that_o we_o can_v hear_v they_o because_o sound_n be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o sight_n nor_o colour_n of_o hear_v now_o no_o man_n pretend_v that_o the_o pure_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o thing_n or_o their_o essential_a reason_n property_n union_n operation_n be_v the_o object_n of_o humane_a reason_n for_o no_o man_n live_v know_v any_o thing_n about_o they_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v all_o the_o incomprehensibility_n man_n have_v to_o complain_v of_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n that_o they_o can_v comprehend_v how_o god_n can_v beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n nor_o how_o three_o divine_a person_n shall_v be_v so_o unite_v as_o to_o be_v essential_o one_o god_n nor_o how_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n can_v be_v unite_v into_o one_o person_n god-man_n all_o which_o concern_v the_o essence_n and_o essential_a property_n operation_n union_n relation_n of_o the_o deity_n which_o a_o modest_a man_n may_v allow_v to_o be_v 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but_o how_o to_o make_v they_o which_o will_v be_v a_o vain_a curiosity_n and_o useless_a knowledge_n to_o those_o who_o have_v not_o a_o make_v and_o create_v power_n this_o be_v to_o know_v thing_n à _fw-fr priori_fw-la with_o a_o intuitive_a ideal_o knowledge_n which_o be_v infinite_o more_o superior_a to_o reason_n â—…an_n reason_n be_v to_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v the_o â—…ffectation_n of_o this_o intuitive_a make_v knowledge_n which_o make_v some_o man_n atheist_n and_o other_o heretic_n 2_o another_o great_a objection_n against_o such_o a_o revelation_n as_o contain_v matter_n which_o natural_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v be_v to_o what_o purpose_n such_o â—…a_n revelation_n serve_v what_o merit_n there_o can_v be_v in_o believe_v such_o doctrine_n and_o of_o what_o good_a use_n such_o a_o faith_n can_v be_v to_o we_o now_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v think_v it_o meritorious_a mere_o to_o believe_v thing_n which_o be_v incomprehensible_a or_o that_o god_n any_o more_o intend_a to_o 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as_o much_o use_n to_o we_o as_o if_o we_o do_v perfect_o understand_v all_o the_o secret_a and_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o creature_n both_o natural_a and_o reveal_v knowledge_n be_v alike_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o they_o only_o acquaint_v we_o what_o thing_n be_v and_o what_o end_v they_o serve_v and_o then_o we_o know_v what_o use_n to_o make_v of_o they_o without_o understand_v the_o secret_a mystery_n of_o nature_n be_v this_o world_n or_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o the_o less_o useful_a to_o we_o because_o we_o can_v conceive_v how_o god_n create_v all_o thing_n of_o nothing_o or_o because_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o matter_n nor_o how_o the_o several_a part_n of_o matter_n come_v by_o their_o different_a virtue_n and_o quality_n be_v corn_n or_o fruit_n or_o herb_n the_o less_o nourish_a or_o refresh_v because_o we_o know_v not_o how_o they_o grow_v do_v it_o require_v any_o philosophy_n to_o know_v how_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o sleep_v will_v not_o our_o food_n nourish_v we_o â—…less_v we_o understand_v how_o it_o be_v concoctâ—…_n and_o turn_v into_o chile_n and_o blood_n â—…d_a spirit_n nay_o be_v it_o of_o no_o use_n to_o â—…ow_v that_o god_n be_v a_o eternal_a omnipoâ—…nt_a omniscient_a omnipresent_v be_v â—…less_v we_o can_v conceive_v how_o any_o be_v â—…n_v be_v eternal_a without_o a_o cause_n and_o â—…ithout_v a_o beginning_n or_o can_v compreâ—…end_v how_o he_o can_v do_v and_o know_v all_o thing_n â—…d_v be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n at_o once_o â—…ithout_n extension_n and_o without_o part_n â—…e_o may_v make_v all_o the_o use_n that_o can_v be_v â—…ade_v of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o every_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d it_o without_o understand_v the_o essential_a â—…easons_n and_o cause_n or_o internal_a nature_n â—…f_o any_o thing_n and_o we_o must_v do_v so_o if_o we_o will_v make_v any_o use_n of_o it_o and_o we_o know_v god_n to_o all_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_n for_o which_o creature_n ought_v to_o know_v god_n â—…hough_o his_o nature_n be_v incomprehensible_a and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n such_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n how_o unaccountable_a soever_o the_o mystery_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v yet_o it_o be_v the_o most_o useful_a knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o the_o eternal_a father_n beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n of_o his_o own_o substance_n nor_o how_o this_o eternal_a son_n in_o time_n become_v man_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o most_o desirable_a knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n to_o sinner_n to_o know_v that_o god_n have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o that_o he_o so_o love_v the_o world_n as_o to_o give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o that_o this_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n become_v man_n live_v a_o poor_a necessitous_a laborious_a life_n and_o die_v a_o accurse_a death_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n and_o to_o know_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o proceed_v from_o father_n and_o son_n dwell_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o quicken_v and_o animate_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ._n if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o we_o must_v suppose_v in_o this_o argument_n all_o mankind_n must_v confess_v that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a useful_a knowledge_n and_o never_o the_o less_o useful_a because_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v great_a and_o unconceivable_a mystery_n can_v we_o give_v a_o rational_a and_o philosophical_a account_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o of_o the_o incarnation_n we_o shall_v know_v more_o than_o we_o now_o do_v but_o faith_n make_v it_o as_o useful_a to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o most_o perfect_a intuitive_a knowledge_n can_v do_v this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o that_o objection_n against_o the_o usefulness_n of_o such_o mystery_n as_o have_v something_o incomprehensible_a and_o unconceivable_a in_o their_o nature_n which_o be_v a_o equal_a objection_n against_o all_o create_a nature_n which_o be_v but_o one_o great_a mystery_n and_o yet_o the_o world_n be_v a_o very_a useful_a world_n and_o we_o know_v in_o some_o good_a degree_n what_o use_n to_o make_v of_o it_o and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o gospel_n mystery_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o present_a dispute_n be_v manifest_o of_o infinite_a use_n to_o we_o if_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n and_o death_n and_o intercession_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a be_v of_o any_o use_n and_o
i_o shall_v observe_v this_o follow_a method_n i._o consider_v the_o duty_n of_o gospel-bishop_n and_o pastor_n which_o be_v to_o feed_v and_o to_o govern_v the_o household_n of_o christ._n ii_o the_o qualification_n of_o gospel-minister_n which_o be_v faithfulness_n and_o prudence_n a_o faithful_a and_o wise_a servant_n iii_o the_o great_a reward_n of_o such_o man_n bless_a be_v that_o servant_n i._o the_o duty_n of_o gospel_n minister_n whether_o bishop_n or_o other_o and_o that_o consist_v of_o two_o part_n 1._o to_o feed_v 2._o to_o govern_v the_o household_n or_o church_n of_o christ._n they_o be_v appoint_v ruler_n of_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n 1._o to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ._n this_o command_n christ_n give_v to_o peter_n 28._o 20._o acâ—…s_fw-la 28._o and_o repeat_v it_o three_o time_n simon_n son_n of_o jonas_n love_v thou_o i_o more_o than_o 17._o 21._o john_n 15_o 16_o 17._o these_o then_o feed_v my_o lamb_n feed_v my_o sheep_n now_o to_o feed_v signify_v to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n for_o knowledge_n be_v the_o proper_a food_n and_o nourishment_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o which_o it_o grow_v in_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o 2._o 1_o pet_n 2._o 2._o our_o spiritual_a life_n as_o natural_a food_n be_v to_o the_o life_n of_o our_o body_n this_o be_v life_n 3._o 17._o john_n 3._o eternal_a say_v our_o saviour_n to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v for_o this_o reason_n our_o saviour_n appoint_v steward_n and_o dispenser_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o kingdom_n who_o whole_a business_n it_o shall_v be_v to_o study_v the_o divine_a will_n themselves_o and_o to_o instruct_v other_o for_o this_o be_v a_o knowledge_n which_o must_v be_v teach_v nature_n may_v instruct_v we_o in_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o morality_n but_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o whole_a oeconomy_n of_o man_n salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v know_v only_o by_o revelation_n christ_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o reveal_v this_o to_o we_o and_o he_o instruct_v his_o apostle_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o their_o preach_a and_o write_n instruct_v the_o church_n and_o have_v leave_v we_o a_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o man_n peculiar_o devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o instruct_v and_o teach_v those_o who_o have_v neither_o leisure_n not_o opportunity_n for_o enquiry_n nor_o capacity_n to_o learn_v without_o a_o guide_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n especial_o since_o religion_n have_v be_v clog_v with_o such_o infinite_a dispute_n and_o there_o have_v be_v so_o much_o be_v use_v to_o make_v the_o plain_a truth_n difficult_a obscure_a and_o uncertain_a to_o corrupt_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o make_v it_o comply_v with_o man_n sensual_a lust_n or_o secular_a interest_n a_o guide_n and_o instructor_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o turn_n and_o labyrinth_n wherein_o man_n may_v lose_v themselves_o and_o their_o way_n to_o heaven_n but_o though_o there_o be_v no_o dispute_n in_o religion_n no_o difficulty_n in_o understand_v it_o though_o all_o man_n be_v agree_v about_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n though_o the_o mean_a christian_n understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a divine_a yet_o there_o will_v be_v constant_a need_n of_o a_o spiritual_a guide_n while_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v unmindful_a of_o their_o duty_n and_o careless_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o work_n of_o a_o evangelical_n pastor_n be_v not_o mere_o to_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a but_o to_o exhort_v to_o reprove_v to_o admonish_v to_o watch_v over_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o christian_n to_o make_v seasonable_a application_n to_o their_o conscience_n to_o administer_v comfort_n to_o afflict_a spirit_n to_o excite_v and_o quicken_v the_o slothful_a and_o to_o encourage_v the_o fearful_a and_o timorous_a and_o to_o assist_v and_o direct_v man_n in_o their_o spiritual_a warfare_n how_o to_o obtain_v a_o glorious_a victory_n over_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh._n this_o be_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o give_v they_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o already_o know_v that_o their_o faith_n may_v be_v turn_v into_o a_o principle_n of_o life_n and_o action_n and_o this_o heavenly_a food_n may_v be_v digest_v into_o blood_n and_o spirit_n to_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n 2._o another_o part_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n consist_v in_o act_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n christ_n have_v make_v these_o minister_n and_o servant_n ruler_n over_o his_o household_n no_o society_n can_v be_v preserve_v 14._o 5._o eph._n 23._o 10._o john_n 14._o without_o order_n and_o government_n which_o be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o state_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o husband_n the_o shepherd_n the_o lord_n which_o be_v all_o name_n of_o authority_n and_o power_n and_o the_o church_n be_v his_o body_n his_o spouse_n his_o flock_n his_o household_n and_o family_n which_o be_v name_n of_o subjection_n and_o denote_v a_o regular_a and_o orderly_a society_n but_o christ_n have_v now_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o do_v not_o visible_o appear_v among_o we_o to_o direct_v and_o govern_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n where_o he_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o exercise_v a_o invisible_a power_n and_o providence_n for_o the_o defence_n and_o preservation_n of_o his_o church_n on_o earth_n he_o govern_v we_o by_o his_o law_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o by_o his_o minister_n for_o when_o he_o 13._o 4._o eph._n 8_o 11_o 12_o 13._o ascend_v on_o high_a he_o lead_v captivity_n captive_a and_o give_v gift_n to_o man_n and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ._n when_o our_o saviour_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o tell_v his_o disciple_n all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o i_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o 20._o 28._o mat._n 18_o 19_o 20._o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v their_o commission_n to_o pâ—…ach_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o govern_v his_o church_n which_o be_v not_o mere_o a_o personal_a commission_n to_o the_o apostle_n but_o extend_v to_o all_o their_o successor_n as_o appear_v from_o christ_n promise_n to_o be_v with_o they_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o ministerial_a authority_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o st._n john_n acquaint_v we_o that_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n appear_v to_o his_o apostle_n when_o they_o be_v meet_v together_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o peace_n be_v unto_o you_o as_o my_o father_n have_v send_v 23._o 20._o john_n 21_o 22_o 23._o i_o so_o send_v i_o you_o and_o as_o he_o have_v say_v this_o he_o breathe_v on_o they_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o receive_v you_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o soever_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v unto_o they_o and_o who_o soever_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v this_o invest_v they_o with_o authority_n but_o then_o the_o actual_a communication_n of_o power_n which_o especial_o at_o that_o time_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n be_v reserve_v for_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n command_v they_o not_o to_o depart_v from_o jerusalem_n but_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n that_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o say_v
improvement_n of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v 1._o inquire_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o sustain_a infirmity_n 2._o by_o what_o mean_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n can_v sustain_v his_o infirmity_n 3._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o wound_a spirit_n 4._o how_o unsupportable_a a_o wound_a spirit_n be_v 5._o conclude_v with_o some_o practical_a inference_n from_o the_o whole_a 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o sustain_a infirmity_n now_o infirmity_n in_o this_o place_n be_v oppose_v to_o a_o wound_a spirit_n must_v signify_v only_o external_a suffering_n whatever_o be_v grievous_a and_o afflict_a except_v the_o disorder_n and_o trouble_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o by_o sustain_a infirmity_n be_v not_o mean_v that_o we_o must_v â—…ot_v feel_v they_o nor_o have_v any_o afflict_a â—…ense_n of_o they_o for_o the_o stoic_n themâ—…elves_n will_v not_o say_v that_o pain_n be_v â—…ot_v pain_n for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o patience_n cicer._n non_fw-la ego_fw-la dolorem_fw-la dolorem_fw-la esse_fw-la nego_fw-la cur_n enâ—…m_fw-la fortitudo_fw-la desid_v raretur_fw-la sed_fw-la eum_fw-la opprimi_fw-la dico_fw-la patientia_fw-la si_fw-la moâ—…o_fw-la est_fw-la aliqua_fw-la patientia_fw-la cicer._n â—…o_o bear_v it_o but_o that_o patience_n â—…f_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n can_v conquer_v pain_n and_o â—…herefore_o to_o sustain_v infirmiâ—…ies_n be_v to_o feel_v but_o not_o to_o sink_v under_o the_o weight_n of_o they_o as_o that_o man_n sustain_v his_o burden_n who_o can_v go_v upright_o and_o not_o stagger_v at_o least_o not_o fall_v though_o he_o feel_v the_o weight_n of_o it_o on_o his_o shoulder_n that_o be_v he_o who_o can_v in_o any_o measure_n enjoy_v himself_o under_o suffer_v do_v so_o far_o sustain_v it_o and_o the_o more_o perfect_o we_o can_v enjoy_v ourselves_o though_o the_o brightness_n and_o gaiety_n of_o our_o spirit_n may_v be_v a_o little_a sully_v and_o overcast_v the_o more_o complete_a and_o perfect_a be_v our_o conquest_n over_o all_o the_o calamity_n of_o life_n two_o but_o the_o great_a enquiry_n be_v how_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n can_v sustain_v his_o infirmity_n and_o that_o be_v do_v three_o way_n 1._o by_o natural_a courage_n and_o strength_n of_o mind_n 2._o by_o the_o power_n of_o reason_n 3._o by_o the_o divine_a aid_n and_o succour_n of_o religion_n 1._o natural_a courage_n and_o strength_n of_o mind_n a_o man_n of_o spirit_n think_v it_o a_o reproach_n to_o be_v easy_o disturb_v and_o ruffle_v to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o humour_n by_o every_o accident_n to_o sink_v under_o the_o common_a calamity_n of_o life_n nay_o to_o be_v whole_o master_v by_o the_o most_o extraordinary_a and_o formidable_a event_n there_o be_v a_o inbred_a greatness_n in_o human_a nature_n which_o do_v not_o care_n to_o confess_v its_o own_o weakness_n which_o will_v not_o yield_v or_o submit_v or_o own_o a_o conquest_n a_o untaught_a courage_n which_o support_v the_o rude_a and_o illiterate_a part_n of_o mankind_n even_o without_o reason_n and_o discourse_n which_o be_v improve_v by_o a_o sense_n of_o honour_n in_o man_n of_o fortune_n increase_v by_o exercise_n and_o discipline_n by_o hard_a labour_n and_o difficult_a trial_n and_o be_v lose_v by_o ease_n and_o luxury_n and_o softness_n which_o make_v the_o mind_n as_o tender_a as_o the_o body_n to_o feel_v all_o the_o vicissitude_n of_o fortune_n as_o a_o crazy_a and_o distemper_a body_n do_v the_o change_n of_o wether_n god_n have_v put_v a_o spirit_n into_o man_n which_o can_v bear_v his_o infirmity_n and_o if_o we_o have_v it_o not_o it_o be_v our_o own_o fault_n two_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n sustain_v â—…is_n infirmity_n by_o the_o power_n of_o reason_n which_o add_v to_o our_o natural_a courage_n give_v we_o a_o more_o confirm_a sense_n of_o deâ—…cency_n and_o honour_n teach_v we_o the_o true_a value_n of_o thing_n quiet_v our_o passion_n undeceive_v our_o abuse_a imagination_n convince_v we_o that_o some_o fancy_a evil_n be_v none_o at_o all_o other_o not_o so_o great_a as_o we_o think_v and_o that_o the_o worst_a condition_n have_v it_o allay_v which_o make_v it_o tolerable_a to_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n i_o be_o far_o from_o think_v that_o the_o mere_a power_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o moral_a argument_n be_v able_a to_o support_v we_o under_o all_o event_n much_o less_o that_o the_o argument_n of_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n though_o they_o say_v a_o great_a many_o wise_a and_o good_a thing_n be_v sufficient_a to_o this_o purpose_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o reason_n be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n which_o must_v bear_v up_o under_o external_a suffering_n and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o nature_n furnish_v we_o with_o a_o great_a many_o argument_n to_o bear_v they_o easy_o without_o faint_v as_o for_o instance_n we_o must_v consider_v the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v in_o a_o continual_a flux_n and_o motion_n and_o do_v not_o long_o show_v the_o same_o face_n of_o thing_n that_o the_o various_a lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n among_o who_o we_o live_v will_v create_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o trouble_n to_o we_o and_o that_o our_o mortal_a body_n be_v liable_a to_o pain_n and_o hunger_n and_o many_o calamity_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o all_o mankind_n in_o this_o world_n and_o if_o after_o all_o it_o be_v desirable_a to_o live_v to_o come_v into_o and_o to_o continue_v in_o this_o world_n upon_o these_o term_n we_o must_v make_v the_o best_a of_o our_o condition_n and_o bear_v our_o suffering_n patient_o and_o not_o repine_v if_o we_o escape_v as_o well_o as_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o life_n we_o must_v not_o promise_v to_o ourselves_o a_o complete_a and_o undisturbed_a happiness_n for_o than_o we_o must_v be_v disappoint_v and_o be_v very_o uneasy_a and_o impatient_a at_o such_o a_o disappointment_n but_o we_o must_v expect_v to_o suffer_v more_o or_o less_o and_o that_o will_v make_v we_o think_v we_o escape_v well_o when_o our_o suffering_n be_v but_o light_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o arm_v ourselves_o against_o those_o which_o be_v great_a with_o courage_n and_o patience_n thus_o a_o wise_a man_n see_v through_o the_o frightful_a or_o flatter_a disguise_n of_o thing_n and_o judge_n by_o nature_n not_o by_o fancy_n and_o opinion_n and_o then_o he_o find_v no_o mighty_a reason_n to_o be_v disturb_v about_o many_o thing_n which_o be_v judge_v and_o resent_v as_o great_a calamity_n by_o unthinking_a men._n reason_n teach_v they_o that_o nature_n be_v content_v with_o a_o little_a and_o that_o poor_a man_n enjoy_v themselves_o and_o have_v their_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n as_o well_o as_o the_o rich_a and_o therefore_o poverty_n without_o press_v want_v be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o evil_a as_o it_o be_v think_v by_o some_o man_n and_o than_o it_o can_v be_v no_o intolerable_a evil_n neither_o to_o fall_v from_o a_o high_a and_o prosperous_a fortune_n to_o a_o mean_a state_n reason_n teach_v they_o that_o a_o good_a man_n who_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o his_o own_o virtue_n and_o integrity_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v concern_v for_o unjust_a reproach_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o ignorance_n or_o malice_n that_o undeserved_a honour_n unjust_a praise_n and_o commendation_n be_v only_o the_o entertainment_n of_o fool_n and_o that_o unjust_a reproach_n ought_v not_o to_o put_v wise_a man_n out_o of_o countenance_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o other_o case_n there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o man_n opinion_n and_o be_v our_o passion_n and_o resentment_n govern_v by_o reason_n and_o proportion_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n not_o to_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n about_o they_o it_o will_v make_v our_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n much_o more_o easy_a and_o tolerable_a but_o i_o can_v now_o particular_o show_v you_o all_o the_o variety_n of_o argument_n whereby_o man_n may_v support_v themselves_o under_o several_a calamity_n of_o life_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n that_o reason_n give_v a_o new_a strength_n and_o vigour_n to_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n to_o sustain_v his_o infirmity_n three_o but_o the_o great_a support_v of_o all_o be_v the_o argument_n religion_n furnish_v we_o with_o as_o to_o name_v but_o two_o at_o present_a 1._o that_o whatever_o we_o suffer_v be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o blind_a chance_n or_o fatal_a necessity_n but_o be_v order_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a providence_n 2._o that_o if_o we_o bear_v our_o present_a suffering_n with_o patience_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o make_v a_o wise_a use_n of_o they_o to_o our_o improvement_n in_o grace_n and_o virtue_n our_o very_a suffering_n shall_v be_v great_o reward_v in_o the_o next_o world_n these_o two_o principle_n
be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o as_o certain_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o religion_n all_o other_o argument_n without_o this_o belief_n can_v support_v we_o and_o there_o be_v no_o suffering_n too_o great_a for_o a_o man_n to_o bear_v who_o be_v thorough_o possess_v with_o a_o firm_a belief_n and_o vigorous_a sense_n of_o these_o can_v we_o ourselves_o or_o the_o kind_a â—…riend_n in_o the_o world_n choose_v better_o for_o â—…s_n than_o god_n do_v we_o suspect_v his_o wisdom_n or_o his_o goodness_n can_v he_o mistake_v our_o condition_n who_o know_v our_o frame_n can_v he_o be_v want_v in_o his_o care_n of_o we_o or_o in_o good_a will_n to_o we_o who_o make_v we_o what_o be_v it_o we_o desire_v but_o to_o be_v happy_a and_o if_o god_n intend_v our_o happiness_n in_o his_o severe_a correction_n why_o shall_v we_o complain_v religion_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o care_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v of_o much_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o than_o bodily_a ease_n or_o pleasure_n and_o if_o god_n see_v pain_n and_o sickness_n poverty_n and_o disgrace_n necessary_a to_o cure_v or_o restrain_v our_o vicious_a and_o distemper_a passion_n or_o to_o improve_v and_o exercise_v our_o grace_n have_v we_o any_o reason_n to_o complain_v that_o god_n take_v such_o severe_a method_n to_o save_v our_o soul_n have_v we_o rather_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o than_o suffer_v some_o present_a want_n and_o pain_n the_o soul_n be_v the_o best_a part_n of_o man_n and_o to_o take_v care_n of_o a_o man_n be_v to_o improve_v his_o better_a part_n and_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o particular_a man_n to_o train_v they_o up_o to_o virtue_n by_o such_o method_n of_o kindness_n or_o severity_n as_o he_o see_v they_o want_v this_o i_o confess_v may_v be_v very_o grievous_a and_o afflict_a at_o present_a but_o then_o we_o have_v the_o hope_n of_o immortal_a life_n to_o support_v we_o and_o can_v that_o man_n be_v miserable_a can_v he_o sink_v under_o present_a suffering_n who_o have_v the_o hope_n of_o immortal_a life_n as_o the_o anchor_n of_o the_o soul_n both_o sure_a and_o steadfast_a to_o believe_v that_o all_o thing_n at_o present_a be_v intend_v for_o our_o good_a and_o shall_v work_v together_o for_o our_o good_a if_o we_o love_v god_n and_o that_o when_o we_o have_v out-rid_a the_o storm_n of_o this_o world_n by_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o hope_v these_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n shall_v work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n this_o if_o any_o thing_n will_v make_v all_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o life_n easy_a if_o natural_a courage_n or_o natural_a reason_n fail_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n support_v by_o religion_n will_v sustain_v his_o infirmity_n three_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o wound_a spirit_n this_o be_v a_o metaphorical_a expression_n and_o signify_v a_o spirit_n which_o suffer_v pain_n and_o trouble_v a_o wound_n in_o the_o body_n be_v a_o division_n of_o one_o part_n from_o another_o which_o be_v always_o painful_a and_o though_o a_o spirit_n can_v be_v thus_o divide_v yet_o because_o a_o wound_n cause_v pain_n a_o spirit_n which_o be_v disorder_v and_o suffer_v pain_n be_v say_v to_o be_v wound_v as_o for_o instance_n some_o man_n spirit_n be_v wound_v with_o the_o disorder_n and_o violence_n of_o their_o own_o passion_n they_o love_v or_o hope_v or_o fear_v or_o desire_v or_o grieve_v immoderate_o and_o all_o passion_n be_v very_o painful_a when_o they_o be_v in_o excess_n upon_o this_o account_n the_o wicked_a be_v say_v to_o be_v like_o a_o trouble_a sea_n when_o it_o can_v rest_v who_o water_n cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a other_o man_n spirit_n be_v wound_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o gild_n their_o own_o conscience_n reproach_n and_o shame_v they_o and_o threaten_v the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n against_o they_o they_o have_v gratify_v their_o lust_n or_o revenge_n their_o ambition_n or_o covetousness_n and_o dream_v of_o nothing_o but_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n the_o temptation_n be_v very_o charm_v as_o it_o come_v towards_o they_o but_o now_o the_o heat_n and_o impetus_fw-la be_v allay_v and_o the_o enjoyment_n over_o they_o can_v review_v what_o they_o have_v do_v without_o horror_n their_o affright_a conscience_n draw_v the_o most_o amaze_a scene_n of_o judgement_n and_o paint_v their_o fancy_n with_o all_o the_o black_a image_n of_o terror_n the_o sinner_n of_o zion_n be_v afraid_a fear_n have_v surprise_v the_o hypocrite_n who_o shall_v dwell_v with_o devour_a fire_n who_o shall_v dwell_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n four_o this_o be_v the_o wound_a spirit_n and_o such_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v this_o be_v matter_n of_o sense_n and_o therefore_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o we_o must_v appeal_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o mankind_n and_o there_o be_v no_o danger_n in_o this_o appeal_n for_o though_o some_o man_n may_v scorn_v to_o confess_v what_o they_o feel_v yet_o if_o all_o man_n mind_n be_v of_o a_o make_v we_o can_v feel_v in_o ourselves_o what_o other_o man_n feel_v and_o then_o we_o all_o know_v that_o anger_n when_o it_o grow_v immoderate_a and_o increase_v into_o rage_n and_o fury_n worry_v the_o mind_n and_o sharpen_v itself_o into_o such_o a_o keeness_n as_o cut_v deep_a into_o our_o own_o soul_n that_o a_o immoderate_a love_n of_o riches_n or_o honour_n or_o pleasure_n create_v we_o infinite_a trouble_n torment_n with_o a_o impatient_a thirst_n with_o restless_a and_o uneasy_a expectation_n distract_v we_o between_o hope_n and_o fear_n kill_v with_o delay_n and_o disappointment_n and_o there_o be_v but_o few_o man_n who_o can_v long_o dissemble_v their_o inward_a pain_n and_o uneasiness_n but_o confess_v it_o in_o their_o look_n and_o word_n and_o behaviour_n by_o external_a and_o visible_a symptom_n of_o frenzy_n and_o distraction_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o agony_n of_o a_o guilty_a mind_n as_o any_o man_n â—…ust_v confess_v who_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o â—…e_v self-condemned_n and_o to_o live_v under_o â—…he_a apprehension_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o â—…he_v terrible_a expectation_n of_o endless_a torment_n for_o with_o what_o courage_n and_o patience_n can_v any_o man_n bear_v such_o a_o thought_n as_o this_o that_o he_o must_v be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o some_o man_n may_v laugh_v away_o the_o thought_n of_o hell_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o no_o man_n who_o believe_v in_o good_a earnest_n that_o there_o be_v a_o hell_n and_o that_o he_o himself_o be_v in_o the_o most_o apparent_a danger_n of_o fall_v into_o it_o can_v bear_v this_o thought_n the_o many_o sad_a example_n of_o despair_a sinner_n who_o at_o the_o last_o moment_n groan_v out_o their_o soul_n in_o agony_n and_o horror_n be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o this_o man_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v a_o hell_n may_v laugh_v at_o it_o till_o they_o feel_v it_o but_o for_o experiment_n sake_n let_v they_o only_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o hell_n and_o that_o hell_n be_v to_o be_v their_o portion_n and_o then_o let_v they_o tell_v i_o how_o they_o can_v bear_v such_o a_o thought_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v we_o how_o unsupportable_a a_o wound_a spirit_n be_v but_o to_o give_v we_o a_o deep_a and_o more_o last_a sense_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v further_o observe_v that_o a_o wound_a spirit_n have_v no_o refuge_n or_o retreat_n have_v nothing_o leave_v to_o support_v itself_o with_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n can_v bear_v his_o infirmity_n but_o when_o the_o spirit_n itself_o be_v wound_v there_o be_v nothing_o to_o support_v that_o this_o wound_v our_o courage_n our_o reason_n make_v all_o external_a comfort_n tasteless_a and_o deprive_v we_o of_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o religion_n for_o one_a what_o courage_n can_v any_o man_n have_v against_o himself_o against_o the_o wound_n and_o disorder_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n courage_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o firmness_n of_o mind_n to_o govern_v its_o own_o resentment_n and_o passion_n to_o suffer_v pain_n and_o reproach_n and_o other_o evil_n without_o immoderate_a grief_n and_o to_o encounter_v danger_n without_o a_o amaze_a fear_n but_o when_o the_o mind_n itself_o be_v oppress_v with_o grief_n and_o fear_n and_o care_n the_o disease_n which_o courage_n shall_v prevent_v have_v already_o seize_v the_o spirit_n courage_n fortify_v we_o against_o external_a evil_n to_o keep_v they_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o wound_v our_o spirit_n but_o the_o disorder_n of_o our_o own_o passion_n be_v inward_a wound_n which_o we_o must_v feel_v and_o languish_v under_o when_o our_o own_o conscience_n reproach_n chide_v and_o threaten_v we_o the_o good_a opinion_n and_o
conceive_v no_o substance_n but_o matter_n and_o body_n and_o therefore_o reject_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n as_o nonsense_n and_o contradiction_n they_o will_v allow_v nothing_o to_o be_v wise_o make_v which_o they_o understand_v not_o the_o reason_n and_o use_n of_o and_o therefore_o they_o fancy_v a_o great_a many_o botch_n and_o blunder_n in_o nature_n which_o can_v be_v the_o design_n and_o contrivance_n of_o wisdom_n but_o the_o effect_n of_o chance_n and_o then_o the_o consequence_n be_v plain_a that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o chance_n not_o by_o a_o wise_a author_n now_o i_o confess_v if_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v be_v allow_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o defend_v either_o sense_n or_o reason_n or_o revelation_n against_o the_o cavil_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n for_o there_o be_v unconceivable_a and_o incomprehensible_a secret_n and_o mystery_n in_o they_o all_o and_o if_o to_o conceive_v and_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n must_v be_v make_v the_o measure_n and_o standard_n of_o true_a and_o false_a we_o must_v deny_v our_o sense_n and_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o our_o faith_n and_o if_o we_o do_v and_o must_v believe_v our_o sense_n and_o reason_n beyond_o our_o comprehension_n why_o must_v we_o believe_v nothing_o that_o be_v reveal_v any_o far_a than_o we_o can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o sum_n be_v this_o humane_a knowledge_n whatever_o the_o mean_n of_o know_v be_v whether_o sense_n or_o reason_n or_o revelation_n do_v not_o reach_v to_o the_o philosophical_a cause_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o only_o to_o their_o be_v and_o natural_a virtue_n and_o power_n and_o as_o a_o wise_a man_n who_o know_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o understanding_n expect_v no_o more_o from_o sense_n and_o reason_n than_o to_o know_v what_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o they_o be_v as_o far_o as_o they_o fall_v under_o the_o notice_n of_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n so_o we_o must_v expect_v no_o more_o from_o revelation_n than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n can_v discover_v but_o we_o must_v no_o more_o expect_v the_o philosophy_n of_o supernatural_a truth_n from_o revelation_n than_o we_o do_v the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n from_o sense_n and_o reason_n now_o since_o humane_a knowledge_n be_v not_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mysterious_a nature_n of_o thing_n but_o only_o to_o know_v what_o thing_n there_o be_v and_o what_o they_o be_v there_o can_v be_v no_o contradiction_n between_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o revelation_n unless_o one_o deny_v what_o the_o other_o affirm_v not_o that_o one_o teach_v more_o than_o the_o other_o teach_v or_o that_o one_o can_v comprehend_v what_o the_o other_o teach_v reason_n teach_v more_o than_o sense_n teach_v or_o can_v comprehend_v and_o revelation_n teach_v more_o than_o either_o sense_n or_o natural_a reason_n teach_v or_o can_v comprehend_v but_o this_o be_v no_o contradiction_n but_o only_o a_o subordination_n between_o these_o different_a kind_n and_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n but_o as_o for_o unconceivableness_n and_o incomprehensibility_n that_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o any_o thing_n for_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n can_v no_o more_o comprehend_v their_o own_o object_n than_o they_o do_v what_o be_v reveal_v and_o it_o be_v manifest_a perverseness_n to_o make_v that_o a_o objection_n against_o revelation_n which_o we_o will_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o sense_n and_o reason_n this_o be_v sufficient_a as_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o remove_v mens_fw-la prejudices_fw-la also_o against_o believe_v mystery_n i_o shall_v brief_o answer_v two_o very_a popular_a objection_n 1._o it_o be_v think_v very_o unnatural_a that_o when_o god_n have_v make_v we_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o therefore_o make_v natural_a reason_n to_o we_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n he_o shall_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v without_o reason_n as_o we_o must_v do_v if_o he_o reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o as_o we_o know_v not_o and_o can_v possible_o know_v the_o reason_n of_o if_o we_o must_v believe_v with_o our_o understanding_n how_o can_v we_o believe_v thing_n which_o we_o can_v understand_v this_o be_v a_o reasonable_a objection_n be_v it_o true_a for_o we_o can_v believe_v what_o we_o have_v no_o knowledge_n nor_o understanding_n of_o for_o faith_n be_v knowledge_n though_o not_o natural_a knowledge_n but_o do_v we_o not_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v do_v we_o not_o know_v what_o we_o mean_v when_o we_o say_v we_o believe_v in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n nay_o do_v not_o our_o adversary_n understand_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o it_o how_o then_o come_v they_o to_o charge_v we_o with_o believe_v contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n for_o if_o they_o know_v not_o what_o we_o believe_v they_o can_v know_v whether_o we_o believe_v contradiction_n or_o not_o and_o if_o we_o do_v understand_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v than_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v without_o understanding_n which_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a if_o we_o know_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v and_o we_o know_v also_o why_o we_o believe_v our_o faith_n be_v found_v in_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o high_a and_o most_o infallible_a reason_n the_o miracle_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v be_v evident_a to_o sense_n and_o own_a by_o reason_n to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o the_o answer_v the_o blind_a man_n give_v to_o the_o pharisee_n when_o christ_n have_v open_v his_o eye_n speak_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o nature_n herein_o be_v a_o marvellous_a thing_n that_o you_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o he_o be_v and_o yet_o he_o have_v open_v my_o eye_n now_o we_o know_v that_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n but_o if_o any_o man_n be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n he_o he_o hear_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v be_v it_o not_o hear_v that_o any_o man_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a if_o this_o man_n be_v not_o of_o god_n he_o can_v do_v nothing_o 9_o john_n 30_o 31_o 32_o 33._o and_o all_o mankind_n own_o that_o the_o most_o absolute_a faith_n be_v due_a to_o god_n and_o to_o those_o who_o speak_v from_o god_n and_o this_o as_o i_o take_v it_o be_v to_o believe_v with_o reason_n but_o still_o we_o believe_v such_o thing_n who_o nature_n we_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o can_v account_v for_o by_o natural_a reason_n and_o this_o be_v to_o believe_v without_o reason_n we_o believe_v that_o god_n the_o father_n have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n and_o that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v but_o one_o eternal_a god_n but_o this_o be_v what_o natural_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v nor_o give_v we_o any_o notion_n or_o conception_n of_o how_o god_n can_v have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n real_o distinct_a from_o himself_o and_o yet_o with_o himself_o one_o eternal_a and_o infinite_a god_n reason_n can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n nor_o of_o the_o eternal_a procession_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o believe_v without_o reason_n which_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n ought_v not_o to_o do_v and_o which_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v that_o god_n who_o make_v we_o reasonable_a creature_n expect_v from_o we_o and_o this_o i_o grant_v will_v be_v a_o material_a objection_n be_v reason_n the_o judge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o philosophy_n of_o thing_n and_o do_v reason_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o understand_v and_o comprehend_v but_o then_o we_o must_v no_o more_o believe_v sense_n and_o reason_n than_o revelation_n for_o we_o do_v not_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o any_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n how_o evident_a soever_o it_o be_v to_o sense_n and_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n nature_n be_v as_o great_a a_o mystery_n as_o revelation_n and_o it_o be_v no_o great_a affront_n to_o our_o understanding_n no_o more_o against_o reason_n for_o god_n to_o reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o as_o our_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v than_o 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o make_v a_o whole_a world_n which_o â—…eason_n can_v comprehend_v when_o we_o make_v it_o a_o objection_n against_o â—…ny_a thing_n that_o it_o be_v without_o reason_n or_o â—…s_v we_o apprehend_v against_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n we_o must_v first_o conâ—…ider_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o reason_n otherwise_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n as_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o sound_n that_o we_o can_v see_v they_o nor_o against_o colour_n
that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o intend_v to_o condemn_v all_o self-love_n which_o when_o it_o act_v regular_o be_v the_o natural_a principle_n of_o all_o moral_a and_o religious_a action_n and_o have_v prevent_v this_o objection_n which_o lie_v in_o my_o way_n for_o the_o further_a explication_n and_o improvement_n of_o these_o word_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o three_o thing_n 1._o inquire_v what_o that_o self-love_n be_v which_o the_o apostle_n here_o condemn_v 2._o how_o dangerous_a and_o perilous_a such_o time_n must_v needs_o be_v wherein_o this_o self-love_n prevail_v 3._o show_v the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n as_o well_o as_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n of_o it_o 1._o what_o that_o self-love_n be_v which_o the_o apostle_n condemn_v for_o can_v self-love_n be_v the_o fruitful_a parent_n of_o all_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o the_o evil_a and_o wickedness_n which_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o world_n can_v the_o same_o fountain_n send_v forth_o sweet_a water_n and_o bitter_a and_o yet_o thus_o we_o see_v it_o be_v both_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n act_v from_o a_o principle_n of_o self-love_n and_o design_v their_o own_o happiness_n and_o satisfaction_n this_o inspire_v good_a man_n with_o great_a and_o generous_a design_n set_v they_o above_o this_o world_n make_v they_o devout_a worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o very_o just_a and_o charitable_a to_o man_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o principle_n which_o act_v in_o bad_a man_n and_o drive_v they_o into_o all_o the_o excess_n of_o wickedness_n they_o gratify_v their_o own_o inclination_n and_o appetite_n â—…y_v it_o they_o find_v present_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n they_o do_v what_o they_o love_v they_o please_v themselves_o they_o pursue_v what_o they_o call_v happiness_n which_o be_v self-love_n still_o though_o turn_v off_o of_o its_o natural_a bias_n by_o mistake_a notion_n of_o happiness_n all_o man_n love_v themselves_o but_o self-love_n do_v not_o act_v alike_o in_o all_o man_n because_o they_o be_v not_o all_o agree_v what_o self_n to_o love_v for_o man_n consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n of_o spirit_n and_o flesh_n which_o have_v different_a interest_n appetite_n and_o inclination_n and_o have_v distinct_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o their_o own_o a_o good_a man_n love_v his_o whole_a self_n soul_n and_o body_n too_o and_o design_n and_o endeavour_n the_o happiness_n of_o both_o which_o be_v the_o entire_a happiness_n of_o a_o man_n and_o this_o be_v a_o virtuous_a self-love_n which_o make_v the_o flesh_n subordinate_a to_o the_o spirit_n govern_v our_o sensual_a appetite_n by_o reason_n improve_v our_o mind_n in_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n raise_v our_o soul_n up_o to_o god_n and_o entertain_v they_o with_o the_o love_n and_o the_o admiration_n of_o that_o best_a of_o being_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n secure_v a_o eternal_a interest_n the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o glorious_a resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n into_o immortal_a life_n but_o a_o bad_a man_n love_v but_o one_o part_n of_o himself_o and_o that_o the_o mean_a part_n too_o and_o make_v much_o more_o mean_a and_o vile_a by_o be_v love_v alone_o his_o self-love_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o love_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o of_o the_o lust_n and_o appetite_n and_o pleasure_n of_o it_o a_o love_n of_o this_o world_n and_o all_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n which_o gratify_v a_o carnal_a and_o fleshly_a mind_n the_o soul_n be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o care_n so_o far_o from_o it_o that_o he_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o believe_v he_o have_v a_o soul_n unless_o it_o be_v to_o subdue_v reason_n to_o sense_n and_o brutish_a passion_n to_o stifle_v the_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n to_o root_v up_o all_o the_o seed_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n or_o to_o charm_v his_o conscience_n that_o it_o may_v not_o chide_v and_o condemn_v and_o disturb_v he_o in_o his_o enjoyment_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o this_o we_o must_v observe_v that_o when_o the_o scripture_n condemn_v the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o it_o do_v not_o mean_v our_o personal_a self_n for_o so_o every_o man_n do_v and_o must_v love_v himself_o or_o his_o own_o person_n but_o it_o be_v to_o love_v something_o for_o ourselves_o which_o we_o will_v have_v to_o be_v ourselves_o when_o god_n never_o make_v it_o to_o be_v so_o which_o be_v our_o own_o self_n or_o a_o self_n of_o our_o own_o make_n and_o to_o love_v this_o self_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o man_n which_o be_v to_o love_v our_o self_n only_o and_o to_o make_v all_o other_o thing_n subordinate_a to_o self_n which_o be_v the_o adequate_a notion_n of_o a_o vicious_a self-love_n 1._o it_o be_v a_o self_n of_o our_o own_o make_n that_o be_v it_o be_v what_o a_o sinner_n will_v call_v himself_o and_o will_v account_v his_o whole_a self_n and_o in_o please_v of_o which_o he_o place_v his_o whole_a happiness_n though_o it_o be_v but_o a_o little_a part_n of_o that_o self_n which_o god_n make_v god_n make_v man_n soul_n and_o body_n but_o such_o man_n will_v call_v nothing_o themselves_o but_o flesh_n god_n make_v man_n for_o a_o rational_a and_o intellectual_a happiness_n as_o he_o make_v he_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n but_o such_o man_n place_v their_o whole_a happiness_n in_o sense_n now_o flesh_n be_v not_o the_o man_n of_o god_n make_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n be_v not_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o man_n man_n be_v make_v to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n in_o conjunction_n with_o those_o of_o reason_n and_o in_o subordination_n to_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o a_o sensual_a happiness_n he_o be_v not_o make_v for_o that_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o a_o inferior_a and_o brutish_a nature_n and_o those_o who_o will_v have_v this_o to_o be_v their self_o and_o their_o happiness_n be_v their_o own_o creature_n not_o god_n and_o be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n of_o their_o own_o invention_n their_o own_o way_n and_o device_n as_o the_o scripture_n speak_v 2._o such_o man_n be_v lover_n of_o themselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n that_o be_v they_o be_v lover_n of_o pleasure_n more_o than_o lover_n of_o god_n as_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v they_o prefer_v their_o own_o will_n and_o humour_n and_o the_o gratification_n of_o their_o lust_n before_o the_o will_n and_o law_n of_o god_n and_o in_o contradiction_n to_o they_o a_o good_a man_n live_v in_o subordination_n to_o god_n as_o a_o creature_n ought_v to_o do_v to_o his_o maker_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o his_o will_n and_o choice_n the_o love_n of_o god_n give_v law_n and_o bound_n to_o his_o love_n of_o himself_o he_o please_v himself_o in_o such_o instance_n as_o god_n allow_v he_o deny_v his_o own_o will_n and_o appetite_n inclination_n and_o interest_n when_o they_o oppose_v the_o will_n and_o law_n of_o god_n such_o a_o man_n can_v hardly_o be_v say_v to_o have_v any_o self_n to_o have_v any_o will_n any_o love_n any_o desire_n of_o his_o own_o for_o god_n be_v all_o this_o to_o he_o god_n live_v in_o he_o he_o be_v more_o god_n than_o he_o be_v his_o own_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v i_o live_v yet_o not_o i_o but_o christ_n live_v in_o i_o 2_o gal._n 20._o but_o a_o bad_a man_n have_v divide_v himself_o from_o god_n cast_v off_o his_o obedience_n affect_v a_o independent_a state_n to_o stand_v by_o himself_o and_o to_o be_v his_o own_o lord_n and_o master_n and_o a_o god_n to_o himself_o and_o such_o a_o man_n be_v proper_o say_v to_o love_v himself_o for_o he_o distinguish_v himself_o from_o god_n and_o prefer_v himself_o before_o he_o three_o such_o man_n be_v proper_o say_v to_o be_v lover_n of_o themselves_o because_o they_o love_v themselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n they_o gratify_v their_o lust_n and_o serve_v their_o private_a interest_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o law_n of_o justice_n or_o charity_n it_o be_v their_o principle_n to_o do_v good_a to_o themselves_o without_o ever_o be_v concern_v what_o either_o private_a man_n or_o public_a society_n suffer_v by_o it_o they_o be_v the_o whole_a world_n to_o themselves_o and_o have_v no_o body_n else_o to_o please_v or_o take_v care_n of_o unless_o they_o can_v serve_v their_o own_o design_n by_o it_o such_o man_n be_v proper_o lover_n of_o themselves_o that_o be_v only_o of_o themselves_o for_o they_o love_v no_o body_n else_o and_o this_o be_v the_o sordid_a narrow_a selfish_a spirit_n of_o flesh_n and_o sense_n which_o dwell_v within_o itself_o be_v its_o own_o centre_n and_o its_o own_o circumference_n for_o flesh_n be_v a_o narrow_a principle_n can_v have_v no_o pleasure_n nor_o feel_v any_o pain_n but_o its_o own_o and_o therefore_o must_v confine_v
their_o vice_n and_o bad_a name_n to_o virtue_n this_o be_v so_o common_a and_o so_o well_o know_v that_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v on_o it_o a_o easy_a oblige_v friendly_a conversation_n be_v very_o charm_a when_o it_o be_v govern_v by_o strict_a virtue_n these_o man_n let_v the_o virtue_n alone_o and_o justify_v their_o vice_n as_o only_o the_o effect_n and_o instance_n of_o good_a humour_n and_o sociableness_n and_o of_o a_o comply_a temper_n to_o make_v their_o company_n easy_a and_o their_o conversation_n pleasant_a and_o entertain_v and_o this_o they_o think_v a_o good_a apology_n for_o all_o their_o lewdness_n debauchery_n and_o profaneness_n which_o may_v make_v they_o agreeable_a company_n for_o one_o another_o but_o very_o unfit_a for_o the_o conversation_n not_o only_o of_o good_a man_n but_o of_o prudent_a and_o cautious_a sinner_n but_o that_o be_v all_o one_o they_o will_v have_v this_o good_a humour_n and_o that_o be_v a_o good_a name_n which_o will_v suit_v any_o vice_n which_o please_v themselves_o and_o their_o company_n thus_o to_o be_v diligent_a in_o our_o business_n prudent_a and_o frugal_a in_o our_o expense_n to_o mortify_v our_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o deny_v the_o crave_n of_o lust_n and_o use_v our_o body_n hardly_o be_v very_o commendable_a thing_n when_o they_o be_v oppose_v to_o idleness_n and_o luxury_n and_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o care_n of_o our_o family_n and_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o all_o act_n of_o charity_n and_o to_o subdue_v the_o flesh_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o make_v we_o more_o devout_a worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o a_o mere_a earthworm_n who_o do_v all_o this_o for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o get_v or_o to_o save_v his_o money_n though_o he_o starve_v himself_o and_o his_o family_n and_o the_o poor_a by_o it_o and_o make_v himself_o a_o vile_a slave_n all_o his_o day_n call_v this_o fordo_v covetousness_n by_o these_o good_a name_n of_o diligence_n prudence_n frugality_n temperance_n mortification_n when_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o love_n of_o money_n above_o his_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n and_o adore_v it_o as_o his_o god_n thus_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n superstition_n and_o hypocrisy_n be_v very_o ill_a name_n and_o these_o at_o all_o adventure_n they_o bestow_v upon_o piety_n and_o virtue_n to_o excuse_v their_o own_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o both_o as_o if_o no_o man_n can_v be_v sincere_a because_o there_o be_v some_o hypocrite_n or_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o religion_n because_o some_o man_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v religious_a who_o be_v not_o though_o it_o be_v a_o better_a argument_n for_o religion_n that_o even_o bad_a man_n desire_v to_o be_v think_v religious_a thus_o a_o affect_a singularity_n be_v very_o offensive_a and_o nauseous_a to_o all_o wise_a man_n and_o this_o be_v their_o name_n for_o a_o sullen_a inflexible_a virtue_n which_o will_v not_o do_v a_o bad_a thing_n to_o please_v its_o company_n nor_o admit_v bad_a man_n into_o the_o privacy_n and_o familiarity_n of_o conversation_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o medium_fw-la between_o affect_a singularity_n and_o be_v wicked_a for_o company_n this_o be_v the_o art_n of_o change_a name_n call_v any_o virtue_n or_o vice_n by_o its_o own_o name_n such_o as_o piety_n justice_n charity_n temperance_n chastity_n or_o profaneness_n injustice_n drunkenness_n adultery_n and_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o the_o one_o nor_o for_o the_o other_o for_o these_o be_v name_n of_o honour_n and_o esteem_v or_o of_o infamy_n and_o reproach_n all_o the_o world_n over_o but_o if_o they_o can_v find_v any_o thing_n in_o vice_n which_o bear_v the_o least_o resemblance_n to_o what_o some_o virtue_n oblige_v we_o to_o they_o present_o give_v the_o name_n of_o those_o virtue_n to_o their_o vice_n and_o if_o a_o virtuous_a man_n may_v do_v any_o thing_n for_o wise_a and_o good_a reason_n which_o have_v any_o likeness_n or_o analogy_n to_o what_o bad_a man_n do_v for_o very_o bad_a reason_n they_o give_v the_o name_n of_o those_o vice_n to_o virtue_n which_o be_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n to_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n and_o this_o there_o be_v too_o many_o guilty_a of_o who_o be_v not_o profess_v atheist_n or_o infidel_n who_o think_v it_o some_o excuse_n for_o their_o vice_n if_o they_o can_v find_v any_o thing_n good_a to_o say_v of_o they_o and_o a_o apology_n for_o their_o lukewarmness_n and_o indifferency_n in_o religion_n if_o they_o can_v charge_v some_o zealous_a professor_n with_o pharisaism_n and_o hypocrisy_n but_o by_o whosoever_o and_o for_o what_o reason_n soever_o this_o be_v do_v the_o woe_n belong_v to_o all_o those_o who_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n 2_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n darkness_n and_o light_n very_o often_o in_o scripture_n signify_v vice_n and_o virtue_n sin_n be_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n be_v to_o live_v holy_o as_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o 1_o john_n 1._o for_o 6_o 7._o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o god_n and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n live_v in_o any_o sin_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o if_o we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o light_n if_o we_o be_v holy_a as_o god_n be_v holy_a then_o have_v we_o fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o call_v evil_n good_a and_o good_a evil._n but_o then_o darkness_n signify_v also_o ignorance_n and_o error_n false_a and_o corrupt_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o light_v a_o clear_a and_o certain_a knowledge_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n what_o concern_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n but_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v john_n 3._o 19_o and_o thus_o we_o must_v understand_v it_o here_o those_o man_n who_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n who_o reject_v the_o moral_a difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o confound_v the_o name_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n pervert_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o knowledge_n and_o rule_n of_o judge_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n call_v all_o the_o arbitrary_a and_o ridiculous_a principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n light_n and_o esteem_v they_o as_o the_o most_o true_a and_o certain_a knowledge_n though_o indeed_o they_o teach_v we_o nothing_o but_o reduce_v we_o to_o the_o most_o perfect_a state_n of_o ignorance_n by_o unteach_v all_o that_o mankind_n know_v before_o for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o mind_n for_o the_o next_o step_n be_v to_o put_v light_n for_o darkness_n to_o reject_v all_o the_o natural_a and_o all_o the_o supernatural_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n the_o natural_a notion_n of_o our_o mind_n the_o natural_a light_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o supernatural_a light_n of_o revelation_n as_o mere_a ignorance_n and_o imposture_n the_o cheat_n of_o education_n or_o of_o a_o timorous_a fancy_n or_o the_o cunning_a of_o statesman_n or_o the_o invention_n of_o priest_n such_o man_n you_o know_v there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o woe_n belong_v to_o they_o 3_o to_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a be_v a_o corruption_n not_o mere_o of_o our_o judgement_n but_o of_o our_o natural_a sensation_n of_o our_o natural_a taste_n and_o relish_v of_o thing_n bitter_n signify_v whatever_o be_v natural_o uneasy_a grievous_a offensive_a as_o bitter_a thing_n be_v to_o the_o palate_n that_o which_o cause_n trouble_v anguish_n remorse_n as_o all_o wicked_a action_n natural_o do_v now_o such_o thingâ—…_n as_o be_v grievous_a and_o afflict_a to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n who_o have_v any_o natural_a sense_n leave_v these_o man_n call_v sweet_a account_v their_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n but_o than_o what_o be_v natural_o sweet_a have_v a_o natural_a easiness_n pleasure_n satisfaction_n as_o all_o good_a and_o virtuous_a action_n have_v this_o they_o call_v bitter_a these_o be_v the_o grievance_n of_o their_o life_n a_o intolerable_a yoke_n which_o they_o can_v and_o will_v not_o bear_v this_o be_v the_o most_o degenerate_a state_n of_o human_a nature_n which_o have_v lose_v all_o relish_n of_o virtue_n and_o all_o sense_n of_o shame_n and_o fear_n and_o remorse_n when_o they_o do_v evil_a their_o mind_n be_v perfect_o dead_a and_o stupid_a without_o any_o rational_a or_o spiritual_a sensation_n they_o have_v nothing_o but_o their_o bodily_a sense_n leave_v and_o by_o these_o alone_o they_o judge_v of_o sweet_a and_o