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need_v not_o any_o such_o doctrine_n as_o christianity_n be_v publish_v for_o that_o end_n and_o there_o be_v two_o great_a thing_n we_o may_v charge_v the_o best_a of_o their_o discourse_n with_o a_o insufficiency_n in_o for_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o this_o end_n which_o be_v certainty_n and_o motive_n or_o the_o want_n of_o argument_n a_o to_o believe_v and_o encouragement_n to_o practice_v 1._o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o sufficient_a certainty_n for_o what_o a_o man_n venture_v his_o eternal_a state_n upon_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v well_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o the_o world_n to_o be_v reform_v by_o such_o wise_a apostle_n if_o they_o must_v be_v call_v so_o who_o be_v perpetual_o dispute_v among_o themselves_o about_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o most_o necessary_a foundation_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o religion_n as_o though_o the_o best_a argument_n they_o have_v to_o prove_v their_o soul_n immortal_a be_v because_o their_o dispute_n about_o they_o be_v so_o and_o those_o seem_v among_o they_o to_o gain_v the_o b_o great_a reputation_n for_o wit_n who_o be_v best_a able_a to_o dispute_v against_o common_a principle_n and_o they_o manage_v their_o business_n with_o great_a advantage_n who_o only_o show_v the_o weakness_n of_o other_o principle_n but_o establish_v none_o of_o their_o own_o which_o be_v a_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o the_o way_n they_o proceed_v in_o for_o offer_v at_o no_o such_o way_n of_o proof_n as_o christianity_n do_v they_o rather_o teach_v man_n to_o dispute_v than_o to_o live_v eternal_o beside_o their_o discourse_n be_v too_o subtle_a and_o intricate_a for_o the_o common_a capacity_n of_o man_n how_o long_o may_v a_o man_n live_v before_o a_o entelechia_fw-la will_v make_v he_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o his_o soul_n the_o better_a c_o or_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d persuade_v he_o to_o believe_v its_o immortality_n insomuch_o that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o determine_v whether_o the_o argument_n use_v by_o they_o do_v not_o rather_o hinder_v assent_n than_o persuade_v to_o it_o and_o it_o seem_v probable_a that_o the_o honest_a mind_v illiterate_a heathen_n believe_v those_o thing_n more_o firm_o than_o the_o great_a philosopher_n for_o plain_a truth_n lose_v much_o of_o their_o weight_n when_o they_o be_v rarify_v into_o subtlety_n and_o their_o strength_n be_v impair_v when_o they_o be_v spin_v into_o too_o fine_a a_o thread_n the_o argument_n which_o must_v prevail_v with_o mankind_n must_v be_v plain_a and_o evident_a easy_a and_o yet_o powerful_a the_o natural_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o man_n be_v d_o ofttimes_o dull_v by_o dispute_n and_o only_o awake_v by_o a_o powerful_a representation_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v and_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o that_o by_o such_o a_o way_n of_o proof_n as_o all_o person_n be_v equal_a judge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o validity_n of_o it_o such_o as_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o the_o gospel_n 2._o but_o let_v we_o suppose_v the_o argument_n certain_a and_o suitable_a yet_o what_o sufficient_a motive_n or_o encouragement_n can_v they_o give_v to_o lead_v a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a life_n who_o after_o all_o their_o endeavour_n to_o persuade_v other_o remain_v so_o uncertain_a themselves_o as_o to_o a_o future_a happiness_n so_o tully_n tell_v we_o of_o socrates_n himself_n when_o he_o be_v e_o just_a die_v that_o he_o tell_v his_o friend_n that_o only_o the_o god_n know_v whether_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o man_n to_o live_v or_o die_v but_o he_o think_v no_o man_n do_v and_o although_o some_o will_v excuse_v this_o as_o his_o usual_a way_n of_o dispute_v yet_o of_o all_o time_n one_o will_v think_v it_o be_v fit_a for_o he_o then_o to_o declare_v his_o mind_n in_o the_o most_o express_a term_n not_o a_o only_o for_o the_o full_a vindication_n of_o himself_o but_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o encouragement_n of_o his_o friend_n we_o be_v sure_a 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his_o sovereign_n and_o that_o all_o passion_n be_v to_o be_v destroy_v that_o pain_n and_o grief_n be_v nothing_o that_o virtue_n in_o all_o condition_n be_v a_o sufficient_a reward_n to_o itself_o which_o be_v so_o contrary_a to_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v they_o be_v first_o to_o persuade_v they_o they_o be_v not_o man_n so_o that_o he_o be_v certain_o the_o wise_a man_n among_o the_o heathen_n who_o conclude_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o expect_v a_o high_a master_n to_o teach_v we_o these_o thing_n and_o to_o acquaint_v we_o with_o the_o happiness_n of_o a_o future_a life_n c_o and_o hereby_o a_o answer_n may_v be_v give_v to_o porphyry_n grand_a objection_n against_o christian_a religion_n viz._n if_o it_o be_v so_o necessary_a for_o the_o good_a of_o mankind_n why_o be_v it_o so_o long_o before_o it_o be_v discover_v because_o god_n will_v thereby_o discover_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o all_o the_o mean_v 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have_v say_v if_o you_o slight_a and_o disesteem_v the_o gospel_n of_o a_o christ_n upon_o whatever_o ground_n you_o do_v it_o if_o either_o through_o too_o great_a a_o opinion_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n you_o despiâ—e_v it_o as_o vain_a and_o useless_a if_o through_o too_o mean_v a_o opinion_n of_o the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n you_o reject_v it_o either_o as_o uncertain_a in_o its_o theory_n or_o impossible_a in_o its_o practice_n or_o if_o through_o too_o great_a a_o love_n of_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n or_o a_o secure_a and_o careless_a temper_n of_o mind_n you_o regard_v not_o the_o do_v what_o christianity_n require_v to_o make_v you_o happy_a think_v with_o yourselves_o what_o way_n you_o can_v find_v to_o escape_v the_o wrath_n of_o god_n for_o my_o part_n i_o know_v of_o none_o for_o if_o god_n be_v so_o severe_a against_o the_o violation_n of_o a_o far_o mean_a b_o institution_n viz._n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n insomuch_o that_o every_o 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of_o those_o who_o show_v their_o disesteem_a of_o he_o some_o that_o be_v so_o enrage_v against_o he_o that_o they_o contrive_v all_o way_n for_o his_o disgrace_n and_o punishment_n other_o can_v hear_v he_o with_o patience_n 19_o but_o the_o care_n of_o this_o world_n the_o deceitfulness_n of_o riches_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o other_o thing_n choke_v and_o stifle_v all_o good_a apprehension_n of_o he_o e_o that_o they_o become_v weak_a and_o ineffectual_a and_o those_o be_v guilty_a of_o make_v light_n of_o the_o marriage-feast_n because_o of_o other_o business_n which_o they_o have_v to_o mind_n matth._n 22._o 5._o as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o offer_v all_o the_o injury_n and_o affront_n to_o his_o servant_n that_o invite_v they_o v_o 6._o and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o our_o saviour_n so_o it_o be_v now_o a_o some_o be_v eat_v and_o drink_v mind_v nothing_o but_o the_o vain_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n of_o the_o world_n some_o be_v buy_v and_o sell_v so_o busy_a in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o have_v no_o leisure_n to_o think_v of_o be_v happy_a in_o another_o some_o be_v deride_v and_o blaspheme_v but_o all_o these_o too_o wise_a or_o too_o vain_a or_o too_o profane_a to_o mind_v the_o offer_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n i_o wish_v we_o can_v say_v it_o be_v otherwise_o now_o that_o a_o sensual_a and_o voluptuous_a a_o easy_a and_o a_o careless_a life_n in_o some_o that_o ambition_n and_o the_o restless_a pursuit_n after_o the_o honour_n and_o riches_n of_o the_o world_n in_o other_o that_o a_o profane_a wit_n and_o a_o contempt_n of_o all_o that_o be_v serious_a in_o those_o that_o think_v themselves_o b_o too_o great_a to_o be_v religious_a do_v not_o enervate_a the_o force_n of_o christianity_n upon_o their_o mind_n and_o make_v they_o all_o
as_o be_v here_o mention_v 1._o that_o the_o thing_n attribute_v to_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o arise_v from_o any_o mere_o natural_a cause_n it_o be_v not_o my_o present_a business_n e_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v account_v miracle_n by_o those_o who_o see_v they_o or_o hear_v of_o they_o and_o that_o on_o the_o day_n of_o pentecost_n they_o do_v speak_v with_o strange_a tongue_n for_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o universal_o attest_v by_o the_o most_o competent_a witness_n viz._n a_o person_n of_o the_o same_o age_n who_o testimony_n we_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v and_o not_o only_o by_o those_o who_o be_v the_o friend_n to_o this_o religion_n but_o the_o great_a enemy_n jew_n and_o heathen_n and_o by_o all_o the_o utmost_a endeavour_n of_o atheistical_a man_n who_o have_v not_o set_v themselves_o to_o disprove_v the_o testimony_n but_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o by_o say_v that_o grant_v they_o true_a they_o do_v not_o infer_v the_o concurrence_n of_o a_o divine_a spirit_n that_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n any_o person_n will_v question_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n he_o must_v question_v the_o truth_n of_o some_o other_o thing_n which_o himself_o believe_v on_o the_o same_o or_o weak_a ground_n than_o these_o be_v suppose_v b_o then_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o be_v true_a we_o now_o inquire_v whether_o these_o thing_n may_v proceed_v from_o any_o mere_o natural_a cause_n which_o will_v be_v the_o best_a do_v by_o examine_v the_o most_o plausible_a account_n which_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v give_v of_o they_o and_o thus_o some_o have_v have_v the_o confidence_n to_o say_v that_o whatever_o be_v say_v to_o be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n in_o the_o apostle_n may_v be_v effect_v by_o a_o natural_a temperament_n of_o body_n or_o the_o great_a power_n of_o imagination_n and_o that_o their_o speak_n with_o strange_a tongue_n may_v be_v the_o effect_n only_o of_o a_o natural_a enthusiasm_n or_o some_o distemper_n of_o brain_n c_o 1._o that_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n may_v be_v nothing_o but_o a_o natural_a temperament_n or_o the_o strength_n of_o imagination_n 1._o a_o excellent_a natural_a temper_n of_o body_n they_o say_v may_v do_v strange_a and_o wonderful_a thing_n so_o that_o such_o a_o one_o who_o have_v a_o exact_a temperament_n may_v walk_v upon_o the_o water_n stand_v in_o the_o air_n and_o quench_v the_o violence_n of_o the_o fire_n and_o by_o a_o strange_a kind_n of_o sanative_a contagion_n may_v communicate_v healthful_a spirit_n as_o person_n that_o be_v infect_v do_v noisome_a and_o pestilential_a these_o be_v thing_n speak_v with_o as_o much_o ease_n and_o as_o little_a reason_n as_o any_o of_o the_o calumny_n against_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o bold_o utter_v d_o by_o man_n who_o dare_v speak_v any_o thing_n as_o to_o these_o thing_n but_o reason_n and_o do_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v good_a 1._o but_o can_v these_o man_n after_o all_o their_o confidence_n produce_v any_o one_o person_n in_o the_o world_n who_o by_o the_o exquisiteness_n of_o his_o natural_a temper_n have_v ever_o walk_v upon_o the_o water_n or_o poise_v himself_o in_o the_o air_n or_o keep_v himself_o from_o be_v singe_v in_o the_o fire_n if_o these_o thing_n be_v natural_a how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o no_o other_o instance_n can_v be_v give_v but_o such_o as_o we_o urge_v for_o miraculous_a we_o say_v indeed_o that_o 29._o christ_n walk_v on_o the_o sea_n but_o withal_o we_o say_v this_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o that_o divine_a power_n in_o he_o which_o e_o as_o job_n say_v 8._o alone_o spread_v out_o the_o heaven_n and_o tread_v upon_o the_o wave_n of_o the_o sea_n we_o say_v that_o 11._o elijah_n be_v carry_v up_o into_o heaven_n by_o a_o chariot_n of_o fire_n and_o a_o whirlwind_n but_o it_o be_v only_o by_o his_o power_n 4._o who_o make_v the_o wind_n his_o messenger_n and_o flame_n of_o fire_n his_o minister_n as_o some_o render_v a_o those_o word_n of_o the_o psalmist_n we_o say_v that_o the_o three_o child_n be_v preserve_v 26._o in_o the_o fiery_a furnace_n that_o they_o have_v no_o hurt_n and_o even_o nabuchadnezzar_n be_v hereby_o convince_v that_o he_o be_v the_o true_a god_n which_o be_v able_a to_o preserve_v his_o servant_n from_o the_o force_n of_o that_o devour_a element_n which_o be_v therefore_o so_o much_o worship_v by_o those_o eastern_a people_n because_o it_o destroy_v not_o only_o the_o man_n but_o the_o god_n of_o other_o nation_n but_o be_v this_o enough_o to_o satisfy_v any_o reasonable_a man_n that_o these_o thing_n be_v do_v by_o natural_a cause_n because_o they_o be_v do_v at_o all_o for_o that_o be_v to_o suppose_v it_o impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v miracle_n which_o be_v to_o say_v b_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v he_o a_o god_n which_o be_v a_o attempt_n somewhat_o beyond_o what_o the_o most_o impudent_a atheist_n pretend_v but_o in_o this_o case_n nothing_o can_v be_v reasonable_o urge_v but_o common_a experience_n to_o the_o contrary_a if_o these_o be_v thing_n which_o be_v usual_o do_v by_o other_o cause_n there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o pretend_v a_o miraculous_a power_n but_o we_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o such_o thing_n shall_v be_v produce_v by_o mere_a natural_a cause_n and_o in_o this_o case_n there_o can_v be_v no_o confutation_n but_o by_o contrary_a experience_n as_o we_o see_v the_o opinion_n of_o the_o ancient_n concern_v the_o uninhabitableness_n of_o the_o the_o torrid_a zone_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o antipode_n c_o be_v disprove_v by_o the_o manifest_a experience_n to_o the_o contrary_a of_o all_o modern_a discoverer_n let_v such_o plain_a experience_n be_v produce_v and_o we_o shall_v then_o yield_v the_o possibility_n of_o the_o thing_n by_o some_o natural_a cause_n although_o not_o by_o such_o a_o exact_a temperament_n of_o body_n which_o be_v only_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o strong_a power_n of_o imagination_n in_o those_o who_o think_v so_o whatever_o that_o may_v have_v on_o other_o such_o a_o temperament_n of_o body_n as_o these_o person_n imagine_v consider_v the_o great_a inequality_n of_o the_o mixture_n of_o the_o earthy_a and_o aërial_a part_n in_o we_o be_v it_o may_v be_v as_o great_a a_o miracle_n itself_o as_o any_o they_o will_v disprove_v by_o it_o d_o 2._o but_o suppose_v such_o a_o temperament_n of_o body_n to_o be_v possible_a how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v so_o beneficial_a to_o other_o as_o to_o propagate_v its_o virtue_n to_o the_o cure_n of_o disease_a person_n we_o may_v as_o well_o think_v that_o a_o great_a beauty_n may_v change_v a_o black_a by_o osten_v view_v he_o or_o a_o skilful_a musician_n make_v another_o so_o by_o sit_v near_o he_o as_o one_o man_n heal_v another_o because_o he_o be_v healthful_a himself_o unless_o we_o can_v suppose_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o a_o man_n to_o send_v forth_o the_o best_a spirit_n of_o his_o own_o body_n and_o transfuse_v they_o into_o the_o body_n of_o another_o but_o by_o this_o mean_n that_o which_o must_v cure_v another_o must_v destroy_v himself_o beside_o the_o healthfulness_n of_o a_o person_n lie_v much_o e_o in_o the_o freedom_n of_o perspiration_n of_o all_o the_o noxious_a vapour_n to_o the_o body_n by_o which_o it_o will_v appear_v incredible_a that_o a_o man_n shall_v preserve_v his_o own_o health_n by_o send_v out_o the_o worst_a vapour_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n cure_v another_o by_o send_v out_o the_o best_a 3._o suppose_v we_o shall_v grant_v that_o a_o vigorous_a heat_n and_o a_o a_o strong_a arm_n may_v by_o a_o violent_a friction_n discuss_v some_o tumour_n of_o a_o distemper_a body_n yet_o what_o will_v all_o this_o signify_v to_o the_o mighty_a cure_n which_o be_v wrought_v so_o easy_o and_o with_o a_o word_n speak_v and_o at_o such_o great_a distance_n as_o be_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n suppose_v our_o saviour_n have_v the_o most_o exact_a natural_a temper_n that_o ever_o any_o person_n in_o the_o world_n have_v yet_o what_o can_v this_o do_v to_o the_o cure_n of_o a_o person_n above_o twenty_o mile_n distance_n for_o so_o our_o saviour_n cure_v the_o son_n of_o a_o nobleman_n who_o lie_v sick_a at_o capernaum_n when_o himself_o be_v at_o 53._o cana_n in_o galilee_n so_o at_o 13._o capernaum_n he_o cure_v the_o centurion_n servant_n at_o his_o own_o house_n without_o go_v thither_o thus_o we_o find_v the_o apostle_n cure_v b_o though_o 12._o they_o do_v not_o touch_v they_o and_o that_o not_o one_o or_o two_o but_o multitude_n of_o disease_a person_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o imagine_v that_o so_o many_o man_n shall_v at_o the_o same_o time_n
den_n who_o seem_v to_o be_v design_v rather_o to_o destroy_v than_o to_o conquer_v so_o sudden_a so_o numerous_a so_o irresistible_a in_o most_o place_n be_v the_o incursion_n they_o make_v but_o what_o be_v it_o which_o give_v they_o so_o strange_a success_n be_v it_o their_o long_a practice_n and_o skill_n in_o military_a affair_n no_o they_o be_v rude_a and_o unexperienced_a be_v it_o their_o mighty_a courage_n no_o they_o be_v despise_v by_o the_o roman_n as_o great_a coward_n and_o beg_v for_o peace_n when_o it_o be_v deny_v they_o but_o as_o etc._n salvian_n tell_v we_o who_o live_v in_o those_o time_n and_o know_v the_o manner_n of_o both_o side_n the_o goth_n and_o vandal_n b_o be_v of_o a_o very_a severe_a chastity_n among_o who_o fornication_n be_v punish_v sharp_o and_o adultery_n a_o crime_n scarce_o hear_v of_o whereas_o all_o manner_n of_o uncleanness_n and_o licentiousness_n do_v abound_v among_o the_o roman_n who_o yet_o be_v then_o call_v christian_n the_o goth_n be_v devout_a and_o pious_a acknowledge_v divine_a providence_n make_v their_o solemn_a supplication_n to_o god_n before_o their_o victory_n and_o return_v he_o the_o praise_n of_o they_o afterward_o but_o the_o roman_n be_v fall_v into_o that_o degree_n of_o irreligion_n and_o atheism_n that_o nothing_o be_v more_o common_a among_o they_o than_o to_o droll_n upon_o religion_n 166._o a_o nostris_fw-la omne_fw-la fermè_fw-la c_o religiosa_fw-la ridentur_fw-la as_o salvian_n speak_v they_o think_v all_o thing_n manage_v by_o chance_n or_o fate_n and_o ascribe_v very_o little_a to_o god_n and_o where_o these_o sin_n abound_v most_o they_o be_v carry_v up_o and_o down_o as_o by_o a_o divine_a instinct_n as_o they_o confess_v themselves_o and_o where_o they_o conquer_v 168._o as_o he_o particular_o speak_v of_o the_o vandal_n in_o africa_n they_o purge_v all_o the_o stew_n of_o uncleanness_n and_o make_v so_o great_a a_o reformation_n by_o the_o severity_n of_o their_o law_n that_o even_o the_o roman_n themselves_o be_v chaste_a among_o they_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o those_o great_a and_o mighty_a empire_n have_v be_v break_v to_o piece_n by_o the_o weight_n of_o their_o d_o impiety_n fall_v upon_o they_o may_v the_o consideration_n then_o of_o these_o thing_n move_v we_o in_o time_n to_o a_o reformation_n of_o our_o life_n before_o our_o iniquity_n grow_v full_a and_o ripe_a for_o vengeance_n we_o have_v see_v many_o revolution_n and_o god_n know_v how_o many_o more_o we_o may_v see_v if_o that_o shall_v be_v true_a of_o we_o which_o the_o same_o author_n say_v of_o the_o roman_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o all_o their_o change_n sola_fw-la tantum_fw-la vitia_fw-la perdurant_fw-la their_o vice_n remain_v the_o same_o still_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n that_o thing_n have_v a_o fair_a appearance_n at_o present_a than_o they_o have_v have_v and_o never_o so_o good_a a_o time_n to_o amend_v as_o now_o but_o if_o man_n flatter_v themselves_o e_o with_o present_a security_n and_o their_o sin_n increase_v as_o their_o fear_n abate_v the_o cloud_n which_o seem_v disperse_v may_v soon_o gather_v again_o and_o the_o face_n of_o the_o heaven_n will_v change_v if_o we_o do_v not_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o reclaim_v other_o from_o their_o sin_n let_v we_o endeavour_v to_o preserve_v the_o honour_n of_o our_o church_n by_o amend_v our_o own_o and_o convince_v our_o enemy_n by_o live_v a_o better_o than_o they_o and_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o say_v and_o so_o i_o conclude_v that_o among_o all_o the_o expedient_n which_o have_v be_v think_v of_o for_o the_o peace_n of_o this_o church_n and_o nation_n that_o of_o leave_v off_o our_o sin_n and_o lead_v virtuous_a and_o exemplary_a life_n will_v at_o last_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o most_o successful_a b_o c_o d_o e_o sermon_n xi_o xi_o a_o b_o preach_v at_o white_a hall._n mrrch_n 27._o 1672._o c_o two_o corinth_n v._o ii_o know_v therefore_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o persuade_v man_n if_o ever_o any_o religion_n be_v in_o all_o respect_v accomplish_v d_o for_o so_o noble_a a_o design_n as_o the_o reformation_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v the_o christian_a whether_o we_o consider_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o who_o first_o deliver_v it_o or_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o argument_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o their_o agreeableness_n to_o the_o most_o prevail_a e_o passion_n of_o humane_a nature_n although_o the_o world_n be_v strange_o degenerate_v before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n yet_o not_o to_o see_v great_a a_o degree_n but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o who_o not_o only_o see_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o cure_n but_o offer_v their_o assistance_n in_o order_n to_o it_o who_o attempt_n prove_v the_o more_o vain_a and_o fruitless_a because_o a_o they_o labour_v under_o the_o same_o distemper_n themselves_o which_o they_o offer_v tâ—…_n cure_v in_o other_o or_o the_o method_n they_o prescribe_v be_v mean_a and_o trivial_a doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a or_o else_o too_o nice_a and_o subtle_a to_o do_v any_o great_a good_a upon_o the_o world_n but_o châ—istianity_n have_v not_o only_o a_o mighty_a advantage_n by_o the_o great_a holiness_n of_o thoâ—e_n who_o preach_v it_o but_o by_o the_o clearness_n and_o evidence_n the_o strength_n and_o efficacy_n of_o those_o argument_n which_o they_o use_v to_o persuade_v man_n the_o nature_n of_o they_o be_v such_o that_o none_o who_o understand_v they_o can_v deny_v they_o to_o be_v great_a their_o clearness_n such_o that_o none_o that_o hear_v they_o can_v chooâ—e_v but_o understand_v b_o they_o the_o manner_n of_o recommend_v they_o such_o as_o all_o who_o understand_v themselves_o can_v not_o but_o desire_v to_o hear_v they_o no_o argument_n can_v be_v more_o proper_a to_o mankind_n than_o those_o which_o work_n upon_o their_o reason_n and_o consideration_n no_o motive_n can_v stir_v up_o moâ—e_n to_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o than_o their_o own_o happiness_n and_o misery_n no_o happinoss_n and_o misery_n can_v deserve_v to_o be_v so_o much_o consider_v as_o that_o which_o be_v eternal_a and_o this_o eternal_a state_n be_v that_o which_o above_o all_o other_o thing_n the_o christian_a religion_n deliver_v with_o the_o great_a plainness_n confirm_v with_o the_o strong_a evidence_n and_o enforce_v upon_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n with_o the_o c_o most_o powerful_a and_o persuasive_a rhetoric_n i_o need_v not_o go_v beyond_o my_o text_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o wherein_o we_o see_v that_o the_o apostle_n sesign_n be_v to_o persuade_v man_n i_o e._n to_o convince_v their_o judgement_n to_o gain_v their_o affection_n to_o reform_v their_o life_n that_o the_o argument_n they_o use_v for_o this_o end_n be_v no_o less_o than_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n not_o the_o frown_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o the_o fear_n of_o man_n nor_o the_o malice_n of_o devil_n but_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o almighty_a who_o majesty_n make_v even_o the_o devil_n tremble_v who_o power_n be_v irresisistible_a and_o who_o wrath_n be_v insupportable_a but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o this_o world_n which_o he_o d_o here_o speak_v of_o although_o that_o be_v great_a enough_o to_o make_v we_o as_o miserable_a as_o we_o can_v be_v in_o this_o state_n but_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n which_o shaâ—l_v appear_v at_o the_o dreadful_a day_n of_o judgement_n of_o which_o he_o peak_v in_o the_o verse_n before_o the_o text_n 10._o for_o we_o must_v all_o appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n that_o every_o one_o may_v receive_v the_o thing_n do_v in_o his_o body_n according_a to_o that_o he_o have_v do_v whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o bad_a this_o be_v the_o terror_n here_o mean_v which_o relate_v to_o our_o final_a and_o eternal_a state_n in_o another_o world_n whâ—n_o we_o must_v appear_v before_o the_o judgement_n seat_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n and_o of_o this_o he_o speak_v not_o out_o of_o poetical_a fable_n ancient_a e_o tradition_n uncertain_a conjecture_n or_o probable_a argument_n but_o from_o full_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o deliver_v know_v therefore_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o persuade_v man_n in_o which_o word_n we_o shall_v consider_v these_o particular_n 1._o the_o argument_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v choice_n of_o to_o persuade_v man_n a_o which_o be_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n 2._o the_o great_a assurance_n he_o express_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o know_v therefore_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n 3._o the_o efficacy_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o the_o convince_a and_o reform_v mankind_n know_v therefore_o etc._n etc._n we_o persuade_v man_n 1._o the_o argument_n the_o apostle_n make_v choice_n of_o to_o persuade_v man_n by_o viz._n the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o gospel_n we_o find_v a_o mixture_n of_o the_o high_a
man_n as_o any_o thing_n else_o be_v but_o here_o man_n think_v they_o may_v just_o c_o plead_v with_o god_n and_o talk_n with_o he_o of_o his_o judgement_n what_o proportion_n say_v they_o be_v there_o between_o the_o sin_n of_o this_o short_a life_n and_o the_o eternal_a misery_n of_o another_o which_o objection_n be_v not_o so_o great_a in_o itself_o as_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v by_o the_o weak_a answer_n which_o have_v be_v make_v to_o it_o when_o to_o assign_v a_o proportion_n they_o have_v make_v a_o strange_a kind_n of_o infinity_n in_o sin_n either_o from_o the_o object_n which_o unavoidable_o make_v all_o sin_n equal_a or_o from_o the_o wish_n of_o a_o sinner_n that_o he_o may_v have_v a_o eternity_n to_o sin_n in_o which_o be_v to_o make_v the_o justice_n of_o god_n punishment_n to_o be_v not_o according_a to_o their_o work_n but_o to_o their_o wish_n but_o we_o need_v not_o strain_v thing_n d_o so_o much_o beyond_o what_o they_o will_v bear_v to_o vindicate_v god_n justice_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v it_o not_o think_v just_a and_o reasonable_a among_o man_n for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v confine_v to_o perpetual_a imprisonment_n for_o a_o fault_n he_o be_v not_o half_a a_o hour_n in_o commit_v nay_o do_v not_o all_o the_o law_n of_o the_o world_n make_v death_n the_o punishment_n of_o some_o crime_n which_o may_v be_v very_o sudden_o do_v and_o what_o be_v death_n but_o the_o eternal_a deprive_v a_o man_n of_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o life_n and_o shall_v a_o thing_n then_o so_o constant_o practise_v and_o universal_o justify_v in_o the_o world_n be_v think_v unreasonable_a when_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o god_n it_o be_v true_a may_v some_o say_v if_o annihilation_n be_v e_o all_o that_o be_v mean_v by_o eternal_a death_n there_o can_v be_v no_o exception_n against_o it_o but_o i_o ask_v whether_o it_o will_v be_v unjust_a for_o the_o law_n of_o man_n to_o take_v away_o the_o life_n of_o offender_n in_o case_n their_o soul_n survive_v their_o body_n and_o they_o be_v for_o ever_o sensible_a of_o the_o loss_n of_o life_n if_o not_o why_o shall_v not_o god_n preserve_v the_o honour_n a_o of_o his_o law_n and_o vindicate_v his_o authority_n in_o govern_v the_o world_n by_o sentence_v obstinate_a sinner_n to_o the_o great_a misery_n though_o their_o soul_n live_v for_o ever_o in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o it_o especial_o since_o god_n have_v declare_v these_o thing_n so_o evident_o before_o hand_n and_o make_v they_o part_n of_o his_o law_n and_o set_v everlasting_a life_n on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o balance_v everlasting_a misery_n and_o propose_v they_o to_o a_o sinner_n choice_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o nothing_o but_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o his_o grace_n and_o wilful_a impenitency_n can_v ever_o betray_v man_n into_o this_o dreadful_a state_n of_o eternal_a destruction_n b_o 2._o thus_o much_o for_o the_o argument_n use_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o assurance_n he_o express_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o know_v therefore_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o persuade_v man_n we_o have_v two_o way_n of_o prove_v article_n of_o faith_n such_o as_o this_o concern_v christ_n come_v to_o judgement_n be_v 1._o by_o show_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o unreasonable_a in_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o 2._o that_o there_o be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o they_o in_o the_o former_a of_o these_o it_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n to_o produce_v the_o c_o common_a apprehension_n of_o mankind_n as_o to_o a_o future_a judgement_n and_o the_o several_a argument_n insist_v on_o to_o that_o purpose_n for_o if_o this_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a thing_n to_o believe_v how_o come_v man_n without_o revelation_n to_o agree_v about_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n very_o just_a and_o reasonable_a if_o the_o conflagration_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o impossible_a thing_n how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v so_o ancient_o receive_v by_o the_o elder_a and_o wise_a philosopher_n how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v maintain_v by_o those_o two_o sect_n which_o be_v st._n paul_n enemy_n when_o he_o preach_v at_o athens_n and_o always_o enemy_n to_o each_o other_o the_o 18._o epicurean_o and_o the_o stoic_n it_o be_v true_a they_o make_v these_o conflagration_n d_o to_o be_v periodical_a and_o not_o final_a but_o we_o do_v not_o establish_v the_o belief_n of_o our_o doctrine_n upon_o their_o assertion_n but_o from_o thence_o show_v that_o be_v a_o most_o unreasonable_a thing_n to_o reject_v that_o as_o impossible_a to_o be_v do_v which_o they_o assert_v have_v be_v and_o may_v be_v often_o do_v but_o for_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o doctrine_n we_o build_v that_o upon_o no_o less_o a_o foundation_n than_o the_o word_n of_o god_n himself_o we_o may_v think_v a_o judgement_n to_o come_v reasonable_a in_o general_n upon_o the_o â—…sideration_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n but_o all_o that_o depend_v upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o god_n do_v govern_v the_o world_n by_o law_n and_o not_o by_o power_n e_o but_o since_o god_n himself_o have_v declare_v it_o who_o be_v the_o suprem_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n 14._o that_o he_o will_v bring_v every_o work_n into_o judgement_n whether_o it_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n since_o the_o son_n of_o god_n make_v this_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o his_o doctrine_n with_o all_o the_o circumstance_n of_o his_o own_o come_n for_o again_o this_o end_n since_o he_o open_v the_o a_o commission_n he_o receive_v from_o the_o father_n for_o this_o purpose_n when_o he_o be_v upon_o earth_n by_o declare_v that_o 29._o the_o father_n have_v commit_v all_o judgement_n to_o the_o son_n and_o that_o the_o hour_n be_v come_v in_o which_o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o grave_n shall_v hear_v his_o voice_n and_o shall_v come_v forth_o they_o that_o have_v do_v good_a to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o life_n and_o they_o that_o have_v do_v evil_a unto_o the_o resurrection_n of_o damnation_n since_o this_o be_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n to_o preach_v of_o this_o judgement_n to_o come_v and_o 31._o that_o god_n have_v appoint_v a_o day_n in_o the_o which_o he_o will_v judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n by_o that_o man_n who_o he_o have_v ordain_v b_o whereof_o he_o have_v give_v assurance_n to_o all_o man_n in_o that_o he_o have_v raise_v he_o from_o the_o dead_a no_o wonder_v the_o apostle_n speak_v here_o with_o so_o great_a assurance_n of_o it_o know_v therefore_o etc._n etc._n and_o no_o person_n can_v have_v the_o least_o ground_n to_o question_v it_o but_o such_o who_o whole_o reject_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n upon_o the_o pretence_n of_o infidelity_n which_o be_v so_o vain_a and_o trifle_a that_o be_v not_o their_o lust_n strong_a than_o their_o argument_n man_n of_o wit_n will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o produce_v they_o and_o do_v not_o man_n passion_n oversway_v their_o judgement_n it_o will_v be_v too_o much_o honour_n to_o they_o to_o confute_v they_o but_o every_o sermon_n be_v not_o intend_v for_o the_o c_o conversion_n of_o turk_n and_o infidel_n my_o design_n be_v to_o speak_v to_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n and_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o doctrine_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o those_o divine_a person_n who_o be_v particular_o send_v by_o god_n to_o reveal_v it_o to_o the_o world_n and_o so_o i_o come_v to_o the_o last_o particular_a by_o way_n of_o application_n of_o the_o former_a viz._n 3._o the_o efficacy_n of_o this_o argument_n for_o the_o persuade_a man_n to_o a_o reformation_n of_o heart_n and_o life_n know_v the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n we_o persuade_v man_n for_o as_o another_o apostle_n reason_n from_o the_o same_o argument_n 11._o see_v all_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v d_o what_o manner_n of_o person_n ought_v we_o to_o be_v in_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n there_o be_v great_a variety_n of_o argument_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o persuade_v man_n to_o holiness_n but_o none_o more_o sensible_a and_o move_a to_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n than_o this_o especial_o consider_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o if_o this_o argument_n do_v not_o persuade_v man_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v any_o other_o shall_v 2._o that_o the_o condition_n of_o such_o person_n be_v desperate_a who_o can_v by_o any_o argument_n be_v persuade_v to_o leave_v off_o their_o sin_n 1._o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v any_o other_o argument_n shall_v e_o persuade_v man_n if_o this_o of_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o lord_n do_v it_o not_o if_o a_o almighty_a power_n can_v awaken_v we_o if_o infinite_a justice_n can_v affright_v we_o if_o a_o