profligate_v sinner_n can_v shelter_v themselves_o in_o a_o schism_n and_o palliate_v or_o expiate_v their_o other_o crime_n by_o a_o factious_a zeal_n and_o therefore_o if_o ever_o we_o desire_v to_o see_v christianity_n flourish_v we_o must_v pray_v hearty_o for_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n but_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v what_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o let_v we_o brief_o inquire_v wherein_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n the_o unity_n of_o communion_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n one_a unity_n of_o faith_n whereby_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o all_o christian_n must_v agree_v in_o all_o the_o opinion_n and_o speculation_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v be_v well_o if_o it_o can_v be_v so_o but_o this_o can_v never_o be_v while_o man_n have_v such_o different_a understanding_n and_o ability_n such_o different_a skill_n and_o opportunity_n of_o enquiry_n but_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n be_v secure_v by_o a_o agreement_n in_o all_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o religion_n though_o a_o little_a vary_a in_o some_o nice_a speculation_n which_o be_v like_o the_o different_a feature_n in_o man_n face_n which_o distinguish_v they_o from_o one_o another_o but_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o human_a shape_n and_o this_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o dispute_n which_o divide_v papist_n and_o protestant_n and_o the_o dispute_n of_o protestant_n among_o themselves_o the_o first_o subvert_v the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o worship_n and_o therefore_o these_o difference_n can_v never_o be_v accommodate_v and_o reconcile_v they_o will_v not_o part_v with_o their_o error_n and_o we_o must_v not_o embrace_v they_o if_o we_o love_v our_o soul_n for_o as_o dear_a a_o thing_n as_o peace_n be_v we_o must_v not_o part_v with_o truth_n for_o peace_n but_o now_o the_o dispute_n among_o all_o that_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v protestant_n whatever_o mistake_v there_o may_v be_v on_o any_o side_n do_v not_o overthrow_v any_o necessary_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o therefore_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n may_v be_v secure_v amid_o all_o these_o dispute_n some_o of_o these_o dispute_n be_v only_o inconvenient_a modes_n of_o speak_v and_o the_o difference_n be_v only_o in_o word_n when_o both_o party_n real_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o i_o believe_v if_o all_o heat_n and_o passion_n be_v lay_v aside_o will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n appear_v to_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o that_o protestant_a controversy_n about_o justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o other_o be_v mere_a philosophical_a dispute_n in_o which_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v not_o peculiar_o concern_v for_o they_o have_v be_v and_o be_v dispute_v in_o all_o religion_n such_o as_o the_o controversy_n about_o god_n eternal_a decree_n and_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o nature_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v only_o a_o revive_n of_o that_o old_a philosophical_a dispute_n about_o necessity_n and_o fate_n and_o god_n concourse_n with_o second_o cause_n to_o produce_v their_o effect_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o some_o other_o case_n now_o methinks_v such_o dispute_n as_o these_o which_o do_v not_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n shall_v not_o divide_v the_o christian_a church_n let_v man_n dispute_v about_o they_o as_o philosopher_n but_o as_o christian_n let_v it_o suffice_v they_o to_o believe_v what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v plain_o teach_v we_o to_o at_o be_v enough_o to_o carry_v we_o to_o heaven_n and_o methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v enough_o to_o make_v we_o agree_v in_o the_o way_n thither_o as_o to_o explain_v this_o more_o particular_o but_o very_o brief_o there_o be_v no_o good_a protestant_n but_o will_v confess_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v only_o by_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o sacrifice_n as_o the_o only_a expiation_n and_o atonement_n for_o our_o sin_n that_o no_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o can_v do_v can_v make_v satisfaction_n to_o god_n for_o our_o sin_n nor_o merit_v eternal_a life_n which_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n that_o christ_n be_v our_o only_a saviour_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n only_o of_o his_o body_n or_o church_n that_o we_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o put_v into_o a_o state_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n and_o the_o christian_a sacrament_n that_o no_o impenitent_a unreformed_a sinner_n though_o he_o do_v profess_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o though_o repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n do_v not_o merit_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n nor_o eternal_a reward_n yet_o they_o be_v necessary_o require_v in_o all_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v forgive_v and_o save_v by_o christ._n this_o i_o say_v all_o good_a protestant_n agree_v in_o and_o all_o this_o be_v plain_o teach_v in_o scripture_n and_o whoever_o believe_v this_o and_o practice_n according_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v and_o what_o need_n be_v there_o then_o of_o reduce_v all_o this_o into_o artificial_a scheme_n wherein_o man_n fancy_n and_o conceit_n differ_v what_o necessity_n be_v there_o of_o dispute_v what_o the_o office_n of_o faith_n or_o what_o the_o efficacy_n of_o work_n be_v in_o our_o justification_n when_o we_o all_o agree_v that_o we_o be_v save_v only_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n to_o understand_v the_o reason_n and_o order_n of_o thing_n conduce_v much_o to_o the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n but_o man_n may_v be_v save_v and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n better_o secure_v without_o such_o particular_a determination_n thus_o all_o good_a protestant_n agree_v that_o all_o god_n work_n be_v know_v to_o he_o from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o god_n know_v who_o be_v his_o and_o always_o do_v so_o that_o we_o be_v predestinate_v to_o the_o adoption_n of_o child_n by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o himself_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n wherein_o he_o have_v make_v we_o accept_v in_o the_o belove_a that_o we_o be_v predestinate_v according_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o he_o who_o work_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n 1._o ephes._n 5_o 6_o 11._o that_o when_o god_n come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n he_o will_v appear_v infinite_o just_a and_o good_a and_o merciful_a that_o bad_a man_n shall_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o god_n and_o that_o good_a man_n shall_v have_v nothing_o to_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o this_o secure_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n of_o his_o wisdom_n goodness_n justice_n power_n and_o sovereignty_n and_o what_o need_n be_v there_o to_o inquire_v any_o far_a into_o the_o divine_a decree_n than_o the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v in_o the_o particular_a explication_n of_o which_o when_o man_n follow_v their_o own_o fancy_n they_o vast_o differ_v from_o each_o other_o to_o the_o great_a disturbance_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n we_o be_v assure_v by_o plain_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n that_o god_n desire_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v return_v and_o live_v that_o our_o destruction_n be_v of_o ourselves_o that_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n who_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n that_o all_o the_o evil_n we_o do_v be_v owe_v to_o ourselves_o that_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v then_o when_o lust_n have_v conceive_v it_o bring_v forth_o sin_n and_o sin_n when_o it_o be_v finish_v bring_v forth_o death_n this_o we_o all_o agree_v in_o and_o this_o attributt_n the_o glory_n of_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v to_o god_n and_o the_o shame_n of_o all_o the_o evil_n we_o do_v to_o ourselves_o this_o encourage_v we_o to_o do_v good_a in_o a_o confident_a assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o teach_v bad_a man_n that_o they_o must_v not_o think_v to_o excuse_v their_o wickedness_n by_o charge_v it_o on_o god_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v because_o it_o be_v all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o when_o man_n frame_v this_o into_o philosophical_a hypothesis_n they_o then_o divide_v as_o far_o from_o each_o other_o as_o east_n and_o west_n and_o all_o the_o attempt_n of_o reconcile_a they_o
calamity_n upon_o nation_n but_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o some_o publlick_n and_o national_a sin_n and_o therefore_o a_o christian_a nation_n which_o profess_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n preserve_v the_o reverence_n of_o religion_n correct_v and_o suppress_v vice_n may_v expect_v to_o be_v bless_v with_o all_o external_a prosperity_n for_o righteousness_n exâ—…alteth_v a_o nation_n it_o do_v so_o in_o its_o natural_a tendency_n and_o effect_n and_o it_o do_v so_o by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o when_o god_n bring_v any_o public_a judgement_n upon_o a_o nation_n profess_v the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o god_n anger_n and_o displeasure_n to_o inquire_v what_o be_v amiss_o among_o we_o what_o that_o accurse_a thing_n be_v which_o have_v provoke_v god_n to_o jealousy_n and_o make_v he_o take_v the_o rod_n into_o his_o hand_n we_o have_v then_o reason_n to_o humble_v ourselves_o before_o god_n to_o deprecate_v his_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n to_o turn_v from_o all_o the_o evil_a of_o our_o way_n that_o hem_n ay_o return_n and_o be_v merciful_a to_o we_o but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n worth_n observe_v which_o may_v be_v matter_n of_o hope_n and_o comfort_n to_o we_o at_o this_o time_n that_o god_n never_o deliver_v the_o jewish_a church_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n to_o oppress_v they_o never_o carry_v they_o away_o into_o captivity_n except_v the_o last_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n in_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n in_o crucify_a their_o messiah_n but_o only_o when_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n a_o corruption_n of_o manner_n may_v bring_v other_o judgement_n upon_o they_o but_o it_o be_v general_o and_o i_o think_v always_o for_o their_o idolatry_n that_o god_n make_v their_o enemy_n rule_n over_o they_o and_o carry_v they_o captive_a into_o a_o strange_a land_n this_o we_o have_v a_o summary_n account_v of_o judge_n 2._o how_o that_o after_o the_o death_n of_o joshua_n and_o those_o elder_n who_o have_v see_v all_o that_o god_n do_v for_o they_o they_o forsake_v the_o lord_n and_o serve_v baal_n and_o ashtaroth_n and_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v kindle_v against_o they_o and_o god_n deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o spoiler_n who_o spoil_v they_o v._o 11_o 12_o etc._n etc._n for_o this_o sin_n of_o idolatry_n the_o ten_o tribe_n be_v carry_v away_o into_o a_o perpetual_a captivity_n and_o judah_n carry_v captive_a to_o babylon_n which_o they_o be_v threaten_v with_o by_o the_o prophet_n for_o their_o whoredom_n that_o be_v their_o idolatry_n 2_o 4_o 5._o ch_z of_o hosea_n and_o this_o be_v the_o account_n the_o prophet_n jeremy_n give_v of_o it_o like_a as_o you_o have_v forsake_v i_o and_o serve_v strange_a god_n in_o your_o land_n so_o shall_v you_o serve_v stranger_n in_o a_o land_n which_o be_v not_o you_o 5._o jer._n 19_o now_o in_o proportion_n to_o god_n dealâ—…g_n with_o the_o jewish_a church_n we_o have_v â—…ason_n to_o hope_n that_o though_o a_o church_n â—…nd_v nation_n which_o profess_v the_o true_a â—…aith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n may_v be_v â—…everely_o punish_v for_o their_o other_o sin_n â—…et_o while_o they_o preserve_v themselves_o â—…lean_a from_o spiritual_a fornication_n from_o all_o antichristian_a idolatry_n god_n will_v not_o un-church_n they_o nor_o deliver_v they_o final_o up_o into_o the_o power_n of_o idolatrous_a oppressor_n i_o be_o sure_a we_o of_o this_o nation_n ever_o since_o the_o reformation_n of_o religion_n among_o we_o though_o god_n have_v make_v we_o smart_v severe_o for_o our_o other_o sin_n have_v yet_o always_o find_v a_o watchful_a providence_n defend_v we_o from_o all_o attempt_n though_o contrive_v with_o art_n and_o skill_n and_o back_v with_o power_n to_o reduce_v we_o again_o under_o the_o roman_a yoke_n may_v the_o same_o good_a providence_n still_o watch_v over_o we_o and_o defend_v we_o and_o neither_o suffer_v our_o popish_a enemy_n to_o rejoice_v over_o we_o nor_o delude_a protestant_n to_o make_v dangerous_a and_o fatal_a experiment_n 3_o when_o god_n do_v think_v fit_a to_o correct_v his_o people_n he_o always_o keep_v the_o rod_n in_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o prescribe_v the_o measure_n and_o continuance_n of_o their_o suffering_n this_o be_v so_o plain_a from_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o law_n and_o from_o the_o example_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o israel_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n to_o multiply_v particular_a instance_n there_o be_v no_o good_a not_o evil_a befall_v israel_n but_o by_o a_o particular_a providence_n god_n inflict_v judgement_n on_o they_o when_o he_o see_v fit_a and_o he_o remove_v they_o again_o he_o give_v the_o commission_n to_o plague_n and_o sword_n and_o famine_n which_o they_o can_v not_o exceed_v in_o the_o 26._o levit._n we_o may_v observe_v that_o god_n proportion_v his_o judgement_n to_o their_o sin_n when_o their_o sin_n be_v grow_v so_o public_a and_o national_a as_o to_o deserve_v some_o public_a judgement_n yet_o at_o first_o god_n threaten_v they_o with_o some_o more_o light_a and_o gentle_a punishment_n but_o if_o they_o continue_v incorrigible_a he_o tell_v they_o he_o have_v more_o terrible_a judgement_n in_o reserve_n for_o they_o which_o prove_v that_o god_n determine_v the_o kind_n degree_n and_o continuance_n of_o his_o judgement_n when_o david_n for_o his_o sin_n in_o number_v the_o people_n have_v that_o hard_a choice_n give_v he_o of_o seven_o year_n famine_n or_o to_o flee_v three_o month_n before_o his_o enemy_n or_o three_o day_n pestilence_n he_o answer_v let_v i_o fall_v now_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o lord_n for_o his_o mercy_n be_v great_a and_o let_v i_o not_o fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n 〈◊〉_d sam._n 24._o 14._o that_o be_v he_o choose_v peâ—…ilence_n before_o the_o sword_n for_o pestiâ—…ence_n be_v god_n immediate_a hand_n and_o â—…ho_o the_o sword_n be_v god_n judgement_n too_o â—…et_v it_o be_v put_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n who_o gratify_v their_o own_o lust_n and_o rage_n and_o revenge_n with_o it_o and_o yet_o though_o god_n leave_v more_o to_o man_n in_o this_o than_o â—…n_o any_o other_o judgement_n he_o do_v not_o â—…ut_o the_o sword_n whole_o out_o of_o his_o own_o hand_n when_o he_o put_v it_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o man_n but_o give_v law_n to_o it_o as_o appear_v from_o the_o example_n of_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n who_o god_n send_v against_o jerusalem_n to_o take_v the_o spoil_n and_o to_o take_v the_o prey_n and_o to_o tread_v they_o down_o like_o the_o mire_n in_o the_o street_n howbeit_o he_o mean_v not_o so_o neither_o do_v his_o heart_n think_v so_o but_o it_o be_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o destroy_v and_o cut_v off_o nation_n not_o a_o few_o wherefore_o it_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v that_o when_o the_o lord_n have_v perform_v his_o whole_a work_n upon_o mount_n zion_n what_o he_o himself_o not_o what_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n intend_v to_o do_v i_o will_v punish_v the_o fruit_n of_o the_o stout_a heart_n of_o the_o king_n of_o assyria_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o high_a look_n 10._o isa._n 5_o 6_o 7_o 12._o now_o god_n have_v the_o same_o tender_a care_n of_o a_o christian_a nation_n that_o he_o have_v of_o israel_n he_o mingle_v our_o cup_n for_o we_o he_o prescribe_v what_o we_o shall_v suffer_v and_o how_o long_o and_o he_o correct_v as_o a_o father_n not_o to_o destroy_v but_o to_o reform_v and_o this_o be_v a_o mighty_a comfort_n that_o whatever_o man_n threaten_v we_o be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n who_o have_v the_o wind_n and_o sea_n aâ—…_n his_o command_n who_o give_v salvation_n 〈◊〉_d king_n who_o deliver_v david_n his_o servaâ—…_n from_o the_o hurtful_a sword_n psal._n 144._o 10._o the_o most_o powerful_a oppressor_n be_v but_o the_o rod_n of_o god_n anger_n the_o more_o fierce_a and_o savage_a instrument_n god_n employ_v to_o correct_v we_o we_o may_v conclude_v the_o more_o angry_a god_n be_v but_o whatever_o the_o rod_n be_v it_o be_v god_n that_o strike_v whâ—…_n know_v when_o to_o strike_v and_o when_o to_o spare_v we_o never_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o man_n whatever_o their_o power_n how_o great_a soever_o their_o rage_n and_o vengeance_n be_v but_o aught_o to_o pray_v to_o god_n as_o the_o prophet_n do_v o_o lord_n correct_v i_o but_o with_o judgement_n not_o in_o thy_o anger_n lest_o thou_o bring_v i_o to_o nothing_o jer._n 10._o 24._o o_o lord_n rebuke_v i_o not_o in_o thy_o anger_n neither_o chasten_v i_o in_o thy_o sore_a displeasure_n have_v mercy_n upon_o i_o o_o lord_n for_o i_o be_o weak_a o_o lord_n heal_v i_o for_o my_o bone_n be_v vex_v psal._n 6._o 1_o 2._o or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o psal._n 56._o 1_o 2_o 3._o be_v merciful_a to_o i_o o_o
god_n for_o man_n will_v swallow_v i_o up_o he_o â—…ting_v daily_o oppress_v i_o my_o eneâ—…es_n will_v daily_o swallow_v i_o up_o for_o they_o 〈◊〉_d many_o that_o rise_v up_o against_o i_o o_o thou_o most_o â—…igh_a what_o time_n i_o be_o afraid_a i_o will_v â—…ust_v in_o thou_o in_o god_n i_o will_v praise_v his_o â—…rd_n in_o god_n i_o have_v put_v my_o trust_n i_o will_v â—…t_o fear_v what_o flesh_n can_v do_v unto_o i_o four_o when_o god_n do_v think_v fit_a to_o â—…rrect_v his_o people_n yet_o he_o always_o reâ—…oves_v his_o judgement_n upon_o their_o sincere_a â—…epentance_n this_o be_v god_n express_a â—…ovenant_n with_o israel_n 26._o levit._fw-la 40_o â—…1_n 42._o if_o they_o shall_v confess_v their_o iniquiâ—…_n and_o the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o father_n with_o the_o trespass_n which_o they_o trespass_v against_o i_o and_o also_o that_o they_o have_v walkâ—…d_v contrary_a to_o i_o and_o that_o i_o also_o have_v â—…alked_v contrary_a to_o they_o and_o have_v bring_v â—…hem_n into_o the_o land_n of_o their_o enemy_n 〈◊〉_d then_o their_o uncircumcised_a heart_n be_v humâ—…led_v and_o they_o then_o accept_v of_o the_o punishment_n of_o their_o iniquity_n then_o will_v i_o remember_v my_o covenant_n with_o jacob_n and_o also_o my_o covenant_n with_o isaac_n and_o also_o my_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n will_v i_o remember_v and_o i_o will_v remember_v the_o land_n thus_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n when_o god_n for_o their_o sin_n deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n when_o they_o cry_v to_o god_n he_o raise_v up_o saviour_n for_o they_o nay_o many_o time_n when_o their_o repentance_n be_v not_o very_o sincere_a nor_o last_a yet_o in_o great_a goodness_n and_o compassion_n he_o spare_v they_o when_o he_o slay_v they_o than_o they_o seek_v he_o and_o return_v and_o inquire_v early_o after_o god_n and_o they_o remember_v that_o god_n be_v their_o rock_n and_o the_o high_a god_n their_o redeemer_n neuèrtheless_o they_o do_v flatter_v he_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o they_o lie_v unto_o he_o with_o their_o tongue_n for_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a with_o he_o neither_o be_v they_o steadfast_a in_o his_o covenant_n but_o he_o be_v full_a of_o compassion_n forgive_v their_o iniquity_n and_o destroy_v they_o not_o yea_o many_o a_o time_n turn_v he_o his_o anger_n away_o and_o do_v not_o stir_v up_o all_o his_o wrath_n for_o he_o remember_v that_o they_o be_v but_o flesh_n a_o wind_n that_o pass_v away_o and_o come_v not_o again_o 78._o psalm_n 34_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o how_o angry_a soever_o god_n be_v we_o have_v a_o certain_a way_n of_o appease_v his_o anger_n nothing_o but_o sin_n can_v provoke_v a_o merciful_a god_n and_o a_o compassionate_a father_n to_o punish_v he_o have_v a_o great_a tenderness_n for_o all_o his_o creature_n he_o do_v not_o afflict_v willing_o nor_o grieve_v the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v more_o easy_o appease_v than_o he_o be_v provoke_v judgement_n be_v his_o strange_a work_n but_o he_o â—…ights_v in_o act_n of_o mercy_n and_o seem_v â—…ased_v with_o a_o honourable_a occasion_n 〈◊〉_d show_v mercy_n without_o expose_v his_o â—…ws_n and_o government_n to_o contempt_n â—…d_v therefore_o repentance_n and_o reforâ—…tion_n will_v always_o appease_v he_o nay_o â—…metimes_o we_o see_v that_o the_o very_a show_v â—…d_v appearance_n of_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a â—…pentance_n though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o sinâ—…re_a and_o hearty_a as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v â—…akes_v he_o stay_v his_o hand_n and_o expect_v â—…r_a return_n and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a encouâ—…gement_n and_o a_o powerful_a obligation_n on_o 〈◊〉_d to_o return_v to_o god_n when_o he_o strike_v 〈◊〉_d humble_a ourselves_o under_o his_o mighty_a â—…nd_n for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o reâ—…ove_v his_o judgement_n and_o this_o will_v do_v 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o trust_v in_o army_n â—…d_a navy_n in_o the_o courage_n and_o conâ—…ct_n of_o prince_n and_o general_n when_o â—…ur_n sin_v fight_v against_o we_o when_o god_n â—…efuses_v to_o go_v forth_o with_o our_o army_n â—…r_v no_o king_n be_v save_v by_o the_o multitude_n of_o â—…n_a host_n a_o horse_n be_v a_o vain_a thing_n for_o safeâ—…y_n neither_o shall_v he_o deliver_v any_o by_o his_o â—…reat_a strength_n but_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o upon_o they_o that_o â—…ope_v in_o his_o mercy_n 33._o psal._n 16_o 17_o 18._o nay_o the_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o our_o cause_n will_v not_o always_o secure_a 〈◊〉_d of_o success_n for_o those_o who_o have_v a_o very_a just_a cause_n may_v deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v and_o then_o god_n may_v just_o punish_v they_o and_o deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n 〈◊〉_d their_o enemy_n god_n do_v not_o always_o determine_v what_o be_v right_o and_o wrong_n by_o the_o event_n of_o war_n for_o he_o be_v the_o sovereign_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o may_v punish_v a_o wicked_a nation_n by_o unjust_a oppressor_n as_o he_o often_o do_v the_o israelite_n the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n will_v not_o always_o secure_v we_o when_o ouâ—…_n sin_v cry_v for_o vengeance_n when_o the_o jew_n cry_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n 〈◊〉_d temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o prophet_n tell_v they_o they_o trust_v in_o lie_a word_n for_o will_v you_o steal_v and_o murder_n and_o commit_v adultery_n and_o swear_v false_o and_o burn_v incense_n to_o baal_n and_o come_v and_o stand_v before_o i_o in_o this_o house_n which_o be_v call_v by_o my_o name_n and_o say_v we_o be_v deliver_v to_o do_v all_o these_o abomination_n 7_o jer._n 4_o 10._o to_o glory_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n or_o in_o a_o vigorous_a opposition_n to_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o religion_n when_o we_o be_v atheist_n or_o infidel_n in_o our_o life_n may_v make_v god_n punish_v we_o but_o be_v no_o reason_n on_o our_o part_n why_o he_o shall_v save_v we_o but_o true_a and_o sincere_a repenâ—…ance_n will_v save_v we_o we_o profess_v the_o sinâ—…ere_a faith_n of_o christ_n we_o fight_v in_o a_o just_a cause_n if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o defend_v our_o â—…elves_n against_o the_o powerful_a oppressor_n â—…f_o the_o protestant_n that_o be_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o europe_n and_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o fear_v â—…ny_n thing_n but_o our_o sin_n let_v we_o but_o reâ—…orm_v our_o life_n and_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a â—…f_n our_o do_n and_o our_o arm_n will_v be_v as_o prosperous_a as_o our_o cause_n be_v just_a god_n will_v then_o gird_v our_o prince_n and_o soldier_n â—…ith_o strength_n to_o the_o battle_n will_v teach_v â—…heir_a hand_n to_o war_n and_o their_o finger_n to_o â—…ght_n 5thly_a faith_n and_o prayer_n be_v more_o â—…owerful_a than_o arm_n as_o it_o must_v necesâ—…arily_o be_v if_o god_n only_o give_v victory_n â—…nd_v success_n this_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o â—…hole_a history_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o apoâ—…le_n to_o the_o hebrew_n give_v we_o a_o particular_a â—…ccount_n of_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n ii_o heb._n â—…2_n 33_o 34._o of_o gideon_n and_o barach_n and_o samson_n and_o jeptha_n and_o david_n who_o â—…hrough_a faith_n subdue_v kingdom_n wrought_v â—…ighteousness_n obtain_v promise_n stop_v â—…he_a mouth_n of_o lion_n quench_v the_o violence_n â—…f_a fire_n escape_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n out_o of_o weakness_n be_v make_v strong_a wax_v valivaliant_a in_o fight_n turn_v to_o flight_n the_o army_n of_o the_o alien_n moses_n his_o prayer_n be_v more_o powerful_a than_o ioshua_n arm_n for_o when_o moses_n hold_v up_o his_o hand_n israel_n prevail_v when_o he_o let_v down_o his_o hand_n amalek_n prevail_v 17._o exo._n ii_o hezekiah_n prayer_n overthrow_v the_o assyrian_a army_n when_o rabshekah_n come_v against_o jerusalem_n and_o reproach_v they_o with_o their_o trust_n in_o god_n we_o must_v not_o indeed_o expect_v such_o miraculous_a victory_n as_o god_n give_v to_o israel_n but_o this_o make_v no_o difference_n for_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n and_o prayer_n be_v the_o same_o still_o and_o all_o victory_n be_v god_n still_o who_o give_v success_n as_o well_o by_o invisible_a mean_n and_o seem_a accident_n as_o by_o the_o most_o visible_a interposal_n of_o a_o miraculous_a power_n for_o god_n give_v israel_n miraculous_a deliverance_n not_o because_o he_o can_v not_o save_v they_o without_o a_o miracle_n but_o because_o he_o will_v make_v it_o visible_a to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o he_o be_v their_o saviour_n but_o still_o god_n hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o answer_v they_o he_o be_v still_o the_o saviour_n and_o deliverer_n of_o all_o those_o who_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n and_o therefore_o the_o only_a sure_a way_n to_o conquer_v our_o enemy_n be_v to_o prevail_v with_o god_n by_o
of_o earthly_a rival_n yet_o it_o fire_v at_o great_a example_n and_o be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v outdo_v by_o equal_n in_o love_n to_o god_n or_o man_n especial_o when_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n and_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v be_v concern_v it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o many_o pious_a and_o charitable_a foundation_n be_v owe_v to_o popish_a superstition_n they_o hope_v to_o expiate_v their_o sin_n and_o to_o merit_v heaven_n by_o their_o good_a work_n and_o in_o this_o hope_n and_o this_o persuasion_n they_o do_v a_o very_a great_a many_o we_o understand_v better_a than_o to_o think_v of_o merit_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n much_o less_o of_o purchase_v a_o liberty_n of_o sin_v by_o act_n of_o charity_n but_o if_o those_o great_a reward_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o charity_n and_o which_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v will_v not_o make_v we_o charitable_a without_o the_o opinion_n of_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n charity_n be_v so_o great_a and_o excellent_a a_o virtue_n and_o so_o very_o useful_a to_o mankind_n that_o at_o least_o thus_o far_o popery_n will_v be_v think_v the_o better_a religion_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v as_o you_o abound_v in_o every_o thing_n in_o faith_n and_o utterance_n and_o knowledge_n and_o all_o diligence_n and_o in_o your_o love_n to_o we_o see_v that_o you_o abound_v in_o this_o grace_n also_o as_o we_o have_v a_o more_o orthodox_n faith_n a_o clear_a and_o a_o distinct_a knowledge_n and_o a_o pure_a worship_n than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n let_v we_o excel_v in_o charity_n too_o and_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o to_o renounce_v popery_n be_v not_o to_o renounce_v good_a work_n sermon_n x._o preach_v before_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o lord-mayor_n and_o court_n of_o alderman_n at_o guildhall_n chappel_n on_o sunday_n april_n 25._o 1697._o coloss._n ii_o 8._o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ._n have_v st._n paul_n live_v in_o our_o age_n it_o will_v have_v require_v little_o less_o than_o the_o courage_n and_o bravery_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o martyrdom_n to_o have_v say_v this_o and_o nothing_o but_o the_o authority_n of_o so_o great_a a_o apostle_n which_o though_o some_o man_n do_v not_o much_o value_n yet_o they_o dare_v not_o open_o despise_v can_v screen_n those_o who_o venture_v to_o say_v iâ—…_n after_o he_o what_o some_o man_n call_v philosophy_n and_o reason_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o foolish_a and_o absurd_a which_o some_o man_n will_v not_o call_v so_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n which_o those_o man_n adore_v who_o will_v either_o have_v no_o god_n or_o a_o god_n and_o a_o religion_n of_o their_o own_o make_n and_o what_o attempt_v some_o have_v make_v to_o undermine_v all_o religion_n and_o other_o to_o corrupt_v and_o transform_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o its_o contradict_a natural_a reason_n and_o philosophy_n be_v too_o well_o know_v to_o need_v a_o proof_n that_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o his_o day_n and_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v in_o future_a age_n st._n paul_n be_v very_o sensible_a when_o he_o give_v this_o caution_n to_o his_o colossian_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v as_o proper_a a_o caution_n for_o we_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v for_o any_o age_n since_o the_o write_n of_o this_o epistle_n for_o this_o vain_a pretence_n to_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n never_o more_o prevail_v and_o never_o do_v more_o mischief_n to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o endless_a and_o fruitless_a task_n to_o go_v about_o to_o confute_v all_o the_o absurd_a hypothesis_n and_o wild_a inconsistent_a reason_n wherewith_o man_n abuse_v themselves_o and_o other_o the_o experience_n of_o so_o â—…ny_a age_n wherein_o philosophy_n be_v in_o all_o 〈◊〉_d glory_n and_o the_o several_a sect_n dispute_v â—…d_v wrangle_v eternal_o without_o end_v â—…y_o one_o controversy_n give_v no_o great_a enâ—…uragement_n to_o hope_v for_o much_o this_o way_n 〈◊〉_d lest_o it_o can_v never_o be_v expect_v that_o â—…dinary_a christian_n shall_v be_v better_o â—…structed_v and_o confirm_v in_o the_o faith_n by_o â—…hilosophical_a dispute_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v from_o â—…e_n very_o begin_v be_v corrupt_v by_o 〈◊〉_d mixture_n of_o philosophy_n thus_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d the_o apostle_n day_n and_o thus_o it_o have_v â—…een_v more_o or_o less_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n to_o this_o day_n and_o the_o direction_n the_o apostle_n give_v for_o the_o security_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v not_o to_o dispute_v such_o matter_n but_o to_o distinguish_v between_o philosophical_a dispute_n and_o matter_n of_o revelation_n and_o to_o reject_v all_o the_o pretence_n of_o philosophy_n when_o it_o do_v or_o seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n or_o will_v make_v any_o corrupt_a addition_n to_o it_o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o make_v a_o prey_n or_o to_o carry_v away_o as_o a_o prey_n that_o be_v to_o seduce_v they_o from_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o from_o the_o pâ—…rity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o it_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n that_o be_v through_o the_o vain_a deceit_n of_o philosophy_n which_o cheat_v man_n with_o a_o flatter_a but_o empty_a appearance_n may_v unsettle_v weak_a mind_n but_o can_v lay_v a_o sure_a and_o solid_a foundation_n of_o faith_n may_v cheat_v man_n out_o of_o their_o faith_n but_o when_o that_o be_v do_v can_v give_v they_o nothing_o certain_a in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v but_o after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o this_o world_n some_o of_o these_o doctrine_n may_v possible_o plead_v prescription_n as_o have_v be_v so_o long_o receive_v that_o no_o man_n know_v their_o original_a or_o if_o they_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o great_a name_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o human_a authority_n and_o they_o be_v but_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o of_o man_n who_o at_o best_o have_v no_o better_a information_n than_o from_o the_o visible_a appearance_n of_o nature_n and_o their_o own_o imperfect_a observation_n and_o corrupt_v or_o defective_a reason_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o this_o world_n and_o be_v this_o a_o authority_n to_o oppose_v against_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n which_o both_o want_v that_o divine_a confirmation_n which_o he_o give_v to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o contradict_v they_o for_o they_o be_v not_o after_o christ_n neither_o teach_v by_o christ_n nor_o consonant_n to_o what_o he_o teach_v these_o word_n may_v afford_v great_a variety_n of_o discourse_n but_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o what_o be_v most_o useful_a and_o reduce_v that_o into_o as_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o i_o can_v by_o show_v i._n what_o great_a need_n there_o be_v of_o this_o caution_n to_o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v we_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n ii_o what_o great_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o rejectall_v these_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n when_o they_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n i._o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o whoever_o consider_v what_o a_o enemy_n these_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n have_v always_o be_v to_o religion_n will_v see_v need_n enough_o for_o this_o caution_n true_a reason_n and_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v true_a philosophy_n will_v certain_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n and_o worship_n of_o that_o supreme_a be_v who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o atheist_n without_o some_o pretence_n to_o philosophy_n and_o general_o such_o loud_a noisy_a pretence_n too_o as_o make_v ignorant_a people_n think_v they_o very_o notable_a philosopher_n and_o that_o tempt_v some_o vain_a empty_a person_n to_o affect_v atheism_n that_o they_o may_v be_v think_v philosopher_n that_o this_o be_v vain_a deceit_n all_o man_n must_v own_v who_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o pretend_v philosophy_n for_o atheism_n itself_o it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n if_o it_o be_v make_v to_o patronize_v infidelity_n and_o heresy_n but_o this_o plain_o show_v of_o what_o dangerous_a consequence_n it_o be_v to_o admit_v philosophical_a dispute_n into_o religion_n which_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o may_v do_v any_o service_n to_o religion_n much_o often_o great_o corrupt_v it_o and_o shake_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o it_o of_o which_o more_o anon_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o show_v you_o how_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n stand_v that_o most_o of_o the_o dispute_n in_o religion_n
coâ—…_n cern_v the_o christian_a church_n we_o maâ—…_n learn_v from_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o seuâ—…_n church_n of_o asia_n what_o it_o be_v provokâ—…_n our_o lord_n either_o severe_o to_o punish_v we_o to_o remove_v the_o gospel_n from_o we_o tâ—…_n church_n of_o ephesus_n though_o she_o have_v aâ—…_n quit_v herself_o well_o in_o many_o thing_n yet_o have_v leave_v she_o first_o love_n have_v abate_v very_o much_o of_o her_o zeal_n and_o fervour_n for_o the_o name_n and_o religion_n of_o christ._n the_o church_n of_o pergamâ—…s_n be_v threaten_v for_o suffer_v those_o among_o she_o who_o teach_v idolatrous_a worship_n and_o fleshly_a lust_n and_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n likewise_o for_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jezaâ—…el_v to_o commit_v fornicatâ—…on_n and_o to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n the_o church_n of_o sardis_n make_v a_o glorious_a and_o pompous_a profession_n of_o religion_n but_o without_o the_o true_a life_n and_o spirit_n of_o it_o â—…e_o have_v a_o name_n to_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a and_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n grow_v very_o cold_a and_o indifferent_a even_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o she_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a 〈◊〉_d lukewarm_a all_o these_o our_o saviour_n summons_n to_o repentance_n and_o threaten_v to_o punish_v or_o destroy_v they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o chap._n 2_o and_o 3._o of_o the_o revelation_n the_o application_n of_o all_o this_o to_o ourselves_o be_v so_o obvious_a that_o i_o need_v not_o multiply_v word_n about_o it_o we_o be_v that_o very_a nation_n wherein_o all_o these_o evil_n meet_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o name_v any_o vice_n which_o be_v not_o open_o commit_v among_o we_o without_o fear_n or_o shame_n nay_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o that_o pass_n that_o to_o be_v a_o modest_a sinner_n to_o boggle_v at_o any_o wickedness_n oâ—…_n to_o blush_v at_o it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o reproach_n as_o to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o though_o somâ—…_n man_n be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o themselveâ—…_n atheist_n yet_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o own_o any_o reveal_v religion_n or_o tâ—…_n talk_v serious_o of_o providence_n of_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o punishinâ—…_n city_n and_o nation_n for_o their_o wickeâ—…_n ness_n be_v think_v a_o jest_n and_o i_o wiâ—…_n it_o be_v a_o jest_n only_o among_o vile_a anâ—…_n mean_v people_n of_o no_o fortune_n or_o education_n whereas_o we_o often_o see_v that_o theâ—…_n condition_n make_v they_o modest_a and_o uâ—…_n teach_v nature_n teach_v they_o better_o tâ—…_n they_o be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o example_n 〈◊〉_d man_n of_o wit_n and_o figure_n in_o the_o worlâ—…_n and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o relâ—…_n gion_n it_o be_v a_o very_a melancholy_a prospecâ—…_n to_o observe_v how_o little_a of_o the_o true_a liâ—…_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d among_o they_o there_o be_v indeed_o noiâ—…_n and_o zeal_n and_o faction_n enough_o amonâ—…_n some_o people_n and_o that_o make_v other_o 〈◊〉_d cold_a and_o indifferent_a the_o temper_n of_o thâ—…_n church_n of_o sardis_n and_o laodicea_n thâ—…_n one_o that_o have_v a_o name_n to_o live_v but_o waâ—…_n dead_a the_o other_o that_o be_v lukewarmâ—…_n make_v much_o the_o great_a party_n amonâ—…_n we_o and_o the_o very_o best_a man_n i_o fear_v be_v too_o much_o incline_v to_o the_o state_n of_o ephesus_n which_o have_v leave_v she_o first_o love_n those_o great_a passion_n and_o ardour_n of_o devotion_n which_o ought_v to_o inspire_v the_o mind_n of_o christian_n let_v we_o then_o hear_v the_o rod_n and_o tremble_v see_v how_o god_n deal_v with_o the_o jewish_a church_n for_o these_o sin_n see_v what_o our_o lord_n have_v do_v to_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o though_o we_o can_v say_v what_o god_n will_v do_v to_o we_o because_o we_o know_v not_o what_o wonderful_a design_n be_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o providence_n yet_o we_o know_v what_o we_o do_v and_o how_o god_n have_v deal_v with_o those_o who_o have_v do_v as_o we_o do_v which_o be_v too_o just_a reason_n to_o fear_v that_o he_o will_v deal_v so_o by_o we_o too_o unless_o we_o repent_v and_o reform_v which_o they_o do_v not_o for_o two_o when_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o we_o the_o reformation_n must_v be_v universal_a too_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n to_o reform_v himself_o for_o a_o nation_n can_v never_o be_v reform_v but_o by_o the_o reformation_n of_o particular_a man_n who_o make_v up_o the_o nation_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o be_v summon_v to_o repentance_n as_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n summon_v we_o all_o every_o man_n must_v examine_v himself_o what_o he_o have_v to_o repent_v of_o and_o reform_v himself_o but_o yet_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o a_o national_a and_o personal_n repentance_n and_o reformation_n and_o they_o serve_v very_o different_a ends._n a_o nation_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o god_n may_v in_o great_a mercy_n remove_v his_o judgement_n though_o what_o be_v never_o to_o be_v expect_v every_o particular_a man_n do_v not_o repent_v and_o reform_v himself_o but_o then_o such_o a_o national_a reformation_n require_v the_o execution_n of_o public_a justice_n against_o public_a wickedness_n to_o make_v sin_n public_o infamous_a and_o to_o teach_v the_o great_a and_o most_o powerfuâ—…_n sinner_n modesty_n to_o banish_v if_o noâ—…_n sinner_n yet_o sin_n out_o of_o our_o court_n and_o out_o of_o our_o street_n and_o to_o make_v it_o once_o more_o seek_v for_o night_n and_o darkness_n foâ—…_n a_o cover_v that_o virtue_n may_v no_o long_o blush_v in_o company_n or_o need_v apology_n nor_o vice_n dare_v to_o brave_v it_o at_o noonday_n there_o have_v indeed_o of_o late_o be_v some_o care_n take_v by_o public_a law_n and_o royal_a proclamation_n to_o punish_v the_o profanation_n of_o god_n name_n by_o accurse_a oath_n but_o yet_o in_o most_o case_n man_n may_v be_v as_o vile_a as_o they_o please_v and_o as_o public_o so_o as_o they_o please_v and_o little_a or_o no_o notice_n take_v of_o they_o nay_o they_o may_v talk_v and_o write_v what_o they_o please_v against_o god_n and_o religion_n ridicule_fw-la the_o history_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o gain_v credit_n and_o reputation_n by_o it_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v not_o many_o christian_a nation_n in_o the_o world_n which_o in_o so_o public_a a_o manner_n permit_v these_o thing_n we_o have_v talk_v of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o reformation_n to_o good_a purpose_n if_o the_o only_a effect_n of_o it_o be_v a_o liberty_n of_o ridicul_v the_o christian_a faith_n which_o may_v make_v one_o suspect_v that_o all_o the_o zeal_n some_o man_n have_v express_v against_o popery_n be_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o a_o zeal_n for_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n which_o the_o discipline_n of_o popery_n as_o bad_a a_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v will_v not_o endure_v it_o be_v indeed_o well_o fit_v to_o make_v atheist_n and_o infidel_n but_o will_v make_v man_n have_v a_o care_n how_o they_o profess_v it_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o this_o scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n and_o contempt_n of_o religion_n will_v prove_v a_o backdoor_n to_o let_v in_o popery_n again_o upon_o we_o but_o to_o leave_v these_o thought_n with_o those_o who_o proper_a care_n and_o business_n it_o be_v whether_o a_o nation_n will_v be_v reform_v or_o not_o it_o concern_v every_o particular_a man_n to_o hear_v the_o rod_n the_o judgement_n of_o god_n warn_v we_o of_o his_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n against_o sin_n that_o we_o may_v fly_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o we_o do_v not_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o rod_n nor_o improve_v judgement_n to_o their_o true_a end_n if_o we_o do_v not_o so_o repent_v and_o reform_v as_o to_o save_v our_o soul_n and_o this_o to_o be_v sure_o must_v be_v a_o personal_n and_o a_o universal_a reformation_n and_o yet_o even_o with_o respect_n to_o present_a judgement_n a_o personal_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n be_v of_o great_a use_n for_o when_o the_o judgement_n be_v public_a and_o national_a god_n many_o time_n make_v a_o remarkable_a distinction_n between_o person_n say_v you_o to_o the_o righteous_a it_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o they_o for_o they_o shall_v reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o do_n wo_n unto_o the_o wicked_a it_o shall_v be_v ill_a with_o he_o for_o the_o reward_n of_o his_o hand_n shall_v be_v give_v to_o he_o which_o be_v speak_v with_o respect_n to_o public_a judgement_n isa._n 3._o 10_o 11._o which_o be_v a_o sufficient_a encouragement_n for_o particular_a man_n to_o repent_v and_o reform_v their_o life_n whatever_o other_o do_v but_o it_o be_v time_n to_o apply_v what_o i_o have_v now_o discourse_v to_o the_o
deplorable_a must_v the_o state_n of_o religion_n need_v be_v when_o self-love_n prevail_v which_o be_v such_o a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o all_o piety_n and_o virtue_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o man_n the_o apostle_n indeed_o tell_v we_o of_o these_o lover_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o they_o make_v a_o show_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o it_o may_v be_v a_o very_a glorious_a and_o pompous_a show_n too_o for_o this_o may_v serve_v their_o interest_n and_o give_v they_o reputation_n with_o their_o prince_n or_o with_o the_o people_n but_o their_o religion_n have_v no_o power_n upon_o their_o life_n can_v subdue_v any_o one_o lust_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v while_o they_o be_v act_v by_o self-love_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v desire_v that_o such_o man_n will_v retain_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n that_o they_o will_v not_o public_o affront_v religion_n nor_o ridicule_n all_o that_o be_v sacred_a but_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o hope_v for_o thus_o much_o from_o all_o of_o they_o st._n paul_n perilous_a time_n be_v a_o very_a modest_a and_o a_o very_a religious_a age_n to_o we_o wherein_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v think_v religious_a and_o therefore_o if_o they_o ever_o think_v fit_a to_o go_v to_o church_n take_v great_a care_n that_o no_o man_n who_o see_v they_o shall_v suspect_v that_o they_o come_v thither_o to_o worship_n god_n but_o though_o few_o man_n attain_v to_o such_o a_o outrageous_a contempt_n of_o religion_n as_o this_o yet_o all_o the_o corruption_n of_o religion_n be_v more_o owe_v to_o self-love_n than_o to_o innocent_n mistake_v this_o secret_o influence_n man_n faith_n and_o form_n their_o notion_n and_o opinion_n this_o invent_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o turn_v religion_n into_o show_n and_o pageantry_n when_o man_n bring_v self-love_n into_o the_o church_n it_o quick_o turn_v true_a religion_n out_o it_o be_v pride_n and_o ambition_n or_o covetousness_n and_o a_o love_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n which_o make_v man_n infidel_n and_o heretic_n and_o occasion_n all_o the_o schism_n which_o divide_v the_o church_n for_o when_o such_o self-lover_n can_v cast_v off_o all_o religion_n they_o must_v fit_v their_o religion_n to_o self-love_n to_o serve_v their_o lust_n or_o to_o give_v they_o security_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o when_o they_o can_v raise_v self_n up_o to_o the_o term_n of_o religion_n they_o must_v bring_v religion_n down_o to_o self_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o give_v undeniable_a proof_n and_o infinite_a example_n of_o this_o but_o i_o must_v proceed_v for_o have_v show_v what_o this_o vicious_a self-love_n be_v and_o what_o mischief_n it_o do_v in_o the_o world_n both_o to_o man_n private_a fortune_n to_o public_a society_n and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n it_o remain_v 3_o to_o consider_v the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n as_o well_o as_o impiety_n of_o this_o principle_n all_o the_o wickedness_n that_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o world_n and_o most_o of_o the_o misery_n which_o mankind_n suffer_v be_v owe_v to_o self-love_n and_o can_v we_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n and_o impiety_n of_o this_o it_o will_v lay_v the_o axe_n to_o the_o very_a root_n of_o all_o wickedness_n it_o will_v reform_v the_o world_n and_o heal_v all_o the_o malady_n and_o distemper_n of_o it_o and_o to_o do_v this_o the_o more_o effectual_o i_o shall_v distinct_o apply_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o the_o several_a notion_n of_o self-love_n 1._o let_v we_o consider_v self-love_n as_o it_o signify_v the_o love_n of_o flesh_n and_o sense_n when_o we_o love_v a_o part_n of_o ourselves_o for_o the_o whole_a and_o expect_v our_o whole_a entire_a happiness_n from_o the_o gratification_n of_o some_o inferior_a appetite_n which_o at_o first_o hear_v appear_v as_o absurd_a and_o impossible_a as_o it_o be_v to_o make_v a_o part_n the_o whole_a the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n in_o all_o age_n have_v make_v this_o experiment_n but_o no_o man_n be_v ever_o make_v happy_a by_o it_o we_o see_v infinite_a example_n of_o miserable_a sinner_n and_o the_o most_o prosperous_a always_o find_v that_o that_o they_o want_v something_o else_o to_o make_v they_o happy_a and_o will_v man_n wise_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n they_o will_v find_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o what_o be_v happiness_n but_o such_o a_o state_n of_o ease_n and_o rest_n and_o self-enjoyment_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o can_v a_o reasonable_a soul_n then_o find_v its_o complete_a and_o perfect_a satisfaction_n in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n the_o perfection_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o perfect_v our_o nature_n must_v perfect_v our_o happiness_n be_v sense_n then_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n if_o not_o how_o can_v it_o be_v its_o perfect_a happiness_n be_v not_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n the_o perfection_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o excellent_a be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o will_n and_o be_v not_o this_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o make_v a_o man_n happy_a who_o feel_v none_o of_o those_o divine_a and_o exalt_a pleasure_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o a_o mind_n well!_o but_o if_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sense_n will_v give_v a_o complete_a and_o entire_a satisfaction_n that_o will_v make_v the_o man_n happy_a when_o he_o have_v no_o relish_n of_o any_o other_o pleasure_n and_o then_o we_o need_v not_o dispute_v which_o pleasure_n be_v great_a in_o themselves_o when_o the_o man_n have_v what_o he_o like_v best_o and_o be_v happy_a in_o it_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o it_o make_v no_o difference_n whether_o a_o man_n enjoy_v the_o happiness_n of_o a_o man_n or_o of_o a_o beast_n that_o a_o beast_n be_v as_o happy_a a_o creature_n as_o a_o man_n a_o worm_n as_o a_o angel_n because_o it_o have_v what_o satisfy_v and_o want_n and_o desire_v no_o more_o but_o however_o let_v we_o consider_v whether_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n can_v give_v perfect_a ease_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n that_o they_o do_v not_o all_o man_n find_v and_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o can_v do_v it_o be_v very_o plain_a the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n can_v give_v perfect_a ease_n and_o satisfaction_n without_o a_o full_a unconfined_a and_o undisturbed_a enjoyment_n and_o without_o such_o a_o enjoyment_n as_o equal_v the_o desire_n as_o for_o the_o first_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n how_o apt_a man_n be_v to_o be_v disturb_v in_o their_o enjoyment_n from_o without_o there_o be_v enough_o within_o the_o very_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n do_v disturb_v they_o for_o they_o find_v there_o 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of_o humane_a nature_n be_v to_o do_v good_a this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o great_a advantage_n and_o glory_n of_o riches_n and_o power_n that_o it_o make_v man_n public_a patron_n and_o tutelar_a angel_n to_o their_o fellow_n creature_n which_o be_v the_o near_a resemblance_n of_o the_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o pagan_a world_n make_v god_n of_o man_n but_o self-love_n know_v nothing_o of_o this_o happiness_n but_o destroy_v not_o only_o the_o sense_n but_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o but_o to_o set_v aside_o other_o consideration_n mankind_n will_v not_o suffer_v a_o man_n to_o make_v himself_o easy_a and_o happy_a by_o self-love_n when_o he_o be_v know_v they_o combine_v against_o he_o as_o a_o common_a enemy_n they_o load_v he_o with_o infamy_n and_o reproach_n they_o strip_v he_o of_o his_o ill-gotten_a riches_n and_o severe_o revenge_v his_o injury_n this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o humane_a government_n and_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o the_o 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faction_n no_o emulation_n and_o jealousy_n no_o private_a interest_n no_o rival_n where_o all_o centre_n in_o god_n and_o embrace_v each_o other_o and_o mingle_v flame_n and_o feel_v and_o rejoice_v in_o each_o other_o happiness_n to_o which_o bless_a place_n god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n bring_v we_o all_o through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v honour_n glory_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n xvi_o preach_v at_o the_o temple_n church_n 2_o cor._n four_o ver_fw-la 18._o while_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a this_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o that_o true_a greatness_n of_o mind_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n and_o enable_v they_o to_o do_v that_o which_o the_o pagan_a philosophy_n boast_v of_o without_o do_v viz._n to_o contemn_v the_o world_n and_o to_o live_v above_o its_o hope_n and_o fear_n to_o bear_v the_o misery_n of_o life_n and_o to_o despise_v the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o to_o suffer_v shame_n and_o reproach_n and_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o death_n itself_o make_v as_o terrible_a as_o pain_n can_v make_v it_o not_o only_o without_o fear_n but_o with_o joy_n and_o triumph_n for_o which_o cause_n say_v the_o apostle_n we_o faint_v not_o but_o though_o our_o outward_a man_n perish_v yet_o the_o inward_a man_n be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n while_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v mean_v all_o the_o good_a and_o all_o the_o evil_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v all_o the_o happiness_n and_o misery_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v but_o be_v not_o this_o a_o very_a strange_a choice_n to_o prefer_v what_o be_v absent_a and_o unseen_a before_o what_o be_v present_a and_o sensible_a to_o be_v unconcern_v about_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n and_o to_o live_v upon_o unseen_a hope_n and_o fear_n no_o saiâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d apostle_n we_o have_v all_o the_o reasoâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d world_n to_o do_v so_o because_o see_v thingâ—…â—…re_o but_o temporal_a and_o unseen_a thing_n be_v eternal_a this_o world_n will_v last_v but_o a_o little_a while_n the_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n pass_v away_o but_o the_o world_n to_o come_v will_v have_v no_o end_n and_o this_o make_v such_o a_o difference_n between_o see_v and_o unseen_a thing_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reasonable_a competition_n as_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o they_o so_o that_o in_o speak_v to_o these_o word_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n distinct_o to_o be_v consider_v 1._o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o principle_n of_o look_v to_o unseen_a thing_n or_o of_o live_v by_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v faith_n alone_o that_o can_v give_v we_o a_o view_n of_o the_o invisible_a world_n and_o 2._o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o choice_n in_o prefer_v unseen_a before_o see_v thing_n because_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a 1._o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o christian_a principle_n of_o action_n of_o look_v at_o unseen_a thing_n or_o live_v by_o faith_n some_o unthinking_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v a_o jest_n of_o believe_v if_o you_o have_v any_o natural_a reason_n or_o sensible_a demonstration_n they_o will_v hearken_v to_o you_o but_o faith_n be_v below_o a_o man_n of_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n who_o know_v how_o many_o cheat_n and_o impostor_n there_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o such_o man_n little_o consider_v how_o necessary_a faith_n be_v in_o humane_a life_n that_o they_o themselves_o in_o a_o thousand_o case_n have_v no_o other_o principle_n to_o act_v upon_o in_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o that_o upon_o much_o less_o evidence_n than_o we_o have_v for_o another_o world_n there_o be_v but_o three_o way_n of_o know_v any_o thing_n sense_n or_o reason_n or_o faith_n which_o last_o extend_v further_a and_o have_v a_o more_o universal_a influence_n upon_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n than_o either_o sense_n or_o reason_n our_o whole_a conversation_n with_o mankind_n be_v resolve_v into_o believe_v into_o a_o civil_a historical_a or_o political_a faith_n all_o humane_a commerce_n and_o intercourse_n be_v found_v on_o it_o and_o there_o be_v very_o few_o action_n of_o our_o life_n that_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o it_o that_o he_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v must_v not_o live_v in_o this_o world_n and_o be_v it_o not_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a then_o to_o laugh_v at_o believe_v when_o they_o may_v as_o well_o laugh_v sense_n and_o reason_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o live_v as_o well_o without_o they_o now_o if_o we_o must_v live_v by_o faith_n in_o this_o world_n if_o we_o must_v believe_v and_o must_v trust_v one_o another_o if_o we_o must_v depend_v on_o man_n word_n or_o oath_n or_o friendship_n or_o honesty_n though_o we_o can_v have_v no_o natural_a certainty_n or_o demonstration_n of_o moral_a cause_n what_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v to_o banish_v faith_n out_o of_o religion_n which_o be_v of_o such_o absolute_a necessity_n in_o all_o the_o other_o concernment_n of_o life_n one_o will_v think_v there_o shall_v be_v less_o need_n of_o faith_n for_o this_o world_n than_o for_o the_o next_o which_o be_v a_o invisible_a state_n and_o can_v be_v certain_o know_v only_o by_o revelation_n and_o if_o faith_n be_v ever_o 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infidelity_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o wit_n and_o understanding_n because_o it_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o credulity_n which_o be_v a_o mark_n of_o folly_n and_o by_o the_o same_o rule_n covetousness_n must_v be_v a_o virtue_n because_o it_o be_v the_o opposite_a extreme_a to_o prodigality_n credulity_n and_o infidelity_n both_o argue_v the_o same_o weakness_n of_o judgement_n for_o it_o be_v as_o great_a want_n of_o judgement_n not_o to_o believe_v upon_o sufficient_a evidence_n as_o to_o believe_v without_o it_o but_o credulity_n be_v the_o most_o pardonable_a because_o it_o be_v the_o better_a nature_a fault_n and_o argue_v the_o better_a temper_n of_o mind_n a_o credulous_a man_n believe_v too_o well_o of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o be_v apt_a to_o trust_v they_o too_o soon_o or_o he_o be_v very_o religious_o incline_v and_o that_o dispose_v he_o to_o believe_v all_o religious_a tale_n but_o a_o infidel_n distrust_v all_o mankind_n and_o fear_n or_o hate_v all_o 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gospel_n which_o be_v the_o best_a attest_v history_n in_o the_o world_n if_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o believe_v be_v it_o not_o very_o unreasonable_a to_o demand_v any_o other_o evidence_n than_o what_o belong_v to_o faith_n to_o demand_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n or_o demonstration_n for_o pure_a matter_n of_o faith_n when_o we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n all_o the_o evidence_n which_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v ask_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o any_o thing_n which_o he_o do_v not_o and_o can_v see_v to_o demand_v more_o be_v to_o reject_v faith_n itself_o and_o to_o condemn_v all_o mankind_n of_o credulity_n who_o believe_v any_o thing_n and_o indeed_o whoever_o consider_v what_o kind_n of_o objection_n infidel_n urge_v against_o christianity_n will_v find_v that_o they_o all_o tend_v either_o to_o downright_a scepticism_n or_o to_o reject_v all_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n as_o unfit_a for_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o act_v on_o which_o overthrow_v all_o humane_a as_o well_o as_o divine_a faith_n i_o know_v there_o be_v some_o who_o think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o demand_v much_o great_a evidence_n for_o another_o world_n than_o what_o may_v satisfy_v a_o wise_a man_n in_o the_o affair_n and_o concernment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n we_o have_v great_a evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o faith_n for_o another_o world_n than_o we_o have_v for_o most_o of_o the_o concernment_n of_o this_o life_n in_o which_o we_o must_v act_v by_o faith_n and_o moral_a evidence_n as_o much_o great_a as_o a_o divine_a faith_n be_v more_o certain_a than_o human_a faith_n but_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o demand_v any_o other_o kind_n of_o evidence_n for_o the_o next_o world_n than_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n because_o we_o can_v have_v no_o other_o evidence_n for_o unseen_a thing_n and_o if_o we_o have_v the_o high_a evidence_n that_o faith_n can_v give_v we_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a to_o ask_v more_o but_o yet_o why_o shall_v not_o that_o evidence_n satisfy_v we_o for_o another_o world_n which_o in_o a_o thousand_o case_n satisfy_v we_o in_o this_o what_o excuse_v can_v we_o make_v for_o our_o infidelity_n if_o god_n give_v we_o such_o evidence_n for_o another_o world_n as_o wise_a man_n think_v sufficient_a to_o act_v on_o in_o this_o their_o reason_n for_o this_o have_v so_o little_a appearance_n of_o sense_n that_o they_o may_v look_v like_o abuse_n and_o yet_o they_o be_v the_o best_a and_o the_o only_a reason_n they_o can_v give_v 1._o that_o they_o be_v force_v in_o many_o case_n to_o act_v upon_o faith_n and_o hope_n and_o trust_v in_o this_o world_n because_o in_o many_o thing_n they_o can_v have_v no_o better_a evidence_n and_o yet_o be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o act_v and_o choose_v one_o thing_n or_o other_o if_o they_o will_v live_v in_o the_o world_n but_o they_o be_v under_o no_o necessity_n of_o believe_v any_o religion_n and_o therefore_o may_v demand_v such_o evidence_n as_o will_v 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â—…hird_n be_v open_a and_o bare-faced_n the_o devil_n in_o express_a word_n tempt_v he_o to_o â—…dolatry_n with_o the_o promise_n of_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o which_o he_o have_v draw_v a_o beautiful_a landscape_n of_o and_o show_v he_o from_o a_o high_a mountain_n all_o these_o thing_n will_v i_o give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o or_o as_o st._n luke_n relate_v it_o all_z this_o power_n will_v i_o give_v thou_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v deliver_v unto_o i_o and_o to_o whosoever_o i_o will_v i_o give_v it_o which_o in_o some_o sense_n be_v true_a at_o that_o time_n not_o that_o the_o devil_n have_v the_o supreme_a and_o absolute_a disposal_n of_o kingdom_n for_o st._n paul_n assure_v we_o that_o all_o the_o power_n even_o of_o the_o pagan_a world_n be_v of_o god_n and_o ordain_v by_o 1._o 13_o rom_n 1._o god_n but_o yet_o he_o be_v at_o that_o time_n the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n 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give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n let_v we_o â—…member_v that_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n 〈◊〉_d to_o please_v god_n to_o glorify_v he_o to_o 〈◊〉_d like_o he_o and_o to_o enjoy_v he_o for_o everâ—…_n and_o this_o will_v give_v we_o a_o secure_a victoâ—…_n over_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n whiâ—…_n god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v throug_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o tâ—…_n father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v honoâ—…_n glory_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n v._n â—…eached_v before_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o lord_n mayor_n at_o st._n bridget_n church_n on_o tuesday_n in_o easter-week_n 1692._o iv_o luke_n 35._o â—…t_v love_v you_o your_o enemy_n and_o do_v good_a and_o lend_v hope_v for_o nothing_o again_o and_o your_o reward_n shall_v be_v great_a and_o you_o shall_v be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o high_a for_o he_o be_v kind_a to_o the_o unthankful_a and_o to_o the_o evil_n our_o conformity_n to_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n consist_v in_o die_v to_o 〈◊〉_d and_o walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n â—…ich_a st._n paul_n tell_v we_o be_v represent_v 〈◊〉_d the_o external_n ceremony_n of_o bapâ—…m_n the_o baptise_a person_n be_v bury_v with_o christ_n in_o baptism_n and_o rise_v out_o of_o his_o watery_a grave_n a_o new_a bear_v creature_n 6._o rom._n 3_o 4._o for_o in_o that_o he_o die_v he_o die_v unto_o sin_n once_o but_o in_o that_o he_o live_v he_o live_v unto_o god_n likewise_o reckon_v you_o also_o yourselves_o to_o be_v dead_a indeed_o unto_o sin_n but_o alive_a unto_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n 9_o 10._o and_o the_o principal_a exercise_n of_o this_o divine_a life_n which_o be_v our_o conformity_n to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o divine_a conversation_n if_o you_o then_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o where_o christ_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n set_v your_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o not_o on_o thing_n on_o the_o earth_n 3._o col._n 1_o 2._o and_o to_o set_v our_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o do_v not_o only_o signify_v to_o think_v sometime_o of_o heaven_n and_o to_o desire_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n when_o we_o die_v which_o very_a worldly-minded_n man_n may_v do_v but_o to_o lay_v up_o for_o ourselves_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n which_o be_v durable_a and_o eternal_a in_o opposition_n to_o those_o perish_a treasure_n on_o earth_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o thief_n to_o moth_n and_o rust_v 6._o matth._n 19_o 20_o 21._o to_o make_v to_o ourselves_o friend_n of_o the_o mammon_n of_o unrighteousness_n that_o when_o we_o fail_v they_o may_v receive_v we_o into_o everlasting_a habitation_n 16._o luke_n 9_o now_o you_o all_o know_v what_o this_o mean_n viz._n to_o purge_v our_o mind_n from_o the_o love_n of_o riches_n and_o from_o all_o covetous_a desire_n to_o improve_v â—…r_a estate_n in_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o chaâ—…ty_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o to_o â—…pply_v the_o want_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o miâ—…rable_a to_o return_v our_o money_n into_o the_o â—…ther_n world_n where_o it_o will_v increase_v â—…to_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n for_o this_o 〈◊〉_d true_o to_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o â—…eaven_n to_o live_v above_o this_o world_n to_o â—…t_o loose_a from_o all_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o â—…o_o live_v to_o god_n and_o another_o world_n â—…o_o improve_v every_o thing_n we_o enjoy_v here_o â—…o_o secure_a and_o advance_v our_o future_a hapâ—…iness_n when_o man_n be_v charitable_a upon_o â—…hese_fw-mi principle_n and_o these_o design_n they_o â—…ust_v live_v a_o very_a heavenly_a life_n for_o where_o our_o treasure_n be_v there_o our_o heart_n will_v be_v also_o this_o our_o ancestor_n who_o appoint_v this_o annual_a solemnity_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v very_o sensible_a of_o that_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a grace_n or_o virtue_n the_o exercise_n of_o which_o be_v a_o more_o 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of_o his_o constitution_n and_o be_v desirous_a to_o preserve_v he_o for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n provide_v this_o place_n where_o we_o now_o be_v for_o his_o ease_n and_o health_n and_o retirement_n where_o he_o live_v many_o year_n a_o constant_a preacher_n though_o his_o labour_n be_v then_o divive_v between_o his_o two_o cure_n which_o do_v not_o lessen_v his_o preach_a but_o make_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o the_o more_o diffusive_a for_o indeed_o he_o be_v a_o admirable_a preacher_n not_o for_o noise_n and_o lung_n but_o for_o well-digested_a useful_a pious_a discourse_n deliver_v with_o all_o that_o become_a gravity_n seriousness_n and_o a_o command_a elocution_n as_o make_v they_o sink_v deep_a into_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o hearer_n and_o make_v they_o hear_v this_o i_o speak_v with_o assurance_n and_o confidence_n in_o this_o place_n which_o be_v so_o long_o bless_v with_o his_o labour_n with_o what_o fineness_n of_o thought_n peâ—…spicuity_n and_o easiness_n of_o 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or_o much_o less_o than_o he_o do_v he_o have_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o very_a useful_a pastor_n to_o the_o church_n for_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o great_a experience_n and_o great_a prudence_n and_o foresight_n fit_a for_o government_n and_o counsel_n who_o know_v man_n and_o thing_n be_v dexterous_a in_o his_o application_n zealous_a without_o passion_n or_o peevishness_n steady_a and_o resolve_v without_o violent_a opposition_n and_o needless_a provocation_n who_o serve_v the_o church_n and_o the_o truth_n with_o little_a noise_n and_o without_o make_v many_o enemy_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o there_o be_v more_o need_n of_o such_o man_n and_o a_o much_o great_a scarcity_n of_o they_o than_o of_o good_a preacher_n but_o he_o be_v not_o only_o a_o good_a preacher_n and_o a_o prudent_a guide_n but_o a_o very_a good_a man_n he_o preach_v continual_o by_o his_o life_n and_o example_n his_o conversation_n be_v innocent_a entertain_v and_o useful_a he_o be_v a_o true_a sincere_a friend_n very_o courteous_a affable_a civil_a to_o all_o man_n but_o never_o pretend_v friendship_n where_o he_o have_v none_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v all_o good_a office_n be_v liberal_a generous_n and_o charitable_a a_o man_n of_o a_o true_a public_a spirit_n who_o scorn_v to_o serve_v himself_o to_o the_o injury_n of_o other_o who_o hate_v little_a art_n and_o trick_n mean_v and_o servile_a compliance_n he_o be_v a_o open_a and_o generous_a enemy_n if_o we_o may_v ever_o call_v he_o a_o enemy_n who_o never_o wish_v never_o intend_v any_o hurt_n to_o any_o man_n but_o my_o meaning_n be_v that_o when_o any_o dispute_n and_o quarrel_v happen_v as_o such_o thing_n will_v sometime_o happen_v he_o be_v open_a and_o undisguised_a any_o man_n may_v know_v what_o he_o dislike_v and_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o fear_v any_o thing_n worse_o from_o he_o than_o what_o he_o will_v â—…ell_v they_o in_o a_o word_n he_o be_v a_o very_a â—…ood_n christian_n and_o that_o make_v he_o â—…ood_a in_o all_o relation_n and_o that_o crown_v all_o his_o other_o labour_n he_o take_v care_n â—…s_v st._n paul_n do_v lest_o while_o he_o preach_v to_o â—…thers_n he_o himself_o shall_v become_v a_o castaway_n and_o now_o he_o be_v go_v to_o rest_n and_o we_o â—…ust_v all_o short_o follow_v he_o god_n grant_v â—…hat_o we_o may_v all_o so_o run_v our_o race_n and_o â—…inish_v our_o course_n that_o when_o we_o depart_v â—…his_fw-la life_n we_o may_v rest_v in_o he_o as_o our_o â—…ope_n be_v this_o our_o brother_n do_v and_o may_v â—…eceive_v that_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o god_n the_o righteous_a judge_n will_v â—…t_v that_o day_n bestow_v on_o all_o his_o faithful_a servant_n and_o on_o all_o those_o who_o love_v his_o appear_v sermon_n viii_o â—…eached_v at_o the_o temple-church_n december_n 30._o 1694._o upon_o the_o sad_a occasion_n of_o the_o death_n of_o our_o gracious_a queen_n and_o publish_v at_o the_o earnest_a request_n of_o several_a master_n of_o the_o bench_n of_o both_o society_n thirty-nine_o psalm_n 9_o â—…as_o dumb_a and_o open_v not_o my_o mouth_n because_o thou_o do_v it_o this_o may_v be_v think_v a_o very_a improper_a text_n for_o the_o feast_n of_o our_o saviour_n birth_n when_o our_o â—…ouths_n ought_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o praiâ—…_n of_o god_n and_o sing_v with_o the_o whole_a â—…ire_n of_o angel_n glory_n be_v to_o god_n in_o the_o â—…hest_a on_o earth_n peace_n good_a will_n towards_o â—…n_n this_o indeed_o be_v that_o peace_n which_o â—…e_a world_n can_v give_v and_o which_o the_o world_n can_v take_v away_o whateveâ—…_n the_o external_n appearance_n of_o providence_n be_v here_o we_o find_v a_o safe_a retreâ—…_n and_o a_o never-failing_a spring_n of_o joy_n fâ—…_n he_o that_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n but_o 〈◊〉_d liver_v he_o up_o for_o we_o all_o how_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d not_o with_o
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 say_n in_o the_o strict_a literal_a sense_n that_o we_o must_v not_o complain_v of_o our_o suffering_n when_o we_o feel_v they_o smart_v humane_a nature_n can_v bear_v this_o we_o must_v feel_v our_o suffering_n and_o when_o we_o feel_v they_o we_o must_v complain_v to_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o what_o we_o suffer_v be_v stupidity_n not_o submission_n it_o be_v irreverence_n for_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n and_o in_o some_o case_n the_o most_o unpardonable_a baseness_n and_o ingratitude_n to_o men._n to_o be_v unconcern_v for_o the_o death_n of_o our_o dear_a friend_n or_o great_a patron_n and_o benefactor_n not_o to_o pay_v nature_n tribute_n to_o their_o memory_n in_o a_o sigh_n and_o a_o tear_n not_o to_o long_o after_o they_o and_o send_v some_o vain_a wish_n to_o call_v they_o back_o not_o to_o preserve_v their_o idea_n fresh_a in_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o think_v with_o some_o uneasiness_n of_o those_o happy_a hour_n which_o their_o conversation_n sweetn_n d_o to_o part_v with_o our_o friend_n as_o if_o we_o suffer_v nothing_o by_o their_o loss_n and_o be_v as_o well_o without_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o virtue_n that_o such_o a_o man_n be_v uncapable_a of_o ever_o be_v a_o friend_n and_o never_o deserve_v to_o have_v any_o much_o more_o then_o when_o we_o lose_v a_o public_a friend_n and_o benefactor_n the_o great_a of_o friend_n and_o benefactor_n which_o be_v a_o good_a prince_n let_v we_o brief_o consider_v what_o we_o have_v lose_v in_o the_o loss_n of_o our_o gracious_a queen_n and_o try_v if_o we_o can_v bear_v the_o thought_n of_o it_o without_o complain_v she_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o her_o sex_n and_o a_o ornament_n to_o the_o crown_n she_o wear_v make_v true_o great_a by_o nature_n birth_n and_o education_n she_o have_v a_o large_a and_o capacious_a mind_n a_o quick_a and_o lively_a apprehension_n and_o a_o pierce_a and_o solid_a judgement_n she_o have_v a_o strength_n and_o firmness_n of_o mind_n beyond_o her_o sex_n and_o such_o a_o dexterity_n in_o manage_v the_o great_a affair_n as_o will_v have_v become_v the_o great_a and_o most_o experience_a minister_n never_o be_v there_o great_a skill_n in_o government_n with_o less_o fondness_n for_o it_o which_o she_o can_v take_v up_o and_o lay_v down_o with_o the_o same_o equality_n and_o indifferency_n of_o mind_n though_o i_o doubt_v i_o must_v unsay_v that_o for_o she_o be_v always_o grieve_v at_o the_o occasion_n of_o take_v the_o government_n and_o as_o glad_a to_o resign_v it_o never_o be_v majesty_n better_o temper_v with_o easiness_n and_o sweetness_n she_o know_v how_o to_o be_v familiar_a without_o make_v herself_o cheap_a and_o to_o condescend_v without_o meanness_n she_o have_v all_o the_o greatness_n of_o majesty_n with_o all_o the_o virtue_n of_o conversation_n and_o know_v very_o well_o what_o become_v her_o table_n and_o what_o become_v the_o council-board_n she_o understand_v her_o religion_n and_o love_v it_o and_o practise_v it_o and_o be_v the_o great_a example_n of_o the_o age_n of_o a_o constant_a regular_a unaffected_a devotion_n and_o of_o all_o the_o eminent_a virtue_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o the_o great_a affair_n of_o state_n she_o will_v rather_o spare_v time_n from_o her_o sleep_n than_o from_o her_o prayer_n where_o she_o always_o appear_v with_o that_o great_a composure_n and_o seriousness_n of_o mind_n as_o if_o her_o court_n have_v be_v a_o nunnery_n and_o she_o have_v have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v in_o the_o world_n in_o all_o the_o ease_n and_o prosperity_n of_o fortune_n she_o have_v that_o tenderness_n and_o compassion_n for_o those_o who_o suffer_v which_o suffering_n themselves_o can_v teach_v mean_a person_n she_o be_v charitable_a to_o the_o utmost_a of_o her_o power_n amid_o all_o the_o expense_n of_o war_n and_o government_n and_o when_o a_o proper_a object_n be_v present_v to_o she_o be_v always_o please_v when_o she_o can_v grant_v their_o request_n and_o very_o uneasy_a to_o deny_v in_o short_a her_o great_a and_o most_o â—…placable_a enemy_n for_o virtue_n self_n will_v meet_v with_o enemy_n in_o this_o â—…orld_n have_v no_o other_o fault_n to_o â—…arge_v she_o with_o but_o her_o throne_n â—…hich_v be_v the_o only_a thing_n for_o which_o â—…ost_v other_o prince_n be_v valuable_a â—…he_o ascend_v the_o throne_n indeed_o â—…efore_o she_o desire_v it_o but_o be_v â—…rust_v into_o it_o not_o by_o a_o hasty_a â—…mbition_n but_o to_o save_v a_o sink_a church_n and_o kingdom_n and_o i_o hope_v england_n will_v always_o have_v reason_n to_o â—…ay_v that_o a_o empty_a throne_n can_v â—…ever_o have_v be_v fill_v with_o a_o noble_a pair_n but_o though_o the_o necessary_a absence_n of_o the_o king_n to_o give_v check_n to_o the_o progress_n of_o a_o powerful_a and_o insult_a monarch_n engage_v she_o more_o than_o she_o desire_v in_o state_n affair_n yet_o the_o promote_a of_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n of_o 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use_v he_o make_v of_o it_o be_v to_o do_v public_a service_n to_o religion_n and_o what_o ever_o some_o man_n may_v suspect_v to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n though_o it_o may_v be_v not_o perfect_o in_o their_o way_n and_o the_o great_a fault_n i_o know_v he_o have_v be_v that_o some_o envious_a and_o ambitious_a man_n can_v not_o bear_v his_o greatness_n which_o he_o himself_o never_o court_v nay_o which_o he_o industrious_o avoid_v before_o this_o all_o england_n know_v and_o own_v his_o worth_n and_o have_v it_o be_v put_v to_o the_o poll_n there_o have_v â—…en_o vast_a odds_o on_o his_o side_n that_o 〈◊〉_d will_v have_v be_v vote_v into_o the_o â—…e_n of_o canterbury_n for_o no_o man_n have_v â—…er_o a_o clear_a and_o bright_a reasoâ—…_n true_a judgement_n a_o more_o easy_a and_o â—…ppy_a expression_n nor_o a_o more_o 〈◊〉_d fearless_a honesty_n he_o be_v a_o â—…e_n and_o hearty_a friend_n and_o be_v a_o â—…e_a friend_n wherever_o he_o profâ—…â—…d_v to_o be_v so_o though_o he_o have_v maâ—…_n enemy_n at_o last_o he_o take_v care_n 〈◊〉_d make_v none_o he_o be_v oblige_v 〈◊〉_d all_o man_n and_o though_o he_o can_v â—…t_v easy_o part_v with_o a_o friend_n he_o â—…uld_v easy_o forgive_v a_o enemy_n 〈◊〉_d that_o bundle_n of_o libel_n witness_n â—…hich_v be_v find_v among_o his_o other_o â—…pers_n with_o this_o inscription_n these_o â—…e_a libel_n i_o pray_v god_n forgive_v they_o do_v but_o i_o can_v give_v you_o the_o just_a character_n of_o this_o great_a man_n now_o â—…hat_o i_o have_v already_o say_v i_o conâ—…ss_v be_v a_o excursion_n which_o i_o hope_v â—…ou_fw-fr will_v pardon_v to_o the_o passion_n of_o 〈◊〉_d old_a friend_n and_o learn_v from_o two_o great_a example_n that_o neither_o â—…e_o great_a innocence_n virtue_n or_o merit_n can_v defend_v either_o crown_v or_o mitre_a head_n from_o the_o
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 revelation_n in_o general_n the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o most_o ancient_a and_o that_o consider_v the_o best_a attest_v history_n in_o the_o world_n the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o history_n he_o write_v pay_v the_o great_a veneration_n to_o he_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o he_o relate_v he_o be_v certain_o a_o inspire_a man_n who_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o have_v great_a evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o authenticalness_n of_o any_o write_n at_o such_o a_o distance_n of_o time_n than_o we_o have_v for_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o indeed_o the_o infidel_n of_o our_o age_n have_v very_o little_a to_o say_v pure_o against_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o history_n and_o than_o one_o will_v think_v that_o all_o their_o other_o objection_n shall_v come_v too_o late_o unless_o they_o will_v justify_v pharaoh_n in_o disbelieve_v moses_n and_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n in_o disbelieve_v our_o saviour_n after_o all_o the_o miracle_n they_o do_v for_o if_o they_o will_v disbelieve_v moses_n and_o christ_n though_o they_o have_v nothing_o material_a to_o object_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o history_n nothing_o which_o they_o will_v allow_v to_o be_v good_a objection_n against_o any_o other_o history_n they_o must_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n have_v disbelieved_a they_o though_o they_o have_v see_v they_o do_v all_o those_o great_a work_n which_o be_v report_v of_o they_o in_o such_o credible_a history_n but_o whatever_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n be_v they_o think_v they_o may_v secure_o reject_v they_o if_o they_o contain_v any_o thing_n which_o contradict_v their_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n and_o they_o find_v a_o great_a many_o such_o thing_n to_o quarrel_n with_o they_o think_v moses_n history_n of_o the_o creation_n very_o unphilosophical_a that_o the_o story_n of_o eve_n and_o the_o serpent_n be_v a_o incredible_a fiction_n that_o the_o universal_a deluge_n be_v absolute_o impossible_a and_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o principle_n of_o philosophy_n and_o it_o do_v not_o become_v philosopher_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o miracle_n that_o what_o we_o call_v miracle_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n but_o may_v be_v resolve_v into_o natural_a cause_n that_o inspiration_n and_o prophecy_n be_v nothing_o but_o natural_a enthusiasm_n and_o all_o the_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n a_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n that_o nature_n teach_v we_o all_o that_o we_o need_v to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o certain_a knowledge_n but_o this_o that_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o our_o own_o reason_n can_v grasp_v and_o comprehend_v and_o therefore_o revelation_n be_v perfect_o useless_a and_o god_n himself_o can_v oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o philosophy_n of_o nature_n those_o who_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o modern_a infidelity_n know_v that_o these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o wise_a reason_n for_o which_o they_o reject_v and_o ridicule_n all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o endeavour_v to_o rob_v and_o spoil_v man_n of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a blessing_n in_o the_o world_n a_o divine_a revelation_n so_o that_o infidelity_n be_v resolve_v into_o these_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n that_o man_n will_v understand_v how_o to_o make_v destroy_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n better_o than_o god_n 2._o as_o these_o man_n oppose_v reason_n and_o philosophy_n to_o revelation_n so_o other_o either_o deny_v the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o christianity_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o philosophical_a difficulty_n or_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n by_o a_o mixture_n of_o philosophy_n the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o plain_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v to_o the_o world_n all_o its_o doctrine_n be_v easy_o understand_v without_o art_n and_o subtilty_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o nice_a intricate_a perplex_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n than_o what_o some_o man_n have_v make_v the_o christian_a faith_n all_o the_o subtle_a dispute_n of_o philosophy_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n and_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n be_v become_v as_o great_a apostle_n as_o st._n peter_n or_o st._n paul_n as_o to_o give_v some_o few_o instance_n of_o it_o for_o time_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o discourse_v it_o at_o large_a what_o be_v the_o arian_n socinian_n pelagian_a controversy_n but_o mere_a philosophical_a dispute_n with_o which_o these_o heretic_n corrupt_v the_o catholic_n faith_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_a and_o express_v in_o scripture_n than_o the_o faith_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o that_o great_a art_n and_o subtlety_n which_o have_v be_v use_v and_o to_o so_o little_a purpose_n to_o pervert_v those_o text_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o this_o doctrine_n be_v contain_v be_v a_o evident_a proof_n that_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a natural_a obvious_a sense_n of_o those_o text_n since_o it_o require_v so_o much_o art_n and_o criticism_n to_o put_v any_o other_o sense_n on_o they_o and_o that_o will_v not_o do_v neither_o till_o man_n be_v resolve_v rather_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n of_o scripture_n than_o to_o find_v a_o real_a trinity_n there_o if_o then_o this_o faith_n be_v so_o plain_o contain_v in_o scripture_n what_o make_v all_o this_o dispute_n about_o it_o what_o make_v those_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n so_o obstinate_a against_o this_o faith_n true_o that_o which_o make_v some_o man_n infidel_n make_v other_o heretic_n that_o be_v a_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n the_o first_o philosophical_a dispute_n be_v about_o the_o divine_a unity_n we_o all_o own_o with_o the_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o we_o say_v further_o as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v three_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n each_o of_o which_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n this_o they_o say_v be_v a_o contradiction_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o faith_n for_o both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a but_o to_o be_v three_o and_o one_o upon_o different_a account_n and_o in_o different_a sense_n be_v no_o contradiction_n for_o thus_o three_o may_v be_v one_o and_o one_o three_o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o scripture_n teach_v or_o that_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v whatever_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o distinction_n and_o unity_n be_v but_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v these_o philosophical_a wit_n unless_o they_o can_v comprehend_v how_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v real_o and_o distinct_o three_o and_o essential_o one_o the_o manner_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n give_v no_o account_n of_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v no_o dispute_n in_o faith_n but_o only_o in_o philosophy_n another_o objection_n concern_v the_o divine_a generation_n how_o god_n can_v beget_v a_o son_n of_o his_o own_o substance_n which_o the_o arian_n think_v infer_v a_o division_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n and_o a_o three_o objection_n concern_v a_o eternal_a generation_n how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o father_n shall_v beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n that_o the_o son_n shall_v be_v beget_v without_o any_o begin_n of_o be_v and_o that_o the_o father_n shall_v not_o be_v at_o least_o some_o few_o moment_n before_o the_o son_n and_o consequent_o the_o son_n not_o eternal_a now_o we_o all_o grant_v that_o we_o can_v give_v no_o philosophical_a account_n of_o this_o no_o more_o than_o we_o can_v of_o the_o simple_a divine_a essence_n or_o of_o eternity_n itself_o but_o we_o may_v believe_v that_o god_n have_v a_o eternal_a son_n as_o we_o do_v that_o there_o be_v
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 saâ—…iour_n not_o only_o require_v his_o disciple_n to_o â—…elieve_v in_o god_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v believe_v also_o in_o he_o that_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o come_v from_o god_n and_o have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n and_o from_o hence_o i_o shall_v take_v occasion_n to_o consider_v the_o case_n of_o deist_n who_o pretend_v to_o own_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o to_o pay_v such_o worship_n to_o he_o and_o to_o obey_v such_o law_n as_o mere_a nature_n teach_v but_o reject_v all_o reveal_v religion_n even_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n itself_o as_o no_o better_a than_o cheat_n and_o impostor_n this_o profession_n of_o deism_n be_v grow_v very_o fashionable_a among_o our_o great_a pretender_n to_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n and_o i_o be_o very_o glad_a that_o such_o man_n be_v ashamed_a of_o the_o name_n of_o atheist_n and_o hope_v that_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o deism_n that_o be_v to_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o to_o deny_v all_o reveal_v religion_n may_v dispose_v they_o to_o a_o impartial_a inquiry_n into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n i._o the_o folly_n of_o deism_n i_o will_v begin_v with_o this_o to_o make_v man_n consider_v a_o little_a what_o they_o intend_v by_o it_o or_o what_o wise_a end_v it_o will_v serve_v every_o one_o see_v what_o man_n intend_v by_o atheism_n to_o deliver_v themselves_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o invisible_a power_n that_o they_o may_v follow_v their_o own_o inclination_n and_o do_v what_o they_o like_v best_a themselves_o without_o any_o awe_n of_o god_n or_o reproof_n and_o terror_n of_o conscience_n or_o the_o dismal_a apprehension_n of_o unknown_a and_o endless_a punishment_n in_o the_o next_o world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o wise_a course_n man_n can_v take_v who_o resolve_v to_o be_v wicked_a that_o they_o may_v sin_v with_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n without_o the_o bitter_a allay_v of_o shame_n and_o fear_n but_o now_o if_o a_o deist_n real_o be_v what_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v that_o be_v if_o he_o do_v real_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a and_o that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v reward_v and_o bad_a man_n punish_v in_o the_o next_o world_n he_o believe_v a_o great_a deal_n too_o much_o to_o sin_n with_o security_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n too_o little_a to_o have_v any_o comfortable_a hope_n of_o a_o better_a life_n that_o this_o be_v certain_o the_o most_o hopeless_a state_n that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v in_o in_o this_o world_n it_o have_v all_o the_o restraint_n and_o fear_n of_o religion_n but_o none_o of_o the_o support_v and_o comfort_n of_o it_o as_o to_o show_v this_o brief_o 1._o he_o who_o do_v hearty_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o will_v punish_v man_n for_o their_o sin_n not_o only_o in_o this_o world_n but_o in_o the_o next_o believe_v too_o much_o to_o sin_n with_o security_n though_o he_o believe_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o revelation_n for_o if_o nature_n as_o they_o grant_v teach_v man_n that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a and_o just_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n who_o observe_v what_o we_o do_v and_o will_v punish_v wickedness_n natural_a conscience_n also_o will_v accuse_v and_o terrify_v and_o condemn_v wicked_a men._n thus_o st._n paul_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v with_o the_o heathen_a world_n before_o they_o have_v any_o revelation_n of_o god_n will._n for_o when_o the_o gentile_n which_o have_v not_o the_o law_n do_v by_o nature_n the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n these_o have_v not_o the_o law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o 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
god_n and_o live_v wicked_o must_v fear_v on_o whether_o they_o believe_v the_o gospel_n or_o not_o that_o deism_n can_v do_v they_o no_o service_n and_o yet_o i_o be_o pretty_a confident_a that_o the_o only_a thing_n which_o tempt_v so_o many_o man_n to_o deny_v all_o reveal_v religion_n be_v the_o fear_n of_o that_o terrible_a vengeance_n which_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n denounce_v against_o all_o wicked_a man_n lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n blackness_n of_o darkness_n the_o fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n the_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v and_o the_o fire_n that_o never_o go_v out_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o believe_v the_o punishment_n of_o the_o damn_a to_o be_v so_o terrible_a nor_o so_o certain_a as_o the_o gospel_n represent_v they_o and_o therefore_o prefer_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o give_v a_o more_o uncertain_a account_n of_o such_o matter_n before_o the_o gospel_n revelation_n they_o can_v more_o easy_o bear_v and_o more_o easy_o baffle_v the_o natural_a fear_n misgiving_n and_o jealousy_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n than_o such_o express_a declaration_n of_o god_n wrath_n against_o sinner_n the_o holiness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n make_v it_o very_o reasonable_a and_o probable_a that_o god_n shall_v punish_v sinner_n but_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n give_v great_a reason_n to_o hope_v too_o that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v so_o severe_a as_o the_o gospel_n threaten_v much_o less_o that_o he_o will_v make_v any_o of_o his_o creature_n though_o sinner_n eternal_o miserable_a this_o be_v the_o true_a mystery_n of_o deism_n when_o it_o signify_v any_o more_o than_o conceal_a atheism_n mo_z man_n choose_v deism_n as_o the_o more_o certain_a way_n of_o salvation_n but_o that_o which_o make_v they_o so_o fond_a of_o it_o and_o so_o averse_a to_o believe_v any_o more_o than_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o certain_a to_o be_v damn_v but_o this_o be_v a_o very_a vain_a design_n 1._o for_o can_v there_o be_v great_a folly_n than_o to_o pretend_v to_o believe_v the_o punishment_n of_o bad_a man_n in_o the_o next_o world_n and_o yet_o to_o reject_v the_o gospel_n for_o fear_v of_o be_v too_o certain_a of_o they_o will_v not_o a_o wise_a man_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n as_o this_o be_v glad_a to_o know_v certain_o what_o he_o must_v trust_v to_o and_o to_o know_v the_o very_o worst_a of_o his_o case_n the_o meaning_n of_o this_o indeed_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o a_o very_a wise_a design_n it_o be_v they_o like_v the_o uncertain_a fear_n of_o nature_n much_o better_a than_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o gospel-revelation_n because_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o sin_n on_o and_o to_o venture_v the_o punishment_n of_o the_o other_o world_n which_o they_o can_v the_o more_o safe_o and_o honourable_o do_v the_o less_o certain_a they_o be_v but_o be_v it_o either_o safe_a or_o honourable_a to_o venture_v future_a misery_n will_v not_o a_o wise_a man_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a consequence_n choose_v to_o be_v safe_a and_o though_o we_o reject_v the_o plain_a and_o express_v revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o it_o be_v still_o reasonable_a to_o fear_v as_o it_o must_v be_v if_o nature_n teach_v that_o god_n will_v punish_v sinner_n it_o can_v be_v safe_a to_o venture_v man_n who_o pretend_v to_o live_v by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n aught_o to_o look_v upon_o reasonable_a fear_n as_o certain_a rule_n to_o live_v by_o for_o they_o have_v no_o other_o and_o â—…n_o they_o gain_v nothing_o by_o reject_v â—…e_o certain_a revelation_n for_o they_o must_v fear_v on_o and_o if_o they_o act_v reasonable_o must_v live_v as_o if_o their_o fear_n be_v certain_a and_o if_o they_o do_v though_o they_o reject_v revelation_n natural_a conscience_n will_v make_v they_o fear_v and_o tremble_v too_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no._n though_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v not_o give_v we_o such_o certain_a evidence_n of_o future_a punishment_n as_o the_o gospel_n do_v yet_o the_o natural_a fear_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n will_v as_o certain_o torment_v we_o as_o if_o we_o do_v believe_v the_o gospel_n for_o a_o reasonable_a fear_n have_v a_o certain_a torment_n proportion_v to_o the_o object_n of_o our_o fear_n man_n do_v not_o fear_v mere_o according_a to_o the_o evidence_n they_o have_v for_o thing_n but_o according_a to_o the_o concernment_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o fear_v and_o when_o eternal_a misery_n be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o fear_n a_o little_a evidence_n will_v raise_v a_o terrible_a and_o furious_a passion_n 2._o and_o though_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v not_o so_o particular_o acquaint_v we_o what_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o damn_a be_v nor_o how_o long_o they_o shall_v con-continue_a as_o the_o gospel_n do_v yet_o this_o give_v very_o little_a relief_n to_o a_o deist_n though_o he_o 〈◊〉_d not_o believe_v the_o scripture_n accoâ—…â—…f_o eternal_a punishment_n yet_o when_o his_o fear_n be_v awaken_v he_o can_v set_v no_o bound_n or_o measure_n to_o they_o the_o fear_n of_o unknown_a misery_n paint_v the_o fancy_n with_o as_o frightful_a representation_n as_o the_o gospel_n make_v for_o when_o we_o know_v not_o particular_o what_o to_o fear_v we_o always_o fear_v the_o worst_a that_o can_v be_v this_o give_v occasion_n to_o those_o poetical_a description_n of_o styx_n and_o acheron_n and_o the_o infernal_a judge_n and_o fury_n and_o those_o various_a torment_n inflict_v on_o tyrant_n and_o other_o bad_a man_n and_o though_o they_o do_v not_o positive_o assert_v the_o eternity_n of_o punishment_n yet_o they_o set_v no_o bound_n to_o they_o but_o what_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o philosophy_n infer_v in_o the_o various_a transmigration_n of_o soul_n or_o periodical_a revolution_n or_o the_o final_a conflagration_n which_o they_o think_v their_o god_n themselves_o can_v not_o escape_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n prescribe_v no_o measure_n nor_o limit_n to_o the_o punishment_n of_o sinner_n and_o therefore_o a_o deist_n can_v never_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o great_a and_o so_o endless_a as_o the_o gospel_n describe_v they_o and_o if_o reason_n can_v prove_v they_o to_o be_v less_o guilty_a fear_n will_v never_o make_v they_o less_o especial_o since_o the_o gospel_n be_v now_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n and_o those_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v it_o yet_o know_v what_o it_o say_v and_o though_o â—…hey_n can_v bribe_v their_o reason_n not_o to_o believe_v it_o their_o fear_n will_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o believe_v the_o worst_a and_o now_o i_o will_v desire_v these_o man_n who_o think_v themselves_o so_o safe_a if_o they_o can_v â—…gh_v the_o gospel_n and_o all_o reveal_v religion_n out_o of_o the_o world_n serious_o to_o consider_v what_o they_o intend_v or_o what_o they_o gain_v by_o it_o if_o they_o do_v sincere_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o righteous_a god_n who_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n and_o punish_v wicked_a man_n they_o be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n as_o a_o christian_a be_v and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o same_o rebuke_n and_o lash_n of_o conscience_n and_o guilty_a fear_n that_o they_o have_v not_o so_o much_o certainty_n of_o this_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o make_v no_o difference_n if_o they_o fear_v it_o their_o fear_n will_v be_v as_o great_a and_o outrageous_a the_o sting_n of_o sin_n will_v be_v as_o sharp_a but_o their_o strength_n to_o resist_v the_o flatter_a temptation_n of_o the_o world_n will_v not_o be_v so_o great_a the_o more_o certain_a our_o faith_n be_v the_o more_o easy_a and_o secure_a our_o victory_n will_v be_v and_o to_o weaken_v our_o evidence_n be_v only_o to_o make_v ourselves_o a_o easy_a prey_n and_o if_o this_o be_v what_o they_o aim_v at_o to_o sin_v more_o easy_o and_o secure_o at_o present_a and_o by_o degree_n to_o conquer_v their_o natural_a fear_n which_o they_o can_v more_o easy_o do_v and_o so_o make_v deism_n a_o easy_a step_n to_o atheism_n i_o confess_v they_o be_v in_o a_o hopeful_a way_n but_o while_o they_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o 〈◊〉_d reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o next_o life_n it_o will_v do_v they_o no_o service_n to_o reject_v the_o gospel_n they_o may_v weaken_v their_o faith_n by_o it_o but_o not_o cure_v but_o increase_v their_o fear_n second_o as_o a_o deist_n if_o he_o be_v true_a to_o the_o principle_n he_o profess_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o next_o life_n gain_v noâ—…ing_v at_o all_o by_o reject_v the_o gospel_n â—…evelation_n so_o he_o lose_v all_o the_o supâ—…rts_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o gospel_n â—…xcepting_v those_o terrible_a theatning_n â—…hich_v the_o
gospel_n denounce_v against_o â—…penitent_a sinner_n every_o thing_n else_o 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v a_o true_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d glad_a tiding_n 〈◊〉_d great_a joy_n to_o mankind_n it_o give_v we_o 〈◊〉_d many_o signal_n token_n and_o pledge_n of_o â—…e_n divine_a favour_n and_o such_o express_a â—…romises_n of_o god_n care_n of_o good_a man_n 〈◊〉_d this_o world_n and_o of_o the_o glorious_a reâ—…ards_n of_o the_o next_o as_o mere_a nature_n at_o â—…ost_n afford_v but_o very_o imperfect_a conâ—…ectures_n of_o that_o the_o deist_n if_o he_o have_v â—…ny_a generous_a hope_n of_o immortality_n â—…eft_v shall_v be_v glad_a to_o have_v some_o betâ—…er_a assurance_n of_o immortal_a happiness_n â—…han_o nature_n give_v and_o can_v think_v it_o no_o advantage_n that_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o next_o life_n be_v uncertain_a when_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o be_v as_o uncertain_a too_o if_o we_o will_v allow_v no_o other_o evidence_n but_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o i_o shall_v consine_n myself_o at_o present_a but_o to_o one_o thing_n which_o all_o mankind_n be_v equal_o concern_v in_o and_o which_o we_o can_v never_o be_v assure_v of_o but_o by_o revelation_n and_o that_o be_v the_o certain_a pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n if_o god_n be_v holy_a and_o just_a a_o sinner_n as_o all_o mankind_n be_v must_v be_v punish_v except_o he_o be_v pardon_v and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o good_a hope_n towards_o god_n till_o he_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o pardon_n now_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n give_v we_o no_o absolute_a assurance_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o it_o do_v that_o god_n will_v punish_v sinner_n and_o therefore_o a_o deist_n who_o reject_v the_o gospel_n revelation_n can_v possible_o be_v so_o certain_a that_o his_o sin_n shall_v be_v pardon_v as_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v punish_v for_o they_o the_o holiness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n make_v he_o a_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o all_o sin_n and_o the_o only_a refuge_n sinner_n have_v be_v in_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n but_o goodness_n do_v not_o so_o necessary_o prove_v that_o god_n will_v forgive_v sin_n as_o justice_n do_v that_o he_o will_v punish_v it_o for_o goodness_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n must_v give_v place_n to_o justice_n that_o be_v goodness_n can_v pardon_v while_o it_o be_v unjust_a to_o pardon_v for_o a_o unjust_a goodness_n be_v no_o divine_a perfection_n so_o that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n how_o great_a soever_o we_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v and_o we_o can_v conceive_v it_o great_a than_o it_o be_v do_v not_o necessary_o prove_v that_o god_n must_v or_o will_v pardon_v sinner_n but_o only_o that_o he_o will_v pardon_v sinner_n when_o it_o be_v wise_a and_o just_a to_o do_v so_o but_o who_o can_v tell_v when_o god_n will_v think_v it_o wise_a and_o just_a to_o do_v so_o without_o a_o revelation_n or_o who_o can_v tell_v what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v it_o wise_a and_o just_a for_o a_o good_a god_n to_o forgive_v sin_n a_o good_a man_n do_v not_o always_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o forgive_v those_o personal_a injury_n and_o affront_n which_o be_v offer_v he_o much_o less_o be_v a_o kind_n and_o merciful_a prince_n who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n and_o the_o sacred_a authority_n of_o government_n bind_v to_o forgive_v every_o malefactor_n out_o of_o pure_a good_a nature_n which_o will_v soon_o dissolve_v government_n and_o make_v authority_n contemptible_a and_o if_o we_o consider_v god_n as_o the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n it_o will_v satisfy_v we_o that_o to_o forgive_v sin_n be_v not_o the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o goodness_n but_o must_v be_v temper_v and_o accommodate_v to_o the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o government_n which_o we_o understand_v so_o little_a of_o that_o we_o can_v never_o certain_o learn_v from_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n when_o and_o upon_o what_o term_v god_n will_v forgive_v sin_n the_o general_a hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o mankind_n be_v that_o god_n will_v forgive_v all_o humble_a penitent_a sinner_n and_o yet_o i_o can_v find_v that_o any_o man_n ever_o think_v that_o mere_a repentance_n be_v sufficient_a to_o obtain_v our_o pardon_n for_o all_o religion_n have_v some_o institute_v rite_n to_o appease_v their_o god_n which_o seem_v to_o argue_v that_o natural_a sense_n they_o all_o have_v that_o some_o atonement_n and_o expiation_n as_o well_o as_o repentance_n be_v necessary_a to_o pardon_v nor_o can_v reason_n prove_v the_o contrary_n repentance_n render_v man_n fit_a object_n of_o mercy_n when_o no_o other_o reason_n hinder_v but_o the_o reason_n of_o government_n may_v supersede_n the_o inclination_n to_o show_v mercy_n how_o often_o do_v a_o merciful_a prince_n hang_v a_o penitent_a malefactor_n without_o any_o blemish_n to_o the_o mercy_n of_o his_o government_n and_o if_o good_a man_n and_o good_a prince_n be_v not_o always_o bind_v to_o forgive_v penitent_n than_o repentance_n itself_o alone_o can_v entitle_v we_o to_o mercy_n so_o that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o security_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n but_o by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n wherein_o god_n have_v express_o promise_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n to_o all_o true_a penitent_n in_o the_o name_n and_o through_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o christ._n good_a god_n what_o a_o consolation_n be_v this_o to_o sinner_n who_o will_v be_v without_o the_o certain_a hope_n of_o forgiveness_n for_o all_o the_o world_n how_o terrible_a be_v it_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o just_a god_n who_o will_v punish_v sinner_n without_o know_v or_o believe_v a_o saviour_n do_v these_o man_n due_o consider_v thing_n they_o will_v think_v deism_n to_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a state_n in_o the_o world_n which_o have_v no_o covenant_n no_o promise_n no_o priest_n no_o sacrifice_n which_o may_v be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n but_o be_v no_o religion_n for_o sinner_n second_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o deism_n and_o how_o inconsistent_a it_o be_v with_o itself_o for_o to_o deny_v all_o divine_a revelation_n do_v extreme_o weaken_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n make_v it_o high_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v a_o revelation_n first_o that_o to_o deny_v all_o divine_a revelation_n do_v extreme_o weaken_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n a_o deist_n indeed_o have_v this_o visible_a world_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o god_n as_o st._n paul_n argue_v the_o invisible_a thing_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n rom._n 1._o 20._o and_o this_o i_o grant_v be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n but_o lose_v very_o much_o of_o its_o strength_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o deist_n for_o though_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o that_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a be_v who_o we_o call_v god_n yet_o have_v we_o no_o other_o notice_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n but_o from_o this_o visible_a creation_n have_v there_o never_o be_v any_o commerce_n or_o intercourse_n between_o god_n and_o man_n have_v he_o never_o since_o the_o make_n of_o the_o world_n give_v any_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o his_o power_n and_o presence_n it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o very_a strong_a presumption_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o argument_n from_o the_o frame_n of_o this_o visible_a world_n that_o there_o be_v one_o for_o it_o seem_v as_o unreasonable_a to_o think_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o mankind_n hear_v nothing_o of_o he_o see_v no_o visible_a mark_n of_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a consequence_n as_o the_o worship_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n certain_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v receive_v no_o notice_n of_o his_o will_n what_o homage_n he_o expect_v from_o they_o and_o what_o he_o will_v accept_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o communication_n between_o reasonable_a being_n and_n the_o supreme_a mind_n as_o it_o be_v to_o think_v that_o the_o world_n can_v be_v make_v without_o a_o god_n for_o what_o end_n do_v god_n make_v reasonable_a creature_n but_o to_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o they_o which_o be_v the_o high_a happiness_n and_o perfection_n of_o reasonable_a being_n and_o can_v we_o then_o imagine_v that_o when_o god_n have_v make_v the_o world_n and_o make_v man_n he_o shall_v withdraw_v himself_o into_o silence_n and_o obâ—…curity_n and_o take_v no_o far_o notice_n of_o mankind_n nor_o make_v any_o other_o discovery_n of_o himself_o to_o they_o than_o what_o they_o can_v imperfect_o
the_o thing_n and_o the_o only_a dispute_n be_v about_o matter_n of_o fact_n whether_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n whether_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o inspire_a man_n send_v by_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n whether_o there_o ever_o be_v any_o true_a miracle_n wrought_v or_o any_o certain_a prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o when_o man_n be_v satisfy_v that_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v as_o they_o certain_o may_v be_v if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n it_o will_v dispose_v they_o to_o a_o more_o modest_a and_o impartial_a examination_n of_o such_o matter_n and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o despise_v reveal_v religion_n at_o all_o adventure_n for_o in_o matter_n especial_o of_o such_o vast_a moment_n no_o wise_a man_n will_v reject_v and_o scorn_v what_o may_v be_v true_a till_o he_o can_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v false_a 2._o since_o than_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n let_v we_o consider_v which_o be_v most_o probable_a which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o those_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v or_o shall_v not_o make_v such_o a_o revelation_n of_o his_o will._n now_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o this_o by_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o mankind_n there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n in_o the_o world_n in_o former_a age_n who_o believe_v a_o god_n but_o do_v believe_v also_o some_o kind_n of_o commerce_n and_o communication_n between_o god_n and_o men._n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o their_o religious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o every_o nation_n pretend_v to_o receive_v from_o their_o go_n this_o give_v birth_n to_o all_o their_o superstitious_a art_n of_o divination_n that_o they_o believe_v their_o god_n have_v a_o perpetual_a intercourse_n with_o man_n and_o by_o various_a mean_n give_v they_o notice_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v â—…nd_v the_o stoic_a in_o tully_n think_v that_o â—…e_a acknowledgement_n of_o a_o god_n do_v as_o â—…ecessarily_o infer_v divination_n as_o divinaâ—…on_n do_v prove_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n ego_fw-la â—…im_fw-la sic_fw-la existimo_fw-la si_fw-la sint_fw-la ea_fw-la genera_fw-la diviâ—…andi_fw-la vera_fw-la de_fw-la quibus_fw-la accepimus_fw-la quoeque_fw-la coâ—…imus_fw-la esse_fw-la deos_fw-la vicissimque_fw-la si_fw-la dii_fw-la sint_fw-la esse_fw-la â—…ui_fw-la divinent_fw-la be_v it_o possible_a as_o i_o observe_v before_o to_o â—…magine_v that_o god_n shall_v make_v reasoâ—…able_a creature_n who_o be_v make_v to_o know_v â—…im_a and_o to_o be_v happy_a in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n and_o admiration_n of_o he_o and_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o they_o without_o give_v they_o any_o visible_a token_n of_o his_o presence_n or_o any_o other_o view_n of_o his_o glory_n then_o in_o the_o weak_a and_o glimmer_a reflection_n of_o his_o work_n have_v man_n preserve_v the_o innocence_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o whether_o we_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o moses_n or_o not_o if_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n make_v man_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o he_o make_v he_o holy_a he_o have_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o presence_n and_o conversation_n of_o god_n as_o angel_n and_o holy_a and_o pure_a spirit_n be_v and_o in_o this_o state_n there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n will_v have_v show_v himself_o and_o his_o glory_n to_o man_n in_o some_o measure_n and_o proportion_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n as_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n do_v to_o adam_n in_o paradise_n so_o that_o man_n be_v make_v if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v with_o reverence_n for_o the_o conversation_n of_o god_n which_o pious_a and_o devout_a soul_n recover_v in_o some_o measure_n on_o earth_n and_o which_o we_o all_o hope_v perfect_o to_o enjoy_v in_o heaven_n sin_n indeed_o as_o necessary_o it_o must_v have_v make_v a_o great_a distance_n between_o god_n and_o man_n but_o if_o we_o must_v live_v in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a there_o as_o the_o deist_n profess_v to_o believe_v if_o god_n still_o exercise_v any_o care_n and_o providence_n over_o mankind_n it_o seem_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v give_v some_o sensible_a token_n of_o his_o own_o be_v and_o presence_n and_o instruct_v they_o more_o perfect_o in_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o will_n than_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v for_o how_o much_o soever_o man_n may_v magnify_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n be_v very_o ignorant_a and_o corrupt_a and_o mankind_n know_v little_a of_o god_n beyond_o a_o general_a persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v and_o therefore_o worship_v a_o multiplicity_n of_o god_n and_o any_o thing_n for_o god_n and_o that_o with_o such_o ridiculous_a and_o barbarous_a rite_n as_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o the_o naâ—…e_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man._n and_o can_v â—…y_v man_n who_o believe_v a_o divine_a proviâ—…nce_n think_v that_o god_n take_v no_o care_n of_o â—…s_n own_o glory_n and_o worship_n nor_o of_o the_o â—…uls_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o have_v â—…ken_v none_o if_o he_o have_v not_o reveal_v â—…mself_n and_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o in_o â—…ose_n dark_a time_n of_o paganism_n the_o deâ—…l_n and_o evil_a spirit_n have_v every_o where_o â—…eir_n temple_n and_o altar_n and_o priest_n â—…d_a sacrifice_n frequent_o appear_v to_o â—…eir_n votary_n in_o visible_a shape_v and_o inâ—…ituted_v their_o own_o rite_n of_o worship_n and_o â—…ave_v forth_o their_o oracle_n and_o response_n â—…nd_v by_o their_o various_a art_n of_o divinatiâ—…n_n give_v they_o notice_n of_o many_o event_n â—…or_n though_o these_o be_v cheat_n and_o imâ—…ostures_n they_o be_v not_o all_o the_o cheat_n â—…f_a priest_n but_o of_o evil_a spirit_n who_o imâ—…osed_v both_o upon_o priest_n and_o people_n and_o â—…y_v these_o art_n beget_v in_o they_o a_o great_a oâ—…inion_n of_o their_o own_o divinity_n as_o we_o must_v confess_v unless_o we_o will_v deny_v the_o credit_n of_o all_o history_n and_o when_o this_o by_o the_o secret_a and_o hide_a counsel_n of_o god_n be_v the_o miserable_a and_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n can_v we_o think_v that_o god_n shall_v leave_v himself_o without_o any_o other_o witness_v than_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n shall_v give_v no_o demonstration_n of_o a_o power_n superior_a to_o all_o these_o vulgar_a deity_n nor_o give_v man_n any_o certain_a notice_n of_o his_o will_n no_o rule_n of_o conversation_n or_o worship_n it_o be_v certain_a in_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o all_o the_o reformation_n which_o have_v be_v make_v in_o man_n faith_n and_o worship_n and_o manner_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a religion_n this_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o their_o absurd_a idolatry_n and_o restore_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v so_o wonderful_a a_o change_n as_o can_v not_o have_v be_v wrought_v without_o some_o visible_a and_o irresistible_a proof_n of_o divinity_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v in_o those_o man_n who_o believe_v a_o god_n to_o deny_v all_o revelation_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n can_v reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n if_o he_o please_v and_o that_o the_o nature_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n make_v it_o high_o reasonable_a to_o think_v he_o have_v do_v it_o the_o design_n of_o all_o which_o be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o to_o remove_v mens_fw-la prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o reveal_v religion_n for_o be_v this_o effectual_o do_v they_o will_v soon_o discover_v the_o most_o unquestionable_a character_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n i_o be_o sure_a if_o we_o do_v believe_v a_o god_n and_o another_o world_n nothing_o can_v be_v so_o desirable_a as_o a_o more_o explicit_a and_o perfect_a account_n of_o â—…he_n will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n than_o mere_a nature_n can_v give_v we_o what_o impression_n this_o may_v make_v upon_o profess_a deist_n i_o can_v tell_v they_o â—…ave_v so_o use_v themselves_o to_o laugh_v at_o eveâ—…y_a thing_n that_o be_v serious_a and_o to_o confute_v â—…he_v wise_a argument_n with_o bold_a and_o profane_a jest_n that_o little_a good_a can_v be_v expect_v from_o they_o but_o i_o hope_v this_o may_v caution_n those_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o â—…nfected_v and_o make_v the_o name_n of_o a_o deistâ—…n_n â—…n_z a_o christian_a nation_n as_o contemptible_a â—…s_v the_o name_n of_o a_o atheist_n they_o be_v both_o â—…wing_v to_o the_o same_o cause_n they_o live_v much_o alike_o they_o be_v equal_a enemy_n to_o christianity_n and_o equal_o dangerous_a to_o any_o government_n where_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o â—…ppermost_a it_o be_v a_o
that_o can_v be_v make_v concern_v the_o presence_n of_o a_o omnipresent_v be_v god_n be_v present_a in_o heaven_n in_o earth_n and_o in_o hell_n but_o he_o manifest_v himself_o very_o different_o in_o each_o and_o these_o different_a manifestation_n be_v a_o different_a kind_n of_o presence_n as_o to_o keep_v to_o my_o present_a subject_n god_n be_v present_a in_o all_o the_o earth_n as_o the_o supreme_a lord_n governor_n and_o preserver_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o in_o some_o place_n he_o be_v peculiar_o present_a to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o man_n and_o to_o receive_v their_o homage_n and_o adoration_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v peculiar_o call_v the_o presencâ—…_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n as_o be_v evident_a froâ—…_n all_o the_o instance_n which_o i_o have_v already_o give_v but_o be_v not_o god_n present_v in_o all_o placeâ—…_n to_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o good_a man_n whâ—…_n call_v upon_o he_o yes_o most_o certain_o and_o so_o he_o be_v both_o before_o and_o under_o thâ—…_n law_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v that_o he_o sanctifieâ—…_n some_o place_n with_o his_o more_o peculiar_a preâ—…_n sense_n for_o the_o public_a and_o solemn_a act_n of_o worship_n a_o prince_n may_v receive_v 〈◊〉_d private_a petition_n from_o a_o private_a hand_n 〈◊〉_d wherever_o he_o be_v present_a but_o yet_o may_v think_v it_o very_o fit_v to_o appoint_v a_o presence_n of_o state_n to_o receive_v the_o publicâ—…_n homage_n and_o address_n of_o his_o subject_n 〈◊〉_d thus_o in_o fact_n it_o be_v in_o the_o jewish_a temple_n and_o be_v as_o reasonable_a as_o the_o public_a solemnity_n of_o worship_n be_v without_o which_o religion_n itself_o will_v be_v banish_v the_o world_n for_o do_v man_n once_o believe_v that_o they_o can_v worship_v god_n as_o well_o at_o home_n as_o at_o church_n that_o god_n be_v no_o more_o present_a in_o religious_a assembly_n than_o in_o their_o private_a closet_n there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o of_o religion_n with_o it_o this_o be_v too_o visible_a in_o those_o who_o have_v entertain_v this_o opinion_n they_o eitâ—…_n quite_o desert_a the_o public_a worship_n and_o grow_v careless_a and_o unconcerned_a for_o religion_n or_o if_o they_o do_v sometime_o come_v to_o church_n it_o be_v to_o comply_v with_o popular_a custom_n and_o opinion_n or_o only_o to_o gratify_v a_o itch_a ear_n and_o athenian_a like_a to_o hear_v some_o new_a thing_n but_o when_o god_n who_o have_v his_o throne_n in_o heaven_n have_v his_o footstool_n and_o presence_n on_o earth_n where_o he_o command_v we_o to_o pay_v our_o homage_n this_o preserve_v the_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n alive_a in_o the_o world_n and_o give_v a_o just_a awe_n and_o reverence_n for_o god_n when_o we_o approach_v his_o presence_n this_o be_v a_o very_a sensible_a reason_n for_o appropriate_v place_n of_o worship_n where_o god_n vouchsafe_v his_o more_o peculiar_a presence_n if_o this_o be_v not_o original_o a_o divine_a institution_n as_o the_o instance_n i_o have_v already_o give_v fair_o intimate_v it_o be_v then_o mere_a natural_a reason_n teach_v it_o all_o mankind_n for_o there_o never_o be_v any_o nation_n which_o worship_v any_o god_n but_o they_o erect_v temple_n for_o their_o worship_n the_o poverty_n and_o persecute_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o the_o three_o first_o century_n have_v make_v some_o think_v that_o they_o have_v no_o church_n or_o appropriate_v place_n of_o worship_n but_o a_o learned_a man_n of_o our_o own_o mede_n mr._n mede_n have_v prove_v beyond_o all_o contradiction_n that_o this_o be_v a_o mistake_n and_o the_o zeal_n oâ—…_n christian_n in_o building_n magnificent_a church_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o constantine_n the_o firsâ—…_n christian_n emperor_n show_v plain_o whaâ—…_n their_o sense_n be_v of_o this_o matter_n and_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o all_o nation_n do_v believe_v that_o the_o god_n they_o worship_v be_v peculiar_o present_a in_o their_o temple_n the_o pagan_n do_v not_o belieuâ—…_n their_o god_n to_o be_v omnipresent_v and_o therefore_o endeavour_v by_o magical_a spellâ—…_n and_o charm_n to_o shut_v they_o up_o in_o theiâ—…_n image_n and_o temple_n that_o they_o mighâ—…_n know_v where_o to_o find_v they_o and_o in_o thiâ—…_n notion_n the_o ancient_a christian_n abominate_v the_o thought_n of_o temple_n and_o image_n since_o they_o worship_v a_o god_n whâ—…_n fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n with_o his_o presence_n this_o indeed_o be_v a_o corruption_n oâ—…_n natural_a religion_n as_o polytheism_n and_o 〈◊〉_d dolatry_n be_v but_o show_v how_o necessary_a they_o think_v a_o divine_a presence_n to_o 〈◊〉_d place_n of_o worship_n the_o jew_n understand_v better_a thaâ—…_n god_n can_v not_o be_v confine_v to_o any_o placeâ—…_n that_o the_o heaven_n and_o heaven_n of_o heavenâ—…_n can_v not_o contain_v he_o as_o solomon_n own_v in_o his_o prayer_n of_o dedication_n but_o yet_o beg_v that_o god_n will_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o be_v present_a to_o hear_v and_o answer_v the_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n which_o shall_v be_v make_v to_o he_o in_o that_o house_n which_o be_v all_o the_o peculiar_a presence_n he_o pray_v for_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n the_o name_n god_n himself_o give_v to_o the_o jewish_a temple_n my_o house_n shall_v be_v call_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o god_n house_n that_o it_o be_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n a_o house_n where_o god_n be_v peculiar_o present_a to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n we_o must_v own_v that_o every_o christian_a church_n be_v as_o much_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v unless_o we_o will_v deny_v that_o god_n be_v as_o present_v in_o christian_a assembly_n and_o in_o place_n dedicate_v to_o christian_a worship_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o jewish_a temple_n which_o be_v to_o make_v christianity_n a_o more_o imperfect_a dispensation_n than_o judaism_n for_o that_o be_v certain_o the_o most_o perfect_a state_n of_o the_o church_n where_o god_n be_v most_o peculiar_o present_v there_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o jewish_a temple_n and_o christian_a church_n but_o as_o to_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n which_o only_o make_v a_o temple_n the_o advantage_n be_v great_o on_o the_o christian_a side_n the_o ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o tabernacle_n and_o temple_n contain_v many_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o christ_n but_o these_o type_n be_v not_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o object_n of_o their_o religious_a worship_n which_o have_v be_v idolatry_n against_o the_o second_o commandment_n but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o these_o type_n god_n choose_v that_o place_n for_o his_o peculiar_a presence_n now_o instead_o of_o these_o type_n we_o have_v the_o antetype_n itself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n make_v flesh_n who_o though_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n have_v promise_v his_o peculiar_a presence_n in_o all_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v such_o a_o presence_n of_o god_n as_o never_o fill_v the_o jewish_a temple_n till_o christ_n appear_v for_o which_o reason_n god_n tell_v they_o that_o the_o second_o temple_n though_o it_o fall_v vast_o short_a of_o the_o external_n beauty_n and_o magnificence_n of_o the_o first_o yet_o shall_v excel_v in_o glory_n by_o the_o personal_a appearance_n of_o christ_n in_o it_o haggai_n 2._o 3_o 7._o malach._n 3._o 1._o so_o that_o christ_n have_v promise_v that_o wherever_o two_o or_o three_o be_v gather_v together_o in_o his_o name_n he_o will_v be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o every_o christian_a church_n have_v a_o divine_a presence_n great_a than_o the_o temple_n for_o though_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o this_o promise_n extend_v to_o all_o the_o occasional_a meeting_n of_o christian_n whatever_o the_o place_n be_v yet_o it_o much_o more_o extend_v to_o all_o the_o solemn_a and_o public_a place_n and_o act_n of_o worship_n thus_o there_o be_v but_o one_o temple_n in_o the_o whole_a land_n of_o canaan_n god_n for_o mystical_a reason_n confine_v his_o more_o peculiar_a presence_n to_o that_o house_n where_o he_o have_v place_v the_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o christ_n through_o who_o only_o we_o have_v access_n to_o god_n but_o now_o this_o bless_a jesus_n who_o be_v great_a than_o the_o temple_n be_v in_o all_o christian_a assembly_n and_o make_v every_o christian_a church_n great_a than_o the_o temple_n in_o this_o sense_n our_o saviour_n tell_v the_o woman_n of_o samaria_n woman_n believe_v i_o the_o hour_n come_v when_o you_o shall_v neither_o in_o this_o mountain_n nor_o yet_o at_o jerusalem_n worship_v the_o father_n john_n 4._o 21._o which_o do_v not_o signify_v that_o hereafter_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o peculiar_a and_o appropriate_a place_n of_o worship_n but_o that_o the_o presence_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n shall_v no_o long_o be_v confine_v to_o any_o
but_o to_o persuade_v and_o direct_v you_o to_o turn_v the_o delight_n and_o charm_n of_o music_n into_o the_o rapture_n of_o devotion_n which_o will_v the_o most_o effectual_o silence_v all_o the_o enemy_n of_o church-music_n and_o cathedral-worship_n while_o as_o a_o divine_a poet_n of_o our_o own_o sing_v this_o will_v visible_o turn_v delight_n into_o a_o sacrifice_n now_o since_o music_n what_o ever_o it_o be_v and_o how_o well_o soever_o perform_v be_v of_o no_o use_n or_o value_n in_o religion_n but_o as_o it_o serve_v the_o true_a end_n of_o devotion_n we_o must_v inquire_v what_o that_o harmony_n and_o melody_n be_v which_o be_v so_o acceptable_a to_o god_n how_o fit_a external_n and_o sensible_n melody_n be_v to_o promote_v this_o and_o how_o it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v improve_v to_o that_o purpose_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o i_o need_v not_o tell_v any_o man_n who_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o christian_a worship_n that_o it_o be_v only_o they_o melody_n 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feel_n of_o the_o divine_a praise_n if_o we_o will_v have_v they_o a_o acceptable_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o the_o harmony_n of_o voice_n or_o musical_a instrument_n serve_v this_o end_n they_o be_v excellent_a help_n to_o devotion_n but_o it_o be_v only_o their_o subserviency_n to_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o give_v they_o any_o value_n or_o allow_v they_o any_o place_n in_o religious_a worship_n 2_o let_v we_o then_o consider_v of_o what_o use_v music_n be_v to_o excite_v and_o quicken_v our_o affection_n and_o to_o give_v a_o new_a life_n and_o spirit_n to_o devotion_n man_n be_v not_o all_o soul_n and_o spirit_n but_o a_o compound_n creature_n consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o while_o our_o soul_n be_v vital_o unite_v to_o body_n they_o receive_v most_o of_o their_o passion_n from_o they_o at_o least_o feel_v the_o most_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a motion_n from_o those_o impression_n which_o our_o sense_n make_v and_o sight_n itself_o do_v not_o more_o various_o affect_v our_o mind_n than_o hearing_n do_v word_n and_o sound_n have_v very_o powerful_a charm_n and_o give_v as_o quick_a a_o turn_v to_o our_o thought_n and_o passion_n as_o sight_n itself_o and_o not_o only_a word_n but_o even_o a_o diversity_n of_o sound_n be_v fit_v by_o nature_n to_o express_v and_o to_o excite_v very_o different_a passion_n love_n joy_n admiration_n desire_n fear_v sorrow_n indignation_n revenge_n give_v some_o distinguish_a note_n and_o accent_n to_o the_o very_a voice_n which_o no_o art_n but_o nature_n teach_v and_o which_o betray_v the_o passion_n without_o speak_v a_o word_n and_o such_o different_a note_n will_v also_o as_o forcible_o imprint_v such_o passion_n on_o our_o mind_n as_o they_o natural_o represent_v and_o that_o many_o time_n whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o which_o be_v a_o great_a secret_n in_o nature_n and_o show_v a_o unaccountable_a sympathy_n between_o sound_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v by_o turn_v the_o natural_a effect_n and_o cause_n of_o each_o other_o and_o there_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n what_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o music_n must_v be_v to_o raise_v and_o to_o calm_v our_o passion_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o mankind_n tell_v we_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v when_o the_o composer_n know_v how_o to_o fit_v note_n to_o passion_n which_o the_o knowledge_n of_o humane_a nature_n not_o the_o mere_a proportion_n of_o sound_n must_v teach_v he_o without_o this_o a_o fine_a piece_n of_o music_n be_v like_o a_o company_n of_o fine_a word_n put_v together_o without_o any_o great_a sense_n or_o mean_v they_o make_v a_o fine_a sound_n and_o that_o be_v all_o now_o if_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a sympathy_n and_o mutual_a causality_n between_o sound_n and_o passion_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o true_a devotional_a music_n will_v excite_v or_o heighten_v our_o devotional_a passion_n as_o we_o daily_o see_v and_o complain_v that_o wanton_a and_o amorous_a air_n be_v apt_a to_o kindle_v wanton_a fire_n for_o nature_n will_v act_v like_o itself_o whether_o you_o apply_v it_o to_o good_a or_o to_o bad_a purpose_n if_o there_o be_v no_o force_n in_o music_n to_o give_v a_o good_a or_o bad_a tincture_n to_o the_o mind_n why_o do_v any_o man_n complain_v of_o wanton_a song_n they_o may_v then_o blame_v the_o poet_n but_o neither_o the_o composer_n nor_o singer_n for_o the_o music_n it_o seem_v do_v no_o hurt_n if_o there_o be_v why_o do_v they_o condemn_v church-music_n which_o will_v have_v as_o good_a a_o influence_n upon_o a_o devout_a mind_n as_o the_o other_o have_v a_o bad_a one_o why_o then_o shall_v any_o man_n think_v music_n improper_a for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o natural_a power_n though_o improve_v by_o art_n as_o most_o other_o natural_a power_n be_v and_o all_o natural_a power_n be_v make_v for_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o serve_v he_o which_o music_n be_v in_o a_o very_a high_a degree_n if_o it_o have_v such_o a_o natural_a power_n over_o our_o passion_n as_o to_o increase_v and_o actuate_v though_o it_o can_v create_v devotion_n both_o poetry_n and_o music_n be_v original_o use_v to_o celebrate_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n lose_v their_o glory_n when_o they_o descend_v to_o mean_a subject_n but_o be_v profane_v by_o a_o prostitution_n to_o man_n lust_n and_o vice_n the_o first_o account_n we_o have_v of_o sing_v be_v the_o song_n of_o moses_n exod._n 15._o when_o god_n have_v make_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o pass_v through_o the_o red-sea_n on_o dry_a ground_n and_o have_v drown_v the_o egyptian_n and_o we_o can_v have_v a_o more_o ancient_a account_n than_o this_o which_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a history_n in_o the_o world_n and_o throughout_o the_o old_a testament_n both_o
for_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o reject_v the_o hope_n of_o immortal_a life_n for_o fear_n of_o such_o misery_n as_o we_o may_v escape_v if_o we_o please_v that_o be_v if_o we_o believe_v and_o choose_v immortal_a life_n no_o man_n who_o do_v not_o prefer_v something_o else_o or_o to_o speak_v plain_o who_o do_v not_o prefer_v the_o short_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n before_o immortal_a life_n need_v fear_v eternal_a misery_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o eternal_a misery_n which_o they_o know_v they_o may_v escape_v but_o the_o contempt_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o make_v they_o infidel_n and_o it_o concern_v they_o to_o consider_v well_o what_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o be_v for_o 1._o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v and_o there_o need_v no_o great_a proof_n of_o it_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o infamous_a than_o to_o contradict_v the_o most_o noble_a and_o generous_a desire_n of_o human_a nature_n to_o be_v afraid_a to_o be_v immortal_a be_v to_o desire_v to_o be_v a_o beast_n and_o to_o perish_v like_o a_o beast_n nay_o it_o be_v to_o desire_v what_o no_o beast_n will_v desire_v for_o self-love_n and_o self-preservation_n be_v implant_v even_o in_o the_o brutal_a nature_n and_o what_o a_o prodigious_a degeneracy_n be_v it_o of_o human_a nature_n for_o man_n to_o hate_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o be_v and_o to_o wish_v and_o hope_n that_o they_o may_v perish_v in_o the_o grave_a it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o set_v up_o for_o the_o reputation_n of_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n in_o this_o cause_n for_o human_a nature_n be_v against_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n who_o will_v always_o hope_v and_o desire_v on_o nature_n side_n will_v be_v against_o they_o too_o and_o nature_n so_o abhor_v the_o thought_n of_o annihilation_n and_o dissolution_n that_o all_o man_n must_v despise_v those_o as_o very_o contemptible_a creature_n who_o can_v be_v content_v to_o fall_v into_o nothing_o themselves_o and_o abhor_v they_o for_o their_o malicious_a attempt_n to_o deprive_v other_o man_n of_o the_o hope_n of_o immortality_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o strong_a presumption_n against_o infidelity_n that_o it_o contradict_v the_o hope_n and_o desire_v of_o nature_n be_v there_o any_o other_o natural_a desire_n and_o appetite_n which_o have_v no_o natural_a object_n to_o answer_v they_o and_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o nature_n shall_v implant_v in_o we_o a_o desire_n of_o immortality_n if_o we_o be_v not_o make_v to_o be_v immortal_a this_o can_v be_v if_o we_o be_v make_v by_o a_o wise_a be_v for_o then_o all_o the_o desire_n and_o appetite_n of_o nature_n must_v be_v wise_o make_v that_o be_v fit_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o be_v to_o which_o they_o belong_v and_o then_o immortal_a desire_n can_v belong_v only_o to_o a_o immortal_a nature_n 3._o it_o also_o aught_o to_o be_v well_o consider_v that_o this_o make_v infidelity_n the_o most_o inexcusable_a sin_n for_o to_o reject_v not_o only_o all_o supernatural_a evidence_n but_o all_o the_o desire_n and_o inclination_n of_o nature_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o excuse_n this_o be_v a_o apostasy_n from_o human_a nature_n and_o though_o the_o divine_a goodness_n have_v a_o great_a tenderness_n for_o human_a infirmity_n yet_o when_o man_n wilful_o put_v off_o human_a nature_n they_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o excuse_n or_o to_o the_o compassion_n which_o be_v due_a to_o men._n and_o such_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o sure_a that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n who_o have_v no_o excuse_n to_o make_v if_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n 4._o and_o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v secure_a against_o the_o inclination_n desire_n and_o sentiment_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v possible_a with_o great_a art_n and_o violence_n for_o some_o time_n to_o stifle_v the_o sense_n of_o nature_n but_o nature_n will_v take_v some_o occasion_n or_o other_o to_o get_v loose_a and_o to_o revive_v our_o fear_n when_o we_o have_v forfeit_v all_o our_o hope_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v certain_a there_o can_v be_v demonstration_n against_o nature_n if_o the_o natural_a desire_n of_o immortality_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o we_o be_v immortal_a yet_o they_o be_v a_o bar_n against_o all_o demonstration_n that_o we_o be_v not_o for_o that_o will_v be_v a_o ill-contrived_a nature_n indeed_o which_o shall_v have_v natural_a desire_n and_o appetite_n against_o demonstration_n that_o shall_v have_v a_o great_a passion_n for_o immortality_n when_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o we_o be_v not_o immortal_a and_o if_o they_o can_v demonstrate_v that_o we_o be_v not_o immortal_a we_o shall_v certain_o hope_v and_o fear_n on_o nature_n side_n and_o what_o will_v all_o the_o boast_a pretence_n to_o infidelity_n signify_v if_o they_o can_v cure_v our_o natural_a hope_n and_o fear_n 2._o for_o natural_a fear_n and_o hope_n be_v very_o mechanical_a passion_n and_o not_o under_o the_o government_n of_o our_o will_n and_o arbitrary_a opinion_n they_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v silence_v with_o wit_n and_o sophistry_n than_o some_o natural_a antipathy_n be_v which_o man_n may_v think_v to_o reason_n away_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o object_n of_o that_o antipathy_n appear_v all_o their_o argument_n be_v lose_v and_o they_o sweat_v and_o tremble_v and_o fly_v and_o thus_o do_v infidel_n too_o who_o please_v themselves_o that_o they_o can_v reason_v away_o another_o world_n into_o a_o fairy_n land_n but_o yet_o can_v think_v serious_o of_o it_o without_o tremble_v 3._o for_o whatever_o baffle_v man_n put_v upon_o their_o faith_n yet_o these_o hope_n and_o fear_n be_v so_o natural_a that_o they_o can_v never_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o what_o be_v report_v of_o the_o other_o world_n do_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v hope_v or_o fear_v no_o argument_n can_v convince_v any_o man_n that_o it_o be_v not_o desirable_a to_o live_v for_o ever_o or_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o most_o terrible_a thing_n of_o all_o to_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o and_o then_o it_o be_v impossible_a not_o to_o hope_v or_o fear_n the_o desire_n of_o a_o less_o happiness_n or_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o less_o misery_n may_v be_v conquer_v but_o when_o man_n hear_v of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o eternal_a misery_n the_o one_o the_o most_o desirable_a the_o other_o the_o most_o formidable_a thing_n to_o human_a nature_n it_o make_v it_o impossible_a to_o any_o think_v man_n neither_o to_o desire_v nor_o fear_n this_o show_v how_o vain_a it_o be_v to_o struggle_v against_o nature_n for_o nature_n will_v be_v too_o strong_a for_o all_o our_o pretence_n to_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n and_o thus_o all_o infidel_n find_v it_o be_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o 5._o i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o since_o the_o desire_n of_o immortality_n be_v so_o natural_a consider_v what_o a_o eternal_a torment_n this_o must_v be_v if_o we_o lose_v immortal_a life_n by_o our_o infidelity_n natural_a appetite_n last_o as_o long_o as_o nature_n do_v and_o when_o they_o be_v disappoint_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v by_o our_o own_o fault_n will_v torment_v we_o as_o long_o as_o they_o last_o now_o beside_o all_o the_o positive_a misery_n which_o our_o saviour_n threaten_v against_o infidel_n here_o be_v a_o natural_a cause_n and_o demonstration_n of_o their_o misery_n the_o very_a loss_n of_o eternal_a life_n must_v eternal_o torment_v they_o because_o they_o must_v eternal_o desire_v it_o and_o these_o disappoint_v desire_n will_v turn_v into_o eternal_a anguish_n despair_n and_o self-revenge_n will_v but_o man_n serious_o consider_v these_o thing_n how_o unnatural_a the_o inclination_n to_o infidelity_n be_v and_o how_o unnatural_a the_o aversion_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o immortality_n be_v and_o what_o terrible_a consequence_n they_o have_v it_o will_v make_v they_o willing_a and_o desirous_a to_o believe_v and_o then_o they_o will_v find_v no_o want_n of_o evidence_n there_o will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o need_v then_o of_o dispute_v against_o infidelity_n but_o we_o may_v employ_v our_o time_n much_o better_a in_o exhort_v and_o persuade_v you_o to_o the_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a religion_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v the_o end_n of_o our_o faith_n even_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o god_n etc._n etc._n sermon_n xvii_o preach_v at_o the_o temple_n church_n isaiah_n 5._o for_o 20_o 21._o wo_n unto_o they_o that_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n that_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n that_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a wo_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n it_o give_v great_a disturbance_n to_o good_a man_n not_o only_o to_o observe_v the_o general_a corruption_n of_o manner_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n
courtship_n of_o the_o world_n can_v defend_v we_o from_o our_o self_n we_o can_v stop_v our_o ear_n against_o 〈◊〉_d we_o can_v harden_v ourselves_o against_o â—…s_a terror_n it_o be_v a_o domestic_a fury_n â—…hich_v when_o it_o be_v provoke_v and_o awakenâ—…d_v will_v be_v hear_v and_o will_v make_v we_o â—…emble_v will_v make_v we_o judge_v and_o conâ—…emn_v ourselves_o and_o begin_v our_o own_o â—…orments_n in_o frightful_a horror_n and_o agoâ—…es_n of_o mind_n two_o whereas_o reason_n can_v fortify_v the_o â—…ind_n against_o all_o external_a calamity_n â—…hen_o our_o spirit_n be_v wound_v that_o â—…ttle_a reason_n we_o have_v leave_v prove_v our_o â—…ormentor_n when_o we_o be_v under_o the_o â—…ransports_v of_o violent_a and_o disorderly_a â—…assions_n reason_n can_v be_v hear_v or_o be_v â—…ibed_v by_o passion_n to_o justify_v its_o own_o exâ—…esses_n wise_a counsel_n be_v lose_v on_o such_o â—…en_n as_o much_o as_o a_o lecture_n of_o philoâ—…phy_n will_v be_v in_o the_o noise_n and_o diâ—…raction_n of_o a_o alarm_n or_o battle_n what_o a_o sullen_a and_o obstinate_a thing_n be_v â—…rief_n how_o do_v it_o poor_a on_o its_o own_o â—…isfortune_n nourish_v its_o disease_n and_o â—…espise_v all_o art_n of_o diversion_n that_o it_o be_v â—…ommonly_o above_o the_o cure_n of_o any_o thing_n â—…ut_o time_n which_o weaken_v the_o impresâ—…on_n or_o tire_v man_n with_o their_o own_o comâ—…laints_n when_o our_o conscience_n be_v wound_v with_o gild_n this_o arm_n all_o the_o reason_n we_o have_v against_o we_o for_o reason_n in_o such_o case_n can_v never_o be_v on_o our_o side_n then_o reason_n discover_v our_o shame_n and_o danger_n aggravate_v our_o sin_n and_o many_o time_n drive_v such_o awaken_v sinner_n into_o the_o very_a horror_n of_o dispair_n dispute_v against_o the_o possibility_n of_o their_o pardon_n and_o blot_v their_o name_n out_o of_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n how_o large_a and_o universal_a soever_o they_o be_v the_o guide_n of_o soul_n who_o be_v always_o consult_v upon_o such_o occasion_n how_o much_o soever_o they_o be_v despise_v at_o other_o time_n can_v tell_v a_o great_a many_o sad_a story_n of_o thiâ—…_n kind_n enough_o to_o convince_v sinner_n that_o even_o wit_n and_o reason_n be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a enemy_n when_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n turn_v the_o edge_n of_o it_o against_o ourselves_o three_o when_o there_o be_v no_o ease_n and_o comfort_n within_o there_o be_v no_o other_o remedy_n but_o to_o seek_v for_o support_n and_o comfort_n from_o abroad_o and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o pretty_a diversion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o entertain_v man_n who_o be_v at_o leisure_n to_o attend_v they_o but_o these_o be_v no_o entertainment_n to_o a_o wound_a spirit_n when_o man_n be_v gall_v by_o their_o own_o passion_n by_o fear_n emulation_n jealousy_n discontent_n in_o the_o very_a midst_n of_o laughter_n â—…e_v heart_n be_v sorrowful_a as_o great_a as_o haâ—…n_n be_v all_o his_o riches_n and_o power_n â—…ailed_v he_o nothing_o while_o he_o see_v â—…ordecai_fw-mi the_o jew_n sit_v at_o the_o king_n be_v â—…ate_a 5._o esth._n 13._o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v â—…ry_o considerable_a when_o there_o be_v a_o eaâ—…_n and_o cheerful_a mind_n to_o enjoy_v they_o â—…t_o they_o can_v make_v a_o man_n easy_a and_o â—…ppy_a who_o mind_n be_v disturb_v they_o â—…ay_v entertain_v a_o easy_a mind_n but_o canâ—…t_o quiet_a the_o tumult_n and_o disorder_n of_o â—…ssions_n nor_o give_v any_o ease_n to_o a_o woundâ—…_n spirit_n much_o less_o can_v external_a thing_n apâ—…ase_v the_o horror_n of_o a_o guilty_a consciâ—…ce_n away_o all_o you_o vain_a delight_n will_v â—…ch_v a_o man_n say_v what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v with_o â—…easure_n when_o torment_n everlasting_a â—…orments_n must_v be_v my_o portion_n why_o â—…o_v you_o tell_v i_o of_o riches_n and_o honour_n â—…hen_o the_o great_a god_n be_v my_o enemy_n â—…hen_o i_o be_o despise_v and_o abhor_v of_o my_o â—…aker_n and_o be_o think_v worthy_a of_o no_o â—…etter_a portion_n than_o eternal_a flame_n 〈◊〉_d be_o not_o at_o leisure_n to_o attend_v the_o flatâ—…ering_a courtship_n of_o this_o world_n my_o thought_n be_v take_v up_o with_o a_o more_o â—…readful_a prospect_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v o_o eternity_n eternity_n the_o never-dying_a worm_n the_o never-dying_a death_n four_o nor_o can_v a_o wound_a spiâ—…_n find_v any_o support_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o religion_n unless_o it_o find_v its_o câ—…_n there_o if_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n and_o another_o world_n can_v cure_v oâ—…_n love_n to_o present_a thing_n it_o will_v give_v uâ—…_n quiet_a and_o easy_a passion_n too_o but_o without_o this_o a_o wound_a and_o distemper'â—…_n spirit_n will_v reproach_v god_n as_o well_o aâ—…_n man_n and_o rage_n against_o heaven_n itself_o â—…_z like_o that_o wicked_a king_n this_o evil_n be_v 〈◊〉_d the_o lord_n why_o shall_v i_o wait_v on_o the_o lâ—…_n any_o long_o as_o solomon_n observe_v tâ—…_n foolishness_n of_o man_n pervert_v his_o waâ—…_n and_o his_o heart_n fret_v against_o the_o lord_n if_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o of_o thoâ—…_n punishment_n he_o have_v threaten_v agaiâ—…_n sin_n make_v we_o true_a and_o sincere_a peâ—…tents_n conquer_v our_o vicious_a habiâ—…_n and_o reform_v our_o life_n this_o be_v such_o 〈◊〉_d wound_v spirit_n as_o god_n will_v bind_v up_o again_o such_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a heaâ—…_n as_o god_n will_v not_o despise_v but_o the_o thoughâ—…_n of_o god_n and_o of_o a_o future_a judgement_n aâ—…_n very_o terrible_a to_o impenitent_a sinner_n it_o be_v a_o dreadful_a prospect_n to_o look_v intâ—…_n the_o other_o world_n and_o to_o see_v those_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n and_o this_o 〈◊〉_d all_o that_o bad_a man_n can_v see_v in_o the_o next_o â—…orld_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o supportable_a all_o â—…ternal_a evil_n and_o calamity_n be_v how_o â—…supportable_a a_o wound_a spirit_n be_v and_o â—…e_o compare_v these_o two_o case_n will_v â—…ggest_v some_o very_a useful_a thought_n to_o â—…s_n as_o first_o this_o be_v a_o great_a vindicatiâ—…_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n with_o â—…spect_n to_o those_o evil_n and_o calamity_n â—…at_a be_v in_o the_o world_n suffering_n be_v â—…ery_o necessary_a in_o this_o corrupt_a and_o deâ—…enerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n but_o though_o â—…od_a see_v it_o necessary_a to_o punish_v sinner_n â—…et_o he_o have_v make_v abundant_a provision_n to_o â—…pport_v we_o under_o all_o external_a sufferâ—…gs_n he_o inflict_v nothing_o on_o we_o but_o â—…hat_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n can_v sustain_v â—…d_v support_v itself_o under_o but_o our_o â—…reatest_a suffering_n be_v owe_v to_o our_o â—…elves_n and_o no_o more_o chargeable_a on_o the_o â—…rovidence_n of_o god_n than_o our_o sin_n be_v â—…othing_v that_o be_v external_a can_v hurt_v we_o â—…hile_o our_o mind_n be_v sound_a and_o healthâ—…l_a but_o it_o be_v only_o a_o disorder_a or_o guilty_a â—…ind_n which_o give_v a_o sting_n to_o afflictiâ—…ns_n god_n correct_v in_o measure_n as_o we_o â—…re_v able_a to_o bear_v but_o we_o ourselves_o tie_v the_o knot_n or_o add_v the_o scorpion_n to_o thâ—…_n scourge_n second_o this_o great_o recommendâ—…_n the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o that_o provisioâ—…_n god_n have_v make_v for_o our_o support_n undâ—…_n suffering_n as_o â—…t_n since_o the_o generality_n oâ—…_n mankind_n be_v not_o likely_a to_o prove_v anyâ—…_n great_a philosopher_n god_n have_v bestow_v on_o they_o such_o a_o measure_n of_o naturâ—…_n courage_n as_o will_v bear_v affliction_n betteâ—…_n than_o the_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n 〈◊〉_d more_o think_v man_n and_o we_o may_v general_o observe_v that_o those_o who_o maâ—…_n the_o least_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n and_o haâ—…_n the_o least_o share_n of_o external_n comforâ—…_n have_v the_o great_a portion_n of_o this_o â—…taught_a courage_n because_o they_o need_v 〈◊〉_d most_o 2._o god_n have_v provide_v the_o greatâ—…_n support_v for_o the_o best_a man_n thoâ—…_n who_o use_v their_o reason_n and_o examine_v thâ—…_n nature_n of_o thing_n will_v more_o easy_o beâ—…_n poverty_n and_o disgrace_n and_o such_o otheâ—…_n evil_n than_o man_n who_o judge_v by_o opinion_n and_o popular_a mistake_v those_o who_o live_v by_o reason_n and_o govern_v their_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o inclination_n and_o use_v the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n so_o as_o not_o to_o be_v master_v by_o they_o retain_v that_o courage_n and_o strength_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v lose_v by_o softness_n and_o effeminacy_n but_o a_o true_o devout_a man_n who_o beâ—…ieves_v the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o next_o life_n have_v the_o great_a support_n of_o all_o whereas_o a_o impenitent_a sinner_n who_o wound_v his_o conscience_n with_o gild_n and_o a_o atheist_n who_o believe_v neither_o a_o god_n nor_o a_o providence_n have_v nothing_o but_o sottishness_n and_o stupidity_n to_o support_v they_o and_o
can_v thing_n be_v better_o order_v for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n good_a man_n whatever_o their_o condition_n be_v have_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o wicked_a even_o as_o to_o this_o present_a life_n they_o may_v be_v easy_a and_o enjoy_v themselves_o in_o all_o condition_n for_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o their_o present_a support_n but_o if_o bad_a man_n be_v sufferer_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o support_v they_o and_o though_o they_o be_v prosperous_a they_o feel_v such_o disorder_n of_o passion_n or_o such_o guilty_a fear_n as_o sour_a all_o their_o other_o enjoyment_n 3._o god_n have_v so_o wise_o order_v thing_n that_o we_o can_v support_v ourselves_o under_o suffering_n without_o make_v a_o wise_a and_o good_a use_n of_o they_o for_o the_o best_a argument_n to_o comfort_v we_o under_o suffering_n will_v afford_v we_o no_o comfort_n unless_o they_o make_v we_o better_o it_o be_v a_o great_a comfort_n that_o affliction_n be_v appoint_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a god_n but_o he_o who_o consider_v this_o will_v natural_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n strike_v will_v search_v and_o try_v his_o way_n and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n will_v hear_v the_o rod_n and_o who_o it_o be_v that_o have_v appoint_v it_o that_o affliction_n be_v order_v for_o our_o good_a will_v make_v we_o endeavour_v to_o reap_v the_o spiritual_a benefit_n of_o they_o for_o that_o affliction_n be_v useful_a be_v no_o comfort_n at_o all_o unless_o we_o make_v a_o wise_a use_n of_o they_o unless_o they_o bring_v forth_o the_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n no_o man_n can_v take_v comfort_n in_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o next_o world_n without_o bear_v his_o suffering_n well_o in_o this_o for_o our_o suffering_n will_v have_v no_o reward_n unless_o they_o make_v we_o better_o unless_o they_o purify_v our_o mind_n and_o exercise_v our_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n three_o i_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o suffer_v than_o to_o sin_n even_o with_o respect_n to_o our_o present_a ease_n because_o suffering_n may_v be_v bear_v by_o a_o innocent_a and_o virtuous_a mind_n but_o gild_n inflict_v a_o unsupportable_a wound_n upon_o the_o spirit_n and_o â—…ose_v suffering_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n can_v bear_v be_v rather_o to_o be_v choose_v â—…han_o what_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n can_v â—…ear_v last_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o governâ—…ent_n of_o our_o own_o passion_n contribute_v â—…ore_o to_o our_o happiness_n than_o any_o exterâ—…al_a enjoyment_n while_o our_o mind_n be_v disorder_v with_o violent_a and_o tumultuâ—…us_a passion_n we_o can_v never_o be_v easy_a and_o happy_a whatever_o else_o we_o enjoy_v for_o this_o give_v such_o a_o wound_n to_o the_o spirit_n as_o no_o external_a enjoyment_n can_v heal_v but_o he_o who_o have_v his_o passion_n under_o government_n who_o know_v how_o to_o love_v and_o fear_v desire_v and_o hope_n though_o he_o may_v be_v a_o great_a sufferer_n can_v never_o be_v miserable_a because_o he_o can_v support_v himself_o under_o all_o other_o suffering_n what_o a_o wrong_a course_n then_o do_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n take_v to_o make_v themselves_o happy_a they_o seek_v for_o happiness_n without_o when_o the_o foundation_n of_o happiness_n must_v be_v lay_v within_o in_o the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o mind_n a_o easy_a quiet_a mind_n will_v weather_v all_o the_o storm_n of_o fortune_n but_o how_o calm_a and_o serene_a soever_o the_o heaven_n be_v there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o the_o wicked_a who_o have_v nothing_o but_o noise_n and_o tumult_n and_o confusion_n within_o to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v honour_n glory_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n vii_o preach_v at_o the_o funeral_n of_o the_o reverend_a richard_n meggot_n d._n d._n and_o late_a dean_n of_o winchester_n december_n the_o 10_o 1692._o at_o twickenham_n i._o phil._n 23_o 24._o for_o i_o be_o in_o a_o strait_a betwixt_o two_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a nevertheless_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v more_o needful_a for_o you_o st_n paul_n write_v this_o epistle_n to_o philippi_n from_o rome_n where_o he_o be_v in_o bond_n for_o the_o gospel_n but_o though_o his_o body_n be_v confine_v to_o a_o prison_n his_o soul_n his_o great_a divine_a soul_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o visit_v the_o church_n he_o have_v plant_v to_o advise_v and_o counsel_n and_o comfort_v they_o to_o increase_v their_o knowledge_n and_o to_o confirm_v their_o faith_n to_o instame_v their_o zeal_n and_o to_o spur_v they_o forward_o to_o more_o perfect_a attainman_n in_o all_o piety_n and_o virtue_n the_o philippian_n seem_v great_o concern_v lest_o the_o progress_n of_o â—…e_a gospel_n shall_v be_v hinder_v by_o st._n paul_n imprisonment_n and_o lest_o they_o and_o the_o whole_a church_n shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o labour_n and_o ministry_n of_o so_o great_a a_o apostle_n shall_v this_o persecution_n extend_v to_o life_n as_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v it_o will_v as_o for_o the_o first_o st._n paul_n assure_v they_o that_o his_o bond_n be_v for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o his_o imprisonment_n be_v take_v notice_n of_o both_o in_o the_o court_n and_o city_n which_o make_v man_n curious_a to_o know_v what_o that_o doctrine_n be_v which_o he_o preach_v and_o for_o which_o he_o suffer_v bond_n and_o this_o publish_v the_o gospel_n more_o effectual_o than_o his_o preach_v can_v have_v do_v verse_n 12_o 13_o etc._n etc._n as_o for_o the_o second_o he_o tell_v they_o he_o be_v no_o far_o concern_v either_o about_o life_n or_o death_n but_o that_o christ_n may_v be_v magnify_v in_o his_o body_n if_o he_o live_v his_o life_n be_v whole_o devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n if_o he_o die_v it_o will_v be_v for_o his_o own_o great_a advantage_n to_o i_o to_o live_v be_v christ_n and_o to_o die_v be_v gain_v verse_n 20_o 21._o and_o this_o make_v it_o a_o hard_a choice_n to_o he_o whether_o he_o shall_v desire_v to_o live_v or_o die_v whether_o he_o shall_v get_v rid_v of_o his_o bond_n and_o make_v his_o escape_n out_o of_o a_o troublesome_a world_n into_o the_o region_n of_o ease_n and_o rest_v to_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o labour_n here_o in_o the_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o his_o lord_n who_o he_o have_v so_o faithful_o serve_v or_o whether_o he_o shall_v live_v to_o encounter_n with_o a_o thousand_o difficulty_n and_o death_n in_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n what_o i_o shall_v choose_v i_o wot_v not_o for_o i_o be_o in_o a_o strait_a betwixt_o two_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a nevertheless_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v more_o needful_a for_o you_o be_v there_o ever_o such_o a_o dispute_n as_o this_o before_o that_o a_o man_n who_o be_v as_o certain_a to_o go_v to_o heaven_n as_o he_o be_v to_o die_v who_o have_v himself_o be_v snatch_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n and_o have_v his_o mind_n possess_v with_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a and_o lively_a idea_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o place_n who_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v such_o thing_n as_o can_v not_o be_v express_v who_o see_v a_o crown_n a_o glorious_a immarcessible_a crown_n prepare_v for_o he_o i_o say_v that_o such_o a_o man_n shall_v make_v any_o question_n what_o he_o shall_v choose_v whether_o immediate_o to_o take_v possession_n of_o this_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n or_o to_o live_v long_o in_o this_o world_n to_o suffer_v bond_n and_o imprisonment_n hunger_n and_o cold_a and_o stripe_n and_o all_o the_o ill_a usage_n which_o he_o have_v so_o often_o meet_v with_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o still_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o enlarge_v the_o border_n of_o christ_n church_n what_o a_o contempt_n be_v this_o not_o only_o of_o the_o little_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o even_o of_o all_o the_o misery_n of_o life_n what_o a_o triumph_n be_v this_o over_o the_o world_n over_o all_o the_o frown_n and_o terror_n of_o it_o what_o a_o triumph_n be_v this_o over_o self_n such_o a_o degree_n of_o self-denial_n as_o the_o gospel_n itself_o do_v not_o command_v which_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n to_o deny_v heaven_n to_o deny_v all_o the_o joy_n of_o christ_n presence_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o do_v good_a for_o it_o be_v to_o delay_v to_o put_v off_o heaven_n to_o adjourn_v his_o own_o happiness_n that_o he_o may_v live_v the_o long_a to_o serve_v his_o great_a master_n though_o with_o great_a difficulty_n and_o labour_n what_o love_n be_v this_o