profligate_v sinner_n can_v shelter_v themselves_o in_o a_o schism_n and_o palliate_v or_o expiate_v their_o other_o crime_n by_o a_o factious_a zeal_n and_o therefore_o if_o ever_o we_o desire_v to_o see_v christianity_n flourish_v we_o must_v pray_v hearty_o for_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n but_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v what_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o let_v we_o brief_o inquire_v wherein_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n the_o unity_n of_o communion_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n one_a unity_n of_o faith_n whereby_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o all_o christian_n must_v agree_v in_o all_o the_o opinion_n and_o speculation_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v be_v well_o if_o it_o can_v be_v so_o but_o this_o can_v never_o be_v while_o man_n have_v such_o different_a understanding_n and_o ability_n such_o different_a skill_n and_o opportunity_n of_o enquiry_n but_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n be_v secure_v by_o a_o agreement_n in_o all_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o religion_n though_o a_o little_a vary_a in_o some_o nice_a speculation_n which_o be_v like_o the_o different_a feature_n in_o man_n face_n which_o distinguish_v they_o from_o one_o another_o but_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o human_a shape_n and_o this_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o dispute_n which_o divide_v papist_n and_o protestant_n and_o the_o dispute_n of_o protestant_n among_o themselves_o the_o first_o subvert_v the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o worship_n and_o therefore_o these_o difference_n can_v never_o be_v accommodate_v and_o reconcile_v they_o will_v not_o part_v with_o their_o error_n and_o we_o must_v not_o embrace_v they_o if_o we_o love_v our_o soul_n for_o as_o dear_a a_o thing_n as_o peace_n be_v we_o must_v not_o part_v with_o truth_n for_o peace_n but_o now_o the_o dispute_n among_o all_o that_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v protestant_n whatever_o mistake_v there_o may_v be_v on_o any_o side_n do_v not_o overthrow_v any_o necessary_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o therefore_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n may_v be_v secure_v amid_o all_o these_o dispute_n some_o of_o these_o dispute_n be_v only_o inconvenient_a modes_n of_o speak_v and_o the_o difference_n be_v only_o in_o word_n when_o both_o party_n real_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o i_o believe_v if_o all_o heat_n and_o passion_n be_v lay_v aside_o will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n appear_v to_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o that_o protestant_a controversy_n about_o justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o other_o be_v mere_a philosophical_a dispute_n in_o which_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v not_o peculiar_o concern_v for_o they_o have_v be_v and_o be_v dispute_v in_o all_o religion_n such_o as_o the_o controversy_n about_o god_n eternal_a decree_n and_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o nature_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v only_o a_o revive_n of_o that_o old_a philosophical_a dispute_n about_o necessity_n and_o fate_n and_o god_n concourse_n with_o second_o cause_n to_o produce_v their_o effect_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o some_o other_o case_n now_o methinks_v such_o dispute_n as_o these_o which_o do_v not_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n shall_v not_o divide_v the_o christian_a church_n let_v man_n dispute_v about_o they_o as_o philosopher_n but_o as_o christian_n let_v it_o suffice_v they_o to_o believe_v what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v plain_o teach_v we_o to_o at_o be_v enough_o to_o carry_v we_o to_o heaven_n and_o methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v enough_o to_o make_v we_o agree_v in_o the_o way_n thither_o as_o to_o explain_v this_o more_o particular_o but_o very_o brief_o there_o be_v no_o good_a protestant_n but_o will_v confess_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v only_o by_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o sacrifice_n as_o the_o only_a expiation_n and_o atonement_n for_o our_o sin_n that_o no_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o can_v do_v can_v make_v satisfaction_n to_o god_n for_o our_o sin_n nor_o merit_v eternal_a life_n which_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n that_o christ_n be_v our_o only_a saviour_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n only_o of_o his_o body_n or_o church_n that_o we_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o put_v into_o a_o state_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n and_o the_o christian_a sacrament_n that_o no_o impenitent_a unreformed_a sinner_n though_o he_o do_v profess_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o though_o repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n do_v not_o merit_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n nor_o eternal_a reward_n yet_o they_o be_v necessary_o require_v in_o all_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v forgive_v and_o save_v by_o christ._n this_o i_o say_v all_o good_a protestant_n agree_v in_o and_o all_o this_o be_v plain_o teach_v in_o scripture_n and_o whoever_o believe_v this_o and_o practice_n according_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v and_o what_o need_n be_v there_o then_o of_o reduce_v all_o this_o into_o artificial_a scheme_n wherein_o man_n fancy_n and_o conceit_n differ_v what_o necessity_n be_v there_o of_o dispute_v what_o the_o office_n of_o faith_n or_o what_o the_o efficacy_n of_o work_n be_v in_o our_o justification_n when_o we_o all_o agree_v that_o we_o be_v save_v only_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n to_o understand_v the_o reason_n and_o order_n of_o thing_n conduce_v much_o to_o the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n but_o man_n may_v be_v save_v and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n better_o secure_v without_o such_o particular_a determination_n thus_o all_o good_a protestant_n agree_v that_o all_o god_n work_n be_v know_v to_o he_o from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o god_n know_v who_o be_v his_o and_o always_o do_v so_o that_o we_o be_v predestinate_v to_o the_o adoption_n of_o child_n by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o himself_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n wherein_o he_o have_v make_v we_o accept_v in_o the_o belove_a that_o we_o be_v predestinate_v according_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o he_o who_o work_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n 1._o ephes._n 5_o 6_o 11._o that_o when_o god_n come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n he_o will_v appear_v infinite_o just_a and_o good_a and_o merciful_a that_o bad_a man_n shall_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o god_n and_o that_o good_a man_n shall_v have_v nothing_o to_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o this_o secure_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n of_o his_o wisdom_n goodness_n justice_n power_n and_o sovereignty_n and_o what_o need_n be_v there_o to_o inquire_v any_o far_a into_o the_o divine_a decree_n than_o the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v in_o the_o particular_a explication_n of_o which_o when_o man_n follow_v their_o own_o fancy_n they_o vast_o differ_v from_o each_o other_o to_o the_o great_a disturbance_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n we_o be_v assure_v by_o plain_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n that_o god_n desire_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v return_v and_o live_v that_o our_o destruction_n be_v of_o ourselves_o that_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n who_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n that_o all_o the_o evil_n we_o do_v be_v owe_v to_o ourselves_o that_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v then_o when_o lust_n have_v conceive_v it_o bring_v forth_o sin_n and_o sin_n when_o it_o be_v finish_v bring_v forth_o death_n this_o we_o all_o agree_v in_o and_o this_o attributt_n the_o glory_n of_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v to_o god_n and_o the_o shame_n of_o all_o the_o evil_n we_o do_v to_o ourselves_o this_o encourage_v we_o to_o do_v good_a in_o a_o confident_a assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o teach_v bad_a man_n that_o they_o must_v not_o think_v to_o excuse_v their_o wickedness_n by_o charge_v it_o on_o god_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v because_o it_o be_v all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o when_o man_n frame_v this_o into_o philosophical_a hypothesis_n they_o then_o divide_v as_o far_o from_o each_o other_o as_o east_n and_o west_n and_o all_o the_o attempt_n of_o reconcile_a they_o
be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o dispute_n of_o philosophy_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o apostolical_a command_n to_o be_v whole_o fling_v out_o of_o religion_n and_o not_o suffer_v to_o affect_v our_o faith_n one_o way_n or_o other_o to_o be_v a_o philosopher_n and_o a_o christian_a to_o dispute_v and_o to_o believe_v be_v two_o very_a different_a thing_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o most_o of_o the_o argument_n against_o revelation_n in_o general_n and_o most_o of_o the_o dispute_n about_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v no_o better_o than_o this_o vain_a deceit_n of_o philosophy_n that_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o dispute_n of_o philosophy_n true_o distinguish_v this_o alone_a will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o settle_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_n and_o restore_v peace_n and_o unity_n at_o least_o in_o the_o great_a fundamental_o of_o religion_n to_o the_o christian_a world_n 1._o as_o to_o begin_v with_o revelation_n in_o general_n the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o most_o ancient_a and_o that_o consider_v the_o best_a attest_v history_n in_o the_o world_n the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o history_n he_o write_v pay_v the_o great_a veneration_n to_o he_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o he_o relate_v he_o be_v certain_o a_o inspire_a man_n who_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o have_v great_a evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o authenticalness_n of_o any_o write_n at_o such_o a_o distance_n of_o time_n than_o we_o have_v for_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o indeed_o the_o infidel_n of_o our_o age_n have_v very_o little_a to_o say_v pure_o against_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o history_n and_o than_o one_o will_v think_v that_o all_o their_o other_o objection_n shall_v come_v too_o late_o unless_o they_o will_v justify_v pharaoh_n in_o disbelieve_v moses_n and_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n in_o disbelieve_v our_o saviour_n after_o all_o the_o miracle_n they_o do_v for_o if_o they_o will_v disbelieve_v moses_n and_o christ_n though_o they_o have_v nothing_o material_a to_o object_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o history_n nothing_o which_o they_o will_v allow_v to_o be_v good_a objection_n against_o any_o other_o history_n they_o must_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n have_v disbelieved_a they_o though_o they_o have_v see_v they_o do_v all_o those_o great_a work_n which_o be_v report_v of_o they_o in_o such_o credible_a history_n but_o whatever_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n be_v they_o think_v they_o may_v secure_o reject_v they_o if_o they_o contain_v any_o thing_n which_o contradict_v their_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n and_o they_o find_v a_o great_a many_o such_o thing_n to_o quarrel_n with_o they_o think_v moses_n history_n of_o the_o creation_n very_o unphilosophical_a that_o the_o story_n of_o eve_n and_o the_o serpent_n be_v a_o incredible_a fiction_n that_o the_o universal_a deluge_n be_v absolute_o impossible_a and_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o principle_n of_o philosophy_n and_o it_o do_v not_o become_v philosopher_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o miracle_n that_o what_o we_o call_v miracle_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n but_o may_v be_v resolve_v into_o natural_a cause_n that_o inspiration_n and_o prophecy_n be_v nothing_o but_o natural_a enthusiasm_n and_o all_o the_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n a_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n that_o nature_n teach_v we_o all_o that_o we_o need_v to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o certain_a knowledge_n but_o this_o that_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o our_o own_o reason_n can_v grasp_v and_o comprehend_v and_o therefore_o revelation_n be_v perfect_o useless_a and_o god_n himself_o can_v oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o philosophy_n of_o nature_n those_o who_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o modern_a infidelity_n know_v that_o these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o wise_a reason_n for_o which_o they_o reject_v and_o ridicule_n all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o endeavour_v to_o rob_v and_o spoil_v man_n of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a blessing_n in_o the_o world_n a_o divine_a revelation_n so_o that_o infidelity_n be_v resolve_v into_o these_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n that_o man_n will_v understand_v how_o to_o make_v destroy_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n better_o than_o god_n 2._o as_o these_o man_n oppose_v reason_n and_o philosophy_n to_o revelation_n so_o other_o either_o deny_v the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o christianity_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o philosophical_a difficulty_n or_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n by_o a_o mixture_n of_o philosophy_n the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o plain_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v to_o the_o world_n all_o its_o doctrine_n be_v easy_o understand_v without_o art_n and_o subtilty_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o nice_a intricate_a perplex_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n than_o what_o some_o man_n have_v make_v the_o christian_a faith_n all_o the_o subtle_a dispute_n of_o philosophy_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n and_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n be_v become_v as_o great_a apostle_n as_o st._n peter_n or_o st._n paul_n as_o to_o give_v some_o few_o instance_n of_o it_o for_o time_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o discourse_v it_o at_o large_a what_o be_v the_o arian_n socinian_n pelagian_a controversy_n but_o mere_a philosophical_a dispute_n with_o which_o these_o heretic_n corrupt_v the_o catholic_n faith_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_a and_o express_v in_o scripture_n than_o the_o faith_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o that_o great_a art_n and_o subtlety_n which_o have_v be_v use_v and_o to_o so_o little_a purpose_n to_o pervert_v those_o text_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o this_o doctrine_n be_v contain_v be_v a_o evident_a proof_n that_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a natural_a obvious_a sense_n of_o those_o text_n since_o it_o require_v so_o much_o art_n and_o criticism_n to_o put_v any_o other_o sense_n on_o they_o and_o that_o will_v not_o do_v neither_o till_o man_n be_v resolve_v rather_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n of_o scripture_n than_o to_o find_v a_o real_a trinity_n there_o if_o then_o this_o faith_n be_v so_o plain_o contain_v in_o scripture_n what_o make_v all_o this_o dispute_n about_o it_o what_o make_v those_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n so_o obstinate_a against_o this_o faith_n true_o that_o which_o make_v some_o man_n infidel_n make_v other_o heretic_n that_o be_v a_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n the_o first_o philosophical_a dispute_n be_v about_o the_o divine_a unity_n we_o all_o own_o with_o the_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o we_o say_v further_o as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v three_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n each_o of_o which_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n this_o they_o say_v be_v a_o contradiction_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o faith_n for_o both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a but_o to_o be_v three_o and_o one_o upon_o different_a account_n and_o in_o different_a sense_n be_v no_o contradiction_n for_o thus_o three_o may_v be_v one_o and_o one_o three_o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o scripture_n teach_v or_o that_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v whatever_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o distinction_n and_o unity_n be_v but_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v these_o philosophical_a wit_n unless_o they_o can_v comprehend_v how_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v real_o and_o distinct_o three_o and_o essential_o one_o the_o manner_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n give_v no_o account_n of_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v no_o dispute_n in_o faith_n but_o only_o in_o philosophy_n another_o objection_n concern_v the_o divine_a generation_n how_o god_n can_v beget_v a_o son_n of_o his_o own_o substance_n which_o the_o arian_n think_v infer_v a_o division_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n and_o a_o three_o objection_n concern_v a_o eternal_a generation_n how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o father_n shall_v beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n that_o the_o son_n shall_v be_v beget_v without_o any_o begin_n of_o be_v and_o that_o the_o father_n shall_v not_o be_v at_o least_o some_o few_o moment_n before_o the_o son_n and_o consequent_o the_o son_n not_o eternal_a now_o we_o all_o grant_v that_o we_o can_v give_v no_o philosophical_a account_n of_o this_o no_o more_o than_o we_o can_v of_o the_o simple_a divine_a essence_n or_o of_o eternity_n itself_o but_o we_o may_v believe_v that_o god_n have_v a_o eternal_a son_n as_o we_o do_v that_o there_o be_v
a_o eternal_a god_n without_o know_v how_o any_o thing_n be_v eternal_a these_o be_v dispute_n in_o philosophy_n and_o such_o as_o none_o but_o vain_a man_n will_v dispute_v about_o as_o be_v acknowledge_v above_o our_o compreâ—…ension_n and_o therefore_o no_o reasonable_a â—…bjection_n against_o our_o faith_n thus_o as_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o incarâ—…ation_n nothing_o can_v be_v plain_o in_o scripâ—…ure_n than_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v make_v â—…an_n that_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o that_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n and_o all_o the_o dispute_n about_o this_o article_n be_v pure_o philosophical_a some_o man_n reject_v it_o because_o they_o can_v understand_v how_o god_n and_o man_n can_v be_v unite_v in_o one_o person_n other_o confound_v the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n as_o eutyches_n do_v or_o divide_v the_o person_n as_o nestoriâ—…us_n do_v both_o which_o indeed_o destroy_v the_o article_n of_o the_o incarnation_n for_o the_o word_n be_v not_o make_v flesh_n unless_o the_o same_o person_n who_o be_v god_n be_v man_n too_o and_o continue_v perfect_a god_n and_o perfect_a man_n after_o this_o union_n but_o all_o these_o dispute_n concern_v the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o christ_n and_o if_o we_o will_v separate_v between_o faith_n and_o philosophy_n such_o dispute_n may_v soon_o be_v end_v thus_o most_o of_o the_o difficulty_n in_o the_o pelagian_a and_o quinquarticular_a controversy_n be_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o mere_a philosophical_a dispute_n about_o fate_n and_o prescience_n liberty_n and_o necessity_n and_o god_n concourse_n with_o creature_n or_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o grace_n and_o will_v time_n permit_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v this_o in_o most_o of_o the_o controversy_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v not_o what_o god_n have_v reveal_v and_o what_o he_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v but_o such_o nice_a philosophical_a question_n as_o man_n raise_v about_o these_o matter_n which_o occasion_n all_o these_o dispute_n it_o have_v often_o be_v propose_v as_o a_o mean_n of_o union_n to_o silence_v all_o dispute_n to_o confine_v ourselves_o to_o scripture-word_n and_o expression_n without_o determine_v the_o signification_n of_o they_o but_o this_o will_v make_v only_o a_o agreement_n in_o word_n not_o a_o consent_n in_o opinion_n not_o can_v it_o secure_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n while_o all_o man_n know_v that_o under_o the_o same_o form_n of_o word_n they_o have_v very_o different_a and_o contrary_a meaning_n which_o will_v still_o make_v they_o as_o much_o heretic_n to_o each_o other_o as_o if_o their_o word_n do_v as_o express_o contradict_v each_o other_o as_o their_o faith_n but_o will_v man_n reduce_v all_o their_o dispute_n to_o scripture_n and_o make_v that_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o their_o faith_n without_o intermix_v any_o philosophical_a dispute_n with_o it_o this_o will_v be_v a_o infallible_a mean_n of_o union_n for_o it_o be_v only_o this_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n which_o raise_v all_o â—…ese_n dispute_v and_o then_o tempt_v man_n to_o â—…ervert_v the_o scripture_n to_o justify_v their_o â—…hilosophy_n in_o all_o these_o case_n we_o be_v concern_v to_o â—…quire_v what_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o article_n 〈◊〉_d for_o this_o the_o scripture_n teach_v and_o â—…o_o far_o our_o faith_n be_v concern_v and_o these_o â—…re_v not_o only_o justifiable_a but_o necessary_a disâ—…utes_n if_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v necessary_a and_o â—…uch_o be_v the_o dispute_n of_o the_o cathoâ—…k_a father_n with_o the_o sabellian_n arian_n and_o â—…hotinian_n heretic_n whether_o father_n â—…on_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v only_o three_o name_n or_o three_o appearance_n or_o manifestation_n of_o the_o same_o one_o single_a person_n or_o any_o other_o three_o but_o three_o true_a proper_a coeternal_a and_o coequal_a person_n or_o whether_o he_o who_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v a_o creature_n though_o the_o most_o excellent_a creature_n or_o a_o son_n and_o god_n by_o nature_n true_o beget_v of_o his_o father_n substance_n or_o whether_o christ_n be_v god_n incarnate_a or_o a_o mere_a man_n and_o their_o ancient_a creed_n pretend_v to_o no_o more_o than_o to_o teach_v what_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v not_o to_o expound_v the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n and_o thus_o far_o we_o must_v explain_v the_o faith_n as_o to_o know_v and_o to_o let_v other_o know_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v and_o if_o to_o assert_v the_o ancient_a catholic_n faith_n against_o old_a and_o new_a heresy_n shall_v be_v call_v new_a explication_n we_o can_v help_v it_o for_o we_o must_v explain_v what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v about_o these_o article_n and_o how_o the_o catholic_n church_n always_o understand_v they_o but_o that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o beware_v of_o be_v not_o to_o mix_v philosophy_n with_o our_o faith_n nor_o to_o admit_v of_o any_o mere_a philosophical_a objection_n against_o the_o faith_n nor_o to_o attempt_v any_o explication_n of_o these_o mystery_n beyond_o what_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n will_v justify_v indeed_o the_o importunity_n of_o heretic_n do_v very_o often_o engage_v the_o catholic_n father_n in_o philosophical_a dispute_n but_o this_o they_o do_v not_o to_o explain_v the_o christian_a mystery_n by_o philosophy_n but_o only_o to_o show_v that_o as_o incomprehensible_a as_o these_o mystery_n be_v the_o philosophy_n of_o heretic_n and_o their_o objection_n against_o these_o article_n be_v very_o absurd_a and_o such_o dispute_n as_o these_o may_v sometime_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o of_o great_a use_n to_o shame_v these_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n while_o we_o do_v not_o put_v the_o trial_n of_o our_o faith_n upon_o this_o issue_n second_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o â—…eat_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o reject_v all_o the_o â—…in_a pretence_n to_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n â—…en_o oppose_v to_o a_o divine_a revelation_n â—…r_o that_o be_v all_o the_o apostle_n intend_v in_o this_o â—…ution_n not_o to_o discourage_v the_o use_n of_o â—…eason_n or_o the_o study_n of_o philosophy_n â—…hich_v be_v great_a improvement_n and_o a_o â—…lightful_a entertainment_n of_o humane_a â—…inds_n and_o with_o a_o wise_a and_o prudent_a â—…onduct_n may_v be_v very_o serviceable_a to_o reâ—…gion_n too_o but_o we_o must_v not_o set_v up_o any_o â—…onclusions_n in_o philosophy_n against_o the_o â—…hristian_a faith_n nor_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n â—…ith_v a_o mixture_n of_o philosophy_n nor_o reâ—…ct_v any_o reveal_v truth_n for_o want_v of_o â—…atural_a idea_n to_o conceive_v they_o by_o to_o shorten_v this_o discourse_n as_o much_o as_o 〈◊〉_d can_v i_o shall_v at_o present_v only_o show_v you_o â—…hat_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o believe_v those_o â—…octrines_n which_o be_v think_v the_o most_o â—…ysterious_a and_o inconceivable_a notwithâ—…tanding_v any_o objection_n from_o natural_a reason_n and_o philosophy_n against_o they_o and_o the_o account_n of_o this_o must_v be_v resolve_v â—…nto_o the_o nature_n use_v and_o authority_n of_o revelation_n that_o revelation_n as_o to_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v knowable_a only_o by_o revelation_n must_v serve_v instead_o of_o sense_n natural_a idea_n and_o natural_a reason_n that_o be_v that_o we_o must_v believe_v thing_n whiâ—…_n we_o do_v not_o see_v thing_n which_o we_o haâ—…_n not_o natural_a notion_n or_o conception_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o naturâ—…_n reason_n for_o without_o this_o there_o be_v littlâ—…_n use_v of_o faith_n no_o authority_n of_o pure_a revelation_n it_o be_v true_a the_o general_n corruption_n oâ—…_n mankind_n make_v it_o very_o necessary_a for_o god_n to_o revive_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o reinforce_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o by_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o command_n but_o the_o proper_a work_n of_o revelation_n be_v to_o discover_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o as_o nature_n can_v teach_v of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n nor_o any_o natural_a evidence_n at_o least_o thus_o it_o may_v be_v if_o god_n know_v more_o than_o natural_a reason_n teach_v or_o can_v comprehend_v and_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o reveal_v such_o supernatural_a truth_n to_o we_o when_o he_o see_v it_o useful_a for_o mankind_n now_o if_o god_n ever_o do_v reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o if_o we_o believe_v upon_o god_n authority_n which_o be_v the_o strict_a notion_n of_o a_o divine_a faith_n we_o must_v believe_v without_o any_o natural_a evidence_n mere_o because_o god_n have_v reveal_v it_o and_o then_o we_o must_v believe_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o than_o it_o can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o revelation_n nor_o against_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o such_o â—…pernatural_a truth_n that_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n nor_o natural_a
evidence_n â—…f_v they_o that_o they_o be_v what_o we_o can_v â—…onceive_v and_o comprehend_v to_o believe_v no_o far_o than_o natural_a â—…eason_n can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v be_v â—…o_o reject_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o reveâ—…tion_n and_o to_o destroy_v the_o distinction_n beâ—…ween_v reason_n and_o faith_n he_o who_o will_v â—…elieve_v no_o far_o than_o natural_a reason_n â—…pproves_v believe_v his_o reason_n not_o the_o revelation_n and_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o natural_a philosopher_n not_o a_o believer_n he_o believe_v â—…he_a scripture_n as_o he_o will_v believe_v platoâ—…nd_n â—…nd_z tully_n not_o as_o inspire_v write_n but_o â—…s_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o the_o result_n of_o wise_a and_o deep_a thought_n and_o this_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o the_o dispute_n about_o faith_n and_o revelation_n at_o once_o for_o what_o use_n be_v there_o of_o faith_n what_o matter_n whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v divine_o inspire_v or_o not_o when_o we_o be_v no_o far_o concern_v with_o they_o than_o with_o other_o humane_a write_n to_o believe_v what_o they_o teach_v agreeable_a to_o our_o own_o reason_n let_v these_o man_n then_o either_o reject_v faith_n and_o scripture_n or_o confess_v that_o revelation_n as_o to_o all_o supernatural_a truth_n must_v serve_v we_o instead_o of_o sense_n and_o reason_n i_o will_v glad_o know_v of_o they_o whether_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v such_o supernatural_a truth_n as_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o reason_n be_v they_o sure_a that_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o i_o guess_v they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o say_v that_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v god_n himself_o shall_v he_o reveal_v such_o thing_n as_o their_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v and_o if_o they_o will_v believe_v god_n in_o such_o matter_n why_o will_v they_o not_o believe_v a_o revelation_n which_o they_o themselves_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v divine_a in_o such_o matter_n for_o be_v there_o any_o difference_n between_o believe_v god_n and_o believe_v a_o divine_a revelation_n if_o god_n do_v know_v and_o can_v reveal_v such_o mystery_n and_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v when_o he_o do_v reveal_v they_o and_o such_o doctrine_n be_v contain_v in_o a_o undoubted_a revelation_n then_o the_o unconceivableness_n of_o they_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n or_o that_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o contain_v such_o mystery_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o this_o which_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n in_o this_o dispute_n viz._n that_o we_o must_v allow_v of_o no_o objection_n against_o reveal_v mystery_n which_o we_o will_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v good_a objection_n against_o sense_n and_o reason_n which_o be_v a_o necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a consequence_n if_o revelation_n with_o respect_n to_o supernatural_a truth_n stand_v in_o the_o place_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n now_o no_o man_n question_n the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o see_v and_o feel_v or_o what_o he_o can_v prove_v to_o be_v true_a by_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a reason_n mere_o because_o there_o be_v unconceivable_a difficulty_n in_o it_o as_o there_o be_v in_o every_o thing_n even_o the_o most_o certain_a and_o familiar_a thing_n in_o nature_n and_o if_o reveal_v truth_n be_v not_o more_o unconceivable_a than_o many_o natural_a object_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n why_o shall_v their_o be_v unconceivable_a be_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o believe_v a_o revelation_n than_o it_o be_v against_o believe_v our_o sense_n and_o reason_n in_o matter_n equal_o unconceivable_a when_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o that_o he_o have_v a_o eternal_a and_o only_o beget_v son_n though_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o as_o firm_o believe_v it_o as_o we_o do_v that_o man_n beget_v a_o son_n in_o his_o own_o likeness_n the_o philosophy_n of_o which_o we_o as_o little_o understand_v nor_o can_v we_o any_o more_o conceive_v the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n than_o we_o do_v the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o one_o person_n and_o if_o we_o own_o the_o authority_n of_o revelation_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o as_o well_o believe_v what_o revelation_n teach_v how_o unconceivable_a soever_o it_o be_v as_o we_o do_v what_o sense_n and_o reason_n teach_v though_o it_o be_v alike_o unconceivable_a all_o man_n be_v sensible_a that_o it_o be_v very_o absurd_a and_o foolish_a to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v certain_a evidence_n of_o because_o they_o can_v comprehend_v the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o man_n who_o rise_v up_o and_o walk_v before_o the_o philosopher_n who_o be_v dispute_v subtle_o against_o the_o possibility_n of_o motion_n put_v a_o scorn_n upon_o all_o his_o argument_n by_o show_v he_o that_o he_o can_v move_v and_o therefore_o we_o see_v that_o all_o man_n believe_v their_o sense_n and_o reason_n against_o all_o the_o difficulty_n in_o nature_n and_o will_v never_o be_v persuade_v by_o the_o subtle_a disputant_n that_o that_o be_v not_o which_o they_o certain_o see_v and_o know_v to_o be_v now_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n if_o man_n will_v allow_v the_o authority_n of_o revelation_n they_o must_v believe_v what_o be_v reveal_v how_o unconceivable_a and_o incomprehensible_a soever_o its_o nature_n be_v for_o when_o we_o know_v what_o a_o thing_n be_v and_o this_o may_v be_v know_v by_o revelation_n as_o well_o as_o by_o sense_n as_o those_o man_n must_v confess_v who_o acknowledge_v a_o divine_a revelation_n no_o difficulty_n in_o conceive_v it_o must_v persuade_v we_o to_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v this_o be_v very_o plain_a in_o itself_o though_o few_o man_n consider_v it_o that_o to_o disbelieve_v what_o be_v reveal_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o difficulty_n in_o understanding_n or_o conceive_v it_o be_v to_o reject_v the_o certainty_n of_o revelation_n for_o what_o other_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o that_o difference_n man_n make_v between_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o of_o revelation_n but_o that_o they_o allow_v sense_n and_o reason_n to_o be_v good_a and_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v evident_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n how_o mysterious_a soever_o their_o nature_n be_v but_o that_o mere_a revelation_n be_v no_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o evident_a also_o to_o sense_n and_o reason_n how_o plain_o soever_o it_o be_v reveal_v that_o be_v that_o revelation_n alone_o can_v prove_v nothing_o for_o if_o revelation_n itself_o can_v prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o what_o be_v reveal_v the_o difficulty_n in_o nature_n and_o philosophy_n can_v no_o more_o disprove_v a_o revelation_n than_o confute_v our_o sense_n now_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o unequal_a usage_n to_o expect_v more_o from_o revelation_n than_o they_o do_v from_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o not_o to_o believe_v revelation_n upon_o the_o same_o term_n that_o they_o believe_v their_o sense_n shall_v man_n resolve_v to_o believe_v nothing_o which_o they_o see_v till_o they_o can_v give_v a_o philosophical_a account_n of_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n and_o nature_n of_o all_o they_o see_v as_o they_o refuse_v to_o believe_v a_o revelation_n any_o far_a than_o they_o can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v the_o thing_n reveal_v they_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v as_o great-scepticks_a as_o they_o be_v infidel_n for_o as_o for_o contradiction_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o make_v or_o find_v seem_v contradiction_n in_o what_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v for_o when_o we_o know_v not_o the_o philosophical_a nature_n of_o thing_n nor_o how_o they_o act_v and_o yet_o will_v be_v reason_v and_o guess_v at_o they_o all_o our_o false_a guess_n may_v be_v full_a of_o contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n because_o we_o know_v not_o the_o true_a mystery_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v this_o vain_a humour_n of_o criticise_v upon_o nature_n which_o make_v so_o many_o atheist_n they_o go_v upon_o the_o same_o principle_n with_o infidel_n and_o heretic_n to_o believe_v nothing_o which_o natural_a reason_n can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v now_o they_o can_v comprehend_v the_o notion_n and_o idea_n of_o a_o god_n which_o they_o say_v be_v make_v up_o of_o contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n and_o therefore_o they_o reject_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n they_o can_v conceive_v a_o create_a power_n which_o can_v give_v be_v to_o that_o which_o have_v no_o be_v before_o which_o they_o think_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o make_v something_o of_o nothing_o and_o therefore_o they_o reject_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o either_o assert_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n or_o at_o least_o the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n they_o can_v
god_n and_o live_v wicked_o must_v fear_v on_o whether_o they_o believe_v the_o gospel_n or_o not_o that_o deism_n can_v do_v they_o no_o service_n and_o yet_o i_o be_o pretty_a confident_a that_o the_o only_a thing_n which_o tempt_v so_o many_o man_n to_o deny_v all_o reveal_v religion_n be_v the_o fear_n of_o that_o terrible_a vengeance_n which_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n denounce_v against_o all_o wicked_a man_n lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n blackness_n of_o darkness_n the_o fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n the_o worm_n that_o never_o die_v and_o the_o fire_n that_o never_o go_v out_o they_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o believe_v the_o punishment_n of_o the_o damn_a to_o be_v so_o terrible_a nor_o so_o certain_a as_o the_o gospel_n represent_v they_o and_o therefore_o prefer_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n which_o give_v a_o more_o uncertain_a account_n of_o such_o matter_n before_o the_o gospel_n revelation_n they_o can_v more_o easy_o bear_v and_o more_o easy_o baffle_v the_o natural_a fear_n misgiving_n and_o jealousy_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n than_o such_o express_a declaration_n of_o god_n wrath_n against_o sinner_n the_o holiness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n make_v it_o very_o reasonable_a and_o probable_a that_o god_n shall_v punish_v sinner_n but_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n give_v great_a reason_n to_o hope_v too_o that_o he_o will_v not_o be_v so_o severe_a as_o the_o gospel_n threaten_v much_o less_o that_o he_o will_v make_v any_o of_o his_o creature_n though_o sinner_n eternal_o miserable_a this_o be_v the_o true_a mystery_n of_o deism_n when_o it_o signify_v any_o more_o than_o conceal_a atheism_n mo_z man_n choose_v deism_n as_o the_o more_o certain_a way_n of_o salvation_n but_o that_o which_o make_v they_o so_o fond_a of_o it_o and_o so_o averse_a to_o believe_v any_o more_o than_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v be_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o certain_a to_o be_v damn_v but_o this_o be_v a_o very_a vain_a design_n 1._o for_o can_v there_o be_v great_a folly_n than_o to_o pretend_v to_o believe_v the_o punishment_n of_o bad_a man_n in_o the_o next_o world_n and_o yet_o to_o reject_v the_o gospel_n for_o fear_v of_o be_v too_o certain_a of_o they_o will_v not_o a_o wise_a man_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n as_o this_o be_v glad_a to_o know_v certain_o what_o he_o must_v trust_v to_o and_o to_o know_v the_o very_o worst_a of_o his_o case_n the_o meaning_n of_o this_o indeed_o be_v very_o plain_a and_o a_o very_a wise_a design_n it_o be_v they_o like_v the_o uncertain_a fear_n of_o nature_n much_o better_a than_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o gospel-revelation_n because_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o sin_n on_o and_o to_o venture_v the_o punishment_n of_o the_o other_o world_n which_o they_o can_v the_o more_o safe_o and_o honourable_o do_v the_o less_o certain_a they_o be_v but_o be_v it_o either_o safe_a or_o honourable_a to_o venture_v future_a misery_n will_v not_o a_o wise_a man_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a consequence_n choose_v to_o be_v safe_a and_o though_o we_o reject_v the_o plain_a and_o express_v revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o it_o be_v still_o reasonable_a to_o fear_v as_o it_o must_v be_v if_o nature_n teach_v that_o god_n will_v punish_v sinner_n it_o can_v be_v safe_a to_o venture_v man_n who_o pretend_v to_o live_v by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n aught_o to_o look_v upon_o reasonable_a fear_n as_o certain_a rule_n to_o live_v by_o for_o they_o have_v no_o other_o and_o â—…n_o they_o gain_v nothing_o by_o reject_v â—…e_o certain_a revelation_n for_o they_o must_v fear_v on_o and_o if_o they_o act_v reasonable_o must_v live_v as_o if_o their_o fear_n be_v certain_a and_o if_o they_o do_v though_o they_o reject_v revelation_n natural_a conscience_n will_v make_v they_o fear_v and_o tremble_v too_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no._n though_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v not_o give_v we_o such_o certain_a evidence_n of_o future_a punishment_n as_o the_o gospel_n do_v yet_o the_o natural_a fear_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n will_v as_o certain_o torment_v we_o as_o if_o we_o do_v believe_v the_o gospel_n for_o a_o reasonable_a fear_n have_v a_o certain_a torment_n proportion_v to_o the_o object_n of_o our_o fear_n man_n do_v not_o fear_v mere_o according_a to_o the_o evidence_n they_o have_v for_o thing_n but_o according_a to_o the_o concernment_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o fear_v and_o when_o eternal_a misery_n be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o fear_n a_o little_a evidence_n will_v raise_v a_o terrible_a and_o furious_a passion_n 2._o and_o though_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n do_v not_o so_o particular_o acquaint_v we_o what_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o damn_a be_v nor_o how_o long_o they_o shall_v con-continue_a as_o the_o gospel_n do_v yet_o this_o give_v very_o little_a relief_n to_o a_o deist_n though_o he_o 〈◊〉_d not_o believe_v the_o scripture_n accoâ—…â—…f_o eternal_a punishment_n yet_o when_o his_o fear_n be_v awaken_v he_o can_v set_v no_o bound_n or_o measure_n to_o they_o the_o fear_n of_o unknown_a misery_n paint_v the_o fancy_n with_o as_o frightful_a representation_n as_o the_o gospel_n make_v for_o when_o we_o know_v not_o particular_o what_o to_o fear_v we_o always_o fear_v the_o worst_a that_o can_v be_v this_o give_v occasion_n to_o those_o poetical_a description_n of_o styx_n and_o acheron_n and_o the_o infernal_a judge_n and_o fury_n and_o those_o various_a torment_n inflict_v on_o tyrant_n and_o other_o bad_a man_n and_o though_o they_o do_v not_o positive_o assert_v the_o eternity_n of_o punishment_n yet_o they_o set_v no_o bound_n to_o they_o but_o what_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o philosophy_n infer_v in_o the_o various_a transmigration_n of_o soul_n or_o periodical_a revolution_n or_o the_o final_a conflagration_n which_o they_o think_v their_o god_n themselves_o can_v not_o escape_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n prescribe_v no_o measure_n nor_o limit_n to_o the_o punishment_n of_o sinner_n and_o therefore_o a_o deist_n can_v never_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o great_a and_o so_o endless_a as_o the_o gospel_n describe_v they_o and_o if_o reason_n can_v prove_v they_o to_o be_v less_o guilty_a fear_n will_v never_o make_v they_o less_o especial_o since_o the_o gospel_n be_v now_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n and_o those_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v it_o yet_o know_v what_o it_o say_v and_o though_o â—…hey_n can_v bribe_v their_o reason_n not_o to_o believe_v it_o their_o fear_n will_v be_v very_o apt_a to_o believe_v the_o worst_a and_o now_o i_o will_v desire_v these_o man_n who_o think_v themselves_o so_o safe_a if_o they_o can_v â—…gh_v the_o gospel_n and_o all_o reveal_v religion_n out_o of_o the_o world_n serious_o to_o consider_v what_o they_o intend_v or_o what_o they_o gain_v by_o it_o if_o they_o do_v sincere_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o righteous_a god_n who_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n and_o punish_v wicked_a man_n they_o be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n as_o a_o christian_a be_v and_o if_o they_o do_v not_o they_o be_v expose_v to_o the_o same_o rebuke_n and_o lash_n of_o conscience_n and_o guilty_a fear_n that_o they_o have_v not_o so_o much_o certainty_n of_o this_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o gospel_n give_v we_o make_v no_o difference_n if_o they_o fear_v it_o their_o fear_n will_v be_v as_o great_a and_o outrageous_a the_o sting_n of_o sin_n will_v be_v as_o sharp_a but_o their_o strength_n to_o resist_v the_o flatter_a temptation_n of_o the_o world_n will_v not_o be_v so_o great_a the_o more_o certain_a our_o faith_n be_v the_o more_o easy_a and_o secure_a our_o victory_n will_v be_v and_o to_o weaken_v our_o evidence_n be_v only_o to_o make_v ourselves_o a_o easy_a prey_n and_o if_o this_o be_v what_o they_o aim_v at_o to_o sin_v more_o easy_o and_o secure_o at_o present_a and_o by_o degree_n to_o conquer_v their_o natural_a fear_n which_o they_o can_v more_o easy_o do_v and_o so_o make_v deism_n a_o easy_a step_n to_o atheism_n i_o confess_v they_o be_v in_o a_o hopeful_a way_n but_o while_o they_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o 〈◊〉_d reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o next_o life_n it_o will_v do_v they_o no_o service_n to_o reject_v the_o gospel_n they_o may_v weaken_v their_o faith_n by_o it_o but_o not_o cure_v but_o increase_v their_o fear_n second_o as_o a_o deist_n if_o he_o be_v true_a to_o the_o principle_n he_o profess_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o the_o next_o life_n gain_v noâ—…ing_v at_o all_o by_o reject_v the_o gospel_n â—…evelation_n so_o he_o lose_v all_o the_o supâ—…rts_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o gospel_n â—…xcepting_v those_o terrible_a theatning_n â—…hich_v the_o
great_a reproach_n to_o a_o christian_a nation_n where_o such_o doctrine_n be_v public_o own_v and_o profess_v and_o such_o person_n court_v and_o flatter_v as_o â—…he_v most_o refine_a philosophical_a wit_n i_o pray_v god_n this_o nation_n do_v not_o find_v the_o â—…ischievous_a effect_n of_o it_o both_o in_o church_n â—…nd_n state_n government_n can_v never_o be_v long_o secure_a without_o the_o sacred_a authority_n of_o religion_n and_o destroy_v reveal_v religion_n and_o we_o shall_v quick_o have_v none_o as_o be_v too_o visible_a in_o the_o live_v of_o deist_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o talk_v of_o a_o reformation_n of_o manner_n while_o such_o man_n be_v suffer_v to_o poison_v the_o very_a fountain_n to_o undermine_v all_o religion_n and_o to_o root_v up_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n i_o do_v not_o love_v to_o prophesy_v ill_a thing_n but_o that_o nation_n can_v reasonable_o expect_v to_o receive_v good_a from_o god_n which_o be_v so_o unconcern_v for_o his_o glory_n and_o worship_n it_o be_v the_o stand_a rule_n of_o his_o government_n he_o that_o honour_v i_o i_o will_v honour_v but_o those_o which_o despise_v i_o shall_v be_v light_o esteem_v to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v honour_n glory_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n sermon_n xii_o preach_v on_o september_n 2._o 1699._o be_v the_o fast_a for_o the_o fire_n of_o london_n at_o the_o cathedeal_o church_n of_o st._n paul_n before_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o lord-mayor_n alderman_n and_o citizen_n of_o london_n micah_n vi_fw-la 9_o the_o lord_n voice_n cry_v unto_o the_o city_n and_o the_o man_n of_o wisdom_n shall_v see_v thy_o name_n hear_v you_o the_o rod_n and_o who_o have_v appoint_v it_o when_o the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n be_v happy_a and_o prosperous_a it_o be_v no_o wonder_n to_o see_v man_n indulge_v themselves_o in_o ease_n and_o luxury_n forget_v god_n or_o grow_v careless_a and_o formal_a in_o religion_n for_o though_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v that_o happy_a creature_n who_o rejoice_v in_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n shall_v be_v very_o devout_a worshipper_n of_o that_o god_n from_o who_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n they_o receive_v all_o yet_o humane_a nature_n in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n be_v very_o fond_a of_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o when_o a_o easy_a and_o plentiful_a fortune_n put_v it_o into_o man_n power_n to_o enjoy_v as_o much_o of_o this_o world_n as_o they_o will_v there_o be_v but_o very_o few_o who_o can_v set_v bound_n to_o their_o enjoyment_n and_o taste_v the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n without_o take_v large_a and_o intoxicate_a draught_n of_o it_o and_o this_o sensualize_v man_n mind_n and_o a_o carnal_a mind_n be_v enmity_n against_o god_n say_v unto_o god_n depart_v from_o we_o for_o we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o way_n never_o any_o people_n have_v more_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o the_o power_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n among_o they_o and_o his_o particular_a care_n of_o they_o than_o the_o israelite_n have_v and_o yet_o moses_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o prophetic_a hymn_n jesurun_n wax_v fat_a and_o kick_v thou_o be_v waxen_a fat_a thou_o be_v grow_v thick_a thou_o be_v cover_v with_o fatness_n then_o he_o forsake_v god_n which_o make_v he_o and_o light_o esteem_v the_o rock_n of_o his_o salvation_n deut._n 32._o 15._o and_o thus_o god_n complain_v isa._n 1._o 2_o 3._o hear_v o_o heaven_n and_o give_v ear_n o_o earth_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v i_o have_v nourish_v and_o bring_v up_o child_n and_o they_o have_v rebel_v against_o i_o the_o ox_n know_v his_o owner_n and_o the_o ass_n his_o master_n crib_n but_o israel_n do_v not_o know_v my_o people_n do_v not_o consider_v and_o as_o much_o as_o we_o may_v despise_v and_o abhor_v the_o ingratitude_n of_o the_o jew_n this_o be_v the_o general_a state_n of_o mankind_n and_o we_o may_v find_v too_o many_o example_n of_o it_o in_o all_o time_n and_o nation_n but_o it_o seem_v much_o more_o unaccountable_a when_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o shall_v not_o learn_v righteousness_n because_o judgement_n be_v apt_a to_o awaken_v man_n and_o make_v they_o consider_v when_o god_n speak_v in_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n those_o must_v be_v deaf_a indeed_o who_o will_v not_o hear_v this_o be_v the_o merciful_a design_n of_o providence_n in_o send_v such_o terrible_a judgement_n on_o the_o world_n to_o make_v man_n consider_v their_o way_n and_o their_o do_n and_o to_o convince_v they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o judge_v in_o the_o earth_n for_o judgement_n have_v a_o voice_n have_v we_o but_o ear_n to_o hear_v they_o proclaim_v the_o power_n and_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n a_o terrible_a majesty_n and_o irresistible_a power_n theâ—…_n scourge_n and_o they_o threaten_v sinner_n anâ—…_n call_v for_o weep_v and_o mourn_v anâ—…_n fast_v and_o how_o unthankful_a soever_o thâ—…_n jew_n be_v to_o god_n for_o his_o great_a mercieâ—…_n and_o deliverance_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o insensible_a of_o his_o judgement_n when_o he_o sleâ—…_n they_o than_o they_o seek_v he_o and_o return_v and_o inquire_v early_o after_o god_n and_o remember_v that_o god_n be_v their_o rock_n and_o thâ—…_n high_a god_n their_o redeemer_n psalm_n 78â—…_n 34_o 35._o this_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o in_o my_o text_n to_o hear_v the_o rod_n and_o who_o have_v appoint_v it_o to_o consider_v for_o what_o reason_n those_o evil_n which_o we_o at_o any_o time_n suffer_v be_v come_v upon_o we_o and_o what_o god_n intend_v by_o the_o rod_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o grow_v better_o by_o our_o affliction_n and_o to_o prevail_v with_o god_n in_o great_a pity_n and_o compassion_n to_o remove_v they_o but_o this_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n who_o shall_v reveal_v this_o secret_a to_o we_o how_o shall_v we_o distinguish_v between_o the_o correction_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n how_o shall_v we_o understand_v the_o language_n of_o the_o rod_n and_o to_o who_o it_o speak_v for_o what_o sin_v it_o strike_v and_o who_o be_v those_o achan_n that_o be_v the_o troubler_n of_o our_o israel_n and_o what_o god_n expect_v from_o we_o in_o such_o case_n i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v these_o thing_n to_o you_o and_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o present_a occasion_n but_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o i_o only_o address_v myself_o now_o to_o those_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o for_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n who_o have_v neither_o eye_n nor_o ear_n they_o can_v only_o feel_v the_o rod_n like_o bruit_n not_o hear_v its_o voice_n like_o man_n though_o the_o lord_n voice_n cry_v unto_o the_o city_n it_o be_v only_o the_o man_n of_o wisdom_n that_o see_v his_o name_n now_o as_o for_o those_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o be_v two_o very_a plain_a interpreter_n of_o god_n judgement_n natural_a conscience_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n have_v not_o a_o articulate_v voice_n to_o acquaint_v we_o in_o plain_a and_o express_v word_n upon_o what_o errand_n they_o come_v but_o they_o be_v sign_n which_o speak_v by_o a_o interpreter_n and_o if_o we_o careful_o attend_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a conscience_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o can_v mistake_v their_o meaning_n 1._o as_o first_o no_o man_n who_o attend_v either_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a conscience_n or_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v doubt_v who_o it_o be_v that_o have_v appoint_v the_o rod_n this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o most_o naturaâ—…_n question_v of_o all_o and_o yet_o a_o great_a many_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n seem_v not_o well_o satisfy_v in_o this_o point_n they_o allow_v that_o some_o judgement_n be_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n but_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o grant_v this_o of_o all_o especial_o when_o they_o see_v what_o the_o immediate_a and_o visible_a cause_n of_o such_o suffering_n be_v some_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n which_o either_o private_a man_n or_o public_a society_n suffer_v be_v manifest_o owe_v to_o the_o injustice_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n and_o they_o can_v no_o more_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v such_o evil_n than_o that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o other_o shall_v do_v they_o and_o all_o such_o rod_n as_o be_v not_o appoint_v by_o god_n can_v teach_v we_o nothing_o but_o the_o wickedness_n of_o those_o by_o who_o