the_o christian_a life_n part_n ii_o wherein_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o christian_a duty_n be_v assign_v explain_v and_o prove_v volume_n i._n by_o john_n scott_n rector_n of_o st._n peter_n poor_a london_n london_n print_v for_o robert_n horn_n at_o the_o south_n entrance_n of_o the_o royal_a exchange_n and_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishops-head_n in_o in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1685._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a and_o right_o reverend_a father_n in_o god_n henry_n lord_n bishop_n of_o london_n and_o one_o of_o his_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy_a council_n etc._n etc._n my_o lord_n i_o here_o present_a to_o your_o lordship_n the_o first_o volume_n of_o a_o second_o part_n of_o that_o treatise_n of_o christian_a life_n which_o i_o publish_v some_o year_n since_o and_o which_o under_o the_o protection_n of_o your_o venerable_a name_n have_v find_v good_a acceptance_n with_o the_o world_n and_o to_o make_v a_o ingenuous_a confession_n to_o your_o 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doctrine_n which_o have_v be_v handle_v at_o large_a in_o other_o english_a treatise_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o especial_o in_o that_o incomparable_a one_o of_o our_o most_o learned_a bishop_n of_o chester_n on_o the_o creed_n a_o book_n which_o next_o to_o the_o bible_n i_o thankful_o acknowledge_v myself_o more_o beholden_a to_o for_o my_o instruction_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n than_o to_o any_o one_o i_o ever_o read_v i_o have_v contract_v myself_o into_o as_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o the_o bare_o necessary_a explication_n of_o they_o will_v permit_v i_o but_o where_o that_o renown_a pen_n have_v insist_v more_o cursory_o as_o for_o instance_n on_o the_o particular_a office_n of_o our_o bless_a mediator_n i_o have_v most_o enlarge_v myself_o though_o even_o there_o i_o have_v for_o brevity_n sake_n pretermit_v some_o thing_n i_o intend_v less_o immediate_a and_o necessary_a appertain_v to_o the_o argument_n upon_o the_o whole_a i_o can_v true_o say_v 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it_o the_o very_a art_n and_o contrivance_n of_o it_o the_o proportion_n symmetry_n and_o correspondence_n of_o its_o part_n their_o subserviency_n to_o each_o other_o and_o the_o concurrence_n and_o tendency_n of_o they_o all_o together_o to_o the_o common_a end_n of_o religion_n be_v such_o as_o do_v apparent_o exceed_v all_o humane_a invention_n and_o argue_v it_o to_o be_v the_o product_n of_o a_o divine_a mind_n for_o as_o he_o who_o will_v form_v a_o true_a idea_n of_o the_o beauty_n of_o a_o picture_n must_v not_o contemplate_v the_o part_n of_o it_o separately_z but_o survey_v they_o all_o together_o and_o consider_v they_o in_o their_o proportion_n and_o correspondency_n with_o each_o other_o so_o he_o who_o will_v frame_v a_o right_a notion_n of_o religion_n must_v not_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o it_o lie_v scatter_v and_o divide_v into_o single_a part_n and_o proposition_n but_o consider_v they_o in_o contexture_n and_o as_o they_o be_v connect_v all_o together_o into_o one_o body_n or_o hypothesis_n for_o it_o be_v in_o their_o apt_a juncture_n their_o mutual_a dependency_n and_o admirable_a coherency_n with_o one_o another_o that_o the_o beauty_n and_o harmony_n of_o the_o whole_a consist_v and_o therefore_o to_o do_v right_a to_o christianity_n and_o enable_v the_o reader_n to_o contemplate_v it_o with_o the_o great_a advantage_n i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v to_o he_o the_o whole_a in_o a_o view_n and_o to_o give_v he_o a_o prospect_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o together_o in_o a_o harmonious_a union_n and_o connexion_n with_o each_o other_o for_o i_o very_o believe_v that_o the_o mean_a opinion_n which_o some_o witty_a man_n have_v entertain_v of_o christianity_n proceed_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n from_o their_o break_a and_o imperfect_a apprehension_n of_o it_o they_o understand_v it_o piecemeal_o and_o take_v it_o asunder_o into_o single_a proposition_n which_o they_o consider_v separately_z and_o apart_o by_o themselves_o without_o ever_o put_v they_o together_o into_o one_o regular_a system_n and_o present_v they_o to_o their_o thought_n in_o that_o orderly_a connexion_n wherein_o the_o holy_a oracle_n have_v deliver_v they_o to_o we_o for_o i_o can_v scarce_o imagine_v how_o any_o man_n of_o sense_n shall_v contemplate_v christianity_n all_o together_o and_o thorough_o consider_v the_o harmonious_a coherence_n of_o all_o its_o part_n and_o the_o wonderful_a contrivance_n of_o the_o whole_a without_o be_v captivate_v with_o the_o beauty_n and_o elegancy_n of_o it_o and_o now_o i_o have_v nothing_o further_a to_o add_v concern_v this_o treatise_n but_o only_o to_o entreat_v the_o reader_n not_o to_o be_v too_o severe_a in_o the_o perusal_n of_o it_o for_o though_o as_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n at_o all_o to_o apologise_v for_o it_o because_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o yet_o be_v force_v as_o i_o be_v to_o compose_v it_o by_o snatch_n and_o in_o the_o more_o quiet_a interval_n of_o a_o busy_a and_o uneasy_a life_n i_o very_o much_o suspect_v the_o exactness_n both_o of_o the_o style_n and_o method_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o all_o the_o favour_n i_o desire_n be_v this_o that_o where_o i_o have_v improper_o or_o obscure_o express_v myself_o i_o may_v be_v construe_v in_o the_o most_o favourable_a sense_n and_o that_o wherever_o i_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v confuse_v or_o immethodical_a it_o may_v be_v attribute_v to_o those_o frequent_a interruption_n which_o the_o disorder_n of_o my_o body_n have_v give_v to_o my_o thought_n and_o these_o be_v request_n so_o very_o just_a and_o reasonable_a that_o i_o be_o confident_a none_o will_v be_v so_o peevish_a as_o to_o deny_v i_o but_o they_o who_o read_v book_n only_o to_o carp_v and_o find_v fault_n and_o without_o any_o design_n to_o edify_v their_o own_o understanding_n but_o i_o hope_v the_o reader_n will_v consider_v that_o the_o argument_n here_o treat_v of_o be_v of_o too_o great_a moment_n to_o he_o to_o be_v so_o wretched_o trifle_v with_o and_o that_o therefore_o he_o will_v not_o be_v either_o so_o disingenuous_a to_o i_o or_o uncharitable_a to_o himself_o as_o to_o peruse_v with_o such_o a_o spiteful_a design_n that_o which_o i_o sincere_o intend_v for_o his_o good_a and_o which_o he_o i_o be_o sure_a if_o he_o please_v may_v be_v the_o better_a for_o for_o ever_o the_o content_n chapter_n i._n humane_a action_n of_o three_o sort_n page_n 1_o necessary_a and_o sinful_a action_n be_v either_o such_o as_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n in_o themselves_o which_o be_v those_o we_o call_v moral_a action_n or_o such_o as_o be_v command_v and_o forbid_v by_o positive_a law_n p._n 2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o the_o nature_n of_o moral_a good_a explain_v sect._n 1._o p._n 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o moral_a good_a in_o humane_a action_n prove_v in_o five_o proposition_n p._n 11_o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22_o 23_o 24_o 25_o 26_o 27._o the_o various_a way_n by_o which_o god_n have_v discover_v to_o we_o what_o be_v moral_o good_a in_o six_o particular_n sect._n 2._o p._n 28_o to_o p._n 53._o action_n moral_o good_a be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o religion_n sect._n 3._o p._n 53_o 54_o 55._o this_o demonstrate_v by_o six_o argument_n from_o scripture_n p._n 55_o to_o p._n 71._o four_o reason_n why_o god_n principal_o require_v what_o be_v moral_o good_a p._n 71_o to_o p._n 91._o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o of_o natural_a religion_n what_o it_o be_v p._n 92_o 93_o 94_o 95_o 96._o and_o of_o reveal_v religion_n p._n 97_o 98_o 99_o 100_o a_o definition_n of_o natural_a and_o reveal_v religion_n consider_v as_o they_o be_v now_o in_o conjunction_n p._n 101_o 102._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n thus_o define_v the_o
of_o and_o it_o may_v be_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o in_o those_o summary_n of_o our_o duty_n wherein_o but_o a_o few_o part_n be_v enumerate_v they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a it_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o rule_n of_o language_n to_o express_v the_o whole_a of_o any_o thing_n by_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o inconsiderable_a part_n of_o it_o v._o another_o evidence_n from_o scripture_n that_o moral_a goodness_n be_v the_o principal_a matter_n of_o duty_n that_o god_n require_v of_o we_o be_v that_o wheresoever_o such_o person_n as_o have_v be_v most_o dear_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n be_v describe_v their_o character_n be_v always_o make_v up_o of_o instance_n of_o morality_n thus_o the_o description_n of_o job_n be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n perfect_a and_o upright_o and_o one_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a job_n 1.1_o and_o in_o the_o 15_o psalm_n the_o description_n which_o david_n give_v of_o the_o man_n who_o shall_v abide_v in_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v this_o that_o he_o walk_v upright_o and_o work_v righteousness_n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o his_o heart_n that_o he_o backbit_v not_o with_o his_o tongue_n nor_o do_v evil_a to_o his_o neighbour_n nor_o take_v up_o a_o reproach_n against_o his_o neighbour_n etc._n etc._n he_o that_o do_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o shall_v never_o be_v move_v and_o the_o great_a character_n that_o be_v give_v of_o moses_n the_o darling_n and_o favourite_n of_o god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v very_o meek_a above_o all_o the_o man_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n numb_a 12.3_o thus_o also_o the_o character_n of_o cornelius_n by_o which_o he_o be_v so_o endear_v to_o god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o just_a and_o devout_a man_n one_o that_o fear_v god_n with_o all_o his_o house_n who_o give_v much_o alm_n to_o the_o people_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n always_o act_v 10.2_o and_o in_o a_o word_n the_o general_a character_n of_o those_o who_o god_n accept_v be_v in_o every_o nation_n he_o who_o do_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n act_v 10.35_o thus_o moral_a goodness_n be_v the_o great_a stamp_n and_o impress_n that_o render_v man_n current_a in_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o common_a brand_n by_o which_o hypocrite_n and_o false_a pretender_n to_o religion_n be_v stigmatise_v be_v their_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o positives_n and_o cold_a and_o indifferent_a as_o to_o the_o moral_n of_o religion_n for_o so_o our_o saviour_n character_n the_o pharisee_n woe_n unto_o you_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n hypocrite_n for_o you_o pay_v tithe_n of_o mint_n annis_n and_o cummin_n which_o yet_o be_v a_o positive_a duty_n and_o have_v omit_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n judgement_n mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n these_o ought_v you_o to_o have_v do_v and_o not_o to_o leave_v the_o other_o undo_v you_o blind_a guide_n you_o strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v a_o camel_n math._n 23.23.24_o plain_o imply_v the_o moral_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v as_o much_o great_a than_o the_o positives_n in_o weight_n and_o moment_n as_o a_o camel_n be_v than_o a_o gnat_n in_o bulk_n since_o therefore_o moral_a goodness_n be_v always_o mention_v as_o the_o great_a character_n of_o god_n favourite_n and_o the_o neglect_v of_o it_o out_o of_o a_o pretend_a zeal_n to_o the_o positive_a duty_n of_o religion_n be_v always_o record_v as_o a_o mark_n of_o the_o most_o odious_a hypocrite_n this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n how_o high_a a_o value_n god_n set_v upon_o the_o morality_n of_o religion_n vi_o and_o last_o another_o evidence_n from_o scripture_n that_o moral_a goodness_n be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v that_o at_o the_o great_a account_n between_o god_n and_o we_o his_o main_a inquisition_n will_v be_v concern_v such_o action_n as_o be_v moral_o good_a or_o evil_n for_o so_o rom._n 2.6_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o god_n will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v seek_v for_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n but_o to_o they_o who_o be_v contentious_a and_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n but_o obey_v unrighteousness_n tribulation_n and_o wrath_n indignation_n and_o anguish_n and_o according_o enoch_n as_o he_o be_v quote_v by_o st._n judas_n verse_n 14.15_o declare_v this_o to_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v with_o thousand_o of_o his_o saint_n viz._n to_o execute_v judgement_n upon_o all_o and_o to_o convince_v all_o that_o be_v ungodly_a among_o they_o of_o all_o their_o ungodly_a deed_n which_o they_o have_v ungodly_a commit_v and_o of_o all_o their_o hard_a speech_n which_o ungodly_a sinner_n have_v speak_v against_o he_o all_o which_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n against_o the_o eternal_a rule_n of_o morality_n and_o our_o saviour_n himself_o in_o that_o popular_a scheme_n and_o description_n he_o give_v of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n plain_o declare_v that_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a matter_n he_o will_v then_o inquire_v into_o will_v be_v our_o neglect_n or_o observance_n of_o that_o great_a moral_a duty_n of_o charity_n towards_o the_o poor_a and_o needy_a mat._n 25.32_o 46._o which_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o our_o obey_n or_o disobey_v the_o eternal_a law_n of_o morality_n be_v that_o by_o which_o we_o do_v most_o please_v or_o displease_v god_n since_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o that_o he_o will_v most_o insist_v in_o his_o final_a arbitration_n of_o our_o eternal_a fate_n for_o since_o his_o last_o judgement_n be_v only_o the_o final_a execution_n of_o his_o law_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o whatsoever_o it_o be_v that_o he_o will_v principal_o insist_v on_o in_o his_o judgement_n that_o be_v the_o principal_a matter_n of_o his_o law_n and_o now_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o upon_o what_o account_n it_o be_v that_o god_n have_v make_v moral_a goodness_n the_o main_a and_o principal_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n the_o chief_a reason_n of_o which_o be_v these_o four_o first_o because_o it_o be_v by_o moral_a goodness_n that_o we_o do_v most_o honour_n he_o second_o because_o it_o be_v by_o this_o that_o we_o do_v most_o imitate_v he_o three_o because_o it_o be_v by_o this_o that_o we_o advance_v to_o our_o own_o happiness_n four_o when_o all_o our_o positive_a duty_n be_v cease_v this_o be_v to_o be_v the_o eternal_a work_n and_o business_n of_o our_o nature_n i._o god_n have_v make_v moral_a goodness_n the_o principal_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v by_o this_o that_o we_o do_v he_o the_o great_a honour_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a say_n of_o hierocles_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n the_o best_a honour_n we_o can_v do_v to_o a_o self_n sufficient_a being_n be_v to_o receive_v the_o good_a thing_n he_o hold_v forth_o unto_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o by_o give_v to_o god_n that_o you_o honour_v he_o but_o by_o render_v yourselves_o worthy_a to_o receive_v of_o he_o for_o say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n whosoever_o give_v honour_n to_o god_n as_o to_o one_o that_o want_v do_v not_o consider_v that_o he_o thereby_o set_v himself_o above_o god_n for_o by_o his_o own_o selfsufficiency_n he_o be_v infinite_o remove_v above_o all_o capacity_n of_o want_n and_o so_o can_v never_o need_v any_o additional_a contribution_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n from_o his_o creature_n for_o glory_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o resplendency_n of_o perfection_n which_o always_o reflect_v its_o own_o beam_n upon_o itself_o where_o ever_o there_o be_v infinite_a perfection_n as_o to_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n there_o must_v a_o infinite_a glory_n proceed_v from_o it_o and_o therefore_o be_v infinite_o glorious_a in_o himself_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n we_o do_v shall_v add_v any_o further_a glory_n to_o he_o so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v true_o honour_v and_o glorify_v he_o it_o must_v not_o be_v by_o give_v to_o but_o by_o receive_v from_o he_o now_o the_o best_a thing_n we_o can_v receive_v from_o god_n be_v himself_o and_o himself_o we_o do_v receive_v in_o our_o strict_a compliance_n with_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o goodness_n which_o law_n be_v transcribe_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n from_o his_o own_o eternal_a righteousness_n and_o goodness_n we_o do_v by_o obey_v they_o derive_v god_n nature_n into_o we_o so_o that_o while_o we_o write_v after_o the_o copy_n of_o his_o law_n we_o write_v out_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o be_v and_o his_o law_n be_v the_o seal_n upon_o which_o he_o have_v engrave_v his_o
for_o whether_o we_o bow_v to_o god_n or_o to_o a_o idol_n be_v all_o one_o to_o the_o devil_n so_o long_o as_o our_o soul_n remain_v profane_a and_o indevout_a whether_o we_o communicate_v in_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n of_o christ_n death_n or_o in_o the_o impure_a right_n of_o venus_n and_o priapus_n be_v indifferent_a to_o he_o so_o long_o as_o our_o heart_n continue_v putrid_a and_o corrupt_a steam_a with_o unchaste_a desire_n and_o affection_n whether_o we_o celebrate_v the_o christian_a festival_n or_o the_o bloody_a saturnal_n or_o barbarous_a bacchanalia_fw-la be_v no_o great_a matter_n to_o he_o provide_v our_o mind_n be_v but_o canker_a with_o wrath_n and_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n and_o revenge_n these_o be_v the_o sinew_n of_o his_o government_n and_o the_o band_n of_o our_o allegiance_n to_o his_o throne_n and_o whilst_o they_o be_v preserve_v he_o know_v his_o kingdom_n be_v safe_a and_o so_o long_o he_o do_v not_o much_o regard_n what_o our_o outward_a religion_n be_v nay_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v a_o high_a gratification_n to_o his_o ambition_n than_o to_o behold_v himself_o serve_v in_o christ_n own_o livery_n and_o worship_v in_o a_o form_n of_o godliness_n by_o which_o he_o have_v the_o pleasure_n of_o divide_v empire_n with_o god_n and_o ravish_v the_o better_a share_n from_o he_o of_o behold_v his_o hate_a creator_n mock_v with_o the_o shell_n and_o outside_o of_o a_o worshipper_n whilst_o himself_o be_v treat_v with_o the_o kernol_n and_o inside_n for_o whilst_o we_o continue_v wicked_a under_o a_o outward_a form_n of_o religion_n we_o do_v in_o effect_n sacrifice_n our_o beast_n to_o god_n and_o ourselves_o to_o the_o devil_n who_o above_o all_o thing_n love_v those_o unnatural_a commixture_n of_o hearer_n and_o slanderer_n worshipper_n and_o deceiver_n communicant_a and_o drunkard_n sacrificer_n and_o oppressor_n by_o which_o we_o only_o exalt_v and_o sublimate_v impiety_n which_o never_o look_v so_o glorious_a as_o when_o it_o be_v gild_a with_o fast_n and_o long_a prayer_n wherefore_o as_o you_o will_v answer_v it_o at_o your_o eternal_a peril_n do_v not_o cheat_v and_o abuse_v yourselves_o with_o the_o name_n and_o shadow_n of_o religion_n lest_o when_o you_o have_v superstruct_v your_o hope_n of_o happiness_n on_o a_o rot_a foundation_n it_o shall_v final_o miscarry_v and_o sink_v underneath_o you_o into_o everlasting_a wretchedness_n and_o despair_n chap._n ii_o concern_v religion_n what_o it_o be_v and_o what_o thing_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o sound_n and_o secure_v its_o obligation_n have_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n brief_o discourse_v concern_v the_o nature_n of_o moral_a goodness_n and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o explain_v what_o religion_n be_v that_o so_o from_o thence_o we_o may_v collect_v what_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o sound_n and_o secure_v its_o obligation_n which_o will_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o the_o ensue_a chapter_n religion_n in_o the_o general_n respect_v god_n as_o the_o object_n and_o centre_n of_o all_o its_o act_n and_o office_n for_o upon_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o a_o god_n and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o being_n as_o reasonable_a creature_n or_o capable_a subject_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v some_o religion_n or_o other_o to_o tie_v and_o oblige_v these_o creature_n to_o that_o god_n for_o by_o god_n we_o mean_v a_o be_v that_o have_v all_o possible_a perfection_n in_o he_o and_o be_v the_o supreme_a cause_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o other_o be_v and_o perfection_n and_o such_o a_o be_v we_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v do_v not_o only_o deserve_v the_o worthy_a act_n of_o religion_n that_o reasonable_a creature_n who_o alone_o be_v capable_a of_o understand_v his_o worth_n can_v render_v to_o he_o but_o have_v also_o a_o unalienable_a right_n to_o exact_v and_o require_v they_o and_o that_o not_o only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o own_o essential_a desert_n for_o whatever_o he_o deserve_v he_o have_v a_o right_a to_o demand_v but_o also_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o right_n he_o have_v to_o reasonable_a creature_n who_o owe_v their_o being_n to_o he_o and_o all_o their_o capacity_n of_o serve_v he_o and_o so_o can_v dispose_v of_o themselves_o without_o manifest_a injury_n to_o he_o contrary_a to_o his_o will_n and_o order_n by_o reasonable_a creature_n we_o mean_v being_n that_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n and_o be_v endow_v by_o he_o with_o a_o capacity_n of_o understand_v he_o and_o themselves_o and_o such_o creature_n must_v necessary_o stand_v oblige_v to_o render_v he_o such_o act_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o and_o due_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o their_o own_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o this_o obligation_n be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v religion_n which_o word_n according_a to_o lactantius_n lib._n 4._o divin_n institut_n c._n 28._o be_v derive_v a_o religando_fw-la from_o bind_v or_o oblige_v we_o to_o god_n so_o that_o true_a religion_n in_o the_o general_n be_v the_o obligation_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o render_v such_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o god_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o their_o dependence_n upon_o he_o which_o definition_n include_v both_o the_o doctrine_n and_o dutuy_n of_o religion_n for_o the_o doctrine_n be_v the_o reason_n by_o which_o it_o oblige_v we_o to_o the_o duty_n and_o as_o there_o be_v no_o duty_n in_o religion_n but_o what_o derive_v its_o tie_n and_o obligation_n from_o some_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o so_o there_o be_v no_o doctrine_n in_o religion_n but_o what_o tie_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o some_o duty_n that_o be_v enjoin_v in_o it_o when_o therefore_o i_o call_v religion_n a_o obligation_n i_o include_v in_o that_o term_n all_o those_o doctrine_n of_o it_o concern_v god_n his_o nature_n and_o his_o transaction_n with_o his_o creature_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n by_o which_o we_o stand_v oblige_v to_o render_v all_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o he_o but_o for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o true_a religion_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v distinguish_v it_o into_o natural_a and_o reveal_v by_o natural_a religion_n i_o mean_v the_o obligation_n which_o natural_a reason_n lay_v upon_o we_o to_o render_v to_o god_n all_o that_o worship_n and_o obedience_n which_o upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o it_o discover_v to_o be_v due_a to_o he_o for_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o we_o a_o rational_a faculty_n by_o the_o due_a exercise_n of_o which_o we_o be_v natural_o lead_v into_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o his_o perfection_n and_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o providence_n he_o expect_v we_o shall_v follow_v it_o as_o the_o guide_n and_o directory_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n and_o whatsoever_o this_o faculty_n do_v natural_o and_o in_o its_o due_a exercise_n dictate_v to_o we_o be_v as_o much_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n as_o any_o revelation_n for_o whatever_o it_o natural_o dictate_v it_o must_v dictate_v by_o his_o direction_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o who_o have_v frame_v it_o to_o speak_v such_o a_o sense_n and_o pronounce_v such_o a_o judgement_n of_o thing_n have_v thereby_o put_v his_o word_n into_o its_o mouth_n and_o do_v himself_o speak_v through_o it_o as_o through_o a_o stand_a oracle_n which_o he_o have_v erect_v in_o our_o breast_n on_o purpose_n to_o convey_v and_o deliver_v his_o own_o mind_n and_o will_n to_o we_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o natural_a reason_n right_o exercise_v teach_v we_o concern_v god_n and_o our_o duty_n towards_o he_o be_v true_a religion_n and_o do_v as_o effectual_o bind_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o he_o as_o if_o it_o have_v be_v immediate_o reveal_v by_o he_o it_o teach_v we_o that_o god_n be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o just_a and_o powerful_a and_o good_a that_o he_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o our_o being_n the_o disposer_n of_o our_o affair_n and_o the_o arbitrator_n of_o our_o fate_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o and_o by_o these_o doctrine_n it_o oblige_v we_o to_o admire_v and_o adore_v he_o to_o fear_v and_o love_v he_o to_o trust_v and_o obey_v he_o and_o this_o be_v natural_a religion_n which_o consist_v of_o such_o doctrine_n as_o natural_a reason_n teach_v we_o concern_v god_n and_o his_o nature_n and_o providence_n and_o of_o such_o duty_n as_o it_o infer_v from_o those_o doctrine_n and_o enforce_v by_o they_o and_o all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o this_o religion_n upon_o which_o it_o find_v its_o duty_n be_v eternal_a verity_n as_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v be_v all_o deduce_v from_o the_o immutable_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o thing_n
all_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o must_v be_v moral_o that_o be_v eternal_o good_a and_o reasonable_a because_o those_o doctrine_n be_v the_o eternal_a reason_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v found_v and_o by_o which_o they_o oblige_v so_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n must_v oblige_v for_o ever_o because_o it_o oblige_v by_o a_o eternal_a reason_n and_o so_o can_v never_o be_v dispense_v with_o or_o abrogate_a till_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v cancel_v and_o reverse_v and_o eternal_a truth_n be_v convert_v into_o lie_n in_o short_a therefore_o natural_a religion_n have_v only_o natural_a reason_n for_o its_o rule_n and_o measure_n which_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o thing_n deduce_v all_o those_o eternal_a reason_n by_o which_o it_o distinguish_v our_o action_n into_o honest_a and_o dishonest_a decorous_a and_o filthy_a good_a and_o evil_n necessary_a and_o sinful_a for_o it_o do_v not_o make_v they_o good_a or_o evil_n by_o judge_v they_o so_o 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last_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v the_o great_a theme_n of_o all_o divine_a revelation_n for_o what_o else_o be_v that_o revelation_n which_o god_n make_v to_o abraham_n in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v but_o only_o the_o dawn_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o mediator_n what_o be_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o only_o the_o same_o gospel_n shine_v through_o a_o cloud_n of_o type_n and_o symbolical_a representation_n and_o what_o be_v all_o the_o succeed_a prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o only_o the_o same_o gospel_n still_o shine_v clear_a and_o clear_a till_o at_o last_o it_o break_v forth_o in_o its_o meridian_n brightness_n and_o be_v this_o a_o proper_a place_n i_o think_v i_o can_v easy_o demonstrate_v that_o from_o adam_n to_o moses_n from_o moses_n to_o the_o prophet_n from_o the_o prophet_n to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o 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and_o figure_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o yet_o like_o paint_a glass_n in_o a_o window_n do_v under_o their_o pompous_a show_n still_o darken_v and_o obscure_v the_o holy_a mystery_n within_o they_o which_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o doctrine_n and_o law_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o judaisme_n be_v only_a christianity_n veil_v and_o christianity_n be_v only_a judaisme_n reveal_v thus_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o mediator_n you_o see_v be_v the_o principal_a subject_n of_o all_o divine_a revelation_n and_o this_o without_o revelation_n natural_a reason_n can_v never_o have_v discover_v because_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o depend_v upon_o the_o free_a will_n of_o god_n for_o whether_o he_o will_v admit_v of_o any_o mediator_n or_o no_o whether_o he_o will_v admit_v his_o own_o son_n to_o be_v our_o mediator_n or_o no_o whether_o he_o will_v deposit_v such_o inestimable_a blessing_n for_o we_o or_o no_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o mediator_n be_v entire_o leave_v to_o his_o free_a determination_n and_o there_o be_v no_o necessary_a cause_n either_o within_o or_o without_o he_o no_o nor_o any_o probable_a one_o neither_o that_o humane_a reason_n can_v ever_o have_v discover_v that_o can_v incline_v or_o determine_v he_o one_o way_n or_o tother_o so_o that_o till_o such_o time_n as_o he_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o we_o we_o be_v leave_v utter_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o this_o matter_n and_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o principle_n to_o argue_v from_o or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o guess_v by_o this_o therefore_o be_v strict_o the_o reveal_v religion_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o natural_a but_o since_o together_o with_o reveal_v religion_n god_n have_v put_v forth_o a_o second_o edition_n of_o natural_a which_o be_v almost_o lose_v and_o grow_v out_o of_o print_n through_o the_o wretched_a negligence_n and_o stupidity_n of_o mankind_n and_o since_o
their_o religion_n a_o sanctuary_n for_o their_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n other_o gilding_n over_o their_o faction_n and_o sedition_n with_o a_o specious_a pretence_n of_o zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n some_o prosecute_n their_o own_o revenge_n and_o ambition_n under_o the_o ensign_n of_o pure_a worship_n and_o true_a protestant_a religion_n other_o commute_v for_o their_o excess_n of_o riot_n with_o a_o clamorous_a zeal_n for_o decency_n and_o order_n and_o other_o pick_v pocket_n with_o one_o hand_n while_o they_o have_v be_v lift_v up_o the_o other_o to_o heaven_n in_o devotion_n the_o sight_n of_o which_o have_v tempt_v the_o rude_a and_o unthinking_a vulgar_a to_o look_v upon_o religion_n as_o a_o mere_a castle_n in_o the_o air_n that_o have_v no_o foundation_n but_o in_o the_o invention_n of_o knave_n and_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o fool_n now_o though_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o these_o vile_a hypocrite_n who_o have_v lay_v this_o stumbling-block_n in_o man_n way_n shall_v one_o day_n dear_o answer_v for_o the_o ruin_n of_o those_o who_o it_o have_v occasion_v to_o fall_v and_o for_o thus_o expose_v the_o credit_n and_o reputation_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o misprision_n of_o those_o that_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o most_o inexcusable_a piece_n of_o folly_n for_o man_n thus_o to_o infer_v atheistical_a conclusion_n from_o the_o ill_a example_n of_o hypocritical_a professor_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o conclude_v a_o man_n a_o infidel_n because_o his_o action_n run_v counter_a to_o the_o faith_n he_o pretend_v to_o be_v very_o rash_a and_o fallacious_a for_o do_v we_o not_o see_v man_n very_o often_o act_v against_o their_o conscience_n and_o fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o their_o own_o conviction_n why_o may_v we_o not_o then_o as_o fair_o suppose_v those_o wicked_a action_n we_o argue_v from_o to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o obstinate_a will_n as_o of_o a_o infidel_n judgement_n but_o suppose_v 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be_v capable_a of_o be_v prostitute_v to_o very_o ill_a purpose_n i_o confess_v when_o we_o see_v so_o many_o cheat_n act_v under_o the_o masque_n of_o religion_n we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o call_v it_o to_o a_o more_o severe_a examination_n and_o to_o inquire_v more_o narrow_o into_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v found_v but_o present_o to_o reject_v religion_n because_o knave_n and_o hypocrite_n make_v bold_a to_o disguise_v themselves_o in_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o virtue_n as_o chastity_n in_o the_o world_n because_o there_o be_v common_a prostitute_n that_o pretend_v to_o it_o viii_o another_o cause_n of_o atheism_n be_v division_n and_o schism_n form_v out_o of_o little_a opinion_n in_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n to_o place_v a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n in_o those_o opinion_n for_o who_o sake_n they_o divide_v and_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o so_o that_o if_o hereafter_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o those_o opinion_n of_o which_o they_o be_v excessive_o fond_a at_o the_o present_a they_o will_v be_v under_o a_o great_a temptation_n to_o suspect_v religion_n itself_o as_o if_o that_o be_v as_o ill_o ground_v as_o those_o little_a opinion_n which_o they_o lay_v so_o great_a a_o stress_n on_o and_o so_o after_o they_o have_v run_v through_o several_a set_v of_o opinion_n and_o in_o fine_a have_v discover_v they_o to_o be_v all_o delusion_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o conclude_v religion_n itself_o to_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o system_fw-la of_o lie_n and_o imposture_n for_o as_o weak_a head_n when_o they_o perceive_v the_o battlement_n shake_v be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v the_o foundation_n so_o weak_a understanding_n will_v be_v prone_a to_o suspect_v even_o the_o fundamental_o of_o of_o religion_n when_o once_o they_o perceive_v those_o darling_n notion_n totter_v which_o they_o have_v confident_o presume_v to_o superstruct_v thereupon_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o irreligion_n of_o this_o age_n be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o sect_n and_o division_n of_o it_o for_o how_o many_o woeful_a example_n have_v we_o of_o person_n who_o have_v once_o a_o great_a zeal_n for_o and_o satisfaction_n in_o religion_n that_o upon_o their_o causeless_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n communion_n have_v run_v from_o sect_n to_o sect_n and_o from_o one_o extravagant_a opinion_n to_o another_o till_o at_o last_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n of_o they_o all_o they_o have_v total_o discard_v religion_n itself_o and_o make_v their_o last_o resort_v into_o atheism_n and_o as_o separate_n into_o party_n upon_o little_a difference_n in_o religion_n expose_v the_o separatist_n themselves_o to_o great_a temptation_n to_o atheism_n so_o it_o do_v those_o also_o who_o be_v indifferent_a on_o both_o side_n and_o stand_v engage_v on_o neither_o part_n of_o the_o separation_n for_o whilst_o these_o man_n behold_v the_o state_n of_o religion_n thus_o miserable_o break_v and_o divide_v and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o crumble_v into_o so_o many_o sect_n and_o party_n and_o each_o party_n spit_v fire_n and_o damnation_n at_o its_o adversary_n so_o that_o if_o all_o say_v true_a or_o indeed_o any_o two_o of_o they_o in_o five_o hundred_o sect_n which_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o for_o all_o i_o know_v there_o may_v be_v five_o thousand_o it_o be_v five_o hundred_o to_o one_o but_o that_o every_o one_o be_v damn_v because_o every_o one_o damn_v all_o but_o itself_o and_o itself_o be_v damn_v by_o four_o hundred_o and_o ninty_a nine_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a chance_n if_o in_o so_o great_a a_o volley_n of_o anathemaes_n which_o every_o one_o have_v level_v at_o it_o any_o one_o escape_n when_o i_o say_v unengage_v person_n that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o disputable_a opinion_n that_o constitute_v these_o sect_n and_o the_o necessary_n and_o essential_o of_o religion_n shall_v reflect_v upon_o this_o tumult_n and_o confusion_n of_o faith_n they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v without_o far_a inquiry_n that_o religion_n itself_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o infinite_a maze_n of_o disputable_a opinion_n wherein_o man_n wander_v about_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o justle_v and_o rancounter_v one_o another_o without_o any_o certain_a clew_n on_o either_o side_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v their_o inquiry_n under_o which_o misapprehension_n they_o will_v either_o damn_v all_o religion_n for_o a_o cheat_n or_o hover_v about_o in_o eternal_a uncertainty_n not_o know_v where_o in_o so_o great_a a_o confusion_n of_o religion_n to_o fix_v and_o settle_v their_o faith_n and_o hereunto_o i_o doubt_v not_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o irreligion_n of_o this_o age._n for_o while_o some_o man_n by_o run_v themselves_o out_o of_o breath_n in_o pursuit_n of_o those_o ignes_fw-la fatui_fw-la or_o new_a light_n that_o have_v break_v and_o divide_v our_o communion_n have_v at_o length_n quite_o tire_v out_o their_o zeal_n and_o religious_a pretence_n and_o so_o be_v at_o length_n lie_v down_o in_o the_o mire_n of_o irreligion_n and_o open_a profaneness_n other_o by_o look_v on_o and_o behold_v the_o wild_a division_n which_o these_o new_a light_n have_v make_v have_v be_v tempt_v to_o run_v away_o from_o religion_n itself_o as_o if_o that_o be_v only_o a_o labyrinth_n of_o uncertain_a opinion_n contrive_v on_o purpose_n to_o distract_v and_o bewild_a man_n brain_n now_o though_o the_o author_n of_o these_o division_n whosoever_o they_o be_v be_v doubtless_o high_o accountable_a to_o god_n for_o all_o that_o irreligion_n which_o attend_v they_o yet_o for_o man_n from_o hence_o to_o draw_v atheistical_a conclusion_n
do_v alter_v or_o cease_v for_o have_v sacrifice_n be_v good_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n their_o goodness_n have_v be_v as_o unalterable_a as_o their_o nature_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o find_v that_o whereas_o their_o nature_n neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v alter_v yet_o their_o goodness_n or_o necessity_n be_v for_o as_o before_o god_n adopt_v they_o into_o the_o rubric_n of_o religion_n by_o his_o own_o positive_a institution_n they_o be_v indifferent_a thing_n so_o after_o this_o institution_n be_v repeal_v by_o a_o contrary_a command_n they_o become_v unlawful_a so_o that_o it_o be_v now_o as_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v not_o offer_v they_o in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v before_o that_o we_o shall_v and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o the_o other_o rite_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n which_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a can_v no_o otherewise_o be_v convert_v either_o into_o necessary_a or_o sinful_a but_o by_o god_n express_a command_n or_o prohibition_n whereas_o justice_n and_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n be_v good_a in_o themselves_o abstract_o consider_v from_o all_o will_n and_o command_n and_o be_v not_o good_a mere_o because_o they_o be_v command_v but_o be_v command_v because_o they_o be_v good_a because_o they_o carry_v with_o they_o such_o unalterable_a reason_n as_o do_v in_o themselves_o render_v the_o practice_n of_o they_o eternal_o necessary_a for_o though_o there_o be_v very_o good_a reason_n why_o man_n shall_v not_o offer_v material_a sacrifice_n notwithstanding_o they_o be_v once_o enjoin_v yet_o it_o can_v never_o be_v reasonable_a for_o they_o to_o be_v unjust_a or_o cruel_a or_o proud_a because_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n carry_v such_o fix_v and_o immutable_a reason_n with_o they_o as_o will_v bind_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o eternity_n insomuch_o that_o though_o we_o have_v a_o dispensation_n to_o be_v proud_a under_o the_o broad-seal_n of_o heaven_n yet_o it_o will_v ill_o be_v very_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a to_o be_v so_o and_o as_o thing_n that_o be_v only_o positive_o necessary_a or_o sinful_a derive_v all_o their_o necessity_n and_o sinfulness_n from_o god_n direct_a or_o express_v command_n and_o prohibition_n so_o they_o can_v be_v command_v or_o forbid_v by_o consequence_n for_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v antecedent_o lawful_a or_o indifferent_a it_o must_v necessary_o remain_v so_o till_o it_o be_v direct_o command_v or_o forbid_v there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n to_o bound_v and_o limit_v it_o but_o only_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n in_o who_o disposal_n it_o be_v and_o therefore_o till_o he_o direct_o signify_v his_o will_n either_o for_o or_o against_o it_o it_o must_v remain_v as_o it_o be_v i._n e._n free_a and_o indifferent_a but_o you_o will_v say_v suppose_v god_n have_v command_v such_o a_o indifferent_a thing_n for_o such_o a_o reason_n do_v it_o not_o thence_o follow_v that_o he_o thereby_o command_v every_o other_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o have_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o i_o answer_v no_o for_o if_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o command_v it_o be_v necessary_a and_o eternal_a it_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a but_o moral_o necessary_a and_o so_o be_v every_o thing_n else_o that_o have_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o consequent_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o law_n though_o it_o be_v apply_v but_o to_o one_o thing_n extend_v to_o every_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n because_o in_o all_o moral_a case_n the_o reason_n of_o the_o law_n be_v the_o law_n but_o if_o the_o thing_n command_v be_v in_o itself_o indifferent_a the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v command_v can_v be_v necessary_a and_o therefore_o though_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n why_o another_o thing_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n shall_v be_v command_v yet_o it_o do_v not_o necessary_o oblige_v unless_o it_o be_v command_v actual_o because_o in_o such_o case_n it_o be_v not_o the_o reason_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o law_n that_o oblige_v and_o therefore_o where_o there_o be_v only_o the_o reason_n and_o not_o the_o law_n it_o lay_v no_o obligation_n on_o the_o conscience_n from_o the_o whole_a therefore_o it_o be_v evident_a what_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o thing_n that_o be_v positive_o and_o moral_o necessary_a and_o sinful_a which_o i_o think_v very_o necessary_a to_o explain_v at_o large_a for_o the_o give_v a_o full_a light_n to_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n in_o which_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v first_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o intrinsic_a goodness_n in_o some_o humane_a action_n as_o render_v they_o for_o ever_o necessary_a and_o oblige_v to_o we_o second_o that_o god_n have_v sufficient_o discover_v to_o we_o what_o those_o humane_a action_n be_v which_o carry_v with_o they_o this_o perpetual_a obligation_n three_o that_o these_o action_n which_o carry_v with_o they_o this_o perpetual_a obligation_n be_v the_o main_a and_o principal_a part_n of_o religion_n sect_n i._o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o intrinsic_a good_a in_o some_o humane_a action_n as_o render_v they_o for_o ever_o necessary_a and_o oblige_v to_o we_o good_a be_v twofold_a absolute_a or_o respective_a or_o the_o good_a of_o the_o end_n and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o mean_n the_o good_a of_o the_o end_n be_v that_o which_o be_v the_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n of_o any_o be_v the_o good_a of_o the_o mean_n be_v that_o which_o tend_v and_o conduce_v thereunto_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o absolute_a good_a of_o a_o brute_n animal_n consist_v in_o the_o perfection_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o its_o sense_n or_o in_o have_v perfect_a feel_v and_o sensation_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v most_o grateful_a to_o its_o appetite_n and_o sense_n it_o be_v respective_a good_a be_v the_o mean_n by_o which_o its_o sense_n be_v perfect_v or_o render_v lively_a and_o vigorous_a and_o by_o which_o it_o be_v provide_v for_o with_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v grateful_a and_o please_a to_o they_o for_o there_o be_v in_o every_o animate_v nature_n a_o principle_n whereby_o it_o be_v necessary_o incline_v to_o promote_v its_o own_o preservation_n and_o wellbeing_a that_o which_o have_v in_o it_o a_o fitness_n to_o promote_v this_o end_n be_v call_v good_a as_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o which_o be_v apt_a to_o hinder_v it_o evil._n now_o man_n be_v not_o only_o a_o sensitive_a but_o a_o rational_a creature_n have_v a_o twofold_a good_a belong_v to_o his_o nature_n the_o first_o sensitive_a which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o brute_n animal_n consist_v in_o the_o perfection_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o bodily_a sense_n and_o appetite_n and_o in_o those_o mean_n which_o conduce_v thereunto_o and_o this_o for_o distinction_n sake_n be_v call_v his_o natural_a good_a the_o second_o rational_a which_o consist_v in_o the_o perfection_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o rational_a faculty_n and_o in_o those_o mean_n which_o tend_v thereunto_o and_o this_o be_v style_v his_o moral_a good_a though_o in_o reality_n it_o be_v as_o much_o natural_a as_o the_o former_a for_o man_n be_v natural_o as_o well_o rational_a as_o sensitive_a that_o which_o promote_v his_o rational_a perfection_n and_o happiness_n be_v no_o less_o natural_o good_a for_o he_o than_o that_o which_o promote_v his_o sensitive_a nay_o his_o rational_a nature_n be_v the_o much_o more_o noble_a and_o excellent_a part_n of_o he_o that_o which_o natural_o promote_v the_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n of_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o a_o much_o great_a good_a to_o his_o nature_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v prefer_v by_o he_o before_o any_o of_o those_o natural_a good_n which_o conduce_v only_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o his_o sensitive_a nature_n and_o he_o who_o indulge_v his_o sensitive_a part_n in_o any_o pleasure_n which_o his_o rational_a disallow_n do_v thereby_o create_v a_o torment_n to_o himself_o and_o raise_v a_o devil_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o though_o reason_n and_o religion_n do_v allow_v that_o the_o sensitive_a nature_n shall_v be_v gratify_v in_o all_o its_o natural_a appetite_n and_o desire_n yet_o neither_o allow_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v pamper_a and_o indulge_v in_o any_o such_o excss_n as_o be_v prejudicial_a either_o to_o itself_o or_o to_o that_o rational_a nature_n whereunto_o it_o be_v join_v and_o he_o who_o indulge_v his_o sense_n in_o any_o such_o excess_n render_v himself_o obnoxious_a to_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o to_o gratify_v the_o brute_n in_o he_o displease_v the_o man_n and_o set_v his_o two_o nature_n at_o variance_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v natural_o good_a for_o we_o that_o be_v any_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o what_o be_v moral_o so_o i._n e._n with_o what_o conduce_v to_o the_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n of_o our_o rational_a nature_n and_o though_o this_o natural_a and_o moral_a good_a be_v no_o way_n
that_o which_o we_o most_o converse_v with_o and_o with_o who_o consent_n and_o agreement_n in_o any_o matter_n we_o be_v best_a acquaint_v be_v that_o of_o man_n and_o therefore_o if_o among_o man_n we_o can_v discover_v such_o a_o universal_a agreement_n concern_v the_o goodness_n of_o these_o rule_n as_o will_v warrant_v we_o to_o conclude_v all_o other_o rational_a being_n to_o be_v consent_v with_o they_o this_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n these_o two_o thing_n therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o 1._o that_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n be_v universal_o consent_v in_o this_o matter_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o immutable_a goodness_n in_o these_o rule_n of_o morality_n 2._o that_o this_o universal_a consent_n of_o man_n reason_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n that_o all_o other_o reasonable_a being_n be_v consent_v with_o they_o first_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a than_o that_o man_n be_v universal_o agree_v in_o this_o matter_n that_o to_o worship_n god_n to_o honour_v their_o parent_n and_o superior_n to_o be_v temperate_a in_o their_o passion_n and_o appetite_n and_o just_a and_o charitable_a towards_o one_o another_o be_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n immutable_o good_a that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o opinion_n peculiar_a to_o such_o a_o age_n or_o to_o such_o a_o nation_n or_o to_o such_o a_o sect_n of_o religion_n but_o the_o universal_a judgement_n of_o all_o mankind_n of_o whatsoever_o age_n nation_n or_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o judgement_n that_o all_o that_o conscience_n be_v found_v which_o approve_v of_o or_o condemn_v man_n action_n which_o conscience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o sense_n or_o feel_v of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a and_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o natural_a to_o man_n mind_n as_o the_o sense_n of_o pleasant_a or_o painful_a touch_n to_o their_o body_n since_o therefore_o general_a effect_n must_v spring_v from_o general_a cause_n it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o pain_n and_o pleasure_n which_o man_n mind_n general_o feel_v upon_o the_o commission_n of_o bad_a and_o good_a action_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o some_o general_a cause_n and_o what_o else_o can_v that_o be_v but_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o their_o reason_n concern_v the_o immutable_a evil_n of_o the_o one_o and_o good_a of_o the_o other_o i_o know_v it_o be_v pretend_v by_o some_o of_o our_o modern_a navigator_n that_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o people_n in_o the_o world_n who_o have_v not_o the_o least_o sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o do_v own_o neither_o god_n nor_o religion_n nor_o morality_n but_o consider_v the_o short_a converse_n and_o imperfect_a intercourse_n which_o these_o our_o new_a discoverer_n have_v have_v with_o those_o barbarous_a country_n it_o be_v fair_o supposeable_a that_o the_o inhabitant_n may_v have_v notion_n both_o religious_a and_o moral_a of_o which_o stranger_n who_o understand_v not_o their_o language_n and_o custom_n and_o manner_n can_v make_v little_a or_o no_o discovery_n but_o suppose_v that_o what_o they_o report_v be_v true_a yet_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n these_o wretched_a barbarian_n be_v in_o all_o other_o thing_n so_o extreme_o brutish_a that_o they_o discover_v no_o other_o token_n of_o their_o humanity_n but_o their_o shape_n for_o they_o live_v altogether_o regardless_o of_o themselves_o of_o the_o convenience_n of_o their_o life_n and_o of_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o nature_n without_o make_v any_o reflection_n on_o their_o own_o mind_n or_o any_o observation_n from_o their_o own_o experience_n since_o therefore_o all_o knowledge_n be_v acquire_v by_o attention_n it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o impossible_a for_o creature_n so_o utter_o supine_n and_o negligent_a to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o most_o common_a notion_n but_o for_o any_o man_n to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o general_a rule_n because_o there_o be_v a_o few_o exception_n from_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o absurd_a as_o if_o he_o shall_v question_v whether_o man_n be_v general_o two-legged_a animal_n because_o there_o have_v be_v some_o monster_n with_o three_o and_o what_o if_o among_o man_n there_o be_v some_o monster_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o other_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o body_n this_o be_v no_o more_o a_o prejudice_n to_o the_o stand_a law_n of_o humane_a nature_n than_o prodigy_n be_v to_o the_o regularity_n of_o the_o constant_a course_n of_o universal_a nature_n specimen_fw-la naturae_fw-la cujuslibet_fw-la say_v tully_n à _fw-la natura_fw-la optima_fw-la sumendum_fw-la est_fw-la i._n e._n the_o true_a sample_n of_o every_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o best_a nature_n of_o the_o kind_n since_o therefore_o the_o man_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o age_n and_o religion_n who_o have_v in_o any_o measure_n attend_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o make_v but_o any_o tolerable_a use_n of_o their_o reason_n be_v and_o always_o have_v be_v universal_o agree_v that_o there_o be_v a_o immutable_a good_a in_o virtue_n and_o evil_a in_o vice_n it_o be_v no_o argument_n at_o all_o that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o mankind_n suppose_v it_o true_a which_o be_v very_o questionable_a that_o there_o be_v some_o few_o such_o inhuman_a barbarian_n in_o the_o world_n as_o make_v no_o distinction_n at_o all_o between_o '_o they_o but_o than_o second_o this_o universal_a consent_n of_o man_n reason_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n that_o all_o other_o reasonable_a being_n be_v consent_v with_o they_o for_o it_o show_v that_o god_n himself_o be_v of_o this_o mind_n and_o if_o he_o be_v we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o all_o other_o reasonable_a being_n be_v for_o if_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n make_v we_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o he_o make_v we_o for_o some_o end_n and_o if_o he_o make_v we_o for_o any_o end_n he_o must_v esteem_v those_o action_n good_a which_o promote_v it_o and_o those_o evil_n which_o obstruct_v and_o hinder_v it_o and_o what_o other_o end_n can_v a_o infinite_o happy_a and_o bless_a be_v have_v in_o make_v other_o being_n but_o only_o to_o do_v they_o good_a and_o according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n to_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o his_o own_o happiness_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n make_v we_o to_o be_v sure_o those_o action_n must_v be_v good_a in_o his_o esteem_n that_o be_v beneficial_a and_o those_o evil_n that_o be_v hurtful_a and_o mischievous_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o therefore_o since_o he_o have_v implant_v in_o we_o not_o only_o a_o natural_a desire_n of_o happiness_n but_o also_o a_o rational_a faculty_n to_o discern_v what_o action_n make_v for_o our_o happiness_n and_o what_o not_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o whatsoever_o this_o faculty_n do_v universal_o determine_v to_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n 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and_o amuse_v the_o company_n and_o man_n will_v admire_v he_o just_a as_o they_o do_v rope-dancer_n for_o dare_v to_o perform_v what_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v tremble_v to_o attempt_v and_o be_v thus_o embolden_v by_o the_o admiration_n and_o laughter_n of_o his_o company_n which_o the_o vain_a creature_n mistake_v for_o a_o proof_n and_o evidence_n of_o his_o wit_n he_o grow_v more_o pert_a and_o confident_a and_o so_o fool_n and_o fleer_n on_o till_o he_o have_v toy_v and_o laugh_v himself_o out_o of_o all_o sense_n of_o religion_n but_o alas_o what_o a_o desperate_a piece_n of_o folly_n be_v this_o for_o man_n thus_o to_o sport_n and_o dally_v with_o the_o almighty_a who_o vengeance_n they_o can_v neither_o withstand_v nor_o endure_v to_o point_n and_o make_v mouth_n at_o he_o to_o his_o face_n and_o set_v he_o up_o as_o the_o finger-butt_n of_o their_o scorn_n and_o derision_n for_o certain_o if_o there_o be_v sin_n that_o can_v raise_v a_o cry_n loud_a enough_o to_o reach_v heaven_n this_o as_o a_o great_a author_n of_o our_o own_o have_v express_v it_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o whisper_v there_o that_o it_o will_v give_v a_o alarm_n to_o the_o vengeance_n of_o heaven_n who_o infliction_n like_o stone_n tumble_v from_o the_o top_n of_o tower_n will_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o fatal_o crush_v those_o they_o light_v on_o by_o how_o much_o the_o long_o they_o be_v fall_v upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o for_o man_n thus_o to_o dally_v with_o their_o own_o fate_n to_o venture_v to_o be_v damn_v that_o they_o may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v witty_a and_o expose_v themselves_o to_o endless_a wail_n and_o woe_n only_o to_o raise_v a_o present_a fit_n of_o laughter_n be_v doubtless_o a_o far_a more_o desperate_a attempt_n than_o it_o will_v be_v to_o play_v at_o the_o mouth_n of_o canon_n while_o they_o be_v spit_v fire_n or_o to_o lay_v hold_n on_o a_o thunderbolt_n as_o it_o come_v roar_v down_o from_o the_o cloud_n but_o suppose_v there_o be_v neither_o 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â—eason_n for_o his_o religion_n his_o faith_n have_v nothing_o but_o blind_a prejudice_n to_o support_v it_o and_o it_o be_v with_o his_o will_n that_o he_o believe_v and_o not_o with_o his_o understanding_n so_o that_o he_o may_v choose_v whether_o he_o will_v believe_v or_o no_o because_o he_o have_v no_o evidence_n to_o determine_v his_o understanding_n and_o how_o unstable_a and_o insecure_a must_v his_o faith_n need_v be_v when_o it_o have_v no_o other_o foundation_n but_o a_o fickle_a and_o inconstant_a will_n when_o it_o lie_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o his_o humour_n and_o inclination_n and_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o determine_v his_o assent_n to_o that_o side_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v most_o for_o his_o interest_n for_o now_o his_o faith_n be_v determine_v by_o his_o will_n and_o his_o will_n
people_n god_n authority_n be_v quite_o exclude_v from_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n in_o short_a if_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o people_n make_v their_o governor_n without_o god_n authorise_v he_o he_o be_v the_o people_n viceroy_n and_o not_o god_n but_o if_o it_o be_v god_n that_o authorise_v he_o he_o be_v god_n viceroy_n and_o not_o the_o people_n so_o that_o their_o choice_n even_o in_o elective_a government_n can_v signify_v no_o more_o than_o the_o bare_a present_v of_o a_o person_n to_o god_n to_o be_v authorise_v his_o vicegerent_n by_o he_o who_o if_o their_o choice_n be_v just_a and_o lawful_a be_v suppose_v to_o consent_v to_o and_o approve_v it_o and_o thereby_o to_o authorise_v the_o person_n so_o present_v for_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o the_o abstract_n be_v ordain_v and_o institute_v by_o god_n but_o abstract_n authority_n can_v govern_v unless_o some_o person_n be_v vest_v with_o it_o and_o to_o vest_n he_o with_o it_o he_o must_v not_o only_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o authority_n but_o the_o authority_n must_v also_o be_v apply_v to_o he_o but_o where_o the_o people_n have_v the_o right_n of_o election_n they_o only_o apply_v the_o person_n to_o the_o authority_n but_o it_o be_v god_n consent_n and_o approbation_n that_o apply_v the_o authority_n to_o the_o person_n who_o thereupon_o commence_v supreme_a under_o god_n and_o have_v no_o superior_a tribunal_n but_o god_n to_o account_v to_o and_o thus_o according_a to_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n the_o most_o high_a rule_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o man_n because_o as_o lord_n of_o all_o the_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o all_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n he_o rule_v and_o govern_v by_o their_o ministry_n and_o they_o rule_v and_o govern_v by_o his_o authority_n so_o that_o to_o secure_v and_o maintain_v the_o obligation_n which_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n devolve_v upon_o we_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o all_o rightful_a 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also_o necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o contribute_v to_o we_o all_o that_o assistance_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o observe_v his_o law_n that_o whereas_o in_o this_o corrupt_a state_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o be_v so_o indispose_v to_o all_o good_a by_o our_o carnal_a affection_n and_o vicious_a habit_n as_o that_o without_o some_o foreign_a aid_n it_o be_v moral_o certain_a we_o shall_v never_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o through_o compliance_n with_o our_o duty_n god_n be_v always_o ready_a not_o only_o to_o second_v but_o to_o prevent_v our_o endeavour_n to_o inspire_v good_a thought_n into_o our_o mind_n and_o by_o they_o to_o kindle_v devout_a affection_n in_o our_o will_n and_o by_o they_o to_o excite_v we_o to_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a endeavour_n and_o that_o when_o he_o have_v proceed_v thus_o far_o with_o we_o he_o do_v not_o present_o abandon_v we_o to_o ourselves_o and_o leave_v we_o to_o contend_v and_o struggle_v in_o vain_a with_o insuperable_a difficulty_n but_o all_o along_o cooperate_v with_o we_o aid_n and_o assist_v our_o faculty_n and_o with_o his_o holy_a inspiration_n cherish_v our_o languish_a endeavour_n till_o they_o have_v wrought_v their_o way_n through_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n into_o a_o permanent_a state_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n so_o that_o unless_o we_o either_o turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n to_o those_o good_a thought_n he_o suggest_v to_o we_o and_o refuse_v to_o listen_v to_o their_o persuasion_n or_o quench_v those_o holy_a affection_n which_o they_o kindle_v in_o we_o with_o earthly_a care_n and_o pleasure_n or_o by_o wilful_a sin_v harden_v our_o heart_n against_o all_o the_o impression_n of_o his_o grace_n we_o shall_v not_o fail_v of_o be_v frequent_o and_o powerful_o excire_v by_o he_o to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o when_o he_o thus_o excite_v we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o wilful_o slacken_v our_o endeavour_n and_o base_o surrender_v back_o ourselves_o to_o our_o lust_n in_o despite_n of_o all_o our_o resolution_n and_o his_o persuasion_n to_o the_o contrary_a we_o shall_v be_v so_o effectual_o and_o constant_o assist_v by_o he_o as_o that_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o fail_v of_o success_n for_o thus_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o he_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a 1_o pet._n 5.5_o and_o thereby_o work_v in_o they_o to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v phil._n 2.13_o and_o that_o to_o this_o end_n he_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v luke_n 11.13_o the_o belief_n of_o which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o oblige_v we_o to_o submit_v to_o religion_n for_o though_o we_o be_v natural_o free_a to_o good_a as_o well_o as_o evil_a yet_o through_o the_o vicious_a habit_n we_o have_v general_o contract_v either_o through_o youthful_a levity_n and_o inconsideration_n or_o ill_a education_n and_o example_n our_o liberty_n to_o good_a be_v so_o straighten_v and_o confine_v that_o whenever_o we_o attempt_v to_o exercise_v it_o we_o find_v a_o prevail_a bias_n on_o our_o nature_n that_o carry_v we_o the_o contrary_a way_n bear_v before_o it_o all_o our_o good_a resolution_n and_o tire_v out_o our_o short-breathed_a endeavour_n so_o that_o the_o good_a we_o will_v we_o do_v not_o and_o the_o evil_n we_o will_v not_o we_o do_v and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o can_v depend_v upon_o god_n for_o assistance_n against_o the_o violence_n and_o outrage_n of_o our_o bad_a inclination_n after_o we_o have_v once_o struggle_v with_o they_o in_o vain_a and_o thereby_o make_v a_o woeful_a experiment_n of_o our_o own_o impotence_n we_o shall_v out_o of_o mere_a despair_n of_o prevail_v against_o they_o give_v over_o attempt_v it_o and_o utter_o abandon_v ourselves_o to_o their_o tyranny_n but_o if_o we_o firm_o believe_v that_o god_n who_o know_v our_o weakness_n and_o our_o enemy_n strength_n will_v in_o proportion_n to_o both_o ready_o assist_v we_o whensoever_o we_o hearty_o invoke_v his_o aid_n and_o in_o concurrence_n therewith_o exert_v our_o own_o endeavour_n we_o have_v all_o the_o encouragement_n in_o the_o world_n to_o undertake_v our_o duty_n maugre_o all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o attend_v it_o for_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v concur_v with_o our_o endeavour_n we_o may_v depend_v upon_o it_o that_o not_o only_o our_o own_o endeavour_n be_v in_o our_o power_n but_o god_n assistance_n too_o and_o that_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n do_v not_o so_o much_o over-match_n our_o endeavour_n as_o god_n assistance_n over-matche_n those_o corruption_n so_o that_o if_o we_o hearty_o exert_v our_o endeavour_n we_o be_v sure_o we_o can_v fail_v of_o success_n because_o we_o know_v that_o god_n will_v assist_v our_o endeavour_n and_o that_o with_o his_o assistance_n we_o can_v but_o be_v victorious_a since_o therefore_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v as_o much_o under_o the_o command_n of_o our_o will_n as_o our_o own_o principle_n of_o action_n it_o be_v as_o much_o in_o our_o power_n to_o do_v that_o which_o we_o can_v do_v without_o god_n grace_n as_o to_o do_v that_o which_o we_o can_v and_o therefore_o if_o god_n grace_n be_v sufficient_a to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o our_o natural_a power_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o conquer_v the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o duty_n we_o be_v sure_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o can_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o we_o because_o now_o we_o can_v do_v not_o only_o all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v by_o ourselves_o but_o also_o all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n v._o to_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v true_o religious_a it_o be_v also_o necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o the_o assistance_n which_o god_n afford_v we_o be_v such_o as_o suppose_v we_o free_a agent_n and_o concur_v with_o and_o maintain_v our_o natural_a freedom_n that_o it_o
do_v not_o necessary_o determine_v we_o to_o good_a but_o leave_v it_o to_o our_o own_o free_a choice_n to_o determine_v ourselves_o which_o way_n we_o please_v that_o as_o he_o act_v upon_o necessary_a agent_n by_o a_o necessary_a influx_n and_o causality_n which_o they_o can_v resist_v and_o determine_v those_o thing_n to_o act_v by_o his_o will_n which_o have_v no_o will_n of_o their_o own_o to_o determine_v they_o so_o he_o act_v upon_o free_a agent_n by_o a_o free_a and_o unconstrain_a influence_n i._n e._n by_o suggest_v argument_n to_o their_o mind_n to_o incline_v and_o persuade_v they_o but_o leave_v it_o to_o their_o own_o liberty_n to_o consider_v those_o argument_n or_o not_o and_o to_o comply_v with_o those_o persuasion_n or_o reject_v they_o and_o that_o though_o as_o he_o have_v sometime_o suspend_v the_o power_n of_o necessary_a agent_n and_o interrupt_v the_o natural_a course_n of_o their_o motion_n as_o when_o he_o forbid_v the_o sun_n to_o move_v and_o the_o fire_n to_o burn_v so_o he_o have_v at_o other_o time_n restrain_v the_o natural_a liberty_n of_o free_a agent_n and_o determine_v they_o by_o a_o overrule_a necessity_n yet_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o miraculous_a but_o that_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o his_o government_n he_o do_v as_o well_o leave_v free_a agent_n to_o that_o natural_a freedom_n with_o which_o he_o first_o create_v they_o as_o necessary_a one_o to_o those_o necessity_n which_o he_o first_o impress_v upon_o their_o nature_n for_o his_o providence_n be_v succedaneous_a to_o his_o creation_n and_o do_v at_o first_o begin_v where_o that_o end_v and_o do_v still_o proceed_v as_o it_o begin_v order_v and_o govern_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o several_a frames_n and_o model_n in_o which_o he_o first_o cast_v and_o create_v they_o nor_o can_v he_o order_v and_o govern_v they_o otherwise_o without_o unravel_v his_o own_o creation_n and_o make_v thing_n to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o he_o first_o make_v they_o for_o how_o can_v he_o ordinary_o necessitate_v those_o agent_n who_o he_o first_o make_v free_a without_o change_v their_o nature_n from_o free_a to_o necessary_a and_o make_v they_o a_o different_a kind_n of_o be_v than_o he_o make_v they_o so_o that_o though_o in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o government_n god_n do_v powerful_o importune_v and_o persuade_v we_o yet_o he_o lay_v no_o necessity_n on_o our_o will_n but_o leave_v we_o free_a to_o choose_v or_o refuse_v and_o as_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n incline_v we_o one_o way_n so_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n incline_v we_o another_o but_o both_o leave_v we_o to_o our_o own_o liberty_n to_o go_v which_o way_n we_o please_v and_o this_o the_o scripture_n plain_o assert_n where_o it_o make_v mention_v of_o man_n resist_v the_o holy_a ghost_n act_v 7.51_o and_o grieve_v and_o quench_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n eph._n 4.30_o 1_o thes._n 5.19_o and_o refuse_v to_o hear_v when_o god_n call_v and_o to_o regard_v when_o he_o stretch_v forth_o his_o hand_n and_o of_o their_o set_v his_o counsel_n at_o naught_o and_o reject_v his_o reproof_n prov._n 1.24_o 25._o and_o in_o a_o word_n where_o it_o make_v mention_v of_o some_o man_n baffle_n and_o defeat_v that_o very_a grace_n which_o will_v have_v conquer_v and_o persuade_v other_o mat._n 11.21_o which_o plain_o imply_v that_o all_o that_o assistance_n to_o do_v our_o duty_n that_o god_n ordinary_o vouchsafe_v we_o in_o the_o course_n of_o his_o government_n be_v such_o as_o no_o way_n determin_n or_o necessitate_v we_o the_o belief_n of_o which_o be_v high_o necessary_a to_o engage_v we_o in_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n for_o while_o man_n imagine_v that_o their_o duty_n be_v such_o as_o they_o can_v hearty_o comply_v with_o without_o be_v compel_v to_o it_o by_o a_o irresistible_a grace_n and_o that_o no_o assistance_n of_o god_n can_v be_v sufficient_a to_o this_o end_n but_o that_o which_o suspend_v their_o liberty_n to_o evil_a and_o fatal_o determin_n they_o to_o good_a what_o shall_v move_v they_o to_o exert_v their_o own_o endeavour_n why_o shall_v they_o watch_v and_o pray_v and_o strive_v and_o contend_v against_o a_o corrupt_a nature_n for_o if_o god_n will_v make_v they_o good_a irresistible_o their_o endeavour_n be_v needless_a but_o if_o he_o will_v not_o it_o be_v labour_n in_o vain_a to_o what_o end_n shall_v they_o ply_v the_o oar_n to_o stem_v the_o tide_n of_o a_o degenerate_a nature_n since_o without_o a_o irresistible_a gale_n from_o heaven_n they_o shall_v never_o succeed_v and_o with_o it_o they_o shall_v whether_o they_o ply_v or_o no_o so_o that_o while_o man_n live_v in_o expectance_n of_o a_o irresistible_a grace_n to_o make_v they_o good_a they_o quit_v themselves_o of_o all_o their_o obligation_n to_o a_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a endeavour_n but_o so_o long_o as_o they_o believe_v that_o god_n grace_n be_v such_o as_o suppose_v and_o leave_v they_o free_a such_o as_o they_o may_v defeat_v or_o prosper_v by_o the_o good_a or_o ill_a use_n of_o their_o liberty_n they_o can_v but_o discern_v themselves_o infinite_o oblige_v to_o cooperate_v with_o it_o to_o listen_v and_o consent_v to_o its_o bless_a motion_n and_o persuasion_n and_o constant_o to_o endeavour_v to_o comply_v with_o they_o in_o their_o action_n or_o at_o least_o not_o to_o resist_v they_o and_o harden_v and_o fortify_v themselves_o against_o they_o by_o act_v counter_a to_o and_o fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o their_o own_o conviction_n for_o since_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n do_v not_o determine_v we_o to_o good_a but_o leave_v we_o to_o our_o own_o freedom_n we_o can_v never_o expect_v to_o be_v determine_v to_o good_a without_o our_o free_a concurrence_n which_o if_o we_o refuse_v we_o shall_v certain_o perish_v in_o our_o sin_n and_o have_v not_o only_o the_o blood_n of_o our_o own_o soul_n to_o answer_v for_o but_o all_o that_o grace_n too_o which_o we_o have_v baffle_v and_o defeat_v vi_o to_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v true_o religious_a it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v believe_v that_o god_n take_v particular_a cognisance_n of_o the_o good_a and_o ill_a use_v we_o make_v of_o our_o natural_a freedom_n that_o he_o do_v not_o mere_o gaze_v upon_o our_o action_n as_o a_o indifferent_a and_o unconcerned_a spectator_n but_o behold_v they_o with_o the_o high_a concern_v and_o regard_v with_o infinite_a complacency_n or_o detestation_n and_o treasure_n they_o up_o in_o his_o all-comprehending_a mind_n to_o be_v produce_v for_o or_o against_o we_o in_o the_o day_n of_o fearful_a reckon_n and_o account_n that_o he_o do_v not_o inspect_v our_o action_n with_o a_o passant_a and_o cursory_a view_n as_o thing_n of_o little_a or_o no_o moment_n but_o lay_v they_o up_o in_o everlasting_a remembrance_n so_o that_o every_o good_a or_o ill_a thing_n we_o do_v stand_v upon_o record_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o our_o final_a acquittal_n or_o condemnation_n for_o so_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o not_o only_o that_o god_n eye_n be_v upon_o the_o way_n of_o man_n and_o that_o he_o see_v all_o his_o go_n job_n 34.21_o and_o that_o his_o eye_n run_v to_o and_o fro_o throughout_o the_o earth_n and_o be_v in_o every_o place_n behold_v the_o good_a and_o evil_a 2_o chron._n 16.9_o and_o prov._n 15.3_o but_o that_o he_o see_v good_a action_n though_o do_v in_o secret_a and_o will_v reward_v they_o open_o matth._n 6.6_o and_o that_o he_o will_v bring_v every_o work_n into_o judgement_n with_o every_o secret_a thing_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n eccles._n 12.14_o the_o belief_n of_o which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o found_v the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n for_o if_o we_o suppose_v either_o that_o god_n see_v not_o our_o action_n or_o look_v upon_o they_o with_o a_o indifferent_a eye_n without_o take_v any_o notice_n or_o cognisance_n of_o they_o there_o be_v no_o religious_a consideration_n can_v oblige_v we_o for_o upon_o this_o supposal_n our_o action_n must_v all_o be_v indifferent_a to_o he_o and_o if_o they_o be_v indifferent_a to_o he_o what_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o make_v any_o difference_n between_o they_o it_o be_v true_a good_a action_n be_v in_o themselves_o beneficial_a and_o evil_a one_o prejudicial_a to_o we_o and_o therefore_o for_o our_o own_o interest-sake_n we_o ought_v to_o choose_v the_o one_o and_o refuse_v the_o other_o but_o this_o abstract_a from_o all_o respect_n to_o god_n be_v only_o a_o prudential_n and_o not_o a_o religious_a obligation_n but_o why_o shall_v we_o do_v any_o good_a or_o avoid_v any_o evil_n upon_o god_n account_n if_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v alike_o to_o he_o but_o if_o we_o firm_o believe_v that_o god_n not_o only_o see_v whatsoever_o we_o do_v but_o take_v particular_a notice_n of_o all_o our_o good_a and_o evil_a
only_o a_o possible_a kind_a of_o be_v want_v but_o a_o kind_a which_o by_o partake_v both_o of_o reason_n and_o sense_n of_o spirit_n and_o of_o matter_n be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o simplicius_n express_v it_o i._n e._n the_o vital_a joint_n that_o clasp_v the_o upper_a and_o low_a world_n together_o and_o if_o it_o be_v no_o way_n unsuitable_a to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o create_v the_o two_o extreme_n viz._n angel_n and_o brute_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v think_v unsuitable_a to_o make_v a_o middle_a nature_n between_o they_o it_o be_v true_a by_o partake_v of_o both_o nature_n we_o be_v not_o only_o free_a to_o evil_a in_o common_a with_o angel_n but_o also_o liable_a to_o strong_a temptation_n to_o it_o than_o they_o because_o we_o be_v place_v in_o a_o tempt_a body_n among_o a_o great_a many_o brutish_a passion_n and_o appetite_n and_o that_o body_n be_v place_v in_o a_o tempt_a world_n among_o a_o great_a many_o sensitive_a good_n and_o evil_n that_o be_v continual_o importune_v those_o appetite_n to_o mutiny_v against_o reason_n and_o to_o carry_v we_o away_o captive_a into_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n but_o to_o place_v we_o in_o this_o state_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o it_o be_v exact_o pursuant_n to_o the_o design_n of_o a_o most_o wise_a and_o gracious_a providence_n for_o since_o we_o be_v place_v by_o the_o condition_n of_o our_o nature_n in_o a_o low_a rank_n of_o be_v and_o perfection_n than_o angel_n we_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o that_o than_o ant_n or_o fly_n have_v that_o they_o be_v not_o men._n but_o in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n the_o high_a good_a that_o providence_n can_v design_v we_o be_v to_o put_v we_o into_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o probation_n wherein_o by_o the_o good_a use_n of_o our_o liberty_n we_o may_v by_o degree_n fit_v ourselves_o for_o and_o at_o length_n arrive_v to_o a_o better_a and_o more_o raise_v condition_n and_o by_o a_o orderly_a progression_n from_o this_o rude_a and_o imperfect_a state_n may_v in_o the_o different_a period_n of_o our_o life_n grow_v up_o into_o high_a and_o more_o excellent_a capacity_n and_o at_o length_n ripen_v into_o perfection_n now_o in_o order_n to_o our_o trial_n it_o be_v tequisite_a we_o shall_v be_v place_v among_o difficulty_n without_o which_o no_o proof_n can_v be_v make_v of_o our_o virtue_n of_o our_o patience_n and_o temperance_n and_o chastity_n and_o equanimity_n meekness_n and_o sobriety_n all_o which_o be_v proper_a to_o we_o as_o being_n made_n up_o of_o angel_n and_o brute_n from_o the_o latter_a of_o which_o nature_n all_o those_o brutal_a appetite_n arise_v in_o we_o in_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a government_n whereof_o consist_v the_o nature_n of_o humane_a virtue_n and_o vice_n so_o that_o this_o present_a state_n of_o our_o life_n be_v intend_v by_o god_n for_o a_o field_n of_o combat_n between_o our_o sense_n and_o our_o reason_n our_o brutal_a and_o angelical_a nature_n and_o that_o the_o victory_n of_o our_o reason_n may_v through_o the_o difficulty_n of_o it_o be_v render_v more_o glorious_a and_o rewardable_a god_n have_v furnish_v its_o antagonist_n with_o the_o weapon_n of_o worldly_a temptation_n to_o assault_v and_o oppose_v it_o to_o try_v its_o strength_n and_o mettle_n and_o to_o exercise_v both_o its_o active_a and_o passive_a virtue_n intend_v when_o it_o have_v conquer_v to_o translate_v we_o hence_o as_o a_o reward_n of_o our_o victory_n into_o a_o free_a and_o disintangled_a state_n where_o we_o shall_v be_v vex_v and_o entice_v no_o more_o with_o the_o importunity_n of_o sensual_a lust_n and_o affection_n but_o to_o all_o eternity_n enjoy_v the_o serenity_n and_o pleasure_n of_o a_o pure_a angelical_a nature_n and_o what_o be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o that_o be_v any_o way_n unsuitable_a yea_o that_o be_v not_o every_o way_n answerable_a to_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n it_o be_v true_a instead_o of_o conquer_a we_o may_v if_o we_o please_v yield_v ourselves_o captive_a to_o folly_n and_o wickedness_n but_o what_o then_o be_v providence_n to_o be_v blame_v for_o leave_v man_n hand_n at_o liberty_n because_o some_o have_v be_v so_o desperate_a as_o to_o cut_v their_o own_o throat_n it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o he_o have_v propose_v to_o we_o reward_n enough_o to_o encourage_v we_o to_o contend_v and_o contribute_v to_o we_o assistance_n enough_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o conquer_v and_o have_v do_v all_o that_o become_v a_o wise_a and_o good_a governor_n to_o prevent_v our_o sin_n and_o ruin_n who_o be_v to_o be_v blame_v for_o it_o but_o ourselves_o god_n leave_v we_o at_o liberty_n indeed_o among_o temptation_n to_o evil_a and_o this_o the_o very_a state_n and_o composition_n of_o our_o nature_n require_v but_o all_o he_o design_n by_o it_o be_v to_o exercise_v our_o virtue_n and_o thereby_o to_o improve_v and_o train_v we_o up_o to_o a_o state_n of_o high_a perfection_n and_o to_o furnish_v we_o with_o glorious_a opportunity_n of_o fight_v for_o and_o win_a crown_n and_o reward_n and_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o any_o way_n reflect_v on_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o providence_n that_o it_o be_v a_o illustrious_a instance_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v only_o thus_o far_o that_o he_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o be_v of_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n all_o the_o rest_n be_v owe_v to_o our_o own_o mad_a and_o desperate_a abuse_n of_o our_o natural_a liberty_n to_o our_o wilful_a opposition_n to_o his_o gracious_a intention_n and_o obstinate_a resistance_n to_o his_o powerful_a art_n and_o method_n of_o prevent_v our_o sin_n and_o ruin_n what_o then_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o for_o we_o to_o object_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n providence_n that_o which_o be_v pure_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o own_o madness_n and_o folly_n and_o if_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n be_v no_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n much_o less_o be_v the_o evil_a of_o misery_n since_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o evil_n which_o we_o suffer_v in_o this_o world_n be_v either_o the_o natural_a effect_n or_o the_o just_a punishment_n or_o the_o necessary_a antidote_n and_o preventives_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o therefore_o when_o you_o come_v into_o a_o great_a school_n of_o wild_a and_o unruly_a boy_n you_o may_v as_o well_o argue_v that_o there_o be_v no_o master_n of_o it_o because_o there_o be_v rod_n and_o ferulaes_n in_o it_o as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n over_o this_o sinful_a world_n because_o there_o be_v misery_n and_o affliction_n in_o it_o for_o upon_o the_o be_v of_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n the_o be_v of_o misery_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o providence_n that_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o demonstration_n of_o it_o because_o aâ—_n sinful_a world_n can_v no_o more_o be_v govern_v without_o misery_n than_o a_o unruly_a school_n without_o correction_n iv._o another_o objection_n that_o be_v make_v against_o providence_n be_v that_o unequal_a division_n of_o good_n and_o evil_n that_o be_v make_v in_o this_o world_n if_o there_o be_v a_o just_a providence_n that_o overrule_v the_o world_n one_o will_v think_v it_o shall_v make_v a_o more_o visible_a distinction_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o its_o reward_n and_o punishment_n whereas_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o thing_n we_o see_v all_o thing_n happen_v alike_o to_o all_o and_o many_o time_n it_o fare_v worst_a with_o the_o best_a and_o best_a with_o the_o worst_a of_o men._n now_o because_o this_o be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o universal_a objection_n that_o be_v ever_o urge_v against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v in_o answer_n to_o it_o endeavour_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n false_a and_o groundless_a 2._o that_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v no_o argument_n at_o all_o against_o a_o providence_n first_o i_o say_v this_o objection_n that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n make_v among_o man_n as_o to_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n false_a and_o groundless_a for_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o thing_n good_a man_n be_v more_o prosperous_a even_o in_o this_o world_n than_o bad_a as_o for_o time_n of_o persecution_n they_o be_v a_o just_a exception_n from_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o providence_n because_o therein_o god_n to_o serve_v his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n exchange_v with_o good_a man_n spiritual_a for_o temporal_a and_o heavenly_a for_o earthly_a enjoyment_n which_o be_v such_o a_o exchange_n as_o no_o man_n will_v account_v a_o robbery_n that_o understand_v the_o just_a value_n of_o
ill_a as_o certain_o pursue_v he_o with_o a_o dire_a revenge_n this_o belief_n carry_v with_o it_o such_o constrain_a terror_n and_o allurement_n as_o can_v but_o affect_v all_o reasonable_a mind_n and_o final_o prevail_v with_o their_o hope_n and_o fear_n against_o all_o contrary_a temptation_n wherefore_o if_o ever_o we_o will_v fix_v the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n upon_o our_o mind_n it_o concern_v we_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v thorough_o instruct_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o confirm_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v divine_a reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v true_o religious_a humane_a nature_n be_v frame_v to_o move_v upon_o the_o hinge_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v and_o to_o be_v elicit_v and_o draw_v forth_o in_o action_n either_o by_o the_o proposal_n of_o some_o attainable_a good_a or_o prospect_n of_o some_o avoidable_a evil_n the_o former_a of_o which_o beget_v hope_n in_o we_o and_o that_o pursuit_n the_o latter_a fear_n and_o that_o flight_n and_o avoidance_n and_o according_o we_o find_v all_o law_n address_v to_o the_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o man_n with_o proposal_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n as_o to_o the_o master-spring_n and_o principle_n of_o their_o action_n by_o which_o they_o be_v move_v to_o do_v or_o forbear_v according_a as_o they_o be_v require_v and_o enjoin_v and_o indeed_o to_o give_v law_n to_o man_n without_o enforce_v they_o with_o reward_n and_o punishment_n will_v be_v to_o leave_v it_o indifferent_a whether_o they_o obey_v they_o or_o no_o which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o law_n for_o law_n necessary_o imply_v a_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n but_o what_o obligation_n can_v we_o have_v to_o obey_v they_o do_v they_o leave_v it_o indifferent_a as_o to_o any_o good_a or_o evil_a accrue_v from_o it_o whether_o we_o obey_v they_o or_o no_o for_o if_o it_o will_v be_v as_o well_o for_o we_o one_o way_n as_o other_o what_o matter_n be_v it_o which_o way_n we_o determine_v ourselves_o and_o this_o hold_v good_a in_o nothing_o more_o than_o in_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o religion_n to_o which_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n be_v above_o all_o thing_n backward_o and_o averse_a all_o that_o spiritual_a exercise_n which_o those_o law_n require_v be_v quite_o against_o the_o grain_n of_o our_o earthy_a and_o sensual_a inclination_n so_o that_o be_v we_o not_o draw_v to_o it_o by_o the_o hope_n of_o good_a and_o drive_v by_o the_o fear_n of_o evil_a to_o be_v sure_a our_o own_o bad_a nature_n will_v keep_v we_o at_o a_o eternal_a distance_n from_o it_o but_o unless_o we_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o obey_v and_o a_o punisher_n of_o those_o that_o despise_v he_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n to_o hope_v for_o any_o good_a or_o to_o dread_v any_o evil_n at_o his_o hand_n for_o unless_o we_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v crown_v those_o that_o serve_v he_o with_o some_o mark_n of_o his_o favour_n how_o can_v we_o think_v he_o be_v please_v with_o they_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n for_o he_o to_o express_v his_o be_v please_v but_o by_o crown_v they_o with_o some_o signal_n reward_n and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o please_v with_o those_o that_o serve_v he_o to_o be_v sure_a he_o be_v not_o displease_v with_o those_o that_o neglect_v he_o and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o displease_v with_o they_o what_o reason_n have_v we_o to_o apprehend_v that_o he_o will_v punish_v '_o they_o thus_o the_o unbelief_n of_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o obey_v he_o draw_v after_o it_o a_o unbelief_n of_o his_o be_v a_o punisher_n of_o those_o that_o despise_v he_o and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_n for_o unless_o we_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v for_o his_o service_n as_o to_o punish_v those_o that_o neglect_v it_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v he_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v for_o it_o as_o to_o reward_v those_o that_o embrace_v it_o so_o that_o the_o belief_n and_o unbelief_n of_o god_n be_v a_o rewarder_n and_o a_o punisher_n do_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n mutual_o imply_v each_o other_o and_o unless_o we_o believe_v both_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n we_o shall_v believe_v either_o and_o when_o our_o nature_n be_v so_o averse_a as_o it_o be_v to_o his_o service_n what_o shall_v induce_v we_o to_o serve_v he_o when_o we_o expect_v no_o good_a from_o he_o or_o hinder_v we_o from_o slight_v he_o when_o we_o fear_v no_o evil_a and_o what_o be_v there_o can_v bring_v we_o home_o to_o god_n when_o we_o be_v carry_v away_o from_o he_o with_o a_o impetuous_a tide_n of_o corrupt_a inclination_n and_o have_v neither_o hope_n nor_o fear_n to_o bind_v or_o restrain_v it_o so_o that_o consider_v the_o aversation_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o god_n service_n it_o be_v moral_o impossible_a we_o shall_v ever_o be_v hearty_o reconcile_v to_o it_o without_o be_v draw_v with_o the_o hope_n of_o reward_n and_o drive_v with_o the_o fear_n of_o punishment_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v first_o how_o far_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o our_o belief_n of_o divine_a reward_n and_o punishment_n shall_v extend_v second_o what_o evidence_n there_o be_v to_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v they_o three_o by_o what_o mean_v this_o be_v to_o be_v beget_v and_o confirm_v sect_n i._o how_o far_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o our_o belief_n of_o divine_a reward_n and_o punishment_n shall_v extend_v for_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n sufficient_a that_o we_o believe_v in_o the_o general_a that_o god_n will_v reward_v we_o if_o we_o do_v well_o and_o punish_v we_o if_o we_o do_v wicked_o for_o this_o we_o may_v firm_o believe_v and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n prefer_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n as_o much_o great_a good_n than_o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n and_o dread_a the_o difficulty_n of_o virtue_n as_o much_o great_a evil_n than_o the_o punishment_n of_o sin_n wherefore_o to_o render_v our_o belief_n of_o divine_a reward_n and_o punishment_n a_o effectual_a principle_n of_o religion_n these_o four_o thing_n be_v necessary_a first_o that_o we_o shall_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v so_o far_o a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o serve_v he_o and_o so_o far_o a_o punisher_n of_o those_o that_o neglect_v he_o as_o to_o make_v a_o plain_a and_o sensible_a distinction_n between_o they_o second_o consider_v how_o promiscuous_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n be_v distribute_v among_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n three_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v those_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o be_v such_o as_o do_v infinite_o transcend_v any_o good_a we_o can_v reap_v by_o our_o sin_n and_o any_o evil_n we_o can_v incur_v by_o do_v our_o duty_n four_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n for_o we_o to_o avoid_v those_o punishment_n but_o by_o forsake_v our_o sin_n or_o to_o acquire_v those_o reward_n but_o by_o submit_v to_o our_o duty_n i._o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v so_o far_o a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o serve_v and_o so_o far_o a_o punisher_n of_o those_o that_o neglect_v he_o as_o to_o make_v a_o plain_a and_o sensible_a distinction_n between_o they_o for_o unless_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n make_v some_o distinction_n between_o those_o serve_v and_o those_o that_o neglect_v he_o we_o shall_v confound_v good_a and_o evil_a in_o our_o own_o apprehension_n and_o look_v upon_o all_o humane_a action_n as_o indifferent_a and_o thereby_o dissolve_v all_o the_o tie_v and_o obligation_n of_o religion_n for_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o as_o they_o be_v in_o the_o judgement_n and_o esteem_n of_o god_n who_o can_v be_v mistake_v in_o estimate_v their_o nature_n and_o therefore_o unless_o there_o be_v some_o distinction_n between_o man_n and_o man_n and_o action_n and_o action_n in_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n rhey_n must_v be_v all_o alike_o and_o indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o if_o all_o action_n be_v indifferent_a in_o themselves_o we_o be_v free_a from_o all_o the_o tie_v and_o obligation_n of_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v leave_v indifferent_a to_o we_o whether_o we_o will_v worship_n god_n or_o blaspheme_n he_o so_o that_o unless_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n make_v some_o distinction_n between_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a religion_n can_v have_v no_o force_n at_o all_o upon_o our_o mind_n but_o now_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n for_o god_n to_o
distinguish_v between_o man_n and_o man_n but_o by_o reward_v and_o punish_v they_o because_o if_o he_o make_v any_o distinction_n in_o his_o affection_n between_o we_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a his_o love_n will_v incline_v he_o to_o reward_n and_o his_o hatred_n to_o punish_v we_o and_o since_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a to_o he_o to_o follow_v his_o inclination_n as_o not_o since_o he_o can_v reward_v where_o he_o love_v and_o punish_v where_o he_o hate_v without_o any_o disturbance_n to_o his_o own_o happiness_n what_o shall_v hinder_v he_o from_o do_v it_o suppose_v that_o he_o real_o love_v or_o hate_v or_o make_v any_o distinction_n in_o his_o affection_n between_o those_o that_o serve_v and_o those_o that_o neglect_v he_o so_o that_o unless_o he_o reward_v the_o one_o and_o punish_v the_o other_o he_o can_v make_v no_o visible_a distinction_n in_o his_o affection_n between_o they_o if_o he_o be_v contrary_o affect_v to_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n his_o affection_n will_v infallible_o appear_v in_o his_o action_n but_o if_o he_o use_v they_o alike_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o be_v alike_o to_o he_o so_o that_o unless_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n by_o reward_v and_o punish_v they_o we_o must_v look_v upon_o both_o as_o indifferent_a to_o he_o and_o believe_v that_o he_o concern_v himself_o neither_o with_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o and_o if_o we_o think_v it_o be_v indifferent_a to_o god_n whether_o we_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a to_o be_v sure_a it_o will_v not_o be_v indifferent_a to_o we_o who_o nature_n be_v so_o bias_v with_o bad_a inclination_n which_o have_v neither_o hope_n nor_o fear_n to_o restrain_v they_o will_v run_v towards_o bad_a object_n without_o rub_n or_o interruption_n and_o what_o likelihood_n be_v there_o that_o we_o who_o be_v so_o prone_a and_o inclinable_a to_o evil_a shall_v concern_v ourselves_o in_o the_o service_n of_o god_n whilst_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n indifferent_a to_o he_o whether_o we_o serve_v he_o or_o no_o wherefore_o to_o the_o subdue_a our_o mind_n to_o the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v so_o far_o a_o rewarder_n of_o good_a and_o punisher_n of_o bad_a man_n as_o to_o make_v a_o sensible_a distinction_n between_o they_o and_o demonstrate_v that_o he_o be_v different_o affect_v towards_o they_o for_o to_o what_o end_n shall_v we_o serve_v a_o god_n that_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o we_o that_o regard_v not_o what_o we_o do_v but_o sit_v above_o in_o the_o heaven_n as_o a_o unconcerned_a spectator_n of_o our_o action_n why_o shall_v we_o cross_v our_o own_o inclination_n and_o forsake_v our_o belove_a lust_n for_o his_o sake_n when_o it_o be_v altogether_o indifferent_a to_o he_o what_o we_o do_v or_o whither_o we_o go_v or_o what_o become_v of_o we_o ii_o consider_v how_o promiscuous_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n be_v distribute_v among_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v believe_v there_o be_v a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n for_o though_o sometime_o in_o this_o life_n god_n reward_v good_a man_n and_o punish_v bad_a with_o such_o signal_n and_o remarkable_a good_n and_o evil_n as_o be_v sufficient_a indication_n of_o the_o vast_a distinction_n he_o make_v between_o they_o yet_o this_o be_v extraordinary_a and_o beside_o the_o constant_a and_o regular_a course_n of_o his_o providence_n which_o for_o wise_a and_o excellent_a end_n and_o purpose_n do_v ordinary_o scatter_v good_a and_o evil_a among_o man_n with_o a_o open_a and_o undistinguish_a hand_n insomuch_o that_o as_o the_o wise_a man_n observe_v eccles._n 9.1_o 2_o 3._o no_o man_n know_v either_o love_n or_o hatred_n by_o all_o that_o be_v before_o he_o all_o thing_n come_v alike_o to_o all_o there_o be_v one_o event_n to_o the_o righteous_a and_o to_o the_o wicked_a and_o as_o be_v the_o good_a so_o be_v the_o sinner_n and_o he_o that_o swear_v as_o he_o that_o fear_v a_o oath_n this_o be_v a_o evil_n among_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v do_v under_o the_o sun_n that_o there_o be_v one_o event_n to_o all_o since_o therefore_o god_n love_n of_o good_a man_n and_o hatred_n of_o bad_a appear_v not_o by_o any_o thing_n before_o we_o we_o must_v either_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v both_o indifferent_a to_o he_o which_o will_v be_v to_o raze_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o religion_n or_o that_o there_o be_v a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n wherein_o there_o will_v be_v no_o more_o such_o promiscuous_a distribution_n no_o more_o such_o cross-coupling_a of_o prosperity_n with_o vice_n and_o misery_n with_o virtue_n but_o all_o thing_n will_v be_v adjust_v suitable_o to_o man_n desert_n and_o qualification_n and_o those_o that_o be_v good_a advance_v to_o immortal_a glory_n and_o honour_n and_o those_o that_o be_v bad_a depress_v into_o eternal_a shame_n and_o confusion_n for_o the_o difference_n which_o god_n make_v between_o they_o in_o the_o present_a course_n of_o his_o providence_n be_v too_o small_a and_o indiscernible_a to_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o make_v any_o difference_n between_o they_o in_o his_o esteem_n and_o affection_n and_o therefore_o either_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v another_o state_n wherein_o he_o make_v a_o far_o wide_a difference_n between_o they_o or_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v both_o indifferent_a to_o he_o and_o that_o he_o have_v no_o more_o regard_n to_o the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o or_o that_o he_o have_v no_o regard_n at_o all_o to_o either_o which_o as_o i_o show_v before_o utter_o dissolve_v the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n iii_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v those_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o be_v such_o as_o do_v infinite_o transcend_v any_o good_a we_o can_v reap_v in_o our_o sinful_a neglect_n of_o god_n and_o any_o evil_n we_o can_v incur_v by_o our_o submission_n to_o he_o it_o be_v true_a be_v our_o nature_n equal_o incline_v to_o submit_v to_o or_o neglect_v he_o we_o shall_v need_v no_o more_o good_a and_o evil_a to_o move_v we_o one_o way_n than_o other_o but_o the_o same_o proportion_n of_o good_n and_o evil_n which_o tempt_v we_o now_o to_o forsake_v and_o abandon_v he_o will_v equal_o tempt_v we_o to_o serve_v and_o obey_v he_o but_o alas_o this_o be_v far_o from_o our_o case_n for_o in_o submit_v to_o god_n we_o move_v counter_a to_o ourselves_o we_o cross_v the_o grain_n of_o our_o degenerate_a nature_n and_o run_v away_o from_o our_o dear_a inclination_n whereas_o in_o forsake_v he_o we_o row_v with_o the_o tide_n and_o be_v drive_v on_o with_o a_o impetuous_a current_n of_o sinful_a lust_n and_o affection_n and_o the_o case_n be_v thus_o the_o temptation_n on_o the_o one_o side_n must_v be_v incomparable_o great_a if_o ever_o they_o prevail_v with_o we_o than_o they_o need_v be_v on_o the_o other_o for_o man_n be_v easy_o tempt_v to_o act_v in_o compliance_n with_o their_o own_o inclination_n and_o the_o small_a good_n or_o evil_n that_o can_v be_v propose_v to_o they_o from_o without_o will_v ready_o induce_v they_o to_o do_v what_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o but_o to_o prevail_v with_o a_o man_n to_o do_v that_o which_o he_o be_v extreme_o averse_a to_o to_o act_v against_o nature_n and_o live_v in_o defiance_n with_o his_o own_o inclination_n require_v a_o mighty_a force_n of_o outward_a temptation_n and_o it_o must_v be_v a_o very_a great_a good_a that_o he_o will_v not_o lose_v a_o very_a formidable_a evil_n that_o he_o will_v not_o incur_v rather_o than_o enter_v into_o any_o course_n of_o action_n that_o be_v irksome_a and_o ungrateful_a to_o his_o nature_n so_o that_o unless_o we_o believe_v the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o the_o other_o world_n to_o be_v incomparable_o great_a than_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o all_o the_o suffering_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n there_o will_v not_o be_v force_n enough_o in_o our_o faith_n to_o persuade_v we_o because_o those_o future_a good_n and_o evil_n move_v against_o nature_n and_o persuade_v we_o to_o a_o course_n of_o life_n we_o be_v extreme_o averse_a to_o whereas_o these_o present_a one_o join_v hand_n with_o our_o inclination_n and_o find_v a_o ready_a concurrence_n in_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o a_o very_a small_a temptation_n will_v prevail_v against_o a_o great_a one_o when_o it_o have_v nature_n that_o bosom_n orator_n to_o solicit_v and_o plead_v for_o it_o wherefore_o unless_o we_o believe_v the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o future_a state_n to_o be_v such_o as_o infinite_o outweigh_v those_o present_a good_n and_o evil_n that_o tempt_v we_o to_o sin_n they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o prevail_v against_o they_o
that_o frame_v it_o and_o indeed_o this_o notion_n of_o a_o future_a state_n be_v such_o as_o have_v be_v general_o embrace_v by_o those_o person_n who_o be_v least_o capable_a of_o deduce_v it_o by_o a_o logical_a dependence_n of_o one_o thing_n upon_o another_o and_o therefore_o since_o it_o have_v no_o dependency_n in_o their_o mind_n on_o any_o other_o antecedent_n notion_n how_o can_v it_o have_v be_v so_o general_o entertain_v do_v not_o the_o common_a dictate_v of_o nature_n or_o reason_n act_v alike_o in_o all_o man_n move_v they_o to_o conspire_v in_o it_o though_o they_o know_v not_o one_o another_o mind_n for_o it_o have_v be_v believe_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o repugnancy_n to_o sense_n which_o discover_v all_o thing_n round_o about_o it_o to_o be_v mortal_a and_o which_o upon_o that_o account_n will_v have_v be_v too_o apt_a to_o have_v seduce_v rude_a mind_n into_o a_o disbelief_n of_o any_o other_o state_n have_v not_o some_o more_o powerful_a impression_n on_o their_o soul_n forcible_o urge_v they_o to_o believe_v it_o but_o because_o this_o argument_n draw_v from_o universal_a consent_n be_v liable_a to_o some_o little_a exception_n i_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o it_o but_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v the_o reality_n of_o this_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n from_o these_o topic_n first_o from_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n government_n second_o from_o the_o justice_n of_o his_o providence_n three_o from_o the_o natural_a capacity_n of_o our_o soul_n to_o survive_v our_o body_n and_o to_o enjoy_v future_a reward_n and_o suffer_v future_a punishment_n four_o from_o the_o natural_a expectance_n we_o have_v of_o future_a reward_n and_o dread_a of_o future_a punishment_n five_o from_o the_o excellent_a frame_n and_o structure_n of_o humane_a nature_n six_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i._o from_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n government_n that_o mankind_n be_v under_o the_o government_n of_o god_n be_v evident_a from_o that_o law_n which_o he_o have_v imprint_v on_o our_o nature_n by_o which_o our_o action_n be_v distinguish_v into_o good_a and_o evil_a virtuous_a and_o vicious_a of_o which_o sufficient_a proof_n have_v be_v give_v ch._n 1._o and_o since_o god_n have_v give_v a_o law_n to_o our_o nature_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o he_o have_v take_v sufficient_a care_n to_o enforce_v the_o observance_n of_o it_o by_o reward_n and_o punishment_n otherwise_o his_o government_n over_o we_o will_v be_v very_o insecure_a and_o precarious_a for_o that_o law_n giver_n do_v only_o petition_v his_o subject_n to_o obey_v who_o do_v not_o promise_v such_o reward_n and_o denounce_v such_o penalty_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o oblige_v they_o thereunto_o but_o now_o there_o be_v no_o reward_n can_v be_v sufcient_a to_o oblige_v we_o to_o obey_v which_o do_v not_o abundant_o compensate_a any_o loss_n or_o evil_n we_o may_v sustain_v by_o our_o obedience_n no_o punishment_n sufficient_a to_o deter_v we_o from_o disobey_v that_o do_v not_o far_o surmount_v all_o the_o benefit_n and_o pleasure_n which_o we_o can_v hope_v to_o reap_v from_o our_o disobedience_n but_o unless_o there_o be_v a_o future_a state_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n can_v propose_v no_o such_o reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o we_o for_o if_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o dread_n or_o hope_n for_o beyond_o the_o grave_a our_o present_a interest_n be_v all_o our_o concern_n and_o in_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o judge_n thing_n to_o be_v good_a or_o evil_a according_a as_o they_o promote_v or_o obstruct_v our_o temporal_a happiness_n now_o though_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o in_o the_o general_a there_o be_v a_o natural_a good_a accrue_v to_o we_o from_o all_o virtuous_a action_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o natural_a evil_n from_o all_o vicious_a one_o and_o it_o be_v ordinary_o more_o conducive_a to_o our_o temporal_a interest_n to_o obey_v than_o to_o disobey_v the_o law_n of_o our_o nature_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o instance_n wherein_o vice_n may_v be_v more_o advantageous_a to_o we_o than_o virtue_n abstract_v from_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n it_o be_v ordinary_o better_a for_o i_o to_o be_v a_o honest_a man_n than_o a_o knave_n it_o be_v more_o for_o my_o reputation_n and_o usual_o for_o my_o profit_n too_o and_o it_o be_v more_o for_o the_o public_a good_a in_o which_o my_o own_o be_v involve_v but_o yet_o in_o several_a circumstance_n it_o may_v be_v better_o for_o i_o with_o respect_n only_o to_o this_o world_n to_o be_v a_o knave_n than_o a_o honest_a man._n for_o whensoever_o i_o can_v cheat_v so_o secret_o and_o secure_o as_o not_o to_o fall_v under_o the_o public_a lash_n nor_o impair_v my_o reputation_n and_o i_o can_v gain_v more_o by_o the_o cheat_n than_o i_o shall_v lose_v in_o the_o damage_n of_o the_o public_a it_o will_v be_v doubtless_o more_o advantageous_a for_o i_o as_o to_o my_o worldly_a interest_n to_o cheat_v than_o to_o be_v honest_a and_o how_o often_o such_o fair_a opportunity_n of_o cozenage_n do_v occur_v no_o man_n can_v be_v insensible_a that_o have_v but_o the_o least_o insight_n into_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n this_o great_a law_n of_o righteousness_n will_v not_o have_v force_n enough_o universal_o to_o oblige_v we_o because_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o instance_n wherein_o we_o may_v gain_v more_o good_a and_o eschew_v more_o evil_a by_o do_v unrighteous_o than_o all_o its_o present_a reward_n and_o punishment_n do_v amount_v to_o and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o other_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o without_o the_o great_a motive_n of_o future_a happiness_n and_o misery_n can_v no_o long_o induce_v man_n to_o obey_v they_o than_o it_o be_v for_o their_o temporal_a interest_n to_o do_v so_o for_o suppose_v i_o can_v secret_o stab_v or_o poison_v a_o man_n who_o i_o hate_v or_o dread_n or_o from_o who_o death_n i_o may_v reap_v any_o considerable_a advantage_n what_o shall_v restrain_v i_o from_o it_o if_o you_o say_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n pray_v what_o reward_n do_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n propose_v that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o compensate_a for_o the_o disatisfaction_n of_o my_o revenge_n or_o for_o the_o danger_n i_o run_v in_o suffer_v my_o enemy_n to_o live_v or_o what_o punishment_n do_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n denounce_v that_o can_v balance_v the_o advantage_n of_o a_o thousand_o or_o perhaps_o ten_o thousand_o pound_n a_o year_n that_o may_v accrue_v to_o i_o by_o his_o death_n if_o you_o say_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n propose_v to_o i_o the_o reward_n of_o a_o quiet_a and_o satisfy_v mind_n and_o denounce_v the_o punishment_n of_o a_o guilty_a and_o amaze_a conscience_n i_o easy_o answer_v that_o this_o peace_n and_o horror_n which_o be_v consequent_a to_o the_o forbearance_n or_o commission_n of_o sin_n arise_v from_o the_o hope_n and_o dread_n of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o be_v take_v away_o to_o sin_n or_o not_o sin_n will_v be_v indifferent_a as_o to_o any_o peace_n or_o horror_n that_o can_v follow_v upon_o it_o and_o when_o this_o restraint_n be_v take_v off_o what_o consideration_n will_v there_o be_v leave_v that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o withhold_v i_o from_o the_o bloody_a fact_n when_o ever_o i_o have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o act_v it_o secure_o and_o be_o furious_o spur_v on_o to_o it_o by_o my_o own_o revenge_n and_o covetousness_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o life_n to_o enforce_v the_o command_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o annex_v to_o it_o in_o this_o as_o be_v universal_o sufficient_a to_o oblige_v we_o to_o observe_v '_o they_o for_o as_o for_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n they_o be_v ordinary_o distribute_v among_o man_n with_o so_o little_a respect_n and_o discrimination_n as_o not_o only_o to_o occasion_v but_o to_o justify_v that_o famous_a observation_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n that_o all_o thing_n happen_v alike_o to_o all_o either_o therefore_o there_o be_v other_o good_n to_o be_v hope_v for_o and_o other_o evil_n to_o be_v fear_v or_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o case_n wherein_o god_n have_v not_o sufficient_o provide_v to_o secure_v our_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o to_o imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v give_v a_o law_n to_o his_o creature_n and_o take_v no_o care_n to_o secure_v the_o authority_n of_o it_o be_v a_o most_o senseless_a blasphemy_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o his_o government_n for_o this_o will_v be_v to_o expose_v his_o own_o authority_n to_o contempt_n and_o to_o cast_v his_o law_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o his_o creature_n to_o be_v spurn_v
and_o celebrate_a passage_n of_o epictetus_n ch._n 38._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n know_v that_o the_o main_a foundation_n of_o piety_n be_v this_o to_o have_v right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v sensible_a that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n well_o and_o just_o and_o according_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o god_n tell_v we_o they_o that_o know_v thy_o name_n will_v put_v their_o trust_n in_o thou_o psalm_n 9.10_o i_o e._n they_o who_o have_v make_v a_o true_a discovery_n of_o thy_o nature_n and_o by_o observe_v as_o i_o have_v do_v the_o glorious_a effect_n of_o thy_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n have_v form_v in_o their_o mind_n right_a and_o genuine_a apprehension_n concern_v thou_o will_v make_v no_o scruple_n to_o place_v their_o whole_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o thou_o which_o be_v equal_o true_a of_o all_o other_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n for_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v as_o much_o influence_n our_o mind_n to_o love_n and_o adore_v he_o to_o praise_v he_o and_o submit_v to_o he_o as_o to_o put_v our_o trust_n in_o he_o and_o hence_o st._n paul_n ascribe_v all_o the_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o their_o not_o like_v to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n i._n e._n to_o their_o wicked_a aversion_n to_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a notion_n of_o god_n rom._n 1.28_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o to_o show_v in_o what_o respect_v right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o be_v true_o religious_a second_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o rule_n for_o the_o form_n of_o right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n in_o our_o mind_n three_o to_o assign_v and_o remove_v the_o common_a cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n concern_v he_o sect_n i._o in_o what_o respect_v right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o be_v true_o religious_a in_o general_n whatsoever_o be_v requisite_a to_o render_v man_n true_o religious_a must_v be_v derive_v from_o true_a apprehension_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o great_a object_n of_o religion_n for_o religion_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o divine_a service_n must_v itself_o be_v regulate_v by_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o without_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v regulate_v our_o religion_n by_o it_o now_o to_o the_o right_a conduct_n and_o due_a regulation_n of_o our_o religion_n it_o be_v requisite_a first_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v right_o inform_v what_o service_n be_v please_v to_o god_n second_o that_o we_o proceed_v upon_o a_o true_a principle_n in_o serve_v he_o three_o that_o we_o direct_v our_o service_n to_o a_o right_a end_n four_a that_o we_o be_v furnish_v with_o sufficient_a motive_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o serve_v he_o the_o want_n of_o either_o of_o which_o will_v prove_v a_o 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