will_n among_o man_n a_o readiness_n to_o forgive_v our_o great_a enemy_n to_o do_v good_a to_o they_o that_o hate_v we_o to_o bless_v they_o that_o curse_v we_o and_o to_o pray_v for_o they_o that_o despiteful_o use_v we_o and_o persecute_v we_o and_o do_v inculcate_v these_o precept_n more_o vehement_o and_o forbid_v malice_n and_o hatred_n and_o revenge_n and_o contention_n more_o strict_o and_o peremptory_o than_o any_o religion_n ever_o do_v before_o as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o that_o do_v but_o attentive_o read_v our_o saviour_n sermon_n upon_o the_o mount_n and_o as_o christianity_n have_v give_v we_o a_o more_o certain_a so_o likewise_o a_o more_o perfect_a law_n for_o the_o government_n of_o our_o life_n all_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o be_v reasonable_a and_o wise_a require_v such_o duty_n of_o we_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o do_v approve_v themselves_o to_o the_o best_a reason_n of_o mankind_n such_o as_o have_v their_o foundation_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o be_v a_o imitation_n of_o the_o divine_a excellency_n such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o persection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o raise_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n the_o law_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v such_o as_o be_v general_o useful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n as_o do_v tend_v to_o the_o outward_a peace_n and_o the_o health_n to_o the_o inward_a comfort_n and_o contentment_n and_o to_o the_o universal_a happiness_n of_o mankind_n they_o command_v nothing_o that_o be_v unnecessary_a and_o burdensome_a as_o be_v the_o numerous_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n but_o what_o be_v reasonable_a and_o useful_a and_o substantial_a and_o they_o omit_v nothing_o that_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n or_o the_o welfare_n of_o man_n nor_o do_v they_o restrain_v we_o in_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v contrary_a either_o to_o the_o regular_a inclination_n of_o nature_n or_o to_o our_o reason_n and_o true_a interest_n they_o forbid_v we_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v base_a and_o unworthy_a to_o serve_v our_o humour_n and_o passion_n to_o reproach_v our_o understanding_n and_o to_o make_v ourselves_o fool_n and_o beast_n in_o a_o word_n nothing_o but_o what_o tend_v either_o to_o our_o private_a harm_n and_o prejudice_n or_o to_o public_a disorder_n and_o confusion_n and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o tenor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o from_o our_o saviour_n sermon_n and_o discourse_n particular_o that_o upon_o the_o mount_n wherein_o he_o charge_v his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n to_o be_v humble_a and_o meek_a and_o righteous_a and_o patient_a under_o suffering_n and_o persecution_n and_o good_a and_o kind_a to_o all_o even_a to_o those_o that_o be_v evil_a and_o injurious_a to_o we_o and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o excel_v in_o all_o goodness_n and_o virtue_n this_o will_v appear_v likewise_o from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o holy_a apostle_n i_o will_v instance_n but_o in_o some_o few_o passage_n in_o they_o st._n paul_n represent_v to_o we_o the_o design_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n in_o a_o very_a few_o word_n but_o of_o admirable_a sense_n and_o weight_n 12._o tit._n 2.11_o 12._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n the_o same_o apostle_n make_v this_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a condition_n of_o the_o covenant_n of_o the_o gospel_n on_o our_o part_n 2.19_o 2_o tim._n 2.19_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n st._n james_n describe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o he_o call_v the_o wisdom_n that_o be_v from_o above_o by_o these_o character_n it_o be_v first_o pure_a then_o peaceable_a gentle_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v entreat_v full_a of_o mercy_n and_o good_a fruit_n without_o partiality_n and_o without_o hypocrisy_n st._n peter_n call_v the_o gospel_n 4._o 2_o pet._n 1.3_o 4._o the_o knowledge_n of_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o to_o glory_n and_o virtue_n whereby_o say_v he_o be_v give_v unto_o we_o exceed_v great_a and_o precious_a promise_n that_o by_o these_o you_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n have_v escape_v the_o corruption_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n he_o exhort_v they_o to_o give_v all_o diligence_n to_o add_v to_o their_o faith_n the_o several_a virtue_n of_o a_o good_a life_n 7._o v._o 5_o 6_o 7._o without_o which_o he_o tell_v they_o they_o be_v barren_a and_o unfruitful_a in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n i_o will_v conclude_v with_o that_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a passaage_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o the_o philippian_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o venerable_a esteem_n whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a or_o chaste_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n think_v on_o these_o thing_n but_o the_o perfection_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o law_n of_o christianity_n will_v most_o plain_o appear_v by_o take_v a_o brief_a survey_n of_o they_o and_o they_o may_v all_o be_v refer_v to_o these_o two_o general_a head_n they_o be_v either_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o make_v man_n single_o and_o personal_o good_a or_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n first_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o to_o make_v man_n good_a single_o and_o personal_o consider_v and_o the_o precept_n of_o this_o kind_n may_v be_v distribute_v likewise_o into_o two_o sort_n such_o as_o enjoin_v piety_n towards_o god_n or_o such_o as_o require_v the_o good_a order_n and_o government_n of_o ourselves_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o pleasure_n of_o this_o life_n 1._o such_o as_o enjoin_v piety_n towards_o god_n all_o the_o duty_n of_o christian_a religion_n which_o respect_n god_n be_v no_o other_o but_o what_o natural_a light_n prompt_v man_n to_o except_v the_o two_o sacrament_n which_o be_v of_o great_a use_n and_o significancy_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o pray_v to_o god_n in_o the_o name_n and_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n for_o the_o sum_n of_o natural_a religion_n as_o it_o refer_v more_o immediate_o to_o god_n be_v this_o that_o we_o shall_v inward_o reverence_v and_o love_n god_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v express_v our_o inward_a reverence_n and_o love_n of_o he_o by_o external_a worship_n and_o adoration_n and_o by_o our_o readiness_n to_o receive_v and_o obey_v all_o the_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o that_o we_o shall_v testify_v our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o our_o confidence_n of_o his_o goodness_n by_o constant_a prayer_n and_o supplication_n to_o he_o for_o mercy_n and_o help_v for_o ourselves_o and_o other_o and_o that_o we_o shall_v acknowledge_v our_o obligation_n to_o he_o for_o the_o many_o favour_n and_o benefit_n which_o every_o day_n and_o every_o minute_n we_o receive_v from_o he_o by_o continual_a praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n and_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_n we_o shall_v not_o entertain_v any_o unworthy_a thought_n of_o god_n nor_o give_v that_o honour_n and_o reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o he_o to_o any_o other_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o worship_v he_o in_o any_o manner_n that_o be_v either_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n or_o contrary_a to_o he_o reveal_v will_n that_o we_o shall_v careful_o avoid_v the_o profane_a and_o irreverent_a use_n of_o his_o name_n by_o curse_v or_o customary_a swear_n and_o take_v heed_n of_o the_o neglect_n or_o contempt_n of_o his_o worship_n or_o any_o thing_n belong_v to_o it_o this_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o first_o part_n of_o natural_a religion_n and_o these_o be_v the_o general_a head_n of_o those_o duty_n which_o every_o man_n reason_n tell_v he_o he_o owe_v to_o god_n and_o these_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v express_o require_v of_o we_o as_o may_v be_v evidence_v from_o particular_a text_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n so_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o part_n of_o christianity_n but_o what_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n 2._o such_o precept_n as_o require_v the_o good_a order_n and_o government_n of_o ourselves_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o this_o life_n christian_n religion_n
ought_v not_o to_o pretend_v any_o thing_n against_o the_o plain_a and_o safe_a path_n of_o religion_n which_o will_v entertain_v we_o with_o pleasure_n all_o along_o in_o the_o way_n and_o crown_v we_o with_o happiness_n at_o the_o end_n 2_o tim_n 2.19_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n the_o whole_a verse_n run_v thus_o nevertheless_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o seal_n the_o lord_n know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o and_o let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n in_o which_o word_n the_o apostle_n declare_v to_o we_o the_o term_n of_o the_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n for_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v here_o translate_a foundation_n according_a to_o the_o usual_a signification_n of_o it_o be_v likewise_o as_o learned_a man_n have_v observe_v sometime_o use_v for_o a_o instrument_n of_o contract_n whereby_o two_o party_n do_v oblige_v themselves_o mutual_o to_o each_o other_o and_o this_o notion_n of_o the_o word_n agree_v very_o well_o with_o what_o follow_v concern_v the_o seal_n assix_v to_o it_o which_o be_v very_o fuitable_a to_o a_o covenant_n but_o not_o at_o all_o to_o a_o foundation_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o as_o the_o learned_a grotius_n have_v observe_v there_o use_v ancient_o to_o be_v inscription_n on_o foundation-stone_n and_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o render_v seal_n may_v likewise_o signify_v a_o inscription_n and_o then_o the_o sense_n will_v be_v very_a current_n thus_o the_o foundation_n of_o god_n stand_v sure_a have_v this_o inscription_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o though_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d may_v signify_v a_o inscription_n yet_o it_o be_v only_o a_o inscription_n upon_o a_o seal_n which_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o a_o foundation_n but_o be_v very_o proper_a to_o a_o covenant_n or_o mutual_a obligation_n and_o according_o the_o seal_v affix_v to_o this_o instrument_n or_o covenant_n between_o god_n and_o man_n be_v in_o allusion_n to_o the_o custom_n of_o those_o country_n say_v to_o have_v a_o inscription_n on_o both_o side_n agreeable_a to_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o person_n contract_v on_o god_n part_n there_o be_v this_o impress_n or_o inscription_n the_o lord_n know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o that_o be_v god_n will_v own_v and_o reward_v those_o that_o be_v faithful_a to_o he_o and_o on_o our_o part_n let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v that_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n for_o to_o name_v the_o name_n of_o any_o one_o or_o to_o have_v his_o name_n call_v upon_o by_o we_o do_v according_a to_o the_o use_n of_o this_o phrase_n among_o the_o hebrew_n signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o be_v denominate_v from_o he_o thus_o it_o be_v frequent_o use_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o sometime_o in_o the_o new_a 2.7_o jam._n 2.7_o do_v they_o not_o blaspheme_v that_o worthy_a name_n by_o the_o which_o you_o be_v call_v that_o be_v the_o name_n or_o title_n of_o christian_n and_o that_o expression_n 14._o 1_o pet._n 〈◊〉_d 14._o if_o you_o be_v reproach_v for_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v at_o the_o sixteenth_o verse_n vary_v if_o any_o man_n suffer_v as_o a_o christian_a so_o that_o to_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n be_v to_o call_v ourselves_o christian_n let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v often_o take_v strict_o for_o injustice_n or_o unrighteousness_n but_o sometime_o use_v more_o large_o for_o sin_n and_o wickedness_n in_o the_o general_a and_o so_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v use_v here_o in_o the_o text_n because_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n from_o the_o context_n to_o restrain_v it_o to_o any_o particular_a kind_n of_o sin_n or_o vice_n and_o because_o christianity_n lay_v a_o equal_a obligation_n upon_o man_n to_o abstain_v from_o all_o sin_n let_v every_o one_o that_o name_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n depart_v from_o iniquity_n that_o be_v every_o christian_a oblige_v himself_o by_o his_o procession_n to_o renounce_v all_o sin_n and_o to_o live_v a_o holy_a life_n in_o speak_v to_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v do_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o show_v what_o obligation_n the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o man_n to_o live_v holy_a life_n 2._o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v those_o who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n to_o answer_v this_o obligation_n i._o what_o obligation_n the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n lay_v upon_o man_n to_o live_v holy_a life_n he_o that_o call_v himself_o a_o christian_n profess_v to_o entertain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o live_v in_o the_o imitation_n of_o his_o holy_a example_n and_o to_o have_v solemn_o engage_v himself_o to_o all_o this_o i_o shall_v speak_v brief_o to_o these_o and_o then_o come_v to_o that_o which_o i_o principal_o intend_v to_o persuade_v man_n to_o live_v according_o 1._o he_o that_o profess_v himself_o a_o christian_n profess_v to_o entertain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o believe_v the_o whole_a gospel_n to_o assent_v to_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n to_o all_o the_o precept_n and_o promise_n and_o theatning_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o the_o great_a design_n the_o proper_a intention_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o sin_n and_o to_o direct_v and_o encourage_v they_o to_o a_o holy_a life_n it_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v concern_v god_n and_o christ_n not_o with_o any_o design_n to_o entertain_v our_o mind_n with_o the_o bare_a speculation_n of_o those_o truth_n but_o to_o better_a our_o life_n for_o every_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v a_o proper_a argument_n against_o sin_n and_o a_o powerful_a motive_n to_o obedience_n the_o whole_a history_n of_o christ_n appearance_n in_o the_o world_n all_o the_o discourse_n and_o action_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o suffering_n of_o his_o death_n do_v all_o tend_v to_o this_o the_o ultimate_a issue_n of_o all_o be_v the_o destroy_n of_o sin_n so_o st._n john_n tell_v we_o 3.8_o 1_o joh._n 3.8_o for_o this_o purpose_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n manifest_v that_o he_o may_v destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n but_o this_o be_v most_o express_o and_o full_o declare_v to_o we_o tit._n 2.11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v to_o all_o man_n teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n who_o give_v himself_o for_o we_o that_o he_o may_v redeem_v we_o from_o all_o iniquity_n and_o purify_v unto_o himself_o a_o peculiar_a people_n zealous_a of_o good_a work_n the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v strict_o command_v holiness_n and_o that_o universal_a the_o purity_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o chastity_n of_o our_o body_n 7.1_o 2_o cor._n 7.1_o to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n 5.22_o 1_o thes_n 5.22_o to_o abstain_v from_o all_o kind_n of_o evil_n 1.15_o 1_o pet._n 1.15_o to_o be_v holy_a in_o all_o manner_n of_o conversation_n they_o require_v we_o to_o endeavour_v after_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o holiness_n that_o be_v attainable_a by_o we_o in_o this_o imperfect_a state_n to_o be_v holy_a as_o he_o that_o have_v call_v we_o be_v holy_a 5.48_o mat._n 5.48_o to_o be_v perfect_a as_o our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n be_v perfect_a and_o all_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o many_o encouragement_n to_o obedience_n and_o a_o holy_a life_n â—_o â—_o cor._n 7._o â—_o have_v therefore_o these_o promise_n let_v we_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n we_o be_v tell_v by_o st._n peter_n that_o these_o exceed_a great_a and_o precious_a promise_n be_v give_v to_o we_o that_o by_o these_o we_o may_v be_v partaker_n of_o a_o divine_a nature_n 1.4_o 2_o pet._n 1.4_o have_v escape_v the_o pollution_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n through_o lust_n and_o that_o we_o may_v give_v all_o diligence_n to_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n virtue_n and_o to_o virtue_n knowledge_n and_o to_o knowledge_n temperance_n and_o patience_n and_o brotherly-kindness_n and_o charity_n and_o the_o threaten_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v so_o many_o powerful_a argument_n against_o sin_n therefore_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o gospel_n the_o power_n of_o god_n unto_o salvation_n
from_o we_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v all_o promise_n and_o our_o part_n be_v only_o to_o believe_v and_o embrace_v they_o that_o be_v to_o be_v confident_a that_o god_n will_v perform_v they_o if_o we_o can_v but_o think_v so_o though_o we_o do_v nothing_o else_o which_o be_v a_o easy_a condition_n to_o fool_n but_o the_o hard_a in_o the_o world_n to_o a_o wise_a man_n who_o if_o his_o salvation_n depend_v upon_o it_o can_v never_o persuade_v himself_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o holy_a god_n without_o any_o respect_n at_o all_o to_o his_o repentance_n and_o amendment_n will_v bestow_v upon_o he_o forgiveness_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n only_o because_o he_o be_v confident_a that_o god_n will_v do_v so_o as_o if_o any_o man_n can_v think_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o high_o acceptable_a to_o god_n that_o man_n shall_v believe_v of_o he_o that_o he_o love_v to_o dispense_v his_o grace_n and_o mercy_n upon_o the_o most_o unfit_a and_o unreasonable_a term_n a_o covenant_n do_v necessary_o imply_v a_o mutual_a obligation_n and_o the_o scripture_n plain_o tell_v we_o what_o be_v the_o term_n and_o condition_n of_o this_o covenant_n both_o on_o god_n part_n and_o we_o namely_o that_o he_o will_v be_v our_o god_n and_o we_o shall_v be_v his_o people_n but_o he_o have_v nowhere_o say_v that_o though_o we_o be_v not_o his_o people_n yet_o he_o will_v be_v our_o god_n the_o seal_n of_o this_o covenant_n have_v two_o inscription_n upon_o it_o one_o on_o god_n part_n that_o he_o will_v know_v they_o that_o be_v he_o and_o another_o on_o our_o part_n that_o we_o shall_v depart_v from_o iniquity_n but_o if_o we_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o this_o condition_n god_n will_v not_o know_v we_o but_o will_v bid_v we_o depart_v from_o he_o so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o 7.23_o mat._n 7.23_o i_o will_v say_v unto_o they_o depart_v from_o i_o you_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n i_o know_v you_o not_o if_o we_o deal_v false_o in_o covenant_n with_o god_n and_o break_v loose_a 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let_v we_o fill_v up_o this_o great_a title_n and_o make_v good_a our_o profession_n by_o a_o sutitable_a life_n and_o practice_n and_o to_o persuade_v we_o hereto_o i_o will_v urge_v these_o three_o consideration_n 1._o the_o indecency_n of_o the_o contrary_n 2._o the_o great_a scandal_n of_o it_o to_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o holy_a religion_n and_o 3._o the_o infinite_a danger_n of_o it_o to_o our_o own_o soul_n 1._o consider_v how_o unbecoming_a it_o be_v for_o a_o man_n to_o live_v unsuitable_o to_o his_o profession_n if_o we_o call_v ourselves_o christians_o we_o profess_v to_o entertain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v teach_v and_o instruct_v by_o the_o best_a master_n to_o be_v the_o disciple_n of_o the_o high_a and_o most_o perfect_a institution_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n to_o have_v embrace_v a_o religion_n which_o contain_v the_o most_o exact_a rule_n for_o the_o conduct_n and_o government_n of_o our_o life_n which_o lay_v down_o the_o plain_a precept_n set_v before_o we_o the_o best_a pattern_n and_o example_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o offer_v we_o the_o great_a assistance_n and_o encouragement_n to_o this_o purpose_n we_o profess_v to_o be_v furnish_v with_o the_o best_a argument_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n to_o be_v awe_v with_o the_o great_a fear_n and_o animate_v with_o the_o best_a hope_n of_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n now_o whoever_o make_v such_o a_o profession_n as_o this_o oblige_v himself_o to_o live_v answerable_o to_o do_v nothing_o that_o shall_v gross_o contradict_v it_o nothing_o be_v more_o absurd_a than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o act_v contrary_a to_o his_o profession_n to_o pretend_v to_o great_a matter_n and_o perform_v nothing_o of_o what_o he_o pretend_v to_o wise_a man_n will_v not_o be_v catch_v with_o pretence_n nor_o be_v impose_v upon_o with_o a_o empty_a profession_n but_o they_o will_v inquire_v into_o our_o life_n and_o action_n and_o by_o these_o they_o will_v make_v a_o judgement_n of_o we_o they_o can_v see_v into_o our_o heart_n nor_o pry_v into_o our_o understanding_n to_o discover_v what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o inward_o believe_v they_o can_v discern_v those_o secret_a and_o supernatural_a principle_n that_o we_o pretend_v to_o be_v act_v by_o but_o this_o they_o can_v do_v they_o can_v examine_v our_o action_n and_o behold_v our_o good_a or_o bad_a work_n and_o try_v whether_o our_o life_n be_v indeed_o answerable_a to_o our_o profession_n and_o do_v real_o excel_v the_o life_n of_o other_o man_n who_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o such_o great_a thing_n there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o sagacious_a person_n who_o will_v easy_o find_v we_o out_o will_v look_v under_o our_o mask_n and_o see_v through_o all_o our_o fine_a pretension_n and_o will_v quick_o discern_v the_o absurdity_n of_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o we_o believe_v one_o thing_n when_o we_o do_v the_o contrary_n if_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n we_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o the_o scorn_n and_o contempt_n of_o every_o discern_a man_n if_o we_o do_v not_o live_v up_o to_o it_o with_o what_o face_n can_v any_o man_n continue_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n that_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o holy_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o forbid_v all_o sin_n under_o the_o high_a and_o severe_a penalty_n if_o we_o do_v but_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o we_o do_v any_o ordinary_a credible_a story_n and_o do_v we_o but_o regard_v the_o law_n of_o christianity_n as_o we_o do_v the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v we_o but_o persuade_v that_o fraud_n and_o oppression_n lie_v and_o perjury_n intemperance_n and_o uncleanness_n covetousness_n and_o pride_n malice_n and_o revenge_n the_o neglect_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n will_v bring_v man_n to_o hell_n as_o certain_o as_o treason_n and_o felony_n will_v bring_v a_o man_n under_o the_o sentence_n of_o the_o law_n have_v we_o but_o the_o same_o awe_n and_o regard_n for_o the_o threaten_n and_o promise_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o we_o have_v for_o the_o frown_n and_o smile_n of_o those_o who_o be_v in_o power_n and_o authority_n even_o this_o will_v be_v effectual_a to_o keep_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o if_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o this_o effect_n upon_o we_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n that_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o go_v about_o to_o persuade_v man_n that_o we_o do_v hearty_o entertain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n that_o doctrine_n which_o have_v all_o the_o character_n of_o piety_n and_o justice_n of_o holiness_n and_o virtue_n upon_o it_o which_o oblige_v man_n to_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v chaste_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a and_o of_o good_a report_n if_o we_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o these_o thing_n in_o our_o life_n he_o that_o will_v know_v what_o a_o man_n believe_v let_v he_o attend_v rather_o to_o what_o he_o do_v than_o to_o what_o he_o talk_v he_o that_o lead_v a_o wicked_a life_n make_v a_o more_o credible_a and_o effectual_a profession_n of_o infidelity_n than_o he_o who_o in_o word_n only_o deny_v the_o gospel_n it_o be_v the_o hard_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o imagine_v that_o that_o man_n believe_v christianity_n who_o by_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n do_v deny_v and_o renounce_v it_o if_o we_o profess_v ourselves_o christian_n it_o may_v just_o be_v expect_v from_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v evidence_n this_o by_o our_o action_n that_o we_o shall_v live_v at_o another_o rate_n than_o the_o heathen_n do_v that_o we_o who_o worship_v a_o holy_a and_o just_a god_n shall_v not_o allow_v ourselves_o the_o liberty_n to_o sin_n as_o those_o do_v who_o
perfectos_fw-la philosophos_fw-la turpiter_fw-la vivere_fw-la that_o some_o great_a philosopher_n lead_v very_o filthy_a life_n celsus_n and_o porphyry_n hierocles_n and_o julian_n among_o all_o their_o witty_a invective_n against_o christian_a religion_n have_v nothing_o against_o it_o that_o reflect_v so_o much_o upon_o it_o as_o do_v the_o wicked_a life_n of_o so_o many_o christian_n the_o great_a enmity_n to_o religion_n be_v to_o profess_v it_o and_o to_o live_v unanswerable_o to_o it_o this_o consideration_n ought_v great_o to_o affect_v we_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o it_o with_o great_a passion_n and_o vehemency_n for_o many_o walk_n of_o who_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o often_o 3.18_o phil._n 3.18_o and_o now_o tell_v you_o even_o weep_v that_o they_o be_v enemy_n of_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n who_o end_n be_v destruction_n who_o god_n be_v their_o belly_n who_o glory_n be_v in_o their_o shame_n who_o mind_n earthly_a thing_n a_o jew_n or_o a_o turk_n be_v not_o so_o great_a a_o enemy_n to_o christianity_n as_o a_o lewd_a and_o vicious_a christian_a therefore_o let_v i_o beseech_v christian_n as_o they_o tender_v the_o honour_n of_o their_o saviour_n and_o the_o credit_n of_o their_o religion_n that_o they_o will_v conform_v their_o life_n to_o the_o holy_a precept_n of_o christianity_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o who_o be_v resolve_v to_o continue_v in_o a_o vicious_a course_n to_o the_o injury_n and_o disparagement_n of_o christianity_n i_o can_v almost_o entreat_v of_o they_o that_o they_o will_v quit_v their_o profession_n and_o renounce_v their_o baptism_n that_o they_o will_v lay_v aside_o their_o title_n of_o christian_n and_o initiate_v themselves_o in_o heathenish_a rite_n and_o superstition_n or_o be_v circumcise_v for_o jew_n or_o turk_n for_o it_o be_v real_o better_a upon_o some_o account_n that_o such_o man_n shall_v abandon_v their_o profession_n than_o keep_v on_o a_o vizard_n which_o serve_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n but_o to_o scare_v other_o from_o religion_n 3._o and_o last_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o danger_n we_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o by_o not_o live_v answerable_o to_o our_o religion_n and_o this_o i_o hope_v may_v prevail_v upon_o such_o as_o be_v not_o move_v by_o the_o former_a consideration_n hypocrite_n be_v instanced_a in_o scripture_n as_o a_o sort_n of_o sinner_n that_o shall_v have_v the_o sharp_a torment_n and_o the_o fierce_a damnation_n when_o our_o saviour_n will_v set_v forth_o the_o great_a severity_n of_o the_o lord_n towards_o the_o evil_a servant_n he_o express_v it_o thus_o 24.51_o mat._n 24.51_o he_o shall_v cut_v he_o in_o sudden_a and_o appoint_v he_o his_o portion_n with_o hypocrite_n so_o that_o the_o punishment_n of_o hypocrite_n seem_v to_o be_v make_v in_o the_o measure_n and_o standard_n of_o the_o high_a punishment_n thou_o profess_v to_o believe_v in_o christ_n and_o to_o hope_v in_o he_o for_o salvation_n but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n thou_o live_v a_o wicked_a and_o unholy_a life_n thou_o do_v not_o believe_v but_o presume_v on_o he_o and_o will_v find_v at_o the_o great_a day_n that_o this_o thy_o confidence_n will_v be_v thy_o confusion_n and_o he_o who_o thou_o hope_v will_v be_v thy_o advocate_n and_o saviour_n will_v prove_v thy_o accuser_n and_o thy_o judge_n what_o our_o saviour_n say_v to_o the_o jew_n there_o be_v one_o that_o accuse_v you_o even_o moses_n in_o who_o you_o trust_v may_v very_o well_o be_v apply_v to_o false_a christian_n 5.45_o joh._n 5.45_o there_o be_v one_o that_o accuse_v you_o and_o will_v condemn_v you_o even_o jesus_n in_o who_o you_o trust_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n and_o man_n have_v the_o name_n of_o christ_n name_v upon_o they_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o secure_v they_o from_o hell_n that_o it_o will_v sink_v they_o the_o deep_a into_o it_o many_o be_v apt_a to_o pity_v the_o poor_a heathen_n who_o never_o hear_v of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n and_o sad_o to_o condole_v their_o case_n but_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v upon_o another_o occasion_n weep_v not_o for_o they_o weep_v for_o yourselves_o there_o be_v no_o such_o miserable_a person_n in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o degenerate_a christian_a because_o he_o fall_v into_o the_o great_a misery_n from_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o opportunity_n of_o be_v happy_a do_v thou_o lament_v the_o condition_n of_o socrates_n and_o cato_n and_o aristides_n and_o doubt_v what_o shall_v become_v of_o they_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o can_v thou_o who_o be_v a_o impious_a and_o profane_a christian_a think_v that_o thou_o shall_v escape_v the_o damnation_n of_o hell_n do_v thou_o believe_v that_o the_o moral_a heathen_a shall_v be_v cast_v out_o and_o can_v thou_o who_o have_v lead_v a_o wicked_a life_n under_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n have_v the_o impudence_n to_o hope_v that_o thou_o shall_v sit_v down_o with_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n no_o those_o sin_n which_o be_v commit_v by_o christian_n under_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v of_o deep_a dye_n and_o clothe_v with_o black_a aggravation_n than_o the_o sin_n of_o heathen_n be_v capable_a of_o a_o pagan_a may_v live_v without_o god_n in_o the_o world_n and_o be_v unjust_a towards_o man_n at_o a_o cheap_a rate_n and_o upon_o easy_a term_n than_o thou_o who_o be_v a_o christian_n better_a have_v it_o be_v thou_o have_v never_o know_v one_o syllable_n of_o the_o gospel_n never_o hear_v of_o the_o name_n of_o christ_n than_o that_o have_v take_v it_o upon_o thou_o thou_o shall_v not_o depart_v from_o iniquity_n happy_a have_v it_o be_v for_o thou_o that_o thou_o have_v be_v bear_v a_o jew_n or_o a_o turk_n or_o a_o poor_a indian_a rather_o than_o that_o be_v breed_v among_o christian_n and_o profess_v thyself_o of_o that_o number_n thou_o shall_v lead_v a_o vicious_a and_o unholy_a life_n i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a upon_o these_o argument_n that_o i_o may_v if_o possible_a awaken_v man_n to_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o their_o life_n and_o persuade_v they_o to_o a_o real_a reformation_n of_o they_o that_o i_o may_v oblige_v all_o those_o who_o call_v themselves_o christian_n to_o live_v up_o to_o the_o essential_a and_o fundamental_a law_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o love_n god_n and_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n to_o do_v to_o every_o man_n as_o we_o will_v have_v he_o to_o do_v to_o we_o to_o mortify_v our_o lust_n and_o subdue_v our_o passion_n and_o sincere_o to_o endeavour_v to_o grow_v in_o every_o grace_n and_o virtue_n and_o to_o abound_v in_o all_o the_o fruit_n of_o righteousness_n which_o be_v by_o jesus_n christ_n to_o the_o praise_n and_o glory_n of_o god_n this_o indeed_o will_v become_v our_o profession_n and_o be_v honourable_a to_o our_o religion_n and_o will_v remove_v one_o of_o the_o great_a obstacle_n to_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o how_o can_v we_o expect_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n shall_v gain_v any_o considerable_a ground_n in_o the_o world_n so_o long_o as_o by_o the_o unworthy_a life_n of_o so_o many_o christian_n it_o be_v represent_v to_o the_o world_n at_o so_o great_a disadvantage_n if_o ever_o we_o will_v have_v christian_a religion_n effectual_o recommend_v it_o must_v be_v by_o the_o holy_a and_o unblameable_a life_n of_o those_o who_o make_v profession_n of_o it_o then_o indeed_o it_o will_v look_v with_o so_o amiable_a a_o countenance_n as_o to_o invite_v many_o to_o it_o and_o carry_v so_o much_o majesty_n and_o authority_n in_o it_o as_o to_o command_v reverence_n from_o its_o great_a enemy_n and_o make_v man_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n be_v in_o we_o of_o a_o truth_n and_o to_o glorify_v our_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o good_a god_n grant_v that_o as_o we_o have_v take_v upon_o we_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n so_o we_o may_v be_v careful_a so_o to_o live_v that_o we_o may_v adorn_v the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n in_o all_o thing_n that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n may_v teach_v we_o to_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n look_v for_o that_o bless_a hope_n and_o the_o glorious_a appear_v of_o the_o great_a god_n and_o our_o saviour_n jesus_n christ_n to_o who_o with_o the_o father_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n phil._n iii_o 20._o for_o our_o conversation_n be_v in_o heaven_n for_o the_o understanding_n of_o which_o word_n we_o need_v to_o look_v back_o no_o further_o than_o the_o 18_o verse_n of_o this_o chapter_n where_o the_o apostle_n with_o great_a vehemency_n and_o passion_n speak_v of_o some_o among_o the_o philippian_n who_o indeed_o profess_v christianity_n but_o yet_o will_v do_v any_o thing_n to_o
and_o activity_n as_o much_o above_o that_o of_o the_o most_o know_a person_n in_o this_o world_n as_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o great_a philosopher_n and_o wise_a man_n upon_o earth_n be_v above_o the_o thought_n of_o a_o child_n or_o a_o fool_n no_o man_n mind_n be_v now_o so_o well_o frame_v to_o understand_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n as_o our_o understanding_n shall_v then_o be_v fit_v for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o that_o state_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v we_o bless_v god_n that_o he_o have_v reveal_v so_o much_o of_o this_o happiness_n to_o we_o as_o be_v necessary_a to_o excite_v and_o encourage_v we_o to_o seek_v after_o it_o the_o second_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v concern_v our_o future_a happiness_n be_v the_o way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o we_o may_v come_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o and_o that_o in_o short_a be_v by_o the_o constant_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n in_o and_o through_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n christ_n indeed_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o salvation_n but_o obedience_n be_v the_o condition_n of_o it_o so_o the_o apostle_n tell_v we_o 5.1_o heb._n 5.1_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o author_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n to_o they_o that_o obey_v he_o it_o be_v the_o grace_n of_o god_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o bring_v or_o offer_v this_o salvation_n to_o we_o but_o tâ—en_o it_o be_v by_o the_o deny_v of_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n 2.11.12_o tit._n 2.11.12_o and_o by_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n that_o we_o be_v to_o wait_v for_o the_o bless_a hope_n our_o saviour_n promise_v this_o happiness_n to_o the_o pure_a in_o heart_n bless_a be_v the_o pure_a in_o heart_n for_o they_o shall_v see_v god_n and_o elsewhere_o the_o scripture_n do_v exclude_v all_o other_o from_o any_o share_n or_o portion_n in_o this_o blessedness_n so_o the_o apostle_n assure_v we_o that_o without_o holiness_n no_o man_n shall_v see_v the_o lord_n 18.14_o heb._n 18.14_o and_o holiness_n be_v not_o only_o a_o condition_n but_o a_o necessary_a qualisication_n for_o the_o happiness_n of_o the_o next_o life_n this_o be_v the_o force_n of_o st._n john_n reason_n we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o for_o we_o shall_v see_v he_o to_o see_v god_n be_v to_o be_v happy_a but_o unless_o we_o be_v like_o he_o we_o can_v see_v he_o the_o sight_n and_o presence_n of_o god_n himself_o will_v be_v no_o happiness_n to_o that_o man_n who_o be_v not_o like_a to_o god_n in_o the_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o from_o hence_o the_o apostle_n inser_n in_o the_o next_o verse_n every_o man_n that_o have_v this_o hope_n in_o he_o purify_v himself_o even_o as_o he_o be_v pure_a so_o that_o if_o we_o live_v wicked_a live_v if_o we_o allow_v ourselves_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o any_o know_a sin_n we_o interrupt_v our_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o render_v ourselves_o unfit_a for_o eternal_a life_n by_o this_o mean_n we_o defeat_v all_o the_o design_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o mercy_n towards_o we_o and_o salvation_n itself_o can_v save_v we_o if_o we_o make_v ourselves_o incapable_a of_o that_o happiness_n which_o god_n offer_v heaven_n be_v in_o scripture_n call_v a_o inheritance_n among_o they_o that_o be_v sanctify_v and_o the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o this_o inheritance_n be_v promise_v to_o we_o but_o we_o must_v be_v qualify_v and_o prepare_v for_o it_o and_o be_v make_v meet_a to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o and_o this_o life_n be_v the_o time_n of_o our_o preparation_n for_o our_o future_a state_n our_o soul_n will_v continue_v for_o ever_o what_o we_o make_v they_o in_o this_o world_n such_o a_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n as_o a_o man_n carry_v with_o he_o out_o of_o this_o life_n he_o shall_v retain_v in_o the_o next_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o heaven_n perfect_v those_o holy_a and_o virtuous_a disposition_n which_o be_v begin_v here_o but_o the_o other_o world_n alter_v no_o man_n as_o to_o his_o main_a slate_n he_o that_o be_v filthy_a will_v be_v filthy_a still_o and_o he_o that_o be_v unrighteous_a will_v be_v unrighteous_a still_o if_o we_o do_v not_o in_o a_o good_a degree_n mortify_v our_o just_n and_o passion_n here_o death_n will_v not_o kill_v they_o for_o we_o but_o we_o shall_v carry_v they_o with_o we_o into_o the_o other_o world_n and_o if_o god_n shall_v admit_v we_o so_o qualify_v into_o the_o place_n of_o happiness_n yet_o we_o shall_v bring_v that_o along_o with_o we_o which_o will_v infallible_o hinder_v we_o from_o be_v happy_a our_o sensual_a inclination_n and_o desire_n will_v meet_v with_o nothing_o there_o that_o will_v be_v suitable_a to_o they_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v perpetual_o torment_v with_o those_o appetite_n which_o we_o bring_v with_o we_o out_o of_o this_o world_n because_o we_o shall_v find_v nothing_o there_o to_o gratify_v they_o withal_o for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v in_o another_o sense_n the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n be_v not_o meat_n and_o drink_n but_o righteousness_n and_o peace_n and_o joy_n in_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o happiness_n of_o heaven_n consist_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o wicked_a man_n have_v no_o gust_n and_o relish_v for_o so_o that_o if_o a_o covetous_a or_o ambitious_a or_o voluptuous_a man_n be_v in_o heaven_n he_o will_v be_v just_a like_o the_o rich_a man_n in_o hell_n torment_v with_o a_o continual_a thirst_n and_o burn_v up_o in_o the_o flame_n of_o his_o own_o ardent_a desire_n and_o will_v not_o be_v able_a amid_o all_o the_o plenty_n and_o treasure_n of_o that_o place_n to_o find_v so_o much_o as_o one_o drop_n of_o suitable_a pleasure_n and_o delight_n to_o quench_v and_o allay_v that_o heat_n so_o likewise_o our_o fierce_a and_o unruly_a passion_n if_o we_o shall_v carry_v they_o with_o we_o into_o the_o other_o world_n how_o inconsistent_a will_v they_o be_v with_o happiness_n they_o will_v not_o only_o make_v we_o miserable_a ourselves_o but_o be_v a_o trouble_n to_o all_o those_o with_o who_o we_o shall_v converse_v if_o a_o man_n of_o a_o envious_a and_o malicious_a of_o a_o peevish_a and_o passionate_a temper_n be_v admit_v into_o the_o mansion_n of_o the_o bless_a he_o will_v not_o only_o be_v unhappy_a himself_o but_o will_v disturb_v the_o quiet_a of_o other_o and_o raise_v storm_n even_o in_o those_o calm_a region_n vain_a man_n that_o dream_v of_o be_v happy_a without_o any_o disposition_n or_o preparation_n for_o it_o to_o be_v happy_a be_v to_o enjoy_v what_o we_o desire_v and_o to_o live_v with_o those_o who_o we_o love_v but_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o heaven_n suitable_a to_o the_o desire_n and_o appetite_n of_o a_o wicked_a man_n all_o the_o joy_n of_o that_o place_n and_o the_o delight_n of_o that_o state_n be_v pure_o spiritual_a and_o be_v only_o to_o be_v relish_v by_o those_o who_o have_v purify_v themselves_o as_o god_n be_v pure_a but_o if_o thou_o be_v carnal_a and_o sensual_a what_o be_v these_o thing_n to_o thou_o what_o happiness_n will_v it_o be_v to_o thou_o to_o see_v god_n and_o to_o have_v he_o always_o in_o thy_o view_n who_o be_v never_o in_o all_o thy_o thought_n to_o be_v tie_v to_o live_v for_o ever_o in_o his_o company_n who_o be_v of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a temper_n and_o disposition_n to_o thyself_o who_o presence_n thou_o dread_a and_o who_o whilst_o thou_o be_v in_o this_o world_n thou_o can_v never_o endure_v to_o think_v upon_o so_o that_o the_o pleasure_n of_o heaven_n itself_o can_v signify_v no_o good_a or_o happiness_n to_o that_o man_n who_o be_v not_o so_o dispose_v as_o to_o take_v pleasure_n in_o they_o heaven_n be_v too_o pure_a a_o air_n for_o corrupt_a soul_n to_o live_v and_o breath_n in_o and_o the_o whole_a employment_n and_o conversation_n of_o that_o place_n as_o it_o will_v be_v unsuitable_a so_o will_v it_o also_o be_v unacceptable_a to_o a_o sensual_a and_o vicious_a person_n from_o all_o this_o it_o appear_v how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o we_o to_o prepare_v ourselves_o for_o this_o bless_a state_n by_o the_o constant_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o by_o mortify_v every_o lust_n and_o inordinate_a passion_n in_o our_o soul_n for_o till_o this_o be_v do_v we_o be_v not_o meet_v to_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o the_o felicity_n of_o the_o other_o world_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o first_o thing_n imply_v in_o this_o phrase_n of_o have_v our_o conversation_n in_o heaven_n viz._n the_o serious_a thought_n and_o consideration_n of_o heaven_n or_o the_o happiness_n of_o that_o state_n and_o of_o the_o way_n and_o
doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o h._n scripture_n and_o one_o great_a reason_n why_o man_n do_v not_o so_o general_o agree_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o as_o of_o the_o other_o be_v because_o the_o interest_n and_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n be_v more_o concern_v in_o the_o one_o than_o the_o other_o but_o whatever_o uncertainty_n there_o may_v be_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o text_n of_o scripture_n oral_a tradition_n be_v so_o far_o from_o afford_v we_o any_o help_n in_o this_o case_n that_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n more_o uncertain_a and_o less_o to_o be_v trust_v to_o especial_o if_o we_o may_v take_v that_o to_o be_v the_o traditionary_a sense_n of_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o decretal_n of_o their_o pope_n and_o the_o act_n of_o some_o of_o their_o council_n than_o which_o never_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n more_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a and_o whence_o may_v we_o expect_v to_o have_v the_o infallible_a traditional_a sense_n of_o scripture_n if_o not_o from_o the_o head_n and_o representative_n of_o their_o church_n this_o may_v abundant_o suffice_v for_o the_o vindication_n of_o that_o passage_n which_o mr._n s._n make_v such_o a_o rude_a clamour_n about_o as_o if_o i_o have_v therein_o deny_v the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o all_o religion_n but_o dare_v never_o trust_v the_o reader_n with_o a_o view_n of_o those_o word_n of_o i_o upon_o which_o he_o pretend_v to_o ground_v this_o calumny_n but_o the_o world_n understand_v well_o enough_o that_o all_o this_o be_v but_o a_o shift_n of_o mr._n she_o be_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o own_o party_n and_o a_o pitiful_a art_n to_o avoid_v the_o vindication_n of_o sure-footing_a a_o task_n he_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o undertake_v and_o yet_o the_o main_a design_n of_o this_o book_n which_o he_o call_v faith_n vindicate_v etc._n etc._n be_v to_o prove_v that_o which_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v any_o man_n live_v ever_o deny_v viz._n that_o what_o be_v true_a be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a which_o though_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o plain_a truth_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o he_o prove_v it_o so_o foolish_o as_o will_v make_v any_o man_n if_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a of_o itself_o to_o doubt_v of_o it_o he_o prove_v it_o from_o logic_n and_o nature_n and_o metaphysic_n and_o ethic_n etc._n etc._n i_o wonder_v he_o do_v not_o do_v it_o likewise_o from_o arithmetic_n and_o geometry_n the_o principle_n whereof_o he_o 93._o he_o sure-footing_a p._n 93._o tell_v we_o be_v concern_v in_o demonstrate_v the_o certainty_n of_o oral_a tradition_n he_o may_v also_o have_v proceed_v to_o astrology_n and_o palmistry_n and_o chemistry_n and_o have_v show_v how_o each_o of_o these_o lend_v their_o assistance_n to_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o truth_n for_o that_o can_v not_o have_v be_v more_o ridiculous_a than_o his_o etc._n his_o faith_n vindic_n p._n 6.7_o etc._n etc._n argument_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o subject_a and_o predicate_v and_o copula_fw-la in_o faith-proposition_n because_o forsooth_o whoever_o affirm_v any_o proposition_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a affirm_v it_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a very_o true_a but_o will_v any_o man_n argue_v that_o what_o be_v true_a be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o subject_a predicate_v and_o copula_fw-la for_o be_v the_o proposition_n true_a or_o false_a these_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n in_o both_o that_o be_v they_o be_v subject_a predicate_v and_o copula_fw-la but_o that_o the_o reader_n may_v have_v a_o taste_n of_o his_o clear_a style_n and_o way_n of_o reason_v i_o shall_v for_o his_o satisfaction_n transcribe_v mr._n s_n whole_a argument_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o predicate_a his_o word_n be_v these_o our_o argument_n from_o the_o copula_fw-la be_v particular_o strengthen_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o predicate_v in_o the_o proposition_n we_o speak_v of_o i_o mean_v in_o such_o speech_n as_o affirm_v such_o and_o such_o point_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a 12._o p._n 9_o 10_o 11_o 12._o for_o true_a mean_n existent_a in_o proposition_n which_o express_v only_o the_o a_o est_fw-fr of_o a_o thing_n as_o most_o point_n of_o faith_n do_v which_o speak_v abstract_o and_o tell_v not_o wherein_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_n it_o speak_v of_o consist_v or_o the_o quid_fw-la est_fw-la so_o that_o most_o of_o the_o proposition_n christian_n be_v bind_v to_o profess_v be_v full_o express_v thus_o a_o trinity_n be_v existent_a etc._n etc._n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o those_o point_n which_o belong_v to_o a_o thing_n or_o action_n past_a as_o creation_n be_v etc._n etc._n for_o existent_n be_v the_o predicate_a in_o these_o two_o only_o affix_v to_o another_o difference_n of_o time_n and_o it_o be_v equal_o impossible_a such_o subject_n shall_v neither_o have_v be_v nor_o not_o have_v be_v or_o have_v be_v and_o have_v not_o be_v at_o once_o as_o it_o be_v that_o a_o thing_n shall_v neither_o be_v nor_o not_o be_v at_o present_a or_o both_o be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o present_a regard_v then_o steadfast_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o predicate_v existent_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o express_v the_o utmost_a actuality_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o as_o take_v in_o the_o posture_n it_o bear_v in_o those_o proposition_n that_o actual_o exercise_v that_o be_v the_o utmost_a actuality_n in_o its_o most_o actual_a state_n that_o be_v as_o absolute_o exclude_v all_o manner_n or_o least_o degree_n of_o potentiality_n and_o consequent_o all_o possibility_n of_o be_v otherwise_o which_o be_v radical_o destroy_v when_o all_o potentiality_n be_v take_v away_o this_o discourse_n hold_v which_o in_o right_a to_o truth_n i_o shall_v not_o fear_v to_o affirm_v unconcern_v in_o the_o drollery_n of_o any_o opposer_n to_o be_v more_o than_o mathematical_o demonstrative_a it_o follow_v inevitable_o that_o whoso_o be_v bind_v to_o profess_v a_o trinity_n incarnation_n etc._n etc._n be_v or_o be_v existent_a be_v also_o bind_v to_o profess_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v not_o existent_a or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a these_o point_n of_o faith_n shall_v be_v false_a the_o same_o appear_v out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o distinction_n or_o division_n apply_v to_o our_o predicate_a existent_n as_o find_v in_o these_o proposition_n for_o can_v that_o predicate_v bear_v a_o pertinent_a distinction_n express_v this_o and_o the_o other_o respect_n or_o thus_o and_o thus_o it_o may_v possible_o be_v according_a to_o one_o of_o these_o respect_n or_o thus_o consider_v and_o not_o be_v according_a to_o another_o that_o be_v another_o way_n consider_v but_o this_o evasion_n be_v here_o impossible_a for_o either_o those_o distinguish_a notion_n must_v be_v more_o potential_a or_o antecedent_n to_o the_o notion_n of_o existent_n and_o then_o they_o neither_o reach_v existent_a nor_o supervene_v to_o it_o as_o its_o determination_n or_o actuation_n which_o difference_n ought_v to_o do_v nor_o can_v any_o notion_n be_v more_o actual_a or_o determinative_a in_o the_o line_n of_o substance_n or_o be_v than_o existent_n be_v and_o so_o fit_a to_o distinguish_v it_o in_o that_o line_n nor_o last_o can_v any_o determination_n in_o the_o line_n of_o accident_n serve_v the_o turn_n for_o those_o suppose_v existence_n already_o 〈◊〉_d and_o so_o the_o whole_a truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n entire_a and_o complete_a antecedent_o to_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a therefore_o that_o what_o be_v thus_o affirm_v to_o be_v true_a shall_v in_o any_o regard_n be_v affirm_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a the_o impossibility_n of_o distinguish_v the_o predicate_a pertinent_o exclude_v here_o all_o possibility_n of_o divers_a respect_n the_o same_o be_v demonstrate_v from_o the_o impossibility_n of_o distinguish_v the_o subject_n of_o those_o faith-proposition_n for_o those_o subject_n be_v proposition_n themselves_o and_o accept_v for_o truth_n as_o be_v suppose_v they_o be_v incapable_a of_o distinction_n as_o shall_v be_v particular_o show_v hereafter_o beside_o those_o subject_n be_v point_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o stand_v in_o the_o abstract_n that_o be_v not_o descend_v to_o subsume_v respect_n even_o in_o that_o regard_n too_o they_o be_v free_v from_o all_o pertinent_a distinguishableness_n the_o same_o be_v demonstrate_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o truth_n which_o consist_v in_o a_o indivisible_a whence_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o truth_n have_v how_o great_a soever_o the_o conceive_a approach_n towards_o it_o may_v be_v till_o all_o may-not-bee_n or_o potentiality_n to_o be_v otherwise_o be_v utter_o exclude_v by_o the_o actuality_n of_o be_v or_o existence_n which_o put_v or_o discover_v the_o light_n of_o truth_n break_v forth_o and_o the_o dim_a twilight_n of_o may-not-bee_n vanish_v and_o disappear_v i_o have_v
to_o the_o good_a order_n and_o more_o easy_a government_n of_o humane_a society_n because_o they_o have_v a_o good_a influence_n both_o upon_o magistrate_n and_o subject_n 1._o upon_o magistrate_n religion_n teach_v they_o to_o rule_v over_o man_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n because_o though_o they_o be_v god_n on_o earth_n yet_o they_o be_v subject_n of_o heaven_n and_o accountable_a to_o he_o who_o be_v high_o than_o the_o high_a in_o this_o world_n religion_n in_o a_o magistrate_n strengthen_v his_o authority_n because_o it_o procure_v veneration_n and_o gain_v a_o reputation_n to_o it_o and_o in_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n so_o much_o reputation_n be_v real_o so_o much_o power_n we_o see_v that_o piety_n and_o virtue_n where_o they_o be_v find_v among_o man_n of_o low_a degree_n will_v command_v some_o reverence_n and_o respect_n but_o in_o person_n of_o eminent_a place_n and_o dignity_n they_o be_v seat_v to_o a_o great_a advantage_n so_o as_o to_o cast_v a_o lustre_n upon_o their_o very_a place_n and_o by_o a_o strong_a reflection_n to_o double_v the_o beam_n of_o majesty_n whereas_o impiety_n and_o vice_n do_v strange_o lessen_v greatness_n and_o do_v secret_o and_o unavoidable_o derive_v some_o weakness_n upon_o authority_n itself_o of_o this_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o a_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o david_n for_o among_o other_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o son_n of_o zurviah_n too_o hard_o for_o he_o this_o probable_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o that_o they_o be_v particular_o conscious_a to_o his_o crime_n 2._o religion_n have_v a_o good_a influence_n upon_o the_o people_n to_o make_v they_o obedient_a to_o government_n and_o peaceable_a one_o towards_o another_o 1._o to_o make_v they_o obedient_a to_o government_n and_o conformable_a to_o law_n and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o wrath_n and_o out_o of_o fear_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n which_o be_v but_o a_o weak_a and_o loof_o principle_n of_o obedience_n and_o will_v cease_v when_o ever_o man_n can_v rebel_v with_o safety_n and_o to_o advantage_n but_o out_o of_o conscience_n which_o be_v a_o firm_a and_o constant_a and_o last_a principle_n and_o will_v hold_v a_o man_n fast_o when_o all_o other_o obligation_n will_v break_v he_o that_o have_v entertain_v the_o true_a principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v tempt_v from_o his_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n by_o any_o worldly_a consideration_n because_o he_o believe_v that_o whatsoever_o resist_v authority_n resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o who_o resist_v shall_v receive_v to_o themselves_o damnation_n 2._o religion_n tend_v to_o make_v man_n peaceable_a one_o towards_o another_o for_o it_o endeavour_n to_o plant_v all_o those_o quality_n and_o disposition_n in_o man_n which_o tend_v to_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o to_o fill_v man_n with_o a_o spirit_n of_o universal_a love_n and_o good_a will_n it_o endeavour_v likewise_o to_o secure_v every_o man_n interest_n by_o command_v the_o observation_n of_o that_o great_a rule_n of_o equity_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o even_o so_o to_o they_o by_o enjoin_v that_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n be_v inviolable_o observe_v in_o all_o our_o word_n promise_n and_o contract_n and_o in_o order_n hereunto_o it_o require_v the_o extirpation_n of_o all_o those_o passion_n and_o vice_n which_o render_v man_n unsociable_a and_o troublesome_a to_o one_o another_o as_o pride_n covetousness_n and_o injustice_n hatred_n and_o revenge_n and_o cruelty_n and_o those_o likewise_o which_o be_v not_o so_o common_o repute_v vice_n as_o self-conceit_n and_o peremptoriness_n in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o opinion_n and_o all_o peevishness_n and_o incompliance_n of_o humour_n in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o indifferent_a and_o that_o these_o be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o true_a piety_n the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n every_o where_o teach_v we_o now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o religion_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o this_o temper_n thus_o to_o heal_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o to_o sweeten_v their_o spirit_n to_o correct_v their_o passion_n and_o to_o mortify_v all_o those_o lust_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o enmity_n and_o division_n than_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n it_o tend_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o that_o if_o man_n will_v but_o live_v as_o religion_n require_v they_o shall_v do_v the_o world_n will_v be_v a_o quiet_a habitation_n a_o most_o lovely_a and_o desirable_a place_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o now_o it_o be_v and_o indeed_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o the_o society_n of_o man_n be_v so_o full_a of_o tumult_n and_o disorder_n so_o troublesome_a and_o tempestuous_a be_v because_o there_o be_v so_o little_a of_o true_a religion_n among_o man_n so_o that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o some_o small_a remainder_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v yet_o leave_v scatter_v among_o mankind_n humane_a society_n will_v in_o a_o short_a space_n disband_v and_o run_v into_o confusion_n the_o earth_n will_v grow_v wild_a and_o become_v a_o great_a forest_n and_o mankind_n will_v become_v beast_n of_o prey_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o if_o this_o discourse_n hold_v true_a sure_o than_o one_o will_v think_v that_o virtue_n shall_v find_v itself_o a_o seat_n wherever_o humane_a society_n be_v and_o that_o religion_n shall_v be_v own_v and_o encourage_v in_o the_o world_n until_o man_n cease_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o reason_n ii_o i_o come_v to_o vindicate_v this_o truth_n from_o the_o insinuation_n and_o pretence_n of_o atheistical_a person_n i_o shall_v mention_v two_o 1._o that_o government_n may_v subsist_v well_o enough_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n 2._o that_o as_o for_o virtue_n and_o vice_n they_o be_v arbitrary_a thing_n 1._o that_o government_n may_v subsist_v well_o enough_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n or_o a_o state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n and_o this_o the_o atheist_n do_v and_o must_v assert_v otherwise_o he_o be_v by_o his_o own_o confession_n a_o declare_a enemy_n to_o government_n and_o unfit_a to_o live_v in_o humane_a society_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o though_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n do_v not_o believe_v any_o superior_a be_v nor_o any_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o there_o may_v be_v some_o kind_n of_o government_n keep_v up_o in_o the_o world_n for_o suppose_v man_n to_o have_v reason_n the_o necessity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o mischief_n of_o confusion_n will_v probable_o compel_v they_o into_o some_o kind_n of_o order_n but_o then_o i_o say_v withal_o that_o if_o these_o principle_n be_v banish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n government_n will_v be_v far_o more_o difficult_a than_o now_o it_o be_v because_o it_o will_v want_v its_o firm_a basis_n and_o foundation_n there_o will_v be_v infinite_o more_o disorder_n in_o the_o world_n if_o man_n be_v restrain_v from_o injustice_n and_o violence_n only_o by_o humane_a law_n and_o not_o by_o principle_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o dread_n of_o another_o world_n therefore_o magistrate_n have_v always_o think_v themselves_o concern_v to_o cherish_v religion_n and_o to_o maintain_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o another_o life_n nay_o that_o common_a suggestion_n of_o atheistical_a person_n that_o religion_n be_v at_o first_o a_o politic_a device_n and_o be_v still_o keep_v up_o in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o state-engine_n to_o awe_v man_n into_o obedience_n be_v a_o clear_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o usefulness_n of_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n and_o do_v as_o full_o contradict_v that_o pretence_n of_o they_o which_o i_o be_o now_o confute_v as_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v say_v 2._o that_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v arbitrary_a thing_n found_v only_o in_o the_o imagination_n of_o man_n and_o in_o the_o constitution_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n but_o not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o that_o that_o be_v virtue_n or_o vice_n good_a or_o evil_n which_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o a_o nation_n declare_v to_o be_v so_o and_o this_o be_v frequent_o and_o confident_o assert_v by_o the_o ingenious_a author_n of_o a_o very_a bad_a book_n i_o mean_v the_o leviathan_n now_o the_o proper_a way_n of_o answer_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v confident_o assert_v be_v to_o show_v the_o contrary_a namely_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o natural_a evil_n and_o deformity_n in_o they_o as_o perjury_n perfidiousness_n unrighteousness_n and_o ingratitude_n which_o be_v thing_n not_o only_o condemn_v by_o the_o positive_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o
ii_o the_o second_o way_n of_o confirmation_n shall_v be_v by_o endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n of_o irreligion_n now_o all_o that_o be_v irreligious_a be_v so_o upon_o one_o of_o these_o two_o account_n either_o first_o because_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o foundation_n and_o principle_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o future_a reward_n or_o else_o second_o because_o though_o they_o do_v in_o some_o sort_n believe_v these_o thing_n yet_o they_o live_v contrary_a to_o this_o their_o belief_n and_o of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o wicked_a man_n the_o first_o sort_n be_v guilty_a of_o that_o which_o we_o call_v speculative_a the_o other_o of_o practical_a atheism_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o ignorance_n and_o folly_n of_o both_o these_o first_o speculative_a atheism_n be_v unreasonable_a and_o that_o upon_o these_o five_o account_n 1._o because_o it_o give_v no_o tolerable_a account_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o world_n 2._o nor_o do_v it_o give_v any_o reasonable_a account_n of_o the_o universal_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o apprehension_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n 3._o it_o require_v more_o evidence_n for_o thing_n than_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o 4._o the_o atheist_n pretend_v to_o know_v that_o which_o no_o man_n can_v know_v 5._o atheism_n contradict_v itself_o i._o because_o it_o give_v no_o tolerable_a account_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o world_n one_o of_o the_o great_a difficulty_n that_o lie_v in_o the_o atheist_n way_n be_v upon_o his_o own_o supposition_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n to_o give_v a_o likely_a account_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o world_n we_o see_v this_o vast_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o creature_n in_o it_o all_o which_o we_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n attribute_n to_o he_o as_o the_o author_n of_o they_o for_o a_o be_v suppose_v of_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o wisdom_n and_o power_n be_v a_o very_a likely_a cause_n of_o these_o thing_n what_o more_o likely_a to_o make_v this_o vast_a world_n to_o stretch_v forth_o the_o heaven_n and_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o to_o form_v these_o and_o all_o thing_n in_o they_o of_o nothing_o than_o infinite_a power_n what_o more_o likely_a to_o communicate_v be_v and_o so_o many_o degree_n of_o happiness_n to_o so_o many_o several_a sort_n of_o creature_n than_o infinite_a goodness_n what_o more_o likely_a to_o contrive_v this_o admirable_a frame_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o it_o each_o of_o they_o so_o perfect_a in_o their_o kind_n and_o all_o of_o they_o so_o fit_v to_o each_o other_o and_o to_o the_o whole_a than_o infinite_a counsel_n and_o wisdom_n this_o seem_v to_o be_v no_o unreasonable_a account_n but_o let_v we_o see_v now_o what_o account_v the_o atheist_n give_v of_o these_o thing_n if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n there_o be_v but_o these_o two_o way_n imaginable_a for_o the_o world_n to_o be_v either_o it_o must_v be_v say_v that_o not_o only_o the_o matter_n but_o also_o the_o frame_n of_o this_o world_n be_v eternal_a and_o that_o as_o to_o the_o main_a thing_n always_o be_v as_o they_o be_v without_o any_o first_o cause_n of_o their_o be_v which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o aristotelian_a atheist_n those_o i_o mean_v who_o proceed_v upon_o aristotle_n supposition_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n but_o yet_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v from_o god_n which_o he_o express_o assert_n or_o else_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o world_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v eternal_a and_o of_o itself_o the_o original_n of_o this_o vast_a and_o beautiful_a frame_n must_v be_v ascribe_v more_o to_o chance_n and_o the_o casual_a concourse_n of_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n which_o be_v the_o way_n of_o the_o epicurean_a atheist_n but_o neither_o of_o these_o way_n give_v a_o tolerable_a account_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o world_n 1._o i_o shall_v first_o consider_v the_o hypothesis_n of_o those_o who_o for_o distinction_n sake_n i_o call_v the_o aristotelian_a atheist_n which_o be_v this_o that_o not_o only_o the_o matter_n but_o also_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a and_o that_o as_o to_o the_o main_a it_o be_v always_o as_o it_o be_v of_o it_o self_n and_o that_o there_o have_v be_v from_o all_o eternity_n a_o succession_n of_o man_n and_o other_o creature_n without_o any_o first_o cause_n of_o their_o be_v it_o seem_v to_o be_v very_o hard_a and_o if_o that_o will_v do_v any_o good_a may_v be_v just_a matter_n of_o complaint_n that_o we_o be_v fall_v into_o so_o profane_a and_o sceptical_a a_o age_n which_o take_v a_o pleasure_n and_o a_o pride_n in_o unravil_v almost_o all_o the_o receive_v principle_n both_o of_o religion_n and_o reason_n so_o that_o we_o be_v put_v many_o time_n to_o prove_v those_o thing_n which_o can_v hardly_o be_v make_v plain_a than_o 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world_n when_o he_o be_v forsake_v of_o all_o hope_n of_o any_o other_o relief_n be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v he_o and_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o have_v such_o a_o friend_n can_v it_o then_o be_v a_o wise_a and_o reasonable_a design_n to_o endeavour_v to_o banish_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n out_o of_o the_o world_n not_o to_o say_v how_o impious_a it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o god_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o malicious_a to_o man_n and_o more_o effectual_o undermine_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o our_o happiness_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n in_o the_o world_n man_n will_v be_v in_o a_o much_o more_o wretched_a and_o disconsolate_a condition_n than_o the_o creature_n below_o he_o for_o they_o be_v only_o sensible_a of_o present_a pain_n and_o when_o it_o be_v upon_o they_o they_o bear_v it_o as_o they_o can_v but_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o apprehensive_a of_o evil_n at_o a_o distance_n nor_o torment_v with_o the_o fearful_a prospect_n of_o what_o may_v befall_v 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may_v be_v mindful_a of_o the_o word_n which_o be_v speak_v before_o by_o the_o holy_a prophet_n and_o of_o the_o commandment_n of_o in_o the_o apostle_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n know_v this_o first_o that_o there_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n scoffer_n etc._n etc._n the_o prophecy_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v probable_o that_o famous_a prediction_n of_o the_o destruction_n of_o jerusalem_n which_o be_v in_o the_o prophet_n daniel_n and_o before_o the_o fulfil_n whereof_o our_o saviour_n express_o tell_v we_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v and_o deceive_v many_o 24.11_o mat._n 24.11_o now_o the_o scoffer_n here_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o false_a teacher_n who_o the_o apostle_n have_v be_v describe_v all_o along_o in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n there_o be_v false_a prophet_n also_o among_o the_o people_n even_o as_o there_o shall_v be_v false_a teacher_n among_o you_o these_o he_o tell_v we_o shall_v proceed_v to_o that_o height_n of_o impiety_n as_o to_o scoff_n at_o 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the_o world_n since_o the_o father_n fall_v asleep_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o may_v either_o be_v render_v from_o the_o time_n or_o else_o which_o seem_v more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o atheistical_a discourse_n of_o these_o man_n save_v or_o except_o that_o the_o father_n be_v fall_v asleep_o all_o thing_n continue_v as_o they_o be_v save_v that_o man_n die_v and_o one_o generation_n succeed_v another_o they_o see_v no_o change_n or_o alalteration_n they_o look_v upon_o all_o thing_n as_o go_v on_o in_o a_o constant_a course_n one_o generation_n of_o man_n pass_v away_o and_o another_o come_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o but_o the_o world_n remain_v still_o as_o it_o be_v and_o thus_o for_o aught_o they_o know_v thing_n may_v hold_v on_o for_o ever_o so_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o these_o man_n seem_v to_o be_v much_o the_o same_o with_o those_o of_o the_o epicurean_o who_o deny_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o consequent_o a_o future_a judgement_n which_o shall_v sentence_v man_n to_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n these_o great_a and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o all_o religion_n they_o deride_v as_o the_o fancy_n and_o dream_n of_o a_o company_n of_o melancholy_a man_n who_o be_v weary_a of_o the_o world_n and_o please_v themselves_o with_o vain_a conceit_n of_o happiness_n and_o ease_n in_o another_o life_n but_o as_o for_o they_o they_o believe_v none_o of_o those_o thing_n and_o therefore_o give_v all_o manner_n of_o licence_n and_o indulgence_n to_o their_o lust_n but_o this_o belong_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o namely_o ii_o the_o character_n which_o be_v here_o give_v of_o these_o scoffer_n they_o be_v say_v to_o walk_v after_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o no_o wonder_n if_o when_o they_o deny_v a_o future_a judgement_n they_o give_v up_o themselves_o to_o all_o manner_n of_o sensuality_n st._n judas_n in_o his_o epistle_n give_v much_o the_o same_o character_n of_o they_o that_o st._n peter_n here_o do_v ver_fw-la 18_o 19_o there_o shall_v come_v in_o the_o last_o day_n mocker_n walk_v after_o their_o own_o ungodly_a lust_n sensual_a not_o have_v the_o spirit_n so_o that_o we_o see_v what_o kind_n of_o person_n they_o be_v who_o profane_o scoff_v at_o religion_n man_n of_o sensual_a spirit_n and_o of_o licentious_a life_n for_o this_o character_n which_o the_o apostle_n here_o give_v of_o the_o scoffer_n of_o that_o age_n be_v not_o a_o accidental_a thing_n which_o happen_v to_o those_o person_n but_o be_v the_o constant_a character_n of_o they_o who_o deride_v religion_n and_o flow_v from_o the_o very_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o those_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o this_o impiety_n it_o be_v both_o the_o usual_a preparation_n to_o it_o and_o the_o natural_a consequent_a of_o it_o to_o deride_v god_n and_o religion_n be_v the_o high_a kind_n of_o impiety_n and_o man_n do_v not_o usual_o arrive_v to_o this_o degree_n of_o wickedness_n at_o first_o but_o they_o come_v to_o it_o by_o several_a step_n the_o psalmist_n very_o elegant_o express_v to_o we_o the_o several_a gradation_n by_o which_o man_n at_o last_o come_v to_o this_o horrid_a degree_n of_o impiety_n blessed_n be_v the_o man_n that_o walk_v not_o in_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o ungodly_a 1â—_n psal_n 1_o 1â—_n nor_o stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n nor_o sit_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scornful_a man_n be_v usual_o first_o corrupt_v by_o bad_a counsel_n and_o company_n which_o be_v call_v walk_v in_o the_o counsel_n of_o the_o ungodly_a next_o they_o habituate_v themselves_o to_o their_o vicious_a practice_n which_o be_v stand_v in_o the_o way_n of_o sinner_n and_o then_o at_o last_o they_o take_v up_o and_o settle_v in_o a_o contempt_n of_o all_o religion_n which_o be_v call_v sit_v in_o the_o seat_n of_o the_o scornful_a for_o when_o man_n once_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o wicked_a course_n the_o vicious_a inclination_n of_o their_o mind_n sway_v their_o understanding_n and_o make_v they_o apt_a to_o disbelieve_v those_o truth_n which_o contradict_v their_o lust_n every_o inordinate_a lust_n and_o passion_n be_v a_o false_a bias_n upon_o man_n understanding_n which_o natural_o draw_v towards_o atheism_n and_o when_o man_n judgement_n be_v once_o bias_v they_o do_v not_o believe_v according_a to_o the_o evidence_n of_o thing_n but_o according_a to_o their_o humour_n and_o their_o interest_n for_o when_o man_n live_v as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n it_o become_v expedient_a for_o they_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o and_o then_o they_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v themselves_o so_o and_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o find_v argument_n to_o fortify_v themselves_o in_o this_o persuasion_n man_n of_o dissolute_a life_n cry_v down_o religion_n because_o they_o will_v not_o be_v under_o the_o restraint_n of_o it_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o be_v tie_v up_o by_o the_o strict_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o it_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n more_o than_o any_o reason_n they_o have_v against_o it_o which_o make_v they_o despise_v it_o they_o hate_v it_o because_o they_o be_v reprove_v by_o it_o so_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o that_o man_n love_v darkness_n rather_o than_o light_v 20._o john_n 3.19_o 20._o because_o their_o deed_n be_v evil_a for_o every_o one_o that_o do_v evil_a hate_v the_o light_n neither_o come_v to_o the_o light_n lest_o his_o deed_n shall_v be_v reprove_v i_o remember_v it_o be_v the_o say_n of_o one_o who_o have_v do_v more_o by_o his_o write_n to_o debauch_v the_o age_n with_o atheistical_a principle_n than_o any_o man_n that_o live_v in_o it_o that_o when_o reason_n be_v against_o a_o man_n than_o a_o man_n will_v be_v against_o reason_n i_o be_o sure_a this_o be_v the_o true_a account_n of_o such_o man_n enmity_n
present_a but_o they_o leave_v peace_n and_o contentment_n behind_o they_o a_o peace_n that_o no_o outward_a violence_n can_v interrupt_v or_o take_v from_o we_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o holy_a life_n have_v moreover_o this_o peculiar_a advantage_n of_o all_o worldly_a joy_n that_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v weary_a of_o they_o we_o can_v be_v cloy_v by_o the_o frequent_a repetition_n of_o these_o pleasure_n nor_o by_o the_o long_a enjoyment_n of_o they_o i_o know_v that_o some_o vice_n pretend_v to_o bring_v great_a pleasure_n along_o with_o they_o and_o that_o the_o delight_n of_o a_o sensual_a and_o voluptuous_a life_n make_v a_o glorious_a show_n and_o be_v attend_v with_o much_o pomp_n and_o noise_n like_o the_o sport_n of_o child_n and_o fool_n which_o be_v loud_a and_o clamorous_a or_o as_o solomon_n elegant_o compare_v they_o like_o the_o crackle_n of_o thorn_n under_o a_o pot_n which_o make_v a_o little_a noise_n and_o a_o sudden_a blaze_n that_o be_v present_o over_o but_o the_o serious_a and_o the_o manly_a pleasure_n the_o solid_a and_o substantial_a joy_n be_v only_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n the_o most_o sensual_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n never_o feel_v his_o heart_n touch_v with_o so_o delicious_a and_o last_a a_o pleasure_n as_o that_o be_v which_o spring_v from_o a_o clear_a conscience_n and_o a_o mind_n full_o satisfy_v with_o its_o own_o action_n 2._o but_o the_o great_a encouragement_n of_o all_o be_v the_o assurance_n of_o a_o future_a reward_n the_o firm_a persuasion_n whereof_o be_v enough_o to_o raise_v we_o above_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o animate_v we_o with_o courage_n and_o resolution_n against_o the_o great_a difficulty_n so_o the_o apostle_n reason_n his_o commandment_n be_v not_o grievous_a for_o whatsoever_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n overcome_v the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o victory_n that_o overcome_v the_o world_n even_o our_o faith_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o future_a happiness_n and_o glory_n be_v that_o which_o make_v the_o primitive_a christian_n so_o victorious_a over_o the_o world_n and_o give_v they_o the_o courage_n to_o resist_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o terror_n of_o sense_n it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o a_o religious_a course_n of_o life_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v encumber_v with_o many_o difficulty_n which_o be_v natural_o grievous_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n but_o a_o christian_n be_v able_a to_o comfort_v himself_o under_o all_o these_o with_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o end_n which_o be_v everlasting_a life_n he_o consider_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o he_o believe_v will_v not_o deny_v he_o the_o free_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v it_o not_o that_o he_o have_v such_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n in_o store_n for_o he_o as_o will_v abundant_o recompense_v his_o present_a self_n denial_n and_o suffering_n let_v we_o now_o put_v both_o these_o together_o the_o pleasure_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o reward_n of_o it_o and_o they_o can_v but_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o mighty_a encouragement_n with_o what_o pleasure_n do_v a_o man_n that_o live_v a_o holy_a and_o a_o virtuous_a life_n despise_v the_o pleasure_n of_o sin_n and_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o allurement_n of_o sense_n persist_v resolute_o in_o his_o course_n and_o how_o be_v such_o a_o man_n confirm_v in_o his_o purpose_n and_o animate_v in_o his_o holy_a resolution_n when_o he_o find_v that_o god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n do_v applaud_v his_o choice_n when_o all_o along_o in_o the_o course_n of_o religion_n and_o a_o virtuous_a life_n in_o his_o conflict_n with_o sin_n and_o resistance_n of_o temptation_n he_o have_v for_o his_o present_a reward_n the_o two_o great_a pleasure_n of_o innocence_n and_o of_o victory_n and_o for_o his_o future_a encouragement_n the_o joyful_a hope_n of_o a_o crown_n and_o a_o kingdom_n a_o recompense_n so_o great_a as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o lame_a man_n walk_v enough_o to_o make_v any_o one_o willing_a to_o offer_v violence_n to_o his_o strong_a passion_n and_o inclination_n a_o man_n will_v be_v content_a to_o strive_v with_o himself_o and_o to_o conflict_n with_o great_a difficulty_n in_o hope_n of_o a_o mighty_a reward_n what_o poor_a man_n will_v not_o cheerful_o carry_v a_o great_a burden_n of_o gold_n and_o silver_n that_o be_v assure_v to_o have_v the_o great_a share_n of_o it_o for_o his_o pain_n and_o thereby_o to_o be_v make_v a_o man_n for_o ever_o whatever_o difficulty_n religion_n be_v attend_v withal_o they_o be_v all_o sweeten_v and_o make_v easy_a by_o the_o proposal_n of_o a_o great_a and_o eternal_a reward_n but_o be_v there_o no_o difficulty_n then_o in_o religion_n be_v every_o thing_n so_o plain_a and_o easy_a be_v all_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n so_o smooth_a and_o even_a as_o we_o have_v here_o represent_v they_o have_v not_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o 7.14_o mat_n 7.14_o that_o straight_o be_v the_o gate_n and_o narrow_a be_v the_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o life_n and_o few_o there_o be_v that_o find_v it_o 14.22_o act._n 14.22_o do_v not_o the_o apostle_n say_v that_o through_o much_o tributation_n we_o must_v enter_v into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n 3.12_o 2_o tim_n 3.12_o and_o that_o all_o that_o will_v live_v godly_a in_o christ_n jesus_n shall_v suffer_v persecution_n and_o do_v not_o the_o scripture_n every_o where_o speak_v of_o strive_v and_o wrestle_v and_o run_v and_o fight_v of_o labour_v and_o watch_v and_o give_v all_o diligence_n and_o be_v there_o nothing_o grievous_a in_o all_o this_o this_o be_v a_o very_a material_a objection_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o careful_a to_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o it_o and_o that_o i_o may_v do_v it_o the_o more_o distinct_o be_v please_v to_o consider_v these_o six_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o suffering_n of_o persecution_n for_o religion_n be_v a_o extraordinary_a case_n which_o do_v chief_o concern_v the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n 2._o that_o this_o discourse_n concern_v the_o easiness_n of_o god_n command_n do_v all_o along_o suppose_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o entrance_n upon_o a_o religious_a course_n 3._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n it_o shall_v exclude_v our_o after_o care_n and_o diligence_n 4._o all_o the_o difficulty_n of_o religion_n be_v very_o much_o mitigate_v and_o allay_v by_o hope_n and_o by_o love_n 5._o there_o be_v incomparable_o more_o difficulty_n and_o trouble_n in_o the_o way_n of_o sin_n and_o vice_n than_o in_o the_o way_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n 6._o if_o we_o do_v but_o put_v virtue_n and_o vice_n a_o religious_a and_o a_o wicked_a course_n of_o life_n in_o equal_a circumstance_n if_o we_o will_v but_o suppose_v a_o man_n as_o much_o accustom_a and_o inure_v to_o the_o one_o as_o he_o have_v be_v to_o the_o other_o than_o i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v to_o pronounce_v that_o the_o advantage_n of_o ease_n and_o pleasure_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v on_o the_o side_n of_o religion_n i._o the_o suffering_n of_o persecution_n for_o religion_n be_v a_o extraordinary_a case_n and_o do_v chief_o concern_v the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o the_o general_a say_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n concern_v the_o persecute_a state_n of_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v limit_v as_o doubtless_o they_o be_v intend_v principal_o to_o those_o first_o time_n and_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v equal_o extend_v to_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n at_o first_o indeed_o whoever_o embrace_v the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n do_v thereby_o expose_v themselves_o to_o all_o the_o suffering_n which_o the_o power_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o world_n can_v afflict_v they_o withal_o but_o since_o the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o earth_n become_v the_o kingdom_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o his_o christ_n and_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n begin_v to_o be_v patron_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v universal_o true_a that_o every_o christian_n have_v suffer_v the_o violence_n of_o persecution_n that_o it_o have_v be_v a_o rare_a case_n and_o happen_v only_o in_o some_o few_o age_n and_o to_o some_o person_n so_o that_o this_o be_v accidental_a to_o a_o state_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o ordinary_a difficulty_n of_o it_o and_o when_o it_o happen_v god_n give_v extraordinary_a support_n and_o promise_n mighty_a reward_n to_o make_v it_o tolerable_a ii_o this_o discourse_n concern_v the_o easiness_n of_o god_n command_n do_v all_o along_o suppose_v and_o acknowledge_v the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o first_o entrance_n upon_o a_o religious_a course_n except_o only_o in_o those_o person_n who_o have_v have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v train_v up_o to_o religion_n by_o the_o easy_a