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religion_n wise_a world_n worse_a 25 3 8.3031 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A61630 Thirteen sermons preached on several occasions three of which never before printed / by the Right Reverend Father in God Edward, Lord Bishop of Worcester.; Sermons. Selections Stillingfleet, Edward, 1635-1699. 1698 (1698) Wing S5671; ESTC R21899 215,877 540

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power_n that_o they_o shall_v become_v as_o spiritual_a as_o body_n 42._o can_v be_v i._n e._n without_o corruption_n and_o decay_n without_o weariness_n and_o pain_n without_o any_o of_o those_o infirmity_n which_o make_v life_n so_o uneasy_a here_o sometime_o here_o the_o mind_n have_v such_o a_o load_n upon_o it_o that_o make_v the_o body_n sink_v under_o its_o weight_n but_o there_o the_o perfect_a ease_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o the_o mind_n will_v give_v a_o new_a life_n and_o vigour_n to_o the_o body_n here_o the_o most_o refine_a pleasure_n of_o life_n be_v such_o which_o arise_v from_o a_o brisk_a and_o uniform_a motion_n of_o the_o animal_n spirit_n but_o then_o the_o spirit_n and_o joy_n of_o another_o world_n will_v afford_v such_o delight_n as_o infinite_o exceed_v our_o present_a imagination_n such_o delight_n which_o shall_v be_v pure_a and_o constant_a without_o interruption_n and_o without_o end_n for_o in_o that_o glorious_a presence_n of_o god_n there_o be_v fullness_n of_o joy_n and_o 〈◊〉_d at_o his_o right_a hand_n be_v pleasure_n for_o evermore_o sermon_n xiii_o preach_v at_o worcester_z august_n the_o 17_o 1690._o eccles._n vii_o 16._o be_v not_o righteous_a overmuch_o neither_o make_v thyself_o ●over_o wise_a why_o shall_v thou_o destroy_v thyself_o be_v not_o righteous_a overmuch_o can_v there_o be_v the_o least_o danger_n of_o that_o in_o such_o a_o corrupt_a and_o degenerate_a age_n as_o we_o live_v in_o and_o if_o our_o preach_v aught_o to_o be_v about_o the_o most_o seasonable_a duty_n and_o the_o most_o dangerous_a sin_n one_o will_v think_v this_o shall_v be_v one_o of_o the_o last_o text_n in_o scripture_n we_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o preach_v upon_o but_o such_o a_o imagination_n arise_v from_o not_o understand_v the_o scope_n and_o design_n of_o these_o word_n for_o if_o righteousness_n be_v to_o be_v take_v here_o for_o that_o which_o solomon_n call_v so_o viz._n the_o true_a fear_n of_o god_n it_o will_v be_v hard_a 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it_o be_v make_v to_o serve_v man_n passion_n against_o each_o other_o 3._o when_o they_o seek_v for_o no_o accommodation_n of_o their_o difference_n in_o a_o fair_a and_o amicable_a manner_n the_o necessity_n of_o some_o case_n be_v such_o that_o they_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v refer_v to_o such_o wise_a arbitration_n as_o the_o law_n provide_v but_o if_o man_n be_v restless_a and_o litigious_a who_o love_v difference_n and_o delight_n in_o vex_v their_o neighbour_n with_o law_n suit_n it_o be_v certain_a they_o have_v not_o the_o spirit_n and_o temper_n of_o christian_n who_o be_v to_o live_v peaceable_o with_o all_o men._n 2._o how_o this_o prove_v so_o mischievous_a to_o men._n 1._o it_o make_v such_o man_n life_n very_o unquiet_a and_o troublesome_a to_o themselves_o and_o other_o for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o some_o to_o disturb_v other_o but_o they_o must_v expect_v a_o retaliation_n many_o man_n will_v have_v their_o passion_n lie_v more_o quiet_a if_o they_o be_v not_o 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t._n g_o octavo_n the_o unreasonableness_n of_o separation_n or_o and_o impartialaccount_v of_o the_o history_n nature_n and_o plea_n of_o the_o present_a separation_n from_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n quarto_fw-la a_o ●ourse_n concern_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n satisfaction_n or_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o his_o suffering_n with_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o socinian_n objection_n to_o which_o be_v add_v a_o sermon_n concern_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n preach_v april_n 7._o 1691._o with_o a_o preface_n concern_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n about_o christ_n satisfaction_n the_o second_o edit_fw-la octavo_fw-la sermon_n preach_v upon_o several_a occasion_n in_o 3_o volume_n octavo_fw-la a_o discourse_n in_o vindication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n with_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o late_a socinian_n objection_n against_o it_o from_o scripture_n antiquity_n and_o reason_n and_o a_o preface_n concern_v the_o 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here_o give_v but_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o way_n of_o the_o heart_n i._n e._n outward_a appearance_n and_o inward_a inclination_n and_o these_o be_v the_o belove_a rule_n of_o the_o most_o sensual_a and_o voluptuous_a person_n and_o they_o judge_v of_o happiness_n only_o by_o the_o pursuit_n of_o they_o here_o be_v nothing_o mention_v of_o reason_n or_o conscience_n or_o a_o regard_n to_o virtue_n in_o the_o restraint_n of_o natural_a inclination_n nay_o here_o be_v nothing_o of_o that_o severity_n which_o epicurus_n himself_o think_v necessary_a towards_o the_o maintain_n of_o a_o pleasant_a state_n of_o life_n which_o he_o grant_v can_v never_o be_v do_v without_o some_o restraint_n of_o man_n appetite_n and_o inclination_n to_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o solomon_n shall_v give_v young_a man_n great_a liberty_n than_o the_o corrupte_v moralist_n do_v therefore_o i_o can_v look_v upon_o these_o word_n as_o a_o permission_n for_o they_o to_o do_v what_o be_v here_o express_v but_o as_o a_o full_a description_n of_o that_o method_n of_o live_v which_o the_o jolly_a and_o voluptuous_a corrupter_n of_o youth_n will_v instruct_v they_o in_o rejoice_v o_o young_a man_n in_o thy_o youth_n and_o let_v thy_o heart_n cheer_v thou_o etc._n etc._n ii_o we_o have_v here_o the_o most_o powerful_a check_n and_o restraint_n lay_v upon_o all_o these_o sensual_a inclination_n of_o youth_n but_o know_v thou_o that_o for_o all_o these_o thing_n god_n will_v bring_v thou_o to_o judgement_n which_o word_n be_v the_o wise_a man_n correction_n of_o the_o forego_n liberty_n or_o the_o curb_n which_o reason_n and_o religion_n give_v to_o the_o pursuit_n of_o natural_a inclination_n wherein_o every_o word_n have_v its_o force_n and_o aught_o to_o make_v a_o deep_a impression_n upon_o we_o for_o 1._o know_v thou_o thou_o be_v not_o then_o the_o same_o cafe_z with_o creature_n that_o have_v no_o understanding_n they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o check_n from_o themselves_o have_v no_o law_n of_o reason_n or_o conscience_n within_o they_o to_o control_v or_o govern_v the●_n sensual_a desire_n but_o god_n have_v give_v thou_o not_o mere_o a_o brutal_a appetite_n but_o a_o rational_a soul_n capable_a of_o understand_v the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o the_o reason_n why_o some_o thing_n which_o appear_v pleasant_a be_v very_o difagree_v to_o the_o principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n i._n e._n to_o that_o order_n decency_n modesty_n and_o regularity_n which_o the_o more_o elevate_a frame_n and_o capacity_n of_o mankind_n do_v require_v 2._o for_o all_o these_o thing_n as_o light_n and_o vain_a as_o you_o esteem_v they_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o be_v over_o and_o forget_v by_o you_o as_o secret_o and_o close_o as_o they_o be_v commit_v as_o much_o as_o you_o endeavour_v to_o palliate_v and_o excuse_v they_o yet_o but_o for_o all_o these_o thing_n god_n will_v certain_o bring_v thou_o into_o judgement_n therefore_o you_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o consider_v what_o you_o do_v since_o every_o thing_n will_v 14._o be_v bring_v to_o judgement_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n as_o solomon_n conclude_v this_o book_n which_o show_v the_o great_a regard_n god_n have_v to_o the_o good_a or_o evil_a of_o ou●_n action_n and_o if_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n have_v so_o certain_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v it_o and_o never_o think_v ourselves_o at_o liberty_n to_o do_v what_o we_o please_v in_o gratify_v our_o lust_n and_o pursue_v our_o natural_a inclination_n to_o evil._n 3_o god_n will_v do_v it_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n to_o call_v thou_o to_o a_o account_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o action_n of_o virtue_n so_o agreeable_a to_o mankind_n and_o some_o vice_n ●o_o loathsome_a and_o deform_a that_o there_o will_v be_v sufficient_a cause_n for_o they_o to_o love_v the_o one_o and_o to_o abhor_v the_o other_o if_o we_o can_v 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one_o another_o and_o since_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a and_o supreme_a be_v which_o have_v absolute_a power_n and_o command_n over_o we_o and_o give_v we_o both_o our_o being_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o our_o life_n it_o be_v most_o absurd_a to_o suppose_v it_o not_o to_o be_v a_o fault_n to_o hate_v his_o goodness_n or_o to_o despise_v his_o mercy_n or_o to_o slight_v his_o power_n and_o to_o contemn_v his_o authority_n for_o in_o all_o these_o there_o be_v something_o repugnant_a to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o all_o principle_n of_o true_a honour_n and_o justice_n and_o there_o be_v such_o common_a principle_n of_o morality_n arise_v from_o our_o necessary_a relation_n to_o god_n and_o each_o other_o which_o be_v of_o so_o clear_a and_o convince_a evidence_n that_o every_o one_o that_o consider_v they_o will_v grant_v that_o wicked_a man_n may_v as_o well_o go_v about_o to_o dispute_v their_o being_n as_o their_o sin_n and_o may_v as_o easy_o prove_v that_o 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circumstance_n examine_v and_o every_o action_n scan_v and_o that_o by_o the_o great_a judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n who_o nothing_o can_v escape_v nothing_o can_v deceive_v nothing_o can_v withstand_v who_o justice_n be_v inflexible_a who_o knowledge_n be_v incomprehensible_a who_o power_n be_v irresistible_a and_o who_o vengeance_n be_v insupportable_a this_o we_o can_v but_o imagine_v must_v strike_v a_o awe_n and_o terror_n into_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o they_o be_v pursue_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n that_o for_o all_o these_o thing_n god_n will_v bring_v they_o into_o judgement_n but_o notwithstanding_o these_o and_o many_o other_o expression_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n in_o scripture_n wherein_o god_n have_v declare_v that_o he_o will_v certain_o judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n 31._o at_o the_o great_a day_n that_o the_o secret_n of_o all_o heart_n shall_v then_o be_v disclose_v that_o 16._o we_o must_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgment-seat_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o god_n will_v render_v 10._o to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n 6._o and_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o itself_o very_o reasonable_a from_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n justice_n and_o providence_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o consequence_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a action_n yet_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n go_v on_o as_o secure_v and_o careless_a as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n or_o that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v concern_v about_o it_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o spend_v time_n in_o the_o proof_n of_o that_o which_o i_o take_v for_o grant_v you_o all_o believe_v and_o i_o be_o sure_o have_v reason_n so_o to_o do_v but_o i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o these_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o practical_a and_o therefore_o proper_a for_o our_o consideration_n at_o this_o time_n 1._o how_o a_o
word_n if_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v grant_v the_o chief_a thing_n therefore_o to_o be_v do_v be_v to_o show_v that_o god_n may_v require_v from_o we_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v incomprehensible_a by_o we_o for_o god_n may_v require_v any_o thing_n from_o we_o which_o it_o be_v reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o do_v if_o it_o be_v then_o reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o give_v assent_n where_o the_o manner_n of_o what_o god_n have_v reveal_v be_v not_o comprehend_v than_o god_n may_v certain_o require_v it_o from_o we_o have_v not_o god_n reveal_v to_o we_o that_o in_o six_o day_n he_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o all_o that_o be_v therein_o but_o be_v it_o not_o reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v this_o unless_o we_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o manner_n of_o god_n production_n of_o thing_n here_o we_o have_v something_o reveal_v and_o that_o plain_o enough_o viz._n that_o god_n create_v all_o thing_n and_o yet_o here_o be_v a_o mystery_n remain_v as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o have_v not_o god_n plain_o reveal_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a and_o must_v we_o think_v it_o unreasonable_a to_o believe_v it_o till_o we_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v all_o the_o change_n of_o the_o particle_n of_o matter_n from_o the_o creation_n to_o the_o general_n resurrection_n but_o it_o be_v say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o this_o but_o there_o be_v in_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n it_o be_v strange_a boldness_n in_o man_n 4._o to_o talk_v thus_o of_o monstrous_a contradiction_n in_o thing_n above_o their_o reach_n the_o atheist_n may_v as_o well_o say_v infinite_a power_n be_v a_o monstrous_a contradiction_n and_o god_n immensity_n and_o his_o other_o unsearchable_a perfection_n be_v monstrous_a paradox_n and_o contradiction_n will_v man_n never_o learn_v to_o distinguish_v between_o number_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n for_o three_o to_o be_v one_o be_v a_o contradiction_n in_o number_n but_o whether_o a_o infinite_a nature_n can_v communicate_v itself_o to_o three_o different_a subsistence_n without_o fuch_n a_o division_n as_o be_v among_o create_a being_n must_v not_o be_v determine_v by_o bare_a number_n but_o by_o the_o absolute_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o must_v be_v own_v to_o be_v above_o our_o comprehension_n for_o let_v we_o examine_v some_o of_o those_o perfection_n which_o be_v most_o clear_o reveal_v and_o we_o shall_v find_v this_o true_a the_o scripture_n plain_o reveal_v that_o god_n be_v from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a that_o he_o 17._o be_v and_o be_v and_o be_v to_o come_v but_o shall_v we_o not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o till_o we_o be_v able_a to_o fathom_v the_o abyss_n of_o god_n eternity_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v and_o i_o have_v some_o thoughtful_a man_n concur_v with_o 50._o i_o that_o there_o be_v no_o great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o conception_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n than_o there_o be_v of_o eternity_n 15._o not_o but_o that_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o but_o from_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o our_o reason_n may_v oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v some_o thing_n which_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o comprehend_v we_o know_v that_o either_o god_n must_v have_v be_v for_o ever_o or_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o ever_o shall_v be_v for_o if_o he_o shall_v come_v into_o be_v when_o he_o be_v not_o he_o must_v have_v some_o cause_n of_o his_o be_v and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n will_v be_v god_n but_o if_o he_o be_v for_o ever_o he_o must_v be_v from_o himself_o and_o what_o notion_n or_o conception_n can_v we_o have_v in_o our_o mind_n concern_v it_o and_o yet_o atheistical_a man_n can_v take_v no_o advantage_n from_o hence_o because_o their_o own_o most_o absurd_a hypothesis_n have_v the_o very_a same_o difficulty_n in_o it_o for_o something_o must_v have_v be_v for_o ever_o and_o it_o be_v far_o more_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v it_o of_o a_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a mind_n which_o have_v wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o goodness_n to_o give_v be_v to_o other_o thing_n than_o of_o dull_a stupid_a and_o senseless_a matter_n which_o can_v never_o move_v itself_o nor_o give_v be_v to_o any_o thing_n beside_o here_o we_o have_v therefore_o a_o thing_n which_o must_v be_v own_v by_o all_o and_o yet_o such_o a_o thing_n which_o can_v be_v conceive_v by_o none_o which_o show_v the_o narrowness_n and_o shortness_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o how_o unfit_a they_o be_v to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o thing_n vain_a man_n will_v be_v wise_a they_o will_v fain_o go_v to_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o thing_n when_o alas_o they_o scarce_o understand_v the_o very_a surface_n of_o they_o they_o will_v allow_v no_o mystery_n in_o religion_n and_o yet_o every_o thing_n be_v a_o mystery_n to_o they_o they_o cry_v out_o of_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o mystery_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o a_o spire_n of_o grass_n but_o be_v a_o mystery_n to_o they_o they_o will_v bear_v with_o nothing_o in_o religion_n which_o they_o can_v comprehend_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n which_o they_o can_v comprehend_v but_o above_o other_o thing_n the_o divine_a perfection_n even_o those_o which_o be_v most_o absolute_a and_o necessary_a be_v above_o their_o reach_n for_o let_v such_o man_n try_v ●heir_a imagination_n about_o god_n eternity_n not_o mere_o how_o he_o shall_v be_v from_o himself_o but_o how_o god_n shall_v coexi_v with_o all_o the_o difference_n of_o time_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v no_o succession_n in_o his_o own_o be_v i_o do_v not_o say_v there_o be_v such_o difficulty_n to_o conceive_v a_o rock_n stand_v still_o when_o the_o wave_n run_v by_o it_o or_o the_o gnomon_n of_o a_o dial_n when_o the_o shadow_n pass_v from_o one_o figure_n to_o another_o 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promise_a and_o send_v the_o messiah_n the_o declare_v and_o execute_v a_o general_a judgement_n how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v consistent_a with_o a_o permanent_a instant_a or_o a_o continuance_n of_o be_v without_o succession_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o in_o this_o case_n as_o to_o god_n eternity_n to_o form_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n in_o our_o mind_n of_o that_o which_o both_o reason_n and_o revelation_n convince_v we_o must_v be_v the_o most_o we_o can_v make_v of_o our_o conception_n of_o it_o be_v that_o god_n have_v neither_o beginning_n of_o be_v nor_o end_v of_o day_n but_o that_o he_o always_o be_v and_o always_o must_v be_v and_o this_o be_v rather_o a_o necessary_a conclusion_n from_o reason_n and_o scripture_n than_o any_o distinct_a notion_n or_o conception_n of_o eternity_n in_o our_o mind_n from_o whence_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o god_n may_v reveal_v something_o to_o we_o which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v and_o yet_o after_o that_o revelation_n the_o manner_n of_o it_o may_v be_v incomprehensible_a by_o we_o and_o consequent_o a_o mystery_n to_o we_o have_v not_o god_n reveal_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n the_o spirituality_n of_o his_o own_o nature_n that_o he_o be_v a_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o will_v be_v worship_v in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n 24._o for_o that_o be_v a_o true_a reason_n why_o spiritual_a worship_n shall_v be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o he_o now_o if_o we_o can_v have_v a_o clear_a distinct_a 〈◊〉_d notion_n in_o our_o mind_n of_o god_n spiritual_a nature_n we_o may_v then_o pretend_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o mysterious_a in_o this_o since_o it_o be_v reveal_v but_o let_v such_o man_n examine_v their_o own_o thought_n about_o this_o matter_n and_o try_v whether_o the_o utmost_a they_o can_v attain_v to_o
enjoy_v themselves_o and_o be_v full_a of_o noise_n and_o confidence_n and_o appear_v to_o be_v all_o mi●th_n and_o good_a humour_n but_o there_o be_v another_o account_n to_o be_v take_v of_o these_o thing_n if_o man_n can_v look_v within_o and_o see_v all_o the_o secret_a misgiving_n the_o inward_a horror_n of_o conscience_n the_o impatience_n and_o dissatisfaction_n they_o have_v when_o they_o serious_o reflect_v on_o their_o evil_a course_n it_o will_v quite_o alter_v their_o apprehension_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o make_v they_o conclude_v with_o the_o roman_a orator_n that_o one_o day_n spend_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o virtue_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v 3_o before_o everlasting_a debauchery_n and_o he_o be_v no_o foo●_n no_o pedant_n no_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a person_n who_o say_v this_o but_o a_o man_n of_o wit_n and_o sense_n of_o quality_n and_o experience_n who_o have_v opportunity_n and_o mean_n enough_o to_o have_v pursue_v the_o most_o sensual_a and_o 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condition_n happy_a for_o it_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o moral_a frenzy_n which_o possess_v some_o part_n of_o mankind_n who_o be_v not_o only_o extravagant_a in_o their_o action_n but_o assume_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o confidence_n in_o commit_v they_o as_o though_o the_o wise_a man_n of_o all_o age_n have_v be_v the_o only_a remarkable_a fool_n in_o it_o but_o it_o be_v no_o such_o easy_a matter_n to_o run_v down_o the_o principle_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n they_o have_v stand_v the_o shock_n of_o all_o the_o sarcasm_n and_o reproach_n of_o former_a time_n and_o there_o be_v still_o nothing_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n that_o be_v cast_v upon_o they_o but_o a_o carnal_a and_o profane_a temper_n of_o mind_n which_o may_v bear_v they_o up_o for_o a_o while_n but_o it_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o end_v in_o everlasting_a confusion_n and_o then_o they_o will_v find_v what_o they_o be_v so_o unwilling_a to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v carnal_o 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mind_n have_v the_o advantage_n 1._o as_o to_o such_o which_o man_n bring_v upon_o themselves_o let_v this_o be_v suppose_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v when_o god_n please_v among_o christian_n who_o be_v to_o follow_v christ_n in_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o which_o overthrow_v the_o advantage_n of_o a_o spiritual_a mind_n above_o a_o carnal_a can_v a_o carnal_a mind_n secure_a man_n from_o pain_n and_o disease_n from_o loss_n and_o disappointment_n nay_o do_v not_o the_o pursuit_n of_o carnal_a pleasure_n bring_v more_o trouble_n upon_o man_n in_o this_o life_n than_o the_o case_n of_o persecution_n do_v upon_o the_o best_a christian_n if_o the_o loathsome_a disease_n the_o reproachful_a and_o untimely_a death_n which_o of_o all_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v most_o avoid_v by_o such_o who_o
parity_n of_o reason_n some_o thing_n be_v declare_v and_o enforce_v by_o the_o gospel_n other_o leave_v to_o our_o own_o deduction_n and_o inference_n some_o thing_n be_v make_v positive_a command_n for_o all_o age_n other_o be_v report_v by_o way_n of_o example_n but_o that_o example_n understand_v by_o the_o church_n to_o have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o command_n now_o in_o all_o these_o and_o other_o like_a case_n we_o ought_v to_o have_v the_o great_a regard_n to_o plain_a positive_a moral_a and_o perpetual_a command_n but_o withal_o to_o have_v a_o due_a regard_n to_o consequential_a and_o useful_a duty_n especial_o where_o the_o church_n of_o god_n have_v always_o so_o understand_v they_o which_o be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o such_o doubtful_a case_n where_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o be_v true_o deliver_v to_o we_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o obligation_n we_o be_v under_o and_o that_o be_v threefold_a 1._o that_o of_o nature_n which_o be_v to_o act_v according_a to_o reason_n and_o none_o can_v question_v that_o but_o those_o who_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o principle_n as_o reason_n in_o mankind_n and_o whosoever_o do_v so_o have_v reason_n to_o begin_v at_o home_n 2._o of_o christianity_n which_o suppose_v and_o enforce_v that_o of_o nature_n and_o superadd_v many_o other_o duty_n which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o perform_v as_o christian_n 3._o of_o our_o several_a relation_n and_o particular_a employment_n as_o to_o the_o former_a we_o be_v under_o great_a obligation_n from_o god_n and_o nature_n and_o christianity_n to_o do_v the_o duty_n which_o belong_v to_o we_o in_o they_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a they_o common_o require_v a_o strict_a obligation_n by_o oath_n to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o otherwise_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o do_v but_o be_v enter_v into_o it_o by_o a_o voluntary_a act_n of_o our_o own_o we_o can_v omit_v such_o duty_n without_o sin_n but_o where_o the_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n do_v supersede_n the_o obligation_n thus_o i_o have_v go_v through_o as_o clear_o and_o distinct_o as_o i_o can_v the_o most_o useful_a case_n relate_v to_o sin_n of_o omission_n it_o remain_v now_o that_o i_o make_v some_o application_n to_o ourselves_o when_o we_o reflect_v on_o our_o life_n and_o action_n our_o sin_n of_o commission_n be_v apt_a to_o terrify_v our_o conscience_n and_o make_v we_o very_o apprehensive_a of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n but_o how_o few_o be_v any_o way_n concern_v for_o their_o sin_n of_o omission_n viz._n for_o not_o discharge_v the_o duty_n of_o their_o place_n for_o not_o do_v the_o good_a they_o may_v and_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v for_o not_o serve_v god_n with_o diligence_n and_o exemplary_a devotion_n for_o not_o have_v their_o mind_n so_o fix_v and_o intent_n upon_o he_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v on_o their_o creator_n and_o preserver_n and_o redeemer_n in_o a_o very_a corrupt_a age_n not_o to_o be_v remarkable_a for_o do_v evil_a be_v a_o kind_n of_o saintship_n but_o how_o few_o be_v remarkable_a for_o do_v good_a and_o yet_o that_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a character_n of_o saintship_n how_o much_o time_n be_v squander_v away_o in_o vanity_n and_o folly_n and_o yet_o how_o be_v that_o grudge_v which_o be_v spend_v in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n o_o what_o a_o burden_n it_o be_v to_o serve_v god_n and_o spend_v any_o time_n in_o devotion_n how_o many_o excuse_n and_o pretence_n of_o business_n will_v such_o make_v rather_o than_o attend_v upon_o religious_a duty_n which_o themselves_o will_v judge_v very_o frivolous_a in_o other_o matter_n and_o will_v god_n and_o conscience_n be_v satisfy_v with_o such_o unequal_a deal_v such_o notorious_a partiality_n let_v we_o deal_v faithful_o and_o sincere_o with_o ourselves_o be_v we_o as_o ready_a to_o serve_v god_n as_o to_o serve_v our_o lust_n and_o pleasure_n have_v we_o the_o same_o regard_n to_o his_o worship_n that_o we_o have_v to_o any_o thing_n we_o real_o love_v and_o esteem_v if_o not_o there_o must_v be_v something_o very_o much_o amiss_o in_o the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o we_o be_v high_o concern_v to_o look_v into_o it_o i_o do_v not_o speak_v now_o of_o casual_a and_o accidental_a omission_n of_o some_o particular_a duty_n at_o some_o time_n but_o of_o a_o general_a unconcernedness_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o though_o they_o be_v either_o too_o high_a in_o the_o speculation_n or_o too_o mean_a and_o low_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o they_o or_o at_o least_o that_o it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n one_o way_n or_o other_o whether_o they_o mind_v they_o or_o not_o this_o i_o be_o afraid_a be_v too_o much_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o which_o seem_v to_o be_v sink_v into_o a_o strange_a indifferency_n about_o religion_n it_o be_v possible_a for_o person_n to_o have_v a_o zeal_n against_o some_o corrupt_a opinion_n and_o practice_n in_o religion_n and_o yet_o to_o have_v no_o true_a zeal_n or_o concernment_n for_o religion_n itself_o for_o they_o may_v so_o much_o hate_n be_v impose_v upon_o by_o false_a pretender_n that_o carry_v on_o a_o interest_n and_o faction_n under_o the_o show_n of_o religion_n as_o from_o thence_o to_o suspect_v all_o religion_n to_o be_v nothing_o else_o which_o be_v as_o unreasonable_a as_o for_o a_o man_n to_o conclude_v that_o all_o merchant_n and_o jeweller_n be_v cheat_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n nor_o can_v be_v as_o true_a diamond_n in_o the_o world_n because_o he_o have_v fall_v into_o the_o hand_n of_o such_o as_o will_v have_v cheat_v he_o with_o those_o which_o be_v counterfeit_a and_o it_o be_v common_a with_o such_o who_o design_n to_o deceive_v that_o what_o they_o want_v in_o sincerity_n they_o make_v up_o with_o confidence_n this_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n for_o caution_n and_o look_v about_o we_o but_o it_o be_v none_o at_o all_o for_o our_o indifferency_n about_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v not_o here_o as_o in_o jewel_n which_o be_v fine_a thing_n to_o look_v upon_o but_o the_o happiness_n of_o life_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o they_o but_o will_v any_o one_o let_v alone_a thing_n necessary_a to_o the_o support_n of_o life_n because_o poison_n may_v be_v put_v into_o they_o we_o may_v take_v care_n to_o prevent_v it_o but_o we_o must_v have_v the_o necessary_n of_o life_n and_o it_o will_v be_v great_a folly_n to_o die_v for_o want_v of_o sustenance_n for_o fear_v of_o be_v poison_v if_o we_o have_v no_o true_a love_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n we_o must_v perish_v for_o there_o be_v no_o hope_n of_o salvation_n without_o it_o and_o if_o we_o go_v on_o in_o a_o careless_a indifferency_n about_o god_n and_o his_o service_n if_o we_o do_v not_o do_v our_o endeavour_n for_o suppress_v wickedness_n and_o vice_n if_o we_o do_v not_o mind_n religion_n ourselves_o nor_o be_v encourage_v it_o in_o other_o it_o will_v show_v that_o we_o have_v not_o that_o love_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o have_v therefore_o if_o we_o regard_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n our_o own_o salvation_n the_o duty_n of_o our_o place_n the_o interest_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o all_o that_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a we_o must_v shake_v off_o all_o this_o coldness_n and_o indifferency_n about_o religion_n and_o apply_v ourselves_o hearty_o and_o sincere_o to_o promote_v the_o great_a end_n of_o it_o which_o be_v to_o make_v person_n good_a in_o this_o world_n and_o happy_a in_o another_o which_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n grant_v etc._n etc._n sermon_n xi_o preach_v at_o whitehall_n before_o the_o princess_n of_o denmark_n february_n the_o 11_o 1686_o 7_o st._n matth._n xxvi_o 41._o watch_z and_o pray_v that_o you_o enter_v not_o into_o temptation_n the_o spirit_n indeed_o be_v willing_a but_o the_o flesh_n be_v weak_a these_o word_n be_v speak_v by_o our_o saviour_n to_o his_o disciple_n at_o a_o critical_a time_n when_o they_o be_v just_a enter_v into_o temptation_n but_o they_o be_v very_o little_a apprehensive_a of_o it_o and_o of_o their_o inability_n to_o withstand_v it_o like_a ionas_n they_o be_v fall_v asleep_o when_o the_o storm_n be_v gather_v about_o they_o and_o do_v not_o imagine_v they_o be_v so_o near_o be_v cast_v into_o a_o rough_a and_o tempestuous_a sea_n it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a before_o ver._n 26._o that_o christ_n have_v entertain_v they_o at_o the_o proper_a banquet_n of_o the_o messiah_n which_o the_o jew_n speak_v so_o much_o of_o but_o not_o such_o a_o one_o as_o they_o fancy_v make_v up_o of_o the_o great_a delicacy_n and_o variety_n of_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o at_o a_o supper_n of_o his_o own_o appoint_v where_o ordinary_a bread_n and_o wine_n be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o set_v
well_o of_o themselves_o unless_o they_o think_v amiss_o of_o other_o and_o such_o be_v very_o pry_v into_o the_o fault_n of_o other_o man_n and_o be_v please_v with_o hear_v they_o because_o hereby_o they_o bring_v they_o on_o the_o same_o level_n with_o themselves_o what_o a_o satisfaction_n do_v it_o seem_v to_o profane_a man_n to_o find_v out_o the_o miscarriage_n of_o such_o who_o pretend_v to_o religion_n but_o be_v they_o the_o better_a or_o religion_n the_o worse_a for_o they_o to_o be_v a_o scandal_n to_o religion_n be_v a_o great_a aggravation_n of_o a_o fault_n but_o still_o religion_n be_v not_o to_o blame_v for_o it_o be_v the_o want_n of_o it_o which_o make_v they_o commit_v those_o fault_n but_o where_o there_o be_v a_o desire_n to_o hear_v the_o miscarriage_n of_o other_o man_n and_o a_o pleasure_n in_o relate_v they_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v a_o ill_a temper_n of_o mind_n from_o whence_o this_o proceed_v 6._o in_o not_o use_v the_o same_o measure_n in_o judge_v the_o good_a and_o the_o evil_a of_o other_o men._n the_o one_o they_o present_o and_o easy_o believe_v but_o the_o other_o they_o make_v many_o difficulty_n about_o if_o any_o evil_a action_n be_v report_v of_o a_o neighbour_n that_o be_v present_o entertain_v and_o spread_v abroad_o to_o his_o mighty_a disadvantage_n although_o it_o be_v at_o first_o take_v up_o from_o a_o malicious_a or_o ill_o ground_v report_n but_o if_o a_o good_a action_n be_v tell_v they_o find_v out_o all_o possible_a way_n either_o to_o lessen_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o reporter_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o action_n or_o to_o find_v out_o circumstance_n to_o exasperate_v it_o so_o much_o malice_n and_o ill_a will_n do_v appear_v in_o the_o ordinary_a consideration_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o judgement_n they_o pass_v upon_o one_o another_o 7._o in_o pronounce_v concern_v man_n final_a state_n in_o another_o world_n which_o be_v whole_o out_o of_o our_o reach_n and_o capacity_n for_o that_o depend_v upon_o such_o thing_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v as_o 1._o the_o nature_n and_o aggravation_n of_o man_n sin_n which_o depend_v upon_o circumstance_n we_o can_v know_v but_o god_n do_v what_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n they_o have_v what_o temptation_n they_o be_v under_o what_o mean_v of_o resistance_n what_o degree_n of_o wilfulness_n and_o presumption_n there_o be_v in_o they_o 2._o the_o sincerity_n of_o their_o repentance_n for_o those_o sin_n we_o know_v it_o may_v be_v the_o sin_z they_o have_v commit_v but_o we_o can_v know_v how_o much_o they_o have_v smart_v for_o those_o sin_n in_o secret_a what_o agony_n of_o mind_n they_o have_v undergo_v for_o they_o how_o earnest_o they_o have_v pray_v for_o forgiveness_n and_o strength_n against_o they_o what_o a_o inward_a abhorrence_n and_o detestation_n they_o have_v of_o they_o what_o a_o real_a change_n have_v be_v make_v in_o their_o soul_n as_o to_o what_o they_o have_v love_v and_o delight_v in_o 3._o what_o fail_n be_v consistent_a with_o a_o general_a sincerity_n we_o know_v a_o perfect_a obedience_n be_v impossible_a therefore_o we_o must_v allow_v some_o or_o else_o we_o must_v send_v all_o to_o hell_n but_o then_o how_o to_o fix_v the_o nature_n and_o number_n of_o such_o fail_n so_o as_o to_o say_v so_o far_o he_o may_v fail_v and_o yet_o be_v sincere_a be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o do_v since_o we_o must_v take_v in_o those_o circumstance_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v 4._o what_o thing_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n of_o particular_a person_n bold_n and_o presumptuous_a man_n be_v very_o positive_a and_o dare_a in_o such_o case_n but_o such_o as_o be_v modest_a and_o humble_a dare_v not_o go_v far_o than_o god_n have_v declare_v some_o unreasonable_o restrain_v the_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n to_o the_o bound_n of_o their_o own_o communion_n but_o i_o shall_v soon_o question_v the_o possibility_n of_o their_o salvation_n who_o thus_o censure_n and_o condemn_v the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o that_o charity_n which_o the_o scripture_n make_v more_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n than_o any_o one_o communion_n 5._o the_o bound_n of_o god_n mercy_n the_o usual_a term_n of_o it_o be_v express_v in_o scripture_n but_o even_o that_o have_v acquaint_v we_o that_o god_n have_v not_o tie_v up_o himself_o from_o some_o extraordinary_a instance_n of_o it_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o thief_n on_o the_o cross._n this_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o encouragement_n to_o any_o to_o put_v off_o their_o repentance_n but_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o keep_v we_o from_o censure_v any_o as_o to_o their_o final_a condition_n in_o another_o world_n 2._o the_o mischief_n they_o bring_v upon_o themselves_o by_o be_v thus_o severe_a towards_o other_o 1._o this_o provoke_v the_o malice_n of_o other_o against_o they_o who_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v revenge_v if_o possible_a on_o such_o who_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o condemn_v other_o and_o to_o lay_v open_a their_o fault_n thereby_o to_o expose_v their_o weakness_n or_o hypocrisy_n whereas_o candour_n and_o fairness_n make_v man_n willing_a to_o use_v the_o same_o towards_o those_o who_o use_v it_o to_o other_o 2._o it_o provoke_v god_n to_o be_v severe_a to_o such_o as_o show_v no_o mercy_n towards_o other_o and_o so_o our_o saviour_n understand_v it_o matth._n 7._o 1_o 2._o nothing_o we_o have_v so_o much_o cause_n to_o dread_n as_o the_o severity_n of_o god_n judgement_n upon_o we_o and_o nothing_o shall_v make_v we_o more_o willing_a to_o show_v kindness_n and_o goodwill_n to_o other_o than_o to_o consider_v that_o god_n will_v have_v a_o regard_n to_o it_o in_o his_o deal_n with_o we_o especial_o if_o it_o appear_v in_o our_o action_n as_o well_o as_o our_o word_n which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v 2._o we_o may_v be_v righteous_a overmuch_o in_o the_o moral_a practice_n of_o righteousness_n towards_o other_o 1._o that_o man_n may_v exceed_v herein_o 2._o that_o this_o prove_v mischievous_a to_o themselves_o 1._o that_o man_n may_v exceed_v in_o righteousness_n in_o their_o deal_n with_o other_o men._n in_o the_o matter_n of_o right_n and_o wrong_n between_o party_n and_o party_n man_n may_v be_v righteous_a overmuch_o viz._n when_o man_n take_v all_o the_o advantage_n which_o the_o law_n give_v they_o against_o other_o without_o consideration_n of_o their_o condition_n and_o circumstance_n it_o have_v be_v long_o since_o observe_v that_o summum_fw-la jus_o summa_fw-la injuria_fw-la the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v that_o the_o law_n be_v make_v for_o a_o whole_a community_n can_v be_v so_o frame_v but_o it_o may_v pinch_v hard_a upon_o some_o particular_a person_n if_o it_o be_v severe_o pursue_v who_o circumstance_n be_v such_o as_o the_o law_n never_o intend_v the_o foundation_n of_o justice_n sai_z cicero_z be_v that_o no_o innocent_a person_n suffer_v and_o that_o the_o 10._o common_a good_a be_v maintain_v where_o the_o circumstance_n of_o person_n deserve_v pity_n it_o be_v not_o justice_n but_o inhumanity_n to_o pursue_v their_o own_o right_n to_o the_o ruin_n of_o other_o no_o certain_a rule_n can_v be_v set_v down_o because_o circumstance_n vary_v so_o much_o but_o it_o do_v not_o become_v a_o good_a man_n to_o insist_v upon_o a_o bare_a right_n to_o the_o utter_a ruin_n of_o another_o if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o deserve_v commiseration_n i._n e._n poor_a helpless_a and_o willing_a to_o do_v what_o they_o be_v able_a for_o satisfaction_n aristotle_n say_v that_o a_o 10._o good_a man_n do_v not_o pursue_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o exactness_n of_o law_n but_o abate_v of_o his_o right_n although_o he_o be_v sure_o he_o have_v the_o law_n of_o his_o side_n be_v it_o then_o unbecoming_a a_o good_a man_n to_o pursue_v his_o right_n no._n but_o he_o ought_v so_o to_o manage_v it_o as_o to_o show_v he_o have_v a_o regard_n to_o equity_n as_o well_o as_o justice_n but_o there_o be_v several_a way_n of_o man_n be_v righteous_a overmuch_o 1._o when_o they_o mind_n justice_n without_o mercy_n the_o truth_n be_v such_o person_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o moral_a heathen_n so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o be_v good_a christian_n which_o so_o earnest_o recommend_v charity_n and_o kindness_n to_o our_o great_a enemy_n so_o that_o even_o our_o justice_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o mixture_n of_o mercy_n in_o it_o 2._o when_o they_o make_v the_o law_n the_o instrument_n of_o their_o revenge_n when_o they_o be_v glad_a they_o have_v take_v their_o enemy_n at_o such_o a_o advantage_n we_o may_v here_o apply_v st._n paul_n word_n we_o ●_o know_v the_o law_n be_v good_a if_o a_o man_n use_v it_o lawful_o but_o there_o may_v be_v a_o very_a unlawful_a use_n of_o it_o when_o