to_o the_o good_a order_n and_o more_o easy_a government_n of_o humane_a society_n because_o they_o have_v a_o good_a influence_n both_o upon_o magistrate_n and_o subject_n 1._o upon_o magistrate_n religion_n teach_v they_o to_o rule_v over_o man_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n because_o though_o they_o be_v god_n on_o earth_n yet_o they_o be_v subject_n of_o heaven_n and_o accountable_a to_o he_o who_o be_v high_o than_o the_o high_a in_o this_o world_n religion_n in_o a_o magistrate_n strengthen_v his_o authority_n because_o it_o procure_v veneration_n and_o gain_v a_o reputation_n to_o it_o and_o in_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n so_o much_o reputation_n be_v real_o so_o much_o power_n we_o see_v that_o piety_n and_o virtue_n where_o they_o be_v find_v among_o man_n of_o low_a degree_n will_v command_v some_o reverence_n and_o respect_n but_o in_o person_n of_o eminent_a place_n and_o dignity_n they_o be_v seat_v to_o a_o great_a advantage_n so_o as_o to_o cast_v a_o lustre_n upon_o their_o very_a place_n and_o by_o a_o strong_a reflection_n to_o double_v the_o beam_n of_o majesty_n whereas_o impiety_n and_o vice_n do_v strange_o lessen_v greatness_n and_o do_v secret_o and_o unavoidable_o derive_v some_o weakness_n upon_o authority_n itself_o of_o this_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o a_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o david_n for_o among_o other_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o son_n of_o zurviah_n too_o hard_o for_o he_o this_o probable_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o that_o they_o be_v particular_o conscious_a to_o his_o crime_n 2._o religion_n have_v a_o good_a influence_n upon_o the_o people_n to_o make_v they_o obedient_a to_o government_n and_o peaceable_a one_o towards_o another_o 1._o to_o make_v they_o obedient_a to_o government_n and_o conformable_a to_o law_n and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o wrath_n and_o out_o of_o fear_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n which_o be_v but_o a_o weak_a and_o loof_o principle_n of_o obedience_n and_o will_v cease_v when_o ever_o man_n can_v rebel_v with_o safety_n and_o to_o advantage_n but_o out_o of_o conscience_n which_o be_v a_o firm_a and_o constant_a and_o last_a principle_n and_o will_v hold_v a_o man_n fast_o when_o all_o other_o obligation_n will_v break_v he_o that_o have_v entertain_v the_o true_a principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v tempt_v from_o his_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n by_o any_o worldly_a consideration_n because_o he_o believe_v that_o whatsoever_o resist_v authority_n resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o who_o resist_v shall_v receive_v to_o themselves_o damnation_n 2._o religion_n tend_v to_o make_v man_n peaceable_a one_o towards_o another_o for_o it_o endeavour_n to_o plant_v all_o those_o quality_n and_o disposition_n in_o man_n which_o tend_v to_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o to_o fill_v man_n with_o a_o spirit_n of_o universal_a love_n and_o good_a will_n it_o endeavour_v likewise_o to_o secure_v every_o man_n interest_n by_o command_v the_o observation_n of_o that_o great_a rule_n of_o equity_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o even_o so_o to_o they_o by_o enjoin_v that_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n be_v inviolable_o observe_v in_o all_o our_o word_n promise_n and_o contract_n and_o in_o order_n hereunto_o it_o require_v the_o extirpation_n of_o all_o those_o passion_n and_o vice_n which_o render_v man_n unsociable_a and_o troublesome_a to_o one_o another_o as_o pride_n covetousness_n and_o injustice_n hatred_n and_o revenge_n and_o cruelty_n and_o those_o likewise_o which_o be_v not_o so_o common_o repute_v vice_n as_o self-conceit_n and_o peremptoriness_n in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o opinion_n and_o all_o peevishness_n and_o incompliance_n of_o humour_n in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o indifferent_a and_o that_o these_o be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o true_a piety_n the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n every_o where_o teach_v we_o now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o religion_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o this_o temper_n thus_o to_o heal_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o to_o sweeten_v their_o spirit_n to_o correct_v their_o passion_n and_o to_o mortify_v all_o those_o lust_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o enmity_n and_o division_n than_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n it_o tend_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o that_o if_o man_n will_v but_o live_v as_o religion_n require_v they_o shall_v do_v the_o world_n will_v be_v a_o quiet_a habitation_n a_o most_o lovely_a and_o desirable_a place_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o now_o it_o be_v and_o indeed_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o the_o society_n of_o man_n be_v so_o full_a of_o tumult_n and_o disorder_n so_o troublesome_a and_o tempestuous_a be_v because_o there_o be_v so_o little_a of_o true_a religion_n among_o man_n so_o that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o some_o small_a remainder_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v yet_o leave_v scatter_v among_o mankind_n humane_a society_n will_v in_o a_o short_a space_n disband_v and_o run_v into_o confusion_n the_o earth_n will_v grow_v wild_a and_o become_v a_o great_a forest_n and_o mankind_n will_v become_v beast_n of_o prey_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o if_o this_o discourse_n hold_v true_a sure_o than_o one_o will_v think_v that_o virtue_n shall_v find_v itself_o a_o seat_n wherever_o humane_a society_n be_v and_o that_o religion_n shall_v be_v own_v and_o encourage_v in_o the_o world_n until_o man_n cease_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o reason_n ii_o i_o come_v to_o vindicate_v this_o truth_n from_o the_o insinuation_n and_o pretence_n of_o atheistical_a person_n i_o shall_v mention_v two_o 1._o that_o government_n may_v subsist_v well_o enough_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n 2._o that_o as_o for_o virtue_n and_o vice_n they_o be_v arbitrary_a thing_n 1._o that_o government_n may_v subsist_v well_o enough_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n or_o a_o state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n and_o this_o the_o atheist_n do_v and_o must_v assert_v otherwise_o he_o be_v by_o his_o own_o confession_n a_o declare_a enemy_n to_o government_n and_o unfit_a to_o live_v in_o humane_a society_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o though_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n do_v not_o believe_v any_o superior_a be_v nor_o any_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o there_o may_v be_v some_o kind_n of_o government_n keep_v up_o in_o the_o world_n for_o suppose_v man_n to_o have_v reason_n the_o necessity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o mischief_n of_o confusion_n will_v probable_o compel_v they_o into_o some_o kind_n of_o order_n but_o then_o i_o say_v withal_o that_o if_o these_o principle_n be_v banish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n government_n will_v be_v far_o more_o difficult_a than_o now_o it_o be_v because_o it_o will_v want_v its_o firm_a basis_n and_o foundation_n there_o will_v be_v infinite_o more_o disorder_n in_o the_o world_n if_o man_n be_v restrain_v from_o injustice_n and_o violence_n only_o by_o humane_a law_n and_o not_o by_o principle_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o dread_n of_o another_o world_n therefore_o magistrate_n have_v always_o think_v themselves_o concern_v to_o cherish_v religion_n and_o to_o maintain_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o another_o life_n nay_o that_o common_a suggestion_n of_o atheistical_a person_n that_o religion_n be_v at_o first_o a_o politic_a device_n and_o be_v still_o keep_v up_o in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o state-engine_n to_o awe_v man_n into_o obedience_n be_v a_o clear_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o usefulness_n of_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n and_o do_v as_o full_o contradict_v that_o pretence_n of_o they_o which_o i_o be_o now_o confute_v as_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v say_v 2._o that_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v arbitrary_a thing_n found_v only_o in_o the_o imagination_n of_o man_n and_o in_o the_o constitution_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n but_o not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o that_o that_o be_v virtue_n or_o vice_n good_a or_o evil_n which_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o a_o nation_n declare_v to_o be_v so_o and_o this_o be_v frequent_o and_o confident_o assert_v by_o the_o ingenious_a author_n of_o a_o very_a bad_a book_n i_o mean_v the_o leviathan_n now_o the_o proper_a way_n of_o answer_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v confident_o assert_v be_v to_o show_v the_o contrary_a namely_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o natural_a evil_n and_o deformity_n in_o they_o as_o perjury_n perfidiousness_n unrighteousness_n and_o ingratitude_n which_o be_v thing_n not_o only_o condemn_v by_o the_o positive_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o
doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o h._n scripture_n and_o one_o great_a reason_n why_o man_n do_v not_o so_o general_o agree_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o as_o of_o the_o other_o be_v because_o the_o interest_n and_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n be_v more_o concern_v in_o the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o but_o whatever_o uncertainty_n there_o may_v be_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o text_n of_o scripture_n oral_a tradition_n be_v so_o far_o from_o afford_v we_o any_o help_n in_o this_o case_n that_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o uncertain_a and_o less_o to_o be_v trust_v to_o especial_o if_o we_o may_v take_v that_o to_o be_v the_o traditionary_a sense_n of_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o decretal_n of_o their_o pope_n and_o the_o act_n of_o some_o of_o their_o council_n than_o which_o never_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n more_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a and_o whence_o may_v we_o expect_v to_o have_v the_o infallible_a traditional_a sense_n of_o scripture_n if_o not_o from_o the_o head_n and_o representative_n of_o their_o church_n this_o may_v abundant_o suffice_v for_o the_o vindication_n of_o that_o passage_n which_o mr._n s._n make_v such_o a_o rude_a clamour_n about_o as_o if_o i_o have_v therein_o deny_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o all_o religion_n but_o dare_v never_o trust_v the_o reader_n with_o a_o view_n of_o those_o word_n of_o i_o upon_o which_o he_o pretend_v to_o ground_v this_o calumny_n but_o the_o world_n understand_v well_o enough_o that_o all_o this_o be_v but_o a_o shift_n of_o mr._n she_o be_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o own_o party_n and_o a_o pitiful_a art_n to_o avoid_v the_o vindication_n of_o sure-footing_a a_o task_n he_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o undertake_v and_o yet_o the_o main_a design_n of_o this_o book_n which_o he_o call_v faith_n vindicate_v etc._n etc._n be_v to_o prove_v that_o which_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v any_o man_n live_v ever_o deny_v viz._n that_o what_o be_v true_a be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a which_o though_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o plain_a truth_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o he_o prove_v it_o so_o foolish_o as_o will_v make_v any_o man_n if_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a of_o itself_o to_o doubt_v of_o it_o he_o prove_v it_o from_o logic_n and_o nature_n and_o metaphysic_n and_o ethic_n etc._n etc._n i_o wonder_v he_o do_v not_o do_v it_o likewise_o from_o arithmetic_n and_o geometry_n the_o principle_n whereof_o he_o 93._o he_o sure-footing_a p._n 93._o tell_v we_o be_v concern_v in_o demonstrate_v the_o certainty_n of_o oral_a tradition_n he_o may_v also_o have_v proceed_v to_o astrology_n and_o palmistry_n and_o chemistry_n and_o have_v show_v how_o each_o of_o these_o lend_v their_o assistance_n to_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o truth_n for_o that_o can_v not_o have_v be_v more_o ridiculous_a than_o his_o etc._n his_o faith_n vindic_n p._n 6.7_o etc._n etc._n argument_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o subject_a and_o predicate_v and_o copula_fw-la in_o faith-proposition_n because_o forsooth_o whoever_o affirm_v any_o proposition_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a affirm_v it_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a very_o true_a but_o will_v any_o man_n argue_v that_o what_o be_v true_a be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o subject_a predicate_v and_o copula_fw-la for_o be_v the_o proposition_n true_a or_o false_a these_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n in_o both_o that_o be_v they_o be_v subject_a predicate_v and_o copula_fw-la but_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v have_v a_o taste_n of_o his_o clear_a style_n and_o way_n of_o reason_v i_o shall_v for_o his_o satisfaction_n transcribe_v mr._n s_n whole_a argument_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o predicate_a his_o word_n be_v these_o our_o argument_n from_o the_o copula_fw-la be_v particular_o strengthen_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o predicate_v in_o the_o proposition_n we_o speak_v of_o i_o mean_v in_o such_o speech_n as_o affirm_v such_o and_o such_o point_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a 12._o p._n 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o for_o true_a mean_n existent_a in_o proposition_n which_o express_v only_o the_o a_o est_fw-fr of_o a_o thing_n as_o most_o point_n of_o faith_n do_v which_o speak_v abstract_o and_o tell_v not_o wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_n it_o speak_v of_o consist_v or_o the_o quid_fw-la est_fw-la so_o that_o most_o of_o the_o proposition_n christian_n be_v bind_v to_o profess_v be_v full_o express_v thus_o a_o trinity_n be_v existent_a etc._n etc._n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o those_o point_n which_o belong_v to_o a_o thing_n or_o action_n past_a as_o creation_n be_v etc._n etc._n for_o existent_n be_v the_o predicate_a in_o these_o two_o only_o affix_v to_o another_o difference_n of_o time_n and_o it_o be_v equal_o impossible_a such_o subject_n shall_v neither_o have_v be_v nor_o not_o have_v be_v or_o have_v be_v and_o have_v not_o be_v at_o once_o as_o it_o be_v that_o a_o thing_n shall_v neither_o be_v nor_o not_o be_v at_o present_a or_o both_o be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o present_a regard_v then_o steadfast_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o predicate_v existent_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o express_v the_o utmost_a actuality_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o as_o take_v in_o the_o posture_n it_o bear_v in_o those_o proposition_n that_o actual_o exercise_v that_o be_v the_o utmost_a actuality_n in_o its_o most_o actual_a state_n that_o be_v as_o absolute_o exclude_v all_o manner_n or_o least_o degree_n of_o potentiality_n and_o consequent_o all_o possibility_n of_o be_v otherwise_o which_o be_v radical_o destroy_v when_o all_o potentiality_n be_v take_v away_o this_o discourse_n hold_v which_o in_o right_a to_o truth_n i_o shall_v not_o fear_v to_o affirm_v unconcern_v in_o the_o drollery_n of_o any_o opposer_n to_o be_v more_o than_o mathematical_o demonstrative_a it_o follow_v inevitable_o that_o whoso_o be_v bind_v to_o profess_v a_o trinity_n incarnation_n etc._n etc._n be_v or_o be_v existent_a be_v also_o bind_v to_o profess_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v not_o existent_a or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a these_o point_n of_o faith_n shall_v be_v false_a the_o same_o appear_v out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o distinction_n or_o division_n apply_v to_o our_o predicate_a existent_n as_o find_v in_o these_o proposition_n for_o can_v that_o predicate_v bear_v a_o pertinent_a distinction_n express_v this_o and_o the_o other_o respect_n or_o thus_o and_o thus_o it_o may_v possible_o be_v according_a to_o one_o of_o these_o respect_n or_o thus_o consider_v and_o not_o be_v according_a to_o another_o that_o be_v another_o way_n consider_v but_o this_o evasion_n be_v here_o impossible_a for_o either_o those_o distinguish_a notion_n must_v be_v more_o potential_a or_o antecedent_n to_o the_o notion_n of_o existent_n and_o then_o they_o neither_o reach_v existent_a nor_o supervene_v to_o it_o as_o its_o determination_n or_o actuation_n which_o difference_n ought_v to_o do_v nor_o can_v any_o notion_n be_v more_o actual_a or_o determinative_a in_o the_o line_n of_o substance_n or_o be_v than_o existent_n be_v and_o so_o fit_a to_o distinguish_v it_o in_o that_o line_n nor_o last_o can_v any_o determination_n in_o the_o line_n of_o accident_n serve_v the_o turn_n for_o those_o suppose_v existence_n already_o 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o the_o whole_a truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n entire_a and_o complete_a antecedent_o to_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a therefore_o that_o what_o be_v thus_o affirm_v to_o be_v true_a shall_v in_o any_o regard_n be_v affirm_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a the_o impossibility_n of_o distinguish_v the_o predicate_a pertinent_o exclude_v here_o all_o possibility_n of_o divers_a respect_n the_o same_o be_v demonstrate_v from_o the_o impossibility_n of_o distinguish_v the_o subject_n of_o those_o faith-proposition_n for_o those_o subject_n be_v proposition_n themselves_o and_o accept_v for_o truth_n as_o be_v suppose_v they_o be_v incapable_a of_o distinction_n as_o shall_v be_v particular_o show_v hereafter_o beside_o those_o subject_n be_v point_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o stand_v in_o the_o abstract_n that_o be_v not_o descend_v to_o subsume_v respect_n even_o in_o that_o regard_n too_o they_o be_v free_v from_o all_o pertinent_a distinguishableness_n the_o same_o be_v demonstrate_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o truth_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o indivisible_a whence_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o truth_n have_v how_o great_a soever_o the_o conceive_a approach_n towards_o it_o may_v be_v till_o all_o may-not-bee_n or_o potentiality_n to_o be_v otherwise_o be_v utter_o exclude_v by_o the_o actuality_n of_o be_v or_o existence_n which_o put_v or_o discover_v the_o light_n of_o truth_n break_v forth_o and_o the_o dim_a twilight_n of_o may-not-bee_n vanish_v and_o disappear_v i_o have_v
which_o what_o effect_n soever_o it_o may_v have_v upon_o he_o will_v make_v any_o other_o man_n sufficient_o ashamed_a but_o yet_o i_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o in_o this_o position_n which_o he_o fasten_v upon_o i_o he_o honour_v i_o with_o excellent_a company_n my_o lord_n faulkland_n mr._n chillingworth_n and_o dr._n stillingfleet_n person_n of_o that_o admirable_a strength_n and_o clearness_n in_o their_o write_n that_o mr._n s._n when_o he_o reflect_v upon_o his_o own_o style_n and_o way_n of_o reason_v may_v blush_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o ever_o he_o have_v read_v they_o and_o as_o to_o this_o position_n which_o he_o charge_v they_o withal_o i_o do_v not_o know_v nor_o have_v the_o least_o reason_n upon_o mr._n s_n word_n to_o believe_v any_o such_o thing_n be_v maintain_v by_o they_o as_o for_o myself_o who_o i_o be_o now_o only_o concern_v to_o vindicate_v i_o shall_v set_v down_o the_o two_o passage_n to_o which_o i_o suppose_v he_o refer_v in_o my_o sermon_n i_o endeavour_v among_o other_o thing_n to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n upon_o this_o account_n because_o it_o require_v more_o evidence_n for_o thing_n than_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o to_o make_v this_o good_a i_o discourse_v thus_o aristotle_n have_v long_o since_o observe_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o expect_v the_o same_o kind_n of_o proof_n for_o every_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v for_o some_o thing_n mathematical_a thing_n be_v of_o a_o abstract_a nature_n be_v only_o capable_a of_o clear_a demonstration_n but_o conclusion_n in_o natural_a philosophy_n be_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o a_o sufficient_a induction_n of_o experiment_n thing_n of_o a_o moral_a nature_n by_o moral_a argument_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o credible_a testimony_n and_o though_o none_o of_o these_o be_v strict_a demonstration_n yet_o have_v we_o a_o undoubted_a assurance_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o best_a argument_n that_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v none_o can_v demonstrate_v to_o i_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o island_n in_o america_n as_o jamaica_n yet_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o credible_a person_n and_o author_n who_o have_v write_v of_o it_o i_o be_o as_o free_a from_o all_o doubt_n concern_v it_o as_o from_o doubt_v of_o the_o clear_a mathematical_a demonstration_n so_o that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v entertain_v as_o a_o firm_a principle_n by_o all_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v certain_a of_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o that_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v prove_v by_o as_o good_a argument_n as_o that_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o we_o have_v as_o great_a assurance_n that_o it_o be_v as_o we_o can_v possible_o have_v suppose_v it_o be_v we_o ought_v not_o in_o reason_n to_o make_v any_o doubt_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o that_o thing_n now_o to_o apply_v this_o to_o the_o present_a case_n the_o be_v of_o god_n be_v not_o mathematical_o demonstrable_a nor_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v it_o shall_v because_o only_o mathematical_a matter_n admit_v of_o this_o kind_n of_o evidence_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v prove_v immediate_o by_o sense_n because_o god_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v a_o pure_a spirit_n can_v be_v the_o object_n of_o any_o corporeal_a sense_n but_o yet_o we_o have_v as_o great_a assurance_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v be_v capable_a of_o and_o as_o we_o can_v in_o reason_n expect_v to_o have_v suppose_v that_o he_o be_v upon_o this_o passage_n it_o must_v be_v if_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o sermon_n that_o mr._n s._n charge_v this_o position_n in_o equivalent_a term_n of_o the_o possible_a falsehood_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o as_o to_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o fundamental_a point_n the_o tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o now_o i_o appeal_v to_o the_o reader_n be_v eye_n and_o judgement_n whether_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o have_v say_v be_v not_o this_o that_o though_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o that_o strict_a kind_n of_o demonstration_n which_o mathematical_a matter_n be_v yet_o that_o we_o have_v a_o undoubted_a assurance_n of_o it_o one_o will_v think_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v so_o ridiculous_a as_o from_o hence_o to_o infer_v that_o i_o believe_v it_o possible_a notwithstanding_o this_o assurance_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n for_o however_o in_o many_o other_o case_n a_o undoubted_a assurance_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v may_v not_o exclude_v all_o suspicion_n of_o a_o possibility_n of_o its_o be_v otherwise_o yet_o in_o this_o tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n it_o most_o certain_o do_v because_o whoever_o be_v assure_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v assure_v there_o be_v a_o be_v who_o existence_n be_v and_o always_o be_v necessary_a and_o consequent_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v not_o be_v and_o involve_v in_o it_o a_o contradiction_n so_o that_o my_o discourse_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v equivalent_a to_o the_o position_n he_o mention_n that_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a contradiction_n to_o it_o and_o he_o may_v with_o as_o much_o truth_n have_v affirm_v that_o i_o have_v express_o and_o in_o so_o many_o word_n say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n the_o other_o passage_n be_v in_o pag._n 118._o of_o my_o book_n concern_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n i_o be_v discourse_v that_o no_o man_n can_v show_v by_o any_o necessary_a argument_n that_o it_o be_v natural_o impossible_a that_o all_o the_o relation_n concern_v america_n shall_v be_v false_a but_o yet_o say_v i_o i_o suppose_v that_o notwithstanding_o this_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n be_v now_o possess_v with_o so_o incredible_a a_o folly_n as_o to_o doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n the_o case_n be_v the_o very_a same_o as_o to_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o ancient_a book_n and_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o plain_a expression_n we_o have_v no_o demonstration_n for_o these_o thing_n and_o we_o expect_v none_o because_o we_o know_v the_o thing_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o it_o we_o be_v not_o infallible_o certain_a that_o any_o book_n be_v so_o ancient_a as_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v or_o that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o he_o who_o name_n it_o bear_v or_o that_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o such_o and_o such_o passage_n in_o it_o it_o be_v possible_a all_o this_o may_v be_v otherwise_o but_o we_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v not_o nor_o have_v any_o prudent_a man_n any_o just_a cause_n to_o make_v the_o least_o doubt_n of_o it_o for_o a_o bare_a possibility_n that_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v or_o not_o be_v be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o doubt_v whether_o a_o thing_n be_v or_o not_o it_o be_v possible_a all_o the_o people_n in_o france_n may_v die_v this_o night_n but_o i_o hope_v the_o possibility_n of_o this_o do_v not_o incline_v any_o man_n in_o the_o least_o to_o think_v it_o will_v be_v so_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o sun_n may_v not_o rise_v to_o morrow_n morning_n yet_o for_o all_o this_o i_o suppose_v that_o no_o man_n have_v the_o least_o doubt_n but_o that_o it_o will_n to_o avoid_v the_o cavil_n of_o this_o impertinent_a man_n i_o have_v transcribe_v the_o whole_a page_n to_o which_o he_o refer_v and_o now_o where_o be_v this_o avow_v position_n of_o the_o possible_a falsehood_n of_o faith_n all_o that_o i_o say_v be_v this_o that_o we_o be_v not_o infallible_a either_o in_o judge_v of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o a_o book_n or_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o by_o which_o i_o mean_v as_o any_o man_n of_o sense_n and_o ingenuity_n will_v easy_o perceive_v i_o do_v that_o we_o can_v demonstrate_v these_o thing_n of_o as_o to_o show_v that_o the_o contrary_a necessary_o involve_v a_o contradiction_n but_o yet_o that_o we_o may_v have_v a_o firm_a assurance_n concern_v these_o matter_n so_o as_o not_o to_o make_v the_o least_o doubt_n of_o they_o and_o be_v this_o to_o avow_v the_o possible_a falsehood_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o this_o position_n mr._n s._n charge_n upon_o these_o word_n how_o just_o i_o shall_v now_o examine_v either_o by_o faith_n mr._n s._n mean_v the_o doctrine_n reveal_v by_o god_n and_o then_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o position_n must_v be_v that_o what_o god_n say_v be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a which_o be_v so_o absurd_a a_o position_n as_o can_v hardly_o enter_v into_o any_o man_n mind_n and_o yet_o mr._n s._n have_v the_o modesty_n all_o along_o in_o his_o book_n to_o insinuate_v that_o in_o the_o forecited_a passage_n i_o say_v as_o much_o as_o this_o come_v to_o or_o else_o mr._n s._n mean_n by_o faith_n the_o assent_n which_o we_o give_v to_o doctrine_n as_o reveal_v by_o god_n and_o then_o his_o sense_n of_o infallibility_n must_v be_v either_o that_o whoever_o assent_v
still_o retain_v a_o quick_a sense_n of_o pain_n and_o misery_n so_o that_o fear_n rely_v upon_o a_o natural_a love_n of_o ourselves_o and_o be_v complicate_v with_o a_o necessary_a desire_n of_o our_o own_o preservation_n and_o therefore_o religion_n usual_o make_v its_o first_o entrance_n into_o we_o by_o this_o passion_n hence_o perhaps_o it_o be_v that_o solomon_n more_o than_o once_o call_v the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o beginning_n of_o wisdom_n 2._o as_o for_o the_o second_o phrase_n depart_v from_o evil_n the_o fitness_n of_o it_o to_o express_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v the_o necessary_a connexion_n that_o be_v between_o the_o negative_a and_o positive_a part_n of_o our_o duty_n he_o that_o be_v careful_a to_o avoid_v all_o sin_n will_v sincere_o endeavour_v to_o perform_v his_o duty_n for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v a_o active_a principle_n and_o will_v be_v employ_v one_o way_n or_o other_o it_o will_v be_v do_v something_o if_o a_o man_n abstain_v from_o evil_a he_o will_v do_v good_a now_o there_o be_v such_o a_o strait_a connexion_n between_o these_o the_o whole_a of_o our_o duty_n may_v be_v express_v by_o either_o of_o they_o but_o most_o fit_o by_o depart_v from_o evil_n because_o that_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n religion_n begin_v in_o the_o forsake_v of_o sin_n virtus_fw-la est_fw-la vitium_fw-la fugere_fw-la &_o sapientia_fw-la prima_fw-la stultitia_fw-la caruisse_fw-la virtue_n begin_v in_o the_o forsake_v of_o vice_n and_o the_o first_o part_n of_o wisdom_n be_v not_o to_o be_v a_o fool_n and_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n which_o mention_n these_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n do_v constant_o put_v depart_v from_o evil_a first_o depart_v from_o evil_a and_o do_v good_a 24._o ps_n 34.14_o &_o 37.27_o be_v 1.16_o 17._o &_o 55.7_o eph._n 4.23_o 24._o cease_v to_o do_v evil_a learn_v to_o do_v well_o let_v the_o wicked_a forsake_v his_o way_n and_o the_o unrighteous_a man_n his_o thought_n and_o let_v he_o return_v unto_o the_o lord_n we_o be_v first_o to_o put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n which_o be_v corrupt_a according_a to_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o then_o to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n 3.11_o 1_o pet._n 3.11_o etc._n etc._n let_v he_o eschew_v evil_a and_o do_v good_a to_o all_o which_o i_o may_v add_v this_o far_a consideration_n that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n contain_v in_o the_o ten_o commandment_n consist_v most_o of_o prohibition_n thou_o shall_v not_o do_v such_o or_o such_o a'th_a our_o observance_n of_o it_o be_v most_o fit_o express_v by_o depart_v from_o evil_n which_o yet_o include_v obedience_n likewise_o to_o the_o positive_a precept_n imply_v in_o those_o prohibition_n have_v thus_o explain_v the_o word_n i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v the_o proposition_n contain_v in_o they_o which_o be_v this_o that_o religion_n be_v the_o best_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a these_o three_o way_n 1._o by_o a_o direct_a proof_n of_o it_o 2._o by_o show_v on_o the_o contrary_a the_o folly_n and_o ignorance_n of_o irreligion_n and_o wickedness_n 2._o by_o vindicate_a religion_n from_o those_o common_a imputation_n which_o seem_v to_o charge_v it_o with_o ignorance_n or_o imprudence_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o direct_a proof_n of_o this_o and_o because_o religion_n comprehend_v two_o thing_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o and_o a_o suitable_a life_n and_o practice_n the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v speculative_a may_v more_o proper_o be_v call_v knowledge_n and_o the_o latter_a because_o it_o be_v practical_a may_v be_v call_v wisdom_n or_o prudence_n therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v distinct_o to_o prove_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o religion_n be_v the_o best_a knowledge_n 2._o that_o it_o be_v the_o true_a wisdom_n 1._o first_o that_o it_o be_v the_o best_a knowledge_n the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n commend_v its_o self_n to_o we_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n 1._o it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o most_o excellent_a of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o useful_a and_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v first_o it_o be_v the_o best_a knowledge_n because_o it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o most_o excellent_a and_o desirable_a to_o be_v know_v and_o those_o be_v god_n and_o our_o duty_n god_n be_v the_o sum_n and_o comprehension_n of_o all_o perfection_n it_o be_v delightful_a to_o know_v the_o creature_n because_o there_o be_v particular_a excellency_n scatter_v and_o disperse_v among_o they_o which_o be_v some_o shadow_n of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n but_o in_o god_n all_o perfection_n in_o their_o high_a degree_n and_o exaltation_n meet_v together_o and_o be_v unite_v how_o much_o more_o delightful_a than_o must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o fix_v our_o mind_n upon_o such_o a_o object_n in_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o beauty_n and_o brightness_n what_o be_v amiable_a and_o what_o be_v excellent_a what_o will_v ravish_v our_o affection_n and_o raise_v our_o wonder_n please_v we_o and_o astonish_v we_o at_o once_o and_o that_o the_o finite_a measure_n and_o capacity_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v not_o able_a to_o take_v in_o and_o comprehend_v the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o god_n this_o indeed_o show_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o object_n but_o do_v not_o altogether_o take_v away_o the_o delightfulness_n of_o the_o knowledge_n for_o as_o it_o be_v pleasant_a to_o the_o eye_n to_o have_v a_o endless_a prospect_n so_o be_v it_o some_o pleasure_n to_o a_o finite_a understanding_n to_o view_v unlimited_a excellency_n which_o have_v no_o shore_n or_o bound_n though_o it_o can_v comprehend_v they_o there_o be_v a_o pleasure_n in_o admiration_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o proper_o cause_v admiration_n when_o we_o discover_v a_o great_a deal_n in_o a_o object_n which_o we_o understand_v to_o be_v excellent_a and_o yet_o we_o see_v we_o know_v not_o how_o much_o more_o beyond_o that_o which_o our_o understanding_n can_v full_o reach_v and_o comprehend_v and_o as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o his_o nature_n and_o perfection_n be_v excellent_a and_o desirable_a so_o likewise_o to_o know_v he_o in_o those_o glorious_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o in_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n and_o above_o all_o in_o that_o stupendous_a work_n of_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o jesus_n christ_n which_o be_v such_o a_o mystery_n and_o so_o excellent_a a_o piece_n of_o knowledge_n that_o the_o angel_n be_v say_v to_o desire_v to_o pry_v into_o it_o 1.12_o 1_o pet._n 1.12_o and_o as_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v excellent_a so_o likewise_o of_o our_o duty_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o holiness_n which_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n a_o conformity_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o will_n of_o god_n and_o a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v capable_a for_o to_o know_v our_o duty_n be_v to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v like_o god_n in_o goodness_n and_o pity_n and_o patience_n and_o clemency_n in_o pardon_v injury_n and_o pass_v by_o provocation_n in_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n in_o truth_n and_o faithfulness_n and_o in_o a_o hatred_n and_o detestation_n of_o the_o contrary_a of_o these_o in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o good_a and_o acceptable_a will_n of_o god_n what_o it_o be_v that_o he_o love_v and_o delight_n in_o and_o be_v please_v withal_o and_o will_v have_v we_o to_o do_v in_o order_n to_o our_o perfection_n and_o our_o happiness_n it_o be_v deserve_o account_v a_o piece_n of_o excellent_a knowledge_n to_o know_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o country_n we_o live_v in_o and_o the_o will_n of_o the_o prince_n we_o live_v under_o how_o much_o more_o to_o know_v the_o statute_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o law_n of_o eternity_n those_o immutable_a and_o eternal_a rule_n of_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n to_o know_v the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o great_a monarch_n and_o universal_a king_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o custom_n of_o that_o country_n where_o we_o must_v live_v for_o ever_o this_o make_v david_n to_o admire_v the_o law_n of_o god_n at_o that_o strange_a rate_n and_o to_o advance_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o above_o all_o other_o knowledge_n i_o have_v see_v a_o end_n of_o all_o perfection_n 119.96_o psal_n 119.96_o but_o thy_o commandment_n be_v exceed_o broad_a second_o it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v most_o useful_a and_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v the_o goodness_n of_o every_o thing_n be_v measure_v by_o its_o end_n
and_o use_v and_o that_o be_v the_o best_a thing_n which_o serve_v the_o best_a end_n and_o purpose_n and_o the_o more_o necessary_a any_o thing_n be_v to_o such_o a_o end_n the_o better_a it_o be_v so_o that_o the_o best_a knowledge_n be_v that_o which_o be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o necessity_n to_o we_o in_o order_n to_o our_o great_a end_n which_o be_v eternal_a happiness_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n curious_a speculation_n and_o the_o contemplation_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v impertinent_a to_o we_o and_o do_v not_o concern_v we_o nor_o serve_v to_o promote_v our_o happiness_n be_v but_o a_o more_o specious_a and_o ingenious_a sort_n of_o idleness_n a_o more_o pardonable_a and_o creditable_a kind_n of_o ignorance_n that_o man_n that_o do_v not_o know_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o use_n and_o necessity_n for_o he_o to_o know_v be_v but_o a_o ignorant_a man_n whatever_o he_o may_v know_v beside_o now_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o christ_n and_o of_o 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the_o interest_n of_o all_o state_n the_o intrigue_n of_o all_o court_n the_o reason_n of_o all_o civil_a law_n and_o constitution_n and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o history_n of_o all_o age_n can_v speak_v of_o tree_n from_o the_o cedar-tree_n that_o be_v in_o lebanon_n even_o unto_o the_o hyssop_n that_o spring_v out_o of_o the_o wall_n and_o of_o beast_n also_o and_o of_o fowl_n and_o of_o creep_a thing_n and_o of_o fish_n and_o yet_o shall_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v destitute_a of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o duty_n all_o this_o will_v be_v but_o a_o impertinent_a vanity_n and_o a_o more_o glitter_a kind_n of_o ignorance_n and_o such_o a_o man_n like_o the_o philosopher_n who_o whilst_o he_o be_v gaze_v upon_o the_o star_n fall_v into_o the_o ditch_n will_v but_o sapienter_fw-la descendere_fw-la in_o infernum_fw-la be_v undo_v with_o all_o this_o knowledge_n and_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o wisdom_n go_v down_o to_o hell_n 2._o second_o that_o to_o be_v religious_a be_v the_o true_a wisdom_n and_o that_o likewise_o upon_o two_o account_n 1._o because_o it_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a for_o ourselves_o 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a as_o to_o our_o main_a interest_n and_o concernment_n 1._o it_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a for_o ourselves_o there_o be_v a_o expression_n job_n 22.21_o he_o that_o be_v wise_a be_v profitable_a to_o himself_o and_o prov._n 9.12_o if_o thou_o be_v wise_a thou_o shall_v be_v wise_a for_o thyself_o intimate_v that_o wisdom_n regard_v a_o man_n be_v own_o interest_n and_o advantage_n and_o that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o wise_a man_n that_o do_v not_o take_v care_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o concernment_n according_a to_o that_o of_o old_a ennius_n nequicquam_fw-la sapere_fw-la sapientem_fw-la qui_fw-la sibi_fw-la ipsi_fw-la prodesse_fw-la non_fw-la quiret_fw-la that_o man_n have_v but_o a_o empty_a title_n of_o wisdom_n and_o be_v not_o real_o wise_a who_o be_v not_o wise_a for_o himself_o as_o self-preservation_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o nature_n so_o care_v of_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o interest_n be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o wisdom_n he_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o the_o affair_n and_o concernment_n of_o other_o man_n but_o careless_a and_o negligent_a of_o his_o own_o that_o man_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v busy_a but_o he_o be_v not_o wise_a he_o be_v employ_v indeed_o but_o not_o so_o as_o a_o wise_a man_n shall_v be_v now_o this_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o direct_v a_o man_n to_o a_o care_n of_o his_o own_o proper_a interest_n and_o concernment_n 2._o it_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a as_o to_o our_o main_a interest_n our_o chief_a end_n and_o high_a interest_n be_v happiness_n and_o this_o be_v happiness_n to_o be_v free_v from_o all_o if_o it_o may_v however_o from_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o to_o enjoy_v if_o it_o may_v be_v all_o good_a however_o the_o chief_a to_o be_v happy_a be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v free_v from_o the_o pain_n and_o disease_n of_o the_o body_n but_o from_o anxiety_n and_o vexation_n of_o spirit_n not_o only_o to_o enjoy_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n but_o peace_n of_o conscience_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n to_o be_v happy_a be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v so_o for_o a_o little_a while_n but_o as_o long_o as_o may_v be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o ever_o now_o religion_n design_n our_o great_a and_o long_a happiness_n it_o aim_v at_o a_o freedom_n from_o the_o great_a evil_n and_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o possession_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o great_a good_a for_o religion_n wise_o consider_v that_o man_n have_v immortal_a spirit_n which_o as_o they_o be_v spirit_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n distinct_a from_o that_o of_o our_o body_n and_o our_o sense_n and_o because_o they_o be_v immortal_a be_v capable_a of_o a_o everlasting_a happiness_n now_o our_o soul_n be_v the_o best_a part_n of_o ourselves_o and_o eternity_n be_v infinite_o the_o 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such_o circumstance_n that_o we_o must_v be_v either_o in_o part_n and_o for_o a_o time_n or_o else_o whole_o and_o always_o miserable_a the_o best_a wisdom_n be_v to_o choose_v the_o great_a and_o most_o last_a happiness_n but_o the_o least_o and_o short_a misery_n upon_o this_o account_n religion_n prefer_v those_o pleasure_n which_o flow_v from_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n for_o evermore_o infinite_o before_o the_o transitory_a pleasure_n of_o this_o world_n and_o be_v much_o more_o careful_a to_o avoid_v eternal_a misery_n than_o present_a suffering_n this_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o religion_n that_o upon_o consideration_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o cast_v up_o all_o thing_n together_o it_o do_v advise_v and_o lead_v we_o to_o our_o best_a interest_n
they_o be_v so_o or_o not_o and_o patient_o to_o consider_v the_o argument_n which_o be_v bring_v for_o they_o for_o many_o have_v miscarry_v about_o these_o thing_n not_o because_o there_o be_v not_o reason_n and_o evidence_n enough_o for_o they_o but_o because_o they_o have_v not_o have_v patience_n enough_o to_o consider_v they_o second_o consider_v these_o thing_n impartial_o all_o wicked_a man_n be_v of_o a_o party_n against_o religion_n some_o lust_n or_o interest_n engage_v they_o against_o it_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o they_o be_v apt_a to_o slight_v the_o strong_a argument_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v for_o it_o and_o to_o cry_v up_o very_o weak_a one_o against_o it_o man_n do_v general_o and_o without_o difficulty_n assent_v to_o mathematical_a truth_n because_o it_o be_v no_o body_n interest_n to_o deny_v they_o but_o man_n be_v slow_a to_o believe_v moral_a and_o divine_a truth_n because_o by_o their_o lust_n and_o interest_n they_o be_v prejudice_v against_o 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himself_o a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o acknowledge_v god_n and_o to_o demean_v himself_o religious_o towards_o he_o for_o god_n be_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v to_o our_o eye_n the_o first_o and_o the_o plain_a and_o the_o most_o glorious_a object_n of_o it_o he_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o every_o thing_n in_o they_o do_v represent_v he_o to_o we_o which_o way_n soever_o we_o turn_v ourselves_o we_o be_v encounter_v with_o clear_a evidence_n and_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o a_o deity_n for_o as_o the_o apostle_n reason_n the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v 1._o rom._n 1._o be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o that_o they_o be_v without_o excuse_n that_o be_v those_o man_n that_o know_v not_o god_n have_v no_o apology_n to_o make_v for_o themselves_o or_o if_o man_n do_v know_v and_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o god_n not_o to_o consider_v the_o proper_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o principle_n not_o to_o demean_v ourselves_o towards_o he_o as_o become_v our_o relation_n to_o he_o and_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o the_o duty_n which_o we_o natural_o owe_v he_o this_o be_v great_a stupidity_n and_o inconsiderateness_n and_o yet_o he_o that_o consider_v the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o man_n will_v very_o think_v that_o they_o understand_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n represent_v wicked_a man_n as_o without_o understanding_n it_o be_v a_o nation_n void_a of_o counsel_n 14.4_o deut._n 32.28_o psal_n 14.4_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o understanding_n in_o they_o and_o elsewhere_o have_v all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n no_o knowledge_n not_o that_o they_o be_v destitute_a of_o the_o natural_a faculty_n of_o understanding_n but_o they_o do_v not_o use_v it_o as_o they_o ought_v they_o be_v not_o blind_a but_o they_o wink_v they_o detain_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n in_o unrighteousness_n and_o though_o they_o know_v god_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o glorify_v he_o as_o god_n nor_o suffer_v the_o apprehension_n of_o he_o to_o have_v a_o due_a influence_n upon_o their_o heart_n and_o life_n man_n general_o stand_v very_o much_o upon_o the_o credit_n and_o reputation_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n hate_v to_o be_v account_v fool_n because_o it_o be_v so_o great_a a_o reproach_n the_o best_a way_n to_o avoid_v this_o imputation_n and_o to_o bring_v off_o the_o credit_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v to_o be_v true_o religious_a to_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n for_o certain_o there_o be_v no_o such_o imprudent_a person_n as_o he_o that_o neglect_v god_n and_o his_o soul_n and_o be_v careless_a and_o slothful_a about_o his_o everlasting_a concernment_n because_o this_o man_n act_v contrary_a to_o his_o true_a reason_n and_o best_a interest_n he_o neglect_v his_o own_o safety_n and_o be_v active_a to_o procure_v his_o own_o ruin_n he_o fly_v from_o happiness_n and_o run_v away_o from_o it_o as_o fast_o as_o he_o can_v but_o pursue_v misery_n and_o make_v haste_n to_o be_v undo_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o solomon_n do_v all_o along_o in_o the_o proverb_n give_v the_o title_n of_o fool_n to_o a_o wicked_a man_n as_o if_o it_o be_v his_o proper_a name_n and_o the_o fit_a character_n of_o he_o because_o he_o be_v so_o eminent_o such_o there_o be_v no_o fool_n to_o the_o sinner_n who_o every_o moment_n venture_v his_o soul_n and_o lay_v his_o everlasting_a interest_n at_o the_o stake_n every_o time_n a_o man_n provoke_v god_n he_o do_v the_o great_a mischief_n to_o himself_o that_o can_v be_v imagine_v a_o mad_a man_n that_o cut_v himself_o and_o tear_n his_o own_o flesh_n and_o dash_v his_o head_n against_o the_o stone_n do_v not_o act_v so_o unreasonable_o as_o he_o because_o he_o be_v not_o so_o sensible_a of_o what_o he_o do_v wickedness_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o voluntary_a frenzy_n and_o a_o choose_a distraction_n and_o every_o sinner_n do_v wild_a and_o more_o extravagant_a thing_n than_o any_o man_n can_v do_v that_o be_v craze_v and_o out_o of_o his_o wit_n only_o with_o this_o sad_a difference_n that_o he_o know_v better_a what_o he_o do_v for_o to_o they_o who_o believe_v another_o life_n after_o this_o a_o eternal_a state_n of_o happiness_n or_o misery_n in_o another_o world_n which_o be_v but_o a_o reasonable_a postulatum_fw-la or_o demand_v among_o christian_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o mathematics_n more_o demonstrable_a than_o the_o folly_n of_o wicked_a man_n for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o clear_a and_o more_o evident_a principle_n that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o a_o
thus_o to_o use_v the_o author_n of_o our_o being_n and_o the_o patron_n of_o our_o life_n to_o make_v a_o scorn_n of_o he_o that_o make_v we_o and_o to_o live_v in_o a_o open_a defiance_n of_o he_o in_o who_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o being_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o as_o it_o be_v a_o most_o heinous_a so_o it_o be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a impiety_n to_o despise_v he_o that_o can_v destroy_v we_o and_o to_o oppose_v he_o who_o be_v infinite_o more_o powerful_a than_o we_o be_v will_v you_o say_v the_o apostle_n provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n be_v you_o strong_a than_o he_o what_o gamaliel_n say_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o another_o case_n may_v with_o a_o little_a change_n be_v apply_v to_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a you_o can_v overthrow_v they_o therefore_o refrain_v from_o speak_v against_o these_o thing_n lest_o you_o be_v find_v fighter_n against_o god_n i_o will_v but_o add_v one_o thing_n more_o to_o show_v the_o folly_n of_o this_o profane_a temper_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o other_o sin_n so_o there_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o least_o temptation_n to_o it_o when_o the_o devil_n tempt_v man_n with_o riches_n or_o honour_n to_o ruin_v themselves_o he_o offer_v they_o some_o kind_n of_o consideration_n but_o the_o profane_a person_n serve_v the_o devil_n for_o nought_o and_o sin_n only_o for_o sin_n sake_n suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v tempt_v to_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o into_o the_o great_a danger_n for_o no_o other_o reward_n but_o the_o slender_a reputation_n of_o seem_v to_o say_v that_o witty_o which_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v say_v and_o what_o a_o folly_n be_v this_o for_o a_o man_n to_o offend_v his_o conscience_n to_o please_v his_o humour_n and_o only_o for_o his_o jest_n to_o lose_v two_o of_o the_o best_a friend_n he_o have_v in_o the_o world_n god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o upon_o this_o argument_n and_o now_o i_o beg_v your_o patience_n to_o apply_v what_o i_o have_v say_v to_o these_o three_o purpose_n 1._o to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o this_o impious_a and_o dangerous_a folly_n of_o profaneness_n which_o by_o some_o be_v miscall_v wit_n 2._o to_o caution_n man_n not_o to_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o religion_n because_o some_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o despise_v and_o deride_v it_o 3._o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o employ_v that_o reason_n and_o wit_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o to_o better_a and_o noble_a purpose_n in_o the_o service_n and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o god_n who_o have_v bestow_v these_o gift_n on_o man_n 1._o to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o this_o impious_a and_o dangerous_a folly_n i_o know_v not_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o some_o man_n have_v the_o fortune_n to_o be_v esteem_v wit_n only_o for_o jest_v out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n and_o for_o make_v bold_a to_o scoff_n at_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n reverence_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v account_v a_o wit_n for_o revile_v those_o in_o authority_n which_o be_v no_o more_o a_o argument_n of_o any_o man_n wit_n than_o it_o be_v of_o his_o discretion_n a_o wise_a man_n will_v not_o speak_v contemptuous_o of_o a_o great_a prince_n though_o he_o be_v out_o of_o his_o dominion_n because_o he_o remember_v that_o king_n have_v long_a hand_n and_o that_o their_o power_n and_o influence_n do_v many_o time_n reach_v a_o great_a way_n far_o than_o their_o direct_a authority_n but_o god_n be_v a_o great_a king_n and_o in_o his_o hand_n be_v all_o the_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n we_o can_v go_v no_o whither_o from_o his_o spirit_n nor_o can_v we_o flee_v from_o his_o presence_n wherever_o we_o be_v his_o eye_n see_v we_o and_o his_o right_a hand_n can_v reach_v we_o if_o man_n do_v true_o consult_v the_o interest_n either_o of_o their_o safety_n or_o reputation_n they_o will_v never_o exercise_v their_o wit_n in_o dangerous_a matter_n wit_n be_v a_o very_a commendable_a quality_n but_o then_o a_o wise_a man_n shall_v always_o have_v the_o keep_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o sharp_a weapon_n as_o apt_a for_o mischief_n as_o for_o good_a purpose_n if_o it_o be_v not_o well_o manage_v the_o proper_a use_n of_o it_o be_v to_o season_v conversation_n to_o represent_v what_o be_v praiseworthy_a to_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o to_o expose_v the_o vice_n and_o folly_n of_o man_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v in_o themselves_o true_o ridiculous_a but_o if_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o grave_a and_o most_o serious_a matter_n it_o then_o lose_v its_o commendation_n if_o any_o man_n think_v he_o abound_v in_o this_o quality_n and_o have_v wit_n to_o spare_v there_o be_v scope_n enough_o for_o it_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o religion_n and_o decency_n and_o when_o it_o transgress_v these_o it_o degenerate_v into_o insolence_n and_o impiety_n all_o wit_n which_o border_n upon_o profaneness_n and_o make_v bold_a with_o those_o thing_n to_o which_o the_o great_a reverence_n be_v due_a deserve_v to_o be_v brand_v for_o folly_n and_o if_o we_o will_v preserve_v ourselves_o from_o the_o infection_n of_o this_o vice_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n how_o we_o scoff_v at_o religion_n under_o any_o form_n lest_o insensible_o we_o derive_v some_o contempt_n upon_o religion_n itself_o and_o we_o must_v likewise_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o a_o slight_a and_o irreverent_a use_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o phrase_n and_o expression_n of_o the_o holy_a bible_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v upon_o every_o light_a occasion_n man_n will_v easy_o slide_v into_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o profaneness_n who_o be_v not_o careful_a to_o preserve_v a_o due_a reverence_n of_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a name_n of_o god_n and_o a_o awful_a regard_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n none_o so_o near_o dispose_v to_o scoff_v at_o religion_n as_o those_o who_o have_v accustom_v themselves_o to_o swear_v upon_o trifle_a occasion_n for_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o permit_v those_o who_o allow_v themselves_o in_o one_o degree_n of_o profaneness_n to_o proceed_v to_o another_o till_o at_o last_o they_o come_v to_o that_o height_n of_o impiety_n as_o to_o contemn_v all_o religion_n 2._o let_v no_o man_n think_v the_o worse_a of_o religion_n because_o some_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o despise_v and_o deride_v it_o for_o it_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o any_o person_n or_o thing_n to_o be_v laugh_v at_o but_o to_o deserve_v to_o be_v so_o the_o most_o grave_a and_o serious_a matter_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v abuse_v it_o be_v a_o know_v say_v of_o epictetus_n that_o every_o thing_n have_v two_o handle_n by_o which_o he_o mean_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o bad_a but_o a_o man_n may_v lay_v hold_n of_o something_o or_o other_o about_o it_o that_o will_v afford_v matter_n of_o excuse_n and_o extenuation_n nor_o nothing_o so_o excellent_a but_o a_o man_n may_v fasten_v upon_o something_o or_o other_o belong_v to_o it_o whereby_o to_o reduce_v it_o a_o sharp_a wit_n may_v find_v something_o in_o the_o wise_a man_n whereby_o to_o expose_v he_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o injudicious_a people_n the_o grave_a book_n that_o ever_o be_v write_v may_v be_v make_v ridiculous_a by_o apply_v the_o say_n of_o it_o to_o a_o foolish_a purpose_n for_o a_o jest_n may_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o any_o thing_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o less_o reverence_n for_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n or_o for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o idle_a and_o profane_a wit_n can_v break_v jest_n upon_o they_o nothing_o be_v so_o easy_a as_o to_o take_v particular_a phrase_n and_o expression_n out_o of_o the_o best_a book_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o abuse_v they_o by_o force_v a_o odd_a and_o ridiculous_a sense_n upon_o they_o but_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v think_v a_o good_a book_n foolish_a for_o this_o reason_n but_o the_o man_n that_o abuse_v it_o nor_o will_v he_o esteem_v that_o to_o which_o every_o thing_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v a_o just_a exception_n against_o any_o thing_n at_o this_o rate_n we_o must_v despise_v all_o thing_n but_o sure_o the_o better_a and_o the_o short_a way_n be_v to_o contemn_v those_o who_o will_v bring_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v worthy_a into_o contempt_n 3._o and_o last_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o employ_v that_o reason_n and_o wit_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o to_o better_a and_o noble_a purpose_n in_o the_o service_n and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o god_n who_o have_v
this_o word_n be_v so_o to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o text_n may_v appear_v far_o from_o the_o opposition_n of_o it_o to_o sin_n or_o vice_n in_o general_a righteousness_n exalt_v a_o nation_n but_o sin_n be_v the_o reproach_n of_o any_o people_n you_o see_v then_o what_o will_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o my_o present_a discourse_n namely_o that_o religion_n and_o virtue_n be_v the_o great_a cause_n of_o public_a happiness_n and_o prosperity_n and_o though_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o have_v be_v universal_o acknowledge_v and_o long_o enough_o experience_v in_o the_o world_n yet_o because_o the_o fashion_n of_o the_o age_n be_v to_o call_v every_o thing_n into_o question_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o satisfy_v man_n reason_n about_o it_o to_o which_o end_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o this_o truth_n 2._o to_o vindicate_v it_o from_o the_o pretence_n and_o insinuation_n of_o atheistical_a person_n i._o shall_v give_v you_o this_o twofold_a account_n of_o it_o 1._o from_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n 2._o from_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o the_o thing_n 1._o from_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n indeed_o as_o to_o particular_a person_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v many_o time_n promiscuous_o administer_v in_o this_o world_n so_o that_o no_o man_n can_v certain_o conclude_v god_n love_n or_o hatred_n to_o any_o person_n by_o any_o thing_n that_o befall_v he_o in_o this_o life_n but_o god_n do_v not_o deal_v thus_o with_o nation_n because_o public_a body_n and_o community_n of_o man_n as_o such_o can_v only_o be_v reward_v and_o punish_v in_o this_o world_n for_o in_o the_o next_o all_o those_o public_a society_n and_o combination_n wherein_o man_n be_v now_o link_v together_o under_o several_a government_n shall_v be_v dissolve_v god_n will_v not_o then_o reward_n or_o punish_v nation_n as_o nation_n but_o every_o man_n shall_v then_o give_v a_o account_n of_o himself_o to_o god_n and_o receive_v his_o own_o reward_n and_o bear_v his_o own_o burden_n for_o although_o god_n account_v it_o no_o disparagement_n to_o his_o justice_n to_o let_v particular_a good_a man_n suffer_v in_o this_o world_n and_o pass_v through_o many_o tribulation_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n because_o there_o be_v another_o day_n a_o come_n which_o will_v be_v a_o more_o proper_a season_n of_o reward_n yet_o in_o the_o usual_a course_n of_o his_o providence_n he_o recompense_v religious_a and_o virtuous_a nation_n with_o temporal_a blessing_n and_o prosperity_n for_o which_o reason_n st._n austin_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o mighty_a success_n and_o long_a prosperity_n of_o the_o roman_n be_v a_o reward_n give_v they_o by_o god_n for_o their_o eminent_a justice_n and_o temperance_n and_o other_o virtue_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n god_n many_o time_n suffer_v the_o most_o grievous_a sin_n of_o particular_a person_n to_o go_v unpunished_a in_o this_o world_n because_o he_o know_v that_o his_o justice_n will_v have_v another_o and_o better_a opportunity_n to_o meet_v and_o reckon_v with_o they_o but_o the_o general_a and_o cry_a sin_n of_o a_o nation_n can_v hope_v to_o escape_v public_a judgement_n unless_o they_o be_v prevent_v by_o a_o general_a repentance_n god_n may_v defer_v his_o judgement_n for_o a_o time_n and_o give_v a_o people_n a_o long_a space_n of_o repentance_n he_o may_v stay_v till_o the_o iniquity_n of_o a_o nation_n be_v full_a but_o soon_o or_o late_a they_o have_v reason_n to_o expect_v his_o vengeance_n and_o usual_o the_o long_a punishment_n be_v delay_v it_o be_v the_o heavy_a when_o it_o come_v now_o all_o this_o be_v very_o reasonable_a because_n this_o world_n be_v the_o only_a season_n for_o national_a punishment_n and_o indeed_o they_o be_v in_o a_o great_a degree_n necessary_a for_o the_o present_a vindication_n of_o the_o honour_n and_o majesty_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n and_o to_o give_v some_o check_n to_o the_o overflow_a of_o wickedness_n public_a judgement_n be_v the_o bank_n and_o shore_n upon_o which_o god_n break_v the_o insolency_n of_o sinner_n and_o stay_v their_o proud_a wave_n and_o though_o among_o man_n the_o multitude_n of_o offender_n be_v many_o time_n a_o cause_n of_o impunity_n because_o of_o the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a government_n which_o be_v glad_a to_o spare_v where_o they_o be_v not_o strong_a enough_o to_o punish_v yet_o in_o the_o government_n of_o god_n thing_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o no_o combination_n of_o sinner_n be_v too_o hard_a for_o he_o and_o the_o great_a and_o more_o numerous_a the_o offender_n be_v the_o more_o his_o justice_n be_v concern_v to_o vindicate_v the_o affront_n however_o god_n may_v pass_v by_o single_a sinner_n in_o this_o world_n yet_o when_o a_o nation_n combine_v against_o he_o when_o hand_n join_v in_o hand_n the_o wicked_a shall_v not_o go_v unpunished_a this_o the_o scripture_n declare_v to_o be_v the_o settle_a course_n of_o god_n providence_n that_o a_o righteous_a nation_n shall_v be_v happy_a the_o work_n of_o righteousness_n shall_v be_v peace_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o he_o use_v to_o shower_v down_o his_o judgement_n upon_o a_o wicked_a people_n he_o turn_v a_o fruitful_a land_n into_o barrenness_n for_o the_o wickedness_n of_o they_o that_o dwell_v therein_o and_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n have_v make_v this_o good_a all_o along_o the_o history_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n we_o find_v the_o interchangeable_a providence_n of_o god_n towards_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n always_o suit_v to_o their_o manner_n they_o be_v constant_o prosperous_a or_o afflict_a according_a as_o piety_n and_o virtue_n flourish_v or_o decline_v among_o they_o and_o god_n do_v not_o only_o exercise_v this_o providence_n towards_o his_o own_o people_n but_o he_o deal_v thus_o also_o with_o other_o nation_n the_o roman_a empire_n whilst_o the_o virtue_n of_o that_o people_n remain_v firm_a be_v strong_a as_o iron_n as_o it_o be_v represent_v in_o the_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n but_o upon_o the_o dissolution_n of_o their_o manner_n the_o iron_n begin_v to_o be_v mix_v with_o miry_a clay_n and_o the_o foot_n upon_o which_o that_o empire_n stand_v to_o be_v break_v and_o though_o god_n in_o the_o administration_n of_o his_o justice_n be_v not_o tie_v to_o precedent_n and_o we_o can_v argue_v from_o scripture_n example_n that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n towards_o other_o nation_n shall_v in_o all_o circumstance_n be_v conformable_a to_o his_o deal_n with_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n yet_o thus_o much_o may_v with_o great_a probability_n be_v collect_v from_o they_o that_o as_o god_n always_o bless_v that_o people_n while_o they_o be_v obedient_a to_o he_o and_o follow_v they_o with_o his_o judgement_n when_o they_o rebel_v against_o he_o so_o he_o will_v also_o deal_v with_o other_o nation_n because_o the_o reason_n of_o those_o dispensation_n as_o to_o the_o main_a and_o substance_n of_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v perpetual_a and_o found_v in_o that_o which_o can_v never_o change_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n 2_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o far_a appear_v from_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o every_o particular_a virtue_n do_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n conduce_v to_o the_o public_a interest_n religion_n wherever_o it_o be_v true_o plant_v be_v certain_o the_o great_a obligation_n upon_o conscience_n to_o all_o civil_a office_n and_o moral_a duty_n chastity_n and_o temperance_n and_o industry_n do_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n tend_v to_o health_n and_o plenty_n truth_n and_o fidelity_n in_o all_o our_o deal_n do_v create_v mutual_a love_n and_o goodwill_n and_o confidence_n among_o man_n which_o be_v the_o great_a band_n of_o peace_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a wickedness_n do_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n produce_v many_o public_a mischief_n for_o as_o sin_n be_v link_v together_o and_o draw_v on_o one_o another_o so_o almost_o every_o vice_n have_v some_o temporal_a inconvenience_n annex_v to_o it_o and_o natural_o follow_v it_o intemperance_n and_o lust_n breed_v infirmity_n and_o disease_n which_o be_v propagate_v spoil_v the_o strain_n of_o a_o nation_n idleness_n and_o luxury_n bring_v forth_o poverty_n and_o want_n and_o this_o tempt_v man_n to_o injustice_n and_o that_o cause_v enmity_n and_o animosity_n and_o these_o bring_v on_o strife_n and_o confusion_n and_o every_o evil_a work_n this_o philosophical_a account_n of_o public_a trouble_n and_o confusion_n st._n james_n give_v we_o 4.1_o jam._n 4.1_o whence_o come_v war_n and_o fight_n among_o you_o be_v they_o not_o hence_o even_o from_o your_o lust_n that_o war_n in_o your_o member_n but_o i_o shall_v show_v more_o particular_o that_o religion_n and_o virtue_n do_v natural_o tend_v
own_o nature_n conduce_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o health_n and_o the_o lengthen_v of_o our_o day_n such_o as_o temperance_n and_o chastity_n and_o moderation_n of_o our_o passion_n and_o the_o contrary_a vice_n to_o these_o do_v apparent_o tend_v to_o the_o impair_n of_o man_n health_n and_o the_o shorten_n of_o their_o day_n how_o many_o have_v waste_v and_o consume_v their_o body_n by_o lust_n and_o bring_v grievous_a pain_n and_o mortal_a disease_n upon_o themselves_o see_v how_o the_o wise_a man_n describe_v the_o sad_a consequence_n of_o this_o sin_n he_o go_v as_o a_o ox_n to_o the_o slaughter_n till_o a_o dart_n strike_v through_o his_o liver_n 23._o prov._n 7.22_o 23._o as_o a_o bird_n hasten_v to_o the_o snare_n and_o know_v not_o that_o it_o be_v for_o his_o life_n and_o v._o 25_o 26_o 27._o let_v not_o thy_o heart_n decline_v to_o her_o way_n go_v not_o astray_o in_o her_o path_n for_o she_o have_v cast_v down_o many_o wound_a yea_o many_o young_a man_n have_v be_v slay_v by_o she_o her_o house_n be_v the_o way_n to_o hell_n that_o be_v to_o the_o grave_n go_v down_o to_o the_o chamber_n of_o death_n how_o many_o have_v be_v ruin_v by_o intemperance_n and_o excess_n and_o most_o unnatural_o have_v pervert_v those_o blessing_n which_o god_n have_v give_v for_o the_o support_n of_o nature_n to_o the_o overthrow_n and_o destruction_n of_o it_o how_o often_o have_v man_n malice_n and_o envy_n and_o discontent_n against_o other_o terminate_v in_o a_o cruel_a revenge_n upon_o themselves_o how_o many_o by_o the_o wild_a fury_n and_o extravagancy_n of_o their_o own_o passion_n have_v put_v their_o body_n into_o a_o combustion_n and_o fire_v their_o spirit_n and_o by_o stir_v up_o their_o rage_n and_o choler_n against_o other_o have_v arm_v that_o fierce_a humour_n against_o themselves_o 2._o as_o to_o our_o estate_n religion_n be_v likewise_o a_o mighty_a advantage_n to_o man_n in_o that_o respect_n not_o only_o in_o regard_n of_o god_n more_o especial_a providence_n and_o peculiar_a blessing_n which_o usual_o attend_v good_a man_n in_o their_o undertake_n and_o crown_n they_o with_o good_a success_n but_o also_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o those_o expression_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n concern_v the_o temporal_a benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o wisdom_n or_o religion_n 3.16_o pro._n 3.16_o in_o her_o left_a hand_n be_v riches_n and_o honour_n 8.21_o pro._n 8.21_o they_o that_o love_v i_o shall_v inherit_v substance_n and_o i_o will_v fill_v their_o treasure_n and_o this_o religion_n principal_o do_v by_o charge_v man_n with_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n and_o justice_n in_o their_o deal_n which_o be_v a_o sure_a way_n of_o thrive_a and_o will_v hold_v out_o when_o all_o fraudulent_a art_n and_o device_n will_v fail_v and_o this_o also_o solomon_n observe_v to_o we_o he_o that_o walk_v upright_o walk_v sure_o 10.9_o pro._n 10.9_o but_o he_o that_o pervert_v his_o way_n shall_v be_v know_v his_o indirect_a deal_n will_v be_v discover_v one_o time_n or_o other_o and_o then_o lose_v his_o reputation_n and_o his_o interest_n sink_v falshood_n and_o deceit_n only_o serve_v a_o present_a turn_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o they_o be_v pernicious_a but_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n be_v of_o last_a advantage_n 10.5_o pro._n 10.5_o the_o righteous_a have_v a_o everlasting_a foundation_n 12.19_o prov._n 12.19_o the_o lip_n of_o truth_n be_v establish_v for_o ever_o but_o a_o lie_a tongue_n be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n and_o religion_n do_v likewise_o engage_v man_n to_o diligence_n and_o industry_n in_o their_o calling_n and_o how_o much_o this_o conduce_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o man_n fortune_n daily_a experience_n teach_v and_o the_o wiseman_n have_v tell_v we_o the_o diligent_a hand_n make_v rich_a 10.4_o prov._n 10.4_o and_o again_o see_v thou_o a_o man_n diligent_a in_o business_n he_o shall_v stand_v before_o prince_n 22.19_o prov._n 22.19_o he_o shall_v not_o stand_v before_o mean_a person_n and_o where_o man_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o difficult_a circumstance_n of_o their_o condition_n can_v arrive_v to_o any_o eminency_n of_o estate_n yet_o religion_n make_v a_o compensation_n for_o this_o by_o teach_v man_n to_o be_v content_v with_o that_o moderate_a and_o competent_a fortune_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o for_o the_o short_a way_n to_o be_v rich_a be_v not_o by_o enlarge_n our_o estate_n but_o by_o contract_v our_o desire_n what_o seneca_n say_v of_o philosophy_n be_v much_o more_o true_a of_o religion_n praestat_fw-la opes_fw-la sapientia_fw-la quas_fw-la cuicunque_fw-la fecit_fw-la supervacuas_fw-la dedit_fw-la it_o make_v all_o those_o rich_a to_o who_o it_o make_v riches_n superfluous_a and_o they_o be_v so_o to_o those_o who_o be_v teach_v by_o religion_n to_o be_v content_v with_o such_o a_o portion_n of_o they_o as_o god_n providence_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o allot_v to_o they_o 3._o as_o to_o our_o reputation_n there_o be_v nothing_o give_v a_o man_n a_o more_o firm_a and_o establish_a reputation_n among_o wise_a and_o serious_a person_n who_o judgement_n be_v only_o valuable_a than_o a_o prudent_a and_o substantial_a piety_n this_o do_v many_o time_n command_v reverence_n and_o esteem_v from_o the_o worse_a sort_n of_o man_n and_o such_o as_o be_v no_o great_a friend_n to_o religion_n and_o sometime_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n will_v extort_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o its_o excellency_n even_o from_o its_o great_a enemy_n i_o know_v very_o well_o that_o good_a man_n may_v and_o often_o do_v blemish_v the_o reputation_n of_o their_o piety_n by_o overacting_a some_o thing_n in_o religion_n by_o a_o indiscreet_a zeal_n about_o thing_n wherein_o religion_n be_v not_o concern_v by_o a_o ungrateful_a austerity_n and_o sourness_n which_o religion_n do_v not_o require_v by_o little_a affectation_n and_o a_o imprudent_a ostentation_n of_o devotion_n but_o a_o substantial_a and_o solid_a a_o discreet_a and_o unaffected_a piety_n which_o make_v no_o great_a noise_n and_o show_v but_o express_v itself_o in_o a_o constant_a and_o serious_a devotion_n and_o be_v accompany_v with_o the_o fruit_n of_o goodness_n and_o kindness_n and_o righteousness_n towards_o man_n will_v not_o only_o give_v a_o man_n a_o credit_n and_o value_n among_o the_o sober_a and_o the_o virtuous_a but_o even_o among_o the_o vicious_a and_o more_o degenerate_a sort_n of_o man_n upon_o this_o account_n it_o be_v that_o the_o apostle_n advise_v christian_n if_o they_o will_v recommend_v themselves_o to_o the_o esteem_n of_o god_n and_o man_n earnest_o to_o mind_v the_o weighty_a and_o substantial_a part_n of_o religion_n let_v not_o then_o your_o good_a be_v evil_o speak_v of_o for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o he_o that_o in_o these_o thing_n serve_v christ_n be_v acceptable_a to_o god_n and_o approve_v of_o man_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o be_v some_o person_n of_o so_o profligate_v a_o temper_n and_o of_o such_o a_o inveterate_a enmity_n to_o all_o goodness_n as_o to_o scorn_v and_o reproach_n even_o religion_n and_o virtue_n itself_o but_o the_o reproach_n of_o such_o person_n do_v not_o real_o wound_v a_o man_n reputation_n for_o why_o shall_v any_o man_n be_v trouble_v at_o the_o contumely_n of_o those_o who_o judgement_n deserve_v not_o to_o be_v value_v who_o despise_v goodness_n and_o good_a man_n out_o of_o malice_n and_o ignorance_n if_o these_o reproach_n which_o they_o cast_v upon_o they_o be_v the_o censure_n of_o wise_a and_o sober_a man_n a_o man_n reputation_n may_v be_v concern_v in_o they_o but_o they_o be_v the_o rash_a word_n of_o inconsiderate_a and_o injudicious_a man_n the_o extravagant_a speech_n of_o those_o who_o be_v unexperienced_a in_o the_o thing_n they_o speak_v against_o and_o therefore_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v trouble_v at_o they_o or_o think_v either_o religion_n or_o himself_o disparage_v by_o they_o 4._o as_o to_o our_o relation_n religion_n also_o conduce_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o these_o as_o it_o derive_v a_o large_a and_o extensive_a blessing_n upon_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o we_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n be_v so_o diffusive_a as_o to_o scatter_v his_o blessing_n round_o about_o the_o habitation_n of_o the_o just_a and_o to_o show_v mercy_n unto_o thousand_o of_o they_o that_o love_v he_o and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n so_o david_n tell_v we_o 3._o psal_n 112.1_o 2_o 3._o bless_a be_v the_o man_n that_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o delight_v great_o in_o his_o commandment_n his_o seed_n shall_v be_v mighty_a upon_o earth_n the_o generation_n of_o the_o upright_o shall_v be_v bless_v wealth_n and_o riches_n be_v in_o his_o house_n and_o his_o righteousness_n endure_v for_o ever_o 13.22_o prov._n 13.22_o and_o so_o solomon_n
of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n how_o gross_o and_o open_o do_v many_o of_o we_o contradict_v the_o plain_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o our_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n by_o live_v intemperate_o or_o unjust_o or_o profane_o in_o this_o present_a world_n as_o if_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n have_v never_o appear_v to_o we_o as_o if_o we_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o heaven_n or_o hell_n or_o believe_v not_o one_o word_n that_o the_o scripture_n say_v concern_v they_o as_o if_o we_o be_v in_o no_o expectation_n of_o the_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appearance_n of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o god_n have_v appoint_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n in_o righteousness_n and_o who_o will_v bestow_v mighty_a reward_n upon_o those_o who_o faithful_o serve_v he_o but_o will_v come_v in_o flame_a sire_n to_o take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o that_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n let_v we_o not_o then_o deceive_v ourselves_o by_o pretend_v to_o this_o excellent_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n our_o lord_n if_o we_o do_v not_o frame_v our_o life_n according_a to_o it_o for_o though_o we_o know_v these_o thing_n never_o so_o well_o yet_o we_o be_v not_o happy_a unless_o we_o do_v they_o nay_o we_o be_v but_o the_o more_o miserable_a for_o know_v they_o if_o we_o do_v they_o not_o therefore_o it_o concern_v every_o one_o of_o we_o to_o consider_v serious_o what_o we_o believe_v and_o whether_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v its_o due_a effect_n upon_o our_o life_n if_o not_o all_o the_o precept_n and_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o we_o and_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n will_v be_v so_o many_o article_n of_o accusation_n and_o the_o great_a weight_n of_o our_o charge_n will_v be_v this_o that_o we_o do_v not_o obey_v that_o gospel_n which_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v that_o we_o make_v confession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o live_v like_o heathen_n not_o to_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n after_o so_o great_a evidence_n and_o confirmation_n as_o god_n have_v give_v to_o it_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a but_o to_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a and_o yet_o to_o live_v as_o if_o it_o be_v false_a be_v the_o great_a repugnancy_n and_o contradiction_n that_o can_v be_v he_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v christianity_n either_o have_v or_o think_v he_o have_v some_o reason_n for_o withhold_a his_o assent_n from_o it_o but_o he_o that_o believe_v it_o and_o yet_o live_v contrary_a to_o it_o know_v that_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o what_o he_o do_v and_o be_v convince_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o do_v otherwise_o and_o he_o be_v a_o miserable_a man_n indeed_o that_o do_v those_o thing_n for_o the_o do_v of_o which_o he_o continual_o stand_v condemn_v by_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o according_o god_n will_v deal_v more_o severe_o with_o such_o person_n he_o will_v pardon_v a_o thousand_o defect_n in_o our_o understanding_n if_o they_o do_v not_o proceed_v from_o gross_a carelessness_n and_o neglect_n of_o ourselves_o but_o the_o fault_n of_o our_o will_n have_v no_o excuse_n because_o we_o know_v to_o do_v better_a and_o be_v convince_v in_o our_o mind_n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v do_v so_o do_v thou_o believe_v that_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o ungodliness_n and_o unrighteousness_n of_o man_n and_o do_v thou_o still_o allow_v thyself_o in_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n be_v thou_o convince_v that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n and_o do_v thou_o still_o persist_v in_o a_o wicked_a course_n be_v thou_o full_o persuade_v that_o no_o whoremonger_n nor_o adulterer_n nor_o covetous_a nor_o unrighteous_a person_n shall_v have_v any_o inheritance_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o do_v thou_o for_o all_o that_o continue_v to_o practice_v these_o vice_n what_o can_v thou_o say_v man_n why_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v to_o thou_o according_a to_o thy_o faith_n if_o it_o so_o fall_v out_o that_o thou_o be_v miserable_a and_o undo_v for_o ever_o thou_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v surprise_v as_o if_o some_o unexpected_a thing_n have_v happen_v to_o thou_o it_o be_v but_o with_o thou_o just_a as_o thou_o believ'd_v it_o will_v be_v when_o thou_o do_v these_o thing_n for_o how_o can_v thou_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v accept_v of_o thy_o good_a belief_n when_o thou_o do_v so_o notorious_o contradict_v it_o by_o a_o bad_a life_n how_o can_v thou_o look_v for_o other_o but_o that_o god_n shall_v condemn_v thou_o for_o the_o do_v of_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o thy_o own_o conscience_n do_v condemn_v thou_o all_o the_o while_o thou_o be_v do_v of_o they_o when_o we_o come_v into_o the_o other_o world_n there_o be_v no_o consideration_n that_o will_v sting_v our_o conscience_n more_o cruel_o than_o this_o that_o we_o do_v wicked_o when_o we_o know_v to_o have_v do_v better_a and_o choose_v to_o make_v ourselves_o miserable_a when_o we_o understand_v the_o way_n to_o have_v be_v happy_a to_o conclude_v we_o christian_n have_v certain_o the_o best_a and_o the_o holy_a the_o wise_a and_o most_o reasonable_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n but_o then_o we_o be_v in_o the_o worst_a condition_n of_o all_o mankind_n if_o the_o best_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n do_v not_o make_v we_o good_a 1_o john_n 5.3_o and_o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a one_o of_o the_o great_a prejudices_fw-la which_o man_n have_v entertain_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v this_o that_o it_o lay_v upon_o man_n heavy_a burden_n and_o grievous_a to_o be_v bear_v that_o the_o law_n of_o it_o be_v very_o strict_a and_o severe_a difficult_a to_o be_v keep_v and_o yet_o dangerous_a to_o be_v break_v that_o it_o require_v we_o to_o govern_v and_o keep_v under_o our_o passion_n and_o to_o contradict_v many_o time_n our_o strong_a inclination_n and_o desire_n to_o cut_v off_o our_o right_a hand_n and_o to_o pluck_v out_o our_o right_a eye_n to_o love_v cur_n enemy_n to_o bless_v they_o that_o curse_v we_o to_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v we_o and_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o despiteful_o use_v we_o and_o persecute_v we_o to_o forgive_v the_o great_a injury_n that_o be_v do_v to_o we_o and_o to_o make_v reparation_n for_o the_o least_o that_o we_o do_v to_o other_o to_o be_v content_v with_o our_o condition_n patient_a under_o suffering_n and_o ready_a to_o sacrifice_v our_o dear_a interest_n in_o this_o world_n and_o even_o our_o very_a life_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n all_o these_o seem_v to_o be_v hard_a say_n and_o grievous_a commandment_n for_o the_o removal_n of_o this_o prejudice_n i_o have_v choose_v these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o express_o tell_v we_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o grievous_a and_o though_o this_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n if_o it_o be_v impartial_o consider_v yet_o it_o be_v also_o a_o great_a paradox_n to_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o vicious_a practice_n who_o be_v prejudice_v against_o religion_n and_o the_o holy_a law_n of_o god_n by_o their_o interest_n and_o their_o lust_n this_o seem_v a_o strange_a proposition_n to_o those_o who_o look_v upon_o religion_n at_o a_o distance_n and_o never_o try_v the_o experiment_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n who_o measure_v the_o law_n of_o god_n not_o by_o the_o intrinsical_a goodness_n and_o equity_n of_o they_o but_o by_o the_o reluctancy_n and_o opposition_n which_o they_o find_v in_o their_o own_o heart_n against_o they_o upon_o this_o account_n it_o will_v be_v requisite_a to_o take_v some_o pain_n to_o satisfy_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n concern_v this_o truth_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o make_v it_o so_o evident_a that_o those_o who_o be_v unwilling_a to_o own_v it_o may_v yet_o be_v ashamed_a to_o deny_v it_o and_o methinks_v i_o have_v this_o peculiar_a advantage_n in_o the_o argument_n i_o have_v now_o undertake_v that_o every_o reasonable_a man_n can_v choose_v but_o wish_v i_o success_n in_o this_o attempt_n because_o i_o undertake_v the_o proof_n of_o that_o which_o it_o be_v every_o man_n interest_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v true_a and_o if_o i_o can_v make_v it_o out_o this_o pretence_n against_o religion_n will_v not_o only_o be_v baffle_v but_o we_o shall_v gain_v a_o new_a and_o forcible_a argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n over_o to_o it_o now_o the_o easiness_n or_o difficulty_n of_o the_o observation_n of_o any_o law_n or_o command_n depend_v chief_o upon_o these_o three_o thing_n first_o upon_o the_o nature_n of_o
the_o law_n themselves_o and_o their_o suitableness_n or_o unsuitableness_n to_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v give_v second_o upon_o the_o ability_n or_o weakness_n of_o those_o on_o who_o these_o law_n be_v impose_v for_o the_o keep_n of_o they_o for_o easiness_n and_o difficulty_n be_v relative_a term_n and_o refer_v to_o some_o power_n and_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v difficult_a to_o a_o weak_a man_n which_o yet_o may_v be_v easy_a to_o the_o same_o person_n when_o assist_v with_o a_o great_a strength_n three_o upon_o the_o encouragement_n that_o be_v give_v to_o the_o observation_n of_o they_o for_o the_o proposal_n of_o great_a reward_n do_v very_o much_o qualify_v and_o allay_v the_o difficulty_n of_o any_o undertake_n now_o if_o i_o can_v make_v these_o three_o thing_n evident_a 1._o that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v reasonable_a that_o be_v suitable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o advantageous_a to_o our_o interest_n 2._o that_o we_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o sufficient_a power_n and_o ability_n for_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o and_o 3._o that_o we_o have_v the_o great_a encouragement_n to_o this_o purpose_n then_o have_v we_o all_o imaginable_a reason_n to_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n that_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o grievous_a 1._o the_o law_n of_o god_n be_v reasonable_a that_o be_v suitable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o advantageous_a to_o our_o interest_n it_o be_v true_a god_n have_v a_o sovereign_a right_n over_o we_o as_o we_o be_v his_o creature_n and_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o right_n he_o may_v without_o injustice_n have_v impose_v difficult_a task_n upon_o we_o and_o have_v require_v hard_a thing_n at_o our_o hand_n but_o in_o make_v law_n for_o we_o he_o have_v not_o make_v use_n of_o this_o right_n he_o have_v command_v we_o nothing_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v either_o unsuitable_a to_o our_o reason_n or_o prejudicial_a to_o our_o interest_n nay_o nothing_o that_o be_v severe_a and_o against_o the_o grain_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o when_o either_o the_o apparent_a necessity_n of_o our_o interest_n do_v require_v it_o or_o a_o extraordinary_a reward_n be_v promise_v to_o our_o obedience_n he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o and_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o natural_a law_n that_o we_o shall_v behave_v ourselves_o reverent_o and_o obedient_o towards_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o just_o and_o charitable_o towards_o man_n and_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o sit_v of_o we_o for_o the_o better_a discharge_n of_o these_o duty_n we_o shall_v govern_v ourselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o sensual_a delight_n with_o temperance_n and_o moderation_n and_o if_o we_o go_v over_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o except_v a_o very_a few_o particular_n they_o enjoin_v the_o very_a same_o thing_n only_o they_o have_v make_v our_o duty_n more_o clear_a and_o certain_a but_o this_o i_o have_v have_v occasion_n to_o make_v out_o large_o in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v say_v the_o less_o to_o it_o now_o as_o to_o the_o several_a part_n of_o god_n worship_n and_o service_n prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n hear_v and_o read_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o receive_v of_o the_o sacrament_n these_o be_v all_o no_o less_o for_o our_o own_o comfort_n and_o advantage_n than_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o difficulty_n or_o trouble_n in_o the_o external_a performance_n of_o they_o but_o what_o hypocrisy_n can_v make_v tolerable_a to_o itself_o and_o certain_o they_o must_v be_v not_o only_o much_o more_o easy_a but_o even_o delightful_a when_o they_o be_v direct_v by_o our_o understanding_n and_o accompany_v with_o our_o heart_n and_o affection_n as_o for_o those_o law_n of_o religion_n which_o concern_v 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our_o happiness_n in_o the_o next_o and_o no_o man_n reason_n do_v ever_o dictate_v to_o he_o the_o contrary_a of_o any_o of_o these_o that_o it_o be_v fit_a for_o a_o creature_n not_o to_o love_v god_n to_o be_v undutiful_a to_o his_o great_a sovereign_n and_o ungrateful_a to_o his_o best_a benefactor_n that_o it_o be_v reasonable_a for_o a_o man_n to_o debauch_v himself_o by_o intemperance_n and_o brutish_a sensuality_n to_o hate_v defraud_n and_o oppress_v other_o man_n our_o very_a natural_a reason_n if_o we_o will_v but_o listen_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o it_o be_v a_o enemy_n to_o all_o these_o sin_n and_o a_o law_n against_o all_o these_o vice_n and_o as_o the_o practice_n of_o all_o piety_n and_o virtue_n be_v agreeable_a to_o our_o reason_n so_o be_v it_o likewise_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o mankind_n both_o of_o private_a person_n and_o of_o public_a society_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v some_o virtue_n plain_o tend_v to_o the_o preservation_n of_o our_o health_n 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and_o self-denial_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n if_o we_o look_v well_o into_o they_o and_o consider_v thorough_o the_o nature_n and_o tendency_n of_o they_o even_o these_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v both_o reasonable_a in_o themselves_o and_o upon_o one_o account_n or_o other_o real_o for_o our_o advantage_n what_o more_o reasonable_a than_o repentance_n than_o that_o a_o man_n when_o he_o have_v do_v amiss_o and_o contrary_a to_o his_o duty_n shall_v be_v hearty_o sorry_a for_o it_o and_o resolve_v to_o do_v so_o no_o more_o and_o how_o grievous_a soever_o it_o be_v it_o be_v necessary_a be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o pardon_n and_o peace_n and_o in_o case_n our_o offence_n against_o god_n have_v be_v complicate_v with_o injury_n to_o man_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a we_o shall_v make_v restitution_n as_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o injury_n for_o without_o this_o our_o repentance_n be_v not_o real_a because_o we_o have_v not_o do_v what_o we_o can_v to_o undo_v our_o fault_n as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v or_o at_o least_o to_o hinder_v the_o injurious_a consequence_n of_o it_o from_o proceed_v any_o far_o nor_o can_v any_o man_n be_v judge_v to_o be_v true_o sorry_a for_o his_o sin_n that_o retain_v the_o profit_n and_o advantage_n of_o it_o to_o himself_o beside_o that_o till_o reparation_n be_v make_v to_o the_o utmost_a of_o our_o power_n we_o can_v have_v no_o peace_n in_o our_o own_o conscience_n nor_o any_o wellgrounded_n hope_n of_o forgiveness_n from_o god_n mortification_n of_o our_o lust_n and_o passion_n though_o like_o repentance_n it_o have_v something_o in_o it_o that_o be_v troublesome_a yet_o nothing_o that_o be_v unreasonable_a or_o real_o to_o our_o prejudice_n if_o we_o give_v way_n to_o our_o passion_n we_o do_v but_o gratify_v ourselves_o for_o the_o
present_a in_o order_n to_o our_o future_a disquiet_n but_o if_o we_o resist_v and_o conquer_v they_o we_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o perpetual_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n in_o our_o mind_n if_o we_o govern_v ourselves_o in_o the_o use_n of_o sensual_a delight_n by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o reason_n we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o more_o at_o ease_n than_o if_o we_o shall_v let_v loose_a the_o reins_o to_o our_o appetite_n and_o lust_n for_o the_o more_o we_o gratify_v our_o lust_n the_o more_o crave_v they_o will_v be_v and_o the_o more_o impatient_a of_o denial_n crescit_fw-la indulgens_fw-la sibi_fw-la dirus_fw-la hydrops_fw-la every_o lust_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o hydropic_a distemper_n and_o the_o more_o we_o drink_v the_o more_o we_o shall_v thirst_v so_o that_o by_o retrench_v our_o inordinate_a desire_n we_o do_v not_o rob_v ourselves_o of_o any_o true_a pleasure_n but_o only_o prevent_v the_o pain_n and_o trouble_v of_o far_a dissatisfaction_n humility_n though_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o expose_v a_o man_n to_o some_o contempt_n yet_o it_o be_v true_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o honour_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a pride_n be_v a_o most_o improper_a and_o absurd_a mean_n for_o the_o accomplish_n of_o the_o end_n it_o aim_v at_o all_o other_o vice_n do_v in_o some_o measure_n attain_v their_o end_n covetousness_n do_v usual_o raise_v a_o estate_n and_o ambitious_a endeavour_n do_v often_o advance_v man_n to_o high_a place_n but_o pride_n and_o insolence_n and_o contempt_n of_o other_o do_v infallible_o defeat_v their_o own_o design_n they_o aim_v at_o respect_n and_o esteem_v but_o never_o attain_v it_o for_o all_o mankind_n do_v natural_o hate_v and_o slight_v a_o proud_a man_n what_o more_o reasonable_a than_o patience_n and_o contentedness_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v in_o all_o thing_n resign_v up_o ourselves_o to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o love_v we_o as_o well_o as_o we_o do_v ourselves_o and_o know_v what_o be_v good_a for_o we_o better_o than_o we_o do_v ourselves_o this_o certain_o be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o prevent_v anxiety_n and_o perplexity_n of_o mind_n and_o to_o make_v the_o worst_a condition_n as_o tolerable_a as_o it_o can_v be_v and_o much_o more_o easy_a than_o it_o will_v be_v otherwise_o as_o for_o that_o peculiar_a law_n of_o christianity_n which_o forbid_v revenge_n and_o command_v we_o to_o forgive_v injury_n and_o to_o love_v our_o enemy_n no_o man_n can_v think_v it_o grievous_a who_o consider_v the_o pleasure_n and_o sweetness_n of_o love_n and_o the_o glorious_a victory_n of_o overcome_v evil_a with_o good_a and_o then_o compare_v these_o with_o the_o restless_a torment_n and_o perpetual_a tumult_n of_o a_o malicious_a and_o revengeful_a spirit_n and_o last_o self-denial_n for_o the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n this_o be_v neither_o unreasonable_a nor_o to_o our_o disadvantage_n if_o we_o consider_v our_o infinite_a obligation_n to_o god_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v much_o to_o sacrifice_v to_o he_o our_o dear_a interest_n in_o this_o world_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v withal_o how_o disproportionable_o great_a the_o reward_n of_o our_o suffering_n shall_v be_v in_o another_o world_n beside_o that_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n be_v of_o so_o great_a concernment_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n that_o every_o man_n be_v bind_v for_o that_o reason_n to_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o with_o the_o hazard_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o valuable_a to_o he_o in_o this_o world_n ii_o we_o be_v not_o destitute_a of_o sufficient_a power_n and_o strength_n for_o the_o perform_n of_o god_n command_n have_v god_n give_v we_o law_n but_o no_o power_n to_o keep_v they_o his_o commandment_n will_v then_o indeed_o have_v be_v grievous_a it_o be_v true_a we_o have_v contract_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o weakness_n and_o impotency_n by_o our_o wilful_a degeneracy_n from_o goodness_n but_o that_o grace_n which_o the_o gospel_n offer_v to_o we_o for_o our_o assistance_n be_v sufficient_a for_o we_o and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o particular_a reason_n why_o the_o apostle_n say_v here_o in_o the_o text_n that_o his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a because_o he_o offer_v we_o a_o assistance_n proportionable_a to_o the_o difficulty_n of_o his_o command_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o our_o condition_n for_o it_o follow_v immediate_o after_o the_o text_n for_o whosoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n overcome_v the_o world_n therefore_o the_o commandment_n of_o god_n be_v not_o grievous_a because_o every_o child_n of_o god_n that_o be_v every_o christian_a be_v endue_v with_o a_o power_n whereby_o he_o be_v enable_v to_o resist_v and_o conquer_v the_o temptation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o same_o apostle_n elsewhere_o encourage_v christian_n upon_o the_o same_o consideration_n great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o you_o 4.4_o 1_o joh._n 4.4_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n though_o we_o be_v encompass_v with_o many_o and_o potent_a enemy_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o tempt_v and_o to_o deter_v we_o from_o our_o duty_n yet_o our_o case_n be_v not_o hard_o so_o long_o as_o we_o have_v a_o great_a strength_n on_o our_o side_n and_o this_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o case_n of_o every_o christian_a great_a be_v he_o that_o be_v in_o you_o than_o he_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v there_o legion_n of_o devil_n who_o be_v continual_o design_v and_o work_v our_o ruin_n there_o be_v also_o miriads_o of_o good_a angel_n who_o be_v more_o cheerful_a and_o officious_a to_o do_v we_o good_a for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o as_o those_o who_o be_v bend_v to_o do_v wicked_o will_v never_o want_v tempter_n to_o urge_v they_o on_o and_o to_o push_v they_o forward_o in_o a_o evil_a course_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n those_o who_o apply_v themselves_o serious_o to_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n and_o yield_v themselves_o tractable_a to_o good_a motion_n will_v find_v the_o good_a spirit_n of_o god_n more_o ready_a and_o active_a to_o encourage_v they_o than_o the_o devil_n can_v be_v to_o pull_v they_o back_o unless_o we_o think_v that_o god_n have_v give_v a_o great_a power_n and_o a_o large_a commission_n to_o the_o devil_n to_o do_v man_n mischief_n than_o to_o his_o holy_a spirit_n and_o his_o holy_a angel_n for_o our_o assistance_n and_o encouragement_n but_o then_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o this_o assistance_n be_v only_o offer_v to_o man_n and_o not_o force_v upon_o they_o whether_o they_o will_v or_o no._n for_o if_o we_o beg_v god_n grace_n but_o neglect_n to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o if_o we_o implore_v his_o assistance_n for_o the_o mortify_n of_o our_o lust_n but_o will_v not_o contribute_v our_o own_o endeavour_n god_n will_v withdraw_v his_o grace_n and_o take_v away_o his_o holy_a spirit_n from_o we_o nay_o if_o after_o we_o have_v begin_v well_o we_o do_v notorious_o slacken_v our_o endeavour_n we_o forfeit_v the_o divine_a assistance_n if_o when_o by_o god_n grace_n we_o have_v in_o a_o good_a measure_n conquer_v the_o first_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n and_o gain_v some_o habitual_a strength_n against_o sin_n if_o after_o this_o we_o grow_v careless_a and_o remiss_a and_o neglect_v our_o guard_n and_o lay_v ourselves_o open_a to_o temptation_n god_n spirit_n will_v not_o always_o strive_v with_o we_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o mighty_a assistance_n there_o offer_v to_o we_o if_o we_o love_v any_o lust_n and_o will_v with_o samson_n lay_v our_o head_n in_o dalilah_n lap_n we_o shall_v be_v insensible_o rob_v of_o our_o strength_n and_o become_v like_o other_o man_n iii_o we_o have_v the_o great_a encouragement_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o god_n command_n two_o thing_n make_v any_o course_n of_o life_n easy_a present_a pleasure_n and_o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n religion_n give_v part_n of_o its_o reward_n in_o hand_n the_o present_a comfort_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o have_v do_v our_o duty_n and_o for_o the_o rest_n it_o offer_v we_o the_o best_a security_n that_o heaven_n can_v give_v now_o these_o two_o must_v needs_o make_v our_o duty_n very_o easy_a a_o considerable_a reward_n in_o hand_n and_o not_o only_o the_o hope_n but_o the_o assurance_n of_o a_o far_o great_a recompense_n hereafter_o 1._o present_a peace_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o mind_n and_o unexpressible_a joy_n and_o pleasure_n flow_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o good_a conscience_n this_o be_v present_a payment_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v the_o earnest_n of_o a_o future_a and_o great_a happiness_n and_o this_o do_v natural_o spring_v up_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o good_a man_n great_a peace_n have_v they_o that_o love_v thy_o law_n and_o nothing_o shall_v offend_v they_o all_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n be_v not_o only_o delightful_a for_o the_o
ought_v not_o to_o pretend_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o plain_a and_o safe_a path_n of_o religion_n which_o will_v entertain_v we_o with_o pleasure_n all_o along_o in_o the_o way_n and_o crown_v we_o with_o happiness_n at_o the_o end_n 2_o tim_n 2.19_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n the_o whole_a verse_n run_v thus_o nevertheless_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o and_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n in_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n declare_v to_o we_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n for_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v here_o translate_a foundation_n according_a to_o the_o usual_a signification_n of_o it_o be_v likewise_o as_o learned_a man_n have_v observe_v sometime_o use_v for_o a_o instrument_n of_o contract_n whereby_o two_o party_n do_v oblige_v themselves_o mutual_o to_o each_o other_o and_o this_o notion_n of_o the_o word_n agree_v very_o well_o with_o what_o follow_v concern_v the_o seal_n assix_v to_o it_o which_o be_v very_o fuitable_a to_o a_o covenant_n but_o not_o at_o all_o to_o a_o foundation_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o as_o the_o learned_a grotius_n have_v observe_v there_o use_v ancient_o to_o be_v inscription_n on_o foundation-stone_n and_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v seal_n may_v likewise_o signify_v a_o inscription_n and_o then_o the_o sense_n will_v be_v very_a current_n thus_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o inscription_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o though_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v signify_v a_o inscription_n yet_o it_o be_v only_o a_o inscription_n upon_o a_o seal_n which_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o a_o foundation_n but_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o a_o covenant_n or_o mutual_a obligation_n and_o according_o the_o seal_v affix_v to_o this_o instrument_n or_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v in_o allusion_n to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o country_n say_v to_o have_v a_o inscription_n on_o both_o side_n agreeable_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n contract_v on_o god_n part_n there_o be_v this_o impress_n or_o inscription_n the_o lord_n know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o that_o be_v god_n will_v own_v and_o reward_v those_o that_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o and_o on_o our_o part_n let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v that_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n for_o to_o name_v the_o name_n of_o any_o one_o or_o to_o have_v his_o name_n call_v upon_o by_o we_o do_v according_a to_o the_o use_n of_o this_o phrase_n among_o the_o hebrew_n signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o be_v denominate_v from_o he_o thus_o it_o be_v frequent_o use_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o sometime_o in_o the_o new_a 2.7_o jam._n 2.7_o do_v they_o not_o blaspheme_v that_o worthy_a name_n by_o the_o which_o you_o be_v call_v that_o be_v the_o name_n or_o title_n of_o christian_n and_o that_o expression_n 14._o 1_o pet._n 〈◊〉_d 14._o if_o you_o be_v reproach_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v at_o the_o sixteenth_o verse_n vary_v if_o any_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a so_o that_o to_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o call_v ourselves_o christian_n let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v often_o take_v strict_o for_o injustice_n or_o unrighteousness_n but_o sometime_o use_v more_o large_o for_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o the_o general_a and_o so_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v use_v here_o in_o the_o text_n because_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n from_o the_o context_n to_o restrain_v it_o to_o any_o particular_a kind_n of_o sin_n or_o vice_n and_o because_o christianity_n lay_v a_o equal_a obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o abstain_v from_o all_o sin_n let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n that_o be_v every_o christian_a oblige_v himself_o by_o his_o procession_n to_o renounce_v all_o sin_n and_o to_o live_v a_o holy_a life_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o show_v what_o obligation_n the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o man_n to_o live_v holy_a life_n 2._o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v those_o who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n to_o answer_v this_o obligation_n i._o what_o obligation_n the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o man_n to_o live_v holy_a life_n he_o that_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n profess_v to_o entertain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o live_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o his_o holy_a example_n and_o to_o have_v solemn_o engage_v himself_o to_o all_o this_o i_o shall_v speak_v brief_o to_o these_o and_o then_o come_v to_o that_o which_o i_o principal_o intend_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o live_v according_o 1._o he_o that_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n profess_v to_o entertain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o believe_v the_o whole_a gospel_n to_o assent_v to_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o all_o the_o precept_n and_o promise_n and_o theatning_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o the_o great_a design_n the_o proper_a intention_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o sin_n and_o to_o direct_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n it_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v god_n and_o christ_n not_o with_o any_o design_n to_o entertain_v our_o mind_n with_o the_o bare_a speculation_n of_o those_o truth_n but_o to_o better_a our_o life_n for_o every_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v a_o proper_a argument_n against_o sin_n and_o a_o powerful_a motive_n to_o obedience_n the_o whole_a history_n of_o christ_n appearance_n in_o the_o world_n all_o the_o discourse_n and_o action_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o his_o death_n do_v all_o tend_v to_o this_o the_o ultimate_a issue_n of_o all_o be_v the_o destroy_n of_o sin_n so_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o 3.8_o 1_o joh._n 3.8_o for_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n manifest_v that_o he_o may_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o this_o be_v most_o express_o and_o full_o declare_v to_o we_o tit._n 2.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v strict_o command_v holiness_n and_o that_o universal_a the_o purity_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o chastity_n of_o our_o body_n 7.1_o 2_o cor._n 7.1_o to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n 5.22_o 1_o thes_n 5.22_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o kind_n of_o evil_n 1.15_o 1_o pet._n 1.15_o to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n they_o require_v we_o to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v attainable_a by_o we_o in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n to_o be_v holy_a as_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o be_v holy_a 5.48_o mat._n 5.48_o to_o be_v perfect_a as_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o many_o encouragement_n to_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n â—_o â—_o cor._n 7._o â—_o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n we_o be_v tell_v by_o st._n peter_n that_o these_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n be_v give_v to_o we_o that_o by_o these_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n 1.4_o 2_o pet._n 1.4_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o that_o we_o may_v give_v all_o diligence_n to_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o patience_n and_o brotherly-kindness_n and_o charity_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o many_o powerful_a argument_n against_o sin_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o gospel_n the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n
perfectos_fw-la philosophos_fw-la turpiter_fw-la vivere_fw-la that_o some_o great_a philosopher_n lead_v very_o filthy_a life_n celsus_n and_o porphyry_n hierocles_n and_o julian_n among_o all_o their_o witty_a invective_n against_o christian_a religion_n have_v nothing_o against_o it_o that_o reflect_v so_o much_o upon_o it_o as_o do_v the_o wicked_a life_n of_o so_o many_o christian_n the_o great_a enmity_n to_o religion_n be_v to_o profess_v it_o and_o to_o live_v unanswerable_o to_o it_o this_o consideration_n ought_v great_o to_o affect_v we_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o it_o with_o great_a passion_n and_o vehemency_n for_o many_o walk_n of_o who_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o often_o 3.18_o phil._n 3.18_o and_o now_o tell_v you_o even_o weep_v that_o they_o be_v enemy_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n who_o end_n be_v destruction_n who_o god_n be_v their_o belly_n who_o glory_n be_v in_o their_o shame_n who_o mind_n earthly_a thing_n a_o jew_n or_o a_o turk_n be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o enemy_n to_o christianity_n as_o a_o lewd_a and_o vicious_a christian_a therefore_o let_v i_o beseech_v christian_n as_o they_o tender_v the_o honour_n of_o their_o saviour_n and_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o religion_n that_o they_o will_v conform_v their_o life_n to_o the_o holy_a precept_n of_o christianity_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o who_o be_v resolve_v to_o continue_v in_o a_o vicious_a course_n to_o the_o injury_n and_o disparagement_n of_o christianity_n i_o can_v almost_o entreat_v of_o they_o that_o they_o will_v quit_v their_o profession_n and_o renounce_v their_o baptism_n that_o they_o will_v lay_v aside_o their_o title_n of_o christian_n and_o initiate_v themselves_o in_o heathenish_a rite_n and_o superstition_n or_o be_v circumcise_v for_o jew_n or_o turk_n for_o it_o be_v real_o better_a upon_o some_o account_n that_o such_o man_n shall_v abandon_v their_o profession_n than_o keep_v on_o a_o vizard_n which_o serve_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o scare_v other_o from_o religion_n 3._o and_o last_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o danger_n we_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o by_o not_o live_v answerable_o to_o our_o religion_n and_o this_o i_o hope_v may_v prevail_v upon_o such_o as_o be_v not_o move_v by_o the_o former_a consideration_n hypocrite_n be_v instanced_a in_o scripture_n as_o a_o sort_n of_o sinner_n that_o shall_v have_v the_o sharp_a torment_n and_o the_o fierce_a damnation_n when_o our_o saviour_n will_v set_v forth_o the_o great_a severity_n of_o the_o lord_n towards_o the_o evil_a servant_n he_o express_v it_o thus_o 24.51_o mat._n 24.51_o he_o shall_v cut_v he_o in_o sudden_a and_o appoint_v he_o his_o portion_n with_o hypocrite_n so_o that_o the_o punishment_n of_o hypocrite_n seem_v to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o measure_n and_o standard_n of_o the_o high_a punishment_n thou_o profess_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o hope_v in_o he_o for_o salvation_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n thou_o live_v a_o wicked_a and_o unholy_a life_n thou_o do_v not_o believe_v but_o presume_v on_o he_o and_o will_v find_v at_o the_o great_a day_n that_o this_o thy_o confidence_n will_v be_v thy_o confusion_n and_o he_o who_o thou_o hope_v will_v be_v thy_o advocate_n and_o saviour_n will_v prove_v thy_o accuser_n and_o thy_o judge_n what_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v one_o that_o accuse_v you_o even_o moses_n in_o who_o you_o trust_v may_v very_o well_o be_v apply_v to_o false_a christian_n 5.45_o joh._n 5.45_o there_o be_v one_o that_o accuse_v you_o and_o will_v condemn_v you_o even_o jesus_n in_o who_o you_o trust_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o man_n have_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n name_v upon_o they_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o secure_v they_o from_o hell_n that_o it_o will_v sink_v they_o the_o deep_a into_o it_o many_o be_v apt_a to_o pity_v the_o poor_a heathen_n who_o never_o hear_v of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o sad_o to_o condole_v their_o case_n but_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v upon_o another_o occasion_n weep_v not_o for_o they_o weep_v for_o yourselves_o there_o be_v no_o such_o miserable_a person_n in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o degenerate_a christian_a because_o he_o fall_v into_o the_o great_a misery_n from_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o opportunity_n of_o be_v happy_a do_v thou_o lament_v the_o condition_n of_o socrates_n and_o cato_n and_o aristides_n and_o doubt_v what_o shall_v become_v of_o they_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o can_v thou_o who_o be_v a_o impious_a and_o profane_a christian_a think_v that_o thou_o shall_v escape_v the_o damnation_n of_o hell_n do_v thou_o believe_v that_o the_o moral_a heathen_a shall_v be_v cast_v out_o and_o can_v thou_o who_o have_v lead_v a_o wicked_a life_n under_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n have_v the_o impudence_n to_o hope_v that_o thou_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n no_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v commit_v by_o christian_n under_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v of_o deep_a dye_n and_o clothe_v with_o black_a aggravation_n than_o the_o sin_n of_o heathen_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o pagan_a may_v live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v unjust_a towards_o man_n at_o a_o cheap_a rate_n and_o upon_o easy_a term_n than_o thou_o who_o be_v a_o christian_n better_a have_v it_o be_v thou_o have_v never_o know_v one_o syllable_n of_o the_o gospel_n never_o hear_v of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n than_o that_o have_v take_v it_o upon_o thou_o thou_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n happy_a have_v it_o be_v for_o thou_o that_o thou_o have_v be_v bear_v a_o jew_n or_o a_o turk_n or_o a_o poor_a indian_a rather_o than_o that_o be_v breed_v among_o christian_n and_o profess_v thyself_o of_o that_o number_n thou_o shall_v lead_v a_o vicious_a and_o unholy_a life_n i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a upon_o these_o argument_n that_o i_o may_v if_o possible_a awaken_v man_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o their_o life_n and_o persuade_v they_o to_o a_o real_a reformation_n of_o they_o that_o i_o may_v oblige_v all_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o essential_a and_o fundamental_a law_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o love_n god_n and_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n to_o do_v to_o every_o man_n as_o we_o will_v have_v he_o to_o do_v to_o we_o to_o mortify_v our_o lust_n and_o subdue_v our_o passion_n and_o sincere_o to_o endeavour_v to_o grow_v in_o every_o grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o to_o abound_v in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n this_o indeed_o will_v become_v our_o profession_n and_o be_v honourable_a to_o our_o religion_n and_o will_v remove_v one_o of_o the_o great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o how_o can_v we_o expect_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n shall_v gain_v any_o considerable_a ground_n in_o the_o world_n so_o long_o as_o by_o the_o unworthy_a life_n of_o so_o many_o christian_n it_o be_v represent_v to_o the_o world_n at_o so_o great_a disadvantage_n if_o ever_o we_o will_v have_v christian_a religion_n effectual_o recommend_v it_o must_v be_v by_o the_o holy_a and_o unblameable_a life_n of_o those_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o it_o then_o indeed_o it_o will_v look_v with_o so_o amiable_a a_o countenance_n as_o to_o invite_v many_o to_o it_o and_o carry_v so_o much_o majesty_n and_o authority_n in_o it_o as_o to_o command_v reverence_n from_o its_o great_a enemy_n and_o make_v man_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n be_v in_o we_o of_o a_o truth_n and_o to_o glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o good_a god_n grant_v that_o as_o we_o have_v take_v upon_o we_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n so_o we_o may_v be_v careful_a so_o to_o live_v that_o we_o may_v adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n may_v teach_v we_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n phil._n iii_o 20._o for_o our_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o which_o word_n we_o need_v to_o look_v back_o no_o further_o than_o the_o 18_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n where_o the_o apostle_n with_o great_a vehemency_n and_o passion_n speak_v of_o some_o among_o the_o philippian_n who_o indeed_o profess_v christianity_n but_o yet_o will_v do_v any_o thing_n to_o