profligate_v sinner_n can_v shelter_v themselves_o in_o a_o schism_n and_o palliate_v or_o expiate_v their_o other_o crime_n by_o a_o factious_a zeal_n and_o therefore_o if_o ever_o we_o desire_v to_o see_v christianity_n flourish_v we_o must_v pray_v hearty_o for_o peace_n and_o unity_n among_o christian_n but_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v what_o we_o be_v to_o pray_v for_o let_v we_o brief_o inquire_v wherein_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n consist_v and_o that_o be_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n the_o unity_n of_o communion_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o love_n and_o charity_n one_a unity_n of_o faith_n whereby_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v that_o all_o christian_n must_v agree_v in_o all_o the_o opinion_n and_o speculation_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v be_v well_o if_o it_o can_v be_v so_o but_o this_o can_v never_o be_v while_o man_n have_v such_o different_a understanding_n and_o ability_n such_o different_a skill_n and_o opportunity_n of_o enquiry_n but_o 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of_o earthly_a rival_n yet_o it_o fire_v at_o great_a example_n and_o be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v outdo_v by_o equal_n in_o love_n to_o god_n or_o man_n especial_o when_o the_o honour_n of_o the_o church_n whereof_o they_o be_v member_n and_o the_o religion_n which_o they_o profess_v be_v concern_v it_o be_v well_o know_v how_o many_o pious_a and_o charitable_a foundation_n be_v owe_v to_o popish_a superstition_n they_o hope_v to_o expiate_v their_o sin_n and_o to_o merit_v heaven_n by_o their_o good_a work_n and_o in_o this_o hope_n and_o this_o persuasion_n they_o do_v a_o very_a great_a many_o we_o understand_v better_a than_o to_o think_v of_o merit_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n much_o less_o of_o purchase_v a_o liberty_n of_o sin_v by_o act_n of_o charity_n but_o if_o those_o great_a reward_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o charity_n and_o which_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v will_v not_o make_v we_o charitable_a without_o the_o opinion_n of_o merit_n and_o satisfaction_n charity_n be_v 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several_a sect_n dispute_v â—…d_v wrangle_v eternal_o without_o end_v â—…y_o one_o controversy_n give_v no_o great_a enâ—…uragement_n to_o hope_v for_o much_o this_o way_n 〈◊〉_d lest_o it_o can_v never_o be_v expect_v that_o â—…dinary_a christian_n shall_v be_v better_o â—…structed_v and_o confirm_v in_o the_o faith_n by_o â—…hilosophical_a dispute_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v from_o â—…e_n very_o begin_v be_v corrupt_v by_o 〈◊〉_d mixture_n of_o philosophy_n thus_o it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d the_o apostle_n day_n and_o thus_o it_o have_v â—…een_v more_o or_o less_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n to_o this_o day_n and_o the_o direction_n the_o apostle_n give_v for_o the_o security_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v not_o to_o dispute_v such_o matter_n but_o to_o distinguish_v between_o philosophical_a dispute_n and_o matter_n of_o revelation_n and_o to_o reject_v all_o the_o pretence_n of_o philosophy_n when_o it_o do_v or_o seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n or_o will_v make_v any_o corrupt_a addition_n to_o it_o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o make_v a_o prey_n or_o to_o carry_v away_o as_o a_o prey_n that_o be_v to_o seduce_v they_o from_o the_o christian_a faith_n or_o from_o the_o pâ—…rity_n and_o simplicity_n of_o it_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n that_o be_v through_o the_o vain_a deceit_n of_o philosophy_n which_o cheat_v man_n with_o a_o flatter_a but_o empty_a appearance_n may_v unsettle_v weak_a mind_n but_o can_v lay_v a_o sure_a and_o solid_a foundation_n of_o faith_n may_v cheat_v man_n out_o of_o their_o faith_n but_o when_o that_o be_v do_v can_v give_v they_o nothing_o certain_a in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o for_o it_o be_v but_o after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o this_o world_n some_o of_o these_o doctrine_n may_v possible_o plead_v prescription_n as_o have_v be_v so_o long_o receive_v that_o no_o man_n know_v their_o original_a or_o if_o they_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o great_a name_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o a_o human_a authority_n and_o they_o be_v but_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n and_o of_o man_n who_o at_o best_o have_v no_o better_a information_n than_o from_o the_o visible_a appearance_n of_o nature_n and_o their_o own_o imperfect_a observation_n and_o corrupt_v or_o defective_a reason_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o this_o world_n and_o be_v this_o a_o authority_n to_o oppose_v against_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n which_o both_o want_v that_o divine_a confirmation_n which_o he_o give_v to_o his_o doctrine_n and_o contradict_v they_o for_o they_o be_v not_o after_o christ_n neither_o teach_v by_o christ_n nor_o consonant_n to_o what_o he_o teach_v these_o word_n may_v afford_v great_a variety_n of_o discourse_n but_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o what_o be_v most_o useful_a and_o reduce_v that_o into_o as_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o i_o can_v by_o show_v i._n what_o great_a need_n there_o be_v of_o this_o caution_n to_o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v we_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n ii_o what_o great_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o rejectall_v these_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n when_o they_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n i._o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o whoever_o consider_v what_o a_o enemy_n these_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n have_v always_o be_v to_o religion_n will_v see_v need_n enough_o for_o this_o caution_n true_a reason_n and_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v true_a philosophy_n will_v certain_o direct_v we_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n and_o worship_n of_o that_o supreme_a be_v who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o yet_o we_o know_v that_o there_o never_o be_v a_o atheist_n without_o some_o pretence_n to_o philosophy_n and_o general_o such_o loud_a noisy_a pretence_n too_o as_o make_v ignorant_a people_n think_v they_o very_o notable_a philosopher_n and_o that_o tempt_v some_o vain_a empty_a person_n to_o affect_v atheism_n that_o they_o may_v be_v think_v philosopher_n that_o this_o be_v vain_a deceit_n all_o man_n must_v own_v who_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o pretend_v philosophy_n for_o atheism_n itself_o it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n if_o it_o be_v make_v to_o patronize_v infidelity_n and_o heresy_n but_o this_o plain_o show_v of_o what_o dangerous_a consequence_n it_o be_v to_o admit_v philosophical_a dispute_n into_o religion_n which_o if_o at_o any_o time_n they_o may_v do_v any_o service_n to_o religion_n much_o often_o great_o corrupt_v it_o and_o shake_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o it_o of_o which_o more_o anon_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o show_v you_o how_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n stand_v that_o most_o of_o the_o dispute_n in_o religion_n
be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o dispute_n of_o philosophy_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o apostolical_a command_n to_o be_v whole_o fling_v out_o of_o religion_n and_o not_o suffer_v to_o affect_v our_o faith_n one_o way_n or_o other_o to_o be_v a_o philosopher_n and_o a_o christian_a to_o dispute_v and_o to_o believe_v be_v two_o very_a different_a thing_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o most_o of_o the_o argument_n against_o revelation_n in_o general_n and_o most_o of_o the_o dispute_n about_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v no_o better_o than_o this_o vain_a deceit_n of_o philosophy_n that_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o dispute_n of_o philosophy_n true_o distinguish_v this_o alone_a will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o settle_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_n and_o restore_v peace_n and_o unity_n at_o least_o in_o the_o great_a fundamental_o of_o religion_n to_o the_o christian_a world_n 1._o as_o to_o begin_v with_o 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and_o pharisee_n in_o disbelieve_v our_o saviour_n after_o all_o the_o miracle_n they_o do_v for_o if_o they_o will_v disbelieve_v moses_n and_o christ_n though_o they_o have_v nothing_o material_a to_o object_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o history_n nothing_o which_o they_o will_v allow_v to_o be_v good_a objection_n against_o any_o other_o history_n they_o must_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n have_v disbelieved_a they_o though_o they_o have_v see_v they_o do_v all_o those_o great_a work_n which_o be_v report_v of_o they_o in_o such_o credible_a history_n but_o whatever_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n be_v they_o think_v they_o may_v secure_o reject_v they_o if_o they_o contain_v any_o thing_n which_o contradict_v their_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n and_o they_o find_v a_o great_a many_o such_o thing_n to_o quarrel_n with_o they_o think_v moses_n history_n of_o the_o creation_n very_o unphilosophical_a that_o the_o story_n of_o eve_n and_o the_o serpent_n be_v a_o incredible_a fiction_n that_o the_o universal_a deluge_n be_v absolute_o impossible_a and_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o principle_n of_o philosophy_n and_o it_o do_v not_o become_v philosopher_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o miracle_n that_o what_o we_o call_v miracle_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n but_o may_v be_v resolve_v into_o natural_a cause_n that_o inspiration_n and_o prophecy_n be_v nothing_o but_o natural_a enthusiasm_n and_o all_o the_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n a_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n that_o nature_n teach_v we_o all_o that_o we_o need_v to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o certain_a knowledge_n but_o this_o that_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o our_o own_o reason_n can_v grasp_v and_o comprehend_v and_o therefore_o revelation_n be_v perfect_o useless_a and_o god_n himself_o can_v oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o philosophy_n of_o nature_n those_o who_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o modern_a infidelity_n know_v that_o these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o wise_a reason_n for_o which_o they_o reject_v and_o ridicule_n all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o endeavour_v to_o rob_v and_o spoil_v man_n of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a blessing_n in_o the_o world_n a_o divine_a revelation_n so_o that_o infidelity_n be_v resolve_v into_o these_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n that_o man_n will_v understand_v how_o to_o make_v destroy_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n better_o than_o god_n 2._o as_o these_o man_n oppose_v reason_n and_o philosophy_n to_o revelation_n so_o other_o either_o deny_v the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o christianity_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o philosophical_a difficulty_n or_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n by_o a_o mixture_n of_o philosophy_n the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o plain_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v to_o the_o world_n all_o its_o doctrine_n be_v easy_o understand_v without_o art_n and_o subtilty_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o nice_a intricate_a perplex_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n than_o what_o some_o man_n have_v make_v the_o christian_a faith_n all_o the_o subtle_a dispute_n of_o philosophy_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n and_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n be_v become_v as_o great_a apostle_n as_o st._n peter_n or_o st._n paul_n as_o to_o give_v some_o few_o instance_n of_o it_o for_o time_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o discourse_v it_o at_o large_a what_o be_v the_o arian_n socinian_n pelagian_a controversy_n but_o mere_a philosophical_a dispute_n with_o which_o these_o heretic_n corrupt_v the_o catholic_n faith_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_a and_o express_v in_o scripture_n than_o the_o faith_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o that_o great_a art_n and_o subtlety_n which_o have_v be_v use_v and_o to_o so_o little_a purpose_n to_o pervert_v those_o text_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o this_o doctrine_n be_v contain_v be_v a_o evident_a proof_n that_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a natural_a obvious_a sense_n of_o those_o text_n since_o it_o require_v so_o much_o art_n and_o criticism_n to_o put_v any_o other_o sense_n on_o they_o and_o that_o will_v not_o do_v neither_o till_o man_n be_v resolve_v rather_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n of_o scripture_n than_o to_o find_v a_o real_a trinity_n there_o if_o then_o this_o faith_n be_v so_o plain_o contain_v in_o scripture_n what_o make_v all_o this_o dispute_n about_o it_o what_o make_v those_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n so_o obstinate_a against_o this_o faith_n true_o that_o which_o make_v some_o man_n infidel_n make_v other_o heretic_n that_o be_v a_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n the_o first_o philosophical_a dispute_n be_v about_o the_o divine_a unity_n we_o all_o own_o with_o the_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o we_o say_v further_o as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v three_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n each_o of_o which_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n this_o they_o say_v be_v a_o contradiction_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o faith_n for_o both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a but_o to_o be_v three_o and_o one_o upon_o different_a account_n and_o in_o different_a sense_n be_v no_o contradiction_n for_o thus_o three_o may_v be_v one_o and_o one_o three_o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o scripture_n teach_v or_o that_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v whatever_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o distinction_n and_o unity_n be_v but_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v these_o philosophical_a wit_n unless_o they_o can_v comprehend_v how_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v real_o and_o distinct_o three_o and_o essential_o one_o the_o manner_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n give_v no_o account_n of_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v no_o dispute_n in_o faith_n but_o only_o in_o philosophy_n another_o objection_n concern_v the_o divine_a generation_n how_o god_n can_v beget_v a_o son_n of_o his_o own_o substance_n which_o the_o arian_n think_v infer_v a_o division_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n and_o a_o three_o objection_n concern_v a_o eternal_a generation_n how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o father_n shall_v beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n that_o the_o son_n shall_v be_v beget_v without_o any_o begin_n of_o be_v and_o that_o the_o father_n shall_v not_o be_v at_o least_o some_o few_o moment_n before_o the_o son_n and_o consequent_o the_o son_n not_o eternal_a now_o we_o all_o grant_v that_o we_o can_v give_v no_o philosophical_a account_n of_o this_o no_o more_o than_o we_o can_v of_o the_o simple_a divine_a essence_n or_o of_o eternity_n itself_o but_o we_o may_v believe_v that_o god_n have_v a_o eternal_a son_n as_o we_o do_v that_o there_o be_v
its_o love_n and_o care_n to_o its_o self_n but_o a_o man_n who_o have_v a_o true_o great_a and_o divine_a mind_n who_o love_v all_o man_n as_o himself_o and_o love_v himself_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v call_v a_o selfish_a man_n or_o a_o lover_n of_o himself_o for_o he_o have_v a_o universal_a love_n to_o humane_a nature_n which_o begin_v with_o himself_o but_o extend_v to_o all_o the_o world_n this_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o short_a account_n what_o this_o vicious_a self-love_n be_v and_o why_o it_o be_v so_o call_v two_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propose_v be_v to_o show_v how_o dangerous_a and_o perilous_a such_o time_n must_v needs_o be_v wherein_o this_o self-love_n prevail_v now_o those_o be_v perilous_a time_n which_o expose_v man_n to_o great_a danger_n and_o to_o great_a trouble_n and_o calamity_n and_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o own_o private_a fortune_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o public_a and_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o state_n of_o religion_n and_o what_o a_o malignant_a influence_n this_o vicious_a self-love_n have_v upon_o all_o these_o great_a and_o dear_a interest_n be_v so_o visible_a that_o methinks_v it_o shall_v need_v no_o proof_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v at_o present_v only_o give_v some_o brief_a hint_n of_o it_o and_o i_o shall_v not_o here_o take_v notice_n how_o much_o such_o self-lover_n suffer_v from_o themselves_o and_o from_o their_o own_o self-love_n for_o though_o this_o make_v themselves_o â—…iserable_a it_o do_v not_o make_v the_o time_n dangerous_a the_o time_n may_v be_v very_o prosperous_a and_o good_a man_n very_o happy_a though_o such_o sinner_n may_v reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o work_n and_o be_v fill_v with_o their_o own_o device_n though_o they_o sacrifice_v their_o honour_n their_o estate_n their_o health_n their_o life_n to_o intemperance_n and_o lust_n though_o ambition_n heat_v their_o brain_n into_o a_o distraction_n and_o care_n and_o disappointment_n break_v their_o heart_n or_o gild_n disturb_v their_o conscience_n and_o fill_v they_o with_o rage_n and_o furious_a despair_n the_o world_n be_v not_o much_o concern_v in_o this_o let_v such_o self-lover_n look_v to_o it_o and_o thank_v themselves_o for_o what_o they_o suffer_v but_o then_o the_o time_n be_v dangerous_a with_o respect_n to_o our_o private_a and_o personal_a interest_n when_o man_n be_v in_o great_a danger_n from_o one_o another_o when_o they_o be_v never_o secure_a from_o private_a injury_n when_o they_o know_v not_o who_o to_o trust_v nor_o with_o who_o to_o converse_v when_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o find_v a_o friend_n and_o almost_o impossible_a to_o escape_v a_o enemy_n when_o the_o great_a virtue_n innocence_n inoffenciveness_n nay_o the_o divine_a charity_n and_o all_o the_o charm_n of_o a_o oblige_a conversation_n can_v secure_v man_n from_o envy_n rapine_n and_o detraction_n from_o the_o venom_n of_o tongue_n or_o from_o more_o malicious_a design_n against_o their_o life_n and_o fortune_n such_o a_o state_n as_o this_o will_v make_v all_o good_a man_n wish_v as_o david_n do_v o_o that_o i_o have_v wing_n like_o a_o dove_n for_o than_o will_v i_o fly_v away_o and_o be_v at_o rest_n lo_o than_o will_v i_o wander_v far_o off_o and_o remain_v in_o the_o wilderness_n i_o will_v hasten_v my_o escape_n from_o the_o windy_a storm_n and_o tempest_n 55_o psa._n 6_o 7_o 8_o verse_n and_o this_o be_v the_o very_a state_n which_o self-love_n put_v mankind_n into_o when_o it_o prevail_v in_o the_o world_n this_o a_o late_a admire_a philosopher_n call_v the_o state_n of_o nature_n wherein_o every_o man_n be_v a_o wolf_n to_o a_o man_n but_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v only_o the_o state_n of_o this_o vicious_a self-love_n which_o be_v the_o corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o a_o reasonable_a and_o sociable_a nature_n if_o man_n be_v make_v for_o society_n it_o can_v be_v his_o nature_n to_o love_v no_o body_n but_o himself_o which_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o society_n he_o must_v first_o put_v off_o nature_n if_o that_o be_v this_o self-love_n before_o he_o can_v be_v capable_a of_o live_v in_o society_n which_o seem_v very_o unaccountable_a that_o a_o creature_n who_o be_v make_v for_o society_n shall_v not_o be_v fit_a for_o society_n till_o he_o change_v his_o nature_n for_o man_n can_v live_v together_o in_o safety_n while_o they_o be_v all_o act_v by_o this_o principle_n self-love_n make_v every_o man_n his_o own_o centre_n and_o the_o centre_n draw_v all_o to_o itself_o all_o that_o be_v within_o its_o sphere_n of_o activity_n pride_n be_v self-love_n such_o a_o esteem_n for_o ourselves_o as_o value_v no_o man_n honour_n or_o reputation_n but_o our_o own_o and_o this_o draw_v all_o honour_n to_o itself_o be_v not_o content_v unless_o it_o can_v outshine_v all_o other_o and_o either_o by_o a_o great_a brightness_n swallow_v they_o up_o or_o eclipse_v they_o by_o black_a and_o misty_a vapour_n by_o all_o the_o art_n of_o infamy_n and_o reproach_n covetousness_n be_v self-love_n when_o man_n will_v be_v rich_a whoever_o be_v poor_a and_o by_o whatever_o art_n they_o can_v do_v it_o and_o this_o draw_v all_o riches_n to_o itself_o and_o snatch_v they_o from_o all_o that_o come_v within_o its_o reach_n and_o what_o injustice_n and_o violence_n theft_n murder_n perjury_n do_v this_o occasion_n self-love_n be_v the_o love_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o love_n of_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a pleasure_n which_o will_v please_v itself_o whoever_o be_v grieve_v and_o injure_v by_o it_o such_o brutish_a sensualist_n have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o honour_n and_o peace_n of_o family_n to_o the_o modesty_n of_o virgin_n to_o the_o sacred_a vow_n of_o wife_n to_o the_o stain_n and_o infamy_n of_o posterity_n nay_o many_o time_n not_o to_o the_o dignity_n of_o humane_a nature_n but_o gratify_v their_o lust_n in_o contradiction_n to_o they_o all_o where_o self-love_n reign_v there_o be_v no_o place_n for_o compassion_n for_o charity_n for_o justice_n for_o true_a friendship_n every_o thing_n must_v give_v way_n to_o self_n and_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n whether_o such_o be_v not_o perilous_a time_n some_o such_o man_n there_o be_v always_o in_o the_o world_n and_o great_a number_n of_o they_o too_o and_o we_o daily_o feel_v what_o mischief_n they_o do_v but_o the_o more_o the_o number_n of_o they_o increase_v the_o more_o this_o self-love_n prevail_v the_o more_o intolerable_a will_n humane_a conversation_n be_v and_o if_o we_o allow_v that_o pride_n ambition_n covetousness_n sensuality_n be_v great_a enemy_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n to_o the_o good_a order_n and_o government_n of_o any_o nation_n we_o must_v grant_v that_o self-love_n which_o be_v the_o impure_a fountain_n from_o whence_o all_o these_o corrupt_a stream_n flow_v be_v very_o destructive_a to_o humane_a society_n too_o it_o corrupt_v public_a justice_n loosen_v the_o reign_n of_o government_n soften_v and_o emasculate_v man_n spirit_n render_v they_o unfit_a for_o counsel_n or_o for_o arm_n make_v they_o contemptible_a to_o their_o neighbour_n and_o bring_v down_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n upon_o they_o be_v any_o thing_n so_o destructive_a to_o any_o state_n as_o division_n and_o faction_n at_o home_n and_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o state-faction_n without_o self-love_n and_o private_a interest_n at_o the_o bottom_n when_o great_a man_n will_v rival_n one_o another_o and_o be_v impatient_a either_o of_o superior_n or_o equal_n and_o prosecute_v their_o private_a animosity_n with_o the_o public_a danger_n and_o when_o common_a safety_n require_v unite_v heart_n and_o counsel_n will_v not_o adjourn_v their_o private_a quarrel_n nor_o sacrifice_v their_o private_a interest_n and_o resentment_n to_o save_v a_o nation_n it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o observe_v that_o when_o a_o kingdom_n be_v divide_v into_o party_n and_o faction_n the_o most_o threaten_a danger_n be_v so_o far_o from_o unite_n they_o that_o they_o take_v advantage_n of_o public_a fear_n and_o apprehension_n to_o get_v ground_n of_o their_o adversary_n though_o they_o hazard_v the_o whole_a by_o it_o and_o what_o be_v such_o faction_n but_o a_o combination_n of_o self-lover_n who_o divide_v themselves_o from_o the_o public_a interest_n unless_o their_o private_a humour_n and_o intrigue_n may_v take_v place_n when_o a_o party_n will_v be_v the_o whole_a and_o if_o other_o will_v not_o let_v they_o be_v the_o whole_a let_v the_o whole_a perish_v this_o be_v the_o narrow_a peevish_a unsociable_a spirit_n of_o self-love_n a_o temper_n which_o generous_a heathen_n have_v in_o the_o great_a abhorrence_n and_o till_o a_o more_o public_a spirit_n revive_v in_o the_o world_n we_o must_v never_o expect_v to_o see_v easy_a and_o happy_a day_n the_o time_n will_v be_v perilous_a while_o man_n be_v such_o lover_n of_o themselves_o but_o how_o
their_o vice_n and_o bad_a name_n to_o virtue_n this_o be_v so_o common_a and_o so_o well_o know_v that_o i_o need_v not_o insist_v on_o it_o a_o easy_a oblige_v friendly_a conversation_n be_v very_o charm_a when_o it_o be_v govern_v by_o strict_a virtue_n these_o man_n let_v the_o virtue_n alone_o and_o justify_v their_o vice_n as_o only_o the_o effect_n and_o instance_n of_o good_a humour_n and_o sociableness_n and_o of_o a_o comply_a temper_n to_o make_v their_o company_n easy_a and_o their_o conversation_n pleasant_a and_o entertain_v and_o this_o they_o think_v a_o good_a apology_n for_o all_o their_o lewdness_n debauchery_n and_o profaneness_n which_o may_v make_v they_o agreeable_a company_n for_o one_o another_o but_o very_o unfit_a for_o the_o conversation_n not_o only_o of_o good_a man_n but_o of_o prudent_a and_o cautious_a sinner_n but_o that_o be_v all_o one_o they_o will_v have_v this_o good_a humour_n and_o that_o be_v a_o good_a name_n which_o will_v suit_v any_o vice_n which_o please_v themselves_o and_o their_o company_n thus_o to_o be_v diligent_a in_o our_o business_n prudent_a and_o frugal_a in_o our_o expense_n to_o mortify_v our_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o deny_v the_o crave_n of_o lust_n and_o use_v our_o body_n hardly_o be_v very_o commendable_a thing_n when_o they_o be_v oppose_v to_o idleness_n and_o luxury_n and_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o care_n of_o our_o family_n and_o to_o make_v we_o capable_a of_o all_o act_n of_o charity_n and_o to_o subdue_v the_o flesh_n to_o the_o spirit_n and_o to_o make_v we_o more_o devout_a worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o a_o mere_a earthworm_n who_o do_v all_o this_o for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o get_v or_o to_o save_v his_o money_n though_o he_o starve_v himself_o and_o his_o family_n and_o the_o poor_a by_o it_o and_o make_v himself_o a_o vile_a slave_n all_o his_o day_n call_v this_o fordo_v covetousness_n by_o these_o good_a name_n of_o diligence_n prudence_n frugality_n temperance_n mortification_n when_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o love_n of_o money_n above_o his_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n and_o adore_v it_o as_o his_o god_n thus_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n superstition_n and_o hypocrisy_n be_v very_o ill_a name_n and_o these_o at_o all_o adventure_n they_o bestow_v upon_o piety_n and_o virtue_n to_o excuse_v their_o own_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o both_o as_o if_o no_o man_n can_v be_v sincere_a because_o there_o be_v some_o hypocrite_n or_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o religion_n because_o some_o man_n will_v appear_v to_o be_v religious_a who_o be_v not_o though_o it_o be_v a_o better_a argument_n for_o religion_n that_o even_o bad_a man_n desire_v to_o be_v think_v religious_a thus_o a_o affect_a singularity_n be_v very_o offensive_a and_o nauseous_a to_o all_o wise_a man_n and_o this_o be_v their_o name_n for_o a_o sullen_a inflexible_a virtue_n which_o will_v not_o do_v a_o bad_a thing_n to_o please_v its_o company_n nor_o admit_v bad_a man_n into_o the_o privacy_n and_o familiarity_n of_o conversation_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o medium_fw-la between_o affect_a singularity_n and_o be_v wicked_a for_o company_n this_o be_v the_o art_n of_o change_a name_n call_v any_o virtue_n or_o vice_n by_o its_o own_o name_n such_o as_o piety_n justice_n charity_n temperance_n chastity_n or_o profaneness_n injustice_n drunkenness_n adultery_n and_o they_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o the_o one_o nor_o for_o the_o other_o for_o these_o be_v name_n of_o honour_n and_o esteem_v or_o of_o infamy_n and_o reproach_n all_o the_o world_n over_o but_o if_o they_o can_v find_v any_o thing_n in_o vice_n which_o bear_v the_o least_o resemblance_n to_o what_o some_o virtue_n oblige_v we_o to_o they_o present_o give_v the_o name_n of_o those_o virtue_n to_o their_o vice_n and_o if_o a_o virtuous_a man_n may_v do_v any_o thing_n for_o wise_a and_o good_a reason_n which_o have_v any_o likeness_n or_o analogy_n to_o what_o bad_a man_n do_v for_o very_o bad_a reason_n they_o give_v the_o name_n of_o those_o vice_n to_o virtue_n which_o be_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n to_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n and_o this_o there_o be_v too_o many_o guilty_a of_o who_o be_v not_o profess_v atheist_n or_o infidel_n who_o think_v it_o some_o excuse_n for_o their_o vice_n if_o they_o can_v find_v any_o thing_n good_a to_o say_v of_o they_o and_o a_o apology_n for_o their_o lukewarmness_n and_o indifferency_n in_o religion_n if_o they_o can_v charge_v some_o zealous_a professor_n with_o pharisaism_n and_o hypocrisy_n but_o by_o whosoever_o and_o for_o what_o reason_n soever_o this_o be_v do_v the_o woe_n belong_v to_o all_o those_o who_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n 2_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n darkness_n and_o light_n very_o often_o in_o scripture_n signify_v vice_n and_o virtue_n sin_n be_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n to_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n be_v to_o live_v holy_o as_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o 1_o john_n 1._o for_o 6_o 7._o if_o we_o say_v we_o have_v fellowship_n with_o he_o god_n and_o walk_v in_o darkness_n live_v in_o any_o sin_n we_o lie_v and_o do_v not_o the_o truth_n but_o if_o we_o walk_v in_o the_o light_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o light_n if_o we_o be_v holy_a as_o god_n be_v holy_a then_o have_v we_o fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o call_v evil_n good_a and_o good_a evil._n but_o then_o darkness_n signify_v also_o ignorance_n and_o error_n false_a and_o corrupt_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n and_o light_v a_o clear_a and_o certain_a knowledge_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n what_o concern_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n but_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v john_n 3._o 19_o and_o thus_o we_o must_v understand_v it_o here_o those_o man_n who_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n who_o reject_v the_o moral_a difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o confound_v the_o name_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n pervert_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o knowledge_n and_o rule_n of_o judge_v between_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n call_v all_o the_o arbitrary_a and_o ridiculous_a principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n light_n and_o esteem_v they_o as_o the_o most_o true_a and_o certain_a knowledge_n though_o indeed_o they_o teach_v we_o nothing_o but_o reduce_v we_o to_o the_o most_o perfect_a state_n of_o ignorance_n by_o unteach_v all_o that_o mankind_n know_v before_o for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o no_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o light_n of_o the_o mind_n for_o the_o next_o step_n be_v to_o put_v light_n for_o darkness_n to_o reject_v all_o the_o natural_a and_o all_o the_o supernatural_a mean_n of_o knowledge_n the_o natural_a notion_n of_o our_o mind_n the_o natural_a light_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o supernatural_a light_n of_o revelation_n as_o mere_a ignorance_n and_o imposture_n the_o cheat_n of_o education_n or_o of_o a_o timorous_a fancy_n or_o the_o cunning_a of_o statesman_n or_o the_o invention_n of_o priest_n such_o man_n you_o know_v there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o woe_n belong_v to_o they_o 3_o to_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a be_v a_o corruption_n not_o mere_o of_o our_o judgement_n but_o of_o our_o natural_a sensation_n of_o our_o natural_a taste_n and_o relish_v of_o thing_n bitter_n signify_v whatever_o be_v natural_o uneasy_a grievous_a offensive_a as_o bitter_a thing_n be_v to_o the_o palate_n that_o which_o cause_n trouble_v anguish_n remorse_n as_o all_o wicked_a action_n natural_o do_v now_o such_o thingâ—…_n as_o be_v grievous_a and_o afflict_a to_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n who_o have_v any_o natural_a sense_n leave_v these_o man_n call_v sweet_a account_v their_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n but_o than_o what_o be_v natural_o sweet_a have_v a_o natural_a easiness_n pleasure_n satisfaction_n as_o all_o good_a and_o virtuous_a action_n have_v this_o they_o call_v bitter_a these_o be_v the_o grievance_n of_o their_o life_n a_o intolerable_a yoke_n which_o they_o can_v and_o will_v not_o bear_v this_o be_v the_o most_o degenerate_a state_n of_o human_a nature_n which_o have_v lose_v all_o relish_n of_o virtue_n and_o all_o sense_n of_o shame_n and_o fear_n and_o remorse_n when_o they_o do_v evil_a their_o mind_n be_v perfect_o dead_a and_o stupid_a without_o any_o rational_a or_o spiritual_a sensation_n they_o have_v nothing_o but_o their_o bodily_a sense_n leave_v and_o by_o these_o alone_o they_o judge_v of_o sweet_a and_o
world_n believe_v that_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v teach_v they_o be_v false_a be_v a_o mystery_n to_o i_o and_o the_o only_a account_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o it_o be_v what_o our_o saviour_n give_v that_o light_n be_v come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a and_o when_o they_o love_v darkness_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o they_o call_v it_o light_n but_o they_o must_v first_o call_v darkness_n light_n before_o they_o can_v put_v out_o the_o light_n and_o turn_v it_o into_o darkness_n now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o case_n as_o our_o own_o experience_n and_o our_o observation_n of_o other_o man_n assure_v we_o it_o be_v this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o reject_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n without_o dispute_v for_o they_o be_v not_o bear_v and_o breed_v with_o we_o as_o what_o be_v natural_a be_v and_o therefore_o must_v be_v owe_v to_o the_o lust_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o darkness_n and_o hate_v the_o light_n and_o nothing_o seem_v strange_a to_o i_o than_o that_o of_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n these_o man_n shall_v pretend_v to_o reason_n who_o have_v the_o least_o right_a oâ—…_n pretence_n to_o it_o for_o what_o principle_n can_v they_o reason_v on_o who_o reject_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o revelation_n what_o be_v natural_a reason_n but_o the_o reason_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v what_o this_o be_v but_o by_o those_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n which_o nature_n have_v implant_v in_o all_o mankind_n and_o which_o art_n and_o wit_n and_o vice_n itself_o have_v much_o ado_n to_o silence_n and_o can_v never_o perfect_o root_v out_o and_o certain_o that_o be_v not_o natural_a reason_n which_o contradict_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o what_o be_v that_o reason_n which_o be_v not_o the_o reason_n of_o humane_a nature_n or_o how_o be_v mankind_n concern_v in_o such_o reason_n as_o can_v be_v no_o rule_n to_o they_o unless_o they_o put_v off_o humane_a nature_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o these_o very_a man_n they_o have_v put_v off_o humane_a nature_n be_v degenerate_v into_o bruit_n and_o have_v the_o reason_n and_o understanding_n of_o bruit_n espouse_v such_o principle_n as_o serve_v no_o other_o end_n but_o to_o justify_v the_o brutal_a nature_n and_o therefore_o laugh_v at_o the_o common_a sentiment_n and_o faith_n of_o mankind_n and_o pretend_v to_o reason_n only_o to_o reason_v humane_a nature_n as_o well_o as_o revelation_n out_o of_o the_o world_n how_o subtle_o soever_o these_o man_n may_v dispute_v it_o suffice_v i_o that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o original_a belief_n of_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o be_v not_o owe_v to_o god_n or_o nature_n but_o to_o lust._n no_o man_n can_v call_v light_a darkness_n till_o he_o be_v in_o love_n with_o darkness_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o work_n of_o darkness_n 3_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a man_n must_v first_o reconcile_v themselves_o to_o wickedness_n which_o be_v natural_o very_o bitter_a uneasy_a and_o grievous_a and_o shake_v off_o all_o sense_n of_o shame_n and_o modesty_n and_o fear_v before_o they_o can_v in_o good_a earnest_a reproach_n virtue_n for_o till_o man_n be_v very_o wicked_a virtue_n be_v the_o great_a pleasure_n the_o true_a and_o sweet_a pleasure_n of_o humane_a nature_n three_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o woe_n that_o be_v denounce_v against_o these_o man_n and_o how_o unavoidable_a it_o be_v woe_n be_v to_o they_o that_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n etc._n etc._n what_o this_o woe_n be_v be_v not_o here_o express_v but_o a_o indefinite_a woe_n be_v very_o terrible_a for_o it_o include_v all_o the_o woe_n that_o god_n have_v any_o where_n in_o scripture_n threaten_v against_o sinner_n the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n in_o this_o world_n and_o the_o eternal_a misery_n of_o the_o next_o a_o woe_n signify_v a_o state_n of_o extreme_a misery_n wherein_o man_n shall_v bewail_v and_o lament_v themselves_o without_o hope_n or_o redress_v all_o the_o misery_n that_o such_o sinner_n deserve_v and_o therefore_o the_o great_a that_o humane_a nature_n can_v suffer_v because_o this_o be_v the_o great_a degeneracy_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o therefore_o to_o warn_v you_o all_o of_o fall_v into_o this_o state_n i_o shall_v brief_o show_v you_o how_o unavoidable_a this_o woe_n be_v when_o man_n be_v so_o in_o love_n with_o their_o sin_n that_o they_o resolve_v never_o to_o part_v with_o they_o they_o vain_o think_v that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o secure_v themselves_o be_v to_o banish_v god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o to_o destroy_v all_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o then_o they_o may_v please_v themselves_o and_o live_v as_o they_o listen_v without_o fear_n or_o shame_n or_o any_o danger_n of_o a_o future_a account_n now_o so_o far_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n that_o if_o they_o can_v banish_v god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n their_o work_n be_v do_v and_o they_o may_v bid_v defiance_n to_o all_o the_o pulpit-thunder_n and_o laugh_v at_o all_o the_o superstitious_a fear_n of_o sinner_n but_o to_o persuade_v themselves_o contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o universal_a belief_n of_o mankind_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n will_v not_o banish_v god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o they_o shall_v find_v a_o god_n after_o they_o have_v persuade_v themselves_o there_o be_v none_o as_o they_o certain_o will_v they_o will_v find_v this_o god_n a_o provoke_v and_o terrible_a judge_n for_o what_o great_a contempt_n and_o despite_n can_v be_v offer_v to_o god_n than_o to_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n this_o be_v a_o state_n of_o open_a enmity_n they_o hate_v god_n and_o will_v destroy_v his_o be_v if_o they_o can_v for_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o there_o be_v no_o god_n be_v because_o they_o will_v have_v none_o and_o those_o who_o hate_n god_n be_v hate_v by_o he_o and_o must_v suffer_v his_o eternal_a vengeance_n thus_o if_o there_o be_v no_o essential_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o may_v choose_v for_o themselves_o and_o call_v thing_n by_o what_o name_n they_o please_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n but_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o difference_n however_o they_o hauâ—…_n make_v shift_v to_o conquer_v this_o sense_n at_o present_a if_o they_o refuse_v the_o good_a and_o choose_v the_o evil_a they_o must_v lose_v all_o that_o happiness_n which_o they_o may_v expect_v from_o what_o be_v a_o natural_a good_a that_o be_v all_o the_o true_a happiness_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o suffer_v all_o those_o misery_n which_o those_o evil_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o destructive_a of_o it_o will_v expose_v they_o too_o for_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v not_o empty_a name_n but_o good_a signify_v the_o happiness_n of_o that_o nature_n who_o good_a it_o be_v and_o evil_a its_o misery_n and_o if_o after_o all_o their_o philosophy_n there_o be_v such_o a_o distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a with_o respect_n to_o humane_a nature_n and_o that_o be_v a_o strange_a nature_n which_o have_v no_o good_a or_o evil_a belong_v to_o it_o to_o reject_v the_o good_a must_v deprive_v they_o of_o happiness_n and_o to_o choose_v the_o evil_n must_v make_v they_o miserable_a and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o moral_a as_o well_o as_o natural_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o one_o deserve_v to_o be_v reward_v and_o the_o other_o punish_v we_o must_v expect_v that_o the_o righteous_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n will_v reward_v and_o punish_v we_o according_a to_o our_o work_n if_o man_n shut_v their_o eye_n or_o put_v out_o the_o light_n and_o then_o call_v darkness_n light_n 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