the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o creator_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o he_o the_o wisdom_n of_o please_a god_n by_o do_v what_o he_o command_v and_o avoid_v what_o he_o forbid_v this_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n may_v be_v attain_v by_o man_n and_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v he_o happy_a and_o unto_o man_n he_o say_v behold_v the_o fear_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n be_v understanding_n these_o word_n consist_v of_o two_o proposition_n which_o be_v not_o distinct_a in_o sense_n but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n various_o express_v for_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n be_v synonymous_a word_n here_o and_o though_o sometime_o they_o have_v different_a notion_n yet_o in_o the_o poetical_a book_n of_o scripture_n they_o be_v most_o frequent_o use_v as_o word_n equivalent_a and_o do_v both_o of_o they_o indifferent_o signify_v either_o a_o speculative_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n or_o a_o practical_a skill_n about_o they_o according_a to_o the_o exigency_n of_o the_o matter_n or_o thing_n speak_v of_o and_o so_o likewise_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o departure_n from_o evil_n be_v phrase_n of_o a_o very_a near_o sense_n and_o like_o importance_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v they_o several_a time_n put_v together_o in_o scripture_n 16.6_o pro._n 3.7_o pr._n 16.6_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o depart_v from_o evil_n by_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n man_n depart_v from_o evil_n so_o that_o they_o differ_v only_o as_o cause_n and_o effect_n which_o by_o a_o metonymy_n usual_a in_o all_o sort_n of_o author_n be_v frequent_o put_v one_o for_o another_o now_o to_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n be_v phrase_n which_o the_o scripture_n use_v in_o a_o very_a great_a latitude_n to_o express_v to_o we_o the_o sum_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o whole_a of_o our_o duty_n and_o because_o the_o large_a usage_n of_o these_o phrase_n be_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o my_o follow_a discourse_n i_o shall_v for_o the_o far_o clear_n of_o this_o matter_n endeavour_v to_o show_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v very_o usual_a in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a phrase_n 2._o the_o particular_a fitness_n of_o these_o two_o phrase_n to_o describe_v religion_n i._o it_o be_v very_o usual_a in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n by_o some_o eminent_a principle_n or_o part_n of_o religion_n the_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n be_v knowledge_n faith_n remembrance_n love_n and_o fear_v by_o all_o which_o the_o scripture_n use_v to_o express_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o the_o knowledge_n remembrance_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n religion_n be_v call_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a 10.25_o prov._n 30.3_o jer._n 10.25_o and_o wicked_a man_n be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o know_v not_o god_n so_o likewise_o by_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n frequent_o in_o this_o book_n of_o job_n and_o in_o the_o psalm_n and_o proverb_n and_o then_o they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n speak_v often_o one_o to_o another_o and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v express_o say_v to_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o religion_n 12.13_o eccl._n 12.13_o fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o man_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o wicked_a be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o have_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o their_o eye_n 36.1_o ps_n 36.1_o and_o so_o likewise_o by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n remember_v thy_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n 12.1_o eccl._n 12.1_o that_o be_v enter_v upon_o a_o religious_a course_n betimes_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o character_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v that_o they_o forget_v god_n the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v turn_v into_o hell_n 9.17_o ps_n 9.17_o and_o all_o the_o nation_n that_o forget_v god_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n religion_n be_v usual_o express_v by_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o love_n of_o they_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o true_a christian_n be_v so_o frequent_o call_v believer_n and_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n unbeliever_n and_o that_o good_a man_n be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o love_n god_n all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n 6.24_o ro._n 8.28_o eph._n 6.24_o and_o such_o as_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n now_o the_o reason_n why_o these_o be_v put_v for_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n be_v because_o the_o belief_n and_o knowledge_n and_o remembrance_n and_o love_n and_o fear_v of_o god_n be_v such_o powerful_a principle_n and_o have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o man_n to_o make_v they_o religious_a that_o where_o any_o one_o of_o these_o real_o be_v all_o the_o rest_n together_o with_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a effect_n of_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v and_o so_o likewise_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v often_o express_v by_o some_o eminent_a part_n of_o it_o which_o will_v explain_v the_o second_o phrase_n here_o in_o the_o text_n depart_v from_o evil_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v a_o eminent_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o prayer_n which_o be_v often_o in_o scripture_n express_v by_o seek_v god_n and_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n be_v a_o chief_a part_n of_o religious_a worship_n hence_o religion_n be_v describe_v by_o seek_v god_n 11.6_o heb._n 11.6_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o and_o by_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n 2.21_o act_n 2.21_o whosoever_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o so_o by_o come_v to_o god_n and_o by_o depart_v from_o evil_n in_o this_o fall_a state_n of_o man_n religion_n begin_v with_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n the_o two_o opposite_a term_n of_o which_o be_v god_n and_o sin_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o religion_n be_v describe_v sometime_o by_o come_v to_o god_n 11.6_o heb._n 11.6_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v that_o be_v no_o man_n can_v be_v religious_a unless_o he_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n 59.15_o be_v 59.15_o sometime_o by_o depart_v from_o sin_n and_o he_o that_o depart_v from_o evil_a make_v himself_o a_o prey_n that_o be_v such_o be_v the_o bad_a state_n of_o those_o time_n of_o which_o the_o prophet_n there_o complain_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v religious_a but_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v persecute_v ii_o for_o the_o fitness_n of_o these_o two_o phrase_n to_o describe_v religion_n 1._o for_o the_o first_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o fitness_n of_o this_o phrase_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v how_o great_a a_o influence_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n have_v upon_o man_n to_o make_v they_o religious_a fear_n be_v a_o passion_n that_o be_v most_o deep_o root_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o flow_v immediate_o from_o that_o principle_n of_o self-preservation_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o every_o man_n every_o one_o desire_n his_o own_o preservation_n and_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o have_v a_o natural_a dread_n and_o horror_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o can_v destroy_v his_o be_v or_o endanger_v his_o happiness_n and_o the_o great_a danger_n be_v from_o the_o great_a power_n and_o that_o be_v omnipotency_n so_o that_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v a_o inward_a acknowledgement_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o just_a be_v which_o be_v arm_v with_o a_o almighty_a and_o irresistible_a power_n god_n have_v hide_v in_o every_o man_n conscience_n a_o secret_a awe_n and_o dread_n of_o his_o infinite_a power_n and_o eternal_a justice_n now_o fear_v be_v so_o intimate_v to_o our_o nature_n it_o be_v the_o strong_a bond_n of_o law_n and_o the_o great_a security_n of_o our_o duty_n there_o be_v two_o bridle_n or_o restraint_n which_o god_n have_v put_v upon_o humane_a nature_n shame_n and_o fear_n shame_n be_v the_o weak_a and_o have_v place_n only_o in_o those_o in_o who_o there_o be_v some_o remainder_n of_o virtue_n fear_n be_v the_o strong_a and_o work_n upon_o all_o who_o love_n themselves_o and_o desire_v their_o own_o preservation_n therefore_o in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n fear_n be_v that_o passion_n which_o have_v the_o great_a power_n over_o we_o and_o by_o which_o god_n and_o his_o law_n take_v the_o sure_a hold_n of_o we_o our_o desire_n and_o love_n and_o hope_v be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o representation_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o reward_n and_o happiness_n as_o our_o fear_n be_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o divine_a displeasure_n for_o though_o we_o have_v lose_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o gust_n and_o relish_v of_o true_a happiness_n yet_o we_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
the_o great_a pleasure_n we_o be_v capable_a of_o will_v be_v to_o please_v he_o for_o nothing_o be_v difficult_a to_o love_v it_o will_v make_v a_o man_n deny_v himself_o and_o cross_v his_o own_o inclination_n to_o pleasure_v they_o who_o he_o love_v it_o be_v a_o passion_n of_o a_o strange_a power_n where_o it_o reign_v and_o will_v cause_v a_o man_n to_o submit_v to_o those_o thing_n with_o delight_n which_o in_o other_o circumstance_n will_v seem_v grievous_a to_o he_o jacob_n serve_v for_o rachel_n seven_o year_n and_o after_o that_o seven_o year_n more_o and_o they_o seem_v unto_o he_o but_o a_o few_o day_n for_o the_o love_n he_o have_v to_o she_o do_v but_o the_o love_n of_o god_n rule_n in_o our_o heart_n and_o have_v we_o as_o real_a a_o affection_n for_o he_o as_o some_o man_n have_v for_o their_o friend_n there_o be_v no_o such_o difficulty_n in_o religion_n but_o what_o love_n will_v conquer_v and_o the_o severe_a part_n of_o it_o will_v become_v easy_a when_o they_o be_v 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on_o the_o side_n of_o religion_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o put_v the_o case_n thus_o we_o make_v a_o unequal_a comparison_n for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n but_o when_o he_o first_o begin_v a_o wicked_a course_n feel_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o regret_n in_o his_o mind_n the_o terror_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o damnation_n be_v very_o troublesome_a to_o he_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o by_o degree_n a_o man_n may_v harden_v his_o conscience_n and_o by_o a_o long_a custom_n of_o his_o conscience_n and_o by_o a_o long_a custom_n of_o sin_v may_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n wear_v off_o that_o tender_a sense_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n which_o make_v sin_n so_o uneasy_a but_o then_o if_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n a_o man_n may_v by_o the_o same_o degree_n arrive_v to_o far_o great_a peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n than_o ever_o any_o wicked_a man_n find_v in_o a_o sinful_a course_n if_o by_o custom_n virtue_n will_v come_v to_o be_v more_o 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if_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v take_v away_o what_o security_n have_v we_o against_o those_o innumerable_a danger_n and_o mischief_n to_o which_o humane_a nature_n be_v continual_o expose_v what_o consolation_n under_o they_o when_o we_o be_v reduce_v to_o that_o condition_n that_o no_o creature_n can_v give_v we_o any_o hope_n of_o relief_n but_o if_o we_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o take_v care_n of_o we_o and_o we_o be_v careful_a to_o please_v he_o this_o can_v but_o be_v a_o mighty_a comfort_n to_o we_o both_o under_o the_o present_a sense_n of_o affliction_n and_o the_o apprehension_n of_o evil_n at_o a_o distance_n for_o in_o that_o case_n we_o be_v secure_a of_o one_o of_o these_o three_o thing_n either_o that_o god_n by_o his_o providence_n will_v prevent_v the_o evil_n we_o fear_v if_o that_o be_v best_o for_o we_o or_o that_o he_o will_v support_v we_o under_o they_o when_o they_o be_v present_a and_o add_v to_o our_o strength_n as_o he_o 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punish_v any_o man_n that_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o injure_v we_o or_o to_o deal_v otherwise_o with_o we_o than_o himself_o in_o the_o like_a case_n will_v be_v deal_v withal_o by_o we_o in_o a_o word_n such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v reconcile_v to_o we_o when_o we_o have_v offend_v he_o and_o be_v so_o far_o from_o take_v little_a advantage_n against_o we_o for_o every_o fail_v that_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o pardon_v our_o most_o wilful_a miscarriage_n upon_o our_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n and_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v such_o a_o be_v if_o he_o be_v at_o all_o why_o then_o shall_v any_o man_n be_v trouble_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o this_o or_o think_v himself_o concern_v to_o shut_v he_o out_o of_o the_o world_n how_o can_v such_o a_o governor_n as_o this_o be_v want_v in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v so_o great_a a_o comfort_n and_o security_n to_o mankind_n and_o the_o confidence_n of_o all_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 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of_o himself_o into_o our_o nature_n but_o likewise_o by_o make_v the_o belief_n of_o his_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o the_o quiet_a and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n so_o that_o if_o we_o consult_v our_o reason_n we_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v if_o our_o interest_n we_o can_v but_o hearty_o wish_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o god_n in_o the_o world_n every_o thing_n within_o we_o and_o without_o we_o give_v notice_n of_o he_o his_o name_n be_v write_v upon_o our_o heart_n and_o in_o every_o creature_n there_o be_v some_o print_n and_o footstep_n of_o he_o every_o moment_n we_o feel_v our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o do_v by_o daily_a experience_n and_o that_o we_o can_v neither_o be_v happy_a without_o he_o nor_o think_v ourselves_o so_o i_o confess_v it_o be_v not_o a_o wicked_a man_n interest_n if_o he_o resolve_v to_o continue_v such_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o god_n but_o than_o it_o be_v not_o man_n interest_n to_o be_v wicked_a it_o be_v for_o the_o general_a good_a of_o humane_a society_n and_o consequent_o of_o particular_a person_n to_o be_v true_a and_o just_a it_o be_v for_o man_n health_n to_o be_v temperate_a and_o so_o i_o can_v instance_n in_o all_o other_o virtue_n but_o this_o be_v the_o mystery_n of_o atheism_n man_n be_v wed_v to_o their_o lust_n and_o resolve_v upon_o a_o wicked_a course_n and_o so_o it_o become_v their_o interest_n to_o wish_v there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o to_o believe_v so_o if_o they_o can_v whereas_o if_o man_n be_v mind_v to_o live_v righteous_o and_o sober_o and_o virtuous_o in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v a_o god_n
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
particular_a nation_n and_o government_n but_o by_o the_o general_a verdict_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o that_o the_o virtue_n contrary_a to_o these_o have_v a_o natural_a goodness_n and_o comeliness_n in_o they_o and_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o common_a principle_n and_o sentiment_n of_o humanity_n and_o this_o will_n most_o evident_o appear_v by_o put_v this_o supposition_n suppose_v the_o reverse_n of_o all_o that_o which_o we_o now_o call_v virtue_n be_v solemn_o enact_v and_o the_o practice_n of_o fraud_n and_o rapine_n and_o perjury_n and_o falseness_n to_o a_o man_n word_n and_o all_o manner_n of_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n be_v establish_v by_o a_o law_n i_o ask_v now_o if_o the_o case_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v thus_o alter_v will_v that_o which_o we_o now_o call_v vice_n in_o process_n of_o time_n gain_v the_o reputation_n of_o virtue_n and_o that_o which_o we_o now_o call_v virtue_n grow_v odious_a and_o contemptible_a to_o humane_a nature_n if_o it_o will_v not_o then_o be_v there_o something_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n which_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o pleasure_n of_o authority_n nor_o be_v subject_n to_o any_o arbitrary_a constitution_n but_o that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v thus_o i_o be_o very_o certain_a because_o no_o government_n can_v subsist_v upon_o these_o term_n for_o the_o very_a enjoin_v of_o fraud_n and_o rapine_n and_o perjury_n and_o breach_n of_o trust_n do_v apparent_o destroy_v the_o great_a end_n of_o government_n which_o be_v to_o preserve_v man_n in_o their_o right_n against_o the_o encroachment_n of_o fraud_n and_o violence_n and_o this_o end_n be_v destroy_v humane_a society_n will_v present_o fly_v in_o piece_n and_o man_n will_v necessary_o fall_v into_o a_o state_n of_o war_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v not_o arbitrary_a thing_n but_o that_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a and_o immutable_a and_o eternal_a reason_n for_o that_o which_o we_o call_v goodness_n and_o virtue_n and_o against_o that_o which_o we_o call_v vice_n and_o wickedness_n thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o evidence_n and_o vindicate_v this_o truth_n i_o shall_v only_o draw_v a_o inference_n or_o two_o from_o this_o discourse_n and_o so_o conclude_v 1._o if_o this_o discourse_n be_v true_a than_o those_o who_o be_v in_o place_n of_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v peculiar_o concern_v to_o maintain_v the_o honour_n of_o religion_n 2._o it_o concern_v every_o one_o to_o live_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o 1._o magistrate_n be_v concern_v to_o maintain_v the_o honour_n of_o religion_n which_o do_v not_o only_o tend_v to_o every_o man_n future_a happiness_n but_o be_v the_o best_a instrument_n of_o civil_a government_n and_o of_o the_o temporal_a prosperity_n of_o a_o nation_n for_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o procure_v the_o private_a and_o public_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o to_o restrain_v man_n from_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o will_v make_v they_o miserable_a and_o guilty_a to_o themselves_o unpeaceable_a and_o troublesome_a to_o the_o world_n religion_n have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o the_o felicity_n of_o man_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v uphold_v and_o the_o veneration_n of_o it_o maintain_v not_o only_o out_o of_o a_o just_a dread_n of_o the_o divine_a vengeance_n in_o another_o world_n but_o out_o of_o regard_n to_o the_o temporal_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o man_n it_o will_v requite_v all_o the_o kindness_n and_o honour_n we_o can_v do_v it_o by_o the_o advantage_n it_o will_v bring_v to_o civil_a government_n and_o by_o the_o blessing_n it_o will_v draw_v down_o upon_o it_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o those_o that_o honour_v he_o he_o will_v honour_v and_o in_o the_o common_a course_n of_o his_o providence_n he_o usual_o make_v this_o good_a so_o that_o the_o civil_a authority_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o tender_a of_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n if_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n yet_o out_o of_o reason_n of_o state_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v that_o all_o man_n be_v so_o pious_o dispose_v that_o religion_n by_o its_o own_o authority_n and_o the_o reasonable_a force_n of_o it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o establish_v its_o empire_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n but_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n will_v always_o make_v a_o strong_a opposition_n against_o it_o and_o therefore_o at_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n god_n be_v please_v to_o accompany_v it_o with_o a_o miraculous_a power_n but_o after_o it_o be_v plant_v this_o extraordinary_a power_n cease_v and_o god_n have_v now_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v maintain_v and_o support_v by_o more_o ordinary_a and_o humane_a way_n by_o the_o countenance_n of_o authority_n and_o the_o assistance_n of_o law_n which_o be_v never_o more_o necessary_a than_o in_o this_o degenerate_a age_n which_o be_v prodigious_o sink_v into_o atheism_n and_o profaneness_n and_o be_v run_v headlong_o into_o a_o humour_n of_o scoff_v at_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v sacred_a for_o some_o age_n before_o the_o reformation_n atheism_n be_v consign_v to_o italy_n and_o have_v its_o chief_a residence_n at_o rome_n all_o the_o mention_n that_o be_v of_o it_o in_o the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n that_o papist_n themselves_o give_v we_o in_o the_o life_n of_o their_o own_o pope_n and_o cardinal_n except_v two_o or_o three_o small_a philosopher_n that_o be_v retainer_n to_o that_o court._n so_o that_o this_o atheistical_a humour_n among_o christian_n be_v the_o spawn_n of_o the_o gross_a superstitious_a and_o corrupt_a manner_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n and_o court_n and_o indeed_o nothing_o be_v more_o natural_a than_o for_o extreme_n in_o religion_n to_o beget_v one_o another_o like_o the_o vibration_n of_o a_o pendulum_fw-la which_o the_o more_o violent_o you_o swing_v it_o one_o way_n the_o far_o it_o will_v return_v the_o other_o but_o in_o the_o last_o age_n atheism_n travel_v over_o the_o alps_n and_o infect_v france_n and_o now_o of_o late_o it_o have_v cross_v the_o sea_n and_o invade_v our_o nation_n and_o have_v prevail_v to_o amazement_n for_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o there_o be_v any_o people_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v general_o more_o indispose_v to_o it_o and_o can_v worse_o brook_v it_o seriousness_n and_o zeal_n in_o religion_n be_v almost_o the_o natural_a temper_n of_o the_o english_a so_o that_o nothing_o be_v to_o i_o matter_n of_o great_a wonder_n than_o that_o in_o a_o grave_n and_o sober_a nation_n profaneness_n shall_v ever_o come_v to_o gain_v so_o much_o ground_n and_o the_o best_a and_o the_o wise_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v make_v the_o scorn_n of_o fool_n for_o beside_o the_o profane_a and_o atheistical_a discourse_n about_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o the_o bold_a and_o senseless_a abuse_n of_o this_o sacred_a book_n the_o great_a instrument_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o be_v so_o frequent_a in_o the_o public_a place_n of_o resort_n i_o say_v beside_o these_o i_o speak_v it_o know_o a_o man_n can_v hardly_o pass_v the_o street_n without_o have_v his_o ear_n grate_v and_o pierce_v with_o such_o horrid_a and_o blasphemous_a oath_n and_o curse_n as_o be_v enough_o if_o we_o be_v guilty_a of_o no_o other_o sin_n to_o sink_v a_o nation_n and_o this_o not_o only_o from_o the_o tribe_n that_o be_v livery_n but_o from_o those_o that_o go_v before_o they_o and_o shall_v give_v better_a example_n be_v it_o not_o then_o high_a time_n that_o the_o law_n shall_v provide_v by_o the_o most_o prudent_a and_o effectual_a mean_n to_o curb_v these_o bold_a and_o insolent_a defier_n of_o heaven_n who_o take_v a_o pride_n in_o be_v monster_n and_o boast_v themselves_o in_o the_o folly_n and_o deformity_n of_o humane_a nature_n the_o heathen_n will_v never_o suffer_v their_o god_n to_o be_v revile_v which_o yet_o be_v not_o go_n and_o shall_v it_o among_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v allow_v to_o any_o man_n to_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o he_o that_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o to_o breath_n out_o blasphemy_n against_o he_o who_o give_v we_o life_n and_o breath_n and_o all_o thing_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o hypocrisy_n be_v a_o great_a wickedness_n and_o very_o odious_a to_o god_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n of_o so_o pernicious_a example_n as_o open_a profaneness_n hypocrisy_n be_v a_o more_o modest_a way_n of_o sin_v it_o show_v some_o reverence_n to_o religion_n and_o do_v so_o far_o own_o the_o worth_n and_o excellency_n of_o it_o as_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o deserve_v to_o be_v counterfeit_v whereas_o profaneness_n declare_v open_o against_o it_o and_o endeavour_n to_o make_v a_o party_n to_o drive_v it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n 2._o it_o concern_v every_o one_o to_o live_v
in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n because_o the_o public_a happiness_n and_o prosperity_n depend_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o of_o late_a year_n religion_n be_v very_o sensible_o decline_v among_o we_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n have_v almost_o be_v universal_o corrupt_v by_o a_o civil_a war._n we_o shall_v therefore_o all_o joint_o endeavour_v to_o retrieve_v the_o ancient_a virtue_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o to_o bring_v into_o fashion_n again_o that_o solid_a and_o substantial_a that_o plain_a and_o unaffected_a piety_n free_a from_o the_o extreme_n both_o of_o superstition_n and_o enthusiasm_n which_o flourish_v in_o the_o age_n of_o our_o immediate_a forefather_n which_o do_v not_o consist_v in_o idle_a talk_n but_o in_o real_a effect_n in_o a_o sincere_a love_n of_o god_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n in_o a_o pious_a devotion_n and_o reverence_n towards_o the_o divine_a majesty_n and_o in_o the_o virtuous_a action_n of_o a_o good_a life_n in_o the_o denial_n of_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o in_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n this_o be_v the_o true_a way_n to_o reconcile_v god_n to_o we_o to_o stop_v the_o course_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o to_o bring_v down_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n upon_o we_o god_n have_v now_o be_v please_v to_o settle_v we_o again_o in_o peace_n both_o at_o home_n and_o abroad_o and_o he_o have_v put_v we_o once_o more_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o own_o counsel_n life_n and_o death_n blessing_n and_o curse_v prosperity_n and_o destruction_n be_v before_o we_o we_o may_v choose_v our_o own_o fortune_n and_o if_o we_o be_v not_o want_v to_o ourselves_o we_o may_v under_o the_o influence_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o assistance_n which_o be_v never_o want_v to_o our_o sincere_a endeavour_n become_v a_o happy_a and_o a_o prosperous_a people_n the_o good_a god_n make_v we_o all_o wise_a to_o know_v and_o to_o do_v the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o temporal_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o nation_n and_o to_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o salvation_n of_o every_o one_o of_o our_o soul_n which_o we_o humble_o beg_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o etc._n etc._n psalm_n nineteeen_o ii_o and_o in_o keep_v of_o they_o there_o be_v great_a reward_n in_o this_o psalm_n david_n celebrate_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o work_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o law_n from_o the_o greatness_n of_o his_o work_n verse_n 1_o the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o firmament_n show_v his_o handiwork_n etc._n etc._n from_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o law_n verse_n 7._o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a convert_v the_o soul_n etc._n etc._n and_o among_o many_o other_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n he_o mention_n in_o the_o last_o place_n the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n which_o come_v from_o the_o observance_n of_o they_o verse_n 11._o and_o in_o keep_v of_o they_o there_o be_v great_a reward_n i_o have_v already_o show_v how_o much_o religion_n tend_v to_o the_o public_a welfare_n of_o mankind_n to_o the_o support_n of_o government_n and_o to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n my_o work_n at_o this_o time_n shall_v be_v to_o show_v that_o religion_n and_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n do_v likewise_o conduce_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o particular_a person_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o world_n and_o the_o other_o for_o though_o there_o be_v but_o little_a express_a mention_n make_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o another_o life_n yet_o all_o religion_n do_v suppose_v these_o principle_n and_o be_v build_v upon_o they_o i._o and_o first_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v how_o religion_n conduce_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o this_o life_n and_o that_o both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o inward_a and_o outward_a man_n first_o as_o to_o the_o mind_n to_o be_v pious_a and_o religious_a bring_v a_o double_a advantage_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n 1._o it_o tend_v to_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o understanding_n 2._o it_o bring_v peace_n and_o pleasure_n to_o our_o mind_n 1._o it_o tend_v to_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o understanding_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v only_o that_o it_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o make_v we_o to_o understand_v the_o great_a interest_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o concernment_n of_o eternity_n better_o but_o that_o in_o general_a it_o do_v raise_v and_o enlarge_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o make_v they_o more_o capable_a of_o true_a knowledge_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o understand_v the_o follow_a text_n 19.8_o psal_n 19.8_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n 111.10_o psal_n 111.10_o a_o good_a understanding_n have_v all_o they_o that_o keep_v his_o commandment_n thou_o through_o thy_o commandment_n haste_v make_v i_o wise_a than_o my_o enemy_n 119.98_o psal_n 119.98_o which_o plain_o refer_v to_o political_a prudence_n i_o have_v more_o understanding_n than_o all_o my_o teacher_n 99_o ver_fw-la 99_o for_o thy_o testimony_n be_v my_o meditation_n i_o understand_v more_o than_o the_o ancient_n because_o i_o keep_v thy_o precept_n 130._o ver_fw-la 104._o ver_fw-la 130._o through_o thy_o precept_n i_o get_v understanding_n the_o entrance_n of_o thy_o word_n give_v light_a it_o give_v understanding_n to_o the_o simple_a now_o religion_n do_v improve_v the_o understanding_n of_o man_n by_o subdue_a their_o lust_n and_o moderate_v their_o passion_n the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n do_v sully_v and_o darken_v their_o mind_n even_o by_o a_o natural_a influence_n intemperance_n and_o sensuality_n and_o fleshly_a lust_n do_v debase_v man_n mind_n and_o clog_v their_o spirit_n make_v they_o gross_a and_o foul_a listless_a and_o unactive_a they_o sink_v we_o down_o into_o sense_n and_o glue_v we_o to_o these_o low_a and_o inferior_a thing_n like_o birdlime_n they_o hamper_v and_o entangle_v our_o soul_n and_o hinder_v their_o flight_n upward_o they_o indispose_v and_o unfit_a our_o mind_n for_o the_o most_o noble_a and_o intellectual_a consideration_n so_o likewise_o the_o exorbitant_a passion_n of_o wrath_n and_o malice_n envy_n and_o revenge_n do_v darken_v and_o distort_v the_o understanding_n of_o man_n do_v tincture_n the_o mind_n with_o false_a colour_n and_o fill_v it_o with_o prejudice_n and_o undue_a apprehension_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o be_v intemperate_a or_o lustful_a or_o passionate_a but_o beside_o the_o guilt_n he_o contract_v which_o be_v continual_o fret_v and_o disquiet_v his_o mind_n beside_o the_o inconvenience_n he_o bring_v upon_o himself_o as_o to_o his_o health_n he_o do_v likewise_o stain_v and_o obscure_v the_o brightness_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o the_o clearness_n of_o his_o discern_a faculty_n such_o person_n have_v not_o that_o free_a use_n of_o their_o reason_n that_o they_o may_v have_v their_o understanding_n be_v not_o bright_a enough_o nor_o their_o spirit_n pure_a and_o fine_a enough_o for_o the_o exercise_n of_o the_o high_a and_o noble_a act_n of_o reason_n what_o clearness_n be_v to_o the_o eye_n that_o purity_n be_v to_o our_o mind_n and_o understanding_n and_o as_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o bodily_a eye_n do_v dispose_v it_o for_o a_o quick_a sight_n of_o material_a object_n so_o do_v the_o purity_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o be_v freedom_n from_o lust_n and_o passion_n dispose_v we_o for_o the_o clear_a and_o most_o perfect_a act_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n now_o religion_n do_v purify_v our_o mind_n and_o refine_v our_o spirit_n by_o quench_v the_o fire_n of_o lust_n and_o suppress_v the_o fume_n and_o vapour_n of_o it_o and_o by_o scatter_v the_o cloud_n and_o mist_n of_o passion_n and_o the_o more_o any_o man_n soul_n be_v cleanse_v from_o the_o filth_n and_o dregs_o of_o sensual_a lust_n the_o more_o nimble_a and_o expedite_a it_o will_v be_v in_o its_o operation_n the_o more_o any_o man_n conquer_v his_o passion_n the_o more_o calm_a and_o sedate_v his_o spirit_n be_v and_o the_o great_a equality_n he_o maintain_v in_o his_o temper_n his_o apprehension_n of_o thing_n will_v be_v the_o more_o clear_a and_o unprejudiced_a and_o his_o judgement_n more_o firm_a and_o steady_a and_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o say_n of_o solomon_n he_o that_o be_v slow_a to_o wrath_n be_v of_o great_a understanding_n but_o he_o that_o be_v hasty_a of_o spirit_n exalt_v folly_n ira_fw-la furor_fw-la brevis_fw-la est_fw-la anger_n be_v a_o short_a fit_n of_o madness_n and_o he_o that_o be_v passionate_a and_o furious_a deprive_v himself_o of_o his_o
reason_n spoil_v his_o understanding_n and_o help_v to_o make_v himself_o a_o fool_n whereas_o he_o that_o conquer_v his_o passion_n and_o keep_v they_o under_o do_v thereby_o preserve_v and_o improve_v his_o understanding_n freedom_n from_o irregular_a passion_n do_v not_o only_o signify_v that_o a_o man_n be_v wise_a but_o real_o contribute_v to_o the_o make_n of_o he_o such_o 2._o religion_n tend_v to_o the_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n the_o peace_n and_o tranquillity_n of_o our_o mind_n wherein_o happiness_n chief_o consist_v and_o which_o all_o the_o wisdom_n and_o philosophy_n of_o the_o world_n do_v always_o aim_v at_o as_o the_o utmost_a felicity_n of_o this_o life_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o natural_a fruit_n of_o a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a course_n of_o life_n the_o scripture_n declare_v to_o we_o in_o these_o text_n 97.11_o psal_n 97.11_o light_n be_v sow_o for_o the_o righteous_a and_o gladness_n for_o the_o upright_a in_o heart_n great_a peace_n have_v all_o they_o that_o love_v thy_o law_n 119.165_o psal_n 119.165_o and_o nothing_o shall_v offend_v they_o her_o way_n be_v way_n of_o pleasantness_n 3.17_o pro._n 3.17_o and_o all_o her_o path_n be_v peace_n 32.17_o isa_n 32.17_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n be_v peace_n and_o the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n quietness_n and_o assurance_n for_o ever_o the_o plain_a sense_n of_o which_o text_n be_v that_o pleasure_n and_o peace_n do_v natural_o result_v from_o a_o holy_a and_o good_a life_n when_o a_o man_n have_v once_o engage_v himself_o in_o a_o religious_a course_n and_o be_v habituate_v to_o piety_n and_o holiness_n all_o the_o exercise_n of_o religion_n and_o devotion_n all_o act_n of_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n be_v delightful_a to_o he_o to_o honour_v and_o worship_n god_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o and_o to_o praise_v he_o to_o study_v his_o will_n to_o meditate_v upon_o he_o and_o to_o love_v he_o all_o these_o bring_v great_a pleasure_n and_o peace_n along_o with_o they_o what_o great_a contentment_n and_o satisfaction_n can_v there_o be_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n when_o it_o be_v once_o purify_v and_o refine_v from_o the_o dregs_o of_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n and_o raise_v to_o its_o true_a height_n and_o pitch_n than_o to_o contemplate_v and_o admire_v the_o infinite_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n to_o adore_v his_o greatness_n and_o to_o love_v his_o goodness_n how_o can_v the_o thought_n of_o god_n be_v troublesome_a to_o any_o one_o who_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o the_o world_n no_o man_n that_o love_v goodness_n and_o righteous_a ness_n have_v any_o reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o god_n or_o to_o be_v disquiet_v with_o the_o thought_n of_o he_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o god_n that_o be_v terrible_a to_o a_o good_a man_n but_o all_o the_o apprehension_n which_o we_o natural_o have_v of_o he_o speak_v comfort_n and_o promise_v happiness_n to_o such_o a_o one_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o attribute_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o trouble_n to_o he_o that_o it_o be_v his_o recreation_n and_o delight_n it_o be_v for_o wicked_a man_n to_o dread_a god_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o banish_v the_o thought_n of_o he_o out_o of_o their_o mind_n but_o a_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a man_n may_v have_v quiet_a and_o undisturbed_a thought_n even_o of_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n because_o the_o terror_n of_o it_o do_v not_o concern_v he_o now_o religion_n do_v contribute_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o our_o mind_n these_o two_o way_n first_o by_o allay_v those_o passion_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o ruffle_v and_o discompose_v our_o spirit_n malice_n and_o hatred_n wrath_n and_o revenge_n be_v very_o fret_v and_o vexatious_a and_o apt_a to_o make_v our_o mind_n sore_a and_o uneasy_a but_o he_o that_o can_v moderate_v these_o affection_n will_v find_v a_o strange_a ease_n and_o pleasure_n in_o his_o own_o spirit_n second_o by_o free_v we_o from_o the_o anxiety_n of_o guilt_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o divine_a wrath_n and_o displeasure_n than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o sting_a and_o torment_v and_o render_v the_o life_n of_o man_n more_o miserable_a and_o unquiet_a and_o whaâ—_n a_o spring_n of_o peace_n and_o joy_n must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o apprehend_v upon_o good_a ground_n that_o god_n be_v reconcile_v to_o we_o and_o become_v our_o friend_n that_o all_o our_o sin_n be_v perfect_o forgive_v and_o shall_v never_o more_o be_v remember_v against_o we_o what_o unexpressible_a comfort_n do_v overflow_v the_o pious_a and_o devout_a soul_n from_o the_o remembrance_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o well-spent_a life_n and_o a_o conscience_n of_o its_o own_o innocency_n and_o integrity_n and_o nothing_o but_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n can_v give_v this_o ease_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a kind_n of_o temper_n and_o disposition_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o pleasure_n and_o quiet_a of_o our_o mind_n and_o consequent_o to_o our_o happiness_n and_o that_o be_v holiness_n and_o goodness_n which_o as_o it_o be_v the_o perfection_n so_o be_v it_o likewise_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o chief_a part_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o wicked_a man_n and_o of_o those_o accurse_a spirit_n the_o devil_n be_v this_o that_o they_o be_v of_o a_o disposition_n contrary_n to_o god_n they_o be_v envious_a and_o malicious_a and_o cruel_a and_o of_o such_o a_o temper_n as_o be_v natural_o a_o torment_n and_o disquiet_v to_o itself_o and_o here_o the_o foundation_n of_o hell_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o evil_a disposition_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o till_o this_o be_v cure_v which_o can_v only_o be_v do_v by_o religion_n it_o be_v as_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v happy_a that_o be_v please_v and_o content_v within_o himself_o as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o sick_a man_n to_o be_v at_o ease_n because_o such_o a_o man_n have_v that_o within_o he_o which_o torment_v he_o and_o he_o can_v be_v at_o ease_n till_o that_o be_v remove_v the_o man_n spirit_n be_v out_o of_o order_n and_o off_o the_o hinge_n and_o till_o that_o be_v put_v into_o its_o right_a frame_n he_o will_v be_v perpetual_o disquiet_v and_o can_v find_v no_o rest_n within_o himself_o the_o prophet_n very_o fit_o describe_v to_o we_o the_o unquiet_a condition_n of_o wicked_a man_n 57.10.21_o isa_n 57.10.21_o the_o wicked_a be_v like_o the_o trouble_a sea_n when_o it_o can_v rest_v who_o water_n cast_v up_o mire_n and_o dirt_n there_o be_v no_o peace_n say_v my_o god_n to_o the_o wicked_a so_o long_o as_o sin_n and_o corruption_n abound_v in_o our_o heart_n they_o will_v be_v restles_o work_v like_o wine_n which_o will_v be_v in_o a_o perpetual_a motion_n and_o agitation_n till_o it_o have_v purge_v itself_o of_o its_o dregs_o and_o foulness_n second_o religion_n do_v likewise_o tend_v to_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o outward_a man_n now_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v such_o as_o either_o respect_n our_o health_n or_o estate_n or_o reputation_n or_o relation_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o all_o these_o religion_n be_v high_o advantageous_a to_o we_o 1._o as_o to_o our_o health_n a_o religious_a and_o virtuous_a life_n do_v eminent_o conduce_v to_o that_o and_o to_o long_a life_n as_o a_o consequent_a of_o it_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o understand_v these_o follow_a text_n 2._o prov._n 3.1_o 2._o my_o son_n forget_v not_o my_o law_n but_o let_v thy_o heart_n keep_v my_o commandment_n for_o length_n of_o day_n and_o long_a life_n shall_v they_o add_v to_o thou_o and_o v._o 7_o and_o 8._o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o depart_v from_o evil_n it_o shall_v be_v health_n to_o thy_o navel_n and_o marrow_n to_o thy_o bone_n and_o v._o 16._o among_o the_o temporal_a advantage_n of_o wisdom_n or_o religion_n this_o be_v mention_v as_o the_o first_o and_o principal_a length_n of_o day_n be_v in_o her_o right_a hand_n and_o v._o 18._o she_o be_v a_o tree_n of_o life_n to_o they_o that_o lie_v hold_v upon_o she_o and_o again_o whoso_o find_v i_o find_v life_n but_o he_o that_o sin_v against_o i_o wrong_v his_o own_o soul_n 36._o prov._n 8.35_o 36._o that_o be_v injurious_a to_o his_o own_o life_n all_o they_o that_o hate_v i_o love_v death_n all_o which_o be_v undoubted_o true_a in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n but_o be_v certain_o mean_v by_o solomon_n in_o the_o natural_a sense_n and_o these_o promise_n of_o the_o blessing_n of_o health_n and_o long_a life_n to_o good_a man_n be_v not_o only_o declaratory_a of_o the_o good_a pleasure_n and_o intention_n of_o god_n towards_o they_o but_o likewise_o of_o the_o natural_a tendency_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o religion_n do_v oblige_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o virtue_n which_o do_v in_o their_o
will_n among_o man_n a_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v our_o great_a enemy_n to_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v we_o to_o bless_v they_o that_o curse_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 and_o do_v inculcate_v these_o precept_n more_o vehement_o and_o forbid_v malice_n and_o hatred_n and_o revenge_n and_o contention_n more_o strict_o and_o peremptory_o than_o any_o religion_n ever_o do_v before_o as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o that_o do_v but_o attentive_o read_v our_o saviour_n sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n and_o as_o christianity_n have_v give_v we_o a_o more_o certain_a so_o likewise_o a_o more_o perfect_a law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n all_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o be_v reasonable_a and_o wise_a require_v such_o duty_n of_o we_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o do_v approve_v themselves_o to_o the_o best_a reason_n of_o mankind_n such_o as_o have_v their_o foundation_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o be_v a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o persection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o raise_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n the_o law_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v such_o as_o be_v general_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n as_o do_v tend_v to_o the_o outward_a peace_n and_o the_o health_n to_o the_o inward_a comfort_n and_o contentment_n and_o to_o the_o universal_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n they_o command_v nothing_o that_o be_v unnecessary_a and_o burdensome_a as_o be_v the_o numerous_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n but_o what_o be_v reasonable_a and_o useful_a and_o substantial_a and_o they_o omit_v nothing_o that_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o the_o welfare_n of_o man_n nor_o do_v they_o restrain_v we_o in_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v contrary_a either_o to_o the_o regular_a inclination_n of_o nature_n or_o to_o our_o reason_n and_o true_a interest_n they_o forbid_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v base_a and_o unworthy_a to_o serve_v our_o humour_n and_o passion_n to_o reproach_v our_o understanding_n and_o to_o make_v ourselves_o fool_n and_o beast_n in_o a_o word_n nothing_o but_o what_o tend_v either_o to_o our_o private_a harm_n and_o prejudice_n or_o to_o public_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o tenor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o from_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n and_o discourse_n particular_o that_o upon_o the_o mount_n wherein_o he_o charge_v his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n to_o be_v humble_a and_o meek_a and_o righteous_a and_o patient_a under_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n and_o good_a and_o kind_a to_o all_o even_a to_o those_o that_o be_v evil_a and_o injurious_a to_o we_o and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o excel_v in_o all_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n this_o will_v appear_v likewise_o from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n i_o will_v instance_n but_o in_o some_o few_o passage_n in_o they_o st._n paul_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n in_o a_o very_a few_o word_n but_o of_o admirable_a sense_n and_o weight_n 12._o tit._n 2.11_o 12._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 and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n the_o same_o apostle_n make_v this_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n on_o our_o part_n 2.19_o 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 st._n james_n describe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o he_o call_v the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o by_o these_o character_n it_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n st._n peter_n call_v the_o gospel_n 4._o 2_o pet._n 1.3_o 4._o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n whereby_o say_v he_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n he_o exhort_v they_o to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o add_v to_o their_o faith_n the_o several_a virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n 7._o v._o 5_o 6_o 7._o without_o which_o he_o tell_v they_o they_o be_v barren_a and_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n i_o will_v conclude_v with_o that_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a passaage_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o philippian_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o venerable_a esteem_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a or_o chaste_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n but_o the_o perfection_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n will_v most_o plain_o appear_v by_o take_v a_o brief_a survey_n of_o they_o and_o they_o may_v all_o be_v refer_v to_o these_o two_o general_a head_n they_o be_v either_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o make_v man_n single_o and_o personal_o good_a or_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n first_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o make_v man_n good_a single_o and_o personal_o consider_v and_o the_o precept_n of_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v distribute_v likewise_o into_o two_o sort_n such_o as_o enjoin_v piety_n towards_o god_n or_o such_o as_o require_v the_o good_a order_n and_o government_n of_o ourselves_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n 1._o such_o as_o enjoin_v piety_n towards_o god_n all_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o respect_n god_n be_v no_o other_o but_o what_o natural_a light_n prompt_v man_n to_o except_v the_o two_o sacrament_n which_o be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o significancy_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o sum_n of_o natural_a religion_n as_o it_o refer_v more_o immediate_o to_o god_n be_v this_o that_o we_o shall_v inward_o reverence_v and_o love_n god_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v express_v our_o inward_a reverence_n and_o love_n of_o he_o by_o external_a worship_n and_o adoration_n and_o by_o our_o readiness_n to_o receive_v and_o obey_v all_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v testify_v our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o our_o confidence_n of_o his_o goodness_n by_o constant_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o he_o for_o mercy_n and_o help_v for_o ourselves_o and_o other_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v acknowledge_v our_o obligation_n to_o he_o for_o the_o many_o favour_n and_o benefit_n which_o every_o day_n and_o every_o minute_n we_o receive_v from_o he_o by_o continual_a praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o shall_v not_o entertain_v any_o unworthy_a thought_n of_o god_n nor_o give_v that_o honour_n and_o reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o to_o any_o other_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o worship_v he_o in_o any_o manner_n that_o be_v either_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o contrary_a to_o he_o reveal_v will_n that_o we_o shall_v careful_o avoid_v the_o profane_a and_o irreverent_a use_n of_o his_o name_n by_o curse_v or_o customary_a swear_n and_o take_v heed_n of_o the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o his_o worship_n or_o any_o thing_n belong_v to_o it_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o these_o be_v the_o general_a head_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o every_o man_n reason_n tell_v he_o he_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o these_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v express_o require_v of_o we_o as_o may_v be_v evidence_v from_o particular_a text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o part_n of_o christianity_n but_o what_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n 2._o such_o precept_n as_o require_v the_o good_a order_n and_o government_n of_o ourselves_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n christian_n religion_n
18._o rom._n 1.16_o 18._o because_o therein_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 so_o that_o if_o we_o call_v ourselves_o christians_o we_o profess_v to_o embrace_v the_o holy_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v perfect_o opposite_a to_o all_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n of_o life_n we_o profess_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o those_o law_n which_o do_v strict_o enjoin_v holiness_n and_o virtue_n we_o profess_v to_o be_v persuade_v that_o all_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a which_o offer_v such_o great_a and_o glorious_a reward_n to_o obedience_n and_o threaten_v transgression_n and_o disobedience_n with_o such_o dreadful_a punishment_n and_o if_o so_o we_o be_v oblige_v both_o by_o our_o reason_n and_o our_o interest_n to_o live_v according_o 2._o he_o that_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n profess_v to_o live_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o christ_n example_n and_o to_o follow_v his_o step_n who_o do_v no_o sin_n neither_o be_v guile_n find_v in_o his_o mouth_n the_o son_n of_o god_n come_v into_o the_o world_n not_o only_o by_o his_o doctrine_n to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o by_o his_o death_n to_o make_v expiation_n of_o sin_n but_o by_o his_o life_n to_o be_v a_o example_n to_o we_o of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n therefore_o in_o scripture_n we_o find_v several_a title_n give_v he_o which_o import_n his_o exemplariness_n as_o of_o a_o prince_n and_o a_o captain_n a_o master_n and_o a_o guide_n now_o if_o he_o be_v our_o pattern_n we_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o be_v like_o he_o to_o have_v the_o same_o mind_n that_o be_v in_o christ_n jesus_n to_o walk_v in_o love_n as_o he_o also_o have_v love_v we_o and_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o we_o shall_v aspire_v after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n make_v it_o our_o constant_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o please_v god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n and_o to_o fulfil_v all_o righteousness_n as_o he_o do_v do_v any_o man_n profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n and_o yet_o abandon_v himself_o to_o intemperance_n and_o filthy_a lust_n be_v this_o like_o our_o saviour_n be_v we_o cruel_a and_o unmerciful_a be_v this_o like_o the_o high_a priest_n of_o our_o profession_n be_v we_o proud_a and_o passionate_a malicious_a and_o revengeful_a be_v this_o to_o be_v likeminded_a with_o christ_n who_o be_v meek_a and_o lowly_a in_o spirit_n who_o pray_v for_o his_o enemy_n and_o offer_v up_o his_o blood_n to_o god_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o they_o that_o shed_v it_o if_o we_o call_v ourselves_o christians_o we_o profess_v to_o have_v the_o life_n of_o christ_n continual_o before_o we_o and_o to_o be_v always_o correct_v and_o reform_v our_o life_n by_o that_o pattern_n 3._o he_o that_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n have_v solemn_o engage_v himself_o to_o renounce_v all_o sin_n and_o to_o live_v a_o holy_a life_n by_o baptism_n we_o have_v solemn_o take_v upon_o we_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o engage_v ourselves_o to_o renounce_v the_o devil_n and_o all_o his_o work_n and_o obedient_o to_o keep_v god_n commandment_n ancient_o those_o who_o be_v baptize_v put_v off_o their_o garment_n which_o signify_v the_o put_v off_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n and_o be_v immerse_v and_o bury_v in_o the_o water_n to_o represent_v their_o death_n of_o sin_n and_o then_o do_v rise_v up_o again_o out_o of_o the_o water_n to_o signify_v their_o entrance_n upon_o a_o new_a life_n and_o to_o these_o custom_n the_o apostle_n allude_v when_o he_o say_v how_o shall_v we_o that_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n live_v any_o long_a therein_o 6._o rom._n 6.2_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 6._o know_v you_o not_o that_o so_o many_o of_o we_o as_o be_v baptize_v into_o jesus_n christ_n be_v baptize_v into_o his_o death_n therefore_o we_o be_v bury_v with_o he_o in_o baptism_n into_o death_n that_o like_a as_o christ_n be_v raise_v up_o from_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o father_n even_o so_o we_o also_o shall_v walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n for_o if_o we_o have_v be_v plant_v together_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o death_n we_o shall_v be_v also_o in_o the_o likeness_n of_o his_o resurrection_n know_v this_o that_o our_o old_a man_n be_v crucify_v with_o he_o that_o the_o body_n of_o sin_n may_v be_v destroy_v that_o henceforth_o we_o may_v not_o serve_v sin_n so_o that_o by_o baptism_n we_o profess_v to_o be_v enter_v into_o a_o new_a state_n and_o to_o be_v endue_v with_o a_o new_a nature_n to_o have_v put_v off_o the_o old_a man_n with_o his_o deed_n to_o have_v quit_v our_o former_a conversation_n which_o be_v corrupt_a according_a to_o the_o deceitful_a lust_n and_o to_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o to_o have_v put_v on_o the_o new_a man_n which_o after_o god_n be_v create_v in_o righteousness_n and_o true_a holiness_n and_o therefore_o baptism_n be_v call_v the_o put_v on_o of_o christ_n 3.27_o gal._n 3.27_o as_o many_o of_o you_o as_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o christ_n have_v put_v on_o christ_n now_o if_o we_o profess_v to_o have_v put_v on_o christ_n we_o must_v quit_v and_o renounce_v our_o lust_n because_o these_o be_v inconsistent_a as_o appear_v by_o the_o opposition_n which_o the_o apostle_n make_v between_o they_o put_v you_o on_o the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n and_o make_v not_o provision_n for_o the_o flesh_n to_o fulfil_v the_o lust_n thereof_o 13.14_o rom._n 13.14_o and_o as_o we_o do_v solemn_o covenant_n with_o god_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o baptism_n so_o we_o do_v solemn_o renew_v this_o obligation_n so_o often_o as_o we_o receive_v the_o bless_a sacrament_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n therefore_o the_o cup_n in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v call_v the_o new_a covenant_n in_o his_o blood_n that_o be_v this_o represent_v the_o shed_n of_o christ_n blood_n by_o which_o rite_n the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v ratify_v and_o as_o by_o this_o god_n do_v confirm_v his_o promise_n to_o we_o so_o we_o do_v oblige_v ourselves_o to_o be_v faithful_a and_o obedient_a to_o he_o and_o if_o we_o sin_v wilful_o after_o we_o have_v receive_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n that_o be_v after_o we_o be_v become_v christian_n we_o account_v the_o blood_n of_o the_o covenant_n a_o common_a thing_n that_o be_v we_o make_v nothing_o of_o the_o solemne_v rite_n that_o ever_o be_v use_v in_o the_o world_n for_o confirmation_n of_o any_o covenant_n the_o shed_n of_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o that_o this_o be_v always_o understand_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o this_o holy_a sacrament_n to_o renew_v our_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o solemn_o to_o confirm_v our_o resolution_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n be_v very_o plain_a from_o that_o account_n which_o pliny_n 97._o pliny_n plin._n epist_n l._n 10._o epist_n 97._o give_v we_o of_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o christian_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o trajan_n the_o emperor_n in_o which_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o they_o assemble_v early_o in_o the_o morning_n before_o day_n to_o sing_v a_o hymn_n to_o christ_n as_o god_n and_o then_o say_v he_o they_o do_v sacramento_fw-la se_fw-la obstringere_fw-la bound_v themselves_o by_o a_o sacrament_n or_o oath_n not_o to_o rob_v or_o steal_v or_o commit_v adultery_n not_o to_o break_v their_o word_n or_o falsisie_n their_o trust_n and_o after_o they_o have_v eat_v together_o they_o depart_v home_o which_o be_v plain_o a_o account_n of_o the_o christian_n celebrate_v of_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v then_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o oath_n whereby_o christian_n do_v solemn_o covenant_n and_o engage_v themselves_o against_o all_o wickedness_n and_o vice_n thus_o you_o see_v what_o obligation_n the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o we_o to_o holiness_n of_o life_n from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o gospel_n require_v something_o on_o our_o part_n for_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o we_o be_v a_o mutual_a engagement_n and_o as_o there_o be_v blessing_n promise_v on_o his_o part_n so_o there_o be_v condition_n to_o be_v perform_v on_o we_o and_o if_o we_o live_v wicked_a and_o unholy_a life_n if_o we_o neglect_v our_o duty_n towards_o god_n we_o have_v no_o title_n at_o all_o to_o the_o blessing_n of_o this_o covenant_n the_o contrary_a doctrine_n to_o this_o have_v be_v greedy_o entertain_v to_o the_o vast_a prejudice_n of_o christianity_n as_o if_o in_o this_o new_a covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n god_n take_v all_o upon_o himself_o and_o require_v nothing_o or_o as_o good_a as_o nothing_o of_o we_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o disparagement_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o god_n grace_n to_o think_v he_o expect_v any_o thing_n
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
present_a but_o they_o leave_v peace_n and_o contentment_n behind_o they_o a_o peace_n that_o no_o outward_a violence_n can_v interrupt_v or_o take_v from_o we_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n have_v moreover_o this_o peculiar_a advantage_n of_o all_o worldly_a joy_n that_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v weary_a of_o they_o we_o can_v be_v cloy_v by_o the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o these_o pleasure_n nor_o by_o the_o long_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o i_o know_v that_o some_o vice_n pretend_v to_o bring_v great_a pleasure_n along_o with_o they_o and_o that_o the_o delight_n of_o a_o sensual_a and_o voluptuous_a life_n make_v a_o glorious_a show_n and_o be_v attend_v with_o much_o pomp_n and_o noise_n like_o the_o sport_n of_o child_n and_o fool_n which_o be_v loud_a and_o clamorous_a or_o as_o solomon_n elegant_o compare_v they_o like_o the_o crackle_n of_o thorn_n under_o a_o pot_n which_o make_v a_o little_a noise_n and_o a_o sudden_a blaze_n that_o be_v present_o over_o but_o the_o serious_a and_o the_o manly_a pleasure_n the_o solid_a and_o substantial_a joy_n be_v only_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n the_o most_o sensual_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n never_o feel_v his_o heart_n touch_v with_o so_o delicious_a and_o last_a a_o pleasure_n as_o that_o be_v which_o spring_v from_o a_o clear_a conscience_n and_o a_o mind_n full_o satisfy_v with_o its_o own_o action_n 2._o but_o the_o great_a encouragement_n of_o all_o be_v the_o assurance_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n the_o firm_a persuasion_n whereof_o be_v enough_o to_o raise_v we_o above_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o animate_v we_o with_o courage_n and_o resolution_n against_o the_o great_a difficulty_n so_o the_o apostle_n reason_n his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a for_o whatsoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n overcome_v the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o victory_n that_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n and_o glory_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o primitive_a christian_n so_o victorious_a over_o the_o world_n and_o give_v they_o the_o courage_n to_o resist_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o terror_n of_o sense_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v encumber_v with_o many_o difficulty_n which_o be_v natural_o grievous_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o a_o christian_n be_v able_a to_o comfort_v himself_o under_o all_o these_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o end_n which_o be_v everlasting_a life_n he_o consider_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o he_o believe_v will_v not_o deny_v he_o the_o free_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v it_o not_o that_o he_o have_v such_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n in_o store_n for_o he_o as_o will_v abundant_o recompense_v his_o present_a self_n denial_n and_o suffering_n let_v we_o now_o put_v both_o these_o together_o the_o pleasure_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o and_o they_o can_v but_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n with_o what_o pleasure_n do_v a_o man_n that_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o a_o virtuous_a life_n despise_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o allurement_n of_o sense_n persist_v resolute_o in_o his_o course_n and_o how_o be_v such_o a_o man_n confirm_v in_o his_o purpose_n and_o animate_v in_o his_o holy_a resolution_n when_o he_o find_v that_o god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n do_v applaud_v his_o choice_n when_o all_o along_o in_o the_o course_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o virtuous_a life_n in_o his_o conflict_n with_o sin_n and_o resistance_n of_o temptation_n he_o have_v for_o his_o present_a reward_n the_o two_o great_a pleasure_n of_o innocence_n and_o of_o victory_n and_o for_o his_o future_a encouragement_n the_o joyful_a hope_n of_o a_o crown_n and_o a_o kingdom_n a_o recompense_n so_o great_a as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o lame_a man_n walk_v enough_o to_o make_v any_o one_o willing_a to_o offer_v violence_n to_o his_o strong_a passion_n and_o inclination_n a_o man_n will_v be_v content_a to_o strive_v with_o himself_o and_o to_o conflict_n with_o great_a difficulty_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o mighty_a reward_n what_o poor_a man_n will_v not_o cheerful_o carry_v a_o great_a burden_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n that_o be_v assure_v to_o have_v the_o great_a share_n of_o it_o for_o his_o pain_n and_o thereby_o to_o be_v make_v a_o man_n for_o ever_o whatever_o difficulty_n religion_n be_v attend_v withal_o they_o be_v all_o sweeten_v and_o make_v easy_a by_o the_o proposal_n of_o a_o great_a and_o eternal_a reward_n but_o be_v there_o no_o difficulty_n then_o in_o religion_n be_v every_o thing_n so_o plain_a and_o easy_a be_v all_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n so_o smooth_a and_o even_a as_o we_o have_v here_o represent_v they_o have_v not_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o 7.14_o mat_n 7.14_o that_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o 14.22_o act._n 14.22_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o through_o much_o tributation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 3.12_o 2_o tim_n 3.12_o and_o that_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v persecution_n and_o do_v not_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o speak_v of_o strive_v and_o wrestle_v and_o run_v and_o fight_v of_o labour_v and_o watch_v and_o give_v all_o diligence_n and_o be_v there_o nothing_o grievous_a in_o all_o this_o this_o be_v a_o very_a material_a objection_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o careful_a to_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o it_o and_o that_o i_o may_v do_v it_o the_o more_o distinct_o be_v please_v to_o consider_v these_o six_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o persecution_n for_o religion_n be_v a_o extraordinary_a case_n which_o do_v chief_o concern_v the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n 2._o that_o this_o discourse_n concern_v the_o easiness_n of_o god_n command_n do_v all_o along_o suppose_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o entrance_n upon_o a_o religious_a course_n 3._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n it_o shall_v exclude_v our_o after_o care_n and_o diligence_n 4._o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n be_v very_o much_o mitigate_v and_o allay_v by_o hope_n and_o by_o love_n 5._o there_o be_v incomparable_o more_o difficulty_n and_o trouble_n in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o vice_n than_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n 6._o if_o we_o do_v but_o put_v virtue_n and_o vice_n a_o religious_a and_o a_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n in_o equal_a circumstance_n if_o we_o will_v but_o suppose_v a_o man_n as_o much_o accustom_a and_o inure_v to_o the_o one_o as_o he_o have_v be_v to_o the_o other_o than_o i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v to_o pronounce_v that_o the_o advantage_n of_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v on_o the_o side_n of_o religion_n i._o the_o suffering_n of_o persecution_n for_o religion_n be_v a_o extraordinary_a case_n and_o do_v chief_o concern_v the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o the_o general_a say_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n concern_v the_o persecute_a state_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v limit_v as_o doubtless_o they_o be_v intend_v principal_o to_o those_o first_o time_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v equal_o extend_v to_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n at_o first_o indeed_o whoever_o embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n do_v thereby_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o the_o suffering_n which_o the_o power_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o world_n can_v afflict_v they_o withal_o but_o since_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n begin_v to_o be_v patron_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v universal_o true_a that_o every_o christian_n have_v suffer_v the_o violence_n of_o persecution_n that_o it_o have_v be_v a_o rare_a case_n and_o happen_v only_o in_o some_o few_o age_n and_o to_o some_o person_n so_o that_o this_o be_v accidental_a to_o a_o state_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o ordinary_a difficulty_n of_o it_o and_o when_o it_o happen_v god_n give_v extraordinary_a support_n and_o promise_n mighty_a reward_n to_o make_v it_o tolerable_a ii_o this_o discourse_n concern_v the_o easiness_n of_o god_n command_n do_v all_o along_o suppose_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o first_o entrance_n upon_o a_o religious_a course_n except_o only_o in_o those_o person_n who_o have_v have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v train_v up_o to_o religion_n by_o the_o easy_a