of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n how_o gross_o and_o open_o do_v many_o of_o we_o contradict_v the_o plain_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o our_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n by_o live_v intemperate_o or_o unjust_o or_o profane_o in_o this_o present_a world_n as_o if_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n have_v never_o appear_v to_o we_o as_o if_o we_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o heaven_n or_o hell_n or_o believe_v not_o one_o word_n that_o the_o scripture_n say_v concern_v they_o as_o if_o we_o be_v in_o no_o expectation_n of_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n and_o who_o will_v bestow_v mighty_a reward_n upon_o those_o who_o faithful_o serve_v he_o but_o will_v come_v in_o flame_a sire_n to_o take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v we_o not_o then_o deceive_v ourselves_o by_o pretend_v to_o this_o excellent_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n if_o we_o do_v not_o frame_v our_o life_n according_a to_o it_o for_o though_o we_o know_v these_o thing_n never_o so_o well_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o happy_a unless_o we_o do_v they_o nay_o we_o be_v but_o the_o more_o miserable_a for_o know_v they_o if_o we_o do_v they_o not_o therefore_o it_o concern_v every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o consider_v serious_o what_o we_o believe_v and_o whether_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v its_o due_a effect_n upon_o our_o life_n if_o not_o all_o the_o precept_n and_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o we_o and_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n will_v be_v so_o many_o article_n of_o accusation_n and_o the_o great_a weight_n of_o our_o charge_n will_v be_v this_o that_o we_o do_v not_o obey_v that_o gospel_n which_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o we_o make_v confession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o live_v like_o heathen_n not_o to_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n after_o so_o great_a evidence_n and_o confirmation_n as_o god_n have_v give_v to_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a but_o to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a and_o yet_o to_o live_v as_o if_o it_o be_v false_a be_v the_o great_a repugnancy_n and_o contradiction_n that_o can_v be_v he_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v christianity_n either_o have_v or_o think_v he_o have_v some_o reason_n for_o withhold_a his_o assent_n from_o it_o but_o he_o that_o believe_v it_o and_o yet_o live_v contrary_a to_o it_o know_v that_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o what_o he_o do_v and_o be_v convince_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v otherwise_o and_o he_o be_v a_o miserable_a man_n indeed_o that_o do_v those_o thing_n for_o the_o do_v of_o which_o he_o continual_o stand_v condemn_v by_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o according_o god_n will_v deal_v more_o severe_o with_o such_o person_n he_o will_v pardon_v a_o thousand_o defect_n in_o our_o understanding_n if_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o gross_a carelessness_n and_o neglect_n of_o ourselves_o but_o the_o fault_n of_o our_o will_n have_v no_o excuse_n because_o we_o know_v to_o do_v better_a and_o be_v convince_v in_o our_o mind_n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v do_v so_o do_v thou_o believe_v that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n and_o do_v thou_o still_o allow_v thyself_o in_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n be_v thou_o convince_v that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o do_v thou_o still_o persist_v in_o a_o wicked_a course_n be_v thou_o full_o persuade_v that_o no_o whoremonger_n nor_o adulterer_n nor_o covetous_a nor_o unrighteous_a person_n shall_v have_v any_o inheritance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o do_v thou_o for_o all_o that_o continue_v to_o practice_v these_o vice_n what_o can_v thou_o say_v man_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v to_o thou_o according_a to_o thy_o faith_n if_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o thou_o be_v miserable_a and_o undo_v for_o ever_o thou_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v surprise_v as_o if_o some_o unexpected_a thing_n have_v happen_v to_o thou_o it_o be_v but_o with_o thou_o just_a as_o thou_o believ'd_v it_o will_v be_v when_o thou_o do_v these_o thing_n for_o how_o can_v thou_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v accept_v of_o thy_o good_a belief_n when_o thou_o do_v so_o notorious_o contradict_v it_o by_o a_o bad_a life_n how_o can_v thou_o look_v for_o other_o but_o that_o god_n shall_v condemn_v thou_o for_o the_o do_v of_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o thy_o own_o conscience_n do_v condemn_v thou_o all_o the_o while_o thou_o be_v do_v of_o they_o when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n there_o be_v no_o consideration_n that_o will_v sting_v our_o conscience_n more_o cruel_o than_o this_o that_o we_o do_v wicked_o when_o we_o know_v to_o have_v do_v better_a and_o choose_v to_o make_v ourselves_o miserable_a when_o we_o understand_v the_o way_n to_o have_v be_v happy_a to_o conclude_v we_o christian_n have_v certain_o the_o best_a and_o the_o holy_a the_o wise_a and_o most_o reasonable_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n but_o then_o we_o be_v in_o the_o worst_a condition_n of_o all_o mankind_n if_o the_o best_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n do_v not_o make_v we_o good_a 1_o john_n 5.3_o and_o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a one_o of_o the_o great_a prejudices_fw-la which_o man_n have_v entertain_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v this_o that_o it_o lay_v upon_o man_n heavy_a burden_n and_o grievous_a to_o be_v bear_v that_o the_o law_n of_o it_o be_v very_o strict_a and_o severe_a difficult_a to_o be_v keep_v and_o yet_o dangerous_a to_o be_v break_v that_o it_o require_v we_o to_o govern_v and_o keep_v under_o our_o passion_n and_o to_o contradict_v many_o time_n our_o strong_a inclination_n and_o desire_n to_o cut_v off_o our_o right_a hand_n and_o to_o pluck_v out_o our_o right_a eye_n to_o love_v cur_n enemy_n to_o bless_v they_o that_o curse_v we_o to_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v we_o and_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o despiteful_o use_v we_o and_o persecute_v we_o to_o forgive_v the_o great_a injury_n that_o be_v do_v to_o we_o and_o to_o make_v reparation_n for_o the_o least_o that_o we_o do_v to_o other_o to_o be_v content_v with_o our_o condition_n patient_a under_o suffering_n and_o ready_a to_o sacrifice_v our_o dear_a interest_n in_o this_o world_n and_o even_o our_o very_a life_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n all_o these_o seem_v to_o be_v hard_a say_n and_o grievous_a commandment_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o this_o prejudice_n i_o have_v choose_v these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o express_o tell_v we_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o grievous_a and_o though_o this_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n if_o it_o be_v impartial_o consider_v yet_o it_o be_v also_o a_o great_a paradox_n to_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o vicious_a practice_n who_o be_v prejudice_v against_o religion_n and_o the_o holy_a law_n of_o god_n by_o their_o interest_n and_o their_o lust_n this_o seem_v a_o strange_a proposition_n to_o those_o who_o look_v upon_o religion_n at_o a_o distance_n and_o never_o try_v the_o experiment_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n who_o measure_v the_o law_n of_o god_n not_o by_o the_o intrinsical_a goodness_n and_o equity_n of_o they_o but_o by_o the_o reluctancy_n and_o opposition_n which_o they_o find_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n against_o they_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o take_v some_o pain_n to_o satisfy_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n concern_v this_o truth_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o make_v it_o so_o evident_a that_o those_o who_o be_v unwilling_a to_o own_v it_o may_v yet_o be_v ashamed_a to_o deny_v it_o and_o methinks_v i_o have_v this_o peculiar_a advantage_n in_o the_o argument_n i_o have_v now_o undertake_v that_o every_o reasonable_a man_n can_v choose_v but_o wish_v i_o success_n in_o this_o attempt_n because_o i_o undertake_v the_o proof_n of_o that_o which_o it_o be_v every_o man_n interest_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v true_a and_o if_o i_o can_v make_v it_o out_o this_o pretence_n against_o religion_n will_v not_o only_o be_v baffle_v but_o we_o shall_v gain_v a_o new_a and_o forcible_a argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n over_o to_o it_o now_o the_o easiness_n or_o difficulty_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o any_o law_n or_o command_n depend_v chief_o upon_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o upon_o the_o nature_n of_o
which_o what_o effect_n soever_o it_o may_v have_v upon_o he_o will_v make_v any_o other_o man_n sufficient_o ashamed_a but_o yet_o i_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o in_o this_o position_n which_o he_o fasten_v upon_o i_o he_o honour_v i_o with_o excellent_a company_n my_o lord_n faulkland_n mr._n chillingworth_n and_o dr._n stillingfleet_n person_n of_o that_o admirable_a strength_n and_o clearness_n in_o their_o write_n that_o mr._n s._n when_o he_o reflect_v upon_o his_o own_o style_n and_o way_n of_o reason_v may_v blush_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o ever_o he_o have_v read_v they_o and_o as_o to_o this_o position_n which_o he_o charge_v they_o withal_o i_o do_v not_o know_v nor_o have_v the_o least_o reason_n upon_o mr._n s_n word_n to_o believe_v any_o such_o thing_n be_v maintain_v by_o they_o as_o for_o myself_o who_o i_o be_o now_o only_o concern_v to_o vindicate_v i_o shall_v set_v down_o the_o two_o passage_n to_o which_o i_o suppose_v he_o refer_v in_o my_o sermon_n i_o endeavour_v among_o other_o thing_n to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n upon_o this_o account_n because_o it_o require_v more_o evidence_n for_o thing_n than_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o to_o make_v this_o good_a i_o discourse_v thus_o aristotle_n have_v long_o since_o observe_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o expect_v the_o same_o kind_n of_o proof_n for_o every_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v for_o some_o thing_n mathematical_a thing_n be_v of_o a_o abstract_a nature_n be_v only_o capable_a of_o clear_a demonstration_n but_o conclusion_n in_o natural_a philosophy_n be_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o a_o sufficient_a induction_n of_o experiment_n thing_n of_o a_o moral_a nature_n by_o moral_a argument_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o credible_a testimony_n and_o though_o none_o of_o these_o be_v strict_a demonstration_n yet_o have_v we_o a_o undoubted_a assurance_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o best_a argument_n that_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v none_o can_v demonstrate_v to_o i_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o island_n in_o america_n as_o jamaica_n yet_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o credible_a person_n and_o author_n who_o have_v write_v of_o it_o i_o be_o as_o free_a from_o all_o doubt_n concern_v it_o as_o from_o doubt_v of_o the_o clear_a mathematical_a demonstration_n so_o that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v entertain_v as_o a_o firm_a principle_n by_o all_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v certain_a of_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o that_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v prove_v by_o as_o good_a argument_n as_o that_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o we_o have_v as_o great_a assurance_n that_o it_o be_v as_o we_o can_v possible_o have_v suppose_v it_o be_v we_o ought_v not_o in_o reason_n to_o make_v any_o doubt_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o that_o thing_n now_o to_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o present_a case_n the_o be_v of_o god_n be_v not_o mathematical_o demonstrable_a nor_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v it_o shall_v because_o only_o mathematical_a matter_n admit_v of_o this_o kind_n of_o evidence_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v immediate_o by_o sense_n because_o god_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v a_o pure_a spirit_n can_v be_v the_o object_n of_o any_o corporeal_a sense_n but_o yet_o we_o have_v as_o great_a assurance_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v be_v capable_a of_o and_o as_o we_o can_v in_o reason_n expect_v to_o have_v suppose_v that_o he_o be_v upon_o this_o passage_n it_o must_v be_v if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o sermon_n that_o mr._n s._n charge_v this_o position_n in_o equivalent_a term_n of_o the_o possible_a falsehood_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o as_o to_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o fundamental_a point_n the_o tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o now_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o reader_n be_v eye_n and_o judgement_n whether_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v not_o this_o that_o though_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o that_o strict_a kind_n of_o demonstration_n which_o mathematical_a matter_n be_v yet_o that_o we_o have_v a_o undoubted_a assurance_n of_o it_o one_o will_v think_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o ridiculous_a as_o from_o hence_o to_o infer_v that_o i_o believe_v it_o possible_a notwithstanding_o this_o assurance_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n for_o however_o in_o many_o other_o case_n a_o undoubted_a assurance_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v may_v not_o exclude_v all_o suspicion_n of_o a_o possibility_n of_o its_o be_v otherwise_o yet_o in_o this_o tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n it_o most_o certain_o do_v because_o whoever_o be_v assure_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v assure_v there_o be_v a_o be_v who_o existence_n be_v and_o always_o be_v necessary_a and_o consequent_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v not_o be_v and_o involve_v in_o it_o a_o contradiction_n so_o that_o my_o discourse_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v equivalent_a to_o the_o position_n he_o mention_n that_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a contradiction_n to_o it_o and_o he_o may_v with_o as_o much_o truth_n have_v affirm_v that_o i_o have_v express_o and_o in_o so_o many_o word_n say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n the_o other_o passage_n be_v in_o pag._n 118._o of_o my_o book_n concern_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n i_o be_v discourse_v that_o no_o man_n can_v show_v by_o any_o necessary_a argument_n that_o it_o be_v natural_o impossible_a that_o all_o the_o relation_n concern_v america_n shall_v be_v false_a but_o yet_o say_v i_o i_o suppose_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n be_v now_o possess_v with_o so_o incredible_a a_o folly_n as_o to_o doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n the_o case_n be_v the_o very_a same_o as_o to_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o ancient_a book_n and_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o plain_a expression_n we_o have_v no_o demonstration_n for_o these_o thing_n and_o we_o expect_v none_o because_o we_o know_v the_o thing_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o it_o we_o be_v not_o infallible_o certain_a that_o any_o book_n be_v so_o ancient_a as_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v or_o that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o he_o who_o name_n it_o bear_v or_o that_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o such_o and_o such_o passage_n in_o it_o it_o be_v possible_a all_o this_o may_v be_v otherwise_o but_o we_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v not_o nor_o have_v any_o prudent_a man_n any_o just_a cause_n to_o make_v the_o least_o doubt_n of_o it_o for_o a_o bare_a possibility_n that_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v or_o not_o be_v be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o doubt_v whether_o a_o thing_n be_v or_o not_o it_o be_v possible_a all_o the_o people_n in_o france_n may_v die_v this_o night_n but_o i_o hope_v the_o possibility_n of_o this_o do_v not_o incline_v any_o man_n in_o the_o least_o to_o think_v it_o will_v be_v so_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o sun_n may_v not_o rise_v to_o morrow_n morning_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o i_o suppose_v that_o no_o man_n have_v the_o least_o doubt_n but_o that_o it_o will_n to_o avoid_v the_o cavil_n of_o this_o impertinent_a man_n i_o have_v transcribe_v the_o whole_a page_n to_o which_o he_o refer_v and_o now_o where_o be_v this_o avow_v position_n of_o the_o possible_a falsehood_n of_o faith_n all_o that_o i_o say_v be_v this_o that_o we_o be_v not_o infallible_a either_o in_o judge_v of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o a_o book_n or_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o by_o which_o i_o mean_v as_o any_o man_n of_o sense_n and_o ingenuity_n will_v easy_o perceive_v i_o do_v that_o we_o can_v demonstrate_v these_o thing_n of_o as_o to_o show_v that_o the_o contrary_a necessary_o involve_v a_o contradiction_n but_o yet_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o firm_a assurance_n concern_v these_o matter_n so_o as_o not_o to_o make_v the_o least_o doubt_n of_o they_o and_o be_v this_o to_o avow_v the_o possible_a falsehood_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o this_o position_n mr._n s._n charge_n upon_o these_o word_n how_o just_o i_o shall_v now_o examine_v either_o by_o faith_n mr._n s._n mean_v the_o doctrine_n reveal_v by_o god_n and_o then_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o position_n must_v be_v that_o what_o god_n say_v be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a which_o be_v so_o absurd_a a_o position_n as_o can_v hardly_o enter_v into_o any_o man_n mind_n and_o yet_o mr._n s._n have_v the_o modesty_n all_o along_o in_o his_o book_n to_o insinuate_v that_o in_o the_o forecited_a passage_n i_o say_v as_o much_o as_o this_o come_v to_o or_o else_o mr._n s._n mean_n by_o faith_n the_o assent_n which_o we_o give_v to_o doctrine_n as_o reveal_v by_o god_n and_o then_o his_o sense_n of_o infallibility_n must_v be_v either_o that_o whoever_o assent_v
doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o h._n scripture_n and_o one_o great_a reason_n why_o man_n do_v not_o so_o general_o agree_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o as_o of_o the_o other_o be_v because_o the_o interest_n and_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n be_v more_o concern_v in_o the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o but_o whatever_o uncertainty_n there_o may_v be_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o text_n of_o scripture_n oral_a tradition_n be_v so_o far_o from_o afford_v we_o any_o help_n in_o this_o case_n that_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o uncertain_a and_o less_o to_o be_v trust_v to_o especial_o if_o we_o may_v take_v that_o to_o be_v the_o traditionary_a sense_n of_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o decretal_n of_o their_o pope_n and_o the_o act_n of_o some_o of_o their_o council_n than_o which_o never_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n more_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a and_o whence_o may_v we_o expect_v to_o have_v the_o infallible_a traditional_a sense_n of_o scripture_n if_o not_o from_o the_o head_n and_o representative_n of_o their_o church_n this_o may_v abundant_o suffice_v for_o the_o vindication_n of_o that_o passage_n which_o mr._n s._n make_v such_o a_o rude_a clamour_n about_o as_o if_o i_o have_v therein_o deny_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o all_o religion_n but_o dare_v never_o trust_v the_o reader_n with_o a_o view_n of_o those_o word_n of_o i_o upon_o which_o he_o pretend_v to_o ground_v this_o calumny_n but_o the_o world_n understand_v well_o enough_o that_o all_o this_o be_v but_o a_o shift_n of_o mr._n she_o be_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o own_o party_n and_o a_o pitiful_a art_n to_o avoid_v the_o vindication_n of_o sure-footing_a a_o task_n he_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o undertake_v and_o yet_o the_o main_a design_n of_o this_o book_n which_o he_o call_v faith_n vindicate_v etc._n etc._n be_v to_o prove_v that_o which_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v any_o man_n live_v ever_o deny_v viz._n that_o what_o be_v true_a be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a which_o though_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o plain_a truth_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o he_o prove_v it_o so_o foolish_o as_o will_v make_v any_o man_n if_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a of_o itself_o to_o doubt_v of_o it_o he_o prove_v it_o from_o logic_n and_o nature_n and_o metaphysic_n and_o ethic_n etc._n etc._n i_o wonder_v he_o do_v not_o do_v it_o likewise_o from_o arithmetic_n and_o geometry_n the_o principle_n whereof_o he_o 93._o he_o sure-footing_a p._n 93._o tell_v we_o be_v concern_v in_o demonstrate_v the_o certainty_n of_o oral_a tradition_n he_o may_v also_o have_v proceed_v to_o astrology_n and_o palmistry_n and_o chemistry_n and_o have_v show_v how_o each_o of_o these_o lend_v their_o assistance_n to_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o truth_n for_o that_o can_v not_o have_v be_v more_o ridiculous_a than_o his_o etc._n his_o faith_n vindic_n p._n 6.7_o etc._n etc._n argument_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o subject_a and_o predicate_v and_o copula_fw-la in_o faith-proposition_n because_o forsooth_o whoever_o affirm_v any_o proposition_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a affirm_v it_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a very_o true_a but_o will_v any_o man_n argue_v that_o what_o be_v true_a be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o subject_a predicate_v and_o copula_fw-la for_o be_v the_o proposition_n true_a or_o false_a these_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n in_o both_o that_o be_v they_o be_v subject_a predicate_v and_o copula_fw-la but_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v have_v a_o taste_n of_o his_o clear_a style_n and_o way_n of_o reason_v i_o shall_v for_o his_o satisfaction_n transcribe_v mr._n s_n whole_a argument_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o predicate_a his_o word_n be_v these_o our_o argument_n from_o the_o copula_fw-la be_v particular_o strengthen_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o predicate_v in_o the_o proposition_n we_o speak_v of_o i_o mean_v in_o such_o speech_n as_o affirm_v such_o and_o such_o point_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a 12._o p._n 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o for_o true_a mean_n existent_a in_o proposition_n which_o express_v only_o the_o a_o est_fw-fr of_o a_o thing_n as_o most_o point_n of_o faith_n do_v which_o speak_v abstract_o and_o tell_v not_o wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_n it_o speak_v of_o consist_v or_o the_o quid_fw-la est_fw-la so_o that_o most_o of_o the_o proposition_n christian_n be_v bind_v to_o profess_v be_v full_o express_v thus_o a_o trinity_n be_v existent_a etc._n etc._n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o those_o point_n which_o belong_v to_o a_o thing_n or_o action_n past_a as_o creation_n be_v etc._n etc._n for_o existent_n be_v the_o predicate_a in_o these_o two_o only_o affix_v to_o another_o difference_n of_o time_n and_o it_o be_v equal_o impossible_a such_o subject_n shall_v neither_o have_v be_v nor_o not_o have_v be_v or_o have_v be_v and_o have_v not_o be_v at_o once_o as_o it_o be_v that_o a_o thing_n shall_v neither_o be_v nor_o not_o be_v at_o present_a or_o both_o be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o present_a regard_v then_o steadfast_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o predicate_v existent_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o express_v the_o utmost_a actuality_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o as_o take_v in_o the_o posture_n it_o bear_v in_o those_o proposition_n that_o actual_o exercise_v that_o be_v the_o utmost_a actuality_n in_o its_o most_o actual_a state_n that_o be_v as_o absolute_o exclude_v all_o manner_n or_o least_o degree_n of_o potentiality_n and_o consequent_o all_o possibility_n of_o be_v otherwise_o which_o be_v radical_o destroy_v when_o all_o potentiality_n be_v take_v away_o this_o discourse_n hold_v which_o in_o right_a to_o truth_n i_o shall_v not_o fear_v to_o affirm_v unconcern_v in_o the_o drollery_n of_o any_o opposer_n to_o be_v more_o than_o mathematical_o demonstrative_a it_o follow_v inevitable_o that_o whoso_o be_v bind_v to_o profess_v a_o trinity_n incarnation_n etc._n etc._n be_v or_o be_v existent_a be_v also_o bind_v to_o profess_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v not_o existent_a or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a these_o point_n of_o faith_n shall_v be_v false_a the_o same_o appear_v out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o distinction_n or_o division_n apply_v to_o our_o predicate_a existent_n as_o find_v in_o these_o proposition_n for_o can_v that_o predicate_v bear_v a_o pertinent_a distinction_n express_v this_o and_o the_o other_o respect_n or_o thus_o and_o thus_o it_o may_v possible_o be_v according_a to_o one_o of_o these_o respect_n or_o thus_o consider_v and_o not_o be_v according_a to_o another_o that_o be_v another_o way_n consider_v but_o this_o evasion_n be_v here_o impossible_a for_o either_o those_o distinguish_a notion_n must_v be_v more_o potential_a or_o antecedent_n to_o the_o notion_n of_o existent_n and_o then_o they_o neither_o reach_v existent_a nor_o supervene_v to_o it_o as_o its_o determination_n or_o actuation_n which_o difference_n ought_v to_o do_v nor_o can_v any_o notion_n be_v more_o actual_a or_o determinative_a in_o the_o line_n of_o substance_n or_o be_v than_o existent_n be_v and_o so_o fit_a to_o distinguish_v it_o in_o that_o line_n nor_o last_o can_v any_o determination_n in_o the_o line_n of_o accident_n serve_v the_o turn_n for_o those_o suppose_v existence_n already_o 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o the_o whole_a truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n entire_a and_o complete_a antecedent_o to_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a therefore_o that_o what_o be_v thus_o affirm_v to_o be_v true_a shall_v in_o any_o regard_n be_v affirm_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a the_o impossibility_n of_o distinguish_v the_o predicate_a pertinent_o exclude_v here_o all_o possibility_n of_o divers_a respect_n the_o same_o be_v demonstrate_v from_o the_o impossibility_n of_o distinguish_v the_o subject_n of_o those_o faith-proposition_n for_o those_o subject_n be_v proposition_n themselves_o and_o accept_v for_o truth_n as_o be_v suppose_v they_o be_v incapable_a of_o distinction_n as_o shall_v be_v particular_o show_v hereafter_o beside_o those_o subject_n be_v point_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o stand_v in_o the_o abstract_n that_o be_v not_o descend_v to_o subsume_v respect_n even_o in_o that_o regard_n too_o they_o be_v free_v from_o all_o pertinent_a distinguishableness_n the_o same_o be_v demonstrate_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o truth_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o indivisible_a whence_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o truth_n have_v how_o great_a soever_o the_o conceive_a approach_n towards_o it_o may_v be_v till_o all_o may-not-bee_n or_o potentiality_n to_o be_v otherwise_o be_v utter_o exclude_v by_o the_o actuality_n of_o be_v or_o existence_n which_o put_v or_o discover_v the_o light_n of_o truth_n break_v forth_o and_o the_o dim_a twilight_n of_o may-not-bee_n vanish_v and_o disappear_v i_o have_v
still_o retain_v a_o quick_a sense_n of_o pain_n and_o misery_n so_o that_o fear_n rely_v upon_o a_o natural_a love_n of_o ourselves_o and_o be_v complicate_v with_o a_o necessary_a desire_n of_o our_o own_o preservation_n and_o therefore_o religion_n usual_o make_v its_o first_o entrance_n into_o we_o by_o this_o passion_n hence_o perhaps_o it_o be_v that_o solomon_n more_o than_o once_o call_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o beginning_n of_o wisdom_n 2._o as_o for_o the_o second_o phrase_n depart_v from_o evil_n the_o fitness_n of_o it_o to_o express_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o necessary_a connexion_n that_o be_v between_o the_o negative_a and_o positive_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n he_o that_o be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v all_o sin_n will_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o perform_v his_o duty_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v a_o active_a principle_n and_o will_v be_v employ_v one_o way_n or_o other_o it_o will_v be_v do_v something_o if_o a_o man_n abstain_v from_o evil_a he_o will_v do_v good_a now_o there_o be_v such_o a_o strait_a connexion_n between_o these_o the_o whole_a of_o our_o duty_n may_v be_v express_v by_o either_o of_o they_o but_o most_o fit_o by_o depart_v from_o evil_n because_o that_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n religion_n begin_v in_o the_o forsake_v of_o sin_n virtus_fw-la est_fw-la vitium_fw-la fugere_fw-la &_o sapientia_fw-la prima_fw-la stultitia_fw-la caruisse_fw-la virtue_n begin_v in_o the_o forsake_v of_o vice_n and_o the_o first_o part_n of_o wisdom_n be_v not_o to_o be_v a_o fool_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n which_o mention_n these_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n do_v constant_o put_v depart_v from_o evil_a first_o depart_v from_o evil_a and_o do_v good_a 24._o ps_n 34.14_o &_o 37.27_o be_v 1.16_o 17._o &_o 55.7_o eph._n 4.23_o 24._o cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o let_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o let_v he_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n we_o be_v first_o to_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a according_a to_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o then_o to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n 3.11_o 1_o pet._n 3.11_o etc._n etc._n let_v he_o eschew_v evil_a and_o do_v good_a to_o all_o which_o i_o may_v add_v this_o far_a consideration_n that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o ten_o commandment_n consist_v most_o of_o prohibition_n thou_o shall_v not_o do_v such_o or_o such_o a'th_a our_o observance_n of_o it_o be_v most_o fit_o express_v by_o depart_v from_o evil_n which_o yet_o include_v obedience_n likewise_o to_o the_o positive_a precept_n imply_v in_o those_o prohibition_n have_v thus_o explain_v the_o word_n i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o proposition_n contain_v in_o they_o which_o be_v this_o that_o religion_n be_v the_o best_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a these_o three_o way_n 1._o by_o a_o direct_a proof_n of_o it_o 2._o by_o show_v on_o the_o contrary_a the_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n of_o irreligion_n and_o wickedness_n 2._o by_o vindicate_a religion_n from_o those_o common_a imputation_n which_o seem_v to_o charge_v it_o with_o ignorance_n or_o imprudence_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o direct_a proof_n of_o this_o and_o because_o religion_n comprehend_v two_o thing_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o and_o a_o suitable_a life_n and_o practice_n the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v speculative_a may_v more_o proper_o be_v call_v knowledge_n and_o the_o latter_a because_o it_o be_v practical_a may_v be_v call_v wisdom_n or_o prudence_n therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v distinct_o to_o prove_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o religion_n be_v the_o best_a knowledge_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a wisdom_n 1._o first_o that_o it_o be_v the_o best_a knowledge_n the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n commend_v its_o self_n to_o we_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n 1._o it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o most_o excellent_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o useful_a and_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v first_o it_o be_v the_o best_a knowledge_n because_o it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o most_o excellent_a and_o desirable_a to_o be_v know_v and_o those_o be_v god_n and_o our_o duty_n god_n be_v the_o sum_n and_o comprehension_n of_o all_o perfection_n it_o be_v delightful_a to_o know_v the_o creature_n because_o there_o be_v particular_a excellency_n scatter_v and_o disperse_v among_o they_o which_o be_v some_o shadow_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n but_o in_o god_n all_o perfection_n in_o their_o high_a degree_n and_o exaltation_n meet_v together_o and_o be_v unite_v how_o much_o more_o delightful_a than_o must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o fix_v our_o mind_n upon_o such_o a_o object_n in_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o beauty_n and_o brightness_n what_o be_v amiable_a and_o what_o be_v excellent_a what_o will_v ravish_v our_o affection_n and_o raise_v our_o wonder_n please_v we_o and_o astonish_v we_o at_o once_o and_o that_o the_o finite_a measure_n and_o capacity_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v not_o able_a to_o take_v in_o and_o comprehend_v the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o god_n this_o indeed_o show_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o object_n but_o do_v not_o altogether_o take_v away_o the_o delightfulness_n of_o the_o knowledge_n for_o as_o it_o be_v pleasant_a to_o the_o eye_n to_o have_v a_o endless_a prospect_n so_o be_v it_o some_o pleasure_n to_o a_o finite_a understanding_n to_o view_v unlimited_a excellency_n which_o have_v no_o shore_n or_o bound_n though_o it_o can_v comprehend_v they_o there_o be_v a_o pleasure_n in_o admiration_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o proper_o cause_v admiration_n when_o we_o discover_v a_o great_a deal_n in_o a_o object_n which_o we_o understand_v to_o be_v excellent_a and_o yet_o we_o see_v we_o know_v not_o how_o much_o more_o beyond_o that_o which_o our_o understanding_n can_v full_o reach_v and_o comprehend_v and_o as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o his_o nature_n and_o perfection_n be_v excellent_a and_o desirable_a so_o likewise_o to_o know_v he_o in_o those_o glorious_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o in_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n and_o above_o all_o in_o that_o stupendous_a work_n of_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v such_o a_o mystery_n and_o so_o excellent_a a_o piece_n of_o knowledge_n that_o the_o angel_n be_v say_v to_o desire_v to_o pry_v into_o it_o 1.12_o 1_o pet._n 1.12_o and_o as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v excellent_a so_o likewise_o of_o our_o duty_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n which_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n a_o conformity_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a for_o to_o know_v our_o duty_n be_v to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v like_o god_n in_o goodness_n and_o pity_n and_o patience_n and_o clemency_n in_o pardon_v injury_n and_o pass_v by_o provocation_n in_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n in_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o in_o a_o hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o the_o contrary_a of_o these_o in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n what_o it_o be_v that_o he_o love_v and_o delight_n in_o and_o be_v please_v withal_o and_o will_v have_v we_o to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o our_o perfection_n and_o our_o happiness_n it_o be_v deserve_o account_v a_o piece_n of_o excellent_a knowledge_n to_o know_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n we_o live_v in_o and_o the_o will_n of_o the_o prince_n we_o live_v under_o how_o much_o more_o to_o know_v the_o statute_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o law_n of_o eternity_n those_o immutable_a and_o eternal_a rule_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n to_o know_v the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o great_a monarch_n and_o universal_a king_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o that_o country_n where_o we_o must_v live_v for_o ever_o this_o make_v david_n to_o admire_v the_o law_n of_o god_n at_o that_o strange_a rate_n and_o to_o advance_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o above_o all_o other_o knowledge_n i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n 119.96_o psal_n 119.96_o but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v exceed_o broad_a second_o it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o useful_a and_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v the_o goodness_n of_o every_o thing_n be_v measure_v by_o its_o end_n
and_o use_v and_o that_o be_v the_o best_a thing_n which_o serve_v the_o best_a end_n and_o purpose_n and_o the_o more_o necessary_a any_o thing_n be_v to_o such_o a_o end_n the_o better_a it_o be_v so_o that_o the_o best_a knowledge_n be_v that_o which_o be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o necessity_n to_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o great_a end_n which_o be_v eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n curious_a speculation_n and_o the_o contemplation_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v impertinent_a to_o we_o and_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o nor_o serve_v to_o promote_v our_o happiness_n be_v but_o a_o more_o specious_a and_o ingenious_a sort_n of_o idleness_n a_o more_o pardonable_a and_o creditable_a kind_n of_o ignorance_n that_o man_n that_o do_v not_o know_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o use_n and_o necessity_n for_o he_o to_o know_v be_v but_o a_o ignorant_a man_n whatever_o he_o may_v know_v beside_o now_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n and_o of_o our_o duty_n be_v of_o the_o great_a usefulness_n and_o necessity_n to_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n it_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n that_o we_o shall_v know_v god_n and_o christ_n in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v happy_a this_o be_v life_n eternal_a that_o be_v 17.3_o joh._n 17.3_o the_o only_a way_n to_o it_o to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o he_o who_o thou_o have_v send_v jesus_n christ_n it_o be_v necessary_a also_o in_o order_n to_o our_o happiness_n to_o know_v our_o duty_n because_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o do_v it_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o do_v it_o except_o we_o know_v it_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o other_o knowledge_n a_o man_n may_v be_v endue_v withal_o he_o be_v but_o a_o ignorant_a person_n who_o do_v not_o know_v god_n the_o author_n of_o his_o be_v the_o preserver_n and_o protector_n of_o his_o life_n his_o sovereign_n and_o his_o judge_n the_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n his_o sure_a refuge_n in_o trouble_n his_o best_a friend_n or_o worst_a enemy_n the_o present_a support_n of_o his_o life_n his_o hope_n in_o death_n his_o future_a happiness_n and_o his_o portion_n for_o ever_o who_o do_v not_o know_v his_o relation_n to_o god_n the_o duty_n that_o he_o owe_v he_o and_o the_o way_n to_o please_v he_o who_o can_v make_v he_o happy_a or_o miserable_a for_o ever_o who_o do_v not_o know_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n if_o a_o man_n by_o a_o vast_a and_o imperious_a mind_n and_o a_o heart_n large_a as_o the_o sand_n upon_o the_o seashore_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o solomon_n can_v command_v all_o the_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n and_o art_n of_o word_n and_o thing_n can_v attain_v to_o a_o mastery_n in_o all_o language_n and_o sound_v the_o depth_n of_o all_o art_n and_o science_n measure_v the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n and_o tell_v the_o star_n and_o declare_v their_o order_n and_o motion_n can_v discourse_v of_o the_o interest_n of_o all_o state_n the_o intrigue_n of_o all_o court_n the_o reason_n of_o all_o civil_a law_n and_o constitution_n and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o history_n of_o all_o age_n can_v speak_v of_o tree_n from_o the_o cedar-tree_n that_o be_v in_o lebanon_n even_o unto_o the_o hyssop_n that_o spring_v out_o of_o the_o wall_n and_o of_o beast_n also_o and_o of_o fowl_n and_o of_o creep_a thing_n and_o of_o fish_n and_o yet_o shall_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v destitute_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o duty_n all_o this_o will_v be_v but_o a_o impertinent_a vanity_n and_o a_o more_o glitter_a kind_n of_o ignorance_n and_o such_o a_o man_n like_o the_o philosopher_n who_o whilst_o he_o be_v gaze_v upon_o the_o star_n fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n will_v but_o sapienter_fw-la descendere_fw-la in_o infernum_fw-la be_v undo_v with_o all_o this_o knowledge_n and_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o wisdom_n go_v down_o to_o hell_n 2._o second_o that_o to_o be_v religious_a be_v the_o true_a wisdom_n and_o that_o likewise_o upon_o two_o account_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a for_o ourselves_o 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a as_o to_o our_o main_a interest_n and_o concernment_n 1._o it_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a for_o ourselves_o there_o be_v a_o expression_n job_n 22.21_o he_o that_o be_v wise_a be_v profitable_a to_o himself_o and_o prov._n 9.12_o if_o thou_o be_v wise_a thou_o shall_v be_v wise_a for_o thyself_o intimate_v that_o wisdom_n regard_v a_o man_n be_v own_o interest_n and_o advantage_n and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o wise_a man_n that_o do_v not_o take_v care_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o concernment_n according_a to_o that_o of_o old_a ennius_n nequicquam_fw-la sapere_fw-la sapientem_fw-la qui_fw-la sibi_fw-la ipsi_fw-la prodesse_fw-la non_fw-la quiret_fw-la that_o man_n have_v but_o a_o empty_a title_n of_o wisdom_n and_o be_v not_o real_o wise_a who_o be_v not_o wise_a for_o himself_o as_o self-preservation_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o nature_n so_o care_v of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o interest_n be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o wisdom_n he_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o the_o affair_n and_o concernment_n of_o other_o man_n but_o careless_a and_o negligent_a of_o his_o own_o that_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v busy_a but_o he_o be_v not_o wise_a he_o be_v employ_v indeed_o but_o not_o so_o as_o a_o wise_a man_n shall_v be_v now_o this_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o direct_v a_o man_n to_o a_o care_n of_o his_o own_o proper_a interest_n and_o concernment_n 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a as_o to_o our_o main_a interest_n our_o chief_a end_n and_o high_a interest_n be_v happiness_n and_o this_o be_v happiness_n to_o be_v free_v from_o all_o if_o it_o may_v however_o from_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o to_o enjoy_v if_o it_o may_v be_v all_o good_a however_o the_o chief_a to_o be_v happy_a be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o pain_n and_o disease_n of_o the_o body_n but_o from_o anxiety_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n not_o only_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n but_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n to_o be_v happy_a be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v so_o for_o a_o little_a while_n but_o as_o long_o as_o may_v be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o ever_o now_o religion_n design_n our_o great_a and_o long_a happiness_n it_o aim_v at_o a_o freedom_n from_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o possession_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o great_a good_a for_o religion_n wise_o consider_v that_o man_n have_v immortal_a spirit_n which_o as_o they_o be_v spirit_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o our_o body_n and_o our_o sense_n and_o because_o they_o be_v immortal_a be_v capable_a of_o a_o everlasting_a happiness_n now_o our_o soul_n be_v the_o best_a part_n of_o ourselves_o and_o eternity_n be_v infinite_o the_o most_o considerable_a duration_n the_o great_a wisdom_n be_v to_o secure_v the_o interest_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o of_o eternity_n though_o it_o be_v with_o loss_n and_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o our_o temporal_a and_o inferior_a interest_n therefore_o religion_n direct_v we_o rather_o to_o secure_v inward_a peace_n than_o outward_a ease_n to_o be_v more_o careful_a to_o avoid_v everlasting_a and_o intolerable_a torment_n than_o short_a and_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n to_o court_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n more_o than_o the_o friendship_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o so_o much_o to_o fear_v they_o that_o can_v kill_v the_o body_n and_o after_o that_o have_v no_o more_o that_o they_o can_v do_v as_o he_o who_o after_o he_o have_v kill_v can_v destroy_v both_o body_n and_o soul_n in_o hell_n in_o a_o word_n our_o main_a interest_n be_v to_o be_v as_o happy_a as_o we_o can_v and_o as_o long_o as_o be_v possible_a and_o if_o we_o be_v cast_v into_o such_o circumstance_n that_o we_o must_v be_v either_o in_o part_n and_o for_o a_o time_n or_o else_o whole_o and_o always_o miserable_a the_o best_a wisdom_n be_v to_o choose_v the_o great_a and_o most_o last_a happiness_n but_o the_o least_o and_o short_a misery_n upon_o this_o account_n religion_n prefer_v those_o pleasure_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o evermore_o infinite_o before_o the_o transitory_a pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o be_v much_o more_o careful_a to_o avoid_v eternal_a misery_n than_o present_a suffering_n this_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o religion_n that_o upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o cast_v up_o all_o thing_n together_o it_o do_v advise_v and_o lead_v we_o to_o our_o best_a interest_n
to_o the_o good_a order_n and_o more_o easy_a government_n of_o humane_a society_n because_o they_o have_v a_o good_a influence_n both_o upon_o magistrate_n and_o subject_n 1._o upon_o magistrate_n religion_n teach_v they_o to_o rule_v over_o man_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n because_o though_o they_o be_v god_n on_o earth_n yet_o they_o be_v subject_n of_o heaven_n and_o accountable_a to_o he_o who_o be_v high_o than_o the_o high_a in_o this_o world_n religion_n in_o a_o magistrate_n strengthen_v his_o authority_n because_o it_o procure_v veneration_n and_o gain_v a_o reputation_n to_o it_o and_o in_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n so_o much_o reputation_n be_v real_o so_o much_o power_n we_o see_v that_o piety_n and_o virtue_n where_o they_o be_v find_v among_o man_n of_o low_a degree_n will_v command_v some_o reverence_n and_o respect_n but_o in_o person_n of_o eminent_a place_n and_o dignity_n they_o be_v seat_v to_o a_o great_a advantage_n so_o as_o to_o cast_v a_o lustre_n upon_o their_o very_a place_n and_o by_o a_o strong_a reflection_n to_o double_v the_o beam_n of_o majesty_n whereas_o impiety_n and_o vice_n do_v strange_o lessen_v greatness_n and_o do_v secret_o and_o unavoidable_o derive_v some_o weakness_n upon_o authority_n itself_o of_o this_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o a_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o david_n for_o among_o other_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o son_n of_o zurviah_n too_o hard_o for_o he_o this_o probable_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o that_o they_o be_v particular_o conscious_a to_o his_o crime_n 2._o religion_n have_v a_o good_a influence_n upon_o the_o people_n to_o make_v they_o obedient_a to_o government_n and_o peaceable_a one_o towards_o another_o 1._o to_o make_v they_o obedient_a to_o government_n and_o conformable_a to_o law_n and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o wrath_n and_o out_o of_o fear_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n which_o be_v but_o a_o weak_a and_o loof_o principle_n of_o obedience_n and_o will_v cease_v when_o ever_o man_n can_v rebel_v with_o safety_n and_o to_o advantage_n but_o out_o of_o conscience_n which_o be_v a_o firm_a and_o constant_a and_o last_a principle_n and_o will_v hold_v a_o man_n fast_o when_o all_o other_o obligation_n will_v break_v he_o that_o have_v entertain_v the_o true_a principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v tempt_v from_o his_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n by_o any_o worldly_a consideration_n because_o he_o believe_v that_o whatsoever_o resist_v authority_n resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o who_o resist_v shall_v receive_v to_o themselves_o damnation_n 2._o religion_n tend_v to_o make_v man_n peaceable_a one_o towards_o another_o for_o it_o endeavour_n to_o plant_v all_o those_o quality_n and_o disposition_n in_o man_n which_o tend_v to_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o to_o fill_v man_n with_o a_o spirit_n of_o universal_a love_n and_o good_a will_n it_o endeavour_v likewise_o to_o secure_v every_o man_n interest_n by_o command_v the_o observation_n of_o that_o great_a rule_n of_o equity_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o even_o so_o to_o they_o by_o enjoin_v that_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n be_v inviolable_o observe_v in_o all_o our_o word_n promise_n and_o contract_n and_o in_o order_n hereunto_o it_o require_v the_o extirpation_n of_o all_o those_o passion_n and_o vice_n which_o render_v man_n unsociable_a and_o troublesome_a to_o one_o another_o as_o pride_n covetousness_n and_o injustice_n hatred_n and_o revenge_n and_o cruelty_n and_o those_o likewise_o which_o be_v not_o so_o common_o repute_v vice_n as_o self-conceit_n and_o peremptoriness_n in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o opinion_n and_o all_o peevishness_n and_o incompliance_n of_o humour_n in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o indifferent_a and_o that_o these_o be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o true_a piety_n the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n every_o where_o teach_v we_o now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o religion_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o this_o temper_n thus_o to_o heal_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o to_o sweeten_v their_o spirit_n to_o correct_v their_o passion_n and_o to_o mortify_v all_o those_o lust_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o enmity_n and_o division_n than_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n it_o tend_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o that_o if_o man_n will_v but_o live_v as_o religion_n require_v they_o shall_v do_v the_o world_n will_v be_v a_o quiet_a habitation_n a_o most_o lovely_a and_o desirable_a place_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o now_o it_o be_v and_o indeed_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o the_o society_n of_o man_n be_v so_o full_a of_o tumult_n and_o disorder_n so_o troublesome_a and_o tempestuous_a be_v because_o there_o be_v so_o little_a of_o true_a religion_n among_o man_n so_o that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o some_o small_a remainder_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v yet_o leave_v scatter_v among_o mankind_n humane_a society_n will_v in_o a_o short_a space_n disband_v and_o run_v into_o confusion_n the_o earth_n will_v grow_v wild_a and_o become_v a_o great_a forest_n and_o mankind_n will_v become_v beast_n of_o prey_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o if_o this_o discourse_n hold_v true_a sure_o than_o one_o will_v think_v that_o virtue_n shall_v find_v itself_o a_o seat_n wherever_o humane_a society_n be_v and_o that_o religion_n shall_v be_v own_v and_o encourage_v in_o the_o world_n until_o man_n cease_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o reason_n ii_o i_o come_v to_o vindicate_v this_o truth_n from_o the_o insinuation_n and_o pretence_n of_o atheistical_a person_n i_o shall_v mention_v two_o 1._o that_o government_n may_v subsist_v well_o enough_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n 2._o that_o as_o for_o virtue_n and_o vice_n they_o be_v arbitrary_a thing_n 1._o that_o government_n may_v subsist_v well_o enough_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n or_o a_o state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n and_o this_o the_o atheist_n do_v and_o must_v assert_v otherwise_o he_o be_v by_o his_o own_o confession_n a_o declare_a enemy_n to_o government_n and_o unfit_a to_o live_v in_o humane_a society_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o though_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n do_v not_o believe_v any_o superior_a be_v nor_o any_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o there_o may_v be_v some_o kind_n of_o government_n keep_v up_o in_o the_o world_n for_o suppose_v man_n to_o have_v reason_n the_o necessity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o mischief_n of_o confusion_n will_v probable_o compel_v they_o into_o some_o kind_n of_o order_n but_o then_o i_o say_v withal_o that_o if_o these_o principle_n be_v banish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n government_n will_v be_v far_o more_o difficult_a than_o now_o it_o be_v because_o it_o will_v want_v its_o firm_a basis_n and_o foundation_n there_o will_v be_v infinite_o more_o disorder_n in_o the_o world_n if_o man_n be_v restrain_v from_o injustice_n and_o violence_n only_o by_o humane_a law_n and_o not_o by_o principle_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o dread_n of_o another_o world_n therefore_o magistrate_n have_v always_o think_v themselves_o concern_v to_o cherish_v religion_n and_o to_o maintain_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o another_o life_n nay_o that_o common_a suggestion_n of_o atheistical_a person_n that_o religion_n be_v at_o first_o a_o politic_a device_n and_o be_v still_o keep_v up_o in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o state-engine_n to_o awe_v man_n into_o obedience_n be_v a_o clear_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o usefulness_n of_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n and_o do_v as_o full_o contradict_v that_o pretence_n of_o they_o which_o i_o be_o now_o confute_v as_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v say_v 2._o that_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v arbitrary_a thing_n found_v only_o in_o the_o imagination_n of_o man_n and_o in_o the_o constitution_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n but_o not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o that_o that_o be_v virtue_n or_o vice_n good_a or_o evil_n which_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o a_o nation_n declare_v to_o be_v so_o and_o this_o be_v frequent_o and_o confident_o assert_v by_o the_o ingenious_a author_n of_o a_o very_a bad_a book_n i_o mean_v the_o leviathan_n now_o the_o proper_a way_n of_o answer_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v confident_o assert_v be_v to_o show_v the_o contrary_a namely_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o natural_a evil_n and_o deformity_n in_o they_o as_o perjury_n perfidiousness_n unrighteousness_n and_o ingratitude_n which_o be_v thing_n not_o only_o condemn_v by_o the_o positive_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o
religious_a and_o holy_a life_n do_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n conduce_v to_o our_o future_a happiness_n by_o way_n of_o necessary_a disposition_n and_o preparation_n of_o we_o for_o it_o we_o can_v be_v otherwise_o happy_a but_o by_o our_o conformity_n to_o god_n without_o this_o we_o can_v possible_o love_v he_o nor_o find_v any_o pleasure_n or_o happiness_n in_o communion_n with_o he_o for_o we_o can_v love_v a_o nature_n contrary_n to_o our_o own_o nor_o delight_n to_o converse_v with_o it_o therefore_o religion_n in_o order_n to_o the_o fit_v of_o we_o for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n do_v design_n to_o mortify_v our_o lust_n and_o passion_n and_o to_o restrain_v we_o from_o the_o inordinate_a love_n of_o the_o gross_a and_o sensual_a delight_n of_o this_o world_n to_o call_v off_o our_o mind_n from_o these_o inferior_a thing_n and_o to_o raise_v they_o to_o high_a and_o more_o spiritual_a object_n that_o we_o may_v be_v dispose_v for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o teach_v not_o to_o relish_v the_o delight_n of_o it_o whereas_o shall_v we_o set_v our_o heart_n only_o upon_o these_o thing_n and_o be_v able_a to_o taste_v no_o pleasure_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v sensual_a and_o earthly_a we_o must_v needs_o be_v extreme_o miserable_a when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n because_o we_o shall_v meet_v with_o nothing_o to_o entertain_v ourselves_o withal_o no_o employment_n suitable_a to_o our_o disposition_n no_o pleasure_n that_o will_v agree_v with_o our_o deprave_a appetite_n and_o vicious_a inclination_n all_o that_o heaven_n and_o happiness_n signify_v be_v unsuitable_a to_o a_o wicked_a man_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v no_o felicity_n to_o he_o but_o this_o i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o speak_v more_o full_o to_o in_o my_o last_o discourse_n from_o all_o that_o have_v be_v say_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o religion_n clear_o appear_v which_o tend_v so_o direct_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n and_o be_v upon_o all_o account_v calculate_v for_o our_o benefit_n let_v but_o all_o thing_n be_v true_o consider_v and_o cast_v up_o and_o it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o there_o be_v no_o advantage_n to_o any_o man_n from_o a_o irreligious_a and_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n i_o challenge_v any_o one_o to_o instance_n in_o any_o real_a benefit_n that_o ever_o come_v to_o he_o this_o way_n let_v the_o sinner_n declare_v what_o he_o have_v find_v by_o experience_n have_v lewdness_n and_o intemperance_n be_v more_o for_o his_o health_n than_o if_o he_o have_v live_v chaste_o and_o sober_o have_v falsehood_n and_o injustice_n prove_v at_o the_o long_o run_v more_o for_o the_o advancement_n and_o security_n of_o his_o estate_n than_o truth_n and_o honesty_n will_v have_v do_v have_v any_o vice_n that_o he_o have_v live_v in_o make_v he_o more_o true_a friend_n and_o gain_v he_o a_o better_a reputation_n in_o the_o world_n than_o the_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n will_v have_v do_v have_v he_o find_v that_o peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n in_o a_o evil_a course_n and_o that_o quiet_a enjoyment_n of_o himself_o and_o comfortable_a assurance_n of_o god_n favour_n and_o good_a hope_n of_o his_o future_a condition_n which_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a life_n will_v have_v not_o some_o of_o his_o vice_n weaken_a his_o body_n and_o break_a his_o health_n have_v not_o other_o dissipate_v his_o estate_n and_o reduce_v he_o to_o want_v what_o notorious_a vice_n be_v there_o that_o do_v not_o blemish_v a_o man_n reputation_n and_o make_v he_o either_o hate_v or_o despise_v and_o that_o not_o only_o by_o the_o wise_a and_o the_o virtuous_a but_o even_o by_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n but_o be_v ever_o any_o wicked_a man_n free_a from_o the_o sting_n of_o a_o guilty_a conscience_n and_o the_o torment_n of_o a_o restless_a and_o uneasy_a mind_n from_o the_o secret_a dread_n of_o divine_a displeasure_n and_o of_o the_o vengeance_n of_o another_o world_n let_v the_o sinner_n free_o speak_v the_o very_a inward_a sense_n of_o his_o soul_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o spare_v not_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o if_o he_o will_v deal_v clear_o and_o impartial_o but_o that_o he_o will_v acknowledge_v all_o this_o to_o be_v true_a and_o be_v able_a to_o confirm_v it_o from_o his_o own_o sad_a experience_n for_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a fruit_n of_o sin_n and_o the_o present_a revenge_n which_o it_o take_v upon_o sinner_n beside_o that_o fearful_a punishment_n which_o shall_v be_v inflict_v on_o they_o in_o another_o life_n what_o reason_n then_o can_v any_o man_n pretend_v against_o religion_n when_o it_o be_v so_o apparent_o for_o the_o benefit_n not_o only_o of_o humane_a society_n but_o of_o every_o particular_a person_n when_o there_o be_v no_o real_a interest_n of_o this_o world_n but_o may_v ordinary_o be_v as_o effectual_o promote_v and_o pursue_v no_o as_o great_a advantage_n nay_o usual_o to_o far_o great_a by_o a_o man_n that_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o the_o world_n than_o by_o any_o one_o that_o lead_v the_o contrary_a course_n of_o life_n let_v no_o man_n then_o say_v with_o those_o profane_a person_n who_o the_o prophet_n speak_v of_o 3.14_o mal._n 3.14_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o serve_v the_o lord_n and_o what_o profit_n be_v it_o that_o we_o have_v keep_v his_o commandment_n god_n have_v not_o be_v so_o hard_a a_o master_n to_o we_o that_o we_o have_v reason_n thus_o to_o complain_v of_o he_o he_o have_v give_v we_o no_o law_n but_o what_o be_v for_o our_o good_a nay_o so_o gracious_a have_v he_o be_v to_o we_o as_o to_o link_v together_o our_o duty_n and_o our_o interest_n and_o to_o make_v those_o very_a thing_n the_o instance_n of_o our_o obedience_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a mean_n and_o cause_n of_o our_o happiness_n the_o devil_n be_v so_o far_o in_o the_o right_n when_o he_o charge_v job_n that_o he_o do_v not_o serve_v god_n for_o nought_o it_o be_v he_o himself_o that_o be_v the_o hard_a master_n and_o make_v man_n serve_v he_o for_o nought_o who_o reward_v his_o drudge_n and_o slave_n with_o nothing_o but_o shame_n and_o sorrow_n and_o misery_n but_o god_n require_v no_o man_n service_n upon_o hard_a and_o unreasonable_a term_n the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o work_n be_v a_o present_a reward_n to_o itself_o and_o for_o whatever_o else_o we_o do_v or_o suffer_v for_o he_o he_o offer_v we_o abundant_a consideration_n and_o if_o man_n do_v but_o true_o and_o wise_o love_v themselves_o they_o will_v upon_o this_o very_a ground_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o become_v religious_a for_o when_o all_o be_v do_v there_o be_v no_o man_n can_v serve_v his_o own_o interest_n better_o than_o by_o serve_v god_n religion_n conduce_v both_o to_o our_o present_a and_o future_a happiness_n and_o when_o the_o gospel_n charge_v we_o with_o piety_n towards_o god_n and_o justice_n and_o charity_n towards_o man_n and_o temperance_n and_o chastity_n in_o reference_n to_o ourselves_o the_o true_a interpretation_n of_o these_o law_n be_v this_o god_n require_v of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o their_o eternal_a happiness_n that_o they_o shall_v do_v those_o thing_n which_o tend_v to_o their_o temporal_a welfare_n that_o be_v in_o plain_a word_n he_o promise_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a for_o ever_o upon_o condition_n that_o we_o will_v but_o do_v that_o which_o be_v best_a for_o ourselves_o in_o this_o world_n to_o conclude_v religion_n be_v found_v in_o the_o interest_n of_o man_n right_o apprehend_v so_o that_o if_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o lust_n of_o man_n do_v not_o blind_a their_o eye_n so_o as_o to_o render_v they_o unfit_a to_o discern_v their_o true_a interest_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a so_o long_o as_o man_n love_v themse_n ve_z and_o desire_v their_o own_o happiness_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o be_v religious_a for_o they_o can_v not_o but_o conclude_v that_o to_o be_v their_o interest_n and_o be_v so_o convince_v they_o will_v resolve_v to_o pursue_v it_o and_o stick_v to_o it_o phil._n iii_o 8._o yea_o doubtless_o and_o i_o count_v all_o thing_n but_o loss_n for_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n my_o lord_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o chapter_n the_o apostle_n make_v a_o comparison_n between_o the_o jewish_a and_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o show_v the_o christian_n to_o be_v in_o truth_n and_o substance_n what_o the_o jewish_a be_v only_o in_o type_n and_o shadow_n v._o 3._o we_o be_v the_o circumcision_n which_o worship_n god_n in_o the_o spirit_n and_o then_o he_o enumerate_v the_o several_a privilege_n he_o be_v partaker_n of_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o jewish_a church_n v._o 4_o 5_o 6._o though_o i_o may_v