one_o place_n neither_o to_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n nor_o samaria_n but_o it_o shall_v be_v free_a all_o the_o world_n over_o to_o erect_v house_n of_o prayer_n and_o worship_n where_o god_n will_v be_v as_o present_v with_o they_o as_o in_o the_o temple_n of_o jerusalem_n for_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o end_n now_o put_v to_o that_o typical_a state_n and_o typical_a worship_n which_o be_v confine_v to_o the_o temple_n and_o the_o true_a worshipper_n shall_v worship_v the_o father_n in_o spirit_n and_o in_o truth_n and_o this_o spiritual_a worship_n be_v confine_v to_o no_o one_o place_n but_o will_v find_v god_n present_v all_o the_o world_n over_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o abrogate_a all_o peculiar_a place_n of_o worship_n such_o as_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o samaria_n be_v that_o it_o make_v every_o church_n whatever_o part_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v in_o in_o a_o true_a sense_n the_o house_n of_o god_n than_o ever_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v and_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o of_o great_a consequence_n which_o we_o learn_v from_o this_o that_o we_o now_o want_v no_o new_a appearance_n of_o god_n to_o consecrate_v a_o place_n for_o his_o worship_n as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o patriarch_n nor_o any_o new_a command_n to_o appoint_v we_o where_o to_o build_v a_o house_n for_o god_n as_o it_o be_v under_o the_o law_n our_o saviour_n have_v consecrate_v every_o part_n of_o the_o world_n where_o christian_n live_v to_o be_v such_o holy_a ground_n as_o be_v fit_a to_o receive_v a_o temple_n and_o house_n of_o god_n and_o his_o promise_n to_o be_v in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n give_v we_o as_o great_a a_o assurance_n of_o a_o divine_a presence_n in_o such_o place_n as_o if_o like_o the_o tabernacle_n and_o temple_n we_o see_v they_o again_o fill_v with_o a_o cloud_n and_o a_o visible_a glory_n have_v thus_o show_v you_o that_o god_n who_o fill_v all_o place_n be_v yet_o peculiar_o present_a in_o some_o place_n and_o what_o this_o peculiar_a presence_n be_v that_o god_n be_v present_a as_o the_o object_n of_o our_o worship_n to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o to_o receive_v our_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n our_o alm_n and_o oblation_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o exhortation_n of_o my_o text_n which_o be_v the_o natural_a improvement_n of_o this_o o_o worship_v the_o lord_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n one_a and_o here_o first_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o very_a external_n beauty_n and_o ornament_n of_o god_n house_n be_v one_o part_n of_o homage_n which_o we_o owe_v to_o he_o the_o riches_n and_o visible_a glory_n of_o solomon_n temple_n be_v one_o of_o the_o wonder_n of_o the_o world_n a_o divine_a art_n and_o nature_n conspire_v to_o build_v a_o house_n as_o fit_a as_o art_n and_o nature_n can_v make_v it_o to_o signify_v the_o incommunicable_a majesty_n and_o glory_n of_o that_o god_n who_o dwell_v there_o and_o this_o nature_n teach_v all_o mankind_n the_o magnificence_n of_o their_o temple_n do_v not_o only_o show_v their_o devotion_n but_o what_o their_o art_n and_o what_o their_o riches_n be_v and_o the_o primitive_a christian_n when_o they_o enjoy_v peace_n and_o plenty_n under_o christian_a emperor_n be_v so_o far_o from_o think_v this_o a_o piece_n of_o pagan_a or_o jewish_a superstition_n that_o their_o first_o care_n be_v to_o erect_v beautiful_a and_o stately_a church_n to_o rival_n and_o outdo_v all_o the_o external_n glory_n of_o pagan_a temple_n and_o it_o be_v always_o account_v a_o great_a instance_n of_o the_o piety_n of_o prince_n to_o encourage_v and_o promote_v such_o work_n but_o you_o will_v say_v what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o god_n can_v we_o think_v that_o he_o who_o have_v make_v the_o world_n with_o such_o unimitable_a art_n and_o beauty_n can_v be_v please_v with_o any_o house_n we_o can_v build_v for_o he_o whatever_o art_n or_o riches_n we_o bestow_v on_o it_o but_o this_o very_a objection_n answer_v itself_o for_o god_n have_v make_v this_o beautiful_a world_n for_o his_o temple_n and_o have_v choose_v the_o most_o glorious_a part_n of_o it_o for_o his_o throne_n which_o show_v that_o though_o he_o be_v a_o infinite_a pure_a spirit_n he_o do_v not_o despise_v a_o external_n glory_n for_o thus_o he_o must_v represent_v his_o invisible_a greatness_n and_o majesty_n to_o his_o creature_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o vouchsafe_v his_o presence_n with_o we_o on_o earth_n we_o must_v provide_v the_o most_o honourable_a reception_n for_o he_o that_o we_o can_v and_o when_o we_o have_v do_v all_o that_o art_n and_o nature_n can_v do_v we_o have_v so_o far_o express_v our_o devotion_n and_o reverence_n for_o the_o divine_a presence_n this_o objection_n lie_v against_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n as_o well_o as_o against_o christian_a church_n and_o yet_o david_n think_v it_o very_o undecent_a and_o a_o want_n of_o a_o just_a reverence_n for_o god_n that_o he_o himself_o shall_v dwell_v in_o a_o house_n of_o cedar_n and_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n dwell_v within_o curtain_n 2_o sam._n 7._o 2._o which_o shall_v be_v consider_v by_o those_o man_n who_o think_v all_o that_o be_v bestow_v upon_o beautify_v and_o adorn_v god_n house_n a_o vain_a and_o superfluous_a expense_n when_o they_o think_v no_o cost_n too_o great_a to_o adorn_v their_o own_o 2_o the_o house_n of_o god_n too_o must_v be_v use_v as_o god_n house_n that_o be_v must_v be_v separate_v from_o common_a uses_n and_o appropriate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n it_o must_v not_o be_v a_o place_n of_o trade_n and_o commerce_n and_o ordinary_a conversation_n as_o we_o learn_v from_o our_o saviour_n zeal_n in_o drive_v those_o who_o sell_v ox_n and_o sheep_n and_o dove_n and_o the_o changer_n of_o money_n out_o of_o the_o temple_n which_o he_o do_v at_o two_o several_a time_n the_o first_o immediate_o upon_o his_o entrance_n on_o his_o ministry_n joh_n 2._o 13_o 14_o 15_o 16._o the_o second_o immediate_o before_o his_o crucifixion_n matth._n 21._o 12_o 13._o some_o learned_a man_n observe_v that_o the_o place_n of_o this_o merchandise_n in_o the_o temple_n be_v the_o court_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o from_o hence_o conclude_v that_o our_o saviour_n zeal_n be_v not_o confine_v to_o the_o jewish_a temple_n but_o concern_v all_o christian_a church_n to_o which_o the_o court_n of_o the_o gentile_n bear_v a_o great_a analogy_n but_o whatever_o force_n there_o may_v be_v in_o this_o i_o think_v the_o reason_n our_o saviour_n give_v do_v much_o better_o explain_v his_o meaning_n make_v not_o my_o father_n house_n a_o house_n of_o merchandise_n john_n 2._o 16._o and_o it_o be_v write_v my_o house_n shall_v be_v call_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n but_o you_o have_v make_v it_o a_o den_n of_o thief_n matth._n 21._o 13._o which_o reason_n have_v no_o relation_n to_o the_o typical_a state_n of_o the_o jewish_a temple_n but_o equal_o concern_v all_o place_n which_o be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n and_o the_o house_n of_o prayer_n that_o be_v where_o god_n vouchsafe_v his_o peculiar_a presence_n to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o indeed_o when_o christ_n express_v so_o much_o zeal_n for_o the_o house_n of_o god_n when_o the_o typical_a glory_n of_o the_o jewish_a temple_n be_v at_o a_o end_n have_v receive_v its_o accomplishment_n in_o his_o own_o person_n it_o be_v a_o very_a good_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o intend_v this_o as_o a_o stand_a rule_n for_o the_o religious_a use_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n and_o oratory_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o reason_n be_v universal_a and_o unanswerable_a that_o the_o house_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v profane_v by_o any_o common_a uses_n 3_o let_v we_o worship_n in_o the_o beauty_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v let_v we_o resort_v to_o the_o house_n of_o god_n to_o the_o house_n of_o prayer_n there_o to_o offer_v up_o our_o prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o he_o for_o if_o god_n have_v a_o house_n where_o he_o have_v promise_v his_o peculiar_a presence_n to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n that_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o peculiar_a place_n of_o worship_n the_o scripture_n make_v it_o a_o very_a material_a circumstance_n of_o worship_n to_o approach_v god_n house_n to_o enter_v into_o his_o court_n to_o come_v into_o his_o presence_n to_o own_v ourselves_o his_o servant_n and_o worshipper_n and_o without_o disparage_v private_a prayer_n or_o closet_n and_o family_n devotion_n there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v god_n will_v own_v those_o for_o his_o worshipper_n who_o deny_v he_o this_o public_a homage_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n know_v our_o prayer_n wherever_o we_o make_v they_o for_o he_o know_v our_o very_a thought_n but_o to_o hear_v prayer_n
have_v settle_v the_o ark_n at_o jerusalem_n and_o make_v that_o city_n the_o place_n of_o god_n house_n and_o of_o religious_a worship_n and_o the_o seat_n of_o justice_n and_o judgement_n there_o be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n verse_n 9_o that_o be_v though_o the_o temple_n be_v not_o yet_o build_v if_o this_o psalm_n be_v compose_v by_o david_n as_o the_o title_n of_o it_o signify_v it_o be_v yet_o there_o be_v the_o tabernacle_n and_o the_o ark_n of_o god_n which_o former_o be_v in_o shiloh_n and_o afterward_o remove_v from_o one_o place_n to_o another_o till_o david_n settle_v it_o in_o jerusalem_n thither_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n be_v to_o resort_v three_o time_n a_o year_n to_o worship_n god_n before_o the_o ark_n of_o the_o testimony_n 4_o ver_fw-la there_o be_v the_o imperial_a seat_n where_o david_n have_v build_v his_o throne_n and_o palace_n and_o where_o his_o posterity_n be_v to_o dwell_v and_o govern_v israel_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o justice_n too_o as_o that_o must_v be_v where_o the_o king_n throne_n and_o the_o house_n of_o god_n be_v place_v there_o be_v set_v throne_n of_o judgement_n the_o throne_n of_o the_o house_n of_o david_n 5._o ver_fw-la these_o be_v the_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o jerusalem_n above_o any_o other_o city_n in_o jury._n this_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o peculiar_a affection_n and_o passionate_a concern_v which_o david_n have_v himself_o and_o exhort_v all_o other_o to_o express_v for_o jerusalem_n that_o he_o great_o rejoice_v to_o go_v thither_o and_o to_o continue_v there_o i_o be_v glad_a when_o they_o say_v unto_o i_o let_v we_o go_v into_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_n our_o foot_n shall_v stand_v within_o thy_o gate_n o_o jerusalem_n that_o he_o exhort_v all_o people_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o promise_v a_o blessing_n to_o those_o who_o love_v it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o my_o text_n pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n they_o shall_v prosper_v that_o love_n thou_o peace_n be_v within_o thy_o wall_n and_o prosperity_n within_o thy_o palace_n all_o this_o be_v not_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o material_a building_n the_o beauty_n of_o the_o place_n or_o the_o conveniency_n of_o its_o situation_n but_o because_o it_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o unity_n which_o be_v build_v as_o a_o city_n that_o be_v compact_v together_o whither_o the_o tribe_n go_v up_o the_o tribe_n of_o the_o lord_n unto_o the_o testimony_n of_o israel_n to_o give_v thanks_o unto_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n 3._o &_o 4._o ver_fw-la which_o show_v in_o what_o respect_n he_o commend_v jerusalem_n that_o it_o be_v build_v as_o a_o city_n which_o be_v compact_v together_o not_o with_o regard_n to_o the_o uniformity_n and_o regular_a order_n and_o union_n of_o its_o material_a building_n but_o that_o it_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o a_o religious_a unity_n and_o order_n in_o worship_n where_o all_o the_o tribe_n of_o israel_n meet_v and_o unite_v in_o the_o same_o act_n of_o worship_n and_o praise_n to_o god_n there_o be_v the_o house_n of_o god_n there_o be_v the_o set_v throne_n of_o judgement_n so_o that_o to_o love_n jerusalem_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n of_o it_o be_v to_o love_v the_o house_n the_o worship_n the_o name_n of_o god_n to_o love_n and_o pray_v for_o the_o unity_n happiness_n and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o flourish_a state_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o peaceful_a opportunity_n of_o worship_v god_n in_o his_o holy_a temple_n together_o with_o the_o equal_a and_o impartial_a administration_n of_o justice_n which_o be_v so_o much_o for_o the_o public_a good_a to_o promote_v the_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o man_n that_o our_o love_n to_o mankind_n but_o especial_o our_o love_n to_o the_o brethren_n as_o well_o as_o our_o zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n and_o worship_n require_v this_o of_o we_o for_o my_o brethren_n and_o companion_n sake_n i_o will_v now_o say_v peace_n be_v within_o thou_o because_o of_o the_o house_n of_o the_o lord_z our_o god_n i_o will_v seek_v thy_o good_a v._o 8_o 9_o thus_o i_o have_v give_v you_o a_o very_a plain_a and_o easy_a exposition_n of_o this_o whole_a psalm_n and_o therein_o have_v sufficient_o explain_v my_o text._n i_o have_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o to_o add_v to_o make_v way_n for_o my_o intend_a discourse_n and_o that_o be_v to_o show_v you_o that_o this_o exhortation_n do_v direct_o and_o not_o mere_o by_o accommodation_n and_o analogy_n concern_v we_o as_o well_o as_o it_o do_v the_o jew_n for_o jerusalem_n be_v but_o a_o type_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n as_o the_o carnal_a israel_n or_o the_o carnal_a seed_n and_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n be_v of_o true_a and_o sincere_a christian_n who_o be_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n and_o therefore_o st._n paul_n express_o distinguish_v between_o the_o earthly_a jerusalem_n and_o the_o jerusalem_n which_o descend_v from_o above_o 4._o gal._n 25_o 26._o for_o this_o agar_n be_v mount_n sinai_n in_o arabia_n and_o answer_v to_o jerusalem_n which_o now_o be_v and_o be_v in_o bondage_n with_o her_o child_n but_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v above_o or_o from_o above_o that_o be_v the_o christian_a church_n be_v free_a which_o be_v the_o mother_n of_o we_o all_o which_o in_o 12._o heb._n 22._o he_o call_v mount_n zion_n the_o city_n of_o the_o live_a god_n the_o heavenly_a jerusalem_n and_o 3._o rev._n 12._o it_o be_v call_v the_o city_n of_o god_n the_o new_a jerusalem_n which_o come_v down_o out_o of_o heaven_n from_o god._n and_o 21._o rev._n 2._o the_o new_a jerusalem_n come_v down_o out_o of_o heaven_n from_o god_n prepare_v as_o a_o bride_n adorn_v for_o her_o husband_n which_o be_v a_o description_n of_o the_o most_o reform_a and_o purify_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n on_o earth_n so_o that_o this_o exhortation_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n do_v most_o proper_o belong_v to_o christian_n because_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v the_o true_a jerusalem_n the_o new_a the_o holy_a jerusalem_n descend_v out_o of_o heaven_n from_o god_n v._o 10._o by_o this_o time_n i_o suppose_v you_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o my_o text_n and_o how_o much_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o it_o and_o there_o be_v two_o part_n observable_a in_o the_o word_n 1._o the_o duty_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n or_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n peace_n be_v within_o thy_o wall_n and_o prosperity_n within_o thy_o palace_n 2._o the_o encouragement_n to_o this_o they_o shall_v prosper_v that_o love_n thou_o it_o be_v the_o first_o of_o these_o i_o shall_v at_o present_a speak_v to_o the_o duty_n to_o pray_v for_o the_o peace_n of_o jerusalem_n wherein_o i_o shall_v consider_v two_o thing_n 1._o what_o we_o must_v pray_v for_o 2._o how_o necessary_a prayer_n be_v to_o obtain_v these_o blessing_n i._o what_o we_o must_v pray_v for_o peace_n and_o prosperity_n peace_n be_v within_o thy_o wall_n and_o prosperity_n within_o thy_o palace_n now_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n signify_v two_o thing_n 1._o the_o unity_n and_o agreement_n of_o christian_n among_o themselves_o 2._o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o church_n from_o external_a oppression_n and_o persecution_n 1._o the_o unity_n and_o agreement_n of_o christian_n among_o themselves_o when_o they_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n and_o join_v in_o the_o same_o worship_n when_o they_o love_v like_o brethren_n and_o have_v a_o tender_a affection_n and_o sympathy_n for_o each_o other_o as_o member_n of_o the_o same_o body_n this_o all_o christian_n confess_v to_o be_v a_o great_a and_o necessary_a duty_n and_o pretend_v to_o lament_v the_o many_o scandalous_a dissension_n and_o division_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n this_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o though_o division_n and_o dissension_n be_v destructive_a to_o all_o society_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o society_n suffer_v so_o much_o by_o it_o as_o the_o christian_a church_n this_o destroy_v love_n and_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o true_a spirit_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o badge_n and_o cognizance_n of_o our_o profession_n by_o this_o shall_v all_o man_n know_v that_o you_o be_v my_o disciple_n if_o you_o love_v one_o another_o this_o turn_v the_o christian_a church_n into_o a_o school_n of_o wrangle_a dispute_n and_o make_v man_n more_o concern_v what_o they_o believe_v than_o how_o they_o live_v this_o give_v great_a offence_n to_o the_o world_n represent_v the_o christian_a faith_n as_o very_o doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a and_o christianity_n itself_o as_o a_o great_a disturber_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o mankind_n this_o overthrow_v all_o government_n and_o discipline_n in_o the_o church_n and_o make_v its_o censure_n despise_v and_o scorn_v when_o the_o most_o
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 the_o unity_n of_o faith_n be_v secure_v by_o a_o agreement_n in_o all_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o religion_n though_o a_o little_a vary_a in_o some_o nice_a speculation_n which_o be_v like_o the_o different_a feature_n in_o man_n face_n which_o distinguish_v they_o from_o one_o another_o but_o do_v not_o alter_v the_o human_a shape_n and_o this_o be_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o dispute_n which_o divide_v papist_n and_o protestant_n and_o the_o dispute_n of_o protestant_n among_o themselves_o the_o first_o subvert_v the_o foundation_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o worship_n and_o therefore_o these_o difference_n can_v never_o be_v accommodate_v and_o reconcile_v they_o will_v not_o part_v with_o their_o error_n and_o we_o must_v not_o embrace_v they_o if_o we_o love_v our_o soul_n for_o as_o dear_a a_o thing_n as_o peace_n be_v we_o must_v not_o part_v with_o truth_n for_o peace_n but_o now_o the_o dispute_n among_o all_o that_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v protestant_n whatever_o mistake_v there_o may_v be_v on_o any_o side_n do_v not_o overthrow_v any_o necessary_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o therefore_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n may_v be_v secure_v amid_o all_o these_o dispute_n some_o of_o these_o dispute_n be_v only_o inconvenient_a modes_n of_o speak_v and_o the_o difference_n be_v only_o in_o word_n when_o both_o party_n real_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o i_o believe_v if_o all_o heat_n and_o passion_n be_v lay_v aside_o will_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n appear_v to_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o that_o protestant_a controversy_n about_o justification_n by_o faith_n alone_o other_o be_v mere_a philosophical_a dispute_n in_o which_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v not_o peculiar_o concern_v for_o they_o have_v be_v and_o be_v dispute_v in_o all_o religion_n such_o as_o the_o controversy_n about_o god_n eternal_a decree_n and_o the_o power_n and_o efficacy_n of_o nature_n and_o grace_n which_o be_v only_o a_o revive_n of_o that_o old_a philosophical_a dispute_n about_o necessity_n and_o fate_n and_o god_n concourse_n with_o second_o cause_n to_o produce_v their_o effect_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o some_o other_o case_n now_o methinks_v such_o dispute_n as_o these_o which_o do_v not_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n shall_v not_o divide_v the_o christian_a church_n let_v man_n dispute_v about_o they_o as_o philosopher_n but_o as_o christian_n let_v it_o suffice_v they_o to_o believe_v what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v plain_o teach_v we_o to_o at_o be_v enough_o to_o carry_v we_o to_o heaven_n and_o methinks_v it_o shall_v be_v enough_o to_o make_v we_o agree_v in_o the_o way_n thither_o as_o to_o explain_v this_o more_o particular_o but_o very_o brief_o there_o be_v no_o good_a protestant_n but_o will_v confess_v that_o we_o be_v justify_v only_o by_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o sacrifice_n as_o the_o only_a expiation_n and_o atonement_n for_o our_o sin_n that_o no_o work_n of_o righteousness_n which_o we_o can_v do_v can_v make_v satisfaction_n to_o god_n for_o our_o sin_n nor_o merit_v eternal_a life_n which_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n that_o christ_n be_v our_o only_a saviour_n and_o that_o he_o be_v the_o saviour_n only_o of_o his_o body_n or_o church_n that_o we_o be_v incorporate_v into_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n and_o put_v into_o a_o state_n of_o justification_n by_o faith_n and_o the_o christian_a sacrament_n that_o no_o impenitent_a unreformed_a sinner_n though_o he_o do_v profess_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v by_o he_o and_o therefore_o though_o repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n do_v not_o merit_v the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n nor_o eternal_a reward_n yet_o they_o be_v necessary_o require_v in_o all_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v forgive_v and_o save_v by_o christ._n this_o i_o say_v all_o good_a protestant_n agree_v in_o and_o all_o this_o be_v plain_o teach_v in_o scripture_n and_o whoever_o believe_v this_o and_o practice_n according_o shall_v certain_o be_v save_v and_o what_o need_n be_v there_o then_o of_o reduce_v all_o this_o into_o artificial_a scheme_n wherein_o man_n fancy_n and_o conceit_n differ_v what_o necessity_n be_v there_o of_o dispute_v what_o the_o office_n of_o faith_n or_o what_o the_o efficacy_n of_o work_n be_v in_o our_o justification_n when_o we_o all_o agree_v that_o we_o be_v save_v only_o by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o merit_n of_o christ_n through_o faith_n in_o his_o blood_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o repentance_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n to_o understand_v the_o reason_n and_o order_n of_o thing_n conduce_v much_o to_o the_o beauty_n and_o perfection_n of_o christian_a knowledge_n but_o man_n may_v be_v save_v and_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n better_o secure_v without_o such_o particular_a determination_n thus_o all_o good_a protestant_n agree_v that_o all_o god_n work_n be_v know_v to_o he_o from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o christ_n be_v the_o lamb_n slay_v from_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o god_n know_v who_o be_v his_o and_o always_o do_v so_o that_o we_o be_v predestinate_v to_o the_o adoption_n of_o child_n by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o himself_o according_a to_o the_o good_a pleasure_n of_o his_o will_n to_o the_o praise_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o grace_n wherein_o he_o have_v make_v we_o accept_v in_o the_o belove_a that_o we_o be_v predestinate_v according_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o he_o who_o work_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o counsel_n of_o his_o own_o will_n 1._o ephes._n 5_o 6_o 11._o that_o when_o god_n come_v to_o judge_v the_o world_n he_o will_v appear_v infinite_o just_a and_o good_a and_o merciful_a that_o bad_a man_n shall_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o god_n and_o that_o good_a man_n shall_v have_v nothing_o to_o arrogate_v to_o themselves_o this_o secure_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n of_o his_o wisdom_n goodness_n justice_n power_n and_o sovereignty_n and_o what_o need_n be_v there_o to_o inquire_v any_o far_a into_o the_o divine_a decree_n than_o the_o scripture_n have_v reveal_v in_o the_o particular_a explication_n of_o which_o when_o man_n follow_v their_o own_o fancy_n they_o vast_o differ_v from_o each_o other_o to_o the_o great_a disturbance_n of_o the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n we_o be_v assure_v by_o plain_a testimony_n of_o scripture_n that_o god_n desire_v not_o the_o death_n of_o a_o sinner_n but_o rather_o that_o he_o shall_v return_v and_o live_v that_o our_o destruction_n be_v of_o ourselves_o that_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v be_v whole_o owe_v to_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n who_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v of_o his_o own_o good_a pleasure_n that_o all_o the_o evil_n we_o do_v be_v owe_v to_o ourselves_o that_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o of_o his_o own_o lust_n and_o entice_v then_o when_o lust_n have_v conceive_v it_o bring_v forth_o sin_n and_o sin_n when_o it_o be_v finish_v bring_v forth_o death_n this_o we_o all_o agree_v in_o and_o this_o attributt_n the_o glory_n of_o all_o the_o good_a we_o do_v to_o god_n and_o the_o shame_n of_o all_o the_o evil_n we_o do_v to_o ourselves_o this_o encourage_v we_o to_o do_v good_a in_o a_o confident_a assurance_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o teach_v bad_a man_n that_o they_o must_v not_o think_v to_o excuse_v their_o wickedness_n by_o charge_v it_o on_o god_n and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v because_o it_o be_v all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n but_o when_o man_n frame_v this_o into_o philosophical_a hypothesis_n they_o then_o divide_v as_o far_o from_o each_o other_o as_o east_n and_o west_n and_o all_o the_o attempt_n of_o reconcile_a they_o
be_v vain_a and_o fruitless_a for_o there_o be_v no_o medium_fw-la to_o unite_v in_o the_o only_a way_n to_o peace_n be_v to_o silence_v all_o these_o dispute_n as_o matter_n which_o mankind_n will_v never_o agree_v about_o and_o wherein_o religion_n be_v no_o more_o concern_v than_o the_o government_n of_o kingdom_n or_o state_n and_o on_o which_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n no_o more_o depend_v than_o the_o conduct_n of_o our_o secular_a affair_n or_o the_o preservation_n of_o this_o mortal_a life_n for_o the_o dispute_n about_o decree_n predestination_n god_n power_n over_o our_o will_n how_o god_n and_o creature_n produce_v the_o same_o effect_n what_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o what_o belong_v to_o the_o creature_n in_o every_o action_n since_o in_o he_o we_o live_v and_o move_v concern_v every_o thing_n else_o as_o well_o as_o religion_n and_o yet_o in_o all_o other_o case_n man_n let_v philosopher_n dispute_v these_o point_n and_o quiet_o go_v about_o their_o business_n and_o do_v what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o controversy_n about_o these_o matter_n and_o i_o can_v imagine_v why_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v so_o in_o religion_n too_o believe_v what_o be_v plain_o teach_v and_o do_v what_o be_v command_v use_v the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o our_o utmost_a diligence_n in_o do_v good_a and_o depend_v upon_o the_o succour_n of_o the_o divine_a grace_n and_o leave_v these_o dispute_n to_o be_v decide_v at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o that_o will_v decide_v they_o all_o by_o this_o mean_n i_o be_o sure_a most_o of_o the_o dispute_n among_o protestant_n which_o have_v give_v the_o great_a disturbance_n to_o the_o church_n will_v be_v for_o ever_o silence_v and_o christian_a religion_n will_v not_o be_v clog_v nor_o reproach_v with_o such_o philosophical_a controversy_n 2_o the_o unity_n of_o communion_n and_o that_o consist_v in_o our_o worship_a god_n together_o when_o we_o resort_v to_o the_o same_o church_n to_o offer_v up_o our_o unite_a prayer_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o god_n and_o to_o partake_v of_o that_o holy_a supper_n which_o be_v the_o sacrament_n and_o symbol_n of_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n and_o to_o each_o other_o and_o this_o indeed_o be_v true_a church-unity_n and_o it_o be_v great_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o man_n who_o profess_v the_o same_o faith_n and_o agree_v in_o all_o the_o essential_o of_o worship_n shall_v divide_v communion_n and_o refuse_v to_o pray_v together_o and_o to_o feast_n at_o the_o same_o holy_a table_n of_o our_o lord_n we_o can_v indeed_o communicate_v with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n because_o they_o have_v corrupt_v the_o very_a essential_o of_o christian_a worship_n most_o man_n do_v not_o understand_v their_o prayer_n and_o therefore_o can_v join_v in_o prayer_n with_o they_o they_o worship_v image_n and_o picture_n which_o be_v express_o forbid_v by_o the_o second_o commandment_n instead_o of_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n of_o our_o only_a mediator_n and_o advocate_n jesus_n christ_n they_o have_v join_v other_o intercessor_n with_o he_o pray_v to_o saint_n and_o angel_n and_o the_o virgin_n mary_n to_o pray_v for_o they_o and_o help_v they_o they_o worship_v the_o host_n which_o we_o believe_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o bread_n and_o wine_n as_o to_o the_o substance_n and_o therefore_o no_o object_n of_o worship_n and_o turn_v the_o sacramental_a feast_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o blood_n into_o a_o propitiatory_a sacrifice_n for_o the_o live_n and_o the_o dead_a such_o a_o worship_n as_o this_o we_o dare_v not_o join_v in_o because_o it_o be_v sinful_a and_o idolatrous_a but_o the_o case_n be_v quite_o different_a among_o protestant_n they_o pray_v to_o the_o same_o god_n in_o the_o only_a name_n of_o the_o same_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n put_v up_o the_o same_o petition_n offer_v the_o same_o thanksgiving_n and_o praise_n observe_v the_o same_o divine_a institution_n without_o any_o essential_a change_n and_o alteration_n and_o yet_o can_v worship_v god_n together_o as_o if_o it_o be_v a_o impious_a thing_n to_o put_v up_o the_o same_o prayer_n and_o to_o offer_v the_o same_o praise_n to_o god_n in_o a_o pious_a and_o grave_n and_o well-composed_a form_n of_o word_n which_o other_o do_v it_o may_v be_v not_o so_o well_o and_o decent_o in_o their_o conceive_a prayer_n as_o if_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o communicant_a in_o receive_v so_o inestimable_a a_o blessing_n as_o the_o sacramental_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ_n upon_o his_o knee_n be_v a_o profanation_n of_o that_o holy_a feast_n as_o if_o a_o white_a linnen-garment_n which_o never_o undergo_v any_o religious_a conjuration_n and_o be_v use_v only_o as_o a_o decent_a habit_n without_o any_o opinion_n of_o its_o virtue_n or_o sanctity_n be_v a_o just_a reason_n to_o drive_v man_n out_o of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o christian_a communion_n of_o prayer_n and_o sacrament_n these_o will_v be_v surprise_v story_n to_o any_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n who_o have_v never_o hear_v before_o of_o such_o dispute_n among_o we_o pray_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o speak_v my_o mind_n free_o upon_o this_o occasion_n upon_o the_o best_a and_o most_o impartial_a inquiry_n and_o observation_n i_o can_v make_v i_o do_v in_o my_o conscience_n believe_v the_o church_n of_o england_n to_o be_v the_o most_o apostolical_a and_o best_a reform_a church_n in_o the_o world_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n to_o make_v any_o material_a alteration_n in_o her_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n and_o therefore_o i_o confess_v it_o have_v give_v i_o very_o just_a resentment_n to_o hear_v our_o church_n charge_v with_o such_o unjust_a imputation_n of_o popery_n superstition_n idolatry_n will-worship_n and_o what_o not_o and_o to_o see_v a_o blind_a and_o furious_a zeal_n ready_a to_o raze_v up_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o it_o it_o have_v often_o grieve_v i_o to_o see_v such_o a_o church_n as_o this_o rent_n and_o tear_v by_o schism_n which_o a_o man_n of_o ordinary_a prudence_n may_v easy_o foresee_v will_v give_v great_a advantage_n to_o the_o common_a enemy_n of_o the_o protestant_n faith_n this_o and_o the_o care_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o of_o their_o temporal_a fortune_n too_o move_v several_a divine_n of_o this_o church_n when_o the_o government_n think_v fit_a to_o reinforce_v the_o law_n of_o uniformity_n to_o examine_v and_o answer_v all_o the_o argument_n of_o our_o dissent_v brethren_n which_o they_o perform_v with_o that_o good_a temper_n with_o that_o perswasiveness_n and_o strength_n of_o argument_n as_o will_v be_v a_o vindication_n of_o our_o church_n to_o future_a age_n and_o i_o wish_v it_o may_v upon_o second_o thought_n have_v yet_o a_o better_a effect_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v not_o then_o persuade_v and_o this_o i_o suppose_v will_v not_o be_v call_v persecution_n much_o less_o can_v the_o many_o kind_a office_n they_o do_v in_o keep_v off_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n be_v call_v a_o persecution_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o when_o it_o be_v so_o apparent_a that_o prejudices_fw-la be_v grow_v as_o obstinate_a as_o they_o be_v unreasonable_a when_o not_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o the_o weakness_n of_o some_o and_o the_o ill_a design_n of_o other_o require_v some_o compliance_n and_o condescension_n we_o have_v reason_n to_o hope_n that_o the_o church_n of_o england_n which_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o reformation_n take_v such_o prudent_a be_v not_o to_o offend_v the_o papist_n by_o go_v far_o from_o they_o than_o be_v necessary_a will_v whenever_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o do_v good_a condescend_v a_o great_a deal_n far_o than_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o reform_v to_o meet_v the_o dissenter_n for_o while_o the_o external_a decency_n gravity_n and_o solemnity_n of_o worship_n be_v secure_v no_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n will_v think_v much_o to_o change_v a_o changeable_a ceremony_n when_o it_o will_v heal_v the_o breach_n and_o division_n of_o the_o church_n and_o let_v we_o all_o hearty_o pray_v to_o god_n that_o there_o may_v be_v this_o good_a and_o peaceable_a disposition_n of_o mind_n in_o all_o conformist_n and_o nonconformist_n towards_o a_o happy_a reunion_n and_o all_o consider_v man_n will_v think_v it_o time_n to_o lay_v aside_o such_o little_a dispute_n when_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o the_o church_n of_o england_n nor_o any_o particular_a sect_n of_o protestant_n who_o ruin_n be_v aim_v at_o but_o the_o whole_a protestant_a faith_n 3_o another_o kind_n of_o unity_n be_v love_n and_o charity_n and_o a_o mutual_a forbearance_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o very_a difficult_a thing_n when_o the_o dispute_n run_v so_o high_a as_o to_o divide_v christian_a communion_n for_o it_o seem_v in_o effect_n to_o declare_v man_n to_o be_v heathen_n and_o publican_n when_o we_o refuse_v to_o worship_n god_n with_o they_o and_o few_o man_n can_v
i_o shall_v observe_v this_o follow_a method_n i._o consider_v the_o duty_n of_o gospel-bishop_n and_o pastor_n which_o be_v to_o feed_v and_o to_o govern_v the_o household_n of_o christ._n ii_o the_o qualification_n of_o gospel-minister_n which_o be_v faithfulness_n and_o prudence_n a_o faithful_a and_o wise_a servant_n iii_o the_o great_a reward_n of_o such_o man_n bless_a be_v that_o servant_n i._o the_o duty_n of_o gospel_n minister_n whether_o bishop_n or_o other_o and_o that_o consist_v of_o two_o part_n 1._o to_o feed_v 2._o to_o govern_v the_o household_n or_o church_n of_o christ._n they_o be_v appoint_v ruler_n of_o his_o household_n to_o give_v they_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n 1._o to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ._n this_o command_n christ_n give_v to_o peter_n 28._o 20._o acâ—…s_fw-la 28._o and_o repeat_v it_o three_o time_n simon_n son_n of_o jonas_n love_v thou_o i_o more_o than_o 17._o 21._o john_n 15_o 16_o 17._o these_o then_o feed_v my_o lamb_n feed_v my_o sheep_n now_o to_o feed_v signify_v to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n for_o knowledge_n be_v the_o proper_a food_n and_o nourishment_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o which_o it_o grow_v in_o spiritual_a wisdom_n and_o all_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n and_o be_v as_o necessary_a to_o 2._o 1_o pet_n 2._o 2._o our_o spiritual_a life_n as_o natural_a food_n be_v to_o the_o life_n of_o our_o body_n this_o be_v life_n 3._o 17._o john_n 3._o eternal_a say_v our_o saviour_n to_o know_v thou_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o jesus_n christ_n who_o thou_o have_v send_v for_o this_o reason_n our_o saviour_n appoint_v steward_n and_o dispenser_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o his_o kingdom_n who_o whole_a business_n it_o shall_v be_v to_o study_v the_o divine_a will_n themselves_o and_o to_o instruct_v other_o for_o this_o be_v a_o knowledge_n which_o must_v be_v teach_v nature_n may_v instruct_v we_o in_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o the_o plain_a rule_n of_o morality_n but_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n the_o whole_a oeconomy_n of_o man_n salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n be_v to_o be_v know_v only_o by_o revelation_n christ_n come_v down_o from_o heaven_n to_o reveal_v this_o to_o we_o and_o he_o instruct_v his_o apostle_n and_o his_o apostle_n by_o their_o preach_a and_o write_n instruct_v the_o church_n and_o have_v leave_v we_o a_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o man_n peculiar_o devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n the_o study_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n to_o instruct_v and_o teach_v those_o who_o have_v neither_o leisure_n not_o opportunity_n for_o enquiry_n nor_o capacity_n to_o learn_v without_o a_o guide_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n especial_o since_o religion_n have_v be_v clog_v with_o such_o infinite_a dispute_n and_o there_o have_v be_v so_o much_o be_v use_v to_o make_v the_o plain_a truth_n difficult_a obscure_a and_o uncertain_a to_o corrupt_v the_o christian_a faith_n and_o to_o make_v it_o comply_v with_o man_n sensual_a lust_n or_o secular_a interest_n a_o guide_n and_o instructor_n be_v absolute_o necessary_a when_o there_o be_v so_o many_o turn_n and_o labyrinth_n wherein_o man_n may_v lose_v themselves_o and_o their_o way_n to_o heaven_n but_o though_o there_o be_v no_o dispute_n in_o religion_n no_o difficulty_n in_o understand_v it_o though_o all_o man_n be_v agree_v about_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n though_o the_o mean_a christian_n understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n as_o well_o as_o the_o great_a divine_a yet_o there_o will_v be_v constant_a need_n of_o a_o spiritual_a guide_n while_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v unmindful_a of_o their_o duty_n and_o careless_a in_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o the_o work_n of_o a_o evangelical_n pastor_n be_v not_o mere_o to_o instruct_v the_o ignorant_a but_o to_o exhort_v to_o reprove_v to_o admonish_v to_o watch_v over_o the_o life_n and_o manner_n of_o christian_n to_o make_v seasonable_a application_n to_o their_o conscience_n to_o administer_v comfort_n to_o afflict_a spirit_n to_o excite_v and_o quicken_v the_o slothful_a and_o to_o encourage_v the_o fearful_a and_o timorous_a and_o to_o assist_v and_o direct_v man_n in_o their_o spiritual_a warfare_n how_o to_o obtain_v a_o glorious_a victory_n over_o the_o world_n and_o the_o flesh._n this_o be_v to_o feed_v the_o flock_n of_o christ_n and_o to_o give_v they_o meat_n in_o due_a season_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o they_o be_v ignorant_a and_o to_o put_v they_o in_o mind_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o already_o know_v that_o their_o faith_n may_v be_v turn_v into_o a_o principle_n of_o life_n and_o action_n and_o this_o heavenly_a food_n may_v be_v digest_v into_o blood_n and_o spirit_n to_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o christian_a grace_n and_o virtue_n 2._o another_o part_n of_o the_o ministerial_a office_n consist_v in_o act_n of_o discipline_n and_o government_n christ_n have_v make_v these_o minister_n and_o servant_n ruler_n over_o his_o household_n no_o society_n can_v be_v preserve_v 14._o 5._o eph._n 23._o 10._o john_n 14._o without_o order_n and_o government_n which_o be_v as_o absolute_o necessary_a in_o the_o church_n as_o in_o the_o state_n christ_n be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n the_o husband_n the_o shepherd_n the_o lord_n which_o be_v all_o name_n of_o authority_n and_o power_n and_o the_o church_n be_v his_o body_n his_o spouse_n his_o flock_n his_o household_n and_o family_n which_o be_v name_n of_o subjection_n and_o denote_v a_o regular_a and_o orderly_a society_n but_o christ_n have_v now_o leave_v this_o world_n and_o do_v not_o visible_o appear_v among_o we_o to_o direct_v and_o govern_v the_o affair_n of_o his_o church_n he_o be_v ascend_v into_o heaven_n where_o he_o sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o exercise_v a_o invisible_a power_n and_o providence_n for_o the_o defence_n and_o preservation_n of_o his_o church_n on_o earth_n he_o govern_v we_o by_o his_o law_n and_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o by_o his_o minister_n for_o when_o he_o 13._o 4._o eph._n 8_o 11_o 12_o 13._o ascend_v on_o high_a he_o lead_v captivity_n captive_a and_o give_v gift_n to_o man_n and_o he_o give_v some_o apostle_n and_o some_o prophet_n and_o some_o evangelist_n and_o some_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n for_o the_o perfect_a of_o the_o saint_n for_o the_o work_n of_o the_o ministry_n for_o the_o edify_n of_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n till_o we_o all_o come_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o a_o perfect_a man_n unto_o the_o measure_n of_o the_o stature_n of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ._n when_o our_o saviour_n be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a he_o tell_v his_o disciple_n all_o power_n be_v give_v unto_o i_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o in_o 20._o 28._o mat._n 18_o 19_o 20._o earth_n go_v you_o therefore_o and_o teach_v all_o nation_n baptise_v they_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v they_o to_o observe_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o i_o have_v command_v you_o and_o lo_o i_o be_o with_o you_o always_o even_o unto_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n this_o be_v their_o commission_n to_o pâ—…ach_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o govern_v his_o church_n which_o be_v not_o mere_o a_o personal_a commission_n to_o the_o apostle_n but_o extend_v to_o all_o their_o successor_n as_o appear_v from_o christ_n promise_n to_o be_v with_o they_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o ministerial_a authority_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o st._n john_n acquaint_v we_o that_o christ_n after_o his_o resurrection_n appear_v to_o his_o apostle_n when_o they_o be_v meet_v together_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o peace_n be_v unto_o you_o as_o my_o father_n have_v send_v 23._o 20._o john_n 21_o 22_o 23._o i_o so_o send_v i_o you_o and_o as_o he_o have_v say_v this_o he_o breathe_v on_o they_o and_o say_v unto_o they_o receive_v you_o the_o holy_a ghost_n who_o soever_o sin_n you_o remit_v they_o be_v remit_v unto_o they_o and_o who_o soever_o sin_n you_o retain_v they_o be_v retain_v this_o invest_v they_o with_o authority_n but_o then_o the_o actual_a communication_n of_o power_n which_o especial_o at_o that_o time_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o discharge_n of_o their_o office_n be_v reserve_v for_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n command_v they_o not_o to_o depart_v from_o jerusalem_n but_o to_o wait_v for_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o father_n that_o be_v the_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n for_o say_v
heaven_n will_v bear_v some_o proportion_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o work_n and_o to_o that_o service_n we_o do_v for_o god_n in_o this_o world_n now_o we_o can_v do_v any_o more_o acceptable_a service_n than_o to_o serve_v god_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o his_o son_n to_o use_v our_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o propagate_v religion_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o make_v other_o man_n wise_a and_o good_a and_o happy_a our_o saviour_n â—…imself_n come_v into_o the_o world_n on_o this_o veâ—…y_a design_n and_o be_v advance_v to_o the_o â—…ght_a hand_n of_o glory_n and_o power_n as_o a_o â—…eward_n of_o it_o and_o those_o who_o be_v workâ—…rs_n together_o with_o he_o as_o st._n paul_n speak_v 1._o 2_o cor._n 6._o 1._o will_v receive_v some_o proportionable_a reward_n â—…lso_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v a_o work_n of_o infinite_a care_n and_o difficulty_n that_o it_o make_v a_o apostle_n himself_o cry_v out_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n 16._o 2_o cor._n 2_o 16._o it_o require_v the_o exercise_n of_o great_a care_n â—…nd_v great_a prudence_n and_o great_a patience_n it_o be_v abundant_o enough_o to_o employ_v our_o whole_a time_n and_o thought_n either_o in_o study_v the_o will_n of_o god_n or_o in_o attend_v the_o public_a ministry_n of_o religion_n or_o in_o private_a address_n and_o application_n to_o man_n who_o want_v our_o advice_n and_o counsel_n we_o must_v content_o bear_v all_o the_o affront_v and_o insolence_n of_o bad_a man_n the_o frowardness_n and_o peevishness_n of_o many_o profess_a christian_n the_o gainsaying_n and_o contradiction_n of_o sinner_n we_o must_v go_v on_o and_o persevere_v in_o our_o work_n though_o our_o person_n and_o our_o ministry_n be_v despise_v when_o we_o be_v revile_v 13._o 1_o cor._n 4_o 12_o 13._o we_o must_v bless_v when_o persecute_v we_o must_v suffer_v when_o defame_v we_o must_v entreat_v yea_o though_o we_o be_v make_v as_o the_o filth_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o offscouring_a of_o all_o thing_n this_o be_v not_o very_o please_v to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o the_o hard_a the_o work_n be_v the_o great_a will_v our_o reward_n be_v if_o we_o be_v find_v faithful_a and_o wise_a servant_n nay_o there_o be_v no_o work_n do_v so_o ennoble_v the_o mind_n as_o this_o and_o qualify_v we_o for_o a_o excellent_a reward_n no_o man_n can_v faithful_o discharge_v this_o work_n but_o it_o must_v purge_v and_o refine_v his_o mind_n and_o set_v he_o vast_o above_o this_o world_n and_o the_o little_a concernment_n of_o it_o it_o give_v we_o a_o more_o clear_a distinct_a comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n which_o be_v a_o angelical_a perfection_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o understanding_n and_o he_o must_v be_v a_o strange_a man_n who_o can_v be_v so_o constant_o employ_v in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n which_o relate_v to_o another_o and_o a_o better_a life_n and_o not_o find_v his_o soul_n ravish_v with_o those_o unseen_a and_o unspeakable_a glory_n who_o be_v so_o constant_o employ_v in_o take_v care_n of_o other_o man_n soul_n and_o take_v no_o care_n of_o his_o own_o who_o be_v so_o frequent_a in_o his_o devotion_n as_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o our_o work_n exact_v from_o we_o and_o not_o live_v a_o most_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a life_n there_o be_v indeed_o some_o who_o in_o the_o most_o divine_a employment_n be_v no_o great_a example_n of_o such_o a_o divine_a conversation_n but_o i_o fear_v they_o will_v not_o be_v â—…ound_v in_o the_o number_n of_o these_o faithful_a and_o wise_a servant_n whoever_o hearty_o apply_v himself_o to_o the_o care_n of_o soul_n will_v in_o the_o first_o place_n take_v care_n of_o his_o own_o and_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o this_o duty_n will_v raise_v we_o so_o much_o above_o the_o ordinary_a level_n and_o attainment_n of_o christian_n as_o will_v prepare_v we_o for_o a_o great_a reward_n and_o advance_v we_o to_o a_o more_o perfect_a state_n of_o glory_n nay_o that_o immediate_a relation_n we_o stand_v in_o to_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n if_o we_o approve_v ourselves_o faithful_a and_o wise_a servant_n will_v secure_v we_o of_o a_o more_o excellent_a reward_n the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o the_o church_n in_o heaven_n be_v but_o one_o church_n one_o household_n and_o family_n and_o those_o who_o he_o have_v make_v ruler_n of_o his_o household_n here_o to_o who_o he_o have_v commit_v the_o great_a place_n of_o trust_n and_o dignity_n need_v not_o fear_v be_v degrade_v in_o the_o other_o world_n if_o they_o adorn_v their_o office_n and_o faithful_o discharge_v their_o trust_n here_o and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n tell_v his_o apostle_n very_o 28._o 19_o mat._n 28._o i_o say_v unto_o you_o that_o you_o which_o have_v follow_v i_o in_o the_o regeneration_n when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n shall_v sit_v in_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o glory_n you_o also_o shall_v sit_v upon_o twelve_o throne_n judge_v the_o twelve_o tribe_n of_o israel_n that_o be_v that_o their_o reward_n and_o glory_n in_o the_o other_o world_n shall_v answer_v to_o that_o place_n of_o trust_n and_o power_n and_o dignity_n which_o they_o have_v in_o the_o church_n on_o earth_n and_o this_o promise_n be_v no_o more_o peculiar_a to_o the_o apostle_n than_o their_o office_n be_v in_o a_o word_n if_o we_o consider_v what_o the_o state_n of_o the_o other_o world_n be_v and_o who_o be_v king_n there_o that_o it_o be_v the_o bless_a jesus_n our_o great_a high_a priest_n king_n of_o salem_n or_o the_o new_a jerusalem_n and_o priest_n of_o the_o most_o high_a god_n how_o mean_a and_o contemptible_a soever_o our_o office_n be_v think_v here_o we_o need_v not_o doubt_v but_o the_o scene_n will_v be_v mighty_o change_v when_o we_o come_v into_o that_o kingdom_n where_o the_o king_n be_v a_o high_a priest_n let_v this_o then_o belove_a brethren_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n to_o we_o to_o be_v very_o diligent_a and_o faithful_a in_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o great_a trust_n whatever_o difficulty_n we_o meet_v with_o whatever_o scorn_v reproach_n or_o suffering_n it_o be_v but_o expect_v a_o while_n and_o our_o lord_n will_v come_v and_o his_o reward_n be_v with_o he_o and_o bless_v for_o ever_o bless_v be_v that_o servant_n who_o his_o lord_n when_o 〈◊〉_d come_v shall_v find_v so_o do_v yea_o bless_a for_o ever_o bless_v as_o my_o â—…ext_n give_v we_o reason_n to_o hope_v be_v this_o â—…ur_n dear_a brother_n who_o remain_n lie_v â—…ere_o before_o we_o who_o when_o his_o lord_n â—…ame_n be_v find_v thus_o do_v we_o â—…ay_v lament_v the_o loss_n of_o so_o kind_a a_o relation_n so_o true_a a_o friend_n so_o faithful_a a_o pastor_n and_o fellow-labourer_n according_a to_o the_o several_a interest_n we_o have_v in_o he_o but_o he_o bless_a soul_n have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n and_o finish_v his_o course_n and_o keep_v the_o â—…aith_n and_o be_v now_o go_v to_o receive_v a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n a_o crown_n of_o immortality_n and_o glory_n he_o be_v now_o go_v to_o that_o great_a bishop_n and_o shepherd_n of_o soul_n who_o flock_n he_o have_v so_o careful_o and_o diligent_o feed_v and_o who_o wander_a and_o straggle_a sheep_n he_o have_v reduce_v into_o the_o fold_n to_o that_o kind_a shepherd_n who_o lay_v down_o his_o life_n for_o his_o sheep_n and_o therefore_o will_v not_o fail_v to_o reward_v those_o who_o have_v spend_v their_o life_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o have_v sacrifice_v they_o too_o for_o the_o service_n of_o soul_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o so_o great_a a_o man_n it_o be_v below_o his_o character_n to_o mention_v such_o thing_n as_o will_v be_v think_v considerable_a attainment_n in_o mean_a person_n though_o indeed_o a_o true_o great_a man_n do_v nothing_o mean_o a_o great_a mind_n give_v a_o peculiar_a grace_n and_o decency_n to_o common_a action_n as_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o observe_v in_o his_o very_a mirth_n and_o free_a humour_n that_o he_o never_o give_v the_o reins_o out_o of_o his_o hand_n but_o govern_v himself_o by_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o prudence_n and_o religion_n but_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o the_o subject_n of_o my_o text_n and_o consider_v he_o only_o as_o a_o faithful_a and_o wise_a steward_n and_o therefore_o have_v very_o little_a to_o add_v for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o you_o who_o know_v he_o especial_o you_o who_o have_v enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o ministry_n and_o have_v live_v under_o his_o care_n and_o conduct_v have_v already_o apply_v what_o i_o have_v discourse_v on_o this_o argument_n to_o your_o decease_a pastor_n and_o will_v i_o have_v choose_v any_o particular_a man_n to_o have_v draw_v the_o character_n by_o of_o a_o wise_a and_o faithful_a
promise_v make_v he_o say_v not_o unto_o seed_n as_o of_o many_o but_o as_o of_o one_o and_o to_o thy_o seed_n which_o be_v christ._n i_o say_v till_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o promise_a seed_n and_o typify_v by_o isaac_n come_v the_o carnal_a posterity_n of_o abraham_n descend_v from_o isaac_n and_o jacob_n be_v the_o typical_a israel_n and_o god_n peculiar_a people_n and_o visible_a church_n on_o earth_n and_o all_o this_o while_n god_n never_o whole_o cast_v they_o off_o but_o when_o christ_n come_v than_o the_o promise_n be_v establish_v to_o the_o spiritual_a seed_n of_o abraham_n those_o who_o be_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o the_o apostle_n prove_v in_o the_o same_o place_n 〈◊〉_d 7_o 8_o 9_o and_o in_o several_a other_o place_n and_o this_o be_v the_o answer_n which_o the_o apostle_n give_v to_o that_o terrible_a objection_n against_o christ_n be_v the_o messiah_n and_o god_n own_v the_o christian_a church_n for_o his_o peculiar_a and_o elect_a people_n as_o former_o he_o do_v the_o jew_n that_o then_o god_n promise_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n fail_v his_o answer_n be_v that_o the_o promise_n to_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n be_v mean_v of_o christ_n and_o his_o spiritual_a seed_n those_o who_o be_v the_o child_n of_o abraham_n by_o faith_n in_o christ_n as_o he_o prove_v at_o large_a in_o the_o 9_o 10_o 11_o chapter_n to_o the_o roman_n though_o he_o give_v another_o answer_n to_o this_o too_o that_o though_o the_o promise_n do_v no_o long_o belong_v to_o abraham_n carnal_a seed_n yet_o god_n so_o far_o remember_v his_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o his_o carnal_a seed_n that_o he_o have_v not_o whole_o cast_v they_o off_o but_o will_v in_o time_n engraft_v they_o into_o his_o church_n again_o by_o faith_n in_o christ_n for_o out_o of_o zion_n shall_v come_v the_o deliverer_n and_o shall_v turn_v away_o ungodliness_n from_o jacob_n but_o i_o can_v enlarge_v on_o this_o now_o to_o apply_v this_o then_o to_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o certain_o learn_v from_o god_n care_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n that_o god_n will_v always_o preserve_v and_o protect_v the_o christian_a church_n that_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o true_a and_o sincere_a worshipper_n shall_v never_o whole_o fail_v in_o the_o world_n as_o christ_n promise_v that_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n shall_v not_o prevail_v against_o his_o church_n for_o god_n establish_v a_o everlasting_a covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o his_o seed_n that_o be_v with_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n who_o be_v the_o true_a spiritual_a seed_n of_o abraham_n to_o who_o the_o promise_n belong_v and_o if_o god_n so_o punctual_o perform_v his_o promise_n to_o the_o carnal_a seed_n of_o abraham_n while_o they_o be_v to_o be_v his_o visible_a church_n that_o be_v until_o christ_n come_v who_o be_v the_o promise_a seed_n we_o learn_v by_o that_o example_n how_o he_o will_v protect_v defend_v and_o support_v the_o christian_a church_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n till_o christ_n the_o promise_a seed_n return_v again_o to_o judge_v the_o world_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o thing_n and_o to_o receive_v his_o church_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o his_o father_n to_o this_o we_o owe_v the_o continuance_n and_o preservation_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o this_o day_n amid_o all_o the_o danger_n which_o have_v threaten_v its_o final_a ruin_n when_o the_o church_n be_v toss_v on_o the_o foam_a billow_n of_o this_o world_n like_o the_o ship_n into_o which_o christ_n and_o his_o â—…isciples_n enter_v 8._o matth._n 23_o 24_o 25._o â—…hen_o there_o arise_v a_o great_a tempest_n in_o the_o â—…a_n insomuch_o that_o the_o ship_n be_v cover_v â—…ith_o the_o wave_n and_o christ_n be_v asleep_a â—…nd_v his_o disciple_n come_v to_o he_o and_o awake_v â—…im_v say_v lord_n save_v we_o we_o perish_v and_o he_o say_v unto_o they_o why_o be_v you_o so_o â—…earful_a o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n then_o he_o â—…rose_v and_o rebuke_v the_o wind_n and_o the_o sea_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a calm_a this_o be_v a_o figure_n and_o emblem_n of_o the_o condition_n the_o church_n be_v very_o often_o in_o in_o this_o world_n for_o most_o of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n have_v some_o spiritual_a signification_n in_o they_o his_o cure_v the_o halt_n and_o blind_a and_o lame_a and_o deaf_a represent_v his_o divine_a power_n in_o cure_v the_o disease_n and_o distemper_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o make_v the_o blind_a to_o see_v and_o the_o deaf_a to_o hear_v and_o the_o lame_a to_o walk_v and_o therefore_o when_o he_o cure_v the_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v blind_a he_o turn_v his_o discourse_n to_o spiritual_a blindness_n 9_o joh._n 39_o 40_o 41._o when_o he_o have_v feed_v that_o great_a multitude_n with_o a_o few_o loaf_n and_o small_a fish_n he_o discourse_v to_o they_o of_o that_o bread_n that_o come_v down_o from_o heaven_n and_o will_v nourish_v they_o unto_o eternal_a life_n and_o which_o he_o only_o can_v give_v they_o 6._o john_n when_o he_o discourse_v with_o martha_n about_o raise_v her_o brother_n lazarus_n from_o the_o dead_a he_o preach_v to_o she_o his_o divine_a power_n to_o raise_v dead_a soul_n as_o well_o as_o dead_a body_n into_o immortal_a life_n 11._o john_n 25_o 26._o when_o the_o disciple_n at_o christ_n command_n have_v cast_v their_o net_n into_o the_o sea_n after_o have_v toil_v all_o night_n and_o take_v nothing_o and_o encompass_v a_o great_a multitude_n of_o fish_n he_o tell_v they_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o that_o he_o will_v make_v they_o fisher_n of_o men._n thus_o here_o christ_n rebuke_v the_o wind_n and_o sea_n which_o be_v ready_a to_o swallow_v up_o the_o ship_n wherein_o he_o and_o his_o disciple_n be_v be_v a_o figure_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o church_n in_o this_o world_n and_o of_o his_o readiness_n to_o protect_v it_o how_o threaten_v soever_o the_o danger_n be_v christ_n be_v in_o the_o ship_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o the_o world_n how_o much_o soever_o they_o rage_n and_o foam_n can_v never_o swallow_v up_o that_o ship_n wherein_o christ_n be_v unless_o they_o can_v swallow_v he_o up_o too_o and_o though_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v asleep_a and_o to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o suffering_n and_o danger_n of_o his_o church_n yet_o the_o importunate_a prayer_n and_o cry_n of_o his_o disciple_n will_v awake_v he_o and_o then_o he_o will_v arise_v to_o their_o defence_n and_o hush_v the_o wind_n and_o sea_n into_o a_o calm_a this_o the_o church_n have_v frequent_a exâ—…erience_n of_o under_o the_o pagan_a persecuâ—…ons_n which_o rage_v with_o fire_n and_o â—…word_n and_o all_o the_o witty_a art_n of_o cruâ—…lty_n when_o nothing_o will_v serve_v but_o â—…he_a final_a extirpation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n but_o how_o often_o do_v christ_n â—…ebuke_v the_o wind_n and_o sea_n and_o restore_v profound_a peace_n and_o rest_n to_o his_o church_n what_o a_o glorious_a triumph_n do_v he_o give_v his_o church_n over_o the_o last_o and_o most_o terrible_a effort_n of_o the_o pagan_a power_n when_o he_o raise_v constantine_n into_o the_o throne_n and_o make_v the_o empire_n christian_n and_o this_o be_v a_o very_a comfortable_a consideration_n to_o we_o at_o this_o time_n the_o protestant_a church_n which_o profess_v the_o pure_a and_o uncorrupt_a faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o all_o the_o essential_o of_o faith_n and_o worship_n have_v now_o for_o many_o year_n groan_v under_o the_o antichristian_a tyranny_n and_o persecution_n and_o now_o at_o last_o and_o i_o hope_v it_o may_v be_v the_o last_o as_o it_o be_v the_o most_o terrible_a insult_n of_o the_o antichristian_a power_n a_o great_a and_o mighty_a prince_n bend_v his_o whole_a force_n to_o root_v out_o the_o protestant_a name_n as_o well_o as_o to_o usurp_v upon_o the_o liberty_n of_o europe_n what_o he_o have_v do_v in_o his_o own_o country_n and_o wherever_o his_o power_n and_o influence_n reach_v i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o from_o some_o of_o his_o subject_n he_o have_v force_v away_o their_o faith_n other_o to_o keep_v their_o faith_n have_v lose_v their_o estate_n their_o liberty_n their_o country_n their_o life_n what_o danger_n we_o be_v in_o at_o home_n we_o all_o see_v and_o feel_v not_o long_o since_o though_o some_o man_n will_v now_o persuade_v we_o it_o be_v but_o a_o dream_n but_o it_o be_v a_o very_a terrible_a dream_n if_o it_o be_v one_o and_o thanks_o be_v to_o god_n that_o we_o be_v awaken_v out_o of_o it_o and_o may_v we_o never_o fall_v into_o such_o frightful_a slumber_n more_o or_o rather_o let_v we_o neither_o be_v lull_v asleep_o nor_o dream_v awake_a lest_o these_o frightful_a dream_n prove_v reality_n at_o last_o for_o shall_v that_o mighty_a monarch_n
prevail_v and_o like_o a_o irresistible_a torrent_n bear_v all_o before_o he_o as_o some_o kind_a friend_n to_o the_o liberty_n of_o europe_n and_o the_o protestant_a name_n and_o interest_n wish_v and_o pray_v he_o may_v it_o require_v not_o a_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n to_o foretell_v what_o will_v become_v of_o protestant_n but_o our_o hope_n and_o trust_n be_v in_o god_n that_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n shall_v never_o be_v root_v out_o and_o i_o be_o as_o certain_o persuade_v that_o the_o protestant_a faith_n and_o worship_n as_o to_o the_o essential_o of_o it_o and_o â—…s_v oppose_v to_o popery_n be_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o worship_n as_o i_o be_o â—…f_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o christiaâ—…ity_n itself_o and_o when_o i_o remember_v â—…y_n what_o little_a beginning_n and_o weak_a â—…nd_n contemptible_a mean_n god_n spread_v â—…he_v true_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n over_o great_a part_n of_o the_o european_a world_n when_o it_o be_v cover_v with_o the_o egyptian_a darkness_n and_o oppress_v by_o the_o unsupportable_a tyranny_n of_o popery_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o folly_n division_n and_o miscarriage_n of_o protestant_n i_o can_v fear_v that_o god_n will_v cause_v our_o sun_n to_o set_v again_o and_o that_o he_o will_v final_o remove_v his_o gospel_n from_o we_o and_o that_o give_v great_a reason_n to_o hope_v that_o he_o will_v â—…heck_v the_o pride_n and_o ambition_n and_o â—…t_o a_o stop_v to_o the_o success_n of_o a_o prince_n who_o glory_v in_o the_o extirpation_n of_o his_o â—…rotestant_n subject_n and_o at_o once_o enâ—…aves_v both_o the_o body_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n who_o challenge_v as_o absolute_a a_o dominion_n over_o the_o faith_n as_o over_o the_o estate_n of_o his_o vassal_n to_o fill_v his_o exchequer_n and_o purgatory_n together_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o ought_v hearty_o to_o â—…eg_v of_o god_n in_o our_o most_o solemn_a prayer_n and_o fast_n and_o those_o who_o scruple_n this_o if_o they_o understand_v themselves_o must_v never_o say_v the_o lord_n prayer_n more_o wherein_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v thy_o kingdom_n come_v which_o those_o who_o wish_v success_n to_o persecute_v and_o antichristian_a power_n do_v not_o and_o can_v pray_v ii_o i_o observe_v far_o that_o as_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n be_v sure_a and_o steadfast_a that_o no_o provocation_n can_v ever_o tempt_v he_o utter_o to_o destroy_v they_o so_o he_o never_o inflict_v any_o public_a judgement_n and_o calamity_n on_o they_o but_o when_o he_o be_v great_o provoke_v by_o their_o sin_n this_o be_v god_n express_a covenant_n with_o they_o 26._o levit._n that_o if_o they_o walk_v in_o his_o statute_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n than_o he_o will_v bestow_v all_o temporal_a blessing_n on_o they_o rain_v in_o its_o season_n and_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o land_n in_o corn_n and_o wine_n and_o oil_n peace_n at_o home_n and_o victory_n abroad_o and_o his_o special_a presence_n and_o favour_n i_o will_v set_v my_o tabernacle_n among_o you_o and_o my_o soul_n shall_v not_o abhor_v you_o and_o i_o will_v walk_v among_o you_o and_o will_v be_v your_o god_n and_o you_o shall_v be_v my_o people_n but_o if_o they_o will_v not_o hearken_v unto_o he_o and_o will_v not_o do_v all_o his_o commandment_n â—…hen_o he_o threaten_v all_o sort_n of_o evil_n â—…hould_v befall_v they_o sickness_n of_o body_n â—…o_o fly_v before_o their_o enemy_n the_o unâ—…ruitfulness_n and_o barrenness_n of_o their_o land_n that_o they_o shall_v be_v a_o prey_n to_o wild_a beast_n that_o the_o sword_n shall_v devour_v they_o and_o they_o shall_v be_v enslave_v to_o their_o enemy_n and_o buy_v their_o own_o bread_n of_o they_o that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v famine_n to_o such_o extremity_n as_o to_o eat_v their_o own_o son_n and_o daughter_n that_o he_o will_v lay_v waste_v their_o city_n and_o make_v their_o country_n desolate_a and_o carry_v they_o away_o captive_a into_o foreign_a country_n as_o you_o may_v see_v at_o large_a in_o that_o chapâ—…er_n this_o be_v his_o covenant_n with_o they_o and_o this_o he_o punctual_o observe_v whenever_o they_o do_v obey_v he_o they_o be_v a_o happy_a and_o prosperous_a people_n their_o enemy_n crouch_v before_o they_o they_o enjoy_v plenty_n and_o peace_n â—…nlarged_v their_o border_n and_o make_v their_o neighbour_n subject_n and_o tributariâ—…s_n â—…o_v they_o and_o though_o god_n do_v not_o always_o punish_v they_o according_a to_o their_o â—…leserts_n yet_o he_o never_o do_v inflict_v any_o public_a or_o national_a judgement_n on_o they_o but_o when_o they_o be_v grow_v very_o corrupt_a and_o wicked_a in_o their_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v from_o the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n and_o all_o the_o remarkable_a judgement_n god_n inflict_v on_o they_o now_o i_o must_v confess_v when_o we_o apply_v the_o be_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o case_n be_v very_o different_a for_o god_n have_v not_o so_o express_o covenant_v with_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o external_a peace_n and_o prosperity_n as_o he_o do_v with_o the_o jew_n they_o be_v the_o carnal_a seed_n and_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n heir_n of_o a_o earthly_a canaan_n and_o external_a prosperity_n but_o the_o spiritual_a seed_n of_o abraham_n be_v heir_n of_o spiritual_a and_o eternal_a blessing_n which_o be_v typify_v by_o the_o carnal_a promise_n make_v to_o the_o jewish_a church_n the_o christian_a church_n be_v found_v in_o the_o suffering_n of_o our_o lord_n the_o christian_a faith_n be_v at_o first_o propagate_v by_o the_o courage_n patience_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o primitive_a martyr_n and_o confessor_n the_o term_n ouâ—…_n saviour_n propose_v to_o we_o be_v if_o any_o mâ—…_n will_v come_v after_o i_o let_v he_o deny_v himsel_n and_o take_v up_o his_o cross_n and_o follow_v i_o hâ—…_n that_o love_v his_o life_n shall_v lose_v it_o but_o 〈◊〉_d that_o lose_v his_o life_n for_o my_o sake_n shall_v find_v it_o and_o therefore_o the_o most_o sincere_a believer_n and_o most_o exemplary_a christian_n may_v suffer_v very_o severe_o in_o this_o worlâ—…_n and_o their_o support_n and_o comfort_n be_v that_o â—…hey_n shall_v be_v proportionable_o reward_v â—…n_o the_o next_o this_o be_v the_o great_a objeâ—…ction_n the_o jew_n make_v against_o christian_n be_v the_o son_n and_o peculiar_a people_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v hate_v and_o persecute_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n and_o god_n suffer_v they_o to_o be_v so_o whereas_o he_o have_v promise_v all_o temporal_a prosperity_n to_o the_o observance_n of_o his_o law_n and_o staâ—…utes_n and_o if_o believe_v in_o christ_n have_v be_v the_o will_n and_o commandment_n of_o god_n he_o will_v certain_o have_v make_v good_a all_o the_o promise_n of_o their_o law_n to_o the_o disciple_n of_o jesus_n a_o objection_n which_o very_o much_o trouble_v many_o believe_a jew_n themselves_o who_o do_v not_o thorough_o understand_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a dispensation_n between_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o therefore_o be_v particular_o answer_v by_o st._n paul_n 8._o rom._n and_o in_o the_o 7._o heb._n but_o this_o show_v that_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o always_o reward_v with_o external_a prosperity_n and_o we_o must_v not_o expect_v it_o shall_v be_v and_o consequent_o that_o very_o severe_a suffering_n and_o persecution_n may_v befall_v christian_n not_o always_o for_o the_o correction_n and_o punishment_n of_o their_o sin_n but_o for_o the_o trial_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o patience_n to_o make_v they_o conform_v to_o their_o suffer_a head_n to_o prepare_v they_o for_o rich_a and_o bright_a crown_n to_o convince_v and_o convert_v their_o persecutor_n and_o to_o propagate_v the_o christian_a faith_n in_o the_o world_n though_o it_o be_v observe_v by_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_a father_n and_o particular_o by_o st._n cyprian_n that_o god_n never_o send_v a_o general_a persecution_n upon_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o when_o their_o sin_n the_o general_a declension_n of_o piety_n and_o discipline_n their_o worldly-mindedness_a the_o formality_n and_o coldness_n of_o their_o devotion_n call_v for_o a_o scourge_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o the_o church_n while_o it_o sojourn_v as_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v in_o the_o world_n as_o in_o a_o strange_a land_n have_v no_o place_n of_o its_o own_o no_o earthly_a power_n and_o authority_n to_o support_v it_o but_o live_v under_o pagan_a power_n be_v intermix_v with_o they_o and_o oppress_v by_o they_o when_o they_o please_v but_o the_o case_n of_o a_o christian_a nation_n where_o the_o power_n and_o authority_n be_v christian_n seem_v very_o different_a and_o to_o come_v near_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n for_o god_n do_v not_o use_v to_o inflict_v public_a judgement_n and_o
ghost_n descend_v like_o a_o dove_n and_o rest_v on_o he_o before_o he_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o wilderness_n to_o be_v tempt_v of_o the_o devil_n for_o human_a nature_n and_o it_o be_v the_o human_a nature_n of_o christ_n on_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n descend_v can_v resist_v such_o powerful_a assault_n without_o divine_a assistance_n and_o the_o example_n of_o our_o saviour_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n will_v not_o expose_v we_o to_o any_o temptation_n without_o give_v we_o proportionable_a measure_n of_o grace_n to_o resist_v they_o that_o if_o we_o be_v at_o any_o time_n conquer_v it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o power_n but_o for_o want_v of_o will_n to_o conquer_v that_o be_v the_o fault_n be_v whole_o our_o own_o and_o we_o can_v blame_v god_n for_o it_o i_o doubt_v there_o be_v few_o man_n in_o the_o world_n â—…ut_v the_o devil_n have_v he_o the_o full_a power_n of_o â—…empting_v can_v find_v out_o some_o temptaâ—…ions_n too_o big_a for_o they_o but_o the_o divine_a goodness_n be_v see_v as_o well_o in_o restrain_v â—…he_a power_n of_o the_o devil_n that_o we_o shall_v â—…ot_n be_v tempt_v above_o what_o we_o be_v able_a â—…o_o bear_v as_o by_o the_o strengthen_n our_o â—…inds_n by_o the_o internal_a assistance_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o therefore_o our_o saviour_n have_v â—…aught_v we_o to_o pray_v lead_v we_o not_o into_o â—…emptation_n but_o deliver_v we_o from_o evil_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o wicked_a one_o which_o â—…oes_v not_o signify_v that_o we_o may_v never_o be_v tempt_v which_o be_v impossible_a while_o we_o live_v in_o body_n of_o flesh_n and_o blood_n and_o be_v encompass_v with_o all_o the_o flatter_a object_n of_o flesh_n and_o sense_n but_o that_o god_n will_v not_o give_v we_o up_o into_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n to_o be_v tempt_v above_o what_o we_o be_v able_a some_o of_o the_o ancient_n observe_v from_o this_o story_n that_o when_o we_o devote_v and_o consecrate_v ourselves_o to_o god_n we_o must_v expect_v to_o be_v tempt_v as_o our_o saviour_n be_v as_o for_o bad_a man_n who_o be_v the_o slave_n and_o vassal_n of_o the_o devil_n he_o can_v so_o proper_o be_v say_v to_o tempt_v as_o to_o govern_v they_o for_o he_o be_v the_o spiriâ—…_n that_o work_v in_o the_o child_n of_o disobedience_n but_o when_o man_n desert_n his_o service_n he_o be_v very_o busy_a to_o recover_v his_o slave_n again_o but_o then_o our_o comfort_n and_o security_n too_o be_v that_o when_o we_o give_v up_o ourselves_o to_o the_o service_n of_o god_n he_o take_v we_o into_o his_o protection_n the_o wicked_a one_o can_v touch_v we_o without_o his_o leave_n and_o he_o always_o proportion_v our_o trial_n to_o our_o strength_n three_o consider_v the_o place_n of_o our_o saviour_n temptation_n he_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o wilderness_n where_o there_o be_v no_o tempt_a object_n but_o yet_o there_o the_o tempt_a spirit_n find_v he_o some_o man_n think_v that_o the_o sure_a way_n 〈◊〉_d get_v rid_v of_o temptation_n be_v to_o get_v â—…t_v of_o the_o world_n to_o withdraw_v themâ—…ves_n from_o human_a conversation_n or_o 〈◊〉_d make_v a_o show_n of_o do_v it_o without_o â—…ing_v it_o as_o if_o the_o devil_n can_v not_o â—…llow_v they_o into_o a_o desert_n or_o a_o cell_n â—…hile_o we_o live_v in_o body_n of_o flesh_n and_o â—…ood_n we_o may_v be_v tempt_v wherever_o â—…e_a be_v if_o we_o mortify_v our_o sensual_a apâ—…tites_n and_o our_o love_n to_o this_o world_n â—…e_o may_v live_v very_o innocent_o in_o the_o â—…orld_n if_o we_o do_v not_o we_o can_v never_o â—…t_v rid_v of_o the_o world_n but_o wherever_o â—…e_o go_v we_o carry_v it_o in_o our_o heart_n do_v these_o man_n imagine_v they_o can_v neâ—…r_o be_v tempt_v to_o lust_n unless_o they_o daily_o â—…e_v and_o converse_v with_o beautiful_a woman_n 〈◊〉_d that_o they_o can_v love_v the_o world_n â—…ithout_n live_v in_o a_o court_n and_o enjoyâ—…g_v all_o the_o ease_n and_o luxury_n of_o a_o plentiful_a â—…rtune_n or_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o â—…spise_v the_o world_n with_o as_o much_o haughtiâ—…ss_n and_o vanity_n of_o mind_n as_o any_o â—…an_n have_v who_o most_o admire_v it_o that_o a_o â—…onk_n can_v be_v as_o proud_a as_o a_o emperor_n â—…d_a glory_n as_o much_o in_o a_o sullen_a retireâ—…ent_n in_o voluntary_a austerity_n in_o a_o â—…ffected_a poverty_n in_o a_o vain_a opinion_n â—…f_o extraordinary_a sanctity_n as_o any_o man_n can_v do_v in_o wealth_n and_o power_n whence_o come_v all_o those_o superstition_n which_o have_v corrupt_v both_o the_o faith_n and_o worship_n of_o christianity_n and_o do_v more_o mischief_n to_o the_o church_n and_o religion_n than_o all_o the_o looseness_n of_o a_o secular_a life_n but_o from_o desert_n and_o the_o cell_n of_o monk_n and_o hermit_n which_o prove_v that_o the_o devil_n have_v his_o temptation_n for_o thâ—…_n wilderness_n as_o well_o as_o for_o the_o court_n for_o the_o most_o religious_a devotees_n anâ—…_n melancholy_a enthusiast_n as_o well_o as_o fâ—…_n the_o man_n of_o this_o world_n and_o those_o tâ—…_n most_o dangerous_a temptation_n too_o whicâ—…_n as_o experience_n tell_v we_o open_v a_o bacâ—…_n door_n for_o pride_n and_o ambition_n and_o secular_a power_n and_o a_o general_a corruptioâ—…_n of_o manner_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o church_n and_o into_o the_o life_n of_o christian_n anâ—…_n therefore_o we_o must_v guard_v our_o selveâ—…_n against_o the_o tempter_n as_o well_o in_o oâ—…_n great_a solitude_n and_o retirement_n froâ—…_n the_o world_n as_o in_o a_o crowd_n of_o busineâ—…_n we_o must_v have_v a_o care_n of_o the_o temptatioâ—…_n of_o devotion_n and_o mortification_n 〈◊〉_d fast_n and_o penance_n of_o a_o sullen_a dâ—…_n content_a at_o this_o world_n as_o well_o as_o 〈◊〉_d the_o temptation_n of_o a_o busy_a life_n and_o 〈◊〉_d a_o easy_a and_o prosperous_a fortune_n four_o i_o observe_v that_o christ_n be_v lead_v â—…y_o the_o spirit_n into_o the_o wilderness_n to_o be_v â—…empted_v of_o the_o devil_n that_o be_v it_o be_v god_n appointment_n not_o his_o own_o voâ—…untary_a choice_n and_o this_o teach_v we_o â—…anfully_o to_o resist_v temptation_n when_o â—…he_a providence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o unâ—…voidable_a circumstance_n of_o our_o conâ—…ition_n bring_v we_o into_o temptation_n but_o â—…ot_v presumptuous_o to_o thrust_v ourselves_o â—…nto_o they_o there_o be_v always_o danger_n in_o temptaâ—…ions_n especial_o when_o we_o rash_o venâ—…ure_v upon_o they_o let_v not_o he_o that_o put_v on_o his_o armour_n boast_n as_o he_o that_o put_v it_o off_o be_v true_a in_o our_o spiritual_a warfare_n we_o have_v see_v great_a man_n conquer_v even_o st._n peter_n himself_o and_o therefore_o let_v he_o that_o think_v he_o stand_v take_v heed_n lest_o he_o fall_v and_o not_o unnecessary_o venture_v too_o near_o a_o precipice_n where_o he_o may_v be_v in_o danger_n of_o fall_v our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o to_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v not_o lead_v we_o into_o temptation_n as_o i_o observe_v before_o much_o less_o than_o ought_v we_o to_o lead_v ourselves_o into_o temptation_n we_o may_v easy_o presume_v too_o far_o upon_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o faith_n our_o courage_n our_o resolution_n as_o st._n peter_n do_v who_o have_v he_o be_v more_o diffident_a of_o himself_o have_v keep_v out_o of_o the_o high-priest_n hall_n and_o escape_v the_o temptation_n which_o he_o can_v not_o resist_v we_o daily_o see_v that_o man_n who_o presume_v upon_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o constitution_n and_o use_v their_o body_n ill_a destroy_v their_o health_n and_o shorten_v their_o life_n while_o man_n who_o feel_v their_o own_o weak_a and_o crazy_a temper_n live_v on_o with_o care_n to_o a_o good_a old_a age_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o body_n presumption_n will_v destroy_v those_o who_o fear_n and_o caution_n will_v secure_v and_o therefore_o let_v we_o not_o be_v high-minded_a but_o fear_v there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o way_n whereby_o man_n expose_v themselves_o to_o temptation_n and_o tempt_v even_o the_o tempter_n some_o of_o which_o be_v very_o obvious_a as_o to_o keep_v ill_a company_n who_o conversation_n be_v a_o daily_a temptation_n sloth_n and_o idleness_n which_o betray_v man_n to_o any_o wickedness_n which_o offer_v its_o self_n for_o it_o be_v a_o uneasy_a thing_n to_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v and_o that_o itself_o be_v a_o temptation_n and_o the_o devil_n never_o want_v business_n to_o employ_v such_o man_n in_o and_o i_o know_v nothing_o worse_o than_o this_o but_o when_o man_n choose_v such_o business_n as_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o idleness_n and_o vanity_n or_o can_v only_o minister_v to_o their_o own_o or_o to_o other_o man_n lusts._n but_o there_o be_v other_o way_n whereby_o man_n thrust_v themselves_o into_o temptation_n without_o
â—…hird_n be_v open_a and_o bare-faced_n the_o devil_n in_o express_a word_n tempt_v he_o to_o â—…dolatry_n with_o the_o promise_n of_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o which_o he_o have_v draw_v a_o beautiful_a landscape_n of_o and_o show_v he_o from_o a_o high_a mountain_n all_o these_o thing_n will_v i_o give_v thou_o if_o thou_o will_v fall_v down_o and_o worship_v i_o or_o as_o st._n luke_n relate_v it_o all_z this_o power_n will_v i_o give_v thou_o and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o for_o it_o be_v deliver_v unto_o i_o and_o to_o whosoever_o i_o will_v i_o give_v it_o which_o in_o some_o sense_n be_v true_a at_o that_o time_n not_o that_o the_o devil_n have_v the_o supreme_a and_o absolute_a disposal_n of_o kingdom_n for_o st._n paul_n assure_v we_o that_o all_o the_o power_n even_o of_o the_o pagan_a world_n be_v of_o god_n and_o ordain_v by_o 1._o 13_o rom_n 1._o god_n but_o yet_o he_o be_v at_o that_o time_n the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n and_o have_v a_o more_o visible_a kingdom_n than_o god_n himself_o the_o true_a worshipper_n of_o god_n be_v aâ—…_n that_o time_n chief_o confine_v to_o judea_n aâ—…_n very_o little_a spot_n of_o earth_n but_o all_o the_o power_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o world_n be_v in_o the_o hand_n of_o idolater_n who_o worship_v the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a spirit_n and_o the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v as_o if_o he_o have_v say_v to_o our_o saviour_n you_o call_v yourself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o worship_n he_o but_o will_v god_n do_v that_o foâ—…_n you_o which_o i_o can_v and_o will_v do_v if_o you_o worship_v i_o you_o yourself_o see_v that_o he_o have_v no_o kingdom_n but_o judea_n to_o bestow_v on_o you_o and_o that_o also_o be_v at_o present_a in_o the_o hand_n of_o my_o worshipper_n but_o what_o be_v that_o to_o all_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v at_o my_o disposal_n and_o which_o you_o see_v yourself_o be_v i_o and_o under_o my_o government_n but_o our_o â—…aviour_n without_o dispute_v the_o value_n of_o â—…is_n world_n or_o what_o power_n the_o devil_n â—…ad_v in_o the_o disposal_n of_o it_o chide_v away_o â—…e_a tempter_n with_o indignation_n be_v go_v â—…atan_n for_o it_o be_v write_v thou_o shall_v worâ—…ip_v the_o lord_n thy_o god_n and_o he_o only_o shall_v â—…ou_n serve_v but_o though_o christ_n refuse_v â—…is_n proffer_v his_o pretend_a vicar_n have_v â—…ken_v it_o and_o revive_v the_o old_a pagan_a â—…olatry_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o â—…orld_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o this_o be_v the_o prevail_a temptation_n 〈◊〉_d this_o day_n to_o corrupt_v religion_n the_o â—…aith_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n for_o some_o â—…mporal_a advantage_n too_o many_o man_n â—…ink_v that_o the_o best_a religion_n which_o â—…ill_v best_o serve_v a_o secular_a interest_n â—…nd_v we_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v that_o â—…o_o many_o do_v this_o and_o know_v â—…hat_o they_o do_v that_o their_o furious_a â—…eal_n for_o a_o false_a religion_n be_v not_o all_o â—…gnorance_n and_o mistake_v but_o a_o undisâ—…mbled_a love_n of_o this_o world_n for_o can_v â—…e_o think_v that_o the_o devil_n never_o temptâ—…_n any_o man_n but_o christ_n know_o â—…d_v willing_o to_o renounce_v the_o true_a reâ—…gion_n and_o the_o true_a worship_n of_o god_n â—…r_v this_o world_n no_o doubt_v he_o do_v â—…d_v very_o often_o prevail_v too_o and_o these_o know_a idolater_n who_o make_v a_o downright_a bargain_n to_o worship_n the_o devil_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o glory_n of_o they_o be_v those_o who_o abuse_v the_o ignorant_a and_o credulous_n with_o a_o false_a and_o hypocritical_a zeal_n but_o let_v we_o remember_v that_o we_o musâ—…_n worship_n the_o lord_n our_o god_n and_o he_o only_o must_v we_o serve_v let_v we_o remember_v what_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o what_o shall_v it_o proâ—…_n a_o man_n if_o he_o gain_v the_o whole_a world_n aâ—…_n lose_v his_o own_o soul_n or_o what_o shall_v a_o maâ—…_n give_v in_o exchange_n for_o his_o soul_n let_v we_o â—…member_v that_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n 〈◊〉_d to_o please_v god_n to_o glorify_v he_o to_o 〈◊〉_d like_o he_o and_o to_o enjoy_v he_o for_o everâ—…_n and_o this_o will_v give_v we_o a_o secure_a victoâ—…_n over_o the_o world_n and_o the_o devil_n whiâ—…_n god_n of_o his_o infinite_a mercy_n grant_v throug_n our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o tâ—…_n father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v honoâ—…_n glory_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n v._n â—…eached_v before_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o lord_n mayor_n at_o st._n bridget_n church_n on_o tuesday_n in_o easter-week_n 1692._o iv_o luke_n 35._o â—…t_v love_v you_o your_o enemy_n and_o do_v good_a and_o lend_v hope_v for_o nothing_o again_o and_o your_o reward_n shall_v be_v great_a and_o you_o shall_v be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o high_a for_o he_o be_v kind_a to_o the_o unthankful_a and_o to_o the_o evil_n our_o conformity_n to_o the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n consist_v in_o die_v to_o 〈◊〉_d and_o walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n â—…ich_a st._n paul_n tell_v we_o be_v represent_v 〈◊〉_d the_o external_n ceremony_n of_o bapâ—…m_n the_o baptise_a person_n be_v bury_v with_o christ_n in_o baptism_n and_o rise_v out_o of_o his_o watery_a grave_n a_o new_a bear_v creature_n 6._o rom._n 3_o 4._o for_o in_o that_o he_o die_v he_o die_v unto_o sin_n once_o but_o in_o that_o he_o live_v he_o live_v unto_o god_n likewise_o reckon_v you_o also_o yourselves_o to_o be_v dead_a indeed_o unto_o sin_n but_o alive_a unto_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n our_o lord_n 9_o 10._o and_o the_o principal_a exercise_n of_o this_o divine_a life_n which_o be_v our_o conformity_n to_o the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o divine_a conversation_n if_o you_o then_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n seek_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o where_o christ_n sit_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n set_v your_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o not_o on_o thing_n on_o the_o earth_n 3._o col._n 1_o 2._o and_o to_o set_v our_o affection_n on_o thing_n above_o do_v not_o only_o signify_v to_o think_v sometime_o of_o heaven_n and_o to_o desire_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n when_o we_o die_v which_o very_a worldly-minded_n man_n may_v do_v but_o to_o lay_v up_o for_o ourselves_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n which_o be_v durable_a and_o eternal_a in_o opposition_n to_o those_o perish_a treasure_n on_o earth_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o thief_n to_o moth_n and_o rust_v 6._o matth._n 19_o 20_o 21._o to_o make_v to_o ourselves_o friend_n of_o the_o mammon_n of_o unrighteousness_n that_o when_o we_o fail_v they_o may_v receive_v we_o into_o everlasting_a habitation_n 16._o luke_n 9_o now_o you_o all_o know_v what_o this_o mean_n viz._n to_o purge_v our_o mind_n from_o the_o love_n of_o riches_n and_o from_o all_o covetous_a desire_n to_o improve_v â—…r_a estate_n in_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o chaâ—…ty_n for_o the_o service_n of_o god_n and_o to_o â—…pply_v the_o want_n of_o the_o poor_a and_o miâ—…rable_a to_o return_v our_o money_n into_o the_o â—…ther_n world_n where_o it_o will_v increase_v â—…to_o eternal_a life_n and_o glory_n for_o this_o 〈◊〉_d true_o to_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o â—…eaven_n to_o live_v above_o this_o world_n to_o â—…t_o loose_a from_o all_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o â—…o_o live_v to_o god_n and_o another_o world_n â—…o_o improve_v every_o thing_n we_o enjoy_v here_o â—…o_o secure_a and_o advance_v our_o future_a hapâ—…iness_n when_o man_n be_v charitable_a upon_o â—…hese_fw-mi principle_n and_o these_o design_n they_o â—…ust_v live_v a_o very_a heavenly_a life_n for_o where_o our_o treasure_n be_v there_o our_o heart_n will_v be_v also_o this_o our_o ancestor_n who_o appoint_v this_o annual_a solemnity_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v very_o sensible_a of_o that_o there_o be_v no_o particular_a grace_n or_o virtue_n the_o exercise_n of_o which_o be_v a_o more_o visible_a demonstration_n of_o a_o divine_a and_o purify_a mind_n which_o be_v rise_v with_o christ_n and_o life_n to_o god_n as_o christ_n do_v than_o the_o grace_n of_o charity_n and_o therefore_o that_o there_o be_v no_o time_n more_o proper_a to_o exercise_v charity_n and_o to_o exhort_v christian_n to_o charity_n and_o to_o show_v charity_n in_o all_o its_o pomp_n and_o humble_a bravery_n than_o the_o feast_n of_o the_o resurrection_n wherein_o we_o commemorate_v the_o love_n of_o our_o lord_n in_o die_v for_o we_o and_o his_o triumph_n over_o death_n and_o in_o full_a assurance_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n of_o which_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v a_o ocular_a demonstration_n send_v our_o heart_n and_o our_o eye_n after_o he_o to_o heaven_n and_o contemplate_v that_o glory_n to_o which_o he_o be_v advance_v
can_v thing_n be_v better_o order_v for_o the_o encouragement_n of_o virtue_n and_o religion_n good_a man_n whatever_o their_o condition_n be_v have_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o wicked_a even_o as_o to_o this_o present_a life_n they_o may_v be_v easy_a and_o enjoy_v themselves_o in_o all_o condition_n for_o god_n have_v provide_v for_o their_o present_a support_n but_o if_o bad_a man_n be_v sufferer_n they_o have_v nothing_o to_o support_v they_o and_o though_o they_o be_v prosperous_a they_o feel_v such_o disorder_n of_o passion_n or_o such_o guilty_a fear_n as_o sour_a all_o their_o other_o enjoyment_n 3._o god_n have_v so_o wise_o order_v thing_n that_o we_o can_v support_v ourselves_o under_o suffering_n without_o make_v a_o wise_a and_o good_a use_n of_o they_o for_o the_o best_a argument_n to_o comfort_v we_o under_o suffering_n will_v afford_v we_o no_o comfort_n unless_o they_o make_v we_o better_o it_o be_v a_o great_a comfort_n that_o affliction_n be_v appoint_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a god_n but_o he_o who_o consider_v this_o will_v natural_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n why_o god_n strike_v will_v search_v and_o try_v his_o way_n and_o turn_v unto_o the_o lord_n will_v hear_v the_o rod_n and_o who_o it_o be_v that_o have_v appoint_v it_o that_o affliction_n be_v order_v for_o our_o good_a will_v make_v we_o endeavour_v to_o reap_v the_o spiritual_a benefit_n of_o they_o for_o that_o affliction_n be_v useful_a be_v no_o comfort_n at_o all_o unless_o we_o make_v a_o wise_a use_n of_o they_o unless_o they_o bring_v forth_o the_o peaceable_a fruit_n of_o righteousness_n no_o man_n can_v take_v comfort_n in_o the_o reward_n of_o the_o next_o world_n without_o bear_v his_o suffering_n well_o in_o this_o for_o our_o suffering_n will_v have_v no_o reward_n unless_o they_o make_v we_o better_o unless_o they_o purify_v our_o mind_n and_o exercise_v our_o faith_n and_o patience_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n three_o i_o observe_v that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o suffer_v than_o to_o sin_n even_o with_o respect_n to_o our_o present_a ease_n because_o suffering_n may_v be_v bear_v by_o a_o innocent_a and_o virtuous_a mind_n but_o gild_n inflict_v a_o unsupportable_a wound_n upon_o the_o spirit_n and_o â—…ose_v suffering_n which_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n can_v bear_v be_v rather_o to_o be_v choose_v â—…han_o what_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n can_v â—…ear_v last_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o governâ—…ent_n of_o our_o own_o passion_n contribute_v â—…ore_o to_o our_o happiness_n than_o any_o exterâ—…al_a enjoyment_n while_o our_o mind_n be_v disorder_v with_o violent_a and_o tumultuâ—…us_a passion_n we_o can_v never_o be_v easy_a and_o happy_a whatever_o else_o we_o enjoy_v for_o this_o give_v such_o a_o wound_n to_o the_o spirit_n as_o no_o external_a enjoyment_n can_v heal_v but_o he_o who_o have_v his_o passion_n under_o government_n who_o know_v how_o to_o love_v and_o fear_v desire_v and_o hope_n though_o he_o may_v be_v a_o great_a sufferer_n can_v never_o be_v miserable_a because_o he_o can_v support_v himself_o under_o all_o other_o suffering_n what_o a_o wrong_a course_n then_o do_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n take_v to_o make_v themselves_o happy_a they_o seek_v for_o happiness_n without_o when_o the_o foundation_n of_o happiness_n must_v be_v lay_v within_o in_o the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o our_o mind_n a_o easy_a quiet_a mind_n will_v weather_v all_o the_o storm_n of_o fortune_n but_o how_o calm_a and_o serene_a soever_o the_o heaven_n be_v there_o be_v no_o peace_n to_o the_o wicked_a who_o have_v nothing_o but_o noise_n and_o tumult_n and_o confusion_n within_o to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v honour_n glory_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o ever_o amen_n sermon_n vii_o preach_v at_o the_o funeral_n of_o the_o reverend_a richard_n meggot_n d._n d._n and_o late_a dean_n of_o winchester_n december_n the_o 10_o 1692._o at_o twickenham_n i._o phil._n 23_o 24._o for_o i_o be_o in_o a_o strait_a betwixt_o two_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a nevertheless_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v more_o needful_a for_o you_o st_n paul_n write_v this_o epistle_n to_o philippi_n from_o rome_n where_o he_o be_v in_o bond_n for_o the_o gospel_n but_o though_o his_o body_n be_v confine_v to_o a_o prison_n his_o soul_n his_o great_a divine_a soul_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o visit_v the_o church_n he_o have_v plant_v to_o advise_v and_o counsel_n and_o comfort_v they_o to_o increase_v their_o knowledge_n and_o to_o confirm_v their_o faith_n to_o instame_v their_o zeal_n and_o to_o spur_v they_o forward_o to_o more_o perfect_a attainman_n in_o all_o piety_n and_o virtue_n the_o philippian_n seem_v great_o concern_v lest_o the_o progress_n of_o â—…e_a gospel_n shall_v be_v hinder_v by_o st._n paul_n imprisonment_n and_o lest_o they_o and_o the_o whole_a church_n shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o the_o labour_n and_o ministry_n of_o so_o great_a a_o apostle_n shall_v this_o persecution_n extend_v to_o life_n as_o they_o have_v reason_n to_o fear_v it_o will_v as_o for_o the_o first_o st._n paul_n assure_v they_o that_o his_o bond_n be_v for_o the_o furtherance_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o his_o imprisonment_n be_v take_v notice_n of_o both_o in_o the_o court_n and_o city_n which_o make_v man_n curious_a to_o know_v what_o that_o doctrine_n be_v which_o he_o preach_v and_o for_o which_o he_o suffer_v bond_n and_o this_o publish_v the_o gospel_n more_o effectual_o than_o his_o preach_v can_v have_v do_v verse_n 12_o 13_o etc._n etc._n as_o for_o the_o second_o he_o tell_v they_o he_o be_v no_o far_o concern_v either_o about_o life_n or_o death_n but_o that_o christ_n may_v be_v magnify_v in_o his_o body_n if_o he_o live_v his_o life_n be_v whole_o devote_v to_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o church_n if_o he_o die_v it_o will_v be_v for_o his_o own_o great_a advantage_n to_o i_o to_o live_v be_v christ_n and_o to_o die_v be_v gain_v verse_n 20_o 21._o and_o this_o make_v it_o a_o hard_a choice_n to_o he_o whether_o he_o shall_v desire_v to_o live_v or_o die_v whether_o he_o shall_v get_v rid_v of_o his_o bond_n and_o make_v his_o escape_n out_o of_o a_o troublesome_a world_n into_o the_o region_n of_o ease_n and_o rest_v to_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o his_o labour_n here_o in_o the_o eternal_a enjoyment_n of_o his_o lord_n who_o he_o have_v so_o faithful_o serve_v or_o whether_o he_o shall_v live_v to_o encounter_n with_o a_o thousand_o difficulty_n and_o death_n in_o the_o service_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o the_o soul_n of_o men._n what_o i_o shall_v choose_v i_o wot_v not_o for_o i_o be_o in_o a_o strait_a betwixt_o two_o have_v a_o desire_n to_o depart_v and_o to_o be_v with_o christ_n which_o be_v far_o better_a nevertheless_o to_o abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n be_v more_o needful_a for_o you_o be_v there_o ever_o such_o a_o dispute_n as_o this_o before_o that_o a_o man_n who_o be_v as_o certain_a to_o go_v to_o heaven_n as_o he_o be_v to_o die_v who_o have_v himself_o be_v snatch_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n and_o have_v his_o mind_n possess_v with_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a and_o lively_a idea_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o place_n who_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v such_o thing_n as_o can_v not_o be_v express_v who_o see_v a_o crown_n a_o glorious_a immarcessible_a crown_n prepare_v for_o he_o i_o say_v that_o such_o a_o man_n shall_v make_v any_o question_n what_o he_o shall_v choose_v whether_o immediate_o to_o take_v possession_n of_o this_o crown_n and_o kingdom_n or_o to_o live_v long_o in_o this_o world_n to_o suffer_v bond_n and_o imprisonment_n hunger_n and_o cold_a and_o stripe_n and_o all_o the_o ill_a usage_n which_o he_o have_v so_o often_o meet_v with_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o still_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n and_o to_o enlarge_v the_o border_n of_o christ_n church_n what_o a_o contempt_n be_v this_o not_o only_o of_o the_o little_a pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o even_o of_o all_o the_o misery_n of_o life_n what_o a_o triumph_n be_v this_o over_o the_o world_n over_o all_o the_o frown_n and_o terror_n of_o it_o what_o a_o triumph_n be_v this_o over_o self_n such_o a_o degree_n of_o self-denial_n as_o the_o gospel_n itself_o do_v not_o command_v which_o be_v in_o some_o sense_n to_o deny_v heaven_n to_o deny_v all_o the_o joy_n of_o christ_n presence_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o do_v good_a for_o it_o be_v to_o delay_v to_o put_v off_o heaven_n to_o adjourn_v his_o own_o happiness_n that_o he_o may_v live_v the_o long_a to_o serve_v his_o great_a master_n though_o with_o great_a difficulty_n and_o labour_n what_o love_n be_v this_o
and_o what_o a_o advantageous_a exchange_n than_o be_v it_o for_o a_o faithful_a minister_n of_o jesus_n to_o be_v remove_v from_o earth_n to_o heaven_n for_o let_v we_o consider_v what_o the_o state_n of_o christ_n minister_n be_v in_o this_o world_n what_o it_o be_v in_o st._n paul_n day_n he_o tell_v we_o 2_o cor._n 6._o 4_o 10._o in_o all_o thing_n approve_v ourselves_o as_o the_o minister_n of_o god_n in_o much_o patience_n in_o affliction_n in_o necessity_n in_o distress_n in_o stripe_n in_o imprisonment_n in_o tumult_n in_o labour_n in_o watch_n in_o fast_v by_o pureness_n by_o knowledge_n by_o long-suffering_a by_o kindness_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o love_n unfeigned_a by_o the_o word_n of_o truth_n by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n by_o the_o armour_n of_o righteousness_n on_o the_o right_a hand_n and_o on_o the_o left_a by_o honour_n and_o dishonour_n by_o evil_a report_n and_o good_a report_n as_o deceiver_n and_o yet_o true_a as_o unknown_a and_o yet_o well_o know_v as_o die_v and_o behold_v we_o live_v as_o chastened_a and_o not_o kill_v as_o sorrowful_a yet_o always_o rejoice_v as_o poor_a yet_o make_v many_o rich_a as_o have_v nothing_o and_o yet_o possess_v all_o thing_n which_o describe_v a_o most_o laborious_a life_n a_o scene_n of_o want_n of_o difficulty_n of_o suffering_n a_o perpetual_a exercise_n of_o passive_a virtue_n to_o reconcile_v the_o most_o appear_a contradiction_n to_o live_v and_o struggle_v and_o contend_v in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o fetch_v their_o comfort_n and_o support_v from_o heaven_n this_o indeed_o be_v not_o always_o the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n nor_o of_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o but_o yet_o in_o the_o great_a external_a prosperity_n of_o the_o church_n the_o minister_n of_o religion_n who_o discharge_v their_o trust_n with_o diligence_n and_o faithfulness_n find_v many_o difficulty_n to_o encounter_v the_o care_n of_o man_n soul_n be_v itself_o a_o mighty_a trust_n and_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n consider_v but_o the_o charge_n st._n paul_n give_v to_o timothy_n 1_o epistle_n 4._o 11_o &_o c._n let_v no_o man_n despise_v thy_o youth_n but_o be_v thou_o a_o example_n of_o the_o believer_n in_o word_n in_o conversation_n in_o charity_n in_o spirit_n in_o faith_n in_o purity_n give_v attendance_n to_o read_v to_o exhortation_n to_o doctrine_n neglect_v not_o the_o gift_n that_o be_v in_o thou_o which_o be_v give_v thou_o by_o prophecy_n by_o lay_v on_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o presbytery_n meditate_v upon_o these_o thing_n give_v thyself_o whole_o to_o they_o that_o thy_o profit_v may_v appear_v to_o all_o take_v heed_n to_o thyself_o and_o to_o thy_o doctrine_n continue_v in_o they_o for_o in_o do_v this_o thou_o shall_v both_o save_v thyself_o and_o they_o that_o hear_v thou_o here_o be_v work_n enough_o to_o employ_v the_o whole_a man_n and_o our_o utmost_a care_n and_o diligence_n and_o prudence_n work_v for_o the_o study_n for_o the_o closet_n for_o the_o pulpit_n as_o the_o same_o apostle_n exhort_v and_o charge_v timothy_n to_o preach_v the_o word_n to_o be_v instant_a in_o season_n out_o of_o season_n to_o reprove_v rebuke_n exhort_v with_o all_o long-suffering_a and_o doctrine_n 2_o tim._n 4._o 2._o but_o yet_o though_o there_o be_v labour_n and_o diligence_n in_o this_o it_o will_v be_v a_o delightful_a work_n be_v our_o labour_n always_o bless_v with_o success_n can_v we_o rescue_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n from_o the_o dominion_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n can_v we_o turn_v they_o from_o darkness_n to_o light_n and_o from_o the_o power_n of_o satan_n unto_o god_n but_o we_o must_v often_o expect_v to_o labour_v all_o night_n and_o catch_v nothing_o we_o must_v contend_v with_o the_o lust_n and_o vice_n of_o man_n must_v bear_v their_o folly_n their_o frowardness_n their_o reproach_n and_o censure_n and_o injury_n be_v thought_n troublesome_n pragmatical_a and_o busy-body_n for_o our_o charitable_a exhortation_n and_o reproof_n and_o watchfulness_n over_o their_o soul_n and_o when_o the_o church_n be_v at_o ease_n and_o rest_n from_o without_o how_o often_o be_v it_o rend_v and_o tear_v in_o piece_n with_o schism_n and_o heresy_n as_o st._n paul_n forewarn_v timothy_n the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o they_o will_v not_o endure_v sound_a doctrine_n but_o after_o their_o own_o lust_n shall_v they_o heap_v to_o themselves_o teacher_n have_v itch_a ear_n and_o they_o shall_v turn_v away_o their_o ear_n from_o the_o truth_n and_o be_v turn_v unto_o fable_n 3_o 4._o ver_fw-la and_o what_o infinite_a labour_n and_o difficulty_n do_v this_o create_v to_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o heal_v the_o breach_n of_o the_o church_n to_o confute_v heresy_n atheism_n infidelity_n and_o to_o be_v scorn_v and_o persecute_v for_o it_o with_o a_o bitter_a rage_n and_o zeal_n that_o st._n paul_n may_v well_o add_v but_o watch_v thou_o in_o all_o thing_n endure_v affliction_n do_v the_o work_n of_o a_o evangelist_n make_v full_a proof_n of_o thy_o ministry_n 5_o verse_n we_o ought_v not_o indeed_o to_o be_v discourage_v by_o such_o difficulty_n as_o these_o because_o our_o reward_n will_v be_v great_a in_o heaven_n but_o it_o will_v be_v a_o happy_a day_n when_o our_o warfare_n shall_v be_v accomplish_v when_o we_o shall_v cease_v from_o our_o labour_n and_o our_o work_n shall_v follow_v we_o when_o we_o can_v say_v with_o st._n paul_n i_o have_v fight_v a_o good_a fight_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o course_n i_o have_v keep_v the_o faith_n henceforth_o there_o be_v lay_v up_o for_o i_o a_o crown_n of_o righteousness_n 2._o thus_o to_o die_v be_v their_o gain_n nevertheless_o it_o be_v more_o needful_a for_o the_o church_n that_o they_o shall_v abide_v in_o the_o flesh_n and_o a_o great_a loss_n it_o be_v to_o the_o church_n when_o they_o die_v i_o need_v not_o use_v many_o word_n about_o this_o for_o the_o case_n be_v plain_a the_o death_n of_o every_o good_a man_n who_o be_v very_o useful_a to_o the_o world_n in_o what_o way_n soever_o he_o be_v useful_a be_v a_o very_a great_a loss_n for_o death_n put_v a_o end_n to_o his_o do_v any_o more_o good_a in_o this_o world_n but_o as_o to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v to_o do_v the_o great_a good_a to_o mankind_n because_o the_o happiness_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v of_o the_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o so_o to_o lose_v a_o faithful_a and_o a_o prudent_a guide_n must_v be_v the_o great_a loss_n we_o indeed_o of_o this_o church_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o bless_v god_n that_o he_o have_v send_v forth_o so_o many_o able_a and_o painful_a labourer_n into_o his_o harvest_n that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o loss_n of_o every_o good_a man_n that_o can_v much_o affect_v we_o at_o ordinary_a time_n for_o there_o be_v great_a number_n of_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n to_o perpetuate_v a_o succession_n of_o able_a and_o faithful_a guide_n but_o a_o st._n paul_n be_v at_o any_o time_n and_o in_o any_o age_n of_o the_o church_n a_o great_a loss_n nay_o man_n who_o be_v much_o inferior_a to_o st._n paul_n but_o yet_o fit_v with_o peculiar_a ability_n to_o serve_v the_o church_n at_o some_o certain_a season_n and_o in_o some_o difficult_a circumstance_n be_v a_o very_a sensible_a loss_n at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o their_o service_n be_v most_o needful_a a_o man_n of_o counsel_n and_o conduct_v who_o be_v fit_a to_o sit_v at_o the_o helm_n and_o know_v how_o to_o steer_v in_o a_o storm_n be_v a_o great_a loss_n in_o time_n of_o difficulty_n and_o trouble_v when_o the_o church_n be_v assault_v on_o all_o hand_n and_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o avoid_v one_o mischief_n or_o inconvenience_n without_o runinto_o another_o a_o man_n of_o goodness_n and_o temper_n who_o know_v how_o to_o govern_v his_o own_o passion_n and_o how_o to_o soften_v and_o manage_v the_o passion_n of_o other_o man_n be_v a_o very_a sensible_a loss_n when_o the_o passion_n of_o man_n be_v break_v loose_a and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n and_o even_o threaten_v the_o ruin_n of_o it_o a_o man_n of_o learning_n and_o sound_a judgement_n who_o can_v distinguish_v between_o truth_n and_o error_n in_o all_o its_o most_o artificial_a and_o flatter_a disguise_n be_v a_o great_a loss_n when_o old_a error_n be_v revive_v and_o new_a one_o broach_v when_o we_o must_v dispute_v over_o again_o the_o very_a be_v of_o a_o god_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n a_o man_n of_o great_a diligence_n and_o industry_n courage_n and_o resolution_n to_o defend_v the_o truth_n to_o oppose_v heresy_n and_o schism_n to_o preserve_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o integrity_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v a_o very_a
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 so_o great_a and_o excellent_a a_o virtue_n and_o so_o very_o useful_a to_o mankind_n that_o at_o least_o thus_o far_o popery_n will_v be_v think_v the_o better_a religion_n and_o therefore_o as_o the_o apostle_n argue_v as_o you_o abound_v in_o every_o thing_n in_o faith_n and_o utterance_n and_o knowledge_n and_o all_o diligence_n and_o in_o your_o love_n to_o we_o see_v that_o you_o abound_v in_o this_o grace_n also_o as_o we_o have_v a_o more_o orthodox_n faith_n a_o clear_a and_o a_o distinct_a knowledge_n and_o a_o pure_a worship_n than_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n let_v we_o excel_v in_o charity_n too_o and_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o to_o renounce_v popery_n be_v not_o to_o renounce_v good_a work_n sermon_n x._o preach_v before_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o lord-mayor_n and_o court_n of_o alderman_n at_o guildhall_n chappel_n on_o sunday_n april_n 25._o 1697._o coloss._n ii_o 8._o beware_v lest_o any_o man_n spoil_v you_o through_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ._n have_v st._n paul_n live_v in_o our_o age_n it_o will_v have_v require_v little_o less_o than_o the_o courage_n and_o bravery_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o martyrdom_n to_o have_v say_v this_o and_o nothing_o but_o the_o authority_n of_o so_o great_a a_o apostle_n which_o though_o some_o man_n do_v not_o much_o value_n yet_o they_o dare_v not_o open_o despise_v can_v screen_n those_o who_o venture_v to_o say_v iâ—…_n after_o he_o what_o some_o man_n call_v philosophy_n and_o reason_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o foolish_a and_o absurd_a which_o some_o man_n will_v not_o call_v so_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n which_o those_o man_n adore_v who_o will_v either_o have_v no_o god_n or_o a_o god_n and_o a_o religion_n of_o their_o own_o make_n and_o what_o attempt_v some_o have_v make_v to_o undermine_v all_o religion_n and_o other_o to_o corrupt_v and_o transform_v the_o whole_a frame_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o its_o contradict_a natural_a reason_n and_o philosophy_n be_v too_o well_o know_v to_o need_v a_o proof_n that_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o his_o day_n and_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v in_o future_a age_n st._n paul_n be_v very_o sensible_a when_o he_o give_v this_o caution_n to_o his_o colossian_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v as_o proper_a a_o caution_n for_o we_o as_o ever_o it_o be_v for_o any_o age_n since_o the_o write_n of_o this_o epistle_n for_o this_o vain_a pretence_n to_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n never_o more_o prevail_v and_o never_o do_v more_o mischief_n to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v a_o endless_a and_o fruitless_a task_n to_o go_v about_o to_o confute_v all_o the_o absurd_a hypothesis_n and_o wild_a inconsistent_a reason_n wherewith_o man_n abuse_v themselves_o and_o other_o the_o experience_n of_o so_o â—…ny_a age_n wherein_o philosophy_n be_v in_o all_o 〈◊〉_d glory_n and_o the_o 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
gospel_n denounce_v against_o â—…penitent_a sinner_n every_o thing_n else_o 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v a_o true_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d glad_a tiding_n 〈◊〉_d great_a joy_n to_o mankind_n it_o give_v we_o 〈◊〉_d many_o signal_n token_n and_o pledge_n of_o â—…e_n divine_a favour_n and_o such_o express_a â—…romises_n of_o god_n care_n of_o good_a man_n 〈◊〉_d this_o world_n and_o of_o the_o glorious_a reâ—…ards_n of_o the_o next_o as_o mere_a nature_n at_o â—…ost_n afford_v but_o very_o imperfect_a conâ—…ectures_n of_o that_o the_o deist_n if_o he_o have_v â—…ny_a generous_a hope_n of_o immortality_n â—…eft_v shall_v be_v glad_a to_o have_v some_o betâ—…er_a assurance_n of_o immortal_a happiness_n â—…han_o nature_n give_v and_o can_v think_v it_o no_o advantage_n that_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o next_o life_n be_v uncertain_a when_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o be_v as_o uncertain_a too_o if_o we_o will_v allow_v no_o other_o evidence_n but_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o i_o shall_v consine_n myself_o at_o present_a but_o to_o one_o thing_n which_o all_o mankind_n be_v equal_o concern_v in_o and_o which_o we_o can_v never_o be_v assure_v of_o but_o by_o revelation_n and_o that_o be_v the_o certain_a pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n if_o god_n be_v holy_a and_o just_a a_o sinner_n as_o all_o mankind_n be_v must_v be_v punish_v except_o he_o be_v pardon_v and_o therefore_o can_v have_v no_o good_a hope_n towards_o god_n till_o he_o be_v assure_v of_o his_o pardon_n now_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n give_v we_o no_o absolute_a assurance_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o it_o do_v that_o god_n will_v punish_v sinner_n and_o therefore_o a_o deist_n who_o reject_v the_o gospel_n revelation_n can_v possible_o be_v so_o certain_a that_o his_o sin_n shall_v be_v pardon_v as_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v punish_v for_o they_o the_o holiness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n make_v he_o a_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o all_o sin_n and_o the_o only_a refuge_n sinner_n have_v be_v in_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n but_o goodness_n do_v not_o so_o necessary_o prove_v that_o god_n will_v forgive_v sin_n as_o justice_n do_v that_o he_o will_v punish_v it_o for_o goodness_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n must_v give_v place_n to_o justice_n that_o be_v goodness_n can_v pardon_v while_o it_o be_v unjust_a to_o pardon_v for_o a_o unjust_a goodness_n be_v no_o divine_a perfection_n so_o that_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n how_o great_a soever_o we_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v and_o we_o can_v conceive_v it_o great_a than_o it_o be_v do_v not_o necessary_o prove_v that_o god_n must_v or_o will_v pardon_v sinner_n but_o only_o that_o he_o will_v pardon_v sinner_n when_o it_o be_v wise_a and_o just_a to_o do_v so_o but_o who_o can_v tell_v when_o god_n will_v think_v it_o wise_a and_o just_a to_o do_v so_o without_o a_o revelation_n or_o who_o can_v tell_v what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v it_o wise_a and_o just_a for_o a_o good_a god_n to_o forgive_v sin_n a_o good_a man_n do_v not_o always_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o forgive_v those_o personal_a injury_n and_o affront_n which_o be_v offer_v he_o much_o less_o be_v a_o kind_n and_o merciful_a prince_n who_o be_v entrust_v with_o the_o administration_n of_o justice_n and_o the_o sacred_a authority_n of_o government_n bind_v to_o forgive_v every_o malefactor_n out_o of_o pure_a good_a nature_n which_o will_v soon_o dissolve_v government_n and_o make_v authority_n contemptible_a and_o if_o we_o consider_v god_n as_o the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n it_o will_v satisfy_v we_o that_o to_o forgive_v sin_n be_v not_o the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o goodness_n but_o must_v be_v temper_v and_o accommodate_v to_o the_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n of_o government_n which_o we_o understand_v so_o little_a of_o that_o we_o can_v never_o certain_o learn_v from_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n when_o and_o upon_o what_o term_v god_n will_v forgive_v sin_n the_o general_a hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o mankind_n be_v that_o god_n will_v forgive_v all_o humble_a penitent_a sinner_n and_o yet_o i_o can_v find_v that_o any_o man_n ever_o think_v that_o mere_a repentance_n be_v sufficient_a to_o obtain_v our_o pardon_n for_o all_o religion_n have_v some_o institute_v rite_n to_o appease_v their_o god_n which_o seem_v to_o argue_v that_o natural_a sense_n they_o all_o have_v that_o some_o atonement_n and_o expiation_n as_o well_o as_o repentance_n be_v necessary_a to_o pardon_v nor_o can_v reason_n prove_v the_o contrary_n repentance_n render_v man_n fit_a object_n of_o mercy_n when_o no_o other_o reason_n hinder_v but_o the_o reason_n of_o government_n may_v supersede_n the_o inclination_n to_o show_v mercy_n how_o often_o do_v a_o merciful_a prince_n hang_v a_o penitent_a malefactor_n without_o any_o blemish_n to_o the_o mercy_n of_o his_o government_n and_o if_o good_a man_n and_o good_a prince_n be_v not_o always_o bind_v to_o forgive_v penitent_n than_o repentance_n itself_o alone_o can_v entitle_v we_o to_o mercy_n so_o that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o security_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n but_o by_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n wherein_o god_n have_v express_o promise_v the_o remission_n of_o sin_n to_o all_o true_a penitent_n in_o the_o name_n and_o through_o the_o merit_n and_o mediation_n of_o christ._n good_a god_n what_o a_o consolation_n be_v this_o to_o sinner_n who_o will_v be_v without_o the_o certain_a hope_n of_o forgiveness_n for_o all_o the_o world_n how_o terrible_a be_v it_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o just_a god_n who_o will_v punish_v sinner_n without_o know_v or_o believe_v a_o saviour_n do_v these_o man_n due_o consider_v thing_n they_o will_v think_v deism_n to_o be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a state_n in_o the_o world_n which_o have_v no_o covenant_n no_o promise_n no_o priest_n no_o sacrifice_n which_o may_v be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o state_n of_o innocence_n but_o be_v no_o religion_n for_o sinner_n second_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o deism_n and_o how_o inconsistent_a it_o be_v with_o itself_o for_o to_o deny_v all_o divine_a revelation_n do_v extreme_o weaken_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n make_v it_o high_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v a_o revelation_n first_o that_o to_o deny_v all_o divine_a revelation_n do_v extreme_o weaken_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n a_o deist_n indeed_o have_v this_o visible_a world_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o god_n as_o st._n paul_n argue_v the_o invisible_a thing_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n rom._n 1._o 20._o and_o this_o i_o grant_v be_v a_o very_a good_a argument_n but_o lose_v very_o much_o of_o its_o strength_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o deist_n for_o though_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o that_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a be_v who_o we_o call_v god_n yet_o have_v we_o no_o other_o notice_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n but_o from_o this_o visible_a creation_n have_v there_o never_o be_v any_o commerce_n or_o intercourse_n between_o god_n and_o man_n have_v he_o never_o since_o the_o make_n of_o the_o world_n give_v any_o sign_n or_o token_n of_o his_o power_n and_o presence_n it_o will_v have_v be_v a_o very_a strong_a presumption_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o argument_n from_o the_o frame_n of_o this_o visible_a world_n that_o there_o be_v one_o for_o it_o seem_v as_o unreasonable_a to_o think_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o mankind_n hear_v nothing_o of_o he_o see_v no_o visible_a mark_n of_o his_o care_n and_o providence_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a consequence_n as_o the_o worship_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n certain_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v receive_v no_o notice_n of_o his_o will_n what_o homage_n he_o expect_v from_o they_o and_o what_o he_o will_v accept_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o communication_n between_o reasonable_a being_n and_n the_o supreme_a mind_n as_o it_o be_v to_o think_v that_o the_o world_n can_v be_v make_v without_o a_o god_n for_o what_o end_n do_v god_n make_v reasonable_a creature_n but_o to_o make_v himself_o know_v to_o they_o which_o be_v the_o high_a happiness_n and_o perfection_n of_o reasonable_a being_n and_o can_v we_o then_o imagine_v that_o when_o god_n have_v make_v the_o world_n and_o make_v man_n he_o shall_v withdraw_v himself_o into_o silence_n and_o obâ—…curity_n and_o take_v no_o far_o notice_n of_o mankind_n nor_o make_v any_o other_o discovery_n of_o himself_o to_o they_o than_o what_o they_o can_v imperfect_o
spell_v out_o from_o the_o visible_a creation_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n though_o we_o must_v not_o urge_v the_o authority_n of_o revelation_n to_o prove_v a_o god_n which_o will_v â—…e_v to_o beg_v the_o question_n yet_o the_o be_v of_o a_o revelation_n we_o may_v for_o whatever_o prove_v a_o divine_a revelation_n prove_v a_o god_n the_o wise_a and_o acute_a philosopher_n among_o the_o heathen_n think_v this_o the_o best_a and_o most_o sensible_a proof_n of_o a_o god_n balbus_n the_o stoic_a have_v begin_v his_o deorum_fw-la cicero_n de_fw-fr natura_fw-la deorum_fw-la proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n from_o â—…his_fw-la visible_a creation_n and_o the_o univerâ—…al_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o belief_n â—…e_o resolve_v the_o firmness_n and_o stability_n of_o this_o persuasion_n into_o those_o visible_a sign_n which_o their_o god_n oftentimes_o give_v of_o their_o own_o power_n and_o presence_n quòd_fw-la presentiam_fw-la soepe_fw-la divi_z svam_fw-la declarant_fw-la and_o the_o argument_n be_v certain_o a_o very_a good_a one_o though_o the_o particular_a instance_n he_o give_v of_o it_o may_v be_v vain_a and_o fictitious_a and_o want_v sufficient_a attestation_n to_o gain_v belief_n but_o have_v balbus_n instead_o of_o the_o apparition_n of_o castor_n and_o pollux_n and_o their_o ridiculous_a rite_n of_o divination_n see_v the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o christ_n the_o familiar_a conversation_n of_o god_n with_o abraham_n and_o moses_n the_o terrible_a appearance_n of_o mount_n sinai_n when_o god_n deliver_v the_o law_n in_o a_o audible_a voice_n and_o the_o infallible_a accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n that_o be_v have_v his_o proof_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o presence_n be_v as_o undeniable_a as_o his_o reason_n from_o such_o divine_a appearance_n to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n be_v unanswerable_a all_o the_o wit_n and_o sophistry_n in_o the_o world_n can_v never_o have_v evade_v this_o argument_n for_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o persuade_v man_n there_o be_v no_o god_n when_o they_o do_v little_o less_o than_o see_v he_o in_o such_o present_a and_o sensible_a effect_n as_o can_v have_v no_o other_o cause_n but_o a_o god_n however_o thus_o much_o we_o learn_v from_o this_o dispute_n that_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n such_o visible_a effect_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o presence_n be_v the_o most_o irresistible_a argument_n for_o the_o be_v of_o god_n that_o the_o wise_a man_n do_v believe_v that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n he_o will_v give_v some_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o his_o own_o be_v in_o the_o act_n of_o government_n and_o providence_n as_o well_o as_o of_o creation_n and_o that_o if_o there_o never_o have_v be_v any_o such_o sensible_a appearance_n of_o such_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o presence_n it_o will_v at_o least_o have_v render_v the_o be_v of_o god_n very_o doubtful_a this_o shall_v make_v all_o those_o who_o hearty_o believe_v a_o god_n to_o think_v and_o speak_v more_o honourable_o of_o revelation_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o revelation_n will_v stand_v and_o fall_v together_o that_o a_o deist_n who_o ridicules_a all_o revelation_n take_v a_o very_a ill_a course_n to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o he_o believe_v a_o god_n second_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o deism_n will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n make_v it_o high_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v a_o revelation_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o to_o believe_v a_o god_n oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v every_o pretend_a revelation_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o particular_a revelation_n depend_v on_o those_o peculiar_a mark_n of_o divinity_n and_o credibility_n which_o it_o bear_v on_o it_o but_o whoever_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n can_v think_v it_o incredible_a that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n nay_o will_v see_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v do_v so_o as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o different_a age_n and_o dispensation_n of_o it_o do_v require_v and_o will_v admit_v for_o first_o no_o man_n who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n can_v question_v whether_o god_n can_v if_o he_o so_o please_v make_v a_o more_o perfect_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n than_o he_o have_v do_v by_o the_o work_v of_o nature_n for_o what_o can_v he_o do_v who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o be_v infinite_a in_o wisdom_n and_o power_n as_o to_o consider_v particular_o some_o of_o those_o way_n whereby_o god_n be_v suppose_v to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n god_n be_v a_o pure_a and_o infinite_a mind_n who_o can_v be_v see_v by_o mortal_a eye_n and_o yet_o will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o god_n can_v by_o some_o visible_a appearance_n convince_v man_n of_o his_o immediate_a presence_n beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o doubt_n that_o he_o can_v either_o with_o or_o without_o such_o visible_a appearance_n speak_v to_o they_o and_o talk_v as_o familiar_o with_o they_o as_o one_o man_n converse_v with_o another_o and_o than_o whatever_o truth_n there_o be_v in_o the_o story_n which_o be_v another_o enquiry_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n incredible_a in_o those_o relation_n we_o have_v of_o god_n appear_v to_o adam_n and_o converse_v with_o he_o in_o paradise_n of_o his_o appear_v to_o abraham_n and_o jacob_n who_o see_v god_n face_n to_o face_n gen._n 32._o 30._o of_o his_o speak_n to_o moses_n face_n to_o face_n as_o a_o man_n talk_v with_o his_o friend_n exod._n 33._o 11._o can_v god_n who_o form_v our_o mind_n and_o know_v all_o the_o spring_n of_o thought_n draw_v such_o clear_a and_o bright_a scene_n and_o picture_n of_o thing_n on_o our_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n whether_o sleep_v or_o wake_v as_o shall_v need_v no_o other_o proof_n of_o their_o divinity_n but_o themselves_o as_o light_n be_v know_v by_o itself_o and_o the_o first_o principle_n and_o maxim_n of_o reason_n by_o their_o own_o evidence_n can_v the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o make_v man_n if_o he_o so_o please_v clothe_v himself_o with_o humane_a nature_n and_o appear_v and_o converse_v in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o man_n and_o familiar_o instruct_v mankind_n in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n there_o be_v no_o question_n then_o but_o god_n can_v if_o he_o please_v inspire_v man_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n either_o by_o dream_n and_o vision_n or_o by_o a_o audible_a voice_n and_o a_o familiar_a conversation_n oâ—…_n by_o a_o immediate_a impression_n upon_o the_o high_a faculty_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n there_o may_v be_v prophet_n inspire_v by_o god_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o man_n and_o therefore_o the_o pretence_n to_o prophesy_v must_v not_o be_v laugh_v out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o examine_v the_o thing_n be_v not_o incredible_a because_o it_o be_v what_o god_n can_v do_v but_o the_o prophet_n must_v be_v try_v because_o there_o may_v be_v cheat_n and_o imposture_n now_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o prophet_n whether_o he_o come_v from_o god_n be_v by_o such_o work_n as_o no_o man_n can_v do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o that_o be_v in_o short_a by_o what_o we_o call_v miracle_n and_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o here_o again_o he_o who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n can_v think_v either_o miracle_n or_o a_o prediction_n of_o future_a event_n impossible_a for_o what_o can_v that_o god_n do_v and_o know_v who_o power_n and_o knowledge_n be_v infinite_a what_o can_v that_o god_n do_v who_o make_v the_o world_n be_v it_o such_o a_o difficulty_n to_o he_o who_o frame_v our_o body_n out_o of_o the_o â—…ust_n to_o give_v health_n to_o the_o sick_a or_o sight_n to_o the_o blind_a to_o make_v the_o deaf_a to_o hear_v and_o the_o lame_a to_o walk_v and_o to_o â—…aise_v the_o dead_a we_o all_o know_v this_o be_v above_o humane_a power_n and_o therefore_o if_o â—…uch_o thing_n be_v do_v they_o must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o we_o know_v â—…hat_fw-mi god_n can_v do_v they_o and_o therefore_o miracle_n be_v not_o impossible_a or_o incredible_a to_o he_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n thus_o far_o the_o deist_n must_v agree_v with_o i_o unless_o he_o have_v a_o very_a mean_a opinion_n of_o his_o god_n for_o a_o god_n who_o can_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n who_o can_v inspire_v prophet_n nor_o work_v miracle_n nor_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v be_v no_o god_n have_v not_o the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o power_n of_o a_o god_n now_o this_o be_v a_o great_a point_n gain_v for_o if_o god_n can_v do_v all_o this_o than_o there_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o nature_n of_o
the_o thing_n and_o the_o only_a dispute_n be_v about_o matter_n of_o fact_n whether_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n whether_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o inspire_a man_n send_v by_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n whether_o there_o ever_o be_v any_o true_a miracle_n wrought_v or_o any_o certain_a prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o when_o man_n be_v satisfy_v that_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v as_o they_o certain_o may_v be_v if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n it_o will_v dispose_v they_o to_o a_o more_o modest_a and_o impartial_a examination_n of_o such_o matter_n and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o despise_v reveal_v religion_n at_o all_o adventure_n for_o in_o matter_n especial_o of_o such_o vast_a moment_n no_o wise_a man_n will_v reject_v and_o scorn_v what_o may_v be_v true_a till_o he_o can_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v false_a 2._o since_o than_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n let_v we_o consider_v which_o be_v most_o probable_a which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o those_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v or_o shall_v not_o make_v such_o a_o revelation_n of_o his_o will._n now_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o this_o by_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o mankind_n there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n in_o the_o world_n in_o former_a age_n who_o believe_v a_o god_n but_o do_v believe_v also_o some_o kind_n of_o commerce_n and_o communication_n between_o god_n and_o men._n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o their_o religious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o every_o nation_n pretend_v to_o receive_v from_o their_o go_n this_o give_v birth_n to_o all_o their_o superstitious_a art_n of_o divination_n that_o they_o believe_v their_o god_n have_v a_o perpetual_a intercourse_n with_o man_n and_o by_o various_a mean_n give_v they_o notice_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v â—…nd_v the_o stoic_a in_o tully_n think_v that_o â—…e_a acknowledgement_n of_o a_o god_n do_v as_o â—…ecessarily_o infer_v divination_n as_o divinaâ—…on_n do_v prove_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n ego_fw-la â—…im_fw-la sic_fw-la existimo_fw-la si_fw-la sint_fw-la ea_fw-la genera_fw-la diviâ—…andi_fw-la vera_fw-la de_fw-la quibus_fw-la accepimus_fw-la quoeque_fw-la coâ—…imus_fw-la esse_fw-la deos_fw-la vicissimque_fw-la si_fw-la dii_fw-la sint_fw-la esse_fw-la â—…ui_fw-la divinent_fw-la be_v it_o possible_a as_o i_o observe_v before_o to_o â—…magine_v that_o god_n shall_v make_v reasoâ—…able_a creature_n who_o be_v make_v to_o know_v â—…im_a and_o to_o be_v happy_a in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n and_o admiration_n of_o he_o and_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o they_o without_o give_v they_o any_o visible_a token_n of_o his_o presence_n or_o any_o other_o view_n of_o his_o glory_n then_o in_o the_o weak_a and_o glimmer_a reflection_n of_o his_o work_n have_v man_n preserve_v the_o innocence_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o whether_o we_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o moses_n or_o not_o if_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n make_v man_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o he_o make_v he_o holy_a he_o have_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o presence_n and_o conversation_n of_o god_n as_o angel_n and_o holy_a and_o pure_a spirit_n be_v and_o in_o this_o state_n there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n will_v have_v show_v himself_o and_o his_o glory_n to_o man_n in_o some_o measure_n and_o proportion_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n as_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n do_v to_o adam_n in_o paradise_n so_o that_o man_n be_v make_v if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v with_o reverence_n for_o the_o conversation_n of_o god_n which_o pious_a and_o devout_a soul_n recover_v in_o some_o measure_n on_o earth_n and_o which_o we_o all_o hope_v perfect_o to_o enjoy_v in_o heaven_n sin_n indeed_o as_o necessary_o it_o must_v have_v make_v a_o great_a distance_n between_o god_n and_o man_n but_o if_o we_o must_v live_v in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a there_o as_o the_o deist_n profess_v to_o believe_v if_o god_n still_o exercise_v any_o care_n and_o providence_n over_o mankind_n it_o seem_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v give_v some_o sensible_a token_n of_o his_o own_o be_v and_o presence_n and_o instruct_v they_o more_o perfect_o in_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o will_n than_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v for_o how_o much_o soever_o man_n may_v magnify_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n be_v very_o ignorant_a and_o corrupt_a and_o mankind_n know_v little_a of_o god_n beyond_o a_o general_a persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v and_o therefore_o worship_v a_o multiplicity_n of_o god_n and_o any_o thing_n for_o god_n and_o that_o with_o such_o ridiculous_a and_o barbarous_a rite_n as_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o the_o naâ—…e_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man._n and_o can_v â—…y_v man_n who_o believe_v a_o divine_a proviâ—…nce_n think_v that_o god_n take_v no_o care_n of_o â—…s_n own_o glory_n and_o worship_n nor_o of_o the_o â—…uls_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o have_v â—…ken_v none_o if_o he_o have_v not_o reveal_v â—…mself_n and_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o in_o â—…ose_n dark_a time_n of_o paganism_n the_o deâ—…l_n and_o evil_a spirit_n have_v every_o where_o â—…eir_n temple_n and_o altar_n and_o priest_n â—…d_a sacrifice_n frequent_o appear_v to_o â—…eir_n votary_n in_o visible_a shape_v and_o inâ—…ituted_v their_o own_o rite_n of_o worship_n and_o â—…ave_v forth_o their_o oracle_n and_o response_n â—…nd_v by_o their_o various_a art_n of_o divinatiâ—…n_n give_v they_o notice_n of_o many_o event_n â—…or_n though_o these_o be_v cheat_n and_o imâ—…ostures_n they_o be_v not_o all_o the_o cheat_n â—…f_a priest_n but_o of_o evil_a spirit_n who_o imâ—…osed_v both_o upon_o priest_n and_o people_n and_o â—…y_v these_o art_n beget_v in_o they_o a_o great_a oâ—…inion_n of_o their_o own_o divinity_n as_o we_o must_v confess_v unless_o we_o will_v deny_v the_o credit_n of_o all_o history_n and_o when_o this_o by_o the_o secret_a and_o hide_a counsel_n of_o god_n be_v the_o miserable_a and_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n can_v we_o think_v that_o god_n shall_v leave_v himself_o without_o any_o other_o witness_v than_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n shall_v give_v no_o demonstration_n of_o a_o power_n superior_a to_o all_o these_o vulgar_a deity_n nor_o give_v man_n any_o certain_a notice_n of_o his_o will_n no_o rule_n of_o conversation_n or_o worship_n it_o be_v certain_a in_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o all_o the_o reformation_n which_o have_v be_v make_v in_o man_n faith_n and_o worship_n and_o manner_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a religion_n this_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o their_o absurd_a idolatry_n and_o restore_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v so_o wonderful_a a_o change_n as_o can_v not_o have_v be_v wrought_v without_o some_o visible_a and_o irresistible_a proof_n of_o divinity_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v in_o those_o man_n who_o believe_v a_o god_n to_o deny_v all_o revelation_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n can_v reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n if_o he_o please_v and_o that_o the_o nature_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n make_v it_o high_o reasonable_a to_o think_v he_o have_v do_v it_o the_o design_n of_o all_o which_o be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o to_o remove_v mens_fw-la prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o reveal_v religion_n for_o be_v this_o effectual_o do_v they_o will_v soon_o discover_v the_o most_o unquestionable_a character_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n i_o be_o sure_a if_o we_o do_v believe_v a_o god_n and_o another_o world_n nothing_o can_v be_v so_o desirable_a as_o a_o more_o explicit_a and_o perfect_a account_n of_o â—…he_n will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n than_o mere_a nature_n can_v give_v we_o what_o impression_n this_o may_v make_v upon_o profess_a deist_n i_o can_v tell_v they_o â—…ave_v so_o use_v themselves_o to_o laugh_v at_o eveâ—…y_a thing_n that_o be_v serious_a and_o to_o confute_v â—…he_v wise_a argument_n with_o bold_a and_o profane_a jest_n that_o little_a good_a can_v be_v expect_v from_o they_o but_o i_o hope_v this_o may_v caution_n those_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o â—…nfected_v and_o make_v the_o name_n of_o a_o deistâ—…n_n â—…n_z a_o christian_a nation_n as_o contemptible_a â—…s_v the_o name_n of_o a_o atheist_n they_o be_v both_o â—…wing_v to_o the_o same_o cause_n they_o live_v much_o alike_o they_o be_v equal_a enemy_n to_o christianity_n and_o equal_o dangerous_a to_o any_o government_n where_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o â—…ppermost_a it_o be_v a_o
great_a reproach_n to_o a_o christian_a nation_n where_o such_o doctrine_n be_v public_o own_v and_o profess_v and_o such_o person_n court_v and_o flatter_v as_o â—…he_v most_o refine_a philosophical_a wit_n i_o pray_v god_n this_o nation_n do_v not_o find_v the_o â—…ischievous_a effect_n of_o it_o both_o in_o church_n â—…nd_n state_n government_n can_v never_o be_v long_o secure_a without_o the_o sacred_a authority_n of_o religion_n and_o destroy_v reveal_v religion_n and_o we_o shall_v quick_o have_v none_o as_o be_v too_o visible_a in_o the_o live_v of_o deist_n i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o talk_v of_o a_o reformation_n of_o manner_n while_o such_o man_n be_v suffer_v to_o poison_v the_o very_a fountain_n to_o undermine_v all_o religion_n and_o to_o root_v up_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n i_o do_v not_o love_v to_o prophesy_v ill_a thing_n but_o that_o nation_n can_v reasonable_o expect_v to_o receive_v good_a from_o god_n which_o be_v so_o unconcern_v for_o his_o glory_n and_o worship_n it_o be_v the_o stand_a rule_n of_o his_o government_n he_o that_o honour_v i_o i_o will_v honour_v but_o those_o which_o despise_v i_o shall_v be_v light_o esteem_v to_o god_n the_o father_n god_n the_o son_n and_o god_n the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v honour_n glory_n and_o power_n now_o and_o for_o evermore_o amen_n sermon_n xii_o preach_v on_o september_n 2._o 1699._o be_v the_o fast_a for_o the_o fire_n of_o london_n at_o the_o cathedeal_o church_n of_o st._n paul_n before_o the_o right_n honourable_a the_o lord-mayor_n alderman_n and_o citizen_n of_o london_n micah_n vi_fw-la 9_o the_o lord_n voice_n cry_v unto_o the_o city_n and_o the_o man_n of_o wisdom_n shall_v see_v thy_o name_n hear_v you_o the_o rod_n and_o who_o have_v appoint_v it_o when_o the_o state_n of_o this_o world_n be_v happy_a and_o prosperous_a it_o be_v no_o wonder_n to_o see_v man_n indulge_v themselves_o in_o ease_n and_o luxury_n forget_v god_n or_o grow_v careless_a and_o formal_a in_o religion_n for_o though_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v that_o happy_a creature_n who_o rejoice_v in_o the_o blessing_n of_o heaven_n shall_v be_v very_o devout_a worshipper_n of_o that_o god_n from_o who_o bounty_n and_o goodness_n they_o receive_v all_o yet_o humane_a nature_n in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n be_v very_o fond_a of_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o when_o a_o easy_a and_o plentiful_a fortune_n put_v it_o into_o man_n power_n to_o enjoy_v as_o much_o of_o this_o world_n as_o they_o will_v there_o be_v but_o very_o few_o who_o can_v set_v bound_n to_o their_o enjoyment_n and_o taste_v the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n without_o take_v large_a and_o intoxicate_a draught_n of_o it_o and_o this_o sensualize_v man_n mind_n and_o a_o carnal_a mind_n be_v enmity_n against_o god_n say_v unto_o god_n depart_v from_o we_o for_o we_o desire_v not_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thy_o way_n never_o any_o people_n have_v more_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o the_o power_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n among_o they_o and_o his_o particular_a care_n of_o they_o than_o the_o israelite_n have_v and_o yet_o moses_n tell_v we_o in_o his_o prophetic_a hymn_n jesurun_n wax_v fat_a and_o kick_v thou_o be_v waxen_a fat_a thou_o be_v grow_v thick_a thou_o be_v cover_v with_o fatness_n then_o he_o forsake_v god_n which_o make_v he_o and_o light_o esteem_v the_o rock_n of_o his_o salvation_n deut._n 32._o 15._o and_o thus_o god_n complain_v isa._n 1._o 2_o 3._o hear_v o_o heaven_n and_o give_v ear_n o_o earth_n for_o the_o lord_n have_v speak_v i_o have_v nourish_v and_o bring_v up_o child_n and_o they_o have_v rebel_v against_o i_o the_o ox_n know_v his_o owner_n and_o the_o ass_n his_o master_n crib_n but_o israel_n do_v not_o know_v my_o people_n do_v not_o consider_v and_o as_o much_o as_o we_o may_v despise_v and_o abhor_v the_o ingratitude_n of_o the_o jew_n this_o be_v the_o general_a state_n of_o mankind_n and_o we_o may_v find_v too_o many_o example_n of_o it_o in_o all_o time_n and_o nation_n but_o it_o seem_v much_o more_o unaccountable_a when_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n be_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n that_o the_o inhabitant_n thereof_o shall_v not_o learn_v righteousness_n because_o judgement_n be_v apt_a to_o awaken_v man_n and_o make_v they_o consider_v when_o god_n speak_v in_o thunder_n and_o lightning_n those_o must_v be_v deaf_a indeed_o who_o will_v not_o hear_v this_o be_v the_o merciful_a design_n of_o providence_n in_o send_v such_o terrible_a judgement_n on_o the_o world_n to_o make_v man_n consider_v their_o way_n and_o their_o do_n and_o to_o convince_v they_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o judge_v in_o the_o earth_n for_o judgement_n have_v a_o voice_n have_v we_o but_o ear_n to_o hear_v they_o proclaim_v the_o power_n and_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n a_o terrible_a majesty_n and_o irresistible_a power_n theâ—…_n scourge_n and_o they_o threaten_v sinner_n anâ—…_n call_v for_o weep_v and_o mourn_v anâ—…_n fast_v and_o how_o unthankful_a soever_o thâ—…_n jew_n be_v to_o god_n for_o his_o great_a mercieâ—…_n and_o deliverance_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o insensible_a of_o his_o judgement_n when_o he_o sleâ—…_n they_o than_o they_o seek_v he_o and_o return_v and_o inquire_v early_o after_o god_n and_o remember_v that_o god_n be_v their_o rock_n and_o thâ—…_n high_a god_n their_o redeemer_n psalm_n 78â—…_n 34_o 35._o this_o we_o be_v exhort_v to_o in_o my_o text_n to_o hear_v the_o rod_n and_o who_o have_v appoint_v it_o to_o consider_v for_o what_o reason_n those_o evil_n which_o we_o at_o any_o time_n suffer_v be_v come_v upon_o we_o and_o what_o god_n intend_v by_o the_o rod_n which_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o grow_v better_o by_o our_o affliction_n and_o to_o prevail_v with_o god_n in_o great_a pity_n and_o compassion_n to_o remove_v they_o but_o this_o be_v the_o great_a difficulty_n who_o shall_v reveal_v this_o secret_a to_o we_o how_o shall_v we_o distinguish_v between_o the_o correction_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wickedness_n of_o man_n how_o shall_v we_o understand_v the_o language_n of_o the_o rod_n and_o to_o who_o it_o speak_v for_o what_o sin_v it_o strike_v and_o who_o be_v those_o achan_n that_o be_v the_o troubler_n of_o our_o israel_n and_o what_o god_n expect_v from_o we_o in_o such_o case_n i_o shall_v brief_o explain_v these_o thing_n to_o you_o and_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o present_a occasion_n but_o i_o must_v premise_v that_o i_o only_o address_v myself_o now_o to_o those_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o for_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n who_o have_v neither_o eye_n nor_o ear_n they_o can_v only_o feel_v the_o rod_n like_o bruit_n not_o hear_v its_o voice_n like_o man_n though_o the_o lord_n voice_n cry_v unto_o the_o city_n it_o be_v only_o the_o man_n of_o wisdom_n that_o see_v his_o name_n now_o as_o for_o those_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o be_v two_o very_a plain_a interpreter_n of_o god_n judgement_n natural_a conscience_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n have_v not_o a_o articulate_v voice_n to_o acquaint_v we_o in_o plain_a and_o express_v word_n upon_o what_o errand_n they_o come_v but_o they_o be_v sign_n which_o speak_v by_o a_o interpreter_n and_o if_o we_o careful_o attend_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a conscience_n and_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o can_v mistake_v their_o meaning_n 1._o as_o first_o no_o man_n who_o attend_v either_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a conscience_n or_o to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v doubt_v who_o it_o be_v that_o have_v appoint_v the_o rod_n this_o be_v the_o first_o and_o most_o naturaâ—…_n question_v of_o all_o and_o yet_o a_o great_a many_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n seem_v not_o well_o satisfy_v in_o this_o point_n they_o allow_v that_o some_o judgement_n be_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n but_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o grant_v this_o of_o all_o especial_o when_o they_o see_v what_o the_o immediate_a and_o visible_a cause_n of_o such_o suffering_n be_v some_o of_o the_o great_a evil_n which_o either_o private_a man_n or_o public_a society_n suffer_v be_v manifest_o owe_v to_o the_o injustice_n and_o wickedness_n of_o man_n and_o they_o can_v no_o more_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n that_o they_o shall_v suffer_v such_o evil_n than_o that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o other_o shall_v do_v they_o and_o all_o such_o rod_n as_o be_v not_o appoint_v by_o god_n can_v teach_v we_o nothing_o but_o the_o wickedness_n of_o those_o by_o who_o
particular_a occasion_n of_o this_o day_n be_v solemnity_n though_o possible_o some_o may_v think_v that_o this_o application_n come_v too_o late_o it_o may_v have_v be_v very_o seasonable_a one_o or_o two_o and_o thirty_o year_n ago_o while_o the_o mark_n of_o this_o terrible_a vengeance_n be_v fresh_a and_o visible_a when_o the_o ruin_n of_o our_o house_n and_o church_n can_v only_o tell_v we_o where_o london_n stand_v and_o show_v we_o its_o funeral_n pile_n where_o its_o glory_n lie_v in_o the_o dust_n when_o so_o many_o thousand_o family_n feel_v the_o smart_n of_o their_o ruin_a fortune_n and_o be_v either_o force_v to_o begin_v the_o world_n again_o or_o sink_v irrecoverable_o under_o it_o this_o fiery_a vengeance_n have_v a_o voice_n then_o and_o a_o very_a terrible_a voice_n enough_o to_o awaken_v the_o most_o stupid_a and_o lethargic_a sinner_n but_o when_o we_o see_v our_o city_n rebuilt_a more_o beautiful_a than_o ever_o as_o the_o little_a poor_a remain_n of_o the_o old_a one_o witness_n when_o our_o riches_n and_o glory_n be_v increase_v beyond_o the_o example_n of_o most_o former_a age_n it_o seem_v too_o late_o to_o lament_v over_o the_o ash_n and_o rubbish_n of_o our_o fire_a city_n when_o there_o be_v no_o visible_a remain_n of_o these_o ruin_n to_o move_v our_o pity_n or_o sorrow_n and_o indeed_o be_v this_o the_o only_a design_n of_o this_o annual_a fast_a it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o it_o or_o to_o turn_v it_o into_o a_o thanksgiving_n festival_n for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o expect_v that_o after_o three_o and_o thirty_o year_n the_o return_n of_o this_o day_n shall_v revive_v and_o renew_v our_o sorrow_n and_o lamentation_n when_o our_o ruin_n be_v remove_v our_o loss_n repair_v and_o those_o frightful_a impression_n which_o the_o sight_n of_o that_o devour_a fire_n make_v on_o we_o forget_v and_o little_o leave_v to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n that_o our_o city_n be_v burn_v but_o the_o inscription_n upon_o the_o monument_n and_o the_o sight_n of_o a_o new_a city_n with_o the_o several_a date_n of_o its_o resurrection_n which_o must_v needs_o qualify_v all_o melancholy_a and_o sorrowful_a reflection_n on_o what_o be_v so_o long_o pass_v but_o though_o the_o design_n of_o this_o solemnity_n be_v not_o to_o represent_v and_o act_v over_o again_o a_o new_a doleful_a scene_n of_o horror_n confusion_n and_o amazement_n which_o neither_o nature_n nor_o art_n can_v imitate_v as_o we_o see_v it_o once_o on_o this_o day_n without_o such_o another_o amaze_a sight_n which_o god_n grant_v we_o may_v never_o see_v again_o till_o the_o general_n conflagration_n yet_o it_o be_v of_o great_a use_n to_o keep_v up_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o such_o judgement_n upon_o our_o mind_n which_o become_v the_o subject_a of_o reason_n of_o cool_a thought_n and_o wise_a consideration_n when_o the_o terror_n and_o frightfulness_n of_o they_o be_v over_o judgement_n can_v never_o make_v a_o last_a reformation_n in_o the_o world_n be_v we_o concern_v to_o remember_v they_o no_o long_o than_o we_o feel_v their_o smart_n but_o they_o be_v intend_v both_o for_o punishment_n and_o instruction_n the_o punishment_n end_v with_o the_o smart_n and_o that_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o whine_a and_o tragical_a complaint_n but_o this_o alone_o be_v the_o discipline_n of_o fool_n or_o brute_n the_o instruction_n be_v for_o man_n and_o this_o be_v to_o last_o as_o long_o as_o memory_n and_o thought_n and_o reason_n last_o what_o can_v the_o fire_n of_o london_n teach_v we_o thirty_o three_o year_n ago_o which_o it_o do_v not_o teach_v a_o wise_a man_n still_o and_o what_o thought_n and_o devout_a passion_n become_v we_o then_o which_o be_v not_o still_o on_o this_o day_n the_o proper_a exercise_n of_o our_o devotion_n when_o we_o see_v our_o church_n and_o house_n in_o flame_n when_o we_o see_v those_o furious_a torrent_n of_o fire_n roll_a down_o our_o street_n and_o despise_v all_o the_o opposition_n that_o humane_a art_n or_o strength_n can_v make_v as_o if_o they_o have_v know_v by_o what_o a_o divine_a and_o irresistible_a commission_n they_o act_v there_o be_v few_o man_n to_o be_v find_v who_o do_v not_o express_v a_o great_a fear_n and_o reverence_n of_o the_o power_n and_o justice_n and_o terrible_a majesty_n of_o god_n who_o do_v not_o see_v and_o own_v the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o the_o visible_a token_n of_o his_o displeasure_n and_o begin_v in_o good_a earnest_n to_o think_v of_o reform_v their_o life_n and_o make_v their_o peace_n with_o god_n who_o have_v now_o take_v the_o rod_n into_o his_o own_o hand_n when_o we_o see_v our_o riches_n make_v to_o themselves_o wing_n and_o fly_v away_o as_o a_o eagle_n towards_o heaven_n when_o we_o see_v all_o our_o pride_n and_o glory_n the_o toil_n and_o labour_n of_o our_o whole_a life_n the_o food_n and_o the_o instrument_n of_o our_o lust_n vanish_v into_o smoke_n and_o dust_n this_o effectual_o teach_v we_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o all_o present_a thing_n and_o make_v we_o serious_o consider_v what_o a_o ill_a state_n those_o be_v in_o who_o have_v nothing_o to_o trust_v to_o but_o such_o vanish_v treasure_n and_o how_o reasonable_a our_o saviour_n command_n be_v not_o to_o lay_v up_o for_o ourselves_o treasure_n on_o earth_n where_o moth_n and_o rust_n do_v corrupt_a and_o where_o thief_n break_v through_o and_o steal_v but_o to_o lay_v up_o for_o ourselves_o treasure_n in_o heaven_n which_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o such_o casualty_n which_o will_v make_v we_o bear_v such_o loss_n better_o when_o they_o come_v and_o secure_v our_o eternal_a interest_n when_o man_n see_v their_o riches_n and_o treasure_n vanish_v in_o a_o cloud_n it_o natural_o make_v they_o consider_v how_o much_o of_o this_o they_o owe_v to_o the_o poor_a how_o much_o they_o daily_o spend_v upon_o their_o lust_n and_o how_o much_o they_o have_v unjust_o get_v that_o be_v how_o much_o of_o what_o god_n have_v take_v from_o they_o be_v not_o their_o own_o and_o how_o much_o they_o have_v abuse_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n very_o wise_a and_o pious_a thought_n have_v they_o last_v and_o yet_o too_o plain_a to_o be_v miss_v by_o those_o who_o think_v at_o all_o when_o they_o see_v these_o lesson_n write_v in_o bright_a character_n of_o fire_n now_o be_v all_o this_o do_v you_o think_v calculate_v only_o for_o sixty_o six_o be_v not_o god_n the_o same_o still_o a_o just_a and_o righteous_a judge_n who_o be_v angry_a with_o the_o wicked_a every_o day_n though_o he_o do_v not_o every_o day_n bend_v his_o bow_n and_o let_v fly_v his_o arrow_n though_o he_o do_v not_o every_o day_n make_v the_o earth_n tremble_v and_o quake_v and_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o hill_n to_o shake_v because_o he_o be_v angry_a though_o we_o do_v not_o every_o day_n see_v a_o smoke_n go_v out_o of_o his_o presence_n and_o a_o consume_a fire_n out_o of_o his_o mouth_n though_o he_o do_v not_o upon_o every_o provocation_n appear_v in_o his_o terrible_a majesty_n ride_v upon_o the_o cherubin_n and_o fly_v upon_o the_o wing_n of_o the_o wind._n methinks_v one_o such_o example_n may_v serve_v we_o for_o some_o age_n without_o expect_v or_o desire_v to_o be_v summon_v again_o to_o repentance_n by_o new_a terror_n god_n be_v gracious_a and_o merciful_a slow_a to_o anger_n and_o of_o great_a kindness_n he_o delight_v more_o to_o display_v his_o glory_n in_o act_n of_o goodness_n and_o bounty_n to_o his_o creature_n but_o judgement_n be_v his_o strange_a work_n which_o make_v the_o signal_n execution_n of_o they_o so_o very_o rare_a and_o the_o way_n to_o have_v they_o rare_a be_v not_o to_o forget_v they_o to_o learn_v righteousness_n by_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v suffer_v to_o fear_n and_o tremble_v before_o that_o god_n who_o be_v so_o terrible_a in_o his_o do_n towards_o the_o child_n of_o men._n but_o if_o the_o fire_n of_o london_n be_v too_o long_o since_o to_o work_v upon_o our_o fear_n at_o this_o distance_n though_o i_o confess_v i_o wonder_v how_o any_o man_n who_o see_v that_o sight_n shall_v ever_o forget_v it_o or_o remember_v it_o without_o a_o just_a awe_n and_o reverence_n of_o god_n but_o i_o say_v if_o these_o impression_n of_o fear_n and_o terror_n be_v lose_v let_v the_o beauty_n and_o glory_n of_o our_o new_a city_n our_o increase_a riches_n our_o flourish_a trade_n our_o ease_n and_o plenty_n teach_v we_o to_o love_n and_o reverence_n and_o worship_n and_o praise_n that_o god_n who_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o judgement_n have_v remember_v mercy_n who_o have_v pluck_v we_o as_o a_o firebrand_n out_o of_o the_o fire_n and_o have_v not_o suffer_v our_o enemy_n to_o triumph_v over_o we_o who_o say_v down_o with_o it_o down_o with_o it_o even_o to_o the_o ground_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o
that_o can_v be_v make_v concern_v the_o presence_n of_o a_o omnipresent_v be_v god_n be_v present_a in_o heaven_n in_o earth_n and_o in_o hell_n but_o he_o manifest_v himself_o very_o different_o in_o each_o and_o these_o different_a manifestation_n be_v a_o different_a kind_n of_o presence_n as_o to_o keep_v to_o my_o present_a subject_n god_n be_v present_a in_o all_o the_o earth_n as_o the_o supreme_a lord_n governor_n and_o preserver_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o in_o some_o place_n he_o be_v peculiar_o present_a to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o man_n and_o to_o receive_v their_o homage_n and_o adoration_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o be_v peculiar_o call_v the_o presencâ—…_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n as_o be_v evident_a froâ—…_n all_o the_o instance_n which_o i_o have_v already_o give_v but_o be_v not_o god_n present_v in_o all_o placeâ—…_n to_o hear_v the_o prayer_n of_o good_a man_n whâ—…_n call_v upon_o he_o yes_o most_o certain_o and_o so_o he_o be_v both_o before_o and_o under_o thâ—…_n law_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v that_o he_o sanctifieâ—…_n some_o place_n with_o his_o more_o peculiar_a preâ—…_n sense_n for_o the_o public_a and_o solemn_a act_n of_o worship_n a_o prince_n may_v receive_v 〈◊〉_d private_a petition_n from_o a_o private_a hand_n 〈◊〉_d wherever_o he_o be_v present_a but_o yet_o may_v think_v it_o very_o fit_v to_o appoint_v a_o presence_n of_o state_n to_o receive_v the_o publicâ—…_n homage_n and_o address_n of_o his_o subject_n 〈◊〉_d thus_o in_o fact_n it_o be_v in_o the_o jewish_a temple_n and_o be_v as_o reasonable_a as_o the_o public_a solemnity_n of_o worship_n be_v without_o which_o religion_n itself_o will_v be_v banish_v the_o world_n for_o do_v man_n once_o believe_v that_o they_o can_v worship_v god_n as_o well_o at_o home_n as_o at_o church_n that_o god_n be_v no_o more_o present_a in_o religious_a assembly_n than_o in_o their_o private_a closet_n there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o public_a worship_n and_o of_o religion_n with_o it_o this_o be_v too_o visible_a in_o those_o who_o have_v entertain_v this_o opinion_n they_o eitâ—…_n quite_o desert_a the_o public_a worship_n and_o grow_v careless_a and_o unconcerned_a for_o religion_n or_o if_o they_o do_v sometime_o come_v to_o church_n it_o be_v to_o comply_v with_o popular_a custom_n and_o opinion_n or_o only_o to_o gratify_v a_o itch_a ear_n and_o athenian_a like_a to_o hear_v some_o new_a thing_n but_o when_o god_n who_o have_v his_o throne_n in_o heaven_n have_v his_o footstool_n and_o presence_n on_o earth_n where_o he_o command_v we_o to_o pay_v our_o homage_n this_o preserve_v the_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o of_o religion_n alive_a in_o the_o world_n and_o give_v a_o just_a awe_n and_o reverence_n for_o god_n when_o we_o approach_v his_o presence_n this_o be_v a_o very_a sensible_a reason_n for_o appropriate_v place_n of_o worship_n where_o god_n vouchsafe_v his_o more_o peculiar_a presence_n if_o this_o be_v not_o original_o a_o divine_a institution_n as_o the_o instance_n i_o have_v already_o give_v fair_o intimate_v it_o be_v then_o mere_a natural_a reason_n teach_v it_o all_o mankind_n for_o there_o never_o be_v any_o nation_n which_o worship_v any_o god_n but_o they_o erect_v temple_n for_o their_o worship_n the_o poverty_n and_o persecute_a state_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o the_o three_o first_o century_n have_v make_v some_o think_v that_o they_o have_v no_o church_n or_o appropriate_v place_n of_o worship_n but_o a_o learned_a man_n of_o our_o own_o mede_n mr._n mede_n have_v prove_v beyond_o all_o contradiction_n that_o this_o be_v a_o mistake_n and_o the_o zeal_n oâ—…_n christian_n in_o building_n magnificent_a church_n in_o the_o reign_n of_o constantine_n the_o firsâ—…_n christian_n emperor_n show_v plain_o whaâ—…_n their_o sense_n be_v of_o this_o matter_n and_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o all_o nation_n do_v believe_v that_o the_o god_n they_o worship_v be_v peculiar_o present_a in_o their_o temple_n the_o pagan_n do_v not_o belieuâ—…_n their_o god_n to_o be_v omnipresent_v and_o therefore_o endeavour_v by_o magical_a spellâ—…_n and_o charm_n to_o shut_v they_o up_o in_o theiâ—…_n image_n and_o temple_n that_o they_o mighâ—…_n know_v where_o to_o find_v they_o and_o in_o thiâ—…_n notion_n the_o ancient_a christian_n abominate_v the_o thought_n of_o temple_n and_o image_n since_o they_o worship_v a_o god_n whâ—…_n fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n with_o his_o presence_n this_o indeed_o be_v a_o corruption_n oâ—…_n natural_a religion_n as_o polytheism_n and_o 〈◊〉_d dolatry_n be_v but_o show_v how_o necessary_a they_o think_v a_o divine_a presence_n to_o 〈◊〉_d place_n of_o worship_n the_o jew_n understand_v better_a thaâ—…_n god_n can_v not_o be_v confine_v to_o any_o placeâ—…_n that_o the_o heaven_n and_o heaven_n of_o heavenâ—…_n can_v not_o contain_v he_o as_o solomon_n own_v in_o his_o prayer_n of_o dedication_n but_o yet_o beg_v that_o god_n will_v be_v gracious_o please_v to_o be_v present_a to_o hear_v and_o answer_v the_o prayer_n and_o supplication_n which_o shall_v be_v make_v to_o he_o in_o that_o house_n which_o be_v all_o the_o peculiar_a presence_n he_o pray_v for_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n the_o name_n god_n himself_o give_v to_o the_o jewish_a temple_n my_o house_n shall_v be_v call_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o god_n house_n that_o it_o be_v a_o house_n of_o prayer_n a_o house_n where_o god_n be_v peculiar_o present_a to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n we_o must_v own_v that_o every_o christian_a church_n be_v as_o much_o the_o house_n of_o god_n as_o the_o temple_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v unless_o we_o will_v deny_v that_o god_n be_v as_o present_v in_o christian_a assembly_n and_o in_o place_n dedicate_v to_o christian_a worship_n as_o he_o be_v in_o the_o jewish_a temple_n which_o be_v to_o make_v christianity_n a_o more_o imperfect_a dispensation_n than_o judaism_n for_o that_o be_v certain_o the_o most_o perfect_a state_n of_o the_o church_n where_o god_n be_v most_o peculiar_o present_v there_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o jewish_a temple_n and_o christian_a church_n but_o as_o to_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n which_o only_o make_v a_o temple_n the_o advantage_n be_v great_o on_o the_o christian_a side_n the_o ark_n of_o the_o covenant_n the_o tabernacle_n and_o temple_n contain_v many_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o christ_n but_o these_o type_n be_v not_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n nor_o the_o object_n of_o their_o religious_a worship_n which_o have_v be_v idolatry_n against_o the_o second_o commandment_n but_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o these_o type_n god_n choose_v that_o place_n for_o his_o peculiar_a presence_n now_o instead_o of_o these_o type_n we_o have_v the_o antetype_n itself_o the_o son_n of_o god_n make_v flesh_n who_o though_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n have_v promise_v his_o peculiar_a presence_n in_o all_o the_o 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of_o this_o principle_n all_o the_o wickedness_n that_o be_v commit_v in_o the_o world_n and_o most_o of_o the_o misery_n which_o mankind_n suffer_v be_v owe_v to_o self-love_n and_o can_v we_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n and_o impiety_n of_o this_o it_o will_v lay_v the_o axe_n to_o the_o very_a root_n of_o all_o wickedness_n it_o will_v reform_v the_o world_n and_o heal_v all_o the_o malady_n and_o distemper_n of_o it_o and_o to_o do_v this_o the_o more_o effectual_o i_o shall_v distinct_o apply_v what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o the_o several_a notion_n of_o self-love_n 1._o let_v we_o consider_v self-love_n as_o it_o signify_v the_o love_n of_o flesh_n and_o sense_n when_o we_o love_v a_o part_n of_o ourselves_o for_o the_o whole_a and_o expect_v our_o whole_a entire_a happiness_n from_o the_o gratification_n of_o some_o inferior_a appetite_n which_o at_o first_o hear_v appear_v as_o absurd_a and_o impossible_a as_o it_o be_v to_o make_v a_o part_n the_o whole_a the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n in_o all_o age_n have_v make_v this_o experiment_n but_o no_o man_n be_v ever_o make_v happy_a by_o it_o we_o see_v infinite_a example_n of_o miserable_a sinner_n and_o the_o most_o prosperous_a always_o find_v that_o that_o they_o want_v something_o else_o to_o make_v they_o happy_a and_o will_v man_n wise_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n they_o will_v find_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o what_o be_v happiness_n but_o such_o a_o state_n of_o ease_n and_o rest_n and_o self-enjoyment_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o can_v a_o reasonable_a soul_n then_o find_v its_o complete_a and_o perfect_a satisfaction_n in_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n the_o perfection_n and_o the_o happiness_n of_o our_o nature_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o therefore_o that_o which_o perfect_v our_o nature_n must_v perfect_v our_o happiness_n be_v sense_n then_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n if_o not_o how_o can_v it_o be_v its_o perfect_a happiness_n be_v not_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n the_o perfection_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v not_o the_o love_n of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o excellent_a be_v the_o perfection_n of_o the_o will_n and_o be_v not_o this_o the_o perfection_n of_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o make_v a_o man_n happy_a who_o feel_v none_o of_o those_o divine_a and_o exalt_a pleasure_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o a_o mind_n well!_o but_o if_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sense_n will_v give_v a_o complete_a and_o entire_a satisfaction_n that_o will_v make_v the_o man_n happy_a when_o he_o have_v no_o relish_n of_o any_o other_o pleasure_n and_o then_o we_o need_v not_o dispute_v which_o pleasure_n be_v great_a in_o themselves_o when_o the_o man_n have_v what_o he_o like_v best_o and_o be_v happy_a in_o it_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o it_o make_v no_o difference_n whether_o a_o man_n enjoy_v the_o happiness_n of_o a_o man_n or_o of_o a_o beast_n that_o a_o beast_n be_v as_o happy_a a_o creature_n as_o a_o man_n a_o worm_n as_o a_o angel_n because_o it_o have_v what_o satisfy_v and_o want_n and_o desire_v no_o more_o but_o however_o let_v we_o consider_v whether_o the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n can_v give_v perfect_a ease_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n that_o they_o do_v not_o all_o man_n find_v and_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o can_v do_v it_o be_v very_o plain_a the_o pleasure_n of_o sense_n can_v give_v perfect_a ease_n and_o satisfaction_n without_o a_o full_a unconfined_a and_o undisturbed_a enjoyment_n and_o without_o such_o a_o enjoyment_n as_o equal_v the_o desire_n as_o for_o the_o first_o not_o to_o take_v notice_n how_o apt_a man_n be_v to_o be_v disturb_v in_o their_o enjoyment_n from_o without_o there_o be_v enough_o within_o the_o very_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o a_o reasonable_a soul_n do_v disturb_v they_o for_o they_o find_v there_o a_o natural_a sense_n of_o the_o difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a a_o natural_a modesty_n which_o make_v they_o blush_v in_o secret_a at_o some_o infamous_a vice_n and_o sour_v the_o pleasure_n and_o frequent_o interrupt_v the_o commission_n of_o they_o a_o natural_a belief_n of_o a_o god_n who_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o avenger_n of_o all_o wickedness_n a_o strong_a persuasion_n that_o they_o shall_v live_v after_o death_n and_o be_v reward_v and_o punish_v according_a to_o their_o work_n i_o need_v not_o tell_v you_o how_o uneasy_a such_o thought_n as_o these_o make_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o all_o sensual_a pleasure_n and_o a_o uneasy_a happiness_n be_v a_o contradiction_n that_o if_o god_n intend_v man_n for_o a_o sensual_a happiness_n i_o must_v confess_v he_o be_v the_o worst_a contrive_a creature_n in_o the_o world_n as_o if_o he_o be_v make_v by_o chance_n not_o by_o a_o wise_a creator_n for_o the_o principle_n of_o his_o nature_n disturb_v and_o contradict_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o his_o natural_a happiness_n or_o whether_o you_o will_v call_v this_o nature_n or_o education_n or_o what_o you_o please_v there_o be_v very_o few_o man_n with_o the_o help_n of_o all_o the_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n of_o atheist_n can_v deliver_v themselves_o from_o this_o belief_n and_o from_o these_o fear_n and_o much_o few_o do_v it_o than_o pretend_v to_o do_v so_o and_o therefore_o there_o be_v very_o few_o who_o have_v a_o easy_a and_o undisturbed_a enjoyment_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n that_o be_v who_o be_v easy_a and_o happy_a in_o they_o unless_o to_o sin_n with_o fear_n with_o shame_n with_o guilty_a remorse_n with_o frightful_a presage_n of_o judgement_n be_v a_o easy_a and_o undisturbed_a enjoyment_n as_o for_o the_o second_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n can_v never_o answer_v the_o
bitter_a what_o gratify_v their_o bodily_a sense_n that_o be_v their_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o virtue_n modesty_n or_o honour_n what_o lay_v restraint_n upon_o their_o sensual_a inclination_n that_o be_v bitter_a uneasy_a and_o grievous_a and_o no_o wonder_n that_o there_o be_v a_o woe_n denounce_v against_o these_o men._n 4_o woe_n be_v to_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n where_o the_o prophâ—…t_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o man_n still_o those_o who_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n who_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n who_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a and_o yet_o think_v themselves_o the_o only_a wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n though_o they_o contradict_v the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n the_o natural_a uncorrupted_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o just_a character_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n who_o think_v themselves_o the_o only_a wit_n the_o only_a philosopher_n and_o laugh_v at_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n as_o easy_a credulous_a unthinking_a fool_n who_o be_v under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o custom_n and_o popular_a opinion_n which_o expose_v they_o to_o all_o other_o cheat_n they_o think_v it_o a_o argument_n of_o wit_n and_o profound_a thought_n to_o contradict_v all_o mankind_n for_o there_o be_v but_o few_o wise_a man_n they_o say_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o most_o be_v usual_o in_o the_o wrong_n which_o may_v be_v allow_v as_o to_o improve_a knowledge_n which_o be_v gain_v by_o laborious_a study_n and_o observation_n but_o the_o folly_n lie_v on_o the_o other_o side_n when_o man_n advance_v paradox_n which_o contradict_v the_o universal_a sense_n of_o nature_n for_o in_o such_o case_n the_o most_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n because_o natural_a production_n be_v more_o common_a than_o monster_n that_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v rather_o think_v and_o judge_v with_o the_o multitude_n when_o they_o think_v on_o nature_n side_n than_o with_o the_o most_o fame_a philosopher_n against_o nature_n but_o those_o who_o affect_v to_o contradict_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n must_v think_v themselves_o the_o only_a wise_a man_n if_o they_o think_v at_o all_o that_o we_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o their_o pride_n and_o insolence_n than_o at_o their_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n 2_o let_v we_o now_o inquire_v how_o these_o man_n come_v to_o sink_v into_o so_o degenerate_a a_o state_n as_o one_o will_v think_v impossible_a to_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n and_o that_o be_v intimate_v in_o that_o order_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o my_o text_n that_o they_o first_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o then_o good_a evil_n first_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o then_o light_a for_o darkness_n etc._n etc._n as_o to_o consider_v this_o particular_o one_a they_o begin_v with_o call_v evil_n good_a for_o no_o man_n can_v begin_v with_o call_v good_a evil_n nature_n will_v have_v the_o first_o word_n and_o pass_v the_o first_o judgement_n on_o thing_n and_o nature_n as_o corrupt_v as_o it_o be_v till_o it_o be_v deprave_v and_o vitiate_a by_o evil_a custom_n will_v call_v good_a good_a and_o evil_a evil_n atheist_n and_o infidel_n must_v confess_v that_o as_o wise_a as_o they_o think_v themselves_o now_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o they_o be_v as_o very_a fool_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v when_o they_o have_v the_o same_o opinion_n about_o good_a and_o evil_a which_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n still_o have_v when_o they_o do_v own_o a_o moral_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o call_v good_a and_o evil_a by_o their_o right_a name_n and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o the_o only_a reason_n for_o alter_v their_o opinion_n and_o change_v the_o name_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v change_v their_o manner_n that_o they_o grow_v very_o fond_a of_o what_o they_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o the_o foolish_a multitude_n think_v and_o call_v evil_a and_o then_o they_o begin_v to_o think_v and_o to_o call_v it_o good_a and_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o this_o be_v to_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o as_o unwilling_a as_o they_o be_v to_o own_o this_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o though_o these_o man_n can_v prove_v which_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o do_v that_o there_o be_v no_o moral_n essential_a immutable_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o call_v evil_a good_a or_o good_a evil_n for_o though_o they_o be_v neither_o sin_n nor_o virtue_n neither_o forbid_v nor_o command_v by_o a_o divine_a law_n yet_o they_o themselves_o confess_v as_o i_o observe_v before_o that_o what_o we_o call_v virtue_n have_v so_o much_o good_a in_o they_o that_o they_o be_v the_o best_a and_o wise_a rule_n of_o society_n and_o conversation_n necessary_a to_o secure_v every_o man_n private_a interest_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o fit_a to_o be_v encourage_v and_o to_o be_v make_v law_n in_o all_o civilise_a nation_n and_o that_o what_o we_o call_v sin_n have_v so_o much_o evil_n in_o they_o that_o they_o be_v very_o destructive_a to_o human_a society_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v restrain_v and_o punish_v and_o than_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o reason_n to_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n which_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o call_v that_o evil_a which_o they_o themselves_o own_o to_o be_v a_o great_a and_o public_a good_a and_o that_o good_a which_o they_o own_v to_o be_v a_o public_a mischief_n which_o there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o reason_n for_o so_o that_o the_o case_n be_v plain_a it_o be_v not_o reason_n but_o lust_n which_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n till_o lust_n prevail_v above_o reason_n virtue_n and_o vice_n good_a and_o evil_a keep_v those_o name_n which_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v give_v they_o and_o such_o man_n offer_v as_o much_o force_n and_o violence_n to_o their_o natural_a understanding_n when_o they_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n as_o they_o do_v to_o natural_a conscience_n when_o they_o choose_v the_o evil_a and_o refuse_v the_o good_n this_o be_v answer_n enough_o to_o such_o man_n who_o will_v reason_n or_o laugh_v away_o the_o distinction_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o warn_v to_o we_o all_o how_o we_o engage_v in_o a_o course_n of_o wickedness_n for_o how_o much_o soever_o we_o despise_v and_o abhor_v these_o wicked_a principle_n we_o shall_v soon_o think_v as_o these_o man_n do_v if_o we_o grow_v as_o wicked_a as_o they_o be_v two_o these_o man_n first_o put_v darkness_n for_o 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corrupt_v their_o manner_n and_o can_v justify_v their_o vice_n nor_o quiet_v their_o conscience_n if_o they_o attend_v either_o to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o revelation_n must_v seek_v for_o other_o remedy_n and_o this_o make_v they_o espouse_v the_o principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n and_o these_o they_o call_v light_n which_o in_o truth_n be_v a_o mere_a egyptian_a darkness_n and_o then_o they_o must_v call_v light_a darkness_n reject_v and_o scorn_v both_o the_o natural_a dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o the_o supernatural_a revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n as_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n now_o whatever_o opinion_n man_n have_v of_o their_o philosophy_n yet_o how_o they_o shall_v learn_v what_o neither_o nature_n nor_o god_n teach_v they_o or_o how_o they_o shall_v discover_v that_o what_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o
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it_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v learn_v what_o the_o invisible_a cause_n be_v from_o visible_a effect_n that_o if_o we_o see_v any_o thing_n wise_o make_v we_o may_v conclude_v it_o have_v a_o wise_a cause_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v more_o contradict_v the_o natural_a sense_n of_o our_o mind_n than_o to_o ascribe_v such_o a_o world_n as_o we_o now_o live_v in_o which_o discover_v such_o wonderful_a art_n in_o its_o contrivance_n to_o blind_a and_o undesigning_a chance_n i_o do_v not_o dispute_v these_o matter_n now_o but_o only_o consider_v how_o unnatural_a it_o be_v to_o think_v so_o and_o therefore_o how_o very_a difficult_a it_o be_v for_o any_o man_n in_o good_a earnest_n to_o espouse_v these_o atheistick_a principle_n thus_o as_o for_o the_o principle_n of_o infidelity_n how_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o any_o man_n to_o persuade_v himself_o that_o god_n never_o reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n when_o all_o mankind_n have_v believe_v otherwise_o and_o be_v natural_o incline_v to_o believe_v so_o and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v do_v so_o and_o none_o to_o think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o especial_o when_o we_o have_v such_o evident_a proof_n of_o this_o in_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n which_o so_o strong_o persuade_v the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n for_o to_o deny_v prophecy_n and_o miracle_n when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v plain_a that_o there_o have_v be_v true_a prophecy_n or_o miracle_n and_o no_o man_n beside_o themselves_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n doubt_n whether_o he_o can_v foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v or_o exercise_v a_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o nature_n when_o he_o please_v can_v be_v call_v by_o no_o soft_a name_n than_o stupidity_n or_o impudence_n and_o whatever_o they_o say_v it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o believe_v what_o they_o say_v for_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n carry_v such_o a_o conviction_n with_o they_o of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o give_v such_o authority_n to_o the_o prophet_n as_o be_v not_o easy_o resist_v as_o be_v evident_a from_o hence_o that_o some_o of_o the_o wise_a of_o these_o man_n dare_v not_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n can_v they_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o they_o hear_v no_o prophecy_n nor_o see_v any_o miracle_n now_o and_o may_v be_v impose_v on_o by_o fabulous_a relation_n shall_v they_o be_v over_o credulous_a of_o such_o matter_n this_o will_v have_v be_v a_o good_a answer_n have_v they_o only_o some_o idle_a and_o uncertain_a report_n of_o such_o thing_n but_o it_o can_v never_o satisfy_v themselves_o when_o they_o have_v such_o a_o authentic_a history_n as_o the_o bible_n the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n for_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n can_v any_o man_n persuade_v himself_o to_o reject_v the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o all_o history_n if_o he_o can_v whatever_o he_o may_v pretend_v he_o will_v find_v it_o a_o very_a hard_a matter_n after_o all_o his_o criticism_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o best_a attest_v and_o most_o credible_a history_n in_o the_o world_n these_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o be_v a_o atheist_n or_o infidel_n without_o which_o man_n can_v never_o reject_v or_o confound_v the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o all_o these_o principle_n contradict_v the_o natural_a idea_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o destroy_v all_o the_o natural_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o reason_n that_o we_o can_v no_o more_o distinguish_v between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n than_o between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a ever_o thus_o to_o efface_v the_o natural_a notion_n of_o our_o mind_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v a_o very_a uneasy_a and_o difficult_a task_n 3_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v at_o least_o as_o difficult_a to_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a man_n may_v bribe_v their_o 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now_o this_o endanger_v all_o again_o for_o natural_a shame_n and_o fear_v and_o remorse_n will_v make_v they_o own_o a_o essential_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a when_o they_o feel_v it_o 4thly_a but_o let_v we_o suppose_v all_o these_o difficulty_n conquer_v they_o be_v sensible_a that_o there_o be_v one_o still_o remain_v viz._n that_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n be_v against_o they_o the_o heathen_a world_n own_v a_o god_n and_o as_o learned_a man_n have_v prove_v one_o supreme_a god_n though_o they_o corrupt_v both_o the_o notion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n by_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n but_o atheism_n be_v so_o infamous_a among_o they_o that_o some_o atheistick_a philosopher_n such_o as_o epicurus_n himself_o be_v force_v to_o dissemble_v it_o they_o own_v a_o moral_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o own_v revelation_n and_o institute_v religion_n and_o have_v they_o though_o not_o from_o god_n yet_o from_o those_o evil_a spirit_n who_o they_o worship_v for_o go_n the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n own_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n who_o they_o be_v most_o at_o present_v concern_v with_o own_o both_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n these_o be_v great_a authority_n against_o they_o which_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v make_v man_n modest_a and_o put_v they_o a_o little_a out_o of_o countenance_n and_o incline_v they_o to_o suspect_v that_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v but_o they_o be_v sensible_a that_o modesty_n will_v undo_v they_o that_o to_o suspect_v whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n be_v as_o fatal_a to_o they_o as_o to_o know_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o way_n leave_v but_o to_o outface_v all_o the_o world_n to_o laugh_v at_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n as_o superstitious_a