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 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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
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
ourselves_o to_o be_v dissenter_n i_o hope_v be_v by_o this_o time_n very_o well_o satisfy_v that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v no_o inclination_n to_o popery_n and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o body_n of_o dissenter_n for_o some_o private_a intriguer_n on_o either_o side_n do_v not_o deserve_v our_o notice_n nor_o to_o be_v think_v on_o either_o side_n have_v not_o such_o a_o irreconcilable_a hatred_n to_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o to_o sacrifice_v she_o to_o a_o popish_a interest_n and_o this_o bid_v fair_a for_o a_o good_a understanding_n between_o we_o and_o let_v we_o pray_v to_o god_n to_o continue_v and_o perfect_v it_o 2._o as_o for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o oppression_n and_o persecution_n of_o her_o enemy_n this_o be_v god_n care_n too_o and_o many_o time_n nothing_o but_o a_o all-seeing_a vigilant_a and_o omnipotent_a providence_n can_v secure_v she_o many_o time_n their_o design_n be_v lay_v deep_a 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which_o be_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n the_o house_n and_o temple_n of_o the_o live_a 16._o 1_o cor._n 3._o 16._o 2_o cor._n 6_o 16._o god_n the_o household_n of_o faith_n the_o household_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o be_v faithful_a as_o a_o son_n or_o lord_n over_o his_o 10._o 6._o gal._n 10._o own_o house_n who_o house_n be_v we_o if_o we_o â—…ld_v fast_o the_o confidence_n and_o the_o rejoice_v 6._o 3._o heb._n 5_o 6._o of_o the_o hope_v firm_a unto_o the_o end_n in_o distinction_n from_o moses_n who_o be_v faithful_a as_o a_o servant_n the_o ruler_n of_o the_o household_n or_o the_o steward_n in_o st._n luke_n be_v the_o apostle_n bishop_n presbyter_n who_o be_v the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o 28._o 20._o act_n 28._o overseer_n the_o minister_n of_o christ_n the_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n the_o 1._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 1._o meat_n which_o they_o be_v to_o give_v in_o season_n be_v the_o word_n of_o life_n 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i_o give_v you_o he_o tell_v i_o not_o and_o therefore_o i_o can_v only_o guess_v at_o his_o intention_n in_o this_o be_v he_o now_o present_a to_o speak_v to_o you_o i_o believe_v he_o can_v not_o give_v you_o better_a counsel_n than_o he_o have_v already_o do_v and_o therefore_o my_o advice_n to_o you_o be_v 1._o to_o remember_v those_o counsel_n and_o exhortation_n which_o you_o have_v hear_v from_o your_o decease_a pastor_n though_o the_o sower_n be_v remove_v yet_o let_v that_o immortal_a seed_n that_o word_n of_o life_n which_o he_o have_v sow_o live_v and_o fructify_v in_o your_o heart_n and_o bring_v forth_o the_o bless_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n he_o have_v show_v you_o the_o plain_a way_n to_o heaven_n have_v a_o care_v you_o do_v not_o forget_v it_o have_v a_o care_v you_o do_v not_o wander_v out_o of_o it_o he_o have_v recommend_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o you_o he_o have_v teach_v you_o to_o be_v loyal_a to_o your_o prince_n and_o to_o be_v true_a to_o your_o religion_n take_v care_n then_o that_o neither_o your_o religion_n destroy_v your_o loyalty_n nor_o your_o loyalty_n corrupt_v your_o religion_n remember_v that_o belove_a person_n who_o memory_n be_v dear_a and_o sacred_a to_o you_o be_v neither_o a_o rebel_n papist_n nor_o a_o fanatic_a 2._o since_o you_o have_v lose_v your_o guide_n a_o faithful_a and_o a_o prudent_a guide_n and_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o successor_n be_v in_o yourselves_o be_v very_o careful_a as_o the_o concernment_n of_o your_o soul_n require_v you_o shall_v be_v of_o your_o choice_n consider_v what_o a_o age_n we_o live_v in_o which_o require_v a_o experience_a and_o skilful_a pilot_n to_o steer_v a_o secure_a and_o steady_a course_n have_v a_o care_n of_o divide_v into_o faction_n and_o party_n let_v not_o mere_a private_a
he_o also_o free_o give_v we_o all_o thingâ—…_n who_o then_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o christ_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distreâ—…_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n nay_o in_o 〈◊〉_d these_o we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n throâ—…_n he_o that_o love_v we_o for_o i_o be_o perswadâ—…_n that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o â—…gels_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o coâ—…_n nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o otâ—…_n creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o câ—…_n jesus_n our_o lord_n 8._o rom._n 32_o 35_o 37_o 〈◊〉_d while_o our_o mind_n be_v warm_v wâ—…_n such_o thought_n as_o these_o we_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d able_a to_o bear_v up_o under_o the_o greaâ—…_n trial_n if_o not_o with_o cheerfulness_n yet_o at_o least_o with_o patience_n and_o a_o quiâ—…_n submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n aâ—…_n if_o ever_o there_o be_v occasion_n for_o suâ—…_n comfortable_a and_o support_a thougâ—…_n the_o divine_a providence_n have_v make_v it_o 〈◊〉_d necessary_a at_o this_o time_n to_o bear_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o incomparable_a lady_n our_o most_o â—…acious_a queen_n who_o death_n all_o â—…od_a subject_n must_v lament_v and_o i_o â—…ay_v god_n forgive_v those_o that_o do_v not_o â—…ch_o severe_a providence_n as_o these_o will_v â—…ach_v the_o great_a and_o most_o unbroken_a â—…inds_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o fear_n and_o to_o â—…joyce_v with_o tremble_a but_o how_o seâ—…re_o soever_o providence_n be_v in_o some_o parâ—…cular_a instance_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o diâ—…ne_a goodness_n iâ—…_n the_o redemption_n of_o â—…ankind_n by_o the_o incarnation_n and_o â—…eath_n of_o his_o own_o son_n shall_v teach_v 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v dumb_a and_o not_o open_v our_o mouth_n â—…cause_fw-mi it_o be_v his_o do_n in_o speak_v to_o which_o word_n i_o â—…all_v 1._o inquire_v what_o may_v be_v call_v â—…e_n do_n of_o the_o lord_n 2._o what_o it_o 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v dumb_a and_o not_o to_o open_v â—…ur_n mouth_n 3._o the_o force_n of_o this_o â—…rgument_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o a_o quiet_a and_o â—…atient_a submission_n under_o the_o greatâ—…st_a suffering_n that_o it_o be_v god_n doâ—…ng_n 1._o what_o may_v be_v call_v the_o doâ—…ng_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o may_v be_v think_v 〈◊〉_d very_o needless_a question_n for_o be_v â—…here_o any_o event_n good_a or_o evil_a which_o be_v not_o god_n do_v if_o wâ—…_n believe_v a_o particular_a providence_n wâ—…_n must_v answer_v no_o and_o yet_o somâ—…_n thing_n be_v more_o peculiarly_a god'â—…_n do_n than_o other_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o this_o present_a argument_n aâ—…_n god_n do_v it_o be_v a_o reason_n for_o 〈◊〉_d quiet_a and_o patient_a submission_n to_o the_o divine_a will._n in_o many_o case_n man_n bring_v ruin_n and_o misery_n upon_o themselves_o by_o theâ—…_n own_o sin_n and_o folly_n and_o then_o they_o may_v thank_v themselves_o for_o it_o but_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o providence_n and_o when_o they_o can_v charge_v providence_n with_o their_o misfortune_n patience_n itself_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o submission_n to_o god_n because_o their_o suffering_n be_v no_o more_o god_n will_n than_o their_o sin_n and_o folly_n be_v if_o man_n destroy_v their_o estate_n by_o profuseness_n and_o prodigality_n and_o their_o body_n by_o intemperance_n and_o lust_n if_o ill-contracted_n friendship_n indiscreet_a bargain_n or_o a_o ungovernable_a tongue_n perplex_v their_o affair_n and_o prove_v very_o troublesome_a or_o dangerous_a all_o this_o be_v owe_v not_o mere_o to_o providence_n but_o to_o themselves_o and_o they_o must_v be_v content_v to_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o do_n and_o to_o implore_v the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o providence_n to_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o folly_n whatever_o evil_n we_o suffer_v which_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a or_o moral_a effect_n of_o our_o own_o sin_n or_o folly_n they_o be_v proper_o god_n do_n as_o inflict_v by_o god_n either_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n or_o for_o the_o trial_n and_o exercise_n of_o our_o virtue_n or_o to_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n those_o evil_n which_o we_o do_v not_o immediate_o bring_v upon_o ourselves_o god_n inflict_v on_o we_o either_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o wicked_a and_o injurious_a man_n or_o by_o the_o disorder_n of_o natural_a cause_n or_o by_o some_o seem_a casual_a and_o fortuitous_a event_n for_o the_o action_n of_o man_n the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o what_o we_o call_v chance_n and_o fortune_n be_v all_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v more_o or_o less_o his_o do_n but_o if_o we_o may_v say_v that_o some_o thing_n be_v more_o peculiar_o the_o care_n of_o providence_n than_o other_o life_n and_o death_n be_v certain_o so_o no_o man_n can_v be_v bear_v or_o die_v without_o the_o particular_a order_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o not_o a_o sparrow_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n without_o our_o father_n much_o less_o man_n and_o assure_v his_o disciple_n that_o all_o the_o hair_n of_o their_o head_n be_v number_v and_o their_o life_n be_v more_o sacred_a than_o their_o hair_n some_o man_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o god_n have_v absolute_o decree_v the_o certain_a term_n and_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n but_o i_o know_v no_o foundation_n for_o this_o neither_o in_o scripture_n nor_o reason_n nor_o do_v any_o man_n believe_v it_o but_o those_o who_o subject_a all_o mankind_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o irreversible_a necessity_n and_o fate_n which_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o atheistick_a hypothesis_n though_o incautious_o espouse_v by_o some_o man_n who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v atheist_n that_o i_o hope_v they_o be_v very_o good_a christian_n and_o therefore_o i_o suppose_v these_o christian_a fatalist_n if_o i_o may_v so_o call_v they_o mean_v no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o all_o own_o that_o no_o sparrow_n much_o less_o a_o man_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n without_o our_o father_n that_o god_n not_o only_o foreknow_v the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o shall_v die_v but_o with_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o â—…ustice_n order_n and_o appoint_v it_o â—…ot_v by_o a_o absolute_a and_o unconditional_a â—…ecree_n but_o as_o the_o wise_a determiâ—…ation_n of_o a_o free_a and_o just_a prouâ—…ce_n and_o if_o god_n have_v any_o more_o conâ—…ernment_n for_o nation_n and_o commonwealth_n than_o he_o have_v for_o particular_a man_n as_o we_o who_o can_v attend_v but_o a_o few_o thing_n at_o once_o and_o therefore_o make_v the_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n our_o more_o particular_a care_n be_v apt_a to_o conceive_v then_o the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o prince_n must_v be_v more_o particular_o order_v and_o determine_v by_o god_n because_o nation_n it_o may_v be_v many_o nation_n and_o country_n more_o than_o their_o own_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o more_o universal_a concernment_n any_o thing_n be_v the_o more_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v it_o belong_v to_o the_o care_n of_o god_n for_o this_o reason_n some_o philosopher_n have_v confine_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o the_o heaven_n and_o heavenly_a body_n which_o have_v such_o a_o univerversal_a influence_n on_o thing_n below_o or_o to_o nation_n and_o public_a society_n and_o to_o the_o several_a kind_n and_o species_n of_o being_n not_o to_o particular_a man_n or_o creature_n and_o so_o far_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n that_o if_o the_o divine_a providence_n can_v not_o equal_o take_v care_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o of_o every_o particular_a creature_n in_o it_o it_o will_v certain_o in_o the_o first_o place_n take_v care_n of_o the_o great_a spring_n of_o motion_n but_o though_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o god_n peculiar_a care_n of_o one_o thing_n more_o than_o another_o because_o his_o all-seeing_a eye_n and_o almighty_a arm_n can_v equal_o take_v care_n of_o all_o yet_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o from_o the_o worth_n and_o value_n of_o thing_n that_o god_n will_v certain_o take_v the_o more_o care_n of_o they_o and_o in_o case_n of_o any_o competition_n give_v the_o preference_n to_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n behold_v the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n for_o they_o sow_v not_o neither_o do_v they_o reap_v nor_o gather_v into_o barn_n yet_o your_o heavenly_a father_n feed_v they_o be_v you_o not_o much_o better_a than_o they_o and_o if_o god_n so_o clothe_v the_o grass_n of_o the_o field_n which_o to_o day_n be_v and_o to_o morrow_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o oven_n shall_v he_o not_o much_o more_o clothe_v you_o o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n
but_o to_o persuade_v and_o direct_v you_o to_o turn_v the_o delight_n and_o charm_n of_o music_n into_o the_o rapture_n of_o devotion_n which_o will_v the_o most_o effectual_o silence_v all_o the_o enemy_n of_o church-music_n and_o cathedral-worship_n while_o as_o a_o divine_a poet_n of_o our_o own_o sing_v this_o will_v visible_o turn_v delight_n into_o a_o sacrifice_n now_o since_o music_n what_o ever_o it_o be_v and_o how_o well_o soever_o perform_v be_v of_o no_o use_n or_o value_n in_o religion_n but_o as_o it_o serve_v the_o true_a end_n of_o devotion_n we_o must_v inquire_v what_o that_o harmony_n and_o melody_n be_v which_o be_v so_o acceptable_a to_o god_n how_o fit_a external_n and_o sensible_n melody_n be_v to_o promote_v this_o and_o how_o it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v improve_v to_o that_o purpose_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o i_o need_v not_o tell_v any_o man_n who_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o christian_a worship_n that_o it_o be_v only_o they_o melody_n of_o the_o heart_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v that_o please_v god_n all_o true_a christian_a worship_n whatever_o the_o external_o of_o it_o be_v be_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n this_o alone_a be_v that_o worship_n which_o it_o become_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o pay_v to_o his_o maker_n his_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o saviour_n as_o the_o bless_a virgin_n sing_v my_o soul_n do_v magnify_v the_o lord_n and_o my_o spirit_n have_v rejoice_v in_o god_n my_o saviour_n for_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n only_o that_o can_v praise_n god_n though_o the_o tongue_n must_v sing_v his_o praise_n the_o best_a compose_a hymn_n the_o most_o musical_a instrument_n the_o most_o charm_a voice_n be_v but_o lifeless_a mechanical_a sound_n till_o they_o be_v animate_v and_o inspire_v by_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o god_n take_v no_o more_o pleasure_n in_o the_o best_a voice_n than_o in_o bodily_a strength_n or_o beauty_n now_o the_o melody_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o all_o the_o power_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n when_o love_n and_o joy_n and_o admiration_n and_o the_o profound_a reverence_n bear_v their_o several_a part_n and_o offer_v up_o our_o whole_a soul_n as_o a_o live_v vocal_a hymn_n of_o praise_n then_o we_o sing_v aloud_o in_o our_o heart_n to_o god_n when_o we_o feel_v the_o great_a transport_v and_o ecstasy_n of_o these_o divine_a passion_n which_o swallow_v we_o up_o in_o god_n and_o unite_v we_o to_o the_o heavenly_a choir_n then_o we_o sing_v with_o true_a melody_n in_o our_o heart_n to_o god_n when_o these_o divine_a passion_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n charm_v all_o our_o earthly_a passion_n into_o a_o calm_a quiet_a all_o their_o storm_n and_o tumult_n leave_v no_o jar_a discord_n no_o discontent_n no_o solicitous_a care_n no_o jealousy_n no_o envy_n to_o discompose_v the_o harmony_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o must_v be_v all_o peace_n all_o love_n all_o joy_n to_o sing_v with_o a_o true_a divine_a melody_n the_o praise_n of_o god_n this_o and_o nothing_o else_o be_v the_o true_a praise_n of_o god_n when_o our_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o such_o bright_a idea_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o perfection_n with_o such_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o his_o majesty_n wisdom_n goodness_n power_n discover_v in_o his_o great_a and_o wonderful_a work_n of_o creation_n providence_n and_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o transport_v we_o with_o love_n admiration_n and_o joy_n a_o heart_n thus_o full_a of_o god_n will_v break_v forth_o into_o song_n of_o praise_n when_o the_o fire_n be_v kindle_v within_o as_o the_o psalmist_n observe_v from_o his_o own_o experience_n we_o shall_v then_o speak_v with_o our_o tongue_n here_o our_o praise_n ought_v to_o begin_v to_o be_v sure_a here_o they_o must_v always_o end_v in_o the_o heat_n and_o fervour_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o a_o inward_a feel_n of_o the_o divine_a praise_n if_o we_o will_v have_v they_o a_o acceptable_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o the_o harmony_n of_o voice_n or_o musical_a instrument_n serve_v this_o end_n they_o be_v excellent_a help_n to_o devotion_n but_o it_o be_v only_o their_o subserviency_n to_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o give_v they_o any_o value_n or_o allow_v they_o any_o place_n in_o religious_a worship_n 2_o let_v we_o then_o consider_v of_o what_o use_v music_n be_v to_o excite_v and_o quicken_v our_o affection_n and_o to_o give_v a_o new_a life_n and_o spirit_n to_o devotion_n man_n be_v not_o all_o soul_n and_o spirit_n but_o a_o compound_n creature_n consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o while_o our_o soul_n be_v vital_o unite_v to_o body_n they_o receive_v most_o of_o their_o passion_n from_o they_o at_o least_o feel_v the_o most_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a motion_n from_o those_o impression_n which_o our_o sense_n make_v and_o sight_n itself_o do_v not_o more_o various_o affect_v our_o mind_n than_o hearing_n do_v word_n and_o sound_n have_v very_o powerful_a charm_n and_o give_v as_o quick_a a_o turn_v to_o our_o thought_n and_o passion_n as_o sight_n itself_o and_o not_o only_a word_n but_o even_o a_o diversity_n of_o sound_n be_v fit_v by_o nature_n to_o express_v and_o to_o excite_v very_o different_a passion_n love_n joy_n admiration_n desire_n fear_v sorrow_n indignation_n revenge_n give_v some_o distinguish_a note_n and_o accent_n to_o the_o very_a voice_n which_o no_o art_n but_o nature_n teach_v and_o which_o betray_v the_o passion_n without_o speak_v a_o word_n and_o such_o different_a note_n will_v also_o as_o forcible_o imprint_v such_o passion_n on_o our_o mind_n as_o they_o natural_o represent_v and_o that_o many_o time_n whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o which_o be_v a_o great_a secret_n in_o nature_n and_o show_v a_o unaccountable_a sympathy_n between_o sound_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v by_o turn_v the_o natural_a 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of_o humane_a nature_n be_v to_o do_v good_a this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o great_a advantage_n and_o glory_n of_o riches_n and_o power_n that_o it_o make_v man_n public_a patron_n and_o tutelar_a angel_n to_o their_o fellow_n creature_n which_o be_v the_o near_a resemblance_n of_o the_o perfection_n and_o happiness_n of_o god_n and_o in_o the_o pagan_a world_n make_v god_n of_o man_n but_o self-love_n know_v nothing_o of_o this_o happiness_n but_o destroy_v not_o only_o the_o sense_n but_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o but_o to_o set_v aside_o other_o consideration_n mankind_n will_v not_o suffer_v a_o man_n to_o make_v himself_o easy_a and_o happy_a by_o self-love_n when_o he_o be_v know_v they_o combine_v against_o he_o as_o a_o common_a enemy_n they_o load_v he_o with_o infamy_n and_o reproach_n they_o strip_v he_o of_o his_o ill-gotten_a riches_n and_o severe_o revenge_v his_o injury_n this_o be_v the_o great_a end_n of_o humane_a government_n and_o the_o proper_a use_n of_o the_o 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faction_n no_o emulation_n and_o jealousy_n no_o private_a interest_n no_o rival_n where_o all_o centre_n in_o god_n and_o embrace_v each_o other_o and_o mingle_v flame_n and_o feel_v and_o rejoice_v in_o each_o other_o happiness_n to_o which_o bless_a place_n god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n bring_v we_o all_o through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v honour_n glory_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n xvi_o preach_v at_o the_o temple_n church_n 2_o cor._n four_o ver_fw-la 18._o while_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a this_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o that_o true_a greatness_n of_o mind_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o apostle_n and_o primitive_a christian_n and_o enable_v they_o to_o do_v that_o which_o the_o pagan_a philosophy_n boast_v of_o without_o do_v viz._n to_o contemn_v the_o world_n and_o to_o live_v above_o its_o hope_n and_o fear_n to_o bear_v the_o misery_n of_o life_n and_o to_o despise_v the_o pleasure_n of_o it_o to_o suffer_v shame_n and_o reproach_n and_o the_o loss_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o death_n itself_o make_v as_o terrible_a as_o pain_n can_v make_v it_o not_o only_o without_o fear_n but_o with_o joy_n and_o triumph_n for_o which_o cause_n say_v the_o apostle_n we_o faint_v not_o but_o though_o our_o outward_a man_n perish_v yet_o the_o inward_a man_n be_v renew_v day_n by_o day_n for_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n while_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v mean_v all_o the_o good_a and_o all_o the_o evil_a thing_n of_o this_o life_n by_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v all_o the_o happiness_n and_o misery_n of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v but_o be_v not_o this_o a_o very_a strange_a choice_n to_o prefer_v what_o be_v absent_a and_o unseen_a before_o what_o be_v present_a and_o sensible_a to_o be_v unconcern_v about_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o this_o life_n and_o to_o live_v upon_o unseen_a hope_n and_o fear_n no_o saiâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d apostle_n we_o have_v all_o the_o reasoâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d world_n to_o do_v so_o because_o see_v thingâ—…â—…re_o but_o temporal_a and_o unseen_a thing_n be_v eternal_a this_o world_n will_v last_v but_o a_o little_a while_n the_o fashion_n of_o this_o world_n pass_v away_o but_o the_o world_n to_o come_v will_v have_v no_o end_n and_o this_o make_v such_o a_o difference_n between_o see_v and_o unseen_a thing_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reasonable_a competition_n as_o there_o be_v no_o comparison_n between_o they_o so_o that_o in_o speak_v to_o these_o word_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n distinct_o to_o be_v consider_v 1._o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o principle_n of_o look_v to_o unseen_a thing_n or_o of_o live_v by_o faith_n for_o it_o be_v faith_n alone_o that_o can_v give_v we_o a_o view_n of_o the_o invisible_a world_n and_o 2._o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o choice_n in_o prefer_v unseen_a before_o see_v thing_n because_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a 1._o the_o reasonableness_n of_o this_o christian_a principle_n of_o action_n of_o look_v at_o unseen_a thing_n or_o live_v by_o faith_n some_o unthinking_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v a_o jest_n of_o believe_v if_o you_o have_v any_o natural_a reason_n or_o sensible_a demonstration_n they_o will_v hearken_v to_o you_o but_o faith_n be_v below_o a_o man_n of_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n who_o know_v how_o many_o cheat_n and_o impostor_n there_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o such_o man_n little_o consider_v how_o necessary_a faith_n be_v in_o humane_a life_n that_o they_o themselves_o in_o a_o thousand_o case_n have_v no_o other_o principle_n to_o act_v upon_o in_o the_o great_a concernment_n of_o this_o life_n and_o that_o upon_o much_o less_o evidence_n than_o we_o have_v for_o another_o world_n there_o be_v but_o three_o way_n of_o know_v any_o thing_n sense_n or_o reason_n or_o faith_n which_o last_o extend_v further_a and_o have_v a_o more_o universal_a influence_n upon_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n than_o either_o sense_n or_o reason_n our_o whole_a conversation_n with_o mankind_n be_v resolve_v into_o believe_v into_o a_o civil_a historical_a or_o political_a faith_n all_o humane_a commerce_n and_o intercourse_n be_v found_v on_o it_o and_o there_o be_v very_o few_o action_n of_o our_o life_n that_o can_v be_v perform_v without_o it_o that_o he_o who_o will_v not_o believe_v must_v not_o live_v in_o this_o world_n and_o be_v it_o not_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a then_o to_o laugh_v at_o believe_v when_o they_o may_v as_o well_o laugh_v sense_n and_o reason_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o live_v as_o well_o without_o they_o now_o if_o we_o must_v live_v by_o faith_n in_o this_o world_n if_o we_o must_v believe_v and_o must_v trust_v one_o another_o if_o we_o must_v depend_v on_o man_n word_n or_o oath_n or_o friendship_n or_o honesty_n though_o we_o can_v have_v no_o natural_a certainty_n or_o demonstration_n of_o moral_a cause_n what_o reason_n can_v there_o be_v to_o banish_v faith_n out_o of_o religion_n which_o be_v of_o such_o absolute_a necessity_n in_o all_o the_o other_o concernment_n of_o life_n one_o will_v think_v there_o shall_v be_v less_o need_n of_o faith_n for_o this_o world_n than_o for_o the_o next_o which_o be_v a_o invisible_a state_n and_o can_v be_v certain_o know_v only_o by_o revelation_n and_o if_o faith_n be_v ever_o reasonable_a it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a where_o it_o be_v most_o necessary_a where_o there_o be_v no_o other_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v you_o how_o little_a those_o man_n understand_v themselves_o who_o ridicule_n faith_n which_o be_v to_o ridicule_n humane_a nature_n and_o all_o humane_a conversation_n if_o we_o may_v if_o we_o must_v believe_v if_o we_o can_v live_v without_o believe_v it_o must_v make_v a_o man_n contemptible_a to_o talk_v against_o all_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n and_o a_o necessary_a principle_n of_o moral_a prudence_n some_o man_n be_v so_o afraid_a of_o be_v think_v easy_a and_o credulous_a that_o they_o run_v into_o the_o other_o extreme_a and_o will_v believe_v nothing_o at_o lest_o nothing_o concern_v another_o world_n and_o think_v
bitter_a what_o gratify_v their_o bodily_a sense_n that_o be_v their_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o virtue_n modesty_n or_o honour_n what_o lay_v restraint_n upon_o their_o sensual_a inclination_n that_o be_v bitter_a uneasy_a and_o grievous_a and_o no_o wonder_n that_o there_o be_v a_o woe_n denounce_v against_o these_o men._n 4_o woe_n be_v to_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n where_o the_o prophâ—…t_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o man_n still_o those_o who_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n who_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n who_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a and_o yet_o think_v themselves_o the_o only_a wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n though_o they_o contradict_v the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n the_o natural_a uncorrupted_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o 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than_o monster_n that_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v rather_o think_v and_o judge_v with_o the_o multitude_n when_o they_o think_v on_o nature_n side_n than_o with_o the_o most_o fame_a philosopher_n against_o nature_n but_o those_o who_o affect_v to_o contradict_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n must_v think_v themselves_o the_o only_a wise_a man_n if_o they_o think_v at_o all_o that_o we_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o their_o pride_n and_o insolence_n than_o at_o their_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n 2_o let_v we_o now_o inquire_v how_o these_o man_n come_v to_o sink_v into_o so_o degenerate_a a_o state_n as_o one_o will_v think_v impossible_a to_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n and_o that_o be_v intimate_v in_o that_o order_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o my_o text_n that_o they_o first_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o then_o good_a evil_n first_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o then_o light_a for_o darkness_n etc._n etc._n as_o to_o consider_v this_o particular_o one_a they_o begin_v with_o call_v evil_n good_a for_o no_o man_n can_v begin_v with_o call_v good_a evil_n nature_n will_v have_v the_o first_o word_n and_o pass_v the_o first_o judgement_n on_o thing_n and_o nature_n as_o corrupt_v as_o it_o be_v till_o it_o be_v deprave_v and_o vitiate_a by_o evil_a custom_n will_v call_v good_a good_a and_o evil_a evil_n atheist_n and_o infidel_n must_v confess_v that_o as_o wise_a as_o they_o think_v themselves_o now_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o they_o be_v as_o very_a fool_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v when_o they_o have_v the_o same_o opinion_n about_o good_a and_o evil_a which_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n still_o have_v when_o they_o do_v own_o a_o moral_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o call_v good_a and_o evil_a by_o their_o right_a name_n and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o the_o only_a reason_n for_o alter_v their_o opinion_n and_o change_v the_o name_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v change_v their_o manner_n that_o they_o grow_v very_o fond_a of_o what_o they_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o the_o foolish_a multitude_n think_v and_o call_v evil_a and_o then_o they_o begin_v to_o think_v and_o to_o call_v it_o good_a and_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o this_o be_v to_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o as_o unwilling_a as_o they_o be_v to_o own_o this_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o though_o these_o man_n can_v prove_v which_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o do_v that_o there_o be_v no_o moral_n essential_a immutable_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o call_v evil_a good_a or_o good_a evil_n for_o though_o they_o be_v neither_o sin_n nor_o virtue_n neither_o forbid_v nor_o command_v by_o a_o divine_a law_n yet_o they_o themselves_o confess_v as_o i_o observe_v before_o that_o what_o we_o call_v virtue_n have_v so_o much_o good_a in_o they_o that_o they_o be_v the_o best_a and_o wise_a rule_n of_o society_n and_o conversation_n necessary_a to_o secure_v every_o man_n private_a interest_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o fit_a to_o be_v encourage_v and_o to_o be_v make_v law_n in_o all_o civilise_a nation_n and_o that_o what_o we_o call_v sin_n have_v so_o much_o evil_n in_o they_o that_o they_o be_v very_o destructive_a to_o human_a society_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v restrain_v and_o punish_v and_o than_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o reason_n to_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n which_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o call_v that_o evil_a which_o they_o themselves_o own_o to_o be_v a_o great_a and_o public_a good_a and_o that_o good_a which_o they_o own_v to_o be_v a_o public_a mischief_n which_o there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o reason_n for_o so_o that_o the_o case_n be_v plain_a it_o be_v not_o reason_n but_o lust_n which_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n till_o lust_n prevail_v above_o reason_n virtue_n and_o vice_n good_a and_o evil_a keep_v those_o name_n which_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v give_v they_o and_o such_o man_n offer_v as_o much_o force_n and_o violence_n to_o their_o natural_a understanding_n when_o they_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n as_o they_o do_v to_o natural_a conscience_n when_o they_o choose_v the_o evil_a and_o refuse_v the_o good_n this_o be_v answer_n enough_o to_o such_o man_n who_o will_v reason_n or_o laugh_v away_o the_o distinction_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o warn_v to_o we_o all_o how_o we_o engage_v in_o a_o course_n of_o wickedness_n for_o how_o much_o soever_o we_o despise_v and_o abhor_v these_o wicked_a principle_n we_o shall_v soon_o think_v as_o these_o man_n do_v if_o we_o grow_v as_o wicked_a as_o they_o be_v two_o these_o man_n first_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o then_o light_a for_o darkness_n man_n be_v not_o bear_v stark_o blind_a but_o have_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n to_o discern_v the_o natural_a difference_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o direct_v their_o life_n and_o as_o weak_a and_o defective_a as_o mere_a natural_a reason_n be_v especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o another_o world_n it_o direct_v we_o to_o a_o safe_a guide_n for_o reason_n itself_o teach_v we_o to_o believe_v god_n who_o can_v deceive_v we_o and_o can_v itself_o judge_v of_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a mark_n of_o a_o revelation_n that_o be_v can_v judge_v when_o god_n speak_v and_o what_o we_o must_v receive_v as_o teach_v by_o god_n this_o be_v the_o light_n of_o mankind_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n or_o revelation_n what_o nature_n teach_v or_o what_o god_n reveal_v and_o all_o mankind_n at_o first_o both_o see_v and_o own_o this_o light_n for_o no_o man_n be_v bear_v a_o atheist_n or_o a_o infidel_n but_o bad_a man_n who_o have_v corrupt_v their_o manner_n and_o can_v justify_v their_o vice_n nor_o quiet_v their_o conscience_n if_o they_o attend_v either_o to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o revelation_n must_v seek_v for_o other_o remedy_n and_o this_o make_v they_o espouse_v the_o principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n and_o these_o they_o call_v light_n which_o in_o truth_n be_v a_o mere_a egyptian_a darkness_n and_o then_o they_o must_v call_v light_a darkness_n reject_v and_o scorn_v both_o the_o natural_a dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o the_o supernatural_a revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n as_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n now_o whatever_o opinion_n man_n have_v of_o their_o philosophy_n yet_o how_o they_o shall_v learn_v what_o neither_o nature_n nor_o god_n teach_v they_o or_o how_o they_o shall_v discover_v that_o what_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o
of_o the_o other_o world_n both_o of_o heaven_n and_o hell_n and_o the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o each_o if_o there_o be_v still_o a_o heaven_n and_o a_o hell_n as_o they_o will_v certain_o find_v there_o be_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o they_o either_o to_o get_v to_o heaven_n or_o to_o miss_v hell_n they_o will_v lose_v their_o way_n in_o the_o dark_a to_o heaven_n but_o darkness_n lead_v direct_o to_o hell_n whither_o no_o man_n will_v venture_v to_o go_v but_o in_o the_o dark_a man_n who_o have_v their_o eye_n open_a and_o see_v hell_n before_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o start_v and_o give_v back_o at_o such_o a_o sight_n but_o those_o who_o can_v shut_v their_o eye_n and_o put_v out_o the_o light_n and_o neither_o see_v a_o god_n nor_o a_o judge_n heaven_n nor_o hell_n will_v sin_v on_o without_o fear_n of_o hell_n till_o they_o feel_v its_o torment_n there_o be_v no_o such_o infallible_a way_n to_o make_v ourselves_o wicked_a and_o miserable_a as_o to_o shut_v out_o the_o light_n which_o will_v discover_v to_o we_o both_o our_o shame_n and_o danger_n and_o let_v no_o man_n envy_v those_o who_o have_v so_o blind_v their_o mind_n that_o they_o can_v sin_v without_o shame_n and_o fear_v who_o do_v not_o think_v it_o a_o great_a happiness_n to_o be_v eternal_o damn_v before_o they_o know_v it_o but_o there_o be_v this_o further_a danger_n in_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n that_o it_o ordinary_o seal_v man_n up_o to_o the_o day_n of_o destruction_n man_n who_o thus_o wilful_o and_o obstinate_o shut_v their_o eye_n seldom_o open_v they_o again_o in_o this_o world_n and_o it_o be_v too_o late_o for_o they_o to_o open_v they_o in_o the_o next_o such_o man_n do_v not_o deserve_v that_o god_n shall_v use_v any_o extraordinary_a method_n to_o convince_v they_o and_o they_o have_v already_o harden_v themselves_o against_o all_o the_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o grace_n especial_o when_o they_o be_v arrive_v at_o that_o degree_n of_o assurance_n to_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n to_o think_v all_o mankind_n easy_a ignorant_a credulous_a fool_n but_o themselves_o there_o be_v no_o way_n leave_v of_o deal_n with_o such_o man_n as_o with_o reasonable_a creature_n neither_o argument_n nor_o authority_n can_v prevail_v while_o they_o believe_v themselves_o the_o only_a master_n and_o judge_n of_o reason_n and_o have_v judge_v all_o beforehand_o and_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v but_o to_o keep_v their_o ground_n and_o to_o reject_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v offer_v for_o their_o conviction_n with_o scorn_n this_o show_v how_o dangerous_a a_o state_n these_o man_n be_v in_o and_o how_o little_a hope_n there_o be_v if_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n that_o they_o shall_v ever_o see_v their_o mistake_n and_o deliver_v themselves_o out_o of_o the_o snare_n and_o certain_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v well_o about_o we_o before_o we_o shut_v our_o eye_n when_o there_o be_v so_o little_a hope_n that_o we_o shall_v ever_o open_v they_o again_o thus_o when_o man_n put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a what_o be_v bitter_a will_v prove_v bitterness_n in_o the_o latter_a end_n if_o a_o sense_n of_o gild_n and_o sin_n be_v so_o grievous_a and_o torment_a as_o all_o man_n feel_v it_o be_v before_o they_o have_v stupefy_v their_o conscience_n and_o corrupt_v their_o natural_a sense_n of_o thing_n when_o this_o unnatural_a force_n be_v take_v off_o when_o these_o opiate_n have_v lose_v their_o virtue_n and_o conscience_n awake_v again_o as_o it_o will_v certain_o do_v in_o the_o next_o world_n it_o will_v awake_v in_o a_o terrible_a fright_n and_o fury_n never_o to_o fall_v asleep_o more_o when_o sinner_n be_v convince_v of_o their_o wickedness_n and_o of_o the_o displeasure_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o danger_n sin_n have_v bring_v they_o into_o repentance_n itself_o have_v its_o agony_n and_o terror_n its_o remorse_n and_o shame_n and_o fear_v but_o not_o without_o hope_n and_o repentance_n as_o it_o reform_v our_o life_n cure_v our_o fear_n and_o heal_v the_o wound_n which_o it_o make_v but_o when_o man_n eye_n shall_v be_v open_v in_o the_o next_o world_n to_o see_v their_o sin_n and_o their_o misery_n when_o repentance_n come_v too_o late_o to_o procure_v a_o pardon_n when_o they_o shall_v repent_v with_o eternal_a anguish_n horror_n despair_n and_o self-revenge_n than_o they_o will_v find_v what_o a_o evil_a and_o bitter_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o sin_n against_o god_n which_o breed_v a_o worm_n in_o the_o conscience_n which_o perpetual_o knaw_v and_o torment_n but_o never_o die_v to_o conclude_v let_v this_o warn_v we_o all_o how_o we_o engage_v in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n which_o be_v so_o apt_a to_o pervert_v our_o judgement_n to_o blind_v our_o mind_n and_o to_o corrupt_v our_o natural_a sense_n of_o thing_n or_o if_o we_o shall_v at_o any_o time_n be_v conquer_v by_o the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n let_v we_o rather_o choose_v the_o shame_n and_o the_o sorrow_n of_o repentance_n than_o take_v sanctuary_n in_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n which_o may_v skin_n over_o the_o wound_n at_o present_a but_o can_v heal_v it_o which_o may_v give_v we_o some_o present_a ease_n and_o relief_n but_o will_v end_v in_o eternal_a woe_n let_v we_o always_o preserve_v a_o great_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o hearken_v to_o the_o dictate_v and_o reproof_n of_o natural_a conscience_n and_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v never_o fall_v under_o the_o woe_n denounce_v in_o my_o text_n against_o those_o who_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n who_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n who_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a who_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n 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 ever_o amen_n sermon_n xix_o preach_v at_o the_o temple-church_n isaiah_n 5._o for_o 20_o 21._o wo_n unto_o they_o that_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n that_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n that_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a wo_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n i_o have_v already_o explain_v these_o word_n and_o show_v 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o call_v evil_n good_a and_o good_a evil_n by_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n by_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a and_o who_o those_o be_v who_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n 2._o how_o man_n come_v to_o judge_v thus_o perverse_o of_o thing_n 3._o the_o woe_n denounce_v against_o such_o man_n and_o how_o unavoidable_a it_o be_v but_o there_o be_v one_o which_o i_o must_v observe_v from_o the_o whole_a which_o may_v be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o we_o viz._n the_o natural_a progress_n of_o wickedness_n and_o what_o art_n and_o pain_n it_o require_v to_o make_v a_o finish_v and_o accomplish_a sinner_n in_o this_o corrupt_a state_n of_o nature_n our_o sensual_a inclination_n be_v very_o strong_a and_o the_o first_o thing_n we_o learn_v be_v to_o please_v our_o sense_n and_o this_o be_v apt_a to_o corrupt_v our_o life_n with_o all_o worldly_a and_o fleshly_a lust_n but_o still_o while_o man_n be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o in_o any_o instance_n that_o what_o they_o do_v be_v evil_a and_o deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v both_o by_o god_n and_o man_n they_o be_v but_o very_o imperfect_a beginner_n they_o sin_n with_o shame_n and_o fear_v and_o remorse_n and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o the_o terrible_a rebuke_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o future_a vengeance_n may_v reclaim_v they_o if_o this_o do_v not_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o they_o but_o they_o proceed_v in_o a_o habitual_a course_n of_o wickedness_n and_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o part_v with_o their_o sin_n it_o be_v time_n for_o they_o to_o consider_v how_o to_o get_v rid_v of_o those_o torment_a passion_n of_o shame_n and_o fear_n 1._o and_o the_o first_o step_v to_o this_o be_v to_o destroy_v the_o essential_a difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a to_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n but_o how_o hard_o be_v it_o to_o do_v this_o for_o beside_o the_o difficulty_n of_o root_n up_o those_o natural_a notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a which_o be_v so_o deep_o imprint_v on_o our_o mind_n which_o if_o it_o be_v allow_v possible_a as_o i_o believe_v