plentiful_a and_o constitution_n firm_a who_o mind_n be_v not_o cross_v nor_o their_o spirit_n decay_v it_o may_v attend_v man_n whilst_o they_o be_v rich_a and_o healthful_a but_o when_o they_o fall_v under_o poverty_n or_o pain_n it_o vanish_v like_o a_o dream_n or_o shadow_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o if_o a_o man_n be_v only_o poor_a atheism_n can_v prescribe_v this_o remedy_n to_o steal_v and_o filch_v his_o neighbour_n good_n that_o his_o own_o substance_n may_v be_v increase_v by_o it_o which_o yet_o be_v but_o a_o desperate_a remedy_n where_o there_o be_v either_o pubick_a law_n and_o justice_n in_o a_o nation_n or_o but_o the_o natural_a dictate_v of_o self-preservation_n as_o there_o be_v in_o all_o private_a man_n and_o in_o a_o contention_n which_o be_v here_o to_o be_v suppose_v it_o be_v very_o great_a odds_o but_o the_o poor_a will_v be_v overcome_v and_o when_o this_o way_n of_o man_n make_n their_o condition_n better_o prove_v unsuccessful_a irreligion_n have_v nothing_o better_a to_o propose_v to_o they_o than_o by_o a_o stroke_n at_o their_o life_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o it_o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o comfort_n it_o can_v administer_v to_o they_o in_o time_n of_o sickness_n when_o they_o be_v neither_o able_a to_o hurt_v other_o nor_o help_v themselves_o when_o their_o soul_n abhor_v all_o manner_n of_o meat_n and_o they_o say_v of_o laughter_n it_o be_v mad_a when_o the_o most_o pleasant_a recreation_n be_v distasteful_a to_o they_o and_o be_v this_o a_o satisfaction_n equal_a to_o what_o the_o just_a man_n have_v who_o in_o the_o critical_a minute_n of_o affliction_n and_o distress_n triumph_v in_o the_o prospect_n of_o god_n great_a salvation_n how_o much_o better_o be_v it_o for_o a_o man_n in_o anguish_n and_o torture_n to_o have_v hope_n in_o the_o everlasting_a god_n this_o hope_n will_v turn_v his_o very_a evil_n into_o help_n and_o make_v death_n itself_o to_o appear_v his_o great_a advantage_n so_o great_a support_n have_v righteousness_n in_o the_o worst_a estate_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o just_a man_n will_v sustain_v his_o infirmity_n and_o so_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v to_o the_o first_o thing_n considerable_a in_o the_o word_n viz._n that_o a_o good_a conversation_n be_v a_o principal_a sign_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o understand_a man_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o 2._o the_o second_o thing_n which_o be_v that_o meekness_n be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o that_o good_a conversation_n which_o denominate_v a_o man_n true_o wise_a and_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o will_v appear_v upon_o three_o ground_n 1._o because_o meekness_n preserve_v the_o world_n from_o trouble_n and_o disquietness_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o advantage_n to_o man_n conference_n and_o discourse_n 3._o it_o make_v they_o successful_a in_o their_o undertake_n 1._o meekness_n preserve_v the_o world_n from_o trouble_n and_o disquietness_n it_o be_v upon_o these_o very_a term_n command_v by_o our_o saviour_n mat._n 11.29_o take_v my_o yoke_n upon_o you_o and_o learn_v of_o i_o for_o i_o be_o meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o heart_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v rest_n unto_o your_o soul_n it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o meekness_n to_o calm_v the_o mind_n and_o preserve_v it_o from_o vexation_n for_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o wrath_n and_o fury_n and_o therefore_o look_v how_o much_o trouble_n rage_n be_v to_o a_o man_n spirit_n so_o much_o do_v meekness_n help_v we_o to_o avoid_v nor_o do_v it_o only_o prevent_v the_o trouble_n and_o torment_v of_o anger_n but_o it_o be_v also_o inseparable_o unite_v with_o other_o quiet_v grace_n such_o as_o humility_n and_o contentment_n by_o which_o mean_v all_o fret_a passion_n be_v still_v for_o he_o that_o be_v of_o so_o serious_a a_o temper_n as_o not_o to_o be_v incense_v with_o provocation_n can_v certain_o avoid_v the_o folly_n of_o pride_n and_o discontent_n he_o can_v rest_v satisfy_v in_o a_o low_a place_n wherein_o his_o gracious_a god_n put_v he_o and_o cheerful_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o disposal_n of_o his_o wise_a providence_n and_o what_o a_o happiness_n be_v it_o for_o a_o man_n to_o enjoy_v such_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o to_o be_v exempt_a from_o the_o disturbance_n and_o turmoil_n of_o passion_n and_o lust_n this_o be_v to_o have_v a_o foretaste_n of_o heaven_n and_o in_o some_o degree_n to_o be_v in_o a_o angelical_a state_n whilst_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o those_o occurrence_n which_o cut_v unwise_a man_n to_o the_o heart_n we_o can_v be_v quiet_a and_o unconcerned_a sing_v praise_n to_o god_n for_o all_o his_o work_n and_o our_o soul_n can_v with_o freedom_n return_v to_o their_o rest_n nor_o do_v meekness_n only_o grant_v peace_n to_o a_o man_n be_v own_o breast_n but_o it_o also_o keep_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o wrath_n of_o man_n set_v on_o fire_n the_o whole_a course_n of_o nature_n anger_n have_v in_o it_o the_o true_a property_n of_o fire_n which_o be_v to_o produce_v itself_o in_o the_o subject_n upon_o which_o it_o work_v and_o so_o the_o force_n of_o it_o stir_v up_o strife_n and_o where_o be_v then_o the_o wisdom_n of_o allow_v it_o it_o wrack_v the_o mind_n wherein_o it_o abide_v and_o destroy_v its_o pleasure_n for_o he_o that_o be_v angry_a be_v certain_o displease_v and_o he_o that_o be_v displease_v must_v want_v his_o complacency_n nor_o be_v this_o all_o but_o it_o also_o give_v continual_a occasion_n of_o its_o own_o continuance_n for_o it_o put_v other_o into_o a_o heat_n like_o our_o own_o thereby_o deprive_v we_o of_o the_o consolation_n of_o their_o kindness_n and_o assistance_n it_o make_v we_o either_o contemptible_a or_o odious_a to_o they_o and_o so_o the_o great_a comfort_n of_o man_n life_n friendly_a society_n be_v utter_o lose_v 2._o meekness_n be_v a_o advantage_n to_o man_n conference_n and_o discourse_n he_o that_o will_v discourse_v like_o a_o wise_a man_n must_v first_o judge_v so_o and_o he_o that_o will_v judge_v right_o and_o be_v constant_a in_o it_o must_v be_v of_o a_o sedate_n spirit_n for_o if_o his_o mind_n be_v disturb_v he_o can_v neither_o learn_v teach_v nor_o use_v knowledge_n he_o can_v learn_v now_o solomon_n give_v this_o account_n of_o a_o wise_a man_n prov._n 1.5_o that_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v hear_v and_o will_v increase_v knowledge_n and_o a_o man_n of_o understanding_n shall_v attain_v unto_o wise_a counsel_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n of_o the_o great_a ignorance_n for_o a_o man_n to_o presume_v that_o he_o have_v wisdom_n enough_o and_o it_o argue_v a_o taste_n of_o knowledge_n when_o a_o man_n use_v diligence_n to_o obtain_v it_o insomuch_o that_o be_v not_o our_o understanding_n natural_o furnish_v with_o the_o first_o principle_n and_o common_a notion_n of_o wisdom_n we_o can_v not_o possible_o study_v to_o advance_v and_o improve_v it_o but_o be_v any_o man_n a_o lover_n of_o wisdom_n will_v he_o learn_v and_o find_v out_o what_o he_o have_v not_o yet_o know_v he_o must_v be_v very_o considerate_a and_o serious_o compare_v thing_n together_o and_o if_o so_o it_o follow_v that_o he_o must_v be_v calm_a and_o dispassionate_a because_o the_o perturbation_n of_o the_o mind_n darken_v distract_v and_o confound_v the_o understanding_n and_o the_o thought_n of_o wrathful_a man_n be_v too_o hasty_a and_o urgent_a and_o thereupon_o too_o immethodical_a to_o be_v discreet_a and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n wherein_o spiritual_a illumination_n be_v require_v the_o wrathful_a and_o unquiet_a spirit_n have_v no_o reason_n to_o expect_v that_o the_o promise_n of_o it_o be_v make_v particular_o to_o the_o meek_a psal_n 25.9_o the_o meek_a will_v he_o guide_v in_o judgement_n and_o the_o meek_a will_v he_o teach_v his_o way_n nor_o can_v a_o wrathful_a person_n inform_v another_o for_o his_o passion_n put_v he_o out_o of_o his_o conception_n it_o transport_v he_o beyond_o his_o right_a sense_n and_o so_o divert_v he_o from_o his_o proper_a method_n beside_o he_o that_o will_v instruct_v must_v not_o only_o comply_v with_o the_o capacity_n but_o in_o some_o measure_n also_o with_o the_o temper_n of_o his_o disciple_n as_o know_v how_o much_o a_o readiness_n or_o aversion_n in_o the_o will_n do_v dispose_v the_o understanding_n to_o give_v or_o deny_v assent_n but_o passion_n if_o it_o meet_v with_o the_o more_o soft_a and_o tender_a disposition_n terrify_v and_o scare_n they_o out_o of_o their_o own_o thought_n so_o that_o they_o have_v not_o the_o use_n of_o their_o own_o faculty_n and_o if_o it_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o the_o more_o stout_a and_o undaunted_a the_o discouragement_n that_o it_o give_v they_o do_v but_o make_v they_o desperate_a and_o harden_v they_o by_o degree_n to_o a_o inflexible_a obstinacy_n of_o resolution_n for_o the_o heat_n of_o passion_n take_v away_o the_o steady_a use_n of_o
the_o wisdom_n of_o public_a piety_n discourse_v in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o lord_n mayor_z and_z aldermen_z of_o the_o city_n of_o london_n at_o the_o guild-hall_n chappel_n septemb_n xxviii_o 1679._o by_o edmund_z sermon_n master_n of_o art_n and_o late_o of_o st._n mary_n hall._n in_o oxford_n london_n print_v for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishop_n head_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1679._o give_v the_o assistance_n of_o your_o favour_n to_o the_o discourse_n which_o be_v here_o offer_v to_o you._n it_o be_v a_o discourse_n which_o come_v forth_o with_o as_o great_a disadvantage_n as_o can_v well_o be_v suppose_v the_o compose_n of_o it_o be_v incommode_v with_o the_o weakness_n of_o a_o obscure_a author_n and_o the_o delivery_n of_o it_o obstrude_v by_o such_o a_o indisposition_n as_o for_o a_o space_n deprive_v he_o of_o the_o use_n of_o memory_n and_o speech_n a_o accident_n which_o as_o it_o be_v unhappy_a in_o give_v a_o disturbance_n to_o such_o a_o auditory_a so_o possible_o it_o may_v have_v the_o good_a effect_n upon_o some_o mind_n to_o make_v the_o impression_n of_o some_o thing_n upon_o they_o more_o deep_a and_o effectual_a however_o what_o it_o be_v your_o patience_n first_o to_o stay_v for_o it_o be_v your_o goodness_n afterward_o candid_o to_o interpret_v and_o i_o wish_v that_o the_o discourse_n which_o can_v not_o be_v so_o well_o hear_v be_v more_o worthy_a of_o your_o sight_n and_o perusal_n but_o such_o as_o it_o be_v i_o humble_o dedicate_v to_o your_o favourable_a acceptance_n as_o a_o imperfect_a description_n of_o that_o moderation_n and_o prudence_n which_o as_o it_o have_v make_v your_o government_n of_o a_o great_a city_n so_o useful_a and_o advantageous_a to_o it_o in_o a_o tumultuous_a and_o distract_a time_n so_o may_v it_o ever_o continue_v to_o be_v as_o successful_a to_o promote_v the_o benefit_n of_o public_a peace_n and_o order_n which_o be_v the_o prayer_n of_o right_n honourable_a your_o most_o humble_o devote_v in_o all_o observance_n edmund_z sermon_n a_o sermon_n on_o jam_z iii_o xiii_o who_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n and_o endue_v with_o knowledge_n among_o you_o let_v he_o show_v out_o of_o a_o good_a conversation_n his_o work_n with_o meekness_n of_o wisdom_n the_o reasonable_a soul_n be_v the_o excellency_n of_o man_n nature_n and_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n the_o perfection_n of_o that_o no_o wonder_n that_o all_o who_o have_v any_o respect_n for_o themselves_o and_o that_o value_v the_o honour_n of_o their_o creation_n shall_v ardent_o affect_v those_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o at_o least_o the_o opinion_n and_o repute_n of_o they_o it_o be_v not_o without_o good_a reason_n that_o our_o saviour_n declare_v the_o high_a punishment_n to_o be_v due_a to_o he_o who_o shall_v say_v to_o another_o thou_o fool_v mat._n 5.22_o that_o he_o particular_o say_v concern_v such_o a_o reproacher_n of_o his_o neighbour_n that_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o hell-fire_n because_o the_o impute_v of_o folly_n to_o a_o man_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o degrade_v he_o from_o his_o manhood_n and_o to_o rank_v he_o with_o a_o low_a sort_n of_o creature_n that_o be_v void_a of_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v a_o reflection_n upon_o god_n workmanship_n so_o it_o have_v ever_o be_v by_o the_o universal_a resentment_n of_o mankind_n take_v for_o one_o of_o the_o most_o unsufferable_a affront_n and_o provocation_n that_o can_v be_v give_v so_o that_o nothing_o be_v more_o apt_a to_o dissolve_v all_o the_o tie_n and_o destroy_v all_o the_o endearment_n of_o common_a friendship_n to_o stir_v up_o the_o malignity_n of_o choler_n and_o indignation_n and_o consequent_o to_o produce_v all_o the_o mischief_n ensue_v thereupon_o nothing_o do_v soon_o exasperate_v man_n to_o variance_n and_o engage_v they_o in_o the_o most_o irreconcilable_a quarrel_n and_o bloody_a combat_n for_o the_o most_o mean_a and_o degenerate_a spirit_n be_v even_o to_o impatience_n sensible_a of_o the_o infamy_n of_o ignorance_n and_o indiscretion_n and_o general_o to_o tax_v man_n with_o lack_n of_o wit_n be_v more_o unpardonable_a than_o to_o brand_v they_o with_o want_n of_o honesty_n it_o be_v safe_a to_o impeach_v their_o morality_n than_o their_o understanding_n and_o to_o disparage_v their_o judgement_n be_v a_o more_o intolerable_a offence_n than_o with_o the_o severe_a reflection_n to_o expose_v their_o conscience_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o to_o those_o who_o have_v any_o conscience_n the_o deprive_v they_o of_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o the_o deny_v they_o religion_n nay_o it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o to_o make_v they_o beast_n which_o be_v uncapable_a of_o the_o impression_n of_o divinity_n and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o have_v no_o conscience_n those_o very_a man_n think_v it_o their_o interest_n to_o preserve_v a_o reputation_n of_o policy_n and_o cunning_a albeit_o they_o seldom_o use_v it_o but_o to_o carry_v they_o through_o such_o action_n as_o be_v unconscionable_a but_o though_o the_o world_n have_v so_o much_o fondness_n and_o concern_v for_o the_o title_n of_o wisdom_n and_o esteem_v it_o to_o be_v so_o very_o glorious_a and_o reverend_a yet_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o it_o be_v that_o the_o most_o of_o man_n run_v away_o with_o the_o empty_a name_n of_o wisdom_n not_o know_v what_o particular_a thing_n be_v intend_v by_o it_o some_o general_a and_o confuse_a conceit_n they_o have_v of_o something_o that_o be_v very_o excellent_a and_o noble_a but_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o specialty_n wherein_o it_o consist_v they_o common_o run_v counter_a to_o their_o own_o aim_n and_o flee_v from_o wisdom_n whilst_o they_o aspire_v towards_o it_o and_o see_v truth_n be_v but_o one_o and_o the_o opposite_a mistake_n be_v infinite_a it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o man_n shall_v invent_v as_o many_o way_n to_o be_v wise_a as_o they_o have_v of_o show_v themselves_o vain_a and_o imprudent_a no_o wonder_n that_o in_o this_o case_n their_o error_n shall_v be_v manifold_a when_o right_o to_o pursue_v wisdom_n argue_v some_o possession_n of_o it_o and_o nothing_o but_o discretion_n can_v true_o inform_v we_o what_o itself_o be_v now_o in_o this_o variety_n of_o humane_a imagination_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n interpose_v its_o direction_n and_o umpirage_n and_o to_o relieve_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o prevent_v the_o uncertainty_n and_o extravagance_n of_o our_o choice_n give_v we_o a_o distinct_a notion_n of_o the_o wisdom_n which_o be_v proper_o so_o call_v that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o be_v lose_v in_o the_o maze_n of_o our_o own_o thought_n but_o may_v clear_o discern_v the_o way_n and_o method_n by_o which_o we_o may_v successful_o steer_v towards_o that_o great_a attainment_n but_o see_v wisdom_n direct_v we_o to_o that_o which_o be_v our_o crown_n and_o ornament_n and_o see_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o best_a capacity_n lie_v in_o that_o exercise_n of_o it_o into_o which_o life_n and_o action_n reduce_v it_o and_o see_v withal_o that_o every_o honourable_a employment_n be_v manage_v by_o proper_a rule_n and_o law_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v conceive_v that_o such_o instruction_n as_o reach_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o wisdom_n must_v extend_v to_o the_o due_a conduct_n and_o government_n of_o our_o action_n and_o far_o in_o that_o the_o most_o perfect_a of_o our_o action_n be_v those_o that_o be_v public_a and_o that_o be_v most_o answerable_a to_o our_o capacity_n which_o we_o do_v in_o relation_n to_o our_o common_a league_n and_o society_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n it_o follow_v that_o no_o precept_n come_v up_o to_o the_o height_n of_o wisdom_n but_o those_o that_o teach_v we_o right_o to_o compose_v and_o order_v our_o conversation_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o these_o measure_n st._n james_n resolve_v that_o important_a question_n to_o who_o the_o character_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n true_o belong_v as_o it_o be_v plain_o express_v in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o text_n who_o be_v a_o wise_a man_n etc._n etc._n where_o we_o need_v not_o stand_v critical_o to_o dispute_v whether_o the_o apostle_n mean_v that_o a_o good_a conversation_n temper_v with_o meekness_n be_v a_o demonstration_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n or_o that_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n oblige_v and_o direct_v man_n to_o such_o a_o conversation_n it_o be_v in_o effect_n the_o same_o which_o sense_n of_o the_o two_o we_o take_v because_o if_o a_o good_a conversation_n be_v a_o proof_n of_o wildom_o then_o wisdom_n must_v oblige_v and_o direct_v we_o to_o it_o and_o if_o wisdom_n do_v oblige_v and_o direct_v we_o to_o such_o a_o conversation_n nothing_o without_o that_o conversation_n can_v be_v a_o proof_n of_o wisdom_n and_o therefore_o to_o proceed_v two_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o the_o word_n 1._o that_o a_o good_a
true_a god_n may_v eat_v of_o those_o meat_n as_o the_o gift_n of_o that_o god_n give_v thanks_o to_o he_o and_o not_o pay_v any_o worship_n and_o honour_n to_o the_o idol_n but_o then_o he_o tell_v we_o v._n 7._o that_o the_o take_n of_o this_o liberty_n may_v be_v prejudicial_a to_o some_o weak_a person_n who_o have_v not_o so_o much_o judgement_n to_o distinguish_v as_o other_o may_v by_o their_o example_n be_v encourage_v to_o eat_v with_o conscience_n of_o the_o idol_n as_o the_o expression_n run_v that_o be_v with_o some_o portion_n at_o least_o of_o that_o respect_n which_o the_o heathen_n give_v to_o their_o idol_n in_o their_o festival_n and_o the_o general_a rule_n that_o preside_v in_o this_o case_n hold_v no_o less_o in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n for_o in_o every_o action_n it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o consult_v not_o only_o the_o integrity_n of_o his_o own_o conscience_n but_o also_o the_o safety_n of_o his_o neighbour_n and_o he_o be_v by_o the_o 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when_o they_o be_v unreasonable_a we_o must_v be_v discreet_a and_o when_o they_o be_v mad_a and_o outrageous_a we_o must_v be_v calm_a and_o moderate_a just_a man_n must_v not_o slander_v revile_v and_o threaten_v or_o exercise_v revenge_n and_o cruelty_n because_o the_o son_n of_o belial_n do_v so_o the_o man_n of_o god_n of_o what_o condition_n soever_o must_v be_v gentle_a and_o patient_a but_o when_o a_o man_n be_v assault_v with_o insolent_a provocation_n not_o to_o be_v discompose_v and_o transport_v so_o as_o to_o act_v any_o thing_n unbeseeming_a the_o gravity_n of_o his_o judgement_n or_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o place_n be_v certain_o a_o argument_n of_o a_o most_o admirable_a prudence_n and_o demonstrate_v the_o government_n and_o command_n of_o himself_o to_o be_v very_o singular_a 2._o if_o we_o consult_v the_o principle_n of_o that_o wisdom_n which_o be_v natural_a a_o good_a conversation_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v a_o principal_a sign_n of_o a_o wise_a and_o understanding_n man._n and_o that_o upon_o two_o account_n 1._o because_o a_o good_a conversation_n do_v most_o conduce_v to_o a_o man_n preservation_n 2._o because_o that_o administer_v the_o true_a satissaction_n 1._o because_o it_o do_v most_o conduce_v to_o a_o man_n preservation_n and_o because_o i_o will_v not_o have_v my_o argument_n to_o be_v precarious_a or_o give_v occasion_n to_o any_o to_o say_v that_o they_o take_v the_o advantage_n of_o a_o popular_a prejudice_n and_o opinion_n i_o shall_v beg_v your_o leave_n to_o discourse_v it_o a_o little_a as_o if_o i_o suppose_v myself_o to_o have_v to_o do_v with_o those_o to_o who_o scripture_n and_o gospel_n be_v no_o authority_n to_o proceed_v then_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o many_o be_v not_o so_o well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o fundamental_a maxim_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o course_n and_o government_n of_o the_o world_n or_o have_v not_o so_o good_a a_o faculty_n to_o draw_v conclusion_n from_o those_o principle_n as_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n to_o find_v out_o a_o god_n to_o who_o belong_v power_n and_o judgement_n but_o then_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o by_o all_o the_o sophistry_n and_o speculation_n imaginable_a no_o man_n be_v able_a to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o be_v as_o govern_v and_o give_v law_n now_o and_o will_v hereafter_o reward_v and_o punish_v man_n according_a as_o their_o conversation_n have_v be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o therefore_o a_o state_n of_o virtue_n be_v in_o wisdom_n to_o be_v prefer_v before_o that_o of_o vice_n upon_o the_o score_n of_o safety_n and_o preservation_n because_o however_o thing_n be_v a_o good_a man_n can_v be_v miserable_a hereafter_o whereas_o a_o wicked_a man_n though_o he_o be_v a_o atheist_n may_v for_o aught_o he_o know_v be_v so_o eternal_o and_o it_o be_v a_o dictate_v of_o wisdom_n in_o case_n of_o uncertainty_n to_o avoid_v danger_n and_o provide_v against_o the_o worst_a that_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o happen_v the_o only_a objection_n that_o can_v be_v make_v against_o this_o be_v that_o uncertainty_n be_v not_o to_o be_v prefer_v before_o certainty_n but_o to_o this_o religion_n sometime_o oblige_v we_o when_o perfecution_n arise_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o it_o for_o at_o such_o time_n the_o keep_n of_o our_o conscience_n damnify_v we_o in_o a_o present_a convenience_n and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o what_o we_o expect_v we_o lose_v that_o good_a which_o we_o have_v in_o sure_a possession_n but_o as_o plausible_a as_o this_o objection_n may_v seem_v it_o be_v easy_o silence_v for_o beside_o that_o it_o reach_v not_o all_o time_n let_v we_o but_o consider_v the_o vast_a disproportion_n that_o there_o be_v between_o the_o short_a age_n of_o man_n and_o that_o eternity_n which_o infinite_o exceed_v all_o time_n that_o in_o a_o very_a short_a space_n it_o will_v be_v all_o one_o whether_o a_o man_n live_v here_o in_o plenty_n or_o perish_v for_o want_n of_o bread_n 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what_o satisfaction_n be_v comparable_a to_o the_o steadfast_a look_v to_o the_o recompense_n of_o the_o reward_n this_o be_v a_o joy_n that_o the_o irreligious_a man_n want_v and_o to_o take_v he_o in_o the_o most_o favourable_a circumstance_n it_o can_v but_o somewhat_o stun_v and_o afflict_v he_o in_o his_o delight_n to_o think_v that_o after_o a_o little_a time_n he_o can_v enjoy_v it_o no_o more_o but_o suppose_v he_o say_v that_o he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o a_o holy_a comfort_n that_o he_o can_v caress_n himself_o with_o the_o diversion_n of_o mirth_n and_o fortify_v his_o mind_n by_o pleasure_n against_o all_o melancholy_a and_o sorrowful_a presage_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o the_o hope_n of_o real_a happiness_n hereafter_o be_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n than_o bare_o not_o to_o be_v dismay_v with_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n and_o judgement_n beside_o see_v the_o atheist_n can_v with_o all_o his_o art_n disprove_v the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n he_o 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