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sense_n divine_a reason_n revelation_n 1,589 5 9.4988 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A49394 An enquiry after happiness. Vol. 1 by the author of The practical Christianity. Lucas, Richard, 1648-1715. 1685 (1685) Wing L3402; ESTC R3025 133,570 376

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concern_v his_o state_n nay_o sometime_o with_o a_o melancholy_a dread_n of_o god_n as_o if_o he_o be_v a_o hard_a master_n and_o impossible_a to_o be_v please_v or_o how_o can_v such_o a_o persuasion_n as_o this_o that_o one_o be_v damn_a from_o eternity_n and_o that_o neither_o prayer_n nor_o tear_n nor_o industry_n can_v ever_o reverse_v the_o fatal_a sentence_n find_v any_o entertainment_n in_o that_o man_n who_o be_v possess_v with_o a_o true_a sense_n and_o firm_a belief_n of_o the_o boundless_a love_n which_o god_n have_v for_o all_o his_o rational_a creature_n it_o be_v evident_a therefore_o of_o what_o importance_n it_o be_v to_o propagate_v and_o settle_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o of_o all_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n there_o be_v none_o that_o have_v a_o more_o immediate_a and_o powerful_a influence_n either_o upon_o the_o conduct_n of_o man_n life_n or_o the_o comfort_n of_o his_o mind_n than_o these_o two_o his_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n these_o make_v we_o willing_a and_o desirous_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n these_o make_v we_o love_v he_o and_o depend_v upon_o he_o as_o one_o from_o who_o we_o may_v rationable_o expect_v all_o that_o be_v good_a epict._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d epict._n he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n say_v st._n paul_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o all_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o these_o word_n do_v not_o only_o assert_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n but_o also_o his_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n both_o which_o may_v be_v clear_o infer_v from_o three_o proposition_n couch_v in_o those_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o first_o that_o all_o man_n may_v seek_v god_n diligent_o if_o they_o will_v second_o that_o it_o be_v the_o desire_n of_o god_n that_o they_o shall_v do_v so_o and_o three_o that_o god_n will_v reward_v all_o that_o do_v so_o on_o these_o principle_n be_v religion_n found_v on_o these_o principle_n the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n must_v be_v establish_v i_o will_v therefore_o discourse_v here_o first_o of_o the_o goodness_n and_o second_o of_o the_o holiness_n of_o god_n which_o i_o distinguish_v from_o one_o another_o only_o for_o method_n sake_n cruelty_n be_v the_o property_n of_o the_o gentil_n god_n not_o of_o the_o true_a god_n god_n of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n humane_a blood_n in_o which_o the_o canaanite_n carthaginian_n and_o other_o sacrifice_v be_v a_o oblation_n fit_a for_o baal_n moloch_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v for_o devil_n not_o for_o god_n innate_a wrath_n and_o cruelty_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o a_o happy_a nature_n or_o a_o happy_a state_n for_o these_o be_v furious_a and_o torment_a passion_n nor_o can_v we_o imagine_v that_o such_o a_o be_v shall_v make_v its_o residence_n in_o heaven_n a_o place_n of_o peace_n and_o love_n or_o be_v delight_v with_o hallelujah_n and_o adoration_n of_o angel_n this_o be_v no_o pleasure_n no_o music_n to_o a_o be_v in_o who_o wrath_n and_o cruelty_n be_v predominant_a nor_o be_v those_o good_a those_o holy_a those_o charitable_a spirit_n fit_a attendance_n fit_a minister_n for_o such_o a_o be_v no_o can_v we_o suppose_v as_o some_o heretic_n once_o fancy_v that_o there_o be_v two_o first_o principle_n a_o good_a and_o bad_a one_o can_v we_o suppose_v there_o be_v a_o evil_a god_n one_o in_o who_o cruelty_n and_o wrath_n be_v his_o belove_a attribute_n we_o must_v necessary_o conclude_v that_o he_o will_v make_v hell_n his_o court_n that_o his_o guard_n and_o courtier_n will_v be_v fiend_n and_o fury_n and_o that_o the_o shriek_n and_o torment_n of_o wretched_a creature_n will_v be_v the_o pleasure_n the_o harmony_n he_o delight_v in_o this_o be_v a_o god_n fit_a for_o a_o hobbist_n one_o who_o can_v discern_v no_o difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a between_o love_n or_o charity_n and_o devillishness_n and_o yet_o i_o can_v in_o charity_n but_o retract_v and_o condemn_v this_o thought_n for_o oh_o no_o other_o god_n be_v fit_a for_o he_o but_o he_o who_o he_o deni_v no_o other_o god_n be_v fit_a for_o such_o a_o wretch_n but_o the_o god_n of_o love_n and_o mercy_n to_o who_o i_o recommend_v he_o and_o proceed_v all_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n must_v believe_v he_o a_o most_o perfect_a be_v for_o whence_o else_o shall_v the_o scatter_a perfection_n of_o his_o creature_n have_v begin_v but_o if_o any_o man_n will_v say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o perfection_n and_o imperfection_n i_o will_v know_v why_o do_v he_o reverence_n wisdom_n more_o than_o folly_n or_o why_o he_o dote_v on_o beauty_n rather_o than_o deformity_n or_o if_o he_o tell_v i_o that_o he_o acknowledge_v a_o distinction_n between_o natural_a but_o none_o between_o moral_a perfection_n or_o imperfection_n not_o to_o urge_v that_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o will_v be_v as_o true_o natural_a as_o those_o of_o the_o understanding_n the_o capacity_n of_o and_o aptitude_n to_o each_o be_v bear_v with_o we_o not_o the_o habit_n and_o the_o one_o be_v as_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o consonant_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o man_n as_o the_o other_o i_o will_v ask_v he_o why_o he_o do_v not_o love_v the_o froward_a and_o peevish_a as_o well_o as_o the_o sweet_a and_o gentle_a the_o cruel_a and_o implacable_a as_o well_o as_o the_o kind_a and_o charitable_a the_o proud_a and_o wilful_a as_o well_o as_o the_o humble_a and_o modest_a and_o whatever_o answer_n he_o give_v i_o will_v abundant_o serve_v to_o refute_v his_o fancy_n if_o then_o there_o be_v natural_a and_o moral_a perfection_n and_o god_n be_v the_o most_o perfect_a be_v we_o must_v needs_o ascribe_v to_o he_o those_o property_n which_o we_o look_v upon_o as_o perfection_n in_o his_o rational_a creature_n and_o that_o in_o such_o degree_n as_o exempt_v he_o from_o all_o imperfection_n if_o therefore_o goodness_n charity_n clemency_n be_v universal_o acknowledge_v for_o perfection_n we_o must_v necessary_o suppose_v they_o in_o god_n in_o the_o most_o perfect_a degree_n nor_o let_v any_o one_o think_v it_o absurd_a that_o the_o same_o shall_v be_v the_o virtue_n o●_n god_n and_o man_n of_o a_o finite_a and_o a_o infinite_a be_v for_o we_o suppose_v they_o in_o god_n in_o a_o manner_n suitable_a to_o his_o majesty_n and_o in_o man_n in_o a_o manner_n suitable_a to_o his_o meanness_n and_o unless_o we_o acknowledge_v this_o there_o can_v possible_o be_v any_o settle_a and_o certain_a reason_n for_o our_o love_n or_o hope_v or_o dependence_n the_o great_a part_n of_o divine_a worship_n that_o therefore_o god_n be_v good_a and_o merciful_a a_o lover_n of_o mankind_n be_v ever_o the_o constant_a and_o unanimous_a sense_n o●_n the_o wise_a and_o good_a part_n of_o mankind_n poet_n indeed_o and_o painter_n degenerous_a dastardly_a superstitione_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d plutarch_n de_fw-fr superstitione_n cruel_a and_o vicious_a man_n do_v represent_v the_o deity_n under_o hideous_a shape_v and_o in_o such_o colour_n as_o their_o guilty_a fear_n or_o vice_n furnish_v they_o with_o but_o philosopher_n as_o plutarch_n observe_v be_v always_o wont_a to_o represent_v he_o most_o amiable_a and_o lovely_a always_o temper_v his_o majesty_n with_o love_n and_o goodness_n his_o power_n and_o justice_n with_o tenderness_n mercy_n and_o compassion_n towards_o mankind_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o attribute_v all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v extreme_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o god_n as_o the_o author_n of_o they_o as_o government_n law_n art_n and_o science_n etc._n etc._n they_o look_v upon_o their_o god_n as_o the_o guide_n and_o guardian_n of_o man_n and_o ascribe_v to_o they_o whatever_o they_o achieve_v brave_o and_o happy_o in_o life_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n frowardness_n wrath_n and_o cruelty_n do_v ever_o seem_v so_o ugly_a and_o detestable_a to_o wise_a and_o virtuous_a man_n that_o they_o not_o only_o despise_v but_o abhor_v as_o well_o the_o wickedness_n as_o folly_n of_o superstition_n which_o represent_v god_n or_o rather_o dishonour_v he_o under_o such_o character_n ibid._n ibid._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o this_o notion_n of_o the_o deity_n which_o represent_v that_o be_v which_o be_v kind_a and_o benign_a as_o terrible_a and_o dreadful_a which_o be_v gracious_a and_o fatherly_a as_o tyrannical_a which_o be_v friendly_a and_o careful_a of_o we_o as_o injurious_a and_o hurtful_a which_o be_v mild_a and_o gentle_a as_o fierce_a and_o savage_a give_v such_o a_o distaste_n and_o disgust_n to_o all_o ingenious_a temper_n that_o they_o think_v atheism_n a_o much_o more_o excusable_a impiety_n than_o superstition_n hence_o be_v
good_a or_o ill-behaviour_n of_o man_n to_o any_o thing_n rather_o than_o to_o god_n what_o impiety_n but_o i_o have_v do_v i_o have_v sufficient_o consider_v which_o way_n the_o stream_n of_o authority_n run_v and_o it_o evident_o appear_v to_o be_v against_o all_o such_o notion_n of_o fate_n as_o put_v it_o out_o of_o a_o man_n power_n to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o happy_a and_o determine_v his_o sin_n and_o misery_n whole_o necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a i_o will_v now_o proceed_v to_o consider_v fate_n reason_n and_o revelation_n against_o fate_n second_o what_o plain_a reason_n and_o as_o plain_a revelation_n do_v dictate_v in_o this_o point_n thou_o do_v believe_v fate_n and_o therefore_o do_v despair_v of_o happiness_n thy_o sense_n must_v be_v plain_o this_o all_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o fate_n nothing_o in_o thou_o own_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o thou_o to_o do_v that_o can_v contribute_v to_o make_v thou_o virtuous_a or_o happy_a whence_o can_v this_o necessity_n this_o fate_n proceed_v there_o be_v but_o two_o principle_n that_o be_v ever_o fancy_v to_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n god_n and_o matter_n do_v thou_o believe_v this_o necessity_n proceed_v from_o matter_n from_o the_o motion_n of_o atom_n or_o the_o influence_n of_o star_n this_o belief_n as_o st._n austin_n argue_v do_v subvert_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n for_o he_o who_o believe_v that_o he_o depend_v upon_o fate_n not_o god_n can_v have_v no_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o that_o god_n on_o who_o he_o have_v no_o dependence_n but_o this_o be_v that_o peradventure_o thou_o will_v have_v well_o when_o thou_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v reason_n and_o understanding_n to_o derive_v themselves_o from_o senseless_a atom_n when_o thou_o can_v find_v out_o any_o kind_n of_o natural_a motion_n of_o matter_n or_o atom_n which_o can_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o liberty_n or_o freedom_n in_o the_o will_n any_o motion_n that_o can_v at_o once_o be_v necessary_a for_o so_o all_o motion_n of_o atom_n must_v be_v it_o of_o what_o kind_n it_o will_v and_o yet_o free_a too_o for_o such_o all_o my_o deliberation_n and_o all_o my_o choice_n i_o make_v prove_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o be_v than_o i_o will_v acknowledge_v a_o fate_n not_o only_o independent_a from_o but_o if_o thou_o will_v superior_a to_o god_n then_o i_o will_v forbear_v all_o far_a attempt_n of_o charity_n as_o vain_a and_o leave_v thou_o to_o thy_o fate_n and_o misery_n but_o these_o be_v notion_n so_o absurd_a in_o themselves_o that_o no_o similitude_n no_o argument_n can_v make_v they_o appear_v one_o jot_n more_o ridiculous_a or_o irrational_a than_o they_o do_v to_o all_o man_n of_o sense_n at_o the_o first_o hear_v there_o be_v some_o error_n as_o well_o as_o truth_n that_o be_v self-evident_a there_o need_v no_o demonstration_n to_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o one_o be_v error_n and_o the_o other_o truth_n and_o of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o error_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v assert_v that_o death_n be_v the_o original_a of_o life_n that_o senseless_a matter_n give_v be_v to_o a_o understanding_n mind_n that_o necessity_n be_v the_o parent_n of_o liberty_n and_o such_o like_a it_o be_v a_o unpardonable_a weakness_n in_o any_o man_n to_o think_v that_o such_o assertion_n do_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o laborious_a confutation_n but_o there_o be_v who_o suppose_v god_n the_o author_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o yet_o suppose_v event_n fatal_a too_o the_o former_a opinion_n be_v ridiculous_a this_o be_v impious_a for_o suppose_v mankind_n fatal_o guide_v by_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o star_n and_o these_o star_n to_o have_v receive_v this_o power_n and_o energy_n from_o god_n be_v it_o not_o natural_a for_o every_o man_n to_o break_v out_o into_o the_o word_n of_o st._n austin_n 1._o aug._n de_fw-fr c._n d._n l._n 5._o c._n 1._o illi_fw-la verò_fw-la qui_fw-la positionem_fw-la stol_n alarm_n quodammodo_fw-la decernentium_fw-la qualis_fw-la cuique_fw-la sit_fw-la &_o quid_fw-la ei_fw-la proveniat_fw-la boni_fw-la quidve_fw-la mali_fw-la accidat_fw-la ex_fw-la dei_fw-la voluntate_fw-la suspendunt_fw-la si_fw-la easdem_fw-la stellas_fw-la putant_fw-la habere_fw-la hanc_fw-la potestatem_fw-la traditam_fw-la sibi_fw-la à_fw-la summâ_fw-la illius_fw-la potestate_fw-la ut_fw-la volentes_fw-la ista_fw-la decernant_fw-la magnam_fw-la coelo_fw-la faciunt_fw-la injuriam_fw-la in_fw-la cujus_fw-la velut_fw-la clarissimo_fw-it senatu_fw-la ac_fw-la splendidissima_fw-la curiâ_fw-la scelera_fw-la facienda_fw-la decerni_fw-la qualia_fw-la si_fw-la aliqua_fw-la terrena_fw-la civitas_n decrevisset_fw-la genere_fw-la humano_fw-la decernente_fw-la fuerat_fw-la evertenda_fw-la how_o outrageous_o do_v these_o man_n reproach_n heaven_n whilst_o they_o believe_v those_o crime_n and_o villainy_n decree_v by_o that_o august_n senate_n and_o glorious_a court_n in_o heaven_n which_o have_v any_o city_n upon_o earth_n decree_v it_o have_v deserve_v to_o have_v be_v damn_v by_o the_o common_a vote_n and_o raze_v to_o the_o ground_n by_o the_o unite_a arm_n of_o mankind_n when_o i_o consider_v that_o the_o star_n be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n that_o their_o order_n and_o motion_n be_v prescribe_v by_o he_o that_o whatever_o vigour_n and_o efficacy_n they_o have_v they_o have_v receive_v it_o from_o he_o and_o then_o remember_v that_o god_n be_v a_o most_o infinite_o kind_a and_o good_a be_v i_o shall_v easy_o suffer_v myself_o to_o be_v persuade_v that_o they_o can_v shed_v no_o influence_n upon_o this_o low_a world_n but_o what_o be_v extreme_o beneficial_a to_o it_o that_o they_o can_v have_v no_o aspect_n but_o what_o be_v favourable_a and_o benign_a i_o can_v easy_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o inclination_n they_o form_n in_o the_o body_n if_o they_o form_v any_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o innocent_a and_o virtuous_a i_o can_v never_o believe_v that_o lust_n or_o falshood_n malice_n or_o cruelty_n can_v come_v down_o from_o above_o or_o that_o our_o mind_n shall_v be_v impregnate_v with_o sin_n and_o folly_n by_o the_o influence_n of_o heaven_n no_o certain_o if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n in_o the_o star_n that_o extend_v itself_o to_o man_n it_o must_v rather_o be_v the_o seed_n of_o life_n and_o health_n and_o virtue_n than_o of_o disease_n death_n or_o vice_n 20._o antiq._n lect._n l._n x._o c._n 20._o i_o can_v easy_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o learned_a man_n in_o coelius_n rhodiginus_fw-la who_o think_v that_o that_o virtue_n of_o celestial_a body_n which_o tend_v of_o itself_o to_o excellent_a end_n be_v mar_v and_o pervert_v by_o a_o vicious_a education_n and_o so_o the_o gravity_n of_o saturn_n do_v degenerate_a into_o sullenness_n niggardliness_n and_o melancholy_n the_o magnanimity_n of_o mars_n into_o rashness_n and_o fool-hardiness_n the_o sharpness_n and_o sagacity_n of_o mercury_n into_o mischievous_a craft_n and_o deceitful_a subtlety_n the_o sweetness_n and_o gentleness_n of_o venus_n into_o filthy_a lust_n and_o so_o on_o and_o this_o thought_n do_v well_o become_v every_o one_o that_o pretend_v to_o any_o religion_n whether_o reveal_v or_o natural_a for_o this_o be_v consonant_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n but_o this_o sort_n of_o fate_n spring_v from_o the_o influence_n of_o any_o natural_a body_n be_v not_o only_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n but_o to_o our_o sense_n and_o experience_n for_o nothing_o be_v more_o plain_a than_o this_o that_o any_o such_o influence_n can_v affect_v the_o mind_n but_o through_o the_o body_n and_o we_o do_v frequent_o find_v our_o reason_n assert_v its_o power_n and_o dominion_n against_o all_o the_o force_n and_o strength_n of_o the_o body_n nor_o do_v reason_n only_o but_o in_o every_o nation_n law_n and_o custom_n triumph_v over_o the_o strong_a inclination_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o innocence_n of_o the_o seres_z the_o chastity_n of_o those_o in_o arabia_n and_o osroene_n the_o abstinence_n of_o the_o brahmin_n and_o numerous_a instance_n which_o he_o that_o please_v may_v see_v in_o bardesanes_n the_o syrian_a and_o other_o do_v abundant_o manifest_a that_o their_o manner_n be_v the_o effect_n not_o of_o the_o influence_n of_o those_o planet_n that_o rule_v their_o birth_n but_o of_o those_o law_n and_o custom_n that_o rule_v their_o country_n since_o therefore_o that_o necessity_n which_o our_o natural_a temper_n and_o inclination_n do_v impose_v upon_o the_o mind_n be_v the_o utmost_a fate_n that_o we_o can_v imagine_v to_o proceed_v from_o the_o influence_n of_o any_o natural_a body_n it_o be_v nonsense_n to_o suppose_v that_o fate_n insuperable_a or_o incontroulable_a which_o we_o see_v baffle_v and_o defeat_v every_o day_n and_o in_o every_o nation_n the_o sum_n of_o those_o reason_n i_o have_v offer_v against_o fate_n be_v this_o if_o we_o make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o it_o we_o impious_o charge_v he_o with_o what_o be_v repugnant_a to_o his_o nature_n for_o a_o good_a
thing_n as_o happiness_n here_o below_o and_o yet_o this_o opinion_n have_v so_o universal_o possess_v mankind_n that_o they_o seem_v to_o teach_v with_o too_o general_a a_o consent_n that_o happiness_n be_v to_o be_v expect_v only_o in_o another_o world_n and_o this_o doctrine_n be_v very_o common_o think_v to_o have_v the_o countenance_n and_o patronage_n of_o divine_a revelation_n these_o false_a persuasion_n have_v not_o a_o little_a obstruct_v the_o happiness_n of_o man_n deter_v man_n at_o once_o from_o the_o embrace_v of_o the_o gospel_n and_o from_o the_o pursuit_n of_o true_a happiness_n i_o will_v therefore_o first_o endeavour_v to_o free_v this_o assertion_n that_o happiness_n be_v attainable_a in_o this_o world_n from_o that_o prejudice_n which_o the_o authority_n of_o revelation_n seem_v to_o some_o to_o bring_v upon_o it_o by_o a_o brief_a account_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o revelation_n in_o this_o point_n second_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o plain_a and_o obvious_a proof_n three_o i_o will_v answer_v this_o and_o what_o other_o objection_n may_v be_v start_v from_o a_o imaginary_a incapacity_n of_o happiness_n cause_v by_o fortune_n fate_n or_o nature_n sect_n i._o as_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o revelation_n in_o this_o point_n happiness_n religion_n deny_v not_o the_o possibility_n of_o present_a happiness_n religion_n ever_o have_v and_o always_o must_v have_v the_o character_n of_o its_o author_n visible_o stamp_v upon_o it_o nothing_o that_o be_v not_o infinite_o kind_a and_o infinite_o wise_a can_v be_v find_v in_o any_o part_n of_o revelation_n true_o divine_a from_o whence_o we_o may_v rational_o conclude_v that_o the_o great_a aim_n of_o god_n in_o the_o establish_n religion_n be_v to_o advance_v the_o happiness_n of_o man_n and_o to_o advance_v it_o in_o a_o method_n consonant_a to_o those_o natural_a principle_n he_o have_v implant_v in_o he_o nor_o do_v any_o one-inspir'd-author_n ever_o think_v otherwise_o 29._o prov._n 29._o he_o that_o ●eepeth_v the_o law_n say_v solomon_n happy_a be_v he_o 119._o psal_n 119._o great_a peace_n have_v they_o that_o love_v thy_o law_n and_o nothing_o shall_v offend_v they_o 3_o prov._n 3_o happy_a be_v the_o man_n that_o find_v wisdom_n and_o the_o man_n that_o get_v understanding_n that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o actual_a and_o present_a happiness_n in_o this_o life_n be_v apparent_a from_o what_o follow_v a_o little_a after_o 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 her_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n she_o be_v a_o tree_n of_o life_n to_o those_o that_o lay_v hold_v upon_o she_o and_o tho'_o the_o gospel_n as_o a_o high_a and_o more_o perfect_a dispensation_n do_v propose_v to_o we_o as_o our_o great_a and_o chief_a end_n life_n and_o immortality_n yet_o it_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n exclude_v we_o from_o happiness_n here_o but_o rather_o do_v establish_v it_o upon_o proper_a and_o firm_a foundation_n and_o fence_n it_o about_o with_o impregnable_a bulwark_n 14.27_o john_n 14.27_o peace_n i_o leave_v with_o you_o my_o peace_n i_o give_v unto_o you_o not_o as_o the_o world_n give_v give_v i_o unto_o you_o let_v not_o your_o heart_n be_v trouble_v neither_o let_v it_o be_v afraid_a 5.22_o gal._n 5.22_o now_o the_o fruit_n of_o the_o spirit_n be_v joy_n peace_n etc._n etc._n 15._o rom._n 15._o now_o the_o god_n of_o hope_n fill_v you_o with_o all_o joy_n and_o peace_n in_o believe_v and_o make_v you_o abound_v in_o hope_n through_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 4.8_o 1_o tim._n 4.8_o godliness_n be_v profitable_a to_o all_o thing_n have_v 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 nor_o can_v i_o indeed_o conceive_v how_o the_o state_n of_o a_o righteous_a and_o holy_a soul_n shall_v be_v other_o than_o a_o happy_a and_o bless_a one_o the_o belief_n and_o confident_a expectation_n of_o a_o heaven_n must_v needs_o be_v more_o transport_v and_o ravish_v than_o the_o rich_a fancy_n of_o a_o sinner_n and_o that_o security_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o and_o a_o future_a life_n which_o a_o good_a man_n enjoy_v in_o the_o protection_n of_o god_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o his_o favour_n who_o be_v almighty_a immutable_a etc._n etc._n must_v infinite_o exceed_v any_o thing_n that_o a_o sinner_n can_v attain_v to_o and_o must_v exclude_v those_o uneasy_a fear_n which_o do_v frequent_o interrupt_v the_o sinner_n enjoyment_n and_o over_o cast_v his_o hope_n he_o that_o love_v god_n and_o virtue_n can_v but_o be_v happy_a in_o the_o daily_a practice_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o what_o he_o most_o delight_n in_o and_o he_o last_o that_o have_v subdue_v his_o passion_n and_o overcome_v the_o world_n can_v choose_v but_o reap_v the_o daily_a fruit_n of_o so_o glorious_a a_o conquest_n and_o be_v constant_o entertain_v with_o please_a reflection_n and_o delightful_a prospect_n and_o yet_o if_o he_o shall_v enjoy_v nothing_o else_o that_o sovereignty_n liberty_n magnanimity_n and_o divine_a charity_n and_o enlargement_n of_o soul_n which_o he_o thereby_o gain_v be_v a_o abundant_a reward_n of_o his_o victory_n the_o sum_n of_o all_o be_v this_o a_o good_a man_n have_v the_o best_a title_n to_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o another_o he_o enjoy_v this_o world_n with_o as_o great_a security_n as_o wisdom_n and_o moderation_n and_o have_v a_o assure_a hope_n of_o a_o far_o better_a when_o he_o quit_v this_o the_o anticipation_n of_o which_o by_o faith_n love_n and_o hope_v do_v at_o once_o facilitate_v and_o confirm_v his_o conquest_n over_o all_o unworthy_a lust_n and_o entertain_v he_o with_o unexpressible_a satisfaction_n and_o pleasure_n for_o this_o reason_n i_o do_v in_o this_o chapter_n discourse_n of_o happiness_n without_o that_o immediate_a regard_n to_o another_o life_n which_o may_v be_v expect_v not_o judge_v myself_o oblige_v either_o to_o prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o or_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o embrace_v misery_n during_o the_o space_n of_o this_o short_a life_n in_o expectation_n of_o that_o perfect_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o be_v promise_v hereafter_o since_o i_o see_v well_o enough_o that_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o providence_n the_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n and_o the_o other_o be_v not_o incompatible_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o that_o wherein_o the_o life_n and_o be_v of_o true_a happiness_n in_o this_o world_n do_v consist_v be_v but_o a_o necessary_a introduction_n to_o or_o qualification_n of_o we_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o another_o which_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n already_o appear_v and_o will_v much_o more_o in_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o follow_a discourse_n 16.24_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o cross_n no_o obstruction_n of_o this_o life_n happiness_n math._n 16.24_o but_o what_o become_v now_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o cross_n this_o be_v a_o very_a soft_a and_o mild_a commentary_n upon_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n if_o any_o man_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himself_o and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o but_o this_o be_v not_o so_o formidable_a a_o objection_n as_o it_o may_v at_o first_o sight_n seem_v it_o be_v true_a suffer_v through_o all_o the_o progress_n and_o stage_n of_o evil_n even_o to_o the_o last_o that_o be_v death_n itself_o be_v a_o common_a nay_o almost_o a_o universal_a duty_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o christianity_n be_v indispensible_o necessary_a to_o the_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o bless_v be_v god_n the_o obligation_n of_o that_o duty_n have_v long_o ago_o cease_v and_o all_o that_o i_o can_v think_v necessary_a to_o be_v say_v here_o in_o pursuance_n of_o my_o design_n be_v that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o those_o confessor_n and_o martyr_n do_v far_o outweigh_v their_o suffering_n while_o they_o live_v that_o when_o they_o suffer_v death_n itself_o the_o time_n be_v come_v when_o they_o must_v exchange_v temporal_a for_o eternal_a happiness_n nor_o do_v this_o at_o all_o infringe_v the_o truth_n of_o my_o proposition_n which_o do_v not_o vain_o assert_v a_o eternal_a duration_n of_o happiness_n in_o this_o life_n but_o only_o teach_v the_o possibility_n of_o attain_v it_o and_o i_o think_v the_o death_n of_o martyr_n and_o confessor_n be_v rather_o a_o great_a confirmation_n than_o confutation_n of_o this_o opinion_n teach_v we_o plain_o that_o in_o despite_n of_o all_o calamity_n it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a to_o live_v but_o to_o die_v happy_o which_o last_o be_v no_o small_a accession_n to_o temporal_a happiness_n from_o this_o little_a i_o have_v say_v on_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o shape_v a_o answer_n to_o what_o be_v object_v from_o st._n paul_n 15._o 1_o
it_o do_v so_o general_o obtain_v through_o the_o pagan_a world_n to_o attribute_v all_o the_o surprise_v excellency_n or_o extraordinary_a exploit_n of_o their_o hero_n and_o eminent_a man_n to_o the_o immediate_a favour_n and_o patronage_n of_o their_o go_n rom._n hist_o rom._n must_v vespasian_n restore_v life_n to_o the_o expire_a state_n of_o rome_n prodigy_n and_o miracle_n shall_v prepare_v his_o way_n and_o the_o extraordinary_a mark_n of_o some_o divine_a assistance_n shall_v consecrate_v and_o destine_v he_o to_o this_o great_a work_n must_v alexander_n conquer_v the_o eastern_a world_n miracle_n shall_v attend_v his_o march_n as_o it_o do_v that_o of_o moses_n josephus_n josephus_n &_o the_o pamphylian_a sea_n retreat_n before_o the_o one_o as_o the_o red_a sea_n do_v before_o the_o other_o nor_o let_v any_o one_o think_v that_o this_o be_v usual_a only_o among_o the_o barbarous_a people_n athens_n itself_o athens_n the_o very_a abode_n of_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n do_v attribute_v the_o perfection_n of_o eleusinian_n melesagoras_n and_o cretan_a epimenides_n to_o the_o instruction_n of_o some_o divine_a be_v and_o those_o of_o socrates_n to_o his_o guardian_n angel_n as_o well_o as_o the_o scythian_n those_o of_o their_o zamolxis_n or_o they_o of_o proconesus_n those_o of_o aristeas_n to_o the_o peculiar_a favour_n and_o assistance_n of_o their_o god_n nor_o ought_v it_o to_o seem_v strange_a that_o the_o work_n of_o hesiod_n homer_n or_o other_o poet_n shall_v be_v ascribe_v by_o the_o heathen_n to_o divine_a inspiration_n since_o those_o of_o aholiab_n and_o bezaleel_n be_v by_o moses_n himself_o ascribe_v to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o the_o poem_n of_o the_o former_a can_v not_o but_o seem_v to_o the_o heathen_n as_o rich_a a_o piece_n of_o fancy_n as_o the_o embroidery_n of_o the_o latter_a do_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o this_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o a_o excellent_a argument_n maximus_n tyrius_n make_v use_v of_o to_o prove_v virtue_n to_o be_v derive_v from_o the_o assistance_n and_o bounty_n of_o god_n if_o art_n say_v he_o less_o excellent_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o less_o useful_a in_o their_o end_n be_v owe_v to_o god_n how_o much_o more_o virtue_n the_o divine_a guide_n and_o comfort_n of_o humane_a life_n if_o there_o be_v no_o good_a that_o descend_v not_o from_o above_o 22._o max._n tyr._n dissert_n 22._o much_o less_o sure_o the_o chief_a and_o sovereign_n good_a of_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thus_o far_o i_o have_v proceed_v to_o show_v you_o what_o the_o heathen_n think_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o divine_a assistance_n particular_o in_o the_o attainment_n of_o virtue_n for_o as_o to_o secular_a matter_n and_o temporal_a event_n their_o sense_n of_o the_o overrule_a power_n and_o influence_n of_o divine_a providence_n be_v so_o notorious_a that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v call_v into_o question_n the_o be_v and_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o this_o sense_n of_o it_o seem_v so_o inseparable_a that_o the_o epicurean_a who_o deny_v the_o latter_a can_v never_o find_v belief_n when_o he_o profess_v himself_o to_o own_o the_o former_a nay_o even_o those_o very_a man_n who_o can_v not_o be_v convince_v of_o a_o providence_n by_o the_o bounty_n be_v convince_v of_o it_o by_o the_o severity_n of_o god_n in_o his_o chastisement_n of_o sin_n hence_o that_o bold_a and_o brisk_a tho'_o not_o very_o religious_a reflection_n of_o tacitus_n upon_o the_o misery_n be_v the_o roman_a empire_n suffer_v under_o galba_n otho_n and_o vitellius_n nec_fw-la enim_fw-la unquam_fw-la atrocioribus_fw-la populi_fw-la romani_fw-la cladibus_fw-la hist_o tacit._n l._n 1._o hist_o magisuè_fw-la justis_fw-la judiciis_fw-la approbatum_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la curae_fw-la diis_fw-la securitatem_fw-la nostram_fw-la esse_fw-la ultionem_fw-la the_o justice_n and_o the_o greatness_n of_o our_o plague_n abundant_o evince_v the_o god_n concern_v tho'_o not_o for_o our_o prosperity_n yet_o for_o our_o punishment_n such_o be_v man_n disingenuous_a temper_n that_o he_o be_v more_o easy_o convince_v by_o the_o wideness_n and_o fatality_n of_o a_o wound_n that_o it_o be_v inflict_v by_o a_o almighty_a arm_n than_o he_o be_v by_o the_o greatness_n of_o the_o benefit_n he_o receive_v that_o they_o be_v distribute_v by_o a_o divine_a munificence_n tho'_o the_o number_n and_o infinite_a value_n of_o the_o good_a thing_n we_o receive_v be_v in_o itself_o a_o much_o clear_a proof_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n than_o the_o evil_n we_o suffer_v can_v be_v for_o these_o we_o can_v create_v ourselves_o those_o none_o but_o a_o god_n can_v bestow_v there_o need_v then_o nothing_o to_o be_v say_v to_o convince_v you_o what_o the_o heathen_n think_v of_o providence_n with_o respect_n to_o outward_a and_o temporal_a thing_n nor_o be_v it_o i_o think_v now_o to_o be_v question_v whether_o it_o be_v their_o opinion_n that_o the_o divine_a assistance_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o attainment_n of_o virtue_n and_o happiness_n nor_o will_v i_o add_v a_o word_n more_o but_o that_o the_o word_n of_o hierocles_n on_o this_o subject_n carry_v in_o they_o not_o only_o so_o full_a a_o conviction_n but_o also_o so_o extraordinary_a a_o relish_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o religious_a humility_n that_o i_o can_v prevail_v with_o myself_o to_o pass_v they_o by_o carm._n hierocles_n in_o pythagori_n aurea_fw-la carm._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v we_o need_v no_o motive_n or_o incentive_a to_o vice_n but_o our_o own_o inclination_n but_o to_o make_v we_o virtuous_a we_o stand_v in_o need_n 〈◊〉_d the_o aid_n of_o god_n join_v with_o that_o 〈◊〉_d reason_n and_o this_o opinion_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o god_n assistance_n spring_v not_o only_o from_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o weakness_n and_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n but_o also_o of_o the_o power_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o i_o can_v think_v that_o the_o order_n beauty_n and_o greatness_n of_o the_o creation_n the_o fix_a and_o constant_a return_v of_o fruitful_a season_n the_o fill_a man_n heart_n with_o food_n and_o gladness_n be_v the_o only_a testimony_n which_o god_n give_v the_o gentile_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o care_n for_o mankind_n when_o i_o read_v that_o angel_n be_v the_o minister_a spirit_n of_o god_n when_o i_o read_v in_o daniel_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o grecia_n and_o persia_n and_o find_v that_o province_n be_v commit_v to_o angel_n as_o the_o vice-roys_n and_o lieutenant_n of_o god_n i_o can_v think_v that_o these_o devout_a and_o charitable_a spirit_n do_v with_o less_o zeal_n in_o their_o province_n labour_v to_o promote_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o man_n than_o evil_a spirit_n do_v the_o dishonour_v of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o ruin_n of_o the_o other_o and_o unless_o the_o frequent_a appearance_n of_o angel_n in_o the_o beginning_n have_v possess_v man_n mind_n with_o a_o firm_a persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v a_o constant_a commerce_n maintain_v between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o that_o spirit_n very_o frequent_o do_v visible_o engage_v themselves_o in_o the_o protection_n and_o assistance_n of_o man_n i_o can_v as_o much_o as_o imagine_v what_o foundation_n there_o can_v be_v for_o the_o numerous_a imposture_n of_o oracle_n or_o upon_o what_o ground_n the_o custom_n of_o put_v themselves_o under_o the_o patronage_n of_o some_o tutelary_a spirit_n can_v so_o general_o have_v prevail_v in_o the_o pagan_a world_n without_o this_o supposition_n the_o poetry_n of_o homer_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v entertain_v as_o sacred_a and_o inspire_a that_o it_o have_v be_v universal_o contemn_v and_o dislike_v as_o a_o idle_a rhapsody_n of_o un-natural_a incredible_a and_o fulsome_a character_n of_o their_o god_n how_o can_v any_o man_n who_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o the_o appearance_n of_o spirit_n nay_o who_o can_v not_o conceive_v any_o other_o notion_n of_o such_o fancy_n than_o as_o something_o absurd_a and_o impossible_a ever_o digest_v the_o gross_a confidence_n of_o a_o poet_n bring_v in_o a_o god_n upon_o the_o stage_n at_o every_o turn_n i_o do_v not_o therefore_o doubt_v but_o that_o the_o gentile_a world_n receive_v very_o many_o good_a office_n and_o advantage_n from_o good_a angel_n as_o well_o as_o suffer_v many_o mischief_n from_o evil_a one_o and_o i_o think_v i_o may_v with_o good_a probability_n believe_v that_o every_o good_a heathen_a as_o well_o as_o socrates_n have_v the_o assistance_n of_o a_o good_a spirit_n very_o frequent_o nor_o be_v the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n the_o only_a assistance_n that_o god_n afford_v the_o gentil_n world_n but_o in_o every_o age_n he_o raise_v up_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n to_o be_v his_o prophet_n or_o interpreter_n of_o nature_n law_n to_o the_o gentile_n i_o know_v st._n austin_n do_v in_o two_o place_n at_o least_o of_o his_o retractation_n censure_v and_o condemn_v that_o charity_n which_o he_o
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those_o inclination_n which_o be_v more_o deep_o root_v more_o close_o interweave_v with_o our_o blood_n and_o spirit_n than_o any_o inclination_n to_o vice_n and_o folly_n can_v be_v such_o be_v for_o example_n the_o love_n of_o life_n and_o the_o abhorrence_n of_o pain_n and_o yet_o what_o a_o contempt_n of_o death_n be_v to_o be_v find_v even_o in_o the_o most_o timorous_a sex_n as_o in_o the_o indian_a woman_n what_o a_o contempt_n of_o pain_n even_o in_o the_o weak_a age_n as_o in_o the_o spartan_a youth_n and_o all_o this_o have_v no_o strong_a foundation_n than_o irrational_a custom_n and_o vain_a fantastic_a principle_n why_o shall_v we_o therefore_o be_v unwilling_a to_o attribute_v to_o excellent_a principle_n and_o virtuous_a custom_n bless_a and_o aid_v by_o heaven_n as_o much_o power_n and_o virtue_n as_o we_o do_v to_o such_o as_o these_o if_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o man_n to_o wickedness_n can_v be_v curb_v if_o his_o most_o furious_a and_o violent_a passion_n can_v be_v restrain_v and_o stifle_v than_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v as_o reasonable_o suppose_v that_o divine_a truth_n religious_a discipline_n together_o with_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n may_v effect_v this_o as_o any_o thing_n else_o whatever_a if_o the_o press_a necessity_n and_o perplexity_n of_o the_o state_n can_v change_v the_o softness_n and_o luxury_n of_o otho_n into_o military_a hardship_n and_o courage_n i_o know_v not_o why_o a_o rational_a sense_n of_o the_o true_a honour_n and_o glory_n of_o virtue_n and_o of_o our_o eternal_a interest_n and_o innumerable_a other_o consideration_n which_o the_o gospel_n lay_v before_o we_o christian_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o work_v the_o same_o wonder_n if_o the_o reverence_n of_o seneca_n or_o the_o senate_n or_o any_o other_o motive_n can_v produce_v a_o quinquennium_fw-la neronis_n can_v restrain_v the_o violent_a inclination_n of_o that_o wretched_a man_n so_o that_o his_o government_n for_o so_o many_o year_n shall_v be_v as_o gentle_a and_o just_a as_o that_o of_o the_o most_o gracious_a and_o virtuous_a prince_n why_o shall_v not_o the_o reverence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o terror_n of_o eternity_n be_v able_a to_o awe_v and_o curb_v the_o most_o vicious_a nature_n this_o methinks_v aught_o well_o to_o be_v weigh_v by_o all_o who_o assert_v man_n impotence_n and_o incapacity_n of_o virtue_n they_o disparage_v the_o gospel_n and_o reproach_n grace_n as_o well_o as_o man_n with_o impotence_n and_o insufficiency_n and_o yet_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o be_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n do_v you_o consider_v that_o if_o you_o suppose_v man_n by_o nature_n unable_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v good_a and_o then_o deny_v he_o and_o utter_o debar_v he_o from_o god_n grace_n you_o introduce_v fate_n for_o what_o more_o fatal_a necessity_n can_v a_o wretched_a creature_n lie_v under_o than_o natural_a impotence_n utter_o destitute_a and_o for_o ever_o forsake_v of_o divine_a assistance_n or_o if_o you_o bereave_v not_o man_n of_o grace_n but_o yet_o bereave_v grace_n of_o its_o sufficiency_n do_v you_o not_o understand_v that_o the_o fatal_a necessity_n continue_v still_o the_o same_o there_o be_v no_o change_n in_o the_o man_n condition_n only_o in_o this_o hypothesis_n grace_n be_v dishonour_v and_o reproach_v as_o well_o as_o nature_n and_o this_o reflect_v very_o rude_o too_o upon_o god_n it_o call_v the_o wisdom_n the_o goodness_n the_o sincerity_n the_o power_n of_o god_n into_o dispute_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o power_n of_o god_n not_o to_o be_v able_a by_o his_o spirit_n and_o truth_n to_o subdue_v and_o overpower_v the_o corruption_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o goodness_n not_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o aid_v his_o poor_a creature_n when_o they_o call_v upon_o he_o inconsistent_a with_o his_o sincerity_n to_o afford_v they_o such_o aid_n as_o must_v tend_v to_o their_o great_a mischief_n not_o good_a as_o grace_v its_o self_n will_v if_o it_o be_v only_o sufficient_a to_o increase_v their_o gild_n but_o not_o to_o subdue_v their_o sin_n this_o be_v indeed_o when_o a_o child_n ask_v bread_n to_o give_v he_o a_o stone_n 7._o matth._n 7._o and_o when_o he_o ask_v fish_n to_o gie_n he_o a_o scorpion_n it_o be_v last_o as_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o confer_v grace_n to_o no_o purpose_n as_o it_o be_v with_o his_o goodness_n to_o confer_v it_o to_o a_o ill_a one_o these_o with_o many_o other_o be_v the_o absurd_a consequence_n which_o attend_v the_o denial_n of_o the_o universality_n or_o sufficiency_n of_o grace_n but_o if_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o do_v grant_v that_o god_n almighty_n be_v ready_a to_o assist_v every_o man_n who_o call_v on_o he_o in_o his_o endeavour_n after_o virtue_n and_o happiness_n and_o that_o his_o assistance_n be_v sufficient_a to_o
the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v design_v then_o we_o must_v needs_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v in_o every_o man_n power_n to_o be_v good_a and_o happy_a for_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o man_n can_v do_v what_o he_o can_v do_v or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o what_o god_n have_v put_v in_o his_o power_n to_o do_v by_o what_o a_o crowd_n of_o argument_n may_v i_o confirm_v this_o truth_n sufficient_a to_o bear_v down_o and_o even_o shame_v the_o most_o impudent_a caviller_n why_o be_v not_o man_n good_a why_o be_v they_o not_o happy_a shall_v we_o say_v that_o god_n do_v not_o vouchsafe_v they_o his_o grace_n shall_v we_o impute_v man_n misery_n to_o god_n shall_v we_o charge_v that_o glorious_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v with_o want_n of_o compassion_n or_o sincerity_n towards_o his_o poor_a creature_n how_o easy_a will_v it_o be_v for_o he_o to_o appeal_v to_o the_o suffering_n of_o his_o son_n to_o the_o vigorous_a attempt_n and_o endeavour_n of_o his_o spirit_n to_o heaven_n and_o earth_n stamp_v with_o the_o impress_n of_o his_o power_n and_o goodness_n on_o purpose_n to_o teach_v invite_v and_o almost_o compel_v we_o to_o worship_n and_o obey_v he_o to_o the_o various_a method_n of_o his_o providence_n contrive_v and_o pursue_v our_o happiness_n how_o easy_o last_o may_v he_o appeal_v for_o his_o purgation_n to_o our_o own_o conscience_n and_o these_o will_v tell_v we_o as_o they_o ever_o do_v in_o the_o distress_n of_o our_o fortune_n and_o the_o approach_n of_o danger_n and_o death_n to_o what_o we_o be_v to_o impute_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o ruin_n what_o shall_v we_o say_v then_o do_v god_n vouchsafe_v man_n his_o grace_n the_o revelation_n of_o his_o truth_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o his_o spirit_n but_o that_o this_o grace_n be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o we_o alas_o how_o easy_a be_v it_o for_o any_o of_o we_o to_o refute_v this_o fancy_n by_o appeal_n to_o the_o solemn_a covenant_n of_o our_o baptism_n to_o the_o character_n and_o description_n of_o good_a man_n in_o the_o gospel_n to_o the_o effect_n which_o our_o reason_n teach_v we_o must_v be_v natural_a and_o inseparable_a from_o a_o true_a faith_n and_o divine_a assistance_n but_o i_o will_v choose_v to_o make_v use_n of_o one_o argument_n which_o st._n paul_n furnish_v we_o with_o 11._o heb._n 11._o heb._n 11._o there_o the_o apostle_n prove_v the_o possibility_n of_o please_a god_n by_o faith_n from_o undeniable_a instance_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n infer_v from_o what_o man_n have_v actual_o do_v what_o it_o be_v still_o possible_a for_o they_o to_o do_v omit_v the_o miraculous_a and_o extraordinary_a effect_n of_o faith_n i_o will_v reduce_v the_o instance_n of_o this_o chapter_n to_o three_o head_n first_o such_o wherein_o faith_n appear_v victorious_a over_o the_o temptation_n which_o arise_v from_o the_o vicious_a custom_n of_o the_o place_n man_n live_v in_o from_o the_o prevalency_n &_o fashionableness_n of_o sin_n among_o those_o they_o converse_v with_o second_o such_o wherein_o faith_n triumph_v over_o temptation_n arise_v from_o sensual_a pleasure_n three_o such_o wherein_o it_o overcome_v the_o sense_n of_o pain_n and_o fear_v of_o approach_a evil._n i_o will_v begin_v with_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o instance_n it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o consider_v the_o propension_n of_o our_o body_n and_o the_o vanity_n and_o sensuality_n which_o the_o mind_n natural_o derive_v from_o it_o and_o from_o its_o commerce_n with_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v a_o difficult_a thing_n to_o encounter_v temptation_n naked_a and_o alone_a how_o much_o more_o difficult_a when_o back_v and_o assist_v by_o custom_n and_o fashion_n when_o universal_a practice_n give_v authority_n and_o reputation_n to_o sin_n and_o folly_n and_o the_o poor_a man_n be_v leave_v destitute_a of_o the_o assistance_n of_o good_a counsel_n and_o the_o encouragement_n of_o good_a example_n to_o encounter_v not_o only_o the_o difficulty_n with_o which_o the_o reluctancy_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o also_o the_o reproach_n with_o which_o the_o popularity_n and_o prevalency_n of_o sin_n clog_v and_o imbitter_v virtue_n and_o yet_o behold_v enoch_n in_o a_o world_n it_o seem_v give_v up_o to_o sin_n do_v not_o only_o keep_v up_o in_o private_a to_o the_o practice_n of_o despise_a forsake_a virtue_n but_o be_v open_o and_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n eminent_a and_o exemplary_a in_o it_o and_o therefore_o be_v his_o end_n as_o extraordinary_a as_o his_o life_n for_o have_v obtain_v this_o testimony_n that_o he_o please_v god_n he_o be_v translate_v this_o be_v owe_v to_o his_o faith_n he_o be_v content_a to_o endure_v the_o reproach_n of_o the_o world_n that_o he_o may_v obtain_v the_o approbation_n of_o god_n and_o despise_v the_o honour_n and_o applause_n of_o popular_a vice_n and_o fashionable_a compliance_n that_o he_o may_v gain_v the_o kingdom_n wherein_o dwell_v righteousness_n such_o a_o other_o example_n be_v noah_n his_o righteousness_n be_v like_o his_o ark_n afterward_o raise_v above_o a_o deluge_n not_o of_o water_n but_o impiety_n he_o live_v in_o a_o world_n so_o wicked_a that_o it_o grieve_v god_n at_o his_o heart_n that_o he_o have_v make_v it_o in_o this_o world_n he_o be_v a_o preacher_n and_o example_n of_o righteousness_n and_o his_o zeal_n by_o a_o antiperistasis_n be_v not_o quench_v but_o enkindle_v by_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o world_n he_o live_v in_o this_o too_o be_v owe_v to_o his_o faith_n he_o fear_v those_o threat_n which_o that_o impious_a world_n scoff_v at_o and_o so_o prepare_v a_o ark_n to_o the_o save_n of_o his_o house_n 7._o c._n 7._o by_o which_o he_o condemn_v the_o world_n and_o become_v heir_n of_o the_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o faith_n no_o doubt_n when_o this_o strange_a building_n be_v prepare_v noah_n be_v assault_v by_o all_o the_o raillery_n and_o contempt_n by_o all_o the_o show_v of_o wit_n and_o reason_n lust_n and_o profaneness_n can_v furnish_v a_o impious_a age_n with_o this_o man_n say_v they_o have_v ever_o be_v singular_a and_o fantastic_a in_o the_o whole_a method_n of_o his_o conversation_n there_o want_v but_o such_o a_o prank_n as_o this_o to_o complete_a fancy_n into_o madness_n he_o ever_o dream_v of_o judgement_n and_o yet_o we_o he_o threaten_v continue_v our_o mirth_n and_o pleasure_n he_o alone_o in_o fear_n and_o anxiety_n have_v suffer_v the_o evil_n which_o his_o melancholy_a fancy_n create_v and_o which_o be_v all_o that_o we_o shall_v ever_o see_v for_o how_o long_o have_v he_o be_v preach_v dreadful_a thing_n and_o yet_o still_o the_o sun_n shine_v the_o heaven_n be_v fair_a and_o clear_a our_o feast_n and_o lust_n have_v the_o same_o relish_n still_o nor_o do_v our_o experience_n only_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o falsehood_n but_o our_o reason_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o this_o man_n dream_n for_o which_o way_n shall_v the_o fix_a state_n of_o nature_n be_v turn_v upside_o down_o whence_o will_v this_o universal_a deluge_n come_v will_v his_o god_n break_v up_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o deep_a or_o will_v he_o open_v the_o cataract_n of_o heaven_n but_o while_o they_o thus_o profane_o scoff_v and_o measure_v the_o divine_a power_n by_o their_o deprave_a fancy_n noah_n religious_o fear_v who_o have_v a_o different_a sense_n of_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o provocation_n of_o sin_n he_o know_v that_o as_o mercy_n so_o wrath_n be_v with_o god_n that_o as_o he_o be_v mighty_a to_o forgive_v 16._o eccles_n 16._o so_o be_v he_o too_o to_o pour_v out_o displeasure_n and_o by_o this_o faith_n he_o preserve_v himself_o as_o from_o the_o impiety_n so_o from_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o old_a world_n for_o tho'_o he_o be_v not_o like_o enoch_n translate_v yet_o be_v preserve_v out_o of_o a_o general_a ruin_n he_o live_v to_o see_v a_o end_n of_o the_o old_a world_n and_o give_v beginning_n to_o the_o new_a to_o these_o i_o may_v add_v lot_n who_o righteous_a 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