Selected quad for the lemma: religion_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n charity_n consideration_n great_a 87 3 2.0924 3 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A45355 Deus justificatus, or, The divine goodness vindicated and cleared against the assertors of absolute and inconditionate reprobation together with some reflections on a late discourse of Mr. Parkers, concerning the divine dominion and goodness. Hallywell, Henry, d. 1703?; Womock, Laurence, 1612-1685. 1668 (1668) Wing H460; ESTC R25403 132,698 316

There are 4 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

and_o name_n thing_n of_o no_o value_n or_o concern_v in_o comparison_n of_o those_o momentous_a and_o great_a aim_n of_o religion_n in_o perfect_v the_o soul_n in_o justice_n righteousness_n and_o goodness_n these_o only_o will_v give_v free_a access_n to_o heaven_n when_o the_o nice_a speculation_n of_o curious_a wit_n devoid_a of_o purity_n and_o innocency_n white_a than_o the_o light_n and_o snow_n be_v not_o able_a to_o waft_v the_o soul_n over_o the_o perturb_a casualty_n and_o adverse_a occurrence_n which_o be_v the_o genuine_a production_n of_o this_o inferior_a region_n of_o mutability_n god_n be_v not_o take_v with_o shadow_n of_o holiness_n nor_o please_v with_o enthusiastic_a heat_n and_o paroxysm_n of_o furious_a zeal_n but_o with_o those_o mild_a and_o gentle_a motion_n which_o be_v beget_v and_o raise_v up_o by_o that_o internal_a vestal_a fire_n that_o perpetual_o burn_v bright_a within_o its_o own_o orb_n and_o spend_v it_o be_v celestial_a vigour_n and_o activity_n either_o in_o the_o consumption_n or_o conversion_n into_o its_o own_o nature_n of_o whatever_o be_v stubborn_a and_o inobsequious_a to_o those_o law_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o its_o be_v and_o thus_o amplify_v and_o enlarge_v its_o dominion_n by_o the_o new_a accession_n of_o superadvenient_a force_n from_o its_o now-conquered_n enemy_n the_o true_a christian_a descend_v not_o so_o low_a as_o to_o make_v himself_o a_o party_n against_o any_o one_o be_v he_o of_o what_o judgement_n or_o opinion_n he_o will_v in_o matter_n of_o speculation_n and_o lubricous_a uncertainty_n who_o sincere_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o his_o great_a lord_n and_o master_n who_o birth_n be_v usher_v in_o with_o a_o anthem_n of_o peace_n and_o goodwill_n among_o man_n sing_v by_o a_o angelic_a choir_n and_o his_o life_n spend_v in_o diffusion_n of_o charity_n and_o in_o unite_n the_o heart_n of_o all_o mankind_n to_o the_o first_o and_o everblessed_n author_n of_o all_o thing_n the_o first_o cause_n of_o evil_a to_o the_o son_n of_o man_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o they_o will_v be_v their_o own_o or_o themselves_o as_o the_o philosopher_n speak_v and_o now_o that_o we_o be_v inhabitant_n of_o the_o earth_n those_o wrinkle_n which_o we_o contract_v from_o the_o age_a and_o pollute_a brow_n of_o adam_n show_v themselves_o and_o every_o man_n look_v upon_o himself_o as_o a_o particular_a be_v divide_v and_o separate_v from_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o send_v hither_o to_o manage_v and_o carry_v on_o the_o cause_n of_o self-interest_n and_o be_v thus_o principled_a hate_v all_o instruction_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o scorn_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o through_o this_o excessive_a fastus_fw-la and_o swell_a pride_n the_o great_a fomentor_n of_o debate_n and_o contention_n the_o whole_a earth_n be_v overrun_v with_o cruelty_n and_o barbarity_n for_o from_o whence_o come_v war_n and_o bloodshed_n but_o from_o that_o unquiet_a and_o turbulent_a spirit_n which_o can_v rest_v within_o its_o own_o sphere_n but_o by_o tumultuous_a and_o giddy_a motion_n shake_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o all_o round_a about_o it_o those_o wound_n which_o this_o nation_n not_o long_o ago_o receive_v in_o her_o body_n politic_a the_o scar_n of_o which_o be_v not_o wear_v out_o to_o this_o day_n be_v too_o sad_a and_o sure_o a_o evidence_n of_o those_o direful_a effect_n which_o pride_n and_o ambition_n produce_v especial_o when_o cherish_v by_o affect_a knowledge_n and_o the_o unruly_a and_o rapacious_a flame_n of_o mistake_a zeal_n and_o when_o the_o unerring_a and_o allcomprehensive_a providence_n of_o god_n which_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o affair_n of_o this_o inferior_a world_n be_v please_v to_o permit_v the_o pride_n and_o malice_n of_o profane_a and_o immoral_a person_n to_o arise_v to_o that_o height_n of_o impiety_n and_o brutishness_n as_o in_o defiance_n of_o heaven_n in_o despite_n of_o the_o loud_a clamour_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o without_o any_o sense_n or_o regard_n to_o the_o common_a interest_n and_o good_a of_o the_o nation_n whereof_o themselves_o make_v a_o unworthy_a part_n to_o take_v away_o by_o wicked_a hand_n the_o life_n of_o our_o late_a gracious_a sovereign_n thereby_o draw_v a_o mask_n and_o veil_n over_o the_o beauteous_a face_n of_o our_o church_n which_o like_o the_o heliotrope_n must_v needs_o close_o up_o her_o leaf_n in_o pensiveness_n and_o sorrow_n when_o the_o sun_n that_o cheer_v and_o enliven_v she_o by_o his_o kindly_a influence_n be_v set_v and_o withdraw_v from_o our_o horizon_n then_o i_o say_v do_v wickedness_n and_o irreligion_n deluge_n and_o overspread_v the_o whole_a body_n politic_a like_o the_o wild_a ocean_n break_v through_o its_o ancient_a bound_n and_o with_o a_o foam_a rage_n swallow_v up_o whole_a region_n at_o once_o and_o indeed_o little_a else_o can_v be_v expect_v when_o once_o the_o wall_n and_o bank_n which_o restrain_v and_o curb_v its_o luxuriant_a pride_n be_v overturn_v and_o break_v down_o then_o be_v monarchy_n stigmatise_v with_o the_o infamous_a title_n of_o tyranny_n and_o episcopacy_n which_o excellent_a and_o well-tempered_a constitution_n both_o reason_n and_o scripture_n aver_v to_o be_v apostolical_a style_v antichristianism_n and_o new-modeled_a popery_n and_o those_o who_o out_o of_o a_o sense_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n and_o generous_a loyalty_n and_o allegiance_n to_o their_o prince_n can_v not_o comply_v with_o those_o impious_a design_n and_o unchristian_a project_n then_o set_v on_o foot_n be_v account_v schismatic_n and_o dissenter_n from_o the_o public_a interest_n and_o what_o be_v it_o give_v birth_n to_o these_o tragic_a scene_n of_o sorrow_n and_o disorder_n but_o only_o the_o restless_a and_o unstable_a spirit_n of_o injudicious_a person_n who_o be_v puff_v up_o with_o aspire_a thought_n and_o the_o fantastic_a image_n of_o glory_n and_o ambition_n cast_v a_o envious_a eye_n upon_o every_o transaction_n whether_o in_o church_n or_o state_n that_o do_v not_o compromise_v with_o their_o interest_n and_o suit_n with_o the_o ill-contrivance_n of_o thing_n their_o busy_a mind_n have_v be_v work_v out_o and_o that_o the_o gospel_n which_o carry_v peace_n in_o its_o forefront_n and_o own_v no_o other_o parent_n but_o the_o prince_n of_o peace_n all_o who_o production_n be_v like_o himself_o shall_v be_v make_v to_o give_v a_o alarm_n of_o rebellion_n and_o war_n be_v the_o most_o audacious_a piece_n of_o treachery_n to_o god_n and_o uncharitableness_n to_o man_n in_o the_o world_n as_o if_o god_n be_v more_o please_v with_o the_o title_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n then_o in_o be_v style_v the_o father_n of_o mercy_n order_n and_o consolation_n throughout_o the_o earth_n sure_o he_o that_o once_o say_v by_o i_o king_n reign_v and_o prince_n decree_v justice_n do_v likewise_o command_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o they_o and_o honour_v they_o as_o be_v accountable_a to_o he_o alone_o for_o the_o management_n of_o the_o trust_v commit_v to_o they_o and_o it_o can_v be_v a_o great_a reproach_n and_o scandal_n to_o that_o peaceable_a religion_n we_o profess_v then_o to_o see_v those_o that_o own_o it_o and_o seem_v to_o contend_v most_o for_o it_o to_o be_v such_o ill_a practitioner_n of_o those_o plain_a precept_n of_o obedience_n to_o our_o lawful_a magistrate_n and_o by_o varnish_v they_o over_o with_o the_o distort_a gloss_n of_o their_o corrupt_a mind_n make_v they_o speak_v what_o they_o never_o intend_v in_o the_o least_o to_o countenance_n or_o favour_n 2._o the_o second_o general_n cause_n of_o our_o miscarriage_n be_v the_o precipitant_n and_o inconsiderate_a zeal_n and_o fervour_n of_o those_o who_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o instruct_v the_o people_n which_o draw_v along_o with_o it_o many_o evil_a and_o pernicious_a consequence_n and_o though_o i_o have_v so_o much_o charity_n as_o to_o think_v that_o most_o of_o they_o direct_v their_o labour_n in_o that_o kind_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o make_v that_o the_o ultimate_a end_n and_o result_v of_o their_o preach_a yet_o there_o be_v a_o zeal_n which_o be_v without_o knowledge_n and_o judgement_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o then_o best_o advance_v when_o her_o priest_n from_o who_o lip_n shall_v flow_v wisdom_n be_v most_o ignorant_a but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o charge_v they_o only_o with_o general_n i_o will_v descend_v to_o some_o more_o particular_a consideration_n upon_o this_o head_n by_o which_o it_o will_v easy_o appear_v with_o what_o great_a indiscretion_n they_o manage_v that_o high_a affair_n they_o undertake_v 1._o therefore_o they_o exceed_o err_v in_o propound_v to_o their_o charge_n such_o crude_a and_o uncoct_v doctrine_n as_o beside_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o they_o with_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o truth_n of_o first_o inscription_n and_o incoherence_n with_o the_o divine_a attribute_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v
be_v excogitated_a more_o infallible_a for_o the_o exploration_n of_o whatever_o fall_v under_o humane_a cognizance_n which_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n make_v good_a in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n they_o likewise_o put_v a_o certain_a stop_n to_o the_o progress_n of_o christianity_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o be_v the_o great_a impediment_n to_o the_o dissemination_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o they_o that_o be_v without_o it_o be_v give_v to_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o all_o mankind_n to_o run_v and_o be_v glorious_a and_o to_o conquer_v and_o subdue_v the_o nation_n to_o the_o entertainment_n of_o it_o for_o unless_o we_o will_v imagine_v man_n so_o stupid_a and_o ignorant_o devotional_a that_o they_o will_v embrace_v any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o disagree_v with_o the_o native_a sentiment_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v ever_o give_v any_o real_a and_o unfeigned_a assent_n to_o such_o dogmata_fw-la of_o christianity_n as_o pretend_v to_o no_o other_o author_n but_o the_o eternal_a logos_fw-la and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o be_v propound_v to_o rational_a and_o intellectual_a creature_n endue_v with_o a_o discriminative_a sense_n and_o perception_n between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n and_o yet_o by_o all_o the_o reason_n that_o be_v in_o they_o can_v make_v they_o to_o appear_v so_o and_o though_o the_o doctrine_n themselves_o shall_v not_o be_v in_o their_o whole_a frame_n and_o contexture_n irrational_a yet_o if_o we_o give_v absurd_a and_o inconcinnous_a explication_n of_o they_o there_o will_v be_v as_o small_a hope_n and_o expectation_n that_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v convince_v and_o persuade_v by_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v altogether_o false_a such_o be_v the_o intellectual_a fabric_n of_o man_n mind_n that_o they_o can_v believe_v or_o disbelieve_v what_o they_o will_v but_o there_o be_v certain_a law_n and_o principle_n interweave_v in_o the_o essential_a frame_n of_o their_o nature_n by_o the_o great_a architect_n of_o all_o thing_n by_o which_o they_o be_v bind_v up_o and_o limit_v and_o which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o knowledge_n whether_o natural_a moral_a or_o metaphysical_a and_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a to_o think_v that_o infinite_a wisdom_n which_o alone_o work_v constant_o and_o even_o and_o according_a to_o the_o capacity_n and_o measure_n of_o creature_n shall_v now_o in_o this_o grand_a mystery_n of_o the_o recovery_n of_o the_o world_n which_o of_o all_o thing_n be_v the_o most_o like_a that_o high_a and_o incomprehensible_a intellect_n which_o give_v birth_n unto_o it_o so_o deviate_v from_o the_o unchangeable_a law_n of_o it_o be_v own_o be_v as_o to_o propound_v such_o article_n and_o proposition_n to_o the_o world_n which_o without_o the_o great_a reluctancy_n and_o violation_n of_o their_o natural_a power_n and_o faculty_n they_o can_v never_o full_o credit_v or_o believe_v and_o questionless_a such_o a_o way_n and_o method_n of_o proceed_v will_v so_o miserable_o confound_v the_o beautiful_a order_n and_o symmetry_n of_o thing_n that_o beside_o it_o must_v necessary_o engage_v the_o divine_a power_n to_o the_o production_n of_o a_o perpetual_a miracle_n for_o the_o beget_n faith_n and_o assent_n in_o man_n it_o likewise_o lay_v they_o open_a and_o obnoxious_a to_o inevitable_a error_n falsity_n and_o delusion_n and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o mean_n leave_v for_o the_o attain_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n and_o now_o let_v any_o man_n consider_v what_o little_a probability_n or_o plausibility_n of_o reason_n there_o be_v that_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o this_o whether_o positive_o declare_v so_o in_o itself_o or_o make_v so_o by_o the_o perverse_a gloss_n and_o paraphrastical_a exposition_n of_o other_o shall_v win_v and_o gain_v ground_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o effect_v that_o purpose_n for_o which_o it_o be_v at_o first_o intend_v it_o be_v the_o advice_n and_o counsel_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n x._o 32._o that_o we_o give_v no_o offence_n either_o to_o the_o jew_n or_o to_o the_o greek_a whereby_o to_o alienate_v their_o mind_n from_o so_o excellent_a a_o religion_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o much_o obstruct_v the_o diffusion_n of_o any_o principle_n or_o dogmata_fw-la be_v they_o of_o what_o sort_n they_o will_v as_o when_o they_o contain_v something_o which_o may_v administer_v just_a cause_n of_o scruple_n and_o beget_v a_o aversion_n to_o it_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o rational_a and_o unprejudiced_a person_n he_o therefore_o that_o will_v bring_v over_o a_o free_a and_o ingenuous_a spirit_n whether_o jew_n or_o heathen_a to_o christianity_n must_v be_v sure_a that_o he_o assert_v nothing_o dogmatical_o or_o positive_o lay_v it_o down_o as_o a_o indispensable_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o the_o other_o can_v reject_v upon_o clear_a and_o solid_a ground_n of_o reason_n for_o assure_o no_o part_n of_o christianity_n can_v be_v repugnant_a to_o right_a reason_n therefore_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o jew_n who_o take_v just_a exception_n against_o many_o dogmata_fw-la of_o christianity_n as_o they_o be_v in_o common_a vogue_n among_o we_o but_o particular_o digust_v that_o harsh_a and_o rigid_a doctrine_n of_o inconditionate_n reprobation_n express_v his_o dislike_n and_o dissatisfaction_n in_o such_o like_a term_n as_o these_o that_o god_n give_v statute_n and_o judgement_n and_o deliver_v a_o law_n to_o moses_n on_o mount_n sinai_n i_o be_o sufficient_o convince_v of_o from_o the_o constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n of_o our_o father_n and_o that_o i_o be_o equal_o oblige_v to_o perform_v due_a obedience_n to_o it_o be_v in_o my_o apprehension_n a_o truth_n as_o indubitable_a as_o the_o other_o but_o that_o i_o shall_v desert_v the_o religion_n of_o my_o ancestor_n and_o embrace_v a_o novel_a doctrine_n whole_o repugnant_a to_o and_o inconsistent_a not_o only_o with_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n but_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o prophetic_a write_n and_o manifest_o tend_v to_o the_o eversion_n and_o extirpation_n of_o all_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n for_o who_o will_v put_v his_o trust_n in_o that_o god_n who_o take_v great_a pleasure_n in_o destroy_v than_o in_o save_v of_o his_o creature_n will_v argue_v as_o great_a impiety_n as_o it_o will_v appear_v fantastickness_n and_o imprudence_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o all_o that_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n for_o under_o the_o moysaicall_a oeconomy_n god_n like_o a_o just_a and_o prudent_a legislator_n make_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o his_o promise_n and_o menace_n to_o be_v the_o obedience_n or_o disobedience_n of_o his_o subject_n and_o benefit_n be_v not_o confer_v but_o hypothetical_o and_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o condition_n annex_v to_o they_o nor_o punishment_n execute_v but_o upon_o the_o actual_a breach_n and_o violation_n of_o a_o law_n and_o beside_o this_o you_o tell_v we_o that_o when_o the_o messiah_n come_v he_o will_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n such_o a_o religion_n and_o service_n as_o will_n most_o suit_n with_o our_o rational_a and_o intellectual_a nature_n such_o as_o may_v approve_v itself_o to_o our_o inward_a and_o divine_a sense_n as_o true_o excellent_a and_o lovely_a comprehend_v the_o flower_n and_o sum_n of_o whatever_o be_v worthy_a noble_a and_o generous_a which_o you_o say_v be_v most_o lively_o depaint_v and_o set_v out_o to_o we_o in_o that_o which_o you_o call_v the_o christian_a religion_n the_o great_a arcanum_n and_o mystery_n of_o which_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o your_o doctrine_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o god_n have_v eternal_o elect_v a_o certain_a number_n of_o person_n to_o inherit_v blessedness_n with_o he_o and_o send_v his_o son_n to_o signify_v the_o same_o to_o they_o and_o to_o publish_v this_o his_o decree_n but_o to_o cast_v away_o the_o rest_n upon_o the_o pretence_n of_o his_o sovereignty_n and_o dominion_n over_o they_o either_o therefore_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n be_v upon_o rational_a ground_n yet_o expect_v or_o if_o he_o have_v be_v already_o manifest_v to_o the_o world_n your_o religion_n be_v none_o of_o he_o nor_o be_v he_o ever_o the_o author_n of_o it_o but_o the_o spurious_a result_v and_o effux_n of_o fanciful_a person_n obtrude_v as_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n upon_o the_o world_n it_o be_v impossible_a i_o shall_v ever_o believe_v that_o the_o great_a creator_n of_o the_o universe_n who_o in_o our_o law_n declare_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o lord_n god_n merciful_a and_o gracious_a long-suffering_a and_o abundant_a in_o goodness_n and_o who_o so_o often_o forget_v the_o crime_n and_o apostasy_n of_o our_o forefather_n when_o they_o return_v and_o seek_v he_o with_o their_o whole_a heart_n shall_v now_o so_o change_v his_o nature_n and_o suspend_v the_o ray_n and_o benign_a emanation_n of_o his_o communicative_a life_n in_o this_o which_o you_o affirm_v to_o be_v the_o last_o and_o
they_o by_o a_o unchangeable_a decree_n before_o the_o world_n begin_v how_o deep_o will_v the_o whole_a creation_n of_o rational_a being_n resent_v such_o a_o act_n as_o this_o and_o what_o small_a reason_n can_v any_o man_n have_v to_o cast_v his_o care_n and_o erect_v a_o foundation_n of_o his_o hope_n upon_o that_o god_n who_o notwithstanding_o the_o great_a expression_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n to_o they_o the_o most_o pathetical_a invitation_n of_o they_o to_o accept_v the_o gracious_a overture_n of_o his_o goodness_n the_o high_a sense_n of_o aversion_n to_o their_o misery_n accompany_v with_o oath_n and_o protestation_n against_o it_o and_o the_o fair_a promise_n of_o reward_n and_o blessing_n to_o they_o if_o they_o will_v obey_v shall_v yet_o underhand_o lay_v a_o inevitable_a train_n of_o cause_n to_o entrap_v and_o foil_v they_o i_o find_v that_o my_o dear_a spirit_n affectionate_o breathe_v after_o a_o free_a participation_n of_o the_o divine_a life_n and_o nature_n and_o make_v many_o little_a sally_n and_o attempt_n to_o arise_v beyond_o the_o strait_a and_o narrow_a law_n of_o corporeal_a life_n into_o a_o state_n of_o true_a freedom_n and_o liberty_n and_o i_o can_v but_o hearty_o complain_v of_o the_o charm_a and_o allure_a magic_n of_o the_o earthly_a and_o brutish_a life_n in_o i_o that_o i_o be_o too_o much_o awake_v and_o alive_a to_o the_o efflux_n and_o emission_n of_o the_o material_a world_n whereby_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o divinity_n that_o be_v enwrap_v and_o as_o it_o be_v incarnate_a within_o i_o become_v weak_a and_o unactive_a but_o my_o hope_n be_v that_o through_o the_o mighty_a power_n of_o that_o divine_a love_n which_o uphold_v the_o creation_n with_o extend_a arm_n the_o heavenly_a part_n within_o i_o shall_v prevail_v and_o gain_v a_o complete_a conquest_n and_o victory_n and_o that_o when_o this_o mortal_a life_n shall_v perish_v i_o shall_v become_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o immortal_a god_n no_o more_o depress_v with_o the_o weight_n of_o terrestrial_a encumbrance_n but_o alas_o according_a to_o your_o doctrine_n if_o this_o be_v all_o it_o be_v but_o like_o the_o prelude_n to_o a_o fatal_a tragedy_n or_o the_o sudden_a blaze_n of_o a_o die_a lamp_n and_o i_o may_v for_o all_o this_o fall_n short_a and_o be_v deceive_v for_o if_o you_o attribute_v a_o power_n to_o your_o god_n of_o simulation_n and_o fraud_n he_o may_v evacuate_v all_o my_o expectation_n notwithstanding_o the_o pretend_a declaration_n of_o his_o will_n and_o veracity_n to_o the_o contrary_n to_o say_v no_o more_o than_o this_o can_v he_o punish_v those_o effect_n or_o operation_n in_o i_o which_o his_o own_o immediate_a and_o energetical_a concourse_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o be_o i_o become_v guilty_a because_o i_o act_v under_o the_o irresistible_a impulse_n and_o motion_n of_o his_o will_n if_o this_o therefore_o be_v a_o true_a description_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o reasonable_a man_n but_o will_v judge_v he_o to_o be_v rather_o some_o flame_a erynnis_n with_o curl_a snake_n and_o knot_a whip_n to_o chastise_v the_o world_n than_o a_o almighty_a good_a and_o wise_a numen_fw-la we_o see_v then_o what_o little_a hope_n there_o be_v of_o ingratiate_v and_o recommend_v christianity_n to_o those_o that_o be_v without_o while_o we_o either_o positive_o maintain_v or_o consequential_o introduce_v such_o doctrine_n as_o christian_a which_o in_o their_o very_a frame_n and_o complexion_n be_v repugnant_a to_o right_a reason_n and_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n and_o while_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n impose_v upon_o man_n such_o crude_a notion_n they_o not_o only_o do_v they_o the_o most_o uncharitable_a piece_n of_o service_n that_o light_o can_v be_v imagine_v but_o likewise_o block_n up_o the_o way_n and_o passage_n of_o truth_n to_o other_o who_o may_v be_v in_o very_o forward_a degree_n of_o preparation_n to_o receive_v it_o 2._o they_o be_v very_o much_o mistake_v in_o the_o order_n and_o method_n of_o propound_v the_o article_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n to_o their_o auditor_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o notion_n they_o desire_v to_o implant_v in_o they_o render_v they_o far_o less_o acceptable_a than_o otherwise_o they_o may_v have_v be_v the_o everblessed_n son_n of_o god_n the_o eternal_a mind_n and_o wisdom_n of_o his_o father_n when_o he_o descend_v from_o his_o glory_n and_o become_v a_o man_n that_o he_o may_v teach_v the_o world_n that_o salutary_a knowledge_n which_o shall_v instate_v they_o in_o their_o pristine_a blessedness_n do_v not_o communicate_v to_o they_o that_o recondite_v mystery_n all_o at_o once_o but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o they_o be_v able_a to_o hear_v it_o that_o be_v according_a to_o their_o measure_n and_o proportion_n every_o man_n criterion_n and_o discriminative_a faculty_n be_v not_o in_o a_o due_a and_o fit_a disposition_n for_o the_o reception_n of_o high_a and_o raise_v speculation_n no_o more_o than_o every_o ear_n be_v fit_o qualify_v for_o the_o judge_n of_o harmony_n as_o in_o all_o art_n and_o science_n there_o be_v some_o rudiment_n and_o principle_n to_o be_v learned_a before_o we_o can_v arrive_v to_o a_o considerable_a measure_n of_o perfection_n in_o they_o so_o in_o religion_n there_o be_v some_o catechetical_a instruction_n and_o cognate_n preparation_n to_o be_v use_v before_o we_o enter_v upon_o the_o sublime_a and_o theoretical_a doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o for_o consider_v the_o great_a degeneracy_n and_o apostasy_n of_o mankind_n from_o their_o true_a happiness_n and_o with_o what_o exorbitant_a and_o unlimited_a desire_n and_o passion_n they_o come_v into_o the_o world_n towards_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o present_a life_n and_o how_o hardly_o they_o be_v wrought_v of_o to_o the_o entertainment_n of_o what_o be_v true_o good_a and_o holy_a the_o propound_v of_o intricate_a mystery_n to_o they_o while_o their_o distinguish_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n be_v so_o monstrous_o deprave_v and_o out_o of_o order_n be_v but_o to_o use_v our_o saviour_n similitude_n to_o put_v new_a wine_n into_o old_a bottle_n offensive_a to_o the_o hearer_n and_o corruptive_a of_o the_o truth_n itself_o and_o we_o may_v with_o as_o great_a reason_n expect_v a_o substantial_a and_o stately_a edifice_n without_o any_o foundation_n or_o full_a eared-corn_n so_o soon_o as_o the_o bare_a grain_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o ground_n as_o look_v for_o the_o perfect_a and_o complete_a image_n of_o christ_n in_o he_o who_o do_v not_o yet_o understand_v the_o principle_n and_o rudiment_n of_o religion_n for_o what_o specimen_fw-la do_v that_o man_n give_v of_o the_o pure_a and_o undefiled_a nature_n of_o god_n live_v in_o he_o who_o can_v know_o injure_v his_o brother_n or_o pass_v by_o with_o a_o unconcerned_a look_v the_o calamitous_a object_n of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n or_o what_o proof_n can_v he_o bring_v that_o he_o be_v act_v by_o that_o almighty_a spirit_n of_o holiness_n and_o righteousness_n and_o renew_v into_o the_o blameless_a image_n of_o the_o bless_a jesus_n who_o omit_v no_o opportunity_n of_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n these_o thing_n therefore_o which_o be_v the_o very_a groundwork_n and_o foundation_n of_o that_o evangelical_n building_n which_o christ_n come_v to_o erect_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n aught_o with_o all_o dure_v care_n and_o diligence_n and_o with_o great_a earnestness_n and_o seriousnese_n to_o be_v press_v upon_o man_n by_o the_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o the_o people_n may_v be_v convince_v their_o teacher_n be_v real_a and_o sincere_a in_o the_o business_n and_o that_o what_o they_o so_o inculcate_v upon_o they_o be_v for_o the_o future_a and_o unspeakable_a benefit_n of_o their_o immortal_a soul_n and_o by_o the_o frequent_a use_n of_o these_o monitory_a caution_n and_o exhortation_n it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o man_n will_v grow_v more_o holy_a and_o practice_n with_o great_a circumspection_n the_o plain_a duty_n of_o morality_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o will_v be_v more_o apt_a to_o conceive_v and_o judge_v of_o the_o other_o more_o speculative_a doctrine_n and_o article_n of_o christianity_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v let_v alone_o till_o their_o proper-time_n come_v wherein_o they_o may_v with_o some_o advantage_n be_v propound_v to_o the_o hearer_n they_o be_v by_o the_o constant_a exercise_n of_o the_o precept_n of_o justice_n equity_n and_o goodness_n prepare_v and_o competent_o well_o fit_v for_o the_o reception_n of_o the_o mysterious_a and_o recondite_v part_n of_o religion_n it_o can_v therefore_o but_o be_v acknowledge_v a_o piece_n of_o great_a inadvertency_n and_o opinionative_n curiosity_n in_o the_o generality_n of_o preacher_n in_o these_o late_a time_n to_o make_v it_o their_o business_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o instruct_v their_o
their_o order_n wait_v upon_o he_o and_o he_o scatter_v his_o bounty_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o they_o and_o by_o a_o provident_a care_n look_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o tend_v all_o his_o charge_n so_o that_o not_o a_o sparrow_n close_v its_o wing_n on_o earth_n but_o that_o watchful_a eye_n observe_v its_o fall_n and_o it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o those_o arm_n which_o fold_n and_o embrace_v every_o thing_n that_o exert_v any_o faculty_n and_o degree_n of_o life_n shall_v be_v employ_v in_o plunge_v humane_a soul_n while_o innocent_a and_o undefiled_a into_o woe_n and_o misery_n 〈◊〉_d misery_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d porphyr_n l._n 2._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o to_o eternal_a age_n where_o be_v that_o love_n and_o pity_n which_o all_o creature_n proclaim_v to_o be_v in_o their_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o maker_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o almighty_a goodness_n that_o bring_v they_o into_o be_v sure_o the_o same_o goodness_n be_v never_o disjoin_v from_o a_o all-comprehensive_a wisdom_n which_o behold_v the_o nature_n mutual_a relation_n and_o dependence_n of_o all_o creature_n will_v have_v judge_v it_o fit_a never_o to_o have_v bring_v they_o into_o be_v then_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v make_v perpetual_o unhappy_a so_o soon_o as_o ever_o they_o be_v create_v to_o conclude_v this_o argument_n our_o religion_n be_v in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o high_o reasonable_a as_o be_v propound_v to_o rational_a nature_n in_o who_o there_o be_v manifest_a idea_n and_o notion_n of_o eternal_a verity_n and_o they_o be_v so_o deep_o seal_v upon_o they_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o in_o their_o power_n to_o obliterate_v nor_o without_o great_a reluctancy_n receive_v any_o thing_n repugnant_a to_o they_o it_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o absolute_a decree_n of_o reprobation_n as_o some_o pretend_v chap._n iii_o the_o three_o argument_n take_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o moral_a nature_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o be_v deduce_v such_o legitimate_a inference_n and_o conclusion_n as_o diametral_o oppose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o inconditionate_n reprobation_n to_o speak_v worthy_o and_o becoming_o of_o that_o adorable_a be_v to_o who_o we_o and_o all_o creature_n else_o owe_v not_o only_o our_o existence_n but_o our_o present_a subsistence_n and_o conservation_n in_o the_o several_a state_n of_o life_n wherein_o we_o be_v and_o to_o have_v right_a apprehension_n of_o his_o nature_n 〈◊〉_d nature_n this_o be_v make_v by_o epictetus_n ●…p_n 38._o a_o prolepsis_n of_o religion_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o it_o be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o our_o duty_n so_o it_o spirit_n and_o invigorate_n our_o mind_n to_o manly_a and_o generous_a attempt_n and_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o most_o considerable_a theory_n in_o nature_n and_o providence_n for_o whether_o we_o consider_v the_o exuberant_a plenitude_n and_o fecundity_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n which_o can_v but_o communicate_v itself_o to_o the_o utmost_a capacity_n of_o thing_n or_o the_o fathomless_a depth_n of_o that_o wisdom_n which_o have_v frame_v the_o whole_a world_n with_o such_o curious_a and_o exquisite_a artifice_n that_o the_o most_o perspicacious_a wit_n can_v find_v the_o least_o flaw_n in_o that_o beauteous_a structure_n and_o yet_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v it_o after_o another_o manner_n beyond_o our_o conception_n if_o he_o have_v so_o please_v or_o whether_o we_o weigh_v the_o infinity_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n which_o be_v able_a to_o effect_v any_o thing_n that_o imply_v no_o contradiction_n in_o natural_n or_o deformity_n in_o moral_n or_o last_o whether_o we_o contemplate_v the_o vast_a fetch_n and_o circuit_n of_o providence_n which_o though_o to_o the_o low_a and_o contract_a spirit_n seem_v to_o clash_n and_o interfeer_n yet_o to_o the_o noble_a and_o capacious_a soul_n be_v all_o concentric_a and_o harmonious_a and_o make_v that_o still_o and_o sweet_a music_n in_o his_o ear_n which_o the_o mistake_a vulgar_a thought_n pythagoras_n hear_v from_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o sphere_n whereas_o it_o be_v nothing_o in_o reality_n but_o that_o admirable_a and_o enravish_a consent_n of_o providence_n which_o god_n the_o great_a harmostes_n order_n in_o such_o tuneable_a and_o methodical_a proportion_n whether_o i_o say_v we_o attend_v to_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n the_o contemplation_n of_o they_o can_v but_o widen_v and_o enlarge_v that_o which_o be_v the_o flower_n and_o summity_n of_o our_o soul_n i_o mean_v their_o intellectual_a nature_n and_o fill_v they_o with_o such_o raise_v and_o sublime_a notion_n and_o idea_n that_o it_o will_v be_v almost_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o miss_v of_o find_v out_o some_o material_a truth_n which_o shall_v be_v worthy_a the_o author_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o gratify_v and_o reward_v our_o diligent_a inquisition_n now_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o true_a and_o genuine_a conception_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n it_o be_v altogether_o necessary_a that_o we_o free_v our_o mind_n from_o all_o prejudice_n and_o anticipation_n of_o judgement_n and_o purge_v they_o throughout_o from_o the_o gross_a and_o impure_a steam_n of_o the_o corporeal_a life_n lest_o when_o we_o think_v we_o have_v a_o idea_n of_o he_o it_o be_v only_o a_o image_n of_o our_o unclean_a fancy_n and_o imagination_n but_o as_o that_o holy_a one_o be_v altogether_o spiritual_a and_o immaterial_a so_o must_v our_o apprehension_n of_o he_o be_v spiritualise_v and_o remove_v as_o far_o from_o the_o vile_a commerce_n with_o matter_n as_o possible_o we_o can_v that_o our_o eye_n be_v free_v from_o the_o dust_n and_o soil_n of_o the_o earth_n we_o may_v behold_v he_o as_o he_o be_v that_o be_v as_o a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a for_o he_o that_o thus_o judge_n of_o that_o everblessed_n be_v not_o only_o remove_v from_o he_o all_o imbecility_n and_o imperfection_n but_o invest_v he_o in_o the_o most_o infinite_a manner_n with_o whatever_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n do_v rational_o repute_v to_o be_v a_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n and_o whatever_o the_o profane_a atheist_n may_v object_v who_o under_o pretence_n of_o honour_v god_n with_o the_o title_n of_o incomprehensible_a remove_v he_o so_o far_o that_o he_o profess_v he_o can_v have_v no_o certain_a conception_n of_o he_o at_o all_o and_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v not_o and_o perverse_o laugh_v all_o incorporeal_a substance_n out_o of_o the_o world_n as_o if_o there_o be_v a_o contradiction_n in_o the_o very_a term_n yet_o he_o that_o will_v discard_v the_o perplex_a dictate_v of_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n and_o keep_v close_o to_o the_o sure_a deduction_n of_o free_a and_o solid_a reason_n will_v i_o doubt_v not_o ingenuous_o confess_v that_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n be_v as_o easy_a and_o natural_a as_o of_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o the_o world_n but_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o he_o who_o mind_n be_v perpetual_o envelop_v with_o a_o cloud_n of_o vice_n and_o sin_n can_v behold_v the_o eternal_a existence_n of_o that_o glorious_a be_v which_o we_o call_v god_n or_o acknowledge_v of_o he_o yet_o decipher_v he_o to_o the_o world_n by_o such_o strange_a character_n as_o no_o reasonable_a man_n can_v believe_v to_o be_v a_o true_a copy_n of_o his_o nature_n it_o be_v a_o indubitable_a truth_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d every_o thing_n be_v best_a know_v by_o that_o which_o be_v most_o analogical_a to_o it_o and_o as_o the_o eye_n can_v behold_v the_o sun_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unless_o it_o have_v some_o picture_n and_o resemblance_n of_o the_o sun_n draw_v in_o it_o no_o more_o can_v any_o man_n have_v a_o true_a notion_n of_o the_o deity_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unless_o he_o be_v make_v godlike_a and_o partake_v of_o his_o image_n and_o similitude_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a congruity_n and_o harmony_n between_o truth_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n and_o however_o that_o ancient_a league_n by_o our_o unhappy_a lapse_n come_v to_o be_v violate_v and_o break_v yet_o still_o there_o be_v some_o stroke_n and_o impress_n in_o our_o mind_n which_o claim_v a_o cognation_n and_o affinity_n wherever_o they_o meet_v with_o it_o and_o those_o few_o spark_n which_o yet_o remain_v after_o the_o extinction_n of_o that_o great_a fire_n of_o divine_a life_n who_o harmless_a and_o innoxious_a flame_n burn_v bright_a within_o we_o and_o by_o it_o we_o see_v ourselves_o and_o behold_v the_o nature_n and_o propriety_n of_o thing_n till_o we_o suffocate_v and_o choke_v it_o by_o cast_v a_o heap_n of_o dust_n and_o rubbish_n upon_o it_o these_o i_o say_v though_o faint_a and_o glimmer_a yet_o retain_v their_o alliance_n with_o heaven_n and_o god_n own_v they_o as_o the_o projection_n and_o ray_n of_o his_o own_o good_a life_n and_o whoever_o sincere_o