a_o ruin_a fortune_n that_o to_o i_o this_o great_a city_n and_o this_o honourable_a train_n never_o look_v great_a than_o in_o this_o humble_a pomp._n a_o pomp_n not_o for_o vanity_n and_o ostentation_n but_o to_o endear_v and_o recommend_v charity_n by_o show_v the_o visible_a and_o bless_a fruit_n of_o it_o and_o to_o the_o same_o end_n i_o must_v give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o the_o present_a state_n of_o these_o public_a charity_n the_o report_n be_v here_o read_v that_o these_o be_v all_o great_a charity_n i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o indeed_o all_o so_o great_a that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o know_v to_o which_o to_o give_v the_o preference_n and_o what_o occasion_n all_o these_o charity_n have_v of_o fresh_a liberal_a and_o constant_a supply_n the_o report_n acquaint_v you_o but_o i_o can_v pass_v over_o one_o thing_n i_o observe_v in_o this_o report_n and_o which_o i_o fear_v many_o necessitous_a people_n feel_v that_o there_o have_v be_v no_o orphan_n take_v into_o christ_n hospital_n this_o year_n nor_o as_o i_o remember_v for_o two_o year_n last_o pass_v i_o do_v not_o mention_v this_o by_o way_n of_o reflection_n as_o any_o fault_n in_o the_o administration_n and_o government_n but_o to_o put_v you_o in_o mind_n how_o much_o that_o excellent_a foundation_n need_v your_o supply_n and_o though_o i_o do_v not_o love_v to_o compare_v charity_n they_o be_v all_o of_o great_a use_n and_o necessity_n in_o their_o kind_n yet_o i_o think_v this_o foundation_n have_v something_o to_o plead_v for_o itself_o beyond_o any_o other_o a_o helpless_a age_n destitute_a of_o friend_n ●…nd_v all_o mean_n of_o support_n will_v plead_v ●…or_n itself_o without_o say_v any_o thing_n ●…t_o be_v a_o pitiable_a sight_n to_o see_v poor_a ●…nnocent_a child_n turn_v helpless_a in●…o_o the_o wide_a world_n to_o starve_v or_o beg_v or_o steal_v or_o to_o suffer_v all_o imaginable_a difficulty_n and_o necessity_n at_o home_n without_o education_n without_o government_n or_o discipline_n without_o be_v use_v ●…o_o labour_n or_o teach_v any_o honest_a
of_o earthly_a rival_n yet_o it_o fire_v at_o great_a example_n and_o be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v outdo_v by_o equal_n in_o love_n to_o god_n or_o man_n especial_o when_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n and_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v be_v concern_v it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o many_o pious_a and_o charitable_a foundation_n be_v owe_v to_o popish_a superstition_n they_o hope_v to_o expiate_v their_o sin_n and_o to_o merit_v heaven_n by_o their_o good_a work_n and_o in_o this_o hope_n and_o this_o persuasion_n they_o do_v a_o very_a great_a many_o we_o understand_v better_a than_o to_o think_v of_o merit_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n much_o less_o of_o purchase_v a_o liberty_n of_o sin_v by_o act_n of_o charity_n but_o if_o those_o great_a reward_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o charity_n and_o which_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v will_v not_o make_v we_o charitable_a without_o the_o opinion_n of_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n charity_n be_v 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will_v make_v any_o corrupt_a addition_n to_o it_o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o make_v a_o prey_n or_o to_o carry_v away_o as_o a_o prey_n that_o be_v to_o seduce_v they_o from_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o from_o the_o p●…rity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o it_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n that_o be_v through_o the_o vain_a deceit_n of_o philosophy_n which_o cheat_v man_n with_o a_o flatter_a but_o empty_a appearance_n may_v unsettle_v weak_a mind_n but_o can_v lay_v a_o sure_a and_o solid_a foundation_n of_o faith_n may_v cheat_v man_n out_o of_o their_o faith_n but_o when_o that_o be_v do_v can_v give_v they_o nothing_o certain_a in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v but_o after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o this_o world_n some_o of_o these_o doctrine_n may_v possible_o plead_v prescription_n as_o have_v be_v so_o long_o 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as_o i_o can_v by_o show_v i._n what_o great_a need_n there_o be_v of_o this_o caution_n to_o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v we_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n ii_o what_o great_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o rejectall_v these_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n when_o they_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n i._o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o whoever_o consider_v what_o a_o enemy_n these_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n have_v always_o be_v to_o religion_n will_v see_v need_n enough_o for_o this_o caution_n true_a reason_n and_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v true_a philosophy_n will_v certain_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n and_o worship_n of_o that_o supreme_a be_v who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o atheist_n without_o some_o pretence_n to_o philosophy_n and_o general_o such_o loud_a noisy_a pretence_n too_o as_o make_v ignorant_a 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be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o dispute_n of_o philosophy_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o apostolical_a command_n to_o be_v whole_o fling_v out_o of_o religion_n and_o not_o suffer_v to_o affect_v our_o faith_n one_o way_n or_o other_o to_o be_v a_o philosopher_n and_o a_o christian_a to_o dispute_v and_o to_o believe_v be_v two_o very_a different_a thing_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o most_o of_o the_o argument_n against_o revelation_n in_o general_n and_o most_o of_o the_o dispute_n about_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v no_o better_o than_o this_o vain_a deceit_n of_o philosophy_n that_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o dispute_n of_o philosophy_n true_o distinguish_v this_o alone_a will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o settle_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_n and_o restore_v peace_n and_o unity_n at_o least_o in_o the_o great_a fundamental_o of_o religion_n to_o the_o christian_a world_n 1._o as_o to_o begin_v with_o 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and_o pharisee_n in_o disbelieve_v our_o saviour_n after_o all_o the_o miracle_n they_o do_v for_o if_o they_o will_v disbelieve_v moses_n and_o christ_n though_o they_o have_v nothing_o material_a to_o object_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o history_n nothing_o which_o they_o will_v allow_v to_o be_v good_a objection_n against_o any_o other_o history_n they_o must_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n have_v disbelieved_a they_o though_o they_o have_v see_v they_o do_v all_o those_o great_a work_n which_o be_v report_v of_o they_o in_o such_o credible_a history_n but_o whatever_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n be_v they_o think_v they_o may_v secure_o reject_v they_o if_o they_o contain_v any_o thing_n which_o contradict_v their_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n and_o they_o find_v a_o great_a many_o such_o thing_n to_o quarrel_n with_o they_o think_v moses_n history_n of_o the_o creation_n very_o unphilosophical_a that_o the_o story_n of_o eve_n and_o the_o serpent_n be_v a_o 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scripture_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o we_o say_v further_o as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v three_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n each_o of_o which_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n this_o they_o say_v be_v a_o contradiction_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o faith_n for_o both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a but_o to_o be_v three_o and_o one_o upon_o different_a account_n and_o in_o different_a sense_n be_v no_o contradiction_n for_o thus_o three_o may_v be_v one_o and_o one_o three_o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o scripture_n teach_v or_o that_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v whatever_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o distinction_n and_o unity_n be_v but_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v these_o philosophical_a wit_n unless_o they_o can_v comprehend_v how_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v real_o and_o distinct_o three_o and_o essential_o one_o the_o manner_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n give_v no_o account_n of_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v no_o dispute_n in_o faith_n but_o only_o in_o philosophy_n another_o objection_n concern_v the_o divine_a generation_n how_o god_n can_v beget_v a_o son_n of_o his_o own_o substance_n which_o the_o arian_n think_v infer_v a_o division_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n and_o a_o three_o objection_n concern_v a_o eternal_a generation_n how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o father_n shall_v beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n that_o the_o son_n shall_v be_v beget_v without_o any_o begin_n of_o be_v and_o that_o the_o father_n shall_v not_o be_v at_o least_o some_o few_o moment_n before_o the_o son_n and_o consequent_o the_o son_n not_o eternal_a now_o we_o all_o grant_v that_o we_o can_v give_v no_o philosophical_a account_n of_o this_o no_o more_o than_o we_o can_v of_o the_o simple_a divine_a essence_n or_o of_o eternity_n itself_o but_o we_o may_v believe_v that_o god_n have_v a_o eternal_a son_n as_o we_o do_v that_o there_o be_v
that_o we_o can_v hear_v they_o because_o sound_n be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o sight_n nor_o colour_n of_o hear_v now_o no_o man_n pretend_v that_o the_o pure_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o thing_n or_o their_o essential_a reason_n property_n union_n operation_n be_v the_o object_n of_o humane_a reason_n for_o no_o man_n live_v know_v any_o thing_n about_o they_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v all_o the_o incomprehensibility_n man_n have_v to_o complain_v of_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n that_o they_o can_v comprehend_v how_o god_n can_v beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n nor_o how_o three_o divine_a person_n shall_v be_v so_o unite_v as_o to_o be_v essential_o one_o god_n nor_o how_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n can_v be_v unite_v into_o one_o person_n god-man_n all_o which_o concern_v the_o essence_n and_o essential_a property_n operation_n union_n relation_n of_o the_o deity_n which_o a_o modest_a man_n may_v allow_v to_o be_v incomprehensible_a if_o god_n be_v infinite_a though_o he_o can_v comprehend_v the_o nature_n essence_n and_o essential_a reason_n and_o property_n of_o create_a being_n but_o when_o all_o create_a nature_n be_v such_o a_o mystery_n to_o we_o that_o we_o know_v not_o the_o pure_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o any_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v it_o a_o affront_n to_o our_o reason_n that_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o divine_a nature_n such_o matter_n as_o these_o be_v neither_o without_o reason_n nor_o against_o reason_n nor_o contrary_a to_o reason_n because_o reason_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o and_o can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n of_o they_o they_o belong_v not_o to_o reason_n but_o to_o that_o infinite_a mind_n which_o comprehend_v itself_o and_o the_o idea_n of_o all_o possible_a being_n a_o perfect_a comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o nature_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o know_v what_o thing_n be_v but_o how_o to_o make_v they_o which_o will_v be_v a_o vain_a curiosity_n and_o useless_a knowledge_n to_o those_o who_o have_v not_o a_o make_v and_o create_v power_n this_o be_v to_o know_v thing_n à_fw-fr priori_fw-la with_o a_o intuitive_a ideal_o knowledge_n which_o be_v infinite_o more_o superior_a to_o reason_n ●…an_n reason_n be_v to_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v the_o ●…ffectation_n of_o this_o intuitive_a make_v knowledge_n which_o make_v some_o man_n atheist_n and_o other_o heretic_n 2_o another_o great_a objection_n against_o such_o a_o revelation_n as_o contain_v matter_n which_o natural_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v be_v to_o what_o purpose_n such_o ●…a_n revelation_n serve_v what_o merit_n there_o can_v be_v in_o believe_v such_o doctrine_n and_o of_o what_o good_a use_n such_o a_o faith_n can_v be_v to_o we_o now_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v think_v it_o meritorious_a mere_o to_o believe_v thing_n which_o be_v incomprehensible_a or_o that_o god_n any_o more_o intend_a to_o puzzle_v our_o faith_n with_o reveal_v mystery_n than_o to_o puzzle_v our_o reason_n in_o make_v a_o mysterious_a world_n whether_o we_o receive_v our_o information_n from_o sense_n or_o natural_a reason_n or_o revelation_n it_o be_v certain_a we_o must_v believe_v mystery_n if_o we_o believe_v any_o thing_n for_o all_o thing_n have_v something_o mysterious_a and_o incomprehensible_a in_o their_o nature_n what_o natural_a reason_n can_v account_v for_o and_o what_o god_n never_o intend_v we_o shall_v understand_v for_o god_n never_o intend_v to_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o make_v the_o world_n nor_o how_o every_o creature_n be_v make_v and_o therefore_o we_o can_v and_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o know_v the_o internal_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o nature_n but_o though_o neither_o natural_a nor_o reveal_v knowledge_n extend_v to_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o essential_a property_n and_o operation_n yet_o both_o natural_a and_o reveal_v knowledge_n be_v of_o as_o much_o use_n to_o we_o as_o if_o we_o do_v perfect_o understand_v all_o the_o secret_a and_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o creature_n both_o natural_a and_o reveal_v knowledge_n be_v alike_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o they_o only_o acquaint_v we_o what_o thing_n be_v and_o what_o end_v they_o serve_v and_o then_o we_o know_v what_o use_n to_o make_v of_o they_o without_o understand_v the_o secret_a mystery_n of_o nature_n be_v this_o world_n or_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o the_o less_o useful_a to_o we_o because_o we_o can_v conceive_v how_o god_n create_v all_o thing_n of_o nothing_o or_o because_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o matter_n nor_o how_o the_o several_a part_n of_o matter_n come_v by_o their_o different_a virtue_n and_o quality_n be_v corn_n or_o fruit_n or_o herb_n the_o less_o nourish_a or_o refresh_v because_o we_o know_v not_o how_o they_o grow_v do_v it_o require_v any_o philosophy_n to_o know_v how_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o sleep_v will_v not_o our_o food_n nourish_v we_o ●…less_v we_o understand_v how_o it_o be_v concoct●…_n and_o turn_v into_o chile_n and_o blood_n ●…d_a spirit_n nay_o be_v it_o of_o no_o use_n to_o ●…ow_v that_o god_n be_v a_o eternal_a omnipo●…nt_a omniscient_a omnipresent_v be_v ●…less_v we_o can_v conceive_v how_o any_o be_v ●…n_v be_v eternal_a without_o a_o cause_n and_o ●…ithout_v a_o beginning_n or_o can_v compre●…end_v how_o he_o can_v do_v and_o know_v all_o thing_n ●…d_v be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n at_o once_o ●…ithout_n extension_n and_o without_o part_n ●…e_o may_v make_v all_o the_o use_n that_o can_v be_v ●…ade_v of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o every_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d it_o without_o understand_v the_o essential_a ●…easons_n and_o cause_n or_o internal_a nature_n ●…f_o any_o thing_n and_o we_o must_v do_v so_o if_o we_o will_v make_v any_o use_n of_o it_o and_o we_o know_v god_n to_o all_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_n for_o which_o creature_n ought_v to_o know_v god_n ●…hough_o his_o nature_n be_v incomprehensible_a and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n such_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n how_o unaccountable_a soever_o the_o mystery_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v yet_o it_o be_v the_o most_o useful_a knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o the_o eternal_a father_n beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n of_o his_o own_o substance_n nor_o how_o this_o eternal_a son_n in_o time_n become_v man_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o most_o desirable_a knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n to_o sinner_n to_o know_v that_o god_n have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o that_o he_o so_o love_v the_o world_n as_o to_o give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o that_o this_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n become_v man_n live_v a_o poor_a necessitous_a laborious_a life_n and_o die_v a_o accurse_a death_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n and_o to_o know_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o proceed_v from_o father_n and_o son_n dwell_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o quicken_v and_o animate_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ._n if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o we_o must_v suppose_v in_o this_o argument_n all_o mankind_n must_v confess_v that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a useful_a knowledge_n and_o never_o the_o less_o useful_a because_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v great_a and_o unconceivable_a mystery_n can_v we_o give_v a_o rational_a and_o philosophical_a account_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o of_o the_o incarnation_n we_o shall_v know_v more_o than_o we_o now_o do_v but_o faith_n make_v it_o as_o useful_a to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o most_o perfect_a intuitive_a knowledge_n can_v do_v this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o that_o objection_n against_o the_o usefulness_n of_o such_o mystery_n as_o have_v something_o incomprehensible_a and_o unconceivable_a in_o their_o nature_n which_o be_v a_o equal_a objection_n against_o all_o create_a nature_n which_o be_v but_o one_o great_a mystery_n and_o yet_o the_o world_n be_v a_o very_a useful_a world_n and_o we_o know_v in_o some_o good_a degree_n what_o use_n to_o make_v of_o it_o and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o gospel_n mystery_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o present_a dispute_n be_v manifest_o of_o infinite_a use_n to_o we_o if_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n and_o death_n and_o intercession_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a be_v of_o any_o use_n and_o
therefore_o it_o become_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o reveal_v these_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n to_o we_o especial_o if_o we_o add_v to_o this_o that_o the_o lapse_v state_n of_o humane_a nature_n make_v supernatural_a knowledge_n necessary_a natural_a knowledge_n we_o grant_v be_v sufficient_a for_o a_o state_n of_o nature_n though_o no_o man_n will_v have_v have_v reason_n to_o complain_v have_v god_n in_o a_o state_n of_o innocence_n by_o a_o more_o familiar_a intercourse_n with_o man_n or_o by_o the_o frequent_a conversation_n of_o angel_n improve_v his_o knowledge_n beyond_o the_o mere_a attainment_n of_o his_o natural_a faculty_n and_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a but_o this_o may_v have_v be_v i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v a_o impatient_a thirst_n after_o knowledge_n in_o humane_a nature_n and_o such_o a_o great_a curiosity_n for_o secret_a and_o hide_a mystery_n that_o it_o look_v very_o unnatural_a for_o man_n to_o complain_v that_o god_n reveal_v more_o to_o they_o than_o nature_n teach_v but_o yet_o i_o say_v natural_a knowledge_n must_v be_v allow_v sufficient_a to_o all_o the_o end_n of_o humane_a life_n while_o man_n continue_v innocent_a for_o that_o be_v the_o original_a state_n of_o human_a nature_n as_o all_o man_n must_v grant_v who_o believe_v that_o man_n be_v make_v by_o god_n but_o when_o man_n sin_v he_o forfeit_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o a_o natural_a immortality_n and_o whether_o he_o shall_v be_v restore_v or_o not_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o shall_v be_v restore_v depend_v whole_o on_o the_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n though_o it_o can_v direct_v a_o innocent_a man_n how_o to_o please_v and_o worship_n god_n and_o to_o preserve_v himself_o immortal_a it_o can_v not_o teach_v sinner_n how_o to_o make_v atonement_n for_o sin_n nor_o give_v they_o any_o certain_a hope_n that_o god_n will_v forgive_v sin_n and_o bestow_v immortal_a life_n on_o they_o which_o make_v it_o necessary_a that_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v a_o reveal_v religion_n and_o if_o god_n in_o infinite_a goodness_n be_v not_o only_o please_v to_o restore_v sinner_n to_o grace_n and_o favour_n but_o to_o advance_v they_o to_o a_o supernatural_a state_n of_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o the_o next_o world_n this_o must_v be_v do_v by_o supernatural_a mean_n and_o therefore_o require_v a_o supernatural_a knowledge_n for_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n can_v neither_o raise_v we_o above_o nature_n nor_o discover_v supernatural_a truth_n to_o we_o and_o this_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o know_v and_o believe_v such_o thing_n as_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n or_o idea_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o neither_o eye_n have_v see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v it_o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n to_o conceive_v if_o nature_n can_v save_v we_o it_o can_v discover_v to_o we_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n neither_o and_o if_o we_o must_v be_v save_v by_o a_o supernatural_a grace_n and_o power_n it_o must_v be_v supernatural_o reveal_v and_o what_o be_v supernatural_a be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n not_o of_o natural_a knowledge_n this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o give_v a_o plain_a account_n why_o god_n think_v fit_a to_o reveal_v such_o mystery_n to_o we_o as_o nature_n can_v teach_v and_o as_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n of_o because_o our_o lapse_v state_n have_v make_v such_o supernatural_a revelation_n necessary_a to_o the_o recovery_n of_o mankind_n and_o when_o we_o be_v fall_v below_o the_o relief_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o natural_a knowledge_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o thankful_a to_o our_o good_a god_n for_o supernatural_a knowledge_n and_o supernatural_a mean_n of_o salvation_n to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n three_o person_n one_o eternal_a god_n be_v honour_n glory_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n xi_o the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o deism_n preach_v before_o the_o king_n at_o hampton-court_n june_n 16._o 1700_o john_n fourteen_o 1._o you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o i_o shall_v not_o consider_v these_o word_n as_o they_o relate_v to_o what_o follow_v but_o only_o observe_v in_o they_o that_o our_o sa●…iour_n not_o only_o require_v his_o disciple_n to_o ●…elieve_v in_o god_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v believe_v also_o in_o he_o that_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n and_o from_o hence_o i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o consider_v the_o case_n of_o deist_n who_o pretend_v to_o own_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o to_o pay_v such_o worship_n to_o he_o and_o to_o obey_v such_o law_n as_o mere_a nature_n teach_v but_o reject_v all_o reveal_v religion_n even_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n itself_o as_o no_o better_a than_o cheat_n and_o impostor_n this_o profession_n of_o deism_n be_v grow_v very_o fashionable_a among_o our_o great_a pretender_n to_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n and_o i_o be_o very_o glad_a that_o such_o man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o name_n of_o atheist_n and_o hope_v that_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o deism_n that_o be_v to_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o to_o deny_v all_o reveal_v religion_n may_v dispose_v they_o to_o a_o impartial_a inquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n i._o the_o folly_n of_o deism_n i_o will_v begin_v with_o this_o to_o make_v man_n consider_v a_o little_a what_o they_o intend_v by_o it_o or_o what_o wise_a end_v it_o will_v serve_v every_o one_o see_v what_o man_n intend_v by_o atheism_n to_o deliver_v themselves_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o invisible_a power_n that_o they_o may_v follow_v their_o own_o inclination_n and_o do_v what_o they_o like_v best_a themselves_o without_o any_o awe_n of_o god_n or_o reproof_n and_o terror_n of_o conscience_n or_o the_o dismal_a apprehension_n of_o unknown_a and_o endless_a punishment_n in_o the_o next_o world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o wise_a course_n man_n can_v take_v who_o resolve_v to_o be_v wicked_a that_o they_o may_v sin_v with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n without_o the_o bitter_a allay_v of_o shame_n and_o fear_n but_o now_o if_o a_o deist_n real_o be_v what_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v that_o be_v if_o he_o do_v real_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a and_o that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v reward_v and_o bad_a man_n punish_v in_o the_o next_o world_n he_o believe_v a_o great_a deal_n too_o much_o to_o sin_n with_o security_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n too_o little_a to_o have_v any_o comfortable_a hope_n of_o a_o better_a life_n that_o this_o be_v certain_o the_o most_o hopeless_a state_n that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v in_o in_o this_o world_n it_o have_v all_o the_o restraint_n and_o fear_n of_o religion_n but_o none_o of_o the_o support_v and_o comfort_n of_o it_o as_o to_o show_v this_o brief_o 1._o he_o who_o do_v hearty_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o will_v punish_v man_n for_o their_o sin_n not_o only_o in_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o next_o believe_v too_o much_o to_o sin_n with_o security_n though_o he_o believe_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o revelation_n for_o if_o nature_n as_o they_o grant_v teach_v man_n that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o just_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n who_o observe_v what_o we_o do_v and_o will_v punish_v wickedness_n natural_a conscience_n also_o will_v accuse_v and_o terrify_v and_o condemn_v wicked_a men._n thus_o st._n paul_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v with_o the_o heathen_a world_n before_o they_o have_v any_o revelation_n of_o god_n will._n for_o when_o the_o gentile_n which_o have_v not_o the_o law_n do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n these_o have_v not_o the_o law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o which_o show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n the_o mean_a while_n accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v one_o another_o 2_o rom._n 14_o 15._o and_o the_o same_o be_v attest_v by_o all_o the_o heathen_a orator_n philosopher_n and_o poet_n and_o those_o natural_a terror_n of_o conscience_n and_o fear_n of_o vengeance_n be_v in_o those_o day_n before_o man_n have_v ever_o hear_v of_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n so_o very_o unsupportable_a to_o bad_a man_n that_o they_o take_v refuge_n in_o atheism_n against_o they_o as_o lucretius_n do_v very_o honest_o confess_v and_o admire_v his_o master_n epicurus_n for_o his_o brave_a and_o bold_a attempt_n in_o deliver_v the_o world_n from_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n so_o that_o whoever_o believe_v a_o
of_o our_o church_n that_o man_n who_o have_v no_o devotion_n come_v only_o for_o music_n for_o church-music_n can_v create_v devotion_n though_o it_o may_v improve_v it_o where_o it_o be_v but_o indeed_o we_o ought_v all_o to_o be_v aware_a that_o the_o music_n do_v not_o employ_v our_o thought_n more_o than_o our_o devotion_n which_o it_o can_v never_o do_v if_o as_o common_a sense_n teach_v we_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v our_o mind_n be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n fix_v and_o intent_n upon_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n which_o be_v express_v in_o the_o hymn_n or_o anthem_n which_o when_o convey_v unto_o we_o in_o musical_a sound_n will_v give_v life_n and_o quickness_n to_o our_o devotion_n not_o first_o fix_v on_o the_o music_n which_o most_o probable_o will_v leave_v the_o devotion_n of_o the_o anthem_n behind_o it_o those_o who_o find_v that_o music_n do_v not_o assist_v but_o stifle_v their_o devotion_n and_o many_o such_o there_o may_v be_v have_v much_o better_o keep_v to_o their_o parish-church_n and_o prefer_v devotion_n before_o music_n for_o to_o come_v to_o church_n without_o any_o intention_n to_o worship_n god_n in_o his_o own_o house_n or_o to_o pretend_v to_o worship_v he_o without_o devotion_n be_v great_a affront_v to_o the_o divine_a majesty_n in_o a_o word_n those_o who_o profess_v themselves_o lover_n of_o music_n aught_o to_o consider_v what_o the_o true_a end_n of_o music_n be_v and_o to_o improve_v it_o to_o the_o noble_a purpose_n the_o mere_a harmony_n of_o sound_n be_v a_o very_a pleasant_a and_o innocent_a entertainment_n of_o all_o the_o delight_n of_o sense_n this_o be_v in_o itself_o the_o least_o sensual_a when_o it_o be_v not_o abuse_v to_o recommend_v vice_n and_o to_o convey_v impure_a image_n to_o our_o mind_n but_o yet_o mere_o to_o be_v delight_v with_o charm_v and_o musical_a air_n do_v not_o answer_v the_o true_a character_n of_o a_o lover_n of_o music_n for_o it_o be_v the_o least_o thing_n in_o music_n to_o please_v the_o ear_n its_o proper_a natural_a use_n and_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o pleasure_n of_o it_o relate_v to_o our_o passion_n to_o compose_v to_o soften_v to_o inflame_v they_o and_o the_o divine_a passion_n it_o inspire_v we_o with_o the_o more_o it_o be_v to_o be_v admire_v and_o value_v and_o then_o music_n must_v attain_v its_o great_a glory_n and_o perfection_n in_o true_a devotion_n that_o the_o lover_n of_o music_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o devout_a man_n if_o they_o love_v music_n for_o that_o which_o be_v most_o valuable_a in_o it_o and_o its_o last_o and_o noble_a end_n to_o conclude_v it_o concern_v the_o lover_n of_o music_n to_o vindicate_v it_o from_o all_o profane_a abuse_n not_o to_o suffer_v so_o divine_a a_o thing_n to_o be_v prostitute_v to_o man_n lust_n to_o discountenance_v all_o lewd_a profane_a atheistical_a song_n how_o admirable_a soever_o the_o composition_n be_v to_o preserve_v music_n in_o its_o virgin_n modesty_n and_o without_o confine_v she_o always_o to_o the_o temple_n make_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n her_o chief_a employment_n as_o it_o be_v her_o great_a glory_n thus_o have_v i_o speak_v my_o mind_n very_o free_o show_v you_o the_o use_v and_o the_o abuse_n of_o music_n which_o be_v one_o great_a inducement_n to_o i_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o desire_n of_o those_o honourable_a and_o worthy_a person_n who_o impose_v this_o office_n on_o i_o that_o i_o may_v have_v a_o opportunity_n of_o say_v that_o which_o i_o think_v fit_a shall_v be_v say_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o and_o for_o say_v of_o which_o there_o can_v not_o be_v a_o more_o proper_a occasion_n than_o this_o and_o i_o hope_v this_o may_v plead_v my_o excuse_n with_o all_o good_a christian_n if_o it_o have_v draw_v my_o sermon_n out_o to_o too_o great_a a_o length_n and_o give_v too_o long_o a_o interruption_n to_o the_o entertainment_n of_o those_o the_o least_o part_n of_o who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o hear_v a_o sermon_n to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v honour_n glory_n and_o power_n now_o and_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n xv._o preach_v before_o the_o queen_n at_o white_a hall_n in_o lent_n 2_o tim._n three_o ver_fw-la 1_o 2._o this_o know_v also_o that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n perilous_a time_n shall_v come_v for_o man_n shall_v be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n be_v self-love_n then_o so_o dangerous_a a_o thing_n as_o to_o make_v the_o time_n perilous_a what_o time_n then_o can_v be_v prosperous_a and_o happy_a what_o age_n produce_v such_o monster_n as_o do_v not_o love_v themselves_o and_o where_o be_v the_o man_n that_o will_v be_v content_v to_o live_v in_o such_o a_o age_n the_o apostle_n then_o by_o the_o lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n can_v mean_v all_o those_o who_o be_v act_v by_o this_o natural_a principle_n of_o self-love_n to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o own_o happiness_n for_o that_o be_v all_o mankind_n in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o can_v be_v the_o character_n only_o of_o the_o last_o day_n nor_o the_o cause_n of_o perilous_a time_n self-love_n be_v the_o very_a life_n and_o spirit_n of_o the_o reasonable_a world_n which_o have_v no_o other_o spring_n of_o motion_n it_o unite_v man_n into_o society_n be_v the_o parent_n of_o all_o art_n and_o science_n it_o make_v we_o take_v care_n of_o ourselves_o and_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o do_v good_a to_o other_o it_o be_v no_o virtue_n itself_o because_o it_o be_v not_o matter_n of_o our_o choice_n but_o as_o necessary_a as_o our_o be_v but_o it_o be_v the_o seed_n and_o principle_n of_o all_o moral_a virtue_n as_o it_o oblige_v we_o to_o make_v ourselves_o happy_a to_o preserve_v our_o health_n to_o increase_v our_o fortune_n to_o gain_v the_o goodwill_n and_o good_a opinion_n of_o our_o neighbour_n to_o be_v easy_a to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o make_v the_o world_n easy_a to_o we_o which_o require_v the_o practice_n of_o all_o healthful_a thrive_a and_o sociable_a virtue_n it_o be_v self-love_n which_o inspire_v we_o with_o that_o divine_a principle_n of_o universal_a goodness_n and_o charity_n to_o do_v to_o other_o man_n what_o we_o desire_v they_o shall_v do_v to_o we_o it_o be_v this_o which_o make_v we_o soft_a and_o tender_a to_o all_o the_o impression_n of_o kindness_n which_o make_v we_o feel_v other_o man_n suffering_n and_o other_o man_n resentment_n in_o our_o own_o which_o make_v we_o relish_v the_o sweetness_n and_o pleasure_n of_o do_v good_a by_o the_o pleasure_n of_o receive_v it_o and_o give_v we_o a_o antipathy_n and_o abhorrence_n of_o do_v injury_n from_o our_o natural_a aversion_n to_o suffer_v they_o it_o be_v this_o self-love_n which_o make_v mankind_n governable_a and_o secure_v the_o peace_n and_o good_a order_n of_o humane_a society_n humane_a law_n will_v signify_v very_o little_a without_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o reward_n and_o punishment_n will_v signify_v as_o little_a as_o law_n without_o self-love_n for_o can_v man_n be_v unconcern_v for_o themselves_o do_v they_o neither_o hope_n nor_o fear_v any_o thing_n they_o can_v be_v govern_v only_o as_o beast_n be_v by_o external_a force_n it_o be_v the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o which_o make_v we_o delight_n in_o humane_a conversation_n and_o promote_v the_o public_a good_a wherein_o all_o man_n private_a fortune_n be_v involve_v in_o a_o word_n this_o self-love_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n which_o teach_v we_o to_o love_v and_o worship_n god_n who_o be_v eternal_a and_o essential_a love_n and_o goodness_n to_o praise_v he_o for_o our_o be_v for_o our_o preservation_n for_o all_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o for_o the_o great_a hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o next_o it_o teach_v we_o to_o reverence_v his_o law_n to_o fear_v his_o justice_n and_o power_n to_o depend_v on_o his_o providence_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o supply_n of_o our_o want_n and_o for_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n 〈◊〉_d it_o give_v virtue_n and_o efficacy_n to_o faith_n and_o hope_n which_o be_v the_o great_a gospel-principle_n of_o obedience_n for_o what_o will_v the_o belief_n and_o expectation_n of_o unseen_a glory_n signify_v if_o man_n be_v not_o concern_v to_o make_v themselves_o eternal_o happy_a so_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a be_v that_o enthusiastic_a conceit_n of_o serve_v god_n without_o respect_n to_o the_o recompense_n of_o reward_n which_o contradict_v the_o whole_a scope_n of_o the_o gospel_n all_o the_o motive_n and_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o evangelical_n obedience_n the_o example_n of_o all_o good_a man_n and_o of_o christ_n himself_o who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v
its_o love_n and_o care_n to_o its_o self_n but_o a_o man_n who_o have_v a_o true_o great_a and_o divine_a mind_n who_o love_v all_o man_n as_o himself_o and_o love_v himself_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v call_v a_o selfish_a man_n or_o a_o lover_n of_o himself_o for_o he_o have_v a_o universal_a love_n to_o humane_a nature_n which_o begin_v with_o himself_o but_o extend_v to_o all_o the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o short_a account_n what_o this_o vicious_a self-love_n be_v and_o why_o it_o be_v so_o call_v two_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propose_v be_v to_o show_v how_o dangerous_a and_o perilous_a such_o time_n must_v needs_o be_v wherein_o this_o self-love_n prevail_v now_o those_o be_v perilous_a time_n which_o expose_v man_n to_o great_a danger_n and_o to_o great_a trouble_n and_o calamity_n and_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o own_o private_a fortune_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o public_a and_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n and_o what_o a_o malignant_a influence_n this_o vicious_a self-love_n have_v upon_o all_o these_o great_a and_o dear_a interest_n be_v so_o visible_a that_o methinks_v it_o shall_v need_v no_o proof_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v at_o present_v only_o give_v some_o brief_a hint_n of_o it_o and_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o take_v notice_n how_o much_o such_o self-lover_n suffer_v from_o themselves_o and_o from_o their_o own_o self-love_n for_o though_o this_o make_v themselves_o ●…iserable_a it_o do_v not_o make_v the_o time_n dangerous_a the_o time_n may_v be_v very_o prosperous_a and_o good_a man_n very_o happy_a though_o such_o sinner_n may_v reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o work_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o their_o own_o device_n though_o they_o sacrifice_v their_o honour_n their_o estate_n their_o health_n their_o life_n to_o intemperance_n and_o lust_n though_o ambition_n heat_v their_o brain_n into_o a_o distraction_n and_o care_n and_o disappointment_n break_v their_o heart_n or_o gild_n disturb_v their_o conscience_n and_o fill_v they_o with_o rage_n and_o furious_a despair_n the_o world_n be_v not_o much_o concern_v in_o this_o let_v such_o self-lover_n look_v to_o it_o and_o thank_v themselves_o for_o what_o they_o suffer_v but_o then_o the_o time_n be_v dangerous_a with_o respect_n to_o our_o private_a and_o personal_a interest_n when_o man_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n from_o one_o another_o when_o they_o be_v never_o secure_a from_o private_a injury_n when_o they_o know_v not_o who_o to_o trust_v nor_o with_o who_o to_o converse_v when_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o find_v a_o friend_n and_o almost_o impossible_a to_o escape_v a_o enemy_n when_o the_o great_a virtue_n innocence_n inoffenciveness_n nay_o the_o divine_a charity_n and_o all_o the_o charm_n of_o a_o oblige_a conversation_n can_v secure_v man_n from_o envy_n rapine_n and_o detraction_n from_o the_o venom_n of_o tongue_n or_o from_o more_o malicious_a design_n against_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n such_o a_o state_n as_o this_o will_v make_v all_o good_a man_n wish_v as_o david_n do_v o_o that_o i_o have_v wing_n like_o a_o dove_n for_o than_o will_v i_o fly_v away_o and_o be_v at_o rest_n lo_o than_o will_v i_o wander_v far_o off_o and_o remain_v in_o the_o wilderness_n i_o will_v hasten_v my_o escape_n from_o the_o windy_a storm_n and_o tempest_n 55_o psa._n 6_o 7_o 8_o verse_n and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a state_n which_o self-love_n put_v mankind_n into_o when_o it_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n this_o a_o late_a admire_a philosopher_n call_v the_o state_n of_o nature_n wherein_o every_o man_n be_v a_o wolf_n to_o a_o man_n but_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v only_o the_o state_n of_o this_o vicious_a self-love_n which_o be_v the_o corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o a_o reasonable_a and_o sociable_a nature_n if_o man_n be_v make_v for_o society_n it_o can_v be_v his_o nature_n to_o love_v no_o body_n but_o himself_o which_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o society_n he_o must_v first_o put_v off_o nature_n if_o that_o be_v this_o self-love_n before_o he_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o live_v in_o society_n which_o seem_v very_o unaccountable_a that_o a_o creature_n who_o be_v make_v for_o society_n shall_v not_o be_v fit_a for_o society_n till_o he_o change_v his_o nature_n for_o man_n can_v live_v together_o in_o safety_n while_o they_o be_v all_o act_v by_o this_o principle_n self-love_n make_v every_o man_n his_o own_o centre_n and_o the_o centre_n draw_v all_o to_o itself_o all_o that_o be_v within_o its_o sphere_n of_o activity_n pride_n be_v self-love_n such_o a_o esteem_n for_o ourselves_o as_o value_v no_o man_n honour_n or_o reputation_n but_o our_o own_o and_o this_o draw_v all_o honour_n to_o itself_o be_v not_o content_v unless_o it_o can_v outshine_v all_o other_o and_o either_o by_o a_o great_a brightness_n swallow_v they_o up_o or_o eclipse_v they_o by_o black_a and_o misty_a vapour_n by_o all_o the_o art_n of_o infamy_n and_o reproach_n covetousness_n be_v self-love_n when_o man_n will_v be_v rich_a whoever_o be_v poor_a and_o by_o whatever_o art_n they_o can_v do_v it_o and_o this_o draw_v all_o riches_n to_o itself_o and_o snatch_v they_o from_o all_o that_o come_v within_o its_o reach_n and_o what_o injustice_n and_o violence_n theft_n murder_n perjury_n do_v this_o occasion_n self-love_n be_v the_o love_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o love_n of_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n which_o will_v please_v itself_o whoever_o be_v grieve_v and_o injure_v by_o it_o such_o brutish_a sensualist_n have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o honour_n and_o peace_n of_o family_n to_o the_o modesty_n of_o virgin_n to_o the_o sacred_a vow_n of_o wife_n to_o the_o stain_n and_o infamy_n of_o posterity_n nay_o many_o time_n not_o to_o the_o dignity_n of_o humane_a nature_n but_o gratify_v their_o lust_n in_o contradiction_n to_o they_o all_o where_o self-love_n reign_v there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o compassion_n for_o charity_n for_o justice_n for_o true_a friendship_n every_o thing_n must_v give_v way_n to_o self_n and_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n whether_o such_o be_v not_o perilous_a time_n some_o such_o man_n there_o be_v always_o in_o the_o world_n and_o great_a number_n of_o they_o too_o and_o we_o daily_o feel_v what_o mischief_n they_o do_v but_o the_o more_o the_o number_n of_o they_o increase_v the_o more_o this_o self-love_n prevail_v the_o more_o intolerable_a will_n humane_a conversation_n be_v and_o if_o we_o allow_v that_o pride_n ambition_n covetousness_n sensuality_n be_v great_a enemy_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n to_o the_o good_a order_n and_o government_n of_o any_o nation_n we_o must_v grant_v that_o self-love_n which_o be_v the_o impure_a fountain_n from_o whence_o all_o these_o corrupt_a stream_n flow_v be_v very_o destructive_a to_o humane_a society_n too_o it_o corrupt_v public_a justice_n loosen_v the_o reign_n of_o government_n soften_v and_o emasculate_v man_n spirit_n render_v they_o unfit_a for_o counsel_n or_o for_o arm_n make_v they_o contemptible_a to_o their_o neighbour_n and_o bring_v down_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o be_v any_o thing_n so_o destructive_a to_o any_o state_n as_o division_n and_o faction_n at_o home_n and_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o state-faction_n without_o self-love_n and_o private_a interest_n at_o the_o bottom_n when_o great_a man_n will_v rival_n one_o another_o and_o be_v impatient_a either_o of_o superior_n or_o equal_n and_o prosecute_v their_o private_a animosity_n with_o the_o public_a danger_n and_o when_o common_a safety_n require_v unite_v heart_n and_o counsel_n will_v not_o adjourn_v their_o private_a quarrel_n nor_o sacrifice_v their_o private_a interest_n and_o resentment_n to_o save_v a_o nation_n it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o observe_v that_o when_o a_o kingdom_n be_v divide_v into_o party_n and_o faction_n the_o most_o threaten_a danger_n be_v so_o far_o from_o unite_n they_o that_o they_o take_v advantage_n of_o public_a fear_n and_o apprehension_n to_o get_v ground_n of_o their_o adversary_n though_o they_o hazard_v the_o whole_a by_o it_o and_o what_o be_v such_o faction_n but_o a_o combination_n of_o self-lover_n who_o divide_v themselves_o from_o the_o public_a interest_n unless_o their_o private_a humour_n and_o intrigue_n may_v take_v place_n when_o a_o party_n will_v be_v the_o whole_a and_o if_o other_o will_v not_o let_v they_o be_v the_o whole_a let_v the_o whole_a perish_v this_o be_v the_o narrow_a peevish_a unsociable_a spirit_n of_o self-love_n a_o temper_n which_o generous_a heathen_n have_v in_o the_o great_a abhorrence_n and_o till_o a_o more_o public_a spirit_n revive_v in_o the_o world_n we_o must_v never_o expect_v to_o see_v easy_a and_o happy_a day_n the_o time_n will_v be_v perilous_a while_o man_n be_v such_o lover_n of_o themselves_o but_o how_o
bitter_a what_o gratify_v their_o bodily_a sense_n that_o be_v their_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o virtue_n modesty_n or_o honour_n what_o lay_v restraint_n upon_o their_o sensual_a inclination_n that_o be_v bitter_a uneasy_a and_o grievous_a and_o no_o wonder_n that_o there_o be_v a_o woe_n denounce_v against_o these_o men._n 4_o woe_n be_v to_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n where_o the_o proph●…t_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o man_n still_o those_o who_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n who_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n who_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a and_o yet_o think_v themselves_o the_o only_a wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n though_o they_o contradict_v the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n the_o natural_a uncorrupted_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o just_a character_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n who_o think_v themselves_o the_o only_a wit_n the_o only_a philosopher_n and_o laugh_v at_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n as_o easy_a credulous_a unthinking_a fool_n who_o be_v under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o custom_n and_o popular_a opinion_n which_o expose_v they_o to_o all_o other_o cheat_n they_o think_v it_o a_o argument_n of_o wit_n and_o profound_a thought_n to_o contradict_v all_o mankind_n for_o there_o be_v but_o few_o wise_a man_n they_o say_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o most_o be_v usual_o in_o the_o wrong_n which_o may_v be_v allow_v as_o to_o improve_a knowledge_n which_o be_v gain_v by_o laborious_a study_n and_o observation_n but_o the_o folly_n lie_v on_o the_o other_o side_n when_o man_n advance_v paradox_n which_o contradict_v the_o universal_a sense_n of_o nature_n for_o in_o such_o case_n the_o most_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n because_o natural_a production_n be_v more_o common_a than_o monster_n that_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v rather_o think_v and_o judge_v with_o the_o multitude_n when_o they_o think_v on_o nature_n side_n than_o with_o the_o most_o fame_a philosopher_n against_o nature_n but_o those_o who_o affect_v to_o contradict_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n must_v think_v themselves_o the_o only_a wise_a man_n if_o they_o think_v at_o all_o that_o we_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o their_o pride_n and_o insolence_n than_o at_o their_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n 2_o let_v we_o now_o inquire_v how_o these_o man_n come_v to_o sink_v into_o so_o degenerate_a a_o state_n as_o one_o will_v think_v impossible_a to_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n and_o that_o be_v intimate_v in_o that_o order_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o my_o text_n that_o they_o first_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o then_o good_a evil_n first_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o then_o light_a for_o darkness_n etc._n etc._n as_o to_o consider_v this_o particular_o one_a they_o begin_v with_o call_v evil_n good_a for_o no_o man_n can_v begin_v with_o call_v good_a evil_n nature_n will_v have_v the_o first_o word_n and_o pass_v the_o first_o judgement_n on_o thing_n and_o nature_n as_o corrupt_v as_o it_o be_v till_o it_o be_v deprave_v and_o vitiate_a by_o evil_a custom_n will_v call_v good_a good_a and_o evil_a evil_n atheist_n and_o infidel_n must_v confess_v that_o as_o wise_a as_o they_o think_v themselves_o now_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o they_o be_v as_o very_a fool_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v when_o they_o have_v the_o same_o opinion_n about_o good_a and_o evil_a which_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n still_o have_v when_o they_o do_v own_o a_o moral_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o call_v good_a and_o evil_a by_o their_o right_a name_n and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o the_o only_a reason_n for_o alter_v their_o opinion_n and_o change_v the_o name_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v change_v their_o manner_n that_o they_o grow_v very_o fond_a of_o what_o they_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o the_o foolish_a multitude_n think_v and_o call_v evil_a and_o then_o they_o begin_v to_o think_v and_o to_o call_v it_o good_a and_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o this_o be_v to_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o as_o unwilling_a as_o they_o be_v to_o own_o this_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o though_o these_o man_n can_v prove_v which_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o do_v that_o there_o be_v no_o moral_n essential_a immutable_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o call_v evil_a good_a or_o good_a evil_n for_o though_o they_o be_v neither_o sin_n nor_o virtue_n neither_o forbid_v nor_o command_v by_o a_o divine_a law_n yet_o they_o themselves_o confess_v as_o i_o observe_v before_o that_o what_o we_o call_v virtue_n have_v so_o much_o good_a in_o they_o that_o they_o be_v the_o best_a and_o wise_a rule_n of_o society_n and_o conversation_n necessary_a to_o secure_v every_o man_n private_a interest_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o fit_a to_o be_v encourage_v and_o to_o be_v make_v law_n in_o all_o civilise_a nation_n and_o that_o what_o we_o call_v sin_n have_v so_o much_o evil_n in_o they_o that_o they_o be_v very_o destructive_a to_o human_a society_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v restrain_v and_o punish_v and_o than_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o reason_n to_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n which_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o call_v that_o evil_a which_o they_o themselves_o own_o to_o be_v a_o great_a and_o public_a good_a and_o that_o good_a which_o they_o own_v to_o be_v a_o public_a mischief_n which_o there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o reason_n for_o so_o that_o the_o case_n be_v plain_a it_o be_v not_o reason_n but_o lust_n which_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n till_o lust_n prevail_v above_o reason_n virtue_n and_o vice_n good_a and_o evil_a keep_v those_o name_n which_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v give_v they_o and_o such_o man_n offer_v as_o much_o force_n and_o violence_n to_o their_o natural_a understanding_n when_o they_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n as_o they_o do_v to_o natural_a conscience_n when_o they_o choose_v the_o evil_a and_o refuse_v the_o good_n this_o be_v answer_n enough_o to_o such_o man_n who_o will_v reason_n or_o laugh_v away_o the_o distinction_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o warn_v to_o we_o all_o how_o we_o engage_v in_o a_o course_n of_o wickedness_n for_o how_o much_o soever_o we_o despise_v and_o abhor_v these_o wicked_a principle_n we_o shall_v soon_o think_v as_o these_o man_n do_v if_o we_o grow_v as_o wicked_a as_o they_o be_v two_o these_o man_n first_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o then_o light_a for_o darkness_n man_n be_v not_o bear_v stark_o blind_a but_o have_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n to_o discern_v the_o natural_a difference_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o direct_v their_o life_n and_o as_o weak_a and_o defective_a as_o mere_a natural_a reason_n be_v especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o another_o world_n it_o direct_v we_o to_o a_o safe_a guide_n for_o reason_n itself_o teach_v we_o to_o believe_v god_n who_o can_v deceive_v we_o and_o can_v itself_o judge_v of_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a mark_n of_o a_o revelation_n that_o be_v can_v judge_v when_o god_n speak_v and_o what_o we_o must_v receive_v as_o teach_v by_o god_n this_o be_v the_o light_n of_o mankind_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n or_o revelation_n what_o nature_n teach_v or_o what_o god_n reveal_v and_o all_o mankind_n at_o first_o both_o see_v and_o own_o this_o light_n for_o no_o man_n be_v bear_v a_o atheist_n or_o a_o infidel_n but_o bad_a man_n who_o have_v corrupt_v their_o manner_n and_o can_v justify_v their_o vice_n nor_o quiet_v their_o conscience_n if_o they_o attend_v either_o to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o revelation_n must_v seek_v for_o other_o remedy_n and_o this_o make_v they_o espouse_v the_o principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n and_o these_o they_o call_v light_n which_o in_o truth_n be_v a_o mere_a egyptian_a darkness_n and_o then_o they_o must_v call_v light_a darkness_n reject_v and_o scorn_v both_o the_o natural_a dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o the_o supernatural_a revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n as_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n now_o whatever_o opinion_n man_n have_v of_o their_o philosophy_n yet_o how_o they_o shall_v learn_v what_o neither_o nature_n nor_o god_n teach_v they_o or_o how_o they_o shall_v discover_v that_o what_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o
law_n the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o nation_n who_o have_v no_o communication_n with_o each_o other_o in_o this_o distinction_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n intimate_v no_o other_o compact_n but_o that_o of_o a_o common_a nature_n and_o not_o only_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n but_o the_o universal_a voice_n of_o mankind_n attribute_v these_o law_n to_o nature_n not_o to_o human_a institution_n and_o it_o must_v appear_v strange_a if_o these_o law_n have_v no_o high_a original_a than_o human_a compact_n that_o mankind_n for_o so_o many_o age_n shall_v not_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o but_o shall_v mistake_v they_o for_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o after_o all_o the_o information_n these_o man_n can_v give_v the_o world_n the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n do_v to_o this_o day_n but_o suppose_v this_o distinction_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o those_o law_n which_o command_v the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n and_o forbid_v vice_n be_v original_o frame_v and_o enact_v by_o man_n be_v there_o no_o reason_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n why_o they_o agree_v upon_o such_o law_n yes_o they_o will_v grant_v that_o they_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o peace_n and_o good_a order_n and_o government_n of_o human_a society_n to_o secure_v private_a man_n from_o injury_n and_o violence_n and_o to_o make_v they_o helpful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o each_o other_o and_o therefore_o they_o agree_v to_o make_v they_o law_n but_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v not_o make_v those_o law_n which_o have_v natural_a and_o necessary_a reason_n to_o make_v they_o law_n can_v mere_a human_a compact_n and_o government_n either_o make_v or_o change_v the_o reason_n and_o necessity_n of_o thing_n can_v they_o if_o they_o so_o please_v make_v virtue_n vice_n or_o vice_n virtue_n and_o as_o well_o consult_v the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n by_o do_v so_o if_o not_o then_o mere_a human_a compact_n can_v neither_o make_v nor_o unmake_v these_o law_n god_n have_v make_v these_o law_n for_o we_o by_o make_v we_o such_o creature_n and_o give_v we_o such_o nature_n as_o require_v such_o law_n if_o we_o will_v live_v by_o nature_n and_o attain_v our_o natural_a happiness_n and_o who_o then_o can_v think_v that_o god_n will_v not_o as_o much_o exact_a from_o we_o the_o observance_n of_o these_o law_n as_o man_n do_v that_o he_o will_v not_o punish_v the_o breach_n of_o these_o law_n when_o human_a government_n find_v it_o necessary_a to_o do_v so_o and_o have_v god_n make_v the_o restraint_n and_o punishment_n of_o man_n lust_n and_o vice_n necessary_a and_o will_v he_o not_o punish_v they_o himself_o especial_o when_o the_o authority_n of_o human_a law_n and_o human_a government_n be_v very_o precarious_a without_o the_o awe_n of_o religion_n as_o those_o lawgiver_n be_v very_o sensible_a who_o to_o give_v the_o great_a veneration_n to_o their_o law_n pretend_v to_o receive_v they_o from_o their_o go_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o very_a hypothesis_n which_o allow_v no_o other_o difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n but_o what_o human_a law_n and_o human_n contract_v make_v leave_v every_o man_n at_o liberty_n to_o break_v these_o law_n when_o he_o can_v do_v it_o safe_o or_o will_v venture_v the_o punishment_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o make_v these_o man_n so_o fond_a of_o it_o and_o show_v how_o necessary_a a_o divine_a authority_n be_v to_o enforce_v the_o obligation_n of_o these_o law_n and_o to_o secure_v the_o very_a be_v of_o human_a society_n so_o that_o those_o who_o reason_n according_a to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n can_v never_o get_v rid_v of_o the_o notition_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a nor_o attribute_v these_o law_n to_o any_o other_o author_n but_o that_o god_n who_o make_v we_o and_o fit_v our_o nature_n to_o these_o law_n and_o no_o man_n who_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o these_o law_n can_v doubt_v whether_o he_o will_v punish_v the_o breach_n of_o they_o but_o then_o if_o to_o this_o we_o add_v the_o more_o certain_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o unrighteousness_n and_o ungodliness_n of_o man_n this_o confirm_v all_o the_o fear_n of_o nature_n and_o leave_v no_o possible_a hope_n for_o sinner_n but_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n who_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o sin_n secure_o with_o their_o eye_n open_a and_o therefore_o two_o the_o next_o step_n they_o take_v be_v to_o put_v out_o their_o eye_n or_o to_o put_v out_o the_o light_n to_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n to_o reject_v all_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n and_o all_o divine_a revelation_n as_o ignorance_n folly_n and_o imposture_n but_o what_o a_o task_n be_v this_o to_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o darkness_n be_v light_a and_o light_a darkness_n for_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n which_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n must_v reject_v before_o they_o can_v deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o a_o divine_a revelation_n shine_v as_o clear_a and_o bright_a in_o the_o mind_n as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n do_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o admire_a principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n put_v out_o our_o eye_n leave_v no_o distinction_n between_o thing_n nor_o any_o certain_a rule_n of_o judge_v as_o to_o give_v some_o few_o instance_n of_o this_o there_o be_v nothing_o lie_v more_o easy_a and_o obvious_a in_o our_o mind_n than_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n which_o give_v be_v to_o all_o thing_n else_o i_o will_v not_o dispute_v this_o point_n now_o but_o allege_v it_o as_o a_o first_o principle_n which_o mankind_n natural_o assent_v to_o as_o the_o most_o reasonable_a account_n of_o the_o origin_n of_o all_o thing_n now_o this_o the_o atheist_n reject_v for_o if_o they_o shall_v allow_v a_o first_o cause_n they_o must_v own_v a_o god_n for_o the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v a_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o wise_a reason_n they_o have_v against_o it_o though_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o great_a confirmation_n of_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n because_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n be_v as_o natural_a and_o universal_a as_o of_o a_o first_o cause_n and_o these_o two_o notion_n which_o be_v both_o so_o natural_a to_o mankind_n do_v mutual_o confirm_v each_o other_o but_o what_o account_n do_v these_o man_n give_v of_o the_o origin_n of_o all_o thing_n they_o either_o say_v the_o world_n be_v eternal_a and_o always_o be_v what_o it_o now_o be_v or_o that_o atom_n be_v eternal_a and_o that_o the_o world_n that_o now_o be_v be_v make_v by_o chance_n but_o be_v this_o the_o natural_a persuasion_n of_o mankind_n that_o the_o world_n have_v no_o 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all_o the_o principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n have_v nothing_o natural_a or_o enlighten_v in_o they_o but_o be_v a_o force_n upon_o our_o understanding_n and_o destroy_v all_o the_o true_a principle_n of_o knowledge_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a and_o natural_a to_o our_o mind_n to_o believe_v that_o something_o be_v eternal_a for_o if_o there_o ever_o have_v be_v nothing_o there_o never_o can_v have_v be_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o question_n be_v which_o be_v most_o easy_a and_o natural_a to_o human_a understanding_n to_o say_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v eternal_a without_o a_o cause_n or_o to_o assert_v one_o eternal_a be_v who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o every_o man_n may_v feel_v the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o in_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n
be_v as_o easy_a and_o natural_a as_o of_o a_o eternal_a be_v and_o that_o natural_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o the_o relation_n and_o dependence_n between_o cause_n and_o effect_n necessary_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n for_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v eternal_a without_o a_o cause_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o there_o shall_v ever_o after_o be_v any_o natural_a relation_n between_o they_o of_o cause_n and_o effect_n and_o yet_o destroy_v the_o doctrine_n of_o cause_n and_o effect_n and_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o reason_n and_o discourse_n but_o then_o as_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o all_o thing_n so_o all_o the_o appearance_n of_o nature_n contradict_v it_o and_o will_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o lie_v easy_a in_o our_o mind_n we_o see_v every_o day_n that_o all_o individual_n be_v make_v man_n be_v bear_v every_o day_n and_o die_v and_o one_o generation_n succeed_v another_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o 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it_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v learn_v what_o the_o invisible_a cause_n be_v from_o visible_a effect_n that_o if_o we_o see_v any_o thing_n wise_o make_v we_o may_v conclude_v it_o have_v a_o wise_a cause_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v more_o contradict_v the_o natural_a sense_n of_o our_o mind_n than_o to_o ascribe_v such_o a_o world_n as_o we_o now_o live_v in_o which_o discover_v such_o wonderful_a art_n in_o its_o contrivance_n to_o blind_a and_o undesigning_a chance_n i_o do_v not_o dispute_v these_o matter_n now_o but_o only_o consider_v how_o unnatural_a it_o be_v to_o think_v so_o and_o therefore_o how_o very_a difficult_a it_o be_v for_o any_o man_n in_o good_a earnest_n to_o espouse_v these_o atheistick_a principle_n thus_o as_o for_o the_o principle_n of_o infidelity_n how_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o any_o man_n to_o persuade_v himself_o that_o god_n never_o reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n when_o all_o mankind_n have_v believe_v otherwise_o and_o be_v natural_o incline_v to_o believe_v so_o and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v do_v so_o and_o none_o to_o think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o especial_o when_o we_o have_v such_o evident_a proof_n of_o this_o in_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n which_o so_o strong_o persuade_v the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n for_o to_o deny_v prophecy_n and_o miracle_n when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v plain_a that_o there_o have_v be_v true_a prophecy_n or_o miracle_n and_o no_o man_n beside_o themselves_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n doubt_n whether_o he_o can_v foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v or_o exercise_v a_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o nature_n when_o he_o please_v can_v be_v call_v by_o no_o soft_a name_n than_o stupidity_n or_o impudence_n and_o whatever_o they_o say_v it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o believe_v what_o they_o say_v for_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n carry_v such_o a_o conviction_n with_o they_o of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o give_v such_o authority_n to_o the_o prophet_n as_o be_v not_o easy_o resist_v as_o be_v evident_a from_o hence_o that_o some_o of_o the_o wise_a of_o these_o man_n dare_v not_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n can_v they_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o they_o hear_v no_o prophecy_n nor_o see_v any_o miracle_n now_o and_o may_v be_v impose_v on_o by_o fabulous_a relation_n shall_v they_o be_v over_o credulous_a of_o such_o matter_n this_o will_v have_v be_v a_o good_a answer_n have_v they_o only_o some_o idle_a and_o uncertain_a report_n of_o such_o thing_n but_o it_o can_v never_o satisfy_v themselves_o when_o they_o have_v such_o a_o authentic_a history_n as_o the_o bible_n the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n for_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n can_v any_o man_n persuade_v himself_o to_o reject_v the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o all_o history_n if_o he_o can_v whatever_o he_o may_v pretend_v he_o will_v find_v it_o a_o very_a hard_a matter_n after_o all_o his_o criticism_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o best_a attest_v and_o most_o credible_a history_n in_o the_o world_n these_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o be_v a_o atheist_n or_o infidel_n without_o which_o man_n can_v never_o reject_v or_o confound_v the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o all_o these_o principle_n contradict_v the_o natural_a idea_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o destroy_v all_o the_o natural_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o reason_n that_o we_o can_v no_o more_o distinguish_v between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n than_o between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a ever_o thus_o to_o efface_v the_o natural_a notion_n of_o our_o mind_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v a_o very_a uneasy_a and_o difficult_a task_n 3_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v at_o least_o as_o difficult_a to_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a man_n may_v bribe_v their_o understanding_n but_o our_o natural_a passion_n be_v not_o so_o easy_o stifle_v when_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o nature_n have_v annex_v shame_n and_o fear_v and_o remorse_n to_o bad_a action_n which_o make_v they_o very_o bitter_a and_o grievous_a in_o the_o review_n whatever_o they_o be_v in_o the_o act_n it_o be_v not_o laugh_v at_o these_o fear_n as_o superstitious_a and_o owe_v to_o education_n which_o will_v cure_v they_o no_o more_o than_o the_o stoic_n brag_v that_o pain_n be_v no_o evil_a can_v prevent_v their_o feel_a pain_n what_o be_v painful_a will_v make_v we_o feel_v it_o and_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n themselves_o when_o they_o think_v they_o have_v reason_v and_o laugh_v away_o all_o their_o fear_n find_v that_o beside_o their_o frequent_a misgiving_n and_o jealousy_n when_o any_o great_a or_o surprise_v occasion_n set_v they_o free_a these_o passion_n return_v on_o they_o with_o such_o a_o fury_n as_o all_o their_o philosophy_n can_v resist_v now_o this_o endanger_v all_o again_o for_o natural_a shame_n and_o fear_v and_o remorse_n will_v make_v they_o own_o a_o essential_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a when_o they_o feel_v it_o 4thly_a but_o let_v we_o suppose_v all_o these_o difficulty_n conquer_v they_o be_v sensible_a that_o there_o be_v one_o still_o remain_v viz._n that_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n be_v against_o they_o the_o heathen_a world_n own_v a_o god_n and_o as_o learned_a man_n have_v prove_v one_o supreme_a god_n though_o they_o corrupt_v both_o the_o notion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n by_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n but_o atheism_n be_v so_o infamous_a among_o they_o that_o some_o atheistick_a philosopher_n such_o as_o epicurus_n himself_o be_v force_v to_o dissemble_v it_o they_o own_v a_o moral_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o own_v revelation_n and_o institute_v religion_n and_o have_v they_o though_o not_o from_o god_n yet_o from_o those_o evil_a spirit_n who_o they_o worship_v for_o go_n the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n own_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n who_o they_o be_v most_o at_o present_v concern_v with_o own_o both_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n these_o be_v great_a authority_n against_o they_o which_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v make_v man_n modest_a and_o put_v they_o a_o little_a out_o of_o countenance_n and_o incline_v they_o to_o suspect_v that_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v but_o they_o be_v sensible_a that_o modesty_n will_v undo_v they_o that_o to_o suspect_v whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n be_v as_o fatal_a to_o they_o as_o to_o know_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o way_n leave_v but_o to_o outface_v all_o the_o world_n to_o laugh_v at_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n as_o superstitious_a
improvement_n of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v 1._o inquire_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o sustain_a infirmity_n 2._o by_o what_o mean_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n can_v sustain_v his_o infirmity_n 3._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o wound_a spirit_n 4._o how_o unsupportable_a a_o wound_a spirit_n be_v 5._o conclude_v with_o some_o practical_a inference_n from_o the_o whole_a 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o sustain_a infirmity_n now_o infirmity_n in_o this_o place_n be_v oppose_v to_o a_o wound_a spirit_n must_v signify_v only_o external_a suffering_n whatever_o be_v grievous_a and_o afflict_a except_v the_o disorder_n and_o trouble_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o by_o sustain_a infirmity_n be_v not_o mean_v that_o we_o must_v ●…ot_v feel_v they_o nor_o have_v any_o afflict_a ●…ense_n of_o they_o for_o the_o stoic_n them●…elves_n will_v not_o say_v that_o pain_n be_v ●…ot_v pain_n for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o patience_n cicer._n non_fw-la ego_fw-la dolorem_fw-la dolorem_fw-la esse_fw-la nego_fw-la cur_n en●…m_fw-la fortitudo_fw-la desid_v raretur_fw-la sed_fw-la eum_fw-la opprimi_fw-la dico_fw-la patientia_fw-la si_fw-la mo●…o_fw-la est_fw-la aliqua_fw-la patientia_fw-la cicer._n ●…o_o bear_v it_o but_o that_o patience_n ●…f_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n can_v conquer_v pain_n and_o ●…herefore_o to_o sustain_v infirmi●…ies_n be_v to_o feel_v but_o not_o to_o sink_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o they_o as_o that_o man_n sustain_v his_o burden_n who_o can_v go_v upright_o and_o not_o stagger_v at_o least_o not_o fall_v though_o he_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o it_o on_o his_o shoulder_n that_o be_v he_o who_o can_v in_o any_o measure_n enjoy_v himself_o under_o suffer_v do_v so_o far_o sustain_v it_o and_o the_o more_o perfect_o we_o can_v enjoy_v ourselves_o though_o the_o brightness_n and_o gaiety_n of_o our_o spirit_n may_v be_v a_o little_a sully_v and_o overcast_v the_o more_o complete_a and_o perfect_a be_v our_o conquest_n over_o all_o the_o calamity_n of_o life_n two_o but_o the_o great_a enquiry_n be_v how_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n can_v sustain_v his_o infirmity_n and_o that_o be_v do_v three_o way_n 1._o by_o natural_a courage_n and_o strength_n of_o mind_n 2._o by_o the_o power_n of_o reason_n 3._o by_o the_o divine_a aid_n and_o succour_n of_o religion_n 1._o natural_a courage_n and_o strength_n of_o mind_n a_o man_n of_o spirit_n think_v it_o a_o reproach_n to_o be_v easy_o disturb_v and_o ruffle_v to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o humour_n by_o every_o accident_n to_o sink_v under_o the_o common_a calamity_n of_o life_n nay_o to_o be_v whole_o master_v by_o the_o most_o extraordinary_a and_o formidable_a event_n there_o be_v a_o inbred_a greatness_n in_o human_a nature_n which_o do_v not_o care_n to_o confess_v its_o own_o weakness_n which_o will_v not_o yield_v or_o submit_v or_o own_o a_o conquest_n a_o untaught_a courage_n which_o support_v the_o rude_a and_o illiterate_a part_n of_o mankind_n even_o without_o reason_n and_o discourse_n which_o be_v improve_v by_o a_o sense_n of_o honour_n in_o man_n of_o fortune_n increase_v by_o exercise_n and_o discipline_n by_o hard_a labour_n and_o difficult_a trial_n and_o be_v lose_v by_o ease_n and_o luxury_n and_o softness_n which_o make_v the_o mind_n as_o tender_a as_o the_o body_n to_o feel_v all_o the_o vicissitude_n of_o fortune_n as_o a_o crazy_a and_o distemper_a body_n do_v the_o change_n of_o wether_n god_n have_v put_v a_o spirit_n into_o man_n which_o can_v bear_v his_o infirmity_n and_o if_o we_o have_v it_o not_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n two_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n sustain_v ●…is_n infirmity_n by_o the_o power_n of_o reason_n which_o add_v to_o our_o natural_a courage_n give_v we_o a_o more_o confirm_a sense_n of_o de●…cency_n and_o honour_n teach_v we_o the_o true_a value_n of_o thing_n quiet_v our_o passion_n undeceive_v our_o abuse_a imagination_n convince_v we_o that_o some_o fancy_a evil_n be_v none_o at_o all_o other_o not_o so_o great_a as_o we_o think_v and_o that_o the_o worst_a condition_n have_v it_o allay_v which_o make_v it_o tolerable_a to_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n i_o be_o far_o from_o think_v that_o the_o mere_a power_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o moral_a argument_n be_v able_a to_o support_v we_o under_o all_o event_n much_o less_o that_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n though_o they_o say_v a_o great_a many_o wise_a and_o good_a thing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o this_o purpose_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o reason_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n which_o must_v bear_v up_o under_o external_a suffering_n and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o nature_n furnish_v we_o with_o a_o great_a many_o argument_n to_o bear_v they_o easy_o without_o faint_v as_o for_o instance_n we_o must_v consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v in_o a_o continual_a flux_n and_o motion_n and_o do_v not_o long_o show_v the_o same_o face_n of_o thing_n that_o the_o various_a lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n among_o who_o we_o live_v will_v create_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o trouble_n to_o we_o and_o that_o our_o mortal_a body_n be_v liable_a to_o pain_n and_o hunger_n and_o many_o calamity_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o all_o mankind_n in_o this_o world_n and_o if_o after_o all_o it_o be_v desirable_a to_o live_v to_o come_v into_o and_o to_o continue_v in_o this_o world_n upon_o these_o term_n we_o must_v make_v the_o best_a of_o our_o condition_n and_o bear_v our_o suffering_n patient_o and_o not_o repine_v if_o we_o escape_v as_o well_o as_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o life_n we_o must_v not_o promise_v to_o ourselves_o a_o complete_a and_o undisturbed_a happiness_n for_o than_o we_o must_v be_v disappoint_v and_o be_v very_o uneasy_a and_o impatient_a at_o such_o a_o disappointment_n but_o we_o must_v expect_v to_o suffer_v more_o or_o less_o and_o that_o will_v make_v we_o think_v we_o escape_v well_o when_o our_o suffering_n be_v but_o light_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o arm_v ourselves_o against_o those_o which_o be_v great_a with_o courage_n and_o patience_n thus_o a_o wise_a man_n see_v through_o the_o frightful_a or_o flatter_a disguise_n of_o thing_n and_o judge_n by_o nature_n not_o by_o fancy_n and_o opinion_n and_o then_o he_o find_v no_o mighty_a reason_n to_o be_v disturb_v about_o many_o thing_n which_o be_v judge_v and_o resent_v as_o great_a calamity_n by_o unthinking_a men._n reason_n teach_v they_o that_o nature_n be_v content_v with_o a_o little_a and_o that_o poor_a man_n enjoy_v themselves_o and_o have_v their_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rich_a and_o therefore_o poverty_n without_o press_v want_v be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o evil_a as_o it_o be_v think_v by_o some_o man_n and_o than_o it_o can_v be_v no_o intolerable_a evil_n neither_o to_o fall_v from_o a_o high_a and_o prosperous_a fortune_n to_o a_o mean_a state_n reason_n teach_v they_o that_o a_o good_a man_n who_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o his_o own_o virtue_n and_o integrity_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v concern_v for_o unjust_a reproach_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o ignorance_n or_o malice_n that_o undeserved_a honour_n unjust_a praise_n and_o commendation_n be_v only_o the_o entertainment_n of_o fool_n and_o that_o unjust_a reproach_n ought_v not_o to_o put_v wise_a man_n out_o of_o countenance_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o other_o case_n there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o man_n opinion_n and_o be_v our_o passion_n and_o resentment_n govern_v by_o reason_n and_o proportion_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n not_o to_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n about_o they_o it_o will_v make_v our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n much_o more_o easy_a and_o tolerable_a but_o i_o can_v now_o particular_o show_v you_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o argument_n whereby_o man_n may_v support_v themselves_o under_o several_a calamity_n of_o life_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n that_o reason_n give_v a_o new_a strength_n and_o vigour_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n to_o sustain_v his_o infirmity_n three_o but_o the_o great_a support_v of_o all_o be_v the_o argument_n religion_n furnish_v we_o with_o as_o to_o name_v but_o two_o at_o present_a 1._o that_o whatever_o we_o suffer_v be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o blind_a chance_n or_o fatal_a necessity_n but_o be_v order_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a providence_n 2._o that_o if_o we_o bear_v our_o present_a suffering_n with_o patience_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o make_v a_o wise_a use_n of_o they_o to_o our_o improvement_n in_o grace_n and_o virtue_n our_o very_a suffering_n shall_v be_v great_o reward_v in_o the_o next_o world_n these_o two_o principle_n