their_o religion_n a_o sanctuary_n for_o their_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n other_o gilding_n over_o their_o faction_n and_o sedition_n with_o a_o specious_a pretence_n of_o zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n some_o prosecute_n their_o own_o revenge_n and_o ambition_n under_o the_o ensign_n of_o pure_a worship_n and_o true_a protestant_a religion_n other_o commute_v for_o their_o excess_n of_o riot_n with_o a_o clamorous_a zeal_n for_o decency_n and_o order_n and_o other_o pick_v pocket_n with_o one_o hand_n while_o they_o have_v be_v lift_v up_o the_o other_o to_o heaven_n in_o devotion_n the_o sight_n of_o which_o have_v tempt_v the_o rude_a and_o unthinking_a vulgar_a to_o look_v upon_o religion_n as_o a_o mere_a castle_n in_o the_o air_n that_o have_v no_o foundation_n but_o in_o the_o invention_n of_o knave_n and_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o fool_n now_o though_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o these_o vile_a hypocrite_n who_o have_v lay_v this_o stumbling-block_n in_o man_n way_n shall_v one_o day_n dear_o answer_v for_o the_o ruin_n of_o those_o who_o it_o have_v occasion_v to_o fall_v and_o for_o thus_o expose_v the_o credit_n and_o reputation_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o misprision_n of_o those_o that_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o most_o inexcusable_a piece_n of_o folly_n for_o man_n thus_o to_o infer_v atheistical_a conclusion_n from_o the_o ill_a example_n of_o hypocritical_a professor_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o conclude_v a_o man_n a_o infidel_n because_o his_o action_n run_v counter_a to_o the_o faith_n he_o pretend_v to_o be_v very_o rash_a and_o fallacious_a for_o do_v we_o not_o see_v man_n very_o often_o act_v against_o their_o conscience_n and_o fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o their_o own_o conviction_n why_o may_v we_o not_o then_o as_o fair_o suppose_v those_o wicked_a action_n we_o argue_v from_o to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o obstinate_a will_n as_o of_o a_o infidel_n judgement_n but_o suppose_v 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be_v capable_a of_o be_v prostitute_v to_o very_o ill_a purpose_n i_o confess_v when_o we_o see_v so_o many_o cheat_n act_v under_o the_o masque_n of_o religion_n we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o call_v it_o to_o a_o more_o severe_a examination_n and_o to_o inquire_v more_o narrow_o into_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v found_v but_o present_o to_o reject_v religion_n because_o knave_n and_o hypocrite_n make_v bold_a to_o disguise_v themselves_o in_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o virtue_n as_o chastity_n in_o the_o world_n because_o there_o be_v common_a prostitute_n that_o pretend_v to_o it_o viii_o another_o cause_n of_o atheism_n be_v division_n and_o schism_n form_v out_o of_o little_a opinion_n in_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n to_o place_v a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n in_o those_o opinion_n for_o who_o sake_n they_o divide_v and_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o so_o that_o if_o hereafter_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o those_o opinion_n of_o which_o they_o be_v excessive_o fond_a at_o the_o present_a they_o will_v be_v under_o a_o great_a temptation_n to_o suspect_v religion_n itself_o as_o if_o that_o be_v as_o ill_o ground_v as_o those_o little_a opinion_n which_o they_o lay_v so_o great_a a_o stress_n on_o and_o so_o after_o they_o have_v run_v through_o several_a set_v of_o opinion_n and_o in_o fine_a have_v discover_v they_o to_o be_v all_o delusion_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o conclude_v religion_n itself_o to_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o system_fw-la of_o lie_n and_o imposture_n for_o as_o weak_a head_n when_o they_o perceive_v the_o battlement_n shake_v be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v the_o foundation_n so_o weak_a understanding_n will_v be_v prone_a to_o suspect_v even_o the_o fundamental_o of_o of_o religion_n when_o once_o they_o perceive_v those_o darling_n notion_n totter_v which_o they_o have_v confident_o presume_v to_o superstruct_v thereupon_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o irreligion_n of_o this_o age_n be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o sect_n and_o division_n of_o it_o for_o how_o many_o woeful_a example_n have_v we_o of_o person_n who_o have_v once_o a_o great_a zeal_n for_o and_o satisfaction_n in_o religion_n that_o upon_o their_o causeless_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n communion_n have_v run_v from_o sect_n to_o sect_n and_o from_o one_o extravagant_a opinion_n to_o another_o till_o at_o last_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n of_o they_o all_o they_o have_v total_o discard_v religion_n itself_o and_o make_v their_o last_o resort_v into_o atheism_n and_o as_o separate_n into_o party_n upon_o little_a difference_n in_o religion_n expose_v the_o separatist_n themselves_o to_o great_a temptation_n to_o atheism_n so_o it_o do_v those_o also_o who_o be_v indifferent_a on_o 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distinguish_v between_o the_o disputable_a opinion_n that_o constitute_v these_o sect_n and_o the_o necessary_n and_o essential_o of_o religion_n shall_v reflect_v upon_o this_o tumult_n and_o confusion_n of_o faith_n they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v without_o far_a inquiry_n that_o religion_n itself_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o infinite_a maze_n of_o disputable_a opinion_n wherein_o man_n wander_v about_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o justle_v and_o rancounter_v one_o another_o without_o any_o certain_a clew_n on_o either_o side_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v their_o inquiry_n under_o which_o misapprehension_n they_o will_v either_o damn_v all_o religion_n for_o a_o cheat_n or_o hover_v about_o in_o eternal_a uncertainty_n not_o know_v where_o in_o so_o great_a a_o confusion_n of_o religion_n to_o fix_v and_o settle_v their_o faith_n and_o hereunto_o i_o doubt_v not_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o irreligion_n of_o this_o age._n for_o while_o some_o man_n by_o run_v themselves_o out_o of_o breath_n in_o pursuit_n of_o those_o ignes_fw-la fatui_fw-la or_o new_a light_n that_o have_v break_v and_o divide_v our_o communion_n have_v at_o length_n quite_o tire_v out_o their_o zeal_n and_o religious_a pretence_n and_o so_o be_v at_o length_n lie_v down_o in_o the_o mire_n of_o irreligion_n and_o open_a profaneness_n other_o by_o look_v on_o and_o behold_v the_o wild_a division_n which_o these_o new_a light_n have_v make_v have_v be_v tempt_v to_o run_v away_o from_o religion_n itself_o as_o if_o that_o be_v only_o a_o labyrinth_n of_o uncertain_a opinion_n contrive_v on_o purpose_n to_o distract_v and_o bewild_a man_n brain_n now_o though_o the_o author_n of_o these_o division_n whosoever_o they_o be_v be_v doubtless_o high_o accountable_a to_o god_n for_o all_o that_o irreligion_n which_o attend_v they_o yet_o for_o man_n from_o hence_o to_o draw_v atheistical_a conclusion_n
he_o have_v not_o only_o reveal_v they_o together_o but_o also_o incorporate_v they_o into_o one_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v now_o frame_v and_o constitute_v by_o this_o happy_a conjunction_n of_o natural_a with_o reveal_v may_v be_v thus_o define_v it_o be_v the_o obligation_n of_o rational_a creature_n to_o render_v such_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o himself_o have_v institute_v and_o as_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n suitable_a to_o his_o excellency_n and_o their_o dependence_n upon_o he_o where_o by_o act_n of_o worship_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v such_o only_a as_o be_v immediate_o direct_v to_o and_o terminate_v upon_o god_n as_o all_o those_o be_v which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o first_o table_n of_o the_o decalogue_n but_o all_o those_o act_n in_o general_n which_o god_n have_v command_v which_o be_v perform_v upon_o a_o religious_a account_n that_o be_v out_o of_o homage_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n will_v and_o authority_n be_v as_o true_o and_o proper_o act_v of_o worship_n to_o he_o as_o prayer_n or_o praise_n or_o adjuration_n and_o now_o have_v give_v this_o short_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v from_o hence_o be_v easy_a to_o collect_v what_o principle_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o sound_n and_o secure_v its_o obligation_n for_o first_o god_n be_v the_o great_a object_n of_o all_o religion_n it_o must_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v true_o religious_a that_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v second_o religion_n be_v a_o obligation_n of_o we_o to_o god_n that_o this_o obligation_n may_v take_v effect_n upon_o we_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o he_o concern_v himself_o about_o we_o and_o consequent_o that_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n by_o his_o providence_n three_o religion_n oblige_v we_o to_o render_v all_o due_a act_n of_o worship_n to_o he_o to_o enforce_v this_o obligation_n upon_o we_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o he_o will_v certain_o reward_v we_o if_o we_o render_v those_o act_n to_o he_o and_o as_o certain_o punish_v we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o four_o these_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o religion_n oblige_v we_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n nature_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o fulfil_v this_o obligation_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v have_v right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n five_o religion_n oblige_v we_o to_o render_v all_o these_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o god_n in_o and_o through_o jesus_n christ_n to_o our_o perform_v this_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v in_o his_o mediation_n these_o be_v the_o great_a principle_n in_o which_o all_o the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n be_v found_v and_o therefore_o in_o order_n to_o the_o through_o fix_v those_o obligation_n upon_o man_n mind_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a before_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o particular_a duty_n which_o religion_n oblige_v we_o to_o to_o discourse_v of_o these_o principle_n distinct_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v in_o order_n to_o man_n be_v true_o religious_a he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n must_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v heb._n 11.6_o where_o by_o come_v to_o god_n be_v mean_v worship_v he_o that_o be_v express_v our_o veneration_n of_o and_o affection_n to_o he_o by_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n and_o action_n and_o unless_o our_o outward_a action_n in_o religion_n proceed_v from_o a_o inward_a veneration_n of_o and_o affection_n to_o he_o they_o be_v not_o worship_n but_o mockery_n but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a a_o man_n shall_v inward_o venerate_v god_n when_o he_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o such_o be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o how_o real_a soever_o any_o thing_n may_v be_v in_o itself_o if_o we_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o it_o be_v to_o we_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o and_o therefore_o though_o god_n do_v so_o necessary_o exist_v as_o that_o he_o can_v but_o be_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o he_o imply_v a_o infinite_a distance_n from_o not_o be_v yet_o while_o we_o believe_v he_o be_v not_o our_o thought_n can_v be_v no_o more_o concern_v about_o he_o than_o about_o purchase_v a_o inheritance_n in_o utopia_n so_o that_o this_o proposition_n that_o god_n be_v be_v the_o prime_n fundamental_a of_o all_o religion_n and_o if_o this_o be_v remove_v religion_n must_v sink_v and_o all_o its_o sacred_a obligation_n fly_v in_o sunder_o but_o this_o be_v so_o self-evident_a that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o impertinent_a to_o insist_v upon_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v do_v therefore_o in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o argument_n shall_v be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v the_o belief_n of_o this_o fundamental_a truth_n upon_o which_o all_o religion_n depend_v and_o that_o first_o by_o inquire_v into_o and_o remove_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n infidelity_n in_o this_o matter_n second_o by_o represent_v the_o folly_n and_o vnreasonableness_n of_o it_o for_o as_o for_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n of_o god_n be_v i_o shall_v reserve_v they_o till_o i_o come_v to_o discourse_v of_o his_o providence_n where_o i_o think_v there_o be_v enough_o say_v to_o satisfy_v any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o desperate_o harden_v against_o all_o conviction_n sect_n i._o of_o the_o cause_n of_o atheism_n show_v the_o great_a absurdity_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o consider_v how_o loud_o the_o voice_n of_o nature_n the_o consent_n of_o nation_n and_o the_o beautiful_a structure_n and_o contrivance_n of_o thing_n do_v proclaim_v the_o be_v of_o god_n one_o will_v think_v it_o impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o monster_n as_o a_o atheist_n among_o reasonable_a being_n and_o indeed_o it_o have_v be_v warm_o dispute_v among_o the_o learned_a whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o or_o no_o a_o question_n which_o these_o late_a age_n have_v determine_v in_o the_o affirmative_a by_o a_o induction_n of_o too_o many_o woeful_a instance_n but_o doubtless_o have_v man_n impartial_o attend_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o not_o deliver_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o infatuation_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o the_o inveterate_a prejudice_n of_o a_o corrupt_a imagination_n it_o will_v have_v be_v impossible_a for_o so_o many_o gross_a absurdity_n as_o atheism_n imply_v to_o have_v enter_v into_o their_o mind_n but_o when_o once_o man_n will_n and_o affection_n have_v espouse_v a_o proposition_n they_o will_v make_v one_o shift_n or_o other_o be_v it_o never_o so_o absurd_a to_o impose_v it_o on_o their_o understand_n and_o consider_v how_o many_o cause_n there_o be_v lead_v man_n to_o atheism_n who_o be_v predispose_v thereunto_o i_o can_v think_v a_o atheist_n to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o wonder_n for_o so_o long_o as_o man_n understand_n be_v lead_v by_o their_o will_n and_o their_o will_n be_v bias_v with_o inclination_n to_o impiety_n they_o can_v hardly_o forbear_v wish_v there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o then_o from_o wish_v there_o be_v none_o to_o believe_v there_o be_v none_o will_v be_v a_o very_a short_a and_o easy_a transition_n since_o therefore_o their_o atheism_n proceed_v not_o so_o much_o from_o the_o defect_n of_o their_o reason_n as_o from_o the_o fault_n of_o their_o will_n perhaps_o the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o cure_v it_o be_v rather_o to_o detect_v and_o remove_v those_o faulty_a cause_n in_o their_o will_n than_o to_o attempt_v upon_o their_o reason_n with_o the_o proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o according_o you_o see_v that_o when_o god_n have_v once_o erect_v this_o goodly_a theatre_n of_o being_n and_o imprint_v on_o it_o so_o many_o glorious_a character_n of_o his_o own_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n though_o from_o time_n to_o time_n he_o have_v wrought_v innumerable_a miracle_n to_o reduce_v man_n from_o superstition_n idolatry_n and_o wickedness_n yet_o he_o never_o wrought_v one_o to_o reduce_v they_o from_o atheism_n and_o indeed_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v he_o it_o be_v high_o improbable_a that_o they_o who_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n by_o this_o stand_a miracle_n the_o world_n in_o which_o there_o be_v so_o many_o ample_a demonstration_n of_o his_o be_v shall_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o by_o any_o other_o miracle_n for_o other_o miracle_n be_v only_o the_o disorder_n and_o interruption_n of_o nature_n and_o certain_o the_o regular_a course_n and_o stand_a order_n of_o nature_n be_v a_o much_o more_o glorious_a evidence_n of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o power_n than_o the_o most_o miraculous_a interruption_n and_o disorder_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o if_o man_n will_v be_v atheist_n notwithstanding_o god_n have_v imprint_v so_o many_o proof_n of_o his_o be_v on_o this_o visible_a creation_n it_o be_v plain_a it_o be_v
the_o christian_a life_n part_n ii_o wherein_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o christian_a duty_n be_v assign_v explain_v and_o prove_v volume_n i._n by_o john_n scott_n rector_n of_o st._n peter_n poor_a london_n london_n print_v for_o robert_n horn_n at_o the_o south_n entrance_n of_o the_o royal_a exchange_n and_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishops-head_n in_o in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1685._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a and_o right_o reverend_a father_n in_o god_n henry_n lord_n bishop_n of_o london_n and_o one_o of_o his_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy_a council_n etc._n etc._n my_o lord_n i_o here_o present_a to_o your_o lordship_n the_o first_o volume_n of_o a_o second_o part_n of_o that_o treatise_n of_o christian_a life_n which_o i_o publish_v some_o year_n since_o and_o which_o under_o the_o protection_n of_o your_o venerable_a name_n have_v find_v good_a acceptance_n with_o the_o world_n and_o to_o make_v a_o ingenuous_a confession_n to_o your_o 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in_o i_o can_v not_o handsome_o retreat_v and_o indeed_o consider_v with_o what_o prodigious_a rudeness_n and_o insolence_n the_o very_a foundation_n of_o religion_n be_v strike_v at_o in_o this_o dissolute_a age_n he_o who_o will_v now_o treat_v of_o they_o to_o any_o purpose_n will_v find_v himself_o oblige_v not_o only_o to_o give_v a_o distinct_a and_o clear_a explication_n of_o they_o but_o also_o to_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o with_o convince_a evidence_n and_o to_o answer_v and_o expose_v those_o atheistical_a cavil_n that_o be_v level_v against_o they_o which_o late_a will_v have_v be_v much_o less_o necessary_a in_o a_o age_n of_o a_o more_o serious_a and_o religious_a genius_n and_o upon_o this_o account_n i_o have_v be_v force_v upon_o a_o much_o large_a and_o more_o laborious_a proof_n of_o the_o several_a principle_n of_o religion_n than_o i_o first_o intend_v not_o that_o i_o have_v any_o great_a hope_n of_o reclaim_v those_o who_o be_v profess_v atheist_n to_o 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i_o have_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n explain_v and_o demonstrate_v the_o natural_a distinction_n of_o humane_a action_n into_o good_a and_o evil_n by_o some_o eternal_a reason_n for_o or_o against_o they_o and_o have_v show_v at_o large_a that_o god_n have_v make_v this_o distinction_n sufficient_o clear_a and_o evident_a to_o all_o man_n to_o enable_v they_o to_o conduct_v themselves_o to_o their_o own_o happiness_n and_o that_o those_o action_n of_o man_n which_o fall_v under_o this_o natural_a distinction_n be_v the_o principal_a subject_a matter_n of_o the_o command_n and_o prohibition_n of_o religion_n i_o proceed_v in_o the_o second_o chapter_n brief_o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o of_o natural_a and_o christian_a religion_n in_o particular_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o both_o which_o i_o have_v deduce_v those_o fundamental_a principle_n from_o whence_o the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n be_v derive_v the_o five_o first_o of_o which_o be_v 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that_o which_o we_o most_o converse_v with_o and_o with_o who_o consent_n and_o agreement_n in_o any_o matter_n we_o be_v best_a acquaint_v be_v that_o of_o man_n and_o therefore_o if_o among_o man_n we_o can_v discover_v such_o a_o universal_a agreement_n concern_v the_o goodness_n of_o these_o rule_n as_o will_v warrant_v we_o to_o conclude_v all_o other_o rational_a being_n to_o be_v consent_v with_o they_o this_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n these_o two_o thing_n therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o 1._o that_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n be_v universal_o consent_v in_o this_o matter_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o immutable_a goodness_n in_o these_o rule_n of_o morality_n 2._o that_o this_o universal_a consent_n of_o man_n reason_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n that_o all_o other_o reasonable_a being_n be_v consent_v with_o they_o first_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o 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for_o we_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n it_o be_v true_a when_o the_o reason_n that_o be_v in_o one_o man_n judge_n contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n that_o be_v in_o another_o there_o must_v be_v a_o disagreement_n on_o one_o side_n or_o the_o other_o from_o the_o reason_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n but_o when_o all_o man_n reason_n be_v agree_v that_o this_o be_v good_a and_o that_o evil_a it_o be_v plain_a that_o this_o be_v be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n which_o natural_o make_v such_o a_o distinction_n of_o thing_n for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o use_v his_o reason_n can_v possible_o think_v that_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n justice_n and_o injustice_n mercy_n and_o cruelty_n be_v equal_o good_a in_o themselves_o his_o rational_a faculty_n be_v so_o frame_v as_o that_o at_o the_o first_o glance_n and_o reflection_n it_o natural_o distinguish_v they_o into_o good_a and_o evil._n when_o therefore_o god_n have_v create_v we_o with_o such_o a_o faculty_n as_o natural_o make_v such_o a_o judgement_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o judgement_n must_v be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o faculty_n which_o make_v it_o that_o therefore_o which_o be_v the_o unanimous_a judgement_n of_o all_o man_n must_v be_v the_o natural_a language_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o natural_a language_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n must_v be_v the_o language_n of_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n for_o he_o who_o create_v i_o with_o such_o a_o faculty_n as_o natural_o judge_v this_o good_a and_o that_o evil_a must_v either_o have_v the_o same_o judgement_n himself_o or_o create_v in_o i_o a_o contradiction_n to_o his_o own_o judgement_n and_o that_o judgement_n which_o he_o have_v create_v in_o i_o he_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o create_v in_o all_o other_o being_n that_n be_v capable_a of_o judge_v otherwise_o he_o will_v be_v the_o author_n
enforce_v and_o if_o notwithstanding_o they_o will_v be_v so_o regardless_o of_o god_n as_o to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o mercy_n so_o rude_a to_o his_o authority_n as_o not_o to_o mind_v either_o his_o law_n within_o or_o his_o law_n without_o they_o upon_o what_o reasonable_a pretence_n can_v they_o excuse_v themselves_o but_o then_o as_o for_o we_o christian_n we_o have_v not_o only_o all_o those_o natural_a discovery_n of_o our_o duty_n which_o the_o heathen_a have_v and_o all_o those_o supernatural_a one_o which_o the_o jew_n have_v but_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o for_o in_o our_o revelation_n the_o law_n and_o motive_n of_o virtue_n be_v set_v before_o we_o in_o a_o much_o clear_a light_n and_o be_v neither_o wrap_v up_o in_o mystical_a sense_n nor_o overcast_v with_o typical_a representation_n but_o lay_v before_o we_o in_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o easy_a proposition_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o mystical_a sense_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n be_v the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o christian_a in_o which_o all_o those_o precept_n and_o promise_n and_o threat_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o dark_a riddle_n obscure_a and_o typical_a adumbration_n be_v bring_v forth_o to_o we_o from_o behind_o the_o curtain_n and_o propose_v in_o plain_a and_o popular_a article_n so_o that_o if_o we_o still_o continue_v in_o our_o sinful_a course_n we_o be_v of_o all_o man_n the_o most_o inexcusable_a the_o heathen_a may_v plead_v against_o the_o jew_n that_o their_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a in_o its_o precept_n nor_o yet_o so_o cogent_a in_o its_o motive_n as_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o jew_n may_v plead_v against_o we_o christian_n that_o their_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v neither_o so_o express_v in_o its_o precept_n nor_o yet_o so_o intelligible_a in_o its_o best_a and_o most_o powerful_a motive_n as_o our_o gospel_n but_o as_o for_o we_o christian_n we_o have_v nothing_o to_o plead_v but_o by_o our_o own_o obstinacy_n against_o the_o clear_a discovery_n of_o our_o duty_n do_v stand_v condemn_v to_o everlasting_a silence_n so_o that_o when_o it_o shall_v appear_v at_o the_o dread_a tribunal_n of_o god_n that_o we_o have_v persist_v in_o our_o wickedness_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o advantage_n we_o must_v expect_v to_o be_v reproach_v by_o all_o the_o reasonable_a world_n to_o be_v explode_v and_o hiss_v at_o not_o only_o by_o saint_n and_o angel_n but_o by_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o devil_n themselves_o who_o will_v all_o conspire_v with_o our_o own_o conscience_n to_o second_v our_o woeful_a doom_n with_o the_o loud_a acclamation_n of_o just_a and_o righteous_a be_v thou_o o_o lord_n in_o all_o thy_o way_n wherefore_o as_o we_o will_v not_o perish_v for_o ever_o without_o pity_n and_o excuse_v let_v we_o make_v haste_n to_o forsake_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n sect_n iii_o that_o those_o action_n which_o carry_v with_o they_o this_o perpetual_a obligation_n be_v the_o main_a and_o principal_a part_n of_o religion_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v most_o evident_a from_o the_o abovenamed_a text_n mic._n 6.8_o and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n which_o interrogation_n though_o it_o imply_v not_o a_o absolute_a negation_n viz._n that_o the_o lord_n require_v nothing_o else_o of_o they_o for_o under_o the_o law_n he_o require_v sacrifice_n and_o sundry_a other_o positive_a duty_n as_o under_o the_o gospel_n he_o require_v sacrament_n and_o read_v and_o hear_v his_o holy_a word_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v positive_a duty_n as_o well_o as_o those_o legal_a institution_n of_o moses_n yet_o it_o plain_o imply_v a_o comparative_a negation_n viz._n that_o the_o lord_n require_v nothing_o else_o so_o principal_o and_o affectionate_o so_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o own_o inherent_a beauty_n and_o goodness_n as_o he_o do_v these_o moral_a duty_n here_o specify_v he_o do_v indeed_o require_v the_o jew_n to_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o he_o and_o to_o perform_v those_o other_o ceremonial_a rite_n specify_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o for_o they_o wilful_o to_o have_v neglect_v those_o duty_n will_v have_v be_v such_o a_o avow_a defiance_n to_o his_o authority_n as_o will_v have_v render_v they_o just_o obnoxious_a to_o all_o the_o judgement_n threaten_v in_o their_o law_n but_o yet_o he_o do_v much_o more_o earnest_o require_v they_o to_o be_v just_a and_o merciful_a and_o humble_a and_o manifest_v himself_o to_o be_v far_o better_a please_v with_o one_o act_n of_o moral_a goodness_n than_o with_o a_o thousand_o sacrifice_n and_o thus_o he_o require_v of_o we_o christian_n that_o we_o shall_v communicate_v with_o he_o and_o with_o one_o another_o in_o our_o evangelical_n sacrament_n and_o dutiful_o conform_v to_o all_o those_o sacred_a institution_n and_o solemnity_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o we_o wilful_o neglect_v they_o we_o just_o incur_v all_o that_o everlasting_a vengeance_n which_o be_v there_o denounce_v but_o yet_o our_o sincere_a compliance_n with_o the_o immutable_a obligation_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n be_v a_o thousandfold_n more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o our_o strict_a observation_n of_o these_o his_o positive_a institution_n so_o that_o the_o question_n in_o the_o text_n what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o plain_o imply_v this_o proposition_n that_o though_o god_n do_v exact_a of_o we_o certain_a duty_n which_o be_v not_o moral_a i._n e._n have_v no_o intrinsic_a necessity_n in_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o moral_a duty_n such_o as_o justice_n and_o mercy_n and_o humility_n which_o he_o principal_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n thus_o concern_v sacrifice_n god_n plain_o tell_v we_o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n i._n e._n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n rather_o than_o sacrifice_n hos._n 6.6_o and_o the_o wise_a man_n assure_v we_o that_o to_o do_v justice_n be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o the_o lord_n than_o sacrifice_n prov._n 21.3_o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n himself_o pronounce_v even_o before_o that_o ceremonial_a worship_n be_v abolish_v that_o to_o love_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n with_o all_o our_o understanding_n with_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o our_o strength_n and_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o be_v more_o than_o all_o burnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n mark_v 12.33_o but_o for_o the_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o this_o great_a and_o necessary_a truth_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v first_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o some_o scripture_n argument_n second_o to_o assign_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o as_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o the_o follow_a particular_n will_v be_v abundant_o sufficient_a first_o that_o the_o scripture_n plain_o declare_v that_o the_o great_a design_n of_o all_o the_o doctrinal_n of_o religion_n have_v always_o be_v to_o move_v and_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a goodness_n second_o that_o the_o main_a drift_n and_o scope_n of_o all_o the_o positive_a duty_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v always_o to_o improve_v and_o perfect_a man_n in_o moral_a goodness_n three_o that_o god_n express_v in_o scripture_n a_o great_a contempt_n of_o all_o the_o positive_a duty_n of_o religion_n when_o ever_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o moral_a goodness_n four_o that_o where_o ever_o we_o find_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n sum_v up_o in_o a_o few_o particular_n they_o be_v always_o such_o as_o be_v instance_n of_o moral_a goodness_n five_o that_o wherever_o such_o person_n as_o have_v be_v most_o dear_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n be_v describe_v in_o scripture_n their_o character_n always_o consist_v of_o some_o instance_n or_o other_o of_o moral_a goodness_n six_o that_o the_o scripture_n plain_o declare_v that_o at_o the_o great_a account_n between_o god_n and_o our_o soul_n the_o main_a inquisition_n will_v be_v concern_v our_o moral_a good_a or_o evil._n i._o the_o scripture_n express_o declare_v that_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o move_v and_o persuade_v man_n to_o moral_a goodness_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i._n e._n the_o gospel_n assure_v we_o that_o its_o great_a design_n be_v to_o teach_v man_n to_o deny_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n tit._n 2.12_o and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n in_o particular_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o all_o conspire_v in_o this_o great_a design_n for_o so_o the_o doctrine_n of_o eternal_a life_n be_v
of_o and_o it_o may_v be_v reasonable_o suppose_v that_o in_o those_o summary_n of_o our_o duty_n wherein_o but_o a_o few_o part_n be_v enumerate_v they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v the_o chief_a and_o principal_a it_o be_v contrary_a to_o all_o rule_n of_o language_n to_o express_v the_o whole_a of_o any_o thing_n by_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o inconsiderable_a part_n of_o it_o v._o another_o evidence_n from_o scripture_n that_o moral_a goodness_n be_v the_o principal_a matter_n of_o duty_n that_o god_n require_v of_o we_o be_v that_o wheresoever_o such_o person_n as_o have_v be_v most_o dear_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n be_v describe_v their_o character_n be_v always_o make_v up_o of_o instance_n of_o morality_n thus_o the_o description_n of_o job_n be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n perfect_a and_o upright_o and_o one_o that_o fear_v god_n and_o eschew_v evil_a job_n 1.1_o and_o in_o the_o 15_o psalm_n the_o description_n which_o david_n give_v of_o the_o man_n who_o shall_v abide_v in_o the_o tabernacle_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v this_o that_o he_o walk_v upright_o and_o work_v righteousness_n and_o speak_v the_o truth_n in_o his_o heart_n that_o he_o backbit_v not_o with_o his_o tongue_n nor_o do_v evil_a to_o his_o neighbour_n nor_o take_v up_o a_o reproach_n against_o his_o neighbour_n etc._n etc._n he_o that_o do_v these_o thing_n say_v he_o shall_v never_o be_v move_v and_o the_o great_a character_n that_o be_v give_v of_o moses_n the_o darling_n and_o favourite_n of_o god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v very_o meek_a above_o all_o the_o man_n that_o be_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n numb_a 12.3_o thus_o also_o the_o character_n of_o cornelius_n by_o which_o he_o be_v so_o endear_v to_o god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o just_a and_o devout_a man_n one_o that_o fear_v god_n with_o all_o his_o house_n who_o give_v much_o alm_n to_o the_o people_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n always_o act_v 10.2_o and_o in_o a_o word_n the_o general_a character_n of_o those_o who_o god_n accept_v be_v in_o every_o nation_n he_o who_o do_v righteousness_n be_v accept_v of_o god_n act_v 10.35_o thus_o moral_a goodness_n be_v the_o great_a stamp_n and_o impress_n that_o render_v man_n current_a in_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o common_a brand_n by_o which_o hypocrite_n and_o false_a pretender_n to_o religion_n be_v stigmatise_v be_v their_o be_v zealous_a for_o the_o positives_n and_o cold_a and_o indifferent_a as_o to_o the_o moral_n of_o religion_n for_o so_o our_o saviour_n character_n the_o pharisee_n woe_n unto_o you_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n hypocrite_n for_o you_o pay_v tithe_n of_o mint_n annis_n and_o cummin_n which_o yet_o be_v a_o positive_a duty_n and_o have_v omit_v the_o weighty_a matter_n of_o the_o law_n judgement_n mercy_n and_o faithfulness_n these_o ought_v you_o to_o have_v do_v and_o not_o to_o leave_v the_o other_o undo_v you_o blind_a guide_n you_o strain_v at_o a_o gnat_n and_o swallow_v a_o camel_n math._n 23.23.24_o plain_o imply_v the_o moral_n of_o religion_n to_o be_v as_o much_o great_a than_o the_o positives_n in_o weight_n and_o moment_n as_o a_o camel_n be_v than_o a_o gnat_n in_o bulk_n since_o therefore_o moral_a goodness_n be_v always_o mention_v as_o the_o great_a character_n of_o god_n favourite_n and_o the_o neglect_v of_o it_o out_o of_o a_o pretend_a zeal_n to_o the_o positive_a duty_n of_o religion_n be_v always_o record_v as_o a_o mark_n of_o the_o most_o odious_a hypocrite_n this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n how_o high_a a_o value_n god_n set_v upon_o the_o morality_n of_o religion_n vi_o and_o last_o another_o evidence_n from_o scripture_n that_o moral_a goodness_n be_v the_o principal_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v that_o at_o the_o great_a account_n between_o god_n and_o we_o his_o main_a inquisition_n will_v be_v concern_v such_o action_n as_o be_v moral_o good_a or_o evil_n for_o so_o rom._n 2.6_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o god_n will_v render_v to_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n to_o they_o who_o by_o patient_a continuance_n in_o well_o do_v seek_v for_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o immortality_n eternal_a life_n but_o to_o they_o who_o be_v contentious_a and_o do_v not_o obey_v the_o truth_n but_o obey_v unrighteousness_n tribulation_n and_o wrath_n indignation_n and_o anguish_n and_o according_o enoch_n as_o he_o be_v quote_v by_o st._n judas_n verse_n 14.15_o declare_v this_o to_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o the_o lord_n come_v with_o thousand_o of_o his_o saint_n viz._n to_o execute_v judgement_n upon_o all_o and_o to_o convince_v all_o that_o be_v ungodly_a among_o they_o of_o all_o their_o ungodly_a deed_n which_o they_o have_v ungodly_a commit_v and_o of_o all_o their_o hard_a speech_n which_o ungodly_a sinner_n have_v speak_v against_o he_o all_o which_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n against_o the_o eternal_a rule_n of_o morality_n and_o our_o saviour_n himself_o in_o that_o popular_a scheme_n and_o description_n he_o give_v of_o the_o proceed_n of_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n plain_o declare_v that_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a matter_n he_o will_v then_o inquire_v into_o will_v be_v our_o neglect_n or_o observance_n of_o that_o great_a moral_a duty_n of_o charity_n towards_o the_o poor_a and_o needy_a mat._n 25.32_o 46._o which_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o our_o obey_n or_o disobey_v the_o eternal_a law_n of_o morality_n be_v that_o by_o which_o we_o do_v most_o please_v or_o displease_v god_n since_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o that_o he_o will_v most_o insist_v in_o his_o final_a arbitration_n of_o our_o eternal_a fate_n for_o since_o his_o last_o judgement_n be_v only_o the_o final_a execution_n of_o his_o law_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o whatsoever_o it_o be_v that_o he_o will_v principal_o insist_v on_o in_o his_o judgement_n that_o be_v the_o principal_a matter_n of_o his_o law_n and_o now_o have_v sufficient_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n i_o proceed_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o upon_o what_o account_n it_o be_v that_o god_n have_v make_v moral_a goodness_n the_o main_a and_o principal_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n the_o chief_a reason_n of_o which_o be_v these_o four_o first_o because_o it_o be_v by_o moral_a goodness_n that_o we_o do_v most_o honour_n he_o second_o because_o it_o be_v by_o this_o that_o we_o do_v most_o imitate_v he_o three_o because_o it_o be_v by_o this_o that_o we_o advance_v to_o our_o own_o happiness_n four_o when_o all_o our_o positive_a duty_n be_v cease_v this_o be_v to_o be_v the_o eternal_a work_n and_o business_n of_o our_o nature_n i._o god_n have_v make_v moral_a goodness_n the_o principal_a part_n of_o our_o religion_n because_o it_o be_v by_o this_o that_o we_o do_v he_o the_o great_a honour_n it_o be_v a_o excellent_a say_n of_o hierocles_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n the_o best_a honour_n we_o can_v do_v to_o a_o self_n sufficient_a being_n be_v to_o receive_v the_o good_a thing_n he_o hold_v forth_o unto_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o by_o give_v to_o god_n that_o you_o honour_v he_o but_o by_o render_v yourselves_o worthy_a to_o receive_v of_o he_o for_o say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n whosoever_o give_v honour_n to_o god_n as_o to_o one_o that_o want_v do_v not_o consider_v that_o he_o thereby_o set_v himself_o above_o god_n for_o by_o his_o own_o selfsufficiency_n he_o be_v infinite_o remove_v above_o all_o capacity_n of_o want_n and_o so_o can_v never_o need_v any_o additional_a contribution_n of_o glory_n and_o happiness_n from_o his_o creature_n for_o glory_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o resplendency_n of_o perfection_n which_o always_o reflect_v its_o own_o beam_n upon_o itself_o where_o ever_o there_o be_v infinite_a perfection_n as_o to_o be_v sure_a there_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n there_o must_v a_o infinite_a glory_n proceed_v from_o it_o and_o therefore_o be_v infinite_o glorious_a in_o himself_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o thing_n we_o do_v shall_v add_v any_o further_a glory_n to_o he_o so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v true_o honour_v and_o glorify_v he_o it_o must_v not_o be_v by_o give_v to_o but_o by_o receive_v from_o he_o now_o the_o best_a thing_n we_o can_v receive_v from_o god_n be_v himself_o and_o himself_o we_o do_v receive_v in_o our_o strict_a compliance_n with_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o goodness_n which_o law_n be_v transcribe_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n from_o his_o own_o eternal_a righteousness_n and_o goodness_n we_o do_v by_o obey_v they_o derive_v god_n nature_n into_o we_o so_o that_o while_o we_o write_v after_o the_o copy_n of_o his_o law_n we_o write_v out_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o be_v and_o his_o law_n be_v the_o seal_n upon_o which_o he_o have_v engrave_v his_o
all_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o must_v be_v moral_o that_o be_v eternal_o good_a and_o reasonable_a because_o those_o doctrine_n be_v the_o eternal_a reason_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v found_v and_o by_o which_o they_o oblige_v so_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n must_v oblige_v for_o ever_o because_o it_o oblige_v by_o a_o eternal_a reason_n and_o so_o can_v never_o be_v dispense_v with_o or_o abrogate_a till_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v cancel_v and_o reverse_v and_o eternal_a truth_n be_v convert_v into_o lie_n in_o short_a therefore_o natural_a religion_n have_v only_o natural_a reason_n for_o its_o rule_n and_o measure_n which_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o thing_n deduce_v all_o those_o eternal_a reason_n by_o which_o it_o distinguish_v our_o action_n into_o honest_a and_o dishonest_a decorous_a and_o filthy_a good_a and_o evil_n necessary_a and_o sinful_a for_o it_o do_v not_o make_v they_o good_a or_o evil_n by_o judge_v they_o so_o but_o if_o it_o judge_v true_o it_o judge_n of_o they_o as_o it_o find_v they_o and_o unless_o it_o find_v they_o good_a or_o evil_n in_o themselves_o upon_o some_o eternal_a reason_n for_o or_o against_o they_o its_o judgement_n be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a so_o that_o the_o objective_a goodness_n or_o evil_n that_o be_v in_o the_o action_n themselves_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o natural_a reason_n but_o our_o natural_a reason_n judge_v true_o concern_v they_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o choice_n or_o refusal_n of_o they_o for_o be_v our_o action_n never_o so_o good_a or_o evil_n in_o itself_o unless_o we_o have_v some_o eternal_a reason_n for_o or_o against_o it_o we_o can_v judge_v it_o so_o and_o unless_o we_o judge_v it_o so_o we_o can_v reasonable_a choose_v or_o refuse_v it_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o we_o have_v judge_v and_o pronounce_v it_o good_a or_o evil_n upon_o a_o eternal_a reason_n we_o stand_v oblige_v by_o that_o judgement_n to_o do_v or_o forbear_v it_o so_o that_o right_a reason_n pronounce_v such_o action_n good_a and_o such_o evil_a be_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o those_o eternal_a reason_n upon_o which_o it_o so_o pronounce_v they_o be_v the_o creed_n of_o nature_n both_o which_o together_o make_v natural_a religion_n and_o by_o this_o religion_n be_v the_o world_n govern_v at_o least_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o for_o some_o thousand_o of_o year_n till_o by_o long_a and_o sad_a experience_n it_o be_v find_v too_o weak_a to_o correct_v the_o error_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o restrain_v the_o wild_a extravagancy_n of_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o than_o god_n out_o of_o his_o great_a pity_n to_o lose_a and_o degenerate_a mankind_n vouchsafe_v to_o we_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o reveal_v religion_n which_o in_o the_o large_a acceptation_n of_o it_o include_v all_o natural_a religion_n as_o well_o the_o credenda_fw-la as_o agenda_fw-la the_o doctrine_n as_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o both_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o that_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o the_o world_n to_o which_o it_o have_v superad_v sundry_a doctrine_n and_o duty_n of_o supernatural_a religion_n but_o strict_o speak_v revealed_z religion_n as_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o natural_a consist_v of_o such_o doctrine_n and_o duty_n as_o be_v knowable_a and_o discoverable_a only_o by_o revelation_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deduce_v and_o infer_v by_o reason_v and_o discourse_n from_o any_o necessary_a or_o natural_a principle_n but_o whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o counsel_n and_o good_a will_n of_o god_n and_o where_o thing_n depend_v entire_o upon_o god_n will_n and_o their_o be_v or_o not_o be_v lie_v whole_o in_o his_o free_a disposal_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o our_o natural_a reason_n shall_v ever_o arrive_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o without_o some_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n concern_v they_o for_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o these_o where_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v absolute_o free_a reason_n without_o revelation_n have_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o probable_a cause_n and_o principle_n to_o argue_v from_o and_o therefore_o can_v make_v neither_o certain_a conclusion_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o probable_a guess_n concern_v they_o but_o must_v necessary_o remain_v altogether_o in_o the_o dark_a till_o such_o time_n as_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o it_o which_o way_n his_o will_n be_v determine_v and_o of_o such_o matter_n as_o these_o consist_v all_o reveal_v religion_n strict_o so_o call_v for_o though_o god_n have_v make_v sundry_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n yet_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o they_o be_v for_o the_o main_a always_o the_o same_o viz._n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o duty_n that_o be_v subsequent_a thereunto_o which_o from_o that_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v to_o adam_n upon_o his_o fall_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n to_o the_o last_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v the_o great_a theme_n of_o all_o divine_a revelation_n for_o what_o else_o be_v that_o revelation_n which_o god_n make_v to_o abraham_n in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v but_o only_o the_o dawn_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o mediator_n what_o be_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o only_o the_o same_o gospel_n shine_v through_o a_o cloud_n of_o type_n and_o symbolical_a representation_n and_o what_o be_v all_o the_o succeed_a prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o only_o the_o same_o gospel_n still_o shine_v clear_a and_o clear_a till_o at_o last_o it_o break_v forth_o in_o its_o meridian_n brightness_n and_o be_v this_o a_o proper_a place_n i_o think_v i_o can_v easy_o demonstrate_v that_o from_o adam_n to_o moses_n from_o moses_n to_o the_o prophet_n from_o the_o prophet_n to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o all_o divine_a revelation_n have_v be_v the_o gradual_a discovery_n of_o this_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o mediation_n so_o that_o reveal_v religion_n be_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o always_o the_o same_o though_o it_o be_v not_o always_o reveal_v with_o the_o same_o perspicuity_n but_o clear_v up_o by_o degree_n from_o a_o obscure_a twilight_n to_o a_o perfect_a day_n wherefore_o christianity_n which_o in_o strictness_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o mediation_n together_o with_o its_o appendant_a duty_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o new_a religion_n of_o 1600._o year_n date_n for_o in_o reality_n it_o be_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o fall_n and_o be_v then_o preach_v to_o adam_n in_o that_o dark_a and_o mysterious_a promise_n after_o which_o it_o be_v a_o little_a more_o clear_o repeat_v though_o very_o obscure_o still_o in_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o again_o after_o that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o ample_o reveal_v in_o the_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o yet_o like_o paint_a glass_n in_o a_o window_n do_v under_o their_o pompous_a show_n still_o darken_v and_o obscure_v the_o holy_a mystery_n within_o they_o which_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o doctrine_n and_o law_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o judaisme_n be_v only_a christianity_n veil_v and_o christianity_n be_v only_a judaisme_n reveal_v thus_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o mediator_n you_o see_v be_v the_o principal_a subject_n of_o all_o divine_a revelation_n and_o this_o without_o revelation_n natural_a reason_n can_v never_o have_v discover_v because_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o depend_v upon_o the_o free_a will_n of_o god_n for_o whether_o he_o will_v admit_v of_o any_o mediator_n or_o no_o whether_o he_o will_v admit_v his_o own_o son_n to_o be_v our_o mediator_n or_o no_o whether_o he_o will_v deposit_v such_o inestimable_a blessing_n for_o we_o or_o no_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o mediator_n be_v entire_o leave_v to_o his_o free_a determination_n and_o there_o be_v no_o necessary_a cause_n either_o within_o or_o without_o he_o no_o nor_o any_o probable_a one_o neither_o that_o humane_a reason_n can_v ever_o have_v discover_v that_o can_v incline_v or_o determine_v he_o one_o way_n or_o tother_o so_o that_o till_o such_o time_n as_o he_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o we_o we_o be_v leave_v utter_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o this_o matter_n and_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o principle_n to_o argue_v from_o or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o guess_v by_o this_o therefore_o be_v strict_o the_o reveal_v religion_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o natural_a but_o since_o together_o with_o reveal_v religion_n god_n have_v put_v forth_o a_o second_o edition_n of_o natural_a which_o be_v almost_o lose_v and_o grow_v out_o of_o print_n through_o the_o wretched_a negligence_n and_o stupidity_n of_o mankind_n and_o since_o
by_o his_o interest_n whenever_o he_o think_v it_o his_o interest_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n to_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v be_v ready_a enough_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v none_o and_o consequent_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o grow_v wicked_a enough_o to_o need_v atheism_n for_o a_o refuge_n from_o his_o conscience_n he_o will_v betake_v himself_o thither_o in_o his_o own_o defence_n and_o endeavour_v by_o a_o obstinate_a disbelief_n of_o god_n be_v to_o shelter_v himself_o from_o the_o dread_a of_o his_o power_n thus_o when_o man_n belief_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o reason_n and_o evidence_n but_o stand_v totter_v on_o the_o fickle_a foundation_n of_o their_o will_n it_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v blow_v down_o by_o every_o blast_n of_o temptation_n and_o hence_o i_o doubt_v not_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n proceed_v the_o irreligion_n of_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o for_o if_o you_o survey_v the_o present_a stickler_n for_o atheism_n you_o will_v find_v they_o chief_o consist_v of_o the_o hare-brained_a and_o uncatechise_v youth_n of_o the_o town_n who_o never_o trouble_v themselves_o to_o understand_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n nor_o to_o consider_v the_o dependence_n and_o connexion_n of_o its_o doctrine_n and_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o either_o of_o the_o admirable_a contexture_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o or_o of_o the_o reason_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o whole_a for_o alas_o their_o study_n have_v be_v employ_v another_o way_n viz._n in_o courtly_a form_n of_o speech_n and_o punctilio_n of_o action_n in_o fashionable_a garb_n and_o oath_n and_o artificial_a luxury_n in_o con_v of_o fine_a jest_n and_o mode_n of_o address_n and_o retail_v fragment_n of_o wit_n from_o play_n and_o romance_n but_o as_o for_o the_o severe_a and_o more_o useful_a study_n they_o bequeath_v they_o to_o the_o dull_a man_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n such_o as_o these_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v the_o sage_n that_o droll_n upon_o religion_n and_o make_v jest_n upon_o the_o scripture_n and_o what_o wonder_n be_v it_o that_o such_o as_o these_o turn_v infidel_n who_o be_v never_o able_a to_o render_v any_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n for_o how_o weak_a soever_o the_o argument_n of_o infidelity_n be_v it_o be_v a_o hard_a case_n if_o it_o can_v baffle_v that_o faith_n which_o have_v no_o reason_n on_o its_o side_n to_o guard_v and_o defend_v it_o especial_o when_o they_o be_v second_v with_o a_o man_n lust_n and_o inclination_n as_o to_o be_v sure_o the_o argument_n of_o infidelity_n will_v always_o be_v for_o when_o a_o man_n have_v no_o reason_n for_o his_o faith_n but_o a_o great_a many_o lust_n against_o it_o the_o slender_a show_n of_o probability_n will_v suffice_v to_o make_v he_o a_o infidel_n but_o what_o a_o horrible_a neglect_n be_v it_o for_o man_n that_o have_v reason_n to_o distinguish_v between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n to_o take_v no_o care_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n and_o evidence_n of_o their_o religion_n in_o which_o their_o great_a interest_n be_v involve_v but_o to_o wink_v hard_a and_o believe_v at_o a_o venture_n they_o know_v not_o why_o nor_o what_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o cast_v lot_n for_o their_o soul_n and_o throw_v cross_a or_o pile_n for_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n they_o resolve_v they_o say_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o ancestor_n but_o whether_o that_o be_v true_a or_o false_a they_o never_o inquire_v so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v true_a they_o may_v thank_v their_o star_n for_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v false_a they_o have_v the_o worse_a luck_n thus_o they_o whole_o commit_v themselves_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o chance_n to_o be_v conduct_v to_o heaven_n or_o hell_n as_o it_o happen_v and_o as_o if_o those_o distant_a fate_n be_v indifferent_a to_o they_o they_o concern_v not_o themselves_o to_o inquire_v whether_o the_o way_n they_o be_v in_o be_v the_o broad_a or_o the_o narrow_a the_o right_a or_o the_o wrong_n but_o even_o leave_v the_o event_n to_o determine_v it_o and_o can_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v more_o wild_a or_o extravagant_a than_o for_o man_n who_o be_v so_o solicitous_a about_o their_o small_a concern_v who_o will_v not_o purchase_v a_o acre_n of_o land_n without_o examine_v the_o deed_n and_o evidence_n by_o which_o the_o right_a to_o it_o be_v convey_v thus_o to_o take_v up_o their_o religion_n upon_o trust_n and_o stake_v their_o everlasting_a fate_n upon_o such_o a_o desperate_a venture_n but_o then_o for_o man_n to_o take_v occasion_n to_o despise_v and_o reject_v religion_n from_o their_o own_o sottish_a neglect_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v such_o a_o height_n of_o extravagance_n as_o no_o bedlam_n can_v parallel_v it_o will_v be_v as_o reasonable_a for_o a_o man_n to_o put_v out_o his_o eye_n and_o then_o resolve_v not_o to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n because_o he_o do_v not_o see_v it_o or_o to_o stop_v up_o his_o ear_n and_o then_o peremptory_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o sound_n because_o he_o do_v not_o hear_v they_o for_o for_o man_n thus_o to_o graft_v infidelity_n upon_o ignorance_n be_v only_o to_o heap_v one_o extravagance_n on_o another_o if_o they_o understand_v not_o the_o evidence_n of_o religion_n the_o more_o shame_n it_o be_v for_o they_o but_o methinks_v it_o may_v very_o well_o become_v they_o to_o be_v modest_a and_o teachable_a till_o they_o do_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n to_o take_v care_n to_o inform_v themselves_o better_a but_o thus_o immediate_o to_o leap_v out_o of_o ignorance_n into_o atheism_n be_v first_o to_o play_v the_o fool_n and_o then_o run_v stark_o mad_a upon_o it_o vii_o another_o cause_n of_o atheism_n be_v man_n measure_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o as_o make_v the_o loud_a pretence_n to_o it_o when_o a_o man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o undergo_v the_o trouble_n of_o satisfy_v his_o own_o reason_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n his_o usual_a method_n be_v to_o inquire_v what_o other_o man_n think_v of_o it_o who_o by_o the_o zealous_a profession_n which_o they_o make_v may_v be_v suppose_v to_o understand_v it_o better_o than_o himself_o but_o because_o man_n thought_n be_v secret_a and_o invisible_a and_o do_v not_o always_o correspond_v with_o their_o word_n and_o profession_n therefore_o to_o satisfy_v himself_o what_o other_o man_n think_v of_o religion_n he_o conclude_v the_o safe_a way_n be_v to_o judge_v by_o what_o they_o do_v and_o not_o by_o what_o they_o profess_v and_o so_o far_o indeed_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n for_o to_o be_v sure_a man_n action_n be_v a_o much_o more_o certain_a index_n of_o their_o thought_n than_o their_o word_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o see_v those_o who_o profess_v religion_n act_v as_o if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o and_o observe_v how_o their_o word_n do_v run_v a-tilt_o at_o their_o practice_n and_o how_o broad_o their_o life_n give_v the_o lie_n to_o their_o profession_n he_o present_o conclude_v that_o whatever_o they_o pretend_v they_o be_v infidel_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o be_v once_o persuade_v that_o those_o who_o he_o think_v do_v best_o understand_v religion_n do_v not_o believe_v it_o he_o thence_o immediate_o conclude_v that_o they_o find_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v it_o and_o do_v only_o put_v on_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o as_o a_o angelical_a vizor_n be_v mind_v to_o play_v the_o devil_n in_o it_o with_o more_o credit_n and_o security_n and_o by_o this_o popular_a way_n of_o reason_v they_o conclude_v religion_n to_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o politic_a device_n and_o engine_n which_o wise_a man_n have_v contrive_v to_o beguile_v and_o manage_v the_o simple_a and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v pretend_v for_o it_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a jugling-box_n which_o knave_n play_v trick_n with_o to_o delude_v and_o cozen_v fool_n and_o of_o this_o way_n of_o man_n reason_n themselves_o into_o atheism_n the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o be_v full_a of_o woeful_a instance_n for_o now_o adays_o to_o scorn_v and_o despise_v religion_n be_v no_o long_o the_o prerogative_n of_o wit_n and_o vertuosoe_n but_o the_o infection_n be_v spread_v and_o propagate_v into_o shop_n and_o stall_n and_o the_o rabble_n be_v become_v professor_n of_o atheism_n now_o whence_o shall_v this_o proceed_v alas_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o such_o person_n as_o these_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o philosophise_v themselves_o into_o infidelity_n and_o turn_v atheist_n either_o upon_o aristotle_n or_o epicurus_n hypothesis_n no_o no_o their_o argument_n lie_v near_a home_n and_o more_o open_a to_o their_o capacity_n they_o have_v see_v a_o world_n of_o vile_a trick_n play_v in_o our_o religious_a carnivals_n and_o masquerades_n some_o make_v
be_v much_o more_o imputable_a to_o the_o perverseness_n of_o their_o will_n than_o to_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o understand_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n what_o if_o you_o have_v discover_v some_o opinion_n ln_o religion_n to_o be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o you_o be_v once_o very_o confident_a do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o certain_a in_o religion_n if_o so_o you_o may_v as_o well_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o certain_a in_o the_o mathematics_n neither_o since_o some_o man_n have_v be_v as_o confident_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o false_a axiom_n in_o geometry_n as_o ever_o you_o can_v be_v of_o false_a proposition_n in_o religion_n that_o you_o be_v once_o over-confident_a in_o a_o disputable_a matter_n be_v your_o own_o fault_n and_o folly_n but_o must_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o religion_n be_v a_o cheat_n because_o you_o have_v be_v rash_a and_o inconsiderate_a and_o what_o though_o you_o 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as_o that_o it_o be_v almost_o indifferent_a to_o religion_n whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o false_a and_o with_o what_o reason_n can_v we_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o necessary_a doctrine_n wherein_o all_o be_v agree_v because_o there_o be_v disagreement_n in_o unnecessary_a one_o because_o there_o be_v some_o proposition_n in_o the_o mathematics_n about_o which_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o mathematician_n be_v divide_v shall_v we_o therefore_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o all_o those_o wherein_o they_o be_v agree_v for_o if_o their_o disagreement_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o the_o former_a why_o shall_v not_o their_o agreement_n be_v as_o good_a a_o argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o late_a but_o how_o much_o soever_o man_n opinion_n about_o religion_n may_v be_v divide_v all_o that_o can_v be_v thence_o infer_v be_v that_o some_o man_n be_v mistake_v and_o while_o some_o man_n judge_v of_o religion_n by_o their_o passion_n and_o interest_n and_o other_o by_o the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o their_o education_n it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o but_o for_o man_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o such_o apparent_a cause_n of_o difference_n to_o resolve_v to_o be_v of_o no_o religion_n till_o all_o be_v agree_v in_o one_o be_v just_a as_o wise_a and_o as_o rational_a as_o if_o they_o shall_v determine_v not_o to_o go_v to_o dinner_n till_o all_o the_o clock_n in_o town_n strike_v eleven_o together_o ix_o and_o last_o another_o great_a cause_n of_o atheism_n be_v the_o profane_a and_o careless_a neglect_n of_o god_n public_a worship_n for_o man_n of_o secular_a life_n who_o mind_n be_v always_o engage_v in_o this_o eternal_a hurry_n of_o worldly_a affair_n be_v too_o prone_a to_o forget_v god_n and_o all_o their_o concern_v in_o religion_n and_o another_o world_n and_o even_o their_o converse_v so_o much_o with_o these_o sensitive_a thing_n which_o be_v always_o before_o they_o and_o be_v continual_o crowd_v in_o upon_o their_o thought_n do_v natural_o indispose_v they_o to_o exercise_v their_o faculty_n about_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a object_n and_o render_v their_o mind_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unfit_a and_o unable_a to_o ascend_v to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o god_n have_v appoint_v the_o state_v time_n of_o public_a worship_n on_o purpose_n to_o withdraw_v man_n from_o their_o secular_a pursuit_n that_o so_o they_o be_v at_o leisure_n to_o retire_v into_o themselves_o to_o recollect_v their_o scatter_a thought_n and_o awake_v their_o mind_n to_o a_o sense_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n which_o can_v by_o no_o way_n so_o effectual_o be_v perform_v as_o by_o the_o solemnity_n of_o public_a worship_n wherein_o our_o remembrance_n of_o god_n be_v not_o only_o refresh_v and_o our_o piety_n to_o he_o excite_v and_o direct_v by_o the_o public_a instruction_n but_o our_o natural_a sense_n of_o religion_n be_v also_o actuate_v and_o intend_v by_o the_o mutual_a 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can_v have_v no_o other_o principle_n but_o atheism_n to_o warrant_v their_o action_n and_o when_o once_o they_o have_v abandon_v all_o sense_n and_o remembrance_n of_o god_n so_o that_o he_o be_v not_o in_o all_o their_o thought_n they_o be_v in_o a_o fair_a forwardness_n to_o infidelity_n for_o though_o as_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o actual_o disbelieve_v his_o existence_n so_o neither_o do_v they_o actual_o believe_v it_o for_o how_o shall_v they_o actual_o believe_v that_o which_o they_o have_v no_o sense_n or_o thought_n of_o so_o that_o in_o this_o insensible_a state_n their_o faith_n be_v concern_v neither_o one_o way_n nor_o the_o other_o nor_o be_v they_o at_o all_o solicitous_a whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o no._n thus_o from_o their_o profane_a neglect_n of_o god_n worship_n man_n natural_o slide_v into_o a_o habitual_a senslessness_n and_o incogitancy_n of_o he_o and_o from_o thence_o to_o not_o believe_v and_o from_o thence_o to_o disbelieve_v he_o be_v a_o easy_a and_o almost_o necessary_a transition_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o will_v furnish_v we_o with_o too_o many_o sorrowful_a instance_n for_o as_o this_o nation_n which_o have_v be_v always_o remarque_v for_o a_o grave_n serious_a and_o religious_a genius_n be_v never_o so_o general_o taint_v with_o atheism_n as_o now_o so_o neither_o be_v it_o ever_o chargeable_a with_o such_o a_o general_n neglect_v of_o the_o public_a worship_n of_o god_n which_o for_o several_a age_n after_o the_o reformation_n be_v due_o frequent_v and_o devout_o celebrate_v till_o by_o the_o prevalence_n of_o our_o restless_a sect_n and_o faction_n the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n be_v gradual_o weaken_v and_o at_o last_o total_o destroy_v in_o the_o happy_a day_n before_o which_o the_o family_n of_o each_o parish_n go_v hand_n in_o hand_n together_o to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o with_o one_o heart_n and_o voice_n celebrate_v his_o praise_n and_o worship_n
that_o have_v any_o reverence_n for_o the_o humane_a nature_n within_o he_o will_v ever_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v bribe_v for_o a_o opinion_n that_o do_v not_o only_o undervalue_v but_o deride_v and_o ridicule_n it_o shall_v you_o hear_v yourself_o brand_v with_o a_o contemptible_a character_n or_o rank_v among_o ape_n or_o any_o such_o ridiculous_a animal_n you_o will_v doubtless_o be_v so_o far_o from_o court_v the_o author_n of_o it_o that_o you_o will_v resent_v it_o as_o a_o great_a affront_n and_o think_v yourselves_o oblige_v in_o honour_n to_o return_v the_o provocation_n and_o yet_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o few_o base_a lust_n which_o be_v the_o shame_n and_o scandal_n of_o your_o nature_n you_o espouse_v the_o cause_n of_o atheism_n though_o it_o deride_v and_o affront_v you_o to_o your_o face_n and_o stain_v the_o glory_n of_o your_o nature_n with_o the_o most_o contemptible_a and_o ridiculous_a character_n in_o the_o world_n ii_o the_o atheist_n conclude_v against_o 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issue_n there_o remain_v no_o foundation_n of_o trust_n and_o mutual_a confidence_n among_o men._n for_o what_o can_v any_o man_n promise_n signify_v if_o he_o be_v under_o no_o obligation_n but_o interest_n to_o be_v sure_a if_o it_o be_v for_o his_o interest_n he_o will_v do_v what_o he_o say_v without_o any_o promise_n but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o what_o promise_n can_v oblige_v he_o you_o will_v say_v it_o be_v his_o interest_n to_o keep_v his_o word_n because_o otherwise_o he_o will_v forfeit_v his_o reputation_n for_o the_o future_a but_o pray_v what_o reputation_n can_v a_o man_n have_v to_o forfeit_v that_o own_v no_o other_o law_n or_o obligation_n but_o his_o interest_n or_o who_o will_v ever_o presume_v upon_o that_o man_n word_n and_o engagement_n who_o avow_a principle_n it_o be_v to_o be_v honest_a no_o long_o than_o he_o can_v gain_v by_o it_o thus_o atheism_n you_o see_v resolve_v all_o our_o obligation_n into_o our_o worldly_a interest_n which_o be_v so_o fickle_a and_o mutable_a a_o principle_n so_o dependent_a upon_o chance_n and_o the_o inconstancy_n of_o fortune_n that_o there_o be_v no_o hold_n to_o be_v take_v of_o those_o that_o be_v govern_v by_o it_o for_o that_o which_o be_v their_o interest_n to_o day_n may_v be_v their_o disadvantage_n to_o morrow_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v so_o happen_v they_o must_v steer_v a_o contrary_a course_n or_o else_o act_v contrary_a to_o their_o lead_a principle_n so_o that_o for_o man_n to_o trust_v each_o other_o upon_o this_o fickle_a principle_n be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o rely_v upon_o the_o constancy_n of_o a_o weathercock_n which_o every_o contrary_a wind_n turn_v to_o a_o contrary_a position_n and_o thing_n be_v once_o reduce_v to_o this_o issue_n that_o man_n can_v place_v no_o trust_n or_o confidence_n in_o one_o another_o their_o society_n will_v soon_o become_v their_o great_a plague_n and_o vexation_n for_o every_o man_n will_v be_v force_v to_o stand_v upon_o his_o guard_n against_o every_o man_n and_o keep_v himself_o reserve_v and_o retire_v within_o himself_o till_o at_o last_o out_o of_o mutual_a distrust_n and_o jealousy_n of_o one_o another_o they_o be_v force_v to_o withdraw_v their_o society_n and_o to_o live_v apart_o in_o separate_a den_n for_o fear_n of_o be_v entrap_v and_o devour_v by_o each_o other_o and_o as_o atheism_n cut_v in_o sunder_o those_o ligament_n of_o mutual_a trust_n and_o agreement_n by_o which_o the_o part_n of_o humane_a society_n be_v unite_v so_o it_o also_o dissolve_v that_o regular_a subordination_n that_o be_v between_o they_o plutarch_n observe_v in_o his_o treatise_n against_o colot_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n it_o seem_v to_o i_o more_o possible_a for_o a_o city_n to_o stand_v without_o ground_n than_o for_o a_o commonwealth_n to_o subsist_v and_o continue_v without_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d only_o firm_a foundation_n whereupon_o 〈…〉_z and_o society_n depend_v for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n what_o shall_v oblige_v any_o to_o own_o any_o superior_a or_o pay_v any_o submission_n and_o if_o his_o interest_n be_v his_o only_a obligation_n to_o his_o superior_n when_o ever_o he_o can_v mend_v his_o fortune_n by_o rebel_a against_o they_o that_o very_o same_o interest_n which_o at_o present_a restrain_v he_o from_o it_o will_v with_o equal_a force_n invite_v he_o to_o it_o nor_o will_v it_o signify_v any_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o the_o contrary_a by_o oath_n of_o fidelity_n and_o allegiance_n for_o if_o it_o be_v our_o interest_n to_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o government_n our_o own_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n will_v oblige_v we_o to_o it_o without_o such_o oath_n as_o well_o as_o with_o they_o but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o our_o interest_n and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a principle_n that_o oblige_v we_o no_o oath_n or_o engagement_n can_v hold_v we_o so_o that_o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n all_o the_o security_n that_o governor_n can_v have_v of_o their_o subject_n be_v that_o they_o will_v not_o rebel_v when_o they_o be_v not_o able_a but_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o think_v it_o safe_a to_o be_v sure_a they_o will_v think_v it_o lawful_a which_o be_v once_o admit_v will_v undermine_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o government_n and_o utter_o dissolve_v that_o regular_a subordination_n by_o which_o humane_a society_n be_v support_v whereas_o admit_v that_o the_o law_n of_o our_o prince_n be_v bind_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o sovereign_a lord_n who_o can_v render_v we_o eternal_o happy_a or_o miserable_a we_o be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v he_o by_o all_o that_o we_o can_v hope_v or_o fear_n and_o have_v all_o the_o engagement_n to_o loyalty_n that_o the_o reflection_n on_o a_o happy_a or_o miserable_a eternity_n can_v lay_v upon_o we_o what_o a_o prodigious_a piece_n of_o folly_n be_v it_o therefore_o for_o man_n to_o embrace_v atheism_n as_o their_o interest_n which_o do_v thus_o direct_o tend_v to_o deprive_v we_o of_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o society_n by_o involve_v we_o in_o eternal_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n for_o if_o once_o we_o take_v away_o mutual_a trust_n and_o government_n from_o the_o world_n both_o which_o have_v a_o necessary_a dependence_n on_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n we_o break_v all_o the_o harmony_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o convert_v it_o into_o a_o commonwealth_n of_o cannibal_n and_o what_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n will_v ever_o be_v find_v of_o a_o opinion_n that_o proclaim_v open_a war_n with_o mankind_n and_o be_v pregnant_a with_o consequent_n so_o fatal_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o world_n can_v we_o think_v it_o more_o advantageous_a to_o we_o that_o atheism_n shall_v be_v true_a than_o that_o humane_a society_n shall_v be_v uphold_v and_o perpetuate_v or_o be_v the_o pleasure_n we_o reap_v from_o the_o lust_n which_o incline_v we_o to_o atheism_n comparable_o
people_n god_n authority_n be_v quite_o exclude_v from_o have_v any_o hand_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n in_o short_a if_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o people_n make_v their_o governor_n without_o god_n authorise_v he_o he_o be_v the_o people_n viceroy_n and_o not_o god_n but_o if_o it_o be_v god_n that_o authorise_v he_o he_o be_v god_n viceroy_n and_o not_o the_o people_n so_o that_o their_o choice_n even_o in_o elective_a government_n can_v signify_v no_o more_o than_o the_o bare_a present_v of_o a_o person_n to_o god_n to_o be_v authorise_v his_o vicegerent_n by_o he_o who_o if_o their_o choice_n be_v just_a and_o lawful_a be_v suppose_v to_o consent_v to_o and_o approve_v it_o and_o thereby_o to_o authorise_v the_o person_n so_o present_v for_o sovereign_a authority_n in_o the_o abstract_n be_v ordain_v and_o institute_v by_o god_n but_o abstract_n authority_n can_v govern_v unless_o some_o person_n be_v vest_v with_o it_o and_o to_o vest_n he_o with_o it_o he_o must_v not_o only_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o authority_n but_o the_o authority_n must_v also_o be_v apply_v to_o he_o but_o where_o the_o people_n have_v the_o right_n of_o election_n they_o only_o apply_v the_o person_n to_o the_o authority_n but_o it_o be_v god_n consent_n and_o approbation_n that_o apply_v the_o authority_n to_o the_o person_n who_o thereupon_o commence_v supreme_a under_o god_n and_o have_v no_o superior_a tribunal_n but_o god_n to_o account_v to_o and_o thus_o according_a to_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n the_o most_o high_a rule_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o man_n because_o as_o lord_n of_o all_o the_o lord_n and_o king_n of_o all_o the_o king_n of_o the_o earth_n he_o rule_v and_o govern_v by_o their_o ministry_n and_o they_o rule_v and_o govern_v by_o his_o authority_n so_o that_o to_o secure_v and_o maintain_v the_o obligation_n which_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n devolve_v upon_o we_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o all_o rightful_a sovereign_n be_v his_o vicegerent_n and_o do_v rule_v by_o his_o commission_n and_o authority_n and_o that_o the_o sword_n which_o they_o bear_v be_v god_n who_o have_v deliver_v it_o into_o their_o hand_n to_o protect_v his_o faithful_a subject_n and_o to_o execute_v his_o wrath_n and_o avenge_v his_o authority_n upon_o evil-doer_n so_o that_o we_o can_v rebel_v against_o they_o nor_o wilful_o disobey_v their_o just_a command_n without_o give_v a_o defiance_n to_o god_n himself_o and_o reject_v the_o yoke_n of_o his_o government_n whilst_o therefore_o we_o behave_v ourselves_o factious_o and_o seditious_o towards_o those_o who_o god_n have_v set_v over_o we_o we_o live_v as_o outlaw_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o that_o visible_a authority_n by_o which_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o whilst_o we_o do_v so_o all_o our_o pretence_n to_o religion_n be_v impudent_a lie_n and_o imposture_n iv._o in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v true_o religious_a it_o be_v also_o necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o contribute_v to_o we_o all_o that_o assistance_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o enable_v we_o to_o observe_v his_o law_n that_o whereas_o in_o this_o corrupt_a state_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o be_v so_o indispose_v to_o all_o good_a by_o our_o carnal_a affection_n and_o vicious_a habit_n as_o that_o without_o some_o foreign_a aid_n it_o be_v moral_o certain_a we_o shall_v never_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o through_o compliance_n with_o our_o duty_n god_n be_v always_o ready_a not_o only_o to_o second_v but_o to_o prevent_v our_o endeavour_n to_o inspire_v good_a thought_n into_o our_o mind_n and_o by_o they_o to_o kindle_v devout_a affection_n in_o our_o will_n and_o by_o they_o to_o excite_v we_o to_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o pious_a and_o virtuous_a endeavour_n and_o that_o when_o he_o have_v proceed_v thus_o far_o with_o we_o he_o do_v not_o present_o abandon_v we_o to_o ourselves_o and_o leave_v we_o to_o contend_v and_o struggle_v in_o vain_a with_o insuperable_a difficulty_n but_o all_o along_o cooperate_v with_o we_o aid_n and_o assist_v our_o faculty_n and_o with_o his_o holy_a inspiration_n cherish_v our_o languish_a endeavour_n till_o they_o have_v wrought_v their_o way_n through_o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n into_o a_o permanent_a state_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n so_o that_o unless_o we_o either_o turn_v a_o deaf_a ear_n to_o those_o good_a thought_n he_o suggest_v to_o we_o and_o refuse_v to_o listen_v to_o their_o persuasion_n or_o quench_v those_o holy_a affection_n which_o they_o kindle_v in_o we_o with_o earthly_a care_n and_o pleasure_n or_o by_o wilful_a sin_v harden_v our_o heart_n against_o all_o the_o impression_n of_o his_o grace_n we_o shall_v not_o fail_v of_o be_v frequent_o and_o powerful_o excire_v by_o he_o to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o when_o he_o thus_o excite_v we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o wilful_o slacken_v our_o endeavour_n and_o base_o surrender_v back_o ourselves_o to_o our_o lust_n in_o despite_n of_o all_o our_o resolution_n and_o his_o persuasion_n to_o the_o contrary_a we_o shall_v be_v so_o effectual_o and_o constant_o assist_v by_o he_o as_o that_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o fail_v of_o success_n for_o thus_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o he_o give_v grace_n to_o the_o humble_a 1_o pet._n 5.5_o and_o thereby_o work_v in_o they_o to_o will_n and_o to_o do_v phil._n 2.13_o and_o that_o to_o this_o end_n he_o give_v his_o holy_a spirit_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v luke_n 11.13_o the_o belief_n of_o which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o oblige_v we_o to_o submit_v to_o religion_n for_o though_o we_o be_v natural_o free_a to_o good_a as_o well_o as_o evil_a yet_o through_o the_o vicious_a habit_n we_o have_v general_o contract_v either_o through_o youthful_a levity_n and_o inconsideration_n or_o ill_a education_n and_o example_n our_o liberty_n to_o good_a be_v so_o straighten_v and_o confine_v that_o whenever_o we_o attempt_v to_o exercise_v it_o we_o find_v a_o prevail_a bias_n on_o our_o nature_n that_o carry_v we_o the_o contrary_a way_n bear_v before_o it_o all_o our_o good_a resolution_n and_o tire_v out_o our_o short-breathed_a endeavour_n so_o that_o the_o good_a we_o will_v we_o do_v not_o and_o the_o evil_n we_o will_v not_o we_o do_v and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o can_v depend_v upon_o god_n for_o assistance_n against_o the_o violence_n and_o outrage_n of_o our_o bad_a inclination_n after_o we_o have_v once_o struggle_v with_o they_o in_o vain_a and_o thereby_o make_v a_o woeful_a experiment_n of_o our_o own_o impotence_n we_o shall_v out_o of_o mere_a despair_n of_o prevail_v against_o they_o give_v over_o attempt_v it_o and_o utter_o abandon_v ourselves_o to_o their_o tyranny_n but_o if_o we_o firm_o believe_v that_o god_n who_o know_v our_o weakness_n and_o our_o enemy_n strength_n will_v in_o proportion_n to_o both_o ready_o assist_v we_o whensoever_o we_o hearty_o invoke_v his_o aid_n and_o in_o concurrence_n therewith_o exert_v our_o own_o endeavour_n we_o have_v all_o the_o encouragement_n in_o the_o world_n to_o undertake_v our_o duty_n maugre_o all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o attend_v it_o for_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n will_v concur_v with_o our_o endeavour_n we_o may_v depend_v upon_o it_o that_o not_o only_o our_o own_o endeavour_n be_v in_o our_o power_n but_o god_n assistance_n too_o and_o that_o the_o corruption_n of_o our_o nature_n do_v not_o so_o much_o over-match_n our_o endeavour_n as_o god_n assistance_n over-matche_n those_o corruption_n so_o that_o if_o we_o hearty_o exert_v our_o endeavour_n we_o be_v sure_o we_o can_v fail_v of_o success_n because_o we_o know_v that_o god_n will_v assist_v our_o endeavour_n and_o that_o with_o his_o assistance_n we_o can_v but_o be_v victorious_a since_o therefore_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v as_o much_o under_o the_o command_n of_o our_o will_n as_o our_o own_o principle_n of_o action_n it_o be_v as_o much_o in_o our_o power_n to_o do_v that_o which_o we_o can_v do_v without_o god_n grace_n as_o to_o do_v that_o which_o we_o can_v and_o therefore_o if_o god_n grace_n be_v sufficient_a to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o our_o natural_a power_n and_o enable_v we_o to_o conquer_v the_o difficulty_n of_o our_o duty_n we_o be_v sure_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o can_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o we_o because_o now_o we_o can_v do_v not_o only_o all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v by_o ourselves_o but_o also_o all_o that_o we_o can_v do_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n v._o to_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v true_o religious_a it_o be_v also_o necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o the_o assistance_n which_o god_n afford_v we_o be_v such_o as_o suppose_v we_o free_a agent_n and_o concur_v with_o and_o maintain_v our_o natural_a freedom_n that_o it_o
order_n and_o harmony_n be_v still_o continue_a and_o preserve_v for_o it_o be_v altogether_o as_o impossible_a for_o matter_n of_o itself_o unguided_a by_o wisdom_n and_o art_n to_o pursue_v any_o constant_a course_n as_o to_o fall_v into_o any_o regular_a form_n it_o be_v as_o we_o see_v all_o tear_v and_o break_v into_o little_a part_n innumerable_o many_o and_o infinite_o diverse_a in_o their_o size_n and_o figure_n and_o motion_n and_o thence_o only_o fit_a in_o their_o several_a course_n to_o cross_v and_o confound_v each_o other_o how_o then_o be_v it_o possible_a without_o vast_a wisdom_n and_o answerable_a power_n so_o to_o manage_v this_o wild_a and_o disorder_a swarm_n of_o atom_n as_o to_o determine_v they_o to_o their_o proper_a bound_n continue_v they_o in_o their_o regular_a rank_n and_o file_n and_o preserve_v they_o in_o the_o same_o tenure_n of_o action_n so_o as_o that_o in_o all_o those_o new_a production_n of_o the_o individual_n of_o every_o kind_n of_o plant_n and_o animal_n which_o be_v every_o day_n compound_v out_o of_o they_o they_o shall_v none_o of_o they_o ever_o extravagate_v in_o their_o motion_n so_o as_o to_o disturb_v and_o hinder_v one_o another_o and_o final_o disorder_v and_o interrupt_v the_o natural_a course_n of_o generation_n when_o therefore_o we_o consider_v how_o this_o great_a machine_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o abovecited_a author_n express_v it_o who_o part_n be_v infinite_a for_o number_n and_o variety_n have_v stand_v six_o thousand_o year_n together_o always_o one_o and_o the_o same_o unimpaired_a in_o its_o beauty_n unworn_a in_o its_o part_n unwearied_a and_o undisturbed_a in_o its_o motion_n through_o what_o a_o infinite_a series_n of_o generation_n and_o corruption_n all_o its_o plant_n and_o animal_n have_v past_a and_o yet_o how_o after_o they_o have_v be_v corrupt_v over_o and_o over_o and_o their_o whole_a frame_n have_v be_v break_v in_o piece_n and_o all_o their_o part_n divide_v and_o disperse_v they_o have_v still_o be_v generate_v anew_o and_o rally_v into_o the_o same_o specific_a nature_n which_o though_o they_o still_o consist_v of_o numberless_a part_n be_v constant_o draw_v up_o into_o the_o same_o posture_n and_o figure_n and_o position_n and_o with_o strange_a regularity_n digest_v into_o the_o same_o handsome_a order_n as_o if_o they_o all_o keep_v time_n with_o the_o musical_a law_n of_o some_o almighty_a mind_n as_o the_o stone_n of_o thebes_n do_v with_o amphion_n lute_n and_o thereby_o continual_o dance_v into_o their_o natural_a figure_n when_o i_o say_v we_o consider_v these_o strange_a and_o wondrous_a thing_n what_o tolerable_a account_n can_v we_o give_v of_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o without_o a_o overrule_a providence_n for_o how_o be_v it_o imaginable_a that_o in_o a_o six_o thousand_o year_n course_n of_o generation_n and_o corruption_n these_o blind_a and_o undesigning_a part_n of_o matter_n which_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o infinite_a diversity_n be_v so_o natural_o apt_a to_o thwart_v and_o disturb_v one_o another_o shall_v maintain_v such_o regular_a course_n of_o motion_n as_o still_o to_o concentre_v in_o the_o same_o form_n so_o as_o that_o through_o all_o this_o vast_a tract_n of_o time_n not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o kind_n of_o plant_n or_o animal_n shall_v miscarry_v how_o i_o say_v can_v this_o have_v be_v have_v they_o not_o all_o along_o be_v conduct_v by_o a_o steady_a and_o unerring_a providence_n v._o another_o sensible_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n be_v the_o miraculous_a event_n that_o have_v happen_v in_o the_o world_n by_o miraculous_a event_n i_o mean_v such_o as_o either_o for_o their_o matter_n or_o manner_n of_o production_n do_v exceed_v the_o power_n of_o natural_a cause_n or_o at_o least_o be_v produce_v by_o they_o out_o of_o their_o establish_a course_n and_o order_n such_o as_o divide_v the_o sea_n stop_v the_o sun_n raise_v the_o dead_a cure_v the_o sick_a and_o blind_a and_o lame_a with_o a_o touch_n or_o word_n of_o all_o which_o we_o have_v notorious_a instance_n both_o in_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n and_o these_o attest_v with_o as_o full_a and_o convince_a evidence_n as_o ever_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v that_o be_v record_v in_o history_n for_o as_o for_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n beside_o that_o they_o be_v sundry_a of_o they_o perform_v in_o the_o public_a view_n of_o nation_n and_o be_v record_v in_o those_o very_a age_n wherein_o they_o be_v wrought_v and_o so_o can_v have_v be_v easy_o disprove_v by_o ten_o thousand_o live_a witness_n have_v they_o not_o be_v true_a beside_o that_o they_o be_v attest_v by_o the_o most_o ancient_a heathen_a poet_n and_o historian_n in_o their_o mythology_n and_o history_n who_o to_o be_v sure_o will_v never_o have_v yield_v the_o glory_n of_o such_o wondrous_a effect_n to_o a_o nation_n who_o they_o hate_v and_o despise_v have_v they_o not_o be_v force_v to_o it_o by_o 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perfection_n and_o to_o furnish_v we_o with_o glorious_a opportunity_n of_o fight_v for_o and_o win_a crown_n and_o reward_n and_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o any_o way_n reflect_v on_o the_o goodness_n of_o his_o providence_n that_o it_o be_v a_o illustrious_a instance_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v only_o thus_o far_o that_o he_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o be_v of_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n all_o the_o rest_n be_v owe_v to_o our_o own_o mad_a and_o desperate_a abuse_n of_o our_o natural_a liberty_n to_o our_o wilful_a opposition_n to_o his_o gracious_a intention_n and_o obstinate_a resistance_n to_o his_o powerful_a art_n and_o method_n of_o prevent_v our_o sin_n and_o ruin_n what_o then_o can_v be_v more_o unreasonable_a than_o for_o we_o to_o object_n against_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n providence_n that_o which_o be_v pure_o the_o effect_n of_o our_o own_o madness_n and_o folly_n and_o if_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n be_v no_o way_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o goodness_n of_o providence_n much_o less_o be_v the_o evil_a of_o misery_n since_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o evil_n which_o we_o suffer_v in_o this_o world_n be_v either_o the_o natural_a effect_n or_o the_o just_a punishment_n or_o the_o necessary_a antidote_n and_o preventives_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o therefore_o when_o you_o come_v into_o a_o great_a school_n of_o wild_a and_o unruly_a boy_n you_o may_v as_o well_o argue_v that_o there_o be_v no_o master_n of_o it_o because_o there_o be_v rod_n and_o ferulaes_n in_o it_o as_o that_o there_o be_v no_o providence_n over_o this_o sinful_a world_n because_o there_o be_v misery_n and_o affliction_n in_o it_o for_o upon_o the_o be_v of_o sin_n in_o the_o world_n the_o be_v of_o misery_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o providence_n that_o it_o be_v rather_o a_o demonstration_n of_o it_o because_o aâ—_n sinful_a world_n can_v no_o more_o be_v govern_v without_o misery_n than_o a_o unruly_a school_n without_o correction_n iv._o another_o objection_n that_o be_v make_v against_o providence_n be_v that_o unequal_a division_n of_o good_n and_o evil_n that_o be_v make_v in_o this_o world_n if_o there_o be_v a_o just_a providence_n that_o overrule_v the_o world_n one_o will_v think_v it_o shall_v make_v a_o more_o visible_a distinction_n between_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o its_o reward_n and_o punishment_n whereas_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o thing_n we_o see_v all_o thing_n happen_v alike_o to_o all_o and_o many_o time_n it_o fare_v worst_a with_o the_o best_a and_o best_a with_o the_o worst_a of_o men._n now_o because_o this_o be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o universal_a objection_n that_o be_v ever_o urge_v against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n i_o shall_v in_o answer_n to_o it_o endeavour_v to_o show_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n false_a and_o groundless_a 2._o that_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v true_a it_o be_v no_o argument_n at_o all_o against_o a_o providence_n first_o i_o say_v this_o objection_n that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n make_v among_o man_n as_o to_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n false_a and_o groundless_a for_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o thing_n good_a man_n be_v more_o prosperous_a even_o in_o this_o world_n than_o bad_a as_o for_o time_n of_o persecution_n they_o be_v a_o just_a exception_n from_o the_o general_a rule_n of_o providence_n because_o therein_o god_n to_o serve_v his_o own_o glory_n and_o the_o great_a end_n of_o religion_n exchange_v with_o good_a man_n spiritual_a for_o temporal_a and_o heavenly_a for_o earthly_a enjoyment_n which_o be_v such_o a_o exchange_n as_o no_o man_n will_v account_v a_o robbery_n that_o understand_v the_o just_a value_n of_o
because_o they_o must_v not_o only_o out-tempt_a they_o but_z which_o be_v the_o much_o hard_a task_n of_o the_o two_o they_o must_v out-tempt_a the_o reluctance_n of_o our_o degenerate_a nature_n and_o yet_o for_o future_a good_n and_o evil_n to_o out-tempt_a present_a one_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a a_o matter_n neither_o especial_o if_o those_o future_a one_o be_v invisible_a and_o out_o of_o the_o ken_n of_o our_o sense_n which_o be_v the_o case_n here_o for_o futurity_n lessen_v all_o object_n to_o the_o mind_n even_o as_o distance_n do_v to_o the_o eye_n and_o make_v thing_n appear_v to_o we_o much_o small_a than_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n so_o that_o the_o futurity_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o other_o life_n be_v a_o mighty_a disadvantage_n to_o they_o when_o they_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o present_a good_n and_o evil_n because_o the_o late_a appear_v to_o we_o in_o their_o full_a proportion_n and_o magnitude_n with_o all_o their_o tempt_a circumstance_n about_o they_o whereas_o the_o former_a exhibit_v to_o we_o a_o dim_a and_o confuse_a landscape_n of_o thing_n afar_o off_o of_o thing_n which_o we_o never_o see_v nor_o feel_v and_o which_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o distance_n imprint_v very_o dark_a idea_n on_o our_o mind_n and_o as_o their_o futurity_n lessen_v their_o appearance_n and_o render_v it_o confuse_v and_o indistinct_a so_o their_o invisibility_n weaken_v their_o force_n and_o influence_n on_o our_o mind_n which_o no_o object_n can_v so_o near_o affect_v as_o those_o that_o strike_v upon_o our_o sense_n so_o that_o unless_o by_o a_o immense_a magnitude_n they_o compensate_a for_o be_v future_a and_o insensible_a it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v prevail_v with_o such_o mind_n as_o we_o against_o present_a and_o sensible_a good_n and_o evil_n wherefore_o to_o render_v our_o belief_n of_o a_o future_a state_n effectual_a to_o reduce_v we_o to_o god_n and_o our_o duty_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o it_o to_o be_v infinite_o great_a than_o all_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n that_o can_v tempt_v we_o to_o sin_n and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o our_o nature_n be_v extreme_o averse_a to_o that_o which_o these_o reward_n and_o punishment_n tempt_v we_o to_o but_o because_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n which_o tempt_v we_o the_o contrary_a way_n have_v the_o prevail_a advantage_n of_o be_v present_a and_o sensible_a iu._n and_o last_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n for_o we_o to_o acquire_v these_o reward_n or_o avoid_v these_o punishment_n but_o by_o submit_v to_o the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n for_o to_o be_v thorough_o convince_v and_o persuade_v of_o the_o immense_a reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o other_o life_n be_v by_o no_o mean_n sufficient_a to_o reduce_v we_o unto_o god_n so_o long_o as_o we_o do_v but_o dream_n of_o any_o possible_a way_n to_o obtain_v those_o reward_n and_o avoid_v those_o punishment_n without_o submit_v to_o he_o to_o which_o above_o all_o imaginable_a way_n our_o corrupt_a nature_n have_v the_o great_a antipathy_n so_o that_o though_o we_o be_v never_o so_o much_o convince_v of_o the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o escape_v hell_n and_o purchase_v heaven_n yet_o if_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o have_v a_o prospect_n of_o any_o other_o way_n or_o mean_n of_o effect_v it_o to_o be_v sure_a we_o shall_v shun_v this_o this_o most_o ungrateful_a one_o of_o forsake_v our_o sin_n and_o return_v to_o god_n and_o if_o list_v ourselves_o into_o godly_a party_n or_o put_v on_o a_o demure_a and_o sanctify_a countenance_n if_o be_v mope_v deject_v or_o unsociable_a if_o whine_v or_o fast_v or_o long_a prayer_n or_o a_o affect_a gurb_n or_o rigid_a observance_n of_o holy_a time_n if_o consume_v our_o life_n in_o a_o barefooted_a pilgrimage_n or_o wear_v a_o hair_n shirt_n or_o whip_v our_o body_n or_o spend_v our_o estate_n in_o mass_n and_o indulgency_n if_o be_v make_v free_a of_o a_o holy_a confraternity_n or_o visit_v altar_n and_o shrine_n or_o number_v prayer_n like_o faggot_n by_o a_o tally_n of_o bead_n if_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o will_v but_o secure_v we_o of_o heaven_n and_o from_o go_v to_o hell_n we_o shall_v think_v they_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o tolerable_a and_o easy_a than_o to_o submit_v our_o will_n to_o god_n in_o all_o the_o instance_n of_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n in_o the_o do_n of_o which_o we_o must_v strangle_v the_o corrupt_a inclination_n of_o our_o nature_n tear_v our_o belove_a lust_n from_o our_o heart_n rack_v off_o our_o earthy_a affection_n from_o their_o lees_n and_o refine_v and_o spiritualise_v they_o into_o a_o divine_a zeal_n and_o love_n and_o devotion_n than_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n more_o irksome_a to_o a_o degenerate_a nature_n so_o that_o till_o we_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o utter_a despair_n of_o reap_v the_o reward_n and_o escape_v the_o punishment_n of_o the_o other_o life_n by_o any_o other_o mean_n than_o this_o of_o submit_v ourselves_o to_o the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n our_o faith_n will_v be_v altogether_o ineffectual_a sect_n ii_o what_o evidence_n there_o be_v to_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v these_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n that_o there_o be_v future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v a_o doctrine_n universal_o assent_v to_o by_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n and_o religion_n and_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o first_o principle_n in_o phisosophy_n in_o which_o mankind_n be_v more_o general_o agree_v thus_o among_o the_o heathen_a poet_n divine_n and_o philosopher_n there_o be_v a_o unanimous_a acknowledgement_n of_o these_o future_a state_n although_o their_o description_n of_o they_o be_v general_o nothing_o but_o the_o dream_n of_o a_o extravagant_a fancy_n for_o so_o as_o josephus_n observe_v speak_v of_o the_o essenes_n doctrine_n concern_v the_o future_a state_n of_o the_o bless_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n i._n e._n they_o teach_v as_o all_o the_o greek_a nation_n also_o do_v that_o for_o good_a soul_n there_o be_v bless_v seat_n prepare_v beyond_o the_o ocean_n in_o a_o region_n that_o be_v always_o free_a from_o rain_n and_o snow_n and_o excessive_a heat_n be_v perpetual_o fan_v with_o gentle_a breese_n from_o the_o ocean_n which_o description_n he_o have_v translate_v almost_o verbatim_o out_o of_o the_o four_o book_n of_o homer_n vlyssea_n where_o he_o bring_v in_o proteus_n thus_o bespeak_v menelaus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n i._n e._n the_o god_n shall_v send_v thou_o to_o the_o field_n of_o elysium_n which_o lie_v on_o the_o utmost_a part_n of_o the_o earth_n where_o thou_o shall_v live_v secure_a and_o happy_a there_o be_v neither_o rain_n nor_o snow_n nor_o winter_n but_o the_o bless_a inhabitant_n be_v perpetual_o refresh_v with_o the_o gentle_a breathe_n of_o cool_a zephyr_n from_o the_o ocean_n plato_n tell_v we_o of_o a_o ancient_a law_n concern_v man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n which_o be_v always_o and_o be_v still_o in_o force_n among_o the_o god_n that_o those_o who_o live_v just_a and_o holy_a life_n shall_v after_o their_o death_n go_v into_o the_o isle_n of_o the_o bless_a where_o they_o shall_v enjoy_v all_o manner_n of_o happiness_n without_o the_o least_o intermixture_n of_o misery_n but_o that_o those_o who_o live_v here_o unjust_o and_o ungodly_a shall_v be_v send_v into_o that_o prison_n of_o just_a punishment_n which_o be_v call_v hell_n plat._n gorg._n p._n 312._o thus_o also_o tully_n tuscul._n lib._n 1._o permanere_fw-la animos_fw-la arbitramur_fw-la consensu_fw-la nationum_fw-la omnium_fw-la i._n e._n we_o believe_v as_o all_o nation_n do_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n do_v survive_v their_o body_n and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o seneca_n epist_n 117._o tell_v we_o cum_fw-la de_fw-la animarum_fw-la aeternitate_fw-la disserimus_fw-la non_fw-la leave_n momentum_fw-la apud_fw-la nos_fw-la habet_fw-la consensus_fw-la omnium_fw-la aut_fw-la timentium_fw-la inferos_fw-la aut_fw-la colentium_fw-la i._n e._n when_o we_o discourse_v of_o the_o eternity_n of_o soul_n the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o man_n either_o fear_v or_o worship_v the_o hellish_a power_n be_v of_o very_o great_a moment_n and_o indeed_o this_o belief_n of_o the_o future_a state_n be_v so_o general_o imprint_v on_o man_n mind_n be_v a_o very_a probable_a argument_n of_o the_o reality_n of_o they_o it_o be_v hardly_o conceivable_a how_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o mankind_n shall_v have_v so_o unanimous_o consent_v in_o it_o have_v it_o not_o be_v extreme_o agreeable_a to_o the_o make_v and_o frame_v of_o our_o mind_n and_o we_o can_v suppose_v any_o false_a proposition_n to_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o mind_n without_o reflect_v dishonourable_o upon_o the_o truth_n of_o he_o
disbelieve_v they_o for_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o thing_n which_o man_n do_v neither_o deny_v nor_o affirm_v believe_v nor_o disbelieve_v that_o be_v about_o which_o they_o never_o concern_v their_o thought_n nor_o trouble_v their_o head_n one_o way_n or_o tother_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v here_o there_o be_v many_o who_o pretend_v to_o believe_v another_o world_n but_o if_o you_o ask_v they_o why_o they_o can_v give_v no_o reason_n nor_o do_v they_o ever_o inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o to_o be_v give_v so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a whatever_o they_o imagine_v they_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o for_o to_o believe_v without_o understanding_n be_v as_o perfect_a nonsense_n as_o to_o understand_v without_o evidence_n or_o believe_v without_o faith_n so_o that_o that_o which_o they_o call_v faith_n be_v only_o not_o disbelieve_v whether_o there_o be_v another_o world_n or_o no_o they_o never_o trouble_v their_o head_n to_o inquire_v and_o so_o have_v no_o evidence_n pro_fw-la or_o con_v their_o understanding_n do_v neither_o affirm_v nor_o deny_v believe_v nor_o disbelieve_v but_o negligent_o leave_v the_o matter_n in_o suspense_n and_o uncertainty_n the_o natural_a mean_n of_o faith_n therefore_o you_o see_v be_v a_o due_a enquiry_n into_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o believe_v and_o therefore_o if_o we_o will_v indeed_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o future_a world_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n we_o must_v serious_o consider_v the_o reason_n and_o evidence_n that_o prove_v and_o assert_v it_o and_o urge_v they_o close_o to_o our_o understanding_n till_o they_o have_v force_v and_o extort_a from_o they_o a_o rational_a and_o wellgrounded_n assent_v which_o if_o we_o do_v lay_v aside_o all_o partiality_n and_o prejudice_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o they_o will_v be_v find_v weighty_a enough_o to_o turn_v the_o scale_n against_o all_o objection_n to_o the_o contrary_a especial_o if_o iu_o and_o last_o you_o add_v to_o all_o these_o mean_v fervent_a and_o hearty_a prayer_n for_o prayer_n in_o itself_o be_v a_o very_a proper_a and_o useful_a mean_n to_o beget_v and_o confirm_v in_o we_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o other_o world_n because_o it_o be_v a_o abstraction_n of_o the_o mind_n from_o those_o sensitive_a and_o material_a object_n which_o stand_v like_o hill_n and_o mountain_n between_o we_o and_o the_o invisible_a world_n and_o intercept_v our_o prospect_n of_o it_o for_o whenever_o our_o mind_n be_v engage_v in_o a_o serious_a and_o hearty_a prayer_n it_o dispel_v all_o earthly_a thing_n before_o it_o and_o scatter_v they_o out_o of_o sight_n and_o have_v no_o mist_n or_o cloud_n in_o its_o way_n nothing_o but_o a_o fair_a and_o clear_a heaven_n above_o it_o thither_o it_o direct_v its_o eye_n and_o thought_n and_o desire_v without_o any_o let_v or_o interruption_n now_o the_o very_a withdraw_a our_o mind_n from_o sensible_a thing_n to_o converse_v with_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a one_o do_v as_o i_o show_v before_o mighty_o dispose_v we_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o another_o world_n when_o therefore_o by_o frequent_a and_o hearty_a prayer_n our_o mind_n have_v be_v accustom_v to_o retire_v from_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o to_o fix_v their_o thought_n and_o contemplation_n upon_o god_n they_o will_v be_v able_a to_o turn_v themselves_o with_o more_o ease_n and_o readiness_n to_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o another_o world_n which_o the_o more_o familiar_a they_o be_v to_o we_o the_o better_a able_a we_o shall_v be_v to_o apprehend_v and_o believe_v they_o but_o then_o by_o our_o fervent_a and_o hearty_a prayer_n we_o shall_v also_o obtain_v the_o assistance_n of_o god_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o who_o grace_n we_o can_v do_v no_o good_a thing_n and_o much_o less_o effectual_o believe_v the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o life_n which_o be_v the_o root_n and_o principle_n of_o all_o true_a piety_n and_o virtue_n for_o to_o the_o form_v a_o firm_a belief_n of_o this_o doctrine_n in_o our_o mind_n there_o be_v require_v a_o very_a severe_a and_o impartial_a consideration_n of_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v found_v and_o consider_v how_o vain_a and_o rove_a our_o thought_n be_v how_o apt_a to_o fly_v off_o from_o any_o serious_a argument_n and_o especial_o from_o this_o of_o another_o world_n which_o be_v so_o offensive_a to_o our_o vicious_a appetite_n and_o affection_n what_o likelihood_n be_v there_o that_o we_o shall_v ever_o fix_v our_o mind_n to_o such_o a_o through_o examination_n of_o the_o proof_n of_o another_o world_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o lively_a belief_n of_o it_o unless_o god_n who_o alone_o can_v command_v our_o thought_n co-operate_v with_o we_o and_o animate_v our_o faint_a endeavour_n with_o his_o grace_n and_o assistance_n unless_o he_o by_o suggest_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o future_a state_n to_o we_o and_o by_o urge_v and_o repeat_v they_o imprint_n they_o on_o our_o mind_n with_o all_o their_o natural_a force_n and_o efficacy_n in_o a_o word_n unless_o by_o follow_v our_o fly_a thought_n with_o these_o his_o holy_a inspiration_n and_o importune_v they_o with_o and_o almost_o force_v they_o upon_o they_o he_o at_o last_o prevail_v with_o they_o to_o stay_v and_o look_v back_o and_o consider_v and_o serious_o to_o ponder_v the_o weight_n and_o force_n of_o they_o it_o be_v very_o improbable_a they_o shall_v ever_o abide_v long_o enough_o upon_o our_o mind_n to_o settle_v into_o a_o firm_a and_o efficacious_a belief_n let_v we_o therefore_o earnest_o implore_v the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n and_o beseech_v he_o frequent_o to_o inspire_v our_o mind_n with_o the_o argument_n of_o a_o future_a life_n and_o to_o urge_v and_o repeat_v and_o set_v they_o home_o upon_o our_o thought_n till_o by_o a_o due_a consideration_n of_o they_o we_o have_v extract_v all_o their_o force_n and_o evidence_n and_o digest_v it_o into_o a_o lively_a and_o active_a belief_n and_o if_o to_o the_o use_n of_o all_o the_o abovenamed_a mean_n you_o do_v but_o add_v this_o of_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n you_o may_v depend_v upon_o it_o that_o he_o who_o have_v promise_v to_o open_v unto_o all_o that_o knock_v and_o to_o be_v find_v of_o all_o that_o seek_v he_o will_v never_o deny_v you_o any_o grace_n or_o assistance_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o produce_v in_o you_o this_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o religion_n viz_o a_o effectual_a belief_n of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o another_o world_n to_o conclude_v this_o argument_n therefore_o since_o this_o belief_n be_v so_o absolute_o necessary_a to_o subject_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n let_v we_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v to_o find_v it_o in_o our_o reason_n by_o convince_a our_o mind_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o force_n of_o those_o evidence_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v propose_v for_o while_o we_o believe_v upon_o trust_n and_o we_o know_v not_o why_o our_o faith_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o weak_a and_o infirm_a and_o like_o a_o tree_n without_o root_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o storm_n be_v unable_a to_o outstand_v any_o blast_n of_o temptation_n for_o the_o temptation_n of_o sin_n be_v such_o good_n and_o evil_n as_o be_v evident_a to_o our_o sense_n which_o do_v most_o certain_o assure_v we_o that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n as_o pleasure_n and_o profit_n reproach_n and_o persecution_n and_o therefore_o unless_o when_o we_o be_v tempt_v our_o faith_n can_v confront_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n with_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n and_o produce_v good_a proof_n of_o those_o future_a good_n and_o evil_n which_o it_o put_v in_o the_o balance_n against_o these_o present_a temptation_n it_o will_v hardly_o be_v able_a to_o withstand_v '_o they_o for_o what_o likelihood_n be_v there_o that_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o believe_v without_o proof_n and_o evidence_n shall_v have_v comparable_o that_o force_n and_o influence_n upon_o we_o as_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o know_v and_o feel_v and_o experience_n so_o that_o when_o we_o come_v to_o oppose_v a_o heaven_n and_o a_o hell_n of_o who_o reality_n and_o existence_n we_o have_v no_o evidence_n to_o pleasure_n or_o profit_n reproach_n or_o persecution_n which_o strike_v immediate_o on_o our_o sense_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o prognosticate_v which_o will_v be_v most_o prevalent_a but_o if_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v found_v on_o such_o evidence_n as_o satisfy_v our_o reason_n what_o temptation_n in_o the_o world_n be_v there_o that_o can_v prevail_v against_o it_o what_o good_a be_v there_o that_o can_v outbid_v heaven_n or_o what_o evil_a that_o can_v vie_v terror_n with_o hell_n for_o we_o see_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n when_o it_o be_v
it_o of_o themselves_o and_o have_v purpose_v never_o to_o enable_v they_o to_o do_v it_o which_o opinion_n do_v represent_v god_n in_o such_o a_o formidable_a dress_n circle_v with_o such_o a_o stern_a and_o ghastly_a majesty_n as_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o inspire_v we_o with_o horror_n than_o love_n for_o though_o by_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o we_o be_v of_o the_o small_a number_n of_o his_o elect_a favourite_n we_o may_v work_v our_o mind_n into_o some_o degree_n of_o love_n to_o he_o yet_o when_o we_o consider_v how_o severe_o he_o have_v treat_v the_o rest_n of_o our_o fellow_n creature_n without_o any_o other_o reason_n but_o his_o own_o will_n this_o will_v intermingle_v such_o a_o grimness_n with_o his_o smile_n such_o a_o terror_n with_o those_o charm_n for_o which_o we_o love_v he_o as_o must_v necessary_o damp_n the_o fervour_n of_o our_o love_n and_o ever_o and_o anon_o freeze_v it_o into_o horror_n and_o astonishment_n and_o so_o fear_n will_v be_v at_o least_o the_o predominant_a principle_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o while_o it_o be_v so_o our_o religion_n must_v needs_o languish_v under_o great_a imperfection_n and_o infirmity_n for_o while_o our_o fear_n and_o dread_n of_o god_n be_v the_o govern_v principle_n of_o our_o religion_n we_o shall_v but_o do_v penance_n in_o all_o our_o address_n to_o he_o and_o every_o act_n of_o our_o obedience_n will_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o martyrdom_n so_o that_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o entertain_v any_o cheerful_a converse_n or_o friendly_a society_n with_o he_o and_o yet_o serve_v he_o we_o must_v for_o fear_v our_o neglect_n of_o he_o shall_v rouse_v his_o vengeance_n against_o we_o and_o between_o this_o necessity_n of_o come_v to_o he_o and_o this_o fearfulness_n of_o approach_v he_o what_o can_v there_o be_v beget_v but_o a_o force_a and_o constrain_v devotion_n which_o because_o we_o do_v not_o love_v we_o will_v willing_o leave_v do_v not_o our_o dread_n and_o horror_n of_o he_o drag_v we_o to_o his_o altar_n and_o as_o we_o shall_v serve_v he_o with_o a_o force_a obedience_n so_o we_o shall_v obey_v he_o with_o a_o sordid_a and_o niggardly_a affection_n and_o while_o we_o grudge_n he_o our_o obedience_n we_o shall_v be_v most_o backward_o to_o obey_v he_o in_o those_o instance_n of_o duty_n that_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n and_o most_o please_a to_o he_o and_o most_o forward_o in_o those_o that_o be_v of_o least_o concern_v and_o most_o please_a to_o ourselves_o thus_o while_o our_o mind_n be_v ride_v with_o sour_a and_o rigid_a apprehension_n of_o god_n they_o will_v inspire_v we_o with_o a_o slavish_a dread_n of_o he_o and_o that_o will_v restrain_v and_o contract_v our_o obedience_n to_o he_o thus_o maximus_n tyrius_n excellent_o represent_v the_o case_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n the_o true_o religious_a man_n be_v the_o friend_n of_o god_n but_o the_o superstitious_a be_v his_o flatterer_n and_o the_o former_a be_v happy_a but_o the_o latter_a miserable_a for_o the_o one_o be_v encourage_v by_o his_o own_o virtue_n approach_v god_n without_o any_o slavish_a fear_n and_o dread_n but_o the_o other_o be_v debase_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o own_o wickedness_n approach_v he_o with_o tremble_v and_o despair_n dread_v he_o as_o a_o cruel_a tyrant_n dissert_n 4._o if_o therefore_o we_o will_v render_v he_o a_o cheerful_a free_a and_o universal_a obedience_n we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v he_o fair_o to_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o to_o think_v of_o he_o as_o he_o be_v and_o as_o he_o have_v represent_v himself_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i._n e._n as_o a_o bountiful_a benefactor_n to_o all_o his_o creation_n and_o a_o universal_a lover_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o do_v hearty_o and_o ready_o contribute_v to_o our_o eternal_a welfare_n that_o leave_v no_o art_n of_o love_n no_o method_n of_o kindness_n unattempted_a to_o rescue_v we_o from_o eternal_a perdition_n and_o when_o we_o have_v utter_o baffle_v and_o defeat_v they_o all_o do_v most_o unwilling_o abandon_v we_o to_o the_o woeful_a fate_n we_o have_v choose_v and_o prepare_v for_o ourselves_o that_o in_o punish_v even_o the_o most_o incorrigible_a sinner_n do_v not_o at_o all_o design_n to_o wreak_v and_o gratify_v his_o own_o revenge_n but_o to_o do_v good_a to_o the_o world_n and_o warn_v other_o by_o their_o suffering_n not_o to_o imitate_v their_o sin_n and_o in_o a_o word_n that_o importunate_o invite_v we_o back_o when_o we_o be_v go_v astray_o and_o upon_o our_o return_n gracious_o receive_v we_o and_o when_o he_o have_v receive_v we_o be_v infinite_o industrious_a to_o prepare_v we_o for_o happiness_n and_o when_o he_o have_v prepare_v we_o abundant_o reward_v we_o and_o when_o he_o have_v reward_v we_o everlasting_o triumph_n in_o our_o glory_n and_o beatitude_n these_o and_o such_o like_a thought_n be_v true_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o befit_v the_o infinite_a goodness_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o as_o such_o do_v earnest_o recommend_v he_o to_o our_o affection_n as_o the_o most_o amiable_a and_o indear_v object_n in_o the_o world_n and_o when_o by_o such_o recommendation_n they_o have_v captivate_v our_o affection_n and_o kindle_v our_o heart_n into_o a_o unfeigned_a love_n of_o he_o they_o have_v inspire_v we_o with_o such_o a_o vigorous_a principle_n of_o action_n as_o will_v both_o animate_v and_o ennoble_v our_o religion_n and_o render_v it_o true_o worthy_a of_o god_n and_o ourselves_o for_o than_o we_o shall_v serve_v he_o with_o a_o free_a and_o dutiful_a will_n a_o liberal_a affection_n and_o a_o cheerful_a heart_n and_o consequent_o render_v he_o a_o full_a and_o generous_a and_o willing_a obedience_n for_o so_o holy_a david_n tell_v we_o psal._n 119.32_o i_o will_v run_v the_o way_n of_o thy_o commandment_n when_o thou_o shall_v enlarge_v my_o heart_n i._n e._n when_o thou_o shall_v open_v and_o widen_v my_o heart_n with_o the_o love_n of_o thou_o for_o so_o st._n paul_n expound_v the_o phrase_n 2_o cor._n 6.11_o i_o shall_v most_o ready_o and_o cheerful_o obey_v thou_o iii_o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n be_v also_o necessary_a to_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o we_o be_v to_o serve_v he_o without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v serve_v he_o acceptable_o for_o as_o a_o good_a intention_n do_v not_o justify_v a_o bad_a action_n so_o neither_o do_v a_o good_a action_n a_o bad_a intention_n and_o unless_o both_o be_v good_a neither_o be_v acceptable_a if_o i_o do_v a_o action_n that_o be_v material_o good_a with_o respect_n to_o a_o bad_a end_n i_o unhallow_a and_o vitiate_v it_o and_o render_v it_o formal_o evil_a if_o i_o fast_o for_o strife_n or_o give_v alm_n for_o vainglory_n or_o pray_v to_o give_v a_o colour_n to_o my_o rapine_n and_o oppression_n my_o very_a devotion_n be_v a_o cheat_n my_o mortification_n a_o lie_n and_o my_o charity_n a_o imposture_n so_o that_o in_o order_n to_o our_o serve_v of_o god_n acceptable_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v direct_v those_o service_n we_o render_v he_o to_o their_o right_n and_o proper_a end_n and_o what_o that_o be_v we_o can_v well_o understand_v unless_o we_o have_v a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o to_o be_v sure_a god_n have_v propose_v that_o to_o we_o for_o the_o end_n of_o our_o worship_n which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o own_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o have_v a_o right_a notion_n of_o his_o perfection_n how_o can_v we_o right_o apprehend_v what_o end_n be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o they_o as_o for_o instance_n the_o right_a end_n of_o our_o serve_v he_o be_v that_o we_o may_v glorify_v he_o for_o ever_o in_o a_o everlasting_a participation_n of_o his_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n and_o this_o we_o can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o certain_a of_o than_o by_o a_o true_a survey_n and_o inspection_n of_o his_o nature_n which_o will_v instruct_v we_o that_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a as_o he_o be_v he_o must_v be_v infinite_o happy_a within_o himself_o and_o so_o can_v design_v no_o self-end_n without_o himself_o and_o consequent_o that_o the_o end_n for_o which_o he_o require_v our_o service_n be_v not_o any_o advantage_n he_o expect_v to_o reap_v from_o it_o or_o further_a addition_n to_o his_o own_o happiness_n he_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n past_a as_o complete_o happy_a as_o he_o can_v be_v to_o all_o eternity_n to_o come_v and_o therefore_o what_o other_o end_n can_v he_o be_v suppose_v to_o aim_v at_o than_o our_o good_a and_o happiness_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o he_o design_n to_o glorify_v himself_o in_o our_o happiness_n but_o how_o not_o to_o render_v himself_o himself_o more_o glorious_a by_o it_o