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
visible_a to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o a_o will_v to_o do_v good_a be_v the_o only_a thing_n we_o want_v but_o such_o a_o readiness_n and_o wilâ—…ingness_n of_o mind_n as_o be_v active_a and_o vigorous_a as_o contrive_v and_o lay_v design_n of_o charity_n or_o embrace_v such_o as_o be_v offer_v and_o take_v all_o wise_a opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a this_o be_v very_o acceptaâ—…le_a to_o god_n as_o be_v the_o most_o divine_a and_o godlike_a temper_n the_o image_n of_o â—…is_n own_o goodness_n and_o the_o noble_a exercise_n of_o our_o love_n to_o man_n inspire_v with_o the_o love_n of_o god_n now_o in_o moâ—…al_a action_n it_o be_v the_o principle_n that_o give_v the_o value_n not_o so_o much_o the_o gift_n as_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o giver_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o that_o though_o we_o give_v all_o our_o good_n to_o feed_v the_o poor_a and_o have_v not_o charity_n we_o be_v nothing_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 3._o god_n can_v feed_v the_o poor_a without_o we_o if_o he_o so_o please_v but_o as_o for_o several_a other_o wise_a end_n of_o providence_n so_o he_o have_v order_v that_o the_o poor_a shall_v be_v always_o with_o we_o for_o the_o trial_n and_o exercise_n of_o our_o virtue_n but_o the_o virtue_n be_v not_o the_o gift_n but_o the_o charity_n and_o can_v we_o perform_v all_o the_o act_n of_o charity_n without_o a_o charitable_a mind_n the_o world_n may_v be_v better_o for_o it_o but_o not_o we_o ourselves_o 2_o this_o readiness_n and_o forwardness_n of_o mind_n to_o do_v good_a will_v observe_v the_o just_a proportion_n of_o charity_n will_v give_v according_a to_o what_o a_o man_n have_v i_o observe_v before_o that_o our_o saviour_n in_o his_o gospel_n have_v prescribe_v no_o fix_a measure_n nor_o proportion_n of_o charity_n nor_o can_v he_o reasonable_o do_v this_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o charity_n which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o absolute_o free_a that_o we_o may_v choose_v whether_o we_o will_v be_v charitable_a or_o no_o for_o charitable_a we_o must_v be_v at_o the_o peril_n of_o our_o soul_n yet_o the_o proportion_n must_v be_v free_a or_o it_o be_v not_o charity_n but_o a_o poor_n rate_n as_o all_o the_o positive_a law_n which_o god_n give_v the_o jew_n for_o the_o relief_n of_o the_o poor_a be_v no_o better_o and_o therefore_o by_o the_o wise_a jew_n be_v never_o place_v to_o the_o account_n of_o charity_n but_o of_o justice_n and_o a_o legal_a righteousness_n which_o be_v the_o very_a distinction_n st._n paul_n make_v between_o a_o righteous_a and_o a_o good_a man_n rom._n 5._o 7._o but_o scarce_o for_o a_o righteous_a man_n wiâ—…_n one_o die_v yet_o peradventure_o for_o a_o good_a man_n one_o will_v even_o dare_v to_o die_v a_o righteous_a man_n be_v one_o who_o be_v legal_o righteous_a and_o observe_v what_o the_o law_n require_v but_o a_o good_a man_n be_v one_o who_o be_v act_v by_o a_o free_a unconfined_a and_o generous_a goodness_n now_o upon_o this_o pretence_n that_o there_o 〈◊〉_d no_o proportion_n assign_v to_o charity_n â—…ere_o be_v too_o many_o who_o content_a themâ—…lves_n with_o very_o little_a indeed_o with_o noâ—…ing_v which_o can_v proper_o be_v call_v chaâ—…ty_n but_o i_o wonder_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n â—…hat_o these_o man_n make_v of_o all_o those_o comâ—…ands_n and_o exhortation_n which_o we_o find_v 〈◊〉_d the_o gospel_n to_o charity_n which_o be_v so_o â—…any_o so_o press_v and_o importunate_a and_o â—…und_v on_o we_o by_o so_o many_o promise_n of_o â—…esent_a and_o future_a reward_n and_o with_o 〈◊〉_d many_o terrible_a threaten_n denounâ—…d_v against_o the_o uncharitable_a that_o sureâ—…_n they_o must_v mean_v something_o and_o as_o â—…illing_a as_o man_n be_v in_o these_o case_n to_o â—…etend_v ignorance_n i_o believe_v there_o be_v â—…w_a man_n live_v but_o know_v in_o some_o meaâ—…re_n what_o charity_n mean_v and_o though_o â—…ey_n may_v dispute_v how_o much_o they_o ought_v â—…o_o give_v yet_o certain_o know_v that_o they_o â—…ught_v to_o give_v and_o that_o to_o give_v noâ—…hing_n or_o what_o be_v next_o to_o nothing_o all_o circumstance_n consider_v be_v not_o chaâ—…ity_n a_o charitable_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n be_v a_o indispensible_a duty_n and_o the_o most_o essential_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n this_o our_o saviour_n command_v and_o he_o need_v command_v no_o more_o for_o charity_n be_v and_o will_v be_v a_o rule_n and_o measure_n to_o itself_o where_o this_o divine_a principle_n be_v it_o will_v teach_v we_o when_o and_o how_o and_o in_o what_o proportion_n to_o give_v the_o sun_n need_v no_o rule_n and_o direction_n how_o to_o communicate_v its_o light_n and_o heat_n nature_n be_v the_o sure_a and_o most_o infallible_a rule_n and_o law_n to_o itself_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v proportionable_o in_o moral_a as_o well_o as_o in_o natural_a agent_n for_o what_o be_v the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o nature_n and_o life_n can_v never_o be_v teach_v without_o its_o principle_n can_v exceed_v its_o principle_n and_o can_v fall_v below_o it_o all_o the_o rule_n in_o the_o world_n can_v never_o teach_v that_o man_n charity_n who_o want_v the_o principle_n a_o charitable_a mind_n need_v no_o rule_n but_o turn_v natural_o on_o its_o own_o bias_n which_o will_v direct_v its_o motion_n right_a there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n indeed_o between_o natural_a and_o moral_a agent_n natural_a agent_n be_v necessary_o determine_v to_o some_o one_o end_n and_o therefore_o have_v but_o one_o principle_n which_o uniform_o and_o steady_o pursue_v the_o end_n of_o nature_n but_o moral_a agent_n as_o they_o act_v free_o so_o they_o have_v many_o different_a principle_n inclination_n and_o passion_n which_o stint_n and_o limit_v each_o other_o that_o none_o of_o they_o can_v act_v to_o their_o utmost_a vigour_n but_o as_o they_o be_v mutual_o poiâ—…ed_v and_o balance_v and_o this_o be_v the_o â—…ork_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n to_o put_v â—…em_n into_o their_o natural_a order_n and_o to_o â—…t_v just_a bound_n to_o they_o and_o that_o proâ—…ortions_v the_o degree_n of_o their_o activity_n â—…d_v strength_n but_o yet_o every_o principle_n â—…nless_a violent_o oppress_v will_v act_v acâ—…ording_v to_o its_o nature_n as_o it_o more_o or_o â—…ess_o prevail_v and_o this_o give_v meaâ—…res_n and_o proportion_n to_o all_o our_o actiâ—…ns_n as_o to_o show_v you_o this_o in_o our_o preâ—…ent_a case_n charity_n be_v that_o love_n to_o mankind_n â—…hich_v make_v we_o pity_v all_o their_o want_n â—…nd_v suffering_n and_o inspire_v we_o with_o a_o â—…reat_a zeal_n and_o concernment_n to_o help_v â—…nd_v relieve_v they_o if_o you_o inquire_v what_o the_o natural_a measure_n of_o this_o charity_n be_v i_o know_v no_o other_o natural_a measure_n but_o its_o natural_a end_n that_o be_v to_o relieve_v all_o that_o suffer_v and_o be_v in_o want_n for_o that_o be_v what_o charity_n will_v do_v and_o what_o all_o charitable_a man_n hearty_o wish_v that_o they_o can_v do_v well!_o but_o this_o be_v impossible_a for_o there_o be_v too_o many_o miserable_a people_n for_o any_o man_n to_o relieve_v they_o all_o this_o be_v true_a and_o want_v of_o power_n must_v of_o necessity_n set_v bound_n to_o our_o charity_n but_o since_o we_o can_v relieve_v all_o we_o must_v relieve_v such_o as_o we_o can_v and_o wise_o consider_v where_o the_o great_a necessity_n and_o great_a obligation_n be_v which_o will_v give_v the_o preference_n to_o christian_n before_o infidel_n to_o good_a man_n before_o the_o wicked_a to_o god_n poor_a who_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v make_v poor_a to_o the_o poor_a of_o their_o own_o make_v who_o idleness_n luxury_n and_o vice_n have_v make_v poor_a and_o miserable_a well!_o but_o how_o far_o must_v we_o relieve_v these_o poor_a must_v we_o give_v as_o long_o as_o we_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o give_v and_o make_v ourselves_o the_o object_n of_o charity_n by_o no_o mean_n there_o be_v other_o as_o natural_a principle_n as_o charity_n which_o must_v set_v bound_n to_o it_o self-love_n be_v a_o natural_a and_o necessary_a principle_n no_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o love_v any_o man_n better_o than_o himself_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o be_v all_o that_o the_o gospel_n itself_o make_v our_o necessary_a duty_n though_o some_o great_a and_o generous_a friendship_n and_o divine_a charity_n may_v go_v further_o as_o far_o as_o concern_v this_o life_n next_o to_o self-love_n our_o natural_a affection_n for_o our_o wife_n and_o child_n must_v take_v place_n as_o ingraft_v in_o it_o and_o think_v the_o best_a and_o the_o dear_a part_n of_o it_o as_o be_v near_o to_o ourselves_o and_o what_o the_o best_a â—…en_n be_v the_o most_o tender_o concern_v â—…or_n and_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a thing_n which_o â—…mong_a man_n of_o any_o principle_n dispute_v â—…he_a bound_n of_o charity_n for_o as_o for_o â—…hose_v stupid_a
deplorable_a must_v the_o state_n of_o religion_n need_v be_v when_o self-love_n prevail_v which_o be_v such_o a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o all_o piety_n and_o virtue_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o man_n the_o apostle_n indeed_o tell_v we_o of_o these_o lover_n of_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n but_o deny_v the_o power_n thereof_o they_o make_v a_o show_n of_o religious_a worship_n and_o it_o may_v be_v a_o very_a glorious_a and_o pompous_a show_n too_o for_o this_o may_v serve_v their_o interest_n and_o give_v they_o reputation_n with_o their_o prince_n or_o with_o the_o people_n but_o their_o religion_n have_v no_o power_n upon_o their_o life_n can_v subdue_v any_o one_o lust_n as_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v while_o they_o be_v act_v by_o self-love_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v much_o to_o be_v desire_v that_o such_o man_n will_v retain_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n that_o they_o will_v not_o public_o affront_v religion_n nor_o ridicule_n all_o that_o be_v sacred_a but_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o hope_v for_o thus_o much_o from_o all_o of_o they_o st._n paul_n perilous_a time_n be_v a_o very_a modest_a and_o a_o very_a religious_a age_n to_o we_o wherein_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v think_v religious_a and_o therefore_o if_o they_o ever_o think_v fit_a to_o go_v to_o church_n take_v great_a care_n that_o no_o man_n who_o see_v they_o shall_v suspect_v that_o they_o come_v thither_o to_o worship_n god_n but_o though_o few_o man_n attain_v to_o such_o a_o outrageous_a contempt_n of_o religion_n as_o this_o yet_o all_o the_o corruption_n of_o religion_n be_v more_o owe_v to_o self-love_n than_o to_o innocent_n mistake_v this_o secret_o influence_n man_n faith_n and_o form_n their_o notion_n and_o opinion_n this_o invent_v a_o form_n of_o godliness_n and_o turn_v religion_n into_o show_n and_o pageantry_n when_o man_n bring_v self-love_n into_o the_o church_n it_o quick_o turn_v true_a religion_n out_o it_o be_v pride_n and_o ambition_n or_o covetousness_n and_o a_o love_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n which_o make_v man_n infidel_n and_o heretic_n and_o occasion_n all_o the_o schism_n which_o divide_v the_o church_n for_o when_o such_o self-lover_n can_v cast_v off_o all_o religion_n they_o must_v fit_v their_o religion_n to_o self-love_n to_o serve_v their_o lust_n or_o to_o give_v they_o security_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o when_o they_o can_v raise_v self_n up_o to_o the_o term_n of_o religion_n they_o must_v bring_v religion_n down_o to_o self_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o give_v undeniable_a proof_n and_o infinite_a example_n of_o this_o but_o i_o must_v proceed_v for_o have_v show_v what_o this_o vicious_a self-love_n be_v and_o what_o mischief_n it_o do_v in_o the_o world_n both_o to_o man_n private_a fortune_n to_o public_a society_n and_o to_o the_o church_n of_o god_n it_o remain_v 3_o to_o consider_v the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n as_o well_o as_o impiety_n of_o this_o principle_n all_o the_o wickedness_n that_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o world_n and_o most_o of_o the_o misery_n which_o mankind_n suffer_v be_v owe_v to_o self-love_n and_o can_v we_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n and_o impiety_n of_o this_o it_o will_v lay_v the_o axe_n to_o the_o very_a root_n of_o all_o wickedness_n it_o will_v reform_v the_o world_n and_o heal_v all_o the_o malady_n and_o distemper_n of_o it_o and_o to_o do_v this_o the_o more_o effectual_o i_o shall_v distinct_o apply_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o the_o several_a notion_n of_o self-love_n 1._o let_v we_o consider_v self-love_n as_o it_o signify_v the_o love_n of_o flesh_n and_o sense_n when_o we_o love_v a_o part_n of_o ourselves_o for_o the_o whole_a and_o expect_v our_o whole_a entire_a happiness_n from_o the_o gratification_n of_o some_o inferior_a appetite_n which_o at_o first_o hear_v appear_v as_o absurd_a and_o impossible_a as_o it_o be_v to_o make_v a_o part_n the_o whole_a the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n in_o all_o age_n have_v make_v this_o experiment_n but_o no_o man_n be_v ever_o make_v happy_a by_o it_o we_o see_v infinite_a example_n of_o miserable_a sinner_n and_o the_o most_o prosperous_a always_o find_v that_o that_o they_o want_v something_o else_o to_o make_v they_o happy_a and_o will_v man_n wise_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n they_o will_v find_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o what_o be_v happiness_n but_o such_o a_o state_n of_o ease_n and_o rest_n and_o self-enjoyment_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o can_v a_o reasonable_a soul_n then_o find_v its_o complete_a and_o perfect_a satisfaction_n in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n the_o perfection_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o perfect_v our_o nature_n must_v perfect_v our_o happiness_n be_v sense_n then_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n if_o not_o how_o can_v it_o be_v its_o perfect_a happiness_n be_v not_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n the_o perfection_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o excellent_a be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o will_n and_o be_v not_o this_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o make_v a_o man_n happy_a who_o feel_v none_o of_o those_o divine_a and_o exalt_a pleasure_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o a_o mind_n well!_o but_o if_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sense_n will_v give_v a_o complete_a and_o entire_a satisfaction_n that_o will_v make_v the_o man_n happy_a when_o he_o have_v no_o relish_n of_o any_o other_o pleasure_n and_o then_o we_o need_v not_o dispute_v which_o pleasure_n be_v great_a in_o themselves_o when_o the_o man_n have_v what_o he_o like_v best_o and_o be_v happy_a in_o it_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o it_o make_v no_o difference_n whether_o a_o man_n enjoy_v the_o happiness_n of_o a_o man_n or_o of_o a_o beast_n that_o a_o beast_n be_v as_o happy_a a_o creature_n as_o a_o man_n a_o worm_n as_o a_o angel_n because_o it_o have_v what_o satisfy_v and_o want_n and_o desire_v no_o more_o but_o however_o let_v we_o consider_v whether_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n can_v give_v perfect_a ease_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n that_o they_o do_v not_o all_o man_n find_v and_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o can_v do_v it_o be_v very_o plain_a the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n can_v give_v perfect_a ease_n and_o satisfaction_n without_o a_o full_a unconfined_a and_o undisturbed_a enjoyment_n and_o without_o such_o a_o enjoyment_n as_o equal_v the_o desire_n as_o for_o the_o first_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n how_o apt_a man_n be_v to_o be_v disturb_v in_o their_o enjoyment_n from_o without_o there_o be_v enough_o within_o the_o very_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n do_v disturb_v they_o for_o they_o find_v there_o a_o natural_a sense_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a a_o natural_a modesty_n which_o make_v they_o blush_v in_o secret_a at_o some_o infamous_a vice_n and_o sour_v the_o pleasure_n and_o frequent_o interrupt_v the_o commission_n of_o they_o a_o natural_a belief_n of_o a_o god_n who_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o avenger_n of_o all_o wickedness_n a_o strong_a persuasion_n that_o they_o shall_v live_v after_o death_n and_o be_v reward_v and_o punish_v according_a to_o their_o work_n i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o how_o uneasy_a such_o thought_n as_o these_o make_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o a_o uneasy_a happiness_n be_v a_o contradiction_n that_o if_o god_n intend_v man_n for_o a_o sensual_a happiness_n i_o must_v confess_v he_o be_v the_o worst_a contrive_a creature_n in_o the_o world_n as_o if_o he_o be_v make_v by_o chance_n not_o by_o a_o wise_a creator_n for_o the_o principle_n of_o his_o nature_n disturb_v and_o contradict_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o natural_a happiness_n or_o whether_o you_o will_v call_v this_o nature_n or_o education_n or_o what_o you_o please_v there_o be_v very_o few_o man_n with_o the_o help_n of_o all_o the_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n of_o atheist_n can_v deliver_v themselves_o from_o this_o belief_n and_o from_o these_o fear_n and_o much_o few_o do_v it_o than_o pretend_v to_o do_v so_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v very_o few_o who_o have_v a_o easy_a and_o undisturbed_a enjoyment_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n that_o be_v who_o be_v easy_a and_o happy_a in_o they_o unless_o to_o sin_n with_o fear_n with_o shame_n with_o guilty_a remorse_n with_o frightful_a presage_n of_o judgement_n be_v a_o easy_a and_o undisturbed_a enjoyment_n as_o for_o the_o second_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n can_v never_o answer_v the_o
difference_n between_o time_n and_o eternity_n and_o 2d_o the_o difference_n between_o thing_n temporal_a and_o thing_n eternal_a one_a the_o difference_n between_o time_n and_o eternity_n you_o all_o see_v and_o feel_v what_o time_n be_v it_o pass_v away_o swift_o and_o we_o pass_v away_o with_o it_o when_o we_o look_v back_o it_o be_v but_o like_o a_o dream_n or_o a_o watch_n in_o the_o night_n so_o soon_o pass_v it_o away_o and_o we_o be_v go_v some_o few_o year_n clear_v the_o stage_n of_o this_o world_n and_o bring_v new_a busy_a actor_n or_o idle_a spectator_n on_o it_o and_o by_o that_o time_n we_o can_v well_o turn_v ourselves_o round_o we_o see_v all_o new_a face_n and_o new_a scene_n of_o thing_n and_o ourselves_o hasten_v after_o though_o we_o shall_v happen_v to_o stay_v a_o little_a behind_o our_o company_n but_o who_o can_v represent_v eternity_n to_o live_v without_o end_n a_o duration_n which_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o number_n to_o measure_n and_o therefore_o no_o value_n can_v be_v put_v upon_o it_o to_o form_v such_o a_o image_n of_o this_o in_o your_o mind_n as_o no_o word_n can_v express_v make_v eternity_n present_a to_o you_o suppose_v this_o world_n to_o be_v at_o a_o end_n as_o it_o will_v very_o sudden_o be_v with_o we_o all_o and_o that_o we_o be_v at_o this_o time_n in_o a_o eternal_a state_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n either_o with_o lazarus_n in_o abraham_n bosom_n or_o with_o dives_n in_o hell_n torment_v in_o endless_a flame_n whatever_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o the_o next_o state_n be_v be_v it_o possible_a for_o we_o now_o to_o conceive_v what_o passion_n will_v accompany_v this_o thought_n that_o whether_o we_o find_v ourselves_o happy_a or_o miserable_a we_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o ever_o what_o be_v the_o secure_a triumph_n of_o a_o never_o fade_a crown_n what_o be_v the_o terror_n confusion_n amazement_n of_o a_o never_o die_a worm_n thus_o it_o will_v be_v with_o we_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o remove_v out_o of_o this_o world_n and_o if_o the_o thought_n of_o eternal_a misery_n when_o we_o think_v serious_o of_o they_o do_v now_o astonish_v we_o if_o the_o hope_n of_o immortal_a life_n do_v now_o transport_v good_a man_n and_o give_v they_o the_o victory_n over_o this_o present_a world_n what_o will_v it_o do_v when_o they_o shall_v see_v and_o feel_v what_o they_o now_o only_o fear_v or_o hope_n and_o be_v this_o so_o unreasonable_a a_o thing_n to_o suppose_v the_o other_o world_n present_a which_o a_o very_a few_o year_n it_o may_v be_v a_o few_o day_n will_v make_v present_a to_o we_o when_o we_o be_v so_o near_o the_o grave_a can_v not_o we_o look_v a_o little_a beyond_o it_o and_o by_o a_o eye_n of_o faith_n contemplate_v the_o endless_a happiness_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o endless_a misery_n of_o the_o wicked_a this_o be_v what_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o look_v at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v to_o have_v our_o eye_n fix_v upon_o the_o other_o world_n as_o if_o it_o be_v present_a and_o there_o be_v very_o great_a reason_n for_o it_o for_o though_o these_o eternal_a thing_n be_v not_o yet_o present_a to_o we_o yet_o eternity_n be_v though_o we_o do_v not_o yet_o see_v that_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a state_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n yet_o we_o now_o know_v as_o well_o what_o eternity_n signify_v as_o ever_o we_o shall_v do_v and_o therefore_o we_o may_v contemplate_v the_o nature_n of_o eternity_n and_o deep_o affect_v our_o mind_n with_o the_o hope_n and_o fear_v of_o it_o though_o our_o life_n in_o this_o world_n be_v short_a and_o perish_a yet_o our_o soul_n be_v immortal_a and_o therefore_o we_o be_v already_o immortal_a creature_n and_o a_o immortal_a creature_n from_o the_o first_o moment_n of_o his_o be_v be_v in_o eternity_n because_o he_o can_v never_o whole_o die_v or_o cease_v to_o be_v so_o that_o eternity_n as_o it_o signify_v a_o endless_a duration_n be_v as_o much_o present_a to_o we_o now_o as_o ever_o it_o will_v be_v though_o we_o be_v not_o yet_o in_o that_o unchangeable_a state_n which_o shall_v last_v for_o ever_o and_o do_v it_o not_o become_v a_o eternal_a be_v to_o think_v of_o eternity_n when_o though_o we_o shall_v not_o always_o be_v what_o we_o now_o be_v yet_o we_o shall_v always_o be_v and_o a_o creature_n which_o shall_v always_o be_v aught_o above_o all_o to_o look_v at_o those_o unseen_a thing_n which_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o immortal_a creature_n which_o must_v live_v for_o ever_o be_v very_o little_o concern_v in_o a_o changeable_a and_o vanish_v state_n for_o what_o do_v threescore_o or_o fourscore_o year_n signify_v when_o we_o must_v live_v for_o ever_o they_o bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o can_v challenge_v but_o a_o very_a little_a share_n and_o interest_n in_o our_o thought_n a_o immortal_a creature_n must_v design_v nothing_o less_o than_o a_o immortal_a happiness_n because_o nothing_o less_o be_v commensurate_a to_o our_o be_v and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o we_o desire_v to_o be_v happy_a we_o must_v desire_v to_o be_v happy_a as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v no_o time_n can_v be_v too_o soon_o for_o such_o thought_n because_o a_o immortal_a creature_n shall_v never_o live_v a_o day_n without_o they_o be_v we_o to_o spend_v eternity_n in_o a_o endless_a round_a of_o change_n we_o shall_v be_v no_o far_o concern_v than_o to_o make_v every_o state_n of_o life_n as_o easy_a and_o entertain_v as_o we_o can_v but_o when_o we_o know_v this_o world_n be_v the_o only_a changeable_a scene_n and_o that_o we_o must_v pass_v from_o hence_o into_o a_o eternal_a and_o unchangeable_a state_n and_o that_o we_o must_v be_v either_o happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o ever_o according_a as_o we_o behave_v ourselves_o in_o this_o world_n not_o to_o make_v eternal_a happiness_n the_o command_a and_o govern_v design_n of_o our_o life_n or_o to_o run_v any_o hazard_n of_o it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o present_a thing_n be_v such_o a_o degeneracy_n of_o a_o immortal_a nature_n that_o such_o man_n very_o well_o deserve_v if_o not_o to_o forfeit_v immortal_a be_v yet_o to_o forfeit_v immortal_a happiness_n but_o not_o to_o dissemble_v any_o difficulty_n i_o will_v propose_v this_o case_n as_o fair_o as_o any_o one_o can_v desire_v no_o man_n be_v so_o perfect_o brutish_a as_o absolute_o to_o prefer_v time_n before_o eternity_n every_o man_n have_v rather_o live_v for_o ever_o but_o the_o difficulty_n be_v when_o we_o may_v live_v threescore_o or_o fourscore_o year_n in_o this_o world_n which_o though_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o eternity_n yet_o be_v a_o very_a long_a state_n of_o temptation_n to_o deny_v ourselves_o for_o so_o long_a a_o time_n the_o present_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o life_n for_o the_o absent_a and_o unknown_a though_o the_o endless_a happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n the_o pretend_a difficulty_n you_o see_v be_v the_o present_a uneasy_a restraint_n which_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n lay_v upon_o our_o sensual_a inclination_n and_o that_o we_o must_v deny_v ourselves_o these_o present_a satisfaction_n for_o the_o long_a expectation_n of_o a_o absent_a and_o unknown_a happiness_n now_o i_o shall_v not_o at_o present_a dispute_v the_o point_n between_o virtue_n and_o licentiousness_n which_o of_o they_o contribute_v most_o to_o the_o present_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n of_o life_n but_o to_o make_v you_o sensible_a how_o unreasonable_a a_o objection_n this_o be_v i_o will_v put_v you_o another_o case_n suppose_v instead_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o heaven_n god_n have_v promise_v immortal_a life_n in_o this_o world_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n that_o this_o world_n shall_v have_v be_v a_o paradise_n to_o all_o virtuous_a man_n where_o they_o shall_v have_v live_v for_o ever_o and_o that_o wicked_a man_n shall_v have_v live_v a_o very_a little_a while_n nay_o suppose_v the_o long_a period_n of_o human_a life_n in_o this_o world_n and_o then_o have_v be_v cut_v off_o by_o some_o exemplary_a punishment_n and_o have_v perish_v in_o the_o grave_a what_o will_v you_o think_v reasonable_a in_o this_o case_n to_o choose_v a_o virtuous_a immortality_n or_o the_o short_a and_o die_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n you_o can_v not_o pretend_v in_o this_o case_n that_o the_o reward_n be_v absent_a and_o unknown_a for_o they_o will_v be_v present_a and_o sensible_a they_o will_v be_v see_v thing_n as_o all_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n be_v but_o the_o difficulty_n of_o virtue_n till_o we_o have_v bring_v our_o earthly_a appetite_n and_o passion_n under_o government_n will_v be_v the_o same_o that_o they_o be_v now_o and_o if_o you_o will_v think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o be_v virtuous_a for_o a_o earthly_a immortality_n as_o i_o persuade_v myself_o most_o man_n