instead_o of_o the_o infinite_a fullness_n of_o god_n now_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v three_o thing_n in_o a_o formal_a hypocrite_n that_o do_v especial_o force_v a_o kind_n of_o devotion_n and_o show_v of_o religion_n from_o he_o viz._n conscience_n of_o guilt_n self-love_n and_o false_a apprehension_n of_o god_n first_o there_o be_v in_o all_o man_n a_o natural_a conscience_n of_o guilt_n arise_v from_o that_o imperfect_a and_o glimmer_a light_n that_o they_o have_v of_o god_n and_o of_o their_o duty_n towards_o he_o which_o though_o it_o be_v in_o some_o man_n more_o quick_a and_o sting_a in_o other_o more_o remiss_a and_o languid_a yet_o i_o think_v be_v not_o utter_o choke_v and_o extinguish_v no_o not_o in_o the_o worst_a and_o most_o disâ—olâ—â—e_a man_n but_o that_o it_o do_v sometime_o beget_v a_o bitter_a sadness_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o sweet_a merriment_n and_o do_v disturb_v their_o most_o supine_n and_o secure_a rest_n by_o fasten_v its_o sting_n in_o their_o very_a soul_n at_o some_o time_n or_o other_o and_o fill_v they_o with_o agony_n and_o anguish_n and_o haunt_v they_o with_o dreadful_a apparition_n which_o they_o can_v be_v perfect_o rid_v of_o no_o more_o than_o they_o can_v run_v away_o from_o themselves_o this_o foundation_n of_o hell_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o bowel_n of_o sin_n itself_o as_o a_o preface_n to_o eternal_a horror_n now_o although_o some_o more_o profligate_v and_o desperate_a wretch_n do_v â—uriously_o bluster_v through_o these_o brier_n yet_o other_o be_v so_o catch_v in_o they_o that_o they_o can_v escape_v these_o pang_n and_o throw_n except_o they_o make_v a_o composition_n and_o enter_v into_o term_n to_o live_v more_o honest_o or_o at_o least_o less_o scandalous_o in_o which_o undertake_v they_o be_v carry_v on_o in_o the_o next_o place_n by_o the_o power_n of_o self-love_n or_o a_o natural_a desire_n of_o self-preservation_n for_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n have_v so_o much_o reason_n leave_v he_o that_o he_o can_v wish_v that_o himself_o be_v happy_a though_o he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o light_n as_o to_o discover_v nor_o so_o much_o true_a freedom_n of_o will_n as_o to_o choose_v the_o right_a way_n of_o happiness_n conscience_n have_v discover_v the_o certain_a reward_n and_o wage_n of_o sin_n self-love_n will_v easy_o prompt_v man_n to_o do_v something_o or_o other_o to_o escape_v it_o but_o now_o what_o shall_v they_o do_v why_o religion_n be_v the_o only_a expedient_a that_o can_v be_v find_v out_o and_o therefore_o they_o begin_v to_o think_v how_o they_o may_v become_v friend_n with_o god_n they_o will_v up_o and_o be_v do_v but_o how_o come_v they_o to_o run_v into_o so_o great_a mistake_n about_o religion_n why_o their_o false_a and_o gross_a apprehension_n of_o god_n do_v drive_v they_o from_o he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o superstition_n and_o hypocrisy_n instead_o of_o lead_v they_o in_o the_o way_n of_o sincere_a love_n and_o self-resignation_n to_o he_o self_n be_v the_o great_a diana_n of_o every_o natural_a man_n and_o the_o only_a standard_n by_o which_o he_o measure_v all_o thing_n he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o judge_v of_o god_n himself_o but_o by_o this_o and_o so_o he_o come_v to_o fancy_n god_n in_o a_o dreadful_a manner_n as_o a_o austere_a passionate_a surly_a revengeful_a majesty_n and_o so_o something_o must_v be_v do_v to_o appease_v he_o but_o yet_o he_o fancy_v this_o angry_a deity_n to_o be_v of_o a_o impotent_a mercenary_a temper_n like_o himself_o and_o not_o hard_a to_o be_v appeaâ—ed_v neither_o and_o so_o imagine_v that_o some_o cheap_a service_n specious_a oblation_n external_a courtesy_n will_v engage_v he_o and_o make_v he_o a_o friend_n a_o sheep_n or_o a_o goat_n or_o a_o bullock_n under_o the_o old_a testament_n a_o prayer_n or_o a_o sacrament_n or_o a_o alm_n under_o the_o new_a for_o it_o be_v reconciliation_n to_o a_o angry_a god_n that_o he_o aim_v at_o not_o union_n with_o a_o good_a god_n he_o seek_v to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o god_n not_o unite_v to_o he_o though_o indeed_o these_o two_o can_v never_o be_v divide_v thus_o we_o see_v how_o a_o man_n void_a of_o the_o life_n and_o spirit_n of_o religion_n yet_o force_v himself_o to_o do_v god_n a_o kind_n of_o worship_n and_o pay_v he_o a_o kind_n of_o homage_n 2._o sometime_o man_n may_v be_v say_v in_o a_o sense_n to_o be_v force_v by_o other_o man_n to_o put_v on_o a_o vizard_n of_o holiness_n a_o dress_n of_o religion_n and_o this_o constraint_n man_n may_v lay_v upon_o man_n by_o their_o tongue_n hand_n and_o eye_n by_o their_o tongue_n in_o the_o business_n of_o education_n often_o and_o ardent_a exhortation_n and_o inculcation_n of_o thing_n divine_a and_o heavenly_a and_o thus_o a_o unjust_a like_o the_o unjust_a judge_n in_o the_o gospel_n though_o he_o fear_v not_o god_n sincere_o yet_o may_v be_v overcome_v by_o the_o importunity_n of_o his_o father_n friend_n minister_n tutor_n to_o do_v some_o righteous_a act_n this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o case_n of_o joash_n king_n of_o judah_n the_o spring_n head_n of_o who_o religion_n be_v no_o high_a than_o the_o instruction_n of_o his_o tutor_n and_o guardian_n jehojada_n the_o highpriest_n 2_o king_n 12._o 2._o by_o their_o hand_n that_o be_v either_o by_o the_o enact_v and_o execute_v of_o penal_a law_n upon_o they_o or_o by_o the_o holy_a example_n which_o they_o continual_o â—et_v before_o they_o exempla_fw-la trahunt_fw-la by_o their_o eye_n that_o be_v by_o continual_a observe_v and_o watch_v their_o behaviour_n when_o many_o eye_n be_v upon_o man_n they_o must_v do_v something_o to_o satisfy_v expectation_n of_o other_o and_o purchase_v a_o reputation_n to_o themselves_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o sometime_o god_n do_v lay_v a_o external_a force_n upon_o man_n as_o particular_o by_o his_o severe_a judgement_n or_o threaten_n of_o judgement_n awaken_n they_o humble_v they_o and_o constrain_a they_o to_o some_o kind_n of_o worship_n and_o religion_n such_o a_o force_a devotion_n as_o this_o be_v the_o humillation_n of_o ahaâ—_n 1_o king_n 21._o and_o the_o supplication_n of_o saul_n 1_o sam._n 13._o 11_o 12._o for_o god_n himself_o act_v upon_o man_n only_o from_o without_o they_o be_v far_o from_o produce_v a_o live_a principle_n of_o free_a and_o noble_a religion_n in_o the_o soul_n now_o the_o better_a to_o discern_v this_o force_a and_o violent_a religion_n i_o will_v brief_o describe_v it_o by_o three_o or_o four_o of_o its_o property_n with_o which_o i_o will_v shut_v up_o this_o point_n 1._o this_o force_a religion_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n dry_a and_o spiritless_a i_o know_v indeed_o thaâ—_n fancy_n may_v be_v screw_v up_o to_o a_o high_a pitch_n of_o joy_n and_o frolickness_n so_o as_o to_o raise_v the_o mind_n into_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o rapture_n as_o i_o have_v former_o hint_v in_o my_o discâ—orse_n upon_o these_o word_n a_o mere_a artificial_a and_o counterâ—â—it_a christian_a may_v be_v so_o strong_o act_v by_o imagination_n and_o the_o power_n of_o self_n love_n that_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o himself_o to_o be_v full_a of_o god_n than_o the_o sober_a and_o constant_a soul_n you_o may_v see_v how_o the_o hypocritical_a phatisâ—â—â—_n swâ—llâ—â—_n with_o â—â—â—conceit_n glory_v over_o the_o poor_a man_n that_o have_v be_v blind_a but_o now_o see_v more_o than_o all_o they_o joh._n 9_o 34._o thou_o be_v altogether_o bear_v in_o sin_n and_o do_v thou_o teach_v we_o and_o indeed_o over_o the_o whole_a people_n joh._n 7._o 49._o this_o people_n that_o know_v not_o the_o law_n be_v curse_v a_o counterfeit_a christian_a may_v rise_v high_a as_o a_o meteor_n and_o blaze_n much_o as_o a_o comet_n which_o be_v yet_o draw_v up_o by_o mere_a force_n from_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o earth_n or_o water_n and_o as_o to_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a act_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n which_o depend_v much_o upon_o the_o temper_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o body_n it_o may_v easy_o be_v conceive_v and_o account_v how_o the_o mimical_a and_o mechanical_a christian_a may_v rise_v high_o in_o these_o and_o be_v more_o zealous_a watchful_a and_o cheerful_a than_o many_o true_o religious_a and_o godly_a man_n as_o have_v great_a power_n and_o quickness_n of_o fancy_n and_o a_o great_a number_n of_o animal_n spirit_n upon_o which_o the_o motion_n and_o action_n of_o the_o body_n do_v main_o depend_v the_o animal_n spirit_n may_v so_o nimble_o serve_v the_o soul_n in_o these_o corporal_a act_n that_o the_o whole_a transaction_n may_v be_v a_o fair_a imitation_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n and_o one_o will_v very_o think_v there_o be_v a_o gracious_a principle_n in_o the_o soul_n itself_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v notable_o exemplify_v in_o captain_n jehu_n who_o religious_a action_n as_o he_o will_v fain_o have_v they_o
though_o faith_n abhor_v the_o blasphemy_n of_o lay_v blame_n upon_o god_n yet_o it_o so_o fix_v the_o soul_n upon_o he_o and_o cause_v she_o so_o to_o eye_n his_o hand_n and_o end_n in_o all_o mal-administrations_a of_o man_n that_o she_o have_v no_o leisure_n to_o fall_v out_o with_o man_n or_o quarrel_n with_o instrument_n these_o discontent_n i_o say_v be_v frequent_o attend_v with_o a_o evil_a and_o seditious_a zeal_n for_o relaxation_n discover_v itself_o in_o secret_a treacherous_a conspiracy_n and_o many_o time_n in_o boisterous_a and_o dare_a attempt_n these_o be_v at_o the_o first_o sight_n so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o character_n give_v of_o religious_a man_n viz._n the_o 16._o psal_n 35._o 20._o gal._n 5._o 22_o 23._o col._n 3._o 12_o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o quiet_a of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o genius_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v whole_o make_v up_o of_o love_n peace_n long-suffering_a gentleness_n goodness_n faithfulness_n meekness_n temperance_n mercy_n kindness_n humbleness_n of_o mind_n forbearance_n forgiveness_n charity_n thankfulness_n wisdom_n that_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v that_o religion_n in_o the_o power_n of_o it_o will_v certain_o heal_v this_o evil_a disease_n also_o there_o be_v many_o pretender_n to_o religion_n who_o complaint_n be_v still_o concern_v oppression_n and_o persecution_n their_o cry_n be_v all_o for_o liberty_n and_o deliverance_n but_o to_o make_v it_o the_o more_o passable_a and_o plausible_a they_o style_v it_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n this_o pretence_n be_v so_o fair_a but_o withal_o so_o deceitful_a that_o i_o count_v it_o worth_a my_o time_n to_o speak_v a_o little_a more_o liberal_o to_o it_o and_o here_o i_o do_v from_o the_o very_a bottom_n of_o my_o soul_n protest_v that_o i_o account_v the_o advancement_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o kingdom_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v the_o most_o desirable_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o it_o be_v high_o become_v the_o great_a spirit_n upon_o earth_n to_o employ_v the_o very_a utmost_a zeal_n and_o diligence_n to_o assist_v the_o accomplishment_n thereof_o yea_o so_o utter_o do_v i_o abhor_v irreligion_n and_o atheism_n that_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v in_o somewhat_o a_o like_a case_n i_o do_v very_o 18._o phil._n 1._o 18._o rejoice_v that_o christ_n be_v profess_v though_o it_o be_v but_o pretend_v and_o that_o truth_n be_v own_v though_o it_o be_v not_o own_v in_o truth_n i_o will_v further_o add_v that_o the_o oppress_a and_o obstruct_v of_o the_o external_a progress_n and_o propagation_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v hate_v of_o christ_n and_o to_o be_v lament_v of_o all_o true_a christian_n yea_o i_o will_v further_o allow_v man_n a_o due_a sensibleness_n of_o their_o personal_a oppression_n and_o injury_n and_o a_o natural_a warrantable_a desire_n to_o be_v redeem_v from_o they_o and_o now_o have_v thus_o purge_v myself_o i_o entreat_v the_o christian_a reader_n patient_o and_o without_o prejudice_n to_o suffer_v i_o to_o speak_v somewhat_o close_o to_o this_o matter_n yea_o i_o do_v very_o assure_v myself_o that_o i_o shall_v be_v accept_v or_o at_o least_o indulge_v by_o all_o free_a and_o ingenuous_a spirit_n who_o be_v right_o acquaint_v with_o the_o genius_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o do_v prefer_v truth_n before_o interest_n and_o first_o for_o the_o complaint_n that_o be_v most_o concern_v oppression_n and_o persecution_n certain_o religion_n if_o it_o do_v right_o prevail_v in_o our_o heart_n will_v very_o much_o heal_v this_o distemper_n if_o not_o by_o a_o perfect_a silence_v of_o these_o complaint_n yet_o sure_o by_o put_v they_o into_o another_o tune_n i_o reckon_v that_o religion_n quite_o silence_n these_o complaint_n when_o it_o engage_v the_o soul_n so_o entire_o in_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o god_n in_o affliction_n and_o in_o a_o right_a improvement_n of_o they_o for_o religious_a purpose_n that_o she_o listen_v not_o to_o spend_v herself_o in_o fruitless_a murmur_n and_o unchristian_a indignation_n as_o fire_n seize_v upon_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v combustible_a and_o make_v it_o fuel_n for_o itself_o and_o a_o predominant_a humour_n in_o the_o body_n convert_v into_o its_o own_o substance_n whatever_o be_v convertible_a and_o make_v it_o nourishment_n to_o itself_o so_o doubtless_o this_o spirit_n of_o burn_a this_o divine_a principle_n if_o it_o be_v right_o predominant_a in_o the_o soul_n will_v nourish_v itself_o by_o all_o thing_n that_o lie_v in_o its_o way_n though_o they_o seem_v never_o so_o heterogeneous_a and_o hard_o to_o be_v digest_v and_o rather_o than_o want_v meat_n it_o will_v with_o samson_n fetch_v it_o out_o of_o the_o very_a eater_n himself_o but_o if_o religion_n shall_v not_o utter_o silence_v these_o complain_n by_o render_v the_o soul_n thus_o forgetful_a of_o the_o body_n and_o regardless_o of_o its_o smart_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o happy_a advantage_n that_o may_v be_v make_v of_o it_o yet_o methinks_v it_o shall_v draw_v the_o main_a stream_n of_o these_o tear_n into_o a_o other_o channel_n and_o put_v these_o complaint_n into_o a_o other_o tune_n it_o be_v very_o natural_a to_o the_o religious_a soul_n to_o make_v god_n all_o thing_n unto_o itself_o to_o lay_v to_o heart_n the_o interest_n of_o truth_n and_o holiness_n more_o than_o any_o particular_a interest_n of_o its_o own_o and_o to_o bewail_v the_o disservice_n do_v to_o god_n more_o than_o any_o self-incommodation_a must_v not_o he_o needs_o be_v a_o good_a subject_n to_o his_o prince_n who_o can_v more_o hearty_o mourn_v that_o god_n law_n be_v not_o keep_v than_o that_o he_o himself_o be_v keep_v under_o that_o can_v be_v more_o grieve_v that_o man_n be_v cruel_a than_o that_o they_o kill_v he_o that_o can_v be_v more_o trouble_v because_o there_o be_v oppression_n in_o the_o world_n than_o because_o he_o himself_o be_v oppress_v such_o subject_n religion_n alone_o can_v make_v as_o for_o the_o cry_n that_o be_v make_v for_o liberty_n and_o deliverance_n i_o confess_v i_o do_v not_o easy_o apprehend_v what_o be_v more_o or_o more_o natural_o desirable_a than_o true_a liberty_n yea_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v many_o devout_a and_o religious_a soul_n that_o from_o a_o right_n noble_a and_o generous_a principle_n and_o out_o of_o a_o sincere_a respect_n to_o the_o author_n and_o end_n of_o their_o creation_n be_v almost_o intemperate_o studious_a of_o it_o do_v prefer_v it_o above_o all_o preferment_n 〈◊〉_d hang_v that_o may_v be_v proper_o 〈◊〉_d â—â—sual_a and_o will_v purchase_v it_o with_o any_o thing_n that_o they_o can_v possible_o part_v with_o but_o yet_o that_o i_o may_v a_o little_a moderate_a if_o not_o quite_o stifle_v this_o cry_n i_o must_v free_o profess_v that_o i_o do_v apprehend_v too_o much_o of_o sensuality_n general_o in_o it_o because_o this_o liberty_n be_v common_o abstract_v from_o the_o proper_a end_n of_o it_o and_o desire_v mere_o as_o a_o natural_o convenient_a good_a and_o not_o under_o a_o right_n religious_a consideration_n self-love_n be_v the_o very_a heart_n and_o centre_n of_o the_o animal_n life_n and_o doubtless_o this_o natural_a principle_n be_v as_o true_o covetous_a of_o self-preservation_n and_o freedom_n from_o all_o inconvenience_n grievance_n and_o confinement_n as_o any_o religious_a principle_n can_v be_v and_o therefore_o i_o may_v well_o allude_v to_o our_o saviour_n word_n and_o say_v if_o you_o love_v and_o desire_v 47._o mat._n 5._o 47._o deliverance_n only_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o natural_a good_a what_o do_v you_o more_o than_o other_o do_v not_o even_a publican_n the_o same_o but_o be_v this_o divine_a principle_n right_o exercise_v its_o sovereignty_n in_o the_o soul_n it_o will_v value_v all_o thing_n and_o all_o estate_n and_o condition_n only_o as_o they_o have_v a_o tendency_n to_o the_o advancement_n and_o nourishment_n of_o itself_o with_o what_o a_o ordinary_a not_o to_o say_v disdainful_a eye_n will_v the_o religious_a soul_n look_v upon_o the_o fair_a self-accommodation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o say_v within_o itself_o what_o be_v a_o mere_a abstract_n deliverance_n from_o affliction_n worth_a wherein_o be_v a_o naked_a freedom_n from_o affliction_n to_o be_v account_v of_o will_v this_o make_v i_o a_o bless_a man_n be_v not_o profane_a and_o impudent_a ham_n deliver_v from_o the_o deluge_n of_o water_n as_o well_o as_o his_o brethren_n be_v not_o the_o filthy_a shameless_a daughter_n of_o lot_n deliver_v from_o the_o deluge_n of_o fire_n as_o well_o as_o their_o father_n and_o yet_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o rise_v up_o and_o call_v these_o people_n bless_v that_o the_o heart_n of_o every_o chaste_a and_o modest_a christian_a be_v ready_a to_o rise_v against_o the_o very_a mention_n of_o their_o name_n when_o he_o remember_v how_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o though_o in_o a_o different_a sense_n
this_o spring_n from_o a_o religious_a principle_n think_v you_o or_o a_o selfish_n do_v it_o not_o agree_v well_o to_o the_o animal_n life_n and_o natural_a self_n to_o be_v tender_a of_o its_o own_o interest_n and_o concernment_n to_o wish_v well_o to_o its_o own_o safety_n to_o defend_v itself_o from_o violence_n may_v i_o not_o allude_v to_o our_o saviour_n word_n and_o say_v if_o you_o hate_v they_o that_o hate_v you_o 46._o mat._n 5._o 46._o how_o can_v that_o be_v account_v religious_a do_v not_o even_o the_o publican_n the_o same_o i_o doubt_v we_o know_v not_o sufficient_o what_o spirit_n we_o shall_v be_v of_o the_o power_n of_o religion_n right_o prevail_v in_o the_o soul_n will_v mould_n we_o into_o another_o kind_n of_o temper_n it_o will_v teach_v we_o as_o well_o to_o love_v and_o pity_n and_o pray_v for_o papist_n 21._o mat._n 5._o 44._o rev._n 19_o 20_o 21._o as_o to_o hate_v popery_n i_o know_v the_o prophecy_n indeed_o that_o the_o beast_n and_o the_o false_a prophet_n shall_v be_v cast_v alive_a into_o the_o lake_n burn_v with_o brimstone_n and_o the_o remnant_n shall_v be_v slay_v with_o the_o sword_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o horse_n but_o in_o as_o much_o as_o that_o sword_n be_v say_v to_o proceed_v out_o of_o his_o mouth_n i_o will_v 5._o eph._n 6._o 17._o hos._n 6._o 5._o glad_o interpret_v it_o of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o kill_v man_n unto_o salvation_n however_o let_v the_o interpretation_n of_o that_o text_n and_o other_o of_o the_o like_a importance_n be_v what_o it_o will_v i_o reckon_v it_o very_o unsafe_a to_o turn_v all_o the_o prophecy_n and_o threaten_n of_o god_n into_o prayer_n lest_o haply_o we_o shall_v be_v find_v to_o contribute_v to_o the_o damn_v of_o man_n soul_n yea_o when_o all_o be_v 12._o 2_o thes_n 2._o 12._o say_v concern_v the_o reprobate_v decree_n of_o god_n and_o his_o essential_a inflexible_a punitive_a justice_n and_o all_o those_o text_n that_o seem_v to_o speak_v of_o god_n revenge_v himself_o with_o delight_n be_v interpret_v to_o the_o utmost_a harshness_n of_o meaning_n that_o the_o cruel_a wit_n of_o man_n can_v invent_v yet_o it_o remain_v a_o seal_v and_o to_o i_o a_o sweet_a truth_n i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o 11._o ezek._n 18._o 32._o chap._n 33._o 11._o death_n of_o he_o that_o die_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n and_o again_o as_o i_o live_v say_v the_o lord_n god_n i_o have_v no_o pleasure_n in_o the_o death_n of_o the_o wicked_a wherefore_o to_o wave_v all_o those_o dreadful_a gloss_n that_o do_v rather_o describe_v the_o bitter_a and_o revengeful_a ingeny_n of_o man_n that_o make_v they_o than_o interpret_v the_o pure_a and_o perfect_a nature_n of_o god_n upon_o who_o they_o be_v make_v let_v we_o attend_v to_o that_o beautiful_a character_n that_o be_v every_o where_o give_v of_o religion_n which_o be_v 6._o exod._n 32._o 32._o numb_a 11._o 29._o rom._n 92_o 3._o luke_n 19_o 10._o act_n 10._o 38._o rom._n 5._o 6._o our_o high_a concernment_n in_o the_o person_n of_o moses_n of_o paul_n and_o of_o christ_n jesus_n himself_o the_o author_n and_o exemplar_n of_o it_o who_o by_o his_o incarnation_n life_n and_o death_n abundant_o demonstrate_v the_o infinite_a benignity_n and_o compassionate_a ardour_n of_o his_o soul_n towards_o we_o when_o we_o be_v worse_o than_o papist_n as_o be_v out_o of_o a_o possibility_n of_o salvation_n without_o he_o and_o let_v that_o mind_n be_v in_o we_o which_o be_v in_o he_o also_o though_o it_o be_v not_o direct_o our_o saviour_n meaning_n in_o my_o text_n yet_o i_o believe_v it_o be_v reductive_o that_o this_o pure_a and_o divine_a principle_n religion_n spring_v up_o into_o everlasting_a life_n not_o only_o our_o own_o but_o other_o man_n also_o but_o however_o religion_n be_v describe_v sure_o i_o be_o it_o be_v most_o unnatural_a to_o the_o religious_a soul_n that_o be_v regenerate_v into_o the_o pure_a spirit_n of_o piety_n pity_n and_o universal_a charity_n to_o be_v of_o a_o cruel_a fierce_a revengeful_a damn_v disposition_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v the_o rant_a and_o wrathful_a strain_n of_o some_o man_n devotion_n i_o beseech_v the_o reader_n to_o endeavour_v with_o i_o that_o charity_n towards_o man_n soul_n may_v go_v along_o in_o conjunction_n with_o zeal_n and_o piety_n towards_o god_n when_o we_o present_v ourselves_o before_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o so_o i_o be_o confident_a it_o will_v if_o we_o pray_v sincere_o to_o this_o purpose_n viz._n that_o god_n will_v cause_v the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o wicked_a to_o come_v to_o a_o end_n that_o he_o will_v consume_v the_o antichrist_n but_o convert_v the_o papist_n and_o make_v the_o wonderer_n after_o the_o beast_n to_o become_v follower_n of_o the_o lamb_n i_o doubt_v there_o be_v many_o that_o think_v they_o can_v never_o be_v too_o liberal_a in_o wish_v ill_o to_o the_o papist_n nay_o they_o count_v it_o a_o notable_a argument_n of_o a_o good_a protestant_n i_o have_v almost_o say_v a_o evidence_n of_o grace_n to_o be_v very_o rage_v and_o invective_n against_o they_o alas_o how_o miserable_o do_v we_o bewray_v ourselves_o in_o so_o do_v to_o be_v nothing_o less_o than_o what_o we_o pretend_v to_o by_o do_v it_o for_o be_v not_o we_o ourselves_o herein_o antichristian_a while_o we_o complain_v of_o their_o cruelty_n our_o own_o soul_n in_o the_o very_a act_n boil_v over_o with_o revengeful_a and_o scald_a affection_n if_o we_o do_v indeed_o abhor_v their_o cruelty_n because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o true_a kingdom_n of_o christ_n we_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o jealous_a at_o the_o same_o time_n lest_o any_o thing_n like_o unto_o it_o shall_v be_v find_v in_o ourselves_o otherwise_o be_v we_o not_o carnal_a for_o mere_a nature_n as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v will_v abhor_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o itself_o and_o will_v not_o willing_o suffer_v its_o delicate_a interest_n to_o be_v touch_v the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o that_o no_o man_n speak_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n call_v christ_n accurse_v 3._o 1_o cor_n 12._o 3._o but_o i_o doubt_v it_o be_v common_a to_o curse_v antichrist_n and_o yet_o by_o a_o spirit_n that_o be_v antichristian_a i_o mean_v carnal_a selfish_a cruel_a and_o uncharitable_a for_o there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a antichrist_n or_o if_o you_o will_v in_o the_o apostle_n phrase_n a_o spirit_n of_o antichrist_n as_o well_o as_o a_o political_a 3._o 1_o john_n 4._o 3._o antichrist_n and_o i_o doubt_v the_o former_a prevail_v most_o in_o the_o world_n though_o it_o be_v least_o discern_v and_o banned_a man_n do_v by_o antichrist_n as_o they_o do_v by_o the_o devil_n defy_v he_o in_o word_n but_o entertain_v he_o in_o their_o heart_n run_v away_o from_o the_o appearance_n of_o he_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n can_v be_v well_o enough_o content_a to_o be_v all_o that_o in_o very_a deed_n which_o the_o devil_n and_o antichrist_n be_v all_o this_o evident_o appear_v to_o be_v for_o want_v of_o the_o true_a power_n and_o spirit_n of_o religion_n which_o i_o commend_v for_o so_o great_a a_o healer_n even_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o our_o distemper_n perhaps_o no_o papist_n will_v find_v in_o his_o heart_n to_o read_v this_o epistle_n write_v by_o a_o heretic_n yet_o possible_o too_o some_o one_o or_o other_o may_v therefore_o i_o will_v adventure_v brief_o to_o prescribe_v this_o same_o medicinal_a divinity_n to_o they_o also_o though_o perhaps_o i_o may_v be_v excuse_v upon_o another_o account_n all_o that_o which_o i_o have_v hitherto_o say_v to_o distemper_a protestant_n be_v right_o enough_o mutatis_fw-la mutandis_fw-la applicable_a to_o they_o but_o moreover_o whereas_o they_o value_v their_o church_n and_o the_o truth_n and_o rightness_n of_o it_o by_o its_o universality_n and_o prosperity_n the_o power_n of_o religion_n will_v make_v man_n to_o value_v themselves_o and_o their_o adherent_n only_o by_o the_o divine_a impression_n of_o piety_n and_o purity_n and_o to_o account_v such_o only_a worthy_a of_o the_o glorious_a title_n of_o apostolical_a and_o child_n of_o god_n who_o be_v sincere_a follower_n of_o the_o apostle_n wherein_o they_o be_v follower_n of_o christ_n viz._n in_o true_a holiness_n and_o righteousness_n be_v they_o industrious_a and_o zealous_a for_o the_o proselyte_n of_o the_o world_n and_o spread_v of_o their_o interest_n far_o and_o near_o and_o be_v not_o all_o wicked_a man_n yea_o and_o the_o devil_n himself_o so_o too_o the_o fair_a and_o most_o flourish_a state_n of_o a_o church_n be_v nothing_o to_o god_n and_o so_o consequent_o not_o to_o a_o godly_a soul_n in_o comparison_n of_o those_o excellent_a divine_a beauty_n wherewith_o religion_n adorn_v the_o world_n but_o whereas_o the_o great_a
soul_n of_o man_n be_v mould_v and_o form_v into_o a_o resemblance_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n then_o have_v it_o a_o true_a fellowship_n with_o he_o now_o this_o communion_n with_o god_n in_o his_o attribute_n be_v to_o be_v see_v two_o way_n 1._o when_o the_o soul_n be_v in_o its_o measure_n according_a to_o the_o capacity_n of_o a_o creature_n all_o that_o which_o god_n be_v this_o be_v the_o communion_n which_o the_o angel_n have_v with_o god_n their_o behold_v of_o the_o face_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o mere_a speculation_n or_o a_o idle_a gaze_v upon_o a_o deity_n but_o they_o see_v he_o by_o receive_v his_o image_n upon_o themselves_o and_o reflect_v his_o glory_n and_o brightness_n they_o partake_v of_o the_o goodness_n purity_n holiness_n wisdom_n righteousness_n of_o god_n which_o make_v they_o such_o glorious_a spirit_n and_o the_o want_n of_o this_o make_v the_o other_o who_o we_o call_v devil_n to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v thus_o godly_a man_n shall_v have_v communion_n with_o god_n they_o shall_v see_v god_n mat._n 5._o 8._o heb._n 12._o 14._o yea_o thus_o they_o have_v communion_n with_o he_o in_o some_o measure_n they_o do_v not_o only_o see_v god_n in_o the_o world_n as_o the_o devil_n do_v nor_o see_v he_o in_o the_o word_n as_o many_o hypocritical_a and_o wicked_a man_n do_v but_o they_o see_v he_o in_o themselves_o in_o the_o frame_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n they_o find_v themselves_o mould_v into_o his_o image_n and_o a_o resemblance_n of_o he_o draw_v upon_o they_o this_o be_v a_o beautiful_a vision_n of_o god_n true_a and_o real_a though_o not_o full_a and_o complete_a this_o be_v set_v out_o in_o scripture_n by_o be_v holy_a as_o god_n be_v holy_a 1_o pet._n 1._o 16._o perfect_a as_o god_n be_v perfect_a mat._n 5._o ult_n this_o our_o saviour_n exhort_v we_o to_o seek_v after_o mat._n 11._o 29._o take_v my_o yoke_n upon_o you_o learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a and_o the_o apostle_n ephes_n 5._o 1._o be_v you_o follower_n of_o god_n as_o dear_a child_n when_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n his_o holiness_n goodness_n righteousness_n wisdom_n etc._n etc._n be_v coppy_v out_o upon_o our_o nature_n and_o the_o same_o spirit_n be_v in_o we_o which_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n then_o have_v we_o a_o true_a communion_n with_o god_n which_o bless_a communion_n when_o the_o soul_n become_v all_o that_o which_o god_n be_v by_o a_o conformity_n of_o nature_n 2._o when_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o action_n as_o a_o creature_n do_v right_o answer_v to_o the_o attribute_n of_o the_o creator_n as_o when_o the_o soul_n do_v answer_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n with_o suitable_a â—_z of_o love_n and_o joy_n and_o delight_n when_o the_o soul_n do_v correspond_v to_o the_o sovereignty_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n by_o the_o act_n of_o self-denial_n and_o resignation_n do_v converse_n with_o the_o righteousness_n of_o god_n by_o patience_n and_o a_o holy_a acquiescency_n when_o the_o soul_n do_v right_o exert_v those_o act_n which_o be_v proper_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n than_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o hold_v communion_n with_o he_o in_o his_o attribute_n when_o the_o action_n and_o notion_n of_o the_o soul_n do_v correspond_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o attribute_n now_o this_o suitableness_n of_o the_o soul_n i_o mean_v especial_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o incommunicable_a attribute_n of_o god_n where_o there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o imitation_n though_o it_o hold_v good_a in_o the_o rest_n also_o 2._o a_o godly_a soul_n have_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o his_o word_n to_o read_v profess_v or_o hear_v the_o word_n be_v not_o to_o hold_v a_o real_a communion_n with_o god_n therein_o many_o do_v so_o that_o be_v stranger_n to_o god_n a_o man_n may_v read_v my_o letter_n and_o yet_o correspond_v with_o my_o enemy_n that_o son_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o hear_v his_o father_n command_n and_o answer_v i_o go_v sir_n but_o go_v not_o have_v no_o right_a communion_n with_o his_o paternal_a authority_n but_o when_o the_o soul_n be_v ennoble_v into_o such_o a_o frame_n as_o this_o word_n do_v require_v than_o it_o hold_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o his_o word_n e._n g._n when_o the_o soul_n put_v forth_o those_o act_n of_o humiliation_n holy_a fear_n and_o reverence_n godly_a tremble_v which_o do_v suit_n the_o nature_n of_o a_o divine_a threaten_n when_o the_o soul_n answer_v the_o command_n of_o god_n with_o suitable_a resolution_n repenting_n reformation_n and_o real_a obedience_n when_o it_o entertain_v the_o promise_n with_o suitable_a act_n of_o holy_a delight_n joy_n refreshment_n recumbency_n and_o acquiesce_n in_o the_o same_o then_o do_v it_o true_o converse_v with_o god_n in_o his_o word_n 3._o a_o godly_a soul_n have_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o his_o work_n and_o that_o be_v when_o the_o 〈◊〉_d do_v answer_v the_o several_a providence_n of_o god_n with_o suitable_a and_o pertinent_a affection_n and_o disposition_n the_o godly_a soul_n do_v not_o only_a eye_n and_o observe_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o fall_v out_o but_o do_v comply_v with_o those_o providence_n and_o be_v mould_v into_o that_o frame_n and_o put_v upon_o those_o duty_n which_o such_o providence_n do_v call_v for_o then_o do_v the_o soul_n right_o hold_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o his_o work_n when_o it_o be_v humble_v under_o humble_v providence_n be_v refresh_v strengthen_v and_o grow_v up_o under_o prosperous_a providence_n as_o they_o do_v act._n 9_o 31._o who_o have_v rest_n give_v they_o be_v edify_v comfort_v multiply_v etc._n etc._n when_o the_o soul_n do_v right_o comport_v with_o every_o providence_n and_o the_o will_n be_v mould_v into_o the_o will_n of_o god_n then_o do_v we_o hold_v communion_n with_o he_o in_o his_o work_n this_o theme_n be_v large_a because_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v manifold_a of_o creation_n redemption_n preservation_n work_v towards_o other_o man_n and_o towards_o ourselves_o both_o towards_o our_o outward_a and_o inward_a man_n a_o godly_a soul_n have_v communion_n with_o god_n in_o all_o these_o in_o the_o sense_n that_o i_o name_v even_o now_o though_o perhaps_o not_o equal_o in_o all_o yet_o sincere_o and_o true_o by_o what_o have_v be_v say_v you_o understand_v that_o right_a fellowship_n with_o god_n be_v not_o a_o bare_a communion_n of_o name_n to_o have_v the_o name_n of_o god_n call_v upon_o we_o and_o to_o be_v call_v christian_n or_o the_o people_n of_o god_n or_o to_o name_v the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o profess_v it_o to_o cry_v lord_n lord_n do_v not_o make_v any_o one_o real_o and_o true_o the_o better_a man_n do_v not_o make_v a_o soul_n right_o happy_a it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o cry_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n with_o they_o in_o jer._n 1._o 4._o to_o make_v our_o boast_n in_o the_o law_n with_o they_o rom._n 2._o 23._o to_o call_v ourselves_o the_o child_n of_o abraham_n as_o the_o jew_n do_v in_o john_n baptist_n time_n mat._n 3._o 9_o these_o privilege_n and_o profession_n be_v extrinsical_a to_o the_o soul_n and_o do_v nothing_o to_o the_o true_a ennoble_n of_o it_o but_o right_a fellowship_n with_o god_n be_v a_o communion_n of_o heart_n and_o nature_n of_o will_n and_o affection_n of_o interest_n and_o end_n to_o have_v one_o heart_n and_o will_n the_o same_o interest_n and_o end_n with_o god_n be_v to_o be_v true_o godly_a a_o godlike_a man_n be_v the_o only_a godly_a man_n a_o christ_n like_o nature_n bring_v into_o the_o soul_n do_v only_o denominate_v a_o man_n a_o true_a christian_a it_o be_v not_o speak_v together_o but_o love_v and_o live_v together_o that_o bring_v god_n and_o the_o soul_n into_o one_o i_o live_v yet_o not_o i_o but_o christ_n that_o live_v in_o i_o gal._n 2._o 20._o and_o thus_o i_o suppose_v you_o have_v a_o fair_a account_n why_o the_o apostle_n james_n chap._n 2._o do_v so_o much_o prefer_v work_n before_o faith_n for_o indeed_o faith_n be_v nothing_o worth_a save_v only_o that_o faith_n which_o join_v the_o soul_n to_o the_o object_n and_o make_v the_o thing_n believe_v once_o own_o as_o also_o why_o the_o apostle_n paul_n prefer_v love_n before_o a_o faith_n of_o miracle_n 1_o cor._n 13._o 2._o though_o indeed_o a_o justify_n say_v be_v the_o most_o miraculous_a that_o faith_n that_o unite_v the_o soul_n and_o god_n together_o be_v more_o excellent_a and_o indeed_o more_o miraculous_a than_o the_o faith_n that_o remove_v mountain_n when_o i_o consider_v the_o proper_a happiness_n and_o perfection_n of_o a_o soul_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o true_a blissful_a communion_n with_o god_n i_o can_v but_o wonder_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o man_n