humane_a society_n give_v such_o encouragement_n to_o wickedness_n and_o so_o confound_v the_o distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o i_o need_v not_o tell_v any_o man_n that_o this_o be_v not_o mean_v by_o refer_v all_o judgement_n to_o god_n we_o must_v judge_v of_o man_n and_o thing_n as_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o prudent_a government_n of_o our_o life_n and_o to_o the_o preservation_n of_o peace_n and_o justice_n and_o good_a order_n in_o the_o world_n this_o do_v not_o entrench_v upon_o a_o future_a judgement_n nor_o upon_o god_n prerogative_n of_o be_v the_o sole_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n but_o be_v necessary_a in_o this_o present_a state_n of_o thing_n so_o necessary_a that_o neither_o public_a society_n nor_o private_a person_n can_v be_v safe_a without_o it_o but_o then_o we_o assume_v such_o a_o judgement_n to_o ourselves_o as_o belong_v only_o to_o god_n when_o we_o judge_v man_n heart_n and_o secret_a thought_n and_o intention_n and_o when_o we_o pass_v judgement_n on_o their_o final_a state_n first_o when_o we_o judge_v man_n heart_n and_o thought_n and_o secret_a intention_n for_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n be_v know_v only_o to_o himself_o and_o to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n and_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o heart_n will_v never_o be_v make_v manifest_a till_o god_n come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n indeed_o no_o man_n will_v pretend_v to_o know_v another_o man_n heart_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v too_o plain_a in_o many_o case_n that_o man_n undertake_v to_o judge_v of_o heart_n and_o the_o great_a fault_n in_o judge_v be_v that_o whether_o man_n will_v own_v it_o or_o no_o yet_o they_o undertake_v to_o judge_v of_o heart_n thus_o all_o those_o do_v who_o charge_v man_n with_o more_o gild_n than_o be_v visible_a in_o their_o action_n for_o if_o we_o can_v discover_v any_o gild_n which_o be_v not_o visible_a in_o their_o action_n we_o must_v look_v into_o their_o heart_n and_o thought_n and_o intention_n to_o find_v it_o thus_o those_o do_v who_o charge_v man_n with_o gild_n upon_o account_n of_o innocent_a and_o indifferent_a action_n which_o have_v no_o necessary_a good_a or_o evil_n in_o they_o but_o be_v as_o they_o be_v take_v and_o as_o they_o be_v intend_v and_o those_o who_o can_v find_v any_o hurt_n in_o such_o action_n as_o have_v no_o intrinsic_a evil_n and_o mischief_n in_o they_o must_v find_v it_o in_o the_o heart_n especial_o those_o who_o judge_n and_o condemn_v man_n for_o the_o most_o virtuous_a action_n for_o the_o most_o imitable_a example_n of_o piety_n and_o devotion_n and_o charity_n and_o a_o severe_a and_o mortify_a life_n and_o call_v this_o affectation_n and_o popularity_n and_o pharisaism_n and_o charge_v they_o with_o carry_v on_o some_o worldly_a and_o secular_a design_n under_o the_o masque_n and_o disguise_n of_o religion_n now_o i_o granâ—_n this_o may_v be_v do_v and_o sometime_o it_o may_v be_v visible_a enough_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o pharisee_n but_o to_o charge_v any_o man_n with_o this_o without_o some_o plain_a and_o manifest_a indication_n of_o it_o be_v to_o judge_v their_o heart_n when_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o they_o nay_o to_o charge_v man_n with_o the_o utmost_a possible_a gild_n even_o of_o their_o bad_a action_n be_v to_o judge_v their_o heart_n for_o it_o be_v to_o say_v that_o they_o have_v do_v such_o a_o wicked_a action_n with_o all_o the_o internal_a wickedness_n of_o heart_n and_o mind_n which_o such_o a_o action_n can_v be_v commit_v with_o which_o no_o man_n can_v say_v without_o judge_v the_o heart_n the_o same_o wicked_a action_n may_v be_v the_o effect_n either_o of_o ignorance_n or_o of_o knowledge_n of_o rashness_n and_o surprise_n or_o of_o mature_a and_o deliberate_a counsel_n of_o habitual_a wickedness_n or_o of_o some_o accidental_a temptation_n of_o our_o own_o free_a choice_n or_o the_o persuasion_n of_o friend_n and_o the_o enticement_n of_o our_o companion_n and_o the_o prevalency_n of_o shame_n or_o fear_n now_o this_o make_v a_o vast_a difference_n in_o the_o gild_n and_o sin_n and_o if_o the_o same_o action_n may_v have_v different_a degree_n of_o gild_n we_o must_v charge_v it_o with_o no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v visible_a unless_o we_o will_v undertake_v to_o judge_v the_o secret_n of_o heart_n thus_o to_o charge_v a_o man_n with_o act_v against_o his_o conscience_n when_o he_o himself_o declare_v a_o full_a satisfaction_n in_o what_o he_o do_v or_o to_o say_v that_o he_o only_o pretend_v conscience_n when_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o humour_n or_o pride_n and_o popularity_n or_o interest_n and_o politic_n be_v to_o judge_v man_n heart_n for_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v know_v without_o know_v man_n heart_n there_o may_v be_v great_a symptom_n and_o strong_a presumption_n that_o some_o man_n have_v no_o conscience_n at_o all_o or_o no_o regard_n to_o it_o for_o those_o who_o in_o the_o general_a course_n of_o their_o life_n govern_v themselves_o by_o no_o rule_n be_v ridiculous_a when_o they_o pretend_v conscience_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o those_o who_o in_o their_o other_o action_n show_v that_o they_o be_v man_n of_o conscience_n aught_o to_o be_v believe_v when_o they_o pretend_v conscience_n unless_o there_o be_v manifest_a evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_n all_o these_o thing_n belong_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n who_o will_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n heart_n by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o judge_v of_o they_o for_o it_o serve_v no_o good_a end_n but_o do_v very_o great_a mischief_n to_o the_o world_n all_o the_o end_n of_o humane_a government_n both_o in_o church_n and_o state_n may_v be_v attain_v without_o this_o for_o humane_a government_n do_v not_o pretend_v to_o judge_v meâ—â—_n thought_n and_o heart_n any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o be_v declare_v in_o word_n and_o action_n and_o some_o very_a plain_a and_o significant_a circumstance_n which_o betray_v and_o speak_v their_o intention_n and_o design_n humane_a government_n take_v notice_n only_o of_o what_o appear_v and_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o secure_v the_o external_a purity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o preferve_v justice_n and_o good_a order_n in_o the_o state_n but_o the_o mischief_n of_o judge_a man_n thought_n and_o heart_n be_v chief_o see_v in_o private_a conversation_n how_o often_o do_v this_o dissolve_v the_o most_o intimate_a friendship_n and_o beget_v mortal_a quarrel_n that_o man_n read_v each_o other_o thought_n and_o heart_n in_o their_o action_n and_o very_o often_o read_v very_o false_a and_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o original_a when_o a_o indiscreet_a word_n or_o action_n be_v interpret_v a_o design_a affront_n anâ—_n a_o careless_a or_o forgetful_a neglect_n be_v think_v a_o contempt_n when_o a_o intend_a kindness_n miscarry_v and_o prove_v a_o injury_n and_o be_v then_o think_v to_o be_v intend_v so_o it_o be_v easy_o observe_v that_o mere_a action_n anger_v no_o man_n and_o make_v no_o quarrel_n for_o we_o caâ—_n easy_o bear_v with_o that_o from_o one_o who_o we_o believe_v our_o friend_n which_o we_o will_v not_o bear_v with_o from_o a_o stranger_n or_o a_o suppose_a enemy_n or_o rival_n but_o when_o man_n apprehend_v a_o thing_n ill_o intend_v than_o they_o take_v it_o ill_o that_o be_v they_o judge_v man_n heart_n and_o intention_n which_o they_o can_v see_v and_o which_o they_o often_o mistake_v and_o that_o make_v the_o quarrel_n another_o mischief_n of_o this_o judge_n be_v that_o many_o time_n the_o most_o exemplary_a virtue_n be_v great_o discourage_v and_o the_o most_o useful_a man_n eclipse_v and_o make_v unserviceable_a to_o the_o world_n when_o the_o most_o conspicuous_a piety_n and_o devotion_n and_o charity_n be_v accuse_v of_o pride_n ambition_n popularity_n or_o some_o other_o base_a and_o low_a design_n it_o make_v such_o good_a man_n afraid_a of_o appear_v good_a to_o avoid_v the_o suspicion_n of_o be_v vain_a and_o wicked_a it_o make_v their_o example_n useless_a to_o the_o world_n for_o man_n will_v be_v afraid_a to_o imitate_v they_o when_o they_o who_o set_v the_o example_n get_v nothing_o but_o a_o ill_a name_n by_o it_o it_o make_v some_o man_n think_v that_o all_o religion_n be_v a_o cheat_n and_o have_v nothing_o but_o this_o world_n at_o the_o bottom_n when_o the_o more_o zealous_a man_n appear_v in_o do_v good_a the_o more_o they_o be_v suspect_v of_o hypocrisy_n and_o worldly_a design_n and_o thus_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n as_o we_o know_v mankind_n be_v very_o partial_a in_o their_o affection_n when_o tâ—ose_o who_o do_v very_o wicked_a action_n shall_v still_o be_v think_v good_a man_n and_o maintain_v their_o reputation_n in_o the_o world_n as_o have_v the_o root_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o they_o though_o they_o be_v not_o without_o their_o
good_a way_n to_o do_v this_o but_o suppose_v this_o fail_n in_o some_o instance_n or_o can_v perfect_o accomplish_v what_o god_n intend_v will_v he_o give_v over_o here_o and_o use_v no_o other_o more_o effectual_a method_n to_o supply_v those_o defect_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o natural_a reward_n of_o virtue_n good_a man_n while_o they_o live_v intermix_v with_o the_o wicked_a may_v be_v oppress_v by_o they_o and_o make_v as_o miserable_a as_o all_o external_a calamity_n and_o suffering_n can_v make_v they_o and_o be_v in_o great_a danger_n oâ—_n be_v so_o unless_o a_o watchful_a providence_n secure_v they_o the_o practice_n and_o exercise_v of_o virtue_n will_v make_v man_n happy_a both_o in_o soul_n and_o body_n where_o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o virtue_n be_v not_o hinder_v and_o interrupt_v by_o external_a violence_n but_o where_o they_o be_v a_o good_a man_n though_o he_o can_v be_v call_v miserable_a yet_o may_v be_v far_o enough_o from_o be_v happy_a nay_o will_v true_o be_v miserable_a notwithstanding_o his_o virtue_n have_v he_o noâ—_n the_o assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a protection_n at_o present_a and_o of_o glorious_a reward_n hereafter_o which_o support_v his_o spirit_n and_o make_v he_o happy_a in_o the_o most_o afflict_a fortune_n the_o good_a government_n of_o our_o appetite_n and_o passion_n will_v make_v our_o mind_n cheerful_a and_o easy_a contentment_n will_v sweeten_v a_o low_a fortune_n and_o patience_n will_v make_v our_o suffering_n light_a but_o these_o will_v be_v impracticable_a virtue_n without_o a_o firm_a trust_n in_o god_n and_o the_o expectation_n of_o future_a reward_n for_o to_o be_v great_o oppress_v with_o present_a suffering_n without_o the_o support_n of_o great_a hope_n will_v break_v the_o most_o virtuous_a mind_n and_o make_v it_o sink_v and_o faint_v sobriety_n and_o temperance_n be_v the_o best_a method_n to_o preserve_v our_o health_n and_o prolong_v our_o life_n but_o yet_o good_a man_n may_v have_v very_o weak_a and_o distemper_a body_n and_o may_v inherit_v the_o disease_n of_o their_o parent_n though_o not_o their_o vice_n or_o what_o care_n so_o ever_o they_o take_v to_o preserve_v their_o life_n yet_o they_o may_v be_v ravish_v from_o they_o frugality_n and_o diligence_n and_o charity_n and_o such_o thrive_a virtue_n may_v raise_v a_o estate_n and_o oppression_n and_o injustice_n may_v take_v it_o away_o and_o how_o glorious_a soever_o virtue_n be_v in_o itself_o it_o may_v be_v eclipse_v and_o darken_v by_o envy_n and_o calumny_n or_o reproach_v by_o a_o prevail_a faction_n of_o triumphant_a sinner_n and_o thus_o virtue_n may_v be_v deprive_v of_o all_o its_o natural_a reward_n if_o god_n do_v not_o interpose_v by_o his_o providence_n for_o its_o defence_n or_o reserve_v some_o more_o certain_a reward_n for_o it_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v thus_o sin_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v very_o destructive_a as_o you_o have_v hear_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o the_o health_n of_o the_o body_n to_o our_o estate_n and_o fortune_n and_o reputation_n in_o the_o world_n but_o yet_o some_o sinner_n may_v feel_v very_o little_a of_o this_o a_o great_a and_o last_a prosperity_n will_v so_o qualify_v the_o natural_a malignity_n of_o sin_n as_o to_o make_v such_o man_n very_o unsensible_a of_o it_o pride_n and_o ambition_n and_o covetuousness_n have_v little_a trouble_n but_o great_a pleasure_n in_o they_o when_o they_o be_v gratify_v with_o prosperous_a success_n with_o a_o daily_a increase_n of_o riches_n and_o honour_n envy_n and_o hatred_n and_o revenge_n be_v please_a passion_n when_o man_n have_v their_o enemy_n at_o their_o foot_n and_o can_v trample_v on_o they_o at_o pleasure_n though_o intemperance_n and_o lust_n and_o prodigality_n may_v ruin_v a_o estate_n fraud_n injustice_n and_o oppression_n may_v get_v one_o and_o as_o hurtful_a as_o some_o vice_n be_v to_o our_o health_n a_o cautious_a sinner_n and_o such_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v very_o wicked_a without_o injure_v his_o health_n or_o shorten_v his_o life_n and_o as_o infamous_a as_o sin_n be_v this_o may_v be_v so_o conceal_v and_o palliate_v by_o external_a honour_n that_o the_o sinner_n shall_v not_o feel_v it_o nor_o bad_a man_n see_v it_o nor_o good_a man_n dare_v take_v notice_n of_o it_o so_o that_o these_o natural_a reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o god_n have_v entail_v on_o virtue_n and_o vice_n may_v either_o whole_o or_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n be_v defeat_v by_o the_o great_a external_a calamity_n of_o good_a man_n and_o by_o the_o great_a prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v god_n will_n that_o good_a man_n shall_v be_v happy_a and_o the_o wicked_a miserable_a as_o these_o natural_a reward_n and_o punishment_n prove_v that_o it_o be_v unless_o he_o will_v suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v defeat_v in_o the_o very_a end_n for_o which_o he_o make_v man_n which_o we_o can_v never_o suppose_v of_o so_o infinite_o wise_a and_o powerful_a a_o be_v he_o must_v at_o least_o in_o all_o such_o case_n interpose_v by_o his_o providence_n for_o the_o protection_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a in_o this_o world_n and_o reserve_v their_o final_a reward_n and_o punishment_n for_o the_o world_n to_o come_v have_v man_n preserve_v his_o innocence_n and_o keep_v his_o original_a state_n in_o paradise_n virtue_n will_v then_o have_v be_v a_o reward_n unto_o itself_o and_o have_v furnish_v we_o with_o all_o the_o internal_a principle_n of_o happiness_n as_o paradise_n do_v with_o all_o the_o external_a provision_n and_o delight_n of_o nature_n but_o since_o we_o be_v thrust_v into_o this_o world_n where_o good_a man_n live_v among_o the_o bad_a expose_v to_o all_o the_o accident_n of_o mortality_n and_o injury_n of_o man_n though_o these_o natural_a reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v a_o great_a instrument_n of_o providence_n still_o yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a god_n shall_v take_v good_a man_n into_o his_o more_o particular_a care_n in_o this_o world_n and_o translate_v they_o to_o some_o more_o perfect_a state_n of_o happiness_n since_o as_o the_o world_n now_o be_v it_o be_v impossible_a a_o divine_a virtue_n shall_v receive_v its_o complete_a reward_n and_o recompense_n here_o foe_o that_o it_o seem_v as_o demonstrable_a to_o i_o that_o god_n govern_v this_o world_n at_o present_a and_o will_v judge_v we_o in_o the_o next_o as_o that_o he_o have_v make_v a_o essential_a difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o entail_v natural_a reward_n and_o punishment_n on_o they_o which_o be_v of_o no_o use_n but_o for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o as_o thing_n now_o be_v can_v in_o many_o instance_n attain_v that_o end_n without_o a_o providence_n in_o this_o world_n and_o a_o judgement_n in_o the_o next_o 6._o these_o natural_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v a_o natural_a proof_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n or_o of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o be_v plain_a because_o piety_n and_o virtue_n be_v a_o happy_a nature_n and_o sin_n and_o vice_n a_o miserable_a nature_n and_o therefore_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o virtue_n must_v make_v man_n happy_a and_o vice_n miserable_a nature_n will_v act_v like_o itself_o and_o produce_v its_o proper_a effect_n unless_o it_o be_v hinder_v by_o some_o external_a force_n and_o whenever_o that_o force_n be_v remove_v it_o will_v return_v to_o itself_o again_o though_o the_o nature_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n be_v such_o as_o to_o make_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n happy_a yet_o we_o know_v what_o it_o be_v that_o either_o abate_v or_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n destroy_v the_o happiness_n of_o good_a man_n in_o this_o state_n they_o live_v here_o in_o earthly_a body_n which_o have_v strong_a sensual_a appetite_n and_o passion_n and_o they_o feel_v all_o the_o pain_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n which_o make_v many_o act_n of_o virtue_n difficult_a and_o uneasy_a in_o resist_v the_o impression_n of_o sense_n and_o deny_v the_o gratification_n of_o the_o flesh_n this_o world_n be_v the_o empire_n of_o sense_n every_o thing_n in_o it_o court_v and_o flatter_v our_o sense_n and_o draw_v off_o our_o mind_n from_o the_o spiritual_a delight_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o natural_a delight_n of_o a_o reasonable_a spirit_n and_o at_o best_o extreme_o dull_a the_o spiritual_a sensation_n and_o relish_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o make_v the_o delight_n of_o religion_n faint_a and_o languid_a which_o must_v proportionable_o abate_v our_o spiritual_a pleasure_n these_o mortal_a body_n want_v a_o great_a many_o necessary_n and_o convenience_n of_o life_n the_o care_n of_o which_o employ_v most_o of_o our_o thought_n and_o time_n and_o though_o our_o
self-evident_a consequence_n that_o if_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n he_o will_v judge_v it_o that_o be_v reward_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n for_o the_o principal_a act_n of_o government_n be_v to_o judge_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v be_v a_o wise_a and_o just_a governor_n who_o do_v not_o judge_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n or_o his_o present_a government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o final_a judgement_n be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o they_o have_v different_a end_n and_o therefore_o must_v have_v different_a rule_n and_o measure_n but_o they_o be_v both_o god_n judge_v the_o world_n and_o therefore_o if_o god_n begin_v his_o judgement_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o world_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v buâ—_n he_o will_v finish_v and_o perfect_v his_o judgement_n in_o the_o next_o if_o he_o judge_v mankind_n now_o aâ—_n far_o as_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o iâ—_n the_o next_o world_n he_o will_v exercise_v such_o act_n of_o judgement_n as_o be_v proper_a for_o that_o state_n the_o great_a end_n of_o providence_n in_o thiâ—_n world_n be_v the_o preservation_n of_o human_a society_n the_o encouragement_n of_o piety_n anâ—_n virtue_n and_o the_o discouragement_n of_o vicâ—_n to_o keep_v man_n under_o discipline_n to_o lay_v râ—â—straints_n upon_o their_o lust_n and_o passion_n 〈◊〉_d wean_v they_o from_o the_o love_n of_o this_o worlâ—_n to_o exercise_v their_o grace_n their_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o charity_n and_o by_o the_o different_a method_n of_o kindness_n and_o severity_n as_o his_o own_o wisdom_n judge_n best_a and_o fit_a to_o reclaim_v the_o wicked_a and_o the_o wander_a prodigal_n and_o to_o advance_v good_a man_n to_o great_a degree_n and_o perfection_n of_o goodness_n the_o end_n of_o god_n judge_a mankind_n in_o the_o next_o world_n be_v to_o allot_v man_n such_o reward_n and_o punishment_n as_o be_v proportion_v to_o their_o work_n and_o desert_n to_o bestow_v eternal_a life_n on_o good_a man_n and_o to_o execute_v the_o threaten_n of_o eternal_a death_n upon_o bad_a man_n which_o be_v the_o final_a conclusion_n and_o consummation_n of_o judgement_n and_o if_o god_n judge_v all_o man_n in_o this_o world_n as_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a for_o this_o world_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o he_o will_v perfect_v his_o judgement_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v now_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o do_v the_o first_o as_o will_v appear_v from_o particular_n he_o correct_v the_o miscarriage_n of_o public_a government_n public_a injustice_n and_o oppression_n a_o public_a contempt_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n sacred_a a_o general_n corruption_n of_o manner_n and_o a_o inundation_n of_o wickedness_n such_o nation_n seldom_o escape_v long_o without_o a_o severe_a scourge_n unless_o god_n make_v use_v of_o they_o to_o scourge_v other_o nation_n as_o wicked_a as_o themselves_o but_o a_o righteous_a and_o religious_a nation_n which_o preserve_v justice_n among_o man_n and_o the_o knowledge_n and_o reverence_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v the_o darling_n and_o favourite_n of_o providence_n and_o be_v bless_v with_o all_o prosperous_a success_n both_o at_o home_o and_o abroad_o so_o the_o wise_a man_n tell_v we_o that_o righteousness_n exalt_v a_o nation_n but_o sin_n be_v the_o reproach_n of_o any_o people_n thus_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o do_v of_o itself_o but_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o providence_n take_v care_n that_o it_o shall_v do_v so_o for_o though_o every_o particular_a good_a man_n be_v not_o reward_v nor_o every_o particular_a bad_a man_n punish_v in_o this_o world_n yet_o god_n govern_v kingdom_n and_o nation_n by_o a_o more_o equal_a and_o steady_a justice_n for_o indeed_o public_a society_n be_v the_o principal_a object_n of_o his_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o this_o world_n because_o the_o good_a government_n of_o mankind_n depend_v so_o much_o upon_o it_o the_o virtue_n or_o vice_n of_o private_a man_n have_v but_o a_o narrow_a influence_n and_o can_v do_v but_o little_a good_a or_o hurt_n but_o public_a government_n be_v a_o public_a good_a or_o mischief_n and_o the_o disorder_n of_o it_o be_v like_o a_o eclipse_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o bring_v darkness_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o such_o a_o very_a wicked_a nation_n be_v seldom_o long_o unpunished_a or_o a_o righteous_a nation_n oppress_v and_o this_o be_v a_o visible_a exercise_n of_o god_n judgement_n in_o this_o world_n in_o reward_v or_o punish_v kingdom_n and_o nation_n which_o be_v the_o great_a wheel_n of_o providence_n whereon_o the_o regular_a motion_n and_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n depend_v as_o i_o observe_v to_o you_o before_o that_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n by_o erect_v humane_a government_n and_o therefore_o be_v more_o especial_o concern_v to_o govern_v they_o thus_o in_o order_n to_o discourage_v wickedness_n and_o to_o encourage_v true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v another_o end_n of_o providence_n it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v reward_v every_o good_a man_n or_o punish_v every_o bad_a man_n in_o this_o world_n some_o few_o great_a example_n of_o such_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v sufficient_a to_o this_o purpose_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o frequent_a that_o no_o bad_a man_n can_v promise_v himself_o impunity_n even_o in_o this_o life_n nor_o any_o good_a man_n have_v reason_n to_o despond_v or_o distrust_v providence_n and_o as_o many_o complaint_n as_o there_o be_v of_o the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a man_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o good_a yet_o every_o age_n and_o every_o country_n nay_o almost_o every_o village_n will_v furnish_v we_o with_o so_o many_o example_n of_o miserable_a sinner_n and_o of_o the_o visible_a reward_n of_o virtue_n as_o be_v abundant_o enough_o to_o make_v all_o consider_v man_n reverence_v the_o divine_a justice_n and_o providence_n and_o therefore_o god_n exercise_v as_o great_a as_o frequent_v as_o visible_a act_n of_o judgement_n as_o the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n require_v especial_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o world_n be_v a_o state_n of_o discipline_n a_o school_n of_o virtue_n where_o we_o must_v learn_v to_o govern_v our_o passion_n and_o appetite_n to_o conquer_v vicious_a habit_n and_o to_o live_v above_o the_o body_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o to_o forgive_v injury_n to_o love_v enemy_n to_o suffer_v patient_o to_o be_v content_v with_o a_o little_a to_o trust_v providence_n to_o live_v by_o faith_n and_o hope_n of_o unseen_a thing_n now_o such_o a_o state_n as_o this_o will_v not_o admit_v of_o a_o exact_a distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n bad_a man_n must_v not_o always_o be_v punish_v for_o their_o sin_n because_o sometime_o external_n prosperity_n and_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n may_v work_v more_o kind_o on_o they_o or_o if_o they_o be_v punish_v their_o punishment_n must_v be_v rather_o correction_n than_o act_n of_o justice_n that_o be_v they_o must_v not_o always_o bear_v proportion_n to_o their_o desert_n but_o to_o their_o cure_n as_o a_o father_n correct_v his_o child_n not_o so_o much_o to_o punish_v his_o fault_n as_o to_o reform_v it_o and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n good_a man_n must_v not_o always_o be_v prosperous_a for_o they_o may_v need_v adversity_n to_o exercise_v increase_n and_o brighten_v their_o virtue_n and_o to_o make_v they_o great_a example_n to_o the_o world_n or_o if_o god_n see_v fit_a to_o reward_v they_o it_o must_v be_v in_o such_o instance_n and_o such_o proportion_n as_o they_o can_v bear_v not_o always_o what_o they_o may_v deserve_v but_o what_o will_v be_v for_o their_o good_a thus_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n with_o great_a justice_n and_o judgement_n as_o far_o as_o the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n require_v and_o admit_v and_o what_o reason_n then_o be_v there_o to_o question_n whether_o god_n will_v judge_v mankind_n in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v his_o exercise_n of_o justice_n and_o judgement_n in_o this_o world_n prove_v that_o he_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n not_o a_o idle_a and_o unconcerned_a spectator_n of_o humane_a action_n that_o he_o interest_n himself_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o mankind_n be_v solicitous_a to_o make_v all_o his_o creature_n happy_a be_v a_o enemy_n to_o wickedness_n and_o to_o wicked_a man_n but_o the_o friend_n protector_n and_o father_n of_o good_a man_n and_o if_o god_n be_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o judge_v it_o nay_o if_o he_o actual_o execute_v justice_n and_o judgement_n in_o this_o world_n why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o he_o have_v reserve_v no_o act_n of_o judgement_n for_o the_o next_o world_n which_o be_v a_o more_o
pray_v for_o and_o therefore_o it_o teach_v we_o 6.3_o have_v food_n and_o raiment_n therewith_o to_o be_v content_a but_o who_o can_v be_v content_v with_o such_o a_o scanty_a provision_n while_o he_o see_v the_o great_a prosperity_n of_o bad_a man_n who_o dissolve_v in_o ease_n and_o luxury_n be_v there_o not_o a_o happy_a state_n reserve_v for_o they_o in_o the_o next_o world_n where_o be_v the_o man_n who_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o devil_n temptation_n to_o fall_v down_o and_o worship_n he_o for_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o be_v he_o not_o to_o lose_v a_o bright_a and_o a_o rich_a crown_n for_o it_o some_o time_n indeed_o god_n do_v bless_v good_a man_n with_o great_a plenty_n and_o honour_n but_o he_o have_v no_o where_o promise_v to_o do_v so_o in_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n sometime_o he_o do_v it_o not_o so_o much_o to_o reward_v good_a man_n for_o temporal_a thing_n be_v not_o the_o proper_a reward_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n as_o to_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n he_o take_v care_n of_o good_a man_n to_o supply_v their_o want_n and_o necessity_n here_o which_o be_v all_o that_o a_o perfect_a virtue_n require_v but_o he_o reward_v they_o hereafter_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o absolute_o promise_v neither_o for_o our_o saviour_n teach_v we_o to_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n to_o expect_v suffering_n and_o persecution_n for_o his_o name_n sake_n and_o then_o we_o must_v be_v content_v to_o want_v food_n and_o raiment_n to_o part_v with_o house_n and_o land_n and_o life_n itself_o for_o his_o sake_n and_o our_o condition_n may_v be_v so_o afflict_v and_o calamitous_a here_o that_o it_o may_v force_v we_o to_o say_v as_o s._n paul_n do_v if_o in_o this_o life_n only_o we_o have_v hope_n we_o be_v of_o all_o man_n the_o most_o miserable_a and_o who_o will_v be_v the_o disciple_n of_o chriâ—â—_n upon_o these_o term_n to_o suffer_v so_o much_o for_o he_o in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o gain_v nothing_o by_o it_o in_o the_o next_o thus_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v a_o terrible_a vengeance_n threaten_v against_o wicked_a man_n in_o the_o next_o world_n lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n blackness_n of_o darkness_n the_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v and_o the_o fire_n that_o never_o go_v out_o but_o the_o gospel_n threaten_v no_o temporal_a punishment_n against_o sin_n bad_a man_n be_v very_o often_o punish_v in_o this_o world_n when_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n see_v fit_a and_o they_o very_o often_o escape_v too_o and_o be_v much_o more_o prosperous_a than_o good_a man_n be_v here_o that_o there_o be_v no_o threaten_v in_o the_o gospel_n to_o restrain_v the_o impiety_n of_o man_n but_o only_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o if_o you_o take_v away_o these_o you_o destroy_v the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n 2._o many_o of_o our_o saviour_n law_n be_v found_v on_o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o be_v extreme_o unreasonable_a if_o there_o be_v no_o reward_n or_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n that_o if_o we_o will_v but_o allow_v he_o the_o ordinary_a prudence_n of_o a_o lawgiver_n a_o future_a judgement_n must_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o his_o religion_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o life_n after_o this_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o our_o action_n will_v be_v to_o live_v as_o long_o and_o to_o enjoy_v as_o much_o of_o this_o world_n as_o we_o can_v but_o christian_a religion_n in_o many_o case_n will_v not_o allow_v of_o this_o and_o therefore_o be_v no_o religion_n for_o this_o world_n be_v there_o not_o another_o world_n to_o follow_v to_o begin_v with_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n how_o many_o restraint_n do_v the_o christian_a religion_n lie_v on_o we_o to_o lessen_v the_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o this_o life_n it_o teach_v we_o a_o great_a indifferency_n to_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n but_o how_o unreasonable_a be_v that_o if_o this_o world_n be_v our_o only_a place_n of_o happiness_n for_o who_o can_v be_v indifferent_a whether_o he_o be_v happy_a or_o not_o it_o command_v we_o to_o mortify_v our_o sensual_a appetite_n to_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o its_o affection_n and_o lust_n to_o live_v above_o the_o pleasure_n of_o the_o body_n to_o pluck_v out_o our_o right_a eye_n and_o to_o cut_v off_o our_o right_a hand_n but_o what_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v to_o deny_v ourselves_o any_o of_o these_o enjoyment_n as_o far_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o preserve_v our_o health_n and_o prolong_v our_o life_n if_o we_o have_v no_o expectation_n after_o death_n nay_o if_o man_n be_v content_v to_o live_v a_o short_a and_o a_o merry_a life_n what_o hurt_n be_v there_o in_o it_o if_o death_n put_v a_o end_n to_o they_o it_o forbid_v we_o to_o lay_v up_o for_o ourselves_o treasure_n on_o earth_n which_o be_v a_o strange_a command_n be_v there_o not_o great_a treasure_n to_o be_v expect_v in_o heaven_n it_o forbid_v earthly_a pride_n and_o ambition_n a_o affectation_n of_o secular_a honour_n and_o power_n but_o why_o must_v we_o submit_v to_o meanness_n and_o contempt_n in_o this_o world_n if_o this_o be_v the_o only_a scene_n of_o action_n we_o shall_v ever_o be_v concern_v in_o for_o a_o mean_a and_o base_a spirit_n be_v no_o virtue_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n it_o can_v be_v no_o virtue_n to_o be_v content_v with_o a_o low_a fortune_n to_o be_v patient_a under_o suffering_n which_o if_o they_o will_v never_o be_v reward_v be_v to_o be_v patient_o miserable_a and_o that_o be_v stupidity_n and_o folly_n but_o to_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n to_o live_v upon_o the_o hope_n of_o unseen_a thing_n be_v madness_n and_o distraction_n if_o there_o be_v no_o heaven_n no_o unseen_a thing_n for_o we_o the_o law_n of_o our_o saviour_n require_v we_o in_o some_o case_n to_o sacrifice_v the_o dear_a interest_n we_o have_v in_o this_o world_n and_o life_n itself_o for_o his_o sake_n which_o be_v a_o senseless_a and_o unreasonable_a command_n if_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o bestow_v a_o better_a life_n on_o we_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o life_n after_o this_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v forfeit_v more_o for_o any_o religion_n than_o it_o be_v worth_a in_o this_o world_n and_o that_o will_v reach_v but_o a_o little_a way_n in_o suffer_v nor_o be_v our_o saviour_n so_o unreasonable_a as_o to_o require_v it_o upon_o these_o term_n but_o tell_v we_o plain_o whosoever_o will_v save_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o and_o whosoever_o will_v lose_v his_o life_n for_o my_o sake_n shall_v find_v it_o for_o what_o be_v a_o man_n profit_v if_o he_o shall_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o man_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n 16_o mat._n 25_o 26._o the_o reason_n of_o most_o of_o the_o evangelical_n command_n must_v be_v fetch_v whole_o from_o the_o other_o world_n and_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o therefore_o we_o shall_v have_v have_v the_o same_o evidence_n for_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v that_o we_o have_v for_o the_o christian_a religion_n though_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o express_a mention_n make_v of_o a_o future_a judgement_n i_o can_v but_o observe_v here_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o christian_a moral_n which_o be_v as_o much_o corrupt_v as_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v that_o in_o expound_v the_o law_n of_o our_o saviour_n some_o man_n have_v no_o other_o regard_n but_o to_o fit_v they_o to_o the_o ease_n and_o the_o convenience_n of_o this_o life_n and_o therefore_o reject_v any_o interpretation_n of_o they_o which_o be_v severe_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n or_o will_v hazard_v their_o ease_n and_o fortune_n in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o confute_v any_o law_n of_o our_o saviour_n or_o to_o interpret_v it_o away_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v great_a temporal_a inconvenience_n in_o it_o that_o to_o observe_v such_o law_n in_o such_o a_o sense_n will_v be_v very_o injurious_a to_o man_n present_a interest_n and_o deprive_v they_o of_o many_o pleasure_n and_o advantage_n of_o life_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o give_v many_o instance_n of_o this_o but_o it_o shall_v suffice_v at_o present_a to_o confess_v that_o consider_v the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o propensity_n and_o inclination_n of_o humane_a nature_n some_o law_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v very_o unreasonable_a be_v there_o not_o a_o future_a judgement_n to_o reward_v the_o severity_n and_o suffering_n which_o good_a man_n must_v undergo_v in_o observe_v of_o they_o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n of_o reject_v any_o plain_a and_o express_a law_n
they_o deserve_v and_o all_o that_o they_o propose_v to_o themselves_o their_o religion_n be_v a_o courtship_n to_o man_n not_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o this_o principle_n will_v reach_v but_o a_o little_a way_n only_o to_o some_o external_a and_o popular_a act_n and_o be_v calculate_v only_o for_o the_o prosperous_a time_n of_o religion_n when_o it_o be_v in_o fashion_n and_o reputation_n and_o will_v give_v man_n credit_n and_o raise_v their_o fortune_n in_o the_o world_n but_o those_o who_o be_v religious_a and_o do_v good_a for_o god_n sake_n to_o approve_v themselves_o to_o he_o have_v a_o steady_a and_o universal_a principle_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v as_o certain_a and_o immutable_a as_o god_n be_v and_o if_o god_n will_v certain_o judge_v we_o if_o we_o must_v receive_v our_o final_a doom_n and_o sentence_n from_o his_o mouth_n i_o know_v not_o who_o we_o be_v concern_v to_o please_v but_o he_o i_o be_o sure_a none_o in_o opposition_n to_o he_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o censure_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o great_a temptation_n to_o most_o man_n when_o instead_o of_o praise_n and_o honour_n a_o unfashionable_a virtue_n meet_v with_o infamy_n and_o reproach_n and_o pulick_n scorn_n but_o st._n paul_n answer_n will_v fit_v all_o such_o case_n it_o be_v require_v in_o steward_n that_o a_o man_n be_v find_v faithful_a but_o with_o i_o it_o be_v a_o very_a small_a thing_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v judge_v of_o you_o or_o of_o man_n judgement_n he_o that_o judge_v i_o be_v the_o lord_n 1_o cor._n 4.2_o 3_o 4._o while_o we_o can_v approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n that_o in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n we_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o this_o world_n the_o different_a judgement_n of_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v despise_v whatever_o sentence_n they_o pronounce_v can_v have_v no_o effect_n for_o they_o be_v not_o our_o judge_n but_o must_v be_v judge_v themselves_o and_o if_o we_o can_v appeal_v to_o god_n who_o be_v our_o judge_n all_o the_o rest_n be_v but_o pageantry_n and_o child_n sport_n a_o ludicrous_a imitation_n of_o judgement_n which_o sometime_o end_v comical_o enough_o when_o their_o parent_n or_o master_n happen_v to_o see_v they_o the_o judge_n and_o jury_n be_v whip_v and_o the_o condemn_a innocent_a escape_n but_o what_o will_v it_o avail_v we_o when_o we_o come_v before_o god_n tribunal_n that_o we_o have_v be_v not_o only_o absolve_v but_o praise_v admire_a applaud_v by_o man_n who_o be_v incompetent_a ignorant_a or_o partial_a judge_n so_o that_o if_o god_n be_v our_o judge_n we_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o approve_v ourselves_o to_o he_o we_o have_v but_o one_o masteâ—_n to_o please_v and_o he_o more_o easy_o please_v too_o then_o man_n common_o be_v who_o be_v never_o all_o of_o a_o mind_n and_o therefore_o can_v never_o all_o be_v please_v and_o seldom_o continue_v long_o of_o the_o same_o mind_n and_o therefore_o can_v always_o be_v please_v our_o saviour_n himself_o experience_v this_o inconstancy_n when_o the_o loud_a hosannah_n in_o three_o or_o four_o day_n time_n be_v change_v into_o crucify_v he_o so_o little_a regard_n be_v there_o to_o be_v have_v to_o the_o good_a or_o bad_a opinion_n of_o man_n no_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v content_v to_o stand_v or_o fall_v by_o it_o and_o whoever_o make_v this_o the_o principle_n of_o his_o action_n can_v never_o be_v a_o good_a man_n long_o but_o he_o who_o approve_v himself_o to_o god_n will_v like_o religion_n never_o the_o worse_o for_o be_v reproach_v will_v be_v content_v with_o the_o private_a applause_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n to_o shelter_v he_o against_o the_o most_o outrageous_a obloquy_n will_v take_v as_o great_a care_n of_o the_o frame_n and_o disposition_n of_o his_o mind_n as_o of_o his_o outward_a action_n because_o though_o man_n can_v see_v his_o heart_n god_n do_v will_v be_v as_o devout_a in_o his_o closet_n as_o at_o church_n will_v fast_o without_o any_o external_a show_n and_o appearance_n of_o fast_v and_o give_v alm_n without_o the_o sound_n of_o a_o trumpet_n with_o such_o secrecy_n as_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o conceal_v it_o from_o himself_o that_o his_o left_a hand_n shall_v not_o know_v what_o his_o right_a hand_n do_v for_o he_o be_v not_o concern_v that_o man_n shall_v know_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o and_o nothing_o be_v so_o secret_a but_o god_n know_v it_o and_o his_o father_n which_o see_v in_o secret_a shall_v reward_v he_o open_o 6_o matth._n 1_o etc._n etc._n 2._o as_o we_o must_v approve_v ourselves_o to_o god_n who_o be_v our_o judge_n so_o we_o must_v fetch_v the_o reason_n and_o motive_n of_o obedience_n from_o a_o future_a judgement_n from_o those_o reward_v god_n have_v promise_v to_o bestow_v at_o that_o day_n on_o good_a man_n and_o those_o punishment_n he_o will_v inflict_v upon_o the_o wicked_a these_o as_o far_o as_o concern_v reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v the_o only_a gospel-motive_n of_o obedience_n i_o say_v as_o far_o as_o concern_v reward_n and_o punishment_n because_o there_o be_v other_o gospel-motive_n of_o obedience_n beside_o reward_n and_o punishment_n such_o as_o the_o great_a love_n of_o god_n in_o give_v his_o son_n for_o we_o the_o great_a love_n of_o christ_n in_o give_v himself_o a_o sacrifice_n for_o we_o which_o be_v a_o powerful_a obligation_n on_o we_o to_o live_v to_o he_o who_o die_v for_o we_o and_o the_o powerful_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v which_o render_v our_o obedience_n possible_a and_o easy_a but_o the_o motive_n of_o obedience_n from_o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n and_o punishment_n of_o wickedness_n muâ—â—_n be_v fetch_v from_o a_o future_a judgement_n for_o these_o unseen_a and_o absent_a reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v the_o only_a object_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v 11_o heb._n 1._o and_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a true_a principle_n of_o gospel-obedience_n present_a reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v the_o motive_n of_o the_o moysaicall_a covenant_n and_o this_o be_v a_o legal_a spirit_n to_o serve_v god_n in_o expectation_n of_o a_o present_a reward_n or_o for_o fear_n of_o some_o temporal_a punishment_n but_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v the_o motive_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o son_n the_o not_o observe_v which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o that_o foolish_a mistake_n that_o to_o serve_v god_n for_o a_o reward_n be_v a_o legal_a and_o servile_a spirit_n which_o be_v true_a if_o we_o speak_v of_o present_a and_o temporal_a reward_n but_o not_o of_o those_o which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o eternal_a and_o if_o we_o will_v be_v true_a and_o sincere_a christian_n here_o we_o must_v fix_v our_o eye_n and_o with_o moses_n have_v respect_n to_o â—_o future_n recompense_n of_o reward_n for_o no_o other_o motive_n will_v fit_v all_o time_n nor_o conquer_v all_o temptation_n nor_o extend_v to_o all_o act_n of_o religion_n those_o who_o serve_v god_n for_o a_o present_a reward_n to_o make_v their_o fortune_n in_o this_o world_n must_v quit_v his_o service_n when_o religion_n expose_v they_o to_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n and_o to_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o christ_n sake_n those_o who_o abstain_v from_o sin_n for_o fear_v of_o some_o temporal_a punishment_n must_v commit_v such_o sin_n when_o they_o shall_v suffer_v more_o by_o not_o commit_v they_o when_o man_n serve_v god_n for_o temporal_a hope_n or_o fear_n whenever_o the_o world_n promise_v great_a prosperity_n or_o threaten_v more_o terrible_a thing_n they_o must_v necessary_o change_v their_o master_n for_o they_o must_v take_v that_o side_n on_o which_o the_o present_a advantage_n lie_v good_a man_n sometime_o meet_v with_o a_o reward_n in_o this_o world_n virtue_n may_v in_o some_o juncture_n make_v man_n rich_a and_o honourable_a but_o whoever_o court_v virtue_n for_o riches_n and_o honour_n will_v never_o court_v a_o poor_a and_o despise_a virtue_n that_o be_v he_o do_v not_o indeed_o court_v virtue_n but_o riches_n and_o honour_n and_o will_v rather_o take_v as_o much_o virtue_n with_o they_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o that_o purpose_n than_o go_v without_o they_o but_o riches_n and_o honour_n with_o or_o without_o virtue_n be_v always_o welcome_a whoever_o make_v the_o advantage_n of_o this_o life_n his_o reason_n and_o motive_n to_o virtue_n will_v do_v no_o more_o good_a than_o will_v advance_v his_o present_a interest_n and_o will_v be_v good_a no_o long_o and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a sorry_a virtue_n it_o have_v need_n have_v some_o reward_n in_o this_o world_n for_o it_o will_v haâ—â—_n none_o in_o the_o next_o those_o temporal_a promise_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o
the_o gospel_n be_v never_o intend_v by_o our_o saviour_n as_o the_o reward_n or_o motive_n of_o our_o obedience_n but_o only_o to_o encourage_v and_o support_v we_o in_o our_o pilgrimage_n in_o this_o world_n that_o if_o we_o seek_v first_o tâ—â—_n kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o his_o righteousness_n 〈◊〉_d we_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o the_o obediencâ—_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o live_v upon_o the_o hope_n oâ—_n unseen_a thing_n and_o lay_v up_o treasure_n iâ—_n heaven_n all_o other_o thing_n shall_v be_v add_v 〈◊〉_d we_o god_n will_v provide_v what_o be_v needful_a for_o our_o passage_n through_o this_o world_n whatever_o difficulty_n and_o discouragement_n we_o may_v meet_v with_o from_o men._n the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o take_v ouâ—_n heart_n from_o this_o world_n to_o teach_v we_o noâ—_n to_o lay_v up_o for_o ourselves_o treasure_n on_o earth_n but_o in_o heaven_n not_o to_o love_v this_o world_n nor_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n anâ—_n therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o temporâ—â—_n blessing_n shall_v be_v a_o gospel-motive_n nothing_o in_o this_o world_n can_v be_v a_o motive_n unless_o we_o love_v the_o world_n and_o therefore_o thiâ—_n can_v be_v no_o motive_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o teach_v we_o not_o to_o love_v the_o world_n unless_o the_o love_n of_o the_o world_n caâ—_n be_v a_o proper_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o make_v we_o despise_v it_o and_o live_v above_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o confess_v i_o have_v sometime_o wish_v that_o there_o have_v be_v less_o stress_n lay_v upon_o the_o temporal_a reward_n and_o advantage_n of_o virtue_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o religion_n and_o upon_o the_o temporal_a evil_n and_o misery_n of_o sin_n to_o discourage_v man_n from_o it_o for_o this_o be_v not_o always_o true_a and_o if_o it_o be_v it_o be_v a_o argument_n which_o will_v persuade_v no_o man_n and_o if_o it_o do_v it_o can_v advance_v they_o to_o the_o height_n and_o perfection_n of_o a_o christian_a virtue_n and_o therefore_o be_v no_o gospel-motive_n as_o for_o instance_n some_o virtue_n be_v very_o healthful_a prolong_v our_o life_n and_o prevent_v a_o great_a many_o painful_a and_o mortal_a disease_n which_o the_o contrary_a vice_n expose_v man_n to_o such_o as_o temperance_n and_o chastity_n other_o virtue_n be_v very_o proper_a method_n of_o thrive_a in_o the_o world_n such_o as_o diligence_n prudence_n justice_n other_o give_v we_o reputation_n and_o honour_n advance_v we_o to_o rule_n and_o empire_n and_o public_a trust_n now_o this_o be_v sometime_o true_a and_o sometime_o not_o as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n now_o be_v as_o i_o show_v you_o before_o that_o whatever_o natural_a efficacy_n virtue_n may_v have_v to_o make_v man_n happy_a or_o vice_n to_o make_v they_o miserable_a this_o may_v be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n defeat_v by_o the_o external_a circumstance_n of_o our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o this_o can_v never_o be_v a_o motive_n that_o be_v it_o can_v be_v a_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v choose_v virtue_n because_o it_o be_v not_o always_o a_o reason_n nay_o be_v as_o often_o a_o reason_n for_o vice_n as_o for_o virtue_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n for_o one_o i_o can_v see_v why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n for_o the_o other_o for_o if_o it_o be_v a_o reason_n at_o all_o it_o be_v a_o reason_n for_o that_o side_n on_o which_o at_o present_a it_o be_v whether_o that_o be_v virtue_n or_o vice_n indeed_o these_o temporal_a advantage_n of_o virtue_n be_v not_o so_o much_o reason_n for_o virtue_n as_o against_o vice_n and_o that_o too_o only_o against_o such_o vice_n or_o such_o degree_n and_o instance_n of_o vice_n as_o be_v destructive_a to_o man_n health_n or_o fortune_n or_o reputation_n however_o this_o reason_n be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v will_v reach_v no_o far_o than_o to_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o virtue_n as_o will_v contribute_v to_o a_o happy_a and_o prosperous_a life_n in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o raise_v we_o above_o this_o world_n will_v not_o teach_v we_o to_o despise_v riches_n and_o honour_n and_o bodily_a pleasure_n nay_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o a_o mean_a value_n and_o great_a indifferency_n to_o present_a thing_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v make_v we_o christian_n and_o be_v a_o very_a improper_a argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o be_v christian_n it_o never_o make_v a_o christian_a yet_o and_o never_o will_v do_v and_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o think_v to_o conquer_v the_o deceit_n and_o flattery_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n with_o such_o argument_n as_o these_o which_o have_v no_o strength_n â—n_v they_o which_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o make_v man_n fond_a of_o this_o world_n then_o to_o conquer_v â—t_a but_o this_o be_v our_o victory_n which_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n the_o hope_n â—nd_v fear_n of_o unseen_a thing_n or_o a_o future_a judgement_n when_o god_n will_v eternal_o reward_v good_a man_n and_o punish_v the_o wicked_a this_o be_v a_o argument_n in_o all_o time_n and_o in_o â—ll_a condition_n it_o will_v make_v we_o despise_v the_o world_n when_o it_o smile_v and_o flatter_v and_o â—corn_v its_o frown_n here_o be_v hope_n too_o big_a â—or_a this_o world_n and_o fear_n too_o great_a and_o powerful_a for_o its_o fear_n such_o hope_n as_o can_v support_v we_o under_o the_o great_a suffering_n â—uch_v fear_n as_o can_v embitter_v all_o the_o sweet_n of_o sin_n and_o therefore_o let_v we_o keep_v the_o future_a judgement_n always_o in_o our_o eye_n let_v we_o fetch_v our_o support_v and_o comfort_n from_o thence_o â—et_o we_o oppose_v these_o hope_n and_o fear_n against_o all_o temptation_n for_o here_o be_v our_o strength_n â—ll_o other_o argument_n be_v easy_o baffle_v but_o nothing_o can_v answer_v the_o argument_n of_o eternal_a life_n and_o death_n sect_n vii_o three_o inference_n to_o refer_v all_o judgmenâ—_n to_o god._n iii_o if_o god_n will_v certain_o judge_v the_o world_n let_v we_o refer_v all_o judgement_n to_o god_n or_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v therefore_o judge_v nothing_o before_o the_o time_n until_o the_o lord_n come_v who_o both_o will_v bring_v to_o light_v the_o hide_a thing_n of_o darkness_n and_o will_v maâ—â—_n manifest_v the_o counsel_n of_o the_o heart_n aâ—â—_n then_o shall_v every_o man_n have_v praise_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 4.5_o nothing_o be_v more_o indecent_a nor_o more_o dangerous_a than_o for_o man_n whâ—_n must_v be_v judge_v themselves_o to_o take_v godâ—â—_n work_v out_o of_o his_o hand_n and_o to_o assume_v 〈◊〉_d praetorian_a power_n to_o judge_n acquit_v anâ—_n condemn_v who_o they_o please_v without_o expect_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n to_o judge_n be_v god_n prerogative_n and_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n and_o what_o have_v thou_o to_o do_v 〈◊〉_d judge_v another_o man_n servant_n to_o his_o owâ—_n master_n he_o shall_v stand_v or_o fall_v why_o 〈◊〉_d much_o haste_n to_o prevent_v the_o judgement_n oâ—_n god_n by_o our_o rash_a ignorant_a uncharitable_a judgement_n judgement_n will_v come_v time_n enough_o for_o we_o all_o and_o therefore_o judge_v nothing_o before_o the_o time_n this_o be_v so_o common_a a_o fault_n and_o do_v so_o much_o mischief_n in_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o be_v so_o very_o unreasonable_a consider_v a_o future_a judgement_n that_o it_o will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o discourse_n it_o more_o particular_o and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o correct_v this_o miscarriage_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a plague_n of_o humane_a society_n it_o be_v very_o obvious_a to_o ask_v here_o what_o be_v the_o fault_n of_o this_o be_v there_o any_o live_n in_o the_o world_n without_o judge_v of_o man_n and_o thing_n must_v we_o not_o say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o very_a bad_a man_n who_o we_o see_v do_v very_o bad_a thing_n must_v we_o not_o distinguish_v between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n must_v we_o not_o make_v good_a man_n our_o friend_n commend_v and_o imitate_v their_o virtue_n and_o reject_v the_o conversation_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o beware_v of_o knave_n and_o man_n of_o ill_a principle_n and_o design_n and_o be_v it_o not_o necessary_a then_o to_o distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n that_o be_v to_o judge_v who_o be_v so_o must_v we_o whole_o refer_v the_o punishment_n of_o wickedness_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n to_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o because_o god_n will_v judge_v the_o world_n must_v not_o prince_n and_o magistrate_n execute_v justice_n and_o separate_v between_o the_o pure_a and_o the_o vile_a this_o be_v so_o very_o unreasonable_a so_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o wise_a conduct_n and_o government_n of_o our_o life_n and_o a_o prudent_a care_n of_o ourselves_o so_o destructive_a to_o
for_o the_o first_o how_o dangerous_a such_o curious_a inquiry_n into_o providence_n be_v this_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o evil_a effect_n of_o it_o 1._o for_o first_o this_o either_o make_v man_n atheist_n or_o at_o least_o be_v make_v a_o pretence_n to_o justify_v atheism_n the_o natural_a notion_n all_o man_n have_v of_o god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o infinite_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o just_o and_o powerful_a be_v now_o when_o man_n observe_v such_o thing_n either_o in_o the_o make_n or_o frame_n of_o the_o world_n or_o in_o the_o conduct_n and_o government_n of_o it_o as_o they_o can_v reconcile_v with_o the_o notion_n they_o have_v of_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n they_o present_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o that_o he_o be_v nothing_o to_o they_o that_o he_o neither_o make_v nor_o govern_v the_o world_n this_o indeed_o be_v a_o very_a rash_a and_o hasty_a conclusion_n to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n because_o we_o can_v find_v out_o god_n to_o 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and_o prove_v god_n to_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o infinite_o good_a though_o they_o can_v open_v their_o eye_n without_o see_v a_o thousand_o such_o instance_n of_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n but_o employ_v the_o little_a wit_n they_o have_v to_o find_v fault_n and_o account_v every_o thing_n they_o can_v understand_v a_o fault_n this_o be_v such_o irreverence_n to_o god_n such_o presumption_n and_o arrogance_n and_o such_o impiety_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v atheist_n first_o and_o then_o to_o quarrel_v with_o god_n work_n to_o find_v out_o some_o pretence_n to_o deny_v his_o be_v it_o be_v certain_a whoever_o indulge_v himself_o in_o this_o have_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n lose_v his_o reverence_n for_o god_n and_o atheism_n be_v a_o natural_a consequence_n and_o just_a punishment_n of_o that_o and_o such_o a_o terrible_a punishment_n it_o be_v as_o shall_v make_v we_o afraid_a of_o be_v overcurious_a in_o matter_n so_o far_o above_o we_o 2._o if_o this_o do_v not_o make_v we_o atheist_n yet_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o give_v we_o very_o wrong_a notion_n concern_v god_n which_o be_v a_o very_a great_a evil_n next_o to_o atheism_n itself_o this_o we_o know_v tempt_v some_o man_n to_o assert_v two_o principle_n or_o two_o god_n a_o good_a and_o a_o bad_a god_n for_o when_o they_o observe_v such_o a_o mixture_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n they_o think_v it_o impossible_a that_o a_o good_a god_n shall_v be_v the_o author_n of_o so_o much_o evil_a as_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o because_o they_o can_v not_o answer_v this_o difficulty_n nor_o give_v a_o account_n how_o a_o good_a god_n shall_v make_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v so_o much_o evil_a and_o wickedness_n in_o it_o they_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o bad_a god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o the_o evil_a in_o the_o world_n and_o a_o good_a god_n of_o all_o the_o good_n but_o this_o start_v a_o much_o more_o unaccountable_a difficulty_n how_o a_o good_a and_o a_o bad_a god_n shall_v agree_v together_o in_o make_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n for_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o opposite_a to_o each_o other_o than_o essential_a good_a and_o essential_a evil_n they_o can_v never_o agree_v and_o therefore_o they_o must_v be_v either_o equal_a in_o power_n or_o must_v destroy_v each_o other_o if_o they_o be_v equal_a neither_o of_o they_o be_v omnipotent_a for_o two_o omnipotents_a be_v a_o contradiction_n and_o then_o neither_o one_o nor_o both_o can_v make_v the_o world_n which_o be_v a_o work_n of_o omnipotence_n at_o least_o since_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v agree_v togther_o to_o make_v a_o world_n as_o impossible_a as_o that_o essential_a goodness_n shall_v consent_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v evil_a or_o essential_a evil_a consent_n to_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a they_o must_v necessary_o hinder_v each_o other_o in_o make_v the_o world_n if_o their_o power_n be_v equal_a and_o then_o the_o world_n have_v never_o be_v make_v but_o i_o shall_v not_o trouble_v you_o with_o the_o confutation_n of_o this_o but_o only_o point_v you_o to_o the_o source_n and_o origine_fw-la of_o this_o mischief_n which_o in_o its_o consequence_n overthrow_v all_o religion_n other_o to_o ease_n themselves_o of_o these_o difficulty_n of_o reconcile_a all_o the_o passage_n of_o providence_n to_o god_n wisdom_n and_o justice_n set_v they_o both_o aside_o and_o resolve_v all_o into_o god_n arbitrary_a and_o sovereign_a will_n and_o pleasure_n who_o make_v himself_o and_o the_o advancement_n of_o his_o own_o glory_n his_o sole_a end_n they_o lay_v it_o down_o indeed_o as_o a_o agree_a principle_n that_o all_o that_o god_n do_v be_v wise_a and_o good_a and_o just_a but_o we_o must_v not_o examine_v this_o by_o humane_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o goodness_n and_o justice_n for_o god_n be_v a_o absolute_a sovereign_n and_o unaccountable_a to_o his_o creature_n his_o will_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o he_o will_v what_o be_v most_o for_o his_o own_o glory_n he_o magnify_v his_o goodness_n and_o grace_n in_o a_o free_a and_o arbitrary_a kindness_n to_o some_o of_o his_o creature_n and_o magnify_v his_o justice_n in_o as_o free_a and_o arbitrary_a severity_n to_o other_o he_o make_v some_o creature_n to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o love_n and_o other_o to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o vengeance_n and_o displeasure_n and_o thus_o they_o cut_v the_o knot_n which_o they_o can_v untie_v but_o this_o be_v a_o great_a difficulty_n than_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o a_o consider_v man_n who_o will_v much_o rather_o choose_v to_o give_v no_o account_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n then_o to_o give_v so_o ill_a a_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n arbitrary_a will_n and_o power_n be_v the_o very_o worst_a notion_n we_o can_v have_v of_o god_n it_o destroy_v our_o love_n to_o he_o and_o our_o hope_n and_o confidence_n in_o he_o unless_o we_o can_v fancy_v he_o as_o partial_a to_o we_o as_o we_o be_v to_o ourselves_o it_o turn_v religion_n into_o a_o superstitious_a dread_a of_o god_n or_o hypocritical_a flattery_n destroy_v the_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a or_o all_o regard_n to_o they_o while_o we_o think_v god_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o they_o himself_o this_o may_v satisfy_v we_o how_o dangerous_a it_o be_v to_o be_v too_o inquisitive_a into_o the_o mystery_n of_o providence_n which_o god_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o conceal_v from_o we_o which_o shall_v make_v we_o careful_a to_o keep_v our_o distance_n and_o humble_o to_o reverence_n and_o adore_v god_n and_o trust_v his_o wisdom_n beyond_o our_o own_o understanding_n of_o thing_n and_o in_o order_n to_o cure_v this_o curiosity_n consider_v ii_o how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o disturb_v our_o mind_n with_o such_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n as_o we_o can_v answer_v or_o to_o draw_v any_o such_o conclusion_n from_o it_o as_o shall_v either_o shake_v our_o faith_n as_o to_o the_o be_v or_o providence_n of_o god_n or_o corrupt_v our_o notion_n of_o he_o and_o there_o be_v two_o thing_n which_o may_v satisfy_v any_o man_n in_o this_o 1_o sy_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n which_o be_v call_v difficulty_n which_o may_v be_v very_o fair_o account_v for_o and_o therefore_o the_o difficulty_n be_v not_o in_o the_o thing_n but_o owe_v to_o our_o want_n of_o understanding_n which_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o presume_v that_o thus_o it_o may_v be_v in_o other_o case_n too_o since_o as_o man_n knowledge_n increase_v so_o the_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n lessen_v which_o shall_v make_v we_o never_o quarrel_v at_o providence_n but_o bewail_v our_o own_o ignorance_n and_o grow_v modest_a under_o a_o sense_n of_o it_o 2_o dly_z that_o in_o
providence_n as_o seem_v very_o harsh_a and_o severe_a to_o we_o but_o this_o may_v suffice_v at_o present_a to_o make_v we_o modest_a in_o our_o censure_n of_o providence_n and_o not_o to_o perplex_v our_o mind_n with_o such_o difficulty_n as_o we_o can_v unriddle_v 2._o especial_o if_o we_o add_v that_o there_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o evident_a reason_n why_o we_o can_v and_o never_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o understand_v a_o great_a many_o difficulty_n of_o providence_n in_o this_o world_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o censure_v the_o divine_a providence_n because_o we_o can_v in_o all_o case_n comprehend_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o as_o for_o instance_n we_o be_v very_o ignorant_a of_o man_n and_o therefore_o can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o they_o we_o can_v in_o general_n justify_v the_o divine_a providence_n both_o as_o to_o the_o affliction_n and_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o when_o we_o descend_v to_o particular_n we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n why_o such_o a_o good_a man_n be_v a_o great_a sufferer_n and_o another_o good_a man_n prosperous_a why_o such_o a_o bad_a man_n reap_v the_o just_a reward_n of_o his_o villainy_n in_o this_o world_n while_o another_o man_n equal_o bad_a escape_n and_o prosper_v by_o his_o wickedness_n we_o can_v know_v this_o because_o we_o do_v not_o sufficient_o know_v men._n we_o may_v mistake_v those_o for_o good_a man_n who_o be_v secret_a hypocrite_n and_o carry_v on_o wicked_a design_n under_o a_o masque_n of_o religion_n and_o then_o when_o we_o complain_v that_o such_o a_o good_a man_n suffer_v god_n may_v be_v very_o just_a in_o punish_v a_o hypocrite_n we_o know_v not_o what_o the_o secret_a distemper_n of_o good_a man_n be_v which_o may_v require_v a_o severe_a remedy_n nor_o what_o good_a there_o may_v be_v even_o in_o bad_a man_n which_o may_v make_v their_o recovery_n hopeful_a and_o make_v it_o reasonable_a for_o god_n to_o spare_v thus_o we_o know_v not_o how_o particular_a man_n interest_n be_v interweave_v with_o each_o other_o or_o with_o the_o public_a which_o may_v make_v it_o reasonable_a for_o god_n to_o spare_v or_o to_o punish_v they_o upon_o more_o account_n then_o their_o own_o for_o good_a man_n may_v suffer_v in_o the_o suffering_n of_o the_o wicked_a and_o be_v bless_v in_o their_o prosperity_n the_o suffering_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a may_v be_v of_o public_a use_n to_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v very_o just_a and_o reasonable_a in_o the_o wise_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n to_o make_v the_o interest_n of_o private_a man_n subordinate_a to_o a_o public_a good_n but_o when_o this_o be_v necessary_a we_o know_v not_o and_o therefore_o be_v very_o incompetent_a judge_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n nay_o we_o see_v but_o a_o very_a little_a part_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o particular_a man_n but_o a_o scene_n or_o two_o of_o their_o life_n or_o it_o may_v be_v but_o a_o little_a piece_n of_o a_o scene_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v make_v a_o true_a judgement_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o they_o the_o beauty_n of_o which_o consist_v in_o the_o proportion_n of_o part_n and_o adapt_a every_o thing_n to_o the_o end_n it_o serve_v the_o history_n of_o iâ—seph_n take_v altogether_o be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o god_n tender_a care_n of_o he_o though_o there_o be_v some_o doleful_a scene_n of_o his_o life_n the_o hard_a usage_n he_o meet_v with_o from_o his_o brethren_n who_o sell_v he_o for_o a_o slave_n into_o egypt_n and_o from_o a_o wicked_a mistress_n there_o who_o false_a accusation_n condemn_v he_o to_o a_o jaol_n from_o whence_o god_n raise_v he_o to_o pharoah_n throne_n there_o be_v very_o few_o man_n can_v make_v any_o objection_n against_o the_o divine_a providence_n with_o respect_n to_o themselves_o because_o they_o know_v themselves_o and_o the_o several_a stage_n of_o their_o life_n what_o good_a and_o evil_n they_o have_v do_v and_o what_o they_o have_v deserve_v and_o what_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o god_n which_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n that_o we_o shall_v find_v as_o little_a to_o except_v against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o other_o man_n also_o do_v we_o know_v they_o as_o perfect_o as_o we_o know_v ourselves_o iii_o as_o for_o what_o can_v be_v know_v in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v time_n enough_o for_o we_o to_o know_v it_o in_o the_o world_n to_o come_v indeed_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o fit_a for_o we_o in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v not_o fit_a we_o shall_v know_v one_o another_o so_o perfect_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o vindicate_v every_o passage_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o other_o man_n for_o this_o will_v be_v to_o have_v a_o casement_n into_o each_o other_o breast_n to_o understand_v all_o the_o intrigue_n and_o secret_n of_o family_n and_o be_v it_o put_v to_o our_o own_o choice_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v we_o shall_v rather_o be_v content_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o a_o great_a many_o thing_n than_o to_o be_v so_o well_o know_v ourselves_o to_o all_o the_o world_n nor_o be_v it_o fit_v in_o this_o state_n that_o we_o shall_v so_o perfect_o understand_v all_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o divine_a counsel_n for_o what_o reason_n he_o afflict_v or_o prosper_v private_a man_n or_o public_a society_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o judgement_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n one_o great_a mystery_n of_o government_n be_v to_o conceal_v counsel_n and_o this_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n by_o dark_a and_o mysterious_a method_n to_o bring_v about_o glorious_a design_n to_o surprise_v the_o world_n with_o unexpected_a blessing_n or_o unseen_a see_v evil_n to_o keep_v they_o in_o constant_a awe_n and_o dependence_n on_o himself_o and_o then_o of_o what_o use_n be_v it_o to_o we_o to_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o every_o particular_a passage_n of_o providence_n we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o sit_v in_o judgement_n upon_o god_n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o know_v enough_o to_o be_v a_o steady_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o hope_n we_o know_v all_o that_o be_v needful_a in_o this_o life_n god_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o gratify_v our_o curiosity_n or_o our_o scepticism_n we_o must_v not_o perfect_o know_v god_n in_o this_o world_n for_o we_o must_v live_v by_o faith_n here_o which_o suppose_v a_o imperfect_a knowledge_n but_o perfect_a sight_n and_o knowledge_n be_v the_o reward_n and_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n it_o be_v the_o last_o act_n which_o explain_v the_o whole_a plot_n the_o rest_n be_v amuzement_n and_o surprise_n and_o therefore_o the_o proper_a time_n to_o understand_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o providence_n be_v when_o all_o be_v finish_v when_o god_n put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o world_n he_o will_v think_v fit_a to_o display_v that_o infinite_a variety_n of_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o 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the_o sun_n their_o tear_n will_v be_v dry_v up_o and_o we_o shall_v see_v nothing_o but_o secure_a joy_n give_v lustre_n and_o brightness_n to_o their_o look_n we_o be_v extreme_o impose_v on_o by_o the_o present_a appearance_n of_o thing_n vice_n look_v gay_a and_o bold_a and_o fearless_a in_o this_o world_n and_o virtue_n many_o time_n as_o mean_v and_o contemptible_a as_o injustice_n and_o oppression_n can_v make_v it_o that_o it_o will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o we_o sometime_o to_o remove_v the_o scene_n from_o this_o world_n to_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n when_o all_o mankind_n shall_v appear_v together_o the_o great_a appearance_n that_o ever_o be_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v much_o more_o considerable_a how_o we_o shall_v appear_v then_o than_o how_o we_o appear_v in_o this_o world_n but_o the_o enquiry_n here_o be_v why_o god_n judge_v all_o the_o world_n at_o once_o and_o summon_v all_o mankind_n together_o to_o receive_v their_o final_a sentence_n now_o that_o god_n will_v do_v so_o be_v very_o plain_a why_o he_o do_v it_o he_o have_v not_o tell_v we_o but_o whoever_o wise_o consider_v this_o matter_n will_v discover_v great_a and_o excellent_a end_n which_o may_v be_v serve_v by_o such_o a_o public_a judgement_n and_o that_o may_v satisfy_v we_o that_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n why_o god_n shall_v do_v it_o and_o these_o may_v be_v refer_v to_o two_o general_a head_n 1._o with_o respect_n to_o god_n himself_o 2._o with_o respect_n to_o man_n both_o good_a and_o bad_a men._n i._o with_o respect_n to_o god_n and_o this_o universal_a judgement_n great_o tend_v to_o advance_v the_o divine_a name_n and_o glory_n 1._o as_o i_o hint_v to_o you_o before_o this_o will_v justify_v the_o divine_a providence_n and_o display_v all_o the_o various_a wisdom_n and_o expound_v
and_o this_o punishment_n bad_a man_n have_v by_o be_v suffer_v to_o stand_v by_o and_o see_v the_o glorious_a reward_n of_o the_o righteous_a but_o there_o be_v a_o further_a reason_n also_o for_o this_o that_o good_a man_n when_o they_o be_v acquit_v and_o absolve_v shall_v together_o with_o their_o lord_n sit_v in_o judgement_n on_o the_o wicked_a world_n 1_o cor._n 6.2_o 3._o do_v you_o not_o know_v that_o the_o saint_n shall_v judge_v the_o world_n know_v you_o not_o that_o we_o shall_v judge_v angel_n how_o far_o this_o extend_v we_o know_v not_o but_o it_o seem_v such_o a_o thing_n there_o be_v as_o be_v universal_o believe_v in_o the_o apostle_n day_n as_o appear_v from_o his_o appeal_n to_o their_o own_o knowledge_n of_o it_o but_o if_o they_o must_v judge_v the_o world_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o their_o own_o judgement_n must_v be_v over_o first_o i_o shall_v name_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o which_o i_o have_v have_v several_a occasion_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o already_o and_o that_o be_v that_o at_o the_o last_o judgement_n this_o earth_n shall_v be_v destroy_v with_o fire_n as_o s._n peter_n express_o tell_v we_o the_o day_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v come_v like_o a_o thief_n in_o the_o night_n in_o the_o which_o the_o heaven_n shall_v pass_v away_o with_o a_o great_a noise_n and_o the_o element_n shall_v melt_v with_o fervent_a heat_n the_o earth_n also_o and_o the_o work_n that_o be_v therein_o shall_v be_v burn_v up_o 2_o pet._n 3.10_o this_o have_v be_v a_o old_a tradition_n that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v destroy_v by_o fire_n and_o some_o man_n be_v very_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a by_o what_o natural_a cause_n this_o may_v be_v do_v for_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o allow_v that_o god_n either_o make_v or_o destroy_v the_o world_n by_o a_o immediate_a power_n for_o the_o less_o they_o leave_v for_o god_n to_o do_v the_o less_o they_o be_v concern_v about_o he_o but_o though_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o persuade_v some_o man_n now_o that_o there_o be_v any_o need_n of_o a_o god_n to_o make_v the_o world_n which_o they_o think_v can_v make_v itself_o without_o he_o yet_o the_o last_o judgement_n shall_v convince_v they_o that_o it_o be_v god_n that_o destroy_v it_o when_o they_o shall_v see_v the_o world_n fire_v by_o a_o flame_n stream_v from_o his_o throne_n as_o be_v not_o improbable_a by_o the_o description_n of_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n a_o fiery_a stream_n issue_v and_o come_v forth_o from_o before_o he_o 7_o dan._n 10._o the_o only_a question_n be_v whether_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v fire_v at_o christ_n first_o appearance_n to_o judgement_n or_o after_o the_o final_a sentence_n pronounce_v against_o bad_a man_n the_o first_o do_v not_o seem_v probable_a because_o christ_n himself_o shall_v place_v his_o throne_n in_o the_o air_n and_o all_o mankind_n shall_v be_v gather_v before_o he_o to_o judgement_n and_o a_o fire_a world_n be_v not_o a_o proper_a scene_n for_o such_o a_o appearance_n and_o the_o burn_a of_o the_o world_n seem_v to_o be_v a_o act_n of_o judgement_n and_o vengeance_n as_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o he_o shall_v descend_v from_o heaven_n in_o flame_a fire_n take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n 2_o thess._n 1.8_o so_o that_o the_o devil_n and_o bad_a man_n shall_v first_o be_v condemn_v to_o everlasting_a fire_n and_o then_o their_o punishment_n shall_v begin_v in_o a_o fire_v world_n thus_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o brief_a view_n of_o the_o circumstance_n and_o manner_n of_o christ_n appearance_n and_o the_o awful_a solemnity_n of_o judgement_n every_o part_n of_o which_o be_v for_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o lord_n for_o the_o comfort_n of_o good_a man_n and_o a_o terror_n to_o the_o wicked_a god_n grant_v we_o may_v so_o think_v of_o this_o day_n before_o hand_n that_o we_o may_v not_o feel_v the_o terror_n and_o astonishment_n of_o it_o when_o it_o come_v chap._n v._o who_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v viz._n the_o world_n or_o all_o mankind_n v._o let_v we_o consider_v who_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v and_o they_o be_v the_o world_n or_o all_o mankind_n for_o i_o shall_v take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o the_o apostate_n angel_n which_o we_o know_v no_o more_o of_o but_o only_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v judge_v that_o the_o angel_n which_o keep_v not_o their_o first_o estate_n but_o leave_v their_o own_o habitation_n he_o have_v reserve_v in_o everlasting_a chain_n under_o darkness_n unto_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a day_n judas_n v_o 6._o why_o their_o judgement_n be_v defer_v so_o long_o we_o can_v tell_v for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o angel_n fall_v from_o their_o first_o estate_n before_o man_n and_o how_o long_o we_o know_v not_o for_o it_o be_v the_o serpent_n that_o beguile_v eve_n but_o this_o we_o know_v that_o whatever_o their_o first_o apostasy_n be_v they_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o to_o answer_v for_o now_o and_o must_v expect_v a_o more_o terrible_a condemnation_n all_o the_o sin_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v original_o owe_v to_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o seduce_v our_o first_o parent_n in_o paradise_n and_o have_v ever_o since_o be_v the_o great_a tempter_n to_o wickedness_n and_o apostasy_n from_o god_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n entitle_v to_o all_o the_o wickedness_n of_o mankind_n and_o this_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n why_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n and_o all_o bad_a man_n shall_v be_v judge_v and_o condemn_v together_o those_o who_o tempt_v and_o those_o who_o be_v overcome_v by_o temptation_n the_o prince_n of_o darkness_n and_o all_o his_o subject_n whether_o angel_n or_o men._n hell_n be_v the_o fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n not_o for_o man_n but_o when_o he_o have_v draw_v mankind_n into_o the_o apostasy_n it_o be_v fit_a they_o shall_v share_v in_o his_o punishment_n too_o and_o when_o our_o lord_n come_v to_o judge_n man_n who_o have_v be_v seduce_v and_o corrupt_v by_o evil_a spirit_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o wicked_a spirit_n shall_v escape_v who_o have_v seduce_v and_o tyrannize_v over_o mankind_n but_o that_o which_o we_o be_v at_o present_a concern_v in_o be_v the_o judgement_n of_o mankind_n that_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o day_n wherein_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n or_o the_o whole_a race_n of_o man_n as_o st._n john_n represent_v it_o i_o see_v the_o dead_a small_a and_o great_a stand_v before_o god_n 20_o revel_n 12._o no_o man_n who_o believe_v a_o future_a judgement_n make_v any_o doubt_n of_o this_o but_o that_o all_o shall_v be_v judge_v for_o if_o any_o why_o not_o all_o we_o be_v all_o alike_a god_n creature_n we_o be_v all_o equal_o accountable_a to_o he_o and_o though_o we_o have_v very_o different_a talent_n yet_o we_o have_v all_o some_o talon_n or_o other_o to_o improve_v for_o our_o master_n use_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o go_v about_o to_o convince_v any_o man_n that_o he_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n but_o there_o be_v some_o person_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o forget_v this_o who_o have_v yet_o as_o much_o occasion_n to_o think_v of_o a_o future_a judgement_n as_o any_o other_o man_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v mind_v of_o it_o and_o they_o be_v those_o who_o be_v very_o rich_a and_o great_a or_o very_o poor_a or_o in_o the_o vigour_n and_o gaiety_n of_o youth_n 1_o sy_n rich_a and_o great_a man_n prince_n and_o potentate_n man_n of_o honour_n and_o fortune_n who_o be_v exalt_v above_o the_o common_a level_n of_o mankind_n these_o must_v all_o be_v judge_v as_o well_o as_o the_o mean_a man_n though_o they_o be_v not_o very_o apt_a to_o think_v of_o it_o great_a power_n and_o great_a riches_n make_v they_o reverence_v and_o adore_v like_o so_o many_o little_a deity_n in_o this_o world_n all_o man_n court_v and_o flatter_v they_o and_o make_v a_o great_a distinction_n between_o they_o and_o those_o of_o a_o mean_a rank_n and_o fortune_n and_o this_o be_v apt_a to_o swell_v their_o mind_n they_o look_v down_o upon_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n as_o very_o much_o below_o they_o and_o think_v they_o merit_v much_o when_o ever_o they_o look_v up_o to_o god_n for_o such_o great_a man_n as_o they_o be_v to_o worship_n god_n and_o lift_v up_o their_o eye_n sometime_o to_o heaven_n they_o imagine_v be_v so_o great_a a_o honour_n to_o god_n and_o credit_n to_o religion_n that_o a_o very_a little_a matter_n will_v be_v accept_v from_o they_o they_o see_v humane_a judicature_n very_o often_o have_v great_a respect_n for_o man_n person_n in_o judgement_n and_o they_o hope_v god_n will_v consider_v their_o
have_v not_o straw_v thou_o ought_v therefore_o to_o have_v put_v my_o money_n to_o the_o exchanger_n and_o then_o at_o my_o come_n i_o shall_v have_v receive_v i_o own_o with_o usury_n take_v therefore_o the_o talon_n from_o he_o and_o cast_v you_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n into_o outer_a darkness_n there_o shall_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n 25_o matth._n here_o we_o plain_o see_v that_o this_o servant_n be_v not_o punish_v for_o spend_v his_o master_n money_n for_o he_o return_v he_o the_o talon_n which_o he_o give_v he_o lo_o here_o thou_o have_v what_o be_v thou_o but_o for_o not_o improve_n it_o as_o his_o other_o servant_n have_v do_v he_o be_v a_o unprofitable_a servant_n who_o have_v bring_v no_o advantage_n to_o his_o master_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v plain_a man_n judge_v of_o servant_n he_o be_v a_o very_a wicked_a steward_n indeed_o who_o embezel_n his_o master_n good_n but_o he_o be_v a_o unprofitable_a servant_n who_o make_v no_o improvement_n and_o thus_o god_n will_v judge_v of_o we_o as_o we_o think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o judge_v of_o our_o servant_n and_o good_a god_n when_o we_o consider_v how_o many_o talent_n we_o be_v entrust_v with_o it_o shall_v make_v we_o tremble_v to_o think_v whaâ—_n little_a improvement_n we_o make_v of_o they_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v improveable_a to_o the_o service_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v a_o talon_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o improve_v it_o to_o god_n glory_n and_o to_o do_v good_a in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o talon_n hide_v in_o a_o napkin_n or_o bury_v in_o the_o earth_n as_o to_o give_v some_o short_a hint_n and_o intimation_n of_o this_o for_o a_o just_a discourse_n about_o this_o matter_n will_v be_v too_o long_a a_o digression_n power_n must_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v a_o talon_n and_o a_o very_a improveable_a talon_n for_o every_o degree_n of_o power_n give_v man_n great_a opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a some_o man_n move_v in_o a_o high_a sphere_n and_o can_v give_v law_n to_o those_o below_o their_o very_a example_n their_o smile_n or_o frown_n be_v law_n and_o can_v do_v more_o to_o the_o reform_v of_o the_o world_n than_o the_o wise_a instruction_n the_o most_o convince_a argument_n the_o most_o pathetical_a exhortation_n of_o meanner_n men._n but_o though_o few_o man_n have_v such_o a_o power_n as_o this_o yet_o most_o man_n have_v some_o degree_n of_o power_n to_o be_v sure_o every_o father_n and_o master_n of_o a_o family_n have_v his_o authority_n reach_v his_o child_n and_o servant_n and_o be_v this_o but_o wise_o improve_v it_o will_v soon_o reform_v the_o world_n but_o how_o few_o be_v there_o who_o improve_v this_o talon_n who_o use_v their_o power_n to_o make_v those_o who_o be_v under_o their_o authority_n obedient_a to_o god_n which_o be_v the_o true_a use_n and_o improvement_n of_o power_n riches_n i_o suppose_v will_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v another_o very_a improveable_a talon_n for_o what_o good_a may_v not_o a_o rich_a man_n do_v if_o he_o have_v a_o heart_n to_o do_v it_o he_o may_v be_v eye_n to_o the_o blind_a and_o foot_n to_o the_o lame_a a_o father_n to_o the_o fatherless_a and_o a_o husband_n to_o the_o widow_n a_o tutelar_a angel_n and_o even_o a_o god_n to_o men._n and_o riches_n be_v a_o trust_n and_o a_o stewardship_n of_o which_o we_o must_v give_v a_o account_n to_o spend_v they_o upon_o our_o lust_n in_o riot_v luxury_n and_o wantonness_n this_o be_v to_o waste_v our_o master_n good_n and_o to_o keep_v they_o safe_a without_o do_v any_o good_a with_o they_o be_v to_o hide_v they_o in_o the_o earth_n as_o the_o unprofitable_a servant_n do_v his_o talon_n and_o if_o we_o must_v be_v judge_v and_o condemn_v for_o not_o improve_n our_o talon_n for_o not_o put_v our_o lord_n money_n to_o the_o exchanger_n that_o when_o he_o come_v he_o may_v receive_v his_o own_o with_o usury_n as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o rich_a man_n ought_v to_o examine_v their_o account_n and_o see_v what_o increase_v they_o have_v make_v of_o their_o talon_n not_o how_o they_o have_v multiply_v their_o gold_n and_o silver_n but_o what_o good_a they_o have_v do_v with_o it_o once_o more_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n especial_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n be_v a_o very_a improveable_a talon_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o whereby_o we_o can_v more_o advance_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o do_v more_o good_a to_o man_n to_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a to_o confirm_v the_o doubtful_a to_o vindicate_v the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o shame_n and_o baffle_v atheism_n and_o infidelity_n to_o expound_v the_o doctrine_n and_o law_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o rescue_v they_o from_o perverse_a gloss_n and_o comment_n this_o make_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n more_o visible_a to_o the_o world_n and_o serve_v mankind_n in_o their_o great_a and_o dear_a interest_n it_o feed_v their_o soul_n with_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n direct_v they_o in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o mind_n they_o to_o take_v care_n of_o their_o eternal_a state_n this_o indeed_o be_v the_o peculiar_a care_n and_o charge_n of_o the_o minister_n of_o religion_n they_o be_v the_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n those_o who_o our_o lord_n have_v make_v ruler_n over_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n 24_o matth._n 25._o and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v require_v of_o these_o steward_n that_o they_o be_v find_v faithful_a but_o this_o be_v a_o talon_n which_o those_o may_v have_v in_o great_a perfection_n who_o be_v not_o by_o office_n the_o guide_n of_o soul_n and_o wherever_o it_o be_v it_o must_v be_v improve_v and_o must_v be_v account_v for_o we_o may_v many_o time_n do_v more_o service_n to_o god_n and_o more_o good_a to_o man_n by_o give_v wise_a and_o wholesome_a instruction_n than_o by_o give_v a_o alm_n this_o every_o man_n who_o know_v enough_o to_o take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o soul_n can_v do_v in_o some_o measure_n and_o this_o he_o must_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v but_o so_o few_o man_n think_v of_o this_o or_o charge_v themselves_o with_o it_o as_o belong_v to_o their_o account_n that_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o mind_v you_o of_o it_o iv._o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v not_o only_o for_o our_o own_o personal_a sin_n but_z in_o many_o case_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o other_o man_n which_o we_o have_v make_v our_o own_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o way_n whereby_o we_o may_v bring_v the_o guilt_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n upon_o ourselves_o when_o we_o tempt_v and_o provoke_v man_n to_o sin_n by_o our_o authority_n counsel_n example_n when_o we_o persuade_v entice_v threaten_v or_o shame_n man_n into_o sin_n when_o we_o neglect_v our_o duty_n to_o those_o who_o be_v under_o our_o government_n do_v not_o instruct_v they_o better_o do_v not_o forewarn_v they_o of_o the_o danger_n they_o be_v in_o of_o be_v miserable_a in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o next_o when_o we_o do_v not_o restrain_v they_o when_o we_o can_v nor_o punish_v they_o for_o their_o sin_n when_o we_o be_v partner_n with_o they_o in_o their_o wickedness_n or_o the_o instrument_n of_o it_o when_o we_o corrupt_v and_o debauch_v their_o understanding_n with_o the_o principle_n of_o atheism_n infidelity_n or_o scepticism_n whatever_o wickedness_n man_n be_v draw_v into_o by_o these_o mean_n be_v chargeable_a upon_o ourselves_o and_o must_v be_v add_v to_o our_o account_n as_o in_o reason_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o if_o we_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o other_o man_n sin_n we_o must_v bear_v the_o guilt_n of_o they_o too_o and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o what_o a_o terrible_a account_n have_v some_o man_n to_o make_v which_o they_o never_o think_v of_o how_o many_o have_v they_o corrupt_v by_o their_o example_n or_o counsel_n or_o some_o other_o way_n and_o how_o will_v this_o aggravate_v their_o own_o condemnation_n when_o they_o carry_v a_o long_a train_n and_o retinue_n of_o undo_v soul_n to_o hell_n with_o they_o that_o if_o man_n will_v not_o be_v good_a themselves_o they_o ought_v to_o take_v care_n how_o they_o make_v other_o wicked_a this_o they_o get_v nothing_o by_o but_o a_o double_a damnation_n and_o they_o will_v find_v it_o enough_o to_o be_v damn_v for_o themselves_o v._o we_o shall_v be_v judge_v also_o for_o our_o secret_a sin_n thus_o solomon_n tell_v we_o god_n shall_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 whether_o it_o be_v evil_a 12_o eccl._n 14._o and_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o god_n shall_v judge_v the_o secret_n of_o man_n by_o jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o the_o gospel_n 2_o rom._n 16._o and_o therefore_o david_n
who_o he_o have_v ordain_v whereof_o he_o have_v give_v assurance_n unto_o all_o man_n in_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a 17_o act_n 30_o 31._o while_o man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o other_o world_n or_o have_v only_o some_o uncertain_a report_n of_o it_o mix_v with_o fabulous_a story_n to_o increase_v and_o nourish_v superstition_n their_o wickedness_n be_v very_o pitiable_a and_o shall_v meet_v with_o a_o more_o favourable_a judgement_n but_o we_o can_v now_o pretend_v ignorance_n no_o long_o and_o therefore_o now_o god_n command_v we_o to_o repent_v upon_o this_o principle_n it_o be_v that_o our_o saviour_n upbraid_v those_o city_n wherein_o most_o of_o his_o mighty_a work_n be_v do_v because_o they_o repent_v not_o woe_n unto_o thou_o chorazin_n woe_n unto_o thou_o bethsaida_n for_o if_o the_o mighty_a work_n which_o have_v be_v do_v in_o you_o have_v be_v do_v in_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n they_o will_v have_v repent_v long_o ago_o in_o sackcloth_n and_o ash_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o you_o and_o thou_o capernaum_n who_o be_v exalt_v unto_o heaven_n shall_v be_v bring_v down_o to_o hell_n for_o if_o the_o mighty_a work_n which_o have_v be_v do_v in_o thou_o have_v be_v do_v in_o sodom_n it_o will_v have_v remain_v until_o this_o day_n but_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o tolerable_a for_o the_o land_n of_o sodom_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n than_o for_o thou_o 11_o mat._n 20_o 21_o 22_o 23._o those_o mighty_a work_v our_o saviour_n wrought_v in_o these_o city_n be_v such_o powerful_a conviction_n as_o render_v their_o infidelity_n inexcusable_a and_o that_o aggravate_v their_o condemnation_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n our_o saviour_n threaten_v that_o unbelieving_a generation_n who_o see_v all_o his_o mighty_a work_n and_o hear_v his_o admirable_a wisdom_n which_o be_v so_o much_o beyond_o whatever_o be_v see_v or_o hear_v before_o the_o man_n of_o niniveh_n shall_v rise_v in_o judgement_n against_o this_o generation_n and_o shall_v condemn_v it_o because_o they_o repent_v at_o the_o preach_n of_o jonas_n and_o behold_v a_o great_a than_o jonas_n be_v here_o the_o queen_n of_o the_o south_n shall_v rise_v up_o in_o the_o judgement_n with_o this_o generation_n and_o shall_v condemn_v it_o for_o she_o come_v from_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n to_o hear_v the_o wisdom_n of_o solomon_n and_o behold_v a_o great_a than_o solomon_n be_v here_o 12_o luke_n 41_o 42._o the_o great_a the_o preacher_n be_v the_o great_a work_n he_o do_v and_o the_o great_a evidence_n he_o give_v of_o his_o divine_a authority_n still_o the_o guilt_n and_o condemnation_n proportionable_o increase_v and_o then_o the_o infidelity_n of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o a_o christian_a nation_n and_o the_o wickedness_n of_o profess_a believer_n who_o have_v so_o much_o great_a certainty_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o next_o world_n than_o either_o chorazin_n or_o bethsaida_n or_o capernaum_n then_o have_v exceed_v they_o all_o and_o their_o punishment_n will_v proportionable_o exceed_v thus_o the_o gospel_n have_v full_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o whole_a dispensation_n of_o grace_n in_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o god_n so_o love_v the_o world_n that_o he_o give_v his_o only_a beget_v son_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n 3_o john_n 16._o that_o christ_n give_v himself_o for_o we_o to_o redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o to_o purify_v to_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n 2_o tit._n 14._o that_o he_o have_v make_v atonement_n for_o our_o sin_n by_o his_o blood_n that_o herein_o god_n have_v commend_v his_o love_n towards_o we_o that_o while_o we_o be_v yet_o sinner_n christ_n die_v for_o we_o that_o when_o we_o be_v yet_o enemy_n we_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n by_o the_o death_n of_o his_o son_n 5_o rom._n 8.10_o and_o we_o know_v the_o grace_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o though_o he_o be_v rich_a yet_o for_o our_o sake_n he_o become_v poor_a that_o we_o through_o his_o poverty_n may_v be_v rich_a 2_o cor._n 8_o 9_o here_o be_v a_o new_a scene_n of_o grace_n and_o love_n open_v which_o the_o world_n be_v unacquainted_a with_o before_o which_o present_v we_o with_o new_a argument_n and_o lay_v new_a obligation_n on_o we_o to_o serve_v god_n argument_n and_o obligation_n so_o endear_n so_o powerful_a that_o one_o will_v think_v human_a nature_n can_v not_o resist_v they_o can_v not_o get_v loose_a from_o they_o if_o we_o will_v not_o reverence_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n yet_o how_o can_v we_o resist_v his_o love_n if_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o entitle_v god_n to_o our_o service_n that_o he_o make_v we_o shall_v we_o deny_v his_o purchase_n too_o when_o he_o have_v buy_v we_o with_o a_o price_n the_o inestimable_a blood_n of_o his_o own_o son_n ought_v not_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n to_o constrain_v we_o 5.14_o can_v he_o do_v any_o thing_n more_o for_o we_o than_o redeem_v we_o from_o death_n and_o hell_n can_v he_o redeem_v we_o at_o a_o dear_a rate_n than_o with_o his_o own_o blood_n when_o he_o can_v get_v nothing_o by_o it_o but_o the_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o make_v we_o happy_a and_o the_o glory_n of_o be_v the_o saviour_n of_o sinner_n it_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o humane_a nature_n to_o think_v that_o such_o love_n as_o this_o shall_v not_o convert_v the_o world_n and_o subdue_v mankind_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o god_n it_o be_v plain_a this_o give_v god_n a_o great_a right_n to_o we_o than_o mere_a creation_n and_o therefore_o give_v every_o sin_n of_o christian_n a_o double_a guilt_n if_o heathen_n sin_v against_o their_o maker_n christian_n sin_n against_o their_o maker_n and_o their_o saviour_n too_o and_o to_o sin_n against_o love_n against_o suffer_v redeem_n forgive_a save_a love_n be_v a_o very_a different_a thing_n from_o sin_v against_o authority_n we_o may_v call_v it_o folly_n or_o madness_n to_o disobey_v our_o sovereign_a lord_n who_o can_v and_o will_v punish_v our_o disobedience_n but_o to_o abuse_v to_o affront_v to_o grieve_v love_n be_v not_o the_o sin_n of_o man_n though_o too_o many_o man_n be_v guilty_a of_o it_o but_o of_o a_o diabolical_a nature_n i_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v of_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a provocation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o all_o man_n think_v so_o and_o thus_o much_o worse_o the_o sin_n of_o christian_n be_v than_o the_o sin_n of_o heathen_n but_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o the_o grace_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o only_a motive_n and_o argument_n which_o our_o redemption_n by_o the_o death_n of_o christ_n furnish_v we_o with_o but_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o other_o and_o such_o powerful_a one_o as_o must_v great_o aggravate_v our_o guilt_n to_o sin_n against_o they_o there_o be_v not_o a_o great_a preservation_n against_o sin_n than_o to_o have_v a_o just_a sense_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o it_o and_o a_o thorough_a conviction_n of_o god_n irreconcilable_a hatred_n and_o displeasure_n against_o it_o and_o that_o he_o will_v certain_o punish_v it_o now_o indeed_o nature_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n teach_v this_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n condemn_v it_o modesty_n preserve_v we_o from_o some_o sin_n natural_a aversion_n from_o other_o till_o both_o the_o modesty_n and_o aversion_n of_o nature_n be_v conquer_v by_o a_o custom_n of_o sin_v but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o inclination_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n very_o strong_o tempt_v we_o to_o some_o sin_n which_o be_v very_o grateful_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o to_o other_o sin_n to_o gain_v opportunity_n to_o gratify_v those_o inclination_n and_o when_o man_n taste_v the_o sweet_n of_o sin_n and_o find_v the_o present_a advantage_n of_o it_o this_o bribe_v their_o reason_n to_o speak_v more_o favourable_o of_o it_o and_o to_o attribute_v the_o shame_n and_o aversion_n of_o nature_n to_o education_n and_o popular_a mistake_n thus_o though_o man_n have_v a_o natural_a sense_n of_o god_n displeasure_n against_o sin_n and_o natural_a conscience_n threaten_v the_o judgement_n of_o god_n against_o sinner_n yet_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n tell_v we_o that_o most_o man_n flatter_v themselves_o that_o god_n may_v be_v appease_v and_o reconcile_v to_o they_o without_o forsake_v their_o sin_n not_o only_o the_o heathen_n but_o even_o jew_n themselves_o think_v this_o may_v be_v do_v by_o their_o sacrifice_n and_o the_o other_o external_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o their_o religion_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o frequent_a complaint_n of_o