prevail_v and_o like_o a_o irresistible_a torrent_n bear_v all_o before_o he_o as_o some_o kind_a friend_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o europe_n and_o the_o protestant_a name_n and_o interest_n wish_v and_o pray_v he_o may_v it_o require_v not_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n to_o foretell_v what_o will_v become_v of_o protestant_n but_o our_o hope_n and_o trust_n be_v in_o god_n that_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n shall_v never_o be_v root_v out_o and_o i_o be_o as_o certain_o persuade_v that_o the_o protestant_a faith_n and_o worship_n as_o to_o the_o essential_o of_o it_o and_o â—…s_v oppose_v to_o popery_n be_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o worship_n as_o i_o be_o â—…f_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o christiaâ—…ity_n itself_o and_o when_o i_o remember_v â—…y_n what_o little_a beginning_n and_o weak_a â—…nd_n contemptible_a mean_n god_n spread_v â—…he_v true_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n over_o great_a part_n of_o the_o european_a world_n when_o it_o be_v cover_v with_o the_o egyptian_a darkness_n and_o oppress_v by_o the_o unsupportable_a tyranny_n of_o popery_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o folly_n division_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o protestant_n i_o can_v fear_v that_o god_n will_v cause_v our_o sun_n to_o set_v again_o and_o that_o he_o will_v final_o remove_v his_o gospel_n from_o we_o and_o that_o give_v great_a reason_n to_o hope_v that_o he_o will_v â—…heck_v the_o pride_n and_o ambition_n and_o â—…t_o a_o stop_v to_o the_o success_n of_o a_o prince_n who_o glory_v in_o the_o extirpation_n of_o his_o â—…rotestant_n subject_n and_o at_o once_o enâ—…aves_v both_o the_o body_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n who_o challenge_v as_o absolute_a a_o dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n as_o over_o the_o estate_n of_o his_o vassal_n to_o fill_v his_o exchequer_n and_o purgatory_n together_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o ought_v hearty_o to_o â—…eg_v of_o god_n in_o our_o most_o solemn_a prayer_n and_o fast_n and_o those_o who_o scruple_n this_o if_o 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and_o his_o special_a presence_n and_o favour_n i_o will_v set_v my_o tabernacle_n among_o you_o and_o my_o soul_n shall_v not_o abhor_v you_o and_o i_o will_v walk_v among_o you_o and_o will_v be_v your_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o he_o and_o will_v not_o do_v all_o his_o commandment_n â—…hen_o he_o threaten_v all_o sort_n of_o evil_n â—…hould_v befall_v they_o sickness_n of_o body_n â—…o_o fly_v before_o their_o enemy_n the_o unâ—…ruitfulness_n and_o barrenness_n of_o their_o land_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v a_o prey_n to_o wild_a beast_n that_o the_o sword_n shall_v devour_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v enslave_v to_o their_o enemy_n and_o buy_v their_o own_o bread_n of_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v famine_n to_o such_o extremity_n as_o to_o eat_v their_o own_o son_n and_o daughter_n that_o he_o will_v lay_v waste_v their_o city_n and_o make_v their_o country_n desolate_a and_o carry_v they_o away_o 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for_o god_n have_v not_o so_o express_o covenant_v with_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o external_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n as_o he_o do_v with_o the_o jew_n they_o be_v the_o carnal_a seed_n and_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n heir_n of_o a_o earthly_a canaan_n and_o external_a prosperity_n but_o the_o spiritual_a seed_n of_o abraham_n be_v heir_n of_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a blessing_n which_o be_v typify_v by_o the_o carnal_a promise_n make_v to_o the_o jewish_a church_n the_o christian_a church_n be_v found_v in_o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n the_o christian_a faith_n be_v at_o first_o propagate_v by_o the_o courage_n patience_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a martyr_n and_o confessor_n the_o term_n ouâ—…_n saviour_n propose_v to_o we_o be_v if_o any_o mâ—…_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himsel_n and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o hâ—…_n that_o love_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o but_o 〈◊〉_d that_o lose_v his_o life_n for_o my_o sake_n shall_v find_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o most_o sincere_a believer_n and_o most_o exemplary_a christian_n may_v suffer_v very_o severe_o in_o this_o worlâ—…_n and_o their_o support_n and_o comfort_n be_v that_o â—…hey_n shall_v be_v proportionable_o reward_v â—…n_o the_o next_o this_o be_v the_o great_a objeâ—…ction_n the_o jew_n make_v against_o christian_n be_v the_o son_n and_o peculiar_a people_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v hate_v and_o persecute_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o god_n suffer_v they_o to_o be_v so_o whereas_o he_o have_v promise_v all_o temporal_a prosperity_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o his_o law_n and_o staâ—…utes_n and_o if_o believe_v in_o christ_n have_v be_v the_o will_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n he_o will_v certain_o have_v make_v good_a all_o the_o promise_n of_o their_o law_n to_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n a_o objection_n which_o very_o much_o trouble_v many_o believe_a jew_n themselves_o who_o do_v not_o thorough_o understand_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a dispensation_n between_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v particular_o answer_v by_o st._n paul_n 8._o rom._n and_o in_o the_o 7._o heb._n but_o this_o show_v that_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o always_o reward_v with_o external_a prosperity_n and_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v it_o shall_v be_v and_o consequent_o that_o very_o severe_a suffering_n and_o persecution_n may_v befall_v christian_n not_o always_o for_o the_o correction_n and_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n but_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n to_o make_v they_o conform_v to_o their_o suffer_a head_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o rich_a and_o bright_a crown_n to_o convince_v and_o convert_v their_o persecutor_n and_o to_o propagate_v the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o world_n though_o it_o be_v observe_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o particular_o by_o st._n cyprian_n that_o god_n never_o send_v a_o general_a persecution_n upon_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o when_o their_o sin_n the_o general_a declension_n of_o piety_n and_o discipline_n their_o worldly-mindedness_a the_o formality_n and_o coldness_n of_o their_o devotion_n call_v for_o a_o scourge_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n while_o it_o sojourn_v as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v in_o the_o world_n as_o in_o a_o strange_a land_n have_v no_o place_n of_o its_o own_o no_o earthly_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o support_v it_o but_o live_v under_o pagan_a power_n be_v intermix_v with_o they_o and_o oppress_v by_o they_o when_o they_o please_v but_o the_o case_n of_o a_o christian_a nation_n where_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v christian_n seem_v very_o different_a and_o to_o come_v near_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n for_o god_n do_v not_o use_v to_o inflict_v public_a judgement_n and_o
their_o vice_n and_o bad_a name_n to_o virtue_n this_o be_v so_o common_a and_o so_o well_o know_v that_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v on_o it_o a_o easy_a oblige_v friendly_a conversation_n be_v very_o charm_a when_o it_o be_v govern_v by_o strict_a virtue_n these_o man_n let_v the_o virtue_n alone_o and_o justify_v their_o vice_n as_o only_o the_o effect_n and_o instance_n of_o good_a humour_n and_o sociableness_n and_o of_o a_o comply_a temper_n to_o make_v their_o company_n easy_a and_o their_o conversation_n pleasant_a and_o entertain_v and_o this_o they_o think_v a_o good_a apology_n for_o all_o their_o lewdness_n debauchery_n and_o profaneness_n which_o may_v make_v they_o agreeable_a company_n for_o one_o another_o but_o very_o unfit_a for_o the_o conversation_n not_o only_o of_o good_a man_n but_o of_o prudent_a and_o cautious_a sinner_n but_o that_o be_v all_o one_o they_o will_v have_v this_o good_a humour_n and_o that_o be_v a_o good_a name_n which_o will_v suit_v any_o vice_n which_o please_v themselves_o and_o their_o company_n thus_o to_o be_v diligent_a in_o our_o business_n prudent_a and_o frugal_a in_o our_o expense_n to_o mortify_v our_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o deny_v the_o crave_n of_o lust_n and_o use_v our_o body_n hardly_o be_v very_o commendable_a thing_n when_o they_o be_v oppose_v to_o idleness_n and_o luxury_n and_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o care_n of_o our_o family_n and_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o all_o act_n of_o charity_n and_o to_o subdue_v the_o flesh_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o make_v we_o more_o devout_a worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o a_o mere_a earthworm_n who_o do_v all_o this_o for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o get_v or_o to_o save_v his_o money_n though_o he_o starve_v himself_o and_o his_o family_n and_o the_o poor_a by_o it_o and_o make_v himself_o a_o vile_a slave_n all_o his_o day_n call_v this_o fordo_v covetousness_n by_o these_o good_a name_n of_o diligence_n prudence_n frugality_n temperance_n mortification_n when_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o love_n of_o money_n above_o his_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n and_o adore_v it_o as_o his_o god_n thus_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n superstition_n and_o hypocrisy_n be_v very_o ill_a name_n and_o these_o at_o all_o adventure_n they_o bestow_v upon_o piety_n and_o virtue_n to_o excuse_v their_o own_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o both_o as_o if_o no_o man_n can_v be_v sincere_a because_o there_o be_v some_o hypocrite_n or_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o religion_n because_o some_o man_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v religious_a who_o be_v not_o though_o it_o be_v a_o better_a argument_n for_o religion_n that_o even_o bad_a man_n desire_v to_o be_v think_v religious_a thus_o a_o affect_a singularity_n be_v very_o offensive_a and_o nauseous_a to_o all_o wise_a man_n and_o this_o be_v their_o name_n for_o a_o sullen_a inflexible_a virtue_n which_o will_v not_o do_v a_o bad_a thing_n to_o please_v its_o company_n nor_o admit_v bad_a man_n into_o the_o privacy_n and_o familiarity_n of_o conversation_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o medium_fw-la between_o affect_a singularity_n and_o be_v wicked_a for_o company_n this_o be_v the_o art_n of_o change_a name_n call_v any_o virtue_n or_o vice_n by_o its_o own_o name_n such_o as_o piety_n justice_n charity_n temperance_n chastity_n or_o profaneness_n injustice_n drunkenness_n adultery_n and_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o the_o one_o nor_o for_o the_o other_o for_o these_o be_v name_n of_o honour_n and_o esteem_v or_o of_o infamy_n and_o reproach_n all_o the_o world_n over_o but_o if_o they_o can_v find_v any_o thing_n in_o vice_n which_o bear_v the_o least_o resemblance_n to_o what_o some_o virtue_n oblige_v we_o to_o they_o present_o give_v the_o name_n of_o those_o virtue_n to_o their_o vice_n and_o if_o a_o virtuous_a man_n may_v do_v any_o thing_n for_o wise_a and_o good_a reason_n which_o have_v any_o likeness_n or_o analogy_n to_o what_o bad_a man_n do_v for_o very_o bad_a reason_n they_o give_v the_o name_n of_o those_o vice_n to_o virtue_n which_o be_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n to_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n and_o this_o there_o be_v too_o many_o guilty_a of_o who_o be_v not_o profess_v atheist_n or_o infidel_n who_o think_v it_o some_o excuse_n for_o their_o vice_n if_o they_o can_v find_v any_o thing_n good_a to_o say_v of_o they_o and_o a_o apology_n for_o their_o lukewarmness_n and_o indifferency_n in_o religion_n if_o they_o can_v charge_v some_o zealous_a professor_n with_o pharisaism_n and_o hypocrisy_n but_o by_o whosoever_o and_o for_o what_o reason_n soever_o this_o be_v do_v the_o woe_n belong_v to_o all_o those_o who_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n 2_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n darkness_n and_o light_n very_o often_o in_o scripture_n signify_v vice_n and_o virtue_n sin_n be_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n be_v to_o live_v holy_o as_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o 1_o john_n 1._o for_o 6_o 7._o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o god_n and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n live_v in_o any_o sin_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o if_o we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o light_n if_o we_o be_v holy_a as_o god_n be_v holy_a then_o have_v we_o fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o call_v evil_n good_a and_o good_a evil._n but_o then_o darkness_n signify_v also_o ignorance_n and_o error_n false_a and_o corrupt_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o light_v a_o clear_a and_o certain_a knowledge_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n what_o concern_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n but_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v john_n 3._o 19_o and_o thus_o we_o must_v understand_v it_o here_o those_o man_n who_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n who_o reject_v the_o moral_a difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o confound_v the_o name_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n pervert_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o knowledge_n and_o rule_n of_o judge_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n call_v all_o the_o arbitrary_a and_o ridiculous_a principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n light_n and_o esteem_v they_o as_o the_o most_o true_a and_o certain_a knowledge_n though_o indeed_o they_o teach_v we_o nothing_o but_o reduce_v we_o to_o the_o most_o perfect_a state_n of_o ignorance_n by_o unteach_v all_o that_o mankind_n know_v before_o for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o mind_n for_o the_o next_o step_n be_v to_o put_v light_n for_o darkness_n to_o reject_v all_o the_o natural_a and_o all_o the_o supernatural_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n the_o natural_a notion_n of_o our_o mind_n the_o natural_a light_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o supernatural_a light_n of_o revelation_n as_o mere_a ignorance_n and_o imposture_n the_o cheat_n of_o education_n or_o of_o a_o timorous_a fancy_n or_o the_o cunning_a of_o statesman_n or_o the_o invention_n of_o priest_n such_o man_n you_o know_v there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o woe_n belong_v to_o they_o 3_o to_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a be_v a_o corruption_n not_o mere_o of_o our_o judgement_n but_o of_o our_o natural_a sensation_n of_o our_o natural_a taste_n and_o relish_v of_o thing_n bitter_n signify_v whatever_o be_v natural_o uneasy_a grievous_a offensive_a as_o bitter_a thing_n be_v to_o the_o palate_n that_o which_o cause_n trouble_v anguish_n remorse_n as_o all_o wicked_a action_n natural_o do_v now_o such_o thingâ—…_n as_o be_v grievous_a and_o afflict_a to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n who_o have_v any_o natural_a sense_n leave_v these_o man_n call_v sweet_a account_v their_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n but_o than_o what_o be_v natural_o sweet_a have_v a_o natural_a easiness_n pleasure_n satisfaction_n as_o all_o good_a and_o virtuous_a action_n have_v this_o they_o call_v bitter_a these_o be_v the_o grievance_n of_o their_o life_n a_o intolerable_a yoke_n which_o they_o can_v and_o will_v not_o bear_v this_o be_v the_o most_o degenerate_a state_n of_o human_a nature_n which_o have_v lose_v all_o relish_n of_o virtue_n and_o all_o sense_n of_o shame_n and_o fear_n and_o remorse_n when_o they_o do_v evil_a their_o mind_n be_v perfect_o dead_a and_o stupid_a without_o any_o rational_a or_o spiritual_a sensation_n they_o have_v nothing_o but_o their_o bodily_a sense_n leave_v and_o by_o these_o alone_o they_o judge_v of_o sweet_a and_o
world_n believe_v that_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v teach_v they_o be_v false_a be_v a_o mystery_n to_o i_o and_o the_o only_a account_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o it_o be_v what_o our_o saviour_n give_v that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a and_o when_o they_o love_v darkness_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o call_v it_o light_n but_o they_o must_v first_o call_v darkness_n light_n before_o they_o can_v put_v out_o the_o light_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o darkness_n now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n as_o our_o own_o experience_n and_o our_o observation_n of_o other_o man_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o reject_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n without_o dispute_v for_o they_o be_v not_o bear_v and_o breed_v with_o we_o as_o what_o be_v natural_a be_v and_o therefore_o must_v be_v owe_v to_o the_o lust_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o hate_v the_o light_n and_o nothing_o seem_v strange_a to_o i_o than_o that_o of_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n these_o man_n shall_v pretend_v to_o reason_n who_o have_v the_o least_o right_a oâ—…_n pretence_n to_o it_o for_o what_o principle_n can_v they_o reason_v on_o who_o reject_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o revelation_n what_o be_v natural_a reason_n but_o the_o reason_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v what_o this_o be_v but_o by_o those_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n which_o nature_n have_v implant_v in_o all_o mankind_n and_o which_o art_n and_o wit_n and_o vice_n itself_o have_v much_o ado_n to_o silence_n and_o can_v never_o perfect_o root_v out_o and_o certain_o that_o be_v not_o natural_a reason_n which_o contradict_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o what_o be_v that_o reason_n which_o be_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o humane_a nature_n or_o how_o be_v mankind_n concern_v in_o such_o reason_n as_o can_v be_v no_o rule_n to_o they_o unless_o they_o put_v off_o humane_a nature_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o these_o very_a man_n they_o have_v put_v off_o humane_a nature_n be_v degenerate_v into_o bruit_n and_o have_v the_o reason_n and_o understanding_n of_o bruit_n espouse_v such_o principle_n as_o serve_v no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o justify_v the_o brutal_a nature_n and_o therefore_o laugh_v at_o the_o common_a sentiment_n and_o faith_n of_o mankind_n and_o pretend_v to_o reason_n only_o to_o reason_v humane_a nature_n as_o well_o as_o revelation_n out_o of_o the_o world_n how_o subtle_o soever_o these_o man_n may_v dispute_v it_o suffice_v i_o that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o original_a belief_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o owe_v to_o god_n or_o nature_n but_o to_o lust._n no_o man_n can_v call_v light_a darkness_n till_o he_o be_v in_o love_n with_o darkness_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n 3_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a man_n must_v first_o reconcile_v themselves_o to_o wickedness_n which_o be_v natural_o very_o bitter_a uneasy_a and_o grievous_a and_o shake_v off_o all_o sense_n of_o shame_n and_o modesty_n and_o fear_v before_o they_o can_v in_o good_a earnest_a reproach_n virtue_n for_o till_o man_n be_v very_o wicked_a virtue_n be_v the_o great_a pleasure_n the_o true_a and_o sweet_a pleasure_n of_o humane_a nature_n three_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o woe_n that_o be_v denounce_v against_o these_o man_n and_o how_o unavoidable_a it_o be_v woe_n be_v to_o they_o that_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n etc._n etc._n what_o this_o woe_n be_v be_v not_o here_o express_v but_o a_o indefinite_a woe_n be_v very_o terrible_a for_o it_o include_v all_o the_o woe_n that_o god_n have_v any_o where_n in_o scripture_n threaten_v against_o sinner_n the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o eternal_a misery_n of_o the_o next_o a_o woe_n signify_v a_o state_n of_o extreme_a misery_n wherein_o man_n shall_v bewail_v and_o lament_v themselves_o without_o hope_n or_o redress_v all_o the_o misery_n that_o such_o sinner_n deserve_v and_o therefore_o the_o great_a that_o humane_a nature_n can_v suffer_v because_o this_o be_v the_o great_a degeneracy_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o therefore_o to_o warn_v you_o all_o of_o fall_v into_o this_o state_n i_o shall_v brief_o show_v you_o how_o unavoidable_a this_o woe_n be_v when_o man_n be_v so_o in_o love_n with_o their_o sin_n that_o they_o resolve_v never_o to_o part_v with_o they_o they_o vain_o think_v that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o secure_v themselves_o be_v to_o banish_v god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o destroy_v all_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o then_o they_o may_v please_v themselves_o and_o live_v as_o they_o listen_v without_o fear_n or_o shame_n or_o any_o danger_n of_o a_o future_a account_n now_o so_o far_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n that_o if_o they_o can_v banish_v god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n their_o work_n be_v do_v and_o they_o may_v bid_v defiance_n to_o all_o the_o pulpit-thunder_n and_o laugh_v at_o all_o the_o superstitious_a fear_n of_o sinner_n but_o to_o persuade_v themselves_o contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o universal_a belief_n of_o mankind_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n will_v not_o banish_v god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v find_v a_o god_n after_o they_o have_v persuade_v themselves_o there_o be_v none_o as_o they_o certain_o will_v they_o will_v find_v this_o god_n a_o provoke_v and_o terrible_a judge_n for_o what_o great_a contempt_n and_o despite_n can_v be_v offer_v to_o god_n than_o to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n this_o be_v a_o state_n of_o open_a enmity_n they_o hate_v god_n and_o will_v destroy_v his_o be_v if_o they_o can_v for_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o there_o be_v no_o god_n be_v because_o they_o will_v have_v none_o and_o those_o who_o hate_n god_n be_v hate_v by_o he_o and_o must_v suffer_v his_o eternal_a vengeance_n thus_o if_o there_o be_v no_o essential_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o may_v choose_v for_o themselves_o and_o call_v thing_n by_o what_o name_n they_o please_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n but_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o difference_n however_o they_o hauâ—…_n make_v shift_v to_o conquer_v this_o sense_n at_o present_a if_o they_o refuse_v the_o good_a and_o choose_v the_o evil_a they_o must_v lose_v all_o that_o happiness_n which_o they_o may_v expect_v from_o what_o be_v a_o natural_a good_a that_o be_v all_o the_o true_a happiness_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o suffer_v all_o those_o misery_n which_o those_o evil_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o destructive_a of_o it_o will_v expose_v they_o too_o for_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v not_o empty_a name_n but_o good_a signify_v the_o happiness_n of_o that_o nature_n who_o good_a it_o be_v and_o evil_a its_o misery_n and_o if_o after_o all_o their_o philosophy_n there_o be_v such_o a_o distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a with_o respect_n to_o humane_a nature_n and_o that_o be_v a_o strange_a nature_n which_o have_v no_o good_a or_o evil_a belong_v to_o it_o to_o reject_v the_o good_a must_v deprive_v they_o of_o happiness_n and_o to_o choose_v the_o evil_n must_v make_v they_o miserable_a and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o moral_a as_o well_o as_o natural_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o one_o deserve_v to_o be_v reward_v and_o the_o other_o punish_v we_o must_v expect_v that_o the_o righteous_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n will_v reward_v and_o punish_v we_o according_a to_o our_o work_n if_o man_n shut_v their_o eye_n or_o put_v out_o the_o light_n and_o then_o call_v darkness_n light_n and_o light_a darkness_n how_o secure_a soever_o this_o may_v make_v they_o at_o present_a all_o that_o they_o gain_v by_o it_o be_v to_o go_v to_o hell_n blindfold_a not_o to_o see_v their_o danger_n before_o they_o feel_v themselves_o irrecoverable_o miserable_a if_o there_o be_v a_o distinction_n between_o light_n and_o darkness_n in_o the_o moral_a and_o spiritual_a as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a world_n as_o there_o must_v be_v if_o there_o be_v any_o difference_n between_o true_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n and_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n if_o the_o office_n of_o light_n be_v to_o direct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n those_o bless_a region_n of_o eternal_a light_n which_o those_o who_o wander_v in_o darkness_n can_v never_o find_v if_o the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n be_v to_o lose_v the_o sight_n
to_o his_o lord_n what_o love_n be_v this_o to_o the_o soul_n â—…f_a man_n it_o be_v certain_o the_o most_o perâ—…ect_a imitation_n of_o the_o love_n of_o christ_n â—…at_n be_v possible_a to_o man_n christ_n so_o â—…oved_v we_o as_o to_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o live_v a_o laborious_a life_n and_o â—…o_o die_v a_o accurse_a death_n for_o we_o this_o great_a apostle_n so_o love_v his_o lord_n and_o so_o love_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o â—…e_v make_v it_o his_o choice_n to_o stay_v some_o time_n out_o of_o heaven_n and_o to_o encounter_v all_o the_o misery_n and_o terror_n of_o this_o life_n to_o serve_v christ_n and_o his_o church_n where_o be_v this_o divine_a spirit_n now_o to_o be_v find_v let_v we_o my_o belove_a brethren_n who_o be_v entrust_v also_o with_o the_o care_n of_o soul_n by_o the_o great_a shepherd_n and_o bishop_n of_o our_o soul_n blush_v to_o think_v how_o far_o short_a we_o fall_v of_o this_o example_n let_v this_o inspire_v we_o with_o a_o flame_a love_n and_o zeal_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n for_o who_o christ_n die_v and_o make_v we_o at_o least_o content_v to_o deny_v ourselves_o some_o of_o the_o ease_n and_o security_n and_o pleasure_n of_o life_n to_o serve_v the_o church_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o have_v purchase_v with_o his_o own_o blood_n but_o to_o keep_v myself_o within_o some_o bound_n i_o shall_v brief_o discourse_n on_o these_o two_o head_n which_o be_v very_o proper_a for_o this_o occasion_n and_o very_o proper_a to_o my_o text._n first_o the_o great_a reward_n of_o faithful_a pastor_n and_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o how_o much_o it_o be_v for_o their_o advantage_n to_o be_v remove_v out_o of_o this_o world_n st._n paul_n be_v very_o sensible_a of_o this_o which_o make_v he_o desire_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a second_o how_o necessary_a the_o life_n of_o such_o man_n be_v to_o the_o church_n and_o what_o a_o great_a loss_n it_o be_v when_o god_n remove_v they_o out_o of_o it_o nevertheless_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v more_o needful_a for_o you_o 1._o let_v we_o then_o consider_v in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o great_a reward_n of_o the_o faithful_a minister_n of_o christ_n and_o how_o much_o it_o be_v for_o their_o advantage_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ._n now_o i_o do_v not_o here_o intend_v a_o comparison_n between_o heaven_n and_o earth_n good_a god_n what_o different_a thing_n be_v these_o and_o what_o christian_a doubt_n whether_o heaven_n be_v a_o happy_a place_n than_o this_o world_n heaven_n whither_o no_o trouble_n or_o sorrow_n can_v follow_v we_o no_o persecute_v sword_n no_o persecute_v tongue_n where_o we_o shall_v be_v deliver_v from_o all_o the_o want_v necessity_n and_o infirmity_n of_o the_o body_n from_o â—…unger_n and_o cold_a and_o nakedness_n â—…m_a wrack_a pain_n and_o languish_a â—…cknesses_n where_o there_o be_v eternal_a ease_n â—…d_v rest_n and_o joy_n without_o labour_n â—…ithout_v discontent_n without_o quarrel_n â—…here_o our_o soul_n shall_v be_v perfect_v in_o â—…owledge_n and_o in_o love_n where_o we_o â—…all_v dwell_v in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n see_v â—…m_n as_o he_o be_v and_o know_v he_o even_o as_o â—…e_v be_v know_v where_o we_o shall_v dwell_v â—…ith_n christ_n adore_v his_o love_n behold_v â—…s_a glory_n and_o be_v transform_v our_o â—…lves_n into_o the_o likeness_n and_o image_n of_o â—…s_n glory_n we_o have_v but_o obscure_v imâ—…rfect_a conception_n of_o these_o thing_n â—…w_o heaven_n will_v outdo_v our_o high_a â—…xpectations_n as_o much_o as_o the_o most_o â—…erfect_a state_n of_o happiness_n in_o this_o world_n â—…ways_o fall_v short_a of_o what_o we_o expectâ—…_n and_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o all_o good_a â—…en_n it_o be_v a_o mighty_a happy_a change_n â—…ey_n make_v when_o they_o remove_v from_o â—…arth_n to_o heaven_n but_o there_o be_v different_a degree_n of_o glory_n in_o the_o next_o world_n proportionâ—…d_v not_o only_o to_o our_o different_a attainâ—…ents_n in_o virtue_n but_o to_o those_o different_a trust_n in_o service_n which_o we_o have_v be_v employ_v in_o and_o have_v faithful_o discharge_v here_o we_o read_v of_o the_o reward_n of_o a_o prophet_n that_o he_o who_o give_v a_o cup_n of_o cold_a water_n to_o a_o prophet_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o prophet_n shall_v have_v a_o prophet_n reward_n which_o must_v signify_v some_o peculiar_a reward_n that_o shall_v be_v bestow_v on_o prophet_n we_o know_v so_o little_a of_o the_o other_o world_n that_o we_o can_v conceive_v what_o these_o different_a reward_n shall_v be_v the_o prophet_n daniel_n represent_v it_o by_o a_o external_a glory_n 12._o dan._n 3._o and_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a shall_v shine_v as_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o firmament_n and_o they_o that_o turn_v many_o to_o righteousness_n as_o the_o star_n for_o ever_o and_o ever_o but_o our_o saviour_n represent_v this_o by_o a_o different_a degree_n of_o rule_n and_o empire_n 12._o luke_n 42_o 43_o 44._o and_o the_o lord_n say_v who_o then_o be_v that_o faithful_a and_o wise_a steward_n who_o his_o lord_n shall_v make_v ruler_n over_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o their_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n this_o be_v the_o honourable_a character_n of_o gospel_n minister_n in_o this_o world_n that_o they_o be_v ruler_n in_o god_n household_n to_o instruct_v and_o feed_v they_o with_o the_o word_n of_o life_n and_o their_o reward_n be_v proportion_v to_o their_o work_n blessed_n be_v that_o servant_n who_o his_o lord_n when_o he_o come_v shall_v find_v so_o do_v of_o a_o truth_n i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o he_o will_v make_v he_o ruler_n â—…ver_o all_o that_o he_o have_v what_o this_o ruleâ—…ignifies_v â—…ignifies_z in_o the_o other_o world_n be_v a_o mysteâ—…y_n to_o we_o especial_o since_o we_o have_v â—…ancied_v the_o other_o world_n to_o be_v only_o a_o state_n of_o contemplation_n not_o of_o actiâ—…n_n where_o we_o shall_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v â—…ut_o to_o see_v god_n and_o to_o love_n and_o to_o praise_v he_o but_o no_o service_n to_o do_v for_o â—…im_v but_o we_o know_v there_o be_v different_a â—…orders_n of_o angel_n who_o be_v employ_v in_o great_a trust_n and_o office_n arch-angel_n angel_n throne_n dominion_n principality_n and_o power_n which_o be_v name_n of_o rule_n and_o government_n though_o we_o know_v not_o what_o their_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v nor_o how_o they_o govern_v in_o like_a manner_n our_o saviour_n promise_v his_o apostle_n very_o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o which_o have_v follow_v i_o in_o the_o regeneration_n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v sit_v on_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o glory_n you_o also_o shall_v sit_v upon_o twelve_o throne_n judge_v the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n 19_o matth._n 28._o the_o like_a we_o may_v see_v in_o the_o parable_n of_o the_o pound_n and_o talent_n he_o who_o have_v gain_v ten_o pound_n have_v rule_n over_o ten_o city_n and_o he_o who_o gain_v five_o pound_n have_v rule_n over_o five_o city_n for_o these_o servant_n to_o who_o the_o lord_n give_v these_o pound_n and_o talent_n to_o improve_v plain_o signify_v his_o steward_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n for_o no_o other_o person_n have_v in_o so_o peculiar_a a_o manner_n this_o honourable_a character_n of_o the_o servant_n of_o christ_n throughout_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o there_o be_v order_n and_o government_n among_o the_o angel_n themselves_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o like_o this_o among_o glorify_a saint_n if_o angel_n be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o heaven_n be_v a_o state_n of_o mere_a rest_n and_o contemplation_n especial_o when_o happiness_n consist_v in_o action_n and_o if_o christ_n have_v any_o minister_n of_o his_o spiritual_a kingdom_n in_o the_o next_o world_n it_o be_v most_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o those_o shall_v have_v the_o great_a authority_n and_o be_v employ_v in_o the_o noble_a service_n who_o have_v be_v his_o faithful_a steward_n and_o minister_n in_o this_o world_n for_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o in_o heaven_n be_v the_o same_o church_n though_o their_o state_n be_v very_o different_a and_o therefore_o they_o do_v not_o lose_v their_o relation_n to_o christ_n nor_o their_o station_n in_o his_o church_n by_o remove_v to_o heaven_n it_o be_v a_o sacerdotal_a kingdom_n our_o high_a priest_n be_v king_n and_o therefore_o a_o priest_n of_o jesus_n how_o mean_a soever_o this_o be_v think_v now_o will_v be_v one_o of_o the_o high_a character_n in_o heaven_n what_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o be_v we_o can_v tell_v but_o we_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o empty_a title_n in_o heaven_n but_o every_o degree_n of_o dignity_n there_o signify_v a_o peculiar_a degree_n of_o happiness_n
conviction_n of_o conscience_n and_o enforceâ—…_n the_o reproof_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o word_n with_o such_o sensible_a and_o smart_a proof_n of_o the_o evil_a of_o sin_n and_o god_n anger_n against_o it_o as_o will_v make_v all_o man_n consider_v who_o have_v not_o lose_v their_o sense_n and_o many_o time_n restore_v sense_n and_o understanding_n to_o those_o who_o have_v lose_v they_o but_o this_o to_o some_o man_n will_v seem_v a_o very_a dull_a account_n of_o god_n judgement_n which_o will_v neither_o gratify_v their_o curiosity_n nor_o ill_a nature_n nor_o which_o they_o think_v worse_o leave_v they_o any_o excuse_n to_o palliate_v their_o hypocrisy_n the_o judgement_n of_o god_n declare_v god_n anger_n against_o sin_n and_o call_v we_o to_o repentance_n this_o man_n will_v own_v but_o do_v not_o like_a to_o hear_v it_o express_v in_o such_o general_a term_n as_o if_o when_o god_n send_v his_o judgement_n among_o we_o he_o be_v angry_a with_o â—…s_n for_o all_o our_o sin_n and_o call_v we_o to_o repent_v of_o they_o all_o this_o they_o think_v hard_a that_o they_o must_v part_v with_o all_o their_o sin_n to_o remove_v these_o judgement_n nay_o this_o they_o think_v can_v be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n because_o the_o world_n be_v always_o very_o wicked_a and_o yet_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v not_o always_o abroad_o in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o they_o suppose_v that_o when_o god_n do_v execute_v judgement_n it_o be_v not_o sin_n in_o general_n but_o some_o particular_a sin_n which_o so_o high_o provoke_v he_o and_o can_v they_o learn_v what_o they_o be_v and_o reform_v they_o they_o may_v see_v happy_a day_n again_o and_o this_o set_v man_n at_o liberty_n to_o favour_v what_o sin_n they_o please_v to_o reproach_n and_o accuse_v each_o other_o and_o to_o charge_v all_o the_o evil_n and_o calamity_n they_o suffer_v upon_o one_o another_o without_o think_v of_o reform_v themselves_o thus_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o always_o be_v when_o there_o be_v differ_v party_n and_o faction_n in_o a_o nation_n who_o judge_n very_o different_o of_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o will_v all_o confess_v they_o be_v great_a sinner_n and_o it_o may_v be_v too_o many_o of_o all_o party_n be_v guilty_a of_o the_o same_o sin_n but_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v common_a to_o they_o all_o must_v pass_v for_o nothing_o because_o so_o far_o they_o be_v all_o agree_v but_o then_o there_o be_v peculiar_a party-sin_n which_o every_o party_n dislike_v in_o each_o other_o and_o what_o they_o dislike_v they_o conclude_v god_n dislike_v too_o and_o to_o these_o they_o attribute_v all_o the_o evil_n they_o suffer_v as_o if_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o reform_v the_o world_n but_o to_o decide_v some_o party-quarrel_n which_o will_v never_o be_v decide_v this_o way_n when_o every_o party_n will_v expound_v judgement_n in_o favour_n of_o themselves_o but_o all_o man_n see_v that_o this_o be_v to_o judge_v by_o a_o false_a and_o partial_a rule_n this_o be_v neither_o conscience_n nor_o scripture_n for_o conscience_n equal_o condemn_v all_o sin_n and_o so_o do_v the_o scripture_n too_o i_o grant_v though_o there_o be_v always_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o wickedness_n commit_v in_o the_o world_n god_n do_v not_o always_o inflict_v public_a judgement_n which_o be_v common_o execute_v when_o wickedness_n and_o impiety_n be_v grow_v public_a too_o when_o public_a government_n be_v remiss_a in_o punish_v wickedness_n or_o the_o number_n and_o power_n of_o sinner_n be_v grow_v too_o great_a for_o the_o correction_n of_o public_a justice_n but_o we_o shall_v always_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o when_o god_n do_v inflict_v public_a judgement_n he_o call_v for_o a_o general_a repentance_n and_o reformation_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o so_o no_o man_n can_v understand_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o rod_n without_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n but_o this_o deserve_v a_o more_o particular_a consideration_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o those_o sin_n for_o which_o god_n most_o common_o send_v his_o judgement_n when_o he_o see_v fit_a to_o execute_v a_o public_a vengeance_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o universal_a reformation_n when_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o we_o 1._o the_o most_o general_a account_n the_o scripture_n give_v we_o of_o public_a judgement_n be_v a_o universal_a corruption_n of_o manner_n thus_o the_o prophet_n describe_v the_o state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n when_o god_n threaten_v his_o judgement_n against_o they_o ah_o â—…nful_a nation_n a_o people_n lade_v with_o iniquiry_n a_o seed_n of_o evil_a doer_n child_n that_o be_v corrupter_n they_o have_v forsake_v the_o lord_n they_o have_v provoke_v the_o holy_a one_o oâ—…_n israel_n they_o be_v go_v away_o backward_o and_o the_o whole_a head_n be_v sick_a and_o the_o wholâ—…_n heart_n faint_a from_o the_o sole_a of_o the_o foot_n unto_o the_o head_n there_o be_v no_o soundnesâ—…_n in_o it_o but_o wound_n and_o bruise_n and_o puâ—…_n trify_v sore_n they_o have_v not_o be_v close_v nor_o bind_v up_o nor_o mollify_v with_o oint_n mean_v isa._n 1._o 4_o 5_o 6._o and_o in_o verse_n 10_o he_o call_v they_o the_o ruler_n of_o sodom_n anâ—…_n people_n of_o gomorrah_n when_o wickednesâ—…_n be_v grow_v universal_a and_o have_v infect_v alâ—…_n rank_n and_o order_n of_o man_n such_o a_o nation_n be_v ripe_a for_o judgement_n but_o it_o addâ—…_n great_o to_o the_o gild_n and_o provocation_n when_o man_n be_v not_o content_v to_o bâ—…_n wicked_a without_o bid_v open_a defiane_n to_o god_n and_o to_o all_o religion_n wo_n untâ—…_n they_o who_o draw_v iniquity_n with_o cord_n of_o vanity_n and_o sin_n as_o it_o be_v with_o cart-ropeâ—…_a who_o deride_v all_o the_o threaten_n of_o god_n and_o even_o dare_v his_o power_n and_o justice_n that_o say_v let_v he_o make_v speed_n and_o haste_n en_fw-fr his_o work_n that_o we_o may_v see_v it_o and_o leâ—…_n the_o counsel_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n draâ—…_n nigh_o and_o come_v that_o we_o may_v know_v iâ—…_n who_o mock_v at_o the_o difference_n of_o gooâ—…_n and_o evil_n and_o value_v the_o reputation_n oâ—…_n their_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n too_o much_o to_o beâ—…_n cheat_v with_o such_o empty_a name_n wo_n unto_o they_o that_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n that_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darâ—…ss_n that_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a 〈◊〉_d â—…itter_a wo_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n who_o have_v first_o destroy_v the_o eternal_a and_o essential_a difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a change_v their_o name_n too_o at_o pleasure_n and_o think_v themselves_o the_o only_a wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n for_o do_v so_o this_o take_v off_o all_o restraint_n and_o give_v the_o reins_o to_o their_o lust_n and_o they_o live_v just_a as_o they_o believe_v without_o make_v any_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil._n woe_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v mighty_a to_o drink_v wine_n and_o man_n if_o strength_n to_o mingle_v strong_a drink_n who_o justify_v the_o wicked_a for_o a_o reward_n and_o take_v â—…ay_v the_o righteousness_n of_o the_o righteous_a from_o he_o therefore_o as_o the_o fire_n devouâ—…eth_v the_o stubble_n and_o the_o flame_n consume_v the_o chaff_n so_o their_o root_n shall_v be_v as_o rotâ—…nness_n and_o their_o blossom_n shall_v go_v up_o as_o the_o dust_n because_o they_o have_v cast_v away_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o host_n and_o despise_v the_o word_n of_o the_o holy_a one_o of_o israel_n isa._n 5._o 18_o etc._n etc._n the_o like_a account_n we_o find_v in_o the_o other_o prophet_n and_o when_o the_o state_n of_o a_o church_n and_o nation_n be_v so_o corrupt_a we_o need_v not_o inquire_v for_o what_o particular_a sin_n god_n strike_v but_o yet_o there_o be_v some_o sin_n which_o god_n express_v 〈◊〉_d severe_a indignation_n against_o and_o seldoâ—…_n delay_v to_o punish_v such_o as_o their_o idâ—…_n latry_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o god_n oâ—…_n israel_n of_o his_o word_n and_o prophet_n profanation_n of_o his_o worship_n atheâ—…_n istical_a notion_n of_o providence_n and_o 〈◊〉_d good_a and_o evil_a or_o their_o abominabâ—…_n hypocrisy_n in_o commit_v all_o the_o lewâ—…_n ness_n and_o villainy_n which_o man_n couâ—…_n commit_v and_o shelter_v themselves_o in_o aâ—…_n external_a form_n and_o appearance_n of_o râ—…_n ligion_n which_o the_o prophet_n every_o wheâ—…_n complain_v of_o to_o these_o cause_n be_v oâ—…_n ing_z the_o universal_a corruption_n of_o maâ—…_n ner_z for_o it_o be_v impossible_a any_o natiâ—…_n shall_v so_o universal_o degenerate_a tâ—…_n they_o have_v either_o corrupt_v their_o reâ—…_n gion_n by_o superstition_n and_o hypocrisy_n lose_v all_o sense_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o tâ—…_n call_v for_o a_o speedy_a vengeance_n as_o for_o what_o more_o particular_o
one_o place_n neither_o to_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n nor_o samaria_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v free_a all_o the_o world_n over_o to_o erect_v house_n of_o prayer_n and_o worship_n where_o god_n will_v be_v as_o present_v with_o they_o as_o in_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o end_n now_o put_v to_o that_o typical_a state_n and_o typical_a worship_n which_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o true_a worshipper_n shall_v worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o this_o spiritual_a worship_n be_v confine_v to_o no_o one_o place_n but_o will_v find_v god_n present_v all_o the_o world_n over_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o abrogate_a all_o peculiar_a place_n of_o worship_n such_o as_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o samaria_n be_v that_o it_o make_v every_o church_n whatever_o part_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v in_o in_o a_o true_a sense_n the_o house_n of_o god_n than_o ever_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v and_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o of_o great_a consequence_n which_o we_o learn_v from_o this_o that_o we_o now_o want_v no_o new_a appearance_n of_o god_n to_o consecrate_v a_o place_n for_o his_o worship_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o patriarch_n nor_o any_o new_a command_n to_o appoint_v we_o where_o to_o build_v a_o house_n for_o god_n as_o it_o be_v under_o the_o law_n our_o saviour_n have_v consecrate_v every_o part_n of_o the_o world_n where_o christian_n live_v to_o be_v such_o holy_a ground_n as_o be_v fit_a to_o receive_v a_o temple_n and_o house_n of_o god_n and_o his_o promise_n to_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n give_v we_o as_o great_a a_o assurance_n of_o a_o divine_a presence_n in_o such_o place_n as_o if_o like_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o temple_n we_o see_v they_o again_o fill_v with_o a_o cloud_n and_o a_o visible_a glory_n have_v thus_o show_v you_o that_o god_n who_o fill_v all_o place_n be_v yet_o peculiar_o present_a in_o some_o place_n and_o what_o this_o peculiar_a presence_n be_v that_o god_n be_v present_a as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o worship_n to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o to_o receive_v our_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n our_o alm_n and_o oblation_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o exhortation_n of_o my_o text_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a improvement_n of_o this_o o_o worship_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n one_a and_o here_o first_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o very_a external_n beauty_n and_o ornament_n of_o god_n house_n be_v one_o part_n of_o homage_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o he_o the_o riches_n and_o visible_a glory_n of_o solomon_n temple_n be_v one_o of_o the_o wonder_n of_o the_o world_n a_o divine_a art_n and_o nature_n conspire_v to_o build_v a_o house_n as_o fit_a as_o art_n and_o nature_n can_v make_v it_o to_o signify_v the_o incommunicable_a majesty_n and_o glory_n of_o that_o god_n who_o dwell_v there_o and_o this_o nature_n teach_v all_o mankind_n the_o magnificence_n of_o their_o temple_n do_v not_o only_o show_v their_o devotion_n but_o what_o their_o art_n and_o what_o their_o riches_n be_v and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n when_o they_o enjoy_v peace_n and_o plenty_n under_o christian_a emperor_n be_v so_o far_o from_o think_v this_o a_o piece_n of_o pagan_a or_o jewish_a superstition_n that_o their_o first_o care_n be_v to_o erect_v beautiful_a and_o stately_a church_n to_o rival_n and_o outdo_v all_o the_o external_n glory_n of_o pagan_a temple_n and_o it_o be_v always_o account_v a_o great_a instance_n of_o the_o piety_n of_o prince_n to_o encourage_v and_o promote_v such_o work_n but_o you_o will_v say_v what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o god_n can_v we_o think_v that_o he_o who_o have_v make_v the_o world_n with_o such_o unimitable_a art_n and_o beauty_n can_v be_v please_v with_o any_o house_n we_o can_v build_v for_o he_o whatever_o art_n or_o riches_n we_o bestow_v on_o it_o but_o this_o very_a objection_n answer_v itself_o for_o god_n have_v make_v this_o beautiful_a world_n for_o his_o temple_n and_o have_v choose_v the_o most_o glorious_a part_n of_o it_o for_o his_o throne_n which_o show_v that_o though_o he_o be_v a_o infinite_a pure_a spirit_n he_o do_v not_o despise_v a_o external_n glory_n for_o thus_o he_o must_v represent_v his_o invisible_a greatness_n and_o majesty_n to_o his_o creature_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o vouchsafe_v his_o presence_n with_o we_o on_o earth_n we_o must_v provide_v the_o most_o honourable_a reception_n for_o he_o that_o we_o can_v and_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o art_n and_o nature_n can_v do_v we_o have_v so_o far_o express_v our_o devotion_n and_o reverence_n for_o the_o divine_a presence_n this_o objection_n lie_v against_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o well_o as_o against_o christian_a church_n and_o yet_o david_n think_v it_o very_o undecent_a and_o a_o want_n of_o a_o just_a reverence_n for_o god_n that_o he_o himself_o shall_v dwell_v in_o a_o house_n of_o cedar_n and_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n dwell_v within_o curtain_n 2_o sam._n 7._o 2._o which_o shall_v be_v consider_v by_o those_o man_n who_o think_v all_o that_o be_v bestow_v upon_o beautify_v and_o adorn_v god_n house_n a_o vain_a and_o superfluous_a expense_n when_o they_o think_v no_o cost_n too_o great_a to_o adorn_v their_o own_o 2_o the_o house_n of_o god_n too_o must_v be_v use_v as_o god_n house_n that_o be_v must_v be_v separate_v from_o common_a uses_n and_o appropriate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n it_o must_v not_o be_v a_o place_n of_o trade_n and_o commerce_n and_o ordinary_a conversation_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o our_o saviour_n zeal_n in_o drive_v those_o who_o sell_v ox_n and_o sheep_n and_o dove_n and_o the_o changer_n of_o money_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n which_o he_o do_v at_o two_o several_a time_n the_o first_o immediate_o upon_o his_o entrance_n on_o his_o ministry_n joh_n 2._o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o the_o second_o immediate_o before_o his_o crucifixion_n matth._n 21._o 12_o 13._o some_o learned_a man_n observe_v that_o the_o place_n of_o this_o merchandise_n in_o the_o temple_n be_v the_o court_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o from_o hence_o conclude_v that_o our_o saviour_n zeal_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o jewish_a temple_n but_o concern_v all_o christian_a church_n to_o which_o the_o court_n of_o the_o gentile_n bear_v a_o great_a analogy_n but_o whatever_o force_n there_o may_v be_v in_o this_o i_o think_v the_o reason_n our_o saviour_n give_v do_v much_o better_o explain_v his_o meaning_n make_v not_o my_o father_n house_n a_o house_n of_o merchandise_n john_n 2._o 16._o and_o it_o be_v write_v my_o house_n shall_v be_v call_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n but_o you_o have_v make_v it_o a_o den_n of_o thief_n matth._n 21._o 13._o which_o reason_n have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o typical_a state_n of_o the_o jewish_a temple_n but_o equal_o concern_v all_o place_n which_o be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o the_o house_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v where_o god_n vouchsafe_v his_o peculiar_a presence_n to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o indeed_o when_o christ_n express_v so_o much_o zeal_n for_o the_o house_n of_o god_n when_o the_o typical_a glory_n of_o the_o jewish_a temple_n be_v at_o a_o end_n have_v receive_v its_o accomplishment_n in_o his_o own_o person_n it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o intend_v this_o as_o a_o stand_a rule_n for_o the_o religious_a use_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n and_o oratory_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o reason_n be_v universal_a and_o unanswerable_a that_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v profane_v by_o any_o common_a uses_n 3_o let_v we_o worship_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v let_v we_o resort_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o the_o house_n of_o prayer_n there_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o he_o for_o if_o god_n have_v a_o house_n where_o he_o have_v promise_v his_o peculiar_a presence_n to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a place_n of_o worship_n the_o scripture_n make_v it_o a_o very_a material_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n to_o approach_v god_n house_n to_o enter_v into_o his_o court_n to_o come_v into_o his_o presence_n to_o own_v ourselves_o his_o servant_n and_o worshipper_n and_o without_o disparage_v private_a prayer_n or_o closet_n and_o family_n devotion_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v god_n will_v own_v those_o for_o his_o worshipper_n who_o deny_v he_o this_o public_a homage_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n know_v our_o prayer_n wherever_o we_o make_v they_o for_o he_o know_v our_o very_a thought_n but_o to_o hear_v prayer_n
vast_a and_o boundless_a desire_n of_o happiness_n in_o humane_a nature_n a_o reasonable_a and_o intelligent_a be_v have_v no_o other_o bound_n to_o its_o desire_n of_o happiness_n but_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o perpetual_a enjoyment_n whereas_o sensual_a pleasure_n beside_o all_o other_o disappointment_n must_v wait_v the_o return_v of_o strength_n and_o appetite_n and_o object_n and_o therefore_o can_v always_o be_v have_v or_o can_v always_o please_v sensual_a pleasure_n can_v never_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o any_o creature_n which_o have_v any_o high_a principle_n than_o appetite_n for_o appetite_n be_v the_o utmost_a bound_n of_o sensual_a enjoyment_n but_o when_o knowledge_n serve_v instead_o of_o appetite_n as_o it_o must_v do_v in_o reasonable_a creature_n it_o create_v such_o desire_n as_o no_o appetite_n can_v answer_v this_o make_v sensual_a man_n so_o insatiable_a in_o their_o desire_n of_o pleasure_n though_o bruit_n beast_n know_v their_o measure_n because_o they_o misplace_v their_o natural_a desire_n of_o happiness_n which_o be_v boundless_a and_o infinite_a upon_o sensual_a pleasure_n which_o be_v limit_v and_o confine_v and_o what_o disapointment_n and_o distraction_n must_v this_o create_v when_o there_o be_v no_o proportion_n between_o the_o desire_n and_o the_o object_n beside_o those_o sensible_a mischief_n of_o it_o which_o do_v not_o much_o contribute_v to_o their_o happiness_n for_o when_o desire_n force_v a_o appetite_n beyond_o the_o strength_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o natural_a end_n and_o use_v of_o such_o pleasure_n it_o impair_v their_o health_n weaken_v their_o body_n shorten_v their_o life_n or_o make_v they_o miserable_a which_o be_v the_o common_a reward_n of_o intemperance_n and_o lust._n these_o beast_n who_o be_v govern_v by_o appetite_n know_v nothing_o of_o sense_n be_v their_o happiness_n and_o appetite_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o their_o enjoyment_n and_o sensual_a pleasure_n can_v fill_v and_o satisfy_v a_o mere_a sensual_a appetite_n but_o when_o knowledge_n be_v both_o the_o reason_n and_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o desire_n sensual_a pleasure_n can_v never_o fill_v such_o desire_n for_o we_o know_v more_o than_o nature_n itself_o can_v enjoy_v and_o yet_o when_o we_o place_v our_o high_a happiness_n in_o it_o must_v desire_v all_o we_o know_v and_o as_o long_o as_o we_o know_v which_o be_v long_o than_o we_o can_v enjoy_v this_o prove_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v the_o happiness_n of_o a_o know_v and_o reasonable_a creature_n but_o intellectual_a pleasure_n where_o knowledge_n be_v enjoyment_n and_o then_o enjoyment_n will_v equal_v knowledge_n and_o desire_n but_o when_o knowledge_n and_o enjoyment_n be_v two_o thing_n they_o may_v be_v part_v and_o may_v be_v unequal_a and_o such_o a_o creature_n can_v be_v complete_o happy_a two_o all_o man_n who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n must_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v very_o foolish_a and_o very_a wicked_a to_o love_v ourselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o god_n be_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o be_v happy_a who_o separate_v himself_o from_o god_n the_o world_n may_v much_o better_o subsist_v without_o the_o sun_n for_o god_n be_v the_o life_n of_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n the_o bright_a object_n of_o our_o mind_n eternal_a truth_n and_o wisdom_n there_o be_v nothing_o worth_a know_v without_o god_n for_o to_o contemplate_v his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n and_o power_n in_o all_o thing_n be_v that_o which_o give_v a_o relish_n to_o all_o other_o knowledge_n in_o he_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o be_v no_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v content_v to_o live_v in_o a_o world_n which_o have_v not_o a_o god_n to_o govern_v it_o nor_o to_o live_v any_o long_o in_o it_o than_o he_o can_v trust_v to_o and_o depend_v on_o his_o protection_n and_o be_v it_o then_o the_o way_n to_o be_v happy_a to_o divide_v ourselves_o from_o god_n can_v any_o man_n choose_v better_o for_o himself_o than_o god_n can_v do_v we_o know_v ourselves_o so_o well_o as_o he_o that_o make_v we_o do_v not_o god_n know_v what_o happiness_n he_o have_v make_v we_o for_o or_o do_v he_o envy_v we_o the_o happiness_n for_o which_o he_o make_v we_o why_o then_o do_v he_o make_v we_o for_o such_o a_o happiness_n so_o impious_a be_v it_o to_o think_v that_o god_n have_v forbid_v we_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v our_o true_a happiness_n so_o vain_a be_v it_o to_o hope_v to_o make_v ourselves_o happy_a in_o contradiction_n to_o the_o will_n and_o law_n of_o god_n no_o man_n think_v honourable_o of_o god_n who_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o his_o law_n be_v the_o most_o infallible_a method_n of_o our_o happiness_n as_o well_o as_o the_o trial_n of_o our_o subjection_n and_o obedience_n and_o he_o who_o do_v so_o can_v never_o think_v of_o make_v himself_o happy_a by_o disobey_v god_n but_o suppose_v it_o be_v otherwise_o be_v it_o not_o perfect_a distraction_n to_o oppose_v ourselves_o against_o god_n can_v we_o make_v ourselves_o happy_a whether_o he_o will_v or_o no_o be_v we_o a_o fit_a match_n for_o infinite_a power_n can_v we_o resist_v his_o almighty_a arm_n how_o easy_o can_v he_o look_v we_o into_o misery_n and_o confusion_n and_o do_v it_o not_o become_v we_o to_o submit_v to_o he_o and_o rather_o choose_v to_o obey_v his_o will_n than_o to_o suffer_v his_o vengeance_n this_o be_v the_o natural_a state_n of_o a_o creature_n to_o live_v in_o subjection_n to_o his_o maker_n and_o sovereign_a lord_n to_o receive_v law_n from_o he_o and_o to_o give_v up_o himself_o without_o any_o reserve_n to_o his_o government_n and_o disposal_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a method_n of_o our_o happiness_n too_o three_o as_o for_o the_o three_o notion_n of_o self-love_n to_o love_v ourselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o love_n of_o man_n to_o divide_v ourselves_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o carry_v on_o a_o separate_a interest_n to_o which_o as_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a we_o make_v all_o other_o interest_n give_v place_n this_o be_v so_o hateful_a a_o temper_n that_o the_o very_a name_n of_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o expose_v it_o no_o man_n dare_v to_o undertake_v its_o defence_n those_o who_o be_v most_o guilty_a of_o it_o dare_v not_o own_v it_o but_o disguise_v it_o with_o some_o more_o popular_a appearance_n a_o great_a and_o generous_a mind_n that_o be_v concern_v for_o all_o the_o world_n that_o do_v all_o the_o good_a it_o can_v that_o be_v ready_a to_o sacrifice_v his_o private_a ease_n satisfaction_n and_o fortune_n nay_o life_n itself_o to_o serve_v his_o country_n or_o to_o cleanse_v the_o world_n of_o monster_n be_v the_o darling_n and_o favourite_n of_o mankind_n he_o be_v love_v he_o be_v reverence_v of_o all_o as_o a_o common_a friend_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o humane_a society_n but_o a_o man_n who_o love_v no_o body_n but_o himself_o be_v a_o universal_a enemy_n and_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o care_n of_o he_o and_o all_o man_n will_v despise_v and_o abhor_v he_o when_o they_o know_v he_o these_o self-lover_n themselves_o when_o they_o see_v their_o own_o picture_n in_o another_o face_n will_v spit_v at_o it_o for_o those_o who_o love_v no_o body_n but_o themselves_o yet_o desire_v that_o all_o man_n shall_v love_v they_o and_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o their_o concernment_n though_o they_o value_v no_o body_n interest_n and_o happiness_n but_o their_o own_o but_o though_o this_o self-love_n be_v universal_o condemn_v yet_o it_o be_v too_o universal_o practise_v and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v brief_o show_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o this_o self-love_n which_o divide_v we_o from_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n shall_v make_v we_o happy_a the_o principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n make_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o very_o uneasy_a and_o that_o can_v never_o be_v our_o happiness_n which_o be_v a_o force_n and_o violence_n to_o nature_n we_o feel_v a_o natural_a compassion_n for_o the_o suffering_n of_o mankind_n especial_o of_o innocent_a man_n who_o have_v not_o deserve_v it_o and_o as_o well_o as_o any_o man_n love_v himself_o this_o make_v it_o very_o painful_a to_o serve_v his_o own_o interest_n by_o do_v injury_n to_o other_o one_o of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o morality_n which_o all_o man_n confess_v to_o be_v high_o reasonable_a be_v to_o do_v to_o other_o man_n what_o we_o desire_v they_o shall_v do_v to_o we_o which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a maxim_n both_o of_o justice_n and_o charity_n and_o in_o other_o word_n be_v to_o love_v all_o man_n as_o ourselves_o and_o no_o man_n can_v violate_v this_o law_n that_o be_v no_o man_n can_v love_v himself_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n without_o fall_v under_o the_o censure_n and_o reproach_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n which_o be_v no_o happy_a state_n one_o of_o the_o divine_a pleasure_n
be_v the_o sure_a side_n to_o believe_v or_o to_o disbelieve_v christianity_n and_o a_o future_a state_n if_o christianity_n be_v true_a and_o there_o be_v a_o eternal_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o the_o next_o life_n if_o we_o disbelieve_v it_o we_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o but_o if_o we_o do_v believe_v it_o and_o it_o shall_v not_o prove_v true_a we_o lose_v nothing_o by_o it_o but_o the_o transient_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o instead_o of_o they_o have_v all_o the_o present_a ease_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o virtue_n and_o great_a hope_n and_o those_o who_o have_v try_v both_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o virtue_n far_o exceed_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o that_o the_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o immortal_a life_n do_v more_o ravish_v and_o transport_v than_o the_o possession_n of_o this_o world_n can_v do_v the_o truth_n be_v the_o eternal_a misery_n of_o the_o next_o world_n be_v so_o very_o terrible_a that_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v run_v the_o least_o hazard_n of_o they_o but_o instead_o of_o demand_v a_o demonstrative_a certainty_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n of_o torment_n will_v demand_v a_o demonstrative_a certainty_n that_o there_o be_v not_o before_o he_o will_v venture_v and_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o other_o world_n so_o exceed_v all_o our_o imagination_n that_o a_o very_a little_a evidence_n will_v persuade_v a_o wise_a man_n to_o venture_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v happy_a for_o ever_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v in_o short_a be_v this_o to_o despise_v all_o faith_n be_v to_o ridicule_n human_a nature_n and_o human_a conversation_n for_o god_n have_v make_v we_o such_o creature_n that_o three_o part_n of_o our_o life_n must_v be_v govern_v by_o faith_n and_o if_o faith_n be_v a_o foolish_a absurd_a unsafe_a principle_n of_o action_n i_o be_o sure_a man_n be_v a_o very_a wretched_a and_o contemptible_a creature_n for_o man_n must_v live_v by_o faith_n we_o can_v see_v each_o other_o heart_n and_o thought_n and_o i_o believe_v no_o man_n desire_v that_o other_o man_n shall_v see_v his_o heart_n how_o much_o soever_o he_o may_v desire_v to_o see_v they_o and_o then_o we_o can_v converse_v with_o each_o other_o with_o any_o pleasure_n and_o security_n without_o believe_v we_o be_v finite_a creature_n our_o life_n be_v short_a and_o we_o can_v be_v but_o in_o one_o place_n at_o a_o time_n and_o if_o we_o must_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o ourselves_o see_v what_o a_o narrow_a contemptible_a thing_n be_v human_a knowledge_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v allow_v of_o the_o testimony_n of_o eye_n and_o ear_n witness_n and_o of_o credible_a history_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n and_o furnish_v we_o with_o the_o best_a as_o well_o as_o with_o the_o large_a part_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o with_o the_o wise_a rule_n and_o example_n of_o life_n and_o though_o we_o may_v be_v and_o often_o be_v mistake_v this_o only_a make_v man_n more_o prudent_a and_o cautious_a not_o infidel_n but_o a_o divine_a faith_n give_v we_o a_o much_o more_o infallible_a assurance_n than_o human_a faith_n can_v do_v for_o we_o know_v god_n can_v deceive_v we_o as_o man_n may_v and_o then_o if_o we_o have_v as_o great_a nay_o much_o great_a evidence_n for_o a_o divine_a revelation_n than_o we_o have_v for_o any_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n at_o such_o a_o distance_n we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o most_o certain_a human_a faith_n and_o the_o infallible_a certainty_n of_o a_o divine_a faith_n nay_o if_o they_o will_v but_o allow_v which_o no_o consider_a man_n can_v deny_v that_o we_o have_v as_o good_a evidence_n for_o the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o they_o have_v for_o any_o other_o history_n which_o they_o most_o firm_o believe_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o give_v a_o wise_a reason_n why_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o gospel_n nay_o be_v there_o less_o evidence_n than_o there_o be_v the_o vast_a importance_n of_o it_o which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o eternal_a life_n and_o death_n be_v reason_n enough_o to_o a_o wise_a man_n to_o choose_v the_o sure_a side_n and_o to_o live_v by_o the_o faith_n of_o another_o world_n 2._o let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o reason_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o choice_n we_o look_v not_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v but_o at_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v for_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v temporal_a but_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o see_v be_v eternal_a the_o difference_n between_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a be_v so_o demonstrative_a a_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v prefer_v eternal_a unseen_a thing_n before_o temporal_a see_v thing_n that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o give_v a_o new_a strength_n to_o it_o if_o man_n do_v but_o understand_v what_o these_o word_n time_n and_o eternity_n signify_v suppose_v you_o shall_v ask_v any_o man_n whether_o he_o will_v choose_v to_o live_v threescore_o or_o fourscore_o year_n or_o to_o live_v for_o ever_o he_o will_v certain_o wonder_v at_o your_o question_n and_o think_v it_o a_o affront_n since_o nature_n teach_v all_o man_n to_o answer_v it_o without_o the_o least_o dispute_n or_o consideration_n about_o it_o all_o man_n love_v life_n and_o above_o all_o thing_n desire_v to_o live_v for_o ever_o which_o be_v so_o strong_a a_o passion_n that_o i_o doubt_v not_o at_o all_o but_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n suppose_v no_o other_o life_n after_o this_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o be_v immortal_a beggar_n than_o mortal_a prince_n or_o at_o least_o will_v content_v themselves_o with_o a_o very_a mean_a station_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o take_v their_o chance_n as_o to_o the_o suffering_n of_o it_o rather_o than_o not_o to_o be_v for_o life_n be_v sweet_a and_o it_o be_v a_o pleasant_a thing_n to_o the_o eye_n to_o behold_v the_o sun_n and_o if_o man_n who_o know_v no_o better_o will_v be_v content_v 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