but_o the_o mean_n whereby_o mankind_n be_v now_o corrupt_v that_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a be_v almost_o lose_v among_o we_o that_o man_n call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n darkness_n light_n and_o light_a darkness_n bitter_a sweet_a and_o sweet_a bitter_a and_o show_v their_o good_a will_n to_o change_v the_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o name_n of_o thing_n be_v that_o in_o their_o power_n this_o may_v seem_v new_a and_o surprise_v to_o man_n unaquaint_v with_o the_o state_n of_o former_a age_n but_o even_o upon_o this_o account_n there_o be_v no_o new_a thing_n under_o the_o sun_n man_n have_v be_v as_o wicked_a in_o former_a age_n as_o they_o be_v now_o and_o have_v take_v the_o same_o way_n to_o justify_v their_o wickedness_n and_o to_o harden_v themselves_o in_o sin_n that_o they_o do_v now_o as_o great_a a_o degeneracy_n as_o this_o be_v of_o human_a nature_n the_o prophet_n assure_v we_o in_o my_o text_n that_o there_o be_v such_o man_n in_o his_o day_n who_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o there_o will_v always_o be_v a_o succession_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o eternal_a difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a will_v never_o be_v lose_v but_o then_o good_a man_n must_v endeavour_v by_o all_o wise_a art_n to_o preserve_v a_o sense_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n to_o vindicate_v religion_n from_o the_o attempt_v of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n and_o to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o the_o grow_a evil_n for_o this_o reason_n god_n by_o his_o prophet_n denounce_v a_o woe_n against_o such_o man_n which_o it_o shall_v be_v my_o business_n at_o present_a to_o explain_v to_o you_o 1._o i_o shall_v explain_v the_o several_a term_n in_o my_o text_n what_o it_o be_v to_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n to_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n to_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a and_o who_o those_o be_v that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n 2._o i_o shall_v inquire_v how_o man_n come_v to_o judge_v thus_o perverse_o of_o thing_n which_o be_v intimate_v in_o the_o order_n here_o observe_v that_o they_o first_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o then_o good_a evil_n first_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o then_o light_a for_o darkness_n first_o bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o then_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a three_o i_o shall_v consider_v the_o woe_n denounce_v against_o these_o man_n and_o how_o unavoidable_a it_o be_v 1._o to_o explain_v the_o term_n and_o 1._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o call_v evil_n good_a and_o good_a evil._n for_o be_v there_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n so_o senseless_a or_o impudent_a as_o to_o affirm_v that_o what_o mankind_n call_v sin_n be_v virtue_n or_o what_o they_o call_v virtue_n be_v sin_n i_o never_o hear_v of_o such_o man_n and_o i_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o such_o man_n to_o be_v find_v for_o there_o be_v no_o fault_n which_o atheist_n themselves_o can_v find_v with_o those_o which_o we_o call_v moral_a virtue_n such_o as_o justice_n and_o charity_n meekness_n humility_n patience_n temperance_n chastity_n and_o the_o like_a but_o that_o they_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o their_o inclination_n and_o interest_n and_o they_o desire_v to_o be_v at_o liberty_n from_o such_o restraint_n to_o live_v as_o they_o like_v best_a they_o be_v not_o please_v that_o the_o one_o shall_v be_v think_v essential_o good_a and_o the_o other_o evil_n or_o that_o the_o one_o shall_v be_v think_v command_v and_o the_o other_o forbid_v by_o a_o divine_a law_n which_o make_v they_o accountable_a to_o a_o superior_a lord_n and_o judge_n for_o what_o they_o do_v but_o if_o you_o will_v not_o call_v they_o sin_n or_o virtue_n nor_o pretend_v a_o divine_a law_n for_o it_o they_o will_v allow_v what_o we_o call_v moral_a virtue_n to_o be_v good_a rule_n of_o life_n and_o very_o necessary_a for_o the_o prudent_a government_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o such_o as_o mankind_n ought_v to_o agree_v in_o for_o their_o own_o sake_n and_o for_o the_o common_a good_a and_o that_o the_o contrary_a vice_n be_v great_a and_o public_a mischief_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v restrain_v and_o punish_v by_o civil_a law_n they_o be_v very_o well_o content_v and_o think_v it_o necessary_a that_o man_n shall_v make_v they_o law_n but_o not_o god_n for_o this_o still_o leave_v they_o at_o liberty_n to_o transgress_v these_o law_n when_o they_o can_v do_v it_o safe_o and_o when_o their_o interest_n and_o inclination_n tempt_v they_o to_o it_o this_o indeed_o be_v to_o reject_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a but_o not_o in_o a_o strict_a sense_n to_o call_v evil_a good_a or_o good_a evil_n for_o they_o allow_v of_o no_o such_o distinction_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a in_o a_o moral_a sense_n though_o by_o the_o way_n i_o can_v never_o understand_v what_o they_o mean_v by_o this_o for_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o these_o virtue_n or_o vice_n be_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v natural_o good_a or_o evil_n than_o the_o do_v such_o thing_n must_v be_v moral_o good_a or_o evil_n for_o i_o know_v no_o other_o notion_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a but_o do_v or_o choose_v such_o thing_n as_o have_v a_o natural_a good_a and_o evil_a if_o to_o rob_v our_o neighbour_n of_o his_o estate_n to_o desame_n he_o to_o abuse_v his_o wife_n or_o daughter_n be_v a_o great_a injury_n to_o he_o it_o be_v a_o great_a wickedness_n in_o we_o if_o to_o defend_v the_o injure_v and_o oppress_v to_o relieve_v the_o poor_a and_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n be_v a_o great_a good_a to_o they_o it_o be_v a_o great_a virtue_n in_o we_o and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o other_o sanction_n man_n will_v have_v for_o natural_a law_n but_o the_o natural_a good_a or_o evil_a of_o thing_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o essential_a and_o eternal_a difference_n between_o natural_a good_a and_o evil_a nature_n have_v make_v a_o essential_a difference_n between_o do_v good_a and_o evil_a that_o be_v between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n but_o to_o let_v this_o pass_v since_o these_o man_n discard_v all_o the_o moral_a difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o yet_o own_o that_o what_o we_o call_v virtue_n do_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o good_a and_o what_o we_o call_v vice_n do_v great_a hurt_n and_o mischief_n the_o difficulty_n remain_v in_o what_o sense_n any_o man_n can_v be_v charge_v with_o call_v evil_n good_a and_o good_a evil_n and_o i_o can_v think_v but_o of_o two_o account_n of_o this_o matter_n 1._o that_o they_o make_v their_o own_o appetite_n interest_n and_o inclination_n the_o only_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a as_o they_o must_v necessary_o do_v when_o they_o allow_v of_o no_o common_a rule_n and_o standard_n for_o all_o mankind_n for_o if_o as_o these_o man_n persuade_v themselves_o there_o be_v no_o law_n either_o of_o god_n or_o nature_n to_o distinguish_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o distinction_n but_o what_o every_o man_n be_v own_o appetite_n and_o inclination_n make_v for_o he_o that_o be_v his_o good_a which_o he_o best_a like_v and_o that_o be_v evil_a which_o he_o do_v not_o like_a good_a and_o evil_n signify_v nothing_o more_o but_o what_o please_v or_o displease_v he_o and_o therefore_o when_o he_o feel_v himself_o high_o please_v and_o gratify_v with_o what_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n think_v a_o great_a evil_n and_o real_o be_v so_o he_o laugh_v at_o their_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n and_o call_v and_o choose_v it_o as_o his_o good_a and_o when_o that_o which_o be_v real_o good_a cross_n his_o interest_n and_o inclination_n he_o reject_v it_o as_o a_o great_a evil_n when_o such_o man_n think_v it_o their_o interest_n to_o be_v unjust_a or_o their_o inclination_n tempt_v they_o to_o be_v unchaste_a they_o do_v think_v such_o action_n virtue_n for_o they_o disow_v that_o name_n but_o they_o think_v they_o good_a that_o be_v profitable_a and_o please_a nor_o do_v they_o think_v justice_n temperance_n and_o chastity_n to_o be_v vice_n but_o great_a evil_n as_o contrary_a to_o their_o gain_n or_o pleasure_n which_o be_v to_o call_v that_o which_o be_v moral_o good_a evil_a and_o that_o which_o be_v moral_o evil_a good_n two_o beside_o this_o the_o better_a to_o excuse_v themselves_o from_o the_o shame_n and_o reproach_n of_o such_o action_n which_o will_v be_v always_o infamous_a when_o they_o have_v do_v and_o say_v all_o they_o can_v though_o they_o dare_v not_o call_v vice_n virtue_n nor_o virtue_n vice_n yet_o they_o give_v good_a name_n which_o be_v the_o appendage_n and_o property_n of_o some_o virtue_n to_o
bitter_a what_o gratify_v their_o bodily_a sense_n that_o be_v their_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o virtue_n modesty_n or_o honour_n what_o lay_v restraint_n upon_o their_o sensual_a inclination_n that_o be_v bitter_a uneasy_a and_o grievous_a and_o no_o wonder_n that_o there_o be_v a_o woe_n denounce_v against_o these_o men._n 4_o woe_n be_v to_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n where_o the_o prophâ—…t_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o man_n still_o those_o who_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n who_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n who_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a and_o yet_o think_v themselves_o the_o only_a wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n though_o they_o contradict_v the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n the_o natural_a uncorrupted_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o just_a character_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n who_o think_v themselves_o the_o only_a wit_n the_o only_a philosopher_n and_o laugh_v at_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n as_o easy_a credulous_a unthinking_a fool_n who_o be_v under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o custom_n and_o popular_a opinion_n which_o expose_v they_o to_o all_o other_o cheat_n they_o think_v it_o a_o argument_n of_o wit_n and_o profound_a thought_n to_o contradict_v all_o mankind_n for_o there_o be_v but_o few_o wise_a man_n they_o say_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o most_o be_v usual_o in_o the_o wrong_n which_o may_v be_v allow_v as_o to_o improve_a knowledge_n which_o be_v gain_v by_o laborious_a study_n and_o observation_n but_o the_o folly_n lie_v on_o the_o other_o side_n when_o man_n advance_v paradox_n which_o contradict_v the_o universal_a sense_n of_o nature_n for_o in_o such_o case_n the_o most_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n because_o natural_a production_n be_v more_o common_a than_o monster_n that_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v rather_o think_v and_o judge_v with_o the_o multitude_n when_o they_o think_v on_o nature_n side_n than_o with_o the_o most_o fame_a philosopher_n against_o nature_n but_o those_o who_o affect_v to_o contradict_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n must_v think_v themselves_o the_o only_a wise_a man_n if_o they_o think_v at_o all_o that_o we_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o their_o pride_n and_o insolence_n than_o at_o their_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n 2_o let_v we_o now_o inquire_v how_o these_o man_n come_v to_o sink_v into_o so_o degenerate_a a_o state_n as_o one_o will_v think_v impossible_a to_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n and_o that_o be_v intimate_v in_o that_o order_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o my_o text_n that_o they_o first_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o then_o good_a evil_n first_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o then_o light_a for_o darkness_n etc._n etc._n as_o to_o consider_v this_o particular_o one_a they_o begin_v with_o call_v evil_n good_a for_o no_o man_n can_v begin_v with_o call_v good_a evil_n nature_n will_v have_v the_o first_o word_n and_o pass_v the_o first_o judgement_n on_o thing_n and_o nature_n as_o corrupt_v as_o it_o be_v till_o it_o be_v deprave_v and_o vitiate_a by_o evil_a custom_n will_v call_v good_a good_a and_o evil_a evil_n atheist_n and_o infidel_n must_v confess_v that_o as_o wise_a as_o they_o think_v themselves_o now_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o they_o be_v as_o very_a fool_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v when_o they_o have_v the_o same_o opinion_n about_o good_a and_o evil_a which_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n still_o have_v when_o they_o do_v own_o a_o moral_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o call_v good_a and_o evil_a by_o their_o right_a name_n and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o the_o only_a reason_n for_o alter_v their_o opinion_n and_o change_v the_o name_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v change_v their_o manner_n that_o they_o grow_v very_o fond_a of_o what_o they_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o the_o foolish_a multitude_n think_v and_o call_v evil_a and_o then_o they_o begin_v to_o think_v and_o to_o call_v it_o good_a and_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o this_o be_v to_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o as_o unwilling_a as_o they_o be_v to_o own_o this_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o though_o these_o man_n can_v prove_v which_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o do_v that_o there_o be_v no_o moral_n essential_a immutable_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o call_v evil_a good_a or_o good_a evil_n for_o though_o they_o be_v neither_o sin_n nor_o virtue_n neither_o forbid_v nor_o command_v by_o a_o divine_a law_n yet_o they_o themselves_o confess_v as_o i_o observe_v before_o that_o what_o we_o call_v virtue_n have_v so_o much_o good_a in_o they_o that_o they_o be_v the_o best_a and_o wise_a rule_n of_o society_n and_o conversation_n necessary_a to_o secure_v every_o man_n private_a interest_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o fit_a to_o be_v encourage_v and_o to_o be_v make_v law_n in_o all_o civilise_a nation_n and_o that_o what_o we_o call_v sin_n have_v so_o much_o evil_n in_o they_o that_o they_o be_v very_o destructive_a to_o human_a society_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v restrain_v and_o punish_v and_o than_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o reason_n to_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n which_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o call_v that_o evil_a which_o they_o themselves_o own_o to_o be_v a_o great_a and_o public_a good_a and_o that_o good_a which_o they_o own_v to_o be_v a_o public_a mischief_n which_o there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o reason_n for_o so_o that_o the_o case_n be_v plain_a it_o be_v not_o reason_n but_o lust_n which_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n till_o lust_n prevail_v above_o reason_n virtue_n and_o vice_n good_a and_o evil_a keep_v those_o name_n which_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v give_v they_o and_o such_o man_n offer_v as_o much_o force_n and_o violence_n to_o their_o natural_a understanding_n when_o they_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n as_o they_o do_v to_o natural_a conscience_n when_o they_o choose_v the_o evil_a and_o refuse_v the_o good_n this_o be_v answer_n enough_o to_o such_o man_n who_o will_v reason_n or_o laugh_v away_o the_o distinction_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o warn_v to_o we_o all_o how_o we_o engage_v in_o a_o course_n of_o wickedness_n for_o how_o much_o soever_o we_o despise_v and_o abhor_v these_o wicked_a principle_n we_o shall_v soon_o think_v as_o these_o man_n do_v if_o we_o grow_v as_o wicked_a as_o they_o be_v two_o these_o man_n first_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o then_o light_a for_o darkness_n man_n be_v not_o bear_v stark_o blind_a but_o have_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n to_o discern_v the_o natural_a difference_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o direct_v their_o life_n and_o as_o weak_a and_o defective_a as_o mere_a natural_a reason_n be_v especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o another_o world_n it_o direct_v we_o to_o a_o safe_a guide_n for_o reason_n itself_o teach_v we_o to_o believe_v god_n who_o can_v deceive_v we_o and_o can_v itself_o judge_v of_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a mark_n of_o a_o revelation_n that_o be_v can_v judge_v when_o god_n speak_v and_o what_o we_o must_v receive_v as_o teach_v by_o god_n this_o be_v the_o light_n of_o mankind_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n or_o revelation_n what_o nature_n teach_v or_o what_o god_n reveal_v and_o all_o mankind_n at_o first_o both_o see_v and_o own_o this_o light_n for_o no_o man_n be_v bear_v a_o atheist_n or_o a_o infidel_n but_o bad_a man_n who_o have_v corrupt_v their_o manner_n and_o can_v justify_v their_o vice_n nor_o quiet_v their_o conscience_n if_o they_o attend_v either_o to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o revelation_n must_v seek_v for_o other_o remedy_n and_o this_o make_v they_o espouse_v the_o principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n and_o these_o they_o call_v light_n which_o in_o truth_n be_v a_o mere_a egyptian_a darkness_n and_o then_o they_o must_v call_v light_a darkness_n reject_v and_o scorn_v both_o the_o natural_a dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o the_o supernatural_a revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n as_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n now_o whatever_o opinion_n man_n have_v of_o their_o philosophy_n yet_o how_o they_o shall_v learn_v what_o neither_o nature_n nor_o god_n teach_v they_o or_o how_o they_o shall_v discover_v that_o what_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o
law_n the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o nation_n who_o have_v no_o communication_n with_o each_o other_o in_o this_o distinction_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n intimate_v no_o other_o compact_n but_o that_o of_o a_o common_a nature_n and_o not_o only_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n but_o the_o universal_a voice_n of_o mankind_n attribute_v these_o law_n to_o nature_n not_o to_o human_a institution_n and_o it_o must_v appear_v strange_a if_o these_o law_n have_v no_o high_a original_a than_o human_a compact_n that_o mankind_n for_o so_o many_o age_n shall_v not_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o but_o shall_v mistake_v they_o for_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o after_o all_o the_o information_n these_o man_n can_v give_v the_o world_n the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n do_v to_o this_o day_n but_o suppose_v this_o distinction_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o those_o law_n which_o command_v the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n and_o forbid_v vice_n be_v original_o frame_v and_o enact_v 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instruct_v unto_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n who_o be_v like_a 52._o 13._o mat._n 52._o unto_o a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o householder_n which_o bring_v forth_o out_o of_o his_o treasure_n thing_n new_a and_o old_a the_o priest_n lip_n must_v preserve_v knowledge_n but_o we_o must_v first_o have_v it_o before_o we_o can_v teach_v it_o other_o and_o since_o none_o of_o we_o now_o pretend_v to_o immediate_a inspiration_n this_o be_v a_o work_n 〈◊〉_d difficulty_n and_o labour_n and_o require_v as_o much_o faithfulness_n in_o our_o study_n as_o in_o the_o pulpit_n it_o be_v no_o argument_n of_o faithfulness_n whatever_o it_o may_v be_v of_o diligence_n to_o run_v like_o ahimaaz_n without_o 22._o 2_o sam._n 18._o 22._o tiding_n to_o vent_v some_o crude_a and_o indigested_a thought_n for_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n 2._o faithfulness_n require_v we_o to_o preach_v nothing_o for_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o what_o we_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v so_o to_o deliver_v no_o message_n but_o what_o 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the_o authority_n of_o christ_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o instruct_v our_o people_n in_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o we_o have_v his_o authority_n for_o for_o this_o be_v to_o exceed_v our_o commission_n other_o nice_a speculation_n may_v entertain_v we_o in_o private_a conversation_n but_o when_o we_o preach_v in_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n let_v we_o only_o preach_v his_o gospel_n and_o teach_v they_o to_o observe_v and_o do_v whatsoever_o he_o have_v command_v we_o 3._o faithfulness_n require_v that_o we_o preach_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n that_o we_o instruct_v man_n in_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n especial_o where_o there_o be_v any_o apparent_a and_o present_a danger_n of_o a_o mistake_n and_o that_o we_o teach_v they_o every_o part_n of_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n especial_o such_o duty_n as_o they_o be_v most_o unwilling_a to_o learn_v and_o most_o averse_a to_o practice_n this_o be_v a_o essential_a part_n of_o faithfulness_n and_o require_v no_o small_a courage_n too_o there_o be_v no_o time_n so_o bad_a no_o hearer_n so_o captious_a but_o they_o will_v very_o well_o bear_v some_o general_a commendation_n of_o religion_n or_o some_o common_a topic_n about_o virtue_n or_o vice_n which_o be_v of_o great_a use_n too_o especial_o in_o such_o a_o scepâ—…cal_n and_o unbelieving_a age_n as_o this_o but_o a_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o our_o ministry_n require_v somewhat_o more_o a_o particular_a application_n to_o the_o conscience_n of_o man_n according_a to_o their_o want_n and_o necessity_n not_o so_o much_o to_o consult_v what_o will_v please_v they_o as_o what_o will_v do_v they_o good_a it_o mighty_o concern_v a_o gospel-minister_n as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v to_o maintain_v a_o fair_a reputation_n in_o the_o world_n but_o a_o good_a name_n be_v nothing_o worth_a when_o we_o can_v do_v no_o good_a by_o it_o when_o we_o can_v get_v or_o maintain_v a_o good_a name_n without_o neglect_v our_o duty_n or_o betray_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n i_o have_v a_o thousand_o time_n rather_o that_o man_n shall_v reproach_v and_o revile_v i_o for_o instruct_v they_o in_o such_o duty_n as_o they_o can_v with_o patience_n hear_v of_o than_o that_o they_o shall_v commend_v i_o for_o my_o silence_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o live_v in_o any_o age_n wherein_o there_o be_v not_o some_o popular_a error_n or_o some_o popular_a vice_n to_o be_v correct_v and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a dangerous_a thing_n to_o meddle_v with_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v popular_a but_o what_o be_v danger_n to_o that_o man_n who_o be_v in_o a_o great_a danger_n by_o the_o neglect_n of_o his_o duty_n shall_v any_o man_n call_v himself_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o servant_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o such_o a_o age_n as_o we_o now_o live_v in_o be_v ashamed_a or_o afraid_a to_o censure_v or_o confute_v the_o error_n of_o popery_n or_o fanaticism_n or_o to_o reprove_v schism_n and_o faction_n because_o they_o be_v very_o popular_a vice_n let_v a_o man_n so_o account_v 3._o 1_o cor._n 4._o 1_o 2_o 3._o of_o we_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o christ_n and_o steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n moreover_o it_o be_v require_v in_o steward_n that_o a_o man_n be_v find_v faithful_a but_o with_o i_o it_o be_v a_o very_a small_a thing_n that_o i_o shall_v be_v judge_v of_o you_o or_o of_o man_n judgement_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v when_o we_o leave_v out_o several_a flock_n it_o will_v be_v infinite_a satisfaction_n to_o we_o to_o be_v able_a to_o say_v as_o st._n paul_n do_v to_o the_o asian_a bishop_n i_o 27._o 20._o act_n 26_o 27._o take_v you_o to_o record_v this_o day_n that_o i_o be_o pure_a from_o the_o blood_n of_o all_o man_n for_o i_o have_v not_o shun_v to_o declare_v to_o you_o all_o the_o counsel_n of_o god_n second_o prudence_n be_v as_o necessary_a in_o a_o gospel-minister_n as_o faithfulness_n be_v by_o prudence_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v cunning_a and_o subtilty_n artificial_a insinuation_n and_o address_n which_o be_v more_o like_o the_o art_n of_o seducer_n than_o of_o gospel-minister_n who_o by_o good_a word_n and_o faiâ—…_n 18._o 16._o rom._n 18._o speech_n deceive_v the_o heart_n of_o the_o simple_a prudence_n will_v not_o allow_v we_o in_o the_o neglect_n of_o any_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n whateâ—…er_v the_o event_n be_v but_o we_o must_v renounce_v 2._o 2_o cor._n 4._o 2._o â—…he_a hide_a thing_n of_o dishonesty_n not_o walkâ—…ng_v in_o craftiness_n nor_o handle_v the_o word_n of_o god_n deceitful_o but_o by_o manifestation_n of_o â—…he_a truth_n commend_v ourselves_o to_o eveâ—…y_a man_n conscience_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o prudence_n as_o it_o be_v conâ—…istent_a with_o faithfulness_n and_o honesty_n â—…n_v the_o discharge_v of_o our_o trust_n can_v signify_v no_o more_o but_o this_o to_o instruct_v exhort_v persuade_v and_o perform_v all_o the_o part_n and_o office_n of_o a_o gospel-minister_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o may_v render_v our_o â—…nstructions_n and_o persuasion_n most_o effectual_a to_o take_v the_o most_o convenient_a season_n when_o man_n be_v most_o apt_a to_o be_v wrought_v on_o to_o teach_v they_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v of_o most_o present_a use_n to_o they_o to_o use_v such_o argument_n as_o be_v most_o likely_a to_o prevail_v to_o avoid_v all_o unnecessary_a provocation_n when_o the_o duty_n itself_o which_o we_o be_v to_o teach_v they_o be_v not_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o provocation_n for_o if_o man_n will_v be_v provoke_v with_o hear_v of_o their_o duty_n there_o be_v no_o help_n for_o that_o prudence_n never_o dispense_v with_o any_o part_n of_o our_o duty_n but_o direct_v to_o the_o best_a way_n of_o do_v it_o a_o faithful_a servant_n do_v what_o he_o be_v command_v and_o a_o wise_a servant_n do_v it_o in_o the_o most_o effectual_a manner_n iii_o the_o last_o part_n of_o my_o text_n concern_v the_o great_a reward_n of_o such_o faithful_a and_o wise_a servant_n blessed_n be_v that_o servant_n what_o this_o reward_n be_v we_o be_v not_o here_o particular_o tell_v all_o good_a man_n we_o know_v shall_v be_v very_o bless_v and_o happy_a in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o we_o may_v reasonable_o presume_v that_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o great_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n have_v reserve_v some_o peculiar_a mark_n of_o honour_n for_o his_o immediate_a servant_n this_o he_o plain_o intimate_v to_o we_o in_o that_o distinction_n he_o make_v between_o the_o reward_n of_o a_o prophet_n and_o of_o a_o righteous_a man_n he_o that_o receive_v a_o prophet_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o prophet_n shall_v receive_v a_o 41._o 10._o mat._n 41._o prophet_n reward_n and_o he_o that_o receive_v a_o righteous_a man_n in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o righteous_a man_n shall_v receive_v a_o righteous_a man_n reward_n our_o reward_n in_o
consider_v what_o they_o do_v i_o may_v name_v many_o but_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o some_o few_o at_o present_a which_o be_v least_o observe_v and_o which_o prove_v snare_n to_o good_a man_n as_o for_o instance_n to_o impose_v upon_o ourselves_o constant_a task_n of_o religion_n that_o we_o will_v read_v and_o pray_v so_o much_o and_o so_o often_o every_o day_n and_o observe_v voluntary_a fast_n and_o abstain_v from_o such_o innocent_a diversion_n etc._n etc._n which_o man_n common_o resolve_v in_o some_o great_a heat_n and_o fit_n of_o devotion_n which_o they_o fancy_v will_v continue_v in_o the_o same_o fervour_n but_o never_o do_v and_o then_o these_o task_n grow_v very_o uneasy_a as_o every_o thing_n of_o religion_n do_v when_o it_o grow_v a_o task_n and_o then_o they_o degenerate_a into_o dulness_n and_o formality_n and_o then_o man_n either_o leave_v they_o off_o and_o with_o that_o be_v tempt_v to_o leave_v off_o religion_n itself_o or_o they_o be_v so_o very_o cold_a that_o they_o fancy_v themselves_o spiritual_o dead_a and_o fall_v into_o melancholy_n into_o desertion_n into_o despair_n itself_o it_o be_v a_o dangerous_a thing_n for_o man_n by_o rash_a and_o arbitrary_a vow_n to_o tie_v themselves_o up_o from_o do_v that_o which_o otherwise_o they_o may_v very_o innocent_o do_v and_o which_o they_o will_v be_v strong_o tempt_v to_o do_v when_o they_o have_v vow_v not_o to_o do_v it_o the_o guide_n of_o soul_n know_v that_o this_o be_v no_o imaginary_a case_n but_o what_o they_o so_o often_o meet_v with_o and_o see_v such_o ill_a effect_n of_o that_o it_o be_v very_o fit_a to_o warn_v man_n of_o the_o snare_n be_v there_o no_o other_o reason_n against_o the_o monkish_a vow_n of_o celibacy_n poverty_n and_o obedience_n i_o shall_v think_v this_o sufficient_a that_o consider_v only_o as_o perpetual_a vow_n they_o be_v a_o dangerous_a state_n of_o temptation_n and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o will_v never_o advise_v any_o man_n to_o make_v a_o perpetual_a vow_n to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o it_o be_v not_o perpetual_o his_o duty_n to_o do_v or_o not_o to_o do_v thus_o to_o marry_v with_o person_n of_o a_o disagreeable_a age_n or_o a_o disagreeable_a humour_n or_o a_o contrary_a religion_n be_v to_o put_v ourselves_o into_o a_o state_n of_o temptation_n but_o such_o particular_a instance_n will_v be_v endless_a and_o therefore_o i_o forbear_v if_o god_n lead_v we_o into_o temptation_n he_o will_v give_v we_o sufficient_a strength_n to_o resist_v if_o we_o improve_v his_o grace_n if_o we_o lead_v â—…ur_n self_n into_o temptation_n and_o god_n â—…eave_v we_o to_o the_o power_n and_o subtlety_n of_o â—…he_a tempter_n the_o sin_n and_o the_o folly_n be_v our_o own_o 5th_o i_o observe_v by_o what_o mean_v our_o saviour_n conquer_v the_o devil_n temptation_n and_o that_o be_v by_o the_o authority_n and_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n it_o be_v write_v man_n shall_v not_o live_v by_o bread_n alone_o it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v not_o tempt_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v worship_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v thou_o serve_v these_o be_v such_o answer_n as_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o reply_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n can_v never_o be_v answer_v and_o thus_o we_o must_v conquer_v also_o if_o ever_o we_o will_v conquer_v by_o a_o firm_a faith_n in_o god_n and_o belief_n of_o his_o word_n faith_n be_v our_o shield_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v the_o sword_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o we_o have_v no_o other_o sure_a defence_n against_o all_o temptation_n this_o ruin_v our_o first_o parent_n in_o paradise_n when_o their_o reason_n and_o natural_a power_n be_v in_o their_o great_a vigour_n perfection_n and_o integrity_n that_o instead_o of_o insist_v on_o god_n authority_n they_o venture_v to_o reason_v the_o case_n with_o the_o tempter_n set_a aside_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o the_o devil_n will_v quick_o outwit_n and_o out-reason_n we_o he_o be_v skill_v in_o all_o the_o art_n of_o deceit_n and_o method_n of_o persuasion_n and_o without_o god_n authority_n our_o courage_n our_o resolution_n our_o honour_n our_o reason_n itself_o even_o all_o the_o rant_v and_o triumphant_a speculation_n of_o philosophy_n will_v fail_v we_o in_o the_o day_n of_o trial_n to_o tempt_v be_v either_o to_o deceive_v or_o to_o persuade_v and_o there_o be_v no_o other_o secure_a defence_n against_o either_o but_o the_o authority_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o wise_a reasoner_n may_v be_v impose_v on_o by_o so_o artificial_a a_o tempter_n but_o god_n can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v and_o than_o while_o we_o believe_v god_n and_o have_v regard_n to_o his_o command_n we_o can_v be_v deceive_v neither_o and_o what_o be_v able_a to_o resist_v all_o the_o terror_n and_o flattery_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o that_o god_n who_o be_v our_o maker_n and_o our_o judge_n what_o insignificant_a name_n be_v virtue_n and_o vice_n how_o weak_a and_o feeble_a be_v the_o sense_n of_o decency_n and_o honour_n and_o the_o dignity_n of_o human_a nature_n and_o of_o a_o life_n of_o reason_n after_o we_o have_v read_v or_o write_v so_o many_o volume_n about_o it_o when_o we_o feel_v the_o soft_a charm_n of_o pleasure_n and_o our_o eye_n be_v fill_v with_o visible_a glory_n who_o will_v not_o part_v with_o a_o fine_a thought_n or_o two_o with_o some_o pretty_a notion_n of_o moral_a beauty_n and_o intellectual_a pleasure_n for_o a_o happiness_n which_o may_v be_v see_v and_o feel_v but_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n the_o firm_a belief_n of_o his_o promise_n and_o threaten_n the_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o another_o world_n be_v beyond_o all_o other_o persuasion_n unless_o any_o thing_n can_v persuade_v a_o man_n to_o be_v eternal_o miserable_a this_o may_v suffice_v to_o be_v speak_v in_o general_n concern_v our_o saviour_n temptation_n we_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v ii_o the_o particular_a temptation_n wherewith_o our_o saviour_n be_v assault_v and_o they_o be_v three_o 1._o the_o first_o be_v to_o relieve_v his_o hunger_n after_o his_o long_a fast_n by_o work_v a_o miracle_n and_o when_o the_o tempter_n come_v to_o he_o he_o say_v if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n command_v that_o these_o stone_n be_v make_v bread_n this_o be_v a_o very_a artificial_a temptation_n which_o it_o may_v be_v none_o but_o christ_n himself_o will_v have_v be_v aware_a of_o for_o what_o hurt_n be_v it_o for_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o work_v a_o miracle_n what_o hurt_n be_v it_o for_o a_o man_n who_o be_v hungry_a to_o relieve_v his_o hunger_n for_o here_o be_v no_o temptation_n to_o excess_n but_o to_o satisfy_v the_o necessity_n of_o nature_n what_o hurt_n be_v it_o for_o he_o who_o afterward_o feed_v so_o many_o thousand_o by_o miracle_n in_o this_o great_a distress_n to_o have_v wrought_v a_o miracle_n to_o satisfy_v his_o own_o hunger_n this_o be_v very_o plausible_a and_o look_v like_o very_o charitable_a advice_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o secret_a snare_n in_o it_o one_a for_o this_o be_v make_v a_o trial_n whether_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o not_o if_o thou_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n command_v that_o these_o stone_n be_v make_v bread_n now_o have_v he_o comply_v with_o this_o it_o have_v argue_v a_o distrust_n of_o his_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o of_o the_o love_n of_o his_o father_n and_o this_o be_v a_o temptation_n to_o sin_n thus_o the_o tempter_n deal_v with_o our_o first_o parent_n make_v they_o jealous_a of_o god_n good_a intention_n towards_o they_o and_o by_o that_o tempt_v they_o to_o disobedience_n the_o serpent_n say_v unto_o the_o woman_n you_o shall_v not_o sure_o die_v for_o god_n know_v that_o in_o the_o day_n you_o eat_v thereof_o than_o your_o eye_n shall_v be_v open_v and_o you_o shall_v be_v as_o god_n know_v good_a and_o evil_n that_o be_v god_n envy_v your_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o have_v forbid_v you_o to_o eat_v of_o the_o tree_n of_o knowledge_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n thus_o the_o devil_n suggest_v to_o our_o saviour_n that_o he_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o question_n whether_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o he_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o the_o comfort_n and_o support_v of_o life_n and_o after_o forty_o day_n fast_v have_v nothing_o in_o the_o wilderness_n to_o eat_v unless_o he_o will_v turn_v stone_n into_o bread_n and_o though_o this_o part_n of_o the_o temptation_n our_o saviour_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o in_o his_o answer_n but_o scorn_v it_o yet_o we_o find_v it_o make_v a_o very_a powerful_a impression_n upon_o other_o man_n who_o be_v apt_a to_o measure_v god_n love_n or_o hatred_n by_o present_a thing_n when_o they_o
coâ—…_n cern_v the_o christian_a church_n we_o maâ—…_n learn_v from_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o seuâ—…_n church_n of_o asia_n what_o it_o be_v provokâ—…_n our_o lord_n either_o severe_o to_o punish_v we_o to_o remove_v the_o gospel_n from_o we_o tâ—…_n church_n of_o ephesus_n though_o she_o have_v aâ—…_n quit_v herself_o well_o in_o many_o thing_n yet_o have_v leave_v she_o first_o love_n have_v abate_v very_o much_o of_o her_o zeal_n and_o fervour_n for_o the_o name_n and_o religion_n of_o christ._n the_o church_n of_o pergamâ—…s_n be_v threaten_v for_o suffer_v those_o among_o she_o who_o teach_v idolatrous_a worship_n and_o fleshly_a lust_n and_o the_o church_n of_o thyatira_n likewise_o for_o suffer_v the_o woman_n jezaâ—…el_v to_o commit_v fornicatâ—…on_n and_o to_o eat_v thing_n sacrifice_v to_o idol_n the_o church_n of_o sardis_n make_v a_o glorious_a and_o pompous_a profession_n of_o religion_n but_o without_o the_o true_a life_n and_o spirit_n of_o it_o â—…e_o have_v a_o name_n to_o live_v but_o be_v dead_a and_o the_o church_n of_o laodicea_n grow_v very_o cold_a and_o indifferent_a even_o in_o the_o profession_n of_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o she_o be_v neither_o hot_a nor_o cold_a 〈◊〉_d lukewarm_a all_o these_o our_o saviour_n summons_n to_o repentance_n and_o threaten_v to_o punish_v or_o destroy_v they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o chap._n 2_o and_o 3._o of_o the_o revelation_n the_o application_n of_o all_o this_o to_o ourselves_o be_v so_o obvious_a that_o i_o need_v not_o multiply_v word_n about_o it_o we_o be_v that_o very_a nation_n wherein_o all_o these_o evil_n meet_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o name_v any_o vice_n which_o be_v not_o open_o commit_v among_o we_o without_o fear_n or_o shame_n nay_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o that_o pass_n that_o to_o be_v a_o modest_a sinner_n to_o boggle_v at_o any_o wickedness_n oâ—…_n to_o blush_v at_o it_o be_v as_o great_a a_o reproach_n as_o to_o be_v virtuous_a and_o though_o somâ—…_n man_n be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o themselveâ—…_n atheist_n yet_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o own_o any_o reveal_v religion_n or_o tâ—…_n talk_v serious_o of_o providence_n of_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o punishinâ—…_n city_n and_o nation_n for_o their_o wickeâ—…_n ness_n be_v think_v a_o jest_n and_o i_o wiâ—…_n it_o be_v a_o jest_n only_o among_o vile_a anâ—…_n mean_v people_n of_o no_o fortune_n or_o education_n whereas_o we_o often_o see_v that_o theâ—…_n condition_n make_v they_o modest_a and_o uâ—…_n teach_v nature_n teach_v they_o better_o tâ—…_n they_o be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o example_n 〈◊〉_d man_n of_o wit_n and_o figure_n in_o the_o worlâ—…_n and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o relâ—…_n gion_n it_o be_v a_o very_a melancholy_a prospecâ—…_n to_o observe_v how_o little_a of_o the_o true_a liâ—…_n and_o spirit_n of_o christianity_n there_o be_v 〈◊〉_d among_o they_o there_o be_v indeed_o noiâ—…_n and_o zeal_n and_o faction_n enough_o amonâ—…_n some_o people_n and_o that_o make_v other_o 〈◊〉_d cold_a and_o indifferent_a the_o temper_n of_o thâ—…_n church_n of_o sardis_n and_o laodicea_n thâ—…_n one_o that_o have_v a_o name_n to_o live_v but_o waâ—…_n dead_a the_o other_o that_o be_v lukewarmâ—…_n make_v much_o the_o great_a party_n amonâ—…_n we_o and_o the_o very_o best_a man_n i_o fear_v be_v too_o much_o incline_v to_o the_o state_n of_o ephesus_n which_o have_v leave_v she_o first_o love_n those_o great_a passion_n and_o ardour_n of_o devotion_n which_o ought_v to_o inspire_v the_o mind_n of_o christian_n let_v we_o then_o hear_v the_o rod_n and_o tremble_v see_v how_o god_n deal_v with_o the_o jewish_a church_n for_o these_o sin_n see_v what_o our_o lord_n have_v do_v to_o the_o church_n of_o asia_n and_o though_o we_o can_v say_v what_o god_n will_v do_v to_o we_o because_o we_o know_v not_o what_o wonderful_a design_n be_v in_o the_o womb_n of_o providence_n yet_o we_o know_v what_o we_o do_v and_o how_o god_n have_v deal_v with_o those_o who_o have_v do_v as_o we_o do_v which_o be_v too_o just_a reason_n to_o fear_v that_o he_o will_v deal_v so_o by_o we_o too_o unless_o we_o repent_v and_o reform_v which_o they_o do_v not_o for_o two_o when_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v upon_o we_o the_o reformation_n must_v be_v universal_a too_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n to_o reform_v himself_o for_o a_o nation_n can_v never_o be_v reform_v but_o by_o the_o reformation_n of_o particular_a man_n who_o make_v up_o the_o nation_n and_o therefore_o when_o we_o be_v summon_v to_o repentance_n as_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n summon_v we_o all_o every_o man_n must_v examine_v himself_o what_o he_o have_v to_o repent_v of_o and_o reform_v himself_o but_o yet_o there_o be_v great_a difference_n between_o a_o national_a and_o personal_n repentance_n and_o reformation_n and_o they_o serve_v very_o different_a ends._n a_o nation_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v reform_v and_o god_n may_v in_o great_a mercy_n remove_v his_o judgement_n though_o what_o be_v never_o to_o be_v expect_v every_o particular_a man_n do_v not_o repent_v and_o reform_v himself_o but_o then_o such_o a_o national_a reformation_n require_v the_o execution_n of_o public_a justice_n against_o public_a wickedness_n to_o make_v sin_n public_o infamous_a and_o to_o teach_v the_o great_a and_o most_o powerfuâ—…_n sinner_n modesty_n to_o banish_v if_o noâ—…_n sinner_n yet_o sin_n out_o of_o our_o court_n and_o out_o of_o our_o street_n and_o to_o make_v it_o once_o more_o seek_v for_o night_n and_o darkness_n foâ—…_n a_o cover_v that_o virtue_n may_v no_o long_o blush_v in_o company_n or_o need_v apology_n nor_o vice_n dare_v to_o brave_v it_o at_o noonday_n there_o have_v indeed_o of_o late_o be_v some_o care_n take_v by_o public_a law_n and_o royal_a proclamation_n to_o punish_v the_o profanation_n of_o god_n name_n by_o accurse_a oath_n but_o yet_o in_o most_o case_n man_n may_v be_v as_o vile_a as_o they_o please_v and_o as_o public_o so_o as_o they_o please_v and_o little_a or_o no_o notice_n take_v of_o they_o nay_o they_o may_v talk_v and_o write_v what_o they_o please_v against_o god_n and_o religion_n ridicule_fw-la the_o history_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o gain_v credit_n and_o reputation_n by_o it_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v not_o many_o christian_a nation_n in_o the_o world_n which_o in_o so_o public_a a_o manner_n permit_v these_o thing_n we_o have_v talk_v of_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n and_o reformation_n to_o good_a purpose_n if_o the_o only_a effect_n of_o it_o be_v a_o liberty_n of_o ridicul_v the_o christian_a faith_n which_o may_v make_v one_o suspect_v that_o all_o the_o zeal_n some_o man_n have_v express_v against_o popery_n be_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o a_o zeal_n for_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n which_o the_o discipline_n of_o popery_n as_o bad_a a_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v will_v not_o endure_v it_o be_v indeed_o well_o fit_v to_o make_v atheist_n and_o infidel_n but_o will_v make_v man_n have_v a_o care_n how_o they_o profess_v it_o and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o this_o scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n and_o contempt_n of_o religion_n will_v prove_v a_o backdoor_n to_o let_v in_o popery_n again_o upon_o we_o but_o to_o leave_v these_o thought_n with_o those_o who_o proper_a care_n and_o business_n it_o be_v whether_o a_o nation_n will_v be_v reform_v or_o not_o it_o concern_v every_o particular_a man_n to_o hear_v the_o rod_n the_o judgement_n of_o god_n warn_v we_o of_o his_o anger_n and_o displeasure_n against_o sin_n that_o we_o may_v fly_v from_o the_o wrath_n to_o come_v and_o we_o do_v not_o hear_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o rod_n nor_o improve_v judgement_n to_o their_o true_a end_n if_o we_o do_v not_o so_o repent_v and_o reform_v as_o to_o save_v our_o soul_n and_o this_o to_o be_v sure_o must_v be_v a_o personal_n and_o a_o universal_a reformation_n 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their_o vice_n and_o bad_a name_n to_o virtue_n this_o be_v so_o common_a and_o so_o well_o know_v that_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v on_o it_o a_o easy_a oblige_v friendly_a conversation_n be_v very_o charm_a when_o it_o be_v govern_v by_o strict_a virtue_n these_o man_n let_v the_o virtue_n alone_o and_o justify_v their_o vice_n as_o only_o the_o effect_n and_o instance_n of_o good_a humour_n and_o sociableness_n and_o of_o a_o comply_a temper_n to_o make_v their_o company_n easy_a and_o their_o conversation_n pleasant_a and_o entertain_v and_o this_o they_o think_v a_o good_a apology_n for_o all_o their_o lewdness_n debauchery_n and_o profaneness_n which_o may_v make_v they_o agreeable_a company_n for_o one_o another_o but_o very_o unfit_a for_o the_o conversation_n not_o only_o of_o good_a man_n but_o of_o prudent_a and_o cautious_a sinner_n but_o that_o be_v all_o one_o they_o will_v have_v this_o good_a humour_n and_o that_o be_v a_o good_a name_n which_o will_v suit_v any_o vice_n which_o please_v themselves_o and_o their_o company_n thus_o to_o be_v diligent_a in_o our_o business_n prudent_a and_o frugal_a in_o our_o expense_n to_o mortify_v our_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o deny_v the_o crave_n of_o lust_n and_o use_v our_o body_n hardly_o be_v very_o commendable_a thing_n when_o they_o be_v oppose_v to_o idleness_n and_o luxury_n and_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o care_n of_o our_o family_n and_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o all_o act_n of_o charity_n and_o to_o subdue_v the_o flesh_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o make_v we_o more_o devout_a worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o a_o mere_a earthworm_n who_o do_v all_o this_o for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o get_v or_o to_o save_v his_o money_n though_o he_o starve_v himself_o and_o his_o family_n and_o the_o poor_a by_o it_o and_o make_v himself_o a_o vile_a slave_n all_o his_o day_n call_v this_o fordo_v covetousness_n by_o these_o good_a name_n of_o diligence_n prudence_n frugality_n temperance_n 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nor_o admit_v bad_a man_n into_o the_o privacy_n and_o familiarity_n of_o conversation_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o medium_fw-la between_o affect_a singularity_n and_o be_v wicked_a for_o company_n this_o be_v the_o art_n of_o change_a name_n call_v any_o virtue_n or_o vice_n by_o its_o own_o name_n such_o as_o piety_n justice_n charity_n temperance_n chastity_n or_o profaneness_n injustice_n drunkenness_n adultery_n and_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o the_o one_o nor_o for_o the_o other_o for_o these_o be_v name_n of_o honour_n and_o esteem_v or_o of_o infamy_n and_o reproach_n all_o the_o world_n over_o but_o if_o they_o can_v find_v any_o thing_n in_o vice_n which_o bear_v the_o least_o resemblance_n to_o what_o some_o virtue_n oblige_v we_o to_o they_o present_o give_v the_o name_n of_o those_o virtue_n to_o their_o vice_n and_o if_o a_o virtuous_a man_n may_v do_v any_o thing_n for_o wise_a and_o good_a reason_n which_o have_v any_o likeness_n or_o analogy_n to_o what_o bad_a man_n do_v for_o very_o bad_a reason_n they_o give_v the_o name_n of_o those_o vice_n to_o virtue_n which_o be_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n to_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n and_o this_o there_o be_v too_o many_o guilty_a of_o who_o be_v not_o profess_v atheist_n or_o infidel_n who_o think_v it_o some_o excuse_n for_o their_o vice_n if_o they_o can_v find_v any_o thing_n good_a to_o say_v of_o they_o and_o a_o apology_n for_o their_o lukewarmness_n and_o indifferency_n in_o religion_n if_o they_o can_v charge_v some_o zealous_a professor_n with_o pharisaism_n and_o hypocrisy_n but_o by_o whosoever_o and_o for_o what_o reason_n soever_o this_o be_v do_v the_o woe_n belong_v to_o all_o those_o who_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n 2_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n darkness_n and_o light_n very_o often_o in_o scripture_n signify_v vice_n and_o virtue_n sin_n be_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n be_v to_o live_v holy_o as_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o 1_o john_n 1._o for_o 6_o 7._o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o god_n and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n live_v in_o any_o sin_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o if_o we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o light_n if_o we_o be_v holy_a as_o god_n be_v holy_a then_o have_v we_o fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o call_v evil_n good_a and_o good_a evil._n but_o then_o darkness_n signify_v also_o ignorance_n and_o error_n false_a and_o corrupt_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o light_v a_o clear_a and_o certain_a knowledge_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n what_o concern_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n but_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v john_n 3._o 19_o and_o thus_o we_o must_v understand_v it_o here_o those_o man_n who_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n who_o reject_v the_o moral_a difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o confound_v the_o name_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n pervert_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o knowledge_n and_o rule_n of_o judge_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n call_v all_o the_o arbitrary_a and_o ridiculous_a principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n light_n and_o esteem_v they_o as_o the_o most_o true_a and_o certain_a knowledge_n though_o indeed_o they_o teach_v we_o nothing_o but_o reduce_v we_o to_o the_o most_o perfect_a state_n of_o ignorance_n by_o unteach_v all_o that_o mankind_n know_v before_o for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o mind_n for_o the_o next_o step_n be_v to_o put_v light_n for_o darkness_n to_o reject_v all_o the_o natural_a and_o all_o the_o supernatural_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n the_o natural_a notion_n of_o our_o mind_n the_o natural_a light_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o supernatural_a light_n of_o revelation_n as_o mere_a ignorance_n and_o imposture_n the_o cheat_n of_o education_n or_o of_o a_o timorous_a fancy_n or_o the_o cunning_a of_o statesman_n or_o the_o invention_n of_o priest_n such_o man_n you_o know_v there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o woe_n belong_v to_o they_o 3_o to_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a be_v a_o corruption_n not_o mere_o of_o our_o judgement_n but_o of_o our_o natural_a sensation_n of_o our_o natural_a taste_n and_o relish_v of_o thing_n bitter_n signify_v whatever_o be_v natural_o uneasy_a grievous_a offensive_a as_o bitter_a thing_n be_v to_o the_o palate_n that_o which_o cause_n trouble_v anguish_n remorse_n as_o all_o wicked_a action_n natural_o do_v now_o such_o thingâ—…_n as_o be_v grievous_a and_o afflict_a to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n who_o have_v any_o natural_a sense_n leave_v these_o man_n call_v sweet_a account_v their_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n but_o than_o what_o be_v natural_o sweet_a have_v a_o natural_a easiness_n pleasure_n satisfaction_n as_o all_o good_a and_o virtuous_a action_n have_v this_o they_o call_v bitter_a these_o be_v the_o grievance_n of_o their_o life_n a_o intolerable_a yoke_n which_o they_o can_v and_o will_v not_o bear_v this_o be_v the_o most_o degenerate_a state_n of_o human_a nature_n which_o have_v lose_v all_o relish_n of_o virtue_n and_o all_o sense_n of_o shame_n and_o fear_n and_o remorse_n when_o they_o do_v evil_a their_o mind_n be_v perfect_o dead_a and_o stupid_a without_o any_o rational_a or_o spiritual_a sensation_n they_o have_v nothing_o but_o their_o bodily_a sense_n leave_v and_o by_o these_o alone_o they_o judge_v of_o sweet_a and_o
it_o be_v not_o must_v yet_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v very_o difficult_a as_o difficult_a as_o it_o must_v be_v to_o change_v or_o unmake_v our_o nature_n i_o say_v beside_o this_o what_o good_a do_v sin_n ever_o do_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v call_v it_o good_a or_o what_o hurt_n do_v virtue_n ever_o do_v they_o that_o they_o shall_v call_v it_o evil_a if_o they_o will_v but_o tell_v we_o what_o they_o mean_v by_o good_a and_o evil_a we_o may_v come_v to_o some_o resolution_n in_o this_o matter_n nay_o if_o they_o will_v but_o allow_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n can_v be_v both_o good_a and_o evil_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n we_o may_v soon_o decide_v this_o controversy_n there_o be_v not_o any_o one_o vice_n how_o fond_a soever_o they_o may_v be_v of_o it_o themselves_o but_o what_o they_o will_v condemn_v in_o other_o man_n as_o a_o great_a evil_n especial_o when_o they_o themselves_o suffer_v by_o it_o nor_o any_o one_o virtue_n how_o averse_a soever_o they_o be_v to_o practice_v it_o but_o what_o they_o must_v commend_v in_o other_o man_n as_o that_o which_o do_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o good_a especial_o when_o they_o themselves_o receive_v good_a by_o it_o now_o can_v any_o man_n possible_o persuade_v himself_o that_o that_o be_v evil_a which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o confess_v do_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o good_a or_o that_o to_o be_v good_a which_o he_o confess_v do_v great_a evil_n and_o mischief_n man_n lust_n and_o vice_n may_v persuade_v they_o to_o refuse_v the_o good_a and_o to_o choose_v the_o evil_a and_o to_o think_v it_o very_o good_a for_o they_o to_o do_v so_o but_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o how_o much_o soever_o they_o gratify_v themselves_o by_o it_o to_o think_v those_o good_a action_n which_o do_v great_a evil_a and_o mischief_n or_o those_o evil_a action_n which_o do_v great_a good_a to_o the_o world_n to_o think_v in_o good_a earnest_n that_o they_o do_v good_a when_o they_o see_v and_o know_v that_o they_o do_v hurt_v and_o mischief_n or_o that_o they_o do_v evil_a when_o they_o do_v good_a and_o as_o long_o as_o this_o distinction_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a action_n last_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o get_v rid_v of_o the_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o evil._n but_o this_o they_o own_o and_o be_v not_o much_o concern_v about_o it_o that_o in_o please_a themselves_o in_o the_o gratification_n of_o their_o lust_n which_o they_o call_v good_a they_o very_o often_o grieve_v and_o injure_v other_o man_n to_o deny_v their_o own_o profit_n pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n nor_o to_o grieve_v and_o afflict_v themselves_o in_o the_o exercise_n of_o very_o expensive_a and_o laborious_a virtue_n for_o other_o man_n ease_n and_o pleasure_n all_o that_o they_o mean_v when_o they_o reject_v the_o moral_a difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v that_o what_o we_o call_v virtue_n do_v not_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n deserve_v praise_n and_o reward_n nor_o vice_n shame_n and_o punishment_n and_o therefore_o they_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o choose_v what_o they_o please_v and_o their_o only_a natural_a rule_n be_v to_o please_v themselves_o i_o shall_v not_o dispute_v this_o matter_n with_o they_o now_o which_o one_o will_v think_v those_o who_o live_v in_o human_a society_n shall_v be_v afraid_a as_o well_o as_o ashamed_a to_o own_o lest_o mankind_n shall_v think_v it_o as_o much_o their_o interest_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o they_o as_o they_o do_v to_o destroy_v all_o beast_n of_o prey_n but_o it_o seem_v impossible_a to_o i_o that_o man_n can_v real_o believe_v this_o whatever_o they_o say_v that_o praise_n and_o shame_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n inseparable_a from_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v not_o only_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o man_n but_o what_o all_o man_n feel_v good_a man_n find_v the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n in_o the_o applause_n of_o their_o own_o conscience_n and_o the_o first_o revenge_n that_o sin_n take_v upon_o bad_a man_n be_v in_o the_o lash_n and_o reproach_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n prima_fw-la est_fw-la hoec_fw-la ultio_fw-la quod_fw-la se_fw-la judice_fw-la nemo_fw-la nocens_fw-la absolvitur_fw-la and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o universal_a sense_n of_o mankind_n i_o think_v needs_o no_o other_o proof_n but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o universal_a language_n of_o mankind_n for_o in_o all_o language_n under_o heaven_n the_o name_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v name_n of_o honour_n and_o reproach_n natural_a perfection_n or_o defect_n such_o as_o strength_n and_o beauty_n sound_a reason_n and_o vivacity_n of_o wit_n or_o weakness_n deformity_n ignorance_n folly_n or_o dulness_n or_o the_o external_a circumstance_n of_o fortune_n as_o riches_n or_o poverty_n nobibility_n of_o birth_n or_o a_o mean_a parentage_n a_o mean_a or_o liberal_a education_n may_v be_v bring_v into_o man_n character_n but_o you_o can_v never_o praise_v or_o reproach_n to_o any_o purpose_n but_o upon_o account_n of_o virtue_n or_o vice_n and_o shall_v any_o man_n venture_v to_o commend_v another_o for_o be_v unjust_a unchaste_a or_o intemperate_a or_o to_o reproach_v he_o for_o the_o contrary_a virtue_n he_o will_v make_v himself_o ridiculous_a for_o mankind_n be_v unacquainted_a with_o such_o new_a term_n of_o honour_n and_o reproach_n which_o in_o their_o language_n signify_v quite_o contrary_a nay_o these_o very_a man_n who_o tell_v you_o that_o there_o be_v no_o natural_a shame_n due_a to_o vice_n whenever_o they_o quarrel_v and_o intend_v to_o reproach_v each_o other_o in_o good_a earnest_n which_o often_o happen_v they_o always_o make_v one_o vice_n or_o other_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o reproach_n which_o prove_v whatever_o they_o say_v that_o they_o do_v still_o believe_v vice_n to_o be_v very_o infamous_a or_o it_o be_v a_o great_a misfortune_n to_o they_o that_o there_o be_v no_o language_n in_o the_o world_n for_o they_o to_o rail_v at_o each_o other_o in_o without_o confute_v their_o own_o philosophy_n and_o blemish_v the_o honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o vice_n and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o these_o man_n shall_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o virtue_n deserve_v no_o reward_n nor_o vice_n punishment_n when_o they_o themselves_o find_v a_o kind_a resentment_n of_o all_o good_a office_n that_o be_v do_v they_o and_o a_o great_a inclination_n to_o return_v they_o which_o be_v to_o reward_v virtue_n and_o when_o they_o suffer_v injury_n they_o have_v as_o sharp_a and_o quick_a a_o sense_n of_o revenge_n and_o be_v as_o restless_a and_o impatient_a to_o punish_v those_o injury_n as_o if_o they_o think_v they_o deserve_v it_o nay_o how_o dare_v they_o say_v that_o virtue_n deserve_v nâ—…â—…eward_n nor_o sin_n punishment_n when_o in_o so_o say_v they_o reproach_v all_o the_o wise_a government_n in_o the_o world_n which_o make_v it_o a_o principal_a care_n to_o punish_v wickedness_n and_o reward_n virtue_n at_o least_o as_o far_o as_o the_o peace_n and_o security_n of_o the_o government_n be_v concern_v in_o it_o and_o yet_o if_o these_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v not_o due_a by_o nature_n this_o be_v a_o encroachment_n upon_o the_o right_n and_o liberty_n of_o nature_n which_o i_o shall_v think_v as_o sacred_a and_o inviolable_a as_o the_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n which_o these_o man_n be_v general_o so_o zealous_a for_o well!_o they_o will_v allow_v this_o too_o that_o it_o be_v very_o fit_v and_o necessary_a that_o some_o law_n shall_v be_v agree_v on_o for_o the_o preservation_n and_o good_a government_n of_o human_a society_n and_o that_o man_n shall_v submit_v their_o natural_a liberty_n to_o the_o restraint_n of_o law_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o public_a protection_n but_o still_o this_o make_v no_o moral_a difference_n between_o good_a or_o evil_a nor_o any_o natural_a desert_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o it_o be_v all_o owe_v to_o human_a compact_n and_o government_n and_o can_v reach_v no_o far_o and_o therefore_o not_o to_o another_o world_n and_o as_o for_o this_o world_n they_o be_v content_v to_o take_v their_o fortune_n in_o it_o to_o use_v their_o natural_a liberty_n as_o much_o as_o they_o can_v and_o to_o defenâ—…â—…emselves_n against_o private_a revenge_n and_o public_a justice_n as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v this_o be_v a_o hypothesis_n i_o confess_v which_o effectual_o destroy_v all_o the_o moral_a difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o deliver_v man_n from_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o next_o life_n but_o what_o think_v man_n can_v persuade_v himself_o to_o believe_v this_o or_o can_v so_o firm_o believe_v it_o as_o to_o give_v he_o any_o security_n and_o confidence_n in_o sin_v there_o be_v no_o record_n no_o symptom_n of_o any_o such_o original_a contract_n as_o this_o for_o mankind_n to_o give_v up_o their_o natural_a liberty_n to_o the_o restraint_n of_o arbitrary_a