enforce_v and_o if_o notwithstanding_o they_o will_v be_v so_o regardless_o of_o god_n as_o to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o his_o judgement_n and_o mercy_n so_o rude_a to_o his_o authority_n as_o not_o to_o mind_v either_o his_o law_n within_o or_o his_o law_n without_o they_o upon_o what_o reasonable_a pretence_n can_v they_o excuse_v themselves_o but_o then_o as_o for_o we_o christian_n we_o have_v not_o only_o all_o those_o natural_a discovery_n of_o our_o duty_n which_o the_o heathen_a have_v and_o all_o those_o supernatural_a one_o which_o the_o jew_n have_v but_o a_o great_a deal_n more_o for_o in_o our_o revelation_n the_o law_n and_o motive_n of_o virtue_n be_v set_v before_o we_o in_o a_o much_o clear_a light_n and_o be_v neither_o wrap_v up_o in_o mystical_a sense_n nor_o overcast_v with_o typical_a representation_n but_o lay_v before_o we_o in_o the_o most_o plain_a and_o easy_a proposition_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o mystical_a sense_n of_o the_o jewish_a law_n be_v the_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o christian_a in_o which_o all_o those_o precept_n and_o promise_n and_o threat_n which_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o dark_a riddle_n obscure_a and_o typical_a adumbration_n be_v bring_v forth_o to_o we_o from_o behind_o the_o curtain_n and_o propose_v in_o plain_a and_o popular_a article_n so_o that_o if_o we_o still_o continue_v in_o our_o sinful_a course_n we_o be_v of_o all_o man_n the_o most_o inexcusable_a the_o heathen_a may_v plead_v against_o the_o jew_n that_o their_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a in_o its_o precept_n nor_o yet_o so_o cogent_a in_o its_o motive_n as_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n the_o jew_n may_v plead_v against_o we_o christian_n that_o their_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v neither_o so_o express_v in_o its_o precept_n nor_o yet_o so_o intelligible_a in_o its_o best_a and_o most_o powerful_a motive_n as_o our_o gospel_n but_o as_o for_o we_o christian_n we_o have_v nothing_o to_o plead_v but_o by_o our_o own_o obstinacy_n against_o the_o clear_a discovery_n of_o our_o duty_n do_v stand_v condemn_v to_o everlasting_a silence_n so_o that_o when_o it_o shall_v appear_v at_o the_o dread_a tribunal_n of_o god_n that_o we_o have_v persist_v in_o our_o wickedness_n notwithstanding_o all_o these_o advantage_n we_o must_v expect_v to_o be_v reproach_v by_o all_o the_o reasonable_a world_n to_o be_v explode_v and_o hiss_v at_o not_o only_o by_o saint_n and_o angel_n but_o by_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o gentile_n and_o the_o devil_n themselves_o who_o will_v all_o conspire_v with_o our_o own_o conscience_n to_o second_v our_o woeful_a doom_n with_o the_o loud_a acclamation_n of_o just_a and_o righteous_a be_v thou_o o_o lord_n in_o all_o thy_o way_n wherefore_o as_o we_o will_v not_o perish_v for_o ever_o without_o pity_n and_o excuse_v let_v we_o make_v haste_n to_o forsake_v all_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n and_o to_o live_v sober_o and_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n sect_n iii_o that_o those_o action_n which_o carry_v with_o they_o this_o perpetual_a obligation_n be_v the_o main_a and_o principal_a part_n of_o religion_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o be_v most_o evident_a from_o the_o abovenamed_a text_n mic._n 6.8_o and_o what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n which_o interrogation_n though_o it_o imply_v not_o a_o absolute_a negation_n viz._n that_o the_o lord_n require_v nothing_o else_o of_o they_o for_o under_o the_o law_n he_o require_v sacrifice_n and_o sundry_a other_o positive_a duty_n as_o under_o the_o gospel_n he_o require_v sacrament_n and_o read_v and_o hear_v his_o holy_a word_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v positive_a duty_n as_o well_o as_o those_o legal_a institution_n of_o moses_n yet_o it_o plain_o imply_v a_o comparative_a negation_n viz._n that_o the_o lord_n require_v nothing_o else_o so_o principal_o and_o affectionate_o so_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o own_o inherent_a beauty_n and_o goodness_n as_o he_o do_v these_o moral_a duty_n here_o specify_v he_o do_v indeed_o require_v the_o jew_n to_o offer_v sacrifice_n to_o he_o and_o to_o perform_v those_o other_o ceremonial_a rite_n specify_v in_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n and_o for_o they_o wilful_o to_o have_v neglect_v those_o duty_n will_v have_v be_v such_o a_o avow_a defiance_n to_o his_o authority_n as_o will_v have_v render_v they_o just_o obnoxious_a to_o all_o the_o judgement_n threaten_v in_o their_o law_n but_o yet_o he_o do_v much_o more_o earnest_o require_v they_o to_o be_v just_a and_o merciful_a and_o humble_a and_o manifest_v himself_o to_o be_v far_o better_a please_v with_o one_o act_n of_o moral_a goodness_n than_o with_o a_o thousand_o sacrifice_n and_o thus_o he_o require_v of_o we_o christian_n that_o we_o shall_v communicate_v with_o he_o and_o with_o one_o another_o in_o our_o evangelical_n sacrament_n and_o dutiful_o conform_v to_o all_o those_o sacred_a institution_n and_o solemnity_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o we_o wilful_o neglect_v they_o we_o just_o incur_v all_o that_o everlasting_a vengeance_n which_o be_v there_o denounce_v but_o yet_o our_o sincere_a compliance_n with_o the_o immutable_a obligation_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n be_v a_o thousandfold_n more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n than_o our_o strict_a observation_n of_o these_o his_o positive_a institution_n so_o that_o the_o question_n in_o the_o text_n what_o do_v the_o lord_n require_v of_o thou_o plain_o imply_v this_o proposition_n that_o though_o god_n do_v exact_a of_o we_o certain_a duty_n which_o be_v not_o moral_a i._n e._n have_v no_o intrinsic_a necessity_n in_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o moral_a duty_n such_o as_o justice_n and_o mercy_n and_o humility_n which_o he_o principal_o require_v at_o our_o hand_n thus_o concern_v sacrifice_n god_n plain_o tell_v we_o i_o will_v have_v mercy_n and_o not_o sacrifice_n i._n e._n i_o will_v have_v mercy_n rather_o than_o sacrifice_n hos._n 6.6_o and_o the_o wise_a man_n assure_v we_o that_o to_o do_v justice_n be_v more_o acceptable_a to_o the_o lord_n than_o sacrifice_n prov._n 21.3_o and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n himself_o pronounce_v even_o before_o that_o ceremonial_a worship_n be_v abolish_v that_o to_o love_v the_o lord_n with_o all_o our_o heart_n with_o all_o our_o understanding_n with_o all_o our_o soul_n and_o with_o all_o our_o strength_n and_o to_o love_v our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o be_v more_o than_o all_o burnt-offering_n and_o sacrifice_n mark_v 12.33_o but_o for_o the_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o this_o great_a and_o necessary_a truth_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v first_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o some_o scripture_n argument_n second_o to_o assign_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o as_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o the_o follow_a particular_n will_v be_v abundant_o sufficient_a first_o that_o the_o scripture_n plain_o declare_v that_o the_o great_a design_n of_o all_o the_o doctrinal_n of_o religion_n have_v always_o be_v to_o move_v and_o persuade_v man_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o moral_a goodness_n second_o that_o the_o main_a drift_n and_o scope_n of_o all_o the_o positive_a duty_n of_o religion_n have_v be_v always_o to_o improve_v and_o perfect_a man_n in_o moral_a goodness_n three_o that_o god_n express_v in_o scripture_n a_o great_a contempt_n of_o all_o the_o positive_a duty_n of_o religion_n when_o ever_o they_o be_v separate_v from_o moral_a goodness_n four_o that_o where_o ever_o we_o find_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n sum_v up_o in_o a_o few_o particular_n they_o be_v always_o such_o as_o be_v instance_n of_o moral_a goodness_n five_o that_o wherever_o such_o person_n as_o have_v be_v most_o dear_a and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n be_v describe_v in_o scripture_n their_o character_n always_o consist_v of_o some_o instance_n or_o other_o of_o moral_a goodness_n six_o that_o the_o scripture_n plain_o declare_v that_o at_o the_o great_a account_n between_o god_n and_o our_o soul_n the_o main_a inquisition_n will_v be_v concern_v our_o moral_a good_a or_o evil._n i._o the_o scripture_n express_o declare_v that_o the_o great_a design_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o move_v and_o persuade_v man_n to_o moral_a goodness_n for_o so_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n i._n e._n the_o gospel_n assure_v we_o that_o its_o great_a design_n be_v to_o teach_v man_n to_o deny_v all_o 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 tit._n 2.12_o and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o doctrine_n in_o particular_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o they_o all_o conspire_v in_o this_o great_a design_n for_o so_o the_o doctrine_n of_o eternal_a life_n be_v
and_o trample_v on_o by_o they_o at_o their_o pleasure_n if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o all_o that_o this_o argument_n prove_v be_v that_o to_o secure_v our_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o that_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n because_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n or_o no_o our_o belief_n of_o they_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o secure_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o law_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o our_o belief_n of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v necessary_a one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n must_v inevitable_o follow_v either_o that_o the_o object_n of_o our_o belief_n be_v real_a which_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o be_o prove_v or_o that_o to_o countenance_v the_o authority_n of_o his_o law_n it_o be_v necessary_a for_o god_n to_o impose_v upon_o our_o faith_n and_o deceive_v we_o into_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o falsehood_n for_o if_o to_o enforce_v god_n law_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n either_o there_o must_v be_v such_o thing_n real_o exist_v or_o god_n must_v enforce_v his_o law_n with_o our_o belief_n of_o a_o falsehood_n and_o to_o imagine_v that_o when_o god_n may_v have_v create_v for_o we_o a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n if_o he_o have_v so_o please_v and_o govern_v we_o by_o the_o hope_n and_o fear_n of_o it_o he_o have_v rather_o choose_v to_o govern_v we_o by_o trick_n and_o lie_n and_o to_o wheedle_n we_o into_o obedience_n by_o a_o cheat_n and_o delusion_n be_v a_o blasphemy_n no_o less_o senseless_a than_o horrid_a since_o therefore_o to_o secure_v the_o authority_n of_o that_o law_n by_o which_o the_o humane_a nature_n be_v to_o be_v govern_v it_o be_v necessary_a that_o it_o shall_v be_v enforce_v with_o the_o motive_n of_o everlasting_a reward_n and_o punishment_n one_o of_o these_o three_o thing_n necessary_o follow_v either_o that_o god_n have_v not_o sufficient_o enforce_v his_o law_n which_o be_v a_o soul_n imputation_n on_o his_o wisdom_n or_o that_o he_o be_v fain_o to_o enforce_v it_o with_o a_o lie_n which_o be_v a_o impious_a reflection_n on_o his_o truth_n or_o that_o there_o be_v everlasting_a reward_n and_o punishment_n ii_o from_o the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o divine_a providence_n preside_v over_o the_o world_n as_o that_o there_o be_v have_v be_v already_o sufficient_o prove_v justice_n and_o equity_n which_o be_v the_o most_o glorious_a perfection_n of_o a_o overrule_v power_n must_v necessary_o be_v include_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o for_o without_o justice_n overrule_a power_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o impotent_a tyranny_n which_o to_o attribute_v to_o god_n be_v far_o more_o dishonourable_a and_o incongruous_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o perfection_n than_o to_o strip_v he_o of_o all_o providence_n as_o epicurus_n do_v and_o shut_v he_o up_o in_o the_o heaven_n in_o a_o state_n of_o everlasting_a sloth_n and_o luxury_n for_o not_o to_o govern_v be_v only_o to_o do_v nothing_o but_o to_o govern_v without_o justice_n be_v to_o do_v mischief_n and_o it_o be_v a_o much_o less_o derogation_n from_o the_o perfection_n of_o any_o be_v to_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v idle_a than_o to_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v mischievous_a so_o that_o allow_v that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o most_o perfect_a of_o all_o being_n govern_v the_o world_n it_o will_v not_o be_v only_o blasphemous_a but_o nonsense_n to_o imagine_v that_o he_o govern_v it_o unjust_o now_o the_o proper_a justice_n of_o government_n consist_v in_o the_o equality_n of_o its_o distribution_n for_o since_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o immutable_a good_a and_o evil_a in_o the_o action_n of_o free_a and_o reasonable_a agent_n it_o be_v natural_o fit_a and_o due_a that_o those_o who_o do_v good_a shall_v receive_v good_a and_o those_o who_o do_v evil_a evil_a from_o their_o hand_n who_o have_v the_o government_n of_o action_n and_o this_o proportionable_o to_o the_o good_a and_o evil_n of_o their_o do_n so_o that_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n just_o consist_v in_o distribute_v good_a to_o those_o that_o do_v good_a and_o evil_a to_o those_o that_o do_v evil_a or_o in_o other_o word_n in_o proportion_v reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o man_n according_a to_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a he_o find_v in_o their_o action_n and_o unless_o we_o suppose_v he_o to_o do_v this_o it_o be_v nonsense_n to_o imagine_v that_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n but_o if_o all_o his_o distribution_n be_v confine_v to_o this_o life_n and_o there_o be_v neither_o reward_n nor_o punishment_n to_o be_v expect_v from_o he_o in_o another_o there_o be_v infinite_a instance_n of_o his_o providence_n wherein_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o defend_v his_o equality_n and_o justice_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o scene_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o only_o this_o life_n all_o the_o afflict_a good_a and_o prosperous_a bad_a man_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o world_n of_o which_o there_o infinite_a instance_n be_v so_o many_o reproachful_a monument_n of_o the_o woeful_a inequality_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n for_o how_o many_o million_o of_o brave_a soul_n have_v there_o be_v who_o have_v think_v nothing_o too_o dear_a for_o god_n and_o his_o service_n and_o have_v sacrifice_v their_o lust_n their_o life_n and_o their_o fortune_n to_o he_o and_o yet_o upon_o this_o supposal_n have_v reap_v no_o other_o recompense_n for_o so_o do_v but_o only_o a_o miserable_a life_n and_o a_o woeful_a death_n and_o a_o obscure_a dishonourable_a grave_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a how_o many_o million_o of_o million_o of_o wicked_a man_n that_o have_v live_v in_o open_a defiance_n to_o all_o that_o be_v sacred_a and_o just_a and_o good_a blaspheme_v god_n affront_v his_o authority_n and_o trample_v upon_o all_o the_o law_n of_o his_o government_n and_o yet_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o other_o life_n have_v undergo_v no_o other_o punishment_n for_o so_o do_v but_o to_o live_v prosperous_o and_o die_v quiet_o and_o lie_v enshrine_v in_o a_o marble_n monument_n now_o how_o can_v we_o otherwise_o apologise_v for_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n when_o it_o thus_o cross-couple_n prosperity_n with_o vice_n and_o adversity_n with_o virtue_n but_o only_o by_o suppose_v this_o present_a life_n to_o be_v only_o the_o state_n of_o our_o trial_n and_o probation_n which_o will_v quick_o determine_v in_o our_o everlasting_a recompense_n or_o punishment_n according_a as_o we_o behave_v and_o acquit_v ourselves_o in_o it_o upon_o which_o supposal_n the_o justice_n of_o providence_n may_v be_v fair_o account_v for_o be_v the_o present_a distribution_n of_o it_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o unequal_a than_o they_o be_v for_o than_o we_o need_v not_o wonder_v that_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n be_v at_o present_a so_o unequal_o treat_v since_o now_o they_o be_v only_o upon_o their_o proof_n and_o trial_n which_o as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o require_v such_o a_o treatment_n but_o their_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v reserve_v for_o another_o state_n wherein_o all_o these_o seem_a inequality_n shall_v be_v fair_o adjust_v and_o virtue_n shall_v be_v crown_v with_o everlasting_a glory_n and_o pleasure_n and_o vice_n damn_v to_o eternal_a horror_n and_o confusion_n but_o if_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o present_a life_n be_v all_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n that_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n be_v to_o expect_v where_o be_v the_o justice_n of_o the_o divine_a government_n that_o many_o time_n oppress_v its_o friend_n and_o advance_v its_o enemy_n and_o in_o the_o conclusion_n extinguish_v their_o being_n together_o and_o therewith_o all_o possibility_n of_o make_v any_o future_a retribution_n of_o good_a to_o the_o one_o or_o evil_a to_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o judge_n of_o all_o the_o world_n will_v do_v righteous_o that_o first_o or_o last_o he_o will_v certain_o distribute_v his_o reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o his_o subject_n accord_v to_o the_o merit_n and_o demerit_n of_o their_o action_n it_o must_v be_v as_o true_a that_o for_o the_o main_a he_o have_v reserve_v the_o do_v it_o to_o a_o future_a state_n since_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o at_o present_a he_o very_o often_o do_v the_o quite_o contrary_a and_o if_o it_o be_v but_o as_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o future_a state_n as_o it_o be_v that_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n just_o i_o think_v it_o be_v as_o fair_a a_o assurance_n of_o it_o as_o any_o modest_a man_n can_v require_v iii_o from_o the_o natural_a
their_o religion_n a_o sanctuary_n for_o their_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n other_o gilding_n over_o their_o faction_n and_o sedition_n with_o a_o specious_a pretence_n of_o zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n some_o prosecute_n their_o own_o revenge_n and_o ambition_n under_o the_o ensign_n of_o pure_a worship_n and_o true_a protestant_a religion_n other_o commute_v for_o their_o excess_n of_o riot_n with_o a_o clamorous_a zeal_n for_o decency_n and_o order_n and_o other_o pick_v pocket_n with_o one_o hand_n while_o they_o have_v be_v lift_v up_o the_o other_o to_o heaven_n in_o devotion_n the_o sight_n of_o which_o have_v tempt_v the_o rude_a and_o unthinking_a vulgar_a to_o look_v upon_o religion_n as_o a_o mere_a castle_n in_o the_o air_n that_o have_v no_o foundation_n but_o in_o the_o invention_n of_o knave_n and_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o fool_n now_o though_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o these_o vile_a hypocrite_n who_o have_v lay_v this_o stumbling-block_n in_o man_n way_n shall_v one_o day_n dear_o answer_v for_o the_o ruin_n of_o those_o who_o it_o have_v occasion_v to_o fall_v and_o for_o thus_o expose_v the_o credit_n and_o reputation_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o misprision_n of_o those_o that_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o most_o inexcusable_a piece_n of_o folly_n for_o man_n thus_o to_o infer_v atheistical_a conclusion_n from_o the_o ill_a example_n of_o hypocritical_a professor_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o conclude_v a_o man_n a_o infidel_n because_o his_o action_n run_v counter_a to_o the_o faith_n he_o pretend_v to_o be_v very_o rash_a and_o fallacious_a for_o do_v we_o not_o see_v man_n very_o often_o act_v against_o their_o conscience_n and_o fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o their_o own_o conviction_n why_o may_v we_o not_o then_o as_o fair_o suppose_v those_o wicked_a action_n we_o argue_v from_o to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o obstinate_a will_n as_o of_o a_o infidel_n judgement_n but_o suppose_v it_o be_v true_a that_o those_o man_n be_v all_o infidel_n that_o do_v thus_o act_v against_o their_o faith_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o you_o must_v turn_v infidel_n too_o if_o it_o be_v so_o unsafe_a and_o so_o unworthy_a of_o a_o man_n to_o carry_v his_o brain_n in_o other_o man_n head_n what_o a_o shame_n be_v it_o to_o carry_v they_o in_o other_o man_n heel_n and_o to_o suffer_v his_o faith_n to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o tract_n of_o their_o example_n through_o all_o the_o wild_a maze_n of_o irreligion_n and_o atheism_n but_o you_o will_v say_v by_o these_o man_n example_n you_o plain_o see_v what_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n there_o be_v in_o religious_a pretence_n and_o what_o then_o must_v religion_n be_v a_o cheat_n because_o bad_a man_n play_v trick_n with_o it_o and_o make_v it_o a_o cloak_n for_o their_o knavery_n if_o so_o than_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v liable_a to_o suspicion_n because_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o good_a but_o what_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v prostitute_v to_o very_o ill_a purpose_n i_o confess_v when_o we_o see_v so_o many_o cheat_n act_v under_o the_o masque_n of_o religion_n we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o call_v it_o to_o a_o more_o severe_a examination_n and_o to_o inquire_v more_o narrow_o into_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v found_v but_o present_o to_o reject_v religion_n because_o knave_n and_o hypocrite_n make_v bold_a to_o disguise_v themselves_o in_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o virtue_n as_o chastity_n in_o the_o world_n because_o there_o be_v common_a prostitute_n that_o pretend_v to_o it_o viii_o another_o cause_n of_o atheism_n be_v division_n and_o schism_n form_v out_o of_o little_a opinion_n in_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n to_o place_v a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n in_o those_o opinion_n for_o who_o sake_n they_o divide_v and_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o so_o that_o if_o hereafter_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o those_o opinion_n of_o which_o they_o be_v excessive_o fond_a at_o the_o present_a they_o will_v be_v under_o a_o great_a temptation_n to_o suspect_v religion_n itself_o as_o if_o that_o be_v as_o ill_o ground_v as_o those_o little_a opinion_n which_o they_o lay_v so_o great_a a_o stress_n on_o and_o so_o after_o they_o have_v run_v through_o several_a set_v of_o opinion_n and_o in_o fine_a have_v discover_v they_o to_o be_v all_o delusion_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o conclude_v religion_n itself_o to_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o system_fw-la of_o lie_n and_o imposture_n for_o as_o weak_a head_n when_o they_o perceive_v the_o battlement_n shake_v be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v the_o foundation_n so_o weak_a understanding_n will_v be_v prone_a to_o suspect_v even_o the_o fundamental_o of_o of_o religion_n when_o once_o they_o perceive_v those_o darling_n notion_n totter_v which_o they_o have_v confident_o presume_v to_o superstruct_v thereupon_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o irreligion_n of_o this_o age_n be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o sect_n and_o division_n of_o it_o for_o how_o many_o woeful_a example_n have_v we_o of_o person_n who_o have_v once_o a_o great_a zeal_n for_o and_o satisfaction_n in_o religion_n that_o upon_o their_o causeless_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n communion_n have_v run_v from_o sect_n to_o sect_n and_o from_o one_o extravagant_a opinion_n to_o another_o till_o at_o last_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n of_o they_o all_o they_o have_v total_o discard_v religion_n itself_o and_o make_v their_o last_o resort_v into_o atheism_n and_o as_o separate_n into_o party_n upon_o little_a difference_n in_o religion_n expose_v the_o separatist_n themselves_o to_o great_a temptation_n to_o atheism_n so_o it_o do_v those_o also_o who_o be_v indifferent_a on_o both_o side_n and_o stand_v engage_v on_o neither_o part_n of_o the_o separation_n for_o whilst_o these_o man_n behold_v the_o state_n of_o religion_n thus_o miserable_o break_v and_o divide_v and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o crumble_v into_o so_o many_o sect_n and_o party_n and_o each_o party_n spit_v fire_n and_o damnation_n at_o its_o adversary_n so_o that_o if_o all_o say_v true_a or_o indeed_o any_o two_o of_o they_o in_o five_o hundred_o sect_n which_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o for_o all_o i_o know_v there_o may_v be_v five_o thousand_o it_o be_v five_o hundred_o to_o one_o but_o that_o every_o one_o be_v damn_v because_o every_o one_o damn_v all_o but_o itself_o and_o itself_o be_v damn_v by_o four_o hundred_o and_o ninty_a nine_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a chance_n if_o in_o so_o great_a a_o volley_n of_o anathemaes_n which_o every_o one_o have_v level_v at_o it_o any_o one_o escape_n when_o i_o say_v unengage_v person_n that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o disputable_a opinion_n that_o constitute_v these_o sect_n and_o the_o necessary_n and_o essential_o of_o religion_n shall_v reflect_v upon_o this_o tumult_n and_o confusion_n of_o faith_n they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v without_o far_a inquiry_n that_o religion_n itself_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o infinite_a maze_n of_o disputable_a opinion_n wherein_o man_n wander_v about_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o justle_v and_o rancounter_v one_o another_o without_o any_o certain_a clew_n on_o either_o side_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v their_o inquiry_n under_o which_o misapprehension_n they_o will_v either_o damn_v all_o religion_n for_o a_o cheat_n or_o hover_v about_o in_o eternal_a uncertainty_n not_o know_v where_o in_o so_o great_a a_o confusion_n of_o religion_n to_o fix_v and_o settle_v their_o faith_n and_o hereunto_o i_o doubt_v not_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o irreligion_n of_o this_o age._n for_o while_o some_o man_n by_o run_v themselves_o out_o of_o breath_n in_o pursuit_n of_o those_o ignes_fw-la fatui_fw-la or_o new_a light_n that_o have_v break_v and_o divide_v our_o communion_n have_v at_o length_n quite_o tire_v out_o their_o zeal_n and_o religious_a pretence_n and_o so_o be_v at_o length_n lie_v down_o in_o the_o mire_n of_o irreligion_n and_o open_a profaneness_n other_o by_o look_v on_o and_o behold_v the_o wild_a division_n which_o these_o new_a light_n have_v make_v have_v be_v tempt_v to_o run_v away_o from_o religion_n itself_o as_o if_o that_o be_v only_o a_o labyrinth_n of_o uncertain_a opinion_n contrive_v on_o purpose_n to_o distract_v and_o bewild_a man_n brain_n now_o though_o the_o author_n of_o these_o division_n whosoever_o they_o be_v be_v doubtless_o high_o accountable_a to_o god_n for_o all_o that_o irreligion_n which_o attend_v they_o yet_o for_o man_n from_o hence_o to_o draw_v atheistical_a conclusion_n
they_o on_o we_o pro_fw-la imperio_fw-la as_o arbitrary_a test_n and_o trial_n of_o our_o obedience_n nor_o exact_v they_o of_o we_o to_o serve_v himself_o and_o advance_v his_o own_o interest_n and_o greatness_n but_o that_o the_o great_a design_n of_o they_o be_v to_o do_v we_o good_a and_o to_o direct_v our_o action_n to_o our_o own_o interest_n to_o render_v our_o life_n placid_a and_o easy_a and_o to_o perfect_a and_o glorify_v our_o nature_n for_o while_o we_o look_v upon_o the_o matter_n of_o god_n law_n either_o as_o indifferent_a in_o itself_o and_o impose_v upon_o we_o by_o he_o for_o no_o other_o end_v but_o to_o show_v his_o absolute_a sovereinty_n over_o we_o or_o as_o beneficial_a only_o to_o he_o and_o impose_v upon_o we_o mere_o to_o promote_v his_o interest_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v ever_o comply_v with_o it_o with_o a_o free_a and_o cheerful_a mind_n we_o may_v haply_o obey_v he_o out_o of_o fear_n and_o dread_a because_o he_o be_v too_o mighty_a for_o we_o and_o not_o to_o be_v contend_v with_o without_o infinite_a peril_n and_o disadvantage_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v obey_v those_o law_n with_o a_o resign_v and_o cheerful_a will_n from_o which_o we_o only_o fear_v ill_o but_o expect_v no_o benefit_n wherefore_o to_o oblige_v we_o to_o render_v a_o free_a and_o unforced_a submission_n to_o god_n law_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o the_o great_a design_n of_o they_o be_v the_o good_a of_o those_o they_o be_v impose_v on_o and_o so_o the_o psalmist_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o statute_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v perfect_a convert_v the_o soul_n and_o make_v wise_a the_o simple_a right_a rejoice_v the_o heart_n pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n true_a and_o righteous_a altogether_o more_o to_o be_v desire_v than_o gold_n yea_o than_o much_o fine_a gold_n sweet_a also_o than_o the_o honey_n and_o the_o honeycomb_n and_o that_o in_o keep_v they_o there_o be_v great_a reward_n psalm_n 19.7_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o and_o that_o the_o law_n of_o god_n mouth_n be_v better_a to_o he_o that_o be_v for_o the_o good_a it_o do_v he_o than_o thousand_o of_o gold_n and_o silver_n psalm_n 119.72_o and_o this_o if_o we_o firm_o believe_v it_o will_v infinite_o encourage_v our_o obedience_n for_o when_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o god_n command_v i_o nothing_o but_o what_o my_o own_o health_n and_o ease_n and_o happiness_n require_v and_o that_o every_o law_n of_o he_o be_v both_o a_o necessary_a and_o a_o soverein_o prescription_n against_o the_o disease_n of_o my_o nature_n and_o that_o he_o can_v not_o have_v prescribe_v i_o less_o than_o he_o have_v without_o be_v defective_a in_o his_o care_n of_o my_o recovery_n and_o happiness_n with_o what_o prudence_n or_o modesty_n can_v i_o grudge_n to_o obey_v he_o how_o can_v i_o think_v much_o to_o serve_v he_o when_o i_o serve_v myself_o by_o it_o to_o the_o best_a purpose_n in_o the_o world_n or_o why_o shall_v i_o so_o much_o as_o wish_v that_o he_o have_v not_o impose_v this_o or_o that_o law_n on_o i_o when_o i_o know_v he_o impose_v it_o to_o no_o other_o end_v but_o to_o oblige_v i_o to_o be_v happy_a and_o that_o he_o can_v dispense_v with_o any_o duty_n he_o require_v of_o i_o without_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o be_v miserable_a when_o therefore_o god_n authority_n do_v thus_o strike_v in_o with_o our_o interest_n and_o walk_v hand_n in_o hand_n with_o it_o through_o every_o duty_n it_o impose_v by_o refuse_v to_o obey_v he_o we_o fight_v against_o ourselves_o and_o renounce_v his_o authority_n and_o our_o own_o happiness_n together_o iii_o to_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v true_o religious_a it_o be_v also_o necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o to_o secure_v our_o obedience_n to_o these_o law_n god_n have_v derive_v his_o own_o authority_n upon_o all_o lawful_a soverein_o power_n to_o govern_v we_o according_a to_o they_o that_o to_o promote_v our_o happiness_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o government_n and_o to_o secure_v our_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n which_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o that_o end_n he_o have_v establish_v a_o visible_a authority_n upon_o earth_n to_o represent_v his_o own_o invisible_a majesty_n and_o in_o his_o name_n to_o exact_v our_o obedience_n to_o his_o law_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o their_o cognisance_n and_o that_o the_o person_n vest_v with_o this_o authority_n be_v exalt_v by_o it_o above_o all_o controll_n or_o resistance_n and_o in_o their_o several_a dominion_n place_v next_o to_o and_o immediate_o under_o god_n by_o who_o commission_n alone_o they_o act_n and_o to_o who_o tribunal_n alone_o they_o be_v accountable_a so_o that_o by_o resist_v they_o we_o do_v as_o much_o resist_n god_n who_o deputy_n governor_n they_o be_v as_o a_o neopolitan_a do_v the_o king_n of_o spain_n by_o levy_v arm_n against_o his_o viceroy_n of_o naples_n and_o by_o refuse_v to_o obey_v their_o just_a and_o lawful_a command_n we_o demur_v to_o god_n authority_n who_o in_o every_o just_a thing_n they_o impose_v or_o require_v speak_v to_o we_o by_o their_o mouth_n and_o command_v we_o by_o their_o law_n for_o so_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o not_o only_o that_o they_o be_v ordain_v of_o god_n and_o that_o to_o resist_v they_o be_v to_o resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n not_o only_o that_o they_o be_v the_o minister_n of_o god_n and_o that_o therefore_o for_o conscience_n sake_n or_o in_o reverence_n to_o god_n authority_n which_o they_o bear_v they_o be_v to_o be_v obey_v rom._n 13.1_o 2_o 3_o 4_o 5._o but_o that_o they_o judge_v for_o god_n and_o not_o for_o man_n 2_o chron._n 19.6_o and_o that_o therefore_o their_o judgement_n be_v god_n deut._n 1.17_o the_o disbelief_n of_o which_o exclude_v god_n government_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o dissolve_v all_o our_o obligation_n of_o duty_n and_o allegiance_n to_o he_o for_o how_o can_v he_o be_v supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n if_o all_o other_o government_n be_v not_o immediate_o under_o he_o and_o how_o can_v they_o be_v immediate_o under_o he_o if_o they_o be_v not_o immediate_o authorize_v by_o he_o and_o by_o what_o other_o right_a can_v any_o person_n or_o person_n pretend_v to_o govern_v in_o god_n kingdom_n under_o he_o but_o by_o commission_n from_o he_o for_o every_o supreme_a authority_n be_v the_o head_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o other_o authority_n so_o far_o as_o it_o extend_v and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o it_o can_v be_v supreme_a and_o therefore_o unless_o all_o authority_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n he_o can_v have_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o supreme_a authority_n in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o be_v very_o well_o understand_v by_o our_o atheistical_a politician_n who_o in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o denial_n of_o god_n derive_v all_o authority_n from_o the_o people_n be_v true_o aware_a that_o if_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o governor_n can_v be_v derive_v from_o the_o people_n it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o both_o must_v be_v independent_a upon_o god_n and_o that_o to_o derive_v authority_n to_o govern_v from_o any_o other_o head_n but_o god_n be_v to_o deny_v he_o to_o be_v the_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n they_o will_v be_v at_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n have_v give_v authority_n to_o the_o people_n to_o authorise_v their_o governor_n and_o so_o he_o be_v still_o head_n of_o all_o authority_n though_o it_o be_v derive_v from_o he_o immediate_o through_o the_o people_n i_o answer_v that_o this_o do_v very_o little_o mend_v the_o matter_n for_o if_o god_n have_v give_v authority_n to_o the_o people_n to_o authorise_v their_o governor_n he_o have_v in_o effect_n give_v the_o reins_o out_o of_o his_o own_o hand_n and_o leave_v the_o people_n to_o govern_v the_o world_n for_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v do_v governor_n govern_v by_o god_n authority_n or_o the_o people_n if_o by_o the_o people_n it_o be_v the_o people_n that_o govern_v by_o they_o and_o not_o god_n if_o by_o god_n it_o be_v god_n that_o govern_v by_o they_o and_o not_o the_o people_n in_o short_a if_o they_o govern_v by_o the_o people_n authority_n they_o be_v as_o governor_n at_o least_o independent_a from_o god_n and_o accountable_a only_o to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o the_o people_n if_o by_o god_n authority_n they_o be_v independent_a from_o the_o people_n and_o accountable_a only_o to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n so_o that_o whether_o he_o authorise_v they_o immediate_o or_o by_o the_o people_n it_o be_v all_o one_o the_o question_n be_v not_o so_o much_o how_o they_o be_v authorise_v as_o by_o what_o authority_n they_o govern_v if_o it_o be_v by_o god_n to_o god_n alone_o they_o be_v accountable_a if_o by_o the_o
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