and_o what_o a_o advantageous_a exchange_n than_o be_v it_o for_o a_o faithful_a minister_n of_o jesus_n to_o be_v remove_v from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n for_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o the_o state_n of_o christ_n minister_n be_v in_o this_o world_n what_o it_o be_v in_o st._n paul_n day_n he_o tell_v we_o 2_o cor._n 6._o 4_o 10._o in_o all_o thing_n approve_v ourselves_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n in_o much_o patience_n in_o affliction_n in_o necessity_n in_o distress_n in_o stripe_n in_o imprisonment_n in_o tumult_n in_o labour_n in_o watch_n in_o fast_v by_o pureness_n by_o knowledge_n by_o long-suffering_a by_o kindness_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o love_n unfeigned_a by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n by_o the_o armour_n of_o righteousness_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o left_a by_o honour_n and_o dishonour_n by_o evil_a report_n and_o good_a report_n as_o deceiver_n and_o yet_o true_a as_o unknown_a and_o yet_o well_o know_v as_o die_v and_o behold_v we_o live_v as_o chastened_a and_o not_o kill_v as_o sorrowful_a yet_o always_o rejoice_v as_o poor_a yet_o make_v many_o rich_a as_o have_v nothing_o and_o yet_o possess_v all_o thing_n which_o describe_v a_o most_o laborious_a life_n a_o scene_n of_o want_n of_o difficulty_n of_o suffering_n a_o perpetual_a exercise_n of_o passive_a virtue_n to_o reconcile_v the_o most_o appear_a contradiction_n to_o live_v and_o struggle_v and_o contend_v in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o fetch_v their_o comfort_n and_o support_v from_o heaven_n this_o indeed_o be_v not_o always_o the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n nor_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o in_o the_o great_a external_a prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n the_o minister_n of_o religion_n who_o discharge_v their_o trust_n with_o diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n find_v many_o difficulty_n to_o encounter_v the_o care_n of_o man_n soul_n be_v itself_o a_o mighty_a trust_n and_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n consider_v but_o the_o charge_n st._n paul_n give_v to_o timothy_n 1_o epistle_n 4._o 11_o &_o c._n let_v no_o man_n despise_v thy_o youth_n but_o be_v thou_o a_o example_n of_o the_o believer_n in_o word_n in_o conversation_n in_o charity_n in_o spirit_n in_o faith_n in_o purity_n give_v attendance_n to_o read_v to_o exhortation_n to_o doctrine_n neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o which_o be_v give_v thou_o by_o prophecy_n by_o lay_v on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n meditate_v upon_o these_o thing_n give_v thyself_o whole_o to_o they_o that_o thy_o profit_v may_v appear_v to_o all_o take_v heed_n to_o thyself_o and_o to_o thy_o doctrine_n continue_v in_o they_o for_o in_o do_v this_o thou_o shall_v both_o save_v thyself_o and_o they_o that_o hear_v thou_o here_o be_v work_n enough_o to_o employ_v the_o whole_a man_n and_o our_o utmost_a care_n and_o diligence_n and_o prudence_n work_v for_o the_o study_n for_o the_o closet_n for_o the_o pulpit_n as_o the_o same_o apostle_n exhort_v and_o charge_v timothy_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o be_v instant_a in_o season_n out_o of_o season_n to_o reprove_v rebuke_n exhort_v with_o all_o long-suffering_a and_o doctrine_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 2._o but_o yet_o though_o there_o be_v labour_n and_o diligence_n in_o this_o it_o will_v be_v a_o delightful_a work_n be_v our_o labour_n always_o bless_v with_o success_n can_v we_o rescue_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n from_o the_o dominion_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n can_v we_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n but_o we_o must_v often_o expect_v to_o labour_v all_o night_n and_o catch_v nothing_o we_o must_v contend_v with_o the_o lust_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n must_v bear_v their_o folly_n their_o frowardness_n their_o reproach_n and_o censure_n and_o injury_n be_v thought_n troublesome_n pragmatical_a and_o busy-body_n for_o our_o charitable_a exhortation_n and_o reproof_n and_o watchfulness_n over_o their_o soul_n and_o when_o the_o church_n be_v at_o ease_n and_o rest_n from_o without_o how_o often_o be_v it_o rend_v and_o tear_v in_o piece_n with_o schism_n and_o heresy_n as_o st._n paul_n forewarn_v timothy_n the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o they_o will_v not_o endure_v sound_a doctrine_n but_o after_o their_o own_o lust_n shall_v they_o heap_v to_o themselves_o teacher_n have_v itch_a ear_n and_o they_o shall_v turn_v away_o their_o ear_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v turn_v unto_o fable_n 3_o 4._o ver_fw-la and_o what_o infinite_a labour_n and_o difficulty_n do_v this_o create_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o heal_v the_o breach_n of_o the_o church_n to_o confute_v heresy_n atheism_n infidelity_n and_o to_o be_v scorn_v and_o persecute_v for_o it_o with_o a_o bitter_a rage_n and_o zeal_n that_o st._n paul_n may_v well_o add_v but_o watch_v thou_o in_o all_o thing_n endure_v affliction_n do_v the_o work_n of_o a_o evangelist_n make_v full_a proof_n of_o thy_o ministry_n 5_o verse_n we_o ought_v not_o indeed_o to_o be_v discourage_v by_o such_o difficulty_n as_o these_o because_o our_o reward_n will_v be_v great_a in_o heaven_n but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o happy_a day_n when_o our_o warfare_n shall_v be_v accomplish_v when_o we_o shall_v cease_v from_o our_o labour_n and_o our_o work_n shall_v follow_v we_o when_o we_o can_v say_v with_o st._n paul_n i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n henceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n 2._o thus_o to_o die_v be_v their_o gain_n nevertheless_o it_o be_v more_o needful_a for_o the_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o a_o great_a loss_n it_o be_v to_o the_o church_n when_o they_o die_v i_o need_v not_o use_v many_o word_n about_o this_o for_o the_o case_n be_v plain_a the_o death_n of_o every_o good_a man_n who_o be_v very_o useful_a to_o the_o world_n in_o what_o way_n soever_o he_o be_v useful_a be_v a_o very_a great_a loss_n for_o death_n put_v a_o end_n to_o his_o do_v any_o more_o good_a in_o this_o world_n but_o as_o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v to_o do_v the_o great_a good_a to_o mankind_n because_o the_o happiness_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v of_o the_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o so_o to_o lose_v a_o faithful_a and_o a_o prudent_a guide_n must_v be_v the_o great_a loss_n we_o indeed_o of_o this_o church_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o bless_v god_n that_o he_o have_v send_v forth_o so_o many_o able_a and_o painful_a labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o loss_n of_o every_o good_a man_n that_o can_v much_o affect_v we_o at_o ordinary_a time_n for_o there_o be_v great_a number_n of_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n to_o perpetuate_v a_o succession_n of_o able_a and_o faithful_a guide_n but_o a_o st._n paul_n be_v at_o any_o time_n and_o in_o any_o age_n of_o the_o church_n a_o great_a loss_n nay_o man_n who_o be_v much_o inferior_a to_o st._n paul_n but_o yet_o fit_v with_o peculiar_a ability_n to_o serve_v the_o church_n at_o some_o certain_a season_n and_o in_o some_o difficult_a circumstance_n be_v a_o very_a sensible_a loss_n at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o their_o service_n be_v most_o needful_a a_o man_n of_o counsel_n and_o conduct_v who_o be_v fit_a to_o sit_v at_o the_o helm_n and_o know_v how_o to_o steer_v in_o a_o storm_n be_v a_o great_a loss_n in_o time_n of_o difficulty_n and_o trouble_v when_o the_o church_n be_v assault_v on_o all_o hand_n and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o avoid_v one_o mischief_n or_o inconvenience_n without_o runinto_o another_o a_o man_n of_o goodness_n and_o temper_n who_o know_v how_o to_o govern_v his_o own_o passion_n and_o how_o to_o soften_v and_o manage_v the_o passion_n of_o other_o man_n be_v a_o very_a sensible_a loss_n when_o the_o passion_n of_o man_n be_v break_v loose_a and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o even_o threaten_v the_o ruin_n of_o it_o a_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o sound_a judgement_n who_o can_v distinguish_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n in_o all_o its_o most_o artificial_a and_o flatter_a disguise_n be_v a_o great_a loss_n when_o old_a error_n be_v revive_v and_o new_a one_o broach_v when_o we_o must_v dispute_v over_o again_o the_o very_a be_v of_o a_o god_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n a_o man_n of_o great_a diligence_n and_o industry_n courage_n and_o resolution_n to_o defend_v the_o truth_n to_o oppose_v heresy_n and_o schism_n to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v a_o very_a
may_v lend_v to_o stranger_n upon_o usury_n which_o prove_v that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o universal_a law_n to_o they_o much_o less_o be_v it_o so_o to_o all_o mankind_n and_o that_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o moral_n and_o intrinsic_a evil_n in_o usury_n for_o if_o all_o usury_n have_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v unlawful_a god_n can_v not_o have_v allow_v the_o jew_n to_o take_v usury_n of_o stranger_n for_o he_o can_v allow_v the_o least_o moral_a evil_n the_o truth_n be_v i_o never_o can_v yet_o see_v the_o least_o shadow_n of_o a_o argument_n to_o prove_v that_o usury_n be_v evil_a in_o its_o nature_n unless_o that_o money_n can_v beget_v money_n be_v think_v a_o arâ—…ument_n but_o that_o be_v as_o good_a a_o arguâ—…ent_n against_o buy_v corn_n or_o wine_n or_o â—…y_a thing_n else_o with_o money_n for_o it_o be_v â—…nnatural_a for_o money_n to_o beget_v corn_n or_o wine_n but_o if_o the_o barren_a nature_n of_o money_n that_o it_o can_v natural_o proâ—…agate_v itself_o be_v a_o reason_n against_o usuâ—…y_n of_o money_n this_o be_v no_o reason_n against_o â—…sury_n of_o corn_n which_o be_v equal_o forâ—…id_v for_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o corn_n to_o proâ—…agate_v its_o kind_n and_o multiply_v itself_o â—…nd_v yet_o the_o usury_n of_o all_o victual_n be_v â—…s_n much_o forbid_v as_o the_o usury_n of_o moâ—…ey_n 23._o deut._n 19_o now_o if_o usury_n be_v â—…ot_v moral_o evil_a it_o can_v be_v unlawful_a 〈◊〉_d none_o but_o those_o to_o who_o god_n have_v â—…rbid_v it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o prohibiâ—…on_n of_o it_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o 〈◊〉_d the_o law_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o â—…annot_v be_v unlawful_a to_o christian_n â—…hatever_n it_o be_v to_o the_o jew_n 2._o and_o yet_o the_o jew_n themselves_o be_v â—…ot_v express_o forbid_v however_o they_o â—…ight_v understand_v it_o to_o lend_v their_o money_n upon_o usury_n to_o all_o their_o own_o â—…rethren_n but_o only_o to_o the_o poor_a so_o â—…hat_o have_v any_o rich_a jew_n come_v to_o borâ—…ow_v money_n of_o they_o for_o any_o thing_n â—…hat_o appear_v by_o the_o law_n they_o may_v have_v lend_v money_n to_o he_o upon_o usury_n this_o observation_n will_v clear_v this_o whole_a matter_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v turn_v you_o to_o all_o the_o text_n of_o the_o law_n which_o forbid_v usury_n and_o the_o read_n of_o they_o will_v convince_v you_o that_o usury_n be_v forbid_v only_o in_o favour_n of_o the_o poor_a the_o first_o text_n be_v 22._o exod._n 25._o if_o thou_o lend_v money_n to_o any_o of_o my_o people_n that_o be_v poor_a by_o thou_o thou_o shall_v not_o be_v to_o he_o as_o a_o usurer_n neither_o shall_v thou_o lay_v upon_o he_o usury_n where_o no_o usury_n be_v forbid_v but_o only_o lend_v to_o the_o poor_a upon_o usury_n thus_o 25._o leu._n 35_o 36_o 37._o and_o if_o thy_o brother_n be_v wax_v poor_a and_o fall_v to_o decay_v with_o thou_o than_o thou_o shall_v relieve_v he_o take_v thou_o no_o usury_n of_o he_o nor_o increase_v but_o fear_v god_n that_o thy_o brother_n may_v live_v well_o with_o thou_o thou_o shall_v not_o give_v he_o thy_o money_n upon_o usury_n nor_o lend_v he_o thy_o victual_n for_o increase_v it_o be_v true_a in_o the_o repetition_n of_o this_o law_n 23._o deut._n 19_o 20._o it_o be_v only_o say_v thou_o shall_v not_o lend_v upon_o usury_n to_o thy_o brother_n usury_n of_o money_n usury_n of_o victual_n usury_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v lend_v upon_o usury_n unto_o a_o stranger_n thou_o may_v lend_v upon_o usury_n but_o unto_o thy_o brother_n thou_o shall_v not_o lend_v upon_o usury_n that_o the_o lord_n thy_o god_n may_v bless_v thou_o in_o all_o that_o thou_o set_v thy_o hand_n unto_o in_o the_o land_n whither_o thou_o go_v to_o possess_v this_o seem_v to_o forbid_v lend_v upon_o usury_n to_o any_o jew_n whether_o rich_a or_o poor_a but_o this_o be_v only_o a_o repetition_n of_o those_o law_n in_o exodus_fw-la and_o leviticus_n in_o all_o reason_n must_v be_v expound_v by_o they_o and_o though_o the_o poor_a be_v not_o express_v the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o place_n prove_v that_o they_o only_o be_v mean_v for_o though_o rich_a man_n may_v sometime_o have_v occasion_n to_o borrow_v money_n yet_o none_o but_o the_o poor_a who_o have_v no_o money_n to_o buy_v can_v ever_o have_v occasion_n to_o borrow_v victual_n upon_o usury_n and_o the_o difference_n the_o law_n make_v between_o a_o brother_n and_o a_o stranger_n show_v that_o it_o be_v intend_v as_o a_o act_n of_o charity_n which_o they_o owe_v to_o their_o brethren_n though_o not_o to_o stranger_n for_o which_o reason_n also_o they_o be_v forbid_v to_o make_v any_o of_o their_o brethren_n bondman_n though_o they_o may_v buy_v the_o child_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o stranger_n for_o bondman_n and_o bond-maid_n 25._o levit._fw-la 39_o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o blessing_n god_n promise_n show_v that_o it_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o charity_n in_o other_o place_n where_o usury_n be_v mention_v some_o circumstance_n or_o other_o determine_v it_o to_o the_o poor_a this_o be_v the_o case_n when_o nehemiah_n reprove_v the_o noble_n and_o the_o ruler_n for_o exact_v usury_n 5._o nehem._n when_o the_o prophet_n isaiah_n threaten_v great_a desolation_n against_o the_o land_n he_o thus_o describe_v it_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v as_o with_o the_o people_n so_o with_o the_o priest_n as_o with_o the_o lender_n so_o with_o the_o borrower_n as_o with_o the_o taker_n of_o usury_n so_o with_o the_o giver_n of_o usury_n to_o he_o 24._o isa._n 2._o that_o be_v the_o lender_n and_o the_o usurer_n shall_v be_v reduce_v to_o the_o same_o distress_n and_o poverty_n as_o those_o suffer_v who_o borrow_v upon_o usury_n which_o show_v that_o none_o but_o poor_a man_n use_v to_o borrow_v upon_o usury_n in_o those_o day_n thus_o when_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n complain_v woe_n be_v i_o my_o mother_n that_o thou_o have_v bear_v i_o a_o man_n of_o strife_n and_o a_o man_n of_o contention_n to_o the_o whole_a earth_n i_o have_v neither_o lend_v on_o usury_n nor_o man_n have_v lend_v to_o i_o on_o usury_n yet_o every_o one_o of_o they_o do_v curse_v i_o 15._o jer._n 10._o it_o plain_o intimate_v that_o usury_n be_v such_o a_o oppression_n of_o the_o poor_a as_o both_o deserve_v and_o very_o often_o procure_v curse_n and_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n ezekiel_n join_v usury_n with_o the_o oppression_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o other_o act_n of_o violence_n 18._o ezek._n 7_o 8_o 10_o 11_o 16_o 17._o he_o who_o have_v oppress_v the_o poor_a and_o needy_a have_v spoil_v by_o violence_n have_v not_o restore_v the_o pledge_n have_v give_v forth_o upon_o usury_n and_o have_v take_v increase_n he_o shall_v die_v but_o he_o that_o have_v neither_o oppress_v the_o poor_a nor_o have_v withheld_a the_o pledge_n neither_o have_v spoil_v by_o violence_n but_o have_v give_v his_o bread_n to_o the_o hungry_a and_o clothe_v the_o naked_a with_o a_o garment_n that_o have_v take_v off_o his_o hand_n from_o the_o poor_a that_o have_v not_o receive_v usury_n nor_o increase_n he_o shall_v live_v which_o make_v it_o very_o plain_a what_o be_v mean_v by_o usury_n when_o to_o take_v usury_n be_v join_v with_o violence_n and_o oppression_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o to_o lend_v without_o usury_n be_v reckon_v among_o act_n of_o great_a charity_n and_o goodness_n there_o be_v but_o one_o place_n more_o as_o i_o remember_v that_o mention_n usury_n 15._o psalm_n 5._o and_o there_o put_v forth_o money_n to_o usury_n be_v join_v with_o take_v a_o reward_n against_o the_o innocent_a which_o show_v that_o it_o be_v a_o act_n of_o violence_n and_o oppression_n for_o indeed_o among_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v no_o merchant_n nor_o maintain_v any_o foreign_a trade_n with_o other_o nation_n no_o man_n have_v occasion_n to_o borrow_v money_n much_o less_o victual_n but_o to_o supply_v their_o present_a want_n and_o to_o take_v advantage_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o poor_a to_o increase_v their_o own_o fortune_n by_o increase_a their_o poverty_n be_v against_o all_o the_o law_n of_o goodness_n and_o charity_n and_o therefore_o this_o usury_n which_o be_v the_o only_a usury_n know_v in_o those_o day_n be_v strict_o forbid_v as_o all_o other_o act_n of_o oppression_n be_v all_o other_o kind_n of_o usury_n be_v introduce_v by_o trade_n and_o commerce_n and_o though_o it_o be_v against_o charity_n to_o lend_v upon_o usury_n to_o man_n who_o borrow_v to_o supply_v their_o want_n yet_o if_o man_n borrow_v to_o increase_v their_o trade_n and_o fortune_n there_o be_v justice_n and_o equity_n in_o it_o that_o the_o lender_n shall_v make_v some_o increase_n of_o his_o money_n as_o well_o as_o the_o borrower_n this_o be_v not_o proper_o usury_n but_o traffic_n and_o commerce_n and_o i_o
great_a loss_n when_o the_o church_n be_v encompass_v and_o assault_v with_o busy_a and_o restless_a enemy_n a_o man_n of_o a_o exemplary_a life_n and_o untainted_a virtue_n who_o shine_v like_o a_o light_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o a_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n who_o maintain_v the_o decline_a honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o religion_n and_o true_a virtue_n be_v a_o mighty_a loss_n in_o a_o profligate_v age_n when_o man_n be_v grow_v such_o stranger_n to_o the_o sincere_a practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n that_o they_o begin_v to_o think_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n but_o i_o can_v go_v on_o no_o far_a the_o very_a mention_v of_o these_o thing_n bring_v the_o fresh_a idea_n of_o our_o decease_a brother_n to_o mind_n and_o the_o afflict_a sense_n of_o that_o great_a loss_n which_o we_o suffer_v by_o his_o death_n it_o become_v we_o to_o reverence_n and_o adore_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n even_o when_o we_o can_v understand_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o we_o be_v certain_a god_n be_v never_o want_v in_o his_o care_n of_o his_o church_n and_o yet_o have_v we_o be_v make_v judge_n of_o this_o case_n we_o shall_v have_v think_v it_o a_o very_a ill_a time_n to_o have_v spare_v he_o he_o be_v abundant_o furnish_v with_o all_o good_a learning_n both_o for_o use_v and_o ornament_n he_o be_v a_o accomplish_a scholar_n and_o a_o well-studied_n divine_a he_o know_v book_n and_o read_v they_o and_o judge_v of_o they_o he_o be_v a_o scribe_n instruct_v unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n â—…ho_n like_o a_o housholder_n can_v bring_v forth_o â—…ut_o of_o his_o treasure_n thing_n new_a and_o â—…ld_a 13._o matth._n 52._o he_o have_v carefulâ—…y_o peruse_v the_o ancient_a philosopher_n â—…rators_n and_o poet_n to_o discover_v what_o nature_n teach_v which_o give_v he_o a_o true_a knowledge_n and_o great_a value_n for_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o gospel-revelation_n he_o have_v true_a and_o clear_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o he_o be_v master_n of_o they_o he_o know_v why_o he_o believe_v any_o thing_n and_o be_v neither_o prejudice_v nor_o impose_v on_o by_o popular_a opinion_n he_o be_v a_o hearty_a and_o zealous_a assertor_n of_o the_o doctrine_n worship_n government_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n he_o see_v nothing_o material_a which_o can_v be_v change_v for_o the_o better_a which_o make_v he_o jealous_a of_o innovation_n as_o not_o know_v where_o they_o will_v end_v he_o be_v a_o friend_n to_o all_o sincere_a christian_n pity_v their_o mistake_v and_o bear_v with_o their_o frowardness_n but_o do_v not_o think_v that_o christian_a charity_n require_v he_o to_o sacrifice_v truth_n or_o good_a order_n and_o government_n to_o the_o pretence_n of_o peace_n and_o unity_n he_o be_v for_o several_a year_n a_o very_a diligent_a and_o constant_a preacher_n to_o a_o numerous_a auditory_a till_o his_o own_o diocesan_n who_o know_v his_o worth_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o constitution_n and_o be_v desirous_a to_o preserve_v he_o for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o church_n provide_v this_o place_n where_o we_o now_o be_v for_o his_o ease_n and_o health_n and_o retirement_n where_o he_o live_v many_o year_n a_o constant_a preacher_n though_o his_o labour_n be_v then_o divive_v between_o his_o two_o cure_n which_o do_v not_o lessen_v his_o preach_a but_o make_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o the_o more_o diffusive_a for_o indeed_o he_o be_v a_o admirable_a preacher_n not_o for_o noise_n and_o lung_n but_o for_o well-digested_a useful_a pious_a discourse_n deliver_v with_o all_o that_o become_a gravity_n seriousness_n and_o a_o command_a elocution_n as_o make_v they_o sink_v deep_a into_o the_o mind_n of_o his_o hearer_n and_o make_v they_o hear_v this_o i_o speak_v with_o assurance_n and_o confidence_n in_o this_o place_n which_o be_v so_o long_o bless_v with_o his_o labour_n with_o what_o fineness_n of_o thought_n peâ—…spicuity_n and_o easiness_n of_o expression_n instruct_v and_o entertain_v image_n of_o thing_n he_o expound_v the_o doctrine_n and_o inculcate_v the_o law_n of_o our_o saviour_n how_o plain_o he_o teach_v with_o what_o vehemence_n and_o passion_n he_o exhortâ—…d_v with_o what_o tender_a sharpness_n he_o reâ—…roved_v remember_v how_o he_o use_v both_o to_o please_v and_o instruct_v to_o chide_v and_o shame_v you_o without_o make_v you_o angry_a â—…ow_o he_o have_v warm_v and_o chafe_v your_o mind_n into_o the_o most_o pious_a and_o serious_a resolution_n and_o send_v you_o home_o from_o this_o place_n wise_a and_o better_a than_o you_o come_v and_o if_o you_o grow_v cold_a and_o suffer_v your_o good_a resolution_n to_o die_v again_o consider_v i_o beseech_v you_o what_o account_v you_o have_v to_o give_v as_o he_o grow_v in_o year_n it_o be_v necessary_a by_o degree_n to_o ease_v his_o labour_n he_o can_v not_o preach_v so_o often_o but_o yet_o continue_v to_o preach_v and_o yet_o have_v he_o not_o preach_v at_o all_o or_o much_o less_o than_o he_o do_v he_o have_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o very_a useful_a pastor_n to_o the_o church_n for_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o great_a experience_n and_o great_a prudence_n and_o foresight_n fit_a for_o government_n and_o counsel_n who_o know_v man_n and_o thing_n be_v dexterous_a in_o his_o application_n zealous_a without_o passion_n or_o peevishness_n steady_a and_o resolve_v without_o violent_a opposition_n and_o needless_a provocation_n who_o serve_v the_o church_n and_o the_o truth_n with_o little_a noise_n and_o without_o make_v many_o enemy_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a at_o such_o a_o time_n as_o this_o there_o be_v more_o need_n of_o such_o man_n and_o a_o much_o great_a scarcity_n of_o they_o than_o of_o good_a preacher_n but_o he_o be_v not_o only_o a_o good_a preacher_n and_o a_o prudent_a guide_n but_o a_o very_a good_a man_n he_o preach_v continual_o by_o his_o life_n and_o example_n his_o conversation_n be_v innocent_a entertain_v and_o useful_a he_o be_v a_o true_a sincere_a friend_n very_o courteous_a affable_a civil_a to_o all_o man_n but_o never_o pretend_v friendship_n where_o he_o have_v none_o he_o be_v ready_a to_o do_v all_o good_a office_n be_v liberal_a generous_n and_o charitable_a a_o man_n of_o a_o true_a public_a spirit_n who_o scorn_v to_o serve_v himself_o to_o the_o injury_n of_o other_o who_o hate_v little_a art_n and_o trick_n mean_v and_o servile_a compliance_n he_o be_v a_o open_a and_o generous_a enemy_n if_o we_o may_v ever_o call_v he_o a_o enemy_n who_o never_o wish_v never_o intend_v any_o hurt_n to_o any_o man_n but_o my_o meaning_n be_v that_o when_o any_o dispute_n and_o quarrel_v happen_v as_o such_o thing_n will_v sometime_o happen_v he_o be_v open_a and_o undisguised_a any_o man_n may_v know_v what_o he_o dislike_v and_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o fear_v any_o thing_n worse_o from_o he_o than_o what_o he_o will_v â—…ell_v they_o in_o a_o word_n he_o be_v a_o very_a â—…ood_n christian_n and_o that_o make_v he_o â—…ood_a in_o all_o relation_n and_o that_o crown_v all_o his_o other_o labour_n he_o take_v care_n â—…s_v st._n paul_n do_v lest_o while_o he_o preach_v to_o â—…thers_n he_o himself_o shall_v become_v a_o castaway_n and_o now_o he_o be_v go_v to_o rest_n and_o we_o â—…ust_v all_o short_o follow_v he_o god_n grant_v â—…hat_o we_o may_v all_o so_o run_v our_o race_n and_o â—…inish_v our_o course_n that_o when_o we_o depart_v â—…his_fw-la life_n we_o may_v rest_v in_o he_o as_o our_o â—…ope_n be_v this_o our_o brother_n do_v and_o may_v â—…eceive_v that_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n which_o god_n the_o righteous_a judge_n will_v â—…t_v that_o day_n bestow_v on_o all_o his_o faithful_a servant_n and_o on_o all_o those_o who_o love_v his_o appear_v sermon_n viii_o â—…eached_v at_o the_o temple-church_n december_n 30._o 1694._o upon_o the_o sad_a occasion_n of_o the_o death_n of_o our_o gracious_a queen_n and_o publish_v at_o the_o earnest_a request_n of_o several_a master_n of_o the_o bench_n of_o both_o society_n thirty-nine_o psalm_n 9_o â—…as_o dumb_a and_o open_v not_o my_o mouth_n because_o thou_o do_v it_o this_o may_v be_v think_v a_o very_a improper_a text_n for_o the_o feast_n of_o our_o saviour_n birth_n when_o our_o â—…ouths_n ought_v to_o be_v fill_v with_o the_o praiâ—…_n of_o god_n and_o sing_v with_o the_o whole_a â—…ire_n of_o angel_n glory_n be_v to_o god_n in_o the_o â—…hest_a on_o earth_n peace_n good_a will_n towards_o â—…n_n this_o indeed_o be_v that_o peace_n which_o â—…e_a world_n can_v give_v and_o which_o the_o world_n can_v take_v away_o whateveâ—…_n the_o external_n appearance_n of_o providence_n be_v here_o we_o find_v a_o safe_a retreâ—…_n and_o a_o never-failing_a spring_n of_o joy_n fâ—…_n he_o that_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n but_o 〈◊〉_d liver_v he_o up_o for_o we_o all_o how_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d not_o with_o
be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o dispute_n of_o philosophy_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o apostolical_a command_n to_o be_v whole_o fling_v out_o of_o religion_n and_o not_o suffer_v to_o affect_v our_o faith_n one_o way_n or_o other_o to_o be_v a_o philosopher_n and_o a_o christian_a to_o dispute_v and_o to_o believe_v be_v two_o very_a different_a thing_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o most_o of_o the_o argument_n against_o revelation_n in_o general_n and_o most_o of_o the_o dispute_n about_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v no_o better_o than_o this_o vain_a deceit_n of_o philosophy_n that_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o dispute_n of_o philosophy_n true_o distinguish_v this_o alone_a will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o settle_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_n and_o restore_v peace_n and_o unity_n at_o least_o in_o the_o great_a fundamental_o of_o religion_n to_o the_o christian_a world_n 1._o as_o to_o begin_v with_o revelation_n in_o general_n the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o most_o ancient_a and_o that_o consider_v the_o best_a attest_v history_n in_o the_o world_n the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o history_n he_o write_v pay_v the_o great_a veneration_n to_o he_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o he_o relate_v he_o be_v certain_o a_o inspire_a man_n who_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o have_v great_a evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o authenticalness_n of_o any_o write_n at_o such_o a_o distance_n of_o time_n than_o we_o have_v for_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o indeed_o the_o infidel_n of_o our_o age_n have_v very_o little_a to_o say_v pure_o against_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o history_n and_o than_o one_o will_v think_v that_o all_o their_o other_o objection_n shall_v come_v too_o late_o unless_o they_o will_v justify_v pharaoh_n in_o disbelieve_v moses_n and_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n in_o disbelieve_v our_o saviour_n after_o all_o the_o miracle_n they_o do_v for_o if_o they_o will_v disbelieve_v moses_n and_o christ_n though_o they_o have_v nothing_o material_a to_o object_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o history_n nothing_o which_o they_o will_v allow_v to_o be_v good_a objection_n against_o any_o other_o history_n they_o must_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n have_v disbelieved_a they_o though_o they_o have_v see_v they_o do_v all_o those_o great_a work_n which_o be_v report_v of_o they_o in_o such_o credible_a history_n but_o whatever_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n be_v they_o think_v they_o may_v secure_o reject_v they_o if_o they_o contain_v any_o thing_n which_o contradict_v their_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n and_o they_o find_v a_o great_a many_o such_o thing_n to_o quarrel_n with_o they_o think_v moses_n history_n of_o the_o creation_n very_o unphilosophical_a that_o the_o story_n of_o eve_n and_o the_o serpent_n be_v a_o incredible_a fiction_n that_o the_o universal_a deluge_n be_v absolute_o impossible_a and_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o principle_n of_o philosophy_n and_o it_o do_v not_o become_v philosopher_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o miracle_n that_o what_o we_o call_v miracle_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n but_o may_v be_v resolve_v into_o natural_a cause_n that_o inspiration_n and_o prophecy_n be_v nothing_o but_o natural_a enthusiasm_n and_o all_o the_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n a_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n that_o nature_n teach_v we_o all_o that_o we_o need_v to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o certain_a knowledge_n but_o this_o that_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o our_o own_o reason_n can_v grasp_v and_o comprehend_v and_o therefore_o revelation_n be_v perfect_o useless_a and_o god_n himself_o can_v oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o philosophy_n of_o nature_n those_o who_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o modern_a infidelity_n know_v that_o these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o wise_a reason_n for_o which_o they_o reject_v and_o ridicule_n all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o endeavour_v to_o rob_v and_o spoil_v man_n of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a blessing_n in_o the_o world_n a_o divine_a revelation_n so_o that_o infidelity_n be_v resolve_v into_o these_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n that_o man_n will_v understand_v how_o to_o make_v destroy_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n better_o than_o god_n 2._o as_o these_o man_n oppose_v reason_n and_o philosophy_n to_o revelation_n so_o other_o either_o deny_v the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o christianity_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o philosophical_a difficulty_n or_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n by_o a_o mixture_n of_o philosophy_n the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o plain_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v to_o the_o world_n all_o its_o doctrine_n be_v easy_o understand_v without_o art_n and_o subtilty_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o nice_a intricate_a perplex_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n than_o what_o some_o man_n have_v make_v the_o christian_a faith_n all_o the_o subtle_a dispute_n of_o philosophy_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n and_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n be_v become_v as_o great_a apostle_n as_o st._n peter_n or_o st._n paul_n as_o to_o give_v some_o few_o instance_n of_o it_o for_o time_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o discourse_v it_o at_o large_a what_o be_v the_o arian_n socinian_n pelagian_a controversy_n but_o mere_a philosophical_a dispute_n with_o which_o these_o heretic_n corrupt_v the_o catholic_n faith_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_a and_o express_v in_o scripture_n than_o the_o faith_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o that_o great_a art_n and_o subtlety_n which_o have_v be_v use_v and_o to_o so_o little_a purpose_n to_o pervert_v those_o text_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o this_o doctrine_n be_v contain_v be_v a_o evident_a proof_n that_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a natural_a obvious_a sense_n of_o those_o text_n since_o it_o require_v so_o much_o art_n and_o criticism_n to_o put_v any_o other_o sense_n on_o they_o and_o that_o will_v not_o do_v neither_o till_o man_n be_v resolve_v rather_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n of_o scripture_n than_o to_o find_v a_o real_a trinity_n there_o if_o then_o this_o faith_n be_v so_o plain_o contain_v in_o scripture_n what_o make_v all_o this_o dispute_n about_o it_o what_o make_v those_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n so_o obstinate_a against_o this_o faith_n true_o that_o which_o make_v some_o man_n infidel_n make_v other_o heretic_n that_o be_v a_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n the_o first_o philosophical_a dispute_n be_v about_o the_o divine_a unity_n we_o all_o own_o with_o the_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o we_o say_v further_o as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v three_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n each_o of_o which_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n this_o they_o say_v be_v a_o contradiction_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o faith_n for_o both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a but_o to_o be_v three_o and_o one_o upon_o different_a account_n and_o in_o different_a sense_n be_v no_o contradiction_n for_o thus_o three_o may_v be_v one_o and_o one_o three_o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o scripture_n teach_v or_o that_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v whatever_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o distinction_n and_o unity_n be_v but_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v these_o philosophical_a wit_n unless_o they_o can_v comprehend_v how_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v real_o and_o distinct_o three_o and_o essential_o one_o the_o manner_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n give_v no_o account_n of_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v no_o dispute_n in_o faith_n but_o only_o in_o philosophy_n another_o objection_n concern_v the_o divine_a generation_n how_o god_n can_v beget_v a_o son_n of_o his_o own_o substance_n which_o the_o arian_n think_v infer_v a_o division_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n and_o a_o three_o objection_n concern_v a_o eternal_a generation_n how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o father_n shall_v beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n that_o the_o son_n shall_v be_v beget_v without_o any_o begin_n of_o be_v and_o that_o the_o father_n shall_v not_o be_v at_o least_o some_o few_o moment_n before_o the_o son_n and_o consequent_o the_o son_n not_o eternal_a now_o we_o all_o grant_v that_o we_o can_v give_v no_o philosophical_a account_n of_o this_o no_o more_o than_o we_o can_v of_o the_o simple_a divine_a essence_n or_o of_o eternity_n itself_o but_o we_o may_v believe_v that_o god_n have_v a_o eternal_a son_n as_o we_o do_v that_o there_o be_v
evidence_n â—…f_v they_o that_o they_o be_v what_o we_o can_v â—…onceive_v and_o comprehend_v to_o believe_v no_o far_o than_o natural_a â—…eason_n can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v be_v â—…o_o reject_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o reveâ—…tion_n and_o to_o destroy_v the_o distinction_n beâ—…ween_v reason_n and_o faith_n he_o who_o will_v â—…elieve_v no_o far_o than_o natural_a reason_n â—…pproves_v believe_v his_o reason_n not_o the_o revelation_n and_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o natural_a philosopher_n not_o a_o believer_n he_o believe_v â—…he_a scripture_n as_o he_o will_v believe_v platoâ—…nd_n â—…nd_z tully_n not_o as_o inspire_v write_n but_o â—…s_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o the_o result_n of_o wise_a and_o deep_a thought_n and_o this_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o the_o dispute_n about_o faith_n and_o revelation_n at_o once_o for_o what_o use_n be_v there_o of_o faith_n what_o matter_n whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v divine_o inspire_v or_o not_o when_o we_o be_v no_o far_o concern_v with_o they_o than_o with_o other_o humane_a write_n to_o believe_v what_o they_o teach_v agreeable_a to_o our_o own_o reason_n let_v these_o man_n then_o either_o reject_v faith_n and_o scripture_n or_o confess_v that_o revelation_n as_o to_o all_o supernatural_a truth_n must_v serve_v we_o instead_o of_o sense_n and_o reason_n i_o will_v glad_o know_v of_o they_o whether_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v such_o supernatural_a truth_n as_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o reason_n be_v they_o sure_a that_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o i_o guess_v they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o say_v that_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v god_n himself_o shall_v he_o reveal_v such_o thing_n as_o their_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v and_o if_o they_o will_v believe_v god_n in_o such_o matter_n why_o will_v they_o not_o believe_v a_o revelation_n which_o they_o themselves_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v divine_a in_o such_o matter_n for_o be_v there_o any_o difference_n between_o believe_v god_n and_o believe_v a_o divine_a revelation_n if_o god_n do_v know_v and_o can_v reveal_v such_o mystery_n and_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v when_o he_o do_v reveal_v they_o and_o such_o doctrine_n be_v contain_v in_o a_o undoubted_a revelation_n then_o the_o unconceivableness_n of_o they_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n or_o that_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o contain_v such_o mystery_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o this_o which_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n in_o this_o dispute_n viz._n that_o we_o must_v allow_v of_o no_o objection_n against_o reveal_v mystery_n which_o we_o will_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v good_a objection_n against_o sense_n and_o reason_n which_o be_v a_o necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a consequence_n if_o revelation_n with_o respect_n to_o supernatural_a truth_n stand_v in_o the_o place_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n now_o no_o man_n question_n the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o see_v and_o feel_v or_o what_o he_o can_v prove_v to_o be_v true_a by_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a reason_n mere_o because_o there_o be_v unconceivable_a difficulty_n in_o it_o as_o there_o be_v in_o every_o thing_n even_o the_o most_o certain_a and_o familiar_a thing_n in_o nature_n and_o if_o reveal_v truth_n be_v not_o more_o unconceivable_a than_o many_o natural_a object_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n why_o shall_v their_o be_v unconceivable_a be_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o believe_v a_o revelation_n than_o it_o be_v against_o believe_v our_o sense_n and_o reason_n in_o matter_n equal_o unconceivable_a when_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o that_o he_o have_v a_o eternal_a and_o only_o beget_v son_n though_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o as_o firm_o believe_v it_o as_o we_o do_v that_o man_n beget_v a_o son_n in_o his_o own_o likeness_n the_o philosophy_n of_o which_o we_o as_o little_o understand_v nor_o can_v we_o any_o more_o conceive_v the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n than_o we_o do_v the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o one_o person_n and_o if_o we_o own_o the_o authority_n of_o revelation_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o as_o well_o believe_v what_o revelation_n teach_v how_o unconceivable_a soever_o it_o be_v as_o we_o do_v what_o sense_n and_o reason_n teach_v though_o it_o be_v alike_o unconceivable_a all_o man_n be_v sensible_a that_o it_o be_v very_o absurd_a and_o foolish_a to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v certain_a evidence_n of_o because_o they_o can_v comprehend_v the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o man_n who_o rise_v up_o and_o walk_v before_o the_o philosopher_n who_o be_v dispute_v subtle_o against_o the_o possibility_n of_o motion_n put_v a_o scorn_n upon_o all_o his_o argument_n by_o show_v he_o that_o he_o can_v move_v and_o therefore_o we_o see_v that_o all_o man_n believe_v their_o sense_n and_o reason_n against_o all_o the_o difficulty_n in_o nature_n and_o will_v never_o be_v persuade_v by_o the_o subtle_a disputant_n that_o that_o be_v not_o which_o they_o certain_o see_v and_o know_v to_o be_v now_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n if_o man_n will_v allow_v the_o authority_n of_o revelation_n they_o must_v believe_v what_o be_v reveal_v how_o unconceivable_a and_o incomprehensible_a soever_o its_o nature_n be_v for_o when_o we_o know_v what_o a_o thing_n be_v and_o this_o may_v be_v know_v by_o revelation_n as_o well_o as_o by_o sense_n as_o those_o man_n must_v confess_v who_o acknowledge_v a_o divine_a revelation_n no_o difficulty_n in_o conceive_v it_o must_v persuade_v we_o to_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v this_o be_v very_o plain_a in_o itself_o though_o few_o man_n consider_v it_o that_o to_o disbelieve_v what_o be_v reveal_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o difficulty_n in_o understanding_n or_o conceive_v it_o be_v to_o reject_v the_o certainty_n of_o revelation_n for_o what_o other_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o that_o difference_n man_n make_v between_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o of_o revelation_n but_o that_o they_o allow_v sense_n and_o reason_n to_o be_v good_a and_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v evident_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n how_o mysterious_a soever_o their_o nature_n be_v but_o that_o mere_a revelation_n be_v no_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o evident_a also_o to_o sense_n and_o reason_n how_o plain_o soever_o it_o be_v reveal_v that_o be_v that_o revelation_n alone_o can_v prove_v nothing_o for_o if_o revelation_n itself_o can_v prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o what_o be_v reveal_v the_o difficulty_n in_o nature_n and_o philosophy_n can_v no_o more_o disprove_v a_o revelation_n than_o confute_v our_o sense_n now_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o unequal_a usage_n to_o expect_v more_o from_o revelation_n than_o they_o do_v from_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o not_o to_o believe_v revelation_n upon_o the_o same_o term_n that_o they_o believe_v their_o sense_n shall_v man_n resolve_v to_o believe_v nothing_o which_o they_o see_v till_o they_o can_v give_v a_o philosophical_a account_n of_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n and_o nature_n of_o all_o they_o see_v as_o they_o refuse_v to_o believe_v a_o revelation_n any_o far_a than_o they_o can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v the_o thing_n reveal_v they_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v as_o great-scepticks_a as_o they_o be_v infidel_n for_o as_o for_o contradiction_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o make_v or_o find_v seem_v contradiction_n in_o what_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v for_o when_o we_o know_v not_o the_o philosophical_a nature_n of_o thing_n nor_o how_o they_o act_v and_o yet_o will_v be_v reason_v and_o guess_v at_o they_o all_o our_o false_a guess_n may_v be_v full_a of_o contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n because_o we_o know_v not_o the_o true_a mystery_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v this_o vain_a humour_n of_o criticise_v upon_o nature_n which_o make_v so_o many_o atheist_n they_o go_v upon_o the_o same_o principle_n with_o infidel_n and_o heretic_n to_o believe_v nothing_o which_o natural_a reason_n can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v now_o they_o can_v comprehend_v the_o notion_n and_o idea_n of_o a_o god_n which_o they_o say_v be_v make_v up_o of_o contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n and_o therefore_o they_o reject_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n they_o can_v conceive_v a_o create_a power_n which_o can_v give_v be_v to_o that_o which_o have_v no_o be_v before_o which_o they_o think_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o make_v something_o of_o nothing_o and_o therefore_o they_o reject_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o either_o assert_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n or_o at_o least_o the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n they_o can_v
their_o vice_n and_o bad_a name_n to_o virtue_n this_o be_v so_o common_a and_o so_o well_o know_v that_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v on_o it_o a_o easy_a oblige_v friendly_a conversation_n be_v very_o charm_a when_o it_o be_v govern_v by_o strict_a virtue_n these_o man_n let_v the_o virtue_n alone_o and_o justify_v their_o vice_n as_o only_o the_o effect_n and_o instance_n of_o good_a humour_n and_o sociableness_n and_o of_o a_o comply_a temper_n to_o make_v their_o company_n easy_a and_o their_o conversation_n pleasant_a and_o entertain_v and_o this_o they_o think_v a_o good_a apology_n for_o all_o their_o lewdness_n debauchery_n and_o profaneness_n which_o may_v make_v they_o agreeable_a company_n for_o one_o another_o but_o very_o unfit_a for_o the_o conversation_n not_o only_o of_o good_a man_n but_o of_o prudent_a and_o cautious_a sinner_n but_o that_o be_v all_o one_o they_o will_v have_v this_o good_a humour_n and_o that_o be_v a_o good_a name_n which_o will_v suit_v any_o vice_n which_o please_v themselves_o and_o their_o company_n thus_o to_o be_v diligent_a in_o our_o business_n prudent_a and_o frugal_a in_o our_o expense_n to_o mortify_v our_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o deny_v the_o crave_n of_o lust_n and_o use_v our_o body_n hardly_o be_v very_o commendable_a thing_n when_o they_o be_v oppose_v to_o idleness_n and_o luxury_n and_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o care_n of_o our_o family_n and_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o all_o act_n of_o charity_n and_o to_o subdue_v the_o flesh_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o make_v we_o more_o devout_a worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o a_o mere_a earthworm_n who_o do_v all_o this_o for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o get_v or_o to_o save_v his_o money_n though_o he_o starve_v himself_o and_o his_o family_n and_o the_o poor_a by_o it_o and_o make_v himself_o a_o vile_a slave_n all_o his_o day_n call_v this_o fordo_v covetousness_n by_o these_o good_a name_n of_o diligence_n prudence_n frugality_n temperance_n mortification_n when_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o love_n of_o money_n above_o his_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n and_o adore_v it_o as_o his_o god_n thus_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n superstition_n and_o hypocrisy_n be_v very_o ill_a name_n and_o these_o at_o all_o adventure_n they_o bestow_v upon_o piety_n and_o virtue_n to_o excuse_v their_o own_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o both_o as_o if_o no_o man_n can_v be_v sincere_a because_o there_o be_v some_o hypocrite_n or_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o religion_n because_o some_o man_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v religious_a who_o be_v not_o though_o it_o be_v a_o better_a argument_n for_o religion_n that_o even_o bad_a man_n desire_v to_o be_v think_v religious_a thus_o a_o affect_a singularity_n be_v very_o offensive_a and_o nauseous_a to_o all_o wise_a man_n and_o this_o be_v their_o name_n for_o a_o sullen_a inflexible_a virtue_n which_o will_v not_o do_v a_o bad_a thing_n to_o please_v its_o company_n nor_o admit_v bad_a man_n into_o the_o privacy_n and_o familiarity_n of_o conversation_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o medium_fw-la between_o affect_a singularity_n and_o be_v wicked_a for_o company_n this_o be_v the_o art_n of_o change_a name_n call_v any_o virtue_n or_o vice_n by_o its_o own_o name_n such_o as_o piety_n justice_n charity_n temperance_n chastity_n or_o profaneness_n injustice_n drunkenness_n adultery_n and_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o the_o one_o nor_o for_o the_o other_o for_o these_o be_v name_n of_o honour_n and_o esteem_v or_o of_o infamy_n and_o reproach_n all_o the_o world_n over_o but_o if_o they_o can_v find_v any_o thing_n in_o vice_n which_o bear_v the_o least_o resemblance_n to_o what_o some_o virtue_n oblige_v we_o to_o they_o present_o give_v the_o name_n of_o those_o virtue_n to_o their_o vice_n and_o if_o a_o virtuous_a man_n may_v do_v any_o thing_n for_o wise_a and_o good_a reason_n which_o have_v any_o likeness_n or_o analogy_n to_o what_o bad_a man_n do_v for_o very_o bad_a reason_n they_o give_v the_o name_n of_o those_o vice_n to_o virtue_n which_o be_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n to_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n and_o this_o there_o be_v too_o many_o guilty_a of_o who_o be_v not_o profess_v atheist_n or_o infidel_n who_o think_v it_o some_o excuse_n for_o their_o vice_n if_o they_o can_v find_v any_o thing_n good_a to_o say_v of_o they_o and_o a_o apology_n for_o their_o lukewarmness_n and_o indifferency_n in_o religion_n if_o they_o can_v charge_v some_o zealous_a professor_n with_o pharisaism_n and_o hypocrisy_n but_o by_o whosoever_o and_o for_o what_o reason_n soever_o this_o be_v do_v the_o woe_n belong_v to_o all_o those_o who_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n 2_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n darkness_n and_o light_n very_o often_o in_o scripture_n signify_v vice_n and_o virtue_n sin_n be_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n be_v to_o live_v holy_o as_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o 1_o john_n 1._o for_o 6_o 7._o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o god_n and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n live_v in_o any_o sin_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o if_o we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o light_n if_o we_o be_v holy_a as_o god_n be_v holy_a then_o have_v we_o fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o call_v evil_n good_a and_o good_a evil._n but_o then_o darkness_n signify_v also_o ignorance_n and_o error_n false_a and_o corrupt_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o light_v a_o clear_a and_o certain_a knowledge_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n what_o concern_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n but_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v john_n 3._o 19_o and_o thus_o we_o must_v understand_v it_o here_o those_o man_n who_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n who_o reject_v the_o moral_a difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o confound_v the_o name_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n pervert_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o knowledge_n and_o rule_n of_o judge_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n call_v all_o the_o arbitrary_a and_o ridiculous_a principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n light_n and_o esteem_v they_o as_o the_o most_o true_a and_o certain_a knowledge_n though_o indeed_o they_o teach_v we_o nothing_o but_o reduce_v we_o to_o the_o most_o perfect_a state_n of_o ignorance_n by_o unteach_v all_o that_o mankind_n know_v before_o for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o mind_n for_o the_o next_o step_n be_v to_o put_v light_n for_o darkness_n to_o reject_v all_o the_o natural_a and_o all_o the_o supernatural_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n the_o natural_a notion_n of_o our_o mind_n the_o natural_a light_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o supernatural_a light_n of_o revelation_n as_o mere_a ignorance_n and_o imposture_n the_o cheat_n of_o education_n or_o of_o a_o timorous_a fancy_n or_o the_o cunning_a of_o statesman_n or_o the_o invention_n of_o priest_n such_o man_n you_o know_v there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o woe_n belong_v to_o they_o 3_o to_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a be_v a_o corruption_n not_o mere_o of_o our_o judgement_n but_o of_o our_o natural_a sensation_n of_o our_o natural_a taste_n and_o relish_v of_o thing_n bitter_n signify_v whatever_o be_v natural_o uneasy_a grievous_a offensive_a as_o bitter_a thing_n be_v to_o the_o palate_n that_o which_o cause_n trouble_v anguish_n remorse_n as_o all_o wicked_a action_n natural_o do_v now_o such_o thingâ—…_n as_o be_v grievous_a and_o afflict_a to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n who_o have_v any_o natural_a sense_n leave_v these_o man_n call_v sweet_a account_v their_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n but_o than_o what_o be_v natural_o sweet_a have_v a_o natural_a easiness_n pleasure_n satisfaction_n as_o all_o good_a and_o virtuous_a action_n have_v this_o they_o call_v bitter_a these_o be_v the_o grievance_n of_o their_o life_n a_o intolerable_a yoke_n which_o they_o can_v and_o will_v not_o bear_v this_o be_v the_o most_o degenerate_a state_n of_o human_a nature_n which_o have_v lose_v all_o relish_n of_o virtue_n and_o all_o sense_n of_o shame_n and_o fear_n and_o remorse_n when_o they_o do_v evil_a their_o mind_n be_v perfect_o dead_a and_o stupid_a without_o any_o rational_a or_o spiritual_a sensation_n they_o have_v nothing_o but_o their_o bodily_a sense_n leave_v and_o by_o these_o alone_o they_o judge_v of_o sweet_a and_o
be_v as_o easy_a and_o natural_a as_o of_o a_o eternal_a be_v and_o that_o natural_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o the_o relation_n and_o dependence_n between_o cause_n and_o effect_n necessary_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n for_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v eternal_a without_o a_o cause_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o there_o shall_v ever_o after_o be_v any_o natural_a relation_n between_o they_o of_o cause_n and_o effect_n and_o yet_o destroy_v the_o doctrine_n of_o cause_n and_o effect_n and_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o reason_n and_o discourse_n but_o then_o as_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o all_o thing_n so_o all_o the_o appearance_n of_o nature_n contradict_v it_o and_o will_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o lie_v easy_a in_o our_o mind_n we_o see_v every_o day_n that_o all_o individual_n be_v make_v man_n be_v bear_v every_o day_n and_o die_v and_o one_o generation_n succeed_v another_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o beast_n and_o bird_n and_o all_o other_o animal_n with_o tree_n and_o fruit_n and_o corn_n and_o herb_n and_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v eternal_a when_o we_o see_v that_o the_o individual_n of_o all_o these_o several_a kind_n of_o being_n be_v daily_o make_v for_o the_o world_n consist_v of_o individual_n and_o if_o they_o be_v all_o make_v the_o world_n be_v make_v necessary_a existence_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o eternal_a be_v which_o have_v no_o beginning_n nor_o any_o cause_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v always_o what_o it_o be_v without_o the_o least_o change_n that_o to_o ascribe_v eternity_n to_o a_o world_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o perpetual_a change_n be_v as_o great_a a_o absurdity_n as_o to_o assert_v a_o eternal_a succession_n without_o a_o beginning_n thus_o it_o be_v very_o natural_a to_o think_v that_o the_o effect_n can_v have_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o cause_n can_v give_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v learn_v what_o the_o invisible_a cause_n be_v from_o visible_a effect_n that_o if_o we_o see_v any_o thing_n wise_o make_v we_o may_v conclude_v it_o have_v a_o wise_a cause_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v more_o contradict_v the_o natural_a sense_n of_o our_o mind_n than_o to_o ascribe_v such_o a_o world_n as_o we_o now_o live_v in_o which_o discover_v such_o wonderful_a art_n in_o its_o contrivance_n to_o blind_a and_o undesigning_a chance_n i_o do_v not_o dispute_v these_o matter_n now_o but_o only_o consider_v how_o unnatural_a it_o be_v to_o think_v so_o and_o therefore_o how_o very_a difficult_a it_o be_v for_o any_o man_n in_o good_a earnest_n to_o espouse_v these_o atheistick_a principle_n thus_o as_o for_o the_o principle_n of_o infidelity_n how_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o any_o man_n to_o persuade_v himself_o that_o god_n never_o reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n when_o all_o mankind_n have_v believe_v otherwise_o and_o be_v natural_o incline_v to_o believe_v so_o and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v do_v so_o and_o none_o to_o think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o especial_o when_o we_o have_v such_o evident_a proof_n of_o this_o in_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n which_o so_o strong_o persuade_v the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n for_o to_o deny_v prophecy_n and_o miracle_n when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v plain_a that_o there_o have_v be_v true_a prophecy_n or_o miracle_n and_o no_o man_n beside_o themselves_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n doubt_n whether_o he_o can_v foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v or_o exercise_v a_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o nature_n when_o he_o please_v can_v be_v call_v by_o no_o soft_a name_n than_o stupidity_n or_o impudence_n and_o whatever_o they_o say_v it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o believe_v what_o they_o say_v for_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n carry_v such_o a_o conviction_n with_o they_o of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o give_v such_o authority_n to_o the_o prophet_n as_o be_v not_o easy_o resist_v as_o be_v evident_a from_o hence_o that_o some_o of_o the_o wise_a of_o these_o man_n dare_v not_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n can_v they_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o they_o hear_v no_o prophecy_n nor_o see_v any_o miracle_n now_o and_o may_v be_v impose_v on_o by_o fabulous_a relation_n shall_v they_o be_v over_o credulous_a of_o such_o matter_n this_o will_v have_v be_v a_o good_a answer_n have_v they_o only_o some_o idle_a and_o uncertain_a report_n of_o such_o thing_n but_o it_o can_v never_o satisfy_v themselves_o when_o they_o have_v such_o a_o authentic_a history_n as_o the_o bible_n the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n for_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n can_v any_o man_n persuade_v himself_o to_o reject_v the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o all_o history_n if_o he_o can_v whatever_o he_o may_v pretend_v he_o will_v find_v it_o a_o very_a hard_a matter_n after_o all_o his_o criticism_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o best_a attest_v and_o most_o credible_a history_n in_o the_o world_n these_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o be_v a_o atheist_n or_o infidel_n without_o which_o man_n can_v never_o reject_v or_o confound_v the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o all_o these_o principle_n contradict_v the_o natural_a idea_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o destroy_v all_o the_o natural_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o reason_n that_o we_o can_v no_o more_o distinguish_v between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n than_o between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a ever_o thus_o to_o efface_v the_o natural_a notion_n of_o our_o mind_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v a_o very_a uneasy_a and_o difficult_a task_n 3_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v at_o least_o as_o difficult_a to_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a man_n may_v bribe_v their_o understanding_n but_o our_o natural_a passion_n be_v not_o so_o easy_o stifle_v when_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o nature_n have_v annex_v shame_n and_o fear_v and_o remorse_n to_o bad_a action_n which_o make_v they_o very_o bitter_a and_o grievous_a in_o the_o review_n whatever_o they_o be_v in_o the_o act_n it_o be_v not_o laugh_v at_o these_o fear_n as_o superstitious_a and_o owe_v to_o education_n which_o will_v cure_v they_o no_o more_o than_o the_o stoic_n brag_v that_o pain_n be_v no_o evil_a can_v prevent_v their_o feel_a pain_n what_o be_v painful_a will_v make_v we_o feel_v it_o and_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n themselves_o when_o they_o think_v they_o have_v reason_v and_o laugh_v away_o all_o their_o fear_n find_v that_o beside_o their_o frequent_a misgiving_n and_o jealousy_n when_o any_o great_a or_o surprise_v occasion_n set_v they_o free_a these_o passion_n return_v on_o they_o with_o such_o a_o fury_n as_o all_o their_o philosophy_n can_v resist_v now_o this_o endanger_v all_o again_o for_o natural_a shame_n and_o fear_v and_o remorse_n will_v make_v they_o own_o a_o essential_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a when_o they_o feel_v it_o 4thly_a but_o let_v we_o suppose_v all_o these_o difficulty_n conquer_v they_o be_v sensible_a that_o there_o be_v one_o still_o remain_v viz._n that_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n be_v against_o they_o the_o heathen_a world_n own_v a_o god_n and_o as_o learned_a man_n have_v prove_v one_o supreme_a god_n though_o they_o corrupt_v both_o the_o notion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n by_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n but_o atheism_n be_v so_o infamous_a among_o they_o that_o some_o atheistick_a philosopher_n such_o as_o epicurus_n himself_o be_v force_v to_o dissemble_v it_o they_o own_v a_o moral_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o own_v revelation_n and_o institute_v religion_n and_o have_v they_o though_o not_o from_o god_n yet_o from_o those_o evil_a spirit_n who_o they_o worship_v for_o go_n the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n own_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n who_o they_o be_v most_o at_o present_v concern_v with_o own_o both_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n these_o be_v great_a authority_n against_o they_o which_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v make_v man_n modest_a and_o put_v they_o a_o little_a out_o of_o countenance_n and_o incline_v they_o to_o suspect_v that_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v but_o they_o be_v sensible_a that_o modesty_n will_v undo_v they_o that_o to_o suspect_v whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n be_v as_o fatal_a to_o they_o as_o to_o know_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o way_n leave_v but_o to_o outface_v all_o the_o world_n to_o laugh_v at_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n as_o superstitious_a