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do_v we_o consider_v what_o that_o life_n be_v that_o eternal_a life_n of_o happiness_n which_o virtue_n lead_v to_o which_o be_v to_o live_v in_o the_o perfect_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o great_a good_a and_o the_o pure_a pleasure_n free_a from_o all_o alloy_v and_o all_o approach_v of_o the_o least_o evil_a and_o trouble_n to_o live_v for_o ever_o with_o god_n and_o angel_n in_o rapturous_a bliss_n and_o heavenly_a delight_n and_o joy_v unspeakable_a to_o be_v possess_v of_o a_o crown_n a_o kingdom_n of_o substantial_a glory_n and_o all_o such_o good_a and_o desirable_a thing_n that_o this_o world_n afford_v but_o a_o faint_a shadow_n and_o imperfect_a resemblance_n of_o we_o shall_v find_v this_o be_v a_o life_n worth_n be_v fond_a of_o and_o seek_v after_o compare_v to_o which_o this_o our_o present_a short_a life_n mix_v with_o so_o much_o real_a care_n and_o trouble_v and_o so_o little_a imaginary_a pleasure_n be_v but_o a_o sort_n of_o death_n but_o walk_v in_o a_o vain_a shadow_n and_o dream_v of_o happiness_n and_o hardly_o worth_a a_o wise_a man_n choose_v be_v it_o not_o for_o a_o better_a life_n which_o be_v only_o worth_a the_o name_n of_o live_v where_o we_o be_v bear_v into_o another_o world_n and_o virtue_n shall_v give_v we_o a_o glorious_a immortality_n this_o be_v a_o reward_n that_o will_v sufficient_o recompense_n our_o short_a labour_n here_o and_o be_v religion_n never_o so_o difficult_a yet_o the_o worth_n and_o greatness_n of_o that_o be_v our_o hope_n and_o desire_v of_o it_o proportionable_a to_o it_o will_v inspire_v we_o with_o new_a vigour_n and_o resolution_n and_o convey_v strength_n and_o power_n enough_o to_o carry_v we_o through_o they_o all_o for_o what_o will_v not_o a_o great_a reward_n make_v man_n do_v whither_o will_v they_o not_o travel_v where_o will_v they_o not_o fight_v what_o danger_n will_v they_o flinch_v from_o what_o labour_n will_v they_o refuse_v when_o a_o certain_a and_o great_a reward_n be_v offer_v to_o '_o they_o and_o have_v we_o but_o as_o good_a thought_n of_o heaven_n as_o the_o soldier_n have_v of_o honour_n and_o victory_n the_o merchant_n of_o gold_n and_o gain_n and_o the_o husbandman_n of_o a_o good_a harvest_n we_o shall_v never_o think_v much_o of_o all_o the_o pain_n and_o difficulty_n that_o be_v in_o religion_n be_v they_o a_o great_a many_o more_o than_o they_o be_v as_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o man_n have_v but_o a_o due_a sense_n of_o that_o destruction_n to_o which_o the_o wide_a gate_n and_o the_o broad_a way_n of_o wickedness_n lead_v they_o and_o the_o sad_a and_o dreadful_a condition_n their_o vice_n will_v bring_v they_o to_o in_o another_o world_n do_v they_o consider_v what_o exquisite_a and_o amaze_a misery_n both_o of_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v wrap_v up_o in_o those_o word_n of_o hell_n and_o damnation_n no_o vice_n though_o never_o so_o charm_v will_v make_v they_o endure_v it_o for_o one_o day_n no_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n for_o a_o season_n will_v make_v they_o bear_v it_o for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n as_o this_o life_n be_v and_o nothing_o will_v ever_o tempt_v they_o not_o only_o not_o to_o suffer_v it_o for_o ever_o but_o to_o run_v the_o hazard_n and_o venture_v of_o it_o be_v there_o not_o a_o thousand_o time_n the_o reason_n to_o fear_v it_o that_o we_o have_v by_o religion_n and_o be_v it_o but_o mere_o probable_a or_o but_o just_a possible_a which_o atheism_n itself_o can_v never_o deny_v yet_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v expose_v himself_o to_o such_o a_o dreadful_a and_o irretrievable_a danger_n for_o the_o poor_a and_o pitiful_a temptation_n that_o be_v in_o the_o great_a sin_n but_o 2._o beside_o the_o consideration_n of_o another_o world_n religion_n with_o all_o its_o straitness_n and_o hardship_n do_v not_o abridge_v we_o of_o any_o comfortable_a enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n nor_o deprive_v we_o of_o any_o of_o the_o true_a pleasure_n and_o good_a thing_n here_o which_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v desire_v or_o which_o our_o nature_n be_v make_v for_o for_o they_o may_v be_v all_o enjoy_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o virtue_n and_o allowance_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o with_o more_o convenience_n and_o advantage_n than_o in_o a_o course_n of_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n religion_n do_v not_o deprive_v we_o of_o any_o good_a proper_a to_o our_o state_n and_o nature_n nor_o tie_v we_o up_o from_o any_o of_o the_o comfort_n or_o pleasure_n of_o life_n with_o a_o peevish_a severity_n and_o moroseness_n with_o a_o touch_n not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o but_o only_o restrain_v we_o from_o what_o will_v be_v evil_a and_o pernicious_a to_o we_o if_o it_o be_v allow_v we_o keep_v we_o from_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n and_o from_o those_o excess_n and_o extravagancy_n that_o be_v destructive_a to_o
happiness_n riches_n and_o honour_n and_o pleasure_n which_o we_o so_o fond_o admire_v and_o esteem_v and_o pursue_v after_o as_o the_o happy_a thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v enjoy_v and_o think_v those_o be_v not_o in_o earnest_n or_o only_a envious_a and_o ill-natured_a because_o they_o can_v attain_v they_o who_o speak_v otherwise_o of_o they_o our_o saviour_n propose_v no_o worldly_a advantage_n to_o his_o follower_n but_o rather_o the_o quite_o contrary_a and_o yet_o he_o preach_v happiness_n to_o they_o even_o at_o present_a and_o join_v the_o beatitude_n and_o the_o christian_a virtue_n together_o in_o his_o sermon_n as_o inseparable_a companion_n and_o though_o he_o leave_v his_o apostle_n in_o a_o world_n full_a of_o affliction_n and_o seem_a misery_n yet_o he_o tell_v they_o he_o leave_v his_o peace_n with_o they_o john_n 14.27_o such_o a_o peace_n as_o be_v proper_a for_o he_o to_o give_v and_o they_o to_o receive_v not_o as_o the_o world_n give_v but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o shall_v have_v this_o effect_n upon_o they_o as_o that_o their_o heart_n shall_v not_o be_v trouble_v nor_o be_v afraid_a that_o no_o evil_n shall_v disturb_v or_o take_v away_o this_o peace_n of_o mind_n that_o in_o he_o they_o may_v have_v peace_n though_o in_o the_o world_n they_o have_v tribulation_n john_n 16.33_o and_o that_o they_o may_v always_o be_v of_o good_a cheer_n because_o he_o have_v overcome_v the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o great_a thing_n which_o he_o here_o offer_v to_o mankind_n be_v they_o never_o so_o weary_a and_o oppress_v with_o care_n and_o trouble_n labour_n under_o never_o so_o many_o seem_a evil_n and_o affliction_n here_o have_v never_o such_o great_a load_n and_o oppression_n upon_o their_o mind_n and_o spirit_n that_o make_v they_o uneasy_a to_o themselves_o and_o very_o miserable_a within_o that_o if_o they_o come_v to_o his_o religion_n and_o take_v his_o yoke_n upon_o they_o follow_v the_o rule_n and_o precept_n of_o his_o doctrine_n and_o become_v of_o such_o a_o temper_n and_o spirit_n as_o he_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v certain_o meet_v with_o ease_n and_o comfort_n relief_n and_o refreshment_n and_o you_o shall_v sin_v rest_v to_o your_o soul_n this_o rest_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n be_v the_o great_a happiness_n in_o the_o world_n what_o philosophy_n aim_v and_o pursue_v after_o what_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o attain_v above_o every_o thing_n and_o what_o if_o we_o once_o perfect_o reach_v nothing_o can_v ever_o make_v we_o the_o least_o miserable_a what_o alone_o be_v worth_a seek_v after_o by_o all_o the_o rule_n of_o philosophy_n and_o religion_n and_o without_o which_o nothing_o be_v worth_a aim_v or_o seek_v after_o and_o last_o what_o christ_n and_o christianity_n propose_v and_o can_v bring_v we_o to_o how_o and_o by_o what_o way_n they_o do_v it_o or_o what_o be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o attain_v it_o shall_v be_v my_o chief_a business_n to_o show_v as_o to_o what_o it_o be_v or_o wherein_o it_o consist_v that_o we_o know_v better_o by_o inward_a sensation_n or_o preception_n than_o by_o any_o description_n or_o idea_n of_o it_o we_o feel_v what_o ease_n be_v both_o in_o mind_n and_o body_n and_o we_o have_v a_o quick_a sense_n of_o pain_n and_o uneasiness_n in_o both_o indolency_n of_o body_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n be_v know_v by_o all_o to_o be_v great_a and_o desirable_a thing_n the_o pleasure_n of_o our_o compound_a nature_n and_o such_o as_o have_v a_o near_a analogy_n and_o resemblance_n with_o one_o another_o however_o we_o be_v force_v to_o express_v and_o describe_v one_o by_o the_o other_o they_o be_v not_o mere_a negative_n such_o as_o suppose_v only_o no_o sense_n of_o pain_n or_o evil_n which_o may_v belong_v to_o one_o that_o be_v asleep_a or_o stupefy_v or_o to_o a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n but_o a_o positive_a sense_n of_o what_o be_v agreeble_a to_o its_o nature_n and_o the_o right_a use_n of_o its_o power_n and_o faculty_n and_o a_o enjoyment_n or_o perception_n of_o a_o good_a or_o pleasure_n suitable_a to_o they_o with_o a_o entire_a freedom_n at_o the_o same_o time_n from_o what_o be_v contrary_a and_o unagreeable_a painful_a and_o troublesome_a and_o uneasy_a the_o very_a absence_n of_o what_o be_v painful_a and_o uneasy_a bring_v a_o great_a pleasure_n because_o nature_n then_o enjoy_v itself_o and_o have_v its_o own_o suitable_a perception_n without_o any_o disturbance_n what_o disease_n and_o pain_n and_o torture_n be_v to_o the_o body_n the_o same_o be_v disorder_n and_o trouble_n to_o the_o mind_n from_o torment_a passion_n and_o uneasy_a thought_n from_o fear_n and_o gild_n and_o sorrow_n the_o apprehension_n of_o evil_a as_o present_v or_o come_v upon_o it_o we_o want_v word_n to_o express_v what_o we_o know_v and_o conceive_v of_o this_o and_o peace_n of_o mind_n be_v oppose_v to_o all_o thing_n that_o weary_a and_o disease_n and_o disquiet_v and_o disturb_v it_o whatever_o they_o be_v whether_o the_o evil_n and_o trouble_n and_o affliction_n of_o this_o world_n or_o passion_n and_o disorder_n from_o within_o inordinate_a and_o irregular_a desire_n and_o inward_a commotion_n contrary_a to_o right_a reason_n or_o the_o more_o dreadful_a terror_n and_o horror_n of_o some_o great_a evil_n than_o any_o in_o this_o world_n the_o mind_n it_o be_v certain_a have_v a_o quick_a and_o more_o smart_n and_o cut_a sense_n oâ—_n pain_n by_o these_o than_o the_o body_n from_o any_o disease_n the_o disease_n and_o malady_n disorder_n and_o pain_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v great_a and_o hard_a to_o be_v cure_v than_o those_o of_o the_o body_n wisdom_n and_o philosophy_n virtue_n and_o religion_n be_v the_o proper_a physic_n the_o true_a cure_n and_o remedy_n of_o they_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v bring_v the_o mind_n to_o that_o good_a sound_v and_o healthful_a state_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v well_o and_o right_o dispose_v in_o it_o due_a frame_n and_o crasis_n sit_v to_o perform_v its_o proper_a operation_n and_o enjoy_v its_o agreeable_a pleasure_n the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o its_o self_n and_o its_o own_o wife_n and_o virtuous_a and_o good_a thought_n the_o pleasant_a hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o religion_n and_o all_o the_o superadded_a enjoyment_n from_o thence_o that_o revelation_n assure_v we_o of_o beside_o what_o be_v natural_a to_o it_o from_o the_o right_a exercise_n of_o its_o own_o power_n such_o as_o peace_n of_o conscience_n upon_o pardon_n of_o sin_n inward_a sense_n of_o god_n favour_n or_o his_o lift_n up_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n upon_o we_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o rejoice_v in_o hope_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v be_v reveal_v these_o be_v such_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v beyond_o nature_n but_o within_o christianity_n which_o raise_v and_o exalt_v the_o soul_n to_o something_o beyond_o that_o tranquillity_n and_o calmness_n and_o serenity_n of_o mind_n which_o philosophy_n so_o talk_v of_o this_o improve_v it_o high_o and_o raise_v a_o more_o noble_a structure_n of_o happiness_n to_o our_o soul_n but_o upon_o the_o same_o foundation_n have_v the_o same_o bottom_n to_o build_v upon_o the_o inward_a ease_n and_o peace_n and_o rest_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v the_o great_a thing_n we_o can_v desire_v or_o be_v worth_a our_o attain_n to_o be_v very_o easy_a always_o within_o to_o have_v peace_n and_o quiet_a in_o our_o own_o breast_n to_o be_v disturb_v with_o no_o uneasy_a thought_n no_o tumultuous_a passion_n no_o fear_n grief_n or_o sorrow_n no_o cark_n care_n or_o corrode_a trouble_n to_o be_v ruffle_v with_o no_o discomposure_n have_v no_o dark_a cloud_n hang_v over_o our_o thought_n no_o storm_n or_o tempest_n rage_v within_o our_o breast_n this_o be_v tranquillity_n of_o mind_n a_o inward_a calm_a and_o serenity_n of_o thought_n contrary_a to_o that_o temper_n of_o mind_n which_o be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n which_o can_v rest_v to_o which_o the_o scripture_n compare_v it_o isa_n 57.20_o neither_o apt_a to_o be_v much_o raise_v or_o too_o much_o depress_v nec_fw-la attollens_fw-la se_fw-la unquam_fw-la nec_fw-la deprimens_fw-la as_o seneca_n speak_v sed_fw-la semper_fw-la aequali_fw-la &_o placido_fw-la statu_fw-la always_o even_o and_o in_o a_o placid_a state_n propitius_fw-la sibi_fw-la &_o sva_fw-la laetus_fw-la aspiciens_fw-la please_v with_o its_o self_n and_o its_o own_o thought_n and_o have_v nothing_o to_o sour_a and_o disorder_n itself_o or_o infuse_v a_o poisonous_a bitterness_n into_o it_o this_o be_v that_o good_a state_n of_o soul_n that_o rest_n which_o be_v a_o great_a happiness_n than_o all_o the_o world_n can_v afford_v which_o he_o that_o have_v will_v be_v happy_a in_o whatever_o circumstance_n or_o condition_n he_o be_v and_o which_o we_o may_v certain_o find_v by_o religion_n and_o christianity_n if_o we_o live_v up_o to_o the_o principle_n
and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v different_a sentiment_n about_o the_o mean_n in_o those_o who_o all_o join_v in_o the_o same_o end_n our_o friend_n with_o who_o i_o have_v often_o canvas_v the_o question_n be_v in_o his_o judgement_n which_o he_o sincere_o follow_v in_o all_o thing_n for_o a_o comprehension_n and_o though_o he_o have_v a_o just_a sense_n of_o the_o sin_n of_o schism_n and_o look_v upon_o that_o among_o we_o as_o utter_o unjustifiable_a and_o that_o nothing_o of_o any_o moment_n can_v be_v urge_v in_o defence_n of_o it_o yet_o his_o opinion_n be_v that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a method_n which_o the_o present_a folly_n and_o mistake_n of_o man_n will_v admit_v of_o to_o establish_v the_o honour_n and_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o recover_v expire_a piety_n charity_n and_o other_o christian_a virtue_n which_o by_o our_o division_n have_v receive_v a_o wound_n not_o to_o be_v cure_v without_o the_o use_n of_o this_o balm_n upon_o these_o consideration_n he_o be_v prevail_v with_o so_o far_o to_o concern_v himself_o on_o this_o occasion_n as_o to_o reply_v to_o a_o little_a piece_n entitle_v vox_fw-la cleri_fw-la publish_v by_o a_o learned_a and_o eminent_a divine_a as_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o clergy_n which_o circumstance_n with_o the_o stile_n of_o the_o answer_n be_v a_o little_a too_o facetious_a for_o so_o age_a a_o divine_a as_o his_o adversary_n raise_v he_o some_o enemy_n but_o have_v he_o live_v never_o so_o long_o i_o believe_v he_o will_v hardly_o have_v concern_v himself_o any_o further_a in_o propose_v expedient_n of_o peace_n the_o very_a mention_v of_o which_o as_o his_o experience_n teach_v he_o make_v man_n ready_a to_o battle_n the_o design_n of_o the_o comprehension_n be_v lay_v aside_o the_o toleration_n bill_v pass_v into_o a_o law_n with_o prudent_a limitation_n for_o register_n the_o place_n of_o assemble_v the_o name_n of_o preacher_n and_o for_o secure_v the_o fidelity_n both_o of_o they_o and_o their_o people_n who_o be_v to_o be_v know_v to_o what_o congregation_n they_o belong_v to_o the_o government_n but_o as_o it_o have_v be_v manage_v and_o use_v without_o regard_n to_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o statute_n it_o be_v a_o sanctuary_n for_o such_o as_o be_v as_o well_o enemy_n to_o the_o government_n as_o to_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o assume_v liberty_n to_o avoid_v all_o civil_a tie_v and_o to_o be_v of_o any_o religion_n or_o none_o to_o worship_n god_n in_o their_o own_o way_n or_o not_o to_o worship_v he_o at_o all_o it_o be_v a_o refuge_n for_o atheism_n irreligion_n and_o profaneness_n and_o have_v produce_v such_o a_o neglect_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o corruption_n of_o moral_n as_o be_v very_o scandalous_a in_o a_o christian_a kingdom_n some_o little_a writer_n about_o this_o time_n expound_v this_o law_n to_o discharge_v all_o person_n from_o all_o obligation_n to_o church-communion_n in_o point_n of_o conscience_n but_o this_o tittle_a tattle_n be_v nothing_o to_o what_o have_v since_o follow_v every_o one_o take_v the_o liberty_n according_a to_o the_o model_n of_o spinosa_n happy_a commonwealth_n to_o speak_v and_o write_v as_o he_o list_v it_o be_v a_o little_a surprise_n to_o we_o so_o soon_o almost_o as_o our_o controversy_n with_o the_o papist_n and_o our_o fear_n from_o that_o party_n be_v over_o to_o be_v encounter_v with_o a_o set_n of_o man_n who_o with_o unusual_a confidence_n profess_v a_o enmity_n to_o all_o religion_n and_o bid_v defiance_n to_o the_o common_a faith_n of_o mankind_n who_o talk_v wild_o of_o a_o religion_n very_o improper_o call_v so_o which_o have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o time_n place_n or_o person_n to_o minister_v in_o holy_a thing_n a_o religion_n without_o worship_n or_o any_o public_a office_n whereby_o it_o be_v profess_v a_o thing_n never_o hear_v of_o before_o in_o the_o world_n no_o man_n ought_v tame_o to_o bear_v a_o attempt_n to_o set_v aside_o that_o public_a honour_n that_o be_v do_v to_o the_o sovereign_a lord_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o no_o christian_a can_v be_v silent_a when_o the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o be_v open_o deny_v and_o his_o mission_n ridicule_v whither_o be_v we_o go_v when_o pamphlet_n be_v to_o be_v see_v on_o every_o stall_n write_v direct_o against_o christianity_n when_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o advance_v reason_n revelation_n be_v throw_v up_o and_o at_o best_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o mean_n of_o information_n but_o no_o necessitating_a motive_n of_o assent_n be_v these_o man_n of_o cardan_n the_o astrologer_n mind_n that_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v change_v and_o shall_v it_o give_v way_n to_o that_o sect_n which_o all_o the_o other_o philosopher_n expose_v and_o epicurus_n be_v set_v up_o as_o a_o master_n and_o teacher_n instead_o of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n do_v they_o think_v to_o be_v too_o hard_a for_o god_n be_v they_o strong_a than_o he_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v that_o whoever_o break_v violent_o in_o upon_o the_o law_n of_o his_o country_n though_o he_o may_v for_o a_o time_n brave_a it_o and_o presume_v himself_o beyond_o control_n in_o the_o end_n the_o law_n be_v always_o too_o hard_o for_o he_o and_o crush_v he_o to_o nothing_o and_o shall_v man_n hope_v to_o be_v safe_a who_o spit_v in_o the_o face_n of_o heaven_n and_o trample_v all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n under_o their_o foot_n lucretius_n be_v as_o great_a a_o bravo_n and_o no_o way_n inferior_a to_o any_o modern_a writer_n in_o the_o atheistical_a way_n either_o in_o wit_n or_o argument_n and_o yet_o religion_n have_v keep_v its_o ground_n and_o will_v do_v so_o whatever_o vain_a imagination_n some_o few_o fool_n may_v entertain_v of_o gain_v a_o victory_n over_o it_o however_o there_o be_v those_o who_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o give_v over_o their_o attempt_n and_o seem_v to_o be_v combine_v in_o a_o close_a confederacy_n and_o with_o unite_a strength_n to_o 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receive_v by_o his_o constant_a preach_v both_o in_o help_v they_o right_o to_o understand_v and_o engage_v they_o in_o a_o serious_a practice_n of_o religion_n and_o by_o his_o write_n they_o be_v more_o general_o know_v the_o visit_v a_o whole_a parish_n from_o house_n to_o house_n i_o can_v say_v to_o be_v a_o necessary_a part_n of_o the_o pastoral_n care_n i_o rather_o lay_v it_o in_o faithful_o and_o constant_o discharge_v the_o public_a office_n it_o will_v be_v a_o sad_a thing_n to_o be_v accountable_a for_o the_o neglect_n of_o what_o in_o great_a parish_n be_v confess_v to_o be_v impracticable_a this_o therefore_o can_v only_o be_v a_o occasional_a duty_n in_o which_o a_o minister_n must_v be_v leave_v to_o his_o own_o prudence_n who_o be_v best_a able_a to_o judge_v what_o good_a be_v likely_a to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o way_n and_o when_o i_o have_v hear_v our_o friend_n say_v more_o than_o once_o that_o if_o he_o can_v see_v the_o necessity_n of_o it_o or_o those_o wonderful_a end_n it_o will_v serve_v he_o will_v throw_v up_o all_o his_o own_o concern_v and_o apply_v himself_o whole_o to_o it_o however_o he_o supply_v the_o want_n of_o that_o in_o the_o best_a manner_n he_o can_v and_o by_o way_n he_o think_v much_o more_o useful_a to_o such_o as_o be_v dispose_v to_o mind_v the_o concern_v of_o their_o soul_n for_o the_o use_n of_o his_o parishioner_n he_o first_o compose_v and_o afterward_o by_o print_v it_o offer_v to_o their_o close_a consideration_n his_o admirable_a practical_a discourse_n of_o repentance_n wherein_o he_o have_v rectify_v many_o mistake_n and_o loose_a notion_n about_o this_o doctrine_n such_o as_o have_v have_v a_o very_a fatal_a influence_n upon_o the_o life_n of_o many_o who_o all_o the_o while_n look_v upon_o themselves_o in_o a_o safe_a state_n they_o be_v chief_o owe_v as_o i_o apprehend_v to_o their_o not_o distinguish_v betwixt_o baptismal_a repentance_n and_o the_o repentance_n for_o wilful_a sin_n many_o and_o 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act_n of_o grace_n but_o what_o he_o have_v covenant_v for_o or_o what_o be_v the_o plain_a and_o indispensible_a condition_n of_o salvation_n require_v by_o the_o gospel_n a_o malefactor_n upon_o who_o the_o law_n have_v pronounce_v death_n may_v be_v pardon_v by_o special_a favour_n and_o if_o a_o sinner_n who_o never_o repent_v till_o he_o come_v to_o die_v be_v save_v this_o be_v show_v he_o more_o mercy_n than_o be_v covenant_v for_o in_o the_o gospel-law_n of_o life_n and_o in_o what_o instance_n god_n will_v abate_v of_o those_o term_n no_o man_n can_v tell_v and_o it_o be_v the_o high_a folly_n and_o madness_n to_o trust_v to_o it_o without_o a_o particular_a revelation_n that_o god_n will_v make_v allowance_n for_o man_n circumstance_n in_o this_o world_n and_o judge_v their_o several_a case_n with_o the_o great_a equity_n and_o proportion_v their_o reward_n and_o punishment_n according_o come_v within_o the_o term_n of_o covenant_v grace_n and_o mercy_n but_o the_o question_n 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parishioner_n he_o likewise_o draw_v up_o a_o manual_a of_o devotion_n to_o be_v use_v daily_o in_o their_o family_n and_o put_v a_o great_a number_n of_o they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o collecter_n of_o his_o tithe_n to_o be_v distribute_v among_o they_o he_o apprehend_v the_o decay_n of_o piety_n and_o coruption_n of_o manner_n to_o be_v in_o great_a measure_n owe_v to_o the_o neglect_n of_o family_n religion_n which_o be_v therefore_o take_v the_o opportunity_n after_o this_o to_o recommend_v in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o lord_n mayor_n and_o court_n of_o alderman_n who_o example_n be_v like_a to_o give_v the_o best_a encouragement_n to_o it_o which_o they_o so_o well_o approve_v of_o as_o to_o desire_v he_o to_o publish_v it_o his_o thought_n be_v that_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o the_o general_a neglect_n of_o family_n devotion_n be_v the_o wrong_a notion_n man_n have_v entertain_v of_o form_n of_o prayer_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o past_o all_o dispute_n that_o it_o must_v lie_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o those_o who_o have_v deny_v they_o if_o now_o that_o the_o effect_n of_o that_o error_n be_v find_v so_o evident_o ruinous_a to_o piety_n and_o good_a moral_n they_o do_v not_o in_o some_o public_a way_n retract_v it_o and_o advise_v to_o the_o use_n of_o form_n without_o which_o the_o use_n of_o constant_a family_n prayer_n can_v never_o be_v retrieve_v he_o be_v so_o intent_n upon_o do_v good_a among_o his_o people_n that_o he_o be_v often_o propose_v to_o himself_o and_o ask_v his_o friend_n to_o think_v of_o something_o wherein_o he_o may_v be_v most_o useful_a to_o they_o he_o endeavour_v to_o free_v the_o mind_n of_o other_o man_n as_o he_o have_v do_v his_o own_o from_o false_a and_o loose_a principle_n in_o religion_n the_o effect_n of_o which_o will_v in_o a_o short_a time_n appear_v in_o the_o life_n and_o practice_n his_o religion_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o show_n and_o mere_a form_n of_o godliness_n which_o we_o need_v not_o a_o apostle_n testimony_n to_o assure_v we_o may_v be_v separate_v from_o the_o power_n of_o it_o i_o take_v he_o to_o have_v be_v in_o that_o state_n describe_v by_o st._n john_n when_o he_o say_v he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n do_v not_o commit_v sin_n for_o his_o seed_n remain_v in_o he_o and_o he_o can_v sin_v because_o he_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n he_o will_v not_o i_o dare_v say_v for_o all_o the_o world_n have_v commit_v a_o know_a wilful_a and_o deliberate_a sin_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a will_v have_v be_v horrible_o afraid_a of_o himself_o if_o he_o have_v fall_v into_o one_o such_o sin_n i_o can_v here_o give_v in_o evidence_n for_o what_o i_o say_v if_o it_o be_v necessary_a a_o signal_n instance_n of_o a_o vigorous_a sense_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o resolve_v and_o confirm_v virtue_n such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v not_o very_o common_a i_o herein_o say_v no_o more_o of_o he_o than_o what_o in_o justice_n be_v due_a and_o what_o by_o long_a experience_n and_o many_o proof_n i_o know_v to_o be_v true_a of_o he_o he_o do_v not_o indeed_o discover_v those_o sign_n of_o grace_n which_o some_o man_n expect_v to_o find_v in_o the_o face_n he_o have_v not_o that_o affect_a gravity_n and_o down-look_a and_o dull_a humour_n which_o a_o pharisee_n will_v perhaps_o have_v seek_v for_o as_o a_o visible_a mark_n of_o it_o he_o be_v always_o cheerful_a and_o gay_a himself_o and_o will_v suffer_v none_o to_o be_v otherwise_o wherever_o he_o come_v this_o i_o confess_v if_o any_o thing_n be_v a_o excess_n in_o he_o because_o it_o must_v be_v own_a that_o he_o will_v be_v sometime_o merry_a at_o other_o man_n cost_n who_o can_v not_o bear_v up_o against_o the_o sharpness_n of_o his_o wit_n which_o i_o
off_o its_o own_o nature_n this_o be_v such_o a_o righteousness_n that_o have_v root_n in_o itself_o and_o life_n and_o grow_v from_o that_o innate_a radical_a principle_n and_o differ_v as_o much_o from_o the_o other_o as_o a_o thing_n that_o grow_v into_o such_o a_o shape_n from_o a_o plastic_a and_o vital_a power_n in_o itself_o do_v from_o that_o which_o be_v cut_v and_o carve_v by_o the_o hand_n of_o another_o this_o be_v that_o original_a righteousness_n spring_v up_o in_o the_o true_a fountain_n like_o light_n in_o the_o sun_n whilst_o righteousness_n in_o we_o though_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n be_v but_o like_o that_o in_o the_o air_n derive_v from_o it_o and_o mix_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o darkness_n and_o a_o mere_a observance_n of_o precept_n and_o rule_n as_o they_o be_v prescribe_v by_o another_o and_o the_o act_n from_o a_o righteous_a and_o inward_a principle_n in_o one_o own_o mind_n be_v as_o different_a as_o the_o clockwork_a motion_n and_o fly_v of_o regiomontanus_n eagle_n from_o some_o wheel_n and_o wire_n and_o the_o natural_a motion_n of_o a_o live_a one_o from_o its_o own_o spirit_n and_o muscle_n and_o the_o force_n and_o spring_n of_o inward_a life_n thus_o be_v righteousness_n in_o god_n true_o righteousness_n though_o he_o have_v no_o superior_a to_o move_v or_o determine_v he_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o what_o i_o conceive_v the_o true_a notion_n and_o fountain_n of_o god_n righteousness_n which_o though_o it_o may_v be_v too_o deep_a for_o some_o to_o see_v to_o the_o bottom_n yet_o it_o stand_v upon_o the_o firm_a ground_n and_o be_v immovable_a 2._o i_o shall_v now_o show_v you_o the_o usefulness_n of_o it_o from_o the_o mischievous_a consequence_n of_o the_o other_o opinion_n that_o god_n righteousness_n consist_v only_o in_o arbitrary_a and_o ungoverned_a will._n 1._o that_o take_v very_o much_o off_o from_o our_o obligation_n to_o right_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o righteousness_n may_v be_v mean_v a_o very_a large_a and_o comprehensive_a virtue_n that_o contain_v almost_o all_o other_o under_o it_o and_o there_o must_v be_v the_o same_o reason_n and_o foundation_n of_o those_o as_o of_o this_o and_o if_o we_o can_v conceive_v the_o god_n we_o worship_v to_o be_v without_o those_o it_o will_v great_o abate_v our_o esteem_n of_o they_o and_o obligation_n to_o they_o if_o we_o conceive_v that_o great_a mind_n be_v happy_a and_o perfect_a without_o those_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v our_o own_o may_v be_v so_o too_o for_o whatever_o thought_n we_o have_v of_o god_n they_o must_v be_v the_o standard_n and_o measure_n to_o we_o of_o all_o perfection_n it_o be_v a_o very_a natural_a consequence_n which_o st._n john_n make_v 1_o ep._n 2.29_o if_o you_o know_v that_o he_o be_v righteous_a you_o know_v that_o every_o one_o that_o do_v righteousness_n be_v bear_v of_o he_o if_o righteousness_n be_v found_v in_o the_o divine_a nature_n than_o whoever_o be_v true_o righteous_a be_v both_o like_a unto_o god_n and_o belove_a by_o he_o as_o a_o child_n of_o its_o parent_n god_n can_v but_o love_v and_o be_v please_v with_o what_o be_v so_o agreeble_a to_o himself_o and_o bear_v his_o divine_a image_n and_o resemblance_n upon_o it_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o he_o love_v himself_o and_o take_v infinite_a complacency_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o his_o own_o perfection_n he_o will_v love_v also_o those_o who_o be_v partaker_n of_o the_o same_o divine_a life_n and_o nature_n and_o be_v righteous_a as_o he_o be_v righteous_a that_o be_v righteous_a man_n as_o he_o be_v a_o righteous_a god_n for_o that_o the_o righteous_a lord_n shall_v love_v righteousness_n as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v ps_n 11.7_o be_v the_o result_n of_o his_o own_o natural_a and_o essential_a perfection_n but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o he_o shall_v not_o love_v any_o thing_n even_o the_o contrary_a if_o he_o be_v not_o true_o righteous_a himself_o and_o his_o love_n depend_v upon_o mere_a arbitrary_a will_n without_o regard_n to_o any_o thing_n else_o 2._o this_o have_v be_v therefore_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o superstition_n and_o undue_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o great_a mistake_n that_o be_v in_o religion_n the_o conceive_a god_n to_o be_v a_o mere_a great_a and_o arbitrary_a be_v and_o only_o absolute_a and_o almighty_a will_n without_o the_o perfection_n and_o the_o line_n of_o righteousness_n from_o hence_o man_n have_v hope_v to_o please_v he_o and_o procure_v his_o favour_n with_o outward_a pomp_n and_o solemnity_n with_o multitude_n of_o sacrifice_n and_o great_a present_n and_o oblation_n with_o bowing_n and_o cringe_n and_o prostration_n before_o he_o with_o bend_a knee_n and_o empty_a word_n and_o a_o course_n of_o external_n performance_n without_o any_o true_a and_o inward_a righteousness_n they_o have_v imagine_v a_o sort_n of_o religious_a flattery_n will_v take_v with_o he_o and_o that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o soothe_v up_o his_o greatness_n with_o some_o officious_a address_n and_o to_o make_v their_o court_n to_o he_o with_o a_o set_n of_o hollow_a and_o affect_a compliment_n by_o these_o they_o think_v god_n be_v sufficient_o oblige_v and_o take_v great_a pleasure_n in_o they_o like_o some_o vain_a and_o foolish_a and_o haughty_a mortal_n indeed_o be_v god_n such_o a_o one_o as_o themselves_o or_o as_o they_o imagine_v he_o may_v be_v so_o but_o if_o he_o be_v a_o be_v essential_o righteous_a and_o holy_a himself_o it_o be_v then_o not_o to_o be_v hope_v that_o any_o thing_n will_v commend_v we_o to_o he_o or_o procure_v his_o favour_n but_o a_o righteous_a mind_n without_o that_o let_v man_n dispute_v as_o long_o as_o they_o please_v no_o man_n can_v be_v elect_v or_o justify_v or_o think_v to_o be_v save_v by_o a_o righteous_a god_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v worth_a while_n to_o contrive_v any_o trick_n or_o device_n whatsoever_o which_o have_v be_v the_o great_a 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by_o it_o it_o be_v the_o only_a ground_n why_o god_n be_v more_o gracious_a to_o they_o than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o still_o allow_v some_o person_n and_o country_n much_o great_a mean_n of_o grace_n than_o other_o though_o there_o be_v none_o who_o want_v what_o be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o 2._o that_o god_n as_o absolute_a lord_n proprietor_n and_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n have_v so_o vast_a a_o right_n over_o his_o creature_n as_o to_o put_v they_o into_o what_o condition_n he_o please_v that_o be_v not_o worse_o than_o the_o have_v no_o be_v for_o that_o be_v but_o give_v they_o a_o lesser_a good_a but_o to_o put_v they_o into_o such_o a_o state_n as_o it_o be_v desirable_a rather_o to_o be_v annihilate_v than_o to_o be_v so_o miserable_a to_o do_v this_o without_o some_o fault_n of_o they_o that_o shall_v deserve_v this_o as_o a_o punishment_n be_v against_o the_o plain_a axiom_n and_o rule_n of_o right_n and_o justice_n and_o be_v to_o take_v more_o from_o a_o creature_n than_o he_o give_v it_o and_o so_o make_v himself_o as_o it_o be_v a_o debtor_n to_o it_o there_o can_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o unlimited_a right_n no_o not_o in_o god_n over_o his_o creature_n for_o all_o right_n suppose_v some_o rule_n to_o bound_v and_o limit_v it_o the_o transgress_a of_o which_o may_v be_v suppose_v and_o therefore_o may_v be_v wrong_a and_o injury_n and_o here_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o predestinarian_o but_o to_o dispose_v of_o kingdom_n in_o this_o world_n and_o tranfer_v they_o from_o the_o canaanite_n to_o the_o jew_n to_o give_v other_o a_o express_a command_n to_o make_v the_o jewel_n of_o the_o egyptian_n their_o own_o to_o command_v the_o life_n of_o a_o child_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o its_o parent_n as_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o he_o that_o give_v it_o and_o the_o like_a this_o be_v a_o right_n belong_v to_o the_o absolute_a lord_n proprietor_n and_o creator_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o as_o 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say_v already_o will_v give_v some_o satisfaction_n to_o our_o mind_n that_o there_o be_v no_o unrighteousness_n in_o the_o great_a god_n but_o he_o that_o be_v infinite_o great_a be_v therefore_o infinite_o just_a and_o righteous_a because_o he_o can_v have_v no_o mean_a and_o unrighteous_a design_n either_o for_o himself_o or_o against_o other_o so_o that_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n be_v necessary_o join_v with_o almighty_a power_n and_o it_o must_v be_v a_o thought_n full_a of_o dread_n and_o horror_n that_o can_v conceive_v it_o possible_a to_o have_v they_o part_v and_o separate_v but_o in_o truth_n where_o there_o be_v any_o one_o infinite_a perfection_n there_o must_v be_v all_o and_o therefore_o we_o have_v the_o same_o evidence_n from_o reason_n of_o god_n be_v righteous_a as_o of_o his_o be_v almighty_a or_o of_o his_o be_v at_o all_o and_o they_o who_o from_o some_o mistake_a place_n of_o scripture_n and_o revelation_n endeavour_v to_o represent_v god_n under_o another_o notion_n and_o character_n destroy_v that_o true_a natural_a notion_n and_o conception_n of_o a_o god_n upon_o which_o all_o revelation_n be_v build_v and_o which_o must_v be_v previous_a and_o antecedent_n to_o it_o and_o make_v religion_n and_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o god_n which_o be_v the_o most_o cheerful_a and_o comfortable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v a_o hideous_o black_a and_o melancholy_a superstition_n and_o as_o this_o may_v reasonable_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o a_o great_a many_n become_a atheist_n who_o have_v rather_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o such_o be_v as_o a_o god_n than_o that_o he_o be_v such_o a_o unrighteous_a be_v as_o some_o will_v represent_v he_o so_o it_o will_v tempt_v any_o man_n to_o wish_v to_o be_v so_o if_o he_o can_v and_o if_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n but_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o be_v there_o vnrighteousness_n with_o god_n god_n forbid_v the_o second_o sermon_n matth_n xi_o 29._o last_v part._n and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n unto_o your_o soul_n our_o bless_a saviour_n in_o the_o forego_n verse_n be_v exhort_v all_o person_n to_o embrace_v his_o religion_n who_o be_v under_o any_o load_n and_o burden_n trouble_v and_o uneasiness_n of_o mind_n and_o he_o promise_v to_o give_v they_o ease_v and_o refreshment_n come_v unto_o i_o ally_v that_o labour_n and_o be_v heavy_a lade_v and_o i_o will_v give_v you_o rest_n this_o be_v a_o great_a undertake_n and_o proposal_n and_o very_o desirable_a and_o invite_v to_o mankind_n the_o disease_n and_o disorder_n and_o uneasiness_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v a_o great_a many_o more_o than_o those_o of_o the_o body_n and_o it_o be_v a_o more_o divine_a thing_n and_o more_o owe_v to_o the_o god_n as_o tully_n speak_v to_o find_v out_o proper_a physic_n and_o remedy_n to_o cure_v they_o than_o the_o other_o our_o saviour_n propose_v his_o religion_n and_o his_o example_n as_o the_o mean_n to_o do_v this_o take_v my_o yoke_n upon_o you_o and_o learn_v of_o i_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n of_o old_a in_o which_o the_o wise_a man_n always_o aim_v at_o this_o tranquillity_n and_o ease_n of_o mind_n and_o propose_v their_o doctrine_n as_o the_o way_n to_o attain_v it_o and_o give_v admirable_a rule_n of_o live_v up_o to_o such_o height_n of_o virtue_n as_o shall_v make_v man_n casie_a and_o happy_a in_o all_o condition_n even_o the_o worst_a that_o can_v befall_v they_o and_o a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v be_v as_o great_a example_n as_o teacher_n of_o these_o such_o as_o pythagoras_n socrates_n plato_n zeno_n and_o other_o who_o be_v the_o natural_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o teach_v they_o the_o best_a wisdom_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o best_a direction_n how_o to_o attain_v the_o true_a and_o perfect_a happiness_n they_o know_v humane_a nature_n to_o be_v capable_a of_o revelation_n and_o especial_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n have_v do_v the_o same_o with_o much_o great_a advantage_n have_v show_v we_o a_o right_a notion_n of_o happiness_n and_o all_o that_o conduce_v to_o it_o and_o have_v both_o enlarge_v the_o view_n and_o prospect_n of_o it_o in_o another_o world_n and_o improve_v the_o method_n of_o acquire_v and_o obtain_v it_o and_o confirm_v that_o good_a old_a notion_n that_o it_o lie_v only_o in_o virtue_n that_o nothing_o else_o can_v make_v a_o man_n happy_a and_o this_o alone_a can_v do_v it_o our_o saviour_n as_o well_o as_o most_o of_o the_o philosopher_n be_v to_o all_o appearance_n none_o of_o the_o happy_a man_n in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v poor_a and_o mean_a and_o despise_a and_o contemn_v and_o have_v very_o little_a or_o none_o of_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o the_o world_n place_n
and_o very_o miserable_a if_o our_o mere_a miss_v of_o they_o make_v we_o so_o and_o if_o we_o can_v attain_v they_o and_o become_v master_n of_o they_o we_o shall_v yet_o find_v ourselves_o disappoint_v and_o shall_v not_o meet_v with_o that_o happiness_n that_o we_o expect_v from_o they_o have_v we_o all_o we_o can_v wish_v for_o or_o desire_v in_o this_o world_n yet_o we_o shall_v not_o find_v that_o satisfaction_n and_o complete_a enjoyment_n we_o imagine_v beforehand_o in_o any_o condition_n for_o thus_o experience_n convince_v we_o and_o convince_v all_o mankind_n that_o there_o be_v still_o something_o want_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a whatsoever_o we_o enjoy_v of_o this_o world_n and_o how_o much_o soever_o we_o have_v of_o it_o there_o be_v so_o much_o emptiness_n in_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o it_o so_o much_o mixture_n and_o allay_v of_o evil_n with_o good_a it_o be_v so_o unagreeable_a to_o the_o large_a capacity_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o so_o short_a of_o fill_v and_o satisfy_v they_o that_o solomon_n pronounce_v of_o all_o worldly_a thing_n that_o they_o be_v vanity_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n eccles_n 1.14_o and_o this_o be_v not_o a_o philosophical_a rant_v or_o a_o discontent_a reflection_n or_o a_o hyperbolical_a say_n but_o a_o strict_a and_o certain_a truth_n found_v upon_o the_o best_a experience_n and_o the_o wise_a observation_n of_o thing_n for_o no_o man_n whoever_o set_v his_o heart_n upon_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n find_v that_o contentment_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n in_o they_o that_o he_o expect_v but_o meet_v with_o more_o care_n and_o trouble_n in_o the_o pursue_v they_o than_o they_o be_v worth_a and_o pierce_v himself_o through_o with_o a_o great_a many_o sorrow_n and_o anxiety_n by_o be_v over_o desirous_a of_o they_o and_o if_o he_o gain_v they_o with_o all_o his_o labour_n and_o toil_n yet_o be_v as_o far_o from_o true_a happiness_n as_o before_o for_o as_o the_o prophet_n elegant_o express_v it_o the_o bed_n be_v short_a than_o that_o a_o man_n can_v stretch_v himself_o on_o it_o and_o the_o cover_n narrow_a than_o that_o he_o can_v wrap_v himself_o in_o it_o isa_n 28.20_o worldly_n thing_n be_v too_o narrow_a short_a and_o imperfect_a and_o be_v no_o way_n fit_v to_o make_v we_o complete_o happy_a something_o will_v still_o be_v want_v that_o we_o call_v good_a and_o some_o evil_n will_v be_v present_a and_o mix_v with_o what_o we_o enjoy_v that_o will_v allay_v and_o embitter_v it_o to_o seek_v for_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n be_v to_o seek_v for_o the_o live_n among_o the_o dead_a it_o be_v not_o here_o it_o be_v rise_v it_o be_v above_o it_o be_v only_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o to_o be_v enjoy_v no_o where_o else_o religion_n raise_v our_o mind_n to_o a_o noble_a and_o true_a happiness_n than_o any_o in_o this_o world_n and_o it_o help_v we_o to_o as_o good_a degree_n of_o it_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o at_o present_a by_o take_v off_o our_o hope_n and_o desire_n and_o expectation_n of_o it_o as_o to_o worldly_a thing_n and_o cure_v we_o of_o too_o much_o concern_v and_o anxiety_n about_o they_o and_o make_v we_o indifferent_a and_o casie_a and_o content_v whatever_o our_o present_a circumstance_n be_v in_o this_o world_n which_o be_v the_o 4._o four_o thing_n by_o which_o it_o procure_v and_o afford_v this_o ease_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n that_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o most_o of_o the_o uneasiness_n of_o life_n be_v cause_v by_o a_o solicitude_n about_o worldly_a thing_n proceed_v from_o a_o immoderate_a love_n and_o a_o over_o great_a opinion_n of_o they_o as_o if_o our_o happiness_n lie_v in_o possess_v a_o great_a abundance_n of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o root_n of_o that_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n which_o make_v we_o inordinate_o desire_v riches_n and_o honour_n which_o two_o be_v very_o restless_a and_o uneasy_a vice_n and_o fill_v our_o life_n with_o infinite_a trouble_n and_o disquietude_n and_o make_v our_o mind_n always_o uneasy_a and_o discontent_a he_o be_v a_o very_a happy_a man_n who_o be_v easy_a and_o satisfy_v in_o his_o present_a circumstance_n and_o have_v learn_v with_o st._n paul_n in_o whatsoever_o state_n he_o be_v therewith_o to_o be_v content_a phil._n 4.11_o who_o have_v make_v such_o true_a judgement_n of_o worldly_a thing_n that_o he_o have_v no_o great_a opinion_n of_o they_o nor_o do_v admire_v or_o think_v there_o be_v very_o much_o in_o they_o but_o have_v the_o convenience_n and_o accommodation_n of_o life_n can_v eat_v of_o his_o own_o little_a morsel_n and_o drink_v out_o of_o his_o own_o brook_n with_o as_o much_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n as_o if_o he_o be_v to_o take_v from_o the_o great_a heap_n or_o drink_v of_o the_o great_a river_n or_o be_v entertain_v with_o all_o the_o luxurious_a plenty_n and_o ambitious_a state_n of_o the_o rich_a and_o great_a one_o who_o with_o all_o their_o enjoyment_n have_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o trouble_n and_o uneasiness_n than_o the_o other_o in_o a_o more_o moderate_a condition_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a the_o way_n to_o contentment_n and_o happiness_n be_v rather_o to_o abate_v our_o desire_n than_o to_o fill_v they_o and_o the_o more_o we_o raise_v and_o heighten_v these_o the_o more_o uneasy_a we_o shall_v always_o be_v vain_a opinion_n and_o weak_a imagination_n set_v a_o false_a value_n and_o estimate_n upon_o the_o outward_a difference_n among_o man_n but_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o may_v be_v all_o equal_o happy_a and_o that_o previdence_n have_v distribute_v good_a and_o evil_n with_o a_o more_o equal_a and_o impartial_a hand_n than_o we_o imagine_v and_o that_o those_o of_o low_a condition_n enjoy_v as_o much_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n as_o those_o of_o the_o high_a the_o difference_n be_v not_o make_v by_o circumstance_n but_o by_o temper_n of_o mind_n and_o by_o keep_v our_o desire_n within_o moderate_a bound_n and_o not_o be_v anxious_a or_o solicitous_a or_o uneasy_a for_o what_o we_o do_v not_o enjoy_v but_o in_o be_v content_v and_o well_o please_v with_o whatever_o providence_n allot_v to_o we_o when_o we_o bring_v ourselves_o to_o this_o we_o shall_v be_v easy_a and_o happy_a and_o free_a ourselves_o from_o those_o immoderate_a desire_n cark_n care_n and_o anxious_a sollicitude_n about_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n which_o pierce_v we_o through_o with_o a_o thousand_o sorrow_n and_o destroy_v the_o ease_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o our_o mind_n now_o to_o do_v this_o we_o must_v be_v teach_v and_o convince_v by_o religion_n that_o happiness_n lie_v not_o in_o outward_a thing_n and_o be_v cure_v of_o the_o contrary_a weak_a fancy_n and_o opinion_n that_o make_v we_o so_o immoderate_o desire_v they_o and_o be_v so_o anxious_o concern_v about_o they_o to_o the_o loss_n even_o of_o that_o rest_n and_o peace_n of_o mind_n that_o we_o may_v otherwise_o have_v without_o they_o 5._o religion_n teach_v we_o to_o govern_v our_o passion_n and_o low_a inclination_n and_o so_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o disturb_v we_o and_o break_v the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o our_o mind_n one_o of_o the_o great_a cause_n of_o uneasiness_n to_o we_o and_o what_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o this_o rest_n and_o tranquillity_n we_o be_v seek_v after_o be_v the_o disorder_n of_o our_o passion_n and_o the_o disturbance_n and_o disquiet_n they_o give_v we_o anger_n ruffle_n we_o and_o put_v we_o into_o a_o storm_n and_o destroy_v that_o smooth_a calm_a and_o sedate_v temper_v that_o meekness_n put_v we_o in_o envy_n prey_v upon_o itself_o and_o be_v inward_o corrode_v with_o its_o own_o sharp_a and_o sour_a humour_n pride_n swell_v its_o self_n with_o its_o own_o inward_a poison_n and_o be_v blow_v up_o with_o a_o inward_a vapour_n that_o pain_n and_o distend_v it_o and_o make_v it_o very_o uneasy_a even_o whilst_o it_o be_v very_o conceit_v of_o its_o self_n till_o these_o inward_a disease_n and_o indisposition_n and_o commotion_n of_o mind_n be_v cure_v in_o great_a measure_n by_o the_o prescription_n and_o direction_n of_o religion_n a_o man_n can_v have_v no_o ease_n and_o quiet_a in_o his_o own_o breast_n for_o while_o he_o be_v under_o the_o power_n of_o any_o of_o these_o or_o indeed_o of_o any_o low_a or_o bodily_a inclination_n such_o as_o lust_n anger_n brutal_a rage_n or_o brutal_a concupiscence_n and_o have_v not_o master_v those_o natural_a corruption_n nor_o bring_v those_o boisterous_a and_o headstrong_a passion_n under_o some_o government_n and_o subjection_n to_o the_o law_n of_o wisdom_n and_o decency_n virtue_n and_o religion_n they_o will_v run_v he_o into_o a_o thousand_o mischief_n folly_n and_o inconvenience_n and_o he_o will_v never_o have_v true_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n in_o his_o own_o mind_n it_o be_v the_o great_a business_n therefore_o
of_o religion_n to_o mortify_v these_o bodily_a passion_n and_o low_a inclination_n to_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n to_o put_v away_o all_o wrath_n and_o clamour_n and_o bitterness_n and_o to_o take_v off_o the_o corruption_n and_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n by_o the_o rule_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o to_o guard_v we_o where_o sin_n do_v so_o easy_o beset_v we_o by_o the_o consideration_n of_o heaven_n and_o eternity_n and_o another_o world_n which_o be_v only_a argument_n strong_a enough_o to_o make_v man_n conquer_v and_o deny_v those_o passion_n and_o inclination_n which_o be_v in_o great_a part_n natural_a to_o they_o religion_n have_v a_o power_n in_o it_o if_o due_o apply_v and_o attend_v to_o to_o make_v the_o most_o passionate_a man_n calm_a and_o gentle_a the_o most_o lustful_a man_n chaste_a to_o sweeten_v the_o most_o sour_a and_o ill-natured_a temper_n and_o tame_a the_o most_o outrageous_a and_o violent_a this_o christianity_n do_v of_o old_a as_o lactantius_n and_o other_o father_n assure_v we_o and_o boast_v of_o its_o virtue_n and_o efficacy_n and_o this_o it_o no_o doubt_n will_v and_o must_v do_v in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a happiness_n if_o we_o come_v under_o the_o full_a sense_n and_o perfect_a government_n of_o it_o for_o no_o man_n can_v go_v to_o heaven_n with_o those_o irregular_a and_o unmortified_a passion_n about_o he_o any_o more_o than_o come_v to_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n here_o what_o be_v require_v and_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o one_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o other_o also_o and_o what_o promote_v the_o one_o do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n promote_v the_o other_o for_o the_o more_o approach_v we_o make_v towards_o heaven_n hereafter_o the_o more_o we_o make_v at_o present_a to_o this_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o whatever_o tend_v to_o acquire_v the_o one_o tend_v also_o to_o acquire_v the_o other_o religion_n by_o the_o same_o way_n lead_v to_o both_o and_o the_o more_o we_o grow_v in_o one_o the_o more_o we_o shall_v grow_v in_o the_o other_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a perfection_n religion_n be_v to_o bring_v we_o to_o not_o to_o destroy_v or_o extirpate_v but_o govern_v and_o master_n our_o natural_a inclination_n and_o bodily_a passion_n and_o make_v they_o always_o easy_a to_o ourselves_o and_o subject_a to_o reason_n wisdom_n and_o virtue_n and_o when_o they_o be_v so_o than_o we_o shall_v be_v in_o this_o most_o pleasant_a and_o happy_a state_n which_o we_o call_v rest_n and_o tranquillity_n and_o calmness_n of_o mind_n 6._o religion_n and_o especial_o christianity_n remove_v all_o gild_n and_o all_o reason_n of_o inward_a trouble_n of_o mind_n and_o disquiet_v of_o conscience_n nothing_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o this_o peace_n and_o rest_v and_o tranquillity_n of_o soul_n as_o a_o inward_a consciousness_n of_o a_o man_n be_v own_o gild_n and_o a_o dread_n of_o what_o he_o deserve_v upon_o it_o this_o will_v always_o disturb_v and_o make_v he_o uneasy_a in_o whatever_o outward_a condition_n he_o be_v it_o will_v be_v a_o wound_n at_o his_o very_a heart_n and_o like_o a_o dart_n strike_v through_o his_o liver_n he_o will_v feel_v it_o like_o a_o prick_n upon_o a_o nerve_n a_o pain_n in_o the_o tender_a and_o most_o sensible_a part_n of_o his_o mind_n for_o such_o be_v a_o sense_n of_o gild_n and_o the_o fear_n and_o horror_n that_o go_v along_o with_o it_o now_o what_o shall_v cure_v this_o if_o a_o man_n have_v fall_v into_o it_o and_o what_o shall_v best_o preserve_v he_o from_o it_o but_o religion_n christianity_n have_v provide_v a_o remedy_n for_o the_o great_a gild_n which_o be_v the_o blood_n of_o christ_n and_o thereby_o pour_v in_o oil_n and_o balsam_n into_o the_o most_o wound_a conscience_n and_o by_o the_o privilege_n of_o repentance_n and_o new_a obedience_n restore_v it_o to_o peace_n and_o comfort_n and_o a_o good_a state_n and_o free_v it_o from_o its_o dreadful_a fear_n and_o apprehension_n it_o give_v a_o man_n firm_a ground_n of_o hope_n and_o comfort_n upon_o his_o return_n to_o his_o duty_n though_o he_o have_v not_o always_o observe_v it_o and_o assure_v he_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v well_o treat_v by_o god_n upon_o it_o this_o be_v a_o great_a thing_n which_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o and_o through_o christ_n and_o be_v the_o great_a grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o what_o natural_a religion_n can_v not_o discover_v or_o ensure_v to_o we_o christ_n alone_o give_v this_o rest_n to_o those_o who_o be_v weary_a and_o heavy_a lade_v with_o the_o burden_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o gild_n be_v a_o load_n and_o burden_v too_o heavy_a for_o we_o to_o bear_v but_o what_o he_o have_v do_v take_v it_o off_o from_o we_o upon_o our_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n and_o become_v good_a man_n though_o after_o we_o have_v be_v otherwise_o religion_n will_v best_a guard_n and_o preserve_v we_o against_o all_o sin_n and_o keep_v we_o from_o do_v any_o thing_n rash_o and_o inconsiderate_o that_o shall_v afterward_o trouble_v and_o vex_v we_o when_o we_o reflect_v upon_o it_o and_o will_v therefore_o prevent_v as_o well_o as_o cure_v the_o painful_a disorder_n and_o disturbance_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o uneasy_a mind_n and_o keep_v it_o always_o in_o the_o most_o virtuous_a and_o therefore_o most_o comfortable_a state_n for_o nothing_o be_v such_o a_o ground_n of_o peace_n and_o inward_a comfort_n as_o to_o live_v always_o in_o a_o habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o practice_n of_o one_o and_o by_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o other_o and_o never_o to_o act_v contrary_a to_o they_o or_o oppose_v they_o in_o any_o thing_n we_o do_v this_o will_v make_v a_o good_a man_n always_o please_v and_o satisfy_v from_o himself_o as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v prov._n 14.14_o and_o give_v he_o the_o close_a and_o the_o true_a happiness_n which_o be_v the_o peace_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n what_o a_o comfort_n a_o good_a conscience_n be_v it_o be_v like_a health_n or_o pleasure_n better_o feel_v than_o describe_v it_o be_v a_o continual_a feast_n in_o all_o condition_n a_o perpetual_a spring_n of_o joy_n and_o comfort_n rise_v up_o in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o mind_n and_o overflow_a his_o heart_n with_o unspeakable_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n what_o will_v make_v a_o man_n bear_v any_o circumstance_n endure_v any_o evil_a suffer_v any_o affliction_n go_v through_o any_o cross_n or_o reproach_n and_o be_v though_o not_o without_o sense_n yet_o without_o any_o great_a trouble_v when_o his_o innocent_a mind_n speak_v cheerful_o to_o he_o and_o refresh_v he_o from_o within_o a_o man_n can_v never_o have_v true_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n without_o virtue_n and_o religion_n for_o none_o but_o a_o good_a man_n conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o his_o own_o integrity_n and_o sincerity_n can_v have_v a_o good_a conscience_n and_o nothing_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o this_o ease_n and_o rest_v this_o tranquillity_n of_o soul_n as_o a_o evil_a conscience_n which_o like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n be_v always_o stormy_a and_o boisterous_a and_o cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v isa_n 57.20_o the_o filth_n that_o be_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o and_o be_v therefore_o the_o most_o direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o calm_a and_o serene_a state_n and_o temper_n of_o mind_n that_o we_o be_v seek_v after_o a_o evil_a conscience_n be_v always_o full_a of_o fear_n and_o horror_n of_o dread_a and_o disquietude_n it_o be_v a_o worm_n gnaw_v on_o a_o man_n vital_n a_o vulture_n prey_v on_o his_o liver_n a_o snake_n sting_v he_o to_o the_o heart_n a_o fury_n whip_v he_o a_o devil_n torment_v he_o a_o hell_n kindle_v in_o his_o own_o breast_n nothing_o can_v be_v too_o great_a and_o terrible_a to_o represent_v it_o by_o and_o hardly_o any_o thing_n can_v come_v up_o to_o the_o misery_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n religion_n by_o deliver_v we_o from_o that_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o great_a trouble_n and_o uneasiness_n of_o mind_n and_o whoever_o be_v not_o stupid_a and_o senseless_a will_v fall_v into_o that_o some_o time_n or_o other_o unless_o he_o live_v virtuous_o and_o religious_o 7._o religion_n give_v we_o cheerful_a hope_n as_o to_o another_o world_n and_o so_o take_v off_o the_o immoderate_a fear_n of_o death_n which_o must_v otherwise_o all_o our_o life_n make_v we_o subject_a to_o bondage_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v heb._n 2.15_o and_o fill_v we_o with_o wretched_a and_o servile_a fear_n whenever_o we_o think_v of_o die_a and_o we_o can_v but_o think_v of_o it_o sometime_o when_o we_o see_v the_o common_a fate_n of_o mortality_n in_o all_o other_o and_o have_v some_o warning_n and_o
monitor_n of_o it_o in_o our_o own_o body_n then_o what_o a_o melancholy_a thing_n must_v it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o think_v of_o go_v down_o into_o the_o place_n of_o darkness_n and_o forgetfulness_n to_o become_v a_o cold_a heavy_a lump_n a_o stiff_a dead_a corpse_n to_o have_v all_o his_o brisk_a and_o vigorous_a spirit_n put_v out_o and_o extinguish_v and_o a_o end_n put_v to_o all_o his_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n if_o he_o have_v not_o some_o hope_n of_o a_o after_o immortality_n and_o of_o a_o better_a life_n after_o this_o no_o man_n can_v enjoy_v himself_o or_o be_v easy_a in_o his_o thought_n if_o he_o think_v at_o all_o who_o know_v he_o must_v die_v in_o a_o little_a time_n if_o he_o have_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n take_v off_o and_o moderate_v by_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o religion_n he_o that_o consider_v say_v plutarch_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o nature_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o that_o death_n translate_v we_o into_o a_o better_a state_n or_o at_o least_o one_o that_o be_v not_o at_o all_o evil_a have_v make_v a_o excellent_a provision_n both_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o life_n and_o against_o the_o fear_n of_o death_n and_o he_o make_v this_o one_o of_o the_o great_a mean_n of_o procure_v this_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n thus_o to_o overcome_v the_o fear_n of_o death_n for_o otherwise_o that_o will_v embitter_v all_o our_o present_a enjoyment_n and_o spoil_v all_o our_o mirth_n and_o jollity_n and_o draw_v a_o dark_a cloud_n over_o all_o our_o cheerfullness_n and_o gaity_n to_o have_v the_o thought_n of_o death_n steal_v in_o now_o and_o then_o upon_o we_o as_o they_o unavoidable_o will_v if_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o make_v they_o less_o terrible_a and_o frightful_a than_o they_o will_v be_v to_o a_o wicked_a man_n he_o must_v be_v sad_o scare_v and_o amaze_v at_o any_o such_o thing_n and_o can_v think_v much_o less_o look_v on_o death_n without_o sad_a misgiving_n and_o horror_n of_o mind_n and_o therefore_o can_v never_o have_v any_o settle_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n in_o himself_o but_o it_o will_v be_v all_o break_v by_o one_o thought_n of_o mortality_n by_o the_o hear_n a_o knell_n or_o see_v a_o coffin_n for_o let_v he_o seem_v to_o put_v on_o never_o so_o much_o false_a courage_n and_o to_o laugh_v at_o these_o thing_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o his_o company_n and_o his_o vice_n yet_o he_o tremble_v at_o they_o when_o he_o be_v alone_o and_o a_o cold_a and_o clammy_a sweat_n feize_v upon_o he_o whenever_o he_o think_v of_o die_v in_o earnest_n nothing_o can_v prevent_v this_o despondency_n and_o die_v of_o mind_n and_o arm_v even_o against_o the_o natural_a fear_n of_o bodily_a death_n which_o will_v often_o come_v upon_o we_o and_o scatter_v all_o our_o other_o comfortable_a thought_n but_o religion_n which_o take_v out_o the_o sting_n of_o death_n which_o lessen_v and_o abate_v its_o terror_n and_o fortify_v we_o against_o it_o by_o the_o christian_a hope_n of_o be_v free_a from_o all_o gild_n and_o punishment_n hereafter_o and_o of_o have_v a_o better_a life_n and_o be_v in_o another_o world_n when_o we_o be_v to_o part_v with_o this_o here_o death_n must_v be_v very_o terrible_a to_o the_o thought_n either_o of_o a_o atheist_n by_o deprive_v he_o of_o all_o be_v and_o of_o all_o enjoyment_n or_o of_o a_o wicked_a christian_a by_o consign_v he_o to_o judgement_n and_o punishment_n and_o translate_n he_o to_o eternal_a death_n and_o misery_n only_a religion_n can_v take_v off_o its_o terror_n and_o sweeten_v the_o bitter_a cup_n with_o the_o support_v and_o comfort_n the_o aid_n and_o assistance_n the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n it_o afford_v to_o a_o good_a man_n in_o his_o last_o agony_n and_o extremity_n and_o at_o all_o other_o time_n when_o he_o think_v of_o die_v last_o religion_n infuse_v inward_a and_o unspeakable_a comfort_n into_o our_o mind_n from_o its_o present_a privilege_n and_o future_a hope_n from_o god_n and_o his_o spirit_n and_o their_o secret_a communication_n operation_n and_o influence_n upon_o our_o soul_n which_o be_v the_o high_a improvement_n and_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n nature_n and_o philosophy_n know_v nothing_o of_o this_o but_o revelation_n and_o especial_o the_o christian_n give_v we_o the_o knowledge_n and_o assurance_n of_o it_o and_o many_o a_o pious_a and_o good_a christian_n have_v feel_v the_o effect_n and_o comfort_n of_o it_o in_o his_o soul_n when_o he_o have_v have_v a_o cheerful_a and_o well_o ground_a sense_n that_o his_o sin_n be_v pardon_v in_o and_o through_o christ_n upon_o his_o true_a repentance_n and_o that_o he_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n upon_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o it_o and_o that_o he_o have_v a_o title_n to_o heaven_n by_o god_n promise_n upon_o his_o own_o sincerity_n and_o have_v reason_n to_o hope_n that_o he_o shall_v partake_v of_o all_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o christian_a salvation_n these_o will_v raise_v and_o inspire_v he_o as_o it_o do_v the_o apostle_n and_o first_o christian_n with_o a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a comfort_n peace_n and_o cheerfullness_n of_o soul_n and_o make_v he_o very_o happy_a though_o in_o the_o great_a suffering_n and_o outward_a affliction_n it_o be_v this_o which_o make_v the_o christian_n rejoice_v always_o in_o the_o lord_n rejoice_v in_o tribulation_n sing_v and_o be_v cheerful_a in_o prison_n and_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n over_o all_o their_o trouble_n when_o they_o have_v these_o inward_a comfort_n to_o support_v and_o raise_v and_o invigorate_v their_o mind_n when_o though_o their_o enemy_n be_v implacable_a and_o irreconcilable_a yet_o god_n they_o know_v be_v reconcile_v to_o they_o and_o though_o the_o world_n hate_v thom_n yet_o he_o love_v they_o though_o they_o have_v tribulation_n from_o without_o yet_o they_o have_v peace_n in_o themselves_o and_o peace_n in_o christ_n as_o he_o promise_v they_o mat._n 16.32_o and_o though_o all_o thing_n be_v very_o dark_a and_o dismal_a about_o they_o yet_o they_o have_v a_o clear_a prospect_n of_o heaven_n and_o like_o st._n stephen_n can_v see_v that_o open_v through_o a_o shower_n of_o stone_n and_o christ_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n one_o such_o view_n of_o christ_n and_o heaven_n though_o but_o by_o the_o eye_n of_o faith_n will_v give_v a_o man_n a_o pleasure_n and_o courage_n of_o mind_n above_o not_o only_o the_o pain_n and_o torment_n he_o endure_v but_o all_o other_o pleasure_n he_o ever_o feel_v in_o his_o life_n a_o great_a but_o ill_a man_n can_v say_v that_o the_o pleasure_n and_o comfort_n of_o religion_n even_o when_o they_o be_v mistake_v and_o enthusiastic_a be_v great_a than_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n and_o carnality_n what_o be_v they_o then_o when_o they_o be_v true_a and_o well_o ground_v how_o do_v they_o not_o only_o give_v peace_n to_o a_o man_n mind_n but_o even_o rapture_n not_o only_o calm_a and_o quiet_v it_o but_o transport_v it_o not_o only_o give_v it_o rest_v and_o tranquillity_n but_o ecstasy_n and_o joy_n this_o be_v call_v in_o scripture_n the_o joy_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n rom._n 14.17_o and_o the_o peace_n of_o god_n which_o pass_v all_o understanding_n philip._n 4.7_o for_o we_o do_v not_o know_v how_o god_n who_o be_v a_o spirit_n can_v communicate_v inward_a joy_n and_o peace_n to_o our_o spirit_n and_o convey_v a_o secret_a sense_n of_o his_o favour_n and_o relish_v of_o his_o kindness_n and_o make_v we_o taste_v and_o see_v how_o gracious_a he_o be_v as_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v psa_n 34.8_o and_o lift_v up_o the_o light_n of_o his_o countenance_n upon_o we_o there_o be_v more_o in_o all_o this_o not_o only_o in_o the_o extraordinary_a support_n promise_v in_o particular_a case_n and_o circumstance_n but_o in_o the_o ordinary_a hope_n and_o comfort_n of_o religion_n to_o a_o good_a man_n than_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n all_o the_o charm_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n can_v ever_o amount_v to_o and_o as_o we_o plain_o feel_v peace_n and_o ease_n of_o mind_n to_o be_v a_o great_a good_a than_o any_o bodily_a pleasure_n and_o know_v this_o from_o sense_n and_o experience_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n so_o when_o this_o be_v heighten_v by_o those_o unspeakable_a joy_n and_o that_o inconceiveable_a peace_n which_o be_v derive_v from_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o his_o holy_a spirit_n these_o give_v such_o a_o improvement_n to_o this_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n as_o nothing_o can_v equal_v but_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o heaven_n and_o which_o the_o wife_n heathen_n and_o philosopher_n know_v nothing_o of_o in_o their_o discourse_n on_o this_o subject_a religion_n and_o christianity_n therefore_o outdo_v
these_o and_o discover_v new_a spring_n to_o feed_v and_o maintain_v this_o and_o to_o raise_v it_o high_o and_o though_o they_o run_v into_o the_o same_o channel_n namely_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o mind_n yet_o it_o be_v with_o a_o full_a current_n and_o a_o strong_a stream_n and_o they_o do_v more_o perfect_o promote_v that_o rest_n and_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n which_o though_o it_o be_v various_a in_o degree_n yet_o be_v the_o great_a happiness_n perfection_n or_o pleasure_n it_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o general_a either_o in_o this_o or_o the_o other_o world_n whoever_o attain_v to_o this_o be_v the_o happy_a man_n whatever_o his_o outward_a condition_n be_v for_o while_o he_o be_v easy_a within_o himself_o and_o have_v a_o inward_a rest_n peace_n and_o tranquillity_n in_o his_o own_o soul_n all_o outward_a thing_n signify_v very_o little_a to_o he_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o promise_v his_o disciple_n or_o follower_n any_o good_a circumstance_n or_o happy_a outward_a condition_n in_o this_o world_n but_o he_o promise_v they_o peace_n in_o he_o and_o peace_n in_o themselves_o and_o that_o if_o they_o follow_v his_o example_n and_o learn_v his_o temper_n and_o live_v up_o to_o his_o religion_n they_o shall_v find_v rest_n and_o ease_n to_o their_o soul_n and_o be_v free_v from_o those_o heavy_a load_v and_o burden_n that_o oppress_v our_o mind_n and_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o misery_n to_o we_o religion_n and_o christianity_n be_v the_o true_a cure_n for_o the_o uneasiness_n and_o indisposition_n and_o disease_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o if_o we_o can_v live_v up_o to_o its_o wise_a rule_n and_o bring_v ourselves_o to_o that_o frame_n and_o temper_v of_o mind_n it_o will_v beget_v in_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v always_o easy_a and_o always_o happy_a as_o happy_a as_o we_o can_v be_v in_o this_o world_n in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o evil_n of_o it_o and_o eternal_o and_o complete_o happy_a in_o the_o next_o the_o three_o sermon_n mat._n vii_o 13_o 14._o enter_v you_o in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n for_o wide_a be_v the_o gate_n and_o broad_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o destruction_n and_o many_o there_o be_v which_o go_v in_o thereat_o because_o straight_o be_v the_o ga'e_a and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n which_o lead_v unto_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o give_v the_o world_n a_o set_n code_n of_o law_n as_o moses_n do_v the_o jew_n or_o a_o methodical_a system_fw-la of_o ethic_n as_o other_o writer_n have_v do_v since_o no_o more_o do_v the_o other_o wise_a teacher_n of_o virtue_n and_o morality_n pythagoras_n socrates_n epictetus_n antoninus_n and_o other_o heathen_n the_o patriarch_n of_o old_a who_o be_v preacher_n of_o righteousness_n solomon_n or_o the_o prophet_n afterward_o but_o with_o great_a simplicity_n and_o inartificial_a plainness_n they_o drop_v their_o excellent_a precept_n and_o sage_a direction_n without_o any_o formal_a method_n and_o thus_o christ_n teach_v we_o the_o best_a and_o most_o perfect_a rule_n of_o virtue_n in_o his_o occasional_a discourse_n and_o particular_o in_o this_o his_o excellent_a sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n which_o be_v such_o a_o discourse_n that_o it_o carry_v a_o internal_a evidence_n and_o a_o heavenly_a authority_n along_o with_o it_o enough_o to_o satisfy_v any_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o that_o it_o come_v from_o god_n though_o it_o have_v no_o miracle_n nor_o other_o evidence_n to_o prove_v it_o for_o the_o soul_n if_o it_o be_v not_o vitiate_a taste_n and_o relish_v such_o congenial_a truth_n that_o be_v agreeable_a and_o natural_a to_o it_o as_o the_o palate_n do_v its_o food_n and_o judge_n of_o their_o inward_a truth_n and_o goodness_n by_o a_o internal_a sensation_n and_o perception_n and_o a_o immediate_a congruity_n to_o its_o faculty_n when_o our_o saviour_n come_v towards_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o his_o sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n which_o be_v a_o epitome_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o those_o virtuous_a precept_n which_o be_v to_o make_v his_o follower_n the_o best_a man_n in_o the_o world_n to_o make_v they_o exceed_v all_o the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n and_o outdo_v all_o the_o example_n and_o all_o the_o character_n of_o heathen_a virtue_n he_o tell_v they_o there_o will_v be_v great_a difficulty_n to_o rise_v to_o these_o attainment_n that_o religion_n and_o virtue_n in_o such_o a_o pitch_n as_o he_o have_v set_v they_o and_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o good_a christian_a and_o to_o fit_v he_o for_o heaven_n be_v not_o such_o slight_a and_o easy_a thing_n but_o that_o they_o must_v use_v great_a care_n and_o pain_n and_o labour_n in_o the_o attain_n and_o perform_v of_o they_o that_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o be_v vicious_a and_o wicked_a and_o therefore_o most_o man_n be_v so_o but_o that_o to_o be_v virtuous_a as_o a_o christian_a ought_v to_o be_v in_o all_o those_o instance_n and_o degree_n he_o have_v teach_v they_o be_v a_o more_o hard_a and_o difficult_a matter_n and_o that_o few_o will_v come_v up_o to_o it_o but_o yet_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o they_o must_v either_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o do_v this_o to_o come_v up_o to_o these_o strict_a term_n or_o else_o they_o must_v perish_v and_o be_v undo_v for_o ever_o by_o fall_v short_a of_o they_o enter_v you_o in_o at_o the_o strait_a gate_n from_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v consider_v i._n what_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n or_o upon_o what_o account_n they_o be_v a_o strait_a gate_n and_o a_o narrow_a way_n and_o vice_n a_o wide_a gate_n and_o a_o broad_a way_n ii_o press_v the_o duty_n and_o propose_v the_o motive_n for_o our_o enter_v in_o at_o this_o strait_a gate_n and_o narrow_a way_n notwithstanding_o that_o it_o be_v so_o 1._o what_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n etc._n etc._n 1._o then_o our_o saviour_n word_n may_v perhaps_o have_v some_o regard_n to_o the_o hard_a circumstance_n danger_n and_o persecution_n that_o christianity_n be_v expose_v to_o at_o that_o time_n in_o those_o first_o age_n of_o it_o and_o be_v liable_a to_o afterward_o then_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o strait_a gate_n when_o they_o who_o enter_v into_o it_o be_v bind_v to_o leave_v all_o they_o have_v in_o this_o world_n all_o their_o temporal_a interest_n and_o possession_n for_o christ_n sake_n and_o the_o gospel_n and_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n must_v suffer_v persecution_n 2_o tim._n 3.12_o than_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o a_o rich_a man_n who_o have_v great_a possession_n and_o be_v loath_a to_o part_v with_o they_o to_o follow_v christ_n though_o he_o have_v a_o great_a desire_n and_o inclination_n to_o do_v so_o as_o in_o the_o instance_n of_o the_o young_a man_n mat._n 19.21_o so_o that_o our_o saviour_n say_v thereupon_o it_o be_v easy_a for_o a_o camel_n to_o go_v through_o the_o eye_n of_o a_o needle_n than_o for_o a_o rich_a man_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n i._n e._n to_o become_v a_o christian_a at_o that_o time_n then_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v straight_o and_o narrow_a when_o it_o be_v beset_v with_o so_o many_o danger_n fill_v with_o cross_n and_o gibbet_n and_o a_o man_n must_v venture_v his_o life_n as_o well_o as_o estate_n whenever_o he_o enter_v into_o it_o but_o this_o be_v but_o a_o particular_a and_o accidental_a case_n though_o every_o good_a christian_n ought_v to_o come_v to_o such_o a_o perfection_n in_o religion_n as_o to_o be_v prepare_v and_o dispose_v for_o this_o whenever_o god_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o put_v this_o hard_a trial_n and_o difficulty_n upon_o he_o but_o 2._o christianity_n be_v thus_o strait_a and_o narrow_a upon_o other_o account_n viz._n the_o stand_a term_n and_o condition_n of_o it_o as_o it_o forbid_v every_o sin_n and_o every_o wilful_a wickedness_n upon_o the_o pain_n of_o damnation_n this_o be_v very_o hard_o indeed_o to_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n and_o make_v it_o a_o very_a strait_a and_o narrow_a way_n when_o it_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o any_o one_o darling_n lust_n undue_a liberty_n or_o belove_a sin_n to_o go_v along_o with_o we_o for_o according_a to_o the_o gospel_n he_o that_o will_v not_o part_v with_o every_o wilful_a sin_n however_o pleasant_a or_o profitable_a it_o be_v to_o he_o must_v part_v with_o heaven_n for_o it_o though_o the_o temptation_n to_o it_o be_v never_o so_o great_a and_o the_o charm_n of_o it_o never_o so_o powerful_a yet_o if_o religion_n do_v not_o conquer_v and_o overcome_v it_o we_o must_v for_o the_o short_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o
the_o mind_n and_o divine_a life_n of_o the_o soul_n like_o the_o life_n health_n or_o beauty_n of_o the_o body_n must_v be_v make_v up_o of_o the_o regular_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d disposition_n and_o symmetry_n of_o all_o the_o part_n whereas_o one_o fatal_a wound_n or_o mortal_a disease_n may_v kill_v we_o as_o well_o as_o many_o and_o one_o great_a and_o notorious_a deformity_n will_v disfigure_v a_o whole_a face_n virtue_n be_v like_o a_o straight_a line_n which_o must_v be_v every_o where_o even_o and_o regular_a but_o a_o crooked_a and_o irregular_a one_o may_v be_v so_o in_o a_o hundred_o part_n vice_n be_v infinite_a and_o know_v no_o bound_n but_o wander_v and_o rove_v through_o all_o the_o vast_a unlimited_a extent_n of_o evil_a but_o virtue_n confine_v we_o and_o keep_v we_o within_o the_o narrow_a compass_n of_o what_o be_v good_a and_o righteous_a and_o make_v our_o duty_n by_o a_o divine_a law_n these_o be_v from_o religion_n its_o term_n condition_n and_o constitution_n there_o be_v two_o other_o difficulty_n arise_v from_o ourselves_o 7._o a_o great_a reason_n why_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v so_o straight_o and_o narrow_a a_o way_n be_v because_o our_o natural_a appetite_n and_o inclination_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o our_o present_a state_n be_v so_o many_o and_o so_o hard_a to_o be_v all_o govern_v and_o keep_v within_o the_o bound_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n these_o result_n from_o our_o animal_n nature_n and_o be_v a_o true_a part_n of_o we_o as_o compound_v of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o be_v so_o much_o god_n workmanship_n and_o creation_n that_o we_o neither_o can_v nor_o aught_o to_o destroy_v they_o he_o allow_v we_o to_o gratify_v they_o within_o due_a bound_n and_o do_v not_o put_v those_o strong_a appetite_n in_o our_o nature_n mere_o to_o vex_v and_o torture_v and_o disatisfie_v we_o but_o we_o must_v govern_v they_o with_o great_a care_n and_o not_o lay_v loose_a the_o reins_o upon_o their_o neck_n nor_o let_v they_o grow_v too_o masterless_a and_o unruly_a at_o any_o time_n for_o reason_n and_o religion_n they_o be_v i_o confess_v the_o great_a trial_n and_o instance_n of_o human_a virtue_n and_o they_o may_v become_v a_o snare_n to_o we_o and_o the_o great_a inlet_n into_o sin_n without_o due_a care_n and_o watchfulness_n and_o managery_n we_o must_v be_v therefore_o always_o upon_o our_o guard_n lest_o this_o flesh_n and_o sense_n which_o we_o carry_v about_o we_o and_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o become_v a_o traitor_n to_o we_o and_o sin_n do_v not_o some_o way_n or_o other_o surprise_v we_o and_o enter_v at_o some_o of_o those_o weak_a place_n of_o humane_a nature_n we_o must_v stop_v and_o check_v the_o strong_a inclination_n when_o it_o will_v lead_v we_o into_o sin_n and_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v vicious_a immoderate_a and_o excessive_a destroy_v it_o though_o with_o never_o so_o much_o pain_n and_o violence_n we_o must_v pluck_v out_o a_o right_a eye_n and_o cut_v off_o a_o right_a hand_n and_o destroy_v every_o sinful_a inclination_n be_v it_o never_o so_o natural_a to_o we_o and_o crucify_v the_o flesh_n with_o the_o affection_n and_o lust_n so_o that_o we_o may_v keep_v they_o always_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n and_o suffer_v no_o sin_n to_o reign_v in_o our_o mortal_a body_n that_o we_o shall_v obey_v it_o in_o the_o lust_n thereof_o romans_z 6.12_o 8._o last_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n arise_v main_o from_o the_o prejudices_fw-la and_o ill_a custom_n and_o habit_n of_o vice_n which_o get_v possession_n of_o most_o man_n before_o they_o well_o understand_v religion_n and_o the_o true_a good_a and_o necessity_n of_o it_o our_o first_o year_n be_v a_o life_n of_o sense_n before_o we_o grow_v up_o to_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o then_o other_o thing_n make_v the_o first_o impression_n upon_o our_o mind_n and_o fill_v they_o with_o weak_a image_n and_o fancy_n and_o foolish_a thought_n and_o thus_o when_o our_o passion_n be_v strong_a and_o our_o reason_n be_v weak_a vice_n general_o get_v the_o start_n of_o religion_n and_o without_o a_o very_a happy_a and_o virtuous_a education_n we_o contract_v a_o great_a many_o ill_a habit_n and_o vicious_a custom_n that_o increase_n and_o grow_v up_o with_o we_o and_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o break_v and_o alter_v those_o when_o we_o grow_v wise_a by_o time_n and_o experience_n and_o come_v afterward_o to_o have_v a_o better_a sense_n of_o religion_n and_o better_a apprehension_n about_o it_o though_o we_o be_v then_o convince_v of_o the_o folly_n and_o danger_n of_o our_o sin_n yet_o we_o be_v become_v such_o slave_n to_o they_o by_o long_a use_n that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o break_v their_o chain_n and_o get_v loose_a from_o they_o and_o here_o lie_v the_o great_a difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o make_v it_o to_o be_v a_o strait_a gate_n and_o a_o narrow_a way_n especial_o at_o the_o first_o entrance_n into_o it_o when_o old_a custom_n and_o habit_n must_v be_v change_v and_o alter_v former_a liberty_n retrench_v and_o deny_v old_a companion_n must_v be_v forsake_v and_o former_a temptation_n must_v be_v overcome_v and_o repentance_n which_o be_v the_o hard_a part_n of_o religion_n must_v be_v the_o first_o duty_n of_o it_o and_o must_v cure_v the_o old_a prejudices_fw-la and_o the_o long_a habit_n of_o sin_n and_o in_o the_o scripture_n phrase_n bring_v in_o a_o new_a nature_n a_o new_a soul_n and_o make_v we_o new_a creature_n and_o new_a man_n this_o be_v a_o great_a difficulty_n indeed_o but_o it_o be_v bring_v upon_o ourselves_o by_o our_o own_o fault_n and_o we_o can_v blame_v religion_n for_o it_o any_o more_o than_o we_o can_v the_o physician_n or_o the_o physic_n that_o be_v to_o cure_v we_o of_o a_o disease_n that_o we_o have_v let_v run_v so_o long_o upon_o we_o that_o it_o be_v hard_a now_o to_o perform_v the_o cure_n and_o it_o can_v be_v do_v without_o go_v through_o a_o long_a and_o tedious_a course_n and_o use_v a_o strict_a regimen_n and_o very_o great_a abstinence_n from_o what_o may_v be_v hurtful_a to_o we_o the_o great_a argument_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o all_o this_o be_v that_o we_o must_v die_v if_o we_o do_v not_o if_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o difficulty_n and_o hard_a thing_n in_o religion_n we_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o it_o we_o must_v be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o we_o must_v lose_v all_o that_o life_n and_o happiness_n those_o glorious_a reward_n it_o promise_v to_o we_o in_o another_o world_n and_o we_o must_v suffer_v all_o the_o dreadful_a amaze_a punishment_n it_o there_o threaten_v there_o be_v no_o reserve_n against_o this_o but_o either_o by_o pervert_v religion_n or_o by_o deny_v it_o either_o corrupt_a its_o principle_n and_o by_o false_a and_o mistake_v notion_n give_v ourselves_o hope_n of_o happiness_n without_o live_v up_o to_o the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o it_o or_o else_o utter_o deny_v it_o as_o a_o cheat_n and_o a_o falsehood_n the_o latter_a be_v more_o impudent_a and_o dare_a and_o what_o but_o few_o harden_a wretch_n can_v come_v up_o to_o the_o other_o be_v more_o common_a and_o as_o pernicious_a and_o destructive_a more_o soul_n be_v lose_v by_o false_a principle_n and_o the_o horrid_a corrupt_v of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n than_o by_o downright_a atheism_n and_o insidelity_n by_o trust_v to_o a_o late_a and_o deathbed_n repentance_n and_o think_v a_o little_a matter_n will_v do_v the_o business_n hereafter_o as_o well_o as_o a_o very_a strict_a and_o a_o very_a good_a life_n by_o rely_v upon_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n for_o salvation_n without_o obedience_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o perform_v such_o thing_n upon_o which_o alone_o those_o be_v promise_v by_o think_v to_o be_v save_v or_o justify_v by_o faith_n alone_o without_o work_n or_o a_o good_a life_n and_o make_v faith_n to_o lie_v in_o a_o presumptuous_a confidence_n of_o god_n favour_n or_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o christ_n without_o regard_n to_o the_o plain_a term_n and_o condition_n of_o christianity_n or_o by_o the_o other_o superstitious_a doctrine_n of_o have_v sin_n pardon_v by_o a_o absolution_n or_o a_o indulgence_n and_o the_o like_a such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o which_o turn_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n into_o wantonness_n which_o make_v religion_n a_o encouragement_n to_o looseness_n and_o licentiousness_n and_o give_v man_n hope_n to_o escape_v misery_n though_o they_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o come_v not_o up_o to_o the_o strict_a and_o severe_a term_n in_o religion_n but_o to_o go_v to_o heaven_n by_o some_o other_o imaginary_a and_o unaccountable_a way_n and_o to_o be_v save_v upon_o some_o account_n or_o other_o by_o grace_n or_o christ_n without_o enter_v this_o strait_a gate_n and_o
ourselves_o and_o mischievous_a to_o the_o world_n it_o do_v not_o destroy_v any_o of_o our_o natural_a pleasure_n but_o refine_v and_o purify_v they_o and_o draw_v they_o off_o from_o the_o filth_n and_o sediment_n which_o lie_v always_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o those_o that_o be_v sinful_a and_o so_o it_o make_v they_o clear_a and_o sweet_a and_o free_v they_o from_o all_o that_o nauseousness_n and_o bitterness_n that_o vice_n general_o mix_v with_o they_o virtue_n do_v neither_o decay_n nor_o disease_n our_o body_n trouble_v or_o torment_v our_o mind_n consume_v or_o squander_v away_o our_o estate_n nor_o ruin_n and_o shipwreck_n our_o fortune_n nor_o bring_v any_o such_o mischief_n upon_o we_o in_o this_o world_n as_o man_n sin_n often_o do_v but_o as_o keep_v the_o bound_n of_o it_o will_v lead_v we_o to_o eternal_a life_n so_o it_o will_v general_o promote_v and_o improve_v the_o great_a happiness_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o in_o this_o 3._o religion_n be_v as_o easy_a as_o god_n can_v possible_o make_v it_o and_o none_o of_o its_o straitness_n and_o severity_n be_v arbitrary_o impose_v upon_o we_o but_o from_o the_o reason_n and_o necessity_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o absolute_a fitness_n goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o whatever_o it_o command_v and_o its_o real_a tendency_n to_o our_o great_a perfection_n and_o happiness_n for_o religion_n be_v not_o a_o arbitrary_a and_o positive_a thing_n make_v so_o by_o the_o mere_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n which_o may_v have_v lessen_v our_o burden_n and_o abate_v of_o our_o duty_n in_o many_o case_n have_v he_o please_v and_o not_o impose_v such_o hard_a task_n and_o such_o strait_a and_o severe_a virtue_n upon_o we_o but_o have_v leave_v we_o more_o loose_a and_o not_o tie_v we_o up_o so_o strict_o as_o he_o have_v do_v this_o be_v a_o great_a mistake_n and_o a_o wretched_a misunderstand_a of_o religion_n for_o that_o as_o to_o the_o moral_a part_n of_o it_o be_v found_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o be_v eternal_a and_o unalterable_a and_o in_o the_o as_o eternal_a and_o unalterable_a reason_n of_o thing_n and_o those_o respect_n and_o relation_n which_o they_o necessary_o have_v to_o one_o another_o so_o that_o as_o god_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o circle_n or_o a_o triangle_n nor_o make_v two_o and_o two_o not_o to_o be_v four_o so_o neither_o can_v he_o the_o nature_n of_o vice_n and_o virtue_n nor_o make_v good_a to_o be_v evil_a or_o evil_a good_n moral_a virtue_n be_v as_o much_o found_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n as_o mathematical_a truth_n or_o metaphysical_a verity_n and_o the_o property_n of_o they_o be_v as_o certain_a and_o fix_v as_o those_o of_o line_n or_o number_n such_o action_n be_v as_o necessary_a to_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o society_n and_o particular_a person_n as_o such_o office_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o body_n be_v to_o maintain_v its_o life_n and_o health_n so_o that_o breathe_v be_v not_o more_o necessary_a to_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o one_o than_o justice_n fidelity_n and_o other_o virtue_n be_v to_o the_o other_o and_o shall_v god_n have_v let_v we_o loose_v from_o any_o of_o those_o virtue_n even_o the_o strict_a of_o they_o which_o the_o libertine_n be_v most_o apt_a to_o complain_v against_o such_o as_o those_o which_o restrain_v their_o natural_a passion_n of_o lust_n and_o anger_n he_o will_v have_v let_v in_o a_o thousand_o mischief_n and_o evil_n into_o the_o world_n and_o have_v road_v we_o as_o brutish_a and_o uncivilized_a and_o as_o miserable_a as_o the_o very_a beast_n themselves_o and_o as_o uncapable_a of_o society_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o good_a order_n and_o government_n but_o 4._o as_o all_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v good_a and_o as_o easy_a as_o he_o can_v make_v they_o so_o they_o be_v make_v more_o easy_a by_o that_o divine_a grace_n and_o assistance_n whereby_o he_o enable_v we_o to_o perform_v they_o and_o whereby_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n be_v much_o lighten_v and_o abate_v for_o every_o thing_n be_v say_v to_o be_v light_n or_o heavy_a in_o proportion_n to_o the_o strength_n and_o power_n of_o another_o and_o according_a as_o our_o strength_n be_v increase_v by_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o holy_a spirit_n so_o be_v religion_n and_o virtue_n make_v more_o easy_a to_o we_o so_o much_o then_o of_o inward_a strength_n and_o power_n as_o be_v convey_v to_o our_o mind_n by_o god_n grace_n which_o be_v a_o physical_a and_o secret_a energy_n like_o that_o of_o inward_a life_n strengthen_v we_o mighty_o in_o the_o inward_a man_n regenerate_v quicken_a renew_v raise_v enliven_a we_o as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v so_o much_o light_a be_v the_o burden_n of_o religion_n that_o god_n lay_v upon_o we_o for_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o take_v off_o so_o much_o from_o that_o or_o to_o add_v so_o much_o new_a strength_n to_o he_o that_o be_v to_o bear_v it_o and_o therefore_o however_o hard_a and_o difficult_a religion_n be_v to_o the_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o human_a nature_n to_o our_o single_a power_n which_o will_v of_o itself_o fall_v and_o sink_v under_o it_o yet_o when_o we_o have_v the_o assistance_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o aid_n and_o supply_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o help_v and_o cooperate_v with_o we_o than_o we_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n through_o christ_n which_o strengthen_v we_o and_o through_o his_o grace_n which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o and_o we_o can_v in_o reason_n complain_v for_o want_v of_o power_n when_o we_o may_v have_v it_o and_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o give_v we_o whatever_o power_n we_o want_v even_o to_o conquer_v the_o strong_a propensity_n and_o most_o irresistible_a temptation_n and_o this_o will_v take_v great_o off_o from_o the_o badness_n of_o the_o way_n which_o lead_v to_o life_n when_o we_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n like_o a_o good_a angel_n to_o lead_v we_o through_o it_o always_o to_o comfort_n and_o help_v and_o encourage_v we_o in_o it_o so_o that_o it_o will_v be_v much_o more_o tolerable_a though_o it_o be_v through_o never_o so_o dark_a and_o unpleasant_a a_o wilderness_n when_o like_o the_o jew_n we_o have_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o power_n to_o conduct_v we_o all_o along_o to_o the_o happy_a land_n 5._o though_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o complain_v of_o the_o difficulty_n in_o religion_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o great_a end_n whatever_o which_o we_o can_v attain_v without_o as_o much_o pain_n and_o labour_n and_o go_v through_o as_o many_o difficulty_n and_o hardship_n as_o we_o do_v in_o religion_n no_o man_n can_v arrive_v to_o learning_n or_o to_o any_o liberal_a art_n or_o science_n in_o any_o perfection_n no_o man_n can_v rise_v to_o honour_n and_o preferment_n can_v get_v a_o estate_n or_o the_o like_a without_o use_v as_o much_o diligence_n as_o much_o care_n and_o watchfulness_n as_o in_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n without_o deny_v himself_o as_o many_o 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conscience_n than_o let_v go_v a_o present_a interest_n so_o that_o when_o these_o two_o be_v put_v together_o in_o the_o balance_n of_o our_o cool_a judgement_n earthly_a treasure_n do_v much_o outweigh_v the_o heavenly_a in_o our_o thought_n and_o though_o they_o be_v much_o light_a in_o themselves_o yet_o our_o affection_n always_o cast_v the_o scale_n on_o that_o side_n and_o so_o likewise_o in_o the_o possession_n as_o well_o as_o get_v of_o riches_n when_o we_o use_v they_o base_o or_o not_o at_o all_o and_o be_v unwilling_a to_o part_v with_o they_o upon_o a_o good_a occasion_n when_o a_o decent_a opportunity_n call_v for_o they_o when_o our_o poor_a brother_n stand_v in_o need_n of_o they_o when_o god_n or_o the_o public_a require_v they_o of_o we_o when_o we_o can_v serve_v the_o end_n of_o piety_n or_o charity_n or_o public_a good_a by_o they_o than_o not_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o part_v with_o they_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n that_o we_o love_v they_o too_o well_o that_o we_o think_v nothing_o so_o good_a as_o our_o money_n and_o that_o we_o count_v it_o much_o more_o eligible_a to_o be_v rich_a than_o to_o be_v either_o good_a or_o charitable_a or_o pious_a and_o that_o we_o have_v much_o rather_o be_v one_o than_o the_o other_o nay_o which_o be_v strange_a be_v one_o than_o both_o so_o little_o do_v we_o value_v every_o thing_n else_o and_o think_v nothing_o be_v to_o be_v compare_v to_o a_o great_a heap_n and_o a_o long_a inventory_n and_o that_o what_o we_o have_v in_o our_o chest_n and_o our_o coffer_n be_v much_o more_o valuable_a than_o what_o we_o have_v in_o our_o soul_n or_o than_o the_o soul_n itself_o 3._o this_o comparative_a precept_n suppose_v that_o we_o must_v use_v as_o much_o care_n and_o diligence_n to_o obtain_v the_o heavenly_a as_o the_o earthly_a treasure_n and_o if_o man_n will_v once_o do_v that_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o will_v never_o miss_v of_o the_o former_a if_o we_o will_v as_o hearty_o and_o diligent_o set_v about_o get_v heaven_n and_o make_v ourselves_o virtuous_a as_o we_o do_v about_o get_v a_o livelihood_n and_o make_v ourselves_o rich_a we_o shall_v never_o sail_v of_o the_o one_o though_o we_o very_o often_o do_v of_o the_o other_o a_o thousand_o accicident_n and_o contingence_n hinder_v we_o of_o obtain_v our_o worldly_a aim_n and_o with_o all_o our_o thought_n and_o toil_n and_o care_n we_o can_v never_o compass_v our_o wish_n but_o when_o we_o have_v tire_v ourselves_o with_o a_o hot_a and_o eager_a pursuit_n of_o these_o worldly_a thing_n and_o follow_v they_o as_o close_o as_o we_o can_v through_o a_o hundred_o maze_n and_o labyrinth_n yet_o they_o fly_v away_o and_o we_o can_v never_o catch_v or_o lay_v hold_v of_o they_o but_o in_o the_o heavenly_a treasure_n it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o no_o man_n ever_o miss_v they_o that_o do_v all_o he_o can_v to_o obtain_v they_o that_o after_o he_o have_v set_v himself_o serious_o about_o they_o use_v his_o utmost_a endeavour_n and_o persevere_v in_o do_v so_o at_o last_o he_o will_v most_o certain_o and_o infallible_o get_v they_o if_o he_o be_v no_o way_n want_v to_o himself_o if_o he_o be_v hearty_a and_o resolve_v in_o the_o business_n and_o do_v not_o by_o idleness_n or_o something_o else_o break_v off_o his_o design_n too_o soon_o he_o will_v never_o fail_v of_o success_n at_o the_o last_o which_o shall_v be_v a_o very_a great_a encouragement_n to_o make_v we_o more_o diligent_a about_o those_o heavenly_a treasure_n which_o have_v many_o other_o consideration_n to_o excite_v our_o industry_n and_o our_o labour_n about_o they_o their_o exceed_a value_n and_o last_a duration_n which_o be_v the_o constant_a motive_n that_o put_v we_o upon_o a_o unwearied_a care_n and_o labour_n after_o any_o thing_n here_o what_o pain_n do_v we_o refuse_v what_o labour_n do_v we_o count_v too_o much_o to_o get_v a_o plentiful_a estate_n that_o we_o may_v quick_o leave_v and_o be_v but_o a_o short_a time_n the_o better_a for_o if_o it_o may_v descend_v to_o our_o child_n and_o family_n how_o can_v man_n deny_v themselves_o their_o ease_n and_o their_o quiet_n nay_o their_o meat_n and_o their_o sleep_n and_o drudge_n and_o toil_n very_o willing_o for_o that_o nay_o how_o do_v a_o poor_a man_n labour_n and_o sweat_n strain_v his_o nerve_n and_o his_o muscle_n to_o get_v bread_n and_o a_o mean_a livelihood_n why_o if_o we_o think_v heaven_n be_v worth_a our_o while_n do_v we_o not_o use_v as_o much_o labour_n for_o that_o as_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o undergo_v for_o a_o lesser_a matter_n if_o the_o heavenly_a treasure_n be_v but_o of_o equal_a worth_n be_v but_o at_o the_o same_o rate_n with_o the_o earthly_a yet_o why_o do_v we_o not_o put_v out_o our_o utmost_a strength_n and_o vigour_n and_o strive_v and_o run_v and_o contend_v earnest_o for_o that_o prize_n if_o we_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v of_o such_o great_a worth_n and_o value_n as_o we_o general_o pretend_v why_o can_v we_o deny_v ourselves_o in_o some_o little_a matter_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o heaven_n as_o we_o do_v for_o to_o carry_v on_o our_o worldly_a concern_v why_o do_v we_o like_o child_n run_v so_o long_o and_o sweat_n and_o toil_v ourselves_o after_o a_o paint_a fly_n whilst_o we_o truant_n and_o be_v lazy_a and_o neglect_v our_o main_a business_n 4._o this_o comparative_a duty_n enjoin_v 〈◊〉_d to_o put_v the_o earthly_a treasure_n to_o such_o use_v as_o to_o make_v they_o mean_n and_o instrument_n towards_o the_o obtain_n the_o heavenly_a so_o in_o the_o parallel_n place_n of_o st._n luke_n where_o he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o this_o same_o sermon_n of_o our_o saviour_n by_o the_o very_a same_o precept_n as_o it_o be_v there_o express_v we_o be_v bid_v sell_v that_o we_o have_v and_o give_v alm_n provide_v yourselves_o bag_n which_o wax_v not_o old_a a_o treasure_n in_o the_o heaven_n that_o fail_v not_o where_o no_o thief_n approach_v neither_o moth_n corrupt_v luke_n 12.33_o so_o that_o since_o these_o earthly_a treasure_n be_v so_o liable_a to_o hazard_n and_o uncertainty_n here_o so_o much_o in_o danger_n to_o be_v tear_v from_o we_o by_o the_o hand_n of_o violence_n or_o subject_n to_o some_o other_o mischance_n or_o casualty_n the_o best_a way_n to_o insure_v they_o and_o to_o make_v the_o most_o of_o they_o be_v to_o employ_v they_o to_o charitable_a use_n and_o the_o relief_n of_o our_o poor_a brethren_n this_o be_v the_o secure_a way_n to_o make_v those_o corruptible_a thing_n that_o be_v so_o ticklish_a and_o uncertain_a so_o apt_a to_o slip_v away_o from_o we_o to_o be_v our_o own_o for_o ever_o this_o will_v make_v those_o transitory_a and_o perish_a riches_n to_o last_v for_o ever_o and_o whereas_o by_o keep_v they_o very_o close_o to_o ourselves_o and_o be_v unwilling_a to_o part_v with_o any_o of_o they_o we_o in_o a_o short_a time_n must_v be_v utter_o deprive_v of_o they_o by_o this_o way_n we_o return_v they_o to_o another_o world_n and_o shall_v be_v sure_a there_o to_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o they_o with_o double_a interest_n by_o this_o mean_v the_o silver_n and_o gold_n that_o be_v but_o a_o better_a sort_n of_o earth_n than_o we_o tread_v on_o be_v turn_v into_o a_o virtue_n and_o make_v matter_n of_o true_a religion_n and_o by_o this_o we_o show_v our_o great_a value_n to_o heavenly_a treasure_n than_o the_o earthly_a when_o we_o be_v willing_a to_o part_v with_o they_o to_o attain_v the_o other_o when_o they_o be_v our_o prime_a scope_n and_o aim_n that_o bear_v the_o chief_a place_n in_o our_o thought_n the_o other_o but_o the_o mean_n and_o instrument_n to_o attain_v it_o when_o we_o do_v not_o account_v the_o earthly_a treasure_n good_n in_o themselves_o as_o the_o covetous_a general_o do_v who_o think_v it_o their_o great_a happiness_n to_o heap_v up_o vast_a riches_n for_o no_o other_o end_n beyond_o the_o comfortable_a satisfaction_n of_o be_v rich_a whilst_o they_o be_v such_o idolater_n as_o the_o apostle_n call_v they_o eph._n 5.5_o that_o terminate_v their_o worship_n upon_o the_o very_a idol_n themselves_o and_o look_v no_o further_o but_o to_o make_v they_o serviceable_a to_o the_o end_n of_o charity_n and_o beneficence_n to_o those_o who_o be_v in_o want_n and_o necessity_n this_o be_v to_o value_v that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o those_o chief_o in_o order_n to_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a use_n that_o god_n the_o donor_n of_o they_o expect_v of_o we_o and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o consistent_a with_o lay_v up_o to_o ourselves_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n but_o the_o most_o certain_a way_n to_o do_v it_o as_o i_o shall_v brief_o show_v by_o name_v a_o few_o consideration_n to_o that_o purpose_n as_o 1._o whatever_o we_o do_v this_o way_n we_o engage_v
therefore_o those_o who_o have_v sow_v plenteous_o shall_v reap_v plenteous_o and_o that_o nothing_o but_o actual_a holiness_n and_o obedience_n can_v fit_v we_o to_o see_v god_n and_o enter_v into_o heaven_n and_o make_v we_o meet_v and_o qualify_v we_o for_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n these_o be_v such_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a principle_n both_o from_o reason_n and_o scripture_n that_o no_o doctrine_n which_o orpose_n they_o and_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o they_o can_v be_v true_a and_o therefore_o a_o late_a and_o die_a repentance_n that_o bring_v forth_o no_o fruit_n of_o obedience_n can_v be_v sufficient_a for_o salvation_n as_o not_o come_v up_o to_o those_o condition_n which_o be_v absolute_o require_v by_o the_o gospel_n to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o heaven_n since_o none_o but_o good_a man_n who_o either_o always_o be_v so_o or_o at_o least_o who_o become_v such_o after_o they_o be_v otherwise_o can_v go_v to_o heaven_n and_o the_o more_o good_a and_o the_o more_o obedient_a and_o virtuous_a any_o man_n have_v be_v in_o his_o life_n the_o great_a and_o high_a reward_n he_o shall_v have_v in_o another_o world_n for_o as_o one_o star_n differ_v from_o another_o star_n in_o glory_n so_o also_o shall_v it_o be_v at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v where_o some_o shall_v shine_v in_o a_o high_a orb_n and_o with_o great_a lustre_n and_o have_v crown_n of_o great_a weight_n and_o brightness_n who_o have_v either_o do_v or_o suffer_v more_o for_o christ_n and_o god_n and_o religion_n than_o other_o and_o therefore_o they_o who_o have_v be_v more_o constant_o and_o more_o high_o virtuous_a all_o their_o life_n shall_v be_v more_o high_o reward_v by_o a_o just_a and_o righteous_a god_n in_o that_o heavenly_a kingdom_n where_o christ_n tell_v we_o be_v many_o mansion_n and_o where_o no_o doubt_n be_v several_a degree_n of_o happiness_n according_a to_o man_n several_a action_n and_o virtue_n though_o the_o penitent_a and_o the_o prodigal_n shall_v upon_o their_o return_n be_v receive_v into_o their_o father_n house_n and_o be_v kind_o embrace_v and_o entertain_v by_o he_o yet_o their_o portion_n shall_v not_o be_v equal_a to_o the_o son_n that_o be_v always_o dutiful_a and_o always_o obedient_a son_n thou_o be_v always_o with_o i_o and_o all_o that_o i_o have_v be_v thou_o god_n grant_v that_o all_o good_a man_n may_v so_o persevere_v in_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n and_o all_o sinner_n may_v so_o timely_o repent_v and_o be_v bring_v off_o from_o their_o sin_n that_o we_o may_v all_o in_o due_a time_n be_v receive_v into_o those_o mansion_n of_o joy_n where_o all_o sin_n shall_v be_v do_v away_o and_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o repentance_n and_o all_o virtue_n and_o obedience_n crown_v with_o glory_n and_o immortality_n through_o jesus_n christ_n the_o six_o sermon_n act_v xvi_o v._o 30._o latter_a part_n sir_n what_o must_v i_o do_v to_o be_v save_v this_o great_a question_n be_v ask_v by_o one_o in_o great_a trouble_n and_o concern_v when_o he_o be_v affright_v in_o the_o night_n by_o a_o sudden_a earthquake_n which_o shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o house_n or_o prison_n where_o he_o be_v v._o 27._o and_o so_o he_o be_v awaken_v into_o a_o sense_n of_o present_a danger_n and_o this_o bring_v he_o to_o consider_v what_o be_v future_a and_o great_a god_n do_v often_o rouse_v up_o man_n sleepy_a and_o senseless_a and_o lethargic_a mind_n by_o some_o present_a terror_n judgement_n or_o affliction_n which_o bring_v they_o to_o consider_v the_o concern_v of_o their_o soul_n and_o a_o another_o world_n when_o nothing_o else_o will_v this_o shake_v off_o their_o thoughtless_a security_n and_o alarm_n their_o stupid_a and_o unthinking_a mind_n to_o look_v about_o they_o and_o see_v what_o a_o dangerous_a condition_n they_o be_v in_o and_o fear_n be_v a_o very_a proper_a principle_n for_o beginning_n religion_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a 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and_o to_o all_o the_o action_n of_o this_o life_n we_o can_v think_v there_o be_v then_o a_o end_n of_o our_o be_v hardly_o any_o of_o mankind_n ever_o think_v so_o our_o own_o thought_n tell_v we_o otherwise_o and_o revelation_n assure_v we_o to_o the_o contrary_a and_o we_o have_v as_o much_o evidence_n as_o we_o can_v have_v till_o we_o come_v thither_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o faith_n and_o come_v not_o up_o to_o sense_n we_o can_v then_o but_o be_v very_o solicitous_a what_o shall_v become_v of_o our_o naked_a soul_n when_o they_o be_v strip_v of_o these_o fleshly_a body_n and_o what_o condition_n they_o shall_v be_v in_o in_o the_o other_o world_n we_o know_v in_o general_n how_o different_a the_o state_n be_v there_o there_o be_v joy_n unspeakable_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o torment_v intolerable_a on_o the_o other_o and_o according_a as_o we_o believe_v the_o greatness_n and_o reality_n of_o both_o those_o so_o must_v we_o be_v concern_v about_o this_o question_n 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of_o relief_n oh_o wonderful_a state_n how_o be_v this_o life_n a_o shadow_n a_o dream_n a_o vapour_n a_o bubble_n a_o vanish_v nothing_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o other_o it_o deserve_v not_o a_o thought_n nor_o be_v it_o worth_a a_o thousand_o part_n of_o that_o care_n the_o other_o be_v how_o foolish_a be_v we_o then_o to_o labour_v so_o much_o for_o a_o moment_n of_o our_o be_v and_o not_o be_v more_o concern_v for_o a_o endless_a duration_n of_o it_o but_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v as_o considerable_a as_o the_o continuance_n the_o thing_n we_o be_v save_v from_o be_v the_o great_a and_o terrible_a evil_n we_o can_v possible_o suffer_v the_o utmost_a torment_n of_o mind_n and_o body_n despair_n and_o horror_n and_o a_o dreadful_a sense_n of_o divine_a anger_n and_o vengeance_n and_o all_o the_o terrible_a apprehension_n that_o guilt_n within_o and_o punishment_n without_o can_v bring_v upon_o a_o soul_n that_o can_v have_v nothing_o else_o to_o fly_v to_o and_o that_o must_v suffer_v great_a torment_n day_n and_o night_n without_o intermission_n than_o we_o can_v have_v now_o any_o conception_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n and_o chain_n of_o darkness_n and_o a_o never_o die_a worm_n be_v but_o lesser_a representation_n of_o the_o unspeakable_a misery_n in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o who_o be_v it_o that_o dread_v a_o night_n pain_n under_o a_o torment_a despair_n that_o know_v the_o torment_n of_o a_o trouble_a mind_n or_o have_v but_o taste_v the_o gall_n and_o bitterness_n of_o a_o melancholic_a humour_n who_o will_v not_o be_v infinite_o concern_v how_o he_o may_v be_v save_v from_o what_o we_o mean_v by_o hell_n and_o damnation_n and_o what_o will_v not_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n when_o they_o be_v join_v with_o those_o fear_n make_v we_o far_o do_v when_o the_o one_o be_v to_o fright_v we_o from_o the_o great_a evil_a and_o the_o most_o perfect_a misery_n and_o the_o other_o at_o the_o same_o time_n hold_v out_o and_o invite_v we_o 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this_o yet_o what_o wise_a man_n will_v not_o have_v think_v it_o worth_a his_o while_n to_o have_v endure_v it_o and_o go_v through_o it_o have_v he_o command_v we_o to_o deny_v every_o appetite_n to_o have_v offer_v violence_n to_o every_o inclination_n to_o have_v stifle_v every_o natural_a desire_n and_o renounce_v all_o the_o gratification_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o animal_n life_n have_v he_o oblige_v we_o to_o quit_v all_o the_o comfort_n of_o this_o world_n and_o to_o have_v retire_v into_o a_o barren_a wilderness_n or_o a_o melancholic_a cloister_n and_o there_o have_v wear_v out_o our_o life_n in_o the_o severe_a exercise_n of_o fast_v and_o mortification_n or_o to_o have_v make_v they_o one_o continue_a station_n one_o constant_a course_n of_o penance_n and_o devotion_n all_o this_o will_v have_v be_v much_o more_o tolerable_a than_o to_o have_v endure_v the_o far_o great_a evil_n and_o misery_n of_o another_o world_n though_o but_o for_o a_o little_a time_n and_o for_o much_o less_o than_o half_a so_o long_o as_o this_o life_n and_o therefore_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o so_o than_o to_o suffer_v a_o miserable_a eternity_n what_o shall_v we_o think_v then_o of_o god_n require_v no_o such_o hard_a thing_n at_o our_o hand_n nothing_o but_o what_o be_v far_o less_o than_o any_o of_o those_o nothing_o that_o be_v extreme_o hard_a or_o mighty_a difficult_a or_o very_o burdensome_a and_o uneasy_a to_o we_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v true_o comfortable_a and_o delightful_a if_o we_o right_o understand_v it_o and_o what_o tend_v to_o our_o present_a good_a ease_n and_o comfort_n interest_n and_o advantage_n even_o in_o this_o life_n as_o well_o as_o another_o god_n put_v no_o such_o hard_a condition_n upon_o we_o as_o those_o i_o mention_v but_o we_o may_v be_v save_v hereafter_o and_o yet_o enjoy_v at_o present_a all_o the_o comfort_n and_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n that_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v desire_v religion_n debar_v we_o of_o none_o of_o they_o so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v innocent_a and_o lawful_a that_o be_v so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v not_o evil_a and_o mischievous_a to_o we_o and_o plain_o destructive_a both_o of_o our_o own_o good_a and_o the_o good_a of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o natural_a good_a forbid_a to_o we_o nor_o any_o inclination_n to_o be_v deny_v any_o far_a than_o it_o be_v foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n nor_o have_v god_n restrain_v we_o from_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o like_o the_o forbid_a fruit_n be_v poisonous_a as_o well_o as_o pleasant_a and_o it_o be_v not_o the_o pleasantness_n but_o the_o poison_n be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o it_o be_v forbid_v so_o that_o our_o
fear_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a and_o true_a wisdom_n in_o the_o world_n he_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n who_o be_v the_o most_o virtuous_a and_o religious_a and_o he_o be_v the_o great_a fool_n who_o live_v vicious_o and_o irreligious_o and_o without_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n or_o the_o first_o and_o chief_a wisdom_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o other_o a_o good_a understanding_n have_v all_o they_o that_o do_v his_o command_n i._n e._n they_o be_v the_o true_o wise_a man_n who_o live_v virtuous_o and_o religious_o and_o they_o fool_n who_o live_v vicious_o and_o wicked_o behold_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n be_v understanding_n there_o be_v no_o great_a blemish_n contempt_n or_o imputation_n upon_o any_o man_n than_o that_o he_o be_v a_o fool_n and_o that_o he_o act_n as_o such_o in_o whatever_o he_o do_v for_o it_o suppose_v the_o utmost_a decay_n and_o depravation_n of_o his_o nature_n the_o loss_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o that_o he_o want_v that_o which_o make_v we_o to_o be_v man_n and_o be_v the_o proper_a perfection_n of_o our_o be_v which_o be_v wisdom_n and_o understanding_n it_o will_v therefore_o great_o recommend_v and_o be_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o religion_n if_o that_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o great_a and_o only_a wisdom_n and_o it_o will_v just_o reproach_v and_o expose_v vice_n and_o wickedness_n if_o that_o be_v make_v out_o to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o folly_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n which_o i_o shall_v therefore_o endeavour_v at_o this_o time_n 1._o first_o then_o religion_n propose_v and_o attain_v and_o secure_v the_o great_a end_n the_o chief_a good_a and_o utmost_a happiness_n that_o we_o can_v desire_v or_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a part_n of_o wisdom_n whereas_o vice_n have_v but_o low_a and_o mean_a end_n such_o as_o be_v below_o the_o excellency_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o promote_a our_o happiness_n that_o they_o defeat_v and_o destroy_v it_o all_o being_n indeed_o aim_v at_o their_o own_o happiness_n and_o have_v a_o blind_a and_o general_a design_n to_o compass_v and_o attain_v it_o self-preservation_n be_v a_o principle_n lie_v at_o the_o root_n of_o our_o being_n and_o we_o can_v choose_v open_a and_o barefaced_a misery_n but_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n take_v down_o the_o poison_n that_o be_v a_o little_a guild_v over_o and_o swallow_v the_o fatal_a hook_n that_o be_v bait_v with_o a_o appear_a pleasure_n or_o profit_n and_o man_n be_v lead_v away_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o delude_v with_o a_o shadow_n till_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o the_o deep_a misery_n vice_n propose_v either_o bodily_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n or_o worldly_a gain_n or_o some_o such_o present_a end_n and_o design_n to_o be_v its_o great_a happiness_n but_o alas_o it_o often_o lose_v those_o and_o virtue_n and_o religion_n pick_v up_o what_o the_o other_o drop_n and_o let_v we_o go_v and_o secure_v those_o by_o end_n a_o thousand_o time_n better_o than_o vice_n do_v whilst_o it_o look_v yet_o further_o and_o still_o aim_v at_o great_a end_n and_o a_o more_o true_a and_o complete_a happiness_n than_o any_o of_o those_o can_v yield_v to_o it_o for_o what_o be_v the_o most_o gustfull_a and_o luscious_a sensuality_n of_o body_n to_o a_o unquiet_a and_o uneasy_a and_o disturb_a mind_n be_v not_o that_o worm_n of_o conscience_n that_o gnaw_v it_o within_o and_o be_v breed_v from_o the_o filth_n and_o putrefaction_n of_o its_o own_o sin_n a_o great_a torment_n than_o all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n can_v make_v amends_o for_o and_o what_o can_v a_o man_n hope_v for_o if_o by_o his_o wickedness_n he_o can_v gain_v the_o whole_a world_n which_o yet_o many_o have_v even_o lose_v by_o it_o if_o thereby_o he_o lose_v his_o soul_n the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o it_o here_o and_o its_o eternal_a felicity_n hereafter_o all_o the_o end_n we_o can_v aim_v at_o and_o all_o the_o object_n we_o can_v wish_v and_o desire_n be_v very_o little_a and_o inconsiderable_a without_o religion_n and_o such_o be_v all_o the_o thing_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o world_n but_o religion_n have_v great_a and_o noble_a aim_n and_o design_n to_o make_v our_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o our_o body_n please_v and_o easy_a and_o to_o give_v a_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n infinite_o above_o the_o high_a bodily_a delight_n which_o the_o brute_n be_v capable_a of_o as_o well_o as_o we_o to_o perfect_a and_o improve_v and_o fit_v our_o soul_n for_o the_o great_a pleasure_n and_o happiness_n here_o and_o for_o that_o which_o be_v endless_a and_o unspeakable_a hereafter_o and_o to_o see_v this_o more_o particular_o let_v we_o consider_v 2._o second_o that_o all_o end_n and_o design_n but_o those_o of_o religion_n be_v consign_v only_o to_o this_o world_n whereas_o those_o of_o religion_n reach_v beyond_o this_o to_o a_o never_o end_a eternity_n how_o little_a and_o short_a and_o narrow_a be_v all_o the_o poor_a design_n we_o can_v have_v here_o when_o in_o the_o compass_n of_o a_o few_o year_n they_o all_o cease_v and_o perish_v and_o come_v to_o a_o end_n when_o but_o a_o small_a time_n hence_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o useless_a and_o insignificant_a as_o if_o we_o have_v never_o be_v or_o never_o have_v any_o of_o they_o death_n which_o we_o all_o expect_v and_o which_o will_v certain_o come_v in_o a_o little_a time_n whether_o we_o expect_v it_o of_o no_o put_v a_o speedy_a end_n and_o conclusion_n to_o all_o other_o project_n and_o design_n but_o those_o of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n it_o cover_v all_o worldly_a pomp_n and_o grandeur_n with_o a_o cloud_n of_o night_n and_o darkness_n and_o draw_v a_o sable_a mantle_n over_o all_o its_o glister_a and_o shine_a vanity_n its_o honour_n lie_v here_o bury_v in_o the_o dust_n its_o riches_n take_v leave_v of_o it_o at_o the_o grave_a and_o all_o its_o bodily_a pleasure_n be_v exchange_v for_o stench_n and_o noy_n fomness_n and_o its_o great_a strength_n and_o beauty_n be_v turn_v into_o weakness_n and_o gastliness_n this_o mortify_a consideration_n shall_v one_o will_v think_v make_v this_o world_n and_o every_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v very_o contemptible_a and_o all_o end_n and_o design_n but_o those_o of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n which_o teach_v beyond_o this_o world_n to_o be_v very_o poor_a and_o little_a and_o inconfiderable_a for_o like_o a_o dream_n they_o be_v all_o quick_o pass_v and_o go_v and_o when_o we_o awake_v into_o another_o world_n into_o a_o better_a and_o more_o substantial_a life_n all_o these_o image_n and_o shadow_n and_o fancy_n of_o happiness_n will_v then_o vanish_v and_o disappear_v and_o we_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o affect_v with_o they_o than_o with_o a_o last_o night_n dream_n or_o the_o past_a vision_n of_o slumber_n and_o imagination_n but_o then_o religion_n and_o virtue_n will_v stand_v we_o in_o stead_n than_o they_o and_o a_o good_a conscience_n will_v stick_v by_o we_o and_o attend_v and_o bear_v we_o company_n into_o the_o other_o world_n and_o there_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o those_o end_n and_o design_n which_o religion_n have_v propose_v to_o we_o and_o our_o great_a hope_n and_o wish_n shall_v be_v turn_v into_o great_a fruition_n and_o enjoyment_n then_o a_o long_a eternity_n shall_v reward_v and_o recompense_v our_o short_a labour_n here_o and_o we_o shall_v never_o lose_v or_o be_v deprive_v of_o that_o great_a end_n and_o complete_a happiness_n which_o religion_n recommend_v and_o direct_v we_o to_o vice_n with_o all_o its_o delight_n be_v but_o for_o a_o very_a little_a time_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n be_v enjoy_v but_o for_o a_o season_n heb._n 11.25_o man_n not_o only_o lose_v those_o and_o be_v for_o ever_o deprive_v of_o the_o end_v it_o aim_v at_o but_o shall_v receive_v its_o sad_a and_o miserable_a portion_n lay_v up_o for_o it_o and_o be_v eternal_o torment_v with_o unexpressible_a misery_n and_o what_o extreme_a folly_n will_v it_o then_o be_v find_v to_o have_v pursue_v no_o other_o end_n nor_o aim_v at_o no_o other_o happiness_n but_o that_o of_o this_o world_n which_o be_v so_o soon_o go_v and_o at_o a_o end_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o that_o to_o have_v expose_v itself_o to_o a_o misery_n that_o shall_v never_o have_v end_n to_o have_v prefer_v a_o present_a moment_n before_o a_o endless_a eternity_n and_o to_o gain_v some_o poor_a and_o little_a end_n here_o which_o yet_o be_v often_o lose_v rather_o than_o attain_v by_o man_n vice_n to_o lose_v heaven_n and_o everlasting_a happiness_n 3._o religion_n and_o virtue_n secure_v the_o comfort_n and_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n as_o well_o as_o of_o another_o much_o better_a than_o vice_n
and_o irreligion_n so_o that_o here_o be_v the_o extreme_a folly_n of_o wickedness_n that_o whilst_o its_o dosign_n be_v confine_v to_o this_o world_n and_o 〈◊〉_d aim_v at_o the_o present_a pleasure_n 〈…〉_o and_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n it_o lose_v even_o those_o and_o miss_v of_o that_o present_a comfort_n and_o happiness_n which_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o likely_a to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n than_o in_o a_o life_n of_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n for_o as_o the_o one_o deprive_v we_o of_o no_o real_a pleasure_n or_o proper_a enjoyment_n fit_a for_o a_o wise_a man_n but_o rather_o sweeten_v they_o and_o enhance_v their_o relish_n by_o keep_v they_o pure_a and_o innocent_a and_o free_a from_o the_o filth_n and_o bitterness_n that_o vice_n mix_v with_o they_o so_o wickedness_n bring_v a_o great_a many_o evil_n and_o mischief_n upon_o itself_o here_o and_o most_o man_n vice_n make_v they_o miserable_a in_o this_o life_n as_o well_o as_o in_o another_o godliness_n say_v saint_n paul_n be_v profitable_a unto_o all_o thing_n have_v the_o promise_n of_o the_o life_n that_o now_o be_v and_o of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o come_v 1_o tim._n 4.8_o and_o it_o be_v the_o wise_a man_n observation_n long_o before_o that_o the_o most_o desirable_a blessing_n of_o this_o life_n belong_v to_o wisdom_n and_o religion_n length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o in_o her_o left_a hand_n riches_n and_o honour_n prov._n 3.16_o whereas_o nothing_o do_v more_o general_o shorten_v man_n day_n than_o vice_n and_o debauchery_n and_o though_o those_o man_n value_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o life_n yet_o they_o prodigal_o squander_v it_o away_o and_o spend_v it_o too_o fast_o and_o consume_v it_o upon_o their_o lust_n and_o their_o lewdness_n and_o these_o make_v shipwreck_n of_o their_o estate_n as_o well_o as_o of_o their_o conscience_n and_o bring_v poverty_n and_o beggary_n very_o often_o along_o with_o they_o so_o that_o the_o ruin_a fortune_n of_o most_o man_n be_v owe_v to_o their_o vicious_a and_o ill_a course_n and_o they_o be_v undo_v by_o their_o vice_n here_o as_o well_o as_o hereafter_o a_o indelible_a character_n of_o shame_n and_o reproach_n be_v hereby_o fix_v to_o their_o name_n and_o memory_n which_o stain_v and_o blemish_n their_o repute_n and_o credit_n among_o man_n and_o their_o mind_n reproach_n and_o smite_v they_o from_o within_o and_o they_o feel_v most_o of_o the_o outward_a and_o inward_a evil_n which_o be_v the_o most_o grievous_a and_o uneasy_a to_o we_o in_o this_o life_n so_o that_o beside_o the_o misery_n in_o reversion_n which_o be_v due_a to_o they_o and_o unavoidable_a there_o be_v a_o present_a one_o which_o they_o seldom_o escape_v but_o general_o befall_v they_o so_o foolish_a be_v they_o who_o fondness_n to_o their_o sin_n make_v they_o hug_v and_o embrace_v they_o though_o they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n wound_v and_o poison_v they_o so_o infatuate_v be_v they_o and_o almost_o fascinated_a by_o they_o that_o they_o stick_v to_o they_o though_o to_o their_o manifest_a ruin_n and_o against_o their_o plain_a interest_n and_o make_v themselves_o such_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n to_o their_o vice_n that_o as_o they_o wear_v their_o scar_n always_o about_o they_o so_o they_o will_v endure_v any_o thing_n for_o their_o sake_n and_o make_v their_o way_n to_o hell_n through_o the_o great_a suffering_n and_o evil_n that_o their_o sin_n bring_v upon_o they_o here_o 4._o roligion_n be_v the_o true_a wisdom_n as_o it_o best_o provide_v against_o all_o the_o accident_n and_o contingency_n of_o this_o uncertain_a world_n and_o against_o all_o the_o infirmity_n of_o our_o present_a state_n and_o nature_n a_o good_a man_n may_v not_o be_v secure_a here_o that_o he_o shall_v not_o come_v into_o the_o same_o misfortune_n and_o be_v plague_v like_o other_o man_n either_o with_o some_o affliction_n or_o sickness_n or_o other_o common_a calamity_n which_o the_o great_a virtue_n and_o religion_n may_v be_v no_o protection_n against_o but_o the_o same_o chance_n may_v happen_v both_o to_o the_o sinner_n and_o to_o the_o righteous_a and_o without_o respect_n either_o to_o their_o vice_n or_o to_o their_o virtue_n a_o disease_n or_o a_o misfortune_n a_o loss_n or_o a_o trouble_n may_v come_v upon_o either_o of_o they_o which_o nothing_o can_v keep_v off_o or_o prevent_v in_o this_o uncertain_a state_n but_o here_o religion_n give_v we_o the_o best_a relief_n and_o stand_v we_o in_o the_o great_a stead_n and_o be_v the_o most_o useful_a to_o we_o it_o take_v care_n as_o we_o may_v say_v of_o the_o main_a chance_n and_o make_v the_o best_a provision_n for_o whatever_o may_v or_o can_v befall_v we_o it_o support_v and_o revive_v our_o droop_a spirit_n under_o any_o affliction_n of_o this_o world_n with_o the_o cheer_v thought_n of_o a_o heaven_n above_o we_o and_o a_o providence_n over_o we_o and_o the_o gladsome_a reflection_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n within_o we_o and_o a_o comfortable_a trust_n in_o a_o good_a god_n without_o we_o whereas_o when_o any_o of_o the_o trouble_n and_o misfortune_n of_o life_n fall_v on_o a_o wicked_a man_n he_o have_v nothing_o to_o keep_v up_o his_o mind_n under_o they_o but_o they_o sink_v and_o crush_v he_o into_o the_o utmost_a despair_n and_o disconsolateness_n and_o he_o have_v no_o whither_o to_o fly_v for_o ease_n and_o comfort_n sad_a and_o miserable_a must_v be_v his_o case_n who_o when_o his_o body_n be_v sick_a and_o uneasy_a have_v his_o mind_n so_o too_o and_o feel_v as_o much_o anguish_n and_o anxiety_n in_o the_o one_o as_o he_o do_v pain_n in_o the_o other_o when_o his_o body_n be_v under_o the_o struggle_n and_o agony_n of_o death_n have_v his_o mind_n and_o conscience_n under_o great_a and_o when_o he_o see_v death_n come_v up_o behind_o he_o see_v hell_n open_a before_o he_o as_o ready_a to_o devour_v and_o swallow_v he_o up_o though_o nothing_o can_v secure_v we_o against_o one_o of_o these_o yet_o religion_n do_v against_o the_o other_o which_o be_v ten_o time_n the_o great_a and_o so_o in_o all_o other_o the_o unavoidable_a accident_n and_o misfortune_n of_o this_o worldly_a state_n religion_n do_v wise_o prepare_v and_o provide_v against_o they_o and_o make_v the_o best_a defence_n and_o security_n for_o we_o against_o all_o the_o danger_n that_o may_v in_o this_o hazardous_a world_n come_v upon_o we_o and_o without_o this_o a_o man_n lie_v always_o open_a to_o every_o uncertain_a accident_n and_o shall_v be_v miserable_a at_o every_o turn_n of_o fortune_n and_o shall_v have_v no_o happiness_n but_o what_o shall_v be_v at_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o outward_a contingency_n and_o shall_v have_v no_o soundation_n or_o root_n of_o happiness_n within_o himself_o which_o nothing_o but_o religion_n and_o virtue_n can_v ever_o give_v he_o 5._o religion_n make_v we_o wise_a for_o ourselves_o and_o for_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n and_o concern_v to_o we_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n which_o be_v the_o only_a true_a wisdom_n that_o deserve_v so_o to_o be_v call_v or_o account_v for_o it_o be_v a_o wisdom_n salse_o so_o call_v and_o no_o other_o than_o great_a folly_n to_o be_v wise_a about_o all_o other_o thing_n wise_a in_o our_o notion_n and_o apprehension_n and_o judgement_n of_o thing_n wise_a in_o the_o managery_n and_o conduct_n of_o all_o our_o outward_a affair_n wise_a in_o search_v the_o policy_n and_o fathom_v the_o most_o cunning_a intrigue_n wise_a in_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o knowledge_n and_o researche_n of_o learning_n so_o that_o both_o ourselves_o and_o other_o applaud_v we_o for_o our_o great_a wisdom_n and_o yet_o be_v a_o fool_n in_o what_o be_v more_o valuable_a and_o more_o concern_v to_o we_o a_o thousand_o time_n which_o be_v the_o everlasting_a salvation_n of_o our_o immortal_a soul_n he_o that_o be_v not_o so_o wise_a as_o to_o take_v care_n of_o that_o be_v with_o all_o his_o other_o wisdom_n the_o worst_a of_o fool_n and_o mad_a man_n and_o more_o void_a of_o common_a prudence_n and_o discretion_n than_o he_o that_o while_o he_o pretend_v to_o understand_v the_o great_a secret_a of_o be_v rich_a and_o turn_v all_o into_o gold_n yet_o be_v poor_a and_o a_o beggar_n or_o like_o he_o in_o a_o frenzy_n who_o think_v himself_o a_o emperor_n and_o to_o have_v the_o great_a territory_n and_o dominion_n when_o he_o have_v only_o a_o chain_n and_o a_o little_a straw_n or_o he_o who_o while_n he_o be_v view_v the_o star_n and_o observe_v the_o heaven_n above_o he_o do_v not_o mind_v his_o way_n but_o fall_v into_o a_o pit_n 6._o i_o shall_v show_v the_o wisdom_n of_o religion_n from_o the_o two_o cause_n of_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n which_o be_v only_o two_o sort_n of_o folly_n and_o
weakness_n of_o mind_n the_o first_o be_v heedlessness_n rashness_n and_o inconsideration_n the_o other_o be_v infidelity_n and_o ignorance_n or_o inapprehensiveness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n all_o irreligion_n be_v owe_v to_o these_o two_o cause_n for_o either_o man_n do_v not_o mind_n and_o consider_v as_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v those_o principle_n of_o religion_n which_o they_o own_o and_o believe_v as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o heaven_n and_o a_o hell_n and_o a_o eternal_a state_n of_o bliss_n and_o misery_n after_o this_o life_n so_o as_o to_o let_v these_o have_v that_o full_a force_n and_o influence_n which_o they_o ought_v to_o have_v upon_o their_o mind_n or_o else_o they_o do_v not_o real_o believe_v and_o apprehend_v those_o to_o be_v true_a which_o be_v both_o high_a degree_n of_o folly_n and_o proceed_v from_o a_o great_a defect_n of_o understanding_n and_o want_n of_o wisdom_n as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o what_o can_v be_v a_o grosser_n folly_n than_o to_o act_v contrary_a to_o those_o principle_n which_o we_o own_o and_o allow_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a and_o yet_o to_o live_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o life_n but_o this_o this_o be_v certain_o the_o most_o desperate_a folly_n and_o madness_n to_o run_v upon_o the_o great_a danger_n that_o we_o see_v evident_o before_o we_o and_o to_o leap_v into_o hell_n with_o our_o eye_n open_a when_o man_n do_v real_o believe_v they_o shall_v be_v damn_v for_o a_o wicked_a and_o ill_a life_n and_o yet_o still_o continue_v in_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v folly_n one_o will_v think_v even_o to_o the_o height_n of_o distraction_n to_o live_v thus_o contrary_a to_o their_o belief_n and_o let_v their_o principle_n and_o their_o action_n thus_o disagree_v and_o to_o condemn_v themselves_o in_o their_o act_n contrary_a to_o their_o own_o knowledge_n belief_n and_o understanding_n in_o a_o 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that_o may_v happen_v i_o shall_v not_o now_o consider_v the_o great_a weakness_n and_o folly_n of_o infidelity_n against_o the_o clear_a reason_n and_o evidence_n and_o the_o utmost_a demonstration_n the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o require_v more_o than_o a_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n can_v have_v nor_o how_o religion_n be_v wisdom_n as_o be_v establish_v upon_o the_o great_a foundation_n of_o truth_n and_o certainty_n it_o be_v the_o other_o folly_n that_o of_o inconsideration_n by_o which_o most_o man_n perish_v by_o not_o attend_v to_o the_o power_n and_o force_v of_o those_o truth_n which_o they_o do_v believe_v but_o rash_o and_o inconsiderate_o follow_v the_o career_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o violence_n of_o their_o inclination_n against_o the_o reason_n and_o belief_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n for_o can_v any_o man_n that_o serious_o consider_v and_o believe_v a_o everlasting_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o let_v his_o mind_n due_o attend_v and_o be_v affect_v with_o those_o consideration_n which_o he_o real_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a can_v he_o be_v wicked_a without_o the_o great_a folly_n and_o madness_n and_o can_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v any_o other_o than_o the_o most_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v all_o those_o great_a and_o important_a thing_n which_o religion_n teach_v we_o and_o yet_o to_o live_v as_o if_o we_o believe_v none_o of_o they_o this_o be_v such_o unaccountable_a folly_n as_o want_v a_o name_n and_o can_v have_v nothing_o to_o palliate_v or_o excuse_v it_o indeed_o a_o wicked_a life_n be_v the_o great_a folly_n in_o the_o world_n and_o appear_v to_o all_o to_o be_v so_o upon_o reflection_n and_o a_o little_a serious_a consideration_n no_o body_n but_o repent_v of_o it_o afterward_o and_o be_v sorry_a for_o it_o one_o time_n or_o other_o though_o perhaps_o it_o be_v too_o late_a and_o when_o he_o can_v retrieve_v or_o amend_v it_o unless_o he_o be_v stupefy_v and_o harden_v and_o have_v lose_v the_o use_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a own_n it_o to_o be_v folly_n and_o unadvisedness_n even_o upon_o trial_n and_o experience_n and_o a_o wish_v they_o have_v do_v better_a and_o that_o they_o have_v be_v much_o wise_a no_o man_n repent_v of_o his_o have_v do_v virtuous_o and_o live_v religious_o but_o be_v please_v and_o satisfy_v in_o himself_o upon_o his_o reflect_v upon_o it_o which_o show_v that_o he_o act_v wise_o and_o prudent_o but_o the_o direful_a agony_n and_o sad_a reflection_n and_o horror_n and_o disquiet_v that_o a_o man_n feel_v in_o his_o mind_n upon_o his_o have_v live_v wicked_o show_v the_o height_n of_o his_o folly_n and_o how_o he_o be_v force_v to_o condemn_v himself_o for_o it_o and_o to_o bewail_v and_o lament_v his_o extreme_a weakness_n and_o madness_n and_o this_o be_v true_o hell_n when_o he_o must_v do_v so_o to_o all_o eternity_n than_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o will_v appear_v whatever_o it_o do_v now_o that_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n be_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o that_o virtue_n and_o religion_n be_v the_o true_a and_o only_a wisdom_n and_o that_o what_o the_o psalmist_n say_v be_v true_a the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n the_o eight_o sermon_n rom_n xii_o 21._o be_v not_o overcome_v of_o evil_a but_o overcome_v evil_a with_o good_n it_o be_v a_o question_n with_o some_o whether_o christ_n have_v add_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o require_v any_o high_a and_o more_o perfect_a virtue_n than_o be_v found_v in_o that_o as_o for_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n he_o have_v take_v away_o the_o ritual_a and_o ceremonial_a part_n of_o it_o and_o as_o to_o the_o moral_a he_o have_v clear_v it_o from_o the_o false_a gloss_n and_o corruption_n and_o error_n of_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n who_o have_v expound_v it_o into_o a_o meaning_n contrary_n to_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o intention_n of_o the_o law_n for_o that_o to_o be_v sure_o come_v from_o god_n can_v have_v nothing_o immoral_a in_o it_o and_o therefore_o whatever_o correction_n be_v make_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v only_o of_o the_o perverse_a and_o corrupt_a interpretation_n of_o other_o and_o not_o of_o the_o law_n itself_o but_o whether_o he_o have_v not_o add_v any_o new_a and_o more_o perfect_a law_n both_o to_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o that_o of_o nature_n and_o require_v high_a instance_n of_o virtue_n of_o we_o christian_n than_o of_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n be_v a_o great_a question_n on_o the_o one_o side_n it_o seem_v more_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o religion_n in_o which_o there_o be_v some_o noble_a precept_n that_o excel_v any_o that_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o any_o other_o moralist_n as_o against_o lust_n and_o revenge_n for_o love_a enemy_n and_o not_o retaliate_v injury_n and_o the_o like_a on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o christ_n have_v add_v any_o new_a law_n not_o found_v in_o nature_n they_o must_v be_v mere_o positive_a and_o alterable_a and_o not_o have_v any_o natural_a or_o intrinsic_a good_a in_o they_o but_o be_v owe_v to_o the_o mere_a arbitrary_a will_n of_o god_n and_o not_o to_o the_o original_a settlement_n and_o constitution_n of_o thing_n for_o if_o they_o have_v a_o foundation_n either_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n they_o can_v be_v new_a and_o so_o add_v to_o those_o of_o nature_n but_o i_o think_v this_o controversy_n may_v be_v thus_o compound_v and_o resolve_v that_o those_o law_n though_o they_o be_v found_v in_o nature_n and_o have_v a_o natural_a and_o intrinsic_a and_o eternal_a goodness_n in_o they_o as_o all_o moral_a virtue_n have_v yet_o
good_a for_o sinner_n as_o to_o send_v his_o own_o son_n christ_n into_o the_o world_n to_o die_v for_o we_o even_o when_o we_o be_v enemy_n to_o he_o and_o to_o god_n that_o make_v we_o we_o then_o that_o have_v perish_v for_o ever_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o this_o virtue_n how_o shall_v we_o love_v and_o value_v it_o and_o endeavour_n to_o imitate_v it_o and_o deal_v with_o our_o brethren_n as_o god_n deal_v with_o we_o what_o a_o example_n of_o this_o our_o saulour_n have_v leave_v appear_v by_o his_o whole_a life_n which_o be_v a_o perpetual_a suffering_n of_o injury_n and_o do_v of_o good_a and_o especial_o at_o his_o death_n when_o he_o pray_v for_o his_o enemy_n and_o be_v revile_v he_o revile_v not_o again_o but_o as_o a_o sheep_n lead_v to_o the_o slaughter_n he_o be_v dumb_a and_o open_v not_o his_o mouth_n unless_o to_o pray_v for_o those_o who_o barbarous_o use_v and_o murder_v he_o and_o in_o this_o he_o leave_v we_o a_o example_n that_o we_o shall_v follow_v his_o step_n but_o five_o and_o last_o this_o be_v not_o a_o mere_a christian_a perfection_n and_o a_o noble_a heroical_a degree_n of_o virtue_n which_o its_o matter_n of_o advice_n to_o attain_v but_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a christian_a duty_n without_o which_o we_o shall_v not_o go_v to_o heaven_n nor_o be_v capable_a of_o pardon_n and_o salvation_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n if_o we_o revenge_v the_o injury_n that_o be_v do_v to_o we_o god_n will_v not_o forgive_v we_o the_o sin_n we_o commit_v against_o he_o he_o have_v express_o tell_v we_o so_o matth._n 6.15_o mark_v 11.26_o luke_n 6.37_o and_o that_o with_o the_o same_o measure_n we_o meet_v to_o other_o it_o shall_v be_v measure_v to_o we_o again_o even_o by_o god_n in_o another_o world_n who_o will_v show_v himself_o merciful_a to_o those_o that_o be_v merciful_a and_o froward_a to_o those_o who_o be_v froward_a and_o to_o those_o who_o be_v revengeful_a and_o inexorable_a to_o their_o brethren_n he_o will_v be_v so_o too_o when_o they_o stand_v in_o more_o need_n of_o mercy_n and_o forgiveness_n than_o any_o of_o their_o brethren_n can_v at_o any_o time_n do_v of_o they_o what_o be_v the_o degree_n and_o measure_n of_o exercise_v this_o virtue_n i_o can_v now_o exact_o show_v you_o but_o in_o general_a to_o forgive_v a_o injury_n and_o not_o return_v it_o by_o another_o to_o overcome_v it_o not_o with_o evil_n but_o with_o good_a be_v so_o much_o a_o duty_n to_o every_o christian_a that_o he_o shall_v not_o come_v to_o heaven_n who_o do_v not_o in_o some_o measure_n perform_v it_o and_o who_o notorious_o and_o plain_o act_v contrary_a to_o it_o let_v we_o therefore_o for_o the_o present_a peace_n of_o our_o life_n for_o the_o quiet_a of_o our_o mind_n and_o for_o the_o everlasting_a peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o our_o soul_n endeavour_v to_o learn_v this_o virtue_n and_o not_o be_v overcome_v of_o evil_a but_o overcome_v evil_a with_o good_a the_o nine_o sermon_n luke_n xvi_o 31._o and_o he_o say_v unto_o he_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a among_o all_o the_o many_o argument_n that_o there_o be_v for_o religion_n and_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o a_o good_a life_n there_o be_v none_o so_o strong_a and_o so_o forcible_a if_o well_o consider_v as_o those_o which_o be_v draw_v from_o another_o world_n and_o from_o a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n there_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a many_o that_o lie_v near_a and_o arise_v from_o several_a other_o consideration_n from_o the_o tendency_n of_o religion_n to_o make_v we_o happy_a in_o this_o world_n from_o the_o miserable_a effect_n that_o most_o vice_n have_v upon_o man_n fortune_n and_o enjoyment_n from_o the_o natural_a and_o intrinsic_a goodness_n and_o amiableness_n that_o be_v in_o virtue_n and_o religion_n whereby_o it_o recommend_v itself_o to_o our_o mind_n and_o the_o abominable_a filthiness_n and_o ugliness_n that_o be_v in_o vice_n and_o its_o contrariety_n to_o right_a reason_n as_o well_o as_o our_o true_a interest_n by_o these_o and_o many_o other_o consideration_n religion_n be_v strengthen_v on_o every_o side_n and_o plant_v round_o with_o such_o argument_n as_o be_v enough_o to_o defend_v it_o from_o most_o of_o the_o assault_v that_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n can_v make_v upon_o it_o but_o its_o strong_a hold_n its_o main_a fort_n wherein_o lie_v its_o great_a and_o impregnable_a strength_n be_v the_o thought_n of_o another_o world_n of_o a_o heaven_n and_o a_o hell_n hereafter_o this_o will_v hold_v out_o if_o all_o the_o other_o shall_v fail_v and_o if_o vice_n shall_v be_v never_o so_o fortunate_a and_o happy_a as_o it_o sometime_o be_v in_o this_o world_n if_o wickedness_n shall_v have_v as_o many_o prize_n as_o virtue_n in_o this_o lottery_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v here_o below_o yet_o there_o it_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v the_o loser_n and_o can_v have_v no_o pretence_n to_o vie_v and_o contend_v with_o religion_n there_o the_o account_n between_o they_o appear_v manifest_o and_o notorious_o different_a without_o adjust_v it_o by_o particular_n and_o make_v such_o abatement_n as_o we_o must_v often_o in_o this_o world_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o obvious_a a_o universal_a and_o undoubted_a and_o one_o will_v think_v a_o irresistible_a argument_n for_o religion_n that_o depend_v not_o upon_o long_a reason_n and_o many_o observation_n as_o some_o other_o do_v but_o may_v be_v easy_o understand_v and_o will_v strong_o work_v upon_o all_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n do_v chief_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o every_o where_o press_v and_o suggest_v it_o to_o we_o as_o the_o strong_a sanction_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o likely_a to_o prevail_v upon_o we_o when_o it_o be_v full_o believe_v and_o consider_v the_o rich_a man_n here_o in_o the_o parable_n think_v there_o be_v so_o much_o strength_n in_o it_o now_o that_o he_o selt_z it_o that_o he_o question_v not_o but_o it_o will_v prevail_v even_o upon_o his_o wicked_a brethren_n if_o it_o be_v offer_v with_o all_o its_o advantage_n to_o they_o if_o one_o go_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o tell_v they_o what_o he_o suffer_v and_o what_o they_o will_v certain_o do_v if_o they_o take_v not_o care_n in_o time_n not_o to_o come_v into_o that_o place_n of_o torment_n and_o therefore_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v pitch_v upon_o the_o likely_a way_n for_o this_o when_o he_o request_v abraham_n that_o a_o messenger_n may_v be_v send_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o they_o if_o that_o may_v be_v grant_v by_o the_o law_n and_o polity_n of_o the_o other_o world_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n sure_a but_o it_o will_v attain_v the_o effect_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o repentance_n such_o a_o message_n as_o he_o will_v send_v they_o such_o a_o account_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o other_o world_n as_o he_o will_v give_v they_o shall_v sure_o work_v strange_o upon_o they_o and_o make_v they_o amend_v their_o life_n this_o he_o make_v no_o question_n of_o for_o have_v it_o be_v his_o own_o case_n be_v he_o to_o have_v live_v again_o after_o he_o know_v so_o much_o as_o he_o do_v now_o he_o will_v have_v be_v quite_o another_o man_n and_o so_o shall_v his_o brethren_n one_o will_v think_v by_o such_o a_o way_n as_o this_o be_v but_o abraham_n tell_v he_o the_o quite_o contrary_a if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a this_o seem_v very_o strange_a and_o will_v do_v much_o more_o so_o when_o we_o consider_v particular_o what_o argument_n a_o messenger_n from_o the_o dead_a will_v bring_v along_o with_o he_o to_o persuade_v a_o man_n to_o repentarce_o such_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a sure_o not_o to_o be_v overcome_v by_o they_o such_o as_o if_o they_o will_v not_o do_v nothing_o else_o will_v i_o shall_v offer_v some_o of_o they_o to_o you_o and_o then_o endeavour_v to_o give_v you_o a_o account_n of_o what_o abraham_n here_o say_v if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o first_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o strong_a and_o powerful_a argument_n a_o messenger_n from_o the_o dead_a will_v bring_v along_o with_o he_o to_o persuade_v a_o wicked_a man_n to_o repentance_n and_o in_o the_o 1._o first_o place_n he_o will_v satisfy_v he_o of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o such_o a_o place_n that_o there_o be_v real_o a_o future_a state_n that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o end_n of_o we_o when_o we_o go_v off_o from_o this_o worldly_a stage_n and_o theatre_n but_o that_o there_o be_v
truth_n of_o who_o think_v they_o if_o not_o mere_a bugbear_n and_o fable_n yet_o thing_n a_o great_a way_n off_o and_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o much_o trouble_v themselves_o withal_o when_o now_o they_o find_v all_o these_o be_v true_a and_o be_v put_v in_o mind_n of_o they_o by_o such_o a_o way_n as_o this_o be_v and_o they_o so_o near_o concern_v they_o and_o be_v like_a in_o a_o little_a while_n to_o be_v their_o own_o case_n sure_o by_o all_o these_o they_o will_v be_v persuade_v and_o bring_v to_o repentance_n i_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o sinner_n but_o think_v he_o himself_o shall_v be_v persuade_v by_o these_o mean_n and_o if_o god_n shall_v use_v such_o a_o extraordinary_a way_n to_o convert_v he_o this_o he_o question_n not_o but_o will_v do_v it_o though_o now_o he_o be_v of_o another_o mind_n and_o have_v no_o thought_n of_o leave_v his_o sin_n yet_o that_o he_o think_v will_v certain_o work_v upon_o he_o he_o i_o doubt_v may_v be_v as_o much_o mistake_v of_o himself_o as_o dives_n be_v of_o his_o brethren_n of_o who_o abraham_n assure_v he_o that_o if_o they_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o that_o i_o may_v give_v you_o some_o account_n of_o the_o likelihood_n of_o this_o and_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o abraham_n here_o say_v i_o shall_v offer_v you_o these_o five_o consideration_n 1._o all_o the_o argument_n which_o a_o messenger_n from_o the_o dead_a will_v bring_v along_o with_o he_o and_o which_o be_v indeed_o so_o strong_a that_o when_o one_o serious_o consider_v they_o one_o will_v think_v it_o impossible_a to_o resist_v they_o these_o we_o have_v already_o and_o they_o have_v be_v offer_v to_o we_o with_o their_o full_a strength_n and_o advantage_n we_o have_v be_v make_v acquaint_v with_o the_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o a_o future_a state_n with_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o torment_n 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receive_a article_n of_o the_o heathen_a religion_n but_o this_o be_v make_v plain_a to_o we_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o gospel_n revelation_n by_o which_o life_n and_o immortality_n be_v bring_v more_o clear_o to_o light_n so_o that_o all_o those_o argument_n be_v set_v before_o we_o and_o that_o with_o the_o same_o strength_n and_o advantage_n that_o they_o can_v have_v be_v by_o a_o messenger_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o can_v bring_v we_o no_o more_o nor_o any_o new_a one_o but_o only_o what_o we_o have_v already_o god_n have_v inform_v we_o of_o what_o belong_v to_o another_o world_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v of_o any_o concern_n to_o we_o and_o so_o much_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o take_v care_n about_o it_o we_o can_v have_v better_a and_o fair_a warning_n about_o those_o thing_n and_o we_o can_v have_v no_o strong_a or_o more_o powerful_a argument_n than_o we_o have_v already_o 2._o we_o have_v so_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o they_o who_o will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o that_o neither_o will_v they_o be_v persuade_v though_o they_o have_v a_o particular_a messenger_n to_o certify_v they_o about_o they_o we_o have_v a_o divine_a revelation_n add_v to_o natural_a light_n and_o the_o universal_a suffrage_n of_o mankind_n we_o have_v have_v a_o number_n of_o miracle_n and_o extraordinary_a effect_n of_o divine_a power_n to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o religion_n that_o deliver_v we_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o thing_n we_o have_v have_v many_o prophet_n send_v from_o god_n and_o with_o sufficient_a credential_n to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o they_o be_v so_o to_o preach_v these_o thing_n to_o we_o we_o have_v have_v one_o come_v from_o heaven_n and_o after_o he_o be_v dead_a rise_v again_o and_o so_o become_v even_o a_o messenger_n from_o the_o dead_a to_o we_o and_o testisy_v all_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a and_o if_o we_o will_v be_v such_o sceptic_n as_o still_o to_o entertain_v doubt_n and_o disbelieve_v all_o these_o we_o shall_v be_v the_o same_o i_o fear_v though_o we_o have_v one_o come_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o we_o we_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o think_v it_o but_o a_o spectre_n a_o mere_a image_n of_o air_n or_o of_o fancy_n a_o melancholy_a mormo_n or_o a_o wake_a dream_n and_o be_v incline_v to_o think_v that_o we_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o our_o own_o active_a imagination_n and_o the_o many_o report_n and_o story_n we_o have_v hear_v of_o such_o thing_n run_v in_o our_o mind_n he_o that_o can_v disbelieve_v all_o the_o undoubted_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n and_o reveal_v religion_n may_v run_v so_o far_o into_o scepticism_n as_o to_o disbelieve_v his_o sense_n and_o to_o think_v every_o thing_n that_o appear_v to_o he_o to_o be_v fantastic_a and_o imaginary_a 3._o if_o he_o do_v believe_v it_o at_o that_o time_n and_o be_v never_o so_o much_o startle_v and_o affright_v at_o the_o surprise_v apparition_n yet_o in_o a_o little_a time_n the_o sense_n of_o it_o may_v wear_v off_o and_o he_o be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o it_o it_o may_v put_v he_o into_o a_o sit_v of_o horror_n and_o consternation_n as_o the_o hand_n on_o the_o wall_n do_v belshazzer_n dan._n 5.6_o so_o that_o his_o countenance_n shall_v change_v and_o the_o joint_n of_o his_o loin_n be_v loose_v and_o his_o knee_n smite_v one_o against_o another_o but_o the_o sright_n may_v work_v upon_o his_o body_n more_o than_o his_o mind_n and_o when_o that_o be_v over_o they_o may_v both_o return_n to_o their_o former_a and_o natural_a temper_n be_v it_o not_o usual_a for_o a_o great_a many_o who_o by_o a_o dangerous_a sit_v of_o lickness_n be_v bring_v so_o near_o the_o other_o world_n that_o they_o can_v almost_o see_v into_o it_o and_o have_v at_o that_o time_n as_o firm_a a_o belief_n and_o as_o strong_a a_o sense_n of_o it_o as_o if_o not_o only_o a_o messenger_n from_o the_o dead_a come_v to_o they_o but_o they_o be_v there_o 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they_o return_v to_o their_o former_a temper_n of_o mind_n it_o must_v be_v a_o calm_a and_o gentle_a a_o sedate_n and_o compose_a method_n that_o general_o work_v upon_o a_o man_n mind_n and_o bring_v by_o degree_n new_a thought_n and_o disposition_n into_o it_o rather_o than_o a_o sudden_a and_o hasty_a fright_n that_o only_o startle_v and_o amaze_v it_o and_o it_o be_v that_o be_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o free_a and_o reasonable_a creature_n which_o be_v to_o be_v deal_v withal_o by_o such_o a_o suitable_a and_o kind_o procedure_v rather_o than_o that_o which_o have_v nothing_o in_o it_o but_o force_n and_o violence_n 4._o as_o god_n do_v seldom_o humour_n man_n by_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v miraculous_a or_o
all_o cure_n and_o all_o possible_a recovery_n we_o see_v how_o strange_o some_o man_n be_v enslave_v to_o their_o sin_n though_o they_o see_v the_o great_a mischief_n that_o will_v certain_o follow_v from_o they_o that_o if_o they_o shall_v see_v hell_n itself_o even_o open_a before_o they_o yet_o it_o will_v hardly_o prevail_v upon_o they_o but_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o great_a argument_n of_o religion_n contain_v in_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n god_n have_v give_v we_o a_o stand_a canon_n and_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n which_o we_o may_v be_v sure_o contain_v all_o thing_n in_o it_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o persuade_v all_o man_n to_o repentance_n and_o carry_v they_o to_o heaven_n and_o it_o be_v this_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o most_o perfect_a method_n that_o god_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v use_n of_o to_o that_o purpose_n and_o much_o better_a than_o send_v messenger_n from_o the_o dead_a to_o do_v this_o which_o will_v signify_v nothing_o unless_o they_o be_v send_v in_o every_o particular_a age_n and_o to_o every_o particular_a person_n and_o what_o that_o can_v do_v this_o the_o holy_a scripture_n may_v do_v now_o if_o we_o consider_v and_o attend_v to_o they_o the_o papist_n indeed_o seem_v to_o be_v something_o of_o the_o rich_a man_n mind_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o sufficient_a nor_o the_o best_a way_n to_o convert_v man_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v take_v away_o those_o from_o the_o people_n and_o instead_o of_o they_o have_v put_v their_o fabulous_a legend_n their_o story_n of_o purgatory_n and_o of_o man_n come_v from_o the_o dead_a into_o their_o hand_n but_o a_o well_o attest_v and_o consirm_v revelation_n have_v infinite_o the_o advantage_n of_o all_o those_o and_o therefore_o by_o those_o and_o by_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o they_o let_v we_o be_v persuade_v from_o a_o course_n of_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n let_v those_o powerful_a consideration_n of_o another_o world_n which_o be_v there_o lay_v before_o we_o prevail_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o let_v we_o not_o hope_v if_o we_o neglect_v those_o ordinary_a and_o sufficient_a mean_n which_o god_n have_v appoint_v for_o that_o purpose_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v make_v good_a or_o convert_v by_o any_o miraculous_a or_o extraordinary_a method_n of_o divine_a grace_n for_o if_o we_o hear_v not_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o much_o more_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n neither_o shall_v we_o be_v persivade_v though_o one_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a the_o ten_o sermon_n act_n xvii_o 22._o latter_a part_n i_o perceive_v that_o in_o all_o thing_n you_o be_v too_o superstitious_a st_n paul_n speak_v these_o word_n to_o the_o citizen_n of_o athens_n in_o their_o great_a court_n of_o judicature_n whither_o he_o be_v bring_v by_o the_o philosopher_n and_o learned_a man_n of_o that_o university_n v._o 19_o the_o epicurean_o and_o the_o stoic_n with_o who_o he_o have_v be_v dispute_v about_o his_o religion_n and_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o bring_v he_o to_o that_o public_a place_n and_o to_o those_o great_a man_n that_o use_v to_o be_v there_o not_o to_o have_v he_o judge_v or_o accuse_v before_o they_o as_o socrates_n be_v former_o for_o that_o appear_v not_o and_o st._n paul_n have_v free_a liberty_n and_o go_v away_o without_o any_o restraint_n v._o 33._o but_o only_a to_o gratify_v their_o curiosity_n and_o to_o hear_v of_o the_o new_a religion_n and_o the_o new_a god_n that_o they_o suppose_v he_o preach_v for_o the_o athenian_n as_o they_o be_v desirous_a of_o all_o other_o news_n v._o 21._o so_o especial_o in_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o forward_o to_o admit_v all_o fort_n of_o god_n they_o hear_v of_o into_o their_o worship_n and_o the_o most_o incline_v to_o religion_n such_o as_o it_o be_v of_o all_o the_o greek_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o josephus_n and_o pausanias_n speak_v of_o they_o it_o be_v think_v therefore_o by_o some_o even_o chrysostom_n and_o oecumenius_n that_o st._n paul_n mean_v the_o same_o here_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o take_v occasion_n here_o to_o commend_v they_o and_o so_o the_o better_a to_o insinuate_v himself_o and_o like_o a_o skilful_a orator_n persuade_v they_o to_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o that_o these_o word_n of_o he_o be_v design_v as_o a_o compliment_n to_o they_o and_o may_v be_v take_v in_o a_o good_a sense_n but_o then_o he_o do_v not_o continue_v it_o but_o speak_v against_o the_o idolatry_n that_o be_v among_o they_o and_o their_o represent_v the_o godhead_n by_o gold_n or_o silver_n or_o stone_n grave_v by_o art_n and_o man_n device_n v._o 29._o from_o the_o altar_n indeed_o that_o he_o see_v among_o the_o other_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d v._n 23._o or_o the_o image_n they_o worship_v with_o this_o inscription_n to_o the_o unknown_a god_n he_o take_v a_o fair_a occasion_n of_o preach_v the_o true_a god_n to_o they_o suppose_v at_o least_o that_o they_o mean_v he_o and_o that_o they_o ignorant_o worship_v he_o that_o be_v the_o creator_n and_o the_o supreme_a though_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o they_o mean_v or_o know_v he_o to_o be_v so_o when_o he_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o unknown_a to_o they_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n however_o they_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v a_o deity_n which_o they_o want_v among_o those_o of_o their_o city_n and_o that_o they_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n for_o he_o and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n make_v use_v of_o this_o and_o think_v it_o a_o seasonable_a opportunity_n to_o preach_v the_o true_a god_n to_o they_o whether_o they_o mean_v he_o by_o their_o altar_n or_o no._n there_o have_v be_v dispute_v about_o this_o among_o learned_a man_n but_o i_o intend_v not_o to_o consider_v they_o or_o the_o particalar_a superstition_n of_o the_o athenian_n which_o consist_v probable_o in_o a_o religious_a and_o ignorant_a forwardness_n of_o worship_v all_o manner_n of_o daemon_n and_o deity_n that_o they_o can_v hear_v of_o and_o all_o the_o heathen_a polytheism_n be_v such_o a_o superstition_n and_o arise_v from_o that_o ground_n but_o i_o intend_v to_o discourse_v to_o you_o of_o superstition_n in_o general_n and_o that_o not_o of_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n and_o its_o etymology_n but_o of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o what_o be_v true_o mean_v by_o it_o what_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o wherein_o it_o consist_v superstition_n be_v a_o word_n that_o have_v make_v a_o great_a noise_n in_o the_o world_n and_o like_o other_o word_n of_o ambiguous_a and_o uncertain_a meaning_n it_o have_v be_v clap_v upon_o whatever_o man_n please_v and_o be_v make_v a_o phrase_n to_o denote_v whatever_o they_o dislike_v in_o a_o religion_n whether_o they_o have_v reason_n for_o it_o or_o no_o it_o have_v stand_v for_o a_o mark_n of_o what_o be_v to_o be_v hate_v though_o they_o can_v tell_v why_o to_o beget_v a_o aversion_n to_o a_o thing_n and_o a_o suspicion_n of_o something_o ill_a in_o it_o though_o they_o can_v clear_o see_v or_o understand_v it_o indeed_o superstition_n have_v be_v the_o great_a discase_v of_o religion_n it_o have_v like_o a_o canker_n eat_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o it_o and_o consume_v it_o it_o have_v put_v it_o general_o into_o a_o great_a heat_n but_o often_o into_o a_o frenzy_n too_o and_o grow_v sometime_o to_o a_o religion_n distraction_n it_o be_v that_o by_o which_o the_o devil_n when_o he_o can_v destroy_v the_o natural_a sense_n of_o a_o god_n and_o religion_n out_o of_o man_n mind_n yet_o so_o darken_v and_o disorder_v it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v of_o no_o great_a use_n to_o they_o nor_o do_v much_o to_o destroy_v his_o interest_n or_o kingdom_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v too_o apt_a to_o grow_v up_o in_o weak_a and_o not_o seldom_o in_o good_a and_o pious_a mind_n it_o sad_o overrun_v all_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o too_o soon_o creep_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o stick_v like_o a_o secret_a leprosy_n to_o many_o even_o holy_a thing_n and_o the_o priest_n themselves_o do_v not_o discern_v it_o and_o it_o be_v as_o common_a as_o any_o where_n among_o those_o who_o be_v the_o loud_a and_o fierce_a in_o exclaim_v against_o it_o but_o that_o we_o may_v understand_v what_o be_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o give_v you_o as_o clear_v a_o account_n of_o it_o as_o i_o can_v in_o the_o follow_a method_n 1._o by_o give_v a_o general_a definition_n or_o description_n of_o it_o and_o explain_v the_o part_n of_o that_o 2._o by_o consider_v some_o particular_a instance_n of_o superstition_n and_o examine_v other_o that_o be_v account_v so_o 3._o by_o inquire_v into_o the_o true_a cause_n of_o it_o and_o the_o right_a mean_n to_o
avoid_v it_o i._o by_o give_v a_o general_a definition_n etc._n etc._n now_o i_o will_v thus_o define_v superstition_n it_o be_v such_o a_o mistake_a apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n as_o make_v we_o worship_v he_o in_o a_o undue_a manner_n and_o place_n religion_n in_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o it_o do_v not_o real_o consist_v 1._o it_o be_v a_o apprehension_n of_o god_n the_o superstitious_a have_v a_o great_a sense_n upon_o their_o mind_n of_o a_o powerful_a be_v above_o they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o be_v the_o invisible_a lord_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o common_a belief_n of_o the_o religious_a and_o the_o superstitious_a the_o atheist_n who_o think_v there_o be_v no_o such_o be_v no_o spiritual_a and_o invisible_a power_n above_o he_o but_o that_o these_o be_v all_o the_o spectres_n of_o fear_n and_o fancy_n and_o the_o melancholy_a image_n of_o our_o own_o scare_v thought_n and_o imagination_n he_o call_v all_o religion_n superstition_n and_o think_v it_o the_o best_a way_n to_o free_a man_n mind_n from_o the_o slavish_a fear_n of_o a_o be_v above_o they_o to_o deny_v either_o he_o or_o his_o providence_n and_o clear_v his_o mind_n if_o he_o can_v from_o all_o the_o thought_n of_o religion_n that_o so_o horrible_o oppress_v it_o and_o keep_v it_o in_o bondage_n this_o be_v a_o mad_a and_o a_o extravagant_a project_n and_o what_o he_o be_v encourage_v to_o from_o the_o folly_n and_o wildness_n of_o superstition_n and_o the_o mischief_n that_o it_o have_v do_v in_o the_o world_n and_o from_o lay_v all_o the_o scelerosa_fw-la atque_fw-la impia_fw-la facta_fw-la all_o the_o villainy_n which_o that_o have_v commit_v to_o the_o charge_n of_o religion_n this_o be_v very_o disingenuous_a and_o unjust_a and_o the_o other_o be_v a_o very_a false_a extravagance_n to_o expel_v the_o thought_n of_o a_o god_n in_o order_n to_o the_o quiet_a and_o ease_v of_o our_o mind_n there_o be_v no_o such_o reason_n for_o fear_n and_o melancholy_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n if_o we_o have_v true_a and_o right_a conception_n of_o he_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o the_o great_a comfort_n to_o we_o to_o think_v there_o be_v a_o almighty_a be_v to_o take_v care_n of_o we_o and_o to_o do_v we_o good_a to_o keep_v the_o world_n orderly_o and_o to_o govern_v all_o thing_n below_o we_o have_v all_o reason_n to_o rejoice_v in_o our_o have_v such_o a_o common_a father_n to_o provide_v for_o we_o and_o such_o a_o governor_n to_o protect_v we_o who_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a as_o well_o as_o powerful_a which_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n sad_o will_v be_v our_o condition_n if_o there_o be_v not_o such_o a_o be_v and_o i_o know_v no_o such_o melancholy_a consideration_n as_o that_o which_o the_o atheist_n suppose_v to_o be_v the_o remedy_n for_o all_o his_o fear_n and_o disquietude_n the_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o god_n for_o than_o we_o take_v away_o all_o true_a hope_n and_o comfortable_a trust_n and_o have_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o support_v our_o sink_a mind_n nor_o to_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o mankind_n so_o that_o though_o superstition_n believe_v a_o god_n yet_o the_o belief_n do_v not_o make_v man_n superstitious_a but_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o wrong_n and_o mistake_a apprehension_n of_o this_o god_n the_o believe_v he_o to_o be_v a_o severe_a and_o cruel_a be_v arm_v indeed_o with_o irresistible_a power_n but_o arbitrary_a and_o wilful_a in_o the_o use_n of_o it_o and_o that_o may_v probable_o do_v infinite_a mischief_n and_o only_a ruin_n and_o destroy_v his_o innocent_a creature_n with_o it_o that_o may_v make_v they_o only_o to_o be_v the_o pastime_n of_o his_o rage_n and_o the_o sport_n and_o entertainment_n of_o his_o almighty_a revenge_n and_o may_v damn_v the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o to_o eternal_a flame_n only_o to_o show_v his_o groatness_n and_o incontrolable_a power_n over_o they_o or_o if_o he_o be_v not_o thus_o cruel_a and_o tyrannical_a yet_o that_o he_o be_v froward_a and_o pettish_a hard_a to_o be_v please_v and_o easy_o provoke_v that_o it_o be_v next_o to_o impossible_a to_o please_v he_o and_o utter_o so_o to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o he_o when_o be_v be_v angry_a such_o thought_n as_o these_o of_o god_n may_v very_o well_o produce_v a_o superstitious_a and_o uncomfortable_a dread_n of_o he_o and_z sill_z the_o mind_n with_o nothing_o but_o terror_n and_o astonishment_n and_o a_o dismal_a uncertainty_n and_o perplexity_n and_o in_o these_o black_a colour_n superstition_n always_o draw_v he_o with_o ghastly_a look_n and_o terrible_a visage_n with_o a_o brow_n always_o threaten_v and_o a_o hand_n arm_v with_o thunder_n and_o ready_a to_o strike_v without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o merit_n or_o behaviour_n of_o those_o that_o be_v under_o he_o and_o be_v god_n such_o a_o be_v as_o this_o without_o natural_a justice_n or_o essential_a righteousness_n be_v not_o his_o goodness_n as_o infinite_a as_o his_o power_n and_o be_v not_o one_o as_o much_o his_o nature_n as_o the_o other_o then_o indeed_o we_o may_v live_v as_o miserable_o under_o the_o thought_n of_o he_o as_o the_o most_o timorous_a slave_n do_v under_o his_o merciless_a patron_n or_o the_o poor_a prisoner_n under_o his_o insolent_a keeper_n and_o what_o will_v not_o such_o fearful_a wretch_n do_v to_o appease_v the_o anger_n of_o such_o a_o god_n as_o they_o think_v be_v over_o they_o what_o be_v so_o mean_a and_o base_a what_o so_o foolish_a and_o silly_a what_o so_o cruel_a and_o barbarous_a that_o they_o will_v not_o perform_v to_o satisfy_v this_o devour_a moloch_n it_o be_v very_o strange_a that_o ever_o man_n shall_v think_v the_o burn_a their_o child_n alive_a shall_v be_v a_o acceptable_a duty_n in_o religion_n or_o that_o cut_v their_o own_o throat_n shall_v please_v their_o god_n but_o when_o they_o have_v have_v such_o dreadful_a apprehension_n of_o they_o no_o wonder_n that_o these_o cruel_a thing_n be_v make_v the_o office_n of_o their_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o suit_v to_o the_o conception_n of_o their_o god_n for_o in_o the_o 3._o three_o place_n these_o mistake_a apprehension_n of_o god_n will_v put_v man_n upon_o worship_v he_o in_o a_o undue_a manner_n the_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o office_n of_o religion_n will_v be_v suitable_a to_o the_o conception_n we_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a nature_n if_o we_o think_v god_n be_v a_o severe_a and_o a_o cruel_a be_v we_o shall_v think_v he_o delight_v in_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o in_o bloody_a sacrifice_n and_o in_o have_v his_o altar_n reek_v with_o human_a gore_n which_o be_v become_v a_o very_a general_a custom_n and_o a_o common_a office_n of_o the_o gentile_a religion_n and_o the_o devil_n without_o doubt_n endeavour_v to_o bring_v mankind_n into_o this_o abominable_a superstition_n by_o represent_v god_n to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o himself_o and_o by_o make_v his_o own_o diabolical_a temper_n to_o be_v the_o image_n and_o character_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n by_o thus_o set_v up_o himself_o as_o the_o idol_n of_o god_n this_o horrid_a worship_n do_v terminate_v in_o he_o and_o what_o the_o gentile_n thus_o offer_v they_o sacrifice_v to_o devil_n and_o not_o to_o god_n 1_o cor._n 10.20_o but_o if_o we_o have_v other_o conception_n of_o god_n very_o unsuitable_a to_o his_o nature_n if_o we_o think_v he_o be_v not_o a_o wise_a and_o righteous_a but_o a_o vain_a be_v that_o will_v be_v please_v with_o little_a and_o outward_a thing_n with_o affect_a formality_n and_o study_a compliment_n with_o officious_a address_n and_o appear_a show_n with_o adorn_v image_n and_o pompous_a procession_n then_o all_o our_o religion_n quick_o run_v into_o those_o trifle_a thing_n and_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o will_v some_o way_n be_v defective_a if_o it_o have_v not_o a_o very_a right_a foundation_n a_o true_a conception_n of_o god_n and_o his_o nature_n 4._o this_o will_v necessary_o bring_v man_n to_o wrong_a apprehension_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o place_v it_o in_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v it_o will_v make_v they_o think_v god_n be_v please_v with_o what_o be_v no_o way_n agreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n or_o else_o displease_v with_o what_o be_v no_o way_n contrary_a to_o it_o god_n love_n or_o hatred_n to_o any_o thing_n be_v found_v in_o his_o nature_n and_o if_o we_o mistake_v in_o that_o we_o shall_v do_v so_o in_o his_o will_n too_o which_o be_v always_o regulate_v and_o conduct_v by_o the_o essential_a rectitude_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o this_o as_o it_o be_v the_o true_a original_a so_o it_o be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o superstition_n that_o know_v not_o god_n aright_o as_o it_o be_v afraid_a of_o he_o as_o of_o a_o friend_n in_o the_o dark_a so_o
all_o the_o lawful_a and_o innocent_a pleasure_n of_o life_n and_o will_v abstain_v from_o all_o manner_n of_o wine_n and_o flesh_n and_o use_v great_a watch_n and_o fast_n than_o the_o other_o christian_n general_o do_v and_o forbid_v all_o meat_n and_o marriage_n with_o a_o touch_n not_o taste_v not_o handle_v not_o so_o epiphanius_n tell_v we_o the_o gnostic_n do_v and_o the_o ebionito_n who_o be_v every_o day_n baptize_v and_o careful_o abstain_v from_o all_o flesh_n and_o be_v so_o afraid_a of_o wine_n that_o they_o celebrate_v the_o eucharist_n only_o in_o water_n and_o so_o be_v call_v aquarii_n and_o thus_o do_v martion_n and_o montanus_n and_o the_o manichee_n pretend_v all_o to_o very_o great_a abstinency_n and_o severity_n and_o affect_v something_o very_o singular_a and_o self-denying_a that_o christianity_n never_o require_v of_o they_o they_o think_v that_o be_v too_o low_a in_o those_o thing_n and_o they_o be_v therefore_o for_o add_v to_o it_o some_o pure_a and_o high_a precept_n of_o strictness_n which_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n ever_o require_v it_o be_v from_o these_o school_n of_o the_o heretic_n that_o our_o roman_a catholic_n have_v learn_v their_o rule_n of_o perfection_n and_o have_v set_v up_o their_o monkish_a society_n like_o those_o of_o the_o essen_v and_o pythagorean_n wherein_o they_o pretend_v to_o great_a abstinency_n and_o self-denial_n and_o to_o a_o high_a sort_n of_o christianity_n than_o what_o the_o gospel_n have_v any_o where_o command_v but_o sure_o our_o saviour_n know_v as_o well_o as_o these_o man_n wherein_o the_o perfection_n of_o religion_n lie_v and_o he_o have_v give_v we_o as_o perfect_v and_o sublime_a law_n and_o direction_n of_o virtue_n as_o can_v be_v and_o however_o these_o great_a severity_n look_v more_o plausible_a and_o more_o self-denying_a yet_o they_o be_v force_v and_o unnatural_a a_o sort_n of_o stoical_a or_o cynical_a institution_n rather_o than_o christian_n a_o take_a man_n off_o from_o do_v great_a good_a and_o be_v more_o useful_a to_o the_o world_n a_o reflection_n a_o disparagement_n upon_o the_o gospel_n as_o not_o give_v we_o the_o best_a rule_n and_o the_o most_o perfect_a precept_n but_o that_o we_o can_v invent_v better_a and_o high_a ourselves_o and_o in_o a_o word_n a_o superstitious_a and_o ungrounded_a belief_n that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n evil_a or_o unlawful_a in_o the_o natural_a and_o innocent_a enjoyment_n that_o god_n have_v no_o where_o forbid_v and_o restrain_v we_o from_o and_o that_o the_o abstain_v from_o those_o be_v a_o way_n better_a to_o please_v god_n and_o to_o recommend_v ourselves_o to_o he_o than_o by_o live_v up_o to_o the_o plain_a and_o honest_a duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n this_o part_n of_o superstition_n which_o lie_v in_o a_o show_n of_o great_a humility_n and_o severity_n and_o abstinence_n be_v mighty_a apt_a to_o cheat_v the_o world_n and_o therefore_o it_o have_v be_v make_v use_n of_o general_o by_o those_o who_o will_v draw_v people_n into_o their_o communion_n and_o party_n and_o it_o have_v do_v no_o little_a service_n to_o the_o papist_n on_o one_o side_n who_o tell_v we_o of_o their_o vow_n of_o poverty_n and_o chastity_n their_o hair_n shirt_n and_o their_o other_o severity_n and_o the_o quaker_n on_o the_o other_o side_n who_o affect_v a_o show_n of_o humility_n and_o singularity_n in_o their_o garb_n and_o their_o word_n and_o think_v that_o it_o be_v religion_n not_o to_o speak_v or_o be_v habit_v as_o other_o people_n nor_o to_o use_v the_o common_a expression_n of_o civility_n and_o good_a manner_n but_o no_o where_o have_v christ_n or_o his_o religion_n command_v we_o to_o be_v cynic_n nor_o do_v he_o give_v we_o any_o such_o example_n by_o any_o affect_a singularity_n in_o his_o own_o life_n but_o have_v bid_v we_o live_v innocent_o and_o love_v one_o another_o and_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o christianity_n whereby_o we_o shall_v know_v that_o we_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o not_o by_o any_o monkish_a severity_n or_o superstitious_a abstinency_n and_o self-denial_n of_o what_o be_v lawful_a and_o innocent_a we_o may_v use_v those_o upon_o account_n of_o prudence_n or_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o particular_a circumstance_n but_o to_o place_v religion_n in_o do_v so_o that_o be_v superstition_n i_o may_v name_v a_o great_a many_o other_o instance_n of_o superstition_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o their_o pilgrimage_n and_o visit_v of_o shrine_n in_o their_o whip_a themselves_o and_o go_v barefoot_a in_o their_o penance_n their_o mass_n and_o indulgency_n whereby_o they_o place_n religion_n in_o very_o foolish_a and_o ridiculous_a thing_n of_o no_o manner_n of_o worth_n or_o value_n and_o think_v to_o please_v god_n and_o atone_v for_o their_o sin_n and_o reconcile_v themselves_o to_o heaven_n by_o such_o performance_n as_o god_n have_v no_o where_o command_v and_o be_v no_o way_n proper_a for_o it_o 4._o a_o great_a part_n of_o superstition_n lie_v in_o ascribe_v a_o divine_a virtue_n and_o power_n to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v mere_o natural_a and_o have_v no_o such_o virtue_n in_o they_o as_o the_o make_v every_o accident_n a_o sign_n of_o something_o as_o the_o heathen_n do_v the_o flight_n of_o bird_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o homer_n and_o some_o now_o a_o hare_n cross_v the_o way_n as_o if_o these_o natural_a accident_n be_v divine_a omen_n and_o portend_v any_o evil_n and_o that_o god_n make_v they_o notice_n of_o his_o mind_n to_o we_o which_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v so_o the_o feed_n of_o chicken_n croak_a of_o raven_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d strike_v a_o staff_n against_o the_o ground_n to_o which_o the_o prophet_n be_v think_v to_o refer_v hosea_n 4.12_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o other_o auspicious_a sign_n as_o lightning_z on_o the_o right_a hand_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o homer_n and_o with_o we_o the_o fall_n of_o the_o salt_n which_o suidas_n call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v superstitious_a observer_n of_o sign_n as_o if_o they_o be_v make_v such_o by_o a_o secret_a divine_a signification_n when_o they_o be_v not_o so_o the_o observe_v ominous_a and_o auspicious_a day_n as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o secret_a virtue_n in_o they_o be_v a_o old_a heathenish_a superstition_n as_o we_o may_v see_v in_o hesiod_n his_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d one_o of_o the_o old_a heathen_a poem_n and_o general_o it_o be_v the_o same_o natural_a superstition_n and_o ascribe_v occult_a and_o divine_a virtue_n to_o such_o thing_n as_o have_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o they_o to_o which_o god_n have_v no_o way_n annex_v any_o such_o virtue_n or_o power_n as_o the_o use_v spell_n charm_n magical_a knot_n and_o ligature_n and_o the_o like_a which_o st._n austin_n call_v execranda_fw-la superstitìo_fw-la and_o the_o observe_a dream_n and_o such_o natural_a thing_n which_o proceed_v only_o from_o natural_a cause_n as_o if_o there_o be_v something_o divine_a in_o they_o this_o be_v a_o great_a spice_n of_o the_o heathen_a superstition_n 5._o a_o great_a part_n of_o superstition_n lie_v in_o place_v the_o main_a substance_n of_o religion_n in_o some_o positive_a and_o external_a duty_n that_o be_v only_o of_o lesser_a value_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o their_o keep_a fast_n and_o sabbath_n and_o offer_v sacrifice_n and_o observe_a circumcision_n and_o the_o other_o rite_n of_o their_o law_n which_o though_o they_o be_v command_v by_o god_n yet_o the_o place_v religion_n chief_o in_o they_o and_o not_o in_o inward_a goodness_n and_o righteousness_n be_v what_o the_o prophet_n always_o condemn_v and_o reprove_v they_o for_o as_o you_o may_v see_v isa_n 1.11_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v the_o multitude_n of_o your_o sacrifice_n to_o i_o say_v the_o lord_n i_o be_o full_a of_o the_o burn_a offering_n of_o ram_n and_o the_o fat_a of_o feed_a beast_n and_o i_o delight_v not_o in_o the_o blood_n of_o bullock_n or_o of_o lamb_n or_o of_o he-goat_n when_o you_o come_v to_o appear_v before_o i_o who_o have_v require_v this_o at_o your_o hand_n to_o tread_v my_o court_n bring_v no_o more_o vain_a oblation_n incense_n be_v a_o abomination_n to_o i_o your_o new_a moon_n and_o sabbath_n the_o call_n of_o assembly_n i_o can_v away_o with_o your_o new_a moon_n and_o appoint_a feast_n my_o soul_n hate_v v._n 16._o wash_v you_o make_v you_o clean_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a of_o your_o do_n from_o before_o my_o eye_n cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o seek_v judgement_n relieve_v the_o oppress_v judge_v the_o fatherless_a plead_v for_o the_o widow_n 6._o superstition_n may_v lie_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o indifferent_a thing_n that_o be_v use_v for_o order_n and_o decency_n in_o religious_a worship_n as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o
deportment_n so_o do_v the_o superstitious_a make_v show_n and_o appearance_n of_o courtship_n to_o heaven_n but_o he_o be_v out_o in_o all_o of_o they_o and_o do_v not_o what_o be_v proper_a what_o be_v real_o oblige_v and_o acceptable_a to_o it_o the_o devil_n not_o be_v able_a to_o destroy_v the_o religious_a sense_n that_o be_v in_o our_o mind_n not_o be_v able_a to_o root_v out_o that_o which_o nature_n have_v plant_v in_o every_o man_n breast_n a_o sense_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o divine_a be_v above_o we_o he_o endeavour_v to_o spoil_v and_o corrupt_v that_o as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v and_o to_o sow_v such_o cockle_n and_o tare_n among_o the_o good_a and_o natural_a seed_n of_o religion_n as_o may_v quite_o choke_v it_o and_o make_v it_o unfruitful_a as_o may_v alter_v its_o kind_n and_o make_v it_o produce_v such_o fruit_n as_o be_v not_o true_a and_o genuine_a but_o quite_o of_o another_o nature_n as_o look_n like_o religion_n and_o like_o the_o apple_n of_o sodom_n seem_v more_o fair_a outward_o but_o be_v another_o thing_n within_o because_o he_o can_v hinder_v man_n from_o be_v religious_a but_o there_o be_v something_o within_o themselves_o will_v make_v they_o so_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o his_o attempt_n and_o design_n to_o the_o contrary_a therefore_o he_o will_v make_v they_o superstitious_a because_o he_o can_v stop_v the_o religious_a instinct_n and_o inclination_n of_o their_o mind_n he_o will_v determine_v and_o set_v it_o wrong_n because_o he_o can_v dry_v up_o that_o natural_a spring_n of_o religion_n that_o rise_v up_o in_o every_o one_o breast_n he_o will_v poison_v and_o corrupt_v it_o and_o because_o religion_n be_v so_o deep_o and_o strong_o root_v in_o human_a nature_n that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v whole_o pluck_v up_o by_o he_o therefore_o he_o will_v graft_v upon_o it_o such_o false_a and_o superstitious_a principle_n as_o shall_v quite_o alter_v its_o nature_n and_o though_o they_o be_v feed_v and_o nourish_v by_o a_o religious_a sense_n at_o the_o bottom_n yet_o this_o vine_n shall_v bring_v forth_o thorn_n and_o this_o figtree_n thistle_n and_o from_o this_o sweet_a fountain_n shall_v come_v forth_o salt_n and_o bitter_a water_n by_o a_o superstitious_a mixture_n religion_n shall_v be_v change_v and_o pervert_v both_o in_o its_o nature_n and_o its_o effect_n this_o be_v the_o sad_a mischief_n to_o true_a religion_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v thus_o make_v to_o destroy_v itself_o that_o its_o force_n and_o power_n shall_v be_v turn_v upon_o its_o self_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v consume_v like_o some_o animal_n by_o what_o grow_v out_o of_o itself_o it_o be_v thus_o the_o devil_n most_o successful_o countermine_v god_n and_o destroy_v religion_n by_o turn_v it_o into_o superstition_n which_o how_o it_o be_v do_v and_o by_o what_o mean_v effect_v i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v you_o in_o three_o prrticular_o 1._o by_o make_v man_n vicious_a and_o wicked_a for_o though_o superstition_n may_v often_o grow_v up_o in_o weak_a and_o silly_a mind_n that_o may_v be_v innocent_a and_o far_o from_o be_v guilty_a of_o very_o great_a and_o notorious_a vice_n yet_o i_o believe_v the_o first_o and_o most_o general_a cause_n of_o superstition_n in_o the_o world_n be_v vice_n and_o wickedness_n the_o devil_n have_v first_o draw_v man_n to_o that_o and_o then_o have_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o manner_n of_o error_n and_o falsehood_n he_o have_v first_o debauch_v their_o moral_n and_o then_o their_o understanding_n he_o have_v first_o wrought_v upon_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n by_o abominable_a lust_n and_o vice_n and_o then_o he_o have_v quick_o corrupt_v their_o judgement_n and_o lead_v they_o into_o all_o manner_n of_o mistake_n in_o religion_n the_o superstition_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n arise_v i_o doubt_v not_o from_o that_o horrible_a corruption_n of_o manner_n that_o be_v among_o they_o they_o will_v never_o have_v set_v up_o such_o a_o religion_n as_o they_o do_v make_v up_o of_o nothing_o almost_o but_o obscenity_n and_o filthiness_n cruelty_n and_o blood_n apishness_n and_o folly_n have_v not_o they_o be_v as_o the_o apostle_n represent_v the_o heathen_a world_n rom._n 1._o vain_a in_o their_o imagination_n and_o fill_v with_o all_o manner_n of_o unrighteousness_n implacable_a and_o unmerciful_a in_o their_o own_o temper_n and_o give_v up_o to_o the_o most_o beastly_a lust_n and_o unnatural_a lewdness_n these_o vice_n in_o themselves_o natural_o lead_v they_o to_o such_o a_o false_a religion_n and_o such_o superstitious_a abomination_n as_o they_o be_v guilty_a of_o but_o as_o their_o manner_n decay_v so_o do_v the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o right_a worship_n of_o god_n and_o as_o vice_n get_v ground_n so_o do_v superstition_n and_o they_o always_o grow_v up_o and_o increase_v and_o like_o hypocrates_n his_o twin_n live_v and_o die_v together_o what_o hide_a cause_n thus_o link_v they_o together_o and_o how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v such_o inseparable_a companion_n may_v seem_v strange_a when_o superstition_n own_v and_o acknowledge_v a_o god_n have_v a_o great_a sense_n of_o he_o upon_o the_o mind_n but_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o this_o sense_n of_o a_o god_n when_o it_o have_v not_o have_v such_o a_o due_a effect_n as_o it_o ought_v upon_o it_o so_o as_o to_o preserve_v it_o virtuous_a and_o innocent_a but_o lust_n and_o wickedness_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o devil_n have_v overcome_v it_o this_o sense_n of_o its_o own_o wickedness_n join_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o god_n do_v very_o natural_o and_o easy_o bring_v it_o to_o superstition_n if_o it_o have_v no_o sense_n of_o a_o god_n nor_o no_o belief_n of_o such_o a_o be_v at_o all_o if_o it_o can_v get_v rid_v of_o that_o which_o it_o never_o can_v then_o indeed_o there_o will_v be_v no_o ground_n of_o superstition_n and_o this_o way_n the_o atheist_n will_v free_v himself_o from_o all_o superstitious_a fear_n or_o if_o it_o be_v not_o vicious_a and_o so_o not_o sensible_a of_o its_o own_o horrid_a guilt_n and_o wickedness_n and_o its_o obnoxiousness_n to_o this_o god_n above_o neither_o then_o will_v it_o be_v superstitious_a but_o when_o it_o be_v thus_o sensible_a of_o a_o great_a and_o just_a god_n which_o be_v the_o avenger_n of_o such_o crime_n as_o it_o know_v it_o have_v be_v high_o guilty_a of_o this_o be_v the_o first_o thing_n that_o bring_v it_o to_o superstition_n because_o in_o the_o 2._o second_o place_n this_o cause_v a_o dreadful_a fear_n and_o terrible_a apprehension_n of_o god_n upon_o it_o it_o be_v own_o guilt_n scare_n and_o affright_v it_o and_o draw_v terrible_a idea_n and_o image_n of_o god_n upon_o its_o mind_n so_o that_o it_o look_v upon_o he_o only_o as_o a_o malefactor_n do_v upon_o his_o severe_a judge_n his_o jailor_n or_o his_o executioner_n it_o see_v nothing_o but_o frown_n in_o his_o face_n and_o anger_n in_o his_o eye_n and_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o fancy_n all_o the_o instrumenes_n of_o torture_n and_o punishment_n ready_a to_o be_v apply_v to_o it_o and_o in_o such_o a_o case_n as_o this_o be_v what_o will_v it_o not_o do_v to_o pacify_v and_o appease_v this_o deity_n that_o it_o thus_o dread_v what_o a_o dreadful_a fright_n and_o passion_n must_v it_o be_v in_o when_o it_o can_v think_v of_o nothing_o that_o will_v do_v it_o how_o will_v it_o be_v try_v every_o thing_n it_o can_v think_v of_o come_v before_o his_o altar_n and_o bring_v thousand_o of_o ram_n and_o ten_o thousand_o river_n of_o oil_n if_o it_o be_v rich_a enough_o and_o give_v its_o first_o bear_v for_o its_o transgression_n and_o part_n with_o the_o fruit_n of_o its_o own_o body_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o its_o soul_n micah_n 6.7_o and_o shed_v its_o own_o blood_n for_o to_o make_v some_o expiation_n for_o its_o guilt_n nothing_o be_v so_o mean_a and_o servile_a nothing_o so_o cruel_a and_o bloody_a so_o shameful_a and_o scandalous_a but_o a_o soul_n overwhelm_v with_o a_o superstitious_a fear_n will_v be_v attempt_v and_o try_v be_v it_o never_o so_o unagreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o never_o so_o unfit_a and_o unsuitable_a to_o please_v he_o there_o be_v just_a ground_n of_o be_v afraid_a of_o god_n when_o we_o be_v sensible_a of_o our_o guilt_n and_o it_o be_v not_o this_o be_v superstition_n but_o when_o this_o fear_n put_v man_n upon_o foolish_a and_o undue_a and_o abominable_a way_n to_o appease_v he_o and_o give_v we_o such_o a_o dreadful_a idea_n and_o apprehension_n of_o he_o as_o quite_o exclude_v all_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o put_v the_o mind_n only_o into_o a_o excessive_a fright_n and_o fit_v of_o horror_n than_o it_o be_v so_o i_o can_v think_v that_o ever_o mankind_n will_v have_v form_v such_o a_o conception_n of_o god_n have_v not_o their_o
those_o thing_n whereof_o you_o be_v now_o ashamed_a rom._n 6.21_o they_o have_v walk_v after_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o profit_v as_o the_o prophet_n speak_v in_o another_o case_n jer._n 2.8_o after_o mere_a idol_n and_o image_n of_o good_a pleasure_n and_o profit_n which_o they_o have_v find_v to_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o have_v no_o reality_n in_o they_o they_o have_v court_v and_o embrace_v a_o mere_a airy_a empty_a cloud_n instead_o of_o juno_n and_o be_v lead_v by_o a_o mere_a meteor_n a_o ignis_fw-la fatuus_fw-la a_o false_a light_n and_o seem_a appearance_n which_o have_v bewilder_v and_o misguide_v they_o in_o their_o blind_a search_n and_o dark_a pursuit_n after_o their_o own_o good_a and_o happiness_n where_o they_o have_v look_v for_o and_o expect_v any_o good_a they_o have_v always_o miss_v of_o it_o and_o find_v the_o contrary_a evil_n their_o sin_n have_v be_v so_o hard_a and_o cruel_a to_o they_o that_o when_o they_o have_v ask_v bread_n they_o have_v give_v they_o a_o stone_n and_o instead_o of_o a_o fish_n a_o serpent_n and_o their_o own_o experience_n which_o be_v the_o best_a and_o only_o teacher_n to_o they_o if_o they_o will_v attend_v to_o it_o will_v learn_v they_o above_o all_o thing_n the_o deceitfulness_n of_o sin_n 5._o sin_n deceive_v very_o much_o with_o be_v customary_a and_o fashionable_a this_o draw_v in_o a_o great_a many_o by_o the_o power_n of_o example_n and_o the_o have_v such_o number_n and_o so_o great_a a_o party_n on_o its_o side_n for_o thereby_o the_o shame_n and_o reproach_n of_o it_o be_v in_o great_a measure_n take_v of_o and_o the_o sinner_n run_v he_o think_v but_o the_o same_o risk_a and_o venture_v with_o so_o many_o other_o and_o hope_n to_o fare_v as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o companion_n and_o as_o other_o in_o the_o crowd_n this_o be_v a_o strong_a delusion_n and_o work_n upon_o a_o great_a many_o and_o be_v not_o so_o easy_o take_v off_o unless_o a_o great_a authority_n and_o a_o great_a example_n bring_v virtue_n into_o fashion_n as_o it_o easy_o may_v by_o have_v god_n and_o all_o good_a man_n on_o its_o side_n and_o so_o discounterance_n vice_n and_o make_v it_o become_v as_o infamous_a and_o contemptible_a in_o the_o thought_n of_o other_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o and_o when_o a_o mark_n of_o infamy_n be_v set_v upon_o any_o thing_n even_o upon_o the_o great_a power_n or_o the_o great_a sin_n it_o can_v never_o long_o hold_v its_o interest_n nor_o keep_v its_o ground_n virtue_n can_v never_o lose_v its_o credit_n by_o all_o the_o attempt_n in_o the_o world_n but_o will_v always_o be_v honour_v and_o have_v a_o true_a value_n and_o esteem_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o even_o those_o who_o forsake_v it_o will_v yet_o have_v a_o inward_a awe_n and_o secret_a reverence_n of_o it_o but_o vice_n though_o it_o bear_v a_o mark_n like_o cain_n of_o shame_n and_o ignominy_n upon_o it_o yet_o when_o it_o become_v modish_a and_o fashionable_a grow_v more_o bold_a and_o impudent_a and_o escape_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o that_o reproach_n and_o disgrace_n that_o belong_v to_o it_o and_o bear_v out_o with_o some_o confidence_n and_o assurance_n when_o otherwise_o it_o will_v sneak_v and_o be_v cover_v with_o confusion_n than_o it_o endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o it_o can_v to_o run_v down_o solitary_a virtue_n as_o a_o piece_n of_o singularity_n and_o affectation_n and_o to_o change_v the_o opinion_n of_o man_n in_o those_o thing_n and_o alter_v if_o it_o can_v the_o very_a nature_n of_o vice_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o thought_n and_o sentiment_n of_o mankind_n about_o they_o and_o make_v false_a name_n and_o counterfeit_a term_n of_o honour_n to_o itself_o but_o it_o may_v as_o well_o change_v the_o season_n of_o the_o year_n and_o turn_v summer_n into_o winter_n and_o day_n into_o night_n and_o pluck_v up_o the_o sundamental_a constitution_n of_o thing_n as_o destroy_v the_o fix_v and_o immutable_a nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o as_o well_o pervert_v our_o sense_n or_o our_o perception_n of_o the_o motion_n make_v upon_o we_o by_o outward_a object_n as_o the_o settle_a judgement_n and_o opinion_n of_o mankind_n concern_v the_o moral_a object_n of_o our_o mind_n nature_n and_o reason_n and_o wisdom_n be_v stubborn_a and_o inflexible_a thing_n and_o will_v not_o comply_v with_o the_o mode_n and_o humour_n of_o a_o foolish_a world_n and_o will_v be_v always_o on_o virtue_n be_v side_n and_o however_o the_o mad_a man_n and_o the_o vicious_a may_v have_v the_o majority_n yet_o they_o will_v never_o carry_v it_o against_o the_o other_o nor_o be_v able_a to_o contend_v with_o they_o in_o a_o cause_n that_o heaven_n and_o nature_n and_o reason_n have_v decide_v and_o settle_v by_o a_o decree_n that_o be_v irreversible_a health_n will_v be_v still_o health_n and_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v to_o pain_n and_o disease_n though_o in_o a_o general_a contagion_n and_o when_o never_o so_o many_o be_v sick_a and_o though_o the_o disease_n make_v they_o never_o so_o frantic_a and_o lightheaded_a life_n be_v a_o thing_n very_o valuable_a and_o comfortable_a to_o noah_n when_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o perish_v and_o heaven_n will_v be_v never_o the_o less_o desirable_a nor_o hell_n never_o the_o more_o tolerable_a though_o there_o be_v few_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o find_v the_o one_o and_o many_o that_o go_v into_o the_o other_o so_o little_o be_v there_o in_o this_o deceitful_a temptation_n to_o sin_n that_o it_o have_v number_n on_o its_o side_n and_o be_v customary_a and_o fashionable_a 6._o sin_n deceive_v very_o often_o by_o be_v count_v a_o little_a one_o but_o a_o small_a trifle_n and_o peccadillo_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o great_a and_o more_o scandalous_a vice_n that_o bear_v a_o black_a mark_n and_o foul_a character_n thus_o to_o drop_v a_o oath_n now_o and_o then_o to_o take_v a_o cup_n a_o little_a too_o much_o sometime_o to_o set_v off_o discourse_n with_o a_o little_a profaneness_n and_o obscenity_n and_o to_o make_v bold_a with_o god_n and_o religion_n for_o a_o jest_n and_o a_o witty_a say_n and_o to_o go_v as_o far_o in_o some_o liberty_n as_o be_v possible_a without_o commit_v the_o last_o act_n of_o sin_n these_o and_o other_o thing_n be_v call_v only_o innocent_a freedom_n and_o such_o as_o the_o sociable_a and_o well_o breed_v and_o person_n even_o of_o conduct_n and_o prudence_n can_v hardly_o avoid_v if_o they_o will_v converse_v in_o the_o world_n without_o the_o charge_n of_o too_o much_o preciseness_n and_o moroseness_n but_o if_o these_o however_o they_o be_v look_v on_o be_v direct_a breach_n of_o a_o divine_a law_n if_o they_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o know_a rule_n of_o religion_n if_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o strict_a command_n of_o christianity_n they_o be_v never_o to_o be_v call_v little_a or_o small_a sin_n but_o such_o as_o a_o man_n must_v avoid_v upon_o the_o peril_n of_o his_o salvation_n and_o be_v exclude_v out_o of_o heaven_n beside_o these_o lesser_a unregarded_a sin_n lead_v to_o other_o and_o take_v off_o the_o strict_a guard_n and_o serious_a watchfulness_n we_o ought_v always_o to_o maintain_v over_o ourselves_o and_o lay_v we_o open_v very_o often_o to_o the_o great_a temptation_n by_o carry_v we_o to_o the_o utmost_a bound_n of_o what_o be_v lawful_a and_o so_o to_o the_o near_a approach_n of_o what_o be_v sinful_a and_o like_o small_a wound_n and_o lesser_a illness_n by_o be_v over_o much_o slight_v and_o not_o take_v care_n of_o they_o become_v in_o time_n dangerous_a and_o mortal_a last_o for_o the_o deceit_n of_o sin_n be_v innumerable_a and_o can_v all_o be_v reckon_v up_o though_o it_o concern_v mankind_n above_o all_o thing_n to_o know_v and_o escape_v they_o and_o not_o be_v cheat_v in_o the_o main_a thing_n wherein_o their_o happiness_n or_o misery_n consist_v but_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o shall_v name_n be_v this_o that_o many_o man_n be_v deceive_v into_o sin_n by_o think_v it_o may_v be_v easy_a to_o get_v rid_v of_o all_o the_o evil_a and_o guilt_n and_o punishment_n of_o it_o by_o the_o help_n of_o repentance_n and_o the_o merciful_a provision_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o which_o they_o may_v quick_o be_v set_v right_o again_o and_o be_v in_o as_o good_a a_o state_n as_o they_o be_v before_o now_o here_o be_v too_o many_o mistake_n to_o be_v consider_v at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o say_v that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v deceive_v not_o only_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o sin_n but_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o repentance_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o make_v that_o rather_o a_o incourager_n and_o promoter_n of_o sin_n than_o a_o destroyer_n of_o it_o and_o to_o find_v out_o a_o trick_n if_o
feel_n as_o scripture_n speak_v so_o they_o darken_v and_o blind_v the_o understanding_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o bring_v a_o cloud_n over_o it_o or_o cast_v a_o mist_n before_o it_o and_o hinder_v it_o from_o see_v and_o discern_v thing_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o do_v these_o i_o confess_v be_v all_o figurative_a expression_n whereby_o we_o be_v force_v to_o describe_v and_o illustrate_v the_o act_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o material_a and_o bodily_a resemblance_n as_o the_o holy_a ghost_n itself_o do_v but_o there_o be_v such_o real_a effect_n in_o the_o mind_n as_o answer_v to_o they_o and_o about_o which_o we_o can_v use_v no_o other_o word_n or_o idea_n man_n sin_n at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o harden_v their_o will_n and_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o senselessness_n and_o stupidity_n about_o their_o moral_a action_n they_o blind_v their_o judgement_n also_o and_o bring_v they_o to_o a_o reprobate_a sense_n so_o as_o not_o to_o see_v the_o plain_a truth_n or_o great_a evidence_n nor_o be_v aware_a of_o the_o gross_a and_o most_o notorious_a error_n nor_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o strong_a argument_n and_o demonstration_n for_o the_o truth_n or_o practice_n of_o religion_n 2._o i_o shall_v consider_v a_o little_a more_o particular_o in_o the_o 2d_o place_n how_o and_o to_o what_o degree_n the_o mind_n be_v thus_o harden_v and_o blind_v by_o its_o sin_n 1._o and_o this_o be_v do_v first_o of_o all_o by_o break_v through_o natural_a shame_n and_o the_o innate_a modesty_n of_o our_o mind_n this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o strong_a sense_n which_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v set_v about_o virtue_n and_o the_o great_a check_n and_o restraint_n against_o vice_n for_o it_o arise_v from_o the_o first_o quick_a and_o discern_a sense_n of_o the_o mind_n whereby_o it_o see_v the_o â—â—â—ness_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o indecency_n and_o natural_a turpitude_n and_o shame_n of_o the_o other_o and_o when_o this_o be_v once_o break_v through_o the_o mind_n be_v quick_o prostitute_v and_o debauch_v to_o the_o great_a lewdness_n and_o villainy_n and_o come_v to_o sin_n impudent_o and_o with_o a_o where_o be_v forehead_a at_o first_o indeed_o it_o be_v modest_a and_o reserve_v and_o bluster_v at_o the_o rude_a offer_n of_o sin_n and_o run_v from_o they_o but_o by_o come_v near_o and_o make_o some_o further_a approach_n to_o it_o it_o be_v draw_v in_o to_o consent_v and_o so_o have_v lest_o its_o original_a innocence_n and_o native_a modesty_n it_o be_v soon_o bring_v to_o after-act_n of_o sin_n and_o wear_v off_o by_o degree_n that_o shame_n which_o be_v its_o great_a guard_n and_o preservative_n at_o first_o and_o than_o it_o lie_v open_a to_o every_o temptation_n and_o 〈…〉_o to_o every_o offer_n and_o opportunity_n that_o invite_v 〈◊〉_d and_o hardly_o needs_o to_o be_v tempt_v but_o become_v a_o tempter_n both_o to_o itself_o and_o other_o and_o a_o pander_n in_o time_n to_o all_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n 2._o sin_n harden_v by_o stupify_a conscience_n and_o deadn_v the_o inward_a and_o natural_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n on_o our_o mind_n so_o as_o to_o bring_v man_n by_o degree_n to_o sin_n without_o struggle_n dispute_n or_o reluctancy_n it_o must_v be_v a_o great_a while_n before_o it_o come_v to_o this_o and_o a_o man_n must_v have_v go_v through_o a_o long_a course_n before_o he_o can_v arrive_v at_o this_o state_n and_o perfection_n of_o sin_v no_o man_n can_v commit_v a_o plain_a and_o great_a sin_n at_o first_o without_o great_a struggle_n and_o remorse_n of_o mind_n and_o great_a reluctance_n and_o opposition_n from_o his_o own_o conscience_n the_o spirit_n will_v strive_v against_o the_o flesh_n as_o the_o flesh_n lu_v against_o the_o spirit_n gal._n 5.17_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a principle_n of_o virtue_n in_o we_o as_o well_o as_o of_o vice_n and_o as_o a_o good_a man_n must_v have_v many_o conflict_n with_o his_o low_a inclination_n before_o he_o can_v arrive_v at_o a_o full_a state_n of_o virtue_n so_o must_v a_o bad_a man_n have_v as_o great_a a_o contest_v with_o his_o conscience_n and_o the_o natural_a sense_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n before_o he_o can_v be_v perfect_o wicked_a conscience_n will_v check_v and_o restrain_v he_o at_o first_o and_o inward_o smite_v and_o reprove_v he_o for_o do_v amiss_o and_o this_o be_v a_o evident_a proof_n of_o the_o natural_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o a_o excellent_a monitor_n set_v up_o by_o god_n in_o every_o man_n breast_n to_o mind_v he_o of_o his_o duty_n and_o the_o great_a security_n indeed_o of_o all_o religion_n but_o when_o man_n have_v by_o many_o act_n and_o long_a custom_n of_o wickedness_n waste_v and_o sin_v away_o conscience_n and_o stifle_v or_o stupisy_v the_o inward_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n so_o as_o to_o sin_n with_o great_a ease_n and_o without_o any_o trouble_n or_o opposition_n from_o within_o without_o any_o rebuke_n or_o resistance_n or_o remorse_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n for_o whatever_o they_o do_v then_o they_o be_v become_v perfect_a sinner_n indeed_o and_o come_v to_o a_o absolute_a and_o full_a state_n of_o wickedness_n to_o be_v harden_v into_o a_o utter_a insensibility_n so_o as_o to_o be_v past_a feel_n and_o to_o have_v their_o conscience_n as_o it_o be_v sear_v with_o a_o hot_a iron_n as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v 1_o tim._n 4.2_o so_o as_o to_o be_v quite_o senseless_a this_o senselessness_n may_v seem_v a_o easy_a and_o less_o painful_a state_n but_o it_o be_v more_o mortal_a and_o dangerous_a and_o be_v just_a such_o a_o disease_n to_o the_o soul_n as_o a_o apoplexy_n or_o a_o lethargy_n be_v to_o the_o body_n if_o this_o senselessness_n and_o stupidity_n will_v always_o last_v it_o be_v much_o better_a indeed_o than_o sharp_a and_o actual_a pain_n but_o the_o conscience_n of_o a_o sinner_n though_o it_o may_v sleep_v and_o slumber_v a_o while_n yet_o it_o will_v awake_v one_o time_n or_o other_o and_o like_o a_o enrage_a lion_n tear_v and_o devour_v all_o about_o it_o either_o death_n or_o sickness_n or_o some_o judgement_n or_o affliction_n will_v probable_o rouse_v it_o here_o and_o bring_v the_o stupefy_v mind_n to_o itself_o or_o to_o be_v sure_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n will_v make_v it_o open_v its_o eye_n when_o it_o be_v too_o late_o when_o it_o can_v see_v nothing_o but_o horror_n and_o despair_n before_o it_o and_o round_o about_o it_o and_o where_o it_o conscience_n shall_v always_o torment_v it_o with_o a_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v and_o with_o never_o cease_v anguish_n and_o remorse_n 3._o a_o three_o instance_n and_o degree_n of_o be_v thus_o harden_v by_o sin_n be_v doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o call_v into_o question_n the_o principle_n of_o it_o and_o at_o last_o a_o utter_a reject_v and_o dis-believing_a of_o they_o no_o man_n ever_o do_v this_o till_o he_o be_v corrupt_v in_o his_o moral_n and_o engage_v in_o a_o vicious_a course_n so_o that_o this_o scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n be_v plain_o the_o effect_n and_o consequent_a of_o his_o vice_n and_o proceed_v from_o his_o will_n blind_v with_o his_o sin_n and_o lust_n rather_o than_o from_o his_o understanding_n or_o from_o any_o want_n of_o evidence_n about_o those_o matter_n it_o be_v first_o the_o sinner_n wish_v and_o desire_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n before_o he_o question_v whither_o there_o be_v one_o or_o no_o and_o he_o never_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o another_o world_n till_o it_o be_v against_o his_o interest_n and_o he_o be_v lose_v and_o undo_v if_o there_o be_v one_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v very_o unwilling_a to_o believe_v it_o man_n must_v have_v very_o much_o blind_v their_o mind_n if_o they_o do_v not_o see_v the_o plain_a evidence_n for_o religion_n both_o from_o nature_n and_o reason_n and_o from_o history_n and_o revelation_n from_o the_o make_v and_o frame_v of_o the_o world_n and_o from_o the_o make_v of_o their_o own_o body_n and_o the_o inward_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n all_o which_o make_v it_o as_o unreasonable_a almost_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n as_o to_o doubt_v of_o their_o own_o be_v and_o existence_n and_o we_o may_v as_o well_o be_v sceptic_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n else_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n 4._o there_o be_v a_o degree_n yet_o beyond_o this_o and_o that_o be_v ridicul_v religion_n and_o expose_v it_o to_o contempt_n and_o laughter_n which_o be_v not_o only_o the_o utmost_a and_o most_o desperate_a attempt_n and_o affront_v against_o god_n but_o the_o most_o rude_a and_o unmannerly_a as_o well_o as_o mischievous_a thing_n to_o all_o mankind_n for_o all_o sober_a and_o wise_a man_n and_o civilise_a