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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
spirit_n divine_a feel_v great_a 215 3 2.1569 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59893 Sermons preach'd upon several occasions some of which were never before printed / by W. Sherlock. Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1700 (1700) Wing S3364; ESTC R29357 211,709 562

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in_o danger_n when_o we_o can_v reasonable_o promise_v ourselves_o to_o receive_v our_o own_o again_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v but_o this_o be_v great_a charity_n but_o then_o this_o must_v be_v conduct_v by_o the_o measure_n and_o proportion_n of_o give_v what_o charity_n will_v oblige_v we_o to_o give_v it_o will_v as_o reasonable_o oblige_v we_o to_o lend_v but_o where_o the_o retu●…n_n be_v very_o hazardous_a it_o can_v oblige_v we_o to_o lend_v no_o more_o than_o what_o it_o will_v become_v we_o to_o ●…e_v and_o yet_o in_o such_o case_n lend_v ●…y_o be_v a_o great_a charity_n than_o give_v ●…ich_a be_v the_o second_o thing_n propose_v ●…ich_a i_o can_v speak_v but_o brief_o to_o 2._o the_o excellency_n and_o advanta●…s_n of_o this_o charity_n of_o lend_v and_o ●…w_v it_o may_v be_v improve_v to_o be_v the_o best_a ●…rpose_n now_o if_o we_o compare_v give_v and_o ●…nding_v together_o lend_v have_v much_o ●…e_a advantage_n of_o give_v as_o to_o ●…e_v true_a end_n and_o purpose_n of_o cha●…y_n to_o lend_v be_v a_o great_a obligation_n to_o ●…dustry_n than_o to_o give_v and_o there_o can●…ot_v be_v a_o great_a kindness_n do_v to_o the_o ●…oor_a next_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o star●…ing_n than_o to_o teach_v they_o industry_n i_o ●…eed_v not_o tell_v you_o that_o there_o be_v many_o ●…oor_n who_o will_v never_o work_v while_o they_o ●…an_v meet_v with_o charitable_a people_n to_o ●…ive_v nay_o who_o choose_v to_o be_v sick_a to_o ●…e_v lame_a to_o be_v blind_a to_o move_v chari●…y_n rather_o than_o work_v to_o supply_v their_o want_n but_o when_o man_n have_v nothing_o ●…o_o live_v on_o but_o the_o improvement_n of_o lend_a money_n which_o they_o know_v they_o must_v repay_v when_o it_o be_v call_v for_o this_o must_v make_v they_o industrious_a for_o it_o both_o encourage_v their_o industry_n and_o keep_v the_o rod_n over_o they_o especial_o be_v this_o make_v a_o stand_a rule_n to_o give_v nothing_o to_o those_o who_o be_v able_a but_o will_v not_o work_v who_o 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●…y_v no_o mean_n think_v this_o either_o impracti●…able_a or_o difficult_a i_o doubt_v not_o but_o most_o of_o this_o ho●…ourable_a assembly_n can_v contrive_v very_o advantageous_a way_n of_o do_v this_o be_v man_n but_o charitable_o dispose_v for_o suppose_v you_o shall_v make_v your_o hospital_n or_o your_o company_n such_o public_a bank_n or_o if_o it_o can_v be_v more_o public_a still_o the_o more_o useful_a and_o the_o more_o secure_a where_o charitable_a people_n may_v safe_o deposit_v their_o money_n without_o use_n or_o those_o who_o can_v spare_v the_o whole_a interest_n may_v abate_v some_o part_n of_o it_o and_o where_o the_o run_a cash_n may_v be_v lodge_v which_o man_n expect_v no_o interest_n for_o this_o may_v easy_o rise_v to_o a_o very_a vast_a sum_n which_o with_o wise_a improvement_n will_v make_v a_o sure_a and_o last_a fund_z of_o charity_n and_o can_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v more_o easy_a than_o this_o which_o no_o man_n can_v feel_v what_o will_v 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consecrate_v the_o memory_n of_o such_o ●…orthy_a person_n as_o will_v begin_v and_o ●…romote_v such_o a_o last_a and_o extensive_a charity_n the_o child_n which_o be_v un●…orn_v will_v rise_v up_o and_o call_v they_o bles●…ed_v it_o will_v draw_v a_o great_a share_n of_o ●…e_n charitable_a money_n of_o the_o nation_n ●…to_fw-mi your_o hand_n which_o will_v quicken_v ●…rade_n and_o increase_v your_o riches_n and_o ●…bove_o all_o it_o will_v procure_v all_o the_o great_a ●…ewards_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o chari●…y_n both_o in_o this_o world_n and_o in_o the_o ●…ext_n but_o whatever_o become_v of_o this_o pro●…osal_n you_o must_v always_o remember_v that_o 〈◊〉_d be_v great_a charity_n to_o lend_v as_o well_o as_o ●…o_o give_v this_o be_v what_o our_o saviour_n ex●…ects_v from_o we_o this_o be_v what_o he_o com●…ands_v to_o do_v good_a and_o lend_v hope_v for_o ●…othing_v again_o and_o if_o out_o of_o a_o greedy_a desire_n of_o gain_n we_o will_v lend_v nothing_o free_o to_o the_o relief_n and_o encouragement_n of_o the_o industrious_a poor_a this_o will_v make_v all_o our_o other_o usury_n and_o increase_n which_o be_v lawful_a and_o innocent_a in_o itself_o when_o it_o neither_o oppress_v the_o poor_a nor_o stop_v our_o charity_n to_o become_v sin_n sermon_n vi._n ●…reached_v before_o the_o queen_n at_o whitehall_n june_n 26._o 1692._o prov._n xviii_o 14._o ●…he_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n will_v sustain_v his_o infirmity_n but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v one_o great_a objection_n against_o providence_n be_v take_v from_o the_o many_o evil_n and_o calamity_n ●…hich_v mankind_n suffer_v which_o will_v ●…e_v a_o reasonable_a objection_n be_v they_o more_o than_o be_v deserve_v or_o more_o than_o ●…are_v necessary_a for_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o the_o world_n but_o beside_o other_o answer_n that_o may_v be_v give_v to_o it_o the_o wise-man_n observation_n in_o my_o text_n furnish_v we_o with_o two_o very_a plain_a answer_n 1._o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o this_o ●…ife_n be_v not_o disproportion_v to_o our_o strength_n to_o bear_v they_o and_o when_o affliction_n and_o misfortune_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o wise_a government_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a vindication_n of_o providence_n that_o god_n lay_v no_o more_o on_o we_o than_o what_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n can_v bear_v the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n will_v sustain_v his_o infirmity_n and_o two_o that_o the_o only_a evil_n that_o be_v intolerable_a and_o insupportable_a be_v whole_o owe_v to_o ourselves_o and_o then_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o quarrel_v at_o the_o divine_a providence_n when_o god_n be_v more_o merciful_a to_o we_o than_o we_o be_v to_o ourselves_o but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o ca●…_n bear_v for_o the_o explication_n and_o
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 ●…ot_v feel_v they_o nor_o have_v any_o afflict_a ●…ense_n of_o they_o for_o the_o stoic_n them●…elves_n will_v not_o say_v that_o pain_n be_v ●…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 en●…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 mo●…o_fw-la est_fw-la aliqua_fw-la patientia_fw-la cicer._n ●…o_o bear_v it_o but_o that_o patience_n ●…f_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n can_v conquer_v pain_n and_o ●…herefore_o to_o sustain_v infirmi●…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 ●…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 de●…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 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wa●…_n and_o his_o heart_n fret_v against_o the_o lord_n if_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o of_o tho●…_n punishment_n he_o have_v threaten_v agai●…_n sin_n make_v we_o true_a and_o sincere_a pe●…tents_n conquer_v our_o vicious_a habi●…_n and_o reform_v our_o life_n this_o be_v such_o 〈◊〉_d wound_v spirit_n as_o god_n will_v bind_v up_o again_o such_o a_o break_a and_o contrite_a hea●…_n as_o god_n will_v not_o despise_v but_o the_o though●…_n of_o god_n and_o of_o a_o future_a judgement_n a●…_n very_o terrible_a to_o impenitent_a sinner_n it_o be_v a_o dreadful_a prospect_n to_o look_v int●…_n the_o other_o world_n and_o to_o see_v those_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n and_o this_o 〈◊〉_d all_o that_o bad_a man_n can_v see_v in_o the_o next_o ●…orld_n thus_o we_o see_v how_o supportable_a all_o ●…ternal_a evil_n and_o calamity_n be_v how_o ●…supportable_a a_o wound_a spirit_n be_v and_o ●…e_o compare_v these_o two_o case_n will_v ●…ggest_v some_o very_a useful_a thought_n to_o ●…s_n as_o first_o this_o be_v a_o great_a vindicati●…_n of_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n with_o ●…spect_n to_o those_o evil_n and_o calamity_n ●…at_a be_v in_o the_o world_n suffering_n be_v ●…ery_o necessary_a in_o this_o corrupt_a and_o de●…enerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n but_o though_o ●…od_a see_v it_o necessary_a to_o punish_v sinner_n ●…et_o he_o have_v make_v abundant_a provision_n to_o ●…pport_v we_o under_o all_o external_a suffer●…gs_n he_o inflict_v nothing_o on_o we_o but_o ●…hat_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n can_v sustain_v ●…d_v support_v itself_o under_o but_o our_o ●…reatest_a suffering_n be_v owe_v to_o our_o ●…elves_n and_o no_o more_o chargeable_a on_o the_o ●…rovidence_n of_o god_n than_o our_o sin_n be_v ●…othing_v that_o be_v external_a can_v hurt_v we_o ●…hile_o our_o mind_n be_v sound_a and_o health●…l_a but_o it_o be_v only_o a_o disorder_a or_o guilty_a ●…ind_n which_o give_v a_o sting_n to_o afflicti●…ns_n 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to_o his_o lord_n what_o love_n be_v this_o to_o the_o soul_n ●…f_a man_n it_o be_v certain_o the_o most_o per●…ect_a imitation_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n ●…at_n be_v possible_a to_o man_n christ_n so_o ●…oved_v we_o as_o to_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o live_v a_o laborious_a life_n and_o ●…o_o die_v a_o accurse_a death_n for_o we_o this_o great_a apostle_n so_o love_v his_o lord_n and_o so_o love_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o ●…e_v make_v it_o his_o choice_n to_o stay_v some_o time_n out_o of_o heaven_n and_o to_o encounter_v all_o the_o misery_n and_o terror_n of_o this_o life_n to_o serve_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n where_o be_v this_o divine_a spirit_n now_o to_o be_v find_v let_v we_o my_o belove_a brethren_n who_o be_v entrust_v also_o with_o the_o care_n of_o soul_n by_o the_o great_a shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n blush_v to_o think_v how_o far_o short_a we_o fall_v of_o this_o example_n let_v this_o inspire_v we_o with_o a_o flame_a love_n 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discontent_n without_o quarrel_n ●…here_o our_o soul_n shall_v be_v perfect_v in_o ●…owledge_n and_o in_o love_n where_o we_o ●…all_v dwell_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n see_v ●…m_n as_o he_o be_v and_o know_v he_o even_o as_o ●…e_v be_v know_v where_o we_o shall_v dwell_v ●…ith_n christ_n adore_v his_o love_n behold_v ●…s_a glory_n and_o be_v transform_v our_o ●…lves_n into_o the_o likeness_n and_o image_n of_o ●…s_n glory_n we_o have_v but_o obscure_v im●…rfect_a conception_n of_o these_o thing_n ●…w_o heaven_n will_v outdo_v our_o high_a ●…xpectations_n as_o much_o as_o the_o most_o ●…erfect_a state_n of_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n ●…ways_o fall_v short_a of_o what_o we_o expect●…_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o all_o good_a ●…en_n it_o be_v a_o mighty_a happy_a change_n ●…ey_n make_v when_o they_o remove_v from_o ●…arth_n to_o heaven_n but_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o next_o world_n proportion●…d_v not_o only_o to_o our_o different_a 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and_o the_o lord_n say_v who_o then_o be_v that_o faithful_a and_o wise_a steward_n who_o his_o lord_n shall_v make_v ruler_n over_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o their_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n this_o be_v the_o honourable_a character_n of_o gospel_n minister_n in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o be_v ruler_n in_o god_n household_n to_o instruct_v and_o feed_v they_o with_o the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o their_o reward_n be_v proportion_v to_o their_o work_n blessed_n be_v that_o servant_n who_o his_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v so_o do_v of_o a_o truth_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o he_o will_v make_v he_o ruler_n ●…ver_o all_o that_o he_o have_v what_o this_o rule●…ignifies_v ●…ignifies_z in_o the_o other_o world_n be_v a_o myste●…y_n to_o we_o especial_o since_o we_o have_v ●…ancied_v the_o other_o world_n to_o be_v only_o a_o state_n of_o contemplation_n not_o of_o acti●…n_n where_o we_o shall_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v ●…ut_o to_o see_v god_n and_o to_o love_n and_o to_o praise_v he_o but_o no_o service_n to_o do_v for_o ●…im_v but_o we_o know_v there_o be_v different_a ●…orders_n of_o angel_n who_o be_v employ_v in_o great_a trust_n and_o office_n arch-angel_n angel_n throne_n dominion_n principality_n and_o power_n which_o be_v name_n of_o rule_n and_o government_n though_o we_o know_v not_o what_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v nor_o how_o they_o govern_v in_o like_a manner_n our_o saviour_n promise_v his_o apostle_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o which_o have_v follow_v i_o in_o the_o regeneration_n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v sit_v on_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o glory_n you_o also_o shall_v sit_v upon_o twelve_o throne_n judge_v the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n 19_o matth._n 28._o the_o like_a we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o pound_n and_o talent_n he_o who_o have_v gain_v ten_o pound_n have_v rule_n over_o ten_o city_n and_o he_o who_o gain_v five_o pound_n have_v rule_n over_o five_o city_n for_o these_o servant_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n give_v these_o pound_n and_o talent_n to_o improve_v plain_o signify_v his_o steward_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n for_o no_o other_o person_n have_v in_o so_o peculiar_a a_o manner_n this_o honourable_a character_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n throughout_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o there_o be_v order_n and_o government_n among_o the_o angel_n themselves_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o like_o this_o among_o glorify_a saint_n if_o angel_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o heaven_n be_v a_o state_n of_o mere_a rest_n and_o contemplation_n especial_o when_o happiness_n consist_v in_o action_n and_o if_o christ_n have_v any_o minister_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n in_o the_o next_o world_n it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o those_o shall_v have_v the_o great_a authority_n and_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o noble_a service_n who_o have_v be_v his_o faithful_a steward_n and_o minister_n in_o this_o world_n for_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o in_o heaven_n be_v the_o same_o church_n though_o their_o state_n be_v very_o different_a and_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o lose_v their_o relation_n to_o christ_n nor_o their_o station_n in_o his_o church_n by_o remove_v to_o heaven_n it_o be_v a_o sacerdotal_a kingdom_n our_o high_a priest_n be_v king_n and_o therefore_o a_o priest_n of_o jesus_n how_o mean_a soever_o this_o be_v think_v now_o will_v be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a character_n in_o heaven_n what_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o be_v we_o can_v tell_v but_o we_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o empty_a title_n in_o heaven_n but_o every_o degree_n of_o dignity_n there_o signify_v a_o peculiar_a degree_n of_o happiness_n
its_o love_n and_o care_n to_o its_o self_n but_o a_o man_n who_o have_v a_o true_o great_a and_o divine_a mind_n who_o love_v all_o man_n as_o himself_o and_o love_v himself_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v call_v a_o selfish_a man_n or_o a_o lover_n of_o himself_o for_o he_o have_v a_o universal_a love_n to_o humane_a nature_n which_o begin_v with_o himself_o but_o extend_v to_o all_o the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o short_a account_n what_o this_o vicious_a self-love_n be_v and_o why_o it_o be_v so_o call_v two_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propose_v be_v to_o show_v 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 now_o those_o be_v perilous_a time_n which_o expose_v man_n to_o great_a danger_n and_o to_o great_a trouble_n and_o calamity_n and_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o own_o private_a fortune_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o public_a and_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n and_o what_o a_o malignant_a influence_n this_o vicious_a self-love_n have_v upon_o all_o these_o great_a and_o dear_a interest_n be_v so_o visible_a that_o methinks_v it_o shall_v need_v no_o proof_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v at_o present_v only_o give_v some_o brief_a hint_n of_o it_o and_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o take_v notice_n how_o much_o such_o self-lover_n suffer_v from_o themselves_o and_o from_o their_o own_o self-love_n for_o though_o this_o make_v themselves_o ●…iserable_a it_o do_v not_o make_v the_o time_n dangerous_a the_o time_n may_v be_v very_o prosperous_a and_o good_a man_n very_o happy_a though_o such_o sinner_n may_v reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o work_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o their_o own_o device_n though_o they_o sacrifice_v their_o honour_n their_o estate_n their_o health_n their_o life_n to_o intemperance_n and_o lust_n though_o ambition_n heat_v their_o brain_n into_o a_o distraction_n and_o care_n and_o disappointment_n break_v their_o heart_n or_o gild_n disturb_v their_o conscience_n and_o fill_v they_o with_o rage_n and_o furious_a despair_n the_o world_n be_v not_o much_o concern_v in_o this_o let_v such_o self-lover_n look_v to_o it_o and_o thank_v themselves_o for_o what_o they_o suffer_v but_o then_o the_o time_n be_v dangerous_a with_o respect_n to_o our_o private_a and_o personal_a interest_n when_o man_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n from_o one_o another_o when_o they_o be_v never_o secure_a from_o private_a injury_n when_o they_o know_v not_o who_o to_o trust_v nor_o with_o who_o to_o converse_v when_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o find_v a_o friend_n and_o almost_o impossible_a to_o escape_v a_o enemy_n when_o the_o great_a virtue_n innocence_n inoffenciveness_n nay_o the_o divine_a charity_n and_o all_o the_o charm_n of_o a_o oblige_a conversation_n can_v secure_v man_n from_o envy_n rapine_n and_o detraction_n from_o the_o venom_n of_o tongue_n or_o from_o more_o malicious_a design_n against_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n such_o a_o state_n as_o this_o will_v make_v all_o good_a man_n wish_v as_o david_n do_v o_o that_o i_o have_v wing_n like_o a_o dove_n for_o than_o will_v i_o fly_v away_o and_o be_v at_o rest_n lo_o than_o will_v i_o wander_v far_o off_o and_o remain_v in_o the_o wilderness_n i_o will_v hasten_v my_o escape_n from_o the_o windy_a storm_n and_o tempest_n 55_o psa._n 6_o 7_o 8_o verse_n and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a state_n which_o self-love_n put_v mankind_n into_o when_o it_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n this_o a_o late_a admire_a philosopher_n call_v the_o state_n of_o nature_n wherein_o every_o man_n be_v a_o wolf_n to_o a_o man_n but_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v only_o the_o state_n of_o this_o vicious_a self-love_n which_o be_v the_o corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o a_o reasonable_a and_o sociable_a nature_n if_o man_n be_v make_v for_o society_n it_o can_v be_v his_o nature_n to_o love_v no_o body_n but_o himself_o which_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o society_n he_o must_v first_o put_v off_o nature_n if_o that_o be_v this_o self-love_n before_o he_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o live_v in_o society_n which_o seem_v very_o unaccountable_a that_o a_o creature_n who_o be_v make_v for_o society_n shall_v not_o be_v fit_a for_o society_n till_o he_o change_v his_o nature_n for_o man_n can_v live_v together_o in_o safety_n while_o they_o be_v all_o act_v by_o this_o principle_n self-love_n make_v every_o man_n his_o own_o centre_n and_o the_o centre_n draw_v all_o to_o itself_o all_o that_o be_v within_o its_o sphere_n of_o activity_n pride_n be_v self-love_n such_o a_o esteem_n for_o ourselves_o as_o value_v no_o man_n honour_n or_o reputation_n but_o our_o own_o and_o this_o draw_v all_o honour_n to_o itself_o be_v not_o content_v unless_o it_o can_v outshine_v all_o other_o and_o either_o by_o a_o great_a brightness_n swallow_v they_o up_o or_o eclipse_v they_o by_o black_a and_o misty_a vapour_n by_o all_o the_o art_n of_o infamy_n and_o reproach_n covetousness_n be_v self-love_n when_o man_n will_v be_v rich_a whoever_o be_v poor_a and_o by_o whatever_o art_n they_o can_v do_v it_o and_o this_o draw_v all_o riches_n to_o itself_o and_o snatch_v they_o from_o all_o that_o come_v within_o its_o reach_n and_o what_o injustice_n and_o violence_n theft_n murder_n perjury_n do_v this_o occasion_n self-love_n be_v the_o love_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o love_n of_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n which_o will_v please_v itself_o whoever_o be_v grieve_v and_o injure_v by_o it_o such_o brutish_a sensualist_n have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o honour_n and_o peace_n of_o family_n to_o the_o modesty_n of_o virgin_n to_o the_o sacred_a vow_n of_o wife_n to_o the_o stain_n and_o infamy_n of_o posterity_n nay_o many_o time_n not_o to_o the_o dignity_n of_o humane_a nature_n but_o gratify_v their_o lust_n in_o contradiction_n to_o they_o all_o where_o self-love_n reign_v there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o compassion_n for_o charity_n for_o justice_n for_o true_a friendship_n every_o thing_n must_v give_v way_n to_o self_n and_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n whether_o such_o be_v not_o perilous_a time_n some_o such_o man_n there_o be_v always_o in_o the_o world_n and_o great_a number_n of_o they_o too_o and_o we_o daily_o feel_v what_o mischief_n they_o do_v but_o the_o more_o the_o number_n of_o they_o increase_v the_o more_o this_o self-love_n prevail_v the_o more_o intolerable_a will_n humane_a conversation_n be_v and_o if_o we_o allow_v that_o pride_n ambition_n covetousness_n sensuality_n be_v great_a enemy_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n to_o the_o good_a order_n and_o government_n of_o any_o nation_n we_o must_v grant_v that_o self-love_n which_o be_v the_o impure_a fountain_n from_o whence_o all_o these_o corrupt_a stream_n flow_v be_v very_o destructive_a to_o humane_a society_n too_o it_o corrupt_v public_a justice_n loosen_v the_o reign_n of_o government_n soften_v and_o emasculate_v man_n spirit_n render_v they_o unfit_a for_o counsel_n or_o for_o arm_n make_v they_o contemptible_a to_o their_o neighbour_n and_o bring_v down_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o be_v any_o thing_n so_o destructive_a to_o any_o state_n as_o division_n and_o faction_n at_o home_n and_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o state-faction_n without_o self-love_n and_o private_a interest_n at_o the_o bottom_n when_o great_a man_n will_v rival_n one_o another_o and_o be_v impatient_a either_o of_o superior_n or_o equal_n and_o prosecute_v their_o private_a animosity_n with_o the_o public_a danger_n and_o when_o common_a safety_n require_v unite_v heart_n and_o counsel_n will_v not_o adjourn_v their_o private_a quarrel_n nor_o sacrifice_v their_o private_a interest_n and_o resentment_n to_o save_v a_o nation_n it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o observe_v that_o when_o a_o kingdom_n be_v divide_v into_o party_n and_o faction_n the_o most_o threaten_a danger_n be_v so_o far_o from_o unite_n they_o that_o they_o take_v advantage_n of_o public_a fear_n and_o apprehension_n to_o get_v ground_n of_o their_o adversary_n though_o they_o hazard_v the_o whole_a by_o it_o and_o what_o be_v such_o faction_n but_o a_o combination_n of_o self-lover_n who_o divide_v themselves_o from_o the_o public_a interest_n unless_o their_o private_a humour_n and_o intrigue_n may_v take_v place_n when_o a_o party_n will_v be_v the_o whole_a and_o if_o other_o will_v not_o let_v they_o be_v the_o whole_a let_v the_o whole_a perish_v this_o be_v the_o narrow_a peevish_a unsociable_a spirit_n of_o self-love_n a_o temper_n which_o generous_a heathen_n have_v in_o the_o great_a abhorrence_n and_o till_o a_o more_o public_a spirit_n revive_v in_o the_o world_n we_o must_v never_o expect_v to_o see_v easy_a and_o happy_a day_n the_o time_n will_v be_v perilous_a while_o man_n be_v such_o lover_n of_o themselves_o but_o how_o
sermon_n preach_v upon_o several_a occasion_n some_o of_o which_o be_v never_o before_o print_v by_o w._n sherlock_n d._n d._n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n master_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v for_o william_n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n over-against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1700._o to_o the_o reader_n all_o the_o account_n i_o have_v to_o give_v of_o publish_v this_o volume_n of_o sermon_n be_v only_o this_o that_o most_o of_o they_o be_v print_v before_o by_o public_a authority_n or_o by_o such_o application_n as_o to_o i_o be_v equivalent_a to_o command_n and_o my_o bookseller_n have_v a_o mind_n to_o reprint_v those_o sermon_n which_o he_o have_v a_o interest_n in_o desire_v i_o to_o add_v some_o few_o more_o to_o make_v a_o just_a volume_n the_o choice_n i_o have_v make_v of_o such_o as_o i_o have_v add_v be_v not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o curious_a composition_n or_o new_a conceit_n much_o less_o for_o wit_n and_o satyr_n but_o i_o choose_v such_o as_o i_o hope_v may_v be_v most_o useful_a in_o such_o a_o 〈◊〉_d as_o this_o and_o if_o they_o shall_v do_v any_o good_a which_o i_o hearty_o beg_v of_o god_n they_o may_v i_o have_v all_o that_o i_o aim_v at_o will._n sherlock_n errata_fw-la page_n 25._o line_n 3._o for_o be_v treat_v read_v be_v entreat_v p._n 44._o f._n indispesanble_a r._n indispensible_a p._n 46._o l._n 27._o f._n owe_v r._n our_o p._n 193._o l._n ult_n for_o in_o r._n and_o p._n 239._o l._n 18._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 404._o l._n 21._o f._n they_o r._n the._n p._n 413._o l._n 3._o f._n whensoever_o r._n whencesoever_o ●…p_n 485._o l._n 8._o f._n nor_o r._n not_o p._n 526._o l._n 3._o r._n one_o thing_n r._n sermon_n 18_o instead_o of_o 19_o the_o content_n the_o nature_n and_o mean_n of_o church-unity_n sermon_n i._n 122._o psal._n 6_o 7._o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o shall_v prosper_v that_o love_n thou_o peace_n be_v within_o thy_o wall_n and_o prosperity_n within_o thy_o palace_n the_o faithful_a and_o wise_a servant_n a_o funeral-sermon_n serm._n ii_o 24._o matth._n 45_o 46._o who_o then_o be_v a_o faithful_a and_o wise_a servant_n who_o his_o lord_n have_v make_v ruler_n over_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n bless_a be_v that_o servant_n who_o his_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v so_o do_v the_o measure_n of_o providence_n towards_o the_o church_n serm._n iii_o 77._o psal._n 10_o 11_o 12._o and_o i_o say_v this_o be_v my_o infirmity_n but_o i_o will_v remember_v the_o year_n of_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o most_o high_a i_o will_v remember_v the_o work_n of_o the_o lord_n sure_o i_o will_v remember_v thy_o wonder_n of_o old_a i_o will_v meditate_v also_o of_o all_o thy_o work_n and_o talk_v of_o all_o thy_o do_n the_o temptation_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o wilderness_n serm._n iu._n 4._o matth._n 1._o then_o be_v jesus_n lead_v up_o of_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o wilderness_n to_o be_v tempt_v of_o the_o devil_n the_o charity_n of_o lend_v without_o usury_n serm._n v._n 4._o luke_n 35._o but_o love_v your_o enemy_n and_o do_v good_a and_o lend_v hope_v for_o nothing_o again_o and_o your_o reward_n shall_v be_v great_a and_o you_o shall_v be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o high_a for_o he_o be_v kind_a to_o the_o unthankful_a and_o to_o the_o evil_n a_o wound_a spirit_n a_o unsupportable_a evil._n serm._n vi_o 18._o prov._n 14._o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n will_v sustain_v his_o infirmity_n but_o a_o wound_a spirit_n who_o can_v bear_v st._n paul_n '_o s_o choice_n a_o funeral_n sermon_n serm._n vii_o 1_o phil._n 23_o 24._o for_o i_o be_o in_o a_o strait_a betwixt_o two_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a nevertheless_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v more_o needful_a for_o you_o a_o sermon_n upon_o the_o queen_n death_n serm._n viii_o 39_o psal._n 9_o i_o be_v dumb_a and_o open_v not_o my_o mouth_n because_o thou_o do_v it_o the_o nature_n and_o measure_n of_o charity_n serm._n ix_o 2_o cor._n 8._o 12._o for_o if_o there_o be_v first_o a_o willing_a mind_n it_o be_v accept_v according_a to_o that_o a_o man_n have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v not_o the_o danger_n of_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n by_o philosophy_n serm._n x._o 2._o col._n 8._o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ._n thefolly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o deism_n serm._n xi_o 14._o joh._n 1._o you_o believe_v in_o god_n believe_v also_o in_o i_o the_o language_n and_o interpretation_n of_o judgement_n serm._n xii_o 6._o micah_n 9_o the_o lord_n voice_n cry_v unto_o the_o city_n and_o the_o man_n of_o wisdom_n shall_v see_v thy_o name_n hear_v you_o the_o rod_n and_o who_o have_v appoint_v it_o the_o divine_a presence_n in_o religious_a assembly_n serm._n xiii_o 96._o psal._n 9_o o_o worship_n the_o lord_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n the_o use_n of_o music_n in_o religious_a worship_n serm._n fourteen_o 81._o psal._n 1_o 2._o sing_v aloud_o unto_o god_n our_o strength_n make_v a_o joyful_a noise_n unto_o the_o god_n of_o jacob._n take_v a_o psalm_n and_o bring_v hither_o the_o timbrel_n the_o pleasant_a harp_n with_o the_o psaltery_a the_o nature_n and_o evil_n of_o a_o vicious_a self-love_n serm._n xv._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 1_o 2._o this_o know_v also_o that_o in_o the_o last_o day_n perilous_a time_n shall_v come_v for_o man_n shall_v be_v lover_n of_o their_o own_o self_n the_o reasonableness_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o preference_n of_o unseen_a thing_n serm._n xvi_o 2_o cor._n 4._o v._n 18._o while_o we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a the_o danger_n of_o confound_v the_o distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n serm._n xvii_o 5._o isa._n 20_o 21._o wo_n unto_o they_o that_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n that_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n that_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a wo_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n the_o progress_n of_o wickedness_n and_o the_o difficulty_n thereof_o serm._n xviii_o 5._o isa._n 20_o 21._o wo_n unto_o they_o that_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n that_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n that_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a wo_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n to_o the_o right-honourable_a sir_n john_n chapman_n lord-mayor_n of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n my_o lord_n in_o obedience_n to_o the_o order_n i_o receive_v from_o your_o lordship_n and_o the_o court_n of_o alderman_n i_o present_v you_o with_o this_o plain_a sermon_n the_o whole_a design_n of_o which_o be_v not_o to_o debate_v any_o thing_n nor_o to_o determine_v on_o which_o side_n the_o truth_n lie_v in_o those_o warm_a dispute_n which_o have_v be_v among_o we_o but_o to_o convince_v all_o those_o who_o love_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n how_o many_o controversy_n there_o be_v which_o shall_v be_v lay_v aside_o without_o dispute_v and_o how_o a_o little_a condescension_n to_o each_o other_o may_v either_o happy_o unite_v we_o into_o one_o communion_n or_o at_o least_o teach_v we_o to_o live_v together_o in_o love_n and_o charity_n notwithstanding_o some_o different_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n and_o i_o hope_v so_o charitable_a a_o design_n as_o this_o will_v raise_v no_o new_a dispute_n and_o quarrel_n among_o we_o that_o god_n will_v preserve_v his_o church_n restore_v peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n bless_v this_o great_a and_o populous_a city_n and_o direct_v your_o lordship_n in_o the_o government_n of_o it_o in_o these_o difficult_a time_n be_v the_o hearty_a prayer_n of_o my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n be_v most_o obedient_a servant_n will._n sherlock_n sermon_n i._n preach_v before_o the_o lord-mayor_n at_o guildhall-chappel_n on_o sunday_n november_n 4._o 1688._o cxxii_o psalm_n 6_o 7._o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o shall_v prosper_v that_o love_n thou_o peace_n be_v within_o thy_o wall_n and_o prosperity_n within_o thy_o palace_n though_o the_o particular_a time_n and_o occasion_n of_o pen_v this_o psalm_n be_v uncertain_a yet_o so_o much_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o be_v after_o david_n
be_v likely_a enough_o he_o think_v he_o to_o be_v some_o extraordinary_a person_n he_o know_v by_o the_o ancient_a prophecy_n that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o appear_v and_o know_v from_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n that_o the_o time_n for_o his_o come_n be_v accomplish_v nay_o it_o be_v probable_a he_o know_v all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o hear_v that_o ●…imony_n god_n give_v he_o at_o his_o bap●…_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n but_o he_o see_v he_o be_v a_o man_n though_o a_o extraordinary_a man_n and_o may_v not_o know_v that_o he_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o and_o have_v former_o foil_v our_o first_o parent_n in_o paradise_n in_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n hope_v for_o the_o like_a success_n again_o now_o if_o christ_n himself_o be_v tempt_v by_o the_o devil_n none_o of_o we_o must_v hope_v to_o escape_v tempt_v we_o shall_v be_v and_o therefore_o must_v take_v care_n to_o stand_v upon_o our_o guard_n and_o to_o fortify_v our_o mind_n against_o all_o temptation_n and_o this_o encouragement_n we_o have_v from_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n that_o to_o be_v tempt_v be_v no_o sin_n unless_o we_o yield_v to_o a_o temptation_n for_o he_o be_v tempt_v as_o we_o be_v yet_o without_o sin_n and_o we_o can_v imagine_v have_v it_o be_v a_o sin_n to_o be_v tempt_v that_o god_n will_v have_v permit_v the_o devil_n to_o have_v tempt_v our_o saviour_n which_o may_v ease_v the_o fear_n of_o some_o melancholy_a christian_n who_o be_v afflict_v with_o evil_a and_o tempt_a thought_n which_o their_o soul_n abhor_v for_o whatever_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o thought_n be_v whether_o a_o fright_a and_o disturb_a imagination_n or_o the_o suggestion_n of_o wicked_a spirit_n they_o can_v no_o more_o defile_v the_o soul_n which_o abhor_v and_o reject_v they_o with_o grief_n and_o indignation_n than_o they_o can_v the_o paper_n on_o which_o they_o be_v write_v nay_o hence_o we_o learn_v that_o god_n many_o time_n exercise_n those_o with_o the_o great_a and_o most_o difficult_a trial_n and_o temptation_n who_o be_v most_o dear_a to_o he_o he_o have_v no_o soon_o proclaim_v christ_n his_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o he_o be_v well_o please_v but_o he_o lead_v he_o by_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o wilderness_n to_o be_v tempt_v of_o the_o devil_n this_o life_n be_v a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o probation_n and_o temptation_n though_o they_o create_v some_o trouble_n and_o difficulty_n to_o good_a man_n yet_o do_v they_o no_o hurt_n if_o good_a man_n conquer_v temptation_n do_v but_o exercise_v increase_n and_o confirm_v their_o grace_n and_o make_v they_o great_a and_o illustrious_a example_n to_o the_o world_n glorify_v the_o divine_a power_n in_o the_o victory_n and_o triumph_n of_o his_o servant_n over_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n give_v they_o a_o secure_a hope_n in_o god_n and_o a_o transport_v sense_n of_o his_o love_n and_o prepare_v great_a reward_n for_o they_o in_o the_o next_o life_n and_o if_o they_o happen_v in_o any_o particular_a encounter_n to_o be_v overcome_v as_o st._n peter_n himself_o be_v when_o he_o deny_v his_o master_n yet_o they_o rise_v again_o with_o glory_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o sin_n and_o the_o shame_n of_o a_o defeat_n fill_v they_o with_o sorrow_n indignation_n self-revenge_n give_v they_o new_a spirit_n vigour_n activity_n resolution_n make_v they_o more_o patient_a of_o hardship_n and_o suffering_n more_o unwearied_a in_o do_v good_a more_o humble_a and_o modest_a and_o more_o perfect_o resign_v to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o dispose_v of_o they_o and_o their_o service_n to_o his_o own_o glory_n as_o he_o please_v god_n do_v not_o train_v up_o those_o who_o he_o love_v and_o who_o he_o prepare_v for_o glory_n in_o ease_n and_o softness_n who_o the_o lord_n love_v he_o chastn_v and_o scourge_v every_o son_n who_o he_o receive_v and_o the_o more_o difficult_a temptation_n he_o expose_v we_o to_o the_o great_a honour_n he_o do_v we_o the_o more_o glorious_a will_v our_o triumph_n the_o rich_a and_o bright_a will_v our_o crown_n be_v let_v we_o then_o behold_v our_o saviour_n in_o the_o wilderness_n separate_v from_o humane_a conversation_n and_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o life_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o wild_a beast_n and_o tempt_a spirit_n and_o not_o think_v that_o god_n use_v we_o hardly_o if_o at_o any_o time_n he_o let_v loose_v the_o tempter_n upon_o we_o and_o give_v he_o power_n over_o all_o we_o have_v as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o case_n of_o job_n to_o afflict_v we_o in_o our_o relation_n our_o body_n our_o estate_n good_a name_n or_o whatever_o give_v we_o the_o sharp_a and_o keen_a sense_n of_o suffering_n and_o be_v the_o most_o difficult_a exercise_n of_o our_o faith_n 2._o let_v we_o consider_v the_o time_n when_o our_o saviour_n be_v tempt_v viz._n immediate_o after_o his_o baptism_n be_v full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 4._o luke_n 1._o 1._o as_o soon_o as_o our_o saviour_n be_v baptize_v he_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o wilderness_n for_o then_o in_o my_o text_n relate_v to_o the_o time_n of_o his_o baptism_n and_o st._n luke_n tell_v we_o this_o be_v do_v in_o his_o return_n from_o jordan_n where_o he_o be_v baptize_v by_o john_n by_o this_o religious_a rite_n our_o saviour_n have_v devote_v himself_o to_o the_o immediate_a service_n of_o god_n in_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v inaugurate_v into_o his_o prophetic_a office_n by_o that_o testimony_n which_o be_v give_v to_o he_o by_o a_o voice_n from_o heaven_n this_o be_v my_o belove_a son_n in_o who_o i_o be_o well_o please_v and_o this_o be_v the_o critical_a time_n both_o for_o the_o devil_n to_o tempt_v and_o for_o our_o saviour_n to_o baffle_v all_o his_o temptation_n and_o to_o triumph_v over_o he_o can_v the_o devil_n have_v conquer_v our_o saviour_n in_o this_o first_o assault_n there_o have_v be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o glorious_a design_n of_o man_n salvation_n when_o he_o have_v enslave_v and_o captivate_v the_o saviour_n himself_o and_o therefore_o he_o begin_v as_o early_o with_o ●…he_n second_o adam_n as_o he_o do_v with_o the_o first_o though_o not_o with_o the_o like_a success_n have_v our_o first_o parent_n resist_v the_o first_o ●…emptation_n we_o have_v be_v happy_a for_o ●…ver_n but_o they_o yield_v and_o bring_v ●…eath_n upon_o themselves_o and_o their_o poste●…ity_n but_o the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n who_o god_n have_v promise_v shall_v ●…reak_v the_o serpent_n head_n who_o be_v make_v manifest_a to_o destroy_v the_o work_n the_o kingdom_n and_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n by_o god_n order_n and_o appointment_n first_o encounter_v he_o in_o his_o own_o person_n resist_v his_o most_o furious_a assault_n make_v he_o re●…reat_a with_o shame_n and_o despair_n as_o foresee●…ng_v his_o own_o destiny_n and_o the_o final_a destruction_n of_o his_o kingdom_n as_o the_o old_a serpent_n seduce_v our_o first_o parent_n in_o paradise_n and_o bring_v sin_n and_o misery_n and_o death_n into_o the_o world_n so_o it_o be_v very_o fit_v that_o the_o saviour_n of_o mankind_n shall_v give_v the_o first_o proof_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n in_o conquer_a the_o tempter_n this_o give_v we_o great_a encouragement_n to_o fight_v under_o christ_n banner_n against_o the_o world_n the_o flesh_n and_o the_o devil_n for_o the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n have_v already_o conquer_v and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n through_o christ_n who_o strengthen_v we_o he_o know_v what_o the_o power_n of_o temptation_n be_v and_o what_o measure_v of_o grace_n be_v necessary_a to_o resist_v they_o and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o forsake_v he_o he_o will_v not_o forsake_v we_o he_o have_v conquer_v himself_o and_o know_v how_o to_o conquer_v and_o if_o we_o faithful_o adhere_v to_o he_o we_o shall_v conquer_v too_o nay_o in_o case_n we_o shall_v some_o time_n be_v conquer_v this_o have_v make_v he_o a_o merciful_a and_o compassionate_a high_a priest_n be_v in_o all_o thing_n tempt_v like_o as_o we_o be_v he_o know_v the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o power_n and_o subtlety_n of_o the_o tempter_n and_o pray_v for_o we_o as_o he_o do_v for_o st._n peter_n that_o our_o faith_n fail_v not_o that_o if_o we_o fall_v we_o may_v rise_v again_o by_o repentance_n and_o this_o be_v a_o mighty_a consolation_n that_o if_o any_o man_n sin_n 〈◊〉_d have_v a_o advocate_n with_o the_o father_n jesus_n christ_n the_o righteous_a who_o be_v not_o only_o a_o propitiation_n for_o our_o sin_n but_o be_v tempt_v also_o as_o we_o be_v 2_o st._n luke_n observe_v that_o our_o saviour_n be_v full_a of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o he_o receive_v without_o measure_n at_o his_o baptism_n when_o the_o holy_a
consider_v what_o they_o do_v i_o may_v name_v many_o but_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o some_o few_o at_o present_a which_o be_v least_o observe_v and_o which_o prove_v snare_n to_o good_a man_n as_o for_o instance_n to_o impose_v upon_o ourselves_o constant_a task_n of_o religion_n that_o we_o will_v read_v and_o pray_v so_o much_o and_o so_o often_o every_o day_n and_o observe_v voluntary_a fast_n and_o abstain_v from_o such_o innocent_a diversion_n etc._n etc._n which_o man_n common_o resolve_v in_o some_o great_a heat_n and_o fit_n of_o devotion_n which_o they_o fancy_v will_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o fervour_n but_o never_o do_v and_o then_o these_o task_n grow_v very_o uneasy_a as_o every_o thing_n of_o religion_n do_v when_o it_o grow_v a_o task_n and_o then_o they_o degenerate_a into_o dulness_n and_o formality_n and_o then_o man_n either_o leave_v they_o off_o and_o with_o that_o be_v tempt_v to_o leave_v off_o religion_n itself_o or_o they_o be_v so_o very_o cold_a that_o they_o fancy_v themselves_o spiritual_o dead_a and_o fall_v into_o melancholy_n into_o desertion_n into_o despair_n itself_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n for_o man_n by_o rash_a and_o arbitrary_a vow_n to_o tie_v themselves_o up_o from_o do_v that_o which_o otherwise_o they_o may_v very_o innocent_o do_v and_o which_o they_o will_v be_v strong_o tempt_v to_o do_v when_o they_o have_v vow_v not_o to_o do_v it_o the_o guide_n of_o soul_n know_v that_o this_o be_v no_o imaginary_a case_n but_o what_o they_o so_o often_o meet_v with_o and_o see_v such_o ill_a effect_n of_o that_o it_o be_v very_o fit_a to_o warn_v man_n of_o the_o snare_n be_v there_o no_o other_o reason_n against_o the_o monkish_a vow_n of_o celibacy_n poverty_n and_o obedience_n i_o shall_v think_v this_o sufficient_a that_o consider_v only_o as_o perpetual_a vow_n they_o be_v a_o dangerous_a state_n of_o temptation_n and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o will_v never_o advise_v any_o man_n to_o make_v a_o perpetual_a vow_n to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o it_o be_v not_o perpetual_o his_o duty_n to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v thus_o to_o marry_v with_o person_n of_o a_o disagreeable_a age_n or_o a_o disagreeable_a humour_n or_o a_o contrary_a religion_n be_v to_o put_v ourselves_o into_o a_o state_n of_o temptation_n but_o such_o particular_a instance_n will_v be_v endless_a and_o therefore_o i_o forbear_v if_o god_n lead_v we_o into_o temptation_n he_o will_v give_v we_o sufficient_a strength_n to_o resist_v if_o we_o improve_v his_o grace_n if_o we_o lead_v ●…ur_n self_n into_o temptation_n and_o god_n ●…eave_v we_o to_o the_o power_n and_o subtlety_n of_o ●…he_a tempter_n the_o sin_n and_o the_o folly_n be_v our_o own_o 5th_o i_o observe_v by_o what_o mean_v our_o saviour_n conquer_v the_o devil_n temptation_n and_o that_o be_v by_o the_o authority_n and_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v write_v man_n shall_v not_o live_v by_o bread_n alone_o it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v not_o tempt_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v these_o be_v such_o answer_n as_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o reply_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n can_v never_o be_v answer_v and_o thus_o we_o must_v conquer_v also_o if_o ever_o we_o will_v conquer_v by_o a_o firm_a faith_n in_o god_n and_o belief_n of_o his_o word_n faith_n be_v our_o shield_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o we_o have_v no_o other_o sure_a defence_n against_o all_o temptation_n this_o ruin_v our_o first_o parent_n in_o paradise_n when_o their_o reason_n and_o natural_a power_n be_v in_o their_o great_a vigour_n perfection_n and_o integrity_n that_o instead_o of_o insist_v on_o god_n authority_n they_o venture_v to_o reason_v the_o case_n with_o the_o tempter_n set_a aside_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o the_o devil_n will_v quick_o outwit_n and_o out-reason_n we_o he_o be_v skill_v in_o all_o the_o art_n of_o deceit_n and_o method_n of_o persuasion_n and_o without_o god_n authority_n our_o courage_n our_o resolution_n our_o honour_n our_o reason_n itself_o even_o all_o the_o rant_v and_o triumphant_a speculation_n of_o philosophy_n will_v fail_v we_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n to_o tempt_v be_v either_o to_o deceive_v or_o to_o persuade_v and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o secure_a defence_n against_o either_o but_o the_o authority_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o wise_a reasoner_n may_v be_v impose_v on_o by_o so_o artificial_a a_o tempter_n but_o god_n can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v and_o than_o while_o we_o believe_v god_n and_o have_v regard_n to_o his_o command_n we_o can_v be_v deceive_v neither_o and_o what_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v all_o the_o terror_n and_o flattery_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v our_o maker_n and_o our_o judge_n 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consider_v ii_o the_o particular_a temptation_n wherewith_o our_o saviour_n be_v assault_v and_o they_o be_v three_o 1._o the_o first_o be_v to_o relieve_v his_o hunger_n after_o his_o long_a fast_n by_o work_v a_o miracle_n and_o when_o the_o tempter_n come_v to_o he_o he_o say_v if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n command_v that_o these_o stone_n be_v make_v bread_n this_o be_v a_o very_a artificial_a temptation_n which_o it_o may_v be_v none_o but_o christ_n himself_o will_v have_v be_v aware_a of_o for_o what_o hurt_n be_v it_o for_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o work_v a_o miracle_n what_o hurt_n be_v it_o for_o a_o man_n who_o be_v hungry_a to_o relieve_v his_o hunger_n for_o here_o be_v no_o temptation_n to_o excess_n but_o to_o satisfy_v the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n what_o hurt_n be_v it_o for_o he_o who_o afterward_o feed_v so_o many_o thousand_o by_o miracle_n in_o this_o great_a distress_n to_o have_v wrought_v a_o miracle_n to_o satisfy_v his_o own_o hunger_n this_o be_v very_o plausible_a and_o look_v like_o very_o charitable_a advice_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a snare_n in_o it_o one_a for_o this_o be_v make_v a_o trial_n whether_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o not_o if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n command_v that_o these_o stone_n be_v make_v bread_n now_o have_v he_o comply_v with_o this_o it_o have_v argue_v a_o distrust_n of_o his_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o of_o the_o love_n of_o his_o father_n and_o this_o be_v a_o temptation_n to_o sin_n thus_o the_o tempter_n deal_v with_o our_o first_o parent_n make_v they_o jealous_a of_o god_n good_a intention_n towards_o they_o and_o by_o that_o tempt_v they_o to_o disobedience_n the_o serpent_n say_v unto_o the_o woman_n you_o shall_v not_o sure_o die_v for_o god_n know_v that_o in_o the_o day_n you_o eat_v thereof_o than_o your_o eye_n shall_v be_v open_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v as_o god_n know_v good_a and_o evil_n that_o be_v god_n envy_v your_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o have_v forbid_v you_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n thus_o the_o devil_n suggest_v to_o our_o saviour_n that_o he_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o question_n whether_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o he_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o the_o comfort_n and_o support_v of_o life_n and_o after_o forty_o day_n fast_v have_v nothing_o in_o the_o wilderness_n to_o eat_v unless_o he_o will_v turn_v stone_n into_o bread_n and_o though_o this_o part_n of_o the_o temptation_n our_o saviour_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o in_o his_o answer_n but_o scorn_v it_o yet_o we_o find_v it_o make_v a_o very_a powerful_a impression_n upon_o other_o man_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o measure_v god_n love_n or_o hatred_n by_o present_a thing_n when_o they_o
can_v thing_n be_v better_o order_v for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n good_a man_n whatever_o their_o condition_n be_v have_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o wicked_a even_o as_o to_o this_o present_a life_n they_o may_v be_v easy_a and_o enjoy_v themselves_o in_o all_o condition_n for_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o their_o present_a support_n but_o if_o bad_a man_n be_v sufferer_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o support_v they_o and_o though_o they_o be_v prosperous_a they_o feel_v such_o disorder_n of_o passion_n or_o such_o guilty_a fear_n as_o sour_a all_o their_o other_o enjoyment_n 3._o god_n have_v so_o wise_o order_v thing_n that_o we_o can_v support_v ourselves_o under_o suffering_n without_o make_v a_o wise_a and_o good_a use_n of_o they_o for_o the_o best_a argument_n to_o comfort_v we_o under_o suffering_n will_v afford_v we_o no_o comfort_n unless_o they_o make_v we_o better_o it_o be_v a_o great_a comfort_n that_o affliction_n be_v appoint_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a god_n but_o he_o who_o consider_v this_o will_v natural_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n strike_v will_v search_v and_o try_v his_o way_n and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n will_v hear_v the_o rod_n and_o who_o it_o be_v that_o have_v appoint_v it_o that_o affliction_n be_v order_v for_o our_o good_a will_v make_v we_o endeavour_v to_o reap_v the_o spiritual_a benefit_n of_o they_o for_o that_o affliction_n be_v useful_a be_v no_o comfort_n at_o all_o unless_o we_o make_v a_o wise_a use_n of_o they_o unless_o they_o bring_v forth_o the_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n no_o man_n can_v take_v comfort_n in_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o next_o world_n without_o bear_v his_o suffering_n well_o in_o this_o for_o our_o suffering_n will_v have_v no_o reward_n unless_o they_o make_v we_o better_o unless_o they_o purify_v our_o mind_n and_o exercise_v our_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n three_o i_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o suffer_v than_o to_o sin_n even_o with_o respect_n to_o our_o present_a ease_n because_o suffering_n may_v be_v bear_v by_o a_o innocent_a and_o virtuous_a mind_n but_o gild_n inflict_v a_o unsupportable_a wound_n upon_o the_o spirit_n and_o ●…ose_v suffering_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n can_v bear_v be_v rather_o to_o be_v choose_v ●…han_o what_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n can_v ●…ear_v last_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o govern●…ent_n of_o our_o own_o passion_n contribute_v ●…ore_o to_o our_o happiness_n than_o any_o exter●…al_a enjoyment_n while_o our_o mind_n be_v disorder_v with_o violent_a and_o tumultu●…us_a passion_n we_o can_v never_o be_v easy_a and_o happy_a whatever_o else_o we_o enjoy_v for_o this_o give_v such_o a_o wound_n to_o the_o spirit_n as_o no_o external_a enjoyment_n can_v heal_v but_o he_o who_o have_v his_o passion_n under_o government_n who_o know_v how_o to_o love_v and_o fear_v desire_v and_o hope_n though_o he_o may_v be_v a_o great_a sufferer_n can_v never_o be_v miserable_a because_o he_o can_v support_v himself_o under_o all_o other_o suffering_n what_o a_o wrong_a course_n then_o do_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n take_v to_o make_v themselves_o happy_a they_o seek_v for_o happiness_n without_o when_o the_o foundation_n of_o happiness_n must_v be_v lay_v within_o in_o the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o mind_n a_o easy_a quiet_a mind_n will_v weather_v all_o the_o storm_n of_o fortune_n but_o how_o calm_a and_o serene_a soever_o the_o heaven_n be_v there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o the_o wicked_a who_o have_v nothing_o but_o noise_n and_o tumult_n and_o confusion_n within_o to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v honour_n glory_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n vii_o preach_v at_o the_o funeral_n of_o the_o reverend_a richard_n meggot_n d._n d._n and_o late_a dean_n of_o winchester_n december_n the_o 10_o 1692._o at_o twickenham_n i._o phil._n 23_o 24._o for_o i_o be_o in_o a_o strait_a betwixt_o two_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a nevertheless_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v more_o needful_a for_o you_o st_n paul_n write_v this_o epistle_n to_o philippi_n from_o rome_n where_o he_o be_v in_o bond_n for_o the_o gospel_n but_o though_o his_o body_n be_v confine_v to_o a_o prison_n his_o soul_n his_o great_a divine_a soul_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o visit_v the_o church_n he_o have_v plant_v to_o advise_v and_o counsel_n and_o comfort_v they_o to_o increase_v their_o knowledge_n and_o to_o confirm_v their_o faith_n to_o instame_v their_o zeal_n and_o to_o spur_v they_o forward_o to_o more_o perfect_a attainman_n in_o all_o piety_n and_o virtue_n the_o philippian_n seem_v great_o concern_v lest_o the_o progress_n of_o ●…e_a gospel_n shall_v be_v hinder_v by_o st._n paul_n imprisonment_n and_o lest_o they_o and_o the_o whole_a church_n shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o labour_n and_o ministry_n of_o so_o great_a a_o apostle_n shall_v this_o persecution_n extend_v to_o life_n as_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v it_o will_v as_o for_o the_o first_o st._n paul_n assure_v they_o that_o his_o bond_n be_v for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o his_o imprisonment_n be_v take_v notice_n of_o both_o in_o the_o court_n and_o city_n which_o make_v man_n curious_a to_o know_v what_o that_o doctrine_n be_v which_o he_o preach_v and_o for_o which_o he_o suffer_v bond_n and_o this_o publish_v the_o gospel_n more_o effectual_o than_o his_o preach_v can_v have_v do_v verse_n 12_o 13_o etc._n etc._n as_o for_o the_o second_o he_o tell_v they_o he_o be_v no_o far_o concern_v either_o about_o life_n or_o death_n but_o that_o christ_n may_v be_v magnify_v in_o his_o body_n if_o he_o live_v his_o life_n be_v whole_o devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n if_o he_o die_v it_o will_v be_v for_o his_o own_o great_a advantage_n to_o i_o to_o live_v be_v christ_n and_o to_o die_v be_v gain_v verse_n 20_o 21._o and_o this_o make_v it_o a_o hard_a choice_n to_o he_o whether_o he_o shall_v desire_v to_o live_v or_o die_v whether_o he_o shall_v get_v rid_v of_o his_o bond_n and_o make_v his_o escape_n out_o of_o a_o troublesome_a world_n into_o the_o region_n of_o ease_n and_o rest_v to_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o labour_n here_o in_o the_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o his_o lord_n who_o he_o have_v so_o faithful_o serve_v or_o whether_o he_o shall_v live_v to_o encounter_n with_o a_o thousand_o difficulty_n and_o death_n in_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n what_o i_o shall_v choose_v i_o wot_v not_o for_o i_o be_o in_o a_o strait_a betwixt_o two_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a nevertheless_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v more_o needful_a for_o you_o be_v there_o ever_o such_o a_o dispute_n as_o this_o before_o that_o a_o man_n who_o be_v as_o certain_a to_o go_v to_o heaven_n as_o he_o be_v to_o die_v who_o have_v himself_o be_v snatch_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n and_o have_v his_o mind_n possess_v with_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a and_o lively_a idea_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o place_n who_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v such_o thing_n as_o can_v not_o be_v express_v who_o see_v a_o crown_n a_o glorious_a immarcessible_a crown_n prepare_v for_o he_o i_o say_v that_o such_o a_o man_n shall_v make_v any_o question_n what_o he_o shall_v choose_v whether_o immediate_o to_o take_v possession_n of_o this_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n or_o to_o live_v long_o in_o this_o world_n to_o suffer_v bond_n and_o imprisonment_n hunger_n and_o cold_a and_o stripe_n and_o all_o the_o ill_a usage_n which_o he_o have_v so_o often_o meet_v with_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o still_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o enlarge_v the_o border_n of_o christ_n church_n what_o a_o contempt_n be_v this_o not_o only_o of_o the_o little_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o even_o of_o all_o the_o misery_n of_o life_n what_o a_o triumph_n be_v this_o over_o the_o world_n over_o all_o the_o frown_n and_o terror_n of_o it_o what_o a_o triumph_n be_v this_o over_o self_n such_o a_o degree_n of_o self-denial_n as_o the_o gospel_n itself_o do_v not_o command_v which_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n to_o deny_v heaven_n to_o deny_v all_o the_o joy_n of_o christ_n presence_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o do_v good_a for_o it_o be_v to_o delay_v to_o put_v off_o heaven_n to_o adjourn_v his_o own_o happiness_n that_o he_o may_v live_v the_o long_a to_o serve_v his_o great_a master_n though_o with_o great_a difficulty_n and_o labour_n what_o love_n be_v this_o
providence_n but_o we_o may_v make_v our_o complaint_n to_o god_n and_o be_v the_o more_o importunate_a in_o our_o prayer_n for_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o king_n the_o death_n of_o our_o excellent_a queen_n both_o call_v for_o and_o will_v justify_v and_o recommend_v such_o humble_a importunity_n and_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o king_n will_n in_o a_o great_a measure_n make_v up_o this_o loss_n to_o we_o which_o god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v through_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v honour_n glory_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n ix_o preach_v before_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o lord_n mayor_n and_o the_o court_n of_o alderman_n at_o the_o parish-church_n of_o st._n bridget_n on_o tuesday_n in_o easter-week_n april_n 6._o 1697._o 2_o cor._n viii_o 12._o for_o if_o there_o be_v first_o a_o willing_a mind_n it_o be_v accept_v according_a to_o that_o a_o man_n have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v not_o the_o occasion_n of_o these_o word_n be_v this_o the_o christian_n of_o judaea_n be_v at_o this_o time_n in_o great_a want_n by_o reason_n of_o a_o general_a dearth_n which_o be_v foretell_v by_o agabus_n at_o antioch_n act_v ii_o 28._o and_o there_o stand_v up_o one_o of_o they_o name_v agabus_n and_o signify_v by_o the_o spirit_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v great_a dearth_n throughout_o all_o the_o world_n which_o come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o day_n of_o claudius_n caesar._n upon_o this_o notice_n the_o disciple_n every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o ability_n determine_v to_o send_v relief_n unto_o the_o brethren_n which_o dwell_v in_o judaea_n this_o be_v that_o contribution_n for_o the_o saint_n which_o st._n paul_n direct_v they_o about_o at_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o first_o epistle_n to_o they_o ch._n 16._o and_o this_o be_v what_o he_o inculcate_n on_o they_o in_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a chapter_n but_o with_o so_o much_o art_n and_o insinuation_n that_o though_o he_o use_v the_o most_o powerful_a argument_n yet_o he_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o persuade_v nor_o to_o think_v that_o they_o need_v any_o persuasion_n for_o it_o be_v not_o honourable_a for_o christian_n who_o religion_n be_v charity_n to_o need_v such_o persuasion_n and_o importunity_n they_o may_v be_v direct_v in_o their_o charity_n and_o put_v in_o mind_n of_o such_o particular_a charity_n as_o be_v of_o the_o great_a necessity_n or_o the_o most_o present_a use_n or_o have_v the_o most_o general_a influence_n or_o do_v the_o great_a reputation_n and_o service_n to_o religion_n or_o their_o charity_n may_v be_v heighten_v inflame_a and_o enlarge_v by_o the_o proper_a argument_n and_o motive_n of_o liberality_n but_o their_o religion_n teach_v they_o to_o be_v charitable_a and_o the_o name_n and_o profession_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v a_o reproach_n to_o they_o without_o it_o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o apostle_n aim_v at_o even_o in_o his_o soft_a and_o tender_a way_n of_o persuasion_n not_o mere_o to_o persuade_v they_o to_o contribute_v to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o saint_n which_o he_o know_v they_o be_v willing_a ●…o_o do_v but_o that_o they_o shall_v contri●…ute_v liberal_o with_o a_o free_a and_o cheerful_a heart_n and_o open_a hand_n which_o be_v the_o ●…um_n of_o all_o his_o argument_n as_o i_o shall_v ●…hew_v you_o in_o the_o conclusion_n if_o time_n permit_v but_o the_o great_a difficulty_n concern_v the_o proper_a measure_n of_o a_o liberal_a and_o overflow_a charity_n our_o saviour_n have_v prescribe_v no_o set_a bound_n and_o proportion_n to_o our_o charity_n and_o it_o be_v think_v as_o possible_a to_o be_v imprudent_a and_o excessive_a as_o too_o frugal_a and_o spare_a we_o have_v many_o other_o obligation_n upon_o we_o beside_o charity_n to_o provide_v for_o our_o own_o comfortable_a subsistence_n to_o take_v care_n of_o our_o wife_n and_o child_n and_o to_o discharge_v all_o other_o duty_n and_o office_n according_a to_o our_o station_n and_o character_n in_o the_o world_n all_o which_o ought_v to_o set_v bound_n to_o our_o charity_n but_o what_o these_o bound_n be_v be_v think_v the_o great_a question_n which_o be_v not_o easy_o answer_v this_o be_v true_a nor_o can_v any_o certain_a measure_n be_v prescribe_v nor_o do_v the_o apostle_n pretend_v to_o it_o but_o though_o there_o be_v a_o great_a latitude_n in_o true_a christian_a charity_n which_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o a_o point_n but_o admit_v of_o different_a degree_n and_o proportion_n yet_o the_o apostle_n in_o my_o text_n direct_v we_o to_o such_o a_o principle_n as_o be_v much_o better_a and_o safe_a than_o any_o state_v rule_n because_o it_o will_v be_v sure_a never_o to_o sink_v below_o the_o just_a proportion_n of_o charity_n and_o will_v render_v all_o we_o do_v be_v it_o more_o or_o less_o very_o acceptable_a to_o god_n for_o if_o there_o be_v first_o a_o willing_a mind_n it_o be_v accept_v according_a to_o that_o a_o man_n have_v and_o not_o according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v not_o in_o which_o word_n i_o shall_v observe_v three_o thing_n which_o be_v express_v or_o necessary_o imply_v in_o they_o first_o that_o a_o great_a readiness_n and_o forwardness_n of_o mind_n to_o do_v good_a be_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o charity_n which_o give_v value_v and_o acceptation_n to_o all_o we_o do_v second_o that_o this_o readiness_n of_o mind_n to_o do_v good_a to_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o those_o who_o want_v will_v observe_v the_o just_a proportion_n of_o give_v will_v give_v according_a to_o what_o a_o man_n have_v as_o be_v necessary_o imply_v in_o the_o word_n for_o if_o a_o willing_a mind_n be_v accept_v according_a to_o what_o a_o man_n have_v it_o be_v because_o it_o give_v according_a to_o what_o a_o man_n have_v three_o that_o where_o there_o be_v this_o willing_a mind_n with_o a_o fit_a proportion_n according_a to_o our_o ability_n whether_o it_o be_v more_o or_o less_o which_o we_o give_v it_o be_v equal_o acceptable_a to_o god_n such_o a_o man_n be_v accept_v according_a to_o what_o ●…e_n have_v not_o according_a to_o what_o he_o have_v ●…ot_v i_o shall_v speak_v as_o brief_o as_o i_o can_v to_o each_o of_o these_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v prevent_v in_o such_o a_o application_n as_o be_v proper_a to_o this_o solemnity_n first_o that_o a_o great_a readiness_n and_o forwardness_n of_o mind_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v to_o do_v good_a to_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o those_o in_o want_n be_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o charity_n and_o give_v value_v and_o acceptation_n to_o all_o we_o do_v such_o a_o willingness_n of_o mind_n when_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v the_o principle_n and_o first_o mover_n in_o all_o our_o charitable_a action_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d very_o acceptable_a to_o god_n this_o i_o think_v i_o may_v take_v for_o grant_v for_o what_o be_v the_o grace_n and_o virtue_n of_o charity_n but_o a_o charitable_a inclination_n disposition_n temper_n habit_n of_o mind_n and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o a_o readiness_n and_o forwardness_n to_o do_v good_a our_o inclination_n and_o passion_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o action_n and_o therefore_o have_v a_o natural_a tendency_n towards_o their_o proper_a act_n and_o object_n and_o will_v act_v when_o they_o have_v the_o power_n and_o opportunity_n of_o action_n charity_n be_v love_n the_o love_n of_o pity_n and_o compassion_n to_o the_o misery_n and_o suffering_n and_o want_v of_o our_o brethren_n and_o love_n in_o all_o other_o instance_n be_v a_o very_a restless_a active_a principle_n and_o so_o will_v our_o love_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o miserable_a be_v if_o it_o be_v inclination_n and_o habit._n there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o will_v pretend_v to_o be_v very_o ready_a and_o willing_a to_o do_v good_a though_o he_o never_o do_v any_o for_o to_o have_v no_o inclination_n to_o do_v good_a be_v so_o infamous_a that_o those_o who_o do_v no_o good_a be_v ashamed_a to_o own_v it_o but_o to_o do_v no_o good_a be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n against_o they_o when_o nothing_o can_v hinder_v they_o from_o do_v good_a but_o the_o want_n of_o will_n and_o inclination_n to_o do_v it_o when_o god_n have_v furnish_v they_o with_o the_o mean_n of_o do_v good_a and_o there_o be_v thousand_o of_o object_n to_o exercise_v their_o charity_n and_o to_o move_v their_o pity_n if_o they_o have_v any_o the_o will_n be_v accept_v for_o the_o deed_n both_o by_o god_n and_o man_n when_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o do_v that_o good_a which_o we_o sincere_o desire_v to_o do_v and_o which_o we_o will_v certain_o do_v be_v it_o in_o our_o power_n but_o it_o be_v to_o mock_v both_o god_n and_o man_n to_o pretend_v a_o willingness_n when_o ●…t_n be_v
of_o earthly_a rival_n yet_o it_o fire_v at_o great_a example_n and_o be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v outdo_v by_o equal_n in_o love_n to_o god_n or_o man_n especial_o when_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n and_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v be_v concern_v it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o many_o pious_a and_o charitable_a foundation_n be_v owe_v to_o popish_a superstition_n they_o hope_v to_o expiate_v their_o sin_n and_o to_o merit_v heaven_n by_o their_o good_a work_n and_o in_o this_o hope_n and_o this_o persuasion_n they_o do_v a_o very_a great_a many_o we_o understand_v better_a than_o to_o think_v of_o merit_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n much_o less_o of_o purchase_v a_o liberty_n of_o sin_v by_o act_n of_o charity_n but_o if_o those_o great_a reward_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o charity_n and_o which_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v will_v not_o make_v we_o charitable_a without_o the_o opinion_n of_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n charity_n be_v so_o great_a and_o excellent_a a_o virtue_n and_o so_o very_o useful_a to_o mankind_n that_o at_o least_o thus_o far_o popery_n will_v be_v think_v the_o better_a religion_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v as_o you_o abound_v in_o every_o thing_n in_o faith_n and_o utterance_n and_o knowledge_n and_o all_o diligence_n and_o in_o your_o love_n to_o we_o see_v that_o you_o abound_v in_o this_o grace_n also_o as_o we_o have_v a_o more_o orthodox_n faith_n a_o clear_a and_o a_o distinct_a knowledge_n and_o a_o pure_a worship_n than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n let_v we_o excel_v in_o charity_n too_o and_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o to_o renounce_v popery_n be_v not_o to_o renounce_v good_a work_n sermon_n x._o preach_v before_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o lord-mayor_n and_o court_n of_o alderman_n at_o guildhall_n chappel_n on_o sunday_n april_n 25._o 1697._o coloss._n ii_o 8._o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ._n have_v st._n paul_n live_v in_o our_o age_n it_o will_v have_v require_v little_o less_o than_o the_o courage_n and_o bravery_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o martyrdom_n to_o have_v say_v this_o and_o nothing_o but_o the_o authority_n of_o so_o great_a a_o apostle_n which_o though_o some_o man_n do_v not_o much_o value_n yet_o they_o dare_v not_o open_o despise_v can_v screen_n those_o who_o venture_v to_o say_v i●…_n after_o he_o what_o some_o man_n call_v philosophy_n and_o reason_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o foolish_a and_o absurd_a which_o some_o man_n will_v not_o call_v so_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n which_o those_o man_n adore_v who_o will_v either_o have_v no_o god_n or_o a_o god_n and_o a_o religion_n of_o their_o own_o make_n and_o what_o attempt_v some_o have_v make_v to_o undermine_v all_o religion_n and_o other_o to_o corrupt_v and_o transform_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o its_o contradict_a natural_a reason_n and_o philosophy_n be_v too_o well_o know_v to_o need_v a_o proof_n that_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o his_o day_n and_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v in_o future_a age_n st._n paul_n be_v very_o sensible_a when_o he_o give_v this_o caution_n to_o his_o colossian_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v as_o proper_a a_o caution_n for_o we_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v for_o any_o age_n since_o the_o write_n of_o this_o epistle_n for_o this_o vain_a pretence_n to_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n never_o more_o prevail_v and_o never_o do_v more_o mischief_n to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o endless_a and_o fruitless_a task_n to_o go_v about_o to_o confute_v all_o the_o absurd_a hypothesis_n and_o wild_a inconsistent_a reason_n wherewith_o man_n abuse_v themselves_o and_o other_o the_o experience_n of_o so_o ●…ny_a age_n wherein_o philosophy_n be_v in_o all_o 〈◊〉_d glory_n and_o the_o several_a sect_n dispute_v ●…d_v wrangle_v eternal_o without_o end_v ●…y_o one_o controversy_n give_v no_o great_a en●…uragement_n to_o hope_v for_o much_o this_o way_n 〈◊〉_d lest_o it_o can_v never_o be_v expect_v that_o ●…dinary_a christian_n shall_v be_v better_o ●…structed_v and_o confirm_v in_o the_o faith_n by_o ●…hilosophical_a dispute_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v from_o ●…e_n very_o begin_v be_v corrupt_v by_o 〈◊〉_d mixture_n of_o philosophy_n thus_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d the_o apostle_n day_n and_o thus_o it_o have_v ●…een_v more_o or_o less_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n to_o this_o day_n and_o the_o direction_n the_o apostle_n give_v for_o the_o security_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v not_o to_o dispute_v such_o matter_n but_o to_o distinguish_v between_o philosophical_a dispute_n and_o matter_n of_o revelation_n and_o to_o reject_v all_o the_o pretence_n of_o philosophy_n when_o it_o do_v or_o seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n or_o will_v make_v any_o corrupt_a addition_n to_o it_o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o make_v a_o prey_n or_o to_o carry_v away_o as_o a_o prey_n that_o be_v to_o seduce_v they_o from_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o from_o the_o p●…rity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o it_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n that_o be_v through_o the_o vain_a deceit_n of_o philosophy_n which_o cheat_v man_n with_o a_o flatter_a but_o empty_a appearance_n may_v unsettle_v weak_a mind_n but_o can_v lay_v a_o sure_a and_o solid_a foundation_n of_o faith_n may_v cheat_v man_n out_o of_o their_o faith_n but_o when_o that_o be_v do_v can_v give_v they_o nothing_o certain_a in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v but_o after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o this_o world_n some_o of_o these_o doctrine_n may_v possible_o plead_v prescription_n as_o have_v be_v so_o long_o receive_v that_o no_o man_n know_v their_o original_a or_o if_o they_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o great_a name_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o human_a authority_n and_o they_o be_v but_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o of_o man_n who_o at_o best_o have_v no_o better_a information_n than_o from_o the_o visible_a appearance_n of_o nature_n and_o their_o own_o imperfect_a observation_n and_o corrupt_v or_o defective_a reason_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o this_o world_n and_o be_v this_o a_o authority_n to_o oppose_v against_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n which_o both_o want_v that_o divine_a confirmation_n which_o he_o give_v to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o contradict_v they_o for_o they_o be_v not_o after_o christ_n neither_o teach_v by_o christ_n nor_o consonant_n to_o what_o he_o teach_v these_o word_n may_v afford_v great_a variety_n of_o discourse_n but_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o what_o be_v most_o useful_a and_o reduce_v that_o into_o as_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o i_o can_v by_o show_v i._n what_o great_a need_n there_o be_v of_o this_o caution_n to_o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v we_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n ii_o what_o great_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o rejectall_v these_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n when_o they_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n i._o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o whoever_o consider_v what_o a_o enemy_n these_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n have_v always_o be_v to_o religion_n will_v see_v need_n enough_o for_o this_o caution_n true_a reason_n and_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v true_a philosophy_n will_v certain_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n and_o worship_n of_o that_o supreme_a be_v who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o atheist_n without_o some_o pretence_n to_o philosophy_n and_o general_o such_o loud_a noisy_a pretence_n too_o as_o make_v ignorant_a people_n think_v they_o very_o notable_a philosopher_n and_o that_o tempt_v some_o vain_a empty_a person_n to_o affect_v atheism_n that_o they_o may_v be_v think_v philosopher_n that_o this_o be_v vain_a deceit_n all_o man_n must_v own_v who_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o pretend_v philosophy_n for_o atheism_n itself_o it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n if_o it_o be_v make_v to_o patronize_v infidelity_n and_o heresy_n but_o this_o plain_o show_v of_o what_o dangerous_a consequence_n it_o be_v to_o admit_v philosophical_a dispute_n into_o religion_n which_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o may_v do_v any_o service_n to_o religion_n much_o often_o great_o corrupt_v it_o and_o shake_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o it_o of_o which_o more_o anon_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o show_v you_o how_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n stand_v that_o most_o of_o the_o dispute_n in_o religion_n
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 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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 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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 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the_o thing_n and_o the_o only_a dispute_n be_v about_o matter_n of_o fact_n whether_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n whether_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o inspire_a man_n send_v by_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n whether_o there_o ever_o be_v any_o true_a miracle_n wrought_v or_o any_o certain_a prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o when_o man_n be_v satisfy_v that_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v as_o they_o certain_o may_v be_v if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n it_o will_v dispose_v they_o to_o a_o more_o modest_a and_o impartial_a examination_n of_o such_o matter_n and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o despise_v reveal_v religion_n at_o all_o adventure_n for_o in_o matter_n especial_o of_o such_o vast_a moment_n no_o wise_a man_n will_v reject_v and_o scorn_v what_o may_v be_v true_a till_o he_o can_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v false_a 2._o since_o than_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n let_v we_o consider_v which_o be_v most_o probable_a which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o those_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v or_o shall_v not_o make_v such_o a_o revelation_n of_o his_o will._n now_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o this_o by_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o mankind_n there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n in_o the_o world_n in_o former_a age_n who_o believe_v a_o god_n but_o do_v believe_v also_o some_o kind_n of_o commerce_n and_o communication_n between_o god_n and_o men._n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o their_o religious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o every_o nation_n pretend_v to_o receive_v from_o their_o go_n this_o give_v birth_n to_o all_o their_o superstitious_a art_n of_o divination_n that_o they_o believe_v their_o god_n have_v a_o perpetual_a intercourse_n with_o man_n and_o by_o various_a mean_n give_v they_o notice_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v ●…nd_v the_o stoic_a in_o tully_n think_v that_o ●…e_a acknowledgement_n of_o a_o god_n do_v as_o ●…ecessarily_o infer_v divination_n as_o divina●…on_n do_v prove_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n ego_fw-la ●…im_fw-la sic_fw-la existimo_fw-la si_fw-la sint_fw-la ea_fw-la genera_fw-la divi●…andi_fw-la vera_fw-la de_fw-la quibus_fw-la accepimus_fw-la quoeque_fw-la co●…imus_fw-la esse_fw-la deos_fw-la vicissimque_fw-la si_fw-la dii_fw-la sint_fw-la esse_fw-la ●…ui_fw-la divinent_fw-la be_v it_o possible_a as_o i_o observe_v before_o to_o ●…magine_v that_o god_n shall_v make_v reaso●…able_a creature_n who_o be_v make_v to_o know_v ●…im_a and_o to_o be_v happy_a in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n and_o admiration_n of_o he_o and_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o they_o without_o give_v they_o any_o visible_a token_n of_o his_o presence_n or_o any_o other_o view_n of_o his_o glory_n then_o in_o the_o weak_a and_o glimmer_a reflection_n of_o his_o work_n have_v man_n preserve_v the_o innocence_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o whether_o we_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o moses_n or_o not_o if_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n make_v man_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o he_o make_v he_o holy_a he_o have_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o presence_n and_o conversation_n of_o god_n as_o angel_n and_o holy_a and_o pure_a spirit_n be_v and_o in_o this_o state_n there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n will_v have_v show_v himself_o and_o his_o glory_n to_o man_n in_o some_o measure_n and_o proportion_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n as_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n do_v to_o adam_n in_o paradise_n so_o that_o man_n be_v make_v if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v with_o reverence_n for_o the_o conversation_n of_o god_n which_o pious_a and_o devout_a soul_n recover_v in_o some_o measure_n on_o earth_n and_o which_o we_o all_o hope_v perfect_o to_o enjoy_v in_o heaven_n sin_n indeed_o as_o necessary_o it_o must_v have_v make_v a_o great_a distance_n between_o god_n and_o man_n but_o if_o we_o must_v live_v in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o be_v 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that_o god_n take_v no_o care_n of_o ●…s_n own_o glory_n and_o worship_n nor_o of_o the_o ●…uls_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o have_v ●…ken_v none_o if_o he_o have_v not_o reveal_v ●…mself_n and_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o in_o ●…ose_n dark_a time_n of_o paganism_n the_o de●…l_n and_o evil_a spirit_n have_v every_o where_o ●…eir_n temple_n and_o altar_n and_o priest_n ●…d_a sacrifice_n frequent_o appear_v to_o ●…eir_n votary_n in_o visible_a shape_v and_o in●…ituted_v their_o own_o rite_n of_o worship_n and_o ●…ave_v forth_o their_o oracle_n and_o response_n ●…nd_v by_o their_o various_a art_n of_o divinati●…n_n give_v they_o notice_n of_o many_o event_n ●…or_n though_o these_o be_v cheat_n and_o im●…ostures_n they_o be_v not_o all_o the_o cheat_n ●…f_a priest_n but_o of_o evil_a spirit_n who_o im●…osed_v both_o upon_o priest_n and_o people_n and_o ●…y_v these_o art_n beget_v in_o they_o a_o great_a o●…inion_n of_o their_o own_o divinity_n as_o we_o must_v confess_v unless_o we_o will_v deny_v the_o credit_n of_o all_o history_n and_o when_o this_o by_o the_o secret_a and_o hide_a counsel_n of_o god_n be_v the_o miserable_a and_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n can_v we_o think_v that_o god_n shall_v leave_v himself_o without_o any_o other_o witness_v than_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n shall_v give_v no_o demonstration_n of_o a_o power_n superior_a to_o all_o these_o vulgar_a deity_n nor_o give_v man_n any_o certain_a notice_n of_o his_o will_n no_o rule_n of_o conversation_n or_o worship_n it_o be_v certain_a in_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o all_o the_o reformation_n which_o have_v be_v make_v in_o man_n faith_n and_o worship_n and_o manner_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a religion_n this_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o their_o absurd_a idolatry_n and_o restore_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v so_o wonderful_a a_o change_n as_o can_v not_o have_v be_v wrought_v without_o some_o visible_a and_o irresistible_a proof_n of_o divinity_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v in_o those_o man_n who_o believe_v a_o god_n to_o deny_v all_o revelation_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n can_v reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n if_o he_o please_v and_o that_o the_o nature_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n make_v it_o high_o reasonable_a to_o think_v he_o have_v do_v it_o the_o design_n of_o all_o which_o be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o to_o remove_v mens_fw-la prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o reveal_v religion_n for_o be_v this_o effectual_o do_v they_o will_v soon_o discover_v the_o most_o unquestionable_a character_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n i_o be_o sure_a if_o we_o do_v believe_v a_o god_n and_o another_o world_n nothing_o can_v be_v so_o desirable_a as_o a_o more_o explicit_a and_o perfect_a account_n of_o ●…he_n will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n than_o mere_a nature_n can_v give_v we_o what_o impression_n this_o may_v make_v upon_o profess_a deist_n i_o can_v tell_v they_o ●…ave_v so_o use_v themselves_o to_o laugh_v at_o eve●…y_a thing_n that_o be_v serious_a and_o to_o confute_v ●…he_v wise_a argument_n with_o bold_a and_o profane_a jest_n that_o little_a good_a can_v be_v expect_v from_o they_o but_o i_o hope_v this_o may_v caution_n those_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o ●…nfected_v and_o make_v the_o name_n of_o a_o deist●…n_n ●…n_z a_o christian_a nation_n as_o contemptible_a ●…s_v the_o name_n of_o a_o atheist_n they_o be_v both_o ●…wing_v to_o the_o same_o cause_n they_o live_v much_o alike_o they_o be_v equal_a enemy_n to_o christianity_n and_o equal_o dangerous_a to_o any_o government_n where_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o ●…ppermost_a it_o be_v a_o
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 ●…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
be_v as_o easy_a and_o natural_a as_o of_o a_o eternal_a be_v and_o that_o natural_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o the_o relation_n and_o dependence_n between_o cause_n and_o effect_n necessary_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n for_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v eternal_a without_o a_o cause_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o there_o shall_v ever_o after_o be_v any_o natural_a relation_n between_o they_o of_o cause_n and_o effect_n and_o yet_o destroy_v the_o doctrine_n of_o cause_n and_o effect_n and_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o reason_n and_o discourse_n but_o then_o as_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o all_o thing_n so_o all_o the_o appearance_n of_o nature_n contradict_v it_o and_o will_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o lie_v easy_a in_o our_o mind_n we_o see_v every_o day_n that_o all_o individual_n be_v make_v man_n be_v bear_v every_o day_n and_o die_v and_o one_o generation_n succeed_v another_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o beast_n and_o bird_n and_o all_o other_o animal_n with_o tree_n and_o fruit_n and_o corn_n and_o herb_n and_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v eternal_a when_o we_o see_v that_o the_o individual_n of_o all_o these_o several_a kind_n of_o being_n be_v daily_o make_v for_o the_o world_n consist_v of_o individual_n and_o if_o they_o be_v all_o make_v the_o world_n be_v make_v necessary_a existence_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o eternal_a be_v which_o have_v no_o beginning_n nor_o any_o cause_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v always_o what_o it_o be_v without_o the_o least_o change_n that_o to_o ascribe_v eternity_n to_o a_o world_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o perpetual_a change_n be_v as_o great_a a_o absurdity_n as_o to_o assert_v a_o eternal_a succession_n without_o a_o beginning_n thus_o it_o be_v very_o natural_a to_o think_v that_o the_o effect_n can_v have_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o cause_n can_v give_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v learn_v what_o the_o invisible_a cause_n be_v from_o visible_a effect_n that_o if_o we_o see_v any_o thing_n wise_o make_v we_o may_v conclude_v it_o have_v a_o wise_a cause_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v more_o contradict_v the_o natural_a sense_n of_o our_o mind_n than_o to_o ascribe_v such_o a_o world_n as_o we_o now_o live_v in_o which_o discover_v such_o wonderful_a art_n in_o its_o contrivance_n to_o blind_a and_o undesigning_a chance_n i_o do_v not_o dispute_v these_o matter_n now_o but_o only_o consider_v how_o unnatural_a it_o be_v to_o think_v so_o and_o therefore_o how_o very_a difficult_a it_o be_v for_o any_o man_n in_o good_a earnest_n to_o espouse_v these_o atheistick_a principle_n thus_o as_o for_o the_o principle_n of_o infidelity_n how_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o any_o man_n to_o persuade_v himself_o that_o god_n never_o reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n when_o all_o mankind_n have_v believe_v otherwise_o and_o be_v natural_o incline_v to_o believe_v so_o and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v do_v so_o and_o none_o to_o think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o especial_o when_o we_o have_v such_o evident_a proof_n of_o this_o in_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n which_o so_o strong_o persuade_v the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n for_o to_o deny_v prophecy_n and_o miracle_n when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v plain_a that_o there_o have_v be_v true_a prophecy_n or_o miracle_n and_o no_o man_n beside_o themselves_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n doubt_n whether_o he_o can_v foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v or_o exercise_v a_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o nature_n when_o he_o please_v can_v be_v call_v by_o no_o soft_a name_n than_o stupidity_n or_o impudence_n and_o whatever_o they_o say_v it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o believe_v what_o they_o say_v for_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n carry_v such_o a_o conviction_n with_o they_o of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o give_v such_o authority_n to_o the_o prophet_n as_o be_v not_o easy_o resist_v as_o be_v evident_a from_o hence_o that_o some_o of_o the_o wise_a of_o these_o man_n dare_v not_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n can_v they_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o they_o hear_v no_o prophecy_n nor_o see_v any_o miracle_n now_o and_o may_v be_v impose_v on_o by_o fabulous_a relation_n shall_v they_o be_v over_o credulous_a of_o such_o matter_n this_o will_v have_v be_v a_o good_a answer_n have_v they_o only_o some_o idle_a and_o uncertain_a report_n of_o such_o thing_n but_o it_o can_v never_o satisfy_v themselves_o when_o they_o have_v such_o a_o authentic_a history_n as_o the_o bible_n the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n for_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n can_v any_o man_n persuade_v himself_o to_o reject_v the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o all_o history_n if_o he_o can_v whatever_o he_o may_v pretend_v he_o will_v find_v it_o a_o very_a hard_a matter_n after_o all_o his_o criticism_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o best_a attest_v and_o most_o credible_a history_n in_o the_o world_n these_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o be_v a_o atheist_n or_o infidel_n without_o which_o man_n can_v never_o reject_v or_o confound_v the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o all_o these_o principle_n contradict_v the_o natural_a idea_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o destroy_v all_o the_o natural_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o reason_n that_o we_o can_v no_o more_o distinguish_v between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n than_o between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a ever_o thus_o to_o efface_v the_o natural_a notion_n of_o our_o mind_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v a_o very_a uneasy_a and_o difficult_a task_n 3_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v at_o least_o as_o difficult_a to_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a man_n may_v bribe_v their_o understanding_n but_o our_o natural_a passion_n be_v not_o so_o easy_o stifle_v when_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o nature_n have_v annex_v shame_n and_o fear_v and_o remorse_n to_o bad_a action_n which_o make_v they_o very_o bitter_a and_o grievous_a in_o the_o review_n whatever_o they_o be_v in_o the_o act_n it_o be_v not_o laugh_v at_o these_o fear_n as_o superstitious_a and_o owe_v to_o education_n which_o will_v cure_v they_o no_o more_o than_o the_o stoic_n brag_v that_o pain_n be_v no_o evil_a can_v prevent_v their_o feel_a pain_n what_o be_v painful_a will_v make_v we_o feel_v it_o and_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n themselves_o when_o they_o think_v they_o have_v reason_v and_o laugh_v away_o all_o their_o fear_n find_v that_o beside_o their_o frequent_a misgiving_n and_o jealousy_n when_o any_o great_a or_o surprise_v occasion_n set_v they_o free_a these_o passion_n return_v on_o they_o with_o such_o a_o fury_n as_o all_o their_o philosophy_n can_v resist_v now_o this_o endanger_v all_o again_o for_o natural_a shame_n and_o fear_v and_o remorse_n will_v make_v they_o own_o a_o essential_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a when_o they_o feel_v it_o 4thly_a but_o let_v we_o suppose_v all_o these_o difficulty_n conquer_v they_o be_v sensible_a that_o there_o be_v one_o still_o remain_v viz._n that_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n be_v against_o they_o the_o heathen_a world_n own_v a_o god_n and_o as_o learned_a man_n have_v prove_v one_o supreme_a god_n though_o they_o corrupt_v both_o the_o notion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n by_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n but_o atheism_n be_v so_o infamous_a among_o they_o that_o some_o atheistick_a philosopher_n such_o as_o epicurus_n himself_o be_v force_v to_o dissemble_v it_o they_o own_v a_o moral_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o own_v revelation_n and_o institute_v religion_n and_o have_v they_o though_o not_o from_o god_n yet_o from_o those_o evil_a spirit_n who_o they_o worship_v for_o go_n the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n own_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n who_o they_o be_v most_o at_o present_v concern_v with_o own_o both_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n these_o be_v great_a authority_n against_o they_o which_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v make_v man_n modest_a and_o put_v they_o a_o little_a out_o of_o countenance_n and_o incline_v they_o to_o suspect_v that_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v but_o they_o be_v sensible_a that_o modesty_n will_v undo_v they_o that_o to_o suspect_v whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n be_v as_o fatal_a to_o they_o as_o to_o know_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o way_n leave_v but_o to_o outface_v all_o the_o world_n to_o laugh_v at_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n as_o superstitious_a